Stamford Living February 2014

HELPING

YOU

TO

GET

THE

MOST

OUT

OF

STAMFORD LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH

&

BEAUTY/HOME

&

LIVING

LOCALLY

CELEBR

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

RITAIN!

GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

Wedding Special: Fashion, Venues, Health & Beauty, Florists and more FEBRUARY 2014 £1.50 02

9 771478 377017

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

@LocalLivingUK 23/1/14 17:13:21

Ryhall

£455,000 Stamford

£399,000

A lovely family home with accommodation arranged over three floors, overlooking meadows in this sought village location. The property features a superbly fitted kitchen dining room with bifolding door to the garden, two further sitting rooms, one on the ground floor with bi-folding doors to the garden. Ground Floor: Entrance hall room, family room, well fitted kitchen dining room, utility room/cloakroom. First Floor: Lounge, cloakroom, master bedroom with en-suite Second Floor: Guest room with en-suite, shower room, three further bedrooms, family bathroom. Double Garage. The rear garden has extensive decking with mature lawned garden overlooking the meadows.

This substantial three storey period home dates back to the mid 1800’s and is set on this sought after road within a short walk of the town centre. The property enjoys many original features including Mullion windows, tiled floor and a walled South facing rear garden.

The accommodation is set over three floors and has been improved by the present owners to comprise: Ground floor: Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom. First floor: Landing, master bedroom, two further bedrooms and re-fitted bathroom. Second floor: Large double bedroom and shower room.

Outside: To the rear of the property is a walled South facing garden with raised decked seating area. EPC F

South Witham

GLASTON

£795 PCM

A viewing is a must to appreciate the wealth of character on offer at Goldstone Cottage. Deceptively spacious the accommodation comprises, entrance hall, living room with wood burning stove and patio door to garden, large family/dining room with large inglenook fireplace and pantry cupboard. Kitchen with range cooker, dishwasher and washing machine, also to be found on the ground floor is a useful shower room. To the first floor are four bedrooms and family bathroom. The property further benefits of enclosed rear garden and off road parking for one car.

Call us now for more information

01780 765060

£925 PCM

A charming character cottage, set on this small exclusive development on the edge of this sought after Rutland village, situated being within easy travelling distance of Stamford and Uppingham. Accommodation comprises recently re-fitted kitchen with integrated appliance, ground floor wc sitting room which opens through to a dining room with patio doors to the courtyard gardens, first floor is master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, nursery or study and ‘Jack & Jill’ family bathroom. Small enclosed south facing courtyard and allocated parking. Available Now.

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

www.knightpartnership.com

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S TA M FOR D LIVING

R

ecent data released by the Office for National Statistics reveals that the happiest places to live in the UK are larger rural or market towns. Their high level of well being is ‘due to their sense of distinct identity, community spirit and perfect size – small enough for people to feel included but large enough to remain private.’

Stamford certainly fits this pattern, and it has had a great past year of progress with the building of the skate park, the on-going construction of the new football ground, more services planned at the hospital improvements that benefit a wide spectrum of people and get us all more active.

Let’s hope that this year can be another great year for the town – the economy is certainly much stronger than it was only a few months ago, giving businesses renewed optimism which enhances the ratio of smile-y faces at networking events!

Nicholas Rudd-Jones

FEBRUARY CONTENTS

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

27 32

Editor’s Selection Updates: One Touch Football; Learn a Language with Laetitia Vincent-Delacroix; Dinky Dancers; Acupuncture Awareness Updates: Circle of Joy Greetings Cards; Stamford Artisans Guild Exhibition Updates: Author Rhian Ivory; Improve your French with Aurelie Verdu; Stamford School and the Good Schools Guide

WEDDING FEATURES 8 18 36 44 46 50

Fashion: Wedding Designer Showcase Health & Beauty: Wedding Health and Beauty Wedding Venues Wedding Directory Wedding Florists Real Life Wedding

HOME, GARDEN AND TRAVEL 25 27 29

Design trends: Hunters Interiors Travel: Focus on Marrakech Gardening with Adam Frost

FOOD & DRINK 22 30 52 55

Food & Drink: Local Breweries Food & Drink: Hayley Cancea, local FutureChef winner Olive Branch recipe Food & Drink: Oundle Mill; The Stamford Delicatessen

Editor

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS

@LocalLivingUK

PEOPLE & PLACES

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

8 Wedding designer shoWCase

42 57

38 62

32 loCal author rhian ivory

Great Days Out: Discovering N1C What’s On

Ask Leo: The Rudkin family and WWI Stamford People: Suresh Kumar Konalingham, proprietor of Red Lion Square News

52 reCiPe By sean hoPe

22 loCal BreWeries

Cover Photo: Wedding shoot at Burghley house. PhotograPhy By elli dean WWW.ellideanPhotograPhy.Co.uk

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 FEBRUARY 2014

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23/1/14 17:16:00

&

Q 9am

om 8am SPECIALISING IN CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS & BI FOLDING DOOR SYSTEMS

o.uk

Kitchen Showroom

22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ Opening Times: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 3pm t: 01780 481850 f: 01780 481132

Conservatory Showroom 1 Meadow View, Uffington Road, Stamford, PE9 2EX Opening Times: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 2pm t: 01780 753343 f: 01780 482926 e: Orchardwindows@live.co.uk

www.orchardwindows.co.uk Specialising in Conservatories, Windows & Bi Folding Door Systems Conservatory Showroom

1 Meadow View, Uffington Road, Stamford, PE9 2EX Opening Times: Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 2pm T: 01780 753343 F: 01780 482926

Kitchen Showroom

22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 3pm T: 01780 481850 F: 01780 481132

E: orchardwindows@live.co.uk

www.orchardwindows.co.uk 4

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G R E AT ID EA S FOR FE BR UARY

Editor’s Selection 1. Truly relax this Valentine’s Relax and unwind together in Barnsdale’s unique Floatation Therapy Tank complemented with pink sparkling wine, chocolates and strawberries.

Reservations 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

2. Keep great memories fresh Elli Dean is a Rutland-based photographer with extensive experience photographing weddings, portraits and events. She took our front cover shot.

Elli has a relaxed, yet professional approach, and she knows how to put people at ease. www.rutlandphotographer.co.uk

3. ‘Tree of Life’ scarf You can’t beat classic elegance with this beautiful ‘Tree of Life’ scarf from Liberty, London at Cavells. Priced at £150.00

6. Look after your own bike 5. Visit The Wicked Witch

4. Fine Time

Heart shaped clock, £39.95, Asha’s, The Bazaar, West St, Oundle PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 275605

Dameon Clarke’s cooking will really amaze you; and there’s a great Lunch for Less offer on until the end of March www. ryhallwitch. co.uk Tel: 01780 763649

Ever wondered about repairing or maintaining your bicycle but never knew which tools to use or even where to start? There are 2 special maintenance classes in February hosted by Giant Store Rutland Water, Feb 20 & 27 evenings.

Places are strictly limited so please book your place by calling the Giant team at Normanton on 01780 720 888 or emailing info@giant-rutland.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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Wedding Show

Photo courtesy of Milly Futter Photography

The East of England Valentines

Org a by - nised C We upids dd Sho ing ws

Goody Bag for the first 250 Brides Over 80 stands Free Glass of Bubbly Catwalk Shows Free Parking Free Bridal Directory Free Prize Draw

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY TH

Admission: £4.00

10.30am – 4.00pm The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 07738 912092 / 01775 765385 for details www.cupidsweddingshows.com

Everything you need to plan your special day

The Regions Greatest Wedding Show

all under one roof

Traditional Restoration Furniture, porcelain, clocks & watches, jewellery, books, pictures, collectables and lots more Open 7 days a week 10 am – 5 pm 23a High Street, St Martin’s Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 481158 Fax: 01780 746742 Web address: www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk Email: peter@st-martins-antiques.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT WINE MERCHANT

Fancy gaining a wine industry qualification?

Or just gaining some basic wine knowledge?

Now hosting training courses for the Wines and Spirits Education Trust.

Please call for details and to book a place on our next full day course, Monday the 24th of February.

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

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

Timber Renovation Specialists Old sash & casement windows, exterior doors & joinery

Window Repair

Why replace your timber windows when you can restore? Traditional Restoration offers a cost-saving alternative to window replacement.

• Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught proofing • Reglazing and reputtying • Converting single glazing to double glazing Call James on:

Before

After

Before

After

Exterior joinery repair

01572 720524 or 07841 527855 tradrest@hotmail.co.uk

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk @tradrest

A happy wife...

has one of ours!

MARK FORDHAM KITCHENS The Showroom, New Road, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HL

01780 482892

Open: Tues-Fri 10am - 5.00pm Sat 10am - 4pm www.fordhamkitchensltd.co.uk

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B OURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

11+ Testing and Year 7 Admissions Information Evening Parent s who currently have a child in Ye ar 5 are warmly invited to at tend an information evening at B ourne Gr ammar School on Tuesday 4th M arch 2014 at 7.0 0 pm Bourne Grammar School, South Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9JE Email: admissions@bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk Website: www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

The Best Atmosphere, The Best Support, The Best Results 7

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FA S HION INSI DE R

Wedding designer showcase 2014

Sally Stillingfleet caught up with local bridal retailers to find out what they have been up to over the winter months.

Pictures: Elli Dean

I

t’s always exciting to see the latest wedding dresses from our local retailers. The main inspirations this year have been influenced by the most romantic periods in history and the dresses definitely reflect a step back in time: the 1920s and 1930s, a slightly leaner silhouette and softer fabric choices.

Lace is still very popular and there are sleeker, more ethereal tulles and chiffons and luxurious beading.

At Stamford Bridal Room Aimee has added Jenny Packham to her collection of designers.

“Although she has many of the same merits as our other designers - based in Britain, hand-made gowns - that is where the similarities end. Her dresses are iconic and will fill a gap in the boutique that I didn’t feel any other designer could. I love the beautiful beading and the ethereal chiffon gowns.

I also love how they are completely different to anything else available in the bridal market at the moment and I think it will bring a very different type of bride through our doors which I am very much looking forward to!” Of course Annasul Y and Stephanie Allin’s collections are as lovely as ever and the showroom is ample and welcoming for brides to try on dresses in style.

At Vow Lisa Smith and Dave Gallagher have been chosen for a very prestigious wedding industry award by their menswear customers. They are currently Regional Winners in the ‘Best Menswear Retailer’ Category and having gone through to the National awards a couple of weeks ago they have come out victorious. Very excited to receive this accolade, I caught up with Lisa at their Wansford studio. She told me: “We’ve built such great relationships with the designers we stock. We wanted to stay true to our ethos as a boutique, which is to offer something a bit different and to that end we see ourselves as design-led rather than brand led.

8

We decided to continue to stock dresses by our Alice wears ‘Napoli’ by current award-winning Alan Hannah from Martin designers such as Terry Charles. Silk rose headpiece Fox, Madeline Isaac-James also from Martin Charles. and Sanyukta Shrestha.”

“Terry Fox’s attention to detail never fails to impress me. Her designs have classic shapes and silhouettes with such unique touches. Whether it is intricate layers of lace to cover fastenings, or added boleros and overlays to create different looks in one dress, she always gives a slightly different edge to ensure you don’t look the same as another bride!”

Sanyukta Shrestha has taken her inspiration from Audrey Hepburn and we see more tulle and softer more romantic shapes. The menswear collection at Vow is clearly comprehensive; it’s all about the styling, which makes each groom and his groomsmen look different. Dave told me: “We want to ensure that the groom gets the same amount of care and attention as the bride and so we’re thrilled to have been recognised as National Winners of the Best Menswear Retailer category of the national Wedding Industry Awards 2014.”

Martin Charles has added another designer to his collection, Raimon Bundo. Spain’s top bridal designer is a new, exciting name for Martin. He first saw the designs at The White Gallery as is one of the very few UK shops to stock his gorgeous dresses this year. “He has his own look and it is a lot softer and less structured.”

Well known Ivory and Co. the popular accessory and headpiece designers have branched out this year into dresses. Martin is very complimentary about their designs and is proud to have them alongside his own. Martin is a talented designer in his own right and is happy to design a bride’s dress from inspiration through to completion at his Oundle showroom.

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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Alice wears ‘Muse’ by Terry Fox from Vow Bridal Gallery.

Dusky pink rose spray headpiece from Amanda Caroline.

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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

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

UPPINGHAM

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ANAND SHOES

of Stamford

• Stockist of high quality leather footwear from:

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

Bears

• Shoe care products • Key cutting & Engraving service

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

CLOTHING

Further reductions through February 3 Stamford Walk Stamford PE9 2JE 01780 238008

37 Church Street, Market Deeping PE6 8AN 01778 218202

23sevenclothing www.23seven.co.uk @23sevenclothing info@23seven.co.uk 11

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FA S HION INSI DE R Rebecca wears ‘Ali’ beautiful belted lace overlay dress by Augusta Jones from Martin Charles.

Alice wears ‘Kelly’ by Stephanie Allin beautiful belted dress with eyelash lace bodice and Ivory and Co headpiece both from Stamford Bridal Rooms.

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Rebecca wears ‘ Hepburn’ by Sanyukta Shrestha with gold broach comb from Amanda Caroline. James wears black herringbone morning suit with grey striped trousers, teamed with dove grey double breasted waistcoat, white collared shirt, grey tie and handkerchief, brogues from Marcia May shoes. Both bride and groom’s outfits are from Vow Bridal Gallery.

Alice wears Annasul Y fishtail style dress designed to incorporate four different varieties of lace including a laser cut lace, overlaid with a beaded Chantilly lace, worn with a scalloped edge veil from Stamford Bridal Rooms held in place with ‘Helena’ crystal flower headpiece by Amanda Caroline.

Rebecca wears ‘Kitty’ a silk bias dress with jewelled pleated bodice detail. One of Martin Charles’s own designs available to order. Jenny Packham headpiece from Stamford Bridal Rooms.

James and Rebecca’s outfits are both from Vow Bridal Gallery. ‘Vintage Rose’ headpiece by Amanda Caroline

CONTACTS: Stamford Bridal Rooms 19 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel. 01780 757028 www.thestamfordbridalrooms.co.uk Vow Bridal Gallery The Haycock Hotel, Wansford Peterborough, PE8 6JA Tel. 01780 781101 www.vowbridal.co.uk Martin Charles Bridal Gallery 13 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EJ Tel. 01832 273448 www.martincharlesbridalgallery.com Amanda Caroline Couture Home Studio - 7 Doddington Drive, Peterborough, Longthorpe, Peterborough, PE3 9NN Tel. 07811 167816 www.amandacarolinebridal.com Matchmaker 22 Broad Street, Stamford, PE91PG Tel. 01780 753466 www.matchmakerofstamford.co.uk Matchmaker stock Romantica, Ronald Joyce, Victoria Jane and White One and have been established for over 30 years.

Many thanks to the talented Liza Smith for the make-up and the equally versatile and creative Leanne Eldridge for the hair.

Liza Smith Tel. 07788421401 www.professionalmake-up-artist.com Leanne Eldridge Tel. 07795 518876 Email: leanneeldridge@hotmail.co.uk Thanks to Burghley House for the wonderful location.

Styled and directed by Sally Stillingfleet.

Thanks to the models – James, Alice and Rebecca.

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014 13

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Craving a new hair colour, ready to renew your look for 2014? Discover the difference Aveda colour can make.

