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STAMFORD AND RUTLAND RutlandPride
RutlandPride THE
NUMBER
ONE
MAGAZINE
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 £3.70
Covering the whole of Stamford and Rutland...
The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes
SEPTEMBER 2014
Prince Charles in Rutland Hot Air Balloon Flights: An Adventure at 2,000ft! WEDDINg vENUES - ARTISAN SOAP - SOPHIE ALLPORT - HISTORY OF FLORE’S HOUSE
NEW LOOK
SAME Q UALITY
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Welcome to the September issue of Rutland Pride Magazine. Last month, we redesigned our magazine, and we’d like to thank you for all the great feedback we have received.
ROB davis Editor, PridE magazinEs editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
In this edition, we hope you’ll enjoy our dining out suggestion of the award-nominated The Royal Oak in Duddington, and we have lots of executive properties in the area. Remaining patriotic we celebrate all things British with British Food Fortnight where you can put seasonality back into your diet, as well as championing English wine and British recipes. We also meet British designer Sophie Allport who is launching her brand new collection, The Flying Pheasant. A trusted source of inspiration and style in the home, this month we talk with Lizzie at Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors on creating the perfect home. If you’re getting married, or know someone who is, we have some great seasonal inspiration and ideas for brides-to-be who are planning their special day, whatever the season!
RutlandPride STAMFORD AND RUTLAND
THE
NUMBER
ONE
MAGAZINE
NEW LOOK
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 £3.70
The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes
SAME QUA LITY
Prince Charles in Rutland
Hot Air Balloon Flights: An Adventure at 2,000ft!
WEDDING VENUES - ARTISAN SOAP - SOPHIE ALLPORT - HISTORY OF FLORE’S HOUSE
This month’s cover features The Granary in West Deeping which is on the market with Fine and Country for £1,450,000.
Finally, do look out for our exclusive High Society images in this issue and please let us know of any special events you’d like our photographers to cover.
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RutlandPride STAMFORD AND RUTLAND
RutlandPride
THE
NUMBER
ONE
MAGAZINE
Covering the whole of Stamford and Rutland...
NEW LOOK
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 £3.70
The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes
SAME QUA LITY
SEPTEMBER 2014
Prince Charles in Rutland
Hot Air Balloon Flights: An Adventure at 2,000ft!
WEDDING VENUES - ARTISAN SOAP - SOPHIE ALLPORT - HISTORY OF FLORE’S HOUSE
With best wishes from the Rutland Pride team Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. General Manager: Ian Bagley. Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Features Editor: Ceri Jackson. Graphic Designer and Customer Care: Mandy Bray. Accounts Manager: Sue Bannister. Sales Managers: Zoie Wilkinson, Jayne Broughton. Sales Executives: Elaine Hall, Liz King, Carissa Clay, Emily Brown, Jo Leadbitter, Sami Millard, Andy Taylor, Lauren Chambers, Chloe Griffiths, Emma Barrett, Hayley Scott, Amy Whiley, Abigail Colley. Sales Support: Emily Rippin. Distribution Manager: Paul Dixon.
www.facebook.com/rutlandpride Why not follow us on Facebook? You can keep up to date with any news we may have for our lovely magazine!
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.
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 4
A Royal Visit: View our images from Oakham’s recent Royal visit from HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall - see page 10.
Contents
10 20 34 52 92 132 142 154
September 2014
Enjoying a RoyAl VisiT in RuTlAnd with HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. Enjoy local Food And dRink with our fantastic eating out recommendation this month; The Royal Oak in Duddington. Remaining patriotic, we celebrate the bRiTish Food FoRTnighT with a selection of Great British recipes and English wine. Enjoy our home And gARden section which provides ideas and inspiration for those seeking to create their dream home. We present best schools And colleges in the area for those seeking high quality education and adult learning opportunities. Learn the art of making ARTisAn soAps with local businesswoman Caroline Coram as well as candles and scented cushions. come Fly wiTh us, as we take a tranquil trip in a hot air balloon over the local area, where we enjoyed breathtaking scenery. Take a trip down memory lane with our hisToRy feature, exploring the life of the Grade II listed Flore’s House in Oakham.
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Discover an Island Paradise with Rutland’s Tenerife Real Estate Experts
CML Tenerife is a specialist real estate company catering for residential, commercial and corporate needs in Tenerife with local representation here in Rutland... Call us on 0843 290 5160 to find out how we can help you discover an island paradise, or visit our website; www.cmltenerife.com.
Apartments, Houses and Villas Land and New Developments Exclusive and Luxury Properties Sell Your Property International Property Investment
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County News
send your press releases and county news to: Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
tV’s nev Wiltshire to appear at rutland Pride’s Business awards ViP awards ceremony for stamford and rutland Business awards 2015 - co-organised by Essence Events - will welcome star of BBC’s The Call Centre Rutland pride’s 2015 Stamford and Rutland Business Awards will welcome the star of BBC’s The Call Centre to its 2015 VIP awards ceremony. The CEO of Swansea based Call Centre The Save Britain Money Group became a celebrity after BBC One televised his unorthodox, sometimes (always) anarchic management style in a fly-on-the-wall documentary. The TV series was a hit and now you can meet Nev for yourself at next year’s Stamford and Rutland Business Awards, co-hosted by Rutland Pride Magazine and Nicky Barr of Essence Events.
HrH the Prince of Wales and duchess of Cornwall visit rutland in July... a Royal visit to Rutland takes place as Pride goes to press, with HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall due to visit the county in July.
remembering heroes in rutland with the Central Band of the raF group’s first ever performance in rutland will mark centenery of the great War at Uppingham school...
2015’s Business Awards will invite nominations for one of nine categories; Marketing & Design Award, Small Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Best New Business, Employee of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to the Community, Best Customer Focus Award and a new award to recognise the Best New Product or Service. A panel of independent judges will select a shortlist of finalists before each category’s winner is announced at the ceremony in April next year. For further details of the awards see stamfordandrutlandbusiness.co.uk.
uppingham School will welcome The Central Band of the RAF on 18th October for a special concert to mark the centenary of the outbreak of WWI.
The Royal couple will visit Oakham’s St John and St Anne Almshouses before visiting Oakham Castle where the Duchess will present a horseshoe to local dignitaries.
“It will be a great privilege for us to welcome The RAF Central Band to Rutland for the first time.” says Nigel Sudborough, President of the Oakham Branch of the Royal British Legion. “It will also be an opportunity to raise funds for two very worthy charities; the Poppy Appeal and Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust.”
Previous Royal visits have included HRH The Princess Royal in 2008, Prince Charles in 2009 and Princess Beatrice who visited Corby Glen’s Charles Read Academy in June.
Tickets are now available at £15/each from Music and More, Oakham High Street, (01572 756578), Uppingham Sports & Books (01572 822211) and at wegottickets.com/uppinghammusic.
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County News
Local author andrew explores the secrets of rutland churches the Complete guide to the Parish Churches of rutland features 50 examples of the county’s best churches with design and history all documented... Rutland’s churches have been documented in a new book by local author Andrew Swift. A geologist by profession, who spent 16 years studying the subject at universities in both Nottingham and Leicester, Andrew is also a history buff, and loves photography too. Each of his interests intersected during the creation of his book, with a profile on each church, their history, design & construction. This information is supplemented by up to 15 photographs of each church and has been a two year project for Andrew, who was keen to ensure the book is written in a populist way, rather than making it too technical. Among the more notable churches of Rutland are Normanton Church on the shores of the reservoir, and Stoke
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Dry Church near Uppingham, which is supposedly the venue in which the co-conspirators of the gunpowder plot met to discuss their endeavour.
send your press releases and county news to: Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
itchy feet sees oakham gallery moving to bigger, better premises...
The gallery will re-open in its new premises, three times larger than before, on 1st September before an open day event on 20th September which will run from 10am-5pm.
Oakham gallery Itch will this month reopen in bigger and better premises to showcase more pieces and larger items. The gallery will move from its current Gaol Street premises into the former Swan’s of Oakham building on the town’s Mill Street.
The open day will provide the public with an opportunity to meet the artists, and will see the launch of the workshop programme. Discounts for artwork will also be available on the day.
The gallery has a number of locally painted canvases as well as jewellery, sculptures, ceramics and fused glass pieces. Larger items will feature in the new gallery, and the upper floor will be used to house a series of workshops presented by the gallery’s artists.
For more information, visit the gallery in its new home at 17A Mill Street or see www.itchgallery.co.uk.
Britannia rules, as Battle Prom raises £3,750 for Combat stress
Andrew particularly likes Tixover’s St Lukes, Whissendine and of course, Oakham’s All Saints. “My favourites are those which have the most interesting historical footnotes, with plenty of surprises in store for a keen researcher!” says Andrew. The book follows two previous ones by Andrew on the history of Leicester’s churches. Andrew’s book is available directly from the author for £15, by calling 0116 283 3127. It is also available in Melton Bookshop in Melton Mowbray, and the Visit Leicester shop in Leicester itself.
stamford’s Battle Proms, held on the Burghley House estate each summer, this year raised an impressive £3,750 for Combat Stress. It takes the total raised by the series of concerts to £170,000 for 2014. “We are delighted to be working with the Battle Proms, again. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the generous Burghley House Battle Prommers, who attend year on year and never fail to surprise us with their generosity.” says Ellie Hall of Combat Stress.
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Welcoming a Royal Visitor: HRH The Prince of Wales hRh The prince of wales enjoyed a visit to Rutland at the end of July, and the crowds couldn’t have been happier to see Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall. The couple arrived just before noon and toured Oakham’s St John and St Anne Almshouse, meeting 95-year old twins Phyllis Franklin and Gladys Clare for a cup of tea. The couple then met the public in Oakham’s Market Place before visiting Oakham Castle where, in line with tradition, the Duchess presented The Lord of the Manor, Jos Hanbury, with a horseshoe to hang in the castle. Finally, their Royal highnesses met staff and volunteers at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, where they found out about plans for an important new facility on the 1,000 acre site; a Volunteer Training Centre Project which will see an essential new building constructed at the reserve to provide much-needed facilities and training spaces for 350 volunteers. Photographs: Eli Dean (Almshouses), Chris Jones Rutland County Council (Market Place/Castle), Anglian Water (Reserve).
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W E N
KETTON, RUTLAND £1,400,000 The Limes is a delightful period property, privately located away from the village street, set amongst lovely grounds that run down to the banks of the River Chater there are stunning views over the surrounding countryside from the house and grounds. Built of attractive Stamford stone with a Collyweston slate roof the original property dates from 1858 and retains its original charm throughout with details such as thick stone walls, high ceilings, latch-handled doors and pretty fireplaces. In the past four years the property has been entirely redesigned and renovated to a very high standard to create what is now a light-filled family home with an elegant interior and the benefit of modern updates including stylish contemporary bathrooms, a new heating system, and a stunning bespoke Devol Kitchen Breakfast Room with an integrated sound system. Whilst The Limes is already a spacious and welcoming property, there is further potential to extend the house and substantially increase the living and bedroom accommodation with a two storey extension for which there is current planning permission. The property sits in extensive grounds with south-facing lawns and sheltered patios, and there is the further benefit of an attractive detached Annexe which can be used as guest accommodation or as a home office. EPC Rating: E.
TC S S
BARROWDEN, RUTLAND
£950,000
Set in secluded gardens on the very edge of the village, Ash House is a delightful property with an elegant, light-filled interior and wonderful views over open countryside. Built in 2010 of Stamford stone with a slate roof, the house has a splendid semi-rural location bordered by open countryside on two sides and yet is ideally placed just a few minutes walk from all the village amenities. Inside, the house has been designed to create a smart, substantial family home with elegant proportions and a wonderful mix of reception space and informal living areas with an open flow from room to room, making it ideal both for contemporary family life and for entertaining. The house has many windows which make the most of the wonderful, far-reaching countryside views and enhance the feeling of space and light, whilst french doors from the main living rooms open the interior out to the peaceful garden. With its peaceful location, country views, modern fittings and spacious interior, Ash House is a stylish and practical village home. EPC Rating: C.
Fine & Country 2 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DE Telephone: (01780) 750200 Email: stamford@fineandcounty.com www.fineandcountry.com
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W E N
CRANFORD, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE £1,800,000 With an attractive stone frontage overlooking the village street, Top House is a splendid Grade II listed period residence set within extremely secluded and private grounds in the heart of Cranford. The property dates from the early sixteenth century and retains many fine period features including oak beams, pretty stone-mullioned windows with original shutters, paneled doors and a magnificent inglenook fireplace. Later nineteenth and twentieth century additions have extended the house adding elegantly proportioned rooms with deep bay, sash windows overlooking an attractive courtyard patio, and more recently the property has been refurbished throughout to create a welcoming and stylish home that combines its historic character and charm with modern additions including a Conservatory with under-floor heating and a spacious Kitchen and Breakfast Room. Extensive outbuildings set around a rear courtyard include a lovely self-contained Coach House featuring a ground floor games room and bar, and a first-floor two bedroom apartment. The house is surrounded by around four acres of delightful gardens that include sheltered lawns and a secluded courtyard with a heated outdoor swimming pool and there is the further benefit of a 20 acre paddock, extensive stabling and a fully stocked trout lake at the far perimeter. EPC Rating: Exempt.
W E N
EASTON ON THE HILL, RUTLAND £850,000 Dating from 1688 and built of mellow Stamford stone, 24 Church Street is a unique Grade II listed property comprising a charming house and three period cottages set within pretty, private gardens of just under an acre. The whole property has, in recent years, been painstakingly renovated and it retains a splendid charm and historic character with many original features such as splendid oak beams, ornate cornice work from the eighteenth century and a magnificent inglenook fireplace in the Entrance Hall. The house has a simple décor with white walls and plasterwork creating an elegant home with spacious, light-filled rooms that enhance the carefully sourced reclaimed fittings. Details include an eclectic mix of latch-handled doors, oak lintels and carved stone fireplaces, whilst the stunning Drawing Room is now fitted with tall French doors flooding the room with light and opening to the garden and grounds. Outside, the picture-perfect cottage is a delightful two bedroom Annexe and the Folly is ideal to adapt as guest accommodation or into a splendid home-office. The Studio, has two spacious rooms on both the ground and first floor and offers the opportunity to substantially increase the size of the main house as planning permission has been granted to create a link between the two. EPC Rating: Exempt.
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THE GARDEN HOUSE, NORTH LUFFENHAM
GUIDE PRICE £1,100,000
A Marvellous 4 Bedroom Village House Dating from the mid-19th Century with Hard Tennis Court in a Secluded Position. • Reception Hall • Drawing Room • Games Room • Office • Study
• • • • • •
• Living Kitchen/Dining Room
Walk-in Larder/China Cupboard Utility Room Storeroom Boot Room Cloakroom Principal Bedroom with en-suite Shower Room
• Guest Bedroom with en-suite Shower Room • 2 Further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Double Garage • Hard Tennis Court • Gardens
STAMFORD
Tel: 01780 484520 Offices – LONDON • MARKET HARBOROUGH • STAMFORD
www.kingwest.co.uk
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BELTON IN RUTLAND
GUIDE PRICE £465,000
A delightful four bedroom Grade II listed cottage with many original features and detached barn with potential for conversion.
PICKWELL
GUIDE PRICE £850,000
A very attractive four bedroom ironstone village house, with pleasant gardens, paddocks and outbuildings.
SOUTH LUFFENHAM
GUIDE PRICE £800,000
A superb five bedroom detached house enjoying well-appointed accommodation set in delightful gardens.
SCALFORD
GUIDE PRICE £865,000
A classically proportioned ironstone Rectory renovated to a high standard with five bedrooms sitting in a generous sized plot with fine views.
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www.mooresestatagents.com/countryandequestrian
WYMONDHAM LODGE, WYMONDHAM
GUIDE PRICE £750,000
LITTLE BURTON, BURTON LAZARS
£1,385,000
Wymondham lodge sits on the south side of this popular village and makes the most of the spectacular views over its own grounds, paddocks, lake and beyond. Mixing dressed stone to the front with floor to ceiling glass to the rear, this property has a character with oak flooring, whilst its 4000 sq. ft. approx. of living accommodation has been designed for low energy living using under floor heating and solar. Accommodation briefly comprises: large entrance, reception room with carved stone staircase, family / games room, dining room open to eaves, living breakfast kitchen, master suite plus guest suite, two further bedrooms and bathroom plus an adjoining two bedroom cottage with its own sitting room and breakfast kitchen. No chain. Further two bedroom rental cottages (adjacent) may be available.
Little Burton was built in 1989 by McAlpine's for a family member and therefore built to the highest of standards and specification. The superb family home has three reception rooms, a lovely breakfast kitchen, garden room/conservatory. There is a master suite with dressing room and en-suite, four further double bedrooms all with en-suite. An indoor swimming pool is an attractive feature, the beautiful landscaped gardens have some of Leicestershire most stunning views, the whole plot is approximately 1.8 acres STMS. This modern detached house must be considered as one of the areas premier properties.
RUSTIC HOUSE FARM, FREEBY
PADDOCK HOUSE, COLD OVERTON
£1,390,000
Luxurious farmstead with manor house style home situated on the edge of a village with landscaped grounds of approx. 4 acres (plus another approx. 30 acres available to rent). Exquisitely appointed with practical yet lavish layout and fittings to include high ceilings to reception rooms. With impressive entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, family snug leading through to hand built kitchen with Aga, opening out to palatial sun room orangery with Spa off. Utility and boot room connected to an area which can be used for home office or annex leading out on to a court yard of stables plus barns and multiple garaging. Walks around its own private lakes all conveniently situated near the luxury Spa of Stapleford Park and convenient for the A1 and main line trains at Grantham.
