Stamford Living February 2011

H e l p i n g y o u to g e t th e most o u t of l i v i n g L O C A LLY

STAMFORD Living Stamford Ghost Stories Winning entries

Activities

Pre-school fun and games

Burghley revamps

The Bull & Swan, The Orangery

ÂŁ1.50 February 2011

www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 02

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Wansford

OIEO £550,000

An individually designed large family home situated in a delightful location in the popular village of Wansford. Beautifully presented and benefiting from spacious, versatile accommodation the property is in an elevated position with lovely views over its rear garden which runs down to a pretty stream and open countryside beyond.

Easton on the Hill

This lovely stone built family home is situated in the desirable village of Easton on the Hill and briefly comprises: Living Room, Dining Room, Study, Kitchen and Utility Room.

Master Bedroom with En-Suite, Three Further Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Single Garage and Garden to the rear. Available now.

Castle Bytham

£475,000

A well presented 5 bedroom detached family home situated in a large plot in the picturesque village of Castle Bytham. Extensive accommodation briefly comprise Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Lounge, Two Sun Rooms, Study, Downstairs Bedroom, Downstairs Cloakroom, Master bedroom with ensuite, further 3 bedrooms and family bathroom.

£1,350 pcm

Elton

£1,000 pcm

An extended period style cottage with many original features in a sought-after village location. Briefly comprising: Lounge, Snug, Inner Hallway, Downstairs Cloakroom, Kitchen/ Dining Room, Utility Room, Four Bedrooms and Family Bathroom. Shared driveway with communal parking, Rear Garden, Garage, Off Street Parking and an attractive Patio Area.

Available now.

2/3 St Johns Street Stamford PE9 2DA

Sales: 01780 750000 Lettings: 01780 750001 2

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

• SL February ADS.indd 2

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STAMFORD LIVING Hello

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

This issue

Cover shot:

February 4

6

16

T

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

Subscribe to Stamford Living

St Michael’s Church, Stamford.

Photo by Calum Handley

UPFRONT, SHOPPING

Selling off our forests he government has recently instructed the Forestry Commission to sell off the half a million acres of forest land it owns to the private sector in order to raise money.

At the moment these woods provide a unique resource to the public, as there is free access throughout the woods for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. They are in effect mini-national parks dotted around our landscape, at least a dozen of which are in striking distance of Stamford.

They have easy access and are well maintained since the Forestry Commission is not driven purely by the profit motive, but also by a love of trees.

This could all change under private ownership, and some of our favourite local haunts could become much harder or even impossible to visit. Whilst the public rights of way through the woods will remain, all the many side paths and tracks dotted through a wood might become out of bounds.

If you have a local wood that you are very fond of and you want to protect your right to use and enjoy it, then sign the petition now at www.38degrees.org.uk/saveour-forests (it takes less than 30 seconds), or write to your MP. This could make a real difference to your outdoors enjoyment.

@LocalLivingUK

Wildcats half-term plans; Tolethorpe season; St Martin’s Antiques Competition Winner; A chance to support the MND Association I should Coco; Mills and Flo furniture collection; Redlands McTimoney Chiropractic Clinic Valentine’s Day Gifts

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

15

Health & Beauty: Eat well and feel good

HOME, GARDEN & TRAVEL

27 Ten ways to add value to your home FOOD & DRINK

15 EAT WELL AND FEEL GOOD

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19

31

Food & Drink: Teaching children to understand and appreciate good food Eating Out: The newly refurbished Bull & Swan reviewed; Absolute Taste caterers come to Burghley Wedding venues: Great places to get married locally

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS

31 GREAT WEDDING VENUES

12 22

24

32 35 37 39 40

Activities: Activities for under-fives Local Business: Handelsbanken comes to Peterborough: Oundle Travel; Learn the guitar Creative writing: Winners of the Stamford Ghost Story Competition Countryfile: The breeding of daffodils Stuff: Ancaster Karting; Top 5 Games Apps Car column: Choosing a car Local walk: Blatherwycke and King’s Cliffe What’s On

PERSPECTIVES

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

51 Ask Leo Special: Stamford’s second station 52 Stamford People: William Stukeley, noted archaeologist

and local resident, 1687-1765

24 WINNERS OF THE STAMFORD GHOST STORY COMPETITION

For only £20 (£30 for overseas surface mail) you can subscribe to Stamford Living for a year (12 issues).

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

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

Wildcats February Half-Term Madness

Wildcats Theatre School, based in Stamford is offering a fun packed half term for children in the local area The week begins with a Pineapple Dance class, taught by Winston Jean-Charles from Pineapple Studios Covent Garden. Each day activities are held with themes such as Greasemania and Musical Madness. On the Friday, children get a special treat as Wildcats welcomes a local TV presenter to give kids hints and tips on how to present for the camera. Each day of activities is from 09.15am – 4.15pm, at Stamford Arts Centre and further information is available on the Wildcats website: www. wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk Wildcats Theatre School perform in London’s West End Caz and Kelly-Ann from Wildcats would like to wish all of the children taking part the best of luck in their debut performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket on Sunday 30th January. The children have been rehearsing hard since they found out they were successful in November, and are now ready for the big show.

Wildcats would also like to thank those local businesses who sponsored the event, Beyond Analysis, Ketton Cement and Trinity Conferences, along with the many families who sponsored their children to take part in the dance-a-thon.

• Wildcats UK Mob: 07725 915333. LAMDA accredited theatre school classes, parties and entertainment, workshops for schools, school holiday activities and much more.

Go to www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk for more information.

A Chance to Fly High Whilst Supporting MND Association A local fundraising effort for the Motor Neurone Disease Association is set to be boosted by a Charity Auction at Stamford Garden Centre on Saturday 26th February.

The lots confirmed include the chance to fly with the Blades aerobatic display team, tickets to see Take That, a flight in a Harrier Simulator, a Virgin Balloon flight, tickets to a Q Magazine exclusive gig and a commission by local artist Michelle Hewitt.

The event not only offers the chance to bid on some exciting lots but will also include a special four course meal using Stamford Garden Centre’s on-site butchery and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Former Harrier Pilot Ned Cullen is the inspiration behind the auction. James Lamb decided to organise the event after seeing recent coverage of Ned’s 8 year battle against MND and the impact the disease has had on him and his family life. “Ned and his wife Heather have been customers of the Garden Kitchen since we opened; I wanted to do something to show our support.”

• Tickets for the dinner and auction are priced at £26 (including entry into the evening’s raffle) and can be obtained from Stamford Garden Centre either in person or by phoning 01780 765656

8 4

Boost exam success with Abacus

As competition for university places increases, pupils are under increasing pressure to deliver the best grades possible. Getting some extra help, away from the hurly burly of the classroom can make all the difference. Now Peterborough’s Abacus Tutoring Academy is offering intensive holiday courses to prepare students for GCSEs, A/S and A level exams, as well as entrance exams to local schools.

During the Easter holidays, week-long exam preparation for maths, biology, physics, English, science and chemistry are on the timetable.

The classes start on Wednesday April 13th and run on the 14th, 15th, 18th and 19th. “The aim is to kick start revision. We cover as many syllabuses as possible, and students work in small groups, with a maximum of five,” explains Lena Gooch, a partner in the Tutoring Academy. “Our teachers are recruited from schools and colleges and are fully qualified.”

The cost of a week’s tuition for one subject is £210, but rates are less if you book more than one course.

Single sessions are available at £50, or tuition can be spread over term time if preferred. During the summer break, Abacus offers coaching for local school entrance exams and the 11 plus. “The summer holidays work well because children are less tired,” explains Lena.

“Taking a week in the summer can really help to get grades up.”

• To discuss the options, call Abacus Tutoring Academy on 01733 394500. The Academy can be found at 2, Culley Court, Bakewell Rd, Orton Southgate, PE2 6WA.

St Martin’s Antiques Caption Competition winner

The winner of the £75.00 voucher, Mr Paul Butcher (left) comes from Saltby, Nr Melton Mowbray. He commented: “I love exercising my skill and humour in composing captions.”

Final clearance at Attic Weekend Attic Weekend will be having a final clearance for four days only from Thursday 27 January through to Sunday 30 January.

This grand sale will include stock from all the Attic shops, with real bargains starting from just £10 - not to be missed.

NENE VALLEY STAMFORD LIVING LIVING February July 2008 2011

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Advertisement Feature

Open the door to a world of sound!

If you’re over 60 years old there’s a 25% chance you have a hearing loss; if you’re over 75 years there’s a 44% chance.

Amazingly only a quarter of people with a hearing loss have ever done anything about it.

V

isit Healthy Hearing at their Open Day on Friday 11th February 2011 and take advantage of a free hearing assessment and demonstration of the new ‘Audeo SMART’ from Swiss hearing aid designers Phonak. The ‘Audeo SMART’ uses the latest in wireless technology and intelligent computing to allow people to

It’s Free Immediate Delivery

enjoy life to the full with the hearing they have.

• Simply call 01780 759133 to book an appointment or call in on the day at Healthy Hearing Ltd, No 1 the Old Police House, Cliff Road, Stamford, PE9 1AB. Alternatively a free home visit can be arranged at a convenient time to suit you.

Sale

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4’6” Alloy Bedstead

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Free Mattress Was £299.95

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Telephone orders taken with payment on delivery

Free Deluxe Mattress Was £499.95

Spalding

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West Street, Stamford PE9 2PS

Free testing & assembly Was £999.95

Bourne

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View our website for further offers available www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk 5

• SL February ADS.indd 5

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LOCAL NEWS

Are you fed up with aches and pains?

Upfront Local Mum launches children’s furniture collection M

ills and Flo has recently launched a beautiful new range of British-made single beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers and bedside tables; designed for boys and girls, toddlers and teens The collection is the brainchild of Stamfordbased Claire Hall, 37, who has designed all the pieces drawing inspiration from her own two children as well as input from other Mums, interior designers and also contemporary craftsmen.

In establishing Mills and Flo, Claire wanted to develop an exclusive range of simple, classic bedroom furniture at an affordable price which was made in the UK. All her children’s furniture is constructed at a joinery workshop in Bourne, Lincolnshire. It is built to last as the child grows.

A special “Make it Personal” service is offered on all pieces of Mills and Flo furniture to give customers a chance to create a perfect living space for their child, without the price tag of a custom product. The collection is available in a choice of four house colours from the Farrow and Ball colour palette and the furniture comes with the option SPECIAL of a star or heart cut-out, as well as glass, wooden or ceramic door OFFER FOR knobs.

Mills and Flo will deliver within three weeks of ordering.

STAMFORD ERS: D A Furniture is delivered fully assembled, with the exception of the E R G IN IV L bed, which will be assembled by the delivery drivers. off all nt ou sc di % 10 Take a look at the website for details on the fantastic launch off furniture, 15% offer available now. www.millsandflo.co.uk info@millsandflo.co.uk r fo r de with an or Tel: 01780 470552 Mob: 07970 280565; or you will find them at the 4 pieces NCT Parenting and Baby Show on the 5th February at the Stamford Junior School, from 10am - 3pm.

Stamford Shakespeare Company Summer wouldn’t be summer without the pilgrimage to the twilight delights of Tolethorpe and their merry band of actors. Quality acting, a stunning setting and unique ambience always makes this a night of the year to remember.

This year the company is presenting Pride and Prejudice (June 6-30 July), Hamlet (July

5-August 27) and The Winter’s Tale (June 14July 2 & Aug 1-20), a trio of classics that are bound to book up quickly.

• Reserve your tickets at www. stamfordshakespeare.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01780 756133

I Should Coco Meander clothing, shoes and accessories reopened at the start of the year under the ownership of Katharine Corbishley (née Watson). Now rebranded as ‘I Should Coco’, the business was purchased from long-time friends Lucia and Richard Reed. Located in the mews of the George Hotel the boutique offers may high quality international labels including Hoss, Goat, Sticky Fingers, Marilyn Moore and Unisa.

Katharine, a well-known face around Stamford, previously managed a leading centre hair and beauty salon in town following a successful career in international sales. It was this last role that gave her a taste for retail as she explained; “I have shopped at Meander for many years, this was a fantastic opportunity for me to run a business that I had long admired, with a loyal customer base in an exclusive location. I will also be introducing a number of new labels, both in clothing and footwear, aimed at stylish women over the age of thirty. “ • I Should Coco, 2-4 George Hotel Mews, Stamford, Tel: 01780 754413

8 6

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the functions of the nervous system and general health.

The purpose of Chiropractic care is to realign and rebalance your body to relieve pain and discomfort, and increase mobility.

Nina Dixon and Paul Hemmings are qualified McTimoney Chiropractors. They have a very finely tuned sense of touch which enables them to detect misaligned joints. Upon locating a problem they are highly trained to correct misalignments by using quick, dexterous and accurate adjustments which are generally comfortable for you to receive.

The McTimoney method of Chiropractic is well known for being a precise, whole body approach to Chiropractic care. The gentle nature of the McTimoney method makes it suitable for people of all ages including children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Back, neck & shoulder pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints, migraine, muscular aches, sports injuries and arthritic pain potentially all benefit from treatment.

Nina and Paul also employ techniques such as massage, acupuncture and rehabilitation exercises to complement their Chiropractic care.