Introducing Keighley and Charlotte, our new talented & experienced hair designers. Book a full head colour or highlights and receive a complimentary cut and style dry worth £42*

Paradise Garden Collection

by Jane Churchill

Drapery Design Specialists We are proud to offer you the benefit of our 30 years experience, meticulous attention to detail and outstanding service with no design fee.

Furnishing fabrics • Loose covers & upholstery • Alterations Made-to-measure blinds • Designer wallpapers and paints For beautifully crafted curtains made in-house, ornate Georgian and Regency-style pelmets and lambrequins.

Bespoke individually designed headboards

Call into our showroom for lots of great ideas 8 All Saints St, Stamford PE9 2PA - Tel: 01780 763005 enquiries@blindsbyfinishingtouch.com - www.blindsbyfinishingtouch.com

The George Hotel Mews Stamford www.gerardhair-beauty.co.uk 01780 753002 *offer valid until 22 feb

HURRY

BIG WINTER SALE

5ft for the 4’6” price

3ft Electric Adjustable Bed

4 FREE Drawers

Ask about free home demo

Now £699.95

Now £499.95

Sleepeezee Backcare Pocket 2000

Was £1399.95

FREE assembly & testing

Was £999.95

UP TO

50% OFF

5ft for the 4’6” price

Slumberland 2300 Pocket Spring

Sprung Edge Drawer Set

Was £1599.95

Now £799.95

Disposal of O

LD BED

Phorpres Close, Cygnet Park, West Street, Close, Stamford.

Cygnet PE9 Park, 2PS Hampton, Peterborough.

PE7 (just along Peterborough. from Waitrose) PE7 8FZ 8FZ (behind Dobbies Dobbies Garden Garden Centre) Centre) 4’6” Memory Foam Pocket 1000

4’6” Double Size Bedstead

Double Otterman Divan Set

Available in brown, cream or black

Limited Stocks

Base with choice of colours

Now £199.95

Now £399.95

FREE Headboard & Drawers

Was £699.95

Now £299.95

FREE Mattress

Was £399.95

FREE Immediate Delivery -

FREE Deep Luxury Mattress

Was £699.95

01780 762908 01733 891568 891568

ALSO ALSO STORES STORES IN IN Bourne, Spalding Stamford Bourne, Bourne,Spalding Spalding&and and Peterborough Stamford

www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk

Vi-Spring | Myers | Silentnight | Staples & many more…

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Designer, Contemporary & Traditional Kitchens 39 St Mar y’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS

Tel 01780 756050

|

www.stylek.co.uk

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Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa takes great OPENING EARLY DECEMBER pleasure in welcoming Stuart Compton,

THE FPhysiotherapist, OOT CLINIC and Estelle Allen, Clinical

An advanced clinic Refl -­‐ Our exologist specialist team of the Health team.

Care Professions Council to

qu A ot at W rea’ io e s b ns w e fo ill st p r S b e ri he at ces ra an . to y n Ki tc he ns

registered principle podiatrists offer first class surgical chiropody and podiatry treatments with a difference fusing medical, beauty and health (Medical Stuart Compton MCSP, BSC (Hons) Physiotherapy Pedicure) and providing outstanding care that visibly transforms your feet. is a senior physiotherapist who is currently working

for Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation THE NAIL SPA Trust and in the private sector. He has extensive

experience working with neurological disorders, Whether it’s for a quick shape and polish or to add some finishing colour to your orthopaedic postural problems and medical pedicure, orehabilitation, ur Nail Spa provides professional nail care for both the hands and feet.

All Nail conditions.

Spa treatments are performed by professionally trained and neurological qualified Nail Technicians. include: Physiotherapy, acupuncture, Treatments available

sports injuries, sports massage, exercise therapy, oxygen Using the world-­‐renowned Cuccio range of luxurious botanical natural skin and therapy, joint & muscle problems, rehabilitation fractures nail care exclusive to Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa. A after unique collection of salts, &lotions, and treatments will more... have you feeling invigorated, surgerymasques for replacement joints and refreshed and inspired.

Estelle Allen CNHC, Reflexologist has been practicing for 6 years NAIL CARE

and has aINSTRUMENTS wealth of experience in treating clients of all ages.

Estelle also has extensive training in treating the terminally ill, To reduce the risk of transmitted infections such as fungal nails from those who are currently receiving ornail recovering from treatment inadequately sterilised instruments, all our care instruments used within the cancer.

Herspa experience also extends toare treating the to elderly. foot for clinic and nail (manicures / pedicures) sterilised the highest medical standards and each patient/client will have their own individually sterilised pack of instruments.

Our specialist team also offers first class

surgical chiropody and podiatry treatments

BODY Cwith ARE a difference, fusing medical, beauty and

health, and providing outstanding care that

Chiropractic Clinic - Dr Jolyon C H Hibbins (Chiropractor) visibly transforms your feet including:

For further details please contact Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa on 01778 590107 The Foot Clinic - providing chiropody

and podiatry treatments for all manner of foot problems with Susan Lester, BSc (Hons) degree in podiatric medicine.

• Medical Pedicure • Oxygen Therapy • Ultimate Luxury Chiropody Treatment incorporating full range of Cuccio foot care products • Medically sterilized & individually wrapped instruments for all nail care to reduce the risk of transmitting fungal nails • Perfect wedding feet • Nail Spa – Feet & Hands

... and much else besides Treat your Valentine to a luxury manicure & pedicure Gift Vouchers Available

30 room settings on show

The areas

NEW displays now fitted

LARGEST Kitchen Showroom We will beat any like for like quote

To find out more please contact the clinic for further information or to make an appointment.

Es

Snowdens Hospital, Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YF

Tel: 01780 762244

www.snowdensfootclinic.co.uk

cal Compa ny t Lo

Est

1981 - 32 Years

!

The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk www.qksstamford.co.uk

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UPD ATES

Acupuncture Awareness Week 3-11 March Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practised for over 2,500 years, having originated in China and other far Eastern cultures. Acupuncture is a gentle and effective treatment that focuses on helping the whole person, aiming to improve their overall health and wellbeing, and today it is widely used and accepted all over the world.

During the first acupuncture treatment the practitioner will take a full medical case history, including past health background and details about the patient’s current condition.

Once the patient is settled on the treatment couch, the practitioner will take their pulses on each wrist and look at their tongue.

The practitioner will then make a diagnosis and put together a treatment plan which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture.

As well as inserting fine needles just under the skin, a practitioner may also use other techniques, such as cupping, in which small glass cups are used to massage the skin and massage. Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment.

A growing body of evidence-based clinical research shows that traditional acupuncture, as practised by British Acupuncture Council members, safely treats a wide range of common health problems including short-term relief of symptoms such as low back pain, tension-type headaches and migraine-type headaches. It can also be used along with exercise and conventional medicine to help temporarily relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. In fact the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on best practice now recommend that GPs offer a course of ten sessions of acupuncture as a first-line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain. In September last year, NICE announced it also recognises acupuncture’s benefits for migraines and tension-type headaches.

Duncan Ford, an acupuncturist and British Acupuncture Council member says “In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.”

• To talk to Duncan about acupuncture call 07714575720 or to book an appointment please contact the Broad Street Practice on 01780 480889 or go to www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk.

Learn a Language

Given the success of the Parisian club in Stamford (French conversation on Wednesday - 10h4511h45 with a croissant and a cafe), Laetitia opened last year a language school in Stamford (Stamford Brass Centre, near Morrisons) to learn and practise French and Spanish languages.

French Beginners on Friday 5.30 pm-7 pm; French Intermediate on Monday 10.15 am-11.45 am; French Advanced on Wednesday 1.30 pm-3 pm Spanish Beginners on Monday 7 pm-8.30 pm; Spanish Intermediate on Friday 10.15 am-11.45 am £65 for 10 lessons (1.5 hours) Groups and private tutoring • Contact Laetitia Vincent-Delacroix laetitiavincentdelacroix@gmail.com 07840 524988

Active Creative - Making movement matter Active Creative is a leading provider of creative movement and physical education programmes for children through the early years and beyond. They have been delivering their own unique and exciting range of tried and tested, theme-based classes in schools, early years’ centres and the community for over ten years.

Emma Walkland, Franchisee South Lincolnshire and Peterborough, is excited to be bringing Active Creative to the area and is currently running four successful Dinky Dancers classes in Stamford, Ryhall, and Bourne; and is operating curriculum based classes within local primary schools in Stamford.

The programmes complement and build upon existing in-house classes and adapt to enhance your specific thematic learning each term. Active Creative provides a range of engaging, unique, creative movement, physical education and music programmes. The Dinky Dancers local classes follow an exciting, proven structure including Warm-Ups, Character Dances, Musical Beginnings, Rhythm/Coordination exercises, PE Action Activities and fun and funky choreography aimed to inspire and engage all children.

If you would like to see Active Creative in your school Emma offers curricular-linked lessons, lunch-time and after-school clubs, themed workshops, sharing assemblies and event choreography. The schemes of work can be adapted to suit the varied budget and staffing (PPA cover), needs of individual schools, centres and community venues.

• Call: 01780 591469 Email: emmawalkland@active-creative.com FREE trial class for your school or centre today.

One Touch Football One Touch Football is going to be running football fun / development days in the February half term.

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.

Venue STAMFORD KETTON

Address New College Stamford, Drift Rd, PE9 1UX Ketton Sports & Social Club, Pit Lane, Ketton, Stamford, PE9 3SZ

Dates 17th to 21st February 20th & 21st February

• For more information or to see www.oneotuchfootball.co.uk or email bookings@onetouchfootball.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

Wedding

Health and Beauty special Genevieve Potter helps the region’s brides to plan their wedding beauty regime

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months before the main event to determine hair style, facial hair requirements, even waxing and tanning. The team would also recommend a luxury wet-shave and a stress-busting full body massage the evening before the wedding.

• Asembo, 20 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2HN Tel: 01780 765337 www.asembo.co.uk

etting married can be a stressful time and it’s important to get the basics right – choosing the right diet, exercising regularly (but not excessively), drinking at least two litres of water a day and getting plenty of sleep will ensure that you’re truly radiant and glowing as you take centre stage.

Booking a professional make-up artist, like Sarah Buxton, who created our fabulous bridal looks, will also pay dividends; and a word of caution, whilst many brides want to opt for a “natural” look, make sure you have enough make-up on to really define your features - it might feel slightly alien, but you really do need more than you’d wear on an average day.

For glorious wedding hair, I’d also recommend that you start a series of conditioning treatments in the run up to your wedding – the new Aveda Dry Remedy treatment masque from Gerard is fabulous as an at-home, weekly treatment.

If you have one pre-wedding facial, Emma Cannings believes it should be Crystal Clear microdermabrasion. Using state-of-the-art equipment, the treatment can be taken as an express 30 minute session, or ideally a full hour’s facial, including a facial massage and lifting mask, to remove dull skin cells, smooth the complexion and impart a gorgeously fresh glow.

When you book and pay for six facials (£55 each, for 60 minutes), you’ll receive the seventh free.

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

Your wedding beauty must-haves: Skin-tag removal – don’t let skin tags stop you having the fabulous “up do” and smooth, blemish-free skin that glows on your big day.

Carolyn Claypole from the Advanced Skin Clinic, who is a member of The British Institute & Association of Electrolysis can remove skin tags, which often present themselves around the neck and eye areas. Carolyn uses advanced electrolysis techniques to ensure there are no remaining marks; contact the clinic for a free consultation.

While you’re there, you can also check out the renowned Jane Iredale mineral make-up, which is perfect for brides, thanks to its long-lasting finish and skin perfecting, anti-inflammatory ingredients – excellent for skin that is sensitive, or prone to acne, high colour or rosacea.

• The Advanced Skin Clinic, 8 High Street, St. Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 481155 www.theadvancedskinclinic.co.uk www.facebook.com/theadvancedskinclinic The newest trend in microdermabrasion is “Diamond Tip” – a method of intense exfoliation and re-surfacing which delivers smooth, rejuvenated skin after just one session, yet feels incredibly gentle and can even be used on the

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fine skin around the eye area.

Essence of Beauty are offering readers 20% off a session of Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion (normally £35), when you book during February and mention Stamford Living.

• Essence of Beauty, 15 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 763564 At Asembo, the hair and beauty team can guide you through an entire programme for your wedding. They recommended an ESPA skin solution facial once a month for three months, with one the week before the big day, as well as hair colour and conditioning treatments, waxing and a Mii mineral tan (which can be tried as part of a hair and make-up trial session). On the eve of the wedding itself, they will organise your nails and a wonderfully relaxing full body massage, which is bound to help with the nightbefore jitters!

Bridegrooms needn’t feel left out; as they can book in for their own consultation in the

Flawless Faces offer bespoke wedding packages and expert make-up application for brides and attendants, using MAC products in their New York-inspired beauty studio. But rather than just apply your make-up, Neeta and the team also recommend a monthly Decléor body exfoliation ritual to polish and revitalise the skin (£30 for 30 minutes), as well as regular radiance boosting, “expert white” Decléor aroma facials (£54 for 75 minutes), which will create a smooth, glowing complexion. The team also swear by Decléor energising vitamin cure lotion (£24), a “facial in a bottle”, that’s packed with vitamins to reduce signs of fatigue and boost vitality.

• Flawless Faces (above Brown’s hairdressing), 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford PE9 2AJ Tel: 0844 999 3365 www.flawlessfaces.co.uk Equilibrium recommend that brides (and mothers of the bride) will achieve the most pleasing and noticeable results with CACI.

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Wedding beauty wish list

At least three months ahead of your big day is the ideal time to upgrade your beauty regime and schedule your appointments, so that nothing is left to chance. for Facials and microdermabrasion – e and thre een betw optimum benefit, start day big your of d ahea six months ng – Hair – cut, colour, condition and styli try to and ls arsa rehe iple allow time for mult hair a after g fittin s dres final your coincide t effec full the see rehearsal, so that you can or t artis e-up mak pro a Make-up – book ty reputable salon with a separate beau two least at for room and allow time Don’t rehearsals, even if you only need one! you ire forget to take pictures that insp weeks Body exfoliation treatment – two ding wed your re befo ding Waxing – the week before your wed week the – H.D) or g adin thre ing, Brows (wax don’t before your wedding – at this stage, try anything new! ding – Fake tan – two days before your wed you so ent preferably an evening appointm and – ly safe lop deve to can allow the tan remember, less is definitely more! erably Nails – manicure and pedicure – pref ing even day/ the – ty varie gel a long-lasting before your wedding before Relaxing massage – the day/evening m! groo the et forg t don’ and – ding your wed emak and hair The big day – professional party up – allow yourself and your wedding per tes minu 30 least at – time of ty plen you will appointment more than you think

Gerard

is the go-to salon for many of the region’s stylish brides. Nicola and new team member Keighley are both highly experienced (and un-flappable!) bridal hair experts and the team will work with every bride to create the perfect hairstyle. At Gerard, there is no limit to the number of dress rehearsals that are needed to achieve exactly the right look.

Sarah Buxton is an experienced beauty professional and make-up artist who knows exactly how to make you look your very best on their wedding day; polished and glowing, but still unmistakably you.

