Stamford Living December 2012

Helping

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STAMFORD LIVING food/fashion/health

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Perfect Xmas Gifts

beauty/home

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living

LO C A LLY

The Art of Wrapping

garden/lifestyle

Stamford’s Independent shop owners choose their perfect present WINTER FASHION Glittering Party Dresses interior design Christmas Decorations

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£1.50 DECEMBER 2012

@LocalLivingUK 21/11/12 15:23:22

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goodwin

www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Residential Sales • Lettings • Mortgages

Matching the right person to the right home is all about listening to our customers needs, understanding their priorities and matching these requirements with the vast range of properties we have available.

With four decades of experience within the Stamford area, our team prides itself on the personal attention they provide.

Let us help you find the right property for you and your family. Buying, Selling, Letting - it’ll be our pleasure!

The key to your new home!

Sales

Great Casterton

Lettings

£199,950

Pretty period stone 2 bed cottage located in the popular village of Great Casterton. The cottage is full of character with surprisingly spacious rooms including an entrance hall/study, kitchen, living room with log burner, two double bedrooms and a bathroom. There are gardens to the front and rear with lovely views over fields.

Careby

Stamford

£219,995

Delightful 2 bedroom semi detached in this extremely popular location close to the town centre.

The current owner has completely refitted and redecorated throughout with a new kitchen/diner, 2 good sized reception rooms, one with built in log burner, 2 bathrooms and 2 double bedrooms.

Outside is a private courtyard to the rear and off road parking to the front as well as a single garage.

£374,950 Market Deeping

Extended and improved detached family home situated with the original parts dating back to 1700's.

The property benefits from a small Paddock with Stable and tack room/workshop. The accommodation briefly comprises: entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, living room, rear hall, downstairs shower room, landing, three bedrooms, en-suite to master and family bathroom.

£650,000

This beautiful 6 bedroom, 4 reception room Georgian grade II listed property is packed with character features. Large landscaped gardens and amazing entertaining space make this family home adaptable to most people's requirements.

Upstairs the 6 good sized bedrooms, ensuite and 18' bathroom complete the picture.

Residential Sales

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Empingham

£475 pcm

Stamford

£575 pcm

Pretty detached cottage situated in this much sought-after village of Rutland. Lounge with stairs leading to mezzanine bedroom. Kitchen and shower room. The property also benefits from parking and a lovely garden.

A well-presented three bedroom home in this popular mature residential area of town.

Entrance hall, lounge, modern re-fitted kitchen and bathroom. Gravelled front garden and an enclosed rear garden with a garden shed and garage.

Stamford

Edith Weston

£695 pcm

A well-presented town house situated in this highly sought-after development located in the heart of Stamford. Town centre living offering newly fitted kitchen and two double bedrooms. Outside there is a pretty private garden.

Lettings

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£895 pcm

A charming stone cottage in an idyllic location with spectacular views overlooking Rutland Water.

Three reception rooms and three bedrooms.

Attic space and large gardens with double garage and single garage.

Mortgages

01780 750000 2-3 St John’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DA

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S TA M FOR D LIVING

DECEMBER CONTENTS W

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always enjoy meeting Stamford’s independent shop owners as I do my rounds for the ‘My Perfect Gift’ article and find out how everyone is getting on.

And the news is not all gloom and doom. Where there is an owner who is totally in charge of the business and working there on a day to day business, where there is an excellent level of service, where there is an enjoyable shopping experience and where the owner is flexible enough to move quickly with the trends, then there is a successful store that is growing its business.

What stood out for me this year was the sheer drive, determination and personalities of this select group of owners. Put them in charge of anything and they would be pretty good at it – we are very lucky that they have chosen to ply their trade on our behalf in Stamford.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

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

Riverside Café Now opeN 7 Days a week

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UPDATES, SHOPPING 8 21 22

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Shopping: My Perfect Gift Shopping: The Art of Wrapping Things Beautifully Updates: Robert Loomes new ladies’ watch, Dawson new shop, Arch Label Agency, win a Burghley Horse Trial calendar Updates: Stamford & Rutland Business Awards, Delcor Furniture, Jelly Lane Originals Updates: Burnett Mediation, Fit Chicks, Rubinstein Keightley, Essence of Beauty Updates: Norton Rickett estate agents Property of the Month, Shutterbox Photography, new owners at Ryhall Village Shop Updates: The Walnut Tree childminding, Vale 8 MY PERFECT GIFT Conservatories new showroom, Merge Christmas Craft Fair

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 4 17

Fashion: Party frocks Health & Beauty: party make-up

HOME, GARDEN AND MOTORING 36 43

Design Interiors: Christmas Decorations Motoring: Picking the right tyres

FOOD & DRINK 26 51 55 56

Food & Drink: Christmas Store Cupboard Food & Drink: Hambleton Bakery appears on TV Show Food & Drink: Olive Branch recipe – Braised leg of Hare 28 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Eating Out: William Cecil new chef, Exeter Arms Award, new diner for Oundle

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS 28 46 49

58 61 63

Business: Stamford & Rutland Business Awards Business: How the Waitrose charity scheme works Great Days Out: Take the Nene Valley Railway Driver Experience Rutland’s Sports’ Awards Local Walk: Medbourne and Hallaton What’s On

PEOPLE & PLACES 34 44 67 68

Local History: Stone carvings on local churches Quiz page based on local words Countryfile: Christmas animals Stamford People: Sophie Allport, tableware 56 EXETER ARMS AWARD

68 SOPHIE ALLPORT COVER: Courtesy of Hambleton Bakery

Riverside Decorative arts & antiques

Beautiful Costume Jewellery & Accessories T h e R i ve rsid e , W ha r f Ro a d , S ta mford , PE9 2 DU - Em ai l: i n fo@ ri v e rsi d e st amfo r d.c o .u k

Mob: 07773 800804 info@thierrydaugeron.co.uk

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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Fa s hion Inside r

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Sally Stillingfleet finds the perfect embellishment for the LBD (Little Black Dress) this Christmas - a touch of glitter and a handful of sequins, some lace and some more sparkle, what more does a girl need?

Lipsy pre-owned dress £24.50 from Sly2, worn with pale turquoise Butler & Wilson earrings £82.00 from Jules

William Tempest strapless black dress £390 from Arch Label Agency, worn with Butler & Wilson earrings £62.00 from Jules

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Vicky wears Jaeger lace shirt from Jaeger and John Lewis, with Ted Baker cropped trousers £109, both from John Lewis. Butler & Wilson earrings £62.00 from Jules

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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Left: Vicky wears earrings by Missoma £245 Paradise Found Coast blue peplum top £75 and Whistles blue sequined skirt £125 both from John Lewis, Peterborough.

Christian Louboutin black shoes with ankle strap £150 from Arch Label Agency Nancy wears dress black lace panel dress from Baubles and Bangles £47 with Unisa shoes from Attic Stamford £140 Right: Gold sequined Glamorous dress from Energy £50, worn with Daisy Knights ring £210 and leaf earrings £310 both from Paradise Found Below: Nancy wears Zac peplum dress £36 and cuff £9.50 both from So

DIRECTORY Paradise Found – 34 St. Mary’s St. Stamford.

Tel: 01780 764439 Vanilla – 23B Mill Street, Oakham.

Tel: 01572 757577 Jules by the Riverside – Wharf Road, Stamford. Tel: 01780 755948 (NEW!) Sly2 - 4 St. Mary’s Passage, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 482870 So – 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 480777 John Lewis – Queensgate Centre, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 344644 Jacks – 20 Market Place, Oundle.

Tel: 01832 270033 Energy – 9 Ironmonger St. Stamford Tel: 01780 765633 Attic – 33 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 766667 Baubles and Bangles – 10 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford. Tel: 01780 763633 Marcia May Shoes – 41 St. Mary’s St. Stamford.

Tel: 01780 766608 Arch Label Agency – 10a Maiden Lane, Stamford. Tel: 01780 764746 Jaeger – 40 St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 753611 Aromatica – 8 High Street, St. Martin’s, Stamford. Tel: 01780 753443 Above: Nancy wears lace and net dress by Derby £125, from Jacks, worn with Unisa shoes £140 from Attic Harriet wears Esprit Collection dress from Attic £65, black fur-trimmed boots £175 from Vanilla, Oakham Right: Vicky wears Damsel in a Dress full length evening dress £189 from John Lewis, Butler & Wilson earrings from Jules £73.00 Harriet wears gold and black Hoss dress £299 from Jacks with Laurence Decade shoe-boots £250 from Arch Label Agency

Sarah Buxton from Aromatica has used Lily Lolo’s mineral make-up and T. Le Clerc’s eponymous French make-up range to create smokey eyes with metallic shimmer on my models – Vicky, Harriet and Nancy, many thanks to them all for modelling.

Photography by Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk 07932055548 Thanks to Thierry Daugeron and his team for allowing us to use the new Chandelier Room upstairs at The Riverside Café. The perfect venue for parties! www.thierrydaugeron.co.uk Tel. 07773 800804 STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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stay snug and dry this winter

Baubles and Bangles

wellies from

£64.99 Belmont

coat

£169 £39.99 Harkila alaSka

Down hat www.barnack.co.uk tel:

01780 740115

Barnack, Stamford. PE9 3DY 2 miles from Burghley House Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-4:30pm, Sun 11am-3pm

&

Fabulous fashion, jewellery and accessories 2 New street Oakham 01572724177 10 St Mary’s Hill Stamford 01780763633 12 Orange Street Uppingham

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Send some Cowshed love this Christmas

8 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF (opposite The George Hotel).

Tel: 01780 753443 - Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm

8 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford

01780 767878

www.seaweedretail.co.uk sales@seaweedretail.co.uk

S

tylish individual day and evening wear presented in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Selection of handbags, scarfs and jewellery to add that finishing touch to any outfit. Please feel welcome to call in the next time you are in Stamford.

Stockists of Not Your Daughters Jeans, Selected Femme, Not the Same, Hackbarths, Cream and Javier Simorra.

Facebook.com/loveitstamford

Late night shopping. Thursday until 7.30pm

ANAND SHOES

of Stamford

• Stockist of high quality leather footwear from:

• High class shoe repair and restoration service • Official retailer for

Bears

• Shoe care products • Key cutting & Engraving service

28 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2BB - T: 01780 767688 E: anandshoesofstamford@gmail.com 7

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M Y PERFECT GI FT

Independent an Stamford has the region’s best selection of independent shops by a country mile. They seem to thrive here – perhaps it’s the beauty of the place, the friendliness of the people, the easy accessibility of the town – whatever it is, we need to do our bit by supporting them with our custom. And this Christmas it’s easier than ever, because there are a simply amazing range of gifts on offer.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones asked some of the local independent shop owners what they would choose themselves in their own shop if they were buying? And this is the story of what he found Photography: Elli Dean www.rutlandphotographer.co.uk

Arch Label Agency Rare limited edition Jimmy Choo box clutch £1,200 (originally retailed at £3,500) “It is a multi-textured small box clutch. It has a gold detachable chain strap. Very desirable and one to keep forever.” Susie Archer, owner

Browns Moroccan Oil Gift Bag: oil treatment, shampoo and conditioner £54.85 “Perfect for any woman’s Christmas stocking.” Sam Lee, Manager

Aromatica Acqua di Parma for Men Gift pack (aftershave, aftershave lotion, body wash) £72 “The aroma of Italian islands…”

Sarah Buxton, owner

Baubles & Bangles Small purse, in a range of patterns £13 “Nice, easy gift for anyone; look and function coming together perfectly.”

Lynn Tempest, owner

Chameleon Funky tights from Cetti and Trasparenze, from £17-£25 “A bit of fun to perk up your Christmas outfit.” Giselle Brannan, owner

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and Proud of it!

Fine Food Store Christmas hampers. From £30 upwards “You’d be a very welcome guest if you brought this round when you came to stay.” Jenny Fitzpatrick, owner

Lambs Tableware Denby (James Martin) 5-piece square kit. £15, reduced from £30 in special promotion. “Endlessly versatile for snacks, dips; ovenproof, dishwasher proof, freezer proof; and a white, contemporary style that will go with anything.”

Janet Brown, owner

Claire Langley Large leather elephant footstool £585 “Why not really have an ‘elephant in the room?’” Claire Langley, owner

Dawson

Essence Beauty

Dawson in St Mary’s St. Skeleton Swatch £47.50, “Full of fun and character.” Adrian Dawson, manager

Neom Christmas Wish candle, £39.50 “The aroma of Christmas – cinnamon, mandarin, vanilla and almonds” Lauren Chambers, owner

H-Works Lexington cushions, a range, £45-£75 “New England lifestyle, quality materials and finish.”

Alan Mowat, co-owner

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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M Y PERFECT GIFT Love it Emergency Chocolate Fund Box £2.99 “Cheap, fun, in tune with the times, part of a series of boxes that will put a smile on your face.”

Amanda Oscroft, joint owner

Paradise Found A swallow with champagne sapphire by Alex Munroe, £120 “It’s so delicate, would go with anything, and birds are so popular at the moment.” Jackie Seago, owner

Maples Elemis Gift Set, a choice of 12, ranging from £25 to £195. The one featured is Elemis Princess of Spa, £49.50 (worth £86) – Milk Bath, Relaxing Elixir and Hand & Nail Cream.

“British, established, based on expert R&D, gentle but effective”

Marcia May Shoes EMU boots £150 “Water-resistant, proper heel stiffeners and a more solid heel” Samantha Drewery, owner

NGI Design Fridge carafe with Neoprene Cover £50 “Style unzipped.” Neil Partridge, co-owner

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Seaweed Beaded pashminas scarves, £12 “Pretty & sparkly, versatile for day & evening, neck or shoulders” Debbie Mack, Manager

“THEO IS ONLY THE LATEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY TO SHOW AN INTEREST IN ANTIQUES.” Robert Loomes

The ‘Robina’ is their first ever Ladies mechanical wristwatch, £5,580 (read more about it on Page 22) “Bringing the great English tradition of clock-making back to life with the utmost style.”

Theo is a Bichon Frise and likes nothing better than sniffing out a bargain at St. Martins Antiques. He belongs to Mary O’Hara who hales from California and has lived in Stamford for thirteen years. Her mother was a collector of English Oak furniture and Mary grew up surrounded by English antiques.

She has now passed on her enthusiasm to her youngest daughter who, inspired by a visit to China, recently bought a cloisonne bowl in theSinclairs Centre.

Sly Fashion

A ‘faux fur’ hat (£39.95) and ‘slouch bag’ London (£114.95)

by Moore & Moore “I love UndergroundMary collects English Porcelain, her latest purchase being a 19th century hand painted cup andto St Martin’s Antiques stroke it, so tactile; design 4 Asaucer. fabulous range of just about everything While it has pride of place in her china cabinet, Mary also enjoysitaconjures refreshing ‘cuppa’ from up Espresso cups old and antique it occasionally too.

Doctor and saucers by “If you want something really unique, you Zhivago for me” www.blisshome. can find it here,” Peter Light, owner Belinda Sly, co.uk £37.50 Next year is St. Martins Antiques 20th Anniversary and“Divine, it’s thanks to regular owner customers like Mary retro, that the Centre has a history of success. soft & feminine, a perfect gift”

We’d like to thank Mary and all our regular customers for making the years simply fly by and if you read this and decide to visit us for the first time, then here’s to the next 20 years.

