Stamford Living September 2011

H e l p i n g y o u t o g e t t he m o s t o u t o f l i v i n g LO C A LLY

STAMFORD Living

Burghley 2011 ÂŁ1.50 September 2011

@LocalLivingUK

www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 09

Packing the perfect hamper

Motoring Eco cars debate TATTOO S Artists, Inkers and Scratchers F OR E S T F U N Fineshade Red Route

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Pinfold Gate, Ketton

£325,000

Extremely well presented 3 bedroom bespoke barn conversion in this exclusive development in the sought after Rutland village of Ketton. The property has been converted to a high standard and is unusual being set over three split levels making viewing a must. The accommodation also provides: Lounge/Diner, Kitchen/Breakfast Room Enclosed walled garden, garage and off street parking.

£315,000

Situated in West Deeping, one of the area’s most sought after villages, this charming stone built semi detached cottage is situated on a large plot with a well kept garden to the rear which then in turn backs on to open countryside. This 3 bed 2 reception room period property provides lovely spacious accommodation but also has fantastic potential to extend to the side and rear (STPP).

Peterborough Road, Wansford

Lovely modern town house in popular village location. Property briefly comprises: Good sized Sitting Room with Dining Area and French doors leading to delightful south facing Patio Garden. Kitchen Breakfast Room. Three large Double Bedrooms, one with En-suite Shower Room. Main Bathroom with shower over bath. Parking.

King Street, West Deeping

£895 pcm

St. George’s Street, Stamford

£625 pcm

A beautifully presented period townhouse situated in the heart of the charming town centre of Stamford. The property is at a high standard throughout. Partly furnished and offering Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Rear Lobby with Cloaks, useful Cellar storage. First floor Living Room. Bedroom and Bathroom. Small Patio Garden.

2/3 St Johns Street Stamford PE9 2DA

Sales: 01780 750000 Lettings: 01780 750001 2

Email: info@goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

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STAMFORD LIVING Hello

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

This issue

Cover shot:

September

The Little Society

St Peter’s Community Group recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. It is the area around St Peter’s Green taking in principally All Saints’ St, Austin St, St Peter’s St, Bath Road and Rutland Terrace.

It started in July2001, with a meeting called by Graddon Rowlands. It was seen as a way of fostering community relations and taking action on local issues. The idea was triggered by the closure of the St Peter’s Inn, which had been the community hub.

10 years later we celebrated with a hog roast, cooked in the oven of Askers bakery after they had finished baking for the day. Our party attracted over 80 local people, and there were several ‘three generation groups’ there.

Why has it prospered and flourished? In my view: 1) an enthusiastic core group 2) the avoidance of politics 3) making little bits of progress on quite a lot of things 4) recognising that the social side was always the most important element.

Many happy returns to a group that has made living locally just that little bit better.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

Subscribe to Stamford Living

@LocalLivingUK

Front cover image: Landrover Burghley Horse Trials.

Picture by Jonathan Clarke http://jpcimages.co.uk/ Mob: 07812 608359

UPFRONT, SHOPPING

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Packing the perfect hamper for Burghley Horse Trials Welland School of Dancing update; Forgotten People new book; World champion to host Open Day; Ploughing Championships Marcia May celebrates its first birthday; Atelier Nest; RS AV Solutions; Learn French over a croissant

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

4 BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS

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Fashion: Shoes News: Stamford Beauty; Wansford Smile Studio; Browns Hairdressing; Attic Weekend moves A tattoo for you?

HOME, GARDEN & MOTORING

23 Motoring: Buying a car at auction 32 10 Top ideas for feathering your nest this autumn 44 Motoring: Electric and hybrid cars

FOOD & DRINK

8 MARCIA MAY’S 1ST BIRTHDAY

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51 53

Food & Drink: Rutland Food Festival; The Plough at Casterton Food reviews: Garden House Hotel; The Barn Restaurant Olive Branch recipe: A shellfish state of mind

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS

19 CYCLING IN FINESHADE 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 Warner’s of Bourne

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Activities: New cycle tracks in Fineshade Local Business: Kier Bowman Mews development; Mi-Stamford; Harris McCormack Architects Travel: South Africa with Oundle Travel; day trips with Shaws Coaches How to start your own business Choosing the right secondary school Stamford’s state secondary schools What’s On

PERSPECTIVES

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Writer’s spot: “The thing I like about Stamford” Countryfile: Potatoes – Tuber to chip Ask Leo: Q & A on local history The Good Life: Kareena Gardiner, Alexander Technique practitioner 53 SEAN HOPE’S SHELLFISH RECIPE

For only £20 (£30 for overseas surface mail) 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 September 2011

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GREAT DAYS OUT

Packing the perfect hamper for Burghley

With the Burghley Horse Trials nearly upon us, Charlotte Newby keeps it local to find all the ingredients you need for a perfect picnic.

Photos by David Corfield

O

ne of the best things about summer is picnicking outdoors, and the Burghley Horse Trials provides the perfect opportunity to pack up a fabulous al fresco feast. But you don’t have to shop at Fortnum & Mason to pull off the authentic English picnic.

For your own fresh, seasonal and stylish picnic, you can gather food from local producers and makers. Often the simple foods are the best. Indulge in fabulous cheese, the best baked goods and splash out on something cool and sparkly to drink.

The basics For a distinctly British picnic, you may want to invest in a traditional wicker hamper. This foursetting cotton-lined hamper costs £75.00 from Sinclairs and includes plates, cutlery, glasses, napkins and a corkscrew/bottle opener. For a more intimate affair, there’s also a two-setting one for £57.50.

If you plan to amble your way through Burghley Park, and set up your picnic alongside a cross-country fence, then a rug is essential.

This gorgeous tartan rug is easy to carry and has a waterproof underside. A perfect picnicking companion at £29.95 from T&C Robinson.

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Main Course Stamford has an abundance of fresh local foods to select.

I had heard about the Bull and Swan’s famous scotch egg (£3.75) well before I got my hands on one. And it hasn’t disappointed. What a great foodie creation flavoursome Lincolnshire haslet housing a soft boiled egg, ideal to slice into manageable pieces, and delicious dipped in mustard or chutney.

Equally as tasty are the densely packed pork pies from Hambleton Fine Foods. There’s a mouth-watering variety of fillings from the Classic Pork Pie to the Duck and Orange Topped pie and the Classic Poacher which has cheese and pickle inside its crumbly crust (£4.25 for 1lb, £7.00 for 2lb). If you find yourself in this Oakham shop, don’t forget to pick up some Rutland Preserves. Hand made in Whissendine, they are the perfect accompaniment to pork pies, cheese and other cooked meat.

A picnic is not a picnic without bread, and this is an occasion to treat yourself to something really special. I chose a sour dough loaf from

Hambleton Bakery (£2.70). It’s baked in a wood fired oven and has a distinctive springy, crumpet like texture. It keeps well, is delicious dipped into your salad dressing and beautifully accompanies cheese. I couldn’t resist their olive bread either (£1.40). It’s made with focaccia dough, stuffed with marinated olives and virgin olive oil, and sprinkled with paprika.

Next on my list was some quality cheese so I popped into the Cheese Cellar on St Mary’s Street. Owner Karen is passionate about cheese and knows the story behind each one. If you fancy a local cheese, there’s the Lincolnshire Poacher, a very hard, 18-month old vintage crumbly (cheddar-like) cheese. Perfect for eating in your fingers, dipped in caramelised onion chutney. The Cote Hill Blue is exquisite, a blue-veined, strong, creamy soft cheese for the cheese aficionado. Spread it liberally on crusty bread. And for a creamy and sweet picnic delight, cut open some fresh dates, spread in some buttery St Andre. It has an intense brie flavour which suits the rough sweetness of the dates. Karen will even make these up for you while you wait.

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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THE LAND ROVER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS 1st – 4th September 2011 Gates open at 7.30am, arrive early especially on the Saturday. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Advance Tickets: 01933 304744 or http://www.burghley-horse.co.uk/ Tickets from £8 per car and £11 per person per day.

Children aged 12 years and under admitted free.

For directions and best access gates, please see the website.

FOODWALK Take a stroll amongst the specialist food stalls, local and international. They’re open from 9-5pm Thursday to Sunday. Here are some worth seeking out: Bedazzled Cupcakes: lovingly handmade original cupcakes, hand-decorated to order, http://www. bedazzledcupcakes.co.uk/ Danebury Vineyards: a prize winning English Vineyard, producing outstanding and distinct wines from the heart of Hampshire, http://www.danebury.com/ Perry Court Farm: producing air dried fruit crisps. A natural and healthy snack made from fruit grown, picked and prepared by hand on its Kentish farm, http://www. perrycourtfarm.co.uk/ Rose Cottage Pies: British Saddleback pigs are their speciality, producing prize-winning pork pies, sausages and bacon products, http://www.rosecottagepies.co.uk/

For a lighter dish, bake a Rutland trout in foil and mix pieces of the fish with a tarragon mayonnaise. You can buy the local fish from the Lakeside Bed and Breakfast in Barnsdale. Ready frozen (already gutted), they are £2.00/lb and are so much better than the trout you buy at the supermarket. Having said that, if time is against you or if you need convenience, then Waitrose has a selection of high quality cooked salmon, trout and seafood.

Add a fresh simple salad to your hamper.

Combine runner beans, peas, broad beans, cucumber and herb vinaigrette. It will be easy to transport and won’t go soggy.

Potato salads also travel and keep well.

Small new potatoes work best. Try combining a French dressing with mayonnaise and mustard to dress your potatoes, and add some chopped hard-boiled eggs and chives.

Pudding Fresh seasonal fruit is ideal for a light picnic dessert. Though it’s too late for strawberries – damsons and blackberries are in abundance in the hedgerows at this time of year and you can get fresh figs from the Cheese Cellar.

Partner them with some locally baked scones (Askers’ are good), cut open and served with

clotted cream.

If you’re feeling more decadent, try the Hambleton Bakery Almond and Fruit tart (£1.70). Crumbly buttery pastry filled with soft almond paste, apples and red fruit. They come as individual tarts so they’re sturdy travelling companions.

To Drink Choose a fresh sparkling white wine to accompany your outdoor banquet. The Nyetimber 2006 from Adnams (£25.99) has a strong fresh aroma of peaches and apricots.

It’s a light golden wine with tiny bubbles and a fruity and intense flavour.

Or for a cheerful sparkling citrusy wine, go for the Adnams Selection Fizz from the Loire Valley at £7.99. Packed with exuberant bubbles it’s perfect for a spontaneous celebration!

For softer refreshment, I’d recommend a tangy 100% pure organic apple juice from the Stamford Juice Company (£2.69) from Silver Lane Foods.

It’s not too hard to gather delicious, local, honest food and create your perfect British picnic, but don’t forget to pack a flask of hot tea and an anorak, wellies, fleece, umbrella… just in case.

Contacts Askers Baker, Red Lion Street, Stamford, PE9 1PA, 01780 481933 Adnams, Bath Row Warehouse, St Mary’s Passage, Stamford, PE9 2HG, 01780 753127, http://cellarandkitchen.adnams.co.uk/ The Bull & Swan, High Street St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ, 01780 766412, http://www.thebullandswan.co.uk/ The Cheese Cellar, 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DG, 01780 489269 Hambleton Fine Foods, Knights Yard, Gaol Street, Oakham, LE15 8AQ, 01572 724455, http://www.hambletonfarms.co.uk/ Hambleton Bakery, 1 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL, 01780 754327, http://www.hambletonbakery.co.uk/ Silver Lane Foods, 2 Silver Lane, Stamford, PE9 2BT, 01780 755710, http://www.silverlanefoods.co.uk/ Sinclairs, 11-12 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DE, 01780 765421, http://www.sinclairsonline.co.uk/ T&C Robinson, 4 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DE, 01780 755378, http://www.tandcrobinson.co.uk/

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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Over 80 different cheeses…

always in stock, plus locally sourced items • British & Irish Farmhouse Cheeses

• Continental Cheeses • Artisan Cheeses & Fine Foods • Lincolnshire Honey • Chutneys & Jams • Free Range Eggs • Wedding Cheese Cakes • Cheeseboards & Hampers a Speciality • Fruit & Vegetables

Monday - Thurday 9.30 - 5.00 Friday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00

The Stamford Cheese Cellar, 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford

Tel: 01780 489269 Email: stamfordcheesecellar@btconnect.com

Free Local Delivery Available

Visit us at

Burghley hOrse trials 1st - 4th september

Come to our stand e2 for one-to-one advice & choose from our new range l

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0178105 7401

mens l Womens l Outdoor Clothing l Coats Fleeces l Waterproofs l Wellieboots for all the family

Order Online Or Visit Our shOp in Barnack Barnack, Stamford. PE9 3DY

2 miles from Burghley House

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

World champion to host bowls open day Bowlers in the Stamford and Rutland area will have a chance to meet one of the game’s greatest players on Saturday, September 17 when the Stamford and District Indoor Bowls Club hosts its annual Open Day. Andy Thomson, currently ranked No.10 in the world and a former World Indoor bowls champion and capped more than 160 times for England, will be introducing bowlers to the indoor game at the 6-rink stadium in Exeter Gardens, Stamford from 9.30am.

As well as a short exhibition match he will hold a bowls clinic and encourage those whom maybe have only played other competitive sports or have only played the game outdoors, to take part in some trial sessions.

The event, which is free to enter for all ages from children to OAPs, will run until 2pm. Refreshments are available together with a shop selling bowls, bowls equipment and accessories.

