Stamford Living March 2012 by Best Local Living

HELPING YOU TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING LOCALLY

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

M O T H E R ’ S D AY Gifts and ideas ACTIVITIES Spring holiday fun HISTORY The coach trade in Stamford £1.50 MARCH 2012

@LocalLivingUK

WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK

WIN A FULL DAY’S CYCLE HIRE AT RUTLAND WATER WORTH OVER £100! see page 6

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•

goodwin

www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Residential Sales • Lettings • Mortgages

Matching the right person to the right home is all about listening to our customers needs, understanding their priorities and matching these requirements with the vast range of properties we have available. With four decades of experience within the Stamford area, our team prides itself on the personal attention they provide. Let us help you find the right property for you and your family. Buying, Selling, Letting - it’ll be our pleasure!

The key to your new home! Sales

Stamford

Lettings

£435,000

Braceborough

£399,000

Established 4 bed detached family home built circa 1950 set in large mature gardens backing onto the playing fields on this sought after road within easy access of the town centre

Large family home in a small development. Living room, dining room study, playroom. Good sized Kitchen leading to a conservatory/breakfast room. 5 beds, family bathroom and 2 ensuites.

Baston

Ketton

£319,995

A well presented 4 bed, 5 reception room detached family home much improved by the current owners and offering a delightful family sized home on a good sized plot. Plenty of parking.

Stamford

£235,000 Stamford

Modern stone built property in superb order: Entrance hall, downstairs cloakroom, sitting room, dining kitchen, utility, 3 bedrooms with en suite to master, familybathroom,single garage

Residential Sales

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£900 pcm

Delightful two bedroom cottage situated in a secluded position close to the town centre. The property benefits from parking, garage and communal gardens.

£650 pcm

Two bedroom town house with stunning views across the Meadows. Located just off the town centre in one of Stamford's premier locations. Garage and courtyard.

Lettings

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Duddington

£750 pcm

Renovated stone cottage in pretty village location. Lounge diner with inglenook fireplace and exposed beams. Four bedrooms. Single garage and gardens.

Barnack

£595 pcm

End of terrace family house in a popular village location. One double bedroom and two single bedrooms. Front and rear gardens, rear with outside store.

Mortgages

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

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STAMFORD LIVING

MARCH CONTENTS

W .

Stamford men folk can count themselves lucky. There is a sharp reminder every year that Mother’s Day is imminent as the fair trundles into town and all along Broad St and The Meadows there is the clink of hammers and heaving as the rides are readied for the off. For Mother’s Day and the onset of the Lent Fair are one and the same day. Sufficient warning to make sure you do something lovely with your Mum on the 18th. See our brilliant feature starting on Page 20 for ideas. And how reassuring it is. The fair has been going forever, just in the same way your Mum has. These points of continuity are so welcoming in uncertain times. And so let’s celebrate continuity and the arrival of spring. Not forgetting that other force for continuity, the Queen, who celebrates her Diamond Jubilee in June and is visiting Burghley House on June 13 or 14. Oh dear, I’m becoming a monarchic traditionalist averse to change!

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

PHOTO: Jonathan Clarke www.jpcimages.co.uk

Continuity

UPFRONT, SHOPPING 4 Editor’s selection: what caught the eye this month? 6 Upfront: Rutland Cycling Competition, Stamford Stone Company, H-works, Toe-tally, William Lloyd Gardening 20 Gifts and ideas for Mother’s Day FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 Fashion: Spring in your step 12 Health & Beauty: Getting a healthy glow, inside and out HOME, GARDEN & MOTORING 24 Holidays: The real Greece with Oundle Travel 24 Property: The Old Stackyard in Wansford 43 Motoring: What does your car colour say about you? 44 Spring cleaning

8 SPRING FASHION

FOOD & DRINK 35 Food & drink: Exquisite Honey 36 Eating Out: Nevill Arms, Medbourne; William Cecil award; Wicked Witch opens; Mother’s Day at Stapleford ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS 16 Activities: Burghley Cricket Club, Uppingham classes at Easter, Professor Ben’s Guitar Tuition, Churchill Summer Camps 24 Local Business: Dickinson & Co. Solicitors 31 Learning: Witham Hall Open Day, Be a Host family this summer, Copthill School 40 Charles Dickens’ 200th anniversary: strong local connections 47 Spring holiday activities 49 What’s On PERSPECTIVES 27 All about Stamford: Carrie’s Column, Civic Society 50th preparations, Help for Heroes event, Joint Choirs event, St Martin’s Antiques prize winner 28 Perspectives: The history of coaching in Stamford 33 Writer’s spot: Shopping lists 51 Countryfile: Shire Horses 52 The Good Life: Richard Allen, Stamford roofer

40 DICKENS’ 200th ANNIVERSARY

Front cover image: Daffodils courtesy of Glow Images

WIN A FULL DAY’S CYCLE HIRE AT RUTLAND WATER WORTH OVER £100! see page 6 STAMFORD Living MARCH 2012

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

Be inspired to renew your kitchen

QKS has opened a new showroom in Star Lane – a great place to start planning a new kitchen or bedroom

Learn about rare breed hens and support a charity Come to a talk on “Chickens and Bantams in the Garden”, a special Event on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care on Thu 19th April from 11.00 am to 3.30 pm at The Old Rectory Award Winning Gardens, Sudborough, NN14 3BX. Tickets £25 each to include lunch. Call 01476 576000 or email charlotte. jackson@mariecurie.org.uk. All proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care

Browse, browse, browse

St Martin’s Antiques is the perfect place to while away the afternoon browsing. Peter Light has been joined by his daughter Lucinda Silcock in running the business

Follow fashion

You are invited to the Attic Fashion spring show om Thursday 15 March at the William Cecil Hotel. Tickets £20, on sale at both Attic shops, to include drink, meal and 10% discount on night.

Be crafty Fabricadabra is a new shop selling beautiful fabrics and a place to learn to sew and make clothes. No. 9, The George Hotel mews, Stamford, PE9 2LB Tel: 07522 193743 www.stamfordfabrics.co.uk

STAMFORD Living MARCH 2012

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Stamford Living 02.12 Spring Promo_Layout 1 10/02/2012 11:11 Page 1

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

WIN A FULL DAY’S CYCLE HIRE AT RUTLAND WATER WORTH OVER £100!

ith 2012 set to be the biggest year in British cycling history, why not rediscover the wonderful cycling available here on our doorstep? Rutland Cycling has been welcoming families to their venues since 1981 and today boasts Europe’s premier bike hire fleet. The cycles are new each year, the latest models from the best brands, carefully maintained by qualified mechanics in recently refurbished workshops. The venues themselves have a fresh look, the Whitwell shop refurbished this February and the Normanton site now home to the World’s largest ‘Giant’ brand store. In 2012 new offers exclusive to hire customers are available around the Water, such as 20% off the bar menu at Barnsdale Hall. This month Stamford Living readers can win a full day’s bike hire for the family *worth over £100 at any of Rutland Cycling’s venues. Simply visit www.rutlandcycling.com/living to enter the prize draw. The competition closes on Thursday March 30th 2012 and the winner will be announced on Friday March 31st. * Includes 2 x adult bikes and 2 x kids’ bikes (or child seats / buggies) and helmets. The bikes must be booked in advance with the hire centre.

H-works Soft InStep to Toe-Tally Furnishings H Works, on the ground floor of the former Black Bull Pub in Stamford Walk, brings a whole new breadth of choice to soft furnishings in Stamford. It will open to the public on Fri 9 March. It is the brainchild of Heather and Alan Mowat. Heather already runs a very successful upholstery business in St Leonard’s St, which will move across, and this is a natural development from that. There will be fabric books, wallpaper, paints (Little Greene) and also local artisans displaying their wares e.g. Two Little Birds; plus advice on colour combinations, techniques etc. You will find when you visit a lovely light and airy space (it used to be a coaching inn), lovingly restored, setting things off well and also allowing substantial ranges to be shown. It brings a new dimension to interior design in Stamford. H-works, Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE www.hworksdesign.co.uk Tel: 07919 218484

InStep to Toe-Tally, the name may change but the service remains the same. Dr Sue Arnold BSc (Hons) MChS, opened the Stamford clinic in October 2007, providing a Chiropody / Podiatry service to Stamford and the surrounding areas. Julia Roach BSc (Hons) MChS has been one of those people involved in creating and sustaining this service since October 2007 and has been given the wonderful opportunity to carry on the clinic as Toe-Tally. Dr Sue Arnold will continue as InStep in Wansford. Julia wishes to thank everyone who has shown their support and continues to support her, and hopes to carry on and continue the excellent service that the Stamford Clinic has provided. Toe-Tally, 10 High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 766991

Garden inspiration Let your imagination run free! Whatever the style, size or character of your garden, William Lloyd can bring it alive with a bespoke creation. A well-considered structure will not only enhance your garden, but provide a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of everyday life. Specialising in the design and construction of bespoke garden buildings, ranging from tree seats to classical reading rooms and large summer houses, William Lloyd produces beautifully crafted designs in stone, wood and reclaimed materials to provide the perfect focal point. The company can either take your own idea, or suggest a concept to you. Designer Stephen Roe will design and sketch a proposal, liaising with you at every stage, and he can even make a scale model prior to the build. For more details, or a free consultation, contact www.williamlloyd.co.uk or call 07974 071551

Stamford Stone Company

Established in 1997 by builder Ivor Crowson and building stone specialist George Wilson, Stamford Stone Company quickly established itself as one of the country’s leading suppliers of English limestone products. Their team of master stonemasons are often met with customer requests to finish off a project with a limestone fireplace, and this has led to an obvious demand to launch their own collection. Stamford Stone’s Laura Green explains “We continue to offer a bespoke masonry service for fireplaces, but customers are increasingly asking us for inspiration. Our knowledge of English limestone, skill of our master masons and experience designing has resulted in a collection we are extremely proud of.” Visit the website at www.stamfordstone. co.uk or contact 01780 740430 or fireplaces@stamfordstone.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2012

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ELIZABETH STANHOPE INTERIORS

NEW COLLECTIONS Including Cath Kidston, Designers Guild, Pip Studio, Lexington, Mulberry, Christian Lacroix, Voyage, Zoffany…

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

10% off all carpet and rug orders Offer ends Monday 30 April 2012 Podiatry and Aesthetics

The name has changed but the service remains the same Chiropody / Podiatry • Treatment for Various Skin & Nail Conditions • Hard Skin Removal • Painful Corns • Verruca Treatments • Simple & Casted Orthotic Design • Diabetic Foot Care • Budget Toe Nail Cutting • Free Foot Care Advice

ES Charity Lecture 2012 Eastern Influences: A journey along the silk route with Alex McKenzie of Mark Alexander THuRSDAy 31 MAy AT 5.30PM

Aesthetics: • Electrolysis - Permanent Hair Removal • Permanent Make-Up • Advanced Cosmetic Procedures - Remove or Visibly Reduce a Variety of Skin Lesions: Skin Tags Milia [Milk Spots] Thread Veins Common Warts & More

27 Mill Street & 1 South Street Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA Telephone 01572 722345 Email: showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk

• Plus Free Consultation For further information, call Paula on:

01780 766991

10 High Street, St Martins Stamford, PE9 2LF

Formally InStep Clinic

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk 7

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FASHION

SPRING IN YOUR STEP Sally Stillingﬂeet gets enthusiastic about directional new looks in men’s and women’s fashions from independent retailers - It’s all about colour, pastels and layering…

usie from Arch Label Agency sums up her take: “Layering comes into its own for spring as it is still chilly - cashmere tank tops, waistcoats and long sleeveless gilets are particularly useful. A beautiful patterned silk blouse will lift spirits. Look out a great new label - Tucker. Classic well made clothes in great fabrics don’t have to be boring because that’s when you can go mad accessorising. A belt round a jacket, a shoe boot with a classic shift dress, a zinging bag, it all just makes everything look fresh again - that’s what it’s all about - looking fresh for the Spring!” Sam from Marcia May puts her best foot forward - she kindly lent us the shoes for our photo-shoot. The Preppie look is still strong - brogues and loafers in two-tone leathers with tassels. “Wedges are still strong, as are platform soles, in nudes and smokey neutrals - and they go with everything and elongate the leg. “The deck shoe is making a comeback, whether you have a boat or not. Everyone it seems is doing a red, white and blue option for the Olympics. “In court shoes, toe shapes are becoming more pointed again. Remember the 1980s? Not quite winkle pickers but there is a move away from the square toe shape towards a more delicate look. “Be bold and brighten up!”

CAVELLS Men’s Edwin Jeans, £130 Gant Breton Stripe Rugby Polo £70 Gant Albany Shoes £135 Gant Navy Parka £235 Ladies Equipment Silk Shirt £225 7 for All Mankind Jeans £199 Paul Smith Foxglove Wedges £180 Mulberry Bayswater Bag, £795

ENERGY Men’s Luke Ouch striped polo £60 Scotch&Soda chinos £105 Luke Navy Bret sailing jacket £145 Adidas Court deck shoe £80 Ladies TNFC jade dress £45 Agate multi strand bracelet from Ruby Loves Patent nude coloured court shoes £64.99 from Marcia May

ARCH LABEL AGENCY Floral Tucker silk blouse £80 with American Vintage vest from Attic underneath £35 Alberta Ferretti grey skirt £60 Rocco tan leather handbag by Alexander Wong £450 Chloe tan leather boots £200

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2012

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ABI GOLIGHTLY Beige chiffon dress £28 Necklace from Ruby Loves Poetic Licence shoes from Sly £79.99

ATTIC Red floral French Connection Tea dress £90 Brogues £114.99 from Marcia May Bracelet from Ruby Loves

BAUBLES & BANGLES Rust floral cape £23 Rust coloured jeggings £30, worn with mustard American Vintage vest from Attic £35

Arch Label Agency – 10a Maiden Lane. Tel: 01780 764746 Abi Golightly – 4, Silver Lane. Tel: 01780 238002 Attic – 33 St. Mary’s Street. Tel: 01780 766667 Baubles & Bangles – 10 St. Mary’s Hill, Tel: 01780 763633 Cavells – 16 Mill Street, Oakham. Tel: 01572 770372 Energy – Ironmonger Street. Tel: 01780 765633 Marcia May Shoes – 41 St. Mary’s St. Tel: 01780 766608 Ruby Loves – 3&4 Stamford Walk. Tel: 01780 764626 Sly – 4 St. Mary’s Passage. Tel: 01780 482870 Thanks to Clare and Stuart for modeling at Barnsdale Lodge. Thanks to Barnsdale for the superb location. Photography by Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk STAMFORD Living MARCH 2012

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• Bespoke Upholstery • Fabric • Linens • Curtains & Blinds • Paint • Wallpaper

Water St

Stamford Walk, Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 2JE T: 01780 754 605 E: enquiries@hworksdesign.co.uk W: www.hworksdesign.co.uk

Using traditional hand finishing techniques to produce beautifully restored items of furniture and home decoration

Opening on 9th March 2012

PRESERVE THE CHARACTER OF YOUR HOME WITH BENENDEN™ SLIMLINE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Our ultra-slim aluminium frames are uniquely designed to fit directly into stone mullions, or into your original timber sub-frames.

