RutlandPride
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JULY 2016
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF 2016’S RUTLAND SHOW
SMITH ELIOT’S BOLLYWOOD BASH
COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
RutlandPride
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES
Don’t miss this month’s preview of the 2016 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials...
Sir Alan Duncan on our Future in the EU... THE INTERVIEW
ANGELA HARDING
Bird Artist based in the village of Wing... Page 154
SHAKESPEARE IN STAMFORD
Tolethorpe theatre’s 40th anniversary... Page 47
Eating Out in July
The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington & Kilworth House
Daniel Lambert Page 60
LOCAL STORIES
JULY 2016
Part of our quirky A-Z of Stamford & Rutland...
This Month: Welcome Home to a waterside country home in Edith Weston...
£3.70
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Rutland is a colourful county, full of lots of interesting - and varied characters. Take this month’s magazine for example.
JULIAN WILKINSON MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER
In the process of creating this month’s issue, we’ve enjoyed an absolutely fascinating interview with Sir Alan Duncan, MP for Rutland and Melton, we’ve met Angela Harding, the print artist based, quite appropriately, in Wing who takes birds as her inspiration, and we’re enjoying blood-curdling drama with the cast of the Stamford Shakespeare Company’s production of Macbeth. That’s certainly made for a colourful edition, and so has the presence of a Bollywood bash at Rutland Water Golf Course, held by Smith Eliot. We’ve covered the event, and we’ve exclusive images from the 2016 Rutland Show, in this edition too. Elsewhere, we’re enjoying quality dining at the perennially excellent Marquess of Exeter and at the beautiful Kilworth House Hotel.
ROB DAVIS, EDITOR 01529 469977, editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
RutlandPride
JULY 2016
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF 2016’S RUTLAND SHOW
SMITH ELIOT’S BOLLYWOOD BASH
COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES
£3.70
Sir Alan Duncan on our Future in the EU... THE INTERVIEW
ANGELA HARDING
Bird Artist based in the village of Wing... Page 154
SHAKESPEARE IN STAMFORD Tolethorpe theatre’s 40th anniversary... Page 47
Eating Out in July
The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington & Kilworth House
Daniel Lambert Page 60
LOCAL STORIES
Part of our quirky A-Z of Stamford & Rutland...
This Month: Welcome Home to a waterside country home in Edith Weston...
COVER PHOTO
We’re always looking for great covers - if you’re a budding photographer, send your pictures of local landscapes, animals or county scenes to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
Also in this edition, we’ve summer weddings, summer fashions and summer events too... not least among which is The Burghley Horse Trials, which we’ll preview later in this edition. And finally, we’ve an A-Z of everything ‘Rutland’ - proof, if proof were needed, that the county really does provide ‘multum in parvo.’
Rob Davis, Editor.
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RutlandPride
JULY 2016
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF 2016’S RUTLAND SHOW
SMITH ELIOT’S BOLLYWOOD BASH
COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES
£3.70
Sir Alan Duncan on our Future in the EU... THE INTERVIEW
ANGELA HARDING
Bird Artist based in the village of Wing... Page 154
SHAKESPEARE IN STAMFORD Tolethorpe theatre’s 40th anniversary... Page 47
Eating Out in July
The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington & Kilworth House
Daniel Lambert Page 60
LOCAL STORIES
Part of our quirky A-Z of Stamford & Rutland...
This Month: Welcome Home to a waterside country home in Edith Weston...
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!
Pride Magazines Elm Grange Studios East Heckington, Boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978
www.pridemagazines.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk
Page 154: 154 Wing based artist Angela Harding.
Contents
06 16 20 30 60 78 128 154
July 2016
This month’s NEWS section and WHAT’S ON guide provides a comprehensive a roundup of what’s happening across the area. Enjoy our exclusive images of this year’s RUTLAND SHOW, capturing all of the action and heritage from England’s smallest county. Finally, we’re rounding off with an A-Z OF RUTLAND proving that the county is a true reflection of its motto, multum in parvo.
On the eve of the EU referendum, we’ve an exclusive interview with SIR ALAN DUNCAN, local MP and a reformed Eurosceptic. Our FOOD AND DRINK pages this month see us paying a visit to Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter and to Kilworth House.
July’s HOMES AND GARDENS section this month features a waterside property in Edith Weston, and lighting ideas with Broughtons. We’ve WEDDING ADVICE from experts this month, as well as SUMMER FASHIONS and beauty recommendations too. Meet ANGELA HARDING, the Rutland artist who takes birds as her inspiration and vinyl printing as her medium.
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County News RAF Cottesmore Sgt Starts Third Season Flying High... Royal Air Force serviceman Sgt Neil Connell from Stamford starts his third season with the RAF Falcons Parachute Display team...
RAF Cottesmore’s Neil Connell this month starts his third display season with the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team.
Neil is a former pupil of Stamford College and set his sights high when he left the school, looking to join the parachute display team.
Neil completed his training at RAF Cosford before being posted to RAF Cottesmore where he had to ensure the fitness levels of all RAF personnel. He was then posted to RAF Brize Norton to the Parachute Training School after wanting to get involved in parachute jumping.
This year, Neil will complete his third and final display season with the RAF.
Intrepid trio in Stamford take on another climbing challenge...
Stamford’s intrepid trio of friends, John Willoughby, Steve Marsh and Ian Scott are setting their sights higher after completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in 2014.
The team are kitting up to take on Mount Kilimanjaro later this year, during an intense seven day trek.
The friends have an average of 60. They’re funding the costs of the trip themselves but they’re using the challenge to raise money for the NSPCC.
Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and tallest freestanding mountain in the world.
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Whissendine Celebrates as vital Post Office Returns Villagers finally see the return of post office after losing the battle to keep it five years ago...
For over 50 years, the military’s parachute display team, has delivered many high profile and fast paced displays 12,000ft up in the sky across Britain and abroad.
Each member is specially selected, and in addition to putting on displays for the public to enjoy, they also undertake training to prepare them for advanced parachute jumping instructor roles, where they are responsible for delivering operationally focused parachute training for the entire United Kingdom Military Service.
Over the summer, Neil will take part in over 70 displays across Britain and Europe with the RAF Falcons parachute display team.
Whissendine is celebrating this month as their vital village post office returns to the area.
The village lost its battle to keep the post office five years and now that it is returning to the village store on Main Street, villagers are delighted. The post office will be integrated into the retail counter of the village store, with an open plan counter, and it will offer travel money, telecoms, mail, and cash withdrawals.
“We recognised the gap in our existing branch network and are delighted to be opening a local branch, with extended opening hours and a Sunday service, to meet the needs of the community,” says field change advisor Adrian Paling. n Pictured is the village of Whissendine, with its windmill standing prominently in the centre.
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Send your press releases and county news to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.
Teen Returns after Serious Rugby Injury in Cape Town
£3.5m Construction Centre in Stamford School Opens
18 year old George Robinson from Stamford has finally returned home a year after suffering a serious injury on a school rugby tour...
Brand new £3,500,000 Construction and Automotive Skills Centre at New College Stamford has been opened by Nick Boles, Minister of State for Skills...
Stamford School student and avid rugby player George Robinson has finally returned to Stamford after a serious injury whilst on tour in South Africa. After going in for a tackle, George caused a transection of his spinal cord. He was immediately sent to a South African hospital and spent over a month recovering and undergoing surgery. He was then flown back to the UK to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in n Stamford pupils showed great spirit at the 10th Scootathon, which saw the children scoot, bike and run to raise funds for the schools. n Somerby and Twyford are two villages to the west of Rutland. Last month the beacons in the villages were lit for the Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations.
n Oakham’s traditional homes are currently being developed by Honwood Homes, and last month their first resident was handed the keys to home in Spinney Hill.
n Rutland’s annual walking and cycling festival was a tremendous success, taking place from May through to mid-June. It’s a great event to encourage people to get out and explore the outdoors, and Rutland’s landscape.
Cambridge for five weeks before transferring to the Princess Royal spinal unit in Sheffield. He’s still in the Sheffield spinal hospital at the moment undergoing rehabilitation but his dad has just announced that George is preparing to come home as Pride goes to press. He intends to return to Stamford School when he gets home to continue his A-level studies. n You can donate directly to George’s support campaign at www.justgiving.com/teamgeorge2015. n Bourne welcomed Bargain Hunt last month. Anita Manning presented the show with local auctioneer and fellow Bargain Hunt expert Colin Young presiding as auctioneer.
n Empingham school Wilds Lodge have recently designed a bag for life. Pupils and staff teamed up to create the bag and were given the Green Eco Flag award because of their success. All money raised will go to Dalit Children in India.
n Leicester’s ‘Glastonbury’ took place last month after the football team came out on top in the Premier League, for the first time in its history. The event that took place to celebrate the success saw 240,000 people turn out. Open top buses stopped at Victoria Park and were met with a sea of fans - a crowd as big as those at Glastonbury festival.
Stamford has a new state-of-the-art build that replicates real trade workshops and provides students with all the professional tools, equipment and guidance to prepare them with the practical skills they need to be successful in their chosen industry.
The centre, home to students that are currently studying, plumbing, bricklaying, painting and decorating, carpentry and motor vehicles was officially opened by the Grantham and Stamford MP and Minister of State for Skills, Nick Boles, who was hugely impressed by what he had seen.
“As a minister there is nothing better than being able to refer to great performance in your own constituency,” says Nick.
Principal Janet Meenaghan said the facility, which features
eco-friendly air-source heating and grey-water recycling, is one of the best of its kinds in the country.
“The plan began more than three years ago,” says Meenaghan. “What we wanted was a modern, high-quality learning environment for our students and that is what we got. It’s the best construction and automotive facility I’ve seen at any college and I’ve seen a lot.” Previous to the new build, the construction students practiced their trade in off-site workshops in Stamford.
Bringing all trade courses back to the main campus means that construction students can now reap the benefits of college life as well as learning in an industry standard multi-million pound facility. n For more information, please visit www.stamford.ac.uk.
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County News Government Grants are Gifted to the Girl Guides Nearly £20,000 of new grants are being shared between two community projects in Rutland
Whissendine Church of England Primary School and the Girl Guides Headquarters based in Stamford will receive almost £20,000 of vital funds in government grants funded by the lottery project.
The Girl Guides are receiving
the money to urgently repair their leaking roof.
Meanwhile, the Church of England Primary School in Whissendine will spend £10,000 of the funds on building an all weather outdoor shelter for their pupils to play in.
160 years of experience joins law firm JMP Solicitors Nine new members of staff have joined law firm JMP Solicitors recently, offering an even higher level of professionalism and help within the law sector...
Leading law firm JMP Solicitors has announced nine new names to join it’s headquarters based at the Autumn Park Business Centre on Dysart Road in Grantham. The nine have over 160 years of legal experience between them. Highly regarded commercial lawyer, Sonia Braybrook, joins to head up the Business Services division having spent many years in Westminster as
an in-house lawyer for the Department of Transport. With just over 30 years’ experience in property/land transactions, knowledgeable, Alan Carley leads the conveyancing team. Alan joins JMP Solicitors from Grantham practice, Fraser Wise & Co. n For more information on their high quality services, call 01476 565295 or visit www.jmp-solicitors.com.
THE BOOK CLUB This month, we’re looking at books that celebrate Rutland life... The Rutland Water Ospreys, Tim Mackrill
Anglian Water’s project to reintroduce the Osprey to England has been an outstanding success, but is also a very personal project for the volunteers who have been involved in the Ospreys’ journey from Scotland to Africa via Rutland. Tim Mackrill, senior reserve officer at Rutland Water, is the author.
Rutland, G. Phillips
Originally published during the early part of the twentieth century, the Cambridge County Geographies were designed to provide a series of concise guides to British regions. Aimed at the general reader, they combined a comprehensive approach to various aspects of physical and human geography with an emphasis on clarity.
Public Sculpture of Leicestershire and Rutland, Terry Cavanagh
This book provides a comprehensive survey of the surprisingly rich heritage of publicly accessible monuments and sculptures in the area. The area although endowed with few examples of portrait statues, has a diverse and significant collection of other types.
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Rutland Through Time, Stephen Butt
Old photographs from the Jack Hart Collection in Rutland County Museum are paired with modern views of the same locations today. They invite the reader to enjoy, explore and value the unique charm and long history of this special part of Britain, from medieval Lyddington Bede House to Victorian grandeur of the Harringworth Viaduct.
The Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, Andrew Harrop
The County Avifaunas are a growing series of books, each of which gives details of the status and range of every species, with a detailed breakdown of rarity records. Each has introductory sections describing the county’s ecology and habitats, climate, ornithological history and conservation record.
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NE
W
£475,000
CASTLE BYTHAM, LINCOLNSHIRE
A MUCH IMPROVED SINGLE STOREY BARN CONVERSION SITUATED ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE POPULAR LINCOLNSHIRE VILLAGE 2
5
3
EPC Rating: D
NE
W
£600,000
WILSTHORPE, LINCOLNSHIRE
A HANDSOME PERIOD BARN DATING FROM THE 1700S, BUILT OF LOCAL STONE WITH BRICK-WORK DETAIL. THE HOUSE IS LOCATED IN AN IDEAL SEMI-RURAL LOCATION BORDERING OPEN FIELDS WITH LOVELY COUNTRY VIEWS 5
5
2
Fine & Country 2 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DE Telephone: (01780) 750200 Email: stamford@fineandcounty.com www.fineandcountry.com
EPC Rating: E
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NE
W
£500,000
STRETTON, RUTLAND A CHARMING VILLAGE PROPERTY WITH A LIGHT-FILLED INTERIOR & SECLUDED GARDEN 3
4
2
EPC Rating: D
NE
W
£625,000
CASTLE BYTHAM, LINCOLNSHIRE
A LIGHT AND SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME WITH EXTENSIVE FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION, WHICH GIVES THE POTENTIAL TO ADAPT TO A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES 2
4
3
EPC Rating: C
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THE OLD RECTORY, SOMERBY
GUIDE PRICE £850,000
UNDER OFFER – SIMILAR PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED
The Old Rectory is a characterful detached family home offering flexible accommodation with well-proportioned rooms, high ceilings and elegant sash windows sitting in the heart of the popular Leicestershire village of Somerby.
• Entrance Hall • Formal Stair Case • Formal Dining Room • Drawing Room • Snug/ Study • Open Plan Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Rear Hall • WC • Utility Room • Back Stairs
• Master Bedroom with En-Suite • Guest Bedroom • Family Bathroom • Two Further Double Bedrooms • First Floor WC • Garage • Outbuilding & Coal Store • Beautifully Landscaped Large Garden • Ample Off Road Parking
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34-38 The Square Market Harborough LE16 7PA
01858 433123
marketharborough@struttandparker.com
www.struttandparker.com
Edith Weston
Guide Pride
A beautifully set country house, listed Grade II, in an enviable position beside Rutland water 4 Reception Rooms | 6 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Annexe | Outbuildings
Strutt & Parker estate agents and property consultants work in partnership with clients to deliver their goals – whether their interests are in residential, commercial, rural or development property.
ÂŁ2,250,000
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H IT D W AN L
CAREBY Guide Price £1.49million 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.
W E N
W E N
PILSGATE
EDITH WESTON Guide Price £1.40million 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.
£950,000
Spacious and immaculately presented 1950's Country Residence set on a plot of approx. 1.0 A with beautiful south-facing gardens enjoying spectacular panoramic rural views. The property offers a generously proportioned and beautifully appointed accommodation which features an array of high quality fixtures and fittings. 2 Reception Rooms, superb Breakfast Kitchen, 5 dbl Bedrooms, Dressing Room, en-suite Bathroom, Shower Room; dbl Garage, ample parking. Energy Rating: E.
SOMERBY
£525,000
Substantial stone-built period house situated a short distance from the village church and providing spacious four-double-bedroom accommodation set over three levels with a wealth of character features. 3 Reception Rooms, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Cloakroom/WC, Workshop, Cellar, 4 dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Games Room. Single Garage, parking, gardens. Energy Rating: F
W E N
LYDDINGTON Offers in Excess of £500,000 Stunning Grade II listed detached cottage refurbished to an exceptional standard. Notable features are too numerous to mention but include stone flooring with under-floor heating, exposed stonework, period fireplaces with antique Georgian cast iron grates, beamed ceilings, Bakelite-style light switches and fitted plantation window blinds. 2 Reception Rooms, 3 Bedrooms, En suite, Bathroom. EPC Exempt.
WHISSENDINE Guide Pride £495,000 Fully licensed and established TOURING CARAVAN PARK with superb facilities and the benefit of a modern well presented 4-bedroomed house, all set in a beautiful rural location, surrounded by farmland, just 0.5 mile outside Whissendine. Greendale is a multi-award winning Caravan & Camping Park having consent for 16 summer pitches and 5 pitches during the winter months. Accompanying facilities: Shower Block, Shop, outdoor Swimming Pool. Energy Rating: TBC.
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Yarwell – £639,000
An individual detached family home in a tucked away location and positioned on a generous plot of just over 0.4 acres going down to a small stream with lovely open views over rolling countryside towards Wansford. Extended by the current vendors the accommodation is over two floors and comprises spacious entrance hall, 4 reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen with built in appliances and Aga, utility room and cloakroom. The principal reception rooms are all to the rear and have views over the large gardens. To the first floor the master bedroom has built in wardrobes and ensuite shower room, 3 further bedrooms, an additional occasional bedroom and 2 bathrooms, study/playroom. The living room has an open fire and the property benefits from oil fired central heating with a recently installed boiler. Externally there is a double garage and enclosed front gardens. The rear gardens are split level and gently slope down to the small stream.
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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk
The Rutland Show
All of the entertainment from our 184th County Show... The 2016 Rutland Show was held as Pride was about to go to press, but we’ve managed to squeeze in some images from the event... and what an event it proved to be! From artisan food and drink in The Larder to a parade of livestock and antique & modern vehicles plus rural exhibitions and demonstrations, the event always showcases the very best the county has to offer. This was the third year at the agricultural show’s new site, just off Burley Park Way, and it certainly proved bigger and better than in previous years. Rutland Pride was delighted to have met so many readers and clients, so thank you to all who came to our marquee to say hello. n View all of our images online and purchase prints at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
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.
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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk
Feature your event in our magazine. 18
Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...
