Rutland Pride February 2014

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FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY

2014

THE BEST OF

RUTLAND & STAMFORD EVERY SINGLE MONTH

RutlandPride

RutlandPride

THE NUMBER ONE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Horse Racing Skiing Holidays - Fashion Paul Hollywood - Weddings

£3.70

F EBR UA R Y

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COVERING RUTLAND AND STAMFORD

RECOMMENDING THE BEST WINTER DINING ACROSS THE COUNTY THIS MONTH...

Enjoying a Flutter

2014

The Event

Eating Out

Home & Garden

Enjoy Oakham’s NSPCC concert

Valentine’s Day dining

Improve your home ready for spring

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F E B R U A R Y

FEBRUARY

2014

RutlandPride

THE BEST OF

RUTLAND & STAMFORD EVERY SINGLE MONTH

RutlandPride THE

NUMBER

ONE

COUNTY

MAGAZINE

Skiing Holidays - Fashion Paul Hollywood - Weddings

THE numbER onE counTy mAgAzinE

Welcome to February’s Rutland Pride and in a month that can be chilly, we’ve plenty to warm your heart in time for Valentine’s Day.

£3.70

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COVERING RUTLAND AND STAMFORD

Enjoying a Flutter

Horse Racing

The Event

Eating Out

Home & Garden

Enjoy Oakham’s NSPCC concert

Valentine’s Day dining

Improve your home ready for Spring

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This month’s cover: A winter shot of Fort Henry in Exton

by Richard Adams - see our Panorama feature later in this edition.

This month Paul Hollywood gives us an exclusive preview of a few recipes from his new book.

Also, we’ve Valentine’s Day dining at some of the county’s best restaurants, in addition to enjoying eating out at Exton’s Barnsdale Lodge.

Pride magazines Elm grange Studios East Heckington, boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF

Elsewhere we keep ourselves busy with skiing and horse racing, we’ve lots of spring fashion ideas and we’ve some great ways to improve your home.

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978 Web: www.rutlandpride.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

With all this and more, we offer our best wishes for a great month ahead.

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!

Enjoy!

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.

With best wishes from the Rutland Pride team...

Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. General Manager: ian bagley.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Features Editor: ceri Jackson.

Customer Care Manager: mandy bray. Accounts Manager: Sue bannister.

Sales Manager: zoie Wilkinson. Sales Executives: Jayne broughton, Elaine Hall, Jo Leadbitter, Rachel Frisby, Rachel Jones, Emily brown, Sami millard, Andy Taylor, Lauren chambers, chloe griffiths, Donna Hodgett.

Sales Support: Kelly Hames, Amy Whiley. Distribution Manager: Paul Dixon.

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!

Style

Sweet

Skiing

Society

A preview of Gant’s spring fashions, available from local retailers this month.

Winter dining for Valentine’s Day including a visit to Exton’s Barnsdale Lodge.

Tips, fashions and the best winter breaks for those wanting to take advantage of the ski season.

This month’s events include Oakham’s annual NSPCC charity concert at All Saints Church.

WinTER 2014

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CountyNews

Send your press releases and county news to: Rob Davis, via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

2014 Rutland Pride Business Awards - have you entered?

Closing date of 28th February for our Business Awards - have you completed your entry yet?

Stamford and Rutland businesses have just a few weeks left to ensure their entry in our 2014 Business Awards.

We’ve teamed up with Nicky Barr of Essence Events to host an awards ceremony which allows businesses in Stamford and Rutland to promote themselves, free of charge.

Awards: carphone Warehouse founder David Ross will provide a keynote speech at our awards.

Lingerie model Lizzie goes bald for breast cancer...

Uppingham lingerie model Lizzie Haines is going bald for breast cancer in a bid to raise £10,000 for charity CoppaFeel.

The 33 year old model and self-employed photographer will shave her head on Valentine’s Day and has already raised over £3,500 for the charity, which is also supported by round-theworld adventurer Sarah Outen.

“Breast cancer is happening to women in my demographic and it’s important for everyone to sit up and take notice.” says Lizzie.

Lizzie will go under the clippers at Hair & Booty in Uppingham on February 14th, donations can be submitted online at justgiving.com/chopforcopp.

Our six categories are: Marketing & Design, Small Business of the Year, Best New Business, Best Businessman or woman, Contribution to the Community and Best Customer Focus.

All businesses within a 15 mile radius of Stamford and Rutland can nominate themselves, by entering online at www.stamfordandrutland business.co.uk.

Five, Ten, Fifteen! Rutland Radio celebrates 15 years of broadcasting...

DJs in DJs and a birthday cake with Alan Duncan

An independent panel of judges including Burghley House’s Miranda Rock, accountant Ian Leech, Oxford graduate Brian Edwards and business consultant to Tesco, BMW & Barclays, Ed Smiley-Jones will all work together to choose winners for each category.

Advertising commitment in Rutland Pride is not a factor, and any SME can enter our awards.

Our winners will be revealed at a VIP dinner to be held in April, with Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross giving the keynote address.

For more information on each of our awards or for details of how to enter, call 01778 421420 and discuss your business with our co-organiser Nicky Barr.

Rutland Radio presenters and staff celebrated the station’s 15th birthday recently, and thanked both the clients and listeners who have supported the station since it launched in December 1998.

County Squire sponsored the day and provided the Rutland Radio team with some very smart attire when the ‘DJs in DJs’ embarked upon a VIP tour of the area.

Whilst on their travels around Stamford & Rutland, Rob Persani (who was the first voice on Rutland Radio all those years ago, and who still presents the breakfast show) made sure they shared the big day by giving out birthday cake to businesses and listeners alike. The celebrations continued on air too, with a special ‘Ten From When’ feature from 1998; the year the station was launched. MP Alan Duncan also popped in to offer his congratulations to the team.

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BURLEY, OAKHAM, RUTLAND

£2,800,000

The Pavilion is a superb country home set in a wonderful rural location with views over lovely Rutland countryside. Built using a mix of local Clipsham stone, handmade brick and Welsh slate, a key feature of the property’s design are the walls of bi-fold glass doors opening onto sunny terraces, and the result is an airy, light-filled home which seamlessly blends interior and garden spaces. At the heart of the stunning interior is a vast open-plan living space with high vaulted ceilings, impressive roof beams and solid-wood floors and particular highlights include the stunning bespoke kitchen with state-of-the art appliances, the light-filled Pool Room and a luxurious three-level Master Bedroom Suite. The property also benefits from high specification systems such as zoned Smarthouse lighting, under-floor heating and an integrated sound system, whilst the bathrooms have been individually designed and fitted by Porcelanosa. The Pavilion combines striking contemporary design, excellent entertaining space and extensive and flexible accommodation and, with its superb Rutland location, it makes an impressive country home.

WITTERING, CAMBRIDGESHIRE £999,995 Tucked away from the road along a leafy tree-lined driveway, The Manor has an extremely secluded location surrounded by its two acres of mature gardens and woodland on the edge of the village of Wittering. Within walking distance of the village shop it also has easy access to the countryside and walks that surround the area and is bordered on two sides by open fields. The property itself is a handsome Georgian manor house built in the late 1700’s using the area’s distinctive mellow-coloured stone with a slate roof. The pretty, wisteria-draped bay frontage was added at a later stage and, more recently, the property has been extended at the back to create a stunning kitchen & breakfast room with a master bedroom suite above. The house retains many period features typical of the elegance of the Georgian era, such as high ceilings, deep skirting boards, fireplaces with open fires and original casement shutters.

A particular feature are the many deep-set sash-windows which flood the whole house with natural light as well as having lovely views over the gardens, and which have recently been replaced in the authentic style. A mix of formal reception space, extensive accommodation and practical, every-day areas make the Manor an elegant and welcoming home with the benefit of proximity to Stamford.

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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THATCH FARM, GLASTON

GUIDE PRICE £1,300,000

A Charming Stone Thatched Period Property, Listed Grade II, Dating from the Early 17th Century House • Reception Hall

• Cloakroom

Annexe:

• Sauna

• Bedroom

• Conservatory

• Cellar

• Glazed Corridor leading to:

• Indoor Swimming Pool

• Bathroom

• Drawing Room

• Principal Bedroom

• Library

• 4 Further Bedrooms

• Bedroom

Cottage leading from the house:

• Loft Storage

• Dining Room • Breakfast Kitchen

• Bathroom with Shower

• Bathroom

• Sitting Room

• Gardens

• Boiler Room

• Bathroom

• Study/Pool Room

• Kitchen

• Separate Cinema Room

• Garage

STAMFORD

Tel: 01780 484520 Offices – LONDON • MARKET HARBOROUGH • NORTHAMPTON • STAMFORD

www.kingwest.co.uk

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SOVIET LENINGRAD...

ST PETERSBURG Having spent the first two years of my life living in Soviet Leningrad, I was desperate to see what the city now known as St Petersburg had in store for us. Although my memories of my previous visit are very limited, the six days we spent touring this spectacular city as part of the Kirker Palaces & Galleries of St Peterburg escorted tour, exceeded my wildest expectations in every way.

The Kirker guide who leads this holiday, Tatiana, did not live up to the frosty Russian stereotype at all. Her engaging and informative style meant that the varied group of clients all felt comfortable within minutes of arriving, and we had just the right balance of comprehensive information and a relaxed pace.

For many visitors to St Petersburg, the highlight and even the reason to go, is the stunning collection held at the Hermitage within the Tsar's Winter Palace. This dazzling array of western art includes masterpieces from Ancient Greek sculpture, through the Italian Renaissance to 19th Century Impressionists and 20th Century masters such as Matisse, Picasso and Kandinsky. For me however, the Russian Museum which we visited the following day, was an equally astonishing (and less crowded) experience with its rich collection of Russian icons, oil paintings and Socialist propaganda.

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After witnessing some of the world's finest paintings and sculpture, there is only one cultural experience with which to round off a day in St Petersburg - a visit to the world-famous Mariinsky Theatre. I had never been to the ballet before, and did not know what to expect, but our seats in the stalls were the prime position from which to enjoy the spectacle of Swan Lake - and a glass of champagne in the interval made the evening all the more enjoyable!

There was still one treat in store before the end of our trip, and it was a gloriously sunny May day as we drove out of the city to visit the Tsar's Summer Palaces.

Peterhof was the most impressive, with its elaborate gilt decorated façade and an awe-inspiring cascade of golden fountains which lead towards to the Baltic sea. A fitting end to a glittering holiday.

ÂŁ SAVVI TRAVEL Savvi Travel can arrange a holiday for you: call your Travel Consultant on 01572 842012 for more information or pop into Savvi at 7 The Maltings, Oakham.

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TO VIEW AND PuRCHASE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVENT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.uK

The event’s speakers with organiser Margaret Wheeler, third left.

THE EVENT NSPCC Carol Concert...

Rutland’s NSPCC Carol Concert recently held its seventh annual fundraising concert at Oakham’s All Saints Church.

Last year’s concert raised £16,500 for the NSPCC, with 2013’s programme presented by Caroline Aston who introduced performances by Foresters Brass and The Harborough Singers. Speakers prepared humorous Christmas monologues, with Rosemary Conley, Lars Tharp, Nigel Colborn, Peter Wheeler, Tim Hart, Anne Davies and David Farrer all taking part.

The event also included a Christmas hamper draw and a Christmas blessing by Reverend Lee Francis-Dehqani, plus a reception for VIPs at Oakham Castle after the event. The NSPCC is 90% funded by public donations, and the Rutland branch of the charity will have raised over £100,000 in total if this year’s target of £15,000 is met, with donations still being counted as Pride goes to press.

Photos: Rob Davis.

David Farrer.

Over 400 people attended the church event at Oakham All Saints.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EVENT NSPCC

Carol Concert

A Christmas blessing was given

by Revd., Lee Francis-Dehqani.

Foresters Brass.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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Rosemary Conley, Anne Davies and Caroline Aston.

Nigel Colborn.

Tim Hart.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EVENT NSPCC

Carol Concert

Anne Davies.

Lars Tharp.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

Trish Ruddle and David Farrer.

40 Hall Lane, Branston, Lincoln LN4 1PY Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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the Finest Quality men’s Shoes & Leather Goods for Valentine’s day

Shoecraft OaKham Ltd

South Street, Oakham, LE15 6BQ 01572 757721 www.shoecraftoakham.com

Christmas Gifts, Leather Goods, Key Cutting and Quality Shoes by Loake, Barker and Crockett & Jones

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PANORAMA

A Rutland Folly...

This month’s cover photograph was submitted by Richard Adams, and features one of Rutland’s quirkier landmarks.

Fort Henry is a fishing folly on the Exton Park estate.

It was created by William Legg in 1788 for Henry, Earl of Gainsborough and we think its mock gothic architecture lends our cover a suitably grand - if slightly chilly - feel!

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Situated in the heart of Exton Park is Exton Hall, the private home of Viscount Campden and family. Just past the historic Tunneley Woods on one of the estate’s fishing lakes is Fort Henry. The park has existed since the 12th century and has been visited by many famous people including Handel who put on performances in the gardens of Exton...

About the Photographer: Richard Adams obtained permission to take our image on the (private) estate.

The Oakham photographer and former Chief Officer in local government has used this and a number of other images to create the county’s 2014 calendar. The calendar will raise money for Diabetes UK and the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust.

Richard has also launched a Youtube channel to show off his considerable photographic talents - it has already had more than 2,000 hits!

See all of Richards images at www.youtube.com/user/ adamspics.

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR THIS MONTH AT

Barnsdale Lodge...

We’re big fans of Barnsdale Lodge, and there’s plenty going on at the Exton hotel this month, with a comprehensive refurbishment and a new lounge area due to be completed as Pride goes to press. It’s the ideal place for Valentine’s Day dining!

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RESTAuRANT OF THE MONTH

Below: Barnsdale Lodge was one of our Restaurant of the Year winners, as voted for by our readers.

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Left: Pan fried scallops with sautéed sprout tops, smoked pancetta and chestnuts.

Below: Valentine’s Day’s three course supper for £37.50 provides the option of this assiette of desserts in miniature.

he team at Barnsdale Lodge were working extra hard during our recent visit. Our photoshoot was scheduled for just a couple of weeks before Christmas, and in addition to the multitude of festive parties and the hotel’s usual brisk trade in accommodation, plus an influx of lunchtime diners. General Manager Paul Freeman and MD Ed Burrows were proud to show us the completed makeover of two of its private dining rooms, The Cottage and The Theatre, as well as its Vettrianolined main dining room. Its conservatory restaurant was next on the team’s hit list. As Pride went to press, just after Christmas, Ed and Paul were expecting work to begin on a new conservatory extension which will see the creation of a new lounge area overlooking the hotel’s beautiful courtyard.

That’s in addition to a rolling programme of refurbishment to each of the hotel’s 45 rooms, which has kept its in house team of decorators busy for the past year. Being privately owned, the interior design always has a sophisticated but homely feel to it due to the fact that they don’t use big interior design companies but take inspiration from family and friends.

The refurbishment is all part of an investment which will ensure the hotel can provide the space that a growing number of diners passing through the restaurant needs. Word is out about how amazing the dining experience is at Barnsdale Lodge, and it’s become increasingly popular both with residents and Rutlanders alike over the past few years.

Head Chef is Stephen Conway, formerly of Stapleford Park, whose brigade raids the hotel’s on-site kitchen garden for vegetables, herbs and eggs courtesy of its rare breed hens. À la carte dining is via a lunchtime menu with two or three courses at £13.50 or £15.95. There’s a choice of five starters, main courses and desserts for each course, plus a number of Barnsdale Favourites, too; these include a homemade Barnsdale burger, BLT ciabatta, as well as a selection of sandwiches.

There’s also a dedicated Sunday lunch menu plus an afternoon tea menu with a farmhouse tea option featuring the hotel’s own bespoke blends of tea.

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Sample M enu £ STARTERS Scallops £8.25 Pan fried scallops, sautéed sprout tops, smoked pancetta and chestnuts.

Soufflé £6.25 Twice baked Lincolnshire Poacher cheese soufflé, celeriac remoulade and rocket salad.

Poached Pear £5.95 mulled wine poached pear, Stilton and walnut salad with a shallot dressing.

£ MAINS Halibut £17.95 Pan fried fillet of halibut, ribbons of carrot, leeks and courgettes with potato purée.

Game of the Week Whole roast Easton Estate partridge, truffle mash and buttered kale.

£16.50

Lamb £18.50 Rack of lamb with a mustard crust, vine cherry tomatoes, white bean purée, wild mushroom and salsify fricassée.

