Stamford Living May 2016 by Best Local Living

Loving where we live!

STAMFORD LIVING

College Fashion

www.stamfordliving.co.uk @StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living The National Garden Scheme Be inspired by local gardens!

Cheyne Lane

Stamford’s epicurean alley!

The Fine Food Store Afternoon tea to delight

MAY 2016 £1.50

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9 771478 377017

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Advertisement Feature

Thinking of downsizing your home? There is now a specialist downsizing service from Moores Estate Agents, PMR and Greenwoods Solicitors LLP

hether you are freeing up capital to enjoy life, or circumstances dictate a move away from a much loved family home, downsizing is usually an emotional time and one which requires empathy and the extra care professional specialists in the area can provide. Vernon Moore is Managing Director of Moores Estate Agents and offers a bespoke downsizing service to those in the retirement sector. “Moores offer a complete downsizing service guiding you through the process from valuation to completion giving you peace of mind and taking away a great deal of worry. We have also surrounded ourselves with a fabulous team of professionals in their individual fields to benefit Moores’ clients.” Working as part of the downsizing team are Faith Bailey and Lisa Ashmore of PMR who offer help and advice to ensure homes reach the market at their best potential with minimal cost. The service is purely cosmetic and aims to create a clear view for potential purchasers - anything from a coat of paint to a thorough de-clutter. Working with certified trade professionals their aim is to help you increase the value of the property by getting it market ready. All these elements combined together will ensure your property gets to the market as speedily and smoothly as possible at the top of its market value with minimum heartache and cost to you and your family. Also offering specialist advice and with a reputation built on years of expertise and regional knowledge, is the experienced and technically excellent private client team at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP. The team provide a complete service to individuals for all their wealth management and legal matters. “Clients facing significant decisions in life, such as moving home to be closer to family, a downsizing move, or making the transition into care homes, may find planning for the future rather overwhelming. However, these situations provide a positive opportunity to review financial situations, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and to ensure all documentation is updated to deliver the outcome you desire,” explains Sally Cox from Greenwoods. “Our private client team

Vernon Moore, Managing Director, Moores Estate Agents

Sally Cox, Solicitor, Greenwoods Solicitors LLP

Faith Bailey & Lisa Ashmore, Property Market Ready (PMR). solicitors are experienced advisers and members of specialist groups including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and Solicitors for the Elderly. Greenwoods’ private client team takes time and care to get to know generations of the same families to provide peace of mind during some of the most challenging stages of life.” The team provide advice on tax and estate planning; trust law, probate law, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and family business restructuring. Greenwoods also has an experienced Deputy and Court of Protection solicitor who can assist and support you in making applications to the Court of Protection such as for the appointment of a Deputy or in the making of a Statutory Will or Gift Applications. Where appropriate they can also arrange for a professional to act as a Deputy. With offices in Peterborough, Cambridge and London, Greenwoods’ lawyers bring technical excellence to Rutland and the eastern region and they are professional, approachable and friendly. Members of the Greenwoods team are happy to meet with you, either at one of their offices or will visit you at home.

For further information on the services Greenwoods provide visit www.greenwoods.co.uk or Tel: 01733 887670. With offices across the region, contact Moores at www.mooresestateagents.com or Tel: 01572 757979 for valuations or advice on any aspect of downsizing. To contact PMR call Faith or Lisa Tel: 07919 568949

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

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

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STAMFORD LIVING

May Contents www.stamfordliving.co.uk

UPDATES, SHOPPING

A paean of praise for Stamford Hospital Stamford Hospital’s Minor Accident Unit is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, and it’s a resource we are enormously lucky to have. And the day we needed to go there was hardly any queue at all, we only waited 10 minutes. My mother had suffered a cut on her arm that was too extensive for a simple plaster and my limited knowledge of what needed to be done. The nurse that looked after us and dressed the wound was purposeful, efficient and empathetic all rolled into one. We went away not only relieved that the wound had received proper attention but a little bit buoyed by the brilliance of the service. Thank you.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

@StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living Editor and Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Stamford Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.bestlocallivingliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Claudia Bayley 01778 425502 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

14 Updates: Fine Food’s afternoon tea; Bryan Adams concert & competition; Robert Loomes & the Rockingham Horse Trials 18 Updates: Charles & Dean; the Rutland Show 32 Updates: Upp Property; Stephenson Smart; Sparks Charity 40 Updates: Arch Label Agency; Sister Act comes to Stamford; Young People’s Music Festival; Ben Burgess Lawnmowers 43 Easton on the Hill gala weekend; Welland Valley Art Society spring exhibition: Eis Bar launches; Rutland Open Studios 46 Updates: Stamford Boot Camp; Bluebird Care Services; Batemans Auctioneers

7 Fashion at New College, Stamford 26 How not to be tired all the time 28 Tried & Tested: Equilibrium

HOME, GARDEN, TRAVEL, MOTORING & BUSINESS 20 The National Garden Scheme – Local gardens open 44 Ketton’s Passivhaus 49 Roadside rescue; the A1 art deco building at Wansford 57 Belinda Sly’s new venture 77 St White’s Stone

FOOD & DRINK 36 68 72 79

Cheyne Lane: Stamford’s epicurean alley It’s Gin o’clock! Olive Branch recipe Chef Interview: Kerry Asker of Asker’s Bakers

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE & LEARNING 12 23 31 39 58 62 64 81

Child Friendly Stamford There’s so much to do at Tallington Lakes Get sailing! Rutland Cycling Country stroll: Holkham Hall in North Norfolk Perfect for the Home by Pic’n’Pay Furniture Riding for the Disabled 50th anniversary What’s On

PEOPLE & PLACES Cover photo this month: The wonderful afternoon tea at The Fine Food Stores, photo by www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

52 The history of local mills 55 Behind the scenes at Tolethorpe Hall 86 Stamford People: The Stamford Notebook Company

STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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FASHION

Prints Charming

There are some fantastic courses at New College Stamford. When Sally Stillingfleet went to look round the Fashion Department to find out about their forthcoming Fashion Show she spied some amazing dresses lined up on mannequins and wanted to find out more

Zoe Williams dress (left) modeled by Lydia. Victoria in her own design.

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FASHION

RECENT purchase of a state of the art Dye Sublimation Printer spawned an amazing creative collaboration between Wakerley Woods and this season’s hottest print and design inspiration. Course Director Rachael Cooper and Tara Coulson have put together an amazing project brief to get fashion students inspired; using woodlands and an eclectic colour palette, they have created their own fabric to turn into a simple shift dress. The results are better than those I have seen on designer catwalks and glossy magazines. Two students who will graduate from the Extended Fashion Diploma Course this May are Lydia Jackson and Victoria Kelly-Gobuiwang. The girls kindly agreed to model their creations and those of their contemporaries, alongside some strong printed tops and dresses you can buy locally.

Dresses from the students studying on the Fashion Course.

Lydia wears Kenzo top £60 and suede Nicholas Kirkwood boots £120 both Arch with Scotch and Soda blue jeans £90 Energy

Victoria wears Scotch and Soda top £90 and Pepe Regent jeans £85. Lydia wears Scotch and Soda top £95 and Super Skinny Levis £95 all from Energy.

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Lydia in her own design, Victoria modeling Pip Smith’s dress

Lydia wears Khaki and red paisley T shirt £75 with jeans as before. Victoria wears Adidas top £30 with Maison Scotch coloured jeans £105

Victoria wears Alexander McQueen jersey dress £80 Arch, with Gabor court shoes Marcia May Shoes.

New College Stamford, Drift Road. Tel. 01780 484300 www.stamford.ac.uk Arch Label Agency – 43 St. Peter’s Street, Stamford. Tel. 01780 764746 Energy – 9 Ironmonger St. Tel. 01780 765633 Marcia May Shoes – 41 St. Mary’s St. Tel. 01780 766608 Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk Eva Kawalec kindly agreed to do the make-up. Currently a second year Hair and Media Make-up student at New College. Many thanks. STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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ACTIVITIES

Child Friendly S Childcare Providers in Stamford

Antonia Scott meets some of the very best childcare facilities that Stamford has to offer. The Ark at St Gilbert’s Foundry Road, Stamford, PE9 2PP. Tel: 01780 482113

The Ark at St George’s Kesteven Road, Stamford. PE9 1SX www.thearkstamford.co.uk The Ark has two nurseries in the heart of Stamford plus its own private Forest School. The Ark Day Nursery in Foundry Road, Stamford, next door to St Gilbert’s Primary School, has been graded Ofsted ‘outstanding’ in all areas. A quote from the latest Ofsted inspection stated: “The Ark Nursery provides children with superb opportunities for their learning and development as well as promoting excellent welfare provision; there are tremendous relationships between staff and children. The leadership of the nursery is inspirational and the management team stop at nothing in their strive for excellence.” The Ark provides: • Facility for summer born children deferring their pre-school year • Strong outdoor ethos with elements of Scandinavian practice • Set in a beautiful Swedish log building • Own forest school site with yurt and wood burner set in 3 acres of woodland/pasture • Home cooked nutritious meals prepared on site by the nursery cook from locally sourced produce • High proportion of Graduate Practitioners and Early Years Teachers The Ark also provides a term time only Pre-School at St George’s Primary

School offering quality care for small groups of Pre-School children. The Ark Day Nursery provides care for children from 6 weeks – 5 years and is open 8am – 6pm all year round. The Ark at St George’s provides care for children from 2 – 5 years and is open term time only from 9.15am – 3.15pm. Morning and Afternoon sessions available • Mother and Toddler open mornings at Forest school are being held on Thursday 5th & 12th May from 10 am– 11 am • Open mornings at The Ark at St George’s are being held on Tuesday 10th May and Friday 13th May from 10 am – 11.30 am

The Rocking Horse

The Little Lane Nursery

85 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1UP. Tel: 01780 757922. Email: info@ rockinghorsenurserystamford.co.uk

1 Silver Lane, Stamford. PE9 2BT Tel: 01780 752211 www.littlelanenursery.com info@littlelanenursery.com

Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm. From 3 months to 5 years The Rocking Horse Nursery is one of Stamford’s longest established childcare nurseries. Opened in 1992 and still owned and managed by the original founder, The Rocking Horse Nursery offers a real home from home environment and recognises the importance of treating each child as an individual, with equal opportunities and an open-minded approach. Their last Ofsted rating was ‘Good’ in September 2015. Activities are based around the children’s individual interests such as exploring the sensory gardens, baking, dancing, making treats and potions in the nursery’s mud kitchens, or tending to their own grown produce. With the capacity to take up to 48 children ranging from 3 months to 5 years, they are open Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm with flexible session times from 3 hours to 10 hours. Parents are welcome to come and look round as bookings are already being taken for September.

The Little Lane Nursery opened in October 2015 and is proving to be very popular, catering for children aged between 6 weeks and 5 years old. The nursery is the creation of two Stamford mothers - Victoria Banfield and Emma Altham, who both have children of nursery age and feel this gives them a unique perspective as they know exactly what parents want and need from a nursery. They have worked hard to produce a real home from home environment and firmly believe that children only learn so much within the walls of the nursery; so with the help of a specialist bright red ‘walking wagon’, they are out every day - feeding the ducks on the Meadows, having a picnic in Burghley Park or buying some fruit and vegetables from the market on a Friday – reinforcing their home from home ethos.

OUT OF TOWN NURSERIES: Copthill Independent Day School, Barnack Road, Uffington. – Inspected ‘Outstanding’ Early Years dept. www.copthill.com Tel: 01780 757506 The Mulberry Bush – Main Road, Uffington. Tel: 01780 755322 Railway Children’s Nursery – Creeton, Little Bytham. Tel: 01780 410055 for children aged 8 weeks to 5 years ABC Day Nursery, Barholm Road, Tallington. PE9 4RJ Tel: 01778 343111 for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years.

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Stamford The Acorn Childcare Centre Malcolm Sargent Primary School, Empingham Road, Stamford, PE9 2SR Tel: 01780 766493 Email: acornchildcarecentre@btconnect.com Acorn Childcare Centre is located in the grounds of Malcolm Sargent School offering exceptional childcare all year round for children aged 6 weeks. The setting is divided into three carefully tailored rooms, to meet the needs of the three different age ranges, with a calm natural theme running throughout the setting. Acorn have a range of exciting activities for children provided by third parties who come into the setting such as Music bugs and French lessons weekly. The location adjacent to Malcolm Sargent allows for pre-school children to visit a ‘big school’ to watch plays and concerts performed by the older students. They also use the facilities for a weekly ‘Funergy’ class which as the name suggests is full of fun and energy! Acorn Childcare Centre also run Holiday clubs for school age children up to age 11 using the facilities on Malcolm Sargent Primary School. Running various sessions from 7.30am until 6pm it is a fun and engaging way for your children to spend the holidays. The Holiday club is open to all children regardless of which school they attend and can be booked by contacting the office on 01780 766493.

The Stamford Nursery School Stamford Junior School, Kettering Road, Stamford PE9 2LR Tel: 01780 484418 The Stamford Nursery (formerly Early Birds) occupies a peaceful, wooded area in the spacious grounds of Stamford Junior School and is accessible from the Cattle Market car park, just a couple of minutes from the Meadows and Stamford’s train station. It is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with extended care available from 7.45am to 6pm during term time, and from 8am to 6pm during school holidays. Nursery education is provided for two age groups, the ‘Gosling’ group (turning 3 year olds) and the ‘Owl’ group (3-4 year olds). The children are looked after by a highly qualified and professional team of enthusiastic staff under whose care they all thrive with the variety of activities and huge outdoor space available. The road race track area is particularly popular with all the toddlers and their speedy drive-on cars! Parents can arrange a visit at any time, or come along to a Discovery Morning on the 17th May, from 10am to 12 noon, where you can find out what makes every day at Stamford Nursery so special.

The Children’s Garden

Little Cherubs Day Nursery

system which provides parents with the opportunity to be a real part of their child’s day by assuring them that their child is happy and safe. We work closely with parents to fully understand their child’s needs and goals and grow their learning journey throughout their time with us by using a system called Small Steps, with 6 monthly parent evenings across all age groups and by providing a detailed description of each child’s day and development.” There is an allotment off site which children can enjoy whilst also learning about mini beasts! Baby massage, baby yoga, basic Spanish and French, plus music and movement classes will take place daily, at no extra cost. Prospective parents can call in for a show round, no appointment necessary.

15-16 Broad Street, Stamford. PE9 1PG Tel: 01780 751222 www.littlecherubsstamford.co.uk Little Cherubs Day Nursery was first established in 2006 in High Wycombe and their new premises in the heart of Stamford will be having their official opening on Saturday 2nd July. Owners James and Elizabeth have two young children and have endeavoured to create a setting which encompasses all the 7 areas of learning into each of the rooms, making a solid base for every child’s early educational start. “We understand as parents the importance of having peace of mind when leaving your child in a Nursery which is why we installed a highly secure ‘Nursery Cam’

Roebuck House, 33 Broad Street, Stamford. PE9 1PJ. Tel: 01780 752094 Email: thechildrensgarden@btconnect.com The Children’s Garden’s owner - Montessori Teacher and Lead Educator Claire Kenyon - is creating an evolving and inspiring approach to preschool education which nurtures the development of the whole child. Taking inspiration from the core Montessori principles, this unique enquiry-based ethos has at its heart an image of the child as competent and capable of building their own theories about the world around them. At The Children’s Garden, every child is considered to be an independent and creative individual - and the environment is set up both to challenge and nurture young minds to develop as enquiring and inquisitive children. Intrinsic to this approach is outdoors education which is led by Melissa Mason, Forest School leader, alongside Ed Kenyon who has trained in Bushcraft and is part of a Global ‘Green Educator’ programme. The children have the opportunity to explore uninhibited, sometimes spending the entire day outside - a cosy yurt with its wood-burning stove offers a magical retreat to reflect and chat about what has been discovered that day. The Children’s Garden is rated Outstanding by OFSTED.

