Stamford Living October 2013

HELPING

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MOST

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STAMFORD LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH

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BEAUTY/HOME

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LIVING

LOCALLY

CELEBR

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

RITAIN!

GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

Autumn fashion choices Gardening with Adam Frost 10 local food heroes

W W W. B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K

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£1.50 OCTOBER 2013

@LocalLivingUK 19/9/13 13:10:36

planning a move

this Autumn?

Straight forward, straight talking professional advice and local knowledge

from your estate agent If you are contemplating selling or letting your property and would like some expert advice on the current market conditions, call your local office today for your free, up-to-date market appraisal 3 Red Lion Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PA Telephone: 01780 76506 0 Fax: 0844 822 3779 Email: mailroom@knightpartnership.com Web: www.knightpartnership.com 2

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S TA M FOR D LIVING

M

y sister Clare and her husband Brian have just come back from a 17-year circumnavigation of the globe in their yacht Lantana Camara. Now you might say what took them so long, but they did it very thoroughly, spending substantial time in almost every country they visited. It became their life and it suited their passion and characters incredibly well. They experienced many downs as well as ups (including being hit by an iceberg in Alaska and an unmanned 200-tonne barge in Australia), but they have now finally returned safe and still full of energy for future projects.

We all need our passion in life, and for each of us it will be something different (not for me four hour shifts of sleep and look-out as you cross an ocean). At this time of year we often think of trying out something new.

Any time you start something is the right time, it’s never too late. The satisfaction is in being the best you can be. So why not dust down those plans, sort out those tools, put on those dancing shoes, pick up those paintbrushes, maybe even unfurl a jib and get going!? You might find yourself on the best 17-year voyage of your life.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

OCTOBER CONTENTS

W W W . B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K UPDATES, SHOPPING 5

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 11 12

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

Fashion: In the Pink Health & Beauty: Treatments under £20 Health & Beauty: Gerard’s 21st birthday

HOME, GARDEN, MOTORING AND TRAVEL 22 27 29 30 43

12 HEALTH & BEAUTY: GERARD’S 21st!

Design trends: Cosying up for Winter Home & Garden Updates: H-Works, Bentley Building, The Belton Garden Centre, GreenThumb Gardening with Adam Frost Travel: Spotlight on the Northern Lights Property: Cromwell Lodge, on the market with Chesterton Humberts

FOOD & DRINK 32 37 40 43 44

Eating Out: Festive Menus Olive Branch recipe: Rarebit Food & Drink: Harvest Memories Catering: ScumDubbly Food & Drink: Ten Local Food Heroes

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS 17 19 21 25 30

@LocalLivingUK

Updates: Chalk Interiors, Fitted Furniture Company, John Lewis Late Night Opening, The Oculist

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29 GARDENiNG WiTH ADAM FROST

Day Out: The Shorelink Bus Day Out: The Little Bytham Spinney Project Perspectives: Nutting and Hopping at Burghley Community Support: The Evergreen Trust, a new footpath from Pilsgate, Rutland Sailability event Learning: Big Biology Day in Stamford, Sport Matters at Bourne Grammar School What’s On

PEOPLE & PLACES 51 62

Ask Leo: Memorials Stamford People: David Pennell, Burghley House Estate Director

32 EATiNG OUT: FESTiVE MENUS

COVER: AUTUMN COLOURS PHOTO BY SHAHiD KHAN Jules Correction Apologies to Julie for the incorrect credit in last month’s issue of SL. Credit on Page 6 should have read: - Tan wool Jacket £265, tan suede boots with snaffle £ 295 both from Jules by The Riverside.

Tel: 01780 755948 Esprit shirt £30 from Attic, jeans from Energy.

SUBSCRIBE TO STAMFORD LIVING For only £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Stamford Living for a year (12 issues).

Please send your name, address and a cheque made out to Local Living Ltd to: SL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY Or you can subscribe via the website at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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The Wicked Witch...

The perfect place for your festive celebrations Whether you are looking for a unique venue to spend your Christmas Day or for your party destination over Christmas and New Year, The Wicked Witch is ready and waiting to ensure you are treated to an exciting food and drink experience set in a cosy Christmas atmosphere.

Christmas Party Set Menu 2013 Begin…

Butternut Squash Ravioli Confit duck & braised onions

Pigeon, Hazelnut & Ham Terrine Cranberry chutney & hazelnut brioche

Watercress Veloute

Savoury Stilton doughnuts, walnut nougatine

Ballotine of Salmon

Caviar, potato salad & fennel cress

Caramelised Beetroot Tart

Horseradish soft goat’s cheese & marinated figs

Middle…

Roast Monkfish Sage & onion stuffing, Lyonnaise potato, honey roast parsnip cone

Roulade of Turkey

Roast potatoes, cranberry roll, braised Brussel sprouts & chestnut fricassee

Barbary Duck Breast

Pressed leg, blackberries, chestnuts & potato crisp

Red Wine Braised Chicken

Roasted onion, dauphinoise potato puree & crispy ham

Pan Fried Brill

Crispy risotto, wild mushroom & salt baked celeriac

End…

Christmas Pudding Brandy cream & vanilla ice cream

Lemon Cheesecake

Gooseberry jam & gooseberry sorbet

Apple & Ginger Doughnuts Cinnamon parfait & maple syrup

Fig & Almond Sponge

Chestnut praline & frangipane crumble

Christmas Day Wednesday 25th December 2013 Amuse Bouche…

Chestnut, Leek & Potato Veloute

Begin…

Rabbit, Pistachio & Foie Gras Terrine Carrot pesto & toasted pistachios

Crab & Lobster Ravioli

Buttered spinach & caviar butter sauce

Potato, Red Pepper & Goat’s Cheese Roulade Marinated courgettes & pine nuts

Smoked Salmon Terrine

Caper vinaigrette & cream cheese toast

Middle…

Roast Rib of Local Beef Yorkshire pudding, honey roast vegetables

Salt Baked Breast of Turkey

Stuffed leg & traditional accompaniments

Venison Wellington

Date tortellini, pickled red cabbage & chocolate jus

Pan Fried Sea Bass

Salsify, dauphinoise potato & red wine shallots

Pre dessert…

Champagne Granite

End...

Christmas Pudding Brandy butter & vanilla ice cream

Rum & Raisin Cheesecake Blackberry jelly

Crystallised Fruits & berries

Rich Chocolate & Praline Yule Log

Rum baba & crème fraiche

Mincemeat pannacotta

£30 for 2 courses £35 for 3 courses

Frangipane baked apples

The set menu is available to all guests, all we require is a full pre order 48 hours prior to reservation date

Sherry Trifle

Coffee & Petit Fours £80 A deposit will be required

New Years Eve at The Wicked Witch

A Black tie dinner, 7 course gourmet tasting menu and live music will see our guests into 2014. £80 per head.

As it is a very busy period please ensure you call to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

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01780 763649 www.ryhallwitch.co.uk The Wicked Witch, Bridge Street, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HH 18/09/2013 19:57

UPD ATES

Fitted Furniture Company

“I

t was completely unexpected, a total surprise, but obviously we are extremely proud and honoured” Says Jason Nicholls from The Fitted Furniture Company on being presented with not only best stand within a pavilion, but also the overall award for the best trade stand at the 2013 Burghley Horse Trials.

Although in their twenty second year specialising in creating beautiful bespoke furniture, this was the company’s first showcase at Burghley, and it couldn’t have been a more fitting debut. Whether it is individually designed kitchens, bedrooms, and studies or producing standalone pieces such as the stunning Elizabethan cook’s cupboard and practical Capability Island, the company’s enthusiasm for furniture shines through.

“We love creating rooms that work for modern family life,” says Jason. “For example, the way we use our kitchens has changed over time. They are no longer just practical spaces for cooking, but places to socialise and to spend time as a family.”

“Our passion is in creating rooms that not only look great, but are functional on a day to day basis, using thoughtful design, and practical touches. All of our pieces are completely hand crafted, from the solid traditional cabinetry to the brush-painted finishes, which are then incorporated with the latest innovative furniture technology”.

Based in their workshop in Easton-onthe Hill, Jason and his team of craftsmen work closely with their clients from initial concept and design through to the final installation, which they undertake personally.

• The Fitted Furniture Company, Racecourse Farm, Racecourse Road, Easton-on-the-hill, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 3NT Tel: 01780 480080 www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com

Chalk Interiors

Are reading spectacles a thing of the past?

For those of you who have been lucky enough to have good sight for many years but now have the need for reading glasses (or longer arms!) It can become increasingly frustrating taking your spectacles on and off or perching them on the end of your nose We spoke to Emma Woolner from The Oculist Opticians to find out what options are available. “Simple reading glasses are great if you are only focusing at a set distance, if you need to see closer or further away the clarity is often compromised. As many of us now spend many hours working at a computer, we need a greater range of clear vision. The SEIKO COMPUTER Xtra lens offers clear vision from 30cm up to 2m – the perfect solution for demanding visual requirements in the near and intermediate zones. I also recommend the SEIKO INDOOR for customers who need a greater range of vision (up to 4m). As the name suggests this lens is perfect for people who need their spectacles for indoor use; board meetings, cooking and watching TV for example. Both these lenses offer exceptional fields of view, providing natural comfortable vision for all occupational and lifestyle needs.”

• The Oculist Opticians, Westgate Arcade, Peterborough, PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 555621 www.theoculist.com

Chalk Interiors is a small but growing business based at the Stamford Garden Centre. As well as stocking a range of beautiful gifts and Right: Lifestyle single furniture, they are also a stockist of Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paint by vision reading lens.

Annie Sloan. As one of the UK’s largest retailers of the Annie Sloan Below: The SEIKO paint range, Chalk Interiors uses the paint to create many of their COMPUTER Xtra lens. vintage style pieces. Stamford is the perfect location for this type of shop and the team really values being located in a town with such a great variety of boutique shops.

Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan is very easy to use but call in to the shop or give them a ring to get some tips and advice. You can always sign up for an Annie Sloan Workshop where you will learn a wide range of techniques to create different finishes with the paints and waxes.

To read about how to achieve different looks, refer to the website at www.chalkinteriors.com where you can also browse the products and see pictures of pieces of furniture painted in the beautiful colours. The shop has always got furniture that has been lovingly brought back to life so you can see first hand what the finish is like once a piece has been “Annie Sloan’d”!

Annie Sloan also has a beautiful range of fabrics and Chalk Interiors now runs a new, two hour workshop where you will make your own lampshade, giving you a cost effective way of creating a stunning finish to any room in your house.

To complement the range of plants at the Stamford Garden Centre, Chalk Interiors also stock a range of amazing artificial plants. These high quality plants are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing and ideal Open until 8pm every Thursday and Friday from Thursday 3 October. for anyone who wants a perfect looking garden for 12 months of the year or for brightening up To launch its late Friday opening, John Lewis is celebrating with an in-store event any home. on Friday 4 October from 5.30pm (at which time parking in Queensgate will be free for The Chalk team look forward to seeing you this event). soon!

This will include: Fashion workshops; Beauty demonstrations; Live music; Chocolate and • Chalk Interiors, Stamford Garden Centre, wine tastings; Waitrose food tastings Stamford, PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 752414

John Lewis Late Night Opening

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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19/9/13 13:18:58

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

Kitchen Industry National Award for Customer Service, 2011 I can supply your dream kitchen from drawing board through to installation by a team of highly qualified and experienced craftsmen.Great brands at good prices from a business with 30 years experience. Let our team fulfil your dream.

Ring or visit Mark for his personal attention.

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

01780 482892

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

Sack Store Award Winning Shop And Cafe

www.sackstore.co.uk Massive savings on high street prices

AUTUMN SALE

Guaranteed lowest prices • Tiles sale – up to

50% off

•

most stoves beating website prices (Hetas registered) Over 150 display models

own imports 1,000,000 tiles in stock

•

10% off

Farrow & Ball paint While stocks last - over 1,200 tins

25% off

• Up to 50%

off

sofas and chairs – including Duresta All made in England

Award winning café Open 7 days a week Main course from £5.50

½ price drink with this advert

STRESS FREE PARKING Helpful customer service

Sack Store Ltd, Old Sack Store, Spalding Road, Boston, PE21 8EA

Email sales@sackstore.co.uk Tel: 01205 310101

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FASHION

pink In the

Fashion designers have gone crazy for pink in all its hues, from the palest blush to the deeper ruby wine shades, a good transitional colour as the days get cooler moving into Autumn.

Sally Stillingfleet finds colour in all styles, supports Breast Cancer Awareness month this October and shows how to add a pop of pink to darker days

Pink and grey polka dot blouse by Nice Things £50 Pink sweater by Great Plains £70 Grey skinny jeans by Mac £100 Grey shoe-boots £150 all from Attic

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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Above: Seersucker blouse by isabel Marant £100 Black skirt by YSL £90 both from Arch Label Agency Black shoe-boots £160 by Manas from Attic Right: Long top £30 and lacey leopard print top £60 both by Postcard from Brighton from Energy.