CONSERVATION BY DESIGN

Contact: Mark Martin – Local Area Representative

0800 731 4294 www.thwc.co.uk Ask about viewing local installations

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

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R R

ubyloves...

3 & 4 Stamford Walk Stamford. PE9 2JE 01780 764626 www.youstamford.co.uk

FASHION SHOW

preview the new spring / summer collections

We d n e s d a y 2 1 s t M a r c h 2 0 1 2 Drinks and canapés will be served Do o rs o pen at 7 .3 0 pm Cavells, 16 Mill Street, Oakham

Tickets £15 - call 01572 770372 Hair by Make up by

pomegranate

holds the gems of natural beauty

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Health and BEAUTY

SPRING FORWARD! This spring, Genevieve Potter looks at new ways to ensure that you have a healthy glow, inside and out

Indulge in a REN facial at Aromatica

REN products are formulated with cutting edge bio active ingredients that naturally boost the skin’s processes of protection, repair and renewal. They are applied using the REN synergy massage system, influenced by shiatsu and Japanese massage and they smell divine. REN is also an incredibly ethical brand and the company donates a share of its profits to charities that promote a better environment and a better life for those less fortunate. Aromatica is a small but luxurious boutique style salon in the heart of Stamford (right opposite the George). I opted for REN’s advanced anti-ageing facial (£60), which is designed to plump, renew and revitalise the face. The facial involved a deep cleanse and then intense massage, particularly around the jawline and cheeks to increase blood flow and encourage drainage. Therapist Lauren is an exceptionally talented facialist and the massage felt both relaxing and uplifting as she concentrated on specific pressure points. The facial also includes an intensive glycolactic mask, which removes dull skin cells and delivers radiance without feeling at all prickly or uncomfortable. After an hour and a quarter, I felt utterly spoilt and relaxed and I can report that my skin looked glowing and significantly fresher and plumper, providing a welcome boost for the spring. Aromatica, 8 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 753443

Achieve a smoothly contoured body at Emma Cannings

A course of Crystal Clear cellulite treatments can give your diet and exercise regime a real boost and will noticeably firm the legs (front and back), stomach and arms. At least five treatments are needed and when you book five you will also get one treatment absolutely free (valid for bookings throughout 2012) – it is a surprisingly affordable option starting from £15 for stomach or arms, £30 for both the front and back of legs. In addition, clients will be offered 25% off all Decleor slimming products (when purchased before 28th April 2012), which will aid inch loss and smooth and firm the skin. Emma Cannings, Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, Stamford PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 766583 www.emmacannings.co.uk

Discover Pilates with Louise Gill Louise Gill gave up a career in HR to teach Pilates two years ago and has already built up a loyal following in the area. Louise is passionate about the benefits that Pilates can offer people of all ages and abilities and she recently told me: “Lots of people think Pilates is just stretching but don’t realise how much you can achieve; of course you need cardio exercise too but with Pilates you can tone, increase flexibility, strength, flexibility and improve your posture – it is also extremely relaxing and people often find it improves sleep patterns.” I recently tried one of Louise’s classes for myself and found it really enjoyable; she certainly engages everyone in her class and explains the

required moves in a way that’s easy to relate to (for instance, in order to keep yourself aligned when on all fours she asks you to imagine that you have a sleeping baby on your back!). Classes cost £6 (see times and venues below). For more information contact louise@metallicaworld.co.uk Mondays Barnack Village Hall 11.15-12.15 Tuesdays Empingham Audit Hall 10.35 – 11.35 Wednesdays Ketton St Mary’s Congregational hall 10.35 – 11.35 Louise also teaches classes at West Side Club (see www.westsideclub. co.uk for details)

STAMFORD Living MARCH 2012

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Create a flawless face with Environ at The Advanced Skin Clinic Environ skin care is a premium skin-care brand which utilises a combination of active ingredients to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and combat the signs of ageing. This month you can treat yourself to an uplifting, 90-minute Environ vitamin treatment facial and back massage for £56 and if you mention Stamford Living at the time of booking you’ll also receive a fantastic extra in the form of a free mini make-up session using Jane Iredale mineral products. The Advanced Skin Clinic, 11a High Street St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LF (opposite The George Hotel). Tel: 01780 481155

Banish a dull complexion with a medik8 medical peel at Renaissance Medik8 is a UK based brand which has revolutionised skin peels, using a formula based on mandelic acid, their peels are more advanced, effective and far less irritating than most other peels (which are traditionally based on glycolic acid). The peel can be combined with a microdermabrasion treatment to prepare the skin, using a smooth diamond-tip system, which ensures the peel achieves maximum effectiveness by first gently removing dead surface cells. After the Medik8 peel has been applied, the facial is completed with LED blue and red light in the form of a soothing light wand, which calms the skin and helps to regenerate skin cells and stimulate new collagen production. The combined microdermabrasion and Medik8 peel costs £90 and takes just 45 minutes; or for a major boost for your complexion book a special course of three (which should be taken between two and six weeks apart), the cost is £300 which includes £100 worth of Medik8 products (cleanser, vitamin C serum and moisturiser). If time is of the essence this is also a fantastically effective treatment to book during your lunch hour and you can even put mineral make up on immediately afterwards. Renaissance, 2 Mallory Lane, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2FW Tel: 01780 763768 www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Experience an immediate “lift” with Hydradermie at The Beauty Manor Age and fatigue conspire to result in loss of definition in our facial contours. Until now, traditional ‘lift’ facials have acted on skin structure by adding density to the under the skin and firming the surface of the skin. But the Hydradermie Lift brings youthfulness and renewed tone by stimulating the facial muscles and providing a massage to visibly lift the features. Kara at The Beauty Manor, above Brown’s Hairdressers in Stamford’s Red Lion Square is a Hyrdradermie expert, and one of her clients, Gill Haynes comments: “I began having the hydra lift treatment when I was concerned that my face was losing its firmness, particularly around my jawline. The results are excellent and I have found that it has not only toned but has reduced lines and wrinkles from most other areas of my face. I am often asked about my skin care which for me is the biggest compliment.” For the month of March 2012, Kara and the team at The Beauty Manor are offering 25% off the Hydradermie Lift Facial at The Beauty Manor. Call 0844 999 4365 for more details and to book. The Beauty Manor, 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ Tel: 0844 999 4365 www.thebeautymanor.co.uk

Go for colour with Aveda at Gerards Nothing can lift your spirits like great hair and the right hair colour can literally illuminate your complexion and even bring out the colour of your eyes. If you are stuck in a colour rut help is at hand; you can be amongst the first to discover bespoke hair colour that’s personalised to you. Aveda have launched full spectrum permanent hair colour artistry available exclusively in Stamford at Gerards. Aveda products are kind to your hair, skin and the environment; using 96% naturally derived hair colour you can achieve beautiful, natural looking colour that’s created with a conscience. Jayne and the Gerards’ team of colour specialists are offering £10 off a full head of foils for bookings during Monday-Thursday for the whole of March 2012. Gerards, George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 753002

Try threading at Body Care Threading is an ancient art of hair removal using just a piece of thread, which is looped in order to pluck hairs from the root. It is quick, hygienic and so precise that the therapist can remove rows of hairs or even single hairs at a time. It is ideally suited for the face and the “fluffy” areas that most women begin noticing

in their thirties and forties. Threading is also a very affordable method of hair removal, prices at Body Care start at £6 for the upper lip, £10 for eyebrows and £20 for the whole face. The therapists at Body Care are brow experts and as well as threading, offer eyebrow waxing and the famous seven-step High Definition brows. Body Care, 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 480777 www.bodycare-online.com

Enjoy a “Bollywood” dance work out Judith Ewing has launched a Bollywood dance workout every Tuesday evening from 7 pm at Barnsdale Hall Hotel. Costing £5 per person (there is no partner required and it is open to members and non-members of Barnsdale), it is inspired by the colour and energy of India, combining infectiously expressive music with fun dance moves. It is suitable for those with little or no dance experience – the movements are simple but Judith says that the class delivers great results in an hour’s workout that combines cardio, stretching and sculpting. To find out more contact Judith on 07771 866123 or visit her website at judithewingfitness.com – Judith also offers personal training and runs Pilates classes at Barnsdale from 8 pm every Tuesday. STAMFORD Living MARCH 2012

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Barnsdale Hall Hotel

the

SPA experience

Student Discount - 20% off All Services - On Wednesday & Friday 9am - 5pm Must have NUS • Terms & Conditions Apply

3 Red Lion Square, Stamford - 0844 999 3365 - www.browns-hair.co.uk Please bring this voucher with you to your appointment to receive the discount - Terms & Conditions apply.

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Harley Street comes to Stamford

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. SPECIAL OFFER FOR MARCH 10% off individual CACI and chemical peels. 20% off CACI and chemical peel courses.

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Facial Aesthetic Specialists and Skin Care Experts ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚

anti-wrinkle injections dermal fillers lip enhancements cheek augmentation collagen stimulants dermarollers chemical peels skin care clinic teeth whitening

The George Hotel Mews

Excessive Sweating?

£75 OFF all hyperhidrosis treatments

Call us on 0844 800 8353 www.meliorclinics.co.uk

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NEWS

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Churchill Summer Camps

Burghley Park Cricket Club Burghley Park Cricket Club is continuing its resurgence in 2012, with big plans! Part of the success of last year was down to the annual club tidy up, which has been promoted by the ECB as NatWest Cricket Force Day. This year the club will once again take part on Saturday 31st March, having won the Huntingdonshire ECB OSCA for their day last year. The day enables the club to get everything prepared for the season, from putting out the sightscreens to planting up the flowerbeds; there are always plenty of jobs that need doing! The club is therefore after any volunteers to help out. If you would like to help then you can find more details on the club’s website (www.burghleypark.com) or by contacting Club Captain Chris Meadows (chris@burghleypark.com). With the cricket season not far away, the Club is currently hosting senior nets at Stamford School Sports Hall on Sundays mornings 10am-12pm and anyone over 16 is more that welcome to attend. Junior training sessions will start at the end of April in preparation for the new season. This year also sees the Club start an U11s Girls team. Any players wishing to play for the junior teams should get in touch with John Meadows at juniors@burghleypark.com .

Churchill Summer Camps has camps throughout our region this year, both at easter and in the summer • New for 2012 Stamford Easter Camp based at Stamford Junior School from 2 – 5 April. This is in addition to the 4 weeks of summer camps running from 30th July – 24 August. • Extended summer dates in Peterborough based at The Peterborough School (formerly Peterborough High School) covering 6 weeks from 9 July – 17 August. This is in addition to Easter weeks from 2 – 5 April and 10 – 13 April. • Summer Camps in Oakham (Brooke Priory School/Oakham School) from 23 – 27 July and 30 July – 3 August. On offer throughout the week (Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm) are over 30 fun and exciting activities ranging from archery to baking to keep your child occupied and engaged. They have been operating in the area for over 20 years, are OFSTED registered and all staff are fully CRB checked. They pride themselves in the quality of their childcare and excellent staff ratios. To find out more visit www. churchillsummercamps.co.uk or call 01780 753461 between 3-9pm

Easter Extravaganza at Uppingham!

Professor Ben’s Guitar Tuition

There really is no reason to hear the words ‘I’m bored!’ this Easter holiday. With more courses than ever before at Uppingham Summer School this Easter, there is plenty on offer to keep everyone busy and occupied, whatever their age or interest. Children who like cooking will love Easter Baking for Kids. They will be busy in the kitchen making delicious things like hot cross buns, cookies, cupcakes and all sorts of yummy chocolaty goodies, and everything gets taken home afterwards… assuming there is anything left! For sporty children, as well as the ever popular Cricket coaching courses run by former Kent and England professional Trevor Ward, there are 3 day Tennis, Rugby and Hockey coaching courses. Adults have the opportunity to get creative too. Make gorgeous retro aprons, beautiful bags and cute corsages in the Heartstitch Needlework Workshops, or come and learn how to put together stunning Easter floral creations in a Flower Arranging demonstration and workshop. By popular demand, local artist Mark Wilde is running a series of Drawing Workshops, and there is also Upholstery and Bridge on offer. If you are looking for something fun to do over the Easter holidays, you really need look no further. Further details of all the courses can be found on www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk or by phoning 01572 820800.

Ben Caffrey has launched his answer to the recession hit pockets of Stamford and Rutland’s Guitarists and Bassists. He has started group Guitar and Bass lessons hosted in his dedicated teaching room in Stamford. “I wanted to offer an alternative to the standard 1-to-1 lessons most people come across,” Ben explained. “I have always seen music as a social activity, whether it’s playing in a band, attending an ‘open-mic’ night or just jamming with a few friends. If we are playing our guitars and basses in a group, why not learn in a group? The added bonus is higher motivation for students in the group and of course it’s much cheaper to learn guitar playing in a group setting than private lessons - my group lessons are £12.00 per hour in a group of 4 Max currently, which is still allows me to focus on individual students within the group.” Of course Ben still offers the traditional face to face lessons, “they are very important in ensuring a student has a focussed learning path, to nurture their natural ability.” Ben teaches any age group, Electric and Acoustic guitar and Bass from absolute beginners through to advanced techniques, including advice on starting a band, purchasing equipment, and live experience, if you are interested in getting started or looking to improve your existing skills, contact Ben for a free trial lesson either group or private. Mob: 07803 125928 www.professorbenguitar.com professorbenguitar@gmail.com

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MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN AGED FROM 4 - 14 BASED AT THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL EASTER 2 – 5 APRIL AND 10 – 13 APRIL SUMMER 9 - 13 JULY 16 - 20 JULY 23 - 27 JULY 30 JULY -3 AUGUST 6 – 10 AUGUST 13 – 17 AUGUST BASED AT STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL EASTER 2 – 5 APRIL SUMMER 30 JULY -3 AUGUST 6 – 10 AUGUST 13 – 17 AUGUST 20 – 24 AUGUST BASED AT BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL,OAKHAM SUMMER 23 – 27 JULY AND 30 JULY – 3 AUGUST 9.30 am – 4.30 pm EARLY and LATE CARE AVAILABLE FROM 8am – 6pm Bouncy castles Quad bikes MegaBall pond Arts and Crafts Curling Fencing Snooker Badge making Bread making Kwik cricket Archery Shooting Football Bouncy slide Crossbows Tennis Swimming Orienteering Computer games Disco Air hockey Clay Uni-hoc Adventure playground Bodyrock Baking Fun quiz Fancy dress Ball games Golf …AND MORE!

