Stamford Living March 2015

Loving where we live!

STAMFORD LIVING www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@LocalLivingUK

Featuring:

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Spring into Summer Fashion Hair & Beauty Kids Entertainment Stamford News Local Property Ask Leo Motoring Great Local Food & Drink Literature Local Music and Art

Country Walk Events Guide Stamford People MARCH 2015 £1.50

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LONSDALE ROAD, STAMFORD - £495,000

Situated on one of Stamford’s premier roads and just off Exeter Gardens, this spacious six bedroom home presides over a large plot backing on to Empingham Road playing fields, with direct links to the A1 and the town centre. The spacious and flexible accommodation comprises in brief; Entrance porch and hall, lounge, dining room, family room, kitchen, utility room with cloakroom. The stairs and landing lead to a master bedroom with en suite shower room, five further bedrooms a family bathroom and an additional WC. Outside the house is set back from the road behind a well kept garden, there is also a driveway offering ample off road parking leading to a tandem garage. The large rear garden is private and backs onto the Empingham Road playing fields.

WEST DEEPING

£765,000

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

PRIORY GARDENS, STAMFORD £485,000 GUIDE PRICE

A rare opportunity to acquire a detached family home, set within this extremely sought after development within a short walk of Stamford School, the town centre and railway station. This substantial home offers accommodation briefly comprising: Entrance hall, cloakroom, study, lounge, dining room, kitchen and utility. Master bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms and family bathroom. Outside there is a driveway leading to a double garage at the front and to the rear the garden is mainly laid to lawn, with well maintained shrub borders.

Viewing highly recommended.

TICKENCOTE

£347,000

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

Call us now for more information

3 Red Lion Street, Stamford PE9 1PA

01780 765060

email: mailroom@knightpartnership.com

www.knightpartnership.com

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STAMFORD LIVING

March Contents www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@LocalLivingUK

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E say goodbye this month to two long-serving and brilliant contributors, although I am sure they will be back with occasional articles.

Sarah Lyon has been here almost from the start, and brought to our attention so much we didn’t know about local food producers. During her time, she was elected to the Guild of Food Writers; her proposer being none less than Rick Stein. Being a person of many parts, she is now concentrating on an MA in Child Psychology at Cambridge.

Richard Barry found out things none of us knew and ways of thinking about things that no one had ever thought of before…one of my favourite articles being his Stansted vs. Stamford travel hub analysis, which showed that we had more arrivals and departures (18th century coaches in our case) than Stansted has plane arrivals and departures today.

We have been lucky enough to find great successors - well you can be the judge of that - Debs Pennell in Food (starting in April) and William Eichler on observations.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 Fashion: Spring has Sprung 12 Health & Beauty: Six new beauty fixes for Spring

HOME, GARDEN, MOTORING, TRAVEL 24 Property: Watson Mitchell Room to Breathe 36 Motoring: 2015 Trends 39 Cookery Classes: Men in the Kitchen at Bridge 67 50 Food & Drink: The Great Food Club 53 Food & Drink: Olive Branch recipe 55 Food & Drink: Take 4 Indian Restaurants

Publisher

Cover Photo: By Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk The shot is taken at the Flower House, St Mary’s St. To place an order call them on 01780 753225

4 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 21 Updates: Loomes Everest watch, Sly Fashion, Renaissance, Corinne Alexander Acupuncture 31 Updates: Mike Goldmark Pottery, Jonathon Hartley Architectural, Pots of Fun 43 Updates: Bourne Grammar School, Churchill Summer Camps, Seb Goold Trust, Inside Outside 2 Art Exhibition 44 Updates: Peterborough Business Network, Stephenson Smart, No. 3 The Yard Sunday lunch, John Lewis musical support, Carpet Fresh

FOOD & DRINK

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Stamford Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.bestlocallivingliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Claudia Bayley 01778 425502 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertisement Director Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

UPDATES, SHOPPING

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, LEARNING & BUSINESS

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16 Child-friendly Stamford: What’s On 17 Child-friendly Stamford: Emma Blake Tents 32 Music: Stamford Amateur Operatic Society & Stamford Choral Society 47 Book Review: Seeking John Campbell 59 Learning: New College, Stamford Hospitality & Catering course 61 Local Music: Sophie’s Voice & Monthly Gig Guide 62 Country Stroll: Vale of Belvoir’s Old Ways 65 What’s On 67 Business: Landmark re-locates

PEOPLE & PLACES 28 Ask Leo Special: The history of butchers in Stamford 40 Artists & their Studios: Soraya Smithson 70 Stamford People: David Laventure & Stamford Rugby Team

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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SHOPPING

ALL ABOUT

MUM Dear men (and children), if you are thinking of buying your mother, wife or partner anything this Mother’s Day on Sun March 15th (would you dare not to?), take a good look at these two pages. We feature a selection of lovely things from our local independent shops. Not things we need - things we want!

Flower arr ang The Flowe ement from r House £4 0

Dear ladies, a useful tip - highlight your favourite gift and casually leave this magazine open in a prominent area of your home.

Photography by Elli Dean

Beck Son der Gaard b Energy £4 elt from 9

Stackers jewellery box from Sinclairs £58 for this 3-piece set

Stamford uet’ from 5. q u o ‘b y Da £2 th Mother’s pcake Compashnoyp for £35 (12th andd o13n an rk k o Cu .u w co ay y.

D ’s pan

kecom Mother fordcupca so book a You can al .30pm) www.stam ket every Saturday 9 mar March 7Stamford

Carrie Elspeth necklace and earrings from Cloudnine. Prices range from £11-£13.50

ly rf from S ruffle sca h s ru C k Min £37

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Elemis Spa @H from Maple ome s £42

The kit from g in lt fe Needle l Room £17.99 Woo

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tment Day Trea Mother’s Equilibrium £60 from package

Lotus handbag in a selection of colours from Marcia May £49.99

18 ct Whit pend e Gold D (18 ct iamo a white nt from nd se gold chain Daws on £5 t Heart is sold sepa 50 r ately at

£230 )

Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie from Renaissance. Prices from £13

oration bag dec o) from d n a h y to dd Steiff te ed as a key ring s 5 1 u £ e s b e ho (can Anand S

Volus Designs pa candles from & Interio rs. Price Snow s from £ 10

One Hundred Stars scarf from Attic £25

Marc Jacobs b eaded Arch Label Ag brooch from ency £50

L’Occita ne rang Giving. P e from You Livin rices fro g& m £14

Mala leather purse from Love It £34

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es from aard scarv G r e d n o S Beck 5 each Energy £2

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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goodwin’s feature property

£549,995 Guide Price£800,000

St Mary’s Rectory, Stamford The former ‘St Mary’s Rectory’ is a hidden gem set

Garden Cottage, Market Overton right in the heart of the Town centre. Dating back to medieval times, the property acts as something Delightful 3 bedroom period property situated in a of a time capsule of Stamford’s development over secluded position in the heart of this popular village. the last 1,000 Approached via years. a large Sympathetically sweeping gravelled updated drive to the by the current owner, whogarage, has been careful enjoys to front of the detached double the property maintain original character 3 receptionthe rooms as wellfeatures, as 3 bathrooms and and an feel, whilst gently in some more extremely well fitted mixing Kitchen/Breakfast room.modern conveniences.

The fully south of facing The good sized grounds areenclosed a special feature this garden a treat and must betotally seen to fully propertyreally with a is Southerly aspect to this enclosed appreciate the glorious views tranquil feel of walled garden which is largely laidand to lawn with mature this fully enclosed area, unbelievably just borders and a patio toprivate the rear. moments from the Town’s centre.

•

goodwin

www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Residential Sales • Lettings • Mortgages

Independant

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

goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

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Why not make Mum feel special on Mother’s Day...

01780 753886

INFO@POZE-LINGERIE.UK

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

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

Prices start at £100.

Special Offer for March and April....

ALL IPL HAIR REMOVAL 1/2 PRICE

Photos show instant results after one 15 minute treatment.

Watch the video on our website

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

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FASHION

Style-wise

By Sally Stillingfleet

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Silk top £35 Baubles and Bangles.

Jeans Energy.

HEN I first met Christine I had been invited to a Stella & Dot Party at a friend’s house. I was so impressed not only with the lovely jewellery and accessories but with her.

Christine is a very stylish lady who makes everyone feel a million dollars; her enthusiasm, warmth and innovative approach to styling made me want to find out more. Spring has definitely sprung so I suggested I pick the new fashions and she modelled and accessorised each look with Stella & Dot. “With the right basics you can achieve endless looks with a range of hardworking accessories,” Christine explained.

“I am now in a position to offer one to one advice, styling and help pulling everything together.” With an extensive background as a trained counselor and having to deliver motivational training with the Civil Service, she understands what it takes to make people feel good about themselves. She can sprinkle her magic on any outfit and can show you how to get the most from your wardrobe with clever accessories, which won’t cost a fortune. She is very passionate about what she does. She really has proved her mantra “Accessories elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary!” and I quite agree.

Grey vest £30 and jeans £100 both American Vintage, worn under pale lemon jacket £85 all Attic.

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Silk T shirt £72, with three quarter length jacket £152 and jeans £110, all Maison Scotch Energy. Blue tasseled loafers £114.99 Marcia May Shoes.

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White T shirt and jeans as before. Orange American Vintage duster coat £125 Attic.

Metallic Ash skater shoes £129 Energy

I

F you are interested in hosting a Stella & Dot party or want to get back on track style wise, Christine is happy to offer styling advice and proper ‘Retail Therapy!’ Getting the best out of your wardrobe with key accessories.

Christine Brown – Stylist Mob: - 07833 343513 christine_brown@btconnect.com www.stelladot.co.uk/christinebrown Marcia May Shoes – 41 St Mary’s Street.

Tel: 01780 766608 Sly – 4 St. Mary’s Passage Tel: 01780 482870 Energy – 9 Ironmonger St. Tel: 01780 765633 Attic – 33 St Mary’s Street.

Tel: 01780 766667 Baubles and Bangles – 10 St. Mary’s Hill.

Tel: 01780 763633

Leatham Cashmere wrap £110 Sly, jeans as before.

Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk Thank you to Tracey Burr and the team at the The Flower House, St. Mary’s Street.

Tel: 01780 753225, flowers put spring into the shots!

Many thanks to Hair Dresser Lindsey Baker – Thomas and Thomas, 2 High Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Tel: 016645 66812 Many thanks to Ellen Thomas for doing Christine’s make-up ellen787@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 07584 422795 STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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2387

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2387 ORC-Full Page PVC Windows Stamford Living Advert_v2_ORC-Full Page PVC Windows Stamford Living Advert 03/02/2015 16:29 Page 1

energy efficient, secure and stylish…

Windows | Doors | Conservatories

All of our windows, doors & conservatories: • British engineered • Yale high security system

• Reduce your CO2 emissions by up to 680kg each year

• A+ energy rated

• 10 Year Profile Guarantee

• Energy saving trust 'Recommended'

• 20 Year Guarantee on Glass Units*

• Lead free profile

* Terms & Conditions apply.

Visit our showroom to see more…

Windows, Doors & Conservatories 01780 753 343 orchardwindows@live.co.uk www.orchardwindows.co.uk

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Showroom Opening Times Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm Saturday: Windows 9am - 1pm 11

18/02/2015 15:24

HEALTH & BEAUTY

r o f s e x i f y t u a e b w e n x i S Genevieve Potter has been sourcing some of the latest beauty treatments around, to get you groomed and gorgeous for the warmer days ahead

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There’s a credible new alternative to surgical liposuction, which is now available here in Stamford at Equilibrium. LIPOFIRM PLUS can be used on the body or on the face to visibly contour and tighten the skin.

Using a machine which creates a technique called ultrasonic cavitation, a hand piece is placed on the area to be treated and the machine works using ultrasounds, which causes bubbles to form in the fatty tissues, ultimately fragmenting them, so that they can be expelled naturally via the urinary system. The treatment is pain free and there’s no down time.

LIPOFIRM PLUS treatments can be performed on the abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks, hips, knees, or even the chest area for men. It’s also proved extremely effective at firming and toning the jawline, jowls and chin. Treatments start from £40 and there are discounts available on course bookings (you’ll see results after one treatment, but a course is usually recommended).

If, like me, you’re a fan of NEOM candles, you’ll be excited to hear about the new NEOM wellbeing treatments which are now available at Essence of Beauty. There are four treatments available, sleep treatment, de-stress, energise and happiness and as soon as you enter the treatment room, it will be scented appropriately.

Both the sleep and de-stress treatments start with peaceful guided meditation, reflexology and breathing techniques. Throughout, the 60 minute treatments (£60), special skin treatment candle oil is gently drizzled over the skin whilst key stress relieving points on the head, face, neck and back are treated. Shiatsu, cranio and Thai massage techniques are employed, to maximise the effectiveness of these deeply relaxing treatments.

The energise treatment (£70 for 90 minutes), uses changes in temperature, speed of touch and texture, for optimum results. It commences with the skin being buffed from head to toe with the NEOM body scrub and then enveloped in an energising cream clay wrap, where the stimulating essential oils penetrate the skin and encourage detoxification. Whilst you’re wrapped, you’ll experience a 20 minute face and scalp pressure point massage using ancient reflexology techniques. This treatment allows you to stop, unplug and then reboot, awakening the senses and giving a boost of natural energy.

The happiness treatment (£60 for 60 minutes), begins with guided meditation, reflexology and breathing exercises designed to lift your mood. Your skin will be lightly buffed from head to toe using the NEOM body scrub, before the therapist applies purposeful massage techniques. Working across the back, shoulder, face and scalp, this technique is proven to decrease stress levels and release endorphins, leaving you feeling relaxed and (as the name would suggest), altogether happier.

LIPOFIRM PLUS at Equilibrium

STAMFORD LIVING READER OFFER - book in for a one-off 60 minute trial session of LIPOFIRM PLUS Ultrasound Cavitation and Radio Frequency (usually £100) for just £50. This offer is valid until 31st March 2015 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please quote Stamford Living at the time of booking.

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

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NEOM wellbeing treatments at Essence of Beauty

STAMFORD LIVING READER OFFER - Essence of Beauty are offering £10.00 off each of these treatments when booked and taken before 31st March 2015. Please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking.

• Essence of Beauty, 15 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 763564

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Smooth locks at Gerards

The hot new product for spring from Aveda at Gerards is the Smoothing Infusion Masque.

The certified organic masque is pressed from Brazilian fruit seeds and adds an amazing shine to your hair, giving it a luxurious, frizz-free feel. Pop in to the salon for a free sample (subject to availability).

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Specialist waxing at Emma Cannings

The team at Emma Cannings have recently been joined by Lottie, who specialises in Brazilian and Hollywood waxing. This is a specialist treatment which Lottie has perfected over many years of working in a large spa in New Zealand. And it’s never too early to start feeling beach-ready!

STAMFORD LIVING READER OFFER Waxing normally costs £25 (Brazilian) and £30 (Hollywood), but when you book for these treatments to be taken before 31st March 2015 and mention Stamford Living, you’ll receive 20% off.

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

4 Perfect brows at Natalie Dams Beauty

Natalie Dams Beauty is a stylish new salon now located within the glamorous surroundings of the recently opened Oliver Lee salon on St John’s Street. Natalie, Kerri and Morgan have recently relocated from Oscar Rose on Ironmonger Street and are excited to welcome clients old and new.

Renowned for their exceptional HD Brows, LVL Lash Lift (a brilliant way to enhance the eyelashes without the need for heavy extensions or mascara) and professional Jessica nails, the team have clients who travel from far and wide.

Between them, they have many years of experience in the exacting seven-step HD brow shaping treatment, which has firmly established them as the go-to team for brows in Stamford.

STAMFORD LIVING READER OFFER - During March, Gerards will also be offering 50% off full head highlights with selected stylists (please mention Stamford Living when booking). The hottest hair trends this spring will be honey blonde, caramel, warm honey hues and multi-tonal highlights to add warmth and definition without harshness. Call in for your free Aveda colour consultation.

• Gerards Hair and Beauty, George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 753002 www.gerardhair-beauty. co.uk

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Golden radiance at Maples

Clarins have just launched a new Radiance-Plus golden glow booster for the body and it’s available now at Maples (£26). This is the made-tomeasure version of self-tans, with one enormous benefit – it doesn’t smell like a self-tan!

Mix as little or as much as you like with your body lotion of choice to achieve a naturally radiant, golden colour.

STAMFORD LIVING READER OFFER - With spring on the horizon, you can book for Jessica pedicures and perfect brows with great savings; a long-lasting gel manicure and pedicure for £50 (saving £25) and HD Brows for £20 (saving £9). Offer is for new clients only for treatments booked and taken before 31st March 2015. Please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking.

STAMFORD LIVING READER OFFER - Maples are also offering Stamford Living readers a perfect Mother’s Day treat – you can book a gloriously relaxing 30 minute back massage combined with a 30 minute facial, for just £40. Subject to availability for bookings made during March 2015 – please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking.

• Natalie Dams Beauty At Oliver Lee Salon, 11 St John Street, Stamford, PE9 2DB Tel: 01780 754828

• Maples of Stamford, 24 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DJ Tel: 01780 752725 www.maplesofstamford.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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For natural family health & wellness call

01780 758535

You were born to be healthy!