£1,250,000
Substantial six bedroom stone family home with south facing aspects over its own mature private grounds of approx. 1.5 acres. Having well proportioned and laid out accommodation with large entrance hall, drawing room and family/dining room. Recently refitted living kitchen with Aga and French doors to terrace. A self contained area of the house gives a further reception room/ play room with its own back staircase, bedroom and bathroom. The main bedroom has both en-suite and dressing area. A further four double bedrooms, one single bedroom, two shower rooms and an additional bathroom, make this a very practical family home. Separate driveway to stable yard with five brick built loose boxes and a range of outbuildings, stores and tack rooms. Holding paddock area and garden room.
OAKHAM 36 High Street, Oakham Rutland LE15 6AL
UPPINGHAM 2 Orange Street, Uppingham Rutland LE15 9SQ
STAMFORD 2 St Johns Street, Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 2DB
MELTON 18 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1NW
LONDON 40 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NS
Tel: 01572 757979
Tel: 01572 821935
Tel: 01780 484555
Tel: 01664 491610
Tel: 0207 8390888
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to view and purchase photographs from the Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk
New Office Opening for James Sellicks in Oakham The fizz was flowing when James sellicks estate agents in Oakham recently welcomed business clients and colleagues old and new to their Summer Party. The event celebrated a successful first quarter since their opening in the town in March. The evening was glorious and the doors were flung open to welcome the guests who came from a variety of businesses around Rutland and Leicestershire. Solicitors, retailers, auctioneers, financial advisers, surveyors, builders and developers all rubbed shoulders, whilst James Sellicks and his staff were on hand to ensure that glasses were never empty. Guests were tempted to nibbles from Otter’s Smokehouse and Kandy Cup Cakes; both of which can be found on Mill Street. Tim Brown, Office Director at James Sellicks Oakham said, “We were delighted with the turnout. It was a fantastic way to celebrate our first few months in Oakham and we look forward to many more successful months and years ahead.” images by don lambert.
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- Food -
Stamford’s Right
Royal Treat
it’s been a year since anne and John took over the reins at The Royal Oak in duddington. they have created a luxurious yet traditional hotel and pub that has been nominated as community pub of the year. Words & Photos: Ceri Jackson To us, there is no greater accolade than being shortlisted for an award - and that’s just what’s happened for Anne and John at The Royal Oak in Duddington. Nominated as the Community Pub of the Year, it just goes to show that since taking over the country hotel and pub a year ago this month, they are definitely doing something right. Between the two, Anne and John have worked at The Royal Oak for 30 years, and they understand how to run it the right way. Their high standards have secured the hotel and pub’s future, and have created a fresh, contemporary new look for the lounge, restaurant and its six en suite hotel bedrooms.
Left: Oven roasted rump of lamb marinated in garlic, mint and rosemary served with lyonnaise potatoes and a redcurrant jus.
Anne works as the front of house, offering a very warm welcome whilst John remains as Head Chef. They have built up a fantastic customer base, offering a ‘community hub’ where people meet and enjoy the relaxing ambience that is still very much country at heart. The pair have introduced real class and luxury, whilst preserving the historical elements. 21
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- Food -
Above: The Royal Oak.
He works with his kitchen team of three, and they all get involved to create traditional, upmarket dishes. John creates the menu, updating it four times a year to keep in tune with the seasons and to ensure they use current fresh produce.
Right: Roast peppered pork fillet served with sweet potato and chorizo hash and a wholegrain mustard sauce. Below: A permanent feature, the double chocolate brownie.
“We are delighted that we’ve been nominated as Community Pub of the Year...” “It’s fantastic that we have been nominated for the Community Pub of the Year award for this year’s Carlsberg UK Food and Drink Awards. We really wanted to create a place where people can enjoy spending time together with traditional, hearty pub food that has an upmarket, yet contemporary twist,” says Anne. The bar area tends to be a very popular place to enjoy an option from the lunch time menu, and it can seat up to 20. The restaurant can seat up to 80, and it has a real rustic decor with wooden tables and non-fussy table decorations. Head Chef John knows a thing or two about creating innovative, yet traditional dishes. He has grown up with a food background, and since the age of 14 started working in kitchens as a pot washer before working his way up. “I studied at college, where I learnt about food and ingredients. I did pick up a lot of my knowledge from working with other chefs, finding out what works well and also from trying things out myself,” says John. 22
The dessert menu is constantly changing and evolving, even changing twice a week some of the time. John likes to make sure it is kept fresh and up to date whilst ensuring signature dishes that are firm favourites keep an appearance. Everything on the menu is homemade by John and his team, bar the ice creams and bread. This includes the sauces, desserts and all of the dishes. Sourcing local ingredients is important to Anne and John, and they currently buy from the likes of Adam Apple for their fruit and vegetables, T Law & Sons butchers in Spalding and R&P Meats in Peterborough for their meat, M&J Seafoods and Grasmere Farm. “Being able to prepare food that others can enjoy is very important to me. We want to use ingredients that are as local as possible that are of the highest quality. We are famous for our fresh, home cooked food and for us, it’s more about the food but making the whole experience one to remember,” says John. There are two menus to choose from - the lunch menu can be enjoyed Monday to Saturday and features mouth-watering light menu options and snacks like sandwiches which are freshly prepared. The main menu is also available Monday to Saturday and incorporates contemporary à la carte dishes, with a traditional, English classic twist. There are eight starters and 10 pub classics, and the dessert menu has seven homemade options and a selection of Farmhouse cheeses. We made the most of the informal atmosphere in the bar area, with comfy leather chairs in
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- food -
Left: Head Chef John Wheeler.
It’s easy to see why The Royal Oak has been nominated as the Community Pub of the Year; there’s a warm, relaxing ambience.” front of their open log fireplace. To start, we had the king prawn and watermelon salad with a zesty ginger, spring onion and lemon drizzle. This was a great choice as it was refreshing and light, perfect whilst we can still enjoy the warmer weather. We also tried the crayfish, chilli and parmesan risotto which had made an appearance on the specials board. This had a lovely light texture and was presented exquisitely. For main, we had another special board feature - the oven roasted rump of lamb marinated in garlic, mint and rosemary served with lyonnaise potatoes and a redcurrant jus. The lamb was cooked to perfection, and you could just taste
hints of the garlic, mint and rosemary. A great option served with seasonal vegetables. Next we tried the roast peppered pork fillet served with sweet potato and chorizo hash and a wholegrain mustard sauce. The aroma as it left the kitchen and arrived on our table was mouthwatering and we just couldn’t wait to get stuck in. For dessert, we tried the glazed orange tart which came with a refreshing mango sorbet and the double chocolate brownie. A permanent feature on the menu, and it’s not hard to understand why! We enjoyed both with a delicious cup of cappuccino. It’s clear to see why The Royal Oak in Duddington has been nominated as the Community Pub of the Year. The exceptional service coupled with a very warm welcome and relaxing ambience made this a delightful place to dine. The pride that John and his kitchen team infuse into their dishes is second to none, and this shines through with their homemade dishes. Attention to detail is key, along with high quality ingredients making this a dining out suggestion we are proud to make.
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Sample Menu STARTERS Tomato and Red Onion Bruschetta £5.95 Glazed with goats cheese and drizzled in Balsamic. Chargrilled Halloumi £6.25/11.95 Served with a cold chickpea, cherry tomato and spinach salad and chilli yoghurt dressing. Smoked Salmon With fennel and radish salad finished with honey, mustard and dil dressing.
£6.95
King Prawn and Watermelon Salad £6.95 With ginger, spring onion and lemongrass drizzle.
MAINS 21 days aged Scottish Sirloin Steak £18.95 With grill garnish, hand-cut chips and side salad. Roast Peppered Pork Fillet With sweet potato and chorizo hash and a whole grain mustard sauce.
£13.50
Beer Battered Cod Fillet With hand-cut chips and mushy peas.
£11.95
Chargrilled Tuna Loin Steak Served with a Nicoise salad and new potatoes.
£12.95
Orzo Pasta £9.95 Cherry tomato, zucchini and red onion orzo pasta cooked in pesto and creme fraiche sauce with fresh rocket and home-made garlic bread.
PUDDING White Chocolate Pannacotta With fresh raspberries.
£5.95
Glazed Orange Tart With refreshing mango sorbet.
£5.95
Banoffee Pie With crumbled flake.
£5.95
Double Chocolate Brownie With vanilla ice cream and toasted marshmellows.
£5.95
Find Out More: Lunch Time Menu: Monday to Thursday, from 12-2.30pm and 6.30-9.30pm. Friday and Saturday, from 12-9.30pm. Main Menu: Monday to Saturday, all day. Sunday Lunch Menu: Sunday from 12-9pm.
The Royal Oak Hotel, Duddington, Stamford, PE9 3QE Tel: 01780 444267 www.theroyaloakduddington.com 25
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR HIGH QUALITY PUB RESTAURANT DINING Main Street, Great Bowden LE16 7HB For table reservations call 01858 463571 www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk
The plouGh, GReeThAM Whether you're here for a lunchtime special or an evening drink with friends, visiting us is always a great experience. CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN.
23 Main Street Greetham Oakham Rutland LE15 7NJ
01572 813613
www.the-plough-greetham.co.uk
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- sEasonaL EntErtainmEnt -
The Christmas Party Season if you’re charged with the responsibility of organising the annual office party, or you’re seeking a festive get-together with friends, look no further than our local, seasonal suggestions for planning your christmas celebrations... don’t let the warm weather fool you... the festive season is most definitely on its way. If you’re charged with the responsibility of organising the office get-together, now is the time to book, and we’ve superb suggestions courtesy of the area’s best restaurants and hotels who are advertising in this edition.
is to follow the format of a sit-down meal with the option of going into the town or city in which your event is taking place, for further drinks. Those of a more reserved disposition can politely decline, leaving the younger or more vibrant contingent of the workforce to continue the evening.
When planning your Christmas party, the overriding advice is to book early to secure your preferred date.
Opting for a formal meal with a glass of champagne upon arrival - rather than a
Local restaurants and hotels are already taking bookings and many will have few places left close to Christmas if you leave your booking later than mid-September. When you’re booking, now is the time to book your transport too. Some companies book their Christmas party early yet leave organising their taxi or minibus until later in the season only to be disappointed! Ensure you can give your chosen venue a firm number and book a space or two as ‘spares.’ Pass menus to staff and pre-order your meals to ensure prompt service and avoid chaos on the day. Booking the annual office party is tricky if your company comprises a mix of more senior staff and youngsters. In this case, a tip
“Restaurants and hotels are taking bookings already and many will soon have few places left closer to Christmas.” buffet/disco event with a free bar - will allow for easier budgeting and often prove less expensive... and perhaps more civilised. Finally, if you’ve a smaller firm, many venues now offer party nights where small groups can join other groups to bring more atmosphere to the party season - these often include live entertainment, too.
making the season easier at home... if the thought of preparing Christmas dinner makes you shudder, why not make things a little easier this year? christmas may be a time of celebration but it’s also hard work, especially if you’re the poor soul preparing Christmas lunch for a family that has grown to include grandchildren, your childrens’ partners and elderly parents. Why not make things easier for yourself ? Many of the restaurants featured in Pride offer the opportunity to enjoy having Christmas lunch prepared for you. Put your feet up and relax, watch the grandchildren open their gifts and most importantly... don’t worry about having to load the dishwasher and put the kitchen back together! Expect prices somewhere in the region of £60-£100/head. In addition, if you’ve a season of dinner parties for friends, you could always cheat; the county’s Sarah Rivett, The Rutland Gourmet, usually caters for hunt ball and events with hundreds of attendees, but she can also prepare beautiful cuisine in your own home for anything from 10 guests upwards, and can design menus according to your guests’ preferences. Whether you decide to own up, or to pass Sarah’s food off as your own is, of course, a matter for your own conscience! Opposite: Barnsdale Lodge in Exton is one of the venues offering festive party nights - it’s an ideal place for smaller firms to take a party to a party.
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INTRODUCING THE DELI SHED Purchase Marquess made produce including pickles, chutneys, frozen dishes and lots more, all on site in Lyddington. Opens Friday 22nd August, we look forward to seeing you there! 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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- Food -
Puddings & Desserts this month we feature three of the best; perfect puddings and delicious desserts from some of the county’s best chefs...
(Above) Mixed berries with Prosecco jelly. Barnsdale Lodge, Exton, Oakham. 01572 724678, www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk
(Above) Assiette of strawberries with meringue, panna cotta and shortbread. Rutland Water Golf Course, Edith Weston, Oakham. 01572 737525, www.rutlandwatergolfcourse.co.uk (Right) Glazed orange tart with refreshing mango sorbet. The Royal Oak, Duddington, near Stamford. 01780 444267, www.theroyaloakduddington.com 33
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- recipes -
Great
BRITISH MeaLS
This month we present our Best of British recipe selection to celebrate British Food Fortnight, which coincides with red Tractor Week too. red Tractor is a not-for-proďŹ t organisation designed to educate the public as to how our food is produced - look for the logo on the food you buy, for farm assured quality. Images: Steve Baxter.
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Lamb Mini roast with rosemary Butter (Previous Spread) Serves 2-3 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 35-40 minutes (for medium) • 1 x 350-400g (12-14oz) red Tractor lean lamb mini roasting joint (we used lamb thick flank) • salt and black pepper • For the rosemary Butter: 50g/2oz unsalted butter, softened • 30ml/2tbsp freshly chopped rosemary leaves or 10ml/2tsp dried rosemary leaves
Preheat the oven to Gas mark 5, 190°c, 375°F. To prepare the rosemary butter; in a small bowl mix all the ingredients together. Place the joint on a chopping board, make several slits over the surface and season. 36
Spread with the rosemary butter. Transfer to a roasting rack in a medium roasting tin and roast for 35-40 minutes (for medium).
Preheat the oven to Gas mark 5, 190°c, 375°F. In a small bowl mix together the mustard, garlic purée and oil.
Remove the lamb from the oven, transfer to a warm plate, cover with foil and leave to rest for 5-10 minutes. Carve and serve with creamy sliced potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Place the joint on a chopping board, make several slashes over the surface, season and spread with the mustard mixture. Transfer to a roasting rack in a medium non-stick roasting tin and roast for 40-50 minutes (for medium).
Beef Mini roast with Mustard (Pictured Above) Serves: 2-3, Preparation time: 5-10 minutes Cooking time: 40-50 minutes (for medium) •1 x 400-450g/14oz-1lb lean beef mini roast (we used a mini topside joint) • salt and freshly milled black pepper • 30ml/2tbsp Dijon mustard or similar •10ml/2tsp garlic purée •15ml/1tbsp rapeseed or olive oil
Cover with foil if browning too quickly. Remove the joint from the oven, transfer to a warm plate, cover and leave to rest for 5-10 minutes, 20 if time allows. Slice the roast and serve with gravy, mini sauté potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
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- recipes -
pork Fillet stuffed with Black pudding, Apple & sage Serves: 3-4. Cooking time: About 30 minutes •350g (12oz) pork fillet •50g (2oz) Black pudding, roughly chopped • Apple, cored and sliced • 8-10 x lean dry-cured rashers of streaky bacon • 15mlsp (1tbsp) rapeseed oil. For the sage and Apple sauce: 2 x cooking apples, peeled, cored and thickly sliced • 15mlsp (1tbsp) silver spoon sugar • 2 x 15mlsp (2tbsp) Water • 4 x Fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped • small knob of butter
Preheat the oven and a baking tray. Place the fillet on a chopping board, with a sharp knife make a horizontal slit along the length of the fillet to make a pocket. Take five apple slices and arrange in a single layer along the length of the pocket. Arrange the black pudding on top of the apple slices and cover with a layer of the sage leaves.
roast Duck Breast with Autumn root Vegetables and Balsamic syrup
Hold together the cut edges of the fillet. Wrap with the bacon rashers around the fillet until it is completely covered.
Serves 2. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 45 minutes
Place the fillet on the preheated tray and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for about 30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the juices from the meat run clear. To make the sauce; place all the sauce ingredients and remaining eating apple slices into a small saucepan. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, to soften the ingredients. Stir well and put to one side, with the lid on, until ready to serve. Serve the fillet sliced with the apple sauce and your favourite accompaniments. Also tastes good cold with a salad, if you have any leftover!
• 2 Gressingham duck breasts •1 red onion, peeled and cut in half • 1 large beetroot, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks •1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 2 cm chunks • 1 large potato, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks • 1 bulb garlic, cut in half widthways • Few sprigs rosemary and thyme •2 tbsp of balsamic syrup • 4 tbsp of rapeseed oil • Handful of spinach leaves, washed • salt and pepper
Red Tractor Week: Celebrate Red Tractor Week this September 15th with these delicious recipes provided by some of the Red Tractor Farmers who are part of the scheme. Visit www.redtractor.org.uk for more information.