St. Martins Antiques 23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LF. Tel: (01780) 481158 Web: www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

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Stamford Music Shop Musical crackers, with eight working handbells inside, set across an octave, for a musical moment. £23.99 “Guaranteed to pull at Christmas.” Dave Hollands, owner

Stamford Cheese Cellar Ruby Loves Midnight blue dress, made by ‘Soaked in Luxury’. £75. “Really fun, affordable Christmas party chic.” Jodie Pape, manager

Godminster heart-shape cheddar, £5.50 “Soft, strong and romantic” Karen & George Brammer, owners

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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M Y PERFECT GI FT Thierry Daugeron

Vac Centre Dyson DC44 Animal £279 “For up top and down below - so versatile.” Nick, owner

A gift voucher for the Stamford Cookery School, from £35 “Come and learn on a wide array of courses through the year. Find the details at www. stamfordcookeryschool. co.uk” Thierry Daugeron, owner

T&C Robinson Millican ‘Mark’ field bag £95 “An old-fashioned twist, but bang up to date at the same time.” Anne Robinson, owner

You and Beyond Swarovski bracelet £50 “Comfortable to wear, looks like a whole load of bangles, catches the light.” Ben Stevenson, manager

You Gifts Sophie Allport robin design range, prices from £8 to £13 “Just lovely, good price, local girl.” Liz Stevenson, owner

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Contact details Arch Label Agency, 10A Maiden Lane, PE9 2AZ Tel: 01780 764746 Aromatica, 8 High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF 01780 753443 Baubles & Bangles, 10 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 763633 Browns Hairdressing, 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AQ Tel: 0844 999 3365 Chameleon, 5 St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 755405 Claire Langley, 7 High Street, St Martin’s, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 752555 Dawson, 14 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DF Tel 01780 764353 Essence of Beauty, 15 Saint Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 763564 Fine Food Store, 37 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 754222 H-Works, Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 754605 Lambs Tableware, 35-36 St Mary’s St. Tel: 01780 762652 Love It, 1 St Johns Street, Stamford, PE9 2DA Tel: 01780 482912 Maples, 24 Saint Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DJ Tel: 01780 752725 Marcia May Shoes, 41 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 766608 NGI Design, 4 - 6 High Street, St Martins, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 766899 Paradise Found, 34 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 764439 Robert Loomes, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford Tel: 01780 481319 Ruby Loves, 3&4 Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 76462 St Martin’s Antiques, 23 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 481158 Seaweed, 8 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 767878 Sinclairs, 11 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 765421 Sly 2, 4 St. Mary’s Passage, Stamford, PE9 2HG Tel: 01780 482870 Stamford Cheese Cellar, 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 489269 Stamford Cookery School, Brownlow St, Stamford, PE9 2EL Tel: 01780 752172 Stamford Music Shop, 11 Saint Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 751 275 T&C Robinson, 4 St. Mary’s St, PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 755378 Vac Centre, 18 St. Mary’s Street, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 482935 You and Beyond, 14 St. Mary’s St, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 755996 You Gifts, 30 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DL Tel: 01780 765001

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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China, Glass and Cookware

H A OF LF FE PR RS IC E

Judge Stainless Steel Meat Carving Tray £30.00 Now £14.99

Stamford’s Only Independent Wine Merchant (located above the Cheese Cellar)

Win a Denhay Truckle worth £60 Pop into the shop with this advert, feel how much the truckle weighs and the correct answer will be able to enjoy this cheese for Christmas.

Maxwell & Williams Boxed 16 Pce Dinner Set £60.00 Now £30.00 Denby 5 Pce Dipping Kit £30.00 Now £15.00 A.Price 8 Person Cutlery Set £180.00 Now £89.00

Weight……………………kg & grams Name………………………………. Tel……………………………………..

Denby Cast Iron Casserole £72.00 Now £36.00 8, 35 & 36 St Mary’s Street, Stamford 01780 762652/754245 www.lambs-stamford.co.uk

Competition ends 21st Dec 2012

Artisan Cheese Specialists, Chutneys, Crackers, Jams & Pâté 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 489269 - www.stamfordcheese.com

Handcrafted jewellery celebrating love, Happiness and good karma

29 High street, stamford, pe9 2bb.

www.adorn-accessories.co.uk www.facebook.com/adornaccessoriesstamford contact: tel 01780 754359 13

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22/11/12 09:37:00

5 Reasons to Love EMU

Water Resistant Sheepskin SUPER SOFT 100% AUSTRALIAN SHEEPSKIN | Thicker, giving your boot more structure ANATOMICALLY CORRECT SHEEPSKIN LINED INSOLE | It’s like walking on a cloud TOUGH RUBBER OUTSOLE WITH SOFT EVA INSET | Hard wearing and comfortable BETTER FIT AND SUPPORT | Moulded heel cup

MARCIA MAY SHOES 41 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 766608

NEW TECHNOLOGY

The fastest to heat the room evenly.

Air Multiplier™ technology amplifies surrounding air for long-range heat projection. The Dyson Hot™ fan heater is fastest to heat the room evenly.

Guaranteed for 2 years, parts and labour.

Uneven room heating

Fastest even room heating

Safety features Tip-over automatic cut out.

No visible heating elements.

Precise control Select target temperature to the degree. The intelligent thermostat keeps it there.

No burning smell Ceramic plates never exceed 200˚C so dust doesn’t burn.

Powerful cooling fan High airflow and velocity.

Cools you with an uninterrupted stream of smooth air.

Includes remote control

THE VAC CENTRE

Available from:

SALES - REPAIRS - SERVICING - SPARES 18 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, TEL: 01780 482935

APPROVED DEALER

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE 14

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21/11/12 12:53:57

This Christmas Elegance All the brands... one place...

14 St. Mary’s Street Stamford PE9 2DF 01780 755996 www.youandbeyond.co.uk

Open everyday everyday until until Christmas. christmas.

• SL Dec ADS.indd 15

Y&B

You & Beyond JEWELLERY

22/11/12 09:44:18

Celebrate Chrismas at

Stamford beauty 1,Silver Lane, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2BT

01780 757108

…would like to welcome back to our team, Jamie, a much loved therapist.

DEC OFFERS

Mon-Fri only - excluding Xmas and New Year’s Eve

Indulge in a full body massage and receive a FREE file and paint.

Book a manicure and pedicure together and get the cheapest 1/2 PRICE Special Christmas Clarins and Elemis facials ONLY £30 20% off colour, when you book a colour and cut with Jade, Melissa or Steph.

GIFT IDEAS? Our Clarins, Elemis, Jessica and Tigi gift sets are perfect for the people you love or why not treat someone special to a Maples gift voucher.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

stamfordbeauty@gmail.com ChriStmaS OfferS Limited Edition “Dermalogica“ gift sets available

O.P.I Gift sets available including this amazing limited edition top coat with 18ct gold flakes in at ONLY £29.99 millie’s Lashes available ONLY £8.99 (Hypoallergenic and 100% Natural Hair. Latex Free. Can be used up to 5 times) Tweezers and mild adhesive inc.

We would like to thank all of our lovely clients for their support and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Love Sarah and Aga xx GifT VoucHErS AVAiLABLE. cuSTomiSEd TrEATmEnT PAckAGE

16

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21/11/12 12:54:21

Hea lth & Be auty

Paradise Found If you need some ideas on how to achieve the perfect party look, Genevieve Potter calls in professional help from leading make-up artist Neeta M and showcases some beautifully glamorous accessories from Paradise Found

22ct gold-plated and carnelian earrings by Rodgers & Rodgers

N

eeta has been a professional Daisy Knights make-up artist for over ten sterling silver years and as well as working on and 22ct gold photo shoots, she offers private plated feather lessons from as little as £25. She is ring £231, also passionate about eyebrows and shown with Pip is a threading specialist; believing Portley 22ct that perfectly shaped and groomed gold- plated brows that aren’t “filled in” too semi-precious harshly are one of the secrets of Rodgers & Rodgers 22ct rings, £59 each creating a naturally beautiful face. gold-plated mixed semi-precious For model Claire she firstly chequer board cut stones earrings created a simple 1940s inspired £450 and matching necklace £450 look, prepping the face with studio moisturiser before using face and body foundation in shade N3 which mimics the skin’s own texture. She then used NW 25 liquid Daisy Knights concealer to lighten under eye circles and provide a flawless finish. solid silver For the eyes Neeta used a neutral shadow “vanilla” in the socket and a soft liner, “costa rica”, necklace £192, applied in a feathery movement along the top and lower lashes. The look was completed with worn with Alex lashings of mascara and a light dusting of “pinch me” blush, then dramatically scarlet lips were Monroe 22ct created using Esteé Lauder “gold ruby” lipstick. gold plated bee Claire’s second look was a smouldering, smokey-eye and nude lip combination. This was necklace £145. created by using “black tide” shadow swept over the eyelid and blended in to the socket, then run Alex Monroe underneath the eye with an angled brush. More concealer was used under Claire’s eyes to really peacock sterling make them “pop”. Powder “blush baby” was swept inwards on the cheeks to provide understated silver earrings contouring and for the lips, after using “beurre” lip liner and “body suit” lipstick, “naked” pigment £150 was dabbed on top for a perfect nude finish. (all make-up by MAC unless stated, all clothes, model’s own) Paradise Found is one of Stamford’s newest treasures; owned by Jackie and Matt Seago who have made the shop an eclectic and welcoming haven, with some of the loveliest accessories and gifts you will find anywhere. Jewellery ranges in price from £10 or £20 upwards and Jackie, who has a fantastic eye for what will suit you, will hold a “wish list” for customers.

• Paradise Found, 34 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS, Tel: 01780 764439, www.paradiseonline.co.uk Flawless Faces by Neeta M. Tel: 07866 312148 - www.flawlessfaces.co.uk Photography by Elli Dean www.rutandphotographer.co.uk Grateful thanks to model Claire Smith and Jackie and Matt Seago STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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21/11/12 15:34:44

Health & Beauty Therapy 2 MALLORY LANE, STAMFORD TEL. 01780 763768

All aspects of beauty therapy available Specialists in IPL hair removal, electrolysis, microdermabrasion, Hi-tech facial treatments & cosmeceuticals.

25% off £7.50

• Muscle relaxing injections for facial lines and wrinkles • Restylane and Juvéderm ultra dermal fillers • Accent RF Spa facial skin tightening • Treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) • Micro-sclerotherapy for thread veins • Dermaroller for skin regeneration and scar repair • Jan Marini glycolic peels and full range of skin care products now available • Free consultation

£20

www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk

G vou ift availchers able

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Eyebrow Threading (December offer only)

Party Make Up (offer ends by New Years Eve)

01476 550056

Bourne Road, Corby Glen, near Stamford, Lincs NG33 4BB

w w w. f l a w l e s s f a c e s . c o. u k

Toe-Tally advert:Layout 1 13/02/2012 15:57 Page 1

Podiatry and Aesthetics

Step has intochanged Winter but The name the Step service remains the same into Toe-Tally Chiropody/Podiatry Chiropody / Podiatry Treatment for •• Treatment for Various Various Skin Skin&&Nail NailConditions Conditions Hard Skin Skin Removal •• Hard Removal Painful Corns •• Painful Corns Verruca Treatments Treatments •• Verruca Simple & •• Simple & Casted CastedOrthotic OrthoticDesign Design Diabetic Foot •• Diabetic Foot Care Care Budget Toe Toe Nail Nail Cutting •• Budget Cutting Free Foot Foot Care Care Advice •• Free Advice

Special Offer on Microdermabrasio n Treatment Facial for Dec

Aesthetics: Aesthetics: Electrolysis –- Permanent Permanent Hair •• Electrolysis HairRemoval Removal Permanent Make-Up •• Permanent Make-Up Advanced Cosmetic •• Advanced CosmeticProcedures Procedures– -Remove Remove or Visibly Visibly Reduce Reduce aaVariety or VarietyofofSkin SkinLesions: Lesions: Skin Tags Tags Skin Milia (Milk Job Opportunities Milia [Milk Spots) Spots] Thread Veins Veins for Podiatrist / Thread Common Warts Chiropodist Common Warts && more More • Free Consultation Enquire within Plus Free Consultation •Gift Vouchers Available

For further information, call Paula on:

01780 766991

10 High Street, St Martins Stamford, PE9 2LF

Formally InStep Clinic

18

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21/11/12 12:54:35

G A R I E N I G E L H A I R WO R K

TWO GREAT SENIOR HAIR DESIGNERS, NOW BACK WHERE THEY BELON G Jackie has trained at Vidal Sassoon, Nicky Clarke, Patrick Cameron and Wella. She has over 20 years experience as a Senior Designer.

Starting 7th December

Natalie has completed courses at Tigi and the Toni & Guy Academies in London and is a Senior Designer with our team.

TO WELCOME YOU

we are offering 25% off any service with Jackie and Natalie until 31st January 2013

(with this ad – not to be used in conjunction with any other offer)

Wishing all our clients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

01780 751511

www.garienigelhairwork.co.uk - 6 Silver Lane, Stamford

THE U LT I MAT E L U X URY G IFT T H I S C H R I S T M AS. . .

The answer to skin aging and cellulite SPIN REPAIR IS THE WINNER OF THE ' GOLDEN CUP' AT THE INTERBEAUTY AWARDS, PRAGUE FOR THE MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCT IN THE COSMETIC MARKET. Exclusive to Stamford The first and only Spin Repair machine currently in the UK is in Stamford.

Quick results, pain free, long lasting results and completely non- invasive.

Day 1

Day 7

Christmas packages available email Liz@cell-regeneration.co.uk

or call Liz on 01780 238084 - www.spin-therapy.co.uk 19

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4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2HG E: info@slycollections.co.uk W: www.slycollections.co.uk

Tel: 01780 482870

es • sHo bags ds Hand Headban Fur toppers boot uffs & C Colates Ho y ian C belg tH & bod & ba ks CloC dog rings key Hes C t a W ore… s&m Card

Browns would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU • Monday 9am – 6pm • Tuesday 9am – 9pm • Wednesday 9am – 9pm • Thursday 9am – 9pm • Friday 9am – 9pm • Saturday 9am – 6pm • Sunday 9.30am – 5.30pm throughout December Also Open Christmas Eve and New Years Eve 8am – 4pm

Gift Cards and Christmas Gifts Available.

Book Online Today...www.browns-hair.co.uk 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford - 0844 999 3365 20

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22/11/12 10:00:04

SHOPPING

THE ART OF WRAPPING There’s something magical about a pile of glittering parcels beneath the Christmas tree, sure to stir excited anticipation in children and adults alike. On behalf of eager elves everywhere, Alysia Anderson gets Christmas all beautifully wrapped up

Gisela Graham Christmas ribbon, £2.50, You

Gisela Graham Ho Ho Ho ribbon, £4.50, You Cath Kidston pack of Christmas labels, £5, Chez Soi Deva Designs Santa wrapping paper, £1.99 a sheet, Deva Designs Santa gift bags, £1.99, You

Handband tape dispenser, £2.79, Colemans

Decorative starry string, £5.99, Snowflake and stars decorative ribbons, £1.99 a roll, Nook

Soul gift bags in different sizes, from £1.99, Love It

Vintage Christmas stickers in a tin, £10, Vintage Christmas rubber stamps in a tin, £17, Father Christmas wrap, £3 a sheet, all from Paradise Found

Treat boxes for tree or table, £5 for a box of 8, Sinclairs

Christmas Postit notes, £2.49, Colemans Gift wrap cutter, £3.99, Colemans

Arte Bene ribbon, £1.25, Arte Bene gift tags, £1 each, from Sinclairs

Chez Soi 26-27 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2AY (01780 482845) Coleman’s 1 Paul’s St, Stamford PE9 2BE (01780 762324) Love It 1 St John’s St, Stamford PE9 2DA (01780 482912) Nook Sheepmarket, Stamford PE9 2RB (01780 751029) Paradise Found 34 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DS (01780 764439) Sinclairs 11 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DE (01780 765421) You 30 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DL (01780 765001) STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2012

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21/11/12 15:36:45

L OCA L NE W S

UPDATES Win a Burghley Horse Trial calendar

Next year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials are on 5-8 September 2013. Full details can be found at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials website at www.burghley-horse.co.uk We have ten 2013 calendars to give away to the first ten correct answers to this question: who won the Burghley Horse Trials in 2012?

Please email your answer stamfordliving@ btopenworld.com with your full name and address. Winners will be notified by email and receive their calendar before Christmas

Robert Loomes & Co, Extraordinary Watchmakers A Lady needs the right time

Well-known Stamford watchmakers Robert Loomes & Co have launched their first ever Ladies mechanical wristwatch, just in time for Christmas.

After the success of earlier Limited Edition runs of wristwatches, Robert was consistently asked to produce a ladies version. When his wife and business partner Robina Hill walked around an international watch exhibition she was appalled to see hundreds of luxury watches aimed at gentlemen and but a tiny handful for ladies.

Thus The Robina watch was conceived. Using the same manually wound movement as the larger Robin watch, launched last year, it is housed in a more delicate and sophisticated 30mm stainless steel case. The Robin watch is already very much a collector’s piece, examples having sold across the globe from Swaziland to Switzerland. The Robina watch is the only ladies watch to be entirely manufactured in England.