Drained of energy?

Raised Blood Pressure?

Pain? Elevated Cholesterol?

Not Sleeping Well?

Generally not feeling your best?

Sound familiar? These are all signs that your health is starting to crack!

Let us help you get back on track, naturally!

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

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

Relocating to 17/18 Scotgate, Stamford in March (formally Pots of Fun) Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers Available

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

and ruminations • Significant life events, trauma,

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

Johan Truter

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

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Practitioner

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

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

RECRUITING FULL TIME/PART TIME:

Beauty Therapist Threading Specialist Lash Technician Nail Technician

Call Neeta on 07866 312148 or email C.V to info@flawlessfaces.co.uk 14

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No Body’s Perfect

Get your body ready for summer with our Body activity! with the purchase of any body product receive a “No Body’s Perfect Gift from Clarins” worth £24

Get the hair you have always dreamed of

We are now proud to say we are a bronze Great Lengths Hair Extension salon, providing versatile, pre-bonded 100% human hair.

Add volume, colour or texture to transform your look with stunning results.

Book for a consultation and explore new ideas.

Ring 01780 752725 to book your Hair and Beauty Appointments!

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ACTIVITIES

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

Movement, music and dance classes for 2-4 year olds. Booking recommended for term time classes.

Monday 10am-10.40am Love Stamford Broad St, (£4.00 drop in class includes FREE hot drink for the grown up!)

Tuesday 10am-10.30am The Yard Stamford (Class included within your entrance fee) Wednesday 10.15-10.55 All Saints’ and St John’s Hall, Scotgate Stamford Term time class Friday 09.45am-10.25am Ryhall Village Hall Term time class

THEATRE/DRAMA

Talent Youth Theatre is an all-inclusive drama group for 2-18 year olds, based at The Stamford Corn Exchange. The aim is to have fun, make new friends and help inspire students’ imaginations, whatever their age, background or level of drama experience. Run by Nathalie Franklin, a trained drama teacher and mother, who hopes to inspire in her students the same love of theatre that drives her.

Diddy Drama sessions (for 2-4 year olds) are already running every Friday from 9.45-10.30am in the Theatre Lounge, The Corn Exchange.

There will also be a FREE taster session on 24 April – subsequent workshops will be booked in 4-5 week blocks at £4 per workshop - drink and snack for the kids included.

For more information: Tel: 07795 311777 Facebook.com/Talentyouth Twitter: @TALent_youth

COSY CONCERTS

Founded 2 years ago by Stamford based harpist Eleanor Turner, Cosy Concerts brings accessible live music to children and their carers to enjoy real classical music together at a variety of local venues in and around Stamford. Bring a cushion or a mat, your child’s favourite toys, a snack and a drink and feel at home as you listen to top quality live music in a relaxed setting. £6 per adult, kids go free. For more information www.cosyconcerts.co.uk

SWIMMING:

Toddler Splash: every Wednesday between 9.30am-10.30am at Stamford Leisure Centre, Drift Road, Stamford.

Water Babies runs fun innovative classes for babies and toddlers across the region. To book a place or to find out more information, visit www. waterbabies.co.uk or Tel: 01664 567302

STAMFORD, BOURNE AND DEEPINGS NCT

All NCT Signature ante-natal practitioners are fully licensed and experienced in preparing you both physically and emotionally for the arrival of your baby. The courses are also famous for the friendships and networks that form as new mums and dads to-be prepare for one of life’s most wonderful experiences, with a readymade social and new parent support network of 317 local branches. Courses are held locally during evenings and weekends to suit busy schedules - couples, singles, friends and family partners welcome. An NCT exclusive personal information pack is available plus free week-byweek pregnancy e-newsletter.

For more information or to book a course: www.nct.org.uk/courses/antenatal/signatureantenatal-course

MUM2MUM MARKET

Mum2mum market nearly new sales provide an opportunity for parents to make money selling on their outgrown baby clothes and equipment to other families. All goods for sale must be in excellent condition and sellers keep 100% of their proceeds on the day. Novice sellers are coached prior to the event with sellers’ tips and pricing guides to maximise their sales on the day. Buyers can make serious savings at

their local mum2mum market. Large items like designer prams and large toys sell for about one third of the retail price whereas baby and children’s clothes start at just 50p. Admission is £2 on the door, kids free, and free admission for the last half hour of the sale.

The next sale is on 14th March at the Ormiston Bushfield Academy, Ortongate.

Peterborough For upcoming events and information visit www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

ABC DAY NURSERY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!

ABC Day Nursery and Out of School Club in Tallington is set in 3.5 acres and cares for children from 6 weeks to 4 years old.

Children are encouraged to learn through play, discovering ideas and information for themselves. The highly qualified team of staff endeavour to create a pleasant and secure foundation for each child’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, whilst allowing each one to reach their full potential.

The Out of School Club offers a breakfast club and after school club for Uffington Primary School, with school collection and drop off service. The holiday club offers care and a variety of trips and activities for children aged between 4 and 13 years.

The nursery is open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6.00pm all year, excluding Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year.

ABC Day Nursery recently invited past and current families to a party to celebrate 25 years since they first opened in 1990.

For more information: www.abcdaynurserytallington.co.uk Tel: 01778 343111

YOGA/MASSAGE:

Tatty Bumpkin yoga: have classes every week in Stamford, Market Deeping and Bourne during term times. Wednesdays: ‘Bumpkin Explorers’ (active babies to walking) at 12.45pm in the Bourne Youth Centre. ‘Tatty Bumpkin’ (walking to pre-school) at 2.30pm in The Yard, Stamford.

Thursdays: ‘Baby Bumpkin’ (birth to crawling) at 10am in the Market Deeping Children’s Centre, ‘Baby Bumpkin’ (birth to crawling) at 11.30am at the Sweet Shoppe Dreams, Stamford and ‘Tatty Bumpkin’ (walking to pre-school) at 12.45pm in the Bourne Youth Centre.

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ABC Day Nursery

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Stamford POND YARD PLAY TENTS: EMMA BLAKE Antonia Scott catches up with Emma Blake, mother to Jasper (8), Alexander (6) and Amalie (2) and the creative talent behind Pond Yard PlayTents How it all began....

In 2013, having spent almost 15 years as a primary school teacher, Emma decided to take the plunge with a new business venture having been inspired by a fellow teaching friend who managed to establish a successful wedding cake business whilst on maternity leave. After the birth of her third child, Emma who lives in Collyweston, wondered if she too could create a business that worked around the demands of young children whilst also indulging her passion for creativity, sewing and textiles.

“I have always had a love of creating imaginative play spaces. As a child, we had a dilapidated old hut in our garden. To the adult eye, aside from being home to hundreds of spiders, the hut served very little function.

However, to my eight year old eyes, it had the potential to be a home, complete with smoking fire and (although my father never agreed to it) a fully functioning bath on the adjacent compost heap! I am now on the receiving end of my children’s own wild imaginations and having spent the last seven years pandering to requests to create dens, hide outs, forts, tents and rockets out of blankets, boxes, tables and clothes horses, I decided there must be an easier way! My eldest son once requested a replica, full sized Titanic!”

Emma set out to create a range of handmade beautiful play tents that would capture children’s imaginations, encourage hours of creative play and also be an aesthetically welcome addition in any family home.

“In 2014, after months of designing, safety testing, website building and learning far more than I ever thought possible in 12 months, Pond Yard Play Tents finally became a reality.”

Inspiration, Motivation, Vision and Drive....

“My children, their interests and their incredible imaginations often inspire me. My boys, when younger, loved being pirates, knights and firemen. Their beds frequently became boats, ropes became hoses and sticks still do become just about anything needed at the time, from light sabres to Harry Potter wands.

I love being a wife and mummy, but I also love having something that is mine. Something that allows me a little bit of escapism from the chaos of running a busy family home! I

genuinely love what I do and I take great pride in having built it up from nothing and being able to do it to the very best of my abilities. I love that I can work around my family commitments, structuring my day to be there for the school run and assemblies, working late into the night if needs be. I want Pond Yard Play Tents to be successful and that drives me to work hard, to persevere and to relish every sale.”

Passion, belief and mantras!

“I love all manner of fabrics and haberdashery and adore browsing in fabric shops and often find this inspires new ideas and designs. I recently introduced a new range of patterned tents in order to be able to use a variety of beautiful printed cottons.

I strive to make high quality tents that will be a welcome addition to any child’s bedroom.

I strongly believe in the importance of creative play and enjoy crafting tents that provide the perfect secret hideaway for aspiring knights, fairytale princesses or swashbuckling pirates!

When under pressure to complete an order before dashing off for the school run and realising I still haven’t fed the guinea pigs, I do frequently tell myself to ‘Get a grip, Girl!’ So yes, this is my mantra!”

Where next?

Currently, Pond Yard Play Tents is purely internet-based, with a website and a shop on Etsy (www.etsy.com/uk), where a large number of sales come from the US. Over the next year, Emma hopes to expand her range of themed tents to include flower fairies, woodland animals and underwater designs; along with developing the website so that customers can choose from a range of fabrics and colour combinations for the bunting, doors and windows. Sales are steadily increasing and over the next few months she hopes to be looking to take someone on part-time to help scale up production. Do get in touch with Emma, if this might be of interest.

Patterned tents are priced at £65 for a standard size. Themed tents start at £80 for a standard size, £90 for a custom fit and £95 for a mid-sleeper.

• For more details: www.pondyardplaytents.co.uk or call Emma: 07771 478805 STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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1/2 PRICE SALE MUST END SOON Kingsize for the Double

5ft Sleepeezee Backcare 2000 FREE 4 drawers

Was £1399.95

Now £699.95

3ft Electric Adjustable Bed FREE assembly & testing Ask about free home demo Was £999.95

Now £499.95

Kingsize for the Double Priced Bed 5ft Silentnight 2800 Latex FREE 4 Drawer Divan

Was £1799.95

Now £899.95

Disposal of O

LD BED

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

PE9 2PS Close, Peterborough.

PE7 Hampton, Peterborough.

PE7 8FZ 8FZ (just along from Waitrose) (behind Dobbies Garden Garden Centre) Centre) 4’6’’ Tradional Iron Bedstead

4’6’’ Silentnight Miracoil Firm

4’6” Leather Style Otterman

Now £199.95

Now £399.95

Now £299.95

Available in cream or black Was £399.95

FREE 4 Drawer Divan Now Limited Stocks Was £799.95

FREE Immediate Delivery -

FREE Mattress Hurry Limited Stocks Was £599.95

01780 762908 01733 891568 891568 ALSO STORES IN

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

www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk

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

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BUYING YOUR NEXT CAR?

When it comes to car finance, we can offer you a better deal than the dealerships.

After countless weekends spent trawling the web and traipsing round showrooms to find the right car, you’re ready to roll.

Before you settle for the car dealership’s finance package, find out how our access to a wide range of funders can save you money without costing you time.

Call us now on 01780 763836 to get the best possible finance deal.

“Charles & Dean recently helped me secure a great deal on my car finance and I’d highly recommend them to anyone.” - Nick Passmore, Peterborough

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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Charles & Dean, Willoughby House, 2 Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PB info@charlesanddean.com www.charlesanddean.com t: 01780 763836 We’re here for you: 8am until 8pm, 7 days a week

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17/02/2015 15:25 14:11 18/02/2015

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UPDATES

Loomes English watches go right to the top Robert Loomes and his merry team of horologists always seem to be up to something new and leading-edge and… well.. thoroughly British. heir latest initiative aims to get to the very top. They have created a new watch – The Everest – which has been specially designed, using extraordinarily light lubricants, to withstand high altitudes and low temperatures. Testing involved some help from Nottingham University science department, who offered up their freezers capable of going down to -40C for testing.

The watch is now ready, and courtesy of a group of Ghurkha soldiers, will be taken to the top of Everest to test it out. It will be the first English-made watch to be taken to the summit since Hillary took up a Smiths watch in 1953.

The ascent is being attempted in aid of the Mountain Trust charity. The Mountain Trust is a Cambridge-based charity set up to support health & educational initiatives in the Himalayan region. There will be an official hand-over of five Loomes Everest watches to the leader of the expedition, Captain Dick Gale of the Ghurkhas, on March 10th at 1pm in Stamford Town Hall.

Two of the watches will go to auction after they have been returned from the summit, and the proceeds will go to the Mountain Trust and the Ghurkhas Veteran Association.

• To find out about these and other exquisite English hand-made watches, contact: Loomes & Co, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 481319 www.robertloomes.com

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Thermavein Technology at Renaissance Renaissance in Stamford has been established for 20 years and is the premier salon in the area for leading the way in new treatments. Specialising in High Tech treatments, the newest on offer is Thread Vein elimination with their new Thermavein machine. Thermavein technology has been widely used in the medical world for many years and is now available on the wider market.

A tiny probe is rested above the vein to close it together, a pulse then seals the vein and the process is repeated along the vein until it is permanently closed. The blood is naturally absorbed into the body and the vein ceases to exist. The whole process takes only minutes with little discomfort and most conditions require only one treatment.

Owner, Fiona Hood says “Thermavein is a great addition to the salon as we specialise in treatments of this kind and cosmaceuticals - and clients are thrilled with the results they are getting with this new technology.”

TO SEE THE TREATMENT IN ACTION, WATCH THE VIDEO ON WWW.RENAISSANCEBEAUTY.CO.UK. Renaissance has also been offering IPL hair removal for over 10 years now and in March and April there is also a special offer for 50% off all IPL hair removal, an ideal opportunity to be smooth and hair free for summer. Bookings on 01780 763768

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There are many situations in life that can cause us to feel stressed. Major life-changing events such as divorce, bereavement and unemployment are high on the list of triggers. We don’t, however, necessarily need a major traumatic event to trigger signs of stress. Daily life can become an endless list of things to do which can eventually leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Acupuncture recognises the interconnection between our physical and emotional health. It is a natural form of healing which looks at each person individually; after all, no two people respond to stress in exactly the same way.

So, as well as taking a full medical history, an acupuncturist will also be interested in our life experiences, lifestyle choices and our different outlooks on life.

Corinne Alexander, Acupuncturist says: “Our outlook on life will influence how we cope under stress. For example, if you have a strong need for perfection then you may feel constantly stressed as you fail to achieve your own self-imposed high standards. Or perhaps you are highly organised and structured but find yourself feeling extremely irritated when things don’t go to plan? These differences provide useful information when forming a diagnosis and treatment plan for each client.”

Acupuncture has been shown to be as effective as conventional drug therapies for many of the common symptoms of stress and, of course, acupuncture comes without the potential side-effects of drug therapies.

• For more information please contact Corinne Alexander on 07737 172939 or visit www.stamfordacupuncture.co.uk.

Clinics at 2 Scotgate Mews, Stamford and Neal’s Yard, 53 High Street, Stamford

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Feeling Stressed? Try acupuncture

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Sly Fashion

Belinda Sly is always innovating, always doing something new. Her store combines cards, books, lamps, towels, cushions, gifts and stuff for the home on the right as you go in; and shoes, faux furs, cashmere wraps and other accessories on the left.

Recent additions include some splendid woollen Pegia boots from Nicole Heath and a delightful book ‘My Year with Hares’ by Martin Hayward Smith And this month Belinda will also be jointly setting up an online offering called Sly Fox. This will enable you to buy a wider range of home accessories and fashion accessories online.

• Sly, 4 Saint Mary’s Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2HG Tel: 01780 482870 STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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Timeless Quality

We pride ourselves on supplying quality fitted furniture in a wide choice of styles and flexible options to suit you and your kitchen.

Ring or visit Mark for his personal attention.

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

01780 482892

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

As seen at Spring Country Living

20 Years Restoration Experience

CURTAINS | BLINDS | SHUTTERS | AWNINGS WALLPAPER | BESPOKE POLES & TRACKS FREE DESIGN & CONSULTATION SERVICE 16 North Street, Stamford, PE9 1EH

01780 481416 www.jlball.co.uk

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01780 433000

Welland Vale, Lyddington O B B F E JA Y FE ST N 30 RS U T A H RY

Field End, Ufford – OIEO £250,000

Building plot with planning permission for appox 1800 square foot substantial property.

Three acres of paddock land included.

Open Afternoon Saturday 17th January 13.30 - 15.00 No Appointment Necessary

Attractively on the outskirts of this well thought of Welland Valley village this five bedroom property benefits Reindeer House, from stunning views to both the front and rear. The accommodation briefly comprises porch, entrance hallway, Swayfi eldkitchen, – Guide Price breakfast living room and adjoining playroom with wood burner, utility room and further scullery with downstairs toilet and access to the garden. Two double bedrooms and a family bathroom are located to the £550,000 ground floor with a further three and additional bathroom to the first floor. Set in grounds of just under 2 acres

A well presented, extensively with stable block and fenced paddock area, the property may have potential for further extension subject to renovated, detached period to purchase a small holding and experience your own 'good life'. planning.

A rare opportunity stone built house standing in private landscaped gardens, situated in the heart of the village.

Spacious accommodation incorporates character features and contemporary embellishments to include: Impressive entrance hall opening onto three reception rooms, garden room, cloakroom, lobby and fitted kitchen with further storage space provided from a large cellar. Grand master bedroom with ensuite, additional three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom.