Throughout February the Redlands McTimoney Chiropractic Clinic is offering an initial consultation for the special rate of £35 (usually £47).

This includes a full health history, a physical assessment, a working diagnosis for your condition and an individual treatment plan will be recommended.

The practice also offers hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, undertaken by Caroline Hamblin, established at Redlands for four years; and lifestyle and system analysis undertaken

by Paul Hemmings who will provide a personal analysis, and recommend top quality nutritional products from Nature Sunshine specifically for your needs.

For a limited period Redland can offer a COMPLETE PACKAGE which includes:• Chiropractic treatment to address musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and to make sure your body is prepared to perform at its best.

• Hypnotherapy.

• Personal Training sessions with Nicki Thomas from Westside Gym • Full nutritional analysis and personalised supplement package.

• Detox package.

• Free joining fee at Westside Gym (usually £25).

Prices are according to individual requirements, but you will make an average saving of £300.

• Redlands McTimoney Chiropractic Clinic, 3d Olive Branch Yard, St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DU Tel: 01780 756294

NENE VALLEY STAMFORD LIVING LIVING February July 2008 2011

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Knight Partnership A4 STAMFORD LIVING:Layout 1

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Page 1

3 red lion street, stamford pe9 1pa

01780 765060 email: mailroom@knightpartnership.com

WATERNEWTON

£2,200 pcm

HELPSTON

£585,000

Impressive period residence, dating back to 1640, carefully restored and enjoying 200ft of river frontage with mooring and fishing rights, set within formal grounds of approximately 1 acre.

Virginia Cottage, a Grade II Listed stone-built family home set in the heart of the village under a pantile roof with many original features being retained including exposed beams and inglenook fireplace.

Approached by a gated driveway with large double gates leading to extensive parking, formal gardens, terraced gardens, kitchen garden and swimming pool.

Outside there is a gravelled driveway leading to double garage and annexe, which is presently a games room, this could provide an office and be incorporated with the main property, subject to planning. To the rear is a walled lawned garden with views to the church.

THURLBY

STAMFORD

The accommodation of the main residence comprises: reception hall, drawing room, morning room, television room, sun room, conservatory, kitchen breakfast, two utilities and cloakroom. Master suite with ensuite dressing room/bathroom, guest suite with ensuite, four further bedrooms and shower room, family bathroom and cloakroom.

A distinctive and substantial stone-built family residence set within about two acres with open country views, and situated in the heart of this popular village. The house was built and designed by the present owners about 4 years ago and features a two storey French style turret, with the principle rooms taking advantage of the views across the gardens and countryside beyond.

£825,000

Features throughout the house are numerous and include superb reception hall with galleried landing, well-appointed American style kitchen, with family room off, ground floor bedroom with en-suite and playroom which could easily be adapted to form a self-contained annexe, games room over the garage with en-suite shower room.

Superb master suite, with luxurious en-suite bathroom, dressing room and circular sitting area capturing views across the garden. The second floor enjoys the benefit of two attic rooms, one being approximately 62'.

www.knightpartnership.com

• SL February ADS.indd 7

The accommodation briefly comprises: large reception hall, drawing room, dining room, study, superbly refitted kitchen with Barratt & Swann units opening through to a lovely breakfast-family room, utility and cloakroom. master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room, four further bedrooms and family bathroom.

£525 pcm

A rare opportunity to acquire a home in this prestigious mill conversion which is set on the outskirts of Stamford town.

The apartment is set in this idyllic situation within mature grounds and river.

The property captures open views with allocated parking, two bedrooms, sitting room, integrated kitchen and bathroom.

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FOOD & DRINK

Teaching children to understand and appreciate good food Sarah Lyon discovers that The Food for Life Partnership (FFLP) is making a real impact on the food culture in schools linking local producers and farms, caterers and schools to create better school meals

I

recently prepared a lunch for The Soil Association’s Food for Life Partnership team at Woodlands Organic Farm near Boston, Lincolnshire using produce grown and reared on the farm. The Food for Life Partnership (FFLP) is making a real impact on the food culture in schools, linking local producers and farms, caterers and schools to provide the best of school meals where the journey from Bronze through to Gold follows a step-bystep framework to achieving more seasonal and higher quality food.

Kate Shaw of the FFLP explains: “The Food for Life Partnership is working to reconnect young people and their families with the whole story of what food is and where it comes from. We help to make real working links between food producers, caterers and the consumers of food in schools so that everyone involved in the food chain is in contact with each other and able to share their knowledge and experiences.

“For example, Woodlands Farm grows organic potatoes (amongst many other things), these are bought by The Farm Kitchen, the first and only school caterer in Lincolnshire to be awarded the Gold Food for Life Catering Marque, and are served to pupils at nearby Helpringham Primary School.

“The pupils at Helpringham visit Woodlands Farm on a regular basis throughout the seasons to learn about how the farm produces those very potatoes that they eat in their schools meals. The children are also growing their own fruit and vegetables in their school garden, some of which are collected by their caterers and used in the production of their school meals.

In this very practical and real way children are learning to understand, enjoy and appreciate their food.”

8

CASE STUDY – THE FARM KITCHEN Hundreds of Lincolnshire children are benefiting from good quality school meals freshly prepared and made using local ingredients The Farm Kitchen, was set up by Victoria Howe in July 2006 when the company was supplying school meals to just four local schools.

The business has grown and now they are preparing and delivering hot meals to 58 schools each day. In 2008 Victoria opened a state of the art kitchen after converting a disused barn on her husband’s farm. Everyday, fresh ingredients arrive from a local butcher and farm shop and meals are prepared from scratch for delivery to schools in hotbox containers.

The Farm Kitchen is a member of Select Lincolnshire, the organisation that promotes Lincolnshire food and farming.

The Farm Kitchen and St Gilbert’s School, Stamford “From March 2010 The Farm Kitchen have been successful in being awarded the tender to run the kitchen at St Gilbert’s School in Stamford. The School have had a brand new kitchen built that will supply meals to the school and deliver them to surrounding local schools. We are very much looking forward to working closely with the school and will be aiming to assist them in achieving their Food for Life Partnership awards. We will be offering a varied and exciting menu using as much local and fresh produce as possible, and obviously with our Food for Life status over 30% of the ingredients we use will be organic,” says Victoria.

PROFILE on Victoria The first building blocks for The Farm Kitchen were put in place ten years ago, when Victoria completed a Cordon Bleu cookery course followed by a food and agricultural related degree at the University of Reading. She went on to work for nearly four years as the marketing manager for the meat and dairy buying department at Waitrose.

“Working at Waitrose taught me about the importance of rewarding and looking after the people who work with you. One of the reasons we have such a good team is that we can offer flexible employment in a rural area just in term time and during the school day, which is perfect for many mothers. They also appreciate how important the quality of the food and service we offer is because a lot of them have children going to the schools we supply,” says Victoria.

A PASSION FOR FOOD www.thefarmkitchen.com “All our menus meet the requirements of the Gold Food For Life Partnership standards and we are the only caterer in the country to have achieved this award.

This means that: • At least 30% of ingredients are organic or Marine Stewardship Council certified • At least 50% of ingredients are locally sourced • Organic meat, dairy products or eggs served are the highest welfare standard • All of our chicken is from free-range hens, reared on open pastures in Norfolk • All of our pork is from outdoor reared pigs, produced near Newark • Our meats contain no undesirable food additives or hydrogenated fats • All of our meats meet UK welfare standards and our eggs are from free-range hens • Our meals are produced by well trained catering staff • Our meals contain no GM ingredients • No fish is served from the Marine Conservation Society ‘fish to avoid’ list.”

LOCAL SOURCING - LINKING SCHOOLS WITH FARMS “All our potatoes are now organic, as are many of our vegetables.

These are being supplied by Woodlands Organic Farm. We had some fantastic cauliflowers and broccoli delivered yesterday that were delivered freshly ‘on ice’ to maintain their quality and freshness.

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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Food For Life Partnership – Linking Schools with Farms – On My Land Activity Pack We are supporting farmers across the country to open their gates and invite schools onto their farms. Our aim: to offer a wide range of hands on experience that schools can continue to build on in the classroom.

Contact Liz Smales – esmales@soilassociation. org - 07500 700072 Host farm Woodlands Organic Farm, Visits to the farm typically take the form of a farm walk with activities arranged according to the season. These might include egg collecting, seed sowing, vegetable picking or packing a vegetable box.

Farmer Andrew Dennis, who leads many of the visits himself says, ‘Underlying everything we do at Woodlands is the wish to in some way foster understanding and affection for the miracle of the land. School visits form one important way in which this can be achieved.

The Food for Life Partnership is a really wonderful initiative.’

Denise Hornsey, Food in Schools Sustainability Advisor says, “Lincolnshire County Council is very supportive of school meals and believes strongly that with good food and good food education children get a fair chance to learn and achieve at school.

Good food education, including cooking and growing, gives young people the skills and knowledge they need to take responsibility for their own diet and health of their future families.

FLAG SHIP SCHOOL – Food For Life Silver Award Bourne Westfield Primary School is working with the Food for Life Partnership to transform its food culture, and that of its community.

The school has insured that there is real thought given to the food that is served each day making sure there is a high level of healthy food, with no additives, organic produce is included and where ever possible food is locally sourced. In support of this there is a School Nutrition Action Group consisting of concerned adults and proactive children who want to make sure that a healthy diet and good knowledge about quality food is shared with the whole school community.

Year 6 pupil Aimee Smith told me: “We grow our own food and some of it goes into the school kitchens. We have several gardening and cooking clubs and recently we had a Food for Life Celebration which was a fantastic success.”

The Food for Life Celebration Farmer’s Market was supported by parents, grandparents and friends of the school.

Over twenty local producers and retailers supported the event selling a wide range of products from hams and meats to fruit and vegetables, as well as fine oils, breads, honey, cakes and garden plants. Check out the School Blog at www.foodforlife.org.uk for more info

The school has been busy preparing and planting raised beds too. A successful ‘Dig Day’ last May saw about 50 staff, parents and children turn up to fill the beds with about 100 tonnes of earth! Each year group has responsibility for their own beds and have decided what to grow in them.

Tim Bright, Head Teacher explains why the school decided to join the FFLP: “We have found joining the Partnership an excellent way of focussing the children’s attention on the quality of food they eat. The Silver Award is an added bonus

and demonstrates that good work staff, governors and parents are doing to ensure the whole school community works together for the benefit of the children.”

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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19/1/11 17:31:08

H

Gently and effectively re-aligns your whole body for relief of: • • • •

Neck & back pain • Muscle & joint pain Arthritic pain • Headaches • Neuralgia Sports injury • Repetitive strain injury Chartered Physiotherapist now available

H

D h F

Tel: 01780 756294 Mob: 07921 123 997

3d Olive Branch Yard, St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2HU

T t P i P

Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan Truter

F p

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• • •

Specialise in treating the following areas: • Low self esteem and loss of confidence • • Anxiety, panic and stress • • Depression, low mood and despair • • Phobias, obsessions and ruminations •

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

Milia...

The Hair Boutique

The Haycock Hotel, Wansford Relaxing and spacious hair salon within the grounds of the beautiful Haycock Hotel

The Brazillian Blowdry is available.

A treatment to eliminate up to 95% of frizz whilst revitalising & rejuvenating the hair

Before

Prices start from £175, this includes shampoo & conditioner to take home and your consultation.

Consultations are being given so book now!

After

Please call: 01780 781102 Opening Times:

Sun/Mon – Closed, Tue & Fri 9am – 5pm Weds 9am – 8pm, Thurs – Closed (by appointment only) Sat 9am – 3pm

www.wansfordshairboutique.com 10

• SL February ADS.indd 10

19/1/11 16:47:15

Healthcare choices Healthcare services for the whole community at Fitzwilliam Hospital Did you know you can have your healthcare at Fitzwilliam Hospital?

The hospital provide services for the whole community through Premium Care for private and insured patients and through Patient Choice for NHS patients.

Fitzwilliam Hospital offers all patients:

• • •

Consultant-delivered care

• • • •

Very low infection rates

State-of-the-art equipment Small, friendly hospital in peaceful surroundings High quality care Good nurse-patient ratios Free parking and easy to find

Insured patients

OPTION

1

NHS patients

OPTION

2

If you have medical insurance, please use it to enjoy the benefits of private treatment at the Fitzwilliam Hospital which include:

If you are being referred by your GP for NHS treatment you have a right to choose the hospital you are referred to under the Patient Choice charter.

• Your choice of consultant

Fitzwilliam offer a wide range of services to NHS patients at no charge to patient or GP.

• Early and flexible appointments with the Premium Care fast track card • Hotel comforts on admission Ask your GP to refer you for private treatment at the Fitzwilliam.

Ask your GP if you can be referred to the Fitzwilliam for your treatment under Patient Choice.

Self-pay patients

OPTION

3

Premium Care benefits are available to paying patients on our full range of services.

Many patients are now choosing to pay for early treatment of NHS low priority health problems such as varicose veins, sterilisation reversals, lumps and bumps and carpal tunnel treatments.

A full range of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments is also available under the Vive brand.

Call today for a quote for your healthcare.

If you would like to chat through the options or for general enquiries about Fitzwilliam Hospital and the services offered please contact us today.