Pre-heat oven 200°c, Fan 180°c, Gas Mark 6. Put the vegetables and herbs into a roasting tray and season them well with salt and pepper and add olive oil. Mix well so that all the vegetables are covered in oil. Cook for approx 40-50 mins, stirring once halfway through cooking. The spinach will need to be added 5 mins from completion of cooking time. When the vegetables have been in for 20 minutes, start cooking the Gressingham duck breasts. Take the breasts and lightly score the skin and pat dry. Place the breasts skin side down in a frying pan on a low to medium heat with no oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Be sure to carefully pour off any excess fat as it is cooking. Once the skin is crispy, flip the duck over and sear the meat for 30 seconds. Transfer to the warm baking tray and place in the oven to cook for 12 mins for a medium rare result. Remove from the oven and allow to rest until the vegetables are cooked. Once the spinach has been added and cooked through, remove from the oven, pour over the balsamic syrup, mix well with the vegetables and serve. 37
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pan-Fried chicken with Lettuce, peas & smoked Bacon Serves 4. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes • 1 free-range chicken, cut into eight pieces – or use thigh or breast portions • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 4 thick smoked back bacon slices • Bunch of spring onions, chopped to 2cm lengths (white and green parts) • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 450ml chicken stock, hot • 200g shelled peas • 3 little gem lettuces, roughly chopped • 15g salted butter • squeeze of lemon juice from half a lemon • salt and pepper
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the rapeseed oil and fry the chicken pieces, skin-side down, for five minutes, until the skin is beginning to turn golden brown. Then turn the heat down and cook for a further 20 minutes. By now the skin should be quite crispy and there should be a lot of fat in the pan. Carefully remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a baking sheet or in a bowl. Cover and keep warm. Remove and discard most of the fat from the pan. Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry it until it begins to colour. Turn the heat right down and add the spring onions. After two minutes, add the garlic. Stir for 30 seconds as the onions and garlic cook, then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil and scrape the bottom of the pan - those crusty brown bits will make your sauce delicious! Cook for a few minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly, then add the peas and lettuce and the chicken pieces. Return to the boil and simmer until the peas are cooked and the chicken is piping hot. Just before serving, add the butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season to taste and serve.
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- recipes -
Bramley and Blackberry Tray Bake with Vanilla custard
plum and Almond Frangipane
Serves: 8. Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 35 minutes
• 375g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 15g sugar • 225g unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus extra for greasing • 1 egg • 4 tbsp ice-cold water • For the almond filling: 200g unsalted butter • 200g/7¼oz caster sugar • 2 free-range eggs • 200g ground almonds • For the tart: 5-6 ripe plums, each cut into eighths, de-stoned
• 150g butter, at room temperature • 200g silver spoon sugar • 2 eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • zest of one lemon • 175g self-raising flour • ½ tsp baking powder • 1 large or two medium Bramley apples, peeled, cored and diced • juice of half a lemon • 200g (5oz) blackberries • 2 tablespoons Demerara sugar
Preheat the oven to 190°c. Line a shallow 20cm (8in) square cake tin or brownie tin with baking parchment. Cream the butter and sugar together until mousse-like and doubled in volume. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating between additions. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Mix in the flour and baking powder. Toss the apple pieces in the lemon juice. Add half the apple to the cake batter and mix in. Gently mix in half the blackberries. Pour into the prepared cake tin.
Serves: Six. Prep time: 30 minutes. Cooking time: 60 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 180°c. Create the pastry for your tart using the rubbing-in method, and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. Create the frangipane filling by creaming together in a bowl sugar, and butter. The mixture should be light and fluffy, like cake batter. Add the egg, beating well. Add the ground almonds for flavouring. Roll out the flour to line a 10” tart tin and neaten up the edges. Spoon your frangipane mixture into the tin to half-way up the sides and smooth. the surface with a spatula then cover with the plums. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the pastry is brown and the fruit is tender. Dust with icing sugar before serving with crème fraîche. 39
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- GreAT BriTisH FooD ForTniGHT 20th september - 5th october 2014
Celebrating British
Food & Drink Great British Food Fortnight this month coincides with harvest time, and nowhere will it be more anticipated than in our area with its wealth of farmers, farm shops, markets and keen foodies. This month we’ve spoken to farmers, industry spokespeople and food and drink producers to allow us to create a sort of manifesto for how to enjoy good food. The food and farming industry is absolutely vital to our part of the world; the UK is 60% self-sufficient in terms of food production, growing the majority of what we eat. The East Midlands region produces over a third of the UK’s vegetables, nearly 20% of its sugar, and 17% of its meat chickens. Farming in the area is equivalent to over 10% of the UK’s total farming output - valued at over £2.7bn - and the industry employs over 56,000 in our area. For every £1 that our farmers contribute to the UK economy, food producers contribute a further £5. In an age of supermarkets and the international availability of food, it’s important, therefore, that we support our local food economy. With that in mind, we’ve prepared a six point mini-manifesto with suggestions as to how you can enjoy better food whilst supporting local farmers, food producers and our local economy.
This month is Great British Food Fortnight. There’s nobody keener than us to promote local food, so this month we present our mini-manifesto for championing the best of British, a guide to making sure you make the most of local produce and support our local farmers. Words: Rob Davis.
1. Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast... The Great British sunday roast, with all the trimmings, is well worth the effort, says local beef farmer and member of Ladies in Beef, Millie Wastie. Her work with red Tractor is aimed at producing the best quality roast... A Sunday roast with all of the trimmings can be a bit of a chore, but what meal delivers greater satisfaction? Certainly none that we can think of ! “No other meal gives us a chance to enjoy fresh vegetables, locally reared meat, and the experience of dining together as a family, quite like a Sunday roast.” says Mille Wastie, who, with fiancé Andrew, values the Red Tractor logo as a way of ensuring quality and traceability. “The best thing about a roast is that it can’t be rushed, so our recommendation is to put your meat on early, and cook it slowly in an Aga.” Meanwhile, take the family out for a walk and enjoy the working up an appetite in the county. You’ll return home to one of the most rewarding meals we think there is, and enjoy a leisurely lunch together as a family, something there isn’t necessarily time for mid-week.” says Millie.
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- GreAT BriTisH FooD ForTniGHT 20th september - 5th october 2014
3. Put seasonality and freshness into your diet The nFU’s sarah Dawson says that in our part of the country, we should embrace the joy of seasonal food NFU Advisor, local farmer and mum Sarah Dawson grows brassicas on her family farm, but whilst she recognises the power and consistency of supermarket’s supply chains, she also wants to pose the following question; when was the last you time you waited in anticipation for your favourite berry or vegetable to come back into season? When summer or autumn arrives there’s a temptation to carry on picking up imported asparagus and strawberries, or plums and blackberries... we say wait, and buy British! “Eating the seasons reduces the energy we need to grow and transport our food.” says Sarah. “We can also avoid paying a premium for food that’s scarcer, support our local economy and our farmers, and reconnect with nature’s cycle.” Eating British fruits and vegetables in season is good for you. Foods in season contain the nutrients, minerals and trace elements that our bodies need at particular times of the year. Feeding your kids fresh, nutritious food doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on expensive products or hours slaving away in the kitchen. To be sure what you are buying is in season and British, the next time you're out shopping, look out for the Red Tractor logo on a wide range of everyday products and you’ll know that your family is enjoying fresh nutritious seasonal British food!
2. Grow your own, pick your own, enjoy your own... The charity Master Gardener offers both novice and knowledgeable gardeners free advice on creating and maintaining kitchen gardens. “There’s nothing like growing your own produce.” says rick Aron
“The charity offers help for novices and expert gardeners alike. Topics include setup of gardens, what, where and when to plant in your kitchen garden, how to tackle pests and diseases, fruit tree maintenance and composting.” says the charity’s Rick Aron. “We work with private households, community groups and businesses and ‘matchmake’ them with our experts. The expert makes contact and can give advice by telephone or email, or in person with a site visit.” The charity has had some great friendships formed as a result of the project, and there 42
“Master Gardeners offers help to novice and expert gardeners with their kitchen gardens.” says the Rick Aron. have been all sorts of people and gardens taking advantage of the scheme, from modest plots to large gardens and orchards and gardens managed by communities. “Kitchen gardening is really satisfying.” says Rick. “It’s a physical workout, it’s mentally therapeutic and it results in the great pleasure of eating what you’ve grown.” For free advice and support to establish or maintain your kitchen garden, get in touch with the project via www.mastergardeners.org.uk.
Image: Sarah Dawson, Tim Scrivener/NFU.
Grow your own and love your food. That’s the message behind The Master Gardener charity. Established in 2011, and active in eight counties in the UK, it has 700 volunteers in our area alone, helping around the same number of people to get their growing going with free advice and support.
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4. Rediscover the pure joy of baking real bread... The real Bread campaign is one that our bakers are all keen to support, so use your loaf in British Food Fortnight
Bread is nothing more than flour, yeast, water and salt. Take a look at a loaf of mass produced bread through, and there’s a dizzying number of scary sounding chemicals in addition to its four basic ingredients, all of which are designed to make breadmaking on a mass scale possible. That’s why The Real Bread Campaign is encouraging the public to buy bread made without the use of processing aids or any other artificial additives - or better still, bake your own. Making your own bread isn’t that time-consuming (most of the time is spent waiting for it to prove or rise) and it certainly isn’t complicated. Fresh home-made bread is a great weekend treat, and that’s why rediscovering the lost art of baking is our fourth manifesto pledge. As you’d expect, Frances Quinn, the area’s Great British Bakeoff winner for 2014 is keen to encourage everyone to rediscover baking; “Making your own bread is so quick, especially if you’ve a food processor or mixer with a dough hook.” “It’s really easy, and by putting the dough into the fridge to rise overnight, instead of leaving it in a warm place for two hours, you get a much better flavour. One of the simplest forms of bread is soda bread; it takes less than hour, it’s easy and doesn’t even require yeast. If you’ve not baked your own for a while, try it and rediscover the joy for yourself !” 43
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- GreAT BriTisH FooD ForTniGHT 20th september - 5th october 2014
5. Make grocery shopping more convenient... Boxed vegetable schemes, farm shops and farmers’ markets mean greater convenience than a trip to the supermarket We’re not averse to supermarkets - honest! After all, they’ve given us more choice, greater convenience and arguably, they keep prices lower for consumers.
“Often with bread and deli counters, they’ve greater ranges and better choice than ever before and they help to reduce the food miles that your produce travels.”
However, they’re sometimes blamed for an increase in food miles, the loss of seasonality and for squeezing profit margins and adversely affecting farmers.
Meanwhile boxed vegetable schemes deliver a week’s worth of fruit, veg, meat and even groceries to your door. Customers can order a ‘set’ box of mix or create their own. Woodlands and Riverford deliver their boxes anywhere in Lincolnshire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire or Northamptonshire with prices from £10.50 for a small box, to around £35 for one with fruit and meat in, too.
A regular trip to your local supermarket can also be a pain, so our fifth manifesto pledge is designed to make shopping even more convenient. Take advantage of your local farm shop, or a farmer’s market or take delivery of fruit, vegetables and even meat from a boxed scheme once a week. “Farm shops improve the relationship between farmer and consumer.” says the area’s Sophie Loweth. “They purchase fresh produce in smaller quantities so it doesn’t hang about in cold stores and reaches the consumer from the field in a much shorter amount of time.” Below: Guy Watson started growing organic veg in 1986 and launched his boxed scheme in 1993. The company believes they’re an average of 20% cheaper than supermarkets for fruit and vegetables.
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“Boxed schemes offer real convenience.” says Rachel Lovell of Riverford. “We’ve four farms of our own plus a network of family farms, so you’re still buying from a farmer, but we also have the scale to remain competitive with supermarkets. Using a scheme like ours is convenient and it also avoids a trip to the supermarket - that saves fuel so it’s better for the environment, and customers report that they avoid being tempted by impulse buys which in turn reduces food waste.” www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk, www.riverford.co.uk
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6. Don’t forget local drinks producers, too... it’s one thing to eat local, but we think you should drink local too, with real ales, ciders, english wine and locally produced cordials Microbreweries like The Langton Brewery, whose output stands at around 250 nine gallon casks a month, are more adaptable by virtue of their size, making them much more exciting for consumers and providing new ranges all the time... so think local, and drink local as part of Great British Food Fortnight. “We bring new beers to the market every couple of months.” says its Director David Dyson. “Our local ales - like Inclined Plane and Caudle - cater for local tastes and trends. Over 80% of our local ales are consumed within a 10 mile radius making us a real local product.” Meanwhile, Belvoir Fruit Farms has recently announced plans for a new £3m factory to take its output from its current 20m bottles to 100m. “People tend to think of local produce as concerning food, but we’ve just celebrated our 30th year, making our local drinks from my mother’s family recipe, with our annual Elderflower Festival.”
“People tend to think of local produce as just food, but we’ve just celebrated our 30th year making our local drinks.”
“Our customers tell us the Belvoir drinks are an important part of their summer. We’ve Pressés, cordials and now cans too, each of which make great mixers or refreshing soft drinks. We grow 80 acres of elderflowers alone on our farm, and our current products include Rhubarb and Strawberry, Lime & Lemongrass, Raspberry & Lemon and lots of other flavours over 30 in total!” www.langtonbrewery.co.uk, www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk 45
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- enGLisH Wine -
Popping the Cork for
British Wine As the saying goes, in wine there is truth and with english ‘appellations’ of geographical protection now in place, and stunning weather due to help our region’s vineyards harvest their best crop ever, it’s true to say that there’s never been a better time to toast the best of British wine... Words and Images: Rob Davis.
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- enGLisH Wine -
We’ve heard it through the grapevine that the UK’s wine industry is booming. There are 452 vineyards in the UK, 124 wineries, 2.5m bottles produced annually and 3,552 acres now under vine with over 3,200 in active production. The UK’s wine industry is expected to be worth £100m in 2015, so there’s never been a better time to buy English - especially to partner British Food Fortnight. 60% of all UK wine is sparkling, whilst 30% is white and 10% red or rosé. Meanwhile our sparkling wine is champagne in all but name - Champagne has geographically protected status - and one of the best examples is Bill and Flora Hulme’s Fleur Fields white and rosé sparkling wines. The UK is divided into seven wine producing regions, with our region, Mercia, home to Fleur Fields. Their Champs D’amour rosé sparkling, took the Mercian Vineyards Association’s silver, bronze and gold awards in 2010, 2011 and 2012, winning the Vine House Best Vintage Wine trophy in 2010 48
and the Best Sparkling Wine award in both 2010 and 2012. Its white sibling has also won four awards with a bronze medal in 2013. Astonishingly though, some prejudice still surrounds English wine. Flora recounts how she gave a bottle to a friend only for her wine-savvy husband to instantly dismiss it.
“The UK’s wine industry will be worth £100m in 2015, so buy English during British Food Fortnight...” The friend kept the bottle in her cellar and served it surreptitiously at her next dinner party. Each of her diners - including her husband - declared it was the most delicious champagne they had ever tasted, with a vibrant mousse and balanced, refreshing flavour that can beat any French sparkling wine hands down. It’s telling, too, that the French are now importing our wines...
but in this country, English wine still accounts for just 0.25% of the UK market something Bill & Flora, the English Wine Producers’ Association and the UK Vineyard Association are all determined to change. Bill and Flora moved to the area 35 years ago, and were holidaying in Tuscany, touring vineyards when Flora announced she’d love to have a vineyard of her own. “We first researched which varieties to grow and planted our first vines in 1998 having ordered from the National Vine Collection.” says Bill. “We had two thirds of an acre on a south-facing slope with ironstone loam soil; terroir which proved perfect for our crop. We put in 33 rows with 235 posts and a mile and a half of wire, for our 1,000 vines.” The couple harvested their first crop in 2004 - around 700kg of grapes, which is enough for 700 bottles. From 2013’s crop, and with son Justin’s 4,000 vines contributing, their output totalled 12,500 bottles, with around 100 bottles their highly sought after £38.50 Solaris sparkling white, and with their still
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our region’s Best Wines
Five to Try each of our recommended wines are produced in our area, proving that provenance isn’t limited to food during British Food Fortnight... n Fleur Fields champs d’Amour, £28.50/bottle www.fleurfields.co.uk.
As referenced in our main article. A superb sparkling rosé with a glorious fruity nose, longevity of fizz and long fruity finish. Definitely one of the best wines we’ve tasted in a long while - hugely, highly, sincerely recommended! n Abbey Vineyards £call www.abbeyvineyards.co.uk
Vineyard and winemaker with nine vineyards in Lincolnshire Leicestershire, Rutland and Norfolk. Producers of Bacchus dry white, Rosé table wine and sparkling white demi sec. n somerby Vineyards Monument Dry red £100/12 case www.somerbyvineyards.com
wines priced from £12.50 utilising Seyval blanc grapes, blended with a little Phoenix and Triumph vines, and its sparkling white and rosé wines available directly from Fleur Fields for £18.50 and £28.50 respectively. With qualifications in vineyard management and a wine making course under their belt, Bill and Flora opt to delegate their wine production to the Three Choirs winery, which makes wine for over 60 English vineyards. During our visit in mid-July, Bill showed us the flowers on his vines beginning to yield the tiny grapes which, over the next month or two, will swell then achieve bunch hang around six weeks before the task of harvesting 1,000,000 grapes from the 15,000 bunches as soon as the sugar content in the grapes is just right - at around 18%. The couple are justifiably proud of their wine and confidently declare that it can compare to any old world offering. “There’s a perception that the French are antiEnglish wines, but that’s just not true.” says Bill. “The fact is they’re just discerning, and
“There’s a perception that the French are anti-English wines. That’s just not true; they’re just discerning.” the fact that they are now importing our wines proves that as a country, and as a region, our ability to produce high quality wine is now provable. When they taste it, they buy it, because they recognise quality.” Likewise, when anyone in our country dismisses English wine production as folly, we implore them to visit an English vineyard (Bill and Flora host free tours and tastings) and challenge their perception. After trying the couple’s award-winning and absolutely magnificent Champs D’amour rosé, that’s definitely the place to start! Bill and Flora’s wines are priced from £12.50. Call 01604 882902 or see www.fleurfields.co.uk.
