Rutland Pride June 2015 by Pride Magazines Ltd

RutlandPride

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JUNE 2016

BRYAN FERRY PERFORMS AT BURGHLEY HOUSE

A HISTORY OF BEDE HOUSE, LYDDINGTON

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

RutlandPride

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

Come along and see us at The Rutland County Show - Sunday 5th June...

Come Fly with Me EXCLUSIVE

Rutland from the Air

A COUNTRYSIDE FARRIER

Passing on his trade to the next generation...

JUNE 2016

This Month: Summer Dresses & Outfits from Oakham’s Cavells...

£3.70

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It’s funny how a fresh perspective can give you a totally new outlook on something - or somewhere - you thought was familiar.

Rutland may be the UK’s smallest county, but it looks a good deal larger when viewed from 1,500ft. Take a helicopter tour of the county with pilot Sarah Bowen, and you’ll see for yourself - we did just that recently; find out more later in this edition. JULIAN WILKINSON MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

Elsewhere, we’d like to introduce you to farrier Stephen Hill. He’s one of the few farriers trying to keep this centuries old craft alive, one of fewer than 80 farriers training apprentices. He gained another - rather pathetic apprentice recently when I tried my hand at forgecraft. Elsewhere this month, we’ll meet Rutland’s Ian Curtis, who’s created a whole new range of Rutland pies, and the UK’s only female Spitfire pilot, Carolyn Grace.

This month’s fashion pages are a treat, too, with high-summer outfits from Cavells, occasionwear for any summer function and gentlemen’s tailoring, too.

And finally, we’re visiting Barnsdale Lodge and pretty gastropub The White Horse for delicious summer dining. ROB DAVIS, EDITOR 01529 469977, editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

RutlandPride

JUNE 2016

BRYAN FERRY PERFORMS AT BURGHLEY HOUSE

A HISTORY OF BEDE HOUSE, LYDDINGTON

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

Come Fly with Me EXCLUSIVE

Rutland from the Air

A COUNTRYSIDE FARRIER

Passing on his trade to the next generation...

This Month: Summer Dresses & Outfits from Oakham’s Cavells...

£3.70

COVER PHOTO

We’re at the Rutland Show again this year - come along to the Rutland Pride marquee to meet the team! We’re always looking for photos for our covers: adorable animals, landscapes, and county scenes. Send your images to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Our best wishes for a wonderful month, and don’t forget to visit the Pride team at this year’s Rutland Show on Sunday 5th June.

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RutlandPride

JUNE 2016

BRYAN FERRY PERFORMS AT BURGHLEY HOUSE

A HISTORY OF BEDE HOUSE, LYDDINGTON

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3.70

Come Fly with Me EXCLUSIVE

Rutland from the Air

A COUNTRYSIDE FARRIER

Passing on his trade to the next generation...

This Month: Summer Dresses & Outfits from Oakham’s Cavells...

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

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!

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Page 152: 84: Stamford Junior Sarah Furness, School’s ‘Casino the new High Royale’ ball. Sheriff of Rutland’s Whissendine garden.

Contents

06 18 26 34 54 72 114 127

June 2016

This month’s NEWS section and WHAT’S ON guide is a roundup of what’s happening across Stamford and Rutland.

We’re enjoying a different perspective on the county this month, as we take a helicopter tour of RUTLAND FROM 1,500FT.

Sparks are flying in the world of FARRIERY, as Belton’s Stephen Hill is one of the few farriers training new talent. We find out more.

The history of Lyddington’s BEDE HOUSE is certainly rich, as we learn from the English Heritage site’s Emma Weeks this month. Our FOOD AND DRINK pages this month recommend afternoon tea at Barnsdale Lodge and locally baked Rutland pies.

June’s HOMES AND GARDENS section this month include a peek inside a Grade II listed ironstone cottage and a look at fine art.

This month we’ve a roundup of the best state and independent schools on our EDUCATION pages, for children of all ages.

This month’s fashion pages feature high summer outfits from Cavells, gentlemen’s tailoring and dresses for any summer function.

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County News Raising money for LOROS charity with a day at the races Leicestershire and Rutland charity hosts Ladies’ Day in association with local course to raise funds whilst enjoying a flutter...

Leicester Racecourse will host a Ladies’ Day this month, with live action from Ascot beamed directly to the local racecourse.

Ladies’ Day will take place on Thursday 16th June, and palliative care charity LOROS will benefit following a similar sell-out event last year.

“This event proved to be a real hit last year and we are delighted to be hosting it again,” says Laura Betts.

“We’re anticipating that it will be a sell-out, with games and awards for ‘best dressed’ among others, a four course lunch and free access into the live race meet which takes place that evening.”

“It’s not just ladies who are welcome to join us, either.

Stamford to host three day jazz and blues music festival in July...

Stamford Meadows will be the venue for a returning live music festival next month.

Stamford Music Festival will this year enjoy a jazz and blues theme, and will showcase new talent on the opening night, 15th July. Saturday evening will feature folk music including headline act, Rutland’s Tin Pigeons.

Sunday will feature more classical music and throughout the weekend there will be children’s entertainment, a craft market and stalls. n Tickets £8/three days, see www.clickit-tickets.co.uk.

Stamford’s Tilly designs the Queen’s 90th birthday cake Nine year old Tilly’s design chosen to celebrate HM The Queen’s 90th birthday. Iced fruit cake is available in Waitrose stores now...

We want to see lots of men there too.”

LOROS hopes that the fundraiser will raise in excess of £10,000, which could pay for 1,000 patients to be collected from their homes and brought to LOROS Day Therapy where they can take part in creative activities, access a range of complementary therapies and seek advice from specialist doctors and physiotherapists before returning home later the same day.

The charity operates for the benefit of 2,500 each year, patients in Leicestershire and Rutland, and delivers high quality care for terminally ill patients, their family and carers. n Tickets £40/person, see www.loros.co.uk.

Stamford schoolgirl Tilly Chisholm, aged nine, has designed the cake which supermarket chain Waitrose will use to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday.

Tilly’s design features a gorgeous bejewelled gold crown, The Queen’s initials and a simple red balloon which Tilly included as she - quite rightly felt no birthday was complete without a balloon. The design sits atop a fruit cake made to a traditional Scottish recipe.

The winning cake design was chosen by a panel which included celebrated cake maker Fiona Cairns, and Bake Off finalist Martha Collison.

Tilly’s Waitrose Celebration Cake for Her Majesty’s Birthday will be available in supermarket branches across the UK from this month. It will be priced £10.

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

“Burghley is the best!” say Horse & Hound Readers

Farm park is going green with a range of changes

Stamford eventing competition is voted the country’s favourite by readers of Horse & Hound. Tickets for the 2016 event are on sale from this month...

Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre goes green with a new £1.8m hydroelectric waterwheel, and new recycling initiatives to boost green credentials...

Stamford’s annual Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials have been voted the ‘Best of British’ equestrian events by readers of equine magazine Horse & Hound. The annual event, which was founded in 1961 and takes place every September in the grounds of the Elizabethan property, regularly attracts over 160,000 visitors across its four days of competition. It is renowned as one of the toughest riding challenges in the World but also the best for spectators. Burghley was described by Horse & Hound as a “Beacon at the end of the season, where spectators can bask in the glory of the house as they watch the elite of the eventing world swing into action,” the Stamford-based event beat other prestigious names to the top spot including The Grand National, Royal Ascot and Olympia Horse Show.

Sarah Jenkins, Horse & Hound Content Director said: “Burghley, with its delightful backdrop and in many ways enviable position at the end of the eventing calendar, allows equestrian enthusiasts to have the opportunity to see some of the best horses and riders in the world on top form, in a beautiful and thoroughly British setting.” Elizabeth Inman, Event Director at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials added: “There are so many wonderful equestrian events in Great Britain that it is truly a great accolade to be chosen by readers of Horse and Hound as the ‘Best of British’. It’s great not just for us, but for the local area.” n The 2016 Burghley Horse Trials will take place from 1st-4th September 2016. Tickets will go on sale as Pride goes to press at www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

Wansford’s Sacrewell Farm is going green with a series of changes from a £1.8m hydroelectric waterwheel as part of its watermill refurbishment project to a partnership with recycling company Viridior and new suppliers of recycled stationery and cutlery, plates and cups in its Origin8 café. “The mill project really made us think about ways we’re using energy,” explains General Manager Debbie Queen. See www.sacrewell.org.uk.

n Sarah Outen, the Rutland adventurer recently spoke to more than 50 clients of Age UK following her London 2 London fundraising bid. The talk took place in Voluntary Action Rutland’s conference room in Oakham.

n Market Deeping gained its first ever female firefighter recently when 19 year old Leah Chapman joined the service. The firefighter joined Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue after being rescued from a burning car by the service when she was 13 years old.

n Stamford High School recently hosted a fashion show which raised over £4,600 for #TeamGeorge. The charity supports George Robinson, the local teenager who was severely injured following a bad tackle playing rugby whilst in South Africa.

n Stamford visitors will next month enjoy al fresco cinema as the Burghley Film Festival returns to the area. This year’s films will be Harry Potter, Star Wars, Batman and more, see www.burghley.co.uk for dates.

n Judy Smith has a date with the Queen soon, after taking over from Coun Ray Wootton as chairperson of South Kesteven District Council. Judy will visit Buckingham Palace on 10th May for the annual Royal Garden Party.

n Uppingham granted the Royal Anglican Regiment the Freedom of the Town in May with a parade and march through the town. Local schools have been invited to watch and a military band with a corps of drums will also attend. The event takes place as Pride goes to press in May.

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County News New artisan retail space for crafts or hobbies in Stamford Volunteers are hard at work transforming space adjacent to Stamford’s Corn Exchange... Stamford will gain a series of new retail units for fans of arts, hobbies and crafts this month.

A large room at Stamford’s Corn Exchange is being transformed into nine retail units which have already been snapped up for selling books,

sewing supplies, toys and vinyl records. The space was previously occupied by Love Stamford, and will incorporate a café too.

Some retail units are still available, and it’s hoped the first few retailers will be in situ by early June.

Nevill Holt Opera stars roar with the Leicester Tigers Four stars of Nevill Holt Opera will appear with the Leicester Tigers as Pride goes to press, in a bid to recreate the Three Tenors’ Nessun Dorma...

Leicester’s operatic stars from the area’s Nevill Holt opera will serenade crowds at the Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium as Pride goes to press. They will perform famous operatic arias during the players’ pre-match warm up on the pitch, including the aria from Puccini’s Turandot, ‘Nessun Dorma’, made famous by the Three Tenors and Luciano Pavarotti. The closing words of this much-loved and

rousing aria are ‘Vincero, vincero, vincero!’ - a feature that has led to this classic aria being adopted the world over for international sporting events, and being described by BBC Sports Editors as ‘the ultimate sports theme tune.’ In 2016 the Nevill Holt Opera Festival runs from 16th June to 3rd July, featuring Verdi’s Rigoletto and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love. Further details available at www.nevillholtopera.co.uk

THE BOOK CLUB Rutland books, by Rutland authors, reviewed by Rutland Pride’s editorial team Dare to Do by Sarah Outen

Having returned home to Rutland following a five-year 25,000 mile journey looping the planet by pedal and paddle, Sarah Outen is an incredible adventurer and an inspiration. This is the story of her adventure and inner journey, and also a call to action, to redefine your own boundaries, to be courageous, and to ‘dare to do.’ Available to pre-order on Amazon from this month £TBC. n

Leicestershire & Rutland Cook Book by Tim Burke

A one-of-a-kind cook book filled with stunning photos and beautiful recipes and anecdotes from Leicestershire & Rutland’s finest restaurants, cafés, delicatessens, pubs, farm shops and producers. This book is all about and making the most of the food and drink on offer in the county. n

A great ‘coffee table book and a lovely photographic record of the county by Derry Brabbs, including the county’s most famous landmarks, schools, churches etc. This lovely 112pp study is an almanac of how the county changes throughout the seasons in Rutland. n

The Heritage of Rutland Water by Robert Ovens

Francis Frith’s Oakham by Bryan Waites

Compiled and edited by Robert Ovens and Sheila Sleath and running to 680 pages, with full colour throughout, The Heritage of Rutland Water is one of the most extensive and important books on Rutland ever produced. Available via the Rutland Local History & Record Society. It also covers the water’s underlying geology. n

A Year in the Life of Rutland by Derry Brabbs

A more recent history of the town of Oakham from the photographic age, ideal for those seeking to see how the town has changed during the 20th century. Guaranteed to stir nostalgic memories with 96 pages. Available as a paperback or hardback from Francis Frith’s website - Uppingham and Stamford editions available too. n

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£645,000

STAMFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE

SET IN A TUCKED AWAY POSITION IN THE HEART OF THE POPULAR VILLAGE OF GREATFORD, 4 GREATFORD GARDENS IS A GREAT FAMILY HOME 3

EPC Rating: TBC

£430,000

LANGHAM, RUTLAND

A STUNNING GRADE II LISTED GRANARY CONVERSION WITH LOVELY INTERIOR & SUNNY COURTYARD GARDEN 2

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

EPC Rating: Exempt

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£795,000

LANGTOFT, LINCOLNSHIRE

A SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME SET IN EXTENSIVE GROUNDS OF APPROXIMATELY 2 ACRES WITH USEFUL OUTBUILDINGS LOCATED ON THE EDGE OF THE POPULAR VILLAGE OF LANGTOFT 5

EPC Rating: D

£850,000

MARKET DEEPING, LINCOLNSHIRE

THIS BEAUTIFUL BARN HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO AN EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARD WITH AN EASY LIVING OPEN PLAN LAYOUT INCORPORATING MANY ORIGINAL FEATURES OVERLOOKING A PRETTY CENTRAL COURTYARD 5

EPC Rating: D

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CHESTNUT COTTAGE, HORNINGHOLD GUIDE PRICE £635,000

A truly stunning character home which has recently been fully refurbished to an impeccable standard, positioned on the edge of Horninghold, one of Leicestershire's most desirable rural villages.

BELL COTTAGE, SOUTH LUFFENHAM

GUIDE PRICE £465,000

A period cottage that has been significantly extended to provide generous and flexible living accommodation plus a three bedroom detached annexe, further adding to the flexible accommodation provided by the property.

FAR VIEW CHAPEL, BELTON IN RUTLAND GUIDE PRICE £550,000

A beautifully converted Methodist chapel providing ﬂexible and open plan living spaces, positioned in a quiet part of this popular south Rutland village with the most spectacular views over open countryside to the rear.

RICHMOND COTTAGE, BISBROOKE

GUIDE PRICE £425,000

Richmond Cottage is a generously proportioned and well extended cottage, sitting just oﬀ a quiet lane and within easy reach of the A47 and Uppingham.

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34-38 The Square Market Harborough LE16 7PA

01858 433123

marketharborough@struttandparker.com

www.struttandparker.com

Little Bytham

Strutt & Parker estate agents and property consultants work in partnership with clients to deliver their goals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether their interests are in residential, commercial, rural or development property.

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H IT D W AN L

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

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

TOET L

BURLEY ON THE HILL Rental £6,000 PCM A stunning substantial contemporary country home set in a beautiful rural location enjoying open views over parkland to Burley House. The property oﬀers extensive stylish accommodation appointed to the highest of standards throughout and leisure facilities. 6/7 Reception Rooms, open-plan Kitchen & Dining Room, 5/6 Bedrooms, 6 Bath/Shower Rooms, Gym, indoor heated Swimming Pool, Media Room/Cinema, Billiard Room. Rental to include the provision of a gardener and pool servicing. Energy Rating: C.

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Swinstead – £495,000

Situated in the centre of the village with views towards the Church this 17th Century double fronted Listed cottage is beautifully presented and offers plenty of accommodation combined with large gardens and a range of useful out buildings/barns. Formally a public house the current vendors have lovingly restored the home to enhance the many period features including beams, floors and fireplaces. The accommodation briefly comprises of sitting room with wood burning stove, study, dining room with fireplace, breakfast kitchen, garden room with vaulted ceiling and stove, utility, cloakroom and cellar. There are two stair cases with one giving access to master bedroom with en-suite cloakroom with the other giving access to 3 bedrooms and bathroom. The property stands in approximately 1/3 acre of well-kept gardens with extensive lawns, soft fruits and vegetable areas. A range of out buildings/barns with 2 attached to the garden room which are currently used as storage and a further stand-alone barn currently used as garaging and store, which subject to planning, could be used for a variety of uses

Yarwell – offers in excess of £350,000

Situated within this popular village, this Grade II Listed, stone built cottage with a blue slate roof is in need of modernisation and updating but offers spacious accommodation over two floors. Although, relatively plain from the road, the rear elevation is most attractive with bay windows overlooking a good sized garden. The current configuration comprises of reception hall with cloakroom off, kitchen dining room with bay window and wood burning stove within inglenook style fireplace, separate dining room with further bay window and fireplace, sitting room with inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove. There are two staircases giving access to the first floor where there are 3 good sized bedrooms all with high ceilings and a re-fitted wet room. The property is in need of considerable modernisation and updating although it does have oil fired central heating with a boiler positioned within a useful outbuilding/store to the side of the property. The garden is of a good size with a detached double garage and ample off road parking.

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

The High Sheriff...

Officially Declared in Oakham Castle Ceremony Oakham Castle recently hosted the declaration of the new High Sheriff. The Castle doesn’t officially open to the public until the end of May as it is still undergoing restoration, but it opened its doors especially for this event.

Sarah Furness is the newly appointed High Sheriff of Rutland, known for her charity work over the years. She is taking over from Andrew Brown who has fulfilled the role of High Sheriff with aplomb, raising an enormous amount of money for charity, and hosting events and talks across Rutland. There were various speeches at the event before the title was passed from Andrew to Sarah. She’ll be taking advantage of her ancient right on 30th May to raise a Hue and Cry... n For more information on Sarah’s Hue and Cry, see page 44 in this edition...

Feature your event in our magazine. 16

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

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

FLY e h t i W

COME

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IF YOU’VE LIVED IN RUTLAND FOR A FEW YEARS, CHANCES ARE YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE COUNTY PRETTY WELL. BUT HELICOPTER PILOT SARAH BOWEN THINKS SHE CAN PROVIDE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON ENGLAND’S SMALLEST COUNTY. THAT’S WHY SHE’S EXTENDING AN INVITE TO THOSE WHO WANT TO TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR OF RUTLAND AS A UNIQUE BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY OR FATHER’S DAY GIFT: “COME FLY WITH ME O SARAH SAYS...

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- RUTLAND FROM THE AIR-

Above the traffic, taking advantage of clear skies, and flying at a height of 1,500ft, travelling at 80 knots - just shy of 90mph you’re afforded a unique view of Rutland. It’s a privilege usually reserved for those professional pilots, but for a bird’s eye view of the county, Rutland helicopter pilot Captain Sarah Bowen is happy to provide passengers with a whistle-stop tour of the county from the air. “It doesn’t feel like a job,” she says. “Every time I’m up in air I have to pinch myself. I get paid to do this.”

Before taking to the skies, Sarah already had a pretty cool job, as the owner of a recording studio. She purchased for her husband a voucher for an aerial flight of their native Birmingham back in the mid-1990s, but when the couple went up in the air, it was Sarah who really became enamoured with the machines.

Helicentre Aviation was founded in 2001 by Christopher Line, a helicopter pilot and instructor from Warwickshire who recognised a need to train professional helicopter pilots and help them get into the industry, providing them with the opportunity to work straight out of training. Along with his wife Katie they grew the business, which originally operated from Coventry Airport, and in 2009 the company relocated to Leicestershire. By 2011, Sarah, who had become one of the company’s success stories, flying hundreds of hours a year teaching people to fly and operating charter flights, bought into the

business and became a director. The three of them have since taken Helicentre Aviation from strength to strength investing over £2m into new aircraft, facilities and even funding scholarships for trainee pilots.