The watch was launched this month at the Saatchi Gallery on London’s Kings Road to great acclaim: The Robina watch was described as “equally at home in the boardroom or the theatre.” As Robina herself said: “It is an elegant combination of style and function. It is entirely manufactured in England. We are extraordinarily proud of it.”

• The Robina watch is only available from Robert Loomes & Co in Stamford, priced at £5,580.

Tel: 01780 481319. www.robertloomes.com

Archer Design Agency featured in national newpaper As proof of the national appeal of many of our local shops, we were delighted to read this review of the Arch Label Agency in the Daily Telegraph in their article “Worn Again, a new breed of second hand specialists makes high style a steal”.

This is what the Daily Telegraph wrote: Arch Label Agency: Best for… edgy labels It stocks Chanel and YSL, but it’s the “cool labels that fashion editors love”, as one fan puts it, that makes the schlep to Susie Archer’s wordof-mouth phenomenon in Lincolnshire worth it.

Immaculate-condition Marni, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Céline, Proenza Schouler

22

and Tom Ford from recent seasons can be found at basement prices. A current cross-section of its perusal-only website includes Stella McCartney belts from £30, Gucci silk scarves for £50 and a Givenchy bag for £390.

Archer calls her shop an agency, but the hushed white decor has more of the Matches boutique about it than Cash Converters: “A lot of people don’t realise that it’s an agency and request items in certain sizes,” says Archer, who set up the business with redundancy money from her old marketing job. You can also make a tidy sum selling your unwanted designer purchases to her to sell on. www.archlabelagency.com

Dawson of Stamford second shop

John Dawson has opened a second shop in St Mary’s St, designed to have a younger feel and be very accessible to anyone. It will offer silver, vintage, engagement rings, bracelets and watches at prices starting from £40, but still offering the same quality as the ‘mother store’.

The inside of the store has been completely re-furbished and it has a modern, relaxing feel about it. The shop will be managed by Adrian Dawson.

• Dawson of Stamford, 42 St Mary’s St, Stamford Tel: 01780 764353

For the full article, go to: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/ phong-luu/TMG9643293/Worn-againsecond-hand-fashion.html#

STAMFORD LIVING december 2012

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Unique hand-painted furniture and beautiful gifts.

Come to one of our Annie Sloan Paint Workshops Look out for our ecommerce site – launching soon www.chalkinteriors.com

01780 752414

Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton.

e information ct James on:

80 410777 84 510824

rkhousecc.co.uk

all Mews, Stretton, utland LE15 7RL

housecc.co.uk

Delivering executive transfers for general private hire, airports, sporting events, seaports & weddings

For more information contact James on: t: 01780 410777 m: 07984 510824 e: info@parkhousecc.co.uk 7 Stocken Hall Mews, Stretton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7RL

www.parkhousecc.co.uk

Delivering executive transfers for general private hire, airports, sporting events, seaports & weddings 23

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22/11/12 09:33:32

Stamford Living 07.11.12_Layout 1 09/11/2012 13:41 Page 1

Christmas starts here... ...with your invitation to once again join us for our traditional Christmas shopping event at Sinclairs of Stamford!

This eagerly-awaited event, now in it’s 5th year, offers exciting Christmas shopping opportunities in a festive atmosphere... and now for a whole weekend.

Join us at our special Christmas Shopping Event on

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December and enjoy huge discounts with the compliments of the season!

OPENING TIMES: Saturday 9.30am-5pm • Sunday 11am-4pm www.sinclairsonline.co.uk • www.sinclairscollectables.com

£125

* off

when you spend over £500 in-store

at Sinclairs or Cook‘n’Dine

£50

* off

when you spend over £200 in-store

at Sinclairs or Cook‘n’Dine

Hurry, ONLY valid for 1st & 2nd December 2012

Hurry, ONLY valid for 1st & 2nd December 2012

Terms & conditions apply. One voucher per transaction & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes electricals. Valid for 1st & 2nd December ONLY. E&OE. StamDec12.

Terms & conditions apply. One voucher per transaction & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes electricals. Valid for 1st & 2nd December ONLY. E&OE. StamDec12.

Valid at: Sinclairs of Sheffield, 266 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HS - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Sinclairs of Stamford, 11 St. Mary’s St. Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2DE - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Cook’n’Dine, 28 Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5JH - Sunday Opening 10.30am-4.30pm

Valid at: Sinclairs of Sheffield, 266 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HS - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Sinclairs of Stamford, 11 St. Mary’s St. Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2DE - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Cook’n’Dine, 28 Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5JH - Sunday Opening 10.30am-4.30pm

£20 off*

when you spend over £100 in-store

£10 off*

when you spend over £50 in-store

at Sinclairs or Cook‘n’Dine

at Sinclairs or Cook‘n’Dine

Terms & conditions apply. One voucher per transaction & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes electricals. Valid for 1st & 2nd December ONLY. E&OE. StamDec12.

Terms & conditions apply. One voucher per transaction & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes electricals. Valid for 1st & 2nd December ONLY. E&OE. StamDec12.

Valid at: Sinclairs of Sheffield, 266 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HS - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Sinclairs of Stamford, 11 St. Mary’s St. Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2DE - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Cook’n’Dine, 28 Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5JH - Sunday Opening 10.30am-4.30pm

Valid at: Sinclairs of Sheffield, 266 Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HS - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Sinclairs of Stamford, 11 St. Mary’s St. Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2DE - Sunday Opening 11am-4pm Cook’n’Dine, 28 Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5JH - Sunday Opening 10.30am-4.30pm

Hurry, ONLY valid for 1st & 2nd December 2012

Hurry, ONLY valid for 1st & 2nd December 2012

* To redeem these vouchers a customer card must be completed in-store. Certain exclusions apply. E&OE.

Sinclairs of Stamford |

11 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2DE • T. 01780 765421

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Wrap up your Christmas at Cavells. Make a one-stop shop this December for fabulous party wear and a beautiful selection of Christmas gifts, which we will gift wrap for you. Visit our brand new website to buy online at w w w.c a v e l l s .c o .uk

New aNd exclusive to The Black Bull, Stamford Walk Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2JE T: 01780 754 605 E: enquiries@hworksdesign.co.uk W: www.hworksdesign.co.uk

• Bespoke Upholstery • Fabric • Linens • Curtains & Blinds • Little Greene Paint • Wallpaper 25

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21/11/12 12:55:47

FOOD & DR INK

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS...

FOR THE CHRISTMAS STORE CUPBOARD Sarah Lyon fills her larder with some delicious local treats “Smoked Salmon at Christmas is always a good one,” says Leo from Otters in Oakham.

“Ours is quite unique, being freedom farmed in open lochs where they are hand fed (rather than machine) before being slowly smoked over whole Suffolk Oak rather than chipping which can contain oil from the cutting equipment used. The smoking process can take anything between two and three days depending on the weather so a very traditional smoking method, and finally the salmon is hand smoked which is a skill in itself!” Otters Smokehouse & Deli, 19 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 756 481, www.ottersdeli.co.uk NEW PREMISES offering light deli lunches of smoked fish platters and charcuterie, coffee & pastries.

Pop-Up Boxing Day Bakery at The Small Bread Company. Artisan breads made using locally milled organic stoneground flour in all products. Speciality loaves – Cranberry and Stilton, Walnut Wreath; Fruity Brioche; French Pastries – Cranberry & Almond Croissant; Sweet Treats – Mince Pies, Cranberry Iced buns. Order ahead from Filam on Tel: 01832 270938, www. thesmallbreadcompany.com Pick up orders 9am – 12 noon on December 26th at Barnwell nr Oundle Workshop.

Fosse Meadows Corn Fed Chickens – Succulent roasted birds home grown and raised on a diet of cereals free from any additives and growth hormones. Feed rations include maize which gives the birds a lovely golden glow and adds a little extra fat. Birds roam free in fields, bask in the sun - slow grown which is where these birds gain on flavour over other producers. Source Fosse Meadows oven ready birds from Stamford Garden Centre farm shop, Casterton Road, Stamford and Seven Wells Butcher, Oundle, (www.fossemeadows.co.uk ) Buy on line or contact the farm direct for turkeys, geese and cockerels, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, Tel: 07886 340752

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Fosse Meadows

The Small Bread Company

Recipe Card Windfall apples (or other) stuffed with Nelsons Butchers sausage meat Core 4 apples and rub the inside with a squeeze of lemon juice Sausage mixture: 250g nelsons sausage meat, 1/2 onion finely diced (cook in a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the onion is translucent in colour), 2 teaspoons Tuk Tuk Foods (Red Lion Square, Saturdays) Hot Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce, 2 cloves of garlic grated, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 egg yolk.

Mix all ingredients together and fill centre of the cored apples.

Place around the chicken in roasting pan to cook while chicken is roasting.

The apples juices mingle with the pan juices to create a wonderful base for your gravy.

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2012

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21/11/12 15:38:34

Johannah’s Patisserie

Mimosa Bakery Hennart Brie

Mimosa Bakery’s Christmas Cookies – A collection of delightful and delicious homemade Christmas Cookies all baked, iced and hand-painted by Holly Cook to hang on and adorn the branches of your Christmas tree. A sweet and unique gift for Advent or Christmas, 1-3 cookies (£2.50 each), 4 or more cookies (£2.00 each). Tel. Holly on 07717 884091, www.mimosabakery.co.uk, based in Stamford

Johannah’s Patisserie

Hennart Brie from Otters Deli – Jacques Hennart buys young cheeses from artisan producers and matures them in the right conditions at his maturing facility just outside Lille. Leo tells me that this Brie has a full flavour and when left out of the fridge runs like a good brie should.

A hint of natural blue with Blue Lincolnshire Poacher and three year old matured Knuckle Duster Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese at STAMFORD FARMER’S MARKET, CHRISTMAS DATE: Friday, December 21st New Lodge Farm Special Christmas Shop Sunday 23rd December – Order ahead and collect your Christmas Turkey while enjoying a complimentary Hog Roast Roll. Everything for your Christmas menu can be sourced from the farm shop – barn reared and hung turkeys, pedigree Aberdeen Angus rib of beef, lamb, hams and vegetables along with an assortment of farm shop specialities. Contact Simon, Tel: 01780 450493 (New Lodge Farm Shop – along the A47 towards Bulwick) Johannah’s Patisserie – Step into Johannah’s lovely little patisserie and you step into a taste of patisserie heaven. A bit modern and traditional too Johannah, who studied cake decorating at London Southbank University, takes her inspiration from classic French patisserie, particularly the world famous Angelina in Paris. Her usual range of popular Sacher Torte and German Chocolate cake are available to order for Christmas in addition to seasonal specialities of hand decorated Christmas cakes, frangipane mince pies, linzertorte, iced gingerbread, lebuken, stollen and Christmas puddings. Johannah’s, 10b Northgate, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6QS, www.johannahs-patisserie.co.uk. Open: Wed – Fri 10 – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 2:30pm, Saturday Dec 22 (9am – 5pm), Christmas Eve (9am1pm), December 10th – Oakham late night shopping 2pm – 8pm, Mulled wine and tastings of Christmas cake and mince pies, Christmas cakes and hampers to order.

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2012

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21/11/12 15:38:51

L OCA L NE W S

UPDATES Delcor Furniture

Stamford & Rutland Business Awards Launch a Great Success!

If you thought the art of creating beautiful furniture went out with Chippendale – think again

Delcor has been manufacturing stylish bespoke furniture since the mid 1960s from its showroom and manufacturing headquarters at Seaton Delaval near the Northumberland coast.

Under the direction of Rick Petini, Managing Director, skilled craftsmen continue to create high quality furniture using the finest sustainable woods, top grade upholstery and top of the range fabrics.

Everything comes out of Seaton Delaval – the ideas, the designs, the manufacture, upholstery and covering, delivery and after-care. Delcor will even store your furniture at no extra charge until you move in – or your room is ready.

And Delcor opened a 4,800 sq ft store at Bath Row, Stamford earlier this year to satisfy growing market demand for their unique products. The opening followed on from the success of their operations in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland and King’s Road Chelsea which has precipitated imminent plans for further expansion. Delcor has also opened a 2,000 sq ft store in Harrogate in June this year.

Delcor’s main focus is on sofas, chairs & footstools & divans in a range of designs and coverings. Every piece of furniture is bespoke so clients can ‘mix and match’ to create their own individual setting.

Delcor’s owner and MD, Rick Petini identified Stamford as a perfect location for the new store: “Stamford is a beautiful county town with many fine historic houses and is within easy reach of important catchment areas such as Peterborough and Rutland. We’re confident that our beautiful ‘British-made’ bespoke furniture will attract property owners both locally and regionally.”

• www.delcor.co.uk. 30 Bath Row, Rear of St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2QX. Tel: 01780 430430

Belton-based Jelly Lane Originals opens for business

A new company based in Belton, Rutland, has just launched its ecommerce website. Jelly Lane Originals is an exciting new company which has designed and manufactured its own exquisite clothing range aimed at girls aged between 2 and 12 years.

“Each article of clothing has been “Lovingly Made In Britain”, in-house, on small production runs which ensures the quality is top class

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whilst also giving an air of provenance to each unique garment,” explains Jo George, Designer and Managing Director. Already the business has provided employment for two local seamstresses with plans to take on more local employees in the future.

The inaugural Jelly Lane Originals clothing range includes beautiful dresses, skirts, tops and trousers – all made using gorgeous, high quality fabrics which have been sourced internationally. Designs reflect yesteryear and have a vintage, retro style.

The first 100 clothing orders placed with www.jellylaneclothing.com will have their items delivered FREE of charge (UK only). All readers should use the voucher code “ALLHEART” to receive free P&P.

On the 26th October the Local Living Business Awards for Stamford and Rutland held their launch event at the Arts Centre in Stamford.

Over 100 different businesses from across the region attended, representing companies from sole traders to global corporates. They enjoyed an evening of networking in a convivial atmosphere and watched a presentation outlining the reasons behind the awards and the available categories for entries.

The event was also supported by the Chief Executive of Rutland County Council, Helen Briggs; Head of the Rutland Economic Development Group, Terry King; Lincolnshire County Councillor, David Brailsford; and the Mayors of Stamford, Cllr Bob Sandall, and Uppingham, Cllr David Casewell.

Small to Medium Enterprises form a very large part of the area’s business community and are therefore vitally important to the region’s economy. There are currently an estimated 4.8 million SMEs in the UK employing 23.9 million with a combined turnover of £3,100 billion.

There have been 200,000 new businesses registered in 2012, exceeding all previous records. This has made a large contribution to pulling the economy out of recession.

Awards are an extremely important part of any marketing strategy, with winners of awards seeing an average rise of 40% in newspaper and social media coverage for the 2 months and 24% more traffic to their web sites following the announcement. All the top UK companies regularly enter awards schemes as they recognise the value to their businesses.

To find out more about each of the available categories, the eligibility criteria for the awards and to submit your entries for the 2013 awards please see the application form on www. local-living-business-awards.co.uk/awards. All entries need to be submitted no later than 1st February 2013.

• The awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner held at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel on Wednesday 20th March 2013.

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L OCA L NE W S

UPDATES Rising From The Ashes...

Many of our readers will remember the beautiful jewellery that Peter Keightley used to design and make when he was the owner of Rubinstein Keightley Ltd in Uppingham. He’s been missed since he sold the business three years ago, so it was great news to hear that he’s returning to making jewellery.

Following the decision by the new owners to put the business into liquidation, Peter is now free to start designing and making jewellery again. He has teamed up with Master Goldsmith Krzysztof, who Peter took on nearly eight years ago and who was made redundant by the liquidation, to provide a service to local clients. With no shop, Peter is happy to visit people at home or meet for a coffee somewhere convenient to discuss designs, drawing his trade-mark sketches in his design notebooks.

• As well as commissions and remodelling, they will repair and restore antique and fine jewellery. To contact Peter, phone him on 07793 651599 or visit www.rutlandgoldsmiths.llp

Fit Chicks Tara Taylor, founder of Fit Chicks has taken personal training to a new level. Tara’s success in her own body transformation was the inspiration for the concept of ‘Fit Chicks’ – a company dedicated to supporting women to achieve their aesthetic goals.

Earlier this year, Tara undertook a 12 weeks diet and exercise regime in order to compete in some Regional and National Body Building Competitions, and following her success decided to set up Fit Chicks to help other women radically alter their body image.

Clients train twice per week with Tara in the Fit Chicks Gym, and then twice a week on their own. They must check in daily with Tara to rate how good they have been, and then progress

is then monitored via weekly diet review, weigh ins, measuring and photographic diaries.

