Stamford Living January 2016 by Best Local Living

Loving where we live!

STAMFORD LIVING www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living

The Colour issue

Getting it right in fashion and interiors

Stamford Animals

Ask Leo New Year Quiz

Lunch for Less Find a great value meal this month Food/Fashion/Health & Beauty/Home & Garden/Lifestyle SL JAN COVER.indd 1

JANUARY 2016 ÂŁ1.50 01

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Independant . . . your local estate agent!

goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

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

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

• Our central location within Stamford Town Goodwin Property Services, led by Robert Goodwin and Simon Burton, have built their reputation, living and working in Stamford for over 40 years. The local market needs that local knowledge to truly assess values, market forces of supply and demand, relevant technology and marketing techniques as well as the numerous other issues involved in the buying and selling process, making our experience invaluable. The unique combination of experience we have at our disposal really does mean we can provide levels of advice, in terms of using property for investment or retirement planning, that is difficult to match. If you are thinking of going this route drop in for a chat and we will explain more. Being recognised as the area’s leading independent agent is also something we value highly. The ability to change direction quickly as and when the need arises should not be undervalued. We are not target driven but want to act in our client’s best interests at all times. You are dealing with the people who run the company and really care about what you think.

Are you thinking of moving ... buying, selling, letting? and don’t know who to turn to?

Our reputation is very important to us. We really do feel that openness and honesty are two of the greatest tools at our disposal, and when combined with W E of C professionalism, A R E A B O Uoffer T W H A that T Whard E to D be O beaten. ! our degree Whether you are lookingwe to sell aorservice rent out is your property

Whether you are buying, selling or letting, the why right not letagent us help you. the most important decision is choosing All you need to doset is contact us : call, email or visit the website Five reasons that us apart : to help. At Goodwin’s, we take the time to listen to your and we’ll do the rest! • One of the most recognisable specific needs. Working together, we will discuss how present your house to achieve the best return within to and popular brands in the area your timescales. • Local branch with local people

. . . your local estate agent! With over three decades of experience within the • Central location within Stamford Town Centre Stamford area, our team prides itself on the personal • We are truly independent attention they provide. –with Partner’s attention throughout the process Let us show you why not all agents are the same. • Local independent Mortgage Broker Buying, Selling, Letting - it’ll be our pleasure!

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

• Our independent status means we have the

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

we take the time, so you can enjoy the moment

• We have dedicated specialists to advise on

all aspects of Residential Sales, Lettings and Financial Services.

•

goodwin •

www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

goodwin 01780 750000 Residential Sales • Lettings • Mortgages

www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Sales Stamford, • Lettings Mortgages 2-3Residential St John’s Street, Lincs• PE9 2DA

goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

01780 750000 2-3 St John’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DA

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2387 ORC-Full Page Full Service Stamford Living Advert_ORC-Full Page Full Service Stamford Living Advert 20/02/2015 12:25 Page 1

Visit one of our showrooms to see moreâ&#x20AC;Ś Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Showroom Opening Times

01780 481 850 orchardkitchens@live.co.uk www.orchardstamford.co.uk

01780 753 343 orchardwindows@live.co.uk www.orchardwindows.co.uk

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm Saturday: Windows 9am - 1pm Kitchens 9am - 3pm

22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ

1 Meadow View, Uffington Road Stamford, PE9 2EX 3

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SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classic1992.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 4

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STAMFORD LIVING

January Contents www.stamfordliving.co.uk

Typos and New Year Gaols

OR the first time ever I had a complimentary note about a typo that I’d made, rather than the normal fierce critique of declining standards or just plain ‘sloppiness’. And this is what it said: “You may remember last year that you featured me in an article focusing on the running I was trying to achieve through 2015. “Initially when we spoke I explained I was completing five RUNS, all different distances ending with a marathon. Somewhere along the way this got rather misconstrued, therefore you can imagine my shock when the article was published and it in fact said I was doing five marathons. At first, I rather stupidly assumed nobody would notice…. It then led me to realise how many people read your magazine. Within a few days I was receiving countless messages from people congratulating me on the challenge I was about to embark upon….. “Therefore I panicked… four more marathons had to the booked quickly…. And dutifully they were… and they were completed. A normal person would most probably have just explained about the error and continued with the original plan…. However five marathons did sound interesting. “So I wanted to thank you… an error for you turned into an interesting (although tiring!) challenge for me, I thought it was only right to let you know after all this time and now it’s finally over.” Emma Sowden So in the spirit of typos and New Year vows, I wish you all the best for 2016 – may you lose 200lbs, run a 2-minute mile, become a billionaire and be 1000% happier.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Publisher

@StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living 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 01778 425502 claudia.bayley@btinternet.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

27TH JANUARY 7:30PM - 9:30PM BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE NOW!

39 Updates: Stephenson Smart, Stamford Junior School re-cycling scheme, tattoo removal, Arch Label Agency 49 Elizabeth Stanhope sale 50 Updates: Nene School of Dancing, Charles & Dean award-winners, Shaws Coaches, Stamford Boot Camp New Year offer 54 Updates; Vicki Ball, reflexologist; ‘Good Things’ Shoestring Theatre, Rutland Cycling

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 7 12 14 32

Colour for all seasons Try something new in beauty New Year, New You Flawless Faces

HOME, GARDEN & BUSINESS 23 An update on Richardson 34 Choosing a local accountant, solicitor or financial services firm 40 Choosing the right colours for your home 43 Sleep under wool for maximum rest!

FOOD & DRINK 32 The Northwick Arms in Ketton reviewed 57 Olive Branch recipe 56 Lunch for Less – find a great value meal this month 63 The Fox & Hounds in Exton reviewed 65 Healthy Eating – shakes and smoothies 66 Great Food Club – how did the members vote?

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE & LEARNING 18

20 24 29 45 46 53 70 75

Sustainable Stamford – how can you get involved? Child-friendly Stamford Copthill Music & Sport Get knitting at the Ewe Wool Shop Fancy spending the weekend in a tree-house? Get better at cycling Clubs & Societies: Stamford Indoor Bowls, the NCDSW Country stroll from Hallaton What’s on in January

PEOPLE & PLACES 31 Thorpe Hall Hospice 73 Ask Leo – a New Year animal quiz 78 Interview with Martyn Taylor, recently appointed Canon

Cover picture this month: Snowy bandstand in recreation ground by Kingsley Singleton, kingsleysingleton.com

DEMO EVENING

UPDATES, SHOPPING

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Are you planning your wedding? Attending a special event? Want to banish those unwanted inches? The credible alternative to liposuction with amazing results. A revolutionary treatment creating INCH LOSS, BODY CONTOURING and SKIN TIGHTENING for the face and body.

Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk f equilibriumstamford t equilibriumspa

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Windows • Conservatories • Bi-Folding Doors • Garage Doors If you are considering any home improvements please contact us for advice and for a competitive quote JUST A SMALL TASTER OF WHAT IS ON DISPLAY IN OUR STAMFORD SHOWROOM • 7 Display Kitchens’ • 15 Composite Front/Back Doors • French Doors/Patio Doors/Bi-Folding Doors • 1 Working Display Model of Electric Roller Garage Door • Windows in Cream, Black, Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Rosewood, White & Grey • English Heritage Approved Sliding Sash Window • Large Rubber Covered Flat Roofing Display Model • Full size roof corner showing Fascia’s Soffits and Guttering • White and coloured Cladding • Warm Roof with Velux

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 www.classicstamford.co.uk Email: sales@classic1992.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 6

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FASHION

Colour

for all seasons Colour is an emotive subject when it comes to fashion. Get it right and people notice and pay you compliments like “Don’t you look well? Have you been away, oh that really suits you etc.” Get it wrong and you feel blue (quite literally!) your pallor and demeanour change. Enter Emma Darrell from House of Colour. Sally Stillingfleet met up with her and, using Christine Brown as our model, she demonstrated how wearing the ‘right’ colours can be enlightening and transformative

Emma and Christine – Christine wears Winter White YaYa sweatshirt from a selection Energy.

S part of House of Colour, through a larger network, Emma is based near Peterborough and is trained to discover how to enhance your appearance by wearing the colours which suit your unique skin tone. She also offers Personal Style sessions to unlock your true style preferences and help you choose outfits which reflect your personality and flatter your shape. Alongside, in her lovely purpose built ‘studio’ Emma caters for men too and runs small group sessions, perfect for a New Year boost in preparation for spring. Finding the right shades and tones that flatter and brighten your complexion gives you new confidence and the ability to shop with assurance. Carrying around the fabric swatches (all part of the service) empowers and eliminates costly mistakes. I know from my own experience I can go straight to the colours which suit me and discount the rest. Time saving, liberating and wardrobe building, Emma can help you enjoy a cohesive wardrobe which harmonises. Although I think the best bit about House of Colour locally is Emma herself. Don’t assume she is bossy and will ‘make’ you wear colours you dislike, her warmth and experience make this day one of the best days you will have. She makes discovering the best colours interesting and fun, makes you feel on top of the world and gives you all the tools to be a better you, a more confident person who literally everyone will notice!

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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FASHION

Fransa blue glitzy top £30 from Seaweed

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Burgundy Selected shirt £30 and gorgeous Jay Ley wrap with fur collar £85 NYD jeans all Seaweed.

“Finding the right shades and tones that flatter and brighten your complexion gives you new confidence and the ability to shop with assurance.”

Fransa pink coat £80 Seaweed, with pink silk top £60 Top right Emma Darrell

House of Colour – Emma Darrell emma.darrell@houseofcolour.co.uk www.houseofcolour.co.uk Tel: 01733 253971 Mob: 07976 645223 Colour for Women Personal Style for Women Colour and Style for Men Make-up and Skincare The Complete Journey Look our for forthcoming introductory talks at Attic on Facebook in the Spring. Attic – 33 St. Mary’s St, Stamford Tel: 01780 766667 Energy – Ironmonger St, Stamford. Tel: 01780 765633 Seaweed – 8 St. Mary’s Hill, Stamford Tel: 01780 767878 Stella and Dot jewellery from: Christine_brown1@btconnect.com www.stelladot.co.uk/christinebrown Mob: 07833 343512 Many thanks to Christine Brown for being a fantastic model. Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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WINTER SALE NOW ON Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 10

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Happy New Year! 10% off making up and all showroom orders: fabric wallpaper trimmings furniture flooring lighting soft furnishings and lots more. Promotion ends 31st January

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on our BIG SALE in Lyddington Village Hall 8 - 9 January 2016 Stay tuned on our social media pages and website for updates www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk 01572 722 345 showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 27 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

New Beauty The start of a new year is a great time to assess your current beauty regime. Genevieve Potter looks at some of the excellent new treatments and products that are available right now in Stamford

At Body Matters, Kirsten is evangelical about a new ‘baby peel’ from Dermalogica. The BioSurface peel treats rough skin, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Whilst it’s not the most relaxing treatment, there is no post-treatment redness and you will be left with super-dewy, plump, smooth skin. Call Kirsten to find out more, and the first ten Stamford Living readers to get in touch and book will receive the treatment for £60 (normally £80). Kirsten also now stocks the ‘Bath House’ range of body products, which are made in the UK with 98% naturally derived ingredients. These products have no parabens or other nasties and are not tested on animals. With a gorgeous range of fragrances including white pear and cedar and frangipani, there’s something for everyone and they make a perfect gift – prices start from £14. • Body Matters. 1 Brownlow Street, Stamford PE9 2EL. www.bodymattersstamford.co.uk Tel: 01780 270002

Gerards hair and beauty now offers a holistic approach to treating and improving thinning hair. This is a major concern for many men and women and Jayne has been learning how nutrition is the key weapon to tackle thinning hair. After three months of training, Jayne and the team are able to impart this wisdom to clients, alongside their Aveda Invati hair products and treatments, which have been scientifically developed to improve thinning hair. During January the salon will be offering open evenings for guests who have hair loss concerns, with Imogen Shaw, nutritionist, attending as guest speaker – please phone, pop in or check out the website for more details and other latest offers. And if you’re looking for a new hair style or colour, Kelly has joined the Gerards team and will be offering £10 off a cut and blow dry in January, and half price colour during February. • Gerards. George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 2LB www.gerardhair-beauty.co.uk Tel: 01780 753002

Samantha and her team at Equilibrium highly recommend Lipofirm Plus as the perfect treatment if you’re looking to lose a few inches after over-indulgence at Christmas. Known in the beauty industry as the credible, non-surgical alternative to liposuction, Samantha is seeing some outstanding results using this method for men and women. Treatments can be performed on abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks, waist, knees, chin and chest and the results are apparent after one treatment, although a course is recommended to achieve optimum results. The perfect way to find out more and see Lipofirm in action is to go along to Equilibrium’s Lipofirm evening, taking place on Wednesday 27th January from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. There will be demonstrations on the face and body, drinks and nibbles and discounts on courses booked and paid for on the evening. As numbers are limited, please call the salon to book your place. • Equilibrium, 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE. www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk email: info@equilibriumstamford.co.uk. Tel: 01780 757579

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The Advanced Skin Clinic aims to help improve your new year body confidence using MPL radio frequency body treatments. These target cellulite or areas of the body where there is stubborn fat or slack skin, which exercise and diet alone will not shift. For those who have little or no excess fat but who have crêpey skin, perhaps as a result of childbirth or rapid weight loss, the team also use a ‘bipolar’ radio frequency treatment, which lifts and tightens to restore tautness. Both methods work by heating the lower dermal layers of the skin. It’s a non-invasive, highly scientific treatment, but simply put, the body responds to the heat by stimulating collagen, with a further benefit of tightening elastin fibres. Each session of MPL costs from £70, but when you book and pay for a course of six treatments during January 2016, you’ll receive 30% discount when you mention Stamford Living at the time of booking. • The Advanced Skin Clinic, 8 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LF www.theadvancedskinclinic.co.uk - Tel: 01780 481155 January is detox month at Emma Cannings. The salon stocks some great products to help with the detoxification process, from the inside out, alongside some energizing and relaxing treatments. Particularly recommended is a deeply detoxing hot stone massage with Pinks Boutique organic lemongrass detox oil (from £30 for 30 minutes). The salon also stocks smoothie powders including the detox blend (£8.95). This contains wheatgrass, spirulina, milk thistle, barley grass and chlorella. • Emma Cannings Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, Stamford PE9 4BB www.emmacannings.co.uk Tel: 01780 766583

Fiona at Renaissance has a brilliant new range of Medik8 peels, which I’m personally eager to try. The age peel targets anti-ageing reduces lines and wrinkles and rejuvenates dry, de-vitalised skin. The white peel targets hyper pigmentation, reduces melanin formation and achieves a brighter even skin tone. Both peels are offered as single treatments or as courses of four, including homecare, to prepare the skin and get better results. Single peels cost £70, courses £350, and they can also be combined with microdermabrasion and light treatment. Call Fiona to find out more. • Renaissance 2 Mallory Lane, Stamford PE9 2FW www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk Tel: 01780 763768

Stamford Beauty is the perfect, welcoming venue if you’re looking for some January pampering. New therapist Toni specializes in holistic treatments, and has added aromatherapy massage, Indian head massage and back and full body stone massage to the salon’s extensive treatment list. These treatments are perfect for when it’s cold outside and you need a window of pure relaxation (and they’re suitable for both men and women). The salon is offering 15% off these treatments with Toni throughout January 2016 – please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking. • Stamford Beauty. 15 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP. www.stamfordbeauty.com Tel: 01780 757108 Reaching the dizzy heights of being HD brows ‘master stylists’, the team at Natalie Dams Beauty are fast becoming the undisputed brow specialists in Stamford. They now offer an express HD service costing just £15 - perfect for a brow top up in between appointments, when you are time (or cash) poor. Therapist Abbie is rapidly become the go-to girl for party nails and now offers an extended nail that lasts for up to three weeks, costing only £32. The Natalie Dams Beauty salon will be undergoing an exciting makeover and will be closed between 3rd -18th January, however from 18th January right through until– 29th February 2016, you can get ‘three for two’ on all treatments, so make sure you book now for your new year brows, nails and lashes (please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking). • Natalie Dams Beauty at Oliver Lee. 11 St John’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DB Tel: 01780 754828

Asembo are excited to introduce ‘Nouveau Lashes’, an individual lash extension treatment that enables you to extend your eye lashes for up to eight weeks. The treatment involves applying the lashes one at a time onto the natural lash for a flawless finish, creating the appearance of fuller, thicker-looking lashes with added volume. One session takes up to 90 minutes and uses a specially developed, non-irritating adhesive. Results last up to eight weeks, making them perfect for everyday, holidays or a special occasion. The standard price for this new service is £70, but Asembo are offering readers £10 off when they book during January 2016 and mention Stamford Living at the time of booking. • Asembo 20 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford PE9 2HN www.asembo.co.uk Tel: 01780 765337 STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

New Year, New You

BODY MATTERS 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Body Matters celebrated their 10th Anniversary in style in December with clients and friends old and new at the salon in Brownlow Street. The champagne was flowing and it was a great evening with many happy clients attending. Having opened Body Matters in 2005 as a one woman band just doing massage, Kirsten Pearson worked out of the Westside Health Club. This was a complete change for Kirsten who worked in Finance in London prior to moving to Stamford. Body Matters moved to its current location in Brownlow Street in March 2013 for a very peaceful environment and more space; which the team love as do their clients. Her assistant Kirsty (not to be confusing!) joined her in 2010 in a full time position having previously undertaken work experience with Kirsten whilst at college and has been a great asset. Body Matters operates in a quiet, relaxing friendly manner and always remembers that their clients are their number one priority, nothing is too much trouble. Their treatments are far ranging from massage and waxing to facials and tanning; their website lists the full range of treatments. Products include Dermalogica, OPI, Susan Posnick mineral makeup, Bio Sculpture Gel, Revitalash to name but a few and also a natural body range called Bath House. These products can all be purchased from the salon or online.

