Stamford Living December 2011 by Best Local Living

HELPING YOU TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING LOCALLY

STAMFORD LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH & BEAUTY/HOME & GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

FOOD & DRINK Tastes of Christmas STYLE Christmas decorations

£1.50 DECEMBER 2011

My Perfect Gift @LocalLivingUK

WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK

Ideas from Stamford’s Independent shops

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Bainton Road, Barnack

£439,995

A rare opportunity to purchase a well maintained extended detached house located within this highly desirable village.Set in a large plot with open fields behind, the property offers a dual aspect lounge with an open fire, kitchen/breakfast room in addition to the separate dining room. 4 Double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. The gardens to the front and rear are largely laid to lawn with some mature borders and a patio area. Single garage.

Radcliffe Road, Stamford

Imposing detached town house within walking distance of the town centre and benefitting from an enclosed Rear Garden, Single Garage and Parking. The property briefly comprises: Entrance Hall, Kitchen with Dining Room off. Sitting Room with open fire. Utility Room and Cellar. Three Double Bedrooms and One Single. Family Bathroom

Welland Cottage, Stamford

£395,000

Welland Cottage is a beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom three storey period town house set within the sought after area of St Martins. Just a few steps from the River Welland and a short walk to the town, train station and Burghley Park the property has been improved over recent years and now offers versatile accommodation which would appeal to many with lovely courtyard garden.

£895 pcm

St Leonards Street, Stamford

£675 pcm

Delightful furnished Grade II listed period town house located within a few minutes walk of the town centre. The property is furnished throughout and briefly comprises: Dining Kitchen, Hobby Room/Occasional Bedroom with Bathroom. Sitting Room to the first floor. Second floor with Bedroom and En-suite. Shared Courtyard Garden.

2/3 St Johns Street Stamford PE9 2DA

Sales: 01780 750000 Lettings: 01780 750001 2

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

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STAMFORD LIVING

DECEMBER CONTENTS W

W .

‘My three favourite ingredients’

reckon we all have our favourite ingredients when we are cooking. What are yours? I asked our contributors, and here’s a brief selection: • “My three favourite ingredients are chopped tomatoes in a tin, pasta and olive oil. Even if you are in a desperate rush you can still make a decent meal out of it (and no need for additional ingredients)!!” • “I’m going for mushrooms, shallots and ginger.” Flavour, punnabilty, stand-out distinctiveness, in that order.” • “I’ll go with flour, onions and cheese. And frequently all together.” • “Garlic, especially if you’ve grown it yourself from the Isle of Wight garlic farm, unsalted butter and cream, they add something to any sauce and if you’ve dug the ground over before planting the garlic you’ve burned off all the calories!” •”Garlic. The smell of garlic frying in butter is one of the three great smells in the world (the other two: burnt jet-kerosene as planes taxi away for take-off and the smell of first rain on a tropical dirt road). Cheddar cheese. Ben Gunn said it all when he burst out of the Treasure Island forest, begging for toasted cheese. Rum: much tastier than brandy or other cooking spirits. Hot roasted bananas sloshing with rum, butter and brown sugar.” • To look at the full list visit our website at www. bestlocalliving.co.uk Please tell us what yours are and why. Add a comment on the website, or email nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk

HOME, GARDEN & MOTORING 20 My Perfect Gift – the shop owners pick their own favourites! 36 Design Interiors: Dressing up your home for Christmas 43 Motoring: Interview with Daniel Cooper, Dealer Principal of Marshall Volvo 59 Vintage Country Living launches FOOD & DRINK 29 Food & Drink: Gifts for Chocolate Lovers 48 Food & Drink special: Tastes of Christmas 50 Olive Branch recipe: Venison 53 Eating Out News: Lord Nelson in Oakham, Assiette, Oundle Mill new head chef, The Crown Hotel, Opus Dai, The Millstone in Ryhall 55 Eating Out: The Cosy Club; The London Inn

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 Warner’s of Bourne

Subscribe to Stamford Living

UPFRONT, SHOPPING 5 Editor’s selection: what caught the eye this month? 7 Upfront: Christmas holiday football, Ryhall Christmas market, Robert Loomes watch making 8 Upfront: Stamford Christmas Festival, Barnack Country Clothes, QKS Kitchens retail outlet, Thyme FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 12 Fashion: Dressing up for the party! 15 Health & Beauty: beautiful hair starts with repair; Equilibrium competition 16 Health & Beauty News: Laura Goodliffe, Stamford Beauty, Aromatica

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS 34 Local Business: Watson Mitchell lettings; Oundle Travel; Inheritance Tax advice 41 Great Days Out: Christmas activities for kids 60 Learning: Interview with Will Phelan, new head of Stamford School 64 What’s On PERSPECTIVES 31 Countryfile: Country tales for Christmas 47 All about Stamford: Carrie’s Column; Why do men wear red trousers? 67 Ask Leo Special: Bells 70 Stamford People: Andrew Guinness, the mole man

Front cover image: The Cosy Club, Sheepmarket, Stamford. Photography by www.adjustedperspective.com

For only £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Stamford Living for a year (12 issues). Please send your name, address and a cheque made out to Local Living Ltd to: SL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY Or you can subscribe via the website at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2011

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You

Living & Giving

Gifts...Greeting Cards...Home Accessories...Bath & Body... Festive Decorations...

Pure Elegance

ubyloves...

Fashion...Jewellery... Watches...Clothing...Bags... Accessories...Bath and Body...

Unforgettable Unforgettable

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS

14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF 01780 755996

The Original

Be inspired at pandora.net 14 St. Mary’s Street 14 St. Mary’s Stamford, PE9Street 2DF

www.youstamford.co.uk - www.youandbeyond.co.uk

Stamford, PE9 2DF 01780 755996 01780 755996 Be inspired at pandora.net Be inspired at pandora.net

A big thank you to all our customers.We would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas. All our shops are open everyday until Christmas. You & Beyond 14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF. 01780 755996 You, 30 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DL. 01780 765001 Ruby Loves, 3&4 Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE. 01780 764626

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Editor’s selection A page of things that caught our eye this month

CATCH A FISH

Give a Christmas Gift Vouchers for a loved one to learn how to fly fish for trout on Rutland Water. Tel: 01572 722422 or email rob@ rutlandflyfishingadventures.co.uk www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk

FOLLOW THE SEASONS

2012 calendar by local artist Carry Ackroyd, £8, from Robert Fogell Galley, 23 High Street St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF

DON’T SLIP IF IT SNOWS

Yaktrax are so easy to ﬁt over your shoes or boots but they ensure life can go on safely in winter – whether it’s working or going to work; even walking the dog, going to the shops and jogging. Find them at North Shoes, Red Lion Square, Stamford Tel: 01780 755400.

The

Stamford Book of

Ghost Stories SCARE YOURSELF

Walker’s Books, in association with the Stamford Arts Centre have just published a book of Stamford Ghost Stories. £7.99, available from Walker’s Bookshop

BE NICE TO MICE

Fun, original and quirky toys from Denmark. Perfect gifts to put under your tree, www.mouse-in-a-box.co.uk. Based in Barnsdale, Rutland GHOST BOOK copy.indd 1

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STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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A Gentleman needs the right Time

In sleepy Stamford a firm of extraordinary watchmakers has crafted an entirely English-made, hand-wound, mechanical wristwatch. The 39mm case is hewn from Sheffield stainless steel and turned on English lathes. The traditional English movement is engraved with acanthus leaf and flowers, where the head of each flower contains a sparkling jewel. The movement is the same design that Sir Edmund Hillary wore to conquer Everest.

ROBERT LOOMES

EXTRAORDINARY WATCHMAKERS

Robin is a limited edition of one hundred signed and numbered watches. Elegance and discretion combine to tell no more than an Englishman’s watch should do – the right time.

www.robertloomes.com 01780 481319

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LOCAL NEWS

UPFRONT What’s new this month

WRISTWATCH MANUFACTURING SPRINGS TO LIFE IN STAMFORD

Local watchmaker Robert Loomes has achieved an extraordinary ambition: the manufacture of entirely English-made mechanical watches. It has been forty years since the last English watch manufacturer closed down. Robert grew up bitterly frustrated that a quintessentially English product had been lost to the Swiss: “My antecedent, Thomas Loomes, was making watches in the 1660s. The modern watch escapement was designed and perfected in England by Thomas Mudge in the 1750s. Until the twentieth century we were recognised as the best watchmakers in the world”. Back to the drawing board, literally, Robert found local firms who could make the parts he needed. He turned his back on the twentieth-century reliance on buying Swiss parts. Each part is made in England: the movements, hands, dials, cases, even the sapphire glass. “It was a moment of pure joy to see the very first Sheffield steel watch cases being made. Our business now supports over a dozen local engineering firms and absolutely relies on English talent to get the job done.” The manually wound watch is housed in an elegant 39mm diameter, hand polished, stainlesssteel case. The dial is frosted and rhodium plated to give a pleasing matte grey finish designed to last a lifetime. The hands are in traditional, hand polished, blued steel. Turning the watch over it is easy to see how Robert Loomes connects back to Thomas and his seventeenth century watches: the rear of the mechanism is beautifully engraved with flowers and foliage. Each ruby jewel and each blued steel screw head become the centre of an individual flower head as the engraving scrolls around the signature. “Our customers tell us the same thing, over and again: They do not want to buy a massproduced watch. So we have committed to producing each design as a numbered, limited, edition of one hundred. Because so much time is devoted to the manufacture of each piece, every Robert Loomes watch is in fact unique.” This limited edition of one hundred English Manufacture watches is exclusively and only available from Robert Loomes & Co., at 4 Saint Mary’s Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2DW. www.robertloomes.com Tel: 01780 481319

STAMFORD PANTOMIME PLAYERS Cinderella - Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 December - Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets from £7 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk A delight for audiences of all ages by the Stamford Pantomime Players Cinders is but a lowly housemaid with two rather ugly sisters. The handsome prince is looking for a bride. Will true love take its course? Non-stop fun, memorable songs and plenty of audience participation. Incredibly this is the 60th year anniversary of The Players. There is an interesting human interest story this year. Liz Paige, the director, is directing her husband Kevin, and son, Michael as the Ugly Sisters.

CHRISTMAS FOOTBALL FUN DAYS One Touch Football is going to be running football fun / development days in the festive period. The days will be for boys and girls from ages 4 to 12 years, regardless of ability. The days will be based on learning new skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Head Coach, Glenn Vaughan is a coach and scout for Peterborough UTD Football Club, which will attend to develop all individuals. The course will be held at the indoor sports hall of the Queen Eleanor Technology College, Green Lane, Stamford, PE9 1HE on the 19th and 20th of December. 10am-5pm. £12 per day. All pupils wishing to attend will need to wear suitable clothing, trainers and boots plus a packed lunch including drink. • Go to www.onetouchfootball.co.uk then simply ﬁll in the online booking form

FRIENDS OF RYHALL SCHOOL CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday 10th December 2.00-4.00 pm, Ryhall School Stalls include, The Book People, Bagzie That Bag, Elite Interior Design & Accessories, Usborne Books, JJ Handmade Jewellery, Handmade Crafts, Cakes, Children’s Games & Crafts & Santa’s Grotto. To raise funds for Ryhall C E Primary School.

WERE YOU PRESENT AT THE ACT OF CREATION? The question refers, of course, to the creation of the Stamford Civic Society on 12 October 1962. The 50th anniversary is only 10 months away, and today’s members want to honour all the surviving founding committee members. The following list includes the names of founding committee members that the Civic Society is unable to trace: if you know someone on this list please let the Civic Society know how to get in touch with them (telephone 01780 752972 or email info@ stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk). Mrs P Collins; Rev J P Hoskins; W J Hemmings; Mrs S Blantern; A P Brockbank; A Curwen; Mrs A G Glover; J C P Langton; Miss Lodwick; C W Potter; N Price; H Smith; R Stanley; P W Wakeﬁeld; Mrs B Webster; F A Webster; G W York. Planning of the 50th anniversary celebrations is well underway; watch for future ‘trailers’. STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

QKS Kitchens open retail unit QKS Kitchens, Stamford’s leading kitchen supplier, has just opened a shop in Star Lane, Stamford, a stone’s throw from M&S. Malcolm Brandwood, the owner, commented: “We wanted to show to a larger public all the things we can do. We have kitted out the shop from scratch, with a stunning fitted kitchen, an Aga Total and a bedroom setting. The shop is aimed to inspire you to create your dream kitchen or bedroom, and our staff will be able to help you turn that dream into a reality at an affordable price.” There’s also going to be lots of new things going on in their main showroom in the Barnack Rd. 15 new kitchen displays will be going in, and there is also a showroom devoted to larger ovens and fridges. They have five in-house designers and a virtual reality capability that helps you visualise your kitchen. As always, QKS aims to stay one step ahead of the market. Cooking Event: If you fancy learning how to cook Indian, there is a cookery demonstration planned at the showroom on Sat Dec 3rd 10.00am-3pm, where Veronica’s Indian Food will be giving tips on how to cook Indian food. • Shop address: 3 Star Lane, Stamford., PE9 1BH - Showroom address: QKS The Maltings, Barnack Rd, Stamford PE9 2NA Tel: 01780 756514; www.qksstamford.co.uk

The Biggest Stamford Christmas Festival Ever!