Ruby coloured skinny jeans by Mac £100 from Attic

Dark red vest by American Vintage £35 from Attic textured jacket by Mathew Williamson £250 Black Leather jeggings by Joseph £250 Patent deep coral handbag by Miu Miu £350 all from Arch Label Agency Patent boots £125 from Marcia May Shoes StockiStS: Attic, 01780 766667 www.atticfashion.co.uk Arch Label Agency, 01780 764746, www.archlabelagency.com Energy, 01780 765633, www.energy-clothing.com Marcia May Shoes, 01780 766608 • With thanks to our amazing model, Trish Hudson. Find Trish at Windmill Wheels www.windmillwheels.co.uk or Oakham Cycle Centre www.Oakhamcyclecentre.co.uk for all your cycling fashion needs • Neeta at Flawless Faces for the make-up, Red Lion Square Tel. 0844 9993365 • Our brilliant photographer – Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk 07932 055548 STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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HEALT H & B E A U T Y

AFFORDABLE INDULGENCE Genevieve Potter has sourced six fantastic beauty treatments for October, all of which cost £20 or less – perfect for some guilt-free pampering.

ASEMBO Visit Asembo’s luxurious beauty rooms to experience a 30-minute back exfoliation and massage for £20. The relaxing massage is tailored to address any specific areas of concern and uses the most appropriate techniques along with a wonderfully potent ESPA body oil to soothe the senses.

BROWNS If summer left your hair feeling stressed and dry, the perfect pick me up is available from Browns. For just £20 you can book a shampoo and blow-dry which includes the Kérastase Fusio treatment.

A strand of your hair is tested prior to shampooing and then a small dose of treatment is used – this is a personalised combination according to the needs of your hair, whether to smooth, add volume, hydrate or to restore elasticity. Your hair will instantly feel transformed with restored vitality and movement; and the results last up to six washes.

EQUILIBRIUM Equilibrium is offering Stamford Living readers perfect to give those pasty winter limbs some warmth and colour, and for three great offers this October: the perfect finishing touch, express Jessica Geleration Nails, which dry Book a ‘Juice’ manicure or pedicure for just £18 each - bursting with instantly and can last for up to two to three weeks, are also available for natural fruit extracts and moisturisers, the treatment comprises a file and just £19. paint along with either a hand and arm or foot massage.

A Fish Pedicure and paint for £20 - treat your feet and toes to an STAMFORD BEAUTY instant lift with this quick fix; commencing with a Fish Pedicure, followed It’s all about the eyes at Stamford Beauty during October; book an by a file and paint with a fabulous Autumn OPI colour. eyebrow shape and tint for just £10 (normally Bring two friends for a famous St Tropez £16) and you can upgrade to also include spray tan and the three of you pay just £20 DIRECTORY an eyelash tint too, for a total price of £20 each – perfect preparation for a girls’ night Asembo (normally £27) – your treatment will be out.

20 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2HN finished with a waterproof eyebrow powder Tel: 01780 765337 www.asembo.co.uk to provide a perfectly groomed, natural look.

FLAWLESS FACES Browns Hairdressing Brilliant for low-maintenance eyes!

At Flawless Faces (above Brown’s 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ Hairdressing), the team is offering a raft of Tel: 0844 999 3365 www.browns-hair.co.uk EMMA CANNINGS beauty bargains for you to enjoy during the Emma Cannings Rather than neglecting your feet now that month of October.

Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, Stamford, summer has passed, why not keep up the A mini Décleor facial costs £20 – PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 766583 good work with a mini Jessica pedicure at giving you the ideal opportunity to try www.emmacannings.co.uk Emma Cannings for just £20 during October. the products and see what a difference Equilibrium Your feet will feel truly pampered and they make to your complexion – in just Equilibrium - 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE your only dilemma will be choosing one of 30 minutes your skin will be left feeling Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk Jessica’s rich autumn colours, for a glossy hydrated, glowing and smooth. www.facebook.com/equilibriumstamford and glamorous finish.

Try Neeta’s famous high definition Flawless Faces flawless brows for just £19 – Neeta tailor3 Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ ALL OFFERS LISTED ARE VALID FOR makes the technique to give the most Tel: 0844 999 3365 www.flawlessfaces.co.uk THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2013 – natural, yet well-defined brow, or you need Stamford Beauty & Nail Boutique PLEASE QUOTE STAMFORD LIVING AT more basic eyebrow threading or waxing, 15 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP THE TIME OF BOOKING you can book an eyebrow tidy for just £7.50.

Tel: 01780 757108 www.stamfordbeauty.com Fake Bake spray tans cost just £19,

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

21 years of making Stamford beautiful

Jayne Chandler and the Gerard team

Genevieve Potter chats to Jayne Chandler, owner of Gerard, on 21 years successful trading and how hairdressing never stands still

G

erard nestles within the picturesque George Hotel Mews and, at a first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that the salon is as genteel as its surroundings. Step through the door, however and it’s instantly obvious that Gerard is a buzzing, modern enterprise, which manages to combine laid back luxury with the friendliest of welcomes.

Jayne grew up with a singleminded ambition to be a hairdresser and own her own business; starting as a Saturday girl aged 14 at Ivor Lewis in Peterborough (the “Vidal Sassoon of the area”), she learnt her trade early and began an apprenticeship with the salon the moment she was old enough to start college. Having mastered her trade, when the opportunity to take on Gerard was stumbled upon 21 years ago, she knew there was no looking back.

I asked Jayne how hairdressing had changed over two decades: “Competition is much more intense and you really do have to be at the top of your game to succeed. Twenty years ago, hair styles were much more “off the peg”, but now it is all about treating each and every client as a true individual, with precise styling and bespoke colour – that’s challenging, but it makes it more fun!”

Gerard is the only Aveda salon in Stamford.

Aveda is a brand which was one of the first

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has quickly gathered a cult to tap in to the consumer’s following; as it really does, desire to connect beauty with well, fix stress!). Manicures and caring for the environment and pedicures can also be carried out well-being, using up to 95% during hair treatments and all naturally-derived ingredients clients are offered a wonderful which are gentle to the skin but complimentary head and hand still deliver exceptional results. massage.

Jayne and the team are Helen Walton, who has been evangelical about Aveda and a client of Jayne’s for several their exceptional training; years, summed up why Gerard travelling regularly deserves to be celebrating: to their London “Nothing comes between me head office they and my six-weekly appointment most recently Helen Walton at Gerard! I totally trust Jayne learned about to do whatever is appropriate “balayage” – which for my hair; I just tell her what I’m up to and is a French technique for adding whether I want to look more business-like or the most natural, customised casual and she works her magic. colour. The colour is literally swept “There is a real sense of serenity about the on to the hair rather than put in place, but it’s also really time-efficient for me foils, adding as much or little as because I can get my nails or brows done at required – a secret that French the same time. I never feel impatient when I am women have been keeping for here; it’s just always such a great experience.” years! Balayage launches this To help Jayne and the team month in Gerard. celebrate 21 years of success, Jayne also told me about another recent they are offering 21% off all Aveda breakthrough – the Invati system. highlights (including balayage) “This is a brilliant range of products and when you book a cut and blowtreatments to combat thinning hair – something dry during October 2013. New that 53% of women in the UK are concerned customers will also receive an about. It is scientifically proven to reduce hair Aveda goody-bag. loss by 33% and is based on Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The products include natural Gerard Hair and Beauty ingredients such as organic turmeric and George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 2LB ginseng and are sulphate-free – we are seeing Tel: 01780 753002 great results.” www.gerardhair-beauty.co.uk Over recent years Gerard have also (Jayne is currently recruiting for an addition developed their beauty offering, with a tranquil to the Gerard team, please see the website treatment room where clients can make the for details) most of their visit (the “Stress Fix” pedicure

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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OCTOBER OFFERS

October Offer

Full head highlights, cut & blow dry for £45 (with Jess only) - Please bring voucher.

Offer expires 31st Oct 2013. T&C apply.

Vacancy available for Senior Stylist – please call for details

Like our Facebook page for current offers.

Wella salon

1A Iron Mongers St. Stamford, PE9 2PL T: 01780 757070

• 20% off all massage including Clarins, Elemis and Indian Head • Book a colour with Laura or Natalie and receive a 1/2 price cut and blow dry Also now available at Maples • Sports Massage with Jonny Hands Appointments available in salon on Mondays • Wrinkle Relaxing (Botox) clinics with Caroline, a Harley street trained registered nurse - Ring the salon for more information PLEASE GO TO OUR FACE BOOK PAGE FOR ALL OTHER OFFERS AND TWITTER

DO YOU HAVE SORE, PAINFUL, EMBARRASSING FEET? “Your First Step p To Healthy Feet”

Chiropodist / Podiatrist Mrs Susan Lester is fully qualified and registered with the Health Care Professions Council (formally HPC) with a 3 year degree in podiatric medicine and based at Premiere Podiatry Clinic, Carlby, Stamford, Lincs.

Our aim is to treat any painful condition with an empathic gentle touch. Its all about keeping you on your feet, and keeping you mobile, active and happy.

Treatments available: • Verruca, nail and skin infections, including athletes foot • Cracked Heels • Routine nail cutting, corns and hard skin removal • Ingrowing toe nails (many can be managed conservatively) • Nail surgery with local anaesthetic, only performed after an initial assessment (partial or full removal of nail) • Thick difficult or fungal nails • Diabetic foot care and education • Foot or heel pain • Children’s feet • Arthritic feet • Biomechanical assessment and gait analysis • Orthotics (corrective insoles)

FREE FOOT HEALTH ADVICE

Tel: 01778 590 107, Mob: 0788 Te 881815800 forr an appointme ment or for your ur Free ot Health Check. k. It will be thee best step you take!

Foot FREE PARKING AT CLINIC

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

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

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

Johan Truter

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

Child and Adolescent Specialty. EMDR Practitioner

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE Church Street Practice, Melton Mowbray LE13 0PN 13

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

Stand By Hairdressing At certain times of the day we have special Stand By prices from £20.

Includes consultation, Shaitsu head massage, personal recommendations and advice on how to style your hair at home.

Tel: 0844 999 3365 Please note that this service operates on availability and therefore, we are unable to specify a stylist. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ www.browns-hair.co.uk 14

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THE SPECIALISTS IN OUTDOOR CLOTHING AND WELLIEBOOTS

www.barnack.co.uk

tel:

01780 740115

Barnack, Stamford. PE9 3DY 2 miles from Burghley House Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm

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Exceptional Eyecare

• Thorough 40 minute eye examination • Digital retinal photography • All glaucoma checks • Lifestyle, tailored eye examination • Contact lenses and aftercare • Top quality lenses & coatings

Specialist Eyewear

• Handmade from top-quality materials • Intelligently engineered • Bespoke • Frames from 1.2 grams • Designer • Wraparound prescription sunglasses

GIVE YOU R EY E A TR EAT, S VISIT THE OCU LIST

Service

• Honest advice • Personal service • Digital photography to compare frames • Digital Dispensing • Fabulous coffee!

24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1PY T- 01733555621 W www.theoculist.com

NEW AUTUMN/WINTER CLOTHING Get ready for winter with our new autumn/winter ranges.

The biggest & best cycling clothing brands on offer to keep you warm during your rides.

RUTLANDCYCLING: BULL BRIGG LANE, RUTLAND WATER, WHITWELL, RUTLAND LE15 8BL - 01780 460705 GIANT-RUTLAND: NORMANTON CAR PARK, RUTLAND WATER, EDITH WESTON, RUTLAND LE15 8HD - 01780 720888 FINESHADE CYCLING: TOP LODGE, FINESHADE WOODS, NR . CORBY NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, NN17 3BB - 01780 440899

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D AYS OUT

10 STOPS AROUND THE WATER Nicholas Rudd-Jones went on a magical mystery tour around Rutland Water on the Rutland SHORELink, the hop-on, hop-off bus and was mightily impressed

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utland County Council launched the Shorelink Bus service earlier this year to connect Oakham and Uppingham with Rutland Water. It offers a regular hourly service around the water to locals and tourists alike, and is ideal for exploring one of the most beautiful spots in the country without a car, stopping at all the points of visitor interest around the water.

I started my journey at Oakham Railway Station and bought a one-day pass that allowed me to use the bus whenever and wherever I wanted anytime that day. I decided to take the tour all the way around. Getting on the bus I met a grandmother and her granddaughter, Oakham residents on their way to the Rockblok (for the granddaughter) and a cup of coffee (for granny). Also there was a bicyclist who had come off his bike and had to be patched up at Oakham Hospital. He was now on his way back to pick up his bike at Normanton. As we went around, other passengers got on, including a couple camping at Lyndon High Top who had a camper van and wanted to use public transport to get around. They had used it every day and sung its praises. Also there were some locals getting on at Manton to go shopping in Uppingham.

The trip itself was a pleasure. The views of the water are great, giving much better visibility than you would get from a car; there’s no driving stress; people on the bus are very friendly and swapping advice on the best places to go; and there’s ample space for bikes and any other paraphernalia.

Stop 1: Barnsdale Gardens www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk A wonderful collection of mini-gardens (and some not so small!), that are not only lovely to see, but potentially a great inspiration for your own plot. I am not a knowledgable gardener, but there is plenty of information provided, a wellstocked nursery, and helpful staff. The coffee shop is excellent, with delicious salads etc and scrumptious cakes.

Stop 2: Whitwell Harbour Get off here for the Rutland Belle, the Harbour Café, Whitwell Watersports, the Cycle Shop and the Rockblok. There is so much to do here, you will probably want to pause here for at least a couple of hours and catch a later bus.

Stop 3: Sykes Lane Here you will find the newly refurbished visitor centre, an excellent adventure playground and plenty of space for picnicking. Walking across the dam also make a nice short walk if it’s not too windy.

Stop 4: Empingham www.whitehorserutland.co.uk

Maybe you fancy a spot of lunch at the excellent White Horse which, under new ownership this year, offers excellent food and hospitality.