• For further information call 01780 756452 or visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk

Forgotten People Forgotten People, published in July, is the story of three Lincolnshire villages – Careby, Holywell and Aunby – bound together in history.

What I like about the book is that it is arranged by individual place as well as by chronology, looking at all the people who have frequented that place over the centuries, often bringing it bang up to date. Full of anecdotes and real everyday life.

It is impressively laid out with good illustrations. Ian Wilson of Pacific Studio Publishing, based in Careby, has done a splendid job.

Francis Pryor, eminent broadcaster and local archaeologist sums the book up well: “Barbara Cooper brings a thousand years of history to life in a series of beautifully written snapshots of local people, ranging from the rich and powerful, to a poor man caught poaching rabbits… wonderful stuff.”

Forgotten People is a well-illustrated 300pp book researched and written by local author Barbara Cooper. Available in Walkers Bookshop.

Reviewer: Nicholas Rudd-Jones Maggie Purr

Welland School of Dancing This month marks a year since former pupil Maggie Purr became Principal of the Welland School of Dancing, home of dance classes in Stamford since 1964. Maggie took over from Anne Desbruslais who ran the school from 1985 and who continues to teach and act as Patron.

Maggie has danced and taught extensively in the UK and overseas, including roles in Swan Lake, Coppelia, The Nutcracker and Phantom of the Opera. It was during the world tour of the latter that she met her fiancé, James Skinner, who was understudying the Phantom role. As well as being a professional singer, James has a degree in Business Finance and now oversees the administrative, accounting and dancewear sales aspects of the dance school. Maggie said “James and I have found our first year exhausting, exhilarating and very fulfilling, thanks to the patience, dedication and support from our team of teachers and the friendly welcome we’ve received from the pupils and parents”.

The school’s studio is based in the ballroom of the former Stamford Hotel on St Mary’s Street. This grand 1820s building is a distinctive town landmark thanks to the Statue of Justice seated on its roof. The airy studio has sprung floors, ballet barres and mirrors and is an inspiring venue for any dancer, young or old.

The school offers a wide range of classes for adults and children, including tap, ballet, jazz and modern theatre. “Beginners of any age are welcome,” says Maggie. Before returning to Stamford, Maggie set up her own company in Windsor called Twinkle Tots Dance, specialising in movement and dance for the under-fives. She has introduced the concept to the Welland School, giving children as young as two the opportunity to learn ballet.

• For a timetable of classes and more information call 07921 213024 or visit http://www.wellandschoolofdancing.co.uk/

Edward Griffin Qualifier for the European Ploughing Championships Strasbourg September 2011 Born in April 1977, Edward was the first son of Richard Griffin, local farmer from Hambleton. Following in his father’s footsteps, Edward could drive a tractor from an early age and was fascinated by ploughing. He entered his first ploughing match at the age of 13 and won his first trophy at the age of 16.

During his adult years, he continued to plough competitively and joined the Rutland Ploughing Match Committee. In 2007 he reached his first goal, and qualified for the British National Ploughing Championships in York (after winning his class and Champion Ploughmen at the Rutland Ploughing Match). York saw him become the 7th best reversible ploughmen in the country and the 5th in 2008, which he then qualified to represent England in the Five Nations Ploughing Championships in Ireland.

There are only two more matches higher then the Five Nations, the European and World Championships. Last year the European Championships were hosted by Sweden, and the World Championships in New Zealand. Each ploughman has to organise all their own expenses getting themselves, their tractors and ploughs around the world!

Edward, has now reached yet another goal, and been asked to represent England at the European Ploughing Championships in Strasbourg in September. He is now looking for sponsors to assist him with the £2,000 it will cost him to participate. The Rutland Ploughing Match has kindly given a donation, if anyone else would be interested in supporting him, please contact… and good luck Edward for September!

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

SUPPORT YOUR DENT INDEPEN SHOPS!

RS AV Solutions

Atelier Nest Atelier Nest is an interior design studio run by experienced interior designer Angelique Wisse.

They offer a range of interior design services varying from a design for a single room to complete home refurbishments.

They also love to pass on their experience through exciting and inspiring one day interior design workshops. The Interior Design Day and Colour your Home workshops will help you to understand design and give you the tools you need to transform your home. They are run in a variety of locations and are running regularly in Stamford Arts Centre from September.

Angelique delivers all the workshops.

• http://www.ateliernest.co.uk/ Mob: 07944 947328

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The Attic team: Back row (L-R) Fiona Swancott, Kersty Frost. Sitting (L-R) Samantha Drewery, Robyn Sinker, Rachel Williams. Not in picture: Sarah Pearce.

Happy Birthday Marcia May Shoes!

PHOTO: ELLIE DEAN

Local company RS AV Solutions works with private customers and business clients who are looking for sophisticated home entertainment systems. Meridian, makers of high quality audio and visual equipment, is among their key suppliers and the company is celebrating the fact that Ian Wallis, its head of technical services, has just been made the world’s first ever Meridian Master. The accolade means that Ian has proven, in-depth knowledge of the latest products, including the recently launched Meridian Media Core 600. This is a powerful six zone Meridian Sooloos system, with integrated system core, storage and playback, making it an ideal platform for one of the most advanced digital music systems currently available.

Sooloos systems store music in pristine quality, allowing access from anywhere, and the Meridian Core 600 is the most comprehensive product in the range, offering a multi-zone solution in a single rack-mountable case. It can hold 5000 CD albums and, when connected to the internet, it provides access to thousands of online radio stations, as well as streamed music services, all controllable at the touch of a button using the free Sooloos App for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

• To see RA AV Solutions’ systems installed in a real home setting, or to discuss your requirements, contact RS AV Solutions on 0845 2666625 or email info@rsavsolutions.com

It’s hard to believe that Marcia May shoes is celebrating its first anniversary this month! This may be because, being a Stamford store from toe to heel, it feels like it has always been there. This is not surprising since its owner, Samantha Drewery is thoroughly Stamfordian. After being educated at Stamford High School, Sam worked her way up to Regional Manager of a large shoe retailer.

Winning many accolades, she worked in partnership with major shoe brands and devised and delivered countrywide shoe fitting courses.

Samantha is the mother of a 19 year old and a 3 year old and so she continues in her passion for healthy footwear for life. Indeed it was the change in her personal circumstances that prompted her to go into business for herself and to concentrate her efforts at home. Sam travelled widely with her career but knew that when it came to the location of her own store, there was only one town in the running.

With many visitors to Stamford, making return visits specifically for her stylish and quirky footwear; Marcia May Shoes is a town treasure.

Sam would like to send a heartfelt thanks to her fabulous team and to her many customers, both new and returning, who bring a smile and their trust into the store. They’ve made it all worthwhile.

Come and join the celebrations in the first week of September and while you are there, take a look at the fabulous Geox and gorgeous Fly London ranges for adults and children.

• Marcia May Shoes, 41 St. Mary’s St, Stamford. Tel: 01780 766608

Learn French with Laetitia while you have a croissant French conversation at Beans Café in Stamford takes place every Wednesday from 10.30am-11.30am. The conversation covers French culture and the news, in an informal way, with a cup of coffee and a croissant.

Given the success of this concept in Stamford, Laetitia has decided to bring the concept to the Castle Cottage Café in Oakham as well.

On Mondays, 9 am-10 am: French lessons for new learners. £15pp, including the price of a coffee and a pastry (French textbook not included). 10.30am-11.30am: French conversation. £10pp, including the price of a coffee and a pastry • Please contact Laetitia if you would like to join the club. laetitiavincentdelacroix@gmail.com Mob: 07840 524988

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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Commercial and domestic glazing, soffit and facia specialists.

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• SL September ADS.indd 9

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Health & Beauty Therapy 2 Mallory lane, StaMford tel. 01780 763768

Some of the most trusted names in beauty... all under one roof.

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BEAUTY ROOM

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COLLAGEN STIMULATION THERAPY – UNLOCKING YOUR BODY’S POWERS OF REJUVENATION Collagen Stimulation Therapy is a cutting edge Treatment that harnesses your body’s natural powers of healing. Especially effective for addressing signs of ageing, sun damage, scars, etc

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• Professional Tooth Whitening Harriet’s Beauty Room, 11aBleaching High Street, St Martins, Stamford (opposite The George Hotel) 11a High Street, St Martins. Stamford, PE9 2LF (Opposite The George Hotel)

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Open: Tues – Thurs 9am – 7pm, Fri 9am – 6pm & Sat 9am – 4pm

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September Offers 10% off all Products (including Creed) and Face & Body Treatments Free gift bag with every beauty treatment NEW Ren Radiance Facial – now available

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Facials | Massages | Manicures & Pedicures | Waxing Aromatica, 8 High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF

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FASHION

Stepping out Sally Stillingfleet takes a trip around Stamford to find out what we should be wearing on our feet for Autumn/Winter 2011

North Shoes James North of North Shoes, recently opened in Red Lion Square, showed me the trends for women, men and children. With a dazzling array of brands, comfort and style can go hand in hand with carefully chosen styles such as Ecco and Anatonic &Co. There is something for everyone from more fashion-led Paul Green ladies’ ankle boots and ‘biker’ styles to classic Van Dal. The men have got gorgeous tan Loakes, which are bang on trend this year and the brogue theme continues through to children’s shoes – perfect for ‘Back to School!’

Marcia May Sam, owner of Marcia May, has worked hard since opening a year ago to extend her shoe buying to offer a wider selection of fashionable footwear for the whole family.

“All the shoes have to be comfortable, she explained. “As well as many established brands, Fly London is new for us and includes an exciting kids/ teens range.” Sam walked me around the shop and explained the key buys to update your look!

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• Clogs I love clogs and am glad to see the winter version has arrived – “Clogs have been hot through summer, and the theme continues this year into boots, new arrivals from Germany include Josef Seibel boot £89.99, in plum, fur-lined and extremely comfortable.”(also has removable insole so you can put orthotics in if necessary) • Boots The higher Riding boots are still strong. Also a wedge, patent and fur trims. Kids boots, mirror women’s in styling with lots of patents (Fly London girls boot £94.99 from size 32 to 38) about and fur trims. “The hot look for back to school is the flat black lace-up brogue.”

• Brogues Flat and with heels, great with trouser suits and shorter skirts with knitted tights. Gabor stocky heeled black leather brogue £89.99 • Pumps Coloured pumps cheer up any outfit and continue to be a wardrobe staple. Hush Puppies pumps in teal suede £55 • Wedges “In boots and shoes, often with a strap over

the top. Comfortable and easier to wear than heels. Geox wedge court in Mink (also available in black) £99.99. Look great for special occasions and with jeans!”

• Mens The Chelsea boot and Gibson boot in brown is still a key look.

• Marcia May Shoes – 41 St. Mary’s St. Stamford. Tel. 01780 766608 • North’s Shoes – 2 Red Lion Square, Stamford. Tel. 01780 755400 Photography by Rachel Williams

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Nail technician starts at Stamford Beauty Aga is joining Sarah at Stamford Beauty from the beginning of September. Having more than five years experience within the nail industry, Aga is offering the most ‘on trend’ UV Gel extensions with nail art, including floral, glitter, free hand and 3D flower sculpture designs. The extensions will last up

to 6 weeks before an infill is needed!

Aga will be starting on Thursday 8th September and is offering one nail to be extended and finished to your choice FREE of charge all day enabling you to experience how fantastic these extensions really are!

To avoid disappointment, book for your

FREE 20 minute appointment with Aga at Stamford Beauty on 01780 757108 Also, a full set will be offered for £50 for September and a free gift for the first 10 clients to book in for a full set • Stamford Beauty, 1 Silver Lane, Stamford, PE9 2BT Tel: 01780 757108

ATTIC Weekend is moving to Attic, 33 St Mary’s Street Attic have decided to consolidate their two Stamford shops into one store so they can offer a wide selection of clothes under just one roof. The Attic at 33 St Mary’s Street will now sell essential everyday basics such as jeans, jersey tops and knitwear from affordable labels such as Esprit and Great Plains, as well as continuing to stock their most popular brands: Nice Things, PennyBlack, American Vintage and many more.

Their focus will be on getting the mix of brands and the store ambience just right as well as continuing to offer you an inspiring and compelling shopping experience.

Wansford Smile Studio Alexandra (Alex) Macras (R in picture) is passionate about her chosen vocation, dentistry. She has set up in the Wansford Health Centre in a delightful converted barn, and the place has much more the feel of a stylish home than a typical dentists’ surgery.

And the consulting rooms are also beautifully appointed, with state of the art technology including a dentist’s chair that has an automatic back massage facility that can be operated if you wish whilst you are having your teeth looked at. But it is the high standards of Alex and her practice partner Dr Mark Walker that are the reason for coming. Alex explained her style: “I like to take a highly consultative approach and make sure that my patient is in full possession of all the facts before making a decision. I like to talk everything through in detail and look at the different options.”

Whilst it is a private practice, it is Alex’s aim to make excellent dentistry accessible to as many people as possible; they do offer a CORE service which encompasses all the services available to patients on the NHS, at rates based on NHS fees. Dr Alexandra Macras has worked in the area for many years. She has a particular interest in cosmetic surgery and is also interested in dealing with anxious or phobi patients, and thoroughly enjoys working with children.

Dr Mark Walker has a special interest in the surgical placement of dental implants, and has obtained a post-graduate certification in the field.

• Old Hill Farm, Yarwell Rd, Wansford, PE8 6PL Tel: 01780 784949 Smile Studio Team

Browns Stamford Browns hairdressing, a family-owned business with other salons in Buckingham, Market Harborough, Harpenden and Stony Stratford is opening in Red Lion Square in early September.