This year Stamford Christmas Festival is co-hosted by Stamford Town Partnership CIC and Stamford Town Council, whose aim is to create an affordable, enjoyable and unforgettable experience for everyone; bringing the community together in work and play at the biggest Christmas Festival the town has seen! On Sunday 11th December from 10am - 4pm Stamford High Street, Red Lion Square, Sheep Market and Bath Row East and West will be full of Festive Cheer for your family enjoyment. With everything right on your doorstep, free entry and parking throughout the town, there is a spectacular entertainment line-up, fun fair attractions and 200 trade and exhibitor stalls to thrill you. There is a huge range of Art and Craft Markets, Luxury Festive Food and Drink halls, all day live entertainment throughout the route from dancers, choirs, theatre, street artists, local radio, Santa’s grotto, nativity scenes, magicians, and a fun fair! This event, and the visitors it attracts, creates fantastic business opportunities for local retailers, restaurants and suppliers in our town. Funding for this year’s event has come from local sources and a huge thank you goes out to all of the local businesses, schools, colleges and volunteering groups who have come together with substantial sponsorship and hard work to make this event possible. Ali Hawley-Smith, the inexhaustible organiser, would like to say a special thank you to her team of amazing volunteers, who without their hard and very much appreciated work to help organise this event it simply wouldn’t happen. • For more information about Stamford Christmas Festival 2011 visit www.visitstamford.com/xmas

Barnack Country Clothes The annual pre-Christmas Open Weekend Sat 3 and Sun 4 Dec 9.30am – 4.30pm This year Barnack Country Clothes is offering a huge choice of outdoor country clothing and Wellington boots. They stock ranges for men and women from the best known and widely respected clothing and Wellington boot brands; Barbour, Schoffel, Musto, Hunter, Aigle, Le Chameau, Joules, Seeland & Wedgewelly. During the event they will be offering a 20% reduction on all clothing plus 10% off all footwear, also there are some fantastic prizes to be won. Customers will be welcomed with a seasonal mulled wine and mince pie. • Barnack Country Clothes & Wellieboots. com Ltd, Barnack, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 3DY Tel: 01780 740115

Thyme It is Christmas time again at Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods. Take a trip out to the woods to select your fresh British grown Christmas tree, available from the first weekend in December, buy your last minute gifts, and kit yourself out with winter woollies from a range of fair trade clothing all available from Thyme in the Craft Arches. Sunday 4th of December brings the Christmas Festive Fair, mulled wine and spiced apple juice is on offer, while you listen to carol singers and the brass band, sample festive food and roasted chestnuts, visit the craft fair, tour the Viking encampment and hug a Husky. There is also a fancy dress competition for children, adults and dogs, dress in a festive theme, judged at 3.30pm. • Top Lodge is open seven days a week 10am-4pm closed Christmas Day and open again Boxing Day so you can walk or cycle off the excess of Christmas Day.

STAMFORD LIVING december 2011

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Can’t sell? - you could gain from the flourishing rental market. Call us on 01780 765100 “Landlords gain as a shortage of rental property and continuing high demand boosts landlords’ rental returns” Miles Shipside – Director Rightmove T pcm LE 50 9 £1

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Loc st

Est

al Comp

1981 - 30 Years

QKS, bringing kitchens to life...

INDIAN COOKERY DEMONSTRATION SAT 3RD DEC 10am - 2pm Our new 2n d showro om openin gs in Star oon Lane, Stamfo rd

Rangemaster Design Centre Largest display in the area with over 20 Range cookers on show Aga dealer: see the new Aga Total Control Cooker

Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms Kitchens from £6,000 ﬁtted • Supply only kitchens from £1,000

Financial solutions available • 100s of kitchens to choose from • Suppliers to the trade & building industry

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM WITH 30 KITCHEN ROOM SETTINGS OPEN MON - FRI 8AM - 5PM, SAT 8AM - 3PM, SUN 10AM - 4PM QKS Kitchens, The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA

T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk 10

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www.qksstamford.co.uk

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Commercial and domestic glazing, soffit and facia specialists.

01780 765151 www.tgukwindows.com

Doors • Windows Soffits & Facias • Conservatories

WINTER WARMERS

Order your windows now for a warm winter 01780 765151 tgukwindows@live.co.uk www.tgukwindows.com

Showroom located ay 62-63 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YB

m : en - 5p Op m 9am o ro ay ow rid ay Sh – F turd 4pm y Sa – a nd am Mo 10

Interior Design Beautiful Fabrics Stunning New Collections

PV Solar

Specialists

Showroom Open

Monday – Friday - 9am – 5pm,

Christmas Cheer! Fabulous Fabric Sale Starts Thursday 1st December 2011

Saturdays - 10am – 4pm

Call now for your FREE survey

T: 01780 755444 Showroom: 62-63 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YB www.sunroofenergy.co.uk

sunroofenergy@live.co.uk 11

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FASHION

PARTY ON! Sally Stillingﬂeet is on the look out for frocks full of festive cheer. A chance to be bold and dazzle with jewel colours, luxe fabrics and luxury details at the Mark Elliot showroom. With the help of Emma-Kate, Ellie, Harriet, Celine, not forgetting Max and Sam. Mark Elliot provides the perfect backdrop for a touch of luxury dressing this Christmas

Black dress with shoulder detail by Rare £45 from Energy Burgundy tulle dress from Energy £55.00

Above: Red mini car Pyjamas £25.99 London bus pyjamas £28.99 both from Bubble and Squeak with Owl from Nook and hand-knitted rabbit from Green Circle £12.50 Below: Inwear print dress £129.95 from LuLu

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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Red silk Penny Black dress, with back detail £150 from Attic. Blue dress with black overlay by Almost Famous £150 from Attic. Mulberry handbag from Sinclairs £475

Left: Emerald satin sheath dress by Dolce and Gabana £120 worn with Guiseppe Zanotti black diamante heels £90 from Arch Label Agency Right: Gold dress £49.95 worn with elasticated belt £12.50 from So

Grey lacey dress by Inwear £129.95 from LuLu

Left: Champagne colour draped dress £169 from Fenn Wright and Manson Right: Black crepe dress with beaded detail £169 from Fenn Wright and Manson

FASHION

Arch Label Agency – 10a Maiden Lane, Stamford. Tel: 01780 764746 www.archlabelagency.com Energy – Ironmonger Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 765633 So – 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 766640 Attic – 33 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 766667 Fenn Wright Manson - 72/73 High Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 765484 LULU – 43 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 766675 www.luvlulu.co.uk Bubble and Squeak – High Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 755799 Green Circle – 15 St. Mary’s Hill, Stamford. Tel: 01780 757496 Photographed at the Mark Elliot showroom, Bath Row, Stamford, Tel: 01780 764370 with Christmas tree supplied by Wothorpe Nursery Photographer – Elli Dean www. elliedeanphotography.co.uk My thanks to Celine, Harriet, Ellie, Emma-Kate, Sam and Max for modelling STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011 13

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CHRISTMAS OFFERS FROM CHRISTMAS SPARKLE FOR ONLY £25 Visit Charlie, our Junior Stylist anytime during December and she’ll treat you to a High Gloss Treatment and Blow-Dry for our a special Xmas price of £25. This offer can also be added to any Cut & Blow-Dry already booked.

BOOK IN FOR YOUR NEW YORK BLOW-DRY Monday 9.00am – Tuesday 9.00am – Wednesday 9.00am – Thursday 9.00am – Friday 9.00am – Saturday 9.00am –

6.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm 6.00pm

Shape Control offers two different types of permanent smoothing services: the ‘Cool New York Blow-Dry’ tames frizzy curls while maintaining beautiful waves and the ‘Hot New York BlowDry’ creates a perfectly straight look. Shape Control also deep conditions hair for long lasting control and manageability.

REDKEN GIFT SETS 20% OFF Available in 6 of your favourite ranges: All Soft, Color Extend, Body Full, Blonde Glam, Extreme and Smooth Down. Each gift set contains one shampoo and conditioner.

Browns Hairdressing Group, 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford 0844 999 3365 www.browns-hair.co.uk

2 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ

01780-764591

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Health and Beauty

HAIR REPAIR

Genevieve Potter discovers that beautiful hair starts with repair

’m an Aveda devotee, so it didn’t take much persuading for me to try the latest Aveda treatment at Gerards of Stamford - damage remedy hair repair. This time of year our hair is faced with both environmental stress from the cold and damp, coupled with regular heat damage – straighteners are the worst culprit – which had definitely left my hair feeling like it needed some TLC. All Aveda products are based on natural plant ingredients and Jayne at Gerards explained that the new damage repair range has high levels of protein from quinoa, macadamia nuts and soy beans and it can actually strengthen hair by up to 87%. This is because our hair is mostly made up of protein and the amino acids from the quinoa penetrate hair to restore and strengthen it from the inside. Jayne sprayed an intense damage repair treatment all over my hair, concentrating on the more damaged areas and working it through the hair in sections. This was enhanced by a wonderfully relaxing scalp massage (a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair, and regular scalp massage will encourage strong hair growth). I then sat under a gentle heat for five minutes while the product penetrated my hair, before it was shampooed off. I have to say that I am hooked on this treatment; a week on and my hair definitely has its Mojo back and feels thicker, stronger and all together healthier (it’s even got some of its natural curl back, which I definitely won’t be straightening).

Special Gerards offer For the month of December, Jayne is offering the damage remedy treatment (worth £20) free, when you book a cut and blow dry and mention Stamford Living, or pop in for sample of the damage remedy trial trios to take home (subject to availability). Gerards, George Hotel Mews, Stamford, PE9 2LB, Tel: 01780 753002

Win a makeover for someone you love at Equilibrium The prize (total value £215):

his month we’ve teamed up with the team at Equilibrium, to offer one lucky person the chance for a day of pure pampering. If you know someone that really deserves a boost – perhaps a friend, parent, or carer, please nominate them by emailing your entry, to: info@equilibriumstamford. co.uk with a recent picture if possible, or alternatively please take your written entry in to Equilibrium. Please include your name, address and contact details, the name, address and contact details of the person you are nominating and why you think they deserve to be pampered! Closing date for entry is 5pm on 23rd December 2011 and the winner will be notified by phone. Prize must be taken during January 2012 and the winner must agree to be photographed for Stamford Living magazine. (Please note that there is no equivalent cash prize offered).

• Luxury pamper day (9:30am - 3:30pm) • Glass of bubbly on arrival • Full body lava shells – this is a new, deeply relaxing and luxurious massage treatment which is exclusive to Equilibrium in Stamford • Thalgo facial – this will be prescribed to the winner’s needs • HD brows – frame your face with celebrity-style high definition eye-brows – it really opens up the eyes • Lunch • New OPI GelColor manicure - be one of the first to experience this new treatment which launches in January 2012. It comprises all of the Iconic OPI colours in a polish-on gel formula, which is incredibly fast to apply, but lasts for weeks. • Relaxing fish pedicure, to soften and prepare the feet for an OPI colour pedicure Equilibrium, 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk email: info@equilibriumstamford.co.uk STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2011

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

health & beauty notes Sarah Buxton

AROMATICA UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Aromatica, the natural skincare and perfumery business opposite the George, is under new ownership. Sarah Buxton, who some may remember worked in Aromatica a few years back, has returned to the business. “I am very passionate about natural skincare products,” she told SL “and have always been a great believer in the brands that we stock, including Ren, Dr Hauschka and Lubatti.” “I want to retain all the strengths of the shop, continue to offer health and beauty treatments upstairs and re-intoduce the offering to old and new customers alike.” Lauren is joining the team on the health & beauty side and Bertie is continuing downstairs. Sarah herself is trained in holistic therapy, so she will be working both in the shop and upstairs. Sarah has a determination, product knowledge and personality that will bring the Aromatica brand back to its very best. Do give it a try. Aromatica, 8 High St St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 753443. Opening hours Mon-Sat 9am-6pn, Sundays in Dec 11am-4pm

STAMFORD BEAUTY AND NAIL BAR

Sarah of Stamford Beauty couldn’t have imagined how successful her business was going to be a year ago. Having only celebrated her first anniversary in October, Sarah would like to say a big thank you to all of her clients that have made her first year in business so enjoyable. Stamford Beauty is continuing to grow, welcoming Aga who specialises in UV Gel nail extensions and gel overlays on natural nails and toes. Stamford Beauty has now become ‘Stamford Beauty and Nail Bar.’ As a C.I.D.E.S.C.O. trained therapist with many years of experience, Sarah offers an extensive range of treatments in luxurious, cosy surroundings, ensuring that all of her clients enjoy their salon experience, whether it be an eyebrow shape to a full day of pampering! Sarah regularly trains in new treatments, the most recent being the fabulous ‘LVL Lashes’ from the Nouveau Group which is an alternative to Lash Extensions, lengthening, volumising and lifting the natural lashes. This treatment takes just under an hour and throughout December is on offer at £45 (normally £55). Aga is an incredibly talented Nail Technician with over six years experience. Offering anything from reconstruction of bitten nails to detailed nail art suitable for any occasion, Aga can increase your self confidence and ensure that you are proud to show off those hands everyday! For all of you that have had bad experiences of Acrylics in the past, Aga uses high quality UV Gel products that are far more beneficial for the natural nail, giving a lovely curved natural shape that lasts for up to six weeks! Sarah and Aga would like to thank all of their clients for their loyalty and invite all you to join them throughout the festive period to enjoy some seasonal refreshments whilst enjoying your relaxing treatments or Christmas shopping for that special someone…. Stamford Beauty, 1 Silver Lane, Stamford PE9 2BT, Tel: 01780 757108 www.stamfordbeauty.com

LAURA’S yoga ‘Laura’s Yoga’ offers very popular Hatha Yoga classes to suit all levels in and around Stamford, morning and evening classes, and new for 2012, ‘Yoga & Relaxation Day’s’ at The William Cecil Hotel. The day will include refreshments, lunch at the hotel and of course Yoga Instruction giving you the chance to experience different types of Yoga and Meditation/Relaxation, and some free time after lunch for a walk in Burghley at your leisure, or just quiet time to sit and relax in the beautiful gardens or within the hotel. The day is for anyone interested in Yoga and does not require any experience. It is suitable for men and women, a great idea for some time out as a couple, a Mum and daughter day, or for someone special that deserves a day for some time out. It is a nice slow paced day, the aim is to float out feeling re-energised, re-balanced, calm, relaxed and happier. Gift vouchers can be purchased for a course of classes or a ‘Yoga day’, ideal for a Xmas present. All classes and ’Yoga Days’ dates can be found on the website at www.laurasyoga.co.uk or email lauracharlie@ hotmail.com, Mob: 07765 939903. Laura Goodliffe is British School of Yoga qualified in Yoga (Advanced), Pre & Post Natal Yoga, Pilates, Meditation and a Professional Relaxation Therapist, also works at some local private schools and in adult education, and has 17 years experience in the Fitness Industry.

