RutlandPride
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MAR 2016
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENTS
FRESH FASHION WITH OLDRIDS
COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
RutlandPride
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES
Burn’s Night in Rutland - Exclusive Images from Barnsdale Lodge’s Celebration...
Meet The County’s New High Sheriff
JENNY ECLAIR TV comic visits with her brand new show
EXCLUSIVE
IT’S ALL GRIST FOR THE MILL
Restoring the historic watermill at Sacrewell...
£3.70
Page 34.
Eating Out in March
The Coach House, South Luffenham
Page 144.
BLACK GOLD Rutland’s rapeseed oil... Page 50.
MARCH 2016
This Month: A Prickly Problem - Rutland’s declining hedgehog population...
Page 42.
SHORT STORY Oakham Dwarf Jeffrey Hudson
Page 28.
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It’s all too easy to overlook the attractions and events happening across Rutland and Stamford every month. The county truly does offer multum in parvo, and nowhere is that more evident than on our What’s On pages each month.
JULIAN WILKINSON MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER
We include not just Rutland and Stamford, but any theatres, stately homes and events within a reasonable distance to try to provide our readers with the most varied range of activities on offer.
We also try to feature celebrities like Jenny Eclair, who this month visits the county as part of her new tour, and Sherrie Hewson, in our January edition. In doing so, we hope we bring you the best events and the biggest personalities proving that we really do live in a very vibrant area indeed.
Elsewhere this month, we’ll meet Rutland’s new High Sheriff, and help out our hedgehogs with a visit to a local wildlife hospital. We’ve a couple of sterling Eating Out recommendations, as well as a preview of the Belton Horse Trials, and we’ve the tall tale of Lord Minimus of Oakham. ROB DAVIS, EDITOR 01529 469977, editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
RutlandPride
MAR 2016
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENTS
FRESH FASHION WITH OLDRIDS
COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES
Meet The County’s New High Sheriff IT’S ALL GRIST FOR THE MILL
Restoring the historic watermill at Sacrewell...
£3.70
JENNY ECLAIR TV Comic visits with her Brand New Show
EXCLUSIVE
Page 34.
Eating Out in March
The Coach House, South Luffenham
Page 144.
BLACK GOLD Rutland’s rapeseed oil... Page 50.
b
This Month: A Prickly Problem - Rutland’s declining hedgehog population...
Page 42.
SHORT STORY Oakham Dwarf Jeffery Hudson
Page 28.
COVER PHOTOS
We’re always looking for beautiful images for our front covers. Email your county scenes to the above email address if you’d like to see your photograph on our front page!
With all this, plus exclusive images from Barnsdale Lodge’s recent Burn’s Night supper, we offer our best wishes for a wonderful month.
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RutlandPride
MAR 2016
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENTS
FRESH FASHION WITH OLDRIDS
COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES
Meet The County’s New High Sheriff IT’S ALL GRIST FOR THE MILL
Restoring the historic watermill at Sacrewell...
£3.70
JENNY ECLAIR TV Comic visits with her Brand New Show
EXCLUSIVE
Page 34.
Eating Out in March
The Coach House, South Luffenham
Page 144.
BLACK GOLD Rutland’s rapeseed oil... Page 50.
Page 42.
SHORT STORY Oakham Dwarf Jeffery Hudson
Page 28.
This Month: A Prickly Problem - Rutland’s declining hedgehog population...
With best wishes from the Rutland Pride team Managing Director and Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. General Manager: Ian Bagley. Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Features Editor: Tilly Wilkinson. Graphic Designer and Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray. Accounts Manager: Sue Bannister. Sales Manager: Zoie Wilkinson. Sales Executives: Liz King, Roberta Hall, Carissa Clay, Emily Brown, Lauren Chambers & Sarah Allen. Distribution Manager: Joe Proctor.
www.facebook.com/rutlandpride Why not follow us on Facebook? You can keep up to date with any news we may have for our lovely magazine!
twitter.com/@RutlandPride Follow us on Twitter so you can read our tweets. We’ll let you know what’s going on and keep you well informed! By supplying editorial or adverts to Rutland Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.
Enjoy Rutland Pride, read it cover to cover. Pick it up, put it down and when you have finished with it pass it on. When everyone has had a good read, pop it in the recycle bin!
Pride Magazines Elm Grange Studios East Heckington, Boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978
www.pridemagazines.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk
Contents
06 22 34 42 64 112 127 144
March 2016
Our NEWS section always tries to bring to press the lighter and happier stories from the county, whilst our What’s On guide is packed with events.
Meet Rutland’s new High Sheriff for 2016, SARAH FURNESS. This month, we find out a little more about Rutland’s shrieval vacancy.
Feminist writer and stand-up comedienne JENNY ECLAIR comes to the area with her new show this month, we’ve an exclusive interview. This month’s FOOD AND DRINK pages feature a brace of restaurants, plus fine wine recommendations and local rapeseed oil.
Our HOMES AND GARDENS pages this month include period properties, spring style and an open garden in Barleythorpe.
We’re getting back to NATURE this month, too, with the Belton Horse Trials, and a visit to a local wildlife hospital amid a hedgehog crisis. This month’s FASHION AND BEAUTY pages include spring outfits from Oldrids, plus shoes and bags from Oakham retailers.
Enjoy a visit to SACREWELL FARM this month to see the results of a £1.4m renovation of the charity’s heritage watermill.
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County News Time-Honoured Baking as Sacrewell appears on TV Award-winning 550 acre farm attraction appears on BBC Two to celebrate baking heritage...
Rutland ‘one of the best places to live in the UK,’ says survey Rutland has once again been affirmed as one of the best places in the UK to live. A survey, released last month and conducted by the Halifax Building Society, named Rutland the fifth best place to live in 2015, and awarded it fourth place in 2014.
The survey takes ‘quality of life’ into account, breaking that down into life expectancy, wealth, personal wellbeing, crime and the weather.
Hart, South Oxfordshire, Chiltern and Winchester took first to fourth positions.
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Peterborough’s Sacrewell Farm enjoyed TV coverage recently as the debut episode of Victorian Bakers, which was filmed at Sacrewell Mill, saw four professional bakers leaving their businesses behind to find out how the area’s early Victorians got their daily bread. Using ingredients and methods from the 1830s, the bakers used heritage wheat and brewers’ yeast to make bread and cakes by hand, and baked them in the heritage farm’s wood fired oven. Later in the series, the programme explores the history of the trade and moves into the 1840s, which were plagued by poor harvests and a huge rise in the price of wheat, the bakers learn to use other grains, such as barley to bake bread.
Oakham Castle’s walls seen for the first time in 150 years Ongoing restoration works reveal the building’s perimeter walls as part of £2m restoration works
The programme was filmed just as the £1.8m restoration project to the 18th century Grade II* listed watermill, which was part funded by the HLF, was completed. Mill Project Officer, Jane Harrison said: “As it was the first time the bakery was used after the project, it seemed very appropriate that it was for a programme that brought it back to life in such a traditional way. The three-part series went on to look at the impact of economic and industrial factors on the baking trade during the reign of Queen Victoria-including how the Industrial Revolution changed the relationship between people and their food. n Sacrewell Farm is open seven days a week, see later in this edition.
Oakham Castle’s restoration continues, with part of the perimeter wall surrounding the building unearthed for the first time in more than 150 years last month, by archaeologists tasked with carefully restoring the town’s historic site.
Oakham Castle is currently undergoing extensive restoration thanks to a £2million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and will be unveiled as a first-class cultural site for Rutland in summer 2016. The Castle was built around 1180 and grew into a fortified site with walls, a moat and drawbridge.
Many parts of the Castle have been lost over time, and the moat filled in, however sections of the defensive Curtain Wall still surround the site and are included on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.
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Send your press releases and county news to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.
‘Any Dream Will Do’ for Starstruck Stamford Slimmers
Rutland High Sheriff raises a smile for local charity...
A year of successful slimming celebrated with a cameo from the Antipodean star of soap and stage at 2015 awards ceremony...
Have you heard the one about the fundraising High Sheriff? It’s no joke, as Andrew Brown hosts comedy night for Rutland charity Warning Zone
Rutland’s High Sheriff Andrew Brown and his Leicester colleague helped to raise a smile, and a few pounds too, hosting two special comedy nights.
Taking place as Pride goes to press and organised as part of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, the comedy shows, featuring leading comedians from across the UK, will help raise money for local charity Warning Zone.
Stamford slimmers, led by Jenny Summers, were delighted to meet singer Jason Donovan recently, at the annual Slimming World regional awards.
Jenny coordinates groups in Stamford, Rutland and Bourne. Together with Cheryl Hall and Alexandra Gills, Jenny was delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to the Australian heartthrob when he swapped Ramsay Street for the annual Slimming World Awards. He co-hosted the event with the organisation’s chair and founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE. Jenny said meeting Jason was a wonderful way to round off a fabulous year for Slimming World, as well as a great way to get ready for another successful 12 months: “I couldn’t be any prouder of our members. They’ve lost fantastic amounts of
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weight throughout 2015, with many of them making their weight loss dreams come true by hitting their target weight, improving their health and more.
“I truly believe that joining their local Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight and learn new habits. Members see big results on the scales without ever having to feel hungry or deprived.”
“What I love is that while our members lose weight, they also grow in confidence and happiness – we joke the only thing that gets bigger at our groups is our smiles! We’ve had a lot of fun together in 2015 and I can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for Slimming World.” n Anyone hoping to lose weight and feel great in time for summer 2016 can call Jenny for more information on 01529 497274
The first show took place at Warning Zone HQ in Leicester on 3rd February, with a second due to be hosted at Rutland County Museum as Pride goes to press.
worked together to produce a comedy event.” “Both nights will be great nights out as part of the annual Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival.” Leicestershire High Sheriff, Gordon Arthur, said “It’s always great to be able to support the inspiring and interactive charity Warning Zone. These shows will help raise money for the charity and also grow its profile.” n See www.warningzone.org.uk.
Rutland High Sheriff, Andrew Brown, who is also a Trustee of charity Big Difference Company, said “I’m thrilled to support the shows, which I think will be the first time the Leicestershire and Rutland High Sheriffs have
Oakham swans now safe following installation of power safety devices Concerns from Oakham resident over safety of swans leads to installation of diverter devices...
Oakham swans are safe once more, following the installation of special diverter devices on power lines.
Resident Lesley Dutton was concerned that swans along the Oakham to Melton canal route’s power lines were flying into the
high voltage cables and contacted energy firm Western Power. The firm has installed glow-in-thedark crystals which rotate in the wind to alert birds to the hazard. Lesley is reported to be as ‘delighted’ with the work as the swans are themselves!
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NE
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£950,000
EMPINGHAM, RUTLAND
A UNIQUE PERIOD BARN WITH A STYLISH INTERIOR & COUNTRY VIEWS, IN AN EXCELLENT RUTLAND LOCATION 4
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3
EPC Rating: D
NE
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£525,000
MARKET DEEPING, LINCOLNSHIRE A UNIQUE PERIOD PROPERTY WITH EXTENSIVE ACCOMMODATION & DELIGHTFUL SECLUDED GARDENS 3
4
3
EPC Rating: D
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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TOP HOUSE, TINWELL
GUIDE PRICE £695,000
THE PRIEST HOUSE, CALDECOTT
GUIDE PRICE £475,000
An imposing four bedroom detached house located within one of Lincolnshires most sought after villages on the outskirts of Stamford and with close proximity to the A1.
An enchanting Grade II listed four bedroom detached ironstone house situated in mature gardens in a private village setting with close proximity to Uppingham.
Orchard Cottage is a charming stone property offering spacious and flexible accommodation with large established gardens set in the ever popular village of Lyddington.
A characterful Grade II listed three bedroom cottage offering deceptively spacious accommodation with vaulted ceilings, original features and oozing charm throughout.
ORCHARD COTTAGE, LYDDINGTON
OFFERS OVER £550,000
THE OLD POST OFFICE, ASHWELL GUIDE PRICE £299,950
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Curtis House, Stoke Dry An outstanding country house, standing on the edge of the village, enjoying fabulous panoramic views over Eyebrook Reservoir, set in about 16.6 acres
GUIDE ÂŁ2,500,000 3 Reception Rooms, 2 Studies, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Shower Room/Cloakroom. Principal Bedroom Suite, 3 Bedrooms with En suites, 1 further Bedroom, Bathroom. Ultrafast Broadband, EPC = D. Indoor Swimming Pool Complex, Outbuildings, Garaging, Orchard, Gardens, Paddock Land.
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W E N
EMPINGHAM
W E N
P.O.A.
A substantial range of traditional stone farm buildings, extending in total to approx. 10,000 sq.ft. with Planning Permission for conversion into 4 residential dwellings. These Barns were originally built by the Ancaster family and were part of the Normanton Park Estate. The development is situated approximately one mile to the east of the village of Empingham, close to Rutland Water.
WYMONDHAM Guide Price £700,000 Period stone farmhouse occupying a large unspoilt plot on quiet back lane in a picturesque village. With a host of original features, this substantial home offers extensive accommodation with 3 Reception Rooms, Office and 4 double Bedrooms. Energy Rating: E. An adjoining BUILDING PLOT is available by separate negotiation at a Guide Price of £200,000.
W E N
EGLETON £675,000 No Upward Chain A beautifully presented detached stone built property located in the heart of this premium Rutland village, close to Rutland Water and Oakham. The property offers good sized accommodation and stands in gardens and grounds of approximately 0.25 acres. 3 Reception Rooms, 4 Bedrooms, Master En-suite, Family Bathroom. Double Garage, Ample Parking. Energy Rating E.
W E N
OAKHAM £329,000 No Upward Chain A charming Grade II Listed townhouse set in the heart of town centre. The property has been sympathetically modernised whilst retaining a wealth of original features including period fireplaces, exposed beams and sash windows. The property offers a tastefully appointed accommodation over 3 storeys: 2 Reception Rooms, Garden Room, Country Kitchen, 4/5 dbl Bedrooms, Shower Room, Bathroom, Games Room, Study. EPC Exempt.
EDITH WESTON Guide Price £425,000 Exciting development opportunity to acquire a Grade II Listed semi-detached cottage requiring complete renovation and refurbishment, together with an adjacent building plot. Cottage: Listed Building Consent (2013/0474/LBC) to construct a 2-storey extension to rear and a single storey extension to side; Building Plot: Full Planning Permission (FUL/2007/0972) to construct a detached 2-bedroom cottage.
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The Hayloft - Essendine £850,000
The Hayloft – This family home extends to approximately 3,775 sqft of accommodation which is emphasised with high ceilings to many rooms. This superb conversion offers a fantastic layout for the growing family or for those with dependant relatives with a bedroom wing comprising of 4 double bedrooms, all with ensuite facilities, as well as a further double bedroom to the first floor with ensuite shower room. The feeling of space is evident when first entering The Hayloft with a huge dining hall with double doors opening to an impressive kitchen breakfast room with walk in pantry and large utility room. Bi folding doors from the kitchen breakfast give access to an enclosed courtyard ideal for al fresco dining. A further set of bi folding doors from the court yard give access to the lovely living room with wood burning stove. The Hayloft is complete and ready to move into as carpets have been fitted.
Rosewood – North Luffenham £515,000
Rosewood – The last remaining property on this popular development by Francis Jackson Homes, in a prominent location and enjoying a good size corner plot on the edge of this popular Rutland Water Village. The property is a four bedroom detached home of some 2000 sq.ft with two en suite shower/bathroom, a 4 piece family bathroom and 3 of the bedrooms also offering built in wardrobes. On the ground floor is a spacious reception hall and cloakroom, living room with wood burning stove, a separate dining room, large kitchen/family room and utility. Externally is a detached double garage and additional parking. As expected the property is finished to an exacting standard with high energy efficiency with solar panels, landscaped gardens, fitted carpets and is ready to move into.
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34-38 The Square Market Harborough LE16 7PA
01858 433123
marketharborough@struttandparker.com
www.struttandparker.com
Yeomans, Ashley, Northamptonshire
£1,100,000
A beautifully renovated Grade II Listed house with landscaped gardens, stabling and paddocks on the edge of one of Northamptonshire’s prettiest villages.
West Wing Ashwell Hall, Oakham Rutland The principal part of a beautiful Grade II Listed Hall set in stunning Rutland countryside.
Strutt & Parker estate agents and property consultants work in partnership with clients to deliver their goals – whether their interests are in residential, commercial, rural or development property.
£1,365,000
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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk
Burns Night Supper 2016 Hosted by Barnsdale Lodge, Exton...
The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley, but not when those plans are laid by Barnsdale Lodge, who hosted another exceptional Burns Night Supper for around 140 guests, with the usual accoutrements of a four course meal, the centrepiece of which was haggis with ‘neeps and tatties, followed by Ceilidh dancing and resident piper Cameron performing on the pipes and reading the Selkirk Grace. Burns lived in Dumfries from 1759 to 1796, and penned works including Auld Lang Syne, Tam O’Shanter and Scots Wha Hae, which remained for a long time the country’s unofficial national anthem. ■ For more information on Barnsdale Lodge, call 01572 724678 or visit www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk.
Feature your event in our magazine. 18
Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...
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Purchase photographs from this event online. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
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- HIGH SHERIFF -
Sarah Furness
RUTLAND HIGH SHERIFF OF
AS RUTLAND’S NEW HIGH SHERIFF TAKES OFFICE, WE MEET SARAH FURNESS TO FIND OUT A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE 1,000 YEAR OLD TITLE AND HOW RELEVANT THE SHRIEVALTY IS IN THE 21ST CENTURY. A CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT OAKHAM CASTLE ON 7TH APRIL, DURING WHICH THE HONOUR OF HIGH SHERIFF IS PASSED FROM ANDREW BROWN TO SARAH FURNESS. TODAY IT’S A PRESTIGIOUS ROLE, BUT THE TITLE OF HIGH SHERIFF HASN’T ALWAYS BEEN SO PRESTIGIOUS; PREVIOUSLY IT WAS AN ‘HONOUR’ PEOPLE SOUGHT TO ESCAPE A traditional role, that’s still relevant despite being more than 1,000 years old. Rutland’s new High Sheriff will take office next month, and Sarah believes the responsibility is now more relevant than ever, despite its long history.
“I am relieved that the modern role of High Sheriff no longer requires me to collect taxes or to pay personally if I did not collect enough,” says Sarah. “I am sure that I would’ve been left with no friends and no money! I am also glad that I do not have to attend public hangings. In history, it was a role people unsurprisingly sought to escape.”
Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
county before the creation of a police force - and as Sarah mentioned, the role involved overseeing executions, too.
There was no real incentive for accepting the role, especially when you were liable for any taxation shortfall. People often tried to shirk the responsibility in centuries gone by,
prevented candidates from tampering with their nomination.
Responsibilities of the job were gradually handed over to the Exchequer in the 12th century, and to the police service, prison service and Crown via statute in the 19th century.
“I am glad that I do not have to attend public hangings and collect tax, or pay if I didn’t collect enough. In history, it was a role people unsurprisingly sought to escape...”
There are a total of 55 High Sheriffs with appointments know four years in advance, and this has been the case since records began. The role exists alongside the county’s Lord Lieutenant. Both represent the Queen, but the role of the High Sheriff was always one of ensuring law and order was present, whilst collecting taxes.
High Sheriffs had extensive powers, judging cases in monthly court sittings, summoning posse comitatus - the military force of the
hence the ‘pricking’ ceremony, which will take place this month carried out by HM The Queen. The ceremony involves puncturing the piece of parchment where each incoming High Sheriff ’s name is recorded. Because vellum is thicker than paper, some previously nominated High Sheriffs would scratch their names from the document. Pricking through their names on the document
Today, the role is still important as Sarah firmly believes, and it is to attend royal visits in the county, supporting the Lord Lieutenant, and to act as the ceremonial head of the police and courts and support the voluntary sector. It’s also a very important tradition. Oakham Castle is the longest continuously used courtroom in the UK, and judges from the High Court may visit the county to hear cases in the building accompanied by Sarah. “In many ways the modern role’s underlying function is the same; the promotion of stability and social cohesion,” says Sarah. “On one level, the role is ceremonial. High Sheriffs publicise and focus attention on the 23
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- HIGH SHERIFF -
work of the public sector agencies of law enforcement, the judiciary, fire service, ambulance service and the people involved, many of whom feel their work does not get sufficient recognition.” “On another level working with the voluntary sector, we are able to publicise and encourage the invaluable work that is done by individuals and charities for the common good. Often we can put individuals and agencies in touch with each other to good effect.”