At the end of the initial 12-24 week period, clients can then take part in a Fit Chicks Photo Shoot to capture the results of their hard work and dedication. Once the initial transformation is complete, clients can opt to continue on the programme or switch to a ‘maintenance’ regime that involves weekly check-ups and a training session.

Tara told SL “I will be taking on my next set of ‘chicks’ in January 2013, for clients who want a fresh start to the year and a new leaner body to show off for the spring”.

• Check out the website www. fitchicksstamford.co.uk for more details. Tara welcomes chicks of any size or shape, but be warned – only dedicated girls need apply!

Burnett Mediation

Do you have a conflict, problem or dispute that needs attention right now? Have you thought about seeking mediation help? Mediation is cheaper and quicker than going to court and Burnett Mediation can help with many disputes, including those between couples, between neighbours and also in the community.

Parties in dispute often refuse to compromise and this often leads to court proceedings and hefty legal bills. Mediation is an innovative way to solve these disputes without having to resort to unnecessary measures. Veronica Burnett said: “With my background in law I understand how the legal system works and how much people spend on divorces and other disputes when it comes to taking them to court. I help people communicate directly and openly. I remain impartial and open up the channels of communication between people, offering them a safe and neutral environment to sort through their problems. Court processes can drag on and solicitors’ fees will pile up – with mediation the problems are solved much more quickly, thus resulting in less expense.”

Veronica also offers couples counselling, to help couples encountering problems in their relationship an opportunity to conquer them if they wish. “We can also help couples gain insight into healthy relationships and thereby improve on their own.”

• To find out more call for a free consultation Tel: 01572 789988 or 07831 764002 or logon to www.burnettmediation.co.uk

Essence of Beauty The St Mary’s Hill, newcomer welcomed clients old and new to join them for a glass of bubbly and nibbles to celebrate their first anniversary in November, whilst enjoying 20% off all products and two 30 minute treatments, from a choice of nails, facial and massage - all for a £20 pre booking fee.

Following the salon’s launch in 2011, its modern, stylish interior, contemporary retail and therapy space combined with the exceptional client experience from family team Loryn and Tracy and therapist Jasmine has led to an impressive first year trading and loyal client following.

One client, Amanda Bartley told us. “Stamford is well provided for in the beauty arena - I visited Essence upon recommendation for one treatment, and have been converted largely due to their differentiated approach and personal touches. Client satisfaction is clearly their No 1 priority, and that is undoubtedly what has led to their success.”

In time for the Christmas party season the salon is stocking a fabulous range of gifts, starting from £15. Loryn commented “The response in Stamford to our Darphin, Neon and Dr Hauschka skincare ranges has been extremely positive, particularly as more customers are asking for botanical, science led brands, and everyone loves the Leighton Denny and Shellac nail products.”

• Essence of Beauty, 15 Saint Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 763564

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4 St Marys Street, Stamford Mon - Sat 9 - 5 01780 755 378 www.countrylifestyleonline.co.uk Aigle Ashwood Barbour Dents Dubarry Gianni Conti Gumleaf Hunter Jack Murphy Zoo Boots

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Pers pectiv es

Demon Carvers and Mooning Men! Lionel Wall looks up at our local churches and discovers some rather surprising images

Smiling Monster, Ryhall

Granddad Grotesque, Cold Overton

Mooning Gargoyle, Easton-on-the-Hill

Dog, Langham

Mooning Man, Oakham

Bat-Man, Cottesmore

S

Snarling Beast, Whissendine

tudents of church architecture take naughty delight in the rather rude images that are sometimes seen on the outside of our mediaeval churches. Our forefathers had a surprisingly robust attitude to such things. Masons were supposedly given a pretty free hand on the outsides of churches and they sometimes gave free rein to a wicked sense of humour! I have discovered that in this part of the East Midlands it was something of a cult!

Three years ago I moved to Ryhall and was struck by the quality and variety of the carvings on the frieze below the rooflines of the church.

I noticed that the same mason had carved some images on a similar frieze at Oakham. My telephoto lens at Oakham Church, however, revealed its cheeky little secret: there are three separate images of a man bending over, head between his legs with a strategically-placed little hole, “mooning” at the world! The sex of the figures is not left to the imagination!

Anxious to establish more links between the church carvings in this area, I spent two years exploring the area between Ryhall and Leicester and identified an astonishing thirteen churches where this image can be found, all carved in the fifteenth century. Cottesmore, like Oakham, has three. Ten churches have them on their friezes and three others on tower gargoyles. The word “gargoyle”, by the way, although often used as an allpurpose word for a grotesque face, is really only applicable to those that surround downwater pipes.

At some churches with friezes it seems likely that some delicate soul has seen fit to hack the image out: the mooner at Buckminster bears the scars. Others, like Ryhall, probably lost its mooner to rebuilding works.

Why on earth does this area have such a concentration of these images? At Easton-on-the-Hill it is local legend that the mason was protesting at being underpaid and so the bottom of his rude gargoyle was directed towards Peterborough Cathedral! There is a suspiciously similar legend at Glinton. However, the mooners elsewhere point in every direction. Were they aimed at insulting the clergy or congregation? Some were in very conspicuous and accessible positions so that seems unlikely.

Were they the work of one mischievous man? I think it certain that one or two were – notably at Cottesmore and Buckminster. The work, however, covered a period of at least 50 years between 1450 and 1500 – a long time when the average life expectancy in those plague-ridden times was only 35 years - and anyway many of the friezes are stylistically different.

The only plausible explanation I can devise is that it simply became a laddish trademark amongst the local carver guilds, and the tradition was perpetuated until frieze carving died out as a feature of our churches in

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The Jester, Ryhall

about 1500.

Not only do we not know why the mooner images were carved, but we don’t know why the friezes are there at all. Friezes are not common in mediaeval churches. You could drive all day in any part of the country and not see one. Yet, they are comparatively common in this area if you know where to look and they are extraordinarily elaborate. They are also totally secular; there is hardly a single religious symbol on any of these friezes.

So why spend money on them?

It is received wisdom that the fiercer and ruder images were intended to frighten off or deflect the Devil so he did not enter the church. This may be true but it does not explain the vast majority that are not fearsome or the innumerable churches that seemingly saw no need for them. There may be a simpler explanation: churches in those days were village halls as well as religious buildings. Perhaps they were just there for fun!

We can never know for certain. There are no historical records pertaining to such matters, just as you wouldn’t know names of the men that built your own home. We do, however, have what I think is a self portrait of one of them. It is carved on the south side of Ryhall Church: a rare and priceless historical treasure that I call “The Demon Carver”.

Where to see the frieze carvings and gargoyles (numbers of mooners in brackets) Rutland - Ryhall (0), Oakham (3), Cottesmore (3), Whissendine (1), Langham (1), Easton-on-the-Hill (1) Leicesterhire - Tilton-on-the-Hill (2), Lowesby (1), Wymondham (1), Knossington (1), Hungarton (1), Cold Overton (0), Buckminster (1) Lincolnshire - Thurlby (0), Colsterworth (2), Edenham (1), Lenton (0) Cambridgeshire - Glinton (1) Don’t just focus on the mooners. The friezes are a riot of mediaeval imagery. You will see face-pullers, tongue-pokers, animals, mermaids, dragons, musicians – all mediaeval life is there, a unique insight into the everyday lives and humour of our ancestors of 600 years ago. You will see many stylistic similarities that argue for the existence of a “school” of carving in this area.

• Do visit these churches. And be sure to take binoculars! If you really can’t be bothered then visit my own website: www.greatenglishchurches.co.uk

STAMFORD Living december 2012

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For advice on poisonous substances around the house at Christmas, such as chocolate, grapes and anti-freeze, please see our website for more details.

Consultations by appointment only Tel: 01780 763180 Fax: 01780 757318 | Email: stamfordvets@googlemail.com

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HOM E INT E R IOR S

Decorating Your Home For Christmas

It’s time to deck the halls, hang the mistletoe and embrace the season with festive embellishments for your home. Charlotte Newby goes in search of the best decorations on offer in and around Stamford

CKLY

FOR THE TREE

FOR THE MANTELPIECE Choose subtle colours and simple shapes for a stylish and understated way of adorning your mantelpiece: a jug filled with winter branches, tea lights in small glass holders, large pillar candles set in glass hurricane lamps and hand-crafted wooden decorations.

Candles from £3.99; freestanding tree, reindeer and dove decorations made by Barnack-based Birchcraft, £24.95. These plus all other items, Chez Soi.

Treat your tree to something new from the extensive and exciting range of home and tree decorations from You. As ever, they have the full range of Gisela Graham designs, such as these chic, glittery, pastel coloured cupcakes in three designs. If you like vibrant colours, choose some vintage style glass decorations, also Gisela Graham – a Santa on a motorbike, penguin or dog amongst others (from £3.25).

Children will love their sparkly, bristly, creature characters (from £5.99).

You’ll also find a whole range of decorations in Nook. When it comes to Christmas, Nook turns into a winter wonderland with all manner of hanging decorations, Santas, bears, snowmen, robins and reindeer. There are bauble place card holders, hanging jingle bells, metal trees, embroidered hearts, cow bells and painted wooden stars and hearts.

RS IN

FOR THE TABLE If traditional reds and creams are your scheme for this Christmas, this high quality cotton runner embroidered with icicles by Linum (£27.95, Chez Soi) is a perfect starting point.

There are associated items to match.

Or go for a contemporary Christmas colour scheme of warm pinks and greys. The dove design runner is also from Chez Soi at £29.95 and looks striking teamed with the red check napkins (£15.95), white candles and white cake stand (£14.95).

Add a glamorous glow with rich purple and red glass tea light holders by Sia (£8.99 each, or £26.99 for a box of three, from You).

Complete the look with delicate, mini-saucer crackers from Sinclairs (£6.25).

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Favourite Festive Finds

Out Of Town

• Corner Farm Interiors, Bourne Amongst the many rooms selling furniture and home ware, there’s a room dedicated to Christmas where you’ll find wreaths, garlands, hanging berry decorations, hand painted glass baubles and a wide range of Gisela Graham decorations.

• Dobbies Garden World, Peterborough Dobbies has a large range of decorations on offer in the centre of their extensive store to include artificial Christmas trees, interior and exterior lights, Nativity scenes, wreaths and garlands, baubles and tinsel. They also supply real Christmas trees and their own fresh potted Christmas plant displays.

An eye-catching centrepiece for your dining room, this woven wreath decorated with twinkly lights and ivy will create an atmospheric glow to your Christmas entertaining, £60, complete, from Paradise Found. Owner Jackie Seago has also sourced some heavenly reflective glass balls with 60 sparkling white lights inside (£65 for set of three), and a range of distinctive decorations that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Beautifully handmade by Two Little Birds, these Christmas stockings are perfect for hanging by the fireplace, purely as a decoration or for filling with gifts for your loved ones.

There’s a choice of appliqued designs and they come in two different sizes (42cm and 66cm in length, from £19.99). Hand stamped personalisation options are available.

These attractive Gilt Gesso Cherubs (just £5 each) will add a touch of opulence to your fireplace. These, plus other unusual seasonal items, can be found at Stamford based www. vintagecountryliving.com, an online shop selling gorgeous, genuine vintage gems for the home.

These quirky, bendable Christmas pixies look great whether they’re hanging from your tree, climbing the bannisters or watching from the bookshelves, £8.99 from www. mouse-in-a-box. co.uk

This very unusual metal tree light with five hanging metal and glass lanterns creates an impressive feature for your room. Dress it for Christmas with holly and berries, ivy and baubles, or a string of twinkling lights: £145, from Interiors By Vale.

These delicate, light reflecting glass baubles (Chez Soi, £5.95) look stunning arranged in a bowl or simply hanging from the branches of your tree. There are several shapes and sizes to choose from.

• Gates Nurseries, Cold Overton Two enormous greenhouses crammed with absolutely everything for Christmas, from artificial trees, baubles and tinsel, wreaths and candles, to indoor and outdoor lights, ornaments and hanging decorations, advent calendars, table arrangements and tableware.

They also sell real Christmas trees.

Elegant Christmas style by Interiors

By Vale • Interiors By Vale, Grantham On display at the eight beautifully styled showrooms at Vale, is an extensive range of conservatory furniture, lighting, mirrors and accessories. For Christmas, there are floral arrangements, a stunning and unique collection of candle lighting, baubles, wreaths and garlands to add a twist of decorative decadence to your home.

For an inexpensive way to decorate your home, these packs of mini bunting and paper chains in bright red and white are perfect for parties.

Available from Sinclairs priced at £10 and £2.50 respectively.

• Sack Store, Spalding Within this fascinating and substantial store, you’ll find a charming range of ‘Tobs’ basket ware decorations in their Christmas display, such as hanging hearts and trees intertwined with twinkly lights, garlands with stars and jingle bells, and standing wicker reindeer. They also stock a range of stunning Italian artisan tableware in festive reds.

DIRECTORY Chez Soi, 16 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF, 01780 482845, www.chezsoionline.co.uk Corner Farm Interiors, Kate’s Bridge, Near Thurlby, Bourne, Lincs PE10 0EN, 01778 561333, www.cornerfarminteriors.co.uk Dobbies Garden World, Serpentine Green, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8NY, 01733 898640, www.dobbies.com Gates Nurseries, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Near Oakham, Leics LE15 7QB, 01664 454309, www.gatesnurseries.co.uk Interiors By Vale, Belton Park, Londonthorpe Road, Grantham NG31 9SJ, 08458 727626, www.interiorsbyvale.com Mouse in a Box, 01572 720388, www.mouse-in-a-box.co.uk

Nook, 3 Sheep Market, Stamford PE9 2RB, 01780 751029, www.nookfurniture.co.uk Paradise Found, 34 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS, 01780 764439, www.facebook.com/paradisefound34 Sack Store, Redstone Industrial Estate, Spalding Road, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 8EA, 01205 310101, www.sackstore.co.uk Sinclairs, 11-12 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE, 01780 765421, www.sinclairsonline.co.uk Two Little Birds, Rock Terrace, Stamford, 07733 216743, www.two-little-birds.co.uk Vintage Country Living, wwwvintagecountryliving.com You, 30 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DL, 01780 765001, www.youstamford.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2012

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L OCA L NE W S

UPDATES Property of the Month from Norton Rickett Estate Agents

A new independent estate agent, Norton Rickett, has opened in the region, experts in the sale of Town, Country and Equestrian Property Norton Rickett sell Town, Country and Equestrian properties of architectural merit which offer ‘lifestyle’ possibilities for the purchaser. Their geographic reach is from Wisbech in the east to Sleaford in the north, the Rutland borders in the west and the A14 to the south. They already have an impressive list of properties on their books, which can be viewed on their website.

The Retreat, just across from the town centre of Market Deeping, is a striking contemporary home finished to a high standard in 2009. Set well back from the road in grounds secured by remote control solid wood gates, this deceptively large family home is set over three floors and has frontage on to the River Welland.

In keeping with the surrounding area and old cottage it replaced, this five bedroom home has great character with a central oak staircase, large brick inglenook fireplace and exposed oak beams to the vaulted ceiling in

the garden room. Yet it also has modern details with zoned under floor heating, stylish bathrooms, hi-tech wiring for surround sound, a positive heat-exchange air system and large family kitchen area with Corian worktops leading to the garden room.

There is further space with large attic rooms and studio facilities over the double garage. The grounds, approaching two-thirds of an acre in all, have been sympathetically landscaped with lighting installed by the house and in other key areas to dramatic effect.

There is a shallow lawned area, kitchen garden and pleasant patio area overlooking the river bank and the market town beyond. Overall it is a great family home mixing modernity with charm.

Guide price: £825,000 • Norton Rickett Ltd, Wittering Grange Cottage, Leicester Road, Wansford, PE8 6NR. T: 01780 782 999. www.nortonrickett.co.uk

ShutterBox Photography ShutterBox Photography is Stamford’s newest photography studio, in the centre of town overlooking North Street car park. This contemporary studio, in a welcoming environment, offers a comprehensive portrait service including maternity, babies, children, teenagers, adults, boudoir, families and pets.

Owner Lyndsay Ford is a professional photographer with a 1st Class BA Hons in Photography and Digital Imaging and over 15 years of experience in Professional Photography. As a mother herself, Lyndsay loves photographing children: “I make every effort to make all my shoots a fun experience.”