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Purchase photographs from this event online. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
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A-Z
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- RUTLAND -
The
of Rutland
WE’RE CELEBRATING RUTLAND THIS MONTH WITH AN ALPHABET OF HISTORY, HERITAGE, NATURE AND CULTURE. FROM HUNTS TO HORSESHOES, RUTLAND HAS SO MANY GREAT STORIES, LEGACIES, TRADITIONS AND SO MANY GREAT PEOPLE. THIS MONTH WE’RE PUTTING Words: Tilly Wilkinson. GREATER MEANING TO THE COUNTY MOTTO ‘MULTUM IN PARVO...’
A is for Alan Duncan...
B is for Birdfair...
The British Birdwatching Fair or Birdfair is an annual event for birdwatchers, held every August at Rutland Water in England. It is often described as the birder’s version of Glastonbury.
Sir Alan Duncan is a Conservative Party politician. He is the MP for Rutland and Melton. Duncan began his career in the oil industry with Royal Dutch Shell before becoming an MP. David Cameron appointed him Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 2005, now the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. He was removed from the Cabinet and appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George following the Government reshuffle in 2014.
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A large number of suppliers of binoculars, cameras, books, clothing and other birdwatching equipment, plus artists and tour companies, display and sell their wares, and there are lectures and other attractions. Bill Oddie often attends the event, and past years have seen the likes of Chris Packham and Nick Baker.
C is for Cottesmore...
D is for Daniel Lambert... Daniel Lambert was a gaol keeper and animal breeder in the 18th century from Leicester famous for his unusually large size.
The Cottesmore Hunt, which hunts mostly in Rutland, is one of the oldest foxhound packs in Britain. Its name comes from the village of Cottesmore where the hounds were kennelled. They’re now kennelled in Ashwell.
The Cottesmore Hunt's origins may be traced back to 1666. Three hunt-class warships of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Cottesmore after the hunt.
E is for Empingham...
Empingham is one of the many pretty villages dotted around Rutland. It lies close to Rutland Water. During construction, Rutland Water
He was a keen sportsman and extremely strong; on one occasion he fought a bear in the streets of Leicester. He was widely respected for his expertise with dogs, horses and fighting cocks.
Above: Daniel Lambert. Main: Cottesmore Hunt, image credited to Nico Morgan.
was originally know as Empingham Reservoir but it was renamed Rutland Water to preserve the name of the county as it was merged with Leicestershire. The Battle of Empingham was fought in 1470 as part of the Wars of the Roses.
In 1809, he died suddenly in Stamford. At the time of his death he weighed 52 stone and 11 pounds, and his coffin required 112 square feet of wood.
>>
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- RUTLAND -
F is for Fly Fishing...
Fly fishing is an angling method in which an artificial fly is used to catch fish. The fly is cast using a fly rod, reel, and specialised weighted line. Casting a nearly weightless fly or lure requires casting techniques significantly different from other forms of casting. Fly fishermen use hand tied flies that resemble natural invertebrates, baitfish, other food organisms, or lures to provoke the fish to bite at the fly. Rutland Water is obviously the perfect location for the water
sport, and Rutland Fly Fishing Adventures, founded and run by Rob Waddington, provides the perfect opportunity to make the most out of the reservoir. You can receive fly fishing tuition if you’re new to the sport, you can go on trips or guided services, popular with tourists wanting to try something new when visiting Rutland, and Rob also holds group and corporate fly fishing events.
Main: Fly fishing on Rutland Water with Rob Waddington.
RUTLAND WATER IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR FLY FISHING, A UNIQUE ANGLING METHOD THAT USES AN ARTIFICIAL FLY...
H is for Horseshoes...
Horseshoes remain a unique tradition that peers of the realm should forfeit a horse shoe to the Lord of the Manor of Oakham on their first visit to the town. 230 shoes currently decorate the walls of Oakham Castle. A horse shoe also appears on the arms of the county council and on the county flag.
G is for Gardens... Barnsdale Gardens are situated on The Avenue in Exton, a short distance north of Rutland Water. It consists of 38 individual gardens on an eight acre site. Barnsdale Gardens was made famous by Geoff Hamilton through the BBC television series Gardeners’ World which he presented from 1979 until his death in 1996 after suffering from a heart attack on a charity bike ride. There’s a bust of Geoff Hamilton at
Barnsdale Gardens in their memorial garden. The gardens provide an inspiring range of garden styles and planting schemes. It’s a place for families or gardeners to visit. Barnsdale is an inspiring place to visit at any time of the year and it is Britain’s largest collection of individually designed gardens. Barnsdale hosts all sorts of events and many gardening courses too throughout the year. It also has a plants shop and gift shop, and it has a tea room that seats around 120 people.
I is for Independence...
Rutland is now an independent county but it hasn’t always been so. From 1974 until 1997, Rutland was part of the county of Leicestershire. However it is now a proudly independent county and in 2007 celebrated a decade of independence.
J is for Jeffrey...
Sir Jeffrey Hudson was an English court dwarf at the court of Queen Henrietta Maria in the 17th century. He was known as Lord Minimus, and was considered a wonder of the age because of his extreme but proportioned smallness. He fought with the Royalists in the English Civil War and fled with the Queen to France but was expelled from her court when he killed a man in a duel. He was captured by Barbary pirates and spent 25 years as a slave in North Africa before being ransomed back to England.
Horseshoe: Queen Elizabeth II presented her horseshoe to Oakham in 1967 on her visit. Roundels: Jeffrey Hudson and Oakham Castle’s horseshoes. Opposite: Normanton Church.
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K is for Ketton...
Ketton is another Rutland village. The 2011 Census recorded a parish population of 1,926, making it the fourth largest settlement in Rutland, after Oakham, Uppingham and Cottesmore. Ketton was originally Chetene meaning ‘on the banks of the River Chater.’ It was originally three separate settlements - Ketton, Aldgate and Geeston - but as they grew they merged to form the village that Ketton is today. Robert of Ketton was an English medieval theologian, astronomer, translator and Arabist. He was the first person to translate the Qur'an into Latin. The translation was complete by 1143. The village also gives its name to Ketton Stone, a limestone which is quarried locally and is used in many buildings in the village and elsewhere. Some areas of former quarrying are now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, maintained by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.
L is for Lyddington Bede House...
Lyddington Bede House is a historic house in Rutland, owned and opened to the public by English Heritage. The existing Grade I listed
N is for Normanton...
Normanton is a village on the eastern shore of Rutland Water mainly known for its church. In the 1970s much of the parish
M is for Multum...
building is a part of a former palace of the Bishops of Lincoln, situated next to the church in the village of Lyddington, before it was transformed into a Bede House.
Rutland is well know for being the smallest historic county in England and the fourth smallest in the UK as a whole. Because of this, the Latin motto Multum in Parvo was adopted by the county council in 1950.
The watch tower or gazebo is separately listed as Grade I and the boundary walls are Grade II. The site is a scheduled ancient monument.
was flooded by the construction of the Rutland Water reservoir. St Matthew’s Church was a private chapel for the Normanton Estate, but it was de-consecrated in 1970, and was to be demolished as part of the reservoir construction.
RUTLAND IS THE SMALLEST COUNTY IN THE UK. BECAUSE OF THIS, MULTUM IN PARVO IS OUR MOTTO WHICH MEANS ‘MUCH IN LITTLE...”
The motto means ‘much in little’ meaning Rutland, although small, can offer so much. However, following a public outcry, an embankment was built around the church leaving it a prominent feature on the water’s edge. The structure is now used as a venue for civil weddings and concerts.
Above in Roundel: Lyddington Bede House.
Right: Rutland County Council’s logo.
Left: The Qu’ran, first translated by a man from Ketton.
This stands to be true with the well-being report in 2012 by the Office for National Statistics naming Rutland the happiest county in the UK. It was also named as Britain’s best rural place to live in 2015 too.
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- RUTLAND -
O is for Opsreys...
Q is for Queen...
Rutland Water is home to the first Ospreys to breed in England for 150 years, after a translocation programme. They’re observed from their arrival from Africa in Spring, through to their Autumn migration. You can learn more about the magnificent bird of prey at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
Queen Isabella actually owned the county in the 13th century.
The 184th Rutland County Show took place on Sunday 5th June.
Rutland first appears as a unique entity in 1155, and as a county in 1204, when King John assigned it as a dowry to Queen Isabella.
There was so much to see and enjoy at this years’ show with fabulous Main Ring attractions throughout the day, including a fast and furious Scurry Driving
Isabella was granted the title Servant of God by the Catholic Church in 1974. Powerful landowners owned much of Rutland in the medieval period, the most prominent being the de Brus and later, the Harington families.
“RUTLAND WATER IS ONE OF THE LARGEST ARTIFICIAL LAKES IN EUROPE. BY SURFACE AREA IT IS THE LARGEST RESERVOIR IN THE WHOLE OF BRITAIN...”
2016 is a special year for the reserve and for the ospreys, as it is the 20th anniversary of the Rutland Osprey Project.
HM Prison Stocken is a Category C men’s prison located in Stretton.
Artisan food and drink was available in ‘The Larder’ food court and creative chefs held workshops.
The prison today has a regime that includes education, both full-time and part-time, workshops, training courses, gardens, recycling and a maintenance department. Other features include a Listener Scheme, a drug-free wing, a Therapeutic Community wing, Resettlement Unit, and an Offender Management and Interventions Unit.
Rutland Water is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. By surface area it is the largest reservoir in the whole of Britain, but by capacity it is exceeded by
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Competition, Sheep dog trials and Birds of Prey, culminating with a magnificent Grand Parade of Livestock Champions.
With exhibitions and demonstrations running throughout the day, this year they welcomed Leicester Poultry Group alongside the traditional cattle, sheep, goats and equestrian classes.
P is for Prison...
R is for Reservoir...
S is for Show...
The Tractor Pulling event and the Sheep Show encored this year featuring their brilliant dog and duck display. Over 100 unique trade stands and craft stalls also exhibited at the Rutland County Show, including us!
Kielder Water which is a man made lake in Northumberland. The reservoir is used not just for water storage, but is a popular sports centre. Set in 3,100 acres of countryside, it has a 25-mile perimeter track for walking and visitors may hire a bicycle, and it’s popular for water sports too. Pictured is the Rutland Belle which provides tours around the reservoir.
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“RUTLAND WATER IS HOME TO THE FIRST OSPREYS TO BREED IN ENGLAND FOR 150 YEARS...”
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T is for Tolethorpe Hall...
Tolethope Hall in Little Casterton is a country house near Stamford. It is now the location of the Rutland Theatre of the Stamford Shakespeare Company. For 800 years from around 1088 until 1839 it was the home of three distinguished families, the de Tolethorpes, the Burtons and finally the Brownes. The estate was acquired in the 1850s by the Eatons, a Stamford banking family. They sold it in 1967 to a Cambridgeshire farmer who sold it to Michael Racher in 1972 who in 1977 sold the near derelict hall and a few acres of land to the Stamford Shakespeare Company. The hall and its gardens are now noted as an outdoor Shakespearian theatre. The hall itself stands on the middle of three terraces cut in sloping ground. Its raked auditorium is arranged on the lower one, looking outward across the lower terrace which forms the open air stage behind which, is the open country of the Gwash Valley. The grounds of Tolethorpe cover about seven acres. The auditorium is permanently covered. The Stamford Shakespeare Company presents a three month season each summer. Normally there are two Shakespeare plays and one by another playwright. The plays for 2017 include Macbeth, the Tempest and Wind in the Willows.
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- RUTLAND -
U is for Uppingham...
Uppingham is the second largest town in Rutland, alongside Oakham which is about six miles north. The market square is transformed once a year into the only fatstock show still to be held in temporary penning in a traditional market town. The first recorded show was in 1889. The event attracts farmers from all over the county who come to exhibit their prize livestock.
V is for Viaduct...
Welland Viaduct, also known as the Harringworth or sometimes the Seaton Viaduct, is a railway viaduct which crosses the valley of the River Welland between Northamptonshire and Seaton in Rutland. The first brick was laid in March 1876 and the last arch was finished in July 1878. It has 82 arches, it is the longest masonry viaduct across a valley in Britain and it’s also a Grade II listed building.
W is for Welland...
The River Welland is some 65 miles long and flows through Rutland. It drains part of the Midlands eastwards to The Wash. The river flows generally northeast to Market Harborough, Stamford and Spalding, to reach The Wash near Fosdyke. It’s a major waterway across part of the Fens. The River Welland is very beautiful in parts of Rutland and wildlife in and around the river varies along its length.
X is for Expatriates...
Expatriates of Uppingham School and Oakham School are plentiful. To name just a few, Hugh Jackman was a teaching assistant at Uppingham, Rowan Atkinson studied there and so too did his Blackadder friend Stephen Fry. Other Uppinghamians include chef Rick Stein, property expert Phil Spencer, and presenter and doctor Christian Jessen. Old Oakhamians include actor Matthew Macfadyen, comedian Miles Jupp and producer Andy Harries.
Above: Welland River.
Left: The Seaton Viaduct.
Right: Hugh Jackman was teaching assistant at Uppingham School for a year.
Z is for Zoo...
Bugtopia is a family owned small zoo. It was formed in 2012, taking over the former butterfly centre. It’s not just a zoo for bugs though, with crocodiles, lizards, frilled dragons and scorpions sharing the space. There are some birds there such as java sparrows. Visitors can hear them tweeting throughout the zoo. Other animals include the civet, related to the fossa and binturong. Some of the bugs you’ll see include leaf cutter ants, bumblebees and other creepy crawlies.
Y is for Yew Tree Avenue...
The topiary at Yew Tree Avenue, once the carriage drive to Clipsham Hall, had been maintained by the Forestry Commission for a number of years. The avenue stretched for 500 metres with some 150 shaped yew trees leading towards the Hall, a Grade II* listed mansion set in a landscaped park. Many of the trees are over 200 years old and were trimmed since the late 19th-century into various shapes depicting birds and animals on the tops and designs in relief on the sides. Unfortunately, the topiary is no longer maintained.
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“BUGTOPIA IS A ZOO IN RUTLAND THAT TOOK OVER THE BUTTERFLY PARK IN 2012...” Main: Rick Stein, Old Uppinghamian.
Inset: A frilled dragon from Bugtopia.
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A TIMELINE OF RUTLAND’S HISTORY 1030 - Edward the Confessor bequeaths Rutland to his wife Edith, which explains why one of Rutland’s villages is called Edith Weston.
1190 - Walkelin de Ferrers builds Oakham Castle. After centuries, Oakham Castle still stands but only as the Main Hall of the original motte and bailey castle.
1548 - Archdeacon Johnson establishes Uppingham School. One of the oldest schools in the country and it’s still there and is still used as a school today. 1740 - The Cottesmore Hunt is created. The original hounds were bought by Sir William Lowther.
1970 - Parliamentary approval is given for the creation of Rutland Water. Despite opposition from local farmers, the River Gwash valley is flooded which today is a thriving nature reserve.
1974 - Rutland ceases to be England’s smallest county, and is merged into Leicestershire, though the county’s road signs remain. 1995 - Oakham School, formerly an Elizabethan Grammar school, is formed in buildings in the heart of the county town and in 1995, it was the first British public school online.
1997 - The county of Rutland, and the city of Leicester gain unitary status. Oakham is again Rutland’s county town. Roundel: The county flag.
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- RT HON. SIR ALAN DUNCAN MP -
ALAN DUNCAN IS APPROACHING 25 YEARS IN HIS ROLE AS MP FOR RUTLAND AND MELTON. A GOOD DEAL HAS HAPPENED IN THAT TIME, INCLUDING A VOLTE-FACE ON THE EU. THIS MONTH THE FORMER EUROSCEPTIC WILL VOTE TO REMAIN UNIFIED WITH EUROPE AS PRIDE GOES TO PRESS. HERE’S WHY... Words: Rob Davis. NI was Eurosceptic for 40 years and I always thought that when this referendum came I would vote to leave,” says Alan Duncan, on the cusp not just of a crucial vote on the future of the EU, but also, on the cusp of a quarter of a century spent working as MP for Rutland and Melton.
“The thing about a referendum is that it just makes you take stock of where you are and what your thoughts are.”
Where Alan is, right now, remains the same as it has done for nearly a quarter of a century... both politically and geographically. He’s in the kitchen of the beautiful ironstone cottage on the border of Rutland and Leicestershire he shares with civil partner James and cockapoo Noodle. Having been away on business for a couple of weeks, Alan has driven up from London with Noodle, a pint of milk and the local papers. Friday is a constituency day, it’s about 9am and he’s treating himself to a well-deserved bacon butty.
He’s been elected to serve as MP for the area in 1992, then in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Let’s face it, it’s very unlikely that Rutlanders are going to swing ideologically to a Corbyn-led Labour, or to UKIP.
THE EU
TURN It’s surely the safest seat in the UK, right? “Rutland and Melton is a safe seat - relatively - but I never take that for granted and you have to work hard. I think we’re a stable and settled area, and we’ve a strong council base. We’ve got to retain that.”
Despite serving as the Prime Minister’s envoy to Yemen, where he’s conducting peace talks in Kuwait, and despite sitting on the Joint Intelligence & Security Committee, the Middle East expert is still careful to concentrate on issues closer to home, too. Issues like securing a guarantee that Stamford’s Belvoir Close will retain its children’s playground which, by comparison, seems like a little issue, until Alan corrects me. “There’s no such thing as a little issue in your constituency. No such thing as a little playground in my book. That to me is exactly the sort
“WE ARE NOW MORE INTERDEPENDENT WITH EUROPE, AND THE COST OF LEAVING WOULD BE MASSIVE...”
of issue I love to get stuck into. You can solve the problem by understanding what contracts are, who’s in charge... you can fix the problem.” As opposed to something like Europe, which is a bit trickier. In the last referendum on Europe, in 1975, Alan voted ‘No.’ The wish to govern ourselves, he says, is a perfectly respectable one. So how come, this month, the MP will be voting to remain in the EU in the referendum that takes place as Pride goes to press? And what happens next? “So, I sat down and really thought about it. I realised that most people think as I do are suffering from a sort of post-imperial sense of hurt pride. We don’t like being told what to do by the Germans and the French.”
“We somehow think if only we could get rid of them all, we could be a great and glorious self-governing country again. But the world has changed.”