Sarah was nominated as High Sheriff four years ago by a panel of judges including the Lord Lieutenant and previous High Sheriffs. The reason for her nomination was the amount of effort she puts into the local community and local charities - the High Sheriff can be anyone in the county who has done good work for charity.
“They send you your invitation to be High Sheriff by letter,” says Sarah. “I collected the post in one morning and dropped the letter. I picked it up and took it with me to Oakham that day, quite accidentally, and spotted it in the footwell of my car.”
“At the barrier crossing, I opened it and couldn’t quite believe it - for the rest of the journey I was looking from the road to the letter, almost crashing several times! The thought of being High Sheriff had never crossed my mind.”
The official ceremony of declaration, when Andrew Brown hands the responsibilities of High Sheriff over to Sarah will be on 7th April this year. Oakham Castle have agreed to open especially for the event despite the restoration work currently underway.
“There will be around 150 people there,” says Sarah. “The Mayor, chairman of the county council, local judges, the Lord Lieutenant and other leaders of the community will be there alongside friends and family of course. Carrying on from the tradition, I’ll pay for the lunch and the wine for the day.”
“IN MANY WAYS THE MODERN ROLE’S UNDERLYING FUNCTION IS THE SAME, WHICH IS TO PROMOTE STABILITY AND SOCIAL COHESION. ON ONE LEVEL, THE ROLE IS CEREMONIAL AND ON ANOTHER, IT’S THERE TO WORK WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR SPECIFICALLY IN THE COUNTY...” “You don’t have to be tremendously wealthy to be a High Sheriff but it is self-funding so you have to be prepared to donate your money. And not just that, but your time - it takes a year out of your life.”
Nowadays you can turn down the offer of High Sheriff if you’re chosen, but you wouldn’t have been able to do so in medieval times, hence the pricking ceremony.
“It’s not just a tradition, or a fundraising role,” says Sarah. “That’s two big parts of the role but what I feel is most important, is the value of social stability it represents.”
“We are very lucky as a country to have a national health service, a fire service, police service, emergency service, army, navy, air force and the rest. It reminds us of that safety net, constantly protecting us and supporting us. My role is to celebrate the unsung heroes, essentially.” “It is quite amazing how much voluntary work takes place in our area. One of the local unsung heroes of Whissendine, where
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I live, is a man who will go to all of the nursing homes in Rutland and play music for them, completely voluntarily.”
“After visiting some of the homes with him, I saw some of the ladies dancing and many with smiles on their faces remembering the songs from their youth. I believe people who do this without any recognition or payment whatsoever are such important members of our society.” As High Sheriff, Sarah has the responsibility of organising and attending events to raise funds for charities.
“I have a lot of events planned during my time as High Sheriff of Rutland. There will be two sponsored walks first of all that I’m organising with the High Sheriff of Leicester. The first walk will be ten miles, raising funds for local charities LOROS and Warning Zone. Not many people have heard of Warning Zone but it’s an incredible charity.”
“High Sheriffs are the patrons for them. What they do, is take ten year olds from
local schools and puts them in different scenarios to warn them of dangers of modern life – it teaches them life skills.”
“The children really enjoy it because they’re all fun activities, at an activity centre. Parents and teachers are also tremendously supportive because of the dangers they’re being warned about. Youngsters remember the lessons because they have been presented in such an engaging way. They’ve just introduced warnings about internet dangers to children. Young teenagers can now also visit Warning Zone to learn about the dangers on line.” “The other walk will be for Hope and Warning Zone. Hope is a cancer charity that allows patients to benefit from clinical trials based in Leicester, giving them a higher chance of survival.”
“Another charity event that I host every year and have done for the past 20 years is opening my garden for the National Garden Scheme. This allows members of the public to donate money to walk around the garden, discuss different ideas and tips, and to just enjoy a Sunday with the local community and a cup of tea in hand. I usually get many attendees but this year, I hope to have a lot more. The event is on 15th May.”
“I am also to use my ancient right to raise a hue and cry to raise money for my High Sheriff charities, Warning Zone, Hope, and For Rutland in Rutland, on 30th May in Oakham. A hue and cry was a loud calling for the pursuit and capture of a criminal usually performed by the High Sheriff. My son-in-law has promised to be the villain!”
“I have other events planned like treasure hunts in the Castle grounds for children, drink and canapé parties at my house and at Burghley-on-the-hill in aid of For Rutland in Rutland and perhaps a few quizzes all to raise money for these all important local charities.”
In the 1300’s there were two female High Sheriffs, both called Margaret. It’s difficult to know if it was the same person or it was just a coincidence and there were two different people. Apart from that, she is the ninth female High Sheriff of Rutland. Female High Sheriffs were not introduced to the county until 1998, so this is an achievement in itself. We congratulate Sarah and look forward to the ceremony at Oakham Castle where she will be wearing her finery to be officially announced as High Sheriff of Rutland.
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Andrew Brown Andrew, in his time as High Sheriff, also supported the charity Warning Zone, based in Leicester, in addition to the other local charities Sarah will be supporting. He also raised money for the High Sheriff’s Charitable Fund, established by Miles Williamson Noble the year before. This charity is to improve the quality of life for the Rutland community and residents, with community groups and charities able to make applications for financial support. Andrew worked with Voluntary Action Rutland and visited local schools, the police force, courts and fire and rescue services in our area as well as places like Kendrew Barracks to meet service personnel. Andrew attended around 200 functions throughout the year as well as farming 250 hectares around Caldecott and performing his duties as a Chartered Environmentalist. He is married to Louise and the couple has three children, Oscar, Imogen and Ben. He will personally present Sarah with a medal at her declaration at Oakham Castle in April.
Seven Years of Sheriffs...
As it would probably fill the entire magazine to list every High Sheriff of Rutland, dating back to 1129, here are the past seven Sheriffs serving the county... 2008/2009 Mr T.H.G Cooper Esq, Exton 2009/2010 Mrs E.A Mills, Ashwell 2010/2011 Mrs S.C Forsyth, Uppingham 2011/2012 Mr P.O Lawson Esq, Uppingham 2012/2013 Mr B.G Hellyer Esq, Oakham 2013/2014 Mrs Trish Ruddle, Oakham 2014/2015: Air Commodore S.M.D Williamson-Noble 25
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Main: The only existing illustration of Queen Henrietta Maria with her beloved ‘pet,’ Sir Jeffrey Hudson, and another one of her amusing pets resting on Jeffrey’s arm - a monkey named Pug.
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- HISTORY -
The Tall Story of
MINIMUS OAKHAM’S LORD
THE TALL STORY OF SIR JEFFREY HUDSON FROM OAKHAM IS TRULY INCREDIBLE. IN SHORT, HIS LIFE HAS BEEN A ROLLERCOASTER OF GLAMOUR, EXCITEMENT, MISFORTUNE, DANGER AND DIFFICULTY; A PANTOMIME OF THE 17TH CENTURY. HE MAY HAVE STOOD JUST EIGHTEEN INCHES TALL, BUT HIS STORY IS CERTAINLY LARGER THAN LIFE, BEING QUEEN HENRIETTA MARIA’S BELOVED COMPANION (AND PET), A MEMBER OF THE COURT, A FRENCH OUTLAW, SLAVE TO THE BARBARY PIRATES, AND BRITAIN’S SHORTEST MAN... The Stuart era was the transition period between Tudor Britain and Georgian Britain. That’s not to say it wasn’t a major age of change. So much happened between 1603 and 1714 like the English Civil War and the Revolution of 1688.
The Stuart era was also a time when Sir Jeffrey Hudson was born in Oakham. He was considered one of the ‘wonders of the age,’ also referred to as a lord and authors have written books about the man.
Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
But Sir Jeffrey’s tall story started in Oakham, where he was baptised on 14th June 1619. He had normal sized parents and four normal sized siblings - three brothers and a half-sister.
for providing the bulls and the dogs for bull baiting, a popular form of entertainment at the time.
Many theories existed about why he was so short, including his mother choking on a gherkin whilst pregnant. We now know the
This visit however was not for John, nor the Duke. The Duchess had summoned John and Jeffrey, as she wished to inspect him upon hearing of his short stature.
real reason for Jeffrey’s smallness was a growth hormone deficiency caused by a misfiring pituitary gland.
Jeffrey had gone from living in a crowded one-roomed home with his family of seven to a new world of painted ceilings, lavish tapestries and a collection of very fine art - at seven years old.
“Jeffrey had gone from living in a crowded one-roomed home with his family of seven to a new world of lavish tapestries and a collection of very fine art...”
So was he a knight who fought in the civil war, simply a man of extreme wealth and fortune who lived an incredible life, or maybe a revolutionary in 1688?
In short, he was a court dwarf. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, court dwarves were some of the first dwarves to have their history recorded, not necessarily in a positive light. They were owned, exploited and traded between people of the court and often delivered as gifts to kings and queens.
John Hudson, Jeffrey’s father, was a butcher by trade and was often described as a ‘lusty man.’ John took seven year old Jeffrey to the country retreat of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham - Burghley House. John was also one of the Duke’s bullwards, responsible
At seven years old, Jeffrey was just 18 inches in height with no signs of growing. He was also perfectly formed with his limbs, head and body all in proportion. The Duchess had a mind to take him into the household.
George Villiers wasn’t just an avid collector of fine paintings, he was also known for being a superb showman and host. He planned a magnificent feast for King Charles and his young French wife Queen Henrietta Maria in London. 29
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- HISTORY -
The climax of the evening was presenting Jeffrey to the Queen - in the strangest way imaginable. The boy was fitted with a sky-blue masking suit, miniature helmet and breastplate. He was then placed inside an enormous pie crust, and carried to the banqueting table.
The musicians sounded trumpets as the pie was presented, and the Queen was handed a ceremonial knife. As she was about to pierce the pie, the crust lifted by itself, revealing a tiny hand. Jeffrey’s small face then peered out, as he stepped out of the pie and bowed. A tiny 45cm child was considered the perfect pet for a lonely Queen, apparently, and the Queen was delighted with the amusing gift.
N
ow, Jeffrey was the Queen’s dwarf, much loved and mothered by her. He was in turn, devotedly loyal to Queen Henrietta Maria. He soon became a Catholic and learned to read and write. For the next 20 years, he was to be an important member of the household, even though he was still viewed as a pet.
He was a pet alongside a giant, two disproportionate dwarves, and a monkey called Pug. Jeffrey was uniquely famous for being in proportion and extremely small, not changing in height between the ages of seven and 30. Even though he was the butt of laughter for the other courtiers, he became an expert in shooting and a fearless horseman. He also learned to entertain people with his wit in addition to his appearance. Despite his wit and intelligence, if he had been of normal height, it’s believed that Sir Jeffrey Hudson would’ve had no place at the court. He was celebrated in many poems and narratives of the day, but in one of several adulatory poems, it’s acknowledged that he was most prized on his height and he wouldn’t have enjoyed a life of such privilege if it hadn’t been for his short stature.
“JEFFREY WAS FITTED WITH ARMOUR, A MINIATURE HELMET AND A BREASTPLATE. HE WAS PLACED INSIDE AN ENORMOUS PIE CRUST, AND CARRIED TO THE BANQUETING TABLE. A TINY 45CM CHILD WAS CONSIDERED THE PERFECT PET FOR A LONELY QUEEN DURING THE TIME OF THE STUARTS...” While Jeffrey’s life was improving, his beloved owner’s life was starting to become threatened. As she was French and a Roman Catholic, the Queen was a source of tension even though the value of the marriage was important for keeping a friendly relationship with France. Many of the people in Stuart Britain were against the religion, the size of her court and growing number of priests. Henrietta and Charles’s relationship strengthened which made the relationship between Charles and most of England worsen. Plots and attempted arrests started to arise when the relationship between Parliament and King Charles started to completely deteriorate. Armed conflict soon broke out in 1642 between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists. As Charles led the Royalist army, the pregnant Queen travelled to the Netherlands with a small group of her retinue including 30
Jeffrey, to sell articles from her palace, raising money for support. However, the Protestant Dutch government refused to officially support the King, so the Queen and her party returned to Britain, to find themselves in the middle of a civil war.
suffer the cruel jokes and insults he would consistently receive from courtiers. Though miniature, he was a man and felt he should be accorded the dignity of a man. This is the first record in Jeffrey’s life you can see him feeling embarrassed with his height, after embracing it and being appointed grand roles in the monarchy and the court.
William Crofts was one of the courtiers with the Queen in France. After Jeffrey had announced that he would no longer be made a mockery, he challenged anyone who offended him to a duel. Crofts just so happened to be one of the offenders.
Duelling was punishable by imprisonment and fines in France but nevertheless, the two met. William arrived brandishing a water pistol, to mock Jeffrey further. His flippancy soon led to his death with Jeffrey being a much better shot in the duel, hitting him in the centre of his forehead, and killing him instantly.
The Queen was absolutely mortified. William was a powerful figure as the Queen’s Master of Horse, and duelling was outlawed in France. Jeffrey was initially sentenced to death, but the Queen commuted this to exile, and he was sent back to England. The duel still cost Jeffrey his position with the Queen, and proved to be the second turning point in his life.
A
They joined Royalist forces in Oxford, and the Queen appointed Jeffrey as a Captain of Horse. It’s not known whether he commanded troops, but he considered it an honour rather than a joke.
t the age of 25, Jeffrey went to the west coast of France, leaving behind the life he had known since the age of eight. He boarded a ship and whilst sailing home, the ship was captured, this time by Barbary pirates. The main purpose of Barbary pirate attacks was to capture Christian slaves for the Ottoman slave trade and the general Arabic market in North Africa and the Middle East.
Royalist courtiers collected around the Queen, but Jeffrey had no interest in continuing his role as her pet and decided that he wouldn’t
Jeffrey’s family were far too poor to pay a ransom fee and it seems the Queen knew nothing of Jeffrey being captured. This would most probably have been the case with the Queen suffering from other terrible
It soon became apparent that the war was growing rather than finishing so in 1643, the Queen fled to France with her courtiers, and she was provided with space at the Louvre palace. Although, the Queen suffered from a difficult delivery of Charles II and was soon moved to the spa at Nevers to recover.
Jeffrey was taken to North Africa as a slave for the next 25 years of his life. We know very little about this time of his life, but we know that Barbary pirates took slaves in order to be exchanged for a ransom.
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griefs - King Charles was beheaded by the government of the Commonwealth around this time.
Jeffrey would’ve been forced to do the very hardest physical labours during his time as a slave. No details of his captivity were recorded apart from one fact.
H
e had grown to 3 foot 9 inches while he was enslaved, doubling in height after 30 years of age. He attributed this to the assault he had regularly suffered at the hands of his captors.
He was no longer the impossibly miniature man beloved by the Queen nor the tiny knight stepping out of an enormous pie and bowing before her - just a very short man.
The date and the circumstances of his rescue are not known but in the 1660’s, several missions were sent from England to Algeria and Tunis. His first documented presence back in England was in 1669.
Jeffrey decided to move back to Oakham to live with the one brother who was still alive. He didn’t return to the Queen’s court but he did receive numerous grants from the new King and the Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, the man who first introduced Jeffrey to the royal life of a court dwarf.
During Jeffrey’s time as a slave the royal Restoration occurred in 1660 and the Queen returned from France after invitation from her son, Charles II. She resided in London for the next five years before fleeing to France a second time during the London plague of 1665. The Queen died in France upon Jeffrey’s return to Britain in 1669.
After spending several years with his brother in Rutland, Jeffrey returned to London, probably to seek a pension from the royal court. It seemed the luck he’d experienced earlier in life had completely ran out. He was imprisoned again for two years at the Gatehouse prison, arriving in London at a time of turbulent anti-Catholic activity. The fear of Catholics was ignited by malicious lies spread by another man from Oakham, Titus Oates, with his Popish Plot.
Main: A painting by Daniel Mytens of Jeffrey Hudson, painted for Charles I.
Jeffrey Hudson died sometime in 1681, with no records of when, where or how - a sad end to the extraordinary life of Lord Minimus, a life of glamour, excitement, danger and difficulties - and the friendship of a Queen. 31
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- JENNY ECLAIR -
WHAT’S SO FUNNY
About Middle Age?
Have you heard the one about middle age? You have to laugh, otherwise you’d cry, says Jenny Eclair. The comedienne says that her new 67 date tour holds up a mirror to the relationships we have in our middle ages, and if you thought the show was just for grumpy old women... you’re wrong. It’s for grumpy old men, too! Happy birthday to you, was our opening gambit to stand-up comedienne and TV personality Jenny Eclair. We were hoping that a cheery salutation might soften the ‘grumpy old woman’ up for our interview, but we needn’t have worried.
Whilst Jenny plays an eponymous character for the TV series, in reality, she’s very pleasant, warm and funny. We felt a little sorry, then, that her birthday falls right in the middle of her 64 date tour, a month after an appearance at Peterborough’s Key Theatre on 6th April.
Words: Rob Davis.
throes of a mid-life crisis, when it subsides I’ll have to retire and become a proper grown-up novelist... I’ve done four already, so I’m on my way.”
Jenny was born Jenny Hargreaves to RAF parents stationed in Kuala Lumpur. She returned to England at a young age and the family settled in Manchester, where Jenny attended the local Polytechnic to study theatre, intent on becoming a serious actress.
“As a teenager in the 1970s there were very few comediennes to base an act on, but I was a terrible show-off so I found it was easier to be a version of me on the stage. As soon as that penny dropped things got a lot easier.”
“I finished drama school at a time when alternative comedy was just starting out. So I was lucky that there was a bandwagon to jump on. That would have been about 1981, and I found myself in London a year later as a punk poet.”
“I’m definitely enjoying being in the throes of a mid-life crisis, when it subsides I’ll have to retire and become a proper grown-up novelist...”
“How will I be spending my birthday? I’ve no idea, probably gigging... just let me check my diary. Ah, no, I’ve got the night off. I won’t be able to go mad though because the next day I’m up north.”
One thing Jenny won’t be getting for her birthday, though, is a mid-life crisis. “I’ve been through that. I reckon between 50 and 60 you can claim to be having a mid-life crisis, and you’re allowed to bang on about it. I’ve no idea what I’ll do after 60 though, I’m definitely enjoying being in the 34
“Until, that is, I gained the sneaking suspicion that I couldn’t act. It was more because I belonged in performing rather than the world of theatre that I went to drama school. I enjoyed performing but I could never convince myself, let alone an audience, that I was in character. There was an internal voice saying ‘look at you pretending’ and I could never believe it.”
“Being funny is sort of like a tic, it’s something you’re born with. There’s some degree of craft to it but I think there’s an instinct to it, as well. I’m a very scripted one - perhaps because I’m a writer - as opposed to Frank Skinner, for example, who is a natural performer, more spontaneous.”
“Back in those days you have to get your equity card, so I was in a bizarre performance band; poetry, music, sketches. I started writing for them - quite John Cooper Clark. I was performing by myself from the age of 22, and arrived London, and got onto the comedy circuit.”
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“When the poetry oeuvre fell out of fashion I slid into comedy. I wish I had co-created the Grumpy Old Women format. It actually came from the original Grumpy Old Men, but we made it better because the producer of Women was really immersed in it. Her name’s Judith Holder and she supplied a lot of background glue insomuch as she used background material, rather than the programme just being talking heads. There was an extra layer to it.
“The series has been going since 2000, with a stage show later. I was in my
early-40s. It’s one of a lot of crossovers, with similar themes, but the Grumpy stage shows were bigger than the series.”
“They were big theatrical shows with sketches, standup, sets, costume changes, music and dancing.”
“The solo show is a slightly cheaper show, two hours altogether, and is a more hybrid event of mini-lecture, and stand-up with an audience participation element, with a real call to action.”
“Feminism always underpins what I do because ultimately I’m a working woman.
“I DIDN’T WANT IT TO BE TOO GLOOMY, NOR TOO SACCHARINE, RATHER I WANTED THE NEW TOUR TO BE A MUTUAL CELEBRATION OF MIDDLE AGE, THE LEAKY OLD BOAT IN WHICH WE ALL FIND OURSELVES!” 36
Feminism is embroidered within, it’s sort of in your social DNA. I think the tour is a refusal to be ignored, it’s a cross between a hug and a scream. It’s about age being a bit rubbish, but a bit of a laugh too, a light-hearted and realistic look at the middle age adventure that happens to us all.”