An expert in Photoshop, Lyndsay uses the most up-to-date techniques and professional software to create unique portraiture. “I spend many hours selecting and editing each image to make sure it has that ‘wow’ factor.” Studio Portrait sittings are £20, which includes a complimentary 10”x8” print; reprints start from £10.

Shutterbox Photography also provides ‘on location’ services for events, parties, playgroups, nurseries and schools. Lyndsay is passionate about photography, her services don’t stop at Portraiture. Her background in commercial photography has given her a wealth of experience, so if you want to market your business, require catalogue shots or product images, look no further.

• Getting married?

Shutterbox Photography’s wedding packages start at £450.

For information on call Lyndsay on 07580 388880 or visit her web site... www.shutterboxphotography. co.uk

The Ryhall Village Store and Post Office

As a young girl, Miranda Amies grew up spending many happy hours full of fun and excitement helping at her uncle’s village shop in Devon. Those love-filled memories have been the inspiration behind Miranda and husband Dave’s move to the Village Store in Ryhall.

“All the community have been buzzing with how Miranda has turned the shop around,” says local resident Anna Allen. “They have lots of local produce, flowers, fruit and veg, beautiful cheeses from the Cheese Cellar in Stamford and baked Goods from Deliciously Different Cakes. Miranda has created a ‘without range’ for folk like me!” Individually wrapped pieces of the Orange and Almond cake (wheat and dairy free made from almonds and fruit).

Local produce is prominent; Grasmere bacon, ham, sausages and pâté too (Order Grasmere Farm Essential Christmas Kit from the shop); Nelson’s famous pork pies, sausage rolls and fruit pies (order capons and Turkeys through the shop for Christmas orders). Fresh bread from Askers Bakery and on Fridays Hambleton Bakery deliver fresh bread and cakes (place orders on the Tuesday).

Walk down to the shop or if driving through the village make it a destination stop on December 22nd and 24th for a tasting of mulled wine and mince pies made by Deliciously Different Cakes (Fine Food Store, Stamford).

Have a peruse around and pick up a treat for the weekend; a bottle of wine or Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch, a loaf of Modem’s plum bread, fruits in brandy, speciality chocolates, biscuits and nuts for the festive season.

The shop with post office is an integral part of this community. Miranda went to London to train to be the village new sub postmistress and is committed to keeping this rural feature running.

• Ryhall Village Store, The Square, Ryhall – Tel Miranda 01780 763572

STAMFORD LIVING december 2012

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FITTED FURNITURE

TELL US WHY RUDOLPH HAS A TELL WHYFOR RUDOLPH HAS A REDUS NOSE A BARGAIN REDST. NOSE FOR AANTIQUES BARGAIN AT MARTINS AT ST. MARTINS ANTIQUES AND YOU COULD WIN £75 OF ANDANTIQUES YOU COULD WIN £75 OF VOUCHERS ANTIQUES VOUCHERS

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more than 10 words please. Good luck.

No CAPTION ____________________________________

CAPTION ____________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ NAME________________PHONE ________________

StNAME________________PHONE Martins Antiques, 23a High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF ________________ Tel: 01780 481 158 www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

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L OCA L NE W S

UPDATES The Walnut Tree

Antonia Scott met with Joan Kirkup to find out more about her childminding business The Walnut Tree is in its seventh year, having opened its doors in 2005 as a simple Childminding service run by Joan Kirkup with the help of just one assistant. Since then it has grown into a thriving, popular business, employing six staff to cope with a maximum of 15 children per day. The Walnut Tree has recently been upgraded to “Childcare on Domestic Premises” which means all the staff are fully trained to care for babies from 6 weeks up to school age, from 8am until 6pm, five days a week.

Joan is particularly pleased with the recent Ofsted report, published in September, which rates The Walnut Tree as “good” with “outstanding” in some areas.

The Walnut Tree is situated on High Street St Martin’s at the top end of Stamford heading out towards the A1. To the visitor, Joan’s house is a beautiful 3 storey Georgian property that opens up to a large, child friendly garden, which often has a bouncy castle up, alongside the large indoor playroom annex where breakfast and lunch are served. Holly the black Labrador welcomes you at the door and Joan makes you feel instantly at home. The Walnut Tree has a special atmosphere and every child is made to feel loved and special from the moment they arrive. Many parents quote the “home from home” environment as to why they chose The Walnut Tree. Joan is a champion of healthy food and many working parents drop their children off at 8am in time for a delicious selection of porridge, toast and honey, fruit or yogurt, no sugary cereals here! Lunch is always a good old fashioned hot meal to keep the children’s energy levels up and tea is normally sandwiches, crudities, fruit and often someone’s birthday cake – all cooked on the premises. Younger babies can sleep upstairs in various cots permanently placed in quiet rooms, or the numerous buggies placed around the house and gardens.

Children are taught good table manners, the importance of kindness to others and to remove their outdoor shoes when going upstairs, just as they would at home. Every week Joan has external teachers brought in to stimulate the children and broaden their horizons, such as Musical Minis and French lessons through songs, games and stories with the delightful Anne “Francoise”, a native French teacher. There are daily trips to Burghley Park and special visits to Nene Valley Railway, Sacrewell Farm and other special excursions at Christmas which the children (and staff!) all love. One parent I spoke to said, “The only time there’s really any tears is when I come to pick Olivia up! She just loves Joannie, as she’s affectionately known and would happily stay longer through choice!”

Another one said, “I never knew The Walnut Tree existed as there’s no sign on the door or advertising as all Joan’s “little walnuts” have been recommended through word of mouth which instantly made me feel reassured.”

• The Walnut Tree is open for visits Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm Joan is inviting all current and prospective parents to an Open Day on Saturday 8th December from 2.30pm. Tel: 01780 752 746 or 07745 161506 for more details. www.walnut-tree-childcare.co.uk

Merge Contemporary Christmas Craft Fair

8 & 9 December 10am-4pm, The Great Hall, New Street. Oundle, PE8 4GH. Admission £2 (Under 16s free)

New showroom at Vale Conservatories

Vale is celebrating the expansion of their Interiors with a larger range of furniture and accessories.

Showrooms are open to the public near Grantham and for the festive season their range includes Xmas floral decorations and lovely candle lighting. Be inspired by a stylish collection of dining, seating and occasional furniture, lighting, mirrors, flooring, fabrics, accessories and much more.

See traditional wicker conservatory furniture alongside classical and more contemporary pieces, in rooms that have been designed to give you lots of creative ideas. Items have been sourced with particular emphasis on conservatories, however; many pieces are suitable for other rooms in your home. A visit to these showrooms will offer great inspiration and stylish solutions for your home. A new brochure and website are also available to see this exciting new collection.

• Showrooms - Vale Garden Houses, Belton Park, Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, Lincs NG31 9SJ . Opening times – 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Tel: 08458 727626. www.interiorsbyvale.com

Admission includes automatic entry in to a prize draw with a chance to win £100 to spend on any makers work at Our Christmas show.

Merge Contemporary Craft Fair will be showcasing the best of British Craft this Christmas with a fantastic show that will please all tastes. Merge is the most inspiring craft fair you will find in the area with only the best of the best. A fantastic place to treat yourself to an original piece of art or buy an unusual one off Christmas gift. All work is completely hand made by British makers not manufactured, both locally and nationally. Buyers are able to meet the makers, and buy unique gifts, or commission an artist for their very own one off piece of work. Makers at Merge produce stand out statement pieces so come along and buy something out of the ordinary.

STAMFORD LIVING december 2012

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Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Freelander 2 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 32.5 (8.7) – 39.8 (7.1) Extra Urban 48.7 (5.8) – 52.3 (5.4) Combined 40.4 (7.0) – 47.1 (6.0) CO2 Emissions:185 – 158 g/km.

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MOT OR ING

Getting your tyres right Ashley Martin looks into how to select the most suitable tyres for your car

F

our pieces of rubber is all that keep car and van drivers and their passengers in contact with the surface on which they are travelling, so it makes sense that vehicle owners select the ‘correct’ tyres.

But with the plethora of tyres on the market from a multitude of manufacturers how do consumers know they are buying the most suitable tyre for their vehicle and journey requirements?

A new European Union initiative has been introduced that means all tyres sold must be clearly labelled, according to three criteria.

Similar to labels already used for white goods, each tyre manufacturer is responsible for self-certificating their tyres - according to a strict testing system - for fuel efficiency, braking distance on wet roads and tyre noise.

The initiative has been broadly welcomed by the tyre industry to enable consumers, as leading manufacturer Michelin says, to ‘confidently compare different tyres and brands’. Tyres are responsible, according to manufacturer Michelin, for approximately 20% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption, mainly due to their rolling resistance (fuel efficiency).

Therefore, reducing rolling resistance can contribute to energy efficiency improvements thus cutting fuel costs and simultaneously emissions.

The difference between each grade (A-G excluding D to avoid an average performing tyre) means a reduction or increase in fuel consumption of between 2.5%4.5%. That, says manufacturer Continental Tyres, is a difference of about 0.42-0.56 mpg for a 36 mpg car per grade. For example, a ‘C’ rated tyre will use one litre more fuel than a ‘B’ rated tyre over a journey of 625 miles, according to Continental.

Or, calculates Michelin, deliver a saving of £290 (200 litres of fuel at 1.45p per litre) over 25,000 miles for a vehicle fitted with A-rated tyres compared with one equipped with G-rated tyres.

Meanwhile, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association calculates the fuel efficiency difference between a set of tyres rated A

and one rated G to be up to 7.5%, which is equivalent to 80 litres of fuel on average.

A tyre given an ‘A’ rating for wet braking stops in the shortest distance from 50 mph, whilst tyres from Class ‘B’ take an additional 3-6 metres - an increase or decrease in stopping distance of up to two car lengths.

That trend continues for the subsequent values and results in an increase in braking distance of up to 18 metres - around three-four car lengths from a vehicle with an ‘A’ rated tyre compared to one with an ‘F’ rated tyre (D and G ratings are not being used).

A Continental spokesman said: “It is key that this crucial safety value appears on the label to enable the motorist to have a fuller picture of the tyre’s performance. A label that only highlighted rolling resistance and noise could give a false impression of the tyre’s performance.”

Another environmental factor, the external noise made by a tyre, is shown via the noise rating at 50 mph in decibels and one, two or three black bars with three being the loudest category.

Although, tyre labels are intended to help consumers make better informed decisions when buying tyres they only cover three of the performance criteria that a tyre needs.

Criteria measured in tyre tests but not included within the tyre labelling scheme include: longevity, driving stability, handling, braking and high speed in dry weather conditions; straight line aquaplaning, curved aquaplaning and handling and cornering grip in wet weather conditions.

Critically, tyre longevity is not measured and a longer-lasting tyre can ultimately prove better value. Additionally, road handling performance is vital as 25% of road crashes occur on bends; as is dry braking performance with 70% of road crashes occurring on dry roads.

A Michelin spokesman said: “Michelin’s strategy is focused on designing and manufacturing tyres that combine safety in a variety of driving conditions (on dry and wet roads and on straights as well as in corners) improved fuel efficiency and high total mileage, whose impact on the total cost of owning a car makes it a key consumer concern, yet one that is not reflected in the new regulation.

“There is a big difference in longevity between the various tyres that consumers can buy. In fact, tyre life can vary by a factor of two, which can be more than a year’s motoring for the average motorist.”

Ultimately, whatever tyre is chosen at the local garage or fast-fit, drivers have a key role to play in maximising tyre wear.

A smooth driving style avoiding harsh braking and acceleration will deliver significant fuel savings over time; checking tyre pressures meet vehicle manufacturer recommendations at least monthly, and ideally every fuel fill-up, will provide optimum safety and performance; and keeping a safe distance behind the car in front reduces crash risk.

Consumers will pay their money and make their choice. But irrespective of tyre decision golden rules to observe are: make sure tyre size is the same as the vehicle’s original equipment tyre size; and when tyres are not fitted in complete sets of four don’t mix tyre types across an axle.

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A C T I VIT IE S

A word in your ear Do you know your skewbolish from your whim-wham, or your hunchy from your charmings? Test your knowledge of local dialect with this fun quiz for Christmas, compiled especially for Stamford Living by former QI researcher and author Adam Jacot de Boinod*

Can you guess the correct definition from the following three options for …

1) wiffle-waffle (Northamptonshire dialect) • a) careless, reckless, happy-go-lucky • b) to whet one’s scythes together • c) more on one side than on the other, ill-balanced, shaky 2) hunchy (Cambridgeshire dialect ) • a) a scarecrow made of old garments • b) chilly • c) eminently embraceable 3) skewboglish (Lincolnshire dialect) • a) unusual, bizarre, interesting • b) sullenly angry; depressed in spirits • c) of a horse: apt to shy

6) copus (Cambridge University 18th Century) • a) a drink of wine or beer imposed as a fine in hall • b) a blow on the back of their neck with the edge of the open palm • c) the appearance in public without a cap or gown 7) charmings (Lincolnshire dialect) • a) freckles • b) paper or rag chewed into small pieces by mice • c) knick-knacks, odds and ends 8) poa poa (Northamptonshire dialect) • a) a call to horses to go to the left • b) to cry as a quail • c) the sound of the nightingale

4) winnick (Lincolnshire dialect) • a) to giggle and laugh alternatively • b) to blow as wind does round a corner or through a hole • c) ) the swamp surface of a wet ploughed field

9) izels (Lincolnshire dialect) • a) particles of soot floating about in a room, indicating that the chimney needs to be swept • b) wax drips from a candle • c) the frayed and unravelled ends of a rope

5) whim-wham (Northamptonshire dialect) • a) a motion between walking and trotting • b) vigorously; with might and main • c) a trifling matter; a passing fad

10) harkle (Northamptonshire dialect) • a) to make an incision in one hind-leg of a hare or rabbit • b) a pathway up to a steep hill • c) to walk aimlessly up and down with short steps

*Adam was a researcher on the first series of the BBC programme QI and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and also the iphone App quiz game Tingo on interesting words.

Illustrations: Sam Purcell

ANSWERS: 1b), 2b), 3c), 4a), 5c), 6a), 7b), 8c), 9a), 10a) 44

STAMFORD LIVING december 2012

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PE R SPE CT IVE S

Green Tokens

Richard Barry learns about Waitrose’s imaginative scheme £300,000 given away every month It’s a lovely, truly democratic, system. Every time you buy something in Waitrose you are given a green plastic voting token – one person one vote; it doesn’t depend on how much you spend. There are three boxes at the exit, each for a different local Good Cause. It’s up to you to choose the one that gets your green token.

At the end of each month the Waitrose supervisor weighs the number of tokens in each box and divides a monthly prize of £1000 among the three Good Causes in proportion to the weight of tokens each has received. So – unlike many elections -- it really does matter where you put your vote. The following month three new Good Causes are chosen, and the process starts again. Every month each of the 300 Waitrose stores in the country gives £1000 to Good Causes. That’s £300,000 given away

by Waitrose every month. The clever thing is that each store has its own list of local Good Causes – nominated by its own customers. A Good Cause doesn’t have to be a registered charity, just something that people care about locally. If you want a say, just pick up a “Waitrose Community Matters” nomination form, complete it and hand it back to the store’s reception desk.

Once a month a six-person Waitrose team meets to review the list of nominations and pick the three Good Causes for the coming month. Unselected nominations get carried forward on the list with a chance for future months. Once picked, a Good Cause cannot be picked again for at least twelve months – and then only if it’s been renominated by a customer. When deciding on the three for the next month, the Team tries to maintain a good degree of diversity – not all animal causes or sports causes or whatever – but also avoiding the idea that if something has been on the list for long enough its turn must have come. Some causes never get picked – they haunt the list like zombies.

Does Head Office get involved in any of this?

No, it’s all local – except Head Office does write the cheques for the three monthly winners.

The Green Token Decision The writer spent part of a Saturday morning watching people making their decisions. By agreement with Waitrose he couldn’t question anyone, so had to rely on observation.

• Almost three quarters of customers chose thoughtfully, spending a few seconds reading the title of each of the three token collection boxes.

• 5% to 10% put their tokens into the emptiest box, without reading titles.

• About 10% swept by without breaking step

and put their tokens in the box closest to the left hand exit door.

• The remainder (mainly toddlers) awarded their tokens randomly.