“Predominantly we’re a provider of training - we take on 100% of all the pilots we train because expertise is in such a short supply, but there’s a real growth area in the business in leisure flights.”

“I think people have a real affection for Rutland, and to be able to fly over the county and see it from a really unique perspective is something that people really appreciate. It’s also really exciting to be able to remind ourselves just how exciting it is to introduce passengers to the view we enjoy every time we go up in the air!” >>

Main: Helicentre provides helicopter tours of Stamford and Rutland A Cabri is seen here over Rutland Water.

Above: Sarah Bowen says that aviation is still a bit of a man’s world, but loves introducing passengers to the helicopter eDperience.

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- RUTLAND FROM THE AIR-

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>> The firm now has 30 staff members, including a dozen or so pilots. It also has a fleet of 12 aircraft, owned or leased by the company, including Robinson two seater R22’s, four seater R44’s, Bell 206 JetRangers, which it uses for some of its commercial jobs - checking utility pipelines and so on - and the model in our lead photograph, a Guimbal Cabri G2.

Sitting in our aircraft the helicopter doesn’t seem in any way claustrophobic, despite being one of the smaller models on the market. Nor does it feel flimsy, despite being made of featherweight carbon fibre and tipping the scales at just a third of the weight of a small family car.

Our pilot was Captain Jamie Ferrand, who is originally from Rutland aged 23 years old and has been with the company for 18 months. “I left university at 21, started flying in September 2014, gained my Private Pilot’s Licence (Helicopters) in a couple of months and my Commercial Helicopter Licence (Helicopters) by September 2015, and now I’m working as a Commercial Charter Pilot.” >> Main: Rutland Water from 1,500ft. The lagoons of the nature reserve and various villages can clearly be seen, along with patchwork fields and various villages.

Far Left: Burghley House and its south gardens. Left: Uppingham from the air. Top: Flying over Hambleton. Above: Sarah in front of our Cabri two seater helicopter.

“THE FIRM NOW HAS A DOZEN OR SO PILOTS AND A FLEET OF 12 AIRCRAFT, OWNED OR LEASED BY THE COMPANY, INCLUDING ROBINSONS AND CABRIS...” 21

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>> “We can leave Leicester and within 50 minutes be in the northern suburbs of London allowing you to miss the motorway traffic” says Jamie. “So, 30 minutes of flying time is more than sufficient to take passengers on a pleasure tour that takes in Rutland Water. A complete tour of Rutland takes less than an hour, and whilst we have a few tours - for instance of Rutland Water - passengers often have an idea of where they want to fly.”

“Typically they’d like to see their home or village from the air, a favourite landmark and so on. So bespoke tours are popular too.” “We host champagne flights for two, as well. In-air proposals are popular,” adds Sarah. “I’ve had five proposals in the air recently, all have said yes, and on some flights, they’ve proposed in air and have set down in a field where a romantic picnic for two has been waiting. It’s all really sweet and, subject to safety and feasibility we’re always happy to accommodate what people are looking for.”

From the air, the views are breathtaking, and on a clear day with very few skies, like the day of our visit, you can see an entire Rutland town - Oakham, or Uppingham, or view Stamford or Burghley House. Our favourite view from the air, though, is Rutland Water. You can see each of the lagoons around the nature reserve, the Hambleton peninsular, boats on the water and the criss-crossing patchwork of fields surrounding the water.

It’s possible to judge the depth of the different parts of the water from the ‘blueness’ of the water and take in all of the little villages in between. It’s an extraordinary experience and one that’s civilised too. Despite the engine being just a few inches behind you, noise

“AMAZING ISN’T IT?” SAYS SARAH, GUESSING MY REACTION TO THE SERENITY OF THE FLIGHT AND TO THE VIEW. “IT’S NO WONDER IT’S LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT...” 22

cancelling headphones mean that Jamie can talk to his passengers, pointing out all of the landmarks along the way.

It’s quieter, more serene and a more luxurious way to travel compared to an aeroplane. It’s also a pretty surreal way to travel, very smooth indeed, leading one to question whether the aircraft is really travelling at nearly 90mph. You can see for about 30 miles on a clear day, but the aircraft can travel in less than perfect weather, too.

If you’re a nervous flier, it’s also a great way to cure your phobia, because contrary to what you’d expect, in the very unlikely event there’s a sudden engine failure the aircraft will simply glide back down to earth unpowered - known as autorotation - and its direction can still be controlled.

I can honestly think of no reason why you’d be reluctant to take a tour of the county from such a unique perspective.

The views are incredible but, in addition, it really is the only way to travel.

“Amazing isn’t it?” says Sarah, guessing my reaction to the view. “It’s no wonder it’s love at first flight. You’d be surprise how many people return to gain their PPL - which costs around £20,000 - then go on to become instructors.”

Helicentre is absolutely unique in hosting the UK - possibly Europe’s - only aviation based degree in cooperation with The University of Middlesex University. The company is probably the largest operator in the UK, flying about 8,000 hours a year, and is breeding the next generation of air ambulance, police or commercial pilots.

For us though, what it does above all else is offer an absolutely incredible way to see the county. Rutland from 1,500ft is absolutely fascinating, as you’ll see for yourself if you take up Sarah’s offer to ‘come fly with me.’

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- RUTLAND FROM THE AIR-

enjoy a helicopter

PLEASURE FLIGHT ANYONE CAN SEE THE COUNTY FROM A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE WITH A HELICOPTER TOUR OF STAMFORD AND RUTLAND...

Above: Oakham from the air. Below: Stamford, with The Meadows, bottom right.

Rutland Water Tour, 30 mins

A stunning tour giving you approximately 30 minutes in the helicopter to enjoy some breathtaking views around Rutland Water, situated just east of the county town of Oakham, £135.

Champagne Flight for Two, 15 mins

The romantic experience of a lifetime... fly with your loved one exclusively in a luxury helicopter for fifteen minutes, while you sip Champagne and fly over some of the area’s finest landmarks! £299.

Father’s Day Trips 45 mins

A gift experience offering a tour of Rutland, taking in some of the county’s town and villages - the ideal gift for any day this month! £call.

Bespoke Charters 15-60 mins

Helicentre can also take you on a bespoke charter, to view your house, your village or particular landmark. It’s possible to land the aircraft somewhere, subject to safety and practicality. £call.

n For enquiries about pleasure flights and training, Helicentre Aviation is based at Leicester Airport, Gartree Road, Leicester LE2 2FG. Call 0116 259 0186 or see www.flyheli.co.uk

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WARM UP YOUR WORLD With our easy, rapid heating oil deliveries...

01949 81019

or see www.e.org/fuels

Fuels Division E (Fuels), based in Owthorpe, Notts., Heating Oils, Lubricants and Fuel Additives... Domestic, Farm or Commercial use... Delivery anywhere in the county...

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SPARKS

- RUTLAND FARRIER-

Will

STEPHEN HILL IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST FARRIERS IN THE WORLD AND UNQUESTIONABLY ONE OF THE BEST IN THE UK. BUT HIS INDUSTRY IS FACING AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE. THE INDUSTRY HE LOVES COULD BE ABOUT TO FAIL, HERE, HE EXPLAINS WHY AND INVITES YOU TO WITNESS HIS EXPERTISE FOR YOURSELF AT THIS YEAR’S RUTLAND COUNTY SHOW...

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>> I’m fresh from this month’s fashion shoot, with Cavells of Mill Street, later in this edition. It’s a lovely sunny day, and I’ve been photographing in a beautifully manicured garden in the quiet village of Manton.

It’s a contrast from Stephen Hill’s forge in the village of Belton, with the shrill crash of hammers, luminous white hot sparks, the fierce sooling of gas forges and the blazing temperatures. The place smells beautiful, with the scent of burning coke on the one remaining traditional forge, but goodness, it’s hot. Stephen’s forge burns at 1,500°f, and in high summer or when he’s demonstrating in full sun at the summer shows, the heat is almost intolerable.

case, the EU is trying to abolish the act that prevents unqualified farriers to shoe in the UK. Apprentices even come from overseas to train here because of our country’s level of professional skills and competence.”

The problem is, they then leave and return to their own countries. British Aerospace retains over 80% of its apprentices after their training, but 100% of apprentice farriers leave their masters because it’s not financially viable to keep them on at full wage, and there’s too little work to operate in the same area.

Working alongside Stephen are his three apprentices, Henry Williams (he’ll be a second generation farrier) Sam Green and Henry Middleton. It’s nearing the end of the day, and the apprentices clock off and head to the village pub. Suddenly the hammers go down on the anvils, it’s silent, and there’s time to reflect on Stephen’s efforts to save what seems like a trade on the verge of extinction in its present form.

“We’ve the best farriers in the UK, in my opinion,” says Stephen. “Anywhere else, you can set up in business as a farrier with no qualification. Only in England is that not the 28

Stephen isn’t just a good farrier, he’s one of the UK’s best. Born and raised on the Northamptonshire/Cambridgeshire border, he was brought up around Peterborough. After attending a pre-farriery course in Warwickshire in 1993, he was apprenticed to Steven Gowan in Soham, from 1994 to 1998, qualifying with a Diploma from the Worshipful Company of Farriers in 1998. He moved to Rutland 15 years ago to be with his wife Gemma, and passed the Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers examination. Stephen has currently passed the practical element of the Fellowship WCF qualification and is currently completing his dissertation for the academic element.

There are 2,837 farriers in the UK, just 264 of them have Associate qualifications, and only 35 of farriers worldwide have fellowships. So Stephen, when he submits his dissertation, will be one of the most highly qualified farriers in the world.

Top/Left: Stephen is one of just 190 farriers currently training apprentices - three of them - at his forge in Belton.

Above: Punching through the material to form a clip which will go on to hold the shoe in place.

More worrying though, for Stephen, is the fact that just 190 farriers currently have apprentices. The country that sets the standard for the skill worldwide, then, could soon find itself with a drain in skills both because of the lack of apprentices, and because of the inevitable fall in quality that allowing unqualified farriers will cause.

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- RUTLAND FARRIER-

“We’re not entirely sure what the horse population of the UK is. The last count was in 2004, and it suggested the UK has around 600,000 horses.” “Happy hackers tend not to have their horses shod as they’re not subjected to such demanding treatment. The majority of my work is on eventing horses in the summer months and hunters in the winter.”

“Though it’s not essential, there are three reasons to have a horse shod; protection from overwear, correction of any issues with the horses foot, and to achieve better traction.”

There are well over a hundred types of horse shoes, from bar shoes, designed to increase the ground-bearing surface of the heel, to heart bar shoes for animals with laminitis, to hunter shoes, the fullering of which are designed like the tread on a tyre to channel water or mud away and increase traction, and therefore safety.

Having competed in the sport of polo, with extensive hunting experience and a former point-to-point rider, Stephen says that horses subjected to demanding lifestyles should be shod every four to six weeks. He points out that doing so is necessary to ensure both the health and to prolong the working life of a horse.

A farrier shoes around 2,600 horses each year, working long days. He’s very quick too, and says he can create up to 20 sets a day.

The majority of shoes he uses are ‘off the peg,’ which means apprentices also get less practice nowadays creating them. Over a quarter of them, though, are bespoke. “It’s more practical to work from the back of a van,” says Stephen. “Obviously the days of each village having its own farrier are gone, and now you have to work right across the county.”

“Also, though, there’s no denying the consistent temperature and convenience that using a gas-fired forge can provide, rather than using a coke-fired fire in a permanent forge.”

“NO STRANGER TO FARRIERY COMPETITIONS, STEPHEN HAS TAKEN THE BEST SHOD COMPETITION AT THE BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS NO FEWER THAN THREE TIMES...”

“It’s a luxury to have a forge, but one I really like, and essential if I’m to train apprentices.”

As a WCF examiner and judge for over five years, Stephen has run competitions open to up to 60 farriers at a time at shows like the East of England and Suffolk country shows. No stranger to farriery competitions, Stephen has taken the Best Shod competition at the Burghley Horse Trials no fewer than three times.

Above: Stephen typically works from a gas-fired forge on his van, but retains a coke-fired forge too, burning at 1,500°f.

>> 29

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- RUTLAND FARRIER-

At this month’s Rutland Show, he’ll also be hosting demonstrations alongside his apprentices, inviting the public to see for themselves how different shoes are made at the forge and demonstrating how a traditional skill needs to remain a part of the countryside.

“There’s no doubt that the trade is facing a number of serious threats,” says Stephen. “Farriery and fast bowling are the two most physically demanding professions, and I’m 40 this month, which means I’m slower than I was in my 20s and 30s. I’ve a scan on my shoulder tomorrow, because it’s important to keep an eye on your health with such a heavy job, one where each hammer blow against the anvil sends shockwaves throughout your body.” “Peterborough’s National Farriery Training Agency was judged ‘exceptional,’ six years ago, then four years ago it was closed. The industry will soon have fewer opportunities and will face an inevitable drop in standards.”

It’s for this reason that Stephen is so keen to promote the industry and preserve the role. This may seem rather like a ‘doom and gloom’ article but for the farriers which remain, the job is akin to farming; it’s neither a job, nor a career, but a vocation.

“I absolutely love the job,” says Stephen. “I love the countryside, I love working with horses and I love the contact I have with my clients. It’s incredibly rewarding and I think it’s a real shame that it’s not a more respected, more heavily promoted profession.”

“I regret not doing my higher exams earlier. I now have a lot going on - not least having four children - and, as it is harder to make money now as the profit margins have got smaller, it’s hard finding the time.”

“I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE JOB,” SAYS STEPHEN. “I LOVE THE COUNTRYSIDE, WORKING WITH HORSES AND THE RAPPORT I HAVE WITH MY CLIENTS... IT’S VERY REWARDING!” “My biggest concern remains that we lose the shoemaking and forging skills we currently have, so when you’re at the county shows this summer it’d be good to have a supporting audience coming along to watch us work - especially in Rutland, a county with Oakham Castle which is, let’s face it, is synonymous with horseshoes!” n

an unlikely

APPRENTICE ‘APPRENTICE’ RUTLAND PRIDE EDITOR ROB DAVIS TAKES UP THE HAMMER TO CREATE A SHOE WITH STEPHEN “I’ve never had an apprentice who wears cufflinks at the forge,” says Stephen. The farrier, with some 20 years experience, was showing me how to create my own shoe at his 1,500°f coke-fired forge. Start with a steel, mark the centre with a punch, then form the toe-bend, forge the heel, turn the branch to score the nail holes, then repeat on the inside branch and form the clip. I’d love to say it sounds simple, but actually, it doesn’t even sound simple. With each successive strike of the hammer the shoe moves in the pincers, and a steely grip is required. Whilst it’s obvious to say how hot it is at the forge, the reality is that after just 20 minutes or so, you’re drained. It’s INCREDIBLY hard work, very physically demanding, and there’s a two-litre bottle of drink standing by at all times. Hitting the spot precisely enough, or hard enough, is a challenge, and after 20 minutes or so I was absolutely exhausted! n Stephen will be demonstrating his skills adjacent to the goats and tractor pulling areas of the 184th Rutland Show on Sunday 5th June. Alternatively call 07970 920127 or see www.stephenhillfarrier.co.uk.

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Main: Lyddington Bede House is open to the public thanks to the English Heritage. Below: The front of the Great Hall dates back to around 1460.

HOUSE Lyddington’s Bede

Lyddington Bede House is a great place to discover in summer. Thought to have been built in the 15th century as a palace, the story behind Bede House is a contrast of royalty and poverty... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

Lyddington Bede House is the remaining wing of the Bishop of Lincoln’s Palace dating from the 15th century built on the site of an earlier 13th century palace. It’s built with the same ironstone as the rest of the unique Rutland village of Lyddington, and has an incredible history.

Now looked after and preserved by English Heritage, visitors are able to walk around the site and discover its story.

The reason the Bede House is here in Lyddington is because Rutland was part of the medieval diocese of Lincoln. Lincoln diocese was the largest in medieval England and stretched from the Humber to the 34

Thames. The Bishop of Lincoln therefore had 13 palaces and castles spread throughout his diocese and he travelled around them to inspect monasteries, ordain priests, consecrate churches and preside over ecclesiastical courts.

There is evidence of a building at the site around 1250, which was probably an earlier palace. In 1320 to 1340 Bishop Burghersh built fishponds, and there is evidence of buidings dated 1330 on the palace site.

The main building including a Great Hall at the front is dated about 1460. The painted windows in the Great Chamber date from the late 15th century. The wooden ceiling and carved cornice in the Great

Chamber and Presence Chamber are dated to the early 16th century.

In 1541 Henry VIII and Queen Catherine Howard visited, with 4,000 men and 200 tents for three days to Bishop Longland while they were on a royal progress to the north of England.

While here Catherine is said to have sent a letter suggesting she was having a love affair with a courtier, Thomas Culpepper. The letter was later used in evidence at her trial and she was beheaded.

The Lyddington Palace was then surrendered to Edward VI in 1547 and stripped of its finery. The Great Hall and other buildings were demolished. The building was granted to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas Cromwell, and his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Seymour and aunt of Edward VI in 1548. Gregory died in 1551 and Elizabeth in 1568 after remarrying. The building was granted to William Cecil after Cromwell died as he was a friend of his.

In 1601 William’s son, Thomas Cecil, set up Lyddington Bede House for 12 poor men, two women and a warden. The ground floor

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- HISTORY -

rooms were divided into separate rooms. The upstairs chapel area was divided in two for the two Bedeswomen. Bedesmen or women were generally pensioners or almsmen or women whose duty it was to pray for their benefactor.

In the 1750s, there were some other building alterations including dormer windows and chimney stacks. The pentice or veranda was added to provide the Bedesmen with cover when they were walking from their rooms to the Common Hall located in the Great Chamber upstairs. This is where they gathered to work, pray and eat together. In the 19th century, fire ranges were installed in the Bedesmen’s rooms. The village school was also located in the building for a time.

“We have a room dressed as a Victorian Bedeswoman would have had it,” says Andrea. “But the Great Chamber is the best room. Originally it would have been decorated in the Bishop’s time with tapestries.”

“It has the wooden ceiling and carved cornice and the painted windows. It also contains the wooden table and benches which the Bedesmen would have used.”

“The Bedesmen had to pray three times a day and were tested four times a year on the 10 Commandments, the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. They were fined if they failed. They were also fined for swearing, drinking in the alehouse and other matters.”

“The Bedesmen had to pray would have had a window and a fireplace. three times a day and were There are windows in some of the fireplaces Residents lived in tested four times a year...” so that the warden

the Bede House until the 1930s. Then the house fell into disrepair until 1954 when the house was taken over by the Ministry of Works. The 60s saw the roof renovated, and the 70s and 80s saw archaeological excavations being carried out to discover more about the Palace buildings. English Heritage came into being and took over the Bede House. In 2011 Tree ring dating took place throughout the building to age the timbers. Andrea Marlow from English Heritage is the Site Manager and is responsible for ensuring a fantastic visitor experience at Lyddington Beded House.

Find Out More... We strongly suggest a visit to Lyddington Bede House this summer. Here’s some more information about the site today...

“Each Bedesman’s room

could check if the fire was lit when it should not have been as they were only allowed fires if they were sick or in special need.”

“In the shop, we have a Bible and a Prayer Book dating from 1752, and in the pentice or veranda we have a large hook on the wall which is a Thatch Hook to be used by the villagers to pull thatch off the roofs of buildings in the village if they caught fire.

“In the corner of our meadow area, we have a tower which is called the Bishop’s Eye which was a pretty gazebo area for the bishops to look out onto the garden area.” n

Opening Times: Lyddington Bede House is open to the public between 10am and 6pm from Wednesdays to Sunday and Bank Holidays from the end of March to the end of September and 10am to 5pm in October. Admission Prices: £5/adults, £3/children, £4.50/concessions and £13/families. Free if you’re a member of the English Heritage.

