Stamford Living November 2011

HELPING YOU TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING LOCALLY

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

CHRISTMAS GIFTS 50 great ideas E AT I N G OUT Christmas menus

£1.50 NOVEMBER 2011 @LocalLivingUK WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK

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Essential Weddings Burghley House, Sunday November 6th

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Millfield Road, Market Deeping

£535,000

Spacious detached family house set on a large plot which provides a degree of privacy. Long gravelled driveway, this house offer a lovely sized lounge, separate dining room, study and kitchen with utility room and four large bedrooms and the master enjoying an en-suite. The property has gas central heating, double glazed windows.

St Peters Street, Stamford

Delightful period town house within a short walk of the town centre which has been extensively improved and extended and briefly comprises: Sitting Room, Cloakroom and access to large heated Basement. Dining Area and Kitchen. Delightful walled Garden.

Master Bedroom with En-suite, Two Further Bedrooms and Family Bathroom.

Welland House, Stamford

£395,000

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

£1,100 pcm

Kings Road, Stamford

£780 pcm

Very spacious period family home located close to the town centre and briefly comprising: Entrance Hall, spacious Sitting Room, Dining Room and good sized Kitchen with large Conservatory off. Study Area and ground floor Shower Room. Three large Bedrooms and Family Bathroom. Cellar. Small front and rear Gardens. Garage.

2/3 St Johns Street Stamford PE9 2DA

Sales: 01780 750000 Lettings: 01780 750001 2

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

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STAMFORD LIVING

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ovember is the busiest month of the year for our magazine and I would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone that is a part of the exciting process from thought ‘creation’ to thought ‘consumption’.

So, thanks to the writers, photographers, advertisers, advertising sales team, design studio, printers, accounts, distributors who bring your copy to the door regardless of weather; and finally those of you who give us feedback. We love what we do, celebrating the brilliance of Stamford, and we hope that you enjoy reading the magazine.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

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

Subscribe to Stamford Living

UPFRONT, SHOPPING 5 Editor’s selection: what caught the

eye this month?

7 Upfront: Frothy’s anniversary; John Lewis

Shopping Day; Fenn Wright Manson; QKS

Kitchens cooking event 8 Upfront: Rohan anniversary; Lulu Fashion;

Stamford Cookery School Competition

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 12 Fashion: The little black dress 16 Health & Beauty: Small change, big difference 20 Essential Weddings at Burghley HOME, GARDEN & MOTORING 40 Christmas gifts – 50 great ideas!

51 Motoring: Winter tyres FOOD & DRINK 58 Eating Out: Fine Food Store;

Green Dragon, Ryhall 61 Vine House Farm 65 Eating out Special: Christmas Menus 69 Olive Branch recipe ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS 24 Local Business: Copthill School; India

with Oundle Travel; new Acupuncturist

at Broad St Practice 27 New initiatives: Thierry Daugeron’s

new venture; Adopting a child 29 Local Business: Cruising with more than travel;

Stapletons and the Amati violin 33 Media: Letter-writing; Christmas DVDs;

Kingfisher DVD 34 Arts Scene: Karen Neale, artist; Bob Cliffe,

Guitarist; Stamford Bridge Club 37 Local Business: Watson Mitchell lettings;

Goodwin Property Services;

Trekking across America 48 Local walk: Edenham 56 Legal: Making pre-nuptial arrangements 72 What’s On PERSPECTIVES 18 All about Stamford: Carrie’s Column;

Stamford Crossword; 22 Countryfile: Pheasants 52 Writer’s spot: “Miles” by Paul Eastwood 55 Profile of Andy Goodacre, founder member of

‘March to the Grave’ 75 Ask Leo: Q & A on local history 78 Caz Dolby, Wildcats Theatre Company

Front cover image: Photo shoot for the Essential Weddings at Burghley Show. Photo by Nick Grove www.nickgrovephotography.com

For only £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Stamford Living for a year (12 issues).

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

STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011

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Can’t sell? - you could gain from the flourishing rental market.

Call us on 01780 765100 “Landlords gain as a shortage of rental property and continuing high demand boosts landlords’ rental returns” Miles Shipside – Director Rightmove T pcm LE 50 9 £1

T pcm LE 50 8 £1

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T c LE50p £8

m

T c LE20p £6

www.wmlet.com

Your residential letting and management specialist

Stamford 01780 765 100

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Editor’s selection A page of things and people that caught our eye this month The Rutland landscape A3 high quality print, signed and numbered by the photographer. £40.

Buy online at our website www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

A delicious cocktail

This is an Opus Candy available for the party season. Or there is a Rudolph Dai for the more daring. Visit Opus Dai in Broad St

An Apple mouse mat John Lewis, Queensgate centre, Peterborough £5 Vintage stuff

Vintage china and accessories hire business based in Leicestershire www.vintageenglish.co.uk

Foundation Card Foundation Card

Now is the perfect time to get a Foundation Card. With nearly 100 shops, restaurants, hotels and other businesses in the Stamford area offering a 10% discount or a similar offer to cardholders, you can make some great Christmas savings. A Foundation Card costs £10 per month, with all proceeds going towards funding means-tested bursaries at the Stamford Endowed Schools. Open to anyone.

Visit www.foundationcard.co.uk.

STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront ©www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

What’s new this month

Christmas ‘Handmade’ Markets The Haycock Hotel Sun 13 Nov · 10:00 - 16:00 Artists, Designers and Makers from Stamford, Rutland and Peterborough will be exhibiting and selling their beautiful creations at this Early Christmas Shopping Event. A great opportunity to support local artisans and buy unique handmade gifts for Christmas!

Stamford Arts Centre Sun 4 Dec 10.00-16.00 Stamford Artisans Guild, in association with local artists and makers extends a Yuletide invitation to you to come and visit the 3rd Locally Crafted Stamford Christmas Shopping Event showcasing Local craft talent and selected Visiting Artisans selling Jewellery, Cards, Pottery, Crystals, Woodwork, Glassware, Sewing, Art, Photographs and more...

Frothy’s

Louise and Richard at Frothy’s are celebrating the 4th anniversary of the café this month.

Frothy’s has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There is a focus on sourcing produce locally, meat from Nelson’s, bread from Askers and fresh produce from Premier Produce in Bourne.

There has also been considerable re-furbishment, including the toilets, and the ‘tour de force’ is an early 19th century map of Stamford all the way along one wall.

Frothy’s Coffee Shop, 12 Ironmonger Street, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 751110

Passion for Fashion Show

Evo2events are hosting ‘Passion for Fashion’, a fashion show and shopping event on the 30th November in aid of Help for Heroes and Action Medical Aid, held in the Arts Centre Ballroom.

The event involves purely local businesses; a number of local retailers are having stalls as well as participating in the show, and there will be a performance from the Welland School of Dancing and local band The Blue Soul Express. There will be canapés and a glass of sparkling wine to greet visitors on arrival, kindly donated by local businesses The Periwig, Adnams and Thierry Daugeron Catering.

Tickets are £7 and available from Abi Golightly Fashion Boutique, from Rachel on 07738 960374 or Abi on 07950 155754. Doors open at 6.30pm for shopping, show starts at 7.45pm.

John Lewis Christmas shopping event

To celebrate the festive season, John Lewis Peterborough is hosting a Christmas shopping event on Thursday 1 December between 6pm and 9pm. With a host of activities running throughout the department store there promises to be something for all the family to enjoy.

Shoppers will be treated to a welcome drink and nibbles and there will be a range of competitions and prize draws.

For younger shoppers, there will be toy demonstrations and face painting. Father Christmas will also make an appearance during the evening and children will be able to post their letters to him at the special Father Christmas post box found in-store or hand it to him in person.

Catwalk shows in women’s fashions will showcase the perfect Christmas outfits for him and her and John Lewis fashion advisers will be on hand to reveal all the top trends for this festive season.

For the foodies there will be cookery demonstrations, and food tasting.

QKS Cookery Demonstration

Sat 19 Nov 10.00am - 14.00pm Conducted again by a Neff Home Economist utilising all of the Neff Appliances displayed in the showrrom.

All the Cookery Demonstrations take place on QKS’s specially designed and equipped demonstration zone upstairs within the Stamford Showroom.

Please call 01780 755855 to confirm your attendance, as numbers are limited and places fill quickly.

QKS, The Maltings, Barnack Rd, Stamford PE9 2NA Tel: 01780 756514; www.qksstamford.co.uk

In Dulci Jubilo

St Martin’s Church, Stamford Sat10 Dec, 7.30pm English and German music for Advent and Christmas With Divers Voyces and friends Tickets: £10 (£8 concessions; £3 students; free for accompanied children) from Stamford Arts Centre 01780 763203

Joules Catalogue Returns Sale

The King’s School, Park Road, Peterborough Fri 4 Nov 3pm - 7pm; Sat 5 Nov 10am -1pm £2 entrance All proceeds to Kings School Charities and Peterborough Cathedral Choir STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

UPFRONT

STAMFORD COOKERY SCHOOL – WIN A VOUCHER WORTH £125!

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LULU Lulu Womenswear has just opened near M&S, adding considerably to the fashion scene in Stamford. Founded by Rachel Neesham and Anabel Ward, they also have a store in Newark.

The main brand featured is the classic Danish InWear, based around cosmopolitan Scandinavian life, up to date yet classic pieces with a modern twist – tweeds, knitwears, dresses, leather jackets, with wide age appeal.

High quality and reasonably priced. They also stock Hudson jeans, as famously worn by Kate Middleton.

Take a look, you will not be disappointed.

Lulu, 43 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BH Tel: 01780 766675 www.luvlulu.co.uk

STAMFORD CHRISTMAS FAIR

On Sunday 11th December Stamford High Street, Red Lion Square, Sheep Market and Bath Row will be full of Festive Cheer with over 150 Exhibitor and Trade stalls, selling everything from Festive Food to Christmas Crafts.

A huge Entertainment Line-up is planned for your family enjoyment, including Luxury Festive Food and Drink Fairs, Arts and Crafts Markets, Live Street Entertainment, Dance, Theatre, Choirs, Fun Fair, Santa’s Grotto, Bumper Christmas Hampers and much more!

Supporting the day will be Radio Rutland’s Rob Persani who is running our Best Children’s Hat Competition, so why not get yourselves down to Sukies on Broad Street to get your creative juices flowing!

he Stamford Cookery School was established by Thierry Daugeron and Denise Taylor in 2010 offering a wide range of classes, special occasion packages such as birthday parties, hen weekends and kids events. Course participants have only great things to say about it: ” I have learnt a few new tricks! Thanks for a wonderful day” “I just wanted to write and tell you what a fab time Jude had at the kid’s cookery course on Monday. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and has already spoken about doing another one.”

“Had a fantastic time. Great to meet new people and learn new ways of cooking.

Thanks Thierry!”

The range of courses available in November and December is simply extraordinary, with 40 courses planned for this period (see a full list on the website). These are just a few: • Mon Nov 7 – French Desserts - Thierry • Thu Nov 10 – Children of all Ages – Sarah Pope • Thu Nov 17 – Stir up Sunday – Sarah Lyon • Fri Nov 18 – Sushi – Yuko Swindells • Wed Nov 30 – Brioches for Christmas – Thierry • Fri Dec 2 – Canapés for the Festive season – Thierry • Fri Dec 9 – Cooking with venison – Thierry • Sat Dec 10 – New Year Party Treat - Thierry

To have a chance of winning a voucher worth £125, enter the competition online at www. bestlocalliving.co.uk and answer the question “How many cookery courses are planned in the Nov/ Dec period at the Stamford Cookery School?”

Closing date for entries is Fri Nov 18th 2011 • Stamford Cookery School Brownlow Street, Stamford, PE9 2EL www.stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk Tel: 01780 752 172 Mob: 07773 800804

ROHAN Rohan, the outdoor specialists established in 1972, are celebrating their first anniversary in Stamford after enjoying a successful first year of trading.

They bring outdoor technology into everyday clothing. Their jeans, for example, are half the weight of normal jeans and dry much quicker. They have a business suit that survives all sorts of crumpling and still looks good!

Rohan, 74 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2AW www.rohan.co.uk

FENN WRIGHT MANSON OPENS NEW STORE IN STAMFORD

Fenn Wright Manson has recently opened in Stamford. From luxurious occasion wear to chic outerwear, there are designs for every occasion. The new store design reflects the Fenn Wright Manson lifestyle, with contemporary finishes and modern styling, allowing customers to browse the collections with ease.

To celebrate the launch, Fenn Wright Manson is offering an amazing selection of prizes including a wardrobe worth £500 for one lucky winner. Two lucky runners up will also be given the opportunity to win vouchers worth £100 and ten lucky runners up could win £50 worth of vouchers to spend. All customers need to do is pop in and fill out an entry form.

Fenn Wright Manson, High Street, Stamford PE9 2AW

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AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE FOR UP TO 60 GUESTS WITH PRIVATE BAR

CASUAL DINING and DRINKING OPENING NOVEMBER 2nd Open all day everyday from 9am Food served from 9am until late Bar open until 11pm (Thursday to Saturday until 12.30am) For reservations please call 01780 767710 or email stamford@cosyclub.co.uk The Old Delivery Office Horseshoe Lane Stamford www.cosyclub.co.uk

ChrBook y istm our Thr asP � ee c arty (Fo racke course Ava r table rs inc menu lu i s

labl e fr of 8 g ded £ with o f r o m 1 m No uests 22.50 Bar on o s ope t n u - 24t -10pm r more h n du ). e t ww ring il 12.3 Decem veryda Dec w.c y b 0 e osy em am ev r. cl b e for ub.co.u er. Go ryday mo t k o re i /stam nfo ford .

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148,5 mm x 210 mm

148,5 mm x 210 mm

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

Á

Brands include: Barbour, Schõffel, Holland Cooper, Aigle, Dubarry, Levi’s RM Williams, Superdry, Rampant Sporting, Icebreaker plus many more...

Im weißen Feld der Anzeige können Sie Ihre Händleradresse ergänzen.

South St

•

Oakham • LE15 6BG • Tel: 01572 772477

You can enter your dealer address in the white box in the advertisement.

SHOP ONLINE AT www.cavellscountry.co.uk

PV Solar

Commercial and domestic glazing, soffit and facia specialists.

Specialists

01780 765151 www.tgukwindows.com

Doors • Windows Soffits & Facias • Conservatories

WINTER WARMERS

Showroom Open

Order your windows now for a warm winter

Monday – Friday - 9am – 5pm,

01780 765151 tgukwindows@live.co.uk www.tgukwindows.com

Call now for your FREE survey

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

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

Saturdays - 10am – 4pm

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

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FASHION

DRESS TO IMPRESS Sally Stillingfleet investigates why the Little Black dress is still a party perennial - and a favourite frock to wear with heels!

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heir eponymous style can transform you into emulating silver screen sirens such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, or more modern icons such as Jerry Hall and Kylie. No matter what’s ‘on trend’, a classic dress is a must have for your wardrobe, dressed up with glitz from Ruby Loves and Abi Golightly. Find the perfect shoes in plain black or go for colour. Try I Should Coco for their new Lola Cruz and Ash styles, or Marcia May for comfortable Gabor and Geox. Prepare to Party!

YSL wrap dress £250 worn with Michael Lewis wedges £200 both from Arch Label Agency Glitterhooded long sleeved mini dress £45 from So worn with studded Lola Cruz heels £135 from I Should Coco Kylie

Jennifer Lopez

Jerry Hall

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‘Glamorous’ Body Con black dress £30 from Energy, also available in teal and navy worn with fine glitzy cuff from Ruby Loves £17.50 Shoes

by Ash £124 as before.

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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Chiffon highnecked dress £10 from a selection at Abi Golightly worn with Lola Cruz 20s style suede shoes from I Should Coco £135

St. Tropez sequined dress with back detail £59.99 and cuff £35 both from Ruby Loves.

Shoes from I Should Coco by Ash £124

Louise Brooks

Cate Blanchett

Hoss dress £229 from I Should Coco worn with red pony skin Lola Cruz heels £129 leather cuff from Ruby Loves £35

Jackie Kennedy

Photographer – Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk My thanks to Vicki my model.

CONTACTS

Arch Label Agency – 10a Maiden Lane, Stamford. Tel: 01780 764746 www.archlabelagency.com Energy – Ironmonger Street, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 765633 Abi Golightly – 4, Silver Lane, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 238002 Ruby Loves – 3&4 Stamford Walk, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 764626 So – 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 480777 I Should Coco – The George Mews, Stamford.

Tel: 01780 754413 STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011 13

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Health & Beauty Therapy 2 Mallory lane, StaMford tel. 01780 763768

Special offer for october & November

20% off all IPL services‌ Hair Removal | Skin Rejuvenation | Acne Thread Veins | Rosacea | Pigmentation Discount available for single treatments or courses

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan Truter

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Do men get depressed?

Read more - www.pychologistuk.co.uk For further information please contact

01780 758556

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

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THE EYEBROW SPECIALISTS

7 steps to the perfect eyebrow

Performed by the only HD Brows Trainer in the local area!