“We are more interdependent with Europe, and the economic cost of leaving would be massive. Currently, we still control the vast majority of our existence and we’ve agreed to share the decisions with our European partners on some things, so I think if we >>
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- RT HON. SIR ALAN DUNCAN MP -
>> “A unified Europe is a better position from which to stabilise the Middle East. So how do we do that? Firstly we have to stop ignorant attacks on countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. We need stability in the Gulf countries. The EU, as a body, is an important one in trying to ensure peace in Syria, Libya and Iraq. These are political, rather than defence or Nato challenges.”
leave the EU it’s going to cost a hell of a lot of money.” “Today’s world is markedly different from 40 years ago. Markets are more global and sophisticated, communism has collapsed, technological advance has been staggering, and countries across the globe are more linked and interdependent than ever before. This means that turmoil in any one country has consequences for others.” “The lure of Brexit is that it would deliver for the UK a tidy alternative to EU membership, and that restored self-government would empower our economic prospects and help insulate the UK from global difficulties. Our democracy would be purified, our border controls would solve the problem of immigration, and we would prosper as an economy untrammelled by others’ rules. The trouble is: I don’t think any of that is true.” “We’re in a sweet position at the minute in that we’re able to retain our own currency. We could exist on our own, but that would come at a very high price.”
Alan argues that beyond the economic implications, a European community with solidarity and stability is better for negotiating peace in a troubled Middle East.
“GOING IT ALONE WOULD DECREASE OUR STATURE. I THINK THAT ALL OF OUR MAJOR ALLIES WOULD BE BAFFLED BY THE DECISION...”
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“It’s a Middle East problem much more than it is a European problem. People say they don’t like migrants coming to the UK, but they love the Romanian waitress, and they’re very pleased to have the Polish plumber at their house.” “Also, we think we can chuck out every Romanian or Latvian or Polish person. That’s not the case, and what should the Spanish do with all the Brits in Marbella? The French have already alluded to their reluctance to maintain borders at Calais if we’re to exit, as well. They’d be happier to let the migrants come across.”
“In a very dangerous world with collapsing states around the edge of the Mediterranean - like Syria, Iraq, Libya - these problems, including the mass movement of people are best addressed collectively as part of a multilateral organisation. It’s folly to think that we would be in greater control if we were on our own.”
“Going it alone would decrease rather than increase our stature. All of our major allies would be baffled by the decision and would think we’ve taken leave of our senses. Instead of being a big country, standing alone and strong, we’d be an oddball.”
“Immigration is a concern; local populations - school places, housing - all that. It’s a legitimate concern, but most of the problem is not about the Polish person coming to fix your taps, it’s because of the collapse of Syria, and the collapse of states in sub-Saharan Africa, the ones who are jumping on the boats to go to Greece or Turkey. Immigration is a symptom of other problems, not the problem itself. It’s a problem outside of the EU, and people are turning it into a problem as though it’s an issue within Europe.”
Top: Noodle - Alan’s cockapoo - won Westminster Dog of the ear in 2014.
Above: Alan pictured with Lady Thatcher at his 50th birthday party.
A vote to remain in Europe is also likely to ensure better trading conditions with the US, via the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, an agreement that, despite its controversy, has taken over a decade to negotiate. TTIP, Alan says, also serves as an example of just how long negotiations between countries can take.
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“TTIP has been turned into a bogeyman, but it’s an opportunity, not a problem. It will break down tariffs to allow freer trade. It’s designed to make trade between Europe and the US easier. If that’s taken 10 years, how the hell do we think we’re going to have a trade deal with 27 different countries and the US overnight if we vote to leave the EU? It just proves what difficulties will occur if we vote to leave Europe. TTIP will happen and the idea of that being a threat to the NHS and so on is absolute rubbish.” “I think in politics it’s better to work out what is right and do it, stick with it and realise over time people will say ‘oh yes I get it, I see what you are doing.’ In other words stability and clear, proper, policy making.”
“I think on most things the Conservative party have got it right and they reflect my politics. The liberal principles I hold dear are akin to those of John Stuart Mills; ‘you should be able to do what you want to do as long as you are not harming anyone else.’”
“I like freedom of speech, free economics. I don’t like an excessively large state or government. However we have to be there to help people to help themselves and I think there are too many people who demand things from the state which really should not be provided by the state. They should really provide for themselves first.” “I think Britain is in a pretty good position and we’ve been turning ourselves around since the 70s. My view is you should try and, look after yourself and your family if you can and then, if you can’t, the state should help. Corbyn’s view is everyone is owed a living by the state, without thinking about where the money is coming from in the first place.”
“If all people do is shout at each other in Parliament you end up with people in government who have done nothing. I think people in Westminster need to have done something and proved themselves competent and capable. >> 33
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- RT HON. SIR ALAN DUNCAN MP -
>> but with Arthur Scargill five minutes down the road I did not stand much chance of winning. I was selected in 1990 in Rutland and Melton and the rest is history.”
“MPs should be high achievers because they can then achieve for their constituents, too.”
“My recent low achievers point was not really about wealth, it was about experience. I was not saying that all people who are poor are low achievers. What I was saying is that you want good people in Parliament and then, as a second issue, it’s silly to attack wealth as in the end doing so will make everyone poorer. It was not a defence of David Cameron’s tax affairs, but it’s a fact that 1% of all income tax payers pay 30% of all income tax.”
Alan’s father was from Wick, in the very north of Scotland. Working in the RAF, flying Shackletons from his posting in St Austell, he met Alan’s mother, who lived near Land’s End. His father received his OBE 50 years before he too received the KCMG - a diplomatic knighthood. His mother, upon seeing Alan knighted, remarked that ‘not many people get the chance to go to Buckingham Palace for a second time!’
“I got the bug for politics at about 11 and I did think about joining the army or having a short service military commission - say, six months, between school and Oxford. In the end I chose to work as a research assistant for a local MP, Geoffrey Dodsworth, during 1976.” “It gave me insight into what life was like and occurred during the period that Harold Wilson stopped being Prime Minister and Callaghan took over... a fairly turbulent time.”
“I then studied PPE at Oxford. There is a sort of rule; never go straight into politics. If you go into politics and you have never Above: Alan (right) with his family, on the day his father, an RAF Wing Commander, received his OBE.
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Right: Alan in the garden of his 1820s ironstone cottage on the Rutland and Leicestershire border.
“I didn’t know much about the county but it really is home now. I’m approaching 25 years in the county and I love Rutland to bits.” “People say ‘I’ve heard of Rutland but I don’t know much about it,’ to which I reply that it’s like the Cotswolds without the snobs. The great thing about Rutland is it has fantastic social harmony.”
“I DIDN’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT RUTLAND BUT IT REALLY IS HOME NOW. I’VE SPENT 25 YEARS HERE AND I LOVE IT TO BITS...” done anything else you don’t know anything about anything. I joined Shell at a time when the oil markets were going crazy in 1979; the second oil revolution. It was very slow and I got quite bored so I went to Harvard for a year on a Kennedy Scholarship and that’s when I joined one of the new pioneering oil traders who were effectively creating a free market in oil which until then was controlled entirely by the big oil companies. We liberalised the market.”
“I was president of the Oxford Union and was active in my local conservative association in London with William Hague between 1979 and 1982. I started to help out voluntarily in central office whilst I was working too. I stood for Parliament first in 1987 in South Yorkshire
“People say ‘I never see the MP.’ I say ‘you should get out more!’ They forget that we are elected to go to Parliament so our work has to be in Parliament and one of the problems with Parliament is that people don’t spend enough time making good law as they are too busy answering letters, and sorting out local problems, which has become the work of an MP but originally wasn’t intended to be.” “I am in Parliament, normally, Monday to Thursday. I race up here as quickly as I can on Thursday night or Friday morning and then Friday tends to be constituency day. “On Saturday I’m normally accosted in the supermarket as I am doing my shopping... you end up having an informal surgery!”
Rutland is tidy without being twee. I ferociously protect its rural identity and look. The ironstone architecture is fabulous. I think it’s very well run at local government level and it is a real genuine community with a massive voluntary sector and good manners.” “No weekend is ever the same but I try to keep Sundays to myself. Friday may be a full constituency day and I have a full time office in Melton, which is a good base from which to cover a very big area. I may go to a
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school, or a council or I might go and visit someone at home if they are disabled, or they may come to me in the office.”
“It’s important to keep in touch with the press and on a Saturday there may be an event. A rare Saturday to myself means shopping, being at home, perhaps having friends over for the weekend. It’s nice to be able to just spend time in the county, walk the dog by the Eyebrook. Noodle plays a big part in our life.”
“I like to shop in Oakham and Uppingham, and we like The Marquess of Exeter in Lyddington; that tends to be our local pub, but we go to The Old White Hart too. I also like my garden. I started 25 years ago with a scrubby field, and now it’s a really nice space. I have to confess I’m better at giving instructions than doing the weeding but certainly in terms of the concept - the planning - I would certainly say it is a passion.” Alan was the first openly gay MP and has been in a civil partnership with James for eight years now, helping to steer the Civil Partnership Bill through the Commons in 2004. “I was one of the strongest voices in the conservative party supporting partnerships. I didn’t think I would ever go into a civil partnership myself, but I think Britain has been very sensible and measured about its social change and it has only made people happier.”
Stability - of the county, of the economy, with regard to Europe, and personally - are not only a common theme in Alan’s life, but an impressive achievement after a quarter of a century in his position as MP, doubtless it’s the reason that he’s so content.
“I’m only in my 50s, I’m who I am and I’m where I want to be. I don’t want to be in the cabinet, it’s not what it used to be. I’d rather be someone who can stand up in Parliament occasionally, who can speak up and is listened to. I can say of the party ‘I think you’re behaving well, or badly.’ In simple terms, I’ve already got a voice and I hope people feel that when they come to me I can get things done.” n
IN OR OUT: what It’s Friday, 24th June, and we’ve voted to REMAIN in the European Union: Firstly there will be a sight of relief. At the moment there’s a lot of economic activity which has been suspended pending the result of the referendum, and that will resume. The referendum has already cost us billions in terms of lower economic activity. A lot of businesses are suspending decisions. Everyone must accept the result, it will have resolved the issue. Next, David Cameron and his team must be allowed to properly govern with the whole European question having been settled and finished. I’m totally against the single currency. I think the balance we have of stricter border controls and our own currency plus the guarantee for the protection of the City of London and a guarantee of no close ties to the Union are good for us. I also think given the problems Hollande and Merkel are facing the European Union will probably change in the future anyway, more in our favour, and more in line with our preferred model. In the future, I think our relationship with Europe will naturally become easier but the thing that should really come out of the referendum is that we should be in a position to show more courage and stronger leadership in trying to shape it as a less dominant force in the face of each individual President. n
happens next? It’s Friday, 24th June, and we’ve voted to LEAVE in the European Union: If the referendum proves a vote to leave the European Union, we’ll invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which then triggers two years of negotiations, two years of working out how we leave. So a vote for Brexit is really just a vote to leave in principal. We could have a situation where Parliament says we don’t want to leave in a particular way. It’ll be constitutional anarchyU at best. Over the next two years, we’re likely to see a collapse of the pound, a turbulent stock market and we’ll have at least two years of extraordinarily difficult negotiations. None of the Brexiteers yet know what they’ll want or need to negotiate. They pretend to believe that we’ll be free to just carry on trading, and that’s delusional because Europe will be resentful, and because there will be costs. n
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- PETERBOROUGH HERITAGE FESTIVAL -
VIKINGS The
ARE COMING Look out! The Vikings are coming... a marauding horde of Germanic seafarers! And they’re not the only re-enactors in the centre of Peterborough this month, as the city’s Heritage Festival is set to entertain over 34,000 people at this year’s bigger, better event... it’s a new way to engage with the area’s history!
3,500 years of history culminates this month in what is, nationally, the largest city centre multi-period living history event.
Words: Rob Davis.
Comprising over 30 different groups, the Peterborough Heritage Festival takes place between 25th June and 10th July, with the main festival weekend on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July. It is a city-wide celebration of different periods, from the Bronze Age, to the 1940s and beyond.
The flagship event is a horde of marauding Vikings who are set to invade the city centre, adjacent to Queensgate and the Cathedral, as part of the free festival.
“We’re recreating an attack on Peterborough between the Vikings and Saxons which took place in 870AD, with no quarter given or prisoners taken by either side,” says Stuart Orme, one of the key organisers of the Peterborough Heritage Festival. “It’ll be the biggest Viking raid on the city for 1,000 years and the reenactment will be staged twice daily in Cathedral Square. It will involve over 100 re-enactors, so it’ll also be one of the largest events you’re likely to see for many miles around.” “Peterborough’s Heritage Festival is now in its eighth successful year, and is the city’s largest, most popular outdoor event. It attracted over 34,000 people last year, and
“THE EVENT DOESN’T JUST LOOK AT HISTORY GENERALLY, BUT CONTEXTUALISES EACH PERIOD LOCALLY, WITH OVER 30 PETERBOROUGH GROUPS, SOCIETIES & ATTRACTIONS...” remains a ‘must-see’ for locals and visitors to the city alike. The event is organised by Vivacity Peterborough Culture and Leisure, in association with Peterborough Cathedral and supported by Perkins Engines Company Limited.” “There are a wide variety of other exhibitions and events too, as part of the fringe activities, running from 25th June to 10th July. Best of all, the festival doesn’t just
look at different historical periods generally, but contextualises each period locally, with over 30 groups - local history societies, community groups and historic attractions from Peterborough and the surrounding area showing off the very best of the city of Peterborough’s local heritage.” “We’ve re-enactments of the Roman 9th legion attempting to prevent Boudicea’s Iceni celts from invading the city in AD60,” says Stuart, “And medieval re-enactments with Peterborough, a Yorkist town, preparing for battle against the Lancastrians - Richard III being born just eight miles west of the town at Fotheringhay Castle.” Also making an appearance will be Katharine of Aragon, who is buried in the Cathedral, and Mary Queen of Scots, who was executed at Fotheringhay and buried at Peterborough Cathedral before being reinterred in Westminster Abbey.
Events based later on in Peterborough’s history include a drill display by the city’s WWI soldiers.
A 1960s bus will serve as a mobile cinema, showing newsreel footage from the 1930s to the 1970s, from Peterborough’s brick industry in the 30s to Walter Cornelius whose stunts included walking on his hands for over 150 miles. 39
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- PETERBOROUGH HERITAGE FESTIVAL -
>>
We’ll see choirs from the period, and what the town hall and city centre looked like during that era too. “The event takes place in the whole of the Cathedral precinct and in the building itself,” says Stuart. “The Deanery Gardens and Bishop’s Gardens, not usually open to the public, will also be open, as the Bishop kindly allows a mob of Vikings onto his lawn.”
“A children’s zone will provide an activity area with jesters, storytellers, games and activities in the Cathedral’s cloisters, and on the Friday before the festival itself, a dedicated school’s day will ensure local children can spend a day ‘time travelling’ between different periods in history. There’s a Food Fair, too, as part of the festival, where visitors can discover an exciting taste of unusual produce with food and drink to sample and buy.”
“The Heritage Festival itself will feature over 300 costumed re-enactors - a third of which are participating in the Viking & Saxon event - with anything from Bronze Age warriors to WWII soldiers.”
“Once again, we’re staging one of the finest heritage festivals in the UK, right here in Peterborough city centre.”
“This puts the city on the map and if you don’t already know about it, then you need to find out.”
“What’s more, the festival provides a boost for Peterborough, city businesses and the local community, bringing in over £300,000 to the local economy.
The event costs around £70,000 each year and this sum is met by generous support from local businesses such as Perkins and individual donations.
“THE HERITAGE FESTIVAL ITSELF WILL FEATURE OVER 300 COSTUMED RE-ENACTORS FROM BRONZE AGE WARRIORS TO VIKINGS, SAXONS & SOLDIERS FROM THE 20TH CENTURY...” The Peterborough Heritage Festival is a key part of the city’s cultural calendar, and the addition of the Viking Invasion to this year’s programme will help to maintain its first class reputation.”
n The main weekend of the Peterborough Heritage Festival takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July 2016. Further information of different events, timings and venues will be confirmed as Pride goes to press. See the website, www.vivacity-peterborough.com for details.
meet the
HISTORY BUFFS PETERBOROUGH’S HERITAGE FESTIVAL WILL SEE OVER 300 RE-ENACTORS BRING THEIR LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TO THE PUBLIC’S ATTENTION
Black Knight Historical: Based just over the border and was established in 2003, the Black Knight Historical group specialises in Bronze Age and Georgian re-enactments. www.blackknighthistorical.co.uk
Ousekjarr: Ousekjarr is the name of the Cambridge group of The Vikings, the UK’s oldest and largest Dark Age Re-enactment Society, recreating the history of the Vikings, Saxons, Celts and Normans between 800-1100AD. www.ousekjarr.org
9th Legion Hispania: Peterborough group which holds displays of battle formations and training, specialising in providing an insight into what life was like after being ambushed by Boudicea. www.romansofthe9th.co.uk
Lord Burgh’s Retinue: Late medieval period re-enactment society, dedicated to the recreation of the life and times of a household during the period known as the War of the Roses, 1460-1490. www.lordburghsretinue.co.uk
Khaki on Campaign: WWI and WWII living history group also covering everything from the Boer War to the Falklands. Specialising in teaching children and young people. www.khakioncampaign.webs.com
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‘Anything Goes’ 2013
Thoroughly Modern
KILWORTH
It’s been 10 years since Kilworth House created an open air auditorium in the 38 acre grounds of the Leicestershire country house hotel. Over 60,000 people now enjoy the theatre’s performances and live music programme with 2016 seeing the return of ‘Live’ at Kilworth, and some Thoroughly Modern theatre...
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- KILWORTH HOUSE THEATRE -
Set in a beautiful wooden glade close to the lake in the grounds of Kilworth House Hotel, Kilworth House Theatre opened last month for its 10th Anniversary Season with one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time ‘West Side Story.’
Described by The Stage as “The West End in rural Leicestershire, an extraordinary experience,” it’s a view shared by over 60,000 people each year, it is therefore little wonder that ‘West Side Story’ which runs from 31st May – 17th July, was completely sold out some weeks ago – before rehearsals had even started! Producer Celia Mackay has welcomed renowned Choreographer and Director Stephen Mear to Kilworth House Theatre for their second production of the season the hilarious, feel-good musical comedy ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ which runs from 16th August - 11th September.
