Stamford Living December 2024 by Best Local Living

STAMFORD LIVING

December 2024

THIS EDITION INCLUDES:

Deck the Halls: Getting the Home Ready for Christmas

Big Interview: Ben Jones of The Olive Branch

Gift Guide – Shop Locally this Festive Season

HELLO DECEMBER 2024

After the intense activity around our relaunch issue in November, the December issue has been calmer and a pleasure to work on. A redesign is always a rather uncertain affair, but we have been lucky that the significant enhancements we have made have been overwhelmingly well received.

Here is just a tiny fraction of the feedback that we feel most epitomises what we were trying to achieve:

‘Just seen the latest edition of your mag… congrats, felt like a real step up.’

‘I saw the new-look magazine yesterday. It looks and feels like a magazine I want on my coffee table. Job well done.’

‘So modern and clean looking, love it.’

‘You’ve had a massive re-brand! It’s much lusher now. Love it!’

‘The new-look magazine looks fantastic and loving the app.’

Many people are downloading our new app from the Apple store. It’s a really convenient way to read the magazine, it’s free and it will alert you each time a new issue arrives.

Do keep the feedback coming. We so want to create a magazine that is simply irresistible to pick up and enjoy.

Editors Clare & Nicholas

Website: www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

Monthly Newsletter: Sign up via our website

App Store: Living Mags (for Rutland Living & Stamford Living) Instagram: @stamfordandrutlandliving

THE TEAM

This magazine has been created by the team at Local Living, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Nicholas Rudd-Jones | 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk

EDITOR & EDITORIAL DESIGN

Clare Rudd-Jones

ADVERTISEMENT SALES

Rutland & Market Harborough

Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 | tracy@bestlocalliving.co.uk

Stamford Claudia Bayley 07876 171063 | claudia.bayley@btinternet.com

ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION

Ad Copy Manager: Rachel Beecroft

Ad Designer: Sarah Patterson

Please note that this magazine now also incorporates Nene Valley Living & Market Harborough Living.

This magazine has been printed by our local printers, Warners of Bourne, on FSC® certified paper from sustainable and other controlled sources.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Annual rate £45 (UK only) for 12 issues. Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, with £45 cheque payable to Local Living or go online to buy your subscription at www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

COVER

Stamford Living: Hambleton Bakery (see p10) Photo: Dorte Kjaerulff.

Rutland Living: The Olive Branch (see p46) Photo: Clive Doyle.

THE DECEMBER LANDSCAPE

THIS beautiful wintery image of the River Welland at Seaton is from The Rutland Calendar 2025, which is produced by local photographer Richard Adams.All profits from the sales of the calendar go to the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust, which grants aid for repair and maintenance work on the county’s churches and chapels.

Richard explains: ‘I have a great love of Rutland’s wonderful heritage of churches and chapels, which not only provide places of worship for, in many instances, declining congregations, but also bring pleasure to residents and visitors alike. Inevitably, the repair and maintenance costs of these ancient building are high and the trust offers grant aid to support the works involved.

‘Once again, the 2025 calendar offers a wide range of images intended to show how the county lives up to its motto of Multum in Parvo – ‘Much in Little’. This year’s offering ranges from photos of the recently erected statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Oakham Library and the subsequent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, to seasonal shots of local landscapes and buildings, as well as including images of village churches.’

The 2025 calendar is the 25th one that Richard has produced, although it’s likely also going to be his last one due to rising production costs and a drop in demand for traditional calendars. Be sure to buy a copy while you can, to support the Trust and enjoy the beauty of Rutland through the year.

You can find the calendar for sale, priced at £7.99, at Walkers of Oakham and Stamford, and at village and community shops and post offices throughout Rutland.

You can enjoy a short video of the full calendar set to music at www.youtube.com/user/adamspics

photo: richard adams

THIS MONTH WE LOVE…

HAMBLETON BAKERY’S CHRISTMAS RANGE

The festive range from Hambleton Bakery is now available and it all looks incredible. It includes sweet pastry and frangipane mince pies, Christmas cake, adorable Christmas bauble shortbread biscuits (shown here, £1.85 each) and even a traditional Finnish gingerbread. hambletonbakery.co.uk

CHARLES DICKENS’

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Few things say Christmas like Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and, luckily for us, an adaptation of the novel by the Dickens Theatre Company is on at Stamford Arts Centre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December. Book now at stamfordartscentre.com

A COLLECTABLE

CLASSIC

STEIFF SOFT TOY

We love a collectable and what could be more adorable for Christmas than this sweet ‘Flaps’ Baby Penguin (Model 057090, £34.90) from Steiff. Find Flaps and lots more irresistable Steiff bears and collectable soft toys at Anand of St Mary’s Street, Stamford. anandofstamford.com

BELTON HOUSE

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW

Explore a mesmerising meadow of light and marvel at candles floating high into the sky at Christmas at Belton – perfect for an unforgettable time with friends and family. It’s on until Wednesday 1 January 2025. Timed tickets from £15 at nationaltrust.org.uk.

RUTLAND NSPCC CAROL CONCERT

ALL SAINTS, OAKHAM

Kick o the festive season on Monday 2 December at 7.30pm with an evening of carols and readings by national and regional celebrities. is magazine’s wonderful historian, Caroline Aston, is host for the evening. Tickets are £15, from James Sellicks, Market Place, Oakham, and The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham.

Photo:

Dorte Kjaerulff

| DECEMBER

WHAT’S ON

LEFT: The EAGA Gospel Choir will be at St Martin’s Church on 7 December. BELOW: Freya Goldmark

A SELECTION OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE ACROSS OUR BEAUTIFUL REGION THIS MONTH

1

FESTIVE EVENT

Burghley Christmas Fair

Thur 28 Nov & Sun 1 Dec 9.30am–4pm, Fri 29 & Sat 30 Nov 9.30am–7.30pm Tickets £10 (£5), flexi tickets & priority parking also available Burghley’s courtyards and grounds will be filled with festive chalets, pagodas and marquees for the annual Christmas Fair. Spend the day finding presents for loved ones and pick up stocking fillers, handmade decorations and beautiful homewares. There’ll be lots of festive food and drink stalls, plus a Victorian carousel for even more seasonal cheer.

FESTIVE EVENT

Christmas at Boughton House

The fabulous festive events this year at Boughton House include a Christmas Craft Fair (Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1 Dec, 11am–4pm) and a Christmas Gift & Food Fair (Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec). A delightful way to stock up on festive gifts and food.

RADIO BROADCAST

Freya Goldmark on Elizabeth Alker’s UnClassified Show 11.30pm on BBC Radio 3

Highlights of Rutland violinist, SIMFestival Founder and Director, and Ligeti Quartet leader, Freya Goldmark’s summer include performing the premiere of Erland Cooper’s Carve the Runes at the Barbican – to rave reviews. Tune in to BBC Radio 3 to hear Freya and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra performing the piece in Ambleside on tour. freyagoldmark.com

EXHIBITION

Nic Collins at Goldmark Gallery Throughout December; free Goldmark Gallery’s showcase of new pots from Nic Collins continues throughout December. A Goldmark Films walk through of the exhibition is also available 24/7 on goldmarkart.com.

TOWN CHRISTMAS

SHOPPING & LATE NIGHTS

• Uppingham Late-Night Christmas

Shopping: Thur 5 Dec, 5.30–9pm

• Market Harborough Christmas

Fayre: Fri 6 Dec, 4.30–9pm

• Oundle Christmas Shopping: Sat 7 Dec, 10am–5pm

• Oakham Late-Night Christmas

Shopping: Mon 9 Dec, 4–9pm

• Stamford Late-Night Christmas

Shopping with #ShopStamford: Thur 19 Dec, 5–8pm

Dates/times can change, so always re-check online/with the organiser before travelling.

5 FESTIVE EVENT

Exclusive Evening of Dining & Shopping at Rutland Nursery 6.30–9pm, pre-booking essential Enjoy fizz and canapés in the beautiful shop at Rutland Nursery at an exclusive shopping experience, with a 2-course meal in The View afterwards. Note that tickets are required for this event.

5–7

THEATRE

Jack Absolute Flies Again at Stamford Arts Centre 7.45pm, £12 (£10 conc), for ages 14+ It’s July 1940, and Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to win the heart of his old flame, Lydia Languish. Based on Sheridan’s classic play The Rivals, with the iconic characters of Mrs Malaprop and Sir Anthony Absolute, this hilarious new comedy was first performed with outstanding success at the National Theatre in 2022. It is Stamford Shoestring’s production this December.

RIGHT: members of the GBRT Community Choir will be at Wingates Gallery Christmas Extravaganza on 7 December (see p42–3 for more details)

LIVE MUSIC

The EAGA Gospel Choir at St Martin’s Church, Stamford 7pm, £20 (£5 under 13s, free under 3s)

The EAGA Gospel Choir, crowned Gospel Choir of the Year by BBC Songs of Praise, will perform festive classics and soulful gospel hits in the historic setting of St Martin’s Church. Tickets at Eventbrite.

LIVE MUSIC

Christmas Magic at Peterborough Cathedral 2.30 & 7.30pm, from £18 Christmas Magic, featuring performances from Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Community Chorus with Peterborough Festival Brass, returns to Peterborough Cathedral this December. There will be a matinee for the whole family to enjoy a well as an evening performance. More information and tickets at peterboroughsings.org.uk

FESTIVE EVENT

The Crafters Market Christmas Fair at Stamford Arts Centre 10am–4pm, free entrance

There’ll be lots of beautiful gifts handmade by local artisans at this Christmas Fair. Jewellery, homewares, beauty, products, toys, decorative objects, festive decorations, clothing and more.

LIVE MUSIC

Rutland Choral Society at Normanton Church 1pm, £12 (incl. car parking)

Musical Director Jamie Conway will lead the choir and accompanist Ivan Linford for ‘Christmas at Normanton Church’. rutlandchoralsociety.org.uk

17

LIVE MUSIC

Stamford Choral at Stamford School

7.30pm, £15 (£12, £5 under 16s)

A double festive treat of Haydn’s St Nicholas Mass and Benjamin Britten’s operatic St Nicolas. With tenor soloist Matthew Spillet and the Chameleon Arts Orchestra. stamfordchoral.co.uk

19–24

THEATRE

Mother Goose at Stamford Arts Centre

Matinees & evening shows, see website for details of dates/times, £15 (£14 conc, family ticket for 4, £56)

Stamford Arts Centre has teamed up with local theatre company Starbright Entertainments, along with a local cast and creatives, to bring you this year’s magical pantomime. Mother Goose may be one of the oldest pantomime stories, but this adventure is bang up

to date with hilarious antics, toetapping tunes and a whole host of local nods and references.

LIVE MUSIC

Arts for the Heart of England at All Saints’ Church, Oakham 7pm, from £15 (free under 18s)

Join David Hill, his professional choir, IKON, and Rutland Youth Choir for festive carols and readings, then drinks. The programme includes carols by Holst, Howells and Darke, plus modern favourites by Rutter and Chilcott. artsfortheheartofengland.co.uk

21 LIVE MUSIC

SIMFestival Presents: Vivaldi Four Seasons & More at Stamford Arts Centre 7.30pm, £25

A seasonal concert featuring violinist Freya Goldmark, Director of the SIMFestival. At the centre of the concert is Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, a revolutionary work that masterfully intertwines music and nature.

CULTURE, EVENTS, KEY DATES

VENUES

• All Saints’ Church Church Street, Oakham LE15 6AA, oakhamteam.org.uk

• Boughton House Geddington Road, Kettering NN14 1BJ, 01536 515731, boughtonhouse.co.uk

• Burghley House Stamford PE9 3JY, 01780 752451, burghley.co.uk

• Goldmark Gallery 14 Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ, 01572 821424, goldmarkart.com

• Normanton Church Normanton Park Road, Rutland Water, Nr Oakham, LE15 8RP

• Peterborough Cathedral Peterborough PE1 1XS, 01733 355315, peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

• Rutland Nursery Lyndon Road, Manton LE15 8RN, 01572 498720, rutlandnursery.co.uk

• St Martin’s Church High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2NT, stmartinstamford.org

• Stamford Arts Centre 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DL, 01780 763203, stamfordartscentre.com

• Stamford School St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE, stamfordschools.org.uk

• Wingates Gallery 44a St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, 01858 465455, wingatesgallery.co.uk

Deck the Halls

Get Your Home Ready for Christmas

design a seasonal mantelpiece inspired by the colours and textures of a favourite artwork and create a beautiful focal point in a room. this gorgeous oil on canvas is ‘autumnal oak’ (80 x 80cm) by british contemporary painter georgina potter. it is £4,250 at gladwell & patterson of stamford

christmas wouldn’t be christmas without a visit to gates garden centre. start a family tradition with a new lemax collectable each year.

create an elegant festive tablescape with candles from freckleface, whose winter scents include mistletoe, evergreen, and winter nights.

this snowy owls christmas stocking, £21.50 from sophie allport of stamford, would be just perfect for christmas eve.

this year’s theme for the incredible displays at gates garden centre is ‘a novel christmas’. it’s sure to delight children and adults alike.

this beautiful stamford entrance hall features matthew cox’s galley lantern, which has been made to measure and finished in matthew’s stamford workshop. each galley lantern is bespoke and finished this way. the lantern creates the perfect glow for this classic festive tree.

Whether you want to give new life to your existing living spaces or you are about to embark on your dream property renovation project, aluhome has the finest brands of contemporary and traditional glazing systems available, creating light, space and a new way of living.

Inspired

Inspirational products that deliver the very essence of individuality for the more discerning client.

Reﬁned

Beautifully crafted aluminium products made with precision giving your home distinction with our luxury collection.

Bespoke

From first thought, our detailed advice, guidance and expert installation, will deliver architectural glazing that’s always distinctive, elegant & bespoke assured.

Gooches Court, Stamford Meadows, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2RE 01780 723864, 07831 786387, www.aluhomes.co.uk, sales@aluhomes.co.uk

Visit our new Aluminium studio in the heart of Stamford and be inspired

INTERIORS: DECK THE HALLS

#shoplocal: we’re passionate about supporting small, independent businesses and buying locally – see those listed as stockists at the end of this feature and in adverts throughout the magazine for recommendations.

left: katie cardew of oakham and stamford has just released some gorgeous new designs for placemats and coasters for the festive season, including ‘festive stag’, seen here. these placemats are £17 each, while the coasters are £4, or you can buy a set of 6 placemats and 6 matching coasters for £118.

left: this beautiful star table runner with matching napkins would elevate any table. they are available at hunters interiors of uffington near stamford.

INTERIORS: DECK THE HALLS

you’ll find a stunning, carefully curated range of baubles like these gorgeous ones by nkuku at rutland nusery in manton in glass, ceramic and various beautiful metals.