New to Stamford Now Open

Browns Hairdressing Group

The Beauty Manor

50% OFF 20% OFF All Services

Offer Ends 30.11.11 Terms &Conditions Apply

Guinot & Md Formultions Jessica Manicure & Pedicure Decleor, HD Brows, Face & Body

All Services

Offer Ends 30.11.11 Terms &Conditions Apply

NOW STOCKING

3 Red Lion Square Stamford 0844 999 3365 www.browns-hair.co.uk www.thebeautymanor.co.uk Monday 9.00am -6.00pm, Tuesday 9.00am -9.00pm, Wednesday 9.00am -9.00pm Thursday 9.00am -9.00pm, Friday 9.00am -9.00pm, Saturday 9.00am -6.00pm

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Health and Beauty

Small change, big difference

It’s that time of year where we are generally all short on time … and cash! Genevieve Potter explores some new beauty products and treatments, that won’t break the bank. Most of them can be squeezed in to your lunch hour, yet they are guaranteed to give your beauty regime a welcome boost

HD Brows at Body Care

Laura Try at Body Care has recently been given the accolade of becoming an HD trainer and her salon specialises in HD (high definition) Brows. For £25 and around 30 minutes your brows can be transformed, which in turn can literally illuminate and frame your whole face. Laura designs each client’s eyebrows in a precise process, which is described by HD as “seven steps to the perfect eyebrow shape”. Even brows that are sparse or have been over-plucked will look dramatically improved.

If time is of the essence, traditional “threading” for brows can be an even quicker (and cheaper) alternative at Body Care, from £10, (appointments not always necessary).

• Body Care, 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 480777. www.bodycare-online.com

AgeLOC Blast Facial at Body Matters (30minutes) £26.50 AgeLOC takes the science of anti-ageing to a completely new level by unlocking the ageing process and making the skin look more youthful and removing impurities from the skin - perfect for the onset of winter.

Special offer: This anti-ageing skin care treatment which is exclusive to Bodymatters achieves superb firming, toning and hydration results. Call or visit the salon (free parking) and quote “Stamford Living” to claim your free half face ageLOC facial demonstration facial with visible results (please note that this offer is subject to availability and limited to the first 25 bookings only). If you’re looking for another affordable treat too, why not invest in Bio Sculpture Gel Toes, which will last around four weeks without chipping or smudging (1 hour, £25).

• Bodymatters Stamford, Westside Health Club, West Street, Stamford PE9 2PN, Tel: 01780 481096 www.bodymattersstamford.co.uk

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Have your skin mapped at Stamford Beauty To get the best from your skin you first need to look beyond the obvious and Sarah at Stamford Beauty offers the “Face Mapping” skin analysis service, which has been developed by the International Dermal Institute exclusively for Dermalogica. This process takes just 30 minutes and works by dividing your skin into 14 zones, allowing Sarah to conduct an inch by inch analysis of the face and neck, guaranteeing that a homecare prescription will fully address all of your skin concerns. Face Mapping is a free service and Sarah offers a 20% discount off the RRP of all Dermalogica Products purchased.

• Stamford Beauty, 1 Silver Lane, Stamford PE9 2BT Tel: 01780 757108 www.stamfordbeauty.com

New Becca Make-Up at Chameleon If you’re tired of the same old make up routine, call in to Chameleon to try the beautiful new Becca winter colours which won’t be around for long! The “model’s secret” brand of make-up, Becca, is also renowned for its skin perfecting base formula, available in over 30 colours. The formula will not clog pores and delivers full spectrum UVA/B protection (and an SPF factor of at least 20), plus minerals which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.

• 5 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 755405. www.chameleonboutique.co.uk

Becca “Lost Weekend” palette £35, mineral blushers £27, lip butter balm £21.50, nail varnish £12

(look out for the visiting Becca make-up artist’s visit to Chameleon, pre-Christmas date still to be confirmed).

STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011

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Minx Nails with Heidi Banham Heidi Banham offers a complete mobile beauty service in the comfort of your own home. As well as HD Brow Design, manicures, pedicures, temporary and semi-permanent lashes and waxing, Heidi specialises in Minx Nail Art. Minx nails are quick to apply to the fingers or toes using a heat lamp to seal them and ultra-long lasting (around four weeks). No maintenance is required. Minx offer some brilliantly eye-catching colours and designs and for only £25 per set they can update your whole winter look.

• Heidi Banham, Tel: 07908 184353

An Environ Facial at Harriet’s Beauty Room Emma Cannings celebrates 2nd anniversary Congratulations to Emma Cannings, and her team of Sophie Garrett, Katrina Picillo, Sophia Hill, Deanna Harris and Jane Doyle, who are celebrating their second anniversary this month. The team impresses with their evident enjoyment for what they do and high levels of professionalism. They offer a wide range of treatments at affordable prices and, with their location at Stamford Garden Centre, offer easy parking and a relaxing, modern setting.

Lava Shells Massage at Equilibrium This is an exciting new treatment which launches this month at Equilibrium and provides the ultimate in relaxation (it’s been hailed as the new hot stones treatment by Vogue and was recently seen on the TV series The Apprentice).

For an intensive back, neck and shoulder treatment, this deep tissue massage uses heated lava shells to achieve a firm deep pressure and treat deep rooted muscle problems. The Lava Shells are 100% Tiger Clam Shells and sourced in the Philippines. The radiating heat from the shells releases tension and leaves you feeling instantly stress free and rejuvenated.

The Lava Shells massages cost from £40 and are available as a full body massage, a back massage and also Equilibrium’s signature treatment, the ultimate stress buster.

• Equilibrium, 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk www.facebook.com/equilibriumstamford

Perfect Fingers and Toes at Emma Cannings If you only have an hour you can still achieve perfectly manicured fingers and toes with a Jessica mini manicure and pedicure at Emma Cannings. For just £30, the treatment, (which is available throughout November), includes cuticle work, filing shaping and polishing both hands and feet. As Emma puts it:- “If you’re in need of a little pick me up, tidy, colourful nails are guaranteed to make you feel ultra-glamorous.”

• Emma Cannings, Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 766583, www.emmacannings.co.uk

In just 45 minutes you can restore your skin’s natural glow with a Vitamin-A packed Environ Facial. The products can be tailored to suit problem skins and the facial is great value at £25.60. If you have slightly more time available, a full body massage at Harriet’s can de-stress your whole body in one go, leaving you restored and beautifully refreshed in just an hour (£39.50).

• Harriet’s Beauty Room, 10 St Martin’s Stamford, PE9 2LF. Tel: 01780 481155 www.harrietsbeautyroom.vpweb.co.uk

Sunday Brunch at Tootsies of Stamford What could be more relaxing than getting a group of friends together (minimum of six, maximum of eight) for exclusive use of the Beauty Express Bar at Tootsies. For just £30 (usual value £42.50), each person will be treated to a 35 minute fish pedicure, a 25 minute back, neck and shoulder massage, or an Indian head massage and a file and polish to either hands or feet.

The Sunday Brunch package at Tootsies is available 10.00 am to 12.30 or 1.00pm to 3.30 every Sunday (also available Tuesday and Thurs evenings 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm).

• Tootsies of Stamford (Above Marcia May) 41 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 480313 STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011 17

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PERSPECTIVES

ALL ABOUT STAMFORD Stamford Crossword Compiled by Al Tutt Clues across 1 Loft for fashion at 33 St Mary’s Street (5) 3 News - how it broke in typical Corn Exchange Xmas panto! (4,5) 7 Historical records, such as those that lie within the Stamford Mercury offices (7) 9 Local Close to Scottish cattle? (5) 11 Sly men about in Stamford street (5’1) 12 Scholar or researcher as once at Brazenose College (8) 13 Hotel and restaurant requiring antique means of illumination (12) 17 Snapper caught by Mr Lambert? (12) 19 Heavenly bridge close by? (8) 20 Small bit of Surgery on St Mary’s (6) 23 One tenth taken in medieval Stamford (5) 24 As collected from Specsavers or at the Bull & Swan (7) 25 It’s black at Beans but not Espresso (9) 26 Bowman’s worker named James on the silver screen? (5)

Clues down 1 Outdoor lunching, as seen more and more on High Street (8) 2 TIC-provided path to follow to take in all the Town (5) 3 Spinnaker or Genoa, as seen on Rutland Water (4) 4 English National Orchestra initially return to play here sometime? (3) 5 Seekers for improved interiors in Uffington (7) 6 Visitor just passing through this old town (7) 8 Construction that once connected Stamford to the Wash (5) 10 Craned over to spot Ballet School performer (6) 14 Alien and unusual, as at Rutland Water Butterfly Farm (6) 15 Ancient face concealed in leaves in Scotgate tavern? (5,3) 16 Proposed for a move from Wothorpe to Ryhall Road (7) 17 Furtively stood where now a Peartree blossoms (7) 18 Say farewell when in Mama Liz’s? (5) 21 Stamford school trials or Ashes games (5) 22 On the menu at Mama Liz’s so get your coat off (4) 24 Where to go for Dinky purchases on Scotgate, …s (3)

Answers: Across - 1 Attic, 3 Snow White, 7 Archive, 9 Angus, 11 Emlyn’s, 12 Academic, 13 Candlesticks, 17 Photographer, 19 Paradise, 20 Little, 23 Tithe, 24 Glasses, 25 Americano, 26 Mason. Down: 1 Alfresco, 2 Trail, 3 Sail, 4 One, 5 Hunters, 6 Tourist, 8 Canal, 10 Dancer, 14 Exotic, 15 Green Man, 16 Stadium, 17 Poacher, 18 Adios, 21 Tests, 22 Taco, 24 Gra

If you would like to see a Stamford crossword more often, please email me at nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk to let me know.

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Carrie’s Column A personal ‘take’ on Stamford

Tip

of the Month Most will know that my culinary skills are about as good as a Jack Russell, but coming into age, one must take on the responsibility of the Domestic Goddess and at least try.

With the help of Dameon Clarke, head chef of Assiette, they run cookery demonstrations to small groups. His food is some of the finest I’ve tried in a long time, giving some of my favourite London jaunts a run for their steak tartare.

The morning starts with coffee and finishes with a 3 course lunch and recipe cards of everything taught. Watch out gentlemen, Carrie might just become the whole package.

• For more information visit - www.assietterestaurant. co.uk or call 01780 489071

Ponderments

Quote of the month “You have to be able to bang your head against the wall 999 times before you get something right on the 1,000th try”. Alexander Lebedev

Rumour has it that book sales are up and the stationery department of John Lewis has increased in sales by 15%. Vinyl shops are reopening and the vintage market has never experienced such affection from new customers. So why? Are we becoming a nation ruled so much by post-modernism that we fear we’re losing touch with each other? Goodwill sentiments can never really be thoroughly digested on an email or Facebook message and with the social networks making us ironically more of a recluse at home, I wonder if we people are feeling the need to be nostalgic.

With the vintage shop on St Paul’s Street gaining custom and the Sue Ryder store in Cowgate, Peterborough, gaining a stylish reputation, I think Lincolnshire is catching up with the same question. Even Emmaus in Cambridge opened a room to sell nothing but vinyl. Only a year ago St Martin’s Antiques Centre couldn’t give away their Olivettis and Olympia typewriters (they’re my obsession) yet now they’re selling like hot cakes and I can’t seem to get lucky with my visits. What’s even more astounding is that last April my partner bought me a Ferguson Radiogram via eBay. One fivehour car journey later, it wasn’t working and who came to the rescue but the chap in the mobility scooter shop on Scotgate. I hauled it into the back office with the brute force of 3 friends (vintage retail shouldn’t ever be expected to be practical) and had to trust that his wisdom of engineering could save me from demanding a refund. A week later the machine was repaired and now blasts Mumford & Sons on 12 inch for all the neighbours to endure.

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Interior Design Beautiful Fabrics Stunning New Collections

Royal Cake Maker Book Signing & Lecture Thursday 17th November 2011 Drinks & Canapés 5.30pm Lecture Starts 6.30pm

Tickets £25.00

Opening Hours

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

After Hours Shopping by Appointment

Proceeds to

Enjoy a Fabulous Christmas Shopping Event

Telephone: 01780 754413 www.IshouldCocoStamford.co.uk Webshop opening soon 2 - 4 George Hotel Mews, Stamford. PE9 2LB 19

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Essential Wedding Show at Burghley House stunning wedding show sunday 6th november 10am-4.30pm EvErything you nEEd to plan your pErfEct day The Essential Wedding Show at Burghley House is the region’s most stunning and exquisite show, in a class of its own, inspiring you for your big day – enjoy the glamour of the catwalk shows, the sheer range and quality of experts on hand, lots of goodies and a prize draw, and the romance and sheer splendour of Burghley House. thE glamour of thE catwalk shows The catwalk show is full of stunning designers and inspiring outfits and dresses.

The region’s top boutiques are showing: • dressini of market Bosworth - Occasion wear brands include Ian Stuart, Linea Raffaelli, John Charles and more • private kollection - Mother of the Bride brands include Amanda Wakeley, Inspirato, Condici • cavells of oakham - Wedding Guest brands include - Mulberry, Paul Smith, Marc Cain, Unisa, and many more.

• colin Bell of stamford showing Groom & Pageboy • Bride-all showing bridesmaids Dessy UK, Kelsey Rose and Sophia Tolli.

• the stamford Bridal rooms - Showing Suzanne Neville, Lynn Ashworth, Stephanie Allin, Kate Sherford, Caroline Castigliano & Amanda Wakeley • vow Bride & groom - Showing Madeline Isaac-James, Sanyukta Shrestha & Annabel Jenkins • matchmaker of stamford - showing, bespoke tailor made designs by Margaret Butchart, Ellis, Romantica, Ronald Joyce, Kelsey Rose, Stevie’s Gowns & San Patrick • miss v Bridal - showing - Blue by Enzoani, Ellis, Benjamin Roberts, La Sposa & Justin Alexander.

• Bride-all showing exclusive range of Sophia Tolli brides. the main catwalk show times are: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm At 11.45am & 3pm there is a Personal & Exclusive showing of the kate sherford collection - some of this collection will be seen for the first time on a UK commercial

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w catwalk! And meet Charlotte Fursdon, the Managing Director, and ask questions.

1.30pm annie welton - Celebrity Photographer – will be giving a presentation and taking questions. There will be a complimentary glass of bubbly at the catwalk shows, provided by Amps Fine Wine; and canapés by The Falcon, Fotheringhay. thE shEEr rangE and quality of ExpErts on hand There will be everything you need to plan the perfect day: stunning cakes, caterers, photographers, wine merchants, jewellers, accessories, handbags, bridal, bridesmaids, hair styling, make-up, cosmetic companies, chair covers and styling; menswear, shoes, music, venues galore, video/filming; gift list, stationery, favours, florists, event styling, vintage weddings; a Horse & Carriage, new Bentleys, an array of vintage cars, even a classic bus! lots of goodiEs and a prizE draw There are lovely complimentary goodie bags for the first 400 registered brides, which will pay back your ticket price before you have even started to look around the show. prize draw - Exclusive to The Essential Weddings Show at Burghley. You can enter and win some great prizes: • Dinner for two and an overnight stay at Rushton Hall • Spa Day for two including lunch and 2 treatments each - Barnsdale Hall & Country Club • £200 worth of personal shopping vouchers from Debenhams of Leicester • Win your wedding cake - Mimosa Bakery • Three Course Lunch for two - The Noel Arms, Wing, Rutland • Win up to 100 stunning chair covers for your reception - Ambience • A full bridal make-up session for your special day - Suzi Smith Make Up Artist • Aesthetics treatments up to the value of £500 - Suzi Smith Consultants • Photographic portrait session Andy Fountain Photography • Win some stunning Italian designer dress jewellery - Tahlia’s Closet • You & Beyond - Win a Thomas Sabo bracelet or Pandora charm • Bride-All & Rainbow Couture - Win your wedding shoes

thE historic splEndour of thE sEtting The beautiful and romantic setting of Burghley House is the perfect location for engaged couples to create a lifetime of wonderful wedding memories.

Your day includes the chance to visit Burghley House’s glorious state rooms, transporting you back through the centuries.

Burghley is the largest and grandest house of the Elizabethan age. This spectacular house was built between 1555-1587 by William Cecil the first Lord Burghley and Queen Elizabeth 1st’s most trusted advisor.

The Grand Finale of the day will be an outstanding display of fireworks to music on the front lawn by Komodo Fireworks of Market Harborough. thE rEgion’s finEst wEdding show – according to thE pEoplE who know!

Wedding TV chose it as one of their selected national shows and filmed the whole day! The show was chosen by Sky TV to be the subject of an hour-long documentary. The show this year is being filmed by Wedding Days TV and Lux Technical. how you can BE a part of thE day tickets: £5 in advance or £6 on the day group booking discount - 4 tickets for the price of 3 (In advance only) online at: www.essentialmediaevents.co.uk Box office: 01780 765320 You can pick up pre-booked tickets at the box

office on the day if there is not time to post them out. www.burghley.co.uk what you gEt: • Stunning designer catwalk • Complimentary glass of bubbly & canapés • Experts on hand to help you with every aspect of your wedding • A copy of Essential Weddings magazine, which will inspire and inform • Beautiful goodie bag for the first 400 registered brides • Tour of Burghley House tEstimonials from prEvious visitors: “We visited lots and lots of wedding shows in London, Birmingham and a couple of local ones, but your wedding fair at Burghley House was by far the best and your wedding magazine the most helpful. I cannot tell you how fabulous the day was.” Tulisa Andrews “I have told all friends and colleagues that it is by far the best show around so will be encouraging them to go - my Mum and I spent almost four hours there last year! (we did have lunch in the middle, but still!)” Lucy O’Brien This is a full day out so allow yourself enough time to enjoy the whole event. This is an exceptional wedding show and one you will not want to miss.