It will be directed by Sally’s son; Harry Jnr. Business development manager and current salon director of the busy Market Harborough Salon, Harry brings expertise, enthusiasm and a caring attitude as well as creative integrity and an aim to give the best service and the best hair-cuts. Harry Brown will be joined in the new salon by Samantha Lee, who will take up the position of manager under Harry’s direction. Samantha has worked for Browns for many years and is currently the assistant manager of the Market Harborough Browns Salon.

• 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ Tel: 0844 999 3365, http://www.brownshairdressing.co,uk/

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WRITER’S SPOT

‘The thing that I like about Stamford’

By Lesley Gibson

This month we start a column featuring a piece of writing by a local writer that we have enjoyed. If you love writing and have an 800-word (max) piece that you would like to submit to Nicholas@bestlocalliving.com, then we will consider it for publication (fiction or non-fiction, local angles especially appreciated)

T

he thing that I like about Stamford is that if you throw a vol au vent in any direction, it will always hit someone you know.

This of course, has its ups and downs. You may not want to be noticed yourself with a head like a burst cushion, but who amongst us isn’t secretly rather pleased to see a normally enviable hairstyle looking as though someone had recently set fire to it?

It all began with a pair of trainers I met my neighbour when she left a pair of fabulous trainers standing smartly to attention alongside her rubbish 11 years ago. I took them for my young daughter, leaving her a note, because I am old enough to remember Candid Camera and my parents frequently used the possibility of it as a babysitter. She turned up on my doorstep three hours later with a daughter of her own and an enormous bag of beautiful clothes that the latter had grown out of. We have been firm friends ever since. It began a number of co-operative operations which spread to the rest of the street.

For instance, we launched a book club and invited a guest, who invited a guest and so on until finally we have nine regular members of the book club, who see each other through bereavement and divorce, birth and triumph. As a couple of our members said “This group is more than the sum of its parts”. Support, skills and friendship are put into the pot and given absolutely free of charge. It only requires someone to host the club each month and to provide the essential requirements of wine and varying forms of chocolate. The book became a secondary consideration after a shamefully short period of time and we became ‘The Alcochocs’, doing what it said on our tin. We were even on Radio Lincolnshire where clever editing made us sound really quite knowledgeable.

Recently, I had to leave a note for a delivery man saying ‘Please leave this at...’ before listing a plethora of trusted neighbours almost as long as the street itself; our street now swims together, from a cherished offspring’s 18th birthday, to a Bonfire night then a Christmas Eve bash

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before on to a surprise seventies- themed 40th, with devilled eggs and Spangles in hand and wearing outfits that bore into the very centre of our souls and make us feel strangely sea sick.

Passing on clothes My post natal group are coming to help me paint my downstairs on Saturday. We used to meet weekly when the children were preschool.

15 years on and the children’s clothes all look strangely familiar, due to the familiar route by which we pass clothes down; it’s doubtful that anyone in Stamford has had to buy a brownie uniform since the Beijing Olympics.

Spookily, we have reached the stage where the clothes that teenagers grow out of can be passed onto the more petite parents in a horrific echo of a life yet to come. But before that day arrives, we have resolved to have a rota of sober weekend parenting, so that as our children grow, there’s always one of us available to give any of our collective offspring a lift, post bail, phone a solicitor, warn off unwanted admirers and generally make sure they get home. Everyone else will be strategically placed throughout the pubs of Stamford, and behind lampposts on the Meadows, allowing no stone to be unturned but enjoying a drink or two for authenticity purposes.

Doubtless with so many helpers this weekend, someone will step backwards into a tin of Ferret and Flip Flop emulsion, or wallpaper their engagement ring into the dining room recess before we can enjoy our celebratory evening of wine and food and more laughing. Stamford cooperatives have the ability to make chores an event on the socialising calendar. I often tell visitors to the town that we will celebrate anything at all at the drop of a hat and that given a favourable wind and a sale at Sukies, we’d celebrate the safe return of a Waitrose trolley.

Now, what I really need is for The Community Orchard Team and Waterfurlong’s Community allotmenteers to take control of sections of my garden. I’ll provide the wine and chocolate

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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PERSPECTIVES

Forest Fun A new facility at Fineshade Woods now attracts more than just naturalists, as Nik Ellis discovers

A

s kids have grown up through the years, each generation has had its extreme sport to go along with it – skateboarding, rollerblading, BMXing. Now mountain biking has taken a lead as the sport that makes parents worry, and teenage adrenalin surge.

Living in Lincolnshire has always been tough for the youth, due to the lack of specialised facilities. Stamford used to be lucky enough to have a skate park, but this fell into disrepair and had to be taken down. This created a void for young people in the area, left with nowhere to go, and nothing to do. Not all youngsters can pester their parents enough to force lifts to skate parks located in large towns and cities (Leicester, Corby), so a need for something closer became clear.

Out of this void a new enthusiasm in mountain biking has arisen. There is no need for ramps, rails, or skate parks; just a mound of mud, and a forest trail is more than enough to satisfy the urge for an adrenalin rush for hours on end. Very luckily a new series of ‘blue skill sections’ have been build at Fineshade Woods, located just off the A43.

So what’s a blue skill section? It’s a separate part of the current cycle trail, added to the route around Fineshade. They vary from downhill single tracks, with small jumps and berms (raised corners created to help gain speed around the sections), to a small rock garden (boulders and rocks laid out to be ridden over). All of these are not very tricky for an experienced rider, but do offer a relief from cycling around Rutland Water every weekend.

Also just over the road from Fineshade is the Red Route in Wakerley Woods. This is an unsurfaced single track route – only 6km in length – but lots of fun if ridden fast and hard.

Couple this with a new cycle centre just opened at Top Lodge, selling bikes, clothing, parts and accessories as well as a tea room, and you have a great day out. Fineshade is a great place not just for teenagers, but families as a whole.

Fineshade Cycle centre FactFile: Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire, Nr. Corby, NN17 3BB 01780 440 899 Mon - Fri : 09.00 -17.30 Sat/Sun : 09.00 - 18.30

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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s r & s e t s h r s c i t e t a k r r n c A I S PERSPECTIVES

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SKDC. The Council is not in the business of judging artistic merit or lack thereof -- its sole concern is health and safety. Today, needles and related kit are ‘single use disposable’ and have to be collected by specially licensed waste disposal firms. Before these rules and inspections came in, it was far too easy to contract hepatitis and other nasties from dirty needles – another reason to beware of unregistered scratchers.

The three most common questions: How long does it take? What does it cost? Does it hurt?

An entire arm and shoulder in full colour will take about thirty hours, probably done in many sittings spread over a year or more. At the other extreme, a small butterfly of the sort my barber has on her shoulder takes about twenty minutes. Costs vary widely, but a small tattoo might cost as little as £15 while a full arm and shoulder job could cost more than £2000.

The answer to the third question is “Yes”.

Everyone I’ve asked agrees it’s painful but the nature of the pain seems to vary – some say it’s not a stabbing pain, more like an extensive graze. Others say it’s like a continuous low-level bee-sting.

Most clients seem to find the process quite draining and few can tolerate a sitting of more than two hours at a time.

It’s vitally important to take care of the tattoo during the healing process which can last for as little as a week, or more than a month. It should be treated as for a burn – keep it covered with clean cling-film and nappy ointment.

PHOTO: JOESEPH MANN

hat brawl at Royal Ascot - what really caused the sensation was not the punch - up but the sight of a tattoo on one of the combatants. A tattoo in the Royal Enclosure! Leading Marxist sociologists popped open the champagne (as is their wont) to celebrate this great victory for the proletariat.

As usual, the Marxists have misread the situation.

Tattoos have been present in the Royal Enclosure for more than a century – worn, however, by the royals themselves. Kings George V and George Vl both served in the Royal Navy in their youth and both obtained tattoos in strange places (geographically, not anatomically – at least, as far as I know). It’s a racing certainty that former sub-lieutenant Philip Mountbatten also has a tattoo, Charles probably not, but William and Harry – can there be any doubt?

Dave Horspool knows all this and comments wryly on the changing sociology of the tattoo – driven over the last twenty years by celebrity magazines. When a top model in Vogue has a pair of swallows tattooed on her elegant shoulder you really do know that “the times they are a-changin’”.

Dave is one of Stamford’s three tattoo artists. Terminology is important here: in declining order of status there are tattoo artists; inkers; and scratchers. Beware the scratchers – these are unregistered amateurs who buy the kit on line and sit in their kitchens tattooing themselves and anyone else foolish enough to agree. Inkers are registered but generally use standard (so-called ‘flash’) designs – this has the advantage of being cheaper but it does mean that, down the pub, you’re more likely to meet someone with the same tattoo as you – about as welcome as two women wearing the same frock to the same cocktail party.

At the top of the pile are tattoo artists who work with the client to design original, and sometimes spectacular, tattoos. This is the part of the work that Dave loves best. Raised in Stamford, he graduated from Swansea University Art School with a degree in graphic illustration.

He was then apprenticed to an experienced tattooist for two years, before starting by himself in 2009 in his studio at 64 North Street.

Tattoo studios and tattooists in Stamford have to be registered with

s attoo t t u bo rns a a e l arry ard B h c i R

Why economists love tattoos The Financial Times recently ran a feature on tattooing. It pointed out that tattoo expenditure is an almost unique economic indicator: a tattoo is an expensive luxury but one that appeals mainly to the young and less well off. Tracking expenditure on Mulberry handbags or other luxuries for the rich gives little idea about how the bulk of young society is coping.

Tracking tattoo expenditure provides a far better measure of how the young see the economic outlook.

• Dave Horspool, Concept Body Art, 64 North Street, Stamford PE9 2YN Tel: 01780 766150 STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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COUNTRYFILE

Potatoes: Tuber to Chip Sue Lee and Jean Orpin have been talking to some local businesses involved in providing us with potatoes, fresh and frozen

H

ow do you buy your potatoes? At the market, the farm shop, pre-packaged from the supermarket or a bag of frozen chips?

Whichever way you choose, you are certainly likely to buy them: although consumption in the UK has fallen over the last 20yrs, the average person still consumes 73 lbs a year.

Do you ever think about the work that has gone into providing you with this part of our staple diet? Whether they are working on a small or large scale their production takes six months or more of hard work for farmers. Traditionally the half term holiday in October was for the potato harvest, now it is big business for companies that package and process them throughout the year.

Farm Gate Sales At the Hinmans’ family farm, in Rutland, they have grown 11/2 acres of potatoes from which they hope to harvest 25-27 tons. They depend on natural rainfall and will have to wait to see if the drought earlier in the year has had an effect.

As a mixed farm they are able to use farmyard manure to help prepare the soil as is collected as the potatoes are graded well as fertiliser. They have planted 2 varieties and is returned to the land. People of main crop potatoes, Desiree (red are still needed to remove skinned) and Nadine (white stones and other rubbish skinned). Desiree has as the potatoes are been grown from their graded so extra own ‘seed potatoes’ labour is taken on saved from last • Preparation of the ground and addition for the main crop year but for the harvest. At the next year they will of fertiliser moment Sackers get new seed from • Planting in April rent controlled Scotland – most • Weeding and moulding up of ridges storage but hope farmers source • First earlies’ (new potatoes) harvested to have their own seed from the north from mid-July storage facility where viral diseases on the farm soon are less common.

• Main crop harvest mainly during which will cut Machinery is used September and October whenever dry down on time and to plant and lift the • Storage in cool, dark, dry conditions costs. potatoes but the hard essential work of sorting and McCain’s grading is mainly done The original business of by hand as a small farm this global company was doesn’t warrant specialist potatoes. Andrew McCain machines. Another advantage founded a seed potato export of the mixed farm is that rejects (small, business in Florenceville, Canada in 1909. large, misshapen) can be fed to the cattle. The His son, Wallace McCain (who only died a few Hinmans store the crop from harvest until the months ago) branched out into frozen food with following May in the traditional fashion using one of his brothers in the 1950s. They made They are always experimenting to find the a straw clamp and the potatoes are sold at the their first chips in 1957. best varieties and conditions. A constant eye farm gate where some customers have been In 1969 McCain’s opened their first plant is kept on the crop and samples are taken coming for many years. in the UK in Scarborough and they now have regularly for testing. This year it looks as if the crop will be ready a couple of weeks earlier than five manufacturing sites here including one in Potato Specialists Grantham which processes much of the potato usual and while the drought may have an effect Sacker Potatoes Ltd, based near Castle Bytham, crop from this area. Each delivery of potatoes on size, like the Hinmans, they cannot be sure is also a family business but as the name gets a certificate and this means that the until harvest. suggests they specialise in potatoes. This company can tell which farmer grew your bag They use specialist equipment which lifts the year they have grown 300 acres, the majority of chips, where and when! potatoes and then passes them to a grader. Soil contracted to factories processing potatoes.

The Potato Year

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STAMFORD LIVING June 2011

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BUSINESS NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS

Your Stamford?

Mi Stamford

Stamford finally welcomes itself to the exciting world of phone applications

Old Bowman stonemasons’ site beautifully developed to provide 45 new homes For a long time, buying a newly built home in the middle of Stamford has always been hard, but this month sees the launch of a unique development of just forty five new homes built on the site of the old Bowman’s stonemason and construction yard in Cherryholt Road.

The Bowman Mews development is being built by award-winning house builder Kier Homes and is set to be a far cry from the standard new homes development. The heritage and location of Bowman Mews was so important to both Kier Homes and the management of Bowman, who sold the site last year, that both companies were determined to produce a very special set of designs for the new homes.