£ PUDDING Panna Cotta £6.50 Layered white, milk and dark chocolate panna cotta, clementine compote.

Lemon Tart £5.95 glazed lemon tart with raspberry sorbet.

Cheese Board £7.50/three, £10.95/five A selection of cheese with biscuits, grapes, celery & homemade chutney: colston basset Stilton, Lincolnshire Poacher, oxford isis, cerney & mont d’or.

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RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

Evening dining, meanwhile, is via an à la carte menu of seven starters which, during our visit, included some beautifully presented scallops with sprout tops and smoked pancetta, plus a mulled wine poached pear with Stilton and walnut.

Seven main course options included our prime Scottish sirloin steak with roasted shallots, baby carrots and turnips.

Other options included locally shot pheasant with game spring roll and a rack of lamb option with mustard crust.

The hotel sources its game from nearby Easton Estate, and in addition to the daily changing specials, offers a game option to tempt diners.

Desserts are a treat at the venue too, and those taking advantage of the hotel’s Valentine’s Day package can enjoy three courses for £37.50, plus the chance to sample our two desserts - a passion fruit tart with raspberry coulis, or our assiette of desserts in miniature.

Good ingredients help to maintain quality, too; not only those from the hotel’s kitchen garden, but Grasmere Farm which supplies Barnsdale Lodge with pork, and Hambleton Bakery - one of our Food Heroes in this year’s Good Food Awards - which supplies speciality bread. The hotel also creates its own petit fours, sorbets and ice creams.

“Barnsdale offers a wealth of great ingredients.” says Stephen, who leads a seven strong brigade. “I believe the essence of high quality dining is fresh produce, simply but effectively implemented. So it’s great to head up a kitchen that works as

part of a hotel which shares this ethos and has the same respect for the provenance of the ingredients we use.

It enables us to create menus of what I suppose you’d call comfort food - flavoursome, rich, satisfying dishes - that’s what winter is all about!”

This month it will also welcome arctic explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes to speak alongside the county’s Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff at a fundraising dinner for the county’s air ambulance on 27th February from 7pm.

That’s in addition to its Valentine’s Day dinner, and the chance to this month enjoy lunch or dinner in its newly refurbished conservatory or dining room and lounge.

Barnsdale Lodge’s quirkiness always makes its customers smile, and it’s the little touches like the evening menu’s two house cocktail offers - French 75 and Sloe Champagne during our visit - that make it really personal and friendly, never stuffy or ‘corporate’ despite its high quality hospitality.

There’s a few changes at Barnsdale Lodge this month, but one thing that remains is the excellent standards we’ve come to know and love expressed in its hospitality and food.

Businessmen in suits and countrymen with muddy wellies drink, dine and relax side by side at Barnsdale Lodge and both are welcomed equally. That’s why the venue remains one of the most popular and well-respected in Rutland one we’re definitely and consistently happy to recommend!

BARNSDALE LODGE

The Avenue, Exton near Oakham

The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Leicestershire LE15 8AH To book a meal call

01572 724678 www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

From Oakham: From Oakham, take the A606 towards Stamford and Barnsdale Lodge is approximately 3 miles on the left hand side. From London, take the A606 exit towards Oakham for approximately 5 miles and Barnsdale Lodge is on the right hand side after the village of Whitwell.

The Hotel: Built in 1760 and converted into a country house hotel in 1989 by Thomas Noel, Barnsdale Lodge has 45 en suite rooms. The hotel has been recommended by Countryfile’s Julia Bradbury, Alex Polizzi and Stephen McClarence of The Times.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Valentine’ s Day Dining

ENjOy... FEBRuARy 14TH

Valentine’ s Day Dining Valentine’s Day is dismissed by some as a greetings card holiday - but we think it’s a great excuse to enjoy an evening out together. Unsurprisingly, the county’s top restaurants agree, so here are our suggestions for romantic dining this month...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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his month, enjoy a romantic meal at one of our featured restaurants - you’ll enjoy exceptional English cuisine, a great atmosphere and the chance to enjoy each other’s company.

We start off at one of the county’s best pub restaurants, The Marquess of Exeter. Headed up by Brian Baker, well known in Rutland for his cookery demonstrations and for having a CV seasoned with celebrity names, there’s plenty on offer including the provision of Brian’s speciality ‘sharing dishes’ - grilled rib of Derbyshire beef, for example.

With lots of character courtesy of exposed beams, open fires and flagstone floors, the Lyddington pub had a great atmosphere and a really warm, friendly feel - perfect for Valentine’s Day dining, and with 17 lovely bedrooms too, it’s a nice place to stop over if you’d like to share a bottle of wine without having to drive home.

Equally cosy is Wymondham’s Berkeley Arms. Beautifully restored by Neil & Louise Hitchen, the popular pub restaurant has a lovely traditional feel and has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for the past three consecutive years. Its selling points are wonderful cuisine, imaginative presentation and a really friendly atmosphere - it’s a proper ‘feel good’ pub restaurant!

Another great pub restaurant is Exton’s Fox & Hounds. Here you’ll enjoy fresh English cuisine but with a unique twist; head chef Valter originates from Northern Italy, close to the Swiss border, so there are a number of Italian-inspired dishes for a modern twist on traditional Valentine’s Day dining in the county.

A new set menu at the venue offers great value dining with two or three courses from £13-£17.

If you’re looking to get away from it all for a night, don’t want to drive home or if you’ve friends joining you from outside the county, there are a number of hotels offering a great getaway.

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Top/Left: Ice nougatine dessert at Wymondham’s lovely Berkeley Arms. Our main shot, top, also shows the pub restaurant’s cosy bar/lounge and dining room area.

Above: The kitchen at Exton’s Fox and Hounds is headed up by Valter, who brings Northern Italian influences to a traditional Rutland dining experience.

Right: Stapleford Park’s parterre hedging in the winter snow.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Valentine’ s Day Dining

Marquess of Exeter: Roasted fillet of cod with clams, mussels and white wine sauce.

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Stamford’s William Cecil provides Valentine’s Dining with a four course meal and glass of champagne for £40/person on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February. The hotel will reveal its Valentine’s menu as Pride goes to press, but its à la carte menu will also be available too. Its 27 beautifully designed rooms and its location on Stamford’s St Martins add to its appeal, too.

Barnsdale Lodge is profiled in this edition, and is due for a refurbishment as Pride goes to press which will add a new lounge area.

Just a few minutes from Oakham, Barnsdale Hall provides a Valentine’s Day package, available throughout February, for just £89.50, which includes supper, accommodation, and relaxation therapy in its health club.

The George of Stamford is another independently owned hotel offering the best fine dining from its oak-panelled dining room, whilst Rutland Pride’s Restaurant of the Year winner Hambleton Hall provides exquisite Michelin-standard food courtesy of head Chef Aaron Patterson.

If you’re willing to venture a little further, more opportunities for a romantic break present themselves, such as a trip to Stapleford.

Offering an exclusive package, the luxurious Stapleford Park country house hotel is based near Melton Mowbray. Its £170/couple Valentine’s Day event includes an overnight stay with supper and champagne with chocolate dipped strawberries upon arrival. The 500 acre country estate and historic country house hotel setting provides plenty for couples to enjoy, like treatments in its Clarins boutique spa.

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Top/Left: Barnsdale Hall Hotel this month offers a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway for just £89.50 person including an overnight stay and health & beauty therapies.

Right: Fig and honey tart with home made praline ice cream at The Talbot Inn. Below: The Vettriano-lined dining room at Barnsdale Lodge. The hotel is due to be refurbished as Pride goes to press.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Valentine’ s Day Dining

Only a little further is Oundle’s Talbot Inn. Profiled in our November edition, the 16th century Grade I listed hotel underwent a £1.3m refurbishment courtesy of its new owners in 2012. It’s a great looking venue, with a lovely patisserie and excellent Valentine’s Day menus available this month.

For those seeking a more casual evening, we suggest Stamford’s Cosy Club. Based in the town’s former sorting office, there’s quirky industrial decor, rustic tables and plenty of choice in terms of food. Our favourites include

the club’s beer battered fish, steaks, pies and pork belly dishes for a really hearty, rewarding experience, in a relaxed setting.

Finally, two of the area’s golf courses are this month offering candlelight Valentine’s suppers. Greetham Valley includes a glass of sparkling wine and nibbles in its £50/person promotion, whilst Bourne’s Toft Country House Hotel is offering a four course dinner for £60/couple to include canapés. Both venues offer optional overnight stays too.

Finding Out More BARNSDALE HALL HOTEL: Barnsdale, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AB. Tel: 01572 757901. www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk.

BARNSDALE LODGE: The Avenue Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH. Tel: 01572 724678. www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk.

THE BERKELEY ARMS: Main St, Wymondham, Melton Mowbray LE14 2AG. Tel: 01572 787587. www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk.

Top: An assiette of pork at Stamford’s William Cecil.

This month the hotel offers a dedicated Valentine’s Day menu, à la carte dining and accommodation.

Above: Brian Baker is The Marquess of Exeter’s well-known chef patron. The pub restaurant is beautifully designed with 17 rooms, flagstone floors and open fires.

THE COSY CLUB: The Old Delivery Office, Horseshoe Lane, Stamford PE9 2RB. Tel: 01780 767710. www.cosyclub.co.uk/stamford.

THE FOX AND HOUNDS: The Green, Exton LE15 8AP Tel 01572 812403. www.foxandhoundsrutland.co.uk.

THE GEORGE OF STAMFORD: St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LB. Tel: 01780 750750. www.georgehotelofstamford.com.

HAMBLETON HALL: Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH Tel: 01572 756991. www.hambletonhall.com.

GREETHAM VALLEY: Wood Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7SN. Tel: 01780 460444. www.greethamvalley.co.uk.

THE MARQUESS OF EXETER: Main St, Lyddington, LE15 9LT. Tel: 01572 822477. www.marquessexeter.co.uk.

STAPLEFORD PARK: Stapleford, Melton Mowbray, LE14 2EF. Tel: 01572 787000. www.staplefordpark.com.

THE TALBOT HOTEL: New Street, Oundle, PE8 4EA. Tel: 01832 27362. www.thetalbot-oundle.com.

TOFT COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL: Toft, Bourne Lincolnshire PE10 0JT. Tel: 01778 590614. www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk.

THE WILLIAM CECIL: St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ. Tel: 01780 750070. www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk.

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À La Carte Dining • 17th Century Coaching Inn • Seven En Suite Rooms

A Pride Magazine Restaurant of the Year 2013 winner...

Celebrate our award with a winter menu courtesy of new Head Chef Ruaraidh Bealby and discover why we were named one of Lincolnshire’s best restaurants... PLUS: Our full reburbishment is due for completion at the end of January... come and take a look!

e Brownlow Arms Hough On e Hill, Grantham Road near Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2AZ Booking advisable, please call 01400 250 234.

Current menus online now at www.thebrownlowarms.co.uk.

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GRASMERE FARM Nestled in the heart of Stamford High Street you’ll find a real haven for good food lovers - Grasmere Farm Traditional Family Butchers. Walking into the butcher’s shop you get that fantastic feeling that you are in safe hands – Grasmere Farm are passionate about the quality of food they serve, and about championing traditional, hearty food values.

The Stables family has farmed the land around Deeping St James since 1969; and the business is built upon the bedrock of this solid farming background. Since the 1960’s Grasmere has grown to be more than a farm, and alongside the two thriving butchers shops (another is based in Market Deeping) the business also runs busy catering and wholesale concerns – attending food fairs, events and farmers markets across the region.

Refreshingly though – the focus remains on the pride and passion for supplying premium quality, delicious, tender meats and poultry.

The Grasmere pigs especially are central to the business as they are the ones that produce the flavoursome pork, the key ingredient in the range of mouth-watering products. With this in mind the pigs are outdoor bred in a welfare friendly environment, using sound animal husbandry skills – they’re the real stars of the show.

Which undoubtedly is why Grasmere Farm has quite a reputation for delicious sausages! From the traditional Lincolnshire Sausage seasoned with sage, to the unique flavour of Smoked Rutland Sausage, plus many more including limited edition flavours and sausage meat to make your own. In fact the latest food award to

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grace the countertop was awarded for the best selection of speciality sausages at the Melton Fat Stock Show.

Stuart Stables of Grasmere comments, “Our award winning, delicious, locally sourced and hand crafted food credentials really are what make us tick. We have a small, dedicated team of experienced butchers who take huge pride in preparing our meats, and advising our customers on selecting from our range in the shops. Here at Grasmere we love good food, and we hope that philosophy shines through in all that we do.” www.grasmere-farm.co.uk, www.facebook.com/grasmerefarm, www.twitter.com/grasmerefarm

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TheWineCellar Toast your loved one this month with a few of the best bubbles our expert can find.

Romantic so-and-so Blake Johnston presents his finest fizz for the 14th of February...

Our Gift Subscriptions last a whole year

Alfred Gratien Champagne £32.99

Berry Bro's UK Cuvee Champagne NV £26.99

Champagne Jacquesson £47.99

Le Mesnil Blanc De Blanc Grand Cru £36.99

Rene Jolly Champagne Blanc de Noirs £28.99

A most underrated Champagne; signature use of oak in no way undermines the elegance of the wine. The house advocates the use of all three grape varieties and certainly does not shun Pinot Meunier, giving the wine a fruity lift, a freshness and a genuine approachability.

Sourced from the prestigious Grand Cru village of Mailly, our Cuvée is a classic blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. All the hallmarks of Grand Cru are here, with brioche and flowers on the nose and an elegant palate which marries lemongrass and honeysuckle.

This wine is showing very well now, its classic aromas of yeast, white flowers, crushed rock and white fruit stone are rounded out on the palate by a generosity of fruit, with natural ripeness, complemented by hints of hazelnut and brioche.

It’s pure and satisfying, a real house favourite!

A very elegant Champagne displaying a distinctive floral aroma and fresh vibrant citrus to the palate with a chalky, nutty edge.

Our biggest selling Champagne and for good reason. Perfect for breakfast in bed mix with orange juice, but only if you must!

Small, family estate Champagne where all the grapes are grown in their own vineyard. The blend is supervised by three generations, René, Hervé and Pierre-Eric. After a few years in their 18th century cellar, the riddling is done by hand, by René himself.

This is old school ‘champers at its best!

every single month in 2014!

This month’s features wines are recommended by: The Stamford Wine Company, 10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2BE Tel: 07538 228337, www.thestamfordwinecompany.com.

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From pies to puds and cakes to crumpets, Paul Hollywood is the Great British baker who eased us through the autumn months with the Great British Bakeoff.

There’s never been a better time to warm up your winter than with recipes from the baker’s forthcoming book - we’ve an exclusive extract here...

The Great Pride

Bake-O

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RECIPES

Pies and Puddings

>>

Off

T

here is nothing quite like the smell of a scrumptious steak and ale pie cooking in the oven.

There perhaps isn’t anything better than the first taste of a caramel and coffee éclair. From Britain’s favourite expert baker comes a mouth-watering new book about two of our nation’s obsessions: pies and puddings, and this month, we’ve an exlusive extract from the book with six recipes to warm up your winter.

Hollywood Star...

The son of a baker, Paul Hollywood has shot to fame with his role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.

Paul Hollywood’s Pies and Puds is simply a must-have. Whether you’re a sweet or a savoury person, a keen novice or an expert baker: it’s time to get baking pies and puds.

The Joy of Baking Even Paul has been overwhelmed by the success of the Great British Bakeoff, but following the success of his first book, How to Bake, in 2013 and its follow-up, Bread, released this time last year, Paul was determined that Pies and Puds would extend the remit of baking beyond bread and cakes.

He worked as Head Baker at exclusive hotels including Cliveden and the Dorchester and he went on to launch The Paul Hollywood Artisan Bread Company, which now supplies Harrods among others.

In his new book, Paul puts his signature twist on the traditional classics, with easy-tofollow, foolproof and tantalising recipes for meat and potato pie, pork, apple and cider pie, lamb kidney and rosemary suet pudding, sausage plait and luxury fish pie.

He will show you how to create inventive dishes such as chicken and chorizo empanadas, chilli beef cornbread pies and savoury choux buns.

If that isn’t enough, here you will find his recipe for the Queen of puddings, as well as spiced plum pizza, chocolate volcanoes and apple and Wensleydale pie.

There are also regional recipes like Yorkshire curd tart and the Bedfordshire clanger, and a step-by-step guide to all the classic doughs from rich shortcrust to choux pastry.

“People delight in baking, and ask me what the secret is.” says Paul. “The truth is successful baking is all about having the appropriate kit and ingredients, and about understanding the techniques.”