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2011

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â&#x20AC;˘ SL December ADS.indd 17

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Would you like to go to a Hairdresser that listens to you? Provides the cut and colour you are looking for? Gives you honest sensible advice for an easily managed hairstyle? Look no further – The Hairhouse would like to wish clients old and new, a very Happy Christmas, and introduce the following:

Salon owner with a wealth of experience. Still ahead of his game in creativity & enthusiasm

I’ve been with the salon for nearly 10 years. I am highly sought after, with exceptional colouring and cutting techniques. My work has been used in many magazine fashion features & shows.

I’ve been with the salon over 8 years and love all aspects of hairdressing, including hair extension work, wedding hair, colouring and have also had my work featured in magazines & shows.

With over 25 years experience, I have always enjoyed keeping up with the latest celebrity styles and catwalk hair fashion and taking it to the high street & fashion shows.

Recently joined the salon with 5 years experience. I love cutting, colouring and party hair

Newly qualiﬁed with distinction (25% off any booking with me until New Year)

Roger

Nikki

Danielle

Lots of lovely gift ideas for Christmas

Lauren, Paige & Sue

Leanne Tracey Naomi

APPROVED SALON

We stock real hair extensions, available as clip in, wefts or prebonded. Telephone or call in for information, there is so much you can achieve with just a little advice Free Consultations.

...Look forward to seeing you

7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Tel: 01780 762687 Open Monday to Saturday, plus early mornings and late evenings 18

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Aromatica Stamford Living ad

9/11/11

11:31

Page 1

LOOK YOUR BEST FOR LESS this festive season

50% off the price of all treatments during December including…

• Waxing

• Manicures

• Body treatments

• Massage

• Eye treatments

• Skin treatments

• Anti-ageing facials

• Pedicures

• Gelicure nails

The perfect Christmas gift from Aromatica… Choose from our range of leading natural beauty products for him and her. Available to buy in-store.

The best. Naturally…

S K I N

C A R E

A N D

P E R F U M E R Y

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

8 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF (opposite The George Hotel). Tel: 01780 753443 Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm

Offer ends 31st December 2011. Subject to availability.

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SHOPPING

My Perfect Gift

Stamford is famous for its independent shops and, as Christmas approaches, St Mary’s Hill and the surrounding streets are one of the best places imaginable for Christmas gifts. Nicholas Rudd-Jones took a look around Photography by Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk 2. Aromatica Lubatti gift packages. £65 (hand cream, night cream, bath oil) “Unbelievable fragrances, and very soothing.” Sarah Buxton, owner

1. Allure Gifts Butter slate dish. £29.50 “Very contemporary, perfect for the Christmas table.” Dagmar Kraskowska, owner

3. Arch Label Agency “For the sheer ‘luxe’ I have chosen a limited edition (only 50 made) Louis Vuitton black sheepskin Lockit bag. A collector’s item well priced at £2,000.” Susie Archer, owner

4. Baubles & Bangles Pia Rossini Hat. £15.50 “Lovely colour for the winter, touch of humour and style with the bow tie.”

5. Callyco Button It Red Polka Box Sewing Kit. £39.95

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6. Claire Langley Pair of pine cone ﬁnials. £280 “I bought them because they are unusual and striking… and I’d never had a pair before!” Claire Langley, owner

7. Chameleon Ice Bronz jewellery. Peacock Blue Lucky Heart. £35 “New metal, white bronze, doesn’t tarnish, very appealing.” Giselle Brannan, owner

8. In Step Christmas Gift packages, combined with Harriet’s Beauty Rooms. From under £10 to £400. The perfect gift for mum, sister, daughter or a friend. A combination of health, aesthetics and beauty.” Sue Arnold, owner

10. Lambs Tableware Britto creatures, for Ages 0 and up. Bear comes in 3 sizes, £25-£70.

11. I Should Coco Ukwenza Jewellery. £30£60 range “Very elegant and sophisticated, for special occasions.” Magdelena

9. Fine Food Store Christmas hamper. From £30 upwards “You’d be a very welcome guest if you brought this round when you came to stay.” Jenny Fitzpatrick, owner STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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WISH

✴

LIST

Have you ever found the perfect item, something you really want for Christmas? After dropping hints to your loved ones do you find that your subtle hints have fallen on deaf ears? Well...we’re here to help. Simply ask for a wish list form and we will keep it on file and when your loved one comes in they can request a copy, easy as that. No more disappointing gifts! Now buy on line at www.cavells.co.uk Cavells • 16 Mill Street • Oakham • Rutland • LE15 6EA

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.

Sale starts Friday 30 December th

G vou ift availchers able

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Enhance your eyelashes for a thicker, longer and natural look Tel: 07702 798806 Also at Walford & Ferris, Stamford on Mondays 22

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OPEN TILL

WITH

PARKING AFTER pm

5.30

WEEKNIGHTS IN DECEMBER

Open till 9pm, with free parking after 5.30pm, every weeknight from 28th November to 23rd December.

queensgate-shopping.co.uk

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SHOPPING

13. NGI Design Punkt ‘phone and clock, designed by Jasper Morrison. £159 (‘phone), £89 (clock) “Add a touch of class to everyday objects.” Darren, co-owner

12. Marcia May Shoes Bobux toddlers’ shoes. £18.99

14. Robert Loomes Robert’s latest Stamford wristwatch: price yet to be finalised Bringing the great English tradition of clock-making back to life!

15. Sinclairs Johnson Bros. 2012 Olympics commemorative china. Mug £4, teapot £14, 3-piece set £18.50 “Topical and really stylish.”

16. Ruby Loves

17. Sirius

Lysgaard Danish Cardigan. £76. “Fabulous colour, classic yet contemporary.” Jodie, manager

Lucy Q necklace. Was £420, reduced to £210. “A statement piece, flexible enough for daytime or nightwear.” Carolyn Howe, Manager

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18. T&C Robinson Tumble & Hide handbag. £149.95 “Beautiful, spacious, superb leather.” Anne Robinson, owner

19. Vac Centre Range of digital handhelds. £129-£169 “So much versatility and performance.” Nick, owner

21. Stamford Music Shop

20. You Gifts

Ibanez Guitar. £499 “Great look, great sound.” Dave Hollands, owner

Dressing gown. £75 “Perfect for the winter, lovely and warm.”

22. Tootsies Maydor Massage Oils. £15 each.” Natural ingredients, divine range of smells.”

Directory

23. You and Beyond Thomas Sabo bracelet and charms. Bracelets from £39.95; individual charms from £19.95. “I love these red enamel charms, so festive.” Liz Stevenson, owner

Allure Gifts, 14 St. Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 757084 Arch Label Agency, 10A Maiden Lane, PE9 2AZ Tel: 01780 764746 Aromatica, 8 High St St Martin’s, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 753443 Baubles & Bangles, 10 St Mary’s Hill Stamford PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 763633 Callyco, 5 Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE Tel: 01789 753409 Claire Langley, 7 High Street, St Martin’s PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 752555 Chameleon, 5 St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 755405 Fine Food Store, 37 St Mary’s St. Tel: 01780 754222 I Should Coco, 2-4 The George Mews, Stamford. Tel: 01780 754413 In Step, 10 High Street, St Martins, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 766991 Lambs Tableware, 35-36 St Mary’s St. Tel: 01780 762652 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 Robert Loomes, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford Tel: 01780 481319 Ruby Loves, 3&4 Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 764626 Sinclairs, 11 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 765421 Sirius, 8 St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 767878 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 Tootsies, 41 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 480313 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 2011

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I Filofax Organisers FREE PEN WORTH £10.00!

IIO M Christmas gifts for all the family

IIO M

From: £14.99

A4 Printer, Scanner, & Copier

From: £19.99

personal stationery

Complete Art Sets All you need to get started!

£29.99 From: £19.99

£69.99

Leather Chair

£69.99

IIO M SAVE £56

I I O O M I O I O I I I I I I M I M

Paper Shredders

From: To: £4.99 £249.00

Brother Multi- Letterheads Function Boxed

Christmas gifts for all the family

Prestige Pens From Parker, Cross, Waterman, Sheaffer, & Rotring

OFF RRP!

Oscar Deskware Texture Boutique

From: £2.99 To: £19.99

SAVE £7 OFF RRP!

£18.99 •Stamford -1-2 St Paul’s Street & 39 High Street •Oakham - 46 High Street •Oundle - 10 New Street Please see www.colemangroup.co.uk for full branch details

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Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sundays & Bank Holidays 11am - 4pm

After Hours Shopping by Appointment

Telephone: 01780 754413 www.IshouldCocoStamford.co.uk Webshop opening soon

Cavells South Street • South St • Oakham • Rutland • LE15 6BG

2 - 4 George Hotel Mews, Stamford. PE9 2LB

www.cavellscountry.co.uk 27

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purr-fect Slippers for christmas..

Tel: 01780 482870 slyfashion@hotmail.co.uk 4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2HG

gs dba Han rves a sc oot b Fur & cuFFs ers dy topp H & bo d bat 's yar s l e a ne , sHo lies Wel boots &

Treat him to something special… Not just another pair of socks!

Learn to ﬂy ﬁsh for trout on Rutland Water A complete all-inclusive outdoor activity with full personal tuition. Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups: Friendly and Fun

CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS NOW FOR THE NEW SEASON

01572 722422

rob@rutlandflyfishingadventures.co.uk www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk

From £24.99

Marcia May shoes ltd 41 St Mary’s st Stamford, PE9 2DS

01780 766608

15 St Marys Hill, Stamford

Gifts that give twice www.greencirclestamford.co.uk

20% discount! Use code Stamford2011 online, or present this advert at the Christmas festival

StamfordMusicShop

HUGE SELECTION OF INSTRUMENTS - NEW AND SECONDHAND, STUDENT OR PROFESSIONAL Rental Sheet Music CD’s & DVD’s Mail Novelties Accessories Order & Gifts Repairs For Pianos & keyboards visit Stamford Piano Shop. 32 St Peter’s Street Stamford, Tel: 01780 751113

Tel: 01780 751275 - 11 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DP

Instruments Purchased - www.stamfordmusicshop.co.uk 28

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GIFTS

GIFTS FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS Indulge your loved one, a friend or your children’s teacher with some chocolate goodies for Christmas, says Charlotte Newby. Not just for Christmas Chococo Chocolate Cookbook, by Claire Burnet This book is on my own Christmas wish list. The authors own and run an artisan chocolate company in Dorset. They have spent years experimenting with chocolate recipes and unusual ﬂavourings and they have compiled their unique recipes for chocolate lovers. Indulgent cakes and puddings, simple trufﬂes and treats, cookies, biscuit cakes and drinks, and a whole lot more. Certainly it’s full of recipes you will not have seen before. And the beautiful colour photos really inspire the reader to get started. It’s a perfect gift even for someone with a stack of cookery books. You can never have too many chocolate recipes! Ideal gift for: the domestic goddess.

Ultimate indulgence Choose a delectable gift from The Chocolate Bar in Oakham where you’ll find a wide range of the finest quality Belgian chocolates available. Their selection of chocolates cannot be found on the high street or in supermarkets. You can pick a selection of chocolates yourself or choose from their classic collections, boxed or wrapped. There’s also a range of chocolates made by Norfolk chocolatiers, Gnaw, who have created flavours such as Chilli and Lime, Peanut Butter and ‘Gnorfolk’ Lavender. Visit in person and stop for a hot chocolate while you’re there or visit their website and order online. Ideal gift for: the serious chocoholic.

The Gift of Learning Here’s a unique gift idea for chocolate lovers keen to hone their cookery skills. Send your loved one on a ‘Chocolate Delight’ cookery class at Stamford Cookery School. The course is suitable for any level of cook from beginners to the more experienced. It’s a fun and hands-on way to learn how to handle chocolate in cooking and incorporate it into sophisticated dishes, sweets and puddings. The course is 2.5hrs and attendees learn three to four dishes or recipes. Recipes that have been covered previously include trufﬂes, dark chocolate and salted caramel tartlets (heavenly), chocolate drops with red fruit mousses and white chocolate sauce, and Fen farm venison ﬁllet with dark chocolate sauce. Courses include tuition, ingredients, recipes, chef hat and apron, and a glass of wine at the end to celebrate the successful results! Vouchers for courses start at £15.50. See the website for dates. Ideal gift for: the creative cook. STOCKING FILLERS Divine Deli’s rainbow-coloured mini beans for decorating delicate cakes, £2.60 from Adnams. Pralus mini chocolate pyramid (50g). Ten different single origin chocolates in one beautiful package, £4.50 from Adnams. Born to Shop ‘Chocolate Friends’ chocolate fondue set with 2 dipping forks, £4.95 from Sinclairs

One to make yourself If you are competent in the kitchen, what could be more thoughtful than giving someone a delicious gift that you have made yourself? Chocolate Brownies are simple to make, look and taste amazing, and travel well. This recipe by Nigella Lawson is the best I’ve found. • 375g soft unsalted butter • 375g quality dark chocolate • 6 large eggs • 1tbs vanilla extract • 500g caster sugar • 225g plain flour • 1tsp salt • 300g chopped walnuts (or pecans) Pre-heat the oven to 180c, gas mark 4. Line a 33 x 23 x 5.5cm tin with baking parchment. Melt the butter and chocolate in a heavy based pan. Beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla. Measure the flour in another bowl and add the salt and nuts. When the butter and chocolate is a little cooler, beat in the eggs and sugar, followed by the nuts and flour. Mix together and pour into the lined tin. Bake for about 25 mins. The top should dry to a paler brown speckle but it should remain dark and dense in the middle. Stick in a knife to test. It makes around 48 pieces (enough to keep some for yourself). Ideal for: a teacher or neighbour or for impressing your mother in law. SUPPLIERS Adnams Cellar & Kitchen Store - Bath Row Warehouse, St Mary’s Passage, Stamford PE9 2HG, 01780 753127, www.adnams.co.uk Sinclairs - 11-12 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE, 01780 765421, www.sinclairsonline.co.uk Stamford Cookery School - Brownlow Street, Stamford PE9 2EL, 01780 752172, www.stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk The Chocolate Bar - 49a High Street, Oakham LE15 6AJ, 01572 724554, www.echocolatebar.co.uk Walkers Book Shop - 10 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AL, 01780 764405, www.walkersbookshops.co.uk

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countryfile

Country Tales for Christmas Around the world, tales have linked the Christmas story to the natural world of flowers, trees, animals and insects. Sue Lee and Jean Orpin share their favourites was freezing and there were none to collect. She sat down and cried but an angel came to comfort her. The angel touched the ground where Madelon’s tears had fallen and a bush of flowers appeared for her to pick as a present for the baby.