Tell them you need to be on the bus again in an hour (it goes right past the door) and I’m sure they will oblige.

Stop 5: Normanton Get off here for the Fishing Lodge, Bike Hire & store, an Italian restaurant even (L’Incontro)!

And there is a lovely short walk alongside the water to Normanton Church, which was saved from flooding when the reservoir was created.

An hour’s break would be ideal for that.

Stop 6: Edith Weston This is your stop if you want to go down to the Rutland Sailing Club. It’s also a good start-point for a walk along the quieter southern shore in either direction.

Stop 7: Lyndon Get off here is you’re staying at the Lyndon Top campsite, fancy a round of golf or PYO strawberries.

This is also the stop for the famous Lyndon Nature Reserve Visitor Centre.

The centre features the live Osprey camera as well as fantastic new displays looking at the relationship between weather and wildlife, with specific sections on weather, climate change and phenology. There is lots of good

information about the nature reserve at www. rutlandwater.org.uk Stop 8: Uppingham Uppingham would always win the ‘perfect small town’ award – it is so beautiful, and there is so much going on here. Stop off for a coffee or to explore the High St. The bus stops in North St, and it is just a oneminute cut through to the High St; or go round by the traffic lights and pop into the delightful Goldmark Gallery to be inspired by some prints or pottery.

Stop 9: Egleton (the stops are less frequent here - check timetable) Stopping off point for the incomparable Egleton Nature Reserve, also the site of the worldfamous Bird Fair each August.

Stop 10: Oakham On the way back why not stop on the High St and browse the shops. Whatever time of day and whether you want a drink, a snack or a meal, Otters Deli at the end of Mill St is a perfect spot. Or if you want to sit outside in a charming garden, try the Castle Cottage Café, just off the Market Square, All in all a thoroughly worthwhile service for anyone, local or visiting, who wants to enjoy all the pleasures of Rutland Water without the hassle of driving and parking charges.

More details: • The service operates 7 days a week, including Sunday and Bank Holidays, between 9am and 7pm.

• For timetable information visit www.rutland. gov.uk/shorelink • For tourism information visit www.discoverrutland.co.uk • Please note that there are other stops along the way in addition to the ten mentioned, please consult the timetable.

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ACT IVIT IE S

TALES FROM THE SPINNEY Tucked away in woodland near Little Bytham, just north of Stamford, there is a magical place where children’s imaginations can come alive. Sheena Harvey joined in the fun

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etween the tall trees, among the leafy bushes and hidden round every turn of the winding woodland trails at the Spinney there are slides, swings, climbing webs, a wobbly bridge, a zip wire and a lookout tower. There are hillocks to run down and glades for picnics. There’s a place for a campfire, and all sorts of hidey-holes for dens.

“The Spinney is the antithesis of sitting in front of a computer,” says Patrick Candler, who conceived the play area. “Here children – and parents – can run free and wild and have a great time. I’m a farmer’s son and I remember whiling away happy days in a wood in Suffolk. That’s why I’m so keen on adventure play. These days, the Spinney is as open a place for that as you can get.”

The story of the Spinney began in the late 90s. Just at the time when the Millennium Commission was inviting bids to fund all sorts of commemorative schemes to mark the new century, Patrick was Chair of the Friends of Bythams School (FOBS), the parent/teacher association. The FOBS’ bid for a play area fitted the Commission’s criteria so well they awarded it £67,800.

Once the land had been bought, landscape architect Don Munro drew up a basic design and the present site manager, Judith Smith, lent her skills in agronomy and environmental science. Historically, clay had been extracted from the site to make bricks, so the area was full of natural hills and hollows, although now quite overgrown.

In January 2003 the diggers arrived to create an access route from the main road, a car park and the first picnic area. Then volunteers moved in to clear the undergrowth and thin the trees. They planted native species to increase diversity, and natural hedging to screen the site from the road. Because the area is bounded on one side by the East Coast mainline, Network Rail was approached about a barrier to the railway.

“They came up with some really robust metal fencing,” says Patrick. “It gave us what has to be the securest bit of line between London and Edinburgh!”

For the rest of the project the Trust tried as far as possible to use goods, labour and expertise from local sources.

“We wanted the whole community to be involved,” says Patrick. “We held consultation meetings around the area, and we continue to consult with local kids and interpret their requests as best we can.”

In 2011 the Trust got a large lottery grant to buy equipment suitable for older children. Other, smaller grants over time have contributed to

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many features that make the Spinney fun and accessible to all, including wheelchairs and buggies. All told to date, more than £200,000 has been raised.

Once the play areas were finished, the Trust created a heritage orchard with indigenous Lincolnshire fruit trees, including an apple from Isaac Newton’s home, Woolsthorpe.

Two weekend mornings a month volunteers meet at the Spinney to do routine maintenance and tidying. “We’re always pleased to welcome extra helpers,” says Patrick. “No particular skills are required, just a willingness to muck in.

We’ve had a fantastic 10 years so far but the site is subject to wear and tear and we’re keen to keep it looking good.”

The latest phase has seen children from Bythams School making a sensory garden and the acquisition of a 3.9 acre plot next to the woods to create a wildflower meadow.

“The meadow’s open for everyone to enjoy,” says Patrick.

“It’ll take between three and five years to come to maturity, but then it will be good for bugs, bees, birds… and people.”

There are few rules at the Spinney. “Our philosophy is: do as you please, run and climb and dig, have picnics and parties, but please respect the place,” says Patrick.

Even grown-ups can enjoy sliding down the zip wire or building a den.

“There’s a child in all of us,” according to Patrick. “And if we can get that feeling out for a few hours it’s a wonderful thing.”

• The Spinney is just off the B1176, between the villages of Little Bytham and Creeton. For more information, or to volunteer, contact www.bythamspinney.co.uk or www.facebook.com/bythamsSpinney

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Snow Designs & Interiors.

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PE R SPE CT IVES

NUTTING AND HOPPING AND WALNUT DASHING Al Tutt sets out to discover more about the local pursuit of ‘walnut dashing’

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assing the St Paul’s Street bookshop recently I was intrigued by an old photograph in the window. It depicts ‘the London and York families walnut dashing in Burghley’s Park.’ It may be the only recorded example of such an activity and begs the question of whether this was so named purely in local terms or was known thus more widely.

Certainly it warranted further investigation.

The humble walnut, as with many an innovation, was brought to England by the Romans, (along with the sweet chestnut). They were probably transported in via Gaul, hence Gaul-nuts… walnuts.

According to Pliny, they were first brought into Italy by the Emperor Vitellius (a notorious glutton), a little before the death of Tiberius.

The Romans honoured it as ‘the jovis-glans’ or ‘mast of Jove’ and valued it for its fruit and the topaz oil it produced. The English variety is also called the Persian Walnut, betraying its true origins from whence the Romans plundered it. Walnut trees were planted in monastic gardens, farm acres, orchards, parks and the gardens of large houses, like Burghley – where, I believe – some still remain. John Evelyn – diarist and gardener - championed it in his 1662 book of trees, Sylva - A Discourse of Forest-Trees and the Propagation of Timber in His Majesty’s Dominions. He planted many on his estates at Godstone, Surrey, saying ‘such plantations improve the glory and wealth of a nation’. It would be used for veneers in cabinet-making, marquetry, and rifle butts and stocks – needed aplenty in the Napoleonic Wars. It also has medicinal qualities and is said to counter the effects of poison, though whether it can ‘drive worms out of the stomach’ – Pliny again – remains to be seen. Artists used it in mixing white and other delicate colours.

Walnuts are still grown in England for timber, oil and nuts – the latter enjoyed green (wet), dried and pickled, and there is a childhood yuletide association to my mind.

It is a handsome and long-lived tree, growing to 100 feet tall. Nuts grabbed and later dropped by rooks may account for isolated trees.

But back to the photo. The lofty poles are clearly to dash the walnuts from the trees.

The rakes to collect, the baskets to carry, the wagons to load, the flask-container of drink to smooth the task! It was clearly a social affair, beginning in August and continuing through September.

With another harvested crop, hops, many hands were needed for the picking. It was traditional for families from London’s East End, for gypsies, itinerant workers and locals to spend 3 or 4 weeks ‘hopping’ down in Kent & Sussex. In the W Midlands the harvesters gathered from the Black Country & S Wales.

These itinerants picked cobnuts as well; these being also known as filberts. Indeed, Leicester City Football Club’s nickname was The Filberts as their ground was Filbert Street – oddly, once called Walnut Street. When picked, the nuts were put in wicker baskets called kipsies, then larger round baskets called sieves holding up to 28 lbs of the fruit. They were sent off by cart to the station to be sold at London markets like Borough, Spitalfields, Farringdon, and Covent Garden. Presumably the same applied to walnuts.

It was badly paid work (of course) and shelter was poor in bad weather.

Were our walnut harvesters cut from the same cloth, having roamed to Stamford from as far as Lincoln and York, dashing on their way?

Alternatively, it is just possible that their surnames were actually York and Lincoln?

With seasonal harvesting based on hops, fruit, vegetables and nuts, the Fens have a long tradition of attracting the same Romany families, year after year. Now they are reduced by urbanisation and prejudice. Our old friend John Clare understood their place in the scheme of things, sympathetically naming the gypsies, ‘a quiet, pilfering, unprotected race’.

There is a famous old English folk song, The Nutting Girl in which, ‘She arose one summer’s morning, and she a-nutting went…’ with the rousing chorus, ‘So a-nutting we will go, my boys and a-nutting we will go. With a blue cockade all in our hats, we’ll cut a gallant show.’ The girl, however, is seduced by a brisk young farmer, and his melodious song, who is ploughing nearby. Her destiny is to lie with him in ‘some shady dell.’ ‘… for if you stay a little too long, to hear the ploughman sing, O you will have a little baby to nurse all in the spring.” Perhaps a warning to the young nutting girls in the old Burghley photograph.

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DES IGN INT E RIOR S

Finishing Touch

Cosying up for Winter “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables With the clocks going back and the early nights drawing in, Antonia Scott searches out Stamford’s winter warmers to make autumn’s presence something to look forward to and get cosy.

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hen summer has finally waved its sunny goodbyes and the air has a chill, nothing signals autumn more than snuggling up on big leather chairs, draped in sheep skins, reading books by the fire. Speaking to local Interiors companies, ‘cosifying’ your house for winter is easy and fun too.

In the absence of a roaring log fire, Tea lights are a lovely way to create instant warmth in a room – the more you place, the more effect you’ll create.

Miss Pickering Flowers is a big fan of using foliage, berried ivy, eucalyptus and herbs like rosemary and thyme to announce the arrival of autumn/winter in your home. “Autumn is a wonderful time for using edibles too. Tall vases filled with stems of artichokes, bunches with bright chilli peppers, and bowls of ornamental gourds.”

Finishing Touch stocks Sanderson’s new Aegean Collection which fuses natural organic imagery with flashes of bright oriental colours.

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Their peacock feather design, ‘Themis’ set against the dark background creates a rich, warm ambience to the room, and is available as both a fabric and as a wallpaper, giving a wonderful warming look.

J&L Ball has some beautiful, British made cushions by Voyage to cosy up in.

The Wool Room’s super soft sheepskins are perfect for draping over sofas, chairs or simply putting on the floor to add that extra layer of cosiness. With an eclectic range of colours, from traditional black, brown and white, to a fun ‘hot pink’ and more muted pastel pink for every little girl’s room. There are beautiful wool cushions and throws in wonderful autumn colours to complement all colour schemes.

Hunters Interiors of Stamford echo this colourful sentiment and feature numerous beautiful winter collections such as ‘Famsamira’ by Manuel Canovas, Colefax & Fowler.

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Snow Designs

drab colour palette of black, greys and smudgy Nook has a large array of one off gifts; dark shades. Winter may be looming but you including some heavenly ‘St Eval scented pillar can still inject a dose of summer brights into candals’ in Inspiritus, Orange and Cinnamon your wardrobe by mixing up varying materials and Sandalwood fragrances. and colours to differentiate your layers from Snow Designs and Interiors have some being one ‘block’ of clothing. A winter coat in wonderfully decadent faux fur throws in a an eye-popping colour will act as your daily range of styles from classic polar white, bear dose of sunshine. However, one of the easiest brown, wolf grey and mink grey to the more ways to step into autumnal dressing is with contemporary leopard spot and ostrich speck,. your footwear. Swap your strappy gladiators, At 180 x 140cm they are ideal for the sofa or ballet pumps or flip flops for as an extra warm bed cover. tougher boots to stomp your Even better is the fact they way into the new season. are all machine washable, so it Stamford Wine Company doesn’t matter if you spill your is an Aladdin’s cave of hearty hot chocolate! To keep the reds to welcome the onset chill away, light your fire and of winter. Owner, Blake will complement it with a cast iron happily recommend something fireside companion which is to suit your palate. Check a simple cast iron design with out his online list: www. hook handle. thestamfordwinecompany.