Born and bred in Loughborough, Stephen has won numerous accolades including
thoroughly
MODERN MILLIE
Stephen Mear
fabulous show like ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and with such an amazing and talented cast. It's a delightful light hearted and extremely funny show, the score itself will have you toe tapping and dancing out of the theatre!” Winner of no less than six Tony Awards including Best Musical, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ is based on the 1967 film of the same name and includes such memorable numbers as ‘How the Other Half Lives’, ‘Not for the Life of Me’, ‘Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life’ and of course
“SET IN A BEAUTIFUL WOODEN GLADE CLOSE TO THE LAKE IN THE GROUNDS OF KILWORTH HOUSE HOTEL, KILWORTH HOUSE THEATRE OPENED LAST MONTH FOR ITS 10TH SEASON AND NEXT MONTH PRESENTS THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE...” Olivier awards for ‘Mary Poppins’ (co-choreographed with Matthew Bourne) and ‘Hello Dolly’ and a nomination for this year’s Oliviers for his choreography on ‘Gypsy’ at the Savoy Theatre. His most current work is on ‘Sunset Boulevard’ at the ENO starring Glenn Close.
“I’ve seen many great productions at Kilworth House Theatre so I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to be a part of this year’s season.”
“It’s such a wonderfully idyllic gem of a theatre that is in the very good hands of Celia Mackay and her amazing work force of dedicated people who care a great deal about theatre and the audience’s experience, it’s a phenomenal place! I’m so excited to be working at Kilworth House Theatre on such a
the title song ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie.’
A high-spirited musical, bright, funny and charming - packed to the brim with fabulous flappers and fantastic dance numbers – it is a real ‘must see’ so understandably tickets are selling quickly for this show too!
To enhance the whole experience, audiences have the option of dining pre-show in the beautifully ornate Victorian Orangery of the Hotel, bringing a picnic to enjoy in the spectacular grounds of the estate or alternatively just relaxing pre-show with a drink from the theatre bar. n Kilworth House Hotel & Theatre is based on Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth Leicestershire LE17 6JE. Call 01858 881939 or see www.kilworthhouse.co.uk.
‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ runs from 16th August to 11th September. It’s 1922, and small-town girl Millie Dillmount has just arrived in New York City, ready to make her dreams come true. Millie’s plan is simple: find a job as a secretary for an eligible bachelor, and then marry him. It doesn’t take long, however, for Millie’s ‘thoroughly modern’ plan to go awry. Her conniving landlady plots to kidnap Millie’s best friend and sell her into slavery in Hong Kong, her wealthy boss seems entirely uninterested in her flirtations, and - worst of all - the man with whom she falls head over heels in love with doesn’t have a penny to his name. n Tickets £31-£38, performances at 7.30pm, with matinée performances at 2.30pm on selected dates.
LIVE at KILWORTH
Kilworth House Theatre’s programme of ten live music events includes music from across genres - from the pop stylings of Björn Again to the Last Night of the Proms:
26th July, Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise: ‘Appearances’ from Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Eddie Cochran. £25/person.
29th July, John Lodge: An intimate performance by bass and vocalist of The Moody Blues. £35/person. 30th/31st July, Last Night of the Proms: A favourite of Kilworth audiences, featuring the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. £32-£35/ person, 8pm Sat; 2.30/8pm Sun.
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Rockingham’s Live Music
FLASHBACK This month sees a superb concert taking place in the grounds of Rockingham Castle. If you have fond memories of music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, you’ll enjoy a flashback in time with these venerable pop legends...
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- ROCKINGHAM CASTLE -
There’s great excitement this month following the announcement of a lineup for Rockingham Castle’s Flashback Festival, to be held in the castle grounds on 9th and 10th July.
2016 at
ROCKINGHAM
The event is set to be a whole weekend of fantastic music from across the decades… something for everyone from legendary artists across three decades performing live for a new Rockingham crowd. “This year there’s a host of fantastic artists which we can now reveal,” says Andy Kettle.
“Kim Wilde, Bay City Rollers, Soul II Soul and Paul Carrack will appears along with two iconic headline acts; Billy Ocean on Saturday and The Human League on Sunday... in terms of musical talent and the ability to sing along to a live performance it really doesn’t get better than this!”
“Flashback will make its Rockingham debut this summer and although the festival is new to this stunning venue, you can be assured that it comes with a host of experience; this established festival is now in its seventh consecutive year.”
“ALONGSIDE A BRILLIANT ARRAY OF MUSIC, FLASHBACK OFFERS GLAMPING, SEVERAL THEMED BARS AND A SELECTION OF FOOD STALLS TO ENJOY...” Above/Left: Fans of 1980s music will enjoy Billy Ocean, Nick Hayward and the rather colourful Clive Jackson of Doctor and the Medics.
FLASHBACK FESTIVAL IS JUST ONE OF SEVERAL EVENTS DURING 2016
“Along with a brilliant array of music, Flashback offers a range of other facilities such as glamping, several themed bars and a selection of food stalls to choose from. When the sun goes down, if you’re still in the mood to party you can head over to the silent disco.”
“If you’re new to the concept, the phenomenon has taken the festival world by storm over recent years and can be found at most major festivals, with music played through wireless headphones so everyone can choose what to listen to.”
The 950 year old castle, its 18 acres of formal gardens and its parkland are home to the Saunders Watson family. With its views over five counties and the Welland Valley, Rockingham is also home to the Rockingham Horse Trials - formerly known as Brigstock. It’s Open from June to September, Tuesdays and Sundays from noon-5pm.
n Flashback Rockingham will take place on 9th and 10th July 2016 so put the dates in your festival calendar as it definitely isn’t one to be missed. Tickets are on sale now and all information can be found at www.theflashbackfestival.com or by calling the booking line on 0845 075 6101.
25th June: The Suffering Obstacle Race
5k and 10k obstacle races designed to excite and challenge.
11th-14th August: Kennel Club Dog Agility Festival
Bring your dog and experience the top competition for agility enthusiasts.
24th September: Rockingham Fair
Expect all day entertainment in the Great Park including birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment, arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees.
21st November: A Victorian Christmas
It’s Christmas Eve 1849 and the Castle is decorated to help you step back in time to a thoroughly Victorian Christmas. The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas dinner.
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SOMETHING
WICKED This Way Comes
' !#"( ( +( & $& ' )& & (& -/' +#&
( ! #& '$ & #!$ "- ' & ( " (' ( ' '#" # ( &'( $ - ( #!$ "- $ & #&! ( # ( #&$ - '$ ## (&#) " ) &#"' ) " & " #& ( #!$ "-/' " + (& " & * "'#! Words & Images: Rob Davis.
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- STAMFORD SHAKESPEARE -
Murder, betrayal, love and, of course, the odd soliloquy. It’s all in a day’s work - or rather a season’s work – for the Stamford Shakespeare Company, at Tolethorpe Hall.
This season is an especially remarkable one, representing the Company’s 40th season performing at Tolethorpe, and reflecting on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The Company is celebrating the latter with the reintroduction of a Gala Night, on 6th August.
David Fensom is the Theatre Manager and took over the Company’s marketing at the end of April, resigning from the 10-strong board of directors to take up one of only four paid positions at the Company.
“Everyone else working here is a volunteer,” says David. “We’ve a team of over 150 48
people, with a cast and crew of about 50 for each play, producing 80 performances over the three summer months. We’re an amateur group, but only by virtue of derivation. That term belies what we do, such are our incredibly high production values.”
The group’s two Shakespearean plays for the 2016 season are The Tempest, and Macbeth - the first play ever performed at Tolethorpe Hall. Gemma Larke plays Lady Macbeth and described the Company’s ‘problem’ beautifully:
“THIS SEASON IS SPECIAL, AS IT’S THE COMPANY’S 40TH SEASON, AND IT’S THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE SHAKESPEARE’S DEATH...”
“The Stamford Shakespeare Company has almost made a rod for its own back,” she says. “We’ve shown the audience what they can expect and we need to raise the bar in terms of our talent and our production values every season.”
“We’re just what every theatre group would like to be - very popular, with a huge audience (33,000 each year), a big season and a big cast. We’ve sort of set the bar.”
Gemma was a professional actress based in London and spent a year with the RSC before moving to Stamford six years ago to run Stamford Lodge B&B. She now performs for pleasure, but brings a high standard of acting to a group in which every member works to the very best standard possible. Her fellow cast member James Rushton is from Devon and moved to the area to take
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up a teaching position. As a drama teacher now working at Stamford Endowed School, teaching five Year 8 groups Macbeth as well as performing the eponymous role.
The group’s covered outdoor amphitheatre seats 600 people and is in the grounds of the Grade II* Elizabethan country house purchased by the group when their previous venue - The monastery gardens of Stamford’s George Hotel - were undergoing building work. With a loan from a local philanthropist the group purchased the derelict hall and have been restoring it ever since, as well as using it as a beautiful backdrop to their productions.
“Our founder member was Jean Harley , who retired in 2008 after 41 years of loyal and devoted service. She was the one who
first encouraged me to get involved with the Company, and really took me under her wing,” says David.
“A RADA actress, she was an extraordinary powerhouse and had so much energy and vision. Her exceptionally high standards are what we work hard to honour.”
“Macbeth is the first play we staged here, whilst The Tempest is believed to be the last play attributed exclusively to Shakespeare, so it’s fitting that we’ve chosen those for a particularly special year,” says David.
Opposite Page: A production shot from last year’s Romeo & Juliet, performed with a more contemporary Romany mise en scene. Above: James Rushton as Macbeth.
Above: A scene from The Tempest, and this year’s The Wind in the Willows production, with Tolethorpe’s youth drama school students shown running from the evil weasels.
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“Next year, we’ll be staging Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which we try to stage at least every four years, it’s always one of our most popular plays. Our non-Shakespearean play will be Hobson’s Choice.”
“All three productions are currently in the planning stages as we work over a year in advance. Scripts are worked on throughout the summer, with auditions and castings taking place as soon as the current year’s productions are over.”
“The autumn and winter months see set design, costume and production meetings taking place. In the spring we begin rehearsals, and should a play require it, we bring in professional fight choreographers for stunt co-ordination.” In addition to the cast, there’s a father and son team, Dannie
“YOU’LL NEVER SEE ANYONE AT TOLETHORPE TAKING A CURTAIN CALL...” 50
and Nick Carlton, who create massive 30ft x 20ft sets weighing 2.5 tonnes, as well as a wardrobe department with six seamstresses creating up to 200 costumes each year.
“You’ll never see anyone at Tolethorpe taking a curtain call,” says David. “That was something that Jean was always adamant about.” “For one thing, if characters disappear into the glade, like fairies in The Dream, or they’re killed during the performance, she didn’t want to ruin the illusion by bringing them back on stage.”
“Also, we’re a team effort here. She didn’t like the cast taking recognition without the set designers, makers and painters, costume designers and makers, lighting and sound technicians, backstage crew, front of house, and all of our many volunteers, taking credit.”
“We are one big company here, all as committed as each other, and everyone both on stage and backstage shares the same aim - to deliver to the audience the most polished, professional production we can.”
all the world’s a
STAGE
Macbeth, 1st-2nd July, 1st-6th, 15th-20th August: Double double, toil and trouble... Macbeth’s faustian prediction of three witches leads to murder and treason. Gala night 6th August.
The Tempest, 5th-9th, 18th-23rd July, 8th-13th, 22nd-27th August: Shakespeare’s last play, combining his favourite themes of magic, love and treachery. The Wind in the Willows, 11th-16th, 25th-30th August: Family-friendly tale of four countryside pals.
n Tickets for each play £13/Mon-Thurs, £15/Fri, £18/Sat. £13/matinée (£7.50/junior). Gala tickets £25/each, prebooked for 6th August. Call 01780 756133 or see stamfordshakespeare.co.uk
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What’s On... 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... A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Friday 1st July Star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and hilarious travelling players make for an unforgettable night of theatre under the stars. Bring a picnic to Ferry Meadows in Peterborough to enjoy Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy, complete with beautiful Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful music score and enchanting woodland puppet creatures.
01733 234193, www.neneparktrust.org.uk
ANTIQUE & VINTAGE FAIR
Friday 1st - 3rd July Field Dog Fairs returns for a three day fair with lots of stalls selling a variety of antiques, collectables and vintage items in the events area in front of Grimsthorpe Castle. With up to 150 stalls in a large marquee and an outside market, it’s an opportunity to hunt down that special items you’ve always wanted. Hot and cold catering is on site and dogs on leads are welcome. 01778 591205, www.grimsthorpe.co.uk
PETERBOROUGH HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Saturday 2nd - 3rd July Annually attracting over 30,000 visitors, Peterborough Heritage Festival is the largest multi-period living history festival to be held in any city-centre in the UK. This year, you can expect to see Battle displays from history, falconry, archery, children’s entertainment, 1940s cinema and Live Archaeology. 01733 864663, www.vivacity-peterborough.com
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SWEET PEA WEEK
Osprey Cruise...
- RUTLAND WATER -
OSPREY CRUISES
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. There are six cruises throughout July, some at dawn and some in the afternoon.
BADGER WATCH
Join the Trainee Reserve Officers for an evening of badger watching from the Badger Hide. They meet around dusk at the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre car park at Egleton. The watches will last a couple of hours during which they hope for, but cannot guarantee, a visit from the badgers. Other nocturnal creatures that may be about include tawny owls, barn owls, bats and muntjac deer.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES
There are three photography courses in July. Enjoy an evening guided photo walk through the picturesque Lyndon Reserve on 16th July, an introduction the natural history on 18th July and a close-up natural history photography course on 23rd July. n For more information on the events around Rutland Water Nature Reserve or to book any of the events, visit www.rutlandwater.org.uk or call 01572 770651.
Sunday 3rd - 10th July Join Easton Walled Gardens for their sweet pea week. Every year they raise hundreds of sweet pea plants from seed in the greenhouses. You can find 100 types of heritage, modern, striped, flake and bicolour sweet peas. They are on canes, drums and wigwams throughout the pickery, vegetable and cottage gardens. 01476 530063, www.visiteaston.co.uk
Sweet Pea Week at Easton...
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Monday 4th - 9th July Following the global cinema and TV release of the live West End broadcast which hit number one in the UK box office charts, this new 2016 tour of Richard O’Brien’s classic continues to smash records in theatres across the country including the Curve in Leicester. 01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk
ROMEO & JULIET LIVE SCREENING
Thursday 7th July The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company Live cinema season continues with a new vision of Shakespeare’s heartbreaking tale of forbidden love with the longstanding feud between Verona’s Montague and Capulet families. Reuniting the stars of his celebrated film of Cinderella, Kenneth Branagh directs Richard Madden and Lily James as Romeo and Juliet and Sir Derek Jacobi as Mercutio. The live screening will be held at Key Theatre in Peterborough, £16/tickets. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com
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Send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.
CITY ACADEMY OF BALLET
Friday 8th - 9th July When the City Academy of Ballet returns to the Key Theatre in Peterborough, the inspiration for their dances will be music from movies, musicals and ballets. Senior pupils dance to the likes of Swan Lake and Cats, and younger pupils dance to Disney. 01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com
ABSEILING AT PETERBOROUGH
Friday 8th - 9th July Peterborough Cathedral is inviting adventure-loving individuals to take part in a sponsored abseil down the side of the West Front. All the proceeds from this once in a lifetime opportunity will go towards the Peterborough 900 Campaign, which is raising funds to improve facilities for visitors and worshippers at the Cathedral leading up to its 900th anniversary in 2018. 01733 355301, www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
JUST DOGS LIVE
Friday 8th - 10th July Just Dogs Live is back at the Peterborough Arena for the region’s answer to a summer Crufts. The show is expected to attract an estimated 7,000 visitors and 10,000 dogs over three days. 01733 363500, www.justdogslive.co.uk
Orchard House...
- NGS OPEN GARDENS -
ORCHARD HOUSE
Barrowden LE15 8EN Sunday 17th July Still evolving bold contemporary design with formal lawns, grass amphitheatre and turf viewing mound, herbaceous borders and cutting garden. Prairie style planting showing vibrant colour in late summer.
Melton Mowbray LE13 0BQ Sunday 3rd July A garden re-established by a new owner between 2009 and 2012. Beautiful blue cedar trees and an excellent specimen tulip tree. Parts of the garden are original, others are reinstated with a variety of plants and bushes. Original bog garden and natural pond was reinstated in 2015. A koi pond was added in 2015 too. There’s also a vegetable plot.
Melton Mowbray LE13 1JZ Sunday 24th July Larger than average town garden which has evolved over the last 25 years. Mixed borders with traditional and exotic plants, enhanced by container planting particularly begonias. Vegetable parterre and greenhouse. Various seating areas for viewing different aspects of the garden and a number of different water features including ponds.
TRESILIAN HOUSE
Dog Show...
REDHILL LODGE
Hambleton LE15 8TJ Sunday 3rd July Beautifully situated partly bordering Rutland Water. Series of garden rooms including formal, Japanese and vegetable gardens, a newly planted orchard, and large informal garden with rose pergola and copses.
1119 SCALFORD ROAD
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What’s On... STAMFORD BRASS
- KILWORTH HOUSE -
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. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to 1950’s New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between two street gangs.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PARADISE
Tuesday 26th July Now in its seventh year on the road, tributes Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran and The Big Bopper join each other on stage to give you a powerful rock and roll show at Kilworth House Theatre.
THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW
Wednesday 27th July An outstanding celebration of the iconic legend, Clive John captures the essence of Johnny Cash with exceptional style and confidence. His deep distinctive vocals are spot on, evoking pure country magic with Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues and A Thing Called Love.
LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS
Saturday 30th - 31st July Always a favourite with Kilworth audiences, their Last Night of the Proms concerts feature some of the world’s best loved classics. Making a welcome return to Kilworth House Theatre, is the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Saturday 9th July This is a summer concert of pure brass classics and favourite tunes presented by local group, Stamford Brass at the Stamford Corn Exchange, £11/adults, £10/concessions, pre-drinks in theatre lounge start at 6.30pm.
01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk
BATTLE PROMS
Saturday 9th July A summer celebration with music, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry and fireworks. Pack up a picnic and join Burghley House for an exceptional evening of classical music and dramatic displays. Buy tickets from the Stamford Arts Centre. 01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com
n For more information, and to book tickets for the above events at Kilworth House Theatre, please call 01858 881939 or visit www.kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk.
Burghley Battle Proms...
SHIAMAK'S SUMMER FUNK
Kilworth House Theatre...
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Sunday 10th July Shiamak’s Summer Funk is the Midlands’ biggest Bollywood dance show. It showcases the dancing achievements of all the Shiamak Midlands’ students in Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry and Nottingham. The event will be held at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk
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Send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.