STOCKISTS

Freckleface Home Fragrance 11 Red Lion Square, Stamford PE9 2AQ | @frecklefacehomefragrance www.frecklefacehomefragrance.com

Gates Garden Centre Somerby Road, Nr Oakham LE15 7QB @gatesgardencentre| www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk

Gladwell & Patterson 1 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AL @gladwellsart | www.gladwellpatterson.com

Hunters Interiors The Stables, Copthill Farm, Deeping Road, Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD @huntersinteriors| www.huntersinteriors.co.uk

Katie Cardew 17a Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA & 6 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE @katiecardew | www.katiecardew.com

Matthew Cox 19 St George’s Square, Stamford PE9 2BN @matthewcoxetc | www.matthewcox.com

Rutland Nursery Lyndon Road, Manton LE15 8RN @rutlandnursery | www.rutlandnursery.co.uk

Sophie Allport 26–27 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AY & The Old Brewery, Spalding Road, Bourne PE10 9WG @sophie_allport| www.sophieallport.com

Olivers BabyCare

Olivers BabyCare near Stamford is a one-stop shop for all your baby equipment and accessory needs for ages 0 to 5. Nicholas and Clare Rudd-Jones went to visit and were mightily impressed

IT is not until you visit that you discover just what an invaluable resource Olivers BabyCare is in helping you make those sometimes complex but always vitally important purchasing decisions for your little one. There is nowhere else in the region that comes close to matching it for range and service. From the moment you enter, you feel relaxed and unhurried. There is plenty of space for a large range of products to be displayed, but better still there is always someone on hand to share their expertise, as and when you need it. For anyone visiting with babies or young children, there are baby-changing facilities and a play area within the store, all thoughtfully designed to make the whole shopping experience that little bit easier. Anyone who has ever been shopping with a toddler in tow – especially for something that requires some perusal – will appreciate what a diﬀerence that makes! There’s lots of easy parking right outside too – perfect for trying out car seats.

Specialist Knowledge & Exceptional Range

diﬀerence that makes! There’s lots of easy parking right outside too – perfect for trying out car seats. of

products, too, including nursery furniture, baby essentials (bedding, sleeping bags, babygros, muslins,

‘There

is nowhere else in the region that comes close to matching the store for range and service’

Olivers BabyCare is first and foremost a specialist in prams, pushchairs and car seats, and a combination of all three coming together in travel systems. It offers a fabulous range of brands, specs and price points, from leading brands including Silver Cross, iCandy, Mamas & Papas, Joie, Venicci, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Callowesse, BeSafe, Nuna and Cuddle Co. There is a wide range of other products, too, including nursery furniture, baby essentials (bedding, sleeping bags, babygros, muslins, nursing equipment, etc), as well as safety items (baby monitors, stairgates), plus toys. In each case you will find best-in-class products as well as some more value options.

Expert Service & Customer Focus

However, it’s the service, attention to detail and friendliness that really sets this place apart. There is always a warm welcome and a soft drink available, seats if you need a rest, a discreet area for toddlers to play, video screens showing product demos, a computer console for checking things in more detail, and that fabulous ability to try out a baby seat in your car before you purchase it to make sure it fits perfectly. With everything, you are encouraged to take your time to find out how things work and what benefits they offer – features that are impossible to check for yourself online and so important, especially for when in the market for a big purchase such as a pram or car seat. Above all, the knowledgeable team want you to ‘feel at home’.

The shop is located alongside its own warehouse, so there is a vast range of products available at any one time – up to 4,000 –and you can take them away immediately. The team also take great care to be sure that the price point is always very competitive, they appreciate that being a new parent isn’t cheap these days.

Investing in products for a new addition to the family can be daunting, but it won’t be with the expert team at Olivers BabyCare by your side.

1. Nuna MIXX Next in ‘Cedar’

2. Axkid Minikid 4 car seat

3. iCandy Peach 7 bundle in ‘Cookie’

5. Silver Cross Lunar Bedside Crib

SOME FABULOUS PRODUCTS FROM OLIVERS BABYCARE:

4. BeSafe Go Beyond car seat in ‘Sea Green Mélange’

6. Out’n’About Nipper Double 34 in Rocksalt Grey

7. MamaToyz Folding Learning Tower

8. Maxi-Cosi fame twillic in black in pushchair mode

9. Maxi-Cosi Breathe Humidiﬁer

10. Tutti Bambini Micah Rocking Chair & Footstool

11. Venicci Claro in carrycot mode in ‘Vanilla’

12. Cybex Cloud T car seat in ‘Leaf Green’

13. Jablotron Nanny BM-03 Breathing Monitor

Bell Ringing

The ringing of church bells is a familiar sound and one that is particularly associated with the festive season. Louise Goss found out more about this ancient skill and spoke to the people who will be ringing in Christmas

CHURCH bells can conjure up a host of memories and feelings. They are the sound of weddings, of prayer, celebration, of Remembrance and, of course, Christmas. Bell ringing is an ancient skill that has been part of England’s aural landscape since the Middle Ages. The technology used to balance the bell using a stay has also been around since just after the Reformation.

But what does it take to make the bells chime? When we hear the peals from our local church or during a Christmas service, we may not fully appreciate the skill of the bell ringers who dedicate time each week to hone this art that has been alive for many hundreds of years.

The Basics

Former ringing master for Rutland, Alan Ellis, teaches bell ringing at St Mary’s Church in Greetham. ‘It’s not an easy task and it takes time. It is a skill, so you need to practise it on a regular basis.’ Bell ringers start by learning simply how to keep the bell balanced by

using a rope to control its movement. There are varying sizes of bell, from the small, highest-pitched treble to the largest and lowestpitched tenor.

The number of bells can vary between church towers, with some having four, and some larger churches, such as All Saints churches in Stamford and Oakham, and Uppingham Church, having eight. By contrast, Peterborough Cathedral has 13.

Bell ringing is done as a team, or a band, and involves ringing the bells in a sequence to create different sounds. It is led by a conductor, who is often the team captain of the tower. You start by learning to ring rounds, where each bell is rung in order from highest pitch to lowest. The next stage is learning to follow call changes, where the conductor calls out the sequence to be rung to vary the music. Beyond that, you have method ringing, also known as scientific ringing. Methods are more complex again, and a ringer needs to learn and memorise the rules for each change of sequence.

Bell ringers at Greetham Church

‘My best feeling has been knowing that I am competent enough to ring for the Christmas services’

The most challenging task for an accomplished bell ringer is to ring a peal. A full peal can last three hours and involves more than 5,000 changes (or pulls of the rope). It requires huge concentration and stamina. You may more commonly hear a quarter peal being rung, which can take up to 50 minutes.

Church, Community & Continuity

Sadly, bell ringing is not an art that will stay with us if towers can’t recruit more people. ‘People think you have to be religious because it’s at church,’ says Louis Totaro, who is the team captain at Oakham church. ‘But it is very much a community thing… Go back hundreds of years, and it was used to mark significant points in the calendar year such as harvest. It dates back to a time when the population was very illiterate, and people didn’t have clocks. There was a morning bell for work, one at lunchtime, and one at the end of the day… It was also very personal and used to mark the passing of somebody.’

It was a form of mental stimulation and physical exercise, with Louis describing bell ringing in the 18th century as ‘the Peloton of its day’. However, the sense of contribution to the community is a big appeal. ‘I always say during the week it is a hobby. On a Sunday, it is a service to the church,’ says Alan.

Lindsey Wilkinson, one of the original members of the Greetham bell ringing group, known as the Greetham Clangers, also enjoys the sense of maintaining a tradition. ‘It’s quite important that you feel you are doing something that’s been going on a long time in the community. I don’t know anything else that gives you that sense that you’re continuing something.’

Challenge

The joy is also in the challenge. Bell ringing is often more a mental workout than a physical one, especially as you begin to learn call changes and more complex ringing patterns. Your ability to bell ring is not down to your physical strength or the weight of the bell. ‘People come along and think it’s going to be a tough workout,’ says Alan. ‘The hardest part is ringing the bell up. Once it’s up, it’s a gentle movement and it’s all down to technique… Developing that technique takes time.’

Lindsey has found mastering the technique is the most important aspect. ‘Heavier bells can be harder if you can’t manage the weight, but the lighter bells can be a bit flighty… It’s really a combination of how tall you are, what your reach is, but it’s not really about strength, it’s more about the balance of the bell,’ she says.

Melinda Hutchinson, who rings at Grantham and Oakham churches, has been learning to ring since she was 14. ‘The technique is always the same, but you have to adapt slightly to the different bells and the weight of the bell.’

She also enjoys the variety and many different patterns you can ring. ‘I love the amount of thought behind it. You’ve got to know how to handle a bell first, but then there are all the different methods you can ring… Some of them are really challenging.’

As a result, the group support and camaraderie is really important. Lindsey says, ‘I joined just to give it a go, as it’s a lovely

sound… The first bit is fun, just learning to ring, then you’re ringing as a team, which requires a bit more focus. Everybody is incredibly supportive here.’

One of the lovely things about bell ringing is once you know the basics, you can ring at almost any church. ‘I have rung at cathedrals, at minsters, and I’ve rung for the Queen,’ says Louis. ‘With ringing, it is a door into a bigger community, especially from a social side.’

The social aspect is one thing every bell ringer seems to mention. Coffee and cake after a practice, or maybe even a pint in the pub after an evening session, are not uncommon. Louis says, ‘You’d be surprised how many married couples are together through bell ringing.’

There is also the thrill of being part of a church service. ‘I’ve really enjoyed ringing at weddings, as you feel as if you are contributing in a different way,’ says Lindsey. ‘But for me, my best feeling has been knowing I am competent enough to ring for the Christmas services. My husband thought the best bit was when I rang at the Remembrance service in Oakham.’

Local Opportunities

There are opportunities to practise bell ringing and join a group all over the local area. The Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers covers church towers from Oundle and parts of Northamptonshire, Peterborough across to Maxey and Barnack, and the whole of Rutland. The Lincoln Diocese covers the Stamford, Grantham and Spalding areas, while the Leicester Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers covers more than 180 ringable towers in Leicestershire.

If you are interested in giving it a go, you are sure to be warmly welcomed, and, as Louis says, he has taught people from eight to 80, so age is not a limitation. There are practice sessions on most days of the week at different churches. You also get to ring a bit of history. The bells at St Mary’s Church in Greetham were hung as a memorial to the six villagers killed in World War I and now serve as a tribute to those who gave their lives during both world wars. A couple of years a go, the group formed to learn to ring so that the bells could be heard again. The village are now raising funds to repair and maintain the bells, which have suffered corrosion over the years.

The ringing of the bells can bring communities together through learning to ring and through their sound, something that is part of our cultural traditions and hopefully something that will continue for many years to come.

find out more:

• peterborough diocesan guild of church bell ringers: www.pdg.org.uk

• lincoln diocesan guild of church bell ringers: www.ldgcb.org.uk

• leicester diocesan guild of church bell ringers: leicesterdg.org.uk

• rutland church bell ringing: rutlandbellringing.org

• the central council of church bell ringers: cccbr.org.uk

J Wilson Plumbing & Heating Ltd

In the ﬁ fth in a series of articles about J Wilson Plumbing’s expanding client base, Nicholas Rudd-Jones met with founder Justin Wilson to discuss their core boiler business

Itwill be twenty years ago in January that Justin Wilson Plumbing was founded and it is now one of the leading plumbing companies in the region. Justin is by nature an entrepreneurial, people person and he is always looking for ways of developing his range of services further. The ﬁrm has a burgeoning business in renewables, but the traditional boiler business remains an important part of the business too.

Boiler Replacements

Justin told me: ‘Key to maintaining and installing a new boiler system is safety, and our registered tradesman have all the appropriate certiﬁcations and training to carry out any gas related tasks in a way that conforms to government standards.

‘Regardless of the age of your systems we will ensure it is running as efﬁciently as possible. Whether it be an annual service or a complete boiler replacement, we’re on hand to give you the best possible advice and guidance.

The company stocks key brands including Ideal, Worcester and Vaillant, and recent versions have continued to become more energy efﬁcient.

Ideal’s Logic range of gas condensing boilers, for example, are highly efﬁcient, extracting over 90% of the heat produced by the fuel and recycling it back into the central heating system.

Justin Wilson is a Max Accredited Ideal Installer, and the Ideal boilers come with 10-year

warranties.

Gas Safety Certiﬁcates

‘Our team have all legally required certiﬁcations as standard. We undergo rigorous ‘refreshment exercises’ to ensure that we are up to date with new regulations and safety advice.’

J Wilson Plumbing & Heating Ltd, Unit 8, Casterton Road Business Park, Old Great North Road, Stamford PE9 4EJ 01780 766138

www.jwilsonplumbing.co.uk

Background to J Wilson Plumbing & Heating Ltd

The company is a ﬁrst-class provider of domestic plumbing, heating & renewable energy services.

Domestic

JWP carry out a full spectrum of heating and plumbing services, including: • Emergency callouts • Safety checks • Boiler repairs • Radiator installation • Gas and oil heating systems • Central heating system upgrades and full installation • General plumbing The engineers are supported by a dedicated customer service team who are on hand to provide guidance throughout the job.

Commercial

The highly qualified plumbing and heating engineers are commercial Gas qualified and registered and offer clients a professional service regardless of scale or specification.

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Renewable Energy

J Wilson Plumbing and Heating provides commercial and domestic renewable energy services. They specialise in ground & air source heat pumps and solar thermal energy.

Lilystone: Building Your Ideal Home

Lilystone have been building new homes and extensions, and carrying out conversions and breathing the life back into older homes, for over 17 years. Owner Jason Ray has been in the industry for over 35 years. He talked about the business to Nicholas Rudd-Jones

What We Do: ‘Our strength is in tackling complex projects with architectural merit, providing a single point of contact service in the private sector to busy professional people with busy family lives, who lack the time to dedicate to their project.

‘We offer a full concept to completion service, taking care of the design, planning, building regulation and construction phases of a project to bring organisational structure –this single point of contact, we believe, gives you a stress-free experience.

‘We provide an ongoing project consultation, keeping you updated with progress, offering advice and keeping you informed of any decisions required and by when.

‘We can also work with your chosen architect during the construction phase, liaising between any other specialist consultants and subcontractors bringing the team together.’

Strong Team: ‘We have an established planning and building team, all of whom have been with the company for a number of years. We promote individuals to better themselves by providing training to our staff and are actively involved in employing apprentices with a view to them being our staff of the future, adding depth and strength to the team.’

Quality assured: ‘We are proud to be members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), and this gives you the assurance our work is guaranteed and undergoes independent quality assessments and we adhere to a strict code of conduct. We are also TrustMark registered, the UK’s only Government Endorsed Quality Scheme for trades.’

Location: ‘We are located in Northamptonshire and work in the Living magazine areas of Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, as well as several other counties.’

lilystone homes ltd, the hall, thorpe street, raunds, northamptonshire nn9 6lt | 01933 461374 | www.lilystone.co.uk | @lilystone_homes_ltd

Customer Feedback

‘We found Jason very straightforward and fair to deal with. He was calm, professional and pragmatic, which made discussing all aspects of the build and finances hassle free. Jason and team were always punctual, respectful and left the site tidy. Working with Lilystone, we achieved the quality expected within the budget and timelines agreed. We will always be grateful and would thoroughly recommend.’

‘This was a competent build from start to finish; Lilystone’s work was excellent, and the end result exceeded expectations. The on-site team were friendly and hardworking, and the project proceeded at a great pace. We were kept informed of all developments and involved in any decisions that had to be made. All in all, it was a very good experience.’

‘Lilystone helped us to realise our stunning kitchen/ family room extension in 2023 with high-quality workmanship and a can-do attitude to what was a challenging build. Jason and his team proved to be friendly and reliable throughout the process. They understood our requirements, gave us great advice on the best way to proceed and adapted well to a few changes along the way which we couldn’t resist adding.’