OFFER: For the month of January and February as a thank you to all their lovely clients Body matters are offering all treatments at prices of 2005, so please book in now to avoid disappointment. • Body Matters, 1 Brownlow St, Stamford PE9 2EL Tel: 01780 270002 www.bodymattersstamford.co.uk

STAMFORD BEAUTY January is the time of year that a lot of us plan to make New Year’s resolutions, mostly combining our health and well being. It is an important time also to detoxify our body and mind and start the New Year with positive but achievable plans in order to succeed. Sarah, the owner, told SL: “I feel that Stamford Beauty already has a winning formula with our clients quoting ‘ this salon has such a lovely family atmosphere’. Of course I am always looking for improvements and have a fantastic team of girls that I continue to invest in to achieve individual client’s wishes, but also to improve and advance their skill levels. “We pride ourselves on being the leading Dermalogica salon in the area and can offer the latest advice on new products and advice from teenage skin problems to ageing problems. We have been part of the Dermalogica Circle since it was introduced for our commitment to training, product knowledge and treatments on offer. Moving forward, we have introduced HD Brows, Lash experts and with

exciting new introductions throughout 2016, it’s a salon to watch! “We have an incredible holistic therapist that has joined the team and is building up a very busy and popular following. Toni will be adding Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage and Back and Full Body Stone Massage to our treatment list, suitable for both men and women. Toni will offer 15% off throughout January. “Natalie is our HD Brow Specialist and Lash lift expert having trained in the summer as well as a Dermalogica Expert. Senior therapist and Manager Louise and Therapist Stephanie have both added advanced Nail treatments to the treatment menu as well as Louise also becoming a Dermalogica Expert. We have also welcomed a highly talented new Nail Technician ‘Becca’ who has just joined.” “Finally, we have our ‘well-known’ blackboard in our window and will offer weekly offers throughout the months as well as the use of social media to promote offers.” • 15 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 757108 www.stamfordbeauty.com

DUNCAN FORD ACUPUNCTURE A study by the British Acupuncture Council shows that over half of the UK residents surveyed are more stressed now than ten years ago. Despite 70% saying they are aware prolonged periods of stress can have a long-term impact on their health, almost half of people admit they just put up with it, with two thirds saying stress is totally unavoidable in their life. A lack of time (41%), wanting to have it all (25%) and difficulty switching off from work (24%) were cited as the top reasons for the rise of burnt out Brits. There are many symptoms associated with stress including anxiety, nausea, insomnia, headaches and stomach pains. According to Duncan Ford, a qualified member of the British Acupuncture Council, Traditional acupuncture is an effective, evidence based therapy that can be a positive step for anyone wanting to get their stress levels back under control. Although traditional acupuncture has been an integral part of East Asian and Chinese medicine for two thousand years, particularly as treatment for stress - just 4% of the UK have tried it; but it doesn't stop there, Traditional Acupuncture can also be a very effective and an evidence based therapy for such things as back pain, neck pain, tension type headaches and osteoarthritis knee pain as well as helping with sleep, circulation and your general well being. • Just get in touch or book an appointment with Duncan in one of his clinics in the surrounding areas you can visit his website at www.dfordacupuncture.co.uk or call him directly on 07714 575720.

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Is it time to re-discover your hearing?

Missing the odd word during the conversation? Having to turn the TV up? If these situations sound familiar you may benefit from a free hearing assessment. Healthy Hearing are your local hearing experts. With many years of experience we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive hearing healthcare service and finding the best solutions for your needs. Call us for: • Free expert hearing advice • Free lifestyle hearing assessments • Free trials of the latest digital hearing aid technology • Home visits available

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No Sta 1 mf Sk o in rd’ C s lin ic

REVEAL A MORE CONFIDENT YOU

The Advanced Skin Clinic specialise in the latest and safest non-invasive technology for anti-aging, skin tightening & lifting and hair removal. As well as our existing beauty treatments we are offering Pain Free MPL® treatments including:

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Experience the alternative to Botox and Fillers; get immediate results with a revolutionary Radio Frequency, Non-Surgical Face Lift! • Skin Rejuvenation • Non-Surgical Face Lift/Radio Frequency • Skin Tightening • Body Fat Reduction • Cellulite Treatment

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ACTIVITIES

Sustainable Stamford has renewed energy for 2016 activities Sustainable Stamford, Stamford’s Transition Town group, will be holding the town’s first Bright Green Energy Show in the Gallery at Stamford Arts Centre from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th March 2016

HE show combines an exhibition and evening events that will look at energy saving measures and renewable technologies. Specialist local businesses will display a range of energy saving and generating products and will be on hand throughout the week to offer advice. There will also be a chance to see the new Nissan Leaf electric car on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th March, outside the Arts Centre. Admission to the show and all the evening events is free and everyone, including children, are welcome to come along. The show is open from 10.00am until 8.00pm daily. All the evening events will be held between 7.00pm and 9.00pm in the Gallery and these include a launch reception on Monday 7th, a selection of films on the environment and sustainable living on Tuesday 8th and an illustrated talk on low energy design and construction, including the Whitwell Passivhaus, designed by group member and architect Tony Godwin, on Friday 11th March. The show is being sponsored by Orangehouse Members of the steering committee with their new logo Renewables of Stamford who specialise in heat pumps, Spectrum Energy Systems from Worksop who are wind power specialists and Maurice Debbage of Whitwell, the show’s it represents energy saving in action.” The Draught Busters team plan graphic designer. The group are very appreciative of their vital support. to work with Stamford’s Evergreen Care Trust to help the vulnerable Whatever your views on climate change, saving energy saves money and the elderly to keep their homes warmer in the winter months. More too, so there will be something for everyone at the Bright Green Energy volunteers are needed for this project so if you have a few hours to spare, Show. Nick Boles, Stamford’s MP, is also planning to come along on the Draught Busters would love to hear from you. Saturday 12th. Community energy is another exciting prospect for Stamford. The The show comes in the wake of the Climate Change Conference held group are working on solar PV projects and are in discussions with a local in Paris in December of last year where, for the first time in many years, college, but hope to roll the project out to include schools, community there is hope and optimism that world leaders are at last taking climate buildings, businesses and homes. Host buildings or land are required for change very seriously and that the political will is there to make greater these projects so if you have a building or piece of land that could house inroads into binding agreements to cut our carbon emissions. Think solar PV or a wind turbine, the community energy team would like to Global: Act Local could not be a more apt maxim for the group at this discuss this with you. time. John Polkinghorne, chairman of Sustainable Stamford expressed his excitement at the group’s plans for 2016: “These exciting projects build on all our recent activities. In addition to the energy group there The Stamford Transition Town Group is also a very active food group, who have several allotments along The Stamford Transition Town Group started here in 2009. Their primary Uffington Road, a transport group, a waste group and an education aim is to help the residents of Stamford and the surrounding villages to group. Residents may also be aware of our campaigns around the town meet the challenges of climate change through transition to a renewable over the last few years from “Shut the Door” to “Anti Bottled Water”. We lifestyle. The movement started in 2006 in Totnes, Devon and there are have talked to schools about a sustainable way of life, helped to organise now over 300 Transition Towns nationally and over 400 worldwide. The Stamford’s first Cycle Festival and generally supported local wind and group holds open monthly meetings at the Arts Centre and everyone is solar projects.” welcome. It’s going to be a bright green New Year for Sustainable Stamford. Apart from the show, the group is planning some exciting new energy projects for 2016 so visitors to the show will be also able to find out more • If you want to know more about the Bright Green Energy Show, about “Draught Busters” and a community energy project with two local or about the group’s activities, or if you can help in any way, please schools. contact John Polkinghorne on 01778 561540 or John Yard on “We are delighted to have received Lottery funding for our Draught 01780 763967 Busters project,” said John Yard, the convenor of the energy group “as

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ACTIVITIES

Child Friendly S Local resident Tooty Scott saw a gap in the market for a mobile pottery painting business

PAINT A POT WITH TOOTY

OCAL resident Tooty Scott saw a gap in the market for a mobile pottery painting business back in December 2014 after discussing the possibility of running some regular Workshops with the Owners of The Yard soft play in Stamford, who were keen to maximise their appeal to parents wanting a variety of ‘pop up’ shops available to them in the comfort of The Yard. “They were both so enthusiastic at the opportunity of combining pottery painting with babies and toddlers in a safe childfriendly environment – without the worry of their children charging around a china shop! I know as a parent that has always been my worry – especially at Christmas when you want to create cost effective, personalised gifts for relatives, without the worry your child is going to have a tantrum and for it to turn into the most stressful hour ever!” Tooty wanted to find a solution to this, and quickly realised with her 3 young children that the combination of a soft play centre for them to charge around and let off steam worked perfectly alongside the pottery painting in The Yard’s Party Room, which comfortably seats 15 children and has become a haven of quiet creative concentration – often for the mothers! The Yard also serves delicious food and drinks so parents can take their time when their children need lunch or tea as the ‘Paint a Pot with Tooty’ workshops usually run from 10am – 5pm so that school age children can also come from 3.30pm and paint with their younger siblings. “I was so impressed with how successful my first month of business went, that I contacted Mini Monsters soft play in Oakham along with other Baby and Toddler Groups and word quickly spread that I would travel around the local area, often doing ‘House Calls’ for NCT or Breastfeeding Groups who would rather be in the comfort of their own home with very young babies. Many recommendations were word of mouth which is always very rewarding. I pride myself on really loving being with the children and spend time making sure they enjoy being creative and learning that it’s fun to experiment with paint! Many parents can be

reluctant at first, worrying that their child will ‘not be in the right mood’ – but usually very quickly I allay their fears that their children will relax if they do and I’m there to help them with hand and footprints. All the paint I use is non toxic and washes off clothes and hands – so there’s really very little mess. I have learnt over the past year that putting water pots on the table is the only ‘no no’ – it’s always the first to get spilt – so I use baby wipes for the children to clean their brushes on before choosing another colour and mess is then down to a minimum!” Over the past 13 months Tooty has hosted numerous workshops and birthday parties in various venues for children aged 3 up to teenagers and also for groups of adults for special Birthdays – 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th and for a special Granny’s 80th birthday – a beautiful personalised cake plate and teapot covered with all her children and grandchildren’s handprints, which was very well received. Painting pottery at Hen parties is increasingly becoming more popular – tea cups and saucers, fruit bowls, vases and jugs are firm favourites. Often the bride chooses just 3 colours she likes and the hens paint a selection of pottery in those shades so the married couple have a matching selection of pottery to enjoy – all personalised by their friends. “I have also done a ‘Wedding Guest Tree’ on large platters or cake plates where guests all put their finger print as different coloured leaves on a pre painted tree outline with their names on the back as a memento of a bride and groom’s special day.” “I have really enjoyed setting up my own business and all the hard work has definitely been worth it. I have been so well received by local parents and venues such as The Arts Centre which hosted some workshops over the summer holidays. Stamford is thriving with entrepreneurs who are keen to help start-ups like myself to grow and expand. The support I’ve had has been overwhelming and I hope this continues into 2016.” • For more information contact Tooty on her Facebook page: ‘Paint a Pot with Tooty’ or 07779 332790.

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Stamford JACK’S JOURNEY:

ACK Rickard and his twin sister Ava were both born 6 weeks prematurely. By the time they had turned one year old, it was clear that all was not well with Jack and an MRI scan confirmed that he had spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. His parents were told he may never walk but at two years old Jack took his first steps and spent the next year walking with the aid of a Kaye walker as he was determined to walk by himself. In September 2013, Jack started at Barnack C of E Primary school and always wanted to take part in everything all the other children were doing. Now aged 6, Jack is an independent walker – although he falls all the time as his balance is not good and he is unable to walk for long distances as he tires quickly. The tightness in his leg muscles is getting worse which will lead to bone deformities and then eventually confine him to a wheelchair and ongoing future difficulties in adulthood. However, throughout his 6 years, Jack has never given up and will try almost anything – martial arts, horse riding, surfing, sledging - his family call him their ‘Little Hero’. He is determined to take on every challenge and his parents now want to do everything they can to help Jack’s journey in life be a little bit easier. The only thing that will significantly improve Jack’s quality of life is an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) – a procedure that has been carried out in the USA for over 20 years and is now being conducted in selected hospitals in the UK. This life changing operation will permanently reduce the tightness in Jack’s legs which means he will have better walking, balance and control, no further deformities in his legs and

feet and able to be more like other 6 year old who can run, jump and play football. His parents endeavour is to keep Jack ‘on his feet’ and out of a wheelchair. Jack was referred to Great Ormond Street to speak with the surgical team about the SDR operation and they suggested trying Botox first, which imitates the effects the operation would have. Jack had his first round of Botox injected into six muscles in both of his legs and responded well which is a good sign that the operation will help Jack. In September 2015, Jack was a winner in ‘The Child of Courage’ category at the Pride of Peterborough Awards due to his determination in overcoming the obstacles that face him, and his parents couldn’t have been prouder. The NHS are not currently funding SDR in the UK and Great Ormond Street Hospital have advised the family to start fundraising themselves while Jack is on the waiting list for the operation. To give Jack the best outcome, he needs to have this operation in the next 2 years. So ‘Jack’s Journey’ has been launched to help raise the £60,000 needed for the operation and extensive 3 years aftercare that Jack will require. • For more information: Facebook: ‘Jack’s Journey 6’ Donate via Justgiving.com – Jack’s Journey Supported by the ‘Tree of Hope’ Children’s Charity: Registered number: 1043092

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PROPERTY

Richardson Richardson’s has had a busy and productive 2015 and is looking forwards to 2016 with great optimism. Nicholas Rudd-Jones caught up with Alister Leach to talk about the business

Broadholme Farmyard development in Essendine

ICHARDSON is a leading independent firm of Estate, Lettings, Agricultural, and Commercial Agents and Chartered Surveyors; covering Stamford, Peterborough as well as the counties of Lincolnshire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. It has four disciplines: Residential Sales, Lettings, Agricultural and Commercial. You may deal with one or more of these disciplines, depending on your property needs. Residential enjoyed a very varied and busy 2015, selling a range of interesting properties from old homes requiring restoration to new homes, building plots, auctions and everything in between. The team has bags of experience and in-depth knowledge of the market; nothing fazes them. It is headed up by Alister Leach, who has almost 30 years experience in the local market. A recent set of properties that have come onto the market is the Broadholme Farmyard development in Essendine (pictured), offering three unique barn-style conversions - typical of the sort of interesting properties that Richardson handles. Lettings also had an excellent year, serving both existing clients and individuals with perhaps a small portfolio of properties that require management. The Richardson’s letting service is highly personal. Nothing is outsourced, it will be a member of the

team who draws up the specification and is responsible throughout the term. The lettings manager is Sandra Brookbanks, who is knowledgeable and committed to offering a very professional service. Agricultural, led by Charles Richardson and Mark Thomas, thrived in 2015 too, with valuations, land sales and disbursement sales. Finally Commercial, led by Andrew Leech, has also been busier than ever, with lease renewals, valuations, new lettings and commercial space mgt. Retail premises have been flying out the door, and there has been a strengthening demand for office space too as the economy has strengthened. They also offer a commercial management service, whereby they will manage an estate on behalf of a landlord e.g. an industrial estate with several small units. In summary, Alister is positive about the outlook, ‘’We are forecasting a continuation of the growth throughout 2016 that we have seen in recent years in all sectors of the property market and we at Richardson expect all our departments will continue to grow by offering our distinctive personal service combining a professional, cutting edge approach to all aspects of the property industry’’. • Richardson, Sheep Market House, 3 Sheep Market, Stamford, PE9 2RB. 01780 762433 www.richardsonsurveyors.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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LEARNING

Copthill School extra-Curricular Activities

Rannveig Stone explores the wider disciplines at Copthill Independent Day School that ensure a rounded education for the Copthillian

Music at Copthill The scale of the music department has grown massively in the 21 years Head of Department Mrs Judith Graham has been there. Her first carol service in 1994 comprising of only 12 students, in 2015 boasted an upper school choir of 120, an orchestra of 50, an organist, percussionists and parents squeezed into every crevasse encouraged to join in. A true legacy of how important this discipline is at this well respected, family friendly, School. Copthill provides every child a comprehensive music education with a strong team of specialised tutors specifically trained to teach from pre-school stage and upwards. In addition individual private lessons are conducted inhouse for a variety of instruments. Past pupils have achieved great success at associated board examinations from the preparatory test up to grade 6 level. A new scheme this year awards select children in year 5 to become music ambassadors. This accolade is rewarded with extra educational guidance in applying for future music scholarships. In the past music scholarships have been awarded to Copthill pupils for Oakham School, Stamford High and Stamford School, Oundle School, The King’s School Peterborough and The Purcell School for young musicians. There is plenty of opportunity to perform on a regular basis and those having music lessons are encouraged to take part in extra curricular music ensembles. Research suggests that singing is good for the soul; it is uplifting and encourages team building skills. All pupils therefore have the opportunity to sing and perform within the lower and upper school choirs. Mrs Graham’s passion about the positive benefits of music and singing is clear. “We undoubtedly seek talented musicians here, we have a great music department situated in a brand new purpose built suite and Copthill offers a range of musical scholarships. However music is for everyone at all levels and is a wonderful tool in building confidence, technological skills and brain training.”