The result is a collection of town houses and apartments built with traditional Lincolnshire limestone and standing behind imposing wrought iron railings. When complete, Bowman Mews will blend seamlessly with the town centre’s traditional architectural vernacular. Each new home will have a landscaped front garden and private parking behind the beautiful gates of the private development.

Traditional on the outside they may be, but inside the new homes are designed for flexible modern living, maximising the use of space and light throughout; and for those buyers reserving early enough Kier offers the chance to choose your own kitchen and bathroom finishes.

David Thomas, Sales & Marketing Director of Kier Homes comments: “To have had the chance of developing the old Bowman site is a rare opportunity for any house builder and we were determined to produce a development that did the site justice. With every home, from our four bedroom town houses through to our two bedroom apartments, we are confident that the designs we have created have done just that and as a result Bowman Mews will become a very sought after address in Stamford.”

• The Bowman Mews development can be found at Cherryholt Road, Stamford, PE9 2EP. For more information or to arrange a visit, call Rosedale Property Agents on 01780 757788 or email bowmanmewssales@kier.co.uk

‘Mi Stamford’ offers phone users the easiest way to find everything they need from your town. From where to eat, drink and relax and getting a taxi home, to leisure facilities, estate agents and beauty salons, to name a few ‘Mi Stamford’ is FREE to download, supports local businesses and allows everybody to help their town and the people who make it what it is.

Launching during Burghley week (1st - 4th September), ‘Mi Stamford’ will allow you to: • Find local businesses/points of interest within seconds • Get an address and contact number for everyone you need • Rate business services • Read reviews on what other people think • Keep up-to-date with special offers from local businesses • View pictures of Stamford and the people involved Be proud of your town - after all, it’s your town, no one else’s!

Local Stamford entrepreneurs Adam Young and Steve Williams have designed this App for Stamford’s local people and visitors. So download it for free from the Apple App Store and help support your local town.

• For further enquires: Web site: http://mi-stamford.co.uk E-Mail: enquires@mi-stamford.co.uk

Harris McCormack Architects Ltd Harris McCormack Architects Ltd (HMA) is a fresh new architectural practice based in Stamford. They are an accredited RIBA Chartered Practice and have recently expanded into larger offices in the centre of Stamford to accommodate an increase in staff numbers.

Directors Simon Harris and William McCormack (both previously partners in an established local practice) have a wealth and diversity of over 40 years experience in many architectural disciplines but predominately in domestic architecture.

HMA is rapidly making a name for itself as a high quality design led practice priding

24

itself on the personal service offered to clients throughout their projects. They bring design ideas to the table that have not been considered before and see it through to a successful completion.

Although still in its infancy they have undertaken residential commissions for The Flintham and Farnsfield Estates in Nottinghamshire, The Lyndon Estate in Rutland and Burghley Estate. Current residential projects include: • Restoration, extension and alterations of an 18th century farmhouse • Contemporary extension on a listed building in

the heart of the Stamford Conservation area.

• Contemporary 5000ft² new build in Peterborough • Traditoinal 7500ft² new build in the Deepings.

Their projects stretch across the country with residences in the Yorkshire Dales, London, North Norfolk, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and surrounding counties.

• Harris McCormack Architects, 3 Wellington Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1QB http://www.harrismccormack.co.uk/ Tel: 01780 767707

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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INTERIORS

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TRAVEL

With the summer ebbing away, and the winter months ahead why not plan your next holiday and head for South Africa for a spot of sunshine…

Spotlight on South Africa

With only a two hour time difference, South Africa is a perfect sunshine destination during the dreary British winter months - with the best weather being from November through to March.

South Africa offers exciting cities, outstanding game viewing, superb hotels and lodges and breathtaking scenery. A popular combination for a shorter break is to spend 4 nights in Capetown. Choose from the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, or the newly opened One & Only, the city’s newest luxury resort combined with a stay in the winelands. A day safari to The Aquila Game Reserve, which is less than two hours from Cape Town, home to 4 of the big 5! Then spend 4 or 5 nights in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek in the centre of South Africa’s premium wine-growing region: the fabulous Mont Rochelle Hotel is simply stunning and highly recommended by Oundle Travel. The favourable exchange rate makes South Africa an affordable winter holiday, where dining out is a pleasure, some of the finest restaurants offer menus for a fraction of their British equivalent.

Travelling from Capetown via Oudtshoorn, the feather capital of the world (due to its huge ostrich industry!), is one of the most beautiful drives in the world – The Garden Route. Visit the towns of Knysna and Tsitsikamma Forest before returning to Hermanus, home to the world’s

best shore based whale watching sites. Why not end your trip by spending three to four nights in a game reserve. Oundle Travel can offer some of the best game reserves in the world. From 5* luxury in the Serengeti and Masai Mara to Kruger and The Victoria Falls.

British Airways, Virgin and South African Airways operate a daily service, whilst the

award-winning airline Ethiad has just launched a service from London Heathrow via Abu Dhabi.

Emirates also offer a fabulous Business Class service from Birmingham and London.

Oundle Travel are experts in Tailor Made itineraries to South Africa and beyond, so if you are planning a trip why not give them a call, all the staff are highly trained and have many years of experience, offering a personal service, a million miles away from the mass market high street agencies. Why not give them a call and they will happily tailor a holiday to suit your budget and style.

• Oundle Travel Tel: 01832 273600 http://www.oundletravel.co.uk/

New Award-Winning Tours from Shaws!

The wartime code-breaking centre Bletchley Park, to which The Queen gave her blessing recently, is among the fascinating destinations chosen by an award-winning, local travel company for their new brochure. The museum, near Milton Keynes. which houses the world’s first true computer, Colossus, hosted a Royal visit at which Her Majesty paid tribute to the boffins who shortened the war by as much as two years. Unveiling a memorial, she said: “For your many achievements I give my heartfelt thanks on behalf of an eternally grateful nation.”

Local people can now be among the first to see the memorial and take in the famous Enigma Machine, which secretly unravelled German coded messages to enable the Allies to stay one step ahead of the Nazis during WW2, as a trip to Bletchley Park is just one of many exciting destinations featured in the new Summer-Autumn day tour brochure published by local company, Shaws Coaches.

The Maxey-based company – which picks up throughout the area – is offering several other ‘royal connection’ days out including a visit to

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29 travel.indd 1

Buckingham Palace to see not only HM The Queen’s fabulous Faberge collection but also the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress and a new guided tour entitled ‘Royal London’ which includes a visit to Westminster Abbey.

The ‘Olympic London Lunch Tour’ is another topical tour which is proving enormously popular in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.

Shaw’s new brochure follows hard on the heels of the company winning the ‘Day Excursion Programme of the Year 2011’ at a national Coach Tourism Awards in Stratfordupon-Avon in May. “We’re very proud of the achievement and have redoubled our efforts for our new

days out programme,” said Shaws Director Jane Duffelen, “Our West End Shows and pop concerts have been a real draw for customers of all ages. We find people really appreciate the opportunity to sit back and enjoy a relaxing journey direct to the venue without having to worry about parking or tube journeys and, with prices for trips to see top West End Shows starting at from just £49.50 pp, they really are superb value.”

Shaws has also launched its new Autumn 2011/Spring 2012 Door-2-Door Holiday brochure. Highlights include a special Anniversary Gala Dinner weekend to celebrate the firm’s 90th Anniversary next February and a trip to Holland’s fabulous Bulbfields and the 2012 Floriade Flower Festival in May. “This is a huge, world-class event which only takes place every ten years,” says Ms Duffelen. “So, if you miss it this time, you’ll have a long wait until the next one!”

• To obtain free copies of the brochures, or subscribe to Shaws’ email newsletter, call 01778 342224 or email enquiries@ shawscoaches.co.uk STAMFORD Living September 2011

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We have now opened our latest Antique Centre at 1c West Street, Helpston, PE6 7DU Valuation Days held every Wednesday Antiques Bought and Sold Free Valuations Restoration Work Undertaken Gold & Silver Bought – Best Prices Given Please call to speak to one of our experts

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DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Feathering your nest for winter As the long dark months of winter beckon turn your attention to creating a peaceful home, suggests Design & Interiors editor Harjit Gammon, to envelope and indulge the senses. For a richly rewarding environment fill your home with all manner of tactile pleasures

32

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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Mark Elliott

DIRECTORY Get the look from: Hunters Interiors The Dairy, Copthill Farm Enterprises, Deeping Rd, Uffington, Stamford, PE9 4TD Tel: 01780 757946 Finishing Touch 8 All Saints’ St, Stamford, PE9 2PA Tel: 01780 431021 J and L Ball 16 North St, Stamford, PE9 1PH Tel: 01780 481416 NGI Design 4-5-6 St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 766899 C J Carpets and Lighting 61-64 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ Tel: 01780 754825 Callyco 5 Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 753409 Mark Elliott Rear of St Mary’s Hill, Bath Row, Stamford, PE9 2HG - Telephone: 01780 766284 Chez Soi 16, St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DF - Tel: 01780 757446 and 26-27 High St, PE9 2AY Tel: 01780 482845 Heatsource High quality stoves, fireplaces and radiators 35 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY Tel: 01572 829953 www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

LIGHT Although traditionally cold and gloomy, this time of year is dotted with celebrations revelling in light. Take a leaf out of their book and make lamps, lighted candles and open fires central to your nesting instincts.

The flickering flames and pools of light will create a magical effect.

TOUCH There should be something in each room that invites you to touch - rough or smooth, hard or soft, shiny or matt, fine or coarse. It could be a velvet cushion, a cool marble slab, natural flooring under foot, a hand-woven fabric, some sensuous satin or a downy pillow. All these glorious textures give a room comforting contrasts.

VISUAL Add colour or pattern, be it in the form of original art, striking wallpaper or a sensational rug.

SOUND Nothing is as conducive to relaxation as

32 33 INTERIORS.indd 3

a calm and restful environment. Banish noise with thickly insulated curtains and shutters and surround yourself with the soothing tracks of your choice.

COMFORT Invest in a sensational sofa that is supremely comfortable. It doesn’t necessarily have to be prohibitively costly or beautiful.

SCENT Fresh flowers and scented candles epitomise the sweet smell of a welcoming home. Place generous quantities in the living, sleeping and bathing areas for the ultimate tactile indulgence.

TASTE And to complete the experience add good food-the enticing taste of a cup of tea and a freshly baked slice of cake are unbeatable!

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Starting a small business

More and more businesses are starting up in Stamford as people realise the dream of being their own boss. Alysia Anderson gives some tips on getting started and meets some local entrepreneurs

I

n the UK, around half a million people set up their own business every year, for a variety of reasons. Some, like me, want the flexibility of working from home. Others decide to turn a hobby into a living or spy a potentially lucrative gap in the market. Whatever your motives, there are several factors to consider before setting up stall.

Is your idea viable?

First of all you need to decide whether your business idea has legs. Is there a market for your product or service? How much competition is there in your chosen field? Research your market thoroughly; you need to make sure there are enough potential customers out there. After Stamford lost all its children’s clothing retailers, local mum Jessica Christoudias saw her chance. Jessica and her mother Sarah Walters opened their shop Bubble & Squeak, selling baby and toddler clothes and gifts, in a prime location on the High Street.

Jessica says “I noticed a gap in the market for children’s clothing and toys as I have two young children and didn’t want to have to go to Peterborough to shop. We’ve tried to make the shop as customer-friendly as possible, with easy buggy access and a children’s play area.” I asked Jessica if she had any tips for others wanting to set up their own business. “We weren’t afraid to ask for help.

My father assisted with the financial side of things and my husband advised us on the marketing. We also found that the suppliers and other businesses we met at trade shows and here in Stamford were all really helpful.”

Know thyself Running your own business can demand a lot of time and effort, especially in the early stages, so you need to be both positive and realistic. While most people starting a small business become a sole trader, other types include limited companies, partnerships and social enterprises such as co-operatives.

Decide whether you want to go it alone or share the responsibilities with another person. Vicky Palmer and Emma Cutmore both used to work as dressmakers then decided to set up Two Little Birds

together, running sewing courses for beginners and improvers. Vicky says: “We both have our strengths and weaknesses and we have each other for motivation and encouragement. It would have been much more difficult to have the confidence to start up the business alone but as a partnership we felt more able to get it off the ground”.

Practical help Obviously it is helpful to choose a type of business where you can apply your particular skills and knowledge. However, you don’t have to be an expert at everything as there is professional help e.g. from your accountant, on hand. If you are venturing into new territory, do as much research as you can and undertake training if necessary. Stamford Job Centre holds details of available courses, some of which are free. An excellent resource is the free Government-funded Business Link service.

The website www.businesslink.gov.uk has a wealth of information on all aspects of setting up a business, as well as practical tools such as business plan templates and sample cashflow spreadsheets that you can download. You can also call the helpline on 0845 6009006 to find out what support is available locally, such as free workshops covering the basics of going out on your own.

Put it on paper Writing a business plan will not only help to clarify your thoughts and goals but is also a useful tool when trying to raise finance. The plan should cover: • what your product/service is, the price, and why people will buy it • information on the market: trends, customers, competitors • how and where you will promote and sell your product/service • start-up and running costs • a forecast of sales and profit • an outline of the likely number of employees, type of premises, equipment required etc

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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Continued on page 39 ▲

Reaching your customers Decide how you are going to bring your service or product to market: via a shop or resale outlet, by direct mail, telesales or online?

