Rutland Pride September 2016 by Pride Magazines Ltd

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SEPT 2016 RutlandPride

WINE TASTING AT THE OLIVE BRANCH

THE GARDENS OF ELTON HALL

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

RutlandPride THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3.70

FASHION

Country Clothing & Tweed Tailoring Featured Restaurants

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes...

The Red Lion & Corby Glen’s Woodhouse Arms Page 58

ART & CRAFTS Glass Artist and artisan tableware Page Page 34 34

MAN’S BEST FRIEND Dog Photography with John Ferrett Page 152

LOCAL FOOD

SEPTEMBER 2016

Made in Rutland Celebrating Food & Drink Produced Locally

This Month: We set sail onfor theOspreys 20th anniversary osprey cruise... Looking out on a Rutland Belle twilight cruise...

Page xx

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JULIAN WILKINSON MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

ROB DAVIS, EDITOR 01529 469977, editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

SEPT 2016

WINE TASTING AT THE OLIVE BRANCH

THE GARDENS OF ELTON HALL

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

RutlandPride THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3.70

FASHION

Country Clothing & Tweed Tailoring Featured Restaurants

COVER PHOTO

The Red Lion & Corby Glen’s Woodhouse Arms

Page Page xx xx

ART & CRAFTS Glass Artist and artisan tableware Page Page xx xx

MAN’S BEST FRIEND Dog Photography with John Ferrett Page xx

LOCAL FOOD

Made in Rutland Celebrating Food & Drink Produced Locally

This Month: We set sail onfor theOspreys 20th anniversary osprey cruise... Looking out on a Rutland Belle twilight cruise...

Page xx

We’re always looking for great covers - if you’re a keen photographer, send your pictures to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk. This month’s cover is by John Ferrett Photography. Call him on 01522 754274 or visit www.jferrettphotography.com for more information.

The Burghley Horse Trials usually sees 160,000 or so like-minded fans of eventing, and those who just enjoy the countryside taking in a world class sporting event, enjoying the very best shopping, or sitting in the spectators’ stands with a glass of Pimm’s. Everything seems to work like clockwork during the event, which belies the work of the Trials’s Director Liz Inman and her team. What about traffic management? And the health and safety of over 450 horses and 1,100 people? Care of the parkland? Internet communications, phones? Tea and bacon sandwiches for the media, what about overseeing the 500 trade exhibitors and ensuring there are a sufficient number of toilets... did you ever consider that the list of things beyond the competition itself would be so extensive? Each year the team performs a miracle of logistics in ensuring everything runs smoothly, so lets recognise and congratulate their efforts as we look forward to another wonderful event! As well as previewing the Horse Trials in this edition, we meet designer Henrietta Clavering who has just launched her new range of tableware and glass artist Tim Carter. We’re celebrating the excellent food and drink that’s ‘Made in Rutland,’ and we’re recognising Rutland’s fallen heroes of the Somme. Rob Davis, Editor.

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SEPT 2016

WINE TASTING AT THE OLIVE BRANCH

THE GARDENS OF ELTON HALL

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

RutlandPride THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3.70

FASHION

Country Clothing & Tweed Tailoring Featured Restaurants

The Red Lion & Corby Glen’s Woodhouse Arms

Page Page xx xx

ART & CRAFTS Glass Artist and artisan tableware Page Page xx xx

MAN’S BEST FRIEND Dog Photography with John Ferrett Page xx

LOCAL FOOD

Made in Rutland

Page xx

Celebrating Food & Drink Produced Locally

This Month: We set sail onfor theOspreys 20th anniversary osprey cruise... Looking out on a Rutland Belle twilight cruise...

With best wishes from the Rutland Pride team Managing Director and Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. General Manager: Ian Bagley. Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Features Editor: Tilly Wilkinson. Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray. Distribution: Joe Proctor. Office Manager: Sue Bannister. Account Manager: Lauren Chambers. National Sales Manager: Zoie Wilkinson. Sales Manager: Roberta Hall. Sales Executives: Sian Jarratt, Emily Brown, Carissa Clay, Hayley Scott, Jessica Cobbold, Sarah Allen, Yvette Coates, Aileen Perolio-Jones and Cassy Ayton.

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twitter.com/@RutlandPride Follow us on Twitter so you can read our tweets. We’ll let you know what’s going on and keep you well informed! By supplying editorial or adverts to Rutland Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

Enjoy Rutland Pride, read it cover to cover. Pick it up, put it down and when you have finished with it pass it on. When everyone has had a good read, pop it in the recycle bin!

Pride Magazines Elm Grange Studios East Heckington, Boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

www.pridemagazines.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

Page 125: 126: Country clothing on our fashion pages.

Contents

06 16 26 34 58 76 120 142

September 2016

This month’s NEWS section and WHAT’S ON guide provides a comprehensive roundup of what’s happening across the area. Celebrate all of the quality food and drink that’s MADE IN RUTLAND this month with our roundup of local producers. It’s time for the BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS, and we’ve a preview of the event plus an exclusive interview with Director Liz Inman. Meet TIM CARTER, the Knossington glass artist and HENRIETTA CLAVERING, who creates beautiful English bone china. Our FOOD AND DRINK pages this month recommend dining out at Great Bowden’s Red Lion and Corby Glen’s Woodhouse Arms. This month’s HOMES AND GARDENS section feature two beautiful country properties and the gardens of Elton Hall. As Autumn is just around the corner, we’ve FASHIONS from country clothing retailer R&R plus tailored tweed for gentlemen. Finally, we’ve a roundup of the county’s best independent and state sector nurseries, schools and colleges in an EDUCATION special.

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County News Brand New Park Opens by High Sheriff with a Splash... Sarah Furness, High Sheriff of Rutland, has recently opened Aquapark, the biggest inflatable Aquaglide water park in the country, on Rutland Water...

Local Churches To Receive Huge Financial Boost Four local churches were among dozens in the region to recently receive a share of £2.3m of Government funding. £22.9m is the total amount of money that will be granted to 401 places of worship across the country. This is part of the Roof Repair Fund, as was announced by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. £2,308,900 will be shared among 45 places of worship across the East Midlands. St Andrew’s Church, which is in Hambleton, is the only church that is in Rutland to receive a grant, and they will receive £93,800 from the government.

Rutland’s High Sheriff cut the red ribbon to open the biggest water park in the country before schools, groups and businesses managed to get the chance to test the course out. The weekend that followed saw thousands of people flood to the new park and splashing around with friends and family. The park will be open until the 4th September so quickly get down to the park in Whitwell to experience the excitement. There are 16 fun inflatables in total. These consist of climbing walls, trampolines, blast bags and balancing beams for visitors of all abilities to climb, jump, crawl, chute, launch, slide and splash their way around in an attempt to reach the finish.

Rutland County Museum Scores a New Exhibition Rutland County Museum has opened a new exhibition looking at England’s World Cup Victory 50 years on...

“In terms of opening weekend, things couldn’t have gone more to plan,” says Richard Drinkwater, the co-founder of Aquapark. “We were at full capacity across both Saturday and Sunday and already we’ve seen bookings come flooding in!” “It was fantastic to host the High Sheriff of Rutland for the day. And with the upcoming summer holidays, we’re expecting a few busy weeks ahead of us to say the least.” The park is open come rain or shine and advanced booking is definitely recommended. ■ For more information about the park and to book a group visit, please call 01780 693201 or visit their website www.aquaparkrutland.co.uk

Rutland County Museum has opened a new exhibition to celebrate the success of the country’s claim to football glory 50 years later. The 30th July marked exactly 50 years since England’s team defeated Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final. The victory wasn’t just by one goal, scoring four goals to Germany’s two goals in extra time. The exhibition in Rutland is entitled 1966 and All That! and it will present memorabilia and photographs, in addition to souvenirs to bring back all those magical memories of British football’s best summer. The exhibition will also focus on the individual heroes in the England team of the time such as Bobby Moore, Gordon Banks, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton.

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Send your press releases and county news to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Wilds Lodge Pupils Scaling Mountains for Charity Wilds Lodge School pupils have climbed the height of Mount Everest in just one day in their efforts to raise money for the air ambulance team... Empingham boys who are aged seven to 16 from Wilds Lodge School, have managed to scale a climbing wall that is 7.5 metres high, 1,180 times. This means the students have climbed a total of 8,850 metres which is two metres higher than the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. The challenge was strenuous and they predicted that around 60 pupils will take around 12 hours to complete it, but the boys managed to achieve the

climb in just nine hours and 15 minutes. The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance now have £495 of donations from the students and more are still coming in. “The climbing wall can take four climbers and we had boys up and down from 9am in the morning until 6.15pm when we completed it. Some did just a few climbs up while others did over 100,” says teaching assistant Olly Duggan.

■ Oakham currently has plans for a new Lidl store. This would open up 40 jobs in the town and would add another supermarket to cater for the population in the area.

■ Did you attend Burghley’s Battle Proms last month? So did a fantastic crowd of 6,500, all getting into the patriotic spirit. It was the event’s 12th annual Battle Proms concert.

■ Oak House Care Home’s director Preston Walker will be taking part in a skydive for charity in October after seeing first hand, the effect of Alzheimer’s. Please back him by donating to www.uk.virginmoneygiving .com/team/NACC.

■ Peterborough’s Skills Services staff are celebrating after the service won gold at an international awards ceremony for the second year running.

■ Uppingham Town Council have sent out two surveys to the people of Uppingham regarding two matters. The council asks the town about where they should have the Uppingham Lent Fair and whether exploring The Royal Oak is an ‘asset of community value.’

■ Uppingham Community College year nine pupils have experienced a world of architecture by created large structures out of wood during a workshop. ■ Rutland County Council Leader Terry King has met with Lord Willy Bach following May’s Police and Crime Commissioner Election.

Electricity Workers flying to the Rescue of the Ospreys Electricty Workers in Stamford joined together last month to build a brand new osprey tower, helping the ospreys to thrive in our county...

Stamford electricity workers have recently flown to the rescue by installing an artificial nest for the ospreys and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust approached Western Power Distribution for help to build the artificial nest so the reserve could attract more young ospreys throughout late summer. The trust’s research shows that the bird prefers to take over an existing nest rather than building their own nest from scratch. There has been a very high success rate with the nests they’ve built so far. Western Power Distribution workers were delighted that they’d been asked to build the nest and erect the pole for the nest to sit on, and the birds were

equally delighted, enjoying their new home which is in the grounds of Burghley Park. Tim Mackrill is senior reserve officer at Rutland Water. The reservoir is the home of ospreys. Tim thanked the company for helping with the project, and because of the continual increase in the osprey population, he believed it has become vital. “This follows a project to restore a population of these magnificent birds of prey to central England for the first time in over 150 years,” says Tim. We’ve supported the trust for a number of years and were only too pleased to assist them with this latest initiative,” said Tim Prior, the engineering specialist at Western Power Distribution who arranged for the team to help the Wildlife Trust.

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County News Oakham’s New Home and School for Kids with Autism The Shires, a new school for children with autism, has recently been opened in Oakham... Uppingham Road now features The Shires, a school that has space for five residential pupils and three day pupils between the ages of 11 and 19. Acorn Care and Education Group is running the school, also operating a very similar

facility for children in the Rutland village of Stretton. The school was judged outstanding by Ofsted in February. “Stretton has been operating successfully for many years now and demand exceeded availability,” says manager Amy Merchant.

Rutland Castle’s Challenge: Find a Horseshoe! Oakham Castle has set a challenge to discover horseshoes in and around Rutland and are asking for pictures of them to be sent to the Castle for a chance for them to be featured on the team’s Instagram page... Rutland is filled with horseshoes pinned above doors, adorning walls and even incorporated into logos and designs. But the team at Oakham Castle want to know how far around the world they go. From horseshoe shaped puddles to clouds in the sky, they’re asking you to snap a photo of the Rutland horseshoes you find

this summer and upload them to Instagram using the hashtag #RutlandHorseshoes. “The Rutland horseshoe is distinct because it’s what the rest of the world considers upside down,” says Charlotte Widgery, activity manager. “The shape originates from the family crest of the Ferrers family who first built the Castle.”

THE BOOK CLUB This month, we look at the bestselling crime, thriller and mystery novels in the county... Luckiest Girl Alive, Jessica Knoll Her perfect life is a perfect lie. Ani FaNelli is the woman who has it all - the glamorous job, the designer wardrobe, the handsome and rich fiancé. But behind her sharp edges lies the darkest of pasts. When a documentary producer invites Ani to tell her side of the chilling incident that took place when she was a teenager at the prestigious Bradley school, she hopes it will be an opportunity to prove how far she has turned her life around since then, £5.99.

Get Even, Martina Cole Sharon Conway and Lenny Scott are childhood sweethearts. Nothing can keep them apart. Sharon doesn’t question Lenny’s business dealings but one night Lenny doesn’t come home. He is found murdered, beaten to death in an act of brutality that shocks even the police. Now, twenty years later, Sharon is about to find out the truth. Revenge is overdue, £5.99.

The Edevane family’s country house is ready for the Midsummer Eve party. Alice Edevane, 16 years old, is especially excited. She’s fallen helplessly in love with someone she shouldn’t. But by the time midnight strikes and fireworks light up the night skies, the Edevane family will have suffered a loss so great that they leave Loeanneth forever, £5.99.

Rogue Lawyer, John Grisham

I Saw A Man, Owen Sheers

Sebastian Rudd takes the cases no one else wants to take: the drug-addled punk accused of murdering two little girls; a crime lord on death row; a homeowner accused of shooting at a SWAT team.

The event that changed their lives happened on a Saturday afternoon.

Rudd believes that every person accused of a crime is entitled to a fair trial - even if he has to cheat to get one, £5.99.

The Lake House, Kate Morton

It was just minutes after Michael Turner thinking the Nelsons’ house was empty - stepped through their back door. After the sudden loss of his wife, Michael Turner moves to London and quickly develops a close friendship with the Nelson family next door, £5.99.

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£950,000

TINWELL ROAD, STAMFORD

VICTORIAN TOWN HOUSE SET IN AN ELEVATED POSITION ON ONE OF STAMFORD’S PREMIER ROADS, WITH SUPERB VIEWS OVER THE WELLAND VALLEY 3

Fine & Country 2 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DE Telephone: (01780) 750200 Email: stamford@fineandcounty.com www.fineandcountry.com

EPC Rating: D

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THE PEREGRIN, STOCKEN HALL, RUTLAND

Â£235,000

THE PEREGRIN IS A DELIGHTFUL PERIOD APARTMENT PROPERTY, LOCATED ON THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOOR OF STOCKEN HALL, AN HISTORIC GRADE II* LISTED MANSION SET IN ROLLING RUTLAND COUNTRYSIDE 1

EPC Rating: Exempt

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THE COACH HOUSE, LYNDON

The Coach House is a beautifully presented period home that has been sympathetically upgraded and extended by the current owners to retain many of the period features associated with a property of this age. The property benefits from a beautiful walled garden and sits in one of Rutland's most desirable villages.

GUIDE PRICE £800,000

• Entrance Hall

• Family Bathroom

• Open Plan Kitchen/Diner

• Walled Garden

• Three reception Rooms

• Terraces

• Cloakroom • Downstairs Bedroom • Master Bedroom with En-suite • Two Further Bedrooms

• Vegetable Plot • Off Street Parking • Single Garage • EPC F

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facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Leicestershire, Allexton

An immaculately presented barn conversion in an idyllic setting. In all about 4.87 acres

Guide price ÂŁ1,295,000

4 Reception Rooms | 5 Bedrooms Barn with double garage and workshop with potential annexe over | Pond Orchard | Range of outbuildings

Market Harborough 01858 433123 sally.harrison@struttandparker.com

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ASHWELL Guide Price £2.10 Million A very fine, substantial Grade II Listed Georgian Country House set on the edge of the village with the benefit of an accompanying 3-bedroom detached Bungalow located within the grounds. Ashwell House offers extensive, beautifully proportioned and elegant accommodation which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme, whilst retaining a wealth of original features. The accommodation comprises: 4 Reception Rooms, Kitchen with Eating Area, Cloakroom, Utility, Cellars, Principal Bedroom Suite, 6 further Bedrooms, 3 Further Bathrooms (1 En Suite), Playroom, Store Room. Outside: Coach House with Stables, Tack Room and Loft, Garaging, Summer House, Outdoor heated Swimming Pool, beautifully maintained and mature Gardens and Grounds of approx. 2.2 acres. EPC Exempt.

H IT D W AN L

CAREBY Guide Price £1.49 Million A beautifully presented and substantial family residence, set within gardens and grounds of over 2.0 acres located in a delightful secluded riverside setting. Accommodation comprises: Reception Hall, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Family Room, large Living Kitchen, Study, Master Bedroom Suite, 4 further Bedrooms (3 ensuite). The property offers equestrian facilities to include grass paddock, detached building with 2 purpose built stables, further outbuildings and a 3 bay barn. Energy Rating: D.

WING

£670,000

Charming detached house dating back from 1893 situated in one of Rutland’s prettiest villages and providing well-proportioned accommodation with 4 dle bedrooms. The self-contained 1-bedroom Annex is highly adaptable, with potential for an office, guest house, granny flat or childrens/teen play area. The large private garden is beautifully stocked and tended enjoying open countryside views. Energy Rating: F.

EDITH WESTON Guide Price £1.40 Million A Grade II listed Jacobean Rectory dating back to the early 17th century, situated in the heart of one of the county’s most sought after Rutland Water villages. Accommodation boasts a wealth of charm and character and comprises Large Living Room, Dining Room, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Master Bedroom Suite, 4 further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, separate Shower Room, 2 Attic Rooms. The property stands in mature gardens and grounds and includes a detached Guest Cottage and detached double Garage. EPC Exempt.

SOMERBY

£525,000

Substantial stone-built period house situated a short distance from the village church and providing spacious four-double-bedroom accommodation set over three levels with a wealth of character features. 3 Reception Rooms, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Cloakroom/WC, Workshop, Cellar, 4 dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Games Room. Single Garage, parking, gardens. Energy Rating: F.

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Lenton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Guide Price ÂŁ425,000

Positioned in the lea of St Peter's Church in this rural location and overlooking open fields this most attractive former Ancaster Estate farmhouse is in need of complete modernisation having been vacant for a number of years but represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these stunning properties and modernise it to your own personal standard to make a superb family home. The Purchaser will also have to connect water and electricity, put in draining and a new driveway according to the plans. At present the accommodation in brief comprises of rear porch way, kitchen area, rear hall, principle hall, 3 large reception room. On the first floor there are 5/6 bedrooms, bathroom and a further cot room. Externally there is a range of brick built stabling and barn with open stalls, centred around a crew yard. There is also an inner courtyard immediately to the rear of the property accessed from the larder and rear lobby. In addition to the garden there is paddock land extending to approximately just under an acre with orchard area. The garden and paddock are enclosed by post and rail fencing and hedging.

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MADE IN

RUTLAND Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve noticed that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing a Rutlander enjoys more than a locally sourced steak or a freshly baked load of bread from Hambleton Bakery just down the road. This month, we speak to the local ambassadors of food and drink, to discover exactly what there is to offer in Rutland... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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- MADE IN RUTLAND -

AS THE SMALLEST COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY, WE CREATE AN IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF HIGH QUALITY FOOD. WE MAY BE SMALL, BUT THE COUNTY’S ROLLING COUNTRYSIDE BETWEEN HAMLETS AND VILLAGES ISN’T JUST THERE TO LOOK PRETTY... Rutland is a county that enjoys good food and drink. There is nothing better than a Sunday roast at one of Rutland’s many pub restaurants, or a trio of cakes with a pot of tea from the wealth of patisserie shops and bakeries. As the smallest county in the country, we produce an impressive selection of high quality produce. We may be small, but the county’s rolling countryside between hamlets and villages isn’t just there to look pretty. Rutland farmers work around the clock to produce a beautiful selection of fresh local vegetables and succulent meats for locals to enjoy at home and in the high quality local eateries. It isn’t just meat and vegetables that we have to be proud of though. Even though Rutland is just 382km² with a population of a mere 38,022, we make our own rapeseed oil, catch our own trout from the reservoir, mill our own flour, and soft drinks and even our produce our own selection of ciders, real ales and gins. We’re almost self-sufficient and we do it all to a very high standard.

Bottled Gold: RUTLAND RAPESEED OIL Rapeseed oil for cooking has been a product our county has produced for over 100 years at Wytchley Warren Farm. A young farmer named Josh who started the company has produced this oil embodying real Rutland provenance; the rapeseed is specially grown, pressed and bottled all on the shores of Rutland Water. It’s whole production process is based right here in the county.

SOMETHING TO TROUT ABOUT

This month we look at the experts in the food industry, providing the highest quality local produce. We speak to experts like Nigel Moon at Whissendine Mill responsible for making artisan local flour and Julian Carter at Hambleton Bakery, responsible for using that flour in his beautiful selection of baked goods.

River Gwash Trout Farm was first established to supply high quality rainbow trout to fisheries across the Midlands.

Rob Waddington helps locals - and tourists - catch trout at the reservoir in a thrillseeking way, and Mike Berry produces local ciders with a variety of crisp, fresh flavours perfect for a late summer afternoon.

The company delivers rainbow trout to customers who range from privately owned small lakes and ponds, up to water authority reservoirs of several 1,000 acres like Rutland Water.

We’re exploring the obsession Rutlanders have with beautifully tasting food and refreshing local drinks. High quality cuisine is of the utmost importance in the eyes of Rutland’s inhabitants so we find out who is directly responsible for causing this... Left: Nigel Moon, the owner of Whissendine Windmill, creating his own flour. Right: Rainbow Trout found at the River Gwash Trout Farm, Rob Waddington, fly fishing expert, and Rutland Rapeseed Oil.

They now farm up to 100,000 fish per year, from two sites; River Gwash Trout Farm and Horn Mill Trout Farm in Rutland.

This means experts like Rob Waddington can provide fly fishing courses to locals and tourists alike, which means you can enjoy an exhilarating alternative to fishing. Fish doesn’t get any fresher than when you’re enjoying trout caught from the local reservoir! For more info visit www.rutland waterflyfish ing.co.uk.