Contact: You can contact the site directly on 01572 822438, or you can get more information at the English Heritage website www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Notable People: Lyddington Bede House’s Owners Through the 16th Century... Gregory Cromwell 1520 - 1551 Cromwell was the 1st Baron Cromwell of Oakham. He owned Lyddington Palace and Oakham Castle. He was brother-in-law to Henry VIII; he married Jane Seymour’s sister. His father was chief minister to Henry VIII.

William Cecil 1520 - 1598 He was the chief advisor of Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice Secretary of State and Lord High Treasurer. The building was given to William, as he was a close friend to Gregory, but he passed it on to his son Thomas.

Thomas Cecil 1542 - 1623 Sir Thomas Cecil, 1st Earl of Exeter, known as Lord Burghley from 1598 to 1605, turned the Palace into the Bede House in 1601. By his first wife, Thomas Cecil had eleven children. He married twice.

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- BRYAN FERRY AT BURGHLEY HOUSE -

LET’S STICK TOGETHER He’s a latter-day crooner never afraid to cross genres and flirt with different musical styles, from his time with Roxy Music to his work resurrecting 1920s jazz standards with The Bryan Ferry Orchestra. This month Bryan will play to an anticipated audience of over 10,000, brought to the area by local promotor Colin Ward...

This month, local people can enjoy the opportunity to stick together with one of the biggest stars to grace the Elizabethan stately home of Burghley House with his presence. Crooner, songwriter, genre-crossing jazz lover and occasionally controversial figure, Bryan Ferry comes to the area this month in a one-off concert in the grounds of Burghley on Saturday 11th June.

An anticipated audience of over 10,000 will enjoy seeing Bryan perform some of his greatest hits, from Virginia Plain and Let’s Stick Together to Jealous Guy, Angel Eyes and Avalon. At 70 years of age, and worth £30m, the singer songwriter has rarely been away from the music scene or the media at large, from his relationship with Jerry Hall to the rock ‘n’ roll clichés of addictions, to his pro-Conservative views, support for the hunting lobby and for his children Otis, Isaac, Tara and Melbourne.

“Bryan Ferry is by far the biggest star to appear at Burghley in years, and certainly the biggest star we’ve been honoured to promote,” says Live Promotions’s Colin Ward, who has organised the appearance. “It’s a really exciting time for him to appear in the county too, as he’s performing at Burghley just after two nights at the London Palladium and just prior to his 2016 tour of the USA that commences in July.”

“Bryan’s 14th solo album was Avonmore, released in November 2014, and included songs co-written with Johnny Marr. His writing and arranging and his vocal genius is so iconic - he’s tirelessly innovative, uniquely enthralling.”

“AN ANTICIPATED AUDIENCE OF OVER 10,000 WILL ENJOY SEEING BRYAN PERFORM HITS LIKE VIRGINIA PLAIN AND LET’S STICK TOGETHER...”

“It was a marked departure from his previous album, which transposed a crackly 1920s jazz soundtrack onto cover versions of his previous work. It was innovative, and that’s what we’ve come to expect from someone who’s not afraid to experiment.” “Even back in his original Roxy Music decade, from 1972, he blended crooner-syle songwriting with a glam art feel, a look that pervaded the band’s image, their album covers, everything.”

“We’re really excited about the event, it’ll be really entertaining because, as well as being a first class songwriter, he’s also a true performer too.” “Tickets have already been selling very strongly, and though we’re trying to ensure as many people can see the gig as possible, it’s really advisable that anyone who wants to see one of the greatest innovators of British music book their tickets as early as possible for an absolutely unrepeatable event.”

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BRYAN FERRY Bryan 1ill a++ear at Burghley House on Saturday th une.

Tickets 3 . +erson. Call or see live+romotionsconcerts.co.uk.

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What’s On... DANCE FESTIVAL 2016

Find out What’s On this month with events taking place in different venues across the county. Summer is a great time to experience Rutland’s incredible live performances and outdoor events... WEST SIDE STORY

Tuesday 31st May - 17th July From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. See the performance live at Kilworth House Theatre, prices vary depending on the day, visit the website for more information. 01858 881939, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

PINOCCHIO

Wednesday 1st June Join Ballet Theatre UK as they tell the tale of a wooden puppet carved from pine with only one wish; to become a real boy. See this performance at Key Theatre, £18.50/tickets. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

INTO THE WEST

Friday 3rd - 4th June Imagine a glorious white horse coming out from the land under the sea. Now imagine the police are after you, and your only escape is to ride into the west. An incredible play held at the Curve Theatre, tickets/£7. 01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY

Tuesday 7th June Following her acclaimed performance in the Watermill Theatre’s production of Calamity Jane, Jodie Prenger now steps into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s musical, Tell Me On A Sunday at Key Theatre in Peterborough, £30/tickets. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Tuesday 7th June With original choreography, De Montfort University return with more exuberant dance performances to the Curve, Leicester, tickets/£6. This annual festival is a showcase of the best work that has been produced throughout the year. 01162 423560,

- RUTLAND SHOW There’s so much to see and enjoy at this years’ Rutland Show on Sunday 5th June with Main Ring attractions throughout the day, including a fast and furious Scurry Driving Competition, Sheep dog trials and Birds of Prey, culminating with the magnificent Grand Parade of Livestock Champions. With rural exhibitions running all day, this year the show welcomes Leicester Poultry Group alongside the traditional cattle, sheep, goat and equestrian classes.

Sample delicious artisan food and drink in The Larder food court, and watch creative chefs in the Pavilion workshops. Back by popular demand is the Tractor Pulling event and the Sheep Show, this year featuring their brilliant dog and duck display.

Browse over 100 unique trade stands and craft stalls, watch the farrier competition run by Leicestershire’s own Stephen Hill, try your hand at Petanque with a professional coach offering free advice and enjoy the vintage vehicle displays. It’s a great family day out celebrating rural Rutland, definitely worth a visit.

n For more information on what you can see and do at this year’s Rutland Show, call them on 01572 757110, or visit their website www.rutlandcountyshow.com.

www.curveonline.co.uk

PASHA - IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU

Tuesday 7th June Pasha Kovalev, the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2014, welcomes you to his new and exciting dance spectacular, It’s All About You at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. 01162 333111,

www.demontforthall.co.uk

HAMLET LIVE SCREENING

Wednesday 8th June This is a live screening of Shakespeare’s Elton John... Hamlet, from the Royal Shakespeare Company at Key Theatre in Peterborough, £16/ticket. 01733 207239,

www.vivacity-peterborough.com

RETURN OF GRUMPY OLD WOMEN

Wednesday 8th June Returning after a critically-acclaimed, total sell-out spring 2015 tour, the Grumpies are back to knock some sense into the nation, featuring Jenny Eclair, Susie Blake, and Kate Robbins at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. 01162 333111,

www.demontforthall.co.uk

SISTER ACT

Wednesday 8th - 11th June Following on from recent successful performances of Wizard of Oz, Singing in the Rain and Guys & Dolls, award-winning local society Stamford Amateur Musical Society are back and proud to present Sister Act, made famous by Whoopi Goldberg. See the show at the Corn Exchange from 8th to 11th June, £13.50/adults. 01780 766455,

www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

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

Bryan Ferry...

BRYAN FERRY AT BURGHLEY

Saturday 11th June Bring your picnic and enjoy a night of music with Bryan Ferry CBE at Burghley House. He was the lead vocalist for Roxy Music. The group achieving ten top ten singles in the UK charts, £39.50/adults.

01775 768661, www.livepromotionsconcerts.co.uk

ST PETER’S SINGERS

Friday 17th June To celebrate 17 years of concerts at Grimsthorpe Castle in Bourne, St Peter’s Singers will perform a new and varied programme. If the weather is good you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens prior to the performance from 5pm. Enjoy a glass of wine during the interval.

01778 423036, www.stpeterssingers.org.uk

CLARE TEAL AND HER TRIO

Friday 17th June Award-winning singer and Radio 2 presenter, Clare Teal, will appear at Key Theatre accompanied by piano, bass and drums for a very special and intimate concert, for one night only. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Clare Teal...

Renovation works almost finished at the Castle...

- OAKHAM CASTLE CELEBRATIONS MONDAY 30TH MAY

Oakham Castle will reopen its doors to the public with a fantastic day of Norman celebrations following major restoration work. Come along for a free family day out and be transported back to the Castle’s heyday, with various Norman activities on offer.

There will be Have a Go Fresco and wall decoration, Norman coin striking, falconry, mounted knights, Norman weaving, flour grinding, a medieval chapel tent, a scribe, guided tours of the refurbished Great Hall, and plenty of food and drink to enjoy.

This is your chance to get a first glimpse of the new facilities at the Castle following its Heritage Lottery-funded restoration.

The reopening of the Castle also coincides with the High Sheriff ’s Hue and Cry. The revived Hugh and Cry takes the form of a charity chase down Oakham High Street, with prizes for winners and the best-dressed participants.

01572 758440, www.rutland.gov.uk

Oakham Castle is a nationally significant piece of English history and one of the most popular tourist heritage attractions in the East Midlands.

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What’s On... - NGS OPEN GARDENS -

STOKE ALBANY HOUSE

Every Wednesday in June Stoke Albany LE16 8PT Four acre country house garden with fine trees and shrubs and very wide herbaceous borders and sweeping striped lawn. Good display of bulbs in spring, roses June and July.

UPPINGHAM GARDENS

Saturday 4th June Uppingham LE15 9TT This is a tour around Uppingham School and some of the gardens around Uppingham. There’s a garden at one end of the town taking advantage of the stream and view out over it to sheep pastures beyond, a recently redesigned garden providing a terrace and patio, orchard, vegetable garden and woodland walk through mature trees, and of course Uppingham School, offering beautiful and extensive gardens and sculptures to view.

THE PADDOCKS

Saturday 11th - 12th June Hungarton LE7 9JY Two acre garden with mature and specimen trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolia grandiflora, and wisterias. Two lily ponds and stream.

JANE EYRE

Friday 17th June Join Northern Ballet, a company renowned for transforming well-known stories into brilliant dance theatre, as they return to the Curve Theatre in Leicester with Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, tickets/£35. 01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

THE OLD HALL

Sunday 12th June Market Overton LE15 7PL Set on a southerly ridge overlooking Catmose Vale, the garden is on four levels. Stone walls and yew hedges divide the garden into enclosed areas with herbaceous borders, shrubs, and young and mature trees.

WING GARDENS

Sunday 19th June Wing LE15 8SA Eight different gardens in village of Wing with medieval church and turf maze. For map, start your visit at Townsend House opposite Village Hall.

Jane Eyre, Northern Ballet...

SHERLOCK AT SACREWELL

Saturday 18th June Join the Chapterhouse Theatre Company at Sacrewell Farm in Peterborough to meet the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes himself, as he is called upon to solve the greatest mystery of all time in the classic production of the Hound of the Baskervilles, £14/adults. 01780 782254, www.sacrewell.org.uk

DAMBUSTER TRIATHLON

Saturday 18th June Watch out at Rutland Water this month as the Dambuster Triathlon takes place. The 1500m swim will be in the reservoir. A well tried and tested course which starts in front of the Harbour Bar and is a great spectacle for competitors and spectators alike. 01572 770651, www.pacesetterevents.com

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

UPPINGHAM FEAST DAY

Sunday 19th June Get the summer into full swing with the annual Uppingham Feast Day. It promises to be a fun packed day with live music, a craft fair, and a street market plus much much more.

01572 770651, www.discover-rutland.co.uk

THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

Sunday 19th June New for 2016, Ray McVay invites you to experience a Feel for the Forties as the world’s greatest big band transports you back to the heady days, at De Montfort Hall, tickets/£21.

- RUTLAND WATER-

01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk

The ELO Experience...

THE ELO EXPERIENCE

The Glenn Miller Orchestra...

RUTLAND BEER FESTIVAL

Thursday 23rd - 26th June The fourth Rutland CAMRA beer festival at Rutland County Museum will feature 40 real ales with a good spread of light and dark ales as well as some festival specials. Food and entertainment are also on offer. The festival will be held at the Rutland County Museum. 01572 758440, www.rutlandcamra.org.uk

STEAM ON RUTLAND WATER

Saturday 25th - 26th June Why not come along and enjoy this vintage classic show of large steam engines to celebrate the opening of the new beach and Rutland Water Park. Just remember your beachwear! 01780 686800, www.anglianwater.co.uk

Friday 24th June The legend that is Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra will be coming to De Montfort Hall in Leicester this month with classic hits including, of course, Mr Blue Sky, tickets/£22. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk

RHYTHM OF THE DANCE

Wednesday 29th June This incredible live show celebrates the rich history of Ireland and the art of Irish dance, from the disciplined Celtic Step to the sensual, ancient Sean Nos dance style at Key Theatre, tickets/£25. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Monday 4th - 9th July Following the global cinema and TV release of the live West End broadcast, this new 2016 tour of Richard O’Brien’s classic continues to smash records in theatres across the country coming to the Curve in Leicester, tickets/£40. 01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

BADGER WATCH

Meeting around dusk, the watches will last a couple of hours during which we hope for a visit from the badgers and other nocturnal creatures that may be about.

OSPREY CRUISE

One of the most exciting ways of seeing Ospreys at Rutland Water is to take a guided trip with members of the project team aboard the Rutland Belle.

NATURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Join tutor Pete Murray on our reserve at Rutland Water for a beginners course which will show you how to use your digital camera to take natural history photographs.

BIRDWATCHING WALK

These three hour walks are led by Terry Mitcham, the bird recorder of Rutland Natural History Society, and a very experienced birdwatcher. He regularly runs bird identification courses and has written several books on birds. n For more information and for all the dates and times of the events, please visit www.rutlandwater.org.uk or call 01572 770651.

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Hue & Cry... HIGH SHERIFF’S HUE AND CRY

- THE HIGH SHERIFF’S DIARY

Monday 30th May The role of High Sheriff is one that is still relevant despite being over 1,000 years old. A great deal has changed over the past 1,000 years; fortunately for the newly appointed High Sheriff of Rutland Sarah Furness, she won’t need to collect taxes or pay those outstanding if she didn’t collect enough, and she won’t have to attend public hangings. However in many ways the underlying function of the role is the same; the promotion of stability and social cohesion. The role is one of the ceremonial heads of the police and courts and to support the voluntary sector.

To start her year off as High Sheriff with a bang, Sarah has planned an event which will raise money for local charities, whilst promoting stability, social cohesion, and the history of the High Sheriffs. She will use her ancient right to raise a Hue and Cry. This was a process by which bystanders were summoned to assist in the apprehension of a criminal who had been witnessed in the act of committing a crime.

“This reenactment of the ancient tradition is to raise awareness of the role of High Sheriff, to raise money for charity and to get

Sarah will be attending other events during her time as High Sheriff of Rutland and here are some of them over the coming months...

the whole community involved in something fun,” says Sarah. “A suitably dressed villain will set off first and I will then immediately shout ‘raise the Hue and Cry!’ Hunting horns will sound and participants in period dress will set off in pursuit.”

“The villain will have a large red handkerchief tucked into the back of their trousers and whoever retrieves the handkerchief first will be declared the winner. I will award prizes for the winner and for the best dressed participant.”

“The event will finish with Rutland Bassett hounds pursuing the scent of the villains who will hopefully have been apprehended by then!”

The whole of Oakham High Street will be closed off for the event. The High Sheriff will also show her gratitude to all who answered her call to assist in the apprehensions of villains by the donation of a restorative glass of ale, port or soft drink at the Grainstore stall after the event.

The event will be part of the Bank Holiday celebrations around the renovation and re-opening of Oakham Castle.

All participants must register for the event in advance and there’s a £5 registration fee, £2.50 for children. You’re also provided with a sponsorship form if you would like to enter. 44

A COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND Wednesday 1st June A service and talk at Normanton Church followed by an act of commemoration led by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Laurence Howard. Free tickets are available from the High Sheriff. SAILABILITY ANNUAL RECEPTION Wednesday 15th June Drinks and canapés at Barnsdale Lodge. £15/ticket in aid of Sailability, a charity that enables disabled people to sail.

OSPREY CRUISE EVENINGS Tuesday 5th - 7th July An evening cruise on the Rutland Belle for champagne and canapes £37.50/ticket in aid of Warning Zone. HIGH SHERIFF’S SPONSORED WALK Sunday 24th July A ten mile walk with the High Sheriffs of both Leicestershire and Rutland, by kind permission of Lord Gretton in aid of Warning Zone and LOROS.

n For more information on the events the High Sheriff will be attending or to join in please contact Sarah on 01664 474549 or email the High Sheriff at rutlandsheriff16@gmail.com.

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Image: Lee Helwig.

The Battle Proms at

BURGHLEY It’s back to Burghley next month as the annual Battle Proms Concert returns with its stirring blend of classical music, audience participation, cavalry display and Spitfire display. Pack up a picnic and enjoy one of summer’s most enjoyable outdoor events... Words: Rob Davis.

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- BURGHLEY BATTLE PROM: SATURDAY 9th JULY -

Burghley House’s grand Elizabethan architecture will once again play host to the opening night of the UK’s premier picnic concert series, and one of the Pride team’s favourite annual events. That’s right, The Battle Proms is returning to Stamford on Saturday 9th July 2016.

“Last year the ever popular picnic concert saw a record breaking crowd of over 7,500 invade the grounds at Burghley House for an exceptional evening of sublime classical music, carefully choreographed Spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and a stunning firework finale,” says organiser Emma Dexter.

“It’s all part of the Battle Proms experience, and it’s becoming more and more popular year on year, so we’re encouraging people to book early and ensure they don’t miss out on

GREAT FUN FOR A GREAT CHARITY The Battle Proms will once again be raising funds for their charity partner Combat Stress: the UK’s leading mental health charity for Veterans.

No. 4 and will be performed by the New English Concert Orchestra, conducted by Douglas Coombes.”

“We’re also welcoming an old favourite in the form of the vivacious, curvaceous and utterly delightful Rockabellas, with toe tapping tunes and vintage vocals to get the audience into the party spirit before the concert begins. The whole evening will once

“THERE’S A SLIGHT CHANGE THIS YEAR, WITH THE EVER POPULAR BATTLE PROM CAVALRY DISPLAYS AT THIS YEAR’S CONCERTS DRESSED IN FULL WWI REGALIA, AS WE COMMEMORATE THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME...” the best ticket prices for what is always a fabulous summer event.”

There’s a slight change this year, with the ever popular cavalry displays dressed in full WWI regalia, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

There will also be an evening gun salute from an original 13 pounder WWI field gun in honour of all those who fought at the Somme, which will also herald the arrival of the Grace Spitfire, flown by Carolyn Grace, the UK’s only female Spitfire Pilot.”

“Carolyn will perform a breathtaking display to the opening pieces of the Orchestral performance, which this year will include Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance

again be hosted by Pam Rhodes – a compère beyond compare who many know from her work on Songs of Praise and Anglia TV.”

Once again, Pride has teamed up with the Battle Proms to provide six readers with a pair of tickets each, allowing you to enjoy this very English spectacle.

Simply answer the following question: What famous battle will this year’s cavalry display commemorate? Send your answer by Thursday 30th June with your name and address to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk. n The Battle Proms take place on Saturday 9th July at Burghley House. Tickets £37/adults; advance. £42/adults on the day. Group discount for 10+ visitors. Call 01432 355416 or see www.battleproms.com.

Last summer the generous audience at Burghley House donated over £6,300 on the night and helped the Battle Proms to raise more than £45,700 over the course of the summer. To date the Battle Proms has raised over £240,500 for Combat Stress and will be supporting them again in 2016.