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countryfile

PHEASANTS

Sue Lee and Jean Orpin have been discovering the role of these attractive birds in the British Countryside

Old Immigrants Pheasants are natives of Asia but have long been resident in the British Isles. They were undoubtedly introduced as a food source, possibly by the Romans or Phoenician traders.

The earliest mention in written records is AD 1059, a few years before the Norman Conquest.

Norman Lords encouraged the breeding of pheasants to provide a delight on their banqueting tables and from this time they were protected by legislation.

Varieties There are at least 50 species and sub-species of pheasants around the world. Many have shown themselves able to adapt to considerable differences in environment and climate. The pheasants we see in the British countryside are classified as Phasianus colchinus, the common pheasant, but they come in many shades and sizes due to interbreeding. The Chinese ring neck pheasant arrived in the country in the 1760s at a time of enthusiasm for everything oriental. Later, other species - from Japan to Afghanistan were imported for show and for breeding. All these species have crossed to some extent in the wild. One thing remains the same: whether they are breeding naturally or artificially, whether they live in aviaries, pens or the wild; the male is the beautiful one!

Hunting & Shooting In early times pheasants were caught by netting or trapping. They were first shot with bows and arrows and when Shakespeare refers to ‘a-birding’ and ‘birding pieces’ in The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602) it may refer to hunting with a bird of prey or to shooting with fire-

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arms. During the Civil War guns were used to shoot pheasants and other game for food but with the introduction of lighter guns (in the later 17thC) shooting as a sport, as well as for food, began.

Prince Albert, in the 1840s, introduced the style of shooting that uses beaters to drive the game. At first the beaters and the guns moved together but the method generally used today, in which beaters drive the birds towards the guns, was developed soon after. The Shooting Party became a popular form of entertainment for the upper echelons of society influenced by Prince Albert’s son as Prince of Wales and later as King Edward VII. Rearing As early as the 16thC, an Italian visitor commented that there were as many pheasants ‘fostered in the howse’ as there were breeding in the wild but it was in the 19thC that artificial rearing became common. Agricultural improvements had reduced the pheasant population so landowners set about restocking their woodlands. Pheasant eggs were collected and set under broody hens. Incubators were also in use before the end of the 19thC. Today, many thousands of pheasants are reared in incubators although some small scale operations still use hens. Artificial rearing is a controversial issue with animal welfare organisations claiming cruel methods are used to restrain natural instincts and restrict flying while landowners point out that it is in their interests to produce quality birds from good breeding stock.

Countryside Management Pheasant shooting is a very British sport

and people come from all around the world to participate. This makes an important contribution to the countryside by generating income and employment.

It is possible to run a completely wild pheasant shoot although it requires a high degree of management and a great deal of intervention from the keeper to protect the wild stock from predators. This makes it expensive. Releasing birds to augment the wild stock brings the cost down and puts a day’s shooting within reach of more people. Providing trees and cover crops to accommodate the released birds not only has a visual impact on the countryside but has also been shown by research to be beneficial to other wildlife from songbirds to beetles. It is also argued that in fact the sport is essential for the preservation of pheasants in our countryside.

(With thanks to the Game & Wildlife Trust) The Influence of Pheasants?

In 1800 Henry Hunt fell out with his commanding officer over some pheasants as a result of which he spent six weeks in prison. During this experience he was ‘radicalised’ and spent the rest of his life arguing for parliamentary reform. Hunt’s oratory was so powerful that he attracted a crowd of 60,000 in Manchester on August 16th 1819. The magistrates panicked and sent in the yeomanry to arrest him – the result has been known ever since as the Peterloo Massacre. Following this tragic event, Hunt spent another 2yrs in prison and came out campaigning for prison reform as well as votes for all.

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BUSINESS NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS

New Acupuncturist joins the Broad Street Practice

Discover India

The Indian subcontinent is a land of great fascination, stunning art and architecture, exotic flora and fauna, rich spices and fabrics, so many cultures and customs to observe and so many languages to hear. India alone has 18 official languages – one of them thankfully is English!

The geography of the region is hugely varied, mountains and tropical forests, arid plains and coral beaches, terraced hill plantations and low lying islands. The Tropic of Cancer runs through India and is the accepted division between north and south.

If you are planning a trip to India and it’s your first time, you could relax on a beach in Goa, then discover more by choosing a hotel and flight combination. “Lots of our clients then prefer to add on their own ‘must see’ experiences to make the holiday more personal,” comments Paula from Oundle Travel.

Oundle Travel are offering a fabulous escorted Taj Tour offering of 3* accommodation. This tour covers the imperial monuments of India’s capital Delhi, the Royal Palace of Jaipur and the beautiful Taj Mahal at Agra as the principal attractions of this classic North India tour. It also offers an exciting extension to experience a little more of India, staying at Shimla, in the foothills of the Himalayas, the stunning mountain region of Northern India – Prices from £1269.00 per person travelling in February 2012.

Another stylish introductory tour to India which can be arranged as an escorted group tour or a Private Journey with your own personal driver is The Indian Experience Tour - this tour offers 4* & 5* hotels and is exceptional value for money from £1695.00 per person.

For a very special trip to India, Oundle Travel present The Maharajas Express between Mumbai and Delhi, originally conceived as a palatial hotel on wheels, this train offers the height of luxury travel with beautifully appointed carriages equipped with every modern amenity and comfort. The train features two fine dining restaurant cars with discreet, seamless service. International cuisine and classic Indian delicacies are served with complimentary wine and beers.

For more information, advice and a selection of award-winning brochures please contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600

With an already well established practice at a medical centre in SW Leicestershire, acupuncturist Julie Devlin has a wealth of experience in using acupuncture either as a stand alone treatment or alongside conventional medicine. She is now bringing her skills to this area and is delighted to have been invited to join the team at the Broad Street Practice, working alongside fellow acupuncturists Louise Lipman and Jai Franklin and other complementary healthcare professionals.

Julie’s fascination with Chinese medicine began over 20 years ago, when she turned to acupuncture to help with a back problem that had failed to respond to other treatment.

Impressed with the improvements to her health, Julie decided to change career and retrain as an acupuncturist, qualifying in 1996 and becoming a Member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the UK’s largest regulatory body for practitioners of traditional acupuncture.

“Traditional acupuncture is a tried and tested system of Chinese medicine that has been used for many years to restore, promote and maintain good health. The aim is to identify the root cause of the problem rather than dealing with specific symptoms in isolation – treating the person, not the illness.”

The benefits of acupuncture are now widely acknowledged - its use for pain relief is widely accepted, especially for arthritis, migraine and back pain, but its efficacy in many other aspects of medicine has also been researched and well documented. For example, there has been a huge rise in demand for acupuncture to assist with fertility and reproductive health – just one of the areas that Julie specialises in.

To learn more about what acupuncture can do for you, contact Julie, Louise or Jai at The Broad Street Practice on 01780 480889

An ‘Outstanding’ Inspection Report for Copthill Copthill School is successful in ‘focusing on the needs of each individual and bringing out the best in each pupil’, according to Independent School Association inspectors. The report went on to praise the high academic standards and the quality of teaching following their inspection in June. They commented on the annual SATS results which are far above the national average and they also highlighted pupils’ excellent personal development and pastoral care. Parents were also full of praise for the progress made by their children; the range of subjects and activities on offer; the behaviour of pupils and the attitudes promoted by the school.

The educational provision in the Early Years Department was also highly praised with the outdoor learning opportunities provided by their Forest School described as outstanding. Staff were also encouraged by the inspectors to continue to develop the EY writing opportunities to complement the high reading standards.

Mr Jonathan Teesdale, Headmaster said “Copthill has always been about focusing on the needs of the individual and is always reassuring when this is highlighted by such a thorough inspection. The inspection also recognised how the children all enjoy the learning and challenge that Copthill provides – in my opinion that is an absolute recipe for success!”

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STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011

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This Week Only,When you produce this advert.

TELEPHONE ORDERS TAKEN WITH PAYMENT ON DELIVERY TELEPHONE ORDERS TAKEN PAYMENT ON DELIVERY TELEPHONE ORDERS TAKEN WITHWITH PAYMENT ON DELIVERY TELEPHONE ORDERS TAKEN WITH PAYMENT ON DELIVERY

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A15 A15 WE ARE WE ARE Monday .....................................9am - 7pm to Sleaford FITZGERALDS HERE HERE Tuesday .....................................9am - 5pm A16 to Marketto Sleaford BED CENTRE BED CENTRE Budgens We are Here Monday .....................................9am Monday .....................................9am - 7pm Wednesday ...............................9am - 5pm - 7pm FITZGERALDS Car Park Slip road FITZGERALDS Deeping A15 WE ARE Tuesday .....................................9am to shop BED CENTRE Tuesday .....................................9am - 5pm Thursday ...................................9am - 5pm - 5pm BEDleading CENTRE Budgens HERE Budgens to Sleaford To Town Centre Wednesday ...............................9am To Wednesday ...............................9am - 5pm Friday.........................................9am - 5pm -- 5pm Car Park Slip road Betting Shop CarTown Park Butchers Slip road Monday .....................................9am 7pm leading to shop FITZGERALDS Centre Thursday ...................................9am leading to shop Thursday ...................................9am - 5pm Saturday ....................................9am - 5pm -- 5pm Tuesday .....................................9am 5pm BED CENTRE Friday.........................................9am - 5pm Budgens Betting Shop Friday.........................................9am - 5pm Sunday ..........................................CLOSED Butchers Betting Shop ABBEY ROAD wEST Butchers Wednesday ...............................9am 5pm A151 A6121 to Slip road Saturday ....................................9am - 5pm A15 A151 STREET Car Park Saturday ....................................9am - 5pm A6121 to Spalding Ketton leading to shop Thursday ...................................9am - 5pm Sunday ..........................................CLOSED to Bourneto Stamford to PeterboroughABBEY ROAD Sunday ..........................................CLOSED A151 Friday.........................................9am - 5pm Police ABBEY ROAD A151

OPENING HOURS

www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk Station FITZGERALDS to Spalding to Spalding Saturday ....................................9am - 5pm www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk BED CENTRE Sunday ..........................................CLOSED To Empingham/Oakham A151 to Spalding www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk Betting Shop Butchers A15 A151 A15 A151 Stamford to Peterborough Peterborough to Stamford to to

ABBEY ROAD

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INTERIORS

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Advertisement Feature

Seedlings Childcare Seedlings Childcare is an Ofsted Registered Childminding Service based in a delightful home in Casterton Heights, Stamford, run by Kelly Feetham, herself a mum of a toddler and a registered childminder. Numbers are always limited, creating a true home-from-home family experience.

T

here is a lovely dedicated, light playroom for the children with a range of books, toys and other learning aids. Kelly also likes the children to take part in messy play i.e. sand, water and painting; to spend time in the garden, including growing their own fruit, vegetables and flowers; and in regular outings to widen the children’s experience of the outside world. Children have access to a computer, they listen and move to music and enjoy a range of different games.

Children start to learn from the moment they are born. The care and education that Seedlings offers helps children to continue to do this by providing them with interesting activities appropriate to their age and stage of development. Using the statutory early learning goals and educational programmes from the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) children will be provided with experiences and support which will assist them to learn and develop. All the child’s activities and development are fully recorded and shared with parents/carers.

What sets it apart from other forms of care?

Seedlings offers a true home-from-home experience whilst also being a learning and development experience. Once the children have settled in, they soon think of it as a second home, with naps taken upstairs in the bedroom, meals in the kitchen and habits soundly established. Your child will feel like part of an extended family.

Furthermore, timings are very flexible, so if you need to change days or pick up late one day that is fine by arrangement - you don’t have to worry or rush!

• Please contact Kelly to discuss your needs and requirements, she’d be delighted to hear from you. Children welcomed from birth

to 8 years. Seedlings Childcare, Casterton Heights, Stamford, Lincolnshire Tel: 01780 482019.

Mobile: 07971 271940 Email: seedlingschildcare@live.co.uk

Adopting

Peterborough’s Future

Have you thought about adoption?

Adoption gives a child the security of a permanent home with a family that loves and values them.

We are looking for people that think they can offer a permanent home to: • Children of school age • Sibling groups • Children who face additional difficulties For more information contact us on:

(01733) 317448

or visit: www.peterborough.gov.uk/adoption

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ACTIVITIES

New initiatives…

Plea for people to consider adoption during National Week Have you considered adopting a child but then put it to the back of your mind? Do you have a loving home which you could offer a child in need of adoption?

New venture from Thierry Daugeron Thierry Daugeron, well-known local event chef, is expanding his offering hot on the heels of the launch of his Stamford Cookery School In 2010 Thierry, along with business partner Denise Taylor, launched the Stamford Cookery School, offering a wide range of classes, special occasion packages such as birthday parties, hen weekends and kids events. This year has also seen growth in the Corporate market, with companies keen to break the mould with teambuilding and networking. Whether it be learning a new culinary skill, with classes on chocolate, fish and patisserie amongst others, or a desire to have fun, meet people and improve your techniques in the kitchen, the Stamford Cookery School has something for everyone.

2011 has seen Thierry Daugeron Catering re-brand to support his expansion. Through his Simply Thierry identity, Daugeron now offers three distinct propositions - designed to spread his unique approach a little wider than the event market.

• Simply THIERRY Signature Events remains the cornerstone of the business, with new and exciting menus - including such delights as Oxtail Spring Roll inspired by Fusion menus, classic dishes like Venison with black cherries and of course his signature dishes of Foie Gras with salted brioche and carpaccio of beef with Dijon cream. "Fresh Local produce always prepared with a touch of flair is our passion," explained Thierry. His passion for great cuisine undoubtedly led to him being awarded the Taste of Lincolnshire - Event Caterer of the Year.

• Simply THIERRY At Home is Daugeron's latest venture, launching this month and bringing a touch of Thierry to your home. He

will be hand-producing a range of products in his local production kitchen, and bringing them to businesses, hotels and direct to the customer through his tempting menus on line.

The products range from finishing touches, such as jams, chutneys and sauces, through to patisserie classics and a range of delights such as meats, fish and cheese.

Thierry is also launching bundled preprepared, pre-chopped ingredients with menu cards for dinner parties, suppers and special occasions. "The At Home concept is all about making life easier for the busy person who wants to impress, enjoys good food and needs some help with the finishing touches or preparation," explained Thierry. "We have to recognise as a business that not everyone wants to have a full catered event, many people love cooking but just need a little help to fit in with their busy lifestyles."

The Simply THIERRY At Home range will be showcased at a series of local and regional food fayres and demonstrations, and will be a prominent feature at the Stamford Town Partnership Christmas Fayre.

Thierry’s Christmas At Home Menus will be available online from November 8th at www. thierrydaugeron.co.uk Regular menus and products also feature on the website.

• Simply THIERRY - Stamford Cookery School completes the trilogy and can be booked via www.stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk • See page 8 for the chance to win a £125 voucher

Peterborough City Council is appealing for people to find out more about adopting a child or young person to coincide with National Adoption Week which takes place this year from Monday 31 October 2011 until Sunday 6 November.

Families are needed for children of any age in the Peterborough City Council area and also further afield.

Richard Marsh, senior practitioner within Peterborough City Council’s adoption service, said: "There is a real need to identify families outside of the city council area who are able to adopt children whose circumstances mean they can no longer remain with their birth parents. Quite often children need to be placed away from their birth families and this means finding families in the outlying areas." People from all walks of life can adopt, including people who are single, couples with or without children and same sex couples. You do need to be over 21, but there is no upper age limit.

Councillor Sheila Scott, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: “It would be wrong to suggest that adopting a child will be an easy experience. However giving a child the opportunity to grow up as a part of a family is a hugely rewarding experience.

"There are many myths around who can and cannot adopt, but the fact is that people from all walks of life can. Prospective adopters will need to illustrate that they have the capacity to develop good parenting skills plus the insight, resilience and patience to respond to the emotional needs of a child who may be ‘scarred’ from traumatic early life experiences.

“However, the adoption team will provide plenty of support to help make a success of adoption.”

The city council’s adoption team can provide helpful advice, guidance and support throughout the whole process - resulting in a fulfilling, satisfying and successful new family life for both the adoptive parents and the adopted child.

• For more information and an informative booklet, telephone (01733) 317448 or visit: www.familieswanted.co.uk.

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COOK Stamford

STRESS FREE CHRISTMAS LUNCH FOR EIGHT

Give yourself something special this Christmas... Time to enjoy it Our festive feast is prepared by hand at the COOK Kitchen using exactly the same ingredients and techniques you would at home.

So whatever the occasion - from Christmas Day lunch, to drinks parties, dinner with friends, or simply feeding the family - let us COOK for you so you can concentrate on enjoying the festivities.

Relax and let us do the cooking on Christmas Day Our Christmas menu is available from 28th October Come along to the store to see our remarkable Christmas range available in-store from November 8th!