For further information or to make a booking Telephone: 01780 753461 Email:info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk

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Advertisement Feature

LUXURY LIVING

It’s one of Stamford’s most popular beauty salons with caring, friendly staff plus the latest treatments and techniques to unwind tired minds and bodies. Words and pics: David Corfield EQUILIBRIUM IS A precious place amid Stamford’s hustle and bustle. It sits off St Paul’s Street in a tranquil corner of the town next door to a flower shop and hairdressers and welcomes all with a warming smile. “I’ve always taken a very holistic approach to beauty therapy,” says owner Samantha Hiseman, and after twelve years in the business, I’ve seen all the trends and all the fads and know which treatments work and which don’t.” Samantha is now in her seventh year with Equilibrium. What started as a hobby and a passion for friends and family became a business, and a very successful one at that. Having just expanded into a second location two doors up from her St Paul’s Street salon. Gwen, Samantha’s Educator is now training others to follow the Equilibrium method with some big names in the business backing her, such as OPI. “Stamford has more beauty salons per square metre than any other town I can think of, but I know the value we give our customers and I’m delighted to see so many loyal and familiar faces returning time and time again,” she smiles. “Where Equilibrium differs is that we really research our market, and actively go out to discover and be trained to the highest standard on the very latest methods and techniques. And our clients know this and keep coming back. They become part of the Equilibrium ‘family’ which is lovely and very flattering – we look after them accordingly.”

Gwen - “Training others in beauty techniques with OPI gives me a great feeling. Equilibrium is really leading the way in Stamford.”

Clare - “It’s amazing how much a manicure can cheer a person up!”

CACI – NOW AVAILABLE The latest treatment to spark interest in Stamford is the arrival to Equilibrium of the CACI Ultimate machine – non-surgical and non-invasive aesthetic treatments for those of you unfamiliar with the technology. CACI’s award winning treatments use the very latest pioneering technologies and have been voted the most effective anti-ageing treatments available. “The Ultimate combines CACI Non-surgical face toning with microdermabrasion and LED Light Therapy Acne and Skin Rejuvenating treatments” Samantha explains. “It’s very popular with celebrities and many famous ladies & gentlemen swear by it,” she explains. “During each treatment session all 32 facial muscles are gently manipulated and toned by one of my trained therapists using a series of precise movements. Serum ﬁlled cotton tipped wands enhance the dramatic tightening effect to restore

TREATMENTS AVAILABLE • Indian Head Mas sage • Hot Stone Therap y • Fish Pedicures • Reﬂexology • Manicures & Pedi cures • Inch Loss Wraps , Facials and many more...

Abi - “I love being a part of the Equilibrium team, and giving my customers the very best lashes and HD brows.”

tone and elasticity. “Results are visible after the very ﬁrst treatment but a course of ten treatments is recommended.” The investment in the CACI Ultimate system is considerable, but Samantha prides herself in knowing that she is the ﬁrst to have it in Stamford. “I like to be ahead of the competition and know that where we lead, others will follow” she smiles wryly – but we always aim to do it better.” The therapies and treatments available on the CACI are just the tip of a rather large iceberg when I pause to take in all the other packages available at Equilibrium.

Eloise - “I really enjoy holistic therapy – we’ve got your best interests at heart here and will ﬁnd the best treatment for you.”

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Emma - “I love being a part of the family here and giving the very best massage treatments.” THE CACI ULTIMATE A CACI non surgical face lift is an electronic beauty treatment using a CACI machine. Tiny electrical impulses ﬁrm and tone sagging facial muscles and smooth the appearance of ﬁne lines and wrinkles. When you go to the gym, you work your muscles to give yourself a better body shape, so why not work out your face and keep that in better shape too. The beauty of the CACI face lift is that it is actually a pleasant relaxing facial treatment. So lay back on the couch while the CACI machine does the hard work! Think of a CACI face lift as insurance for your face, a regular pampering treatment to keep you looking young.

LAUNCH OF THE AMAZING NEW OPI GELCOLOR

The Equilibrium team offers a comprehensive range of holistic and beauty treatments for all ages.

from brides to be who want to treat their friends to a Hen night with a luxury twist to companies who want to treat their staff to an evening with a difference. We can do anything, from a paparazzi night where you get treated like a ﬁlm star (complete with in-house photographer to put your face on a magazine front cover) to a holistic night where an air of calmness descends and low lights and soft music take you away from the noise of everyday Richard - “If you living.” I ﬁnd myself drifting away into have a sports injury another world of serenity and candles as and need expert I take in Samantha’s words. She smiles at physiotherapy, me. “That’s exactly what I want to give to I can help.” my clients, that feeling of being in another world, where all the stresses slip away and you’re left feeling like you’re on a tropical island somewhere.” The fact that this little slice of paradise is right on your doorstep makes it even harder to resist the charms of Equilibrium THE HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PAMPERING and its very innovative and relaxed way of From sports massages to lava shells, lash making you feel special. extensions and thickening techniques using Go on, treat yourself. the latest non-smudge MYscara programme to CONTACT EQUILIBRIUM manicures and HD Brows, Samantha and her 7 St. Pauls Street, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2BE. team can help regenerate, refresh and revitalize Tel: 01780 757579 - Website: every aspect of your body and soul. www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk “We like to think outside the box a little bit, www.facebook.com/equilibriumstamford and have had great success with our Pamper Parties,” she explains. “Everyone loves the Opening Hours: idea of having exclusive access to somewhere, Monday 9am - 5:30pm, Tuesday 9am – 7pm, and I decided to offer that air of exclusivity to Wednesday 9am - 9pm, Thursday 9am – 9pm, the salon, which is where the pampering idea Friday 9am – 5:30pm. Saturday 9am – 5pm, came from. It’s now one of our most successful Sunday CLOSED innovations and we get booked up very quickly

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ACTIVITIES

HAPPY

MOTHER’S

DAY SUNDAY

18th MARCH

Enjoy dedicating some time and effort to creating a special day for your mum. Charlotte Newby seeks out some ideas to get you started The Lord Nelson, Oakham

any of us don’t fully appreciate how much our mothers do for us until we become mothers ourselves. And it’s then that we also understand how much it means to be remembered on Mother’s Day!

Time Out What most of us lack in day-to-day life is time. So often, conversations with our mums are rushed phone calls or interrupted chats over childrearing duties. Take some time out to spend with your mother and indulge in some proper girl-talk. Here are four suggestions for relaxed, intimate and distinctly different eating out experiences: If you fancy somewhere in central Stamford so you can potter round the shops with your mum before taking a relaxed lunch, head to Jim’s Yard, tucked away off Ironmonger Street (not open on Sundays). They have a pretty and secluded walled garden or a cosy lounge plus two further dining rooms. Their set lunch (£14.40, two courses, £17.50 for three) features mouth-watering dishes such as Toasted Mufﬁn with Crispy Bacon, Poached Egg and Hollandaise Sauce, Creamy Salmon and Herb Fish Pie with a Parmesan Crust, followed by White Chocolate, Honeycomb and Chestnut Parfait. The restaurant serves locally sourced and freshly prepared food and proudly promises good food at moderate prices. Another opportunity to combine a shopping trip with an informal lunch would be to head out to Oakham on Saturday (most shops in Oakham are shut on Sundays). Wander down Mill Street, the High Street and Church Street for some exclusive and interesting local shops. Then head into The Lord Nelson in Market Place where you’ll receive a relaxed and cosy welcome. They serve a selection of antipasto, snacks, main dishes and daily specials, and their unique stone baked pizzas, plus an impressive and varied wine list. A little further out of town is Oundle Mill, a sympathetically converted traditional watermill, which sits on the idyllic banks of the River Nene. They offer an exciting and contemporary menu and you can head either to their downstairs ‘rustic bar’ or their more sophisticated ‘upstairs’ restaurant for lunch or dinner. Both offer views over the river. For a relaxing way to spend an afternoon together, why not sample their full afternoon tea (£13.50) or if you’re feeling even more indulgent, treat yourselves to the Champagne tea at £23. If you like the idea of going somewhere a bit quirky, then head out to Ryhall to the recently opened Wicked Witch (formerly the Millstone pub). The interior is stylish and individual and the food promises to be the best locally sourced, seasonal food available. There’s an award winning chef on board, who has worked in Michelin star restaurants, and owner Nicola says the bar snacks are amazing… a ‘foodie’s dream’. Nicola tells me they are offering a special Mother’s Day menu, including a traditional roast, when food will be served from 12pm-7pm. Choose between two courses for £19.95 or three for £24.95; children are welcome.

Jim’s Yard, Stamford

Oundle Mill

the WICKED

W I T C H

The Wicked Witch, Ryhall

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Oundle Mill

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The Gift of Beauty Sometimes mothers need a bit of pampering - no one would argue with that! So I went in search of local places that offer such indulgences.

For a youthful glow, The Advanced Skin Clinic Mother’s Day Package, Equilibrium

Equilibrium on St Paul’s Street has put together a complete Mother’s Day Package, which includes an Express Facial, a 30-minute back massage, a fish pedicure and a file and paint (hands or feet) - plus an Equilibrium goodie bag to take home. Purchased separately these items would cost £89, but the package is offered at £55, so it offers amazing value for Health money. And if your own children don’t get the hint and buy 2 MALLORY LANE you the same, perhaps you and your mum can buy one for All aspects of beauty th each other and go together! As an alternative, you could buy Specialists in IPL removal, electro a gift voucher for Renaissance on microdermabra Mallory Lane where Fiona specialises in Hi-tech facial trea a range of beauty therapies and facial & cosmeceutic treatments. She uses Guinot products SPECIAL OFF Health & Beauty Therapy FOR MARC to offer facials with2deep cleansing, MALLORY LANE, STAMFORD TEL. 01780 763768 10% off individual lifting and fi rming, and Murad facials to and chemical pe All aspects of beauty therapy available give radiant skin. Facials start at £32. 20% off CACI and hair peel courses. You could combineSpecialists this withinaIPL back removal, electrolysis, massage for the ultimate feel-good www.renaissanceb microdermabrasion, gift. There’s also a rangefacial of high tech Hi-tech treatments treatments: microdermabrasion, CACI & cosmeceuticals. treatments to lift and firm the face, rejuvenate the skin and workGrenaissance on lines 1-8 SL March.indd 1 ift voupeels and wrinkles, plus chemical and c avail hers able other premium health and beauty Younger looking therapies. Fiona has been established skin, Renaissance www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk for 17 years and takes care to offer a personal service to suit individual clients’ needs. You’ll be able to give the gift of young looking skin – something not many offspring give to their mothers! The Advanced Skin Clinic also offers an extensive range of skin treatments and the most luxurious facials. As a Mother’s Day gift, Sue Arnold suggests the Environ Vitamin Treatment Facial which promises to encourage collagen and elastin production, plump out fine lines as well as brighten and hydrate the skin for a lovely, youthful glow. Following the facial, Jane Iredale mineral makeup is expertly applied so your mother you can leave the salon ready to face the outside world. This facial costs £40, gift vouchers are available.

Make it yourself

All mothers love things that their children have made themselves, however old their children are. Here are three inexpensive ideas: Write a poem: List your mother’s best qualities, funny memories, happy events, things you share, and cram them all into a personal poem – in a card, or in a frame. Happy tears guaranteed! Make a photobook: Go through your digital photos, gather old pictures and scan them – photos of you, your mum, and your own children – and put them all in a small photo book (www.photobox.co.uk is easy to use). Lots of memories in one easy-to-view place. Picnic for two: Gather tasty goodies in a basket: quality bread and cheese, chutney, olives, some homemade cookies, a bottle of something you like – and take it over as a posh table picnic for two on Mother’s Day. Inexpensive, thoughtful and you get to enjoy it too.

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ACTIVITIES

Useful Gifts If your mum prefers something useful, what would go down better than a handy Celia Birtwell

Kitchen drawer kit, £19.95, Sinclairs Pearl earrings, from £34.95, You & Beyond

Kitchen Drawer Kit from Sinclairs? Inside the attractive tin box, you’ll find scissors, tape measure and a 6-in-1 screwdriver: ideal for all those little fixing jobs that only get done if the tools are close to hand. It’s a seriously useful set of tools – and the man in the house won’t be tempted to put them in his tool box because they’re covered in a lovely floral pattern – only suitable for ladies! Think back and remember all the times that your mum has been there for you and choose her a memorable and thoughtful gift that she’ll enjoy and treasure for years. I went into You and Beyond, where I found so many beautiful gift ideas, in a wide range of prices to suit all budgets. I finally chose some pretty Thomas Sabo Mother of Pearl earrings in 925 Sterling Silver. Simple and stylish, they’d go with so many outfits and she’s bound to think of you every time she wears them. The same can be said for a well-chosen, stylish piece of clothing. In Attic I spotted an attractive Japanese blossom print cardigan in a muted yellow colour. It’s a cotton mix with three-quarter length sleeves and is super-soft and cosy as well as being rather sophisticated. The spring collection in Attic is full of bright and warm colours; perfect for a gift for mum, and you’re likely to find something you fancy for yourself too. On a similar theme, it’s worth visiting Lulu where they hold a range of really useful, good quality, long-sleeve, scoop neck t-shirts. Perfect for layering, some featuring silk trim and in a variety of pastels and neutrals - an essential item any mum would love to receive. They also stock gorgeous pashminas with twisty tassels – highly desirable! If you like to give something a bit fun and unusual, how about a funky, candy- coloured handbag from French design company DecoDelire. These bags come from Nook in a range of bright colours and different patterns (birds, flowers, swirls and things), and in various shapes and sizes. Perfect for girly lunches and shopping trips, bound to get noticed and definitely rather quirky. There are also little drawstring phone cases in similarly unusual designs. Ideal for the Yummy Mummy! Or pop into Sly on St Mary’s Passage where they have beautiful little make up purses in colourful, laminated cotton with contrast print trim and pom pom detail. For a unique and personal gift idea, take a look at the range of handmade home accessories from Stamford-based Two Little Birds. Linen cushions (as pictured) can be personalised with the name of your choice in appliqué and hand embroidery. Owner Victoria also holds sewing classes at her home if you fancy getting creative and making a gift yourself. Victoria is very experienced, patient and brilliant at offering hands-on teaching for anyone interested in taking up sewing. She even offers Mother-and-Daughter lessons. See her website for details.