Poinsettia On Christmas Eve a poor boy was sad because he had no gift to put before the manger of the Christ child in his local church. He didn’t want to go in so knelt outside and prayed for a gift to give. When he got up he saw, growing at his feet, a plant with gorgeous blooms of dazzling red. Seeing that his prayer was answered he broke some branches off the plant and laid it at the foot of the crib.

Cherry tree Joseph was walking in the garden with his young bride Mary when they saw a cherry tree. She asked him to pick her some cherries but he refused because he didn’t believe the story of the angel’s message so was angry with her. Jesus spoke to his mother from the womb and told her to go to the cherry tree which then bowed its branches to the ground in front of her, showing that the cherries were meant for her. When Joseph asked her pardon an angel appeared to him also, telling him that the child Mary was carrying was indeed very special.

Animals & Insects Animals and insects across the world know that Christmas Eve is special. They can talk like humans and gossip about the hidden faults of those who listen in! Bees awake and hum a beautiful symphony of praise to holy child – but only those dear to God can hear. At midnight, when the Christmas bells ring out, cattle in stables and deer in the forest fall to their knees.

Christmas Rose A young girl, Madelon, saw the gifts given to the baby Jesus by the Wise Men and wanted to give a gift of her own. She went out to look for flowers in the countryside; however it

The Spider When Mary, Joseph and their baby were escaping from Herod and fleeing to Egypt, they took refuge from the cold one night in a cave. A spider had no other gift to give so it spun a web across the entrance to help keep out the cold. Overnight the web was covered with hoar frost. Soldiers searching for the family, thinking that no-one could have got in without breaking the web, went straight past. (This is said to be the origin of using tinsel at Christmas.)

Rosemary On the way to Egypt, Mary washed the clothing of herself and the baby Jesus. She found a rosemary bush on which to hang them to dry. In reward for its service the bush was honoured by God with a purple flower, reflecting the colour of Mary’s garments and with a lovely fragrance from the baby’s clothes it had held.

The Fir Tree St Wilfred was an early missionary monk amongst the Druids. One day he chopped down a mighty oak tree to show he could overcome their beliefs. It fell into four pieces and from the centre grew a fir tree pointing to heaven. He told the onlookers that this was the wood of peace because it was what they built their homes from. As an evergreen, it was also a sign of eternal life. They were to gather round it in their homes, he said, and under it to give gifts and perform acts of kindness. The Robin When Jesus was on the cross, a small insignificant bird approached him. With its wings it wiped away the sweat and with its beak plucked the thorns from his brow. A drop of blood fell on the bird giving it a redbreast for all time. Jesus gave the bird a special blessing and since then it has sung loudest at Christmas time to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ birth. STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2011

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Mmmerry Christ mas. Indulgence and Christmas go hand in hand. And, at Dobbies, we have a tasty range of luxury food and drink that’s perfect for the festive season. Along with a nice relaxed atmosphere in-store, you’ll find a bakery and delicatessen with a delicious selection of cheeses. Not to mention, a fabulous range of artisan foodie treats and gourmet gifts. You’ll even have the chance to create your own bespoke hamper, which is a great gift idea. Are you tempted?

Christmas Hampers Create your own or choose from our special selection

Gourmet gifts and the finest local produce

In-store Butcher, Bakery and delicatessen

Cheese Counter I Quality Fresh Produce I Butcher I Bakery I Delicatessen I Wines & Ales Dobbies Garden World I Serpentine Green I Cygnet Park I Hampton I Peterborough PE7 8NY I Tel: 01733 898 640

Shop online at www.dobbies.com 32

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NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS WATSON MITCHELL SETS COURSE FOR LETTINGS EXPANSION Stamford business Watson Mitchell has bought out another agency, making the company one of the area’s largest specialist lettings agents

atson Mitchell has bought Ideal Homes, based in Bedford, in a deal which expands the company’s portfolio to 1,500 properties and takes staff numbers to 12. Richard Watson, managing director of Watson Mitchell, said: “This is an important and exciting move for us. We’re dedicated to being one of the best lettings agents in the country, leading the way on quality of service. “Ideal Homes has an excellent reputation. Like us, they have only ever dealt in private rentals. Their professionalism and their understanding of the laws have helped them to foster great relationships with tenants and landlords. We are committed to continuing that track record.” Richard explained: “In the sales downturn we’ve seen thousands of sales agents popping up claiming to be lettings specialists, when actually they know very little about the intricacies of the law and the complexities of management and tenancy agreements. “We have been letting and managing properties for 25 years and we are licensed by the Association of Residential Letting Agents, binding our agency and staff to a strict set of bye-laws and disciplinary procedures.” Bedford businessman, Kit Ram, who sold Ideal Homes to take a career break said: “Watson Mitchell is committed to excellence. I wanted to protect the good reputation I had built up over 15 years. I wanted my clients and tenants to be looked after and in safe hands. I found that in Watson Mitchell.” Contact Watson Mitchell on 01780 765100. Visit www.wmlet.com or email info@wmlet.com

ASK THE EXPERT: INHERITANCE TAX Should you gift your assets during your lifetime, or leave them in your will? Kerry Hilliard of Stephenson Smart & Co explains:

nheritance tax (IHT) is payable on the value of assets that you own at the time of your death. If your estate is worth more than the nil rate band (£325,000 for the 2011/12 tax year) then IHT will be charged at 40 per cent. Any nil rate band not fully used by your spouse or civil partner can be transferred to you on their death. There are exemptions from IHT for some gifts made during life time, such as small sums of up to £250 per recipient per tax year, gifts by an individual of up to £3,000 per tax year and certain gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership. Gifts out of income are also exempt if they form a pattern of regular expenditure and do not reduce your standard of living. If you make a gift to your spouse or civil partner or to a charity then the gift will not give rise to IHT whatever the amount. Most gifts over and above these exemptions are known as ‘potentially exempt transfers’ (PETs). A PET becomes exempt if you survive for seven years from the date of the gift. If you make a gift but continue to beneﬁt from the use of the asset, it will continue to form part of your chargeable estate, e.g. if you transfer your home to your children but continue to live there, the value of the property (subject to certain exceptions) will remain in your estate on death. Some gifts create a charge to IHT when made during lifetime, such as a gift into a trust. For gifts other than cash, there can be other tax consequences so it’s important that you seek professional advice. For more information or help, contact Stephenson Smart & Co. Tel: 01733 343275 or visit www.stephensonsmart.com

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HOLIDAYS…

Situated in the centre of historic Oundle, Oundle Travel is the area’s leading independent travel agent….

irector Paula Cockcroft’s career in the travel industry spans 30 years. Following a career with British Airways and Thomas Cook, Paula joined the former Kitts Travel in Oundle 16 years ago, and purchased the business in 2006. ‘During this time I have seen the business go from strength to strength, our customer loyalty is second to none,’ comments Paula. ‘We always offer the highest standards of customer service in friendly and relaxed surroundings. I believe that as a truly independent agency we are able to offer honest and unbiased advice based on personal recommendations together with our awardwinning selection of individual brochures, it is so important to speak to someone experienced who will look after you from the minute you make your travel arrangements until you return home.’ The team are well travelled and Paula believes that by taking advantage of educational trips offered by some of the agency’s top suppliers, the team are up to date with hotel and resort knowledge. During the last year the team have visited St Lucia, Jordan, Egypt, Marrakech, Cyprus, and most recently Venice on the Orient Express. Whether it’s your dream honeymoon, a trip to Australia, the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean or your next family holiday Oundle Travel can help. The agency has considerable experience with long haul holidays and specialise in Tailor Made itineraries to South Africa, India, South America, Canada and New Zealand. Oundle Travel Limited (ABTA-bonded), Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4EA www.oundletravel.co.uk Tel: 01832 273600

DECEMBER 2011 STAMFORD LIVING

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HOME & GARDEN

Christmas decorations Sally Stillingfleet has been to local shops in search of festive glory. We can save money by not buying whole sets of decorations but there is still room for a token extravagance - a few choice decorations will bring your tree up to date with naïve knitted animals and cute birds or cup cakes. There’s something for every tree – ensure yours is the best dressed. Photographs: Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Feast and Fancy

Iced fancies £1.99 You Pink metal heart with wings £3.75 Large cupcake bauble £3.25 all from You Knitted mushroom £3.50 and Lakeland Terrier set of 2 glass decorations by Cath Kidston £12.95 both from Chez Soi

Woodland Faux antlers £3.50 Reindeer and robin brushlike decorations £4.95 Glass brown owl £3.75 both from You. Silvery wooden reindeer £4.20 Pale bird £2.50 both from Corner Farm Interiors

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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orations to dazzle From the heart Metal red heart £2.99 from Corner Farm Interiors. Red wooden hearts from £3.95 from Nook. Pale grey heart wooden heart £4.50 from Chez Soi Birchcraft dove heart house £3.95 Heart with cross stitch detail £3.50 from Nook Hand-made linen heart with red inner circle from Two Little Birds.

Little birds Owl with heart shaped button beak £5.95 Chez Soi Bird with orange beak £3.95 Nook Patchwork owl with big eyes £3.95 Nook Spotty dove £5.75 from Chez Soi Standing chubby felt robin £5.95 from Nook

Festive Table Setting

Handmade wreath £39.95 from a selection from Chez Soi. Red chargers for plates £3.50, white plates from a selection. Silver Option champagne flutes £63 a pair, red tea light holders £4.65, Stellar forty four piece cutlery set £89.95 all from Sinclairs. Mercury glass style planter from a selection from Chez Soi. Shallow mercury glass style bowls from Green Circle. Robin on a log £14.95 ( rrp £16.95 ) Christmas tree shaped candles from £2.99 each all from Tyme.

Decorations

Knitted characters

Brown terrier £4.99, Santa £4.99, Beige cat £5.95. All from Chez Soi

Chez Soi – 16, St Mary’s St. and 26-27 High St. Stamford. Tel. 01780 757446/ 01780 482845 Green Circle – 15 St. Mary’s Hill, Stamford. Tel. 01780 757496 You – 30 St Mary’s Street, Stamford. Tel. 01780 765001 Thyme – Fineshade Wood. Tel. 01846182876 www.thyme-online.co.uk Corner Farm Interiors – Kate’s Bridge, Thurlby, Nr. Bourne. Tel. 01778 561333 Sinclairs – 11-12 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford. Tel. 01780 765421 Nook – Sheep Market, Stamford. Tel. 01780 751029 Two Little Birds – For courses to learn sewing skills and handmade items to buy Tel. 07733216743 www.two-little-birds.co.uk Handmade fresh wreath made to order from Miss Pickering - 7 St. Paul’s St. Stamford. Tel. 01780 482961 STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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CALLYCO . 5 STAMFORD WALK . STAMFORD LINCOLNSHIRE . PE9 2JE TEL: 01780 753409 www.callyco.com 38

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Great Days Out

Things to do with your children over the Christmas Holidays It’s all too easy to overlook the children while we madly dash around shopping and preparing for Christmas. But it’s a time of year we want them to remember fondly. Charlotte Newby goes in search of some festive activities to keep the small people happy

ne of the best, most Christmassy outings we used to enjoy when the children were younger was the Nene Valley Santa Special. If you have never done it, and you have small children, I would highly recommend that you do! The experience is wholly atmospheric. The Thomas the Tank Engine steam train blasts into the station at Wansford and takes you on a surprisingly picturesque journey along the River Nene to Peterborough, while you sit back and enjoy a mince pie and a drink. The old carriages are full of character ranging from second-class coaches to Pullmans, and an authentic Father Christmas takes a walk through the train to greet the children during the trip, much to their delight. The journey lasts almost an hour, just long enough to relax and keep the children entertained. Your ticket price includes refreshments for adults and children, and gifts from Father Christmas. You can upgrade your seat to include breakfast or lunch. See the website for more details. Another seasonal must is a visit to Gates Nurseries in Cold Overton. From October, there are two large glasshouses bursting with everything Christmassy: trees, lights, decorations, advent calendars, but also motorised miniature Christmas village scenes and life-sized moving model animals. If it doesn’t put you in a happy Christmas mood, then you’re just not trying. Children love it, though they won’t be able to resist picking everything up. There’s also a Santa’s grotto (which I’ve been told is excellent), and when you’re completely Christmassed-out, the café there is worth a visit, with a range of good, honest food, which arrives quickly even when it’s heaving. From the end of October and through to March, the Burghley House Sculpture Gardens are free to enter, so it’s well worth a visit on a crisp winter morning. With its mixture of archways, gardens, grand and discreetly hidden sculptures, it’s a lovely place to take a relaxing stroll while the children burn off steam. The garden café is closed over winter, but the Orangery is open and welcomes well behaved children. If the weather is kind and bright, Fineshade Woods is a fun place to spend the day. There are walking trails of varying difficulty (starting at very easy) with plenty of bird and wildlife and views of Rockingham Woods. If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, there’s a family cycle trail: a five-mile circular trail through the woods incorporating taster sections alongside the main route to test your biking skills. You can take your own bikes or hire there. There’s also a new tree house play area for rope walking, cargo net scrambling, pole shimmying and climbing. The visitor centre at Top Lodge has lots of educational bits and bobs for children where they can learn about wildlife, crafts and the area’s heritage. And of

course there’s a café, so you can revive yourself after all that activity. Sometimes it’s just as good to stay at home and get creative with your little friends. You know it’ll be messy, but you’ll feel like a better parent for it and the children will love it. Make some really simple biscuits to hang on the tree. You will find this is a straightforward recipe: www.bbcgoodfood. com/recipes/2798/sparkling-vanilla-christmas-cookies/. You can cut out the cookies with star cutters, or something with a Christmas theme, then mix up icing sugar and water (go easy on the water or you’ll find you’ve used up a whole box of icing sugar in no time!). Add colouring, if you’re adventurous, and let the children drizzle the icing over the biscuits. Then decorate them with the sugary glitter and silver balls that you find in the baking section of the supermarket. If you make small holes in your cookies before baking, you can tie on ribbon and hang them on the tree (though they’ll never make it that far). It’ll put a seasonal smile on everyone’s face. If you fancy some matinee or evening entertainment, head into town for the Cinderella Christmas pantomime at the Corn Exchange Theatre on Broad Street. It’s a performance by the Stamford Pantomime Players and you can expect plenty of singing, hilarity and audience participation. It’s showing between 27th and 31st December. Or book tickets to see The Elves and The Shoemaker at The Arts Centre on 17th December. This well-loved tale has been recreated by Theatre of Widdershins, who promise a magical puppet show with a beautifully crafted set, uplifting music and a comic mouse. Take a look at the Arts Centre website for pictures, it speaks for itself! Great entertainment and a distraction from the seasonal chores.