The full works for eight from $10.25 a head Crown of Turkey

rolled and wrapped in bacon, stuffed with pork, chestnut and sage $39.99

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes $4.99 (6) $1.99 (2) Pigs in Blankets x 2

(12 sausages) $4.99

Pork, Chestnut & Sage Stuffing Roll (8) $4.99 Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Chestnuts (4) $3.95 x 2 Honey-Roast Carrots with Mustard & Caraway Seeds (4) $3.95 x 2 Slow-cooked Gravy (8) $4.25 SIDE DISH OPTIONS* Parmesan Parsnips (2) $2.50 Broccoli, Celeriac & Stilton Gratin (4) $4.99 Braised Red Cabbage (4) $3.95 Traditional Nut Loaf (2) $4.99 *may increase price per head if substituted for dishes above

NOT FORGETTING PUDDING* Christmas Pudding made with Irish Stout & Brandy (8) $9.99 *not included in price per head

COOK

COOK • 50 High Street • Stamford PE9 2BD • Tel: 01780 766051 • www.cookfood.net

www.cookfood.net

All-Inclusive Luxury

What is it that makes Silversea the benchmark of luxury cruising? Awards from the top consumer and trade magazines? Cuisine by Relais & Chateaux? Is it the all-inclusive luxury? The sumptuous suites with Ferragamo soaps … the butler who anticipates your every need? Or perhaps it is the Italian heritage, a European style that is so appealing to well-travelled, international guests.

Aboard our ships you can explore the world in a more genuine, authentic way. Seldom-seen harbours and insider access in the world’s great cities. Hardly what you would expect on an ordinary cruise. But then this is small-ship cruising. And we are Silversea.

Sail Date 14th March 2012, 10 days

Sail Date 6th April 2012, 11 days

Sail Date 18th June 2012, 7 days

Central America and Florida Keys

Islands of the Mediterranean

St. Petersburg and the Baltic

• Vista Suite from £3252pp, includes flights,

• Vista Suite from £2910pp, includes flights,

• Vista Suite from £3043pp, includes flights,

transfers, 1 night pre-hotel • $500pp shipboard credit

transfers • $500pp shipboard credit

transfers • $250pp shipboard credit

All fares are based on double occupancy and reflect the best available fares for each voyage. Port charges, government fees and taxes are included in the fare. All fares, savings and offers and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Further terms and conditions may apply.

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BUSINESS NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS

The Amati Violin and its eventual sale at Christies New York Auction House

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CRUISE

as never before!

C

ruising has seen a huge growth in popularity over the last ten years with over 1.7 million Brits choosing to cruise, by ocean or river in 2011. As our appetite for cruising continues to increase the cruise lines strive to deliver new ships and diversify their product to satiate demand! But with so much to choose from and so many great offers where do you start?

“The key to a great cruise experience is making sure that the client is matched first and foremost to the cruise line - the itinerary should come second,” says Helen Dooley, Partner at more than travel and ACE (Association of Cruise Experts) member. “It’s incredibly important that clients are matched to the onboard ambience, the “type” of guests likely to be onboard and that it meets and exceeds their expectations for luxury and comfort.”

“We so often hear of clients with larger budgets and 5 star expectations being shoe horned into “suite” style accommodation but on a mainstream product – it’s a total mismatch and can only end in disappointment,” says Dooley. “In my opinion a holiday, especially a cruise, should always be equal to or better than the standard you would expect at home.”

This said, Dooley believes she really does have the right product for everyone and has been busy “nudging” clients from the mainstream to six star cruising. Cruise lines such as Monacobased Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines and American line Crystal obviously carry a higher price tag, but often the product is completely all inclusive; with nothing extra to pay for from vintage wines and Champagnes to shore excursions and the onboard butler service.

Dooley explains: “If you take Silversea as an example of six star cruising we’re looking at ships that carry fewer than 300 guests and a client to staff ratio of 1:1. It’s a much smaller and much more carefully managed environment. The décor is elegant and understated, less brass and glass than the mega liners, but sophisticated with works of art and antiques complementing the luxury ambience. The cabins are all ensuite, over 95% with a private veranda, and all come with the services of a Butler who will make dinner reservations, take care of laundry, restock your private bar with drinks of your choice (included), serve breakfast on the veranda and pre-dinner cocktails and canapés in suite.”

Dining is Relais & Chateau, genuinely some of the world’s best restaurants, yet accompanying you wherever your journey may take you!

This of course is just Silversea. There are others, Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line offer a similar experience but on mid-size ships and Crystal Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience on larger vessels with a distinct golf and country club feel. Which takes us back to the beginning; there really is a cruise to suit everyone! So if you’re considering your first cruise, or you’re a cruiser that feels perhaps it’s time to re-assess your cruise line of choice – pop down to more than travel for some genuinely expert advice.

Luxury Cruise In Store Day : 10th January 2012, 10-2. Please call for an appointment. more than travel, 23 St George’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BJ Tel: 01780 433333 www. morethantravel.co.uk

tamford firm Stapleton & Son was instructed to act in the administration of an estate of a late Client and as part of this work they came across a small violin amongst the deceased’s effects.

A closer inspection revealed the violin to have been made by the Amati Brothers from Cremona, Italy and the instrument was found to date from around 1620. The Amatis were a family of violin makers of whom Hieronymus, the father, was an early teacher of the great Stradivari. The Amati brothers single-handedly preserved the Cremonese tradition of violin making when all the other violin makers in the city perished in the plague of 1630.

There are very few violins of this age and quality so Stapletons realised it would have to be appraised and valued by one of the pre-eminent Auction Houses. Inspections and valuations were carried out by Bonhams, Sotherbys and Christies with all three Auction Houses being excited at the prospect of being asked to sell the instrument.

After receiving appropriate advice, the sale was placed in the hands of Christies and they suggested that this would be likely to realise the best price if sold by auction in their New York sale rooms. The violin was sold at auction in New York for a price of $110,500 (including buyer’s premium) and the two violin bows found with the instrument were, on Christie’s advice, sold separately raising nearly a further $1,000.

A triumph for Cremonese violin making Christies and Stapletons!

Stapleton & Son, 1 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PD, Tel: 01780 751226 www.stapletons.com

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A cheese board, for the cheese bored.

At Dobbies Farm Foodhall we sample hundreds of locally produced and internationally sourced artisan cheeses every year to bring you, what we believe, is one of the most exciting selections available. So next time you’re planning a lunch or a dinner party, you can serve cheeses worthy of a toast.

Cheese Counter | Butcher | Quality Fresh Foods | Bakery | Delicatessen | Wines & Ales Dobbies Garden World | Phorpres Way | Cygnet Park | Hampton | Peterborough PE7 8NY | Tel: 01733 898 640

Shop online at www.dobbies.com 31

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Montessori Open Evening & Jamie Oliver @ Home Party Wednesday November 9th at 6.30pm

S

olar Panel Installation From an Established and Reliable Local Business

Steve Rudkin Electrical Contractors Limited has been providing an efficient and reliable service for homes, offices, shops and factories since 1997. The company is registered with the NICEIC as an Approved Electrical Contractor and has been pro-active with the integration and use of energy saving technologies.

The company is also approved under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installer and is experienced in the delivery of a complete professional and friendly solar installation service. We provide a no-obligation survey and design through to the final installation test and commissioning of the solar system. Full technical and administrative support is provided throughout the process which ensures clients are eligible to receive the Tax-free, Index-linked Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) payments from the day of installation. System pay-back periods tend to be between 6 to 9 years, showing returns on initial capital investment of 12 to 15%.

At current rates a domestic 4kW system could benefit you in excess of £60,000 over 25 years. Feed in Tariff starting rates are set to be reduced next April, therefore there has never been a better time to invest.

Stamford’s longest established Montessori preschool, The Children’s Garden, is holding an Open Evening on Wednesday November 9th for parents who would like to know more about the Montessori Method.

Montessori pre-school children have been shown to do better at primary school – particularly in reading and writing. The Montessori Method focuses on the specific interests of each child and then, using specialist equipment, channels that interest into learning.

Please come along on Weds Nov 9th between 6.30pm and 8.30pm to learn more and talk with our staff. Refreshments will be provided. The Children’s Garden is on Silver Lane, opposite Bean’s Coffee Shop.

There will also be a selection of Jamie @ Home products for you to see and buy on the night.

Please call Christine Abbott on 01780 752094 for more details.

Please contact Steve for further information

• Domestic • Industrial • Commercial • Testing & Certification • P.A.T. Testing • Renewable Energy

07802 717701

Fabrics by Nina Campbell

Drapery Design Specialists 8 All Saints St, Stamford PE9 2PA Tel: 01780 763005 enquiries @blindsbyfinishingtouch.com - www.blindsbyfinishingtouch.com

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MEDIA

ROUND-UP RITING? W ER TT LE TO ED EN PP WHAT HA letter writing ts on the dying art of Charlotte Newby reflec We all did, didn’t we? teen, I had pen friends.

en I was a young other was a Back in the eighties, wh to move back home. An nd from America who had frie she offered a so , ool sch don One was a school Lon She went to a trendy is.

Par to trip ily holiday. ool fam a sch a on girl I met on boy I met in Crete for me. The third was a rld gs we had wo nin the eve of w the vie In . nt lled differe h - while we snorke eac one – ers ipp fl of r pai We had shared a r Stifado and chips. read books together ove tinuing. ps that were worth con one calls These were all relationshi tant friends by phone. Ph dis h wit ch tou in p kee lly rea for the ’t ght ldn fi a cou ays Back then, we s, there was alw m a family of four sibling fro ing com and e, tun for cost a se twitter. The survival of the phone anyway. bile phones, Facebook, mo tman ore pos bef s the day for g the itin re These we pen to paper and wa completely upon putting ed end dep ps shi tion rela down t the radiator and write to deliver. floor with my back agains m roo d time to bed goo a my s on wa It sit . to I used y occurrences in my life -da -to day the and pe, the s sha ing the letter take my thoughts and feeling sideration. I liked watch con and e e. tim k pag too the ers reflect. The lett illustrations animating paper, exclamations and re was handwriting covering the the post. It was news; the in er lett a the receiver of gifts, usually all sm ge han It was even better to be exc to d We use exciting to hear about. al. bound to be something y were special and person the t; bes the s wa se the ing day. She says his eiv ry Rec . eve te ade dm wro han ing an RAF officer. He dat s wa er sist e they’re my k, Some years bac ’t write any more. Becaus t all morning. They don idio an like n gri her de letters ma w many same house. . In fact, I’m not sure I kno married and live in the today who writes letters er rks and nag wo tee a net w ial kno I soc e I’m not sur age of email and ng reed, they are slow, in this cki Ag . kno ers not lett te I’m . wri rld o wo wh adults anyone, anywhere in the and ne . ryo ails eve em h wit and t immediate contac t text and Facebook the t; I don’t go a day withou in rne pe inte elo the env an and ing nes mobile pho get from receiv same satisfaction that you ut, put on the r abo t ive ugh del ’t tho n don y bee the t’s t Bu riting, tha ressed to you, in handw post – that isn’t a bill – add r door! you to red ive del and ox rted to dwindle when paper, taken to the letterb any more. The letters sta nds frie pen my h though. wit ch I don’t keep in tou of the letters I received, plicated. I’ve still got all com re to. mo nt and wa I ier if ce bus our lives got read them and reminis mother’s loft. But I can for me. I still Granted, they are in my post has not diminished the in er lett a ing eiv rec of t for me. n atio g, And the anticip something excitin jus r hopeful that he’ll bring eve an, tm pos the ait eagerly aw

STAMFORD - ENGLAND’S FINEST STONE-BUILT TOWN

Kingfisher Productions DVD £12.95 from local shops This hour long video would make an ideal Christmas present for anyone who has lived in Stamford or for anyone whose family lives elsewhere. There is some excellent footage of Stamford’s buildings and a unique opportunity to travel down memory lane and see how fashions and cars have changed while street scenes stay very similar. Jill Collinge gives good background history and the narrator, Roger Hardingham, who was brought up in Stamford, speaks clearly and knowledgably about the town. The archive footage from the 1950s to 1970s alone makes it a must for Stamford residents. • Copies of the DVD can be purchased at local bookstores, or email roger@kingfisher-prods.demon.co.uk for more info. If any readers recognise themselves or their family on the DVD, do let Ask Leo know (askleo@tiscali.co.uk or 1 St Peter’s Street, PE9 2PQ).

4 GREAT COMPUTER GAMES TO GET FOR CHRISTMAS

David Rudd-Jones reviews the latest computer games offerings, which no doubt he will be playing rather than writing letters FIFA 12 (£38.97) There are many new features in this new FIFA game that makes the game much more fun to play. The player impact engine has been worked on for the last two years and is much improved, with players reacting as they would in real life to rough tackles and shoulder barges. There are over 500 teams to choose from and more than 15,000 players to make up your teams.

Assassins Creed Revelations (£37.91) This continues Ezio’s story from assassins creed brotherhood and takes you to Constantinople, the crossroads of the 16th Century Ottoman Empire and the intersection of two legends of their times, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad and Ezio Auditore da Firenze. This massive city provides more different areas than ever before, which lets you travel around the city incredibly fast using zip lines and the sea that runs alongside the city.

Battlefield 3 (£37.97) Battlefield 3 uses the Frostbite 2 engine and is the next instalment of DICE’s game engine.

This is the most realistic game you will play as bullets fly by your head, walls are blown up and buildings are flattened. In Battlefield 3, you become an elite U.S. Marine and experience amazing single player missions and incredible multi-player matches in locations from around the globe including Paris, Tehran and New York.

The online multiplayer is brilliant, the maps are gigantic and there are tank APCs and even jets to travel in.

Modern Warfare 3 (£39.90) MW3 is the newest instalment in the COD series and brings a lot of new features to the game. There are new killstreaks and weapons to use as you work your way up through the prestige to the top rank. There are new ways of upgrading your guns and loads of new perks. The single player takes you to America, France, England and Germany with missions in Manhattan and in the London underground.

This is definitely a game to be putting on your Christmas wish list.

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ARTS

KAREN NEALE When artist Karen Neale moved to Stamford last autumn she couldn’t resist the urge to capture the town’s stunning architecture on paper.

And this month, Karen’s eye-catching artwork will be unveiled in her new book ‘Stamford Sketchbook’, published by Walkers..

K

aren (42) moved with Cuban husband Alex and their toddler son Gabriel to Stamford’s Conduit Road to escape city life.

“We lived in London and wanted a more family-friendly town with a sense of community – and we have certainly found it here. Stamford’s a special place, a beautiful town with welcoming people. It wasn’t long after we moved that I was out and about with my sketchbook, doing what I love best,” she explains.

Karen’s distinctive method involves drawing in situ, using a black Biro, in an A5 letterbox shape sketchbook. She also makes notes around the perimeter, then adds colour.

‘Stamford Sketchbook’ features 24 images of the town including Broad Street on market day, High Street, Red Lion Square, The Mid-Lent Fair, and High Street St Martins.

“Wherever I go, I try to convey the sense of what it was like to be there at that exact

moment. I have worked in a whole host of different locations, not all of them at street level. One of the most memorable was sitting on the roof of Burghley House for four hours on a really hot April day.”

Karen, a qualified architect, boasts an impressive pedigree – which includes being commissioned to produce a painting to present to The Queen. Among the many highlights was being invited to make sketches of, and exhibit her work at, the Houses of Parliament, and being artist-in-residence at Lords Cricket Ground and The Queen’s Club.

An exhibition of watercolour paintings from ‘Stamford Sketchbook’ and Karen’s previous two books of London will be at Stamford Arts Centre from Dec 7 to Jan 2.

• For more information about Karen and her work visit the website at www.karenneale.co.uk.

POPPY APPEAL BAND CONCERT

Stamford Brass and The Royal British Legion. Sat 5 Nov 7:30pm Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, Broad Street, Stamford Tickets: £10.00 Available from Corn Exchange Theatre Box Office (01780 766455).

The Stamford Branch of the Royal British Legion was formed in1922 and to get its 90th anniversary year celebrations off to a rousing start they will join together with Stamford Brass in a Poppy Appeal Band Concert in the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. The concert aims also to mark the annual Poppy Appeal in Stamford with a bang, appropriately for the date, with rousing music with a military interest not only from the two world wars but right up to the present day.

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BOB CLIFFE, BUDDING LOCAL GUITARIST

Come along and support Stamford’s homegrown talented young guitarist at the Voodoo Lounge on Thursday 10 November.

Bob picked up the guitar when he was just 4 years old and has spent many hours since perfecting advanced classical and electric guitar techniques. At the age of 10 he was acknowledged by Hank B Marvin of The Shadows, as being "a remarkable and talented guitarist for his young age".

He has been featured live on Rutland Radio, was judges’ favourite last year at Rutland's Got Talent and now this year, aged 14, he has won Stamford's Youth Talent competition: 'Young-Plugged'.

Currently, Bob specialises in the sound and style of Joe Satriani and he is looking forward to performing in the Voodoo Lounge as the support act for Pat McManus.

If you would like to see a preview of Bob's playing style, check him out on Youtube playing Canon Rock.

• Book tickets an Mama Liz’s www.mamaliz.co.uk Tel: 01780 765888

STAMFORD BRIDGE CLUB

The Stamford Bridge Club is one of Stamford’s most active clubs, with over 300 members and regularly getting 10 or more tables at its meetings. They meet 3 times a week for duplicate bridge, on Mondays at 1.15pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.45pm.

The latest development is the move to a new purpose built Clubhouse in Exeter Gardens, Stamford in December this year.

• Contact: www.stamfordbridgeclub.co.uk or call 01780 757789

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BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE FURNITURE AND SOFAS

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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?

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Super new displays just installed

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

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BUSINESS NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS A Day in the Life of Lettings at Goodwin Property Services At the invitation of Robert Goodwin, Harjit Gammon spent a day with the property team in Stamford

9am The office is already buzzing, Sales team meeting in full flow.