Clockwise from above left: Lilystone’s owner, Jason Ray, at one of his builds – Jason sits on the board of the FMB and is an active member of the FMB Central Region; the team; interior of a recent project.

Lilystone have been building new homes, extensions, carrying out conversions and breathing the life back into homes for over 17 years.

Our strength is in tackling complex projects with architectural merit providing a single point of contact service in the private sector to busy professional people with busy family lives, who lack the time to dedicate to their project.

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Spaces by Design

Your space is more than the four walls that define it. Spaces b y Design turned this Weldon Kitchen Space into a room that was designed to fit around the owner to maximise its potential and breathe life into the home

The Brief

This self-build was full of interesting surprises, from the open tread staircase to the huge picture windows with envious views across a babbling brook and fields of sheep. The kitchen needed to have its own story, bold enough not to be lost amongst the other architectural details and to be at the heart of the open plan layout whilst embracing the patio door panorama.

The Concept

After the initial design consultation, Andrew from Spaces by Design visited the site to appreciate the size, the light, and flow of the space in context with the adjoining rooms. He suggested using unexpected materials for the units and worktops to match the drama of the rest of the property. A dark palette of colours would work perfectly in this light-drenched space without darkening the mood. The wall run of units were framed with tall units on either end, with the island providing plenty of space for preparation, cooking and entertaining.

For many clients the VR experience is mind blowing – it really helps to visualise the space.

The Visualisation & Installation

Once the clients had approved the 2D and 3D plans, Spaces helped with the fixtures, finishes and specifications. There was also the option to put the design into a 4D virtual reality world where this latest technology is the closest you can

get to seeing the design, where you can walk around, open doors and appreciate the size, space, arrangement and style of the project. For many clients the VR experience is mind blowing – it really helps to visualise the space.

The installation was then planned with Spaces overseeing and project managing the entire installation using their trusted and reliable local installation partners.

The Outcome

With a backdrop of white walls and the light grey stone floor, the Langham Slate units are bold, punchy and stunning. The island in a Super Matt Navy Blue is a subtle complementary finish, while the matt black worktops hold all the materials together while disguising the black sink and hob.

01780 481850

stepinside@spacesbydesign.co.uk

22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ www.spacesbydesign.co.uk

Wingates Gallery Christmas Extravaganza

Carols, Exhibition & Skateboard Deck Auction

This year, Wingates Gallery in Market Harborough are hosting one of their largest ever Christmas celebrations throughout the day on Saturday 7 December

ANDREW Cartwright, co-owner of the gallery with his wife Kathryn, told us: ‘We are delighted that members of the Great Bowden Recital Trust (GBRT) Community Choir will launch our Christmas Extravaganza at 2pm with carols and Christmas songs. Then, at 3pm, we have a full exhibition with the phenomenally talented artists Rozanne Bell and Ben Goymour who will be with us in the gallery to chat about their work and to show you their brand new collections of original work. We are so excited about their new collections, which have already started to arrive here in the gallery in preparation for the event. Also, we will be treated to live music by the Mango Acoustic Duo through the afternoon.

‘At 5pm, we will be hosting a Skateboard Deck Auction here in the gallery to raise money for local schools’ art departments, so that we can purchase art supplies to encourage artists of tomorrow in and around Market Harborough. We have sent 30 skateboard decks (supplied by our friends at Skate Warehouse) to 13 of our

wonderful artists to create their artwork on, which will then be auctioned off.

‘Fancy seeing them before the event? No problem. They are hanging at Wingates Gallery already, and we are taking bids in advance of the auction as well as on the day itself. Come on in and choose your favourite, as we have decks by artists including: Ben Goymour, Brenda Herd, Caroline Deighton, Danny O’Connor, Jacquie Boyd, Jay Nottingham, Jennifer Elson, Joe Galindo, Leigh Lambert, Richard Duffield, Rozanne Bell, Simon Wright and Sarah-May Johnson.

‘Our whole Christmas Extravaganza will be an event truly not to be missed so, if you’d like to join us, call us or email us on the contact details below and book in.’

wingates gallery, 44a st mary’s rd, market harborough le16 7du | 01858 465455 | andrew@wingatesgallery.co.uk www.wingatesgallery.co.uk @wingates_gallery

ROZANNE BELL

‘Ever since I first picked up a paintbrush with my mother as a little girl, the compulsion to paint has dominated my life. I know that the extraordinary colours, light and contrasts of Zimbabwe, where I grew up and had to leave 12 years ago, are to blame. Art became, and has ever been, my friend, supporting my children and me throughout. Starting with exhibitions of animals and flowers at the age of 16, I have expanded my repertoire to include landscapes and country scenes, harbours, twilight and moonlight scenes and even space and galaxy paintings. Ever conscious of those who like and buy my work, and delivering true value to them, I have not succumbed to the temptations of limited editions or mass-market prints. Each picture I paint is an original with no one painting being the same as another.’

Wingates Gallery are absolutely delighted to exhibit Rozanne Bell’s original paintings and often launch new or exclusive styles.

OPPOSITE PAGE:

‘Woodland Bliss’ (framed); ‘At the End of the Day’ (top); ‘Off to the Floral Fields’ (bottom), all original paintings by Rozanne Bell.

‘Each picture I paint is an original’ Rozanne Bell

ABOVE (L–R) ‘Charging White Horses’; ‘Just Us’; and ‘Rolling Tide’s Reflection’, all original paintings by Ben Goymour.

BEN GOYMOUR

Ben was born in 1985 and lived in Peterborough for most of his civilian life. He joined the Army at the age of 16 and served in 29 Commando Regiment as a Bombardier. After leaving the Army, he worked as a builder and carpenter. In February 2017, during a trip to the Lake District, Ben could not afford a painting he loved in a local gallery, so, on his return, he decided to try painting himself. This sparked his passion and desire to paint. Being self-taught, and now a full-time artist, he is greatly appreciative of his supportive family. Ben has discovered his artistic flair and is embracing this new chapter of his life with excitement, enthusiasm and dedication.

Andrew of Wingates Gallery noted: ‘We are delighted to be Ben’s lead gallery in the UK, and he continues to be very popular with our customers both near and far.’

SKATEBOARD DECK AUCTION

The gallery will be hosting an auction of 30 skateboard decks (shown here and on display at the gallery) at 5pm at the Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 7 December. Andrew at Wingates Gallery explained: ‘We have sent 30 skateboard decks (supplied by our friends at Skate Warehouse) to 13 of our wonderful artists to create their artwork on which will then be auctioned off.’ The team are taking bids in advance of the auction, as well as on the day itself.

House

Your Christmas Gift inspiration starts here

This Christmas, come and treat yourself from a collection of over 300 pieces of original art and handmade sculpture from over 40 national and international artists all under one roof here at Wingates Gallery.

Our family-owned, awardwinning, independent art gallery is proud to provide our customers with high quality, original art at affordable prices with something for every taste and budget.

Warm, No-Hassle, Friendly Service

We believe in treating our customers as we expect to be treated so we offer all a very warm welcome and then leave you to enjoy your time with us but always on hand to provide help, advice and information when you are ready. No pressure and no hassle - just the way you like it.

Come in and see us - make this Christmas one to remember.

44a St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DU 10-6pm Tuesday to Saturday Tel: 01858 465455 www.wingatesgallery.co.uk

Ben Jones of The Olive Branch in Clipsham

Nicholas Rudd-Jones met with Ben Jones, owner of The Olive Branch, which celebrates its 25th anniversary on 10 December 2024

IALWAYS remember a friend putting us ‘in the know’ about a new pub that had opened in Clipsham and how good the food was. We tried it that first year of the new millennium and have been back there every year since. Just arriving at The Olive Branch is a calming experience. The informal garden and dovecote, the familiar pub sign with the sprig of olive, reminding you it’s time to relax and enjoy. And I learn something about Ben immediately. I arrive a few minutes before opening time and I see him popping out the front to see that all the signage is out correctly. Ben is very much hands on and into every detail of the pub’s operation. We head in together and sit at a table by the window, with the autumn sunshine pouring in through the old glass panes, and other diners starting to arrive and chat. The scene is perfectly set.

So Ben, tell us where your career started?

‘When I was 16, after O Levels, I went down to Dartmouth for a while and worked as a pot washer. I thought a career in catering might be for me, so went to Southfields Catering College in Leicester; as part of that I got a two-week job placement at the Ram Jam Inn (owned at the time by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall) and then switched to Hambleton Hall for a while.

‘Mr Hart subsequently introduced me to the proprietor of a Relais and Châteaux hotel and restaurant based in Barbizon near Fontainebleau, and he agreed to take me on despite me not speaking a word of French. I started as a “Commis” (Waiter), taking the meals from the kitchen to the serving area, and after about six months, by which time my French and waiting skills were passable, I was promoted to “Chef de Rang”, which meant that I presented the food at the table, carving meat and filleting fish for example.

‘My time there was an incredible learning experience. I was in my early twenties, so it was also a great time to enjoy French nightlife. It was there on days off, eating in local French brasseries, that I came to realise that food could be unfussy and good.

‘From Barbizon I progressed to Gravetye Manor in the UK, then back to Hambleton Hall; and then I was invited to become General Manager of Hart’s Nottingham when it opened in 1997. I really enjoyed the experience of getting something started and creating systems and processes that worked effectively. Over that period, I had started going out with my wife-to-be Clare, who was also in the catering industry (she had started as a management trainee at Hambleton Hall), and in 1999 we got married in Exton Church

and had our reception on the old cricket pitch alongside Hambleton Hall. So, 1999 turned out to be a very eventful year in my life, as that was also the year I decided to give it a go on my own!’

How did the idea of The Olive Branch come about?

‘Three of us got together: Sean Hope, Marcus Welford and me. Sean was second chef at Hambleton, and Marcus had roots in Rutland (we had gone to school together) but was selling wine in Bath. We all wanted to go into business for ourselves at about the same time. The Hart’s Nottingham experience had given me the confidence that I could launch my own place, so in 1999 I handed in my notice after several enjoyable years working for Mr Hart.’

‘It was there that I came to realise that food could be unfussy and good’

‘While looking for a property I came across The Olive Branch in Clipsham. It seemed very small, had been shut for a while and felt a bit off the beaten path, but Sean had grown up in Clipsham, and his first job was as a pot washer at The Olive Branch. I went to see Sean to get his thoughts: had it been a good pub, and would he be interested in a partnership? He said it had been very popular in its day and he was on board. Marcus threw his hat into the ring too, and we put in a bid. To our astonishment and terror, the offer was accepted.

‘We needed around £250,000 for purchase and refurbishment, but our resources fell well short of that. We were able to secure a bank loan, and then three Clipsham residents (Colin Ashpole, Tony Roulstone and Nick White), keen to see the village have a thriving pub once again, very kindly came to our aid, putting money in in exchange for shares.

‘We spent four weeks refurbishing the building and received lots of help from locals excited to be getting their pub back. A bonfire party was planned in the paddock opposite, and all the detritus from the gutted pub went up in smoke. Villagers, friends and family helped with painting, floor-stripping and finishing. Opening night finally came round on 10 December 1999, but the licence still hadn’t arrived at that stage, so it was a bring a bottle party for all the village, plus Marcus had dug out a jeroboam of Champagne. Fortunately, the licence did arrive a few days later, and we never looked back!’

photography by clive doyle

What was your secret?

Somewhere we would want to eat: ‘Well, in some ways, it was very simple. We just wanted to create somewhere that we would want to eat, where you wouldn’t have to dress up or plan too far ahead. [The tables by the bar remain unreserved to this day.] We were lucky to have Sean Hope. He was already a very experienced chef and a passionate believer in “yummy” food, simply cooked. Marcus was the wine expert “behind the bar”, and I had the front of house covered. So all the experience was there from the start.

‘We aimed to give people what they wanted. The concept from the outset was to have one menu throughout the pub that listed everything from sandwiches to seabass, and for people to be able to come in and sit wherever they wanted and eat whatever they wanted. And when we noticed new needs, we tried to meet them; for example, people often used to say: “I can’t decide which pudding to have,” so we came up with the idea of mini desserts.

‘Our offering was rather revolutionary and ahead of its time. There were hardly any places in those days where you could enjoy really good food in a relaxed setting. Generally speaking, you either had to dress up for a formal restaurant or go to the other extreme and have chicken in a basket in the boozer. Few pubs offered relaxed, high-quality dining, and those that tried didn’t – for us at least – quite hit the spot, so we thought there was a gap in the market. And I had learnt from my time enjoying eating in French brasseries that it was possible to produce great food in an everyday setting.’

‘Our offering was rather revolutionary’

Relaxed, pubby ambience: ‘Getting the ambience right from the start was also very important. We needed a space that could do 40 covers to work economically, but the pub in its original form was a warren of smaller rooms. A close friend of the family was an architect and he sketched some plans, indicating which walls to pull down and where to put the bar, which remains important to this day if you just want to pop by for a quick drink. He also offered some financial support, so became a shareholder.

‘My father, Peter Jones, who was in the antiques business [many will remember his shop Swans in Mill Street, Oakham] helped to furnish the place, and much of that furniture is still here: stripped pine tables, old dressers and quaint pictures. The vibe was right from the start, and we have never been minded to change it – it makes people feel relaxed. The open fire, old beams – the indefinable style just seems to work for customers.’

A strong team: ‘Our third key element was building a strong team. Of course, there have been changes over the years [Marcus left to join a wine importer, Sean fully stepped down from the business in 2019], but we have a strong, experienced team in Louise Williams, General Manager; Ben Fisher, Head Chef; Andy Devine, Restaurant General Manager; Linda Suri, Office & House Manager; and Dick Hosie, Financial Director and Business Advisor. Altogether we have a staff of 34, all of whom are passionate about the business, and without

Ben

Key Moments

1985 A career is born, Ben starts as a pot washer in Dartmouth.

1986 Catering college in Leicester.

1988 Starts work at Hambleton Hall.

Early 1990s Learning the trade at a Relais & Chateaux Hotel & Restaurant in France.

1995 Appointed Restaurant Manager at Gravetye Manor.

1995–97 Returns to Hambleton Hall as Restaurant Manager, working alongside Graeme Matheson.

1997 Becomes General Manager at Hart’s Nottingham when it launches.

December 1999 Opens The Olive Branch.

2002 It becomes the second pub ever to receive a Michelin Star, which it held for 11 years.

2006 Beech House accommodation opens.

2021 Awarded Good Pub Guide UK Pub of the Year.

2023 The Olive Branch undergoes total kitchen refurbishment after kitchen fire.

2024 Gains César Award in The Good Hotel Guide. In the same year, The Good Food Guide entry reads: A pubby success story if ever there was one… it has become a shining star on the Rutland scene with its open-minded community spirit and forward-thinking approach to food and drink. The Olive Branch was also an early adopter of local sourcing.’ And, as we went to press in late November, The Olive Branch was named in The Good Food Guide’s Top 50 Best Sunday Roasts in Britain 2024.

LEFT (left to right): Ben, Sean and Marcus in The Olive Branch in 2000.

Jones of The Olive Branch

Looking after the details: ‘Finally, it has always been key to look after the detail and continually improve things. There’s always a danger of slipping into complacency, but my nature is to see what we can change or do better. To me the detail is very important.’ [We can vouch for that. When we stayed overnight at Beech House last year, we learnt that each tea bag was specially ﬁlled with an Olive Branch-selected blend. Immaculate attention to detail.]