Sport at Copthill Head of department Mrs Helen Harriss works with her team of specialised sports teachers from reception level through to year 6 and in this interview unveiled the sporting opportunities available. The curriculum sees pupils undertake a mixture of hockey, rugby and football during the winter months; and netball, rounders and cricket during the summer. In addition to this, all pupils enjoy tennis coaching, athletics; dance and gym with a select few competing in inter school tennis competitions and, the newest development, The Gym Squad. Weekly swimming lessons commence from year one upwards producing overall a high standard. House matches are a regular part of the fixture calendar providing an opportunity for an all inclusive intra school competition and team building experience for all pupils at every level. In addition to the fixed sports curriculum, cricket specialists visit during the summer terms, focusing on hard ball cricket for the more

able pupils and to pass on their expertise. Some of these tutors have played at international level and their wealth of experience is invaluable. New opportunities have also been established this year for rifle shooting, a climbing wall, archery and high jump. In 2012 Copthill installed ‘The Saxon Pitch’, a purpose built Astroturf. This has given the sports department an all weather training environment allowing the students to raise their game and compete at a very high standard against other schools. The expansive grounds accommodate a wide variety of sports. Cross Country in particular benefits as pupils enjoy training on an extensive cross country track over the fields and farmland and a purpose built obstacle course. “There is a high level of competitive sport played with weekly fixtures and ISA tournaments and the children thrive on the challenges these bring. The school enjoys a huge amount of success with the u11’s first teams in all the major sports. Those who are able and interested in following a scholarship route are given extra training and regularly succeed in obtaining sport scholarships within secondary education.” Copthill Independent Day school www.copthill.com Open morning; Thurs 11 February 2016; 9-11am

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Tennyson Way, Stamford £275,000 Set in a cul-de-sac location next to a playing field, this three bedroom family home offers superb potential subject to planning. The property is close to the Malcolm Sargent Primary School, as well as providing good access to the town centre and A1. The accommodation comprises of an entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, breakfast kitchen, conservatory, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. To the front of the property is off street parking which leads to a single garage, whilst to the rear is an enclosed patio and lawned garden. NO CHAIN

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PASTIMES

N’Ewe Year Knitters Sarah Lyon, senior trainee child and adolescent psychotherapeutic counsellor, was inspired to take up knitting again

remember from my youth the dulcet tones of the knitting needles clicking, and the calming rhythmic nature of knit one purl one, knit one purl one as I learnt to knit from my mother. Inspired by the beautiful yarns and patterns at Ewe wool shop which I frequently visit to wander, admire and purchase the beautiful creations, I decided to take up this contemplative and meditative activity once again and become a N’Ewe Year Knitter. Knitters will attest to the fact that the repetitive nature of knitting has a selfsoothing positive impact on mental health and in some cases physical health. My research reveals that frequent knitters feel a sense of calm and happiness, helping to reduce stress levels, all of which neuro-science confirms. If this is the case then surely self-care for those facing stress through exams or indeed work or family issues should head straight to Ewe and get started. For Rachel, owner of Ewe, knitting is part of her DNA. Inspired by her mother and wanting to keep up with her older sisters, she took to knitting as a toddler and so it continued. Having studied textiles at college, Rachel has always in some way been involved in knitting, creating her own patterns and knitting kits which she plans to launch in the New Year. Rachel’s previous career involved having to travel long distances. “I probably got more knitting done then than I do now. I would always come home and have to knit; instead of having a bottle of wine it would be my wind down. I found that after having been stuck in traffic and not getting in until late, just to knit for an hour brought me down to a level where I could go to bed and fall asleep,” reflects Rachel. One client, a young man, comes into the shop at the recommendation of his physiotherapist, who advised that taking up knitting would help the physical problem in his hands and mental health. Another is a young boy who comes along to buy yarn to knit blankets for charity. Rachel tells me that a number of customers report how knitting helps their mood. The evidence is in the experiencing. EWE WOOL SHOP, now at a nearby new location, welcomes a steady flow of knitters through its doors. More natural light and more space mean that workshops can now be held in the shop. Rachel Parry-Arch, Ewe Wool Shop, 4 Stamford Walk, Tel: 01780 763838 KNIT-INS The social connection and sense of being in community knitting together brings its advantages too for feeling positive and engaged.

Rachel’s daughter in Ewe Wool Shop - Polly aged 8 says, “I like Ewe because of all the colours and the feel of the different wools makes me feel happy”

LEARN TO KNIT Learn to knit or refresh your knitting knowledge and skills as Rachel will teach participants to knit hand warmers. Date: January 24 Cost: £20.00 (includes wool and pattern), Time: 10:00am – 1pm, Place: Ewe Wool Shop, Numbers: up to 8 participants. THE MOOD SCARF WORKSHOP Have you mastered the basic knitting techniques and want to take the next step? This workshop will cover different cast-on techniques, stocking stitch, rib and moss stitch. You will also learn how to increase and decrease stitches. This workshop arms you with the skills needed to knit a simple garment or mood scarf. It will give you an understanding of knitting patterns and how to choose the right needles and yarn for your project. Sun 28th Feb 2016 With Rowan Yarn’s designer/author Jem Weston

‘ANY ONE CAN KNIT’ BY LIBBY SUMMERS Libby Summers, contemporary knit wear designer and ‘yarnie’ advises that we can all knit our way to feeling content. The process has a meditative and mindfulness quality appealing to our sense of sight, touch and the auditory click clack sound of the needles. At £7.99 this ‘learn to knit’ book is an ideal gift for friends and family, male and female; young and old. Aside from this, Libby runs a knitting club at Copthill School near Uffington. She is hoping to collate a range of patterns for children for her next book. Starting resourcing activities for children early in life will help them to selfcare ahead of the stresses that adolescence can bring. Libby’s daughter, who is studying A levels, can attest to this as she always carries wool and needles in her school bag! • Find Libby’s book along with her phenomenal range of patterns and yarns at Ewe Wool Shop, Tel: 07818 286538.

For the more experienced knitter Libby Summers favourite shown here, Sara Cardigan Knitting Pattern STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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PERSPECTIVES

“Thorpe Hall was there for us every step of the way” How the end-of-life care Terry Lonergan received at Thorpe Hall made all the difference to his wife Julie and their three children. By Lucy Banwell

Julie & Terry Lonergan

HEN Terry Lonergan first experienced severe back pain in August 2010 his wife Julie knew that something was seriously wrong. Terry had lost several stone in weight and with a trip to Ireland planned Julie knew that he was in no fit state to travel. “I took him straight to A&E and he collapsed in the car park,” says Julie, 46, from Walton, Peterborough. “They gave him a shot of morphine for the pain and ran some tests, but when they said they were going to send him home I insisted they keep him in because I knew something wasn’t right.” The hospital ran further tests and at three in the morning came the diagnosis. Terry had Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer which affects the production of healthy blood cells. “It turns out Terry was already in kidney failure - that was the back pain he was experiencing,” says Julie, mum to Jack, 16, Alfie, 13 and Amy, eight. “They started work immediately to try and repair the kidneys. They put him on high doses of pain killers and steroids.” The diagnosis hit Julie and the family hard. Terry was only 50 and their youngest child, Amy, just three years old. “Amy didn’t know what was going on, but when we told Alfie that Dad had got cancer, he burst into tears. “Is he going to lose all his hair?” he asked. That’s all Alfie knew about cancer, bless him.” When a stem cell transplant failed to halt the progression of the Myeloma, Terry’s symptoms became worse. But when the medical team suggested he spend a week in Thorpe Hall Hospice to have his morphine levels monitored, Terry was strongly against the idea. “Thorpe Hall was the place where people go to die, as far as Terry was concerned,” says Julie. “But in the end the pain in his back and leg became too bad and he just couldn’t cope at home.”

Luckily, any reservations Terry and Julie had about hospice treatment disappeared the moment they set foot in Thorpe Hall. The grand Longthorpe mansion has been home to a Sue Ryder hospice for more than 20 years and is known for its exceptional levels of care. “We felt at home straight away,” recalls Julie. “The nurses were wonderful - especially with the children. At Thorpe Hall it isn’t just about the patient, it’s about the whole family. The care is very personal and I really felt like the staff were there for us. And Terry was relieved because if the pain hit hard he knew there was help at hand. He was in the right place.” It was Terry’s choice to remain at Thorpe Hall when the doctors told him he didn’t have long left to live. “He was in a very bad state and he didn’t want me and the kids to have to deal with

A new dawn

Thanks to a highly successful fundraising campaign, Thorpe Hall’s new, state-ofthe-art hospice building opened its door to patients earlier this year

he care offered by the Sue Ryder team at Thorpe Hall has always been secondto-none, but it was recognised that the 17th century building in which the hospice was housed had its limitations. Rooms were shared and it was often awkward trying to move patients up and down stairs via the ailing lift system. It was decided that a new, purpose-built facility was required and so in March 2013 the Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal was launched to raise £6million to fund a brand new hospice building. On 8 July this year the first patients were welcomed into the new, single storey hospice which is linked to the original mansion house. The completed building is light and airy and provides 20 private, en suite bedrooms as well as new family areas and fully accessible gardens. HRH the Duchess of Gloucester officially opened the new hospice building on 8 September. ‘Many a dream has come true thanks to the hard work of the fundraising committee and incredibly generous donations,’ said the Duchess. ‘Congratulations to all who have taken part.’

that at home,’”explains Julie. “I was with him when he passed away. The staff were amazing. They just took care of everything.” After losing Terry in May 2013, life will never be the same for Julie but the support from the Sue Ryder team at Thorpe Hall has continued after her husband’s death. Julie and her eightyear-old daughter Amy have benefitted from Thorpe Hall’s counselling service and Amy has thrown herself in to making and selling loom band creations at local fairs and markets. She has so far raised more than a £1000 for Thorpe Hall – contributing to the hospice’s brand new £6million facility which opened its doors to patients in July. “The children gave me the strength to carry on,” says Julie. “Iniitally you feel there’s no way normal life can continue, but the kids needed to go to school and get on with their lives and I didn’t want them to watch me grieve for years. “I must admit I did feel resentful about losing Terry at first but now my focus is on the children. The four of us are doing alright. We’re an incredibly close unit because of what we’ve been through. We speak about Terry every day in this house. He lived life to the full and he was very well loved.” So what would Julie’s advice be to anyone considering Thorpe Hall as an end-of-life care option? “Take the place. We are so lucky to have that facility in this area. Thorpe Hall is absolutely invaluable and I can’t imagine how my family and I would have coped without their help.”

Thorpe Hall by numbers The new hospice building may be up and running, but the team still need your help to raise vital funds to continue offering their exceptional care. Here’s how it all adds up…

20 – number of beds at the new Thorpe Hall Hospice 70 – number of clinical staff at the hospice 53 – percentage of patients who come to Thorpe Hall for symptom management and then return home 100 – number of pounds required to pay for a hospice nurse for one day 268 – number of volunteers who generously give their time at Thorpe Hall making a saving of £390,000 per year 500 – number of pounds it costs for one day of hospice care for each patient 145,000 – number of hours of hospice care provided last year 2.7million – number of pounds it costs to run Thorpe Hall Hospice each year • Contact the Fundraising team to learn how you can help: Tel: 01733 225999 Email: thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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UPDATES

A Team dedicated to making you look and feel great T

he team at Flawless Faces is growing with two new beauty therapists joining the salon. Meet Rebecca, & Emily who are ready to give you the full works in beauty treatments. Owner of Flawless Faces Neeta said: “Rebecca and Emily are fantastic, friendly and enthusiastic additions to the Flawless Faces family; we are pleased to have them here and excited about what skills they bring to the salon. Emily joins us in a few weeks and we can’t wait to welcome her.” “The Girls join myself and Jo. Jo was previously head at a beauty salon in Milton Keynes and opened the first Mercedes Benz showroom beauty room in Bedford,” explained Neeta. “She is our in-house Brazilian Waxing Guru. She specialises in Lycon (Australian brand) Brazilian and Hollywood bikini waxes, Nouveau individual eyelash extensions, High defined Flawless Brows, Jessica GELerations Nails and is also able to do all the other Flawless Faces Beauty Treatments”. Rebecca has been with Flawless Faces since last Autumn. She joined the salon after studying and achieving her level 2 NVQ in Melton. Rebecca said, “I’m loving being a part of the team at Flawless Faces. I previously worked in the equestrian industry and competed in shows as part of the family business, but have always wanted to be a beauty therapist. I’m now working at Flawless Faces and studying my level 3 at Beverly Robinson School of Beauty. I will be offering treatments including, waxing tinting, threading, manicures and pedicures”.

Flawless Faces Are Offering Discounts on Selected Treatments with Rebecca Back, neck shoulder massages £10 Spray Tan £10 Hands and Feet file and polish £10 Facial £20 Emily is a Level 3 NVQ Beauty Therapist and will be arriving at Flawless Faces with a wealth of experience, having worked in other beauty salons in Stamford. Emily specialises in Waxing, manicures, pedicures, Jessica GELeration nails, High defined Flawless brows, Body Massages and Facials (Decléor products). As Emily has passed her Decleor, she would like to offer clients 30% off Decleor treatments. Neeta said: “The combined Flawless Faces team have over 20 year’s experience in the beauty industry and are confident we can help you look fantastic and feel great. Come in and see us so that we can bring out the Beauty in you.’ • For more information call 01780 660301 or visit www.flawlessfaces.co.uk Scotgate, Stamford

Apologies Apologies to Neeta of Flawless Faces. In the November 2015 fashion shoot in the magazine Arbonne was incorrectly credited as the make-up range used, when in fact it should have been the fantastic HD Brows range.