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UPDATES

Feast your eyes S

ally Stillingfleet writes: “Afternoon tea is a passion shared with Elli, our photographer; so when the opportunity came to sample the new afternoon tea offering at The Fine Food Store, it was a date not to be missed. I have sampled afternoon tea in local posh hotels and cafés, mostly overrated and definitely overpriced. When our tea arrived everyone stared - old ladies peered through the window and pointed (as if to say you lucky things!) It was a sight to seduce the taste buds and delight the eyes. A quirky multi-layered hand crafted bench is adorned with tempting treats such as classic cucumber sandwiches (made with Askers bread), a smoked salmon cream cheese bagel, pork pie and even Scotch Egg (yum) all carefully arranged with the delicacy of a florist, nestled between fresh figs, cherries strawberries and fresh flowers. We had miniature macaroons (Drumstick lolly and Rose!) a buttermilk scone, which was so light, complete with clotted cream and jam. Then if there was any room, their famous cakes Elderflower and Lemon cake, a chocolate brownie and even mini meringues - all divine. I caught up with owner Jenny Holland. “We decided to launch the afternoon tea as we were being asked more and more to cater for this growing market. Stamford seems to be attracting more visitors who are looking for something special.” As usual Jenny is always striving to offer something original, so it had to be right. “Peter and I went out and tried a number of different offerings, not having a particularly sweet tooth, he always found them disappointing; so I wanted to create something that he would enjoy too.” Afternoon Tea is on offer Thursday - Monday between 2-4pm at £16 and includes any hot drink (£20 with Prosecco) although Tuesday and Wednesdays are available if pre-booked. There’s a gluten free and vegetarian option with 24 hours notice. As the weather warms up I can think of no better way to spend the afternoon. • Fine food Store, 37 St. Mary’s Street, Tel: 01780 754222

Loomes Championship announced for Rockingham Horse Trials T

he cream of eventing gathers on 20th-22nd May for Rockingham International Horse Trials. Event timekeepers Loomes & Co will award one of their handmade British wristwatches to the rider who comes closest to the optimum time over the cross-country course. The Championship is deliberately designed to reward the most experienced professional Event riders. An enthusiastic amateur might get around well under optimum time but risk their horse to do so. An experienced rider knows it is about timing. Using every single second of the optimum time (around seven minutes) allows the horse to stay as fresh as possible for the final, show jumping, element of the competition. The 2014 winner, Irish International Austin O’Connor wears his for show jumping. The winner in 2015 was Sir Mark “I couldn’t be

more delighted” Todd, who maintains it the Loomes watch is his most valuable prize in forty years of competition. Entries are preparing for this year’s Championship, set in the fairytale grounds of Rockingham Castle. Loomes & Co are a very traditional firm of watchmakers based in Stamford, hand producing around a hundred watches a year, each one entirely manufactured in this country. Managing Director Robina Hill said, “Rockingham is the perfect event for us to work with. Some of the best riders in the world are competing here with style, timing and precision. It is a stunning showcase for what we do in watch making.” • Robert Loomes, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 481319 www.robertloomes.com

Canadian Rocker Bryan Adams announces show in Peterborough Bryan Adams will perform outdoors at The Embankment, Peterborough on Friday 5 August 2016, as part of his Get Up Tour of the UK.

ryan Adams said: “I’m delighted to be back on the road. It will give me an opportunity to perform tracks from my latest album, Get Up, as well as some of my earlier classics. It’s going to be a special show, performing outdoors in Peterborough and I hope my fans can join me.” Bryan Adams released his latest studio album Get Up last October to much acclaim. It was produced by famed ELO front man Jeff Lynne and features nine new songs and four acoustic versions, highlighting Adams’ unique voice and depth. Tickets are on sale priced from £49, and are available to buy online at www.ticketline.co.uk or by phone 0844 888 9991.

WIN TICKETS!! We’ve teamed up with LCC Live to give one lucky reader the chance to see Bryan Adams play live in Peterborough, when he comes to the UK as part of his ‘Get Up’ Tour. We’ve one pair of tickets to give away for his show at The Embankment, Peterborough on Friday 5 August. To be in with a chance of winning the pair of tickets, simply answer the following question: Bryan Adams is touring the UK in 2016, but what is the name of his UK Tour? 1. Wake Up 2. Get Up 3. Get Down • To enter, send the correct answer plus your name, address and daytime phone number to: localliving@btinternet.com All entries to be received by May 31st 2016 latest.

STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Something to smile about Dread going to the dentist? Stamford’s Saima Rennie dispels all such fears with a clear dedication to client care and commitment to her own Continuing Professional Development

orn in Glasgow and raised in Edinburgh, Saima Rennie comes from a large, careerminded family - among her siblings there are lawyers, dentists, accountants, a teacher, pharmacist, oncology consultant and an MSP. “Being the child of immigrants – my father was a tailor and my mother joined him in Glasgow in 1969; she went from having two factory jobs to running her own post office/ shop – it was expected of my siblings and I to do better for ourselves,” she explains. “My parents and my guidance teacher, the former Scottish Green Party Leader and first UK Green Party parliamentarian, Robin Harper, wanted me to do medicine. To their disappointment I chose dentistry – it took my mother years to get over my decision, she was so nervous of dentists!” Saima combined her studies at Glasgow University with working every weekend and holiday in her parents’ business. Despite being offered a Masters place to study Endodontics (root canal treatments) and then Orthodontics, she chose General Practice and started her first job in Sleaford just three days after graduating in 1998. A move to St Neots and locum work back in Scotland followed, before a return to Sleaford in 2002. It was while working there secondtime-round that Saima visited Stamford on a day out, eventually buying a house here in 2004. Since then she’s invested heavily in more training. “In 2007 I gained a Certificate in Cosmetic and Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry with Advanced Dental Seminars, a Postgraduate Certificate in Contemporary Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry with Professor Dominic Hassall , a Certificate in Implantology with Nobel Biocare and most recently I completed a six-part Periodontal Disease Diagnosis and Management course with the President of the British Society of Periodontology, Phil Ower,” she explains. After eight years of practice in Peterborough Saima had just started working in Oundle last October when a position closer to home, with Raymond Richardson and Paul Williams at the St Mary’s Street Dental Practice, came up. “I absolutely love it here, Raymond and Paul are just great guys to work with,” she enthuses. Saima adores the variety of work that general dental practice offers. She says: “I love dentistry and I’m passionate about my profession. There’s the satisfaction of creating and maintaining beautiful smiles, interacting with patients and being able to practice a skill that I love daily. Dentists

are becoming one of the few healthcare professionals where clients see the same face every time they visit, which is invaluable for building a trusting relationship.” Constant advances in science and technology mean all dentists are expected to keep extending their knowledge, with an average of 50 hours a year of Continuing Professional Development the industry norm. “It’s amazing the developments and progress in dentistry over the last 18 years alone,” Saima says. “We’ve gone from looking at the mouth, to the head and neck, to now the bigger picture. We are asked to do a general health screen as that has a huge impact on oral health. The ‘sugar tax’ on fizzy drinks is an important first step – not only does sugar cause tooth decay, but it has such damaging effects on the entire body. Diabetes type II is making headlines and although we are restoring and keeping teeth for longer and then implanting if necessary, the inflammatory effects of sugar are contributing to the failure of the supporting structures of our teeth. With this and the rise of childhood caries and tooth loss, educating parents and taking the time to discuss their concerns is vitally important. “And who would have thought 15 years ago that you could have a tooth bank, where a child’s deciduous and wisdom teeth are stored so that, if something serious should happen to them later, stem calls can be harvested?” So what’s ‘the next big thing’ in her profession? Saima says: “We are trying to save natural teeth more than ever, rather than opting for implants straight away; the

10-year implant survival rates are a lot less than the 98 per cent that is quoted for five years. Having completed the first level in implant training I can tell whether a client is suitable, and explain the personalised pros and cons. “If you want the perfect smile, why not? We not only offer Smile Makeovers with crowns, veneers and onlays in the latest in very strong pressed ceramics, but we’re also very excited to be able to offer Invisalign – an orthodontic alternative that uses clear retainers with ‘smart force’ technology to move teeth. It has the power of tilting, rotating and bodily moving teeth into alignment, with the beauty of being nearly invisible. It is a worldwide system that has been around since 1998 and I’m now an accredited Invisalign Provider.”

St Mary’s Street Dental Practice is at 34a St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 755005. A full range of treatment is offered privately for adult patients, either under the Denplan Care or Essentials scheme or independently on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, and private treatment is also offered for children, as well as a Denplan Children’s scheme for more one-to-one care. www.st-marys-dental.co.uk

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UPDATES

The easy way to inject cash into your business with Charles & Dean C

new equipment or non-standard assets that are difficult to finance, or to invest in new business ventures.

ould your business benefit from a cash injection? If the answer is yes, asset finance can help you to release capital quickly by refinancing existing business assets, such as equipment, machinery, property and vehicles. As well as freeing up additional capital, refinancing assets can help your business to: • Improve cash flow and business stability • Purchase non-standard assets that are difficult to finance • Invest in new equipment to grow the business • Invest in new business ventures • Prevent and manage bad debt and reduce bank debts and overdrafts • Reduce existing monthly financial commitments by spreading repayments over a longer term How does asset refinance work? With asset refinance, your business effectively sells its ownership of an existing business asset to an asset finance provider, while still retaining use of the asset. Your business then makes regular repayments to lease the asset back over a set amount of time, with the option to own the asset outright at the end of the agreement. Asset refinance normally involves refinancing assets that your company owns in full – i.e. assets that are free from finance. However, if your company owns assets that are subject to an existing finance agreement, you may also be able to refinance them, particularly if the majority of the repayments have been made. When you refinance an asset, the finance

package is usually secured against the asset itself. As well as generally being easier to obtain, asset refinance provides you with greater peace of mind than traditional lending methods, such as bank loans and overdrafts that often require property as security. Why is asset refinance so popular? One of the main reasons that asset refinance is so popular is because it allows businesses to release capital on assets that they are already using, whereas many other types of finance apply to the purchase of new assets. Another reason asset refinance is so popular is due to banks’ stringent lending criteria, which often makes it difficult and time consuming to secure funding. Asset finance providers are familiar with working with businesses to refinance assets, which means that they can usually offer a quick turnaround – freeing up your capital quickly. Businesses can use spare capital to purchase

What information will I need to provide in order to refinance an asset? You’ll need to provide information about your business, as well as information about the asset in question, so that it can be accurately valued, for instance you’ll need the assets: • Make and model number • Year of manufacture • Year of purchase • Usage in terms of hours or miles • Proof of purchase/proof of ownership Asset refinance is a smart and cost-effective way for businesses to raise cash and free up capital, spreading the cost easily over manageable repayments. As well as improving cash flow issues and business stability, asset refinance provides businesses with the capital to invest and grow. Charles & Dean is an independent finance broker with immediate access to a variety of the UK’s largest lenders. They specialise in financing and refinancing vehicles and other assets, including agricultural and construction machinery, surveying equipment, fixed plant assets and property. • Tel: 01780 763836 (8am until 8pm, 7 days a week). Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/charlesanddean

Early Birds Tickets now on sale for 184th Rutland Show G

reat News! The 184th Rutland County Show takes place on Sunday 5th June and tickets are now available online offering Early Bird discounts of 20%, plus children 14 years and under go free. There’s so much to see and enjoy at this year’s show with fabulous Main Ring attractions throughout the day, including a fast and furious Scurry Driving Competition, Sheep dog trials and Birds of Prey, culminating with the magnificent Grand Parade of Livestock Champions. With rural exhibitions and demonstrations running throughout the day, this year they are pleased to welcome Leicester Poultry Group alongside the traditional cattle, sheep, goats and equestrian classes. Sample delicious artisan food and drink in ‘The Larder’ food court and watch creative chefs in the Pavilion workshops. Back by popular

demand is the Tractor Pulling event and the ‘edu-taining’ Sheep Show - this year featuring their brilliant dog and duck display. Browse over 100 unique trade stands and craft stalls, watch the farrier competition run by Leicestershire’s own Stephen Hill, try your hand at Petanque with a professional coach offering free advice and enjoy the vintage vehicle displays. It’s a great family day out celebrating rural Rutland - voted best rural place to live 2015. Free Parking and Free Shuttle buses on the day from Oakham and Uppingham. Early Bird tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. To book your tickets and for more information about this year’s show, please visit • www.rutlandcountyshow.com

STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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OUT & ABOUT

National Gardens Scheme

Green is the new black as gardeners all over the nation display their creations to the public while also raising money for charity. Alysia Anderson highlights private gardens on show locally as well as landscapes designed by Capability Brown, whose tercentenary is celebrated this year. THE FLOWERING OF THE NGS The NGS was founded in 1927, with more than 600 gardens opening in that first year at ‘a shilling a head’ to raise money for district nursing. Today, the NGS donates millions to charities such as Marie Curie Cancer Care, The Carers Trust, Hospice UK, the Cavell Nurses Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as supporting young gardeners by sponsoring traineeships with the RHS, National Trust and The Garden Museum. In 2016, around 3,800 gardens will open to the public nationwide, many on the Festival Weekend of 4 and 5 June, although visits can often be arranged directly with the owners. Entry fees are modest and children generally go free. The annual NGS ‘yellow book’ features all the gardens opening; while separate county leaflets are available free from tourist offices, libraries, Marie Curie shops and garden centres. Alternatively, visit www.ngs.org.uk for maps, opening dates, garden descriptions and owners’ contact details. CAPABILITY BROWN TERCENTENERY This year marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the famous landscape architect whose work can be seen at Burghley House. The NGS is supporting the Capability Brown Festival 2016 (www.capabilitybrown. org) by opening a group of Brown-designed gardens. Along with Burghley, these include Madingley Hall in Cambridgeshire, opening on 5 June, and The Menagerie in Northamptonshire, open on 25 June and 10 July. The latter’s stunning gardens surround an 18th-century folly while 16th-century Madingley features a landscaped walled garden and hazel walk. Burghley House is holding a special exhibition on Brown’s life and work and has produced a free leaflet detailing a self-guided tour of the park. There is also a study day on 4 May, with tickets at £30 per person, or groups of 20 or more can book a range of Brown-inspired experiences until 30 October. These include lectures on the years that Brown spent at Burghley, during which he designed the Summerhouse, Lion Bridge and beautiful lake vistas. Visitors can also admire one of only two portraits painted of the great designer, on display in the State Rooms.

NEW OPENINGS IN RUTLAND, LEICESTERSHIRE AND NORTHANTS On 5 June visitors can explore two south-facing gardens, Hillside and Orchard, in the impressive grounds of Uppingham School. Hillside features a spring-fed pond, newly redesigned terrace and patio, orchard, vegetable garden and woodland walk. A stroll through the school quad to the other side of town brings you to the Orchard, full of interesting trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials. Opening on 17 July, or by arrangement until October, is an exciting garden at Redhill Lodge in Barrowden. Its bold contemporary design features formal lawns, a grass amphitheatre, turf viewing mound, herbaceous borders and a cutting garden. There’s also a natural swimming pond surrounded by Japanese planting, a bog garden and meadow area. A pair of contrasting gardens can be seen in Great Dalby, Leicestershire on 19 June. Crossfell House, where teas will be served, has a formal garden with terraced herbaceous border, rockery and shrubs, alongside two acres of flower-filled meadows. At Rambler Cottage, a sustainably-managed country garden features mixed borders, a small orchard, potager, vegetable garden and wildlife pond, home to great crested newts. Opening on 4 and 5 June is a lovely sloping garden at 83 Main Road, Collyweston. Rosebriar offers a mix of alpine and grass beds, a water feature with stream and bog garden and lavish borders, all linked by gravel paths, patios and original sculptures. On the other side of Northants, the Old Rectory in Quinton opens its contemporary threeacre garden, designed by award-winning Anoushka Feiler, on 4 September. The main garden is divided into six parts: a kitchen garden, glasshouse and flower garden, woodland menagerie, pleasure garden, park and orchard. Feiler cleverly mixes 18th-century design elements such as parterres and topiary with modern twists, including living walls and abstract installations.

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LINCOLNSHIRE AND CAMBRIDGESHIRE NEWCOMERS Three new gardens near Spalding open this summer, including Yew Tree Farm with its annual flower meadow and pair of magnificent yew trees. Large herbaceous and mixed borders surround well-kept lawns, one with a mulberry tree as its centrepiece. There’s also a large wildlife pond with two bog gardens, a woodland garden, an orchard underplanted with a wildflower meadow and shaded borders containing many unusual plants. Yew Tree opens on 24 July for the NGS, with home-made teas available, or by arrangement for groups of more than ten throughout June and July. The other two new gardens are four-acre Fenleigh in Throckenholt, opening on 3 July, and Inley Drove Farm in Sutton St James. Opening on 17 and 18 September, Inley Drove has a large wood developed over two decades as well as three acres of Fenland garden and meadow.

HARDY PERENNIALS NGS stalwarts include the delightful Jericho in Oundle’s marketplace, a walled garden with more than 50 species of roses and a massive hornbeam hedge. It is open by arrangement for individuals and groups until September. On 8 May, two large gardens with magnificent views open in Burrough on the Hill. One is the garden of a 19th-century hunting lodge, Burrough Hall, where vintage cars will also be on display. From a lime walk to beehives and a Gothic henhouse, there’s much to see at a pair of Old Vicarages in Whissendine and Burley, opening on 15 and 22 May respectively. The Harts, owners of Hambleton Hall, open their four-level garden at the Old Hall in Market Overton on 12 June, with teas using Hambleton Bakery produce. In Hambleton itself, Orchard House reveals its garden rooms and newly planted orchard on 3 July, with teas available. South of Rutland Water, a group of eight cottage gardens open in Wing on 19 June, featuring a variety of plantings and designs. Up in Braunston, fabulous views await at the contrasting gardens of Hill Top Farm and Quaintree Hall, opening together on 14 August. On 17 July comes a chance to see the gardens of Blatherwycke Hall, located between Stamford and Corby. The hall was demolished in the 1940s and the gardens left derelict until

Unusual shrubs and trees, including a fine stand of Black Poplars, can be enjoyed along with woodland walks, an orchard, a vegetable garden and home-made teas. In Cambridgeshire, Ferrar House in Little Gidding opens on 17 July, with rolling lawns, walled flowerbeds and a vegetable garden. Set beside the historic Church of St John, it was at this Retreat House that Nicholas Ferrar formed a small religious community in the 17th century. TS Eliot visited in 1936 and it inspired the final poem of his Four Quartets series. Nearby, Old Weston Garden Farm is an interesting smallholding with a two-acre potager kitchen garden mixing flowers for cutting (available as ‘pick your own’) with fruit, vegetables and herbs. Hens range freely in the orchard and the farm also rears turkeys, geese and rare-breed pigs. It opens on 31 July, with teas available.

renovations began five years ago. To date, a large kitchen garden, wall-trained fruit trees, herbaceous borders, parterre, pleaching orchard and wildflower meadows have been created, with an extensive arboretum also under way. Nearby Deene Park, the elegant home of the Brudenell family, opens its house and gardens on Sundays and bank holidays throughout the summer and for private groups on selected dates. Close to Peterborough, 12 acres of sloping terraced gardens and woodland will delight visitors at Castor House on 16 June, 14 August and other dates by arrangement. Redesigned in 2010, there is much to see here, from Italianate spring-fed ponds and stream gardens to a potager and willow arbour. In contrast, 289 Dogsthorpe Road is a peaceful urban garden designed by artist Julie Reid, divided into textured rooms with intimate seating areas, water features and a Japanese-inspired garden. There’s also an Open Artists Studio, fine art exhibition and ‘pop-up’ tea shop. It opens on 28 and 29 August or by arrangement in July and August. Also near Peterborough is 29 Foster Road, a plantsman’s garden that squeezes almost 250 different cultivars into a small estate plot alongside many interesting design features. It is open by arrangement until September. GREEN FINGERS OR A HELPING HAND You can support the NGS by volunteering, making a donation, visiting gardens or by opening your own to the public. Ideally, get in touch with your nearest Assistant County Organiser just before your garden is at its best so that they can come and have a look. Your contribution, even if it’s just buying a cuppa and a cake at an open garden, will make a real difference to the life of someone who needs care and support, with 80p in every pound going to the NGS. STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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Queen Street, Stamford ÂŁ365,000 Set close to the town centre, this Victorian town house offers many period features including the original tiled entrance hall, bay windows and fire places. The accommodation comprises of an entrance hall, sitting room, open plan kitchen diner with patio doors leading to the garden, utility room, cloakroom, landing, Master bedroom, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a west facing courtyard garden, with a single garage that is accessed via a lane to the rear.