“The way we bake has changed commercial bakers no longer take time to let their doughs ferment slowly, which creates the flavour. A little time and attention to detail when creating bread, cakes, and pies and puddings too, will allow you to begin your baking experience and create your own versions of the delicious recipes I’m showcasing in the book. In doing so, you’ll be able to create a little bit of magic in your own home which will really warm up your winter!”

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RECIPES

Pies and Puddings

This month in Pride, baker Paul Hollywood presents his hearty winter winner - a meat and potato pie using waxy potatoes and flavoursome braising steak...

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Meat & Potato Pie WITH SuET CRuST PASTRy “This no-nonsense recipe is one of my favourite pies. I use chuck steak (often sold as braising steak) which has lots of flavour, and two types of potato: a floury variety, which falls apart and thickens the gravy, and a waxier type that holds its shape to provide texture...”

Serves 4

For the Suet Crust 375g self-raising flour 175g shredded beef suet About 250ml cold water

For the Filling 2 large onions, chopped 700g chuck steak (braising steak), cut into 4–5cm chunks 400g waxy potatoes, such as Estima or Maris Peer, peeled and cut into 4cm chunks 400g floury potatoes, such as King Edward, peeled and cut into 4cm chunks Salt and pepper

First make the filling. Put the onions and steak in a large pan. Add enough water to just cover them and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat and simmer very gently for 1½ hours.

Add the potatoes to the pan, along with some salt and pepper, and cook for a further 30–35 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and the meat is tender. The gravy should be nicely thickened by the potatoes. Check the seasoning.

Pour off 300–600ml of liquid from the pan – enough to leave the filling nicely moist but not swimming in liquid – and save this to serve as gravy with the pie. Transfer the filling to a 1.2 litre pie dish and leave to cool completely.

Heat your oven to 200°C/gas 6. Then, to make the pastry, combine the flour and suet in a large bowl with some salt and pepper. Gradually mix in enough cold water to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Leave to stand for 5 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to around a 7–8mm thickness. Cut a 2cm strip of pastry. Dampen the rim of the pie dish with water. Stick the pastry strip onto the rim and dampen this too.

Lay the remaining pastry on top. Press down to seal the edges, crimp or flute the edges of the pastry then trim off the excess.

Bake the pie for 30–40 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Leave to stand for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Bacon and Egg Pie For the rich shortcrust pastry 275g plain flour Pinch of fine salt 135g cold unsalted butter, diced 1 medium egg, beaten 1 tsp lemon juice 2–3 tbsp cold water For the filling 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 200g unsmoked streaky bacon, diced 200g pork loin, cut into roughly 1.5cm dice 5 medium eggs 100g cream cheese 100g mature Cheddar, grated 1 tbsp chopped chives Beaten egg, to glaze; salt and pepper

To make the pastry, put the flour in a bowl. Add the diced butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.

Mix the egg with the lemon juice and water.

Make a well in the centre of the rubbed-in mixture and pour in the egg mix. Work in just enough liquid to bring the pastry together.

Knead into a ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Heat the oil, onion, garlic, bacon and pork, cook for 10 mins. Beat two of the eggs with the cream cheese until smooth. Add the Cheddar and chives and season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the cooled bacon mixture.

Put the filling mix into a rolled out pastry case.

Make three evenly spaced depressions in the filling and crack the remaining eggs into them.

Our recipes are reproduced from Paul’s new book, Pies and Puds, published by Bloomsbury and available in all good bookshops for £18. 224 pages, hardback.

Brush the rim with egg and place the lid on top. Press the edges to seal and trim off the excess neatly. Brush the top of the pie with egg and make a steam hole in the centre.

Bake at 200°C/gas 6 for 50–55 minutes. Leave to settle for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

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Apple & Wensleydale Pie WITH SHORTCRuST PASTRy Chicken & Chorizo EMPANADAS For the empanada dough 150g unsalted butter, 300g plain flour Large pinch of salt, 1 medium egg, lightly beaten, 3–5 tbsp water. Beaten egg, to finish For the filling 4 chicken thighs, on the bone and skin on, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 1 garlic clove, crushed, 100g British-style chorizo, finely diced ½ tsp cumin seeds, 50g raisins

Heat your oven to 180°C/gas 4. Roast the chicken thighs cooked through. Make the pastry, then return the dough to its bowl, cover and set aside.

To prepare the filling, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium low heat. Add the onion and cook for 10–12 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic, chorizo, cumin seeds and raisins.

Cook over a medium heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring often, until the chorizo is cooked.

Remove from the heat. Once the chicken thighs are cool enough to handle, remove the skin.

Pull all the meat from the bones and chop it roughly. Add to the chorizo mixture then leave to cool completely.

Heat your oven to 200°C/gas 6 and line a large baking sheet with baking parchment.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to a 3–4mm thickness. Using a 12cm cutter, or a small bowl as a guide, cut out 10 discs. Divide the filling between the discs, put the empanadas on the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, bake for 15mins.

There’s a saying in yorkshire that ‘apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze’. I couldn’t agree more – tangy, salty cheese and sweet apple go beautifully together. I like to use a mixture of cooking and eating apples in this pie, in order to create a varied, interesting texture...

Serves Six

For the Pastry 350g plain flour 175g cold unsalted butter, cut into roughly 1cm dice, plus extra for greasing About 75ml cold water

For the Filling 500g cooking apples 500g eating apples 100g caster sugar 125g Wensleydale cheese, crumbled A little milk About 1 tbsp caster sugar

To make the pastry, put the flour in a bowl. Add the diced butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, do this in a food processor or a mixer and then transfer to a bowl.

Now work in just enough cold water to bring the pastry together, using one hand. When the dough begins to stick together, gently knead it into a ball. Wrap the pastry in cling film and rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Heat your oven to 200°C/gas 6. Lightly butter a baking tin, about 26 x 20cm and about 4cm deep. For the filling, peel, quarter and core all the apples. Slice into a large bowl and mix them together.

Once the dough has rested, cut it into two pieces, roughly one-third and two-thirds. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the larger piece of pastry so it’s a good 6cm larger all round than the tin. Line the base and sides of the tin with the pastry, leaving the excess hanging over the sides.

Lay a third of the apple slices in the pastry-lined tin and sprinkle with a third of the sugar. Repeat with the remaining apple and sugar. Now scatter the crumbled cheese evenly over the fruit.

Roll out the remaining pastry to make a lid.

Brush the edges of the pastry in the tin with milk then put the pastry lid on top. Seal the edges with your fingertips and trim off the excess pastry neatly.

Brush the pastry with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Make two slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Leave to stand for at least 15 minutes before slicing. The pie is delicious hot or cold and needs no accompaniment.

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RECIPES

Pies and Puddings

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RECIPES

Pies and Puddings

This syrup-ey winter crowd pleaser is really easy, perfect with lashings of custard in front of the Aga...!

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Heather and Honey SPONGE PuDDING There’s nothing to compare to the light, fluffy texture of a steamed sponge pudding. Golden syrup is a classic addition, of course, but I love this version, which makes the most of the fragrant flavour of Scottish heather honey. Any other well-flavoured honey will work well too...

Individual FRuIT PIES Makes 12

Serves four.

130g heather honey 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 100g caster sugar 3 medium eggs 110g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder

Butter a one litre pudding basin. Put two tbsp of the honey into the prepared basin (if the honey is very thick, warm it gently first to make it more liquid).

Put the remaining honey and all the other ingredients into a large bowl and beat together using an electric whisk. Start off slowly, then increase the speed and mix for two minutes until all the ingredients are well combined.

Pour the mixture into the pudding basin, on top of the honey.

“With their luscious fruity filling, these little pies remind me of the ones my Nan used to make. They are a real treat, especially when served warm with whipped cream. I’ve given you three fillings to choose from; each uses the full quantity of pastry...”

Place a piece of baking parchment on a sheet of foil and make a large pleat in the middle, folding both sheets together (this allows for the pudding’s expansion as it cooks).

To make the pastry, mix the flour and icing sugar together in a bowl. Add the diced butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.

Put the parchment and foil on top of the pudding, foil side up, and secure with string, looping the end of the string over the top of the pudding and tying it to form a handle that will enable you to lift the pudding in and out of the pan.

Mix the egg with the lemon juice and water.

Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the egg mix. Using one hand, work the liquid into the flour to bring the pastry together. If it seems too dry, add a splash more water. When the dough begins to stick, gently knead it into a ball. Wrap in cling film and rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

Place the basin in a large pan, and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of the basin. Put a lid on the pan and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and let the pudding steam for 1¼ hours until risen and springy to the touch.

Our recipes are reproduced from Paul’s new book, Pies and Puds, published by Bloomsbury and available in all good bookshops for £18. 224 pages, hardback.

For the sweet shortcrust, 200g plain flour, 2 tbsp icing sugar, 100g cold unsalted butter, cut into roughly 1cm dice, 1 medium egg, lightly beaten, 1 tsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp cold water

Top up the boiling water during this time if necessary so the pan doesn’t boil dry. Carefully lift the pudding basin from the pan, remove the foil and parchment and run the tip of a small, sharp knife around the edge of the pudding to help release it. Turn onto a warmed large plate and serve piping hot, with custard or cream.

For an apple filling use seven medium eating apples, 25g unsalted butter, 75g caster sugar, 50ml Calvados and 2tbsp mascapone.

Substitute seven medium pears and 50ml perry for pear pies, or nine apricots with 50ml amaretto for apricot pies. In all cases prepare the fruit; peel, quarter, stone and core. Melt the butter, sugar and lemon zest in a pan. Add the alcohol and fruit. Simmer for 10 mins then leave to cool. Spoon into individual pastry cases then bake for 25min 200°C/gas 6 for 25 mins. Cool then serve.

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THE BEST OF

FEBRUARY

RUTLAND & STAMFORD

2014

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

2014 THE BEST OF

THE COUNTY

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

LincolnshirePride

RutlandPride

T H E

MAGAZINE ONE COUNTY THE NUMBER

Horse Racing Skiing Holidays - Fashion Paul Hollywood - Weddings

N U M B E R

O N E

C O U N T Y

M A G A Z I N E

ISSUE 139

STAMFORD UTLAND AND COVERING R

Enjoying a Flutter

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

Winter Sports

SKIING

Enjoy a Flutter at

£3.70

x

The Event Enjoy Oakham’s NSPCC concert {Page 16}

Eating Out Valentine’s Day dining {Page 29}

Home & Garden

Improve your home ready for Spring {Page 52}

Eating Out Valentine’s Day dining {Page 16}

Home & Garden Improving homes ready for Spring {Page 52}

£3.70

MAR KET RAS EN

Weddings - Motors Fashion - What’s On

The Event Fundraising in the county {Page 138}

Pick up your copy of the number one county magazine every month.

On sale in supermarkets and newsagents across the county.

01529 469977 www.pridemagazines.co.uk

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Find your perfect holiday with your local, independent & friendly travel experts

SPOTLIGHT ON ISTRIA – CROATIA T

he stunning heart shaped peninsula of Istria is tucked into the North West corner of Croatia and only 2 hours by catamaran across the Adriatic from Venice.

This year Oundle Travel have placed the Istria region in its Top Ten Destinations, this area is the Mediterranean as it once was, there are few destinations less than a 3 hour flight from the UK that offer the diversity of Croatia. More than 120 beaches and marinas have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag Status.

Istria is quite simply stunning, pretty villages with churches and towers, medieval towns with cobbled streets, and lush rolling green valley’s bursting with vineyards and olive groves. There are numerous bays, coves and islands, fantastic award winning wines and some of the best restaurant’s in Croatia are in the Istria region. Italian is the second language and the street signs are usually in Croatian and Italian.

Rovinj once an island, is now a peninsula and is renowned as one of the prettiest spots on the Croatian Adriatic. The old town is a maze of tiny streets, and the architecture is a mix of Venetian, Gothic and Baroque. There are some fantastic bars and restaurants and a buzzing evening scene especially in the high season. Every June, Rovinj becomes alive as it hosts the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival now in its seventh year; there are Cuban bands, world class salsa instructors and six days of dance and music all over this beautiful town.

The 5 star luxury Hotel Monte Mulini is arguably one of the best hotels in the Adriatic. Located right by the shore and set in gardens with abundant greenery, this hotel oozes style and has become known for providing a highly personalised service.

Prices for 7 nights mid season from £1599.00 per person with flights from London to Pula.

For a less expensive option why not try The Hotel Park, located close to the sea, overlooking the marina and tiny Katerina Island, the views are fantastic and the centre of Rovinj is only a 10 minute walk away. Prices range from £1099.00 per person in mid season and £1298.00 for 10 nights in July and August.

So if you fancy something a little different for your 2014 Summer holiday, why not head for Istria, you may be pleasantly surprised !

Oundle Travel Limited Market Place, Oundle 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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WELCOME HOME

Restoring The Old Rectory

REGEnCy STyLE 52

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Mellow: The property was created in 1837 of local limestone and Collyweston slate. It’s an eclectic but beautiful blend of late regency, early Victorian and trailblazing gothic revivalist influences...

t H E O L d r E C tO r y, g r E At F O r d

BACK In 1837, qUEEn VICTORIA ASCEnDED TO THE THROnE, AnD A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME, GREATFORD’S OLD RECTORy wAS COMPLETED. FAST FORwARD TO THE yEAR 2011 AnD JEnnI wOOD COMPLETED A REnOVATIOn THAT wOULD RETURn THE REGEnCy COUnTRy HOME TO ITS FORMER GLORy, CREATInG A PROPERTy THAT MITIGATES PERIOD STyLE wITH THE FUnCTIOnALITy THAT ALL MODERn FAMILIES REqUIRE 53

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W

hen Jenni Wood came to the county from Cambridgeshire, she was seeking a property with period charm and character, but one that would cope well with the need accommodate a modern family with four young children, too. Greatford’s Old Rectory was perfect, but before they could enjoy the property there was work to be done.

says Jenni. “The main change we made was to add a new sunroom and kitchen extension, which has given us a really lovely space for modern living. The kitchen is easily my favourite room, as I love preparing meals, but as well as being a nice place to spend time it’s also a really practical space.”

The room was created by Vale Garden Houses and is brilliantly in keeping with the style of the property. Despite it being a traditional-looking addition, the room features underfloor heating to its flagstones, bi-fold doors and a spacious living area with built-in entertainment centre and programmable lighting.

Above: Stamford based Hunters Interiors helped Jenni wood to style the property “Georgina was absolutely brilliant!” she says.

“Structurally it was OK, but despite a Grade II listing, there were uPVC windows and it was dated.” says Jenni.

“We moved in during July 2010 and lived in the property whilst Built of mellow limestone with a Collyweston slate roof, we restored it. It took a year and I project managed it myself.” the property has a striking south-facing façade with arched “I’d never undertook a stone-mullioned windows, an impressive central front restoration before but we had and Gothic detailing along the roof-line... some really great local builders, AF Dickson. If I wanted anything or needed to make changes during the project, The attention to detail that has gone into creating Jenni’s there was no question; it just happened.” kitchen is extraordinary. Local firm Grand Union Designs are master cabinet makers based in Towcester. They created Dating from 1837, The Old Rectory is a handsome period the kitchen in solid English oak with a distressed painted property whose charming style has late regency and early finish. A combination of oak and granite have been used as Victorian as well as early gothic revival influences. toppers, whilst an electric four oven Aga and hunting frieze to the back wall help to authenticate its country kitchen feel.

Built of mellow limestone with a Collyweston slate roof, the property has a striking south-facing façade with arched Concealed within the kitchen are appliances from names like stone-mullioned windows, an impressive period front door Miele; a wine fridge, dishwasher, electric oven, separate and Gothic detailing along the roof-line. induction hob, boiling water tap and waste disposal unit.

There’s a dedicated larder and a separate utility room houses “The property is Grade II listed but even if it wasn’t, we’d a large fridge freezer and laundry equipment. have wanted to retain its style and period features.”

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door

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WELCOME WELCOME HOME HOME

Left: Created by Grand Union Designs, the kitchen is a blend of solid English oak cabinetry, modern appliances and specially imported granite.

Left: There are four reception rooms; a formal drawing room, dining room, orangery/living kitchen and a large family room.

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The property has four reception rooms, currently a formal drawing room, dining room, separate family room and the orangery/family room in the kitchen. These have been styled with help from Stamford-based Hunters interiors, whose influences on the house include the beautiful Cole & Son Byron peacock print wallpaper in the dining room.

The property’s six bedrooms are arranged over two further floors. One of Jenni’s best decisions was the conversion of the attic into a generous and well-specified master suite with a huge dressing room and modern en suite bathroom.