Email: enquiries@fitzwilliam-hospital.co.uk or visit: www.fitzwilliam-hospital.co.uk

Call us today and find out more 01733 261717 11

• SL February ADS.indd 11

19/1/11 16:47:31

ACTIVITIES

Pre-Scool ballet class

Activities for under-fives From crafts to karate, there are numerous activities for young children in Stamford, says local mum Alysia Anderson Playgroup fun At just £1 per family, including tea, coffee and sweet treats, Stamford’s playgroups are an affordable and enjoyable way to socialise with other parents and children. On Mondays at 9.30am, the Tick Tock group in St Mary and St Augustine’s church hall on Broad Street combines crafts with songs and stories. Each week a different parent organises the craft activity, so there’s always an element of surprise. Tuesday mornings bring a choice of two popular playgroups: Seedlings, held at George’s Place on St Mary’s Street, and Shining Stars in the United Reformed Church Hall on Broad Street. Both run from 10 to 11.30am, with lots of toys and activities. In the afternoon, the Earlybird Nursery near Stamford Junior School holds a free drop-in playtime from 2-3pm. The nursery moved to a brand-new building last year so has fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas. Access is via the Cattle Market car park at the rear but call

12

Playtime

before your first visit to obtain the gate entry code.

On Wednesdays there’s no excuse not to get out and about. You could start at 9.30am with a jolly singalong to nursery favourites at Tinkers music group at George’s Place.

Follow this with the Twinkletots playtime and crafts at Trinity Methodist Church on Barn Hill, from 10.15am.

The church also has a welcoming café serving affordable Fairtrade food for kids and grown-ups, so why not stay for lunch?

There’s a toy corner and all the café profits go to good causes. Round off the day with free storytime, songs and colouring at Stamford Library at 2pm. Also on Wednesday mornings is the NCT’s Tiddlywinks playgroup, held at All Saints’ Hall on Scotgate at 10am. Caroline Hartley, one of the NCT volunteers, says “This is a great group for mums with babies as one

half of the hall is carpeted and has baby gyms.

The NCT also arranges talks at the group by organisations like Tumbletots or the Children’s Centre to inform new mums about other activities for children”. On Thursdays, Christ Church on Green Lane hosts a playgroup from 9.30 to 11.30am with toys, crafts, songs and storytime. In the afternoons here, from 1-3pm, parents of twins and triplets can share tips at the free Twinklets group.

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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Putting children at the centre Just opposite Christ Church is a great resource for families: the Stamford Children’s Centre.

A host of free activities and services is offered here courtesy of Lincolnshire County Council, from baby massage classes and breastfeeding support to messy play, music and dance sessions for pre-schoolers.

There are groups for dads and grandparents and opportunities to talk to educational psychologists or speech therapists if required. You can also sign up for free workshops on topics such as nutrition or first aid.

Feel the rhythm Despite Noel Coward’s advice not to put your daughter (or, indeed, son) on the stage, there are plenty of opportunities for petite performers to learn their craft. Most of Stamford’s music, drama and dance classes require booking for a whole term, but a free trial session is usually offered and there’s often a discount for siblings.

Music teacher Julie Digby introduces children aged six months to five years to beat, rhythm, pitch and tempo through guitar playing, singing and movement.

Her Mini Music Makers classes are divided into three age groups and are held at the Arts Centre on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Classes cost £4.50 each for a term of six. Paula Frew of Debutots adds plenty of drama to her interactive singing and storytelling sessions at Barn Hill, on Fridays at 9.45 or 10.45am.

Mother-of-two Paula Cooper says, “Each week there’s a new story which the children hear then re-enact with vigour. Paula is full of life and the children love her. It’s an invigorating class and the refreshments at the end are always very welcome!” Classes are £4.75 each, payable termly, with siblings half-price. Drama queens and kings aged four can tread the boards at Wildcats Theatre School’s Mini classes, held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at the Arts Centre. The cost per term is £85.

Last year, the Welland School of Dancing was taken over by former pupil Maggie Purr. Maggie introduced Twinkle Tots classes for two- to three-year-olds on Mondays at 12.45 and also runs Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday classes for dancers aged three to four. Cost per term is £43.50, with free two-week taster sessions available. Mums and toddlers can strut their stuff together at new Jem’s Hip Hop classes, held at Barn Hill on Mondays at 1.30pm.

Jem explains: “I wanted to run a class for parents too, so I do simple routines that tone up the mums and are also fun for the kids”. Babies are welcome, with chairs and toys provided, and the classes cost £4.50 per family. Jem also runs evening classes for children aged three to seven, on Thursdays at the United Reformed Church Hall and on Fridays at Malcolm Sargent School.

Active kids Water babes will enjoy Stamford Leisure Pool’s Toddler Splash sessions, held on Tuesdays at 2-4pm and Wednesdays from 11am-12pm, at £4.20 per child. Private lessons are also available for children from six months upwards or in groups from age three. Or perhaps you have a budding Wimbledon champion at home. Youngsters aged four can master forehands and volleys during group coaching at Stamford Tennis Club, just off Conduit Road, on Wednesday afternoons or Saturday mornings.

Tumbletots, along with its baby version Gymbabes, aims to improve agility with balancing, climbing and bouncing on special equipment for children aged from six months to four years.

Class times vary according to age and are held on Mondays at the Arts Centre and Thursdays at Barn Hill. Or improve your child’s confidence and concentration with karate lessons. EWF Martial Arts runs classes at 5.30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at St George’s Primary School, for kids aged four upwards.

Wannabe Beckhams can choose from two

soccer schools operating in Stamford. Glenn Vaughan of One Touch Football says, “Our Soccer Tots sessions are for pre-schoolers from the age of two and a half and cover basic techniques such as dribbling, passing, balance and shooting”. Sessions cost £3.50 and are held in Stamford College sports hall on Drift Road at 5pm on Fridays. Unusually, Little Kickers was set up by two mums. They wanted to instil confidence and co-ordination in kids aged from two to seven, using football as a fun forum. Stamford classes are held at Casterton College on Ryhall Road on Saturday mornings at various times according to age, at £39 for six.

Words and pictures They say learning a language is easier the younger you start. Andrew Hartley’s Fabulous French classes use music, puppets, stories and games to encourage children (and rusty parents!) to learn basic words and phrases in a fun way. Have you ever read Le Gruffalo?

“By repeating songs and rhymes on a regular basis, following familiar routines and playing games, children gain confidence in learning and speaking French,” says Andrew. Classes are held at Barn Hill at 10.30am on Mondays and cost £3 per adult and £2 per child. Alternatively, release your child’s inner artist at Nikki Morpeth’s Messy Tots art and craft workshops. The drop-in classes cost £3.50 and are held at the Arts Centre (down the side passage) on Tuesdays at 10am. They’re a great opportunity for kids to make a mess away from home.

“Don’t forget to wear your old clothes!” warns Nikki.

Christ Church Tel: 01780 756212; www.christchurchstamford.com Debutots Tel: 01733 788148; www.debutots.co.uk Earlybird Nursery Tel: 01780 484418; www.seslincs.sch.uk EWF Martial Arts Tel: 0800 689 9345; www.martial-arts-stamford.info Fabulous French Tel: 01536 771940; www.fabulousfrench.co.uk Jem’s Hip Hop Tel: 07590 271752; www.jemshiphop.co.uk Little Kickers Tel: 07976 179899; www.littlekickers.co.uk Messy Tots Tel: 01780 763203; www.stamfordartscentre.com Mini Music Makers Tel: 01778 560305; www.musicexplorers.co.uk NCT Tel: 01476 860750; www.nct.org.uk One Touch Football Tel: 07880 703784; www.onetouchfootball.co.uk Seedlings and Tinkers Tel: 01780 481800; www.stgeorgeschurch.net Shining Stars www.stamfordurc.co.uk Stamford Children’s Centre Tel: 01780 764072; www.lincolnshire.gov.uk Stamford Leisure Pool Tel: 01780 765522; www.harpersfitness.co.uk Stamford Library Tel: 01522 782010; www.lincolnshire.gov.uk Stamford Tennis Club Tel: 07939 095713; www.stamfordtennis.co.uk Trinity Methodist Church Tel: 01780 762282; www.stamfordmethodistchurch.org.uk Tumbletots Tel: 01832 272127; www.tumbletots.com Welland School of Dancing Tel: 07921 213024; www.wellandschoolofdancing.co.uk Wildcats Theatre School Tel: 07725 915333; www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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During February 15% off clarins Signature Body Massages and Facials

All beauty treatments half price during February with ex Hollywood make up artist Lisa Hinks

• Hollywood Spray Tan £10 • Manicure or Pedicure £12.50

Bridal & Prom Make-up and Make-up Lessons available Lily Lolo Mineral Make-up | Airbrushing and Camouflage Make-up Offer excludes Foundation Cards

Mon & Tues 9am-5.30pm • Wed to Fri 9am-7pm • Sat 8.30am-4pm

24 St Mary’s Street, Stamford - Tel: 01780 752725

Call Lisa on 07952 602145

2 Westwood Drive, Bourne, PE10 9QH www.bridalmakeupandhair.co.uk

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â&#x20AC;˘ SL February ADS.indd 14

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Health and Beauty

Eat well feel good Genevieve Potter discovers a way of eating that could ensure you never have to go on another diet again

I

f you overindulged at Christmas and still can’t face the thought of a cuppa without a mince pie or a handful of chocolates, you’re probably contemplating a “drastic” regime this spring, involving low-calorie dieting and over-zealous exercising.

But beware, this approach is generally counter-productive, as you will end up feeling lethargic, miserable and very hungry indeed!

Instead I recommend working with a good nutritionist, like Sophie Driver from Stamford’s Broad Street Practice, to come up with an eating plan which works in the long term, as well as incorporating some exercise which you enjoy in your day to day life.

Sophie comments: “Food is a central part of health. Eating well and feeling good go hand in hand and the right diet encourages weight loss, gives increased energy and helps fight off winter bugs.”

Many people find losing weight a challenge and having lost it, struggle to keep it off. With this in mind I’ve developed a Food Plan with a range of clients and they’ve all experienced weight loss of between one stone and two stone, they’ve also felt more energised and healthy.”

As one of Sophie’s clients put it: “Sophie’s food plan has transformed my eating habits and helped me lose a whopping 17lbs in nine weeks! The first week was quite difficult as a lot of the foods I ate regularly were cut out, but it was just a matter of breaking old habits and learning new, healthier ones. I am at the end of the nine-week plan, but because I wasn’t starving myself, I’m not worried about putting the weight back on as with other ‘diets’. I did have some naughty treats over Christmas, but the day after I just continued with the plan. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to eat healthier, feel better in themselves and lose a bit of weight!

Thanks so much to Sophie!”

&

My top three tips for managing your weight 1

Focus on what you’re putting in to your body rather than fixating on what you’re depriving yourself of – think of your body as a finely tuned engine which needs the highest quality fuel!

2

Don’t let a bad day turn in to a bad week – we all have occasions where it’s easy to slip off the wagon – but don’t use this as an excuse to slide back into bad habits.

3

If you really want to eat something that’s less than healthy, wait ten minutes – phone a friend, go for a walk, distract yourself. The craving will generally pass.

Sophie Driver The Broad Street Practice 20-21 Broad Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 480889 www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk

The nine-week programme includes weekly reviews with expert support, weekly meal planners, recipes and shopping lists. A detox week can be added to help kickstart the Food Plan and cleanse any seasonal excesses.

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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FASHION INSIDER

Valentine’s Day There’s nothing memorable about February, so when Valentine’s Day comes along be prepared - brighten up just one day with some inspirational ideas, celebrate your love and search out alternatives to red roses and chocolates! Sally Stillingfleet has been on the lookout for clues as to what to buy!

J

o Poulter runs her own florist’s business Bespoke Buds from home, carefully tailoring her customer’s own requests with her personal flair and unique style.

Here she gives some tips on how to impress on the day. “I would suggest some prior thought to flowers given on Valentine’s Day. Why not choose some of the flowers that were in your wife’s Bridal bouquet?

Moving away from the traditional red rose choice can be more cost effective.”

The key to giving is to do so with the lover in mind not the giver, a mistake often encouraged by manufacturers of rather tasteless, bawdy items often in red! Flowers or a delicious perfume will be much appreciated whereas a red and black number with itchy lace will not!

At Chameleon Giselle buys lingerie she knows fits beautifully in flattering colours which make a girl feel good; often with flower details and sometimes little pearl or crystal jewels! Helsinki

by Prima Donna from £95 “We also stock Ruth Mastenbroek’s signature perfume and body care ranges. A rich but not heavy floral scent of blackcurrant, pink peppercorn, bergamot and of course the ever romantic rose!”, Giselle explained. From £32.

A bit of Hollywood Glam wouldn’t go amiss.

Treat her with a Hollywood package from celebrity make-up artist Lisa Hinks. Lisa is an international make-up artist and has helped many A list celebs. With all the experience she has gained through working with Aveda, Bobbi Brown and Daniel Sandler, she is now offering amazing packages from her new premises in Bourne. The latest airbrush base can be applied for long-lasting results – proms, weddings etc. and teamed with Lily Lolo mineral make-up, of which she is the only local stockist. A Hollywood Glam Deluxe package will cost only £95 and include luxury manicure, luxury pedicure and a makeover with complimentary gloss. Lisa can put together any package with her expertise and tried and tested extensive product knowledge.