Priory Road, Stamford ÂŁ260,000 Set within walking distance of the town centre, this three bedroom period semi-detached home offers good levels of accommodation throughout as well as some original features. The accommodation comprises of an entrance hall with original tiled floor , sitting room, dining room, kitchen, landing, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a low maintenance gravel garden to the front, whilst to the rear is a south facing patio and lawned garden with decking. No onward chain.

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OUT & ABOUT

Tallington Lakes:

where the opportunities are endless T

ALLINGTON Lakes is a unique outward bound centre based just north of Peterborough, between Stamford and Market Deeping, with the sole 120 metre dry ski slope in the area, as well as a 15 metre climbing wall, and several lakes for water activities. Tallington’s five impressive artificial, spring water fed lakes cover 205 acres and were dug out by the original owner Ernie Ward. The lakes snake round a series of rush banks, creating seclusion and tranquillity. Leisure homes line the banks, a heron sits ashore, and the only sound is the slight hum of a speedboat; it’s hard to believe that Tallington is situated just off the A15 before the Tallington train tracks, and in a central location on the Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire county borders. Tallington Lakes covers activities for every type of thrill seeker. If you are looking for a relaxing jaunt on the water you can dinghy sail, kayak, or canoe. While, for the adrenaline junkie amongst you try anything from snowboarding, to hiring a jet-ski to banana boat rides. If you are feeling ambitious, enter the annual Ernie Ward water-ski competition, which takes place in August, an event which secures the international reputation of Tallington as a venue by attracting world ranking competitors every year. DRY SKI SLOPE: If you are looking to attain a basis in skiing or snowboarding, or improve your recreational standard ahead of an upcoming ski holiday, the dry slopes are perfect. Dry slope skiing is suitable for all abilities and provides a transition surface to get used to skiing before hitting the ski slopes abroad. All skiers begin on the nursery slope, hopefully progressing onto the main slope after a few sessions. AND FOR KIDS.. Looking for entertainment for the children, Tallington offers the option of tobogganing on both slopes. While, if you are looking to get them to learn to ski, enrol them in one of the recreational skiing clubs. The clubs are for beginners or enable skiers to improve their technique, and learn new skills. There is even a race team! THE CLIMBING TOWER: If skiing is not your thing, try your hand at the climbing wall. Excellent for

improving strength and stamina, you can undertake climbing sessions with an instructor; choose from a one on one session to a cheaper four on one session; prices vary dependent on session chosen, and age. GROUP SESSIONS? As well as individuals, Tallington caters for corporate events and group sessions. Groups receive a discounted rate, and have the option of activities such as raftbuilding and team-building to encourage group bonding. QUALIFICATIONS AND COURSES? If you are looking to progress from a recreational, to a higher standard, there are courses available for many activities. If water sports are more your thing, wait for the summer to kick in and undertake one of the many R.Y.A approved sailing courses offered by their instructors; or their R.Y.A Windsurfing courses.

GOT THE SKILLS, BUT DON’T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT? Tallington Lakes Pro-Shop is the place for you. It is one of the UK’s largest independent stockist of outdoor water and snow sport equipment and clothing. At 500 square metres, there is something for everyone. And if, after a long day of activities, you want to socialise by the water, head to the newly refurbished bar by the entrance, complete with swimming pool, hot tub and outdoor terrace overlooking the water; the epitome of tranquillity. NOT LOCAL? There is a campsite, for tents, caravans and motorhomes; or you can rent an onsite leisure home. Facilities: • Five lakes for water skiing and wakeboarding • Dedicated members’ jet ski lake • Jet ski hire lake (RYA School and rental) • 1 large sailing, windsurfing and canoeing lakes • Fishing lakes • 120 metre dry ski slope for snowboarding and skiing • Separate nursery slope for beginners and tobogganing sessions • 500 sq/m Pro Shop for watersports, snowsports, and lifestyle clothing • Restaurant and bar with terrace and bbq area overlooking the lakes • 20 metre outdoor heated swimming pool • 15 metre, 4 sided climbing tower with two vertical faces, one inclined slop, and a half height overhang and 800 bolt on holds • Leisure homes to rent or buy

01778 347000 - ino@tallington.com www.tallington.com - www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com Tallington Lakes Leisure Park, Barholm Road, Tallington, PE9 4RJ During the summer activities and store are open 10-7pm. In the winter, from 1st November-31st March, opening hours get longer: Monday-Thursday 10am9.30pm, Friday: 10am-8.30pm, Saturday - Sunday: 9-6pm Please note: the Watersports Centre and the Water Ski/Wakeboard School are closed during the winter, and therefore water based activities are not available.

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Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

How to not feel tired all the time

Genevieve Potter investigates how adopting a scientific approach to nutrition, combined with one of the world’s oldest forms of exercise - yoga, can provide the answer

here are many reasons why we may feel tired, but the good news is that by making some tweaks to our food and lifestyle choices, we can change the situation. The first priority is to balance blood sugar, and the second is to get a good night’s sleep. THE SCIENCE Energy is carried in our blood as glucose, so it is known as blood sugar. What we eat and drink can have a huge effect on our blood sugar and energy levels. Stress can also affect blood sugar levels, by triggering our “fight or flight” hormones to release glucose. Throughout the day, blood glucose levels may swing from being very high after a carbohydrate meal, caffeine or because of stress, to being very low. Low blood sugar leads to lack of energy, irritability, poor concentration and cravings. We are all familiar with that mid-afternoon energy slump when we reach for a cup of tea and a biscuit. If blood sugar goes too high too quickly, it will usually crash about an hour later. These blood sugar highs and lows can be controlled by a few simple tweaks, outlined here: DO • Always eat breakfast • Eat five to six small meals daily (or three meals and a couple of healthy snacks) • Eat protein or a small amount of fat at each meal DON’T • Eat refined foods such as white flour, white pasta, white rice, biscuits, cakes, sugar and fizzy drinks • Drink excessive alcohol, tea or coffee

A BLISSFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP Six to eight hours of good quality sleep can really influence our energy levels. Regular exercise not only helps increase energy, but helps promote sleep too; just don’t exercise too close to bedtime. It’s important to establish regular bedtime and waking hours, even at weekends. It’s important to wind down before you go to bed, avoiding screens for a couple of hours before, as the blue light tricks your body into ‘daytime’ mode. And keep electronics away from the bedroom, which should be a dark, quiet, ventilated haven with the temperature below 18 degrees. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to optimum nutrition; so for a personalized approach, I’d highly recommend a visit to Sophie Driver at The Broad Street Practice - quite possibly the best investment in yourself that you’ll ever make! • Contact Sophie at The Broad Street Practice 20-21 Broad St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1PG Tel: 01780 480889 www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk

YOGA FOR ENERGY Yoga teaches us to breathe to our full potential and to make full use of our lung capacity. Whereas shallow breathers have poor energy levels, correct breathing boosts our intake of Oxygen, which is needed for every cell and organ in the body to work efficiently. It’s like putting more quality fuel in the tank. Yoga also gives ‘space’ to our internal organs. Think of how we slump forward over a desk, for example. Over time this restricts energy flow to the organs, causing us to feel sluggish. Many Yoga postures, particularly backbends, open up the front of the body and allow everything to ‘breathe’ again. Yoga teaches that an energy called Prana, which is basically our life force, is in the air that we breathe and it transported around our body via a system of ‘Nadis’ or energy channels. The main energy channel is the ‘Sushumna’, which corresponds with our spine and there’s a strong focus in Yoga on keeping the spine supple and keeping this energy channel open (you could liken this to a hosepipe with a kink in it - if our energy channels are blocked, then the Prana cannot flow). Whilst all Stamford Yoga classes will raise energy levels, the ‘Yoga For Energy’ class specifically brings together the best energy boosting breathing techniques and postures. • Stamford Yoga, 12 Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PG. www.stamfordyoga.co.uk. e:info@stamfordyoga.co.uk

What Yoga does for me – by Charlie Calton-Watson “Having gone back to work after maternity leave, the stress of trying to balance a full time job in four days and attempting to be a good mum was just something I wasn't prepared for. I suffered all the usual stress symptoms - insomnia, bad skin, piling on the weight, mood swings, low immunity - the lot. A friend suggested I try classes at Stamford Yoga, and Marcus was a total breath of fresh air. He has an infectious sense of humour, so no one takes things too seriously, but you also learn and feel properly tutored. “In the few months I've been going twice a week, I'm sleeping better, my skin has cleared up and I'm just finding I've more energy for work and my little boy. Yoga has helped me have a view of life outside of the every day and get a little spirituality back - as well as having a scheduled good laugh twice a week. I've even got my 72 year-old Dad going, who's doing shoulder stands already!"

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Exclusive to Equilibrium = Exclusive to Stamford Claudia’s Bayley’s ‘Tried & Tested’ looks at Lipofirm this month

OR the last eleven years Equilibrium has been one of Stamford’s most popular and innovative beauty salons, providing a sanctuary of peace, calm and tranquillity in the centre of the town. At the heart of this success is owner Samantha. With 16 years’ experience of providing beauty and holistic therapies, she leads the highly motivated and experienced team of therapists that work in the salon. Samantha says: “Our business objectives are really clear. Our goal is to continually exceed our clients’ expectations in every way. Whether that’s through our wide range of beauty, holistic and aesthetic treatments, or with the knowledge and expertise of our therapists. We are committed to delivering the best and most effective treatments possible with the highest standards of client care. It’s not about providing something which is “trendy”, it’s about listening to our clients’ needs, having an intimate understanding of our market and investing in new technology and ideas. I’m passionate about offering our clients the best choice and the best service.” Alongside their full range of beauty and holistic services such as hot stone massage, reflexology, High Definition brows and intimate waxing, there are a number of exciting treatments, one of which is Lipofirm Plus which we tried and tested……

Lipofirm Plus It can be hard to lose those extra inches; eating sensibly and regular exercise are of course recommended, but sometimes you just want to be able to lose inches quickly, in a targeted way and also ensure that skin stays firm. One of the latest, and already hugely popular, treatments available at Equilibrium is Lipofirm Plus. Recognised as a credible alternative to liposuction, Lipofirm Plus delivers rapid inch loss, body contouring and skin tightening all in one treatment, providing clients a convenient non-invasive, no downtime, pain free treatment. It can be performed on calves, knees, thighs, buttocks, stomach, arms, back, chin, man boobs and is equally effective for both men and women. Lipofirm Plus also treats common problems associated with ageing: sagging skin on the neck, décolleté and face along with wrinkles, enlarge pores and elasticity issues of the body. This is mainly due to the decreasing of collagen production and relaxation of

elastin fibres. Radiofrequency treatment uses electrical pulses to heat the dermis through hand pieces without damaging the epidermis, to remodel and enhance dermal density enabling skin tightening and improvement of the skin’s appearance, painlessly without postop downtime of classic surgery applications or other invasive methods. So why use Lipofirm plus over other systems? Well, Lipofirm plus technology has two medical certificates and to achieve this, detailed independent clinical trials have been carried out proving the system is both safe and effective. Plus unlike alternative systems using laser the results are not reliant on extensive post exercise and the combination of both ultrasound cavitation and radio frequency produces unrivalled results on cellulite. Richard and Vicki were lucky enough to have two sessions of Lipo firm with Kim who made them feel relaxed and at ease with having the procedure. Their general consensus was that the treatments were quick, comfortable and relaxing, “it felt like having an ultrasound, there was no pain or discomfort, felt very relaxing,” says Vicki who lost over 6 inches from her stomach area from just two sessions. Richard lost over seven inches from his waist and hip area, he was very happy with the results and would recommend Lipo firm for people who struggle with weight in certain areas. The treatment costs £100. A course is 8 treatments and when booked and paid for in advance is £640.

Right: After 2 treatments

After 8 treatments

• Call Equilibrium now to book your consultation and start to feel a difference. Equilibrium, 7 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757579 Email: info@equilibriumstamford.co.uk Website: www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk Opening Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9am – 5:30pm. Late Night: Tuesday 9am – 7pm and Thursday 9am – 9pm Saturday 9am – 5pm Follow on: Equilibrium Stamford equilibriumspa

STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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Gift Vouchers Available

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Introducing our new Style Director Keighley Hutson who joins us at our Market Deeping salon after building her 12-year hairdressing career in Stamford and Bourne.

NEW CLIENTS RECEIVE

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when booking an appointment with Keighley.* *T&C’s - To claim this offer it needs to be your ﬁrst visit to a P.Kai Salon or your ﬁrst visit in the last 12 months. 2. These appointments must be booked in advance. 3.Valid only at the Market Deeping Salon. 4. Valid only on bookings with Keighley Hutson. 4. Offer expires on Sunday 5th June 2016.

Pkai Hair, 10/12 Market Place, Market Deeping. PE6 8EA Pkai Market Deeping - 01778 300558

Also at: Pkai Westgate - 01733 358825 Pkai Hampton - 01733 358835

Book online at www.pkai.co.uk 29

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Richardson Thompson Leach 164_Layout 1 26/01/2016 13:42 Page 1

Swinstead

Richardson Thompson Leach 164_Layout 1 26/01/2016 13:42 Page 1

Price £495,000

Situated in the centre of the village with views towards the Church this 17th Century double fronted Listed cottage is beautifully presented and offers plenty of accommodation combined with large gardens and a range of useful out buildings/barns. Formally a public house the current vendors have lovingly restored the home to enhance the many period features including beams, floors and fireplaces. The accommodation briefly comprises of sitting room with wood burning stove, study, dining room with fireplace, breakfast kitchen, garden room with vaulted ceiling and stove, utility, cloakroom and cellar. There are two stair cases with one giving access to master bedroom with en-suite cloakroom with the other giving access to 3 bedrooms and bathroom. The property stands in

The Hayloft - Essendine £850,000

The Hayloft is a family home extending to approximately 3,775 sqft. This superbwith conversion offers a fantastic layout with a bedroom wing comprising of 4 double bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, approximately 1/3 acre of well-kept gardens extensive as well as a further double bedroom to the first floor with en-suite shower room. It features an impressive kitchen breakfast room with walk in pantry and large utility room. Bi folding doors from the kitchenlawns, breakfast give to anand enclosed courtyard idealareas. for al fresco The of Hayloft softaccess fruits vegetable A dining. range outis complete and ready to move into.

buildings/barns with 2 attached to the garden room which are currently used as storage and a further stand-alone barn currently used as garaging and store, which subject to planning, could be used for a variety of uses.

Easton on the Hill

The Hayloft - Essendine £850,000

The Hayloft is a family home extending to approximately 3,775 sqft. This superb conversion offers a fantastic layout with a bedroom wing comprising of 4 double bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, as well as a further double bedroom to the first floor with en-suite shower room. It features an impressive kitchen breakfast room with walk in pantry and large utility room. Bi folding doors from the kitchen breakfast give access to an enclosed courtyard ideal for al fresco dining. The Hayloft is complete and ready to move into.

Price £295,000

Situated in a quiet tucked away location within this popular and sought after village this attractive converted single story barn is offered with no chain. The accommodation comprises of entrance porch, entrance hall, sitting room with open fire facility, bathroom, fitted kitchen dining room with bay window and built in appliances, inner hallway 2 bedrooms and conservatory. The property also benefits from gas fired central heating, double glazing and is positioned on a generous private plot with garage and further parking. Rosewood – North Luffenham £515,000

Rosewood – Built by the highly regarded Francis Jackson Homes, this detached family home comprises of a large Kitchen/Family Room with double doors onto the garden, Utility Room, Separate Dining Room, Downstairs WC, Living Room with multi fuel burner and double doors onto the garden. Master bedroom with en suite & Bedroom 2 with en suite, Two further bedrooms and family bathroom. Double Garage.