There are no compromises between the nutritional value and health benefits of the oil, and the flavour. It’s a delicious and healthier alternative to oils sourced from supermarkets, manufactured in factories using all sorts of chemicals and ingredients. There are nine shops locally that stock the product in the villages of Oakham, Stamford, Edith Weston, Uppingham and Manton. You can buy the oil for just £2.95 a bottle at www.rutlandrapeseed.co.uk. 17

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- MADE IN RUTLAND -

ARE THEY TELLING PORKIES? The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie is a very special meat product that consumers across the country would recognise as meat heaven, and is produced about 15 minutes away from our county. Interestingly, to be called a Melton Mowbray pork pie, it has to be made within the catchment area and Rutland is in this area. But how do you distinguish the difference between your average pork pie and the Melton Mowbray pork pie? In physical characteristics, flavour and in reputation, the Melton Mowbray pork pie is distinctively different, but the main reasons are as follows... Pastry - The sides of a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie are bow-shaped because they are always baked free standing, whereas most other pork pies are straight-sided being baked in hoops on a large factory scale. Meat - In a Melton Mowbray pork pie, the meat is fresh pork, so it will look grey in appearance. Other pork pies will be pink inside, as the pork is cured. The meat shouldn’t look smooth either. A Melton Mowbray pork pie uses chopped pork, while a standard pork pie will use minced meat. Jelly - The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie is also well jellied compared to most pork pie imitations and the meat is seasoned well with salt and pepper.

The meat selection in Rutland is extensive. Farmers across the county are working their hardest to deliver the finest selection of beef, pork, lamb and even ostrich steaks, burgers and roasts to Rutland’s dining tables. NORTHFIELD FARM The main aim at Northfield Farm, is to source and produce the best possible quality beef, lamb and pork, which has had the best possible life, been slaughtered humanely, and butchered skilfully. Those three important ingredients means the meat is juicy and rich in flavour for consumers.

Angus breed, British lop pigs, and a few lambs of different varieties. Billy the Shetland Pony, llamas Bubba and Lionel, Eric the cat, Peggy and Holly the dogs, and the chickens also live at Northfield. Visit their farm shop on Whissendine Lane in Cold Overton, LE15 7QF. CHATER VALLEY FARM At Chater Valley Farm, farmers provide an environment that encourages the natural behaviours of animals. This allows them to breed very rare animals like miniature Hereford cattle, Grey Face Dartmoor sheep, Managalitsa, Falabella horses and Portuguese Water Dogs.

The animals on the farm include White Park cattle, Dexter cattle, the Aberdeen

For more information, call 01780 720660 or visit their website www.chatervalley.co.uk.

“BISBROOKE OSTRICH’S ARE REARED NATURALLY IN A FREE-RANGE ENVIRONMENT AND FED A HEALTHY DIET...”

BISBROOKE OSTRICH FARM Bisbrooke Ostrich Farms are in the heart of the county of Rutland. The ostriches are reared naturally in a free-range environment. To help them to produce ostriches of the highest quality, they are fed a healthy and

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Rutland’s Dried Meat Selection

The Rutland Charcuterie Company’s founder Nick Brake spoke to us about why he began the company that sells delicious salamis and dried meats.

Above: A cow field in Rutland. Below: Nick Brake from the Rutland Charcuterie Co.

balanced diet that is free of any drugs and growth hormones. Bisbrooke offers livestock, meat, eggs, blown eggs, leather goods, and feather dusters. Ostrich meat is a red meat and it should be cooked quickly to seal and served pink. Visit www.bisbrookostriches.co.uk or call 01572 820528 for more information. FLITTERISS PARK FARM Flitteriss Park Farm has over 40 calves, 10 Gloucester Old Spot sows and more than 600 sheep. Whilst visiting the Oakham or Uppingham markets, find Farmer James’s stall from Flitteriss Park Farm and try some of the meat that he’s raised nearby. For more information, visit the farm on Knossington Road in Braunston, near Oakham LE15 8QX. >>

“It was years of running a top end catered chalet in the French Alps with my family where I developed my love of charcuterie.” says Nick. “I became frustrated that British charcuterie wasn’t readily available in this country, despite Britain having the best livestock in the world.” “We launched in June 2014 and we now specialise in making British salamis and air-dried meats, all made with provenance, high animal welfare standards and of course great taste.”

Above: The Rutland Charcuterie Company’s huge selection of dried meats. Right: The salami is beautifully displayed in their shop at Chestnut Farm on Wood Lane in Braunston LE15 8QZ.

“We use the best local free range meats to give us the best tasting products.” “We coin the phrase Multum in Parvo - latin for Much in Little - something we share with Rutland. For us, much in little is the essence of charcuterie that intensifies meat into flavourful, artisanal products.” Rutland Charcuterie sell a range of products that include Bresaola, Duck Prosciutto, Bacon, Biltong and Salami. Visit Nick Brake’s website at www.rutlandcharcuterie.co.uk or call 01572 724655 for more information.

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>> The county is fairly self-sustaining when it comes to baked goods too. We have some incredible bakeries and a number of local mills still remain and still produce flour too. SACREWELL MILL The history of Sacrewell’s Grade II* listed 18th century watermill goes back to 1086 and the Domesday Book, although the way the land lies could suggest that the Romans were using water power at Sacrewell hundreds of years earlier perhaps from the sacred well that gives Sacrewell its name. The current watermill was built in 1755 and remained a working mill until 1965, when lack of manpower stopped production, but in 2015 Sacrewell Mill re-opened after an incredible £1,800,000 restoration and conservation project. There are now guided tours of the mill so explore its four floors. Visit www.sacrewell.org.uk or call them on 01780 782254 for more information.

“WE HAVE SOME INCREDIBLE BAKERIES IN RUTLAND AND A NUMBER OF LOCAL MILLS ARE STILL REMAINING AND STILL PRODUCE FLOUR TOO...” 20

WHISSENDINE MILL The Mill was built in 1809 by the Earls of Harborough of Stapleford Park to replace an earlier windmill. The Mill worked up until 1922 when it was damaged in a gale and not repaired. Later owners maintained the Mill until it was sold to its present owner Nigel Moon in 1995. Nigel works in the mill all year producing bread and pastry flours, spelt and barley flours, ryemeal and oatmeal. He even makes bran and middlings for livestock. HAMBLETON BAKERY In 2008, Julian Carter and Tim Hart opened Hambleton Bakery to produce top quality traditionally made bread for Hambleton Hall. Now the bakery has it’s own retail outlets in Exton, Oakham, Market Harborough, West Bridgford and Stamford, as well as supplying bread to local pubs and restaurants. This is by far one of the best bakeries in the UK, confirmed by the Daily Telegraph this year, and the bakery couldn’t be more local. Visit www.hambletonbakery.co.uk or call 01572 812995 for more information.

Top: Sacrewell Mill. Below: Hambleton Bakery and Julian Carter, co-founder of the company. Right: Whissendine Mill.

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- MADE IN RUTLAND -

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an interestingly simple process to turn the grain you see growing in fields into the delicious baked goods you see stacked on the shelves in Rutlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local bakeries...

Blades - The blades of the windmill, can range from just four in number to a grand eight blades, and are angled rather a great deal like the blades on a propeller of an airplane to catch the wind, which turns them. A tail fan automatically manoeuvres the blades into the direction of the wind. The blades are connected to a drive shaft inside the windmill.

Millstones - The drive shaft has a gear wheel connected to other gears within the wooden hursting frame, which houses the millstones. One millstone is fixed in position and the other is caused to rotate when the drive shaft rotates, grinding against the other millstone.

Grain - The grain is poured through a hole in the revolving millstone and the motion grinds it into flour. As more grain is added, the flour is forced out off the side of the millstone, where it falls down a chute and can be collected in sacks.

Bread - The sacks of flour, depending on the sort, is then delivered to bakeries, stores and even homes across Rutland, so keen bakers can just add yeast, water and maybe a touch of butter, salt and sugar for delicious homemade bread.

when the wind blows: FINDING LOCAL MILLS Another windmill in Rutland is Wymondham, a 200 year old windmill site that is now a tea room and a boutique shopping centre. You may spot Morcott Windmill, rebuilt from a truncated tower into a dummy mill for residential purposes. Mills that are now demolished or in ruin include Ketton Mill, South Luffenham Mill and Seaton Mill. 21

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JUST ADD

TONIC.. Jamie Baxter of Burleighs is the master distiller at one of several gin distilleries across Rutland and Leicestershire. A couple of years ago there were three really good artisan gin distilleries in the UK, and Jamie was working in Fleet Street to set up another; the City of London distillery. Approached by local businessman Phil Burleigh to work as a consultant and set up his still, Jamie instead found an immediate rapport with the Leicester man and partnered with him to set up Burleighs in June 2014 and became a director in the new venture. Now, the Burleighs brand can be found behind the bars at The Savoy, The Dorchester, at pubs owned by Heston and Tom Kerridge, and it can be found on the shelves of Harrods and Fortnums. Other local gins include Warner Edwards, produced on the Rutland/Northants border, Two Birds, a Leicestershire gin that’s the sister product of Two Birds’s English vodka and absinthe, and Pinkster produced in Cambridge.

Rutland brews cider, gin and unique soft drinks, but there’s nothing we brew better than real ale. We have a number of breweries that produce the best ales around. GRAINSTORE BREWERY The Grainstore Brewery Tap opened its doors in 1995 and today is recognised as one of the best brew pubs in Britain. The brewery brews its own superb beers and sells them in a traditional pub setting. The Good Pub Guide have awarded them Own Brew Pub of the Year on no less than four occasions in 2003, 2011, 2014 and 2016. Call 01572 770065 or join them for a pint in the heart of Oakham next to the Railway Station.

“BELVOIR IS AN AREA THAT IS NO STRANGER TO BREWING; BELVOIR CASTLE ONCE HOUSED ITS OWN BREWERY...”

ALL SAINTS BREWERY Melbourn Bros’ All Saints Brewery is just in the shadow of the 14th century All Saints Church in Stamford. The present brewery was established in 1825 and the antique steam brewing equipment is used to make a range of handcrafted organic fruit beers. For more information, call 01780 752186 or visit their website www.allsaintsbrewery.co.uk. BELVOIR BREWERY Belvoir Brewery produces six original bottled beers and eight cask beers. Their cask beer is brewed from traditional ingredients which mature in the barrel; it isn’t filtered, pasteurised or interfered with. They supply more than 275 pubs in a 50 mile radius of the brewery in Belvoir which includes shops, delicatessens and supermarket giants. This area is no stranger to brewing; Belvoir Castle once housed its own brewery. For more information, call 01664 823455 or visit their website www.belvoirbrewery.co.uk

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- MADE IN RUTLAND -

Mike Berry is the producer of Fynbury’s Cider, producing 70,000 litres each year with over 1,000 pub outlets stocking his products. His main tipple is named Rutland Cider, which uses locally grown apples... Mike Berry from Fynbury’s Cider is one of only around 40 producers of a similar size. It’s no longer a one-man hobby, but a growing business in Rutland, with three business partners, currently producing 70,000 litres each year, with a growing retail trade and over 1,000 pub outlets stocking the products. The company’s main tipple is Rutland Cider. This is made using traditional artisan skills to make a pure juice develop into a clear distinctively crisp cider with a fresh apple flavour. Mike’s fruity ciders include rhubarb and strawberry, full of natural flavours balancing the sweetness of English strawberry with the fresh bite of rhubarb. His other fruity flavour is blackberry and nettle, combining blackberries with the fresh green notes of nettle. He also produces Rutland Reserve. A secondary fermentation, longer maturation, plus the finest quality and combination of apples ensures a premium medium-dry product with crisp apple notes.

Left: Fynbury’s Cider and founder Mike Berry. Opposite: Grainstore Brewery based in Rutland. Below: Delicious cocktail recipes from Belvoir Fruit Farms.

our thirst quenching LATE SUMMER

COCKTAILS

BELVOIR FRUIT FARMS IS A LOCAL COMPANY PRODUCING DELICIOUSLY REFRESHING FRUIT CORDIALS. THEY MAKE DELICIOUSLY FRUITY COCKTAILS...

The Ol’ Charlie Boy

The Belvoir Gin Fizz

The Pimento Mule

The Fresh Prince of Belvoir

Pour 125ml Belvoir Cucumber and Mint Pressé, 25ml sloe gin, 25ml apricot brandy, 10ml lime juice and 10ml sugar syrup over crushed ice and churn.

Shake 35ml gin, three or four raspberries, 10ml lime juice and 125ml Belvoir Elderflower Pressé into a hiball with cubed ice.

Pour 20ml Martini Rosso, a dash of Angostura Bitters, 10ml fresh lemon and sugar syrup and 100ml Belvoir Ginger Beer over crused ice.

Pour 25ml Aperol, 15ml raspberry liqueur, 100ml Belvoir Elderflower Pressé and into the glass over some ice cubes.

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We’re investing in Stamford. Come and join us. Our beautiful new Stamford office opens on Ironmonger Street in August and we’d like you to celebrate with us.

We would be delighted if you could come along and join us for a glass of bubbly and nibbles from 7pm on the 23rd September for our open evening – please let us know you are coming by emailing lisa.smith@sjpp.co.uk

Oliver Smith Dip PFS Director

Simone Harley CeMap Mortgage Manager

George Firmin Dip PFS Adviser

Stephen Smith Dip PFS Director

Caroline Sowter Relationship Manager

Lisa Smith Dip PFS Practice Manager

Victoria King CeMap CEFA Para Planner

Jane Van De Vloet Executive

. Investment Planning . Retirement Planning . Inheritance Tax Planning . Mortgages . Protection . Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Smith Eliot Financial Management Limited

35 Market Place, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6DT 01572 759759 www.smitheliotfm.co.uk lisa.smith@sjpp.co.uk The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more of which are available on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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- LAND ROVER- BURGHLEY BURGHLEY HORSE HORSE TRIALS TRIALS --

Your A to Z of

BURGHLEY IT’S THE AREA’S WORLD CLASS SPORTING EVENT, AND THE NUMBERS ALONE DON’T DO JUSTICE TO THE TERRIFIC AMOUNT OF PREPARATION AND THE LOGISTICAL DIFFICULTY OF STAGING ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT EQUESTRIAN EVENTS... OUR A-Z THIS MONTH TAKES US BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE LAND ROVER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS... Words: Rob Davis. Photos: Getty. A is for Acres: The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials spans over 540 acres, with around 20 acres taken up by the central ‘village’ itself. B is for Burghley: The venue for the area’s world class event is the Elizabethan stately home built by Sir William Cecil, and its Capability Brown landscape. C is for Course: Burghley’s Cross Country course comprises 31 fences and is 6650m. D is for Drink: Over 26 gallons of Pimm’s alone is consumed over the three days! E is for Eventing: The competition is CCI4* affiliated and comprises three constituents; dressage on Thursday and Friday, followed by cross-country on Saturday and showjumping on Sunday. >> 27

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F is for Food: There’s plenty of hospitality, and good local food available at the event with over 6,300 meals served in total. G is for Grand Slam: Along with Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and Rolex Kentucky, Land Rover Burghley is one of the three ‘Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing’ eventing venues which sees the winner of all three in one year pocket $350,000. H is for Horses (obviously!): Over 450 horses will compete in various classes throughout the event, all inspected before, during and after the cross country by independent equestrian vets. I is for Information: Stay in touch before and during the event with burghley.tv, accessed via the website, and by following @LRBHT_Official on Twitter. J is for Jumps: Competitors in the event will collectively jump over 5,200 obstacles throughout the competition. K is for Keen: The event’s most prolific competitor is Andrew Nicholson, who has competed no fewer than 33 times and won the event on five occasions! L is for Land Rover: The event is sponsored by Land Rover, who bring along their poshest 4x4s visitors cannot test drive/try. M is for Money: If you’re a sufficiently skilful rider, the prize money for The Burghley Horse Trials is a cool £63,000. Second and third place rankings are £46,000 and £35,000.

“BURGHLEY HAS ALWAYS HAD A STRONG ROYAL CONNECTION. HM THE QUEEN LAST ATTENDED IN 1971, WHILST HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL AND ZARA PHILIPS HAVE BOTH COMPETED...” 28

N is for Number of Competitors: Burghley is a seriously challenging even for both horse and rider. 74 riders began the competition in 2015, with just 50 completing the event. O is for Open: The gates open from 7.30am each day, with each stage of the competition beginning from approx. 9am. P is for Provenance: The event has a special place in the eventing calendar and this will be the 56th event, which began in 1961. Q is for Queues: Beat the queues on the gates and save cash by ordering tickets online at www.burghley-horse.co.uk. R is for Royal: Burghley has always had a strong royal connection. HM The Queen last attended in 1971, the year HRH The Princess Royal won the event and Zara Philips is set to attend again this year! S is for Spectators: Back in 1961, the first Burghley Horse Trials event attracted just 12,000 spectators. Today, over 160,000 are expected to attend! T is for (Ring) Two: Whilst the competition itself takes place in the Main Arena, the event’s ‘Ring 2’ is home to the SSG Pony Club Team Jumping, the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals and the BSPS Sports Pony Classes.

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- LAND ROVER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS -

U is for Umbrellas: Long term weather forecasts indicate great weather for this year’s events... you can take our word for it, we absolutely guarantee you won’t need an umbrella! V is for Value: The event brings over £20m into the local economy as hotels and restaurants all book up to capacity and visitors enjoy shopping in the centre of Stamford. W is for Workforce: It takes an incredible 10,000 man hours and 1,100 people in total to create the ‘mini village’ that Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials necessitates. A couple of weeks before the Horse Trials’s office, located on the estate, moves to a temporary office on the Showground. Computers, a media marquee and superfast internet connections are all created for the local, national and international media who attend. X is X-hibitors: There are over 600 trade stands, with Friday the ‘unofficial’ Ladies’ Day. You’ll find everything from equestrian clothing and supplies to hand-crafted bespoke kitchens right up to new Range Rovers! Y is for Years: A team of 7 (including the director) are based in the Burghley Horse Trials office year round, and between them, they have amassed almost 120 years of diligent service at the event. Z is for Zzz: In the run up to the event, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Director Elizabeth Inman and her team say they ‘run on pure adrenaline’ during the event itself. The team oversee both a major sporting fixture and a larger country show at the same time. Even after the event there’s little rest, with post-show press releases and results to be released! ■

2016 LAND ROVER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials takes place from the 1st-4th September on the ancient parkland once created by Queen Elizabeth’s Chancellor, Sir William Cecil. The event comprises the three eventing elements of dressage, cross country and showjumping, and with world-class CCI 4 star riders, but the event has become as much a must-visit event for non horsey-visitors too, with excellent shopping and 600 stands. ■ Thursday 1st September - Sunday 4th September: Cars £10/adv, £12/on day, £13 on Saturday; Person £14.50/adv, £18/on day, £29 on Saturday. Season Entry (four days): Cars £30/adv; Person £54. Call 01933 304744 or see www.burghley-horse.co.uk

Left: Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Director Elizabeth Inman. Below: Competitors will collectively jump over 5,200 obstacles during the event.

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- TRENT GALLERIES AUTUMN EXHIBITION -

Celebrating 30 Years of Art This month, owners of Trent Galleries Tracey & Stuart Morris are celebrating three decades of bringing some of the UK’s most acclaimed contemporary artists to the area. The couple will present two of the most well-regarded names in the UK art scene in two exhibitions, with Gary Benfield and Doug Hyde appearing in Oakham and Newark... Fans of contemporary British art are in for a treat this autumn, as one of the area’s most established galleries presents not one, but two artists whose work is regarded as among the finest examples of leading and most collectable artists.

lished artist. He’s been described as the UK’s most popular living artist on the BBC’s national news. “Since then Doug’s popularity and profile has increased both at home and abroad, and he has recently returned from a sell-out tour in Japan,” says Tracey.

Trent Galleries was founded by Tracey and Stuart Morris over 30 years ago, and to celebrate their provenance in the area, they are hosting artist Doug Hyde back for his fourth appearance to showcase his work in the company’s Newark gallery down Chain Lane on 23rd September, and Gary Benfield to present his work in the company’s Mill Street studio on 8th October.

“Yet despite his phenomenal success he has never lost touch with the realities of life, and has continued to produce work based around his love for his family, his unfailing optimism and his sheer enthusiasm for life.”

The couple have previously featured acclaimed artists from across the UK and overseas, such as Sherree Valentine Daines, Jack Vettriano, Doug Hyde, Gary Benfield, Rebecca Lardner and John Waterhouse.

“TRACEY AND STUART HAVE HAND-PICKED THE ARTISTS BASED ON THE PROVENANCE & QUALITY OF THEIR WORK!”

Tracey and Stuart have handpicked the artists based on the uniqueness and provenance of their work and say: D o u g H yd e ’s appearance in Newark is eagerly anticipated, given that he was, in 2012, named as the UK’s best selling pub-

“Doug has been featured on many television

programmes, describing his unique technique and talking about the people and events that inspire his heart-warming work.” “In addition to many sell out limited edition artworks and original paintings, Doug has produced five fabulous hardback books; The Man Behind the Smile, Heart & Soul and most recently The Lost Reindeer, a beautiful book combining fine art and folk tale.” “Meeting Doug is a fantastic experience. He’s a warm, inspirational Opposite: Tracey Morris at Trent Galleries. Left: One of Doug Hyde’s eclectic pieces, Beware of the Dog.

individual who, despite his phenomenal success, has kept his feet on the ground. He still produces every piece of artwork for a reason, usually related to his friends, his family his pets or people who he loves or feels inspired by.” “Each piece has a story and this is part of Doug’s ability to charm and disarm us. Stories of shared experiences are what connects us to one another. And in a world where art can seem like a detached and rather emotionless construct, Doug’s work continues to speak directly to the emotions of his audience.” “The love, joy, affection, humour or sympathy reaches out to us from each individual piece in a way that is almost impossible to resist. It’s this, perhaps, which makes him one of the most successful artists on the contemporary scene.” “Meanwhile, the paintings of Gary Benfield, who will be appearing at our Oakham Gallery on 8th October, feature paintings 31

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- TRENT GALLERIES AUTUMN EXHIBITION -

which typically represent a world of objects which combine figures, mythology, nature, and still life.” “Despite the casual appearance of his compositions all his imagery is highly organised, and after long observations one finds the hidden symmetry and beauty beneath the layers of finery.” “The background to his paintings is soft, reminiscent of Da Vinci’s sketches and sepia tones, most of it defined only with pencil and a slight highlight of colour.” “Gary has a natural talent for depicting things as seen. His work is spontaneous and reflected by his drawn lines and dashes of colour. His figures dissolve in and out of their backgrounds and move across the canvas.” “He paints rapidly and discards most of his paintings and drawings, keeping only those he Top: Gary Benfield’s Racing. Top/Right: Hancock by Gary Benfield. Above/Right: Stag by Gary Benfield. Roundels: Doug signing his artwork during his last visit.

feels are perfected in their conception rather than overwork those that are not correct.” “It’s a privilege to welcome back such an acclaimed artist in the area, and due to the support and success of the event we hope he is delighted to visit us once more too.” “We’re really hoping that people will feel a connection with the work we’re showcasing, and share the positive emotions behind it. We’re passionate about bringing quality artwork to the area, and really work and commit everything to our role.”