A trip to Aromatica will fill the senses with

16

evocative scents with fragrance from Creed for him and her. If you are looking for something different then try Neom’s body lotion and body wash set, or a scented candle. Why not indulge in Ren’s Rose Bath Oil (£32) or amazingly brilliant Rose Sugar Body scrub (£26).

A Meal for two in February can be just as romantic as dining out on the actual day in my opinion. Take advantage of the fantastic offers around. Try a two course lunch or the early diner menu at The Crown for £9.50 or Lunch for Less at selected local restaurants such as The Berkeley Arms, Hambleton Hall, Langar Hall, The Marquess of Exeter, The Olive Branch and the Red Lion Inn during February.

A romantic film followed by a cosy Cellar Bar drink at Stamford Arts Centre on Monday 14th February. The classic film ‘It happened One Night’ is showing.

DIRECTORY Bespoke Buds - Jo Poulter, Tel: 01733 344738 - www.bespokebuds.com Foxtail Lily - 41 South Rd, Oundle, Tel: 01832 27459 Chameleon – 5 St. Mary’s Hill, Stamford.

Tel. 01780 755405 enquiries@chameleonboutique.co.uk Aromatica – 10 St.Mary’s Hill, Stamford.

Tel. 01780 482630 Stamford Arts Centre 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com The Crown Hotel – 01780 763136 Lisa Hinks – Hollywood Glam 2 Westwood Drive, Bourne, PE10 9QH. Tel. 07952 602145 www.Bridalmakeupandhair.co.uk You and Beyond, 14 St. Mary’s St, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 755996 You Gifts, 30 St Mary’s St. Tel: 01780 765001 Ruby Loves 3&4 Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 764626

WHATEVER THE MOOD ‘Comfortable Love’ – a delightful cushion from ‘You’ (£47)

‘Romantic Love’ – A Pandora bracelet, including mother of pearl hearts (£220); from You & Beyond

‘Luxurious Love’ – a range of bath products to relax with – Soap (£5.50), Exfoliating Body wash (£14.50), Bath pearls (£25); from Ruby Loves

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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• SL February ADS.indd 17

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“Be my Valentine” The Taste of the Orient

Let the Romance Blossom at East......

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kitchens for life

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celebRates 30 yeaRs - 1980 - 2010

Enjoy Valentine’s Day at Hambleton Hall, a truly romantic house with sensational views over Rutland Water.

Monday, 14th February 2011 Florentine Raviolo with a artichoke velouté flavoured with white truffle oil *** Roast Breast of Goosnargh Duck with caramelised endive & a ginger & lemon grass sauce *** Pavé of White & Dark Chocolate *** Coffee & home-made Chocolates Our special Valentine’s menu is available for lunch and dinner at

£55.00 per person.

Please note, we now only have availability for dinner with accommodation Our bedrooms are from £235.00, based on 2 people sharing, including a full Hambleton breakfast, morning newspaper & VAT All menus are subject to a 12.5% discretionary service charge.

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

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EATING OUT

The Bull & Swan at Burghley Amanda Wheeler discovers seasonal locally-produced food with a warm welcome

W

hat makes a pub a local? I’ve tried and tested every pub in Stamford at least once in my quest for the perfect local. You can have a great night out at the Periwig or the Crown. You can enjoy a quiet pint or two in the King’s Head or meet up with a large group of friends at the Tobie Norris. You can sink into the comfy chairs while enjoying a sarnie in the York Bar at the George.

You can listen to some excellent live music at Mama Liz’s. And you can definitely while away a few merry hours eating and drinking at the Bull & Swan on High Street St Martin’s.

Under new management and fully renovated, it’s now been rebranded the Bull & Swan at Burghley, as the pub forms part of the Burghley Estate. On the first day I visited, they were hosting the Burghley staff Christmas party, so the kitchen was unable to cope with walk-in diners. I returned and successfully ate lunch the next day and the next and the next and the next. I’ve met friends there, had a romantic date with the husband, lunch with my mum and taken the inlaws. On New Year’s Day, we even enjoyed lunch for eighteen with an alarming adult : child ratio of 1:2 (that’s twelve children) and the staff didn’t flinch. Of course, these multiple visits were all in the name of research for Stamford Living and not at all to do with the fact that the pub is truly outstanding.

Great local ales, an extensive wine list with many by the glass, traditional, stylish décor and fires burning in all three fireplaces, friendly and helpful staff. But the crowning glory has to be the food.

Over the course of my many visits, I tried and enjoyed almost the entire menu. Highlights definitely include: Burghley Estate venison scotch egg - on its own or as part of a Sharing Slate; Barrowden ale battered fish of the day, complete with scrap of newspaper; and Apple and blueberry crumble - I can’t resist a dish that comes with custard and this was delicious, light and crunchy (and the staff gave me an

extra jug of custard when the first ran out). The seasonal menu contains locally-sourced produce with sandwiches and chips from £5.50, sharing slates (£14.50 for two), a set menu (£12.50 for two courses), vegetarian choices and a Little Adults’ menu at £7.95 with 50p going to a local school.

Still on my to-do-list is their innovative Sunday lunch: £40 for four gives you a pot-roast (chicken, beef or pork) with all the trimmings. The Bedlam dining room provides the same food in a more formal setting. I gave it a go, but found the service a bit hit and miss and would definitely opt for the pub in terms of atmosphere.

This all bodes well for the Lady Anne Hotel, which is due to open in June this year under the same team and renamed the William Cecil.

So what makes a pub a local? A mix of great ales, fine wine, delicious food, friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. And even though I have to walk past four other pubs to get there, the Bull & Swan is now officially my local.

• The Bull & Swan, High Street St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ In a nutshell: simple but delicious British pub food Food served: 12:00 – 2:30 and 6:00 – 9:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:00 – 8:00 Sunday Manager: Ben Larter previously at the White Hart in Ufford Head Chef: Phil Kent from the Bath Arms at Longleat Child-friendly and dog-friendly Loyalty card scheme called The Club – I think I’ll be needing it Seven quirky en-suite bedrooms ranging in price from £90 to £110 – one bedroom has the bathtub alongside the bed! (Check their website for special offers on the rooms) Part of the “Quirky Luxury” Hillbrooke Hotel group Telephone: 01780 766412 Website: www.thebullandswan.co.uk

Absolute Taste takes up residence in Burghley House I

n January Absolute Taste, the renowned events and catering company, started to supply all food and drink at Burghley House.

This includes The Orangery restaurant, the Garden Café and all catering for any events held at Burghley House.

In addition to the events and catering projects for which it has become known, Absolute Taste has seen huge success in Absolute Taste cafés: the Design Café and Dome Café at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, Absolute Taste at Quintessentially Soho House of St Barnabas and their first fully branded restaurant Absolute Taste in Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge.

Lyndy Redding, Managing Director of Absolute Taste, comments on this new partnership: “It is an honour that Absolute Taste has been chosen as the caterer for Burghley House. We have loved the venue from the moment we were first shown around. I always say that if

you are given an amazing canvas you can’t go wrong! We are very much looking forward to working with Burghley to create something really special, and hope that it becomes a place to enjoy not just for its history but for the food too!”

Designed by the famous ‘Capability’ Brown, The Orangery restaurant has undergone an interior refurbishment adding a contemporary twist to the current traditional feel. This change includes Vincent Shepherd Lloyd Loom chairs, Farrow and Ball paint and lovely Sophie Conran

china, mixed with a modern look of slate and Perspex with old Oak tables and enamel pie dishes and jugs. The menu at The Orangery Restaurant continues Absolute Taste’s ethos for locally sourced fresh ingredients, using unique products from small neighbouring suppliers.

Miranda Rock, Director of the Burghley House Preservation Trust says: “We are delighted to welcome Absolute Taste to Burghley and excited at the prospect of having one of the country’s leading catering and events companies providing the highest quality food for our visitors to the house and for private functions. We very much look forward to working with them.”

The Orangery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm until the House and Gardens open on 19th March, then 10am to 5pm Saturday to Thursday (closed on Fridays). The Garden Café will be open from 11am to 5pm including Fridays from 19th March.

• www.absolutetaste.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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St. Valentines Dinner Saturday 12th Februar y and Monday 14th Februar y Menu at £29.50 per person Canapés and Prosecco cocktail on arrival Chicken Liver Parfait – sauterne jelly – warm toasted brioche Cornets of Finest Scotch Smoked Salmon – soft shell crab mousse – tomato & sherr y vinaigrette Goats Cheese, Pink Grapefruit, Avocado Salad – fresh lime dressing Love Cup Fillet of Beef Wellington – chianti sauce – por tobello mushrooms Dauphinoise potatoes – selection of green vegetables Breast of Gressingham Duck – sweet bitter kumquat sauce Fondant potatoes – red cabbage Fillets of Dover Sole – dr y vermouth and grape sauce Minted potatoes – wilted spinach Plum Tomato & Mozzarella Tar t – peppered rocket – balsamic dressing Chocolate Tear Drop – filled with strawberr y mousse

Make it a

Valentine’s Day to remember...

Valentine Romantic Escape at Barnsdale Hall Hotel Relax and unwind together in our unique Floatation Therapy Tank followed by total indulgence of Pink Sparkling Wine, Chocolates & Strawberries.

Romantic dinner, overnight accommodation and full English breakfast, for only

£79.50 per person per night.

This offer is available throughout February.

Passion fruit Pavlova Selection of Cheeses Dolce Latte – Mature English Cheddar – Cornish Blue Biscuits – grapes – celer y

Additional nights available from £60.00 per room per night inclusive of Bed and English breakfast.

Coffee or Tea and chocolate truffles

In order to make your booking please contact reservations on The Barn | Old Barn Passage St Mar y’s Street | Stamford | PE9 2HG

Tel: 01780 489169 Email: enquiries@thebarnstamford.com

01572 757901

Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB

www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

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20/1/11 12:09:09

Sunday Lunch Hours Extended

From now on a traditional Sunday lunch can be enjoyed throughout the afternoon and early evening at The Exeter Arms, Easton on the Hill and at The White Hart, Ufford. Available from 12 noon to last orders at 6.00pm.

Meanwhile at The Crown Hotel, Stamford, Sunday lunch is served from 12 noon through to 6.00pm. The Ă la carte menu is available from 6.00pm to 9.00pm with a Sunday roast always featured. Please see a sample dinner menu at www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk/menus

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

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

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

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LOCAL BUSINESSES

Family Explorer Holidays For 2011

Handelsbanken sets up in Peterborough How refreshing. A bank you really can actually talk to without having to remember the colour and make of your first car or your mother’s maiden name, where you can call up and know the person you are talking to. In fact the only people you will ever talk to are the tight-knit team based in the Peterborough office.

Handelsbanken has the ‘human touch’ which makes an enquiry or request enjoyable, backed up by the reputation and experience of a bank that has been around and thriving for 140 years.

Handelsbanken was founded in Sweden in 1871 and is one of the leading banks in the Nordic region with 700 branches worldwide. It has always believed in a highly personalised service with the minimum of bureaucracy. The bank’s key philosophy is ‘being local’ and it has a very decentralised structure – which means that in the eyes of the customer, ‘the branch is the bank’ – there are no tiered telephone answering systems, just the people you know and can contact anytime.

There are 93 branches in the UK, and in November 2010 a branch was launched in Peterborough.

The Peterborough team comprises Julian Turner (Branch Manager), Mike Aikman (Corporate Account Manager), Paul Simmons (consultant), Samantha Jones (Individual Banking Manager) and Gill Elborn (Account Support Manager). Between them they have 140 years plus of experience, and know the region very well.

They offer both commercial and personal banking, and pride themselves on offering bespoke rather than pre-packaged products which truly meet the client’s individual needs.

• Handelsbanken, Peterborough Branch, First Floor, Futura House, 4 Axon, Commerce Road, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6LR Tel: 01733 238060 www.handelsbanken.co.uk/peterborough

Learn the guitar So many people woke up on Christmas Day and found Santa had left them a guitar! But in the following days and weeks, so many of those guitars are already gathering dust in the corner of the room, an unfortunate result of sore fingers and the fact it’s turned out to be a bit trickier than Guitar Hero on the x-box. This is where guitar lessons with a real live teacher can make a real difference. Ben Caffrey gives coaching, mentoring and teaching to both absolute beginners and more advanced players, who are looking to expand and develop their skills and knowledge.

Ben’s approach is not just about playing guitar, it’s about learning to be a musician, with a mix of one-to-one lessons, group sessions, band experience and advice about getting the best from your equipment, backed up with video examples and email support, He aims to enable you to get what you really want out of your guitar, either playing your favourite songs to relax, or rocking out with a few mates, and the first lesson is free so you really have nothing to lose…

• Ben Caffrey professorbenguitar@gmail.com Mob: 07803 125928

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Oundle Travel is pleased to announce a brand new selection of Family Explorer Holidays for 2011. These are not holidays designed for parents who just want to relax on a beach while their children attend the children’s clubs; these are holidays that aim to create adventure for the whole family that will excite the older and younger members alike.