A large window light floods the master bedroom’s sitting area with natural light whilst a glass floor fills the landing below with below with natural light was well as creating an interesting architectural feature. The property’s three bathrooms all have underfloor heating and superb views over the surrounding countryside.

A separate self-contained one-bedroom annexe provides additional living space, whilst a garage complex presents an office and two workshops as well as garaging for around 14 cars. Two stables and a tack room ensures plenty of space for those with horses - as does a total of 11 acres of grounds comprising two large fields and a smaller paddock.

The property and its immediate grounds cover around two acres with a south-facing decking, a swim-spa, tennis courts and mature gardens that include orchards and spinney.

With the work now complete, however, Jenni find herself looking for a new project and a new challenge. “It’s been the perfect family home but I’m seeking a new project. she says.

“I’m hoping to find a family who will love and care for the property. It’s a superb home, and I’ve loved creating it, but I can’t wait to see what comes along next!”

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The Old Rectory Greatford, near Stamford Style: Late regency/early Victorian property restored by Jenni wood. receptions: Four, currently arranged as formal living room, dining room, family room and orangery/living kitchen.

Bedrooms: Six; master suite to second floor with en suite, dressing room and sitting area.

Other features: Study, utility, three fields/paddocks, 11 acres in total. Selfcontained annexe, offices and stabling.

Price: £2,500,000 Estate Agency: Fine & Country, 2 St Mary’s St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2DE. tel: 01780 750200.

Web: www.fineandcountry.com.

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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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HOMES And GARdEnS

A Country Home wHETHER yOU’VE A RUSTIC FARMHOUSE wITH BEAMS OR A qUAInT COTTAGE wITH A THATCHED ROOF AnD FLAGSTOnE FLOOR, yOU’LL LOVE OUR IDEAS FOR CREATInG A RUSTIC FEEL In yOUR RUTLAnD HOME...

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1.Voyage Maison Cushions: Voyage Maison is a little Scottish company that has found favour with Rutland’s interior designers with its Country range of watercolour cushions with dogs, stags and flowers. Expect to pay around £30-£40.

2. Settle: Fired Earth’s freestanding settle is £1,775, handcrafted from oak. The linen cotton mix cushions and bolster shown here 60

are sold separately and come to a total of £468. The Settle is available in ten standard painted finishes including Weald Green (shown here) and in three oak finishes.

3. Trunks: Halo Living has a lovely collection of trunks in different shapes and sizes. Great as occasional tables, for storage and as blanket boxes. Coleby in stone fabric, Paris in leather. £350,

4. Rocking Chair: Traditional with Bramley distressed cream finish from Laura Ashley, £210, dining chairs and carvers also available.

5. Hallway Storage: Also from Laura is Ashley, is this hallway bench, £300 with three rattan baskets for storing shoes.

6. Juniper Bed: Designed by And So To Bed, in black, white or antique silver £1,275 -£1,525 from double to Super King.

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Seen here: Marple dining chair (shown in Beech and Cream) £125 each; Burford 6-8 seater extending dining table £799; Sentinel dining chair £95; Pendleton bench, Oak £299, Neptune Suffolk dining chair, Limestone £180.

Sophie Conran for Portmeirion tableware, available from £7. Items available from John Lewis’s SS14 range.

Find Out More: Voyage 0141 641 1700, www.voyagedecoration.com, Fired Earth 0845 293 8798, www.firedearth.com, Halo 0161 923 0541, www.haloliving.co.uk, Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999, www.lauraashley.com, And So to Bed 0808 144 4343, www.andsotobed.co.uk.

John Lewis 08456 049 049, www.johnlewis.com.

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BAREFOOT FLOORING...

Barefood Flooring is a relatively new carpet and flooring company based in Oakham run by Mark Tilson and Lisa Price.

It opened the doors in February 2013, and twelve months later the future looks bright... or beige, if you prefer!

Barefoot Flooring combines Lisa’s customer service and marketing skills and her passion for helping it's customers make the right choices, Mark has spent more than 20 years in the trade and his relaxed and friendly approach combined with an in-depth knowledge make choosing flooring easy.

Mark and Lisa are passionate about what they do, and committed to ensuring their customer service is spot on. “we can provide a service that takes all the hassle out of buying and fitting a new floor,” says Lisa “we will take up and dispose of your old flooring, move your furniture and even vacuum afterwards if that’s what the customer wants.” “we guarantee all the work for two years, and use some of the best flooring fitters around,” says Mark. “Our guys are a friendly bunch and will always go beyond the call of duty if kept in cups of tea!”

The shop is located down Station Approach and has a ‘boutique’ feel as its so small, but the range of flooring is very extensive. “we have chosen our suppliers carefully to get the best mix of Carpets, wood & Laminate, Vinyls and Luxury Vinyl Tiles, this means that we can keep our prices really competitive,” says Lisa. “Style, quality and service don't have to be exorbitantly priced, and if you cant see it in store, just ask, as we can source from a huge network of suppliers.”

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Oakham is a growing town, so Mark and Lisa felt that a small flooring company would be of benefit to the local community and the local economy. “we have a recommend a friend scheme whereby those customers who recommend us to their friends will receive a £20 voucher, and the referred customer will get a discount off their order,” says Lisa. “we have already had great success with the vouchers and we are already doing repeat business, which tells we are doing it right!”

Customers can bring their room sizes into the store for an instant quote, or if the customer prefers, Mark will always go out and measure up, ensuring that there is minimum waste and the best possible price. “Striped carpet on stairs is very popular at the moment, so it’s very important to get the area professionally measured to ensure the stripes line up,” says Mark. “we are also fitting a lot of ‘designer floors’ where a customer can decide on the layout and create their own designs with borders or feature strips.” “we have pictures on our Facebook page of work we have done, which is being updated all the time.” says Lisa. “we also will put exclusive offers on Facebook and Twitter, so check them out and you may get a bargain!”

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Spring Homes 2014

STYLE IDEAS Blue and green will dominate this season’s colour palette, so we’ve asked the country’s leading design houses to introduce us to their interpretation of these fresh colours, both of which look great in an on-trend luxe roomset...

Words: Rob Davis.

“The colours we will want to use in our homes over the next year reflect our instinctive need to turn our backs on the hard flat surfaces which dominate modern life.” says Farrow & Ball’s design director Sarah Cole.

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HOMES And GARdEnS

Your Spring Home in 2014

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his season’s backdrop colour will be a warm, sophisticated grey known to designers as paloma. It’s a versatile shade that will allow other trends like luxe - a boutique hotel room look with modern lines - or mix and match metallics to come to the fore.

Opposite: Prestigious Textiles’s Pemberley stripes and damask fabrics with duck egg, cornflower and stone colourways.

Victorian botanical designs will look good in your spring rooms too, perhaps as an etching design within wallpaper or as a print in textiles. These work well in bedrooms with floral bedlinen in sage and cornflower, and perhaps tongue & groove panelling in the same colours in rustic bedrooms and bathrooms.

Above/Left: Duresta’s Trafalgar sofa range.

Above: Cushions from Jane Churchill collection; Munro in steel, Loren in silver, Fontane in pewter and Carus in gold.

Chair in Calista, silver.

Stripes will provide soft furnishings designers with inspiration, and tartan patterns will also look good with blue, sage and hints of raspberry. Take your lead from anything natural or traditional, and add a hint of luxe with flashes of gold and fabrics with metallic sheens.

“The colours we will want to use in our homes over the next year reflect our instinctive need to turn our backs on the hard flat surfaces which dominate modern life.” says Farrow & Ball’s design director Sarah Cole.

“Our Cooking Apple Green, Stiffkey Blue, Purbeck Stone and Mole’s Breath, all bring us back in touch with nature and are our key colours of 2014. Our inspiration has been gathered from either the seashore or the landscape. They are all easy to use and create quietly stylish, but ultimately comfortable, homes.”

As always, we recommend taking advantage of both the design experience, expertise and fabric & wallcovering libraries of the county’s interior design specialists, as listed here.

Left: Portfolio collection,

by Clake and Clarke,

Finding Out More BROOKSIDE CARPETS & CURTAINS: 123 St Mary's Rd, Market Harborough LE16 7DT. Tel: 01858 433334. web: www.brooksidecarpets.co.uk.

ELIZABETH STANHOPE INTERIORS: Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 722345. web: www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk.

J & L BALL INTERIORS: north St, Stamford, PE9 1EH. Tel: 01780 481416. www.jandlball.co.uk.

SARAH HARDING INTERIORS: Market St, Town Centre, Uppingham LE15 9qH Tel: 01572 823389. web: www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

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BATHROOMS

with Luna Ceramics

Seeking stylish solutions for your bathroom?

Luna Ceramics provide design-led bathrooms with the area’s largest selection of tiles for walls and floors, and products by the world’s most respected names like Villeroy & Boch...

D

esign is something that modern bathrooms should have in abundance. That’s why, in 2011, Luna chose Villeroy & Boch as the preferred supplier for their new bathroom design studio.

The company has over 5,000sq ft. of showroom space with 25 luxury bathrooms in complete room settings, together with an extensive tile and stone collection. As Pride goes to press Luna Ceramics will also be opening its stunning new kitchen showroom, featuring the latest in German design and reliability.

Luna ceramics partnership with international brands like Villeroy & Boch and Grespania ensure it is well placed to provide clients in both Lincolnshire and Rutland with the area’s largest choice of prestige bathrooms, showers, ceramic tiles and natural stone.

Villeroy & Boch recently unveiled its True Oak range of freestanding furniture and the amazing Squaro Edge12 bath made from quaryl. They also unveiled the new Body & Soul whirlpool bath systems and an updated version of the iconic Christian Conran designed Aveo range.

“Access to the complete Villeroy & Boch collection together with shower enclosures by Aqata and accessories from Dornbract, Keuco and Vogue mean you are always spoilt for choice. So sit down with a coffee and one of our knowledgeable team and let’s create the bathroom - or kitchen - of your dreams, all brought to life with the latest in 3D design software.”

Find Out More: Luna Ceramics, Bishops Road, Lincoln, Ln2 4JZ. Telephone: 01522 521 112. website: www.lunaceramics.co.uk.

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Top: Villeroy & Boch unveiled its new Aveo suite at the ISH 2013 trade fair, as well as its new ranges of True Oak freestanding furniture and new whirlpool systems.

Above: Luna Ceramics has over 5,000sq ft dedicated to floor and wall tiles. These ranges are designed to supplement its contemporary and traditional ranges of bathrooms. The company will also launch its new kitchen studio as Pride goes to press.

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Left: Villeroy & Boch’s Aveo has been revised.

Aveo New Generation was created as a design collaboration with Conran, and is available with optional whirlpool system. Made from the company’s own Quaryl and measuring nearly 2m in length, prices start from around £4,000.

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bathrOOms

with Devonports

Organic: Massaud is an organic collection with lots of curves. It has a range of modern-looking taps and ďŹ llers, as well as accessories like mirrors, wall hooks, vases and tumblers to create a coherent look.

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a relaxing room for your wellbeing from Devonports A family business with 10 years experience, Devonports provides designer ranges and full project management across Lincolnshire and Rutland...

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athrooms are no longer just places to get ready in the morning. They’re more akin to a private spa in your own home, with wellness and style making bathrooms as much about fashion as function.

With 11 years of experience, Devonports designs and installs bathrooms across Lincolnshire and Rutland, using names like Hansgrohe, Vitra and Mereway, with both traditional and contemporary styles and built-in storage.

“Our years of installation experience at Devonports have given us the benefit of working with many products from many many different companies.” says Stephen and Sarah Devonport. “This knowledge gave us a real advantage when we were in the early stages of planning the Devonports showroom. “

top: Hansgrohe’s Citterio evokes boutique hotel style with a crisp contemporary look.

above: Devonports supplies Hansgrohe designer bathrooms as well as names like Vitra and Imperial. Shown here is its waterfall mixer tap and freestanding basin.

“We are able to offer sanitaryware, showers, shower enclosures, taps, furniture, mirrors, radiators and accessories from companies that we have come to trust ones that we’re only too happy to put alongside the Devonports name.”

The company first invites its clients to browse a range of bathroom installations in its showroom, then completes a site survey and manages its in-house installation team for complete peace of mind.

“We really do understand that our customers are putting their trust in us. We return that trust with a high quality, stress-free service that allows you to have a room you can be really proud of no matter what your preferred style, no matter what the size of your room and no matter what your budget.” says Sarah.

Find Out More: Devonports Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms, 45 Bridge Street, Deeping St James PE6 8HA. Telephone: 01778 346415.

Website: www.devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk.

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bathrOOms

with Elixir Bathrooms

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modern design from a Kbba Customer service of the Year Finalist A focus on customer service provided Elixir Bathrooms with a finalists position in the Kitchen, Bathrooms and Bedroom Awards Customer Service of the Year category...

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he family run business with the latest designer ranges. Elixir Bathrooms serves homes across Lincolnshire and Rutland. With hand-picked products from names like Laufen and Vitra, both synonymous with style and quality, the team can help you to create a designer bathroom with sleek lines and 25 bathrooms in their showroom. top: The Palomba range by Laufen features dramatic organic curves.

Combining style with service, the company offers full project management from design, to supply, to installation with in-house tradesmen who ensure the same attention to detail no matter what your budget.

Hand drawn plans and on site surveys ensure that all you have to do is choose the look and feel of your room.

From there, the company can organise and coordinate plumbing, joinery, electrical, plastering and tiling works, taking the stress out of achieving your new family bathrooms, en suite or cloakroom.

“You can enjoy a leisurely browse and an informal chat with fully qualified (not commission based) design led sales team. It also means that you can touch and feel the quality of the items and make sure they are right for you.

Many of our clients bring in their existing room sizes as this helps us with the initial consultation of advising which products will fit and work best within your space.” says husband and wife team Sue and Phil Gretton. “Hopefully once we have seen measurements we will be able to advise a layout that you probably never thought was possible, one that will transform your room.”

Left: Laufen’s Form is Elixir’s flagship designer range, really versatile with many different styles of fittings. Angular ceramic blocks can be cut to size for a bespoke room, whilst two matching styles of furniture allow you to cleverly integrate storage. above: The company also supplies Bauhaus bathroom furniture like its new Glide II range with soft-close towel cupboards. It’s available in five finishes, like walnut, white gloss and wenge.

Find Out More: Elixir Bathrooms, The Pelham Centre, Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HG Telephone: 01522 87 87 86.

Website: www.elixir-bathrooms.com.

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bathrOOms

with NGI Design

make a statement with cutting edge bathroom design...

Producing stylish, contemporary, high end rooms across Lincolnshire and Rutland. Owners Darren Cherry and Neil Partridge introduce their design-led brands...

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hen you want something completely exclusive, something European and high-end, something unusual and dramatic, Stamford’s NGI Design will provide the kind of jaw-dropping style that will impress anyone!

The company was established 13 years ago and provides sleek kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, free-standing furniture, lighting and finishing touches.

For bathrooms that means names like Kaldewei, Hidrobox, Dornbracht, Victoria & Albert and Laufen, with rooms designed and installed in-house with full project management either as a single room project or as part of a complete redesign of your home.

“The ethos behind our work is to combine functionality with distinctive design and high quality fittings.” says the firm’s Neil Partridge and Darren Cherry. “We will realise a bathroom which is both practical and inspiring for everyone of our customers, yet each will be different and each will feature contemporary design, attention to detail and unrivalled quality.”

The company’s Kaldewei bathrooms, as shown here, are supplemented with full project management using in-house tradesmen, ensuring not only an impressive looking room, but a smooth, hassle-free installation too.

Find Out More: NGI Design, 4,5 & 6 High Street, St Martins, Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 2LF Telephone: 01780 766 899.

Website: www.ngidesign.co.uk.

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top: The company’s Piatto shower plate, with its 1.5m diameter and centrally mounted waterfall head creates a luxurious showering space and will make a statement in any bathroom or bedroom. above: Kaldewei’s Bassino range of baths can be free-standing, mounted against a wall or installed in a corner. The company’s 3.5mm steel enamel construction is guaranteed for 30 years

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Kaldewei: Kaldewei’s white or black Avant Garde baths makes a serious style statement and have a range of optional features. Electronic remote control systems enable you tun run a bath to your desired depth and temperature, white and black enamel surface ďŹ nishes create a bespoke design, whilst integrated spectral lighting, concealed Bluetooth speakers and whirlpool systems are also available.

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in the garDen

The Edible Garden...

It’s amazing just how many owers growing in your garden are edible. A little work in the glasshouse this month will see you planting up platefuls of pleasure this spring and summer...