DOUG HYDE and GARY BENFIELD Doug Hyde - 23rd September, 6-8pm: Newark-on-Trent Gallery, 3 Chain Lane, Newark NG24 1AU Tel: 01636 646426. Gary Benfield - 8th October, 2-4pm: Oakham Gallery, 11 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 722790. www.trentgalleries.co.uk

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- SCULPTURE -

ART OF

GLASS

As brittle as it is beautiful, glass is one of the hardest mediums in which to work, but that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stopped Knossington artist Tim Carter taking advantage of its unique properties to produce wall art and 3D sculptures. This month weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re finding out how the artist creates his botanical themed pieces and layered 3D work, combining the precision of engineering with the creativity that the medium affords... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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Smash, hiss and blast. Whether it’s the relentless crash of hammer on glass, or the menacing hiss of a sandblaster, or the searing heat of a blowtorch soldering leaded lights, in Tim Carter’s studio, you’re never far from a reminder of what a brutal medium glass is to work in. For all of its fragility and volatility though, glass remains one of the most beautiful materials to work with, albeit one of the most challenging, for the Knossington artist. Tim is a designer/maker, specialising in glass. His studio is based at his parent’s engineering workshop, the family having moved to the county over 30 years ago. “My father had an engineering business and I worked there in the holidays, during school and college, gaining a few practical skills.” “I knew that art was my first career choice, and after studying A-level art and design at Rutland Sixth Form College, I worked towards a BTEC Diploma in Art & Design at Loughborough College of Art.” “After that I applied to University and found myself in at Chelsea College of Art studying towards a HDN in Mural Design, converting to a BA (Hons) in Public Art.” Tim’s course offered plenty of practical tuition, and saw him working in different media, from paint and ceramics to textiles, mosaic and glass. “I specialised in Architectural Glass and Stained Glass and also gained experience in a variety of other disciplines such as mural painting, mosaic, ceramics and textiles.” “My interest soon came to bear in the refractive, reflective and structural properties of glass; how it can be manipulated and decorated to affect the passage of light through it. Today, my work is formed using a variety of techniques, processes & materials, 35

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“I take botanical designs especially ferns and ammonite fossils - as my inspiration. I like the texture, structures & shapes of them, and also the fact that they can be found in slate, the material on which the finished glass piece is mounted.”

>> to produce a range of work which is both sculptural and functional, with an emphasis on design, decoration, geometry and construction.” Tim is in demand designing, making & restoring traditional & contemporary stained glass & leaded light windows for a variety of domestic and commercial properties, especially Victorian and Edwardian houses.

Tim begins with a piece of float glass cut to roughly the size of the reclaimed or new slate. “I mark the glass to roughly the same shape of the slate and use a hammer to shell the edges, chipping them away to create similar contours as the underlying slate.”

He also creates house name and number plaques using billets of 15mm thick float glass which are masked and sandblasted through a template. These are especially popular with those who want something smart to welcome people to their home, but want to avoid the usual wood, metal or acrylic signs. The remainder of Tim’s time, though, is spent creating his wall mounted slate and glass work , kiln formed glass lights and his 3D sculptures comprising multiple layers of glass bonded & bolted together. “The wall mounted pieces are anything from about A4 in size up to a metre by half a metre, the weight limit and difficulty in physically handling and hanging it is the only limitation.”

Next, the artist linishes and polishes the sharp edges with a wet belt grinder, hand finishing difficult areas to take any sharpness away. Drill holes are created to mount the work, before the image is sandblasted onto the surface of the glass.

“TIM’S WORK IS BOTH SCULPTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON DESIGN, AND GEOMETRY...”

Tim’s images are sketched or copied from an existing photograph, with ‘positive and negative’ parts of the image identified, then transferred digitally to a stencil. Tim then uses a sandblaster to gradually work away the masked areas, using the tool more aggressively for creating deeper or stronger areas of tone. The finished piece is soaked in water to remove the stencil, then given a >>

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- SCULPTURE -

“I TAKE BOTANICAL DESIGNS ESPECIALLY FERNS AND AMMONITE FOSSILS - AS A STARTING POINT, AS I LIKE THEIR TEXTURE...” Above: Ammonite. Top/Right: Leaves. Above/Right: Birds. Right: Ferns. Left: Glass Garden Sculpture. Below: Sphere.

The artist creates wall plaques and 3D sculptures using glass and slate.

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- SCULPTURE -

>> final clean with solvents before being mounted on the slate. It’s a process which can take from hours to days, usually completed over the course of a whole week to allow time between the different processes. Tim’s 3D pieces are equally intricate. They’re created with stacked billets or flat glass pieces 3 to 4mm thick. The artist first creates a plan of his 3D work, for instance, a cube with a hollow inner sphere shape, determining how much should be cut from each layer. Next, the artist cuts around 60 or 45, 3mm or 4mm thick layers, about 18cm square. Cutting each square into two halves, he then uses his pre-drawn paper template to hand-cut into each one the correct size of semi-circular arc. The different layers are composited and bonded together with a special industrial UV light activated glass adhesive. The artist also installs LED Lighting in each one. 38

“Glass is a wonderful material to work with, and one of the things I love about it most is the green-blue colour refracted through seemingly clear glass. When my 3D sculptures are illuminated they emit that colour, making a nice architectural lighting feature. Glass is a really intriguing medium, brittle in some conditions, but really strong and sturdy under compression and when it’s processed and used correctly.”

“GLASS IS A REALLY INTRIGUING MEDIUM, BRITTLE IN SOME CONDITIONS, BUT REALLY STRONG AND STURDY UNDER COMPRESSION AND WHEN IT’S PROCESSED CORRECTLY...”

“I love that I can combine the precision of engineering with creativity and produce pieces that will last a lifetime. In particular I love receiving commissions because it’s rewarding to create new designs and work out how to create each design to ensure it’s technically feasible.” ■ A selection of Tims work can be seen at his workshop by appointment. His work can also be seen at his websites: www.timothycarter.co.uk www.housenumberplaques.co.uk Please get in touch with Tim by phone on 0166 4544303 to discuss any commission enquiries.

Above: Tim sandblasting letters into a house number plaque. The same sandblasting techniques is used to create the ‘frosted’ areas on his wall plaques.

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- HENRIETTA CLAVERING -

TIME for

TEA

Henrietta Clavering is the fine artist who has turned her hand to designing a range of beautiful fine bone china tableware & accessories inspired by her sketches done â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;en plein airâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the surrounding landscapes and by the original artworks she creates in her Lincolnshire studio. This month the local designer explains why fine art should marry with design and craft to create something beautiful to enjoy every single day... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- HENRIETTA CLAVERING -

>> Fine art shouldn’t be the exclusive preserve of the canvas. That’s the opinion of artist & designer Henrietta Clavering. She’s brought together the time, processes and appreciation of form inherent in fine art, and combined these with traditional English craftsmanship to create a range of tableware for everyday use.

Above: Henrietta has collaborated with a Stoke on Trent pottery to produce three fine art inspired collections. Shown here are: Harthorne & Stapleford Pine large pasta bowls. £30/ea.

Having settled in Edinburgh, Henrietta attended Edinburgh College of Art, studying towards a degree in fine art, specialising in sculpture, later travelling to Nova Scotia College of Art & Design where she finished her BA and lived in the US before returning to the UK and moving to Lincolnshire in 2001. “I’ve been working part time with Nigel Rhodes at his Stamford gallery, with a view to setting aside time to develop my fine art and design studio. I’m an artist first and foremost, and have always appreciated and been inspired by land artists and sculptors such as Richard Long, Richard Serra, Michael Heizer and painters such as Franz Kline.

I really enjoy sketching in the countryside as this is the process of directly observing and experiencing the shapes and forms in the landscape. I never work from a photograph but have to see it for myself.” “I'd produced Hawthorn, a long charcoal drawing, over about a month or two. This has been the basis of my most successful design range ‘Harthorne’ and the original drawing came joint first in the Thoresby Open Call 2015. ” “A friend encouraged me to use the art works for cards and I then experimented with cushions and tea towels before trying the Hawthorn image on a cup and saucer. In 2014 I launched a full range of six mix and match designs under my then name ‘Clavering Bespoke’ which got notice from Fortnum's & Heals and others.” “This initial collection was designed on a very traditional dining set rather than for the modern family kitchen so I've spent the past

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Main: Henrietta sketches ‘en plein air,’ rather than working from a photograph. Her designs are transferred to white and fired in kilns at the pottery works of Edwards & Lockett. Left: Henrietta’s three ranges are Harthorne, Clavering Heritage and Stapleford Pine. Lidded Storage Jars £25/ea.

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- HENRIETTA CLAVERING -

>> two years finessing the collections, realising that the Harthorne and Stapleford designs were the most popular and that a simpler range with fewer variations and two slightly more cohesive styles - a modern coupe range with mugs, plates and pasta bowls, and a more traditional ‘rim’ range with large charger plates and bowls and cups & saucers - is a better interpretation of modern dining habits. “I have three different designs at the moment that all sit beautifully with each other so you can mix and match them, or that work really well mixed with just plain white or plain coloured tableware. Stapleford Pine is inspired by the woods of the same name where I do many of my dog walks and the latest design to be introduced is my Clavering Heritage, which is based upon my company logo and family crest. This design captures for me, something quintessentially classic, timeless and British, all central aspects to my Fine Art & Design Studio 'Clavering'. “I start with my sketching, taking in the big skies, perspectives and long shadows, the forms and details shaped by the elements in the landscape. I focus solely then on producing a large scale finished drawing in my studio, some of which are only sold as original artworks, or limited edition prints. Those that have potential to be shaped on to products then go through a design process and this is where I have a collaboration with Stoke. Graham from Edwards & Lockett and myself then work on the layouts for the printing sheets. Through the traditional screen printing and transfer processes, the designs are then hand-decorated onto white ware. It’s really important to me, the provenance of these products, I’m certainly not designing in a mass market, big business way, though Stoke can easily produce in volume. It’s an artisan type business, bringing together art and craft and manufacturing; I want it to embody craftsmanship and originality; time over volume. That's the case not just with the original artwork but with its production too.

“I REALLY WANT MY PRODUCTS TO EMBODY VALUES OF TRADITION, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ORIGINALITY...” 44

Left: Henrietta with her transfers, checking the designs which will be applied to her products. Above: Items on display at the artist’s studio.

CLAVERING

for your home

“English bone china is compromise-free. I use my own products day to day and they remain beautiful even when they go through the dishwasher twice a day. They’re supposed to be used, but they’re also supposed to bring fine art into the home and provide pleasure every day for those who appreciate, even in something you drink your tea from, the quality, effort and time that craftsmanship necessitates, and the reward it brings.” “The priority has always been ensurintg the artwork remains dramatic, skilled and detailed, and that these elements transfer successfully onto the products. I want my art and designs to be enjoyed, and used for years to come!”

Fine Art: Originals, Limited Edition Prints & commissioned work. Products: Dinner Coupe Plates £20/ea, Coupe Bowl £25/ea, large coupe side Plate £20/ea, dinner charger plate £37/ea, rim past bowl £30/ea, large rim side plate £20/ea, Mugs £15/ea, Breakfast Cups & Saucers £28/ea. Lidded storage jars £25/ea. View & Order from: Clavering Fine Art & Design Studio, Elsmar Lodge, Beckingham LN5 0RF, by appointment). Call: 07833685093 or visit www.clavering.co.

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What’s On... Find out What’s On this month with events taking place in different venues across the county. September is a great month to laugh at comedians and experience some stellar performances... THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Tuesday 16th August - 11th September It’s 1922, and small-town girl Millie Dillmount has just arrived in New York City, ready to make her dreams come true. Millie’s plan is simple: find a job as a secretary for an eligible bachelor, and then marry him. Her conniving landlady plots to kidnap Millie’s best friend and sell her into slavery in Hong Kong, her wealthy boss seems entirely uninterested in her flirtations, and worst of all, the man with whom she falls in love doesn’t have a penny to his name. This is a heartwarming performance at Kilworth House Theatre. 01858 881939, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

FOOTLOOSE Monday 29th August - 3rd September Kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose as the explosive rock ‘n’ roll musical sensation Footloose bursts onto the UK stage in a remastered show sure to get your toes tapping. See Gareth Gates as Willard and Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore at the Curve Theatre in Leicester. 01572 758440, www.discover-rutland.co.uk

RUTLAND CINEMA Thursday 1st September Celebrate great films monthly with Cinema for Rutland at Rutland County Museum, offering a film on the first Thursday of the month. This month, see Brooklyn, a story about a young Irish girl given a chance to emigrate to New York in the 1950s. 01572 758440, www.discover-rutland.co.uk

THE BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS Thursday 1st - 4th September The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is a world class fixture in the sporting calendar. Set in the stunning parkland of Burghley House, the Horse Trials is an unforgettable event for all to enjoy whether your passionate about the equine industry or shopping! 01780 752131, www.burghley-horse.co.uk

- ROCKINGHAM MIDDLE ENGLAND Sunday 28th - 29th August The Vikings return to us again! Be prepared for battles, pageant, living history camp and much more. The Vikings! Of Middle England are most famous for their realistic, exciting and entertaining battle displays. The thunderous clash of steel rings out as opposing forces meet. See life of olden times in the tented encampment where tradesmen display their skills, making weapons and coins, weaving nets and brewing medicines. Have-a-go archery and storytellers wow the crowds, at Rockingham Castle. 01536 770240, www.rockinghamcastle.com

ROCKINGHAM FAIR Sunday 24th - 25th September Expect all day entertainment in the Great Park including birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment, arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. A fun day out around the county, without having to travel too far. The event is going to be organised by Oakleigh Fairs, £7.50/adults. 01206 263088, www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Burghley Horse Trials...

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE Tuesday 6th - 10th September A show perfectly formed for the extensive acting and musical talents of Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice encapsulates playwright Jim Cartwright’s vision of a downtrodden and divided England united and uplifted by popular culture. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

THE BALLROOM BLITZ Saturday 10th September An evening of live music, food and vintage shopping all in aid of Cancer Research, Sue Ryder and in aid of Changing Places. Glam Rock outfits are to be encouraged and the event will be held at the Stamford Ballroom, £20/tickets. 01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com

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Send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

A CONCERT FOR SUE RYDER Saturday 10th September An evening of song and dance performed by local groups to celebrate 25 years of the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice based in Peterborough. This event is held at the Stamford Corn Exchange. 01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

YEEHAW - COUNTRY MUSIC Saturday 10th - 11th September The YeeHaw UK festival is a fantastic music experience, promoting all aspects of country music and reclaiming YeeHaw for the modern generation. The festival provides a truly immersive country festival atmosphere, with great music and greater food. Attend the event that will be held at Rockingham Castle. 01536 770240, www.rockinghamcastle.com

Easton Walled Gardens...

- HIDDEN ENGLAND EASTON WALLED GARDENS Sunday 4th September The much loved Autumn Country Market at Easton Walled Gardens will showcase the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best crafts, cakes, jewellery and gifts alongside various demonstrations and live music. The day will be much more than just shopping; the beautiful surrounding gardens make this a great day out. Yeehaw Festival...

VITRUVIAN TRIATHLON Saturday 10th September Established in 2003, the Vitruvian started from humble beginnings and less than 250 starters in its first year. Since then the Vitruvian has grown into one of the most respected and iconic races on the UK calendar. 01536 770240, www.rockinghamcastle.com

BELVOIR CASTLE

01476 530063, www.visiteaston.co.uk

Saturday 17th - 18th September Equinox 24 is a 24-hour mixed terrain race against the clock. The event is open to all abilities whether you aim to win or take part, this race will be exhilarating, testing and rewarding with a great atmosphere. The 10k route will take you around the Belvoir Castle Estate, on completing your lap you will hand over to one of your teammates or if solo keep on running!

DODDINGTON HALL

01476 871001, www.belvoircastle.com

Thursday 1st - 11th September Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the sculpture exhibition at Doddington Hall this year! There is still time to see it; it runs from the end of July to mid-September. The theme is brave, bold and strong. 01522 694308, www.doddingtonhall.com

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What’s On...

The Million Dollar Quartet...

- MUSICIANS -

Send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

SARAH MILLICAN - OUTSIDER

WHY THE WALES CAME

Tuesday 20th - 23rd September Sarah Millican is one of the UK’s most successful and multi-award winning comedians, who also holds the record as the highest selling female comedian in the DVD market. This autumn, Sarah will delight her fans as she heads out on the road again for her fourth stand-up tour, Outsider. She will be coming to De Montfort Hall in Leicester.

Tuesday 27th September Multi-award winning performer and storyteller Danyah Miller vividly brings to life another enchanting tale by Michael Morpurgo the award winning author of War Horse and Private Peaceful, at Uppingham Theatre.

01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Wednesday 14th - 24th September Following its success in the West End, Las Vegas and on Broadway, Million Dollar Quartet is coming to Leicester! This worldwide smash-hit musical is inspired by the recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.

Friday 16th September This fizzy glittering gem of a show remains the best entertainment as Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra deliver a full-throttle show. This show offers the energy of that glorious music with a large helping of nostalgia. You can hear the music of the swing era bought back to life. 01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

VIOLIN & PIANO SHOW Friday 30th September Internationally-acclaimed Alexander Hohenthal and David Hill perform a wide ranging programme of violin and piano repertoire at Uppingham Theatre this month. 01572 820820, www.uppthearts.co.uk

HAMLET Tuesday 27th - 28th September Denmark, a Black Empire of modern England, where an intelligent young student discovers the world he once knew has crumbled. Implored to defend what is left of his father’s decaying legacy, Hamlet now faces the greatest moral challenge - to kill or not to kill. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

MORPURGO’S KING ARTHUR Tuesday 27th - 28th September An epic tale of magic, heroism, love and betrayal adapted from the novel Arthur: High King of Britain, by Michael Morpurgo.

01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA

01572 820820, www.uppthearts.co.uk

Sarah Millican...

SWEET MR SHAKESPEARE Friday 23rd September Sweet Mr Shakespeare is a celebration of the enduring delight of Shakespeare’s plays, 400 years after his death. Experience stories, anecdotes and facts, as we know them, plus scenes from his most popular plays at Uppingham Theatre. 01572 820820, www.uppthearts.co.uk

01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

10CC IN CONCERT Thursday 29th September Celebrating the 40th anniversary of their seminal album Sheet Music, which included top 10 hit The Wall Street Shuffle, 10cc will embark on a 26-date theatre tour, including De Montfort Hall in Leicester. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk

EVENING WITH KENNETH CRANHAM Saturday 24th September Join Kenneth Cranham, winner of the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Actor, as he looks back on more than 50 years in theatre. He discusses his favourite leading roles, his favourite colleagues, and his best times at the Curve Theatre in Leicester. 01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

Kenneth Cranham...

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- PETERBOROUGH ARTS FESTIVAL -

Peterborough’s

Summer of Art There’s a whole programme of family entertainment to enjoy this month as Peterborough’s ‘two in one’ arts festival takes in both performing and visual arts... Peterborough is a vibrant city at the best of times, but this month sees even more colour, even more drama and even more culture as Key Feste and Myths & Minibeasts bring two weekends of family fun to the area. “We wanted to showcase the very best national acts, with both performing arts and visual arts, and with lots of audience participation involved,” says Sheena Carman of Vivacity, the city’s arts partnership. “Vivacity has joined forces with a rainbow of performers and companies to provide an immersive Summer experience for families with children up to 10 years old.”

“‘Marvellous Menagerie’ is the central attraction at Myths & Minibeasts, which will be held at Thorpe Meadows on 20th and 21st August. A performance company who will tell an epic story of world travel and rare beasts through drama, music and song!” “Among the other happenings are ‘mini dust disco’, turning children into real elves and fairies. There is also ‘Plunge Boom’ whose two intriguing scientists will wow audiences with a horde of micro-creatures in jars.” The event will not only raise awareness of this site of natural beauty but will also shine a light on the treasures of its’ sculpture trail - a site of cultural significance unique to Peterborough. Among the sculptures to be explored is an untitled piece by Miles Davis and ‘Quarry’ by Wolf. “Then, Key Feste will be an explosion of high quality performance and participatory activities coming to the Key Theatre and its surrounding venues on the 3rd and 4th of September. Audiences will be treated to a mind bending amount of free spectacle from the ‘Vegetable Nannies’ of ‘Plunge Boom,’ to the international rhythms of ‘MUHA’, and the dance sensations of Southpaw and 2Faced Dance. There’s a real effort to make high culture accessible, too, with Southpaw offering captivating storytelling as they unravel the dilemmas of ‘Faust.’” “There’s also a chance to see Stefano Di Renzo, who will be exploring the balance between his life and the system in a high wire performance of immense skill and excitement.”

Above: 2Faced Dance will appear at Key Feste. To find out more about the event, see www.vivacity-peterborough.com.

■ Myths & Minibeasts takes place on 20th and 21st August at Thorpe Meadows, Key Feste takes place at the Key Theatre, on 3rd and 4th September.

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Myths & Minibeasts... Thorpe Meadows will host a Myths & Minibeasts event on 20th and 21st August with performance theatre company Marvellous Menagerie entertaining families with children under 10 by epic story of world travel and rare beasts through drama, music and song! From 10.30am to 5pm,

MUST-SEE EVENTS Goethe’s Faust...

Kapow Dance Company...

Southpaw Dance does Faust, a man plagued by the devil, with a 1920s mise-en-scene of swing, drink and glamorous flappers. Cocktails are set aflame and sparks fly in this production which will please dance fans and new audiences alike. ■ Key Theatre, 3rd and 4th September.

Audience interaction, super costumes and a phenomenal dance act. It’s Kapow, the latest performance by the Two Faced Dance Company.

The Vegetable Nannies...

Les Enfants Terrible...