Rosewood – North Luffenham £515,000

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OUT & ABOUT

Get Sailing 2016 is the year to get sailing: A sport for both children and adults. Katie Mitchell explores…

“It is the most AMAZING fun – I’ve been learning for a year and can’t wait to get back out on the water next month.” Dylan, aged 8 years. PHOTO: KEITH SIMPSON

F you are looking for a new activity that will really keep the kids interested, then look no further than our beautiful Rutland Water and the opportunity of learning to sail. Sailing is a fantastic sport for all ages and Rutland Sailing Club at Edith Weston, is particularly keen to encourage all sailors both young and old into the sport. A great family sport where there is no limit to who can learn sail, from age 7 – 70 with both disabled and able bodied sailing together on Rutland Water each week. The beauty of a sport like sailing is that the whole family can get involved and Rutland Sailing Club provides a great environment for learning. With the right training and support sailing provides children with the confidence to enjoy being on the water, plus it builds physical fitness and agility. But most of all, sailing is brilliant outdoor fun. So, if that’s got you hooked, here is the lowdown on everything you need to know about creating some new waves out on the water. WHEN TO START: The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) junior courses run by Rutland Sailing Club at Edith Weston are designed to teach children the essentials of sailing. Junior courses are generally taught in small groups enabling children to learn quickly and enjoy the social aspects of the sport. • 7 to 9 year olds can participate in 4 or 5 day introduction courses run in the school holidays,

which are a great way to meet new friends, learn a new skill, and receive RYA certification. • 10-15 year olds are offered more structured courses that work through the RYA Youth Scheme stages 1-4, developing skills in boat handling, water safety through to basic racing skills. • For children that have some prior knowledge of sailing, booster courses help them develop and refresh their skills. ACCESSIBLE AND FRIENDLY: Whatever age you are, personal tuition is available, providing a quick way to acquire basic skills and obtain the RYA Level 1 & 2 essential skills. Sailing is sometimes regarded as an expensive sport but at Rutland Sailing Club it is not necessary to own a boat – or even to be a member of the Club. Many people start with a basic introductory course and then come along to one of the Club run activities, including Ladies Who Launch on Tuesdays and Fridays; the Saturday Social Sailing session offers groups of about twenty sailors the chance to meet up and sail under the friendly eye of an instructor. The cost of a 2-hour session is £15.00, which includes hire of a boat, wetsuit, plus tea and cake in the café afterwards – a very friendly way to learn to sail. CONTRIBUTING TO WIDER LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT: It’s also good to know that the RYA is

recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards with many activities available at the Rutland Sailing Club counting towards DofE, such as volunteering, skills development or physical challenge. THE KIT BAG: For those new to sailing they only need to provide a pair of suitable shoes like old trainers or swim shoes as the the other protective clothing like wetsuits and life jackets are provided. 2016 DIARY DATES: The 2016 Junior / Youth programme kicks off on 1st April 2016 with courses running until the end of September. A full list of dates, courses and prices can be found at www.rutlandsailingschool.co.uk. Bespoke courses are also available. OPEN DAY: Rutland Sailing Club has an Open Day on 21 May. This is a great day out and provides an opportunity to visit the club and get out onto the water on a free trial sail. HOW TO SIGN UP: You can contact Rutland Sailing Club’s School team on Tel: 01780 721999 or visit www. rutlandsailingschool.co.uk where you can also complete an on-line request form. The professional staff, trained by the Royal Yachting Association, offer everything from introductory sessions, to personal tuition that will enable you to complete a wide range of RYA recognized certified course. STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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UPDATES

Is buying a first home unattainable for Stamford’s ‘Twenty-Somethings’? Local buy-to-let expert, David Crooke, author of the Rutland and Stamford Property News, online blog www. rutlandandstamfordpropertyblog.co.uk and Managing Director of UPP Property Agents discusses getting on the property ladder for Stamford’s first time buyers.

tamford’s 22-30 year olds have a choice to what type of roof they have over their heads; they can rent from the council, rent from a private landlord or save for mortgage and buy their own home. In the past, the expected norm was to save like mad for a few years for the deposit whilst living at home, or rent a cheap terraced home for a few more years and then go on to buy their first property, typically a flat. However, more recently fewer Stamford youngsters have been buying, choosing to rent instead – and mainly from private landlords, as councils have been selling off council housing on the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme. 20 years ago Stamford was a different place. There were 7,623 households in Stamford and 4,892 of those were owner occupied. Move to the present day, and with all the building in the town, the total number of households has increased by 17.9% to 8,994, and surprisingly, the number of owner-occupiers has increased to 5,881. However, when looking at the rental sector, 20 years ago only 539 properties were privately rented in Stamford. Today there are 1,497, a massive rise of 958. Even with the ‘Buy-to-let’ tax rule changes over the coming few years (which will see the maximum tax relief available to landlords drop from 45% to 20%), private landlords still have an important role to play in housing Stamford residents. And those landlords who educate themselves and treat it as a business will survive and prosper. Stamford landlords can protect the income from their investment property (and mitigate the effects of the tax rises) by keeping the homes they let out in ‘Grade A’ condition. And as tenants have ever growing demands and expectations from their rental property many are prepared to pay ‘top dollar’ for luxury and high specifications. • If you have a property that you already own and would to discuss it further, or if you have a question regarding an investment property you are considering buying, please get in touch. David@upp-property.co.uk or call on 01780 484554. The on-line blog is a valuable resource for Stamford property investors and landlords: www.rutlandandstamfordpropertyblog.co.uk

Sparks Charity is a charity very dear to our hearts K

hadija writes: “Our company, Opal & Pearl Ltd, is named after the birthstones of myself Khadija (Opal) and my daughter Sorayah (Pearl). “Sorayah was born in very unfortunate circumstances, resulting in her remaining in intensive care at University College London Hospital for the first 10 days of her life. Thanks to the expert care, research and equipment, we now have a wonderfully happy, energetic and noisy 21 month old. Sparks Charity funded the medical research behind the Xenon trial which my daughter is a part of.” “Sorayah’s contribution to the trial could mean that all babies starved of oxygen at birth could be given this amazing yet very expensive treatment as a standard procedure. Preventing future brain damage and/or disabilities. Please see Lewis’ story for further information as his story is almost identical to Sorayah’s; https://www.sparks.org.uk/lewis-story/ As we have had such an amazing first year in business, we would now like to hold two charity events at the end of May 2016 to raise money for this wonderful charity. Sun 22nd May - Bourne The Centre @ Elsea Park 11:00am - 15:00pm 1 Sandown Drive, Bourne, PE10 0US Sun 29th May - Peterborough @ Hampton Vale Community Centre 13:30pm - 17:00pm 1 Stewartby Avenue, Hampton Vale, Peterborough, PE7 8NJ Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Raffles, Soft Play, Disney Characters, Cake Stalls, Craft Stalls, Paint a Pot Stalls.... And More!!

Small business owners face changes to taxation of dividends From the start of April, new rates of tax on dividend income were introduced. Kerry Hilliard of Stephenson Smart Chartered Accountants explains why, for many director-shareholders, it will mean higher tax on receiving a dividend.

urrently basic rate taxpayers pay no tax on their dividends and higher rate taxpayers pay an effective tax rate of 25% (or 30.6% for 45% ‘additional rate’ taxpayers). From April 2016 the new rates of tax are 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers, 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers and 38.1% for additional rate taxpayers. Under the new rules a dividend allowance will be available making the first £5,000 of dividends received tax free. This will create some winners, however most directorshareholders will be worse off. To illustrate this, consider the position of a basic rate taxpayer whose only or main source of income is a small salary and company dividends. Previously they paid no income tax on the salary (as the salary is below the personal allowance) and no tax on the dividend. From April 2016 only £5,000 of the dividend will not be taxable and the remainder will be taxable at 7.5%. Although there will continue to be tax and other advantages from operating as a limited company, these changes have prompted many director-shareholders to look carefully at their own and their company’s finances. A review of the business structure and remuneration strategy is recommended to ensure that the most tax efficient combination is adopted. • For more information and planning advice on tax matters contact Stephenson Smart on 01733 343275 or go to www.stephensonsmart.com

STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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FOOD & DRINK

Cheyne Lane: Stamford’s Epicurean Alley Nicholas Rudd-Jones takes a foodie stroll down this popular cut-through

HEYNE Lane has always been a favourite of mine. With the arrival of a new restaurant and deli it can lay claim to be at the heart of Stamford’s distinctive independent food offering.

Il Vicolo Ristorante Italiano – ‘wine and food art’ Il Vicolo, a classic and authentic Italian restaurant, has been in business now for six months and is becoming a firm favourite in town. On Trip Advisor, it has already climbed to second place, with lots of positive comments about the friendliness of the service and the quality of food. It is owned and run by chef Mimmo, a larger than life character, son of a fisherman from the Adriatic coast, passionate about food and especially passionate about authentic Italian food. “Unfortunately,” he told me, “many people have become used to ‘Americanised’ Italian – spaghetti bolognese and salty pizzas. We keep our food 100% authentic - our ragu, for example is fish-based, because that’s the tradition in the part of Italy that I come from.” What brought him to Stamford? “We love Stamford, we always wanted a place here, and when we set eyes upon this location in Cheyne Lane we knew it was perfect for us”. The décor is traditional and welcoming with many unusual features, for example the elaborate mirrors. “We want people to feel like they are on holiday on the Italian coast when they come in here,” Mimmo enthused. I couldn’t help but remember that this was the site of the old Panama Joe’s restaurant, which also had that quality of making you feel like you were on holiday in a hot climate, so much so that it was always a shock to come out and discover it to be raining and still England. Above all, Mimmo’s passion for food comes across. He is a chef with a passion to create totally authentic recipes, using the best ingredients and home-made pasta; and he has a range of more unusual Italian wines which can compare with the best anywhere. In his words, he is in the business of ‘wine and food art’. • 2-3 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX Tel: 01780 480048 www.ilvicolostamford.co.uk

Lambert’s Deli & Kitchen Moving on down, I next popped in to Lambert’s to meet the very impressive Stephen Conway. He is a chef with bags of experience, at Stapleford Park and more recently in Barnsdale Lodge. Last year he finally felt the time was right to set up on his own and, after an extensive search of potential Stamford locations, settled on this charming space which used to be the ‘Hole in the Wall’ pub. He runs a tight-knit and friendly team offering a bistro style menu, coffee & cakes and a deli. “We love this location,” Stephen told me, “It’s such a regular thoroughfare, for tourists and locals alike, and the shopkeepers are very friendly.” Stephen has a ‘buy local’ where possible philosophy, both in the kitchen and in the fixtures and fittings. Rutland Charcuterie will soon be providing the cured meats. Walker & Pinscher (who are based next door) are providing items for sale including mirrors and noticeboards. Snow Design has supplied several pieces, CallyCo has supplied the cushions, and the furniture is from Chez Soi.

The Stamford Cheese Cellar Finally I popped in to see Karen Brammer at the Stamford Cheese Cellar at the bottom of the lane. You will read in our article on gin about the more than 100 brands of gin she stocks. Downstairs, you will be equally amazed by her range of cheeses, probably nearly a 100 as well and one of the finest in the region. But even more remarkable is her constant innovation and passion for her products. I tried a new goat’s cheese, La Rossa Robiola, wrapped in cherry leaves and very oozy – it was way past the point of indulgence in a land of milk and honey and heavenly aromas (and I’m sure terrible for my waistline). And I tried out Beillevaire aux Algues, a churn butter worked with seaweed, perfect for fish. There’s even a Gouda cheese with truffle in it!! • 17 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DG 01780 489269 www.stamfordcheese.com

The food offering is varied and delicious, including platters of cheese, meat and fish – by all means try before you buy. Stephen brings a deep and wide product knowledge from his extensive cheffing experience, so you can be sure of quality ingredients well cooked. Lambert’s is also licensed and offers a wide selection of drinks including craft beers, wine and prosecco. • Lambert’s, 5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX Tel: 01780 767063 lamberts-stamford.co.uk Opening Hours Tue-sat 9am-5pm

STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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Artisan Cheese, Fine Foods, Wines & Spirits Artisan Handmade Cheese Crackers & Chutneys Stockist of over 60 Gins Wedding Cheese Cakes

Constantly changing stock and introducing new cheese as the seasons change.

Open Tuesday through to Saturday from 9am until 5pm

Open Mon-Wed 9.30am-5pm, Thurs-Sat 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

Serving food all day from eggs Benedict to full afternoon tea.

17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DG 01780 489269 www.stamfordcheese.com

Not only are we are a licensed restaurant, we have a deli which stocks smoked meat and ﬁsh, cheeses and now a proud supplier of Rutland Charcuterie items.

5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX 01780 767063 - www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

Power to Your Ride Rutland Cycling have launched a dedicated E-bike Centre at their Whitwell store, with over forty electric bikes now available to buy or hire.

LECTRIC bikes are a common sight in European cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin, providing all the advantages of a regular bike, whilst reducing the strain on the body by giving you an assisted electronic boost. Whether you are using them to ride faster, keep up with friends, help you up hills, improve your time around the woods or get to work, e-bikes are increasingly light, versatile and easy to use. They’re also great if you’re coming back from injury or struggle to ride longer distances, as they can allow you to cruise with ease and enjoy the pleasure of riding a bike. David Middlemiss, Managing Director, said, “Here at Rutland Cycling we’ve been fortunate enough to be able to test ride some of the latest models and have seen the benefits of electric bikes first hand. We’re excited about the potential they offer for getting more people out riding bikes more often. E-bikes are a great way to get everyone involved in cycling, and with the broad range of e-bikes now on the market, there are models to suit everyone from commuters and leisure cyclists, through to mountain bikers looking for that extra boost and excitement on the trails. We’ve invested heavily in our e-bike range, and we’ve also added e-bikes to our hire fleet for this season – so for just £20, you can come and try out an electric mountain bike or hybrid bike for a couple of hours, and see what it feels like to do a lap of the lake with some power assistance.” Electric bike technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. Electric bikes are now much lighter, quicker to charge and have longer battery life than their predecessors. You also have more flexibility to control the amount of power you’re using as well as visibility on charge, remaining mileage and other vital stats. Lithium-ion batteries are used on e-bikes – the same technology as is used to power electric cars. Rutland’s e-bike range includes the more casual e-hybrid bikes from Raleigh, Haibike, Giant, SCOTT, Trek, Electra, Cube and Ebco, which are perfect if your ride or commute is just that little bit too long or hilly, or if you’ve got to carry a lot when you ride to and from where you need to be. A great way to pedal about town or explore the local countryside,

enjoying all the sights and sounds without getting out of puff. You do still need to put some of the work in, but the battery power will give you a boost when you need it. Some electric hybrid bikes come fully equipped with integrated lock, light, rack and mudguards, so you’re ready to go! Also featuring in Rutland’s range are high performance electric mountain bikes from Specialized, SCOTT, Giant, Trek and Cube, which are set to be the Next Big Thing in off-road riding. While some people may think an electric bike is cheating, that stigma is evaporating fast as more and more riders discover just how much fun it is to have some turbo boost in your back pocket – conserving more of your time and energy means you can conquer that big hill, take on another lap of the woods, challenge yourself to ride harder and faster and get more riding into your session. With this new exciting range in store, Rutland Cycling will be running fortnightly led e-bike MTB rides at their trail centre at Fineshade / Wakerley through the summer. Visit www. rutlandcycling.com/rides for more information or pop into the new E-bike Centre at Whitwell to try one for yourself!

STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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UPDATES

CONGRATULATIONS: Arch Label Agency is a Teenager on 1st May – 13 years – Yay!

Sister Act comes to Stamford S

tamford Amateur Musical Society has been busy rehearsing for this year’s production of ‘Sister Act’. After some superb auditions the society have a strong and talented cast including: Deloris van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence– Diane Lander, Mother Superior – Elizabeth Young, Sister Mary Robert – Zoe Richardson, Sister Mary Lazarus – Shirin Fenn, Sister Mary Patrick – Liz Paige, Curtis – Adrian Worgan, Eddie – Andrew Cleaver. Nicola Sandall is directing this year’s production, assisted by Reece Crane who joins the society this year as Musical Director. Sister Act is a feel-good musical comedy, based on the hit 1992 film. When disco diva Deloris van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! The stage production will take place at the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre from 8th – 11th June with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinée starting at 2.30pm. Tickets are on sale now at the box office - 01780 766455 or online www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk. Let SAMS ‘Take you to Heaven’ for some disco beats and get that ‘Sunday Morning Fever’!

Stamford & District Lions Club Family Fun Day Sun 26th June 10am-4pm

day full of fun for all ages on the Recreation Ground in Stamford. Music from the 60s, 70s and 80s by Beats Working; and a Busker’s Corner to showcase Stamford’s musical talent. There is the Viking settlement and re-enactment, fun fair, hog roast, games, beer tent and the music for your enjoyment.

Young People’s Music Festival T

here is a new Young People’s Music Festival in Stamford this June, offering competitive classes for young solo singers and instrumentalists in Years 1-9 at all grades from Preparatory to Grade 8. The entry fee is only £3 per class. The Festival is to take place at All Saints’ Church in Red Lion Square, on Saturday 11th June 2016 from 9:30 to 5pm. The adjudicator is Steven Grahl, Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral. Competitive Festivals offer a friendly and welcoming environment for musicians to perform before their peers, their parents, teachers and the general public. There is no charge to listen as a member of the audience. There is a leaflet enclosed with this month’s Stamford Living, and entries can be made in person at Stamford Music Shop and online at www.stamfordmusicfestival.org Fergus Black, the organist at All Saints’ Church, whose idea this is, says: “The children’s choir at All Saints’ recently won a trophy at the Peterborough Music Festival, and they really enjoyed the experience. Almost every young musician needs opportunities to perform in front of an audience, so that they are less fazed in exams and concerts. I would also encourage family and friends to come and hear the young people sing and play. I hope that this event becomes an annual fixture in the Stamford Calendar.”