CONTACTS Burghley House, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 3JY, 01780 752451, www.burghley.co.uk, Gates Nurseries, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Leicestershire LE15 7QB, 01664 454309, www.gatesnurseries.co.uk Nene Valley Railway Ltd, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6LR, enquiries: 01780 784444, Santa bookings: 01780 782833, www.nvr.org.uk Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DL, 01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PX, box office: 01780 766455, www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Top Lodge, Fineshade, Corby, Northants NN17 3BB, 01780 444920, www.forestry.gov.uk STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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MARSHALL VOLVO OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS STANDARD. Our highly trained and skilled team looks forward to welcoming you to our state of the art dealership, where we will be on hand to look after your every need. All our cars are handled with the utmost care and attention as we pride ourselves on offering the best deals on the latest range of New Volvo and piece of mind on quality approved used vehicles. From the new Volvo range, to Approved used vehicles right through to service and repairs, visit Marshall Volvo and expect nothing less than a first class service as standard.

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

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Situated in Peterborough, our dealership is equipped to deal with all your Jaguar needs. From the exciting new Jaguar range featuring groundbreaking technology and industry firsts, to Approved used vehicles maintained to the standards set by the engineers who built them. Enjoy all the expertise and knowledge of our Jaguar Academy trained technicians and with a range of exhilarating accessories to enhance the feeling of owning a Jaguar, make sure that you visit Marshall Jaguar Peterborough. MARSHALL JAGUAR PETERBOROUGH 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 0844 334 0635 www.marshall.peterborough.jaguar.co.uk

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MOTORING

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Marshall Volvo is refreshingly free of pushy salesmen and instead welcomes a more ‘lifestyle’ approach to buying a car. Words and pics: David Corfield

ar manufacturers are obsessed with numbers. If they’re not emblazoned on the boot, they’re churned out in press releases; the smaller the number the more environmentally friendly the car. The bigger the digit, the quicker you’re likely to lose your license. Sales patter thus: “Zero emissions, 1000bhp and you can go from 0-60 in two seconds, sir.” You get the picture… Fortunately, with a Volvo, there is no such flannel or persuasive trollocks to boggle the brain. And what you get at Marshall Volvo, one of the marque’s biggest UK dealerships with an investment of £9million into very impressive premises (numbers again, sorry) is nothing short of miraculous. I met up with Dealer Principal Daniel Cooper to learn more about one of the safest brands on our roads. Daniel came from the Marshall’s Jaguar dealership next door and looks after both the Cambridge and Peterborough Volvo businesses. That’s quite a big patch, but it’s a job he relishes chiefly because he genuinely believes in the brand. “I’ve got a great team of people working with me and together we all share the brand love,” he enthuses. “We punch well above our weight in what is a very competitive area for car manufacturers. In terms of selling Volvos, Peterborough is one of our best areas, but it’s also a hard one chiefly because of the other brands that we compete against.” Daniel has an advantage though, because he’s a local lad and makes every effort to get to know and understand his customer. “I’ve been with Marshall for 20 years now, the majority of that time based here in Peterborough, so I know the place well and especially the kind of cars that appeal to the

families in the area. We have a great range of cars and have sought to bring that lifestyle message Volvo is famous for right here into the dealership.” Working with the Tallington Lakes outdoor centre, Daniel can sell you a mountain bike, a canoe, a jetski or even a snowboard to further compliment your active life. Personally, I’d settle for a seatwarmer… “Volvo customers of old were largely from the agricultural world (think affluent, nononsense farmers) but now we are seeing a definite shift towards professional customers, who perhaps are seeking an alternative to an Audi. We are always looking to move forward and focus on what’s new and reflective of our customer’s lifestyle. If we’d stuck with our customers of old we wouldn’t have any left – they’d all be dead!” Daniel’s refreshingly honest approach is engaging. “We have some amazing cars now in our line up and my business sales manager Ross Johnson is offering some great deals with fleet customers, sole traders and SMEs too. We have a car for everyone here and I’m determined to get the Volvo message out across the fens and get people in to have a look at what we can offer.” Volvo recently took Daniel, along with a select group of Dealer Principals, to its factory in Sweden to sample some of its future models. “I was very privileged to see a new 5-door family car, still in its glass-fibre mock up state, emerge from the factory and it filled me with enthusiasm for the future. I cannot wait to get that car in the showroom next year as I know it will really excite my customers.” There’s clearly a lot to be passionate about at Marshall and along with expansion plans or

the business side (the dealership has a 26 bay workshop out the back for fleet customers) Daniel is very focused on the future, and wants you to be a part of it with him!

CONTACT

Marshall Volvo, Volvo House, Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5AU, Tel: 0844 243 4984 www.marshallweb.co.uk/volvo/peterborough/

A BRIEF HISTORY OF VOLVO

The Volvo company was started in 1927 as a child company to the Swedish ball-bearing manufacturer Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB. It was originally intended to make ball-bearings, but switched to producing vehicles in April of the same year. In 1970, Volvo bought a Dutch car company called DAF so that they could also produce small cars in the Netherlands as well as continue exporting vehicles to the United States. In the early 1990s, Volvo split into two different companies called Volvo Group, which makes large commercial vehicles, and Volvo Cars, which makes smaller passenger vehicles. Volvo Cars was purchased by Ford Motors in 1998. Most of the models built by Volvo Cars from 2000 to 2006 have been either compact four-doors with hatchbacks, such as the C30 and S40, or modified hybrid designs that have the seating capacity of a station wagon or SUV but are still smaller than normal, such as the V50. The Volvo symbol is an ancient chemistry sign for iron. STAMFORD LIVING decEMBER 2011

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Mo’s takeaway pizzas All our pizzas have a traditional hand-made mozzarella & tomato sauce pizza base. They are freshly made daily, by our chef.

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17/11/11 12:44:49

PERSPECTIVES

ALL ABOUT STAMFORD Red Trousers Richard Barry gives in to temptation I

thought I’d been married all these years to an unshockable woman. Until, that is, I went to Paul Richman and bought a pair of red trousers. Not just any red, but a true 7,000 Angstrom scarlet (non-techies would call it Pantone 032). “What in God’s name induced you to buy red trousers?” she gasped. Good question. Many men pride themselves on being immune to the vagaries of fashion, and look with contempt at the Sunday supplement ‘style’ sections. But of course that attitude is complete piffle. We are all slaves to fashion. Just think of wine: my father-in-law went to his grave never having bought or served a rosé. Men just didn’t. Scroll forward 20 years, fashions have changed and now real men do drink rosé -- I’m reliably informed that it’s available in the SAS mess near Hereford. And so it is with red trousers. Anyone with their finger on the zeitgeist will tell you that red trousers are riding a fashion wave that has yet to crest. Where it all started nobody knows; there are three main theories – military, wine and sex. A military origin might look a bit unlikely, given that the British army traditionally wore red coats but white trousers. There was one exception, the 11th Hussars -- perhaps Britain’s most glamorous cavalry regiment -- who galloped into battle wearing scarlet trousers. The theory goes that, to be recognised in civilian circles, Hussar officers took to wearing red trousers even when out of uniform; a sub-theory holds that it wasn’t the Hussar officers, but men who wished they had been Hussar officers (I think that probably includes me). The wine trade theory is much more prosaic – that traders got fed up with ruining their clothes with spilled claret and adopted red trousers by way of defence. The sex theory has its origin with Lawrence. Speaking through the mouth of gamekeeper Mellors in Lady Chatterley’s Lover, he urges us to wear red trousers: “Why, if men had red, fine legs, that alone would change them in a month. They’d begin to be men again, to be men! An’ the women could dress as they liked. Because if once the men walked with legs close bright scarlet, and buttocks nice and showing scarlet under a little white jacket: then the women ’ud begin to be women.”

Carrie’s Column A personal ‘take’ on Stamford

Love Thy Neighbour – Not Thy PC Social networking was created to be, well, just that, sociable. People are wide eyed if someone says they don’t tweet, as if Twitter is our oxygen for living. Yet though this is meant to be sociable, how well do we know our own neighbours? That was until recently, when some genius decided to merge the social network with reality again, setting up www.streetbank.com , a social network that helps you ‘love thy neighbour by lending thy step ladder’. It’s available across the country and connects you to people within 1,000 metres of your postcode. You have three options: to lend (think hedge trimmer, sewing machine, trampoline), give away (the most popular being baby equipment) or share a skill (language, piano, cookery classes). One friend is a project manager for this non-profit organisation and it has increased in popularity very quickly.

Left to right: Miles Napier, Martin Williams, Richard Barry, Peter Stevens, Graddon Rowlands, Tony Springett

I must admit, I hadn’t realised I was taking on such a responsibility when I bought mine. Whether the craze originated with Hussars, wine merchants or sexobsessed gamekeepers, who wears red trousers today? An authoritative survey carried out in London recently identified four main groups: Fogies (24%); Toffs (48%); Hipsters (17%) and Eccentrics (11%). Only one surprise there – the rise of the Hipster. My source tells me that red chinos and red cords are must-haves in the wardrobes of Brixton’s hippest young blacks. What about Stamford? The photograph shows a recent Red Trouser Rally in Red Lion Square. It would be grossly impertinent to try to classify the wearers into any of the four groups. But if the sight of so many RTs inspires you, then hurry down to the charming Pam who runs Richman’s (I’m convinced she’s Thora Hird’s kid sister) and join us.

Quote of the month “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.“ Mother Teresa

Get in touch with Carrie on future.perfect@btinternet.com or tweet her @carriegracey

She loans out her Issa dress (once used for a premiere and never needed since) via streetbank.com. Another friend teaches Italian lessons. Another provides a dinner party once a month. Once people go to collect their stepladder or baby gate, they stay and have a cup of tea. It’s not the loaning of tools or items, or polishing your French verbs, but the interaction that is longed for. They go back for the conversation and the face to face friendship. A lost art some might say. If we care for our neighbours, then we take greater care of each other, look out for each other’s homes and maybe even prevent crime. If you feel you’re spending too much time in cyberspace, I strongly recommend Streetbank.com as the new alternative, letting you explore new worlds that are on your doorstop. Stamford is full of culture, talent and expertise. Maybe it’s time we shared it with each other, not keep it for the 9 to 5? STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2011

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FOOD & DRINK

Hues of Seasonal B ‘Tis’ the season to be jolly. Sarah Lyon takes a look at what’s blue and seasonal for the festive season

Stilton Cheese & Honey, the perfect combination of flavours Ogilvy’s Honey put a lot of energy into buzzing around the world scouting for the best honeys. The Zambezi Plains and Himalayan Highlands are just two such places, and honey from these regions and several others can be found at Silver Lane Foods, Stamford. Whole organic Stilton from Cropwell Bishop, www.cropwellbishopstilton.com, Tel: 0115 9892350. The Stamford Cheese Cellar, 3Kg whole Colston Bassett Stilton and Stichleton Cheese (unpasteurised blue Stilton).

Blue Brew

Brewed using Long Clawson stilton whey in the brewing process A chestnut coloured beer with a unique blend of flavours, www. belvoirbrewery.co.uk, Tel: 01664 823455. Source from Wing Hall Farm Shop, Wing, Rutland

Cote Hill Blue multi awardwinning soft cheese

Friesian, Holstein and Red Poll cows graze on home produced forage. This, combined with a high standard of cow management, produces top quality milk rich in butterfat and protein. Using unpasteurised milk enables this specialist cheese to achieve a character unique to Cote Hill Farm, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. Stockist: Tel: 01673 828481 Guest cheese on Lincolnshire Poacher stand, Oakham & Stamford Farmer’s Market; and The Cheese Cellar, Stamford

Turkey Blues at Rutland Organics, Ketton? The Bourbon Blues Not at all, according to the Taylor’s, whose flock of rare breed heritage Turkeys is comprised of Lavender Blue, Slate Blue and Bourbon Red, Narrangansetts, Norfolk Black and Cambridge bronzes plus small companion crop of Geese and Christmas Cockerels, all fattening up for December. All poultry at Cuckoo Farm Ketton are naturally raised and fed on an organic cereal based diet, and range freely on organic pasture. Pat’s turkeys have been gaining a national reputation as an old-fashioned traditional, slow growing heritage turkey. “Traditional heritage breeds do not have the same conformation as the more common commercial or ‘double-breasted’ breeds that can lead the buyer to think that they get less meat whereas in fact the traditional bird produces a moister, finer textured meat with a more pronounced flavour. Unlike commercial birds, our birds are dry plucked, hung, have their sinews drawn, are not injected with water or other additives and are trussed by hand which makes for a better finish. Once a customer has experienced a traditional heritage bird they will not willingly go back to a commercial bird.” Contact Pat, Tel: 01780 722009, www. rutlandorganics.co.uk

The Pickled Village produces a blueberry conserve with a splash of Bourbon. This sweet and tangy conserve is the soul mate of morning toast and pancakes but if you are feeling blue, then simply spoon straight from the jar. Contact Camille at the Pickled Village, Bulwick NN17 3DY, Tel: 01780 450774, www.thepickledvillage.co.uk. Stockists include: Collyweston Village Store, The Fine Food Store (Stamford)

Lift your spirits! Hedgerow Spirits - Sloe Gin, Damson Whisky and blackberry vodka Sloes and berries are foraged to provide the distinctive flavours of Hedgerow Spirits. Sloe Gin has a warm and fruity flavour drunk neat as a winter warmer or as an accompaniment to cheese. For the whisky lover, the rich and striking flavour of the damsons complement the heart-warming intensity of the spirit. Sold at Northfield Farm Shop, Cold Overton and The Olive Branch, Clipsham

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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Battlefield Blue – Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co.