• Gerard, George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 753002 www.gerardhair-beauty.co.uk Sarah Buxton Tel: 07850 271759

Lauren’s high-volume up-do contrasts perfectly with her smoky, winged eyes and glowing, natural skin and lips

a modern, clean look is created with a classic red lip. For Lauren’s hair, full, loose waves are finished perfectly with a crystal headband

Claire’s warm, neutral make-up and “half up, half down” curled hair finished with a pretty comb could also work well for a stylish wedding guest

This classic, Spanish-inspired up-do creates a sophisticated and polished look for a stylish bride like Claire

need

CACI is the original and most advanced facial toning treatment available, backed by 20 years of medical research and used to re-educate muscle fibres and improve skin texture. The CACI ultimate anti-ageing treatment uses micro-currents, microdermabrasion, light therapy and hyrdra-tone, which deliver an immediate softening of lines and a gentle lifting effect. A course of ten is recommended to give lasting results, with maintenance every four to five weeks.

REadER OFFER - Book and pay for a course of eight CaCI Ultimate Facials (£75) and receive two free. Valid until 15th March 2014; please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking.

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

• all featured hair accessories from the Stamford Bridal Rooms, 19 High St, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 757028 www.thestamfordbridalrooms.co.uk Thanks to models Claire and Lauren Photography: Elli dean www.rutlandphotographer.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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Gift Vouchers Available

Love your feet!

Chiropody/Podiatry

Opening Times Mon – closed | Tue – 9am-5pm Wed – 9am-7pm | Thurs – 9am-6pm Fri – 9am-5pm | Sat – 9am-4pm Sun – by appt only

Tel: 01780 757781

• Treatment for Various Skin & Nail Conditions • Budget Toe Nail Cutting • Free Foot Care Advice • Hard Skin Removal • Painful Corns • Verruca Treatments Room available • Simple & Casted for rent Enquire within Orthotic Design • Diabetic Foot Care

10a Upper Floor, St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2BE

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

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

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

Come and see our newly revamped Stamford Barber Salon

Cuts ‘n’ More Gents, Ladies & Children - just walk in - no appointment needed!

OFFERING HAIRCUTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK !!

Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri - 8.30am to 5.30pm Thur 8.30am to 6.30pm - Sat 8.30am to 4.30pm AND SUNDAY 10am to 12noon Plus our new ladies section managed by Charlotte Moore, offering colours, cuts, blow- dry’s and a complete state of the art ‘air-brush’ make-up service including bridal packages and special occasion.

Now taking bookings for 2014 weddings

WINTER SPECIAL OFFER Highlights/lowlights ( Half head)

Now £25

Telephone for appointments with Charlotte M: 07751149567 T: 01780 238762

Our team looks forward to seeing your soon 17 Silver Lane STAMFORD Also branches at 27 High Street, Rothwell & 8 Melton Road, Oakham

www.cutsnmore.co.uk

Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre @ Greetham Valley

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

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

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

‘Caring for Local Athletes’ Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre

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

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23/01/2014 14:45

Valentine Beauty School

Enjoy a glass of wine with your friends whilst being shown a beauty routine from start to finish and leave looking like a million dollars!

Every Wednesday in February 4pm-5.30pm or 6pm-7.30pm.

£10 booking fee & discount for group bookings

Show your loved one that you care: Maples Gift Vouchers Available Caroline Benson Botox & Fillers Clinic: Sat 22nd Feb Clarins Gift with purchase between 17th Feb to 1st March

PLEASE GO TO OUR FACE BOOK PAGE FOR ALL OTHER OFFERS AND TWITTER

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

and ruminations • Significant life events, trauma,

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

Johan Truter

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

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Practitioner

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE Church Street Practice, Melton Mowbray LE13 0PN 21

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22/01/2014 15:47

B R I N G I N G L OCA L FOOD T O LIFE

Brewing up a storm Matt Wright visits a local brewery and helps to design a beer…

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About the writer Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodmag.co.uk and Greatfoodclub.co.uk, two Leicestershirebased websites that celebrate and promote local food and drink.

His Great Food Club Handbook 2013/14 is out now.

few months ago I met a local brewer called Steve Saldana in – appropriately – Stamford’s Jolly Brewer pub. Steve is from Texas and is head brewer and founder of Peterborough’s Bexar (pronounced ‘Bear’) County Brewery. We had been introduced through Andrew Morgan, owner of The Ale Room website – which sells bottled beers from the likes of Oakham’s Grainstore Brewery and Market Deeping’s Hopshackle Brewery – and the aim of our meeting was to plan a collaborative Bexar/Great Food Club beer.

In front of the pub fire we decided to try to create a drop of our own that would work beautifully with cheeses and charcuterie.

It would be a pale-coloured, mildly citrussy beer with plenty of hop aroma but without an in-your-face hoppiness on the palate.

We wanted to give our beer a malty spiciness and a strength that would cut through fats to refresh the mouth, but also, of course, taste great. A few weeks later I was at Steve’s brewery in Peterborough, ready to brew…

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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HOW WE MADE IT…

1.

Steve identified four types of malts to provide the taste we wanted: Maris Otter Pale, Caragold, Munich and White Wheat. I tried all four and the difference in the flavour of each was huge. Using different malts is the first tool a brewer can use in his quest to create different styles and flavours.

2.

In a large vessel (the mash tun), the malts were added to 180 gallons of water raised to 81°C (but falling to 65°C once mixed with the malts). This was left to mash for an hour, during which time the malts release sugars. The hotter the water in which the grains mash, the thicker the mouthfeel of the final beer.

3.

After an hour, some of the liquid (now referred to as ‘wort’) was drained and tipped back on top of the grain bed. This process is known as ‘vorlauf’ and helps to clarify the wort. After the ‘vorlauf’, the mash was sprinkled with hot water – known as sparging – to extract even more sugar.

6.

4.

During the sparge, all the wort was drained from the mash tun and transferred into the copper kettle, where it was boiled for exactly 60 minutes. Steve stressed the importance of ensuring it was a rolling boil, not just a simmer – crucial for driving out oxygen and encouraging various chemical processes. The length of the boil is another tool that the brewer can use to control characteristics of the final beer.

5.

During the boil, two types of hops were introduced. Nugget was added with 15 minutes of the boil to go and Pacific Gem was thrown in at the end. The earlier that the hops are added, the more hop flavour and bitterness is imparted. The layered additions of hops during the boil is a real art form as it can have a huge impact on final flavour. At the end of the boil we also added 50g of peppercorns to introduce spiciness.

7.

Finally, the wort was put through a heat exchange (dropping the temp from 100°C to 22°C ) and into the fermentation tank. Yeast was added – a Belgian variety that gives a spicy flavour. Getting the wort temperature down is crucial as yeast is most active at 20-25C. The wort was left to ferment for two weeks and then transferred to cask until ready to drink.

The final specific gravity was 1070, which should produce a 6.7% beer.

8.

After the brew, the spent malts were picked up by Peterborough farmers Alan Durose and Matthew Clifton.

After the boil, the wort was transferred from the kettle to the fermenting tank via clean pipes. On its way, the liquid was passed through a ‘hopback’ containing Cascade and Citra hops. Using a hopback allows you to introduce hop aroma rather than intense hop flavour. Because the hops aren’t boiled in the wort but merely passed through, they don’t release as much of their potent oil.

INTRODUCING KAAS BIER… A month later I returned to taste the beer. I was impressed. Aromas of banana, caramel, spice and strawberry hit the nose. Then the 6.7% ABV pale-golden beer transferred this fruitiness to the palate – along with sweet, peppery spice – before giving way to a crisp, bitter finish. We named it Kaas Bier (‘kaas’ is Flemish for ‘cheese’) because it has similar characteristics to certain Belgian Trappist beers and goes superbly with a cheeseboard. For a short time only, Kaas Bier is available to buy through The Ale Room website.

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

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

Telephone 01476 586 159 | email info@markgoodacre.com | www.markgoodacre.com

D E SIGN TO SU IT YOUR TA S T E

I NTRODUCING TESPI THE LATEST CO LLECT I O N O F FAB R I CS AN D WALLPAPER S FRO M ZO FFANY Visit our showroom five days a week: - A16

Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone: 01780 757 946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

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DES IGN INT E R IOR S

Hunter’s Interiors – Creative, Confident, Classic Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to talk to Hunter’s Interiors to discuss their vision for 2014

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oing to the Hunter’s Interiors showroom just the other side of Uffington is always a pleasure. It’s a cornucopia of colours, textures and visual excitement, stimulating the creative juices and making one feel heady with design possibilities.

Your feet will be kept firmly on the ground by the charming partners, Georgie Teesdale and Candida Smith, both of whom have been Directors of the business for over ten years. Jill Hunter, who founded the business, is retiring in the spring but will naturally stay in touch and give advice.

How is it that Hunter’s Interiors can help you?

Naturally Hunters has the expertise, the craftspeople and the attention to detail that ensure that every piece of work is completed with the minimum of fuss and to the highest standards.

But what makes them so valuable to any project you may have is that they are always abreast of the latest offerings from the major design houses and they have the confidence to be that little bit bolder in colour and texture choices because they have done it before and seen that it works. So if you want to ‘push the boundaries’ and have a result that is both classic and memorable – in other words with the ‘wow’ factor that we all strive for – then

Georgie Teesdale (L) and Candida Smith (R)

they are the choice for you.

Hunter’s has one of the best fabric libraries in the East of England and the best knowledge.

Whatever size of project you have, they will begin by listening carefully and understanding your style and the needs of the room before proposing solutions.

They probably also have more experience than anyone else of re-decorating period houses in the region in a classic country style, be it one room at a time or the whole house at once after a major re-furb. Their speciality is soft furnishings, but they are also happy to advise on bathrooms and kitchens.

In the showroom yu will also find John Sankey and Zoffany Furniture. But they are also just as happy to sell a roll of wallpaper as to re-design your whole home – so long as you are passionate about what you are trying to achieve, they will be able to help.

Case Study The White Horse at Baston This pub was recently taken over by Mark & Jo Richardson and totally re-furbished. It has been very popular since re-opening several months ago.

Hunters ‘pushed the boundaries of possibility’ in terms of colour, texture and original detail.

The results are colour combinations and looks that are bolder than originally imagined, which lift the establishment to another level. Jo was delighted with the result, and there has been much positive feedback. Needless to say the practical side of the job – timeliness and efficiency – were also well met.

• Hunters Interiors, The Dairy, Copthill Farm Enterprises, Deeping Road, Uffington, Stamford, Lincs PE9 4TD Tel: 01780 757946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk Hunters also have a showroom at Ketton Design House, 63 High Street Ketton PE9 3TE which is a good place to visit if you are are also thinking about your whole entertainment/outdoor spaces.

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Chimney Lining & Stoves •

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•

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

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

Sack Store

at Stamford Garden Centre, Casterton Road, Stamford, PE9 4BB

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UPD ATES

Spotlight on Marrakech The Red City at the foot of the High Atlas has captivated generations of Europeans. Vibrant, exciting, colourful; Marrakech is brimming with the mysteries of Arabia, and perfect for a break with a difference during the early spring months.

Circle of Joy Alex Lay was brought up in Stamford and, while now based in Berlin, still considers Stamford to be home. Here he describes his new venture in greetings cards

Marrakech used to be the retreat for rock stars and fashion designers back in the Sixties. These days a plethora of the medieval walled ancient merchant’s houses or ‘Riads’ have been converted into boutique hotels to suit every taste from traditional to high design.

One of the greatest pleasures of Marrakech is to stroll through the souks, bargaining and people watching. The Medina and the Djemaa el Fna change throughout the day so it’s worth passing through at different times. Stalls in the souks offer fabulous treasures and are overflowing with fantastic gifts from carpets to lamps, slippers, pottery, jewellery and leather goods at a fraction of the cost in the UK. Brightly coloured Tagine pots are a particularly good buy. In the early evening the city’s main square comes alive with snake charmers, street entertainers and food stalls. Enjoy a cocktail in the bar of the stunning Mamounia Hotel; this Art Deco Palace was a favourite of Winston Churchill.

Moroccan cuisine is celebrated as some of the best in the world and Marrakech has numerous fine restaurants to choose from. Start with a bowl of steaming, spicy Harira soup or Bastilla, a semi-sweet pigeon pie made with layers of filo pastry. For your main course a Lamb Tagine with couscous is a must, accompanied by one of the very acceptable local wines, the best of which are red.

City Tours are available from £26.00 per person for half a day or for a full day with your own private driver from £98.00 per person passing through the Atlas Mountains to Quarzazate where the beautiful landscapes meet lush green valleys.

Oundle Travel suggests a stay at The Angsana Riad Blanc, offering traditional Moroccan hospitality - each room is an oasis of comfort and fully air-conditioned. The hotel has an expansive tented rooftop terrace, which is perfect for basking in the warm spring sunshine.

• The hotel has two restaurants featuring both Moroccan and Thai cuisine - For more information and up-to-date prices please contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600 www. oundletravel.co.uk

Stamford Artisans Guild

“Have you ever had that feeling when you’re lying in bed on a sleepless summer’s night and a bizarre thought pops into your head? Well, in my case the thought was: Why aren’t the backs of greeting cards ever put to good use? Suffice it to say that several sleepless hours and a flurry of feverish scribblings later and the first STORYCARD - ‘The Joy of Love’ – was born.

The STORYCARD range has been expanding ever since and is now home to four illustrators and more than a dozen writers, sharing their passions and joys with readers around the world.

Not only do STORYCARDS celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and weddings.

They also celebrate hobbies and passions that bring us all joy – from reading to gardening, friendship to fishing. So whether you have a friend devoted to yoga, an uncle who’s mad about DIY or a partner who is crazy about cats (or dogs for that matter) STORYCARDS make an ideal card or gift.

The STORYCARD range is now home to more than a dozen writers from around the world.

Story-wise, you’ll discover an eclectic range of voices: from a Hollywood scriptwriter declaring his devotion to cooking to a rocket scientist waxing lyrical about golf, from a bestselling novelist confessing her passion for shoes to a sex columnist sharing her love of cakes.

• The entire range is at Gallery Stamford, 3 Maiden Lane. A selection of the Storycards is available at You, 30 St Mary’s Street. You can discover more about Storycards at www. circleofjoy.com, where you can also click on Circle of Joy’s online shop, hosted by Amazon.

29 January – 10 February, Stamford Arts Centre Gallery The Guild exhibition is an exclusive Hand-made event and showcases various local creative artisans who make beautiful unique items, both decorative and functional. Exhibits include Stained Glass, Fine Art, Felting, Wood Crafts, Wire Art including Sculptures and Jewellery, Lapidary Specimens, Pastels and Paintings and several traditional crafts and skills from professional artists and hobbyists.

Various exhibitors will be demonstrating throughout the exhibition. As well as having the opportunity to view and buy something special, visitors have the opportunity to meet some of the artisans and in many cases commission individual pieces. Many exhibits will be available to buy.

• For more information please visit www.stamfordartisansguild.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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Orangeries | Conservatories | Contemporary Extensions | Verandas

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

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

01780 400 500 | www.breckenridgeconservatories.co.uk

22/01/2014 15:48

GAR DE NING

Adam the Gardener L

ocal gardening talent, Adam Frost has an impressive CV, having worked with many of the garden design greats, including our dearly loved Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens. Adam has won an impressive five gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This year his Chelsea garden is called “Time to Reflect” which takes inspiration from the dramatic Devonshire countryside

Vegetable Garden at barnsdale

Adam says: February is officially my least favourite month – I’d happily disappear off on a plane somewhere warmer and be brought back early March – perhaps I should look into hibernating! But on a positive note, there are small signs of the approaching spring with wildlife waking up as light and temperature levels increase slightly. I personally can’t wait until the garden comes to life again, so roll on March – roll on!