Keep your lawnmower in top condition throughout the season With the grass cutting season now beginning, it’s important to take care of your mower. Here are some tips from Ben Burgess GroundsCare Equipment, all designed to ensure a problem-free summer of mowing. Before cutting: • Fill the mower with fresh fuel, as any left in the tank through winter storage may have degraded, making it hard to start the engine. • Check your lawn for branches, twigs, stones and pet’s toys to avoid any damage to your mower’s blades. • Replace the air filter if it has not been changed over winter. A clean air filter prevents dirt, dust and debris from getting into the engine. • Brush away dry grass from the exhaust area and from the air filter before starting the engine. After cutting: • Wash your mower down, especially after cutting damp grass, as excess wet grass under the deck can be corrosive and cause rust. Do not use a pressure washer as this may cause damage to seals. Always allow the machine to dry before storing it away. • Regular maintenance is essential to maximise the life of your equipment. Changing oil costs less than £6 for an average engine – it’s well worth the minimal investment. • Keep your cutting blades sharp at all times. Damaged or blunt blades can cause an uneven grass cut and vibration, making your lawn appear tired and worn. • Once the season is over, take your machine for a thorough service and some professional care. You are invited to the Ben Burgess Shows: Tuesday 10th May 2016 at Huntingdon Racecourse Thursday 12th May 2016 at the Norfolk Showground Arena 3pm - 8pm. Celebrate everything Ben Burgess has to offer with exhibits from their entire major agricultural, construction & grounds care brands plus a hog roast, refreshments & entertainment • Ben Burgess GroundsCare Equipment, Eldernell Lane, Coates PE7 2DD Tel: 01733 840777 www.benburgess.co.uk

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UPDATES

Easton on the Hill Gala Weekend

aston on the Hill’s 10th Gala Weekend has something for everyone – a great family day out and also some great evening entertainment. Take your pick…. A four-day beer festival spans the weekend. On Friday evening (May 27) is the ever-popular Northern Soul Night from 6.30pm1am with proceeds going to “Northern Soul against Cancer”. Cricket fans head to the village playing field for 1pm on Saturday (May 28) for the 20/20 Match when Easton CC takes on a ‘rest of the village’ team. The bar will be open and there will be a mini barbecue too. Keep Saturday evening free for one of the weekend highlights – Easton’s Got Talent. This hilarious event is usually a sell-out as groups and individuals take to the stage to perform and provide some extremely unique entertainment! Sunday (May 29) is the traditional Village Fête in the grounds of the Blue Bell pub. A

pet show (at 11.00), busking tent, children’s entertainment area including bouncy castle, Maypole dancing, sideshows, stalls and plenty of refreshments, guarantee this being another great family event. The fête runs from noon until 4pm. The main marquee, with an even larger dance floor this year, will be the setting for the evening fun with Sunday Night Fever 60s/70s disco. Fancy dress is optional. Finally, Monday (May 30) sees the Blue Bell’s own Music Festival from 1-10pm with a host of bands and buskers performing live. The weekend finishes with the Grand Raffle draw on Monday evening. The general public – whether you live in or outside of the village – are all welcome to attend any of these events. • To book tickets in advance please call at the Blue Bell, the Village Stores, or contact: tim@mihcentre.co.uk

Rutland Open Studios Rutland Open Studios is celebrating its tenth year of opening its many and diverse venues to Rutland’s public.

Spring Exhibition: Welland Valley Art Society Stamford Arts Centre Mon 2nd- Sat 14th May Open daily 10am - 5pm

his year Open Studios are joining forces with the Rutland Show, and holding their ‘Taster Exhibition’ on Sunday June 5th. The artists will be found in the Education area, where they will be painting, potting and sculpting, and even inviting the braver of the visitors to ‘have a go’! There will also be some demonstrations of wood turning and pyrography, (for those of you without access to a dictionary...burning wood to create a picture!) Laurence Howard, the Lord Lieutenant of the County has been a great supporter of this venture since it began in 2007, generously writing an enthusiastic foreword in every edition of the Brochure. Open Studios will be open each weekend in June, and at other times by appointment. All details are to be found in the 2016 Brochure, which will be readily available all over Rutland. Keep a look out for the bright yellow bunting and yellow arrows denoting venues which have Open Studios, and please enjoy the art on view!

Rotary Club of Stamford St Martins will be hosting the

Eis Bar T

he Eis bar is a great new addition in Stamford; offering waffles, gelatos and milk shakes in a fun retro environment with really enthusiastic and helpful staff. It’s clean, light and airy, somewhere you can hang out. Moon and Buddy run it; they are brothers from Peterborough, and have been driving taxis in Stamford for the last 10 years, so are well-known locally. • 5 Castle Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 238264 Facebook: eis barstamford

Stamford Garden & Food Fair Sunday 8th May at 10am-4pm. It will be returning to Stamford Meadows, now in its 4th year. The money raised goes to support local, national, and international charities this year including funding a disabled person to go to The Calvert Trust for a week of adventure and activities. The event is free to enter with ample free parking. Features local specialist growers along with local food producers. There will also be children’s rides and refreshments.

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HOME & GARDEN

Is this Rutland’s most eco-friendly house? Having moved to Lincolnshire in 2010, architect Tony Godwin and his wife Marlen bought a piece of land in a rural conservation area of Rutland and embarked on an ambition to design and build their own Passivhaus. Inspired by design for climate from working in Nigeria and his passion for a sustainable low carbon lifestyle, the Passivhaus ‘rules of thumb’ spoke sense. Rannveig Stone.

Y first impression of local architect Tony Godwin on visiting him at Whitwell House, the first certified Passivhaus in Rutland was, what a lovely man. Warm, genuine and easy to talk to, his passion for the Passivhaus concept is plain to see. Although still in its final stages of completion, it is easy to appreciate the clever architecture and craftsmanship needed to create such a build. All involved had to work in harmony for it to succeed. A task easier said than done in a country where this type of building is not yet the norm. However, despite a few testing moments Tony says he would do it all over again. “My wife, Marlen, suggested we build our own house, found the land, and then supported my Passivhaus objective. With a keen interest in low and zero energy buildings I wanted the best performance for my own house and the more I read about the Passivhaus methodology,

though involving a demanding set of standards and criteria far in excess of the requirements of the UK Building Regulations, it became the only choice. My experience in Nigeria gave me an awareness of solar orientation (to reduce solar gain in that climate) and so instinctively, from the first sketches, my site layout incorporated the key Passivhaus requirement for solar gain and provided a suitable location for solar renewable energy technology. From there on the learning curve was steep!” WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS OF A PASSIVHAUS? The principles of the Passivhaus are to reduce the energy use and carbon emissions from your building and to provide a high standard of comfort and building health. Based on comfort and building physics, the Passivhaus delivers an even temperature and is draft

free, with minimum16 deg C internal surface temperatures. This is achieved with high insulation of the external envelope, minimising the thermal bridges within the construction and air tightness, including triple-glazed draft free windows. Heat from solar gain, the occupants and domestic appliances is calculated and contributes to the heating. A mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system (Tony used a Paul system by the Green Building Store) supplies 100% fresh filtered air, which according to the standard can also supply all the heat and cooling requirement. Using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) to model the building’s energy performance from the very start of the design process is advisable to avoid any costly mistakes. “Passivhaus should become an integrated part of your design approach, underpinning and even inspiring, all the other factors influencing your design” Passivhaus Trust

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THE ARCHITECTURE Whitwell House boasts a traditional barn-like exterior using local Clipsham limestone and plain fibre cement slate roof tiles that harmonise with the solar panels. The rear is clad with Rockpanel Natural which creates a warm rust coloured contemporary finish that complements the more traditional front façade perfectly. In fact in the submission for Leicestershire Property and Construction Awards 2015 it was noted that the house had been mistaken for a barn conversion; so sympathetically designed for the village it was. THE INTERIOR The interior concept is to enter a dark space and move through to light airy living spaces above; creating a feeling of progressing and revealing. Throughout the ground floor and bedrooms, polished concrete floors enhance a clean and fuss free minimalist design, often associated with modern architecture. A marmite application – you either love or hate them. Regardless of personal taste an application like this requires a specialist along with the appropriate expansion joints to minimise the potential for cracking. Still a novel concept in this country but a minimalist design essential is the shadow gap skirting detail Tony has insisted on. Not easy to achieve although the end result looks very simple, it is a design feature that forms part of the character of the house. THE CONSTRUCTION In a nutshell the insulation of the cavity walls is paramount during the construction process. At Whitwell House recycled newspaper (avoiding petro chemicals) was pumped into the cavity walls through purpose made holes in the air tight membrane and then sealed shut with air tight tape. Thermal bridges were designed out and insulation was kept warm and dry, leaving the ground floor slab exposed inside to provide thermal mass. Triple glazed opening windows maintain that 16 degree C surface temperature, and the only air leakage is through the sliding doors due to the necessary mechanism to allow them to slide. Large south facing windows were installed with sensor controlled external blinds to guard against summer overheating and light wells to the semi-basement areas avoid use of artificial light. The heart of the home is in the utility room, which has an impressive collection of controls and equipment for the solar, ventilation, heat and water systems. All of which work in harmony to reduce the carbon emissions and the energy bills. This means Tony’s five bed property only needs three radiators and three towel radiators to help maintain the ambient heat. My 1930s six bed house has 17 radiators, 6 towel radiators,1 plug in oil radiator, plus two wood burners to keep the chill off... you do the maths! WHAT ARE THE KEY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEATURES OF WHITWELL HOUSE? “We re-used the blighted site and the excavations from the foundations were spread over the paddock, rather than carting it away to landfill.” A 1500L tank to harvest the rainwater was installed which is subsequently pumped up to the outdoor taps. Here Marlen will take full advantage to feed her newly landscaped garden, and wash their low fuel consuming car at no extra cost to the water board or environment. Tony used local contractors and suppliers based within a 30 mile radius of the site to support the local community and reduce the carbon foot print of the build. However the specialised way in which the timber structure needed to be constructed to achieve a higher Passivhaus rating may have, in hindsight, been best outsourced to those more experienced. This would have been more costly but could have improved the standard of airtightness. Still at 12.5 times better than the UK Building Regulations require, it’s not bad! Tony says, “These are all good building blocks to learn from. I now have a very strong idea of what I would outsource and what I would feel comfortable to achieve locally. However supporting local business remains a priority.” WHAT DO YOU ESTIMATE THE TOTAL COST AND TIME TO BE FOR SUCH A BUILD? Tony has estimated that the total expenditure was 25% over the standard build for an equivalent house. Others in the UK report lower percentages or no extra cost for multiple units or as contractors gain experience of the construction techniques. The total build time took 12 months however, which is very fast.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? By meeting the Passivhaus criteria your building should perform as predicted. “We don’t need any heating until the temperature outside falls below 7 0C and our energy bill for the year was £900 compared with £4150 pro-rata for the 2004 house we rented in Stamford during the build. The relative humidity is always about 60% even when the outside is 90% and washing dries much quicker. The indoor air is of high quality and the room temperatures are even. With warm surface temperatures the house feels comfortable at 20deg c.” ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES? “Well we have to have a post box outside so it’s worth checking before collecting the mail in a t shirt, it’ll be colder than you think! Unfortunately you can’t keep frost off the car by parking it closer to the house and when doing DIY or exercises be warned you will get warmer quicker, but you can open a window… Oh and there is a Passivhaus pet flap, the cost, £1.3K!” Tony Goodwin B.Arch RIBA MNIA. FCD Architecture Web; www.fcdarchitecture.co.uk Tel; 01780 460457 m; 07906 134316 The Green Building Store Web: www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk Tel: 01484 461705 Hunter Douglas Architectural Projects Faber Blinds UK Ltd Web: www.faberblinds.co.uk - Tel: 01604 766251 The Passivhaus Trust Web: www.passivhaustrust.org.uk bit.ly/PHT-Rulesofthumb DW Hicks (Main Contractor) Thurmaston Lane, Leicester LE5 0TF Tel: 0116 276 1105 Siematic Kitchen Design by Theodore Ross, Oakham - Web; www.siematic.com Katzbeck Windows & doors Web: www.katzbeck.at - Tel: 020 3005 3253 Passivhaus certified cat flap - Web: www.petwalk.uk STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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UPDATES

Get a Beach Body for summer with Stamford Boot Camp H

CMY

SPF-AD-Free-Taster-Sessions-90-x-133mm.pdf 25/01/2016 ave you ever dreamt of attending a fi11:35:09 tness class that doesn’t feel like a chore, where the variety of exercise is so mind-blowing and such fun that you never get bored? Could you imagine a place where everybody is friendly and supportive, where the results you get are amazing and you are constantly inspired to excel? Well, it’s time to wake up and turn your dream into a reality by trying a FREE TASTER session at Stamford Boot Camp. Proprietor Rob Dulieu says, “I have a reputation for looking after our clients as if they were members of my own family. I am able to take people of differing shapes and sizes and levels of ability & integrate them all into the same class. And unlike some fitness establishments, it is not an intimidating environment because we all work together to the betterment of each other. It’s a unique multi-dimensional fitness experience covering a wide range of activities and no two classes are alike. You won’t waste time waiting for equipment and you have me to motivate you to attend on a regular basis so you don’t fall off the wagon. It’s a great place to work out and make new friends too!” • Check out the session times on Rob’s website and call him on 07846 457959 to book your FREE TASTER session this month. Website: www.stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk

Batemans Auctioneers Y

ou may have seen Batemans on the television in Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Antiques Road Trip; well now is the chance to come and join in the fun and excitement of live auctions here in Stamford. Starting with a sale on May 7th at 10 am, Batemans has put together a new programme of auctions designed to cater to every taste in the Stamford community. Renowned for their Fine Art and Antiques expertise, Batemans will follow on from this throughout the year by running Vintage and Attic sales alongside their monthly Fine Art and Antiques Auctions, so that Stamfordians can come and peruse and purchase anything from garden ornaments, to tea sets, furniture, sculptures, jewellery, silver and fine paintings. The Vintage and Attic section of the sale will be followed by Fine Art and Antiques with live and internet bidding starting at 1pm.

Bluebird Care launches new 24 hour live-in care service for Stamford & Rutland B

luebird Care recently launched its new 24 hour live-in care service. Peterborough & Rutland’s award winning home care provider, set up in 2011, provides high quality care to people in their own homes and this new 24 hour live-in care service is an extension to their already popular range of services. Bluebird Care now widely services the areas of Stamford, Oakham, Uppingham, Peterborough, Oundle and all the surrounding villages, even the most rural areas in our local community. Bluebird Care’s live-in care service provides people with the very highest one-to-one care service, where customers benefit from a dedicated ‘personal assistant’ living in their own home to take care of their every need. This may involve aspects of care (assistance with getting up, washing, personal hygiene etc) and generally ‘keeping the house’. The need may also include shopping or accompanying customers on visits to friends, appointments and generally getting out and about in the local community. One of the beauties of live-in care is its flexibility. No two days need be the same and customer can, if they wish, choose a different agenda each day. Leisa MacKenzie, Director, said: “Our new 24 hour live-in care service really in the ultimate personal assistant for our customers and promotes the ethos of independent living in the comfort of your own home. It effectively

removes the needs for anyone to ever leave the home they love to go into a residential care home. Whether short term respite care or support to aid recovery from illness, long term support through to more complex or specialist care needs, including recovery from Strokes, Dementia care and end of life care, this service ensures no upheaval, no stress but a care service that works around your individual needs enabling you to remain in your own home, surrounded by familiar family, friends and possessions.” Bluebird Care’s other services including helping its customers with a variety of tasks including personal care, domestic help, shopping, trips out, assistance with medication and help with mobility issues. In addition to traditional care, they provide companionship services and consider a game of dominoes, a trip to the bingo or helping with the daily crossword as being just as important to improve people’s quality of life.

Batemans celebrated its fifteenth birthday as Stamford’s only Auction House earlier this year and they’ve come a long way since the first sales on Broad Street. With dedicated Auction Rooms on Ryhall Road, and a National and International reputation for Fine Art and Antiques Sales the staff at Batemans want to provide a complete service for the people of Stamford by running the Vintage and Attic sale. • Ryhall Rd, Stamford PE9 1XF Tel: 01780 766466 www.batemans.com

• Bluebird Care (Peterborough & Rutland), 16 Wharf Road, Stamford, PE9 2EB For further information please contact 01780 480881 www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

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BUSINESS

Roadsiderescue Architects Harris McCormack are breathing new life into an iconic Art Deco building beside the A1. Lucy Banwell went along for a look...