Many businesses use more than

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LOCAL BUSINESS

one route. Even if you don’t plan to sell online, it is worth having a website featuring your contact details and an appealing description of your product or service. Enabling people to email you directly provides you with a fantastic marketing tool as you can build up a contact list of interested customers. Marketing activities such as sponsoring local events or getting coverage in local media via PR or advertising can also help to boost sales.

Location, location, location Will you need shop or office premises or can you run your business from home? If you decide on the latter, check the terms of your mortgage or rental agreement and insurance policies and ensure you have a quiet, dedicated space away from any household hubbub.

Lofts, basements and garden offices are good options. If you do need a location elsewhere, choose wisely. Barnsdale resident Charlotte Newby used to run a London café. She says, “I recommend going to the place you have in mind and standing there to observe the footfall and type of potential customers going by”. If you can’t afford a town centre location, one close to other shops and services can help to attract customers. Stamford Garden Centre is also home to a café, farm shop, florist, beauty salon and timber yard; an example of businesses clustering together and benefiting from shared custom.

Money matters First of all, work out your start-up costs.

These may be very little if you already have equipment such as a computer and are going to work from home. Alternatively, you may

need to pay rent and/or make large initial purchases. Try to negotiate trade prices and credit terms with your suppliers. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deals and only buy what you need. Think about your pricing.

After all, the idea is to make a profit, so you want to get your numbers right. You need to cover your costs then factor in a reasonable profit based on likely sales. Remember to take into account potential spend on phone and utility bills, tax, insurance, salaries, travel expenses and business rates. You may qualify for small business rate relief, as Sarah Taylor discovered when she set up Stamford Beauty last year in premises on Silver Lane. “I simply filled in a Rate Relief claim form from the council and was really pleased to find I was eligible for it.” Contact your council or visit www.businessraterelief.co.uk for more details.

If you need to raise finance, there are various ways to do so: a bank loan, grant, trade credit (where suppliers accept delayed payment) or investment by other parties. Be careful if you decide to borrow from family and friends as bad feelings may arise if you can’t repay them.

Many banks require cash flow and profit and balance sheet forecasts before considering providing a loan. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry: there is accounting software available to help you draw up these documents. Your local Business Link can provide information on available grants and venture capitalists interested in investing in your type of business.

You also need to set up an invoicing and payment system. Keeping accurate financial records is a legal requirement but will also assist in calculating your tax liability and assessing how the business is doing overall.

Becoming an employer You may need to consider employing full-time, part-time or casual staff. You’ll have certain legal obligations towards them, ranging from their contract to issues like parental leave. More importantly, get off on the right foot by making your and their expectations clear at the outset and establishing mutual respect. Review their performance regularly, provide training if needed and be open to their ideas on how to improve the business.

Have fun There’s enormous satisfaction to be gained from being your own boss, so enjoy it! As Sarah Taylor says, “I love what I do and making people feel better about themselves is a wonderful feeling. I took a huge risk, which I am now thrilled that I took and I am loving every working day!

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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LEARNING

Choosing the right Secondary School for your child Jonathan Teesdale, Head Teacher of Copthill School, considers the issues around making the best choice for your child

A

t this time of year, for parents of 10 year olds the hot topic of discussion is Secondary Schools! We are very lucky to have a great range of excellent State and Independent secondary schools in this area and it is important that as parents we consider all the options carefully to ensure that we are doing the very best for our children. There are two practical questions to ask: “What are our realistic options?”

This takes into account potential catchment areas, specific admissions criteria, transport logistics and of course costs if you are considering independent education. All the Independent Schools have means tested financial support available and it is always worth investigating the possibilities.

“Will my child flourish in this environment?”

I stress the word flourish because that is what we must all aim for. It is not about ‘surviving’ the experience, but being able to really embrace every aspect of secondary school life.

How do we make that decision? By answering these key questions 1. Will it meet my child’s pastoral needs?

Will he/she benefit from smaller classes?

Will they thrive on the challenges of a large school? Is he/she more suited to a single sex environment? Do you feel confident that the school will deal with any pastoral issues swiftly?

2. Does it have the facilities and resources to develop my child’s specific interests and talents? It is easy to be influenced by wonderful facilities, but it’s much more important to feel sure that they have enthusiastic staff who will inspire your child to develop their sporting, musical, dramatic or artistic talents.

3. Will my child flourish academically? This is a key question as any parent of teenagers will tell you that life is not without its challenges!

Struggling to keep up academically should not be one of them! Any school has the potential to be a great experience provided that these key needs are all met. Similarly even a school with a great reputation can be a bad experience if the child is not academically or pastorally suited.

40

however this year includes three academic places at Kings, Peterborough, sixteen academic and musical awards to Stamford Endowed Schools, a scholarship to Oakham and a record number of passes to Bourne Grammar.

When children start at nursery school, it is always a concern to me if parents have already mapped out their whole school career! Whilst we all have our aspirations for our children, a huge amount can change during the vital primary years. A child is about to embark on a huge learning adventure, discovering new talents and developing Copthill Year 6 pupils their own personality. Our experience is that when parents really consider the key questions “Should I get my child a tutor for their they sometimes rightly conclude that they Entrance Exam?” even need different schools to suit their own Parents should ensure that a child has the children. Also family circumstances change, necessary knowledge and preparation so that financially, logistically, and of course there can they can demonstrate their genuine level be new additions too! Finally, all the Secondary of ability and future potential. That is very different from ‘cramming’ a child with additional Schools will change over that time, some quite significantly, in terms of entry requirements, tuition to ‘artificially’ achieve a level which staff, reputation etc. does not reflect their natural ability. After all, they have to be able to sustain that consistent In conclusion – what do we all aspire to as academic level for the next 7 years! parents? We want the very best for our children If properly prepared and with realistic aims, – hence the choices and often sacrifices we any entrance test should be a formality and make to ensure the very best experiences even a satisfying experience, where a child can in their primary years. Having developed confidently demonstrate their ability. It should confidence and solid foundations, it is vital never be a stressful ordeal, with the need for that a secondary school builds upon these intensive preparation and possibly an uncertain qualities. This decision can only be made by outcome. Those symptoms tell their own tale. really understanding your child’s strengths and weaknesses and objectively answering Copthill the key questions. The proof of this process At Copthill our objective is simple. To provide is the ongoing success of every child as they pupils with a unique primary experience in continue to develop and flourish at their chosen which they will reach their academic potential secondary school. and discover and develop a range of talents.

Our advice to all parents is to attend a By ensuring that parents have a detailed variety of Secondary School Open Days and and realistic understanding of their child build a long term picture of how each school they can then answer the secondary schools is developing. There are many Open Days question objectively. We pride ourselves on our during the autumn, so make the most of the independence, therefore being able to advise opportunities! Similarly, if you feel that we can and support parents in their choices based on help or offer advice in any way, do not hesitate what is right for the family and that particular to contact us. child, not through any particular predetermined path.

• Jonathan Teesdale has been head teacher We have an excellent reputation for our of Copthill Independent Day School for the pupils gaining entrance and often awards, to last 16 years. He has three children, two all our local state and independent schools. of which are now at different Secondary Every year the schools we feed to can vary Schools. significantly depending on parents’ choices,

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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Charity Open Day at The Children’s Garden Day Nursery & Montessori Pre-school Come and see what makes this town centre nursery so special – and give your children a fun treat including: · Ice creams & drinks · Lucky dip · Face painting · Games & balloons · Proceeds to Headstart4Babies charity Our trained staff will be on hand to show you the Baby, Daisy and Montessori Rooms and how our family-style environment benefits the children.

You can also find out more about the Montessori Method and why it is so good at preparing all children for school.

Saturday September 10th 10am-2pm Silver Lane, Stamford (opposite Beans Coffee Shop) For more information please call Christine Abbott on 01780 752094 Or email childrensgarden@btconnect.com

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LEARNING

Stamford Secondary Schools The only time I have ever set foot in a secondary school is when I was a pupil at one, some twenty-odd years ago. Now with children of my own heading in the direction of 11-plus education, I felt it was time to take a good look at what’s on offer for the children in our region. By Charlotte Newby.

Stamford Queen Eleanor Tucked away in a corner of North Stamford, a quiet revolution is taking place at the Stamford Queen Eleanor School. Wendy Hamilton arrived at the school two years ago; with a background in law and thirteen years’ education experience, she ushered in a raft of sweeping reforms, which extend far beyond a change in name.

At first sight Queen Eleanor has the look of many 1970s built state schools. On a tour of the school it’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer enthusiasm of the staff and students. The week I visited 12 children had arrived back from a school exchange in Corsica, the gardening club were exhibiting at the Lincolnshire Show, students from the debating society were participating in a Stamford Civic Society debate and students from all years were preparing for a variety show performance which would include comedians, a ventriloquist and a tribute to popular Channel 4 series Glee.

Queen Eleanor has always been known for nurturing and supporting children and that is very apparent across the campus. Pastoral care is a real strength at the school and interestingly the school employs four non-teachers as mentors for the children. Pastoral care is also boosted by a specialist in transition who works with the new year six students (11 -12 years old) and Year 5 students from local Stamford primary schools to help ease the move Queen Eleanor to secondary school. open mornings will What is probably more surprising be taking place on 26-28 to the first time visitor is the September with an open support given to children who excel evening on 28 September.

Language and academically. The school recently Wendy and the team warmly Literature, Maths introduced accelerated learning. invite anyone interested to and triple science Thirty top students from year nine come and have a look GCSE, French and a (13-14 years old) have already started for themselves.

Humanities subject. their GCSEs one year early and are The school’s academic due to complete their courses at the performance has been end of year ten. The students will then have steadily improving for many years the option to work on an advanced curriculum, and to put this in perspective, if Queen Eleanor which is likely to include AS-levels. was compared to state schools in nearby Students also have the opportunity to take Peterborough, it would rate second highest the English Baccalaureate, which includes in the city with 65% of students achieving a English minimum of 5 A-C grades.

The school’s slogan is “at the heart of the local community” and the children and staff are very

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generous with their time. After-school activities range from a debating society to an engineering club, which is currently building a real life kit car.

There is very much a community feel at the school, the head teacher knows all the students by name and children in different year groups interact well together. But the school’s community is not just local or regional. Queen Eleanor students are able to develop a much wider European outlook. The school offers Russian, Italian and French as languages and students will be actively encouraged to take a second European language as part of their GCSE options. Numerous foreign trips are organised each year and include a trip to Berlin at Easter.

The children are also encouraged to be good global citizens and care about the school and its surrounding environment. Queen Eleanor was awarded Eco Schools Silver standard in March, an international award celebrating sustainability. Teachers together with a number of students, who form the eco-council, are currently developing a range of projects and curriculum activities with partners, such as Cummins Generator Technologies to achieve the top national award of Green Flag Status.

Queen Eleanor has also secured funding

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for a range of environmental improvements, including a glasshouse to grow their own fruit and vegetables, solar panels for generating hot water and a small wind turbine for generating electricity. This eco-funding is part of a more extensive investment programme which last year saw the school spend £250,000 on improvements over the summer. Queen Eleanor now boasts new tennis courts, additional laptop provision, a state of the art drama room and a brand new food technology room, which will soon be hosting a session by Great British Menu’s Thierry Daugeron.

The school continued to invest heavily over the summer with the establishment of a cashless canteen that uses biometric technology, a new minibus, an outdoor eating area, refurbished changing rooms and PV solar panels for generating electricity on site.

With new facilities, a growing cabinet of awards and rising academic performance, Wendy Hamilton and her team’s programme of reform is gathering pace. As a school that has prided itself on nurturing students, Queen Eleanor is building on this foundation and is on the path to academic excellence by developing a curriculum which will stretch the very brightest of students.

Casterton Business and Enterprise College Casterton College, based on Ryhall Road on the edge of rural Great Casterton, is a 750-strong secondary school teaching pupils from 11 to 16 years. While it has a Stamford Lincs postal address, it is actually part of the Rutland Local Education Authority.

Before taking over the school in 2004, Principal Victoria Crosher was a Deputy Head in three schools in the East Midlands. She comes across as a passionate and ambitious Head, but she’s also very personable.

I was greeted by two students who showed me round. Their enthusiasm was palpable.

They were keen to tell me about the numerous activities they are involved in, the positive working environment and the support they have in the subjects they study. I sensed a harmonious atmosphere between pupils themselves and between pupils and the teaching staff.

Whilst the school is not special to look at the bulk of the college was built in the 1930s - there are exciting new developments, such as the new Enterprise Centre, which houses the college’s centre of excellence for Mathematics, IT and business. It’s a newly refurbished department with state-of-the-art information and communication technology.

There’s also an impressive Expressive Arts department housing dance, drama, music and art. It’s a bright and inspiring place for the creative student and perhaps as a result there are many passionate musicians in the school. I’m told the pupils have regular jamming sessions in their lunch hour! There’s currently much local interest and delight about the student-formed band ‘Centre Excuse’ which has recently signed a record deal and is set to go national.

Each year, the students hold a ‘Casterton’s Got Talent’ event with the heats running through the terms, culminating in a grand final.

This summer saw vocal duo ‘Ellie and James’ carry off the first prize. In February a quarter of the college’s pupils were also involved in their musical version of ‘Grease’. My tour guides spoke enthusiastically about their involvement in the production.

In 2010 the college gained an Outstanding Ofsted report and gained the top accreditation for both welfare of its students and its curriculum content. The school’s achievement record speaks for itself: 72% of students achieving grades A* to C in 5 GCSE subjects.