Sean’s cooking, Ben’s professional but relaxed hospitality, and Marcus’s wine knowledge – all assisted by a high-quality, growing team – proved a winning formula. A Michelin star came almost out of the blue in 2002 and was retained for 11 years. Other pubs tried to emulate the formula, and the ‘gastro pub’ became a big thing right across the nation. It was clear that the three new publicans had created something special. In 2004 they bought Beech House, a private dwelling opposite The Olive Branch, and converted it into accommodation with six luxurious bedrooms. It currently holds the prestigious Good Hotel Guide César Award. The accommodation has helped hugely to bring new customers from outside the immediate area.

Ben, how would you describe your management style?

‘I like to identify a problem and solve it – hopefully not too many problems at once, but I always like something to get my teeth into! I enjoy optimising processes, working with data, making checklists and making continuous improvements. When Covid struck, whilst it was a big shock, we quite quickly came up with innovative ideas – ﬁsh and chips for the villagers and then our now-famous marquees, which we still keep for the summer months. Likewise, when the kitchen was destroyed by ﬁre, although immensely challenging in the short term, it allowed us to create a new state-of-the-art kitchen. When the going gets tough, as it inevitably does from time to time in hospitality, I try to break down a problem into its constituent parts, and then work out what I need to do to solve it.’

And what of the future?

‘We are lucky to have such a strong team both in the kitchen and front of house, but the costs of doing business are a big challenge, having gone up 30 to 50% over the last two or three years. All the time we have to look at ways of doing things differently so we can continue to offer the best pub food around at an affordable price. But, yes, I’m ambitious to continue to grow and look at new hospitality opportunities, so you never know!’

Ben is most deﬁnitely an analytical thinker who likes solving problems and knows his trade intimately. As I left and we said our goodbyes, he was immediately back to the detail, directing an engineer who had arrived to check something out at Beech House opposite, and Ben took him across there straight away.

The Olive Branch, Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland LE15 7SH 01780 410355 | www.theolivebranchpub.com | @olivebranchclipsham

Ben Jones

of The Olive Branch

Local Lowdown

When did you move to the area? I’ve lived round here since before I can remember. My family moved here when I was about one and we settled in Gretton to be close to the Corby enterprise zone where my father ran a tie business together with Mike Goldmark.

What do you most like about the region?

The rolling countryside. Driving here from the A1 is a fabulous example of that, the low hills and verdant valley with its stream running down to the West Glen River on the right and the many oak trees lining the road.

Favourite spot: The top of the hill between the Braunston Road and the Brooke Road in Oakham, close to Gorse Field Wood, looking down on the town and east to Rutland Water and Burley on the Hill. Such a panoramic view. I love walking the dog up there.

Favourite restaurant (other than The Olive Branch!): The Wheatsheaf in Greetham. Very gastro-pubby, really interesting wine list, wellkept beer, still a pub!

Favourite activity: Cycling, including doing the Marmotte twice (177km, 5,000m of elevation, 4 mountain climbs).

Favourite local causes: Mindspace, Stamford, such a helpful and accessible charity.

The Olive Branch & (inset) Beech House just opposite

Timber Renovation Specialists

Festive Foliage & Flowers

Nick Bailey

Based in our region, Nick Bailey is an award-winning garden designer and plantsman with over 30 years’ experience creating and managing gardens on four continents. His company, Nota Bene Horticulture, provides garden design, consultancy and management services across the UK from tiny courtyards to large estates. Find out more at nickbailey365.com

Discover how to bring the indoors in this festive season with useful tips from our regular columnist and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter

Nick Bailey

THE tradition of bringing the outdoors indoors over Christmas or the Winter Solstice stretches back well over a thousand years. Back then households would forage for foliage and berries, so they could literally deck the halls with boughs of holly. Today modern tech dominates, with laser-powered snowﬂake projectors and rotund inﬂatable Santas, but I like to hold on to tradition, albeit with the addition of the occasional LED light. For this reason, my Christmas decorations are usually a mix of foraged foliage and fruits combined with some indoor growing.

DELIGHTFULLY DAINTY DAFFS

The idea for ‘forcing’ bulbs to be in ﬂower for Christmas may sound like a horticultural leap too far, but it’s extraordinarily easy. Skinny, white, highly scented narcissi, often called ‘Paperwhites’, can be pushed into bloom in as little as 3–4 weeks. The bulbs can be purchased now and nestled into a pot of compost on a warm windowsill. Set them in so that

‘Your own garden may be the perfect place for some festive foliage foraging, but if you need to go further aﬁeld, out into the wilds, then it goes without saying – get the landowner’s permission’

FESTIVE FORAGING

half the bulb is sticking out of the compost. Once watered, the bulbs will be triggered into life. Keep a close eye on them and regulate their growth by adjusting the temperature. Sounds complicated? All I mean is that if they are growing too fast with buds quickly forming, you can simply slow them down on a colder, let’s say north-facing, windowsill. Conversely, if they are not growing at pace, move them to a warmer spot. Once they are 20cm high, push a few attractive twigs into the compost around the edge of the pot to support and show oﬀ the ﬂowers. And, if you want to be really fancy, top the pot with a layer of garden-foraged moss before moving it to a prominent spot.

So, what’s worth foraging in terms of its longevity in the face of central heating and a barrage of family members? When it comes to foliage, you can’t really go wrong with anything coniferous. From the subtle pale blue needle rosettes of cedars through to the dark inky tones of yews, they will all last in a decent state for a good three weeks without water. Even the dreaded leylandii hedging conifer works, though if you can ﬁnd it Thuja plicata (another hedging conifer) has the most incredible scent combining pine and pineapple notes. Garden junipers are great, too, for their mix of blue, silver, gold and green foliage all with a delightfully lax habit. Broad-leaved evergreens don’t tend to fare as well indoors, as their leaf surface is larger and quickly loses water.

That said, there’s a good reason those traditional halls were hollied! Ilex, as it is botanically named, will last a good month while retaining its deep glossy tones and holding its berries. There are a few garden evergreens that last well, too. Try elevating your festive foliage with pale pittosporum, corokia or acuba. When it comes to berries, few last indoors till Twelfth Night, but hollies often will.

It’s also worth trying cotoneaster and pyracantha berries along with rosehips. They’ll mange a good week or more before emulating the Christmas dates.

Finally, in contrast to foliage and berries, a few carefully cut and arranged twigs can look beautiful. Birch is a cliché, but for good reason – it looks great. Alternatively consider using the orange, yellow or red stems of garden dogwood.

However you choose to green up your home this holiday season, just have fun with it. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year…

Happy Christmas folks!

Your own garden may be the perfect place for some festive foliage foraging, but if you need to go further aﬁeld, out into the wilds, then it goes without saying – get the landowner’s permission.

ABOVE: the spiky, silvery green foliage and blue-black berries of garden juniper

BELOW: highly scented, skinny ‘Paperwhite’ narcissi make beautiful gifts as well as elegant, natural festive decorations

Stamford

BEAUTY

Spotlight on… local beauty, health & wellness

FUN, FESTIVE MAKEUP, HAIR & BODY WITH BECCA & ALICE

Friends & fellow makeup artists Rebecca Chantrell and Alice Snell share their fun, festive tips and tweaks to make you feel super special this Christmas!

GLITTER OR GLOSSY EYES

Don’t just limit sparkles and sequins to your wardrobe! We love nothing more than glitter on the eyes or cheeks. Use a creamy eyeshadow base to help keep your glitter in place. We always opt for biodegradable ones.

SULTRY SMOKEY EYE

This doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect – the grungier the better. Grab a black or brown pencil eyeliner, shade over the whole eyelid (you don’t have to be neat at this stage) and under the eye next to the lash line. Smudge it with your finger, then go over the top with a powder eyeshadow for longevity and to keep it in place. Use a brush to blend the edges and, to finish, use the eyeliner pencil along your waterline.

COLOURED OR METALLIC EYELINER

The quickest and easiest way to jazz up your makeup look is a slick of eyeliner. For a foolproof eyeliner, use a pencil first, draw along the lash line and gently smudge it to soften. The next step is to take a liquid eyeliner and draw close to your lash line. This technique is more forgiving if the

liquid line isn’t perfect. Another fun way to wear eyeliner is to use a metallic colour and draw dots next to the eye.

RED LIP

So many people think they can’t wear a red lipstick, but it’s just about finding the right shade. Berry tones work brilliantly on darker skin tones, pillar box red is fantastic on brunettes/olive skin tones, and pink/orangey tones are amazing on blonde or light hair. Saying that, there are no hard and fast rules – have fun and try some on. Just watch your teeth when you do wear it.

HIGHLIGHTER

Go crazy with highlighter! They don’t really come alive on the skin until the evening, when the light reflects the particles to create an amazing glow. Pop it on the cheekbones, down your nose and a tiny bit on the cupid’s bow above your lip.

BODY GLOW

Dry body oils containing shimmer are gorgeous to wear to parties, making the skin look radiant and gorgeous. They also make fantastic presents for friends.

FACIAL TAN

The fastest, easiest tan in the land! Spritz this all over the face and neck. It can be used over the top of makeup or skincare. It develops quickly into the loveliest ‘I’ve spent the weekend in the sun’ look. Rebecca says: ‘I’m using St Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist at the moment – it smells yummy.’

BODY TAN

If you’ve forgotten to tan or have a lastminute night out, then our go-to is Skinny Tan Instant 1 Day Tanner, which has zero developing time. Apply it with a tanning mitt to avoid any streaks, and smooth all over the legs or any areas on show. It dries very quickly, so you are good to go. You can also see the colour straight away, so there are no streaky surprises, and you can then wash it off at the end of the night (if you remember).

HAIR

Our ultimate tool at the moment is the Toni & Guy Deep Barrel Waver, which is super simple to use. Take a rough section of hair, clamp it between the waver, which you then move down the hair. The result is relaxed waves. It looks amazing on all hair lengths, and you don’t have to be perfect – haphazard works best. To finish, blast the hair upside down with hairspray, and you’re good to go.

LESSONS: If you want to learn how to make the most of your makeup bag, or have changed your hair colour and feel a little lost, contact Alice or Rebecca to book a personal makeup lesson.

Rebecca Chantrell makeupbybecca.co.uk @rebeccachantrellmakeup

Alice Snell alicesnellbridal.com @alicesnellmua

model: poppy mannion

•

Do

have Plantar Fasciitis (severe heel pain)?

The method of treatment I offer for this is highly successful. Using computerised Gait Analysis & Orthotic Therapy (medical insoles).

Also to alleviate Achilles, Foot, Bunion, Knee, Hip & Back discomfort and pain.

Contact

Annette Robinson (Chiropodist/Podiatrist, Muscle & Joint Specialist) Tel : 01832 272200 or 07905 167944 www.injuries-clinic-oundle.co.uk

Ear syringing in the comfort of your own home or weekly clinics now available at The Redlands Clinic.

Anita Altham Registered Nurse

Mobile: 07711 298880 Email: contact@stamfordearsyringing.co.uk

Website: www.stamfordearsyringing.co.uk

The Redlands Clinic, 3d Olive Branch Yard, St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2HU

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered LOCAL PRIVATE PSYCHOLOGISTS

Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Specialising in treating:

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Specialising in treating:

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

Specialising in Treatment for Adults with:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face face sessions

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face face sessions offered

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

Specialising in treating:

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low and loss of confidence

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Anxieties, obsessions ruminations

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and

• Anxieties, phobias, and ruminations

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, obsessions ruminations

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Significant life events, nightmares,

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Significant life trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• difficulties

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

Adult Speciality

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Adult Speciality Johan Truter

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Adult Speciality Truter

Johan Truter

Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Tel: 01780

Adult Johan Truter

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

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

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

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

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

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

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

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

Tel: 01780 758556

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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

Orion 14 Barn Stamford, PE9 2AE

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

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

Orion House, 14 Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

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

Psychotherapist

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

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Psychotherapist

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Psychotherapist Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Psychotherapist

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

Psychotherapist

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Psychotherapist

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

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

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Mbl: www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Mbl: 07563241359

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Psychotherapist

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Child and Adult Speciality, Consultant

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Chartered Clinical Psychologist Johan Truter

Psychotherapist

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Psychotherapist

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Dr Alexandra Dent

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Alexandra Dent

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Tel: 01780 758556

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Dr Alexandra Dent 07986 585270

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Online psychology workshops:

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Mbl: 07563241359

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Online psychology workshops: www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Online psychology workshops: www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

Mbl: 07563241359

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Psychotherapist Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Dr Alexandra Dent

Tel: 01780 758543

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.alexandradent.co.uk

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

Online psychology workshops: www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

Feel good from the feet up

Chiropody/Podiatry

• Treatment for Various Skin & Nail Conditions

• Budget Toe Nail Cutting

• Free Foot Care Advice

• Hard Skin Removal

• Painful Corns

• Verruca Treatments

• Insoles (Simple & Casted)

• Diabetic Foot Care

For further information, call Sheryl on:

Glow are delighted to welcome new and existing clients to our award-winning salon in its new location in Oakham.

We specialise in a wide range of hair services using L’Oreal Colour, Olaplex and Kevin Murphy and pride ourselves on giving you the very best personalised hair result.

Our independent beauty therapists provide a wide range of beauty treatments so you can meet your beauty, wellness and hair needs in one place.

– 6PM

720611

health, beauty, wellness

Expansion for Glow

Award-winning salon Glow has doubled the size of its premises and expanded its services following extensive refurbishment of one of Oakham’s oldest listed buildings

words: lisa jolly

photos: gina fernandes photography

GEMMA ADAMS founded Glow in 2015 and relocated to Flores House in Oakham High Street in November 2023. After transforming the downstairs of the building, Gemma and her team set about renovating the long-neglected upstairs space to create nine additional hairdressing stations and a beauty treatment room. Glow’s upstairs opened to clients in November 2024 – and in the same week the salon was awarded four accolades at the Salon Awards 2024. These were for Leicestershire and Rutland’s Best Salon Team, Best New or Refurbished Salon, Stylist of the Year for Georgia Newton, and a Future Talent award for Molly Shuttleworth.

Gemma said: ‘Glow has received incredible support since relocating to Flores House, which we see as our “forever home”. It has been a privilege to bring this beautiful building back to life and to make it feel loved again. We designed the new spaces by considering our clients’ experience from start to finish. The result is a comfortable, relaxed space, which is an inspiring environment to work in.’

Independent beauty therapists have begun operating from the new treatment room, and the extra hairdressing sections will support the salon’s phenomenal growth. Glow now has a team of 17, which includes stylists, assistants, a management team and apprentices. Together they service more than 1,000 bookings every month.

Gemma said: ‘We could not have envisaged the number of new customers we have welcomed since we moved to Oakham. But attracting people to the salon is just the start – we are proud that our clients keep coming back. We have brought in some of the area’s best hairdressing talent while helping young stylists to develop. Balancing growth with maintaining the highest standards has been key to keeping the Glow experience special.’