VICTORIAN GARDEN HISTORY DAY
Sunday 10th July Meet Barnsdale Gardens’s historical gardener and find out about the great plant hunters and gardening heroes of the past. A fun day out for the family. Part of Barnsdale Gardens Summer Sundays, £8/adults.
01572 813200, www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
FOLLOW 2016
Saturday 16th July Follow 2016 is a day festival at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, open to everyone of any age or denomination and is sponsored by the Central Readers Council to celebrate 150 years of Reader Ministry. 01162 333111, www.demontforthall.co.uk Women’s Race...
THE DREAMERS
Saturday 16th July The Dreamers are in town for a night of classic 60s hits. Alan Mosca & Bryan Byng of Freddie & The Dreamers fame are joined by The Temple Brothers, the UK’s tribute to the Everley Brothers, to perform all the favourites at the Stamford Corn Exchange. 01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk
FAMILY NATURE TRAIL
Sunday 17th July Bring the children for a backyard safari around Barnsdale, to look for some of the creatures you might find there and see what they’re doing. Try pond dipping, bird-spotting and bug hunting, or make an insect home. Part of Summer Sundays. 01572 813200, www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
OUR ART
Monday 18th July - 6th August A collection of work created by participants of Stamford Art Centre’s regular adult art classes. Visit to take a look at their work; the exhibition may inspire you to join a class. 01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com
WOMEN’S CICLE CLASSIC
Sunday 17th July Probably the most challenging British Women’s road race ever. The route for the first Women’s CiCLE Classic provides a challenge like no other. With all the ‘Belgian Classics’ character of it’s International Men’s ‘big brother,’ the race will provide a sensational and fitting mid-summer climax to the Women’s racing calendar in Britain. Starting and finishing in Melton Mowbray town centre and using the same finishing circuit and line as the men, the Women’s race will have a first prize of £1,000 and is expected to field the best of Britain’s young women’s road racing talent.
07979 8562672, www.cicleclassic.co.uk
HMS PINAFORE 2016
Thursday 21st - 23rd July This thrilling all-male version of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular and much loved operas HMS Pinafore, comes from the award-winning team behind the hugely successful Pirates of Penzance. WWII sailors set out to find a distraction from the goings on above board. Show is at the Curve Theatre, Leicester.
01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk
HMS Pinafore...
Stamford Meadows...
- MUSIC -
STAMFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Friday 15th - 17th July Stamford Town Meadows will host the genre-spanning Stamford Music Festival this summer.
Organised by the Market Square Group, the festival is being held on the Meadows from Friday the 15th July to the 17th July.
The Friday night will have a jazz and blues feel whilst Saturday afternoon will be a showcase for new singers and songwriters.
Saturday evening will particularly appeal to fans of folk music with The Tin Pigeons, local folk band, booked to play. The event finishes on Sunday with a slightly more classical style.
Other acts already booked on the weekend’s bill include folk act Frumenti and classical guitarist Steve Bean.
“We are aiming to cater for a range of musical tastes, from folk to funk, from country to classical, from rock to rhythm and blues and a lot more in between,” says Market Square Group Director Paul Kennedy. Ticket prices vary for each day. 01832 281 274, www.marketsquaregroup.com
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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk
The Bollywood Bash
Smith Eliot’s Summer Ball at Rutland Water Golf Club Oakham’s Smith Eliot Financial Management recently held its summer fundraising ball... with a colourful Bollywood twist. The event took place at Rutland Water Golf Course, and was attended by over 145 specially invited guests. Guests were greeted by an Indian drummer and living statue, before enjoying a three course Indian banquet, Bollywood entertainment, a silent raffle and dancing to the Funk Soul Brothers band.
“We have raised a total of £49,686 with local businesses Savvi Travel and Top555 sponsoring the event. St James’s Place Foundation matched our fundraising, contributing £24,843,” says Lisa Smith from Smith Eliot. “This is the charitable arm of St James’s Place Wealth Management of whom we are appointed representatives. The money will go directly to our nominated charity, The Teenage Cancer Trust. With a final figure still to be confirmed, we are hoping to reach £50,000.” n For more information on Smith Eliot call 01572 759759 or see www.smitheliotfinancialmanagement.co.uk.
Feature your event in our magazine. 56
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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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk
Feature your event in our magazine. 58
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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Food and
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FAME
Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter is renowned as one of the best quality pub restaurants in the county. For those who want the quality of a fine dining experience but in a more relaxed environment, it’s easy to recommend, especially in the summer months... Words & Photos: Rob Davis.
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- EATING OUT -
The hallmarks of summer dining are fresh, light dishes with plenty of flavour. You’ll find plenty on the menu at Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter, but that’s hardly surprising, given the provenance of Chef Patron Brian Baker.
He’s rather a celebrity chef in these parts, and settled into the Marquess after refurbishing it back in May 2009.
The place is a Grade II listed ironstone cottage, extended to the rear to provide an 80 seater dining room. There’s also luxurious accommodation in an annexe to the rear of the property with 17 en suite bedrooms, with a choice of both luxury and premium rooms, as well as a few suites.
The restaurant is pretty enough, with a central divider breaking up the monolithic room, and wood floors. There’s also a couple of private dining rooms to the front of the restaurant as well. To our mind, though, the nicest places to dine are the cosy bar area and the snug with its massive inglenook fireplace.
meet the CHEF BRIAN BAKER, CHEF PATRON
Experience: Having worked at Hambleton Hall, then The Criterion and Kensington’s Abingdon, Brian returned to Rutland in 2003 to take over the Fox & Hounds, Knossington.
There’s an à la carte menu available during lunchtime service, too, with eight starters, eight main courses, and a sharing dish of Derbyshire beef rib designed to feed two. The same à la carte menu is employed during evening service, too, with bread, ice creams and everything else made in house.
It’s worth mentioning that the Marquess is also currently running a ‘Serene Sunday’ promotion, offering overnight guests a great deal on dinner, bed and breakfast for just £120 - £160 (depending on room type). >>
Philosophy: Great food needs to be technically well executed, not over-complicated.
Name Dropping: Brian has also worked as the private chef of fashion designer Valentino and Elton John.
Both the bar and snug have the lovely exposed ironstone, thick beams and oak floors all of which you’d expect during a short break in a Cotswolds pub restaurant.
Fortunately, the Marquess of Exeter is a million miles away from the both snobs and the expense of the Cotswolds, and its lunchtime dining menus offer better value via a choice of three starters, three main courses and three desserts for £13.50/two courses, £16.50/three courses.
Opposite: Grilled peppered loin of wild boar with rösti potato & tapenade.
Top: Arancini Scotch egg with asparagus, wild mushrooms and feta cheese
Above: Starter of smoked salmon and apple with celery and potato salad.
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- EATING OUT -
>> As a chef who cares deeply about the provenance of his ingredients, Brian and his team grow many of the vegetables they use in their dishes, their own herbs, raise their own chickens and even their own livestock.
The chef has just sent this little piggy off to the great pig pen in the sky. He’ll be back though, undoubtedly in the form of something delicious, alongside lamb from Launde Farm, fish sourced from Colchester and landed on British shores, and a wealth of locally sourced cheeses too. To accompany the food, Brian has cultivated a wine list of 35 bins, with prices from £15 to just £45 for a high end D’Angludet or Chablis.
The Marquess of Exeter is also recognised each year in our Restaurant of the Year competition, voted for by our readers, and it’s little surprise. It’s abundantly obvious from the service, carefully considered composition of each dish, and its presentation, that a good deal of thought and effort has been invested
OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch 12pm-2.30pm Monday to Saturday. Dinner 6.30pm-9.30pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday 12pm-3pm, 6.30pm-9pm Sunday.
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in the preparation of our dishes (a preview of the restaurant’s summer dining menu which will take effect as Pride goes to press).
Whilst there are only two or three elements to each dish, they’re better for their simplicity, allowing the flavour of each component to come to the fore. “Good food doesn’t need to be complicated,” says Brian.
“Consistent food from good ingredients is what creates a quality dining experience. Not spun sugar and silliness.”
“CONSISTENT FOOD FROM GOOD INGREDIENTS IS WHAT CREATES A QUALITY DINING EXPERIENCE... NOT SPUN SUGAR AND SILLINESS.”
He’s absolutely correct, and Rutland’s diners seem to agree. The Marquess of Exeter remains one of the county’s best places to dine and Brian will bring a ‘Rutland Tour’ to food lovers this autumn with cookery demonstrations across the county.
The pub restaurant’s sunny frontage is perfect for al fresco dining with the larger garden at the back ideal for whiling away a few hours with a sundowner.
Summer is here, hopefully to stay, and so is quality dining, at one of Rutland’s best pub restaurants.
Top/Left: Rum and raisin panna cotta with tropical fruit salad and tuille. Above: The snug and main dining room of the Grade II pub, built in the 1600s.
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Left: Chocolate fondant with black cherry and brandy compote.
on the MENU FROM THE À LA CARTE MENU AT THE MARQUESS OF EXETER, LYDDINGTON Starters
Smoked salmon, apple, celery & potato salad £7.50. Salt & chilli squid £8.50. Asparagus, poached egg and hollandaise £7.25. Main Courses
Arancini scotch egg with asparagus, mushrooms and feta cheese £12.95. Wild boar with rösti potato £18.50.
Pan fried cod fillet with Norfolk samphire and new potatoes in white wine sauce £15.50. Desserts
Crème brülée with lemon shortbread £6.25.
Rum & raisin panna cotta with tropical fruit and tuille £6.25.
Chocolate fondant £6.25. Selection of farmhouse cheesed with chutney and biscuits £8.25. NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.
n The Marquess of Exeter is based on Main St, Lyddington, Rutland LE15 9LT. Call 01572 822477 or see www.marquessexeter.co.uk. 63
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FOR THE VERY BEST IN AL FRESCO EATING & DRINKING THIS SUMMER HEAD STRAIGHT TO THE MARQUESS EAT Indulge in our tasty a la carte summer menu Or Take advantage of our popular set lunch menu 2 courses £13.50/3 courses £16.50 STAY Make the most of Summer with our ‘Serene Sundays’ offer – dinner, bed and breakfast from just £120 – DON’T FORGET – Take away fish & chips every Friday evening 5pm-7pm
52 Main Street, Lyddington, Uppingham LE15 9LT Call for bookings: 01572 822 477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week | 17 Modern Bedrooms | Four AA Star Rated
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ANOTHER GREAT PERFORMANCE AT
KILWORTH The performers of Kilworth House’s theatrical programme aren’t the only members of the Leicestershire country house hotel who deserve to take a bow. Step forward Head Chef Max Faulkner and his brigade for another great performance as this month we recommend fine dining in the Grade II Italianate mansion... Words & Photos: Rob Davis.
Top: Brown butter poached asparagus with wild garlic emulsion and soft quail’s egg.
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- EATING OUT -
Leicestershire’s Kilworth House looks stunning from the outside. Inside, it’s stunning too. As for its fine dining provision; again, stunning.
The Grade II listed 19th century Italian mansion looks the part, but thanks to the effort of Executive Chef Carl Dovey, Head Chef Max Faulkner and a brigade of no fewer than 11 chefs, its cuisine is equally impressive.
Kilworth is one of the area’s most beautiful hotels, with 44 bedrooms, 38 acres of parkland and a really grand feel. There’s a theatre too, with a series of events throughout summer like Kilworth Live and Thoroughly Modern Millie, which we’ve profiled earlier in this edition.
An enjoyable theatre trip and a great dining experience seem like perfect partners, so we’ll recommend a peep at Kilworth’s theatre’s programme, but even if you eschew the entertainment option and choose to just dine there, it’s likely that you’ll still want to deliver a standing ovation to Max and team.
Daytime diners enjoy a choice of the two or three courses for £19.99 or £25.99/head. There’s a choice of five starters, five main courses and four desserts plus a cheese option. Best of all, you’ll dine in the Orangery, a 130 seater room that’s light, airy and bathed in gentle sunlight during the summer months.
There’s a compelling afternoon tea option as well, that seems perfectly suited to the look and feel of the grandeur, for £25/head,
meet the CHEF MAX FAULKNER, HEAD CHEF, KILWORTH HOUSE, LEICESTERSHIRE
Food Experience: Raised in Leicester, trained at Kilworth House from 2005-2007, returned in 2011, appointed Head Chef in 2014.
with Champagne options and flawlessly implemented provision of traditional finger sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Dine in the evening and you’ve the option of a table d’hôte menu at £22.50/two courses; £29.50/three courses, providing four starters, four main course and four dessert options.
A 7/7/7 à la carte menu provides more choice, and slightly more involved dishes, but to really experience the talents of Kilworth’s brigade, we can really recommend Max’s Taster menu. >>
Food Wisdom: “I think the secret to good food is to eat the seasons and remain faithful to local suppliers.”
Food Heaven: “I love pan fried foie gras - I think I have expensive tastes - it’s rich, with a really good flavour.” Food Hell: “I hate tomato ketchup, I was probably the only child who hated it.” Away from the kitchen: “I’m a very keen golfer!”
Top: The Grade II listed Italianate mansion has been a hotel since 1999.
Top: Fillet of cod with flavours of ratatouille. Above: Pan fried scallops in nori hollandaise.
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- EATING OUT -
>> The Taster Menu includes amuse bouche and pre-dessert, and comprises eight courses with luxurious treats featuring ingredients like Valrhona chocolate (utilised here in a creameux) and an optional cheese course.
The dishes in our photographs are making their debut as part of new summer menus which will launch as Pride goes to press. Highlights include our poached asparagus starter, fillet of cod and the tangy lemon mousse with Earl Grey sorbet. Presentation is exceptional and each dish is faithful to the seasons - a philosophy which Max and the team are always keen to maintain.
Whichever menu you choose though, bread is baked in house, petit fours are produced by the brigade and local ingredients are utilised throughout. In fact, three months ago Max and the team established a kitchen garden to grow the microherbs, salads and edible flowers from the hotel’s own grounds.
90 bins of wine and very pretty bedrooms means that Kilworth House is also ideal for
OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch Daily 12 noon to 2pm. Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to 9pm. Sunday Sunday 12 noon to 3pm.
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those seeking to get away, without venturing too far. If you’re looking to treat a loved one, the hotel’s afternoon tea, theatre performances, and the spa treatments available in its health and beauty rooms plus its attractive grounds and woodland walks all serve to broaden the appeal of Kilworth even beyond its exceptional dining.
Should you find yourself keen to learn a few of Max’s trade secrets, the chef even hosts cooking demonstrations in the adjacent Staging Post log cabin - the theme of the next class, in November, is making the preparation of Christmas lunch easier.
“THE DISHES IN OUR PHOTOS ARE MAKING THEIR DEBUT AS PART OF NEW SUMMER MENUS WHICH WILL LAUNCH AS PRIDE GOES TO PRESS...”
Located about 40 minutes from Oakham and Uppingham, Kilworth House isn’t too far away, but it’s very much worth the drive.
With two rosette dining and four AA red stars for its accommodation, and given its grandeur, it’s easy to recommend a visit to the hotel. The well-choreographed routines of Max and his brigade ensure an exceptional experience sure to leave even the most discerning diner yearning for an encore.
Top: Afternoon tea at the hotel is served from £25/head. Above: The hotel’s Wordsworth private dining room and its 130 seater Orangery restaurant.
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Main: Lemon mousse with pistachio sponge and Earl Grey sorbet.
on the MENU TASTING MENU AT £49.50/EIGHT COURSES
Onion Consommé
Pumpkin ravioli, thyme oil, shaved chestnut. Tartare of Beef
Pickles, smoked egg yolk purée, wasabi, nasturtium. Heritage Beetroot
Ragstone goats’ cheese, pine nuts, blood orange. Fillet of Cod
Black pasta, squid, lobster sauce, chorizo, sea herbs, butternut squash. Breast of Pheasant Jerusalem artichoke, cavolo nero, pickled blackberries, Scotch pheasant egg.
Flavours of Tiramisu Valrhona Dulcey Creameux Banana, salted peanut, raspberry.
Optional Cheese Course £8.50/three £12.50/five £15.50/seven
NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.
n Kilworth House Hotel, Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth, Leicestershire LE17 6JE. Tel: 01858 880058 or see www.kilworthhouse.co.uk. 69
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Something Fishy
FROM SALMON TO SEA BASS, RUTLAND’S CHEFS ARE CONTINUALLY IMPROVING THEIR FISH DISHES. WE LOOK AT THE BEST THE COUNTY HAS TO OFFER AT SOME OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS THIS MONTH...
GENTLY SPiCED
The Cherry House in Werrington near Peterborough offers grilled fillet of sea bass with sweet peppers and tempura prawns in a light chilli sauce and tomato salsa. 01733 571721, www.cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk.
n Rushton Hall is a grand hotel in Kettering. It’s definitely worth the journey, with a comfy drawing room to welcome you for pre-dinner aperitifs, The Tresham Restaurant, and the Grand Hall to dine in.
n The Olive Branch exudes quality. The quiet village of Clipsham to the east of Rutland proudly boasts the local award-winning restaurant, in particular the fish dishes. From their moules mariniere to their beautifully presented fillets, this is a definite recommendation if you love shellfish. 01780 410 355. www.theolivebranchpub.com 70
The fish dishes are absolutely superb finished off with edible flowers. The food is superb, the service is exceptional, and the environment feels like a real treat. 01536 713001, www.rushtonhall.com.
n KILWORTH HOUSE’S Orangery is the ideal location for their fine dining experience. They’re serving fillet of sea bass, butternut squash, lobster sauce and caviar for their fish dish.
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- SAMPLE DISHES -
presented beautifully
The Coach House Inn at South Luffenham serves a delicious pan fried sea bass with roasted fennel and mussel velouté.
The Coach House, 01780 720166, www.coachhouserutland.co.uk.
SIMPLY DELICIOUS
Hambleton Hall is very well known in the county for its Michelin star dining, winning the Rutland Pride Restaurant of the Year Award several times. Their fish dish is a poached Lincolnshire smoked eel with a potato and watercress velouté. 01572 756 991, www.hambletonhall.com.
The White Horse in Baston presents this pan fried cod as their fish dish, with saffron, cauliflower purée and carrot and courgette ribbons. 01778 560923, www.thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk. 01858 880058, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk
n Featured dishes are representative examples of our featured chefs’ skills... the menus of our featured restaurants change frequently so fish dishes are subject to availability. Check each restaurant’s website prior to your visit for an up-to-date menu. 71
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r e m Sum
VENISON
...wit h Pear & Walnut
Words: Neil Hitchin, The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham. Images: Tim Green.