Energy and Coneys of com Stamford on Ironmonger Street But for me, the epitome of and Trechers in Stamford Walk autumn is Sunday evening can help during the crossover of Snow Designs munching muffins en famille – seasons which often leave us in butter cascading down my chin a quandary over what to wear. whilst the dogs eye us up and Transition tricks are the solution hope for a crumb or two. Hambleton Bakery to get the most out of straddling your seasonal does a mean range! wardrobes - layering is the key to effortless So let’s not fight the cyclical change in season, autumnal dressing. Add fine layers like tunics, but embrace it by layering up our clothes, cardigans and waistcoats to build up your style enjoying hearty winter warming foods, while central heating, with cardigan coats being ideal we sit back on comfy sofas decked with soft as a top layer. cushions or a sheepskin rug, to enjoy a good Long dark nights are depressing enough so book by the fireside. Sounds heaven! don’t make the mistake of falling into an equally

COSYING UP FOR WINTER CONTACTS: Miss Pickering Flowers: www.misspickering.com 7 St Paul’s Street.

Stamford. PE9 2BE. Tel: 01780 482961 Finishing Touch: www.blindsbyfinishingtouch.com 8 All Saints’ St Stamford, PE9 2PA Tel: 01733 894570 J&L Ball Interiors: www.jandlball.co.uk , 16 North St Stamford, PE9 1EH Tel: 01780 481416 The Wool Room: www.thewoolroom.com 8 & 9 Star Lane. Stamford. PE9 1PH. Tel: 01780 767927 Hunters Interiors of Stamford: www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk The Dairy, Copthill Farm, Uffington, Stamford, PE9 4TD Tel: 01780 757946 Nook: www.nookfurniture.co.uk Sheep Market, Stamford, PE9 2RB. Tel: 01780 751029 Snow Designs and Interiors: www.camillasnowinteriors.com 32 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS. Tel: 01780 751551 Energy: www.energy-clothing.com 9 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1P Tel: 01780 765633 Coneys of Stamford: 3 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 481298 Trechers: 11 Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 764866 Stamford Wine Company: www.thestamfordwinecompany.com.

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Kitchens • Fitted Furniture • Joinery

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Designer, Contemporary & Traditional Kitchens Fabulous New Showroom Just opened in St Mary’s Street, Stamford Call us today or pop into the showroom where we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements

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Supporting the community…

Knight Partnership is working with Stamford based Charity The Evergreen Trust throughout their Anniversary Year

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artners John Steward and Mike Ingrey have over 60 years of experience of the estate agency business between them, specialising in selling properties in Stamford and the surrounding areas. Longevity, personalised customer care and local detailed knowledge are their speciality and it’s through this that has led them to become the wellknown business it is today.

Mike and John liked the idea of trying to share their success by “putting something back” into the town and community, where others could directly benefit from a working partnership. The Evergreen Care Trust is a local charity that was founded by Louise Marsh, its Chief Executive Officer and former member of the Stamford Older Persons Team at Social Services. Evergreen supports the local people in the Stamford area by providing volunteer support with Advocacy (form filling and personal admin, etc.) Befriending, Clean Team

(blitz, deep cleaning), Furniture Store, and Hospital to Home Support, without a charge to the client. Evergreen Community Lunches, Hot & Wholesome delivery and Home Support are paid for services. An extensive network of over 250 dedicated volunteers serve the community through Evergreen, but more volunteers are needed as the demand on their services increases. With this growth there is also a need for a more major increase in financial resources.

Louise Marsh says “We are delighted that Mike and John have decided to celebrate their business Anniversary by supporting Evergreen and the vital work that we do in Stamford, Bourne and the surrounding area. Knight Partnership is a well known and respected name in the town and this kind of support will be hugely beneficial to local people needing our services.”

To support the charity Knight Partnership is

donating a percentage of the income generated from every house sale made to Evergreen to help celebrate the trade the town has given them over the years.

Partner Mike Ingrey comments, “John and I wanted to find a way of ‘giving something back’ - Evergreen with its focus on supporting local people in their own homes fitted us perfectly.

To achieve what Louise has with her team of staff and volunteers in the past few years is unbelievable – we’d like to think we can help the Trust to grow in their future work and to help promote them via our media to everyone’s benefit.”

To support Evergreen through their “Friends - £1 a month Scheme” or to enquire about becoming a volunteer please contact them on 01780 765900 or go to their website www. evergreencaretrust.org.uk for more information about their work.

• Contact - Sarah Cottle: sarah@viridismedia.co.uk Tel: 01780 763041 /0773 606 1255

A new right of way Margaret Palmer, who sits on the Barnack Parish Council, describes a useful new footpath Recently, people travelling down the hill from Pilsgate to Stamford will have noticed unusual activity in the field margins along the left hand side of the road. This is because a new right of way is being constructed to avoid the notoriously dangerous B1443. Burghley House Preservation Trust has generously given up an acre of agricultural land for the pathway, to enable people to walk and cycle safely between Pilsgate and Stamford.

We are fortunate in having a network of footpaths and bridleways connecting our local villages, but until now there has been no direct off-road route between Pilsgate and Burghley Park. The new path will be screened from the traffic by the existing walls and hedgerows, and will be surfaced with crushed limestone to make it suitable for cyclists and wheelchair users, as well as walkers. Construction work started in September and will take about a month. The new route will form an important link in the footpath network.

The initiative for creating a new pathway came from Barnack Parish Council and the idea was backed by the Ramblers’ Association, the Cycling Forum, neighbouring parish councils and Peterborough City Council. Ringway Infrastructure Services and Stamford Stone have generously donated materials and labour for the project and Natural England has provided a grant under its Paths for Communities Scheme, as part of the Rural Development Programme for England. Community Payback is also helping by providing labour.

The opening of the new route is to be celebrated with a mass walk on the afternoon of Friday 25th October, when about 100 children from Barnack Primary School will be walking down the hill from Pilsgate, to visit attractions in Burghley Park. Everyone is welcome to join in, on foot or on a bicycle – it’s less than a mile in each direction. Please make good use of the path in future and enjoy increased access to our local countryside.

Friends of Rutland Sailability ANNUAL CHARITY DINNER Saturday 9 November At Greetham Valley Hotel - LE15 7SN With The Rev Richard Coles Vicar of Finedon, Northants, whose career to date has included: Musician (‘The Communards, 1990s) – Journalist – Radio presenter: Hear him on his Radio 4 morning show ‘Saturday Live’ – TV personality: ‘Qi’, ‘Have I Got News For You!’ etc. – The inspiration for the BBC 1 sitcom ‘Rev.’ Richard is a man of many parts and he will be entertaining us with stories about the eclectic life he has and still does lead.

A man for our times – with his strong Christian faith surrounded by his love of life and all it offers us.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW! £25pp.

Tables available for 6, 8 or 10 – larger parties can be accommodated.

• Contact Sarah Forsyth to reserve your tickets and receive priority-booking information, at: 66 Stockerston Rd, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 or Email: sailability@forsyth. myzen.co.uk

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Belton Garden Centre

“the future of great gardening”

www.beltongardencentre.co.uk Family-run Belton Garden Centre is situated on the A607, just a mile north of Grantham town centre, and has just completed a major, luxurious refurbishment which was opened in March of this year.

Set in 10 acres of historic walled gardens in the beautiful village of Belton.

Family run with care for our customers for over 3 generations.

Knowledgeable staff that can help with all your gardening requirements.

Brand new relaxing and luxurious 250 seat coffee shop and restaurant.

A great range of freshly cooked food made to order using local suppliers. Superb range of daily home-baked cakes, scones, slices, and bakes.

Groups, coach parties and societies are all welcome - please call us on 01476 563 700 where we will be pleased to help you.

Belton Garden Centre, Belton, Grantham. NG32 2LN

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The Belton Garden Centre

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-Works always fills one with desire and longing, the ‘oh, I would love that in my home’ feeling, so I would recommend a browse around anytime.

And if you are looking for tailor-made, stylish English-made furniture, then I would recommend a visit straight away. H-Works has teamed up with a long-established local furniture-maker, Whitehead Design of Long Eaton near Nottingham, to offer exquisite hand-made and tailored furniture using the huge range of exquisite fabrics that H-Works can advise you about. You can find out more about the furniture-makers at www.whiteheaddesigns.com . They welcome visitors to their site, and you will be struck both by the level of craftsmanship and the family-traditions – the current MD is the grandson of the founder.

A customer came into the shop recently and spotted a reading chair that she liked; the size was just right for her, but she also wanted one 4” wider for her husband, and that was easily arranged.

• H-Works, The Black Bull, Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 754605 www.hworksstamford.co.uk

From Schools to Ski Chalets, Stations to Stately Homes...

Michael Bentley and his small team of trusted local craftsmen, all specialists in their trade, have over 30 years experience in the building trade. Michael has worked on both local & national projects that include listed buildings, historic family homes, churches, schools and pre-schools, town halls, ski chalets, Waterloo Station, and even Hampton Court Palace.

Customers with budgets ranging from £1,000 to £100,000+ are all treated to a high level of service. Visit their new website at www.bentleybuilding.co.uk for full details.

Transform Your Conservatory: They can fully insulate, plaster and decorate the ceiling of your conservatory to create shade in the summer, retain heat in winter & greatly reduce rain noise. This helps to keep the warmth in the room during the winter and keep out the sun in summer, achieving heat savings of up to 70% according to recent customer reports. Only taking 3-4 days to complete.

• Tel: 01778 421257 www.bentleybuilding.co.uk

The Secret to a Beautiful Lawn GreenThumb has pioneered lawn treatment in the UK for more than 25 years. They also spearhead new innovation in lawn care technology.

There is never a bad time to start treating your lawn: large, medium or small, all lawns deserve to look their best! Prices start from just £15 per treatment.

Jane, Julia and their team, covering; Stamford, Bourne, Spalding, The Deepings and the surrounding villages, can be reached on 01572 823718 or emailed on bourne@greenthumb.co.uk Or, visit the website www.greenthumb.co.uk which is full of useful hints, tips and details of its comprehensive Treatment Programmes, Disease Management and Pest Control Services, to help you achieve a beautiful lawn!

Enjoy “Tea for two for £4.99” instead of the normal price of £7.80 at The Belton Garden Centre



H-Works

Many of us will have visited the Belton Garden Centre at some stage in our lives, with its charming location inside the old walled garden of Belton House ; but few of us, perhaps, are aware of the big developments that have taken place there over the last couple of years, making it a garden centre that very much merits a visit.

The first thing you will notice that has changed is the entrance and car parking, which are much better laid out now. As you walk into the main buildings, you will see a collection of wildfowl on your right, a definite crowd pleaser for chidren.

The walled garden remains with all its original charm, showcasing the wide range of plants, bushes and trees available, all well kept, inviting and laid out in a clear way. If you are looking for a specimon rose or just some winter bedding, then this is a good place to find it.

The retail area is vastly expanded in a glorious new building and, as well as all the garden products you would expect, there’s a fabulous range of gifts and bigger items, even a kitchen designer.

But the latest and most impressive development is the restaurant, which is also in an inviting new purpose-built building with beams and natural stone. The menu is excellent, all freshly prepared light lunches and snacks, with the food sourced locally wherever possible. Cakes are home-baked. We ordered a sandwich and a soup and both were very tasty, well presented and quickly served.

But what really makes this place stand out is the family ethos that runs through it.

It was the brainchild of Graham Elkington, who is a duck farmer by first trade. His wife Karen works full-time in the business (she masterminded the furnishings in the restaurants) and his daughter Vanessa works in the kitchen. Everyone helps everyone and nothing is too much for anyone. This more than anything is what sets the place apart and we thouroughly recommend a visit.

• Belton Garden Centre, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2LN 01476 563700 www.beltongardencentre.co.uk

• The offer includes two large scones with jam and cream, and a pot of tea for two.

• Available from 2.30pm to 4.00pm every day throughout the month of October 2013 only, on production of this coupon when paying for your food.

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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19/9/13 15:49:59

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GAR DE NING

Adam the Gardener Adam says: “With autumn fast approaching it’s a great time of year to get the family out in the garden and prepare it for winter, particularly with an eye to wildlife. I recommend getting the kids involved with making wildlife dens and shelters to help our outdoor gardening friends as much as possible.”

OCTOBER: October is all about the start of autumn - the nights draw in, the clocks go back and there are the first frosts in colder parts of the country.

Although your gardening time may feel curtailed by the shorter sunlight hours, the days can often still be fantastic and full of autumn colour to make up for the fading light.

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ocal gardening talent, Adam Frost has an impressive CV, having worked with many of the garden design greats, including Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens. Adam won his fifth Gold Medal at this year’s Centenary RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with his Homebase sponsored garden entitled, “Sowing the Seeds of Change”, which featured inter-planting of flowers and vegetables, fruit trees, alpine strawberries, a bee hive and dipping ponds to encourage wildlife.

Local Living readers can now benefit from Adam’s horticultural expertise every month.

Plants: Prune back your climbing roses but not all your perennial plants. It’s one of gardening’s constant arguments, how much ‘tidying’ to do – I like to leave some vegetation as protection for wildlife during the colder season ahead.

Perhaps leave a few piles at the back of the border for wildlife.

If you’re really keen it’s a good idea to collect seeds for sowing next year, pop the seed heads into an envelope and leave to dry completely.

Leave some of the seed heads on the plants as these not only provide food and shelter for wildlife but look great with frost. Once they have been frosted and going ‘mushy’ then that’s the time I clear them. Look at your catalogues for buying in new seeds. Sweet peas can be sown into pots to over-winter in a sheltered position or a frame.

Vegetable and Fruit Gardens: October is a good time to dig over vacant areas of your vegetable patch, as the approaching cold weather may help to improve the soil structure by breaking down large clumps into crumbly particles.