Family Holidays are aimed at those with a sense of adventure and with a thirst for discovery; in most cases the accommodation featured is of a high standard, typically 4 and 5 star. This means after the excitement of a day’s activities your leisure time can be enhanced by delightful surroundings, excellent food and first class service.

Suggestions for the Easter Holidays and that much needed guaranteed sunshine are Egypt, Jordan, Madagascar & South Africa, whilst further afield why not consider Nepal or Peru! Try the 6 night ‘Nile Explorer’ where this fantastic trip begins only five hours from London where you will start your journey in Cairo, visiting the Pyramids, Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum, flying on to the stunning city of Luxor where sights abound. Onwards to the High Dam at Aswan, the Karnak & Luxor Temples, this trip is bound to excite the whole family. For the ultimate Easter break, why not extend your stay to a week on the Red Sea, choose from The Four Seasons or The Oberoi, both 5* properties in perfect beachside locations. From £1146.00 per person.

The Kenyan Ranger Tour, suitable for the May Half Term, features accommodation at the family friendly Samburu National Game Reserve where children are entertained at ‘The Young Rangers Club’ when not out on safari spotting giraffes, leopards and lions. This is a 7 night experience and is particularly suited to younger children aged 6+ from £2820.00 per adult – Extensions to Mombasa & Seychelles are available on this holiday. For the ultimate family adventure how about Kangaroos & Coastlines – A 14 night tour to Australia featuring Aboriginals, Kangaroo Island, Phillip Island, Sydney along with a flexible self drive option from £1525.00 per adult.

• For details of all the above and the full selection of tours available please contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600 www.oundletravel.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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CREATIVE WRITING

Stamford Ghost Story Competition

PHOTO: DAVID CORFIELD

As part of The Stamford Festival of Ghosts, which took place last October in the Arts Centre, a Ghost Story Writing Competition was initiated. Supported by Hegarty Solicitors, Stamford Living Magazine and Rutland Radio, the festival was privileged to welcome international best-selling author, Sarah Waters on to the judging panel

Daniel Lambert’s walking stick in the foyer of Stamford’s favourite hostelry, The George Hotel, was the inspiration for the winning entry‘The Curse of Hunger’

T

he competition had four categories: Ages 8 to 12, Ages 12 to 16, Adults (ages 16+), and Best Local Ghost Story (ages 16+).

Almost 150 entries were received.

Judges Sarah Waters (Author), Mark Crick (Creative Consultant for SFoG), Nicholas Rudd-Jones (Editor, Stamford Living Magazine) and Karen Burrows (Stamford Arts Centre) had their work cut out reading every single story received, which included entries from Edenham Primary School, Robert Manning Technology College and Casterton Business and Enterprise College.

Sarah Waters said: “I really enjoyed reading all these stories, and picking winners was difficult!”

The four winners are being broadcast as Sunday evening stories on Rutland Radio and the top three stories from each category have been published on Stamford Living’s website. See www.bestlovalliving.co.uk.

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The winners and finalists of the 2010 Stamford Festival of Ghosts were: Ages 8 to 12 Category Winner: The Beach House by Finn Hudson, age 10 (Manthorpe) Runners-up A Ghostly Win by Thomas Maker, age 10 The Spooky Night Camping by Kate Buckley, age 9 Ages 12 to 16 Category Winner: The Lake by Camilla Beech, age 15 (Tickencote) Runners-up Shadows by Kezia Smith, age 12 My Ghost Story by Lauren Morris, age 12 Adult Category (Ages 16+) Winner: Off-White by Susan Hollingham (Hertfordshire) Runners-up A Cold Coming by Judy Goodburn Seeking Shelter by Tracy Kelly

Best Local Story Winner: The Curse of Hunger by Jimmy Pea (Stamford) Runners-up The Revenge of Eliza Birch by Alysia Anderson (Stamford) Beware the Beast of Stamford by Nicola Peacock (Corby) These can all be read at www.bestlocallving.co.uk .

The winning entry from the best local category is printed opposite.

Note to Stamford historians: This story is entirely fictional!

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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The Curse of Hun ger by Jimmy Pe a

“I wouldn’t touch that.”

“I’m sorry?” The yo ung man was startl The young man lau ed by the sudden of the voice behin ghed, “Hunger? Is appearance d him, he was conv that it? So if I hold get hungry?” inced that he was foyer of The Geor the stick I alone in the ge Hotel; he turned “D o no t to mo confront the stran ck the curse sir, loo the warning was re ger just as stick k at the man in th peated. , young Daniel inh e painting above th “I said, sir, that I wo erited the stick up e uldn’t touch that.” on his father’s early de at h, it is said that he ch The voice belonge painful ok ed to d to what appeared de at h whilst feasting on wild boar, and even to be a porter: wa white shirt, neatly a roasted as he lay there ch istcoat, tied tie, black apro oking he continued force more food int n draped over a br belt, and yet the wh to try and o his mouth, knoc own leather ole outfit looked tir king back the help who had rushed to ed, dated, somewh place. of those his aid. at out of “Within months of “I, I, er, I was just loo tak ing ho ld of the stick, Danie king.” become the large l Lambert had “Sir, I’m aware that st man in the coun you were just lookin ty, and within a ye siz e ha d tra g, but I could sens ve ar word of his were a little bit mo lle d th e glo be and he was declare e that you re than tempted to man in the world. d to be the heavies reach out and touc thought I would ste It is a mi t ra h cle it, th so I p in.” at he reached the that his eating ha age he did and Both figures turned bits didn’t kill him to face the object off sooner. It is said th would eat several on the wall, an ov sized walking stick at he large meals a day, er, hung below the po and grazed on sm between them. Hi rtrait of a morbidl aller meals gentleman. s father’s wealth so y obese on diminished and gambling to try an “That walking stick he took to d feed his addictio is cursed.” n for food, but it wa enough.

The younger man s never stepped forward to “He died in his sle take a closer look wooden object; to ep at the young age at the him it looked like of 33; he was riddle debt and weighed an ordinary but clu “Cursed? Come off d with over 57 stone. His msy stick. it mate, I’m not fal body was found in on e of the pubs very ling for that. I mean a cold night and th the bed of close to this hotel , I know it’s ere’s a bit of fog ou , the stick held fir grasp.” t there, but that do me any more gullib mly in his esn’t make le to ghost stories.”

“S o if it’s cu rse “I didn’t mention d, th en wh y isn ’t it locked away?” anything of ghosts; “Many of the locals I spoke of a curse a curse on the living were aware of the , specifically , not on the dead.” curse, but such wa ha tre d of He paused, sighed, Lambert Senior th added, “I’m sorry, s their at they never warn and then you’re a busy man, the man who disco ed his son about it; I’m sorry to have I’ll let you get back ve re d th sta e rtl bo ed dy of Daniel Lamb to your, er, busines you, these locals and to ert was one of s.”

The younger man ok care to remove realised he had be the stick before th fou nd .

He en wa ru de to the older ge and slowly curiosit s an astute man an e body was ntleman y was starting to d stumbled upon this cursed stick co get the better of him an idea as to how I’m sorry. I didn’t me uld be of benefit to , “No wait, an to be rude or be his business; by pla stick in the entranc little your warning tell me more of th cing the e of his hotel, the , please, is curse.” very hotel in which tonight, he hoped “Thank you. Danie yo u stand th at as gu es ts passed by the sti l Lambert, the ge touch it, out of cu ntleman in the pa ck they would the son of a very riosity, which in tu inting, was wealthy landowner, rn would make them therefore spend mo a nasty, ruthless ma made his living bu hungry and re money at the tab n who ying small farms an les of his restauran “And did it work?” d land holdings fro removing the boun t.” m th e daries before sellin poor, “For a while, and th g them on as large wasn’t the most ge e man grew wealt r plots. He nerous of traders hy from it, but one of porters learned of and didn’t lose too over the people wh his the curse and took much sleep o suffered at his ha it upon himself to the guests as they nds, but in the wint however, he cross warn entered the hotel er of 1784 ed the wrong perso . One night the ho overheard the po n and lost more th tel owner “To him it was bare rter warning a gu an sleep. ly ten acres of lan est and in an unco charged at him, lift d, but to the owne ntrollable rage only thing he had ed him r fro it m wa left of any value, an his feet and hurle s the of the hotel and on d him out the front d with his health fai the owner had to to the road. As th ling him, sell the land in orde e porter staggered a ca rri ag r e to tu provide for his fam rned the corner an As he handed over to his feet ily. d the man was tra the deeds, he plead under the hooves mpled to death ed with Mr Lamber whatever he did wi of four horses.” t that th the land and to “So the curse, does whomever he shou he must pass on th it still live on?” ld sell it, e warning never to Sil ence. The young ma fel l th stood on the easte e lar ge oa n turned to addres k tre e that rn boundary. He we s his guide, but th nobody there, no nt on to explain th years ago a witch ere was footsteps, no creak at many had been hung fro ing of ch doors, nothing, jus ill of th m e winter night bree one of its branches believed that her t the zing into the foyer. and it was Was last words, as she he seeing things?

Where had he gone stood there waitin to her death, took Was he hearing th ? g to be pushed the form of a curse ings?

Realising he was alo on the tree and th which it stood. ne again, he chec e land on ke d and looked arou more before caut “Lambert senior th nd once iously reaching ou ought nothing of t to touch the stick It was the chef’s as this request and ha . for the mumblings sistant who disco d no time of an old farmer; vered the body ea morning; he had co within a day of th rly the next and many other tre me in to prepare th e sale, the oak es around the far e vegetables for th ahead and came ac m had been dug up Such was the quali e day ro ss th e or ma fel n on the floor of th ty of the oak that led. room. The dead ma Mr Lambert taske e kitchen storemen to fashion a n lay next to an op d one of his walking stick from en fridge door, th of which lay strew one of the branch e contents you see before yo n about the kitchen es, the stick u. floor; clearly the ma eating, he had chok The young man wa n died ed to death on wh s still curious, but at appeared to be amount of food. Th slightly worried an back from the wa a va st e as sistant stepped ov d stepped ll, “So, this curse, er the body, grabbe cloth and carefully what does it do?”

“The curse is one da re mo ve d th e wooden stick fro of greed, whosoeve grasp. He took the m the dead man’s r holds the stick wi overwhelmed with stick back to the foy ll be an insatiable hung er, clipped it firml place between the er.” y back into two brackets, wipe d it down and then the police. telephoned

25

24 25 GHOST STORY.indd 3

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10 DESIGN SOLUTIONS

ways to add value to your home

Investment in home improvements can pay off when it comes to moving on, discovers Alysia Anderson

s a nation addicted to property programmes, whether it’s Grand Designs or Help! My House is Falling Down, we relish ideas on how to add value to our own homes. There are several ways you can improve your house, whether with a view to selling or simply to enhance your own enjoyment of living in it.

1. Extensions It is cheaper to create space than to buy it, so an extension can pay for itself. Square footage and the number of bedrooms are both factors in assessing the value of a property. Consider where you want to extend: you don’t want to lose too much garden, for instance; and whether you want one storey or two. Building above a garage or out into a side return are good options. In practical terms, an extension could provide a study, conservatory, guest room, cloakroom or utility room. Or perhaps you fancy something more inspiring: an art studio, gym, library or den. Decide whether you want your extension to make a statement or to blend into the existing house. Simon Lewington of Natural Structures in Market Harborough uses fresh-sawn green oak in his bespoke designs for everything from extensions and house frames to flooring, porches, beams and cladding. “Oak is a natural material, ever changing in texture and colour, adding life and atmosphere wherever it’s used,” says Simon.

2. Loft conversions Converting loft space, especially if you can fit in a bathroom as well as an extra bedroom, can add significantly to a property’s value. You need a proper staircase for the conversion to count as extra living space when you sell, so it’s worth getting an architect on board. Factors to take into account include the available headroom and whether there is sufficient water pressure to supply a shower. Dormer windows

and a hipped roof (extending a sloped roof out to match the width of the walls below) can increase the loft space but check whether you need planning permission and whether these features will suit the exterior look of the house.

3. Interior alterations One way to create space is by knocking down interior walls to let in light and allow a more fluid layout. Although you may reduce the number of rooms by doing so, a spacious living/dining room or kitchen diner is usually preferable to cramped separate rooms.

4. Basement conversions Converting basements for uses such as a home cinema or den is popular in the USA but less so here, perhaps because we consider cellars to be rather dingy, damp spaces. However, modern construction methods mean you can create a warm, light, well-ventilated room. This could become a gym, kitchen or even a spa, all of which wouldn’t be practical in a loft. Crighton’s Hydropool in Peterborough can install hot tubs, saunas, swim spas and steam rooms to add a touch of luxury to your home.

5. Gardens Tidying up paths, hedges and edges, mowing lawns and weeding flowerbeds are simple ways to make your garden look more attractive.

Hanging baskets and potted herbs will add colour and fragrance. Decking or a patio, awnings, lighting and stylish garden furniture will also create an appealing outdoor living space. Sliding or folding doors from the living room or kitchen are

an excellent way to blend indoor and outdoor living. Increase the impression of space by fitting glass doors and matching the floor levels and colours inside and out. If you have a decentsized garden you could consider an outdoor office, annexe or summerhouse. These rarely require planning consent and can be fitted with heating, lighting and insulation to provide a comfortable and private extra room.