• Meet the Lettings team, all eight of them.

Briefly acquainted with each person’s responsibilities, property managers, viewings, maintenance, marketing, front of house, accounts...

• Run through of diary for the day • Talked through systems • Sit in on preparation of weekly advertising for local press • Grill finance on systems and costs • Meet contractor on site to review problem with leaking hot tub. Return to office, where the property manager keeps the landlord, who lives abroad, in the picture • Chat to Sales team - discuss differences between the disciplines of sales and lettings • Grab sandwich • Accompany property manager to viewing with Location agent and their client. Note

issues to follow up on return to base • R un through day so far of another property manager – 43 emails from tenants and landlords, plus calls • Sit in on meeting with Valuation Office Agency (responsible for establishing market rents for property) • Accompany property manager to inspect work undertaken by third party contractor on behalf of landlord. Instruct another contractor carrying out work at the premises and conduct market appraisal for potential sale • Photograph Lettings Team 4.30pm Leave - everyone else still very much in full flow!

• Goodwin Property Services 2-3 St. John’s Street. Stamford, PE9 2DA Tel: 01780 750 000. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm; Sat 9am5pm; Sun 10:30am-2:30pm www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Trekking across America

Nick and Lucy Russell are about to embark on a trek across America to raise money for charity. Here they talk about their plan

Landlords give warm welcome to rent rises Rents are on the rise and landlords are seeing greater yields on their investments, according to Lincolnshire’s largest lettings specialist Watson Mitchell.

The buoyancy in the private rental market is being driven by the shortage of UK housing and a general shift away from home ownership.

“Private rentals have become one of the strongest and safest places for investors to put their money,” said Richard Watson managing director of Watson Mitchell.

“Tenants are crying out for good quality rental accommodation so landlords with good properties to rent can command respectable returns on their investments.

Becoming a landlord is a good prospect, too, for those looking to invest their capital wisely.

“In Lincolnshire we’re seeing an increase in rents, which is improving yields. While house prices continue to fall, mortgages are in short supply and insecurity about jobs continues, rental demand will remain high from people who are opting out of home ownership.

“Despite the strength of the market, we advise landlords to set realistic rents and focus on attracting good quality tenants.

That way, you minimise void periods, which cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds a month. A good quality tenant who looks after the property, pays on time and stays long-term is worth far more than, say, an extra £20 every month from the wrong tenant. People who follow our advice attract the best tenants and maximise their rental income.”

• If you currently have an un-let property or are looking to invest, call Richard Watson for free, expert and impartial advice on local rental hotspots. Call 01780 766100, visit www.wmlet.com or email info@wmlet.com

“We both grew up in Stamford, before moving to London a few years ago for our jobs. We often return to Stamford as our families are based here; Lucy’s sister Jenny runs the Fine Food Store.

“We’re hoping to raise a bit of money for a charity we set up, The Pamir Trust, through the walk. The charity supports community-led development projects in the Pamir Mountain region of Tajikistan, a place we first visited (and developed a bit of a passion for) two years ago.

“Walking across America is definitely going to be challenging, the country isn’t famed for being pedestrian friendly, and we envisage walking by busy roads for a fair distance. We’ll be taking a fairly southern route; starting out in Georgia, before crossing the Deep South into Texas, then the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, before finally reaching the Pacific in San Diego.”

• If people want to know a bit more about the walk, or sponsor them during the trek, visit (www.walkamerica.co.uk) or follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/walkusa) or Twitter (@walkusa). Or, just pop into the Fine Food Store and ask for Jenny, where they can also support the walk by buying one of the Rocky Road Cakes; £2 from each one Nick and Lucy Russell goes to the charity!

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CLAIRE LANGLEY ANTIQUES

View all of our stock online www.clairelangleyantiques.co.uk 7 High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 752555

PERIOD • DECORATIVE • DESIGN • GARDEN • 20TH CENTURY

Corner Farm

Interiors

Everything for Your Home

12

Showrooms Oak, Ash, Pine Furniture • Accessories and gifts • Made to measure our speciality • Open 7 days

Christmas decorations & gifts are now in stock

Kates Bridge, near Thurlby, 3 miles south of Bourne on the A15

01778 561333 Corner Farm Pine

established 1989

www.cornerfarminteriors.co.uk 38

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GIFT GUIDE

Christmas gifts With presents in mind, Alysia Anderson asks local shop owners for their pick of the season’s most gorgeous gifts

Galleria umbrella, £29.99, Allure Gifts (01780 757084)

Beck Söndergaard leather purses, £25, Energy II (01780 765633)

Virtue stacking rings, from £17, Sirius Jewellery (01780 767878)

Ness Jamie Crush hat, £29.99, Ruby Loves (01780 764626)

Matryoshka Tree with dolls (above), £39.95, Lambs (01780 762652)

Bruno Premi ankle boot, £120, Coco Shoes (01572 757646)

Pet portrait, from £25, Don Lambert Photography (01780 757673)

Acqua di Parma men’s eau de cologne, £45, and shaving cream, £37, Aromatica (01780 753443)

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STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011

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Thomas Sabo pearl bracelet, £29.95, with charms from £21.95, You & Beyond (01780 755996)

Barmah Foldaway Bronco Hat, £44.95, Barnack Country Clothes (01780 740115)

White Leaf bracelet, £9, Abi Golightly (01780 238002)

Ukelele, £29, Stamford Music Shop (01780 751275)

Prey make-up bag, £24.95, You (01780 765001)

Buttonbag craft kit, £11.90, CallyCo (01780 753409)

Handknitted Kenana Knitter Critter, £25, Greencircle (01780 757496)

Hello Kitty Momiji doll, £10.95, Ruby Loves (01780 764626)

Joseph Joseph chopping board set, £45, Chez Soi (01780 482845)

Ashwood holdall, £124.95, T&C Robinson (01780 755378)

STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011 41

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GIFT GUIDE

Christmas gifts

DKNY pyjamas, £45, Chameleon (01780 755405)

19th-century miniature chest of drawers, £220, Claire Langley Antiques (01780 752555)

Kitzbühel slipper, £50, North Shoes (01780 755400)

Smallprint personalised charm jewellery, from £35, Bubble & Squeak (01780 755799)

Bolin Webb razor, from £35, Cavells (01572 770372) Sophie Allport labrador mug, £8.50, Corner Farm Interiors (01778 561333)

Wintertrax, from £12.99, North Shoes (01780 755400)

Balenciaga pendant, £180, Arch Label Agency (01780 764746)

Hermès silk scarf, £125, Arch Label Agency (01780 764746)

Stamford Cookery School voucher (01780 752172)

Azeti cerise heart bowl, £44.95, and servers, £18.95, Nook (01780 751029)

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STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011

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R

ubyloves...

Fashion...jewellery...watches...clothing...bags

Rosie Fox Frog Cuff £37.95

Everything a girl wants and more....

R

ubyloves...

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

MAKEOVER MORNING with Hambleton Hall lunch Thursday 17th November, 10am Enjoy watching two makeovers and some fashion chat. Hair by Simon Cawthorne and make-up tips by Clarins.

There will be time for a spot of shopping before a lovely two course lunch with wine.

Make a day of it and invite your friends Tickets - £45 Cavells • 16 Mill Street • Oakham • 01572 770372 43

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A ChrISTmAS GIFT TO TrEASurE, FrOm mulTI AWArd WInnInG PhOTOGrAPhEr don lambert ABIPP/lmPA - Stamford’s Local Professional

• For Mum & Dad • For Grandparents • For the Man In Your Life • Just for You • A Portrait for Someone Special

Telephone 01780 757673

to book a contemporary portrait sitting to include an 8”x6” print

ONLY £25.00 Special Portrait Offers Portrait Vouchers as Gifts 10% off all Framed Images

Studio At - 17, Argyll Way, Stamford, PE9 2XQ 01780 757673

FREE PARKING 44

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GIFT GUIDE

Christmas gifts

The Stamford Chronograph, £1,270, Robert Loomes (01780 481319)

Raspberry/damson goosedown gilet, £130, Rohan (01780 482934)

Zebrini satchel, £119, The Bag Shop (01780 754794)

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada child’s slippers, £24.99, Marcia May (01780 766608) Longchamp foldable bags, from £43, Sinclairs (01780 765421)

Alessi melodic bird tea strainer, NGI Design, £64 (01780 766899)

Stellar stainless steel Rudolph nutcracker, £19.99, Lambs Cookshop (01780 754245)

Ash leather and rabbit fur boots, £219, I Should Coco (01780 754413) Electronic Sheep wool scarf, £75, Attic (01780 766667) STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011 45

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One to One Clay Pigeon Shooting Instruction All equipment provided, approx 2 hours £150 (Travel not included in price)

Guaranteed Success by Michael C Casswell Associate of the Institute of Clay Shooting Instructors C.P.S.A Club Coach • B.A.S.C Sporting Shotgun Coach • (C.R.B Enhanced Disclosure)

Full Insurance - Available for birthdays or special occasions Ages 10 years onwards

01775 750543 07831 774770 - www.laserlikeashot.co.uk

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

M

M

I Filofax Organisers FREE PEN WORTH £10.00!

IIO M Christmas gifts for all the family

I

IIO M

From: £14.99

A4 Printer, Scanner, & Copier

From: £19.99

personal stationery

Complete Art Sets All you need to get started!

£29.99 From: £19.99

£69.99

Leather Chair

I

£69.99

IIO M SAVE £56

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

Paper Shredders

From: To: £4.99 £249.00

Brother Multi- Letterheads Function Boxed

Christmas gifts for all the family

Christmas gifts for all the family

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

OFF RRP!

Oscar Deskware Texture Boutique

From: £2.99 To: £19.99

SAVE £7 OFF RRP!

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

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GIFT GUIDE

Christmas gifts

Parker fountain pen, from £25, Colemans (01780 762324)

Iridescent Glass Design plate, £38, and coasters, £35, Mark Elliot (01780 764370)

Hat, gloves, bag and scarf, from £5, Baubles and Bangles (01780 763633)

Haflinger wool slippers, from £54.99, Marcia May (01780 766608)

Skull ring clutch bag, £32.50, So… (01780 480777)

Moomin purse, £14.99, make-up bag, £19.99 and hot water bottle, £21.99, Walkabout (01780 482912)

Save The Children Wish List gifts, from £10, www.savethechildren.org.uk

Alpha monogram cufflinks with Swarovski crystals, £24.99, T&C Robinson (01780 755378)

Lindsay Phillips pumps, £54.99, with detachable snaps from £6.99, Sly (01780 482870)

InWear leather gloves with wool lining, £54.95, LuLu (01780 766675)

STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011 47

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ACTIVITIES

BOURNE TO EDENHAM LINEAR A pleasant ramble following a disused railway track, via a spooky tunnel, spectacular viaduct and dried out riverbed

Distance: Ascent: Time: Start: Finish:

6 miles/9.5km 130ft/50metres 2.5 hours Bourne Wellhead Park GR TF 095200 Five Bells Pub, Edenham GR TF 061219

WALK DIRECTIONS:

1

From the Wellhead Park, head for St Peter’s Pool in the SW corner of the park. Fed by natural springs from which the town takes its name, in medieval times, this reputedly supplied the purest in the whole land. Skirt the W edge of the pool and take the newly erected wooden walkway over the marshy area known locally as the ‘jungle’. On the other side, and continue SE across the grass to a narrow gap in the hedge where the path crosses a stile into a paddock. Traverse the paddock to another stile then follow the obvious path skirting the field SW until it reaches a junction of paths at the corner of a spinney. Here you can see the remains of a platform of the old Bourne Railway, which closed in 1959. From here, the route loosely follows the trackbed of the defunct branch line to Saxby.

2

Head W along the clearly defined path towards an old brick railway bridge, but before reaching the bridge, scramble up the left hand bank and find your way south across the field. There’s a footbridge in the SW corner, but following the line of the pylons is easiest, picking up the track W towards the bypass on the other side of the field. Cross the bypass and continue W, skirting the left edge of a mound of topsoil before cutting back right and following the field boundary for 250 yards until reaching a footbridge across the ditch. Cross and head NW across the field to the far boundary. Ignore the footpath signs heading N and turn left to head uphill to the corner of a wood.

3

Enter the wood via the gap and a flight of rickety steps tempts you down into this cool, dappled glade. Descend with care and you eventually arrive at the eastern end of Toft Tunnel. Until quite recently, you could walk through the 330-yard tunnel – quite a spooky experience – but it’s since been fenced off at both ends. Climb back up to the top of the cutting and continue west to cross the A6121,

48

bearing left to enter the second section of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s Toft Tunnel Nature Reserve.

The nearest Bourne comes to having a hill, marking the boundary between terra firma and the Fens

4

Follow the path through the copse, passing through a gate and then swinging sharp right to skirt the top of the cutting on the other side of the tunnel. Descend the eroded steps with care and rejoin the trackbed heading west.

5

After crossing a stile, continue W under the brick-built bridge carrying the road between Lound and Edenham, continuing W until reaching a private farm access track. Cross the track and head along the field boundary, through the large gap in the hedge and along the field boundary gently downhill towards the river. Upon reaching the river, the viaduct constructed to take the railway across the river suddenly appears to the left.

6

From here swing N, deserting the railway in favour of the River East Glen. Follow the river north to the corner of the large field then head E uphill to a gate alongside a hedge. Go through the gate, following the field boundary N before cutting back W to find a stile followed by a footbridge after which you turn left towards a gate, following the footpath arrow half right through a long paddock.

Continue along the river as it meanders through the field to cross the busy A151 .

8

Continue along the river to where it meets a track then cross on the footbridge and follow the left bank NW before recrossing on the edge of the village. Continue round the back of the church before swinging left past the school and crossing the road for a wellearned pint in the Five Bells. To extend the walk into circular route, instead of crossing the Glen where it intersects the farm track, head uphill E and skirt Pillar Wood, before plunging into Bourne Wood and following the woodland tracks SE and then S to exit the wood in its SE corner onto Beech Avenue, from where it’s just a five-minute walk back to the town centre.

7

As the paddock narrows, head for the W corner of the wood and look for the stile followed by a footbridge over the Glen. Cross to the W side of the river and cross the dyke which flows in at a sharp bend. Continue NE along the river as it skirts the woodland and meanders back N. Ford the river after it leaves the woodland, following the left bank as it swings back round SE to meet the road to Edenham.

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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Harriet’s

Harriets Beauty Room Advert:Layout 1

Au t N Coum e ll n / w EC W tio int n Er

www.barnack.co.uk

&

11/2/10

12:19

Page 1

BEAUTY ROOM

The most comprehensive beauty salon for miles around with all your beauty needs under one roof

We extend a Warm invitation to our Jane iredale make-up event on Friday 11th november - 10-5pm Come and have the opportunity of a personal VIP 60 minute session with our expert Jane Iredale make-up artist. Book early and give your make-up a Christmas make-over.

This is a great opportunity to try out the fabulous mineral makeup range, learn tips on how to create the perfect up-to-date look for your skin tone and type and have guidance on how to apply make-up effectively for parties or just everyday.

Achieving beautiful results with Environ

There is a £20.00 booking fee which is redeemable against products purchased on the day.

r Orde One h p y b

0178105 7401

Visit Our shOp in barnack for an extensive range of clothes & wellies Barnack, Stamford. PE9 3DY

tel: 01780 740115

2 miles from Burghley House

Skin Care products.

We do accept payments over the phone, and accept all payment methods.

please book your place early to • Full range of Ladies and Gentlemen's Environ Facials and Massages avoid disappointment.

• Exclusive Bridal Party Beauty and Make up Packages • OPI Manicures & Pedicures • Waxing • Eyebrow/Lash Tinting • Professional Tooth Whitening Harriet’s Beauty Room, 11aBleaching High Street, St Martins, Stamford

(opposite The George Hotel)

11a High Street, St Martins. Stamford, PE9 2LF (Opposite The George Hotel)

01780 481155 Tel:Tel: 01780 481155

Open: Tues – Thurs 9am – 7pm, Fri 9am – 6pm & Sat 9am – 4pm

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MARSHALL VOLVO OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS STANDARD. Our highly trained and skilled team looks forward to welcoming you to our state of the art dealership, where we will be on hand to look after your every need.

All our cars are handled with the utmost care and attention as we pride ourselves on offering the best deals on the latest range of New Volvo and piece of mind on quality approved used vehicles.

From the new Volvo range, to Approved used vehicles right through to service and repairs, visit Marshall Volvo and expect nothing less than a first class service as standard.

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER APP TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Volvo. For life.

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

THIS IS MARSHALL JAGUAR

Situated in Peterborough, our dealership is equipped to deal with all your Jaguar needs.

From the exciting new Jaguar range featuring groundbreaking technology and industry firsts, to Approved used vehicles maintained to the standards set by the engineers who built them.

Enjoy all the expertise and knowledge of our Jaguar Academy trained technicians and with a range of exhilarating accessories to enhance the feeling of owning a Jaguar, make sure that you visit Marshall Jaguar Peterborough.

MARSHALL JAGUAR PETERBOROUGH 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 0844 334 0635 www.marshall.peterborough.jaguar.co.uk

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER APP TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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MOTORING

Winter tyres Ashley Martin examines options for safer tyres this winter

Y

ou wouldn’t venture outside in winter without sturdy shoes or boots, a coat and almost certainly gloves, scarf and a hat, but most UK motorists do not give the same attention to their vehicles.