DIRECTORY

Great Plains cardigan, £60, Attic

Beautiful pashmina, £34.95, Lulu

Pretty pouch purse, £10.95, Sly In Wear T-Shirts, from £24.95, Lulu

Personalised cushions £29.95, Two Little Birds

Fun handbags from £12.95 & phone cases £8.95, Nook

The Advanced Skin Clinic, 11a High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF, 01780 481155, www.theadvancedskinclinic.co.uk Attic, 33 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS, 01780 766667, www.atticfashion.co.uk Equilibrium, 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE, 01780 757579, www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk Jim’s Yard, 3 Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL, 01780 756080, www.jimsyard.biz/jimsyardstamford The Lord Nelson, 11 Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT, 01572 868340, www.thelordnelsonoakham.com Lulu, 43 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BH, 01780 766675, www.luvlulu.co.uk Nook, 3 Sheep Market, Stamford PE9 2RB, 01780 751029, www.nookfurniture.co.uk Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire PE8 5PB 01832 272 621, www.oundlemill.co.uk Renaissance, 2 Mallory Lane, Stamford PE9 2FW, 01780 763768, www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk Sinclairs, 11-12 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE, 01780 765421, www.sinclairsonline.co.uk Sly, 4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford PE9 2HGÐ, 01780 482870 Two Little Birds, Rock Terrace, Stamford, 07733 216743, www.two-little-birds.co.uk The Wicked Witch, Bridge Street, Ryhall PE9 4HH, 01780 763649, http://wickedlygoodgroup.com/ You and Beyond, 14 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF, 01780 755996, www.youstamford.co.uk

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Introducing our Chefs With each of their individual styles, the Head Chefs at The Crown Hotel, The Exeter Arms and The White Hart enthuse at using local, seasonal produce, much of which is from the Tallington farm. Reservations can be taken for restaurant bookings as well as weddings, christenings and celebrations.�

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

t. 01780 763136

www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk

t. 01780 756321

t. 01780 740 250

www.theexeterarms.net

www.whitehartufford.co.uk

All Saints’ Hotels Ltd. All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG t. 01780 763136 23

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NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS Dickinson & Co Solicitors

Robert Dickinson is an established solicitor with over 30 years experience and set up his own practice in Stamford back in 1997. He is a well known and respected member of the local community, with offices in Broad Street. As well as himself, the team comprises Julia Thompson, who is a qualified Legal Executive, and three highly motivated support staff. The practice offers specialist advice and assistance in a wide range of areas including: Conveyancing, Mortgage work, Property Transfer, Divorce, Matrimonial Finance, Debt Matters, Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Robert and his team will be pleased to visit clients at home or work to suit their needs, offering a degree of flexibility and pricing which many larger firms would find difficult to match Dickinson & Co, 34 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PJ Tel: 01780 752581 www.dickinsonandcostamford.co.uk

Savour a brand new slice of Stilton village life

To many, Stilton village just off the A1 is a picture perfect example of traditional village life. It has much of historic interest but is also still full of life with a primary school, pubs and shops. Huntingdonshire-based Amesview Developments identified a small development site of just under half an acre in the centre of the village just over a couple of years ago. The attraction of the location and exclusivity of a site with such a small number of brand new homes ideally suited the Amesview Developments’ portfolio. It acquired the site and began to build the new homes last year. The development, known as The Old Stackyard, has now been completed and launched for sale. What Amesview Developments has built on this former yard of derelict outbuildings, off Church Street and to the north of Manor Farm House is, according to property consultancy Carter Jonas - who are acting as agent in selling the newly completed detached and terraced three and four bedroom homes - a model example of what brand new developments in a village should be. • The Old Stackyard, Church Street, Stilton PE7 3RF. Prices start from £199,995 rising to £329,995 for the largest, 4-bedroom properties.

Escaping to the real Greece Despite Greece’s current economic difficulties, the fundamentals of a perfect holiday still remain unchanged - warm sun, crystal clear waters, stunning scenery, good food and some of the friendliest locals you could wish to meet. Oundle Travel offers a selection of holidays to Greece that are an attractive alternative to the mass market holiday companies, favouring areas more off the tourist beaten track and which have retained a genuinely Greek flavour. Here are three of their favourites for this summer: Symi boasts one of the most atmospheric small harbour towns in the Aegean. Grand neoclassical houses and mansions, many once owned by wealthy sea captains line the horseshoe shaped bay. The array of shops and tavernas are plentiful and come to life in the evenings after sunset. Beaches are small and pebbly lapped by the clearest of seas. Nireus Hotel – Enjoying an unrivalled position on the waterfront, this pretty hotel has 36 nicely renovated rooms. From £793.00 per person including flights and all transfers. The pretty resort of Parga situated on the Greek Mainland is stunning, with a lush countryside which remains fresh and green throughout the summer, perfect beaches and a characterful harbour topped by a castle. The town shelters behind a rocky headland, an array of brightly coloured cafés and restaurants line the waterfront, with old narrow lanes and small shops open until late every evening. Visit early season when this delightful town is at its best – For the best location on the beach Oundle Travel recommends The Lichnos Beach Hotel Newly refurbished deluxe rooms from £796.00 per person travelling in June includes all flights and transfers If you want to escape completely this summer and enjoy a quiet, unhurried holiday in natural surroundings, Alonissos is the island for you; 15 miles long by 4 miles wide this stunning island is a retreat on which to swim, walk and gently explore. Oundle Travel recommends the pretty port of Patitiri, although sleepy in June and July there is plenty of waterfront activity during the evenings and some good tavernas and restaurants which come alive in the evenings. Fine beaches and crystal clear waters make this island perfect for diving, snorkelling and boat hire. The Yalis Hotel has just 22 rooms with wonderful sea views from £818.00 per person travelling in June. SPECIAL OFFER – Are you able to travel very early or late season to Greece? – If so Oundle Travel are offering two weeks for the price of one at chosen properties on selected dates! Oundle Travel – Tel: 01832 273600 Please visit us at www.oundletravel.co.uk

Symi

For more information contact Louise Fox, Carter Jonas in Peterborough, Tel 01733 588600 or see www.carterjonas.co.uk/ residential

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2012

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The Old Stackyard site in Stilton

16/2/12 19:00:32

Est since 1997

• Conveyancing • Mortgage Work • Property Transfer • Divorce • Matrimonial Finance • Debt Matters • Wills • Probate • Lasting Powers of Attorney

Specialist advice and assistance at competitive prices

Let us take the hassle out of buying your new kitchen. We offer a free design and quotation service, have expert installers, together with all the choices of appliances, sinks and accessories you could ever need, and at fantastic prices… so why not call in and see the specialists? Full range of worktops and appliances

Super new displays just installed

Lakes lifetime guarantee

FORDHAM KITCHENS LTD The Showroom, New Road, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HL

01780 482892

Open: Tues-Fri 10am - 5.00pm Sat 10am - 4pm www.fordhamkitchensltd.co.uk

In this world of long distance and impersonal communication, Dickinson & Co offers an accessible source of information and advice in today’s challenging times. - Free initial consultation and no hidden extras - Client visits to home or business

34 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PJ - Tel: 01780 752581 Fax: 01780 480918 Email: rmd@dickinsonandco.co.uk 25

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ANTIQUE CENTRES HAVE PROVENANCE TOO

In antique circles an item’s provenance relates to the history of its ownership; the more impressive its provenance the more value is added. Next year is St. Martins Antiques 20th Anniversary and it’s thanks to regular customers like Lillian Bowering of Warmington and Kay Bamford of Stamford that the Centre has a history of success.

Kay and Lillian are twins. (As the antiques trade well knows a pair is always more valuable than a one off item!) They have been buying from Peter Light since he first opened, purchasing everything from a long footstool and a chest of drawers to a dining table and chairs. Both love Cranberry Glass and Lillian has a preference for Crown Derby. They also rely on St. Martins for buying presents for the family, often pooling their resources for a special gift. (In the early days they remember leaving the price on items they bought to educate the rest of the family, many of whom have now become customers too.) We’d like to thank all our regular customers for making the years simply fly by and if you read this and decide to visit us for the first time, then here’s to the next 20 years. St. Martins Antiques 23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LF. Tel: (01780) 481158 Web: www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

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PERSPECTIVES

ALL ABOUT STAMFORD EIGHT MONTHS TO GO

The countdown to the 50th anniversary of the Stamford Civic Society continues. Most of the activities to mark the event (it was founded on 12 October 1962) will take place in September and October. But by way of a ‘taster’ there were three sell-out talks at the Arts Centre on Historic Churches; The Antiques Road Show and the new biography of William Cecil. The next special talk will be on 22 March when Dai Morgan Evans will be presenting From Great Casterton to Reality Television. Dai is the charismatic professor of archaeology who excavated the Casterton site; he also unveiled the blue plaque in Barn Hill, commemorating William Stukeley. (See Stamford Living Jan 2011). Don’t forget St Leonard’s Priory. The Civic Society lavishes care and attention on Stamford’s oldest building, and has held some memorable parties there. This spring the bulbs should be gorgeous – well worth a stop on the way to Morrison’s.

JOINT CHOIR CONCERT Oakham School Chapel, Sat 31st March 7.30pm A chance to hear two much acclaimed local community world music choirs for the price of one! Woven Chords from Stamford and Global Harmony from Melton Mowbray are joining forces for a grand concert. Both choirs sing a world music repertoire, delighting their audiences with a great range of music from many different cultures around the globe – a veritable world tour in song! Both choirs have built up strong local followings and have also performed further a ﬁeld at prestigious venues such as the Royal Festival Hall on London’s South Bank and the Shoreditch Festival. Woven Chords and Global Harmony are sister community choirs and both have shared the same Musical Directors - they are now both under the current leadership of Liz Underhill. Both choirs sing a world music repertoire, but they have not given a joint concert before. With weight of numbers, their usual energy, passion and ebullience they are guaranteed to raise the School Chapel rafters! Tickets £8 (children under 16 free) available from Tel: 01664 562215 or 01476 550972 info@globalharmony.org.uk liz@wovenchords.com or Oakham Music Shop

CARRIE’S COLUMN A personal ‘take’ on Stamford

It seems overnight that, with the changing wind, every one of my friends 30 years plus in age, has moved to Stamford. From China to Bristol, London to Australia. Many friends have returned or begin a new adventure - to live here, amid the history, the ‘top ten best towns to live in the UK’ and the 2,456 or so pubs. Surely London or any other close, connected city would cater for such new experiences? If it’s friends and family keeping us back – there’s always the quick train links to rekindle the spark of good grounding friends, within hours? More are settling for an expensive season train ticket over an expensive monthly rental payment. (My £1,700 a month in London terriﬁes my friends on a third of that in Stamford). Editors of national magazines are my neighbours in Stamford, and my peers in London. Finally, we are deciphering the ‘best of both worlds’ strategy. Goodbye congestion charge, £100 per hour parking bays and pregnant women not being given seats on tubes as it’s deemed a ‘selfinﬂiction’. Goodbye rapidly ageing skin thanks to the, what I call, London time zone (dinner doesn’t occur before 8pm) and hello to the sounds of birds - and our own thoughts. Yes the house prices are cheaper than most large cities. But surely it takes more than your mortgages to move your entire life?

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

For those who grew up here, we were spoilt with culture, beauty, the pubs, restaurants and entrepreneurs who knew how to share their ﬁne taste with the masses. But we left thinking there was more. Like a love affair in a relationship, we run away from the trials and tribulations of a small town and hope the big city lights might blind us into a new sense of security. But like all love affairs, they come to an end as new cracks show. There are frailties that draw us back to what we knew. We return, and as we drive down St Martin’s, pass The George and up through the freeze frame of Pride and Prejudice. We are home. To the community we missed, the friendships that time never broke and the freedom to pick up hobbies, own dogs and carry out charity work again. As every solid relationship, we had to question it and try other paths before believing it fully. Why wither in our own stress, when, unlike a love affair, we can have the best of both worlds? And most importantly, be content with that.

HELP FOR HEROES

Colossal Cake sale Fri 16 Mar 8.30am onwards Stamford Market Please do your bit. They need you to make cakes, biscuits, scones, bread, meringues, chutneys and preserves. For further info contact Carol Roome, County Co-ordinator Mob: 07779 226590

ST MARTIN’S ANTIQUE WINNER Peter Light handing over the £75 worth of St. Martins Antiques Vouchers to Ann Jenkins. Her winning tie breaker was “Things past make the perfect present.”

ROYAL DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

The Queen is due to visit Burghley House as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour on June 13th or14th STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2012

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Perspectives

Tales of a Highflyer Al Tutt looks at the history of coaching in Stamford

he year is 1830; the peak of popularity of the coaching industry. In the George Inn, a gentleman warms himself beside a large fire in the woodpanelled York bar. He awaits the arrival of the Highflyer coach and horses, which will take him up the Great North Road and deposit him at the Black Swan in York. The Flyer is late. Though it is March, the weather remains inclement. Rain turning the roads into a quagmire. The Highflyer departed the Saracen’s Head in Snow Hill, Holborn that morning at 8am. The 190-mile journey to York takes 21 hours, arriving at five the next morning. It should have turned into High Street St Martin’s two hours ago at 7pm. The Lord Nelson, setting off from the same galleried inn kept by Mrs Mountain, and bound for Newcastle and Edinburgh, is also nowhere to be seen. The weather is not the sole obstacle. The stage may have been waylaid by footpads or highwaymen, so prevalent that the coach will almost certainly have an armed guard on board, or even an armed patrol part of the way, especially through Finchley Great Common, a ‘parlous place’. Or it may have had an accident. At Bridge Casterton, the pole of a coach broke and the horses became unruly. In panic, an outside female passenger snatched the reins from the coachman and the coach overturned. Of nine bruised and battered passengers, two had arms broken and one lady insider had two of her fingers torn off. The Highflyer’s last stop would be the Haycock at Wansford – home of the Fitzwilliam hunt – with up to 150 horses stabled. Many a change of bloodstock was required to complete the arduous journey. At an average speed of less than 9mph, it had snaked its way north via Archway, Hadley Green, Eaton Socon and Norman Cross. Few businessmen made fortunes from coaching, though William Chaplin, owner of the Highflyer, was an exception. Provincial proprietors usually had parallel businesses – many were innkeepers. Running coaches was complicated, requiring large capital investment and payment of tolls at turnpikes; profit margins were narrow and risks broad. The route of a stage or mail coach was called a ground. Divided into three; upper ground being closest to London; middle; and lower, nearest the provincial terminus. Coaches went up to London and down to Stamford, 90 miles each way. The ground was divided into stages, where the exhausted horses were changed. Their lives were ‘nasty brutish and short’. Length of stage depended on horse availability, nature of ground (terrain) and scheduled speed of coach. Hence, slow coach equalled fewer horse changeovers. Coachmen usually changed every 60 or so miles too. Stages were longer on longer routes, so London to Edinburgh, 14 stages. On each route four coaches per 100 miles at a minimum were run; an up coach, a down coach and two replacements in case of breakdown. Thus the Highflyer was not merely one coach but one of a group on the same route, and indeed coaches of the same name ran on different routes. Each owner made his coaches as individually noticeable as he could. The writer, De Quincey, remarked snootily, ‘as much writing and painting on its sprawling flanks as would have puzzled a decipherer from the tombs of Luxor’. Though he did concede mail coaches had a ‘restrained elegance’. In bad winters, travelling was reduced to essential journeys only; so once spring arrived, the coaching season recommenced. The first vernal coach to arrive in Stamford Baron would be decorated with flowers and ribbons, the horses bedecked with new harnesses and saddle cloths and sometimes laurel wreathes. ‘And here it is at last!’ The arrival of a coach would transform an inn into a hive of activity and bustle. At busy times, up to 40 might pass through in a day; 20 up and 20 down. One might catch sight of a Rockingham to Leeds or a Lord Wellington to Newcastle, a Truth and Daylight or a Union. Ostlers, grooms, stable boys would leap into action; feeding and cleaning tired, mud-spattered nags before stabling them and coupling in fresh ones.