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EW

The Settings, North Luffenham

OIEO £725,000 Substantial former Ancaster Estate farmhouse attractively set in over an acre of lawns and paddock land,

MOORES FREE HOME SEARCH SERVICE

offering stunning views over the Chater Valley towards the village of North Luffenham.The farmhouse has many character features and boasts high ceilings and well proportioned rooms. With four bedrooms, four main reception rooms, large farmhouse kitchen, boot room. The property could benefit from some updating and

CAN’T FIND THE RIGHT HOME IN THE RIGHT AREA?

refurbishing to achieve its full potential.

We can discreetly approach specific homes / roads & let the owners know that we have interest in their home.

We may then be able to introduce buyers to you in the same way.

The discreet and hassle free way to find the right home.

For more information about this service please call Moores Country & Equestrian

01780 433000 Paddock House, Cold Overton

PRNE IC W E

Grange House, Thistleton – Guide Price £715,000

Approximately five acres of landscaped gardens, orchard and three separate paddocks.

Accommodation includes: Entrance vestibule, reception hall, two reception rooms, study breakfast kitchen with utility room, side lobby with boot store, WC and store. Master suite with dressing room and ensuite plus further three double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

OIRO £1,000,000

Hatton Lodge, Bulwick – Substantial six bedroom stone family home with south facing aspects over its own mature private grounds of Offersapprox.

Over 1.5 £799,995 acres. Having well proportioned and laid out accommodation with large entrance hall, drawing

Set in its own private, substantial room and family/dining room. Recently refitted living kitchen with Aga and French doors to terrace. A self plot, this detached contained areaproperty of the house gives a further reception room/ play room with its own back staircase, bedroom combines both modern and and bathroom. The main bedroom has both en-suite and dressing area. A further four double bedrooms, one character features and boasts far single bedroom, two shower rooms and an additional bathroom, make this a very practical family home. reaching views. Accommodation Separate driveway to stable yard with five brick built loose boxes and a range of outbuildings, stores and tack comprises: Entrance hall, rooms and garden room. Conveniently set on the edge small picture postcard village just 7 minutes from the reception hall, breakfast kitchen, centre of Oakham. With excellent schools and mainline trains to London. utility room, two reception rooms, study, cloakroom, master suite with ensuite and dressing room, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

We are available 7 days a week and out of hours until 9pm – please email outofhours@mooresestateagents.com

We are daysTel: a week and out of hours 9pm –Tel: please Melton: 18available Nottingham7Street 01664 491610 | Oakham: 36until High Street 01572 email 757979outofhours@mooresestateagents.com | Uppingham: 2 Orange Street Tel: 01572 821935 Stamford: 12 St Johns Street Tel: 01780 484555 | Grantham: Grantham Station Tel: 01476 855618 | London: 40 St James's Place Tel: 0207 8390888 Stamford: 1 Sheep Market 01780 484555 | Country & Equestrian: 1 Sheep Market 01780 433000 Oakham: 36 High Street 01572 757979 | Uppingham: 2 Orange Street 01572 821935 Grantham: Grantham Station 01476 855618 | Melton Mowbray: 18 Nottingham Street 01664 491610 London: 40 St James’s Place 0207 839 0888

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PROPERTY VIEWS

Room to breathe in the grip of a national housing crisis The politicians are locking horns on how and where to house the nation this spring as every community has to make way for their share of the UK’s one million homes shortage. Stamford Living talks to property professional Richard Watson about its impact on the local housing market

A

s we close in on this year’s General Election, our green spaces are under the microscope. One million homes are needed in the UK and every community is trying to find room for the next generation.

Failure to do so will “undermine the ability of young people to afford housing and form families” with catastrophic consequences, according to Financial Times chief economy commentator Martin Wolf.

Housing policies affect would-be buyers, renters, homeowners, young families, investors, banks, local authorities, the labour market and the entire house-building industry. It’s little surprise, then, that political parties can win or lose elections on their housing policy alone.

With the UK in the grip of a serious housing crisis, 2015 could be one such General Election.

Managing director of Watson Mitchell, Richard Watson, has worked in the housing industry for 30 years. He set up Rutland’s largest property management agency and is set to repeat his success in Bedfordshire.

He says: “With such far-reaching impact, it’s understandable that the right housing policy can put you in the seat of power.

“Despite persistent attempts by successive governments, we are still years away from a national policy that will provide enough homes for everyone. For decades market forces have been left to navigate the impasse on expanding our towns and cities,” Richard explains.

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“In that time, the housing market has changed beyond recognition. Long gone is the murky rental era of ‘Rising Damp’ when digs were marginally more comfortable than slumming it and everyone jumped on the home ownership bandwagon as soon as their salaries could raise a mortgage.”

With house prices now five times earnings and with the labour market more competitive than ever, Richard explains, people have changed their view of renting. At a grassroots level, rather than feeling consigned to renting, people are making an informed choice to do so. Renters come from all walks of life: not just young professionals, key workers or single salaried people but families, pensioners and divorcees.

UK home ownership has been in decline since 2005. Purchase is simply out of reach for many. For others, renting helps them to chase job opportunities or keep their capital liquid to invest elsewhere.

Richard says: “The people who come through our doors want a good choice of quality rentals, from good landlords, with professionallyadministered tenancies.

“We’re working with a wide range of property investors in Rutland to deliver just that. The more investors come forward, the better we can respond. Unprecedented demand shows little sign of abating.”

“Today’s property market is not a get-rich-

quick scheme but a long-term investment delivering a quality supply of rentals. Using qualified, professional management agencies, buy-to-let can provide low-risk, steady yields and long-term capital growth,” he adds.

With half the required homes built last year, a 30-year trend of persistent undersupply, and the argument raging about how to build enough homes; a clear-cut solution to get house building moving remains a distant vision.

Which brings us back to the Financial Times’s Martin Wolf who has sparked a public spat with the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, after accusing the pressure group of seeking to stymie housing supply.

CPRE chief executive Shaun Spiers objected to its caricature as a crude anti-development lobby; arguing that land supply and planning are not the main problems but rather failure to fund social housing and the domination of house builders who have “no interest” in meeting need nor in delivering quality places.

With Rutland engaged in shaping its own expansion, renters are queuing up for their slice of the quality of life the county can offer.

The steady work of the property industry and buy-to-let landlords is providing them with that room to breathe and in so doing investing in the next generation as well as their own futures.

• Contact Richard Watson to discuss Buy-toLet properties on 01780 765100 or see www.wmlet.com

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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Our experience makes yours Find your perfect holiday with your local, independent & friendly travel experts

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ISTANBUL

stanbul is a city of surprises and striking contrasts, the old versus the new, traditional versus modern.

True to the cliché, Istanbul really is the city where east meets west. It’s often described as ‘the crossroads of Europe and Asia’ and it’s a city with an imperial history stretching back for more than 1,500 years. This metropolis of an estimated fifteen million occupies both sides of an east-west land bridge divided by the twenty-mile Bosphorus Strait.

Geography dictated that Istanbul would be an important city. Situated on the narrow strait of the Bosphoros, which connects the Black Sea to the trade routes of the Mediterranean and Africa, the city has been a jealously guarded centre of world trade since the Byzantine era, protected by water on three sides, with the natural harbour of the Golden Horn nestling within the city.

Fragments of this varied architectural inheritance are visible, with stunning Ottoman mosques, classical columns, Byzantine structures, ancient city walls and fine churches. Added to this, rapid industrialisation has drawn thousands of rural poor to the metropolis, and a growth rate at treble the national average. The city’s wealthy elite live in the newly built suburbs and enjoy the sophistication of Istanbul’s café society, designer shops, thriving nightlife and vibrant contemporary cultural life.

The Istanbul skyline is a most remarkable sight. It’s punctuated by thousands of minarets, both ancient and modern, that rise up the hillsides from the banks of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

Oundle Travel are pleased to offer The Sumahan on the Water – For the coming season it is the place to stay in Istanbul and includes a Complimentary Guide for all guests staying for two nights or more booked through Oundle Travel.

From - £859.00 per person for a four night stay inclusive of Return Flights and Private Transfers.

• For more information on The Sumahan on the Water please contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600. www.oundletravel.co.uk

01832 273600

Market Place, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EA Email: sales@oundletravel.co.uk Website: www.oundletravel.co.uk

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Easton on the Hill £285,000 Finished to a high standard by the current owners, this three bedroom detached family home features two reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, Master bedroom with en-suite and an outside office.

Located close to Stamford in the popular village of Easton On The Hill, the property offers good levels of accommodation, replacement windows and gas fired central heating. To the front is a block paved driveway and a lawned garden, whilst to the rear is a patio and lawned garden with an external office and decking.

Stamford £210,000 A modern three bedroom semi-detached home which is presented to a high standard throughout and includes a stylish breakfast kitchen and two good sized double bedrooms.

To the rear is a lawned garden with recently added decked area, whilst to the side are two allocated parking spaces. The property provides good access to town, local schooling and transport links.

3 Star Lane, Stamford | 01780 754737 | @sowdenwallis www.sowdenwallis.co.uk | info@sowdenwallis.co.uk

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ASK LEO SPECIAL

Stamford Butchers

Coningtons, St George’s St Brown’s 60 High St

Jean Orpin & Sue Lee look at the history of butchers in Stamford including one property in constant use for nearly 200 years

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Peppers, 3 Red Lion Square

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N Medieval times the Butchers Row meat market was held weekly in a space outside St Michael’s church.

This was known as the Shambles. In 1751 it was an open market hall. In 1801 when the town was becoming fashionable and elegant, the corporation bought the White Lion Inn to enable them to build a new covered Shambles off the street. The building (now the Library), was designed

by William Legge in a classical style with an Stamford shop at York Museum open front supported by pillars. Inside was a fish market and butter market and there were 53 spaces for butchers. The building stretched back to Broad Street. Animals would be brought there and butchered to sell on market days: with no refrigeration this was essential.

By 1846 the butchers were moving into individual shops. The 19th century was called ‘the golden age of the High Street’ - each street would have a baker, a butcher and a grocer. In Whites Trade Directory, 24 butchers were listed in Stamford and the Shambles building fell into disrepair.

Butchers kept their carcasses cool with ice bought from an iceman until refrigeration became commonplace. The floors would be tiled and covered with sawdust. The walls were tiled, often with pictures of animals. Slaughter houses would be behind the shop and carcasses were hung on hooks. Meat was eaten three times a day in wealthier households. The less affluent would buy large joints on Sundays which would then provide meals for the rest of the week. Bacon and hams were salted and cured.

The shops were family owned, some families owning more than one shop. In the 1820s members of the Lumby family occupied five premises around the town.

Coningtons were in the town by the middle of the 19th century. At the end of the century, they traded from at least three shops including the ones in St George’s Street, pictured here, where they continued until after World War I. Probably the most famous butcher’s shop in Stamford was at 60 High Street. From 1879 W. Buckworth traded there until 1900 when it was taken over by R. H. Brown. J. Grant had the shop from 1920 until the 1930s when Woolworths bought it with adjoining premises. The timber framed shop was dismantled and taken to York Castle Museum where it is still on display. Our photograph shows the shop decked out for Christmas 1913.

Towns provided their own abattoirs after the second war and the corporation provided one near Alma Place off North Street.

This was run by Mr Johnson with the assistance of Mr Hibbert as clerk. All meat for Oakham & Uppingham was also slaughtered here after the Monday market. It closed in the 1970s.

With refrigeration, butchers could bring back the carcasses to cut up in their own premises. They would also deliver meat firstly by butcher’s boys on bikes, then horse and cart and then motorised transport.

In 1969 there were still a large number of shops, but by the 1980s supermarkets opened, more women went to work and fewer people shopped in town. Most family butchers disappeared. Shopping habits continue to change however: people liked the pre-packed meat but the recent scares concerning the provenance of meat has brought customers back to the High Street.

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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Red Lion Square Red Lion Square and the area around was a white meat market from early medieval times.

This may account for the preponderance of butcher’s shops in the vicinity. By the 14C rows of shops were built and there were lanes called Butcher’s Row & Byhindback. These were all cleared before 1800 and in the 19C new properties were built around the Square.

Number 3 Red Lion Square was a butcher’s shop in the occupation of two families, the Pollards then the Peppers (see picture) for a hundred years until Annie Pepper died in 1922.

Numbers 8 to 10 were built by the Marquis of Exeter in 1818 with three stories and cellars underneath, ideal for butchers, and two of them did become butcher’s shops. Number 10 was occupied by George Harr for about 50 years at the end of the 19th century and then for nearly as long in the 20th century by Joseph Woodhouse and family.

Records suggest that No 8 was a pork butcher by 1822 and this was probably the premises of Isaac Lumby. In the 1860s it was run by Mary Strickson then George Pepper Burrell was the proprietor for a short time before Louis Featherstone took over. The Halls, who also had another butcher’s shop, took over the business in 1898. The photograph shows the shop in the early 20th century before Harold Nelson bought the business from C W Hall in 1924. In the middle of the 20th century Number 6 Red Lion Square was also a butcher’s shop.

Above: Halls at 8 Red Lion Square Left: Nelson’s Pork Pie Award 1927 Below left: Nelson’s Pie Factory Below: Nelsons at 8 Red Lion Square

Nelsons Harold Nelson was not born into a butcher’s family. His father worked on the railway and had the rather splendid name Thomas William Horatio Nelson. (He came from Norfolk and there is a slight possibility that he was descended from an uncle of Admiral Nelson).

Harold and his seven brothers and sisters were born and brought up in Spalding where Harold got a job as a butcher’s assistant when he left school. It seems that he had trouble establishing his own business in Spalding but did well when he came to Stamford.

In particular he built up a reputation for pork pies which were made in the cellar below the shop. By 1927, he had begun to win awards and over the years gained over 50 gold medals.

Before he retired in 1952 Harold Nelson had set up another shop on Queen St in Uppingham and both shops were well-established when they were bought by Frank Gilman. Frank retained the name of Nelsons and soon expanded the business with shops in North Luffenham, Barrowden and Oakham. In 1956 a second shop was opened in Stamford on the corner of Broad St and Ironmonger St. In the 1970s the village shops were closed and replaced by a refrigerated mobile service which continues to provide for customers within a fifteen mile radius of Stamford.

In 1959 Nelson’s Pie Factory on North Street started production in modern premises where the quantity could be increased while maintaining the quality. Today the Pie Factory still supplies pork pies to their shops. Many other products have been added such as

chicken & ham pie, cottage pie, lasagne, cooked meats and fruit pies.

All the meat in Nelsons’ 4 shops - in Uppingham, Oakham and the 2 in Stamford - is bought from local farms or markets and they still regularly buy the winners at local Christmas Fatstock Shows. A member of the Gilman family is still in charge and they remain traditional butchers but with a modern outlook.

For example, Nelsons are known far and wide for their sausages – some people won’t eat any others! – and these can now be ordered through their online service. Delivery of all products, in specially insulated boxes, is quick and for that special day you can even have a Pork Pie wedding cake made from three layers

of pie – either pork or a variety – which will serve 100 to 135 people.

• (Old photographs courtesy of Stamford Survey Group, Connie Beadman and Guy Gilman)

Ask Leo would like to hear from you if you have more stories about Stamford’s butchers.

Email them at askleo@btinternet.com

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19/02/2015 17:45

Jean-Nicolas GĂŠrard | New pots from France | from 21.3.15

Jenny Grevatte | Inspired by Italy and Greece | from 21.3.15

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goldmark Orange Street, Uppingham | 01572 821424 | goldmarkart.com

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UPDATES

Mike Goldmark Pottery T

he Goldmark Gallery has long been famous for its prints, lithographs and paintings, operating on a national and international stage as well as serving the local market. But its foray into pottery is much newer, dating back only to 2005.

Incredibly in that short space of time, Goldmark is already one of the leaders in the field of craft pottery, having staged 26 major exhibitions to date, raising the Jean-Nicolas Gérard profile of British and international craft pottery massively.

What has made the Goldmark approach so distinctive and effective is that they go far beyond just the display of pots; they delve into the creative process, producing insightful and evocative films of the artist’s inspiration and working methods and a sumptuous brochure. When you look at a potter’s work at Goldmark, you feel you are a witness to the whole creative experience, not just the end product.

March sees the return of the Frenchman Jean-Nicolas Gerard, who last exhibited at Goldmark a couple of years ago. The exhibition opens on March 21st.

Jean-Nicolas Gérard was born in Brazzaville (Congo) in 1954 and returned to France in 1961. He started studying ceramics in 1978 and was Jean Biagini’s student at École des Beaux-Arts in Aix-en-Provence. He also trained with Claire Bogino. Often labelled the potters’ potter Gerard’s work has a spontaneity that so many strive for.

His work has now gained international acclaim and he has exhibited all over the world, including America, Australia, China and Japan. He is one of those rare potters who brings genuine life and gusto to contemporary slipware, investing the tradition of terre vernissée with

Jonathon Hartley Architectural

a fresh and expressive energy unlike any other.

As well as exhibitions, Goldmark now also has a dedicated pottery shop, which celebrates its first anniversary this month.

The shop showcases the work of several major craft potters on a permanent basis – the other worldly delicate Nordic-ness of Anne Mette Hjortshøj’s pots, the warmth and character of JeanNicolas Gerard’s work, the breathtaking delicacy of Takeshi Yasuda’s creations to the rich robustness of Ken Matsuzaki’s art… to name but a few.