Yet, the four pieces of rubber in the corner of each car and van are the only items to be in contact with the road.

In many European countries the fitting of winter tyres - also known as cold weather tyres - from October to the end of March is compulsory. But, in the UK winter tyres account for only about 1% of the market.

Following the last two years of harsh Arctic blizzards, road safety experts have been urging motorists to consider fitting winter tyres to their vehicles. Perhaps, not surprisingly, motor manufacturers, tyre manufacturers and tyre fitters have also jumped on the bandwagon, sensing a sales opportunity.

A set of winter tyres will on average cost £400-£500 but, as with standard tyres, the cost is determined by the type of tyre fitted and the make and model of vehicle.

However, experts say that winter tyres last as long as summer tyres and perform better in harsh conditions. Depending on vehicle mileage, winter tyres could last for two or even three winters. As, a result wear and tear suffered by summer tyres, which is increased in harsh road conditions, is reduced so postponing their replacement.

Winter tyres undoubtedly make sense for drivers living in the more remote areas of the UK where winter conditions are likely to be more severe for longer. Elsewhere it may be harder to justify the cost, though, road safety experts say that has to be a personal decision taking account of the risk of extreme weather

winter weather tyres provide: • Higher levels of road safety during the colder winter months • Considerably shorter stopping distances on both wet and dry roads at low temperatures • Better mileage than standard tyres in winter weather - the wear on normal tyres increases when used during winter months, reducing mileage by up to 20%.

Source: TyreSafe.

conditions, driver confidence which reduces when travelling in such conditions, mileage and the need to drive when snow and ice arrives.

Winter tyres are composed of more rubber and less silicone than standard tyres so they don’t harden so much when it is cold. They work best in temperatures under 7°C. Such tyres also have wider grooves, which have greater grip in snow and slush, and more sideways grooves to give more edges and contact with the road surface.

That translates into shorter braking distances which reduces the risk of a crash: at 20 mph a car or van equipped with winter tyres will stop 11 metres sooner on icy roads than if fitted with standard tyres; at 30 mph the braking distance on snowy roads is reduced by eight metres.

Typically, in the snow a vehicle equipped with winter tyres will stop in half the distance as one fitted with standard tyres - potentially the difference between life and death.

Meanwhile, tests conducted by the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association found that a

car braking at 60 mph on a wet road at 5°C stopped five metres shorter, equivalent to more than one car length, when fitted with winter weather tyres.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, the not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting tyre safety, said: “Steering, acceleration and braking are more difficult [in winter] as ‘normal’ tyres have less grip in these conditions. However, it is not just these extreme wintry conditions which can reduce safety on the road. Even cold, damp roads can dramatically affect the performance of tyres, leading to an increased accident risk. Winter weather tyres, which are specifically designed to operate in these conditions, delivering improved safety.”

Motorists considering fitting winter tyres and concerned about a lack of space at home to store their standard tyres - and their winter tyres during the summer months - will find that some tyre fitters offer a ‘hotel’ tyre storage facility.

Even if drivers don’t fit winter tyres, regular checks should be carried out to ensure vehicles tyres are in the best possible condition for maximum safety.

In winter tread depth should be checked to ensure it is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference - tyre manufacturers such as Continental recommend tyres have at least 4mm tread depth to give at least some grip in snow and slush. Drivers who fail to comply with the law face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre. Additionally, tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before a long journey.

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011 51

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WRITER’S SPOT

MILES

This month Paul Eastwood writes about the idiosyncrasies of the family’s new puppy

Miles yawned.

He liked to get up early. Even better he liked to get Jane up early. He found a couple of howls and a yelp was enough for her to appear, rubbing her eyes.

This happened like clockwork every morning at 5.30. Miles knew this, not because he could tell the time, but because Jane always said, “Miles!

Do you know what time it is? It’s 5.30!

Paul didn’t appear till later. Miles wasn’t sure about Paul. Paul didn’t like to have his dressing gown pulled.

What Miles didn’t know was that Paul had read a book called, “Living with a Puppy. How to remain Master in your own House”. In the book it said, “To be seen as leader of the pack always ignore your puppy when first entering a room”. Not easy when you are clinging to your dignity and your dressing gown.

After Miles had been outside, Paul asked Jane, “Has he been good?”

“Yes, both.” Jane smiled proudly.

“Aah a Pooly,” said Paul mysteriously.

Try as he might Miles couldn’t understand people’s attitude to poo.

Like all puppies, when he’d been young, if he’d had to go, he’d had to go.

Jane always cleaned ‘it’ up, not saying a word about her spotless house.

However if Miles ‘went’ outside then he was heaped with praise.

He soon learnt the right thing to do. Go outside before you go.

Clearly Jane didn’t like poo in the house. But here’s the bit Miles didn’t understand. Why, when he ‘went’ outside, did Jane scoop it up and take it back to the house, calling Miles a good boy and storing it in a bin.

One day, trying to be helpful, Miles did a poo right by the bin. It didn’t help at all. He was called a “naughty boy” and marched down to the Meadows.

“To show you are in charge prepare your own meal in front of your puppy and be sure to appear to eat a little, before giving them theirs.” So said the book.

Jane made sure Miles had eaten long before Paul got up.

Had Miles read ‘the book’ he would have realised that this, and the fact that Paul found him difficult to ignore, meant that he, Miles, was boss.

Jane knew this, but Paul still had delusions of power.

52

Miles smiled.

His first job of the day was to remove his toys as far from his bedroom as possible. His rabbit, his ball, his bone, his rope; they all needed to be spread around his empire.

If he could leave one where Paul fell over it, then Miles felt that the day had got off to a really good start.

Miles wasn’t sure, but once he thought he’d seen Jane move his ball from where he had left it under the dining table, to the bottom of the stairs. Surely not, but Paul did fall over it and Miles did catch a glimpse of Jane smiling in the mirror.

Paul’s newspapers made the house very untidy. Miles knew this because Jane pointed it out several times a day. However Miles’ collection of toys was clearly an asset as she never mentioned them.

Jane kept her home spotless. Cleaning day was an orgy of spraying, dusting, scrubbing, mopping and vacuuming.

Miles’ big enemy was the vacuum cleaner.

The noise was even worse than Paul’s jazz. It was so noisy that on cleaning days Miles would go and sit with Paul up in his office. Paul thought this was a sign that he and Miles were bonding. Miles thought this was a small price to pay for peace and quiet.

Miles wasn’t sure what Paul did. He thought Paul spent most of the day sitting in front of a bright screen. Sometimes the screen went blank and Miles heard Paul say the same word he’d used when he fell over the ball.

Apart from occasional sighs and more occasional cups of tea nothing much else seemed to happen.

Paul said, “Walking up and down stairs for a cuppa is what keeps me fit”. Miles wasn’t allowed to walk upstairs. He had to be carried. ‘The book’ said, “A puppy’s legs aren’t strong enough for stairs until they are six months old”.

But, as we all know, Miles hadn’t read ‘the book’…

• 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)

STAMFORD Living NOVEMBER 2011

52 I LOVE STAMFORD.indd 1

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

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

I think St. Martins Antiques is different because .......................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................................

Name ............................... Tel. ........................... (Last day for entries: December 23rd.)

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20/10/11 11:58:39

STAMFORD PEOPLE

Andy Goodacre

Victoria Bullimore chats with Andy Goodacre, an old friend and founder member of ‘March to the Grave’ t was a balmy summer night, and ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ in Stamford was crowded, hot, and full of expectation. I was a March To The Grave virgin, drinking in the atmosphere as hard-core fans waited for the famous punk band to take the stage. I was there with family and friends of Andy Goodacre, front man and founder member.

True to the philosophy of the punk and the anarchist, the band was late taking the stage, but nobody cared because they knew they would be worth it. Suddenly the lighting changed, the voices dropped, there was a shuffling of action on the tiny stage, a drumbeat, a whistle of feed back, a twang on the guitar, before – wow! Track after track of unfettered energy, thumping its way across the floor and bouncing off the walls, delivered with sweat and the confident attitude that comes with a deep-rooted belief in what you’re doing, being at one with it, and having an audience which is hanging on your every word (and sometimes each other, or Andy himself). I was a MTTG virgin no longer.

I was still a teenager when I first met Andy. I thought he was dead cool and a little bit scary.

I have since discovered that he is clever, funny and one of the nicest guys you could meet. Even so, when it came to the interview I was suddenly girlishly nervous again of said coolness and scariness, and saw him only as a punk, not the local, friendly farmer that is his day job.

‘So are you a punk farmer or a farming punk?’ I ask.

‘I’m a punk farmer,’ he says, ‘the music comes first.’ So if Simon Cowell came along and offered you fame and fortune with March To The Grave, would you take it and chuck in the farming life?

‘Yes,’ he says, without a flicker of hesitation, ‘I’d go this afternoon. But I’d have to do things my way, not his.’ It’s this attitude that drives his music and is carried through into the rest of his working life; if he doesn’t like you then he can’t work with you, and what you see is what you get. It’s all about ‘way of life, attitude of mind’, a phrase which the band attaches to its logo.

So I ask him, are you classically trained, and who writes the songs? He reassures me that he is not classically trained but until a few years ago he was writing all the lyrics.

Nowadays these are provided by Rick Simpson, guitar player, also known as Rocky Starr (‘We sometimes add a ‘t’ on the end of that’). The other band members are Sponge, on bass, and Stix (Paul MacLennan) on drums.

The night I saw them the place was rocking.

But all artists have a bad night sometimes, don’t they?

‘The worst gig we ever did was at ‘The Indian Queen’ in Boston. Only one guy showed up.’ But not much puts MTTG off. ‘We still rocked on, and this guy loved it. He said we were great. He told us he’d bring his mate next time, and I thought, fantastic, there’ll be two of you then.’

And the best gig?

Photo: Hannah Steiger-White

I

‘When we headlined ‘Music on The Meadows’.

It was the year 2000 and also our 20th anniversary.’

I ask him (blushing), has anyone ever thrown a pair of knickers at you on stage?

‘Of course,’ he says (what a stupid question), ‘we’ve got a whole collection of ladies’ underwear.’

So, what about Andy Goodacre the farmer?

‘It’s an arable farm,’ he tells me, ‘and I said arable, not ‘orrible.’ He works about 800 acres on the Lincs/Leics border around his home village of Sewstern, the mention of which prompts him to sing me a little ditty about the ‘Wall of Death’, but that’s another story. The farm produces chipping potatoes for McCain, oil seed rape (some of which goes towards the manufacturing of his own bio-diesel) and milling wheat. I’m exhausted already. He is also

a family man, with a beautiful, talented wife and two children. Too busy for me to keep him any longer I reluctantly close the interview with my quick fire round: • Do you like Marmite?

Yes. I love it. It’s particularly delicious on my roast potatoes.

• Bath or shower?

Bath. Especially in the winter.

• What are you currently reading?

Keith Richards’ autobiography.

• What’s your middle name?

Michael • Where were you born?

In Nottingham, by Caesarean section.

• What was the last film you saw?

The Inbetweeners.

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PERSPECTIVES

A THOROUGHLY MODERN MARRIAGE Pre-nuptial agreements are usually connected with the rich and famous. However, Sarah Dawson of Hegarty LLP advises that they are not just for the wealthy and suggests that a new change in law could mean they will become more widely used

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pre-nuptial agreement is a contract which sets out how any property or assets would be divided upon the break-up of the marriage, or any provision for maintenance. It is quite clear that the Courts are now taking more notice of them and a change in the law is expected soon so that they will become binding.

I would suggest that entering into a pre-nuptial agreement should be considered if you are planning on getting married, particularly if you want to safeguard assets for any children from a previous relationship or if you have inherited any assets. Some family assets, such as a farm, may have been “in the family” for generations, and it is the intention that they should stay that way, rather than being sold or divided on a divorce.

Even if you have modest assets that you wish to preserve, a pre-nuptial agreement can be drawn up. Furthermore it avoids what can be seen as a “lottery” if the division of assets is to be dealt with by a Court on divorce.

It is worth bearing in mind that in most cases the starting point is often an equal division of all property and assets, which can seem rather unfair to some people, particularly if they are considerably wealthier than the other party. It is relatively inexpensive to draw up such an agreement when compared to the costs (both financial and emotional) of contested financial proceedings on a divorce.

Working it out To ensure that a pre-nuptial agreement is taken into account by the Courts, there are certain conditions that need to be met at the time of taking out the agreement. Both parties will need to get separate independent legal advice. If either of the parties is not represented, or receives negligent legal advice, the agreement will not be upheld. There will also need to be a process of full and frank “financial disclosure.” Each party would need to disclose to the other their income and assets at the time the agreement is entered into. It is essential that neither party are put under pressure to sign the agreement. Finally, it must be entered into no less than 21 days before the wedding date. Such an agreement should not be rushed into and ideally should be discussed, drawn up and signed with plenty of time before the wedding, to ensure no allegations of duress

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can be made.

If you are considering having such an agreement drawn up, it is worth bearing in mind that the way the law presently stands is that it would be taken into account. At present, the Courts decide on a case-by case basis how much weight to be given to a pre-nuptial agreement. However, it is quite clear that the Courts are now taking more notice of them and a change in the law is expected so that they will be binding.

In the spotlight There has been an increase in cases recently, most significantly the case of the wealthy Radmacher couple in 2010, where the Court enforces a prenuptial agreement. In that case the Supreme Court ruled that the prenuptial agreement should be upheld, as it was freely entered into by each party who both fully appreciated its implications. It was stated in this case that the situation would have been different if it would not have been “fair” to hold the parties to the agreement. The element of “fairness” is therefore also an important factor when the Court considers whether to uphold such an agreement.

Following on from the Radmacher case, The Law Commission are presently considering whether there should be a change in the law so that prenuptial agreements are legally binding. The commission have proposed that such agreements will be enforceable if it is in writing, both parties have had their own legal advice and full and frank disclosure has taken place. It also proposes that the agreement should not be enforceable if it fails to provide for the needs of any of the children or leaves one party reliant on state benefits.

Even if you are not planning on getting married but plan on living with your partner, a co-habitation agreement could also be drawn up to confirm any agreement reached as to the division of assets on a separation.

• Sarah Dawson is a solicitor specialising in family law and is based at the Stamford office. She can be contacted on 01780 750958 or at sarah.dawson@hegarty.co.uk

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Eating Out

The Green Dragon, Ryhall Nicholas Rudd-Jones met with Justin Wilson, who is about to celebrate his first anniversary as landlord

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ustin Wilson has been in the pub trade for ten years and still manages to combine it with his other passion, flying (he is a qualified pilot). He originally took over the pub that became the Otter’s Pocket and has made it into a town centre success. A year ago he decided to try his hand at a country pub, and was instantly attracted by the charm of the sleepy Green Dragon in Ryhall’s Village Square, not least because it was a free house and there was ample opportunity to develop it. Justin opened up the fireplaces, gave the place a spring clean but has otherwise left its homely, village pub feel intact, with several small rooms and lots of interesting nooks and crannies.

And thus followed a very pleasant evening with Justin sampling almost the entire menu, with the huge challenge of not eating too much of any one thing. And my verdict: truly superb pub grub. Simple cooking done extremely well, using top quality ingredients. The burger for example, using meat from Fancourt butchers across the road, was the best I’ve had since a memorable burger in New York; served with really creamy coleslaw and potato wedges. The pâté that we started with was smooth, full of flavour and with a hint of tarragon – combined with a fresh salad and slices of toast, a perfect starter. Then another main course, chicken and mushroom pie – mmm, perfect, chicken succulent and a lovely crispy pastry on top, served with fresh vegetables and new potatoes.

And then on to the tour de force (by which time I was struggling, and I must admit, most of the pizza came back home with me in their takeaway box for the next night’s meal). Justin has invested several thousand pounds in a brand new pizza oven, and together with the chef Mo, they experimented for several weeks to create the perfect dough and a range of tasty, original toppings. The result is amazing – all the classics, beautifully cooked with a perfect thin, crusty pizza base; and some more unusual ones. Desserts – just enjoy the indulgence – sticky toffee pudding, home-made chocolate tart. Sunday lunch – classic roast £7.50, 3 courses for £15.

Food seven nights a week. Meal deal 2 10” pizzas and a bottle of wine £19 – perfect evening. Real ales – Oakham Ales the speciality. Very decent wines.

• The Green Dragon, The Square, Ryhall, PE9 4HJ . Tel: 01780 751999 www. thegd.co.uk. Take-away service free for orders over £10 within a 5-mile radius.

Tapas at The Fine Food Store Amanda Wheeler enjoys authentic Spanish cuisine When Jenny Fitzpatrick opened up the Fine Food Store seven years ago, it was a delicatessen specialising in local foods with a couple of tables. It says a lot about her business sense that over the years, the ‘store’ has evolved into a café, a lunch spot with a secret garden terrace, a BYOB bistro and now a fully licensed restaurant.

What hasn’t worked has swiftly been replaced, which is why the Fine Food Store is such a success story. Its philosophy seems to be: good products, locally sourced if possible, cooked simply and served without fuss.

Their latest innovation is to introduce themed nights, the first one being Tapas on Fridays and Saturdays. With the offer of a free jug of Sangria with every reservation, the tables are unsurprisingly booking up fast and it took three attempts for us to secure

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a table.