Keep harvesting any remaining pumpkin and squash and move them into a dry position to prevent from rotting. Harvest beetroot, courgettes and tomatoes. Lift rhubarb, leave for the frost to get to it and then replant. Pick windfall apples (leaving a few for the birds to enjoy) for cooking and also those on the tree that are ripe. The unblemished fruit can be stored in a cool shed to last into the winter months. If you’ve got some tomatoes left it might be a good idea to dig out a good chutney recipe. Hoarding is such a good feeling, for there is nothing like providing for the future.

Plant out spring cabbages and garlic and sow hardy broad beans and peas.

Wildlife: Birds come to gardens to feed, breed, nest and rest so make sure your garden is accommodating by providing a bird box, feeding station or bird bath. Think about planting heleniums and sedums to provide nectar and berries for bees and other insects. I have a bench seat with the underneath filled with logs made from chopped up fence posts which make ideal habitats for spiders, bees, lacewings and ladybirds. As the leaves start to fall we want to have a tidy up but do leave some in small piles to provide shelter for wildlife. Even a drilled log will provide plenty of shelter. Our little friends are looking for warmth, safety and sheltered spots for the coming month - not unlike us really but for them it’s a matter of life or death.

A recent report commissioned by the UK’s wildlife organisations called ‘State of Nature’ highlighted this, with some pretty shocking results - 60% of the UK species assessed have declined over the last 50 years, with some close to extinction.

I am passionate about getting children and young adults outdoors and reconnecting with nature to realise the importance our wildlife has for future generations.

“All is not well....from the loss of butterflies to the disappearance of sparrows or the absence of colourful wildflower meadows. The causes are varied, but most are ultimately due to the way we are using our land and seas and their natural resources, often with little regard for the wildlife with which we share them. The impact on plants and animals has been profound.” David Attenborough Although The State of Nature report highlights what we have lost, and what we are still losing, it also gives examples of how we can work together to stop this loss, and help to bring back nature where it has been lost. These examples should give us hope and inspiration to reverse the decline of British wildlife.

Adam Frost was speaking to Antonia Scott • For more information: www.adamfrost.co.uk www.rspb.org.uk/stateofnature STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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UPD ATES

Sports Matters at Bourne Grammar School

The Northern Lights The Coolest Light Show on Earth!

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itness the extraordinary phenomena of the ‘Northern Lights’ in Tromso, Norway’s Paris of the North. By night enjoy the effervescent atmosphere of the world’s most northerly university town and sample fresh fish dishes in local restaurants. By day enjoy a thrilling husky safari, go ice kick sledding or take a polar walk.

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis to give them their proper name, are a natural phenomenon, totally unpredictable but a magnificent spectacle when the atmospheric conditions are just right. The Norwegian scientist Kristian Birkeland first gave the world an explanation for the Aurora by observing how electron rays from the sun collided with the earth’s magnetic field, followed it down to the magnetic poles and created an explosion of light.

Visible from October to April, Tromso is one of the world’s best spots from which to see the lights as well as being a city in which to enjoy yourself. Whilst no one can guarantee you will see the Northern Lights, you are guaranteed a fabulous winter break, with the best possible chance of seeing the lights and some fabulous excursions to make your trip one to remember, including a Husky Safari and a Polar Night Sleigh Ride.

Oundle Travel is offering a three night break to Tromso including return scheduled flights from Heathrow from just £760.00 pp. For those of you who would prefer a longer break why not treat the family to Iso Syote in the heart of Kuusamo Lapland. Far removed from the commercialised Lapland trips that flood the market, this destination offers a perfectly balanced combination of activities, superb accommodation and pristine wilderness, from £1395.00 pp.

The Ice Hotel, The Snow Hotel and The Igloo Hotel are ready from early to mid-December; the brainchild of Yngve Bergqvist who 20 years ago built a one-off igloo for a local Sami heritage project in Jukkasarvi, which today has morphed into a stunning hotel with snow rooms, elaborate suites and a chapel. The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is a smaller, more intimate hotel which stands in the vastness of Norway’s Finnmark plateau.

• For details of holidays to Norway, Lapland, Iceland or maybe something just a little bit more special for your next winter break, call Oundle Travel, they have considerable personal experience of the area - 01832 273600 www.oundletravel.co.uk

A School that offers extensive extra-curricular sports and opportunities to compete regularly in Inter-school sports events is often a popular choice for prospective students and parents.

Bourne Grammar School is proud not only of the outstanding academic education it provides, but also of its extensive sports programme which offers competitive and recreational opportunities for all of its students.

The annual end-of-year Sports Presentation evening in July 2013 saw awards being given in Netball, Hockey, Basketball, Football, Girls’ Football, Cross-Country, Rowing, Tennis, Athletics, Cricket and Rugby at School, County, Regional and National levels, such is the extent and level of achievement in sport at the School.

Whether students represent Bourne Grammar or another Team in competitions, the School always supports, encourages and celebrates their achievements.

The School has ambitious plans in place to extend and develop its sporting facilities starting with the addition of a full-size allweather playing surface on the playing fields and an extension to the Sports Hall. A recent award of just over £92,000 from The Bourne Educational Foundation has released a considerable sum towards the all-weather pitch which will enable students to enjoy high-quality play without disruption due to the weather.

The new facility will also be a much-needed community facility that will be available for all to enjoy.

• For more information about Bourne Grammar School visit www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

Big Biology Day – Bringing Biology to Stamford!

Sat Nov 16

10am to 3pm, Stamford High School (entry at back of SHS via Park Lane).

What could be better than dropping in to Big Biology Day to find out more about different aspects of the best science in the world! It’s FREE and interactive.

There will be hands on activities for everyone; for the hungry, you can model cells and pathogens out of edible components; for the curious you can extract DNA from strawberries, write your name in DNA and see the effect of caffeine and nicotine on the heart rate of water fleas, amongst numerous other experiments.

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Star guest will be Dr Mike Leahy, who notably once infected himself with a tapeworm cyst washed down with a glass of red wine for the BBC show Bodysnatchers; 12 weeks later on taking the anti-worm pill he produced a 3m intact tapeworm - what people will do in the interests of science! He will be present with his ‘Big Red Zoo Bus’, a converted double decker, which he now lives on…but not alone.

His companions, which travel round the country with him, include tree frogs, bearded dragons, tarantulas, leeches and a 2m long boa constrictor to name but a few.

Alongside allowing people to experience these animals, Mike will be giving 2

presentations based on his experiences producing his series ‘Bite me’ for the National geographic channel. That’s not all though – Tim Mackrill from the Rutland Osprey Project will give a presentation and there will be representatives from all the local wildlife trusts, with interests ranging from skull and feather identification to Bats, local company Alltech, British Heart foundation, Lincoln University and many more outside agencies, all providing information and opportunities to get involved in hands on activities.

• For further information please contact Anne Johnstone on bigbiologyday@outlook.com

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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EATING OUT

Christmas menus and party rooms In the spirit of more optimistic times, festive menus have become a little more adventurous this year, although you will always be able to find your turkey with all the trimmings! Nicholas Rudd-Jones takes a look around at what’s on offer RESTAURANTS Jackson Stops, Stretton Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE5 7RA Tel: 01780 410237 www.thejacksonstops.com The Jackson Stops is really more of a restaurant now than a pub, with an experienced team running the operation and a delightful ambience across a range of dining rooms. The food is seriously good.

The December lunch menu is excellent value at £15.95 for 2 courses and £18.95 for three, with 5 choices per course, including local Tilton turkey as a main course option. Private parties can be catered for up to 16 in the end room, or up to 30 in The Barn.

Christmas Day luncheon at £69.95 a head and New Year’s Eve at £39.95 are both very special events, full of style and hospitality.

Jim’s Yard Michelin Bib Gourmand 3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.jimsyard.biz In keeping with the Bib Gourmand motto –“good food at moderate prices” – their Christmas menus represent great value. The two course set lunch menu is £16 and for three courses £19.50, with a choice of 5-6 dishes per course.

The Three courses set Christmas dinner is £25 per head, and again offers a choice of 5-6 dishes per course.

The rooms upstairs enable various seating arrangements, including a separate room for 12 for an extended family or office gathering. If you are feeling really indulgent, you can enjoy Christmas Day lunch there for £70 (£30 for children up to 15).

Stamford Garden Kitchen @ Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 765656 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk The Garden Kitchen is an ideal venue for a Christmas Party, being able to accommodate 60 in the newly-built Orangery and 80 altogether. They have created a tasty, warming and seasonal menu. See the website for more details. 2 courses £13 / 3 courses £15 at lunch represents incredible value for money, and food is locally sourced wherever possible, including meat from their own butchers.

Evening meals will be available on Fri Dec 20th and also for private party evenings - £21 for 2

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courses, £25 for 3. If you would like to design a special menu for your group please ask and they will do their best to oblige.

Wicked Witch Bridge Street, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649 www.ryhallwitch.co.uk Serious, sophisticated cooking that never loses site of the need to be delicious, nor is it overfinicky. Dameon Clarke is acknowledged as one of the best Chefs in the region.

The Wicked Witch has a fabulous Christmas set menu, available from the last weekend in November. Costing a very reasonable £30 for two courses or £35 for three, this is for lovers of really great and original food. A choice of 5 starters and desserts and 3 mains, each with their special twist.

Christmas lunch is £80 per head, and is 5 courses with champagne on arrival.

HOTELS The Crown Hotel All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 There’s always a great ambience about The Crown at Christmas, and you feel at the very heart of the town with All Saints’ opposite.

Christmas menus can be found at www. thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk and are good value at £17.95-£26.50 for 3 courses, offering all the traditional favourites in the friendly atmosphere of The Crown. They also offer a Christmas Day menu at £69.50, and New Year’s Eve (£69.50, with disco). Enjoy Boxing Day with family and friends with a ‘pick and mix menu’ served from 12.00 noon to 6.00pm.

The William Cecil High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 Check out their Christmas menus at www. thewilliamcecil.co.uk. The Festive Lunch & Dinner menu has substantial choice and is good value at £30 for three courses (or £25 for 2). I liked the look of one of their more hearty starters: “Rosary Goat’s Cheese, beef tomatoes & basil salad.” To follow: Ballotine of turkey, sausage meat, & cabbage, wrapped in San Danielle Ham.” The Christmas Day Lunch Menu is £70 for three courses (choice of 4 dishes per course) and the New Year’s Eve Menu is £69.50 per person, to include a glass of fizz on arrival. I like the touch of offering bacon rolls at 12.30am too!

Brunches on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day sound scrumptious and restorative, served anytime from 12 noon to 9pm. You can enjoy all the classic brunch items including a fresh fruit platter, croissants and brioche, Eggs Benedict and Smoked haddock & poached eggs with hollandaise sauce.

PUBS Exeter Arms, Easton-on-the Hill 21 Stamford Road, Easton-on-the Hill, PE9 3NS Tel: 01780 756321 www.theexeterarms.net The Exeter Arms is always very welcoming, and if you are a larger group you can book one of three discreet areas in the pub.

The Christmas menu is £17.95-21.95 at lunch and £26.50 in the evening and includes all the favourites. “Slow braised Tallington lamb hotpot with red wine, sage and roasted root vegetables” sounded to me like an appealing non-turkey option. Christmas Day lunch includes a glass of Champagne on arrival followed by a four course lunch with coffee and mints - £78.00 per person.The New Year’s Eve party with disco looks great value at £45.

The Bull & Swan at Burghley High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk The Bull & Swan has become a firm favourite both for drink and food since it was totally refurbished earlier this year.

Festive menus are served in the very characterful main restaurant across from the bar, and represent good value at £25 for 3 courses (4 choices per course, and prices held from last year). The menu can be found on their website. The Christmas Day menu is priced at £65 a head, with the promise of complete relaxation and definitely no washing up.

The Golden Pheasant, Etton 1 Main Road, Etton, Market Deeping, PE6 7DA Tel: 01733 252387 www.thegoldenpheasant.net/ This Christmas The Pheasant is offering a variety of entertainment and dining options to get everyone into the festive spirit: • Christmas Festive menu, available throughout

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December for restaurant and bar dining, only £13 for 2 courses and £16 for 3 • Christmas Marquee Party Menu, for groups and corporate parties, with live music and dancing – a classic Christmas party: Fri 13th Dec with The Blues Volcano; Sat 14th Dec with Bon Roger’s Rat Pack Christmas; Fri 20th Dec with The Collaborators • Christmas Day Menu – £49.95 (only £19.95 for children under 10) • New Year’s Eve Hogmanay Party – Celtic band, Claddagh lead the party into the New Year with Scottish Reels then a disco into the early hours Real Christmas trees, tasteful decorations and service with Christmas cheer!

VENUES Riverside the Venue Wharf Rd, Stamford, PE9 2DU Tel: 01780 752172 Stamford’s exquisite new venue by the side of the Welland, with great food from Thierry Daugeron’s kitchen.

If you are looking for a really sizeable space, look no further. Upstairs can accommodate up to 200 people, from £20 per person. A few dates still available.

Bookings also being taken for New Year’s Eve party

Wicked Witch Jackson Stops

FURTHER AFIELD Barnsdale Hall Hotel North Shore, Rutland Water, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Celebrate at one of their Christmas party nights, which include a three course dinner with crackers, hats and novelties, followed by music and fun provided by resident DJ, Disco Dave.

Great value at £26.95. And Christmas Lunch is £69.50 (£34.50 for children 6-11 years).