Made with baked Rondo grape, a dry red with vanilla and red berry flavours. Likened to a Tempranillo/Syrah. Bronze award winner in The Mercian Vineyards Association’s Annual Wine Challenge. n new Lodge earls Baron nectar 2010, £24.50/bottle www.newlodgevineyard.co.uk or www.tilleys-wines.com
Family run boutique vineyard producing still and sparkling wines from Bacchus Phoenix, Seyval, Solaris and Pinot Noir grapes. n Three sisters Vineyard regent Dry red £8.95/bottle, £100/12 case www.three-sistersvineyard.co.uk
David Lofthouse’s 2013 crop yielded 600 litres of Siegrerrebe, Reichensteiner and Regent. This year’s suggestion is Regent, a dry red. 49
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LincolnshirePride ARK E AND NEW LINCOLNSHIR
Magazine The Lifestyle Homes for High Quality
THE
R NUMBE
ONE
INE MAGAZ
B SEPTEM
NEW LOOK
£3.70 ER 2014
RutlandPride STAMFORD AND RUTLAND
THE
ONE
MAGAZINE
NEW LOOK
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 £3.70
The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes NUMBER
SAME QUALITY
SAME QUAL ITY
PrideMagazin e MARKET HARB OROUGH, KETT ERING, CORB Y AND
The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes
THE NU MBER O NE MA GAZINE
OUNDLE
NE LOOW K
SEPTEM BER 201 4 £3.70
SAM E QU ALITY
Prince Charles in Rutland
Hot Air Balloon Flights: An Adventure at 2,000ft!
WEDDING VENUES - ARTISAN SOAP - SOPHIE ALLPORT - HISTORY OF FLORE’S HOUSE
al Visitor Lincoln’s Roy ning
Enjoy the view
BRITISH
from 2,000ft -
T - SOPHIE FOOD FORTNIGH
Hot Air Balloo
ALLPORT -
HISTORY HARVESTING
- SPAS
Hot Air Balloon Local Food &
Drink During
FLOWER ARRANGIN G - FASHION
& Jazz Night
British Food Fortnig ht & GROOMS
- LOCAL BRIDES
- SOPHIE ALLPORT
Pride Magazine
September
2014 £3.70
The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes Sold in Newsagents and Supermarkets, and delivered directly, by Royal Mail, free of charge, to homes of distinction. Subscribe today! Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
To advertise your business to our high quality readership call our friendly team on 01529 46 99 77. 50
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Find your perfect holiday with your local, independent & friendly travel experts
T
WinTer escapes....
he nights are slowly drawing in, with this in mind Oundle Travel have a fabulous ‘Hot List’ of destinations all with guaranteed sunshine to tempt you over the next few months….
Oman Understated & upmarket, Oman featured extensively in the BBC documentary series The Frankincense Trail, and is perfect for anyone wanting a guaranteed week of sunshine week in world class hotels. The capital Muscat, historic Nizwa and southern Salalah are all popular bases and the many luxury properties include the Chedi, The Shangri La and the Six Senses Zighy Hideaway Bay. Prices from £1200.00 pp for a 7 nights at The Chedi ~ Early February 2014. maldives Turquoise lagoons and romantic over water bungalows have long drawn honeymooners to the Maldives, but winter sun seekers are choosing to escape to the Indian Ocean without special occasion.
Deluxe hotel catering superbly for families with young children, the empahis is on relaxation with a choice of excellent dining options. For something a little quieter the Parador Conde de la Gomera on La Gomera offers beautiful views and is positioned 250 ft over the little town of San Sebastian the islands tiny capital. Prices on request. egypT In just over five hours flying time from the UK, Egypt provides a holiday with guaranteed sunshine well into the winter months. The well-known resort of Sharm el Sheikh offers a variety of hotels that offer a winter break.
Offers from Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates and British Airways have boosted sales with the islands offering a tropical climate from November to May with world class diving and snorkelling.
The Four Seasons offers absolute 5* Luxury and is miles away from the mass market image of this resort, with a stunning choice of dining, and world class Spa. The Hyatt Regency is well suited to families set in beautifully landscaped gardens with cascading pools leading to the beach.
Prices from £1500.00 pp for 7 nights All Inclusive on Kuredu.
Prices from £1338.00 pp for 7 nights in December (Excluding Christmas)
The Canaries The Canary Islands have a handful of good quality hotels, these islands offer a mild, temperate climate during the winter months and are within 4 hours flying time of the UK.
sri lanka A great value destination which combines neatly with beach & cultural touring, Sri Lanka has never achieved the tourist volume it deserves due to its long running civil war.
For 5* Luxury The Abama will not disappoint and is suitable for couples and families alike. Owned by Ritz Carlton the hotel offers stylish accommodation together with numerous outdoor swimming pools and a private beach complete the perfect 5* retreat.
Lofty jungle fortress Sigiriya and the cave temples at nearby Dambulla, Kandy and the southern UNESC city of Galle offer interesting stopovers whilst tea plantations and National parks offer reliable sightings of elephants and leopards.
The Princess Yaiza, Lanzarote, a 4*
Negombo is the most popular west coast resort, but quieter, more upmarket
beaches are found further south, where Sri Lanka’s new move into boutique accommodation includes Serene Pavillions and Aditya. Combine with The Maldives for a perfect 2-week getaway. For prices and suggested itineraries please contact Oundle Travel. The Caribbean Never out of fashion and always offering wall-to-wall sunshine are the Caribbean islands ! Blue Waters in Antigua is an excellent choice for couples offering freshly refurbished accommodation, whilst Carlisle Bay offers the ultimate for families and couples alike. dubai Constantly surpassing itself, mid haul Dubai is popular with both families and couples and also offers a cool stopover whilst on your way to the Indian Ocean. Recent financial troubles have created some keener pricing, so for top family entertainment Atlantis has to be the one, however those seeking a little more luxury still with a family feel –The 5* Westin Resort will not fail to impress. For couples The Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa offers sublime luxury in the desert and offers guided desert safaris, falconry, camel trekking and horseriding as just a few of its complimentary activities. Prices from £1379 pp for a 3 night stay in November 2014. For more information on the above destinations and more plus up to date recommendations & advice please contact: Oundle Travel 01832 273600. www.oundletravel.co.uk
01832 273600 Market place, Oundle, peterborough, pe8 4ea email: sales@oundletravel.co.uk Website: www.oundletravel.co.uk
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The Miller’s
Tale
chaucer’s Miller’s Tale was one of prurience and madness. Fortunately the occupants of cotterstock’s Old Mill are rather less disposed to such behaviour... although the story of the property is just as interesting. perhaps that’s due to the peaceful situation on the river nene, conducive to a quiet way of life, some fishing, and perhaps a little tootle along the river in their boat. Fancy a little riverside living? Then you’ll be delighted to discover that this beautiful period property is now seeking some new custodians. Words: Rob Davis. 52
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Below: The house is arranged over three floors and has massive reception rooms and tall ceilings. Its original industrial purpose is forgotten and it’s now a comfortable and spacious family home.
Main: The Old Mill’s kitchen is a slightly later addition, originally an office and workroom for the miller when he ran out of space. It’s well equipped, with a dining area and log burner. Best of all, it has lovely riverside views.
as an ownership proposition, a beautiful former mill on the River Nene seems ideal. After all, it’s pretty, idyllic and has a rich history. But if you’re concerned about how well a building originally constructed for the industrial age can translate into a family home in the 21st century, allow us to reassure you. With high ceilings and massive rooms, it has a lighter and more airy quality than any modern architect could hope to incorporate in his modern home. With three floors, three reception rooms, a modern kitchen extension and five good-sized bedrooms and three en suites, it also has the modern facilities that period properties would have lacked back in 1803 when the property was constructed.
“The Old Mill’s owners Bryan & Rebecca Green are the third owners since the Cotterstock mill’s conversion in the 1980s.” Situated in the hamlet of Cotterstock, The Old Mill’s owners Bryan and Rebecca Green are the third owners of the property since its conversion in the early 1980s. The mill would struggle to achieve anything like the industrial output of today’s roller mills, but in simpler times it was one of if not the largest - water or wind mill on the Nene, achieving an impressive output for its age and being some two or three times larger than it appears in the 21st century. The concrete footings of a second wing of the property reveal its original dimensions, when the property had two or three sets of stones. All that remains of that wing of the property - originally an ‘L’ shape - is the mechanism used to work the lock gates and regulate the depth of the river.
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The mill’s darkest and most satanic moment came in 1972 when a fire gutted the building. Now obsolete, it remained so until it was rescued by a firm of local hauliers named Bradshaw’s who, for all intents and purposes, built the village of Cotterstock in its entirety and restored the mill itself. Originally from New Zealand and having a career which has seen him work all over the world, Bryan met Rebecca in London during their career in the legal and investment sectors. The couple settled in the area and moved to the house in 2010. Finding themselves inextricably based in London and with time that should be spent with their three children all too limited, the couple are moving back to the capital. They’ve put the house on the market but are heartbroken to leave a property with such characterfulness and functionality.
Left: The river is around a metre and a half deep and attracts swimmers in the summer months. There’s also a mooring for boats and fishing rights along with the property.
“The rooms are really good sizes and it’s a lovely light, spacious family home, one with lots of character.” “Each of the bedrooms and reception rooms are the size of most London crash pads!” says Bryan. “The rooms are really good sizes and it’s a lovely light, spacious family home, not just one with lots of character.” The property’s living kitchen features high gloss cabinetry, granite toppers, integrated German appliances and a spacious dining area with wood burner. Leading directly onto the terrace, with its firepit, established trees and shrubs and riverside views. The property also has a quarter share in the island beyond the river and a further sliver of the land, all in a mature setting. On the ground floor is a comfortable snug with views over three aspects of the mill 57
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pond and church, and a large drawing room with soaring ceiling, large windows and a mezzanine level. On the first floor is a massive master suite with Juliet balcony, en-suite and a further bedroom, study or dressing room. The third floor has a further three bedrooms and two en-suites. “Our favourite place in the property is the terrace just outside the dining area of the kitchen. There’s a firepit for the late summer evenings, so it’s a really cosy place to sit and watch the nature that lives in and around the river,” says Bryan. “Kingfishers, herons, moorhens and nesting birds are all about at this time of the year. You can hang a rod over the side of the river and fish right there.”
Above: A large living kitchen is situated inside a red brick building and enjoys riverside views.
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Bryan and Rebecca have also enjoyed the odd trip up the river, with Oundle just a 20 minute pootle away on board their dingy with its little outboard motor. The village of Tansor is just a few miles away too, and it’s a nice ride along the river with many restaurants and pubs along the way. Being around a metre and a half deep, the river is also popular with those inclined to enjoy a swim in the warmer months. “One of my projects was always going to be the installation of hydropower. I believe the right equipment could even power the whole village but it’s not something I’ve had time to obtain the necessary consents for and get off the ground.” says Bryan. It’s a fascinating idea for the next custodians of the monolithic building, perhaps. With a move to the capital beckoning, Bryan and Rebecca are seeking new custodians for the house. Hopefully, they’ll find some soon, and there will be a happy end, to the miller’s tale.
cotterstock Mill Location: 2 miles from Oundle, 13 miles from Peterborough and 10 miles from Corby. Style: The Old Mill, a converted watermill in the village of Cotterstock. Receptions: Three, currently arranged as Snug, Drawing Room and Dining Kitchen. Beds: Five with three en suites. Other features: Share of millpond island, working lock gates to regulate river, mooring and fishing rights. Double garage. Guide Price: £1,100,000.
Find Out More: Estate Agency: Fine & Country St Marys Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 750 200. Web: www.fineandcountry.co.uk.
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ITCH GALLERY IS MOVING!
ITCH GALLERY ARE EXPANDING TO LARGER PREMISES AND WOULD LOVE YOU TO JOIN THEM ON THEIR OPEN DAY TO HELP CELEBRATE. There will be lots of new work to see and special on the day discounts. OPEN DAY: SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2014 10AM - 5PM
17a Mill Street, Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA info@itchgallery.co.uk www.itchgallery.co.uk
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Designer Style with
Lizzie Stanhope This month we visit Oakham design studio and showroom of elizabeth stanhope interiors, whose owner and namesake, Lizzie, is a trusted source of inspiration for rutland people who want to create a beautiful home... Tell me about elizabeth stanhope interiors; when did you first set your company up? Elizabeth Stanhope began trading 12 years ago. We offer a full interior design service including making up, re-upholstery, and the sourcing and supply of anything for the home including fabric, carpets, lighting, furniture, paint and accessories.
Why did you decide on a career in interior design; what interested you about it? I've always been very interested in Interiors, and what makes a house a home. I love creating, and getting completely immersed in a project. It’s very rewarding presenting to a client who is thrilled with a concept and then a few months later seeing the end result. are there any current projects about which you’re especially excited? We’ve just completed a beautiful Victorian townhouse, which was a total renovation including kitchen, bathrooms, cinema room, and a nursery for a baby who was born two days after we completed the project! It looks amazing, we used lots of colour with designs by companies such as Manuel Canovas, 62
how do you come up with initial design concepts and ideas for clients? Sometimes people are very specific, but when a project starts as a blank canvas there is generally a starting point such as a love for colour, or a feeling they have given me about the way they would like to live. Ultimately I’m driven by a desire to create a concept that inspires the client, it's so satisfying when you present your ideas and everybody gets really excited!
We also make a lot of furniture for clients and have just launched our first bespoke furniture collection manufactured in England including such items as chairs, sofas, headboards, ottomans, and footstools. Our main store on Mill Street stocks a wide range of fabric by the metre, and we are as happy to make up for clients wanting just a couple of blinds or a pair of curtains as we are to undertaking a whole project.
very busy with our own range of furniture and have just developed a cashmere range for NPeal in London, in store in the Autumn.
Where do you get your inspiration? Inspiration comes from all sorts of things, and travel always incites new ideas. I’m also very inspired by fashion generally, and I love taking more traditional and classic styles and putting a fresh twist on them.
“We’ve just completely renovated a beautiful Victorian townhouse; for a client - it looks amazing!” Christian Lacroix and Designers Guild, and gorgeous wallpapers everywhere. What does a typical day in the life of elizabeth stanhope interiors entail? A typical day here is busy from the moment everybody arrives. There are lots of elements to what we do; running the emporium, managing projects, the main showroom where we stock thousands of meters of fabric, working with clients in the studio, the list goes on! We are
We work as a really close team, and Lottie our project manager and Amelia our showroom manager are always very involved, we get completely immersed in whatever projects we're working on, totally obsessed actually, and we have a lot of fun in the process! Tell us about your bespoke furniture service? We have always made furniture for clients, and now we have a collection of favourite pieces which are proving to be a real success. What do you think are the interior design trends to look out for this year? Lots of colour and pattern, and exciting colour combinations in rich wool tartans and cut velvets. The new collections from Designers Guild and William Yeoward are definitely two to look out for.
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What advice do you have for someone thinking of redesigning their home and considering an interior designer? Come and see us and talk through what you’re thinking about doing, this gives us a feel for the project, and what we can do to help. We also offer moodboards in order to give our customers a clear insight into their scheme. Consultations in our showroom are free of charge, and we understand how important it is to take time over important decisions. Then make an appointment for Elizabeth Stanhope to come and see you. If there is a specific style that you are looking for then a file of images/thoughts is really useful, otherwise leave us to come up with the ideas and we’ll look forward to presenting them to you!
Main: Lizzie offers both interior design services for individual rooms or complete homes, and also has an emporium which stocks luxurious, beautiful finishing touches for your home from linens and textiles to candles, lighting and kitchenware. Left: Lizzie is pictured here with Amelia. The team comprises three designers, and experts on hand who can create bespoke furniture and kitchens created by traditional cabinet makers. Above: You can browse through a range of soft furnishings like cushions, or fabrics for bespoke window dressings in the design studio and in Elizabeth Stanhope’s emporium.
Finding out More: Elizabeth Stanhope is based at Mill St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA. For more information call 01572 722345 or see www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk. 63
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- HOME -
Flying High Sophie Allport’s work is quintessentially English, country-influenced gift and homeware with motifs created using a pen and watercolours. This month sees the launch of her brand new collection, The Flying Pheasant, so we discover what motivates the British designer.
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S
ophie Allport is a mother of three, a painter and an illustrative genius - so it’s no wonder that her gift and homeware company is one that most people recognise in their home. Using mainly pen and just five watercolour paints, Sophie creates beautifully intricate, timeless and quintessentially English designs that are greatly influenced by the country, nature and her childhood memories. Every year, in her studio at her family home in Oundle, Sophie conjures up two new designs for her fine bone china collection and this September sees the exciting launch of the latest creation, The Flying Pheasant. With the imminent launch taking place at this year’s Burghley Horse Trials in September, we decided to pay Sophie a visit at her new showroom in Stamford to find out all about her business, The Flying Pheasant collection and the inspiration behind the range. “I am so excited about launching this new collection. I absolutely love pheasants, or pheasies as I call them. I used to see them all the time in my family garden when I was growing up. They’re such magnificent birds and so lovely to draw.”
“When you live in a city you don’t get to see them, but now I’m living in the countryside near to Stamford it made sense to paint them, being such a prominent childhood memory. And it’s great now others can have them featured in their home too,” says Sophie. This year also saw the creation of the Boys’ Sports Collection, which features football, rugby and cricket designs, and Winter Woodland which will be available from October ready for Christmas. It features a staple dusty blue with reindeer, Christmas trees and squirrels and other woodland animals. “As a mother to three boys, I quickly realised there wasn’t really any designs available for boys in my range when they asked for a mug.