There was luggage to be loaded and unloaded; packets and mail too. For a good and conscientious driver there might be a whip round of passengers’ tips; happy to have arrived safely at their destination. Those going further would want a bite to eat and a drink, a bed for the night or a stretch of the legs and an easing of discomfort. With hard seats, no heating and poor suspension the poet, Byron, declared the coach,

‘a cursed kind of carriage without springs’. It was costly as well as timeconsuming to go by coach. To travel relatively comfortably one went inside, but to go, say, from London to Edinburgh cost eleven and a half guineas; a small fortune. The stalwart and not quite so well off would go outside, saving just four guineas; still a lot of money. And that was far from the end of it. Along the way a host

STAMFORD Living march 2012

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of waiters, chambermaids, porters and other hangers-on all wanted their sixpence. It soon added up. Nineteenth century Stamford depended for its wealth and vitality on coaching; a medley of ancillary industries; smiths and foundries, leather-makers and maltsters, farriers and wheelwrights. The travellers who stopped over in Stamford also needed feeding and watering; gentle folk in the likes of the Bull and Swan, Roebuck and Crown, poorer souls in the myriad pubs and taverns. And there was entertainment needed; dancing in the Assembly Rooms, drama in the Theatre, horse racing at the Racecourse and cockfighting in the pits. All these related pursuits and occupations would suffer to a greater or lesser degree with the almost overnight collapse of the coaching industry and the dawn of the iron horse. The beast of steam arrived to sweep it all away. Coaching was obsolete. Though the town (fortunately?) missed out on the Great Northern line that enabled Peterborough to prosper, in 1846 Stamford became one stop on the Peterborough–Syston line. By 1850, the introduction of the railway system had virtually killed off coaching. Men like Chaplin saw it coming, and were willingly ‘bought off the road’. Trains were faster, more comfortable, cheaper, for sure, but Stamford was a less colourful, quieter and poorer town for all that. STAMFORD Living march 2012

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Come and see why children thrive at The Children’s Garden! Easter Open Day at The Children's Garden Day Nursery & Montessori Pre-school Sat March 24th 10am-2pm • Montessori equipment demonstrations - for parents and children • See the Nursery baby chicks from Living Eggs • Easter Crafts • Face-painting • Easter Treasure Baskets • Cakes and refreshments

Come and look round this lovely town-centre Montessori nursery Lots for the children to do The Children's Garden is on Silver Lane, Stamford (opposite Beans Coffee Shop) Call Christine on 01780 752094 for more information 30

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Learning

Copthill School Jonathan Teesdale, Headmaster of Copthill School reflects on the school’s educational philosophy

“We live in a world where we expect services to be tailored to our specific requirements – from the ringtone on our mobile phone to the right to make an appointment with our doctor via email at a time that is convenient to us. What could be more important than applying this principle to our children’s education? “At Copthill this is the foundation on which education is built. We focus on the individual needs of every child. Learning Conferences and meetings with tutors are vital in enabling teachers to discuss specific targets and initiatives with every pupil. We recognise the importance of parental expectations. Feedback from parents about their child’s interests, talents and ambitions is fundamental so staff really get to know their pupils’ individual needs and personalities, allowing us to enthuse our learners. We take account of different learning styles and interests: for example, groups developing their maths skills outdoors in a practical way or individuals using specific ICT programs. “The curriculum we offer is adapted to the needs of our children. At Copthill, we

use streaming in Maths and English to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential. With small classes, careful use of assessment data and experienced support staff, pupils receive a tailored learning experience every day. Across the curriculum, all children are provided with extra challenge or additional support where necessary. In Year 6, teaching is also tailored to the specific entry requirements of a wide range of secondary schools. “All pupils take part in a huge variety of activities every day. In a world that seems to be getting smaller, a second language is important. At Copthill, we offer French and Spanish from a young age and older pupils have the opportunity to learn Latin and Ancient Greek in order to develop their linguistic talents. Form teachers and tutors are responsible for the ‘whole education’ of their pupils, guiding them to try new extra-curricular activities. Experienced staff recognise potential across the curriculum so children are encouraged to attend extra Music, Sport, Art and Drama activities. “Nothing is more individual than a child and nothing should be more individual than their education.” • Copthill School, Barnack Road, Uffington, Stamford, PE9 3AD Tel: 01780 757506 www.copthill.com

Be a Host Family and earn Tax Free Money

Summer 2012 sees the opening of a brand new centre for international students here in Stamford. The summer centre, located at the Stamford Endowed Schools, will be welcoming young learners aged from 13 to 17. These young students will be studying English in the morning and then participating in a full spread of social and cultural activities in the afternoons and evenings. The students will be coming to study at Kaplan International Centres – part of The Washington Post Company - and Kaplan are looking forward to welcoming a wide range of nationalities to Stamford this year. The students will either be boarding at the school or with local hosts. “Offering students a homestay experience provides them with one of the most valuable learning experiences they will ever have,” noted Sandra McCord of Kaplan. Hosting these students will be a great chance to show Stamford off at its very best. • If you are interested in helping with this project this summer please contact Gareth Vaughan on 01780 764839, mobile 07957 862563 and email vaughans@uwclub.net for more information. He is looking for hosts in and around Stamford who can offer either single or twin rooms and breakfast and dinner and a very warm welcome! For each student hosted there is payment of £115 per week.

Witham Hall Introduction Day The staff and pupils at Witham Hall are very much looking forward to welcoming families to join them on Saturday 17th March, between 9.30 and 11.30am, to meet the Reception and Early Years team. A personal introduction to Witham provides the best opportunity to appreciate why these early years are so important. Accordingly, and in response to a number of requests, families are invited to Witham on Saturday 17th March to find out more about the school, what it has to offer, and to experience at first hand why Witham is such a special place. The session will begin at 9.30am where the Pre-Prep Head, Mrs Sukey Brewster, will meet families and speak to them briefly about the Pre-Prep department and specifically the Early Years Foundation Stage. From there, some of Witham’s older pupils will give a brief tour of the areas of the school which are relevant to the Reception class and answer any questions from a pupil’s perspective. You will then have the opportunity to spend some time talking to the staff and engaging in some activities with current Reception children, thereby gaining a flavour of life at Witham. Finally there will be a chance for you to meet and chat with the Headmaster, Mr Charles Welch, and his wife Jo, who will be very happy to discuss any queries and arrange appointments for individual visits as required. • Witham Hall, Witham on the Hill, PE10 0JJ Tel: 01778 590222 www.withamhall.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING march 2012

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HUNTERS INTERIORS I’m just too busy

News from Oundle Mill

Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 18th March

To see the menu go to www.oundlemill.co.uk

2 courses £25.00 - 3 courses £30.00

I need advice – I’m confused by the choice Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s day gift?

I don’t know which would look best

I’ve got the answer…

The friendliest interior designers in the world*

Why not choose a gift voucher for a fabulous meal, afternoon tea, or for a truly exceptional gift, dinner followed by a night in one of our stunning bedrooms. We offer two types of voucher, one with the monetary value shown, and one with a ‘ﬁxed price experience’

• Please call us on 01832 272621 or email info@oundlemill.co.uk for further information

Dine for 1/2 price On Thursdays in March and April, for lunch or dinner, you can experience our award-winning menus for half price.

Call 01832 272621 to book a table

OUNDLE MILL. A PERFECT PLACE TO EAT, MEET OR SIMPLY RETREAT

Visit our showroom five days a week:

A16 Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone: 01780 757 946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

* As voted by the people who know us!!

Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB Tel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

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WRITER’S SPOT

SHOPPING LISTS What do shopping lists say about your personality? Leslie Gibson sifts through a few

hopping lists shower supermarket trolleys like confetti because once their job is done they are simply forgotten and often inadvertently left behind. The small trolleys in my local supermarket have those special little bits of levered metal that have been modelled on Arkwright’s till. They grab onto your list for you in case it lingers too long beside the frozen peas and you have to retrace your steps before dragging it back by its dog-eared corner. The lever thwacks it into place and there’s no escaping, which is probably why folk leave it there. We are all G-G-GGranvilles, terrified of losing a finger. Since our Goodly Editor mentioned his delight and preoccupation with shopping lists, I have collected around 60 from my local supermarket’s trolleys. I feel as though I know you all, in an abstract sort of a way. I have taken little pieces of you home, dear Shoppers of Stamford. As I speak, I do not now, nor have I ever owned a shopping list that I once saw attached to a shopper. I made it a rule never to liberate a list from a trolley that was still warm. I don’t want you to worry on that score. I understand your concern. It would be as though I had rifled through your knicker drawer, and one has one’s dignity. I can of course, glean a little knowledge about you from the handwriting; a little shaky here, a tad spiky there, artistically floral on the odd occasion and with doodles that signify you have far too much time on your hands. I can take an educated guess what you are planning for dinner (amongst other things, you rascals!) and I am pretty certain that if called upon, I could give the police a brief description of you, if not a rough sketch. I know who had just opened their gas bill while there was at least one ill child in the house “Calpol, ibuprofen, cloths and bleach, Antibacterial spray - kills 99% of germs!” , all written on the back of a British Gas envelope. I know that Debbie* had just ordered a satchel and top from Boden and was planning a trip to Aberdeen. I also have her e-mail details because she wrote the whole week’s menu on the back of a print out. Shame on you Debbie! Did he remember to put that note by

the bins when he went out? I will resist the urge to e-mail him and ask. A lady who likes ready meals and olives has a hospital appointment. I love this next one, it’s hoping for the best and planning for the worst “Eggs, raisins, red wine, linguine, Man Tissues! Resolve and Nurofen.” Aptly, a senior citizen who likes fruit, (but isn’t so sure about apples) TV magazines and The Woman’s Weekly - has written her list on the back of a web page entitled: 50 Tips for Grocery Shopping - Zen Habits - breathe which would suggest that rifling through the Reduced Section is not approached by everyone as though they were a child at a Lucky Dip! A man who likes adventurous sandwiches has been on a Rutland Care Activity Weekend. I know when you are tired and hormonal and sensibly opting for a vegetarian meal of chocolate, wine and crisps. I know when the family is coming round for dinner and when Heston Blumenthal has seeped far too far into your psyche. I know when you have been in a hurry or have been meticulously planning or need to keep to a budget “Beans, spaghetti hoops, beer.” I strongly suspect the person with the expensive paper to be a spy, for beneath his bold prompts for Italian coffee and kosher salty snacks, something was catching my eye. I have no need of varifocals as I am not yet old enough, so I removed my 4 pairs of glasses and peered at the faint scribbles beneath the fountain-penned list, noting that pencil marks are barely visible on grey paper. In no particular order they read: “Red Grapes by wood slice, crown supportive shield verbal conf tweaked, 4pm or before!” If he isn’t a spy then he’s certainly up to no good. Tweaked and supportive shield should never appear on the same page in a God-fearing house! All in all, between choices of paper, handwriting, your plans, appointments and your eating habits - I reckon I could just about work out where you live! *Debbie’s name has been changed to protect the innocent.

• If you love writing and have an 800-word (max) piece that you would like to submit to Nicholas@bestlocalliving.com, then we will consider it for publication (fiction or non-fiction, local angles especially appreciated).

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F N EA ST EW TU AU L R RA Y E ING N XT O T/ E U O ND R RA E N D G DESSERT Rhubarb compote & whiskey panna cotta ERY Chocolate brownie, pistachio ice cream Classic crème brûlée Poached pear & mulled fruits

M OT H E R ’ S DAY 1 8 TH M A R C H STARTERS Seasonal soup of the day with warm granary roll Garden Kitchen winter pate Hot smoked salmon, caper dressing Stilton tart, walnut salad MAIN Tarragon mousse stuffed free-range chicken leg, boulangere potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli Roast rump of Walk Farm Beef with all the trimmings Chickpea, leek & onion crumble with roasted cauliflower Black bream, chorizo parmentier & spinach

CHEESE BOARD A selection of cheeses from the Garden Farm Shop with spiced apple relish and savoury biscuits £5.25

WINE LIST AND LOCAL ALES AVAILABLE

2 courses £13.99/3 courses £16.99

Casterton, Road, Stamford 01780 765656 james@stamfordgardencentre.co.uk

Mother’s Day & Easter Sunday at The William Cecil and The Bull & Swan

T he W illiam C eC il

at Stamford

High Street, St Martins, Stamford. PE9 2LJ enquiries@thewilliamcecil.co.uk

01780 750070

Sunday 18th March & Sunday 8th April. Relax and enjoy our delicious family friendly Roasting Pots - with the meat of your choice!

www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk

Just £45 feeds 4 hungry people or £65 for six people.

The Bull & Swan at Burghley

Served with seasonal vegetables & enormous Yorkshire puddings. Free tickets to Burghley’s annual egg hunt for all children having Easter Sunday lunch.