The Northwick Arms, Ketton

Alysia Anderson tries out the re-furbished Ketton pub

andra and Kiernan Darnell, along with Chewie, their Basset hound, provided a warm welcome on a chilly evening when I visited the refurbished Northwick Arms recently with friends. The Darnells had been running a pub in Spalding but were attracted by the joint charms of Ketton and the 200-year-old building. “We really liked both the quaint pub and the village,” said Sandra. The couple threw themselves into the pub’s refurbishment last year, doing most of the work themselves. The result is a clean, fresh interior with a central bar dividing the dining area on the right, lined with chunky wooden tables, and the more casual drinking corner on the left. The latter is furnished with cottage-kitchen chairs and tables, although we felt it needed a couple of squashy armchairs to encourage drinkers to linger over their Oakham Grainstore beers. No doubt Sandra is on the case, however, as she and Kiernan are continuing to improve the pub. Not only have they added an upstairs function room hosting everything from dances to film showings, but are also extending the kitchen and employing an additional chef ready for mid-January. Kiernan, a chef since he was 16, likes to use local produce in his cooking and our dishes were certainly full of flavour. My starter of mini fishcakes came with home-made tartare sauce and nut-strewn salad leaves, while others enjoyed a generous slab of pork and chicken liver pâté on soda toast. Main courses were equally well proportioned and my slow-cooked Lincolnshire beef bourguignon, bathed in a rich Merlot gravy, was tasty and tender. Accompanying vegetable dishes included broccoli gratin, buttered carrots and Dauphinoise potatoes: just the ticket on a cold night. My neighbour declared her aubergine, tomato and courgette melanzane, prettily presented in a row of colourful discs, one of the nicest aubergine dishes she’d had. I then succumbed to the Northwick’s slab of steamed date sticky pudding in smoky toffee sauce, easily large enough to share, while others chose a chocolate marquise with pistachio and chilli brittle. At two courses for £14.50 and with reasonably-priced wines sourced from Amps, the Northwick Arms is a welcome and affordable addition to Ketton’s high street. • The Northwick Arms, High St, Ketton (01780 720238; www.thenorthwickarms.com

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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BUSINESS

Get your affairs ship shape With the Christmas season over and the decorations packed away, it’s time to get round to some practical decisions - getting an accountant to sort out your finances, a solicitor to sort out a legal problem that’s been bothering you for ages or a financial advisor to help you plan for the future. ACCOUNTANTS Bulley Davey Limited 2 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DW Tel: 01780 769303 www.bulleydavey.co.uk The Complete Business & Financial Support Service Bulley Davey is a successful, forward thinking provider of accounting, tax and business advice services. Operating through a number of local offices, they work closely within our communities to ensure the service they provide is a cost-effective, high value solution to meet all of your financial needs. Bulley Davey work hard to get to know you in order to deliver timely, individual advice on how to improve your business and personal wealth. The service they provide will give you the peace of mind that you are receiving accurate advice specific to your personal objectives. Whether advising on the efficient management of your tax affairs to create opportunities for you to minimise your tax liabilities, guiding you through the current capital gains tax legislation or completing and filing income tax returns on your behalf, the Bulley Davey team is here to assist. The firm also have a number of dedicated

specialist departments dealing with a range of matters such as tax planning, corporate finance, wealth management, insolvency and business recovery.

“I like people – I find what people do the most interesting part of my job, hence I take a personal and genuine interest in them and their businesses.”

Duncan and Toplis 14 All Saints’ Street, Stamford PE9 2PA Tel: 01780 750888 www.duntop.co.uk Duncan & Toplis was established in 1925 and is one of the largest independent firms of chartered accountants in the region. They have an unrivalled knowledge of local business issues and wide experience across many commercial fields. They are also very efficient if you only need to use them for tax returns. The Stamford partners are Tom Hindmarch and Richard Hardy, who know the local community and its businesses very well.

What recent tax changes are most likely to affect individuals? There are a number of changes coming up in the next financial year which will affect quite a lot of people, the changes to the taxations of Dividend income, will affect both investors and owners of SMEs. Plus the changes to various aspects of the Buy to let market will affect quite a few. The increases in the Personal allowance and the Higher rate tax threshold, should see fewer people paying 40%

Michelle Feasey & Co Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisors Unit 1, West Street Business Park, Stamford, PE9 2PL. Tel: 01780 751115 Michelle Feasey, Director, responds to the following questions: What makes you different?

What do you think the biggest business issue will be in 2016? The Work place pension auto enrolment dates start for smaller businesses from 1st January 2016, with most businesses being required to have a scheme set up by mid-2017. A lot of business still do not understand how this affects them, and what they should do. Of course, there is going to be a cost to employers, which will increase costs. However, the economy does feel more positive, so hopefully businesses should see growth, and increased profits.

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FINANCIAL Abbey Wealth Management Tel: 01780 239069 abbey-gail.goddard@sjpp.co.uk www.abbeywealthmanagement.co.uk Abbey-Gail is Director of Abbey Wealth Management Ltd. Having over 14 years’ experience in the wealth management industry she has acquired a wealth of knowledge and prides herself in providing an invaluable service to her clients, with bespoke face-to-face advice that they can really trust. She is able to provide individually tailored advice in all aspects of financial planning and Abbey Wealth Management Ltd has a strong reputation for excellence in: Building and Preserving Capital Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning Retirement Planning Financial Protection Against Risk & Life Insurance Solutions Based in Stamford, Abbey-Gail provides wealth management advice to clients both within the City, and more widely throughout the East of England. She works closely with all of her clients, building long-term, high trust relationships and her service is grounded in the highest professional standards. She recognises that each client is unique and as such deserves a bespoke service, tailored to their own financial needs and future aspirations. Please do not hesitate to contact Abbey-Gail if you have any questions or think that she could help you, your family, friends or acquaintances. Charles & Dean Willoughby House, 2 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PB www.charlesanddean.com Tel: 01780 763836 Charles & Dean take pleasure in making vehicle and asset finance more personal, as well as a lot more straightforward. As an independent finance broker, they specialise in providing their customers with easy access to competitive and suitable finance through a transparent and forward thinking approach. Why use a broker? It’s simple really...Charles & Dean have immediate access to a wide source of funds providing both consumers and businesses the most affordable and suitable finance. Whether you are looking for personal finance for a new or used car or a business looking to fund commercial property projects or assets e.g. equipment/machinery, Charles & Dean can tailor a financial package to suit your needs. Winner of Theo Paphitis’ SBS and recognised for their customer care, Charles & Dean’s philosophy remains consistent in providing their customers with the most suitable finance product whilst delivering outstanding service.

SOLICITORS Buckles Solicitors LLP Peterborough office: Grant House, 101 Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough PE1 1NG Tel: 01733 888888 Stamford office: 3 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DW Tel: 01780 484570 www.buckles-law.co.uk Buckles Solicitors LLP provides a comprehensive range of legal solutions to individuals and businesses across the Midlands, East Anglia and the UK and internationally. They pride themselves on being approachable, friendly and easy to work with whether you are facing business or personal issues. Buckles has had an office in Stamford since 2000, and have been in their current St Mary’s Hill location since 2007. It used to be an old brewery and you will discover a blend of the new and the old when yiu visit. The office focuses mainly on private clients and has specialists in Wills, Powers of Attorney, Inheritance Tax Planning, Care Home Funding, Family Law and Property (commercial as well as residential) as well as other areas. There is even a lawyer who specialises in French law, which could be useful in helping you to realise a French property dream! Specialists can also be drawn upon from elsewhere in the extensive Buckles network. Sarah Westwood, the head of the Stamford office, told SL what makes Buckles different. “As well as having the legal expertise, we pride ourselves on being very approachable, we don’t want clients to be daunted!” Hegarty LLP Solicitors 10 Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 752066 www.hegarty.co.uk Hegarty’s reputation is built on four decades of providing private clients and businesses with legal services in plain English against a backdrop of personal attention. Hegarty Solicitors started life in a small office in 1974; since then the business has grown organically as satisfied clients have returned and recommended Hegarty’s legal services. As demand has increased they have added to the hand picked team of staff, ensuring their knowledge, experience and client care meet the exacting standards expected by clients. Their teams of solicitors and lawyers – still headed by founder Richard Hegarty - can help and advise on everything from company law to insolvency, employment law to conveyancing, personal injury to family matters.

Landmark IFA Ltd 1st Floor, Rock House, 30 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ Tel: 01780 761313 - www.landmarkifa.co.uk Kevin Mullins, Founder and Director of Landmark IFA, Ltd speaks to SL: “2015 was a busy year for us, merging our Stamford and Oundle offices and moving to the fabulous Rock House, Scotgate. With several new appointments made at the end of 2015, we now find ourselves in the top 2% of IFA firms in the UK. “2016 brings a number of challenges for Landmark and our clients, due to the rate and depth of change taking place in the world of financial planning, and the fragile nature of world markets right now. With significant changes to Pensions, ISAs and Inheritance Tax, as well as the less-favourable tax-treatment of the Buy to Let market, it’s vital that an investor fully understands how these recent changes may affect them and whether their current strategy is still appropriate. So for the coming year, we expect to see an increased demand for our long-term financial modeller and cashflow analysis. With a robust, risk - based analysis in place and regular ‘interrogation of the numbers’ we feel we’re well-placed to keep our clients’ plans on-track.”

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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We specialise in providing the complete accountancy and business support service you need to enable you to concentrate on growing your business * Sole Traders, Partnership and Limited Companies * Cloud Based Book-keeping Available * Payroll Services * Annual Accounts * Taxation - Corporation Tax, Self Assessment, VAT Phone Michelle Feasey today for a free initial consultation - 01780 751115

Email: michelle@feaseyaccounts.co.uk

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Depressed, Anxious, Stressed? Lacking Confidence? Addicted to Cigarettes, Alcohol or Drugs? Facing an Important Interview, Test or Exam? Fearful of Flying/Spiders/Driving/Speaking? Suffering from a Phobia, Compulsion or Obsession? Seeking to Improve Performance? Unable to Lose Weight? In Pain? Angry? Unfulfilled? Unhappy? Not Achieving Your True Potential? Take Control With

Hypnotherapy Bernice Hardwick www.seechanges.co.uk Email: bernice@seechanges.co.uk | Tel: 01780 678565

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PENSIONS FREEDOM-A WHOLE NEW BALL-GAME FOR RETIREMENT PLANNING The new pension rules which came into force on April 6th 2015 gave an individual much greater flexibility over how they might take benefits from their pension pot. Whilst the changes must be applauded, with them comes greater complexity. In trying to decide the best course of action, it appears the new rules have created more questions than answers: Are you aware of all the recent changes, and how they may affect you personally? =

= Have you made your benefit nomination, and if not, are you aware of the tax-consequences of not doing so? = Do you understand the taxation issues now surrounding pensions?

Summary

= Do you need help or advice in planning your retirement income strategy?

Summary Assumeed growth rate Pension value age 63 Initial cash Assumeed growth rate State pension Initial cash Other income in retirement State pension Drawdown Other income in retirement Cash lump sum Drawdown Total remaining pension pot at age 83 Cash lump sum Total tax payable up to age 83 Total remaining pension pot at age 83 Total income in year of retirement Total tax payable up to age 83

Landmark IFA Ltd offers a review and appraisal of an individual’s retirement planning options and provides a bespoke Retirement Options Report.

The first 20 readers to contact us can receive this appraisal and report completely free of charge. Please contact us: mentioning Stamford Living, to claim your free report.

1st Floor, Rock House, Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ

Pension value age 63

Total income in year of retirement

£400,000 5% p.a £400,000 £52,000 at age of 63 5% p.a minus total charges of 2,25% £7,717 £52,000 at age of 63 £0 minus total charges of 2,25%

per year

£7,717 £17,000 per year £0 per year £20,000 at age 72

£17,000

per year

£295,679 £20,000

at age 72

£30,880 £295,679 £17,000 £30,880 £17,000

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Stylish and Inspirational

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UPDATES

Tax changes for ‘buy to let’ landlords There are radical changes on the horizon for buy-to-let landlords following recent Budget announcements made by the government. Kerry Hilliard, Partner at Stephenson Smart accountancy firm in Peterborough, explains more.

lans have been announced to limit the tax relief for finance costs, including interest on loans for residential property businesses carried on by individuals and partnerships. Relief will be restricted to the basic rate of tax, currently 20 percent, even if the individual is a higher 40 percent or additional 45 percent taxpayer. These restrictions will be an unwelcome development for landlords and even those paying tax at basic rate will need to review their position as the changes might push them into a higher tax bracket. The new rules will be gradually introduced over four years from April 2017 to give landlords time to adjust. Other changes include the abolition of the generous wear and tear allowance. This allowance allows landlords of furnished rental accommodation to deduct 10 per cent of the rental income before calculating their tax, irrespective of whether they actually spent the money on their properties. From next April this is to be replaced with relief for actual expenditure increasing taxable income for many. Where these changes threaten to put a landlord into a worsening or loss-making position, thought might be given to changing the ownership structure of the property, mortgaging or disposing of it altogether. • For more information and tax planning advice contact Stephenson Smart on 01733 343275 or go to www.stephensonsmart.com

Stamford Junior School Recycling Week C

hildren at Stamford Junior School have been busy over the Christmas holidays gathering all sorts of items to be re-used or recycled in preparation for their annual Recycling Week, held this year from 11-15 January. This initiative, now in its second year, is enthusiastically embraced by the pupils. They are encouraged to collect Christmas cards, which are delivered to M&S in Stamford to support the Woodland Trust in Grantham; printer cartridges for Colemans to send to MacMillan Cancer Support; used stamps and foreign coins for Stamford Rotary Club, in aid of the Leprosy Mission; old shoes which the Stamford branch of Clarks recycles through ShoeSHARE to support UNICEF; and toys, clothes and baby equipment for Alternatives in Stamford. The schoolchildren also hear talks in assembly by representatives of the various local shops and charities that their special Recycling Week supports. Year 4 pupil Daisy Nixon said, “It’s fun to hunt for things around our house to bring into school. It’s amazing to think we can help people instead of just throwing them all away.”

Arch Label Agency

A shop where you will always find something new, something fashionable and something which is great value. Take a look at this for example: a Carolina Herrera Camelot leather bag, it has a detachable shoulder strap and is new and unused and boxed. RRP £350 only £250 at Arch Label Agency.

Tattoo Removal

If you have a tattoo that you just don’t want any more or that has faded and looks unsightly you may want to consider having it removed. Fran Walker has opened Laser Erase in Peterborough and specialises in tattoo removal. She has shared with us some of the most common questions asked before having a tattoo removed. What are the costs likely to be for tattoo removal? Laser Erase Peterborough is competitive in price and prices start from as low as £30 per session minimum (for a small tattoo), every tattoo size is different, therefore every price is different to allow for the time and laser shots used. What type of laser is used to remove the tattoos? At Laser Erase Peterborough we only use the latest high powered Q switched Ruby, Nd:YAG and KTP lasers, ensuring superior results. Will the skin be normal when the treatment is finished? Our lasers are absorbed by skin pigment as well as tattoo ink. Darker skinned patients may notice some lightening of the skin (depigmentation). This usually returns to normal quickly. How many treatments are required to remove a tattoo? A test patch is required first, then a few days later your first full session will take place. Most amateur tattoos require 3 to 5 treatment sessions at monthly intervals. Most professional tattoos require 5 to 12 treatment sessions at monthly intervals. How long does it take and does it hurt? Typical treatment sessions last between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo. The lasers do cause discomfort during treatment, similar to being “snapped” with a rubber band. Does the treatment scar? Our lasers are Q-switched, this means the lasers deliver high power in a very short pulse (25 billionths of a second!) there is normally no lasting damage to the skin. Where is Laser Erase based and how do I get in touch? Our business Laser Erase is based in Peterborough, Farcet (St Mary’s Street, PE7 3AR. Get in touch via our website www. lasererasetattoo.co.uk or via our FaceBook page www.facebook.com/LaserErasePeterborough – you can also email: info@lasererasetattoo.co.uk or phone 07545499254 STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Colour and Style in the World of Interiors Rannveig Stone, our new Interiors correspondent, discusses the advantages of understanding your personal colour palette and style when designing your own home

T goes without saying that colour plays an important role in the interior design and decoration process. During my 15 years in the industry I have heard many declare that they are ‘good with colours’. However, there is far more to consider than whether you like certain colours, and think they may go together. For example your property’s age is important to consider as the colours need to work with its architecture, but above all they need to work for you and your style! Emma Darrell from House of Colour runs small, friendly classes in which she explores the colours that best suit your skin tone, along with the style you feel most comfortable with. Admittedly these workshops have been created for the purpose of fashion but I believe the disciplines she teaches can be applied to the interior decoration of your home. Emma’s knowledge and skills help to narrow down personal choices in fashion and interiors in a world where marketing influences us so dramatically. This in turn makes our life easier, enabling us to individualise our homes within our personal budgets. In my humble opinion House of Colour and designers like myself can work side by side as the two disciplines overlap. Once one embraces personal colour and style all aspects of lifestyle, fashion and interior décor fall into place. It doesn’t squash your sense of individuality as some may believe – it enables it!

Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk 40

fter undertaking the House of Colour training programme, Emma discovered she had inadvertently decorated her house in her own natural classic, autumn colour based style. Knowing this encouraged her to be bolder and more definite in her choices within her home, enabling her to finish the Interior decoration with confidence. Her house boasts a palette of natural oak with soft greens and greys with shots of mustard and orange. Pattern tends to be in the form of leaves and foliage but quite understated and matt. There isn’t an ounce of the shiny and nothing ultra fashionable, but timeless and clean and more importantly – completely Emma.

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It doesn’t have to be high end to be top drawer!

ouse of Colour fan Georgina Clifton had a very similar story. Hunters Interiors had already transformed her living room into a relaxed and elegant area, using grey, silver and dark greens. Subsequently Georgina invested in a colour workshop with Emma. To her surprise she discovered that she was decorating her home in the colours and style that best suited her skin tone and personality, without realising it. Georgina falls into the winter colour bracket (think black, greys, navy and forest green). Style-wise she is described as a ‘natural gamine’. In other words she likes an organised mess, is into small subtle detail and can be very quirky. The downstairs loo says it all!