The Winners

Waitrose kindly made available the names of the 72 causes awarded in Stamford over the last 24 months, and how much of the two year total of £24,000 each had won. The following table shows the results for the last two years, ranked

by Good Cause Groups. The winning group is Health Related with an average award of £497.

The biggest single winner (Lincolnshire Air Ambulance in February 2012) was in this group and was awarded £740.

Given its generosity, one certainly hopes that Waitrose is a winner. The supervisor told me that they receive many very nice letters of appreciation. When, occasionally, the store has run short of tokens and none is available, RESULTS FOR STAMFORD WAITROSE I’m sure many of us October 2010 to September 2012 shoppers feel a sense of

disappointment -- which GOOD CAUSE AMOUNT NUMBER AVERAGE £ must be rather gratifying GROUP £ OF WINNERS PER WINNER for Waitrose.

The obvious winners Health Related 4470 9 497 are the Good Causes that Old Age or Needy 7060 15 471 get the cheques.

Military 2165 5 433 The Good Causes Animals 1435 4 359 nominated by the Community Action 4245 17 250 Stamford customers fall Education 1975 9 219 into eight fairly distinct Arts 1650 8 206 groups.

Sport 1000 5 200

• Animals (eg Pablo’s Total 24000 72 333 Horse Sanctuary) Bearing in mind that the typical shoppers • Arts (eg Stamford Chamber Orchestra) in the Stamford Waitrose seem to be either • Community Action (eg Stamford Kiwanis) prosperous health-conscious families or elderly • Education (eg St George’s School Stamford) people, the two most popular Good Causes • Health Related (eg Lincolnshire Air come as little surprise. If a similar analysis was Ambulance) carried out for, say, the Marylebone High Street • Military (eg Royal Airforce Association) store in London, with its clientele of rich young • Old Age or Needy (eg Evergreen Care Trust) singles, would Arts and Sport be top of list?

• Sport (eg Uffington Cricket Club).

46 STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2012

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iscover a feast of festive treats.

Our selection of delicious hampers come filled with festive favourites and gourmet goodies. And, with prices starting from just £15, they’re sure to make everyone’s Christmas magical. Plus, our personal wrapping service has all the festive bows and ribbons you’ll need to make sure your hamper looks as good as it tastes.

Or, why not make it more personal by creating your own hamper? Simply select a wicker basket, or presentation box of your choice in-store, and fill it with all the special things you know your friends or family will love.

Truly magical.

Garden Centre | Farm Foodhall | Restaurant | Santa’s Grotto | Hamper Shop | Home Delivery Gift Wrapping | Free Parking Dobbies Garden World | Serpentine Green | Cygnet Park | Hampton | Peterborough | PE7 8NY | Tel: 01733 898 640 For full details visit dobbies.com

• SL Dec ADS.indd 47 DOB26091 Stamford Living_Nene Valley PRESS 297x210.indd 1

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21/11/12 12:58:25 02/11/2012 15:32

• Open 365 days a year, serving delicious food lunchtimes and evenings with a good range of real ales and fine wines • CAMRA gold award 2010 and Cask Marque recognition • Marquee available for any celebration from weddings, birthdays, christenings to corporate events.

Beautiful Freehouse Georgian bar and restaurant located in the picturesque village of Etton.

Live Music!

Every Saturday night during Dec from 8.30pm Visit our website for other music events & evenings

The Golden Pheasant 1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough, PE6 7DA Tel: 01733 252387 Email: info@thegoldenpheasant.net www.thegoldenpheasant.net

Christmas 2012

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout December our Marquee Christmas menu allows friends, colleagues and family to book a table in our marquee, enjoy the Christmas fare and bop to live entertainment and DJ Party. If you prefer to dine in the restaurant or are a smaller group, our Christmas restaurant menu is available lunchtimes and evenings during December.

Open as usual for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day lunch and Boxing Day.

New Year’s Eve

See 2013 in with style and a kneesup. We have a delicious carved buffet to get the party going through the night.

Hurry to book your marquee places!

We are also open New Year’s day.

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Gr eat Day s Out

Hear My Train a Comin’ Al Tutt enjoys a driver experience day on Nene Valley Railway ‘Hear My Train a Comin’ Past cotton grass and moorland boulder Shovelling white steam over her shoulder, Snorting noisily as she passes Silent miles of wind-bent grasses’

F

or those of a certain age, there is an evocative, even romantic essence to the Age of Steam. On 11th August 1968, BR (remember them?) ran its last ever steam train in mainland Britain. The world had turned. And so, when provided with an opportunity to actually drive a steam train, well, who could resist?

Nene Valley Railway is a preserved standard-gauge steam railway which opened in 1977; it is based in Wansford on the Old Great North Road and handily accessed from the A1. It runs a service between Yarwell and Peterborough, a round trip of fifteen miles, and has a fleet of circa fifteen diesel and steam locomotives. It can cost upwards of a quarter of a million pounds to rebuild a large steam loco to a running standard and NVR is currently trying to raise funds to rebuild the City of Peterborough loco.

There is also the small matter of one million per year running costs to keep this registered charity solvent.

A small number of paid staff work at the site, but the bulk of the day-today work - from engineering to manning the ticket office - is carried out by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers; up to 200 currently.

The press ‘driving experience’ day that I attended, by and large, replicates the steam experience available to the general public – but at a price. Most people, however, take a trip round the NVR for a ride on a steam train and a poke around a near-lost world.

First up is an informative tour of the loco sheds and workshops guided by the affable David Hickling. I see Thomas, a little loco from 1947 that worked at British Sugar, Peterborough, gaining its name for its blue hue and resemblance to Thomas the Tank Engine, and christened in person by the Rev. Wilbert Awdry. I walk through the only surviving mail train from the Great Train Robbery and recall Biggs, Buster Edwards and co back in grainy 1963. After scrutinising many other trains and carriages including a soon-to-be-operational Swedish rail bus and a gargantuan steam crane, I am able to have a look around the grade-2 listed London & North Western two-story signal box at Wansford. There, Stamford-based volunteer, Peter Helm, has us pulling levers to operate the mechanical signals and turning the wheel to open up the level-crossing gates.

But after the hors d’oeuvre, the main course. I am to drive a London Midland & Scottish Railway Class 4F engine; numbered 44422 and one

of only three survivors of 575 built between 1923 and 1937. Weighing in at 49 tons, with a further 41 tons of coal water tender behind. When loaded, even without carriages, the driver is in charge of a 100 ton behemoth.

Very hands-on.

And what a visceral and thrilling experience it is. Crammed onto the small footplate are volunteer driver, Peter Greenwood, and volunteer fireman, Bob Plant plus two trainees, all replete with overalls, safety vests and gauntlets, standing before a raging coal-fired furnace on what is the hottest day of the year. And boy does that fire need feeding; so we all take turns in shovelling in the Welsh black stuff that will power us.

So off we go, pulling out of Wansford Station the instructors soon have me pushing and pulling all manner of levers and controls, responding to changes in gradient, speed limits, crossing points and tunnels and, yes, toot-tooting that whistle like a half-crazed Casey Jones. Soon we are up to 25mph, flashing through the Cambridgeshire countryside, past harvest and hedgerow, and gaining the benefit of a cooling breeze through the cab, which is open to the elements. I imagine the sleet and rain in winter; that glowing furnace a godsend then. Almost everyone we see waves at the train as we pass; a steam loco seems to bring out the best in people, adults and children alike beaming as we steam by. Everything is clunking and grinding, clanking and churning. Metal on metal; all pistons firing.

Soon we are at Ferry Meadows Station where we make a short stop, then it’s flying on to Peterborough NV Station (via Orton Mere Station) where we hit the buffers and turn for home, having taken on more water.

This time I travel the 7.5 miles in the brake van, allowing others a turn at the controls, an altogether more meditative - and cooler - experience.

All too soon we are pulling back into Wansford Station to conclude a frankly exhilarating experience, not to say a unique day – one that I would not hesitate to recommend as a special gift for that steam-mad dad, granddad, mum or sister.

• Nene Valley Railway: 01780 784444 for information on the driver experience etc. A ride-all-day family ticket for 2 adults and 3 kids costs £34; Santa specials run throughout December; there is also a good value café and rail shop. www.nvr.org.uk Quote is WH Auden.

STAMFORD LIVING december 2012

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The 8848 Using the finest locally sourced ingredients, traditional baking methods and a craftsman’s attention to detail, the bakers at Hambleton Bakery have created a delicious range of handmade sweet and savoury products for you and your family and friends to enjoy over Christmas.

The Christmas range is available in our shops and stockists from 1st December while our traditional range of artisan breads, full of wholesome flavour with no preservatives or enhancers added, remains available throughout the season.

Rumours!!!

There is a very good new Nepalese restaurant in town...

...but we say

Try it, to believe it!!!

Christmas menu available Deadline for Christmas Orders is Monday 17th December 2012.

Exton Bakery & Shop

Oakham Shop Gaol Street

Cottesmore Road, Exton,

Rutland

LE15 8AN

LE15 6AL

Oundle Shop 44 Jericho,

Stamford Shop

Market Place,

1 Ironmonger Street,

Oundle PE8 4AU

Lincolnshire , PE9 1PL

Enquiries 01572 812995 info@hambletonbakery.co.uk www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

For more information

The 8848 Ltd - 11 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG

Tel 01780 767600 - the8848.co.uk

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FOOD & DR INK

The Hambleton Bakery stars in ‘Britain’s Best Bakery’ TV Show Hambleton Bakery is appearing on ITV in a show called ‘Britain’s Best Bakery’, on at 4pm five days a week for four weeks, from Mon 26 Nov-Fri 21 Dec. Christmas range

A

s well as being a food competition, this series is intended as a celebration of local bakeries around the UK, the delicious goods they produce, their regional specialities and their centuries old baking heritage.

Expert judges Mich Turner MBE (TV chef, author and owner of Little Venice Cake Company) and Peter Sidwell (TV chef, cookery writer and restaurateur) sample the delicacies of the country’s favourite independent, family run and community bakeries, tasting and critiquing their way through breads, cakes, pastries and pies.

The shortlisted 36 bakeries from across the UK competed in a series of baking challenges that put their skills to the test, from organic artisan sour dough breads to the more obscure Bedfordshire clanger and the Lancashire courting cake, and include favourite bakes whose origins lie beyond the UK, such as baklava and bagels.

Watch to see how Hambleton Bakery gets on.

The Hambleton team comprised Julian Carter and Scott Kenny, both master bakers, and Tim Hart, co-owner of Hambleton Hall, providing assistance when needed.

New products As part of the TV show, the bakery had to create some new products with a ‘special twist’;

The Rutland Pippin, baked in the shape of an apple, is filled with ham hock, apple & quince purée and Stilton cheese. The bread is a cross between a pastry and dough.

All the ingredients are local: the Ham Hock and Lincolnshire sausage meat from Grasmere Farm, the Stilton from Leicestershire, Brownlee apples from Nottingham and the flour from Whissendine Windmill.

Brilliant in a lunch box; those who have tried it remark on its simplicity and tastiness.

Ploughman’s Parcel

and two of these, The Ploughman’s Parcel and the Rutland Pippin, are now available for purchase.

Ploughman’s Parcel: The Ploughman’s Parcel is a savoury focaccia dough filled with Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese, Apple, Celery and homemade Chutney made with figs, dates, onions and balsamic vinegar, topped with seeds.

It is filling enough for a lunch snack, or a centrepiece for a more substantial meal.

Rutland Pippin

Rutland Pippin: The requirement here was to create a new product inspired by local ingredients.

Christmas range: Hambleton Bakery also has a fabulous Christmas range available from the start of December, including: • Christmas puddings, based on an 1844 recipe handed down through Julian’s baking family, very rich and rather alcoholic • Christmas crowns – 6 buns in a pan, with ginger, calvados apples, golden raisins, sultanas , peel and glaze Stilton & celery scones • Cranberry & white chocolate cookies • Mince pies • Hambleton Bakery Tel: 01572 812995 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk Stores Exton Bakery, Oakham, Stamford and Oundle

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Festive Lunch

Available from 1st - 23rd December Enjoy the relaxed elegance of Stapleford Park while you celebrate the Christmas season with friends and family.

Indulge in a Festive lunch from ÂŁ25.00 per person for three courses. Our selection of dishes include roast parsnip and nutmeg soup, roast Norfolk turkey with traditional accompaniments and Christmas pudding served with brandy anglaise.

With delicious food and fine wines to look forward to, everyone can soak up the festive joy at Stapleford Park.

For further information or to make a reservation, please contact Reservations on 01572 787019 or email reservations@stapleford.co.uk

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Stapleford Park, Stapleford, nr. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2EF

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Go East for

your Christmas party and New Year celebration

Superb Oriental menus perfectly complimented by our contemporary wine list with a selection of locally brewed award winning Oakham Ales

Free New Year’s Eve glass of bubbly - Celebration menu Complete the evening in the Real Ale Charters Bar with the Live band ‘Children of the Revolution’ (£10 entry)

01733 315 702

Upper Deck Charters Town Bridge Peterborough PE1 1FP

Christmas & New Year PARTY NIGHTS

3 course dinner & disco from £25pp

DECEMBER CHRISTMAS LUNCHES 2 courses £12.95pp & 3 courses £14.95

Festive Special Offer Any 2 main courses for the price of 1** Monday-Thursday evenings throughout Dec*

Jan/Feb Special Offers

Monday Fish Night – Choice of fish, peas & chipped potatoes £8.95 Tuesday Pie Night – Choice of homemade pie, chipped potatoes & vegetables £8.95 Wednesday Steak Night 8oz rump steak, choice of sauce, chipped potatoes & vegetables £10.95 Thursday Curry Night – Choice of homemade curry, rice or chipped potatoes, pappadam & chutney £8.95 *not available on party night menu **Terms & Conditions apply

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Winter Offers at The Exeter Arms 2 pizzas for the price of 1 Monday to Friday 6pm to 7pm

Winter Home Comforts at £11.50 Pie of the day such as pheasant suet pudding with vegetables and chips or mash.

Yeast battered haddock fillet with crushed peas and double fried chips.

Grasmere Farm ham, eggs and chips.

The Exeter Arms’ burger with cheese, bacon, onion rings and double fried chips.

Grasmere Farm sausages with mash, onion gravy and vegetables.

Roasted red pepper, tomato and goats’ cheese crumble

Omelettes and Ploughman’s now featuring on our lunch menu

New Wine List

Offering an excellent selection of new and old world wines

Christmas Parties Available for up to 24 in the Orangery, or more if you would like exclusive use of the whole pub

Our regular Real Ales Black Sheep and

Oakham Ales’ JHB The Exeter Arms’ Happy Hour 3pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday 4 pint jug of Carlsberg, JHB or Black Sheep at £10.00 House wine – St Jean Red, White or Rosé at £10.00

Coming in January Pie and pint for £12.00 Look out for more details…

Cheapest pizza is free. All promotions are not in conjunction with any other offer.

The Exeter Arms, 21 Stamford Road, Easton on the Hill, PE9 3NS t. 01780 756321 e. reservations@theexeterarms.net www.theexeterarms.net 54

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FOOD & DR INK

SEAN’S KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Put some hares on your chest

With so many turkey, Christmas pudding and Brussels sprouts recipes doing the rounds in December, I wanted to give you something completely different in this issue. Hare!

N

ow hare, which is in season from late August until February in the UK, does have a strong, gamey flavour, so for those who can’t even contemplate cooking it, I’m also including my Guinness-infused Christmas pud recipe.

Still, I’d urge you to track down some legs of hare and try this robust and delicious Italian dish. The recipe is from Sam Britten, head chef at The Red Lion Inn at Stathern, Leicestershire (sister pub to The Olive Branch).

The slow cooking of the hare in red wine tempers the strong flavour of the meat and it takes on a beautiful depth. It pays to use a good bottle of wine as it really improves the taste – a Malbec works well.

Where do you get your hare? We often get ours at the Olive Branch and Red Lion from our local garage mechanic, who’s a real crack shot! However, your first port of call should be your local butcher. Melton Mowbray Fur and Feather auction is also an option for those who fancy prepping the animal themselves. Or try www.peterboroughgame.co.uk

Braised leg of hare in red wine with Parmesan polenta

Serves 4 For the braised hare: 2 hare legs • 400ml red wine • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1 sprig thyme • Bay leaf • 1 shallot, sliced

Sean’s Christmas pudding Serves 10 110g suet • 50g self-raising flour • 110g breadcrumbs • 1 tsp mixed spice • 1 pinch nutmeg • 1 pinch cinnamon • 225g dark brown sugar • 110g sultanas • 25g mixed peel • 25g chopped almonds • 1 large dessert apple • Zest of half an orange • Zest of half a lemon • 2 eggs, beaten • 125ml Guinness • 125ml rum • Quarter of a can barley wine 1. Start the day before you want to steam the pudding.