“I discovered what I was good at early on. I grew up in the country, so it made sense to use my childhood memories.” There’s a lot of designs like the Rose, Busy Bee and Cat for girls so I wanted to create the sports collection which features sports references like football, rugby and cricket, especially since my boys love playing different sports.” As well as featuring the painted designs on staple products like the Fine Bone China collections and fabrics - Sophie has introduced a range of new products including door stops, stationery, wrapping paper and ribbon and little wash bags which she is very excited about. “I’ve always been conscious of my memories from when I was growing up, and I find my designs are very personal to me. For me it’s about making a house a home, and that’s what I want to achieve,” says Sophie. Now a roaring success, Sophie Allport has come a long way since the fruition of the
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company, originally painting and designing in her spare room and on the streets of London. “I studied Graphic Art and Design at Leeds Metropolitan University, where I specialised in illustration. I had a reportage style project at university which I really enjoyed. In all honestly - it was pot luck that I realised very early on what I enjoyed and was good at in regards to drawing and painting. I used to get my watercolour box and sit on the street painting different things.” After university, Sophie moved to London where she started working as a freelance illustrator for many famous names ranging from wine bottle label design to book and magazine illustrations. It was then she realised she needed a change from just painting on the streets. She was invited to demonstrate her skills at the Country Living Fair in 1996, and so she began to brainstorm exactly what she wanted to draw and paint. Growing up in the village of Potterhanworth, Sophie has always been intrigued by nature and the countryside. It was this that made her decide to design a series of flowers that she made into prints and cards to sell at the fair. This was a huge success, and it saw the birth of Sophie Allport Limited.’ “I made a few prints and cards with these flowers, and it went from there. It wasn’t until my brother Jem stumbled upon an old diary from his rally in Chile that we decided to set up the business together. An entry in his diary said he always wanted to work with me, so he said ‘lets do it’ - and we did. We started selling from his garage before moving to where we are now.” Jem is a qualified chartered accountant and since the siblings joined forces, he has enabled Sophie to focus on creating new designs and products whilst Jem expands marketing and sales. As we spoke with Sophie about how her fine bone china collections are created - we quickly realised what a fascinating process it is. Sourcing the right white ware is very important, and Sophie and her team work hard to find the right products. Their current mission is the find the perfect butter dish.
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Sophie buys in her white ware and it is hand decorated and finished in Stoke on Trent. When she is completely happy with her painted creations they are made into decals. These are then cut into strips before being hand applied on every single china item in batches before being fired in a kiln. “It is quite a long process, but it’s worth it when you get the finished product and it’s exactly what we want to achieve.” “Getting the colour right can be also be tricky as there are so many opportunities for it to change.” Achieving this is key for Sophie, as she wants the finished product to match her designs perfectly. This is a highly specialised way of printing, and there’s very few companies versed in the art still in existance today. Over the last seven years, Sophie has designed a selection of fine bone china collections featuring country and nature designs including the Chicken, Busy Bee, Rose, Terrier and Butterfly. Each range includes dinner plates, side plates, pasta bowls, cereal bowls, two different mugs, four different jugs, egg cups, tea cups and saucers, jam jars, espresso cups and saucers, teapots and tea tidies.
“I am excited to launch The Flying Pheasant collection. They’re such magnificent birds.”
Her designs have become somewhat of a collector’s item over the years, both with tourists who want to return home for a little piece of England, as well as Sophie’s more local fans, too.
“Since establishing my company, an old work colleague has approached me to ask if I would come up with an exclusive design, which I have continued to do over the past five years.”
Another spectacular opportunity for Sophie arose five years ago, when she was asked to design an exclusive collection for Wimbledon by The All England Lawn Tennis Association.
Another big influence is Sophie’s love of cooking and baking when she’s at home spending time with her family. It’s this passion that has fuelled some of her designs over the years, such as the best selling Chicken range.
This year saw the launch of The Perfect Match with strawberries, Henman’s Hill view of Wimbledon, the Clubhouse and classic racquet design. The collection includes different items such as oven gloves, tea towels, mugs, jugs, notelets and more.
Another new addition that is proving popular are candles, a product launch upon which Sophie worked closely with her manufacturers, re-creating the scents and fragrances reminiscent of her childhood.
“It was an honour when I was asked to design a collection exclusively for Wimbledon. I used to work there when I was a student, and I took every opportunity I could to paint whilst I was there.”
And Sophie isn’t stopping there - with her spring and summer collections already in motion for next year, we’re excited to see what other designs she has up her quintessentially English sleeves!
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The
Art
of Compromise
Di and Pete Ablewhite have created a beautiful property in the area whilst also managing to engineer a successful compromise; creating both a clean modern property and a cosy riverside home with warmth and character... Words: Anne Armstrong. Photographs: David Parmiter.
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Di and Pete Ablewhite mastered the art of compromise when they built their light drenched riverside house. “I love old architecture and Pete loves new, so this house is the ideal solution,” enthuses Di. While the design of their 21st century home was inspired by the symmetrical Georgian architecture which Di so much admires, it comes with all the modern practicalities demanded by Pete. The couple demolished an existing 1970s home, which stood on the site, and lived in rented accommodation for more than a year while the new house - built closer to the water than its predecessor - took shape.
“The design of Di’s 21st century home was inspired by symmetrical Georgian architecture.”
“This house is a bit unusual in that the back was designed to be every bit as important as the front. At the back, we have our own 140 foot stretch of riverbank complete with fishing rights, as well as lovely views stretching across the fields,” explains Di. “Being by water evokes childhood memories. Around here, it does really feel as if we are living out of the pages of The Wind 76
in the Willows,” she says. “We see plenty of wildlife; badgers, moles, kingfishers, mallards, and a lot of swans I have a favourite swan, called Syd - as well as the occasional deer.”
To capitalise on the location, Di and Pete installed an atrium, and full length windows in the principal rooms - some of which will forever remain curtainless, so that the rural views can be enjoyed to the full. “I have long been obsessed with the need to find ways of
Top: The formal sitting room is the epitome of contemporary gracious living where walls have been painted in Linen Wash by the Little Greene Paint Company, and the couple installed espresso-coloured engineered oak flooring. Above: A console table made by Hill Farm Furniture stands on the galleried landing below an old French mirror with a frame rejuvenated with a coat of Farrow and Ball’s Lamp Room Grey paint. Right: Swans regularly congregate along the private riverbank at the back of the house, which Di and Pete designed and built two years ago.
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Di takes some of her ideas from designers such as Kelly Hoppen. “I like her style,” she says. bringing the maximum amount of natural light into a house, so much so, I was worried about the lack of light in the internal bathroom until I visited a house building show, and saw how well light pipes can work. Even on a dull day, you don’t need to put the light on to use the bathroom,” explains Di, a former chiropodist- turned interior designer. The house has been constructed from warm red brick with a slate roof – the couple researched building materials very carefully before choosing bricks and slates which are manufacturers predict will age gracefully. “I didn’t realise how long it can take to source building materials. Giles at my local building centre helped us a lot, by bringing samples to the site for us to inspect, and on one occasion, he even brought a complete sash window for me to see,” recalls Di. Inside, the architectural details have been installed with a deft touch. There is an elegant, sandstone-floored hallway with a ceiling soaring eight metres high. The discreetly sweeping staircase climbs to a galleried landing. High ceilings, a pair of columns, sashed windows, ceiling mouldings, and deep skirting boards are distinctive ‘traditional’ elements while the décor is stylishly neutral amid a relaxed contemporary atmosphere. Di, who studied interior design at the National Design, was determined to avoid creating a faux Georgian home. “I wanted a tasteful result,” she stresses. Though she appreciates antique or traditional, furnishings when she sees them in the 78
homes of others, she isn’t a personal fan of the conventional trappings of period living. “I don’t want to live in a museum with knickknacks all over the place,” she says. The pale palette - walls have mostly been painted in a Little Greene Company shade called Linen Wash - has been strengthened by accessories in sophisticated hues such as chocolate and black. Di takes some of her inspiration from designers such as Kelly Hoppen. “I like her style,” she says, throwing open the door to the Hoppen-esque formal sitting room, infused with Zen-like calm. Its walls contrast with a dark stained oak floor, and a low slung coffee table, while comfortable sofas, upholstered in textured cream linen, are arranged around a classically styled fireplace.
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Top: The impressive, room-sized hall has Indian sandstone flooring. For similar flooring, try Classical Flagstones. Above: Full length glass windows in the master bedroom are filled with views of the surrounding countryside. The sleigh bed was bought long ago; for similar models try And So to Bed.
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- HOMES -
“I did see a marble surround which I would have liked to put in here, but I was dismayed by the price, so I looked for an alternative, and decided on this one, which is made from re-constituted stone,” explains Di. Beyond the dining room, installed with glass doors which supply vistas of the full depth of the house, is the open plan multi functional kitchen - a much loved living space, where the family regularly socialises.
The same firm also created the bespoke joinery for other rooms, like the extra high skirting boards. Upstairs, off the galleried landing, the various bedrooms - and sparkling white bathrooms, decorated with effortless style, and the master bedroom is nothing sort of spectacular due to the ceiling-to-floor windows, designed, Di says, to ‘let the outside in.’
“The master bedroom is spectacular, with full-height windows, ‘to let the outside in.’”
“The kitchen was designed before we starting building the house,” laughs Di, who commissioned a local specialist joinery company to provide the classically styled cabinetry, with a duo of complementary Farrow & Ball colours. Main: Cabinets and the island unit in the spacious kitchen, were hand-built by a local company, and painted in a combination of Farrow and Ball’s Lamp Room Grey and Cornforth White. Words and Photographs by Narratives.
For Di, being so close to nature is a wonderful thing.
The location really is fabulous,” she concludes. “We are so lucky living here, in a dream of a house, waking up every morning to the gentle sound of the weir, which is just a little further upstream. It is so soothing it can be difficult to get out of bed. We struck gold when we found this plot!” 81
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Futureproof your Business Your Business Will Running your own business may leave you little time to consider your financial future but what would you do if a critical illness such as a heart attack or stroke, forced you, or a key employee, to be absent from work for a period of weeks or months? We all know the benefits of making a will. It ensures the right assets reach the right people at the right time, but have you done the same for your business? Could your business continue? Which of the following priorities have you insured against? Which would be most damaging to your business? • Company car is stolen • Someone steals the computers • The photocopier breaks down • The courier lets you down • A window is broken by vandals • A Director/Partner dies If the worst should happen and your business is not fully protected, your business could be left without enough money to pay your running costs. You may have covered the tangible assets of your business, but have you protected yourself, your share in the business or those key individuals who may contribute heavily to profits? What impact would a death or critical illness of a key individual or business owner have on the business? How long would the business survive without those key individuals? The loss of a key person may result in: • Reduced sales • Loss of profit • Recruitment costs • Increased workloads for the remaining staff How much debt does your business have and is it protected? Have you heard about Relevant Life Plan’s and the tax efficient way it can provide life cover? Many partnerships and limited companies overlook protecting the business from the financial impact of losing a shareholder through death or critical illness, but this should be a priority for any business. At Castlegate Financial Management we are working with other businesses like yours to help to make sure there are effective solutions in place to protect your business, and your family, should the worst happen. Castlegate Financial Management, premier Chartered Financial Planners, offering local face to face independent financial advice, is particularly well placed to help you and can be contacted on 01476 591022. Ask for Heather Lamin. 82
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Naturally Beautiful Homes Simon Lewington of Rutland’s Natural Structures says that bespoke timber-framed buildings shouldn’t just look good, they should work well for their families too...
Your home shouldn’t just look really good, it should work well for families too. That’s the philosophy behind Simon Lewington’s company, Natural Structures. Simon and his team create oak-framed structures that serve to create extensions for existing rooms, or whole new buildings, especially on period or listed properties, or those in conservation areas. The buildings look great, they have a faster build time - as they’re constructed in the company’s workshops - and best of all, the team offers what they refer to as a turn-key service.
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This means they design the building or extension, organise planning consents, and if the client wishes, liaise with kitchen suppliers and interior designers too. Upon handover, the client has a brand new room and simply has to move in. “Creating a building or an extension that looks good is part of our philosophy, but more than anything, we want to create spaces that work well dynamically - that is, they function well as family spaces too.” Simon has over 25 years experience working in the industry and has partnered with some
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of the best names in the area to provide clients with access to quality interior designers, with names like Leicester’s Maison Interiors and kitchen partners Lewis & Hill, Sherwin Hall and Hill Farm.
“We’re used to coordinating with planners and we know what to ensure to satisfy conditions for listed buildings and conservation areas, so it’s a more reliable process with less stress and less responsibility put onto the client.”
“With the flexibility that our timber framed method of construction provides, we’re able to create buildings that are completely bespoke, totally individual.” says Simon. “That flexibility is supplemented by complete project management. Because we measure, create a design, work with the client to finesse that design, then fabricate in our workshops and install the final building there’s just a single company co-ordinating your project from start to finish.”
“Because the same team that manufactures the frame also assemble it on site, the whole procedure is swift and economical. The roof structure fits onto the frame with no fuss because this is also pre-assembled in our workshops and with the roof on, the structure soon becomes water tight allowing all other associated trades to progress immediately.”
“The advantage of this is a quicker build, less stress and, because we begin the building in our workshops, less mess on site too.”
“Our groundworks team undertake all preparation work on site prior to our frames’ arrival to ensure the appropriate foundation for the buildings.” say Simon.
Simon believes he has the perfect solution to providing flexible living space in the county’s properties, saving clients time and stress whilst creating homes that also look great and blend well with the county’s finest period homes.
Above: Simon has partnered with interior design and kitchen specialists to create, for instance, extensions with living kitchens where both elements of the build are fully co-ordinated. That means less stress for the client, a faster build, and no liaising between different companies.
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- homeS -
“Simon believes he has the perfect solution to providing flexible living space, saving clients both time and stress.” Natural Structures has three teams each with three specialist carpenters, and offer a lead time for building of around three months. As well as the practicalities of managing the build and making it as efficient as possible, the team’s extensions and buildings also have an artisan look and finish, with a much nicer style than bricks and mortar, especially against the backdrop of a period property. “Our work demonstrates both modern and traditional detailing, creating beautiful bespoke Oak timber structures which will last for centuries to come.” says Simon. “The expertise of our team alongside the exceptional workmanship and high standard of finish that we achieve, in every project, means that you can feel confident that the construction of your new oak building is in safe hands.” The company’s initial consultation is completely free and lasts just an hour, with no pressure-selling, just the design discussed, and an idea of planning and feasibility established, to give you a good idea of how the project can progress. A stress-free, convenient way to extend your home may seem too good to be true, but with Natural Structures able to combine artisan craftsmanship and peace of mind, it’s the natural way to create the home you’ve always wanted, easily. Natural structures is based at The Manor, Main Street, Tur Langton, Leicestershire LE8 0PJ. For more information call 01858 545518 or see www.natural-structures.co.uk. 86
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Landlords and tenants increasingly aware of ‘cowboy’ agents as
Rutland wakes up to life choices renting can provide... Young professionals, wishing to remain mobile, and the phenomenon of empty-nesters are contributing to a buoyant rental market. But with the rise of the buy to let market comes an increasing need to ensure professionalism in the property management sector says Lesley mitchell. There’s an interesting change taking place in Rutland. Renting is becoming a preferred and acceptable life choice for an everincreasing number of people and Stamford has become a renting hotspot. Young professionals want to remain mobile. Families are liquidising capital to set up businesses or fund private education. Empty nesters are releasing equity to retire. They all still want to live in a decent home in a pleasant community with all the mod-cons. The same phenomenon is happening all around the UK. Underpinning our attitudinal shift towards renting is the perfect balance of much more equitable and flexible tenancy agreements coupled with greatly improving standards of accommodation. Renters can live as they would had they bought their own home, yet benefit from keeping their capital liquid and from the ability to uproot as needs dictate. These shifting attitudes, combined with long-term housing shortages, are ushering in the inevitable return of capital appreciation; making buy-to-let a more attractive investment strategy than ever. Over the coming years, the growing number of private landlords will provide renters with exactly what they are looking for in the 21st Century: an ever better choice of high-quality rental accommodation on a par with the expectations of owner-occupiers. It therefore follows that estate agents, entrepreneurs and canny individuals have spotted the commercial opportunity in property management; offering tenants and landlords alike choice and competitive pricing. However, the market remains appallingly unregulated with no barriers to entry. Membership to professional bodies such as 88
ARLA (the Association of Residential Letting Agents) and APIP (Association of Professional Inventory Providers) is voluntary. There is nothing to prevent someone with absolutely no experience setting up as an agent. In a market where no qualifications are required to practice, it becomes difficult to know who you can trust. There are a great number of unqualified agents trading on cheap fees and inexperience who come unstuck when tenancies go wrong. Even worse, too many unqualified agents go bust due to financial mismanagement: taking landlord and tenant monies with them. The reality of the landlord-tenant relationship is that, more often than not, tenants will be pleasant; they will pay on time; and leave properties in a decent state.
“Too many landlords find out, all too late, that their property managers were trading on luck rather than knowledge.” Landlords will be reasonable, fair and responsible. It is precisely because most tenancies are trouble free that bad agents can seduce you into believing they are doing a good job. Watson Mitchell director Lesley Mitchell is a Member of ARLA and APIP. She says: “Too many landlords find out that their property managers were trading on luck rather than knowledge when it’s all too late to do anything about it. It is no coincidence
that six out of ten eviction notices contain errors causing costly delays. Nor that landlords lose 90% of disputed deposit claims: usually because of insufficient concrete evidence to support a claim. “Getting this much-misunderstood process right starts back at the beginning with a comprehensive, full and professionally-written Inventory and Schedule of Condition.” “The quality and lack of detail I have seen on inventories written by many agents and by self-manage landlords is laughable. It is vital to fully understand dilapidations and the dispute resolution process in order to write a professional, detailed inventory that will serve everyone’s interests at the end of the tenancy. The cost implications of getting this wrong alone may far exceed any nominal saving that may be achieved by using a cheap, unqualified agent.” “A good property management company comes into its own if a tenant defaults on rent; damages the property; or simply experiences bad circumstances such as redundancy, illness or relationship issues. Likewise, they will correctly interpret landlord-tenant responsibilities to ensure
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Strong prospects for investors as renting becomes the norm... Property investment will pay dividends to landlords over the next few years, with stable growth opportunities for those able to expand their portfolio. The Government has been trying to tackle the major shortage of housing in the UK but it will be decades before supply catches up with demand: keeping house prices out of reach for most young people. Figures now show a significant socio-economic shift. Richard Watson, director of lettings specialist Watson mitchell, explains: “People used to be able to get on the property ladder in their early 20s. Now the average age of the first-time buyer is 31. home ownership among 25-year-olds has halved, with just 21 per cent of those born in the 1980s owning their own homes compared with 45 per cent among those born in the 1960s.”
both sides hold up their ends of the bargain. “The right paperwork, processes and knowledge to deal with problems swiftly and efficiently are absolutely crucial to minimise costs and inconvenience.”
healthy rental demand combined with inadequate housing supply has ushered in the inevitable return of capital appreciation. Property prices will rise steadily as the Government fails to stimulate house building quickly enough.