Basically there is something to everyone’s taste, and the opportunity is there to start to collect pottery for your home to delight and to use at the same time.

• Goldmark Gallery, 14 Orange St, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9SQ, UK Opening Times Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm, Sun 11.00am-4.00pm Tel: 01572 821424 www.goldmarkart.com

Jonathon Hartley is a well known and established architectural consultant with an enviable track record of design in both the commercial and residential sector, new and refurbished. As well as being the designer behind the Crown and the Lord Nelson in Oakham, he is responsible for many new houses, including a recent project in the Casterton Rd, half-way up on the left; and several barn conversions, including recent work in Greatford and Yarwell.

Jonathan manages to combine a very creative with a very practical, hands-on approach. Having worked in Stamford all his life, his connections are second to none; which means he is able to source the best materials and accessories. He often takes clients on ‘shopping trips’ to local suppliers to inspire them with new ideas.

A job will typically start with an on-site visit to assess the potential and understand the client’s ambition; a quote will follow, then a site survey and detailed designs. Jonathan’s planning experience comes very much to the fore as it is then taken through the planning phase, prior to work commencing. At this stage Jonathan can do as much or little as you want; he can run the tender process, help select the builder and manage the project to completion; or you can take full control at this stage, whichever you prefer.

If you have a house project in mind and want some ideas, just give Jonathan a call; he can make your dream a reality.

• The Old Curiosity Shop, 28 St Peter’s St, Stamford, PE9 2PF Tel: 01780 757550 www.jonathonhartley.com

Pots of Fun

Cathy Cahill has run Pots of Fun in Scotgate for seven years, making it a very established business.

She recently jumped at the chance to re-locate into Love Stamford in Broad St, so that she could concentrate on what she loves doing best – the creative bit – whilst Love Stamford can provide all the back-up facilities, including an excellent coffee shop.

And of course a great footfall of people coming in.

Pots of Fun offers individuals or groups the chance to get creative – to paint a piece of pottery and to come back a week or so later to pick up the finished article, glazed and beautiful. As well as appealing to children’s groups, it makes a fun team-building exercise. Cathy is now also able to offer Deco Patches, small bits of paper for decorating in a patchwork style on objects.

• Contact Cathy on 07834 459286. The website, once it goes live, will be www. potsoffunceramicstudio.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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THE ARTS

Music matters Stamford’s past and present is rich in musical entertainment. Alysia Anderson takes a look backstage at two of the town’s longest established societies, Stamford Amateur Musical Society and Stamford Choral Society, both over a century old

STAMFORD AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY The curtain rises The first performance of the Stamford Amateur Operatic Society (SAOS, renamed SAMS in 1995) was in May 1905: a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, The Gondoliers. From then on, the group developed a loyal following, rehearsing at Albert Hall (now Tesco) and performing annually at the Corn Exchange. One of the UK’s longest established AmDram groups, SAMS celebrates its 110th birthday this year. Chairman Adrian Worgan recently spent an afternoon reminiscing with veteran members of the group.

“A ten-year-old boy was taken by his father to the Society’s very first show. He was so inspired that he became a devoted Gilbert & Sullivan supporter, regularly helping backstage or by selling programmes. He went on to become Sir Malcolm Sargent, highly acclaimed composer, organist and conductor.” Even after his rise to fame, Sir Malcolm remained the Musical Director and Conductor for the Society until 1929 and his insistence on perfection was rewarded with great critiques by the local press.

The Stamford Mercury regularly printed double page spreads of forthcoming SAOS productions, featuring actor profiles. Cast members paraded through the streets between shows on Saturdays, to be rewarded with high tea at The Stamford Hotel.

Wine, women and song A member since he was 16 (back in 1947) and whose father was one of the founder members, Grahamme Sorfleet remains active in SAMS. He recalled being ‘sloshed on stage’ during Die Fledermaus, having drank too much wine during the pre-show dress rehearsal. Another member, Duncan Allen, rekindled the moment during the production of Merry Widow when

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Steve Watson was handed a glass of wine filled with lemon juice by the stage crew. Trevor Kirk, now president of the society, described the ‘rod of iron’ that Frederick Allen used to rule the Society by. Membership was considered an honour nonetheless. Margaret Fox, née Whitehead, joined in 1954 and commented on the nerves she had when auditioning because it was such a highly regarded group. Auditions were held in front of the entire committee and Margaret was chosen as the leading lady for the Golden Anniversary production of Maid of the Mountains in 1955. On Civic Night, all the Borough Councillors attended in evening suits with their ladies elegantly dressed in gowns and fur coats. Jean Hodson was the society’s producer and dancing teacher for 43 years. The dancing troupe was a separate group within the society that rehearsed on different nights to ensure all the dance routines were perfect.

Several veterans recalled the infamous moment when dancer Joyce Atkinson performed the Can Can routine inadvertently without any knickers and the uproar this caused amongst locals. “Joyce insisted on wearing costumes one on top of the other for future productions!” The ladies also remembered how their changing room would leak whenever it rained and described the costumes as ‘ill-fitting, damp and smelly’.

From screen to stage John Fox, a stage hand in the mid-1950s, recalled that prior to performances the Corn Exchange had to be converted from ‘Picturedrome’ to theatre. “It was hard work dismantling the cinema screen and loudspeakers and moving them to storage.

We then had to collect the scenery from a van in the station sidings and assemble it, often working into the early hours of Monday morning, to ensure the stage was ready for

Monday’s dress rehearsal. The scenery was large and heavy and most shows involved several scene changes.” Often the orchestra, typically a 16-piece ensemble who gave their time freely, had to repeat parts of the score or the actors had to ‘reprise a reprise’ several times. It took a great deal of persuasion by the Stage Manager, John Parish, to get the stage crew to minimise the time between scenes, but the bribe of a barrel of beer usually brought about the desired result. The theatre had to be restored to cinema status directly after the last performance on Saturday night.

Prize-winning performances SAMS prides itself on its long standing within the Lincolnshire community and has been associated with many local family names: Blackstone, Hart, Traylen and Bowman to name a few. The group continues to build on its rich legacy by performing a varied repertoire.

Frequently nominated by NODA, the UK’s main amateur theatre body, it won Best Musical in 2011 with The Full Monty, while one member has received 65 NODA awards. Regularly involved in local charity fundraising, SAMS played a significant role in helping to restore the Corn Exchange theatre. Adrian Worgan summed up: “The backbone of the group is the friendships it generates and the sense of ‘belonging’: not simply cast and crew, but patrons, supporters and audiences too.” With increasing competition for audiences, plus rising costs, amateur dramatic societies face many challenges. To celebrate its 110th birthday SAMS is holding a ball on 28 March at Rutland Golf Club and will perform The Wizard of Oz in June. Show your support by buying an event ticket, becoming a patron or joining the cast and crew. “No experience is necessary; just a voice and some enthusiasm” said Adrian. For more information visit www.stamfordams.co.uk

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STAMFORD CHORAL SOCIETY Sing your heart out Also celebrating its anniversary is Stamford Choral Society, which dates back to at least 1879. This mixed hundred-voice choir is about to perform its annual concert in Peterborough Cathedral, under the leadership of musical director Jeremy Jepson. “Singing with a choir has all sorts of positive effects; even more so in a large choir like Stamford Choral, as those experiences are shared with many others.

Singing is an aerobic exercise which uses the whole body and releases endorphins, giving a feeling of pleasure. Our singers often feel they’ve had a ‘good workout’. The great thing about Stamford Choral is that each term sees the start of a new journey. This moves from the moment of opening a new score, through intensive but enjoyable rehearsals exploring the musical challenges, all the way to performance in front of an audience. To trudge through the January cold to rehearsals and then, several weeks later, experience the thrill of singing some of the finest music ever composed, accompanied by a symphony orchestra in uplifting Peterborough Cathedral, is an amazing journey. It’s a journey that anyone can join.” Member Jean Wyles agrees. “I have been a member of Stamford Choral for many years and over that time have been introduced to many different composers of choral music. Some I have loved and some I came to love as I got to know them. I have enjoyed it immensely. Singing in a choir is a great and rewarding experience. No matter how you are feeling when you arrive for rehearsal the concentration needed takes over. The time flies by and you finish on a high. Music is a language we all understand and enjoy but it’s not just the music, it’s also the people and the joy of it all, especially on the day of the concert after all our hard work.”

Making music together The choir also performs in more intimate venues such as Barn Hill’s Trinity Methodist Church, where the weekly Tuesday evening rehearsals are held. Jeremy said: “I’ve conducted the choir for just over five years now and seen it transform into a dynamic society seeking to engage ever more fully with the community. Highlights have been the wonderful Christmas concerts with the choir of Malcolm Sargent School, where we’ve worked together on some exciting contemporary music, including a specially commissioned premiere in 2012 and Andrew Carter’s vivid Benedicite in 2014. We introduced new audiences to music in this way. The year before, we performed the wonderful Poulenc Gloria and Orff’s Carmina Burana in Peterborough Cathedral with a professional orchestra, soloists and the combined choirs of Stamford School. Also memorable was singing Elgar’s setting of Binyon’s For The Fallen last summer to help Stamford commemorate the start of WW1. Forthcoming projects include another joint concert with Stamford School in 2016 and a project working with several schools in Stamford, which we hope to bring to fruition in 2017.”

Top notes On 21 March at 7.30pm, Stamford Choral will be joined in Peterborough Cathedral by the Leamington Spa Bach Choir, professional soloists and the Warwickshire Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Nigel Stark, to perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Commissioned by the Birmingham Festival for performance in 1846, this great oratorio was a hugely popular work. Tickets can be purchased from Stamford Arts Centre (01780 763203) or visit www.stamfordchoral.co.uk for details on events and joining the choir.

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18/02/2015 15:39

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Storeys Bar Road, Eastern industrial Estate, Peterborough, PE1 5YS - 01733 341628 www.robinsonspeterborough.citroen.co.uk Fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Citroën range are: Urban 34.4 (8.2) – 78.5 (3.6), Extra Urban 55.4 (5.1) – 88.3 (3.2), Combined 45.6 (6.2) – 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions are 163 - 87 g/km. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Elect 4 Personal Finance

Lease offers apply to qualifying new vehicles ordered and delivered between 01/12/2014 - 31/03/2015. One initial advance rental will be required. Rentals shown are based on a 48 month contract with an agreed 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) and requires an annual rental equivalent to one months’ rental. All rentals are inclusive of VAT. Finance subject to status. Over 18s only. Written quotations available on request from Citroën Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill RH1 1QA. Vehicles shown are for illustration purposes only.

These offers supersede all previously advertised offers and are subject to availability. Prices correct at time of going to press. E&OE.

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D N E R T R A C NEW MOTORING

Planning to buy a new-plate car this month, but a little bewildered by some of the developments in design and newfangled ‘affordable’ finance packages? Our exclusive guide will help steer you through the vehicle buying maze. By Jonathan Craymer

I

F you’ve never bought a new car before, or haven’t driven something factory-fresh for many a year, some of the trends in new car design may leave you a little dizzy. The same might be said of some of the types of finance on offer.

But fear not. Read our advice on these pages, do a little research (online if you can) and talk to dealers, who are keener than ever to get your business and actually (due to the Internet) have a lot more time to chat to customers.

At least the number of makes hasn’t really changed much. Since the high profile demise of Rover as a UK-based brand, the harsh economic times we’ve gone through in the last few years have left most of the major manufacturers leaner and fitter – but on the whole mostly still out there.

The main developments you may notice if looking for a new car this March can be broken down into the following headings:■ Audio and directional ■ Personal Contract Purchase ■ Electric power ■ Free extras on offer.

The dashboards of many models now look simpler, but may leave many buyers scratching their heads, wondering where a lot of the controls have gone to. Part of the reason is the rise in the popularity of the tablet computer, which led many car designers to squeeze everything from air conditioning controls to audio inside a single touch-screen.

One of the best examples of this is to be found on cars like the innovative Citroen C4 Cactus to be found at Robinsons Citroen in Peterborough, but also (perhaps not surprisingly) on latest all-electric models such as the excellent-but-not-cheap BMW i3 from Sycamore.

However fear not. Once you’ve got used to this idea, it’s a doddle to use and certainly does clean up the look of a car’s controls.

Further up-market the same idea is heavily

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Range Rover Evoque

Range Rover Evoque phone app InControl Remote used on the Range Rover Evoque, now Land Rover’s top seller to be found at Marshalls of Peterborough, where not only is there a single panel for many controls with touch-screen operation on the March 2015 model, you can also relay the navigation system on to your smart phone.

But the next shock may come when you try to play one of your favourite CDs. Many cars are now appearing without that familiar slot on the dash or multi-player mounted in the boot. Just as the cassette player found itself being phased out many years ago, the CD is now giving way to MP3s and Bluetooth.

Finance options Another innovation worth considering is Personal Contract Purchase or PCP as a way of paying for your car. PCP has been around for quite a while, especially in the company car sector – and like so many things it started in

Range Rover Evoque dash panel InControl Apps

the US. Mark Steels, General Sales Manager, Sycamore BMW explains: “PCP has been available for 15-20 years and is available from all the manufacturers. We call the BMW version Select. It makes getting hold of a new car more affordable - especially now - because interest rates are lower than they’ve been before. Also “residual” or second-hand values for BMWs are very strong, which helps keep monthly payments low.

“PCP plans are also very flexible – you can have a deal over three or four years or any number of months. On average our buyers come out at 23 months because the PCP makes it very affordable at that point to swap to another model. We’d look at the outstanding finance and the remaining equity in the car and then arrange another finance deal based on those factors.”

Nic Wattiez, Sales Manager at Skoda dealer

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NDS

BMW i3 dashboard

BMW’s i8 electricpetrol sports model

BMW i3 dashboard

Above: Citroen C4 Cactus Right: John Howard of Robinsons Citroen demos the Cactus info panel Skoda Fabia at Wings

vehicle offers. It’s far from clear cut which is ‘best’. Nic Wattiez at Wings of Peterborough says: “The question of whether modern diesel is or petrol requires a little more thought. If you were to take a short, say five mile journey in a modern car, you’d very likely find that the petrol engine would return more mpg. It’s worth factoring in the types of journey you’re likely to use the car for, to see if it’s worth paying the extra to go for the diesel version.

Fuel comparison figures are produced using a standard test to produce an average, but remember the way you use the car may be far from ‘average’.”

But what about electric power? After a slow start in the market – mainly down to the lack of a national recharging network offered when these vehicles first appeared – all-electric vehicles have become far more popular, mainly with drivers who do most of their mileage around town.

However hybrid vehicles such as the wellestablished Toyota Prius have made electric power a lot more accessible as they combine electric motors with traditional internal combustion engines to fall back on. In fact BMW has all kinds of ingenious combinations, such as the extra power pack for its i3 model, which incorporates a motorcycle engine driving a generator!). It also offers the amazing i8 sports model (pictured).

A couple of extra things to consider

Wings of Peterborough agrees: “Always explore the funding options – there are many cases nowadays when, even if you’re fortunate enough to not need to, making use of manufacturer funding options is a big benefit.

As well as the obvious advantage of having less of your money tied up in a car, there are often now additional incentives from car makers that come with using their finance such as: free servicing & additional deposit contributions.”

“Buyers should always consider the whole package of price, finance deal and part exchange,” adds David Hall, Managing Director at Rockingham Cars of Corby.

“The internet is a good place to start but always search out your local dealer as he will be able to offer test drives, advice on overall running costs and ensure that a car fits a customer’s requirements. March is always a good time to buy a new car as all manufacturers are keen to get high sales with

the new registration plate so prices and part exchange values will be attractive.”

Petrol, diesel - or electric?

Which fuel should you go for? The petrol or diesel debate continues – it’s more down to personal preference these days. To many who’ve been brought up on petrol, this still offers the ultimate in smoothness, whereas some who’ve been persuaded to switch to diesel in the last few years (even though now its environmental and pump price benefits have waned) still swear by its gutsy pulling power and now far quieter engines. If it’s a company vehicle you’re looking for, and the emissions figures will hugely affect your tax bill, then shop around for something that will meet your needs while having least impact on your take-home pay.

If not and you’d just like to help save the planet, then start comparing the figures each

Firstly it’s worth looking out for good deals on extras – everything from free insurance to accessories: politicians may say the economy is picking up, but franchised dealers are really keen to sell every new vehicle they can – which may give you the upper hand when it comes to getting extras thrown in free. Things like extra paintwork or upholstery protection may be included, or offered at a vastly reduced price, as might sound system upgrades or a sunroof.

The key here is to compare the different deals, while bearing in mind that as you’re wielding the cheque-book (or potential finance deal) you have the upper hand. Free insurance for a year may even be on offer.

Never be afraid to haggle. This isn’t only the preserve of Middle Eastern street markets – dealers are quite used to savvy buyers standing their ground, so take advantage of this. A survey by Sainsbury’s Finance recently estimated that UK motorists could collectively save an amazing £458 million a year by haggling.

Finally check out some of the “run out” models available: if you’re prepared to buy one of the cars the dealer might still have left over from last year, you may pick up a bargain.

Dealers at keen to clear the decks and may discount these very significantly.