Plunge Boom theatre company presents The Vegetable Nannies, a theatre workshop which will guide you through every step of bringing your vegetable to life and make sure that your little one is accompanied with a lovely birth certificate. Join the troupe in Cathedral Square on the 18th of August at 11.30 - 3pm to watch a bunch of beautiful new vegetables come alive…

Myths and Minibeasts will also include a performance by Les Enfants Terrible with the company’s circus, puppets, dance, music and magic, with stories loosely based upon Aesop’s Fables. Thorpe Meadows, 20th and 21st August.

Cheer on your favourite, boo the baddie and watch as these unlikely figures of manliness take on the impossible. Who will succeed in flying like a bird? Who will quick-change faster than you can blink? And who will defeat the ultimate bad-guy? ■ Key Theatre, 3rd and 4th September.

■ For more information about any of Myths & Minibeasts or Key Feste events, see www.vivacitypeterborough.com or call 01733 207239. 51

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- HISTORY -

RUTLAND

Remembers DESPITE BEING THE SMALLEST COUNTY IN ENGLAND, RUTLANDERS PLAYED THEIR PART IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR. THE CENTENARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME IS A REMINDER TO US ALL TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO GAVE Words: Tilly Wilkinson. THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY... World War I was a time when words like duty and patriotism sent a stronger message to Britons than they do today. So many men fought to save their country, and so many lost their lives in the process. It is of the utmost importance that we remember those who sacrificed themselves for us, and our county had more of a hand in saving Britain than you may have first thought. We may be the smallest county in the UK, but men from Rutland could be found serving in dozens of different regiments in the Army, the Royal Flying Corps - now the

Royal Air Force - and on many ships in the Royal Navy too. Surprisingly, soldiers who took to the air included two women from Rutland as well. There was a surge of recruitment in Rutland after news broke that their had been a retreat in Mons but the early enthusiasm soon began to dwindle. Men who were held back under the Derby scheme were then called upon. This scheme was a way of seeing whether British manpower goals could be met by volunteers or if conscription was necessary. Conscription, which was compulsory enlistment, was introduced in 1916.

Sister Hetterleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Service Sister Helen Hetterley was one of three women from Rutland to die serving in the Forces during World War One. Her cousin Joseph Hetterley was killed on the battlefield and one of her brothers fought and survived. Helen was born in 1891 and lived at 31 Penn Street in Oakham. She was one of 12 children, but only nine survived childhood. In 1911 aged 19, she was a nurserymaid for Sir Henry Burton Buckley and his wife in Kensington. Two years before the war she became a hospital nurse, and when the war began, was stationed at the Military Hospital in Canterbury. While treating injured soldiers, she contracted tuberculosis and was sent by Rutland County Council to the Devon and Didsworthy Sanatorium. Sadly, the disease was already very advanced and after three months, it was found to be incurable. She returned home, where she died on 30th May 1917, and was buried in Oakham Cemetery with her three siblings who died in childhood. She is also remembered on Oakhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s war memorial. 54

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Main: Six Oakham Territorials at a pre war training camp, possibly taken in 1908. Four of the young men pictured would die during the war.

The Boy

HERO William George Edward Clifton was the youngest from Rutland to die in the First World War, killed during the Battle of the Somme aged 16 and two months. He was only 15 years and four months when he left his home in Barrowden and enlisted in the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Territorials in November 1915. He was sent to the Western Front in July 1916 to join the 1st Battalion as the Somme was raging. The Lincolnshire war diary records bayonets were fixed and half the battalion were about to go over the top. They came into the enemyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fire and in spite of heavy losses, continued until the British front line was reached.

Rutland lost five per cent of its male population but some villages suffered far worse. Oakham lost 118 young men, with one street alone losing more than a dozen. The village of Ayston lost 22 per cent, including three sets of brothers.

A handful of Rutlanders joined the Navy and some of those fought in the great Battle of Jutland.

Most of Rutlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soldiers joined the army, filling the ranks of neighbouring regiments like the Leicesters, the Northants, the Lincolns, and the Sherwood Foresters.

Not one of the 646 men who died in the Great War could have possibly imagined what lay ahead when leaving their small rural home in the heart of England, to become part of the first industrialised war of attrition.

This meant they took part in all of the different battles that are now bywords for the horrors of the Great War, including Somme, Gallipoli, Paschendaele and Loos, all leading to a terrible loss of life.

The armies hurled thousands of catastrophic bombs and shells at each other, individual lives counted for almost nothing, and most of the men who fell, did so because of heavy artillery, not rifle fire.

Meanwhile the other half were having a difficult time as they left their forward trenches and advanced into an intensive barrage. Despite the fact the barrage was accurately ranged, the men marched along as if on parade, but soon they were falling every moment. William was one of those casualties, said to have been shot through the chest. This boy hero was buried where he fell, his grave lost in fighting so he is remembered on Pier 1C of the Thiepval Memorial and in the church in Barrowden. 55

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- HISTORY -

Families in Rutland finding out about their husband, brother, father or son dying in the war was usually announced by telegram, but it was sometimes followed by an officer’s letter to try and lessen the impact by describing how the man died instantly. Some of the letters were more graphic than others, but it was very unusual to report the agonies the men had to go through, if they had been blown to pieces, if their wounds made them suffer a very long and painful death. Either way, the men passed away in history with only that letter to remember them by. In the years immediately after the First World War, towns and villages wanted to make sure the men wouldn’t be forgotten, that the fallen soldiers would be remembered for years to come. They set about raising funds to build plaques, memorials, buildings and scrolls so each

“RUTLAND’S PART IN THIS DREADFUL WAR IS DEFINITELY REMEMBERED, AND A HUNDRED YEARS LATER WE REMEMBER IT STILL. UNLIKE 1916 AND THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED, THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RETAIN THAT SENSE OF HISTORY EVEN FURTHER...” life that was lost in the war did matter, and each and every life would be remembered. You can see how the Great War was felt in Rutland’s towns, villages, hamlets and streets as women and children gathered to raise money to eternalise their lives in memory, on plaques and memorials. Rutland’s part in this dreadful war is definitely remembered, and a hundred years later we remember it still. Unlike 1916 and the years that followed, the developments in technology have been able to retain that sense of history even further. Rutland Remembers is a website that is solely dedicated to remembering those 646 soldiers who died. Users of the site, if they know of any of the men who fell, can docu-

ment their lives as far as they know and mark on a map where their graves and their memorials may be. As a result of this, users can also discover where the graves of relatives are to pay their respects. The team behind the website and project are husband and wife team Claire and James Buchanan and their close friends Robert Pickwoad and John Stokes. “Rutland Remembers is a heritage lottery funded, and Rutland County Council supported project to remember those who died in the First World War,” said Claire. “The two aims are to create a digital war memorial

FRIENDS till the END William Noel Shelvey from Morcott was one of the youngest to die from Rutland. He joined the 8th Battalion of the Leicestershire regiment with his friend Herbert Berridge also from Morcott, aged just 17 when he enlisted. Both died during the Battle of the Somme. The two were sent to France in December 1915 and William was killed seven months later aged 18 on 15th July 1916 in the fight for Bazentin Wood. Three months later, his friend Herbert died after being severely wounded while acting as a stretcher bearer on 25th September 1916. The boys have no known grave but are remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Both are remembered on the memorial in the cemetery at Morcott.

in the shape of the website, plus for the graves and memorials of every single man and woman who died in the war to be visited over the four year centenary period of the war.” “The idea for the project was inspired by the work of a local historian in the 1920s called George Phillips, who visited the families of many of the bereaved and wrote basic biographical information about them and what happened to them, and crucially collated many photos of all the soldiers who fought and died for the country.” “We’ve used that information, but have built on the extra databases that is now available via war diaries, military records and all the genealogy sites that have created far more detailed biographies of all of the men.” The historians behind the website have now discovered more than 70 extra soldiers who before the project was launched, were unrecognised in Rutland. 643 men and three women from Rutland are included on the website. “For the Somme centenary, we have created a fully interactive map on the website which for the first time, details exactly who was killed where and when, and it gives a detailed understanding as to how the battle was fought over the three months in 1916.” “For example on 14th July 1916, 11 men from Rutland died in the same small battle on the Somme called Bazentine Wood. Only one has a grave, for the rest of the bodies were never recovered.” “It is the most detailed information available, and it comes from scrutinising the war diaries for the day the men died to find out exactly where they were based when they were killed. There are lots of facts on the map about the different battles, and Rutlanders killed on the Somme. “The website is especially used by schools across Rutland as part of their curriculum to help teach First

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A True Hero of

WAR Private John Thomas Branston Woodward was born in 1891 and went on to have some of the most extraordinary experiences of any of Rutland’s soldiers, including being shipwrecked twice in an hour. Known as Tom, he grew up in Tickencote and lived in Caldecott before joining the 9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment in January 1915. During the Battle of Loos, he carried his injured colonel off the battlefield and had his wristwatch shot off but escaped injury. However, he was invalided home with trench foot expecting to have his leg amputated and was on board the hospital ship Anglia when it struck a mine. He was wearing a lifebelt which he took off and gave to a nurse who was also in the water, saving her life.

Main: Soldiers leaving Oakham for the war.

World War history and more importantly, the stories behind the men and women who died. It teaches the next generation to continue to remember.” “Many use the website to research the stories before going to visit the men’s graves during tours of the Western Front and visits to the countries involved; France, Belgium and Alsace.” “Since we launched, the graves and the memorials of every soldier killed on the Western Front has been visited, in some cases many times.”

before November 2018 as long as it’s safe to do so. There is no doubt that the couple are thoroughly committed to this cause though. Claire and James even planned their honeymoon accordingly to visit just one of the soldiers in Bangalore in India!

“Others have been visited as far away as Turkey, Greece, Italy, Baghdad, India and even Iran, with the help of various relatives and supporters of the Rutland Remembers project.”

We have featured only five of the fallen men - and young boys - in this feature, but it’s horrifying to know that there are 641 others who died too, just from our small county, with similar stories. It’s so important we remember those who fought for our country 100 years ago and for our lives today, forever.

Claire, her husband and John and Robert still have some more work to do in Iraq and the Middle East which they aspire to do

■ To discover more of Rutland’s fallen soldiers, to find relative’s graves, or to add more war stories that you know of, visit www.rutlandremembers.org.

Tom was rescued by another ship, a collier called SS Lusitania, only for that ship to be blown up as well sending him back into the sea. Once again he was rescued. The effect of being in the water for so long had somehow done some good to his leg and doctors decided they did not need to amputate it after all. After recovering, Tom volunteered for trench mortar duty, and returned to France. In September 1916, his battalion was in the south-east of Ginchy in the Battle of the Somme. The battalion war diary records how they captured two lines of German trenches in the morning but suffered heavy casualties from artillery and machine guns. Tom was killed one evening when a German high explosive shell known as a coal box burst inside his trench. Tom is buried in the vast Serre Road Number 2 Cemetery, the biggest on the Somme, grave XXXIII.D.9. He is remembered on Wisbech’s Roll of Honour.

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The Mane

EVENT

Great Bowdenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Lion is a robust, satisfying, pub well worth a short drive from Rutland. With flawlessly conceived quality pub restaurant food, and a sense of fun, the place is guaranteed to make you smile... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- EATING OUT -

My last visit to Great Bowden’s Red Lion was a week before I wed my wife about two years ago, the last dining out feature of a condemned man, as it were. It’s been a happy enough couple of years, but even our marriage has nothing on the blissful union between owner of the pub Kieran Thorne, front of house manager Conan Bellamy and Head Chef Jamie Allsopp. Together, the three run the pub restaurant, near Market Harborough, with a warm welcome, a sense of fun & quirkiness, and a real desire to produce some of the best pub restaurant food we’ve seen. The place was built in the 1600s and has been a pub for most, if not all, of its life. In 2013 though, Kieran purchased the place and treated it to a massive refurbishment, ripping it and seemingly pre-empting the fashion for rustic pubs in the post-gastropub era. During our visit the place had just celebrated its third birthday (complete with birthday cake, live band and BBQ at the venue’s annual party), under its new ownership, and not withstanding a lick of paint, the place had the same character, with its Farrow & Ball palette of colours, punctuated by the odd shock of lime green and pink colours on chair or bar stools. That’s a sort of metaphor for the place’s food, too. A large A3 menu provides Favourites - pub restaurant staples like fish & chips, gourmet burger and surf & turf, alongside more à la carte oriented mains such as the slow braised duck leg shown opposite and a perennially popular Thai style seafood curry.

meet the CHEF JAMIE ALLSOPP, HEAD CHEF AT THE RED LION, GREAT BOWDEN Food Experience: “I’m from Harborough, and worked here under its previous owner. I left for London and worked for a number of years at Scott’s of Mayfair before Kieran tempted me back when he took over the place in 2013.”

Before returning to his native Harborough, Jamie worked at Scotts in Mayfair and indulged a long-standing love of seafood, his curry, and other fish dishes, like a seafood platter sharing medley reflecting this. The pub restaurant offers their ‘Lunch Club’ two and three course menu, which changes daily and offers three starters, five mains and three desserts for £12.95 or £14.95. There’s a lighter lunch menu too, for those in a hurry. Meanwhile, evening diners can choose from five sharing options, six starters, seven mains, five salads and nine ‘favourites.’ During the week there are three promotional nights too, Roast Chicken Tuesdays, with the dish prepared >>

Food Wisdom: “Food should be sociable. Eating together should be a shared experience, that’s why our sharing boards are so popular.” Food Heaven: “I love seafood. A fruits de mer dish with a nice cold glass of white in the garden is heaven for me!” Food Hell: “Sweetcorn... I just don’t like it!”

Opposite Page: Slow braised duck leg with cherry jus and creamed mash. Top: Anti pasto platter of cured meats and homemade bread. Left: Head chef Jamie Allsopp.

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- EATING OUT -

in a brasserie style with dressed salad and roasted potatoes, all served on a board. Wednesdays sees a more traditional midweek roast, whilst Thursdays sees a Beef Wellington menu with sautéed potatoes. Thursdays also sees a £7.95/glass Prosecco promotion with unlimited refills for ladies! Another real innovation which has proved popular is the Red Lion’s hanging skewers. These vary from week to week and range from chicken and steak to forthcoming ‘eat like a lion’ meats like antelope and crocodile. Meat is marinated then slow-cooked, and the kebabs are served with a dinky saucepan of sauce which the customer drizzles into the top of the hanging kebab so it drizzles down the meat and into a bowl of lovely crispy fries below. During our visit a chicken and roasted veg variant was served with a delicious chilli garlic butter. It was a really satisfying experience and has proved popular in the restaurant.

FOOD SERVICE TIMES Lunch Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.30pm. Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Sunday Sunday 12 noon to 4pm. NB: Open all day for drinks.

“As soon as one customer orders one and it’s carried through the restaurant, they really turn heads and suddenly everyone else orders them too. They’re a novelty in terms of presentation, but really satisfying too, with flavoursome marinades and tender meat.” Local suppliers are used throughout the Red Lion’s menus, and Jamie prides himself on good relationships with people like Bates and Joseph Morris butchers, M&J Seafood and Reynolds fruit and veg. All of the bread, sauces, desserts, ice creams and sorbets are made in house, and presentation is smart, without falling into fussiness. Whether you dine in the 26 seater restaurant, 30 seater bar or in the garden, with new furniture, an outside bar, a covered pergola and patio heaters which is currently enjoying a refurbishment as Pride goes to press, you’ll love the Red Lion. Just half an hour from Oakham and Uppingham, it’s a cracking place; satisfying, successful and a happy marriage of a relaxed setting with absolutely superb food. ■

“OUR HANGING KEBABS ARE A NOVELTY IN TERMS OF PRESENTATION, BUT REALLY SATISFYING TOO, WITH FLAVOURSOME MARINADES AND TENDER MEAT...”

Above/Left: Hanging kebab with chilli garlic butter for the client to drizzle down the meat into the fries below. Above: Milk chocolate and dark cherry brownie. Right: Lemon posset with hazelnut crumble.

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on the MENU FROM THE RED LION’S À LA CARTE MENU To Share Mediterranean vegetable medley, a stack of chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables with mixed olives, butterbean hummus, aioli and homemade breads £14.95/for two. Anti pasto platter of cured meats and Mediterranean vegetables £13.95/for two. Starter Chicken liver pâté with red onion marmalade and toasted ciabatta £6.95. Mains Slow roasted belly of Blythburgh pork, with creamed mashed potato and buttered greens £13.95. Thai style seafood curry £15.95 (£10.95/vegetarian). Favourites Surf and turf - 35 day 8oz sirloin with garlic roasted crevettes £23.95. Red lion burger, 8oz smoky steak with bacon and Applewood cheddar £12.95. Desserts Salted caramel tart with homemade vanilla ice cream £5.95. Milk chocolate and dark cherry brownie £5.95. NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

■ Visit The Red Lion, Main Street, Great Bowden, Leicestershire, LE16 7HB. Call 01858 463571 or see www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk. 61

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Bite of the Cherry DESSERTS BURSTING WITH FRUIT ARE NOT ONLY SOME OF THE BEST TASTING, BUT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, WITH THE TOP RESTAURANTS IN RUTLAND RAISING THE BAR EVERY TIME...

AN EXOTIC SELECTION The Marquess of Exeter in Lyddington has an exotic dessert on their menu; a rum & raisin panna cotta with tropical fruit and a tuille £6.25. 01572 822477, www.marquessexeter.co.uk.

■ The Jackson Stops is kicking off this fruity feature with a delicious spiced pear with boozy cognac, village blackberries and orange sorbet. It looks as good and as juicy as it tastes.

■ The Crown Hotel in Stamford is passionate about their fruity desserts, with a passionfruit cheesecake with mango sorbet and vanilla tuille. 01780 763136, www.kneadpubs .co.uk

Another dessert on their menu is a warm chocolate brownie with white chocolate pannacotta and dark chocolate mousse if you’re a chocoholic. 01780 410237, www.thejacksonstops.com

■ THE WHITE HORSE in Baston presents a blackberry delice with candied orange mint and cassis gel.

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- SAMPLE DISHES -

beautifully

presented Hambleton Hall’s ‘Granny Smith’ dish is a work of fine art. The hard sugary exterior encases a soft centre, as it sits on a bed of edible flowers. The desserts here are true perfection.

01572 756991, www.hambletonhall.com

CRISP & CLEAN The Brownlow Arms present a five star dessert, a pear and almond frangipane, full of subtle fruity flavours and pear crisps to contrast with the soft texture. 01400 250234, www.thebrownlowarms.com

Kilworth House’s fruity desserts include a beautifully presented lemon mousse with pistachio sponge and Earl Grey sorbet. 01858 880058, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk. 01778 560923, www.thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk

■ Featured dishes are representative examples of our featured chefs’ skills... the menus of our featured restaurants change frequently so dishes are subject to availability. Check each restaurant’s website prior to your visit for an up-to-date menu.

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JOIN THE MARQUESS AT BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS Brian and the team will be back serving up a storm with their ‘Burghley Feast' Start the day with classic breakfast fayre including delicious Eggs Benedict Come at lunchtime for mouthwatering lamb wraps, paella and more! Beautiful locally-sourced meat from Launde Farm Foods FIND US IN THE FOOD AREA UNDER THE OAK TREE! – DON’T FORGET – Visit us in Lyddington soon – enjoy our late summer menu and special offers such as take away fish and chips every Friday evening 5pm – 7pm

52 Main Street, Lyddington, Uppingham LE15 9LT Call for bookings: 01572 822 477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week | 17 Modern Bedrooms | Four AA Star Rated

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KNOCK ON

WOOD In days gone by, you’d knock on wood to ensure good luck. We must have done just prior to our visit to Corby Glen’s Woodhouse Arms because upon our arrival, we were lucky enough to find superb quality pub restaurant cuisine, a lovely setting and a comfortable dining room... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- EATING OUT -

Corby Glen’s SHEEP FAIR 2016 will see the 778th Corby Glen Sheep Fair, which typically takes place in late September or early October.

Wow wow wow! There can be few better experiences than finding a lovely new restaurant to enjoy, and recently we found ourselves in a restaurant that, somehow, we’ve managed to overlook before now.

The event began life as a livestock expo, and remains as one of the oldest events of its type in the country.

The Woodhouse Arms is located in the village of Corby Glen which makes it a half-hour trip from Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford. So is it worth a trip? Yes! The place was derelict until 2013 when current owners Amanda and Ian Clayton, who have form in the industry, purchased it and completed a ‘back to bare stone’ renovation lasting 18 months and resulting in a ‘Farrow & Ball-ed’ interior that’s sympathetic to the character of the building, but still comfortable and cosy.

“THE TEAM CREATES A REALLY FRIENDLY PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE IT’S YOUR LOCAL; EVERYONE’S LOCAL, NOT JUST THE VILLAGERS’ PUB...”

Amanda dismisses any efforts to praise herself, modestly deflecting recognition of the pub’s cuisine, character and appearance onto her team of 22 staff, and a brigade of five chefs. Teamwork makes the dream work, it seems.

Latterly it has been modernised and last year included zorbing, and an appearance by tribute band Noasis. Other attractions include stalls, a classic car show and morris dancing... and naturally, The Woodhouse Arms is open throughout the event, date TBC. ■ See www.sheepfair.co.uk.

The place comprises a bar area seating 15 diners and drinkers. The team welcome local patrons’ wet trade as warmly as they welcome diners from a considerable radius who come to dine at the pub restaurant. This helps to create a really friendly place that feels like it’s everyone’s local. To the right of the bar area is a more rustic restaurant with stripped pine tables and >> 67

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>> chairs and some rattan chairs mitigated with comfy cushions, a pine floor, exposed stonework, beams and two shrines to Sophie Allport, the designer who lives nearby. At the back of the restaurant is a later addition to the building, which is slightly more formal in its appearance with upholstered chair and large windows. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly not modern, just... different, and equally appealing. Dining at The Woodhouse is both simple by virtue of a single menu, which runs during both lunchtime and evening service

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch Monday to Saturday noon to 2pm. Dinner Monday to Saturday, 6.00pm to 9pm. Sunday Lunch from noon to 4pm.

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU À LA CARTE MENU AT THE WOODHOUSE ARMS

Starters Serrano ham with deep fried egg and grilled asparagus £6.25. Confit of duck ravioli and butternut squash velouté £6.25.

Main Courses Duo of roasted belly pork and fillet with apple & gooseberry puree and olive oil mash £12.95. Pan fried fillet of seabass with plum tomato fondue, asparagus, sauce vierge & baby new potatoes £12.95.