“For a tenant, who wants to live in a house with a faulty boiler, washing machine, cooker or broken window for months on end?” “For a landlord, the risk and hidden costs of poor management are almost limitless and certainly enough to cause severe financial hardship or wipe out years of trouble-free rental profits.” “Where deposits disappear with a bankrupted agent? The landlord remains responsible to the tenant. When a single deposit can amount to anywhere between £700 and £3,000, it stands to reason that focusing on a cheap management fee alone can lead to false economies.” “A two per cent commission saving on a monthly rent of £700 equates to £14 a month or £169 a year on an annual income of £8,400. The real costs of that initial saving could run into thousands of pounds.”
Lesley adds: “Successful property investment is about good tenant-landlord relationships and the numbers. As long as tenancies and assets are managed correctly in the long term, the figures will work out. Most buy-tolet mortgage lenders will insist using an ARLA agent. Professionally accredited agents don’t just add letters after their name, they add numbers to your bottom line and maintain rental industry standards to ensure tenants get what they want out of renting: a decent home.” For the largest choice of private rental properties in Stamford and Bedford or to discuss building a property portfolio, call Richard Watson on 01780 765100. Alternatively visit wmlet.com.
Richard explains: “The rental market will offer good returns to those with the appetite to provide renters with exactly what they are looking for in the 21st Century: a great choice of high-quality rental accommodation on a par with the expectations of owner-occupiers.“ “Clearly, with more than 1,200 properties in rental hotspots around Stamford and Bedford we know what delivers the healthiest returns and as we are 100 per cent committed to lettings our advice is never influenced by the need to sell houses. “The conditions are ripe to start or expand buy-to-let investment portfolios. The inevitable small incremental rises in interest rates will be of little consolation to those relying on deposits to deliver healthy yields. It is worth considering a more proactive investment approach. “If you wait to act, you may miss out on the right properties, prices and finance deals.”
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- edUCaTIoN -
&
Schools Colleges...
This month, we’ve a round-up of the best schools and colleges in the area for those seeking high quality education for children, teenagers or for adult learning opportunities...
Peterborough Regional College... Peterborough Regional College will be working in partnership with Rutland County Council to deliver Rutland’s Adult Learning Service from the 1st August 2014. The Rutland Adult Learning Service is made up of two parts; Rutland’s Adult Community Learning Team, which will continue to offer a range of courses for individuals to develop their talents, interests and skills. For example. art courses, languages, IT or English and Maths and the Adult Learning Team will be offered which focus on the skills of the workforce and supporting both employers and adults to 92
develop the required skills for the workplace. Together, we hope to expand the learning offer and the range of apprenticeships and other courses to ensure that Rutland’s residents and employers have access to high quality learning and training that meets their needs, and facilitates economic growth in the area. Existing learners will continue with their programmes of study uninterrupted, but we would also like to encourage adults and employers to contact us to discuss the support and services that we can offer. We are anticipating a change of location in September 2014 and the Rutland Adult Learning Service includes will be based at Oakham Enterprise Park. For further details please contact Peterborough Regional College’s Information Centre on 0345 872 8722.
Classics: Science at Copthill School.
Copthill School, Stamford... At Copthill, as in every primary school in the country our Year 6 pupils will have had mixed emotions as they prepare for their new secondary schools. They were of course sad to be leaving the familiarity of Copthill and all their friends, teachers and memories. However they are all more than ready for the new challenge; self assured, socially confident, have a huge range of sporting, musical and dramatic talents and are ready to make new friendships. Most importantly, they are used to a secondary style of education, working with a range of subject teachers and moving between different subject rooms, taking the correct resources, completing
homework diaries, using emails safely and appropriately and many other skills essential for a smooth transition. The most important factor in this transition process is that parents, with advice and support from our staff have all chosen the right secondary school for their child. These schools this year include Bourne Grammar, Kings Peterborough, Stamford Endowed, Oakham, Oundle and Kirkstone House. In summary they will be missed but we know the children will all be successful at their chosen secondary school. In the coming years, we then enjoy hearing of all their future successes. We will be hosting an informal Tour Morning at Copthill on Thursday 9th October from 9.00am till 11.00pm where Copthill pupils will be delighted to show you their school. To find out more call 01780 757506 or visit our website at www.copthill.com
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Rutland County College... Three A-level science students from Rutland County College have applied for a highly prestigious Nuffield Research placement in top universities and research institutions around the UK. Each year Nuffield Research provide opportunities for select students to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians providing invaluable experience for students intending to apply to Russell group universities. Year 12 students, Francesca Williams, Jack Rowbotham and Magdalena Stroinska, have applied for placements in the physical and chemical sciences based on their strong academic
backgrounds and AS-level predictions, as well as their enthusiasm for Science. Teacher of Chemistry, Katherine Sanders, said “If accepted, our students will gain valuable research experience that will help their studies, as well as their applications to university”. Students will get the opportunity to conduct scientific research relating to their chosen science specialism and gain insight into working as a research scientist. Carl Smith, Head of Centre said, “We are very strong in Maths and the Sciences and this is a great tribute to the ambition of these students. They are determined to compete with the very best and our teachers strongly encourage their ambition. Well done to all of them.” For more information see www.rutlandcountycollege.com or call 01572 722863 (Oakham Campus) or 01780 762168 (Casterton Campus).
New College, Stamford... Exploring your options, and considering what’s best for you, getting a second opinion or sound boarding off your friends are all important processes in making education and career decisions. As is obtaining impartial and independent careers advice. In addition to the range of courses, training and other services provided by New College Stamford, careers advice is taken extremely seriously and is delivered by careers guidance professionals from the National Careers Service, employed by the College. By working together, you are assured of our full commitment to helping you find the answers
to any work or learning-related questions you have. The National Careers Service exists to help you to make important decisions about your qualifications, jobs and career. The Advisers who work through New College Stamford deliver independent advice and help to groups and individuals designed to support them in achieving their work, careers and their learning goals. We know that re-training, a change of career or returning to learning can be an uncertain time, which is why our support will be a great help to you! Our sessions are free for adults, confidential and focused around you and your needs. Appointments are available in Oakham and Stamford so please call Anita Harradence on 07799 764374 or Tim Silcock on 07990 513940 and book yours today. Alternatively visit the college online at www.stamford.ac.uk. 93
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Creating
your
Retreat
Green
Home made mulch and the odd garden folly - like a gypsy caravan - is the secret to creating a green retreat that is the product of 20 years of hard work for Linda and Neil Holdaway. Here, we enjoy a tour around their garden...
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- gardens -
Linda and Neil - an insurance broker - had been keen sailors, but longed to replace their small town garden with a larger one in the country. “You can’t sail and garden, so we had to choose!” explains Linda, a retired health visitor. Gardening won and, faced with a virtually blank canvas, Linda sought advice from the respected gardener, the late Jill Cowley. “She suggested I first create something worth looking out on, and then add a path that leads somewhere worth walking to. After that, never bite off more than you can cope with.”
“You can’t sail and garden, so we had to choose!” says Linda. Gardening won, and work began on their blank canvas.
Far Left: For weeks of flowers, grow Aster x frikartii ‘Monch,’ a mildew-resistant aster adored by bees and butterflies. Left: Stake taller plants — you can never stake too early or too much, but use natural hazel sticks to ensure supports are barely visible once plants mature. For maximum impact, minimise the number of different varieties, planting in bold clumps of seven or nine plants.
A garden as beautifully conceived as Woodpeckers suggests a masterplan, but in fact the owners’ approach was less structured. “We started at the house and worked outwards,” explains Linda Holdaway who, with her husband Neil, moved 20 years ago to their 1959 house enclosed by the 1.5-acre plot. “It was August, and the garden had scorched lawns and grassed-over borders, but there were wonderful mature copper beeches, an amelanchier and tulip tree,” she recalls.
Linda started in the south-facing back garden, installing an elegant Amdega summerhouse at the end of two mixed borders separated by a wide, grassy path. “This is the view from my kitchen window,” she adds. The borders are planted for year round interest, with snowdrops and hellebores for winter: tulips for spring followed by heucheras, cleomes, sedums, dahlias, grasses and self-seeding Verbena bonariensis. “I find self-seeding plants very useful because I have a lot of space to fill, and they pop up everywhere.” It’s a similar story in the adjacent ‘room’ where twin herbaceous borders form an unrivalled ebb and flow of colour and texture make up from repeated clumps of sedum, Japanese anemone, salvias, cosmos and asters. “I love colour, but I can’t paint, so this is as close as I can get.” Unbroken lines of catmint edge a wide grassy path that leads past a modern Shepherd’s Hut “It’s got four bunks, one for each of my grandchildren,” - to the kitchen potager. At the far end of the borders lies the potager, a formal arrangement of four square raised beds in which cutting flowers - chrysanthemums, dahlias and zinnias - vie with leeks, runner beans, peas, squashes and herbs. “My 87-year-old mother grows all the vegetables from seed in the greenhouse, and does all the propagating - she keeps me in young plants all summer long,” adds Linda. 99
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drought-resistant grey-leaved plants and undemanding self-seeders such as gaura, fleabane, valerian and sedums. “By August, the lawns are baked yellow but, once rain returns, the grass revives, and the late herbaceous borders came into their own,” she explains, adding: “As a gardener, you have to go with whatever nature hands out.” “The poor soil has been steadily improved over 20 years as a result of regular doses of Neil’s homemade compost.” Linda notes. Wildlife, too, can be a trial, with foxes rearing cubs, muntjac deer grazing the lawn and badgers passing through. “But we’re also home to a huge variety of insects, butterflies and birds.” Bees and butterflies are drawn by many pollen-rich plants - buddleija, poached egg plant, marigolds and catmint, amongst others.
“My 87-year-old mother grows all the vegetables from seed in the greenhouse, and does all the propagating - she keeps me in young plants all summer long!” Top: Plant trees to create shade over garden buildings and lawn that bears the full brunt of baking sunshine during drought. Opposite: Linda tends to her borders, insisting that the secret is to mulch them deeply with compost, to both suppress weeds and retain moisture.
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Neil, too, comes from a family of keen gardeners. “His was a large family and, needing to feed themselves, grew a lot of vegetables.” The potager at Woodpeckers is sheltered within high hedges, but it was not always so. “When we first moved here, a drying wind regularly whistled through, so we had to plant dense hedges, creating a micro-climate in which plants could thrive,” explains Linda. It was also the start of two decades of drought which dictated her planting. The year starts with an early climax of bulbs in May, with summer dominated by
A small grass garden leads from a terrace on the westerly side of the house, a froth of fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus) overflowing from cracks in the stone paving. “I briefly had a gardener who mistook it for a weed, and sprayed it with weedkiller - it all but died, but soon recovered.” The Alchemilla mollis was untouched, and forms pretty clumps of silvery leaves in the gravel beside pots of feather grass. The less demanding a plant, the warmer a welcome it has in this lovely garden. It takes such a lot of work, that it’s hard for Linda and Neil to find time to relax and enjoy it themselves. “All I see is what needs doing,” says Linda. However, the one time they truly relax is after a charity opening, when the lawns are cut, edges trimmed, weeds blitzed and hedges are immaculate. “On a warm day when the bees are buzzing, the light is good, and there’s nothing needs doing, there’s no lovelier place I’d rather be!” Linda adds.
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- gardens -
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- weddings -
The Four
SEASONS
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so you want it to be just perfect. whether you marry in spring or summer, autumn or winter bride, we’ve some great ideas to give you some seasonal inspiration... Image above courtesy of www.kelseyrose.co.uk.
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www.ďŹ retreephoto.co.uk
www.jakabiphotography.com
- weddings -
Spring Spring weddings are all about bright, light wedding themes. And lots of flowers! With the sun shining, the start of spring brings a fresh start for nature and it is when everything comes to life once again. Seasonal spring flowers include tulips, anemones, daffodils, roses, sweet peas and hyacinths. You can also use bright flowers to add a splash of colour with pastel, like with Kelsey Rose bridesmaid dresses. Incorporate nature into different areas of your wedding; use leaves and twigs in your hair or sugarcraft flowers on your wedding cake. It’s the time for Easter too, so you could make wedding favours for guests or children, using easter eggs, in pretty tin containers. Light up your wedding with lanterns, great for a gentle golden glow at your reception - very romantic! Another option is layering fairy lights inside and out, as well as spring-scented candles on your tables.
www.bohemiandreams.co.uk.
www.dottiephotography.co.uk.
www.kelseyrose.co.uk
www.cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk.
Bridal umbrellas will wipe away the fear of April showers. Wedding day rain is meant to bring good luck but be prepared with pretty umbrellas or parasols. Think delicate lace for your wedding dress.
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- weddings -
Summer
www.cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk.
www.bohemiandreams.co.uk.
Summer weddings have it all. Perfect weather, long days, warmer temperatures, lush greenery and bright vivid colours galore. Summer brides have an array of flowers to choose from, and a long list of colour and hues making the possibilities really endless. Popular choices for summer weddings are roses; as shown below you can use red, yellow, pink or white together to create a Summer Garden effect. Other popular flowers are peonies, gerberas and the beautifully bright yellow sunflowers. This colour mash-up doesn’t have to stop there. You can also include different flowers and colours on your wedding cake too. The brighter, the better! With the warmer weather, opt for an outdoor wedding and reception in a large tent or teepee, and make sure your guests can find you with wooden signs, a trend that is still proving very popular.
www.binkynixon.com.
www.jakabiphotography.com
Give wedding favours guests will love, like jars of sweets, or conserves with a flower matching your theme or popcorn. You can also embrace the boho-bride trend by wearing a light, flowing wedding dress or hair crown.
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- weddings -
Autumn Autumn weddings have such a colourful palette to offer their brides. Rustling leaves, and beautiful hues of glowing gold, red and browns. Add flashes of alternative colours that really stand out, like purple or blue to add that wow factor to your autumn wedding.
There are many seasonal decorations and finishing touches that brides-to-be have on offer, like leaves and flower petals. You can also use seasonal fruits such as pears and apples instead of name cards on your tables.
www.laylamayphotography.co.uk
www.dottiephotography.co.uk.
Opt for a long wedding dress, as the autumn months can start to be a bit cooler, and think bright colourful wellies which will look fantastic in your photographs.
When it comes to choosing the perfect flowers for you - don’t think for a second that all the pretty spring and summer flowers will make life difficult; there are still plenty to choose from! Dahlias and Hydrangeas are a great option, and can add a splash of colour to your theme. Don’t forget to add a bit of foliage - a great way to achieve the indoor/outdoor wedding theme.
www.bohemiandreams.co.uk.
www.donlambert.co.uk.
www.dottiephotography.co.uk.
www.bohemiandreams.co.uk.
Create autumn themed favours, such as Meant to Bee honey pots, a quirky yet tasty alternative!
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- weddings -
Winter Winter weddings are the perfect time to over indulge in the creation of a magical winter wonderland; glimmering gold and silver and splashes of red, candles and roaring fires, and falling snowflakes.
www.donlambert.co.uk.
www.bohemiandreams.co.uk.
www.cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk.
The key to a winter wedding is using lots of light, not forgetting to include your outdoor space too. There is a lot less natural light during the winter months, so make sure you remember to factor this in. Winter is all about sparkles and a great way to achieve this is with your wedding dress and cake! Jewels can create texture on your cake, and you can add a strip of colour to tie in with your chosen theme. Use holly and red berries on wreaths with candles on your tables - roses can also look beautiful. The robin is seen as the winter bird, so give your guests favour boxes with these birds sitting on top. You could also use other winter birds. Another idea is favour stockings, or personalised Christmas bauble as a keepsake for your guests. You can also add a splash of colour with your shoes to match your wedding day theme, such as these plum red peep toe shoes.
www.jakabiphotography.com
www.donlambert.co.uk.
www.binkynixon.com.
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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 112
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Visiting Tailor Service at The George Hotel of Stamford on Sunday 14th September, 12th October & 9th November, 10am – 4pm
PROUD TO BE OFFERING HIS RENOWNED BESPOKE TAILORED GARMENTS. SELECTING FROM THE FINEST ENGLISH WOOLLEN CLOTHS & SCOTTISH TWEEDS.
INTRODUCTORY OFFER
£100 Off Your First Order!
Andrew J Musson Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln
For prior appointments, please contact Andrew
3
Tel: (01522) 520142 Mob: 07961 157119
info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com
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- wEDDING -
WeddingVenues Finding the perfect wedding venue in Rutland doesn’t have to be hard. To help brides-to-be we take a look at some of the best venues in the area that can help to create your special wedding day...
BARNSDAlE HAll HOTEl Set in conservation parkland overlooking Rutland Water with magnificent views, making it the ideal venue. Unique setting and elegant surroundings provide the perfect backdrop to your day. Whether it’s a small intimate gathering or large celebration each aspect of your wedding is built around you. Dedicated wedding co-ordinators advise on every aspect with attention to detail and flexibility. Licensed for civil ceremonies, allowing your wedding day to unfold under one roof. There’s a selection of rooms available, each with their own ceremony room and outside facilities for a drinks reception or evening BBQ. Allocation of rooms can be reserved for your wedding day guests, with discounts available for those wishing to make it a weekend away. They have excellent leisure facilities including tennis, golf, bowling, squash sate of the art techno gym and a 22m pool, they have everything covered for you and your guests.
of natural light, the Orangery is ideal for the larger celebration. The Wordsworth room, with domed ceiling and chandeliers, is perfect for more intimate wedding ceremonies. The cellar bar is ideal for evening receptions. Their civil wedding licence means you can choose from a variety of rooms to hold your marriage ceremony as well as wedding celebrations.
www.kilworthhouse.co.uk, 01858 880058.