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- RECIPE -
ALTHOUGH THIS DISH TAKES THREE DAYS TO MAKE, IT’S WELL WORTH THE WAIT, AND THAT PREPARATION CAN BE COMPLETED IN ADVANCE READY FOR YOUR DINNER PARTY OR FAMILY SUPPER. VENISON IS TRADITIONALLY CONSIDERED A DISH FOR LATER IN THE YEAR, BUT JULY SEES THE FIRST AVAILABILITY OF VENISON, SO TREAT YOURSELF WITH THIS RECIPE FROM RUTLAND CHEF NEIL HITCHIN OF WYMONDHAM’S BERKELEY ARMS...
ingredients
Serves 6
about the
BOOK CHAMPIONING LOCAL CUISINE IN LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND
For the Venison: 1 SHOULDER OF VENISON • 2 ONIONS • 4 CARROTS • 1 SWEDE • 1 LEEK • 2 BAY LEAVES • 2 CELERY STICKS • 1 BOTTLE OF RED WINE • CHICKEN STOCK • SALT & PEPPER For the Caramelised Walnuts: 100G SUGAR • 100ML WATER • WALNUTS For the Pears: 1 BOTTLE RED WINE • 1 CINNAMON STICK • 1 STAR ANISE • 1 BAY LEAF •1 ORANGE, WITH ZEST AND JUICE • SUGAR TO TASTE • 4 PEARS
To prepare the venison, Marinade the venison shoulder in the red wine and vegetables for three days.
Remove the shoulder from the marinade, season with salt and pepper and sear all over in a hot roasting tray.
Remove from the roasting tray and roast the vegetables. Once the vegetables have a good caramelised colour, add the red wine and reduce by half. Place the shoulder in a roasting tray cover with the vegetables, wine and chicken stock, cover with foil and braise in the oven at 160ºc for around 3-4 hours.
The meat should be tender and fall’s off the bone. Let the meat cool and when cool enough to touch, pick the meat off the bone into a bowl and place the braised vegetables into a blender until smooth. Add to the venison meat, season with salt and pepper, add braising liquid until moist. Roll in cling film to form a tight roulade. Place in the fridge to firm up.
To create the caramelised walnuts, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. When the syrup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, add the walnuts and cook for 10 minutes. Drain
the walnuts on to an oven tray and cook in the oven for 5-8 minutes until caramelised.
To create the sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan excluding the pears. Peel the pears and quarter removing the core. Add to the wine and ingredients and bring to a slow simmer until soft.
To serve, remove roulade from the fridge and cling film. Cut into six portions and dust with flour, sear in a hot pan with oil and butter. Place in the oven for 8-10 minutes until warm.
Plate up with sauce, slices of the pears and scatter with caramelised walnuts. Perfect with mashed potatoes and savoy cabbage.
n The recipe featured on this spread is provided by Neil Hitchin, The Berkeley Arms Wymondham. Tel: 01572 787587, www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk.
This Leicestershire & Rutland Cook Book is one-of-a-kind filled with stunning photos and beautiful recipes and anecdotes from Leicestershire & Rutland’s finest independent restaurants, cafés, delicatessens, pubs, farm shops and producers. This book is all about championing the local suppliers and making the most of the food and drink on offer locally by creating innovative and delicious dishes that all home cooks can try.
n The Leicestershire & Rutland Cook Book is now on sale RRP £14.95. Call 01142 757709 or visit www.mezepublishing.co.uk. 73
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- WINE -
r e m m u S
STUNNERS 5 STUNNING REDS...
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Ste Michelle, USA, £16.95
Chateau Ste Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington State. Ripe fruit, elegant mineral notes and a soft mouthfeel. Cassis and other berry fruit flavours are balanced with a hint of spicy oak all the way through to the harmonious finish.
5 WINNING WHITES...
Campogrande, Orvieto, Italy, £11.39
Antinori released their first wine under the Santa Cristina name in 1946. Since then Santa Cristina has been a byword for quality and value in Tuscany. Floral and fruity notes, particularly pineapple and banana, medium-bodied, with a round, delicate finish.
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Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir, N/Zealand, £18.95
Cotes du Rhone, France, £10.95
This New Zealand wine is bursting with flavours of black plums, blueberries and bramble fruit. It will leave you wanting more! The Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
George Dubceuf ’s Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre Rhone has aromas of raspberry and black cherry, with a dusting of white pepper; smooth yet lively on the palate, with a juicy fruit character leading to a savoury finish.
Conde Valdermar Finca Alto Cantabria, Spain, £14.89
Babylon’s Peak Swartland, South Africa, £14.75
This deliciously different white Rioja is a successful blend of modern fruit and traditional oak ageing: lemony, smoke and vanilla-scented, with subtle aromas of peaches and apricot, and beautifully balanced.
This mix of Rhône varieties produces a wonderfully textured wine, its natural richness supporting apricot, floral and musky aromas, while still finishing neat and dry. Babylon’s Peak’s wines have a vivid purity, that belies Swartland’s hot climate.
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Barbecues, picnics, al fresco lunches or afternoons in the garden... we’ve summer stunners to accompany all of the above. Wine writer Harish Khanderia presents the very best wines for high summer you’re ever likely to come across, from robust barbecue wines to all things light and beautiful... Words: Harish Khanderia. Photos: Rob Davis.
Morellino Di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy, £15.99
Bush Vines Pinotage, Swartland, South Africa, £14.89
A Tuscan superstar, with an intense colour, full bodied, a generous flavour with hint of blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose and an attractive spicy aroma. 100% Sangiovese grape, 14% alcohol, and perfect with smoky barbecue flavours.
A medium wine with dark berry fruit, well-structured, medium tannins and a beautiful balance. The wine is made in a classic, traditional style with a good balance between oak and fruit. Enjoy with carpaccio, venison and richly flavoured meat dishes.
Naturalys Viognier, Gerard Bertrand, France, £12.79
Gruner Veltliner Terrassen, Kamptal, Austria, £18.95
This Languedoc’s intense bouquet displays white flowers scents: acacia, hyacinth and orange tree flowers. Crisp and fruity, smooth, it offers pleasant flavours of honeysuckle, ripe pear, but also peach, orange tree flower and citrus. Crisp and lively with a good length.
Schweiger is a small, family-owned producer based in the Kamptal region, home to Austria’s most famous and highly regarded dry wines. From the area’s terraced slopes this is a savoury, serious style, with extra layers of spice and concentration.
Three
CHEERS A TRIO OF TIPPLES FOR YOUR SUMMER BARBECUES Crossbill 200 Special Edition Gin, £84.99
200 years old. Yes, 200! One of only 200 bottles made, this is simply the best that gin can be with juniper from a single 200-year old bush.
Fynbury’s Rhubarb & Strawberry Cider, Rutland, £3.50
Summer in a glass! The sweetness of the strawberries combines with the sharpness of rhubarb to give a unique taste of the English summertime.
Favola Prosecco, Italy £12.95
The best Prosecco you’re likely to taste. A fresh, fragrant and fruit example with aromas of pear and apple. Off-dry and lively with an attractively crisp finish.
n Our featured wines are available from Oakham Wines, High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH.
Call 01572 757124 or visit www.oakhamwines.co.uk.
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LISHED TAB ES
EST
LOCAL CO
MP AN
Y
Bespoke and Handmade Kitchens
1981 5 YEARS -3
• Over 30 room settings on display including the latest finishes...
• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens...
• Special discounts and unrivalled service...
The Area’s Largest Independent Kitchen Showroom
The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford PE9 2NA
T: 01780 755855
E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk
www.qksstamford.co.uk 77
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HIGH
Contrast
THE FIRS IN THE STUNNING RUTLAND WATERSIDE VILLAGE OF EDITH WESTON HAS INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL VIEWS LOOKING OVER THE LAKE AND FORMAL GARDENS, IN ADDITION TO BEAUTIFUL ROOMS. THE DESIGN IN EACH ROOM INVOLVES STRIKINGLY BOLD COLOUR SCHEMES WITH HIGH CONTRAST... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
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- HOMES -
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Edith Weston is one of the most beautiful Rutland Water-side villages in the county. The homes are all well looked after and the area’s indigenous limestone is featured in almost every one.
The Firs at Edith Weston is built from the same limestone with a Collyweston roof, and has the same stunning views across Rutland Water. It was originally a farm house before the valley - and the fields - were flooded to make way for the reservoir.
It’s been sympathetically renovated over the last six years by the previous and current owners into a beautiful family home.
The approach to the house is via double wrought iron gates, flanked by stone walls, with the house elegantly framed beyond.
A gravel drive leads to a parking area in front of the house and there is an everyday door which leads into the kitchen breakfast room with the front door a little further beyond.
The kitchen has a quarry tile floor, a four oven gas Aga, with a two oven electric Above: The kitchen features a gas four door Aga oven, a large central island and handcrafted bespoke cabinetry. Left: The lounge is a daring dark colour which works incredibly well with the large sash windows and bright bookcases.
“The Firs at Edith Weston was originally a farm house up until the 1970s when the valley, and therefore most of the farm’s fields, were flooded for the reservoir...” module, a large central island, hand built and hand painted bespoke cupboards, a breakfast area and a mixture of wood and granite work surfaces.
Elsewhere in the property, you’ll find the dining room, drawing room, study or TV room, sitting room and conservatory, making a grand total of no fewer than six reception rooms. Other rooms include the utility room, pantry, boot room, cloakroom, laundry room and a cellar.
The conservatory extends across a large portion of the back of the house with 81
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- HOMES -
double doors opening onto the landscaped gardens and the breathtaking view you’re likely to be familiar with if you live in the area.
The sitting room or snug was once an old dairy when the property was used as a farm.
It features an Inglenook fireplace and large bay windows with areas to sit underneath them.
Upstairs, you’ll discover a principal bedroom with an ensuite, a bathroom and dressing room, five further bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attic store room.
Something this house offers which is a little different to the other homes in Edith Weston is an annexe. This features a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, well used by guests of the family living there now.
Other buildings include two garages and various outbuildings.
The property stands in just under one acre, and in addition to the home and various outbuildings, the property features a beautifully landscaped garden and grounds with a pond and summer house.
The formal gardens welcome you to the front of the house with cleverly shaped topiary.
Making your way through or around the house, you find the patio which opens from the courtyard.
Above: The conservatory opens up to the family’s patio and lawn area surrounded with herbaceous borders. It leads to the pond and the view over Rutland Water.
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A seating area out here makes it the perfect place for barbecues, especially with the conservatory that opens onto it leading through to the kitchen.
The Firs, Edith Weston
Location: Seven miles from Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford, and 20 miles from Peterborough.
Style: A period property built in the 18th century and bordering Rutland Water.
Receptions: Six, arranged as dining room, drawing room, study, TV room, sitting room and conservatory.
Beds: Six, principal bedroom with en suite and dressing room.
Other Features: Two garages, pond, outbuildings and spacious conservatory.
Guide Price: £2,250,000.
Find Out More:
Estate Agency: Strutt & Parker.
Tel: 01858 433123.
Web: www.struttandparker.com.
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When form meets
FUNCTION For one Rutland resident, the creation of a new kitchen in a 17th century thatched cottage needed to be a triumph of both form and function, looking good but also working well for the family. Easton on the Hill’s Fitted Furniture Company worked hard to create this pretty solid timber kitchen packed with the latest technology...
Whilst period properties may be pretty, their layout sometimes doesn’t translate into a practical space for families.
That was the case in this Rutland property, transformed into a stylish and spacious living kitchen by Easton-on-the-Hill’s Fitted Furniture Company. The family’s 17th century Grade II listed thatched cottage was lovely, but its kitchen was small and was situated at the less sunny, north-facing, rear of the house.
“The place was structurally sound but needed rewiring,” says our homeowner. “We were living elsewhere so we decided to renovate and relocate the kitchen at the same time.”
A hallway to the south-facing front of the property was combined with the existing kitchen, allowing more natural light into the house. The previous kitchen was turned into a utility room, and the existing dining room was turned into the kitchen. The removal of the hallway then facilitated the creation of a dining space. “We cook together, so it needed to be spacious and practical first and foremost,” we wanted a space with good flow and wanted to include a dining space so we 86
could entertain and be in the kitchen at the same time.”
Work began in spring 2015, with contractor Adrian Smith completing the major structural work. The homeowner then needed a kitchen contractor, and a fellow villager recommended Graham Fowkes and Jason Nicholls at The Fitted Furniture Company.
“We visited their workshop. They’ve no displays, as such, because everything’s bespoke, but it was so tidy and well-organised they really impressed us. They put us in touch with a previous customer who invited us to see first hand what the company had done for them. They were full of praise for their design skills, workmanship and work ethic.” >> Above: How the space looked before The Fitted Furniture Company created a new solid timber painted kitchen.
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- KITCHEN DESIGN -
Furniture THE Rutland KITCHEN The Property: 17th century thatched stone cottage, which underwent a full renovation in 2015. The Space: A light but narrow hallway was removed, and the existing kitchen, in what is now the utility room, was relocated to the area previously serving as a dining room. The Brief: Create a room which was functional firstly, but attractive, too, creating a kitchen/diner suitable for entertaining, integrating lots of technology. The Contractors: Clipsham’s Adrian Smith (01780 410834) completed building works and project management, whilst the homeowner used The Fitted Furniture Company (01780 480080, thefittedfurniturecompany.com) to create a bespoke kitchen using tulip wood and granite, then integrate Siemens appliances and create a utility room to match.
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- KITCHEN DESIGN -
“THE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN THE KITCHEN IS REALLY IMPRESSIVE WE REALLY CAN’T RECOMMEND THE FITTED FURNITURE COMPANY HIGHLY ENOUGH...” >> “They came here and really listened to us.
They created an outline plan based on what we wanted from rough measurements.”
“Once the builders were finished we could take proper measurements and formalise the plan. Their input was invaluable; they suggested a smaller island to make more room to walk around the kitchen, and a split-level island with breakfast bar, removing a cupboard from our design, which definitely proved the right thing to do.” “The details they introduced, like the grading of the drawer sizes, were spot on, too. We were so impressed.” The result was a timber kitchen in tulip wood painted in Farrow & Ball Green Blue. A butler sink and Siemens appliances were used, with a combi oven/microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer neatly integrated. The couple opted for an Everhot three oven electric range with induction hob and hotplate. The utility room matches the kitchen and includes one of the Fitted Furniture Company’s boot stores to keep everything neat. “It’s such a practical kitchen, great to work in, as well as looking good. We’re really happy with it and can’t recommend Graham and Jason highly enough!” n The Fitted Furniture Company is based at Easton-on-the-Hill. Call 01780 480080 or see www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com. 88
Above: Pull-out larder cupboards were installed on either side of the Siemens fridge freezer. The island features a second ‘veg prep’ sink and split-level timber and granite work surfaces. Right: The utility has bespoke boot storage.
attention to
DETAiL
The kitchen is finished in Farrow & Ball Green Blue with soft close doors and double-width pan drawers for lots of practical storage. Small spaces in the utility were filled with useful bespoke drawers.
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KITCHEN INSPIRATION The Fitted Furniture Company is based at Easton on the Hill, and specialises in bespoke, handmade kitchens, bedrooms and offices, all designed to suit each individual home, and made in-house by a team of furniture makers. All cabinetry is solid, made to measure, and paired with other quality materials like granite and marble surfaces and stainless steel or ceramic sinks and taps from names like Franke. “Our aim is to blend the best traditional workmanship with technology, which, most of the time, is designed to be inconspicuously integrated.” “We don’t employ salespeople. We meet our clients for a strictly no-obligation chat to really understand their needs. From there we can make suggestions and really ensure that the design process is a collaboration
between us and the client, introducing suggestions that really suit their lifestyle.” “We come up with comprehensive drawings to help our clients visualise their new room, and ensure that despite our legacy values of quality and of materials and workmanship. We can also introduce features like integrated appliances, boiling water taps, banks of warming appliances and create utility rooms with plenty of clever, practical storage.” “The secret is really understanding our customer and providing a genuinely bespoke service...” Top: A mix of timber and granite creates a sense of quality.
Below: The firm can create both freestanding and built-in cabinetry.
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Marble
MAESTRO
Rutland is now both home and workplace to one of Britain’s finest craftsmen. Stonemason James Elliott bought his factory here four years ago, equipping it with everything he needed to run his business with optimal efficiency, and finding locally the expertise he needs from his workforce. Previously based in Buckinghamshire, James believes the move has transformed both his business and his work/lifestyle balance...
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- JAMES ELLIOTT -
James Elliott is big news these days, especially since the Channel 4 series of films of him making and installing the new altar for Leicester Cathedral and the coffin for King Richard III. Physically James is a big man too – at airports he has to duck to avoid the overhead signs! His client list is also not only big, but prestigious and international besides.
Over many years, however, James has been the stonemason of choice of those in the know, particularly of leading architects and architectural historians. 4 years ago James moved his workshop from Buckinghamshire to Rutland, and he now lives with his wife Stella in Uppingham. Because of the nature of his work, James is constantly on the move, whether in the UK or abroad. Understandably, for lifestyle reasons, he would like to develop a more local clientele in addition to his regular and loyal customer base. To facilitate this expansion of his business, James has already turned his factory into a state-of-theart facility and recruited additional expert local staff. Nominally James is a stonemason, and it is his enduring love of marble and semi-precious stone that lies behind everything he does. However, his expertise in his chosen profession notwithstanding, much of his work requires complex engineering solutions, and James welcomes nothing more than a technical challenge. For example, it was James who created the steel jumping jet fountain for Piet Oudolf ’s Gold medal winning ‘best in show’ garden at the 2000 Chelsea Flower show.
More recently James has honed his skills in computer 3D drawing to the point that his client project drawings are virtually indistinguishable from a photograph. This means that between them James and the client can ensure that the end product will be precisely what the client wants. Unsurprisingly for a man with such natural curiosity and inventiveness, James has now also moved into 3D printing, regularly upgrading his equipment as the technology improves, and as a result is now making his own bathroom accessories.