The salon specialises in L’Oréal and Kevin Murphy treatments and Showpony tape extensions. Staff regularly attend courses to keep apace with innovations, and a training room has been included in the upstairs space. Glow’s clients are treated to a menu of barista coffees, flavoured iced waters and freshly made gluten-free flapjacks and brownies as part of their visit. Knowledgeable staff plan ahead to ensure consultations are detailed and informative, and customer feedback is invited after every appointment.

This magazine’s editor, Clare, has been a regular at Glow since Gemma first established her salon in 2015 and notes on the refurbishment: ‘Gemma and her lovely team at Glow have done the most amazing job at renovating what was an architecturally notable, but rather unloved, building at the heart of Oakham’s High Street. The new salon is a delight to visit. It’s calm, relaxing, restorative – never intimidating – and the team are so talented, as their recent multiple wins at the Salon Awards 2024 attest. The refurb is exquisitely done, with every attention to detail, and the opening of the upstairs means that even more lucky clients will get to enjoy the gorgeous Glow experience.’ GLOW BY GEMMA ADAMS, 34 HIGH STREET, OAKHAM,

These photos show the lovingly renovated, beautifully stylish Glow, which now has two gorgeous floors open to clients for hair and beauty.

‘It has been a privilege to bring this old building back to life and to make it feel loved again’ Owner, Gemma Adams

DATE FOR THE DIARY: GLOW CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER, 7–9PM, £10 PER TICKET. ENJOY A GLASS OF FIZZ & TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME KEVIN MURPHY GOODIES WITH A 10% DISCOUNT. THERE’LL BE HAIR DEMONSTRATIONS & CHANCE TO LOOK AROUND BOTH FLOORS OF THE SALON. BOOK ONLINE OR POP INTO THE SALON TO BUY YOUR TICKET NOW.

WELLNESS

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS NEWS FROM ACROSS THE REGION

Four Roots Wellbeing

FOUR ROOTS is a curated four-hour guided journey that will deliver a genderneutral, holistic escape from daily life. It combines a sophisticated mix of bathing, wellbeing treatments, meditation and light refreshments, all designed to rebalance the body and mind, bringing comfort, happiness and harmony. Guests will be guided at every step along a carefully curated itinerary that includes a welcome with steamed towels and a smoothie shot, followed by:

• A bathing ceremony : sink into bubbly bliss fashioned for your wellbeing with a choice of added ingredients. This is designed to enhance your spiritual wellbeing.

• Personalised treatment: choose from a handpicked signature collection of 60-minute wellbeing treatments, including massages and facials, all intended to promote your physical wellbeing.

• Meditation: relax in a cosy room and enjoy a private and personalised meditation session to empower your emotional wellbeing

• Dining delight: your experience draws to a close with a light two-course meal or a specially prepared afternoon tea. All aimed at nurturing your social wellbeing.

Four Roots Wellbeing is opening in December at Rutland Hall Hotel.

FIND OUT MORE: Call on the number below or visit the website for more information.

Rutland Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AB 01572 979501

www.rutlandhall.co.uk/wellbeing/ @rutlandhallhotel Don’t

Q&A

with DANIEL SANDLER

EACH MONTH THE INTERNATIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST AND FOUNDER OF DANIEL SANDLER COSMETICS, WHO IS BASED IN OUR LOVELY REGION, ANSWERS YOUR BEAUTY AND SKINCARE QUESTIONS. THIS MONTH DANIEL FOCUSES ON GETTING READY TO PARTY.

Help! How can I switch my daytime makeup up for the evening, if I’m heading to a festive event after work?

• Brighten your pout: to glam up a day look, apply a bright slick of lipstick or a coloured gloss.

• Create party eyes: there are lots of things you can do to achieve this. Use a cotton bud to remove makeup in lines on lids and under eyes, then top up under-eye concealer to look fresher. Pop a little shimmer shadow onto your lids to catch the light. Create a feline flick along the upper lash line and add extra mascara to the outer edges to create an eye-opening cat eye effect.

• Add freshness to cheeks: sweep a little more blush to add a youthful kick of colour.

• Warm up your complexion: swirl a large fluffy brush over bronzing powder, then lightly apply onto face and neck.

Help! I want my skin to glow, but I always end up looking glittery or sweaty. What am I doing wrong?

• If you’re looking glittery, it sounds as if the formulas you’re using contain large, chunky glitter particles. If you’re looking sweaty, then the formula is too greasy, so look for more of a lightweight formula that enhances radiance with a natural finish.

• If you suffer with hot flushes or have a shiny complexion, avoid applying onto areas such as the nose, forehead, upper lip and chin.

• Try radiance-boosting primers on the back of your hand and check in daylight. If it blurs the look of lines and uneven skintone, that’s the one to get; if it looks glittery and makes lines look obvious, then grab a makeup wipe!

Help! I’m in my mid-50s and like the idea of putting a little sparkle on my eyes. How can I create a glamorous look without it sitting in lines or making me look like a disco ball?

I love that you want to add sparkle and totally understand where you’re coming from, as nobody wants to enhance lines. My answer is create a thin line of shimmer along the upper lash line and not all over the entire lid. Start at the inner corner, using a fine brush, and keep going until you reach the outer edge.

www.danielsandler.com | @danielsandlermakeup

If you have a beauty or skincare question for Daniel, he’d love to hear from you. Just email your question to us at nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk. Our favourite question each month wins one of Daniel’s fabulous multi-awardwinning products.

Handmade Bespoke Headpieces and Occasion Wear

Custom made to complement your outfit or choose from a range of ready to wear pieces

8 Crown Walk, Oakham, LE15 6BZ T: 01572 490432

E: info@rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk

Open: Mon & Tues 10am-3pm Thur, Fri, Sat 10am-3pm www.rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk

Award-winning Leicestershire based artist offering original silk screen prints, mono gel prints, portraits, commissions and more.

Prints available on the website from £40 for a limited time, perfect for a Christmas gift.

GARDEN CENTRE | HOME & LIFESTYLE DINING | FARM SHOP | FARMING

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

@lisnaylor

lisnaylorart.co.uk

lis@lisnaylorart.co.uk +447968114812

THE CRAFTERS MARKET CHRISTMAS FAIR

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 10am – 4pm “FREE ADMISSION”

LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE GIFTS

STAMFORD ART CENTRE BALLROOM PE9 2DL

Enjoy

truly novel Christmas

Celebrate the Christmas season with a day in beautiful rural Leicestershire, experience the finest shopping for gifts, toys, gardening, home, fashion and lifestyle. Savour a tasty treat in one of the cosy eateries, join a seasonal event and delight in the locally sourced produce in Gates Farm Shop, including the finest beef and lamb from Gates Farming.

COLD OVERTON, OAKHAM, LEICESTERSHIRE LE15 7QB

GATESGARDENCENTRE.CO.UK

LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

Treat your loved ones to something special this Christmas whilst supporting the local independent stores in the region who need your customer loyalty to ensure they thrive. This is the second of our two gift guides (see our November magazine online or on our app), so you should now have enough ideas to keep everyone happy on the big day. Festive shopping all wrapped up!

Bobbin salt & pepper mill from a range by Addison Ross (£58 for ht 24cm), Rutland Nursery of Manton. rutlandnursery.co.uk

‘Peaceful’ (2024, bronze, ht 70cm), by Anthony Theakston, £8,900, Gladwell & Patterson of Stamford. gladwellpatterson.com

English handmade watches, priced from £9,850 at Loomes of Stamford. robertloomes.co.uk

HIS & HERS

Brown & Newirth ‘Toi Et Moi’ 18ct yellow gold & lab-grown diamond ring, £4,775, RUBIROX, Stamford. rubirox.co.uk

‘London Dusk’ eau de parfum by Ruth Mastenbroek, £150 for 100ml, Chameleon of Stamford. chameleonboutique.co.uk

Cropped faux fur jacket in red, £79, White Ginger of Stamford. white-ginger.com

Two-tone red hat, £349, Rebecca Couture Millinery of Oakham. rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk

Chanel mini silver leather charm bag, £500, Arch Label Agency of Stamford. archlabelagency.com

Shop SkinCeuticals, including these crackers, at Flawless Body of Stamford. See 20% off offer (in store) on p65. flawlessbody.co.uk

Diamond stud earrings & diamond hoop earrings, prices on application, Lanes Fine Jewellery, Stamford. lanesjewellers.com

Jewellery from the ‘Cave Treasure Collection’ handcrafted by Ruth Wood, Ada Gallery of Market Harborough. adagallery.co.uk

Italian leather semicircular contrast bag, from a range of styles, £86, Hilly Horton Home of Thrapston. hillyhorton.co.uk

Medik8 The Night Shift Gift Set with Crystal Retinal 6 and Night Cream, £89, Nu-U Skin. nuuskinspecialist.co.uk

tartan bags in a range of sizes and styles, from £49, Albar’s Den of Oakham. albarsden.co.uk

loveitshop.co.uk

RM Williams, Belt and Buckle Boxed Gift Set, £169, Anand Shoes of Stamford. anandofstamford.com

from £25 per pair (available in different sizes and finishes). Ankole of Stamford. ankole.co.uk

with fashion doll pendant (from a range of styles), £25, Anna Couture of Stamford. @anna.couture.boutique

Trine Emerald Diamond Bubble Pendant, £5,425, Heidi Kjeldsen of Oakham. heidikjeldsen.co.uk

of Stamford. vomfassuk.com

Bangle by Pilgrim (matching hoops and rings also available), £45, Murano Silver of Stamford. @murano_silver

Necklace

Festive Limoncino, 200ml with festive Santa Hat, from a range of bespoke gifts at Vom Fass

Hoop earrings,

Pink

Retro vinyl drinks coasters, £9.99 for the set of 6, Love It of Stamford.

(RM Williams, Cheaney & more)

(Barbour, Ashwood & more)

KIDS, PETS, YOUNG AT HEART

ChunkiChilli Knitted Tiny Clanger, £29, from a range at Marcia May Mini of Stamford. marciamaystamford.co.uk

Ukulele, from a range starting at £49 at Stamford Music Shop (this one is £169). stamfordmusicshop.co.uk

Christmas Eve Gift Box for dogs, £3.99, Pet Stop of Market Deeping. petstopmarketdeeping.co.uk

Jellycat Christmas Tree Ricky Rain Frog, from a range, £44.99, Gates Garden Centre, nr Oakham. gatesgardencentre.co.uk

30-piece wooden train set for ages 3+ by Just Bee Kids, £24.99, Bumble & Twig of Oundle. bumbleandtwig.co.uk

Scalextric Puma Rally Hot Laps race set, £159.95, Trains 4 U of Peterborough. trains4u.com

LeMieux hobby horse, £59.95, range of designs available, R&R Country, Ashwell, nr Oakham. randrcountry.com

Sheep Dip, the world’s best-selling sheeprelated card game, ages 7+, £18.50 incl. postage. sheepdipgame.co.uk

Silver Cross Reef 2 in ‘Mocha’ (pram mode), see online for price options, Olivers BabyCare, nr Stamford. oliversbabycare.co.uk

HOME & HOBBIES

Plum & Ashby cedarwood & pine needles diﬀuser, £32, Hunters Interiors of Uﬃngton. huntersinteriors.co.uk

Finnish gingerbread with Christmas seal, £2.10, Hambleton Bakery, shops regionwide. hambletonbakery.co.uk

Medium-sized metal tray (42cm diam), £28 each, Claire Langley of Stamford. clairelangley.co.uk

Framed miniature watercolour attributed to Helen Leitch, £65, Manor Framing of Peterborough. manorframing.co.uk

Large Leaf Dish by Jean-Nicolas Gérard, £450, Goldmark Gallery of Uppingham. goldmarkart.com

Sloe Dance sloe gin, £15 for 20cl, £38 for 70cl, Multum Gin Parvo of Rutland. multumginparvo.com

Caravan sewing box, £44.90, The Stamford Fabric Company of Stamford Walk. thestamfordfabriccompany.com

Branche d’Olive diﬀusers and candles, from a range at Sarah Harding Interiors, Uppingham. sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

Taste of Christmas gift set (with a card, from a choice, as shown) £35, The Pickled Shop, Bulwick. thepickledshop.com

Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: The Ultimate History (Taschen, new), £175, St Mary’s Books of Stamford. stmarysbooks.com

‘Serenity’, A4 silk screen print, £45 unframed, £110 framed (P&P extra), Lis Naylor of Leicester. lisnaylorart.co.uk

Chess set, from an incredible range from toys to silverware, St Martin’s Antiques of Stamford. st-martins-antiques.co.uk

KNA pickups for violin, viola or cello, from £69. Get 5% off in Dec with code LL5 at Stamford Strings. stamfordstrings.co.uk

Selection of enticing nibbles, from a range at New Lodge Farm Shop, nr Bulwick. newlodgefarm.co.uk

Noël scented soy candles, from £24 (small) 175g to £32g gift boxed (midi 220g), The Wick & Wax Co of Stamford. thewickandwax.co

Seed Pantry seed kits, £14.99 each, Stamford Botanics of St Paul’s Street, Stamford stamfordbotanics.co.uk

Emma Gibbons, ‘Addiction No5 II’, £2,500, Trent Galleries of Oakham. trentgalleries.co.uk

‘Shared Memories’, handmade by Diane Griffin, £350, Wingates Gallery of Market Harborough. wingatesgallery.co.uk

Meg the Border Collie

Marian Foers has owned and trained dogs most of her life, but the closest bond of all has been with Meg, her three-legged border collie rescue dog

WORDS: AMANDER MEADE

WHEN Meg came into her life, Marian was already an expert in training and competing with border collies. Her first, Tessa, came to her in the 1980s, and together the pair were introduced to working trials. ‘The trials are a combination of obedience, agility and tracking skills, and we had a lot of success competing all over the country as a team. In fact, Tess’s puppy, Billy, became a Working Trials Champion.’

Rehoming Meg

In total, Marian has owned five border collies as well as other breeds, but 10 years ago she was without her own dog and bridging the gap by assisting other owners with training. ‘When my daughter rang with news of a dog in urgent need of a home, as her owner was no longer able to care for her, I didn’t hesitate, and so Meg arrived, looking very lost and sad. From the very first moment I saw her, the bond was there and she’s the kindest, gentlest, most special dog I’ve ever owned.’

Meg lost one of her hind legs in a farmyard accident as a youngster, so the remaining three have a great deal of compensating to do, but she gets around very well generally. Now that Meg is an older girl, Marian uses a combination of walking and buggy when she’s

out and about with Meg. The use of the buggy gives the pair much more freedom and allows them to explore walks beyond the limits of Meg’s walking endurance. ‘Meg always lets me know when she’s ready for a rest, and I pop her in the buggy until she’s ready to walk again. The socialisation and stimulation of different walking environments is really good for her, and we have enjoyed walks together that would have been impossible for her to do entirely on foot.’

‘Dogs are put in buggies for all kinds of good reasons… There are disabled dogs like Meg… Very few buggies are used because the owner or the dog is lazy’

Buggies for Dogs

There has been a huge increase in the use of buggies for dogs, and this practice is sometimes viewed by the uninitiated as similar to carrying small dogs in handbags, which is far from the case. ‘Dogs are put in buggies for all kinds of good reasons,’ says Marian. ‘There are disabled dogs like Meg as well as puppies and imported dogs who are being socialised to get them used to people, traffic and other distractions before they can walk far. Nervous and reactive dogs can feel safer in a buggy until they get their confidence or for respite on a stimulating walk, and they are also great for elderly or infirm dogs. Very few buggies are used because the owner or the dog is lazy. Unfortunately, I’ve had nasty comments come my way when I have been out with Meg, made by those who don’t understand the use of buggies.’