- and at the same time tricky, by virtue of the presence of far too many tempting options right across the menu. A choice of eight starter options, 11 à la carte main courses, three summer salads and additional pizza and sandwich options provide everything from a quality fish & chip option and 8oz sirloin steak, to more formal main course options like our seabass, and belly pork main courses, pictured here. Local suppliers include butchery from Mel Wards of Ruskington, lamb from Sophie Arlott - a local supplier to Fortnums and Harrods - and fish landed in Grimsby then delivered daily. Clements ensures fruit and veg is grown locally where possible and all of the desserts and sauces are prepared by The Woodhouse Arms’s chefs in house. A choice of eight desserts and locally biased cheese board round off a meal nicely, and there are 33 bins of wine culminating in a high-end Chablis and Châteauneuf du Pape, with skinny markups, priced at £28.50

and £35 respectively... there’s even an English sparkling wine on the menu, too. With three en suite letting rooms as well, it’s a good place to know if you’ve friends or relatives staying and need accommodation that feels like a home from home. The place is so popular for those who don’t want to drive home that it has created a ‘Great Escape’ deal, comprising a two course evening meal package with concessionary bed and breakfast rates. The pub restaurant is also popular as a ‘first date’ venue - given that it’s equidistant from many of the area’s market towns. The staff enjoy playing a part in making romance blossom, and with its relaxed, comfortable rustic environment, creative, well-presented and technically adept provision of food, we think that if any quality pub restaurant is going to be conducive to romance it’s this one. Our first visit was certainly love at first sight, and we’ll certainly be returning soon!

8oz sirloin steak with field mushrooms and twice-cooked chips £17.50.

Desserts Choux bun filled with hazelnut praline cream and dark chocolate sauce £5.45. Lemon meringue roulade & raspberry sorbet £5.25.

Cheese Woodhouse cheese plate with biscuits, apple, walnuts & chutney £7.95. NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

■ The Woodhouse Arms, Bourne Road, Corby Glen NG33 4NS. Call 01476 552452 or see www.thewoodhousearms.co.uk. 69

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Tio Pepe Fino En Rama Sherry

Wine of the Month

This small production, limited edition Tio Pepe Sherry is unclarified and unfiltered, resulting in a super fresh Fino.

Masi’s Campolongo di Torbe Amarone della Valpolicella, 70cl Vintage 2003: £119.95 Vintage 2007: £95.99 Vintage 2009: £84.95

En Rama is alive with flavour and is the closest you can get to drinking directly out of the cask. It has more nutty and yeasty aromas than the usual Tio Pepe and on the palate it is fresh and citrusy, with a complex, saline finish. A truly gastronomic wine.

There are only 15,000 bottles of Masi’s vintage Valpolicella approximately. It’s hailed as a ‘supervenetian’ wine mixing Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes to create a heavyweight red of 16%... and take our word for it when we say it’s incredible enough to justify the price!

■ Tio Pepe Fino En Rama 2016 Sherry. Jerez, Spain. £18.95

The Wine Cellar THIS MONTH WE’VE A SUPERB PORT, AND SOME INTERESTING WAYS TO MIX AND MATCH YOUR WAY TO SUMMER REFRESHMENT, WITH SUGGESTIONS COURTESY OF HARISH... Words: Harish Khanderia. PERFECT PARTNERS: MATCH THESE WINES TO OUR RECOMMENDED MIXERS... 1. My ‘go-to’ Champagne, is Drappier (£39.95). It tastes extra special with a drop of Dijon crème de cassis (£19.99), creating a classic Kir Royale cocktail.

2. Valdobbiadene’s Prosecco Superiore, Extra Dry (£16.95) is worth the extra money with a floral note and exceptional mousse. With an orange and rhubarb liqueur, Apelrol (£19.95), you can make it even more special.

3. Add Pamplemousse pink grapefruit liqueur (£29.49) to Châteax Pampelonne’s cinsault and grenache rosé for a smashing summer cocktail!

Aromas of baked fruit, rich, well-balanced palate, flavours of cherries, forest fruits, and vanilla aftertaste.

STAY IN or GO OUT? Going Out: ■ English Oak Engelmann Cuvée sparkling, £37.50, from the Woodhouse Arms, Corby Glen An English sparkling that’s champagne in all but name. Soft, creamy with an elegant mousse.

Staying In: ■ Masi Moxxe Brut £17.95 from Oakham Wines. Delicious blend of a pinot grigio and verduzzo grapes with Masi’s unique dry grape appassimento method. Only 40,000 bottles are made.

n Our featured wines are available from Oakham Wines, High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH. Call 01572 757124 or visit www.oakhamwines.co.uk.

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- THE OLIVE BRANCH -

You know you’re in for a treat when you visit The Olive Branch in Clipsham. This multiple award-winning pub is a master at serving really delicious food and drink in a professional and stylish yet unpretentious way. The cooking is not fiddly here, but it is excellent; top-quality ingredients put together to create classic, satisfying combinations. The wine list is top-notch too, and if you ever get the chance to attend one of The Olive Branch’s Wine Masterclasses, you’ll discover some amazing wines and enjoy perfectly matched tapas-style dishes at the same time.

WINE TASTING

MASTERED Fine wines matched to wonderful food in an award-winning pub, with a little education on the side. Is there a better way to spend a Saturday lunchtime? Foodie Matt Wright doesn’t believe so! Words & Images: Matt Wright.

I recently attended a Grenache tasting at The Olive Branch on a Saturday afternoon that left me feeling, apart from a little tipsy, enthused about wine. Thanks to the tutored tasting, I was able to compare flavours and aromas that I wouldn’t consider when sipping a glass in front of the telly on a Friday night. The Discover Grenache Masterclass was held in The Barn, The Olive Branch’s private 20-seater room attached to the pub. Seven varieties of white, red and dessert Grenache wines were poured. I’m still more a lover of our national drink; beer. However, I did catch a glimpse of how it’s possible to fall under the spell of wine and wine making. I’m not referring to the drink’s intoxicating properties, but everything that goes into creating it, from the growing of grapes, to the unique geographic characteristics

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of the regions in which they’re cultivated, to the juice fermentation and ageing process. The descriptions of wine-making techniques like ageing grapes in lofts before pressing them to produce a fuller-bodied, sweeter Grenache, were fascinating. The explanation of flavours and aromas were wonderful too. Oh, and the food was top notch. At various points we were served small dishes to match the varieties of Grenache, including smoked celeriac soup with apple, fish goujons, confit of duck and beetroot with pickled walnut and pomegranate, and salt cod brandade. People are sometimes put off wine-tasting events because they feel a bit intimidating, stuffy and technical. But The Olive Branch Wine Masterclass is nothing like that. Instead you get a relaxed, educational afternoon eating mouthwatering food and drinking delicious wines. My wines of the day were the Birichino Grenache Vielles Vignes and the Picpoul de Pinet Languedoc and I couldn’t resist buying

“THE CLASS OFFERS A RELAXED, EDUCATIONAL AFTERNOON ALLOWING YOU TO ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD AND WINES...”

Left: The wines Matt tried on his visit. Above: A masterclass in action. Top: Food at the Olive Branch has won numerous awards including Rutland Pride’s Food Hero Award. Opposite: The pub restaurant and gardens itself.

WINE TASTING at the OLIVE BRANCH a bottle of each from The Olive Branch’s Pub Shop after the Masterclass. In the case of the Languedoc, I was won over by its clean, fresh taste, as refreshing as a cool spring breeze on a day by the seaside. The Birichino Grenache Vielles Vignes was a Californian wine. This wine was 100% Grenache, which we were told is quite unusual and made using old vines in the traditional Italian method; where grapes are sun dried before being processed. A Masterclass at the Olive Branch is worth every penny in my opinion for an afternoon of delicious food and drink, educational entertainment, and infectious enthusiasm.

The Olive Branch’s Wine Masterclasses take place every month or so on Saturday lunchtimes. The price of £55, including generous tastings of six to eight different wines, plus several tapas-size dishes to match. Upcoming dates: 17th September, 8th October and 3rd December. For further details and to book, call 01780 410355 or visit www.theolivebranchpub.com. 73

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

A HOUSE OF

THE PAST & THE

FUTURE Words: Rob Davis.

Geoff & Ann Trusloveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 year old barn may incorporate some swish technology, but the couple still relied on some traditional materials and processes to renovate the place... not least among which was two ladies with crystals and divining rods!

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DOCKEY BARN, STOCKERSTON ROAD

near ALLEXTON

“We can almost see into the future,” say Geoff and Ann Truslove. “We can see the potential of a building.” The couple certainly saw the potential of Dockey Barn, in the village of Allexton. When they first saw the place in 1998 it was just a run-down decrepid building, and now, it’s a wonderful barn conversion with some features that were way ahead of their time when the couple first began work. Owners of property development firm GD Truslove & Son, Geoff and his son Simon are very practical, and Ann not only shares Geoff ’s ability to visualise potential in a wreck of a building, but the skills and talent to complete exterior work on the building and landscaping jobs, too. She’s responsible, for the appearance of the five acres of grounds.

GEOFF IS A JOINER & PLUMBER, SIMON IS A SKILLED BUILDER, WHILST ANN WORKED ON ALL THE LANDSCAPING...”

Left: The property sits in just under five acres, and was landscaped by Ann.

The couple completed the renovation of four thatched cottages in Great Easton, then built their own home in the village before seeking a new project, and came across Dockey Barn, which they reckon is around 100 years old, when it was sold off in the late 1990s. The family levelled the site and restored the original barn, recreating the rest of the buildings to retain the original footprint of the property.

Location: Uppingham 9 minutes, Oakham 16 mins, H’borough 12 mins. Style: Barn conversion based around 100 year old former farm buildings. Bedrooms: Five with one en suite, first floor bathroom and shower room, ground floor shower room. Receptions: Four, currently arranged as living kitchen, sitting room, family room and garden room. Guide Price: £1,295,000

Two years ago, Simon added a garden room in conjunction with a specialist heritage glazing firm, making a total of four receptions rooms, currently arranged as a sitting room with wood burner, a family room and the garden room. The remaining reception room is the giant living kitchen, which was on Ann’s original wishlist long before the current fashion for a large kitchen which incorporates dining and living room spaces. 77

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Above: The kitchen featured hand-made bespoke cabinetry.

>> The family have pre-empted the future too by

incorporating some pretty fancy technology. Both the ground floor and first floor feature zoned underfloor heating, there’s a centralised vacuum cleaning system, and a reverse osmosis water filtration system. The latter is essential as the property is not on mains water but rather takes its supply from a borehole the family had drilled. Ironically, given the technology in the house, the borehole was located by ‘a couple of ladies in tweed skirts with crystals and divining rods,’ which sounds kooky, but Geoff admits they were uncannily accurate!

Other traditional touches include the red brickwork, the established copse and the 100 year old reclaimed pine floor which was requisitioned from Market Harborough’s Congregational Church before being planed and treated by Simon. The kitchen’s a nice blend of the traditional - a three oven Aga, timber work surfaces, bespoke cabinetry in Old English White and a larder and the modern - built-in appliances by Bosch and Siemens, too.

“TRADITIONAL TOUCHES INCLUDE THE RED BRICKWORK, THE ESTABLISHED COPSE AND THE 100 YEAR OLD RECLAIMED PINE FLOOR REQUISITIONED FROM A NEARBY CHURCH...” 78

The five acres of grounds have been landscaped by Ann, who also mucked in to transform a bog into the 30m pond at the top of the plot. She created the vast lavender borders leading up to the property, and the landscaped terrace to the back of the property with its beds and steps leading up the lawns. The outside of the building has just enough ivy to blend into its rural setting, whilst Ann’s pots, planters and shrubs look superb, especially against the 360° panoramic views of Rutland countryside. “We’re seeking to downsize, especially in terms of the plot size, but we’ll really miss the place,” says Geoff. “We’re proud of what we created, and we hope it’ll be a rural idyll for its next owners, too.”

Right: The garden room was added two years ago.

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

“TWO YEARS AGO, SIMON ADDED A GARDEN ROOM IN CONJUNCTION WITH A SPECIALIST HERITAGE GLAZING FIRM, MAKING A TOTAL OF FOUR RECEPTIONS ROOMS. THERE’S A STUDY AND UTILITY ROOM, TOO...”

Left: The sitting room which features stunning open exposed beams.

Top: The terrace area features York stone paving and seating.

Below: The original barns date back to about 100 year ago.

n Dockey Barn, Allexton is currently on the market with estate agents Strutt & Parker of Market Harborough; call 01858 433123 or see www.struttandparker.co.uk.

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

STAR Quality A huge renovation project has turned Rose Cottage in Pickwell from a small dilapidated property to a large family home with five star luxury living in everything from the Clive Christian kitchen to the lip-shaped door handles...

“Life is for living,” says Phoebe Beale, owner of Rose Cottage in Pickwell, as we discussed her beautifully lavish and luxurious interiors. “I want to make the best out of everything so I used only the best suppliers to help me to create my dream home.” A dream home is exactly what Phoebe and the suppliers have made with every aspect of the home designed to impeccably high standards. “I love the Crazy Bear Hotels,” says Phoebe. “Their quirky and luxurious interior design is what I wanted to recreate. The copper bathtub at the end of the bed in the master bedroom is inspired by their rooms.” “In other rooms, I’ve used only the best suppliers to create my home. For the 83

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bathrooms, including the bathroom in the annexe above the garage, I used Chadder & Co. This company designed and installed the bathrooms in Buckingham Palace. In one bathroom, I have a handmade mosaic bath created by Chadder & Co.” “The kitchen is a bespoke handmade Clive Christian kitchen, an enormous luxury for the home. It cost just under a quarter of a million to create, and in addition to looking beautiful, it features a Wolf range cooker, a Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, a boiling water tap, steam oven and a wine cooler. There’s a TV behind the cooker too.” All the window sills are marble throughout the home and there’s a clear theme in every room. Even the children’s rooms look fantastic - resembling something from a fairytale or Disney movie. “We’ve definitely made the house suitable for a family, designing the children’s rooms to the same standards as the rest of the house. The annexe above the garage is a great place for teenagers too.” “In the garden, there’s an old American ‘Wendy House’ finished with a plasma TV screen and chandelier.” She’s thought about every single detail, even the door handles; each one is bronze and lip-shaped. “It’s very much a home for entertaining and we’ve hosted many parties here. The annexe is a great place for guest to sleep above the garages with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. We also have guest rooms in the house.” “There’s a dedicated space for entertaining outside with two barbecues, a bar and a sink, great for summer parties, and the lounge, kitchen, and sound system throughout the home is great for parties in colder months.” Phoebe has been in the entertainment industry and the management of holiday parks for many years so she wanted a house that entertained and reflected her livelihood.

“PHOEBE HAS THOUGHT THROUGH EVERY SINGLE DETAIL, EVEN THE DOOR HANDLES; EACH ONE IS BRONZE AND LIP-SHAPED...” 84

“We chose Rose Cottage because of its location. It’s in a quiet and rural countryside location, but it’s also five minutes from a train station, an equestrian centre and the luxury pool and gym at Stapleford Park.” “It’s so easy to get everywhere you need to be, you have all of your facilities in arm’s reach and yet you live in a relaxing rural retreat. I like waking up to the sound of church bells and the convenience of living centrally. You can have both!” Phoebe has spent the last 12 months in Los Angeles with her daughter, a recording artist, and the five former years in New York City. She moved to the area as her son lives in Rutland and so wanted to be closer to him. Phoebe transformed the home in less than five months and this included a major extension, redecoration of the whole

property that was virtually empty inside, and landscaping of the gardens. She visited various shows to get the best furniture possible. “The house is great for people with an equine interest. There’s a fantastic equestrian centre not far from the home, great country bridleways to hack out, and there are a few fields behind us with horses in.” This relaxing and luxurious country home will be dearly missed by Phoebe as she moves onto another project. “I thoroughly enjoyed decorating Rose Cottage and have developed a very real passion for renovation. I plan to do something similar at the next property and hope the next owners enjoy this home as much as I have.”

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

ROSE COTTAGE in PICKWELL Location: Oakham 7.2 miles, Stapleford 5.2 miles, Melton Mowbray 6.2 miles. Beds: Four bedrooms; two with en suites. Receptions: Three; kitchen, living/dining area, office in annexe. Price: OIEO Â£649,999. Agents: Fine & Country. Tel: 01664 502895. Web: www.fineandcountry.com. 85

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PLAIN TO SEE

In Stamford and Rutlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rural properties, opting for plain fabrics will allow the architectural details in your room - beams and large windows - to come to the fore. Plain linen fabrics are hard-wearing and durable, whilst also affording you greater artistic licence to apply stronger, bolder patterns in smaller elements of your room... Words: Rob Davis.

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- HOMES -

Rutland’s country properties often have a wealth of original features from chunky beams to flagstone floors & exposed stonework. With so much natural texture, using plain fabrics, especially on larger items in your room, will prevent these features becoming lost. Another advantage of using plainly textured fabrics is the ability to ‘go to town’ on smaller items like loose cushions, pelmets, and rugs to add accent colours and different

textures to your overall colour scheme. Linen fabrics, especially thicker ones, are versatile and hard-wearing, ideal for busy family homes with kids and pets. They’re recommended for living kitchens or informal sitting rooms. For more formal drawing rooms or if you’re creating a modern looking room, opt for silks with a slight iridescence, and don’t be afraid to use mix plain fabrics with bolder patterns to contrast with them. ■

Right: Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green or The Little Green Paint Company’s Normandy Gray or Sage Green will best match the entrance hall room set shown in our main image.

Left: Clarke and Clarke’s new autumn collection includes Vienna, a versatile plain linen weave in 37 colours from apple to denim to garnet, as shown here.

We Love These...

CUSHIONS

Also featured on this spread is Jane Churchill’s Ava fabric in aubergine colourway and burnt orange on cushion. It’s a smart, hard-wearing plain fabric in bright colours like tomato, ochre/mustard and pale aqua. Harlequin’s 2016 range includes Colarile (right), accessorised with loose cushion in Walchia fabric.

Get the Look... ✔ Work with either a

’s Lagom is a Above: Sanderson n-mix fabrics. line in pla of n tio collec

consensual or contrast colour scheme. ✔ Mix and match textures and patterns. ✔ Use local independent interior businesses.

1. Voyage Maison Elixir Diamond in natural £44.99. 2. Designer’s Guild Shanghai Garden in ecru. 3. Clarke and Clarke Leopold cushion £53.

Recommended Suppliers: • Furleys, High St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AH, 01572 755539, www.furleys.co.uk. • J&L Ball, 16 North St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1EH, 01780 481416, www.jandlball.co.uk. • Sarah Harding Interiors, 6 Market St, Uppingham, LE15 9QH, 01572 823389, www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk.

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- INTERIOR DESIGN -

The Leading Blinds In terms of style, it’s no longer a case of the blinds leading the blinds. In fact, if you thought your choice of blinds was limited to roller, Roman or Venetian variants, Jeremy Ball of J&L Ball wants to open your eyes to the wealth of choice available. That’s why he’s redesigned his Stamford based studio to reflect the choice that’s now available... Modern blinds from Luxaflex are leaving competitors in the shade. That’s the message from Jeremy Ball of Stamford’s J&L Ball. “We’ve just completed a refit of our Stamford shop, designed to reflect the large, versatile range of products that Luxaflex have made available to us.” “We’re now the brand’s leading supplier in the area, and have moved our other products - fabrics and wallcoverings - to a dedicated studio to the rear of the premises.” “The refurbishment is designed to show off 10 full-size displays and 12 additional frames which demonstrate the different options available to those considering blinds and shutters.” “Customers are always surprised by the different options both of the blinds themselves, and the mechanism too.” “The firm’s Duette shades have a honeycomb construction which are great at filtering out lights and retaining heat. Silhouette blinds have inclined vanes which provide gentle translucency, and Twist roller blinds have two sliding layers of fabric which converge and diverge to provide let just the right amount of light through.” “We still provide conventional roller, vertical and Roman blinds, but the industry and its products have become much cleverer,” says Jeremy. “Our newest product line is Powerview, which uses a contemporary 92

‘pebble’ remote control or wall control to raise or lower blinds. These products can also be controlled with a smartphone or tablet for remote or timed operation.” “We’ve some really good new products which are increasingly incorporating ‘smart home’ functionality, but we can combine these with rather more old fashioned values - great service, and a free measure, visit and design service, plus professional in-house fitters to ensure a perfect bespoke installation, no matter what the size or shape of your window.” ■

“OUR NEWEST PRODUCT LINE IS POWERVIEW, WHICH USES A REMOTE CONTROL OR A SMARTPHONE OR TABLET FOR REMOTE OR TIMED OPERATION OF YOUR WINDOW BLINDS...”

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THE UPS and DOWNS OF MODERN BLINDS

The choice of material and colour is no longer the only determinant when choosing your blind: SMART CORD (pictured): Pull cord with safety retract and automatic lowering with one pull of the cord. LITERISE: Eliminate cords with this simple push up, pull down system which operates the product at a touch of a finger. POWERVIEW: A contemporary pebble remote (pictured) provides convenient control. It’s also compatible with a smartphone/tablet for timed operation. You can set ‘scenes’ like ‘bedtime,’ ‘home cinema’ or ‘afternoon,’ SKYLIGHT: These integrate neatly into the frame of your window with no handing cords ideal for skylights. ■ ■ For more information visit J&L Ball, 16 North St, Stamford PE9 1EH, Call 01780 481416 or visit www.jandlball.co.uk for a demonstration of the whole Luxaflex range, or a no obligation, pressure-selling free, in-house visit.

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J&L Ball’s

Autumn Fabrics The home of bespoke soft furnishings and wallcoverings in Stamford presents a new collection of on-trend ornithological and geometric themed designs... 1. Harlequin’s Persico, £58/m2. 2. Villa Nova’s Chella in quince £39.50/m2. 3. Blendworth’s Fabled Crane in wedgewood £call. 4. Villa Nova’s Cubis in rose quartz £39.50/m2. 5. Villa Nova Acacia in rose quartz £39.50/m2. 6. Sanderson Dawn Chorus £34/m2. 7. Acacia fabric in quince £39.50/m2. 8. Sanderson’s Woodland Chorus £56/m2.

For more information visit J&L Ball, 16 North Street, Stamford PE9 1EH, Call 01780 481416 or visit www.jandlball.co.uk.

6. 7.

5. 8.