The perfect back drop for your wedding reception, their new marquee lined barn can seat up to 150 people. For intimate weddings of 50 there’s the upstairs vaulted beamed dining room with balcony overlooking the golf course and reservoir. There’s also a site to erect a marquee. Nothing is too much trouble in creating the perfect day for you. Offering a three course sit down wedding breakfast to delicious hog roasts served in the outside courtyard. An example package based on 100 people in the barn would start from £55 per head to include a welcome drink, three course wedding breakfast, toast drink, hire. www.rutlandwatergolfcourse.co.uk, 01572 737525.
THE TAlBOT HOTEl
www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk, 01572 757901.
KIlWORTH HOUSE HOTEl
THE HAYCOCK HOTEl
Situated in extensive grounds with impressive building and a variety of rooms to choose from, Kilworth House Hotel set in 30 acres of parkland is the perfect place. The bedrooms are palatial and the food is superb, while the attentive staff understand what makes a guest feel special. Whether it is a small and intimate or you invite over a 100 friends and family, Kilworth House has the facilities and choice to help tailor for your individual needs. They pride themselves in offering a bespoke service to every bride and groom. The ornate Victorian Orangery is an awe inspiring wedding venue. With glorious views and vibrant glow
The Haycock Hotel, between Stamford and Peterborough in the picturesque village of Wansford - a magical setting for your Wedding Day. If that isn’t enough to whisk you off your feet then step inside... You can exchange your vows in one of their stunning ceremony rooms and enjoy your wedding reception in one of the unique function rooms. Whether it’s 20 people for a delicious meal, or 240 for a celebration with live entertainment, they can cater for any size. Each function suite has its own character and charm along with 48 luxurious bedrooms so guests can relax once the party has finished.
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RUTlAND WATER GOlF COURSE
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk, 01780 782223.
A great atmospheric alternative to modern hotels, this Grade I listed, 17th century building is full of character and history. Situated in the heart of Oundle it is conveniently located just a short stroll from two churches. Or have your wedding ceremony at the hotel as they are licensed as a venue for marriages. Catering for one wedding per day they have two beautiful function rooms, The Whitwell Room and The Westgate Suite. Their staff have a wealth of professional knowledge and experience. Their sample menus are designed to provide initial ideas - and they can tailor the wedding breakfast to your requirements. The Talbot Wedding Day Package caters for 50 daytime guests and 80 evening guests, including arrival drinks, a three course meal, wine with the meal, white table linen, chair covers and sashes, disco, evening buffet, complimentary room for the bride and groom.
www.thetalbot-oundle.com, 01832 273621.
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- FashIoN -
Call in and see us at: 8 Church St, Oakham, Leicestershire LE15 6AA or ring us on 01572 722654 or see www.fords ofoakham.co.uk
Fords of Oakham autumn/winter 2014
A fresh and feminine palette of new pastels heralds the start of the AW14 season. Print takes its influence from nature with birds and butterflies providing inspiration for the key statement pieces. The fresh pastel palette is translated into early autumn inter with warmer handfeel fabrics indicating the change of seasons. The country look continues into the AW14 season with a new hit of cherry together with a deep and rich pine
green, a key colour this season. In line with the feel of the whole season the direction on print is from nature, bright and bold, flora and fauna. As the season moves on we see the dreamy palette which dives deep into an indulgent and rich combination of violets and blue. The centrepiece being timeless navy blue which is also a key colour this season. This is a striking palette with bold prints to complement larger scale floral and geometric designs. Our final offer is a classic Christmas palette complete with sparkle and print influences from some of the ‘old masters’ themselves. It is, as always, a rich and decadent selection highlighted with those statement party pieces. Lace and bold mono print remain a constant. 121
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IN sEaRch oF ThE pERFEcT
Joseph Lisa Coat £625. Maison Scotch Printed Jeans £105. Vitti Love Boots £110.
paIR oF JEaNs
The perfect pair of denim jeans is essential to most of our wardrobes as these are now one of the staple pieces of clothing that can be worn to so many occasions. Dressed up or down these former work-wear items are the new ‘must haves’ for any fashion season. The problem is that for most of us the purchase of these items can be a real ordeal, as the thought of trawling through rails of different shapes, sizes and washes of denims can be testing for the best of shoppers. At Cavells we have tried hard to take the fear out of this purchase by offering an extensive range of jeans to suit all needs and budgets. From Levis to J Brand we feel we have something to fit everyone. A new brand recently added to our collection is DL 1961. Already proving popular is the Intrasculpt 4 way stretch. This well cut, figure-enhancing jean lifts and separates in all the right places as well as the added bonus of having a unique 4 way stretch giving the wearer the extra feeling of movement and comfort. Still a firm favourite in the Cavells range are the NYD jeans. These shape controlling denims with patented criss-cross design and Lift Tuck Technology are almost guaranteed to make you look at least one size smaller, so what more could a girl ask for? At Cavells we carry a full range of fabulous styles from bootcuts to jeggings in colours to reflect the season’s palette. Alongside the above brands, Maison Scotch have added a graphic print jean to their collection and Marc Cain a shimmer denim for a touch of glamour. 122
Marc Cain sheer top £189. DL 1961 Florence Instasculpt Jeans £180. Mulberry Lily bag £750. Paul Smith Shoes £235.
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Hudson black coated jeans £235. Armani Crown Jewel Sweater £205. Hudson Black Wedge Boot £160.
7 for all Mankind Roxanne Jeans £190. Maison Scotch shirt £68. Maison Scotch Sweatshirt £70. Vitti Love Navy Boots £115. Mulberry Tessie Hobo Bag £695.
Marc Cain Coated Jean £189. Max Mara Jewel Sweat £119. Paul Smith red cross body bag £599. Paul Smith navy boots £270.
Find out more: All of the outfits shown here are available from Cavells at 16 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk 123
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the magazine for brides-to-be in our area Our high quality wedding magazine is posted by Royal Mail directly to brides-to-be. This means if you’re in the wedding industry, it’s the best way to reach your target audience.
FREE GUIDE 2014 - COVERING LINCOLNSHIRE & RUTLAND
BRIDE GROOM
FLOWERS, CAKES AND HONEYMOONS
300 Wedding Planning Ideas in This Edition
FIND YOUR VENUE Reception Decoration and Marquee Ideas...
Wedding Inspiration Tips and Advice from Real Brides
THE ART OF FINDING YOUR
DREAM WEDDING DRESS Win a Dream Wedding worth up to £25,000
Bridal Style
advertise your wedding business in uKbride magazine. Call our friendly team now on 0800 112 3 112, or for more information see www.ukbride.co.uk/mags.
Hair and Beauty... Shoes and Jewellery... Bridesmaids’ Dresses... THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR THE UK’S BRIDES... Social Networking for Brides
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On Trend: Isabella is wearing a Marc Cain zip jacket, £429 with Joseph stretch slim trousers , £175. Her beautiful cross body bag is a Mulberry small Del Rey, £1,100.
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- FashIoN -
Bags of
Style personal stylist Rosie charlesworth presents her pick of the season’s best bags from Cavells on oakham’s Mill street.
Bags, from top left down: Beaumont, envelope zip clutch £189, Mulberry, Primrose £1,200, Michael Michael Kors, jet set tote £260. Middle from top down: Michael Michael kors, Bedford shoulder tote £320, Mulberry, Del Rey £1,100, Diane Von Furstenberg, flirty envelope clutch £209. Top right down: Mulberry, small Del Rey £1,100, Michael Michael Kors, jet set tote £260, Michael Michael Kors, mira shoulder bag £285. All of our features bags are available from Cavells: 16 Mill St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 770372. www.cavells.co.uk.
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The best of
both worlds T
he only private hospital facility in Lincolnshire, where profits are returned to the NHS for the benefit of all local NHS patients. Patients enjoy privacy and individual attention whilst having the reassurance that The Bostonian is adjacent to the sophisticated services of The Pilgrim Hospital, with its expert diagnostic and emergency medical and surgical facilities.
H Award Winning Sleep Apnoea Service Please visit our website to view the full range of services we offer
www.the-bostonian.co.uk Comfort & Peace of Mind The Bostonian is the private wing of Pilgrim Hospital and is set in its own grounds and gardens. There are 19 en-suite single rooms with digital TVs and telephone. Our dedicated housekeeping team ensure continually high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Professional Expertise Almost any condition can be treated at The Bostonian by our dedicated team of professionals – most of our Consultants live only minutes away. We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.
Range of Payment Options Available We deal with all the major insurance companies and also offer Fixed Price packages for the uninsured.
The Bostonian Private Wing, Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 360606 / Facsimile: 01205 311442 www.the-bostonian.co.uk • ISO 9001:2008 accredited
Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing
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- beauty -
Into Autumn During the autumn months, wear your hair in a pretty Ballerina Bun and compliment the look with shades of nude, lilac and taupe
Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Rebel Nudes creates bolder, more radiant and vibrant nudes. £25. Chanel’s Lumières Facettes eyeshadow in lavender grey, golden ivory and rosy apricot are united, accentuated by intense brown, £42. Use the Elizabeth Arden creamy highlighter to illuminate your skin with a soft, pink opalescence that looks and feels naturally radiant. £25. Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Skin Foundation has a lightweight, silky texture that glides on seamlessly. 21 available shades for all skin types, £35.50. The Khol Me Kajal eye liner from Guerlain has a creamy texture that glides on perfectly, enhancing the eyes, adds modern sophistication and widens the eyes. It can also create a simple smokey eye. £23.50 Use OPI Nail Lacquer in Over the Taupe to finish the look. £11.95. Smell enchanting with Flora by Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia, £76.
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- local crafts -
Soap Opera life is like a soap opera for local businesswoman caroline coram. she’s enjoyed a successful career in high-end fashion and a career in corporate marketing. Now, she’s created a brand new career for herself, designing and making artisan soaps, candles and scented cushions Words & Photos: Rob Davis.
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- local crafts -
Caroline Coram’s story is one of both soap, and glory. Imagine a local artisan producer and you’ll most likely have in mind somebody who creates, grows or makes food or drink. Caroline’s products may contain herbs, and more than a dash of olive oil, but she’s not in the food industry; she’s the designer and producer of a number of beautiful herbal and essential oil-based soaps, candles and cushions designed to bring a rich lather of luxury to your bathroom, kitchen, or cloakroom. November will mark the second anniversary of Caroline’s business, Virginia’s Artisan Soap. The businesswoman’s unique products are now stocked by Fortnum & Mason and this month, Caroline will also launch a range of candles in matching fragrances, too. “I’m originally from Ely, but travelled quite a bit as my father was in the forces.” says Caroline. “I’ve lived in Italy and Amsterdam - all over - but settled in the area in 2007.” Caroline’s career has seen her working in the high-end fashion sector, working in sales, marketing and PR for brands like Pringle, Kenzo and Cashmere Studio. After a career in fashion, Caroline joined a firm of venture capitalists and later worked as a freelance business consultant before deciding that she’d like to once again exercise her sense of creativity.
there was a gap in the market for artisan cosmetics and scented goods too. With some experience of herbal medicine, Caroline already had an understanding of how she could harness the power of aromatherapeutic herbs & essential oils. In November 2012 she created the first product in her range, which now comprises seven soaps priced at around £5 each, plus a new range of scented candles at around £18 each, as well as a range of scented cushions which utilise spare from the soap-making process. Caroline now makes more than 1,000 soaps each year, supplying to local farm shops and stately homes.
“Having used to soaps we’re impressed with their rich lather and nice, old-fashioned feel...”
Having always enjoyed growing herbs in her garden, Caroline decided that a range of herbal marinades and syrups for use in cooking would make a nice artisan product that would create a cottage industry to fit around her two children and dogs. It was at this point she realised that whilst artisan food and drink is more common,
Artisan was the original soap; it has now become a signature blend, with neroli, sandalwood and citrus. Designed to emulate 19th century household products it’s a luxurious, pungent product wrapped in Italian Tassotti paper.
Top: Caroline’s soaps’ nomenclature are based on her middle name and the intended purpose of each one. Above: The products lather up beautifully! Opposite: Caroline this month launches a range of matching candles.
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- local crafts -
Unlike some artisan soap makers, who create their product in big blocks and use cheese wire to trim each one, Caroline’s are produced individually in bespoke moulds. The soaps’ base includes hard oils - for instance, coconut oil - and soft oils like olive oil. These are prepared in separate pans and heated before adding the lye, which saponifies the oils in a chemical reaction which causes them to separate into both sodium versionse and glycerol. The result is a slightly alkaline product which provides the soaps’ ability to clean, without the use of ingredients in mainstream products like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS; a synthetic cleaning agent which can irritate the skin and cause dryness), or parabens, which are added to inhibit bacterial growth.
“Unlike some artisan soap makers, Caroline’s soaps are produced in individual moulds...” Essential oils and herb extracts are added to each soap to give them their characteristic scents and ensure each suits its purpose. The names of each of Caroline’s soaps allude to their intended purpose; Bathtub is more feminine; nice for a long, luxurious soak. Butler is intended for gents, and has a masculine scent of sandalwood and ginger. Bootroom has juniper for antiseptic properties; ideal when you return home from walking the dog or tending to horses. Potting Shed contains pumice to act as an exfoliant for gardeners’ hands, with rosemary to heal them, too.
Governess, meanwhile, is suited to children with its delicate orange and vanilla fragrance. “There’s a real sense of satisfaction when I pour the soaps into their pre-heated moulds. After they’re hardened a little, I put cling film over the top to prevent ashing.” Having used the soaps ourselves we’re impressed with the richness of the lather, and nice, old-fashioned feel of the products. “I’m really glad the soaps are so popular.” says Caroline. “We’ve been getting some great feedback and repeat orders which I hope shows people really can get into a lather about the area’s own artisan soaps!” For more information or to purchase Caroline’s range of artisan soaps, see www.virginiasartisansoap.co.uk.
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- motors -
A Winning
Formula
If proof were ever needed that the British can still manufacture the world’s best sports cars, look no further than McLaren’s new 650S, which is on sale this month Words: Rob Davis
McLaren is one of the world’s Formula One champions, and since 1989, have built a name on the racetrack with British-engineered cars. The company has an annual turnover of around £285,000,000 and employs 1,500 people, mostly at its Woking headquarters. In a brave move for the company, McLaren began trying to make the transition from racetrack to forecourt, back in 1992, with the production of the McLaren F1 car, which was in production until 1998. Since then, it has also partnered with Mercedes to license its expertise for their AMG cars, and it has launched the 12C car and special edition P1 car. Now though, it’s back with a new model, the 650S - essentially a replacement for the 12C - which will be on sale from next month in coupé or convertible (Spider) form, with prices starting from around £200,000. Right from the start, it’s obvious that the 650S will not prove a replacement for your seven seater off-roader. It’s not a car to do the weekly shopping, it’s not a car for the school run... and it’s perhaps not the car to choose for our part of the country, if you happen to live down a bumpy farm track. Nonetheless, it may appeal if you’re looking for a special ‘something for the weekend’ motor which will blast happily up the motorway towards London, and provide thrills on the area’s better roads. The 650S certainly looks fast, but with 60mph approaching in three seconds and a track-day top speed of 207mph, the car’s performance belies even its aggressive looks; carbon-fibre front air intakes, glaring headlights and monstrous rear exhaust pipes. The car’s engine is just 3.8 litres, displaced over eight cylinders. That’s modest compared to the 5.0V8 or 6.0V12 engines put to task by Mercedes, Bentley or Aston Martin.
Honed on the Race Track: The £200,000 McLaren 650S is a car designed to showcase the very best of British engineering excellence. It won’t be a volume seller, but it’ll certainly make a noise thanks to its 3.8V8 engine and potential 207mph top speed.
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- motors -
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“The Germans can make cars go fast, but it takes a team of British engineers to make one that’s beautiful, too.” In fact, much of the car’s performance is down to its featherweight construction. It weighs just 1,300kg - which is less than most models in Ford’s Focus range - and is created in light but strong carbon fibre and aluminium. It’ll even do 25mpg. It’s also very slippery, with aerodynamics honed in the company’s specially constructed 147m wind tunnel with its four metre fan and 400 tonnes of steel, based at the company’s £300m Bond villain’s lair-like headquarters. Active aerodynamics means the car actually alters its shape on the move and it has an airbrake and ceramic brakes to improve stopping force. Whilst the Germans and Japanese can both make cars that go fast, it takes a team of British engineers to make one that’s beautiful, too. The 650S is hand-crafted, hand-built and engineered to the Nth degree. It’s not just fast, like a stodgy US muscle car, it’s civilised too, with an Alcantara interior and automatic gearbox. Even the ride is fairly tolerable over uneven surfaces. If you’re looking for utilitarian school-run transport, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking to drive the product of true, obsessive, beautiful British engineering, McLaren’s new offering is both state of the art, and a work of art, too. Left: The car’s 1,300kg weight allows it to achieve 25mpg - not too bad... for a supercar!
Above: There’s an iPad-style touch screen to consolidate controls, and suede seats.