There are a plethora of different models of dog buggy available to buy, and various groups exist online to provide advice and help –Duggies in Buggies, for example, on Facebook. There are ‘off-road’ versions with three wheels and sturdy tyres, as well as buggies that can be attached to bicycles for towing.

Marian describes her experience owning Meg as being a learning curve and one that has opened her eyes to the plight of human wheelchair users and the problems they encounter with access to footpaths in order to explore the countryside. ‘Cattle grids, stiles and kissing gates would all prevent a wheelchair user from continuing their journey, and I’m very aware of that now from my travels with Meg. The same applies to uneven pavements and high kerbs for pushchairs of all kinds in towns.’

Marian says the best thing about Meg is the close bond they share and the mutual intuition they have developed. ‘People often comment that Meg landed on her feet when I adopted her, but actually the reverse is true. She has brought so much joy and insight to my life, I’m the one that is grateful to her. She’s a one-off and irreplaceable.’

The Red Lion Great Bowden

Nicholas Rudd-Jones visited this pub, which is in the acclaimed Three Goats Group, for Sunday lunch and was blown away by the scrumptiousness of the food, the buzzy vibe and the bright service

PICTURE the scene: a long winter walk in the Upper Welland Valley (see p106), followed by a short drive to the delightful village of Great Bowden on the outskirts of Market Harborough to recuperate and revictual. Three tired and hungry walkers plod into The Red Lion village pub and are greeted by a buzzing Sunday lunch crowd and, a moment later, by front of house manager James, who warmly welcomes us to the establishment. He takes us to our round table (perfect for a three) and makes sure we are immediately set up with some drinks – in my case a pint of Inclined Plane from the nearby Langton Brewery, an amber ale named after the canal boat lift once operating at Foxton Locks. So much about hospitality is about making you feel welcome and content from the outset, and this The Red Lion team achieved in spades.

Special Events & Offers

• Plat du Jour

A delicious £10 special, alongside the main menu, from Wednesdays through to Fridays, available at both lunch and dinner.

• Happy Hour

Pop in from 3–6pm and enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails and £3.50 on selected pints (excludes Saturdays & Sundays).

• Garden

Fabulous garden space for the warmer months.

• Christmas Specials

Great-value festive set menu on offer, 2 courses £35, 3 courses £40. Call 01858 463571 or email info@redlion-greatbowden.co.uk to book. There is also the facility for a festive buffet menu for larger groups.

‘A mound of deliciousness topped with a massive Yorkshire Pudding caused admiring stares from surrounding tables who hadn’t yet made it past the small plates’

We loved the decor of this pub – modern classic style perhaps best describes it, hovering between a pub and a restaurant with the benefits of both – the bonhomie, wooden tables and good cheer of a pub, but the service, food level and features (eg the swish wine wall) of a restaurant. The Sunday lunch menu suited us perfectly too. We ordered a couple of small plates to take the edge of our hunger, and these came promptly. We loved the flavour and quality of the tomatoes in the burrata, gazpacho, heritage tomatoes and crostini small plate, and we really enjoyed the crunchy, flavoursome miso and honey popcorn chicken with gochujang mayo, which got the sweet and salty balance spot on.

For the mains, I ordered the 28-day dry-aged sirloin of beef, and my fellow walkers/diners, Sam and Pedro, had the roast pork belly. A mound of deliciousness topped with a massive Yorkshire Pudding caused admiring stares from surrounding tables that hadn’t yet made it past the small plates. Lashings of gravy and well-cooked vegetables completed the picture. Both the beef and pork were quite exceptional: top-quality meat, immaculately cooked.

James told us: ‘Sustainability and good-quality meat are two topics that we feel passionate about. We use meat from our own farm in Great Easton to create our dishes. Our pigs are partly fed with the grain generated as a by-product of the Langton Brewery process.’ (I knew I was drinking that Inclined Plane pint for a purpose!)

We paused a few minutes but were determined to have some desserts. Once again, they were brilliant. Sam chose the Stout and suet sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream, which he declared to be ‘moist and complex with not a hint of cloyiness, often the bane of sticky toffee puddings’. Pedro found his white chocolate Blondie with chocolate ice cream ‘very smooth’. And ‘spot on’, said I, after diving into my vanilla crème brûlée served with strawberry ice cream and shortbread. Indulgent, good-quality ingredients, well put together – everything one could wish for in desserts. Service throughout was immaculate and friendly. We couldn’t fault this place. We noticed how quick they were to move a table to give more space to a family with a pram, and how one of the waitresses was happy to break into fluent Spanish when she realised that a table of diners were Spanish speakers. Everyone is made to feel at home here.

We left feeling fully recuperated and revictualed to busting point! This was a Sunday lunch that we had thoroughly enjoyed and would heartily recommend. There is also a main menu for lunch and dinner during the week, a sample of which you will find on the website.

the red lion, 5 main street, great bowden, market harborough le15 8tl 01858 463571 | www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk | @theredliongb

OPPOSITE PAGE: we loved the modern classic style of the pub. ABOVE: our small plate starter and the Sunday lunch main course of dry-aged sirloin of beef were both exceptional; cosy touches such as this stove create a wonderfully inviting atmosphere at The Red Lion.

SUNDAY LUNCHES ACROSS THE THREE GOATS GROUP

The Red Lion’s three sister venues also make delightful destinations for Sunday lunch. At No.23 restaurant in Uppingham, they’ve recently introduced a new Sunday lunch menu offering two courses for £30 and three for £35. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for a country pub with an open fire, it’s definitely worth a visit to The Sun Inn at Great Easton or The Nevill Arms at Medbourne. The Sun Inn is a beautiful dining pub, but it also gives a warm welcome to wet wellies and muddy paws! The Nevill Arms, which ‘Country Life’ called a ‘stunning venue’ and was included in the Daily Mail’s ‘Best 100 Pubs in Britain’, was even nominated for the Good Food Guide’s ‘Best Sunday Roast 2024’ award.

Enjoy winter in The Welland Valley with a stay in the historic village of Great Easton. 1 Barnsdale is the ideal spot for couples, families or groups of friends. This beautiful house can sleep up to 12 and makes a great base from which to explore this hidden corner of Leicestershire.

The Sun Inn, which we also own - and which has a private dining room and garden room - is just 100 yards away. Of course, if you’d rather draw the curtains, light the fire and open the wine, the pub’s chefs can even prepare a meal for you to enjoy in 1 Barnsdale.

For more information or to book your stay, email ellie.uppal@thethreegoatsgroup.co.uk

Our other venues include The Nevill Arms in Medbourne, The Red Lion in Great Bowden and No. 23 in Uppingham

Neil Hitchen Head Chef at Hitchen’s Barn, in Oakham

Ingredients:

Makes 11 soufflés (note you will need 11 individual moulds – adjust up/down according to your numbers)

450ml milk

1 shallot, chopped

1 bay leaf

75g butter

75g plain flour

250g grated cheese (your choice – we use Lincolnshire Poacher & Red Leicester)

8 eggs, separated

Double cream

Method:

1. Infuse the milk with the shallot and bay leaf, and warm gently in a pan.

Q&A with Neil

Background

Trained at Southfields College in Leicester, then two years training in Strasbourg, France, prior to working at Hambleton Hall in Rutland.

How would you describe your style of cooking?

Modern British cooking, sourcing as many local and seasonal ingredients as we can.

Favourite current dish on the menu

Our Twice-Baked Creamy Lincolnshire Poacher & Red Leicester Cheese Soufflé (recipe below).

A favourite ingredient?

English Asparagus when in season – from Rutland Water.

A cooking ‘trick’ to share with readers

To achieve the perfect roast potato: before you put the potatoes in the oven, season them with salt, pepper, mustard powder and plain flour to make them extra crispy!

A bit about Hitchen’s Barn

My wife Louise and I opened Hitchen’s Barn nearly six years ago, having run The Berkeley Arms at Wymondham for nine years prior to that. We hold a Michelin Bib Gourmand and we were voted in the Top 100 Local restaurants in the UK this year and last year by The Good Food Guide. We also received a 5* review from William Sitwell in the Daily Telegraph this June.

Creamy Lincolnshire Poacher & Red Leicester Soufflé

2. In a separate pan, make a roux: melt the butter, then add in the flour and beat it in to remove all lumps. Strain the warm milk and add it gradually to the butter/flour mix, whisking all the time to avoid lumps. Remove the roux pan from the hob.

3. Add 8 egg yolks to the roux and whisk in.

4. Add 250g grated cheese, stir it in and then set the pan aside

5. In a fresh bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks.

6. Gently fold the whisked egg whites into the cheese mixture to form the soufflé mix.

7. Divide the mix between 11 greased moulds.

8. Place the moulds in a metal tray that is half filled with cold water

9. Bake the soufflés in the oven at 160ºC (Gas Mark 3) for 18–20 minutes.

For the second bake

1. Place the soufflés in your desired serving dishes.

2. Cover with double cream (see photo above).

3. Add more grated cheese.

4. Place in oven until golden brown.

Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Hitchen’s Barn 12 Burley Road, Oakham LE15 6DH 01572 722255 | hitchensbarn.co.uk @hitchensbarnoakham

Whatever you want to say to your team, clients or suppliers – be it hello, thank you, sorry, Merry Christmas or congratulations, hampers are a wonderful way to send your best wishes.

We deliver individual hampers along with personalised handwritten cards – using cards from our hand-illustrated range or something customised for you.

We offer three differently sized hampers filled with a selection of pickles or preserves, crackers, chocolates, cookies, tea or perhaps something a little stronger! Or course, if you would prefer something smaller, larger, rounder, or flashier then we can make that happen too.

To order just visit: bulwickvillageshop.com or thepickleshop.com or pop into our wee shop: Bulwick Village Shop, Main Street, Bulwick NN17 3DY or call us on: 01780 450774

Indie Food & Drink

Each month our food correspondent Ellie Clark searches high and low for indie food and drink producers and outlets across our region to share with you. This month she focuses on festive imbibing

words: ellie clark

MULTUM GIN PARVO

In readiness for party season, Ellie Clark chats to Chaz Ellis about the Uk’s most popular tipple, gin, and explores the enticing range his Rutland-based distillery lovingly curates.

It never ceases to amaze me how people’s lives can be changed by the most innocuous of events, as was the case for Chaz Ellis, founder of Multum Gin Parvo. Attending a ginmaking course planted a ‘creative seed’ that eventually saw him move from accountancy into distilling and in 2019 he opened Multum Gin Parvo with sister Hayley and friend Tim. Their choice of name is a play on the Rutland County motto, ‘Multum in Parvo’ (Much in Little’), and is very apt given their unique range is inspired by Chaz’s love of the region, infused with local ingredients.

Initially they started with three blends: Rutland Dry, Strawberry & Lavender, and Rutland Honey & Earl Grey. The range has now expanded to cater for every palette, with 10 delicious blends from which to choose. I had the difficult task of trying them all in an attempt to select a favourite. (No pressure!) Thankfully, with a side of strong coffee, I managed it, my hazy recollection of each is listed below along with some mixer and cocktail ideas to inspire your party planning…

Rutland Dry | The traditional one A classic London style dry blend with a hint of acorn, reminiscent of Rutland woodland walks. Simple and crisp.

Strawberry & Rutland Lavender | The soft fruity one Sweetened with strawberry and lavender, ideal for cocktails and easy drinking.

Rutland Honey & Earl Grey | The sophisticated one Delicately flavoured with black tea, bergamot and lemon, sweetened by honey. Pairs perfectly with afternoon tea, ginger ale or lemonade. Winner of a Great Taste Award in 2022.

Migration | The exotic one Infused with acorn, elderflower and African hibiscus, (inspired by the migration flight of the Rutland Osprey). Complex yet smooth, best enjoyed with Indian tonic, or elderflower water and pink grapefruit. Also perfect for Christmas cocktails including the Multum Marzipan Martini and the Multum Trifle-tini, recipes for both are on the MGP Instagram page.

Sloe Dance | The sweet figgy one My personal favourite, available from autumn onwards due to the 6 months needed to macerate the sloes, it pairs perfectly with prosecco or Champagne or is delicious served straight.

Sea Dragon | The special effects one Inspired by the Rutland Water Ichthyosaur. A dry-ish gin, sweetened by Pea Petal, best served with tonic, and, provided it’s a ‘full fat’ variety, when you mix the two, the colour of your drink changes from violet to a pretty pink.

Devil’s Nest | The feisty one Warmth from chilli balanced by earthy undertones from the nettle makes an interesting combo. Great with lime tonic or even better in hot chocolate. Rutland Marmalade | The bittersweet one Chaz’s dad’s favourite, perfect for boozy brunches. Infused with Rutland marmalade, it has a sweet citrusy flavour with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Chaz, Hayley & Tim

‘Their unique range is inspired by Chaz’s love of the region, infused with local ingredients’

Gooseberry and White Grape | The tangy one The gooseberries for this blend are grown in Hayley’s garden in Manton, giving it a lovely fruity bite.

Gincello | The lemony one A scrummy lemon meringue flavour, perfect chilled and served straight as an aperitif or mixed with prosecco to make a ‘lemon drop’. This Gincello is inspired by ‘Alex’s Wish’ a Leicester-based charity dedicated to raising funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, whose motto is ‘When Life Gives You Lemons’, and £3 from every bottle is donated to the charity. The company also host a Gin Fun Run in May every year to raise funds, and registrations for 2025 have just opened if running and gin are your passion. (www.multumginparvo.com/flat-10k)

So, there you have it, 10 delicious blends perfect for presents and parties. If I had to choose just one however for the festive season it would be Sloe Dance – its warmth, figgy sweetness and claret colour make it quite literally Christmas in a glass. Cheers!

01572 498720 | multumginparvo.com | @multumginparvo

SPECIAL READER OFFER: 5% discount online until 30 January with the code LOCALLIVING5

SHEKLETON WINES

As an early Christmas present from us to you, our lovely readers, with the expertise of Charlotte Shek, owner of Shekleton Wines, we’ve put together a list of perfect drink pairings for each festive meal to help take a little bit of the stress out of catering this Christmas.

Although Charlotte has lived in Stamford for over 20 years, she only decided to open her own shop in 2020, with the pandemic being her catalyst to reassess the 9 to 5. She describes her wine career as ‘a fascinating hobby that got out of hand’; however, she is underselling her expertise considerably. As a highly qualified wine connoisseur, Charlotte has dedicated the last four years to sourcing an eclectic range of red, white, rosé, sparkling and fortified wine plus Champagnes and proseccos from both the classical wine regions, and also some more unusual geographies including Georgia, Uruguay and Switzerland.

Charlotte retails both online and from her cosy Stamford store, a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of wine wonders. She also hosts wine-tasting evenings, and dates for 2025 will be released on her website shortly – do note that they usually sell out faster than the Oasis tour, so best book early!

Hopefully the recommendations here take a bit of leg work out of preparing for the festive season, and maybe inspire you to try something new.

Merry Christmas!