High Street, St Martins, Stamford. PE9 2LJ enquiries@thebullandswan.co.uk

01780 766412

www.thebullandswan.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

OGILVY’S HONEY Sarah Lyon meets a man with a passion for sourcing the world’s ﬁnest honeys

hamus Ogilvy, the Indiana Jones of the honey trade, has a fearlessness that has taken him on travels to remote and primitive areas where others would be less likely to tread. “Knowing your producer and buyer and getting on a plane to see them, where ever that might be, is key,” says Shamus. And adds, “I love exploring and scouting for the best honeys available and establishing the provenance; dealing with beekeepers at a grassroots level means we can track down bees that create the honey that goes into the jar that you buy.” “I would spend holidays in the Highlands of Scotland with my grandmother, an elderly lady in her 80s, when I was little and before heading back to school.” Shamus recalls, “We would pick artichokes before they flowered, prepare and eat them together. A highlight was going rabbit shooting. I learnt to skin them and butcher them.” Experiences, that surely influenced Shamus’s decision to train as a chef at Leith’s Cookery School of Food & Wine. “I was the first male to train at the school and the first to be ‘a male chalet cook’ out in France for the ski season. “ “All I wanted to do was to set up a catering business and Smokery. I wanted to do things differently. Sourcing ingredients from around the country was a new concept back then and I consider myself one of the first to do this. My clients could afford the extra which meant that I could buy direct from farms.”

DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE Shamus is now concentrating his efforts and energies on his branding and the importing of honey. He is on a mission to educate us all on monofloral (single flower) and polyfloral (different flowering plants in one local area) honeys. “UK honey is for the most part blended. I don’t blend, I leave this to the bees,” says Shamus. “The choice of monofloral honeys has been very limited and that is what is lacking in the honey trade. My gap in the market is offering different honeys that are producing distinctly different tastes and qualities (some plants have a higher bio-activity than other plants). The market is going this way and this is what I am looking for. ” Radical Branding, “Now is the time for honey to come into the 21st Century,” says Shamus Honey is the Holy Grail and an elixir for living a healthy life. Each jar of Ogilvy’s honey has a ‘flavour note’ giving details of provenance and geographical origins. Balkan Linden Honey is renowned for its antiseptic qualities and is used in Serbia for the treatment of coughs. Shamus spent one year living in Kosovo and five years trying to export honey out of Serbia. Taste Tip: Ideal in tea

Himalayan Highlands (organic) is smooth and delicate but intense. Collective farming methods. Taste Tip: Great in yogurt New Zealand Rewarewa (tree with exotic red flowers). Has a toffee’ish flavour. Taste Tip: good in cooking i.e. chicken, fish, gravy, sauces Balkan Black Locust (locust as in plant) is like liquid gold and silky sweet. Children like this one. Taste Tip: good sugar substitute, good in coffee Zambezi Plains 100% organic is sourced by indigenous people using wild crafting traditions that date back 500 years with hives in trees. A tropical blossom honey rich in bio-flavanoids (i.e. vitamins), slightly spicy with a distinct redcurrant flavour. Find Ogilvy’s Honey at: • The Pickled Village, 15 Main Street, Bulwick, Northamptonshire, NN17 3DY • Silver Lane Foods, 2 Silver Lane, Stamford PE9 2BT, www.silverlanefoods. co.uk • Hambleton Bakery, 44 Jericho Market Place, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 4AJ

Shamus’s Blog notes – Heal Me With Honey - Just read up on an experiment where honey reduced the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours by drinking 2 tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon dissolved in water. I can’t substitute this, but I do know that there is a link between diabetes and large consumption of reﬁned sugars. In fact white sugar depresses appetite, irritates the stomach, produces heart burn, gastric catarrh, exhausts pancreatic activity and eventually leads to diabetes. The man who discovered insulin, Dr Banting even went so far as to call reﬁned sugar, i.e. granulated etc, ‘a dangerous foodstuff.’ For people interested in a sugar substitute, our Black Locust honey makes a great alternative with its light, intense sweetness and relatively thin consistency. Honey, like all natural sugars, requires little effort from the body to digest. If you are interested in reading up on this go onto www.honeyhealth.com for the full low down. • Shamus Ogilvy lives and works from his home in Bulwick, Northamptonshire. Visit his website at www.ogilvys.com STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2012

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NEWS

EATING OUT Nevill Arms, Medbourne

Nicholas Rudd-Jones discovers a classic country pub in the midst of beautiful countryside

he Nevill Arms has everything you want from a village pub – an exquisite setting by the side of a stream with a wooden footbridge in a delightful village, a warm welcome from the friendly barman, a roaring log fire and great pub food. You could travel many, many miles without finding a better establishment, lovingly looked after by its proprietor Marc Kempe. The Nevill Arms is many things – a pub, a restaurant, a place to stay (eight bedrooms with two more soon to follow) and a delightful café out the back which would be a great place to while away a spring’s day. Marc Kempe describes what he is aiming at is to be seen as a pub food ‘destination’ offering consistent, good quality and value for money. The very accomplished menu is put together by head Chef Olivier Delavaloire which, as you would expect from a French-trained chef (stints at both the Ritz and Laserre in Paris) means accurate and assured cooking. I tried out the food with my business partner Helen, and the day we went the sun was shining brightly, it was cold outside and the warm, friendly pub was the place to be. We both tried the black pudding for starters, Helen’s accompanied with a poached egg and mine with delicious, succulent scallops – we both agreed a great way to start the meal. The black pudding comes all the way from Charles Macleod family butchers, Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, which is a good indicator of how seriously this establishment takes the sourcing of its ingredients. For the mains we went in different directions – I went for the classic Cumberland sausage and mash (delicious, warming, filling); Helen for the more complex panfried sea bream with spiced couscous and a base of summer vegetables. And this is one of the pub’s great strengths – you can choose from the sophisticated to the straightforward (there is also a lite bites menu, including the very appealing seafood and tapas platters to share) and no-one will blink an eyelid. You are made to feel welcome whatever you want. For the dessert we shared a filling and delicious cheesecake. The whole experience certainly delivered against the goals that Marc has set. Lunch and dinner every day, café open 8-4 in winter, 8-5 in summer. www.thenevillarms.net. Extensive wine list. • Contact: The Nevill Arms, 12 Waterfall Way, Medbourne, LE16 8EE Tel: 01858 565288

Mother’s Day at Stapleford Park

Stapleford Park has an uncanny knack of providing a discerning yet elegant backdrop for private dining. Table settings, menus and wines are personally created to suit the party whatever the occasion, a perfect location to spoil your mother on Mother’s Day. • For more information contact Stapleford Park on 01572 787000, email reservations@stapleford.co.uk or visit www.staplefordpark.com/weddings

The Wicked Witch, Ryhall Traditional village pub (The Millstone Inn) transformed into modern bar and restaurant. Surely not? But it works!

William Cecil Award

The William Cecil at Stamford has just been awarded a fantastic first AA rating of 4 stars, a merit score of 81% and a rosette for its food. The General Manager, Nick Jefford and his team are understandably very proud. Head Chef Neil Dowson said, “Come and try our Speedy Cecil Lunch menu or our new Pork Menu - featuring our nine resident Saddleback pigs - and see why the AA rated us so highly!” The William Cecil is currently running a “Wine, Dine and Stay for Free” Sunday night promotion where you can enjoy a free night’s accommodation in one of 27 luxury bedrooms if you spend a minimum of £75 per couple on food and drink. • William Cecil, High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 - www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk

The transformation of the pub has successfully blended modern and traditional elements, resulting in a very agreeable sitting area around the bar and an elegant but unstuffy dining area. The Wicked Witch will definitely attract for its distinctiveness and, if it’s up the calibre of the opening night’s canapés, the food will merit a try too. Front of house is run by the experienced Dom D’Angelo (formerly at Fratellis); and the Head Chef is Daniel Gill, a young and talented chef, who has worked at Midsummer House in Cambridge (2 Michelin stars) and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir. You will find a menu at www. ryhallwitch.co.uk. We will carry out a food review for the April issue. • The Wicked Witch, Bridge Street, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649

STAMFORD Living march 2012

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Advertisement Feature

James Brewer Gardens

James Brewer has been designing gardens in our region for over 15 years. He recently re-visited a garden in Hambleton that he designed a couple of years back, to see how it has evolved into the stunning look it has today. The pictures on this page show the results.

Initial consultation “The Hambleton clients had lived in the house for a while, and had left the garden as it was from the previous owners; it was not neglected, but it wasn’t ‘their own’. They suggested a few ideas to me, but above all were keen that the garden should immediately look ‘aged and natural’, blending sympathetically with the Rutland countryside. “I designed the garden as I like to do, for the most part steering away from complex design. I am more practical, showing how the gardens will look from an eye-line perspective. This is such a good way of visualising exactly how it will look, not just now but 20+ years ahead. Aerial plans are too limiting in some cases. “I honed in on my ideas, and then my clients gave me theirs. And that was the really exciting bit – we ended up codesigning the garden together, which I really love!! The result is a garden that really works and is really personal.”

Getting the infrastructure right “Once the plan is agreed, the next stage is getting the infrastructure right – the soil type, hard-landscaping i.e. all construction, structures, walls & paths. Throughout the process of construction there were modifications to the overall ideas and this was encouraged, the garden has to be right for my clients so it’s no good being stuck in stone. The ‘aged’ effect was created through sourcing Reclaimed York Stone and Limestone Walling that already had moss and lichens attached to it.” Planting “Then comes the planting. I used a mix of standard and semi-mature Trees, Shrubs and Perennials to create a far better idea of naturalisation, and to ensure that the garden is appealing right from the start and most importantly looks as natural as possible. The results spoke for themselves. James Brewer was featured on Radio Leicester (you can hear it on his website), and was invited

to join the BBC Radio Leicester Gardeners’ Question Time Panel. This lead to working with Springwatch installing wildlife nature areas. He is also appearing in the near future on Channel 4. The principles are the same for every garden… “Just as every home is unique so are the gardens, they all have a personality and feel that contribute to its design. Every garden has its own theme, it’s just a matter of listening to it and the ideas start flowing.” James can design in a range to suit all styles and budgets. “The one factor in common with all my garden design is that I put every ounce of myself into the project to make sure of getting the best result possible for my client. The garden is going to be there a long time after I’ve gone, so it has to be right.” • James would be delighted to meet you for an initial consultation, which is free. Give him a call on 07775 614 676 or visit his website at www.jamesbrewergardens.co.uk

STAMFORD Living march 2012

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Adam Frost Design ‘Passionate about Gardens’

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PERSPECTIVES

This year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. But did you know that the famous author has links with Peterborough? Dave Phillips ﬁnds out more

ebruary 7th would have been the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, the writer who lifted the lid on Victorian society and gave us classic novels like David Copperﬁeld, Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. Expect a rash of costume dramas on TV to mark the occasion, although they hardly do the great man justice. Dickens’ novels and short stories are populated with astonishingly-lifelike pen portraits of the people of his day – rich and poor, heroes and villains. And they still come alive today, leaping from the page to pull you into the Victorian world that he described so vividly that it has come to be known as Dickensian. To achieve that, he was a keen observer of people. And he travelled the length of the country to watch them and entertain them in equal measure. He was a frequent visitor to this area, giving several lecture tours… and even writing about the poor catering at Peterborough Station. “Charles Dickens visited Peterborough on a number of occasions and seems to have made an impression on us one way or another!” says Stuart Orme, interpretations manager for Vivacity Heritage at Peterborough Museum. “In 1837 he is reputed to have visited Peterborough and gone to the old workhouse on Westgate (today the Wortley Almshouses pub). These are said to have informed his description of the workhouse in Oliver Twist, and the character of Mr Bumble was based on the Peterborough Beadle.”

Live readings

FACT FILE: CHARLES DICKENS Born in Portsmouth, February 7, 1812. Died in Higham, Kent, June 9, 1870. Resting place: Poet’s Corner, Westminster Abbey Novels include: The Old Curiosity Shop, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, Barnaby Rudge, A Christmas Carol, Martin Chuzzlewit, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperﬁeld, Great Expectations, Bleak House, Little Dorrit, Hard Times, Our Mutual Friend, The Pickwick Papers. He also wrote for several magazines and in 1836 edited Bentley’s Miscellany, a popular magazine of the time. He was married to Catherine. They had ten children.

It is also suggested by many experts that Dickens did the very ﬁrst of his famed public readings in Peterborough in the autumn of 1852 (although Chatham in Kent stakes the same claim). But he deﬁnitely did visit the city to do some of his famous readings, on December 18, 1855. Says Stuart: “In 1856 he changed trains at Peterborough North railway station (the modern station site), where he went to the café. He got appalling service, ‘a bun of great antiquity’ and ‘sat meekly in the café, my tears merging with the tea...’ He wrote an ironic piece for a magazine on the experience.” Still, Dickens returned on October 19, 1859, reading scenes from Pickwick Papers and The Story of Little Dombey. The Peterborough Advertiser described the event in glowing terms, paying tribute to Dickens’ “essentially dramatic genius,” adding: “This appears not only in his works but in his success as an actor, and anyone who has had the good fortune to listen to one of his speeches will be ready to admit that here as well as elsewhere the same power is exhibited. “His voice, manners and features are each in their several ways instruments for the manifestation of his power, and when, as in the reading of his own works, its very highest pitch of development is reached what wonder that the effect is great, and that our emotions seem to be at the command of a potent magician, who, at will shakes us with laughter or moves us to tears!” Dickens was also delighted with this reading, writing in a letter that “We had a splendid

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Peterborough Station – note refreshment room on right. Wortley Almshouses on Westgate

rush last night; I think the finest I have ever read to... It was as fine an instance of thorough absorption in a fiction as any of us are likely to see again.”

Bringing the past alive Stuart will be relating Dickens’ Peterborough connections at events at the city’s Central Library, where he will be joined by local historian and Dickens fan, Richard Jones, who will act out the part of the writer, wearing period costume. He says that acting the part is made easier by the remarkable parallels between his life and Dickens’.

Says Richard: “I’ve had many similar experiences through life, so I feel I can relate to almost everything he has written. The genius of Dickens was his ability to reach all people, not just of his own time, but all ages, simply because ﬁrstly he was forced by his own circumstances to take note of what was happening around him. “Like Dickens, I had good times when I was young; my parents were loving and all was well with the world, then my mother died suddenly when I was nine and my father twice had to let my young brother and myself go into care. “Eventually my father went bankrupt, my

little brother was adopted and disappeared (I still have no idea of his whereabouts) and at 15 I left home. It was 1965 and the hippy age was upon us, so I spent most of the 1960s in various communes, but like Dickens I always thirsted for knowledge, so I educated myself, first gaining my A-levels and then getting a place at university.” After this, Richard went to Vietnam to cover the war there as a photo-journalist, then returned to Britain to discover that his father had died. He was devastated, but “slowly picked myself up, took a distance learning course in Ancient History, received my BA, and am now taking my masters.” Through all the bad times, Richard got inspiration from Dickens’ writings. He says: “Dickens is as relevant today, because the same things are still with us. I was born in 1949, but still remember living in dingy terraced housing with no carpets or central heating. He brought the conditions of his day not just to the minds of ordinary people, who were living the nightmare, but to those who could have actually changed things. He backed many plans to make better the lot of the poor.” Richard says that his favourite Dickens’ novel is Martin Chuzzlewit. “Even now I find some of the characters lifelike and incredibly funny. Dickens always reckoned it was his best work, and I can understand why, as by this time he was tremendously experienced, and for me too it all seemed to come together: comedy and serious drama: magnificent. “ The local Dickens connections don’t end in Peterborough. The writer was a friend of the Watson family, who lived at Rockingham Castle, and he spent many summers there. Rockingham was described in Bleak House and he dedicated one of his most acclaimed novels, David Copperfield, to Richard and Lavinia Watson. During one stay at Rockingham, he claimed to see the ghost of a woman roaming the gardens!