The transformation from daytime café to evening restaurant is achieved with dimmed lighting, background music, black tablecloths and tea lights and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, rather than busy and boisterous.

Jenny herself trained at a restaurant in Barcelona and has now set up an exchange programme, which will see her assistant chef leave for Spain in January. So she knows a thing or two about tapas. And you can tell.

The food is delicious. The recommendation is between two to three dishes per person, but we lost count as we tried dish after dish and then re-ordered more of our favourites.

Top of the list has to be the slow roasted lamb, closely followed by the Moorish (and more-ish) pork kebabs and the char grilled pimento steak, but quite frankly you could

eat the lot. For pudding, the chocolate pots had disappointingly sold out but we consoled ourselves with a light crème Catalan and an almond tart (“perfectly textured pastry”).

There’s a decent wine list and after the free Sangria, we opted for the Tall Horse, a reasonably priced and perfectly quaffable South African Merlot.

• 37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF. Tel: 01780 754222. www. thefinefoodstore.com. Opening hours: Daytime Mon to Sat from 9:00 (doors close at 4:45), Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 Evenings Friday and Saturday from 6:45 (final booking 8:45) Private bookings possible midweek evenings for groups of 10+, maximum capacity 28 Tapas prices from £3.75 to £5.95 a dish; puddings from £5.75 to £7.95

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Plus voucher for 20% off during January in the Butchery

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF CLUB

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Christmas Parties

Christmas Festivities at The Crown Hotel, Stamford

• • • • •

Christmas Party Lunch from £16.50 to £20.95 per person Christmas Party Dinner from £19.95 to £24.50 per person Christmas Day, Champagne on arrival and four course lunch at £75.00 per person Boxing Day, Festive à la carte New Year’s Eve, Champagne on arrival and four course dinner and dance £69.50 per person • New Year’s Day – Back to normal! Sunday Lunch and à la carte menu Christmas party rates are dependant on the day of the week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Party Lunch at £22.00 per person Christmas Party Dinner at £25.00 per person Christmas Day, Champagne on arrival and four course lunch at £69.95 per person Boxing Day, Festive à la carte and home comforts New Year’s Eve, Champagne on arrival and three course dinner and house party £29.95 per person • New Year’s Day – Back to normal! Sunday Lunch and à la carte menu To make a booking call 01780 740250 and ask for Germaine or Matthew.

Main Street, Ufford, Stamford, PE9 3BH t. 01780 740250 info@whitehartufford.co.uk www.whitehartufford.co.uk

Let us make your Christmas one to remember this year. Book early to avoid disappointment!

For all enquiries please contact the relevant establishment, details of which are above.

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

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FOOD & DRINK

VINE HOUSE FARM Sarah Lyon visits a real working family farm which has been run by the Watts family for the past 125 years

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wner Nicholas Watts believes passionately in home produced food with reduced food miles and has received an MBE for his lifetime dedication to farming and conservation. All three of Nicholas’s daughters are actively involved in the farm, enabling the farm to offer a great diversity of produce.

“People care and we care too,” says Lucy Watts. “As a youngster I remember eating fur and feather. We could produce it ourselves so we prepared it ourselves. Our parents instilled in us the importance of following what grows seasonally, food miles and an awareness of where the food on our plate comes from.”

“One of my roles on the farm is to manage the farm shop,” says Lucy.

“We provide customers with a wonderful range of local produce from both the farm and other local producers.”

A Moveable Feast - Home grown cockerels waddle around the farmyard destined for the farm shop and Christmas table. Lincoln Red Beef is produced by Lucy’s cousin at Thorpe Latimer Farm, traditional farm meats well known for their superior flavour and quality (special orders can be taken). To finish off this movable feast, the Watts family grow and supply a variety of organic vegetables and potatoes.

“We grow a variety of potatoes on the farm and are well known in the area for growing King Edwards. Grown for their taste rather than yield the King Edward is a traditional all-rounder variety with a great taste.

They are a particularly good roaster and we as a family love them. We sell by the sack. A 25 kilo sack is £7. This is good economically for a family especially in these times.”

The farm shop is rich with produce. “We offer Grasmere Farm sausages and gammon steaks. In the shop freezers you will find Brockleby’s awardwinning meat pies which come highly recommended as ‘safety net’ for the holiday season; and there is nothing quite like Welbournes Plum Bread toasted with lot of butter and local honey.”

Christmas puddings are produced by Welbournes Bakery and are the perfect pud for Christmas dinner. For Christmas tea, Nicholas’s youngest daughter Katie produces perfect pastry mince pies and speciality Christmas cakes. Her miniature Christmas cakes, containing chocolate, fruit and nuts, make lovely presents for family and friends. Katie uses flour (stone ground at the local Maud Foster windmill in Boston) and the farm’s own free range eggs for her cakes. Sister Joanna and her husband Robert (farm manager) oversee the chicken and production of free range

eggs for the farm and a number of cafés and restaurants within the region.

Joanna enthuses, “My sister Lucy gave us six chickens when my first child Sophie was born. As a family we really took to keeping chickens and remarkably we moved from 6 to 50 to 100 to 300 and now we have 24,000 laying chickens. And all of this happened in six years! All our chickens are free range and have 60 acres of grassland to forage and roam on. My children are as interested in the egg business as I am and accompany me to the laying houses every morning before school and every evening after school. ” “Don’t forget our other feathered friends during the cold winter months,” says Lucy. They need energy rich foods to help them survive.

Vine House Farm is renowned for its bird foods which are grown in partnership with Wildlife Trusts. “Our most popular seed is the black sunflower, and we are now the largest growers of sunflowers in the UK.” ‘Domestic Bliss at Christmas’ – Katie Watts of Couture Cakes Quick & Easy Christmas Cake & Cookie Decorations – Saturday, December 10 (10am – 4pm) Bring along your Christmas cake and learn an easy and effective way to decorate your cake. Learn how to bake and decorate vanilla cookies to be hung on the Christmas tree or given as gifts.

One day course costs £75. Materials included, a lunch of homemade soup, fresh bread and cakes (gluten free on request).

Others courses to follow: Tower of Cupcake Wedding Cakes, Fondant Fancies, Decorated Cookies, Jam & Fudge as favours and gifts, Meringues & Macaroons, Cake pops Contact Katie Watts, Vine House Farm Studio and Farm Shop, Deeping St Nicholas, Lincolnshire PE11 3DG, Tel: 07968 596912, www.couturecakes.co.uk

Miniature Christmas Cakes: Order ahead to ensure availability STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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Cosy Dining Light Lunches Lazy Suppers Where else?

3 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PL Telephone: 01780 756080 www.jimsyard.biz

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

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

Canapés, 3 Course Dinner Coffee & homemade Chocolates

£37.50 per person No charge for private room hire.

At the end of the evening why not stay the night.

Our bedrooms are from £245.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our standard bedrooms, this includes full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

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

Subject to availability.

For larger parties, hotel accommodation may be required.

Aaron Patterson, head chef, specialises in top seasonal local ingredients to create modern British cuisine, with an award winning wine list full of delicious bottles.

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

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

T he W illiam C eCil

at Stamford

at Burghley

Game Menu & Festive Food!

• Come and sample the new tasty Game menus • Festive menus available from 1st December

• Don’t miss the William Cecil’s Christmas Party Night - Thursday 15th December.

Visit our website or call us on 01780 750070 for more details. il m C eC T he W illia ford

at Stam

Game Menu

www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk

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EATING OUT

CHRISTMAS MENUS Nicholas Rudd-Jones does a round-up of what our local restaurants, hotels and pubs are offering over the festive period this year

Jim’s Yard

RESTAURANTS

JIM’S YARD MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND 3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.jimsyard.biz Jim’s Yard, owned by Jim and Sharon Trevor, has been here for just over five years, serving up great value food, and sometimes we take it for granted!! Well the Michelin inspectors certainly don’t, they praise it for being ‘consistently good’; and have awarded it with a Bib Gourmand (“good food at moderate prices”) for the fifth year on the trot. There are fewer of these awards handed out than one Michelin stars, so they are much coveted. And especially so in the current tougher climate.

The restaurant is also in the Good Food Guide 2012!

Sharon commented: “We have a very loyal customer base and also new people are coming all the time, usually through word of mouth.”

Sharon kindly invited me to lunch to catch up with developments and quite frankly I was bowled over – for me, this is the best place to have lunch in Stamford. My pork casserole with roast potatoes and Savoy cabbage was sublime, whilst Sharon had the fillet of natural smoked haddock with parmesan risotto and roasted risotto, which looked exceptional and was beautifully presented. Set lunch is £14.50 for two courses, or £17.50 for three - the menu changes daily according to what’s in season and represents good value, “We use the most seasonal ingredients possible, at the right price and best quality.” I cannot recommend this place too highly.

Their Christmas 3-course Menu A is great value at £16.50. There are two more menus which offer more elaborate dishes (e.g. Seared Fillet of Salmon with Pea & Mint Risotto, Poached Egg & Hollandaise Sauce): Menu B at £19 for 2 courses and £25 for 3; and Menu C at £ 30 for three courses. You can view these at www.jimsyard.biz.

The rooms upstairs enable various seating arrangements, including a separate room for 12.

If you are feeling really indulgent, you can enjoy Christmas lunch there for £60.

ASSIETTE 8-9 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 489071 www.assietterestaurant.co.uk Twitter: @AssietteRstrant Head chef and owner Dameon Clarke cooks with panache and inventiveness, supported by a strong wine list and agreeable ambience.

Assiette offers 2 Christmas menus; Menu A at £25 for 2 courses or £30 for 3, which has a choice of four dishes for each course, and everything has a ‘twist of interest’ e.g. “Roulade of turkey with fondant potato, cranberry jam, chestnut tortellini and pigs in blankets” for the turkey main. Menu B is £30 for 2 courses and £35 for 3 and includes some really interesting choices e.g. “Pithiviers of pheasant with sticky pickled red cabbage, rosemary gnocchi and pheasant consommé”.

There is also a Christmas Day lunch menu, as well as a Boxing Day menu and a New Year’s Eve degustation menu.

COSY CLUB The Old Delivery Office, Horseshoe Lane, Stamford, PE9 “RB www.cosyclub.co.uk/stamford The Cosy Club is an awardwinning, all day ‘casual dining, drinking and lounging concept’ which opens in the Old Delivery Office at the start of November.

On the 2nd floor there will be a private room for up to 60 called The Mess (from which there are great views of the town) which will be available to hire for private dining and drinks parties.

The Christmas menu can be found at their website, with some extra deals.

The meal is £22.50 for three courses, with the interesting twist of the starters being a selection of tapas – makes a change from the salmon or cream of chicken soup!

STAMFORD GARDEN KITCHEN @ STAMFORD GARDEN CENTRE, Road End Farm, Great Casterton, PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 765656 www. stamfordgardencentre.co.uk Stamford Garden Centre’s exciting expansion plans are due for completion this November.

The new Orangery will provide greater capacity and enable more “supper club” events in smart and comfortable surroundings within the rural setting of the Garden Centre.

Assiette

THE

CASUAL DINING and DRINKING OPENING SOON The Old Delivery Office Horseshoe Lane Stamford

stamford@cosyclub.co.uk www.cosyclub.co.uk

There is also a new Head Chef, Andrew West, previously of the Red Lion, Stathern and Jim’s Yard, Stamford. His professionalism and attention to detail in both flavours and presentation will ensure the best use of local and seasonal produce and a consistency of quality.

A Christmas Party menu for lunches and dinners is available now at www. stamfordgardencentre.co.uk. 2 courses £16, 3 courses £19, all meat sourced from on-site butchers.

Order your “Christmas Hamper” at the Garden Farm Shop and get a 15% off voucher at the Butchery for January. (The hamper includes a 10lb Turkey or Capon, 1lb homemade chipolatas, 1lb of homemade sausage meat, 1lb streaky bacon and stuffing for £39.99) STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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EATING OUT

Opus Dai

RESTAURANTS

•

Opus Dai Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG Tel: 01780 481880 www.opusdai.co.uk Open 7 days a week, noon to 7pm, book in advance for festive menu Opus Dai prepares for its first festive season in Stamford this Christmas. Bridget Steele went along to sample the fare: “There are three special Christmas menus which start on November 1st and run through to Christmas Eve. My starter was pan fried quail in a spicy butter sauce, accompanied by diced potatoes and a sweet chilli dip. The quail was tender and surprisingly meaty, without being over-filling. The main course comprised curried pheasant in a secret blend of herbs and spices, accompanied by bhaturas (rather like a light naan bread possibly the nicest Indian bread I’ve ever eaten) and jeera rice. The curry was expertly cooked, and although the sauce was spicy, it didn’t overshadow the delicate flavour of the pheasant. It was a great change from the usual chicken.

Dessert was two warm gulabjam served with vanilla ice cream. Not having a clue what to expect here, I learnt that it was an Indian delicacy made with semolina, then deep fried and soaked in a sugar syrup. Definitely rich and calorific, but utterly delicious. This menu costs £34.99 a head, and includes a glass of champagne.

A more traditional British menu is on offer for £29.99 per head, and a festive buffet at £15 per head. This sounds delicious, with a fusion of foods, such as mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef, onion bhajis, Japanese prawns and chicken samosas. The buffet can be served in a private lounge upstairs with its own bar.

The Orangery at Burghley Burghley House, Stamford, PE9 3JY Tel: 01780 767386 Absolute Taste took over the catering here at the start of the year and have produced a sparkling menu and refreshed the ambience.

A Christmas meal here has a character all of its own in the splendor of the Burghley House setting and the wonderful views over the Rose Garden Their menu can be found at www.burghley.co.uk

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HOTELS

•

The Crown Hotel All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 This year saw a new chef at The Crown Hotel, Ray Smikle, formerly of The Falcon in Fotheringhay and The George at Buckden.

He has brought a wealth of experience and inventiveness to the menus.

Christmas menus can be found at www. thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk and are good value at £16.95-£24.50 for 3 courses, offering all the traditional favourites in the friendly atmosphere of the hotel. They also offer an Xmas Eve and Christmas Day menu.

The William Cecil High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 Celebrating its first Christmas under new ownership, the décor of the restaurants lend themselves to festive celebrations with dark wood and a traditional feel Check out their Christmas menus at www. thewilliamcecil.co.uk. The pre-Christmas menu has substantial choice and is good value at £22.50 for 2 courses and £25 for 3. I liked the look of one of their more unusual starters: “Preserved fish trio: sherry pickled herring, freshwater crayfish and Scottish smoked salmon.”

The Christmas Day Lunch Menu is £75 and the New Year’s Eve Menu is £80.00 per person to include a glass of fizz at midnight!

There are also festive party nights: Thu 15 Dec – featuring The Houndogs; and Fri 16th Dec - with a disco.

There will be a glass of mulled wine on arrival, followed by a 3 course dinner and dancing. 8.00pm till late. The menu can be found at www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk. £350 per table of 10

The George Hotel The George Hotel 71 High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 750750 The George Hotel is the ultimate place for Christmas, with its huge log fire and wonderful Christmas decorations.

Christmas menus can be found on their website at www.georgehotelofstamford.com Especially notable is their Christmas Eve Menu (£65, including Lobster Thermidor), Christmas Day (£128); and their festive menu, available for groups of 10 or more and served in a private room full of character and Christmas cheer.

Garden House Hotel High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LP Tel: 01780 763359 The Garden House is such a reassuringly comfy place, with a log fire in the winter. The cooking is of a high and inventive standard.

Their Christmas menus can be found at www. gardenhousehotel.com. The party menu offers exceptional value at £15 for 2 courses, £17.50 for 3. As well as more traditional mains, they have more unusual dishes e.g. “Pan fried skate wing ~ beurre noisette, herb & nut pesto”.

PUBS

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Plough Inn, Great Casterton Main Street, Great Casterton, PE9 4AA Tel: 01780 762178 www.theplough-greatcasterton.co.uk The food at this pub is exceptional, so much so that it has been included in the 2012 Pub Guide: “There is a cheerful atmosphere and good food in a well run and comfortably modernised pub.”

In fact they were the Editor’s choice for Best newcomer for food in the East of England Their Christmas menu is great value at £16

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with stylish modern décor and an informal, relaxed feel. It was named Restaurant of the Year 2010/11 in the Northamptonshire Food Awards.

The Christmas Party Menu (which you can find on the website) looks excellent value at £29.50 per person for 3 courses (book in advance). I like the sound of every course, but especially the dessert choice: “Warm plum pudding and brandy cream”, “Terrine of bitter chocolate with yoghurt sorbet” or “Vanilla crème brulee.” There is also A Christmas Day dinner for £70.

The Olive Branch, Clipsham Michelin Star Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH Tel: 01780 410355 The Olive Branch is a wonderful place at Christmas, a traditional village inn with Christmas trees and sparkling decorations, log fires and candlelit dining rooms.

They have a selection of festive menus to suit every occasion, from a relaxing dinner party to a merry pub knees up. With rooms in Beech House across the road they can also accommodate guests who have too far to travel and it’s ideal for an exclusive ‘house party’. £35 a head. All the menus are up on the website at www.theolivebranchpub.com

for 2 courses and £21 for 3. The focus is on traditional food well cooked. A main that took my fancy was the ‘slow roasted blade of beef with horseradish mash”. The full menu can be found at their website.