Berkeley Arms

Berkeley Arms Wymondham Michelin Bib Gourmand 59 Main St, Wymondham, Leics, LE14 2AG Tel: 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk The Berkeley Arms is an award-winning pub with back to back Bib Gourmand Awards in the 2012 & 2013 Michelin Guides, offering seasonal produce at affordable prices.

The Festive Menu 2013 is available for all parties to pre-order at Lunch or Dinner, at £28 for 3 courses, 4 choices per course.

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EATING OUT

The White Horse Hambleton Hall

Oundle Mill Berkeley Arms (cont.) This is seriously classy food - dishes include Home Cured Salmon Gravlax Blinis, Pickled Cucumbers & Dill Creme Fraiche for starters; Roast Turkey with Bacon Wrapped Sausages, Chestnut Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce for the main; and Dark Chocolate Pot Spiced Oranges & Clementine Sorbet for dessert.

Hambleton Hall Michelin star Oakham Rd, Hambleton Peninsula, LE15 8TH Tel: 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com Hambleton Hall is stunning at Christmas time.

They have the most wonderful Christmas tree and decorations throughout the house and roaring log fires.

The December Daily Festive Lunch is £28 for 2 courses, or £35 for 3. There are two choices per course. For the ultimate Christmas dining experience, the Christmas Day lunch & dinner is £135 for six-courses.

Marquess of Exeter Lyddington 52 Main St, Lyddington Tel: 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk The Marquess is one of my favourite spots to eat, combining great ambience with really excellent food. Brian Baker’s Christmas menus are definitely worth the trip.

Their Christmas lunch is a very good value £16.95 for two courses, with local turkey as the centrepiece. Party menus (minimum party size 8) are £19.95 for two course and £25.95 for three.

If you have a larger group of up to 14 diners, then why not hire ‘The Snug’, a private room at the side of the pub that allows you to let your

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hair down that little bit more. There is a service charge of 10%, but no room hire charge.

New Year’s Eve is a fabulous night too, with a celebration menu at £75 and a room offer of £60 for 2 people inc. B&B - so you don’t have to worry about driving home.

The Olive Branch, Clipsham Good Pub Guide Pub of The Year 2014 Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH Tel: 01780 410355 The Olive Branch is a wonderful place at Christmas, a traditional village inn with Christmas trees and sparkling decorations, log fires and candlelit dining rooms.

The seasonal set lunch menu at £16.95 a head for 2 courses and £19.95 for 3 remains incredibly good value. This year they have also introduced the four course Great British Festive Dinner Manu, available throughout December at £27.50 a head. Begin with Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, then a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains & 3 desserts; the meal then finishing with coffee & mince pies, so you will not go away hungry!

If I was choosing I would have picked Beetroot Risotto, Watercress & Colwick Cheese for starters, Venison Suet Pudding with Crushed Buttered Swede for main (now that sounds different!) and White Chocolate parfait with Cranberry Compote for dessert.

All the menus are up on the website at www. theolivebranchpub.com Oundle Mill Barnwell Rd, Oundle, PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk Oundle Mill is the epitome of ‘rustic chic’,

combining a classic gem of an old mill house with stylish modern décor and an informal, relaxed feel. We have had a lot of positive customer feedback in the last year about the quality of the food here.

The Christmas Party Menu (which you can find on the website) is unbelievable value at £22.50 per person for 3 courses (book in advance). I like the sound of every course, but especially the dessert choice: “Plum pudding, brandy sabayon, spiced clotted cream with nutmeg”, or “Cranberry and walnut tart with vanilla ice cream.” There is also A Christmas Day dinner for £75 and a very good value NYE party at £37.50.

The White Horse Empingham The White Horse, Main Street, Empingham, LE15 8PS Tel: 01780 460221 www.whitehorserutland.co.uk Steve and Claire Glencross have taken a firm hold of the reins of The White Horse in Empingham since buying it at the start of the year. The food offering has gone from strength to strength, and this is reflected in the The Festive Party Menu, available fror pre-booked tables of 8 or more, costing £19.95 for 3 courses and £15.95 for 2. As well as the tradional favourites, the menu has distinctive offerings too – for examplea Tian of avocado, white crab meat and crayfish for starters; or a Slow cooked beef and merlot casserole for the main.

The New Year’s Eve Party is from 7.00pm till late, and will feature a gourmet buffet followed by music and dancing. Entry will be by ticket only so please book early to avoid disappointment. £22.50 (includes dinner and dancing).

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Christmas Parties 2013 Hambleton Hall has a wonderful Private Dining Room - ‘The Study’ - available for parties of 6 - 16 guests

Special Limited Choice Menu - £55.00 per person At the end of the evening why not stay the night?

We are offering a special rate of £230.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our standard double bedrooms,this includes full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

For more details about our Special Breaks and Events please visit our website www.hambletonhall.com

Crab Raviolo with a lemon grass & ginger flavoured bisque or Fricassee of Wild Mushrooms with confit of bacon & quail egg or Hambleton Salad *** Sirloin of Beef with Jacobs Ladder & cèpe purée or Roast Breast of Pheasant with pearl barley risotto & root vegetables or Pan Fried Fillet of Seabass with caramelised fennel *** Lime Meringue Pie or Passion Fruit Soufflé or Chocolate Truffle flavoured with salted caramel *** All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5%

HAMBLETON, OAKHAM, RUTLAND, LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

What’s New At Toft?

Christmas & New Year Celebrations 2013

Festive Special Offers Any 2 main courses for the price of 1 ** Mon-Thur evening throughout Dec * Christmas Party Nights 7th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 20th & 21st Dec Bring your party to ours…

3 course dinner & disco £30.00 per person Christmas Lunch Specials Mon 2nd – 24th Dec (excl Sundays) 2 courses £13.95 - 3 courses £15.95 Christmas Day Lunch £75.00 per person including visit from Santa (children under 12, half price) New Year’s Eve 7 course dinner & dance with live band £85 per person including glass of bubbly to welcome in 2014 *exludes 24th & 31st Dec ** available only from main course menu.

Lowest price meal free of charge

Tel: 01778 590614 Fax: 01778 590264 tofthouse@btconnect.com www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk Toft Country House Hotel & Golf Club, Toft, Nr Bourne, Lincs PE10 0JT

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Good Food, Real Ales, Great Entertainment OCTOBER EVENTS IN THE MANOR BAR: Sat 5th Oct from 8.30pm - Bon Rogers’ Rat Pack Singalong Sun 6th Oct, 7pm – Monthly Big Quiz & Play Your Cards Right Sat 12th Oct, 9pm –Paul Lake, guitar & vocals supremo, plays rock and pop greats Sat 19th Oct , 9pm – Live music Sat 26th Oct, 9pm – The Collaborators at their best with classic & contemporary covers GUY FAWKES BONFIRE & GRAND FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sat 2nd Nov, 7pm – Fireworks; BBQ, Jacket Spuds, Toffee Apples; Live Music from 8pm with The Blues Volcano. Free Entry CHRISTMAS 2013 - Join us for a variety of fabulous menus and festive events.

Christmas Festive Menu - 2 & 3 course options available throughout December, Ideal for families, friends & company gatherings.

Christmas Marquee Party Menu, for groups & corporate parties, with live music and dancing: Each Friday and Saturday from Fri 13th Dec – see website for more information. We can arrange corporate/group marquee parties midweek too by request Christmas Eve: Mulled wine & mince pies with Christmas carols around the log fire Christmas Day Lunch Enjoy a relaxing special day, hang up the pinny and let us do the cooking for you.

Boxing Day Give yourselves a treat after the mad rush and join us for a relaxing day in the countryside NEW YEAR’S EVE 2013: Wonderful a la carte menu, with Celtic band, Claddagh leading us into the New Year with Scottish Reels then a disco into the early hours New Year’s Day 2014 Menu Begin the year with a treat – relax in style with family and friends in our countryside restaurant

The Golden Pheasant - 1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough, PE6 7DA

Tel: 01733 252387

Email: info@thegoldenpheasant.net www.thegoldenpheasant.net

Michelin Bib Gourmand Award & Inspectors Favourite 2012 & 2013 Melton Times Business Award Best Eating Experience 2011

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SE A N ’ S SIMPLE SUPPE R S

The Rolls-Royce of cheese on toast When it comes to a good brunch this local rarebit recipe takes some beating, says Sean Hope

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his is comfort food at its best: simple, local and delicious. It has three key ingredients – Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, mushrooms (we sometimes use woodland blewitts from Clipsham Woods, where they’re free and tasty), plus our pumpkin seed bread, but any good quality bread will do. It’s no fuss to prepare and makes a refined first course or a really wholesome brunch.

MUSHROOM AND LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER RAREBIT ON TOASTED BREAD SERVES FOUR Rarebit ingredients • 100g plain flour • 100g unsalted butter • 300ml milk • 100g Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, grated • 1 tsp Worcester sauce • 1 tsp English mustard • 2 egg yolks Other ingredients • 1/2 onion, finely chopped • Handful mushrooms, sliced • Chopped tarragon • Lemon juice • 4 slices good quality bread Rarebit 1. Melt butter in a thick-bottomed saucepan.

2. Add flour to the butter and stir well with a wooden spoon until the roux begins to come away from the side of pan.

3. Gradually add the milk, mixing thoroughly to obtain a smooth sauce-like consistency.

4. Cook out the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes before adding grated cheese, mustard and Worcester sauce.

5. Remove pan from heat and stir in egg yolks. Season to taste, cover and leave to cool.

Mushrooms 1. Heat frying pan, drizzle with olive oil and add a knob of butter.

2. Sweat off a little chopped onion, add a good handful of sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown.

3. Season to taste, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped tarragon.

Assembly 1. Cut four slices of bread, nice and chunky, and toast.

2. Place toasted bread on an oven tray, scatter the pieces of bread with the sautéd mushrooms.

3. Liberally spread the rarebit mixture over the mushrooms and place under a hot grill until golden brown.

4. Serve with either crispy smoked streaky bacon or a homemade fruit chutney.

CHEF’S TIP The best mushrooms to use are local blewitts, but if you can’t get hold of any you could try oyster, cepes, girolles or shitake mushrooms. For lottery winners, truffles and foie gras are a must!

COME AND TRY OUR SAVOURIES! At The Olive Branch we like to create a menu that’s traditional but also just that little bit different. For example, we have a selection of savoury dishes on our dessert list in addition to the usual cheese and crackers. We think it’s a very fitting thing to offer at a traditional country inn. The savouries we currently suggest as ‘puddings’ are as follows: • Potted Stilton with date and walnut bread (£4.95) • Olive Branch Scotch woodcock (truffle scrambled egg, anchovies, toasted brioche), £5.25 • Apley goats’ cheese pannacotta, gooseberry and ginger compote, £6.75 These savouries also go brilliantly with some of the autumnal, rich, British bottled beers we have behind the bar, as well as with port, or Melton Mowbray sloe gin.

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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Stamford Cupcake Company

We Are Moving We are very pleased to announce that The Stamford Wine Company will be moving premises to No. 10 St Paul’s Street, and will be opening our doors towards the end of October.

Our new premises will feature a bar and seating, where you can enjoy our ‘by the glass’ selection (including beers and spirits..), as well as opening any bottle from the shelves at a small corkage charge. And once spring comes around again, our large enclosed garden will be a great place to enjoy a glass or two.

We will also be serving a light food menu, including cheese boards, charcuterie platters etc.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

CUPCAKES & CELEBRATION CAKES TO ORDER

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

17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 489269 www.thestamfordwinecompany.com @StamfordWineCo www.facebook.com/TheStamfordWineCompany

Gift Vouchers Available

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

find us on Facebook

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Christmas and New Year

OUNDLE MILL IS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS Whether you are looking for a unique venue for a Christmas party, a stunning Christmas Day lunch, a stylish New Year’s Eve dinner – we can offer a truly exceptional experience.

Relax, unwind and greet 2014 in style at Barnsdale Hall Hotel New Year's Eve Themed Black & White Ball £75.00 per person

CHRISTMAS LUNCH If you are looking to relax and enjoy a fabulous Christmas Day without any chores then lunch at Oundle Mill could be the perfect way to celebrate and enjoy a little pampering.

Christmas Day Menu £75 per person

CHRISTMAS PARTIES Our three course Christmas party lunch menu is priced at £16.95 per person and Christmas party dinner menu is priced at £22.50 per person.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Join us at Oundle Mill for an unforgettable evening to ring in the New Year with a celebration dinner in a festive atmosphere and inspiring surroundings.

Celebrate the New Year in style with your closest family and friends and enjoy a delicious three course dinner in a stunning setting.

New Year's Eve Menu £37.50 per person OUNDLE MILL - A PERFECT PLACE TO EAT, MEET OR SIMPLY RETREAT

Champagne and canapé reception from 7pm, followed by dinner at 8pm prompt, a 5 course dinner to follow, table magician and music followed by the chimes of Big Ben and disco music to the small hours. Seating arrangements will be available in tables of 8 upwards. Individual couples and parties of 6 and below will be put onto tables of 8 sharing. This is an adults only event, no children are permitted. Stay the night and enjoy our late New Year’s Day Breakfast from £75.00 per room Canapé reception [k\

Rolled duck leg and chorizo terrine, puy lentil salad, harissa dressing [k\

Sea food Assiette (hot and cold smoked salmon, spiced mackerel pate, dill and lemon potted prawns) [k\

Roast fillet of beef, sticky blade and horseradish croquettes, carrot puree, roast parsnip gratin [k\

Trio of chocolate puddings [k\

English cheese board, biscuits and fruit and nut loaf [k\

Coffee and truffles

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB Tel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

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

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FOOD & DR INK

Harvest Memories Sarah Lyon brings back childhood memories from her recent visit to Canada

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he memory and emotion of growing up in the untamed rural landscape of a small town in Ontario evokes warm nostalgic feelings of freedom where amongst the hard work of building fences, tending animals, tapping trees for maple syrup and clearing the land there was a place for roaming the woods, climbing ropes, building tree forts and fearlessly riding ponies.