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Don’t buy an ‘average’ property Local property finder Kate Vincent explains why average property trends can be misleading and the range of opportunities available to well informed buyers in a post-Referendum market. Following the surprise Referendum result for Britain to leave the EU, a cloud of uncertainty remains over the nation. This is particularly acute in the property market for those buying a property - which for most people will be the highest value single purchase they ever make and therefore heavily relies on the right information and advice.

remained largely unchanged over the past year, compared to Stamford and Oakham where prices have risen around 8%. Both of these figures are a long way away from the national average and the numbers would change again when comparing detached houses with flats for example.

Is it a good time to buy a property? In short, the answer will always be; ‘it depends’. Personal circumstances, underlying motives and likely ownership timescales will always influence the timing of a property purchase. However, for those planning to own a property for many years to come, history tells us that buying a home when there is volatility in the market can turn out to be an astute purchase at a favourable price, which in turn creates equity much faster when the market recovers and prices rise again.

Accordingly, it is important that buyers recognise the dangers associated with over relying on averages and that they need to do their homework before contemplating a purchase, or gain support from a professional advisor who can give tailored information from which to base important financial decisions.

The decision to buy a property ultimately has to be a personal one, but other people’s perception of a ‘bad market’ doesn’t always spell a bad time to buy a home, particularly if it can yield a better long term outcome and provides access to a property that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Looking beyond averages Market sentiment should not be underestimated as a hidden force shaping property values. In most cases this is driven by media articles on the direction of average prices. Whilst these headlines may serve as a national barometer, it is of little relevance when considering the local East Midlands market. For example, according to market data, sold prices in Rutland have

Buying ‘above average’ Having gained a true understanding of the state of the local market, the current Brexit volatility may well present a buying opportunity for some groups of buyers who are either able to save money, or use their existing budget to purchase a higher quality home for the same price. Whilst it is important to recognise that Brexit has currently caused a political crisis, not an economic crisis, the connected uncertainty has arguably softened market conditions and swung the pendulum back in the favour of the buyer in many circumstances. Over the coming months, well organised and committed buyers are likely to be able to trade certainty of sale for a sensible purchase price. In the local East Midlands market this trend is likely to be most prevalent in the prime country and premium town house sectors of the market as some high net worth individuals take a more

Kate Vincent Garrington

cautious view of owning an expensive home with its associated high running and maintenance costs. Since the Brexit vote, the number of new properties being placed on the market has appeared to rise but with a shortage of stock still a factor, some asking prices continue to be over ambitious. Stamford and Rutland agents report that deals continue to be made and a cautious ‘business as usual’ air exists. Focus on what you can change With the prospect of months, and possibly even years, of uncertainty ahead, many people are realising that day to day life has not significantly changed following the Referendum result and are questioning what Brexit really does actually mean to them. In the property market, there are early signs of a number of buyers and sellers who have already weighed up the potential threats and unknowns ahead and plan to carry on with their moving plans regardless. Whilst time will bring clarity, it is quite possible that those buyers who take decisive action are most likely to be the above average winners in the long run. If you would like further information regarding your next property decision and how Garrington can guide you and save you time and money either locally or across the UK, contact Kate Vincent: Tel: 01780 408377 Email: info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

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- HOMES -

The Beauty of Timber Environmentally aware, as efficient as cheap-looking PVC windows, and surprisingly affordable. Tracey Elmes of TimberWindows of Lincoln makes the case for quality... Most people have a poor perception of timber windows based on a bad reputation gained from the building booms of the 1960s and 1970s. Back then softwood window frames were used in a primed state by house builders as formers for the bricklayer to build the external walls around.

required light and energy efficiency requirements for the future and meet the drive for zero carbon. Consumers from every demographic usually appreciate good quality products that deliver long term value for money and it’s no coincidence that this applies as well to home improvements.

As a result the windows suffered and the subsequent paint applied hid the damage already caused mainly by ingress of moisture from the building process. This lead to the timber frames rotting and hence the bad reputation. What followed was a growing demand for improvements and these came mainly in plastic PVC replacements.

Of course timber windows and doors do a lot more for the homeowner than just keep the weather out. Timber windows and doors come double glazed as standard and you can have exactly the same energy saving features offered by other competing materials. Most modern timber windows being offered today will comply with BFRC (British Fenestration Ratings Council) requirements.

Today the world has moved on and we now have to face up to the changing climate. We are being told how to insulate our houses, reduce our energy bills and prepare for the future by recognising the change being made in the Building Regulations and Codes of Practice. Today’s timber windows and doors are now built using engineered timber components made up of clean laminated and finger jointed sections. These are produced at source in saw-mills near forests which are recognised as being sustainable; third party certification schemes operate to guarantee this. Primary sawmilling waste and moisture are now recycled at the forest source and used in other products such as paper pulp, indigenous fuel and farm products. This means that timber windows and doors which are made from the earth’s only renewable natural material can provide your

“OUR TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS CAN ENSURE LOW CARBON ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR THE FUTURE.” 98

Modern double, or now triple, glazed units and technological improvements to the performance of the glass itself, means that timber windows have become highly efficient in terms of thermal insulation. U Values lower than the most recent demanded by Building Regulation part L are now part and parcel of the benefits of installation. This means big savings in energy costs. The Glass and Glazing Federation offer a comparison chart to see what effect modern windows have over old ones and it is not surprising to see annualised savings of circa £300 when comparing a double glazed timber window to a single glazed aluminium one. Things have certainly changed and timber is now becoming the first choice to be used as the frame material. Whilst this is largely driven by the very real ‘green’ credentials that timber offers, it is also due to the massive improvements in product design and quality, made by the timber windows and doors manufacturing industry. ■ Written by Roy Wakeman OBE who is chairman of Performance Window Group who own TimberWindows.com, in conjunction with Tracey Elmes of TimberWindows of Lincoln.

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TIMBERWINDOWS of Lincoln TimberWindows of Lincoln operates across Rutland and Lincolnshire as a specialist supplier of quality windows, doors and bi-fold units.

“Our trained and technically competent personnel are on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding the wide range of wooden sash and casement windows.”

“We have a stunning collection of double glazed windows and solid wood or partially glazed doors along with bi-folding doors that will add value and character to your home,” says Tracey Elmes.

■ Visit your local Timber Windows showroom at The Old Barn, Elms Farm, Frieston Heath, Caythorpe NG32 3HD. 01400 272538; www.timberwindows.com.

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The Great

ESTATE

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The 3,800 acre estate with countryside views and the River Nene running through it, is the home of Sir William and Lady Proby at Elton Hall. She adores the country gardens she inherited in 1980, and regularly walks along the herbaceous borders and formal parterre gardens, before resting in the Mediterranean orangery and exotic arbours... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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- GARDENS -

Elton Hall PETERBOROUGH A quintessentially English country garden is always going to look absolutely beautiful, but sometimes, gardens illustrating a variety of styles from across the world look just as beautiful or perhaps even better. Elton Hall has been the ancestral home of the Proby family since 1660, lying in a 3,800 acre estate. We spoke to Lady Proby about the estate and the gardens that she adores. “We were married in 1974 and lived and worked in London,” says Lady Proby. “During the Winter of Discontent, my grandfather-in-law died in January 1979 at the age of 93.”

“ONE OF MY MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD IS THE IMAGE OF MY MOTHER, IN HER GARDENING SHORTS, DIVIDING THE IRISES AFTER THEY HAD FLOWERED...”

“My parents-in-law felt that they were too elderly to move into a house which needed a great deal of work and there was the added problem of very high taxation. It was eventually decided that we would move in during the summer of 1980.” “We moved here just after the birth of our first child and immediately had to open the house to the public as we had applied for exemptions on important works of art. My memories of that first summer is a hive of activity. Feeding the baby, taking visitors around whilst my mother organised the teas, and trying to come to terms with managing a very large garden.” “I cannot say that I have always had a passion for gardening. I have always enjoyed looking at gardens and one of my abiding memories of childhood is the image of my mother, in her gardening shorts, dividing the irises after they had flowered.” “I never met my grandmother-in-law, who had died in 1967. She had been very fond of the garden, but since her death, it had not

OUR FEATURED GARDEN FOR SEPTEMBER... Owners: Sir William and Lady Proby. Garden: Formal gardens nestling within Elton Hall’s 3,800 acres of parkland. Features: Walled garden and orangery. Visiting: Call the estate office on 01832 280468.

Above: One of the beautiful mosaic arbours in the garden. Opposite: Deene Park in all its splendour with parterre to stroll around. Right: Lady Proby.

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- GARDENS -

been looked after in the same way. Many borders had been lost, the pergola taken down and hedges removed.” “In addition, nearly 150 large mature elm trees in the park and gardens had died during the 1970s as a result of Dutch Elm disease.” “When we arrived in 1980, these trees had to be dealt with and the rose garden, laid out in 1913, was in a terrible state, with thistles and weeds three inches high. It was to be a steep learning curve.” “Apart from the structure, which is good all year round, we now have a longer flowering season.” “We initially replaced the Edwardian rose garden in the 1980s with a new one designed by Peter Beales. This looked wonderful for 20 years but we realised that the soil needed a rest.” “We removed all the planting, changed 500 tonnes of soil and planted a flower garden with the specific aim of prolonging the season with many autumn herbaceous plants such as, asters, echinaceas and salvias.” “The first book I read on gardening was Garden Design by David Hicks. This helped me to create a smaller structure on what is a very flat piece of land. The last grand design of 1913 was totally unrealistic in today’s world. It required 13 gardeners to maintain it.”

“We leased the Walled Garden to Blooms of Bressingham and put several acres back into the parkland. I was then left with an inner core which needed to be strengthened and this book inspired me to plant the hedges, create more topiary and experiment with layered avenues, such as hornbeam hedging lined with box pyramids.”

PLANT of the MONTH

“Although there is little visual evidence now, we believe that there was a moat around the original Tudor buildings.”

Name: Viola. Description: Colourful winter flowering plant, annual/perennial, with over 500 variants. This month: Sow from seed indoors or in the greenhouse to over-winter and provide colour in early spring.

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“ALTHOUGH THERE IS LITTLE VISUAL EVIDENCE NOW, WE BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS A MOAT AROUND THE ORIGINAL TUDOR BUILDINGS...”

During the late 17th century formal gardens were laid out to the north-west of the house which were later developed during the 18th century into softer plantings with a small amount of lawn. Some formality was introduced in the late 19th century. “I love the garden at all times of the year, it is one of my greatest pleasures.”

Above: The exotic orangery and spring tulips. Right: One of the beautiful water features in the garden surrounded by flowers.

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Jobs for SEPTEMBER 10 TOP JOBS FOR YOUR GARDEN, VEGETABLE PATCH, AND PLANTS... ✔ Plant out winter ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

cabbages and autumn cauliflowers. Plant spring flowering bulbs. Clip hedges and clear up fallen leaves. Remember to pick autumn raspberries. Dig up any remaining potatoes before slug damage spoils them. Net ponds before leaf fall gets underway. Keep up with watering new plants using grey water or rain if possible. Begin to reduce the amount of times you water your houseplants. Cover leaft vegetables with bird-proof netting. Seed or turf lawn so it will establish by spring.

Above: Lay turf in Se create a beautifu ptember to l lawn in 2017.

■ For more information on our featured garden, please visit www.eltonhall.com or call the estate office on 01832 280468. 105

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- GARDEN MAINTENANCE -

The Right Tool

FOR THE JOB Autumn brings a range of challenges in the garden, with fallen leaves and lots of ‘tidying up’ jobs to complete. This month can be back breaking if you’ve a larger estate, but with a wealth of machines to buy or hire, plus knowledgeable and well-stocked service and parts department, Peterborough Grass Machinery can save you lots of toil... Words: Rob Davis.

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- GARDEN MAINTENANCE -

After a summer of pleasure, it’s back down to Earth with a bump in autumn. Lazy days doing a bit of deadheading and keeping on top of the lawn turns into an autumn clear up, with fallen leaves, trees to trim and myriad other jobs. “That’s not a problem, if you’ve the right tool for the job,” says Peterborough Grass Machinery’s Chris Brown, who sells and hires walk-behind and ride-on mowers from Viking, strimmers, brushcutters and chainsaws from Viking’s sister company and the pro’s favourite, Stihl, plus machines from John Deere, Billy Goat, SCH and At-co. Specialised Equipment

“Our hire machines are ideal for a one-off cleanup in preparation for Autumn,” says Chris. “We’ve scarifiers that effectively comb out the moss and thatch from your lawn, making it thicker and healthier.” “Our Billy Goat outdoor vacuum cleaners make light work of collecting leaves, with wide nozzles for large areas and wander hoses for working around borders and garden buildings.” “We also have a really heavy duty brush mower which can clear areas of thick long grass from banks and paddocks, and clear paths in woodland, mulching through brambles, weeds and saplings up to 3” thick.” “Our sales department has industry leading equipment from Stihl, from chainsaws for cutting logs for winter and maintaining woodland to brush cutters and multi-tool systems.” The Best Products and The Best Advice

“As well as the best machines - we’ve 15 rideon mowers and 100 walk-behind models in our showroom, plus a range of other equipment to pick up and get a feel for - we’ve a wealth of experience and knowledge too.” “It’s sometimes difficult to buy a machine that’s rugged enough without being overkill

“WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND AN ‘END OF SEASON’ SERVICE FOR EQUIPMENT TO ENSURE IT’LL START AND PERFORM WELL IN SPRING 2017...”

Hiring & Buying THE RIGHT TOOL

for the job you need, so with our advice, you’ll find a machine that’s fit for purpose whether you’ve a lawn to keep tidy, or a whole estate or farm to manage.” Excellent Aftersales

“But purchasing a machine from us is just the beginning. We’ve a well-stocked consumables and spares department, as well as a fully equipped workshop with experienced staff, so whether you’ve purchased your machine here, or elsewhere, we’ll be a partner you can rely on to keep your machine healthy throughout its working life.” “Around 80% of the machines we see in our workshop are suffering from fuel which has gone off.” “Few people realise that fuel only has a three week shelf life, that prevents a machine from starting and running properly in the spring, and it’s during the first few months of the gardening season that we have the bulk of our work, reviving machines which have gone bad over the winter.” “For that reason, we highly recommend giving your machinery an ‘end of season’ service, ensuring they’re clean, well-maintained and ready for action next year.” “Our walk-behind and ride-on mower servicing costs from £40-£100, and £120£220, but we service any machines from mowers to strimmers to chainsaws. “That includes replacing spark plugs, oil air and oil filters, cleaning the deck, sharpening and balancing blades and cleaning fuel lines and carburettors.” “Our ethos is to advocate quality equipment, and to maintain it so the investment is justified and the product gives years of trouble-free work.” ■

The Problem: Fallen leaves and garden debris... The Solution: Hire a Billy Goat for just £50/day, and mulch garden waste down. The Problem: Forestry to tame and an empty log burner... The Solution: Service your chainsaw or purchase a new Stihl one to provide a healthy supply of winter fuel. The Problem: A lacklustre lawn... The Solution: Hire a scarifier to remove all of the thatch, moss and other debris that’s choking your lawn, for healthier, happier grass. The Problem: Lost Saturday afternoons... The Solution: Make short work of your lawn with an easy to use, efficient ride-on mower from Viking or John Deere.

Peterborough Grass Machinery is based on Ivatt Way, Peterborough PE3 7PG. Call 01733 268168 or see www.pgm-ltd.co.uk The firm provides hire, sales and servicing of all garden machinery, with collection and delivery.

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Nature

NOTES

We’re flying high above Rutland fields this month. As swifts, swallows and housemartins depart to Africa, a new season dawns in the UK, also look for purple loosestrife around the county, a late season pollinator...

DEADLY

Dragonflies In their larval stage, which can last up to two years, dragonflies are aquatic and eat tadpoles, mosquitoes, fish, and even each other.

September can be quite a busy month in the wildlife calendar as the seasons begin to crossover. Some of our migrant species, in particular the swifts that have graced us with their aerial antics throughout the summer months, will most likely be completing their journey south back to Africa early this month having hopefully had a successful breeding season. We should also at this point start to see swallows, housemartins and sand martins beginning to gather in preparation for their own personal journey south before the month is out. The numbers that we see are often a good indication 110

of how successful the season has been. Most other late broods will also have completed their nesting season too. It is also great time to keep a watch on your garden pond if you’re fortunate enough to have one. Damselflies and dragonflies should still be present. Damselflies have a much lazier and zig-zagging pattern of flight and they lay their wings along their back when in the resting position, whereas dragonflies take a much faster and more direct flight path and there wings lie more crossways when they’re not in flight.

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- NATURE -

WHAT DO The Bees Eat?

Honey Bees eat nectar and pollen from flowers. But what is our buzzing back garden visitor’s favourite food? Nectar is the liquid in a flower, and pollen is a powdery substance which must be transferred from one flower to another to make more flowers. Larvae eat honey and queen bees eat royal jelly. Royal jelly is secreted from the glands in the hypopharynx of worker bees. Above: Dragonflies and damselflies are present around the county. Top/Opposite: Purple Loosestrife is great for pollinators. Left: Swifts will already be on migration. Far Left: A Swallow awaits departure.

This is their breeding season, and you may see them mating in mid-air, or laying their eggs around the pond. The colours can be breath taking with many of our native species covered in very bold and vivid colouration. Thinking ahead to autumn, you could start letting flowers, and perhaps a few vegetables if you grow them in your garden, go to seed to provide food for the birds and other wildlife. Seedheads tend to look more attractive than bare earth in the winter so it’s worth a try and it preserves the wildlife.

Leave some windfall apples, pears and plums for the birds to feed on. One plant you may see in flower at this time of year is purple loosestrife, providing a late season nectar source for our pollinators. Also remember to keep bird baths topped up as evaporation can still be rapid throughout September.

■ Richard Owens is our Nature Editor and Expert. He has spent his career promoting bio-diversity within the world of turf. Send your wildlife pictures through to tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk and they could be featured on our nature pages next month.

Long-tongued bumblebees tend to favour deep flowers, and short-tongued bumblebees prefer shallow flowers. Sometimes short-tongued bees rob deep flowers by biting a hole in the side of the flower so they can reach the nectar. In general herbs and cottage garden perennials are good, and annual bedding plants are best avoided because they have been intensively bred and have lost their rewards or become so misshapen that insects cannot get into them. The best garden plants to feed bees according to the RHS are English Lavender, Common Jasmine, Hyssop, Sweet William, and Bergamot.

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Rutland Ospreys

20th Anniversary Cruise on the Rutland Belle... Rutlanders recently gathered at Normanton Church to celebrate 20 years since the ospreys were first brought to the county. Meeting at Normanton Church for a celebratory glass of champagne or elderflower cordial, following speeches from Tim Mackrill and Tim Appleton, who have both been a part of the osprey project since its inception. The event, on the Rutland Belle, began at 6.30pm for an hour and a half cruise of the reservoir, where several ospreys made an appearance. The cruise was followed by a delicious buffet and more drinks in Normanton Church, provided by Sarah Broadhead of the Rutland Belle. â&#x2013; For more information on forthcoming events call Kayleigh Brookes, information officer, on 01572 737378 or visit www.ospreys.org.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine. 112

Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Dress To Impress THIS MONTH, WE’VE A LINEUP OF THE LATEST TRENDS IN BRIDAL WEAR AND SOME OF THE LATEST COLLECTIONS FROM TOP DESIGNERS. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR CASUAL OR DRAMATIC DRESSES, THESE MODERN STYLES WILL BE SURE TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION...

TIME FOR TEA - ‘Tea length’ dresses have really taken off in the world of weddings. They’re A-Line or Ball Gown dresses that cut off just below the knee. This example is Sincerity. ■ www.sinceritybridal.com.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR If you’re looking into getting married abroad, you will need a dress that is breathable. Consider lighter fabrics and a looser fit. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable on your wedding day. www.stephanieallin.net.

PRETTY IN PINK - Pastel pink is often a colour theme to many modern weddings, but what about daring to go pink with your bridal gown? ■ www.ronaldjoyce.com.

FIT FOR A ROYAL David Tutera for Mon Cheri is a stunning range of modern and high quality dresses. This royal ball gown style is referenced as ‘116200,’ and features a hint of pink. www.moncheribridals.com

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■ SUPER SLEEK Ronald Joyce’s ‘17966’ is super sleek and sexy with a tight fitting bodice that fans out only slightly. www.ronaldjoyce.com.

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- WEDDINGS -

rurally

rustic

Rustic weddings are still as popular as ever so dresses like ‘Ailsa Blue’ from Amanda Wyatt are definitely worth looking at. www.amandawyatt.com.

■ TWO IN ONE A very modern style is a casual two-piece like this detailed dress from Cristiano Lucci. www.cristianolucci.com.

FLOWER POWER A floral touch to your dress or maybe your hairstyle is very modern and elegant. www.charlottebalbier.com.

You Shall Go to the Ball

Left: Alan Hannah, www.alanhannah.co.uk.

Lillian West’s latest collection includes this beautiful Ball Gown under ‘6303.’ The tightly fitted bodice has subtle detailing around the waist and a sweetheart neckline. www.lillianwest.com.

■ Featured dresses are selected from collections at the time of edit... styles and collections change and are updated constantly, so they are subject to availability. Check each designer’s website prior to your visit to your local bridal store. 115

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Pretty in Pink Words: Tilly Wilkinson. Photographer: Dottie Photography, 01945 773368, www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

meet our COUPLE Kate and Adam are the couple in this month’s wedding album. She’s a teacher and Adam is self employed, both live in Derby. They’re childhood sweethearts too, having lived round the corner from each other for most of their lives. Adam proposed on Valentine’s Day. He had bought the ring the day before, planned a romantic meal for the evening, but his nerves managed to get the best of him and he instead proposed first thing in the morning!

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“I’ve dreamed about my wedding day since I was a girl,” says Kate. Her beautifully decorated wedding with pink ribbons and golden glitter is definitely proof of this.

on seemed too big for me or not designed for me and my height. I finally found a bespoke wedding dress maker.”

Adam and Kate married at Stapleford Park, the country estate near Melton. They wanted a venue with rooms for guests and Kate always dreamt of driving down a long driveway to her wedding venue.

“I drove past the dressmaker every day on my way to work, I don’t know why I didn’t decide to go there. I explained what I wanted, and she drew it for me on a piece of paper. It was exactly the style I was seeking!”

“I was very fussy throughout the planning process of my wedding!” says Kate. “I knew what I wanted but I wanted it to be perfect. We visited so many places before choosing Stapleford.”

“The photographer was an easy choice Amanda at Dottie Photography. She is an amazing photographer, and she also put me in touch with my florist, cake decorator and stationer, which was so helpful.”