Says Emma: “Putting a mix of quality and budget pieces together but in a way to suit you will make you look a million dollars… for a man I advise that the suit doesn’t have to cost the earth as long as you pair it with a well tailored shirt and good quality shoes. Overall the outfit will look a lot more expensive than it really is. It’s a balance, once you know your style and colour you will find items from all budgets ranges to suit you.” This ethos can be applied to the world of interiors. An expensive looking interior is not achieved by purchasing solely top of the range products. In fact an overload of this can become quite tacky. It’s about balance; certain items can be bought on a budget as long as they are layered with others of good quality and fitted well. Knowing your own style and colour spectrum will help achieve this layered approach in your home, creating the perfect interior, whatever your budget. Emma fitted a B&Q kitchen paired it with luxurious tiling and a high end composite work top. Overall the kitchen looks more expensive than the budget it consumed. When designing your home ensure every area and finish work together in harmony, just like an outfit you may put together for work. It will create a greater sense of peace and a feeling of success. Furthermore undertaking The House of Colour experience with your partner will aid a design process that could see your home become a comprehensive and successful mix of the colours and styles you both enjoy!

was not an easy client for Emma, but she understood me in the end, and above all made me understand myself. I am a ‘sultry winter’ and style wise an ‘ingénue gamine’. Girly yet hard, detailed and rock chick! I had to ditch the tweed and Wellingtons I was wearing and embrace my Scandinavian heritage. I’m so glad I have, its so much easier being true to your self, and in the Lincolnshire world of country chic I am now unashamedly proud of my Scandinavian, eclectic, 1930s home.

CONTACTS Emma Darrell from House of Colour emma. darrell@houseofcolour.co.uk Tel: 01733 253971 Anna Stone Designs Ltd www.annastonedesign.com Tel: 07900 883117 Hunter’s Interiors www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk Tel: 01780 757946 STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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DESIGN INTERIORS

Detox your home! With modern houses becoming better insulated (and more contained) and with current lifestyles using hard floors, modern furniture using pressed timbers and MDF containing formaldehyde and all upholstered beds and furniture in the UK having to pass stringent flame retardant standards using nasty chemicals, consumers are just not aware of the air quality that they are living in every day. Can we live healthier naturally?

HE answer is yes and the Wool Room, based in Rutland and with its store in Stamford, has some simple solutions and recommendations that will detox your home within hours. Wool and in particular British Wool has an amazing ability to absorb and lock away naturally occurring VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as Formaldehyde, Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide naturally. These are toxins that are produced by everyday items such as hard floors, modern flat pack furniture, prefab constructions and boilers or stoves. We spend over a third of our lives in bed and yet how much time do we spend on thinking about the environment that we sleep in. 5 million people in the UK are being treated with asthma and dust mite allergies, 75% of all couples sleep at two different temperatures resulting in poor sleep for one partner or the other with no solution being provided by typical bedding solutions, and we are all surrounded by an increasing volume of nasty chemicals as the world increases its use of synthetic fibres particularly in beds and mattresses. All of these will have an impact on how well we sleep at night. The Wool Room is passionate about delivering the very healthiest night’s sleep and recommends taking the following steps to ensure that you give yourself the very best chance of waking up every day healthier and ready for the day ahead!

FIVE STEPS TO DETOXING YOUR BEDROOM: STEP 1 Look at investing in a 100% wool carpet. This is the equivalent to an indoor air purifier as it will lock away all those nasty VOCs within hours of being laid within your house and will maintain a healthy indoor environment for its life. STEP 2 Invest in a Wool bedding set - research shows that by sleeping on and under wool will deliver 25% deeper, more regenerative sleep by managing sleeping temperature and comfort and is the only natural bedding solution that is also effective for allergy sufferers without any need for chemicals or regular washing. STEP 3 If you have hard floors and cannot afford a new carpet then consider a 100% wool rug. This too can act as an air purifier and will be of particular benefit in children’s bedrooms.

STEP 4 Consider how old and what your mattress is made from? 99% of mattresses sold and bought in the UK use brominated flame retardants on the mattress ticking (outer cover) which one must then sleep next to night after night. Consider buying a new mattress that is free from these nasty chemicals. The Wool Room now has extended its total sleep solution to include the only complete range of chemical free mattresses in the UK that meet all the UK regulations naturally through the natural flame retardant properties of wool. No more nasty memory foam that makes you overheat or synthetics that need these unnecessary chemicals. STEP 5 Use 100% natural bed linen as this will allow the bed or mattress to breathe and will enhance sleep by allowing our wool bedding and mattresses to work effectively. • The Wool Room, 8 Star Lane, Stamford, PE9 1PH Tel: 01780 767927 www.thewoolroom.com STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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OUT AND ABOUT

Woodlands Retreat at Hothorpe Hall Sosennah Every spends a night in the heavens…

WICE I was in awe when I arrived at my Treehouse room at The Woodlands at Hothorpe Hall. The aroma of pine, the gentle noise of rustling leaves and the view of trees surrounded by open fields with a church spire in the distance is like a picture book come alive. Where is this I hear you ask…? The Woodlands is the newly opened collection of modern self-catering log cabins, lounge bar and dining room set in the grounds of Hothorpe Hall in Theddingworth, just 15 minutes from Market Harborough. I was lucky enough to stay in their pièce de resistance, the Treehouse, a standalone elevated double room with sitting room and sumptuous en-suite. Just walking up the private steps to the semi-circular decking area and seeing the views across the fields towards Theddingworth church made us reach for our cameras! Once inside, the luxurious furnishings complete with a lit electric ‘wood’ burner made for a very homely welcome. For people staying for weekend breaks, there was no feeling of being cramped as the seating area felt nicely separate from the ‘bedroom’, which was tucked into the circular part of the treehouse. Fully equipped with a two-seater sofa, a widescreen TV and Bluetooth entertainment system as well as a kitchenette and small table for breakfast, we were also pleasantly surprised to find a wine fridge! The attention to detail in the furnishings was second to none, even down to the rope detailing around the eaves and door frames. Weekend breaks are all about relaxing and the en-suite’s large enveloping bath complete with soft mood lighting surrounding the base was the perfect place for a bubble bath filled to the brim, a good novel and a glass of fizz; whilst the husband enjoys the rugby in peace and quiet with his own choice of refreshments. For dinner you can choose to pre-order from the main restaurant at Hothorpe Hall and heat up simple meals such as Shepherd’s Pie or Lamb Tagine in the microwave grill or I would highly recommend going to the Pop Up restaurant in the dining room located just a few steps away in the heart of The Woodlands collection of lodges. Sadly, we didn’t book when the Pop Up restaurant

was available but from purveying the menu, Head Chef Fraser McDonald and his team would not disappoint. My second awe-inspiring moment was when we arrived back after a local pub meal to hear the owls hooting in the trees and the stars twinkling above our idyllic hideaway, which made us want to take a walk around the Woodlands and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. After a peaceful night’s sleep we were able to tuck into a continental breakfast hamper that was left in the room for us to enjoy at a time to suit us. If you weren’t able to find babysitters for the children or wanted to go away in a group, the Woodlands has a collection of Snugs which are two double bedroom modern log cabins, complete with ensuites and a kitchenette. In addition there are six two bedroom Lodges, which can cater for larger families with two sofa beds included that would be perfect for families staying for a wedding or big event that was held in the function room. Two of these are wheelchair accessible. Each lodge has a decking area for some alfresco dining and overlooks the fields at the back of Hothorpe Hall. Inside, as much care as possible has been made to recycle the wood that was cut down to make space for the cabins, with wooden headboards, stumps smoothed to make stools, wooden key rings and more. Walking around outside, it is really commendable how the wood has all been put to good use with old tree stumps with roots sticking out at all angles turned into works of art and used logs and upturned stumps turned into picnic tables or make shift benches for a private outdoor Blessing area. If you are looking to treat a loved one to an extra special gift this year with a New Year weekend away or wish to celebrate your wedding or Anniversary, The Woodlands could be just the ticket. • For accommodation and event bookings at The Woodlands, call Tel: 01858 881500 or visit www.woodlandbreaks.co.uk or www.hothorpe. co.uk/woodlands. The Woodlands is located at Hothorpe Hall, Theddingworth, LE17 6QX. STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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ACTIVITIES

Bike business Alysia Anderson talks to two local experts, cycling coach Ben Price and bicycle builder Oliver Laverack, about life on two wheels

PEDAL PERFORMANCE It’s impossible to ignore the increasing number of MAMILs (middle-aged men in Lycra) hurtling along the roads and lanes around Stamford these days. Cycling clubs are thriving and some riders are setting themselves major challenges, such as entering the amateur Tour de France. Ben Price is a former élite pro peloton rider turned performance coach who is helping cyclists such as these achieve their goals. He set up his company, Kineticvelo, in Peterborough in 2012 and has found plenty of clients simply through word of mouth. “The Club is all about the marriage between traditional values and modern techniques, in a social and enjoyable environment.” Ben began cycling at the age of 15 when it wasn’t a popular sport in the UK. “Although I lived in Cambridgeshire I didn’t really cycle in the Fens. At that time cycling wasn’t big here, not like it is today.” Ben began racing at a high level in 1995 and worked his way up the ranks on road and track, even competing against world champion Sir Bradley Wiggins. It’s a punishing sport, but Ben says this is what has given him the ability to help others attain their goals. “Cycling at pro level is unforgiving and brutal. I consider it as a kind of apprenticeship towards what I do now. I love taking out a group of cyclists: usually middle-aged men who might start off being a bit egotistical when we first meet, but once they’re out on the bike that falls away. I’m the only one they need to beat. It’s structured and disciplined and I’m really strict on safety, but it’s also fun. These men choose to ride together instead of going to the pub. They still get to unwind and talk to their mates but they’re also getting fit at the same time.” Ben says his clients are proud to wear the Kineticvelo jersey. He usually takes a group of eight to ten cyclists out at time, starting at an hour’s ride and building up to longer training. His clients range in ability, so he might have three different tiers of group on the go. Although he is happy to take on beginners, most of his clients are pretty serious about the sport. “I look after people spending maybe £3-4,000 on a bike. We’ll discuss their training goals but I’ll try to get out and see them ride as soon as possible. I video them from a scooter riding alongside and I’m not afraid to tell them the truth to help them move on. It’s a cool job and I’m proud to help them bring their dreams to life.” Training with Ben costs £145 a month. For more details visit www.kineticvelo.co.uk

BESPOKE BICYCLES J.Laverack titanium bicycles are designed in Rutland and are handcrafted. They were inspired by owner Oliver Laverack’s grandfather, Jack, who would regularly ride more than 100 miles through his native Yorkshire wearing deer-leather pads and on a heavy bike with few gears. Thankfully, technology has moved on since then. Oliver explained: “Our first J.ACK frame is a four-season bike that offers performance, style and comfort in equal measure and can tackle rutted cobbles, gravel roads or ribbon-smooth asphalt. We offer a service that allows customisation of components, personalised glass-blasted graphics and completely bespoke paint schemes.” Apart from looking good, what are the benefits of a bespoke bike? Oliver explained: “A good fit is key to enjoying your ride and staying injury-free. When you get to pro level cycling, the fit can also impact your performance and efficiency. Not only are we all different shapes with different length legs, arms and torsos, but also our flexibility, previous injuries and the amount of cycling we do all need to be taken into account to get a fit that matches our bodies.” Oliver is officially launching the J.Laverack bikes at Café Ventoux in Tugby, Leicestershire this month. Prices start from around £1,500. • For more details, visit www.jlaverack.co.uk

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LAKE GARDA Riva del Garda – The Villa Nicole June 2016 | Half Board 7 NIGHTS | £769.00 pp

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STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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UPDATES

Take a trip with Shaws Coaches W

hat better way to while away a midwinter day than planning some trips and days out for 2016? Local coach tour company Shaws Coaches has just launched a new collection of Door2-Door holidays for 2016 along with the latest edition of its popular day tour brochure. New holiday destinations for 2016 include the beautiful Dordogne in France, Royal Deeside in Scotland, and some short break ideas such as Normandy in Bloom, Easter in Arras and a Shakespeare Sunday Night Special to Stratford-upon-Avon! All include the stress-free Door-2-Door Service and optional free travel insurance (with no upper age limit). If you’re looking for a day trip, there are more than 90 ideas with over 30 local departure points! Special offer sight seeing and shopping trips start from just £10 per person and there is a wide choice of top West End shows from only £49.50 per person. Trips include these choices: Barry Manilow ‘One Last Time’, Brooklands Motor Museum, Chelsea Flower Show, The Shard and Afternoon Tea Cruise on The Thames, From Monet to Matisse at the National Gallery, Warner Bros Harry Potter tour, Welsh National Opera, The Marriage of Figaro, Riverdance, Strictly’s Brendan Cole and A Night to Remember. • For further details of all Shaws holidays and day trips, free brochures and gift vouchers, ring 01778 342224, email enquiries@shawscoaches.co.uk, call at the office at 49 High Street, Maxey or visit the company’s website, www.shawscoaches.co.uk . You can also find out more at a Coffee Morning in Maxey Village Hall on January 12. There is no charge, but please prebook as the Hall has limited capacity. Call 01778 342224 or email the address above to secure your place. Dordogne in France

Charles & Dean award-winners!

he Stamford-based company, founded in 2010 by its directors Tom Perkins and Simon Grace, are riding high on a wave of award recognition. Last November, Charles & Dean were highly commended as customer service finalists at the Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards for their exceptional offering and bespoke delivery. The accolades didn’t stop there as Dragon’s Den, Theo Paphitis awarded the Stamford company his prestigious #SBS (Small Business Sunday) award, notifying his half a million Twitter followers about Charles & Dean’s philosophy of making finance more personal and straightforward. Speaking about the recent awards, Tom Perkins said “We are thrilled to be recognised for our dedicated and tailored customer service. Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than delivering beyond our customer’s expectations whilst ensuring we have found the most suitable financial product for their needs.” • Charles & Dean, Willoughby House, 2 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PB www.charlesanddean.com Tel: 01780 763836

Stamford Boot Camp New Year offer I

f you’re bored with going to the gym or dislike the gym environment you’ll love what Stamford Boot Camp has on offer this month. Proprietor Rob Dulieu says, “Our fitness facility breaks the mould because every session we conduct is instructed so your hard earned money isn’t wasted by lack of motivation or not knowing what to do. Our programmes are totally unique, great fun, and full of variety. Each session is interactive so you’ll make new friends easily and wonder why you never joined before. You see, this Boot Camp is MORE than just a fitness class – it’s a lifestyle!” To help kick start your 2016 fitness regime Rob is offering the following January Boot Camp specials: £62.50 for 6 Boot Camp sessions (saving you £12.50) or a monthly standing order package with 1 month refunded (saving you £36-£86). • Visit www.stamfordpersonalfitness. co.uk for session times and standing order options. To book your place contact Rob on 07846 457959 or email him info@ stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk

Beginners No More! L

ooking to do a sociable activity together with your partner? Want to get fit and have fun too? Would you like to make new friends with whom you can share outings? The popular programme ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has inspired many to start this hobby at Nene School of Dancing with Janina Mossman which answers all of these. There is a class just for you. Join the new 12 week Absolute Beginners’ course on Thursday January 21st from 7pm-8pm and learn the cha cha cha, rumba, jive, rock n’ roll, waltz and quickstep. The cost is £7.50pw. If you know the basics, join one of the current Friday Improvers’ Classes that extend all the Beginners’ dances as well as introducing the slow foxtrot, tango, and samba. Choose from 7.30pm or 8.30pm start. Classes run at the Stamford United Reformed Church Hall Many new friends go for a meal before to complement the time or for a drink in Stamford to end off the evening. To practise, Janina holds regular Saturday evening socials and Sunday afternoon tea dances in the beautifully restored ballroom at the Stamford Arts Centre. Janina Mossman is a qualified IDTA examiner and is the Principal of the Nene School of Dancing. She has over forty years of experience teaching ballroom and Latin dance to all abilities and ages. • Take a minute to look at the Nene School of Dancing website www. neneschoolofdancing.co.uk for further information about the school. To enrol please contact Janina on: 01778 590655 or 07931 214 211 or email at janina@neneschoolofdancing.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS BALLROOM AND LATIN 12 week course STARTING

Thursday 21st January 2016

7pm - 8pm £7.50 pppw Stamford United Reformed Church Hall PE9 1PJ

PLEASE CONTACT JANINA TO ENROL 01778 590655 OR 07931 214 211 janina@neneschoolofdancing.co.uk www.neneschoolofdancing.co.uk

Nene Dancing Stamford Living mag.indd 1

23/11/2015 16:05

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Spire Healthcare Physio Services at Spire Stamford clinic Our Physiotherapy Services We understand injuries can be debilitating and recovery times can be lengthy and frustrating. We offer high standards of care and attention, which is reflected in the expertise and treatment provided by our specialist physiotherapists.