Rockingham Castle gardens, where Dickens reputedly saw a ghost.

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MOTORING

“Psychologists believe that the colour of car is a clear reflection of an owner’s personality”

Car colours What does your car colour say about you? Ashley Martin reflects

s the colour of car we chose to drive haphazard or does it have a deeper meaning possibly reflecting fascinating details about the individual owner? Additionally, can selecting one colour of car over another aid road safety and improve the value of vehicle at resale time? Psychologists believe that the colour of car is a clear reflection of an owner’s personality, while safety can be improved and cash saved if simple rules around colour selection are followed. According to figures obtained from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the most popular new car colour last year was black, which accounted for 460,975 models sold. It was followed by silver (368,177), white (296,818), grey (279,929), blue (263,113) and red (185,104). Those six colours were comfortably more popular than the remaining four colours in the top 10 list: brown (21,629), green (19,464), beige (12,560) and bronze (8,185). Although black and silver maintained the two top positions in the new car colour chart last year, there was a surge in the popularity of white cars with over 100,000 more sold than in 2010, according to the SMMT’s figures, while bronze models crept into the list at the expense of yellow vehicles. Research suggests that, for example, a black car reflects traits such as power and authority while also revealing the owner to be self-assured and in control, but also wanting to display a touch of elegance.

A silver car is supposed to reflect prestige, wealth and luxury - or it could be that owners just don’t like cleaning their car as silver models are supposed to show the least dirt. Keeping to the dirt theme and a clean white car is a reflection of an individual who pays attention to detail, while a dirty white car makes the owner look sloppy and indifferent. Other colours that reflect individual characteristics include grey - stability and selfreliant; blue - loyal, dependable and calm and someone who values friendships; red - perhaps not surprisingly a passionate person but an owner who is also likely to be wealthy and full of life; brown - reliable and responsible and not a show off; and the owner of a green car is likely to be conscientious. Meanwhile, studies in Australia, New Zealand and Sweden that have linked vehicle safety to car colours suggest that black cars are involved in the most crashes. The Swedish study highlighted that pink cars were involved in the fewest road crashes, while the New Zealand research found that there was a significantly lower rate of serious injury in silver cars; with higher rates in brown and green cars as well as black. A vehicle colour study, conducted by the Accident Research Centre at Monash University in Australia analysed crash risk by light condition. It found that in daylight black cars were 12% more likely than white to be involved in an accident, followed by grey cars at 11%, silver cars at 10%, and red and blue cars at 7%, with no other colours found to be significantly

more or less risky than white. At dawn or dusk the risk ratio for black cars jumped to 47% more likely than white, and that for silver cars to 15%. In the hours of darkness only red and silver cars were found to be significantly more risky than white, by 10% and 8% respectively. Car colour, according to experts at leading new and used car information providers CAP, is the single most important factor in adding or destroying value to a car. Colour, according to CAP chief editor Chris Crow, has a greater impact than any other accessory in helping a car to stand out on a forecourt or in a showroom. Car owners wishing to minimise their exposure to changing fashions are advised to stick to black, silver or grey coloured cars by CAP. Latest vehicle disposal data from the organisation suggests that in the first weeks of 2012 white cars achieved on average 6% more than blue cars at auction, while pink and purple cars also out performed the market but orange cars proved less attractive. As Mr Crow says the cyclical nature of the popularity of car colours - white being the best example capturing over 15% of new car sales in 2011, up from 2% in 2007 – is replicated in the used market. Could it be, as reported by high street car parts and car servicing operator Halfords quoting design experts, that the rebirth of white resulting in it being the fastest growing new car colour is due to computer giant Apple, whose ‘must have’ sleek, white iPods and iPads have made the colour trendy again? STAMFORD LIVING march 2012

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HOME & GARDEN

Spring cleaning

Bust the dust from your home with a little help from the professionals, says Alysia Anderson

aybe it’s the lengthening daylight showing up the stains on the carpet, or the sunshine illuminating filthy windows, but I find my thoughts turning to spring cleaning. I’m in good company: it’s said that the Earl of Exeter, Thomas Cecil, son of the first Lord Burghley, built a hunting lodge in Wothorpe where he would ‘retire to be out of the dust, whilst his great house of Burghley was a sweeping’. Today Wothorpe House lies in ruins, but it’s an appealing notion to vacate your premises for a really proper spring clean. While most of us don’t have the luxury of a second home, there’s an army of companies ready to help you tackle the grime in your current one. Maid to measure Merry Maids is the largest cleaning network in the world and the local franchise, Merry Maids of Rutland (www.merry-maids.net), cleans around 250 homes a month. They’ll customise cleaning to suit your requirements, whether you want a quick Hoover and polish or a complete service. Franchise owner Nick Beaumont said, “Although the papers are full of doom and gloom, this year we are the busiest we’ve ever been with new clients coming in. People are obviously willing to pay to come home to a clean house”. The company will also do special one-off cleans, such as when you move house, including tricky tasks like vacuuming curtains. Similarly, if you’ve had the builders in, book a thorough clean-up afterwards with Stamford’s The Cleaning Company (www.thecleaningcompanylimited. co.uk). Clean and green One company offering a unique twist is Spoton Natural Cleaning, which provides what you might call a ‘green clean’. They explained, “We offer a complete housekeeping and cleaning service underpinned by our environmentally responsible ethics. We clean your home leaving it a fresh, inviting and welcoming place to be, with peace of mind that there are no toxic residues or harsh chemicals left behind that could damage your health or wellbeing”. Magic carpets If you have kids, you’ll probably notice lots of black spots on your carpets, the result of drops of spilled juice. Thankfully, a professional clean can get them out and leave your carpet as good as new. Xtreme Clean (www. xtremecleanltd.co.uk) offers hot steam cleaning of carpets. They can also wash your windows inside and out and get rid of moss and grime on patios, decking and driveways using a high pressure washing system. Home on the range Now, there’s one job we all love to hate, and that’s cleaning the oven. Judging by the glowing recommendations from customers for

Oven Fairy (www.ovenfairy.co.uk) and Sparkle Oven Cleaning (www.sparkleoven.co.uk), it’s worth getting in the professionals. One Oven Fairy client said, “I was surprised to discover the oven door was clear glass and not the smoked brown colour we originally thought.” Another turned on her new range, unaware it still had bubble wrap inside. Oven Fairy successfully removed the melted plastic. Both companies will also clean fridges, freezers, microwaves, barbecues and – that bugbear of busy cooks – greasy extractor hoods. Tidy tips Once you’ve got your house gleaming, how can you keep it that way? There are little things you

can do daily to keep your house clean and tidy. I read in the weekend paper a helpful hint that I’ve been applying successfully: if a task takes less than a minute, do it straightaway. Hanging up coats, putting away shoes, loading the dishwasher, popping papers in the recycling bin: it really does help. Another way to de-clutter is to do it bit by bit. When my cousin got married he and his new wife vowed to throw away one unwanted object every day until their ideal, feng shui-friendly abode was achieved. Similarly, if there’s a daunting task to be done like clearing out your wardrobe, washing window panes or polishing the silver, do it bit by bit, day by day. Oh, and a vase of fresh flowers works wonders. Daffodils, anyone?

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ACTIVITIES

Easter activities for children Make your kids happy bunnies during the holidays, says Alysia Anderson

aster falls early this year, so it’s worth planning ahead for ways to keep chocolate-fuelled youngsters active and amused. For the first time, Churchill Summer Camps (www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk) is holding an Easter camp at Stamford Junior School from 2-5 April, as well as its usual week-long camps at the Peterborough School from 2 and 10 April. Children aged four to 14 from any school are welcome to participate in such exploits as cooking, circus skills, quad biking and swimming.

A sporting chance Get your progeny in the Olympic spirit with some sports activity. One Touch Football (www.onetouchfootball.co.uk) has football camps this Easter for four to 12 year olds of both sexes, plus multi-sport days in summer. “We’ll also be running a specialist goalkeeper training day on 2 April, lead by a specialist coach,” said Head Coach Glenn Vaughan. The camps take place at Stamford Cricket Club on 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11 April. Activ8 (07952 734565) is holding activity days for five to 11 year olds at Copthill School from 10-13 April, featuring golf, lacrosse, orienteering and treasure hunts. Meanwhile, Stamford Tennis Club (www.stamfordtennis.co.uk) is running morning coaching sessions for budding Murrays aged four and upwards from 2-5 and 10-13 April. Also planned is a children’s open morning on 21 April to encourage new recruits.

On your bike This spring, I’ve vowed to get my daughters on to two wheels. The warmer weather and longer days make cycling a great family activity. One of the best places is Rutland Water with its 23 miles of traffic-free waterside trails. Rutland Cycling (www.rutlandcycling.com) has Europe’s largest fleet of bikes for hire, including trailer buggies for toddlers, tow bikes that attach to an adult’s bike or kids’ bikes for those confident enough to pedal on their own. Or for a change of scenery, head to the sister centre in Fineshade Woods, also home to an exciting network of trails. See Page 6 for a chance to win £100.

Ready, steady, cook! The Duchess of Cornwall may have launched her nationwide children’s contest to create a Diamond Jubilee menu, but there’s plenty of kids’ culinary competition closer to home. This Easter, Stamford Cookery School (www. stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk) is launching its Junior Masterchef competition. Heats for starters, main courses and desserts will be held on 2, 3 and 4 April for age ranges 7 to 11 and 12 to 16 years. Each pupil will make a dish to be judged by school founder Thierry Daugeron. Winners will go through to the final on 5 April when they will aim to impress a panel of judges comprised of local chefs and VIPs. “We are all about promoting the best local produce at as young an age as possible so that cooking and good food become a way of life,” said the school’s Denise Taylor.

Drama queens and kings Stamford Arts Centre (www.stamfordartscentre.com) has plenty to entertain young ones, whether at a workshop or a performance. Get creative with textile artist Lorraine Appleton on 3 and 5 April or enjoy informal arts and crafts sessions on 4 and 11 April. In the theatre, audience participation is actively encouraged at such shows as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Teddy’s Sports Day and a version of Verne’s 80 Days Around the World using puppetry and music. Kids can also get theatrical at Wildcats’ workshops (www. wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk) held in Stamford, Oakham and Peterborough. Themes include a Matilda Masterclass, Easter party, ballet technique session and a Pineapple Dance Studios day with a visiting London tutor. Nonmembers are welcome, aged five to 16.

Grand adventures Stately homes closed for the winter open their doors again in spring. The Gardens of Surprise at Burghley House re-open on 17 March, making a splash alongside the wonderful Sculpture Gardens. There’s also an Easter Egg Hunt on 8 April and a chance to explore the daffodil-speckled private South Gardens, open weekdays from 2-20 April and on 14/15 April. The adventure playgrounds at Belton House and Grimsthorpe Castle re-open on 3 March and 1 April respectively and the estates will also feature themed Easter trails. Happy hunting! STAMFORD Living MARCH 2012

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects the best entertainment in the region this month Saturday 3 March, 7.30pm MUSIC: The Stones This is a tribute show so close to the original, you won’t believe your eyes or ears. The Stones pay tribute to the Rolling Stones with all the energy and excitement you would expect from the real thing. • Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. Tickets £16 Tel: 01780 766455

Saturday 3 March, 8pm CONCERT: The European Union Chamber Orchestra This concert is part of Music Nation which is a countdown event for the London 2012 Festival and the ﬁnale of the Cultural Olympiad. Directed by Hans-Peter Hoffman, The European Chamber Orchestra was formed in 1981 with players from the member states of the EU and gives unique opportunities and experience to young musicians at the outset of their professional careers. An acknowledged musical ambassador for the EU, the orchestra has a reputation for musical excellence. Performances have included those in the presence of Queen Noor of Jordan, the King and Queen of Belgium and their patron, Queen Soﬁa of Spain. The Orchestra which plays standing up in the Viennese tradition, makes even the most familiar music sound newly minted. • Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £18/£17 Tel: 01780 753203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Sunday 4 March, 2.30pm THEATRE: Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen’s tale of regency splendour as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the excitingly decadent world of eighteenth-century high society. Follow the sisters as they fall in love, make mistakes and experience heartbreak for the first time in their quest to find a balance between sense and sensibility • Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £10.50/£8.50 Tel: 01780 766455 or www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk

Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 March, 7.45pm - THEATRE: Loot Shoestring Theatre was hailed by the Sunday Times as “amongst the ﬁnest amateur reps in England” and are delighted to bring you their spring offering – Joe Orton’s classic black comedy, Loot. Hal’s having a bad day. It’s his mother’s funeral, he’s robbed a bank, he needs somewhere to hide the loot and the police are on his trail. His partner in crime, Dennis, is also the undertaker’s assistant. Add in a scheming nurse and a bereaved husband trying to do the right thing and the result is an anarchic black farce with no reverence for death or respect for the church. Outrageous, offensive and side splittingly funny. A classic.