“It’s the same story with my wedding dress; I must’ve visited 50 different shops! I went with my mum and cousins who were my bridesmaids for the day. The problem was that I’m 5ft tall so all of the dresses I tried

Kate knew the style of wedding she wanted. She was looking for something girly with lots of pinks and golds and flowers. “I had a Pinterest board with about 1,000 ideas on. I started collecting small ideas

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- WEDDINGS -

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- WEDDINGS -

>> which just materialised. My florist introduced the David Austen roses and the jars for the sweet stand, both played a big part in my wedding even though they were only minor details.” “Kate, who made my cake, was getting married a month or two before me and we wanted the same wedding! We spoke for about four hours on ideas, so that was really helpful when designing the cake because she knew exactly what I would want.” “Taking my vows was so emotional. I started crying as soon as I saw Adam. He was really nervous too - he’s quite shy - so we’re like chalk and cheese!” “I think because we were both wrapped up in our emotions and Adam was nervous, when he went in to kiss me after we were married, he headbutted me!” “We didn’t suffer from post-wedding blues either because we decided to leave our honeymoon until Christmas so we had plenty of time to process everything and to look forward to something else.” “When the day finally came and we were jetting off on our holiday together to Thailand, we had just about managed to get over the day!” “Adam and I spent the first three nights exploring Bangkok and 11 nights relaxing in Phuket. It was so perfect, and the enjoyment didn’t stop there because I fell pregnant shortly after!” “My main tip for other brides-to-be reading this is to find one trusted supplier and use their recommendations.” “Depending on who they are and their experience, they know a great deal more about the wedding industry than you do and they work with so many different makeup artists, hairdressers, florists, venue stylists and venues they know, who are the best in the business.” “My other tip would be probably be to ask your husband-to-be for his advice and suggestions. You can decide whether to listen to him or not, but it’s good to have him involved in some parts of the planning!” “I loved every second of my day and I want to thank everyone involved.” Photographer: Dottie Photography, 01945 773368, www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

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“I must have visited around 50 different bridal shops with my mum and my cousins before I decided on my wedding dress!” Left: The magnificent cake covered in pink flowers and golden chocolate drops cascading over the white icing. Bottom/Left: Kate enjoying her wedding reception in style with friends. Below: Kate’s colour theme was evident throughout her wedding day.

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TWEED ALL ABOUT IT In recent years tweed has made a successful transition from traditional to trendy, and now, both urban and country gentlemen alike are turning to this woven cloth to remain warm and stylish. The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only bespoke tailor, Andrew Musson, is enjoying roaring trade on the back of this renaissance, and says that even heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surprised by the universal appeal of this sartorial staple... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- GENTLEMEN’S TAILORING -

John Musson: Cutting the cloth for over 60 years!

Andrew Musson is the ex-Savile Row tailor with over 25 years experience, and now the only bespoke gentlemen’s tailor in the area. Despite the fact that he’s more commonly called on to create two or three piece suits for the county’s best dressed gents, ranging from £1,295 or £1,695 for a two or three piece suit, being based in a rural county, he’s also increasingly called upon to create shooting clothing and tweed sports jackets. “Tweed has enjoyed a real resurgence in recent years,” he says. “It's become fashionable, even our wedding hire customers want tweed suits and waistcoats for their big day. We’ve a popular range of ready to wear sports jackets from about £350, plus an online shop where customers can design their own jackets and have them made to

“WE’VE BEEN CUTTING FOR THOSE WHO ARE KEEN ON FIELDSPORTS FOR DECADES, WITH A RANGE OF TECHNICAL JACKETS, PLUS FOURS & CAPS...”

Andrew’s father, John Musson, this month celebrates over 60 years working in the industry. The Lincoln-born businessman studied in Nottingham before working on London’s Regent Street for bespoke tailors Chamberlain & Jones.

order from around £495 with a four to six week turnaround.” “Our made-to-measure (laser cut off site) and bespoke (cut and tailored in house) service can both turn a range of 100s of British cloths into jackets and two or three piece suits for discerning clients from around £795 and £1,100 respectively.” “Whilst tweed has been popularised, it has its origins in the shooting market, and we’ve been cutting for those keen on fieldsports for decades. Our ‘technical’ shooting range includes gunpatches, vents for extra give under the arm, and cartridge pockets.” ■ Over the page, we’ve suggestions from Andrew’s previous commissions in tweed.

He returned to the area in the 1990s and set up for business on Lincoln’s High Street. In 2008, his son Andrew returned to the area after 25 years working on Savile Row and today, the two work alongside one another on Lincoln’s High Street. The two are the only bespoke tailors in the area. ■

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Satisfying his Customers’

Need for Tweed Andrew Musson is the area’s only bespoke tailor, providing suits and sports jackets in English wool and tweed cloths... 1. Bespoke, green & red check tweed sports jacket & waistcoat. 2. Made To Measure, blue herringbone tweed casual sports jacket with blue & fawn check Harris tweed waistcoat. 3. Bespoke, khaki Herringbone tweed 3-piece suit. 4. Made To Order, green & lilac luxury Saxony tweed sports jacket. 5. Made To Order, light green & pink luxury Saxony tweed sports jacket. 6. Bespoke, fawn & fuchsia check tweed 3-piece shooting suit. 7. Bespoke, green & teal check tweed shooting vest. 8. Made To Measure, fawn & light blue check tweed 3-piece suit. 4.

■ Andrew provides bespoke tailoring from his shop at 39 High St, Lincoln LN5 8AS. Call 01522 520142 or see www.andrewjmusson.com. 7.

5. 8.

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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Andrew J Musson Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT. 39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS

Tel: (01522) 520142 info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com

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Gilets: Hannah Joy wears a Schöffel LDS Suffolk shirt in pink £59.95, Dubarry Honeysuckle trousers in navy £89 and Schöffel Lyndon fleece gilet in ruby £129.95. Daniel Humphreys wears a Schöffel Burnham shirt £69.95 and Berkeley fleece £159.95.

- FASHION -

Warm & Stylish in the

COUNTRY Our recent fashion shoot with R&R Country featured a range of autumn and winter clothing designed to keep you warm this season. What better day to test the ranges’ snug properties than on the hottest day of the year? We’re very grateful that models Hannah and Daniel endured the temperatures with good grace! Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- FASHION -

When better to test the warmth and practicality of country clothing designed to ensure you’re snug whilst at work or play in the countryside... than on the hottest day of the year? Our models, from Melton’s R&R Country, endured temperatures of 30° with good grace and style. Our images include autumn clothing from Schöffel, Musto and Dubarry, with these brands and many more available at the retailer, a specialist in products for equestrian and country pursuits.

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Opposite Page, Main: Dubarry Petunia shirt in white £79. Heather Rambler wax trilby £20. Opposite Page, Insets: Hannah wears a Schöffel LDS Suffolk shirt in pink £59.95. Daniel wears a Musto v-neck shooting jumper in chilli £80 over Carabou checked shirt £12. This page, Main Image/Inset: Daniel wears Seeland Caden moleskin trousers £79.99, Carabou checked shirt £12 and Musto Loddington shooting jacket £350. Le Chameau Vierzonord wellingtons £165. Above: Dubarry Ardmore handbag in walnut £169, Powerscourt bag in walnut £179 and New Grange bag in walnut £149.

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- FASHION This page, Main: Hannah wears a Dubarry Petunia shirt in white £79, Clover skirt in cafe £149, Daisy waistcoat in cafe £239 and Heather Eden Aussie hat in brown £25. Below: Hannah wears a Dubarry Leonard jacket in green £369. Bottom: Heather wax trilby in olive £20.

Find Out More: Featured items are available from R&R Country, Waltham Rd, Thorpe Arnold, Melton Mowbray, LE14 4SD. Call 01664 465000 or see randrcountry.co.uk.

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Stamford Eye Clinic NOTHING FITS - OR FEELS AS LUXURIOUS - AS A BESPOKE SUIT. NOW THE EYECARE WORLD HAS ITS EQUIVALENT, IN THE FORM OF TOM DAVIES BESPOKE FRAMES...

■ The Stamford Eye Clinic is open Tuesday to Saturday. Visit the clinic on 32 St Peter’s Street, Stamford PE9 2PF. Call 01780 767403 or see www.thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk. 130

Bespoke suits, home furnishings and other such items are a real luxury. Now the eyecare world has an equivalent product in the form of Tom Davies glasses frames, created especially for you at Stamford Eye Clinic. “Our customers really care about quality, and so do we,” say Malvinder Hanspal and Kirpal Singh of Stamford Eye Clinic. “We wanted to give our customers as much choice as possible, and that’s why we’ve partnered with British firm Tom Davies to provide a fully bespoke service. We can take incredibly precise measurements, then computer generate custom-designed frames

in any size, shape, width and depth. In addition we’ve a choice of acrylic, metal, leather, wood and even natural horn frames, as well as 70 different colour to choose from and 40 different arm designs. Our lens partners are Zeiss and Crizal, so these are precisely fitted into your bespoke frames, providing excellent vision and a more unique, stylish frame.” Established in 2014, Stamford Eye clinic has a complete range of services relating to glasses and contact lenses, and state-of-theart eye testing facilities with equipment for taking digital retinal scans and digital measurements, to offer clients the very best eye care possible.

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- HEALTH -

Helping Mother

NATURE If you can’t get pregnant naturally, IVF is usually the next port of call, but there are alternatives such as acupuncture, says Stamford practitioner Jo George…

It was 2005, and after nine months of IVF treatment and a positive pregnancy test, my 36-year-old Patient Grace was having a routine ultrasound to check that all was well. But when she turned to the screen, expecting to see a heartbeat, there was just an empty embryonic sac. In a cruel biological hoax, the sac minus its embryo - called a blighted ovum - was causing positive signs of pregnancy. There were more disappointments to come. By the time she discontinued IVF two years later, she had produced 50 embryos, but no babies, at a cost of about £25,000. “People talk about the grief of miscarriage, and I’ve experienced that, but to me each embryo was also a potential baby lost,” she recalls. “Whenever I had an embryo transfer, I’d be calculating when its birthday might be.” Finally, she approached Jo George, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner in Stamford who specialises in treating infertility. After three months of using Chinese herbs and acupuncture, she conceived naturally and gave birth to a daughter. “My message to other couples is be open-minded about alternative treatments,” says Grace. “I know that for many people, IVF is the answer - but when both partners have been tested for all the typical causes and your infertility is still classed as ‘unexplained’, then Western medicine may not be the best approach. How can it successfully treat a problem it can’t diagnose?” Jo is the first to admit that TCM is no cure-all for infertility, but it can help to normalise hormone levels, thus making ovulation more regular. It also improves the lining of the uterus and helps to prevent endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (common causes of fertility problems in women). Sluggish or abnormally shaped sperm can benefit from Chinese medicine, too. “But it can’t help with blocked Fallopian tubes - even if tubes are scarred rather than fully blocked,” cautions Jo. “I’d encourage a woman to try IVF in those circumstances.”

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Some cases of unexplained fertility may have a cause that is overlooked if IVF is used as a first, rather than a last, resort. Being overweight, smoking or drinking too much - even a lack of vitamin D or iodine - can sabotage conception or increase the risk of miscarriage, points out Jo. While the clinic offers IVF treatment, 25 to 30 per cent of couples conceive without it after correcting certain lifestyle factors. “Women are hammered for being overweight or for smoking, but we know that with men, nine kilograms of extra weight can lower fertility by altering hormone levels,” says Jo. “We also know that fragmentation of DNA in male sperm is a common cause of miscarriage, and that factors such as smoking, alcohol and possibly caffeine may be contributing.” The ‘cleaning up’ regimen recommended by Jo for both men and women entails both partners eating whole food - preferably organic - taking herbs and vitamin and mineral supplements, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins. “Although there’s evidence that the miscarriage rate is higher with IVF,” says Jo “This isn’t necessarily to do with IVF technology, which is fantastic. Miscarriages can occur because other problems aren’t being sorted out first,” she says. “IVF helps sperm and egg to meet and then gets the fertilised egg to the uterus, but it doesn’t solve underlying problems that can impede a pregnancy.” Jo acknowledges that with IVF offering a monthly pregnancy rate that is two to three times higher than nature, it will always appeal to couples in the stressed-out 21st century. When she recommends waiting until the lifestyle changes kick in, some couples feel pretty thrown to begin with. “But achieving a pregnancy can be

a bit like painting a wall,” she says. “It’s all in the preparation.” Acupuncture and IVF might come from opposite sides of the medical fence, but there’s growing interest in combining them. Some studies show an improvement in pregnancy rates if acupuncture is used at embryo transfer, says Jo, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who works in conjunction with IVF patients. “We need more research to understand how it works,” she says. “It may be that acupuncture increases blood flow to the lining of the uterus, creating a better environment for the embryo to grow. It may lower levels of stress hormones or, by having a calming effect on a woman’s immune system, it may reduce the chances of her body rejecting the pregnancy.” ■ Jo George is a fully registered and insured member of the BacC and RCHM which are the leading regulatory body of acupuncture and herbs in the UK. Jo George is highly trained professional to Masters (distinction) level, and very experienced practitioner with over 14 years clinical knowledge. For a free informal preliminary chat with Jo call 07914 851995. or contact The Broad Street Practice, Stamford on 01780 480889. For more information on Jo’s work go to www.lifemedicineclinic.com.

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- COSMETICS -

1. FACING

THE TRUTH A favourite facial scrub of mine! Experience a tingling action from this supercharged face scrub from LQD for Men. The use of powerful 15% Glycolic Acid sweeps away dead skin cells whilst de-clogging congested pores. Use this scrub prior to shaving for a truly close shave experience; £25.

A Man’s World 2. Oil-Free & Soft... Calm, hydrate and protect with Origin’s Save the Males moisturiser. Lemon peel and peppermint invigorates skin leaving it feeling fresh and healthy looking; £30.

3. Morocco... Enjoy the warming, sensual aromas of Crabtree & Evelyn Moroccan Myrrh Hair and Body Wash this autumn. Bergamot, myrrh and sensual cardamom; £15.

4. Healing...

Reduce uncomfortable razor burns and ingrown hair with Anthony ingrown hair treatment, with its salicylic, glycolic and phytic acids; £30.

MOST MEN NOW TREAT THEMSELVES TO QUALITY SKINCARE PRODUCTS. HERE, WE PICK OUR FAVOURITES...

5. CLOSE SHAVES Luxury old school razor set from Baxter of California to ensure you shave in style. Double-edged safety razor ensures serious wet shavers a serious close-shave. Its blades are sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel, yet a natural badger hair brush enables you to work up a rich, soft lather; £260.

■ John Rohnan-Wharff is a beauty and makeup blogger, who reviews and rates products at www.mr-wharff.com. All products available from good independent local stockists unless otherwise stated, prices are RRP.

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CARE & THE COMMUNITY

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Rutland’s Oak House residential home is a place not just for its residents, but for the whole community too. Offering both residential, and respite care, and having been owned by the Walker family since its creation in 1989, the home has over 30 members of staff and provides 24 hour care. In addition to providing care for its residents, though, Oak House is also keen to reach out to the Rutland community, too.

Rutland’s Oak House Residential Home, based in Greetham, provides residential and respite care for its residents, but reaches out into the community too, to ensure older people can create a new circle of friends and enjoy a hot meal...

“When running a care home, for the elderly, which is a challenge in itself, you have to be proactive and have a creative focus to ensure the needs of the home and the lives of its residents are constantly enhanced,” says care manager Debbie Dalby.

Words: Debbie Dalby. Images: Tilly Wilkinson.

“One way Oak House Residential Home, in Greetham, does this is by involving the

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- OAK HOUSE RESIDENTIAL HOME -

home and its residents in the local community. Greetham has two public houses, a church, a thriving community centre, a village shop and Post Office, as well as an established caravan site, and golf club.” “Our home prides itself on providing high quality care for up to 25 residents, in a rural community setting.” “Oak House has numerous volunteers from the village who give up their time to read books, poetry, give floristry sessions, craft sessions, play the piano and host singalong afternoons which our residents greatly enjoy.” “Some of the residents attend weekly ‘meet and greet’ coffee mornings held in the community centre, and also the ‘Classic Meet’ of old and vintage vehicles.”

“VISITORS COME FOR A CHAT, AND BRING A SELECTION OF FRESHLY BAKED CAKES FOR AFTERNOON TEA...”

“For the past three years, Oak House has welcomed the local community into the home to enjoy a monthly ‘Lunch Club.’” “Because the home can seat up to 30 diners, those who come can enjoy a lovely freshly cooked meal with two courses plus tea and coffee, all for £7.50/head.”

“They come for a chat, and bring a selection of freshly baked cakes for residents and staff to enjoy over afternoon tea.”

“Booking is essential as space is limited, but our regular diners have all formed friendships with each other and the residents and their relatives are welcome to join in with what has become a very popular event. The lunch club is held on the first Wednesday of each month.”

“There are plans in hand to take some of the residents around the water on the Rutland Belle, and hopefully this will happen as Pride goes to press before the Ospreys leave.”

■ Oak House Residential Home is based at Pond Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7NW. Call 01572 812647 or visit the home online at www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk.

“We are also extremely privileged to have visits from the Army, based at nearby Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore.”

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Taking the Time to

CARE

A life-changing injury compelled local father-of-two, Tim Carey, to reconsider the role of care in our community. He launched a new business to transform the way we look after the elderly or less mobile in our area... Words: Rob Davis.

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- BLUEBIRD CARE -

With an easy smile and a firm handshake, Tim Carey, seems like many other confident businessmen. Muscular and athletic, he talks about his days as a keen kickboxer and rugby player, activities he had to abandon after a freak accident left him fighting for his life. Five years ago, in 2010, the former printing professional broke his neck in a car accident – the outlook was grim. It was likely he would be left paralysed from the neck down. “I was hospitalised in Addenbrookes Cambridge, and operated on after 4 days of unsuccessful treatment. Prior to the operation I was told by the surgical team that it was a miracle that I still had any sensation in my lower body. “Impact from the accident had broken and dislocated my neck – an operation was my only hope, but it was also highly likely, 99.9%, that the surgery could leave me paralysed. “As a result of the dedication of the surgical team, the amazing care I received and a healthy dose of luck – I made a full recovery, something I am forever grateful for.” It was this life-changing moment that made Tim, and his partner Leisa, take stock of their lives together. Having faced the possibility of a very different future, and experienced high-level care in their home for Tim as he recuperated, they looked at cementing their careers in the care industry. Five years ago the couple decided to partner with Bluebird Care to pioneer the provision of high-quality care in Stamford, Rutland, Peterborough and East Northants. “My accident was life-changing, just in a different way, it made us look into a business area that we had previously never considered. “I wanted to be a part of a business that really mattered and made a significant difference to people’s lives – the care industry is both those things.”

“CARE DOESN’T JUST MEAN DELIVERING A PHYSICAL SERVICE THOUGH,” SAYS TIM. “IT’S ANYTHING FROM CONVERSATION TO COMPANIONSHIP...”

“Leisa and I had careers in the commercial business sector with a huge emphasis on customer service - this has been our primary focus and lies at the very heart of our Stamford-based business. “We provide care in nearly every form for people aged 18 to 108, we also provide respite care for those looking after a relative. “We also have more specialised services, covering palliative care, plus looking after those with Alzheimer’s or dementia and we also offer care services for those with acquired brain injuries. “We recognise every person’s requirements are unique so we ensure we work with specially trained staff. We also work with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) & Peterborough City Hospital to dedicate care for patients as they are discharged from hospital. “Care doesn’t just mean delivering a physical service though,” says Tim. “Sometimes it’s a simple companionship call where we are there to talk and chat, to provide company. “When we started the business, Leisa and I both trained, then worked as carers ourselves. We wanted to understand the business from inside out – and we do. This experience means that we remain, to this day, acutely aware that with some customers our carestaff are not only the most important person our customer sees that day, but potentially the only person they see that day. As such that visit is their everything – so our standard has to be the very highest it can be. “In five years we’ve grown the business from 3 staff to our current workforce of over 70. Our care staff can be fully sponsored to NVQ Level 5, and we give constant ongoing training and personal development to each one. “As private providers we invest in our staff to ensure they have the knowledge, the training, the time and the understanding to deliver the kind of care that I would want to receive. “Because each care plan is bespoke there’s no set period, no set packages. Care can be ad hoc, daily, weekly, and short or long term. “Our staff retention is industry-leading, and we’re one of the leading care providers in our area, currently seeking to recruit a dedicated training and HR manager to ensure our commitment to our staff remain consistent as we grow. Our business has made a real difference to our customers’ lives, and to the end of their lives, too. If any industry is important enough to warrant professionalism, it’s ours, and Excellence is what we strive on delivering for every single one of our customers.”

time to CARE The Care Quality Commission’s report on Bluebird Care (Peterborough & Rutland) delivered a Good/Outstanding rating during the service’s last inspection in September. The firm offers flexible homecare and support services tailored exactly to your needs. These could be anything from 24 hour live in care to a 30 minute visit. You may want short term help after an illness, or you may require respite care because your usual carer is having a break. The firm’s services include: Live in care, dementia care, Alzheimer’s, Acquired Brain Injury, Cancer, Stroke, respite care, re-enablement and end of life care.

■ Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland is based on Wharf Rd, Stamford PE9 2EB. Call 01780 480881 or see www.bluebirdcare.co.uk to learn more about the high quality care packages. Main photo courtesy of Stamford Living Magazine. 137

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- CANCER CARE -

From a Patient’s

PERSPECTIVE MOST OF US WILL IN SOME WAY BE TOUCHED BY CANCER THROUGHOUT OUR LIFETIMES, AND THE IMPACT OF CANCER CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON BOTH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. FINDING THE RIGHT SUPPORT AND INFORMATION CAN HELP MAKE IT A LITTLE EASIER TO COPE... Words: Louise Wells.

The extended care and support throughout Carolyn’s treatment helps set her mind at rest, and she says; “If I am at home and worried, it doesn’t matter how many times I call. The one to one care makes the difference; I couldn’t ask for better treatment.”