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M

ary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden taste? Like Mary, you’ll be amazed just how many of the flowers we grow for decoration in your garden are actually edible.

What’s more, February is the month that you can get busy creating a bountiful crop to exploit in the spring and summer months.

Sparkling Salads A Bloomsbury salad can include nasturtium, viola, borage, and calendula, combined with young lettuce leaves, and a little olive oil and vinegar.

February and March are the ideal months to sow nasturtiums - they’ll flower from summer right through to autumn, and can be used as garnish, as well as exploiting their peppery style to add flavour to salads. You can also combine them with cream cheese and use on canapés, or in a cheese and tomato sandwich.

Bellis (daisies) can be used in the same way - their small white quill-shaped petals makes a colourful garnish on desserts and in soup, and can be used in salads.

Calendula (pot marigolds) can also be sown in situ in spring, whilst cornflowers, can be sown from next month and used during the summer months in salads, omelettes, and in pasta dishes. Pansies have a lettuce-like flavour ideal for garnishing a paté, or as a decorative addition to a salad.

Our opening image sees them used as a colourful addition to a seafood dish, but they also comes into their own crystallised and use to decorate cookies, cakes and cream desserts.

main: Swedish chef Tareq Taylor is currently using flowers on his BBC and UKTV cookery shows. right: Nasturtiums add a peppery flavour, similar to watercress, for salads. They can be used on canapés, too.

Far right: Lilac and blackberry pavlova - create a syrup with the fruit, flowers, sugar & water.

Cornflowers, can be sown from next month and used during the summer months in salads, omelettes, and in pasta dishes. Pansies have a lettuce-like flavour ideal for garnishing a paté, or as an addition to a salad...

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garDening

in the garDen

Jobs for February

£ Prune your fruit trees before the end of February. Later pruning can lead to loss of sap. Bear in mind that vigorous pruning will promote the growth of substantial shoots.

Wait until May before pruning trees with stoned fruits - such as cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches and apricots - because of the risk of silverleaf disease.

£ Check whether perennials in beds and borders have been lifted by the frost. Push them back into the soil.

£ Weeds may already have grown significantly, particularly annual meadow grass and other annuals. It is best to remove them by hand as hoeing can damage the roots of your ornamental plants.

£ A thorough clean ensures that any surviving vermin is removed from the box so that it does not bother the new hatchlings.

£ This is the best time to remove trees. Leave the removal of big trees to a professional/tree surgeon. They have the right equipment and know precisely how to avoid any damage.

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garDening

Just Desserts Sweet William petals can add zest to ice creams, sorbets, fruit salads and dessert sauces, whilst violets and lavender add flavour to desserts and biscuits. Rosemary can add fragrant flavour to biscuit dough and can also be used in your baking to create lovely focaccia - great with home-grown garlic, which can be planted now, and home-grown tomatoes, which should be sown from seed in the glasshouse this month.

Ones to Avoid Whilst it’s surprising how many of the flowers growing in your garden can be eaten safely, we should sound a few words of caution.

Daisies can cause an allergic reaction in those with hayfever, whilst pregnant women should avoid borage, as it’s a diuretic.

Lavender oil can be poisonous in an undiluted state, whilst marigold flowers and leaves, whilst citrus-ey, can be harmful in large amounts. Pea shoots are delicious in salad, but sweetpea flowers are toxic, and poppy seeds make great muffins and bread toppings, but poppies themselves are poisonous.

Three to Try...

Borage and lavender are two of the most versatile edible flowers, and can be used in vegetable and fruit salads.

Both can be planted from next month, with April prime growing time.

Finally, what article on growing your own food would be complete without an honourable mention for lettuce?

Plant from seed this month then harvest from mid-summer, an enjoy an abundant supply of fresh, delicious salads throughout the season!

top right: Lavender can be planted from next month, then harvest in summer to use in biscuits, sorbets and in duck, chicken or lamb dishes. right: Don’t forget to grow herbs from the spring months - hang them up and dry them for use all year round. above: Borage can be used in salads, fruit salads and frozen in the middle of ice cubes floating on iced tea.

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THE BEST OF

FEBRUARY

RUTLAND & STAMFORD

2014

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

2014 THE BEST OF

THE COUNTY

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

LincolnshirePride

RutlandPride

T H E

MAGAZINE ONE COUNTY THE NUMBER

Horse Racing Skiing Holidays - Fashion Paul Hollywood - Weddings

N U M B E R

O N E

C O U N T Y

M A G A Z I N E

ISSUE 139

STAMFORD UTLAND AND COVERING R

Enjoying a Flutter

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

Winter Sports

SKIING

Enjoy a Flutter at

£3.70

x

The Event Enjoy Oakham’s NSPCC concert {Page 16}

Eating Out Valentine’s Day dining {Page 29}

Home & Garden

Improve your home ready for Spring {Page 52}

Eating Out Valentine’s Day dining {Page 16}

Home & Garden Improving homes ready for Spring {Page 52}

£3.70

MAR KET RAS EN

Weddings - Motors Fashion - What’s On

The Event Fundraising in the county {Page 138}

Advertise in the number one county magazine.

To discover how we can boost your sales, call our friendly team now.

01529 469977 www.pridemagazines.co.uk

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MOORE & SCRUPPS 3 Southgate Sleaford NG34 7SU 01529 302674

14 West Street Bourne PE10 9NE 01778 424228

7 Appletongate Newark NG24 1JR 01636 704488

345 High Street Lincoln LN5 7DQ 01522 262556

w w w. m o o r e a n d s c r u p p s . c o . u k

21 Long Causeway Peterborough PE1 1YQ 01733 551182

Find us on

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the WeDDing aLbUm

the WeDDing aLbUm

Neil and Mishka Clarke...

Have fun, and make yourselves happy - that’s the advice of this month’s bride and groom, who enjoyed the whole experience from a surprise proposal during a weekend away to their vintage themed wedding with its ice cream cart and Great Gatsby-inspired wedding dress...

Photos: Contact:

Lizzie haines, shoot it Photography.

07951 030114, www.shootitmomma.co.uk.

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“N eil w as re ally happy toI wtaaske in th e pa ssen ger se at w hilste w ed ding !” my ele ment pl an ning th

h ig h ly d n e m m o c e r r o “ I c an ’ t t h anwk e dd in g p h oto g r ap h er, en ou g h my ou r g uests lo ve d h er ! ” L iz z ie .. .

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the WeDDing aLbUm

“The best advice I can give to any future brides, is just to have fun planning your wedding, do what makes you both happy...!”

N

eil and I have been together exactly five years as we write this. We can absolutely say it has been the best five years of our lives!

We’d been together for just over three years when Neil proposed. He took me on a weekend break to the beautiful little town of Ludlow and after having dinner we went for a walk. It was a crisp, clear night with a full moon above us. We stopped on the bridge across the river and that's where he dropped to one knee and asked me if I’d marry him.

I think our tastes and what we like are quite similar, but to be completely honest, I think Neil was quite happy to take the passenger seat whilst I was in my element planning the wedding... well, at least I hope he was. I loved every bit of planning our wedding, and I would absolutely do it all again tomorrow.

By the time I walked into the church and saw my friends and family, my pre-wedding nerves disappeared. I was overwhelmed with happiness, walking down the aisle and it meant the world to me that everyone could be there... I was just so excited to get married!

60 guests felt like a nice amount to have at the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and then a few more people came to the reception in the evening.

To this day, there is no wedding dress that I feel compares to mine; it was quite ‘Great Gatsby’ looking; a champagne silk dress with a drop hem that was beautifully beaded.

Our reception was held at The Falcon Hotel and I can’t sing the praises of all the staff enough, they helped to make it the most perfect day.

We would love to thank everyone who made it to our wedding, it really did mean the world to us. Our parents for being so supportive, I’d also like to thank those guests who travelled very long distances - Canada and Nepal to name a few.

I also loved every business we used, from my wedding dress boutique to our vintage ice cream trike. Also, I can’t thank or recommend highly enough my wedding photographer, Lizzie from Shoot It Momma Photography. She is just an all round fab person: Lizzie, we and the guests, all loved you!

The best advice I can give to any future brides, is just have fun planning your wedding, do what makes you and your future husband happy. Also, try on as many wedding dresses as you can, even styles you wouldn’t have thought you’d like, you’ll be surprised at what actually suits you when you’re wearing the dress.... and besides, how often do most women get to go wedding dress shopping? You may as well make the most of the experience!

the Ceremony: St Peter and St Paul Church the reception: The Falcon Hotel www.falcon-hotel.co.uk Wedding Dress: Martin Charles Bridal www.martincharles bridalgallery.co.uk Photographer: Lizzie Haines, Shoot It Photography www.shootitmomma.co.uk

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LOCAL COMPANY STARTS THE NEW YEAR ON A NEW NOTE... every business needs to move with the times and recognising the growing interest in locally produced, high quality products, Paul Sloggett and Hugo Spiegl launched The Stamford Notebook Company in November. From the Guash Way workshop they now hand-bind high quality notebooks, using fine paper from one of two paper mills left in the UK, colourful cloths and leather sourced from a tannery in Yeovil. A dazzling array of colours and textures means there’s something for everyone.

Hugo has been inspired by the response in the first few weeks ‘We hadn’t imagined our notebooks would be so popular. Customers have been buying them for their everyday notebooks and as gifts.

I’ve personalised many notebooks with initials using the original lead type we have collected over the years’. Some have been bought to send to relatives in the USA and others embossed with logos as corporate gifts.

The team are also surprised how quickly the word is getting around the UK and the world. They have had an enquiry from a shop in Herefordshire wanting to sell notebooks and someone from Bangalore in India asked if there was a shop in his city stocking them.

Stamford Notebooks look like the perfect notebook for everyday use or gifts for any occasion, whether Valentines Day, Birthday, Christmas orjust because!

See what British craftsmanship looks like at: www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk or pop into local stockists, Reba Boutique in Peterborough or Paradise Found in Stamford.

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1.

2.

FinDing the PerFeCt

WEDDING DRESS This month we’ve selected the 12 wedding dresses most likely to appeal to the county’s brides as they begin to plan their weddings. Our featured dresses are from our designers’ spring 2014 collections, likely to appear at local retailers in time for summer weddings...

Words: Rob Davis.

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WeDDing FashiOns

3.

4.

This year’s key wedding dress trends include detachable trains, hand-painted lace and coloured blushes, introducing graduated pastel colours to the base of a dress.

Ivory will still be a mainstay for most brides, though...

1. This Phil Collins ‘A’-line dress features a ruched middle, and Swarovski embellished strapless bodice. Style PC3320, from the spring 2014 collection. philcollinsbridal.co.uk

2. Linea Rafaelli’s Short and Sweet from the company’s 2014 collection features a ruched skirt and corsage detail to the bodice. www.linearaffaelli.be

3. Biscay is Opulence Bridal’s 2014 anklelength skirt with layered tuille and embroidered detail. Lace elbow length sleeves and corsage detail. opulencebride.co.uk

4. Justin Alexander’s empire gown, style 8700, features chantilly lace and a split-jewelled illusion neckline, along with capped sleeves and optional chapel train. justinalexanderbridal.com

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5.

6.

5. D’Zage’s ‘A’-line wedding dress, style 31359, features a v-neckline, as well as ruched gather to the centre of its bodice and empire length train. www.dzage.co.uk

96

6. Stephanie Allen’s Look of Love collection includes Daisy. Rich layered lace, floral embroidery and fitted bodice with classic ‘A’-line cut. www.stephanieallin.net

7. Veromia’s 61369 features a fitted column bodice with an empire-line cut, with later upon layer of lace in a ‘puffball’ style and crystal detail. www.veromia.co.uk

8. Eternity Bridal’s Gatsby-inspired gown, style 5083, features an empire line, capped sleeves in lace and rich crystal embellishment to both bodice and train. www.eternitybridal.co.uk

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WeDDing FashiOns

7.

8.

Art deco dresses will soon appear in bridal collections - for now, the trend is towards vintage dresses inspired by Downton Abbey and The Great Gatsby. Look out for halter necks and three quarter sleeves later in 2014, too...

97

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WeDDing FashiOns

9.

10.

To find your perfect wedding dress, search online at www.ukbride.co.uk. The wedding planning website’s Create & Find app will allow you to design your own dress and find ones which match your criteria from many of the UK’s leading designers...

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11.

12.

9. Olivia Grace’s Aliona is a stunning lace sweetheart gown that fits over the hips to create an hourglass illusion with beautiful beaded detail at the waist. oliviagracebridal.co.uk

10. Valencia from Romantica’s 2014 collection features an asymmetric ruched gather embellished with crystals, with an embellished neckline, too. romanticaofdevon.co.uk

11. Benjamin Adams is best known for bridal shoes, but presents this column gown with train, plunge neckline and embroidery & crystal embellishment. paradoxlondon.com

12. Linea Rafaelli’s column gown with beautiful embroidered detailing, halter neck and ruched neckline. Linear belt and crystal detail to bodice. www.linearaffaelli.be

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WeDDings

with The Finch Hatton Arms

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YOUr WeDDing, YOUr WaY, YOUr ChOiCe at

the FinCh hattOn arms...

Choosing your wedding reception venue will determine the look and feel of your wedding. With the launch of its new function suite there’s a new option available to local brides - the Finch Hatton Arms...

W

hen planning a wedding, your reception will determine the style, size and look of your day, so it’s important to opt for a venue that can create a bespoke wedding package to suit your special day.

Planning Your Wedding Many venues offer packages as a ‘starting point,’ allowing you to then modify costs per head, food and drink packages etc. Avoid venues that offer rigid, inflexible packages and instead, create your special day according to your individual wishes.

“We provide a completely bespoke service for up to 100 guests, working with budgets from around £2,000.” says John Hilton, owner of the Finch Hatton Arms.

The pub restaurant has just created its new function suite with a view to offering a spacious, practical venue for weddings and other special occasions with the ability to customise the room to suit your tastes.

“It’s important to choose somewhere, like our venue, which has a dedicated wedding planner or a member of staff who will meet you to discuss your requirements.”

“We only completed the new suite in August and have already had a number of prospective brides over to sample our food, see what we do and discuss the possibilities for decorating the room according to their colour scheme and budget.”

“Many brides who come to see us aren’t sure about how to plan a wedding, or who to use in

£ The Finch Hatton...

terms of suppliers. That’s why we’re working alongside companies like Elegant Touches who work across Lincolnshire and Rutland to provide venue decoration and wedding styling.”

“Another top tip is to ensure you work with a venue that can introduce you to businesses that can provide help when planning your day.

We invite people like Elegant Touches to our wedding fairs, which we hold twice a year, and they’re a great opportunity to meet potential suppliers and gather loads of ideas. The next one is in March, with the exact date to be confirmed. We’re expecting around 10 suppliers and at least 100 brides-to-be to attend.”

Sampling Food “It’s also important to sample the food that your venue proposes.” says John. “We’re really proud of the presentation and taste of our food - our assiette of desserts provides a taste of several of the desserts on our current menus, and looks fantastic. Brides love the presentation and appreciate the opportunity to try their wedding breakfast before they book their day.”

Venue Decoration “We’ve deliberately designed our new suite to ensure it’s neutral in colour so it can be decorated for each couple. A starlight curtain makes a great backdrop and there’s a large garden with bi-folding doors opening up onto a large garden with a pretty gazebo that’s just great for photos.”

“It’s a great venue, and it’s already proving popular with the brides who have booked their 2014 and 2015 weddings with us, so come and take a look - we’ll be happy to show you around!”

£ Beautiful 19th century pub restaurant with brand new function room completed in August 2013. £ Bespoke menus and wedding design for up to 100 guests, prices from £2,000. £ Wedding Fair held twice a year, including March, date TBC. £ For more information call 01529 460363 or see www.thefinchhattonarms.co.uk.

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Previewing the 2013 Horse Trials

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Skiing Holidays - Fashion Paul Hollywood - Weddings

THIS MONTH...

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104

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heaLth & beaUtY

Makeup with MAC

Image courtesy of MAC Cosmetics.

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Health and Beauty for February 14th

valentine’s Day makeup We’re assuming your significant other has booked one of the lovely restaurants featured in this edition by way of a Valentine’s Day surprise?

That being the case, you’ll need to dress up and take advantage of this season’s bold magenta or crimson trends...

Words & Photos: Rob Davis.

>> MAC Pigment in Magenta Madness. A highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect; 4.5g, £17.

<< MAC Lipmix shown here in Fuchsia, with 13 colours available.

Highly pigmented opaque cream used to mix and customise lipstick, to create any colour, texture or look desired for lipcolour; 10ml £14.