VIP PACKAGES Back by popular demand is the Battle Proms Gift package – two tickets to the Battle Proms plus a voucher for a delicious bottle of Rosé Prosecco and delectable selection of handmade chocolate truffles, chilled and waiting for collection on arrival at the concert. The perfect gift for someone who deserves to celebrate summer in style, and all sent immediately by email making it a great last minute gift too! If you know someone who deserves to be REALLY spoilt, you could even book a picnic for them to collect on arrival, and save them the shopping, cooking, carrying and washing up too! The Little Picnic Company (whose picnics are anything but little!) offer a range of hearty, fresh and delicious picnics starting at £46 for a picnic for two including wine. www.littlepicniccompany.co.uk/battleproms

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GRACE

AND VIRTUE FOR OVER 27 YEARS THE GRACE SPITFIRE ML407 HAS BEEN THRILLING AUDIENCES WITH A REMINDER OF ALL THAT THIS WARTIME ICON REPRESENTS. CAROLYN GRACE AND HER FAMILY CARE FOR THE AIRCRAFT TO PRESERVE ITS HISTORIC LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Words: Rob Davis.

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- CAROLYN GRACE -

Family heirlooms usually come in the form of jewellery, pictures and suchlike. For the Grace family though, their legacy is rather more substantial, both physically, and in terms of its historical significance.

very exhilarating. We fly from March to September, and have a range of around three hours flying at a cruising speed equivalent to 225mph.”

Carolyn’s displays last about 10 minutes and are best described as balletic, as she loops, cubans, and performs rolls. The displays are designed not only to show off the aircraft’s capabilities, but to present every possible angle of The Grace Spitfire to the crowd.

Their wartime aircraft, The Grace Spitfire ML407, was built at Castle Bromwich in early 1944 and saw a great deal of active service during the war, flying no fewer than 176 sorties, and 319 combat hours, serving with a total of six different allied squadrons.

The aircraft flies down to about 200 feet, and for the past 22 years, Carolyn has even been performing her displays at prom concerts, designing her routines to choreographed manoeuvres accompanied by William Walton’s Spitfire Prelude, Elgar’s Nimrod or Coates’s Dambusters March.

In 1968 Sir William Roberts bought the aircraft, which had since been converted into a two seater, for his museum in Strathallan. It was purchased by Nick Grace, Carolyn’s late husband, in 1979. The design engineer had always wanted to fly a Spitfire, and spent five years restoring the aircraft, flying with Carolyn in the rear cockpit.

“Nick began flying The Grace Spitfire at many air shows across the country,” says Carolyn. “A car accident in 1988 took his life, and I knew that there needed to be a Grace flying the aircraft, so I took on the task of learning how to pilot her and eventually went solo in 1990.” “I gained my display authorisation in 1991 and carried on to add an Aerobatic and Formation qualification over the next two years. It’s a family legacy, but also, our duty to ensure its historic legacy is continued, too.”

Today The Grace Spitfire is flown by five pilots in total, including Carolyn’s son Richard, who’s now aged 31, but has been working on the aircraft since the age of 14.

Carolyn shares the responsibility for flying with the other pilots partly because she’s keen to see a new generation of pilots attain the experience necessary to keep the wartime icon available to those hosting air displays.

“The display world is very competitive,” she says. “There are only 20 or so civilian Spitfires in airworthy condition, and ever-more stringent restrictions are crippling the airshow world.”

“IT’S ETHEREAL, COMFORTABLE. THERE’S A UNIQUE SMELL THAT’S SIMPLY FANTASTIC, A MIX OF OIL, AVGAS AND HYDRAULIC FLUID THAT’S SPECIFIC TO THIS AIRCRAFT...” Left: Carolyn and her family work hard to fulfil their ethos of honouring a legacy of the past which has facilitated our future. Above: The Grace Spitfire ML407 in the air.

“For every hour of flying, there are 45 hours of paperwork, but we manage to fly The Grace Spitfire ML407 at around 30 displays a year. Around 200,000 people a year enjoy seeing the aircraft, which makes us very proud indeed.”

So what’s it like to fly such an iconic aircraft? Noisy perhaps? Uncivilised? Uncomfortable?

“Not at all,” says Carolyn. “It’s almost ethereal, comfortable. There’s a unique smell that’s simply evocative, a mix of oil, Avgas and hydraulic fluid that’s specific to this aircraft.”

“It’s not the best aircraft ergonomically, and it’s incredibly expensive to run, but there’s something very lovely about flying it,

“We try to incorporate all the manoeuvres pertaining to the Spitfire aircraft in battle. It shows off its beautiful lines and, coupled with the sound of the Merlin engine, it’s a really evocative experience for audience.”

In our part of the world, which is quite local to the family, who live just south of Rutland in neighbouring Northamptonshire, it means we enjoy The Grace Spitfire ML407 at the Burghley Battle Proms.

“They’re a brilliant team to work with,” says Carolyn. “The conductor is excellent and there’s good open air space in which to perform a full display so we can show off the aircraft to best effect.” “The 2015 flying season was an exceptionally busy one. We flew a total of 34 displays, and over winter, we’ve been overhauling the spare Merlin engine to ensure we can keep the aircraft flying for years to come.”

“We hope this year will be just as busy, but we’re always looking for supporters of the aircraft who share the ethos that we’re determined to fulfil; ‘to honour a past that has enabled our future.’” n Carolyn’s aircraft, The Grace Spitfire ML407, can be see in the county on Saturday 9th July at the Burghley House Battle Proms. See page 48 for further details, or visit www.ml407.co.uk.

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4/5 Star Self-Catering Accommodation in Rutland

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HOT The White Horse at Baston is one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most well-renowned pub restaurants, a place for bright, beautiful cuisine thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home grown, as well as home made, courtesy of newly promoted Head Chef, Ben Clark... Words: Rob Davis.

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- EATING OUT -

As we set up our camera, there’s a sound of singing from the kitchen. “That’ll be Jack,” says Ben Clark, head chef at Baston’s White Horse. “It’s OK, he only sings until the doors open to the public.” The singing is, frankly, rubbish, but what he lacks in tone, he makes up for in enthusiasm.

Thankfully for diners at the quality pub restaurant, near Bourne, the food is better than the entertainment. Much better. In fact, it’s one of the best pubs you’re likely to dine in, with both endless culinary talent from the five-strong brigade, but also the same enthusiasm invested in their food as their singing. If I could cook as well as these guys, I’d probably sing away happily, too.

The place is run by licensees Ben & Germaine Larter, keen foodies who give Ben Clark free reign in the kitchen. The chef has been at the pub restaurant for two years but with the departure of his predecessor, was promoted in January. “We’re most assuredly a pub,” says Ben. “We don’t want to be labelled gastropub, or fine dining, despite the quality of our food.”

“Pubs are great places to relax. Hubs of the community, places where locals and diners from further afield can come together, places where you can enjoy good food, local ales and socialise with friends and family. You don’t need a formal environment for any of those things.”

The White Horse is painted in an unusual shade known locally as Baston Blue. It’s smart, and even smarter on the inside, with lots of lovely rustic style, courtesy of exposed

on the MENU THE WHITE HORSE, BASTON, BOURNE Starters

Home Cured Duck Breast, £6.50.

Coarse Thetford Pork Terrine £6.25

beams, stripped pine upcycled tables, and a lovely snug area with wood burner. It’s a lovely looking place to dine, very friendly and welcoming. The appearance of the place, though, ends up being a mere Brownie-point compared to the restaurants real selling point, which is the quality of its food.

Good dishes begin with good ingredients, and The White Horse is so keen to ensure quality and consistency in this respect that the restaurant has its own farm, yielding meat from its Gloucester cross pigs and Limousin cattle.

Crab Beignet £5.95 Main Courses

Slow-Roasted Pork Belly £14.95.

Duo of Lamb £17.50.

White Horse Burger £12.50. Fish & Chips £12.50. Desserts

Honey Brûlée £7.95.

Blackberry Delice £7.95. Cheese & Artisan Biscuits £7.95. NB: Featured dishes subject to change.

Opposite Page: Pork Terrine with black pudding and apple purée.

Top: Main course of Slow roasted pork belly with scallops, asparagus and lentils.

Above: Duo of lamb (rolled belly & shoulder) with confit Jersey Royals, peas, mint and redcurrant.

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- EATING OUT -

>> Ben and his brigade, Sous chef George Lunn and chef de partie Jack Wilson are so sufficiently keen to ensure quality, that all of the bread, pasta, ice creams and sorbets they serve are made in house.

There’s an à la carte restaurant available during both lunchtime and evening service, providing a choice of six starters and nine main courses, as well as a dedicated lunch menu with a separate sandwich/snack menu and a brunch menu during the weekend. The restaurant menu is also available with annotate wine recommendations with each dish, allowing you to pair dishes with recommended wines. There’s also a separate specials blackboard with daily-changing supplier led specials.

Food arrives on lovely colourful stoneware plates, nicer and less formal than stark white porcelain, and in keeping with the restaurant’s rustic oeuvre. Food is beautifully presented, clean, colourful and embellished just enough to be attractive without feeling too fussy.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch 12noon to 2.50pm, Wednesday to Friday. Dinner 5.30pm to 9pm Tuesday to Friday. Weekends Saturday 12noon to 9pm; Sunday 12noon to 6pm.

Our options consisted of a coarse Thetford pork terrine with clack pudding, pickled mushrooms and apple purée, plus a crab beignet - a savoury fritter - with fennel purée and a lemon and dill pastille. Two main course options were a duo of lamb and slow roasted pork belly with, respectively, braised shoulder croquette, new potatoes, mint & redcurrant, and seared scallops, asparagus, braised lentils & samphire. Desserts were beautifully bright and colourful, not too heavy, and served with micro-herbs and a quenelle of homemade sorbet. It seems disingenuous to describe The White Horse’s food as rustic, since that implies it’s basic. In fact, each dish was good as you’d find in any fine dining restaurant, but in a more casual setting with the kind of relaxed atmosphere you crave in a village pub.

It’s safe to say that this dining room is one that’s very much in tune with what diners want, pitch perfect in terms of its provision of quality pub restaurant food... even if the brigade’s singing is still a bit iffy!

“EACH DISH WAS AS GOOD AS YOU’D FIND IN ANY FINE DINING RESTAURANT, BUT IN A MORE CASUAL SETTING WITH THE KIND OF ATMOSPHERE YOU CRAVE IN A VILLAGE PUB...”

Above: The White Horse at Baston is a village pub rescued from closure by its current owners and transformed into a lovely rustic pub restaurant.

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Left: Honey crème brûlée with pistachio cake and brittle. Blackberry delice with candied orange mint and cassis gel.

meet the CHEF BEN CLARK AT THE WHITE HORSE, BASTON, BOURNE Ben Clark took over from The White Horse’s previous chef in January. He’s proving faithful to the pub restaurant’s ethos of quality food in a nice, relaxed environment. “It’s all about the food. We still have burgers or fish & chips on the menu, but done really well. That’s in addition to à la carte dishes that really make the best of our ingredients.” “We want to take the whole experience up a notch and we’re currently working on our new summer menus to really try to do that.” “Having our own livestock enables us to assure both high welfare, but also quality and consistency.” “That helps us to create really great dishes for all of our diners, which we hope will lead to some food awards, too.”

n The White Horse is based at Church St, Baston, Peterborough PE6 9PE. Call 01778 560923 or see www.thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk. 57

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SUMMER LUNCH MENU Bring this advert in with you to receive

20% OFF your lunchtime food bill

Monday to Saturday (Excludes Sunday. Does not include drinks). Not to be used in conjunction with any other oﬀers. Valid for the month of June 2016.

SUNDAY LUNCHES £21.95 for 3 courses in restaurant only. Bar meals also available.

OPEN TO NON RESIDENTS Lunch Monday to Saturday 12 noon – 2.30pm, Dinner 6pm – 9.30pm. Food served all day Sunday, last orders 7.45pm

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FRESH

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TALENT One of Rutlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-loved hotels this month enjoys a fresh influx of talent. Barnsdale Lodge welcomes new Executive Head Chef David Bukowicki and former Dorchester pastry chef James Bowman... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Main Course: Spring lamb with pea risotto and pea shoots.

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- EATING OUT -

meet the CHEF NEW FACES IN THE KITCHEN OF BARNSDALE LODGE THIS MONTH

Barnsdale Lodge is set to affirm its role as one of the best dining rooms in the area this month with the appointment of a new Executive Head Chef, David Bukowicki.

It’s one of Rutland’s best loved hotels. Barnsdale Lodge’s reputation for providing a warm welcome to whoever walks through its doors this summer will become even greater, because, with the completion of its new garden room in August, this will be the hotel’s first full summer with this wonderful new space. In addition, the pretty courtyard and conservatory dining room will provide two sunny options, not just for lunchtime and evening dining, but for the hotel’s afternoon teas, too.

That’s good because the hotel’s already excellent provision of afternoon tea is set to improve further still with the appointment

“DAYTIME DINING AT BARNSDALE LODGE IS EXCELLENT, BUT GUESTS ARE EQUALLY WELCOME TO POP IN JUST FOR A DRINK...”

of former trainee James Bowman, who returns to Barnsdale after a stint under Alain Ducasse at the pastry station in The Dorchester’s kitchens.

Also making his debut at the hotel this month is new Executive Head Chef David Bukowicki, who is due to begin his appointment as Pride goes to press.

He’ll join the eight strong brigade and work with another new appointment, James Bowman (pictured), who comes fresh from the pastry station in the kitchen of Alain Ducasse’s Dorchester. James will be working to produce the desserts, cakes and pastries for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Alongside some improvements though, the most enjoyable and well-respected elements of Barnsdale Lodge remain. The food is excellent, surpassed only by the welcome. Lunchtimes see an à la carte menu, plus a table d’hôte house menu at £13.50/two courses; £15.95/three course. >>

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>> Dine in the evening and you’ve the option of a reasonably priced à la carte with seven starters and 10 main courses, with an additional dinner specials menu with three starters and three main courses. Suppliers include Grasmere Farm and Manton Farm, alongside line-caught trout from Rutland Water itself. The hotel also has a productive kitchen garden providing salads, herbs and vegetables. Eggs used in cooking are courtesy of the hotel’s own rare breed flock, and all sauces,

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00pm to 2.15pm. Dinner Monday to Saturday, 18:30pm to 21:30pm. Sunday Noon to 2.15pm. Afternoon Tea 3.30pm to 5.30pm. (Monday to Sunday)

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU FROM THE CURRENT À LA CARTE LUNCH MENU

Starters

Pan seared scallops, cauliflower purée, black pudding £9.25.

Roast breast of pigeon, beetroot purée, orange & saffron fennel £7.50. Smoked mackerel pate, melba toast £6.50.

Main Courses

Rutland Water trout, lemon & dill cake, wilted greens & chive butter sauce £16.75. ice creams and sorbets are made in house by the eight strong brigade of chefs. Just about the only concession to in-house production is bread, baked instead by Rutland’s Hambleton Bakery.

The new garden room provides soft-seating in a lighter, more spacious room, an alternative to the hotel’s existing lounge. The conservatory dining room supplements an additional dining room lined with Vettriano artwork, whilst the courtyard provides room for a further 20 diners.

On the à la carte menu for evening diners at the moment are five meat options, three fish dishes and two vegetarian meals. There’s a choice of two monthly cocktails, and a couple of special wine recommendations too.

Ordinarily, we’d recommend evening dining at Barnsdale Lodge, which is excellent. However, we’ll also point you towards another indulgence this summer, too. The hotel’s farmhouse afternoon tea, with three tiers of joy at £14.95, benefits from James’s timely arrival, and is set to be a very

popular option for the summer months, alongside lunchtime dining and the hotel’s swift bites.

Our scones were beautifully baked, whilst the petit fours were charmingly presented just a couple of weeks prior I’d enjoyed afternoon tea at Betty’s in Harrogate and frankly, Barnsdale Lodge does afternoon tea much better. A choice of artisan Teapigs tea blends or a bespoke coffee blend tops off an already excellent experience, and enjoying the whole lot in the hotel’s courtyard is especially rewarding.

We’ve a long-standing relationship with Barnsdale Lodge, and can’t help being a little biased, but whatever the hotel does, it does it really well, and it’s nice to know that already exceptional standards of dining and afternoon tea provision are set to improve even further this summer.

If you’ve not visited Barnsdale Lodge for a while, it’s a sincere recommendation. Enjoy an afternoon tea before taking a walk around the reservoir, to remind yourself of just two of Rutland’s most profound pleasures.

Loin of Easton Estate venison £19.25.

Prime 28-day aged Scottish steaks £19.25/Sirloin, £24.95/Fillet.

Desserts

White chocolate pannacotta, blueberry compote £5.50. Lemon & lime cheesecake, lime sorbet £5.95.

Selection of artisan cheese with biscuits and homemade chutney, £7.50/three, £10.95/five. NB: Featured dishes are are subject to change.

n Barnsdale Lodge is located on The Avenue, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH. Call 01572 724678 or see www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk. 63

SKY

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PIE IN THE

Rutland pie-maker Ian Curtis began selling his products this spring, and no sooner had he begun doing so, than he was winning prizes in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Pie Awards. Meet the man whose ambitions to bake the best are anything but pie in the sky... Words: Rob Davis.

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- RUTLAND PIES -

According to the children’s nursery rhyme, Simple Simon met a pieman going to a fair. I may be simple, but even I didn’t need to travel that far. In fact, I found Ian Curtis on the outskirts of Oakham, in a new bakery near the Showground on the town’s Pillings Road Industrial Estate.

The baker set up his new company in August 2013, and having obtained all of the necessary food producers’ approvals - he’s only the eighth business in Rutland to have done so - began producing his pies, with the first ones having gone on sale in spring 2016.

Despite being a young business, though, Ian has already enjoyed success with both his new company, and at Northfield Farm, where he used to produce artisan pies for Jan McCourt before leaving to set up on his own and scale up production.

“I was really happy with the pies I submitted for the 2016 British Pie Awards, held in Melton in March,” says Ian. “I received Highly commended for my Bramley Apple Pie, which most people don’t realise is higher than a Gold award, then Gold for my steak, ale & mushroom pie, and took silver and bronze for my chicken, ham & leek and gluten-free steak, ale & mushroom pies.”

Ian began his career in a village bakery in Langham working from 1978 to 1985, before moving to Croft Bakery and latterly to a supermarket bakery where he improved quantity and consistency, to supplement his grasp on quality.

Ian’s AWARDS

Jan McCourt advertised for a ‘pastry whizz’ in December 2008, and when Ian popped in for his Christmas turkey, this led to a pastry audition, a job, and several years collecting no fewer than 15 accolades at the annual Pie Awards for the farm shop.

2009: National Pie Awards Double Silver.

2010: British Pork Executive Awards Gold - Game Pie. Silver - Pork Pie.

Back then, Ian was producing around 1,600 pies a year. Having converted his new bakery, his output currently stands at about 400 pies a week - and he’s even exporting them to ex-pats in Malta.

The stars of the show are Ian’s pork pies which are based on a Melton Mowbray recipe, adhering to the condition of the product’s Protected Geographical Indicator.

Ian’s pork pies use Gloucester Old Spot belly and shoulder pork from Northfield Farm, two cuts for a combination of fat and flavour. The minced pork is seasoned and spiced, then added into the pastry and hand-raised in hot water crust pastry in the bakery. Ian typically works with batches of 10kg of pork - enough for about 60 pies. >>

2010: National Pie Awards Best Apple Pie in the UK.

2011: British Pork Executive Awards Gold - Chicken, Ham & Leek, Rhubarb & Mixed Berry. Silver - Pork Pie. Silver - Chicken, Ham & Leek.

“IAN’S PORK PIES USE GLOUCESTER OLD SPOT BELLY AND SHOULDER PORK FROM NORTHFIELD FARM, TWO CUTS FOR A COMBINATION OF FAT AND FLAVOUR...” Left: Ian has been a baker in Rutland since 1978, and now specialises in pies.

Above: Ian’s flagship product is his Melton Mowbray pork pie, produced in Oakham.

2011: Robin Hood Championship Gold - Cornish Pasty. Silver - Apple Pie, Pork Pie, Chicken, Leek & Ham.