AL BLUES

Food Therapy

Research shows that the activity of baking can boost one’s mood along with serotonin levels. The proof is in the making and tasting Linda Hewett, ‘bread head’ and inspirational demonstrator, shares her recipe for Stilton and Walnut Couronne. This is an impressive loaf of bread to serve with soup and makes stunningly good use of all the crumbly bits of stilton that don’t make it from the cheese board onto the plate. Ingredients 1 batch of white bread dough (500g strong white flour, 5ml sea salt, 10g fresh yeast, 300ml warm water) For the bread filling: 75g stilton 75g mascarpone 50g roughly chopped walnuts Mix together the stilton, mascarpone and walnuts Roll out the bread dough after its first rising into a rectangle. Spread the filling mix over the dough, and don’t worry about it being particularly even. Roll up like a Swiss roll along the longest length. Using a very sharp knife cut the roll of dough in half length way, starting 2cm from the top; so you are left with two ropes still joined at one end. Twist the sections so they lay cut side up, exposing the layers of dough and stilton. Now plait the two ropes and join the ends together to form a circle. Pinch the ends carefully to be sure they remain joined during baking. Line a roasting tin with baking paper and place carefully on baking tray. Allow to rise for a good 20mins or more. Bake at 200C for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and eat warm from oven. Linda teaches bread making at Stamford Cookery School, Dates: Tuesday, Jan 24 (British Farmhouse Breakfast Week), Sunday, Feb 26 (Loaves & Ladles)

A brilliantly delicious mould-ripened unpasteurised blue brie handmade with raw milk from David and Jo Clarke’s Holstein Friesian pedigree and named herd of cows. “The centre of the Battle of Bosworth Field is now believed to have been fought between the villages of Stoke Golding and Upton. A cannon ball was found on the last field on this farm, which is now in the English Heritage battle field site. The field is called The Dickie-bow Meadow.” Sparkenhoe Red Leicester from Waitrose, Stamford and The Cheese Cellar, St Mary’s Street, Stamford. Buy Battlefield Blue from Hambleton Farms Fine Food, Gaol Street, Oakham or direct from the farm at the Friday morning shop 8 am - 12 noon, David and Jo Clarke, Sparkenhoe Farm, Upton nr. Nuneaton, CV13 6JX, Tel: 01455 213863, www. leicestershirecheese.co.uk

SARAH’S SEASONAL STORE CUPBOARD OF SHOPPING ESSENTIALS PIES, PUDS, PÂTÉS AND PRESERVES Pies • Brockleby’s, winners at the Organic Food Awards 2011 for their Chicken & Ham Pie. Stamford Farmer’s Market, Dec 9 & 23 • Grasmere Farm Stilton topped hand raised pork pies – Grasmere Farm Shop, 34 High Street, Stamford

Puds • The No 10 Store, Little Bytham – Yummy Chocolaty handmade, homemade ‘Christmas Yule Logs’ and Shortcrust pastry & freshly made mincemeat pies. Order now! Tel: 01780 410005 • Duffy’s Star of Peru single origin handmade fairly traded and organic Artisan Chocolate, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. For those who really love an exceptional chocolate. Find at the Cheese Cellar, Stamford • Christmas Shopping at Hambleton Bakery in Ironmonger Street includes Christmas Puddings, Rum Trufﬂe Torte, Clementine Tarts, Mince Pies. Pre-order see website for details: www.hambletonbakery.co.uk • Carved Angel Cranberry and White Chocolate Christmas Puddings, “a ﬁrm favourite with our customers,” says Jenny at The Fine Food Store, St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

Pâtés • Thierry At Home – French-born Christophe creates simply delicious rustic pâtés and terrines from traditional French recipes passed down to him by his father, a charcutier in France. There are many to choose from; The Estate Pâté - Wild Hare Pâté with Hazelnuts and Port; The No Meat, No Fish Mousse – Green and Red Vegetable Terrine & Quails’ Eggs are just two; The Full of Energy Diet Pâté – Pulse, Seeds, Rapeseed oil & Quinoa. Buy on line at www.thierryathome.co.uk • Stilton and Guinness Pâté, handmade in the Welsh countryside and sold at The Stamford Cheese Cellar.

Preserves & Sauces • Silver Lane Foods, Silver Lane, Stamford stock a bounty of tasteful delights. Speciality whole candied peel and fruits ideal for gifts or decorating your Christmas cake. • Bursting with ﬂavour Thai curry pastes and Thai sauces, handmade and freshly prepared by Tukata Bird. Turn leftover turkey into a Thai curry. Find Tuk in Red Lion Square, Stamford every Saturday. STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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SEAN’S KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Venison Local wild or free-range deer makes a taste-packed and healthy winter treat. By Sean Hope, head chef at the Olive Branch, Clipsham

SEAN’S QUICKFIRE RE CIPE

Ven is on Ca ss erole w it h C in n a m on

Serves 4 • 2kg diced venison (ha unch) • 1 star anise, half a cinnam on stick • 3 cloves garlic • 2 crushed juniper berries • 2 large carrots (peeled & diced) • 170g button mushroom s • 113g baby shallots, pee led • 50g plain ﬂour • half a bottle red wine • 1 measure of port • 1 litre beef stock • Salt and pepper • 1 punnet blackberries

he UK venison season runs from September to February, so now is the perfect time to cook with this tasty, healthy meat. My preferred venison meat is from the fallow buck – a young male deer of around two years old whose antlers have not yet branched. The fallow buck might be pricier, but to my mind it is tastier. Wild deer are common in the woodland areas of Rutland and are also farmed on a free-range basis by several local producers, including Fen Farm Venison near Sleaford and Bouverie Lodge in Nether Broughton, Melton Mowbray. Venison has a ﬂavour reminiscent of beef, but is richer and can have a gamey note. It tends to have a ﬁner texture and is far leaner than comparable cuts of beef. Venison’s health qualities don’t stop there – it has higher iron levels than any other red meat, is packed with Omega 3 and is lower in fat than a skinned breast of chicken. Forget Bambi, venison makes a fantastic December ingredient! This issue I’ve included a slower, more involved recipe than usual – it’s a great winter dish and worth taking time over in the kitchen.

1: In a large hot pan, sea l the venison for 5-10 minutes or unt il golden brown. Once sealed, strain off exc ess fat and juices and dust the meat with ﬂour. 2: Into another large hot pan put the shallots, carrots, mu shrooms, star anise, cinnamon stic k, cloves and crushed juniper. Ro ast for about 10 minutes until the veg etables are golden brown and evenly coloured. Add the port and wine and simmer until the liquid has reduce d by half. 3: Next, add the veniso n and then cover with beef stock. Coo k on a gentle heat for 3-4 hours, skimm ing off any impurities that may rise to the surface. 4: When the venison is tender and the sauce is concen trated, add blackberries and season ing.

Sean’s kitchen essentials This month it’s the humble milk frother! Great for giving coffee or hot chocolate a luxurious, foamy top but also excellent for whizzing up milk or cream before adding to soups. Doing this takes soup presentation to another level.

Here are some ﬂavour combinations to try with venison at home. Wild mushrooms Anise Juniper Hedgerow fruit: blackberries, sloes and blackcurrants

Dark bitter chocolate Pears Bacon Thyme Chestnuts

Sean’s seasonal must-buys for December What Sean will be cooking with at the Olive Branch, Clipsham Veg – Jerusalem artichokes, swede, turnip Fish – skate, squid and red mullet Meat – venison, woodcock, beef Fruit – pears, cranberries, citrus fruit

8 NENE 50 DECEMBER VALLEY 2011 STAMFORD LIVING July LIVING 2008

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News from Oundle Mill Food photography by David Corﬁeld - www.davidcorﬁeld.com

Discover great food at Oundle Mill

Oundle Mill, since its re-furbishment four years ago, has established itself as one of the best places to eat in the region, combining great food with a unique ambience created by its lovely setting by the River Nene, the historic fabric of the mill and the stunning ‘rustic chic’ interior. And it was voted Restaurant of the Year at the 2010/11 Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.

New Head Chef

To continue along its track of culinary success, Oundle Mill has recently appointed a new head chef, Gavin Austin, to further develop the Mill’s fabulous food reputation. Gavin brings a wealth of food experience with him. He began his career at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, before progressing to London where he worked at the Michelin-starred Chez Nico, L’Escargot and the opening of the St Pancras Grand.

The new style of cooking How would Gavin describe his style of cooking? “Simple things done really well using locally sourced great quality ingredients. I am very passionate about food and use many different cooking techniques, but I am a great believer in simplicity and the end result being delicious and ‘unfussy’ – I don’t try and use too many ingredients in one dish. I am not interested in using a cooking technique just for its effect, but rather for its potential to add something significant to the dish.” Gavin has worked both in a fine dining and gastro-pub environment. Which does he prefer? “I like elements of both; in the new menu I combine elements of both gastro- pub classics and fine dining, but with an overall emphasis on deliciousness and informality.”

conﬁt root vegetables, with Cabernet Sauvignon sauce; or Steamed plaice, herb spaetzle, North Atlantic prawns with lemongrass nâge. Sunday lunch menu. Great starters, classic roasts and truly indulgent desserts - 2 Courses £20.50, 3 Courses £25.50 As well as the daily menu for lunch and dinner there is now also a Bar Menu for ‘quick bites’, available at lunchtime. • Find the menus in full at www.oundlemill.co.uk. There is a children’s menu too.

Dine for ½ price on Mondays in December and January. A great chance to try out the new menu. This offer is available throughout December 2011 and January 2012, exc. Dec 26th.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve The atmosphere at the Mill over the festive season is a delight with a stylish yet relaxed and fun Christmas party atmosphere. The quality of cooking and service means that these special occasion meals are a real experience. Christmas parties, 3 courses £29.50 Christmas Day lunch, four choices for each course, £70 New Year’s Eve. The evening kicks off with sparkling wine and nibbles. Then enjoy a menu full of exquisite ﬂavours and indulgent tastes, dancing to a live band and of course a champagne toast to welcome in the New Year. £90. All the menus can be looked at in detail online at www.oundlemill. co.uk

New Menus

The new menus are designed so that there is something for every occasion and mood, from the more adventurous to the tried and trusted favourites. Affordability is also key - a meal for two will cost no more than in a good local pub, but uses top quality, locally-sourced ingredients cooked by a very talented team. Starters range from classic favourites e.g. North Atlantic prawns with cocktail sauce or Brancaster mussels with cider and parsley-fried bread – to more adventurous selections e.g. Tempura black pudding, hen’s egg, crisp shallots, bacon, devilled sauce; or Soused and grilled mackerel, with apple, ginger and micro coriander. Mains include Seven Wells rib eye steak and Fish & Chips with mushy peas, lemon, tartare sauce; but also Denham Estate venison, turnip purée,

For more information, or to book: Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB Tel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

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Christmas Parties

£16.95 From

Christmas Festivities at The Crown Hotel, Stamford

• • • • •

Christmas Party Lunch from £16.95 to £20.95 per person Christmas Party Dinner from £19.95 to £24.50 per person Christmas Day, Champagne on arrival and four course lunch at £75.00 per person Boxing Day, Festive à la carte New Year’s Eve, Champagne on arrival and four course dinner and dance £69.50 per person • New Year’s Day – Back to normal! Sunday Lunch and à la carte menu Christmas party rates are dependant on the day of the week.

To make a booking call 01780 763136 and ask for Becky or Sally.

All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG t. 01780 763136 reservations@thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk

Christmas Festivities at The Exeter Arms, Easton-on-the-Hill • • • • •

Christmas Party Lunch at £21.00 per person Christmas Party Dinner at £25.00 per person Christmas Day, Champagne on arrival and four course lunch at £75.00 per person Boxing Day, Festive à la carte, home comforts and pizza menu New Year’s Eve, Champagne on arrival and three course dinner and house party £29.95 per person • New Year’s Day – Back to normal! Sunday Lunch and à la carte menu To make a booking call 01780 756321 and ask for Anna or Simon.

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

Christmas Festivities at The White Hart, Ufford • • • • •

Christmas Party Lunch at £22.00 per person Christmas Party Dinner at £25.00 per person Christmas Day, Champagne on arrival and four course lunch at £69.95 per person Boxing Day, Festive à la carte and home comforts New Year’s Eve, Champagne on arrival and three course dinner and house party £29.95 per person • New Year’s Day – Back to normal! Sunday Lunch and à la carte menu To make a booking call 01780 740250 and ask for Germaine or Matthew. Main Street, Ufford, Stamford, PE9 3BH t. 01780 740250 info@whitehartufford.co.uk www.whitehartufford.co.uk

Let us make your Christmas one to remember this year. Book early to avoid disappointment! For all enquiries please contact the relevant establishment, details of which are above. All Saints’ Hotels Ltd. All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG t. 01780 763136

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FOOD & DRINK

EATING OUT UPDATES THE LORD NELSON IS BACK!