>> MAC Eye Shadow compact in Girlie (above) and Passionate Matte (right); 1.5g, £12.50.

<< MAC Matte Lipstick in So Chaud and Russian Red shades. 140 shades available; 3g £15. >> MAC Pro Longwear lip pencil, shown here in More to Love (top) and Magenta (above) colours; 1.2g, £14.50.

Find your nearest MAC Makeup stockist at www.maccosmetics.co.uk.

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INVEST IN YOUR SMILE THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF RESEARCH TO SUPPORT THE PREMISE THAT A CONFIDENT SMILE IS A REAL ASSET IN LIFE. Our top five reasons for investing in your smile in 2014...

1

The typical response to someone flashing you their pearly whites is to smile back. Let’s face it; we are attracted to people who smile and we want to be the one others are attracted to!

2 3

People who smile appear to be more confident and approachable.

Smiling often is linked to a reduction in stress and a boosted immune system.

4 5

Smiling is contagious: it can light up a room and draw people to you.

at the disposal of principal dentist, Collin Sutton.

Giving your smile a much-needed boost needn't cost the earth. There are solutions for all budgets. We recommend you visit the News page of our website to read case studies from our very satisfied patients and then join us for a free smile consultation. Why not? You have nothing to lose and the possibility of one day revealing a smile you just can’t bear to hide away!

Smiling helps to put you in a positive mood. It is difficult to feel down when you’ve got a big cheesy smile on your face. Just try it!

So our message is clear: smile often and smile broadly, and if you feel insecure about the way your smile looks, seek professional advice about what can be achieved. Modern dentistry has come a long way from silver mercury fillings and extractions.

If that is not your experience then join us at the Dental Health Centre in Grantham for a free consultation and find out just what amazing tools are

The Dental Health Centre, 3 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TA. Tel: 01476 594480, or see www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk

108 Colin Sutton BDS

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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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6 Reasons to Smile this Month

1. It can make you happy

2. It can make others happy

3. It makes you more attractive 4. It helps you de-stress

5. It can help your job prospects

6. Free ‘Smile Makeover’ consultation with our expert dentists* (During Feb/Mar) Call us on 01427 615117 to book in today *Refundable Deposit Required

110

the forum

STATE OF THE ART DENTAL STUDIO Vanessa Drive, Gainsborough Lincolnshire, DN21 2UQ www.theforumpractice.com

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heaLth & beaUtY

The Eye Care Centre

Left: Katie Eastwood and Jackie Lansell recommend tinted prescription lenses or overspecs for safer winter driving. above: The practice is based on Spalding’s Sheep Market.

M

any people visit Spalding’s Eye Care Centre during the darker months and comment about how the darker nights and dull early mornings make driving a chore. Cutting down glare will really help to make the winter commute safer, and to help, the optician has a number of products designed to do just that.

“The DVLA now requires you to be able to read a number plate clearly from about 20 metres.” says Optometrist Katie Eastwood. “That’s why we built that very requirement into our sight test. It gives us a clear idea of whether we need to improve someone’s sight for driving.”

staYing saFe With the eYe Care Centre

Make Your Driving Safe r...

Stay safe this month with the Eye Care Centre’s suggestions for safer winter driving - cut down glare and feel better about driving in poor weather with polarising lenses...

For more information: Visit The Eye Care Centre, Sheep Market, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1BH. Alternatively, call 01775 722141 or see www.eyecarecentrelincolnshire.co.uk.

“The winter months make driving a real chore, but polarising and tinted eyewear can help. The technology is usually built into the lens rather than being applied as a coating.

It’s designed to reduce glare caused by light reflected from polarising surfaces such as water, of the sun reflecting off a damp road. They make driving more comfortable and prevent you from squinting during your journey.”

Scratches are also a major cause of glare, so an anti-scratch or anti-reflection lens can help, too, and the advantage with these coatings is that they can be worn in all light conditions - it’s important to remember that tinted sunglasses and overspecs are illegal for night time driving. Lenses with modern scratch and reflection resistant properties from The Eye Care Centre are guaranteed for two years, meaning safer, more comfortable driving as well as peace of mind.

“As winter turns to spring the weather can make driving unpredictable.” says Katie. “By arming yourself with the best aids to your vision, we’ll help you to make driving as safe and stress-free as possible.”

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heaLth anD beaUtY

The Dental Health Centre

LOOKing aFter YOUr smiLe

enjOY a smiLe maKeOver in time FOr vaLentine’s DaY...

Grantham’s Dental Health Centre can help everyone in Lincolnshire and Rutland to achieve the perfect smile with the latest technology, techniques and an ethos of care. Colin Sutton’s Smile Makeover service provides a personal, virtually pain free, bespoke treatment plan...

Words: Rob Davis.

T

his month is the perfect time to book a Smile Makeover with Colin Sutton and the team at Grantham’s Dental Health Centre. The service is a bespoke programme of treatment with personal recommendations for improving your smile, your dental health and your confidence.

The Centre, on the town’s Avenue Road, provides general and cosmetic dentistry and opened in the town in 1995. With four surgeries and three dentists and two hygienists, it offers Smilealign invisible braces, implants, and whitening, each of which can be called upon to improve your smile if needed.

“Recent advances in cosmetic dentistry mean we can completely transform your smile.” says Colin. “We love our comprehensive range of cosmetic dental services and we’ve invested in the latest equipment to ensure that we offer excellent treatments from Enlighten teeth whitening to our implants. With a 100% success rate for our dental implants, we can repair or replace anything from a single tooth to a whole line of teeth and create a smile that will really give you confidence.”

“Our Smile Makeover service is a bespoke programme of treatment designed to improve your smile, your health and your confidence...”

The Centre also has a digital x-ray system and CT scanner, as well as a machine known as Cerec. This will photograph a patient’s teeth, produce a 3D model of them, then with a computerised mill, manufacture ‘whilst you wait’ bespoke porcelain fillings and crowns.

This enables Colin and the team to rebuild chipped, broken or decayed teeth in about an hour, and even provide a ‘same day’ implant service.

Colin uses Vibraject injections which are much more comfortable than conventional injections, and all staff specialise in helping nervous patients, too. The Centre’s website has a host of video testimonials from customers, as well as ‘before and after’ images demonstrating the difference that a Same Day Smile Makeover can make, as well as the result of longer term treatment like conventional braces or the Smilealign system, completed in house by Colin himself.

“Even whitening can give patients a good deal of confidence.” says Colin. “We’ve whitening procedures that are substantially more effective and safer than products that are not approved or are purchased over the counter.

Our two-week process costs from £200 and can be topped-up over time, whilst our deep-bleaching technique starts from £500.”

“All of the prices for treatments we propose for our smile makeovers are provided after a free initial consultation, so what we deliver is dentistry that’s as caring, transparent and as effective as possible.” says Colin. “To us, the highest standard of service results in the happiest patients and the best results.”

Don’t worry... be healthy! £ A huge number of people in the UK avoid visiting the dentist because they are too afraid and this is of great concern to The Dental Health Centre. £ The team offers nervous patients Vibraject injections - these are much more comfortable than traditional injections and when used to give a local anaesthetic, many patients don’t even know they have had an injection. £ The practice also specialises in nervous, and young patients.

For more information visit The Dental Health Centre on Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6TA. Alternatively, call 01476 594480 or see www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk.

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heaLthCare

with Fitzwilliam Hospital

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MRI InvestMent foR a RapId dIagnosIs at

the fItzwIllIaM hospItal

£ Finding Out More...

A state-of-the-art MRI scanner is a significant investment for Peterborough’s Fitzwilliam Hospital. It will enable the private hospital to provide a one-stop centre for the rapid, accurate diagnosis of conditions across nearly every specialism in the hospital’s remit...

T

his month, the private hospital on Peterborough’s Milton Way will have its official opening of a new purpose-built, state of the art MRI unit. This will offer patients a rapid and easy access, diagnosis across a range of specialties.

High Quality Care The Fitzwilliam Hospital is part of the Ramsay Health Care Group, comprising of 22 private hospitals, nine treatment centres’ and three neurological units. Celebrating its 30th anniversary the hospital’s investment will replace its previous mobile MRI scanner and demonstrates its strategy to develop its facilities for future local health care needs in Peterborough.

The Optima MR360 Advance Scanner is particularly useful for looking at soft tissue like ligaments and cartilage, as well as

“We want to provide the best facilities, and make them available to all of our patients, as well as providing a really personal service...”

musculoskeletal applications. “It’s a big investment for a small unit like ours, and is the first GE machine of its type in the UK.” says Morag Wilson, Radiology Manager. “We want to provide the best facilities, and make them available to all of our patients, as well as providing a really personal service with the highest quality care.” The scanner has already provided a diagnosis for its first patient and will have its official opening on 16th January 2014 at an event attended by local GPs and in-house consultants.

Accessibility The Fitzwilliam Hospital’s facilities and range of treatments can be accessed via three pathways - for instance, via private insurance, with your choice of consultant, hotel comforts and early, flexible appointments.

Private self-pay patients can benefit from premium care options, especially useful for the treatment of NHS low-priority health problems such as varicose veins, lumps & bumps and carpel tunnel treatments, as well as cosmetic surgery.

Finally, NHS patients can choose to be referred to the hospital for many procedures via the NHS Choose & Book system simply by speaking with their GP.

£ The new MRI Scanner will help The Fitzwilliam to provide rapid diagnosis across a range of specialisms such as orthopaedics, breast care and ENT. £ The hospital is available to those with medical insurance, to self-pay and to NHS patients, too. £ The Fitzwilliam Hospital is part of the Ramsey Health Care group which comprises 22 hospitals. The hospital has access to over 100 consultants as well as three operating theatres, CT facilities and a dedicated day care unit.

For more information or to discuss your needs contact Fitzwilliam Hospital on 01733 842317 or visit www. Fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk.

The hospital is based on Milton Way, South Bretton, Peterborough.

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to vIew and puRChase photogRaphs fRoM ‘the event’ vIsIt www.pRIdeMagazInes.Co.uK

THE EVENT Bomber Command M emorial Dinner the area’s Bomber Command Memorial trust recently invited over 100 guests to enjoy a fundraising supper and charity auction in The Great Hall of Stamford’s Burghley House. Bomber Command Memorial is a national charity set up to raise funds for an International Memorial and Interpretation Centre in Lincoln. The Memorial will pay tribute to the men from around the world and listed in the Rolls of Honour, who lost their lives serving in Bomber Command.

The Interpretation Centre will tell the collective story and provide an international research resource on the whole of Bomber Command. In reflection of its international significance, the Centre will, amongst other elements, highlight the effect of the campaign on the civilian population in Germany and the humanitarian mission flown over Holland in 1945 saving thousands from starvation as part of Operation Manna.

lord-lieutenant and Chairman of the trustees Mr tony worth with fellow trustee, aCM sir stuart peach, vice Chief of defence staff.

Cllr Christine talbot with husband Milburn.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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the event Bomber

Command M emorial Dinner

sir Michael and lady Marshall.

the great hall from the Minstrel’s gallery.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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Mr Colin Young and Mrs Jan Squires from auctioneers Golding, Young and Mawer.

Mr Robert Sears and Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Trustee.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EVENT Bomber

Command M emorial Dinner

Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Neil McCorquodale, Lady McCorquodale, Tony Worth, ACM Sir Stuart Peach

Cate Pye, Paul Beaver, Milburn Talbot, Cllr Christine Talbot.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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fashIon

Putting Spring

In Your Step WHETHER yOu’RE LOOkING FORWARd TO THE FRESHNESS OF SPRING, OR A SPECIAL OCCASION, GANT’S COLLECTION OF FRESH NEuTRALS WILL ARRIVE AT THE COuNTy’S RETAILERS THIS MONTH - REBECCA HALL OFFERS uS A SNEAk PREVIEW words: Rebecca Hall.

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<< £ WHITE HOT White linen effect jacket over white top with embroidered detail.

T

his spring sees the launch of Gant’s new collection, with light and breezy nautical looks suitable for the whole family.

With smart casual pieces for relaxed spring dining, tailoring and jackets for gents plus a range of children’s outfits too, there’s something to appeal to all.

For women, sophisticated easy-wear tailoring, beautifully cut white shirts, plus versatile dresses and jackets all help to make the collection ideal for those seeking staple pieces. You can adapt these to suit any occasion, from an afternoon walk with the family to a spring wedding, like this one.

“Established in 1949, Gant is a lifestyle brand with an American Sportswear Heritage.” says the designer’s Rebecca Hall. “We offer a range of products across our mainline range as well as Gant Rugger and Gant by Michael Bastian sub-brands for men, including men’s polo shirts, men’s chinos, men’s blazers and men’s jeans.

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>>

fashIon

£ ABOVE

Daisy motif embroidered over lemon slip dress. Light sage pinafore dress and cream knitted shift dress. >> £ RIGHT Cream linen jacket over white shirt with navy floral tie.

£ STOCKISTS For local stockists see www.gant.co.uk.

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fashIon

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>> £ FRESH MINT Peppermint flock biker-style jacket with zip detail over navy skirt.

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<< £ IN THE NAVY Navy floral background shift dress and navy tailoring for gents. << £ PLAY IT AGAIN Nautical navy jacket with anchor motif and red check shirt for boys.

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<< £ WELL-SUITED Navy tailoring for gents with tie and bow ties from Gant’s accessories collection. >> £ RIGHT Tan suede men’s bomber jacket.

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Putting Spring

In Your Step << £ LEFT Navy nautically themed patterned dress.

Powder blue cable-knit tank top, with pink shorts.

<< £ LEFT Powder blue linen children’s jacket with red check shorts.

Blue floral print dress.

£ STOCKISTS For local stockists see www.gant.co.uk.

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fashion

Five ‘ M ust-Have’ Bras...

1.

2.

3.

CoMfoRt, CONFIdENCE

ANd BeautY 80% OF WOMEN IN THE uk ARE WEARING THE WRONG SIzE BRA - HENCE THE IMPORTANCE OF A FITTING WITH AN INdEPENdENT RETAILER. THE SECRET OF BuyING A BRA, ANd LOOkING GREAT, IS A PROFESSIONAL FITTING, ANd ENSuRING yOu’VE THESE FIVE ‘MuST-Buy’ BRAS IN yOuR WARdROBE...

1

nude: A nude bra is a great staple, best to wear under white shirts and t-shirts. Marie Jo’s Jane is available in cups A-E, with padded, balcony and push-up variants available.

2

strapless: A strapless bra is another must-have. Marie Jo’s Daphne is great for strapless evening wear in black. In neutral, as shown here, it’s also popular with brides for wearing underneath a strapless wedding dress.

3 4

Black: Prima Donna’s Couture in black is great under evening wear, ideal for darker outfits. white: Again, Prima Donna’s Couture, in crème, blends 1950s style with corset-inspired lace. This ‘dresses up’ what is otherwise a wardrobe staple.

5

’pretty’: The fifth bra every woman should own is a ‘pretty’ one for special occasions. Our suggestion is Prima Donna’s Luna (opposite page).

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4.

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These are the five must-have bras that will ensure you always have comfortable, stylish, high quality and well-made lingerie in your wardrobe...

Marie Jo and Prima donna ranges available from Chameleon Lingerie, St Mary's Hill, Stamford and Mill Street Oakham.

Call 01780 755405 or 01572 720222.

Alternatively see www.chameleon boutique.co.uk.

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ANDREW J MUSSON

BESPOKE TAILOR Andrew J Musson “Born in Lincoln, I grew up surrounded by tailoring as my father, up until my return owned a very successful tailoring business which gave me the foundation of my career.”

“After leaving school, I gained a four year apprenticeship with a well-established tailors Wells of Mayfair in London’s Savile Row, where I gained my City & Guilds diplomas and was also awarded the Silver Rose Bowl for best first year trainee.”

“Then successfully employed by Timothy Everest in London. I was cutting bespoke suits for famous clientele such as Tom Cruise, this was to be used in the films ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut.’ I was also cutting suits for the famous boy band Boyzone.”

“Then headhunted by Davies & Son. Being one of the oldest tailoring firms on Savile Row with over 200 years of history. Making suits for crowned heads of Europe and the rich and famous.”

“During my history, I was cutting suits for Ant & Dec, John Frieda and Sir Rocco Forte to name a few. I also had experience of producing Diplomatic Uniforms for Governor Generals and Queen’s Pike men Uniforms for Royal processions.”

£ ANDREW J MUSSON 39 High Street, Town Centre Lincoln LN5 8AS 01522 520142 www.andrewjmusson.com

“This is where I spent the majority of my tailoring career as a successful cutter. I became responsible for representing the company on an international level. Travelling to Paris, Germany, Switzerland, and also New York in America.”