Mix all the dry ingredients, including the suet, in a large mixing bowl.

2. Mix in liquid ingredients. The mixture should have a fairly sloppy consistency. Cover. Leave overnight.

3. Pack mixture into a lightly greased pudding basin, cover with two sheets of baking parchment and a sheet of foil. Tie with string. Prepare a steamer and steam for four hours. You can eat now or cool and store for up to three months in a cool, dark place, resteaming for two hours before serving.

4. Serve with custard or brandy butter.

For the Parmesan polenta: 500ml chicken or game stock • 120g polenta • Knob of butter • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan To make the braised hare: 1. Place all ingredients into a bowl and marinade in the fridge overnight.

2. Remove legs from the marinade, pat dry, then seal to golden brown in a pan over a medium heat.

3. Place the hare legs into a large pot, add the marinade and braise them slowly at around 100C (Gas Mark 1 or below) for four hours.

4. When nice and tender, remove from the heat and serve with the Parmesan polenta (see below).

To make the polenta: 1. Place the stock and polenta into a pan then heat gently for 6-8 minutes.

2. Season with salt and pepper, then add the grated Parmesan and knob of butter.

3. Serve with the braised hare leg and chopped parsley.

Full of umami!

One of the main reasons I like this hare dish so much is because it contains tons of ‘umami’. This is a Japanese word that roughly translates as ‘pleasant savoury taste’. Umami is one of the five basic tastes alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty – ingredients that contains a lot of it are mushrooms, tomato and shellfish. For example, fish sauce gives you lots of umami flavour.

JOIN GREAT FOOD CLUB The Olive Branch and Red Lion are part of Great Food Club – a network of the best local restaurants offering special deals to membership card holders.

Stamford Living readers can join Great Food Club FREE at: www.greatfoodclub.co.uk

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EATING OUT

The Exeter Arms wins Best Northamptonshire Restaurant of the Year 2012/13 The Exeter Arms, Easton on the Hill, has been awarded Best Restaurant of the Year 2012/13 by Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2012-13.

Sue Olver, co-owner of All Saints’ Hotels Ltd said “The team at The Exeter Arms are extremely excited to be the winner of such a prestigious award, particularly when up against some very stiff competition.” Sue Olver added “I am particularly proud that the judges commented on the excellence of service as well as the high standard of food.”

Simon Pollendine, Head Chef, who collected the award with colleague Linda Ramsden said “It is a great honour for the team as a whole to collect such an award.

It came as a great surprise, but a very pleasant one. It is always pleasing to be recognised for the hard work that is put into our food by the kitchen brigade and into the service by our Front of House team.”

The Exeter Arms adds this award to an AA rosette which has been held for three consecutive years and Highly Recommended in The Publican’s Morning Advertiser Best Gastropub of the year at last year’s awards ceremony. www.theexeterarms.net

Stamford Cookery School Classes Why not get some practice in before Christmas? Here are some upcoming classes that could help enormously: Thursday 6th: Sushi rolls and Miso soup from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm Tuesday 11th: Christmas cake decoration from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm Sunday 16th: Bird-in-a-Bird from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 pm Stamford Cookery School can accommodate Christmas, Birthdays, Hen and Kids Parties.

For more details please contact us on 01780 752172 or emails us at info@stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk

New Oundle retro restaurant: 62 Love Me Do A new Oundle restaurant, 62 Love Me Do, created by the team from Beans, is opening on Monday 17th December.

Phil Gilbert, owner and joint founder of Beans, describes its aim: “The concept is a retro diner, with a sea of red, black and white, leatherette benching and formica, with some stunning lighting and design ideas that really will have that WOW factor.

We’re designing it to have a feel of early Brit 1960s.

“Karen and Jon have been working 12/7 for the past month to get it ready in time, and their fusion of artistic talents has produced the best of anything Beans Coffee Stop Limited has so far created!

“Hayley Barnes, Beans manager at Higham Ferrers for the past 6 years, is managing ‘62, bringing with her the highest level of organisation and attention to detail.

“We think the diner will appeal to a wide range of users, including anyone with a young family, anyone in their teens, anyone who’s a twenty something, anyone who enjoys to eat in quality surroundings, anyone who enjoys delicious, fresh, food, anyone who loves the fashions, sights and sounds of the early ‘60s, anyone who can remember them first time round, anyone who fancies something different, with a bit of fun. So as you can see, we intend to make it very inclusive!

“The Menu will be VERY SIMPLE, here at ‘62 we’re not fans of menus that start out A4 then fold out to A1!!! So, a simple menu that stands out as thoughtful, tasteful and above all, fresh.

Although there will be a handful of alternative offers, the food we’re going to offer will be predominantly the freshest, local (sourced from Seven Wells Butchers), top quality burgers available to us. We will be offering a limited range of soft drinks, beers and wine - and milkshakes of course! “ Booking are now being taken!

Hours of opening to begin with are: Monday-Thursday 5pm - 11pm; Friday & Saturday 11am - 11pm; Sunday 11am - 10pm ‘62 love me do, 12 West Street. Oundle, PE8 4EF Tel: 01832 274383

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Foodie Phil brings his expertise to the William Cecil Fans of Head Chef Phil Kent will be delighted to know that he is now splitting his time between his first love The Bull & Swan and their sister hotel, just up the road, the William Cecil.

Phil is passionate about simple and perfectly cooked modern British food, “The new menus I have created at the William Cecil include the best ingredients from the best local suppliers we can find and dishes will change with the seasons.”

The Restaurant at The William Cecil is currently serving a very popular set menu that includes delights such as pan seared king scallops, Grasmere Farm confit belly of saddleback pork and a 21 day matured sirloin steak. Puddings are a twist on familiar classics, such as Bramley apple tarte tartin with bay leaf ice cream, a seasonal crème brûlée and a selection of local artisan cheeses.

This is running alongside the ever popular Game Menu which, among other treats, features venison from the adjoining Burghley Estate. The Festive Menu will also be available from 1st December: £25 for 2 courses or £30 for 3 courses. Booking is essential.

For more information, please call: 01780 750070 or email: enquiries@thewilliamcecil.co.uk

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Festive Lunches £25 for two courses at the William Cecil.

at The William Cecil and The Bull & Swan.

£25 for three courses at the Bull & Swan.

Bring this advert with you and receive a free bottle of Prosecco for every 6 people booking! (All bookings must be pre ordered).

The Bull & Swan at Burghley Tel: 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk

The William Cecil At Stamford Tel: 01780 750070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk

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

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

Canapés 3 Course Dinner followed

by Coffee & homemade Chocolates £50.00 per person No charge for room hire.

Special Bedroom Rate £230.00 Based on 2 people sharing one of our standard double bedrooms, includes full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

Menu Salad of Crab, flavoured with mango & lime leaf *** Free Range Turkey cooked in a salt crust pastry with traditional accompaniments *** Chocolate Truffle flavoured with olive oil, baked banana, pistachio sorbet & salted caramel *** Coffee & homemade Chocolates

To take advantage of this special room rate, a minimum booking of 3 bedrooms per party is required

All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5% Excluding Christmas & New Year.

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

hambleton, oakham, Rutland, le15 8th t: 01572 756991 e: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com 57

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L OCA L NE W S

The Rutland Sports’ Awards A

tsman Magazine’s Spor • ABOVE: Active on, a ns tki Wa m ar old Lia of the Year - 17 ye and a b clu o n-D wo eK Ta member of Oakham Belt.

2nd Degree Black

LONG with 180 guests, sponsors Abigail Richardson, Nicolas Rudd Jones and Helen Walton attended the first ‘Active Rutland Community Sports Awards’ last month, led

by Rutland County Council to celebrate the diverse and numerous sports offered in our small county. Along with the award and certificate, the winners receive one month’s free membership at Catmose Gym as well as qualifying for the Leicester Mercury awards in the New Year. Active Rutland was delighted with the response and in particular contributions and sponsorship from 16 local businesses.

• RIGHT: Rutland Cycling’s Young Sportsman of the Year - Callum Rowley, also a member of Vale Judo Club’s competition squad, won Silver in the U50kg category of the British Judo Welsh Nationals.

• ABOVE: Stamfor d and Rutland Sp orts Network’s Young Sportswoman of the Year Holly Newton, a me mber of the Vale judo club, is a seasoned camp aigner on the Natio nal and International judo scene with silver me dals in Vast-Cup in Swed en, Tallin Cup in, Es tonia and Oslo Spring Champions hips.

• Active Magazine’s Sportswoman of the Year - Anne Pollock, Captain of Rutland Hockey’s Ladies First Team who led the team in the 2012- 2013 season and who are currently unbeaten and at the top of the league.

• Spire Homes Lifetime Achievement Award - Alan Westray, Chairman of Cottesmore Amateurs FC and served as a player, manager, groundsman and secretary for almost 50 years.

• LEFT: Perry’s Printing and Trophies Coach of the Year - Richard Auciello, a 6th in degree black belt g kin ma , do nTaekwo nal tio na er int an him instructor.

• LEFT: Focus Ey e Clinic’s Junior Sportsman of th e Year - Ben Jenning s, a member of Rutla nd Sailing Club who wa s selected for the RY A North of England U15 squad, GB’s top Un der 14 Topper sailor and on the Royal Yaughting Associa tion Olympic pathway.

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• ABOVE: Lands’ End’s Disabled Sportsperson of the Year - Simon Harle, a member of Rutland Sailability, was selected for Paralympic training. Simon has represented GB in world championships.

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2012

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re’s Active Conference Cent y Hotel, Golf and lle around.

Va life r am he th g ee gin Gr • rvey for chan Ha ha nt ma Sa d for Life Awar

• Rutland Living ’s Volunteer of th e Year - Tracey Ta the second team, ylor, the captain of plays for the first and second team hours a week ever and volunteers 15 y season as well as running a family an d a full time job.

• LEFT: Oakham School’s Junior Sp ortswoman of the Year - Megan Rowley- A memb er of Vale Judo Club and in this ye ar alone she is Ch ampion of the British National ch ampionships, silve r medallist of the Welsh nationa ls, Gold medal in Ru tland schools, Silver medallist at the Luke Meadow s Championship, Gold medallist of the team event at the Samurai Green belt and Ch ampion of the Vask cup Molkom in Sweden!

Rob Persani interviews special guest GB Hockey Bronze medalist Nicola White

• ABOVE: Rutland Radio’s Club of the Year - Rutland Rockets Netball Club The club was formed following the success of the Youth Games 2012

d - Ketton Healthy Community Awar ’s re nt Ce ich ts or e Sp val every year wh • ABOVE: Catmos tland Walking Festi Ru e th sts ho ich Walking Group wh itors to Rutland. local people and vis • RIGHT: Think attracts over 300 Digital Print’s Sports Project of the Year - Rutland County Netball League, formed in November 2011 and has since reintroduced over Rutland Dance 10 0 women back to Academy opened the the sport.

Evening PHOTOS: ELLI DEAN, WWW.RUTLANDPHOTOGRAPHER.CO.UK

Contact: If anyone is interested in sponsoring next year’s event or would like to make a nomination please contact Chloe Bond on Tel: 01572 720936 or email cbond@rutland.gov.uk. For further information logon to: www.activerutland.org.uk

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L OCA L WALK

MEDBOURNE AND HALLATON Two stunning villages and fabulous countryside with long views make this walk a winner

WALK DATA: Distance Typical time OS map Start & finish Terrain Stiles Dog friendly

8 miles 3 hours Explorer 223 &224 or Landranger 141 (always walk with a map) Medbourne Hilly, but generally very well marked Three or so Except for the stiles, 2 of which can be circumnavigated 5 miles NW of Corby

How to get there Refreshments • Nevill Arms, Medbourne www.thenevillarms.net Tel: 01858 565288 Excellent food and a delightful café.

• If you fancy a coffee stop half way round, then try the Bewicke Arms at Hallaton, which has a café open all day www.thebewickearms.co.uk Tel: 01858 555217.

Medbourne - The name ‘Medbourne’ is Anglo Saxon - meadow stream, the name unchanged since the Domesday Book. The stream and two of its tributaries form part of the parish boundaries to the north of the village. Because of the dangers of flooding the course of the brook was canalised into straight drains, which you can still see today.

Medbourne Church

Hallaton - A beautiful village dating from the 14th century. The Hallaton Museum has recently been restored and merits a visit. Check opening times www.leicestershirevillages.com/hallaton. The famous Hallaton Bottle Kicking Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scrambling takes place on a hill to the south of the village on Easter Monday each year.

DIRECTIONS

1

Park in the centre of Medbourne village, next to the church; and walk up Rectory Lane, directly opposite the church. After a few hundred yards, cross a small road and proceed uphill through a field, taking the left fork when offered, towards a house and a stile Cross the stile and follow the path through what appears to be a private garden, over another stile, across a stile and then through a field, until you reach the far left corner of the field, where there is a small stone mount onto the road Follow the road past a gatehouse, along The Avenue and then turn left at the T-junction. Take the bridleway taking off diagonally to your left (NW) just at the end of the kitchen garden wall This path runs in a straight and clear line downhill, crossing the B664 and then up the other side; the path dips again, and when you reach a metalled track turn right Shortly afterwards there is a public bridleways sign to the left (due N), which you should take; and when it reaches the road turn left (W) and follow this road until you reach the main road Cross straight over, past the disused railway line, and then veer right up towards Hallaton. Cross a stream and you will soon be on the village street. Turn left, walking past the Bewicke Arms and tea room on your left Take care not to miss the footpath down a passageway to the left just past the village green. This heads down a grassy passage between two walls to a delightful stream. Cross, walk up the other side and head straight across a long field with several trees in it On reaching a gate and a metalled track, you turn left down the metalled track, not over the stile in front of you. This delightful track continues on down to the road Turn left at the road and then soon right, along another very pleasant metalled track, which takes you past Slawston Hill directly on your right. On reaching the Cranoe to Medbourne Road, cross straight over, again crossing a disused railway, and about half a mile down this road, take a left (E) heading straight back towards Medbourne.

Follow this track until it reaches the road; take care on this road as you head back into the village, you will soon find a pavement on your right..

2

3 4 5 6

Hallaton 7

Hallaton

Blaston

8 6

7

5 9

4

3

Medbourne 10

2 1

8 9

10

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DIA RY DAT E S

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment across the region this month Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 December, 7.45pm THEATRE: Men Should Weep Shoestring Theatre presents a modern masterpiece by Ena Lamont Stewart. The company bring to life the Morrison family, locked into an existence of grinding poverty in a 1930s Glasgow tenement. Maggie Morrison, one of the strongest heroines in British drama, keeps her sense of humour as she nourishes a brood of children, an ailing mother-in-law and a jobless husband. The strong Shoestring cast includes three native Scots, two of them from Glasgow, including local folk singer, Dave Wilkinson, who will punctuate each scene with Glaswegian working class songs. Set in wintertime, and ending on Christmas Eve, this play re-affirms family values and the triumph of the human spirit. It will make you laugh, it may make you cry. It will certainly make you think…

Stamford Theatre. Tickets £8/£7 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Monday 10 December to Thursday 3 January 2013 EVENT: Winter Exhibition Lincolnshire Artist’s Society was founded in 1906 and has been exhibiting in the county ever since. This exhibition features the work of over 140 members working in a range of media and a wide variety of styles. Most work is for sale and you will find something to suit most tastes and budgets.

Stamford Gallery, Stamford Arts Centre Admission is free.

Saturday 15 December, 10am to 12 noon CHILDREN’S EVENT: Mince Pie Mayhem Join Janet for mince pie making and seasonal jollity. Please bring an apron and a container to take away your fabulous fare John Clare Cottage £5 per participant, suitable for 7 – 12 age range. Booking Tel: 01733 253330 Saturday 15 December, 7.30pm EVENT: Christmas Concert Woven Chords bring you glorious songs from around the globe and carols from nearer to home sung a capella in a warm inviting setting.