• Tickets at £8/£7 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Wednesday 7 March, 7.30pm TALK: Dressing for your Desires The Stamford High School Parents Association invite you to join them to hear Sue Donnelley speak about how changing your clothes can help you get what you want in your life. Sue is the only Licensed Practitioner of Fashion Feng Shui in the UK. The author of four books on image, she is a passionate advocate of being authentic in who you are and the way you dress. • Ancaster Studio, Stamford School Tickets £6 to include a glass of wine, contact Helen Gibbons on 01780 480267

Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 March EVENT: The Oundle Festival of Literature’s Tenth Anniversary Year Celebrating ten years, the 2012 Festival offers a varied and wonderful array of themes including Shakespeare, Darwin, The Big Issue, ghosts, current affairs, Casanova, Roald Dahl, human rights, Pompeii, murder mystery, Tony Blair and Dennis the Menace. There will also be all the usual workshops, readings and the legendary annual quiz. Children from local schools will be treated to delights ranging from The Roman Mysteries to intergalactic capers. • To ﬁnd out more about the activities on offer, the venues and to book tickets for the speakers and special guests, visit www.oundlelitfest.org.uk For tickets visit Oundle Tourist Information Centre or Tel: 01832 274333

Sunday 17 March EVENT: Opening of Burghley House and Gardens Burghley opens its doors to visitors for the season with guides in each room plus guided tours or try the new adult and family audio guides. Both the Sculpture Garden and Garden of Surprises will also be open to visitors. The very special exhibition this year will be ‘An Olympian at Burghley’ taking place from opening Sunday until 28 October. The exhibition focuses on Burghley’s famous Olympian, the 6th Marquess of Exeter, David Cecil, 1905-1981. Lord Burghley won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. He went on to become a member of the International Olympic Committee and was the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. The exhibition will show some of his sporting and Olympic memorabilia for the ﬁrst time and will give a unique insight into this sportsman’s life. • Burghley House, Stamford, Open daily (except Fridays) from 11am to 5pm

Monday 19 to Saturday 24 March EVENT: Stamford Mid-Lent Fair The Mid-Lent Fair has been held for over a thousand years, dating back to King Edgar’s days and provided most of the town’s trade and a major source of income. Nowadays it is a huge funfair which ﬁlls most of the town centre from Bath Row to the High Street.

Saturday and Sunday 24 and 25 March and Saturday 31 March to Monday 9 April EVENT: Big Bunny Easter Egg Hunt This Easter visitors can enjoy a fantastic adventure at Sacrewell Farm. Hop on the bumpy Tractor Ride to the Enchanted Wood, hunt for eggs and meet Sacrewell’s Easter Bunny to receive your very own chocolate gift. While you’re there try bottle feeding the baby lambs, groom some ponies and take part in Duck Racing down the Mill Stream. The everpopular Big Bunny Easter Egg Hunt is just £3 per child and £1.50 for accompanying adults (Farm admission applies). • Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre, Thornhaugh, Peterborough PE8 6HJ www.sacrewell.org.uk

Tuesday 27 March to Saturday 31 March, 7pm (matinee on Saturday) MUSICAL THEATRE: Oliver! Stamford Amateur Musical Theatre Society is excited about taking to the stage with this traditional, award winning favourite. The story follows an adaptation of Dickens’ timeless classic about the orphan Oliver Twist and his undulating luck through the workhouse, a world of corruption and beyond. Lionel Bart’s score makes this show unforgettable. • Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. Tickets £9/£7 Tel: 01780 766455 or www.stamford-cornexchange.co.uk

Wednesday 28 March to Monday 2 April EVENT: Stamford Poetry Festival Verse 2012 is an all new poetry festival for Stamford and brings you the biggest names in British poetry - Ian McMillan and John Hegley plus Peterborough’s finest national touring duo, The Dead Poets. Stamford-based poet Camilla McLean hosts a cupcake decorating poetry session for children, ‘The Tale of Candy Kate the Psycho Baker’, and there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to take part with open surgery sessions with professional poets. A poetry takeaway will be situated within Stamford Arts Centre on the Saturday and Pint of Poetry in the Cellar Bar from 9.30pm. There will also be poetry themed films screened during the festival. The festival includes a competition to crown Stamford’s first Poet Laureate and is now open for entries. If you, or someone you know, are a secret Wordsworth, Keats, Burns, Ayres or perhaps something totally new and extraordinary, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your talent and hold the honorary title of Stamford Poet Laureate for two years. • Visit www.stamfordartscentre.com/ verse2012 to find out more.

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2012

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countryfile On the set of War Horse

The Lord Mayor’s Show

War Horses Sue Lee and Jean Orpin investigate the past and present of Shire Horses

his month will see the biggest gathering of Shire horses in the world for the National Shire Horse Show to be held from March 16th to 18th at the East of England Showground. This encouraged us to find out about heavy horses and we discovered how closely they have been linked to warfare - even to the present day when four local Shire Horses were featured in the film War Horse. One of them is pictured here (top right) on set at Castle Combe in Wiltshire with David Lawless of Waldburg Shires. War Horses Small, light British native ponies were not at all suitable for medieval warfare, so new landowners like the de Warennes imported more suitable animals. Known as Great Horses or War Horses they were bred for strength and endurance, to carry a knight in armour into the battlefield. In the later Middle Ages, the training of knights on horseback turned into the sport of jousting. To prevent injury armour became thick and heavy so even stronger horses were bred. Henry VIII was intent on improving the stock and passed two Acts banning the breeding of ‘little horsis and naggis of small stature’. In the Shires Up until the 17thC, these heavy horses belonged only to the upper echelons of society but then warfare and armour changed making speed more important than strength. The powerful War Horse lost its status and began to be used instead for transport and agriculture. Improvements in farming methods and machinery ensured that there was plenty of work for them particularly in the arable areas of the Midland Shires. Shire Horse Society Encouraged by Edward, Prince of Wales, the English Cart Horse Society was founded in 1878 changing its name to the Shire Horse Society soon afterwards. Its aims were to improve the quality of horses and by education to encourage better management and treatment of working horses. The Society flourished registering hundreds of horses, holding shows and encouraging exports of Shires across the world. Two World Wars In 1914 every farm around Stamford would have depended upon horsepower but the army needed horses. In the first fortnight of the war

165,000 horses were obtained, mainly from farmers, and that was just the beginning. Heavy horses were to be deployed in pulling artillery, ammunition, food and water sharing the terrible conditions of the soldiers. The book ‘War Horse’ by Michael Morpurgo (the original of the film) tells their story. Tractors began to replace horses by the 1930s but when World War II started, horses were again essential due to petrol rationing. We know from a government survey in 1941 that in Rutland villages there were few tractors but a minimum of two heavy horses on each farm. Survival In the 1950s horses were replaced by tractors and the early 1960s almost saw the demise of the Shire Horse Society along with the breed. However, in a determined mood, the Society moved from London to the East of England Showground in 1963 and managed to buck the trend. Today numbers continue to increase as does public enthusiasm and a new interest in riding Shires. This year’s Show has attracted 300 entries from all over the country and abroad. Waldburg Shires In 1976, Elspeth Ross went to a horse sale with her father with the intention of purchasing a riding pony for her. Instead, they went home with a Shire Horse mare in foal and Elspeth’s career was mapped out for her. She has kept Shires ever since and now runs Waldburg Shires with David Lawless. The horses are increasingly being called upon for film work and life with the Waldburg Shires is busy. In addition to weddings, funerals and promotions; they attend about 150 events a year displaying vehicles as well as horses. A highlight is the Lord Mayor’s Show where six of the team pull the State Coach; a task they have fulfilled for several years now. Eight of their fourteen horses are at the Shire Horse Society’s Centre at Sacrewell Farm. Here courses covering all aspects of keeping Shires - stable management, harnessing, driving and more – are held for individuals or small groups. Another side to the business is the online sale of heavy harness equipment – they are the largest stockists in the country. • You can find details at www.waldburgshires.co.uk and they will of course be at the Show. STAMFORD Living march 2011

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A L I S O N H U T C H IN S O N

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

In the latest of her ‘living the good life’ articles local interior and garden designer Alison Hutchinson talks to Stamford roofing expert Richard Allen

Richard Allen, roofing expert Unlike many of the people I interview for the ‘living the good life ‘ series who have changed career to find something that they love, Richard has always been in the building trade. He moved up to Stamford from Brightlinsea in Essex in the 1970s and has never looked back. Richard started as an apprentice to a local builder and quickly moved into the area of roofing. “There’s not really an established apprenticeship system for roofers, you somehow fall into it,” Richard laughs. He started roofing in 1975 and when he realised that much of his time was spent waiting for the plumbers to come and do the lead work around windows and gutters he decided to train in lead too. “I learnt all about lead work but the more you do it the more you know,” he said. “There is always something around the corner what makes you scratch your head and think, but that is what makes the job so rewarding,” he explained. One of Richard’s most rewarding jobs was a large job working on the roof of Kings Lynn church while a recent job in North Luffenham has afforded him the opportunity to stand back and admire his work when passing by. This isn’t always easy, especially when work is hidden above the roof line. Much of the lead work we see on roofs at the moment is being replaced with stainless steel due to the increasing amount of lead theft which has been taking place. It is much easier to attached stainless steel to a roof as you can really fix it down which makes it much more difficult to steal and many churches are having to replace lead roofs

with other materials as insurance companies will no longer support the insurance. I interviewed Richard on site in early February after we had had a cold spell and snow so obviously the weather came up in our conversation. Asked how he copes with the extremes of weather he laughs: “you just get used to it. There is nothing worse than it being both cold and wet. Your hands get very cold but you have to keep moving and get stuck in and you soon warm up,” he says. And then I guess there are always the endless cups of tea the client offers too! Stamford is such a wonderful place for

Richard to live as the roof line is so interesting. Most of Richard’s work comes through builders who he has known and worked with for many years but he does take on private commissions too and says these are often the most interesting – replacing roofs on smaller buildings and summer houses. So what of the future?” I’d love to do some lead work on St Paul’s Cathedral or Burghley House and I’ve always admired the roof on Irnham Hall. You never know where the next commission will come from,” he says. To contact Richard, Tel: 07508 607796 or email: allen284@btinternet.com

8 NENE 52 STAMFORD VALLEY Living LIVING MARCH July 2011 2008

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12 Forest Gardens 12 Forest 12 Forest Forest Gardens Gardens Gardens 12 12 Forest Gardens 12 ForestStamford Gardens Stamford Stamford Stamford Stamford Stamford Lincs Lincs Lincs Lincs Lincs 12Lincs Forest Gardens PE9PE9 2FL PE9 PE9 2FL 2FL 2FL PE9 2FL Stamford PE9 2FL T/F: 01780 763415 T/F: T/F: T/F: 01780 01780 01780 763415 763415 763415 T/F: 01780 763415 T/F: 01780 763415 Lincs www.sr-electrical.com www.sr-electrical.com www.sr-electrical.com www.sr-electrical.com PE9 2FL www.sr-electrical.com Email: www.sr-electrical.com T/F: 01780 763415

Traditional and modern plasterers

Call Justin: 07738 529451 or 01780 480636 plasterworksstamford@yahoo.co.uk

www.sr-electrical.com

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Mark Towle Plumbing Services

VIDEO

Laurasyoga.co.uk

Rutland Self Store

• Bathroom & Ensuite Refurbishment • Kitchen Sink Installation • Radiator Replacement or Additions • Plumbing Repairs or Alterations • No Job too Small • City & Guilds Qualified

07765 939903

Pregnancy Yoga class Thu’s 9.30-10.40am *New* Post Natal Yoga class (bring baby too) Thu’s 10.45am-12.00 @ Stamford Arts Centre

Secure container storage between Stamford & Oakham Short or long term contract • 24 hour access • • Locked compound • • Size 20ft x 8ft •

Your local Stamford Plumber

T: 01780 749242 M:077 3838 1798 E: marktowle.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk

uffington ViLLage HaLL Mon’s 11aM *new cLass* – HatHa yoga

01780 460465 www.rutlandselfstore.co.uk

School Holiday De-Stresser! ‘Yoga Morning’ Sat 21st April, Empingham Audit Hall 9-1pm, £25, Includes tea,coffee,cake, 2 sessions of Yoga & Relaxation, places limited. lauracharlie@hotmail.com

SECURE STORAGE

PREGNANCY ADVICE Pregnant? Need to talk? Plumbing, Heating alternatives

‘a safe to talk’ and place Gas Engineer

Includes Domestic and Stamford Pregnancy Advice Centre Commercial work Telephone: 01780 765853 or 07913 052159

WEB DESIGN

STEELE’S OF STAMFORD SECURE STORE

To place an advert in next month’s magazine please call Claudia on 01780 480409

STORAGE FROM 99P A DAY (excluding V.A.T)

. . Over 20 years experience . Tel: 01572 Address: Hospital site, 771309 . Mob: Stamford Ryhall Road, Stamford, PE9 1YA 07979 425262

Corgi Registered alternativesstamford@btconnect.com Email:

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T: 01780 763536 E: carl@steelesremovals.com www.steelesremovals.com

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SOLUTIONS TO HEATING

REFLEXOLOGIST

Reflexologist Vicki Ball

Gensis eco HeatinG solutions

www.genesisecoheating.co.uk

(Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists)

air source solar Panels rainWater Heat PumPs Hot Water HarvestinG

Office: 01780 762682 MObiles: 07712 771104/07712 771105 07712 771106

Helping you to maintain health and harmony

61, casewick Lane uffington stamford Lincs, Pe9 4sX

Peaceful Setting - Easy Parking Gift Vouchers Available River Gwash Trout Farm, Ryhall PE9 4JZ Tel: 01780 482244 - Mob: 07803 020571 vickiball10@hotmail.com

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

TUITION

PRIVATE TUITION

ROOFING

7 to 11 years

JONNY TYERS

Expert Installation by qualified tradesman Tiling • Slating • Felt roofing • Guttering Chimney repairs • UPVC roofline

T: 01780 753724 M: 07730 096883 Traditional Slater & Builder 07952 687988 Tel/Fax 444019 All types01780 of PC and Laptop repairs jasonmusgrove@btinternet.com and upgrades undertaken

Help your child fulfil their potential Experienced teacher (BA Hons PGCE)

Catch up * Confidence * Acceleration Exam Preparation * SATs Preparation CRB enhanced disclosure

Please Call Deborah 01780 754934/07710 228788 dh-tuition@hotmail.com

COMPUTER SERVICES Jason Musgrove

Broadband & wireless installation

Slate Cottage, 65 Main Road, sales Data recovery • Hardware Collyweston, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 3PQ info@acrcomputers.co.uk

www.acrcomputers.co.uk

SECURITY TeL: 01780 753477 SCoTgATe – STAmford

Pregnant? Need to talk?

alternatives

‘a safe place to talk’

• Free pregnancy testing • Free unbiased advice for unplanned pregnancy

• Free post-abortion counselling • Free leaflets on sexual health, contraception

STAMFORD PREGNANCY ADVICE CENTRE Partners Welcome

Telephone: 01780 765853 or 07913 052159 Email: alternativesstamford@btconnect.com Address: Stamford Hospital site, Ryhall Road, Stamford, PE9 1YA

Wild Strawberry Picking Chic Vintage & Bespoke Items

For all your new PC and Laptop requirements

Succeed with Languages New Specialist Language Academy

Small Classes & Private Tuition Easter & Summer Kids Camps * Wanted: Friendly Tutors, Helpers & Host Families * Full list of languages online Call 01733 304 140 www.mlslanguageacademy.co.uk

HUGE

YOGA