Exeter Arms, Easton-on-the Hill 21 Stamford Road, Easton-on-the Hill, PE9 3NS Tel: 01780 756321 The Exeter Arms has a really welcoming ambience about it, and if you are a larger group you can book one of three discreet areas in the pub.

The Christmas menu is £21 at lunch and £25 in the evening and includes all the favourites.

“Slow braised Tallington lamb hotpot with red wine and roasted root vegetables” sounded to me like an appealing non-turkey option.

White Hart, Ufford Main St, Ufford, PE9 3BH Tel: 01789 740250 www.whitehartufford.co.uk The White Hart is popular, and deservedly so, for it offers top quality, friendly service and very good value.

If you are looking for a really informal, friendly pub environment for your Christmas celebration, combined with well sourced and cooked meat, then the White Hart is the place for you.

Oundle Mill

The Bull & Swan at Burghley High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk The Bull & Swan has become a firm favourite both for drink and food since it was totally refurbished earlier this year.

Festive menus are served in the very characterful main restaurant across from the bar, and represent good value at £25 for 3 courses. The menu can be found on their website.

FURTHER AFIELD

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Oundle Mill Barnwell Rd, Oundle, PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk Oundle Mill is the epitome of ‘rustic chic’, combining a classic gem of an old mill house

Hambleton Hall Michelin star Oakham Rd, Hambleton Peninsula, LE15 8TH Tel: 01572 756991 Hambleton Hall is stunning at Christmas time.

They have the most wonderful Christmas tree and decorations throughout the house and roaring log fires.

Their Christmas menu is exceptional value for such a renowned eating establishment, for 6 – 60 guests. Canapés, 3 Course Dinner, followed by Coffee and home made Chocolates, all for £37.50 per person. No charge for private room hire.

Christmas lunch and dinner are also available. All the menus can be found at www.hambletonhall.com Stoke Rochford Hall Stoke Rochford, Grantham Lincolnshire NG33 5EJ Tel: 01476 530337 www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk Stoke Rochford Hall, a magnificent Grade 1 listed Victorian mansion near Grantham, is a unique hotel, conference and banqueting centre with a first class reputation. Housed in a superb Victorian country mansion and set within formal landscaped gardens and 28 acres of parkland, Stoke Rochford Hall offers an exceptional standard of hospitality, cuisine and location.

Celebrations for up to 200 guests can be accommodated or, if your numbers are smaller, the delightful Turnor and Rochford Drawing Rooms can cater from as few as 12 guests.

And the Reflections Restaurant is a modern, sophisticated space that would suit family gatherings. Christmas menus can be found on their website.

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SEAN’S KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Wild mushrooms Explore a world of textures and flavours

By Sean Hope, head chef at the Olive Branch, Clipsham

SEAN’S QUICKFIRE RE CIPE

W ild m u sh ro om ri so tt o

Serves 4 For the risotto • 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil • 50g chopped onion • 1 garlic clove - choppe d • 175g risotto rice • 1 litre vegetable stock or hot water 1. Heat the oil in the pan , then sweat off the onions and garlic until they are soft.

2. Add the rice and stir for two minutes.

3. Begin to add the stock/ water gradually, stirring continu ously.

4. Cook for 18-20 minute s, then remove from the heat ready to serve.

B

ursting with a vast variety of flavours – from dense and earthy to light and delicate – and offering some incredible textures, it’s no wonder that mushrooms are regarded so highly by us chefs. ‘Shrooms are also a great source of nutrition and make extremely versatile ingredients.

My favourite fungi include the sought-after girolle – also known as the golden chanterelle – which tastes exquisite and has a slight apricot aroma. Then there are cepes, regarded as the king of mushrooms and highly regarded in cooking; chanterelles – light in colour with a delicate, sweet aroma; and black trumpets – a common woodland mushroom, so named because it grows in the shape of a horn. It is also known as trompette de la mort (which translates as “trumpet of death”): it is a very dark brown in colour and tastes like a slightly more earthy version of the chanterelle.

It is worth mentioning that it is always important to source your mushrooms from a reputable supplier – many are not edible and can make you very ill.

For the mushrooms • 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil • 400g mixed wild mushr ooms • 100g grated Parmesan • 1 teaspoon chopped tar ragon • 1 teaspoon chopped par sley 1. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the mushrooms and fry for a few minutes.

2. Add a squeeze of lem on juice, then spoon through the riso tto.

3. Place the risotto into serving bowls, sprinkle with the parme san and chopped herbs and ser ve.

Sean’s kitchen essentials This month it’s a slow cooker. I got one for my birthday recently and it’s been incredibly practical. You can stick a tasty casserole on in the morning before you go to work and tuck straight in when you return home.

They’re excellent for cooking tougher cuts of meat such as brisket and for mutton.

Here are some flavour combinations to try with wild mushrooms at home.

Experiment with different mushrooms and you’ll soon come up with some interesting dishes.

With anise With apricot With pork With blue cheese

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With chestnut With egg With garlic With rosemary

NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008

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Sean’s seasonal must-buys for November What Sean will be cooking with at the Olive Branch, Clipsham Veg - Brussels sprouts and cauliflower Fish - lemon sole and red mullet Meat – beef, partridge and pheasant Fruit – pears and citrus fruit STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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Have a yummy Christmas at Stamford Cookery School Whether it’s Bah humbug! or Joyeux Noel!.....

Christmas, will soon be here. Take the stress out of the office party and have fun preparing festive food, win the cook off and enjoy a seasonal glass of mulled wine whilst completing our ‘foodies’ quiz. Events are tailor made to suit your particular requirements and budget.

If you want to give a Christmas present to be remembered then look no further than a Stamford Cookery School Gift Voucher complete with brochure pack from as little as £15.50 for children and £30 for adults.

Come and hone your skills at one of our new courses for the festive season. Titles include: “Festive Canapés “ “Bird in a Bird in a Bird” “Fur and Feathers” “Christmas Cake and Decorations “ “Mince Pies with a Twist” “Christmas Morning Brioche” “New Year Treats” “Gifts to Bake and Savour…..”

Visit the Website and Book Now 71

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DIARY DATES

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

Friday 4 November, 1.30pm to 2.30pm (also Friday 2 December) EVENT: Tales for Tots

Sunday 6 November, from 10am WEDDING SHOW: Essential Weddings Essential Weddings will open its doors to this year’s exquisite event. On arrival you will be treated to a sparkling drinks and canapé reception, before meeting some of the very best suppliers and wedding professionals from cake makers to musicians, florists and favours plus a stunning catwalk show featuring all the latest designs for brides, grooms, their families and guests.

Burghley House, Stamford Tickets are priced £5 in advance or £8 on the day with information at www.essentialweddingsshow.co.uk PHOTO BY NICK GROVE WWW.NICKGROVEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Story and activity sessions designed for 2-5 year olds.

Clare Cottage, Helpston £3 per child, Tel: 01733 253330

Saturday 5 November, from 5pm EVENT: Grand Fireworks Extravaganza The Stamford and District Kiwanis organise a spectacular event that draws the crowds to what is regarded as the region’s finest firework display. As well as a giant bonfire, the evening includes children’s entertainment, food and mulled wine. Proceeds distributed to local charities.

Queen Eleanor School, Stamford

Wednesday 9 November, 7.30pm MUSIC: Piaf, the Songs Eve Loiseau sings the songs of Edith Piaf with Fiona Barrow on violin and Edward Jay on accordion in a powerful celebration leading up to the 50th anniversary of Piaf’s death. Edith Piaf has become synonymous with French Cabaret of the 1940s and 1950s and remains France’s most popular singer. Her life was the stuff of legend, from her dramatic rise from Paris street urchin to star of international renown. Her life, however, was anything but ‘La Vie En Rose’.

South Holland Centre Ticket Price: £14.50 Tel: 01775 764 777 www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

you get in and out safely.

Stamford High School, Tickets £7 in advance Tel: 01780 480267

Thursday 17 November, 7.30pm TALK: Law and Order in Stamford Thursday 17 November, 7.30pm (audience to be seated by 7.20pm) EVENT: The Last Tudor Monarch Hear Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle in the guise of the last Tudor monarch give a candid description of life from conception to the grave in Tudor England. Wheel chair users are welcome, there are some stairs to negotiate but there are plenty of willing helpers to ensure

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The crimes, the punishments, the law breakers and the law enforcers. Philippa Massey was born in Stamford and has been exploring the history of the local area for many years throughout her work on exhibitions, talks and education activities at Stamford Museum.

Stamford Theatre, Booking and further information Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Saturday 26 November 10am to 3.30pm EVENT: Christmas Craft Fair A wonderful feast of fabulous gifts.

Stamford Arts Centre, admission free.

Saturday 19 November, 8pm CONCERT: Stamford Chamber Orchestra Ben Palmer conducts a programme including ‘The Barber of Seville’ and ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ featuring harpist, Eleanor Turner.

Stamford Arts Centre Ballroom Tickets £12/£5 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.com

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A ROUND UP OF SOME OF THE BEST PANTOMIMES AND FAMILY SHOWS THIS SEASON Saturday 3 December, 2.30pm Hansel and Gretel One of the great European fairy tales Hansel and Gretel is brought to life and you can take part in the play! The story follows a brother and sister who keep faith in each other and survive foolish parents, a dark wood, a gingerbread house and a wicked witch. Lots of opportunity for audience participation.

Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets from £6 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Wednesday 7 December to Monday 2 January, various times Aladdin Join Aladdin on a thrilling carpet ride and an adventure of a lifetime with sparkling sets, glorious costumes, spellbinding special effects, dancing, singing, comedy and loads of audience participation. This show is guaranteed to enthral the whole family so if you have three wishes this Christmas, use one to see Aladdin. South Holland Centre, Spalding Booking Tel: 01775 764777 www.southhollandcentre.co.uk Polka Dot Theatre Company will also perform Aladdin at Stamford Theatre between Thursday 5 January and Sunday 8 January 2012. For booking information Tel: 01780 763 203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk/

Tuesday 13 December to Saturday 31 December, performance times vary Cinderella Have a ball at the nation’s favourite pantomime full of magic, laughter and spectacular surprises including real Shetland ponies. Join the Fairy Godmother on her journey to make Cinderella’s dreams come true. Boo the Ugly Sisters, Cheer for Prince Charming and laugh along with Buttons in this fine festive treat.

The Guildhall Theatre, Grantham Tickets from £9 Tel: 01476 406158 www.guildhallartscentre.com

Saturday 17 December, 2pm The Elves and the Shoemaker Inspired by the exquisite Ladybird Book, this well known and well loved tale has been re-heeled by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse make this show a magical must-see. Suitable for ages 5 plus.

Stamford Arts Centre, Tickets: £6/ £21 Family ticket (4) Tel: 01780 763203 www. stamfordartscentre.co.uk

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

Friday 9 December to Sunday 8 January Cinderella Starring Michael Barrymore as Baron Hardup, this production promises to be Peterborough’s biggest ever pantomime. This timeless classic will be brought to life by a fantastic all star cast, fabulous sets and breathtaking costumes.

For ticket prices and booking information Tel: 0844 850 0850 The Broadway Theatre, Peterborough, www.thebroadwaytheatre.co.uk

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PERSPECTIVES

Stamford Fairs and Markets Jean Orpin & Sue Lee trace the numerous Fairs and Markets which were held in Stamford throughout the year

S

tamford’s wealth in the Middle Ages was due to its location in the centre of livestock and grain producing areas and its proximity to the River Welland. Fairs and markets were granted by charters that allowed for the selling of produce all over the town. All these trading fairs made important contributions to the economy of the town. Public Houses prospered in the streets where the markets were and are often reminders of the markets which were held there.

Sheepmarket The first sheep market was at the top of Barn Hill until 1781. By then there were a number of houses and the residents asked for it to be moved to another site. The market was then moved to the present Sheepmarket. It was held for two days on the feast of St Simon and St Jude on October 28th. Stalls were set up and thousands of sheep were for sale in all the surrounding streets as well.

Broad Street The Mid Lent Fair on Broad Street, which lasted for two weeks, was the most important fair. It was of national importance attracting merchants from London and abroad. The weekly market for leather, livestock and hay was also held here near the market cross at the top of Ironmonger Street. Four major cattle markets were held here in January, September, October and December while Horse Fairs were held in February, early May, August and November.

The original Corn Market took place outside Browne’s Hospital until 1839 when the new Corn Market (now the theatre) was built. (The arches from the old market were sold, one can be seen in Star Lane and one in All Saints’ Street).

St Mary’s Place In St Mary’s Place, the centre of the town’s social and economic life, there was a guildhall and a market cross. A Monday market was held here until it was moved to the new covered market in the High Street in 1808.

George Paddock The Cattle Market stayed in Broad Street until 1894 when the residents of Broad Street complained about the noise as pens were erected at 4 am; the smell was ‘producing nausea and loss of appetite’ and the state of the streets afterwards was filthy. All this reduced the value of property.

This posed a problem for the Town Council: they wanted to prohibit the sale of animals in the centre of the town except for the Simon and Jude Fair. Could they move the market to another site? They approached the Marquess of Exeter, the principal landowner in the town who said he would sell the Council land between the Grammar School and Conduit Road with an entrance to East Street. Another possible site could be Cherry Holt Road or the George Paddock. The latter was chosen in 1895. The council built a new market including fixed pens for the sale of animals. This was held on Mondays.

High Street The butchers’ shambles were originally opposite St Michael’s church. In 1801 the town bought the White Lion Inn and built the Portico (now the Public Library). The building was designed by William Legge. The butter market and the fish market were within the building which had 53 stalls in four rows. Butchers from the surrounding area would rent these stalls from the town. The portico originally stretched back to Broad Street.

Fairs and Markets in the 21st Century The Friday market is still an important market, selling produce from the fens as well as other goods. There is a small Saturday market but all the other markets have gone. The last to go was the Monday cattle market closed as a result of the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001 and never reopened. The Mid Lent Fair is still a major event in the town’s calendar no longer a trading fair but purely for entertainment.

Red Lion Square The white meat market was held in Red Lion Square. This was the site of the earliest market. It was a much larger area than it is now and had stalls in the 14th century. In 1846 the Marquess of Exeter built a butter market (now the public toilets) in the square, which was designed by Bryan Browning. A Saturday market is still held here.

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ACCOUNTANTS

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PROFILE

Caz Dolby

Director of Wildcats Theatre School

As the Principal of the highly successful Wildcats Theatre School, it might surprise you to know that Caz Dolby would duck drama classes at school and refused to set foot on a stage. She was, however, a gifted musician playing flute and piano to a high level. Amander Meade meets her to find out more about her journey from the wings to the West End

C

az’s ambition to teach could easily have been dashed when, during her studies at university, she discovered she was expecting her eldest daughter Rebekah. Instead of leaving her course, she continued her studies throughout her pregnancy via the Open University whilst working part time to fund her course. “There was no way I would contemplate abandoning my education so I took on several jobs to pay our way until I gained my degree and Rebekah was old enough for nursery.”

The hard work paid off and Caz became a Curriculum Specialist for Peterborough Borough Council delivering arts based education programmes in schools and meeting husband Darren along the way. The couple are now based in Stamford along with their other two children Jasmine and Ciaran and Caz has found the time to complete a second degree in Education.

“…the children loved what we did” “In January 2008, after attending a dismal children’s birthday party with Ciaran, it was Darren who casually remarked ‘You could have run that party better yourself’ – and I realised that I probably could!”, remembers Caz. Initially, I offered my services as a children’s party organiser and that led to holiday workshops which were brilliantly well received. At the time, singing and dancing were really taking off with the success of High School Musical and shows like the X Factor – the children loved what we did and the interest led to the beginning of formal classes.”

Securing a formal LAMDA accreditation, Wildcats Theatre School was launched just six months after that first party. Astonishingly Caz was still working full time as well as running the Stamford Youth Orchestra – energy and drive clearly not in any short supply.

Within just four weeks the Stamford Wildcats class was full so taking the plunge and giving up her job Caz launched classes in more venues, developed the holiday workshops and recruited Musical Theatre Teacher, Kelly-Ann Soper. “Kelly-Ann is a gifted teacher with a huge breadth of experience and boundless enthusiasm.” With over four hundred children now attending weekly classes, Wildcats operates an all inclusive policy. “We appeal to parents who appreciate our core values of professionalism, hard work and respect. We also make sure the material we teach is always age appropriate.”

West End Wildcats…

It was this philosophy that led to successful audition to take part in the ‘West End Showstoppers’ competition last December at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. “We included every child who wanted to take part and tailored our performance to accommodate all ages and abilities.” After a hectic time securing sponsorship and preparing for the big night, on a bitterly cold morning in January the team departed to compete against six other theatre schools on a professional stage in front of a thousand strong audience. The Wildcats were thrilled to be victorious in the face of stiff competition “The troupe was judged not only on their performance but how they had conducted themselves throughout the day backstage. I was so proud – their behaviour was immaculate and utterly professional.”

Ambitious for the future…

So will Caz sit back for a while and enjoy her success? Not a chance. There is a new partnership with Pineapple Dance Studios, new classes launched in Oakham plus live appearances and the launch of Wildcats Music school all happening this season Still only thirty four years old herself, and with business award nominations galore, Caz is as motivated as ever with ambitions that would probably daunt all but the bravest entrepreneur.

It seems the little girl with stage fright has overcome all her obstacles and has ended up in the spotlight after all. Break a leg Wildcats.

• For information on classes and events with Wildcats Theatre School visit www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk

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