The college prides itself in being very inclusive of all its students’ abilities, but there is also a great emphasis placed on recognising and encouraging particularly talented students.

The Gifted and Talented programme runs through all subjects throughout Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 (post-16yrs). By identifying exceptional students, the college is able to provide opportunities to exploit particular talents and offer additional mentoring. These students may also be offered the opportunity to gain GCSE qualifications early in years 9 and 10.

The students I spoke to enjoyed listing the extensive range of after-school pursuits that are available to them. These include all the mainstream sports - but also fencing, cricket, archery, trampolining, climbing and more.

There is also a variety of arts activities, Young

Chamber, Duke of Edinburgh and a Business and Enterprise group who do projects and business workshops. The students enjoy a high degree of influence in the clubs that run.

The activities don’t stop there. Year 7 students recently returned from a day visit to France where they ordered snails and ate crepes! There was an Italian ski trip earlier in the year and over the summer a group of students travelled to see the French battlefields.

Long-standing exchange links have been maintained in Germany and children exchange with others in France and Romania too. Being progressive, the school is also developing a strong link with China, which sees the arrival of two Chinese teachers in September.

Casterton College enjoys getting involved in local events and projects. Recently these have included a community project to refurbish the Corn Exchange in Stamford, and the Four Winds Festival in Rutland, where art students created a huge sail that was displayed at the heart of the festival in Normanton.

In 2010, Rutland County Council voted for a change of status for Casterton Business and Enterprise College to become an 11-19 school.

The school now runs the Rutland County College in Oakham as well as the Casterton site, offering a wide range of courses for students of all abilities. Next September the Rutland College will move into its new premises in Barleythorpe, delivering post-16 further education to 220 A Level students, including preparation for Oxbridge, and the Cambridge Pre U - a prestigious qualification for exceptional students. There will also be BTECS, vocational courses and qualifications for all levels of ability.

As well as encouraging progression to further education, the range of courses will support those students who want to find jobs, and in particular local jobs, after leaving college.

Tutors work closely with local businesses and employers and are working with the council to develop apprenticeship schemes.

The future looks bright at Casterton College. Here is a school where academic excellence is achievable, where creativity and independence are encouraged and where children of all abilities are catered for. Parents might be pleased to know that it is a school with ambitious plans and forward thinking ideas.

• Stamford Queen Eleanor School, Green Lane, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1HE, 01780 751011, http://www.queeneleanor.org.uk/ • Casterton Business & Enterprise College, Ryhall Road, Great Casterton, Stamford, Lincs PE9 4AT, 01780 762168, http://www. cbec.rutland.sch.uk/

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MOTORING

Electric Cars

Ashley Martin takes a closer look at electric cars and their potential for the future

P

etrol and diesel-engined cars will continue to form the bedrock of the new car market for the foreseeable future, but the Government is hoping to kick-start an electric vehicle revolution.

It is making more than £400 million available to support initiatives that include grants of up to £5,000 per vehicle to help consumers and businesses buy electric cars and the installation of electric vehicle recharging points nationwide, including 75 in Peterborough over the next two years.

Official figures show there are currently fewer than 2,500 electric cars in the UK out of a car fleet of 28 million. However, manufacturers are queuing up to bring models to UK showrooms - and some are already here.

Mitsubishi was the first mainstream car maker to launch an electric car in the UK, the i-MiEV, one of which recently joined the Environment Agency’s fleet at its Brampton office. Also on sale are the Citroen C-Zero, Peugeot iOn and the Nissan Leaf, the 2011 World Car of the Year.

They are among cars that qualify for the £5,000 grant from the Department for Transport alongside the Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera - both will launch in the first quarter of 2012 - and the Renault Fluence, slated for autumn 2012. The two-seater electric Smart car is also due to go into full production in early 2012 when, among others, a pure electric version of Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Focus, will arrive as will the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric diesel, a Volvo V60.

There are three types of electric vehicle: • Pure electric - powered solely by a battery charged from mains electricity. Cars have a range of approximately 100 miles and include the i-Miev, C-Zero, iOn, Leaf, Fluence, Focus and the Smart.

• Plug-in hybrid - a vehicle with a plug-in battery and an internal combustion engine.

Typical cars - the Toyota Prius is due to be the first to launch in early 2012 - will have a pure electric range of over 10 miles. After the electric

44

range is utilised, the vehicle reverts to full hybrid capability using both battery power and engine (a 1.8 litre petrol engine in the Prius).

• Extended range - such as the forthcoming Ampera and Volt - are powered by a battery with an internal combustion engine generator on board. Cars have a battery range of about 50 miles. Range is extended by the generator powering, in the case of the Ampera a 1.4 litre petrol engine, for up to 310 miles of motoring.

Vehicles are always electrically driven.

However, while the Government and manufacturers are keen to promote the zero emission benefits of electric motoring, Department for Transport figures suggest the revolution has not started with a charge.

In the first half of 2011 just 680 vehicles were purchased with the benefit of a £5,000 cash handout from the Government’s Plug-In-Car Grant scheme. That means only £3.4 million has been awarded from a £43m budget to last until March 31, 2012.

Purchase price is a major sticking point - even after taking account of grant aid. Electric cars are much more expensive than similarly-sized petrol and diesel models with, for example, the

city car sized Mitsubishi costing £23,990 and the similarly small Peugeot and Citroen each costing £28,155. The family hatchback Nissan costs £25,990 and the similarly sized Vauxhall will cost £28,995 when available.

Meanwhile, Renault is taking a different approach and claims that the Fluence will be the ‘UK’s most affordable electric car’ when it goes on sale next spring. It will cost £17,850 (after grant), but customers must then pay £75 a month to lease the battery based on a 6,000mile per year/three-year contract.

While the purchase price may be high, electric vehicle supporters point to low running costs due to a number of tax exemptions, including Vehicle Excise Duty, and the high price of petrol and diesel. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders calculates that the typical cost of electricity to charge an electric vehicle is approximately £0.0310 per mile, compared to £0.1611 per mile for a petrolengined car based on fuel costing £1.33 per litre.

However, second hand values of used electric cars remain a largely unknown factor as do long-term reliability and battery durability, although ongoing UK trials suggest battery range is not an issue for drivers.

It takes six to eight hours to charge the electric cars from a normal home mains socket but fast charge times of around 30 minutes are available at dedicated charging bays.

But, a recharging infrastructure remains in its infancy. Recharging points in Peterborough are due to be operational as part of a 1,200-strong East of England network and located in public and company car parks and at retail and leisure sites with promises that all businesses and residents will be no more than 25 miles from one. There is currently one in the city at Smith Motor Group in Sturrock Way, Bretton (see http://www.sourceeast.net/live-availability).

• An ‘Electric Car Guide’ published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is available at https://www.smmt.co.uk/shop/ electric-car-guide-2011/

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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MARSHALL VOLVO OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS STANDARD. Our highly trained and skilled team looks forward to welcoming you to our state of the art dealership, where we will be on hand to look after your every need.

All our cars are handled with the utmost care and attention as we pride ourselves on offering the best deals on the latest range of New Volvo and piece of mind on quality approved used vehicles.

From the new Volvo range, to Approved used vehicles right through to service and repairs, visit Marshall Volvo and expect nothing less than a first class service as standard.

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MARSHALL VOLVO PETERBOROUGH 7 MALLORY ROAD, BOONGATE, PETERBOROUGH PE1 5AU. TEL: 0844 411 9751 www.marshallweb.co.uk/volvo MARSHALL MOTOR GROUP LTD. REGISTERED OFFICE:- AIRPORT HOUSE, THE AIRPORT, CAMBRIDGE CB5 8RY. ALL CALLS MAY BE RECORDED FOR TRAINING AND QUALITY PURPOSES.

THIS IS MARSHALL JAGUAR

Situated in Peterborough, our dealership is equipped to deal with all your Jaguar needs.

From the exciting new Jaguar range featuring groundbreaking technology and industry firsts, to Approved used vehicles maintained to the standards set by the engineers who built them.

Enjoy all the expertise and knowledge of our Jaguar Academy trained technicians and with a range of exhilarating accessories to enhance the feeling of owning a Jaguar, make sure that you visit Marshall Jaguar Peterborough.

MARSHALL JAGUAR PETERBOROUGH 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 0844 334 0635 www.marshall.peterborough.jaguar.co.uk

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER APP TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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• SL September ADS.indd 45

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T he W illiam C eC il

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• Enjoy a great pint of local ale in this historic 17th Century coaching inn • 7 amazing bedrooms • We welcome well behaved dogs and small adults

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The Bull & Swan St Martins, Stamford. PE9 2LJ E: enquiries@thebullandswan.co.uk

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2011 edition out now!

Everything you need to know about the best places to shop, eat and visit in the region.

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Order online at:

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Luxury Accommodation The Crown Hotel has 28 beautifully appointed bedrooms, all of which are individually designed and well positioned for both leisure and corporate guests.

All rooms offer complimentary WiFi connection, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite television, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and car parking in our secure car park at the rear of the hotel.

All rooms have a work area for the business guest.

Best available rates are offered from £85 per night bed & breakfast.

All Saint's Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG t. 01780 763136 reservations@thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk

The Exeter Arms is located on the edge of the historical village of Easton on the Hill, just two miles outside of the picturesque town of Stamford.

The pub has six country style bedrooms each individually designed and ideal for leisure and business guests alike. All rooms are en suite with tea and coffee making facilities, free view television, hairdryer and complimentary WiFi access throughout the pub.

Breakfast is served in our beautiful Orangery each morning.

Best available rates are offered from £75 per night bed & breakfast.

21 Stamford Road, Easton on the Hill, PE9 3NS t. 01780 756321 reservations@theexeterarms.net www.theexeterarms.net

The White Hart, one of the finest country inns in Lincolnshire, is a real hidden treasure located in the picturesque stone built village of Ufford which lies within a stone's throw of the Cathedral City of Peterborough and the historic market town of Stamford.

The White Hart boasts six individually styled bedrooms for those looking for somewhere with character to stay. Four bedrooms are situated in the main building and two with good disabled access are situated in the converted cart hovel.

Best available rate are offered from £75 per night bed & breakfast.

Main Street, Ufford, Stamford, PE9 3BH t. 01780 740 250 reservations@whitehartufford.co.uk www.whitehartufford.co.uk

All of our guest rooms have bespoke styling and are furnished in a simple yet luxurious style For all accommodation enquiries please contact the relevant establishment, details of which are above.

All Saint’s Hotels Ltd. All Saint's Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG t. 01780 763136

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FOOD & DRINK

Rutland Food & Drink Festival, Rutland Day Date: Saturday, September 17 Time: 11am – 6pm Place: Sykes Lane, Empingham, North Shore, Rutland Water Cost: no charge for entry Parking: £3

Sean Hope (Olive Branch) and Jan McCourt of Northfield Farm

T

his year will mark the 5th year of the now well established Rutland Day, and based on the success of last year’s launch, Rutland Food and Drink Festival will be celebrating everything great about Rutland. The Festival highlights quality local producers in and around Rutland, attracting over 5,000 people who have the opportunity to watch some of the region’s top chefs alongside local producers demonstrate their knowledge and skills on stage.

“Last year’s event was very much like a return to the old days of proper food festivals ten or more years ago,” says local producer Jan McCourt of Northfield Farm. Jan adds, “Those doing demonstrations are all in one sense competitors but we all get together at this and other events in a way that benefits the area, the festival and its visitors. It is a great showcase for the many largely unsung heroes of the Artisan Food Revolution which is at its best in the Rutland and Leicestershire area.”

Sean Hope, Rutland’s Food Ambassador

and Michelin Star Head Chef & Co-owner of the Olive Branch co-ordinates the line-up of great local chefs in the Cooking Demonstration Marquee.

“The festival is a wonderful setting and a great opportunity to get involved in our local food community,” says chef James Goss of the The King’s Arms in Wing. “It has become a real fixture in Rutland’s Culinary Calendar.”

Another large Food Marquee will showcase and celebrate local producers from in and around the region. There will be lots of hot food and drink to sample alongside jams, chutneys from Jamalade; cheeses from the Melton Cheeseboard; Little Cakes of Rutland; Groovy Foods and much more to purchase and take home.

There will be a great line-up of live music on stage with plenty of entertainment for everyone. Held in the most splendid location this is not an event to miss out on!

Rutland & Market Harborough Living Magazine is one of the sponsors of the event.

The Plough Inn, Great Casterton There’s so much more to this village pub than meets the eye, as Charlotte Newby discovers The Plough Inn stands on the Main Street in Great Casterton on the old Great North Road.

It’s an unremarkable looking building that could easily be overlooked. There’s a rear garden that’s simple but with plenty of seating and some swings and a slide for children. The inside is rustic and informal with wooden tables and window benches with cushions. It would benefit from some updating but it’s nonetheless comfortable and relaxed. The very normal look of the pub perhaps hides the flair and creativity inside the kitchen.

The menu features plenty of locally sourced ingredients: Rutland trout, local sausages, Cromer crab and seasonal produce.

Somewhere between pub food and gastro pub, it’s varied and interesting but without being over-complicated.

To start, Phil chose the homemade ham hock terrine, which combined chunks of ham, whole green peppercorns and fresh herbs (£5.50). A ‘proper terrine’, according to my half-French husband. It came with homemade piccalilli, tangy and fresh. George had the twice-baked Roquefort soufflé (£6.25), rich and melting with crisp edges and accompanied with fresh homemade Waldorf salad and rocket.