Where the scent of tomato plants and the sweet tasting bounty of the cherry tomatoes harvested on my sister Katy and her husband John’s Biodynamic Farm on Vancouver Island moves me back in time to those heady days of the late 1960s and places me firmly in the memory of the hot tomato growing greenhouses of Jack’s (my childhood friend’s father) market garden.

It is 44 years between then and now, a lifetime of experiences and relationships, culture and geography. When I ponder on my interests in nutrition, growing and sowing, cooking and sharing food together I have a sense of life coming full circle. Attending a sunrise gathering of the Algonquin First Nations people atop a mountain in Bancroft, Ontario in August emphasised this feeling.

“The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood…The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back again to where they were,” Black Elk, Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux 1863-1950.

Farmer John explains his reverence for the seasons: The growing year from early Spring and into Summer culminating with the “Fall” is the expansion of growth forces and vegetation, with the gradual ripening and hardening and sweetening forces made possible by July and August’s warmth. September and October bring decreasing light and greater moisture and cold, creating conditions of decline, and rotting, hence nature returns to the soil to be renewed inside the earth during the freezing winter months, to be awakened again in the Spring with the new light and warmth.

To an amateur like myself, translating the biodynamic sowing and planting calendar looks

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complex. Not so for my sister’s husband John, as he explains, “The best time for sowing seeds is a week before the full moon, when the moon reaches its full potential as a source of power.”

A practice focused on creating a balanced and diversified self-sustaining eco-system that nourishes the land.

It’s 6 am on the farm and John and Katy are up ready to harvest a bounty of produce for their CSA (community supported agriculture) scheme before their biodynamic café opens up for an 11am start.

This is where CSA shareholders and others can take in the full experience of being on the farm before leaving with a sense of gratitude for seeing exactly where their food is coming from.

Katy and John are passionate lovers of the land and of each other too. Katy’s indefatigable strength and energy is something to behold.

She says, “We are servants of what brings

the best for the community. The love of the harvest is about being one with the bounty of the efforts that first start with the preparation of the soil and the planting of seeds. The seeds are nurtured and grown and bring with them the glory of the harvest. I believe that it is our commitment from beginning to end that brings a picture of life.”

The children who come to the farm learn to appreciate the abundance of the harvest and how they can translate this to the abundance of their own lives. Kate’s positivity generates this policy of abundance. She lives by the philosophy of what we ask for we get and abundance follows. And so it does at Alderlea Farm.

An abundant harvest of dill slicers means that John and Katy are up late into the night making an array of pickles for the months ahead. Tubs full of Romas (tomato variety) for roasting and beefsteak tomatoes with fresh basil will be combined to create a canned tomato purée.

And so it is that the summer harvest is captured for the colder and less productive months ahead.

My visit ends with my niece’s wedding where vows are shared in a harvest circle created from hay, barley and a bounty of sunflowers and pumpkins that beautifully represented the fecundity of the sweet earth reflected in her capacity to create round, sweet, colourful abundance for us all.

• If I have sparked your interest in Biodynamic Farming Woodlands Farm at Stamford Farmers’ Market can give more, www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk

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CAT E R ING

ScrumDubbly

Antonia Scott samples afternoon tea served from a seriously cool VW Campervan!

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hen I saw ScrumDubbly’s invitation to attend their Launch Party, I knew from the retro feel that I should expect something different and I wasn’t disappointed. HQ on the Main Road in Uffington, is home to Ellie and her boyfriend Stephen and Gunner the boisterous black Labrador, who all warmly greeted me on arrival.

And there, taking pride of place in the garden, decked in bunting, was the coolest VW Camper van trailer I’ve ever seen – completely customised by a Worcester based company called Dub Box Ltd (www.dub-box.com ). They specialise in creating bespoke trailers for people wanting an alternative to the traditional white caravan ethos, including “The Tuck Box” range for food retailers, such as ScrumDubbly.

Ellie explains, “It all started after a wonderful 3 week holiday touring the south west coast in our beloved 1976 Bay window Camper van, ‘Pumpkin’ that I decided that it was time to stop counting the days and start making each day count instead.”

So, noticing the recent popularity of all things ‘vintage’ Ellie came up with a plan to turn her VW Camper into something much more than simply a home from home on wheels something far more ‘scrumptious!’ The beautiful sleek red trailer is custom built to match the van, which is fully equipped to serve delicious barista style coffee and a fantastic array of fair

trade Suki Teas, along with a selection of mouth watering cakes and other goodies – all homemade by Ellie. I had a delicious fruit filled cupcake and aromatic coffee and would have gone back for seconds had the queue not been so long!

ScrumDubbly’s aim is to provide a quality product and an exceptional service that can be individually tailored to clients’ needs, all in stunning retro style.

For coffee and cake that stand out in a crowd, ScrumDubbly is available to hire for weddings, corporate events, private parties, country shows, sporting and charity events.

ScrumDubbly will be at various locations around Stamford - for more details go to www.

scrumdubbly.com or visit www.facebook.com/ Scrumdubbly or Twitter Ellie@Scrumdubbly All Stamford Living readers get 50p off any ScrumDubbly goodie on presentation of this article.

• Contact: www.scrumdubbly.com Tel: 07513 018293 25 Main Road, Uffington. PE9 4SN

PR OPE R T Y

Homely Interior and Exterior at Cromwell Lodge

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romwell Lodge is a beautiful south facing detached barn conversion which was created with immense attention to detail throughout along with a high standard of fixtures and fittings. Its current owners are incredibly proud of its appearance both inside and out with a particular eye on interior design. So when Chesterton Humberts knew it was coming to the market, it was extremely fitting for it to appear in Stamford Living with its welcoming and homely interior and exterior.

So how can the exterior be homely? You just have to look at the Dutch barn which sits to the front of the property with its large sofa, fire pit and extra furnishings to see how the outside can be just as usable as the inside. And as it gets dark, the warm glow from the fire and enchanting strings of fairy lights can look very inviting. A summer’s evening or sunny Autumn afternoon could lead you around to the rear of the property where a gravelled seating area with shabby chic styling could give you just the escapism you need.

On stepping foot through the front door, a travertine floor throughout the reception rooms and oak doors leading to each subsequent room immediately give a warm and welcoming feeling. The two reception rooms provide you with a warm and cosy sitting room with wood burner and stone hearth as well as an open plan kitchen/family/dining room with vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and oak glazed French doors leading out into the garden. Beyond the dining/family area you will find a study, family bathroom, a guest bedroom with ensuite, master bedroom with exposed stone wall and en-suite shower room and two further bedrooms.

The property is approached over a gravelled drive along with steel railings and a steel gated access which leads to the parking and garden area, outbuildings and lawned garden.

Attached to the property is a stone built open fronted cart lodge style building providing parking for 3 vehicles with store room over. The lawned courtyard garden is enclosed with water feature and mainly laid to lawn with neatly planted borders.

• To find out more about Cromwell Lodge, Maxey please contact Zoe Noyes, Associate Director, Chesterton Humberts on 01780 758098 or email zoe.noyes@chestertonhumberts.com. Further information on this and many other properties can be seen at www.chestertonhumberts.com STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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

Ten local food and drink heroes

By Matt Wright

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hoosing ten local food and drink heroes was surprisingly challenging. There are lots of people in the area doing great work, from chefs to farmers to shop owners, so it was hard to whittle the list down to ten.

The first job was to define ‘local’, which in this case I decided was an area of around 30 miles from Stamford and Rutland. The next task was to choose the selection criteria. What all these people have in common is the hard work they put in – day in, day out – that has a measurable positive impact on our local food and drink culture.

Here they are:

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

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

Aaron Paterson, head chef, Hambleton Hall Consistency over many years is the mark of a great chef. Aaron’s continued ability and desire to create top quality food from the kitchen of Hambleton Hall over 29 years has brought pleasure to thousands. But more importantly it has inspired a great number of local chefs who have gone on to set up their own fine restaurants, from Tom Cockerill (formerly of Entropy), to Neil Hitchen at The Berkeley Arms to Sean Hope at The Olive Branch. Has any chef had more impact in the region?

Stephen Gould, managing director, Everards Everards is a family-owned brewer from Leicester with around 180 pubs in the Midlands. Under Stephen’s stewardship, Everards is becoming one of the most progressive food and drink businesses in the region.

Its clever Project William and Project Artisan schemes have led to the transformation of 28 Midlands pubs that were threatened with closure into bustling real ale houses. His collaborative approach of working with microbrewers is good news for the brewing and pub industry.

Ben Jones and Sean Hope, proprietors, The Olive Branch and Red Lion Inn Apologies to Ben and Sean for treating them as one hero! The duo behind The Olive Branch at Clipsham and The Red Lion Inn at Stathern have consistently set the standards for pub hospitality, food and drink in the region. The latest evidence of this is The Olive Branch being named Good Pub Guide Pub of the Year 2014.

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

Members can enjoy special offers at over 90 handpicked independent pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

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Sara Barton, founder, Brewster’s Brewery The founder and head brewer at Grantham’s Brewster’s Brewery was named British Beer Writers’ Brewer of the Year earlier in 2013.

Not only does she brew fantastic beers – try Hophead at Stamford’s Jolly Brewery or Oundle’s Ship Inn when it’s available – she is also responsible for encouraging female brewers into the industry via her Project Venus scheme.

The Fenland mustard farmers In 2007, mustard growing in the UK, which almost exclusively takes place in south Lincolnshire and north Cambridgeshire, was on the verge of dying out after 200 years. The reasons were declining yields and the fallout from the 1995 sale of Colman’s to Unilever. But 11 growers in the Fens refused to stand by and watch that happen, so they formed a co-operative headquartered in Thorney near Peterborough, and have since almost single handedly secured the future of the English crop.

Alison Newcombe, organiser, Oundle Food Festival Alison’s hard work organising the excellent annual Oundle Food Festival deserves plenty of respect.

The event goes above the norms of town food fairs by running talks with the likes of Jane FearnleyWhittingstall (Hugh’s mum), gin tastings, bread making sessions and educational children’s activities, culminating in a superb street market. Oundle Food Festival is an asset to the region and has the potential to become even bigger and better, and it wouldn’t happen without Alison.

Nigel Moon, miller, Whissendine Windmill Not only does Nigel keep the sails of Whissendine Windmill spinning and milling, he was also responsible for restoring the building into the flour-producing workhorse it is today. The windmill had stood idle for 74 years before it was purchased by Nigel in 1995. One of the local food world’s true characters, Nigel’s passion for keeping the tradition of milling alive is a wonder to behold.

Julian Carter and Tim Hart, head baker and proprietor, Hambleton Bakery Another double act posing as a single hero! Julian is head baker at Hambleton Bakery, named Britain’s Best Bakery 2012 by ITV. Tim, meanwhile, is the man who was inspired to set up the bakery business (he is also the man behind Hambleton Hall and Hart’s of Nottingham). What Julian and Tim have jointly created is somewhere that promotes and celebrates real bread and top quality baking.

Karen Brannan, founder, The Cheese Cellar, Stamford

Tony Davis, joint founder, The Grainstore Brewery

Karen, through her Cheese Cellar on St Mary’s Street, has brought an amazing range of high quality cheeses to Stamford and spends many evenings talking to groups about cheese and running product tastings.

She also supports the town in which she trades through the Visit Stamford group, acting as a Retail Champion for Stamford Lanes.

Under Tony, The Grainstore Brewery has won numerous awards down the years for its beers and its pub, including Own Brew Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2014.

The Grainstore enhances the local area and runs superb beer festivals, too. One of the UK’s most respected brewers, Tony is also a qualified Beer Acadamy Beer Sommeliers. Currently there are around 50 Beer Acadamy Beer Sommeliers worldwide.

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Wedding Show The East of England Autumn

Photo courtesy of Paul Massey

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SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER TH

10.30am – 4.00pm The East of England Showground, Peterborough

Tel: 07738 912092 / 01775 765385 for details www.cupidsweddingshows.com

Goody Bag for the first 250 Brides Free Glass of Bubbly Catwalk Shows Free Parking Free Bridal Directory Free Prize Draw Admission: Adults £4.00 Children/OAP’s FREE

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D IA RY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, 10am to 4pm EXHIBITION: Ufford Art Society The annual exhibition takes place with paintings and sculptures as well as crafts and refreshments. On Saturday afternoon there will be free painting workshops for adults and children.

Ufford Village Hall Admission is free Saturday 5 October, 7.30pm CONCERT: John Barker Acclaimed trumpeter John Barker will perform one of his very popular concerts – early booking recommended.

St John’s Church, Ryhall Tickets are £7.50 each (accompanied children free) Monday 7 to Saturday 19 October, 10am to 4pm daily EXHIBITION: Autumn Exhibition Welland Valley Arts Society gathers artists from the surrounding five counties and the exhibition showcases a wide variety of styles and techniques from professionals and amateurs.

Most of the exhibits are for sale.

Stamford Arts Centre Admission is free.