6. Kitchens As the heart of the home, a beautiful kitchen can be a major selling point. However, you need to keep expenditure in proportion to the size of your property. Also, remember that everyone’s taste varies hugely. If you’re updating in order to improve the chances of a sale, it may be better to keep the look fairly neutral. There are numerous local companies able to help with every step of fitting a new kitchen, from design to installation. Theodore Ross in Oakham hand builds kitchens using a variety of materials such as solid timber, carbon fibre, stainless steel and granite. Adam Ross explains: “Our designs range from rustic and traditional to the ultra-contemporary, as well as the simple yet classic Shaker style”.

In Stamford, QKS offers everything from big brands to bespoke. “Pick a colour and shape of kitchen and we’ll manufacture it” says manager Malcolm Brandwood. Orchard Conservatories in Stamford offer a very personal service, the team you meet is the team that does the work.

Continued on page 29

A

✒ STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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Continued from page 27

✒ 7. Bathrooms The humble bathroom has experienced something of a renaissance, even becoming a ‘wetroom’ in some homes.

You don’t have to go as far as rubber floors and Jacuzzis though. Replacing taps and shower heads, regrouting or installing a new sink or heated towel rail can all enhance a bathroom at low cost. Phil Welsh, MD of Safeguard Glazing Supplies in Ryhall, suggests using glass and mirrors to improve the look. “Glass used in shower enclosures, cupboard doors and shelving gives a true impression of quality. Fitting large areas of mirror to walls changes the perception of the size of the room.” Storm Bathrooms have a new superstore in Bourne to inspire you, details can be found at www.stormbathrooms.com 8. Revamping If you want to make your home more saleable at minimal expense, it is better to spend wisely on a few cosmetic details than to redo entire rooms. Ideas include changing or painting cupboard doors, fitting stylish handles or perhaps new kitchen worktops in quartz or wood. New appliances can enhance the look of a kitchen and are a selling point if left as fixtures and fittings. You could also update lighting and switches or replace worn flooring with tiles, wood or stone. Porcelanosa in Werrington has a wide range of tiles for floors and walls, including ceramic parquet flooring. Where possible, replace old-fashioned artex and woodchip paper with a more modern finish. Under-stairs cupboards, built-in wardrobes, shelving and storage under beds are good ways to cut clutter and create an illusion of space. A new coat of paint will lift a room, as will a thorough carpet clean. If carpets need replacing, check whether the floorboards underneath are good enough to varnish and leave as an attractive alternative.

Don’t forget about the exterior of the house.

First impressions are important, so consider fitting a sleek new front door or repainting window frames, gates, fences and even exterior walls. For a more significant facelift, wooden

cladding can transform a dull facade.

9. Maintenance Potential buyers will consider whether a house needs rewiring, a new boiler, damp treatment or a heating makeover. It’s worth dealing with any minor repairs such as damaged guttering, blocked radiators and dodgy locks. Also ensure that your boiler and other gas appliances have up-to-date safety certificates.

10. Eco upgrades Houses that reduce their owners’ carbon footprint as well as energy bills are increasingly desirable. The Energy Saving Trust is a useful source of information on ways to achieve this.

For example, solar panels not only generate clean electricity for your household but also provide extra income thanks to the new renewable energy tariff. This pays you for every unit of electricity produced and buys any surplus for the national grid. Loft and cavity wall insulation help to minimise heat loss, as do shutters and double glazing. SafeGuard’s Phil Welsh says “Reducing heat loss through windows by up to 70 per cent with high-tech double-glazed units cuts energy bills and adds value to the property”. Double-glazing also limits noise pollution, important for homes on busy roads. Shutters, which are aesthetically pleasing as well as practical, are currently undergoing a revival. “Shutters have become a popular choice for window furnishings, offering privacy during the day and night as well as varying degrees of light control,” explains Steve Riordan of Rutland Shutters.

Alison Hutchinson Garden Design, 12 Willoughby Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DY Tel: 01572 747318 www.alisonhutchinsondesign.co.uk Crightons Hydropool Unit 5, Titan Drive, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5XN Tel: 01733 305140; www.crightons-hydropool.co.uk Finishing Touch 8 All Saints’ St, Stamford, PE9 2PA Tel: 01780 431021 Fordham Kitchens New Road, Ryhall, Stamford, PE9 4HL Tel: 01780 482892 www.fordhamkitchensltd.co.uk Granite Earth, Mob: 07596 322640 Tel: 01780 721580, email sales@graniteearth. co.uk or visit www.graniteearth.co.uk. bespoke kitchens and worktops of distinction.

Hunters Interiors The Dairy, Copthill Farm Enterprises, Deeping Rd, Uffington, Stamford, PE9 4TD Tel: 01780 757946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk Natural Structures 2 Fir Tree Walk, Market Harborough LE16 7AE Tel: 07970 557992; www.natural-structures.co.uk Mark Goodacre Ltd Osgodby Farm, Osgodby, Grantham, NG33 4JH Tel: 01476 586159 www.markgoodacrekitchens.com Orchard Home Improvements 1 Meadowview Business Units, Uffington Road, Uffington, PE9 2EX Tel: 01780 753343; www.orchardhomeimprovements. com PAGE Group Cygnet Park, 300 Club Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8JA Tel: 01733 568358; www.pagegrouppeterborough. co.uk Porcelanosa Dukesmead, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6ZL Tel: 01733 325111; www.porcelanosa.co.uk QKS Kitchens The Maltings, Barnack Rd, Stamford PE9 2NA Tel: 01780 756514; www.qksstamford.co.uk Rutland Shutters 9 Harborough Close, Whissendine, Oakham LE15 6AQ Tel: 01664 474013; www.rutlandshutters.co.uk SafeGuard Stamford Business Park, Ryhall Rd, Stamford PE9 1XT Tel: 01780 751442; www.safe-guard.co.uk Theodore Ross 15 Gaol St, Oakham LE15 6AQ Tel: 01572 755444; www.theodoreross.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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WEDDINGS

Affairs of the heart

If you’re in the throes of planning a wedding, you’ll be delighted by the fabulous choice of venues available locally in and around town The Garden House High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LP, Tel: 01780 763359; enquiries@ gardenhousehotelofstamford.com The Garden House Hotel in Stamford is licensed to hold civil ceremonies for up to 50 people and can offer a formal wedding breakfast in the main restaurant. If the Bride and Groom are looking for a more informal day and choose to have a carved buffet, barbecue or hog roast numbers can go up to 60. The hotel has its own in-house DJ for the evening where 120 guests can be catered for. For weddings booked during February 2011 for dates between October 2011 and March 2012, wedding parties will receive their welcome drinks free.

The George Hotel 71 High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LB, Tel: Katie Wrynn on 01780 750714 The Monastery Gardens and Business Centre make ideal venues to hold your drinks reception and the hotel is licensed to hold civil ceremonies in one of four charming rooms, The King Charles Room for up to 20 guests, The Walter Scott Lounge for up to 30 guests, The London Room for 40 and The Business Centre for 50. For larger parties, up to 200 guests can be seated in a marquee on the lawns.

The Crown Hotel All Saints’ Place, Stamford PE9 2AG, Tel: 01780 763136, www.thecrownhotel stamford.co.uk The Crown Hotel, Stamford can look after weddings of up to 25 guests in their Upper Lounge, 55 guests in the Main Restaurant and 90 guests in the Main Restaurant and Front Restaurant.

Each couple will have their own dedicated wedding planner who will also be there on the day to ensure all details are carried out as you would wish. Menus can be created for you from canapés, buffets, sit-down lunch or dinner and evening buffets.

Sally Rouse, Hotel manager, commented: “We would be delighted to look after you on your special day. Each wedding is unique and as such we take pride in spending time with you to ensure that all your requirements are met.

Whether your wedding is an intimate affair for immediate family or a larger celebration, every step is taken to create your perfect day.”

The Exeter Arms, Easton on the Hill www.theexeterarms.net Tel: 01780 756321 The Orangery at The Exeter Arms in Easton on the Hill is a beautiful setting for a smaller wedding for 25 people. Marquees for up to 150 people can be erected on the paddock at

the rear of the pub. Menus will be arranged through The Exeter Arms with a dedicated member of the team to look after your wedding from initial meeting through to the day itself.

The White Hart, Ufford Main Street Ufford, PE9 3BH www.whitehartufford. co.uk Tel: 01780 740 250 The White Hart at Ufford is available for weddings in The Orangery for up to 40 people. The adjacent ‘Pantry’ can be hired for evening entertainment.

Both rooms are also licensed for a civil ceremony, each for up to 40 people. A perfect setting for a relaxed and personalised wedding.

The Barn Restaurant St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2HG Tel: 01780 489169 email: enquiries@thebarnstamford.com This new establishment is already winning an enthusiastic following; it would make an ideal venue for a wedding breakfast, with plenty of space and good, classic food.

David Waycott, the owner, commented: “Our main restaurant can seat 60 for a wedding breakfast, arranged around a top table. And if you want more guests to join before or after the meal, there is space for up to 150 downstairs and in the outside area.”

Burghley House Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3JY Tel: 01780 752451 www.burghley.co.uk From the stunning spires of a magical skyline

to the grandeur of an oak-panelled Elizabethan great hall, Burghley is a venue literally fit for a king or a queen – and can be exclusively yours for an unforgettable day of golden memories.

The new caterers, Absolute Taste, have huge expertise in weddings (see more about them on Page 19).

FURTHER AFIELD Oundle Mill Oundle Mill offers an extraordinary location for a wedding reception in contemporary yet rustic chic surroundings overlooking the River Nene.

Catering for up to 80 guests, head chef Jeremy Medley will work with his award-winning team to ensure that you are served with beautifully presented and high quality food in the elegant upstairs dining room. For a luxurious wedding night there is accommodation available in the upper eaves, where guests can enjoy a vast double ended stone bath, and a six foot bed.

The bijou Lucom Room offers stunning views, dressing room and walk-in shower.

To discuss your bespoke requirements, contact Oundle Mill, Barnwell Rd, Oundle PE8 5PB. Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill. co.uk or email info@oundlemill.co.uk Hambleton Hall Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH, Tel: Tel: 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com Unique setting, unsurpassed food and service makes this an unforgettable experience for the more intimate wedding party.

Stapleford Park Country House Hotel Near Melton Mowbray, Leics LE14 2EF, Tel: 01572 787000 www.staplefordpark.com Stapleford Park, one of England’s finest stately homes, offers the ideal setting for a wedding reception, and is able to cater for parties of 10 to 200 guests. New Head Chef David Ellams will look after your every culinary wish.

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COUNTRYFILE

A Host of Daffodils

South Holland is one of the largest producers of daffodils, both flowers and bulbs, in Britain.

Sue Lee and Jean Orpin discover the background to the industry (and its most famous name?)

Breeding In the first version of his famous poem, ‘Daffodils’, Wordsworth described ‘dancing daffodils’. Ten years later in 1815 when he published the poem, he changed it to ‘golden daffodils’ although actually the host of daffodils he saw probably consisted of wild creamy-yellow flowers. Later Rev’d William Herbert pioneered breeding daffodils and by the mid 19thC, when breeding really got underway, the poem was so popular it influenced growers in their selection of golden varieties. Nowadays there are thousands of varieties differing in size, season and scent as well as ranging from white to gold in colour.

Showing The first RHS Daffodil Show was held in 1890. This encouraged experimentation and provided a boost to professional growers. Soon after, the Daffodil Society was established and set standards for showing and judging which are still followed all over the country, including the Stamford Horticultural Society who award Daffodil Society medals at their Spring Show (April 16th 2011). Major shows like Harrogate and Malvern, and of course Chelsea, carry prestigious awards.

South Holland The silty fenland soil made this area around Spalding and Holbeach excellent for bulbs and with the railways, production took off. Victorian fashion for bedding encouraged bulb sales, and cut flowers could be sent around the country. Flowers were cut in full bloom but today houses are warmer so buds are cut and the fields of blooms we see are most likely for the equally important bulb industry.

The industry was at its peak in the 1930s but daffodils, unlike tulips, continue to be important in the area with the vast majority of both bulbs and cut flowers exported all over the world – even to Holland.

Johnny Walkers Johnny Walkers is probably the best known name in daffodils - in the trade, at shows and among amateurs. His parents were Dutch and both his grandfather and father were Dutch bulb growers so as he says himself, “It’s in the genes”. His father came to South Holland

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in the 1930s then, being stranded when war broke out, served in the Dutch army in exile in Cheshire. After the war his parents decided to stay here and his father set up in business. The bulb fields in South Holland had been taken over for food production during the war but there were opportunities afterwards because of import restrictions.

Johnny went to Horticultural College and worked for his father before joining the co-operative Selected Growers (later Lingarden Ltd) where he had a successful career for many years. In 1986 Walkers Bulbs was founded enabling him to concentrate on his passion for specialist daffodils. This mail order business was not without difficulties in its early years with high interest rates and a mail strike just at dispatch time, however the company’s Show successes, due to Johnny’s expertise, were soon unrivalled.

In 25 years of showing at Chelsea, Walkers has won 23 Gold Medals and all their entries at Harrogate have achieved Gold. 2010 also saw them winning their 3rd Premier Award at Harrogate – given for the best stand in the entire Show.