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09/59 - Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec in Black, alloys, air con, cd player ....................£5,995 08/58 – Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi VTR Plus Auto in Silver, good mileage.. £5,495 08/58 - Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi VTR Plus Auto in Silver, good mileage ...£5,495 09/58 mileage,low low cd player..... £4,995 09/58– Ford - FordKaKa1.25 1.25Style StyleininWhite, White, low low mileage, roadroad tax,tax, cd player..............£4,995 06/06 Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Blue, low road tax, great ............... £3,995 07/07– Ford - Skoda Superb 2.0 in TDi Comfort in Blue, alloys, economy parking sensors.........£3,995 SOLD 06/06 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi in Blue, low road tax, great economy....................£3,995 07/07 – Fiat Punto 1.2 Dynamique in Black, only 42k miles, 2 owners ......... £3,995 07/07 - Fiat Punto 1.2 Dynamique in Black, only 42k miles,2 owners.............£3,995 06/06 – Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style in Blue, CD, low miles ................................... £3,695 06/06 - Ford Fiesta 1.25 style in Blue. cd, low miles.........................................£3,695 05/05 – Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Design in Grey, 5 door, 43k miles ...................... £3,495 05/05 - Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Design in Grey, 5door, 43 k miles .........................£3,495 05/55 Astra 1.61.6 LifeLife in Silver, only servicehistory.....£3,495 history £3,495 05/55– Vauxhall - Vauxhall Astra in silver, only37k 37kmiles, miles, full full service 06/56– Peugeot - Peugeot in silver, only56k 56kmiles, miles,22 owners.............................£3,495 06/56 207207 1.41.4 S inS Silver, only owners ...................... £3,495 05/55 - Peugeot 307 1.6 SW SE in silver, good mileage, fsh .............................£2,995 05/55 – Peugeot 307 1.6 SW SE in Silver, good mileage, fsh ......................... £2,995 06/06 - Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style in Silver, one owner, service history...................£2,995 06/06 – Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style in Silver, one owner, service history .............. £2,995 05/05 - Honda HRV 1.6 VTEC in Silver, alloys, cd player................................£2,995 05/05 HRVPicasso 1.6 VTEC in Silver, alloys, player ............................... £2,995 04/04– Honda - Citroen Desire 1.6 Hdi, lowCD mileage, One owner ............£2,995 05/55 Renault Megane 1.5 DCi Oasis in Blue, super diesel economy...........£2,995 04/04 – Citroen Picasso Desire 1.6 Hdi, low mileage, one owner .................. £2,995 05/05 - Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Automatic in Blue, alloys, cd player ................£2,995 05/55 – Renault Megane 1.5 DCi Oasis in Blue, super diesel economy ......... £2,995 01/51 - Mini Cooper in British Racing Green, alloy wheels, elec windows ......£2,495 05/05 – Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Automatic in Blue, alloys, CD player .............. £2,995 04/53 - Renault Clio 1.2 Dynamique in Black, one owner, low mileage................£1,995 SOLD 01/51 CooperCorsa in British RacinginGreen, alloymiles wheels, elec windows £2,495 03/03– Mini - Vauxhall 1.2 Elegance grey, low and lovely condition......£1,995 SOLD 03/03– Citroen - Citroen in Silver, mileage,full full history history...............................£1,995 03/03 C3C3 1.41.4 LXLX in Silver, lowlow mileage, ......................... £1,995 05/05– Renault - Renault Megane Dynamique in Silver, player,alloys alloys..............£1,495 05/05 Megane 1.61.6 Dynamique in Silver, CDCD player, ............ £1,495 00/V - Chrysler Neon in Blue, low mileage, one owner, leather, recent MOT.........£995 SOLD 01/Y – Ford Focus 1.6 LX in Black, alloys, January 2016 MOT ...................... £995 01/Y - Ford Focus 1.6 LX in Black, Alloys, January 2016 MOT ............................£995

08/58 only33k 33kmiles..........£6,495 miles...... £6,495 08/58– -Ford FordFiesta Fiesta1.41.4Titanium TitaniumininBlack, Black,privacy privacyglass, glass, only 12/62 a/c..........£5,495 ........ £5,995 12/62– -Ford FordKaKa1.25 1.25Edge EdgeininDiamond DiamondWhite, White,1 owner, 1 owner,18k 18 kmiles, miles a/c 09/09 fullhistory history ................£4,995 £4,995 09/09– -Volkswagen VolkswagenPolo Polo1.21.2E inE inBlack, Black,lowlowmileage, mileage, Full .....................

KINGFISHER CARS THE DEALER YOU CAN TRUST. Come and visit Kingfisher Cars in comfortable surroundings with no pressure, where customers are offered quality, choice and exceptional service.

05/05 – Mini Cooper 1.6 Cabriolet in Black, leather, low mileage ................. £4,995

05/05 - Mini Cooper 1.6 Cabriolet in Black, leather, low mileage....................£4,995

09/09 – Hyundai 120 1.4 Comfort in Red, only 31k miles, full history............ £4,995

09/09 - Hyundai I20 1.4 Comfort in red, only 31k miles, full history..................£4,995

09/59 – Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 in Grey, one owner, low mileage .................... £4,395

09/59 - Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 GP in grey, one owner, low mileage...............£4,395

06/06 – Renault Clio 1.4 Dynamique in Black, alloys, only 30k miles ........... £4,395

06/06 - Renault Clio 1.4 Dynamique in Black, alloys, only 30k miles..............£4,395

07/07 – Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 SX HDi in Blue, (new shape) FSH ................. £3,995

07/07 - Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 SX HDi in Blue, (new shape) full service history...£3,995

All of our cars are carefully selected and under go a comprehensive pre-sales inspection prior to sale.

05/54 – Volkswagen Polo 1.2 E in Blue, only 45k miles, great first car .......... £3,695

Upon completion of the sale all come with a full MOT, service and a comprehensive Car Protect Guarantee which can be extended for up to two years.

05/55 – Peugeot 306 1.6 HDi S in Blue, 2 owners, full service history ........... £3,495

We also offer credit facilities with our financial partner Close Motor Finance and can tailor make a package to suit your requirements.

02/02– -Mini MiniOne, One,great greatfirst 1stcar, car,low lowmileage, mileage,fullfullservice servicehistory history...............£2,995 02/02 ................. £2,995

05/54 - Volkswagen Polo 1..2 E in Blue, only 45k miles, great first car.............£3,695

05/55 – Volkswagen Beetle 1.6 in Silver, alloys, CD player ........................... £3,495

06/56 - Peugeot 207 1.4 Sport in grey, alloys,cd player ................................£3,495 09/59 - Kia Picanto in White, low tax & insurance, great first car .........................£3,495

06/56 – Peugeot 207 1.4 Sport in Grey, alloys, CD player .............................. £3,495

05/54 - Vauxhall Astra 1.8 DesignSOLD in Blue CD/Player, A/C, Low mileage...........£3,495

09/59 – Kia Picanto in White, low tax & insurance, great first car .................. £3,495

03/53– -Toyota ToyotaYaris Yaris1.01.0T Spirit T Spiritin inSilver, Silver, only23k23kmiles, miles,ideal ideal1st 1st car car.......£2,995 03/53 only ........ £2,995

Come and experience our cars for yourself or view our website and see what our customers say

Stuart George

PETERBOROUGH BRANCH STAMFORD 1210 Lincoln Rd (Near Mancetter Square), PE4 6LA

STAMFORD BRANCH STAMFORD West Street Garage, Foundry Road,Road, Stamford, PE9 West Street Garage, Foundry Stamford, PE92PY 2PY

West Street Garage, Foundry Road, Stamford, PE9 2PY

01733 575 051

10/60 - Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Zetec in Black, 5 door, A/C, alloys ..............£6,995

I look forward to showing you around.

facebook.com/kingfishercars

www.kingfishercars.com

@KingfisherCars

01733575 575051 051 01733

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FOOD & DRINK

Men in the Kitchen Robin Stewart, food photographer, enjoys a day’s course at Bridge 67

B

RIDGE 67 cookery school nestles in beautiful rolling Leicestershire countryside at the end of a mile long and well sign-posted lane just outside Smeeton Westerby, close to Market Harborough. A warm welcome over tea and coffee is extended by owner Jill before handing you over to one of her highly experienced chef tutors – in our case Roy. After a brief but thorough health and safety introduction, Roy introduced us to the course (men in the kitchen) and what we would be cooking that day.

There were six students, half of which had been sent by their partners…!

With varying levels of skill Roy’s calm and knowledgeable approach is guaranteed to instil confidence in even the most apprehensive of cooks!

He started by making a valuable point – use recipes as a guide, taste as you go, use your own judgement and ask as many questions as you like.

Once we’d started to cook it was easy to see how good this advice was.

The really lovely thing about Bridge 67 is the way everyone works around the beautiful oak table. This makes for a relaxed, sociable day with Roy demonstrating, watching, helping and dispensing more top cooking tips than you could shake a stick at.

Although we covered off many basic techniques (chopping vegetables correctly, ‘sweating’, whisking, sealing meat etc) the results were far from basic and would not be out of place at a dinner party.

The courgette soup we enjoyed for lunch (with a glass of wine) was simply delicious and it just got better from there as we moved onto Victoria sandwich, ratatouille, breast of chicken filled with ricotta, lemon, fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes, new potato crush and a heavenly and

addictive, lemon meringue roulade. All surprisingly simple when you got down to it, but it all tasted fantastic – what more could you want from a day spent cooking?

Roy explained that the school is also available for a group of friends to hire (perhaps the men?). They can spend the day cooking with the guidance of one of the tutors and then invite their partners to join them for dinner. Above the kitchen is a beautifully appointed dining room – a great place for a fun evening to follow a fun day!

Bridge 67 also offers teambuilding, meetings, demonstrations, bespoke dinner parties, product development and social events. They are also passionate about supporting local suppliers and the community – the eggs we used were delivered fresh from the free-range chickens at the other end of the lane – you can’t get much more local than that!

It must be so rewarding to Roy to hear so many ‘I didn’t realise how easy that was’ or ‘I never thought I could do that’ and see the genuine look of delight and pleasure as new skills (perhaps latent?) are discovered.

I can’t recommend this type of day enough, whatever your level of skill or interest there will be something for you – be it Italian, Thai, Indian, artisan bread making, cooking with game, cooking with fish and shell fish, cooking for dinner parties etc - you are sure to have a fun and informative day, build knowledge and confidence, meet some really nice people and go home full and happy.

• For future courses logon to: www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk The next Men in the Kitchen course will be on May 9th.

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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ARTISTS & THEIR STUDIOS… In a new series of articles Harjit Gammon sets out to explore the idiosyncratic, often fantastical personal spaces of artists, sculptors, furniture-makers, writers and woodcutters. Spaces in which men and women create, write, make, think or simply escape

A Room of one’s Own Words & Photographs: Harjit Gammon

A

NYONE who has ever noticed a wonderfully individual and toweringly tall Stamford house with pink painted door and equally pink painted windows will have pondered, if only momentarily, what the undoubtedly creative person who lives there must be like.

Soraya Smithson, a multi-talented artist working in various media ranging from print making to ceramics and textiles, is that person. Quiet, individual and freespirited, Soraya invited me to visit her in her fairy-tale studio.

A large, high ceilinged room, it is crammed to the ornate plaster work with on-going work, sources of inspiration and pieces she has found it difficult to part with. In the hearth, a wood burner throws out warmth and the soft scent of burning logs fills the air - all very evocative and befitting a carefully considered and most genuinely eclectic and design aware of homes.

Soraya has always maintained a studio in her home, and these days gets to spend more time there, her equally creative children now having left home.

On the studio ceiling is pasted an outsize map of the British Isles, a fixture long pre-dating the interiors fashion for feature map walls of recent years. Against the walls lean precariously balanced columns of papers, books, toys and textiles, the window panes are home to quirky found items gathered on walks or discovered discarded, while her large and gloriously sunlit desk abounds with work in progress.

Her pieces are inspired by old books; some of you may recall her collaboration with Askers Bakers - ‘A Cake For Everyday’, mythical creatures (diminutive contemporary pixie embroideries) and paintings; a reflection of her Fine Art training at Chelsea School of Art, followed by Middlesex and Newcastle Universities. Multi-talented, she is as at home hand embroidering, throwing a pot, illustrating or running up a beautiful pair of pyjamas! Her recent work includes a collection of highly imaginative and original, vibrantly coloured ceramic pots inspired by the work of the fifteenth and sixteenth century Netherlandish painter Hieronymus Bosch, which will be shown in Cornwall in April.

A long-term member of the Leicester Print Workshop, Soraya has also lately produced a children’s book, ‘Night School for Cats’ in collaboration with author Hugo Wilson, using an innovative stone lithography technique for the illustrations, as well as being invited to create her interpretations of the alphabet letters O, T and V for the Compton Verney folk art collection in Warwickshire, With a prolific imagination and highly developed visual faculty, her ideas are wide-ranging and many. So many indeed, she has difficulty, she tells me, in bringing all of them to fruition and completion. www.sorayasmithson.com Tel: 07949 074311 info@sorayasmithson.com

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EST.1967

SOFAS OF DISTINCTION

BEAUTY AT THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 41

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MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN AGED 4 – 14

Our OFSTED registered Camps, which have been running in the area for well over 20 years, provide a wide range of over 30 fun activities to keep your child entertained in the school holidays.

Bouncy castles Quad bikes MegaBall pond Arts and Crafts Curling Fencing Snooker Badge making Bread making Kwik cricket Archery Shooting Football Bouncy slide Crossbows Tennis Swimming Orienteering Computer games Disco Air hockey Uni-hoc Adventure playground Bodyrock Baking Fun quiz Fancy dress Ball games Golf Nature trail…………..AND MORE! All staff are DBS/CRB checked and have the necessary experience and training to deliver the extensive range of activities we offer. We pride ourselves on the quality of our childcare and our excellent staff ratios.

BASED AT STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL - 30 MARCH – 2 APRIL BASED AT STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL - 6 – 10 JULY 13-17 JULY 20-24 JULY 3 – 7 AUGUST 10 – 14 AUGUST 17 – 21 AUGUST BASED AT BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL, OAKHAM - 20 – 24 JULY

27 – 31 JULY

27 – 31 JULY

BASED AT THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL - 30 MARCH – 2 APRIL 7 – 10 APRIL 26 – 29 MAY 6 - 10 JULY 13 - 17 JULY 20 - 24 JULY 27 – 31 JULY 3 – 7 AUGUST 10 – 14 AUGUST Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm - EARLY and LATE CARE AVAILABLE FROM 8am – 6pm For further information or to make a booking - Telephone: 01780 753461 Email:info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk - www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk

WE ACCEPT PAYMENT BY CHILDCARE VOUCHERS

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UPDATES

Changes introduced to 11+ Grammar School Exam If you are a parent of a Year 5 child and are considering one of the county’s grammar schools as a Secondary school option, now is the time to start thinking about the 11+ testing process.

A

ny child who wishes to join a Lincolnshire grammar school in Year 7 must first achieve a qualifying score in the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools 11+ tests.

11+ testing takes place in September each year when children are in Year 6. Bourne Grammar School tests students from over seventy primary schools across an area that includes Spalding, Stamford, The Deepings and Peterborough. This year, the Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools has introduced some changes to the format of the 11+ tests. The testing process still consists of two tests – a verbal reasoning test and a non-verbal reasoning test; but both papers are now multiplechoice with answers recorded on a separate answer sheet.

Demand for places at grammar schools across the country is high.

Bourne Grammar School is no exception and, having achieved a qualifying score in the 11+ test, students can look forward to joining one of the top performing mixed selective secondary schools in Lincolnshire where excellence in teaching, academic achievement, pastoral support and encouragement to fulfil potential, are at the heart of everyday life.

Parents of current Year 5 children at primary schools in the area are invited to an 11+ Information Evening at Bourne Grammar School on

Tuesday 3 March at 7pm. The evening will provide information on the 11+ testing procedure, the application process and what it is like to be part of Bourne Grammar School.

• For those who can’t attend, the School can be contacted for more information via the website www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk or by emailing admissions@bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk.

Churchill Summer Camps W

hy not give your child a holiday to remember and let them join in the fun at Churchill Summer Camps?

Many children join for the first time at the age of 4 and come year on year until they outgrow the camp at 14!

Churchill has been operating during the school holidays in the Stamford and Peterborough area for over 20 years and for the past three years in Oakham.

They are not just a sports camp, but also offer an extensive range of over 30 fun activities - quad biking, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, bouncy castle, orienteering, cooking - to name just a few.

The day camps are a great opportunity for children to make new friends and to try out new activities in a safe environment, surrounded by supportive and experienced staff. They are Ofsted registered and are regularly inspected to ensure they meet Ofsted requirements. All staff are DBS checked.

Churchill now runs at every school holiday in Peterborough and have extended the number of weeks in Stamford over the summer. They are happy to accept payment by childcare vouchers. Please telephone 01780 753461 or email info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk for further details.

JUST SOME OF THE COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM PARENTS REGARDING THEIR CHILD’S TIME: “An excellent week – difficult to find fault” “Wonderful variety of activities” “Without doubt the best organised and most professional of childrens’ holiday clubs available” “Churchill’s has been part of our year since our son was 5 – it has and is a superb facility and we will be sorry when he grows out of it”

Inside Outside 2 Art Exhibition

Stamford Arts Centre March 6th to March 28th Inclusive Local artists Moya Acton Helen Dare Anne Goold and Jax Crew have created another exciting exhibition to be shown at The Stamford Arts Centre. This is an exhibition not to be missed, with a collection of original new work to be seen.