NYONE accustomed to the drive north on the A1 will be familiar with the abandoned, graffiti-strewn former Little Chef building at Wansford. Empty since the fast food chain shipped out in 2007, the Art Deco building has been the subject of a covert restoration project since it was acquired by architects Harris McCormack in 2013. Previously based in cramped offices in Stamford, directors Simon Harris and William McCormack realised that the huge 1930s building would not only give them the scope to grow their architectural practice, but it could also provide a brilliant showcase for their services. “When the ‘For Sale’ sign went up, Simon and I realised we were looking at an amazing opportunity,” says Director, William McCormack. “Everybody said we were completely mad to buy it because there was water pouring through the roof and it was a real mess inside, but we could see past all that. That’s what we do. We could see that it was a fantastic space and we fell in love with it.” Harris McCormack successfully purchased the land alongside the

building as well, and once they had achieved outline planning permission the land was sold to Tall House Property Development who are in the process of putting up nine complementary Art Deco-style dwellings on the site. Then began the ‘inside out’ development of Harris McCormack’s new headquarters. Keen to get their spacious new offices up and running as soon as possible, the decision was made to make the first floor habitable prior to completing the externals of the building. This means that although the building still looks scruffy and unloved from the road, inside one finds a shiny new architects’ office complete with a zinc-clad extension ‘pod’ which now serves as Harris McCormack’s meeting room. “This is an iconic building with real architectural merit but we wanted to put our own spin on it,” says William. A modern lighting well and a bridge-like walkway have also been added, but in all other respects Harris McCormack’s vision was to take the building back to its 1930s origins. “For security purposes we wanted it to look unoccupied, so it’s always

➧

END OF THE ROAD FOR A1 INN

Ken Mehmed of Peterborough Civic Society charts the history of the ‘refreshing’ roadhouse

RAVELLERS cannot fail to be intrigued by this iconic building at the side of the northbound carriageway of the A1 as it crosses the River Nene. The original Bauhaus design of the building would have made it an architectural rarity then and now – and undoubtedly a Listed building had it not been for destructive front extension and modernisation made to the largest of the curved corner windows in modern times. The building opened for business in 1932 as The Wansford Knight, the fifth roadhouse of the ‘Knights on the Road’ chain. An article in a 1933 issue of The Motor Magazine provides a delightful period description…

“These roadhouses are of interest to every longdistance motorist, for the man who wants a large or light meal quickly and in comfort too. Ordinary hotels are institutions where things have to be done according to the clock, but the roadhouses are completely adaptable. “The six roadhouses [the Wansford Knight turned out to be the final one to be built] are on important arterial roads. They stand up well and are softly floodlit, and half a mile away one has an impression of neatness and cleanliness which is never lost. The combination of white concrete and green paint has a practical and refreshing effect.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

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interesting to see people’s response when they walk in through the building site and see us all hard at work at our desks in our new, pristine studio!” says William. “Everyone’s always blown away by it.” The next stage of the development will see the creation of a ground floor showroom for a new Ducati dealership and the completion of

In 1936 the building changed hands and became The New Mermaid in place of the centuries-Olde Mermaid Inn, which stood at the corner of the Old North Road and Leicester Road, demolished to widen the road and smooth the traffic flow at that junction. Images from the 1930s compared with today’s demonstrate how relatively small changes can diminish the original architectural purity of a style which depends so much on proportion and careful detailing. The Bauhaus principles are especially susceptible to small alterations. In the late 1970s The New Mermaid, along with many other transport cafés and roadside inns, was

the façade of the building, which will restore it to its all-white, former glory. The new name of the building – written loud and clear on the exterior – will be ‘ArcHaus’, a combination of the words ‘architect’ and ‘Bauhaus’. William is delighted with the way in which his new, open-plan studio space is working and the positive impact it has already had on his

12-strong team who have been in situ since July last year. “We now have a creative hub in which we can all work together and bounce ideas off each other. We’ve already felt the benefits of this more organic and creative process. “Buying this building was a big leap of faith, but it’s already paying off,” says William. “We’re so excited about our future here.”

bought by Forte. They rebranded it as the Little Chef restaurant as part of their plans to expand the chain across the UK. In order to save money and time, Forte decided to convert the New Mermaid building instead of replacing it with their standardised corporate design, seen throughout the UK. After all, the building was still in decent shape and had been designed as a roadside inn. Sadly for Wansford Little Chef, in 2007 the parent company – by now the People’s Restaurant Group – hit financial problems and the brand was taken on by yet more new owners, R Capital. Not all the sites transferred over and Wansford was one of the 41 to be closed in 2007.

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ASK LEO

Stamford Mills T

HE Romans had harnessed the power of water two thousand years ago and the earliest reference to a windmill in Europe is one in France in 1180. Until the Industrial Revolution every village had a mill, there were 500 mills in Lincolnshire alone. Watermills were always a first choice for

Water mills and windmills were an essential part of the English landscape prior to the invention of the steam engine. Stamford had its fair share. Jean Orpin and Sue Lee have been finding out more about the main ones

a miller as he could work the hours he needed. A wind miller had to work when there was a wind. Stamford was an important agricultural area with corn and timber being important commodities so milling was an important industry.

WATER MILLS Stamford had two water mills on the Welland, King’s Mill and Hudd’s Mill. KING’S MILL King’s Mill, mentioned in the Domesday Book was granted to Sir William Cecil by Queen Elizabeth in 1561. The mill was known as North Mill but by 1627 was renamed King’s Mill. The Cecils could insist that their tenants used this mill to grind their corn. There were many disputes when the tenants used other mills. The mill was rebuilt in 1640. The mill continued in use until the 20thC. Mr Croft, the last miller, ground barley for cattle feed. To operate the mill he had to cross the meadows and open the sluice gates to provide enough water to turn the mill wheel. He lived in the Mill House next door. HUDD’S MILL In 1486 the Stamford Corporation leased land to William Bewshire. He had to build on the land a house and two water mills and operate the mill throughout the time of the lease. The name ‘Hudd’ goes back at least as far as the 15th century when it was mentioned in a lease of the property and the name recurs in various legal documents, for example in 1621 it is mentioned in a charter signed by James I allowing the Corporation to improve the river. In 1770 a condition of a later lease was that £200 was to be spent on building a house and repairing the mill. The origin of the name is probably a personal name. By 1825 the Corporation was unable to find tenants as the leases were repairing leases and the mill was in a bad state of repair. By 1891 it was occupied by farm labourers and the mill was no longer in use. TINWELL MILL This was another mill on the Welland mentioned in 1321 and included in Queen Elizabeth’s gift to the Cecils. A miller called Robinson rebuilt the mill in 1631, doubled its size to four pairs of stones and expanded the mill dam. Mill Farm was probably built at the same time and would have been leased by him from the Burghley Estate. Thomas Jelley was the miller in 1871and Charles Springthorpe was the tenant in 1881. Springthorpe employed six men to work the mill and six more to look after the farm. After a fire in 1894 Arthur Starsmore rebuilt the mill. He was a corn factor and lived in St Peter’s Street.

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WINDMILLS The town also had a number of windmills. The legacy is names like Windmill Cottage and Windmill Way, which give some indication of the position of these mills. HODGES’ MILL 1839

Mill on Empingham Rd 1812 caused much mischief to persons who were on the spot. One man had his arm broken, another had his ear torn off and a third named Ward had both his legs and arms broken, the latter of which were amputated. One whose arms were caught by the sail was with the blade bone of the shoulder torn completely off.” This last man had a picture drawn of him with his severed arm by his side which he sold to interested people!

HODGES’ MILL TODAY

MILLWRIGHT A millwright, John Elsam, lived at 20 St Peter’s Street in 1881 and 18 St Peter’s Street in 1891. He had had a business for 40 years repairing and maintaining the 40 mills in the surrounding area. Mills by then were in decline and the business did not survive his death so his son joined the Navy. HODGES’ MILL Boughton Hodges was born in 1780. He was a corn miller, a flour dealer and a baker. He lived at 11, All Saints’ Place (now Prezzos) and had a mill on Empingham Road for grinding corn. In August 1841 the mill was put up for sale, “All that substantial and well- built corn mill situated and being near to the town of Stamford, capable of grinding 35 quarters of grain weekly and working two pairs of excellent French stones and one pair of Peak stones with the whole of the gearing, furniture and fixtures.” In December 1869 the windmill was described as dilapidated having been unoccupied for twenty years. Hodges continued with his bakery business and died in 1851.

owning a windmill in the open fields. This mill is probably the one shown in a print of Stamford in 1812. Reesby was also a farmer and property developer but he was declared bankrupt and all his possessions were sold in February 1844. This may have been the last time the mill was used.

REESBY’S MILL In the 1840 poll book Charles Reesby, who was born in 1808, was living at the Mill House in Empingham Road. He qualified for a vote by

DRAMATIC ACCIDENT On the 1st of November 1740 the Mercury recorded that a post windmill situated at the west end of the town was blown down, “which

BLACK SMOCK MILL Windmill Cottage, Number 8 Tinwell Road, is the only reminder of the Black Smock windmill which once stood there. A smock mill was a version of a tower mill. It was made of wood with four sails. On Friday 13th 1756 the sails of the mill were broken by violent winds. The friction caused the mill to catch fire.

LOCAL MILLS TO VISIT Watermill: Sacrewell Mill has recently been superbly conserved and restored to working order. The site of the mill probably dates back as far as the Domesday Book and the current mill buildings date from the mid-18thC. You can see the waterwheel working and the mill buildings are used to interpret working conditions in the last two hundred years. Location PE8 6HJ; Telephone 01780 782254 Windmill: Whissendine Mill near Oakham dates from 1809 and continued in use until 1922. It was given a new lease of life when it was sold to Nigel Moon and re-opened in 2009. The flour ground at the mill is for sale in the village shop and is used by Hambleton Bakery. The mill is also used to grind animal food and it can be visited when it is working. Location LE15 7EU; Tel 01664 474172

DECLINE OF MILLS The number of mills increased during the Napoleonic wars in the early 19th century but then steam powered mills in towns and the spread of railways led to a decline in urban areas. Rural windmills survived until the 1870s. A Swiss miller developed a porcelain roller which meant that whiter flour could be produced, which could not be used in windmills; and then cheaper wheat was imported from America in the 1870s. It needed more skill to grind it and also mills were built near the docks. Some continued producing animal feed but many closed. TODAY In the 21st century there is a new interest in restoring and using mills as there is a demand for the coarser flour that they produce. If you want to really understand what Stamford mills were like when they were in operation there are mills not too far away that have been restored to use and can be visited.

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

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OUT & ABOUT

Tolethorpe stage is a dream venue for Stamford actors Packed audiences are once again expected when Stamford Shakespeare Company’s annual summer season begins next month. Nick Rennie spoke to one of the group’s leading lights about what it feels like to perform in the spectacular open air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall.

ost of us will never know how it feels to tread the boards like Eddie Redmayne or Dame Judy Dench. But the select few who perform with the Stamford Shakespeare Company believe it is the next best thing to acting in the West End or on Broadway. This talented band of amateur actors are preparing for this year’s ever popular annual programme of plays at the majestic Tolethorpe Hall outdoor theatre. Offerings this summer comprise Shakespeare’s Macbeth and The Tempest, plus the timeless classic from Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 children’s novel, The Wind in the Willows. Company chairman Richard Byron White, who has parts in two of the productions this year, cannot wait to get back on stage. “It’s quite an exceptional place,” said Richard, who joined the group a decade ago having never previously acted. “It’s a stage which any professional actor would give their right arm to perform on. I can’t think of anywhere else in this country where they would put on an amateur play for four weeks in a 600-seater auditorium. It you want to act, it is the closest you will get to being a professional actor.” The company has always performed in the open air since being formed in 1968. Its original home was in the monastery garden at Stamford’s George Hotel. Building work and a new car park meant plays could no longer be acted there in 1976 so the company took over the then near derelict Tolethorpe Hall in nearby Little Casterton. This is the 40th year that the organisation has put on its plays in the atmospheric amphitheatre adjoining the hall. There is a roof over the audience but the structure is very much open to the elements, which often provides a dramatic backdrop to productions. One of Richard’s finest performances, he says, was playing the dastardly Cardinal Richelieu in a performance of The Three Musketeers during a heavy storm. “I wore this huge cloak which filled the stage,” he recalled. “The rain was lashing down and the audience was getting cold and wet so I thought I had better get them back onside. “I hammered Rochefort with this powerful speech and as I turned to walk up this sweeping staircase there was a huge clap of thunder. The audience started to laugh

so I flicked my cape furiously as the rain came down and it got a huge round of applause. Everyone forgot about the weather and became really engaged in the play which was wonderful.” It is a busy year for Richard, who is playing Malcolm in Macbeth, as well as being assistant director for the play. He is also Otter in The Wind in the Willows and makes masks and prosthetics for other actors. He also has to find time to do his day job - running an antiques shop in Nottinghamshire – as do the rest of the cast. Lady Macbeth is being played by Stamford bed and breakfast proprietor Gemma Larke while drama teacher James Rushton is taking on the title role. Richard says he never gets stage nerves since performing naked at Tolethorpe in his first ever acting role, in Antony and Cleopatra. “It was a real baptism of fire,” he recalled. “I was playing a character who had been savagely whipped and was dragged on stage by these two huge Egyptian guards. Because I was so slight next to these two big guards the audience didn’t see me until they threw me to the floor. There was a huge gasp from the audience when they saw me with these welts and blood on my back. It’s lovely to get a reaction like that because you know you are performing a play well.” The new summer season begins on June 7, with the first performance of The Wind in the Willows. The Macbeth run starts on June 14, while Tuesday July 5 is the opening night for The Tempest. The different productions are available throughout the summer until the final night on August 27. Richard added: “It’s quite a staggering achievement to get the audiences we get. Shakespeare is not everyone’s cup of tea but we have attracted people who perhaps were put off his plays at school. People have told me that they wouldn’t normally watch a particular play but they wanted to come along for a picnic and enjoy the outdoor theatre experience.” • For details on Stamford Shakespeare Company productions and to buy tickets, go to www. Stamfordshakespeare.co.uk or call the box office on 01780 756133. STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

A new Sly innovation: tailor made lifestyle mentoring B

ELINDA Sly of Sly Collections, one of Stamford’s best known retailers, is moving with the times and taking a big change of direction. She has had shops in the town since 2001. After 15 years Belinda is leaving this side of retailing and has launched a brand new website www.slycollections.co.uk selling cashmere, beautiful fashion, Activewear, cool make up bags and beautiful glassware. Sly Collections has been totally re-branded and looks sophisticated, elegant and fresh. In conjunction with the new website Belinda has launched a new concept with tailor made lifestyle mentoring. The website is sleek, stylish and easy to use. Belinda is delighted with the feedback from her customers who are moving with her and getting used to seeing Sly online and not just in a shop! Social media will play a large part for Sly Collections, they already have a large following and customers will be able to have fun in following Sly Collections and Belinda via her Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Continuing with her cashmere, which she is so well known for, she has launched Activewear from California and Australia, which is proving a great hit and selling excellently. She has recognised today so many people have taken up, and are loving, Yoga, Pilates, running and many many more activities. This gives the ladies the opportunity to wear amazing leggings and tops. Tailor Made Lifestyle Mentoring is a brand new concept Belinda has developed. She has always been hugely into healthy natural food, eating food as God created it as much as possible in a modern world. Eating well, enjoying your food and living a healthy lifestyle, without being faddy and being realistic, benefits us all. Belinda will help you change your mindset and habits enabling you to enjoy your lifestyle and uplift your mind and spirit. She will work with you to achieve your goals and meet with you regularly to help you stay focussed. Meetings are fun and unique too – not your normal sit-down meeting – you walk and talk!

taking Sly Collections and Sly Fox on the road to shows, fairs and events, including Burghley Horse Trials again this year. House parties are another very modern and popular way to shop. Belinda either leaves the stock with you to have your friends round for a shopping spree in your house or she stays to be on hand to help you and join in! The host receives a percentage of Belinda’s sales too! A great way to shop and earn at the same time! Sly Collections’ website is a huge part of Belinda’s new business; however she is also determined to continue to see her lovely Later this year pure essential oil candles will be added to the Sly Collections range, these are just being developed now. Plus, with her business partner at Sly Fox (www.slyfoxonline. co.uk), they are launching their own range of cashmere wraps and knitwear. Belinda makes

her own Granola and Muesli and already has a great following for these and soon to be launched online. Belinda will continue with her own fashion shows and events and will concentrate on

very loyal customers, friends and welcome new customers locally. This is so important to Belinda as she thrives on the face-to-face side of the business as much as seeing the website grow in popularity internationally. She will be based at her home in the centre of Stamford where customers are very welcome and she has everything beautifully displayed. Simply phone or email Belinda to make sure she is in and pop round, again, for a modern way of shopping in a very relaxed atmosphere and there is definitely no pressure. Depending on the time of day or evening, coffee, tea and fizz are on the menu! • The Sly Collections cashmere range and the beautiful glassware, which is all from Norfolk, will be available to buy online, at Belinda’s house and also at 4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford under the new ownership of her dress agency.

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NORTH NORFOLK WALK

Holkham Park

OVERVIEW Holkham Hall is one of the great houses of the 18th century and it comprises 3,000 acres parkland that makes for a very pleasant stroll.

POINTS OF INTEREST Holkham Walks and Bike Rides Holkham has a superb choice of walking and bike routes. In addition to the one featured, the yellow arrows are for the lake walk, the red arrows are for the farm walk and the brown, blue and white arrows indicate the cycle routes. If you are feeling energetic, you could happily add on the yellow route at Point 7 of this walk â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that would add 3kms (1.9 miles) to your route. Find out more at www.holkham.co.uk

WALK DATA Distance: 7.3 kms (4.6 miles) Typical time: 1 3/4 hrs Height gain: 36 metres Map: OS Landranger 132 NW Norfolk Start & finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Holkham, Victoria Terrain: good tracks throughout

Holkham Hall is one of Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest examples of the Palladian revival style of architecture. The Coke family has lived there continuously since the 1750s and take great pride in sharing the house and its treasures, the deer park and Holkham Beach with visitors. The Obelisk Work to the designs of William Kent on the park commenced in 1729, several years before the house was constructed. This event was commemorated by the construction in 1730 of the obelisk, 80 feet high, standing on the highest point in the park.