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- lIfestyle -
Come Fly
With Me
Drift away and enjoy some spectacular sights with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We enjoyed the serenity and stillness of a hot air balloon flight around 2,500 feet above the county, with pilot rebecca cains Words & Photos: Rob Davis Balloon Pilot Rebecca Cains is by no means full of hot air when she says that taking one of her flights is something everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lives. “Everyone should fly.” she says adamantly. “And flying by balloon is the gentlest, most serene way to travel. It’s tranquil, so unique.” She’s quite right. In the name of magazine journalism I’ve completed skydives, glider trips, microlight and helicopter rides, and none of the above have offered quite the serenity that a balloon ride offers. Each of the above offer stunning views, but with no windows, no engine noise and just the occasional rumble from the burners, ballooning is a surreal experience in terms of its calmness and silence. “I’ve got the best job in the world really.” says Rebecca. “I get to introduce people who have never flown by balloon before to an experience that many describe as a dream come true. Often they’re celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or wanting to cross off one of their bucket list experiences.”
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to be down here wishing we were up there, rather than up there wishing we were down here!” says Rebecca, wisely. On this occasion though, the weather behaved itself and at 6am the crew arrived with their balloon and began to set up, with a little help from its 16 passengers who are encouraged to join in the fun. The balloon is a Cameron 375, measuring just shy of 100ft. With a capacity of 375,000 cubic feet of hot air, it’s the largest permissible balloon in the UK and has four LPG burners.
Top/Above: The balloon is laid out, then filled with cool air by two huge fans. Above/Right: Our pilot Rebecca Cains was lovely! Right: Rebecca filled the hot air balloon with 375,000 cubic foot of hot air.
To find out for ourselves what a trip in a hot air balloon was like, we met Rebecca at one of several sites in our area and took a flight ourselves.
“Flying at between 1,500-2,500ft the view is beautiful: a spectacular patchwork of fields!”
Rebecca and her crew, Chris Johnston and Steve Mohammed, are available seven days a week and aim to fly twice a day, at 6am and 6pm, subject to weather conditions. The crew can’t fly in rain or wind over 10 knots. Sometimes flights are cancelled a couple of times before passengers are able to fly, with a final notification that the flight will take place given the night before. “It can sometimes lead to disappointment, but safety comes first and I always say it’s better 144
The crew lay the balloon’s envelope out and attach it to the basket, which is also, at that stage, on its side. They use two huge 13hp fans to fill it with air - a process that takes around 15 minutes. Next, Rebecca fires up the burners and blasts hot air into the balloon for the final part of its erection, and five minutes or so later, it’s ready to fly, grounded only because it’s tethered to the crew’s Land Rover. Passengers climb aboard and remain seated for a take-off that’s so smooth and gentle that it comes as quite a surprise when you stand up and see the landscape gently blossom beneath you. Flying at around 1,500-2,500ft - well below the height of commercial aeroplanes - the view is astonishing; a spectacular patchwork of golden brown and
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- lIfestyle -
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- LIFESTYLE -
An hour long flight gave me ample opportunity to talk to fellow passengers, and it’s amazing how quickly a rapport develops. Daredevil pensioner and fellow passenger Maureen Broad is in her mid-70s, and has previously embarked upon paragliding, parasailing, and boogie-board riding as part of a desire to fulfil her own bucket list. Anyone from eight years of age upwards can fly, and Rebecca’s oldest passenger was a spritely 96 years old age! Drifting anything from a couple of miles to 20 miles on a flight, there’s no way to steer the balloon as such, but by using the burners to fly at different heights, Rebecca can navigate to a certain degree, by listing into different winds. Our flight was actually half an hour longer than we expected, with the breeze we needed to navigate into a field that was unharvested and free from livestock dissipating. The Land Rover and a minibus, meet the balloon where it lands and returns passengers to the take-off site. “How do the crew know where to find us? Do they use GPS?” I asked Rebecca. “Yes.” she replied. “Also, if they can look up in the sky they’ll see a bright red 100ft balloon coming in to land!” We all giggled at the Editor’s silly question, and began our descent, passing around each other’s cameras to ensure everyone had a record of their flight.
“It’s the best way to cure nervous fliers; peaceful, enjoyable and gentle... especially the landing!” lush green fields with tiny roads, buildings and farms below, like a model village. Rebecca fires up the burner from time to time, filling the basket with a really cosy warmth on cooler trips. The temperature was definitely not something we needed to worry about during our flight though. Bright sunshine provided us with balmy flying conditions whilst a lack of breeze created an eerily quiet flight. Main: The Land Rover followed the balloon and took us back to the launch site. Above: Pride’s Editor Rob Davis... at 2,000ft! Left: The countryside soon becomes a pretty patchwork of gold and green.
I would, perhaps, opt to wear a hat next time, though, as my increasingly receding hairline did feel the heat from both the burners and the July heatwave’s sunshine.
Alighting in a farmer’s field - having first obtained consent - all of the passengers were overwhelmed and delighted by the tranquility of the flight, the vast panoramic views and the gentle landing. “It’s the best way to cure nervous fliers. It’s so peaceful, so enjoyable, so serene. Especially the landing.” says Rebecca.” Returning to the launch site, Rebecca’s passengers all received certificates of their experience and the crew opened a coolbox full of champagne. We toasted the trip, our crew, and the various anniversaries and birthdays the passengers were celebrating, but most of all, an incredible experience courtesy of an equally incredible pilot! We flew with Virgin Balloon Flights, prices from £102 (weekday mornings) to £179 (with a choice of day and launch sites). Rebecca flies from Rutland Water and Stamford Meadows. For more information call 01952 212750 or see www.virginballoonflights.co.uk. 147
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What’s On
baCk To burghley
willow weaving
The Four-star FEI affiliated international equestrian event returns to the grounds of Burghley House. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials features the cream of equestrian competitors engaged in dressage and cross-country in one of the world’s toughest competitions. The event takes place from 4th-7th September on the Burghley estate. Tickets are from £12-£28 on the gate.
We tried our hand at willow weaving last year at Egleton’s Rutland Water Birdwatching Centre.
www.burghley-horse.co.uk 01933 304744
alina ibragimova & CédriC Tiberghien
SCienCe in STamford
St Andrew’s Church in Lyddington presents a performance by Alina Ibragimova (violin) & Cédric Tiberghien (piano). The duo first met as part of BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists scheme and tonight perform selected Mozart sonatas. 20th September 7.30pm, tickets £15.
Above: Back to Burghley as the Horse Trials returns to Stamford.
The Gravity Fields Festival is SKDC’s celebration of science. Science Museum comes to Stamford Arts Centre on 24th September. See website for the event’s full programme.
Top/Right: Alina Ibragimova & Cédric Tiberghien perform in Lyddington.
www.gravityfields.co.uk 01476 406158
Top: Working in willow - a workshop at the water.
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It’s great fun and really easy - learn to craft baskets and platters from coppiced willow this month, on a fun day course. 20th September, 10am-4pm, £50/person. www.rutlandwater.org.uk 01572 653024
www.a4r.org.uk 01572 820017
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blofeld and baxTer
Think floyd
Cricket commentators and raconteurs Henry Blofeld and Peter Baxter present Memories of Test Match Specials at Stamford’s Corn Exchange on 14th September from 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50/£17.50/conc. The best loved commentators present astute observations gleaned from over 30 years of commentary.
Dubbed The Definitive Pink Floyd Experience, Think Floyd have managed to recreate all the atmosphere, visual magnitude and musical excellence of Pink Floyd live on stage. They are playing at The Key Theatre in Peterborough on Sunday 14th September from 7.30pm. Tickets are £19.
www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk 01780 766455
www.vivacity-peterborough.com
hardeep iS your love? Wry comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli returns to Uppingham Theatre with his new show, Hardeep Is Your Love, on 5th September. A regular on BBC Radio 4, as well as a Question Time and This Week commentator, Hardeep’s touching funny show talks about finding romance in middle age. www.uppthearts.co.uk 01572 820820
CeramiCS aT goldmark Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham is this seasons featuring work by some of its key ceramicists. September sees an exhibition of work by Clive Bowen from 20th September for a month. View 150-300 pots from the artist’s range of traditional slipware in a sunny colour palette of earthy browns and yellows.
Top: Celebrating Glen Miller at Theatre Royal, Lincoln. Above: Think Floyd who are performing at The Key Theatre this September.
www.goldmarkart.com 01572 821424
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- whaT’S on -
Rutland Day 2014
Rutland Day returns for its eighth year. The event will celebrate the best local food and drink, and will feature live music and family activities by the water on 13th September from 10am
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This month’s Rutland Day is the annual family fun event dedicated to bringing the people of the entire county together. This year promises to be the best yet with lots of fun activities, displays, music and not forgetting the Rutland Food and Drink Festival Market. The 2014 event will take place on the shore of Anglian Water’s picturesque water park on 13th September. Yet again the event promises to be another fun filled family day out. New this year is a series of activities which take place on the site’s newly created beach. Also making a debut at the site is a Rutland County Council funded sports arena which is designed to encourage the county to get fit and enjoy spending time around the reservoir.
free entertainment for children, face painting, bouncy castles, and balloon modelling. The Rutland Food Festival will be returning for a fifth time after the huge success of the past four years. There will be a mouth-watering range of local produce to taste, try and buy including meats, cheeses, ciders and the ever popular cakes and pastries. Kevin Appleton, Visitor Operations Manager for Anglian Water, said, “This really is a great, fun, family day out, and is something we are very proud to host each year.
“Rutland Day will be returning after the success of the past eight years...”
The free event takes place at the Sykes Lane site on the Empingham shore of Rutland Water, beginning at 10am.
All the previous Rutland Days have been a terrific success, and we hope the crowds will help us make this year even better than the last. “Hopefully the weather will be kind to us again and we can welcome visitors from all across the Midlands to the beautiful surroundings of Rutland to celebrate what the county has to offer.”
Highlights will include live music, food stalls and demonstrations. Other activities include
Entrance to the event is free, but there will be a parking charge. See www.anglianwater.co.uk.
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The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.
Two unique sites and different styles of gaming. Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth. The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve. Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.
01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk www.freefirezone.co.uk Designed by email: games@urbanassault.org.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk
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- hISToRY -
The Forgotten
Townhouse
Eyesore or local treasure? oakham’s Flore’s house dates back to 1378. The front part of the property, on the town’s high Street, is now unoccupied but the rear of the Grade II* property is still in use. It’s a source of fascination for English heritage historian nick hill, who this month hosts a lecture on the house Words & Photos: Rob Davis. oakham’s Flore’s House is, depending on your perspective, either a local treasure or a tragic eyesore. The building dates back to 1378 and carries a starred Grade II listing. The former home to the Flore family has been an insurance office, bistro, antiques shop and family home to name a few uses. But now, it stands empty, and somewhat unloved, with dusty chipped paintwork, broken panes of glass and unloved interiors. The building’s messy state belies the standing it once had in the town, but one man who has always been able to appreciate the building’s history and stature is English Heritage historian Nick Hill. Nick will this month deliver an informal lecture to Rutland’s Local History and Record Society on the history of the building and the Flore family. Hosted by Rutland County Museum and taking place on Thursday 25th September from 7.30pm, the talk will précis Nick’s extensive research on the property and reveal why it’s a good example of Oakham’s architectural vernacular.
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“The oldest part of the house uses a ‘base cruck’ structure – great arches of oak – to create a three-bay hall, and would have had a large open hearth...” Top: Flore’s House was home to wealthy wool merchants, castle controllers, High Sheriff, MP and Commons Speaker William and Robert Flore. Above: Nick in action surveying a village house in Lyddington. Opposite: Some parts of Flore’s House date back from 1378. The building carries a starred Grade II listing.
The building appears on early cartographer John Speed’s 1610 map of Oakham alongside the castle - identified as the Shire Hall - the Gibbet Gate and the town’s Mill Street. “The 1378 building is a fine example of a medieval townhouse.” says Nick. “It consists of a main hall set at a right angle to Oakham’s High Street, and later additions created around 1407 and the 1600s.” The oldest part of the house uses a ‘base cruck’ structure – great arches of oak – to create a three-bay hall, and would have had a large open hearth. A second storey was
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created in 1591 when the hall was floored over, and it’s the sooty deposits and original roof beams that gave Nick clues to the building’s history during his study. Nick has worked for English Heritage for over 20 years. His ‘day job’ sees him working as a chartered surveyor, managing historic building repair across the UK. His research projects are completed in his own time and during his career, Nick has researched the history of Oakham Castle, Lyddington’s Bede House plus 60 or so other properties in surrounding villages as part of a community project, studying the vernacular architecture of the area. Nick says he’s always been familiar with Flore’s House but began a full study in 2007, interviewing the owner who still lives in the rear part of the property, as well as reviewing a previous study completed in 1973. Nick’s new study took advantage of dendrochronological techniques including tree-ring dating to determine the exact age of the roof structures. In doing so, Nick was able to determine the
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exact age of the roofed-over part of the building and more accurately date its main timbers. This led to a radical reassessment of the development of the building’s north crosswing. It was always believed that this part of the building dated back to around 1500. In fact, Nick’s studies reveal the date to be 1659. Nick’s work also involved researching the Flore family themselves. “A successful wool merchant, William Flore was controller of Oakham Castle from 1373 to 1380, MP for Oakham in 1382 and deputy sheriff of the county in 1385.” says Nick. “He died in 1405, whereupon his son Roger inherited the house. Following his father into the wool trade, Roger acted as MP for Oakham in 1397, 1399, 1402 and 1404, He was Sheriff of Rutland from 1407-1408, and steward of the northern half of the Duchy of Lancaster’s estates, a lucrative position in itself.” “He also served as speaker at the House of Commons four times from 1416 to 1422 before dying a wealthy man in 1427, leaving money in his will which was used to create a spire on Oakham’s All Saint’s Church.” Flore’s House is one of the oldest buildings in Oakham, but what makes it especially remarkable is the completeness of its history and the fact that its most fascinating elements – its ancient stonework and oak timbers – are so well-preserved. “I’m looking forward to revealing more about the building in my talk.” says Nick. “It’s open to the public so anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating building will be welcome.” Nick’s lecture on the history of Flore’s House will take place on Thursday, September 25th from 7.30pm at Rutland County Museum. See www.rutlandhistory.co.uk for more information.
The Rutland Local history and Records Society... rlhrS is a friendly Society that welcomes new members and works to increase understanding of the fascinating history of Rutland. RLhRS is a long standing voluntary charity that documents and maintains a watching brief on all matters historical in Rutland. “we work closely with The Friends of Rutland County Museum and Castle and individual village historical societies.” says Secretary Jill Kimber. “we have a comprehensive award winning web site www.rutlandhistory.org and a world wide membership.” “Every year we choose a village for an in depth day of talks, illustrated walking trail, photographs and exhibits. This popular event called The Village Visit is this year in Ketton on September 20th.” “we have a programme of evening talks with experts like nick and interesting speakers on a wide range of topics usually held in Rutland County Museum, occasionally The Castle. Members can also take part in archaeological Field walking. For more information see www.rutlandhistory.org or call 01572 758440.
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Pavilion Opening at Oakham School former english Cricket Captain and president of the mCC, mike gatting obe visited Oakham School during the School’s Speech Day to officially open the new BAF Smith Sports Pavilion. In his speech, Mr Gatting praised the quality of Oakham’s cricket provision for its pupils over the years, and was delighted that future generations would benefit from the pavilion. The new building is a superb addition and is ready to be used when the School hosts the Bunbury Cricket Festival later on in the year. The Pavilion is named after its benefactor Brian Smith (BAF), who was an exceptional sportsman during his time at Oakham. Oakham School has a national reputation for producing outstanding cricketers, including Stuart Broad. The new pavilion stands on the site of the original pavilion, constructed over 150 years ago. The large new facility, which includes a clubroom, changing facilities and viewing area over Oakham’s renowned pitches, will replace ‘Stumps,’ the current school pavilion located on Doncaster Close.
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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. Quite vain, to be blunt (9) 6. Work in church and you may wear it (4) 8. Giant firm states no profit is taken (8) 9. WWII field marshal gains military medal in new role (6) 10. A tense assembly of university governors (6) 11. Thumbs up for it! (8) 12. Beat nervous tension (6) 15. A compulsory turnout (8) 16. Equestrian discipline is a habit that comes with time (8) 19. Decorate without a central point and it becomes gaudy (6) 21. Run caused by panic in the stock market? (8) 22. Judge gives fools direction (6) 24. Burning a mark on a horse (6) 25. Current keeping river very warm (8) 26. Tax it out of frivolity (4) 27. Blow makes market reel (5,4)
down 1. Be under professional scrutiny (5) 2. One extremely behind schedule in divorce (7) 3. Head of state moves to centre, showing discrimination (5) 4. Trap seen, ran off ! (7) 5. Young lad subtracting initially, then multiplying (9) 6. Behave well — or have romp around in bed! (7) 7. Teardrops shed for hungry animals (9) 13. Go on board deck (9) 14. What the bank has to say of your account? (9) 17. Survey the whole lot with a girl (7) 18. Let care be arranged for tragic female (7) 20. A cross in Italy shows where a composer is buried (7) 22. Left in a unit entirely without support (5) 23. Said to have remained sober (5)
down
1. University chair (13) 8. Opposed (4) 9. Clothes worn by members of a group (8) 10. Old style boxing match for money (10) 12. Negotiate (6) 14. Neat — fir (6) 15. Conflict — argument (10) 19. Revenge — quartile (anag) (8) 20. Swearword (4) 21. "You can argue till you're ____" (4,2,3,4)
2. Bypass round urban area (4,4) 3. German name (5) 4. Mildly intoxicated (7) 5. Due (5) 6. To score (anag) (7) 7,13. 1963 Lemmon and MacLaine film (4,2,5) 11. Verse where eg the first letters in each line form a word or message (8) 13. See 7 14. Unseen machination (7) 16. Rich cloth (5) 17 Parody — prank (5) 18 Raised mark on the skin caused eg by a whip (4)
CrypTiC anSwerS
QuiCk anSwerS
QuiCk CroSSword
aCroSS
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