Inspiration for the work is mainly landscape based, each artist having very different interpretations and painting styles which when hung together gel as a whole. The figures populating Moya’s work are fascinating.

Helen Moya Anne and Jax have all exhibited widely, with work in many private collections. Helen also had her own gallery in Northamptonshire for several years.

• This exhibition will not disappoint, do find time to enjoy it!

Seb Goold Trust T

he game to raise funds for Seb means so much to One Touch Football and it seems as though the whole community are just as committed to helping him.

They have managed to secure many sponsors – main sponsor is Masteroast Coffee Company Limited. They have also received sponsorship from: One Touch Football, Stamford AFC, Borderville, Peterborough Utd, Pisa 2000, Match, Steve Rudkin Electrical, Easymove Estate Agents, Priory Autos, Designed by Sophie, Chromasport, Maccasports, Carol Sports Rehab and Mana Resourcing.

The Peterborough United Mascot, Peter Burrow, and their official photographer, Joe Dent, will also be attending the match. There will be an auction of a signed Lionel Messi shirt kindly donated by Stamford AFC, currently at £300, a raffle and some fun and games for all ages. A massive thank you to Borderville and Guy Walton for helping with the use of such fantastic facilities.

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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UPDATES

A New Tax Year As the new tax year will soon to be upon us, Kerry Hilliard of Stephenson Smart summarises some of the important changes it will bring to personal tax

F

rom 6 April 2015 the government will raise the personal allowance from £10,000 to £10,600 saving a typical basic rate taxpayer £120 per year. Higher rate tax payers will also see their tax bill fall following the biggest increase in the 40p threshold in 5 years. The threshold at which the 40p rate applies will increase from £41,865 to £42,385 for those who are entitled to the full basic personal allowance. The additional 45p rate of tax is payable on taxable income over £150,000.

Married couples and civil partners will be eligible for a new transferable

tax allowance. This will enable a fixed amount of their personal allowance to be transferred to their spouse. The option to transfer will be available to couples where neither partner is a higher rate taxpayer and can lead to tax savings of up to £1,060 for the 2015-16 tax year.

Savers in ISAs will be rewarded with an increase in the overall savings limit to £15,240. Spouses and civil partners are also able to inherit ISAs tax free. Where an ISA holder dies on or after 3 December 2014, the surviving spouse or civil partner will be allowed to invest as much into their own ISA as their spouse used to have, and keep its tax-free status.

• For more information or advice please contact Stephenson Smart & Co on 01733 343275 or go to www.stephensonsmart.com.

The Business Network Peterborough

John Lewis Peterborough looks to support local music groups T

P

eterborough’s newest networking group, The Business Network, launches on 4th March with a lunchtime event at the Holiday Inn Peterborough West. The event is open to business leaders, entrepreneurs of growing companies and directors of professional services firms and is designed to create every opportunity for building close working links and establishing a valuable ‘support network’ of contacts.

Businessman Simon Coy is launching The Business Network Peterborough as the city continues to see steady growth in jobs and business opportunities.

• For more information and to book for the first event contact: Simon Coy on 07860 121773

Carpet Fresh B

ridget Steele writes: “I contacted Tom Liddar of Carpet Fresh as my rugs and carpets needed a freshen-up after the long winter months and a family constantly running in and out. Tom arrived with an industrial machine and carpet shampoo that he explained includes Scotch Guarding protection and is suitable for all types of rugs and carpet. The shocking part was being shown the bucket of dirty water afterwards! The carpets are left slightly damp but within three or four hours were dry looking and so much cleaner and fresher.” Tom offers whole house cleaning or can do individual rooms. A three bed house is £75.00 including hall, stairs and landing or a four bedroom house is £99.00. Individual rooms are £20, however if just one room is required there is a £5 surcharge.

• Tom can be contacted at Carpet Fresh, 01733 893153 or 07538 402555.

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he John Lewis Partnership has a long tradition of supporting music in the community, and the Music Matters programme is designed to support groups, which make an “outstanding contribution” to their local community through music. The programme makes donations of between £500 and £3,000.

Groups and any type or quality of music that can apply are choirs, music groups, orchestras or bands. Also local schemes where groups need funding to start a musical group, or help for schools to teach music to young children.

John Lewis Peterborough in recent years has supported Lava Lamp, a nightclub in Peterborough for adults with learning difficulties run by adults with learning difficulties and Peterborough Opera who aim to promote accessible opera for all.

Paul Marsden, managing director at John Lewis Peterborough said: “Music can make such a difference to people’s lives - it really has the power to bring people together in our local community. We hope that through Music Matters we can go some way to help people take part in a musical experience that really has an impact.

• If you are interested in applying please contact Emma Valerio Community Liaison Coordinator, email clc_peterborough@johnlewis.co.uk.

Deadline for applications back to John Lewis Peterborough is Monday 16th March 2015. Late applications will not be considered.

New Sunday Lunch Menu at No.3 The Yard H

aving introduced a Sunday lunchtime service back in November, No.3 The Yard has now unveiled a set price two (£18.50) or three course (£22.50) menu for Sunday lunchtime.

Co-owner Simon commented: “We took on board feedback from our customers that Sundays are unique; they’re more about taking time over a good lunch with friends and family and less about picking your way through numerous a la carte menu options. With this new menu we have tried to give our diners choice between traditional roast sirloin of beef for example and more modern offerings such as coconut breaded cod goujons with curried lentils, yogurt and mint dressing.”

• No.3 The Yard is open for Sunday lunch service between 12.00 and 3pm.

For reservations call 01780 756080 or via www.No3TheYard.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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Residential Lettings Commercial Agricultural Planning & Development

You can rely on

Local property agents since 1812

North Luffenham Guide Price £695,000

An impressive former Ancaster Estate Farmhouse with a date stamp of 1891 situated with views over open fields towards North Luffenham.

Extended to provide additional accommodation the property, although could benefit from some updating, offers high ceilings and well proportioned rooms with 4 reception rooms, farmhouse style kitchen with Aga and boot room/utility.

Elegant staircase gives access to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. In all the property stands in approx 1 acre of gardens and paddock land with outbuilding comprising former stable, garage/workshop.

Bainton £565,000

Situated on a generous private corner plot, this superb detached home has been updated and maintained to an extremely high standard and offers an excellent layout both for family living as well as for entertaining. The accommodation comprises cloakroom, study, sitting room, dining room, bespoke kitchen, breakfast room and garden room. Master bedroom and guest bedrooms with en-suites. Two further double bedrooms to first floor and family bathroom. Superb garden with specimen plants and shrubs, covered bar-b-que/kitchen and patio areas.

www.richardsonestateagents.co.uk

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18/02/2015 15:41

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GET CREATIVE

Seeking John Campbell: Turning an Idea into that First Book John Daffurn sits down with William Eichler to discuss how he published his first book, Seeking John Campbell.

N 31 Dec 1995, 68 year old widower Isabel Greig passed away in her home in Petworth, West Sussex. Isabel died without making a will and so her estate passed to the government where it joined thousands of others that sit unclaimed by potential heirs.

In 2010 John Daffurn, a retiree who used to work in the pharmaceutical industry, decided to try tracing the legitimate beneficiaries of one of these estates. He chose Isabel’s name at random. This led to the unearthing of a story that encompasses three countries, two continents and two world wars. It also led to John writing and publishing his first book: Seeking John Campbell: Finding Pioneers and Patriots in the Pampas (2015).

before purchasing his own estancia.

The British migrants and their descendents maintained a strong connection to the motherland. The colonists built a home from home in Argentina. They founded British churches, clubs, schools – all the basic infrastructure necessary for recreating the lives they left behind. In the Argentinean pampas, it would seem, they created a small “corner of a foreign field that is forever England.” And, in the spirit of Rupert Brooke’s patriotic poem, all three John Campbells chose to fight in WWI. Later, their descendents also ended up on opposite sides in WWII.

Heir Hunting

Putting Pen to Paper

It all began simply as a mental exercise. John was curious as to why probate researchers, or ‘heir hunters’, sometimes met “road blocks” in their search for someone’s next-of-kin. As an ex-Mensa member with a taste for genealogy, it was the perfect pastime. “It was an intellectual challenge and I figured that if I failed it would still teach me something about genealogy and tracing ancestors. It was a learning experience.”

John soon discovered that Isabel had been born in Argentina and had become a British citizen in 1951. Further research led him to her mother, Gladys Pemberton, and her marriage certificate listed her father as a rancher named John Campbell. These initial successes were surprising. “I picked one [a name] at random and started, and it just went on and on and I seemed to clear the road blocks.” Using Internet genealogy forums, John discovered three John Campbells who were potentially Isabel’s father: John Argentine Campbell, John Burnet Campbell and John Otto Campbell.

All three John Campbells were born on, or owned, estancias (ranches) in Argentina.

John Argentine and John Burnet’s forefathers left Scotland in the 19th century as part of a wave of migration to South America and their families became landowners and merchants.

John Otto came from a different background, but his destination was the same. He was born in Germany to a German father and mother of Scottish descent and became a British citizen

Seeking John Campbell is a captivating story. Surprisingly, this is the first time that John has ever written anything like this. “The only things I’ve written before are financial plans or strategic plans or acquisition papers.” What did he learn from the writing process? “If you have an idea then just write it down. Write from the heart.

Get the facts on paper. You can tidy it up and change it around later. But write, write, write... you’ve just got to write it!”

O

Going it Alone After working on his manuscript with an editor, John decided to go down the self-publishing route. “I was then into a whole new world. I started to read lots of blogs and tried to distil as much as possible about what is the best thing to do in self-publishing.” His research showed that all-in-one vanity publishers (where you pay to have your book published) could be unreliable and expensive.

A lot goes into publishing a book. Cover design, typesetting, indexing – every stage is important. John taught himself how to do the indexing and he also designed the outline of the cover. However, he emphasises that you must be realistic. You will not be able to do everything yourself. Sometimes you will have to outsource the difficult tasks in order to ensure the finished product is of professional quality.

“You’ve got to have a good cover and it’s got to be professionally typeset and well laid out.”

Seeking John Campbell began as an idea that came to John over breakfast. It is now a work of social history available from Walkers Bookshop and on Amazon.co.uk. It goes to show that, with a little bit of luck and a lot of hardwork, becoming a published author is within everybody’s reach.

Five Point Guide to Self-Publishing: 1. Decide on your goals. Do you want to publish for pleasure or for profit?

2. Research publishing service options thoroughly. Beware of all-in-one vanity publishers!

3. Decide on what you can and cannot do. Be honest with yourself!

4. Ensure you have a professional-looking final product 5. Don’t be shy about promoting it

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BRINGING LOCAL FOOD TO LIFE

Welcome to pie country!

From squirrel pies to Melton Mowbray pork pies, we live in the UK’s pastry capital, says Matt Wright

J

AMIE Oliver and Jimmy Doherty have been filming in our region recently for their Channel 4 show, Friday Night Feast. They visited Great Food Clubrecommended business Nice Pie in Old Dalby, Leicestershire, and featured the farm shop and bakery on their show on Friday, February 13 at 8pm. They were in our neck of the woods because they were drawn to Nice Pie’s – the clue is in the title – yep, pies. In particular to its award winning squirrel pies, but that’s beside the point. The thing is, when Jamie was seeking pies he gravitated to the Leicestershire and Rutland area.

That’s because we live in pie country, with Melton Mowbray – where the iconic pork pie was invented as a snack to feed fox hunters – being just a stone’s throw away. In fact, I understand that Jamie and Jimmy’s researchers discovered Nice Pie via the British Pie Awards, which are held annually in Melton Mowbray’s St Mary’s Church, with the next awards taking place on April 22 – I’ll tell you the results in a future issue.

With all that in mind, I wanted to showcase some excellent local pie makers in this issue and also show you how to make your own Melton Mowbray pork pie at home, courtesy of pie maker extraordinaire Stephen Hallam of Dickinson & Morris.

Four great local pie makers Nice Pie of Old Dalby Nice Pie of Old Dalby, Leics, is run by Kath and Phil Walmsley and won 23 awards for its pies in 2014, including one for its now-famous squirrel pie. Alongside traditional favourites including steak & ale, Melton Mowbray pork, and smoked bacon & mushroom, Nice Pie also makes exotic pies such as wild hare and blackberry, rabbit in madeira, plus camel, zebra and crocodile. Nice Pie offers all Great Food Club members 10% off in its Old Dalby shop.

Dickinson & Morris of Melton Mowbray Dickinson & Morris has been baking pork pies in Melton Mowbray since 1851. Today it is located in the famous Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe and is the oldest remaining bakers of real Melton Mowbray pork pies in Melton town centre.

Dickinson & Morris pies have won a host of awards over the years and are something of a local – and now nationwide – institution.

Nelsons of Stamford, Oakham & Uppingham Nelsons Butchers is a member of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association and has been making excellent traditional Melton Mowbray pork pies with locally farmed meat at its purpose-built pie factory in Alma Place, Stamford, since 1959. Nelsons’ original shop in Red Lion Square, Stamford, has been a pork butchery since 1826.

Stephen Hallam of Dickinson & Morris

Hambletons of Oakham Well-kitted-out deli Hambletons of Gaol Street, Oakham – which also has outlets in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire – makes some stunning pies, including some alluring fruit-topped numbers such as its very impressive 6lb game & apricot pie and a duck and orange pie.

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

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

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

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How to make a 1lb Melton Mowbray pork pie

1

Pastry • 113g plain flour • Pinch of salt • 50g lard • 30ml water • Beaten egg to glaze Filling • 225g lean pork, chopped • Salt and pepper • 125ml pork stock & 15g gelatine

5

Make the pastry Sift flour and salt into a warm bowl and rub in 15g of lard. Gently heat the remaining lard and water together until boiling, then add to flour, mixing until mixture is cool enough to knead. Knead well. Reserve a quarter of the pastry for the lid. Shape the remaining piece into a ball-like dome and leave in the fridge overnight.

Raise the pie

2

Remove the pastry from the fridge two hours before making the pie case. Gently temper the pastry by squeezing so it becomes pliable [1]. Using your hands, carefully mould the pastry up & around a floured dolly or jam jar, ensuring the sides are of even thickness [2, 3 & 4]. Remove the pastry case from the dolly or jar.

6

The filling Chop pork and season with salt and pepper.

Place filling into the pastry case [5]. Roll out pastry for lid, damp the rim of the pastry case with egg and press together [6 & 7].

Brush the top of the pie (not the crimp) with egg and make a hole in lid centre. Chill thoroughly, preferably overnight.

Baking Bake at Gas 4 (180C) for one and a half hours. When baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly [8].

3

7

4

8

Jellying While baking, make jelly by dissolving gelatine in pork stock. After baking, make two holes in the lid and pour in jelly. Place pie in a fridge overnight.

Eating Eat cold and remove from the fridge at least an hour before serving.

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Chrysalis Clothes ‘Makers of the finest and most exquisite Town and country wear for Men and Women’

Chrysalis Clothes are delighted to announce the opening of their new Factory Shop.

The factory shop will launch on Friday 27th February @ 1.30 pm until 5.00pm.

‣ Chrysalis prides itself in Designing and Manufacturing high quality Tweed outerwear for Men and Women ‣ Chrysalis is the Market leader in the U.K for English Tweed clothing attire and has been established for 30 years ‣ All Chrysalis products are Hand Made in the U.K , with British Tweeds manufactured from British mills.

Shooting and Field Coats to Super Stylish Town and City attire. ‣ This is a fabulous opportunity to acquire a piece of this beautifully hand crafted product at factory prices ‣ The factory shop will open weekly on Fridays 1.30 pm - 5.00 pm and on Saturday mornings 9.30 am - 12.30 pm

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SEAN HOPE COOKS

Meat-free masterpiece A delicious vegetarian dish with a local twist, by Sean Hope Scaled-down pub classics From March 1 we’ll be serving pub classics in tapas form at The Olive Branch in Clipsham, priced at £6 each (two for £10 or three for £24). Dishes include scaled-down cottage pie, fish & chips, prawn & crab cocktail, chicken in a basket with pea puree, devilled whitebait, Scotch egg, Welsh rarebit, and pearl barley mutton broth. I love the idea of creating these comforting pub classics as smaller-sized dishes and hope they go down a storm.

bowl.

2. Mash to a pulp with a fork, add the butter, lime juice and seasoning.

3. Allow to cool and spoon onto the rolled out pasta (continue step 6 from above).

T

his issue’s recipe is a vegetarian Anglo-Italian dish that combines a Leicestershire-made cheese (even though it has a Nottinghamshire name) with classic Mediterranean ingredients of ravioli and pine nuts. To make it a global creation, there’s sweet potato and saffron in there too, which are native to Central America and South-East Asia respectively.

In the recipe I’ve suggested you make your own pasta using a pasta machine: they’re great tools to have and you can pick up a new one from around £20. If you don’t have one, you could always buy fresh lasagne pasta sheets from the supermarket and make your ravioli from those.