James’ many other interests never interfere with his activities on the stone side of his business. Sourcing the correct materials for any job has not only involved James in
“NOMINALLY JAMES IS A STONEMASON, AND HIS ENDURING LOVE OF MARBLE LIES BEHIND EVERYTHING HE DOES...” extensive overseas travel, but fully understanding the properties of the stone he is working has also obliged him to acquire an impressive knowledge of geology. The huge variety of marble formations requires a deep sensitivity to the way each of them must be handled, and James has unparalleled skill in cutting even the most fragile materials.
James loves nothing better than to visit quarries in his never-ending quest to obtain the very best raw materials to work with. Recently, for instance, he was heavily involved in the rediscovery of Swedish Green marble, as a result of a client’s restoration project. It was believed that the marble, which once was so fashionable that it adorns such notable buildings as the Royal Palace in Stockholm and the Opéra National in Paris, was no longer available. After several trips to the
original source of the material in Sweden, he now has the exclusive worldwide rights for the use of this beautiful stone.
Working with rare marbles requires rare talents, and James is adamant that for the best materials only the best workmanship will suffice. Without a deep understanding of the properties of the material being worked an optimum result is impossible. >> 93
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>> He’s devoted his entire professional life to perfecting his knowledge of marble, stone and semi-precious stones, and it is no coincidence that his expertise and craftsmanship are on display at many of the great heritage sites both in the UK and around the world.
The antiquity of the materials James works with is in stark contrast to the modernity of the engineering solutions he provides to his clients.
The first result a client will see from a commission is a precise and meticulous 3D computer drawing of the work they envisage. James’ firm belief is that all the technical demands of any project must be fully resolved before any work commences.
“JAMES’S EXPERTISE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP ARE ON DISPLAY AT MANY GREAT HERITAGE SITES IN THE UK & AROUND THE WORLD...” 94
All too often he finds himself being called in by architects to rescue projects on which other stonemasons have under-estimated the work involved or misunderstood the engineering required, or just failed to appreciate the properties of the stone they are working. It is not uncommon for James to be asked to repair rare marble surfaces that have been shattered by incompetent handling, and there are clients who will attest that once James has completed his repair work they cannot see where the breaks were. He is the ultimate invisible mender! With the amount of heritage work James undertakes, it is fundamental to his work that he has a thorough understanding of architectural history. While he frequently devises innovative engineering solutions to seemingly intractable problems, he is constantly aware of the need for his work to be sympathetic to the original spirit of the building in which he is working. He is also used to working with the very specific requirements of listed buildings.
Since his move to Rutland James has invested heavily in the latest equipment, which enables him to handle jobs of a scale that would seem impossible for what is still a small company. In fact James prides himself on never having turned down a job because it is too big for him to handle.
In spite of the above there are still jobs that need hand crafting and James is renowned for producing hand finishes that others can’t, and when complex carving is required James can ensure it is of the highest standard.
By no means is all the work James undertakes historical. He enjoys fruitful working relationships with some of the greatest modern designers and architects, ensuring that their designs are realised to the highest standard that the materials will allow. James has never considered himself too grand to take on small jobs, though he knows there will always be competitors who will quote lower prices than him. However, for anyone seeking the highest standards of workmanship and customer satisfaction there is no need to look beyond Rutland. n
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JAMES’S WORK 1. Italian Silver Travertine shower.
2. Fireplace in Breccia Capraia marble with hearth and slips in Frosterley. 3. Sink in Once-a-Week marble.
4. Two tables, joint project with Cox Workshops who designed and made the metalwork. Swedish Green marble top. 5. Cadeby limestone portico with Noir Belge tazettos.
6. Tomb for Richard III in Leicester Cathedral, completed and installed in March 2015.
n James Elliott’s workshop is based in Market Overton, Rutland. For enquiries and commissions, call 01572 767912 or see www.jameselliott.co.uk.
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This Page: Hornbeam, Burnham Market, £775,000. Below: The beautiful setting at West End, Burnham Overy Staithe £695,000.
PROPERTY PASSIONATE ABOUT
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO INVEST IN A HOLIDAY HOME IN NORTH NORFOLK - THAT’S THE VERDICT OF PROPERTY EXPERTS HELEN MILLIN, EMMA MASON AND KIRSTY WAINWRIGHT. TOGETHER, THE THREE WOMEN HAVE CREATED A NEW ESTATE AGENCY IN NORTH NORFOLK...
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- BAREFOOT ESTATES -
For many, buying a second home is very much a dream. But now could be the time to leave traditional buy-to-let behind and invest in a holiday let on the North Norfolk coast.
With the lettings market for holiday cottages growing year on year and the future looking bright in respect of property prices and demand for high quality cottages, there is no better time to buy.
“People are very much looking for a holiday cottage to stay in that is equal to or of a higher standard than their property at home and a sound investment in the right property along the North Norfolk coast will provide you with a great income, plus somewhere fantastic for you to enjoy holidays in too!” said Emma.
After the recent tax changes, the Government has been more lenient on a small corner of the buy-to-let market, namely holiday lets. The changes announced in the budget to tax relief for interest do not affect the furnished holiday lettings tax rules, which is great news, if you are looking to invest in a second home for you and your family to enjoy, but are also looking for a great return on your investment too.
Luxury holiday lettings agency, Barefoot Retreats has recently branched out and launched a new estate agency business called Barefoot Estates from its office in Thornham, just 18 months on since Emma Mason and Helen Millin founded their original business.
“We have expertise in property sales and have extensive property development experience so this is a natural progression for us. We are delighted to be extending the range of services that we now offer under the Barefoot brand and to be joining the East Anglian estate agency community,” said Helen. The appointment of Kirsty Wainwright as a Director completes the team.
Less than three months old and now with eight properties on its books, the first of which sold in a week, Barefoot Estates are making their presence known in the local North Norfolk property market.
Barefoot Estates offer a fresh and innovative approach to property sales, with three clear objectives; to help clients achieve the best price for their properties; to do this in as short a period of time as possible and very importantly to build and nurture a close client/agency relationship throughout, whether you’re a purchaser or a seller. Barefoot Retreats, who offer laid-back luxury holiday cottages along the North Norfolk coast have seen an increase in demand for their luxury cottages.
“Your property must be available for at least 210 days of the year and has to be let for at least 105 days. But the advantage of owning a holiday let in North Norfolk is that you can also enjoy time there, something you can’t if you invest in a traditional buy-to-let,” added Helen.
“Whether you’re looking to buy a holiday let, a home or want to add to your investment portfolio, we offer an all-inclusive service through Barefoot Estates,” said Kirsty Wainwright, Director.
As a purchaser you will benefit from a free handyman and cleaning service when you buy a property through Barefoot Estates, ensuring you can settle in as quickly as possible to your new home.
Barefoot Estates also automatically provide a holiday rental forecast providing you with the figures you need to support any potential mortgage application and illustrate what you could achieve in terms of rental return from letting out a holiday home.
“PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR QUALITY HOLIDAY COTTAGES TO STAY IN AND A SOUND INVESTMENT IN NORTH NORFOLK CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH A GREAT INCOME...” Between 2011 and 2014, the number of nights booked in self-catering accommodation, according to figures presented by Visit England, grew from £6.68 million to £6.72 million which certainly looks to continue.
“If you want to invest in a holiday home, North Norfolk will provide you with tremendous opportunities. It also pays to think of the type of property that might let most easily. Consider one bedroom cottages and love nests that will let all year round or lets that are large enough for several families or friends to holiday together for instance properties sleeping 12 to 16 people can generate as much as £4,000 a week in high season,” said Helen.
They also pride themselves on their levels of customer service, ensuring that they deliver what they promise and continually keep you updated on the progress of your sale.
If you do purchase a second home and are intending bringing your second home to the holiday rental market then Barefoot Retreats will help you every step of the way, recommending local architects, contractors and builders to carry out works whilst also co-ordinating and overseeing the furnishing of the property to ensure that it is up and running as soon as possible to provide a return on your investment. If you are looking to purchase a holiday home in North Norfolk, or if you already own a holiday home and are looking to sell and want to promote what the rental return would be for your property, to increase its saleability, then please contact Kirsty at Barefoot Estates and she will do the rest! n For more information on Barefoot Estates, call 01485 512638 or visit www.barefootestates.co.uk. Alternatively, email sales@barefootestates.co.uk. Over the page, we provide a few examples of Barefoot Estate’s current property portfolio... >> 99
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HORNBEAM, BURNHAM MARKET If you are looking for a spacious property, then look no further. With 3913 sq.ft. over 5 double bedrooms, 5 ensuites, 4 reception rooms and a double garage, Hornbeam offers a fantastic amount of space. This property is screaming out for someone to continue the successful holiday lettings or to turn it into a B&B.
This lovely property is located in the trendy village of Burnham Market and is ideal for enjoying the vibrancy of village life, the sun, sea and sand and rock pools at the local beaches of Brancaster, Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham and Old Hunstanton and the fantastic bird and wildlife which can be seen in close proximity at the RSPB reserves in Titchwell and Snettisham. The house opens up onto the entrance hall where you have a large space for
Burnham Market HORNBEAM,
Reception Rooms: Three; sitting room, dining room, conservatory. Bedrooms: Five, all with en suites. Features: Constructed in 2004, wood burning stove, underfloor heating, enclosed garden. Area: Close to Wells & Holkham.
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£775,000
entertaining, perfect for dinner parties. Off the spacious hallway you’ll discover a beautiful kitchen/diner and large conservatory.
The separate seating area is a great place to have pre-dinner drinks and there are doors leading out onto the lovely enclosed garden which catches the sun all day. A further sitting room with large wood burning stove offers an alternative place to relax. On a winter’s evening, snuggle down, light the fire and enjoy good conversation. The ground floor is heated with individually zoned water borne underfloor heating.
A stone’s throw away from glorious North Norfolk coastline with open spaces and the best coastal walks, renowned restaurants and hotels. Burnham Market is the perfect place to shop, dine or simply revel in being part of the traditional village atmosphere. n
Below: Hornbeam is a good rental prospect and a modern, low-maintenance character cottage. Right: The Chapel is a Grade II listed conversion.
OUR FEATURED PROPERTIES FOR SALE ARE GOOD LONG TERM INVESTMENT PROSPECTS, WITH POTENTIAL FOR USE AS A RENTAL PROPERTY AND AS YOUR OWN HOLIDAY HOME...
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- BAREFOOT ESTATES -
WEST END, BURNHAM OVERY £695,000 STAITHE WEST END dates back to 1791 and is part of a superb conversion of a Grade II listed water mill in an enchanting setting in Burnham Overy Staithe.
Developed and renovated with much sympathy by the National Trust in the early 1990s into a collection of smaller properties, this end of terrace property with far reaching views, is set over three floors. There’s an attractive dining room/hallway, with French doors opening onto the pretty enclosed walled garden, a galley-style kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom.
THE CHAPEL, HIGH STREET, THORNHAM
OIEO £575,000
The Chapel is a beautifully sympathetic conversion of a Grade II listed chapel located in the heart of the sought after village of Thornham. Converted and renovated by the current owners to a high standard, this property is currently let out as a luxury holiday retreat, which provides a regular income to the owners.
The spacious ground floor is open plan and the character features including some original wood panelling upstairs, blend seamlessly with some contemporary and retro styling downstairs.
THE CHAPEL, Thornham Reception Rooms: One. Bedrooms: Three, with family bathroom. Features: Grade ii listed former chapel. Galleried landing, underfloor heating, Area: Brancaster three miles, Burnham Market eight miles.
Also features a spacious sitting room with wood burning stove mezzanine level with vaulted ceiling, and beach just 20 minutes walking distance away.
With high ceilings and some large sash windows, this property is light and bright throughout. The Chapel boasts a galleried landing with three bedrooms served by a family bathroom. In addition there is a separate utility room/shower room downstairs.
This relaxed luxury retreat is close to the beach and all the eateries/pubs that make Thornham a fabulous holiday destination.
The Chapel has underfloor heating with thermostats in each room which warms the oak and natural stone floors. n
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Buy to Retire
Professional property finder Kate Vincent discusses the changing face of retirement and what this may mean for your next property purchase In stark contrast to our grandparent’s generation, where retirement meant living the quiet life and settling in modest accommodation, the retirees of today are seen by many as the ‘new young’; physically active, keen to travel and with a burning desire to live in a well-served location that facilitates a busy lifestyle. A consequence of this changing approach to life, often comes with some important decisions regarding housing. There are factors that the sixty or seventy somethings may need to think about when considering where to live in the often active years after giving up paid employment. Is it time to downsize?
One of the first questions to consider is whether to stay put in the family home, surrounded by familiar things and packed with memories, or to move to a more manageable abode. For many, the reassurance of the familiar is a powerful magnet and the prospect of facing a major upheaval, clearing out the old and moving into the unknown is an unattractive prospect.
Movers are often motivated by the appeal of the new and the potential to release some equity, either to supplement their pensions or perhaps, provide some financial support to their offspring. Much has been written in the media in recent years about the young’s difficulty in affording to get on the housing ladder and without help from the bank of mum and dad, it is often proving to be impossible – particularly if looking to buy in London.
There is also an increasing trend for some retirees to plan well ahead and purchase a property they will eventually move to, but for the time being, will let out the newly acquired home 102
until the time comes when they feel ready, or indeed need to move. This type of purchase has gained in popularity recently due to relaxed rules on accessing funds from pensions which generates rental income whilst a property is let and offers a range of potential tax benefits too. What options are available for retired sellers?
Once the decision to move has been made, one of the initial questions to consider is what to do with the existing home. After living in the same home for maybe decades, the idea of entering the housing market, having photos of your personal spaces plastered on the internet and buyers crawling round can be particularly unappetising for many. One option is to sell ‘off-market’ where a select few, fully proceedable buyers are introduced to the property on a discrete basis and the resulting sale can be transacted in a low key and calm manner.
The Times in May declared Rutland as the number one location for retirees in the UK and for those living here already the appeal is unquestionable. For the new retirees considering a move to the area, Rutland and Stamford offer many of the features required for an active retirement. Located in central UK, the area has excellent connections to the rest of the country; close to the A1/M1 for easy north/south driving to visit family, several major airports (East Midlands, Birmingham, Stansted) which depending where you live are within an hour or so, and access to a varied social life in Stamford and outdoor pursuits in Rutland. Independent research also reveals that Rutland is a lot more affordable than the ever popular Cotswolds,
Kate Vincent Garrington
which is similar in many ways but typically comes at a premium. Common challenges to think about
When choosing the type of house suitable for your next move, the challenge for retirees is to find somewhere that is smaller and easier to maintain (fit to lock up and go) but still big enough to accommodate the furniture that has filled a larger house and also, perhaps visiting family and grandchildren. Many want a reasonable sized garden, but not a huge maintenance load and a peaceful location within easy reach, possibly walking distance, of shops, restaurants and social groups. Thinking longer term, many also like to consider if they can no longer drive or need more regular access to medical facilities. No doubt about it, there is a lot to consider.
The property market, no matter which location or property type you are considering, is forever changing. For even the most weathered of property buyers the complexities can be overwhelming; having a trusted advisor acting on your behalf and able to offer objective advice can lift the pressure at a time of great change.
If you would like further information regarding your next property decision in retirement and how Garrington can save you time and money finding the right home either locally or across the UK, contact Kate Vincent: Tel: 01780 408377 Email: info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk
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Let There Be Light
THIS MONTH WE’VE STYLISH LIGHTING IDEAS FOR BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR COURTESY OF THE FAMILY FIRM BROUGHTONS...
CONTEMPORARY CHANDELiER
Bellini is a contemporary chandelier in oxidised bronze with quartz crystal elements, £534.
Classically styled but somehow modern, and perfect for bedrooms and dining rooms in barn conversions or other rural homes. Linetta is an eight-arm chandelier finished here in a bronze patina.
n Nautical lighting for exteriors... Wheelhouse is one of the most popular exterior fittings, mimicking designs from the early C20th. Shown here in polished nickel finish, and at £395/ea, it’s also available finished in antique brass (light and dark) in polished brass and as a pendant or flush ceiling lamps too. 104
Priced at £621, it’s also available as a three or five-arm chandelier, and has companion table lights and wall lights. Lead crystal and glass spheres and sconces.
n RUSTIC SIMPLICITY Styled with tradition and rustic simplicity in mind. Windermere is a pared back design of ceiling light with six lights and matching wall lights. £253/six light or £156/three light; £72-£113/wall lights.
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- HOMES -
ironmongery from lighting to
Broughtons have been trading in Leicestershire since 1888 and have provided inspiration for internal and external lighting.
Above: Amarilli chandelier, available as black or bronze gold three, five, 10 or 15 light chandelier, £243-£1,922.
Left: Traditional Desk or table lamp made from solid brass with pull switch, in a bronze finish. £178.
Above: Broughtons offer a fabulous range of Tiffany lighting, Table, Wall and pendants. Below: The Stratton Antique Table Lamp Amber White Glass Shade with Antique Metalwork. Product Code: LIIT0230 £192 each.
KITCHEN STYLE A light for the Kitchen; The Provence Rise & Fall Pendant available in polished nickel(shown) or a bronze finish. £216 each.
And finally... add style to reception rooms with this Aegean eight arm chandelier pendant in antique brass. £378, also available in polished brass and nickel. Wall lights (£81) and table lamp (£199).
n Find Out More: Lighting suggestions courtesy of Broughtons. Visit the firm’s showroom on Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicestershire LE7 7BP. Call 0116 234 1888 or see www.broughtons.com. 105
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Technically
SPEAKING
From school fields to Rutland’s back gardens, Technical Turf specialises in providing a bespoke high quality service covering all aspects of turf care. The company can offer everything from gardening products to fertilisers, and has a full scale operation for transforming fields into golf courses...
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- TECHNICAL TURF -
the complete PACKAGE WHILE THE SHOP SERVES RUTLAND’S DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS, TECHNICAL TURF ALSO DEALS WITH NATIONAL GOLF COURSES AND SCHOOL FIELDS... Technically speaking there isn’t just one kind of fertiliser. In fact there are thousands of chemical combinations that can create a bespoke product to suit your lawn.
Technical Turf, based in Melton Mowbray, can offer every type of fertiliser, alongside moss killers, spreaders, specialised vegetable feeds, pest control - including seeds & fertilisers for equine paddocks - and so much more.
Martin Shepherd started the company four years ago with 22 years already under his belt as a leading sports turf care contractor and with a true passion for the industry.
Martin is now catering for the needs of companies across the country, including some of the leading schools and sports clubs like Repton School and the National Centre for Golf, as well as looking after the lawns of homeowners across Rutland. The amount and quality of products the firm has in store is extensive, and the number continues to grow.