The Lord Nelson, at the corner of the Market Place in Oakham, opens its doors again on Monday December 12th. You will be utterly amazed by the transformation – two floors of drinking and eating space lovingly restored and given immense charm and character in keeping with the age of the property. Every room has a feel of its own, replete with original features, antique and interesting objects jackdawed from auctions around the country, original wood and stone floors, and stunning Farrow & Ball wall colours. There’s even an Aga in one room, bet that’ll be popular! The room at the front on the ground floor will be devoted to Nelson paraphernalia. The pub is the brainchild of Mick Thurlby, and is modelled on the award-winning Tobie Norris in. “Our aim is to offer the same as the Tobie Norris in Oakham,” Mick told us. “Five real ales, good wines and informal but delicious food, including our signature pizzas.” It will serve wines by the glass and bottle, two Ufford ales and some interesting bottled craft beers from around the world. The Lord Nelson, 11 Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DT Tel: 01572 868340 www.thelordnelsonoakham.com

DISCOVER GREAT FOOD AT OUNDLE MILL Oundle Mill, Restaurant of the Year at the 2010/11 Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards. has recently appointed a new head chef, Gavin Austin, to further develop the Mill’s fabulous food reputation. Gavin brings a wealth of food experience with him. He began his career at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, before progressing to London where he worked at the Michelinstarred Chez Nico, L’Escargot and the opening of the St Pancras Grand. “I am very passionate about food. I use many different cooking techniques, but I am a great believer in simplicity and the end result being delicious and ‘unfussy’ – I don’t try and use too many ingredients at once.” He is introducing new menus that are designed so that there is something for every occasion and mood, from the more adventurous to the tried and trusted favourites. Affordability is also key - a meal for two will cost no more than in a good local pub, but uses top quality, locallysourced ingredients cooked by a very talented team. As well as the daily menu for lunch and dinner there is now also a Bar Menu for ‘quick bites’, available at lunchtime. So you can just come in for a pie or a Scotch egg, a club sandwich or a cheese burger and fries. Special Offer: Dine for half price on Mondays in December and January and try out the new menu. Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB Tel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

NEW CHEF AT THE CROWN

Neil Skinner is now firmly established as the Head Chef of the Crown Hotel. Neil worked in the kitchen team at The Crown previously and also worked in the kitchen team at The White Hart, Ufford and at The Exeter Arms. He has also worked in several other establishments in Peterborough and York. At the Crown he aims to ‘cook all the favourites with élan’: e.g. Pot roasted shoulder of Tallington lamb with shallot, mushroom and red wine gravy with parsley mash; Pork fillet wrapped in Parma ham with sautéed potatoes and chorizo cream; Poached plaice fillet filled with salmon and dill mousse, tomato sauce and château potatoes; Braised local partridge with poached pear, mulled wine jus and mash potatoes; Pan fried duck breast with fondant potato, a confit duck parcel and red wine jus. The old favourites are back! The Crown Hotel, All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Tel: 01780 763136. www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk 489071.

BRITAIN’S BEST DISH: THE CHEFS

Dameon Clarke, Head Chef at Assiette in St Paul’s St, Stamford will be appearing on Britain’s Best Dish: The Chefs, which started broadcasting on ITV at the end of October. You can watch Dameon cooking his dessert course on ITV1 on Wednesday 7th December at 5pm. The recipe for Dameon’s dish can be found in the book to accompany the series which has been published in association with The Good Food Guide. Assiette 8-9 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 489071

MILLSTONE AT RYHALL

The Millstone in Ryhall is under new management and will be undergoing a complete re-furbishment after Christmas with a view to reopening in January. There is a talented new chef on board and a complete new menu, so this is one to keep an eye on.

CHAMPERS ANYONE?

Why not book your Christmas party at Opus Dai, let the champagne and cocktails flow. Enjoy the festive buffet and party into the early hours listening to live DJs performing. Sample the opus candy cane cocktail, or for the more daring the Rudolph dai only available for the festive season. Opus Eve 11am - 3am; Christmas Dai 12noon - 3pm; Boxing Night 11am - 1am nye [New Year’s Eve] @ Opus 11am - 3am Opus Dai, Broad Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 481880 www.opusdai.co.uk

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2011

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

Christmas & Winter Parties 2011 Hambleton Hall provides a perfect setting for Christmas & Winter Parties for 6 - 60 guests, November to December

Canapés, 3 Course Dinner Coffee & homemade Chocolates

£37.50 per person No charge for private room hire. At the end of the evening why not stay the night. Our bedrooms are from £245.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our standard bedrooms, this includes full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

Menu Tian of Smoked Salmon & Caviar *** Free Range Turkey cooked in salt crust pastry with traditional accompaniments *** Prune & Armagnac Soufflé *** Coffee & homemade Chocolates All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5% Excluding the Christmas, New Year period. Subject to availability. For larger parties, hotel accommodation may be required.

Aaron Patterson, head chef, specialises in top seasonal local ingredients to create modern British cuisine, with an award winning wine list full of delicious bottles. For more details about our Special Breaks and Events please visit our website www.hambletonhall.com

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

Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in our evening bistro throughout December. Call 01780 754222 to book your table.

Your local Professional L aw n T r e aT m e n T S e r v i c e • weed and moss control • scarification • hollowtine aeration • fertilisation Spring, Summer, autumn & winter treatments for your lawn at a price that doesn’t cost the earth. For a Free Quotation Call t: 01780 753575 m: 07734 693253 e: andy@lawndoctor.freeserve.co.uk w: www.countrywidelawndoctor.co.uk

KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS NO PROBLEM Many designs begin with a problem to solve. Many start with lots! Be it patios, privacy, overgrown shrubs or lack of colour,

It can be solved 37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF. Telephone 01780 754222 Online www.thefinefoodstore.com

Ring 01780 481624 to see how www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

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FOOD & DRINK

The new Sheepmarket eateries Amada Wheeler has been trying out Stamford’s latest and largest hostelries

London Inn The first one up for review is the London Inn. Unrecognisable from its previous incarnation with a warm interior, soft-furnishings aplenty, and seriously comfy seating, this pub has gone decidedly upmarket, but the price of its food is strictly value. Two meals for a tenner is the perfect deal for these difficult times and the food was remarkably tasty. My long-divorced parents saw eye-to-eye for once and opted for the same dish – fish and chips. I love fish and chips but darn it, I’ve got a Christmas dress to squeeze into, so I went for the chicken and smoky bacon salad: fresh, generous and far more satisfying than I’d anticipated. Luckily my parents’ appetites fell short of the portioning, so I valiantly offered to finish their plates for them. I’m fussy about my fish and chips, but this was a hit with all three of us. My husband’s burger (£8 with a pint) was quickly polished off, although it didn’t quite make

PHOTOS BY DAVID CORFIELD WWW.DAVIDCORFIELD.COM

t’s been an exciting month in Stamford: two new openings in the Sheepmarket quarter have set the town a-talking. For much of 2011, the area has been a building site as the long-closed London Inn and the former Post Office sorting room both underwent serious renovation. The work has been worth it, as the two places look incredible both inside and out. Within days of each other, these near neighbours opened their doors and the crowds rushed in. Initial feedback had a common theme – the sheer number of Stamfordians eager to try the latest hotspots led to food running out (at the London Inn) and long waits for service (at the Cosy Club). But two weeks on and they’re both still packed to the rafters, so it looks like the early hiccups are being resolved. his burger top ten (at present, the only local entry is from The Olive Branch). The service was warm and friendly, the manager cheerful and hard-working, and the food order to arrival an impressive 12 minutes. The menu is vast and available all day every day, with a roast for £7.95 on a Sunday. The kids are catered for too, although the kids’ menu was still being printed. There’s a heated patio area, live music on the weekends, big screen TVs for the footie and other special events planned. No doubt about it, the London Inn is going to be a hit. The London Inn 4 St John’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DB 01780 754919 Open: 11 am to 12:00 am; food served 11 am to 9 pm (8:30 pm Friday and Saturday) Prices: £8 for a burger and pint (or wine or soft drink); 2 meals for £10; Sunday roast £7.95 (£5.00 after 5:00 pm); all day brunch £6.75; sandwiches from £5.25; puddings all £2.75

Next up… the Cosy Club… can’t wait! PICS: WWW.ADJUSTEDPERSPECTIVE.COM

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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WILLOW BROOK FARM SHOP & TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS HOME REARED AND LOCALLY SOURCED MEAT AND POULTRY FOR YOUR FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS! Christmas Hamper: 10lb free range turkey, 2lb meat joint, 2lb bacon joint,1lb sausage meat, 1lb chipolata sausages & 1lb streaky bacon. Only £55

Butchers Selection: 4lb boned gammon joint, 12 pigs in blankets, 1lb of streaky bacon, 1lb minced beef, 1lb sausage meat & 1lb chipolatas. Only £25

Christmas for 2: One free range chicken, 4 pigs in blankets, 1lb chipolatas, 1lb sausage meat, 1/2 lb streaky bacon & 1 hand-raised pork pie. Only £19.99

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN TELEPHONE ORDERS WELC OME (DEPOS IT REQUIRED)

THE GRANARY CAFÉ

GRANARY CHRISTMAS LUNCH OR EVENING MEAL BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKING

Christmas Shopping at Hambleton Bakery From the 1st of December Hambleton Bakery will be baking their Christmas goodies as well as their traditional breads: Christmas Puddings, Mince Pices, Rich Rum & Truffle Tort, Clementine Tarts, Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies, Christmas Stuffing, Shortbread, Brownies

Deadline for Christmas orders Saturday 17th December 2011

Senior Citizen Days: Wed & Thur Farm House Breakfast: £3.99 - 9am-11.30am Main Meals £5, Pudding £2.50, 12noon to 2.30pm Visit www.willowbrookfarmsshop.co.uk for more information

Tel: 01780 740261 (Farm Shop) 01780 749483 (The Granary Café) Scotsman Lodge, Helpston Heath, Stamford Road, Peterborough PE6 7EL (Between Marholm & Ufford)

Granary Open: Tue-Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat 8.30am to 5pm, Sun 9am to 4pm Farm Shop Open: Tue-Fri 7am to 5.30pm, Sat 8am to 4pm, Sun 10am to 4pm

Exton Bakery & Shop Cottesmore Road, Exton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AN Tel: 01572 812995

Stamford Shop

Oakham Shop

1 Ironmonger Street, Lincs, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 754327

Gaol Street Rutland, LE15 6AL Tel: 01572 757541

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE AT ST. MARTINS ANTIQUES AND YOU COULD WIN A £75 VOUCHER

If you are looking for something different to give as a present this Christmas then there is no better place to start than St. Martins Antiques. And, if you enter our ‘Spot the Difference’ competition, you could win a £75 Antiques Voucher. Just look at the two pictures above, ring the five things that are different in the right hand picture, then tell us, in no more than 10 words, in the space below, what you think is different about St. Martins Antiques. All you need to do then is drop your answer into the antiques centre at 23A High Street St. Martins. I think St. Martins Antiques is different because .......................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................... Name ............................... Tel. ........................... (Last day for entries: December 23rd.)

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

07901 513404 01778 348865

or email stuy.antiques@gmail.com

Valuations Given

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SHOPPING

Vintage Vocation

A successful international design career, followed by a stint writing on style and taste were merely the limber up to Design & Interiors Editor Harjit Gammon’s vintage vocation

long nourished vintage passion has finally found fruition in the launch of Vintage Country Living.com, an ever changing mecca of irresistible and unusual vintage home furnishings. Things which, in an age obsessed with fleeting perfection, are suffused with the patina of age and remembered resonance, and whose beauty is in the signs of age, use and wear. In her own home, flocks of swans glide along windowsills. Rolls of vintage wallpapers stand guard in an enamel bucket at the top of the stairs. Jugs march across a dresser. All lit by contemporary Italian lights. Even her bell tent, in which she spends much of the summer, is festooned with vintage crochet throws and favourite flower oils casually propped up against volumes of summer reading. Full of ideas and sheer raw energy, she shops with a missionary zeal, unearthing things wherever she goes. A perfectly shaped pitcher here, a small piece of rich intense patchwork there. This is go to vintage. Rooted in the heart of Stamford, Vintage Country Living.com generalises in gloriously

original, authentic and individual vintage home furnishings, sourced across Britain and beyond. Things which, in short, are simply appealing. Harjit recounted: “When I was growing up my mother, Bibi, had a shop - a haberdashers. If I close my eyes I can still see the serried rows of gleaming glass counters and deep wood

drawers of the little emporium, where I spent my girlhood arranging and re-arranging ribbons and notions and dressing the windows. At the door hung a tinkling bell (now above my garden door), partnered by a smaller bell which chimed its own soft peal whenever the drawer of the small wooden till was opened.” “Now as one era ends, and her shop has finally closed for the last time, mine opens, online, showcasing the lovely, quirky and unusual.” “Vintage Country Living is a celebration of beautiful, often useful stuff, traditionally made and immensely evocative: a wonderfully warm Welsh blanket, a sturdy cabinet decorated in an exclusive vintage print, a wonderful old fabric pattern or picture.” “What we have is determined by a quest for beauty and singularity, a not inconsiderable measure of serendipity and the space available in our rambling Georgian house, the garden cottage, a clutch of loose boxes, and, even, in our VW Camper Van, Arizona.” www.Vintagecountryliving.com 01780 322030 Email: harjit@vintagecountryliving.com

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PROFILE

WILL PHELAN HEAD OF STAMFORD S Nicholas Rudd-Jones caught up with Will Phelan as he came towards the end of his ﬁrst term as Head of Stamford School ou are immediately struck by two things when you meet Mr Phelan. First, he’s a big chap – all 6’ 4’’ of him and rugby-player chunky. Second, he’s affable and a good communicator. Both of which no doubt stand him in good stead to make a success of his new role as head of Stamford School. Although he no longer plays rugby due to a bad injury, he is naturally keen to maintain and develop the school’s excellent sporting reputation. And his communication skills are vital in a job which involves so much interaction with pupils, staff and the wider community. As well as being Head, he teaches History to years 7 and 9. Background before Stamford Mr Phelan brought a wealth of experience from working at independent boys’ schools and a desire to build on the school’s academic successes and reputation in the community. His ﬁrst job was at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe where he worked for 10 years as a history teacher. He also coached the rugby and cricket teams. Following a MBA at Leicester University, Mr Phelan went on to Abingdon School in Oxfordshire for three years, where he became head of sixth form. He was then deputy head teacher at Warwick School, before taking the head role at Stamford. What do you see as the strengths of the school? “Stamford School is clearly an outstanding school and one that sets itself high standards. It also has high ambitions for the future which I wish to match. “Stamford Endowed Schools are seen as a bit of a trailblazer for the diamond structure (the idea of teaching boys and girls together at primary school age, separately until age 16 and then together again at sixth form level). I think that this works well in terms of the different ways that boys and girls develop during their early teenage years, whilst at the same time there are many activities that enable cooperation and familiarity, notably the CCF, Duke of Edinburgh Awards and language trips. Bringing the boys and girls together again at the sixth form then enables a greater depth and breadth of A-level subjects. “And the social mix of the school and its close links with the local community are another important strength. Stamford boys are well ‘grounded’.” What are your plans going forward? “The school has so many strengths; I wouldn’t want to rush into anything.