2011: National Pie Awards Gold - Apple Pie, Rhubarb & Mixed Berry. Silver - Chicken, Ham & Leek. Bronze - Steak & Kidney Pie. 2016: British Pie Awards High Commended - Bramley Apple Pie. Gold - Steak, Ale & Mushroom. Silver - Chicken, Ham & Leek, Gluten Free Steak, Ale & Mushroom.

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“IAN’S STEAK AND ALE PIES USE NORTHFIELD BEEF AND GRAINSTORE-SOURCED RUTLAND PANTHER ALE, SO THEY’VE GENUINE RUTLAND PROVENANCE...”

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>> His 170g, 1lb and 2lb pies are baked for an hour then hand-injected with traditionally made jelly stock, together making an unsurpassed flavour and authentic texture.

Likewise, Ian’s fillings are all made in house, with his steak and ale pies featuring Northfield beef and Grainstore-sourced Rutland Panther ale, securing their position as pies with genuine Rutland provenance.

“Pork pies usually account for about half of the business, but demand tends to be slightly quieter in the summer months - which seems strange, you’d think people would want them more in the summer months on their salad platters.”

“The hot savoury pies are proving really popular, I’ve created recipes with steak & ale, steak & kidney, cream chicken with ham & leek, and they all feature on the menu at the Old Plough in Braunston as Pie of the Week.”

Currently Ian sells his pies online, at Otters on Oakham’s Mill Street, and by taking telephone orders with collection or local delivery, but with his recipes perfected, and his Pie Awards stacking up, this summer he’ll be seeking new retailers to take on Rutland’s newest product.

If you’re putting together a lunchtime salad, with pickles and local cheese this month, we’ve the ideal accompaniment, one that’ll add a locally produced pie to your platter. After all, these are pies which are anything but humble! n The Rutland Pie Company is based at 24A Pillings Road, Oakham LE15 6QF. Call 01572 722058 or see www.rutlandpie.co.uk. 1. Apple pie, £2.25/200g, £3.20/320g, £6/ 650g. 2. Game pie, £6.50/1lb. 3. Pork pie £2/6oz, £4.75/1lb, £9.50/2lb. 4. Steak & Ale pie £2.75/175g, £3.60/290g, £6.50/650g. 5. Cream Chicken, leek and ham pie, £2.75/175g, £3.60/290g, £6.50/650g. Steak & Kidney pie £2.75/175g, £3.60/290g, £6.50/650g. 7. Chicken and leek pie £5.50/500g.

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- WINE -

SUMMER

r o f s e n i W Recommended 5 STUNNING REDS...

Château Batailley 2010, Bordeaux France £54.49

A beautifully smooth and elegant wine, blending cab sav with merlot and others. Showing cedar and chocolate notes. It is well structured with ripe tannins, complemented by a silky mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. A very aromatic Pauillac with great complexity.

5 WINNING WHITES...

Charles Dupuy Sancerre, 2014, £17.95

Classic crisp Sancerre, with aromas of currants and grapefruit, a dry, elegant palate with a layer of minerality, and a neat, focused finish. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Sancerre appellation’s Verdigny village in the Loire Valley.

Perdrial, Malbec, Argentina, £13.75

Crozes–Hermitage Rhone, France £16.95

A ripe, succulent wine offering aromas of violets, spice and tobacco, leading to a round, mouthfilling palate, flavours of berry fruit and a persistent finish. From the home of wines with vibrant flavour and good natural acidity, well-structured, food-friendly reds.

100% syrah grape from Rhône winemaker Jacques Grange. With a boutique feel, this is a fresh, medium-bodied Crozes, with aromas of cassis, plums and violets, alongside the telltale black pepper. The palate offers a supple mouthfeel and a fine mineral finish.

Mersault, Burgundy, France , £38.75

Lapostolle, Organic Chardonnay Chile, £17.95

Sleek, powerful Meursault full of pear and white peach fruit intertwined with savoury, smoky notes and underpinned by mineral grip. Long and refined in the mouth. 100% chardonnay in composition, from a biodynamic winery.

Intense fruit aromas of sweet citrus fruit, white flowers, fresh tropical fruits and sweet spices. Elegant and concentrated in the mouth, with a creamy texture balanced by a crisp citrussy edge. 100% chardonnay wine from organic vineyards in the Casablanca valley.

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Each month our wine writer Harish Khanderia recommends different wines on a theme... this month though, we’re taking a different tactic, asking his customers to recommend their favourite wines instead. Our summer selection comes hand-picked by Rutland’s most knowledgeable customers and are among the greatest wines for the season...

summertime SPECIALS UNUSUAL WINES FOR THOSE SEEKING SOMETHING SPECIAL

Words: Harish Khanderia. Photos: Rob Davis.

Champange Drappier £34.95

Campofiorin Veneto, Italy £14.99

Negroamaro, Salento, Italy £10.99

Attractive, aromatic nose dominated by cherries and spice. Corvina, rondinella and molinara grapes. Well balanced, full-bodied palate with notes of ripe red fruit, cherry liqueur and blueberries. Long aftertaste with hints of vanilla and cocoa.

Deep ruby red with violet reflections; an intense aroma of plums with subtle hints of spice and vanilla. A full-bodied wine, using negroamaro grapes. Soft, balanced and easy to drink, from this generations-old cooperative estate with its 1,200 producers.

Bramito Del Cervo Umbria, Italy, £19.95

Casal Caeiro Albariño, Spain, £15.85

The baby brother of the iconic Cervaro della Sala is an exceptional wine in its own right, with a richly structured palate and aromas of apples, vanilla and toast. Produced on over 40 hectares in the Umbria IGT region, using chardonnay grapes.

From the coolest part of Rias Baíxas, this wine bursts with juicy Albariño character: pear, citrus fruit, musky perfume and hints of mineral and spice. Clean, intense and very long on the palate. 100% Albariño grapes, from an 11 hectare vineyard.

Our favourite fizz, offering peach & quince flavours, fine bubbles and a long finish.

Cotes De Provence Rose £ 12.95

A beautiful provençal rosé of grenache and cinsault, soft and beautiful for summer.

Chateau Doisy Daene £26.99

Sauternes dessert wine with decadent ripe apricot fruit. Marmaladey with subtle spice.

Poli Grappa Veneto, Italy £29.95

A generous and full-bodied example of grappa, which is proving extremely popular.

n Oakham Wines, High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH. Call 01572 757124 or visit www.oakhamwines.co.uk.

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

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the west

WING A magnificent country home with the grace and proportions of a large building, yet the benefits of a wonderful community close by, too. That’s the unique selling point of this month’s featured property, Ashwell Hall...

There are a few words and phrases which journalists hate with a passion. One of my bugbears is the word quintessentially - usually followed by English and usually followed, as well, by a deft stroke of the delete key on my keyboard.

It’s an unspeakably naff phrase, a real cliché, but look at the beautiful sunshine falling on the ironstone façade of Ashwell Hall, its mature garden with its native planting, and the blue skies in our lead photographs.

It’s - deep breath - quintessentially English, as is the conservation of Ashwell, just four miles from Oakham, in which the hall is based.

The West Wing of the property is owned by Suzie and Robert Amphlett. The couple came to the property in 2003, attracted by the proximity of some really good schools.

About a decade after, Ashwell Hall was divided into two properties, just before the rest of the estate was divided up into seven individual homes and two new-build lodges by developer Enterprise. The property itself dates back to 1879 in its original form and is Grade II listed, conjoined with the East Wing, but having the majority of the driveway and two acres of grounds. >> 73

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>> “The house offers the best of both worlds,” says Robert. “You wouldn’t know you had neighbours, but they’re there if you need them. It’s a really nice community, very friendly.” The house was commissioned by the gunmaking family Westley Richards, established over 200 years ago. It came into the possession of Col. Frederick Gordon Blair later on.

The original remit of the house was to provide a leafy rural shooting escape for the London and Birmingham based gun and rifle maker. It’s had a few owners since, with the couple coming to the property most recently with their daughter and a labradoodle, Alfie. Suzie is a volunteer worker for Healthwatch, whilst Robert runs an online-based pet insurance business, Lifetime Pet Cover.

“It was a property that seemed to just need a lick of paint, at first,” says Robert. “But after we started to peel the layers of wallpaper away, we soon realised that it needed more substantial work.” “Like any old building, once you start, there’s an obligation to do the job properly, so we ended up installing new wiring, plumbing, and a new boiler.”

The couple also replaced the kitchen and the main en suite bathroom, and have begun work on a second en suite too. Arranged over three floors, there are three south-facing reception rooms, a kitchen and separate utility room plus a cloakroom on the ground floor. Upstairs there’s a larger galleried landing, with a master bedroom and en suite, a second bedroom with en suite and two further bedrooms. The second floor has three further bedrooms and a family bathroom as well as a further galleried landing with study area.

The ground floor’s flagship reception rooms, undoubtedly, are the drawing room and the sitting room, which is a lovely light room with floor to ceiling sash windows and open fire. The drawing room, too, has a beautiful bay window overlooking the gardens.

“THE ORIGINAL REMIT OF THE HOUSE WAS TO PROVIDE A LEAFY RURAL SHOOTING ESCAPE FOR THE LONDON BASED GUN MAKER...”

A beautiful kitchen has been designed and created using a Stamford tradesman to complement the property’s internal oak features. There’s bespoke cabinetry painted in Old English White, granite worktops and a four oven cream Aga cooker. A separate utility room keeps larger appliances neatly out of the way.

apples and so on, and whilst the top of the garden is a bit more formal, there’s also a copse with a pond to the rear of the garden, so we’ve somewhere more ‘wild,’ too.”

It’s one of the lightest period properties we’ve seen, and the gardens are delightfully low maintenance - taking just an hour a week with a ride-on mower, according to Robert.

“We’re currently restoring the drawing room, but everything we’ve done has been to a neutral, inoffensive scheme, so I think the house’s next custodians will benefit from a house that you can move into straight away, but they’ll also have a blank canvas, with plenty of scope for putting their own identity and sense of taste into the property, too.” n

The bespoke staircase has been framed by Susie and Robert with a stained glass window meticulously restored by Sebastian Glass.

“There are lots of mature trees, some up to 40 foot tall, with some wonderful specimens of willow and silver birch,” he says. “There are quite a few fruit trees, with Damsons,

With their daughter now reading history at the University of Reading, the couple are ‘empty nesters,’ and are selling The West Wing, seeking another property in the area.

“We’ve loved living here, and we’re still working to ensure the property look lovely,” says Robert.

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

THE WEST WING near ASHWELL Location: Oakham 3.8 miles, Stamford 14 miles. Beds: Seven; two en suites. Receptions: Three; day room, informal sitting room and formal drawing room. Price: OIRO ÂŁ1,365,000. Agents: Strutt & Parker and Country & Equestrian. Tel: 01858 433123 or 01572 490319. Web: www.struttandparker.com, www.mooresestateagents.com.

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N E D R GA

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LIGHT

LET THERE BE

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

Where once there was a 1950’s Farmhouse, Paul and Kate Holland have created a modern family home with an airy feel, courtesy of bi-fold doors. This month we shed some light on Wilsons Arms Farm at Allexton, near Belton in Rutland...

Rutland is renowned for wildlife, as those fortunate enough to live near the reservoir are keenly aware. But for Allexton residents Paul and Kate, living just down the road from nature wasn’t enough. They wanted to bring it even closer.

Back in 2008, the family purchased Wilsons Arms Farm. It had seen better days and was covered in an awful render, but with three and a half acres to the rear, it was ripe, not just a renovation, but for the project that Paul had at the back of his mind... the creation of his own private nature reserve.

“I have been in the Building Industry since 1963, having then created my own Construction Company in 1983, as Main Contractor to many major projects.”

“Many people embark on a refurbishment when they move to a new property but this was rather more involved than usual.” >>

Main: Serial property developer Paul wanted to create his own private nature reserve on the three and a half acre site, as well as making a modern, light and spacious family home.

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>> In addition to the major house refurbishment, many hundreds of cubic tonnes of spoil were resited to form the profiles of the wildlife area, creating two large lakes and a wetland, planting over 1,500 trees and boundary hedging. “It’s a stunning habitat with both migratory and resident birdlife. The bi-fold doors on

“IT’S A HOME NOT JUST FOR HUMANS, BUT FOR THE MANY BIRD AND ANIMAL SPECIES WHO VISIT THE RESERVE TOO!” 84

the south-facing aspect of the house not only let loads of light in, but they provide incredible views of the wildlife which come to visit us.”

The house remains a single storey dwelling, but with lots of space. A snug, dining room and dark kitchen were combined to create a huge living kitchen with Alexander Lewis high gloss duck-egg units, resin stone surfaces and built-in appliances - dishwashers, larders and an oven. There’s a four-oven Aga, as well as a wood burning stove in the adjacent family room, and a lovely terrace to enjoy the views.

With four bedrooms and an en suite to the master, there’s plenty of contemporary living space, and the outdoors have been hard landscaped ready for planting, with a

stainless steel fountain and steps up to a formal garden and the reserve.

The property’s next owners can simply make their own mark on the house with their own planting scheme. Like the larch cladding and Monocouche render, it’s also ultra-low maintenance too, meaning a hassle-free, modern house but with the proximity of the natural world that Paul and Kate aimed for when they created the house.

“It’s been an incredible property to live in,” says Paul. “We really feel like we’ve created somewhere very special indeed... a home not just for humans, but for the many bird and animal species who visit us too!” n Wilsons Arms Farm is currently on the market with James Sellicks of Oakham. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com.

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

WILSONS ARMS FARM, near ALLEXTON Location: Uppingham 5.2 miles, Oakham 10.6 miles. Style: Former farm house with modern adaptation, situated on 3.5 acre plot. Bedrooms: Four, with one en suite. Receptions: Living kitchen/family room; sitting room. Price: ÂŁ750,000.

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Up in Smoke! There is little more inviting than curling up with a good book beside a crackling open fire. However, if poorly designed and maintained, even the most stunning of fireplaces can be highly problematic.

Over the years the fireplace has tended evolve by reflecting the mood of the era. Georgian houses are renowned for their ornate chimney pieces formed in either marble or stone, whereas their austere Victorian counterparts are often timber or slate. Regardless of style however, there are three primary considerations to having a fireplace that looks great and works well.

Number one is getting the draw right. In older houses this was rarely an issue as they were typically draughty and allowed air to circulate, however modern construction techniques and more stringent Building Regulations mean that we are achieving significantly higher levels of air tightness than ever before. Double glazing, draught seals and even curtains all have a hand in this. As your fire consumes the air in the room, if it is not easily replaced your chimney will fail to draw correctly. To avoid this, good ventilation is required. Installing a combustion vent will help, however place it as close as

by Smallwood Architects

possible to the fire and at a high level. The vast majority of air a fireplace takes in, up to 80%, is through the top 150 millimeters of the opening. Therefore placing a vent low down can create an unwanted draught across the room.

Next consider the flue. This should be impermeable in order to create a smooth flow of air, and smoke, from the fireplace to the chimney. Giveaway signs of smoke damage or staining to upper rooms or attic spaces can suggest problems. Traditionally a flue would have been plastered internally to create the seal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a process known as parging- but beware this is a large undertaking and difficult to do retrospectively. Fortunately however, there are modern alternatives. Stainless steel flue liners are available and cost effective but they can be tricky to install if your flue has more than one bend. Another alternative is an expandable synthetic fibre system. This works by dropping a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; down the chimney and inflating it with steam from the bottom. The sock expands and moulds to the inside of the flue, creating an air tight seal. Finally, the chimney. The height and shape of the pot is important to prevent wind gusting down the flue and counteracting the passage

of air. To determine this properly a smoke test may be required. Also ensure your chimney does not get blocked. Birds, in particular Jackdaws, are fond of nesting in chimneys, and why not, they are invariably warm and well protected from predators. To avoid problems invest in a bird guard. Triangular or conical shaped ones are usually best as nests cannot be built on top of them.

Open fires and characterful chimney breasts can be a wonderful feature in a home, but they can be tricky to get right and therefore are not for everyone. A good architect experienced in working with traditional buildings will be able to help with this. Alternatively Fashionable Scandinavian options such as wood burners and kachelofens can provide warmth and be a fantastic focal point, particularly if your taste is more contemporary. Find Out More: Smallwood Architects provide a very personal service to clients, creating beautiful buildings of the highest quality. They have achieved a reputation for delivering high quality traditional and contemporary design throughout the UK, Europe, and beyond. Contact Julius on Stamford (01780) 757737 to discuss your ideas for your home, or visit the website www.smallwoodarchitects.co.uk

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The Fine Art OF BUYING, SELLING

& COLLECTING Words: Henrietta Clavering.

THE FINE ART OF BUYING, COLLECTING AND SELLING SHOULD ALL BE DONE WITH THE EYE AND EXPERIENCE OF A SPECIALIST. STAMFORD DEALER NIGEL RHODES BLENDS EXPERTISE WITH A DOWN TO EARTH APPROACH FOR THOSE LOOKING TO DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF FINE ART & ANTIQUES…

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- FINE ART-

As with anything else, we always seek expert advice to guide us, whether it be a surgeon, an architect, interior designers, a specialist car dealer, property experts and investment managers and so on. But when it comes to fine art, people often assume they can do it themselves and try and cut out the knowledge and input of someone like Nigel Rhodes. Yet, the sums involved in buying, selling and collecting fine art and antiques can be greater than all of the others put together. The old adage. ‘a little knowledge is dangerous...’ springs to mind. Nigel Rhodes always sells top quality works of art, whether starting in the hundreds, low thousands, hundreds of thousands or for the more established and serious collector - in the millions.

His 35 years of contacts, both within the world of art academia as well as within some of the world’s finest private collections has been built up through having an expert eye, knowledge of what to look for in composition and content, provenance and condition; the four main key elements of a quality work. When an item is 10, 20 or even hundreds of years old it has a history and to scrape through hundreds of years of history unscathed is what Nigel’s expertise gives his clients.

The fine art dealer probably dismisses 98% of what he is actually offered and his advice is never to just take a signature as an indication of quality. You can have three cars all of the same model but how they’ve been driven and looked after will affect their worth. Nigel has a wide reaching reputation for an expert eye, a down to earth approach and the ability to sell some of the most notable and private works of art that are not made accessible in the open market but are brought directly to him from his wealth of contacts and sources, keeping them truly private and their value genuine for his clients.

Famous names such as Canaletto, Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Munnings are all artists whose works Nigel has dealt in; the quality of which is equal to those to be found in any west end gallery and while his business as a fine art dealer reaches beyond

“NIGEL IS A FINE ART DEALER WITH A REPUTATION FOR QUALITY, DISCRETION AND PROFESSIONALISM…”

the borders of Lincolnshire and Rutland, he remains very much a local; loyal to and taking care of those of us more inclined to avoid the pretensions of a city’s art world and the high culture elitism that can be associated with buying and selling fine art.

Nigel advises clients who are interested in museum quality works and items of provenance and genuine value, whether it be a small 17th Century landscape in original gilt frame, a large, named portrait, signed and catalogued or any number of carefully sourced works that are perhaps, the beginnings of a discerning art collection, however great or small. An important element of what he does for clients involves visiting their homes to get an understanding of tastes, budgets and style. Discussing with them their experiences of art, what aspects of a painting they might be particularly interested and whether that be for colour, content, history or pure aesthetics, and very importantly, advising them on where and how to hang works in their homes. This can make or break a room.

Nigel is in the business of finding real gems; beautiful on their own terms and honestly priced. Mostly sourced through private collections, he rarely buys at auction. Even now, after 20 or more years, when visiting a client for tea he is overawed by the works of

Above: Thomas Gainsborough, RA (1727-1788), ‘A Mountainous River Landscape’, C.1754-6, Oil on Canvas, Recently Sold to a Private collector, UK. Opposite Page: Alexis Belle ( 1674-1734), ‘Mildmay Fane, 5th Earl of Westmoreland,’ Oil on Canvas. Attr. Sir Thomas Lawrence, PRA FRS (1769-1830) ‘Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh’ Oil on Canvas. A Pair of Mahogany Irish Consoles, Jan Peter Verdussen (16601763) ‘Hunting’, Oil on Panel William Mulready (17861863) ‘Crossing the Ford’, Oil on Board ‘Pro Patria’, Framed Coat of Arms, Oil on Panel.

art that he has placed with them, works that are just not as available today as they were then. This isn’t about flipping art for profit; it’s about landing the real deal for his client’s personal enjoyment and pleasure. Seeing a discerning art collection develop, working with his clients closely and getting to know their tastes and directions gives Nigel his greatest satisfaction.