Saturday 5 to Sunday 13 October (house closed on 11 October) EVENT: Flower Festival Celebrating classic literature, ‘Books in Bloom’ will celebrate the best of classic literature including the 200 year anniversary of Pride and Prejudice, the film adaptation of which was partly filmed at Burghley. During October the state rooms are transformed with beautiful floral displays created by local flower societies, offering a new perspective on England’s greatest Elizabethan House.

Admission with a house only or house and garden ticket.

Burghley House, Stamford More information at www.burghley.co.uk

Wednesday 9 October, 7.30pm TALK: Peter and Dan Snow Veteran broadcaster Peter Snow and his son Dan talk about their lives and books in an entertaining evening hosted by Tim Walker of Walkers Books. Peter’s new book When Britain Burned the Whitehouse highlights the 1814 British invasion of Washington, an unparalleled moment in American history. Dan’s book, Battle Castles traces the violent history of siege warfare when the threat of violence was the norm. This is a rare chance to see this famous father and son team.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £10 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Tel: 01283 820548 or visit www.craft-shows.co.uk

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October EVENT: Living Heritage Craft and Food Fair A weekend of craft and food shopping along with working demonstrations of traditional English crafts. From ceramics and jewellery to glass blowing and bee keeping, there is something for everyone as well as children’s entertainments and the ever popular food hall.

Burghley House, Stamford For tickets, contact Living Heritage

Friday 18 October, 8pm COMEDY: So Comedy A hilarious evening of comedy featuring Sara Pascoe, star of Stand Up for the Week and Live at the Apollo plus Jessica Fostekew. Watch these up and coming stars of comedy just on the brink of their breakthrough.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £15/£13 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Saturday 15 October, 7pm The Shakespeare Schools Festival is the UK’s largest Youth Drama Festival and works with one thousand secondary, primary and special schools all over the UK, making it possible for them to stage abridged Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatre.

Each night four schools will perform four different Shakespeare plays. A wonderful evening of entertainment.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £8.50/£6.50 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk

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D IA RY DAT E S Saturday 19 October, 7.30pm Event: Jackson Live in Concert This show sees long-time fan and hugely talented Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. Ben’s portrayal of Michael Jackson has to be one of the most vocally and visually accurate tributes ever. Ben is joined on the stage by his incredible live band and amazing dancers who work their way through all the hits with impeccable precision. The show features all-live vocals and music, fabulous costumes, and of course all the signature dance moves associated so fondly with the undisputed King of Pop. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £17 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Thursday 31 October 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm EVENT: The Stamford Ghost Walk Experience Soak up the haunting atmosphere of Stamford’s streets and passageways with local actor Martin Tempest. Experience a guided journey through the darker side of Georgian Stamford’s rich history.

Discover some chilling tales from time gone by and visit the locations of some truly unearthly events. With every twist and turn you will scream, laugh and jump on this spine-tingling tour filled with an entrancing blend of horror, history and humour. Please note - Recommended age 8 years plus, however, if parents bring younger children the organisers hold no responsibility if they are scared. Brave souls should book early. Walks start at Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £5 (Halloween Special tickets £5.50) Throughout October until Sunday 3 November EXHIBITION: Fresh Take at Burghley An exciting new contemporary art exhibition featuring six local artists. The artists, working in variety of media, will undertake a residency with Burghley House, responding to an element of the house interior and its history, juxtaposing the traditions of Burghley with current contexts, creating a fresh cultural dialogue between past and present.

Burghley House, Stamford Admission with a house only or house and garden ticket.

More information at www.burghley.co.uk Saturday 2 November EVENT: Bonfire Extravaganza This event organised by the Stamford Kiwanis is always guaranteed to draw the crowds.

Considered the best firework display in Stamford, there is also a giant bonfire plus children’s entertainment, food and mulled wine.

Queen Eleanor School For full details and ticket information see www.stamfordkiwanis. co.org

Three great family shows for the holiday...

Saturday 19 October, 2.30pm The Big Red Bath It’s the end of a busy day and it is almost time for bed, and Ben and Bella are in the bath. Splish! Splosh! Splash! Bubbles burst and bubbles rise and a frothy feast of animals jump right in to join in the fun. Join this bubbly, barmy bath time adventure around the world and home again celebrating all things bath time.

For children between 2 and 6 years old.

Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets £7.50/£6.50, Family Ticket £26 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com Monday 21 October, 1pm and 3.30pm Bananas in Pyjamas Live!

It’s party time in Cuddlestown. But wait... the guest of honour is missing – it’s a Banana Emergency! Come and help the Banana Detectives solve the case.

The Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham Tickets £12/£10, Family Ticket £40 Wednesday 23 October, 11am (for under 4s and 2pm for over 4s) Yummm!

A celebration of food seen through children’s eyes using dance, live music, quirky design and some amusing eating utensils. Seating the audience around the dinner table, this performance is a celebration of food and eating together.

Performances are followed by a short play activity for audiences, where the children get their own utensils to play with.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £5 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Monday 21 October, 8pm (plus post show Q&A), Tuesday 22 October, 7pm and 9pm THEATRE: Zest Theatre present Gatecrash With the parents on holiday Sam’s having a house party. Nothing big, just a few close friends…at least that was the plan - until you knocked on the door. Zest Theatre’s exciting, interactive production puts you right in the centre of the action and gives you control of the conversations you listen to through Silent Disco technology. Put on your wireless headphones, step through Sam’s front door and experience the party unfold all around you as you gatecrash the party.

Suitable for ages fourteen years plus Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £8/ £3.50 Under 26s STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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AS K L EO SPE CIAL

MEMORIALS OF STAMFORD When your eyes wander around a church, do you ever wonder about the townspeople whose memorials are there on the walls? Jean Orpin and Sue Lee do!

Here they tell you about a few of those in All Saints and St John’s

ALL SAINTS CHURCH Frances Gilchrist 17841808 & Horatio Thomas Gilchrist 1772-1854 Horatio Gilchrist was born in Twickenham in 1772. He married Frances Theed in 1806 at Hilton in Huntingdon, but she died in 1808 at the age of 24. He then married Eliza Phillips, the daughter of James Phillips who owned the brewery in Water Street.

Gilchrist took over as miller at Kings’ Mill from his uncle John Robinson and lived at the Vale House, King’s Mill Lane. He died in 1854. His brother Octavius was an antiquary, man of letters and founder of the Drakard News in opposition to the Stamford Mercury.

Thomas Haynes 17701834 & Elizabeth Haynes 1783-1837 Thomas Haynes was a silversmith and watchmaker. His business was in 10 Red Lion Square, now occupied by the newsagents. He occupied the premises before the rebuilding in 1818 by the Marquess of Exeter and also afterwards. The clock on the wall, signed by him is a reminder of his occupancy. He made quality long case and wall clocks of oak and mahogany, many still working today. There would have been a good trade for these upmarket clocks in Georgian England from wealthy visitors to the town.

James Richardson 17821860 & Mary Richardson 1779-1833 James Richardson was a builder and carpenter and a freeman of the town who specialised in the sale of timber. He lived at 16 Barn Hill. In 1820 he took out a licence as an auctioneer and founded his own business.

He built Truesdale’s Hospital and made the alterations to Barn Hill House for the Marquess of Exeter. He also built 11-12 Bath Row, 16-19 Adelaide Street and St Peter’s Callis. There have been many name changes but the business continues today as ‘Richardson’ in the Sheep Market.

Edward Brown 18001838 Edward and his eight brothers and sisters were all baptised in All Saints’ Church. They were the children of James Brown and Elizabeth Avery, who were married in 1777.

When the Stamford & Rutland Infirmary opened in 1828, Edward was appointed as the first house surgeon. Sadly he died 10 years later at his brother’s house on Rutland Terrace, aged only 37 years. He seems to have been highly regarded and the notice of his death in the Mercury comments on his ability to obtain the ‘gratitude and affection’ of the ‘unfortunate objects of charity’ he treated with kindness.

ST JOHN’S CHURCH

Solomon Woodroffe died 1769 Solomon Woodroffe was the druggist at 1-3 Red Lion Square which until fairly recently remained a chemist’s shop. He married Margaret Cocks in Nottingham in 1757 and soon after took copyhold leases on the premises in Stamford.

His first apprentice was Christopher Cocks, his wife’s younger brother. In his Will he left the business to Margaret and she kept it going with the assistance of her brother until her sons took it over. The business remained in the family until 1850 and many of Solomon’s descendants were to be baptised in the font near his memorial.

John Edge 1877-1901 John George Edge was the only son of John Edge, a Building Surveyor who lived at 1 St Peter’s Street.

He was a member of Stamford Fire Brigade and a joiner by trade, apprenticed to Hallidays. In March 1900 he volunteered to serve in the Boer War with the 2nd Lincolnshire regiment.

He was injured at Rietfontein, Natal and died November 18th 1901 aged 24yrs. His name is also on the Roll of Honour tablets in Peterborough and Lincoln Cathedrals.

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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• SL oct.indd 55

To place an advert in next month’s magazine please call Claudia on 01780 480409

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

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

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

19/09/2013 15:29

STA M FOR D PE OPLE

David Pennell, Burghley House Estate Director Antonia Scott spent a memorable morning being shown behind the scenes (and onto the roof!) at Burghley House by Estate Director, David Pennell • How long have you been in your position as Estate Director?

4 years – previously I worked on the Duke of Norfolk’s estate in Arundel in West Sussex and prior to that at Goodwood. My main role at Burghley is to undertake the responsibility for the fabric of Burghley House and to lead the strategy for Burghley’s Estate and property portfolios with House Director, Miranda Rock.

conjunction with English Heritage and Natural England to restore the vision that Capability Brown saw for the Estate. The Head Forester recently discovered an immense chestnut tree estimated to be between 600-800 years old and with a circumference of over 10 metres, that has now been officially classified as one of the top 10 specimen trees in Europe and

• What is your vision for Burghley?

To revitalise the property portfolio with a modern approach, yet retaining Burghley’s charm and protecting its historic assets.

• Burghley is 500 years old, is it hard to preserve the fabric of the house whilst trying to move forward?

There is a fine balance between moving forward commercially and keeping the traditional position Burghley has held for so long.

• Do you have a favourite part of the house/ estate?

The roof has spectacular views of the park, showcasing first London and Cook’s initial creativity in landscaping in the 1700s, followed 60 years later by the famous Capability Brown, but any view back to the house from within the park is spectacular.

• What events at Burghley can SL readers look forward to?

There are numerous events taking place from October until 1st December when the house will shut for maintenance and repair work that simply can’t be carried out while members of the public are walking around.

‘Fresh Take’ Art Exhibition - Monday 9th September - Sunday 3rd November Burghley Flower Festival - Saturday 5th October - Sunday 13th October Living Heritage Craft & Food Fair - Saturday 12th October - Sunday 13th October New for 2013 is Spooky Tours on Monday 21st October The Burghley Pumpkin Trail - Monday 28th October - Sunday 3rd November Crafts for Christmas - Thursday 28th November - Sunday 1st December Burghley Fine Food Market - Saturday 30th November - Sunday 1st December 2016 will be the tercentennial anniversary of Capability Brown and next year Burghley is starting work to undertake the biggest to date ‘Parkland Restoration Project’ in

54

to be even bigger and better, with already over 2,500 people signed up and aiming for 10,000 participants. It was great to attract a completely new crowd to showcase the Estate to.

The Gardens of Surprise were very popular due in part to the extremely favourable weather we had throughout the summer.

The Film Festival was another huge success for Burghley with over 8,500 visitors over the 4 days and feedback was that we showed the perfect mix of everything. For the Bond film Skyfall, audiences peaked at 2,500 people which was great. Next year we will extend it to 5 nights and are already having arguments over which films to show! (Bugsy Malone, The Great Escape and Gladiator are my favourites!) Any suggestions are warmly welcomed!

Finally the recent Landrover Burghley Horse Trials were another fantastic 4 days for shoppers and equestrians alike. The course, built by Capt. Mark Phillips gains huge respect from the sport as being a true 4* event and is generally considered the toughest out there.

This year saw a combination water fence return to the Lion Bridge since 2004, which made for a picture postcard view of Burghley House.

• How many properties does Burghley Estate own in Stamford?

Burghley Estate has in the region of 700 tenants within a 12 mile radius of Stamford – to include private residences, shops, pubs, hotels, parkland, farms, allotments, stables and grazing with over 75% of them being listed buildings.

David on ‘El Magnifico’ is affectionately known on the estate as “El Magnifico!”

• With this summer’s Events Programme just behind us, what were Burghley’s successes?

The Rat Race was a huge highlight for us with over 6,000 competitors. Next year promises

• Any other interesting facts?!

Burghley Estate covers approx. 1,800 acres of walled parkland in total. The lead roof of Burghley House covers 1 acre and there are 72 chimneys, each costing £25,000 to maintain and repair. The lake takes up 25 acres and was carved out by Capability Brown around 1760 to give the illusion of a meandering river through the park. The lake is filled with mostly pike, tench, bream and the protected English white clawed crayfish that all had to be counted and marked before being returned, when the lake was drained to make a new water fence 2 years ago for the Landrover Burghley Horse Trials.

In essence, Burghley Estate really does appeal to all ages. With the new Children’s Guidebook to Burghley House called ‘Beastly Boring Burghley’ along with the numerous events hosted throughout the season, every Stamfordian really should make the most of this wonderful Elizabethan stately home on our doorstep.

• For more info: www.burghley.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2013

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