The children chose from a selection on the main menu in smaller-sized servings. Owner Amy was very happy to make adjustments to cater to their taste. They tucked into cod in beer batter with hand-cut chips (£5.25). The cod was soft and white and the batter crispy and light, leaving two very satisfied and quiet children.

Having skipped the starters, I chose the pan-fried red mullet from the specials menu (£13.50). The fish was vibrant red and crisp on the outside, soft and juicy inside. It sat alongside a crab risotto, full of seaside flavours, and topped with buttered, salty samphire. The fresh gazpacho sauce was smooth and sweet.

Phil went for the homemade chargrilled burger (£10.50), cooked medium rare. Bursting with flavour, tender and juicy and accompanied with hand-cut chips, onion rings and crunchy fresh homemade coleslaw.

George decided upon the dressed Cromer Crab (£11.95), which came with a selection of salads and new potatoes. He commented that it was ‘nothing short of exceptional’.

We had no room for pudding, but they looked good too.

Informal, family friendly and excellent food.

We highly recommend it.

• The Plough Inn, Main Street, Great Casterton, Stamford PE9 4AA Tel: 01780 762178, http://www.theploughgreatcasterton.co.uk/ Food served: Lunch: Tues-Sat 12-2.30pm, Sun 12-3pm. Dinner: Tues-Sat 6-9.30pm.

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For over 30 years Hambleton Hall has been one of the region’s favourite Michelin starred fine dining destinations.

The ultimate food in a fantastic setting with glorious views of Rutland Water - Lunch “Lunch for Less” Monday to Saturday Two Course Lunch for £22.00 & a Third Course for £5.25

- SundAY Lunch -

- dinner -

A Selection Menu at £45.00 for 3 Courses

2 Special 3 Course Set Menus at £38.50 & £47.50 1 Special Tasting Menu at £67.00 Available every night of the week & Saturday Lunch

- pArtieS For private gatherings please contact us for our ‘17 Menus’ booklet

A La Carte menu also available Aaron Patterson, head chef, specialises in top seasonal local ingredients to create modern British cuisine, with an award winning wine list full of delicious bottles.

All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5%

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

hambleton, oakham, Rutland, le15 8th tel: 01572 756991 FaX: 01572 724721 email: hotel@hambletonhall.com Web: www.hambletonhall.com

Celebrate our 10th Anniversary!

THURSDAY 15th SEPTEMBER

THE

GARDEN HOUSE

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

With a Gala Evening of Oriental be entertained by geishas, The Taste of culture, the Orient whilst enjoying a 4 course dinner.

Carry on the Party, dancing late into the evening on the lower deck at Charters.

This special evening is TICKET ONLY, available from EAST for £20 per person.

Pretty walled garden for alfresco dining Every Tuesday, enjoy two courses from our special menu for ONLY £10 inclusive of rice and vegetables.

Call us NOW to book

01733 315 702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk Lunch 12-2:30pm Mon-Sat, 12-3:30pm Sun (Buffet) Dinner 5:30-11pm Fri & Sat, 5:30-10:30pm Sun-Thurs Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1FP

NEW A La Carte and Fixed Price Menu One of Stamford's most romantic hotels Beautifully renovated dining room, offering A la Carte, Table d’Hote and Lunch Menus. Conservatory dining also available.

Reasonably priced and we use only the freshest local ingredients available.

 C H R I S T M A S M E N U S N O W AVA I L A B L E 

Please contact us for reservations on 01780 763 359 or at reservations@gardenhousehotel.com St. Martins, Stamford Lincs PE9 2LP Tel: 01780 763359

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FOOD & DRINK

Garden House Hotel and Restaurant, Stamford Fiona Cumberpatch finds a traditional country house hotel holding its own amongst fierce competition

W

e arrived through the mature walled garden, the hotel’s most attractive feature, for drinks in the cosy bar. I almost expected Miss Marple to appear, it has that kind of old fashioned, swag-curtained elegance. But the menu was a complete surprise: nothing traditional here. Instead, a selection of ambitious, intricate dishes, devised by new head chef Erran Buckingham.

We began with a complimentary amuse bouche of spiced roast beef with a delicious piquant dressing. My starter of citrus cured salmon gravadlax with home pickled beetroot, tomato concasse, watercress and citrus vinaigrette was just as glorious as it sounds, with juicy slices of salmon, the orange dressing cutting through the richness. Perry’s dish of pan seared scallops with spiced cauliflower purée, smoked bacon sherbet and broad beans was beautifully presented. The scallops were crisp outside, soft inside, and the delicate purée was a subtle touch.

We ate in the candle lit conservatory with a view onto that lovely garden (there’s also a formal dining room). After a palate-cleansing orange and cinnamon sorbet, our mains arrived. Perry’s roasted guinea fowl breast with butternut squash gnocchi, wilted baby gem, crispy

leeks and blackcurrant jus was immaculately presented. The meat was moist, and he loved the light gnocchi and the sweet and sour flavours. I had fillet of Lincolnshire pork wrapped in parma ham, with crispy sage croquettes, apple purée, sautéed spinach, grain mustard cream and glazed apple and there wasn’t a flavour out of place.

Dessert was so special that the man at the next table asked if he could photograph it!

Gooseberry cheesecake with fig and cinnamon honeycomb and orange jelly, and everything on the plate made from scratch. This is not casual dining but neither is it pompous. The service is friendly and efficient, overseen by the experienced Zena Bowtle.

24 year old chef Erran’s ambition is to become Stamford’s only two rosette restaurant. Come and monitor his progress: it’s going to be a ride.

In a nutshell: “Modern French/British cooking” Head chef: Erran Buckingham Average price of dinner for two, with wine: £60 • The Garden House Hotel and Restaurant, St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LP Tel: 01780 763339 http://www.gardenhousehotel.com/

Barn Restaurant, Stamford Helena Swallow gets excited about the Barn Restaurant in Stamford As a bit of a foodie, I am always slightly apprehensive about eating somewhere new – the consequences of being disappointed are immense! My apprehension was totally unwarranted when we dined at The Barn, in Barn Passage, recently.

From the moment we walked into The Barn, which was built in 1636, we were enveloped by the warm atmosphere and to be honest just ‘felt at home’. This warm and welcoming atmosphere is something the owner/Chef, David Waycott, felt about The Barn when he first considered opening the restaurant almost one year ago.

Drinks are served downstairs and we were invited to take our seats in the restaurant upstairs when we were ready. We were very pleasantly surprised to be served an amuse bouche of ‘seafood bisque’ beforehand which was divine.

We chose ‘Pan Seared King Scallops’ with Chorizo and pea purée to start – it was just delicious. The combinations of the flavours and textures were just fabulous. This was followed by ‘Pan-seared Fresh Fillet of Sea Bass’ for Sarah and ‘Roasted Rack of English Lamb’ for me. We both found our food delicious and to be honest, it was some of the best lamb I have tasted in a long time.

We couldn’t manage a dessert but were again very pleasantly surprised to be served the most scrumptious squares of ‘chocolate and brandy cake’ and warm cherries. It was then we learned that David’s great grandmother was a cook at Sandringham for Queen

Victoria and the chocolate cake was one of her recipes. If it was good enough for Queen Victoria it was certainly good enough for us!

The menu is fresh and simple and is changed daily. There is nothing pretentious or complicated about the menu and there is a choice for every taste. However it is not the sort of food I would cook myself at home and, therefore, is certainly a treat! Fresh local produce is always used where possible and they pride themselves on the consistency of the food. They told us too that they ‘roast well on a Sunday’! The Barn is open for coffee, lunch and dinner and, in fact, on a previous occasion we had joined Stamford’s coffee culture and sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed a decent cup of coffee – it is a great spot to ‘people watch’.

So many restaurants these days are so ‘clattery’ with loud music, wooden floors and over attentive staff - not so The Barn. We could have a conversation and actually hear each other talk; there was music but it was discreet and actually enhanced the ambiance; the staff were friendly and professional but not constantly asking us if ‘every thing alright’.

Would I go back to The Barn – most definitely! Would I recommend The Barn – most definitely!

• The Barn Restaurant, Old Barn Passage, St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2HG - Tel: 01780 489169 http://www. thebarnstamford.com/

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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Beer Festival

with over 20 Real Ales From: Wednesday 7th September Until: Sunday 11th September A charming building with 7 unique rooms over 3 floors, an Orangery and a newly designed enclosed garden.

THE J

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N N T RY I N

12 St. Pauls Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2BE t. 01780 753800 info@tobienorris.com www.tobienorris.com

Simon & Charlotte are delighted to announce that The Kings Head, Apethorpe, is back!

With help from Steve and Julia Wells and the whole village of Apethorpe, we are proud to be reopening, better than ever.

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SEAN’S KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

A shellfish state of mind Sean’s quickfire recipe

T h a i- st yle cl a m s or m u ss els w it h fres h cra b

This is a Thai-style varia tion on moules mariniere Serves 4 • 1/2 stick lemon grass – roughly chopped • 5 gm fresh root ginger – roughly chopped • 1 small tin coconut mil k • 1 red chilli – seeds rem oved, roughly chopped • 1 lime – zest /juice • 1/2 glass dry white win e • 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce – optional • 1kg fresh clams or mu ssels • 200g fresh crab

Plump and juicy – ideal fare for an Indian summer

I

must admit to being on a bit of a seafood roll at the moment. Last month I focused on crab; this issue I’ve chosen clams and mussels as my star ingredients. These shellfish are at their best in the UK from around September until mid-winter, and are harvested in the northeast Atlantic, with the Cornish coast being particularly fertile territory.

I like to cook with pallourde clams at the Olive Branch, a variety that is generally thought to have the finest flavour and texture. I have to agree – they’re plump, juicy and perfect with zingy ingredients like chilli, lemon juice and dill.

Despite people often being a bit worried about cooking with clams and mussels, they are in fact easy to prepare and, as part of a simple soup or stew, make a very nice dish to eat in sunshine during an Indian summer. Let’s hope we have one!

1. In a food processor, add the lemon grass, ginger , chilli, lime, coconut milk and fish sauce.

2. Blend until very smoot h.

3. Mix in a large bowl wit h the fresh shellfish.

4. Place a large saucep an on the heat and add a drizzle of rapeseed oil 5. Very quickly add the shellfish mix into the hot saucepan, cover and shake well 6. Steam the shellfish for approximately 5-7 minute s (until all the clams / mussels have opened 7. Remove the lid and dis card any shellfish that hav e not opened 8. Ladle into large soup bowls evenly and serve with a wedge of lime 9. Sprinkle with fresh cho pped coriander or sweet basil 10. Accompany with hot crusty bread

Sean’s kitchen essentials This month, I have chosen the ideal receptacle for my quickfire recipe – a Staub ironware casserole dish (23cm), which will set you back around £115.00. Granted, they’re not the cheapest but they will last you a lifetime and beyond. They are truly versatile, look great, and also ideal for creating those great classic stews in the winter.

Here are some flavour combinations to try with clams and mussels at home. As usual, I recommend that you play around with ingredients and make your own dishes.

• With coriander • With basil • With chilli • With dill • With garlic • With lime

8

• With lemon • With parsley • With saffron • With vanilla • With wild mushrooms

NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008

53 SEAN HOPE.indd 1

Sean’s seasonal must-buys for September What Sean will be cooking with at the Olive Branch Meat – beef and wild rabbit Fish – mussels and clams Veg – beetroot and courgettes Fruit – blackberries and Victoria plums STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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WHAT’S ON

Diary dates

Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month.

September

Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 September

Tuesday 27 September to Saturday 1 October OPERA: Stamford Gilbert & Sullivan Players present ‘The Sorcerer’ Described as one of the lesser known works of Gilbert and Sullivan but nonetheless a ‘little gem’. Musical Direction by Rod Dawkins and production by Alex Moores guarantees a great production.

• The Corn Exchange Theatre, Stamford Tickets £13/£12 Tel: 01780 766455

Friday 30 September 9.30am to 11am. EVENT: World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Everyone welcome and all funds raised go to Macmillan Cancer Research.• Stamford High School

2

FRIDAY

3

SATURDAY

4

SUNDAY

5

MONDAY

6

TUESDAY

7

WEDNESDAY

8

THURSDAY

9

FRIDAY

10

SATURDAY

11

SUNDAY

12

MONDAY

13

TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

15

THURSDAY

16

FRIDAY

Sunday 11 September 11am to 4pm EVENT: Autumn Country Market A great market for quality plants and good local food and now expanded to include vintage stalls and lots to do for children. With the gardens looking their best, refreshments are served overlooking the Pickery and accompanied by harpist Eleanor Turner. Laetitia Maklouf, presenter on ‘Love your garden’ will be taking questions alongside Ursula Cholmeley and Lucy Dawes.

• Easton Walled Gardens Admission is £5.75/£1.50 Further information Tel: 01476 530 063 http:// www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk/

Saturday 17 September 7.30pm MUSIC: Guitar Anthems – A Night of Monster Hits Celebrating some of the greatest guitar songs ever written, Guitar Anthems takes you back to a time when the guitar really was the star. From Clapton to Queen and Pink Floyd to Dire Straits prepare yourself to reach for your air guitar. Vocals and guitar work are shared amongst three talented musicians John Holmes, Tony Pilling and Graham Patrick who have received widespread acclaim for their performances as Queen Tribute band Ga Ga. • Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £14.50 Tel: 01780 766455

17

SATURDAY

18

SUNDAY

19

MONDAY

20

TUESDAY

21

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday 28 September 7.30pm for 8pm

22

THURSDAY

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SATURDAY

25

SUNDAY

26

MONDAY

TALK: Meadows Langdyke Countryside Trust A talk by Natural England’s grassland specialist, Richard Jefferson.