This winter has been a wet one, rather than a cold one and many of the animals will be feeling worse for wear so we should do all we can to look after them. Hang birdfeeders and keep bowls topped up with fresh water.

Perhaps get the kids involved and put a nest box up in the garden ready for spring.

Jobs to do in your Garden The first thing to do this month is get yourself organised and check out all last year’s kit – it’s a great time to mend and sharpen your tools, repair gate hinges and stain fences on a dry day. Clean your greenhouse and wash down your terrace to scrub away any winter blues!

It’s also a good opportunity to decide what you are going to plant in your vegetable garden, along with any changes that you want to make to your main garden area. There’s still time to turn the ground over and get some organic muck on it before planting starts.

One thing I love and treated myself to a few years ago was a beautiful terracotta ‘rhubarb forcer’ from Whichford Pottery (www. whichfordpottery.com). If you don’t have one, you can use a nice big bucket that’s 50cm tall to cover the rhubarb and put it in the dark. After 3-4 weeks you’ll discover delicious thin pink stems that melt in your mouth – such an early seasonal treat, which is particularly good with ice-cream!

Shallots are easy to grow and from just one bulb you will get between 5-7 shallots. Also make sure you buy your seed potatoes now.

Plant some Jerusalem Artichokes as they make some fantastic soups. The bulbous fibrous root also makes really good chips! Artichokes can work in lots of ways - in just one season they can grow up to 5ft high and make a great cover for birds throughout the season.

You can even put them at the back of a border where they look fantastic and have the added advantage of being a good wind breaker (in more ways than one!). Dig and divide them every few years and sow a crop off them.

You can also sow a few things under glass or poly tunnels or cloches to get them going – like lettuce, spinach, onions, garlic and peas.

You could even put a few potatoes in a pot to get them going early – ready to enjoy for your Sunday lunches. I’m still a believer that you should wait until the soil has warmed up in March before planting anything outside – particularly with our colder, heavier soil round

Lincolnshire and Rutland. A good rule is when the weeds start to show their head, it’s warm enough to start sowing.

Lily bulbs can be planted in pots in a cool greenhouse and moved outside when in flower.

Prune fruit bushes and cut buddleia and wisteria down to keep it compact.

Winter PlantinG Over the years, herbaceous plants have done all the work, but winter is a pretty cool time for shrubs as mentioned recently on the BBC Garden Revival programmes – Amaryllis,Vibernum, Sarcococca, Witch Hazel, Winter honeysuckles will all give something to your garden this time next year. There’s still time to order some roses or get a bare root tree in the garden - I love the Betula – a beautiful ghostly looking tree, or the River Birch tree with its pale pink flaky bark as it ages. It looks great inter-planted with some of the dark Ilexes.

Winter colour doesn’t just come from bulbs but from other areas, so it’s a good time to add some interest to your garden if it seems lacking – look at shrubs and winter trees to put a smile on your face next year e.g.

Prunus serrula, Betula nigra, Betula utilis, Acer griseum.

Choose a multi-stemmed tree to get the most out of the impressive winter bark. Another consideration in winter is scent in the garden, which can be very special as it tends to be strong and almost hypnotic which adds an element of surprise to a winter bloom.

I always think winter flowers are a bit different and stand out as they have to work that bit harder in the cold. neW year resolutions Lastly, as I recommended last month, try to get out with your family and visit a nearby garden of interest – easton Walled Gardens has the most stunning array of snowdrops which should be seen.www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk • Contact: www.adamfrost.co.uk • adam Frost was speaking to antonia scott STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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23/1/14 18:01:58

FOOD & DR INK

A Healthy Competition Local lass Hayley Cancea from Market Deeping competed against an entry of 8,762 other students aged 12-16 years old to win the title of FutureChef 2013. A phenomenal achievement and awe inspiring story. Professional cook Sarah Lyon meets with Hayley to find out more

“I

had never seen or handled a truffle before when I was asked to chop up £600 worth on my arrival at the Waterside Inn,” says Hayley. Just one of the many extraordinary work experience opportunities Hayley has had as a result of entering and then winning FutureChef 2013.

I asked Hayley what inspired her to enter the competition. She went on to explain that in the first instance it was purely to go one better than her older sister who had entered the competition under the direction of her school while studying food technology at GCSE level. Hayley was only 13 years old when she expressed her wish to be involved. Her teacher organised a local round in which Hayley did exceptionally well, eventually progressing to the final. “I had beaten 15-16 year olds to get through to the final in 2012 so I was feeling confident about entering again in 2013. I knew more of what was going on and what to expect.”

“When I was through I was speechless” Hayley’s determination to enter the following year was for the most part triggered by her interest in food and menu planning. Interests that had developed over the first year’s programme under the guidance of her mentor Paul Resleigh, head chef at the George Hotel in Stamford.

“Paul was my mentor from the local round around career choices for young people onwards. He helped me to plan a menu, that showed work experience as the biggest work within the budget, food safety and the influence on career decisions. Springboard’s importance of keeping FutureChef developed in 1999 as an organised work a result of research station. Together findings into young we decided on the people’s perceptions Hayley’s Sloe G in Braised dishes I would cook, of the industry and Red Cabbage the recipes and how revealed that young • Preheat oven to 180C the dishes would be people regarded chefs • Grate 1 red ca bb age presented for judging. as highly as pop or • Place in an ov en proof dish It was a serious television stars. On • Add enough slo e gin to cover business.” the strength of this half the cabbag e Springboard, Springboard provides • Add 1 star anise and 1 cinnamon the charity behind teachers and young stick • Cook until cabb age is soft the FutureChef people a wonderful and then season to taste event, organises an insight into what it’s like industry mentor to to be a chef and related help work through career opportunities. the four stages of the competition with their “The night of the final student participant. Springboard’s aim is to the finalists and their families attended a dinner inspire young people to explore food and at the London Churchill Hyatt. Families are cooking as a life skill by developing their hosted by prestigious hotels all over London culinary talent and informing them about for the event. My best experience yet although entry routes into the hospitality industry. The daunting, was when dad dropped me for a day competition offers the opportunity for a young of working in the kitchens at Michelin-starred talented yet motivated student to participate in restaurant Simpsons in Birmingham. Royal a competitive environment surrounded by top Ascot followed with work in the royal enclosure professionals in the field. kitchens while my parents enjoyed the event, Springboard’s research revealed influences

Recipe Card

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food and hospitality in the royal enclosure.”

Hayley showed me her signed copy of Michel Roux –The Collection, a signed gift from Alain Roux (one of the judges of FutureChef) after her work experience at the Waterside Inn. Clearly, the event attracts high profile chefs and sponsors along with fabulous opportunities for those involved.

I ask Hayley how the adventure has changed her. “I look at food in a completely different way now - where it comes from, using our local Grasmere Farm Butcher and food miles are important. At the regional level I wanted to incorporate Partridge from the shoot dad goes to into the menu and our family produced sloe gin. Cooking and recipe development really interest me. I use to never try anything that I didn’t like but my mentor Paul has drummed it into me to taste and be adventurous with food.

The whole experience has been a complete boost to my confidence. And if I decided to take up a career in cooking the option for an apprenticeship at the Waterside is a real possibility.”

• To enter FutureChef 2014 and find out more about getting involved for teachers, participants and potential mentors go to www.futurechef.net. Springboard London, Tel: 0141 552 5554

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

30 SARAH FOOD copy.indd 1

24/01/2014 10:38

We’re 2 years old already!

Exciting times are ahead as we continue to create food with flair using fresh locally sourced produce and the magic from The Witch kitchen.

Winter Weeknight’s at The Witch “Outstanding food at affordable prices”

Head chef Dameon Clarke has created a mouthwatering menu for the Winter Weeknight’s. (Monday - Thursday)

£17.50 - 2 courses • £20.50 - 3 courses

Valentines Dinner Celebrate Valentines Day with a very special six course tasting menu in intimate surroundings.

Candlelit tables, soft music and award winning food. £40 per head (Booking essential)

Tapas Night - Thursday 27th March The Wicked Witch kitchen team have put together an array of tasty tapas for one night only.

Enjoy a cocktail on arrival and a carafe of complimentary wine for your table to accompany many small dishes from around the world. £35 per head. (Booking essential)

Lunch Time Serving Monday - 12pm to 2pm • Tuesday - Saturday 12pm to 2pm • Sunday 12pm till 4pm Bar open until 8pm

Dinner Time Serving

Monday - 6pm to 9pm • Tues - Sat 6pm to 9.30pm Bar open until late • Bar open all day Saturday

01780 763649 www.ryhallwitch.co.uk The Wicked Witch, Bridge Street, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HH • SL Feb ADS.indd 31

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22/01/2014 15:48

L E A RNING & CR E AT IVIT Y

My fifth book and still counting…

Author Rhian Ivory from Oakham shares with us the exciting pending publication of her fifth novel and sheds some light on the life of a writer. Interview by Nicholas Rudd-Jones N: What inspired you to become a writer?

R: I didn’t just read books as a child, I devoured them. I read anything I could get my hands on but it wasn’t until I was about 24 that I felt confident enough to send my first novel off to a publisher.

N: How do you develop a ‘writing style’ – how would you describe yours R: This is something that seems to change with every book I write. In my study I have a wall covered with colour coded chapter break downs, character’s back story and research notes. I’m thrilled to say I’ve recently been appointed National Trust Writer in Residence at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood and will be running Creative Writing workshops for children and adults there later this year, so I won’t give away all my tips and secrets just yet!

N: What made you change direction in terms of writing style? What had you written before?

Future. It is set in the last village in the UK where witches were ‘swum’. It follows the story of Noah in 2014 and Blaze in 1865; both boys are cursed by the ability to draw the future. I dreamt the end of the story and told myself to remember it.

N: You live and work in Oakham. Is there anything in particular that inspires you or helps your writing in Rutland and the surroundings?

R: When I am stuck on a plot problem I take the dogs and walk around Rutland Water. Barnsdale Woods is my favourite part of Rutland Water; by the time I get home I’ve usually solved the problem and can get back to writing.

R: If it weren’t for J.K.Rowling I might not have become a published author. I was reading Harry Potter and decided to send my manuscript to her publisher, Bloomsbury. A few weeks later I received a letter from commissioning editor Emma Matthewson (J.K.Rowling’s editor) inviting me to London to discuss my manuscript which soon became my first novel!

N: Who do you think the book will appeal to?

R: I have four novels published by Bloomsbury.

The first three are Young Adult novels, my 4th novel True Colours is a Middle Grade book for 8-14 year olds and is about magic. It was during the writing of my 5th novel that I really felt my writing style change and go in a new direction.

N: What gave you the idea for this book; and what is the basic plot?

R: My 5th novel is called The Boy who drew the

R: This book will appeal both to young readers and adults. There are some huge themes covered such as seeing the future, art, secrets, witches, history, village life, family dynamics and what happens when one person knows more than everyone else. Knowledge is power

Rhian’s previous Books: When Isla meets Luke meets Isla Isla and Luke: Make or Break?

The Bad Girls Club True Colours The Boy who drew the Future (not yet published)

N: I understand you have something in common with J.K Rowling – you shared an editor – what did that feel like?!

• Follow Rhian on twitter - https://twitter. com/RMIvory www.bloomsbury.com/author/rhian-tracey/

Improve your French

Stamford School praised highly in UK’s leading guide to schools

Do you study French at school and have exams soon? Do you need French at work or when you go on holidays?

Aurelie Verdu, friendly French national and fully qualified teacher in the UK, offers: • day time and evening classes for all levels (group tuitions or one to one) • coaching for GCSE, AS level and A level • business • conversational

Stamford School is celebrating a highly complimentary review from the Good Schools Guide (GSG), the leading appraiser of UK schools.

The review considers and assesses all areas of life at Stamford School. It begins with praise for the School’s academic performance, particularly the wide range of subject choice at A-Level and the popularity of maths, the sciences, economics and business studies. The small average class sizes of 16 at GCSE and nine at A-Level were mentioned, as were the strong examination results.

After observing Latin and Philosophy and Ethics lessons, the writer noted the ‘involved, enthusiastic’ boys who were ‘wriggling in their seats, they were so keen.’ The popular Sixth Form, which numbers 400 pupils, was complimented on its focus and determination; ‘these boys had their eye on the end game. You could feel expectations of the staff and boys were high’ they said.

The accessibility of sport to all pupils was also praised – ‘even the non-sporty boy is encouraged to have a go’ – as were the strong performances of the cricket, basketball, squash, hockey, swimming, triathlon and rugby teams. The 1st XV rugby team was described as ‘formidable’ for being unbeaten last year.

‘Music and art are equally strong’ says the review, noting the numerous whole-schools productions of shows such as Les Misérables, and the ‘thriving choirs, bands and orchestras, ranging from big band and jazz to full orchestra.’ Beyond the classroom, the opportunities to fly and shoot with the Combined Cadet Forces are praised, as are the many Gold Awards achieved in D of E. • The full Stamford School review can be read at www.ses.lincs.sch.uk

• Contact Aurelie Verdu on 07957940152 or aurelieverdu1@ gmail.com A bientot!

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STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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St Whites Stone Ltd STONE MASONS & CARVERS

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

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

For a quotation for Orangeries, Porticos, Entrance Steps and Mullion Windows or a general enquiry for all types of stonework listed below Please phone Rosie on 01780 450350 or 07931 387615 Email stwhitesstone@btinternet.com • • • • • •

Design & Consultancy Gargoyles & Caricatures Stone Staircases & Steps Fireplaces & Hearths Porticos & Steps Arches & Vaulting

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The Workshops Spanhoe Airfield Laxton, Nr Corby, NN17 3AT

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01536 410777 Unit 7 Orion Way, The Constellations, Kettering Business Park NN15 6NL Email: admin@colesforfires.co.uk www.colesforfires.co.uk

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• SL Feb ADS.indd 33

22/01/2014 15:48

Nigel McMillan Photography

www.photo43.com

R O YA L O A K WEDDING MARQUEE Great Views, Great Value!

T

he Royal Oak has created a superb dedicated wedding venue with its own marquee in an idyllic setting overlooking the Welland River. Our experienced and friendly team will work hard to ensure your day runs smoothly and are very happy to discuss your wedding requirements and show you the stunning location.

Wedding packages start from ÂŁ6,995 including marquee, two course wedding breakfast for 80 guests, evening reception buffet for 100 guests, Prosecco or Pimms on arrival, 16 bottles of wine and wedding four poster suite with double Jacuzzi bath.

Just get in touch with us to find out more:

The Royal Oak, Duddington, PE9 3QE CALL ALAN ON

07843 575896 or 01780 444079 Email: juliafreeman196@btinternet.com

www.theroyaloakduddington.com

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22/01/2014 15:48

Jeeves Catering Jeeves Catering Stamford’s Local Caterer

Specialists in Wedding, Corporate & Event Catering

Specialising in Wedding, Corporate & Event Catering

J

eeves Catering specialises in unique and personalised weddings. We will work with you to design an event that reflects you and your tastes, then make sure every detail goes as planned on your big day.

Our prices start from £7.95 for 8 canapés, our three course meals start from £21.95 and our barbeques start from £10.95.

We have established an enviable reputation, the number of venues where we have exclusivity is testament to this.