Patients may contact the clinic directly or be referred by a consultant or GP. If you have any questions or, to make an appointment, call direct on 0116 265 3653 or email LCphysio@spirehealthcare.com

We provide: • rapid assessment, diagnosis and treatment • no waiting list • no GP referral required (if self-pay) • treatment for all, insured or not

info@spireleicester.com www.spireleicester.com Spire Stamford Clinic, 12 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG

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ACTIVITIES

Local Clubs & Societies

Each month we take a look at some clubs and societies and see what they are getting up to and why it might be fun to join

Stamford Bowls O

pen all-year round with its six-rink, 40-yard square artificial surface, viewing gallery, meeting room and bar, Stamford Indoor Bowls Club has a restaurant and a caterer during the winter season (SeptemberApril) and offers a haven for those keen to enjoy the sport or just to watch it flourish for players from eight to 80 plus. Stamford IBC runs on a not-for-profit basis and is staffed entirely by volunteers and last year received a £50,000 grant towards repairing its roof. The club also used a donation from a former outdoor bowls club to improve lighting over the green. Says the club’s publicity officer Bob Warters, a retired golf and football writer: “We have an enthusiastic junior section but we also welcome sportsmen and sportswomen looking for a fresh challenge which tests them competitively. For those less able, it’s a way to meet new friends and relax in their spare time.” A recent survey identified bowls as a sport that can be enjoyed by the widest range of participants while being attractive to men and women playing on equal terms. “It tends to have an older demographic because you don’t have to be as energetic. But tell that to the members of Stamford IBC who can get

Single life doesn’t have to be dull! B

eing single again can be a difficult and traumatic time. Mistrust, loneliness, a lack of confidence and self-sorrow are common feelings which prevent singletons from taking that step out and seeing people again after they have lost a partner. But the group behind a well-attended social club are urging them to join in for enjoyable evenings and a chance to make new friends. Deeping and Peterborough Phoenix Club, the local branch of the National Council for the Divorced, Separated and Widowed (NCDSW), opened in July 2009. The main aim of the NCDSW is to bring together men and women who all have one thing in common in that they are unexpectedly single again. Members believe that the NCDSW title is an advantage over other “singles” clubs, where people have no idea of each others’ status. The thriving club, which meets every Thursday night at 8pm at the Deeping Sports & Social Club, in Market Deeping, has nearly 100 members and is non-profit making

just as excited by the delivery of a precise bowl as anyone scoring a goal, hitting a six or serving an ace, “says Bob, who is president for the 2016 anniversary season. “Many of our members have played ball sports to a reasonably high level and have found that bowls still gives them that spark of competitive spirit, years after the body has rejected the idea of a tackle or a 20-stroke rally. “What’s cool about bowls is that all different ages can play it and it’s competitive. You can have youngsters, if they really practice, as good as someone who is much older”, he says. “There’s a lot of skill and strategy in the indoor game, it’s fun and keeps you active and in touch with a community of people with a similar passion.” Among the club’s main aims this year is to reduce its average membership age by catering for former sports people looking for a new sport to pursue at a time of their choosing. Stamford IBC has its own large car park (enter 100 yards on the right from the Roman Bank end of Exeter Gardens). • For further details call the club on 01780 756452, visit its website www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk or simply call in, ask for a leaflet and take a look around.

The mix of ages might raise a few eyebrows from outsiders, there tends to be a mix from late 30s to retirement age, and it works surprisingly well. It’s quite refreshing to see that none of the tables are empty, something you don’t see very often at clubs. Safeguarding those members is one of the most important aspects of the club, and each potential new person must fill out an application form alongside proof of single status. This information – kept confidential under the data protection act – could include a death certificate, divorce papers, or a solicitor’s letter confirming legal separation. The NCDSW has been in operation for more than 40 years now, and there are now more than 65 branches in the UK. Annual membership costs £5 per year and the ongoing normal entry fee is £4.00 per night unless stated otherwise in the Forthcoming Events section. • For more information telephone 07954 437904, or e-mail info@deepingphoenix.co.uk

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UPDATES

Rutland Cycling takes over Station Cycles in Cambridge R

utland Cycling has acquired Station Cycles of Cambridge, bringing its growing family of retail stores to nine. Rutland Cycling, who opened a fifth store in Peterborough earlier this year, have taken over the Cambridge chain of three shops, based in the Grand Arcade, Histon and Barnwell Road, as well as Giant Store Cambridge on Hills Road. David Middlemiss, Managing Director of Rutland Cycling and a Cambridge graduate, commented, “We are delighted to be entering the Cambridge market at such an exciting time for cycling in the city. The team at Station have built a fantastic business and we are privileged to be taking on such a strong and dedicated team. Following a successful re-brand online and instore, and the launch of our new Peterborough superstore, this expansion comes at the right time for us as we grow our family business and build for the long-term”. Station Cycles was established by local entrepreneur Charlie Warboys, whose original shop was located at the train station – hence the company’s name. By the time his first shop closed in 2014 as part of the station’s redevelopment, Mr Warboys had built his business into a successful chain of stores, supplying Cambridge with leading brands including Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Brompton and Frog. Station Cycles also run a successful bike hire operation. Managing Director of Giant UK, Ian Beasant, said, “We are extremely grateful to Station Cycles for their hard work in building the Giant brand in Cambridge and now look forward to growing the business further with one of our key partners with whom we have seen strong growth in recent years”. Rutland Cycling have made significant investments in store and web development over the last two years with backing from the Business Growth Fund. Paul Archer, CEO of Rutland Cycling and son of founder Dave Archer, reflected that “our success now is built on a lot of hard work putting in place

‘Good Things’ by Liz Lochhead 8-12 March 2016

A romantic comedy about finding love the second (or third or fourth) time, from ‘Scotland’s greatest living dramatist’ Scotland on Sunday. Divorced, redundant and with a significant birthday looming, Susan also has to cope with a father in his second childhood, a stroppy teenage daughter and an ex who, unfortunately, still has the power to wound... Set in the charity shop where Susan volunteers, over the space of one year, ‘Good Things’ explores the rocky path to love later in life with poignancy, humour and wit. • Shoestring at the Stamford Arts Centre. Box Office: 01780 763203 or online at www. stamfordartscentre.com

L-R: Rutland Cycling MD David Middlemiss with Station Cycles Histon Store Manager Chris Ould a sustainable platform for growth, both here in Cambridge and beyond. Our family values and business vision mean we are committed to delivering the highest standards of bike retail in Cambridge, creating new opportunities for development for the excellent store teams we are now proud to be working with.” Rutland Cycling began life in 1981 as a simple cycle hire cabin on the shores of newly-created Rutland Water. In addition to its new Cambridge stores, the business now comprises its flagship bike shop at Whitwell, a Giant brand store at Normanton, and three more cycle shops at Grafham Water, Fineshade Wood and Peterborough. In addition to its retail stores, Rutland Cycling has also built a successful online presence through its website, www.rutlandcycling.com. The company are winners of the BikeBiz Best Independent Bike Dealer Award (2013, 2011 and 2010), and the Family Business Awards’ Retail Excellence category (2015).

Vicki Ball: Reflexologist and Bowen Therapist V

icki Ball has been working as a reflexologist in and around Stamford for nine years and is more passionate than ever as to the benefits this treatment brings to people. As well as helping the body to relax and de-stress, Reflexology works on all the systems within the body; digestive, hormonal, skeletal and muscular, to name but a few. The treatment is known to boost the immune system along with helping the body to detox. Reflexology is all about creating the feeling of well-being and is a natural healing treatment. In 2014 Vicki qualified as a Bowen Technique (Bowtech) practitioner, following in the footsteps of pioneer Tom Bowen, who first devised this unique therapy in Australia in the Fifties. Bowen is an holistic therapy using gentle and very precise rolling movements to stimulate and re-align muscles, tendons and ligaments, depending on the presenting problem. It works on the principle that through these specific moves the body can retrieve its muscular memory to return to a balanced state. Vicki explains, “Bowen is an extraordinary therapy that can have a dramatic effect and it is difficult to imagine unless someone has experienced it firsthand. It can be carried out in a seated, standing or lying down position and is suitable for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Case studies have shown it to be beneficial for a range of ailments with back and shoulder problems responding particularly well.” • Tel: 01780 482244, Mobile: 0780 302 0571, email: vickiball10@hotmail.com. www.vickiballreflexologist.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Results Making the National Headlines…

3D- Lipo.

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Barnsdale Hall Hotel

Treatment is pain-free with no down time, and with immediate results.

January Sale EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. For more information please visit our website or contact us:

www.chaelis.co.uk - info@chaelis.co.uk - 01832 733811 Sten Beren, Lowick, Kettering, Northants. NN14 3BH

20 Best Local Bike Rides In association with Rutland Cycling

Leisure day with flotation treatment and lunch for two… £55.00 Relax and unwind and welcome the New Year with this fantastic sale offer. Arrive and enjoy the full use of our leisure facilities, 22 metre pool, sauna, steam room and spa pools, a 30 minute shared flotation treatment and then a 2 course lunch for two. (Due to health contraindications please check with the spa staff if you suffer from any medical conditions).

This is a limited offer, available 9.30am-6pm Tuesday-Friday throughout January and February 2016. 20% off any additional treatments when booked together with this offer.

rides

BIKE

20 best

local

Spectacular rides around cycle Stamford, Ru Harborough tland, the Nene Va and lley

Call the spa to make your reservation now on 01572 771313

0 ISSN 175 7-747

9 7717 57 7470 12

£3.50

From the publish

Living

• This is a limited offer •

ers of

Magazines

Please enclose a cheque for £3.50 per booklet, made payable to Local Living, and return to: BLBR, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY.

Or order online at: www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

Nr Oakham | Rutland LE15 8AB www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

Tel: 01572 757901 55

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THE RUG STUDIO, 2 High St East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PZ. Open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm or by appointment Tel: 01572 829927 or 07885 757 796 Email: info@therugstudio.co.uk Website: www.therugstudio.co.uk

ORANGERIES, CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS, DOORS AND VERANDAS Visit our showhome at: Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE

Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm Weekends by appointment only

01780 400 500

ahorangeries.co.uk

Let the outside in SEE YOUR HOME IN A NEW LIGHT

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SEAN HOPE COOKS

Keep your spirits up A

t this time of year we all need a little pick-me-up every now and again. Never mind giving up booze and calorific foods in January – this is the time of year we need them the most – short days, long night, plummeting temperatures! With that in mind, here’s The Olive Branch’s guide to some of the finest spirits money can buy, plus a cocktail recipe to make sure the first month of 2016 goes with a fizz. Most of these bottles are available to buy in our Pub Shop, while the cocktails are available at The Olive Branch bar. 1) CARDENAL MENDOZA ANGELUS SEVILLE ORANGE & BRANDY LIQUOR Cardenal Mendoza Angelus is an orange liqueur made by Bodegas Sanches Romate in Jerez, Andalucia. The colour is clear mahogany with a touch of amber. Taste it and you’ll experience delicate citrus, spice notes and sweet dried fruit aromas with hints of bitter oranges. We combine it with Spanish Cava at The Olive Branch to create a warming winter cocktail. 2) WARNER EDWARDS GINS Distilled down the road on Falls Farm in Harrington, Northamptonshire, Tom Warner and Sion Edwards have done amazingly well since launching in 2012. And for good reason – their gins, which comprise Dry, Elderflower, Rhubarb and Sloe – are wonderful. The range of botanicals they use creates a unique flavour and a silky smooth gin. 3) MELTON MOWBRAY SLOE GIN This most local of drinks is made by Sloeberry Spirits, who are based on Northfield Farm in Cold Overton on the Leicestershire/Rutland border. The sloes are picked from hedgerows around Melton Mowbray each year and the result is a winter warmer that has won a gold star in the Great Taste Awards. 4) NIKKA TAKETSURU PURE MALT This Japanese blended malt has hints of plums, vanilla and coffee, which come out during the 10 year ageing process, when it is left to mature in a variety of different cask types, including some sherry wood for extra richness. It is dry and characterful, with a lovely smoky undertone. Next time you’re tempted to order a whisky, give it a try – the Japanese can certainly give the Scots a run for their money these days. 5) LUSTAU BRANDY Lustau Brandy is made in Spain with sherry grapes. It is beautifully complex, thanks in part to it being aged for 10 years in 40-50 year old oak casks that previously contained Amontillado and Oloroso Sherry. The colour is copper colour with dark golden tones and the flavours are walnut and nougat, with toffee background and some sweet spices in the nose. 6) RL SEALE’S FINEST AGED BARABADOS RUM The RL Seale distillery is located in the south of Barbados and its Finest Aged Barbados Rum is possibly the best winter warmer possible, bringing to mind warm breezes, white sandy beaches and a much-needed reminder of summer. This rum has a big body but a light vanilla accent that comes from the oak.

Lunch For Even Less 2016 The Olive Branch and our sister pub The Red Lion Inn at Stathern, along with seven other local eateries, are running ‘Lunch for Even Less’ offers starting this month. The others are The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham; The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington; Hambleton Hall near Oakham; Hart’s in Nottingham; Langar Hall in Langar; The Wicked Witch in Ryhall; and The Wheatsheaf in Greetham. The Olive Branch offer runs from January 11 to March 31 (two courses for £16.50) and The Red Lion Inn from January 12 to March 31 (two courses for £13.50). All the other venues have slightly different pricing and dates – check each website for details.

Olive Branch co-owner Ben Jones guides you to some warming tipples of exquisite quality…

And now… a bacon cocktail? Yes, you read that correctly. We are now serving a bacon cocktail at The Olive Branch to a recipe created by our exbarman, mixologist Craig Paterson. Next time you’re in, give it a try! FAT WASH WHISKY (OR BOURBON) WITH BACON 1) Cook five or six strips of good quality bacon. 2) Drain 42g of the hot/warm grease from the bacon into a widemouth jar. 3) Add 750ml of bourbon – we used Maker’s Mark. 4) Let the infusion sit for about four hours so the flavours can infuse and the solution can cool to room temperature. Then put the jar in the freezer. 5) After at least two hours in the freezer, the bacon fat will congeal on top, leaving a clear bourbon liquid on the bottom. 6) Take a spoon and break a hole in the hard bacon fat. 7) Strain the bourbon CREDIT: ROBIN STEWART through a cocktail strainer. Then strain again through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to get all the bacon fat chunks out. 8) Serve and enjoy!

PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD? If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club. • Sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, free of charge. STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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EATING OUT

Lunch for even less 2016

Hambleton H all

The Rutland region’s annual Lunch for Even Less promotion is back throughout January and February 2016 with nine of the area’s top restaurants offering two course lunches from as little as £12.95.

HE offer is available Monday to Saturday, dates, times and prices variable to each restaurant. To make your reservation, please call the restaurant of your choice and quote ‘Lunch for Even Less’. Subject to availability. The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham 2 courses for £12.95 (3rd course for £4.00) Offer Valid - Wednesday, 20th January to Thursday, 24th March Closed on Mondays Tel: 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk The team here are not going anywhere; they just get better and better where they are! Their entry in The Good Food Guide cites: “Neil’s cooking is right on the money…delivering big seasonal flavours from good ingredients.” Hambleton Hall, Nr. Oakham 2 courses for £26.00 (3rd course for £6.50) (including 12.5% discretionary service) Offer Valid - Monday, 18th January to Friday, 26th February Excluding Saturdays Tel: 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com Hambleton Hall has proudly held a Michelin star for longer than any other UK establishment. Chef Aaron Patterson has been at the helm for over two decades, serving up brilliantly assured dishes that have won acclaim from the country’s leading food critics. His food is matched only by the unparalleled sommeliership of Dominique Baduel. Hart’s, Nottingham 2 courses for £16.00 (3rd course for £5.00) (excluding 12.5% discretionary service) Offer Valid - Monday, 4th January to Friday, 26th February Tel: 0115 9881900 www.hartsnottingham.co.uk Take a break and enjoy the many pleasures of Nottingham. This restaurant has been recently refurbished and offers you a touch of modern style. Langar Hall, Langar 2 courses for £17.50 (3rd course for £5.00) Offer Valid - Monday, 11th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Saturdays, Good Friday & Easter Monday Tel: 01949 860559 www.langarhall.co.uk Langar Hall, a quirky Georgian country house, is a delightful Vale of Belvoir destination.