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or have a relative or friend that has, it will be important for you to know the options available for treatment and how to access them. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, a greater understanding of your or someone else’s diagnosis or would just like some advice; the Macmillan accredited chemotherapy suite at Spire Leicester Hospital can offer the very best private treatment possible, delivered by an experienced oncology team. Carolyn has been having treatment for cancer at Spire Leicester Hospital for the last three and a half years and says: “It’s such a wonderful department and although it may sound strange, I even look forward to coming! The whole team are more like friends; you really get to know them.” As a keen horsewoman, Carolyn competes in One-Day Events and has been determined to continue with her sport. Shortly after her diagnosis Carolyn bought a new horse, “Having Just William gave me focus, a reason to get up in the morning, and it’s been great for my fitness.” At Spire, Carolyn receives her treatment in one of the specially designed treatment pods. 138

She also appreciated the support shown to her husband Nick by the specialist nurses. “As the patient, everyone looks after you as you’re the one getting the treatment, but it’s just as difficult a time, maybe more difficult, for your partner because they can feel like they can’t do anything.” “Having my own space and having personalised care with a consultant has been great, but the best thing about my treatment at Spire is that they have made a life trauma into a positive experience. They’ve taken the worry out of it - it’s almost been a pleasurable experience.”

Throughout her treatments at Spire, Carolyn has also made new friends and a support network.

“THROUGHOUT ALL OF HER TREATMENTS CAROLYN HAS ALSO MADE NEW FRIENDS AND A SUPPORT NETWORK...”

At the end of Carolyn’s treatment cycles, Carolyn has appreciated the ongoing support provided, “It’s a funny thing but at the end of a cycle of treatment, I’ve almost missed coming, but I know that I can ring at any time. The entire team are fantastic.” ■

“It’s not just the team I have made friends with, it’s been so nice to meet other people going through the same thing as me, being able to compare how we were feeling at different stages of treatment, and we’re able to help and support each other.”

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Main: Keen horsewoman Carolyn is a patient at Spire Hospital Leicester. Roundel: Professor Samreen Ahmed, Oncology Consultant.

CONSULTANT-LED

CARE & SUPPORT At Spire Leicester Hospital the oncology treatment is consultant-led, meaning that a consultant is with the patient every step of the way, from diagnosis right through to any treatment. Professor Samreen Ahmed, Consultant Oncologist at Spire Leicester Hospital, says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every patient is treated as an individual, and the care provided is truly personalised. Access to the latest technologies and cancer drugs delivers personalised medicine at its best. Working with a very experienced team of nurses, I have complete confidence that the very highest standards of care are deliveredâ&#x20AC;?. Spire Leicester Hospital offer a variety of services for cancer treatment and diagnosis, including the One Stop Breast Clinic and One Stop Abdominal Pain Clinic, where an examination and any further initial diagnostic tests required will be completed in one simple appointment. Spire Leicester Hospital offer fast access to private healthcare services whether you have private medical insurance or choose to pay for yourself.

Spire Leicester Hospital, is based on Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2FF. Call 01162 720 888 or visit the hospital online at www.spireleicester.com.

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Schools Colleges...

Little Voices Performing Arts School...

“Every child will receive a hand written end of year report - no copy and paste for us - and you are welcome to discuss your child’s progress at any time of their school lives.”

Why choose Little Voices Performing Arts School for your child? What makes them stand out from the rest?

“Our pupils typically choose to work on scenes from The Lion King, The Wizard Of Oz, Matilda, Mamma Mia and Hairspray to name just a few! It’s certainly a lot of fun in addition to being very helpful and educational.”

“Well, there are so many things,” says Julie Armstrong, the Principal of Little Voices Performing Arts School. “Firstly, our small groups make a world of difference! We teach in groups of up to eight pupils, so we are able to give each child the individual attention and one to one tuition that they deserve. This eventually leads to our fantastic exam results. We have a 100% pass rate over nine years and in our last exams, over 90% of our children received a distinction.” 142

Lessons from the Little Vocies Performing Arts School are available in Stamford and across Peterborough and each child may come along for a free trial lesson so that they can join in the fun. ■ For more information, visit the website www.littlevoices.org.uk or call Julie on 07801 953643 to hear more about what the school can offer you.

Stamford Endowed Schools... The Stamford Endowed Schools drama department has been celebrating the superb news that several 2015 alumni’s have recently been awarded top places at prominent drama schools not just across Britain, but all over the world. Ben Crick who performed as Iago, Silvio, Thenardier, Teen Angel and Eugene to name just a few of his many superb performances during his time at school, has been awarded a place at the very prestigious American Academy of the Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, for him to complete a two year full-time drama conservatoire programme.

Another celebrating student from Stamford Endowed Schools is Declan Spaine. He starred as Othello and Danny from Grease during his time at the school, and has now been awarded a place at one of the top London Drama Schools, Italia Conti, to complete his three year BA (Hons) Acting course. Stamford Endowed Schools’s Head of Drama is Anneke Davies and she was beaming and full of praise for the two boys. “It is always deeply rewarding to see former students achieving great things and we wish them all the best in the future,” says Anneke. “Remember you saw them here first!” ■ For more information, call 01780 750300 or visit www.ses.lincs.sch.uk to hear more about what the school can offer you.

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- EDUCATION -

motivated to learn. They have Scallywags fun and participate in a good of challenging activities. Day Nursery range Older children display confidence concentration, persisting & Pre-School... and at their chosen activity with Scallywags Day Nursery & Pre-School in Oakham are committed to maintaining high quality early education all year round, ensuring all children reach their potential and are well prepared for school. The nursery includes a state of the art Pre-School with a large outside play area and vegetable patch, where the children can enjoy growing sunflowers and producing their own fresh vegetables.

Wrates School Photography... Wrates Photographers have introduced their unique retro two pose which consists a school photo on a white background and a retro photo; chalkboard background and desk prop. Both pictures are taken during one visit and it doesn’t take any longer. Wrates makes sure times, the shoot, and delivery are all organised to suit the schools timetables and needs. Schools have been over the moon with it and parents and pupils have been happy too with many comments in their call centre on the high standards. They introduced this product to ensure that their service continues to be a step ahead and to provide

an exciting idea which captures the interest of pupils.

In March 2016 the nursery received an excellent Ofsted report. Ofsted inspector Ann Austin stated that “Children enjoy their time at the nursery makes a school and they all seem greatly

They continue to come up with new ideas What while keeping hold of their traditional products and its fantastic to get “Successful headteachers and positive feedback.

successful?

enthusiasm.” “Settling-in arrangements are flexible and meet children’s individual needs. Children quickly develop close bonds with their key person and other members of staff. They choose freely from the good range of resources and activities provided and are encouraged to do things for themselves.” “From a young age children are encouraged to develop an interest in books. Younger children enjoy the bright illustrations in books and eagerly feel the different textured pictures. Older children listen well, repeat familiar phrases and confidently ask and answer questions about the story.” ■ For more information, visit www.scallywagsoakham.co.uk. You can contact their team on 01572 723810.

staff know their pupils’ abilities In addition to and ensure teaching is focused introducing new on getting the basics right,” products Wrates said Ofsted. have also developed their own unique online ordering system which is completely secure and has made ordering products much easier. Wrates have always been able to tailor make any products for schools from school leavers, to types of packs, styles of groups and singles, staff boards etc. ■ For more info, visit their website www.wrates.co.uk. You can contact their friendly team on 0800 028 8221. 143

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- EDUCATION -

Oakham School, Rutland... Oakham offers a staggering range of opportunities and all pupils have the chance to take part, or to develop their talents, in all areas of school life. We have a burgeoning activity list 135 activities and counting including country sports like archery and falconry, in addition to robotics, flying, and polo. Oakham is also one of the UK’s most highly regarded sports schools. As well as being a training ground for national squads (notably rugby, hockey, cricket and athletics), the school offers sport for all with around 30 different sports and an abundance of competitive fixtures at every level.

In Drama, there are five major productions a year, and Oakhamians regularly win places at top drama schools including RADA. An impressive 525 individual music lessons are also taught each week at Oakham, and over 130 singers study with one of the School’s five singing teachers - so it’s no surprise that our Chamber Choir reached the final of the BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year competition! We also successfully nurture academic talents, with students able to choose to study A Levels or the IB. Indeed, we have a worldwide reputation as a leading IB School. Learning really is limitless at Oakham.

The Peterborough School...

inquisitive learners and develop many important skills through the extended curriculum and extra curricular clubs available.

■ To find out more about joining Oakham, call 01572 758758 or visit www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk.

The Peterborough School is the city’s only independent day school for boys and girls from Nursery to Sixth Form.

Students’ unique talents are identified and developed, whether they are in the classroom, in the creative arts or on the sports field.

Situated on one campus in the centre of Peterborough, the School and ‘Outstanding’ Nursery enjoy extensive grounds and have access to excellent transport links. The School is a vibrant place, with small classes providing boys and girls with the individual attention, opportunities and the confidence to exploit their natural potential “Schools have responded positively within a friendly, to the challenge of inspection,” caring and happy says Ofsted. “Two thirds of schools community.

Are schools

improving? re-inspected this year that were judged as requires improvement got to good or outstanding.”

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In the Preparatory School, the children are encouraged to be independent and

Senior School is for boys and girls from 11 to 16 and Sixth Form for post 16 education.

Given the small numbers, academic performance can be closely monitored, enabling students to achieve levels higher than those originally expected. Their pastoral support is second to none and they believe that children cannot learn well unless they are happy. They would be delighted to welcome visitors, either during their Open Days in Spring and Autumn or at an alternative time by appointment. ■ More information can be found at the school’s website www.thepeterboroughschool.co.uk or you can call their friendly team on 01733 343357.

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.eventphotos4all.co.uk

Oakham School’s A-level and IB Diploma Leavers’ Ball 2016...

Pupils from Oakham School were given a fitting ‘farewell’ at their Leavers’ Ball held on Friday 1st July. They were accompanied by their parents, and members of staff who have taught and supported them throughout their school career. Having worked hard for their A-levels and IB exams, they relished the opportunity to have some fun and to enjoy the company of the friends they have made during their time at Oakham. Guests enjoyed a superb meal, and wonderful entertainment. The evening culminated in a magnificent firework display. The event certainly ‘went with a bang’ and the students are wished all the best for their future studies and work. ■ Images: Event Photos 4 All - to purchase images see www.eventphotos4all.co.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine. 148

Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online. Visit www.eventphotos4all.co.uk.

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Feature your event in our magazine. 150

Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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t s e B s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; n a M uring Capt - PET PHOTOGRAPHY -

FRIEND

John Ferrett is the photographer who specialises in capturing some really heartwarming pictures of beloved family pets. This month, he has agreed to share a few of his favourite images and to share a few tricks of the trade for anyone who wants a lasting picture of manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend...

Images by: John Ferrett Photography 01522 754274, 07920 196950 www.jferrett photography.com

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“They're called man's best friend for a reason,” says John Ferrett. The photographer is looking at a picture of his border collie Jess. “She was the first dog that my wife Jenny and I had together. We lost her in 2009 after 14 years.” “After she died I was looking through the very few, not brilliant, photos of her. I felt a real sense of regret that despite the fact that I’ve been interested in photography all my life, I didn’t have images of her that did justice to her memory.” John, Jenny and their children Matthew, Aaron and Bethan now have three dogs, and John, who first picked up a camera as a child, has made a point of ensuring he has plenty of images that reflect the unique personality of each one. “Traditionally I had tried bird photography, nature photography... but because you’re not familiar, not emotionally connected, to the subject, somehow it didn’t appeal.” “When I started to photograph my dogs though, I really began to enjoy my hobby, and came away with some really great images. I’m a member of a few Facebook groups for different breeds - we’ve always had border collies and spaniels - and after uploading a few images, I began to receive requests to photograph their pets, too.” John left the RAF in 2014 and had the time to turn his interest into a full time job. Today he photographs dogs, but also clients’ horses and cats, charging just £50 a shoot, and working both on location and from a studio, a barn and the countryside surrounding his home in Lincolnshire. >>

“PATIENCE, PATIENCE... PATIENCE!” JOHN’S FIVE SECRETS TO TAKING THE PERFECT PICTURE OF YOUR PET

■ Focus on the animal’s eyes - that’s where the character is! ■ Keep a stash of treats handy, and make it enjoyable for your pet. ■ Shoot in natural light and if possible, avoid the use of harsh flash. ■ Use different perspectives - get down to your pet’s level, for example. ■ And finally... patience, patience, patience will get you that perfect shot!

Above/Left: John says it’s important to get down to your pets level and explore different perspectives. Roundel: The eyes are central to an animal’s expression, and your camera’s focus should always be locked onto them. Below: John encourages owners to get involved too It’s important to ensure a photoshoot is always fun for the animal.

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and take shots. Explore different angles and let your dog sit, lay or rest their head on hay bales, for example. I tend to let the dogs run around with their favourite toy too - that’s the way to secure really good action shots.”

>> “We’re taking more photographs than ever before with digital cameras and camera phones. Technology for taking pictures has proliferated, and it’s cheaper and easier to use than ever before,” says John. “But despite a massive increase in volume, the photos taken with camera phones take are often low quality.” “Even an amateur can get decent results, especially with a little retouching after, but generally a ‘proper’ D-SLR will ensure you get better shots than a mobile phone or ‘point and press’ camera as they afford you better control.” “No matter what camera you’re using though, I’ve a few pet photography tips

“ALWAYS MAKE A SHOOT FUN FOR THE DOG - THAT WAY, YOU’LL CAPTURE HIS BEST EXPRESSIONS!” which will ensure waggy tails all round. Firstly, always make a shoot fun. I usually take a couple of hours, but spend the first part of the shoot playing with the dog, becoming familiar with him, and letting him burn off a little energy.” “Always make a shoot fun for the dog - you’ll capture the best expressions, and especially if you’re shooting on a camera with a very basic flash - like a mobile phone - try to shoot in natural light. An overcast day will prevent you from fighting against strong shadows. Don’t just point your camera from a standing position; crouch down, lay on the ground

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“And lastly, be patient. You’ll eventually take that one really good shot of a beloved dog that everyone should have. Sadly, they’re not around forever, but a really good photograph will preserve their personality and their character just the way you want!” ■ John Ferrett is a professional pet photographer. He charges £50/shoot. Clients can then purchase digital files, prints, fine art canvases, cards and other items. Call 07920 196950.

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D& COVERING STAMFOR THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

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- MOTORS -

GIVEN THE

BOOT MIDDLE ENGLAND HAS ITS MOTOR CAR BACK ONCE AGAIN, AS VOLVO RELEASES A NEW LARGE ESTATE CAR FOR SHIFTING ANTIQUES, CARTING AROUND LABRADORS, AND TAKING A TRIP TO WAITROSE. THE V90 IS THE COMPANY’S SPIRITUAL SUCCESSOR TO A LONG LINE OF LARGE, LUXURIOUS ESTATES. IT’S LOST THE BOXY LOOK OF ITS FOREBEARS, BUT HAS IT RETAINED ENOUGH OF THE COMPANY’S CORE VALUES TO CONTINUE THE LINEAGE? Words: Rob Davis.

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- MOTORS -

A decade or two ago, Volvo became cool. Or at least, cooler. Boxy estates, lots of safety features and a middle-England image made a big Volvo as de rigueur in the countryside as the big slobbery dog which would inevitably travel with its master in the boot. Today’s Volvos include the V40 hatch and BMW-wannabe S60, but it’s had the most success with the second iteration of its XC90 four wheel drive, a seven seater SUV that has proved especially popular for the school run. For all the firm’s success though, Volvo has never quite cracked the executive market, always playing second fiddle to, and never seeming to be in the same league as, Audi, BMW or Mercedes. That’s obviously annoyed them, because with the new S90 and V90, they’ve rolled up their sleeves and have decided to take a proper potshot at Audi’s A6, BMW’s 5-Series, and Mercedes’s new E-Class. In Volvo nomenclature, XC denotes a four wheel drive, whilst S and V prefixes denote saloons and estates. The suffix of 90 denotes the model’s position as the company’s largest car - in other words, its flagship. Newly released, the model range is refreshingly simple. You can have your Volvo with or without boot, and in one of two trims; Momentum or Inscription. There are two engine choices, both 2.0, both diesel and both automatic. One reaches 60mph in 8.2 seconds and can top 140mph. The second is 5mph faster at full tilt and reaches 60mph nearly two seconds faster, though perhaps more relevant is the fact that it also has four wheel drive. We’d stick to the 158

more modest engine unless an all wheel drive transmission is a deal-breaker. We’ll also recommend basic Momentum trim, which is refreshingly well-equipped against its German rivals. Climate control, heated leather seats with partial power adjustment, power tailgate operation, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth and Sat Nav are all standard. Inscription trim upgrades the car’s leather, adds full powered seat adjustment, keyless entry, multi-colour mood lighting and keyless entry, and a swish ‘all digital’ dashboard in place of conventional speedo and rev counter dials. The V90’s cabin is a lovely place to be, not least because of Volvo’s ‘most comfortable in the industry’ seats, but because of the lack of buttons. Instead most of the car’s functions operate via what can best be described as a huge iPad. >>

“MOST OF THE CAR’S FUNCTIONS OPERATE VIA WHAT CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS A HUGE iPAD...”

Below: The cabin looks best when specified with cream leather and wood trim. Boot space with rear seats in place is on a par with a Range Rover Sport.

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ESTATE CAR... OR A 4X4? A decade or two ago, the estate car sector was healthy. If you needed a large, comfortable car ideal for carrying the family dog, shooting or shopping, they were a good choice. The SUV (sports utility vehicle, an Americanism which has now made its way over here) changed all that. The body shell was similar, but with an elevated ride position, and often, four wheel drive. Which should you choose? Economy is often on a par with either, though low-riding estates often prove more agile. If you live in a village with narrow, rutted roads, even a two wheel drive SUV might offer more ground clearance and protection against potholes.

Our Favourite SUVs: Land Rover Discovery Sport £31,095 - £46,510 A five-star SUV that’s at its best in four wheel drive variant. A new Ingenium 2.0 engine and nine-speed gearbox has improved economy considerably. Mercedes-Benz GLC (pictured) £34,950 - £50,870 Road-biased SUV that’s more soft-roader than off-roader. Lovely cabin and plenty of standard equipment.

Our Favourite Estates: Audi A6 Allroad £46,505 - £56,480 Pricey, but practical, this is an estate car, with a slightly raised ride height. Not a full fat SUV, but offers extra peace of mind on slippery country lanes. Skoda Superb £20,360 - £31,495 Ignore the badge and the silly name. With a Volkswagen engine and gearbox, 4x4 transmission and lavish equipment in Laurent & Klement trim, this is a 2.0 estate with 625 litres of space with seats up, 1,760 with seats folded. Great value and great build quality. ■

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- MOTORS -

>> Far from complicating operation, it’s intuitive and modern... and that’s not the only technological respect in which the V90 has surpassed its rivals. As well as offering standard fit adaptive cruise control, the V90 has a host of autonomous driving functions, which allow the car to adjust its speed, automatically steer the vehicle, and for an extra £650, park itself in either a parallel or perpendicular space. Other options include a 360° camera, panoramic roof and fripperies like massaging seats and heated steering wheels. But even in standard trim, without any options, the V90 is smart and luxurious. It’s also large. Really large. Like its forebears, the 740 and 850, this Volvo has a huge load area. With the rear seats still in place, and five passengers travelling, there’s 560 litres of cargo space - the same as a BMW 160

5-Series estate and an impressive increase compared to a Range Rover Sport, which as just under 500 litres. Light interiors and some nice Scandianvianinspired wood trim work well in the interior, and on the road, it’s as you’d expect - no sports car, but a stable, comfortable cruiser ideal for motorway marathons rather than sprints. Steering is light, the car’s agile enough, but as with many cars of this class we’d advise specifying the smallest wheels and fattest tyres to mitigate our choppy road surfaces. Would we recommend the V90? Yes. Over its German rivals? That’s more subjective. All cars in this class are talented, so it’s more a matter of finding out which you prefer, rather than choosing the one that’s objectively better. That said, if you did opt for the sleek, cool, Swede, we’d certainly respect your decision. ■

Volvo V90 Estate

Price: £34,555 (D4 Momentum). Engine: 2.0, V4 eight-speed auto. Economy: 62.8mpg (combined). Top Speed: 140mph, 0-60mph 8.5 secs. Equipment: Electric windows, central locking, part-electric heated leather seats, DAB radio, sat nav, parking sensor front and rear, power tailgate, auto lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control.

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Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS 1. Red Book’s dosh dis tributed, when dividing swag (9) 6. Try to gain entry to an old Greek competition (4) 10. It’s hard to recall ingredients of country remedy (5) 11. It’s beaten — Good Heavens! — with spirit (5,4) 12. Exercise time, though taking a quick look over one’s shoulder? (4-3) 13. Restrict inmate, given punishment (7) 14. Like the film Roxanne? It’s central to the plot (7-6) 17. Scrooge’s way so very old and slow, not quite retired (13) 21. Live by appearing early (7) 22. Confined, I’d say — back behind bars? (5,2) 24. Plain covers turning green in first class (9) 25. Blame president coming off stage (5) 26. Giving up not very unusual food shop (4) 27. The threat of bad anger management (6,3)

DOWN 1. Split balls — harsh sounds heard (5,3) 2. Flower springing up out of nothing — the old roots (5) 3. Daughter’s unbridled joy augmented when fellow’s pulled in World’s End (3,2,9) 4. Shouting about rather regular customer (7) 5. Occupying sizeable area, a centre for rehabilitation (3-4) 7. A debtor’s last crime arises, when something’s clarified about it — he’s been warned (9) 8. Song sung with not so much feeling (6) 9. It’s said to signal the dying moments for a lot (5,5,4) 15. Baking, two of you get real tan like this (2,7) 16. An heir, perhaps, to call up all together (2,3,3) 18. Bowled out, top of the order went quickly (2,5) 19. In this speech, one would have to be included as a token (7) 20. Ill-treated, one’s no good between the sheets (6) 23. Sitting in solitude is my belief (5)

DOWN

1. Hyphen — sprint (4) 3. Gorbachev’s policy of “openness” (8) 8. Mild oath — aged (anag) (4) 9. Group of countries using a common currency (8) 11. One dropping off (10) 14. (Knotty?) relative (6) 15. Evening do (6) 17. Absorb (10) 20. (For a German) ’er indoors (8) 21. Go away! (4) 22. Temper tantrum (5,3) 23. Academic (abbr) (4)

1. Equestrian discipline (8) 2. The long key (5,3) 4. Jokes (6) 5. Compulsive buyer (10) 6. Double-reed instrument (4) 7. Root-and-branch plant? (4) 10. Beetle — aphrodisiac (7,3) 12. Gospeller (8) 13. Person who becomes a monster when the moon is full (8) 16. Festival of lights (6) 18. Old Middle Eastern ruler (4) 19. Moggie (4)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

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