2 Chapel Yard, Stamford PE9 1EH 01780 432574 shekletonwines.co.uk @shekletonwines

Christmas Day Lunch

Based on a poultry meat main Apéritif

Guy Mea, French Rose Champagne, £48.45

Premier Cru blend, gently sweet with red berry, biscuit and buttery brioche flavours. Serve as an apéritif or to accompany a starter.

Starter

Laureatus Albariño, Spanish White, £18.10

Fresh and minerally with a creamy lemony zest and gentle on the palette. Pairs well with seafood.

Main Course

Fontaine Goby, Chardonnay, French White, £24.25 Citrusy green fruits, blended with vanilla and white flowers give a buttery texture. Pairs well with all Christmas trimmings, as its freshness balances rich tastes.

Alternative: Château Fontesteau Haut-Médoc

French Red Wine, £25.65

Blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, plum and cherry flavours.

A versatile red, pairs well with white meat, beef or lamb.

Dessert

Diatomists, Spanish fortified wine, £18.95

A heady mix of sweet sherry, raisins and toffee flavours –insanely good! Pairs perfectly with Christmas pud or poured over ice cream.

Boxing Day Lunch

Based on a mixed buffet, red meat or fish main

Apéritif

Ortrugo, Italian sparkling wine, £19.40 Grapefruit, peach and passionfruit notes, similar to prosecco but a different grape variety that gives a more interesting taste.

Main

Aglianico, Italian red wine, £11.75

Fruity red (no oakiness) with cherry, cocoa, blackberry and plum notes. Pairs effortlessly with multiple dishes, very smooth and versatile.

Alternative (its sister white wine): Fiano, £11.75 Citrusy, with floral and tropical fruit notes. Easy light drinking.

Dessert

Ferreira, Dona Antónia, White Reserve Port, Portugal £24.45

Charlotte’s bestselling white port, heavenly caramel and toffee flavours with an undertone of orange. Sweet, smooth and perfect with cheese or desserts.

New Year’s Day Lunch

Based on a red meat main

Apéritif

Rathfinny, English Champagne, £30.75

Fresh and lemony, with red apple and brioche notes. Pairs beautifully with seafood or baked camembert. (Also great with fish and chips!)

Main

Elderton Shiraz, Australian red, £25.55

One of Charlotte’s most popular reds, with flavours of dark fruits, notes of chocolate cedar and tobacco. Pairs well with beef and lamb.

Dessert

Sauternes, French sweet white, £19.35 Infused with honey, marmalade, apricot, honeysuckle and touch of ginger. Perfect pairing for pudding or stilton. Alternative with a kick: Jurançon, French sweet wine £16.05 Flavours of exotic fruits, spice and ginger.

All of the drinks listed are available in store or online from Shekleton Wines, with a reader discount of 5% on 6 bottles or 10% on 12 bottles until 31 December 2024. Subject to availability.

Festive menu served from 28th November to 23rd December (pre-ordered only)

Two Courses - £38

Three Courses - £45

Christmas Eve open: 12 noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm for food with a special menu

Christmas Day open: 12 noon to 2pm for drinks only

Boxing Day open: 12 noon to 6pm for food with a special menu

New Year’s Eve open: 12 noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm for food with elevated A La Carte menu. Open late for drinks to celebrate the New Year

Booking essential as spaces are limited

info@whitehartufford.co.uk www.whitehartufford.co.uk

Sat 7th December from 10pm

Playing rock, pop and indie classics and covers for all generations

Inspired by the Rutland county motto –“Multum-in-Parvo” or “Much-in-Little”, we designed a range of craft gins that encapsulate all our small county has to offer while using locally sourced ingredients. Order from our full range online at www.multumginparvo.com or at our ﬂagship store, Rutland Nursery, Manton. www.multumginparvo.com info@multumginparvo.com - @multumginparvo

www.multumginparvo.com info@multumginparvo.com @multumginparvo

Sat 14th December from 10pm 4-piece folk-pop band specialising in dual acoustic guitars and plentiful vocal harmonies

Sat 21st December from 10pm Heavy hard-hitting, soulful funk. From danceable vibes with laid-back grooves to frenetic rock-outs

Tue 24th December from 12pm

Peterborough based covers band, famed for the wide variety of music

Tue 31st December from 7.30pm

Party with DJs Lez & Luke Sun 8th December from 3pm A three-piece acoustic tribute to The Beatles

The White Hart Ufford at Christmas

Nicholas & Clare Rudd-Jones were invited along to The White Hart in Ufford to try out the Christmas Menu

AMBIENCE is important at any time of year for a pub, but at Christmas it’s vital, when the emotional pull of a place is just about as important as the food and drink. And these days The White Hart absolutely excels at ambience; we feel relaxed and in the mood to enjoy ourselves as soon as we enter via the bar area.

So, what is it that makes this place so welcoming?

Firstly, it’s the decor. Local designer Annie Allison’s scheme for the interior, now nearly two years old, has absolutely worn the test of time and, if anything, is looking better than ever – traditional pub area, sofa and comfy chairs for people to gather pre-and post-meal, and a whole range of table arrangements in more pubby areas or more restaurant-style areas to suit different preferences. Something inviting for everyone.

Secondly, this pub truly remains at the heart of the village; it’s a community pub. The four owners live in the village, and much of the food is sourced from a tiny radius around Ufford, notably Willowbrook Farm for much of the meat. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the staff, under the leadership of Dan Wade and Deputy Manager Steve Caroll, who really know their clientele and welcome regulars like old friends and welcome newcomers with real enthusiasm.

‘Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to The White Hart’

the white hart, main street, ufford, nr stamford pe9 3bh 01780 740250

www.whitehartufford.co.uk @whitehartufford

There is a real hum about how the place is run these days that only a small handful of establishments have across our region. And, of course, at Christmas the whole pub is festooned with decorations and extra lights.

Festive Celebration Menu

The Festive Celebration menu is available up to 23 December, excepting Sundays, and is £38 for two courses and £45 for three. It needs to be booked in advance. Here’s the menu:

STARTERS

* Rissole fishcake: traditional herby Midlands cod fishcake with warm tartar sauce & an egg

* Spiced parsnip soup: a winter-warming spiced parsnip soup, served with herb oil & homemade malted loaf

* Ham hock terrine: local pork with pickled mushrooms & chutney, served with homemade bread & butter

* Roquefort cheese tart Tatin: tomato & Bramley apple tart tatin with whipped Roquefort cheese

MAINS

* Traditional Christmas turkey & ham: roast turkey and honey-roasted ham with apricot stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, chestnut & lardon sprouts, seasonal vegetables & bone marrow gravy

* Monkfish: wrapped in pancetta. served with a tarragon velouté, potato croquettes and samphire

* Ox cheek Wellington: slow-braised, tender ox cheeks wrapped in buttery pastry, served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, chestnut & lardon sprouts, seasonal vegetables & bone marrow gravy.

* Spinach, mushroom & onion Wellington: vegan Wellington, with crushed potatos, seasonal vegetables & gravy

DESSERTS

* Poached pear: warm poached pear with star anise & cinnamon notes, served with coconut sorbet

* Christmas pudding: traditional Christmas pudding with brandy cream

* Chocolate bauble: chocolate orange bauble with honeycomb & vanilla gelato

As we visited in November, we chose some of the less Christmassy dishes, and that is a strength of this menu. You may be in the mood for the full trimmings, or you may want to branch out, and the menu can satisfy both preferences, including, of course, vegan and vegetarian options.

We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and went home feeling we had been very well looked after. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to The White Hart.

Charity Wreath-Making Event

Sunday 1 December, starting at 7.30pm; £40 per person, includes wreath-making kit, mulled wine & mince pie

The team at The White Hart are excited to be hosting a Charity Wreath-Making event on Sunday 1 December with The Maxey Charity Club. This is second year of supporting the charity –last year, The White Hart helped to contribute a wonderful £1,677.

Make your own Christmas wreath to take home and get in the full Christmas spirit. To book, text Bex on 07827 665257 or email Rebecca_wfa@aol.com

The Maxey Charity Club are a team of individuals who volunteer to organise events to help raise money for various local causes. Over the years they have raised a whopping £75,000. This money has been put back into the local community.

Festive Dining

From the exquisite presentation, to the flavours and textures, we can ensure our dishes are plated to perfection. It’s all in the details...

The Chubby Castor

5 Course Festive Menu £60 pp

Christmas Day £195 pp

New Year’s Eve £145 pp

The Yard Castor

3-Course Festive Menu £36 pp

Christmas Day £80 pp

The George Inn in Oakham

Louise Goss samples the lunchtime menu at The George Inn, Oakham, following its major refurbishment

IT HAS BEEN a few years since I walked through the doors of The George Inn in Oakham. In fact, the last time was back when it was named The Whipper Inn, but after a rebrand earlier this year, I can tell that more than the name has changed. As you enter from the Market Place, where there was once a table with a couple of bar stools, there is now a big sink-into-it armchair. Plush sofas and a glowing fire greet us as we walk through into the parlour, which is already busy on a weekday lunchtime.

New owner Ryck Turner is responsible for the transformation after buying the old Whipper Inn in 2022 with a plan to complete an entire refurbishment of the inn and adjacent buildings He has focused the kitchen on sourcing the finest ingredients, and certainly everything we have tastes fresh and flavoursome. Outside there is smart new signage and a fresh lick of paint, and inside is an inviting sanctuary. Dark walls, rich tones and sumptuous furnishings create a smart yet relaxing and homely atmosphere. The dining room is more formal but still retains a lot of the old charm, with rustic dressers and lamp-lit alcoves.

A Warm Welcome & Our Lunch

We are warmly greeted by our waiter, Lamin, who takes us to our table. He is one of the friendliest waiters I think I’ve ever met, instantly making us feel welcome, with a big smile

Christmas at The George Inn

• Cosy Christmas Dining

Three-course set menu, four choices per course, see full menu on website.

Served throughout December, lunch and dinner, £35pp. Minimum reservation of four people. Must be pre-ordered and paid for in advance.

• Festive Wreath-Making Workshop

6 December, 2–5pm

£70 per person, including mulled wine & mince pie Create a luxurious, 100% compostable wreath using locally sourced materials. All tools, aprons, and supplies will be provided. The workshop will be led by Francesca, founder of Orchard Garden Flowers, a sustainable flower farm in Northamptonshire.

and a touch of humour. He takes us through into the refurbished dining room, where we have a seat overlooking the courtyard. My husband, James, and I, both comment on how it would be the perfect spot for a drink or lunch on a warm, sunny day. Today is decidedly chillier, so after ordering our drinks (one glass of beautifully smooth Malbec, and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc), I choose the soup of the day to start, and James goes for the wild mushroom pithivier.

When it comes to menus, I often look at desserts first (I am definitely a puddings person), to see whether I have a starter, but all the starters here sound very tempting: home-smoked duck breast, chicken liver parfait, lobster tortellini, and Coquilles Saint-Jaques, which I nearly opt for. But today I am after something wholesome and warming, so the vegetable soup is my ultimate choice. Thick and creamy, and served with a warm roll, it would make the perfect simple lunch on its own.

The pithier, served with truffle oil, is delicate with creamy mushrooms and a light, crisp pastry. Both starters are delicious and delivered with a smile from Lamin, who has worked at the hotel for over a decade and witnessed many changes over the years. He seems excited about the recent developments, which have certainly brought this historic inn back to life.

For our main course, I have the pan-fried sea bass. It is served stacked with soft potatoes and artichokes, which are slightly caramelised. The fish is beautifully seasoned and presented, with a crisp skin, and it works well with the slight earthiness from the artichokes, and, for balance, a fresh tomato and red onion salsa. James, meanwhile, has the Atlantic lobster, which is light and succulent and comes with chips, which are crisp and really well seasoned. Both are excellent mains.

We treat ourselves to dessert. James’ chocolate and orange torte is not overly rich but has a soft, velvety texture, and a lovely marriage of sweet and citrus. I go for the lemon and blackberry crème brulée, which is served with a wonderful, delicately flavoured lavender shortbread.

It proves to be quite a decadent mid-week lunch, but it is thoroughly enjoyable and full of flavour. I look forward to returning for an evening meal to try a few more of the dishes. As we leave, we walk back through the parlour and pass the lounge and bar. While I definitely want to come back for a meal, I might be back for a drink by the fire even sooner!

the george inn, market place, oakham le15 6dt | 01572 756971 www.thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk | @thegeorgeinnoakham

OPPOSITE & ABOVE: a showcase of dishes from The George Inn; owner Ryck Turner, relaxing in the hotel’s smartly refurbished reception area; the inviting lounge/bar.

‘Dark walls, rich tones and sumptuous furnishings create a smart yet relaxing and homely atmosphere’

Q&A with James Murray

As James Murray Finance celebrates 2 years, we catch up with founder James for a review and to find out his latest news

Remind our readers what you do at James Murray Finance. James Murray Finance is a local finance brokerage based on Broad Street, Stamford. We are all about helping businesses and individuals secure the funding they need. Whether it’s business loans, asset finance or personal car finance, we work to find tailored solutions that fit our clients’ needs.

Can you explain how you help people with car finance?

Certainly. Car finance through my brokering services allows you to either finance a car purchase or refinance an existing agreement. Statistically, over 50% of people use finance to purchase their new or used car, but many don’t realise that they can use a broker for this process.

My PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and Hire Purchase offerings often come with lower interest rates than those offered by dealerships. This often results in substantial savings for car buyers. Essentially, by using my brokering services, you can potentially save thousands of pounds on interest charges and secure more favourable terms for your car finance.

It’s now been 2 years since you started your business. How has the journey been so far?

It’s been a challenging but rewarding two years. Starting a new business, especially in the current economic climate, has its obstacles, but the support from the local community has been incredible. I’ve had the chance to work with a variety of local businesses, helping them grow, and it’s been great to start building lasting relationships.

Tell us about some of your achievements these last 2 years. The first thing that comes to mind is having the opportunity to purchase an iconic classic green Mini that you might have seen around Stamford, now branded with the James Murray Finance logo.

It’s been a privilege to save many local clients thousands of pounds on their car finance, far exceeding my initial expectations. I’ve particularly enjoyed showcasing my services at events such as the Rutland County Show and the Classic Car Show on The Meadows, and also partnered with Ignition Cars and Coffee in Ketton.

On top of that, I’ve been trusted by many local business owners to help with their cash flow and growth plans, and this reinforces my belief that James Murray Finance is moving in the right direction.

What has been the biggest challenge of starting a business in this climate?

The biggest challenge has been uncertainty. The economy has been volatile, and securing funding has become more challenging for many businesses. Luckily, I’ve got a vast panel of diverse and flexible funders to help businesses navigate these uncertain times.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a business in 2025?

Start with a solid, informed plan and commit to your vision with everything you have. You need to be prepared for unexpected challenges, but also willing to pivot and adapt. Surround yourself with a good network – don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Finally, be patient. Success doesn’t happen overnight.

What does the next 2 years hold for James Murray Finance?

I’m looking forward to growing the business even further. Over the next two years, I want to expand my services and continue to be a go-to source for finance solutions in the Stamford area and beyond.

The plan is to keep saving people money on their car purchases and help even more businesses access the funding they need to succeed, while continuing to build on the personal service for which James Murray Finance is known.

find james on social media at @jamesmurrayfinance and on youtube, where he has lots of informative content – perfect for future entrepreneurs and active business owners.