Barn Hill Methodist Church Tickets £8, free to under 16s Tel: 01476 550972 or on the door Sunday 16 December, 11am EVENT: Stamford Santa Fun Run Burghley Rotary Club will hold their successful fundraising Santa Fun Run again this year in Burghley Park. Last year, £180,000 was raised for local charities. Join them and be one of the 1,000 Santas taking part.

Register on line at www. stamfordsantafunrun.com

Saturday 16 to Wednesday 26 December PANTOMIME: Dick Whittington This fascinating enchanting tale of a young man who travels from Peterborough (Oh yes he does!) to the City of London to find his fortune is a classic pantomime favourite and promises to be a fantastic family show. Starring ‘East Enders’ favourite Ricky Groves as Idle Jack, and singing heart-throb Andy Scott-Lee as Dick Whittington plus a welcome return from Zach Vanderfelt as Sarah the Cook.

The Cresset Theatre, Peterborough Ticket prices vary with great deals on early and group booking, Tel: 01733 265705

Tuesday 18 Dec at 7.30pm Stamford Choral Christmas Concert Stamford School Hall A programme of contemporary and traditional Christmas music including opportunities for audience participation. A new work commissioned by the choir will receive its first performance. The choir will be joined by the choir from Malcolm Sargent Primary School.

Tickets £8.00 (£7.00) £1 children available from the Arts Centre or on the door on the night.

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N A D F A S STAMFORD MONTHLY LECTURES ON TUESDAY MORNINGS AT BARN HILL METHODIST CHURCH ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE ARTS

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

£35

AVAILABLE FROM JANUARY 2013 FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE

WWW.STADFAS.ORG OR PHONE JUDY BAxTER ON

01780 754197 email Judy.baxter@virgin.net YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US

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D IA RY DAT E S Saturday 22 December, 2pm CHILDREN’S SHOW: Rapunzel Theatre of Widdershins has taken this traditional tale right back to its roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hairpiece. This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. Make an appointment to see the show today Stamford Theatre Tickets £7.50 (£26 family of four) Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

from local and regional artists including School and Community Choirs, College Theatre and Dance groups, 1950s tribute bands, Santa’s Grotto, Fun Fair, the ever popular Eating Competitions, a Jubilee Themed Quiz, Vintage Transport Exhibition and the chance to win a Bumper Christmas Hamper Prize!…can you possibly afford not to be part of this?

For more information on how to become involved as a trader or volunteer visit www. visitstamford.com/xmas

Thursday 27 to Monday 31 December, 7pm with matinee performances available PANTOMIME: Puss in Boots Stamford Pantomime Players provide a wonderland of festive cheer complete with all the larger than life characters, magic, slapstick, laughter, songs and dance.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £7/£9 Tel: 01780 766455 Wednesday 9 January to Sunday 13 January 2013 – various performance times PANTOMIME: Sleeping Beauty A family favourite full of magic, laughter, audience participation and spectacular surprises. Packed full of fun, magic and adventure, this enchanting fairytale will captivate all ages with stunning special effects and a good helping of fairy dust and a fire breathing dragon. Stamford Theatre Tickets £12 (£40 family of four) Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Saturday 8 December, 7.30pm EVENT: Carols by Candlelight with the Locrian Ensemble The Locrian Ensemble are firmly established as one of Britain’s most popular touring groups. They have a host of television and film credits to their name, and enjoy a formidable international reputation. Their Christmas show is one of their hottest tickets. In lavish period costume, and in front of an evocative candlelit setting, the ensemble performs favourites including carols, string medleys of familiar Christmas tunes, and seasonal surprises.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £17.50 Tel: 01780 766455 Support Stamford – and have a great time!

Stamford Christmas Festival 2012 Sunday 9 December, 10am to 4pm Thousands are expected to turn out for this popular event which has grown in popularity way beyond the organisers’ original expectations. Extra special and spectacular for the Jubilee Year, there will be a 1950s theme running through this year’s event creating an exciting party atmosphere.

Once again, the festival will be held in the centre of Stamford and accessible to people with disabilities, including Stamford High St, Ironmonger St, Red Lion Square, Sheep Market, Bath Row East, Gooch’s Court and Bath Row West. Visitors can expect over two hundred traders and exhibitors including a fabulous array of goods and refreshments. Side by side they will enjoy a full day’s entertainment line-up

Tuck into a Burghley Christmas…

Burghley House will play host to a seasonal spectacle featuring festive favourites including country crafts, Christmas floral arranging and fine food. Launching Burghley’s festive season will be the popular Crafts for Christmas from the Rural Crafts Association, which returns to Burghley 29th November - 2nd December 2012. A marquee in the picturesque parkland provides a festive space for talented makers and designers from all over the UK producing top quality products all under one roof. (For ticket prices, visit www.ruralcraftsassociation. co.uk or call 01428 684494).

While over the weekend, Saturday 1st December and Sunday 2nd December, join in a celebration of local produce at the freeto-enter Christmas Fine Food Market where stall holders will be selling everything from local cheese and meats to cupcakes and Burghley venison.

Special Festive Floral Workshops will also be staged on both days with Burghley’s head gardener John Burrows. He will reveal how to make either a beautiful table centre or festive garland that visitors can take home with them, with all materials and refreshments provided (booking is essential for the workshops).

The gift shop, grounds and restaurant are all open during the winter period, from Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (shop 11am to 4pm).

For details of Christmas Lunch menus and bespoke dinner parties at The Orangery at Burghley, visit www.burghley.co.uk/venue/ christmas. For full details of all events at Burghley, visit www.burghley.co.uk or Tel: 01780 752451.

Football Development Schools FDS ‘Drop before you Shop’ stress free Christmas Shopping Courses All courses open to boys and girls aged 5-11 years of age, all coaches CRB cleared and FULLY INSURED, includes a healthy breakfast, FDS Christmas Present, fun games, indoor venue and mini world cup tournament!

Course Details: Casterton College, Saturday December 22nd, 8:30am - 4:00pm - Fun games,

Tournament, Speed Tests - cost £14.99 To book a place on this course please contact the FDS-West Brom offices on 01858 46116 or alternatively e-mail bookings@ developmentschools.co.uk.

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Battle Proms Concerts provide the answer!

The 9th annual Burghley House Battle Proms Concert will take place on Saturday 6 July 2013 and will include all of the favourite highlights such as a full orchestral programme, Spitfire display, breathtaking fireworks, Napoleonic cavalry, 200 live cannons, picnic in the park atmosphere and a sing-along ‘Last Night of the Proms’ finale. Concert organisers have just announced that tickets are now on sale at the early booking rate, in time for you to make this into a very special Christmas gift!

Take advantage of the early online booking offer: prices are frozen at the 2011 rate of £29 per adult until 1 February 2013. Head to www.battleproms.com to book tickets and find out more.

The London ‘slot’ The Lost Prince is an outstanding exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. It celebrates the life of a prince of exceptional quality and ability -- Henry Stuart, the eldest son of James the First. He was hugely popular, everyone believing that as Henry IX he would make an excellent king. But Henry’s death at eighteen from typhoid meant that this was not to be.

As you go through this excellent exhibition you can’t help feeling how much better the seventeenth century might have turned-out if Henry had survived the typhoid.

The exhibition closes on 13 January 2013. www.npg.org.uk

STAMFORD LIVING december 2012

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Instruments Purchased - www.stamfordmusicshop.co.uk 66

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COUNT RY FILE

Animals of the Christmas Story Sue Lee and Jean Orpin have gathered together a Nativity scene with local pets!

L

ong held tradition links three animals in particular to the Christmas story. If Joseph had an animal to carry Mary and their belongings to Bethlehem it would most likely have been a donkey. The baby was born in a manger therefore it is assumed that cows would have been

present. The Angels proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ birth first to shepherds who then hastened to Bethlehem to see the baby and, as ‘good shepherds’, their sheep must have gone with them!

Woody the Sheep

Hamish the Highland Bull

Gordon the Donkey

Woody, a Norfolk Horn Ram, was born at Adam Henson’s Cotswolds Farm Park in 2008 when Andy Croft’s son, Reuben, was working there.

Woody’s mother had too many lambs to care for them properly and sadly she sat on one breaking its leg. Reuben rescued the lamb, made a splint for his leg from a wooden spoon and named him Woody, because he hobbled around with the spoon tapping on the ground.

Although as a lamb he was very popular with the public, at the end of the season there was not really a future for Woody so Andy stepped in, bought him and brought him home. His first meals included all the flowers in the garden, including the honeysuckle and roses. Four years on Woody still ventures into the garden occasionally but is generally more restrained and lives happily in his paddock. He has also provided Andy with four fleeces which will eventually become a home-grown garment.

When Mike Weaver retired from business he decided that he now had time to keep animals. He owned a field near his home in Bisbrooke and initially thought of keeping donkeys but his wife thought that donkeys would be troublesome. He then looked at Longhorn cattle but eventually decided on Highland cattle. He bought two from a herd in Derbyshire. Their pet names are Bella and Fitchy. This year he borrowed Hamish the bull to mate with them and is really pleased with his two female calves, which were born last month.

They will be registered with the Highland Cattle Society, who stated that they must be given Gaelic names. He is still trying to decide on the names. Highland cattle are a good choice as they are hardy and live outside all the year.

They also have a Wiltshire horn sheep to keep them company.

Gordon lives with Emma Hazlewood, her husband and four children at Clatterbox Farm, between Glaston and Uppingham on the A47.

He has been there 6 years since Emma’s father died and Gordon (named for her father) came to keep her company. Gordon is well used to nativity appearances having taken part in preschool nativity plays and he has also been in demand for Palm Sunday in the Lyddington group of parishes.

For the last 2 years Gordon has had a companion, Boris, who can be a bit more mischievous and has been known to break into the garden and even nick apples from the house. The two of them have a shelter in a field near the house and make little work only requiring some hay and a rug in winter while they give a great deal of pleasure to the family.

Happy Christmas

from Jean and Sue at Ask Leo STAMFORD Living december 2012

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STA M FOR D PE OPLE

Sophie Allport Antonia Scott meets with a local artist and entrepreneur who has gained national recognition

B

eing stocked in a variety of local gift shops was high on Sophie Allport’s list of things she wanted to achieve. And this she did within a very short time of establishing her company, “Sophie Allport Ltd” back in 2007 with the help of her brother Jem, a qualified chartered accountant. With his business acumen and drive to expand the range, Sophie was able to concentrate solely on design and product development. In the local area alone, Sophie Allport products are stocked in You in Stamford, Crackers in Oundle and Wish of Uppingham.

Sophie’s background is one that dreams are

68

made of. As a talented youngster at art, she was encouraged by her parents to pursue her dream and, after leaving school, did a two year foundation course in her home town at Lincoln School of Art. An impressive first class honours degree in Graphic Art, specialising in illustration at Leeds University followed, and in 1996 Sophie was invited to the Country Living Fair in London to demonstrate her skills. She made a few of her illustrations into cards and limited edition prints and they proved a roaring success, completely selling out. The entrepreneur seed had been sown!

For the next few years, her career took a back

seat while Sophie’s home life got started; she got married and had 3 boys, and decided to move out of London in 2008 to Oundle, to be nearer to “home”.

Sophie now has a fully fledged family business, employing 5 members of family and a couple of family friends, making it a very personally loved business which is reflected in the loyal customer base.

As a company, Sophie Allport Ltd’s rise to success has been a fast one with 2012 culminating in a year to remember.

This year alone, Sophie designed some exclusive items for The All England Lawn

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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Q&A with Sophie: Who influenced your decision to do this as a career?

I have always loved drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. My first art teacher Mrs Richardson believed in me from a very young age and inspired the passion for design that I still have today.

Who was your mentor(s)?

I suppose it was probably my parents. They have always encouraged me to pursue what I love and were always there to offer advice and mentor my decisions. After completing my A level in Art they wholeheartedly supported my decision to go to Art College and pursue a career being an artist, which is often an insecure job.

Sadly my father died a few years ago, but like all fathers, he was an incredible influence on me. I only wish he was still around to see what Jem and I have achieved with Sophie Allport Limited. Mum continues to be incredible and works a day a week at the office and is also a huge help with my boys when I’m away from home with work.

What’s your favourite shop in Stamford and why?

There’s so many it’s difficult to choose. I feel very lucky to live so close to such a beautiful town with so much to offer. I love YOU on St Mary’s Street. It’s a great shop for presents and gifts and of course they stock our ranges! I also love the Hambleton Bakery for tasty treats - my boys love their breads and pastries.

What’s your favourite restaurant in Stamford and why?

The William Cecil is a real treat for a special occasion but I also enjoy a good curry at Voujon’s. I love to go for a drink in the Tobie Norris too – it’s a wonderfully cosy and traditional pub at this time of year with the roaring fires and low ceilings.

Tennis Association at Wimbledon and was also commissioned by the Golf Open to design and produce a fine bone china and fabric collection for this year’s events at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s in Blackpool. Sophie also designed commemorative mugs to celebrate the Jubilee and the Royal Wedding and was interviewed on the BBC regarding their success.

This year will be Sophie’s first Christmas range, “Robin” which was launched in September and includes fine bone china and fun fabric items such as napkins, table runners, placemats and aprons.

Also new to launch this September was a “Labrador” range which completely sold out at Burghley Horse Trials this year. Other dog lovers will be pleased to know there are various Terriers, Spaniels and Jack Russells featured on other products.

The sophieallport.com website has recently been revamped and now includes an increasingly popular “Gift & Wedding Lists” section that many local brides have welcomed, enabling their guests to buy entire ranges of the “Butterfly, Chicken and Bee” home wares.

Contact details: www.sophieallport.com or 0845 0177 866 Approx. Price guide: Prices start from £1.90 for a card up to £35 for a tablecloth but there are lots of bargains to be had in their new ‘Seconds Shop’ near Langtoft!

Stamford Living readers can receive a 10% discount on the Sophie Allport range • Offer is valid until 20th December.

• Simply type in the promotional code: LIVING12 when you get to the checkout at www.sophieallport.com or call to place an order: on 0845 0177 866 or visit their Showroom in Langtoft on King’s Street Industrial Estate, PE6 9NF. Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

• There is also a “Special Saturday Opening on 1st December where end of lines/slight seconds will be reduced by 50% – perfect for Christmas gifts.

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2012

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Slate Cottage, 65 Main Road, Collyweston, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 3PQ

M: 0797 3828541 www.ihaventgotathingtowear.com

SECURITY Plumbing, Heating and Gas Engineer

VIDEO

Includes Domestic and Commercial work

. Corgi Registered . Over 20 years experience . Tel: 01572 771309

SOLUTIONS TO HEATING Gensis eco HeatinG solutions

www.genesisecoheating.co.uk air source solar Panels rainWater Heat PumPs Hot Water HarvestinG

Office: 01780 762682 MObiles: 07712 771104/07712 771105 07712 771106 61, casewick Lane uffington stamford Lincs, Pe9 4sX

WARDROBE ORGANISER

DIRECTORY

ROOFING

Genesis eco HeatinG solutions is a tradinG name of Walker Bros stamford ltd

WEB DESIGN

Ash pAddock firewood Top quality seasoned and barn stored hardwood logs for sale. Loads mainly consist of ash and sycamore. Logs cut to your requirements. Nets and bulk loads available

STONEWORK

contact James on

07900 695066 or 01664 480353

Stonework Specialist

All types of building work undertaken

for prices. free local delivery within 20 miles of Melton

Iain D Woods

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Tel: 07841 195181

www.myeasiwebdesigns.com

Email: i.d.exteriors@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.facebook.com/idexteriors CSCS Reg No. 01786097

w w w. A s h pA d d o c k f i r e w o o d . c o . u k

2013 edition out now!

COMPUTER SERVICES

For all your new PC and Laptop requirements

2013 ESSENTIAL WEDDINGS

All types of PC and Laptop repairs and upgrades undertaken TIAL Broadband &Ewireless installation SSEN Data recovery • Hardware sales info@acrcomputers.co.uk www.acrcomputers.co.uk

2013

WEDDINGS

AUTY/LIFESTYL A S H I O N / B E– TeL: 01780 753477 FSCoTgATe STAmford

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR DREAM WEDDING

E/FOOD/PHOTOGRAP

HY/VENUES

ONLY

£3.50

£3.50 where sold

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Write to Essential Weddings.

PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY Enclosing a cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd for £3.50, along with your address

Or Visit our website: www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

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