“With over 20 years of Savile Row experience, I have now come home to the family business!”

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For more information: Speak to Sarah Riley on 01526 320833 or visit Sarah’s website at www.sarahrileyphoto graphy.co.uk.

SARAH RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY Freezing moments to last a lifetime with Sarah Riley Photography.....

Written by Kaye Neylon Photographs are the most commonly prized possession... and with good reason. Wellingore Hall recently welcomed the latest innovation in photography with Navenby’s newest addition, Sarah Riley Photography.

Sarah Riley Photography is already being tipped to become a staple part of the community as doors open January 25th at an exclusive launch party. Offering an exciting blend of family portraits and new-born images to cherish for a lifetime, Sarah Riley Photography is bringing a new class of intimate photography to the Lincolnshire area.

Sarah Riley, Creative Director of Sarah Riley Photography, understands choosing a photographer to capture those special moments is a big step.

“My passion for high-end photography is what drove me to start what has now become a very successful business.

People want to trust someone and who better to preserve your memories than an expert?”

Offering in a wide-range of services including Family Portraiture, Pregnancy Development packages and exciting Wedding and Equestrian packages, Sarah Riley Photography digitally captures moments with the latest professional equipment and bespoke sets within the Navenby-based studio.

“I like to build a rapport with my clients within the safe and comfortable environment of my studio. Capturing your special moments is my passion and this is what separates the professionals from the rest.”

Sarah Riley Photography professionally captures, processes and presents your images to meet exceptional standards that have earned the business a prestigious reputation since launching in 2010.

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Make Man’s Best Friend’s Tail Wag with

Luxury Pet Accessories...

Below: Petite Amande Dog shampoo 500ml £19.90, fragrance with top notes of French blackcurrant and Tunisian neroli.

50ml £44, from Mungo & Maude.

Right: Thornby tweed dog coat and deerstalker £85-£225, from LoveMyDog.

Above: Wilmot ‘people’ Scarf and dog sweater, £45, shown in red; also available in orange and yellow. Limited edition, hand-knitted in pure new wool from LoveMyDog. Below: Thornby collection from LoveMyDog. Tweed coat £85, blanket £175, tweed and purple dog bed £189, lead £35 and collar £29.

Above: Cath Kidston dog bed in Kentish Rose RRP £28.

Spotty collar in blue or red RRP £8-£12, spotty lead to match £12. Spotty bowl in blue or red £10-£12. Various stockists bowl available from Uppingham’s Sarah Harding Interiors.

THE WISH LIST

Above: Double bowl with oak wood frame and dishwasher safe stainless steel inserts; £145/large, £130/small from Mungo & Maud.

Right: Corduroy & tweed blankets 66cm x 96cm £135, LoveMyDog.

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THE WISH LIST

Right: Hand-woven Italian leather dog bed in chocolate, tan or white, for medium and large dogs from £2,194 from Mungo & Maud.

Ensure a Waggy Tail with our Pet Edit...

Luxury Dog Accessories...

Above: Collapsible travel dog bowl, Rosewood, 25cm dia, £4.99 from John Lewis.

Left: Bisque cream and sage dog bowl, dishwasher and microwave safe, 17cm dia, £12. Good Dog treat jar 16cm high, £46. Organic Granola dog biscuits in hessian bag £16.25 from Mungo & Maude.

Below/Right: Brüno wears a cable cashmere pullover in Rosewater £129, styled with Italian leather Bauhaus dog lead in rose and claret, £94 Mungo & Maud.

Made from 100% cashmere.

Dry clean only, naturally...

How much is that doggy in the window really worth?

If you’re positive that your pooch should be pampered, these products will ensure the last word in luxury for your lapdog and create a doggy des res with none of the Paris Hilton tackiness normally associated with canine couture. Our (rather more practical) collapsible travel pet bowl, with a clip to hang it from your lead, comes from John Lewis.

Meanwhile our tweed and doggy accessories, red ‘his and yours’ scarf and sweater, and featured blankets come from LoveMyDog and are available by mail order (020 7739 4237, or via www.lovemydog.co.uk).

Finally, our fine Italian leather dog bed, canine cosmetics, organic treats and oak feeding bowls are from Mungo & Maud of Knightsbridge (020 7467 0823 or see www.mungoand maud.com) by mail order... just make sure man’s best friend doesn’t bite the postman when he comes to deliver!

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DOGGIE

DAY CARE

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out all day at work, why not try our day care services? On weekdays, your dog will spend the day in our company at our day care venue. We have a large, secure enclosure plus acres of land at our facility which provides a safe and fun environment for your dog. They will spend the day playing with toys, socialising and relaxing with us until we go out for a walk. You will come home to a relaxed and well looked after dog. Outside of our day care venue hours, your dogs will be looked after at the home of one of our team members.

Discounts Available Here at Happy Tails, we pride ourselves on providing a high quality but affordable service. We offer the following discounts: 10% NHS personnel & 10% RAF personnel. We also offer discounts for bulk bookings for all clients on day care and hour long walks. Please contact us on 07717 504875 for further details.

We are proud supporters of Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Friend Rescue & Training Association (MBF). We give MBF members discount on Day Care, Boarding and Group Walks. Please see www.mansbestfriend.co.uk for details about their membership scheme.

See our website for a full list of services and prices www.happytails-lincoln.co.uk Follow us on Twitter! @HappyTailsLincs Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/HappyTailsPetServices

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TO VIEW And PuRcHAsE PHOTOGRAPHs FROM ‘THE EVEnT’ VIsIT WWW.PRIdEMAGAZInEs.cO.uK

THE EVENT Barnsdale Lodge Christmas Ball...

Barnsdale Lodge held its Christmas party as Pride’s January edition went to press. The event was attended by over 160 people and included a four course meal and live entertainment from party band Funk Soul Brother.

The event was held at the 45 bedroom boutique country house hotel near Oakham, which was built in 1890 and has recently undergone a refurbishment and extension of its lounge areas and bedrooms.

The hotel will this month welcome arctic explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes to speak alongside the county’s Lord Lieutenant and High Sherriff at a fundraising dinner for the county’s air ambulance on 27th February from 7pm. To reserve tickets or find out more, call 01572 724678 or see www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk.

The event was attended by over 160 people.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EVEnT Barnsdale

Lodge Christmas Ball

Guests enjoyed a meal before dancing to Funk soul Brother.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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Guests enjoyed fine dining courtesy of Barnsdale’s chef stephen conway.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EVEnT Barnsdale

Lodge Christmas Ball

Barnsdale Lodge will this month welcome arctic explorer sir Ranulph Fiennes to speak at a special charity dinner.

The boutique hotel is based at Exton.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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Vanquish

FOES

The bleak midwinter may seem like an odd time to release a flagship convertible. However, there’s method in Aston Martin’s madness.

As we this month discover, despite the obvious winter chill...

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MOTORs Aston Martin

Aston Martin Vanquish Volanté Price: £199,995.

Top speed: 183mph.

0-60mph: 4.1secs.

Economy: 19.6mpg (Combined cycle).

Features: Electric hood, heated leather, sat nav, DAB radio.

W

inter hardly seems a suitable time to reveal a flagship convertible, does it? Nevertheless there’s method in Aston Martin’s madness. Ordering one of the company’s new Vanquish Volanté models now will give the company a head start in hand-building the new company’s new flagship GT ready for spring.

Alongside its coupé sibling, launched to worldwide acclaim last autumn, the Vanquish Volanté sits at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker’s sports car line-up.

Benefiting from all of the technical, engineering and design advances present in the Vanquish coupé, the new Volanté enhances the driving experience still further through the option of exciting convertible driving.

Instantly becoming one of the most beautiful cars in its class, Vanquish Volanté crucially retains the coupé’s dynamic character and sporting capability.

It boasts the same new AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine as the coupé and the same blistering performance figures, meaning the 0-62 mph sprint is despatched in just 4.1 seconds (estimated) while the top speed stands at 183 mph.

The Vanquish Volanté is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volanté in the brand’s 100-year history, while also being the stiffest Volanté body structure. The new car’s triple-skin lightweight fabric roof takes just 14 seconds to fold.

Announcing the arrival of the Vanquish Volanté Aston Martin’s Ulrich Bez said: “This car is what luxury super GT driving is all about. Great performance, fantastic style and exhilarating Volanté motoring in one superb package.

“We’re celebrating 100 years of excellence in 2013, and the arrival of this new sports car – our ultimate

Volanté – underlines that our mission to make the next 100 years even more successful is starting perfectly.”

The design of Vanquish Volanté represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language.

Styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the company’s One-77 supercar while the folding fabric roof sits beneath a tonneau and decklid that have been aerodynamically tuned for optimum performance.

The windscreen, meanwhile, is now full height – a first for Aston Martin – which means that the glass runs up to meet the fabric roof, thereby achieving a particularly seamless transition.

The Vanquish Volanté’s ‘suit’ of carbon fibre panels cloaks a cabin that is both sophisticated and comfortable. Believe it or not it’s (almost) a four seater, elegantly attired in authentic and luxurious materials: full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, metal controls and satin chrome trim underscore the car’s well-appointed nature.

As practical as it is well-dressed, the Vanquish Volanté boasts a boot that’s fully 50% larger than that of the previous (DBS) Volanté. It measures 279 litres – roof up or down – and makes the new Aston Martin the perfect choice for continentcrossing grand tours as well as daily drives.

Perhaps one of the most striking interior design elements is the centre stack with refinements providing a more elegant form that is also more intuitive and accessible for both driver and front seat passenger.

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>>

A direct descendent of the One-77 centre stack, the Vanquish and Vanquish Volanté’s set-up retains familiar elements such as the ECU engine start button and glass gear selection buttons while featuring a new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design.

The facia trim now stretches down the whole centre stack and is manufactured from a single piece of material giving a uniform finish.

Capacitive glass buttons with illumination and haptic feedback feature in the rest of the centre stack’s switchgear. Haptic feedback is more commonly found in touch-screen mobile phones and Aston Martin was among the first significant luxury car manufacturers in the world to use the technology in a series production model when it debuted on Vanquish coupé in 2012.

Under its curvaceous carbon fibre bonnet the Vanquish Volanté comprises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine which drives the rear wheels via a Touchtronic Two six-speed automatic gearbox.

The V12’s power peak of 565 bhp arrives at 6,750 rpm while the torque peak of 620Nm is available at 5,500 rpm. These numbers translate into performance - and a sound - that matches the Vanquish coupé’s and ensures the new car supports its Super GT billing.

Comfort and performance are mitigated, with dynamics that have been tuned precisely. New springs and damper settings calibrated have been to deliver the same crisp handling yet compliant ride as

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the coupé. Efforts have also been made to limit the new car’s weight; contributing to its impressive power-to-weight ratio. The combination of controlled weight, near-perfect 51:49 weight distribution, a powerful V12 engine and a performance-honed six-speed transmission unite to make the Vanquish Volanté as rewarding to feel and easy to drive as it is beautiful when standing still.

Like its coupé counterpart, the Vanquish Volanté uses the latest generation of Aston Martin’s class-leading lightweight bonded aluminium architecture that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. The new Vanquish Volanté is, in fact, 14% torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volanté which preceded it, making it highly resistant to flex and allowing for responsive and predictable handling.

This rigid structure also provides an ideal foundation from which the suspension can control the vehicle effectively, further highlighting the importance of the body structure and the effect it has on the dynamic performance of the car.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volanté Price: £199,995.

Top speed: 183mph.

0-60mph: 4.1secs.

Economy: 19.6mpg (Combined cycle).

Features: Electric hood, heated leather sat nav, DAB radio.

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Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System allows the driver to switch between three distinct modes: Normal, Sport and Track, for instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling style...

Aston Martin’s engineering teams have worked particularly hard to minimise the weight outside the wheelbase of the new car to reduce yaw inertia.

As a result, carbon fibre has been used extensively in the rear structure and the weight of the aluminium front structure has been limited.

To take full advantage of its precise and rigid architecture, the Vanquish Volanté employs a battery of sophisticated technologies including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Positive Torque Control (PTC).

Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allows the driver to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track, delivering instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics.

The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all

times, with the ability to respond quickly to different driving conditions. The different damping modes available help significantly broaden the Vanquish Volanté’s character, adapting its set-up to suit the driver’s mood and requirements.

conditions. CCM brakes are also lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

The control means the car can be a cruising GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into a harder-edged sports car in Sport and Track modes.

Aston Martin’s Dr Ulrich Bez added: “Vanquish Volanté, like the Vanquish coupé before it, uses the very latest technologies employed in the very best ways to create a sports car which is easy to control, and to enjoy dynamic performance at the finest level.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car’s systems including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed.

This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

The car’s braking system features third generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) parts to deliver shorter stopping distances with resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving

“This is not simply a great-looking car – this is a great car engineered and crafted for the connoisseur by people dedicated to delivering exceptional sports cars with clearly defined characters.”

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Enjoy...

A Day at The Races

DiscovEr HorsE racing

Courses for Horses The next month or two sees Huntingdon Racecourse gearing up for some of its most popular fixtures. The course attracts some 32,000 racegoers each year and the team loves introducing novices to the sport - so this month, we ask Laura Pierce for her ‘everything you ever wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask’ guide to having a flutter...

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Enjoy...

A Day at The Races

T

o those who have never tried it before, horse racing seems like a sport full of jargon, or represents a once a year opportunity for a flutter on the national. However, with one of the country’s best racecourses right on our doorstep, we decided it was time to get the inside track on national hunt racing with Laura Pierce, Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator of Huntingdon Racecourse.

“One of the best things about our course is that we’re really approachable.” says Laura. “We’ve a really good mix of more experienced racing fans (usually in the winter months when our fixtures include our grade two races), to families and new racegoers who enjoy our family fun days and Ladies’ Days.”

There are around 60 race courses in the UK, and Huntingdon belongs to The Jockey Club - the single largest racecourse owner in the UK, which has 15 courses across the country.

It hosts 18 national hunt meetings each year (those with jumping obstacles, rather than flat racing), and will attract over 32,000 racegoers. Typically, fixtures comprise six to eight races each with an average of eight horses.

Nobody will make you feel like a novice, so once you’ve paid your admission fee, usually £15 at Huntingdon Racecourse, a

above/Left: A visit to the parade ring is a good way to see each horse’s condition for yourself.

Even if you’re no expert and rely on intuition or guesswork, it may still help you to pick your winner!

courses like Huntingdon are popular with both

Laura acknowledges that the experienced racing fans and new racegoers too, sport can involve a few attracting 32,000 racegoers a year. The course hosts technical terms, but there’s no reason that, with a little time 18 national hunt fixtures each year, typically with spend studying your race card, 6-8 races and an average of eight horses... you can’t begin to apply a little knowledge to your flutter... rather above: Last year over than just picking the nicest looking silks. race card is just £3, allowing you to enjoy a flutter on as few 6,200,000 people or as many races as you wish stakes are from just £1 and are attended race meetings The industry comprises racehorse owners (or syndicates) in the UK - 4,000,000 at available from the 20-30 bookmakers usually in attendance. who employ trainers to condition their horses. Trainers also identify the races their horses will do well in, then enter them into races when courses like Huntingdon create and publicise their annual race calendars.

It’s the responsibility of the trainer to employ a jockey who, contrary to popular belief, usually works freelance and will be paid a consistant rate regardless of their reputation, plus a percentage of any winnings.

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So, to the question of how to pick a winner? “For a start, it’s a good idea to have a look at each horse before each race.” says Laura. “In the parade ring itself the horse should be alert and not too excited, as if the horse is too ‘on its toes’ then it’s using up too much energy. If the horse is half asleep, be careful not to write it off, as some horses - like people - are very laid back in the ring, but as soon as the

flats and 2,200,000 at jump racing fixtures like those at Huntingdon.

That makes it the second highest attended sport in the UK after football.

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Above: Race courses like Huntingdon are really approachable, even for novices, and each year the course hosts family fun days to make racing a day out for all.

Understanding your race card...

Left: Ladies Night at Huntington will take place on 27th May, with a posh dress code and lots of champagne!

For more information on Huntingdon Racecourse and its fixtures, or to book tickets in advance, call 0844 579 3007 or see www.huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk.

Huntingdon Race Fixtures Thursday 6th February: Stars of the Future.

Thursday 20th February: Stars of the Future. sun 2nd March: Family Fun Day with children’s entertainment.

Wednesday 12th March: Cheltenham ‘Closer to Home.’