Colwick, our Leicestershire-made cheese, is a soft, curdy cheese similar to cream cheese but with a slightly tarter taste. It is made by just one producer in the UK – Alan and Jane Hewson at Belvoir Ridge Creamery in the village of Eastwell. We use Colwick a lot at both The Olive Branch in Clipsham and Red Lion in Stathern and it’s well worth seeking out. You can see all stockists on Belvoir Ridge’s website ¬– belvoirridgecreamery.wordpress.com. If you can’t get hold of Colwick, try speaking to someone like Stamford Cheese Cellar to see what they recommend as a replacement, or alternatively just use your favourite cheese.

Ravioli of sweet potato with pine nuts, Colwick cheese and brown butter Serves 4 For the ravioli pasta dough • 250g pasta (‘00’) flour (available from most supermarkets) • Pinch of salt • 1 whole egg • 2 egg yolks • 2 tbsp rapeseed oil • 2 tbsp water • 0.5g saffron sachet 1. Mix together the eggs, water, rapeseed oil and saffron.

2. Place the flour and salt into a food processor, switch on, and then gradually add all the egg mixture until combined.

3. Remove the pasta dough from the bowl and knead on a floured surface for five minutes.

4. Cover the dough with cling film and allow to rest in the fridge for a further five minutes.

5. Using a pasta machine, start rolling out the pasta on the first setting. Continue to

For the brown butter and to finish • 50g unsalted butter • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 tsp fresh chopped parsley • 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts • 1 tbsp finely chopped onion • Fresh watercress 1. Place butter in pan and heat until golden brown.

2. Add the chopped onion and fry for 30 seconds.

3. Add the pine nuts, parsley and lemon juice, then season to taste.

To complete the dish, crumble a little Colwick cheese over the ravioli, spoon the brown butter on top, add some fresh watercress and serve.

roll out the pasta through all the settings until it’s nice and thin.

6. Place four tablespoons of the sweet potato mix (see below) on half of the rolled-out pasta.

7. Gently lay the other pasta sheet over and press firmly to seal.

8. Cut out the ravioli pieces with a 6-7 cm pastry cutter.

9. Carefully poach the ravioli in simmering water seasoned with salt and pepper for 7-8 minutes.

10. Remove from the simmering water, drain, season and serve.

For the sweet potato ravioli filling • 2 sweet potatoes oven baked in their skins (hot oven for 30 minutes) • Knob of butter • Juice of 1 lime • Seasoning 1. Remove the baked sweet potatoes from the skins while still warm and place into a

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

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

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Locally renowned Chef Dameon Clarke at

Eating Out For Less 2 course for £14.95 (3rd course for £3.00) Offer valid until Tuesday 31st March* *Excluding Sundays

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Advertisement Feature

EXCITING NEWS FROM THE WINE BAR Happy March to all our fabulous customers and friends who have been in to The Wine Bar and welcome to those of you who haven’t had the chance to pop in yet.

S

o this month we have two announcements, firstly we would like to welcome a new full time member of staff to our team. Sam Nicholls has joined The Wine Bar with a wealth of experience in the hospitality arena. Despite being fresh faced and full of energy Sam has an excellent wine knowledge and shakes a mean cocktail- why not come ask for Sam’s wine recommendation of the week next time you come in to visit us.

Our second announcement will come as welcome relief for many of you that have tried to set foot into The Wine Bar during these busy winter evenings….we are proud to announce the opening of ‘The Snug’. As a continuation of the relaxing cosy surroundings of the main bar ‘The Snug’ is a perfect location for whiling away an evening and sharing a bottle of wine and cheeseboard (soon to be re-launched!).

The Snug is also perfect for hiring for gatherings- be it a special birthday, social gathering or work gathering please contact us for more information. We can also offer catering options to suit your requirements and budget. We look forward to seeing you soon, lots more announcements coming up over the next months so please keep ‘liking’ our facebook page ‘The Wine Bar Stamford’ and following us on twitter ‘@winebarstamford’.

• Don’t forget we are open 7 days a week from 10am serving coffee, wine, specialist gins and cocktails.

New Food menu coming soon! Have a great month!

10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Tel: 01780 757 844

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, S B U P FOUR , S E I R R U C R U O F , S E K O L B R U O F G N I N E V ONE E T EATING OU

search of in o g s te a and his m Ross Thain urry c the perfect

A

S well as chilli, cumin, coriander and garlic, curry is full of statistics. There are now almost 10,000 restaurants in the UK, employing over 60,000 people and the whole business has come a long way since the first restaurant was opened in London; strangely, in the middle of the first world war, exactly 100 years ago this year. In the final ten years of the last millennia, Chicken Tikka Masala accounted for 80% of all dishes sold in Indian Restaurants (poorly named, as most are Bangladeshi) and outside of London, the East Midlands has the highest number of restaurants per capita in the whole of the UK. We are in a good place, and things have moved on since Chicken TM.

Restaurant selection

Stamford’s oldest restaurant is The Raj, in All Saints’ Street; and since this business opened in 1982 there have been various comings and goings of curry houses, the most recent demise being the Stamford Tandoori in All Saints’ Place. The newest is the smart 8848 which is very much at the upper end of the dining experience, which SL reviewed when it opened in 2013.

Five restaurants would have been too much of a task, so it was settled upon surveying the four most established, The Voujon in Broad Street, The Bengal Clipper further up Broad Street, The Raj and The Bombay Cottage in Scotgate. In one night.

Team selection

So, to whom should this task be allocated? The Stamford based Lime Pickle Club, formed in late 2013, appeared to be the obvious candidates (mugs?) for such a Quest. Visiting four restaurants in one evening is a relatively straightforward task, but eating a full meal at each of them, together with appropriate palette freshening before, during, in-between and after is no mean challenge. Yet the LPC Committee are no strangers to such conditions and a strict schedule was drawn up and they agreed to meet at HQ, The Tobie Norris, at 7 o’clock for Aperitif. A couple or three swift ones or so from the cellar and off they set.

The Voujon

The Voujon is the smartest of the Indian Restaurants, possibly with the exception of 8848. If one ignores the fake Van Gogh

The Ra j of In dia

and Coldplay on loop, the whole dining experience is quietly sophisticated and passionate. The crispiest poppadoms of the entire evening were served together with a (much appreciated) fine lime pickle, followed by Voujon Special Rice and Platter. This latter dish is thoroughly to be commended and was one of the star performers of the evening. Keema and Garlic Naans were a little low on keema and garlic respectively, yet the main courses, Chicken Jalfrezi and Lamb Khori were spicy, fragrant and cooked to perfection. After some heated debate, the best dish served at The Voujon was judged to be the Sag Paneer of spinach and cheese which was simply exceptional and worth the visit on its own. Justin Ali, Manager at the Voujon, stated “we offer the highest of Bangladeshi cuisine in one of the finest towns in the country”. Correct on both counts.

Wednesday night at The Voujon is “deal night”, so the Restaurant was pretty full even at 7.30pm but by that time, with one excellent meal down, the gallant Questors were looking for their next spread.

The Bengal Clipper

Some light refreshment in The Lord Burghley over the road was followed by a brisk stroll up Broad Street to The Bengal Clipper, the smallest in town and probably the most suited to a bullet proof lad’s evening out. It specialises in takeaways and will deliver free to a five mile radius – well worth noting, as is the recent five star hygiene rating.

The Clipper served the best Chilli Keema Naan of the evening which had exceptional content and was a feast in itself – just what was needed at this stage. The two starters served were unusual, being a chicken stuffed “tomato surprise” which is new to the menu at Easter and grilled salmon. The salmon was excellent, marinated in chilli and won the competition for “most unexpected dish of the day”.

The Naga Mirchi Murgh (essentially a spicy hot chicken number) was fiery, first-rate and had the highest meat content of all the dishes tried throughout the evening. The Clipper also won the coveted trophy of the “most filling dish” – the Aloo Jeera Jal - which left the brave Questors adjusting their belts laterally just halfway through the evening. Very friendly place The Clipper. Two down, two to go.

u

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EATING OUT

The Raj of India

Taste freshening took place at the Periwig, where the LPC Committee raised the average age by 30 years, took on board a rapid London Pride, put their notes in order and headed for The Raj for the monotonous safety of a pint of Kingfisher. Along with most celebrated continental lagers, Kingfisher is no longer brewed in the sub-continent and hails from that hot bed of Indian civilisation, Faversham.

The Raj serves a simply excellent plate of pickles. The tamarind won the Questors “best pickle of the night” competition and is unique to the Stamford curry scene.

Probably the most succulent dish of the evening was then served as a main course – the Tikhey Jinghey, consisting of barbequed king prawns cooked in a medium spicy sauce – this was served beautifully, looked wonderful and if the LPC had to take one course away…

The Raj special, consisting of Vegetable Pakora, Chicken Tikka, Shish Kebab and Vegetable Samosa filled a much needed hole after the long, tiring and dangerous walk across town. The Garlic Chilli Chicken, Lamb Dahba and King Prawn Samasomething were all outstanding. This latter dish might not be found on the Raj menu as by this time of the evening any attempt at spelling or assessment was beginning to wane.

The Questors were struggling. A coriander rich Tarka Dall and spinach Sag Aloo almost put paid to the Crusade entirely.

Shahed, Manager of the restaurant, introduced the LPC to his principal chef and explained “in a small town, we are aiming for retaining our customers through great quality, good prices and exceptional service”. It would be difficult to disagree with any of this – the Raj is the most traditional setting and was splendid.

Three down.

The Bombay Cottage

Further beer was the only possible solution. After further pathetic argument over the correct route the LPC headed for arguably the finest real ale line up in town at The Jolly Brewer.

The oxymoron “too much curry” was uttered, contemplated and duly dismissed with two quick pints of Brewsters. Back on track.

There is something about the opening of a swing door into the kitchen of an Indian restaurant, with the inevitable emitting sizzle, that sets the atmosphere apart. This particularly applies at The Bombay Cottage where one can sit in the main restaurant area, sipping the finest Kingfisher that Faversham has to offer, the door swings and that familiar crackle of onions, garlic, fenugreek and prawns revitalises the most worn taste buds. Such was the case on this evening as the excellent Keema Naan set things alight. The Chicken Achari was succulently tender and worthy of the Chef’s recommendation. The Bombay Chat Pati is apparently “Bombay’s roadside favourite” and, consisting of chickpeas, potatoes, eggs and fresh herbs, was one of our favourite starters. For main course, the Cottage presented the well established Rangamati Chicken and a racy Tiger Prawn Jalok with a Sag Paneer which may well have been as good as the Voujon but LPC were beyond analysis by this stage. The Bombay Cottage is easiest to access for takeaways, contains the most smiling face in town (Habib) and is the emotional home for a number of locals who visit the Green Man over the other side of the road and take the easy crossing.

The Ben gal

Clipper

mba The Bo

g y Cotta

e

The Vo ujon

Job done. It w ould be diffic ult to give an espec ially lucid view , yet: The Voujo

n Best for poppadom s, the nicest place to dine with your nicest reception an girlfriend, d well established tasty dishes.

The Bombay Clipp er Best for Naan, inn ovation and for tak ing the lads after beers out. a couple of The Raj Authentic dishes, cosiest and certainl y the most tradition restaurant. al The Bombay Cotta ge Most welcoming fac e, possibly the mo st extensive menu compliant for big and very parties.

For potential fellow Questors, the LPC meet on random Wednesdays and venues, once a mo nth; find out more www.limepickle.clu at b CONTACT DETA ILS The Voujon, 26 Br oad Street, Stamfor d PE9 1PJ Tel: 0178 757030 0 The Bombay Clipp er, 39 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PX 01780 755733 Tel: Raj of India, 2 All Saints’ Street, Stam ford, PE9 2PA Tel: 753556 01780 The Bombay Cotta ge, 52 Scotgate, St amford, PE9 2YQ 01780 480138 Tel:

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EATING OUT

Creating the next generation of catering & hospitality stars

By Nicholas Rudd-Jones

B

EING a lifestyle journalist, I get to undertake many assignments that are very enjoyable.

But none more so than coming to take a look at the Professional Cookery and Hospitality courses at New College, Stamford – spending a couple of hours in the kitchen, then enjoying the fruits of the students’ labour.

First, the facts New College Stamford runs a flourishing catering department, with close to 50 students across 3 levels, as well as an Apprenticeship service for employers. Students typically join at 16, and from Level 2 onwards also have placements in the real world as well as continuing with their education. They find it a big change from a school environment to one with specialised training and real world experience.

Graduates of the course include many notable chefs, including Sean Hope at the Olive Branch, Shaun Mason at Rick Stein and Aaron Ashmore, a semi-finalist of MasterChef.

It is the industry led tuition they all undertake, alongside highly professional training that allows them to progress to these top careers in top institutions, and this is what sets the course aside from traditional Catering and Home Economics courses.

The tutors One of the keys to the success of this course is undoubtedly the strength of the tutor team, combining as they do years of industry experience with a real passion for helping their students to success.

Iain Cadey is the Level 1 course co-ordinator.

He came from the food industry in King’s Lynn and before that the hospitality industry, joining the college at the start of the year. Vicki Brown is the Level 2 co-ordinator. She beams enthusiasm and commitment and has worked in hospitality all her life, including at the William Cecil. She has a particular interest in front-ofhouse, and takes care of service each day. She is so proud of students who, on the first day, might be lacking in confidence or direction, but find in customer service an opportunity to shine and do a job really well.

Phil Matthews is the Level 3 co-ordinator. He is a very experienced chef and has a particular passion for sourcing good ingredients. Not content with sourcing as much as possible locally (which the college does), he is also a passionate vegetable grower in his large Stamford allotment where he spends much of his free time.

This team is also supported by a very capable group of food technicians; everyone seems to be busy all the time, but never too

busy not to smile and share an idea about how to perfect a cooking technique.

The students Without exception, the first thing you notice about the students is that they are thoroughly enjoying what they are doing; there is a strong sense of camaraderie, and every time I looked up I saw that everybody was busy doing something productive.

Until greater specialisation in Level 3, the students need to learn all aspects of the catering industry – hygiene, menu planning, food preparation, cooking, plating and clearing up in the kitchen; and developing front of house skills. Front of house skills include taking an order, how to serve, coping with customer complaints.

Within the catering industry both locally and nationally, the New College Stamford course is recognised for its specialised training and high quality service and products delivered from this through the Gallery Restaurant.

Some students naturally gravitate to cooking and others to front-of-house. At lunch we were served by Joshua & Nam, clearly two individuals who relished customer service. In the kitchen I met a 5th generation Asker (the bakers), who looked as if he was destined to progress on the chef side.

But whichever side you choose, many of the skills learnt are applicable no matter what you go on to do – working in teams, multi-tasking, communication and customer service – all learnt in a real-life environment.

The pastry kitchen New College Stamford is particularly renowned for its pastry skills (well, it was until I had a go).

Andy Cluskey supports the pastry kitchen 2 services per week. He has 28 years experience in the catering industry, including stints at the Marriott and Loch Fyne, and he still works in industry on the days he’s not in college.

I joined a couple of students, and we kneaded and formed a small latticed loaf with sunflower seed topping. Nothing quite like getting a journalist actually doing something to shut them up and make them concentrate.

Much of the pastry kitchen output is available from the on-site shop.

The Gallery Restaurant But of course it’s the Gallery Restaurant itself that enables all the training to come to fruition in exactly the same way it would in a commercial restaurant.

We sat down just as a large group of regulars arrived. “It’s so nice to see a smiling face,” said the first lady as she took off her coat. This group of young stars are really getting it right and will go onto great things I feel sure.

Could this course be for you?

Applications for September 2015 are still being accepted. Find out more and apply at http:// www.stamford.ac.uk/departments/hospitalityand-catering/

To book a meal in the Gallery Restaurant Tel: 01780 484340 Email: thegallery@stamford.ac.uk Visit Trip Advisor for real life reviews Lunch is available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during term time; fine dining is available Every Thursday evening during term times STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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LOCAL MUSIC I am sure you recognise the beautiful Sophie from busking in Stamford High Street, Georgie Fenn set out to find out about the girl behind the voice

SOPHIE’S VOICE A

FTER being somewhat in awe of a girl I knew only as Sophie after hearing her singing Christmas Carols so beautifully in Stamford High Street, I decided that I would love to find a bit more out about the person behind the voice and set out to meet Sophie for a coffee to talk about her love of singing and how she overcomes her nerves to sing a Capella in front of so many strangers!

It all started when Sophie was little; she did the usual route of Stagecoach and Ballet, then when she was 11 there was an opportunity to audition for Ripon Cathedral to be a girl chorister. Sophie had never had a singing lesson, she couldn’t read music and she had no idea what she was getting herself into!

Despite Sophie’s inexperience her recorder and delightful song about ‘scones and tea’ charmed the examiners and Sophie got herself a place as a girl chorister.

During this time Sophie was involved in two CDs that the Cathedral released including their Christmas album! At the time of finishing with Ripon Cathedral Sophie was aged 13 and onto her next great thing…a scholarship to Queen Mary’s. From there she learnt a lot more about music as there were lunchtime concerts and she became joint chorister and also got into the chapel choir.

At one point Sophie was in three choirs.

Sophie got singing lessons from the scholarship which helped her develop her technique and also taught her how to read music. The whole thing was a great experience and the director, Nicholas Carter, inspired her to continue with her passion. Next, she went to Ripon Grammar and got into Yorkshire young musicians; talented musicians get free training from good

trainers, but you have to be very committed to get up at 6am every morning and travel to Leeds for three years.