“I didn’t want it to be too gloomy, nor too saccharine, rather I wanted the new tour to be a mutual celebration of middle age, the leaky old boat in which we all find ourselves!”
“Interestingly, I’ve had as many men coming up to me to voice their thoughts on the material, and several have said to me ‘it’s nice to have an insight into how my wife feels.’” “It’s a show about shared experiences, the most relatable form of comedy because it holds up a very big mirror to
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- JENNY ECLAIR -
Opposite: Jenny with daughter Phoebe. Left: partner Geoff Powell and in the Celebrity jungle in 2010. Above: An author too, Jenny has written four books.
the audience and reflects what happens in our own personal relationships. Ultimately, it’s not all cynical.”
“You can’t just do two hours of cynical comedy, about how we hate men, it would be very boring and downbeat, and it wouldn’t be true. I’m a big fan of my partner, with whom I’ve been living for over 33 years.”
So as someone approaching yet another birthday - her 56th, incidentally - what advice does Jenny have for anyone on the subject of how to be a middle aged woman? “There’s no single answer, but I hope there’s a degree of self-help in the show!”
n Jenny Eclair will appear in her new show, How To Be A Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane) at Key Theatre on Wednesday 6th April at 7.30pm, tickets £18.50.
KEY THEATRE THIS SEASON Friday 4th March, 7.30pm
Friday 26th March, 7.30pm
A Passion for Opera takes you on a fabulous tour of the operatic and musical theatre world. Includes excerpts from favourite operas and musicals; Rigoletto, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, Carmen, Porgy & Bess, and Gilbert & Sullivan. £15/adults, £12/conc.
Direct from London’s West End, this 50th Anniversary Celebration features a full live band performing all the duo’s hits from Mrs Robinson to Cecilia.
A Passion for Opera
Saturday 5th March, 7.30pm
A Swinging Affair
Friends for 30-years, vocalist Claire Martin and legendary saxophonist and vocalist Ray Gelato combine their love of swing for their first show together. £20.
Simon & Garfunkel Story
Friday 1st April, 7.30pm
Syd Lawrence
Featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Quincy Jones, Billy May, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. n Visit Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF, 01733 207239, or see www.vivacity-peterborough.com.
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What’s On... THE BRIGHT GREEN ENERGY SHOW
Find out What’s On this month with events taking place in many different venues across the county. There’s a number of celebrity appearances of all kinds in the county this month in addition to West End shows... THE DRESSING ROOM
Sunday 28th February A new play written by Bobby Ball is going out on tour this year with an all-star cast including Bobby Ball, Tommy Cannon, Stu Francis and more. One of the venues they’ll be visiting will be the Stamford Corn Exchange, £19.50. 01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk
Birdwatching Walks...
A PASSION FOR OPERA
Friday 4th March A Passion for Opera takes you on a fabulous tour of the operatic and musical theatre world. The singers are Heritage Opera regulars, each one a professional soloist. They will perform at Key Theatre in Peterborough, £15.
01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com
A SWINGING AFFAIR
Saturday 5th March Multi award-winning vocalist Claire Martin OBE and legendary saxophonist and vocalist Ray Gelato have joined forces for their first show together, A Swinging Affair at Key Theatre in Peterborough, £20.
01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com
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Monday 7th - 12th March A mix of exhibition and local firms offering help with energy saving and renewable energy generation at the Bright Green Energy Show at Stamford Arts Centre, trying to make Stamford sustainable.
01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com
Ray Mears...
- CELEBRITIES -
JASON DONOVAN
Wednesday 2nd March By popular demand, Jason Donovan is returning to his roots for a solo tour of his debut five times platinum 1989 album Ten Good Reasons and Greatest Hits. See him live at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, £32.50. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk
RAY MEARS
Friday 4th March Through carefully selected stories Ray Mears looks at topics regarding exploration providing an insight to what makes a survivor, in his Tales of Endurance show at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, £21. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk
BRENDAN COLE
Wednesday 9th March Always a sell-out in Leicester, Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole is once again set to dazzle audiences at De Montfort Hall with his latest show A Night To Remember, £37.50. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk
LICMF’S WONDERLAND
Saturday 12th March Wonderland is a brand new project created by Ashley Wass and Matthew Trusler to raise money for the Lenny Trusler Children’s Foundation, performed at the Stamford Arts Centre, £10 - £16/pp. 01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com
BIRDWATCHING WALKS
Friday 18th March Join Rutland Water Nature Reserve in the three hour walks led by Terry Mitcham. He’s the bird recorder of Rutland Natural History Society, and a very experienced birdwatcher, £10, £5 with membership to Rutland Water.
01572 770651, www.rutlandwater.org.uk
Kilworth hosts a special murder mystery night...
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Friday 18th - 20th March West End Wildcats are proud to present The Wizard of Oz. The troupe of talented youngsters are well rehearsed and this year they present the classic story of Dorothy and her friends at Key Theatre, Peterborough, £15.
01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com
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Send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.
BURGHLEY HOUSE RE-OPENS
Saturday 19th March Burghley House re-opens! On the 19th March, the house and gardens will re-open until the end of October. This year’s exhibitions, included in your House and Gardens ticket, will be Capability Brown at Burghley, and The Georgians at Burghley.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s featuring Pixie Lott...
01780 752451, www.burghley.co.uk
THE SOUND OF MURDER
Friday 25th March Maria has her hands full with a blood curdling murder investigation at Kilworth House. Pre-dinner drinks, then the plot will be set and played out during the course of the evening and evidence placed before you in the Orangery, £55. 01858 881939, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk
DINOSAUR ZOO
Monday 28th - 30th March Back by popular demand, Dinosaur Zoo returns to Leicester, now introducing the T-Rex to the stage, Dinosaur Zoo brings these prehistoric creatures to life as you’ve never seen before at the Curve, £14.
01162 423595, www.curveonline.co.uk
POP-UP EASTER CRAFTS
Tuesday 29th March 3D easter and spring pictures, using some of the techniques used in pop-up cards. Have a go using paper, card, pens, crayons and a few bits and bobs like feathers and sequins to create and decorate a pop-up Easter bunny, chick or flowers, £7. 01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com
- WEST END PERFORMANCES & MUSICALS -
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S
Thursday 3rd - 12th March Memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been given a new lease of life as a stage play in a production starring Pixie Lott as Holly in the Curve Leicester, £45. 01162 423595, www.curveonline.co.uk
THE BODYGUARD
Tuesday 15th March The Bodyguard, the award-winning musical based on the blockbuster film, is heading to Leicester starring Brit nominee and X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron. Direct from its West End run at Leicester. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk
TOM JONES: THE MUSICAL
Wednesday 30th March - 2nd April Step back in time to the dance halls, working men’s clubs and recording studios of the 60s where the legend Tom Jones was born: a Valleys boy with a heart-stopping voice who dreamed of making the big time, no matter what it took at the Curve Leicester, £32.50. 01162 423595, www.curveonline.co.uk
Tom Jones The Musical...
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Half Way to
PARADISE From fine dining to quality pub favourites, the beauty of South Luffenham’s Coach House is its versatility, with a comfortable dining room or a cosy bar, and a wide range of delicious, innovative dining options... There’s no telling what the weather will bring this month, from biting winds and hard frosts to the first signs that spring is on its way.
If it’s cooler, you’re likely to crave food that’s a little heavier, in the bar area of a rustic pub replete with flagstones and fireplaces. If, on the other hand, the weather’s a little kinder, you might favour dishes that are a little lighter.
No matter, if you’re in the vicinity of South Luffenham. The village is home to just over 400 people, many of whom regularly enjoy a meal in their village pub, The Coach House.
South Luffenham is equidistant between Lincoln and Leicester, and for that reason the village pub was previously known as The Halfway House. It’s not, however, a halfway house between pub food and fine dining, achieving both of these simultaneously, and equally well. 42
Words: Rob Davis.
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Starter: Pan fried sea bass with roasted fennel and mussel veloutĂŠ.
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Left: Our starter of deep fried ham bites with cheese fondue served in homemade bread.
“In addition to the six available starters, there’s a choice of both à la carte main course dishes and Home Comforts. The former take their inspiration from head chef Pat O’Donovan’s time at The Savoy...”
Below: Owner Charles Thomas, outside the South Luffenham pub restaurant.
The bar, meanwhile, is thoroughly traditional with flagstones, a wood burner and stripped pine tables. There’s something rather clever about a restaurant which offers its diners the opportunity to choose either a more formal or slightly more relaxed experience. City dwellers who have been suited and booted all week often prefer less formality, whilst those out to supper with friends might enjoy dressing up.
This flexibility is compounded, too, by the main à la carte menu, which runs from noon until 2pm from Tuesday to Sunday and in the evening from 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Built in 1850, and Grade II listed, the place is now home to Charles Thomas, who will this year celebrate his 10th anniversary at the pub restaurant. Charles has worked across the hospitality industry and across the country. Following his decision to work for himself rather than other people, he came across the pub then discovered that his maternal grandmother actually lived in the village back in the 1920s before the family moved to Solihull.
Since then, Charles has renovated the place on an ongoing basis, and now, there’s a quaint snug bar with just 10 seats, as well as a the more spacious bar area, accommodating drinkers and about 25 diners, as well as a more formally styled but comfortable dining room accommodating about 40. Fresh and light, with sage green decoration, the restaurant features oak tables and suede chairs, and overlooks a small decking area for al fresco dining in the warmer months.
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In addition to the six available starters, there’s a choice of both à la carte main course dishes and Home Comforts. The former are more formally presented options, taking their inspiration from chef Pat O’Donovan’s time at The Savoy.
Working alongside Gavin Baily and Karl Johnson, these options change every two months, and feature additional elements on the plates or increased complexity compared to their stablemates.
Meanwhile, the menu’s Home Comforts include a ‘gourmet’ burger option, traditional fish and chips and a confit duck leg dish. Also available is a choice of four grill options from steaks to gammon to the full-sized mixed grill.
Our visit saw us enjoying two options from the à la carte choice, a duck breast dish served with a savoury flap jack, and plum sauce. Our trio of chicken, meanwhile, included chicken breast, thigh and wing with a mushroom risotto and creamy pea sauce.
These followed a beautifully presented starter of pan fried sea bass with roasted fennel and mussel velouté, substantial enough to present as a main course, and
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Main Course: Duck breast served with savoury flap jack, green beans in pancetta and plum sauce.
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“Diners come from across Rutland and Stamford & Leicester for quality pub restaurant food...”
Farm, Peterborough Game, and M&J Seafood alongside Grainstore Brewery who provide real ale and several local wine suppliers who help Charles to create his wine list.
deep fried ham bites, with a cheese fondue presented within the restaurant’s homemade bread. It was the first time we’ve seen this option on a local menu, and it was a delicious, satisfying option.
Like the other elements of our meal, desserts were created in house and included a bread and butter pudding option with crème Anglaise and chocolate fruit and nut terrine, presented as shards with berries and fruit zest.
Local suppliers aiding The Coach House in their aim to produce some of the area’s best pub restaurant cuisine include Grasmere
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“We’re lucky really, because we’ve a good local drinking trade from a really good, really loyal village,” says Charles. “But we also attract diners from across Rutland and from places like Stamford and Leicester who want to enjoy quality pub restaurant or more ‘fine dining’ oriented food.”
This month, no matter what the weather decides to do, you’ll find something to suit the climate, from a beautifully cooked steak with a fully-bodied red wine, next to the log burner in the bar, or à la carte dining from one of the restaurant’s innovative main course options. Whichever you choose though, we’re certain you’ll find The Coach House offers excellent dining, and a warm welcome, too.
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Sample Dishes STARTERS
Mushrooms
Wild mushroom and tarragon with a creamy sauce and brioche.
£5.95
Pan fried sea bass with roasted fennel and mussel velouté.
Sea Bass
£6.25
Ham Bites
£5.95
Deep fried ham bites served with cheese fondue.
MAIN COURSES Duck Breast
Duck breast served with savoury flap jack, fine beans and plum sauce.
£15.95
Trio of Chicken
£12.95
Pork Chop
£12.50
Chicken breast, thigh and wing served with wild mushroom risotto and creamy sauce. Grasmere Farm pork chop with champ potato, asparagus, vine tomato, sage and onion jus.
DESSERTS Chocolate Terrine
Chocolate terrine with fruit and nut.
£5.50
Bread and butter pudding with crème Anglaise.
Bread & Butter Pudding
£5.50
Cheese Board
£6.95
With biscuits.
Find Out More:
The Coach House Inn, Stamford Road South Luffenham, Rutland LE15 8NT Dessert: Chocolate terrine with fruit and nut.
Tel: 01780 720166 www.coachhouserutland.co.uk
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- RAPESEED OIL -
GOLD k c a l B
Rutland farmer Josh Makey has been producing his cold pressed rapeseed oil for around a year now, and is keen to expand his market and inform local cooks of the benefits of this healthy alternative to conventional products. Whether you’re baking, frying, dipping or dressing, it’s the in vogue oil produced right here in the county... Words & Images: Rob Davis.
Rutland farmer John Makey began producing his cold pressed rapeseed oil just under a year ago, but, he says, word still needs to be spread about this healthier alternative to conventional cooking oils.
Josh is the fifth generation of farmer at Wytchley Warren Farm, around one third of the land (200 acres) is dedicated to growing oil seed rape - specifically the Alegria crop, which suits our climate.
“I came back to the family farm in 2013 after spending four years at Newcastle University, and due to the size of our farm I was keen to diversify and start a new business. I researched the production of rapeseed oil and discovered it had many benefits.”
“IT’S A CASE OF THE DEVIL MAKES WORK FOR IDLE HANDS... I WAS LOOKING FOR A PROJECT, SOMETHING TO KEEP ME BUSY IN THE WINTER MONTHS!” 50
“For instance, it has less than half the saturated fats of olive oil. It’s also a good source of vitamins and it’s a natural antioxidant. The oil has a natural balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9, which are all important in a balanced diet. Finally the oil is very versatile and has a high smoke point for safer, simpler, more satisfying cooking results.” Josh purchased some specialised equipment from a producer in Northumberland and quickly gained the knowledge he needed to begin producing his own black gold.
During our visit the crop was becoming established, having been sown back in August, though over the next few months, vibrant yellow flowers will grow and will become a regular sight around Rutland’s countryside. Thereafter, pods and seeds will develop and continue to ripen until they are ready to be harvested in July or August.
Once the crop is harvested, Josh retains the small black seeds which are full of the golden oil, and he transfers them into a hopper in the first floor of the barn.
Above: Grown, pressed and bottled on the shores of Rutland Water, young farmer Josh has been producing rapeseed oil for around a year now. It’s full of all that is special about England’s smallest county.
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- RAPESEED OIL -
Below: In March a rapeseed field isn’t much to look at, but in a couple of months, the crop will create a yellow blanket across the county.
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Right: The setup may look a little simple, but that’s a reflection on the process. The press is fed from a hopper in the loft of Josh’s barn, then allowed to settle.
Opposite: The product is made to order, with each one tonne pressing taking about a week. The 1,000 litre holding tank feeds an automatic bottler.
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The seeds then gravity feed into the press where they are squeezed between a screw and a barrel, releasing the golden oil.
It then continues its journey down into a 400 litre holding tank, this is an extremely slow process but the result is a pure clean healthy oil. The by-product of the crushed seeds is a cake material which is sold locally for animal feed so there really is no waste in the process.
The oil settles for about a month before being pumped through a series of paper polishing filters which cleans the oil until it’s crystal clear. The oil is stored in a clean oil tank where bottling can take place using a semi-automatic bottling machine. With the addition of a screw top and a label, the bottle is ready to be sold.
more outlets and would be keen to hear from anyone interested in stocking the product.”
More recently Josh has begun selling the oil in larger volumes, offering a five litre container to meet the demands of the catering market such as restaurants and pubs, where chefs are keen to use the product.
“The cold pressing process retains more of the flavour compared to the commercial processors,” says Josh. An acre produces roughly one and a half tonnes of rapeseed, which will then produce, when crushed, 450 litres of oil.
Rapeseed oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils on the market, and as Josh points out, it makes a particularly delicious honey and mustard salad dressing and roast potatoes which taste wonderful.
“COLD PRESSING RETAINS MORE OF THE FLAVOUR COMPARED TO COMMERCIAL PROCESSORS,” SAYS JOSH...
n Rutland Rapeseed Oil is available from various farm shops, garden centres and butchers. RRP: £2.95/250ml bottle £4.95/500ml bottle, £15.00 /five litre. For enquiries call: 07989585723 or see www.rutlandrapeseed.co.uk.
Josh began selling to the public via farm shops, butchers and delis in June 2014, he also has attended various farmers markets and shows. “We’re constantly looking for
Josh’s setup is simple, but that’s the idea; this is a product designed to be pure, untainted and much healthier than alternatives. Best of all, though it’s home grown right here in Rutland… the young farmer has, it seems really struck gold.
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MOTHER DAY Set Lunch £19.95 Two Courses / £23.95 Three Courses Dates for your Diary:
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS Saturday 5th March Cake Decorating Saturday 4th June Summer Dining, Selecting, Marinating and Cooking the Best Cuts Saturday 17th September Homemade Jams and Chutneys Saturday 12th November Festive Fayre
52 Main Street, Lyddington, Uppingham LE15 9LT Call for bookings: 01572 822 477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week | 17 Modern Bedrooms | Four AA Star Rated
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- RECIPES -
Slow Roast Spring Lamb with Olives, Garlic and Anchovies... Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 2½ hours
Ingredients: 900g/2lb lean half leg of lamb Salt and freshly milled black pepper 30ml/2tbsp rapeseed or olive oil Six garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped Two sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme leaves, roughly chopped Eight anchovy fillets, drained and finely chopped 50g/2oz green olives, drained and finely chopped 300ml/½pint white wine or good hot vegetable stock
“This flavour-filled roast spring lamb is a must try dish, one that is bursting with rich, earthy tones...” 56
Recipes & Food: Simply Beef & Lamb. Please visit www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk for more information.
This is a recipe that you can just imagine being delicious by looking at the ingredients.
Mixing the strong flavour of garlic and anchovies with the richness of olives and lamb makes this dish bursting with flavour. This flavour-filled roast spring lamb is a must try dish, one that is full of rich earthy tones.
Preheat the oven to Gas mark 3, 160°c, 325°f. In a small bowl, mix together half of the oil (15ml), the garlic, the rosemary, the anchovies and the olives.
Place the joint on a chopping board and make several slashes over the surface of it with a sharp knife. Season the lamb and stuff the garlic mixture into the slits and over both sides of the joint.
Heat a large non-stick pan with the remaining oil and brown the lamb on both sides along with any of the remaining garlic mixture.
Transfer the lamb to a large ovenproof casserole dish with any remaining mixture from the pan.
Add the wine or stock and cover with a lid or foil and cook in the oven for 2½ hours, basting occasionally.
Serve the lamb with hot new potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli or braised leeks.
Tip: If you prefer try this recipe with a half or whole shoulder of lamb instead of a leg of lamb. n To find more delicious recipes using lamb or beef, please visit www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk.
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The Wine
Spoil mum with some ‘mother’s ruin’ this month we’ve some premium gins, as well as Prosecco, champagne and a light, fruity red wine. All of this month’s recommendations are perfect Mother’s Day treats, suggested by our wine writer Harish Khanderia...
1. Montenisa Franciacorta Brut Antinori, £26.95
The Antinori family have been producing wine in Tuscany for six centuries - 26 generations! Their Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc sparkling wine provides superb traditional method fizz with a crisp apple fruit is given richness by part-barrel fermentation and extended time on the lees.
2. Château de Pampelonne Côtes de Provence Rosé, £17.50
A supple, elegant rosé, with a complex, sharp bouquet and a powerful, fruity palate. From the winery’s 50 hectare family estate located, facing the sea at Pampelonne bay, it’s a symphony of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault.
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3. Ruinart Rosé Champagne Gift Pack, £69.95
Spoil mum with this fruity and aromatic rosé champagne. With two beautiful flutes, the wine’s nose offers a subtle and fresh, aroma of tropical fruits, whilst its flavour is fresh and subtle, ripe with cherry and freshly picked red berries, followed by a splash of flowers and spicy notes.