Monday 21st april: Easter Monday Family Fun Day. Accompanied under 18s free of charge, admission from £13.50 in advance, from £15 on the day.

£ Race Card: Look at the horse’s ‘last run’ information - horses that ran more recently are statistically more likely to win. £ Form Figures: An indication of the positions a horse finished in its previous races (e.g.: 1, 2, 3..., plus acronyms like F (fell), U (unseated rider), 0 (finished outside the top 9). Dashes and slashes in a horse’s form figures indicate breaks between years or season. £ Star Rating: This is a one to five star rating according to whether a pundit thinks the horse it likely to win. £ Comment: Usually written by a racing journalist, this is your insider knowledge!

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Enjoy...

A Day at The Races

Above: Courses like Huntingdon offer plenty in the way of bars, restaurants and VIP facilities.

>>

jockey mounts, then the horse may come alive.”

“Our Raceday Programme is packed full of information about each horse and is much more approachable than you might think. There’s a one to five star rating for each horse which states how likely its form suggests it is to win.”

Once you’ve studied each horse and you’ve had a chance to read each one’s form, the horses start to leave the parade ring, and you will have about five minutes or so to place your bets and take a position in the stands to watch the race.

Placing a bet with a bookmaker might seem a little daunting, but for many it is part of the fun of a day at the races. The prices for each horse are displayed on the bookie’s board, and the prices will differ from bookie to bookie so shop around for the best value.

>>

Right: Family days ensure both young and old can enjoy the excitement of the races.

For more information on Huntingdon Racecourse and its fixtures, or to book tickets in advance, call 0844 579 3007 or see www.huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk.

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The two main types of bet are Win Only and Each Way. For a £5 Win Only bet to succeed, your horse needs to win the race. An Each Way bet is effectively two bets - one for your horse to win and one for it to be placed. So a £5 each way bet will cost £10.

State the horse’s name or racecard number to the bookie and the amount you want to bet. They will give you a ticket which you need to keep and hand back to claim your winnings.

“It’s a great day out, and we really love introducing people to the sport!” says Laura. “We’ve a number of bars and restaurants on site so you’re assured of a great day out, and our Ladies Night and Family Fun Days are really inclusive. You don’t have to be an expert - you don’t even have to place a bet - a day at the races is still lots of fun!”

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Is this you...

The Directory

If you’re a ‘first thing I think about when I wake up’ go-getter, a “let’s make it better”, a cold coffee drinker, a mid-morning thinker, a missed lunch groundbreaker, an afternoon risk taker, a falling to sleep with your spreadsheet reader... you’ll appreciate an equally dedicated marketing leader.

To advertise here call our friendly team on 01529 469977

THE BEST OF

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

RUTLAND & STAMFORD

2014

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

2014

THE BEST OF

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

RutlandPride

RutlandPride

Enjoying a Flutter

Horse Racing Skiing Holidays - Fashion Paul Hollywood - Weddings

COVERING R UTLAND AND STAMFORD

STAMFORD UTLAND AND COVERING R

Barnsdale Hall

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

THE NUMBER ONE COUNTY MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE ONE COUNTY THE NUMBER

Eating Out in Exton

RUTLAND & STAMFORD

Revealing Our Winners

REST AUR ANT OF THE YEA R Winter Weddings - Motoring What’s On Education - Fashion -

Recipes from Gino D’Acampo {Page 36}

Winter Homes Ideas you’ll really warm to {Page 64}

The Event Celebrities help launch BMW’s i3 {Page 148}

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The Event Enjoy Oakham’s NSPCC concert {Page 16}

Eating Out Valentine’s Day dining {Page 29}

£3.70

Mamma Mia!

£3.70

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Home & Garden Improve your home ready for Spring {Page 52}

To advertise in Pride Magazines call our friendly team on 01529 469977. www.pridemagazines.co.uk

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To viEW anD pUrcHasE pHoTograpHs FroM ‘THE EvEnT’ visiT WWW.priDEMagaZinEs.co.UK

Felicity slater shows off jane Means’s gift wrapping expertise.

vanilla is based on oakham’s Mill street.

THE EVENT Vanilla Gift Wrapping Evening... oakham fashion retailer vanilla recently held a gift wrapping evening with Jane Means. The event was a live demonstration - in front of 25 specially invited ladies - of Jane’s talents. It raised money for the Make a Wish foundation which grants wishes to children and young people, aged between three and 17, living with life threatening illnesses.

Jane is a gift-wrapping guru and ribbon designer (www.janemeans.co.uk) who appears regularly in Harrods, Selfridges, Ralph Lauren and The White Company. Jane recently demonstrated in the window of Liberty, and both gift wraps for her clients’ customers as well as training their staff to wrap too. She taught Vanilla’s guests a little of her art including a hilarious bow-making masterclass! Vanilla is based on Oakham’s Mill Street and is run by Felicity Slater and her team, providing style advice to ladies and offering luxury cosmetics and gifts.

Photos: rob Davis.

The pre-christmas event was a chance to get in a little late night shopping.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EvEnT Vanilla

jane provided a few gift wrapping tips and a masterclass in creating home-made ribbons.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

jane demonstrated how to wrap tricky items during the pre-christmas charity evening.

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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Enjoy a EUropEan sKiing brEaK

Let it Snow...

There’s nothing like the thrill and exhilaration of a day spent on the slopes, but if you’ve never experienced it for yourself, there are dry slopes in the UK, slopes with man-made snow plus independent travel experts who can help. This month Ski Club’s Vicky Norman offers her advice on how to get onto the slopes...

practical: Schöffel’s Meribel ski jacket in red with water and wind repellent Venturi construction; RRP £450.

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TravEL

European Ski Breaks

S

tarting any new sport can be a daunting prospect, but getting involved in skiing and snowboarding has never been easier. For a start, there are indoor real snow slopes and artificial dry slopes throughout the UK running all-inclusive courses with the winter sports advisory body, Ski Club.

There are also independent travel advisors skilled in offering all the advice you need for your first ski holiday, advising on both affordable and luxurious ski packages with beginner-friendly resorts.

few turns you can start working towards parallel turns. Technique is something that even the most expert skiers still work on.

Venturing Further...

For your first ski or snowboard holiday, you’ll want to find a beginner-friendly resort with a good nursery slope area, facilities for children and suitable intermediate runs to progress onto. Having the right kit and equipment and knowing what to expect for your first trip to the mountains really can make all the difference.

opposite page/above: It’s a good idea to get kitted up with some decent technical clothing. Shown here is Schöffel’s 2014 range of technical clothing; see www.schoeffel.de/en for the firm’s English site.

To try your hand, first visit somewhere like Tallington Lakes dry slope (01778 347000, www.tallington.com) for a taste of what the sport entails physically.

Their formal tuition starts from Like any sport, there is a learning curve, but you’ll be amazed £40/person per hour, whilst how quickly you can improve with a bit of focused instruction. recreational use of the 120m slope is from £9/hour. once you get used to the sensation of sliding around on

If you want a more ‘real’ snow and find your balance, you’ll soon learn how to steer... experience, there’s also Snozone at Castleford or Milton Keynes Head to your local independent travel specialists - not only Finding out More: (www.snozonecastleford.com). That’s a bit of a trek from our will you find the best service, but you’ll benefit from tailored Ski Club is a not-forprofit snowsports club county, but with man-made snow, it’s a more authentic taste advice and often personal experience of resorts too. which offers benefits to of what you’ll expect during your first skiing trip.

If you haven’t been skiing before, learn or practise before 31,000 members.

They provide advice on you go away to make the most of your time - formal tuition What to expect... kit, techniques plus Like any sport, there is a learning curve, but you’ll be amazed is a good investment both to get the best from your break access to industry how quickly you can improve with a bit of focused and to avoid injury. Check snow and weather forecasts, proleading snow reports. instruction. Skiers may well find the equipment awkward at tect your eyes with proper goggles at all times and avoid too www.skiclub.co.uk. first, but once you get used to the sensation of sliding much aprés ski - you should to everything to avoid skiing around on snow and find your balance, you’ll soon master when tired, and aside from anything else, alcohol - or a hangthe snow plough and learn how to steer your skis to make over - will decrease your performance and will usually invaliturns. When you can effectively control your skis and make a date your travel insurance.

>>

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FivE sKi DEsTinaTions

The best European skiing above/Left: Madesimo in Italy enjoys a spectacular location near Lake Como.

1

FrancE: One of France’s most understated resorts is Le Grand Bornand.

It’s a charming village with 60 miles of skiing and a further 80 miles at Massif des Aravis. The village actually has two areas: Le Grand Bornand - the more traditional centre, and Chinaillon at 1,300m, 6km from its neighbour. Apres ski is wide ranging with a discothèque and a large selection of eateries.

Also home to a number of local food producers with several speciality cheeses, it’s great for foodies. Look to spend around £1,000/person.

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iTaLy: Madesimo is a quaint village that’s right near Italy’s Lake Como. Soaring slopes, and lower prices than other mainstream resorts. It’s perhaps better suited to more experienced skiers, £700/person.

Consider St Ulrich in the Dolomites too.

With nature at its very best whichever way you turn, the area provides 12 different ski areas and 1,200 km of perfectly prepared snow covered slopes with accommodation in more exclusive hotels and mountain huts.

3

sWiTZErLanD: Without doubt, Zermatt is the ski resort with the most gorgeous setting in the Alps.

Its centerpiece - the Matterhorn - is what Toblerone chocolate is modelled on. Stay in The Omnia, a glass hotel built on top of a rock.

The highlight is its Cavern bar – a glass and steel space that floats on water inside a man made cave. Budget around £2,000.

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above: Aprés Ski at Le Grand Bornand in France, home to lots of locally produced food and decent nightlife.

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norWay: A lesser-considered ski destination but one with family appeal; Geilo is one of the best family resorts in Scandinavia with five snowparks and is a major centre for cross-country skiing, and also one of the best places in the world for kite skiing. Budget £1,000 for a stay at the early 20th century Dr Holms spa hotel, which also has an American Diner for fussy kids to eat in, as well as a bowling alley.

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anD FinaLLy... No guide to European skiing would be complete without a mention of Klosters. 150km from Zurich, the UK’s Ski Club recommends Davos and it’s easy to see why; the small village has luxurious accommodation, gourmet cuisine and that ‘reassuringly expensive’ feel. It accesses the same ski area as Davos but runs into the village are better and it gets more snow. Four star Superior Hotel Seehof Davos is one of the most traditional hotels in the Alps. Budget around £2,000/person, and rub shoulders with royalty.

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TravEL

European Ski Breaks

schöffel: Schöffel Nakiska 2014 womens ski jacket in green; £540.

FivE oF THE bEsT

ski gear poles apart: Leki’s Vario Trigger S ski poles are high-strength variable length carbon fibre poles for the most demanding mountain skiier; £149.

Warm: Schöffel’s Arcona DJ jacket with Gore Tex RRP £349.

on-piste skis: Better for advanced users, but great for cruising with minimal effort thanks to rockered tips and wood core/fibreglass reinforced constructions.

Dynastar Chrome 72 Pro, £390 with bindings.

gloves: Montane Prism gloves with brushed micro-fleece lining, £35.

Far Left: Snowboarding in Klosters Davos.

Left: The spectacular backdrop of the Matterhorn seen from Domhütte.

goggles: Integrated head-up display with integrated GPS information and Bluetooth audio playback.

Onboard sensors show distance, height and airtime.

A plutonite polarised lens ensures maximum eye protection and perfect vision, £520.

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£ BRIAN MAY AND KERRY ELLIS

£ WARHORSE LIVE

, What s On...

£ JOURNEY’S END

£ WARHORSE LIVE

£ RUTLAND WATER

Uppingham School presents Journey’s Ends at Uppingham Theatre.

Live broadcast of the National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of Warhorse. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, the show will be beamed live from London to cinemas around the world.

A trio of exciting events take place this month at Rutland Water...

The performance is a realistic portrayal of life in a front-line trench in the First World War. It is set in March 1918 as the Germans were preparing an all-out attack on the Allies.

Written by R C Sherriff - himself a veteran of the Western Front - in 1928 to celebrate ten years since the signing of the Armistice, it was soon translated into every European language and performed all over the world.

The play features themes such as innocence, sacrifice, comradeship, bravery and cowardice.

Complex relationships and conflict between the characters are at the heart of the play, such as the heroic, flawed Captain Stanhope who is worshipped by the straight-fromschool Second Lieutenant Raleigh.

447 Old Uppinghamians lost their lives in the First World War, and thirty-four of these were from Fircroft. This play is being put on by the current boys of Fircroft, who dedicate the play to OUs who have fought and died defending their country; tickets: £9.50. www.uppthearts.co.uk 01572 820820

The performance tells the plight of soldiers in the Great War from the perspective of youngster Albert and a young foal he befriends on the family farm. Based at Stamford Arts Centre, 28th Feb-2nd March, performances at 11am, 2pm, 7pm. Tickets £14. www.stamfordartscentre.com 01780 763203

Watercolour Workshop Hosted on Wednesday 5th February by Alan Oliver of the Leicestershire Society of Artists from 10am-1pm. Alan is a professional artist with over forty years experience, working in watercolours, oils, acrylics and pastels.

His work is mostly landscape based. He is essentially interested in capturing special light falling on any subject; £35/person.

Hedgelaying for beginners Two day hedgelaying course from Saturday 8th February, 9.45am-4pm. On this two day course you will have a brief introduction to this ancient art, learn what it involves, when to hedge-lay and how. You will then lay your own section of hedge. Course run by experienced hedge layer John Shone; £75.

Willow Weaving for gardeners Thinking of growing sweet peas or climbing plants this year? If so, this could be the course for you! Make a six foot high plant support suitable for all your planting needs; £20/person. www.rutlandwater.org.uk 01572 770651

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27th February 2014

Meet ranulph Fiennes in rutland...

BARNSDALE LODGE THIS MONTH WELCOMES THE WORLD FAMOUS ADVENTURER FOR A CHARITy SUPPER

£ JOURNEY’S END IN UPPINGHAM

£ MARTY WILDE

£ BRIAN MAY

Stamford Corn Exchange this month looks back on the career of some true rock ‘n’ roll pioneers. Saturday 1st February sees Marty Wilde and the Wildcats live on stage - one of the only performing rock’n’roll pioneers in the world today.

Due to the phenomenal success of their previous tours, Legendry Queen Guitarist Brian May and singing sensation Kerry Ellis are to perform together once again, in a brand new show, The Candlelight Concert at Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre on 22nd February from 8pm.

Marty began his career in 1957 and was one of the first British singers to play a leading part in those early groundbreaking years.

With his many hits and a host of wonderful songs from that era, Marty himself and his fabulous band, the Wildcats, take you back through some of the most exciting musical times this country has ever experienced.

A fantastic evening awaits as Marty and the band entertain you on this stunning musical roller coaster, which has become one of the most acclaimed shows in the country today.

Kerry Ellis was the creator of the role of Meat in Queen’s theatrical, We Will Rock You, and went on to become a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic starring as the Green Witch in the musical Wicked.

Throughout this time, Brian May and Kerry Ellis maintained a special musical partnership, with May producing the fine Ellis debut album ‘Anthems’ in 2010.

Pre-show three course meal available for £16, tickets £19.50, £18.50/conc. Show takes place from 7.30pm.

The Candlelight Concert will see Brian and Kerry perform stripped down versions of Queen classics, alongside a number of their personal favourite songs, showcasing Kerry’s extraordinary voice with Brian accompanying her on both guitar and vocals. Tickets £39.00.

www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk 01780 766455

www.guildhallartscentre.com 01476 406158

Meet sir ranulph Fiennes at Barnsdale Lodge this month. The hotel is hosting a special dinner with the world’s greatest living explorer to raise money for the county’s Children’s Air Ambulance.

The event starts at 7pm with a drinks reception before guests enjoy a three course dinner.

The explorer will then take the floor at around 9pm and talk about his live and his travels.

Sir Ranulph Twistleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet, OBE is a British adventurer and holder of several endurance records. His achievements include the Land Rover 7x7x7 Challenge, where he ran 7 marathons, across 7 continents, over 7 days, becoming the oldest British person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He is currently the only person to have ever climbed Everest and crossed both polar ice-caps.

The Children’s Air Ambulance is unique national service, flying seriously ill babies and children from their local hospital to a specialist unit where they can access the expert care they so vitally need. The service gives the tiniest lives the greatest chances of survival and recovery. It receives no Government funding, and relies on the generosity of its supporters.

Tickets are £75/person, call 01572 724678 or see www.thechildrensairambulance.org.uk for more information.

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