Our ability to work with venues, florists, entertainment companies and others who combine to make weddings spectacular is well recognised.

We appreciate everything that goes into making a wedding a success, and value a wide range of longstanding relationships with those who share our quality standards and commitment to meeting a couple’s and their guests’ needs.

Visit our website for menus and prices.

01778 349512 • info@jeevescatering.com • www.jeevescatering.com

Jeeves Catering 01778 349512 Jeeves parent company, The Stamford Wedding & Party Company is the one stop event service and can help you with every aspect 41 High Street, Maxey info@jeevescatering.com of your wedding, from venues to cocktail bars. Achieve the perfect occasion with the finest local businesses working together.

Peterborough, PE6 9EE www.jeevescatering.com 01778 345020 info@stamfordweddingandpartycompany.co.uk • www.stamfordweddingandpartycompany.co.uk • SL Feb ADS.indd 35

35

22/01/2014 15:49

WED D ING PLANNING

A Directory of Fabulous Wedding Venues Barnsdale Hall Hotel

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel

Barnsdale Hall Hotel Barnsdale Hall Hotel is set in conservation parkland, overlooking the magnificent views of Rutland Water, making it the ideal venue for a wedding. The manicured gardens work in time with the seasons and are a romantic backdrop for wedding photographs.

Check out the website for menus and even reception suggestions as well as special offers such as a one-stop shop on selected dates with an all-inclusive cost which includes the full wedding reception, a drinks package and complimentary accommodation for the bride and bridegroom.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel is proud to announce its Wedding Fair on Sunday 23rd February 2014 from 10.30am until 3pm in our Edith Weston Suite.

Everybody welcome, admission free of charge Contact: Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757901 or logon to: www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel and Restaurant Barnsdale Lodge hotel and restaurant has a choice of private function rooms enabling it to accommodate a wedding from 20 to 200. For larger evening receptions, there is the barn adjacent to the hotel where anything from 50 to 200 guests can be accommodated. Not only will they provide the party with their delicious food and an impeccable service but the team at

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Burghley House Barnsdale can also organise Fireworks, Bands, DJs and entertainers to make your after party go off with a bang. With 45 en-suite bedrooms, there’s plenty of accommodation for your guests to stay the night.

Contact: Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH, Tel: 01572 724678

Burghley House Create your own unique wedding at Burghley and choose the location for your wedding ceremony from three licensed rooms including the romantic Summerhouse for an intimate civil ceremony of up to 20 people, the Elizabethan Great Hall with double hammerbeam ceiling and roaring fireplace, or the sunlit Orangery with its adjacent rose garden Professional and dedicated staff will guide you through your preparations and in-house caterers Absolute Taste are on hand to create your perfect menu complete with fabulous wines and exceptional service.

Contact: Holly Cammarata-Hall, Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3JY Tel: 01780 761992, www.burghley.co.uk email: holly.cammarata-hall@burghley.co.uk

The George Hotel Steeped in history, The George combines the finest cuisine with personal service and charming surroundings where you can be assured that every little detail is important. The

idyllic Monastery Gardens are perfect for drinks and the atmospheric oak panelled dining room is ideal for the wedding breakfast.

Smaller rooms are available for more intimate affairs whilst larger parties can be catered for in a unique peaked marquee in the serene setting of the ‘Monastery Garden’ (up to 200).

For further details logon to www.georgehotelofstamford.com

Grange Farm Nestled amidst its own little oasis of countryside, Grange Farm just outside Wittering offers a beautiful setting for weddings, parties and other special events.

The permanent marquee, sited alongside a beautiful lake, provides unrivalled flexibility to make your special day your own. Spacious enough to accommodate up to 250 guests for a formal sit down meal, smaller parties are offered more intimate space via clever internal screens and decoration, while wedding and celebration photos will be simply stunning, courtesy of the established woodland that provides a scenic backdrop to this unique venue.

Flexibility is also the order of the day when it comes to catering for your event; clients are free to source their own food to suit their tastes and budgets, or they can provide a list of excellent local caterers and other suppliers to complement your event.

Tel: 01780 782459 www.grange-farm.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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The Haycock Hotel

Normanton Park Hotel

Oundle Mill

Hambleton Hall Hotel

Rockingham Castle

The ultimate in small country house hotels and one of the region’s favourite Michelin starred fine dining destinations. There are four rooms in which civil ceremonies can be held: the Study and Croquet Pavilion each seat 12, the Private Dining Room seats 20, whilst the Main Dining Room seats 40 and can be combined with the Private Dining Room for 64.

For further details logon to www.hambletonhall.com or call Tel: 01572 756991

Built by William the Conqueror, Rockingham was a royal fortress for 450 years and for the last 450 years home to the Watson family.

Rockingham Castle, standing on an escarpment overlooking five counties makes an exceptional location for a civil wedding ceremony or a wedding reception.

For further information contact Tel: 01536 770240 or logon to www.rockinghamcastle.com/56/Weddings/

The Haycock Hotel The Haycock Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, featuring magnificent views of Wansford - a magical setting for your wedding celebrations.

The splendid accommodation will prove a spectacularly luxurious base for your wedding party. Their suites can comfortably seat up to 240 wedding guests for your reception in the unique function rooms.

Contact: The Haycock Hotel, Wansford PeterboroughPE8 6JA Tel 01780 782223 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/thehaycock-hotel/

What sets this venue totally apart is the stunning views over the Welland Valley, with the river meandering across the meadows and the sheep grazing. It is a perfect spot for a wedding, party, ball or summer event, and is very competitively priced. The brand new marquee has toilet facilities, bar and kitchen, even chandeliers and can seat up to 150! There are also six recently renovated bedrooms available in the hotel, including a honeymoon suite.

The Royal Oak, Duddington, PE9 3QE Tel: 01780 444267 www.theroyaloakduddington.com For enquiries call Alan on 07843 575896 or 01780 444079

Normanton Park Hotel

Stamford Marquee Company

Normanton Park Hotel offers a beautiful back drop to your wedding day. Situated within 5 acres of gardens and parkland overlooking Rutland Water, Normanton offers the perfect surroundings for those all-important pictures.

Close by is Normanton Church, an iconic church and Rutland’s most famous landmark, which was saved from the water and is now open for guided tours and also provides a stunning location for civil weddings.

For further information logon to www.normantonpark.co.uk

The Stamford Marquee Company understands the immense importance of your special day.

They are extremely experienced in producing the perfect wedding marquee, stress free and importantly in a timely way to allow all contributors adequate time to provide their input.

Wedding marquees have a unique atmosphere and are flexible in size and shape with the scope to impress your own style on the internal décor. Choose from a ‘do-it yourself’ Wedding or employ Wedding Planner Nicola Jayne to take care of every aspect of that special day taking you through associated caterers, florists, photographers and importantly getting you the “best deal”.

Nicola will be delighted to chat to you without obligation before making your decision.

Hiring a Marquee also enables you to celebrate your special day at home or in a unique place, allowing you to party into the small hours without restriction. The Stamford Marquee Company can provide frame marquees for 30 to 300 people Tel: 07964 871308 www.stamfordmarquees.co.uk

Oundle Mill

Royal Oak, Duddington

If you are looking for a stylish, yet intimate and romantic wedding venue for up to 100 people, Oundle Mill may be the perfect choice for you. The Mill’s reputation for award winning food and wine, chic surroundings and a laid back atmosphere will all come together to ensure that your special day will be a unique experience. Venue hire costs are variable depending on the day you are looking to get married on and whether you were looking for the ceremony, breakfast or full event.

Contact: Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Northamptonshire PE8 5PB, Tel: 01832 272621, info@oundlemill.co.uk, www.oundlemill.co.uk

The Queens Head Inn Rockingham Castle

Stapleford Park

This Traditional Lime Stone Riverside Inn and Restaurant has an idyllic and peaceful setting on the grassy banks of the River Nene in the affluent village of Nassington. There is a varied choice of menus and packages available with a special offer for Friday and Sunday wedding receptions.

Contact: The Queens Head Inn & Restaurant, 54 Station Rd, Nassington, Northamptonshire, PE8 6QB, Tel: 01780 784006, www.queensheadnassington.co.uk

Royal Oak, Duddington

Stapleford Park Voted one of the top 50 wedding venues in the UK, Stapleford Park is the perfect location to celebrate your dream wedding day. Whether it’s a small intimate gathering or a grand scale wedding breakfast, this luxury country house hotel with landscaped grounds, designed

by Capability Brown, offers a truly magical location.

Additionally, Stapleford Park has its own beautiful Church of St Mary Magdalene on the estate grounds which make a perfect place for a Blessing.

For further details email weddings@ stapleford.co.uk, call Tel: 01572 787017 or visit www.staplefordpark.com/weddings/ STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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23/1/14 18:16:44

A S K L EO SPE CIAL

The Rudkin Family and the Great War Many Stamford boys born in the last years of the 19th century served in the First World War. Some parents had all their boys serving. This is the story of the Rudkin family.

J

ohn William Rudkin and Mary Ann Bryan were married in 1894 and had seven children; four died and three survived. In the 1911 census all three were living with their parents at 48 North Street. John born in 1894 was a barman; George born in 1896 was an office boy while their 10 year old sister Emily was a scholar.

John enlisted when war was declared in September 1914. His military record described him as being 5ft 6” tall with grey eyes and fair hair when he joined up aged 20yrs. He joined the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment as a Private but later served with the 7th Battalion. The 6th Battalion saw service in Gallipoli and Egypt before going to France in 1916 where the 7th Battalion had been fighting since 1915.

John was killed in France on the fifteenth of May 1917 during the Arras Offensive. He was buried at Arras where his name is recorded on a memorial designed

by Sir Edwin Lutyens. After his death his possessions, including letters and cards, three religious books, photos, pocket books, one German book, a pocket case, a pocket wallet and a set of dominoes were returned to his father. 1920 must have been a sad year for John’s mother - her husband died not long before she received this memorial scroll commemorating her son.

“He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self- sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten.”

He had been awarded the three war medals; the Star awarded to men who served in France in 1914 and the British and Victory medals posthumously.

George also joined the Lincolnshire Regiment. In 1915 he was injured in the trenches in France when a bullet penetrated his wrist but he survived the war. He also received all three war medals. His son Phil remembers his father showing him his shrapnel scars and telling him he had been gassed and rifle butted. In 1925 George married Lucy Ellen Nickerson whose brothers had also served in the war and one of whom (George Harry Nickerson) was killed in 1915.

As Phil comments, we cannot know the fears and traumas of families such as these, both with two young sons serving. When one was killed they would then have had to wait anxiously for news of the other.

Phil remembered the German helmet that George brought back from the campaign, and which was later donated to the museum. Our picture shows George Rudkin, in uniform, with the helmet and a very recent picture of Phil Rudkin holding the same helmet. Thanks to the Museum staff for tracking down the helmet for Phil.

STAMFORD BOYS

Some of this information about the Rudkin family comes from the 1911 census and other sources which a group from the Stamford and District Local History Society are studying however the family memories and documents provided by Phil Rudkin were invaluable in filling out the picture.

If you have any information about a family member born between 1895 and 1900 please get in touch with us either at askleo@btinternet.com or 1 St Peter’s Street Stamford.

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24/01/2014 10:40

KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS

Perfect for a romantic date

Do you want Cosy sitting areas.

Screening and privacy.

Colour and scent all year.

Ideas for shady, wet or dry sites.

Pruning advice. Plants identified.

then give me a call on 01780 481624 www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

Your local

professional lawn treatment service!

Spring & Summer, Autumn & Winter Treatments for your lawn at a price that doesn’t cost the earth.

• Weed and moss control • Scarification • Hollowtine aeration • Fertilisation

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL US ON;

01780 753575

Andrew Carr T: 01780 753575 M: 07734693253 E: andy@customlawncare.co.uk www.customlawncare.co.uk | 2 Tobias Grove, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 4BD

Enjoy an intimate meal for two this Valentine’s Day Let our chefs and their dishes take your taste buds on a journey across the Far East, whilst enjoying the picturesque and romantic setting of Peterborough’s finest floating restaurant.

East Restaurant, Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP www.east-restaurant.co.uk

01733 315702

Amazing Live Events in February Sat 1st – Chris Hatt, 9pm Mon 3rd – Charters Unplugged, 8pm Sat 8th – Dave Jackson Blues Band, 10:30pm Fri 14th – Franc Cinelli, 9pm Sat 15th – Kickback, 10:30pm Fri 21st – Children of the Revolution, 9pm Sat 22nd – The Mojo Slide, 9pm Sun 23rd – Best of Unplugged, 3pm Fri 28th – Groove Cartel, 10:30pm

Call James on 01780 752119 info@marramgardens.co.uk www.marramgardens.co.uk

Garden Design & Construction

Great atmosphere below deck UK’s largest floating real ale emporium 12 hand pumps incl award-winning brews from Oakham Ales

Lower Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP www.charters-bar.co.uk

01733 315700

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23/01/2014 14:44

Stamford Cupcake Company

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

CUPCAKES & CELEBRATION CAKES TO ORDER

Gift Vouchers Available

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

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Be a beautiful bride With Judith Ewing BA (Hons) BSY (Sp.M) PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING FOR THE BRIDE-TO-BE Judith will provide: • A complimentary fitness assessment • Realistic goal setting fitness programme • Expert nutritional programme and advice • Genuine support and encouragement

On line bridal personal training packages also available Contact Judith to chat about your pre wedding requirements.

Mobile: 07771 866123 Email: judithewing2@hotmail.com Website:www.judithewingfitness.com - References available.

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the perfect backdrop to your wedding day

Wedding Fair 23rd February 11am-4pm free admission.

Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Selection of rooms available each with its own ceremony room and outside facilities to hold your drinks reception and evening BBQ or Hog Roast Barnsdale Hair and Beauty on hand to offer relaxing treatments and pre-wedding hair and make-up packages for the bride and bridesmaids 66 Bedrooms with many enjoying spectacular views over Rutland Water and surrounding Countryside

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757 901 | www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

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DAY S O UT

Discover N1C Sue Dobson suggests a walk around King’s Cross and St Pancras, taking in history, tradition and London’s most exciting new development that even boasts its own postcode!

Above: London’s most exciting building site Left: Granary Square, the heart of the new NC1 development

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Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design, it has a 6th-century altar stone and Roman rom farms, fields and Georgian health spas two restaurants and the King’s Cross Visitor fragments in its fabric. to a Victorian industrial heartland, freight Centre where you can pick up information In the peaceful, tree-shaded gardens of its and transport hub, King’s Cross has seen many about the area’s history, future development former churchyard, Frankenstein author Mary changes but probably none as exciting as the and the variety of current pop-up events, such Godwin secretly met her lover and future current building spree. as the summer’s roller skating rink, floating husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and In decline for decades, the 67 acres north cinema and art installations. At the back of it was author Thomas Hardy, then a young of King’s Cross station is being transformed the building, seek out Global Generation’s architect, who oversaw the excavation of with glittering high-rise homes and offices, Skip Garden, a moveable vegetable garden the cemetery when the Midland Railway was shops, galleries, cultural venues, cafés, bars that supplies fruit and vegetables to local extended to a new terminus at St Pancras. and restaurants. Restored and refurbished restaurants.