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Cellar...
Left: Harish of Oakham Wines won our Food Hero of the Year award in Rutland Pride’s 2015 food awards, carefully selected by our readers.
4. Warner Edwards Rhubarb Gin, £ 37.95
Local distillery Warner Edwards uses handpicked Queen Victoria Rhubarb to give them the best flavour and soften the plant using their still. The fabulous juices produced are combined with their award-winning Harrington gin to create a unrestrained gin bursting with flavour. Subtle hints of sweet spice, vanilla and nutmeg are followed by classic juniper, citrus and coriander. It is a captivating spirit showcasing a genuine character!
5. Monkey 47 Gin, Germany, £42.95
A premium gin, Monkey 47 (with no fewer than 47 Botanicals & 47% ABV) exceeds expectations. Small batch production, and molasses-based spirit. Distinct scents of citrus and lavender notes accompany the botanical sweet aroma, creating a unique opening to the gin.
6. Lost Angel Pinot Noir, California, USA, £13.49
Lost Angel offers a fruit-forward yet food friendly style that packs as much punch as the packaging. Silky and smooth, this Pinot Noir has strawberry and plum aromas, complimented by spicy pepper. There’s a blend of riper, fruitier flavours with an interesting Pinot earthiness.
n Each of our wines have been recommended by Rutland Food Hero, Harish Khanderia of Oakham Wines - visit Harish on High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH. Call 01572 757124 or visit www.oakhamwines.co.uk. 59
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- MOTHER’S DAY -
Gift
IDEAS...
Mother’s
DAY
Spend Mother’s Day locally, by visiting a luxury hotel for afternoon tea, or buy her something special this year like theatre tickets or maybe luxury gifts from Queensgate in Peterborough...
Above: A lipstick wardrobe is definitely on every woman’s gift checklist, if you really want to spoil her! We recommend Charlotte Tilbury’s lipstick wardrobe, K.I.S.S.I.N.G £220. Right: Nicolas Feuillatte Rose Champagne and a Charbonnel & Walker Truffles Gift Set is something you can guarantee she will enjoy £30.
Left: Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum £49 - £124.50.
Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
THEATRE
Book something to look forward to, and give her the tickets on Mother’s Day. We recommend the Curve Theatre (01162 423595, www.curveonline.co.uk) in Leicester as a venue with shows like Breakfast at Tiffany’s on Mother’s Day, with Pixie Lott playing Holly Golightly. Leicester is also home to De Montfort Hall (01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk) with a West End show starring Alexandra Burke on 15th March - The Bodyguard. Key Theatre (01733 207239, www.vivacitypeterborough.com) is another phenomenal theatre with a group performing the Wizard of Oz from 18th - 20th March.
Afternoon Tea...
Many local hotels offer afternoon tea on Mother’s Day. We recommend Rushton Hall (01536 713001, www.rush tonhall.com) and Barnsdale Lodge (01572 724678, www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk).
Below: Links of London Effervescence XS Sterling Silver Bracelet £95. Below: This Mavala five piece Nail Polish Gift Set £12, is perfect for Mother’s Day.
Right: Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Home Candle, £42. Below: John Lewis Floating Hearts Photo Frame £42 - £47.
n All of the featured items are from Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough, www.queens gate-shopping.co.uk, 01733 311666.
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- HOMES -
VIEW
A Room with a
RUTLAND IS A COUNTY FOR COUNTRY LIVING. WOOD CLOSE FARM TICKS ALL THE BOXES FOR A RURAL FAN. IT’S THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE FOR AN IDYLLIC PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE ROLLING RUTLAND COUNTRYSIDE, YET IT OFFERS A COUNTRY LIFE BROUGHT UP TO SPEED WITH THE 21ST CENTURY BY COMBINING MODERN NECESSITIES WITH RURAL LUXURIES... Words: Tilly Wilkinson. 64
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- HOMES -
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Many homes in Rutland are blessed with extensive country views. The reservoir takes up most of the county’s 150 square mile space, and Rutland’s residents tend to habitate in the hamlets and small villages, or one of the two towns. This allows homeowners to enjoy panoramic scenery without it being tarnished by ugly infrastructure. As far as views go, Alison and Andrew of Wood Close Farm in Wardley have the best you can get and they have moulded their house to maximise them. “We’ve lived in the home for 12 years now,” says Alison. “Before Wardley we lived in Lyddington, and I’m Rutland born and bred.”
“The house was in an awful state when we first arrived. It was covered in barbed wire, overgrown hedges and the lady who lived there had two very large dogs! I don’t think it had ever been cleaned.”
The couple had to rewire, replumb and strip everything back before they could make any start on the house.
Above: One of the four spare bedrooms to the property in a neutral colour scheme. Main: The open plan kitchen with French doors and a bold salmon pink and blue colour scheme, also featuring an Aga oven and butler sink.
“As far as views go, Alison and Andrew of Wood Close Farm in Wardley have the best you can get...”
“After we had sorted out the main problems, we extended the property, doubling it in size, knocked some of the walls down to create more space, created a new kitchen, installed a wood burner and found a beautiful inglenook fireplace behind a brick wall. We also reinstated some of the stone mullion windows.”
“The owner who lived there previously had bricked up the front door so we made a new one which opens to the inglenook snug room with original Victorian flooring.”
You can enter from the front door or from the French doors in the open plan kitchen. The kitchen has granite work surfaces, a butler sink, a four oven Aga, underfloor heating and obviously the views from the 67
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- HOMES -
French doors. The kitchen also has doors to a large utility, a pantry and to the main corridor.
“There’s a great deal of storage in general,” says Alison. “We’ve maximised the space in every corner of Wood Close Farm.”
The hallway from the kitchen leads onto a cloakroom, a coat cupboard, the snug, and an office with bookshelves and a built in desk. There’s also a lounge area downstairs featuring a log burner.
Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms and three bathrooms. The first spare double bedroom has built in wardrobes and an en suite. It used to be two separate rooms, but the couple combined the two rooms after the children left home; at first Alison and Andrew had six rooms.
When you leave the first room and go a little further down the corridor, you’ll find a shower room, storage area and second double bedroom. This also features built in wardrobes and Alison refers to this as the ‘cosy’ room. Above: The principal bedroom’s ensuite with stone basin, Victorian bath and very large shower space, matching the colour scheme of the principal bedroom. Main: Principal bedroom with floor to ceiling window, overlooking Rutland’s countryside.
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“When we designed the extension, we planned for plenty of storage so we’ve maximised the space in every corner...”
The next room was Alison’s son’s double room with a basin in the corner, then another big double bedroom with vaulted ceilings which was her daughter’s room.
At the end of the hallway is the principal double bedroom with a large floor-to-ceiling window heating the room during the summer. This room has an en suite that features a very large shower, stone basin and Victorian bath.
“We used quite a few local suppliers for the home,” says Alison. “Charles Gamble sourced furniture for the house, a good friend of ours. An Oakham iron forge company created the fire baskets for the open fire, we fitted the Aga using a company also based in Oakham, Andrew Smith helped with timbers like the oak hand rails and we used Elizabeth Stanhope for a lot of the fabrics.”
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- HOMES -
The house was built in 1710 and was originally designed to be a farm cottage and it was half the size it is now. Alison and Andrew were the owners who turned it into a beautiful family home in the Rutland countryside. “The parterre garden opens up onto a large lawn area which looks over the countryside, covering a third of an acre in total,” says Alison. “It’s so peaceful, especially at night. We’re the penultimate house going out of Wardley so it’s very quiet and because there’s no light pollution as there are no street lights in the village, you can see all of the stars in the sky at night. It’s so beautiful.”
“This is what I enjoy most about Wood Close Farm - the view and the blissfully quiet location. The future owners of the property have this to look forward to and the country life.” Above: The parterre gardens are beautifully designed and form a sort of wind trap with the walls of the house, garage and the fence surrounding it, perfect for summer. The lawn just beyond it would be great for summer parties too.
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“If you’re looking to live in the country, our home is perfect! There’s a small woodland down the road and I’ve never seen anyone in it when you’re walking through; it’s like our own private copse.”
“Almost everyone in the village has dogs - we have two westies - so it’s very dog friendly. We’re not far from Eyebrook either. I’m a keen runner so I usually run to Eyebrook, around the village and back which is always lovely. There are quite a number of public footpaths in the area too.”
The property is also suitable for equestrian interests. There’s a field just behind Wood Close Farm owned by the church and rented by someone living close by. This is used as a livery and there’s room for horses.
“We’re regrettably leaving the house because it’s bigger than what we need now. I’m looking for another property I can renovate - I’ve transformed properties in Italy, London and Rutland so another project that’s a little smaller... that’s what we’re looking for!”
Wood Close Farm, Wardley
Location: Uppingham two miles, Lyddington five miles.
Style: A beautifully renovated farmhouse with French doors opening up onto a parterre garden and a wonderful view of the Rutland countryside.
Receptions: Three, currently arranged as kitchen, snug, and sitting room. Beds: Five, four guest double bedrooms, one with en suite and principal bedroom with en suite.
Other Features: French doors, parterre garden, floor-to-ceiling windows. Guide Price: £795,000
Find Out More:
Estate Agency: Fine & Country Tel: 01780 750200
Web: www.fineandcountry.com
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SPRING Home Style for
From chic silks to floral influences, the area’s leading interior design companies are currently awaiting deliveries of the fabric and wallpaper collections that their clients can choose from in spring and summer 2016. This month we reflect on this year’s most popular trends...
Words: Rob Davis.
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Main Image: Richmond from Clarke & Clarke is a collection of co-ordinated embroideries and weaves in a modern country style. Delightful florals are teamed with smart stripes and pretty leaf trails.
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- HOMES -
T
his month sees the county’s interior design studios take delivery of the new season’s fabric and wallcovering collections. Each year, the local companies invest thousands of pounds in sample books, predicting what’s likely to appeal to their clients.
This year, look out for a key trend of indigo. The Little Greene Paint Company has even created a brand new range of light and dark blue tones. Collections like Vienna, Richmond and Glenmore or Clarke & Clarke are good examples. The former is a smart urban style with neutral coloured linen fabrics and modern stripes, whilst Glenmore featured plaids well-suited to country properties.
cerise in colour, it clients into red and purple for a rich, variegated look. It can be seen, too, in Voyage’s Couture range with its embroidery, crystals and sequins.
As always, the county’s interior design studios can help you to create bespoke soft furnishings and window treatments for your room, or you can enlist them to create whole rooms or redesign an entire property to create a coherent, well-designed home, made in collaboration with you. >>
Another trend that’s more popular in Stamford and Rutland than more urban areas is the trend towards botanical or animalinspired prints. The trend was popularised, if not started, by Voyage, whose Maison cushions and other accessories are instantly recognisable with their cheerful, eclectic watercolour images of cattle, deer and dogs.
In spring and summer 2016 the brand’s Arbour, Linden and Decar ranges will feature leaves, birds and swirls, whilst its Country sub-brand will feature a wider range of botanically inspired prints, with waterfowl and pheasants. Canine prints are popular too with companies like Elanback releasing single or multicolour dachshund designs on fabrics and wallcoverings. Metallic fabrics with silky gold, copper and silver will colours prove popular, and as well as solid silky fabrics, expect to see some ombre, a trend stolen from the fashion and hair industry.
Strong trends in these usually filter down to the interior design sector too, and Harlequin’s Amazelia is a good example... predominantly
Left: Vienna is a stylish, multi-purpose plain linen fabric, from Clarke & Clarke, available in a wonderful colour palette.
Right: Little Greene Paint Company’s Hampstead paper, in Celestial Blue from the firm’s 20th Century Papers collection.
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“THE COUNTY’S INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIOS CAN HELP YOU TO CREATE BESPOKE SOFT FURNISHINGS AND WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR YOUR ROOM, OR YOU CAN ENLIST THEM TO CREATE WHOLE ROOMS...”
Left: Amethyst is another colour set to be popular in spring and summer 2016. Wallpaper Tuscany Vert d’Eau, cushions Chloe, Eliza, Aubin, Bresis from new 2016 collections.
Right: The Summer Palace collection from Designer’s Guild, shown here in Grape, features ombre wallhanging and variegated Capisoli wool fabric.
Spring 2016: More Interior Design Trends...
n Children: Many fabric houses are now producing collections especially for children. Shown here is the educational, colourful and quirky Around The World from Designer’s Guild. Look, too, at Ashley Wilde’s Roald Dahl Collection and Clarke & Clarke’s Paddington Bear ranges, set to be released this spring.
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n Botanicals: Cheerful prints in all different colours but with a bias towards key colours like red. Collections include damselflies (Clarke & Clarke), flowers (Romo Danton, pictured, or Harlequin’s Palmetto and Faurvisimo). For a really ‘heavy’ print, Morris has just released its Archive III arts and crafts collection.
n Mono: This collection is the imaginatively titled Black & White, from Clarke & Clarke. Alongside Chateaux, it reflects a trend toward monochrome schemes. They’re perhaps not for everyone, but can be bright and modern with large areas of white, or softened with mid-tone gray paint like Little Greene’s Dark Lead.
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- HOMES -
OUR RECOMMENDED LOCAL SUPPLIERS... Elizabeth Stanhope: 27 Mill St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA, 01572 722345, www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk. Furleys: 7 High St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AH, 01572 755539, www.furleys.co.uk. J&L Ball: 16 North St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1EH, 01780 481416, www.jandlball.co.uk. Oldrids: Gonerby Junction, A1, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2AB, 01476 590239, www.oldrids.co.uk. Sarah Harding Interiors: 6 Market St, Uppingham, LE15 9QH, 01572 823389, www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk.
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LISHED TAB ES
EST
LOCAL CO
MP AN
Y
Bespoke and Handmade Kitchens
1981 5 YEARS -3
• Over 30 room settings on display including the latest finishes...
• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens...
• Special discounts and unrivalled service...
The Area’s Largest Independent Kitchen Showroom
The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford PE9 2NA
T: 01780 755855 80
E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk
www.qksstamford.co.uk
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DON’T COMPROMISE ON QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS COVERING RUTLAND & LINCOLNSHIRE
Conservatories, Porches Double glazing, Composite Doors, Car Ports Extensions, Renovations Fascias, Soffit & Guttering
Bear Lane, Pinchbeck, Spalding
01775 712398
www.fusionhomeimprovements.co.uk
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Creating the Great
OUTDOORS
MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION WITH THESE IDEAS FOR YOUR ESTATE, PROVIDED BY JULIA BLOCKLEY OF ELIZABETH & STEVENS...
INTRODUCE PURITY Sculptures like this bathing beauty, in white composite stone, £215, help to create an impression that an area of your garden has been set aside for contemplation.
There’s nothing like the sound of water in a garden, and Elizabeth & Stevens, based on the A1 at Markham Moore, Retford, specialise in large architectural pieces such as these period fountains.
n ANIMAL MAGIC Animals create impressive statement pieces, with wild native species most popular, this wild boar is approx 1m long and 75cm tall, in cast iron £795.
Each piece is reclaimed, a one-off design, and the firm always has a range of freestanding or wall fountains, available to view for immediate delivery or collection, example shown here £call.
n SMALLER SPACES Make the most of modest spaces by installing minifeatures like this wall fountain £call.
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- HOME & GARDEN -
ornate
architecture
This ornate iron gazebo weighs over a tonne and will look spectacular as a statement piece, creating somewhere to sit and admire the view; 4m x 3m, £5,600.
LET THERE BE LIGHT Outdoor lighting is essential for both security and convenience. Elizabeth & Stevens has a range of cast iron lamp posts with copper tops which are especially suitable for Victorian or Georgian properties. Pictured below is a 13ft (4m) street lamp, from £545.
Left: One of the company’s most popular offerings are its bronzes. This stag is life size, £3,520, one of several in a realistic ‘family,’ with various poses available, e.g.: grazing.
For equine fans, consider this horse bust with a beautifully aged, rusty patina, £call, or a cast iron horse 140cm x 121cm £1,200.
n Find Out More: All of our featured pieces are available from Elizabeth & Stevens, Great North Road, Markham Moor, Near Retford DN22 0QU. Call 01636 822000 or see www.elizabethandstevens.com 83
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- CONSERVATORIES -
SUNSHINE e M Bring
This month we’re looking forward to some bright sunny days, but we’ve some time before the temperatures catch up. The solution for keeping away the spring chills must surely be a luxurious, spacious garden room to enjoy all year round, so why not speak to Paul Matthews, Managing Director of Ketton based Auburn Hill to find out how to ensure your room can ‘bring you sunshine,’ all year round... Words: Rob Davis.
Rutland and Stamford has the second highest concentration of wealth in the UK, after the London borough of Kensington & Chelsea. It’s a fact reflected in its housing stock, not least in the picturesque villages surrounding Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford.
80s which were too warm in the summer and too chilly in the winter. Fortunately, the reality of living with a modern conservatory, and orangery (with a glazed rooflight) or garden room (with a tiled roof) is rather different.
Fortunately, there’s a way to extend your home that’s cost-effective, and commensurate with the area’s architectural vernacular - a method that won’t spoil the appearance of your property.
As the Managing Director of Auburn Hill, Paul has helped countless Rutlanders to extend their homes, creating new reception rooms and living kitchens with plenty of space for families, in some of the county’s smartest homes.
Many such properties are period homes, often with listed status, and so adapting them for modern family living, or extending them, can often prove problematic.
The term conservatory is sullied by thoughts of drafty, poorly created extensions of the
“PAUL HELPS RUTLANDERS TO CREATE NEW RECEPTION ROOMS AND LIVING KITCHENS FOR MODERN FAMILIES, IN THE COUNTY’S SMARTEST HOMES...”
One Rutlander who is keen to spread the word about the convenience and accessibility of modern buildings is Paul Matthews.
“We’re specialists in the creation of bespoke orangeries, conservatories, verandahs, windows and doors in engineered timber, architectural aluminium and timber-effect PVCu.”
“All of our installations are designed to work with, rather than against, your existing property. They’re designed to be light, usable spaces, and can be completely bespoke to suit the style of your property,
and in terms of their size and layout.”
“We also offer a complete ‘turnkey’ service for stress-free home improvements. We pay our clients a strictly no-obligation visit in their home to find out about their needs, and coordinate all of the tradespeople, creating the new room from foundation to decoration, taking the hassle away and simply handing over the keys to a beautiful new room.”
One couple who decided to create a room to take advantage of sunshine and a great view all year round is Mark and Amanda Gill. In March 2013 they demolished an old property on their farmland to create in its place a beautiful new family home.
The couple enlisted Auburn Hill’s help to create no fewer than 31 bespoke windows and a Georgian style orangery in accordance with the conditions of their planning permission.
Opposite: Mark and Amanda’s bespoke hardwood orangery.
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Far Left: Architectural metalwork verandah with lead crown top roof. Left: Bespoke hardwood kitchen extension.
“AUBURN HILL WAS A GREAT COMPANY TO WORK WITH AND WE ARE REALLY HAPPY WITH THE ROOM...” SAY MARK & AMANDA GILL. >> “They were a great company to work with and we were really happy with the room,” says Mark. “The whole house build lasted two and a half years so it was pretty stressful, but Auburn Hill were a pleasure to deal with both at the time and afterwards. Being hardwood, the materials were natural, so there has been some settling, as you’d expect, but when Auburn Hill spoke to us to check everything was alright, they came straight out to see us, with no delays and no chasing.” “It was reassuring to have that kind of service in the midst of such a complex build, and the result is an energy efficient home and a wonderful orangery that the whole family can enjoy all year round.”
“Our sole purpose is to ensure we create your perfect space, we will discuss your vision for your new orangery or conservatory, get a feel for how you wish to use it, how often, and who with,” says Paul. “The result is a luxurious space for reading a book surrounded by uninterrupted views of your garden, or sitting around a newly designed kitchen and dining area, entertaining loved ones. Whatever your vision, we’ll design a luxury space that’s as unique as you are.”
n Auburn Hill is based at Ketton Design House, High Street, Ketton PE9 3TE. Call 01780 400 500 or see www.ahorangeries.co.uk. 88
Opposite: Bespoke hardwood orangery ideal for spring dining. Below: Modern orangeries enable you to extend your home, adding spaces like Mark and Amanda’s family room.