Next our enthusiastic singer got into theatre at school, which sparked her interest for acting as well as singing. She met the director Nobby Diamon (first concept for the 39 Steps) after he did a workshop with her drama club and was so inspired she thought she would invite him to her final production. Much to Sophie’s surprise he turned up...as the saying goes if you don’t ask you don’t get and this led onto more great things, including a grant towards her trip to New Zealand in search of you guessed it, more singing!!

New Zealand happened completely by the sheer organisation on Sophie’s behalf. Her friendly and enthusiastic approach to everything meant that she managed to get herself a place at a school in Auckland called The Diocesan School for girls helping to teach music and organise productions. Of course Sophie did not let us down and joined several choirs at the same time including a professional choir - ‘Viva Voci’.

During this time she also helped with the Museum D’Opera, in a production called Noah’s Flood, with only two weeks to learn her part but of course had great fun performing in that. I promise you that Sophie is not just singing mad, she did do a bit of travelling too including the Kiwi experience but let’s be honest she probably sang on the bus the whole way round as she just can’t help herself!

Now that Sophie is back in England she is enjoying the busking where she says she does actually suffer from nerves despite her cool

MARCH Gig Guide

Who to se e and

where to s Kings Cliff ee them! e ex-servic eman’s clu Saturday 2 b: 8th March 8:30pm - R are playin adius 45 g ‘La Heroes fest st seen here’ at the Help For ival Stamford Arts Centr e: Friday 13th March 8:0 0pm - Mart Band (aco in Harley ustic guita r music) ti Stamford ckets are £ Corn Exch 15 ange: Sun 8th M arch 7:30p m - Stars (rock ‘n ro from Para ll), tickets dise are £18 Wed 11th M arch 7:30p m - The Fu of Irish mu reys, lege sic! nds March 7:30 Tickets are £18.50 Fr pm - Guns iday 27th 2 Roses a Reloaded nd Metallic tribute nig a ht. Tickets Saturday 2 are £15 8th March 7:30pm – S Bee Gees aturday N . Tickets a ight re £18.50 Castor Vil lage Hall Friday 6th March 7:30 - late- Cha Night! Liv rity Band e band incl uding the chilli, danci legendary ng, bring yo DB5, ur own dri ticket all m nk, £12 pe oney raise r d is going to Get Kids G NSPCC an oing chari d ties. demeanour, but says that she just takes a deep breath and hopes people passing enjoy her voice. Sophie puts her developing voice down to the lessons with her teacher Helen Williams and practise practise practise!!

She is looking to get a place at a music college this year as well as bringing out another album after the success of her Christmas album. I think that this young lady has something special and we should keep an eye on her because once she disappears from Stamford she will probably be on a huge stage somewhere singing to the masses.

• Look out for Timeless Voice, Sophie’s next CD that she will be releasing this month that will include classic songs such as Ave Maria.

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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COUNTRY STROLLS

Vale of Belvoir: Canals, Wharves and Old Railways This walk takes you along a charming stretch of canal, an unexpected reservoir and culminates in a ‘picture postcard’ view of Belvoir Castle

WALK DATA Distance: 7.3 Miles (11.7 kms) Height Change: 60 metres Typical time: 3 hours Map: Explorer 247 Parking: Main Street, Woolsthorpe by Belvoir Start & Finish: Post Office, Woolsthorpe Terrain: Initially very flat, but then one fairly steady climb Dog suitability: Good

POINTS OF INTEREST The 33-mile Grantham Canal goes from Grantham to Nottingham. The canal was conceived and constructed in the ‘canal mania’ days of the 1790s. It continued to make a profit until the opening of the Grantham to Nottingham railway in 1850 signalled the beginning of a steady decline in the commercial use of the canal. It was closed to all traffic in 1929 and was ‘abandoned’ under the London and North Eastern Railway (General Powers) Act of 1936. Parts of it have now been restored; you can find out more at www.granthamcanal.org Two reservoirs were also needed to feed the canal, one of which was the Denton Reservoir, which you see, and the other at Knipton, about 3 miles away Belvoir Castle is the fourth to have stood on the site since Norman times. The existing Castle was completed in the early 19th century after previous buildings suffered complete or partial destruction during the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and a major fire in 1816. Visit www.belvoircastle.com to find out more.

When ironstone was first quarried locally in the 1870s near Woolsthorpe at Brewers Grave (at the top of the road leading down into Woolsthorpe), the ore was transported by tramway to Woolsthorpe Wharf and shipped out by barges. However production soon outstripped what the canal could cope with and so an extensive railway system was developed from 1883 onwards, beginning with a branch line from Belvoir Junction to Woolsthorpe. This was soon extended as other deposits were exploited and by 1916 the line had reached Denton and Harlaxton. When quarrying ceased in 1974, this branch line fell into disuse and is now the cycle track that you walk along.

The Rutland Railway Museum, dedicated to the East Midlands’ ironstone quarry heritage, has a locomotive shed from the Woolsthorpe ironstone quarry system on display. Go to www.rocks-by-rail.org to find out more.

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ŠCrown copyright 2014 Ordnance Survey Media 052/14

THE ROUTE 1

Walk north along the pavement out of Woolsthorpe village, cross the crossroads into Sedgebrook Rd and then take a right turn to Woolsthorpe Wharf Cross the canal bridge and head right (SE), staying on the towpath until you reach Bridge 65 at Denton Wharf, which you cross over to the west side Shortly after the bridge, take a left turn along a permissive path, heading along the other side of the canal; at the next field boundary take a diagonal across the field to the left hand corner of the field; then follow the edge of the wood to a stile and track Turn left along the track and then shortly right up to the reservoir; follow it round in a clockwise direction until you reach the entry stream; follow the footpath alongside this stream to the road, then turn left into Denton Take the first right and then stay on the Belvoir Rd (ignoring two left turns). Just after the road swings round to the left, take the footpath leading off on the right hand side in a northerly direction; when you reach the disused railway track, join it and continue heading north (right) After about a mile, take the first footpath that you come to, taking off up the hill in a westerly direction; at the top of the hill this path briefly joins the Viking Way, then it takes off separately again across a field in a westerly (whilst the Viking Way is heading south) Cross this field to the road, cross over the road into a small wood and you soon come out in a field overlooking Woolsthorpe with a great view of Belvoir Castle. Turn right Head down the hill keeping the woods on your right and cross the cricket field at the edge of the village on the left edge. Go past the Chequers Inn and you will shortly be back at the Main St and Post office.

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PIT STOPS The Chequers Inn, Woolsthorpe Tel: 01476 870701 www.chequersinn.net/ A lovely pub, with good food. Gets crowded at weekends, so book ahead.

Woolsthorpe Post Office. Open every weekday and Saturday and Sunday mornings. Very friendly and a good range of snacks and drinks.

The pubs at Woolsthorpe Wharf and Denton are currently closed.

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Throughout March Courses run by the team at Rutland Water this month include Hedgelaying for Beginners and Dry Stone Walling, both run by John Shone of Rutland Willows. Places for both weekend courses are £75 with booking essential.

Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water Booking and further information at www.rutlandwater.org.uk or call Sarah Tel: 01572 770651 Throughout March Spring has sprung at Barnsdale with plenty going on this month including first class tuition in vegetable growing, rose pruning and organic gardening as well as crafting courses in patch working, ragging, hand spinning and watercolour painting.

For details of all the courses and events Tel: 01572 813200 or visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Tuesday 10 March, 7.30pm EVENT: Philippa Massey Talks Popular local historian and speaker Philippa has chosen ‘Cinemas in Stamford’ as her subject this month. Philippa looks at the various buildings in Stamford which have shown films over the last hundred and eighteen years.

Tickets £5/£4.50 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.com

Tuesday 3 March to Saturday 7 March, 7.45pm THEATRE: A Doll’s House First performed in 1879, ‘A Doll’s House’ proved to be one of the most controversial plays ever staged. It is the story of a marriage in which the dilemma faced by Nora, the wife and mother at the centre of the drama, provoked outrage in contemporary audiences. Ibsen said at the time of writing, ‘A woman cannot be herself in modern society.’ It is for the audience to judge how far we might have come today. Performed

by Shoestring Theatre.

Stamford Theatre Tickets £10/£8 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Saturday 7 March to Saturday 28 March, 10am to 4pm EXHIBITION: Inside/Outside II A major exhibition showing a wide range of original figurative, semi-abstract and abstract works from a group of local artists. The theme of the exhibition, “Inside Outside” will be explored in different mediums by each artist.

The artists, who have collaborated together for a number of years, have their works in public and private collections in the UK and overseas and are extremely enthusiastic and determined to bring original art within the reach of everyone.

Stamford Arts Centre Admission is free Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm EVENT: Cantamus Choir Concert In August 2014 the choir won the prestigious first prize at the International Choir Competition at Riva del Garda in Italy, and were voted Championship Winners by the audience.

They will perform in support of the church’s Mission Projects.

Stamford Methodist Church Tickets £12/£6 from Stamford Arts Centre Tel: 01780 763203 or from the Well Café at the church. Tickets on the door £15.

Wednesday 11 March 7.30pm MUSIC: The Fureys Legends of Irish music and song. Renowned for their hit songs ‘I Will Love You’, ‘When You Were Sweet Sixteen’ and many more. The band has been entertaining audiences worldwide for thirty six years; their show is as emotive as it is entertaining.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £18.50 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Thursday 12 March, 7pm (Live) and Monday 16 March at 2pm and 7pm (Encore) THEATRE: National Theatre Live India is surging with global ambition but beyond the luxury hotels surrounding Mumbai airport lies a makeshift slum, full of people with plans of their own. Zehrunisa and her son Abdul aim to recycle enough rubbish to fund a proper house. Sunil wants to eat until he’s as tall as Kalu the thief. Asha seeks to steal government anti-poverty funds to turn herself into a ‘firstclass person’, while her daughter Manju intends to become the slum’s first female graduate.

Meera Syal stars.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £14/£10 (Students) Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Friday 13 March, 8pm MUSIC: The Martin Harley Band Martin has travelled the globe honing his skill on the acoustic guitar and crafting his song writing style. Described by Guitar Magazine as a master guitarist and consistently astounding song writer.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £15 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Saturday 14 March EVENT: Burghley House and Gardens Re-Opens Highlights to look forward to this year include ‘The House at War’, exploring Burghley’s important role as a Red Cross Hospital during WWI, and ‘Oriental Porcelain’, which brings to life fascinating objects collected by the family.

Included with a house and gardens ticket will be the chance to see the Private South Gardens (until 12 April) which offer magnificent seasonal displays of narcissi and spring bulbs.

Visitors can join Head Gardener John Burrows for a guided tour on Tuesday 17, Thursday 19 and Tuesday 24 March at 3pm. For all visitor information and ticket prices Tel: 01780 752451 or www.burghley.co.uk Monday 16 to Saturday 21 March EVENT: Stamford Mid-Lent Fair Stamford has a proud and long established history of holding fairs and this one dates back to 942AD although it is first mentioned in the Royal Charter of Edward IV in 1462. The fair takes over the centre of the town and remains popular to this day with visitors from as far away as the United States coming over to enjoy the experience.

Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March 10 till 4.30pm EVENT: Peterborough Festival of Antiques Now one of the largest Antiques Fairs in the

Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm EVENT: Only Fools and Boycie John Challis is one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in the BBC’s Only Fools and Horses. In this one off show, John will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his career.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre- Tickets £15/Dinner and Show £31.50 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange. co.uk

country, the Festival attracts buyers and sellers from all over Europe with over 1,700 stalls selling a spectacular array of antiques of all kinds. Items such as jewellery, china, stamps, miltitaria, linen, furniture, toys and anything old and collectable are all on display – a browsers paradise.

East of England Showground Admission £5 Saturday 21 March, 7.30pm CONCERT: Mendelssohn’s ‘Elija’ Stamford Choral and Royal Leamington Spa Bach Choir join together to form a massed choir of around 170 singers to present Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” with orchestral accompaniment provided by Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra and an exciting line up of professional soloists.

Peterborough Cathedral Tickets are priced from £7 with accompanied children £1 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com Thursday 26 March 7.30pm EVENT: Dame Joan Plowright in conversation with Richard Digby Day

Dame Joan Plowright is one of Britain’s most celebrated actors and the widow of Lord Olivier.

Her career stretches back over sixty years including leading roles at the National Theatre, in the West End and on Broadway. Now, for the first time, in conversation with director Richard Digby Day, she will talk about and reflect on her life and astonishing career. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £20 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com Friday 27 March, 7.30pm CONCERT: Spring Music For You! Stamford Concert Singers perform in support of Rutland Sailability, a local charity providing opportunities to sail on Rutland Water for those with disabilities. The first half will consist of a varied programme of pieces and after the interval, there will be a full costume performance of Trial By Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan.

All Saints Church, Oakham Tickets £8 in advance from Music & More and £10 on the door.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Landmark IFA Ltd re-locates LANDMARK IFA Ltd, your local independent financial advisers, started in 2004 in St Leonard’s Street. They’ve gradually grown their business such that they now have 17 chartered or certified financial advisers supported by a team of 12 staff and a compliance consultant operating out of offices in Stamford, Oundle and Stevenage.

In order to be able to offer a better and more rounded service to their clients, they have decided to consolidate the Oundle and Stamford teams into larger premises within Stamford at Rock House.

Apart from this move, the next couple of

months are likely to be busy and interesting months. Normally regarded as the ISA season, this year will be markedly different as the government’s initiatives on pension reform finally come into being. Aptly labeled “Freedom & Choice”, the changes to the pension rules do present great opportunities in planning for later life. However, with that freedom and choice also come personal responsibility and potentially increased risk, so beware.

There are tens of thousands of people who would have been prime candidates for annuity purchases in 2014 but who have postponed such purchases in the expectation of doing

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STAMFORD PEOPLE

Stamford 1st XV & David Laventure; Director Of Rugby, Stamford School

Words: Harjit Gammon Photographs: Ben Hamilton & Harjit Gammon

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AVID Laventure bounds in, hand outstretched, all affable bonhomie when we meet on an eye wateringly cold but crisp sunny day. We’re in a hospitality room at the Endowed Schools’ new sports centre, overlooking the immaculately maintained rugby pitches, which in itself is enough to make one want to take up some form of sport or exercise immediately.

Eschewing the usual sports advice to warm up gently before vigorous exercise, I launch into the topic on my and many other observers of Stamford School rugby’ minds - what is the secret to the brilliant performance of the First XV in 2014? In case you missed it, “The Invincibles” as I like to call them, were unbeaten in the 2014 season, claiming fourteen wins in 14 games and picking up numerous other accolades along the way (of which more later).

A momentary pause later he says, “Ultimately it’s about talented boys.

Not just this season...success has been there a while, and not just for the First XV. The Second and Third XV have only lost 4 games in the last three seasons”. He also attributes success to the strength and depth of the teams as groups of players; qualities which he is keen to explain take years to develop and which are at least in part due to the efforts of, “very good coaching staff, right across the schools”. Staff who, he goes on to expand, embody both youth and experience and give of their time in addition to their other teaching commitments. He had already praised the “very good supportive parents who turn out week after week to watch, especially at all the local games”.

Nevertheless, the achievements of the boys are very considerable. The challenge begins at the outset in Y7; and, thereafter it remains a long though rewarding journey (as evidenced by the present teams) requiring a significant commitment from the boys to train alongside their academic studies and the support of their parents.

As I question him further about the training schedule, he is keen to point out that he is “wary of mimicking professional athletes regarding

70

training. It’s a career with very high attrition; whereas we will have boys who will go on to play professionally and others who we hope will play at university and beyond. They’re not professional athletes. They have mums chasing them to clean their rooms, girlfriends texting them and some have strong links to the Cadet Force for example, so it’s a question of balancing it all out”. It becomes clear however, from the weekly training breakdown, how the frequently made link between team sport and general life skills often lauded as being invaluable in a working environment later in life really works. A combination of good organisation, analysis, individual self motivation and team group work combine to engender long term bonds and friendship and to ensure the teams are in shape both mentally and physically for the weekly games.

“Ultimately I want them to enjoy it, play when they leave school and perhaps go on to coach or referee,” he says.

As for the challenge of maintaining the unparalleled success Stamford rugby is enjoying at the moment, he assures me, “we’ll certainly be as competitive”. Beyond that, results will come from the boys’ talent and the well oiled machine that is Stamford School Sports Department. A department organised into specialists in their field serving as Directors of Hockey, Cricket, Rugby, Squash and Tennis; arranging quality fixtures; accessing equipment; entering students into the right competitions and organising inspirational tours.

In addition to success on the field, the team have also won the prestigious Rugby World magazine team of the month competition and a number of the boys have gained representative recognition. Josh Allen and Henry Wills with Leicester Tigers, George Cox with Saints 18s, Charlie Dunbar England Schools, Henry Hives England Lambs, Callum Crellin Leicester 18s, H Mawhood, Oli Davidson, Sam Butler NLD County 18s, James Peachey Tigers 16s, G Smithson Saints 16s, Callum Corbett Scotland Exiles, Tom Roper Holland 18s. Congratulations to them all for past successes and future ones to come.

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2015

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