2 broad st, stamford pe9 1pb | 01780 723812, 07514 829945 james@jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk www.jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk

Local briefing

News from the region this month

The Peterborough School

The Peterborough School (TPS) has evolved over the past 129 years since its founder, Miss Hill, established a High School for girls in 1895. In 1936 the school moved to its current site and was renamed ‘Westwood House’, until its name changed back to ‘Peterborough High School’ in 1991. The first Headmaster, Mr Adrian Meadows joined the school in 2007, and he made the decision in 2010 to allow the admission of boys and ‘The Peterborough School’ was born. Since then, under his leadership, the school has advanced from strength to strength, unlocking the potential of each and every child.

TPS provides pupils with a continuous and consistent journey of progression and instils ambition, excellence and character with wraparound family support. The School has high standards and expectations, and an equally vast choice of extracurricular activities; Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a vast array of sports clubs, debating, gardening club, fencing, yoga and rock climbing to name but a few!

Children looking to join the School in Year 7 must sit the entrance tests, which take place in January prior to entry the following September. To sit the tests, children must be registered by completion and return of a school application form, which can be found on the website. If you would like your child to be considered for a scholarship upon entry into Year 7, this registration must be received prior to the entrance test date. Entrance tests are in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. They will take place on Saturday 18 January 2025.

The Peterborough School, Thorpe Rd, Peterborough PE3 6AP www.thepeterboroughschool.co.uk | @thepeterboroughschool

Spray Kitchen Elite

We talked to happy customer Elaine Peel about the respray of her kitchen cupboard doors by Spray Kitchen Elite nearly 2 years on

‘I still feel I have a new kitchen. And I just love it! Nearly two years on, I couldn’t be more pleased with the upgrade that Spray Kitchen Elite gave to the busiest room in my house when they repainted my kitchen cupboard doors. Before the kitchen was clean and tidy but bland. Now, it’s stylish and so inviting, the most used room in the house. The paint colour proved an excellent choice, and the really hard-wearing finish is as good today as when it was installed so quickly and efficiently in May 2023. I love the compliments I get when friends walk in for the first time, immediately settling themselves comfortably in there for coffee. The new look has transformed the room into a multi-purpose area.

‘And I’ve painted it too. I do my artwork in there and recently our project was to do a painting of our art area! Mine is the kitchen. When I posted my painting and the photo that inspired it on our art site, all the compliments were for the kitchen itself rather than my effort.’

From America: ‘Love seeing the photo of your very stylish kitchen’ Nancy

From Australia: ‘Lovely kitchen! I am envious!’ Shirley

From Sweden: ‘Beautiful sketch of your nice bright workspace!’ Anke

And from Rutland: ‘Love your modern environment.’ Ann. ‘Looks like a very conducive space to work in. I bet it creates some great cooking too!’ Vicky

Thank you so much to Chris and the team for such a fantastic result!

01664 823923, 07903 324055 | www.respraykitchen.co.uk @ spraykitchenelite (see full respray of Elaine’s kitchen)

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THE DECEMBER WALK

Hallaton & Keythorpe

This is a lovely walk that explores the source of the Medbourne Brook and runs along a high ridge for nearly two miles that gives you spectacular views both southwards and northwards. This would make a good winter walk on a bright day, but go well shod

words: nicholas rudd-jones

KEY DATA

Distance 7.1 miles, 11.4km

Typical time 3 hours 10 mins

Start & finish Hallaton (LE16 8UB)

Terrain Ups and downs but mostly good paths Stiles 6 stiles; lots of gates

PIT STOPS

• Fox Inn, Hallaton, LE16 8UJ (01858 374544, www. thefoxinnhallaton.com) Family-run village pub serving good pub grub.

• Bewicke Arms and the Thai Kitchen, Hallaton, LE16 8UB (07568 932136). A traditional village pub with a big twist: The

Royal Thai cuisine offers authentic Thai tastes, which are well reviewed by diners. The opening times are a bit different from a pub too (3–10pm, closed Tuesdays).

• The Nevill Arms, Medbourne. Just 5 minutes south in the car from Hallaton, and the perfect spot for a more traditional Sunday lunch. Cosy, beautifully renovated, so inviting. A personal favourite.

• Keythorpe Hall You get a view of this splendid hall on our walk. It is a secluded Georgian house nestled in the heart of the unspoilt English countryside, offering exclusive use hire for up to 20 guests. It also offers fine dining on an ad hoc basis, join their mailing list to find out what is coming up. There are Christmas Supper Club drinks and dinners on 13 and 14 December, with drinks from 7.30pm and dinner at 8pm. www.keythorpehall.co.uk

POINTS OF INTEREST

• Hallaton has a high proportion of old houses, many of which have been altered or repaired at diﬀerent dates and with diﬀerent materials. During the 17th century, ironstone was the standard building material, but there are traces in several of the houses of earlier timber construction. Hallaton lies on the edge of the stone belt and consequently brick was introduced at an earlier date than in the stone villages further east. The oldest brick house is dated 1691, and, apart from a few of the more ambitious buildings, brick was in general use from the 18th century onwards. The larger houses have slate roofs and many of the cottages are thatched.

• The famous Hallaton Bottle Kicking Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scrambling takes place on a hill to the south of Hallaton on Easter Monday each year. It is one of the few survivors of the ancient football games of England, the ancestors of soccer and rugby. Thousands of people come to watch or to take part.

• Hallaton Museum is situated in The Tin Tab, Churchgate. It is open early May to early October, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 2.30–5pm, www.hallaton-museum.co.uk

• The Great Northern and London and North Western Joint Railway, which we cross a couple of times on this walk, was closed in 1953. It went from Melton Mowbray to Market Harborough.

DIRECTIONS

Park on Hallaton’s village green close to the Bewicke Arms and walk down towards the church, then take the lane sharp right opposite the entrance to the churchyard, heading due north.

2 Where the road ﬁnishes, continue straight ahead north. Where the bridleway meets a footpath, continue along it, heading slightly left along the side of a ﬁeld, passing Hallaton Spinneys and then going through the farmyard of Keythorpe Hall Farm.

3 At the road, turn right and then right again along Crackbottle Road. Shortly after a lodge, at the end of the spinney, take the bridleway heading northeast up the hill to the high point of Ram’s Head Spinney.

4 Halfway round the Spinney, the bridleway takes oﬀ east toward the road. At the road, turn right and then shortly left along a metalled track (a route with public access).

Soon after the track goes over the disused tunnel, you reach a ﬁeld. Skirt along the top of this ﬁeld, slowly swinging round to the right, past the 170 metres trig point and then reaching Fearn Farm.

At this point you take a right (southwest) and head across a series of ﬁelds to the second railway bridge, which you cross (The path across this ﬁeld was indistinct on the day that we took it; you may get rather muddy here).

Cross the bridge and then continue to head southwest to the far-right corner of the ﬁeld, which gives onto the road.

Head south along the pavement to get back into Hallaton, passing the Fox Inn on your left; then turn right along the High Street and you will soon be back to your start point in the village.

Buttercross, Hallaton

Keythorpe Hall

Ghosts of Giving Past

This month, historian Caroline Aston tells us about ‘hospitals’, charitable foundations established to offer shelter and support to those in need

THE NATIVITY PLAY – the age-old story of shelter in a lowly stable that lies at the heart of Christmas, a time of giving enshrined in so many ancient charities. For centuries the fear of losing the means of support and the shelter of a home loomed large, especially for those with no families, in those pre-welfare state days. Many wealthy citizens made provision for the poor, but the super-rich really pushed out the financial boat and built homes to shelter life’s unfortunates. These ‘hospitals’ (nothing medical, the term comes from ‘hospitality’, the offering of shelter and support) are all around us in our counties, so here’s a Christmas selection box of a few of their stories as we celebrate the festive season in very different times.

STAMFORD

Stamford has a rich collection of foundations for the poor. The jewel in its architectural crown is the imposing Browne’s Hospital in Broad Street, founded in 1485 by wealthy merchant William Browne. However, less well-known sites have their own intriguing stories to tell. The St Peter’s Callis almshouse (later named All Saints Callis) stands in All Saints Street, though it now looks totally different to how it appeared back in 1466 when it housed 12 widows. Originally, there was accommodation on two floors with an external stone stairway, but the building fell into disrepair over the centuries. By 1859 it was described as ‘scarcely fit for habitation’ and radical action was needed: the medieval original disappeared in 1863 when architect Charles Richardson (1806–71) designed an impressive Gothic-style rebuild. Richardson was an interesting choice: he’d been a pupil of Sir John Soane, architect of London’s original Bank of England building, which was largely demolished in the 1920s.

No.3 St Peter’s Street was once home to Williamson’s Almshouse. Built in the 1600s this property became a charity in 1762, when local grocer George Williamson converted it into an almshouse to provide shelter for six poor widows. Today it’s a private house, and its interior offers fascinating glimpses into its past: elaborate ceiling plasterwork has survived, depicting sea monsters, leaves, scrolls and cherubs, while wall decoration includes vines, a fox and geese and a mouse between two cats!

Lord Burghley’s Hospital is a glorious piece of Elizabethan architecture facing The George hotel on Station Road. Once known as the Hospital of St John the Baptist and St Thomas the Martyr, the original site was founded by a monk from Peterborough Abbey in the 1100s. Decline slowly set in over the following centuries and the property was ultimately bought by Lord William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer and Secretary of State to Elizabeth I in 1594. He’d completed the building of the magnificent Burghley House 7 years

before, and his Hospital was to house 13 Stamford men who had to wear blue cloaks with his Lordship’s livery and attend St Martin’s church on Sundays.

Originally this range of buildings was enclosed by a wall subsequently demolished in 1845, and, of course, there have been many architectural changes over the centuries plus some important social ones too. The blue cloaks have long gone, and the rules changed, so that married couples and single women can now live in Lord Burghley’s much-photographed Hospital.

BARNWELL & OUNDLE

Nicholas Latham was born in Brigstock in 1548, and his father was employed by Lord Edward Montagu as Keeper of the Great Park at Boughton House. He became Rector of St Andrew’s church, Barnwell, when he was 21 and remained there till his death in 1620. He married late at 45, and his only child, a son, died in infancy, a huge blow for a sensitive and compassionate man. However, he was also a shrewd businessman determined to help the poor and afflicted: half of his annual pay went on charity and he built up a portfolio of land and property, while also founding local schools and two hospitals, one at Barnwell (1601) and the other in Oundle (1611). Barnwell was rebuilt in 1874 but originally housed ‘12 poor, lame or impotent people’, while Oundle sheltered between 8 and 12 widows and spinsters ‘of not less than 50 years of age’.

OAKHAM

Oakham is home to what is believed to be Rutland’s oldest charity, the Hospital of St John the Evangelist and St Anne, established in 1398 by William Dalby who died on 24 March 1405. The idea of founding a hospital came to him in later life after ‘reflecting that the flower of his life had been spent in… earthly occupations and levity of pleasures’. He built a house for himself at his Hospital, giving easy access to its chapel, which was serviced by two chaplains who cared for the souls of the 12 poor men who once lived there.

Archdeacon Robert Johnson, born in Stamford in 1540, founded both Oakham and Uppingham schools, as well as endowing hospitals in each town. He also re-endowed Dalby’s Hospital, and in 2011 the Archdeacon Johnson Almshouse Charity merged with the Hospital of St John and St Anne. In 2014 the Oakham site was honoured by a visit from the then Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, patron of the Almshouse Association – a right royal note to end this Christmas review of the ghosts of giving past whose gifts live on in our counties’ rich history.

A Merry Christmas to all our readers.

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Uppingham’s Mr Music

This month Steve Roberts introduces us to the

multi-talented Dick Smart

THERE is a host of musical talent in Uppingham, so I’d better have a good reason for naming Dick Smart Uppingham’s Mr Music. I have at least 3,000 (see below). A glance at the photo above, taken by his late wife Fiona, showing Dick with a plethora of instruments, gives an insight into the range and diversity of his playing. However, Dick’s impact goes far beyond his own playing skills. I am looking at a greetings card as I write this, from one of his ex-students. It was sent on the day of his retirement from teaching and starts ‘Dear Mr Smart. You have changed my life… You are the reason I got into music.’

Music Teaching

I know from my own nights out with Dick that the sender of that greetings card was one of many. Whenever we go for a drink in Uppingham’s Exeter Arms, someone will come up to thank Dick for his inspirational music teaching. Dick was a music teacher for many years, firstly at four different primary schools in Leicestershire, then at 20 (yes 20!) schools a week whilst also conducting the Leicestershire Schools Junior Orchestra. He played oboe with two orchestras and one ensemble and tuba with three bands. Latterly, he taught part time at Leighfield Primary School, Uppingham C of E Primary School, Uppingham Community College and Catmose College. He also taught individuals and reckons to have nurtured the musical talents of well over 3,000 children (see above). He may not have changed every life as he did the writer of the greetings card, but the Coventry Centre for the Performing Arts wrote of him that he was ‘an inspiration for any teacher’. (The word inspiration crops up a lot when people talk about Dick Smart.)

‘You have changed my life… You are the reason I got into music’

Dick retired from teaching aged 77, during the pandemic, when he could no longer be peripatetic. However, his love affair with all things musical did not end there. When I ask him what instruments he plays, he says: ‘I play cornet, trombone, tuba, recorder, banjo, crumhorn, piano, snare drum and, occasionally, the melodeon –but I prefer blowing things.’ The occasions he plays the melodeon are generally with Rutland Morris, of which he is an enthusiastic member. He also sings with Uppingham Choral Society.

Other Talents & Family

Mind you, we are lucky to have Dick amongst us at all. He moved to Leicestershire in 1968 from his native Hampshire to join the RAF. He became a competent flyer apart from one flaw – he could never land the damn planes. His RAF career was brief, but, given those landings, could have been even briefer. He was a better cricketer than pilot and even had a county team trial where his relatively modest height told against him as a fast bowler. Still, he was demon quick – on one occasion he took 6 wickets for only 12 runs against a clergy team, including a hat-trick where all three of his victims were bishops! He also once caught and bowled the famous West Indian Test Allrounder Keith Boyce –although Boyce had scored 82 runs in the preceding 20 minutes. Dick’s two children, with his first wife Jean, have inherited his excellent musical genes and are both professional musicians. His son Tim studied trombone at the Royal Academy of Music before going on to play with the legendary 2 tone and ska band The Specials and, in musical theatre speak, holds The Trombone Chair for the hit West End Show The Book Of Mormon. His daughter Shirley Smart studied cello at Guildhall and has performed all around the world. She has her own jazz trio and is a professor at the Royal College of Music specialising in Improvisation and Musicology.

The first time I met Dick was the day Judy and I moved in to our Uppingham house. He appeared on our doorstep with a welcoming bottle of excellent Champagne. We invited him and Fiona to share it with us. It was a very jolly evening, and Dick brought his oboe and serenaded us with Morricone’s theme from The Mission, known as Gabriel’s Oboe. I wondered at the time if Uppingham was always like this? I am glad to say – it is.

RUTLAND MORRIS

Rutland Morris are performing twice in December. On 5 December they will be outside The Crown in Uppingham at 6.15pm. On Boxing Day they will be playing at Manton’s Horse and Jockey at 11am, then in Uppingham from noon until 2pm. Uppingham Choral Society’s Christmas concert is at the Uppingham School Memorial Hall on 13 December.