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- CONSERVATORIES -
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- GARDENING -
Barleythorpe’s
BEAUTY
As we tour the Rutland gardens that open for the National Garden Scheme in the warmer months, we found the beautiful village of Barleythorpe. The Grays, Smiths and Turners open each year putting in a team effort to create a lovely Sunday day out, sharing gardening advice and a pot of tea or two... Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson.
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- GARDENS -
“When I visited in January, there was quite a variety of hellebores, aconites, snowdrops and a very beautiful ‘daphne’ plant in full bloom...”
village, and I wanted to be a little closer to my father in Market Harborough, so 12 years ago we moved to Rutland.”
“We had quite a small square garden in London but it was always kept well. We both share a passion for gardening. Even though it was small, we opened for the National Garden Scheme in London too.” “It’s such a great idea to raise money for charity while sharing gardening knowledge and inviting people into your garden.”
As the colder months start to turn mild, spring is finally on its way. However, working two months in advance at Rutland Pride, spring seems very far away and the weather forecast predicts snow for the end of the current week.
Nevertheless, we braved the cold winter weather to visit a selection of gardens in the village of Barleythorpe, to see how they’re preparing for their NGS open day.
Starting at The Dairy Cottage down Pasture Lane, I met The Smiths and explored their unusually colourful garden for the time of year. Lindsey took me for a tour around their greenhouse, orchard, formal garden and more relaxed garden surrounded by herbaceous borders. Main: The yellow meadow of aconites underneath the owner’s son’s swing.
“We lived in Kew in London for 30 years before moving here,” says Lindsey. “My husband was a lawyer at Lincoln’s Inn. We loved the look of the house and the
Unfortunately during January, most gardens don’t look that impressive. However, when I visited, Lindsey had quite a variety of hellebores and aconites growing alongside the snowdrops. She also has a beautiful ‘daphne’ plant in full bloom she explained was gifted to her by friends in London before she moved.
“We did have a few daffodils during the mild weather in December, but unfortunately the frost has killed them off,” says Lindsey. “In March, we can expect daffodils, tulips, more hellebores and flowering shrubs.”
The general theme Lindsey and Bill are trying to create is a relaxed cottage garden at the back of their house featuring the greenhouse, and a more formal garden at the front with a pond, fountain and the orchard just across the road.
“The greenhouse is something I spend a lot of my time in,” says Lindsey. “We had a very small greenhouse in London, so when we moved to Rutland, we decided to get something a little bigger. I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to fill it when they built it!” 93
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- GARDENS -
“Quite surprisingly, we managed to, so the greenhouse is now a good home for many plants including plenty of lavender. It’s also a home for bees during the summer months. We are very bee and butterfly friendly - we love plants that they love!”
“While I spend time in the greenhouse and on the smaller details, my husband works on the structure of the garden.”
After walking around the Smith’s gardens, Lindsey took me to the second house in the trio - The Lodge. Tim and Annie Gray have a beautiful garden largely laid to lawn and surrounded by herbaceous borders.
The Grays’ garden is a little more formal than Lindsey and Bill’s cottage garden, and when I visited, the borders were flooded with beautiful snowdrops, soon to be flooded with brighter colours and similar flowers to those in the Smith’s garden.
The last garden left to visit was the Turner’s garden at Barleythorpe House. The largest of the three, the garden features a beautiful lake with small feature waterfalls and a small meadow of yellow aconites, already in full bloom in January. There is also a parterre garden at the front, along the driveway.
The house has a picturesque view first looking over the aconites, and then onto the lake, and then onto the horses in the paddocks that surround the lake. The little boy who lives in the house also has a wooden swing that is tied to a tree hanging just over the aconites - it’s like looking at something from a painting. Unfortunately, the Turners were in Dubai when we visited but Lindsey showed me around the lake. In summer, you can imagine it being the perfect place for a picnic. The Turners have a gardener who keeps on top of the structure and style of the garden and of the lake.
The trio of gardens have been opening for the National Garden Scheme for the past 10 years now. They usually allow visitors to park on a field that their neighbour kindly donates for the day.
Visitors are then taken over to Barleythorpe House first of all, to explore the extensive grounds, then to The Lodge to discuss the many different plants they have along the borders, then finally to Lindsey and Bill’s Dairy Cottage for tea and plant sales.
“Barleythorpe gardens also host the NGS awards ceremony, and each garden opener has won an engraved NGS trowel and a certificate..!”
Barleythorpe Gardens last year won NGS’s award for the presentation of their gardens. Each garden opener was presented with an engraved NGS trowel and certificate. The owners are hoping for many more visitors next year when they open their garden in May.
n Visit www.ngs.org.uk for more information, £5 entry, children free. If you would like to open your garden for the NGS, call the county organiser Rose Dejardin on 01572 737788.
Opposite/Top: Lindsey’s greenhouse, full of bee-friendly plants. Opposite/Left: The rare daphne plant in Lindsey’s garden. Opposite/Right: The view from the bridge over the Turner’s lake. Above: Barleythorpe House, Bill tending to a wall flower, and one of the beautiful flower in Lindsey’s greenhouse.
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Put a spring in your step this season and get into the garden with Gates...
Core gardening essentials, from bulbs and seeds to tubs, tools and sundries...
Gates Nurseries
& Garden Centre Somerby Road, Cold Overton, LE15 7QB 01664 454309 | www.gatesnurseries.co.uk
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n e d r a G e In Th SIX JOBS FOR MARCH AFTER A CHILLY WINTER, IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR GROWING GOING, ESPECIALLY IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN AND WILD FLOWER MEADOW... Growing Wild You can sow wild flower seeds directly into well-prepared soils, or paddocks this month. They’re ideal for attracting bees and butterflies, for a low-maintenance wildflower meadow which will self-pollinate next year.
Kitchen Garden A great opportunity to dedicate an area of your garden to growing vegetables. Sow spring onions, parsnips, carrots, broad beans beetroot and leeks into the ground now.
Summer Flowering Bulbs March is the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs, from alliums and lilies to irises and renunculums.
Plant Lavender Plant herbaceous perennials now, lifting and dividing existing plants to ensure their health. Thompson & Morgan’s Perennial Best Value collection (£19.99/72 plug plants), available from the firm, or local garden centres, will help to fill your borders.
Sowing Stocks Afford yourself the opportunity to get ahead of the summer months by starting off your stocks on a sunny windowsill. The biennial flowers are actually a member of the brassica family, and will bloom in late summer if grown from seed indoors this month, before being transferred outdoors later in spring.
Sow Salad Leaves This month, sow salad leaves in pots and keep them on a sunny windowsill.
n Our recommended Garden Centres in Rutland are Gates Nurseries, Cold Overton, 01664 454309, www.gatesnurseries.co.uk, and Welland Vale Garden Inspirations, Uppingham, 01572 824930, www.wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk. 97
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UPPINGHAM Spring Fervour near
THE FIRST RUSTLINGS OF SPRING ARE STIRRING AT UPPINGHAM’S GARDEN CENTRE. GARDEN INSPIRATIONS AT WELLAND VALE NURSERIES AND ITS ORCHARD CAFÉ ARE PLANNING A HOST OF EVENTS FOR THE NEW SEASON... Words: Tessa Burns.
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Uppingham’s Welland Vale Garden Centre and its marvellous Orchard Cafe are well worth a visit. Both are growing in popularity as word spreads of this small independent business where top quality, good value and excellent friendly service are their main objectives.
In the Garden Centre focus is turning to preparing for the new growing season. Spring-flowering bulbs and new displays of plants and seeds will be on offer to tempt you. This year’s selection of architectural plants and specimen trees promise to be as stunning as usual. Primulas, pansies and violas will provide a riot of colour after the grey winter months and vegetable plants will be starting to arrive. Potatoes, shallots, onions and garlic will be on offer, together with Summer-flowering bulbs such as gladioli and peonies. In addition new ranges of pots for indoors and out, garden furniture and solar lights will be arriving to give further inspiration to make your garden even more enjoyable. A comprehensive selection of garden tools are available. Now might be the time to invest in a new pair of secateurs for Spring pruning or some sturdy gloves. There is a special range of smaller, lighter tools from Kent & Stowe designed for the older gardener who finds normal sized tools are becoming a bit cumbersome.
“We’re excited about the prospect of all of the new products we will be offering our customers...”
Retail Manager Jo Mitton says “We are excited about the prospect of a fresh year and all the new products we will be offering our customers.”
The free Privilege Card scheme offers members daily discounts – 10% discount in both Garden Inspirations and The Orchard Café on Wednesdays and 5% discount every other day of the week when purchasing anything that grows in Garden Inspirations. (Not in conjunction with any other offer.) Apply in store at the tills or online.
A relaxed gardening talk and demonstration are a great way to spend time catching up with friends who share the same interests. A series of talks for 2016 will kick off on 24th March with ‘What’s the best feed for my plants’ by local expert David Coop followed by ‘Grafted Vegetables’ on 27th April with a speaker from Suttons Seeds. One of our favourite landscape designers, Annie Pettigrew, will be giving advice on designing an herbaceous border, so there will be something for everyone. (Date to be confirmed, visit our website for further information). Tickets are £5, available in advance and include a delicious piece of homemade cake and a cup of fresh coffee in the Orchard Café. The Orchard Café with it's warm and inviting atmosphere is a great place to meet, serving a variety of freshly prepared food throughout the day. An ideal location to bring guests that are visiting the area or even to hire for a special occasion. Plans for Mother’s Day on 6th March are well under way as the Café is offering a special Mother’s Day lunch for the lady we need to spoil the most! More fun is planned for Easter on March 27th which includes a children's egg painting activity and an easter egg hunt.
The Orchard Sunday Lunch is proving really popular too. Booking for all these is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Adjoining the café is Peter Barker’s Gallery. Peter is a talented local artist whose work is highly acclaimed. The Gallery contains pieces by a number of artists from across the country alongside his own work and he changes the exhibits regularly so there is always something fresh to see. In warmer months the courtyard adjoining the Café provides the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely coffee or delicious lunch whilst contemplating which fabulous plants to purchase for that certain spot in the garden.
Above: The garden centre features thousands of core gardening lines as well as The Orchard Café and Peter Barker’s Gallery.
n For more information visit Welland Vale Garden Inspirations on Glaston Rd, Oakham, Rutland LE15 9EU. Alternatively call 01572 822729 or see www.wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk. 99
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The Straight & - GARDEN DESIGN -
NARROW
A long, narrow plot failed to prevent garden design brothers Sam and Ben Corah from creating a great looking, practical outdoor space for local couple Ian and Louise McGrory. This month, we receive a landscaping masterclass from Stonetree Landscapes... Words & Images: Rob Davis.
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It’s no wonder that retired policeman and headmistress Ian and Louise McGrory wanted to keep their garden on the straight and narrow.
As part of renovations to their Victorian town house, the two wanted to create a space to blend the outdoors and their newly created living kitchen, with its bifold doors opening onto their small patio. The couple contacted brothers Sam and Ben Corah of Stonetree Landscapes, to ask for their help in creating an outdoor space to suit their needs. “Our wishlist was an outdoor space that was low-maintenance, but could accommodate a little bit of room in which to be creative.” “We didn’t want to become a slave to a lawn, but we thought a couple of beds would be nice. We mostly use the space for entertaining, and wanted to ensure the new kitchen flowed into the garden.”
Born and raised in Rutland & Leicestershire, Sam and Ben initially went on different career paths - Ben is the horticulturalist, whilst Sam, with his civil engineering background, appreciates the technical and hard-landscaping elements of his work designing the civil elements of the space.
Sam has just finished designing the outdoor space for Melton Mowbray’s new Brooksby College campus. Reaching the end of the project he wanted to take his career in a new direction, and so the brothers teamed up and began working together just a year ago.
Since forming Stonetree, the brothers have created around 10 full garden design projects, they’ve completed countless smaller projects, and have received an RHS award for an exhibit made for BBC Gardeners World Live. As well as undertaking regular and ‘once a season’ garden maintenance projects for customers across Rutland and Leicestershire. The brothers are seeking more garden design projects to create beautiful spaces for their customers. Both Sam and Ben favour
“WE LOVE TO WORK AS TRANSPARENTLY AS POSSIBLE, SO WE QUOTE FOR OUR DESIGN WORK SEPARATELY TO OUR LANDSCAPING...”
as much customer input as possible and after an initial phone enquiry, visit the site to meet the family. The brothers measure up and quote for garden design, then create a four page brief for a client to approve before even thinking about beginning their design work.
“We love to work as transparently as possible, that’s why we quote for our design work, complete our consultation and only when our brief is approved, create three separate ideas.”
“We supply the client with our full designs so they can source landscaping quotes separately, that enables them to use the landscapers of their choice and, by sourcing additional quotes for the same job, they can check our prices are competitive.”
The three hand-drawn plans that the brothers create are supplemented by planting schemes and mood boards, which the client can mix and match.
Ian and Louise’s garden was re-landscaped using reclaimed red and blue bricks from the site, to ensure the integrity of the garden to its building. A large patio was created using a tumbled Tudor stone, whose low porosity would resist weathering. 25mm batons then created a slatted screen for the end and side of the garden, providing privacy but without becoming too imposing.
Meanwhile two symmetrical beds enabled the couple to retain the apple tree and have some space for planting when they want to enjoy working in the garden. Above all though, the space remains low-maintenance, and provides a place for the couple to entertain, with mood lighting courtesy of LED lights incorporated into the oak pergola and oak batons leading up the newly created path. “It’s a garden which addresses all of our needs,” says Ian. “We can exercise some creativity, but we’re not slaves to the space.”
“It’s great for entertaining, it’s smart and practical. Ben’s planting scheme will ensure low-maintenance too, whilst Sam’s civil engineering background ensures that the hard-landscaping will wear well and look good down the years. It’s the perfect space, and we’re delighted with the finished design!” n Sam & Ben Corah of Stonetree Landscaping can be contacted on 07960 580483 for garden design enquiries, or see www.stonetreelandscapes.co.uk.
Top: The garden is designed to be low-maintenance and complement the Victorian house. Above: Sam (pictured) and Ben bring their complementary skills to each project.
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- SPRING LAWNCARE -
MOW... Ready, Steady
Achieving a beautiful finish for your lawn, or simply claiming back your weekend, depends on choosing the correct lawnmower. Fortunately, you’ve an ally in the form of Diamond Mowers. This month, Colin Smith offers his tips...
Whether you’re seeking the perfect finish, or you want a machine with sufficient capacity to ensure you don’t have to spend your weekend on the lawnmower, Diamond Mowers of Market Harborough can help.
With over 20 years experience, plus a comprehensive range of support from sales and servicing to advice and accessories, the family firm, run by Colin and Paul Smith, serve both their domestic and commercial customers with lawn care equipment from names like Cub Cadet, Honda, Stihl & Echo.
With walk-behind mowers, both manually or self-propelled, from 16” to 21”, ranging in price from £300-£1,600, and ride-on mowers from £1,750-£9,500 for anything from 30” to 60” width machines, the company can provide a machine suitable for the size of your estate and the finish you’re seeking, with the features you need to make your life easier. From Countax machines with their patented sweeping collection system, ideal for removing detritus like
“WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS, WE’LL PROVIDE RELIABLE AND HONEST ADVICE BASED ON YEARS OF EXPERIENCE NO MATTER WHAT THE SIZE OF YOUR LAWN,” SAYS COLIN... 102
leaves, to Cub Cadet machines with zeroturn functionality, for manoeuvrability around trees in orchards, for example, the firm can introduce you to features designed to make your life easier.
Diamond Mowers also stocks a range of multi-tool systems designed to serve as strimmers and brushcutters whilst offering hedge-trimming, tree pruning and leaf blowing capabilities too.
Managing your estate has never been easier, and a fully equipped service department will ensure that your investment lasts at least 10 years, protecting your machinery and ensuring it remains a reliable tool throughout the years.
The firm also specialises in providing Aspen, two or four stroke fuel designed to burn more efficiently and store longer without deterioration, compared to conventional fuels.
Colin and Paul are also utilising their knowledge and experience in the industry to provide all types of gardening work, both on a one-off and ongoing basis, ensuring your worst gardening chores can be tackled with the tools and expertise necessary to make light work of them.
“Whatever your needs, we’ll give, in all circumstances, reliable and honest advice based on years of experience, no matter how large your lawn,” says Colin.
Top: Cub Cadet’s range include both modest domestic ride-on models, as well as zero-turn machines for awkward spaces. Right: The firm’s 2,000sq ft showroom includes over 30 machines.
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n Buy New, Buy Quality:
Diamond Mowers has a range of top quality machinery. An investment in the best brand will serve you well for years to come, especially working with a firm whose 20 years of expertise will ensure you obtain the right size of machine for your estate.
n Service Your Machinery:
Keep your equipment running well throughout spring and summer with an annual service - the firm also provides a collection and delivery service.
n Use The Best Fuel:
Diamond Mowers recommends Aspen - it’s ethanol free, 99% cleaner, specially formulated to help your lawncare equipment run better. Address: Diamond Mowers, Sutton Court, Bath Street, Market Harborough LE16 9EQ. Call: 01858 463 932. Web: www.diamondmowers.co.uk. 103
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- NATURE -
Nature Nice Weather for Ducks in
Richard Owens is discovering ‘nice weather for ducks’ this month in conjunction with the rainy conditions we have had over the past few months. He explains how they feed, what they look like, what their habitats are, and what happens to the ducklings after they hatch...
In journalism, we are always working ahead of ourselves. I am writing this March edition of my nature pages on 3rd January. I’m back at work tomorrow and the forecast for the day is 13ºc. It’s certainly been very crazy winter weather to far.
Mallards feed mainly on vegetable matter, which is usually obtained by the curious act you may have witnessed called upending. It involves the bird tipping head first into the water, so that the tail remains visible above the surface. Mallards have been known to breed throughout the year, but typically in spring and summer, with the female usually laying around 10 - 12 eggs. They build a hollow nest, lined with grasses, feathers and leaves often close to water, although I have seen them in domestic gardens.
At this point, our region has been quite fortunate and escaped the wrath of the stormy weather, but we should all spare a thought for the people, businesses and of course the wildlife affected by the devastating flooding that has affected several parts of Britain.
Of course when it does rain, we often hear that phrase nice weather for ducks, so as it is currently raining outside as I write this, I’ve decided this month to do a feature on anas platyrhynchos.
In our region, we are never too far away from a river, drain, lake or even a village pond, so we don’t usually have to look too far to find these quacking birds.
There are many species of duck in the UK. Some of my favourites include, the tufted duck recognisable and named because of its tuft at the back of its head, the teal with the male showing very distinctive green marking on its head and our most recognisable of ducks, the impressive mallard. The mallard is by far the most common and abundant of our UK duck species.
Male and female mallards are quite easily identified by the presence of a dark blue band on the wing known as a speculum, which is bordered above and below with white markings.
Males and females are distinct; males have a metallic bottle-green head, a crisp white neck-collar and the breast is a rich purplishbrown colour. The upper parts are grey, the flanks are somewhat paler, and the central feathers of the black tail are curled smartly upwards.
In contrast, females are brown, with streaks of dark and light brown. It is the female mallard who produces the well-known loud quack call, usually a signal to her young ducklings.
Wherever they are built, they are usually concealed by vegetation to hide from their predators. Once hatched, the downy chicks are led to the water by the female shortly after hatching and are cared for by the female for up to eight weeks. Sadly, few ducklings actually survive during this time mainly down to predation by mammals, birds of prey and even pike. Next month, I shall be writing about a mammal species that’s very well established now in our county. Enjoy the outdoors!
n Richard has spent his career promoting bio-diversity within the world of turf and is a former UK Golf Course Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year. 105
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PRE LOVED FINDS, LIGHTING, DISPLAY DOMES, SHELVES, HOOKS & MORE BESIDES...
ELIZABETH & STEVENS
BRING YOU: FUN, FUNCTIONAL, STYLISH, CHIC AND QUIRKY HOME, GARDEN AND GIFT IDEAS. RETRO,VINTAGE, OLD AND NEW FINDS SOURCED IN THE UK AND FROM AROUND THE WORLD
The Showrooms, Great North Road, Markham Moor, Retford DN22 0QU Telephone: 01636 822000
www.elizabethandstevens.com
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- COUNTRYSIDE -
rickly
DISPOSITION
The British Hedgehogs Society reports a worrying decline in hedgehog populations, with numbers falling by a third over the past 20 years. This month, we’re enlisting the advice of the Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital to find out how to ensure your garden can be a haven for our remaining hedgehogs as they wake from hibernation this month... Words & Images: Rob Davis.