While the hype of the contemporary art market takes over the headlines with record breaking sales at auction, the innovative accomplishments of earlier and period artists such as, for example, Cornelius Jonson van Ceulen (1593-1661), recently acclaimed by Waldemar Januszczak, art critic, as the unsung hero of British Portraiture of the time; Sir Thomas Gainsborough, famous for his portraits but sought out for his transcendent and rare landscapes of secretive, clever detail and quintessential Englishness, William Mulready, innovator in the use 93

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- FINE ART -

of colour, (preliminary oil sketch for the acclaimed painting by Mulready entitled ‘The Ford’ which hangs in the Tate Collection, is exhibited at our Stamford Gallery and priced at £2,750).

Works by artists such as these are quietly bought and sold privately by those in the running for timeless, irreplaceable quality, limited in supply but full of stories and history. Such artworks provide invaluable historical reference and resource for endless period TV dramas, novels and films and without such representational art these programs and stories would fall short in their accuracy and attention to detail. Art is like fashion, tastes change all the time, some artists go in and out of favour, but the timeless quality, history and skills of those truly innovative and classic names such as Gainsborough, Constable and Munnings, are always highly sought after, works that people come back to time and time again, especially for those looking for their own genuine interest, pleasure and enjoyment. Nigel has never, in 35 years of dealing, known anyone tire of something they’ve bought, and there are many quotes from satisfied clients to testify to this, most of whom would acknowledge that they would not have the spectacular collections they have achieved without his specialist knowledge. A lady who, like many of her contemporaries was unfortunate in the wake of Lloyds, when asked if she wished to sell adamantly said she ‘would rather live in a rented home full of beautiful things with heart and soul than live in a beautiful home that is empty and soulless...’ 94

Top/Left: Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt (15671641), ‘Portrait of a Man’, Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1625. George I Walnut Bureau. Below: Furnished Interiors by Nigel Rhodes, Private Residence, Lincs.

Above: John Constable, R.A. (1776 – 1837), Golding Constable’s House, East Bergholt, Suffolk, Circa. 1830. Oil on Canvas, recently sold to a private UK collector.

NIGEL HAS RECENTLY PLACED WORKS BY NOTED ARTISTS SUCH AS GAINSBOROUGH, CONSTABLE AND MUNNINGS WITH PRIVATE CLIENTS...

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meet the EXPERT For over 30 years Nigel has been buying and selling fine art and antiques for clients of any level and with a wide variety of interests. Clients new to this will find Nigel incredibly relaxed, down to earth and easy to talk to as evidenced by the loyal business from those with whom he has worked for over twenty years, building and curating their collections with them. Sourcing works that have the four central elements of composition, condition, provenance and quality, can be difficult, with supply becoming more and more limited while the demand grows. Finding such works of real quality is what Nigel does best, using his far reaching contacts, experienced eye and knowledge, these works often go straight out the door into client’s homes. Over the years, he has never had a client come back disappointed. What they acquire, through Nigel, they fall in love with.

Above: William Barraud (18101850), ‘Richard Crawshay of Ottershaw Park’, Oil on Canvas.

From the gallery in Stamford, located opposite the George, Nigel Rhodes exhibits fine art and antiques, examples of the quality of works he buys and sells.

of the auction rooms giving both buyers and sellers a genuine value on that item and a true value for their money. It works the other way too.

Once a client has discussed their requirements with him, Nigel then uses his experience and contacts to source the right works for them. As much as possible this process is done privately, keeping works out

The art of buying, selling and collecting is a journey embarked upon by beginners and the more experienced alike. Guided by the expertise of someone like Nigel Rhodes, it ends in the inexplicable and unquantifiable pleasures that art can give.

Examples, in that a large proportion of works don’t come in to the gallery, but are offered to him privately, and sold, almost immediately, to clients who have approached Nigel or been working with him and who are looking for very specific things.

A notable work will be made available to Nigel, who can then approach his clients knowing from previous discussions and their relationship that such a work would be of interest to them and suit their budget.

n Visit Nigel Rhodes Fine Art, 7 High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LF Open: Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun 10-5pm, Tues-Thurs 10-4pm Call: 01780 756 667 / 07950 271898. enquiries@nigelrhodesfineart.com or see www.nigelrhodesfineart.com. 95

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Stone in Your Home

THIS MONTH WE’RE PAYING HOMAGE TO SOME ROCK STARS - LOCALLY QUARRIED EXAMPLES OF STONE FOR USE INSIDE AND OUTDOORS... Images: Nick Caro Photography and Olivia Johnson Photography.

HEAVENLY STAIRWAYS

Add eye-catching elegance to your home with a statement staircase. For a modern twist, team it with glass, wood or stainless steel. We can offer a full consultancy, design and installation service.

We’re all keen to use stone on our kitchen work surfaces - after all, it’s easy to clean and hard-wearing. But what about creating a stone cooker hood too?

A hand-carved limestone hood is a bit of a show stealer in the kitchen! Light, neutral stone stops it from being heavy and overbearing.

n Great British Stone...

Arguably Britain’s greatest traditional building material, natural stone is adaptable and resilient, bringing enduring beauty to your home in terms of kerb appeal as well as increasing its value. Why not enhance the entrance to your home, give your guests shelter from the elements and add instant kerb appeal with an elegant portico. 100

n FIRST FOR FLOORING Timeless and durable, pale cream tones and finishes suit every style of décor – choose naturally beautiful honed limestone for a sleek, modern look or aged flagstones for a traditional farmhouse feel.

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- HOMES -

whole home from a room to a

Stamford Stone can provide natural elegant materials with local provenance to create anything from a beautiful floor or timeless fireplace to an entire property.

Above: Hand carved to order, limestone surrounds give every fireplace unique character that simply mellows and improves with age.

STYLISH SINKS

Another element of your kitchen, expertly combining form and functionality, a luxurious carved and polished stone sink brings instinct chic and adds another dimension to your kitchen.

English limestone is perfect for accentuating the beauty of your garden. Why not add bespoke features such as benches, saddlestones and firepits? Add a stunning focal point with a natural stone BBQ or blend alfresco living seamlessly into your garden, integrating a wood fired pizza oven. Pave the way to a more beautiful outdoor space â&#x20AC;&#x201C; choose stylish sandstone or aged limestone, depending on your property.

n Find Out More: Style suggestions courtesy of Stamford Stone, visit the quarryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showroom at Swaddywell Quarry, Stamford Rd, Peterborough PE6 7EL. Alternatively call 01780 740970 or see www.stamfordstone.co.uk. 101

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A Move to the Country

Local property expert Kate Vincent, discusses some of the factors Londoners looking to relocate should take into consideration and the impact this active group of buyers is having on the East Midlands property market Perhaps it is the state of the London property market where prices seem to be softening or the message that the East Midlands is a fantastic place to live is finally sinking in, but the number of London based buyers approaching Garrington about getting help to find a property is at its highest level ever. Most buyers talk about their frustration at the lack of sales stock and confusion over pricing which appears to swing from ‘ambitiously high’ to ‘recently reduced’ but some talk about the relative merits of the different villages and locations whereas others are unsure where to start with the wide range of schooling options. So, when such enquiries arrive what advice does Garrington provide?

The commute

For daily commuters, the best option is normally to choose a village south and east of Stamford such as Castor and Ailsworth if long days are on the cards or Wansford, Elton, Barnack, Bainton, Ufford or Oundle if a 15-20 minute drive to Peterborough station is acceptable. Some prefer to be in Stamford itself and there is a merry band of daily commuters who board the train at Stamford before changing at Peterborough. Whilst the charm of this tiny station town is undeniable, would-be commuters should be aware that there is really only one train per hour, so if you run late then the wait for the next train is substantial.

Where frequent trips to London are not necessary, the market towns of Stamford and Oundle are always firm favourites, as are the Rutland villages of Empingham, Easton-on-Hill, Manton, Wing and Lyddington.

Those with families

For those with school aged children, the question of schooling is always an important consideration. Choosing an independent school allows for a great deal of flexibility as there are no catchment area issues to contend with and the independent schools are usually willing to accept children midway through the academic year if a September start is not possible.

Likewise, there are usually places available giving parents a free choice of where best suits their children, budget and future home – although rumour has it that places are not always available in popular choices such as Witham, Oakham and Oundle schools, so an early enquiry is advisable. State schools are a considerably cheaper option but for homebuyers present a difficult challenge. The highest Ofsted rated schools are often over-subscribed and so living in the catchment area is by far the best way to gain a place. However, the question then arises as whether one should buy close to the preferred school in the hope of gaining a place, or gaining a place first and then searching for property nearby. Some movers decide to rent in their preferred location to overcome this issue but it is not an option most prefer to take.

Other factors those relocating out of the capital consider to be important are local facilities. Having lived in the capital, newest arrivals ask for basic community services such a village shop, pub and an active community. Being located in a country house surrounded by fields and trees is a rural step too far for most Londoners.

Kate Vincent Garrington

The impact of relocation on the East Midlands market

So what are the implications of these new arrivals on the existing community? For current homeowners, this growing influx is likely to be good news as increased demand in an already ‘seller’s market’ is likely to increase property values. However, for local buyers this trend is not so welcome. The shortage of sales stock is going to be further exacerbated by the presence of buyers from outside the local housing chain (in contrast to local buyers who typically sell locally before buying so release new stock into the market in the process). Furthermore, London buyers often aim to clear their mortgage loans before leaving the capital and so as cash buyers become more attractive prospects to vendors in a competitive bid situation. There is also some evidence that some out of area buyers could be driving up prices as wealthy southerners unwittingly pay over the odds for properties that appear great value in contrast to London. If you are considering moving to the East Midlands and would like further information on the property market and how Garrington Property Finders can save you time and money making the right decisions, contact Kate Vincent to arrange a commitment free meeting: Tel: 01780 408377 Email: info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

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BESPOKE EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENTS BY CHARTERED PROFESSIONALS

Traditionally build stables with full choice of materials American Barns ManĂŠge Construction Projects associated with listed buildings Full design consultation and Planning Applications

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GARDENERS A Tale of Two

This month we visit the garden of hoteliers Stefa and Tim Hart. Their own gardens in Market Overton have been curated to the same incredibly high standard as Hambleton Hall, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re amused to hear thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an air of friendly competition between the couple, who each have their charge... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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- GARDENS -

We visit many gardens across the county, and as a result, we meet many couples with an avid passion for horticulture, and a shared pride for their green space.

However pride is certainly not shared between Tim and Stefa Hart, with an air of friendly competition between the two instead. Tim and Stefa are the owners of Hambleton Hall, one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, in addition to their home, The Old Hall in Market Overton.

Their passion for gardening has blossomed, and so too has a competition - who has the best garden. Tim looks after the more formal parterre gardens at Hambleton Hall, whilst Stefa curates a larger, more relaxed garden at home.

“My parents were keen gardeners and I’ve always loved the countryside,” says Stefa. “We moved to the Old Hall in 1986 and embraced gardening in a big way.” The Old Hall in Market Overton used to be an arable farm. The fields surrounding the property came right up to the walls of the house, so the soil is of good quality.

“The previous owner was a man named Cyril Heber-Percy,” says Stefa. “He was the first person to turn the land surrounding the property into gardens in the 1930s. It was at this time when he planted specimen trees, in particular a large Cedar of Lebanon tree, which is now an absolutely beautiful feature.”

“Heber-Percy also transformed the garden by creating four levels. By doing so, he has opened up the space and created a panoramic view over the countryside. The garden isn’t divided into rooms which makes it quite different to most.” The south-facing garden is terraced and on a hill. There are many intense herbaceous borders with exciting planting around the house.

“I’ve come to discover that gardening takes a great deal of self-control,” says Stefa. “Often, I’ll see a plant that I love, bring it

back home, and not have anywhere to plant it. I often seem to stick to an unsaid rule of not including what I call ‘garden plants’ in with shrubbery, which makes it even harder to find space.”

In addition to the bursting herbaceous borders around the house, there’s a simpler and very pretty croquet lawn on the second level surrounded by roses.

The third level is referred to as ‘the party lawn,’ offering the perfect amount of space for a large marquee. Large shrubs surround this lawn.

“All four levels will be at their best when it comes to the open day in June,” says Stefa. “This year has been very strange for weather so plants are coming out at different times than usual, but it will more or less be the best time of year to see the garden.”

“I have tried to design it as best I can for annual interest. From June through to August, the garden is full of colour, but it’s also very pretty in spring and in autumn. Even in winter, due to the structural shape of the garden, it’s still a pretty sight.” “The planting you will see in June includes peonies, roses, irises, clematis, summer flowering and flocks. Throughout the summer you’ll see magnolias, lapis, daylilies, hydrangeas, and at the end of July, hoheria, quite a rare south African plant.”

Although most of the garden is very open, there is one section that’s enclosed, and that’s the swimming pool garden mainly for safety and privacy. The pool garden is very pretty in summer months, with bright blue borders.

“We swim every morning in the pool garden so it’s easier to appreciate the planting here. This is one of my most favourite parts of the garden, but the terraced area is where I spend most of my time, either gardening or just enjoying the view.” Stefa now looks after the Old Hall but used to take care of the parterre at Hambleton

“Tim now looks after the formal gardens at Hambleton Hall,” says Stefa. “We refer to Hambleton as his garden, and the Old Hall as my garden...” Above: Stefa and Tim Hart at the 35th anniversary garden party of Hambleton Hall. Left: The herbaceous borders at the Old Hall in Market Overton are bursting with colour.

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- GARDENS -

Hall. The parterre used to be an old rose garden but roses wouldn’t grow very well so she helped to transform the space.

“Tim has recently taken an interest in gardening, and now looks after the formal gardens at Hambleton Hall,” says Stefa. “We refer to Hambleton as his garden, and the Old Hall as my garden.”

“There’s a little competition between us concerning who has the best garden, and Hambleton Hall’s gardens are magnificent... but the Old Hall has better roses!”

Despite the (friendly) competitiveness between the couple, they’ve managed to create two beautiful gardens both offering panoramic views, formal and more relaxed planting, and great space to throw a garden party, something they’ve been doing with the National Gardens Scheme for 15 years.

“It entirely depends on the weather, but we usually see around 180 - 200 guests enter the garden at the Old Hall on our open day. We set tables and chairs up around the garden, and offer teas, coffees and cakes from our business Hambleton Bakery.”

“I love hosting the open day because it’s a really relaxed Sunday afternoon, watching people enjoy the gardens and discuss a subject I’m passionate about. It never feels overcrowded either; people come in waves and the garden can take a lot of people without it feeling cramped.” “We’ve always opened at the end of April but the amount of people who showed an interest and wanted to see the garden in June made us change the date.”

“We’re also part of a collection of gardens that open for the Sue Ryder Foundation. It’s a great charity that focuses on hospice and neurological care. Five of Rutland’s NGS gardens including ours, decided it would be a great idea to start up a five year programme of invitation only garden parties.”

“We hosted the first last year, welcoming 300 people into the garden and raising a grand total of £7,000 for the charity, a fantastic

“I love hosting the open day, watching people enjoy the gardens and discuss a subject I’m very passionate about...” achievement and a very enjoyable event. The garden party is different to the open days because it’s in the evening so the mood is slightly more formal. We are also looking forward to the evening in Sandra Blaza’s garden this year at the Old Vicarage in Burley.”

Above: The Old Hall in Market Overton is on four levels with varied planting styles. Opposite: Hambleton Hall is the competition for Stefa, managed and looked after by husband Tim.

n For more information on Stefa’s garden, visit www.ngs.org.uk. The Old Hall is on Main Street in Market Overton LE15 7PL. For more information on the gardens at Hambleton Hall, to book a room at the hotel, or to dine in their exquisite formal restaurant visit www.hambletonhall.com or call 01572 756991.

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Your Great British garden begins with a visit to Gates...

Core Gardening Supplies | Seeds & Plants Hanging Baskets | Outdoor Furniture | Barbecues Outdoor Games and so much more... All you need to enjoy your garden this summer!

Gates Nurseries & Garden Centre Somerby Road, Cold Overton Oakham LE15 7QB 01664 454309 | www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk Open Seven Days a Week

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Nature

- NATURE -

NOTES June is a great month to see baby birds, moths and foxgloves in nature. Richard Owens tells us more about each species...

Elephant

ORIGINS

The small elephant hawkmoth is named after its caterpillar which looks very similar to an elephant’s trunk...

Bird activity should be prominent in June with adults leaving their natural nest sites in hedgerows and the undergrowth, with increasing regularity to collect insects and other food sources to feed their growing broods. This coupled with activity from the already fledged chicks should ensure your binoculars are well used this month. Indeed some species like the tree sparrow may already be on a second brood.

June is also a great month to look at moths. Once described to me as ‘ugly butterflies,’ up close, moths are a thing of beauty, none more so than the large and impressive Hawkmoth family. One that is found in flight in June is the small elephant

hawkmoth. This species is slightly larger than many native butterflies and has the beautiful pink markings on its back and wings. There are over 800 species of ‘macro’ moths.

Bees will be taking advantage of the nectar supplies on offer from the wealth of wildflowers. One of the most impressive to see in June is the foxglove. Recognisable by its pink bell shaped flowers and standing proudly upright to heights in excess of three feet, this species is easy to identify and is a hunting ground for many pollinating insects. 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.

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Schools Colleges... Oakham School, Rutland...

Oakham is an inspirational place, where learning is limitless, talent is nurtured, and characters are formed.

As a large school, Oakham is able to offer a staggering range of opportunities and all pupils have the chance to take part, or to develop their talents, in all areas of school life. In drama, there are five major productions a year, and this year more Oakhamians than ever before have won places at top drama schools including RADA. There are around 30 different sports that are offered, and our weekend sports programme regularly includes some 50 competitive fixtures, involving over 500 pupils. 114

With an impressive 40% of pupils learning a musical instrument and over 130 singers studying with one of the School’s five singing teachers, it’s no surprise that our Chamber Choir has reached the final of the BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year competition.

Even more activities including country sports like archery and falconry, have been added to Oakham’s already burgeoning activity list which currently consists of 135 activities and counting. Other popular activities include dissection club, flying, robotics and chess.

We also have an international reputation for our academic excellence. Our IB results were amongst the highest scoring in the world and an impressive 22 students gained straight A* or A grades at A-level.

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

This month, we’ve a round-up of the best schools and colleges in the area for those seeking high quality education for children, teenagers or for adult learning opportunities...

Little Voices, Peterborough... Little Voices opened its doors in Stamford in September last year, teaching fun and interesting drama and singing lessons to children from the age of 4 to 18 years. Principal of Little Voices, Julie Armstrong told us, “I have been teaching children for 10 years now, following a very successful career as an actress in Manchester.”

“I opened Little Voices in Peterborough when my husband’s job moved us here three years ago.” Weekly lessons are taught after school in very small groups of up to eight pupils.

Children have a dedicated drama lesson one week and

singing lesson the next so as to concentrate on each discipline in detail.

Little Voices’ tutors are all experts in their fields and deliver outstanding tuition to each child on an individual basis. Little Voices has centres across Peterborough and Stamford and children may apply for a free trial lesson. “We are extremely proud of our 100% exam pass rate with The London Academy Of Music And Dramatic Art,” said Julie.

“We were absolutely thrilled to recently be voted The UK’s Number One School Aged Music Activity by a panel of parents and independent adjudicators.” n For more information on what Little Voices does and what they can offer for your child, please visit their website www.littlevoices.org.uk or call Julie on 07801 953643.