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THE ROUTE: From the North (Almshouses) Gates, the route is marked with green arrows on the waymarker posts

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From the bus stop, head S past the Victoria Inn into the park through the North Gates At the North (Almshouses) Gates, turn left into Fuchsia Walk. Go through the large gate leaving the Deer Park behind. Continue along this track (E) for about 1km until you reach a grass clearing on your left and a crossroads ahead of you. Continue S over the crossroads onto the narrow track with fields to the left and grazing land to the right At the next crossroads, go straight over Golden Gates Drive and follow the track due S with the wood on your left and fields on your right. Turn right at the next junction, continue with fields on either side until you reach the Broom Covert Wood ahead of you

PIT STOPS

The Victoria Inn (NR23 1RG Tel: 01328 711008) has a delightful interior and good food, plus a pretty garden out front. Right by the bus stop, too.

Follow the track round to the left, with the Great Barn Wood on your right, until you reach the Great Barn itself. Bear to the right here, leaving the wood behind you. It is at this point on the right that you will have your first glimpse of Holkham Hall in the distance At the crossroads with the Avenue, turn right (due N) up to the Obelisk. Head past the Obelisk, and at the cattle grid you can reenter the Deer Park by the gate to the left of the grid Bear round the right of the lake (or left along the yellow arrows if you want to extend to the lake walk), in front of Holkham Hall and back along the drive to The North Gates and the Victoria Inn Dogs are welcome in the park, but must be kept on the lead at all times.

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Café in the Park While the former stables and pottery buildings are being transformed (during 2015), the café has been relocated to the park, overlooking the lake.

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HOME & GARDEN

Welcome to Perfect for the Home by Pic’n’Pay Furniture Perfect for the Home in Bourne has now been trading for 13 years. In this time they have gone from selling whatever they can get their hands on to now specialising in bedroom furniture along with beds and accessories to suit. They also have on show solid oak dining and occasional furniture; and sofas, including a really nice riser recliner range from Celebrity. It is a family run business and has always recognised that customer service is one of the keys to building a successful business.

OR a few years now Perfect for the Home has been supplying a range of German wardrobes which offer amazing design and a fantastic way of gaining huge amounts of space. The solutions for doing this include: clothes lifts, door dampers, led lighting, laundry and shoe storage to name just a few……. Most of their free standing wardrobes come in 2 or 3 different heights and widths from 45cm up to however long your room is. There is a selection of hinged, bi-fold or sliding doors. Wardrobe fronts are available in a high gloss, a wood décor, glass or mirrored – you will be spoilt for choice. Fitted sliding doors are now on offer, you can have any size or colour made at unbeatable prices; in fact you can completely bespoke your bedroom by using this design. They can offer fitted sliding doors only or with a full 18mm solid carcass, designed inside to your own choice. These doors are constructed in the UK using the highest quality materials ensuring the doors do not rattle, flex or whip, the quality is evident just by the feel. Perfect for the Home appreciate that every wardrobe design plays an important role in personalising a space, and so requires sensitivity when being designed to fit the surrounding interior. Their creative design

process starts by working closely with you to understand your design taste, storage needs, and likes and dislikes. They then guide you through the design process, explaining the various design features to consider, including a combination of wardrobe door designs, storage solutions and interior finishes. This ensures that you are always in control of how you want to view, display and store your garments and shoes. Locating your wardrobe may be a formality, but to ensure no opportunity is missed Perfect for the Home will consider all possible options. Taking into account limited space in alcoves, angled walls, ceiling height and wall length, they will come up with the best design option for your room and the available space. They have a team of fitters who have fantastic skills; and they take away all rubbish, leaving your bedroom ready for you clothes and a good night’s sleep! The showroom is open 7 days a week – Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Please feel free to come along and have a look at the wardrobes on display to get some ideas, you can then book a free no obligation measure and quote. • Perfect For The Home, Furniture by Pic'n'Pay 6 Hereward Ind Est, Cherry Holt Rd, Bourne, PE10 9LA Tel; 01778 420700 www.picnpay.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

Riding for the disabled As one of the first groups to form in the country, The Peterborough & District Riding for the Disabled Group marks 50 years of service in 2016. Deborah Pennell went along to find out a bit more about the group and how they are planning to celebrate their Golden Anniversary.

ITH approximately 500 groups and more than 18,000 volunteers countrywide, Riding for the Disabled is a charity that annually helps more than 28,000 children and adults alike. Medical professions recognise that there are significant therapeutic benefits for the rider, helping those with both physical and learning disabilities. RDA GIVES INDIVIDUALS THE OPPORTUNITY TO: • Reach therapeutic goals: improve muscle tone and core strength, develop fine and gross motor movement • Combat social isolation: build relationships, enjoy events and interaction, develop selfconfidence • Develop life skills: improve communication, take responsibility, be a team player • Connect with animals Kathy Hibbins, the group Chairman of the Peterborough branch since 2007, runs me through a typical Wednesday morning. “We ride at Grasslands Equestrian Centre, Helpston and normally have between 20 to 25 children of varying disabilities; anything from autism to cerebral palsy. We keep the children busy playing fun games while they ride, which helps develop their mental health as well as developing their physical strength”. To celebrate their 50th Anniversary, the group is holding a large Picnic in Burghley Park in May, for the RDA children, with music and

entertainment, and in June, a Tea Party is being held at The Peterborough School for all past and present volunteers and major donors to the group. NOTABLE FUTURE FUNDRAISING Local artist Michael Gibbison has given an impressionist watercolour, “Horses at Burghley” which is valued at £850 and is kindly being exhibited at The Old House Gallery, Oakham by Richard Clarke, until the end of June. All funds raised from the sale of this picture will go towards riding lessons for the children. Chief Instructor, Bella Craven, has also put together a fascinating book about the history of the group with wonderful memories. Titled ‘We Still Ride On Wednesdays’, copies are available at £15. Contact Bella on 07951 781636. VOLUNTEERING The groups are always looking for enthusiastic people who have a positive energy and caring nature. No horse knowledge is necessarily required.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Each RDA Group is a registered charity in its own right and is totally self-funded. They are always grateful for any income from fundraising activities. If you would like to organize a Fundraising event on behalf of one of the groups, or volunteer to help with riding lessons, then please contact your nearest group: • Peterborough & District RDA Group Charity No: 1074308 - Contact: Chairman - Kathy Hibbins 01780 783082. Email: kathryn.hibbins@btinternet.com • Fenland RDA Group Charity No: 1074098 0 Contact: Jane Peggs 07799 662291 Email: fenlandrda@gmail.com. The Fenland RDA Group is celebrating their 35th Anniversary this year. This group have been based in several locations over the years but now ride at a private yard in the outdoor school. The group rides children from two of Spalding’s special schools, The Garth and The Priory and on average, provide the opportunity to ride for 18 children each week. • THE MOUNT GROUP RDA Charity No: 1074115 - Contact: Group Organiser -Diana Poyser 07764 404963 Email: Diana.poyser99@gmail.com. mountgrouprda.org.uk Chairwoman – Pat Bishop. Based at Somerby Stables, LE14 2QF, The Mount Group RDA is one of the busiest local groups. Formed in 1986, they run 13 sessions a week, riding over 50 adults and children, plus additional training sessions before competitions.

MEET A VOLUNTEER Ann Fletcher With 25 years, service for Peterborough & District RDA, Ann Fletcher is a longstanding volunteer. Her role in the group changes from session to session. “Sometimes I will lead a pony and on other occasions I will be a side walker, carefully watching and helping the child ride. I particularly remember one young girl who struggled to walk due to her cerebral palsy, she originally sat on the pony in such a hunched position you could not see her face, but over the weeks her core muscles developed to a point where she could sit up, and we eventually saw her beautiful smiling face. These are the moments that make RDA so worthwhile”. What about the ponies? “The ponies play such an enormous part in what we do and we have used some wonderful horses over the years – I remember fondly, Jack the gentle giant, Jupiter the fastest walking pony on the planet, and not so fondly Peter, who absolutely loved the children but not the person leading him. He would constantly try to nip you and I still have tooth marks on my hand to this day!” Ann Fletcher is due to receive a long service award from HRH Princess Ann during 2016 along with several other volunteers.

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New Property Solicitor joins local law firm L ocal legal firm, Chattertons, are pleased to welcome a new Associate Solicitor, Claire Tomlinson, to their Property Department in Stamford. Claire qualified 10 years ago and has previously worked within real estate teams at large international and regional law firms. She brings with her a vast amount of knowledge and experience in dealing with commercial and residential property transactions for both individuals and businesses of all sizes. Claire is well known in the local market and will be handling a wide range of property work, including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, commercial landlord and tenant matters and general asset management.

Richard Ludlow, Joint Managing Partner also based at the Firm’s Stamford office says ‘Claire is a welcome addition to a team which continues to grow and her experience of commercial and residential property matters will be invaluable to our clients here in Stamford.’ • Chattertons Solicitors offer a full range of legal and financial services, for more information please visit www.chattertons. com. To speak to Claire please call the Stamford office on 01780 764145 or contact her via her direct dial on 01780 750674.

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FOOD & DRINK

IT’S GIN O’CLOCK With Gin Festivals in Manchester, Cambridge and Nottingham recently taking place, Deborah Pennell decided this month to jump on the Gin bandwagon and take a closer look at why we are once again becoming Gin obsessed

Burleighs Gin

INCE 2008 there has been a ten-fold increase in the amount of gins available on the market. This has been aided over the last five years by changes in distillation laws, which have allowed smaller artisan companies to surface. And if like me, you are a gin lover, it will not have gone unnoticed, that the second Saturday in June has now been designated as World Gin Day; this year falling on Saturday 11th June.

A brief History of Gin Gin is believed to have been drunk as far back as the late 1660s when William of Orange relaxed the rules around amateur spirit making. In the 1720s the Gin Craze took hold and by the 1740s gin consumption in Britain had reputedly reached an average of over 6 gallons per person per year; that’s the equivalent of 27.5 litre bottles today! With many people suffering filthy, miserable living conditions, gin became the drink of the poor as it was often cleaner than the water they had available to them. However, it was nicknamed Mother’s Ruin, following the disastrous affects it had on so many families. In the 1750s nearly half of all British wheat harvests went directly into gin production and there were reputed to be approximately 17,000 ‘private gin shops’ in London alone. As a result, by 1751, society was spiralling out of control and the consumption of gin was attributed to being one of the primary causes of crime in London. It also contributed to severe illnesses, often brought on by people drinking poor quality gins, regularly flavoured with turpentine and even more dangerous substances. This prompted the government to implement a Gin Tax to restrict the manufacture and sale of spirits and as a result the distribution of gin was hugely restricted. This Tax was finally repealed in 1965 and these days a whopping 60 million cases of gin are sold worldwide every year.

The origins of Gin The complexities of making gin mean that it is not surprising to find many chemists and engineers in the business. Jamie Baxter from Leicestershire based Burleighs Gin is a prime example. All gin originates from the base product, vodka. The basic distillate can be a grain, grape or potato based vodka and very occasionally sugar beet based. By law, juniper needs to be the primary botanical used in gin and it can only be classed as gin if the final product is over 37.5% proof. The distillation process is an article in itself, but suffice to say gins are most commonly column distilled or compound gins. To the basic distillate, each distiller adds a variety of additional botanicals. A botanical is a substance obtained from a plant and then used to flavour the gin. Each botanical adds its own distinctive essence to the overall taste of the end product with some gins having as few as 3 or 4 botanical flavours while others, like the Scottish gin Botanist, having 31. Botanicals such as lavender, watercress, grapefruit, coriander, fennel, dandelion, rosehip, samphire, nettles, angelica, hops, and many more are used. Gin making these days appears to be a mixture of science and artistry. There are various styles of gin but London Dry Gin, (which does not have to originate in London), is the most popular method of gin production. London Dry Gins must be distilled Burleighs Gin to at least 70% abv, and are quite regularly distilled to 80% or 90% abv before being watered down with natural spring water to not less than 37.5% abv. They cannot have any flavours or colourings added after the distillation process and can only include a minute amount of sugar, if required. There are such a variety of gins on the market these days there must be a gin for everyone’s palate – even possibly, an Anteater! Yes, there is a gin called Anty Gin that actually has wood ants infusing in it and it’s produced locally, in Cambridge. I visited The Stamford Cheese Cellar and met with Melissa Whattoff to discuss their amazing array of gins, around 100. Together with Karen Brammer, the owner, they have just launched a new company called The Stamford Gin Company. Their ethos is to help promote small batch Artisan Gins such as Market Harborough based Two Birds, Leicestershire based, Burleighs and Cambridgeshire based Warner Edwards, to name but a few.

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So let’s celebrate some of our locally produced Gins: Market Harborough based Two Birds Spirits produce a classic London Dry Gin with loads of juniper flavour and the addition of 4 botanicals. Producing only a 100 bottles at a time if you are looking for a personalised or corporate gift, they will distill a specialist overproof London Dry gin. twobirdsspirits.co.uk 01858 414256 Adnams of Southwold, who have a really great shop on Bath Row, produce Copper House and First Rate Gins. Copper House won them The Gin Trophy and Gold Outstanding Winner at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The girls at the shop enthuse about their gin and have recently returned from a gin festival in York so can answer any of your gin questions. cellarandkitchen.adnams.co.uk 01780 753127

Burleighs Gin

The previously mentioned, Anty Gin is probably one of the most unusual local gins available. The product is a joint venture between The Nordic Food Lab and the Cambridge Distillery, and has the essence of approximately 62 wood ants, still found floating in each bottle. The gin is also infused with botanicals such as young nettles and angelica. Weirdly, I quite fancied trying some of this but couldn’t afford the £200 a bottle price tag! www.antygin.com On June 24th 2014, the first batch of Burleighs London Dry Gin 40% ABV was distilled. Phil Burley teamed up with Master Distiller, Jamie Baxter and it was the local Burleighs Wood that inspired them to create their brand. Walking around this ancient Leicestershire woodland they came across the wonderful botanicals that they later went on to use in their unique gin recipe; silver birch, dandelion, burdock, elderberries and iris all play a part in the final flavour. They also produce a Burleighs Export Strength Gin which is 47% ABV. If you fancy distilling your very own unique gin creation, how about attending their 45 Gin School for a day. A great fun present for someone or just an excuse to drink gin all day! burleighsgin.com 0116 262 7336 Cambridgeshire based, Warner Edwards, are another local gin producer. Widely available they make a really, really good Rhubarb Gin which, as well as looking glorious in the glass does have a rather regal background. The crop of rhubarb used in this gin was originally grown in the kitchen gardens of Buckingham Palace and some of the crop is now grown on Crown

Planning a Gin party? …… look no further, sisters Anna and Leah Storer from Syston in Leicestershire have recently set up the Gin Fizz Van. A converted Piaggio Ape van, serving local Two Birds Gin and Prosecco. Perfect for any sort of party or outdoor event. Facebook – GinFizz. Instagram- Gin Fizz Van or call 07795 378932.

Estate land in Lincolnshire. Their Harrington Dry Gin is delicious and with Elderflower Gin too, it is not surprising that they are a very popular brand which can be seen around Stamford’s many pubs and wine bars. warneredwards.com 01536 710623

ask Gins or Barrel Aged Gins appear to be the next fashion in the world of gin. More and more companies are making these ‘yellow’ sipping gins, which are matured in juniper, or similar, wooden casks. They take on the flavour and colour of the cask and are drunk neat like a whisky. Watch this space…… One thing’s for sure, Gin needs to be served correctly so Melissa Whattoff from the Stamford Gin Company talked me through, how to serve Gin and its accompaniments: • Choose your glass carefully. A large glass is important with lots of ice. Add your gin, garnish and add tonic water to taste. • Use a Premium Tonic Water, such as the very popular Fever Tree Tonic or 1724 Tonic, as these have natural quinine in them, which apparently helps ‘open up’ the botanicals in the gin and therefore produces a superior drinking flavour. • For garnishing your gin, it is best to pick a botanical used within the gin you are drinking. For example, Burleighs gin is great with orange and grapefruit peel and Two Birds Gin recommend lime and rhubarb. And I’ll leave you with a saying… “When life gives you Lemons – make a Gin & Tonic” – there are a lot of varieties to choose from! WHERE TO BUY ARTISAN GINS LOCALLY Adnams – 01780 753 127 cellarand kitchen.adnams.co.uk The Stamford Gin Company @ The Stamford Cheese Cellar Karen Brammer or Melissa Whattoff 01778 342260 sales@stamfordgin.com STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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Helping with the pursuit of

career happiness Careers counsellor Niki Tolhurst has years of experience in helping clients find job satisfaction Interview: Gillian Bendall

HETHER you’re starting out on the career ladder or looking for a mid-life change of direction, Niki Tolhurst, Careers Director at Career Junction UK, is passionate about the positive role that discussion plays in making the right choice. Based in Peterborough and operating over an area that includes Huntingdon, Stamford, Oakham, Grantham, Northampton, Corby and Cambridge, the company focuses on the personal delivery of career guidance, counselling, education and coaching. Niki, a University of Durham graduate, has worked in key roles for blue chip organisations and is fully qualified in careers education, information, advice and guidance, holding the well-recognised Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG) backed by the Careers Development Institute (CDI). She has worked in both private and voluntary sectors and has experience in training, recruitment and selection. She says: “Individuals who might benefit most from our type of personal careers service fall into two camps. Firstly, young people who have not yet found satisfying work that fulfils their potential and need an independent, supportive careers guide to help them move towards their goals. Perhaps graduates who rely on a well-informed service, based upon wide-ranging experience of the many types of contemporary interviewing styles and selection processes. I see young people who have done well at Uni and are now starting out, considering what they want from work and trying to identify a future career path. “Secondly, adults who feel they need a change of work that offers a different perspective – more meaningful and either more or less challenging perhaps, and fitting in with their current circumstances and aims. This could be a person returning to the job market after a break with family – many find they’re unsure of their skills, or how best to balance work and home-life.” Ultimately, Niki believes that the key to career satisfaction is happiness – and it’s a subject she is keen to explore with clients. “Exploring someone’s own view of happiness might reveal core values important to that person in a work setting.” As the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs said: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” • www.careerjunctionuk.co.uk

Seeking job satisfaction and making life work

Are you at a career junction or finding securing work tricky? Do you need a change to rediscover your zest for work? Are you starting out, a student or graduate or returning to work after a break? Are you seeking “better” work with improved working relationships? Contact Career Junction UK. Approachable and helpful, we offer you support in your career at competitive rates Full Information on our website: www.careerjunctionuk.co.uk or email: info@careerjunctionuk.co.uk.