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>> Wakey wakey! It’s nearly spring, so ordinarily, we’d be looking forward to the reemergence of hedgehogs following their winter hibernation. But... there’s a problem.
The hedgehog population is in crisis. Numbers are at their lowest for 10 years, and some experts, like those at Leicester’s Wildlife Hospital, predict that in 10 years, they may disappear from our gardens altogether.
“One problem is our unseasonably warm weather,” say Tom Carter & Angie Downham. “It’s making the hedgehogs wake up early. They usually wake up around April, but our hedgehog population is being fooled into thinking they should be awake by now.”
This crisis of climate is having an adverse effect on already precarious populations, according to The British Hedgehog Preservation Society’s most recent population
survey. Previous reports state that in 1995 the UK’s hedgehog population was 1.5m. In 2010, that had fallen to less than one million. When figures for 2015 are released this year the trend towards a continuing decline is expected to be seen.
The prickly problem of declining populations and hedgehogs that have awoken too early and can’t enjoy their usual post-hibernation snack is all too evident at the Wildlife Hospital. The ‘wards’ are fit to bursting with ailing ‘hogs who are all too often undernourished.
“In captivity, a hedgehog will live for about 10 years, but in the wild, their life expectancy is only two or three years,” says Angie, who founded the centre 30 years ago.
“Today, it’s rare to see a hedgehog six years of age in the wild and we currently have about 110 hedgehog patients. The health of
“1995 THE UK’S HEDGEHOG POPULATION WAS 1.5M. IN 2010, THAT HAD FALLEN TO LESS THAN ONE MILLION. WHEN FIGURES FOR 2015 ARE RELEASED THIS YEAR, A CONTINUING DECLINE IS EXPECTED TO BE SEEN...”
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- COUNTRYSIDE -
Left: Tom Carter takes care of a prickly patient admitted weighing just 600g - a healthy hog should be 1kg.
Above: The hospital is currently home to a record number of hedgehogs over 110.
the population is poor and it’s a problem that’s getting worse.”
The hospital is helped out by about 65 volunteers, with six to eight members of staff coming in to help out each day. It’s a seven day a week service which runs 24 hours a day.
At this time of year, poorly hedgehogs are making up 90% of the hospital’s population, but other animals include squirrels, owls, ducks, hens & geese, swans, foxes and badgers.
The charity’s one acre site costs around £26,000 a year to run, with patients being collected by the team from local vets or householders, or brought to the centre by those who discover creatures like its hedgehogs. Some are the victims of a dog attack, others have been poisoned by slug pellets - even those which profess to be hedgehog friendly can be deadly - others are being eaten alive by maggots or ticks.
By far, though, the biggest threat to the hedgehog population is us. Even well-intended intervention can often prove problematic, from careless strimming in the
garden causing injuries, to feeding bread and milk to hedgehogs - traditionally thought to be the done thing but, actually, food which blocks the creatures’ intestines and causes bacterial infections.
If you do feel the need to feed the creatures, always put out fresh water, and feed them cat or dog food - wet, not dry food - and 109
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- COUNTRYSIDE -
HOGOLOGUE
Facts about every keen gardener’s prickly partner... n Hedgehogs are born looking a little like slugs. Their spines are coated in mucus and emerge on the second day. The spines go harder and turn brown within two weeks. Each one will have around 5,000 quills, which drop out and are replaced each year. n Around 60% of a hedgehog’s diet is made up of beetles, caterpillars and earthworms - in that order. They’ll also eat birds’ eggs, and other insects. If you’re feeding a hedgehog, never put bread or milk out, just wet cat or dog food. n Hedgehogs usually mate just before hibernation, around August. Female hedgehogs, like badgers and 100 other mammal species, can delay conception long after mating. Gestation period is 30-40 days. n A hedgehog should weigh around 1,000g, though their birth weight is just 5-10g. A sick adult will come to the hospital weighing from 200g-600g. n Heat matters if you absolutely have to intervene to care for a hedgehog. Place the creature in a cardboard box and place a hot water bottle on the outside of the box for warmth.
Helping out the Hospital...
chicken, rather than fish or pork, which the animals find more difficult to digest.
Another example of harm that we inadvertently cause the creatures is by handling them in the first place. Many wild animals are so scared to be handled that doing so can induce a heart attack. Hedgehogs, then, should be left alone wherever possible, and this is especially true of hoglets, as babies which have been interfered with will be eaten by the mother.
In addition, creating quiet, secluded corners of your garden which are hedgehog friendly will help. Tunnels through fences, areas of long grass or and piles of logs will create a hedgehog friendly conurbation and will attract other wildlife into your garden attracting insects, a hedgehog’s food source, for instance.
“GOOD ADVICE IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY, AND IT COULD VERY WELL SAVE A HEDGEHOG’S LIFE...” 110
Ways to help Rutland and Leicestershire’s Wildlife Hospital...
The Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital treats around 1,500 patients each year and has annual operating costs of about £26,000.
“Don’t be tempted to try to intervene medically with the creatures,” says Tom. “There is plenty of misinformation online, and even something seemingly benign can be fatal, or, at least, very traumatic.”
The team work closely with local vets and organisations like the PDSA and RSPCA, and endeavour to rehome animals who can’t be treated.
“We work across Leicestershire and Rutland, and we’re happy for the public to bring us injured animals rather than trying to treat them. Good advice is just a phone call away, and it could very well save a hedgehog’s life.”
It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides emergency care working in partnership with the area’s vets, who provide care plans for the hospital to follow. The hospital is always grateful for donations of cash, pet food, blankets and towels, and is currently raising money for an operating theatre in which to provide additional help for its patients. It’s also keen to hear from those who can raise funds for the centre, or those who want to volunteer. The centre can be called day and night to collect injured animals, and to receive ones dropped off by the public. For more information call 07951 285366 or see www.leicesterwildlifehospital.org.
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- BELTON HORSE TRIALS -
Jumping for Joy at the
Belton Horse Trials The Burghley Horse Trials dominate autumn in our area, but for those who can’t wait to enjoy some equestrian excitement in the form of 2* and 3* eventing, this month’s annual Belton Horse Trials is an occasion not to be missed... Thousands of visitors from all over England are expected to flock to Belton again this year for the annual International Horse Trials and family fun day.
“The Belton International Horse Trials has built a reputation as an event which has something to appeal to everyone, whether from town or country,” said Alec Gordon, General Manager of the National Trust, in Lincolnshire.
The box office is open, the jumps are being built, and the applications for shopping space are flooding in. Belton Horse Trials 2016 already promises to be the best yet.
Spread over three days (from 15th to 17th April) the event includes a wide range of activities from a Classic Car display to a 10km charity run and a new Interactive Zone which will be on the park all weekend.
Whatever you want from a day out in the country, Belton 2016 has it to offer with more family entertainment than ever before (and not all of it involving horses!). This year’s schedule also includes an inter-hunt relay, a family fun fair, stallion parade, over 100 trade stands, a family dog show and an exhilarating high gate jump competition.
FUN FOR THOSE WITH TWO OR FOUR LEGS Family fun is a major theme at Belton this year. With a traditional fun fair, family interactive zone, mounted Pony Club games and a classic car display there is something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t forget the dog! Bring them along to the Jerry Green Dog Show to compete for the happiest dog prize on Sunday. Or if a more fast and furious activity is your dog’s thing, have-a-go at some agility on our purpose built course.
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Eventing Stars come to the Belton Horse Trials... With Olympic Team selection at the forefront of everyone’s minds organisers are looking forward to welcoming the world’s best event riders and their top mounts to Lincolnshire and the Belton International Horse Trials next month. Belton provides a really fabulous competition in a beautiful setting giving team selectors the perfect opportunity to scope out potential team members. A good run at Belton this
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year could mean the difference between going to Rio and being left at home. The hotly contested 2015 Grantham Cup CIC 3* saw the likes of Sir Mark Todd, Clark Montgomery, Paul Tapner, Andrew Nicholson and Nicola Wilson among many other top names battling it out over Captain Mark Phillips’ testing course. The Rio Olympic Games in 2016 will begin on Friday, 5th August and end on Sunday, 21st August.
With the addition of the world’s most talented and competitive eventers immersed in the final stages of their Olympic campaigns fighting it out over the big and bold cross country courses, Belton 2016 has more to see and do than ever before. For three days in the middle of April, the beautiful Belton House Estate, just off the A1 on the outskirts of Grantham, is transformed into a hive of activity.
Whether you are looking to sample the nail biting fast and furious Pony Club mounted games, the trail-blazing inter-hunt relay or the 100+ shops or even to enter your four-legged friends in the Jerry Green family dog show, Belton has it all. Belton’s reputation for offering a fantastic array of trade stands continues to grow
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- BELTON HORSE TRIALS -
for 2016 with more applications than ever before.
Attracting a huge collection of many well-known brands such as British clothing brand Joules plus ‘new brand on the block,’ Noble Outfitters and including every local craft from locally produced food to bespoke made saddles and much, much more in between, Belton’s wonderful trade stands will keep even the most professional of shoppers busy for hours!
Another packed event schedule is in preparation, with three days of demonstrations, displays and have-ago’s, over 100 trade stands and extra competitions adding further interest to one of the country’s leading CIC3*s.
As in previous years, children under 15yrs with accompanying adults can get into the event for free.
Advance adult admission prices start at £8 for Friday 15th, with the most popular advance tickets for Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th starting at just £15 online now.
Those who enjoy National Trust membership can access the lowest priced advance tickets available. Don’t forget that Belton boasts cross country and show jumping on all three days of the event!
Tickets and details of the three-day programme are now available via the event’s website. Special early bird rates are available for those who buy tickets online.
n The Belton Horse Trials take place from 15th-17th April. For enquiries, call 01949 829 061 or see www.belton-horse.co.uk.
FIND OUT MORE...
When: The Belton Horse Trials takes place from 15th-17th April, with gates open from 8am.
What can I see? Friday sees traders opening for the first time over the weekend, BE Novice Classes and Under 18 Novice classes, as well as the 2* and 3* Dressage.
Saturday includes the Listers Mercedes Networking event. There’s 2* show jumping, 2* cross country, as well as BE intermediate and advanced dressage, ‘have a go’ dog agility and Pony Club mounted games.
Sunday’s event includes a classic car show, 10k run, The Grantham Cup 3* cross country and showjumping elements as well as BE advanced show jumping and cross-country. How much is it? Advance online tickets from £8/adults, £2/children Friday; £15/adult, £5/child Saturday; £15/adult, £5/child Sunday. Season ticket £32/adult, £10/child.
Where is it? Belton House, Grantham, use postcode NG31 9SQ.
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MATCH
e S e a G
If you’re looking to spend the summer smashing, lobbing and enjoying the odd bowl of strawberries and cream, you’ll need a mini-Wimbledon of your own. The area’s Dales Sports Surfaces can create a sporting venue in your very own garden... How’s your backhand? It’d probably improve no end, if you had a professionally surfaced court, and that’s exactly what Dales Sports Surfaces can provide homeowners. Based in Lincolnshire, but working across Rutland and Leicester too, founder Dickie Dales was a joiner who fell into the niche specialism of creating timber floors for bowling clubs, then creating sports surfaces for tennis, football and other sports.
So, if you’ve fitness aims this spring and summer, it’s worth talking to the firm’s Contracts Manager Jim Rushby, a specialist in the creation of both domestic and commercial customers. >>
Above: Jim Rushby inspects one of Dales Sports Surface’s domestic projects.
or s: Rob Davis.
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Above/Left: The firm specialises in single sport surfaces for tennis, or multi-use surfaces.
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>> “About three quarters of our business is supplying commercial customers, but we can help households to turn a spare area of garden or a disused paddock into a multi-use area, or one specially designed to provide a professional tennis court experience.”
The firm uses either macadam, Matchplay II textile or EPDM (rubber) material, as well as painting the surfaces in a range of colours, installing fencing, tennis nets and so on.
Whilst the industry has standard sizes for installations, the firm can work with any plot to create a space to enjoy one specific sport, or many, with tennis courts from £15,000-£30,000 and multi-use synthetic sports surfaces reaching about £35,000.
“Our domestic customers come to us with both specific requirements, or with only a rough idea of how they want to use the space, seeking our guidance as to the material, budget and environment they want to create.”
“Best of all, homeowners are dealing with just one contractor throughout the process, with Dales Sports Surfaces taking care of the preparation of groundworks and using laser levelling
“OUR DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS COME TO US WITH BOTH SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS, OR WITH ONLY A ROUGH IDEA OF HOW THEY WANT TO USE THE SPACE, SEEKING OUR GUIDANCE AS TO THE MATERIAL, BUDGET AND ENVIRONMENT THEY WANT TO CREATE.”
equipment to ensure a technically accurate installation that will look good and serve families well for decades.”
Headed up by the firm’s Managing Director Richard Steadman, and with Dickie Dales’s son Christian still involved directorially in the business, the firm can turn any space into a professional-quality facility.
Above: One of Dales Sports Surfaces installations completed over winter, just in time for a spring and summer of - hopefully friendly competition!
If, however, you’ve an existing tennis court which has seen better days, the firm also has a repainting and restoration service which can see an area improved in terms of both quality and appearance, providing recreation but also maintaining an asset that can add value to your home for the future, too.
“Changing a tennis court to a multi-use one is popular with homeowners as it provides even more flexibility and means families are more likely to get the most from their surface in the summer months.”
“We insist on the finest quality products and workmanship to ensure complete customer satisfaction,” says Richard. “Whatever a customer is looking for we can discuss their requirements and can tailor our products to your needs, give us a call today.” n Dales Sports Surfaces work across Rutland, providing both domestic and commercial customers with professional-level sporting areas. Call 01205 761066 or see www.dalessports.co.uk.
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A White Wedding at
STAPLEFORD PARK A traditional white wedding at Stapleford Park is something so many brides dream of. Leanne and Thomas Cassie lived that dream, being taken from their local church to the traditional British venue by horse and carriage, and celebrating their day with their closest friends and family... Photographer: Jems Photography, 01788 535749, www.jemsphotography.co.uk.
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When you think of a traditional white wedding, one name that first comes to mind is Stapleford Park, a grand old English country estate, and a dream venue for many couples including Leanne and Thomas Cassie.
Leanne, a Business Development Executive and her husband, a company director, are originally from villages in Warwickshire and Leicestershire. The couple met in a Leicester nightclub in December 2004.
“When I turned 30 in July 2012,” says Leanne. “As a special birthday present, Thomas booked a short break in Vegas followed by a 2 week cruise around the Hawaiian islands. It was on the 12th December 2012 - ‘12/12/12’ that Thomas wrote his proposal in the sand and got down on one knee with a diamond ring in hand.” 122
The planning started in April 2013 for the couple, setting the wedding date as the day before Leanne’s 32nd Birthday by booking the venue and the ceremony first. As Leanne is a Catholic, a wedding at her local village church was a certainty.
“Having admired Stapleford Park after a work visit there many years before, I mentioned to Thomas when we were looking at venues that it would be my dream venue, and fortunately after visiting Thomas agreed so we booked it! Despite it being a considerable distance from the Church and a higher cost than some other the other venues we visited we fell in love with the Country House Hotel and felt that the stunning grounds and building were more than worth it.” “For my dress, I went to the NEC’s National
“I turned 30, and as a birthday present, Thomas booked a holiday to Las Vegas followed by a cruise around Hawaii. It was on the 12/12/2012 that Thomas wrote his proposal in the sand...” Photographer: Jems Photography, 01788 535749, www.jemsphotography.co.uk.
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- WEDDINGS -
Right: The adorable bridesmaids and the page boy were the couple’s nieces and nephews. Main: The couple had a Catholic wedding at their local church.
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- WEDDINGS -
Left: The four-tier cake was alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate sponge and made by local supplier and Royal Cake maker Fiona Cairns. Above: Stapleford Park set the scene for the couple’s fairytale wedding.
Photographer: Jems Photography, 01788 535749, www.jemsphotography.co.uk. 124
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Wedding Show with my mum, just to have a look at ideas really. After trying on six or seven dresses at different marquees, I found it. The stand that the dress just so happened to be at was a local bridal shop - the same boutique that my sister had bought her bridesmaid’s dresses from ten years before!”
For other elements of the wedding like the cake, photographer and decoration, I used local people. We shortlisted four photographers and we picked Jem’s Photography mainly because of his passion for the subject. We knew he would take beautiful photos with the dedication he has to his work.” “When it came to the day, I simply relaxed and it was a lovely moment, walking down the aisle. Everyone commented on how incredibly relaxed and happy I looked.”
“After months of planning and knowing nothing can change, it’s best just to enjoy it.”
“What I enjoyed most about the day was seeing a mixture of work colleagues, family and friends from Thomas’s side and my own.”
“Everyone was together, getting on and having fun, even though most of them had never met before. It was a day where that mixture of people that we knew wouldn’t be together in the same place again, so we cherished that and it was nice to see them all having a great day.”
The Tuesday after the wedding, the couple jetted off on their honeymoon to Mauritius for two weeks. Unfortunately, this had to be cut short as whilst they were there, Thomas’s sister died.
“The loss was very sudden and unexpected, but our family finds some comfort in the fact that in her last few days, she came to her brother’s wedding, and spent a very happy day surrounded by family and friends.”
Leanne & Thomas’s Wedding
Dress: Sposa, 01788 833888.
Church: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 024 7631 2293, www.olshweston.org. Venue: Stapleford Park Hotel, 01572 787000, www.staplefordpark.com.
Photographer: Jems Photography, 01788 535749, www.jemsphotography.co.uk.
Cake: Fiona Cairns, 01162 402888, www.fionacairns.com.
Flowers: Wisteria Lane Florist, 01163 274129.
Transport: Fabulous Occasions Horse and Carriage, 01886 880689, www.fabulous-occasions.co.uk Venue Styling: Premier Events, 01162 029953, www.premier-event-services.com. 125
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- FASHION -
PUT A SPRING IN
YOUR STEP This month we’ve a selection of new season footwear from CoCo on Oakham’s High Street...
1. Pointed Rosewood Suede Court Shoe £130. 2. Sisal Nubuck Peeptoe Shoe Boot. £140 (also sold in black leather). 3. Tan Leather Heeled Sandals £140. 4. Truffle Patent Sandals £110. 5. Metallic Trainer £140. 6. Frayed Metallic Pump £125. 7. Caramel Suede Ankle Boots £165. 8. Tan Trainers £140 9. Rosewood Suede Brogues £125. Visit CoCo, 29 High Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AH, 01572 757646, www.cocooakham.co.uk.
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Barbour: Barbour’s Spring Tartan Collection is perfect for a garden party this spring, especially their Boyd Cape, £139.
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- OLDRIDS & DOWNTOWN -
SAILING INTO
SPRING OLDRIDS & DOWNTOWN ARE SAILING INTO SPRING, WITH THEIR NATIONAL BRANDS BRINGING OUT NAUTICAL SPRING AND SUMMER COLLECTIONS. THE RETAILER, WITH DEPARTMENT STORES ACROSS THE AREA, ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR A DESIGNER TO COLLABORATE WITH THE TEAM ON PLANS TO CREATE THEIR OWN BRANDED CLOTHING LINE, A NEW AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FIRM...
Masai: Masai’s Inava blouse £70, Darcy top £75, along with matching scarf £21 - this look will keep you warm in fresh spring breezes but cool in the sun too.
Barbour: For a walk along the beach in the cool spring air, you’ll need a light jacket. Barbour have the perfect answer - the Chock Quilt Coat, £149.
White Stuff: Another nautical addition to Oldrids’s spring collection, White Stuff’s Outspoken shirt tunic, £45.
Spring Fashion
FOR GENTS 1. Camel Active jumper, £call. 2. Joules boxer shorts, £34.95. 3. White Stuff shorts, £call. 4. White Stuff shirt, £call.
5. Camel Active boots, £call. 6. Joules gilet, £call.
n Featured items available from Downtown Superstore, Gonerby Junction, Grantham NG32 2AB. Visit www.oldrids.co.uk or call 01476 590239. 129
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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson
Andrew J Musson Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln
CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT. 39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS
Tel: (01522) 520142 info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com
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HANDS ON STYLE - FASHION -
OUR PICK OF THE MOST STYLISH SPRING BAGS FROM CAVELLS ON OAKHAM’S MILL STREET...