Look for the Hardy Tree ringed with a Victorian buildings and heritage structures will When you’ve had your fill of Granary Square, collection of headstones. sit alongside the modern steel and glass, amid go left on the towpath alongside the Regent’s Passing the celebrated architect Sir John public spaces incorporating 10 new parks and Canal and up the stairs at the first bridge, Soane’s family mausoleum, which inspired Sir squares. The area even has its own brand new crossing the road to visit King’s Place (90 York Giles Gilbert Scott’s iconic design for the red postcode, N1C. Way). It’s London’s newest concert venue, with telephone box, walk down the steps by the From the new piazza in front of King’s two state-of-the-art halls designed for classical, Coroner’s Court, turning right into Camley Cross station, turn right onto Euston Road, pop, folk, jazz, film and spoken word events, Street and through its road tunnel under the Conduit passing Sir George Gilbert Scott’s fairytale Hobson’s houses two art galleries, a café, bar and railway lines. Then the Camley Street Natural façade of the St Pancras Renaissance hotel (its restaurant, and The Guardian and Observer Park beckons. spectacular, exquisitely restored interior well newspapers have their offices there.

This pocket nature reserve alongside the worth the excuse of stylish coffee break) to Walk through to the back of the building, Regent’s Canal was created on the site of an reach The British Library. pausing along the way to collect info on the old railway coal yard. Managed by London As well as being a heaven for book lovers, amazing array of concerts and events on offer Wildlife Trust and cared for by enthusiastic the British Library hosts some extraordinary at affordable prices, and out on to the terrace volunteers, the little green jungle features such treasures, among them the Magna Carta, the for a view of narrow boats lined up in the keyOrchard, wildlife habitats as grassland, woodland, Gutenberg Bible, illuminated medieval and The Grantchester Battlebridge Basin. From here you can see the wetland and a floating forest garden.

Renaissance manuscripts, Leonardo da Vinci London Canal Museum, your next destination, At the end of Camley Street go left up Goods notebook sketches, Shakespeare’s first folio, reached by turning left off York Way into Way and you’ll see the pedestrian bridge Nelson’s battle plan for Trafalgar, Handel music Wharfdale Road and left again at New Wharf across the Regents Canal into Granary Square, scores and some of the world’s rarest and most Road. where the sweep of over 1000 playful fountains significant postage stamps. What’s more, entry The London Canal Museum (open Tuesday attracts small children (and their parents) on to the permanent galleries is free. to Sunday, 10am to last admission 4pm, hot days and the canal side steps have been Changing exhibitions are always interesting. entrance charge) is a fascinating place that turfed for a summery look. To your right, King’s Upcoming exhibitions include Beautiful tells the story of London’s busy waterways, Boulevard hosts KERB, presenting some of Science: Picturing Data, Inspiring Insight and their cargoes, the lives of the people who lived London’s best street food between 11am and the Spring Festival 2014. afloat and the horses that pulled their boats.

2.30pm on Tuesdays to Fridays.

Back on Euston Road, turn left and walk Peer down a huge Victorian ice well, squeeze Granary Square is at the heart of N1C. The up Midland Road alongside St Pancras into the tiny cabin of a boat where whole Granary Building, designed by the architect International and its Eurostar trains, to visit families once lived and view films, maps and of King’s Cross station and the elegant Great St Pancras Old Church. There’s been a site of memorabilia. York Way will return you to King’s Northern Hotel, once stored Lincolnshire Christian worship here since the 4th century Cross station. wheat for London bakers. Now it is home to and while the church is now largely Victorian,

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King’s Cross underground and overground station, the restored Great Northern Hotel, st Pancras station and the st Pancras Renaissance hotel

Over 1000 jets, each one individually coloured so they look spectacular at night, rise from the old canal basin outside the Granary building. the fountains are a big hit with young children on hot summer days

Right: Harry Potter fans gather to be photographed against Platform 93/4 left: Follow the sign

Right: london Canal Museum explores the history of the canals that made the industrial Revolution possible left: A moveable skip garden provides fruit and vegetables to local restaurants

Two great railway hotels are restored

PITSTOPS Leave King’s Cross station through the back of the soaring concourse near platforms 9 to 11, passing the Harry Potter corner where fans line up to be photographed alongside Platform 93/4, and walk down London’s newest street, King’s Boulevard to discover tempting street food (Tuesday to Friday between 11 and 2.30). Cross the canal bridge to Granary Square where Caravan and The Grain Store bistro both have outdoor seating. Go right on Goods Way for The Filling Station and the canal side terrace at Shrimpy’s diner, or continue to King’s Place where the Green & Fortune Café offers great cakes and the waterfront Rotunda restaurant has canal boat views. Both serve good British food sourced from their own farm.

When the Great Northern Hotel opened in 1854 it stood at the heart of London’s revolutionary new age of steam, a glamorous and stylish point of departure. Close by, the lavish Midland Grand (now the St Pancras Renaissance), inspired by the Victorian gothic Houses of Parliament, received its first guests in 1873. In their heyday they were the talk of the town, attracting celebrities from around the world.

Years of painstaking renovation have restored both hotels to glory. They sit alongside the eye-pleasing facelifts given to King’s Cross and St Pancras railway stations and their bars and restaurants invite travellers to step into the elegant world of the golden age of rail.

Climb aboard the tiny living quarters of a narrowboat and learn about the way of life on the canals

King’s Cross stunning new concourse

Take a guided tour British Library: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am and 3pm; Sunday 11.30 and 3pm. £8/£6.50 concessions. www.bl.uk St Pancras Renaissance hotel, daily, £20.

Tel: 020 7841 3540 The King’s Cross Business Partnership offers a range of free walking tours in the area.

For how to book, see the website www.kingscrossandstpancras.com

UseFUl websites www.kingscross.co.uk www.kingscrossandstpancras.com www.kingsplace.co.uk www.kerbfood.com/kings-cross/ www.bl.uk www.canalmuseum.org.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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WED D ING PLANNING

Wedding Directory CREATE THE RIGHT IMPRESSION FROM THE START Spiegl Press Whether you are having a Church or a Civil ceremony Spiegl Press will be delighted to help you achieve the stationery that you want.

Jo Spiegl commented: “In a nutshell, what we don’t offer is a set range – it is all your choice.

You don’t come from a range, so why should your stationery? We have a vast choice of colours of card and paper for you to choose from. Don’t worry, we can help and guide you all the way if you would like us to.”

Spiegl Press, 42 Guash Way, Ryhall Road, Stamford, PE9 1XH Tel: 01780 762550 www. spieglpress.com Creative Design & Print Creative Design & Print offer a bespoke service every for every aspect of your wedding stationery including save the date cards, invitations, order of service, table plan, table names, name cards, menus and thank you cards.

Fiona Dale commented: “Your invitations can be designed around any colour scheme, any style, any font or any wedding theme. Whether you would like your stationery to have a traditional feel, be simple, elegant, or modern, or even a colourful or humorous option we will have the design solution for you.”

Unit 1, Gas Street, Stamford, PE9 2AN Tel: 01780 756166 www.allweddingstationery.co.uk

GO TO A WEDDING SHOW FOR INSPIRATION Cupids Wedding Shows provide the ideal way of taking the hard work out of those hectic planning stages, and with over 70 stands at each show, remain the area’s biggest wedding shows.

Next shows: • The East of England, Valentines Wedding Show, Sunday 16th February, East of England Showground, Peterborough.

• Cupids Spring Wedding Show, Sunday 2nd March, Springfields Events Centre, Spalding www.cupidsweddingshows.com

DELIGHT YOUR GUESTS WITH MUSIC Intermezzo String Quartet www.intermezzostringquartet.co.uk Tel: 01780 752114 (evenings) Helen Britton told SL: “Our versatility is expressed in our extensive repertoire, which ranges from Baroque, Early Classical, Romantic and Jazz, to current favourites including many popular love songs.

“The quartet is ideal for any special occasion - be it a wedding ceremony, reception, dinner/garden party or a business function. These can all be enhanced with beautiful music. We take great pride in our ability to provide an appropriate programme to suit you requirements; we guarantee it will be enjoyed by all musical tastes.”

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DEPART IN STYLE Gladstone Carriages Finest vintage pre and post warJaguars.

Tel: 07824 359335 www.gladstonecarriages.co.uk Groovy Campers Classic VW Campervan - Chauffeur Driven Wedding Service Tel: 01263 800 345 www.groovy-campers.co.uk Jones Private Car Service Luxury modern chauffeur driven ‘Baby Bentley’ Chrysler 300c’s Tel: 01780 751670 www.jonesprivatecarservice.co.uk Townies Carriage Hire Ltd Stunning horse drawn carriages Tel: 01354 692630 www.towniescarriagehireltd.co.uk

GET THE PERFECT WEDDING GIFTS John Lewis With an incredible choice of high quality products, you can register for the John Lewis gift list absolutely free, with the flexibility to manage your list plus free nationwide delivery, along with expert advisors to help make everything as easy as possible. You and your friends can shop in-store, online or by phone.

John Lewis Peterborough, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough, PE1 1NL Tel: 0844 693 1752 Paradise Found Paradise Found has a glorious range of gifts with that individual feel that could be just perfect for weddings.

Paradise Found, 34 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 764439

PICK A FABULOUS FEAST Jeeves Catering From canapés to multi-course seated dinners Jeeves creates seasonal menus using the finest ingredients from locally sourced suppliers. Every event Jeeves caters is personalised to your individual tastes.

Please contact Susan Fenner, Tel: 01778 349512 or info@jeevescatering.com

VENUE DRESSING Elegant Occasions Elegant occasions specialises in Venue Dressing and Chair Cover Hire. From the Chair Covers and Sashes to the Table Centre Pieces, Linen and all the finishing touches, we will work with you to make your special occasion truly memorable. Find out more about them at www.elegant-occasions.uk.com or call Nikki Loomes on 07554 187023. She also specialises in creating inspirational balloon decorations, more details of which can be found at www.dizzydog.co.uk Stamford Tableware Hire Fiona Parker brings style, elegance and an eye for details to her business.

Email: fiona@tablewarehire.co.uk Tel No: 01780 444425

DG Music Wedding Bands - Live Musicians - Entertainment Tel: 01572 756386 www.dgmusic.co.uk Steve Allen Entertainments Entertainment provider Tel: 01733 569589 www.sallenent.co.uk

LIGHT UP THE SKY Komodo Fireworks Award-winner!

Tel: 0844 2252669 www.komodofireworks.com

Rutland Gourmet Rutland Gourmet is a complete outside catering service dedicated to the provision of high quality food & drink.

If you know exactly what you want or if you need a little help Rutland Gourmet has the answer.

To further help you decide they offer a tasting service so that you can come along before your function and taste samples of the fayre.

Contact Sarah Rivett on 01572 747909 www.rutlandgourmet.co.uk

GET WEDDING-FIT Local personal Trainer Judith Ewing offers fitness packages for brides-to-be who want to look their best on their wedding day.

Judith says: “It is the biggest day of your life and every bride wants to look like a princess.

You are in the spotlight, so want to look and feel your best; I’m here to help and can create an exercise and nutritional programme to take you right up to your big day.”

Judith’s personalised programme is designed to fulfil the bride’s needs whilst fitting into the busiest of schedules. This includes a complimentary bridal fitness assessment, realistic goal setting fitness programme, expert nutritional programme and advice plus genuine support and encouragement. For brides who are too busy for one-to-one personal training, Judith also offers on-line bridal personal training packages.

Contact Judith on: Tel: 07771 866123, www. judithewingfitness.com, e-mail: judithewing2@ hotmail.com, Twitter: @EwingFitness, Facebook: Judith Ewing Fitness.

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SHOPS & SE RVICE S

Pollen

Blooming marvellous

With Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and wedding season soon upon us, the services of local florists are much in demand. Alysia Anderson gathers the best of the bunch

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lushing brides clutching a bouquet is a most brides choose their blooms for personal appeal. After all, there’s enough to worry about on tradition that began in ancient times, your wedding day without ‘saying the wrong thing with flowers’! although the earliest were not made from flowers at all. Bunches of garlic or, in Celtic The personal touch times, pungent herbs and spices were held in It’s important to have a good rapport with your chosen florist so that they understand your the belief they would ward off evil spirits. The requirements. Helen Jane Floristry in Glinton was recently voted an East of England winner in the ancient Greeks and Romans placed 2014 Wedding Industry Awards. Helen says, “Wedding flowers provide an opportunity to garlands around the necks of show your personality through the style, colour and selection of flowers. This can seem newlyweds to represent hope a little overwhelming to many brides, who may only know the names of a few of the and fertility. In 1840, Queen more popular flowers. This is where I can help. I can show you how to use flowers Victoria began the floral for your bouquet and bridesmaid posies; buttonholes for your groom and his men; tradition by adding blooms pedestal displays, pew ends, floral arrangements and flower arches for the church to her bridal bouquet along or ceremony room; table centrepieces, large floral displays, garlands and cake with herbs and spices. flowers for the reception; and ‘thank you’ bouquets for the special people who Flowers became a method have made it all happen. But if you want to let your imagination run riot, I’m happy of expressing love, each to help: I’ve added flowers to hair decorations, favourite bits of china, bird cages, Flowers by symbolising a different meaning. suitcases, dog collars, even a vintage sewing machine!

Mandy Chamomile, for example, might be Another florist offering a novel touch is Stamford’s Miss Pickering. At her little shop sent to a romantic interest to convey patience. This ‘flower language’ dated back to 17th century Asia and the Middle East and was imported to England in the early 18th century

by Lady Montague, wife of the Ambassador to Turkey. Unfortunately, blooms did not always carry pleasant meanings. Some lovely flowers such as lavender or anemones represented qualities such as distrust or sickness. Today,

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in St Paul’s Street she creates bouquets as quirky and original as her blog entries. Stamford resident Annie Cooke is one satisfied customer, having used Miss Pickering’s services for her wedding. Annie explained: “I had a very simple, understated but stunning small bouquet of slightly off-white roses. We had a tiny, family-only registry wedding with no bells and whistles at all, followed by lunch at The George. I wore a non-traditional dress, in gold. But for some inexplicable reason I had always wanted, since I was a little girl, a white rose bouquet; I think I loved the romanticism and simplicity of it. Miss Pickering delivered my requirements to perfection. I was thrilled with it. Perfect proportions for me (petite) and my dress (not voluminous) but just gave me that small touch of tradition and luxury that helped to make my outfit and me feel really special.”

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Shape and style If you thought a bouquet was simply a few stems tied together, think again. Bridal flowers come in many shapes and styles, from arm sheaves to posies. Shower bouquets, also known as cascade or teardrop styles, were especially popular in the Twenties, with some so large they almost concealed the bride!

Ribbons streaming out of the bouquet had ‘lovers’ knots’ tied into them, with buds and leaves inserted. The unmarried friend who caught the tossed bouquet was entitled to untie a lovers’ knot and make a wish. No prizes for guessing what she usually wished for!

“The most traditional-style wedding bouquet is the teardrop but more on trend now is the hand-tied,” says Rebecca-Louise Moody of Pollen Designs in Bourne, a bespoke wedding and event florist. “In a teardrop, each flower and piece of foliage is wired into place whereas hand-tied bouquets are built up in the florist’s hands then tied, giving them a more natural look. Other items can be added to add a personal touch. For example, I incorporated a locket with grandparents’ photos in it for one bride, while another wanted lace from her mother’s wedding dress to tie her bouquet.”

For bridesmaids, small posies in colours coordinated with the bride’s flowers are a popular choice, with alternatives such as hair garlands and flower baskets an attractive option for younger girls.