He will talk about meadows and his forthcoming book, ‘Jewels beyond the Plough’, illustrated by wildlife artist John Davis. St Botolph’s Church, Helpston Admission is free, all welcome.

• Friday 30 September 9.30am to 11am

27

TUESDAY



EVENT: Luxury Antiques Weekend Stapleford Park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed day out at this boutique-style antiques fair, to browse and buy, chat to the dealers and enjoy the magnificent antiques on offer. The range of stock offered for sale will be enormously varied and the exhibitors will be showcasing fine examples of town and country furniture, contemporary or antique sculpture, paintings, portraits and drawings, antique and designer jewellery, oriental carpets and rugs, arms and armour as well as porcelain, glass and silver. The organisers are delighted to offer readers of Stamford Living 2 tickets for the price of one (£5 for two) for entry to the fair. Simply show this page to claim your discount. Standard ticket price is £5 including catalogue.

• Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, Melton Mowbray. Further information Tel: 01797 252030

THURSDAY



Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September

1



The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Attracting top international competitors in this Olympic qualifier with a prize fund of £50,000. The outside shopping mall will host over 400 exhibitors for retail therapy of the highest quality.

• Tel: 01933 304 744 http://www.burghley-horse. co.uk/

28

WEDNESDAY

29

THURSDAY

30

FRIDAY

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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WHAT’S ON

Don’t miss…

Shoestring Theatre’s September production – Disposing of the Body Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 September, 7.45pm Written by Hugh Whitemore, this is a fast-moving play about guilt, adultery, remorse and revenge and how quickly love can turn lethal. Henry Preece is relocating to the countryside to embark on early retirement with his attractive wife but it is not long before things start to unravel. When an unexpected passion is given full rein, Henry realises that the door he’s just flung open should have remained tightly shut. Director Ann Stutz said: “It is not a conventional ‘thriller’ and it’s clear that Whitemore’s primary interest is not in bodily disposal but the gradual disintegration of Henry’s own psyche. The twists and turns of the plot will keep audiences guessing right to the end. Because of its subjectmatter and some strong language, this play is not considered suitable for children.

• Stamford Theatre Tickets £8/£7 Tel: 01780 763203 or http://www.stamfordartscentre.com/

Sargent Celebration Concert The Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir, Peterborough Cathedral Sat 22 Oct 7.00pm, Tickets £22, £10, £5, Box Office: 01780 763203 or 01733 355315 Programme: Haydn – Nelson Mass; Fauré – Cantique de Racine; Fauré – Requiem This is the first ever visit of the Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir to Peterborough Cathedral. It is exactly 100 years since Malcolm Sargent started his career as an organist when he became articled pupil to Dr Haydn Keeton in the cathedral. He lived in the Precinct for four years until he joined up in the First World War. Sir Malcolm achieved a word-wide reputation as a choral and orchestral conductor. He is chiefly remembered for the many seasons of Proms concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. He always spoke of his life in Peterborough and Stamford with great affection, and this will be a fitting celebration of his centenary.

Celebrating Stamford Apple Day Saturday 1 October Stamford hosts one of the country’s largest Apple Day events, attracting hundreds of visitors on the day. This year is set to be bigger and better than ever as the East of England Apples and Orchards Project will be bringing along a display of hundreds of different English apple varieties. Experts will be on-hand to identify the apples that people bring along on the day - hoping to find some of the long-lost Stamford apple varieties. SCOG’s own gurus will be dispensing invaluable advice to people on how to sort out problems and look after the apple trees in their gardens.

As well as the apple identification there will be tombola with lots of stalls selling apple related gifts and produce plus fun and games such as pin the maggot on the apple and apple bobbing, for children large and small.

• Stamford Arts Centre For more details visit http://www.scog-web.org.uk

Autumn at Burghley - Two great events to look forward to next month at Burghley House…

The Living Heritage Craft Fair Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October Over 150 craftsmen and demonstrators, artists, designers, jewellery makers, wood turners and glass blowers will show their wares at the Fair as well as children’s entertainment, puppet shows and make and take areas.

Burghley Flower Festival 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. Each room inspires a flower arrangement with the societies taking ideas from the painted ceilings, art or original purpose of the room all with the guiding theme of autumn colours.

• Burghley House, Stamford Admission to the Flower Festival is free with regular admission price. http://www.burghleyhouse.co.uk./

17th Charity Craft Dabble Day Open day (allow at least 2hrs to get your creativity juices flowing) Sat 22 Oct 10am–3pm Everyone welcome, so bring a friend and enjoy a crafty day!

This fantastic make & take event at the Market Deeping Community Centre offers something for everyone from beginner to experienced crafter. We have seven different tables offering jewellery making & card making techniques with a tutor on each table, £6 entry (accompanied children £4) inc. 3 dabble vouchers to try 3 techniques of your choice and a complimentary drink or £10 to try all tables inc. a raffle ticket.

All money from the admission and refreshments will go to the Sue Ryder Care, Thorpe Hall Hospice.

A Night at the Musicals Sat 8 October 7.30pm Trinity Methodist Church, Barnhill A fun evening presenting a variety of local talented singers in aid of the Church Mission Charities (Haiti, YOW and SHYP.) Refreshments available. Donations at the door.

56 STAMFORD STAMFORDLIVING LIVINGOctober September 2010 2011

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18/8/11 12:14:10

Your local Professional L aw n T r e aT m e n T S e r v i c e • weed and moss control • scarification • hollowtine aeration • fertilisation Spring, Summer, autumn & winter treatments for your lawn at a price that doesn’t cost the earth.

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Let us take the hassle out of buying your new kitchen.

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Will you marry me?

We could furnish a very stately home at St. Martins Antiques.

Now with more than sixty exhibitors, the centre has a variety of antiques unmatched in the surrounding area. Items range from £5 to £5,000 and regular turnover of stock frequently brings customers back for more.

Proprietor Peter Light and his experienced team are always on hand, happy to proffer advice or buy your fine quality antiques.

An email search enquiry facility is also available.To find out more check out our web site: www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk, email peter@st-martins-antiques.co.uk or call him on (01780) 481158.

23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford,

Contemporary and Modern Art

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Good building companies do exist, and we are one of them.

We are a well established building company, with a reputation for craftmanship, reliability, friendliness and professionalism, and a particular expertise in historic and listed buildings.

If you are considering home improvements, conservation work, alterations, extension or other building-related work, including design, planning and building control services, we can help you.

We offer free advice on all aspects of Town and Country Planning, Listed Building applications, and Conservation Area Consents. If you are considering altering or extending your home, converting buildings into living accommodation, or building a new property in your garden, we have a wealth of experience to call on.

Call us now on 01572 821 657 View all of our services and a range of previous projects online at:

www.mossbeck.com 58

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ASK LEO SPECIAL

The Polish Parachute Brigade in Stamford Jean Orpin and Sue Lee look at a fascinating piece of our war history Founding of the Brigade The 1st (Polish) Independent Parachute Brigade under command of Maj. Gen. Stanisław Sosabowski was created in Scotland in September 1941, with the exclusive mission to drop into occupied Poland in order to help liberate the country. It was formed from men who had escaped from Nazi occupied Poland.

Eventually the number rose to 3,000 men and they were stationed at Largo House in Fife in Scotland. Early in March 1944 the Commander of the Allied Forces requested the Polish High Command to reconsider the role of the Polish Parachute Brigade and release them for combat in Northwest Europe due to shifts in strategic planning and the downfall of Berlin.

They were moved to England. Command of the Brigade passed to the 1st Allied Airborne Army in June 1944.

Training in Stamford Sixty-seven years ago this month, two units of the Brigade were based in Stamford. 250 men and 30-40 officers of the 10th Polish Air Ambulance were billeted in Stamford School grounds behind the Brazenose gate. The staff of the Polish Parachute Brigade Headquarters, comprising of 40-50 clerks, had their offices at Rock House and were billeted in Barn Hill.

Other units were based at Easton-on-the-Hill, Wansford, Peterborough and Blatherwycke.

General Stanislav Sosabowski’s 2,500 men of the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade were training to take part in Operation Market Garden in Arnhem, Holland. Many older readers will remember the training accident at Tinwell on the evening of July 8th 1944. Thirty three planes set off from Spanhoe near Harringworth carrying 369 paratroopers of the Polish First Independent Airborne Brigade as well as members of the U.S 9th Air Force bound for Wittering. Two of the planes locked wings and crashed to the ground in the meadows on the Ketton side of the River Welland. There was only one survivor. The American casualties were taken to Madingley and the Polish to the Polish cemetery at Newark. There is a memorial on the wall in Tinwell Church.

Operation Market Garden Operation Market Garden beginning on September 17th 1944, was a daring plan by Montgomery to capture bridges across the German occupied Netherlands and prepare for a ground force initiative. If it had succeeded it would have shortened the war by six months.

Operation Market Garden was described on a Polish memorial as “a bold but ill-fated airdrop

Broad Street

Tinwell Church

Rock House

Stamford School

Smokey’s Grave at Stamford School at Arnhem to help hold the bridges of Holland for the Allied Armoured thrust into Germany.

There the Brigade lost 23% of the fighting strength while covering the British withdrawal across the Rhine”. Sosabowski himself criticised the planning and logistical support for the operation as the Poles would be dropped without anti-tank weapons. The story is told in the film ‘A Bridge Too Far’.

Smokey Smokey a sheepdog, found on a bomb site in London by one of the Brigade, has a memorial in the Stamford School grounds. Smokey became their mascot and accompanied all the training flights and parachute jumps. He wore an emblem and had his own parachute. They were forbidden to take him to Arnhem and he stood howling as the planes left and died soon afterwards - some say of a broken heart.

Post War Poland was later occupied by the Russians and many of the Poles could not return home after the war. Some settled in the Stamford area and Laxton Hall, nearby in Northamptonshire, was bought by the Polish Benevolent Fund to house Polish displaced people.

STAMFORD LIVING September 2011

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CARPENTRY

ACCOUNTANTS

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

DOG WALKING

Andrew Woodhouse

CARPENTERS & JOINERS

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

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Ltd

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MON, TUE, WED, FRI 10 - 4.00 THUR CLOSED SAT 9.00-12noon

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• SL September Directory.indd 52

Chris Clarke Gas Service Engineer

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ALISON HUTCHINSON

Local interior and garden designer Alison Hutchinson meets Alexander Technique practitioner Kareena Gardiner

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

Kareena Gardiner, Alexander Technique practitioner

K

areena was suffering from back and neck pain and endless headaches when a friend suggested she go to a workshop on the Alexander Technique. Not knowing much about the system she went along and was amazed at how the teacher had singled out the cause of her pain.

“I was holding my head at such an angle that I was compressing the nerves in the back of my neck. I didn’t even know I was doing it. The moment the teacher worked on me I could feel my headaches and back ache melting away and I came away with a lovely feeling of lightness.

I decided there and then that working in the Alexander technique was what I wanted to do,” Kareena explained.

However it was not that easy. Originally Kareena had assumed that a series of weekend courses would suffice to train her in the techniques but when she looked into this it transpired that a 3 year full time course was needed. After many years in the IT profession she was ready for a change of career and after months of deliberation she decided to enroll on the course: and the rest as they say is history!

Alexander technique looks at how a person responds to a stimulus and makes sure that they respond in the appropriate manner. Most people relate it to posture and after a course of Alexander technique lessons learn to let go of muscles which are pulling them tight. In a lot of people they have a habitual response to stimuli, for instance they may pull their shoulders up to their ears which causes tension but they are unaware they are doing it.

The technique teaches people to become aware of how they individually hold tension in their muscles and how to unlearn the habits which have created this tension. “Working with a client to break the tension in their posture and movements is like shaking off a heavy winter coat,” Kareena explained. “They are left with their natural poise, balance and ease of movement which gives a delightful sense of freedom and release.”

The joy of Alexander technique is that it can be applied to everything from how you sit, drive

or run to how you ride a horse. Kareena works with a colleague teaching horse riders how to get a better seat and to move gracefully and powerfully with less effort on their horse. “It’s fantastic when a rider and the horse work as one,” Kareena said.

She also works in Uppingham with Aqua Vie, teaching babies and toddlers necessary preswimming skills, water confidence and pool safety and as importantly how to enjoy the water.

Working with children is something that Kareena is passionate about. She is really interested in teaching them in the early years so they take good habits through their life.

“I’m passionate about teaching them to stop the slump. If we can teach children to sit at a desk or computer better then many of the deliberating back problems they suffer in later life will be a thing of the past,” she explained. Research has shown that over half of all children are at risk of suffering a lifetime of back problems because of awkward posture during lessons and using the computer. Kareena has developed a workshop for schools investigating body mechanics and the effects of slumping. “The children pick up the concepts really quickly and it is lovely to hear students say how much more confident they feel after the sessions,” she says.

For someone new to the technique it generally takes about 20 sessions to get them

moving correctly. “It takes about this amount of time for the body to accept and relearn the movements but after that it is more like a maintenance program,” Kareena says. “It’s like learning to drive, you’re a bit stop and start at the beginning but it then gets more fluid. A client might need a refresher every 6 months to get them out of bad habits but the Alexander techniques they have learned will be with them for life.”

• For more information on Karenna’s courses contact her on Tel: 01858 445009 or email: alextech@sfmail.net

8 NENE 62 STAMFORD VALLEYLIVING LIVINGSeptember July 2008 2011

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