1. Kris Ana Annika Tall Tie Tote £45. 2. Michael Kors Rhea Zip Slouch Bag £249. 3. Michael Kors Riley Large Satchel £325. 4. Michael Kors Collette Zip Satchel £335. 5. Barbour Morar Tarras Bag £149. 6. Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Tote £249. 7. Toms Dip Dye Canvas Tote £60. 8. Paul Smith Accs Starlet Clutch Now £172.50 9. Michael Kors Bedford Shoulder Bag £260. 10. Paul Smith Accs Starlet Clutch Bag £209.30. Visit Cavells, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. Call 01572 770 600, www.cavells.co.uk.
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NATURAL
GLOW
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a fine powder that can be used daily in the shower to give your skin a gentle exfoliation, getting rid of dead skin cells and preparing your skin for a beautiful base. Follow up with Dermalogica Active Moist, a light, very easily absorbed moisturiser that suits all skin types to keep skin hydrated and banish winter skin. Main: An example of Rochelle O’Brien’s makeup art.
GET GLOWING
2
WEIGHTLESS
CONCEALER
4
3
Urban Decay Naked Weightless Concealer makes those dark circles disappear. It’s an amazing lightweight concealer giving full coverage without being thick and blends beautifully. You can also use it over the eyelids as a base to stop your eyeshadow creasing, £17.
A WONDERGLOW
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow is an instant soft-focus primer infused with a gold tint used on its own for a healthy glow or under regular foundation. You can also use it as a highlighter on the top of cheekbones, £38.50.
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AWARD-WINNING RUTLAND AND LEICESTERSHIRE MAKEUP ARTIST ROCHELLE O’BRIEN SHARES HER TOP FIVE PRODUCTS TO BANISH GREY WINTER SKIN AND ACHIEVE A GLOWING, FLAWLESS BASE...
THE HOLY GRAIL
Make Up For Ever Ultra 4HD foundation is my holy grail foundation which I use on most of my clients. Developed for presenters on HD TV where cameras reveal all flaws, it gives full coverage and looks natural with a semi-matte finish available in 40 shades, £29.
CHAMPAGNE
SHIMMER
Becca Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Champagne Pop: I have no words to describe how gorgeous this rose gold shimmering highlighting powder is. Use it on the top of cheekbones, above the cupids bow to give the impression of fuller lips, on the tear duct to widen eyes or anywhere you want some added sparkle. It’s shimmer for grown ups, £32. n Rochelle has been a makeup artist for ten years and works across the East Midlands. You can see more of Rochelle’s work at www.rochelleobrien.co.uk.
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FROM IBS TO INSOMNIA, 5 GOOD REASONS TO TRY ACUPUNCTURE... DON’T LET NEEDLES PUT YOU OFF: ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP EASE EVERYTHING FROM FERTILITY TO MIGRAINES...
From boosting fertility to easing Irritable Bowel Syndrome and helping you get a good night’s sleep, acupuncture is fast becoming the country’s go-to complementary treatment. Some 2.3 million acupuncture appointments are made each year in the UK, according to the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has given it their seal of approval for the treatment of lower back pain, migraine and chronic tension headaches. But many people still only discover acupuncture as a last resort, says local acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, Jo George. And some 21% of Brits think the needles are the same size as those used for injections. In fact, they’re actually only as thick as a human hair. So what is acupuncture? Based on 2,000-year-old Chinese healthcare principles, acupuncture is a holistic approach that sees pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe symptoms occur when the body’s qi (vital energy – pronounced ‘chee’) is blocked due to a combination of emotional, physical and mental reasons, such as stress or poor nutrition.
How does it work? The fine sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points to re-establish the free flow of qi, restore balance and trigger the body’s natural healing response. Acupuncture reduces cortisol levels, so the ill effects of stress are modified. It soothes over-thinking and anxiety, so we feel relaxed and optimistic and it promotes immunity and balances our internal environment,” says Jo, an acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist, who has been practising for 16 years. Who can have it? Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. At The Broad Street Practice in Stamford, Jo sees everyone from men with severe stress
and anxiety problems, back pain or hay fever, to women with period problems, migraines or menopausal symptoms. “They are civil servants, artists, filmmakers, teachers, school kids, parents, OAPs, doctors, midwives, and entrepreneurs,” she says. “I see pregnant ladies needing the baby turned, a widow grieving and suffering from arthritis since the sudden death of her husband, and ladies recovering from breast cancer.”
What happens at an appointment? Jo explains that she does a full diagnostic consultation by asking questions about your medical history including all aspects of your health and wellbeing. She will also look at your tongue and feel your pulses on both wrists. This comprehensive diagnostic consultation allows Jo to create a bespoke treatment plan including lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture or herbs.
What can it treat? Research has found acupuncture to be effective for the following common conditions, among many others:
Fertility: Acupuncture can help to regulate fertility hormones, reduce the number of ovarian cysts, stimulate ovulation and increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, thickening the endometrial lining and boosting the chances of embryo implantation.
Insomnia: By altering the brain’s mood chemistry, acupuncture can reduce serotonin levels and increase endorphins and neuropeptide Y levels, which help to improve sleep.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: IBS occurs when stress causes the sympathetic nervous system to stimulate spasms in the colon, resulting in abdominal pain. Acupuncture activates the opposing parasympathetic nervous system, which initiates the ‘rest and digest’ response. Migraine: The treatment stimulates nerves in the muscles and other tissues, releasing endorphins and changing the way pain is processed in the brain and spinal cord.
Depression: Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of ‘neurochemical messenger molecules,’ which alter the body’s internal feedback systems, promoting emotional and physical wellbeing.
n Jo George practices traditional acupuncture, which is based on Chinese medicine principles that have been developed, researched and refined for over 2,500 years. Jo is a Professional and Fully Insured Member of The British Acupuncture Council and Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. For a free informal preliminary chat with Jo call 07914 851995. For appointments please contact The Broad Street Practice, Stamford on 01780 480889 or visit www.lifemedicineclinic.com.
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- HEALTH & BEAUTY -
a makeover
1. FRAGRANCE
FOR MEN
This month’s favoured fragrance is Versace’s Oud Noir Aftershave. It’s described as the seduction of a desert sunset; a warm breeze in the air giving a feeling of well being. It’s a sensual heady aroma, almost aphrodisiacal. The top notes are bitter orange, neroli and black pepper, £105.
THE TOP FIVE MEN’S PRODUCTS THIS MONTH CAN ALL BE FOUND AT THE DEPARTMENT STORES OF QUEENSGATE IN PETERBOROUGH. THESE PRODUCTS ARE PERFECT FOR A PICK-ME-UP; THEY PROVIDE A SPRING MAKEOVER FOR MEN...
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2. SHAVING TECH
This amazing bit of tech is called a Philips Laser Guided Trimmer. It uses a laser to guide you in trimming your beard or stubble, so you have precise razor sharp lines and symmetrical styles, £66.65.
3. SOS SKINCARE
4 5
LAB Series have a brilliant product for rescuing your skin - Future Rescue Repair Serum. It renews the look of your skin today and tomorrow. It works as an anti-ageing cream, giving you a more youthful look, £48.
4. ACTIVE FACE WASH
Clarins Men Active Face Wash Foaming Gel leaves the skin comfortable and revived. It has detoxifying and purifying properties and this face wash wakes your skin up in the morning so you can start the day refreshed, £19.50.
5. ANTI-AGEING
Lancôme for Men’s Rénergy 3D is often described as the lightness of a gel with the ease of a cream. It stimulates microcirculation, toning the skin and giving a fresher and much more youthful look, £40.50. n For more information, call 01733 311666 or visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk or visit Peterborough PE1 1NT to buy the products at Boots or John Lewis in the department store.
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A-LIST TREATMENTS
AT P.KAI, MARKET DEEPING...
The award-winning P.Kai Salons are headed up by Kai Wan, an experienced all-rounder renowned for his styling and dressing. Kai has worked extensively as a platform artist and been shortlisted for the British Hairdressing Awards in the Newcomer and Eastern categories, as well as scooping the ghd Innovation Award and the Your Hair Eastern Salon of the Year title.
The salon has a couple of exciting, newly launched services for getting hair into incredible shape. Olaplex® is a revolutionary new in-salon system used by Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz. The never-seen-before treatment helps to permanently rebuild any damaged disulphide bonds (the side bonds) within the hair, those very same bonds that give elasticity and strength to the hair.
These bonds can break during chemical processes, particularly during colouring, relaxing, keratin treatments, perming and can also be damaged with the use of thermal heated tools.
Olaplex® can be used as a stand alone treatment (£20) or as a colour additive, where your colourist will mix it with your colour to give the hair greater strength for more drastic colour changes (from £20).
Olaplex® is free of silicone, sulphates, phthalates, DEA, aldehydes, gluten and is never tested on animals, and we also sell the Number 3 treatment for use at home before or after your salon appointment.
Also new to the salons is the innovative System Professional launch: to recalibrate the hair’s natural lipid layer, System Professionals’ scientists developed and patented the EnergyCode™ technology: based on a complex of carefully balanced ingredients in specifically targeted concentrations throughout the System Professional range, so that the personal Care System recommended by our Hair Care Consultants transforms each unique hair energy. Ask in salon and we’ll talk you through this cutting edge treatment that promises condition that you’ll love… Market Deeping offers a 25% senior citizen and student discount on Wednesdays and of course, free consultations to all clients prior to cuts and colour.
n Book your appointment now at P.Kai, 10/12 Market Place, Market Deeping, PE6 8EA Call 01778 300558 or see www.pkai.co.uk.
MEET THE TEAM
Laura Chadwick Style Director Laura previously worked in Stamford, and is the 2015 L’Oreal Colour Trophy winner in the Eastern Region – a hugely prestigious award testament to her super skills!
Biggest hair passion? Colour! The endless range allows you to be really creative and tailor the perfect colour to each client. I love how the right colour can completely change someone’s look and bring a whole new confidence. Who doesn’t want the ability to make someone look and feel amazing?
Hot new service for 2016? Olaplex
is a real game changer when colouring your hair or even used as a stand-alone treatment. I have experienced an increase in the improvement of the hair’s lustre, texture and shine with the use of this product.
A day off – what do you do? I love
mixing modern and vintage clothing and have been known to spend hours trailing the rails of top vintage stores. I’ve found some amazing pieces and enjoy customising looks to bring it into the 21st century.
Hair hero Eimi Extra Volume Mousse by Wella Professionals. It creates head-turning volume and perfect body, a must for curly blow-dries.
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- HEALTH -
STRESS Believe in Life After
It’s a modern condition that can blight an individual’s life at home, work, or both. For those determined to reduce the effects of chronic stress levels, Rutland based Craniosacral Therapy practitioner, Lulu Ferrand, can provide help for anyone looking to alleviate stress, anxiety and a range of other conditions with her gentle, hands-on technique... Stress is a modern blight, one that’s typically treated by GPs with medication... but there’s a better way, says Rutland’s Lulu Ferrand.
Lulu is a member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association and is supporting the work of Nicola Brough, a PhD candidate, based at the University of Warwick’s Medical School, who is exploring and developing ways to assess CST outcomes.
Lulu is a practitioner of Craniosacral Therapy, a gentle, hands-on, non-manipulative therapy which, says Lulu, tunes into the energy within the body and releases tension.
“CST is a natural way of helping our bodies to rest and recover,” she says. “CST is unique in its ability to treat the source of symptoms on every level, whether mental, physical or emotional.”
The therapy can be used to treat acute physical problems like backaches, headaches, IBS or emotional problems like unsettled sleep, tiredness or emotional fatigue.
“One of the best problems that CST can ease is stress and anxiety,” says Lulu. “The therapy encourages the body to let go of tension.”
“Each person has their own level of coping and when we reach and breach that level of physical and emotional tolerance, the body struggles to cope with looking after itself.”
“The overall term used is ‘stress’ but this can also manifest itself as physical pain, poor sleep, lack of concentration, bad moods and all manner of other things which prevent us from functioning normally and being happy. It’s an insidious and all too common condition which is pervasive and can effect every aspect of your life.” Lulu sees around 120 people each year from her treatment studios in London, North Yorkshire and in Knossington. Typically, four or five sessions lasting 45 minutes each are
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“Because the therapy is non-manipulative, I can work with babies and children, too,” says Lulu...
sufficient to make a big difference to a client’s quality of life.
A typical CST treatment involves an initial consultation which talks about the client’s general health, followed by sessions of the hands-on treatment which sees Lulu making light contact with the head, the base of the spine other parts of the body to sense tensions within it and facilitate their release.
“Stress is unavoidable in today’s busy world, and our bodies are designed to manage a certain amount of it - like an elastic band stretched to its tensile limit.”
“An elastic band can cope with that limit, but needs to be relaxed in order to stretch again when necessary. Our emotions, our tolerance of stress is much the same.”
“CST allows you to work holistically, with your body’s own ability to heal itself physically or emotionally, and can be used in conjunction with the treatment your doctor recommends for stress or anxiety-related conditions.”
“I’ve seen some really promising outcomes so far, with clients who have come to me suffering from stress and I really do want to let more people know about the benefits that CST can offer, particularly stress.”
n Lulu provides CST from her Knossington studio. Call 07887 506163 or see www.luluferrand.co.uk.
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- HEALTH -
OSTEOPOROSIS...
Last month Cell Regeneration talked about Osteoarthritis and ways to help you if you suffer from this condition and how their award winning technology, MBST, regenerates cartilage and treats the problem. This month the focus is on Osteoporosis.
Healthy bone 50% of women over the age of 50 will suffer from Osteoporosis related fractures.
1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will also suffer from these. Currently, according to the National Osteoporosis Society, an Osteoporotic fracture in over 50s occur every two minutes in the UK.
Age and gender is a huge contributing factor to having Osteoporosis, there are other factors that can make you more or less at risk: Women after having ovaries removed will be higher risk.
Genetics is a factor to consider, have any family suffered from Osteoporosis? Heavy/long-term drinkers and smokers – the toxins in these prevent your body from being able to mineralise bone.
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Osteoporotic bone People with eating disorders such as anorexia are likely to develop OP.
What can we do to help ourselves not develop or at least delay and reduce the effects of Osteoporosis? Two of the easiest things we can control are exercise and diet.
Body weight exercises are important as they exert pressure and helps bone become and remain stronger.
Running, aerobics or less intense exercises such as walking and Tai-Chi are great examples of this. Try for at least half an hour a day. As always, consult a doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
Diet is extremely important to ensure we are getting the correct minerals to create and maintain healthy bone.
Eating plenty of leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach, almonds, and tofu are great, healthy ways to get calcium into your diet. To make calcium worthwhile we need Vitamin D, the best source of Vit D is from the Sun. If you don’t get enough sunlight then supplements can help.
Current drugs just slow down the breakdown of old, worn bone. So while the bone density is decreasing at a slower rate, the bone that is left is of poor quality. MBST actually increases the density of bone and reverses the osteoporosis.
n If you would like to know more information about Osteoporosis and how we can increase your bone density through MBST then please contact charles@cell-regeneration.co.uk or call 01780 238084.
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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk
Fitness with Fizz
Fundraising for Michelle Durant’s Kilimanjaro Climb... In our opinion, too few fitness sessions begin with a glass of fizz. Nevertheless, the champagne corks were popping and the girls were bopping at a recent zumba session to raise money for Empingham mum Michelle Durant, who’d embarking on a gruelling climb of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.
The session saw around 30 ladies enjoying a glass of fizz supplied ‘on the house’ by Emily Gibson of the village’s White Horse pub, before Stamford Pilates’s Louise hosted a fitness class. Over £500 was raised by the fizz and fitness event, which contributed to Michelle’s overall fundraising target of £1,800.
n Look our for next month’s Rutland Pride - we’ll find out how Michelle got on with her epic adventure!
Feature your event in our magazine. 142
Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...
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Purchase photographs from this event online. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
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Flour - SACREWELL FARM -
POWER
Last summer’s restoration of Sacrewell’s heritage watermill means there’s even more to enjoy on the working farm this season. Adults and children alike will enjoy the gentle motion of the mill, watching the newborn lambs gambolling about, and stepping back in time with the dedicated ladies of the Land Army...
Sacrewell, near Peterborough, is always popular in springtime, with newborn lambs gambolling about, fresh air and farm trails to enjoy.
This year though, the 50 acre attraction, held in charitable trust since 1964, will hold even greater appeal for both adults and children alike, thanks to the completion of a £1.8m project to restore Sacrewell’s watermill.
“The Mill dates back to 1755 and carries a starred Grade II* listing,” says Sacrewell’s Megan Allen. “It was still productive right into the late 1960s but eventually fell into obsolescence because its last miller, Alan Butcher, had nobody he could pass his skills onto.” “It remained open as part of the visitor centre, but with an education remit. We’ve hosted baking and milling dates, but to realise its full potential necessitated a complete refurbishment.”
In 2012 the William Scott Abbot Trust, which owns the site, completed a feasibility study to work out how it could restore, and make more of, the site.
With HLF money, topped up by the Trust itself, a comprehensive refurbishment began in 2014 and was completed in 2015, headed up by Mill Officer Jane Harrison.
The refurbishment of the mill has concentrated on two periods in history, the early 19th century, within the mill, with its restored waterwheel and stonefloor, and the 1940s, in the millhouse, which has been furnished to reflect Sacrewell’s role in feeding the county with the Land Army girls of the Second World War. Now, the millwheel and its mechanism can turn seven days a week, and on selected days throughout the spring and summer, it will grind Sacrewell flour, will be sold to the public when the visitor centre gains the relevant hygiene and safety approvals.
RESTORING THE HERITAGE MILL Sacrewell Farm’s heritage mill has been restored at a cost of £1.8m, funded by HLF cash and the William Scott Abbot Trust.The mill is three storeys tall, and carries a Grade II* listing.
The project took place from 2012 to 2015, concentrating on two historical period, the early C19th and WWII. The millwheel is fed from a stream that snakes through the 550 acre heritage farm. It’s a breast-shot waterwheel which drives a set of stones - one of a pair, originally - via a pitwheel and spur wheel. The BBC recently filmed an episode of Victorian Bakers at Sacrewell.The episode aired in January.
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Top: The mill is part of the 50 acre visitor centre on the 550 farm. The mill itself is Grade II* listed and dates back to 1755. Above: Former land army girls Mary Watson and Edna Dixon provide first hand accounts of social history this season. Right: The mill has been restored and is now grinding grain for visitors.
The mill and its mechanism are a great source of fascination, but with the WWII land army interpretation, created from firsthand accounts of ladies like Mary Watson and Edna Dixon, there’s an extra dimension to an attraction with social history at its heart.
“As well as the mill, we’ve the usual attractions too, like our newborn lambs, and chicks...”
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but we really do have something for everyone this spring,” says Megan. “The mill means we’ll be able to take families back in time, with audio interpretation describing to families what life was like for the young apprentice miller, for example.”
“We can really inspire children, and teach them not just about where our food comes from, but what farms were like back then, 146
too. As well as the mill, we’ve the usual springtime attractions too, with newborn lambs, and chicks from March onwards, and other creatures from our goats and pigs to those in our small animal centre.”
“We’ve tractor rides around farmland now used by Riverford’s organic arable farming operation, plus a wildlife trail and two new rambles, as well as regular events throughout spring and summer.”
Spring has always been one of the best times to enjoy the attraction, but with the newly refurbished mill and the millhouse’s wartime interpretation, stepping back in time is something the whole family can enjoy at Sacrewell this season.
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- SACREWELL FARM -
Dates for Your Diary
A History of Sacrewell Farm... 1750: Work began on building a new watermill, millhouse and Lodge Farm at Sacrewell. At this time there were three tenant farmers, from 20 farmers a century or two earlier.
c.1917: Returning injured from WWI, William Scott Abbott begins farming on land dating back to 47AD and later owned by Sir John Russell, Earl of Bedford.
1929: Previously a tenant farmer, William Scott Abbott‘s family purchase the property for £13,000, including 550 acres of land, three houses, two cottages and 11 properties near Wansford. His pioneering work to feed the country included large-scale milk production, selective breeding and AI techniques. 1964: Following her husband’s dream, on 1st January 1964, Mary founded The William Scott Abbott Trust. The vision was
to provide an agricultural education for all and although William and Mary would not recognise parts of the farm as it stands today, the educational values they promoted are still very much alive. 1965: The mill ceased to operate commercially because of a combination of health and safety requirements and a lack of people to operate it.