The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington 2 courses for £13.50 (3rd course for £2.50) Offer Valid - Monday, 4th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Good Friday & Easter Monday Tel: 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk The Marquess is firing on all cylinders and is a favourite country pub. Brian Baker is a highly accomplished and creative chef. He thinks local – sourcing local ingredients and taking vegetables from his patch at the back of the pub. The Olive Branch, Clipsham 2 courses for £16.50 (3rd course for £3.50) Offer Valid - Monday, 11th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Good Friday & Easter Monday Tel: 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com The Olive Branch swims serenely on, setting the standards for pub food and winning the awards - they were named ‘The Pub of the Year’ by the Good Pub Guide. The entry sums things up neatly: “The civilised Olive Branch prompts readers to superlatives: ‘service as good as it gets’; ‘sublime food’; ‘how have they managed to maintain such consistently high standards?’; ‘the ultimate pub experience’. It’s a first class all-rounder.” The Red Lion Inn, Stathern 2 courses for £13.50 (3rd course for £3.00) Offer Valid - Tuesday, 12th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Good Friday & closed on Mondays 01949 860868 www.theredlioninn.co.uk There’s a delightful walk up behind the Red Lion on the Vale of Belvoir scarp. And the food is superb when you return in need of nourishment. A personal favourite. The Wicked Witch, Ryhall 2 courses for £14.95 (3rd course for £3.00) Offer Valid - Tuesday, 19th January to Saturday, 2nd April Closed on Mondays Tel: 01780 763649 www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk Our reviewer commented: “This is incredibly inventive cuisine and would grace the most delicate or even sophisticated palettes at the highest class establishments.”

Brian Baker, eter Marquess of Ex

The Olive Bra nch

The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham The Wheatsheaf, Greetham 2 courses for £13.50 (3rd course for £2.50) Offer Valid - Tuesday, 19th January to Thursday, 31st March Closed on Mondays (Open Easter Monday, closed Tuesday, 29th March) Tel: 01572 812325 www.wheatsheaf-greetham.co.uk Diner comment: “My favourite place to eat good pub grub, the food is really superb! Typical pub atmosphere (so no need for dressing up), but the atmosphere is always great.”

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urghley Swan at B & ll u B e h T

Lake Isle Restaurant

William Cecil Hotel

The Crown Hot el, Stamford

No3 The Yard

Other January Deals The Bull & Swan at Burghley High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk Eat Drink & be Merry offer! Lunchtimes 12 – 2:30 pm Monday – Friday a main from the dedicated menu with a pot of tea or coffee £8 Dinner 6 – 7 pm Sunday – Thursday two mains from the dedicated menu and a bottle of house wine for £25

Lake Isle Restaurant Modern English 16 High St East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 822951 www.lakeislehotel.co.uk The Lake Isle has a fabulous ‘Dining for Less’ offer to get 2016 going: a 3-course lunch or dinner, all for just £16.50. Call them now to book your table for any Monday to Thursday evenings and Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes, (5th January to 20th February) quoting ‘Dining for Less’.

The Crown Hotel, Stamford All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk Receive a complimentary bottle of House Wine with every 2 main courses purchased throughout January & February Just pick up a KNEAD Love Card and register it before the end of February. You will then receive a weekly voucher to redeem this offer.

£16.50 menu Charred mackerel, beetroot, watercress and potato salad, horseradish whip Butternut croquettes, apples, hazelnuts, Bleu d’Auvergne cheese Game pate, pickled black and blueberries, toasted potato, celeriac and thyme bread

Exeter Arms, Easton-on-the Hill 21 Stamford Road, Easton-on-the Hill, PE9 3NS Tel: 01780 756321 www.theexeterarms.net The Exeter Arms exudes rural charm and always offers a warm welcome. Check out the newsletter on their website for their latest January offers Jackson Stops, Stretton Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE5 7RA Tel: 01780 410237 www.thejacksonstops.com The menu here is always strong and you will not be disappointed. In January, they will have the daily changing menu lunch for less for £12.95. And keep an eye out for any further seasonal offers online.

Grilled Seabass, coconut king prawn, lemon lentil dahl, Indian summer salad Hereford hop cheese and pearl barley risotto, roasted cauliflower and tomatoes, vegetable pickle Braised belly pork, Shichimi Togarashi, sweet potato puree, charred corn and pak choy Sticky toffee and cider pudding, cinnamon fudge ice cream, poached apples Latte panna cotta, warm chocolate and walnut doughnuts Vanilla Yogurt cheesecake, passion fruit curd, lemon ripple sorbet or dinner, all for just £16.50 The Mad Turk Turkish Cypriot 8/9 St. Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 238001 www.themadturk.co.uk Keep an eye out on their website and twitter for offers.

No3 The Yard 3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.no3theyard.co.uk No.3 The Yard is offering each new member during January 2016 a £20 voucher to be used on any service throughout the week, lunchtime or evening. Just visit www.No3TheYard.co.uk to sign up. The Orangery at Burghley Burghley House, Stamford, PE9 3JY Tel: 01780 761989 A Lunch for Less offer runs from 6th Jan18th March. Wed-Sat 11.30-2.30pm. Bookings welcome for 8 or more. 1 course, £11.00, 2 Courses, £14.50 or 3 courses for £18.00. The Orangery is open from Jan 6th onwards, Wed–Sun 10am-4pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. The Toft Hotel Toft, PE10 0JT Tel: 01778 590614 www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk The Toft Hotel is always full of warmth and good hospitality, with its characterful bar and elegant ding room. This year they are offering 20% off lunch food bills, excluding Sunday’s, during February & March. White Hart, Ufford Main St, Ufford, PE9 3BH Tel: 01789 740250 www.whitehartufford.co.uk The White Hart is a great spot after a bracing winter walk, and is one of the most charming pubs around. Check out their website for latest January offers. William Cecil Hotel St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk Eat the Blues away offer! Enjoy two courses from their winning chef this January for £14.95 Available Monday – Friday lunchtimes 12 – 2:30 pm STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

what’s on barnsdale lodge ~ january ~

Wedding Open Day Sunday 31st January 2016 between 11am and 3pm

Fort Henry

The open day will showcase Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, Exton Hall and Rutland’s newest and most unique wedding venue, Fort Henry, as well as featuring a number of other independent, bespoke wedding suppliers, to help you plan your special day. Entry is free, with a complimentary glass of fizz.

Burns Night ~ January 2016 ~

Join us for our 2016 Burns Night on Saturday 23rd January 2016. ~

£28.00 per person to include... 4 course meal, a traditional piper, readings of Robert Burns’ poems and Celidh dancing. ~

Special accommodation rates available to anyone attending Burns’ Night £75.00 B&B based on 2 people sharing a double or twin room. Single rooms available for £65.00 B&B

The Avenue, Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH tel: 01572 724678 enquiries@barnsdalelodge.co.uk 60

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authentic home-style Turkish Cypriot food Saturday all day • Shisha

8/9 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE www.themadturk.co.uk 01780 238001 Monday to Thursday - 18.00 till 23.00 Friday 17.30 to 23.00 Saturday 12.00 till 23.00

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2016 2016 LUNCH for 2016 2016 less 20162016 20162016 6TH JAN-18TH MAR 2016 1 course 2 courses 3 courses

£11.00 £14.50 £18.00

Wed-Sat 11.30am - 2.30pm

Bookings welcome for groups of 8 or more

Email orangery@burghley.co.uk Tel 01780 761989 Visit www.burghley.co.uk

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15/12/2015 16:01

EATING OUT

The new Fox leads the pack Ross Thain visits the revamped Fox & Hounds in Exton

HE Fox & Hounds sits on one of the most perfect village greens imaginable. Much photographed and admired, the F & H is the most impressive building on the Exton square, an elegant three storey Grade II Listed building with a formal façade in traditional stone and Collyweston slate. It is just about perfect. After a slightly chequered history over the last 20 years or so, with new tenants and a significant amount of investment, how does it stand up internally? A Fox being hunted down or a Hound setting the pace? Rochelle Bushell, South African born, yet proud to emphasise her English origins, has established the new business as the English arm of a collection of Restaurants based in SA. Rochelle is essentially an Interior Designer, but describes herself as “just the conceptualisation”. I think that means the primary funder. On the back of the success in the Cape she is now looking to set up a similar group based in middle England. Exton is her chosen location for the first and she is already searching for another. Her interior design skills create a restaurant of real ambience, with corners for romantic evenings, larger tables for group gatherings and a dividing wall in the restaurant making for an atmosphere not dissimilar to The Olive Branch. The local competition is strong. Barnsdale Lodge is less than two miles away as the crow flies, Hambleton three miles as the trout swims and Greetham, Clipsham, Stretton all have established venues. Rochelle is going to have to do something slightly different (and better) than those to bring in the punters and make a success of her venture. We were greeted at our table by some Italian music bread, thin, crispy and perfect harmony to delicious olives, before starting the Taster Menu, consisting of three stunning starters. From the subtleties of a foie gras and port parfait through to a less complicated (delicious) salmon and beetroot, the aesthetic winner was the clementine, rainbow beets and goat’s cheese. Served with hazelnuts and aromatic herbs in a sherry vinaigrette, this looked stunning – and did not flatter to deceive. Elsewhere on the starters the F & H offers curry battered duck dumplings which flew past going somewhere else and looked absolutely delectable in a dumpling sort of way – scallops and veloute are offered too. Main courses range from Grasmere pork loin which was my partner’s favourite, through to local Estate venison, which was very tender and a lovely combination with brussel’s sprout leaves. I am not minimalist by nature so being served three brussel leaves made me slightly suspicious. However, their grouping with celeriac, cabbage and sloe gin was delicious and the pinnacle of the evening on the taste buds. The F & H are about to take Sophie Arlott’s excellent lamb so expect that in the New Year. By the time of dessert, with taste buds zinging from the eclectic flavours, the polenta cake was a real filler and as part of a taster menu rather ambitious. The bourbon cappuccino was my preferred dish – the strong coffee flavour at the base of the vanilla ice cream was truly stunning. The merest hint of orange truffle added a real dynamism to the dish and, although I couldn’t finish it, I did think about returning to see it off for breakfast. The Chefs, Omar Palazzolo and David Graham spar together behind the scenes. Omar, half Egyptian, half Italian (“makes him fun to work with in the kitchen”), has worked at La Gavroche, Nobu and The Arts Club. The skill and care that those restaurants require are exuded through the menu at the F & H. The Chefs are highly accomplished, know where everything comes from and “aim to tweak the menu on a regular basis to keep it interesting. We use local suppliers, producers and others to help us achieve a really stimulating and varied menu,” says David. With three chic new bedrooms now available, an overnight stay would appear very sensible for those from further afield, yet Rochelle appreciates that she needs to cater for the local trade too and the beers are solid, from the Grain Store Brewery in Oakham, with a few strangers including bottles from Goose Island in the USA. The wine section, mainly French, has a tremendous range of Chardonnay and Burgundy and, although a heavier South African presence is promised, the wine list is considerably better than elsewhere in the vicinity. True, it is not cheap either, but probably with the intervention of some Cape imports, there might be more variety at the lower end. We tried Chilean Pinot Noir, an Italian Primitivo, as well as the French, all of which were excellent. There is a decent range of Champagne and top notch Claret, but when I cheekily suggested that the double magnum of Pichon Longueville on display be opened, I was advised that this was being saved for a special occasion. Quite soon I feel, as this place may well sit nicely ahead of the pack; a true Fox. • 19 The Green, Exton, Rutland, Leicestershire LE15 8AP Tel: 01572 812403

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Fireplace and Stove Specialist Multi-Fuel and Wood Burning Stoves Range Cookers and Flue Systems Fireplaces, Gas and Electric Fires Hand Crafted Stone Fireplaces Established family run business experienced in offering a complete package from survey through to design and installation with our fully qualified team. Visit us at our diverse showroom where we have an extensive range of fires and fireplaces on display

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

Please note that our showroom will be CLOSED on Saturday 16th January 2016.

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

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

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FOOD & DRINK

JANUARY = JUICING “For someone who can chomp their way through a 500g bar of milk chocolate before lunchtime, and regularly does, an article on juicing and its health benefits has been a revelation!” reflects Debs Pennell

IRST port of call was a number of super-fit, healthy friends of mine. No chocolate stash in their cupboards, just a Juicer on the kitchen work surface and a fruit and veg drawer in the fridge, which would have eradicated incidences of scurvy in any World War. The saying “You Are What You Eat” springs to mind, and looking at friends who juice, they all look healthy and have endless energy. One top tip is to always buy Organic. There is no point in Juicing if you are going to use fruit or vegetables that are covered in pesticides. When buying a Juicer you can spend anything from £130 to over a £1,000. Research it well.

There are 2 main types of Juicer: Centrifugal Juicers shred the ingredients. The more expensive models often include a soft fruit disc which allows you to juice berries. Pros: • quick to juice and often require less chopping • cheaper and less bulky • slightly easier to clean Cons: • not great for juicing greens, wheatgrass or soft fruits such as berries

Masticating Juicers (also known as cold press or slow juicers) are generally only available from specialist kitchenware shops and online. They crush the fruit using slowly rotating augers and press out the juice through a perforated screen. Pros: • generally quieter • suitable for juicing leafy greens, wheatgrass and soft fruits Cons: • expensive • slow • lots of parts to clean

So let’s get JUICING! Fill your fridge with Organic fruit and vegetables such as: Apples, Carrots, Beetroot, Lemons, Cucumber, Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Celery And buy store cupboard ingredients such as: Chlorella Powder – a green super food that supports our immune system Spirulina – another super food packed with loads of essential vitamins and minerals and super high in chlorophyll Wheatgrass – a way of adding all your daily green vegetables to your diet These additives will help ramp up your immunities to colds and flu and can be added to any of the recipes below.

Cleanse and Heal The main ingredient in this juice is Papaya, which contains papain, known to heal inflammation. Always buy green Papayas as they have the most healing properties and juice them before they ripen. This is a great bedtime juice, restorative and healing. Serves 1 (350ml) 1 green Papaya, unripened, peeled and seeds removed 1 medium sized cucumber, unpeeled 1 green apple A handful of mint 1 tsp raw honey 1tsp ground cinnamon Juice the Papaya, cucumber and apple together and add the mint. Finish off by adding the raw honey and cinnamon.

Fatbuster This herbal juice helps break down fats formed from over-eating refined sugar products Serves 1 (350ml) A handful of mint A handful of Thai Basil A handful of Coriander A handful of Tarragon A thumb sized piece of root ginger, unpeeled 3 medium sized cucumbers, unpeeled 1 lemon, squeezed or juiced A pinch of cayenne pepper Juice all the herbs with the cucumbers. Add the lemon and a small pinch of cayenne pepper.

Energising As good as any Espresso in terms of an energy boost but far healthier. Serves 1 (350ml) 4 large carrots, peeled A thumb sized piece of root ginger, unpeeled A pinch of turmeric Juice half the carrots with the ginger. Add the rest of the carrots and finish with a pinch of turmeric on top.

Hydrating A good one for first thing in the morning Serves 1 (350ml) 3 medium cucumbers, unpeeled A handful of spinach, stalks removed 1 green apple, unpeeled A handful of parsley

1 lemon, squeezed or juiced Juice half the cucumbers, then the spinach, then add the rest of the cucumbers, apples, parsley and finally the lemon.

Detox Cleanse your digestive system and balance the acidity in your gut. Serves 1 2 green apples, unpeeled 1/4 cucumber, unpeeled 1 stick celery A handful of spinach A handful of mixed parsley and watercress Juice the apples, cucumber and celery. Add the spinach, mixed greens and a small amount of ice if required. All juices are best drunk immediately, as exposure to oxygen leads to a reduction in the nutrient quality. Most, however, will store for up to 12 hours in the fridge in an airtight container.