Local colour Seasonality is another factor to consider if you have specific flowers in mind. The appropriately named Martyn and Jayne Meadows run their English Flower Company near the Fens, close to many traditional flower growers and nurserymen. “We only supply flowers grown locally. This usually means we’ll deliver flowers to your door on the day they are cropped.

At a time when environmental issues are important, we’re pleased that our flowers travel no more than 30 miles from grower to us. Our customers are usually wedding or event organisers and florists; in fact anyone who wants beautiful flowers synonymous with the season.” That said, many florists do import blooms from abroad, especially from Holland with its rich history of flower cultivation.

Miss Pickering

Rutland-based Purely Flowers specialises in roses grown on its two farms in Kenya. Jay Williams is a Director of the company: “When you choose our flowers, you support the 900 workers employed by our farms and who are paid higher than the average national salary in Kenya. The farms have freshwater reservoirs that hold water well past the rainy season, used to cultivate our award-winning roses. All our flowers reach our chiller unit within 24 to 48 hours of being cut in the field and are delivered to your door the next day.” Purely Flowers has an in-house florist to help clients choose rose varieties to suit all budgets, tastes and themes, from intimate to glamorous.

Say it with flowers With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to order a dozen red roses gentlemen…

Or perhaps the love of your life would prefer a Seductive Embrace, Secret Desire or Classic Cupid arrangement from Greensleaves? Based at Stamford Garden Centre, owner Amanda Clarke has more than two decades’ experience in the floristry trade and provides flowers for all occasions, some even themed around Zodiac signs. Wedding flowers are a speciality. “I did three weddings between Christmas and New Year, which was lovely but incredibly busy,” said Amanda. She is prepared to go the extra mile when couples are making their wedding plans. “I think our customer service is what makes us different. If it’s tricky to come to us for a personal consultation, we can come to you. We will deliver flowers at any time to suit the customer, whether that’s 7am or late at night.” Amanda offers wedding packages in a range of colours and prices. Also in Stamford is Flowers by Mandy, run by Mandy Richardson.

“We cater for all budgets, from the last-minute small wedding to a larger event organised a year or so in advance. Wedding consultations are free and couples are under no obligation to book with us”. For Mother’s Day, Mandy recommends her spring bouquets, either with all tulips or a mixture of spring blooms that include the lovely scented flowers such as hyacinth and cheerfulness daffodils. They’re also an affordable option, so you can take Mum out for lunch too!

The English Flower Company CONTACTS: The English Flower Company The Old Manor House, Austerby, Bourne PE10 9JL (01778 421441; www.englishflowercompany.vpweb.co.uk) Flowers by Mandy Chapel Yard, North St, Stamford PE9 1EH (01780 757225; www.stamfordflowers.co.uk) Greensleaves Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton PE9 4BB (01780 480077; www.greensleavesflorist.co.uk) Helen Jane Floristry 6 High Street, Glinton PE6 7LS (07852 100982; www.helenjanefloristry.co.uk) Miss Pickering 7 St Pauls St, Stamford PE9 2BE (01780 482961; www.misspickering.blogspot.co.uk) Pollen Designs 7 Haydock Park Drive, Bourne PE10 0WJ (01778 219513; www.pollen-designs.co.uk) Purely Flowers 1 Lyndon Farm Workshops, Edith Weston Road, Lyndon, Rutland LE15 8TW (01572 737377; www.purelyflowers.co.uk) Sue’s Flower House 31 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DS (01780 753225; www.suesflowerhouse.co.uk)

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Whatever your event, we have the Marquee for you The Stamford Marquee Company is built firmly on the pillars of quality, reliability, commitment and trust. From the moment we are engaged we are committed to making your event a truly memorable and pleasurable occasion.

We plan every detail and deliver our quality product in a timely and stress free way. That’s stress free to our client!

THE

S TA M F O R D

MARQUEE

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Corporate

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Weddings

15 Wothorpe Mews, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2GA Telephone +44 (0)7964 871 308 Email info@stamfordmarquees.co.uk Website www.stamfordmarquees.co.uk 48

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Something Dif f er ent for your Tr ue Love • Exclusive Designer Jewellery Davina Combe Azuni Alex Monroe Daisy Knights Missoma Rodgers & Rodgers and many more • Original Gift Ideas

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R EA L L IFE W E DDING

Sasha and Richard Olsen A completely local affair!

The Couple Richard Olsen and Sasha Branch of Ryhall, Stamford, met in 2009 during a business meeting organised by a mutual friend and colleague of Richard. Sasha undertook a small project for Richard’s company and upon completion of this, he asked Sasha out on a date and they never looked back! The couple both have children from prior relationships and together have a son George, now aged 2 years, who was born in the December preceding the wedding.

The Proposal Richard proposed to Sasha in a very traditional manner on her birthday in April 2010, during a stay in Chelsea, London. He surprised her with a gorgeous ring that she had commented on, that was way beyond the couple’s budget!

The ring contains a stunning Pink sapphire in a vintage style diamond half-moon setting and it was purchased from Dawson family jewellers of Stamford. It was shortly after the proposal that Sasha became pregnant, which had a bearing on many of the arrangements that would follow. The couple set the wedding date for the following June, since this was the month they first met and it would also give Sasha some time to get her post pregnancy body back into shape. This, of course, meant choosing a dress style either very early on in the process or very late. Sensibly, Sasha opted for the former, knowing that it would motivate her to shed any excess baby weight!

In the end, Rob Dulieau of Stamford Boot Camp helped to get Richard and Sasha back into shape – she jokes that he certainly put them through their paces!

The Dress After much research online to whittle down style options, Sasha took a trip to London to visit Pronovias of Bond Street. She was fortunate enough to find ‘the one’ very quickly into the process; a very simple off-white silk sleeveless bodice, with a partially full skirt and a clever optional lace overcoat, combined with a flowing train.

Hair and Make-up Sasha’s gorgeous natural bridal hair was by Monet and Gabi at Garie Nigel in Stamford, with Abi of Equilibrium in Stamford taking care of

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Sasha’s make up for the big day.

Sasha left nothing to chance and booked the hair and make-up artists for the whole morning of the wedding at her hotel. The make-up style was kept very natural for everybody – Sasha prefers very little make-up but succumbed to the ‘airbase’ airbrush foundation since it achieved a lovely even, flawless look and would carry her through the day! The hairstyles varied, with the younger bridesmaids keeping their locks loose and natural and featuring rose pips, whilst the mother of the bride opted for an elegant chignon, the chief bridesmaid an elegant bob and the bride choosing flowing, loose curls.

The Ceremony The couple had researched and trawled the local venues for something special and had met several wedding planners before meeting Holly Cammarata at Burghley House. The combination of Holly’s professionalism along with the beauty of the venue and grounds really hit the mark for Sasha and Richard.

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The couple wanted the ceremony and reception to be small and intimate, joined only by their immediate family. They achieved this by utilising the beautiful gothic stone summer house overlooking the lake, in the private gardens to the south of Burghley. They were lucky to have a glorious and sunny morning and early afternoon on the big day and this meant that they were able to have the doors wide open during the ceremony, which added to the sense of the occasion.

The nuptials were followed by an intimate celebration on the lawn of the summer house where guests mingled and chatted over champagne and elderflower cordial. After photos, they headed by foot to the main house to join further guests in the rose garden, which adjoins the Orangery, for drinks and canapés. The scene was idyllic. Once all of the wedding dinner guests had arrived and settled it was time for an optional tour of the State Rooms within the house itself, which for those who hadn’t visited Burghley before, was a lovely touch to the day’s proceedings.

Then it was down the impressive staircase in the ‘heaven and hell’ room and out into the Great hall where a three-course dinner was served following speeches.

The evening brought further guests and the wedding party moved into the nearby Orangery for dancing and more food!

The Food A wonderful food catering company called ‘Absolute Taste’ are the in-house caterers for Burghley House. After a chat and some wine and food tastings with their manager Giles, the couple knew that they would meet their high expectations and they did – without question! For the wedding breakfast their guests chose in advance from a menu of three courses including mains of roasted wild bass; roasted Longhorn fillet of beef; and roasted pumpkin ravioli.

Following a period of relaxation and music, Sasha and Richard cut the cake, which was a simple design made by the Fiona Cairns team and ordered from their local branch of Waitrose in Stamford.

Music Modern and jazz classics on the piano were provided by singer and pianist Ben Cork (Bencorkmusic@live.com) during the wedding breakfast, with Barrie John of Steve Allen entertainments in Peterborough providing the evening disco (sales@sallenent.co.uk). The couple didn’t want a ‘generic’

wedding disco format and so made a playlist of their all-time favorite tracks.

Flowers Flowers were supplied by Joanne Kirby of Designer Flowers of Rutland based in Ketton. Sasha had a specific look and feel in mind for the wedding tables and this was achieved by using a variety of David Austin floribunda roses in pastel shades. Sasha has dried her wedding bouquet as she couldn’t bear to part with it!

Transport Nigel Kaye of Stamford Executive Chauffeurs worked tirelessly ferrying family and friends between venues and at various stages in the day and evening.

Nigel provided an extremely flexible and helpful service working with the team at Burghley to ensure that ease of access at the grounds, and timings were executed to plan. The couple now use Nigel whenever they have a travel requirement!

The Honeymoon The wedding was immediately followed by a week’s break in a delightful cottage renovation near Padstow, Cornwall where the couple enjoyed plenty of food and their young son George experienced the seaside for the very first time. Sasha and Richard then took a belated honeymoon to Malaysia, taking in Kuala Lumpur and Borneo – both of which they say were amazing. The trip was organized

by Helen and Richard Dooley at More than Travel in Stamford (sales@ morethantravel.co.uk) Advice for Others The wedding day ran very smoothly – and this was without doubt due to the effort that went into its planning. The couple had just over a year to organise everything and combined with the efforts of the team at Burghley House, this meant that they were able to completely relax on the day without a worry.

Photography Sasha and Richard chose Bret Allibone of Stamford (www.bretallibone. co.uk) to photograph the wedding and reception and Emile Holba assisted him on the day. As a team they worked brilliantly, tirelessly and unobtrusively and really managed to capture the spirit of the wedding.

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S EA N’ S R E CIPE

Venison suet pudding with chocolate sauce F

ebruary is traditionally a tricky month for any kitchen that uses local, seasonal ingredients. Winter’s still with us but our palates are crying out for fresh, zingy flavours that just aren’t available if we stick to eating British food. One exception is forced Yorkshire rhubarb, which is now featuring on our Lunch For Even Less menu. The pink stems, which are left in darkness to force their growth, offer acidic blasts of freshness that herald spring.

One group who don’t seem to be minding the winter at all are The Olive Branch hens, who are laying like never before! The kitchen team have been inspired by these chickens’ lust for life – and some excellent omelettes!

This month I’m giving you the recipe for a fantastically rich winter dish. Spring may be round the corner but let’s enjoy winter food while it’s here!

Venison suet pudding with chocolate sauce Serves 4 For the venison stew • 650g diced venison shoulder (cut into 2cm cubes) • 50g plain flour • 2 tbsp rapeseed oil • 2 carrots • 1 onion, peeled and diced • 1 tbsp tomato puree • 3 juniper berries, crushed • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 1 glass port • 1l chicken or game stock • 1 bay leaf • 30g unsalted butter • 1 tbsp chopped tarragon • 1 tsp sherry vinegar 1. Sear the diced venison in the oil in a hot frying pan and seal to golden brown.

Then place the sealed venison in a large casserole dish and dust with the flour.

2. Using the same frying pan, fry the carrots, onion and garlic until golden brown, then add to the casserole dish.

3. Deglaze the frying pan with the vinegar and port. Then add the liquid to the casserole with the juniper, bay, tomato paste and stock.

4. Mix all the ingredients well, place a lid on top and cook slowly in a preheated oven at 100 degrees centigrade for 4-5 hours (until tender).

5. Remove the casserole from the oven, carefully stir in the fresh chopped tarragon and allow to cool to room temperature before spooning the meat into the suet moulds (see below).

For the suet pastry • 400g self-raising flour • 200g beef or vegetable suet • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper • Ice cold water

52

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together well and add the water gradually to form a firm paste. Roll out the pastry to approximately 2mm thick on a floured surface.

2. Take four 175ml dariole moulds and line each with melted butter, then dust with flour. Then line the moulds with four 6cm diameter discs of the suet pastry. For the tops you will need four 4cm diameter discs. Now fill the lined moulds with the cooked venison and pour in a little of the venison sauce.

3. Egg wash the top of the suet pastry, seal the puddings and cook in a steamer for 40 minutes.

4. Remove the puddings from the steamer, allow to stand for five minutes before turning out carefully, then serve with chocolate sauce (see below), honey-roast parsnips, braised red cabbage and broccoli.

For the chocolate sauce • 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • Knob of butter • 1 sprig of thyme • 300ml dark chicken stock • 100ml reduced beef or veal stock • 150ml Madeira wine • 1 tbsp finely grated good quality dark chocolate (90%) 1. Fry the shallot and garlic in a frying pan in a drizzle of oil, add the thyme and stocks, bring to the boil and reduce by half.

2. Add the Madeira to refresh the sauce, then strain. To finish the sauce, gently heat and whisk in the grated dark chocolate and serve.

Great Food Club success The Olive Branch has come top in a recent survey carried out by Great Food Club, which has 4,200 members. Members of Leicestershire-based Club mentioned The Olive Branch 37 times in answer to the question: ‘What is your favourite Great Food Club restaurant, pub, shop, cookery school or producer?’

In second place was our sister pub, The Red Lion Inn at Stathern.

PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD? If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club.

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

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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FOOD & DR INK

Oundle Mill

Fiona Cumberpatch found much to delight at this thriving establishment Recently named Restaurant of the Year in the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2013-14, Oundle Mill is currently enjoying a wave of success. If reader feedback is anything to go by, the award, and Head Chef Gavin Austin’s place as a finalist in the Aspire Chef of the Year award, are richly deserved. My colleague Helen and I decided to find out, so we booked in for lunch on a cold day in January.

The blend of rustic and sleek chic furnishings lend the beautiful old Mill building an air of relaxed luxury, and we sat back on the comfortable leather sofas in the bar to choose from an extremely well-priced set lunch menu, which is available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a great idea: you get three choices of starters at £3 each, three mains at £12 each, and three desserts, also at £3. “The food is of exactly the same standard and quality as the à la carte menu, it’s just a way of showcasing certain items and getting people to come and try us,” says restaurant manager Paul Richardson. When we had made our decisions, our waitress took our drinks to our table, with a view over the river. She also brought a platter containing a dish of melt-in-the mouth cheese straws with a pot of mustard mayonnaise for dipping, and another bowl of rosemary and maple roasted almonds. Then came a tray of warm homemade bread rolls, one seeded, one fruited. The attention to detail was amazing and our main meal hadn’t even started!

Helen chose the BBQ Cornish mackerel with Yorkshire rhubarb, crème fraiche and watercress. It was very pretty. “It is light, with lovely textures, and the sharp fruit goes brilliantly with the fish,” said Helen. My leek and potato soup with pulled Blytheburgh ham hock was a sophisticated take on a homely dish, the soup a verdant green and the salty, savoury ham adding extra flavour.