1973: Sacrewell was one of the first farms in the country to host a farm open day to help everyone to understand agriculture and the countryside. People had become accustomed to finding food ready-prepared in a supermarket and had lost touch with its origins. 1981: Sacrewell Farm opened to the public – but not as visitors see it today. It was a working farm and people would ‘drop in’ when they liked to see what was going on.
2002: The Trust decided to stop farming in its own right and leased the land on a five year tenancy to Farmer’s Weekly farms, owned by Farmer’s Weekly who used the site as a proving ground for new machinery. Crops at this time consisted of potatoes, sugar beet, cereals and oil seed rape and were featured regularly in the magazine. The tenancy was released in 2006. 2005: New offices and corporate function rooms were added to the current facilities, opening Sacrewell up to a wider audience.
2007: Riverford Organic Farms became the new tenant farmer at Sacrewell, with the right to farm 508 acres of the land.
2013: Sacrewell wins £1.4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the 18th century watermill and its associated buildings.
Sacrewell hosts a calender of events throughout the year, its spring events are as follows: From 5th March - 24th April
Spring into Sacrewell
Visit our new arrivals including lambs, chicks and piglets. 25th - 28th March
Easter at Sacrewell
Visit the activity centre for a chocolate adventure. 21st and 22nd May
Spring Fair
Sacrewell will be milling, baking, sheep shearing and Morris dancing, in a full celebration of the countryside in spring.
n Find Out More: Sacrewell is open seven days a week from 9.30am-5pm. Tickets £8.25/adults; £6.00/children, £6.50/senior. Visit the attraction at Sacrewell, Thornhaugh, Peterborough PE8 6HJ, call 01780 782254 or see www.sacrewell.org.uk. 147
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SNAP y p p a H We do like to be beside the seaside, and we love looking through old holiday snaps. Imagine our delight, then, when Skegness’s Wrates Photography opened up their photographic archives and invited us to find out a little more about the company’s history... Words: Rob Davis.
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- HISTORY -
>> If you grew up in Lincolnshire, or if you visited the Lincolnshire coast as a child, take another look at your holiday snaps.
There’s a strong chance that printed on the cardboard folder - or mount - is the name Wrates. Today, the firm is one of the largest specialists in school photography, but when the company started out, back in 1907, the firm was solely concerned with holiday snaps - known as walkies. “We think we’re one of the oldest firms in Lincolnshire and I can’t imagine anyone in Skegness is unaware of the name Wrates,” say Glyn Bagley and Martin Wrate.
“Of course, nowadays everyone has camera phones or digital cameras; the technology has proliferated to such a convenient extent that it’s almost impossible to remember a time before we all had the means to take
photographers on holiday. But back in the 1970s, even film cameras hadn’t been popularised.”
Wrates would patrol the whole of Skegness seafront and also further along the east coast taking pictures of holidaymakers day and night.
Wrates was established by Amelia Wrate in 1907 as a Victorian portrait photographers. It was unusual for a woman to run her own business, let alone one of such unprecedented success. In the 1920s, Alfred Wrate, second generation of the Wrate family and grandfather of current owner Martin, established the walking picture trade, enjoying a virtual monopoly on the Lincolnshire coast.
At that time, seaside holidays in Skegness were hugely popular, just making the transition from a luxury for the upper middle classes to
“WE THINK WE’RE ONE OF THE OLDEST FIRMS IN THE AREA. THERE MUST BE THOUSANDS OF WRATES PICTURES STILL DISPLAYED IN THE DRAWERS AND PHOTO ALBUMS OF LOCAL PEOPLE WHO ENJOYED A SEASIDE HOLIDAY!”
Opposite: Valerie Wrates, one of the Skegness firm’s photographers, in her striped blazer.
Below: Wacky props during the season event included stuffed animals!
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- HISTORY -
Above: Huge queues would form in front of Wrate’s Skegness kiosks.
Opposite: The company’s photographers wore distinctive blazers.
“AT ITS PEAK, THE BUSINESS WAS TAKING AN INCREDIBLE 5,000,000 PHOTOGRAPHS OF HOLIDAYMAKERS EACH YEAR!” SAYS MARTIN... become more mainstream. The photographers had a shop on the pier entrance in the late 1930s and continued to enjoy huge commercial success.
Customers would have their photographs taken, then they’d take a ticket with a letter indicating from which of the windows they could view and purchase their photograph.
Wrates photographers could soon be identified by their red, blue and yellow jackets. By the time the 1960s and 1970s arrived, the company - competing with the popularisation of compact cameras - needed to find new gimmicks, like colour photography in 1968, stuffed lions and tigers, and props like Wombles, gorillas behind bars, and bikini models which, according to Martin, weren’t as popular as one might imagine. 150
“Output at the time was really prolific,” says Martin. “During the business’s heyday, most locals visiting the seaside town had at least one photograph taken during their holiday. There must be thousands of Wrates pictures still displayed in the drawers and photo albums of Lincolnshire people!”
The family still trade as photographers today, albeit in school market. Diversifying in 1962, the move was originally intended to keep Wrate’s small army of photographers busy in the autumn and winter months, earning the firm revenue out of season.
of walkies pictures of holidaymakers each year!” says Martin.
The ‘walkie’ photographer ceased to be commercially viable in the mid-1970s, and the charming notion of photographers taking pictures of Skegness’s holidaymakers has been consigned to the history books.
“It’s nice that visitors to modern day Skegness can record and capture their memories with ease using mobile phones and digital cameras, but I think there’s a certain nostalgia in looking at the photographs we take.”
Even staff at the railway station reported delays because of holidaymakers from out of town holding up the rail service because they were still collecting their photographs.
“Hopefully the name will continue to be recognised and connected to photography in years to come, with past customers enjoying our photographs and remembering wonderful childhood holidays on the East Coast!”
Nonetheless, there are still a great many, especially those living on Lincolnshire’s East Coast, who have fond memories of visiting the resort in their younger days and having their pictures taken by a Wrates photographer, queueing excitedly to see their print.
“At its peak, the business was taking millions
“We have liveried vans for our school-based work, and across Lincolnshire people still come up to us to ask if we’re the Wrates who took our photographs on holiday as children.”
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Wrates Today...
FROM HOLIDAY SNAPS TO SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHERS, CHANGING FORTUNES FOR A LOCAL BUSINESS...
Wrates is known throughout Lincolnshire as Skegness’s ‘walkie’ photographers, but from the 1930s the firm also began to offer school photography to keep its staff busy out of the holiday season. Today, the firm works in over 1,000 schools, employing 60 processing staff and a small army of photographers to take pictures of hundreds of thousands of pupils each year. This year Wrates has been able to offer schools a unique service; two-poses on two different backgrounds during a single visit to the school, which has proven to be very successful. Parents receive a personalised preview card featuring their child, tailor-made to each school. Each child’s image comes with a personalised password which downloads a ‘key’ to enable parents to access a school branded webpage which is created by the firm. Parents can then order prints securely online; this is 100% secure as the system was developed by Wrates themselves. All of the firm’s photographers are DBS checked and the firm publishes a duty of care brochure with its child protection policies. Wrates shoots individual students, ‘friendship groups,’ classes, choirs and sports teams as well as whole schools. In summer 2013, owners Martin Wrate and Glyn Bagley purchased TV’s Humpty Dumpty as a company mascot - he’s very popular, and is available for charity work across the UK!
n Find Out More: Wrates are dedicated school photographers with over 85 years experience.Call 0800 028 8221 or see www.wrates.com.
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CLASS A TOUCH OF - MOTORING -
MERCEDES HAS RECENTLY CROWNED ITS RANGE WITH A £200,000 FLAGSHIP VERSION OF ITS S-CLASS. FOUR SEATS, PLUS TWO DOORS, MINUS ONE ROOF EQUALS A HIGHLY DESIRABLE GRAND TOURER OFFERING EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE AND THE LAST WORD IN LUXURY. THIS MONTH WE INTRODUCE THE INCREDIBLE S-CLASS CONVERTIBLE... The Mercedes S-Class has always been a car of firsts. It was the first to introduce drivers to electric windows, power steering, ABS, and adaptive cruise control. It was the first car to make executive motoring as pleasurable for the chauffeur as those who were being driven. And now, there’s a new first, for the new flagship of the firm is the first S-Class to breach a £200,000 price tag.
The current S-Class is absolutely superb, more cosseting than any Rolls Royce or Bentley, let alone any Range Rover, Audi or BMW. ‘Magic’ suspension that reads the road ahead and adjusts its dampers to compensate for the potholes it sees, plus steering assist for motorway driving and heated armrests all finesse an already impeccable ownership prospect, whilst AMG models breathe fire through eight or 12 cylinder engines. Last year, a svelte coupé version was introduced too, for those seeking a performance car that’s ludicrously quick but can also be a quiet, calm motorway cruiser. It’s that version which has also spawned this new body style, a four seat convertible.
In V12 engined 65AMG trim, the car is powered by a 6.0V12 engine generating 1,000nm of torque (pulling power is available in any gear, at any time, at any speed), and 630hp. The result is a car that can blast to 60mph in a whisper over four seconds, and reach an electronically limited 155mph. With a price tag of £200,000, that puts the car on a collision course with Aston Martin’s Vanquish Volanté, Bentley’s Continental GT Speed Convertible and Rolls Royce’s Dawn, as well as Ferrari’s 488 Spider.
The first /200,000 S Class: Mercedes’s flagship saloon has spawned a coupé and now a convertible model. It’s very quick and very luxurious.
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Above: With four seats, the Mercedes is practical, but we think fire-breathing AMG variants offer too much performance.
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>> Compared to the two-seater configuration of the Ferrari, and the Aston Martin, the S-Class seems rather more practical, with sufficiently usable rear seats. The Rolls Royce is a rather more expensive option, though we’re not entirely sure why, badge kudos aside.
The Bentley is the more comparable model, but at least in our opinion, the Mercedes trounces it for looks, even if the badge feels a little inferior.
One area that the Mercedes does easily win, though, is in terms of standard equipment. There’s very little which the S65AMG lacks, and drivers won’t be left wanting for something to play with at the traffic lights. Above: The S-Class Convertible is based on the svelte two-door coupé version released last year. A Maybach wheelbase S-Class will follow.
“A ROLLS ROYCE IS A RATHER MORE EXPENSIVE OPTION, THOUGH WE’RE NOT ENTIRELY SURE WHY, BADGE KUDOS ASIDE...” Nappa leather smothers the edges of the roof, the dash and seats. The latter are electrically adjustable, heated (as is the steering wheel, your armrest and the rear seats), cooled and feature a massage facility.
C-IF YOU CAN SPOT THE RESEMBLANCE With a rather lower price tag of
between £31,000 and £40,000, the C-Class Coupé is rather more accessible than the S-Class, but remains achingly beautiful. We think it’s one of the best looking cars on the market, and frugal too - 69mpg in £33,000 C220d form.
Adaptive cruise control is standard, as is night vision. Doors close by servo motors for a quieter, smoother entrance. There’s a sat nav system with voice control, DAB radio and TV tuner. The car has 4G internet access, a 360° view camera, night vision system, and of course, there’s an air freshener with different fragrance flasks in the glovebox. 155
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You’d expect, then, that we’d resoundingly champion the S65AMG over its illustrious competitors, and to some degree we would. But, there’s a problem. In AMG form, any Mercedes is firmer to ride in and less economical than the standard model on which it’s based.
Furthermore, any Mercedes, even a fairly run-of-the-mill C-Class saloon has sufficient power with a fairly mundane engine, one which will also offer more practical running costs day-to-day.
Top: Standard equipment includes night vision, massaging seats which ‘knead’ the driver to prevent a fatigued bottom...
200s
Above: V12 power is superb, but we think lesser engines provide a better day-to-day compromise between performance and economy.
The S-Class, and convertibles, too, are designed to waft, not race. Any S-Class convertible will offer good performance, so we’re not sure what use the extra power in either the S63 or S65 AMG version is. We’d also question the wisdom of choosing a
convertible model when either the saloon or coupé offers such good sound insulation and such a cosseting environment.
Our climate isn’t exactly conducive to wind-in-the-hair motoring, but if you’re strongly convinced of the merits of roofless motoring, and want a car that’s rapid, we’ll recommend the more modest versions of the S-Class convertible. Even in V6 or V8 form, the S-Class convertible will still prove to be smooth, rapid and quiet, preferable to the Aston, Ferrari and Bentley you could also choose. If you’re not sure about soft-top motoring, though, we’d point you in the direction of the more practical coupé, instead, and choose that in non-AMG form, using the cash you’ll save to specify a few options.
THE TOP
If you’re in the £200,000+ motoring world, these are our recommended options...
R/Royce Ghost £217,000
A V12 engine, peerless performance. This icon of British engineering is BMW-owned but remains Goodwood in spirit.
Mercedes G63 £370,000 You’d have to be a lunatic, but this four tonne 6x6 (4x4 is so passé) won’t get stuck down the county’s backroads...
McLaren 650S £215,000 A highly desirable and unusual convertible model with two seats hewn from the firm’s F1 achievements.
Eagle E-Type £200,000
Enjoy open top motoring in a re-manufactured Jaguar E-Type? Halcyon motoring with modern mechanicals courtesy of Eagle.
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- MOTORS -
THE CAR OF
SUMMER IF YOU WANT TO BE NOTICED, THERE’S ONLY ONE CAR TO BE SEEN IN THIS YEAR, AND IT’S THIS. LAND ROVER HAS BROUGHT TO THE MARKET THE FIRST 4X4 CONVERTIBLE. BASED ON ITS ALREADY INCREDIBLE EVOQUE, THE NEW VERSION IS COMPLETELY UNIQUE AND IS GUARANTEED TO TURN HEADS WHEREVER IT GOES... Words: Rob Davis.
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Oooooh. The Evoque convertible. It’s this year’s must-have car, truly unique and guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes.
The smallest Range Rover in the firm’s lineup has always been a sales success for Jaguar Land Rover, and this spring, a new version goes on sale, based on the coupé version of the small SUV, but with one notso-subtle difference... the absence of a roof.
The Evoque Convertible is already available to order, with first deliveries expected next month. We all anticipate the coming of spring and summer, but somehow this has made the prospect of warmer weather and blue skies even more enticing, and better still, the new car is based on a model that’s already very desirable.
Whilst the Evoque range starts from a reasonable £30,200 for a two wheel drive manual version in SE trim, the Convertible is rather more expensive, at £47,500.
That’s because, not withstanding the extra expense of the engineering and roof mechanism, it’s also equipped with more powerful engines; a 2.0 diesel or 2.0 petrol engine generating 180hp or 240hp respectively. Four wheel drive is also standard, and the Convertible is available in range-topping Dynamic or Dynamic Lux trims only.
We’ll recommend you opt for the diesel version, which will achieve a satisfying 49.6mpg combined; 55mpg on Lincolnshire’s A-Roads. 60mph is reached in a nippy 9.7 seconds, with a top speed of 121mph. Whilst the petrol is faster, it’s also thirstier, and speed isn’t really the point of the Convertible.
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The point, rather, is posing. And in that respect, there’s no finer car. A fabric roof folds back into the boot in less than 18 seconds to reveal a four seater car that’s unmistakably a Land Rover.
You can tackle seemingly unsurmountable slopes, rutted tracks or, as the brochure’s photography suggests, drive through a snowy ski-scene or through the sea, and you can do so whilst looking very cool indeed.
Safety is assured with a deployable rollover protection system which pops up if it detects a dangerous vehicle angle, and is designed to take account of the rough and tumble nature of the car without deploying accidentally. Speaking of venturing off-road, Land Rover’s excellent Terrain Response system is standard, and makes pre-empting off-road
Above: The car has four full-size seats and a retractable fabric roof which operates electrically in just 18 seconds.
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conditions as simple as pressing a button. There’s even a Dynamic mode for when you’re seeking a firmer, sportier on-road feel.
As standard, the car also has a very generous equipment tally which, along with its unmistakable style, goes a long way to justifying its price. 12-way electrically adjustable heated leather seats, a rear view camera, configurable mood-lighting, auto lights and wipers, a heated front windscreen, climate control and cruise control, Bluetooth and DAB radio are all standard.
Lux models add automatic parallel and perpendicular parking, a 360° view camera and keyless entry, and raiding the options list even further can yield adaptive cruise control or a TV tuner, heated steering wheel, massaging seats or air conditioning. In short, there’s nothing a well-heeled Evoke Convertible driver will want for.
Also making a debut on the Convertible model is a new premium metallic colour, Phoenix Orange, but the car looks great in Firenze Red too, especially when ordered with the Black Design pack which includes the 20” satin black wheels pictured here.
Being an Evoque, the driving dynamic is still said to be superb - UK drivers have to wait until the car reaches our shores to find out first hand.
Land Rover stresses that the efforts they’ve gone to in order to ensure the body stiffening needed to chop a car’s roof off - because of the effect on torsional rigidity - won’t have an adverse consequence on the car’s handling. Even with a slightly reduced boot capacity, the four-seat Evoque is compromise-free wind-in-the-hair motoring and it’s easily the summer’s most desirable car!
Range Rover Evoque Convertible Dynamic
Price: £47,500 (HSE Dynamic). Engine: 2.0V4 diesel, 180ps, auto. Economy: 49.6mpg (comb), 42.2mpg (urban), 55.4mpg (extra urban). 149g/km CO2. Top Speed: 121mph. Equipment: Electric, heated leather seats, sat nav, climate, cruise, Bluetooth. 161
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Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!
ACROSS
1. Dancing fan not in time for jazzed up programmes (12) 8. Eat nuts after wasted meal (4,3) 9. Warning about shaking a lot (7) 11. Author dashed off a part (7) 12. Two swimmers, the first perceived in sound barrier (7) 13. Mark requiring second kiss (5) 14. Current slump needs correcting: Number 10 is fronting push (9) 16. With spin, one’s taken in by Cameron? I see what you mean (3-6) 19. It’s hot filling tea cups etc (5) 21. Emphatic confession of one telling stories about sun worship (7) 23. Conveyance from one endlessly gracious in The Faerie Queene (7) 24. Like ugly little chap? Snog him excitably (7) 25. Make out sporting contest in Ascot? (7) 26 French correspondent is a Pulitzer Prize winner (6,6)
DOWN
1. Inexperienced girl’s not faking it in going on top (7) 2. Thoroughly disheartened evangelist interrupting churchgoers for a bit of a nag (7) 3. Steady current’s drawn tide away (5,4) 4. Conclude there’s no leaving hell (5) 5. Dealing with army officer, vocally (7) 6. Stuffing for tuna utilised for molluscs (7) 7. Sort out getting involved in attacking way traders make money (5,7) 10. Source of grievance in Greece and Spain: crippling German bills (5,7) 15. Pity? It’s lacking, whence Dracula’s destructive urge (9) 17. U2 fans are so unrewarded (3,4) 18. Character eating is oppressed by burning fondness for the cream (7) 19. It’s coming to a point where a Liberal is propping up right-winger in charge (7) 20. Troublemaker, one using trendy quotations? (7) 22. Fellow in Macbeth, say, ending on high (5)
1. Widow with title or property from her husband (7) 8. Book of the Old Testament (7) 9. Thrust (7) 10. Self-important person (7) 11. Occur as a result (of) (5) 13. Reserved (9) 15. Shoot a pet (anag) – healer (9) 18. Incident (5) 21. District under a bishop’s jurisdiction (7) 22. In fashion (French) (1,2,4) 23. Burdensome (7) 24. Mountain named after a British surveyor general of India (7)
DOWN
1. Thrust (5) 2. Rubs clean (5) 3. Do something very thoroughly (2,3,5,3) 4. Begrudge (6) 5. Morally or socially intolerable (6,3,4) 6. Lowest possible amounts (6) 7. Creator of Noddy (6) 12. Loch in the Great Glen (4) 14. At which time (4) 15. More likely than not (4-2) 16. Not enough (3,3) 17. Relaxed (2,4) 19. Conjure up (5) 20. Pay for – minister to – deal with (5)
CRYPTIC ANSWERS
QUICK ANSWERS
QUICK CROSSWORD
ACROSS
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