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You can now see Consultant General Surgeon Mr G Robertson in Stamford Mr Gavin Robertson Consultant General Surgeon Mr Gavin Robertson has particular interests in laparoscopic treatment of gallstones and their complications with over 3500 procedures performed, and keyhole surgery to repair abdominal wall hernias (over 3000 procedures carried out). Mr Robertson regularly performs not only groin hernia repairs but also more complex incisional and other abdominal wall repairs.

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SEAN HOPE COOKS

Spring-time zing

Sean Hope, head chef at The Olive Branch, makes good use of one of spring’s most flavoursome ingredients

EEING – and smelling – the zingy green leaves of wild garlic is one of the first and most enjoyable signs of spring. With its wonderful aroma, it’s a joy to take a woodland walk and find this special plant, which thrives in earthy, damp, shady conditions. We’re huge fans of wild garlic here at The Olive Branch, so much so that we make our own wild garlic pesto using leaves foraged in Rutland, which you can buy in jars in our Pub Shop, located at the back of the pub. Wild garlic pesto can be used in lots of dishes, including as a base for plenty of pastabased recipes, plus as a marinade for all manner of meats, especially spring lamb. Here’s one of my favourite recipes using this fantastic seasonal ingredient, complemented by two other punchy spring-time classics – garden radish and watercress.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE PUB SHOP Our wild garlic pesto is one of several homemade classics we create here in the kitchen at The Olive Branch, jar up and sell in our Pub Shop. Other own-recipe homemade delights for sale include our special Fruity Brown Sauce (the perfect bacon sandwich accompaniment!), Tomato Sauce, Cucumber Ketchup and Marmalade. We also make our own energy-packed muesli, which you can buy here in packets. Local producers are also well represented in the Pub Shop, including Rutland Charcuterie Company, Colsterworth Honey and Priory Farm Free Range Eggs.

WILD GARLIC RISOTTO WITH GARDEN RADISH Serves 4 • 30g butter • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 small onion, chopped finely • 1 clove of garlic, chopped finely • 250g risotto rice (Arborio) • Splash white wine and Madeira • 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock (hot) • 4 tablespoons Olive Branch Pub Shop wild garlic pesto • 4 garden radishes – washed, thinly sliced, chilled on ice • 1 small bunch fresh watercress • Handful pine nuts • Parmesan 1. Sweat off the garlic and onion in the butter and oil until soft 2. Add the rice, stir and coat the grains for two minutes before adding the alcohol 3. Gradually add the hot stock until the grains are perfectly cooked (around 15 minutes) 4. Finish with the wild garlic pesto and season to taste 5. Top the risotto with fresh shavings of garden radish, watercress, Parmesan and toasted pine nuts

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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HOME & GARDEN

St White’s Stone Ltd Photography: Rupert Conant

ISITING the St Whites Stone’s workshop in Spanhoe Airfield is a truly memorable experience. Parking up between massive blocks of stone, I got out of my car to be greeted by the eversmiling and enthusiastic Richard McCrone. Richard has been into stone all his life, inheriting the love of stone from his father, Philip, who established a very successful Collyweston slate and building business. Richard set out on an apprenticeship at Bath College when he was 16 and has never looked down since. During his time there he was a finalist in the Skill Olympics and he subsequently went back there to gain a diploma in carving. Three years with the Gloucester Cathedral stonemasons’ team produced a furthering of his skills and interests; and it came in useful when he was working on inaccessible parts of cathedrals that he also has a passion for mountaineering. The scope of a top stonemason is European as well as British, and Richard has worked in northern Spain, France, Dresden in Germany and even spent a year in Mexico working on commissioned carving projects. Finally it was time to ‘come home’ and set

The pinnacle carved by Richard McCrone, Alastair Mason and Sebastian Wolf

up his own business, St White’s Stone, named after the area in the Forest Of Dean where the business was initially established. (St White’s deriving from the White Friars, the name given to the Cistercian Monks at Flaxley Abbey next to his workshops). Over Richard McCrone the years the business has gone from strength to strength and has an established national, even international, reputation (commissions are often received from overseas, especially the States). The craft skills of Richard and his team of five have in recent years been augmented by 3-D modelling which can produce a template and conceptual designs for each piece of stone that needs to be carved, adding to the efficiency and accuracy of the whole operation.

King’s Norton pinnacle The day I visited, Richard was nearing completion on a replacement pinnacle for King’s Norton church near Uppingham. This Gothic Revival Church, dating back to the 1760s, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It has been described as “perhaps the most beautiful church in the Midlands region and one of the finest parish churches in the whole of the England.” The replacement is a fantastically intricate carving, the work of two or so months of intensive work, involving intricate crockets, finials and buds. If you ever fell for the myth that traditional skills are dying out in this country, just take a look at this!

Richard explains: “The four carvings of the heads were loosely based on medieval carvings found on pinnacles of a similar style and age perhaps of mediaeval stonemasons or mastermasons. However one head was based on a contemporary mason of today - the inspiration came one morning when one of our masons, Matt Dixon, came in to the office wearing two hoodies, one on top of the other, to keep out the cold, looking very much like the garb of the medieval masons of the past. Matt was somewhat surprised to be asked not to move while I took a photo of him and then carved him on to the fourth head complete with his customary dangling cigarette... very much in the mediaeval spirit of stone masons carving subjects close to hand such as colleagues when sculpting grotesques and the like. So Matt is now unwittingly immortalised on this pinnacle with the other three heads for hundreds of years to come...” But you don’t have to own a church to use the services of St White Stone. They also do all sorts of stone carving that could take your home to a new dimension – stone stairs, fireplaces, chimneys, porticoes, statues, all sorts of stuff really. • For a quotation for a hand-worked stone fireplace/chimney piece or a general enquiry for all types of stonework, please phone Rosie on 01780 450350 or 07931 387615, or email stwhitesstone@btinternet.com The Workshops, Spanhoe Airfield, Laxton, Nr Corby, NN17 3AT STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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FARM SHOP & TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS TEL: 01780 740261

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PROFILE Run by the Asker family since 1927, Askers Bakery is the only remaining bakery in Stamford. Deborah Pennell went along to King’s Mill Lane to take a look at this wonderful traditional bakery and to talk to local food hero...

KERRY ASKER 4 t h G E N E R AT I O N F A M I LY B A K E R

When did you begin work at the bakery? I finished school and went straight into the bakery in 1970. I really enjoy the family business and I think my future employment was mapped out from the day I was born.

There used to be a mill in Kings Mill Lane, which is no longer here. Where do you get your flour from these days? We have two flour suppliers. Marriages who are Chelmsford based and Carr’s who have several mills in the country. Neither flours have the preservatives that you would get in supermarket bought bread and that makes a big difference.

Your job obviously entails long hours – what is your average working day? I start work about 6am and generally finish around 5.30/6pm, so it’s not uncommon to work a 12 hour day. That’s just part of the job.

What’s your favourite thing that you bake at Askers? I can never resist the Almond slice.

How many people does Askers employ? We have four people in the shop and about six in the bakery.

You have the shop in Red Lion Street but do you also supply local businesses? The wholesale side is a big part of the business. We supply the Crown, The George, Café Black, The Stamford Deli and Frothys to name a few.

What are your interests outside the bakery? Family life rather takes over, so I tend to get involved in family things like going to football with my sons. Five children keep me pretty busy!

What are Askers top 3 best sellers? Caramel Slice, Carrot Cake and Chocolate Brownie

If you had the opportunity to eat out in Stamford where would you go? There are some great places to eat out in Stamford, and we supply a lot of them with our bread. If I had to choose one, I would go for Cloisters Restaurant as I absolutely love Italian food.

ELL me a bit about yourself and the Askers family. I’m from a long line of family bakers. My Great Grandfather Augustus Asker, came to Stamford from Norfolk in the 1920s. These days my Dad, Stuart Asker runs the business and there are also five other members of the family working here.

Which other family members work in the business? There’s my Dad, Stuart. My younger brother, Jamie and then my stepson, Ben and my sons Daniel and Callum. The oven you use is the original coal fired oven, known as a sack oven. How do you find working with something that you cannot regulate the temperature of? We light the coal-fired oven at 6am Monday to Saturday and hope the wind is in the right direction. The wind direction really affects the oven temperature. Ideally we want an easterly or westerly wind as when it’s coming from the north or south the oven temperature seems to go through the roof. We have had it up as high as 800oF. That’s quite scary as we end up burning the bread! There are some huge industrial mixers around the bakery - what quantity of loaves can you produce in one batch? A mixer can make approximately 180 loaves of bread at one mixing.

If I was catering for a large family party or school event, is it possible to pre-order bread from the bakery? We are always quite happy to fulfil any orders for large parties and are open to ideas. We make a really good focaccia on huge trays and these are very popular for larger numbers.

If the infamous Paul Hollywood turned up at the bakery, which of your products would you offer him? I would stick with something simple and delicious like a loaf of our Granary Multiseed bread and tell him to grab some good quality local butter and cheese to go with it. And lastly, how many Hot Cross buns did you make over the Easter period this year? It was more than 6,000!

• If you would like to taste some of the delicious bakery products that Kerry Asker and his team are creating daily at Askers Bakery, then pop into the shop at 5 Red Lion Street, PE9 1PA. Or for special orders contact The Bakery at King’s Mill Lane, Stamford, PE9 2QS. Telephone 01780 481933. STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment this month. Monday 2 to Saturday 14 May 10am to 4pm EXHIBITION: Welland Valley Art Society This annual Spring Exhibition showcases the work of around fifty regional amateur and professional artists. Most work is for sale with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Stamford Arts Centre Admission is free.

Tuesday 3 May, 12.30pm EVENT: Literature at Lunchtime with Dr Jane MacKay The subject will be George Orwell’s ‘1984’, a terrifying vision, written in 1948, about how totalitarianism might take over our decent British lives. In his novel Big Brother really is watching us and Room 101 is far more than a game show. Now that we are beyond that date, how much has his vision been accurate and how near are we to being controlled in thought and deed? Stamford Theatre Tickets £6.50 Tel: 01780 763203 www. stamfordartscentre.com Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 May MUSICAL THEATRE: Legally Blonde The Musical The tale of Elle Woods arrives in a positively pink tale of love and determination. A collaborative production featuring some of the team from Stamford’s Wildcats Post 16 Academy, this fabulously fun musical is based on the much loved ‘Legally Blonde.’ With an original score of unforgettable songs, follow Elle as she pursues her dreams and sets out to prove herself to the world. The Key Theatre, Peterborough Tickets £14/£17 Tel: 01733 207239 www.vivacitypeterborough.com

Sunday 1 and Monday 2 May EVENT: Scarecrow Weekend A traditional event featuring ‘Around the World’ themed scarecrows as part of a trail around the village with prizes to be won. Visitors will also find classic cars, homemade refreshments, pets, ponies, white elephants, stalls, books, crafts, face painting, car boot sale, maypole dancing, a flypast and much more. Uffington Village £5 per car, £2.50 on foot. All proceeds to village charities.

Friday 6 May, 7pm to 8pm TALK: Meditations for a Stress Free Life Buddhist nun, Gen Nyingpo, has 20 years’ experience of teaching meditation and her talk will demonstrate how meditation makes our mind peaceful, free from worries and mental discomfort. With a calm mind we develop a fresh approach to stress and difficulties; essential skills for life. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £6 Tel: 01780 763203 or www. stamfordartscentre.com Sunday 8 May, 10am to 4pm EVENT: Stamford Garden and Food Fair Now in its fourth year this is a free to enter community event and family fun day, designed to offer something for all the family. Whether you are a keen gardener, beginner or expert, the show aims to provide entertainment and an opportunity to stock up on plants and garden supplies for the 2016 season. Also allows you to stock up your kitchen cabinets with local produce direct from local suppliers. Plant stalls, games, food stalls, garden supplies and Adnams Beer Tent. Stamford Meadows Thursday 12 May, 7.30pm EVENT: Annual General Meeting Stamford Historical Society hold their AGM and invite anyone interested in joining or finding out more about the society to come and join them. Refreshments from 7pm. All are welcome. Methodist Church Rooms, Barn Hill STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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Garden Open Day

Milton Hall (Peterborough PE6 7AH)

By kind permission of Sir Philip and Lady Isabella Naylor-Leyland

Sunday 8th May 2016 In conjunction with

MILTON SHOW Gardens open from 11am – 4pm. Lakeside Walk – Formal Walled Garden – Kitchen Garden Plant Stall

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Friday 20 to Sunday 22 May EVENT: Rockingham International Horse Trials Set in the beautiful Great Park overlooking the Welland Valley, the course designed by Philip Herbert, has been enhanced to create an even more varied and exciting course for eventers and spectators alike. A cross country course of the highest standard, dressage, show jumping, entertainment for children, animals, falconry, fun dog show as well as a selection of trade stands, a bar and catering. Rockingham Castle Gate prices per car: Friday £10, Saturday and Sunday £15. Weekend ticket (3 days) £30 per adult. Children under 16 years are admitted free. No additional parking charge. www. rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com Saturday 21 May, from 7pm EVENT: Comedy Evening A fantastic evening of laughter brought to you by four professional comedians. Full bar and food available to purchase. Greetham Community Centre Tickets £10 per person from The Plough, The Wheatsheaf or the Village Shop Saturday 21 May, 7pm for 7.30pm TALK: By ‘Harpur’s Jewellers’ of Oundle Nigel will talk about the history of his family jewellery and antique business, his years as a drummer in a band and being a qualified goldsmith making exquisite bespoke pieces. Proceeds to church funds. Cotterstock Village Hall Tickets £8 available from Harpur’s, 5A West Street Oundle Tel: 01832 274050 Tuesday 24 May, 7pm FAMILY THEATRE: Shakespeare Untold The stories you know from the characters you don’t. This family-friendly double-bill comes from London’s world-renowned venue, Shakespeare’s Globe. In ‘Romeo Untold’, the story of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet is retold through the eyes of the Capulet Ball’s party planner. ‘Titus Untold’ retells Shakespeare’s goriest tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Titus’s pie maker. These shows premiered to great critical and popular acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, and are now touring internationally. Rediscover two Shakespearean classics together in just two hours including an interval. Stamford Theatre Tickets £14/£10 students Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com Friday 27 May, 8pm COMEDY: Jeremy Hardy – Live Tour Jeremy Hardy begins his fourth decade as a stand-up this year. That’s a more dramatic way of saying he started 32 years ago and, without a lottery win, probably has at least another 32

Saturday 11 June, Gates from 5pm IN CONCERT: Bryan Ferry Bryan Ferry will perform on the outdoor stage at Burghley Park this summer. From his earliest recordings with his group Roxy Music, at the beginning of the 1970s, Bryan Ferry has taken his place as one of the most iconic and innovative singers and lyricists to emerge in popular music. See him perform popular hits such as Lets Stick Together, Slave to Love, and Don’t Stop the Dance. Burghley Park Tickets £39.50 at www.livepromotionsconcerts.co.uk or Tel: 01775 768661

years to go. Last year, the tenth series of Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation was broadcast on Radio 4. He is also well known for his appearances on The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £14 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk BOOK EARLY FOR…. Sunday 5 June, from 8am EVENT: Rutland Agricultural Society’s 184th Annual County Show Once again Rutland can expect their county show to offer all the best elements of rural living spiced up with some breath taking arena displays. Held at the new, purpose built showground at Barleythorpe, near Oakham the show is an essential family day out offering first class value for money. The packed agenda includes hands-on wildlife interactions, arts and crafts, fabulous food and farming produce, trade and agricultural stands, a licensed bar and refreshment tents, livestock showing classes, show jumping and a display of vintage and classic cars and farm machinery. Booking and all information at www.rutlandcountyshow.co.uk Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 June, 7.30pm (Saturday matinee only 2.30pm) MUSICAL THEATRE: Sister Act Award winning Stamford Amateur Musical Society will perform their version of the 1992 hit film. The show tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and is put in protective custody in the last place anyone would think to look – a convent. This family-friendly, feel-good musical comedy show is packed with infectious numbers inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £13.50/£12 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING MAY 2016

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