For our mains, Helen had the Loch Duart salmon, Maris Pipers, Cox’s Apple, Swiss chard, mussel and ale veloute, a fresh and tangy dish, full of good flavours. My choice was pork tenderloin, Jack Buck’s celeriac, calvo nero, shiitake mushrooms and cyder. Again, the presentation was superb: the whole preserved mushrooms looked like something out of a gourmet fairy tale, the pork was meltingly tender and the creamed celeriac a lovely complement to the rich sauce.

By the time we were ready for dessert, Helen’s de-tox diet had gone out of the window, and she ordered the pear and almond jalousie, local quince and Anise custard. “It’s really delicate, the pastry is light and the anise custard is great with the apples,” she said. My vanilla rice pudding with caramelised pineapple and Bacardi was another great twist on a comfort food. The pineapple was a brilliant addition; each dish is so well thought out.

Helen’s vervain tea and my coffee came with two squares of home made chocolate and nut fudge, the perfect finale to a truly delicious lunch, with excellent service throughout.

Wines are selected from Amps in Oundle, and meat is often sourced from Trendall’s, another local business. Throughout February, you can take advantage of another great deal, which is dining for £18.95 for three courses on Thursdays. At lunch time, you could have two courses for £15.95. Or if you are celebrating something special, a tasting menu inspired by local farms and produce is available at £38.50 per person and is available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

• Oundle Mill, Barnwell Rd, Oundle PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

The Stamford Delicatessen opens The Stamford Delicatessen opens its doors in early February, on the site of the former Mousetrap shop just along from Colemans in the High St. The space has been completely re-furbished, and will add greatly to Stamford’s independent food offering. Kelly Combes, the owner, told SL; “I’m sure there’s a place in the Stamford market once again for an independent deli, and this end of town has so much going for it now, with many new shops and restaurants opening up recently.”

She will be offering sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, jams, preserves, take away coffee and many other goodies, including gift-orientated, hampers “We have created a Mediterranean style feel about the shop,” she told us, “ and we have a particularly strong link with a Spanish supplier, so there will be many delicacies from the Iberian peninsula.”

Mm, can’t wait.

• 39B High St, Stamford, PE9 2BB Tel: 01780 481555

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D IA RY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Throughout February Take part in a full programme of family friendly activities organised by the Anglian Water team at the Egleton Nature Reserve on the shores of Rutland Water. Choose from Hedge laying for Beginners, Watercolour Painting with Alan Oliver, Build a Nesting Box (and learn about garden birds), Willow Weaving for Gardeners or join in one of the regular Friday walks guided by nature expert, Terry Mitcham.

To find out more about the full spring programme of events or to book a place on one of the courses, Tel: 01572 653024 or visit www.rutlandwater.org.uk/event-list Tuesday 4 February, 12.30pm TALK: Literature at Lunchtime with Dr Jane Mackay The subject this time is Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’. This is the novel that shook the ‘American Dream’ and epitomised the rebellion of the 1950s. It gave voice to the ‘Beat Generation’ of underground America, with its love of jazz and drugs. Jane will explore the life of this compulsive writer who anchored a particular time and place and changed what was acceptable as literature forever.

Following the talk, at 2.30pm there will be a screening of ‘Easy Rider’ (18) 1hr 35 minutes.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets in advance £5 for the talk, Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre. co.uk Thursday 6 February, 7.30pm THEATRE: Kidnapped An adventurous tale for all the family, Kidnapped tells the story of Davie Balfour as he survives shipwreck and murder to dramatically escape to the Highlands of Scotland. Set against the fierce social and political backdrop of 1760s Scotland, this gripping, fast paced adventure story is packed full of physical storytelling and imagination.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £12/£10/£8.50 students and groups Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Tuesday 11 to Monday 24 February, 10am to 4pm EVENT: Spring Flower Fortnight Enjoy Barnsdale Gardens as nature bursts into life this spring. Along with lots of fresh new foliage, you’ll be able to see drifts of daisy-like

Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 February, 11am to 4pm daily EVENT: Snowdrop Spectacular When the gardens were first restored, staff found clumps of snowdrops surviving underneath the scrub and have been nurturing them back to the great drifts they once were. Wrap up warm for a winter walk full of glorious displays of snowdrops and aconites. Unusual snowdrops are shown in the coach house. There will be free talks celebrating the snowdrop and you can follow the amazing story of these ancient gardens in the history room before taking home your own Easton snowdrops.

Easton Walled Gardens. Admission £6.50 Tel: 01476 530063 www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk

Anemone Blanda in a variety of bright colours, pretty blue Chionodoxa, dwarf Iris and Daffodils plus the weirdly beautiful Hellebores, bright Snowflakes and wonderfully fragrant, spring-flowering Daphne. There will be special discounts available on Hellebores – a lovely gift for a green fingered valentine. There are lots of new and inspiring courses for craft lovers too this spring including Patch Working for beginners, Rag Rugging on a Floral theme, Watercolour Painting and Felt Beading.

To find out more about all the courses and events at Barnsdale, Tel: 01572 813 200 or visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk Thursday 13 February, 7.30pm TALK: A Collection of Churches Stamford is well known as a town of churches, but exactly how many were there, and where, and what is their history? Find out with local historian Philippa Massey.

(Approximately one hour).

Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets £5/£4.50 Tel: 01780 763203 or www. stamfordartscentre.co.uk Friday 14 February, 8pm EVENT: So Comedy The producers of The Graham Norton Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme bring you an evening of the very best in stand up and sketch comedy. This month’s lineup includes Rachel Parris – described as ‘Gorgeous, talented and very funny’ by The Scotsman. Also appearing will be Lloyd Griffith plus one other act to be confirmed.

As a Valentine special, ticket price includes a free pink drink from the bar before the show.

Stamford Theatre Tickets are £15 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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D IARY DAT E S Saturday 15 February, 8pm FOLK MUSIC: Bridie Jackson & the Arbour Recently announced as winners of the 2013 Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, they released their début album in January 2012 and have since gained national recognition on BBC Radio. With their sparse instrumentation, intriguing vocal harmonies, and influences as diverse as gospel, Baroque and flamenco; the Newcastle-based quartet are frequently proclaimed to be completely unique.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £12/10 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Sunday 16 February, 10am to 4pm WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP: Still Life This is a day for all abilities and a chance to practice watercolour painting in a loose style with a wash brush. The day will begin with observing the effect of light on white objects and the painting of tone, leading to the painting of rich colour. Materials lists are available from the box office. (Please note that today the coffee shop will not be open so please bring a packed lunch.) For those aged sixteen years plus. Stamford Arts Centre Art Room £35 per person Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Monday 17 to Friday 21 February EVENT: Holiday Fun with Wildcats The team at Wildcats Academy and Music School have put together a programme of activities for the week including a Strictly Come Dancing Day, a one day Junior First Aider course, Fame/Flashdance workshop, X-Factor Day, and Thriller Day. Workshops take place at the Wildcats Academy in Stamford, mostly priced at £22.50 per child.

For further details and to book places, Tel: 01780 762000 www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk

Saturday 22 February, 2pm CHILDRENS SHOW: The Sooty Show Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family.

Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty’s TV Partner Richard Cadell.

It’s Sooty’s Birthday and things aren’t going to plan. Sooty and Sweep get messy baking the Birthday cake and Soo just can’t decide which dress to wear. So join in with all the fun and games at Sooty’s Birthday Party! There’s also a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show. A spectacular mix of magic, music and mess - guaranteed giggles for Sooty Fans old and new.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £15/£12, Family Ticket £42 Tel: 01780 766455 Thursday 27 February, from 7pm EVENT: An Evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes Sir Ranulph will speak about his life and adventures during an evening which includes a drinks reception followed by dinner. Tickets are £75 per person with proceeds donated to the Children’s Air Ambulance – a unique national service flying seriously ill babies and children from their local hospital to a specialist unit where they can access expert care.

Barnsdale Lodge, Oakham Tickets and information Tel: 01572 724678

A week of Half Term Fun and Family Shows at Stamford Arts Centre…

Monday 17 February - Roald Dahl Day Drop in between 11am and 3pm for crafts, rhymes and more. There will be film screenings repeated through the day.

Gallery Day ticket £5 for children accompanying adults free.

Tuesday 18 February, 2pm - Dotty the Dragon Dotty is a baby fire dragon. She lives at the top of a mountain with her grumpy dad, Mr Dragon. In the village below, everyone fears for their lives, for dragon’s eat children… Or so they believe. An enchanting fairytale adventure with a very happy ending. This clever new show, written by Bill Davies, comes to life with an irresistible blend of live music, fabulous puppets and high energy storytelling. Little people aged 3 - 7 and their families will love this funny, heart-warming tale.Tickets £7.50, Family Ticket £26 Wednesday 19 February, 11am and 2pm - The Gruffalo We celebrate Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo, one of the world’s best-loved monsters.

Storytelling and film screenings - you might even meet the Gruffalo himself!

All tickets (including adults) £5. (Approx running time 50 minutes.)

Friday 21 February - Cartoon Day Drop in between 11am and 3pm for drawing, crafts and more. There will be film screenings repeated through the day. Gallery Day ticket £5 for children, accompanying adults free. These events are suitable for 0-8 yrs - children must be accompanied.

All events take place at Stamford Arts Centre.

Information and tickets Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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43 Empingham Road, Stamford

01780 764333

Secure container storage between Stamford & Oakham Short or long term contract • 24 hour access • • Locked compound • • Size 20ft x 8ft •

BARNACK TEST CENTRE Unit 5, Station Road Business Park Barnack, Stamford PE9 3DW 01780 749271 COMPUTER SERVICES Open Monday - Saturday

01780 460465 www.rutlandselfstore.co.uk

SECURITY

Independent Local class 4 MOT station, now running in its 7th year Friendly, family run business with 25 years experience CALL POLLY TO BOOK AN requirements APPOINTMENT For allMARK your OR new PC and Laptop

We constantly check our prices... so you donʼt have to.

THE VACUUM STORE

All types of PC and Laptop repairs and upgrades undertaken Broadband & wireless installation DataPAINTED recovery FURNITURE • Hardware sales info@acrcomputers.co.uk www.acrcomputers.co.uk HAND PAINTED FURNITURE

18 St. Maryʼs Street, Stamford SALES • REPAIRS • SERVICING • SPARES

01780 753477 SCOTGATE – STAMFORD • TEL: Bring new life to old furniture • Call for a free no obligation quote • Workshops available

WEB DESIGN

Contact Lesley Anne Jones 01778 394744 07762 325494 www.paintedout.co.uk

AMAZING SALE NOW ON

S A L E

PET GROOMING Puppy Grooms Luxury Spa Bath

FREE Puppy Introductions - Collection Service Available Puppy Introductions • Luxury Puppy GroomsFREE Spa Bath • FREE Nail Clipping Bath and Tidy Up Collection Service Available • Full Styling Bath & Tidy Up • Hand Stripping Hand Stripping

FREE Nail Clipping

For appointments or enquiries please call 07825 046147

or email stamforddoggrooming@gmail.com Call 07825 046147 or Full Styling www.stamforddoggrooming.co.uk email stamforddoggrooming@gmail.com www.stamforddoggrooming.co.uk

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M OGLESBY INSTALLATIONS

WINDOW & DOOR REPAIR

REPAIR - DON’T REPLACE… Full uPVC repair & replacement service including MISTED UNITS • LOCKS • HINGES • HANDLES Have you just moved house?

Do you need your locks replacing?

Are you a landlord? Repairing could save you £££££’S.

THE ONLY VACUUM CLEANER SPECIALISTS IN THE AREA

QUALITY UPVC WINDOWS & DOORS

TEL: 01780 482935 www.vacuum-store.co.uk

T: 01733 860823 M: 07970735571 E: moglesbyinstallations@googlemail.com

We wonʼt be beaten on price!

23/01/2014 15:58

STA M FOR D PE OPLE

The Shopkeeper’s Story: Behind The Counter with Suresh Kumar Konalingham Words & Pictures by Harjit Gammon

T

hough the English were famously said to be a nation of shopkeepers, first by Adam Smith and later by Napoleon, in recent times the English/British corner shop (a story of entrepreneurship) has, according to urban myth and to a significant degree reality, become the preserve of immigrants. Thus it is, luckily for us, with the ‘paper shop’/newsagents in Red Lion Square.

The present incumbents at Red Lion Square are a Tamil, Sri Lankan family, escaping not, as was so often the case, poverty and hardship with the Asian; Pakistani and Indian shopkeepers of the Sixties and, more recently, the European; Polish/Romanian, shopkeepers of the Noughties, but the fall-out of massive political unrest in Sri Lanka.

The ever smiling Suresh Kumar, a former Civil Service clerk and Sri Lankan Co-operative shop cashier and his wife, Sathiyagowri (Sathiya), a maths teacher, came to England around seven years ago to flee intolerably violent political strife in Sri Lanka; where they found themselves increasingly in fear for their lives.

Initially settling in Guildford, Surrey and then Luton, the opportunity for a move to Stamford was quickly embraced by the family when an opportunity to manage the shop in Red Lion Square arose, around two and half years ago.

Suresh Kumar recounts that he travelled to Stamford to look at the town and, like families the length and breadth of the country, the schools, before agreeing to the move. The couple have three school age children, ranging in age from 10-15 years, and a recent addition, a three and half month old baby boy, he tells me, beaming with pride.

Impressed by the town and the respectful people they encountered, along with a welcome opportunity to leave behind the rigours of working in a 24hour shop, where he had worked for the past three and half years, the family are now happily but still hard “workingly” settled in Stamford.

His wife, Sathiya, is currently enjoying motherhood to a young baby again; “It is like being a first time mother again for her after all

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Narmatha

these years,” he says, while Suresh Kumar together with his wife’s sister, Narmatha, and former long term shop tenant, Josie Smith, in a nice touch of continuity, run the shop.

Narmatha opens the shop every morning at 6am and stays on until 9am through the early morning rush, when Josie arrives to take over the reins until 1pm Mondays to Fridays. Narmatha then returns until 7pm in the evening, when she hands over to another staff member until the shop closes at 10pm. At the helm buying, supervising stock control and staff is Suresh Kumar.

The children meanwhile are all also contentedly integrated into the happy rhythm of Stamford life, at Stamford Queen Eleanor and Bluecoats Primary School.

Like the immigrant owners and shopworkers, the corner shops themselves have also evolved since the Sixties; from catering primarily for their fellow immigrants to providing for the needs of local people. In Red Lion Square the enterprising owner has dramatically increased not only the opening hours (6am-10pm daily), but also Suresh Kumar the breadth of stock. An impressive re-fit has resulted in a handy convenience store for local Stamford residents. To the sweets and newspapers, have been added a wide range of goods from milk, canned foods to wines & beers. And, as the family are Hindu (they will celebrate “Deepaweli”, look out for them in their customary new clothes for the occasion), the shop was handily open on Christmas Day for any last minute emergencies!

And, as if all this work were not enough, Suresh Kumar has recently become manager of a second corner shop in Kesteven Road, where undoubtedly he and his staff, will continue to offer the ‘open all hours’, polite, service with a smile with which he and his family have already become associated at Central Stamford’s very own ‘village store’ in Red Lion Square. Typically smiling, he and Narmatha courteously bid me farewell with a “Thank you ma’am,” as I leave.

So now you know them, next time you’re in the shop, take a moment to exchange a few words of small talk/banter, with the lovely people serving you in our community.

STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2014

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• SL Feb ADS.indd 64 297x210.indd 1 CHN0275 A world of Exp

22/01/2014 16:46 15:52 07/01/2014