Local stockists: Steamer Trading Cookshop, 01780 756793 www. steamer.co.uk Lamb’s Cookware, St Mary’s St, Stamford, 01780 762652 Harrison & Dunn 01780 762088 Talk to Christine who is a regular juicer and very knowledgeable

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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BRINGING LOCAL FOOD TO LIFE

Some of the region’s best? Matt Wright drills into Great Food Club members’ recommendations to find out which places are impressing the most…

HENEVER someone signs up to Great Food Club online, we ask them if they have a favourite independent local pub, restaurant, farm shop or deli. With over 7,500 members and around 50 new people joining each week, it’s fair to say that we have a good idea which venues are impressing local foodies the most. This is a different data set to our 1,700 awards votes (cast in summer 2015) because this is from people who haven’t visited our website to deliberately vote for someone, rather they have recommended the first place that sprang to mind while signing up. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to see which places in the Stamford, Rutland and Market Harborough areas have been recommended the most. In Stamford, The Tobie Norris and The George are battling it out for top spot with 27 and 23 individual recommendations respectively. Following close behind is The Fine Food Store with 16, and then there are several places on single figures, namely Cloisters, The Crown and The Mad Turk. In Rutland and Market Harborough, The Olive Branch in Clipsham is way out in front – in fact it leads the entire Great Food Club league table – with 64 separate recommendations. Also doing well is The King’s Arms at Wing (13), Ascough’s in Market Harborough (11), Hambleton Hall (10), the recently re-opened Fox & Hounds at Exton (8), The Wheatsheaf in Greetham (8), The Lord Nelson in Oakham (7), The Marquess of Exeter at Lyddington (6) and Barnsdale Lodge (5). Looking slightly further afield, The Red Lion at Stathern is clearly impressing many, with 47 separate recommendations. And so is The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham (27), Boboli in Kibworth Harcourt (22), The Chequers at Woolsthorpeby-Belvoir (21), Groovy Foods of Bourne (16) and Clarke’s of Peterborough (10). Opposite is a table of some of Great Food Club’s most recommended independents in this magazine’s neck of the woods, plus a few leading lights from further afield. Why not join Great Food Club yourself – it’s free – and recommend your favourite place? Go to www.greatfoodclub.co.uk/join

A dish photographed at The Olive Branch, the region’s most recommended venue by Great Food Club members. PHOTO: ROBIN STEWART

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PLACE

LOCATION

NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Olive Branch

Clipsham

Gonalston Farm Shop

Gonalston

Red Lion

Stathern

Berkeley Arms

Wymondham

Hammer & Pincers

Wymeswold

Tobie Norris

Stamford

The George

Stamford

Boboli

Kibworth Harcourt

Chequers

Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir

Lighthouse

Kibworth Beauchamp

Fine Food Store

Stamford

Groovy Foods

Bourne

Hart’s

Nottingham

Joiner’s Arms

Bruntingthorpe

King’s Arms

Wing

Delilah

Nottingham

Harker’s Farm Shop

Clipston-on-the-Wolds

Ascough’s

Market Harborough

Doddington Hall

Doddington

Farndon Fields Farm Shop

Market Harborough

The Grey Lady

Newtown Linford

Tom Browns

Gunthorpe

Clarke's

Peterborough

Golden Fleece

South Croxton

Hambleton Hall

Hambleton

Curzon Arms

Woodhouse Eaves

The Fox & Hounds

Exton

Jackson Stops

Stretton

Wheatsheaf

Greetham

Cholmeley Arms

Burton Coggles

Iberico

Nottingham

Lord Nelson

Oakham

Baker’s Arms

Thorpe Langton

The Crown

Stamford

Delice

Loughborough

Garage Bakehouse

Market Harborough

Marquess of Exeter

Lyddington

Fosse Meadows Farm wins UK award

t’s always great to hear about a local producer doing well. So I was happy to find out that Fosse Meadows Farm of North Kilworth, Leicestershire, has been named Best Small Meat Producer for its free-range chicken by national magazine Good Housekeeping. The producer is a traditional free-range poultry farm that rears slow-reared Cotswold White and Cotswold Gold chickens and cockerels. Good Housekeeping cookery director Meike Beck wrote: “Just five minutes after I put a Fosse Meadows Farm chicken in to roast, I could already smell that it was going to be good… A real, quality bird with an intensely tempting aroma… This, coupled with the care and ethics behind the farm’s poultry rearing, means we’re proud to award it this prize. We highly recommend trying its plump, succulent birds,” Fosse Meadows Farm owners Nick Ball and Jacob Sykes were delighted by the news. “It’s fantastic,” said Nick. “We’re so pleased that Good Housekeeping readers and the expert judging panel voted for our slow-grown free-range chicken as having the best for taste and quality.” Fosse Meadows produces heritage-breed chickens, cockerels and turkeys. You can buy them from the Fosse Meadows Farm website and Great Food Club members and Stamford/Rutland Living readers can get 10% off using the code ‘CLUB’ when ordering online. PHOTO: ANDREW BRACKENBURY

GREAT FOOD CLUB HANDBOOK 2016 OUT NOW! The 100-page Great Food Club Handbook 2016 is now available to buy for £4.25 including postage. It’s a handbag- or glovebox-sized publication with one simple aim: to guide you to some of the best independent restaurants, pubs, farm shops, breweries, food producers, delis and cafes in the Midlands. Laid out in an A-Z format with an easyto-use map index, it features 160 must-visit independents. You can order online at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk/mag

About the writer

Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodclub.co.uk, a Leicestershire-based website that celebrates and promotes local food and drink. His Great Food Club Handbook 2016 is out now

Join Great Food Club – free of charge – and discover the very best local food and drink Members can enjoy special offers at over 220 handpicked independent local pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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WEEKEND WALK

Hallaton and the Upper Welland Valley This is a lovely walk which makes you feel on top of the world (albeit only 163ms), with long views over the Welland Valley and a start and finish in the delightful village of Hallaton.

WALK DATA Distance: 5.5 miles Typical time: 2.5 hours OS map: Explorer (1:25 000) 233 or Landranger (1: 50 000) 141 (always walk with an OS map) Start & finish: Hallaton, Leics Terrain: A fair amount of ups and downs, generally good paths Stiles: About 6, and lots of gates Getting there: Hallaton is 3miles S of the A47 at East Norton, which is 5 miles W of Uppingham Refreshments: Bewicke Arms, Hallaton (Tel: 01858 555734 www.thebewicke.com) is under new ownership and the food is very impressive

POINTS OF INTEREST Hallaton A beautiful village dating from the 14th century. The museum is open on Sat/Sun & Bank Holidays from 2.30pm-5.00pm, but only from May to end of September. Also open Easter Monday. The famous Hallaton Bottle Kicking Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scrambling takes place on a hill to the south of the village on Easter Monday each year. It is one of the few survivors of the ancient football games of England, the ancestors of soccer and rugby. Thousands of people come to watch or to take part. The game is the last stage in a complex ritual that includes a church service, processions down the High Street, the ceremony of dressing the bottles, distribution of small loaves and scrambling for the hare pie.

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DIRECTIONS: 1

Hallaton Wood

Goadby Road

Hallaton

Castle Hill Motte & Bailey

Midshires Way

Horseclose Spinney

Church Hill

Leicestershire Road

Othorpe House

Cranoe

Park in the main street close to the Bewicke Arms and walk down towards the church, then take the lane to the right of it which bends round past the charming village primary school. The path takes off along the left of a minifootball ground, through a gate, where the path divides; at this point you can see the remains of an old motte and bailey dating back to the 12th century; take the left hand path, down towards the brook and up the other side, and then bearing SW across four fields. The path descends steeply to a spinney and a tiny stream, then on through the farmyard of Othorpe House; follow the farmyard round, and continue in a SW direction through a gate on the far side. After about 0.75 miles the path reaches the tiny hamlet of Cranoe, where there is a stile where the Leicestershire Round (on which you have been) meets the Midshires way heading north (which you want to take); only cross the stile if you want to visit attractive Victorian church. Otherwise, take the Midshires Way nearly due north for about 2.5 miles, signposted to Tugby. About 200 yards after you have crossed the Goadby Rd (not made up, but passable for cars), a path takes off to the right (SE) heading straight back to Hallaton. The path crosses several fields. On crossing a stile and reaching a small vehicle track the path goes diagonally across a large field; when we did this, there were no markings, but aim for a tree at the end of a hedge which juts out into the field; or if you are not feeling confident, take the vehicle track which re-joins the road into the village. On reaching the road, follow it up a hill for about 200m yards; where the road turns sharp left, go through a gate and head back into the village at the same point where the walk begun.

Hallaton by local artist, Michael Edwards, www.michaeledwardsartist.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Studio & location portraits

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ASK LEO

Animals around Stamford

Leo has prepared you a trail and quiz for the New Year holiday starting at St Peter’s Green, near the Bus Station, going through the town and down the hill over the bridge, visiting 3 churches and 2 places of refreshment on the way

1. Start St Peter’s Green and look up to find this Lion and friends. This building was originally Stamford Institution which housed a Library and Museum. What felines do the lions look after?

2. Turning towards town, take the left hand fork and find the Bees flying above you. Bees are a symbol of hard work which is why they are on this crest. How long have they been there?

3. Return up the road and take the right hand fork where you will see there is a new Zebra in town! In the past this was the site of a very important market. Which animals were sold there?

4. Time to be Cosy, maybe have a drink and find a foreign antelope. Not so long ago this was the home of Post Office vans. It is not the only animal in the herd: how many others?

5. Go out through the antelope’s door, left across the square and into All Saints’ Church. Head east and upwards to find the Eagle. What creature is sitting at the other end of the pew?

6. Out of the same door, through the churchyard then across to another church, St John’s. Find this Lamb, a symbol of Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God. Which bird can you see in the window above?

7. Now find this glass Donkey in a different window of St John’s church. It is below a wellknown scene in which another donkey appears. Which other animals are in the scene?

8. Go along the pedestrianised High St until you find a church that is no longer a church. This Pig and his friends guard some back doors. Why might you say pigs can look at the Queen?

10. Turn right at the bottom of the Lane and continue until you come to St Mary’s Church. Leo is not sure if this is this a Dog or a ‘sheep in wolf’s clothing’! Who was the window in memory of?

11. Find this carving of an unfortunate Snake on an important piece of church furniture. When you have found it - how many other wooden birds can you find on the same piece of furniture?

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

9. Walk down Maiden Lane past the King’s Head. Look up as you walk to find a black boar. This is believed to be the arms of the Digby family. Which animals are holding the crown?

12. Turning left cross diagonally to go down the hill and across the bridge into Stamford’s most famous inn where you can eat or drink. Find the Horse – which fantasy animal flies overhead?

Answers in next month’s issue! STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Angela Hewitt in Recital

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month. Thursday 7 and Sunday 10 January PANTOMIME: Beauty and the Beast Polka Dot Pantomimes tell the ever popular story of Belle and the Beast in this classic production packed with high energy dance routines, glittering costumes, spectacular scenery and a great big dollop of audience participation. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £12, Family Ticket £40 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.u Saturday 9 January, 7.30pm MUSIC: Limehouse Lizzy – The Boys are Back in Town Renowned for an action-packed, pyrotechnic fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive and dominating stages worldwide. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £16.50 Tel: 01780 766455 www. stamfordcornexchange.co.uk Saturday 16 January, 9am to 4pm EVENT: Winter Wildfowl Day Ornithology expert Terry Mitcham will accompany a small group across Rutland Water Nature Reserve in search of some of the unusual wildfowl overwintering in Rutland. Previous highlights have included the American Wigeon, Scaup, Eider and Great Northern Divers. A packed lunch is required. Beginning at the Anglian Water Visitors Centre at Lyndon, places are £12 each with booking at www.rutlandwater.org.uk where you can find details of all the events planned for this year, or Tel: 01572 770651. Saturday 16 January, 7.30pm RECITAL: Angela Hewitt Angela will play sonatas by Scarlatti as well as pieces by Bach and Beethoven. Uppingham School Memorial Hall Tickets £17.50/£15/£5 for students from the Box Offices Tel: 01572 820820 or Uppingham Sports and Books Friday 18 January to Thursday 21 January EXHIBITION: New College Students’ Show The work on show is inspired by Broad Street in Stamford. The students involved in the exhibition are expected to progress to degree courses nationally or here in Stamford. A chance to view the work of a new generation of home-grown talent.

Sunday 31 January, 5pm MUSIC: The Jive Aces The Jive Aces are the UKs premier jive and swing band and are renowned worldwide for their high energy, spectacular live show and for being the first live band to reach the final rounds of Britain’s Got Talent. They count Van Morrison and Status Quo among artists they have worked with and have also performed for the Queen. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £15.50 Tel: 01780 766455 or www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk Later in month from Tuesday 26 January to Thursday 11 February, Max Dane and Kate Fensom invite you to their uplifting exhibition of paintings, prints, poetry and other creative delights. There will be a candlelit poetry recital by Kate at 7pm on the evening of Saturday 30th January. Both exhibitions take place at Stamford Gallery, within Stamford Arts Centre Saturday 30 January, 8pm CONCERT: English Music for Strings Stamford’s very own Chamber Orchestra presents a fascinating programme of two twentieth century masterpieces inspired by the past, and two ingenious reworkings of music from previous centuries. The haunting Tallis Fantasia is probably the composer’s greatest

work; Elgar’s piece is an exhilarating and lyrical showpiece for strings. SCO conductor Ben Palmer has brilliantly re-imagined Schubert’s great C major quintet for larger forces. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets for all concerts £12.50/ £10.50/£5 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.com Looking forward… an appeal for clothing donations The much anticipated annual Good and New Clothing Sale at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel takes place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 March. Donations of good quality ladies, men’s or children’s clothing and accessories are requested this month. All proceeds from the sale go towards new charity For Rutland, In Rutland who fund nonmedical advisors at the Rutland Branch of Citizens Advice – a much needed and valued service for patients across the region with serious medical conditions in need of practical support. If you can help, please contact Trish Ruddle Tel: 07801 319222 or Elizabeth Mills Tel: 07710 873811. STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

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T: 01780 482039

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ROOFING

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DIRECTORY To place an advert in next month’s magazine please call Claudia on 01778 425502 WINDOW CLEANING

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10/06/2014

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01780 482039

www.plumbingstamford.co.uk

15/12/2015 17:29

STAMFORD PEOPLE

Martyn Taylor Rector Martyn Taylor has worked at St George’s Church in Stamford for almost 20 years and was recently appointed as a Canon at Lincoln Cathedral and a member of the General Synod of the Church of England. Alysia Anderson talked to Martyn at his home opposite St George’s, said to be the original church of the 14th-century Knights of the Garter. CHRISTIANS IN THE COMMUNITY With his youthful looks, it’s difficult to believe Martyn has been serving Stamford’s community for two decades. He is married to Philippa, who works in public policy for the Christian Medical Fellowship, and they have three children aged 18, 16 and 14. All three, like Martyn, play the viola, and in fact his first degree was in music rather than theology. Last autumn, Martyn stood as a candidate for the General Synod for Lincoln Diocese, putting his trademark energy into the process. “I sent postcards to my clergy friends asking them to support me and I even made a video clip as part of my application!” In the latter, Martyn referred to the active role his church plays in supporting both the local community and overseas, such as in Uganda where he worked as a missionary. Projects in Stamford include a Christians Against Poverty centre, counselling local people on ways to manage debt and money issues, and social outreach at Christchurch (another of Stamford’s Anglican churches) where Martyn has been Priest in Charge for the last five years. St George’s also runs several groups for children, from tots to teens, as well as courses on parenting, marriage and coping with eating disorders, so it’s very much a practical as well as a spiritual endeavour. AUSPICIOUS NEWS Martyn first discovered he had been elected to the General Synod, the governing body of the Church of England, via texts from friends. Later the same day he then received an official letter from the Bishop of Lincoln inviting him to be a Canon of Lincoln. The two honours are unrelated and amazingly they arrived on a rather auspicious date. “The letter arrived on the first anniversary of my father’s death. He had been a Canon of Winchester Cathedral and here was a letter inviting me to be Canon of Lincoln Cathedral!” Martyn was installed as Canon in Lincoln Cathedral in November, receiving his special Canon’s cassock, in the powder blue of Lincoln Cathedral, and a special seat in the Cathedral. “I’m actually the Canon and Prebend of Biggleswade so it’s the Biggleswade seat. Lincoln diocese is the largest in the country in terms of square miles and used to run all the way to Oxford. The Canonry would originally have received all the income from the Prebendal Manor but sadly it’s unendowed today!” Rather excitingly, his installation at Lincoln was just two weeks before the inauguration of the General Synod’s

new five-year term – rather magnificently called a Quinquennium – which was opened by Her Majesty the Queen after a service in Westminster Abbey. CHURCH AND STATE Following the opening service in Westminster Abbey, Martyn attended his first Synod meeting at Church House in London. “It felt a bit like a fresher’s fair as so many of us were new members. The induction day introduced us to the mechanics of Synod: how to speak in a debate, how to introduce yourself when speaking (name, diocese and Synod number) and the various etiquettes of speaking to the Chair and leaving the debating chamber. We were introduced to the General Synod staff (ecclesiastical civil servants) who make sure everything is in order. The Synod was addressed by both the Queen and the Archbishop in opening speeches setting the tone for the next five years. The Synod makes canon law, which has to be ratified by Parliament to pass into statute, but is really and truly the law of the land. Important stuff!” HOUSE DEBATES The General Synod is made up of three Houses. Martyn has been elected to the House of Clergy, which sits alongside the House of Bishops and the House of Laity. (A lay member of St George’s, Carl Fender, was elected at the same time as Martyn, giving double cause for celebration.) If there’s a contentious issue, such as the recent debate on women bishops, the Houses vote and there has to be a two-thirds majority in every House. The members discuss church-related matters as well as wider global issues ranging from climate change to the Syrian crisis. Martyn shared some points from his first meeting. “The Bishop of Durham led a debate around the refugee crisis and we heard a report on the issues facing the Church of England’s Grade I listed rural buildings, many of them located in areas of low population such as Lincolnshire”. Martyn feels honoured to be involved in such interesting and stimulating debates. “It gives me a chance to get my teeth into some meaty issues beyond the work I do in Stamford.”

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2016

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