“With the inevitable focus on syllabus and preparing for exams in class, it’s important to continue to make sure that the pupils are intellectually challenged. We are running a programme called ILIC (Independent Learning and Intellectual Curiosity) that aims to encourage cerebral activity and lateral thinking. “I am also a great believer in the importance of the parent – pupil – school triangle in benefiting the overall educational process; and to that end I will be encouraging parents to continue to become more involved in the school. I would like to help get going a Friends of Stamford School Association. “Inevitably with the growing pervasiveness of technology, there are more and more distractions that conspire against concentration. We need to work with parents to set boundaries, to make sure that the boys can still concentrate for long periods of time, and also that they can still write – exams after all are not done on the computer!” “And boarding continues to grow in importance, with 82 of the 704 boys boarding some or all of the time. The school received a very good rating in its recent assessment, and parents are seeing many advantages in flexible boarding. So this is an area that may grow further.” And what are your thoughts on ensuring the continuing social mix of pupils now the County Scholarship has gone? “There are significant funds for scholarships and bursaries going forward to enter in year 7, year 9 and year 12, which are means-tested, but not limited to the Stamford catchment. And the school continues to fundraise to grow the bursary and scholarship programme. “From next year there will be eight places available for Queen Eleanor pupils to join the SES sixth form, which are funded entirely by the Schools. “And we like the boys to get actively involved in the local community. Recently, for example, some of our sixth form boys helped to raise over £4,000 for the Evergreen Care Trust.” And how has your family settled in? We all love it here. We bought a house in Collyweston, and my wife Lorna and our three children have been welcomed by the local community. Penny has just started at the Junior School, Posy is at the nursery there and Freddie is just 7 months. Our interview lasted over an hour, and Mr Phelan wasn’t in a rush to move on although he had many other things to do. I left with a sense that the school has a clear sense of direction and a very capable new leader.

Phelan’s Favourites

PHOTOS: WWW.ELLIDEANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Current book: Tommy, by Richard Holmes, WWI through eyewitness testimony Favourite ﬁlm: Where Eagles Dare Eating out with the family: Exeter Arms, Easton on the Hill Great Day Out: Going off with the family to North Norfolk. Playing with the children on Brancaster beach, ﬁsh & chips on the quayside in Wells, putting the kids in their pyjamas before returning home late A favourite thing about Stamford: Walking past the George in the evening, hearing the bell-ringers practicing in St Martin’s

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tamford School

STAMFORD Living DECEMBER 2011

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   

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          

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 

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                       

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

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 



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See Burghley as it would be on your wedding day Meet resident caterers Absolute Taste Call or email to book your tickets 11am - 4.30pm

R.S.V.P. holly.cammarata-hall@burghley.co.uk 01780 761992

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Good building companies do exist, and we are one of them. We are a well established building company, with a reputation for craftmanship, reliability, friendliness and professionalism, and a particular expertise in historic and listed buildings. If you are considering home improvements, conservation work, alterations, extension or other building-related work, including design, planning and building control services, we can help you. We offer free advice on all aspects of Town and Country Planning, Listed Building applications, and Conservation Area Consents. If you are considering altering or extending your home, converting buildings into living accommodation, or building a new property in your garden, we have a wealth of experience to call on.

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects the best entertainment in the region this month

Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December, 7.30pm COMEDY: Acting Funny A collection of short funny sketches from historical takes on The Norman Conquest and the Titanic, to more modern sketches about hospital operations, travelling freak show and circus, and a dead carrot. This show has something for everyone - look out for dancing Zombies, St Peter, toga-wearing T-birds, and even a guest appearance by the Bee Gees. Colsterworth Village Hall • Tickets are priced at £7 adults, £4 children, £6 concessions and £18 for a family of four from Colsterworth Post Ofﬁce or Tel: 01476 861936.

Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 December, 7.45pm THEATRE: Dandy Dick Stamford Shoestring Theatre presents Arthur Wing Pinero’s rip-roaring farce. The Very Rev. Augustin Jedd is a paragon of dignity but his two young daughters have spent too much money. Worse still, he must raise a large sum very quickly to save the crumbling Minster spire. Possible salvation comes in the form of a hot tip at the local races. Will the Dean be able to set aside his high moral principles, or can he resist temptation….? • Stamford Theatre Tickets £8/£7 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Saturday 3 December, 7.30pm EVENT: Opera Gala Four up and coming opera singers will perform popular arias from the operas of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Puccuni and others at this popular annual event. As a special offer, local Italian restaurant, Fratelli’s are offering a preperformance meal of pasta or pizza and a glass of wine for £12.50. • St Mary’s Church, Stamford Tickets £12.50 Tel: 01780 763203, to book a table at Fratelli Ristorante call 01780 754333

Saturday 3 December, 2.30pm FAMILY SHOW: Hansel and Gretel

One of the great European fairy tales, Hansel and Gretel is brought to life and you can take part in the play! The story follows a brother and sister who keep faith in each other and survive foolish parents, a dark wood, a gingerbread house and a wicked witch. Lots of opportunity for audience participation. • Stamford Arts Centre Tickets from £6 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Wednesday 7 December to Monday 2 January, various times PANTO: Aladdin Join Aladdin on a thrilling carpet ride and an adventure of a lifetime with sparkling sets, glorious costumes, spellbinding special effects, dancing, singing, comedy and loads of audience participation. This show is guaranteed to enthral the whole family so if you have three wishes this Christmas, use one to see Aladdin. • South Holland Centre, Spalding Booking Tel: 01775 764777 www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

Friday 9 December to Sunday 8 January PANTO: Cinderella Starring Michael Barrymore as Baron Hardup, this production promises to be Peterborough’s biggest ever pantomime. This timeless classic will be brought to life by a fantastic all star cast, fabulous sets and breathtaking costumes. • The Broadway Theatre, Peterborough For ticket prices and booking information Tel: 0844 850 0850 www.thebroadwaytheatre.co.uk

Saturday 10 December, 8pm GLAM ROCK PARTY NIGHT: Slyde Paying tribute to the mighty British institution that is Slade, ‘Slyde’ faithfully replicate the sing-along tunes, the glam and glitter excess, and the raw rock ‘n’ roll power of their early seventies heyday. Genuine, good time party rock ‘n roll. • Tickets £12 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk

Tuesday 13 December to Saturday 31 December, performance times vary PANTO: Cinderella Have a ball at the nation’s favourite pantomime full of magic, laughter and spectacular surprises including real Shetland ponies. Join the Fairy Godmother on her journey to make Cinderella’s dreams come true. Boo the Ugly Sisters, Cheer for Prince Charming and laugh along with Buttons in this ﬁne festive treat. • The Guildhall Theatre, Grantham Tickets from £9 Tel: 01476 406158 www.guildhallartscentre.com

64 STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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Tuesday 13 December, 1pm and 7.30pm THEATRE: Cranford at Christmas A mysterious new arrival in Cranford is setting hearts a ﬂutter. At the centre of the village are the outrageously proper spinster sisters who head an unforgettable collection of loveably misguided womenfolk. Set deep in the tranquil English countryside, this traditional tale of splendid snobbery, gossip and social scandal pits lost loves against old friends with sensational results. • Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £10.50/£8.50 – group rates available. Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk

Saturday 17 December, 2pm FAMILY SHOW: The Elves and the Shoemaker Inspired by the exquisite Ladybird Book, this well known and well loved tale has been reheeled by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse make this show a magical must-see. Suitable for ages 5 plus. • Stamford Arts Centre Tickets: £6/ £21 Family ticket (4) Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Tuesday 20 December to Thursday 22 December – session times vary EVENTS: Christmas Workshops ‘Mince Pie Mayhem’ – join in with some fabulous pie making with Chef Janet. Bring an apron and a container. Make some Victorian themed decorations with all material provided by the ‘Deck the Halls’ session and make wonderful 3D hanging decorations at ‘Snowballs and Snowﬂakes’. • Clare Cottage, Helpston All sessions are £4 per person, booking is essential Tel: 01733 253330

Thursday 22 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm THEATRE: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Mesmeric storyteller Mike Maran brings you a sparkling new production of the Charles Dickens seasonal favourite. • Stamford Arts Centre Tickets from £7 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Tuesday 20 December, 7.30pm CONCERT: Stamford Choral Society Christmas Concert Christmas Concert The programme includes St. Nicholas Mass by Haydn, Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten and Carols by Robert Walker. • Stamford Theatre Tickets £8/£7 Tel: 01780 763203 or on the door. STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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• SL December ADS.indd 66

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PERSPECTIVES

CHURCH BELLS I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play. (Longfellow)

Bells are an important part of Christmas celebrations with sleigh bells, bells on Christmas cards and Christmas decorations but most of all Church bells herald Christmas Day and the New Year’s Day. Jean Orpin and Sue Lee go campanologing in Stamford Bell history In pagan times bells were used to ward off evil spirits in the night time, by making a joyful noise. Before everyone had a watch, church bells were used to call people together as warnings and to make announcements. Parishioners were summoned to services by bells and they were also rung to mark the death of a parishioner. William 1st introduced a curfew (couvre feu) bell to be rung at eight o’clock when the fire would be covered and inhabitants retire to bed. In some places it was also a signal for ale houses to close. Change ringing was introduced in the 17th century when bell ringing became a sport and a way of earning money. In the 19th century bell ringing reverted to the clergy who laid down rules. Church bells were silenced in wartime and would only be rung if an invasion took place. Today some customs have gone and others have taken their place.

Bellfounders NORRIS - The Norris family had a bell foundry in Stamford throughout the 17th century living and working at 12 St Paul’s Street from 1617. They supplied church bells to All Saints, St George’s and St Mary’s churches. Tobie Norris was made a freeman in 1607 and was also church warden at St George’s church. His memorial made from bell metal by his sons is still in the church. Four Norris bells are in St Mary’s church made by Tobie Norris 1st. His son Thomas and his grandson followed him in the profession making bells for many churches. Transporting bells was not an easy task as the River Welland was silted up by then and un-navigable so transport by the river would not have been possible and other waterways or other means of transport would have been used. WHITECHAPEL Three of St Mary’s bells and all of St Martin’s were cast in 1850 by Thomas Mears at the Whitechapel bell foundry. Their most famous bell is Big Ben which was cast in 1858 and is the largest bell ever cast at Whitechapel weighing 13.5 tons. Another famous bell from this foundry, England’s heaviest change ringing bell, is the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral tenor weighing over 4 tons and cast by Whitechapel in 1939. The foundry which has celebrated its quarter-centenary is still in business today. TAYLORS of Loughborough are also famous bell founders and the largest bell in Britain, the “Great Paul” was cast for St Paul’s cathedral in 1881 and took 11 days to transport to London. .

Stamford Bells Most church towers and bell-cotes were built in the 13th and 14th century. Before this date handbells would have been used. Early bells were highly regarded and were baptised before being hung in the belfry and named after a saint. Only St Martin’s and All Saints have bells which ring. St George’s bell frame is in need of repair and St Mary’s bells are now used for the clock only. A chime barrel had been installed at St Mary’s church in 1770 which played tunes at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock day and night. A different tune was played each day, Psalm 108, General Toast, Tight Little Island, Gramnocree Molly, Lodging on the Ground, God Save the King, Highland Laddie and Psalm 145. The chime barrel was probably silenced when the church was reordered in 1890 or when the spire was repaired in 1913. Perhaps the clergy or the townspeople took exception to the secular tunes? St John’s has four of the earliest bells made in the 16th century. Bells do not last forever R. Taylor of St Neots re-cast three of All Saints Bells in 1808 and one half of a broken bell was made into a handbell for the Town Crier. Eight bells constitute a full peal. All Saints added two tenor bells to make up their full complement in 1982. (Cathedrals have many more bells; the two towers of York Minster contain 32 Taylor bells including a Ring of 12 and a Chime of 11.)

Bell Ringing Bell ringing is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. St Martin’s and All Saints have bell ringing teams and visiting ringers also come. Listen out for them this Christmas.

Same to you with bells on

Clear as a bell Ringing the changes Ringing up the curtain Saved by the bell Ring the other one, it’s got bells on Does it ring a bell? Bell, book and candle STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2011

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Visit our shop open 7 days a week The Craft Centre, 50/56 High St, Market Deeping, PE6 8EB 01778 344550 dalexkrafts@yahoo.co.uk

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We provide a very supportive service to businesses and individuals alike in our capacity as business and tax advisers 5-6 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ Tel: +44 (0) 1780 761920 Email: service@hunterstevens.co.uk www.hunterstevens.co.uk

ALTERATIONS

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Clothing Alterations & Repairs Brazenose Lane, Stamford (01780) 480762 MON, TUE, WED, FRI 10 - 4.00 THUR CLOSED SAT 9.00-12noon

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â&#x20AC;˘ SL December Directory.indd 52

CARPENTERS & JOINERS

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15:19:43

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S006

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