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- EDUCATION -

Scallywags Day Nursery

Little Voices good range of resources and activities provided and are encouraged to do things for themselves.”

Scallywags Day Nursery and “From a young age children are Pre-School... encouraged to develop an interest

Scallywags Day Nursery & Pre-School in Oakham received an excellent Ofsted report in March.

Ofsted inspector Ann Austin stated that, “Children enjoy their time at the nursery and are motivated to learn. They have fun and participate in a good range of challenging activities. Older children display confidence and concentration, persisting at their chosen activity with enthusiasm.”

“Settling-in arrangements are flexible and meet children’s individual needs.”

“Children quickly develop close bonds with their key person and other members of staff. They choose freely from the

in books. Younger children enjoy the bright illustrations in books and eagerly feel the different textured pictures. Older children listen well, repeat familiar phrases and confidently ask and answer questions about the story.”

“They enjoy healthy food options and thoroughly enjoy being physically active in the fresh air.” “Staff prepare children with the skills they need to move confidently through the nursery and, eventually, on to school. Children demonstrate a positive attitude towards their learning. Older children develop good personal and social skills.” n For more information on the day nursery, please call 01572 723810 or visit www.scallywagsoakham.co.uk.

Retro: Wrates use this style of photography in addition to normal school photography.

Wrates School Photography...

Wrates Photographers have introduced their unique retro two pose which consists of two contrasting images; a traditional school photo on a white background and a retro image of a chalk board background and wooden desk prop.

Both pictures are taken during one visit from the photographer and it doesn’t take any longer to shoot! Wrates make sure everything is sorted regarding times, the shoot, and delivery with flexibility to suit the schools individual timetables and needs.

Schools which have opted for this product so far have been over the moon with it and more to the point the parents and pupils have been very happy too with many comments in their call centre on the high

standards. They introduced this product to ensure that their service continues to be a step ahead and to provide an exciting new idea which hopefully captures the interest of schools, parents and pupils.

Their think tank continues to come up with new creative ideas while still keeping hold of their traditional products and its fantastic to put it into practice and get such positive feedback.

Alongside introducing new products Wrates have also developed their own unique online ordering system which is completely secure and has made ordering products much easier for parents and schools.

Wrates have always been able to tailor make any products for schools from school leavers, to types of packs, styles of groups and singles, staff boards etc.

n For more info, visit their website www.wrates.co.uk. You can contact their friendly team on 0800 028 8221.

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- EDUCATION -

The Ark Nursery, Stamford...

The Ark Nursery aims to provide children with a creative and inspirational environment with the emphasis on happiness and emotional wellbeing.

From Babies to Pre-School, children spend a significant amount of time outdoors exploring natural resources. They are able to experience first hand, the natural cycles of nature.

“This immersion into the outdoors, all year round, offers huge potential in terms of creating an innate respect of nature that we all need to develop and to maintain a healthy life balance for ourselves and our world,” says Forest School Leader Claire Crowley. At the Ark we strongly believe

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that children should develop good eating habits and an enquiring palette early in their lives.

Nursery cook Karen Catt sources fresh foods from local suppliers and uses a diverse choice of raw ingredients.

Children are introduced to a mix of strong and subtle flavours which encourages confidence in adventurous food choices as they grow.

“Research shows that the brain of a 2-3 year old is twice as active as that of an adult and therefore nutrition and good old fashioned fresh air becomes vital for children’s well-being and development,” says Helen Watson, Nursery Manager. The Ark Nurseries provide a sound basis for all children’s future learning within and beyond school. n For more information please call 01780 482113 or visit www.thearkstamford.co.uk.

Stamford Endowed Schools...

Last month, the Stamford Endowed Schools played host to twelve local primary schools in the first Little Genius Quiz.

Rutland Radio’s Rob Persani hosted the event. The quiz was very well attended by teachers, parents and other supporters.

The professional quiz company, Quiz Time, wowed the audience with their set-up of interactive buzzers, lock-out podiums, sound effects and lighting, which all made for a memorable evening.

The room buzzed with an almost tangible excitement as the pupils fielded the first warm-up question before the quiz rolled in to action.

The first part of the quiz saw all 23 teams competing against one another in a seven category

strong, multiple-choice buzzer round. Topics the teams faced included history, maths, current affairs and children’s literature. There was even a ‘Question of Sport’ inspired observation round which centred on a clip from Harry Potter.

The second half of the quiz saw the top four scoring teams make their way to the waiting podiums for the final ‘quick fire’ round. After six minutes of back-and-forth points scoring, Witham Hall Schools’ team ‘The Witham Four Fivers’ were crowned the first ever champions of the Little Genius Quiz.

Witham Hall’s second team impressively finished second narrowly pipping Copthill School’s ‘General Thinkers’ and Spratton Hall’s ‘The Spratton Stags’ who finished third and fourth respectively. n For more information, please call 01780 750309 or visit www.ses.lincs.sch.uk.

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The Rutland Belle Images: Amanda Carter, Dottie Photography, 01945 773368, www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

meet our COUPLE Stephanie Medlock works as an audiologist in the NHS, whilst husband Chris is an engineer specialising in medical diagnostic machinery. The couple were introduced by mutual friends and married after five years following a proposal whilst they enjoyed a day at Royal Ascot... Here, they tell us about their wedding, held in the summer at Normanton Church with a reception on the Rutland Belle...

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“We were celebrating our fifth anniversary at Royal Ascot. Chris had failed to get me an anniversary card! This didn’t go down too well, until he asked me to close my eyes and hold out my hand. Chris says he’ll never forget the look on my face!”

“I had already fallen in love with Normanton Church and after a little bit of research, with Dottie Photography’s work too.”

“We do everything together and whether we planned the wedding together or not never really came in to question. Chris loves being crafty so once I gave him some creative direction he pretty much hand made all the invites, save the dates and table names.” “He wasn’t allowed much input with the flowers and the bridesmaids outfits but

everything else was a joint project, and had to be what we both loved.”

“I found the whole wedding dress shopping process terrifying! I tried on about 50 dresses - it’s so much pressure and I cried in one shop because I was worried so much about looking nice on the day.” “The bridal shop I ended up buying the dress from (Bride All, in Exning), was so good, I had a short list of my favourites and they asked me to try one more on.”

“When they held it up I didnt like it at all but when I put it on my mum and friends wouldn’t let me have anything else. I put my faith in them and bought it! The registrar was also very open to us writing our own vows and relaxed about the content. >>

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- WEDDINGS -

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- WEDDINGS -

>> It meant that we took both traditional vows but also wrote something personal to say to each other. On the day there was a hiccup and Chris couldn’t get the music to work to play me down the aisle. Luckily he had booked a bagpiper as a surprise - my family are Scottish - and he played me down the isle which was just amazing.”

"We married at Normanton Church on Rutland Water, it’s such a beautiful location. We spoke to a lovely lady at Rutland Water Cruises (www.rutlandwatercruises.com) and fell in love with the idea of having our welcome drinks on a boat around the lake.”

“After the ceremony we all went straight on the Rutland Belle (much to the surprise of our guests!) and spent a lovely hour cruising in the lovely British sun as newlyweds.”

“As we both enjoy live music we also brought in the services of a local band (Up & Atom, www.upandatom.co.uk), we’d heard at a friend’s wedding. They did an incredible version of Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Love?’ for our first dance.”

“I think for me the Rutland Belle was one of my highlights, it was a scorcher of a day and seeing the look on everyone’s face as the boat pulled up to the church just as we walked out was fantastic, so much fun.”

“For our honeymoon, we spent three nights in Rio de Janeiro, a night in Manaus, and three nights in a jungle lodge in the Amazon rainforest, then two further nights in Rio before our flight home. Brazil is amazing, I’m officially in love with it, it totally blew me away.”

“Everyone on the day made it more special than we could have ever hoped for. We always appreciated that we weren’t the first and only couple to be married but everyone really made it feel as though we were. Dottie Photography were incredible from the moment they arrived in the morning to the final moments before leaving. It’s easy to say that a picture paints a thousand words and that’s no truer than when looking at Amanda’s work.” “Liza Smith (www.lizasmithmakeup.co.uk) was my makeup goddess, and we used Pollen Floristry (www.pollenfloristry.co.uk) for our flowers - she came up with some wonderful ideas!” n Images: Amanda Carter, Dottie Photography, 01945 773368, www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

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“We married at Normanton Church on Rutland Water, it’s such a beautiful location. We then enjoyed an hour’s cruise as newlyweds!” Top/Left: The couple’s family and friends enjoyed an hour’s cruise on the Rutland Belle.

Top: Many elements of Stephanie and Chris’s wedding were handmade by the craft-loving couple.

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This Page: Fuchsia dress £435, with fascinator £175.

Adding Colour to Your

SUMMER Whether you’re enjoying a day at the races, a family wedding or any other special occasion, Red Carpet Ready near Lincoln promises a dress to impress... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- FASHION -

Red Carpet Ready are based near Lincoln and offer one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest dress selections. Over 1,500 styles for every event imaginable across long short and midi lengths. Our summer photoshoot focuses on new arrivals which are perfect for Wedding Guests & The Races.

Each dress comes in different colour-ways and matching fascinators can be custom made to a swatch of 50 colours. The launch of a new holiday dept includes glamorous Kaftans and day to night dresses...

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Opposite Page, Inset Images: Cream hat £285. White and gold dress £275, fascinator £160, white dress £195, fascinator £95, lace dress £ 275, fascinator £285, white lace dress £495, fascinator £95. Opposite Page, Main Image: Fuchsia dress £225, fascinator £145, peacock print offshoulder dress £180, fascinator £145, turquoise dress £115, fascinator £95, fuchsia dress with three quarter sleeves £275, fascinator £195. This page, Main Image: Blue crystal dress £225, fascinator £75, print dress £158, fascinator £145, skater dress £180, fascinator £180. Above: Red/blue print dress £125, fascinator £75, red dress £225, fascinator £155, navy dress £145, fascinator £75, red dress £125, fascinator £75, print dress £125, hat £195.

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- FASHION This page, Main: Yellow dress £120, hat £195, floral print dress with Swarovski crystals £495, fascinator £75, green lace appliqué dress £235, hat £175. Below: Black and white dress £445, headpiece £145. Bottom: Black lace dress £275, fascinator £225, white dress £145, fascinator £210, lace dress £210, fascinator £285.

Find Out More: Featured items are available from Red Carpet Ready near Lincoln. Open seven days a week until 9pm but you must prebook on 01522 793777. Walk-ins welcome on Saturdays. Alternatively, see www.redcarpetready.co.uk or Instagram @RedCarpet ReadyLincoln

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This Page: Claire looks stunning in a Duffy dipped sleeve sweater £255 and Bitte Kai Rand printed trouser £139.

All Things Bright &

BEAUTIFUL

Cavells, on Oakham’s Mill Street, is renowned for bringing to the area some of fashion’s smartest brands. Their high summer style selection comprises bright colour, botanically-inspired prints and cool materials you’ll enjoy wearing all summer long... Words & Images: Rob Davis. Style & Product Selection: Rosie Charlesworth.

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Oakham’s Cavells has over 23 years provenance on Mill Street, and remains one of Rutland’s best independent fashion retailers with both fashion and country studios stocking over 100 brands from Marc Cain and Oui to Mulberry, Paul Smith and over 30 brands of accessories.

This month we’ve teamed up with the retailer’s Rosie Charlesworth who presents all things bright and beautiful in the grounds of a beautiful Manton country home. Bright sunshine and a lovely garden provided a pleasant backdrop to our shoot, and the team had a very helpful photographer’s assistant in the form of Dachshund pup Cheska.

Left: This beautiful floral shirt by Essentiel is perfect for a sunny day £120. Below: Coccinelle bags in vibrant spring colours £190 each.

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Left: Lovely Delia is wearing an Esssentiel drawstring hem sweater £145 and Essentiel striped culottes £159. Denim espadrilles from Macarena £55. Below: Kris Ana, Leyla bag £75. Bottom: Gorgeous Delia in a perfect summer dress by Samantha Sung £399.

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Main: Delia is wearing this colourful sweater from Cocoa Cashmere £175, teamed with a Rosemunde vest £50 and denims from 7FAM £189. Top: Delia in summer floral raincoat by Oilily £240 and woven print Victoria pumps £49. Above: Claire wearing leaf print jeans from Marc Cain £225 and neon tipped sweater by Cocoa Cashmere £195.

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Left: Both girls look fabulous in classic navy. Delia in Oui spot/stripe t-shirt £69 with Oui culottes £109. Claire in Custommade Lucia zip jumpsuit £215. Below: Candice Cooper Mia pointed trainer £194. Bottom: Claire having a cuddle with Cheska the Dachshund pup.

Find Out More: Featured items are all from Cavells Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA. Call 01572 770 600 or see www.cavells.co.uk.

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Queensgate

SUMMER FASHIONS AT

1. Next Eyelet Swimsuit, £28 and Cardigan, £28. 2. Next Jacket, £65.

3. Monsoon Bella Skirt, £69 and Bridget Bandeau Top, £39. 4. John Lewis Jigsaw Waterpool Linen Dress, £149.

5. Next Blazer, £55, Cami, £14, Culottes, £32 and Bag, £52.

6. Monsoon Scarlett Lace Sleeved Dress, £149. Featured summer fashion suggestions are from the new 2016 collections at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NT. Call 01733 311666 for more information or visit the website www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.

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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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CUT Making The

Since 2008, Andrew Musson has been bringing his 25 years of experience working as a tailor on London’s Savile Row to the best dressed gentlemen in the area. area.. His skills cutting bespoke suits are exactly the same as you’ll find on London’s most famous street, but with his provincial location ensuring his can provide the same quality of tailoring at roughly a third of the price! Words: Rob Davis.

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- BESPOKE TAILORING -

Andrew Musson is pinking a job. To those unfamiliar with the parlance of Savile Row, that means he’s paying great attention to the suit he’s cutting, for a Rutland customer, one of around 150 gentlemen each year taking advantage of Savile Row quality right here in the county.

the tailor’s LINGO

The Palladian street in London’s Mayfair used to be a mecca for gentlemen’s tailoring, home to over 100 cutters. But the craft has slowly diminished and fewer than 20 tailors now operate on the street. Provincial tailors, too, have reduced in number, and it’s that fact, along with Andrew’s 25 years experience of working on Savile Row, which makes him extra special. Andrew arrived in London in the 1980s and enjoyed great success on the street on the back of the yuppie culture. Latterly his suits sold for upwards of £3,500, mainly due to the overheads of the area and its provenance.

Returning to his native Lincolnshire in 2008 to take over the his father John’s tailor’s shop Andrew now charges from £1,295 for a two-piece suit and from £1,595 for a threepiece suit which, given his bona fide Savile Row provenance, seems like good value to us, democratising a piece of hand-cut luxury.

“I’d say around 50 hours go into creating each suit,” says Andrew. “Customers come in seeking a suit that fits beautifully, and appreciate the ability to choose from over 2,000 cloths, many sourced from English mills.” The result is a suit that fits beautifully and flatters any man, regardless of his size or shape. Customers can also choose their de-

Cat’s Face A small shop opened by a cutter on his own. Chuck a Dummy To faint - alluding to a tailor’s dummy toppling over.

tails from the position and placement of pockets to linings and other details. Popular colours include blue and dark grey with black falling a little out of favour. The tailor also provides other garments such as sporting jackets and can provide bespoke shirts, too.

“The process takes about 12 weeks from start to finish,” says Andrew. “Quality can’t be rushed, and once I’m trusted to cut from a gentleman, it’s my job to ensure the look and feel of the finished suit are everything he expects it to be.”

“CUSTOMERS COME IN SEEKING A SUIT THAT FITS BEAUTIFULLY. THEY CAN CHOOSE FROM OVER 2,000 CLOTHS...”

Clapham Junction A paper draft with numerous alterations.

Kicking Your Heels Seeking work, a now common phrase originating in the tailoring profession. On the Cod Going drinking.

Rock of Eye Working by eye rather than following a scientific cutting system. Pinking Taking extra care.

Skiffle To hurry a job up.

Tab A customer who’s hard work or particularly fussy.

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“There was a tailor based in Leicester but sadly it’s difficult to recruit into an industry that requires such expertise. I think I’m right in saying that I’m the only business within a three hour radius, so I attract lots of customers from Lincolnshire, Rutland, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.”

“I also have a visiting tailor service in London, and clients still come to me from the capital and further afield - I’ve customers from London, Scotland and Europe too.”

“There are about 20 suits pending at a time, with clients coming in for fittings - we

“ANDREW BRINGS HIS SKILL TO THE AREA WITH ITS LOW OVERHEADS. TAILORING IS MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN EVER BEFORE...” 142

generally recommend three fittings - and each one comprises about 30 elements, with foreparts, side bodies, topsleeves and undersleeves all cut ‘on the double,’ and different layers to each.”

“There is horse hair canvas and domette interlinings as well as the lining and cloth. Once we’ve discussed what a customer would like and taken our measurements, and had a look through some samples, we order the cloth in and produce a baste suit one that’s loosely sewn together.”

“It’s from that ‘first fit’ that a forward fitting is sewn together with the addition of linings and pockets.” By this stage customers are always really excited by how well the suit fits. After a final fitting and a pressing, they pick up their suit and are invariably absolutely delighted with it.”

Andrew has cut suits for celebrities like TV’s Ant & Dec, for politicians like Peter Mandelson,

for the actor Tom Cruise and for businessmen like Sir Rocco Forté and John Freida.

The fact that he can bring his skills to the area with the benefits of lower overheads mean that bespoke tailoring is more accessible than every to the county’s best dressed gentlemen. Grooms, for instance, are getting in on the act, treating themselves to a bespoke suit as a wedding present they can retain into their married lives, but the beauty of bespoke tailoring is that it can suit any body shape, and make any man look better than an ‘off-the-peg’ example allows.

“It’s a great profession to work in, and such a rewarding experience when a customer sees their finished suit for the first time!” Andrew says. n Andrew provides bespoke tailoring from his shop at 39 High St, Lincoln LN5 8AS. Call 01522 520142 or see www.andrewjmusson.com.

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The Tailoring Process

1. Your bespoke experience begins with a visit to Andrew’s shop on Lincoln’s High Street. 2. Choose from over 2,000 cloths and discuss what style of suit you’re seeking.

3. Andrew measures his clients personally.

4. The tailor drafts a paper pattern of his design. 5. The draft is overlaid onto the cloth and the suit cut. The first fitting uses a baste a garment roughly sewn together.

6. The customer attends three fittings, this includes a forward fitting which sees the client try on the suit with details like pockets and lining. 7. After the final fitting the suit is sewn together for a final time and pressed.

8. The suit has taken 12 weeks to create. n

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LUXURY SUNSCREEN Summer Sun Protection at its finest, thanks to Rejuve MD. 10 years of solid research, this lightweight, skin reflecting sunscreen offers a universal sun-kissed glow suitable for all ethics and skin types. This intelligent sunscreen uses skin-friendly Zinc Oxide as a sunblock to protect skin against the damaging UVA/UVB rays, £41.03

SUMMER SKIN Caring for

THIS MONTH BEAUTY BLOGGER JOHN ROHNAN-WHARFF THROWS FISCAL CAUTION TO THE WIND AND INDULGES HIS PASSION FOR LUXURIOUS SUMMER MUST-HAVES...

SOOTHING YOUR

SUNBURN

Soothe and desensitise sun burnt areas with this Restore Gel from Dr GL. This cooling blue hue gel extracted from Guaiazulene counteracts redness and has skin repairing plant extracts. It delivers instant pain relief from sore skin caused by too much sun, £26.42.

AN INFUSION OF YOUTH Dermalogica’s Age Smart mask addresses dull-looking and aged skin with Vitamin A, C & E. Give skin a wake-up call; it’s a miracle worker in a tube, £35.70.