The work involved in these successes requires dedication and great skill.

Walkers list over 120 varieties of early, mid-season and late flowering daffodils all of which have to produce best blooms at the same time. They are stored at different temperatures to encourage different stages of growth until a few weeks before the show when they are moved into the glasshouse and as Johnny says, “The praying begins!”

Walkers Bulbs is now a subsidiary of Taylors Bulbs (another longestablished family business) and an increasing proportion is done online but it is still run by Johnny and personal service is the key. Catalogues available from www.bulbs.co.uk. or 01406 426216

Johnny Walkers at Chelsea 2010

Celebrating Daffodils In Lincolnshire people used to take a daffodil to church on the first Sunday they were in bloom to thank God for the return of Spring after the dark days of winter. This aspect of the flower has led it to become a universal symbol of optimism and hope. In particular it is the emblem of cancer charities in many countries including Marie Curie Cancer Care who invite us to wear a daffodil as part of their annual fundraising.

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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19/1/11 17:00:47

SHOPPING

Experience the thrill of racing Sam Rudd-Jones celebrated his 11th birthday by taking a group of friends to Ancaster Karting, the perfect ‘boys’ day out’

A

ncaster Karting is a great and enjoyable place to go to for a day out. It offers karting, paintball, quad biking and ten-pin bowling! Whilst karting is never cheap, Ancaster represents good value vs. other venues and offers the best experience.

First of all let’s get on to the pricing. For junior karting the standard prices are: 15 Minute session - £15.00 30-minute session - £25.00 45-minute session - £35.00 60-minute session - £45.00 And for adult karting, it costs: 15 Minute session - £20.00 30-minute session - £35.00 45-minute session - £40.00 60-minute session - £45.00 I personally recommend a forty-five minute session with a break every fifteen minutes, as you can spend the first fifteen minute session getting to grips with the track, the second you can spend being experimental and the third and final session racing out as fast as you

can. Also if you feel confident you can record a lap time for 20p in each session and see if it improves over your three sessions.

Now let’s look at the track.

If you visit http://www.ancasterkarting.co.uk/ Karting, you can see the track in considerable detail as it has an interactive display with a picture of every twist and turn. The track is simple, but at the same time complex therefore suited for drivers at any level. The karts also are nifty: look at

them.

Overall, karting makes the perfect day out for a special occasion. If go-karting is not your thing, then you can go bowling, quad biking or paintball. It is the sort of places that you could come to many times and still have a new, exciting, experience • Ancaster Karting, Wood Lodge, Ancaster , Nr Grantham NG32 3PY Phone: 01400 230306 www.ancasterkarting.co.uk 30 mins N of Stamford, leave A1 at Colsterworth

Top five paid apps for iPhone/iPod touch David Rudd-Jones takes a browse around the burgeoning number of games apps on the market

1. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit (£2.99) Need for Speed is a very popular racing game from consoles which has now been brought to iOS. In this edition of the game you are the cops and have to take down the racers, or vice versa, as you level up you unlock better cars and progress through the game. There is also a limited online mode. The graphics are reasonable and this is definitely a good purchase for your iOS device.

monsters and eventually face the god king. As you progress you can upgrade your swords, shields, helmets, magical rings and outfits.

One of the main draws of this game is the incredibly high quality graphics and the castle that you fight your battles in. This is an expensive app but worth it.

3. Angry Birds (59p)

Infinity Blade is a fighting game in which you must take on many

This is probably the wackiest idea for an app in the entire store, and

NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008

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be available online multiplayer. This a very good buy for any FIFA fan.

5. Cut the Rope (59p) Like angry birds this is another wacky idea but is extremely fun yet can be very hard. The objective is to get the candy into the monster’s mouth whilst collecting as many stars as possible. Sounds quite easy really. The catch is that the candy is hanging from lots of pieces of string and there are electric barriers, spikes and spiders that steal the candy. This can be a real mind twister.

4. FIFA 11 (£2.99)

2. Infinity Blade (£3.49) 8

is incredibly addictive. Once you start playing this game you will not be able to put it down. In this app these green monsters steal your eggs. You must destroy them in their castles by smashing them to pieces with lots of different types of birds. There are over 200 levels in total and it will last you a long time.

This is another console conversion like NFS Hot Pursuit and it has also gone very well. This game has some of the best graphics on the platform and has been very well developed. They have made the controls really easy to use.

They have not stripped too much from the console version leaving leagues, cups, practice and soon to STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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Magnus House 60 St Leonards Street Stamford PE9 2HU

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Costs are accrued on a time basis, however a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement is available by arrangement. For a friendly, efficient service call the professionals at this local leading law firm with quality accreditation including Lexcel and ISO9001:2008 and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority on 01780 752066

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20/1/11 12:14:16

MOTORING

Buying a Car Ashley Martin take a closer look at the ins and outs of buying a car

B

uying a car is for most people the second most expensive purchase they will make – after their home.

It therefore pays to do your homework on how you are going to fund the car, the type of vehicle you will buy and how much it will cost to run, and from where you will acquire your chosen new or used model.

Funding The traditional route of acquiring a new car was to pop along to the local dealer, undertake a little haggling in pursuit of a discount and then buy the vehicle outright.

However, today there are a plethora of funding methods available through franchise dealers, banks and other finance houses.

Those options obviously include outright purchase – but can you afford to invest thousands of pounds in a depreciating asset?

Alternatives include the well-established method of hire purchase as well as taking out a personal loan from a bank or building society (but check interest rates) or one of the finance deals being offered by dealers.

But, today leasing is growing in popularity – more businesses lease their company cars than outright purchase, according to industry statistics.

Leasing is equally suitable for private buyers and is available in a variety of forms – but for private buyers a personal contract purchase (PCP) scheme may be the optimum solution.

In simple terms you enter into a contract to lease a car for a period of time and estimate your annual mileage. At the start of the contract you pay a deposit

(usually 10-15% of the purchase price) and then follow that with set monthly repayments, which can include the cost of servicing and maintenance.

At the end of the contract period there are three options: hand back the car and walk away, pay a pre-agreed used price (the minimum guaranteed future residual value) for the car and you then own it, or part-exchange the car for another PCP and start the process all over again.

Where to buy Buying a new car invariably involves a visit to a franchise dealer. But apart from the obvious alternative of a used car there is also the option of a ‘nearly-new’ model.

‘Nearly-new’ cars are available from franchised dealers, but they can also be acquired via car supermarkets, car auctions or, perhaps, independent dealers.

Buying such a car can be financially attractive. A ‘nearlynew’ car will have at least a few hundred or maybe a few thousands miles on the clock, so it will be cheaper than a new car.

Probably the cheapest method of buying a used car is via a private sale, but there are risks attached if something goes wrong with the deal or the car. Alternatively, greater peace of mind and competitive prices are offered when buying through a car supermarket, one of the growing number of online car supermarkets – the largest is www.autoquake.com – or independent dealer. Nevertheless, one of the safest places to buy used is through a franchised dealer. Most run an approved used vehicle scheme that offers pre-sale checks, a warranty and roadside assistance.

Finally, while buying at a car auction is cheaper than via a dealer the maxim ‘buyer beware’ is certainly applicable. If taking this route then take along someone who is both a car expert and has knowledge of the way auctions operate.

Vehicle type and operating costs In the 21st century ‘no such thing as a bad car’ has become a bit of a cliché. However, there are

undoubtedly varying levels of ‘good’ cars.

Therefore, it pays to undertake significant research prior to visiting a dealer, car supermarket or auction.

Research will invariably revolve around issues such as price, number of seats, luggage area, external dimensions, power and performance.

However, also check a car’s safety credentials at www.euroncap.com and its MPG and emissions data at www.carfueldata.org.uk. Checking such information may just save your life or that of a loved one and a load of cash.

Motoring taxes are based on a car’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Therefore, the lower its CO2 figure the lower its Vehicle Excise Duty rate and, as there is a direct link between CO2 emissions and MPG, the better its fuel economy.

Finally, do not think that cars with identical list prices will cost the same to operate. Most businesses select their company cars and vans according to wholelife cost criteria – such data is available from numerous website sources including www.whatcar.com Conclusion Acquiring a car – new or used – can be a minefield. But undertaking some homework will almost certainly mean you ultimately choose the right car to meet your financial and lifestyle requirements.

Further information Information and advice on buying a new or used car is available at: AA - www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/buyingadvice.html Motor Industry Code of Practice www.motorcodes.co.uk Retail Motor Industry Federation www.rmif.co.uk Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders www.smmt.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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Burghley Veterinary Centre 01780 762109

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Sometimes the simplest is best Ring 01780 481624 to see why www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk

Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

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ACTIVITIES

L O C A L WA L K

King’s Cliffe & Blatherwycke Wait for a crisp, blue sky day and set out on this wonderful walk, traversing a varied landscape from deep woodland to sheep grazing pastures and a path alongside a babbling brook 6 miles 2.5-3 hours Explorer 234, Landranger 141 Start & finish Post Office, King’s Cliffe Terrain Easy going Stiles About half a dozen Getting there 5 miles west of Wansford along A47, then 3 miles south along minor road Refreshments Cross Keys Inn, King’s Cliffe Tel: 01780 470276. Inn was established in 1732.

Very cosy front bar, pub grub, friendly welcome.

The Post Office, 1 West Street, King’s Cliffe.

General store with lots of useful things, including several pamphlets on local walks in the area.

Distance Typical time OS map

Fineshade Abbey 6

5 4

Blatherwycke Lake

7

Blatherwycke

DIRECTIONS Park at the Post Office in the centre of King’s Cliffe. Head west along the main village street, then cross the Blatherwycke Rd up a track called Wood Lane over the disused railway line.

Almost immediately after the railway line, turn left over a stile and follow the path across open access land in a westerly direction; at the start of the second field keep to the right along the edge of the wood and follow this path until you cross a stile and enter the woods.

The path through the woods is reasonably well marked, but keep your eyes peeled; it briefly follows the route of the disused railway line and then passes behind a derelict footbridge.

Shortly you come out into a field; turn right, following the line of the woods and where the field edge bears sharply round to the right strike out Disused railway line across the field to a stile you can just see on Westhay Wood the far side of the field.

2 King’s Cliffe 3 Follow the path 1 through the 9 wood; in a few Willow minutes you Brook 8 will come out Alders Farm on a metalled

1

2 3

4

5

Blatherwycke track. Follow this to the right and go through a gate; there is then a steepish descent towards a small brook, keeping Fineshade Abbey on your right.

On reaching the brook, turn left keeping this side of it, passing through a sheep pen and along a field; after a couple of hundred yards start to climb in a southerly direction.

Once over the brow of the hill you will get a view of Blatherwycke Park Farm; follow the path through a further four fields until you reach the farm.

Walk through Blatherwycke village along the road until it turns sharp right; at this point turn left in an easterly direction, passing by the church; the path at this stage is easy to follow. About three quarters of a mile after the church there is a little gap in the fence on your left; one path goes towards a footbridge over Willow Brook, you need to take the path that turns immediately right after going through the gap, heading towards Alders Farm.

At the other side of the farmyard, walk along the right of the fence and fairly soon you will come alongside the brook; this is a most charming part of the walk, stop here for a picnic. After a mile cross a footbridge over the brook and you will soon find yourselves approaching King’s Cliffe.

Cross a stile into a field (beware of the bull sign) and then another, pass the allotments into Orchard Lane, follow this straight ahead towards the church, through the lovely back ways of the village; you come out into Hall Yard; turn left and you will be back at the Post Office.

6 7

8 9

POINTS OF INTEREST King’s Cliffe The Domesday Book records that the village comprised more than a square mile of woodland in 1086 with only a small amount of cultivated land. Successive kings visited the area to hunt, notably King John and Henry II. Blatherwycke Blatherwycke’s Holy Trinity Church is in the former grounds of Blatherwycke Hall, built by the Stafford family in 1713 in Grecian style but sold for £1,600 in 1948 and demolished for building materials. The garden is now being restored.

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WHAT’S ON

Diary dates

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

February

Saturday 12 February, 7pm CONCERT: Stamford High School Cantare This charity concert aims to raise funds for mission projects and promises a varied musical programme from the choir of Stamford High School, led by Mrs Margaret Bennett.

• Trinity Methodist Church, Barn Hill, Stamford Entry is by donation on the evening.

2

WEDNESDAY

3

THURSDAY

4

FRIDAY

5

SATURDAY

6

SUNDAY

7

MONDAY

8

TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

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THURSDAY

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FRIDAY

12 13 Sundays 13 and 20 February, 11am to 4pm  14 EVENT: Snowdrop Sundays Head Gardener Andrew Jones and his team have been working extremely hard in recent years to build up the spectacular display in Deene Park. “The snowdrops are a sign of new life in the gardens and it is wonderful that visitors return to see them year after year, to shake off any winter blues and enjoy a great day out.”

There will be lakeside and garden walks and snowdrops for sale. The ‘Old Kitchen’ will be serving hot and cold food and the gift shop will be open.

• Deene Park (6 miles north east of Corby, off A43 in Northamptonshire) Entry is £4 for adults and children free.