VIVA LA VIDA GLOW

Drink your way to dewy, glowing skin this summer. Vida Glow uses Marine Collagen from the Deep Red Sea Snapper fish. This natural skin product repairs and revives lacklustre, damaged skin. Available in a variety of antioxidant-infused flavours, £33.95. 144

BLUSH

MAKING YOU

Highlight your best features with sublime French beauty. This luminous highlighting blusher from Sisley Paris Cosmetics is infused with pure white lily helping to soften and calm skin. With a single sweep on the cheeks, bridge and temple, skin is left with a peachy summer glow, L’Orchidée, £64.00.

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

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- HEALTHCARE -

Consultant-Led Clinics in

STAMFORD Peterborough’s Fitzwilliam Hospital has always provided convenient access to high quality, consultant-led care, and from this month patients will have access to consultations and follow-up therapies from an outreach clinic in Stamford too...

A new outreach clinic will open in the town from this month, initially offering orthopaedic consultations and physiotherapy, with other consultants soon to commence clinics at the surgery too. Orthopaedic consultant, Emyr Chowdhury, has been based at Fitzwilliam Hospital for over nine years. “It’s a good hospital, well run, offering an excellent patient experience for both inpatients and outpatients.”

“In orthopaedic practice we benefit from a sophisticated imaging suite with a dedicated MRI scanner, CT scanner plus conventional X-Ray and ultrasound facilities for swift diagnosis. That’s in addition to a state of the art theatre suite and onsite physiotherapy department.” “Because we specialise in elective rather than acute work, it’s a more relaxed environment, less fraught, resulting in a better patient experience.”

“The addition of an outreach clinic makes it even more convienient for our patients in Stamford, Oakham, Uppingham and the surrounding area.”

Follow-up care is more convenient too, with access to courses of physiotherapy treatments which typically last six weeks in the case of a joint replacement and for other conditions, can last six months or even a year.

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Words: Rob Davis.

The hospital also offers NICE-sanctioned therapies such as acupuncture to alleviate chronic pain, for example.

“Another benefit of the Fitzwilliam is the access we have to consultants in over 80

“A CONVENIENT LOCAL OUTREACH CLINIC DELIVERING CONSULTANT LED CARE...” speciality areas,” says Emyr. “Our consultants have sub-specialisms, which means even in the discipline of orthopaedics we can seek

the advice of our colleagues to provide the best patient experience possible.”

A total of five orthopaedic consultants will host outreach clinics three times a week, ensuring unprecedented convenience for patients. Patients can be referred privately or on the NHS. Private - self-funding and insured patients can access appointments in as little as 72 hours and can self refer for some specialities. Please contact our Hospital Service Advisor on:01733 842304 for more information. NHSPatients can be referred on The Choose & Book through their GP. Please contact our NHS Office on: 01733 842333 for details.

“The Fitzwilliam is now able to offer the best of both worlds, with the reassurance of state of the art facilities and consultant-led care in Peterborough, with the convenience of a local outreach clinic to ensure the most highly-skilled care possible.”

FITZWILLIAM HOSPITAL - Quality Consultant-Led Care... “Fitzwilliam Hospital is one of the area’s leading independent hospitals with a reputation for delivering high quality healthcare treatments and services since 1983. The hospital is situated in the quiet landscaped grounds and provides services for both private and NHS patients.”

“The hospital is an Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence and offers a full range of Orthopaedic procedures including spinal assessment and pain management. “Our Consultants and nursing staff are highly experienced and have your care and comfort as their highest priority.”

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Stamford Clinic MEET YOUR

ORTHOPAEDIC CONSULTANTS

Emyr Choudhury Hip & Knee complex primary and revision surgery (Pictured).

Rupert Clifton Knee surgery in particular primary and revision total knee replacement.

Araz Massraf Primary and revision hip and knee joint surgery, hip resurfacing, hip and knee arthroscopy, sport hip and knee injury.

Richard Hartley Primary/revision knee arthroplasty, knee ligament reconstruction and forefoot surgery. Andrew White Shoulder & elbow surgery (including arthroscopic, sports injuries and joint replacement surgery). For more information or to book an appointment please call our Hospital Service Advisor on 01733 842304

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EMBRACE SUMMER 2016

Sarah Down Master Colour Expert at P.Kai Hair and part of the P.Kai Creative Team.

HAIR TRENDS Introducing the SS16 Collection by the P.Kai Hair Creative team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; available now at P.Kai Hair Salons

In its stunning interpretation of the emerging trends, P.Kai Hair is delighted to be able to offer a bespoke service menu, showcasing the work by our own in house talent. Beautiful images will be featured along with the colours, styling and products used to achieve the look.

Summer trends feature a colour palette inspired by the luxe flow of precious molten metals, Rose Goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ecaille and Burnished Bronze all with luxurious styling. Rich, living metallics meet the buff earthiness of nude suede. Black pearl and elegant ebony flow into soft steel and polished platinum.

Supple, moulded shapes and soft texture in the styling echo the fluidity of the colour and complete these luxurious looks. Precious metallics, exacting precision and artisanal craftsmanship come together in this naturally sophisticated, bespoke colour trends which will be taking P.Kai salons by storm for Summer 2016. 148

Q&A: Sarah Down Master Colour Expert at P.Kai Hair and part of the P.Kai Creative Team. Which are your favourite trends for Summer?

I love the reinvention of the classic Ombre technique. Tortoise shell and Ecaille blends are set to be big this season helping to create movement and dimension to the hair. Pastel shades teamed with glamorous styling is another one of my favorite trends, you can still play about with colour but have that big bouncy hair too!

To further inspire his team Salon Director Kai Wan along with the team from Wella Professional took the Pkai Creative Team to Kew Gardens. How does the inspiration found at Kew gardens translate to hair?

Inspiration is found from looking at shapes and incorporating them into colouring techniques within the hair. The choice of

colours and how they compliment each other within the plants and flowers inspires me to use the colours on the hair.

The award-winning P.Kai Hair 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 has 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.

n To book your Summer 16 transformation call P.Kai Hair, 10/12 Market Place, Market Deeping, PE6 8EA, 01778 300558 or see www.pkai.co.uk.

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MENOPAUSE... Helping you t hrough t he

THIS MONTH STAMFORD PRACTITIONER OF CHINESE MEDICINE, AND ACUPUNCTURE THERAPIST JO GEORGE PROVIDES HELP FOR WOMEN THROUGH THE MENOPAUSE...

In European and American culture, menopause - the time when a woman’s menses gradually cease, which normally happens between age 35 and 60 - is often accompanied by flushing or hot flushes, mood swings, depression, insomnia, which in Western medical practice, is treated with ‘hormone replacement therapy’ (HRT): a regimen of prescription synthetic hormones.

Yet according to our research at Rutland Pride, in the Chinese culture, hot flushes are uncommon. So, why do some so many Western women experience uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms during menopause, yet Chinese women don’t? We asked Jo George Stamford acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist to give us her view. According to Jo, China uses acupuncture for many different ailments, including menopause which they have found to be incredibly effective for women. There is a different mindset between Western and Eastern medicine. Acupuncture is a form of a holistic health care system in China, called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practised in China for more than 5,000 years.

It is still the medicine of choice in the country today, although Western medicine is practised alongside it. In China, Asian women use this holistic healthcare system as an alternative to artificial hormone replacement. Interestingly, it is found that only 10% of Asian women experience noticeable menopausal symptoms compared to 75% of women in the UK and United States! Acupuncture, in conjunction with the proper diet and herbal medicine has been shown to be effective for the Chinese women. Use these approaches to alleviate menopausal symptoms naturally, Chinese women do not fear this stage in life, possibly because they do not experience the adverse symptoms as the American women do. They do not consider it

something to develop anxiety over nor is it an ‘illness’ needing some medication. This stage of change is embraced and found to be deeply valued as they enter the new stage of life.

The steps that a practitioner of TCM such as Jo George typically take in order to help women going through various menopausal phases are quite simple: diet, acupuncture, and herbs.

JO’S TIPS FOR POSTMENOPAUSE HEALTH

n Eat fibre-rich carbohydrates that have a low glycaemic index such as brown rice, oatmeal and beans. Eat adequate protein in the form of poultry, fatty fish, eggs, low fat dairy produce, beans, tofu, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Create a diet that is plentiful in fresh fruit and vegetables.

n Eat the good fats. These include monounsaturated fats found in olives, avocados and olive oil. Also polyunsaturated fats present in oily fish, flax seeds, vegetables, grains and nuts. Avoid bad (saturated) fats; butter, cheese and animal fat are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Trans-fatty acids (fats which have been chemically altered) are also bad news. n Boost your intake of phyto-oestrogen containing foods like soya and flax seeds.

n In combination with Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture has been found to be the most effective level of treatment. Studies have shown that this method is effective and offers an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

n Use Chinese Herbal Medicine – Jo can tell which organs in the body are most affected by the change in hormone levels from the deficiency and will work to address the problem with herbal remedies. Herbal medication is specially prepared for each patient. The herbs are usually drunk as an infusion from powder once or twice a day, though many can be taken in tablet form.

n Jo George is a fully registered and insured member of the BacC and RCHM which are the leading regulatory body of acupuncture and herbs in the UK. Jo George is highly trained professional to Masters (distinction) level, and very experienced practitioner with over 14 years clinical knowledge. Jo George MSc (Distinction) Chinese Herbal Medicine, BSc (Hons) Acupuncture; Dip. Acu (China); Two Dips Chinese Herbal Medicine (UK).

For a free informal preliminary chat with Jo call 07914 851995. For appointments please contact The Broad Street Practice, Stamford on 01780 480889. For further information on Jo's work go to www.life medicineclinic.com.

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

Stamford Junior School Casino Royale Ball for Young Minds...

Last month saw 252 people attend the Stamford Junior School Casino Royale Ball in support of ‘Young Minds’ mental health charity. The charity aims to improve mental healthcare provision for children and adolescents throughout the UK.

The black tie event held at Grange Farm, Wittering, began with drinks & canapés to live jazz followed by a four-course meal provided by Rutland Gourmet. Words of thanks by the Chair of the Parents’ Association were quickly followed by a charity game of heads and tails before the charity casino tables opened and the ‘High Rollers’ band struck up!

The event raised £3500 for the Young Minds Charity with the Bond theme, croupiers and casino tables proving to be extremely popular features of the night.

n For more information call 01780 750310 or visit www.ses.lincs.sch.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine. 152

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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Your Financial

PARTNER Oakham based Smith Eliot are your personal financial partners for life. Blending the approachability of a family business with the reassurance of an affiliation with St. Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place Wealth Management, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll provide advice for anyone at any stage of their life... Words: Rob Davis.

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- PERSONAL FINANCE -

meet the EXPERTS

Lasting partnerships are the best. They’re the personal, professional or marital relationships which yield both the deepest trust and the greatest understanding. That’s why Oakham-based Smith Eliot Financial Management seek a life-long relationship with their clients to provide sound financial advice based on a thorough understanding of their clients’ circumstances.

“Really, we offer the best of both worlds,” says Stephen Smith, Director of the practice. “We’re a small, family firm with a good understanding of our clients and their circumstances, but we’re also backed by a large wealth management company, St. James’s Place Wealth Management, a FTSE100 firm who manages client funds totalling £62bn. “Ultimately, that means we’re really easy to deal with, but have access to a first-class range of funds to use with investment vehicles.”

Stephen Smith works almost exclusively with private individuals, many of whom have a high net worth.

However, with Stephen’s son Oliver Smith and mortgage adviser George Firmin both joining the firm in recent years, the firm’s breadth of expertise has increased, providing Smith Eliot with a range of relevant services to a much broader demographic of clients.

“We always seek to build strong relationships with clients, so now we can advise on everything from first-time house purchases to investments planning, tax advice, wealth management and eventually retirement planning.”

“We’ve 10 members of staff in-house including three advisors, and we’ve been established in the area since 1985 - in our current premises since 2012.

“AT A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY, THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICE WE PROVIDE CREATES A SENSE OF REASSURANCE IN OUR CLIENTS’ MINDS...”

Stephen Smith L.L.B.(Hons) DipPFS, Managing Director

“It’s our continuity of advisors and breadth of knowledge that serves as a real asset, especially in times of turbulence.”

“This month’s EU referendum, for example, will introduce some volatility to the financial sector, and will necessitate looking at the positioning of investments held.”

‘The buy to let market is also an investment sector whose tax implications are changing, and already we’re seeing some clients seeking to reduce their portfolio.”

“Changes to pensions including limits of how much high-earners can put away without tax implications, and the changing nature of unit trusts all have the potential to change the advice that we give,” says Stephen. “The principles of our advice are the same, but the parameters are certainly dynamic.”

“At a time of uncertainty, the quality of the service we provide, our frankness, availability and integrity all create a sense of reassurance in our clients’ minds.”

“Another source of reassurance to many of our clients is our additional services in corporate financial planning, such as guidance in pensions and protection for directors, tax relief and aspects of exit strategies.”

“Whatever stage of a client’s life, and no matter what their circumstances, the reassurance of trustworthy advice and the continuity of advice is something that’s appreciated by all of our clients.”

Senior Partner with over 35 years of experience and a specialist in providing advice in investment planning, inheritance tax planning as well as retirement planning. Oliver Smith DipPFS, Director “I joined Smith Eliot in January 2015 to bring to the company additional experience providing clients with mortgages, remortgages and advice on property matters, pensions and investments.” George Firmin DipPFS Mortgage Adviser

“I offer a transparent and thorough service to my clients to ensure easily comprehensible mortgage advice with an optimal outcome time after time.” The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

n Smith Eliot is based at 35 Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT. Call for an appointment on 01572 759759 or see www.smitheliotfinancialmanagement.co.uk. 155

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IN THE BLOOD

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- MOTORS -

THERE’S A NEW ASTON MARTIN, WITH THE FIRM’S GT PEDIGREE IN THE BLOOD. THE BRITISH FIRM’S NEW DB11 REPLACES THE DB9, A JUMP OF TWO FIGURES INDICATIVE OF THE DEGREE TO WHICH THE MODEL HAS EVOLVED. THE CAR DEBUTS ASTON’S NEW 5.2 LITRE ENGINE AND FRESH CABIN TECHNOLOGY... Words: Rob Davis.

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Evolution. It’s the reason we’re at the top of the food chain, the reason we’re no longer living in forests, whittling spoons, trying to start fires with sticks, and perhaps most fortuitously of all, the reason we get to drive beautiful motor cars such as those created by Aston Martin.

The company’s range of grand tourers, or GTs, evolve too, and the latest incarnation of its DB line - the lineage of which includes James Bond’s iconic DB5 - is on sale in the UK from this month. The DB11 replaces the DB9, its numeric nomenclature up by two positions to express the degree to which the model has evolved. There was, in fact, a DB10 but only in the film Spectre, which many regarded as a cinematic exemplar of what the DB11 would be.

The new model’s style is somewhat of an evolution, too, rather than a revolution. We think it’d be difficult to improve on the previous model, so we’re happy to retain broadly the same style, with a few tweaks like the DB11’s new clamshell bonnet, LED lights, new AeroBlade ‘virtual spoiler’ and fresh grille.

Under the bonnet, there’s an all-new engine reduced in displacement from a nice round six litres to just 5.2-litres, retaining 12 cylinders but making great use of no fewer than two turbochargers.

The setup yields 700nm of torque, making it the most powerful DB-badged Aston Martin yet. The 60mph dash is taken care of in just 3.9 seconds and the car is free of an artificial limiter, enabling it to reach 200mph if you were on a track.

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All that power is easily accessible via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with Aston Martin’s dashboard-mounted push-buttons for engaging drive, reverse, neutral or park. There’s also an all-new electric power steering system, and, as is de rigueur these days, a switch to change the adaptive dampers to GT, Sports or Sports + for increasingly aggressive handling. Inside there are yet more changes and perhaps more welcome ones. Certainly a criticism we’d level against the old DB9 was that it was beginning to seem a little left-behind in the technology stakes compared to a Mercedes SL, for example. That’s been addressed with a wealth of standard kit on the new car, with the usual heated, electrically adjustable leather seats and sat nav, parking sensors and sat nav

Above: The car’s engine has been slimmed down to ‘just’ 5.2 litres. It’s also a more practical car to own day to day.

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supplemented with more modern equipment like a 360° view camera, keyless entry, and wi-fi hub. There’s still an extensive options list, too, for those who wish to specify anything from the sublime (1,000w Bang & Olufsen sound system; auto park assist) to the ridiculous (a ‘celestial’ starlight ceiling; electrically adjustable arm rests).

incorporated more features for convenience, but we’re disappointed that the cabin still borrows switchgear from ‘lesser’ brands - the rotary controller with its touchpad, and the heating controls for example, have been lifted straight from a £30,000 Mercedes C-Class.

The scope for customising the DB11 is extensive, with two-tone interior schemes, five interior finishers, and quilted leather all available, along with on trend black alloy wheels and contrast colour roof strakes.

Arguably, though, if the system works - and it’s an improvement on the DB9’s sluggish infotainment system, that shouldn’t detract from the ownership experience too much. There’s still enough premium trim in the cabin, and the DB11 is a phenomenally good looking car, fast, with excellent handling.

The DB11’s cabin is generally better, too, training two (admittedly tiny) rear seats as well as the two front ones, with wider door apertures, more legroom, and more boot space too. Doubtless the new car has modernised the ownership experience and

Evolution is the philosophy underpinning the DB11’s beauty. If you already love DBs, you’ll certainly love this new, improved version. It’s a more modern interpretation of Aston Martin - fundamentally faithful to the spirit of a great motoring bloodline.

Aston Martin DB11

Price: £154,900. Engine: 5.2V12, 48 valve twin-turbo. Economy: TBC. Top Speed: 200mph, 0-60mph 3.9 seconds. Equipment: Leather, powered and heated memory seats. Climate control, cruise control, electric windows, mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, 360° camera, keyless entry, 400w sound system, Bluetooth, wi-fi. 159

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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

4. Course in old form may be trimmed (6) 6. Oscar’s in stir — result of excessive speed? (8) 9. Number one trapper in big city (6) 10. Work on the railway seconds after game (8) 11. Drive away tram – see bendy bus (11) 15. Pay almost anything to enter competition (5,2) 17. Say what someone said about academy having sufficient people (7) 18. Location while holding contest (11) 22. Take care of claim (8) 23. Burn final bit of timber retained by engine driver (6) 24. Take off a garment and go without (8) 25 Less open Conservative defeated opponent (6)

DOWN

1. It’s held up by little dog (6) 2. Russian symphony quite different when used by French film company (10) 3. Heartless reactions, awkward situation (8) 4. Bag with zip for a pig (8) 5. Swinger with ghastly nude in Victoria? (8) 7. Captain Jack’s last to replace learner in error (4) 8. Chat up eastern guru (4) 12. See prize (10) 13. Feuding family turning up in ruined castle (8) 14. Man of steel raised corps to support queen (8) 16. Ground zero with gun (8) 19. British PM ultimately wanting fight (6) 20. Old German with 7 (4) 21. Mike’s predecessor in capital (4)

1. His car (anag) (6) 4. Country — hat (6) 9. Smart alec (4,3) 10. Eclipse (5) 11. With everything counted (2,3) 12. Ponder — mirror (7) 13. Foot specialist (11) 18. Wool fat used in ointments (7) 20. Widen out like a bell (5) 22. Unclean (5) 23. Frankness (7) 24. Bear (6) 25. Thoroughfare (6)

DOWN

1. Marine gastropod with a shiny shell once used as money in some parts (6) 2. Bewildered (2,3) 3. Soldier — uniform (7) 5. Haughty (5) 6. Without guile (7) 7. Takes in (6) 8. Technique of growing plants in water without soil (11) 14. Square number (7) 15. No longer in working order (7) 16. Toboggan (6) 17. Lebanese capital (6) 19. Bed — hen (5) 21. Make amends (5)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

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