Tel: 01780 450278 or visit www.deenepark.com

Wednesday 23 February, 2pm CHILDREN’S THEATRE: Elmer the Elephant in Blunderbus Elmer was not an ordinary elephant. Elmer was red and yellow and green and blue. In fact Elmer was every colour of the rainbow. Elmer didn’t want to be different; he wanted to be just like all the other elephants.

This new musical adaptation of David McKee’s much loved children’s book is told with breathtaking puppets, original music and stunning scenery.

• The South Holland Centre, 23 Market Place, Spalding. Age guideline 3 to 7, 55 minutes with no interval. Tickets £7 each or £25 Family Ticket – some limited free tickets for under 26s Tel: 01775 764777 www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

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SATURDAY

Saturday 12 February, 7.30pm

SUNDAY MONDAY

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TUESDAY

16

WEDNESDAY

17

THURSDAY

18

FRIDAY

19

SATURDAY

20

SUNDAY

21

MONDAY

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TUESDAY

23

WEDNESDAY

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THURSDAY

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FRIDAY

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SATURDAY

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SUNDAY

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MONDAY

TRIBUTE CONCERT: Mercury – The Ultimate Queen Tribute After a decade on tour, Mercury have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to the legend that is Freddy Mercury and Queen.

• Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £15 Tel: 01780 766455

Thursday 17 February, 7pm



CONCERT: The Stamford Singers in ‘Songs for You’ The Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley presents a medley of your favourite songs old and new.

• The Barn Hill Methodist Church, Stamford Tickets £6 including interval refreshments from Paul Johnson Estate Agent or The Gallery, Maiden Lane. All proceeds to local charities.

TUESDAY



Friday 11 February, 7.30pm

1

EVENT: Supper with Sarah Outen for Rutland Sailability After her heroic solo row across the Indian Ocean in 2008, Sarah will share her plans for ‘London2London via the World’. On April 1st this year, Sarah plans to embark on her biggest expedition to date - to loop the planet under her own power. Starting at Tower Bridge, London, she will kayak to France, where she gets on her bike to cycle to Japan. There she will overwinter and prepare for the North Pacific Row to Vancouver, Canada. A further bike tour will take her to Nova Scotia, from where she will row back home across the North Atlantic, aiming to arrive in London, UK in autumn 2013.

The Friends of Rutland Sailability invite you to join Sarah for a two course supper with cash bar at the wheelchair friendly Garden House Hotel, Stamford.

• Dress smart/casual.

Tickets £12.50 Tel: 01780 740741

Saturday 19 February, 7.30pm MUSICAL THEATRE: Back to Broadway A brand new show featuring performers from the West End with world class voices, colourful costumes and songs from some of the best loved musicals, old and new. This performance is a charity fundraiser for Barnardo’s • Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £15/£14 Tel: 01780 766455

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20/1/11 11:21:26

Gardening with the Experts Wednesday 2 March, 2.30pm

A

delightful event for all gardening enthusiasts with guest speakers Adam Frost, RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning designer, plus gardening writer and Chairman of the Lincolnshire Cottage Garden Society, Andrew Sankey.

Adam will share with you his experiences of designing award winning gardens at Chelsea and Andrew will explain how you can use other plants to deter pests and diseases in the garden instead of reaching for the sprays.

• Stamford Arts Centre All proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care in Lincolnshire. Tickets are £12 and include tea and cakes Tel: 01780 763203

Oundle Festival of Literature T

he Oundle Festival of Literature’s ninth programme runs from 12-20 March, 2011 and highlights include... Warwick Davis, with his autobiography, ‘Size Matters Not: The Extraordinary Life and Career of Warwick Davis’. Davis will share anecdotes from his work in film, including ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’, the Harry Potter films, ‘Willow’, ‘Leprechaun’, and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and his lead role in a new BBC2 sitcom ‘Life’s Too Short’, written

by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Food writer, journalist and columnist, Rose Prince will promote her latest book, Kitchenella, full of logical, economical and imaginative recipes that are economically sustainable and achievable.

Former City editor of the Sunday Express, Dominic Price, introduces his latest book ‘Jumbo to Jockey’, part memoir, sports book and exposé on the dark world of horse racing.

Families will enjoy visiting author and illustrator Nick Sharratt who will introduce you to all sorts

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STAMFORD LIVING October 2010

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of funny creatures - there’ll be drawing, rhyming and a bit of rock and roll. Other speakers at this year’s Festival include award winning columnist Sue Mott, Political Columnist Simon Heffer, Historian, John Julius Norwich, Senior Lecturer and writer Nigel Warburton, and novelist Mark Billingham.

The ever diverse Community Events

programme will include “Poems under Pressure” (a seat with a difference!), “How Green is our Oundle?” (a fun event in conjunction with Oundle Transition Town) and local poet Nick Perry and Radio 5’s poet Charlie Ottley do battle once again in comic verse and find out how Katherine Jakeways became a media star.

After last year’s astoundingly successful Murder Mystery, writer Nick Perry has come up with a sequel based on his experiences at poetry workshops. “These events are usually awash with backbiting and bitterness – ideal breeding ground for murder most foul.”

• For full details of all events, dates, times, venues and ticket prices, see the Festival brochure or go to www.oundlelitfest.org.uk.

Tickets will be on sale on line or from Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 4ED Tel: 01832 274734.

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

41

20/1/11 11:23:25

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Trinity Methodist Church Barn Hill, Stamford A charity concert in aid of Send A Cow, Water Aid and Youth Outreach Worker Donations at the door

42

• SL February ADS.indd 42

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PICTURES: ©STAMFORD MUSEUM

ASK LEO

Stamford East Station

How many Stamfordians know that the fine-looking building at the end of Water Street was once Stamford’s second station?

A

n Act for the Stamford and Essendine Railway was passed in August 1853 with the station opening in 1856. The Marquess of Exeter, who had previously opposed the GNR railway running through the town, promoted this link to the Great Northern Railway because it would bring Yorkshire coal into Stamford at a cheaper rate than Leicestershire coal.

The length of the line to Essendine was only 3½ miles; there was a passenger station en route at Ryhall, a junction for goods traffic was installed and the impressive station, designed by William Hurst, was built in Elizabethan style with the Exeter coat of arms.

Ask Leo is grateful to BB who wrote these memories of the line. “My first acquaintance with the station was on a beautiful autumn day in October 1954 when I cycled over from Peterborough with two school friends during half term. A former pupil of Stamford school had described the station to us and had aroused our interest.

The main building was designed in an attractive Elizabethan style and fronted an all-over roof with wooden smoke vents which covered about half the platform length.

There were two platforms built in the form of an island with the lefthand platform on entry, nearest the river normally used by the Essendine trains. When we walked into the station I recall our footsteps echoed round the booking hall areas if it was a quiet period, which during the final years seemed to be most of the time. We bought return tickets, took some photographs with a box Brownie and ate our packed lunches on the platform before leaving on the 1.18pm to Essendine hauled by Class C12 No 67376. After a pleasant journey of about 15 minutes and an intermediate stop at Ryhall and Belmesthorpe we arrived in Essendine where the engine uncoupled, ran around its train and prepared to return to Stamford. Just before departure one of my companions asked the driver with admirable cheek and more in hope than expectation whether we could have a ride back on the engine. To his apparent surprise and certainly to mine the driver immediately agreed, cautioning us to remain out of sight until we were on the branch proper. I regret that I never knew the name of the kindly driver or his fireman but nearly 57 years on I still have vivid memories of

that enjoyable trip back in a crowded cab.

There had been rumours for several years that Stamford East or indeed the line would close so it came as no huge surprise when it was announced in 1956 that the station would close to passengers with effect from March 4th 1957. The service to Essendine would continue from Stamford Town (the present station) with a slightly revised timetable.

This proved to be a short-lived arrangement which only lasted until June 1959 when the line closed completely apart from Priory Sidings.

As there was no Sunday service the last departure from Stamford East was at 6.15pm on Saturday March 2nd 1957and I went over less energetically this time by train during the afternoon to travel on it.

Like many closure days more people were there than the station had seen for years, some from considerable distance away.

These included a friendly group from Leicester Railway and Canal Historical Society, who had travelled on the Uppingham line earlier in the day.

We were surprised by the arrival of a wedding party seeing off the newly- weds, which provided an interesting mix of passengers.

Busy with the last day rush was Mr Pridmore, the Station master, who was responsible for both stations in Stamford. He gave away a number of surplus and obsolete luggage labels to enthusiasts and a small number of us were given a quick visit to Stamford Junction signal box. This involved crossing a number of running lines on foot, albeit under his watchful eye, fairly unremarkable then but unthinkable under safety regulations now. He was ably assisted by a young lady who I believe was his daughter.

I don’t remember the outward or return journeys as being particularly sombre events despite the circumstances, but after the engine 67365 had brought us back and the passengers were dispersing into the night everyone was aware that it was the end of a function for a station just over 100 years old.

Despite its loss of passengers Stamford East remained open for goods for another six years closing entirely in March 1963. Fortunately the building has survived and today in its modified form remains an elegant reminder of Stamford’s other railway station.”

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

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• SL February Directory.indd 52

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• SL February Directory.indd 53

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PERSPECTIVES

William Stukeley Richard Barry witnesses a symbolic reinstatement

W

illiam Stukeley’s was a life in two Acts.

From the age of twenty five to forty he undertook what is now recognised as the first high quality archaeology in Britain. From age forty until his death at seventy eight, he abandoned archaeology and indulged in ever more fanciful speculation as to the origin and religion of the ancient Celts. By the end of his life he was a figure of ridicule, a reputation that has endured until recently.

The cusp between the two Acts of Stukeley’s life occurred here in Stamford; it was here that his reputation ceased to grow and began its long decline. So it is fitting that Stamford’s Civic Society, in a symbolic act of reputational reinstatement, recently placed a Blue Plaque -the ultimate accolade to the great and the good – on the site in Barn Hill where Stukeley had lived. This ceremony was performed in November last year, when the Blue Plaque was unveiled by Professor Dai Morgan Evans, former General Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries. The photograph shows, left to right, Civic Society Project Leader Peter Stevens, Prof Evans, Rev Mark Warrick and Mayor David Brailsford Photo by courtesy of Mike Sockett

Stukeley’s surveys were brilliant work that today would be classed as “rescue archaeology” of the highest quality

Sketch portrait in pen and wash by Sir Godfrey Kneller of William Stukely at the age of thirty-four.

Act 1 William Stukeley was born in 1687 in Holbeach.

His father was a lawyer with a small estate in Uffington but young William rejected a life of farming or law and studied medicine at Cambridge and St Thomas’s in London. After qualifying in 1710 he returned to Lincolnshire and practised medicine in Boston for seven years. It was during this time that he made friends with a number of influential locals, including Isaac Newton and William Wake, soon to be bishop of Lincoln and then Archbishop of Canterbury. And it was during his Boston days that Stukeley undertook his first two long distance rides across England in search of antiquities.

Seven years of doctoring in the provinces was enough; it was probably boredom that led Stukeley to return to London in 1717. An income of £150 from the family estate plus his small medical earnings (probably less than £100) gave him enough money to lead an enjoyable bachelor life in London and also to continue with his long distance rides to explore England and lowland Scotland. The megaliths

46

of Avebury and Stonehenge overwhelmed him with their grandeur and mystery – just as they do the tourist of today. But he was shocked at the way local landowners were destroying the huge megaliths to obtain building material, and he immediately grasped the importance of preparing for each monument a detailed record of every feature: “….to survey it, which may rescue some part from impending ruin [until] future times may hence be able to ascertain its purport, when this sort of learning will be more cultivated”. Stukeley’s surveys were brilliant work that today would be classed as “rescue archaeology” of the highest quality.

Act 2 In 1726, at the age of thirty nine, Stukeley left London and returned to Lincolnshire. He was a disappointed man. A friend reported: “he has written several things but not meeting with the encouragement he expected from the publick he has withdrawn himself from London to live privately at Grantham.”

In Grantham he gathered material for a biography (unpublished) of his friend Isaac Newton (including the first reference to the famous apple tree incident). He also got married, but his income – fine for a bachelor – was too small to support a wife and family.

Stukeley (no fool in worldly matters) spotted

that the benefice of All Saints in Stamford was vacant and rich (£589 per annum). With the help of his old friend William Wake, by now Archbishop of Canterbury, Stukeley enjoyed a fast-track ordination -- starting the process in June 1729, leading to ordination less than four months later. In October the Lord Chancellor granted Stukeley the All Saints living, apparently in the teeth of High Church opposition. Ah…the importance of having the right friends.

With a wife, children and a flock to take care of, Stukeley’s days of long horseback journeys and painstaking field archaeology were clearly over. Instead he pursued his twin interests of gardening at No.9 Barn Hill and writing on religious antiquities but with increasing eccentricity.

Two years after his first wife died, Stukeley married a friend’s sister. Evidently she was a rather difficult woman, but she brought to the marriage a settlement of £10,000. Freed from financial worries, he left Stamford and returned to the intellectual bright lights of London in 1747.

Stukeley died in 1765. For all his eccentricity and argumentativeness he was by many accounts an immensely likeable man and it is delightful that the Civic Society has made this symbolic act of reputational reinstatement.

STAMFORD LIVING February 2011

44 PEOPLE.indd 1

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