Techical Turf ’s own fertilisers cater for any and every garden; their grass seed is for patches of land from general lawns to
“MARTIN’S KNOWLEDGE AND TRUE PASSION FOR THE JOB MEANS THAT HE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT PRODUCTS WILL SUIT YOUR NEEDS...”
bowling greens, and the tools and equipment stocked by the firm for garden maintenance are all of the highest quality.
The store also stocks Maruyama, a Japanese company specialising in very high quality handheld power tools.
“Tools usually come with a year’s warranty,” says Martin. “However, Maruyama tools come with a five year guarantee, and their products range from hedge cutters, leaf blowers, chainsaws, strimmers to multi-tool products. They’re the best tools you can use on your garden.” Martin’s expert knowledge and true passion for the job means that he knows exactly what products will suit your needs, and if a particular fertiliser is not in stock, the lawncare company can create a bespoke product. All of the products are available online too.
In addition to the extensive product range, Technical Turf provides a contracting service across the UK. From grand designs to country cottage gardens, Technical Turf ’s Lawn & Estate division can help transform your lawn.
The division can provide spraying, scarification, fertilising, turf installation, drainage solutions, irrigation system installation, hard and soft landscaping, and a full construction service.
If your estate is slightly larger than most gardens, the company’s Grounds Maintenance division provides a full range of services. Professionally maintained grounds will improve and enhance your environment, creating that vital first impression for every visitor.
Technical Turf offers a complete package of full design, construction, renovation and maintenance, whether for an individual client or a commercial client. Martin and his team will visit for a consultation and a site survey before carrying out the operation, from start to finish. Technical Turf is able to work on every aspect of a project themselves without having to use any other company. Services can include bulk earthwork, sports fencing, flood lighting, natural and artificial grass surface installation, sand spreading, stone raking and so much more. This really is a bespoke service.
n Technical Turf are based on Melton Road, Melton Mowbray LE14 4UD. Call the shop on 01664 444334 and the office on 01664 444001 or visit www.technicalturf.co.uk for more info. 109
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WATER Wisteria by the
Orchard House on the very edge of Rutland Water isn’t just fortuitous for being in a prime location in one of Rutland’s most beautiful villages, but for simply existing, after previous owners begged Anglian Water to hold the water back. Its garden is also fortunate in being cared for by a succession of three passionate gardening families including current owners Richard and Celia Foulkes... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
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- GARDENS -
Orchard House is the luckiest building in Rutland. It’s situated on the peninsula at Rutland Water, blessed with panoramic views and one of the best villages in the county - although that’s not the reason why it’s also the luckiest.
Orchard House was one of the last houses on Anglian Water’s list to be flooded in the 70s to create Rutland Water. The owners begged and pleaded with them, and thanks to this enthusiasm - and plenty of homemade gin - Anglian Water created 6ft clay bunts to surround the property and protect it.
Current owners Richard and Celia Foulkes are very thankful for this, since it provided them firstly with the house, but also with incredible views over Rutland Water.
“It’s in a prime location and we often looked at the house in envy, as you can see it from the pathway around Rutland Water,” says Richard.
The couple moved to the property from Lyndon nine years ago. It has been lived in by three successive owners since 1947, and each one has been passionate about gardening.
“The most important changes were made to the garden in the 40s and 50s,” says Richard. “The owners terraced the east side
of the house and introduced the balustrades and walls in the formal garden.”
“When the valley was flooded in the 70s, this changed the position of the house so the next owners altered the layout of the garden to suit this. They changed what was once open fields into informal lawns, copses and a pergola walk with the statue of a windsurfer at the end of it overlooking the reservoir.”
When Richard and Celia moved to the house in 2007, Celia - the gardener of the family - replanted most of the borders. It was largely a spring garden and she wanted a garden to enjoy all year round.
“From January onwards there are aconites, hellebores and snowdrops; leading into clematis, roses, lupins, foxgloves, philadelphus and sambucca in time for the National Garden Scheme opening in July; followed by dahlias, crocosmia and sedum in autumn.”
“What I enjoy most about our garden is the fact it’s in a series of garden rooms. We don’t have just one communal area, or open plan garden - we have multiple gardens, each with a different theme.”
In July, expect to see roses, lupins, foxgloves, sambuca and philadelphus...” Above: Celia is the main gardener at Orchard House, while Richard works on the structure and lawn maintenance. Top: The windsurfing statue looking over Rutland Water. Left: The relaxing Japanese garden with a seating area looking over the pond. Main: The formal garden with wisteria lining the house.
At Orchard House, you’re welcomed firstly by the formal front garden featuring the balustrades, and some very interesting 111
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- GARDENS -
shaped topiary. When I visited in May, the walls were covered in clematis and wisteria.
From here, a gate leads to a Japanese garden with a peaceful seating area looking over a small pond and Japanese style planting. This moves through to a well-stocked kitchen garden, lined with berry bushes and fruit trees.
This leads to a small meadow full of wild flowers, and the first view of Rutland Water. Topiary lines the way to the pergola, covered in roses in summer, and a more informal garden in comparison to the front garden.
The copses are to the right of the pergola, and the cottages are to the left. These are used to accommodate family and all eight grandchildren during their visits. The view over Rutland Water from the balcony is incredible, and the cottages have a beautiful courtyard that leads to Orchard House’s drive. The open garden event takes
“I have an obelisk which will be covered in scarlet roses and purple clematis - the Queen’s silks - to celebrate her birthday...” place on the 3rd July, it’s the third time they’ve opened for the scheme, and it’s also the third garden party on the couple’s calendar. Alongside NGS and an open day for a garden group, they will also host a village tea party, too.
“On the 12th June, there will be a village tea party for the Queen’s birthday,” says Celia. “I have an obelisk in the garden which will be covered in scarlet roses and purple clematis on the day - the Queen’s jockey’s racing colours - with a golden tassle on top!” n For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk. Orchard House is in Hambleton LE15 8TJ.
Above: The pergola which leads to Rutland Water. Left: Herbaceous borders surround the formal lawn, and bursts of colour can be found around the garden. It’s also a garden that is full of beautiful scents. Opposite/Main: The statue/sculpture garden leads to the terrace at the rear of the property. Opposite/Left: Talulah is the third member of the family, around the same age as Richard and Celia in converted dog years! Opposite/Right: The pergola which leads to the kitchen garden.
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n e d r a G e In Th SIX FLOWERS FOR JULY JULY IS THE IDEAL MONTH TO PLANT OUT SUMMER BEDDING PLANTS. WE’VE SIX IDEAS FOR THE BEST WAYS TO ADD COLOUR TO BORDERS... 1. Begonias Best planted outdoors after frosts. Begonias typically grow to 15cm-50cm, and thrive in both sun and partial shade. Working well in borders, containers and hanging baskets, they should be started off indoors, then planted out in late spring.
2. Geraniums A true staple for an English country garden, Geraniums are one of the hardiest flowers, suited to hot conditions and dry soil, flowering all summer long. Available in a range of pink, lilac, burgundy and apricot.
3. Cosmos One of the biggest incentives for filling your borders with Cosmos is the number of bees and butterflies the flowers attract. The species’ love of hot conditions and poor soil make them an ideal candidate for summer borders, and a staple for your pickery.
5. Sweet Peas A classic cottage garden favourite with annual or perennial varieties. Plant in early summer 1cm deep in pots or directly into the ground. Support them on frames and train them over arches, and deadhead regularly once in full flower to encourage more flowers.
6. Antirrhinum 4. Californian Poppies Sow this hardy annual into beds and borders, and watch as it prolifically self-seeds. Colours range from yellow to orange. An easy going flower, they’ll thrive in poor soil but will flower well in full sun, and should be cut back after flowering.
Antirrhinum - better known as snapdragons - flower between July and September. Sow in spring then plant out in early summer, or grow them in container pots.
n Our recommended Garden Centres are Gates Nurseries, Cold Overton, 01664 454309, www.gatesnurseries.co.uk, and Downtown Garden Centre at Downtown, Gonerby Junction, Grantham 01476 590239.
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Creating a Brand New
LANDSCAPE A new garden created by David Greaves and Rebecca Winship has transformed the space around this property in the Leicestershire village of Dunton Bassett, creating a great space for entertaining...
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- GARDEN DESIGN -
It’s inevitable that what we require from our gardens changes over time, and in the same way that we modernise our homes, it’s often necessary to subject the spaces surrounding them to dramatic changes as well, to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
When garden designer Rebecca Winship approached David Greaves to complete the hard landscaping elements of a project she was involved in, the two worked together to transform the space from a blank canvas into a space for entertaining suitable for a modern family. “We work across Leicestershire, Rutland and in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire too,” says David. “My work sees me creating the hard landscaping elements of anything from small courtyard gardens to much larger landscapes, working to literally any budget.” “It’s more common for me to design and construct the projects I work on, but Rebecca’s ideas really inspired me, and I was able to work with her plans, adapting them with her if there were issues of technical feasibility and
DAVID CREATES THE HARD LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS OF ANYTHING FROM SMALL COURTYARD GARDENS TO MUCH LARGER AREAS, WORKING TO ANY BUDGET...
changing them according to the client’s changing wishes throughout the project.”
“We work closely with leading RHS designers on all landscaping elements of projects, on anything from modern gardens around newly constructed homes to more classical ones around period properties.”
“This project saw the creation of gardens which wrapped around the property, and the creation of different levels following the removal of a huge amount of spoil. This not only created different levels for additional interest, but also ensured better views of the garden from an elevated perspective.”
“We created a pizza oven adjacent to a hot tub and garden room, and created two terraces, a patio to the front and an enclosed courtyard too. During the project the client wanted to extend the driveway, so that was incorporated into the hard landscaping element, too.”
“We used steel edging to compliment the areas within the garden. This enabled us to achieve really tidy curves which will remain intact and continue to look neat over the years, and we laid over 300 square metres of reclaimed York stone which will stand the test of time, with work with both new and reclaimed products on our projects.”
about the DESIGN With over 28 years experience within the landscape design and construction industry, designer David Greaves offers a professional service in both design only and design and construction of any size garden. The emphasis on all design work is quality and originality through experience coupled with professional training. “We can bring your garden to life with a variety of planting schemes to suit your requirements,” says David. “The emphasis on all design work is quality and originality through experience coupled with a professional training. Bring outdoor living to life with our bespoke design service, coupled with the construction and follow up maintenance service...”
“I think it’s important to create a space that will not only look good now, but will last a lifetime, and remain good looking down the years, too.”
n David Greaves Landscape Design & Construction is based in Melton Mowbray. For a free, no obligation discussion about your project, call the firm on 01664 823588 or see www.davidgreavesdesign.co.uk. 117
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KEEP YOUR
WHEELS TURNING
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01949 81019
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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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- BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS, 1ST-4TH SEPTEMBER 2016 -
Jumping for Joy at
BURGHLEY
(/' (# (
#, # #& " (# ' +#& & &' "#)
/' " #* & )& - #&' & ' ' "#+ #$ " '' #&' ! "' $ " '( $ #!$ ( ( #" +#&( . (# ( #" ( &) " ( & '( %) '(& " " Words: Rob Davis.
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- BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS, 1ST-4TH SEPTEMBER 2016 -
>>
It’s back to Burghley at the end of next month as Stamford’s world class equestrian event returns to the area, bringing £20m of revenue into the town and attracting over 160,000 spectators.
Part country show, part world class sporting fixture, the event takes place on 540 acres of the Elizabethan country house’s parkland and takes no fewer than 1,100 people to organise, with 60,000 man-hours put into the creating the event’s ‘mini-village’ infrastructure. With over 450 horses, and a gruelling three stage competition comprising 120
dressage, showjumping and cross-country, it’s the ultimate test of equestrian skill and fitness for both rider and horse, attracting world-class riders like William Fox-Pitt, Andrew Nicholson, Oliver Townend and last year’s winner Michael Jung.
“Last year’s competition was the forerunner to the 2015 Eventing European Championships and saw a strong international field including Jung on La Biosthetique-Sam. Michael Jung became the first German rider to win this prestigious 4* competition,” says Elizabeth Inman, Event Director.
“BURGHLEY BRINGS £20M OF REVENUE INTO THE TOWN AND ATTRACTS OVER 160,000 PEOPLE TO A TRULY WORLD CLASS SPORTING EVENT...”
Above: Oliver Townend, shown here competing in last year’s event, won the competition in 2009 on Carousel Quest.
Opposite: Bands, shopping and an unofficial ‘Ladies’ Day’ ensure Burghley is not just a world class sporting event, but a great day out, too.
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- BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS, 1ST-4TH SEPTEMBER 2016 -
Horse Trials
THE BURGHLEY
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials runs from Wednesday 31st to Sunday 4th September. Wednesday sees the first horse inspections taking place in the Main Arena, whilst Thursday sees the dressage competition beginning in the Main Arena whilst Ring Two features Pony Club team jumping. The competition begins in earnest on Friday 2nd and is regarded as the Trials’s Ladies’ Day. Shops open from 9am, with dressage in the Main Arena and the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals in Ring Two. Saturday sees the cross country event from 11am along the 6,500m course. There’s shopping and other entertainment across the event too. Sunday sees a final horse inspection, followed by showjumping from 10.30am in the main arena.
“The 2016 competition looks set to be as action packed as ever, with approximately 80 elite horse and rider combinations drawn from across the globe taking part in what is recognised as eventing’s toughest challenge.”
“Hot on the heels of the Rio Olympics it’s anticipated that visitors will have the chance to welcome home Team GB riders and witness Olympic medal winning combinations in action.”
Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials starts with two days of dressage in the main arena (Thursday and Friday). Saturday is cross country day, when competitors test their nerve around Burghley’s famously demanding course, designed by Captain Mark Phillips.
The competition comes to a climax with show jumping on Sunday to determine who
“BURGHLEY’S HORSE TRIALS IS ALSO REGARDED AS A PREMIER OCCASION IN THE SUMMER’S SOCIAL CALENDAR.”
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will carry home the Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy and a first prize of £63,000. Even if you’re not an avid follower of equestrian sports, though, the Trials is also regarded as a premier occasion in the autumn social calendar.
Each year more than 500 carefully selected exhibitors offer everything from handmade cheeses, artisan breads and rare breed meats to luxury goods such as fine jewellery, contemporary fashion and exotic holidays.
For the equestrian enthusiast every possible type of horse-related wares are on sale, ranging from stabling, feed and tack to riding boots, hats and clothing.
Friday’s continuation of the dressage element of the competition is also regarded as the event’s unofficial ‘Ladies’ Day,’ contributing to a total of 26 gallons of Pimm’s being consumed throughout the competition by visitors.
Whether you’re a keen follower of equestrian sports, or you’re seeking a day out in the beautiful setting of Burghley’s parkland, the Trials is an event that will have horse, and spectator alike, jumping for joy.
There’s a band in the Main Ring from 2pm, parade of foxhounds at 3.45pm, and presentation of the competition’s prizes from 4pm. Ring Two on Sunday will features the BSPS Sports Pony Classes.
n Please note timings are provisional and are subject to change throughout the competition. For more information, see the event’s website.
TICKET DETAILS Thursday 1st September Sunday 4th September: Cars £10/adv, £12/on day; Person £14.50/adv, £18/on day. Season Entry (four days): Cars £30/adv; Person £54.
Call 01933 304744 or see www.burghley-horse.co.uk
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Nature
NOTES
July is a great month to see honeysuckle, the hummingbird hawkmoth and many birds. Richard Owens tells us more about each species...
Ferocious
FEMALES
Tawny owls defend their nests ferociously. Eric Hosking, wildlife photographer, is known for having lost an eye when he approached a nest.
Following the mini heatwave back in May, then arctic storms, we find ourselves well and truly in barbecue season as we enter July.
As the sun goes down and nightfall sets in, we should sit back and enjoy the amazing nocturnal wildlife that the county has to offer.
Those of us fortunate enough to live near a woodland may hear tawny owls, but I’m fairly sure most of us will encounter the low flying antics of our native bats.
No need to duck though; if they come near as they hunt by echo location so they will easily be alerted to your presence and will simply go around you. 124
Elsewhere in your garden, it’s really important to keep your feeders full throughout the summer months. Although natural food like insects and caterpillars will still be in abundance, so will the local bird population.
Most chicks will have fledged by now, boosting numbers. Some species, such as the tree sparrow may already be on its second brood. These breeding periods are obviously vital to all bird species so please remember to feed a mixture of nibbles for our delightful feathered friends.
Our counties gardens are great places for wildlife, in particular for many of our insects.
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- NATURE -
BIRDFEEDERS:
Your Questions Answered
Q. What is the best type of food to provide in my garden? A. The RSPB’s advice is to fill your birdfeeders with seed mixtures. The better mixtures contain plenty of flaked maize, sunflower seeds, and peanut granules, and you can buy these mixes from your nearest garden centre.
Above: The hummingbird hawkmoth using its proboscis to get nectar. Top/Opposite: Honeysuckle, is a nectar rich plant, great for attracting bees and butterflies. Left/Opposite: Lupins are very popular with pollinators at this time of year. Far Left/Opposite: The tawny owl.
However it’s not just the flowers that are of the utmost importance to the bees and butterflies; our shrubs can be great too, in particular the nectar rich honeysuckle.
If you have the shrub, keep an eye out for the migrant hummingbird hawkmoth who will have flown here from Southern Europe. It will be a special and unmistakable moment if you do see one.
Its flight is a very distinguishing feature; it can be seen hovering over flowers, and feeding with its long curly proboscis.
It flutters its wings so quickly that it can appear orange as it flashes its hindwings. They’re grey in colour with a black and white tail.
The caterpillar feeds on various species of bedstraw, so the female adult moth will lay her eggs on the buds or the flowers of these plants. In July, there are some plants that I would thoroughly recommend for the pollinators, if you like to see bees and butterflies around the garden.
Buddleias, dahlias, lavender, lupins and eryngiums are all great plants this time of year.
n Richard Owens, has spent his career promoting bio-diversity within the world of turf and he is the former UK Golf Course Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year.
Q. What is the best way to feed the birds in my garden? A. Bird tables are suitable for many species and most foods, nut feeders with a steel mesh are the only safe way to feed nuts to wild birds, and homemade devices are also a great way to feed them. Half-coconuts and tit bells filled with fat, bird cake and other foods can be hung from your bird table. Q. What birds should I expect to see in my garden? A. The most likely visitors to your garden are starlings, house sparrows, blackbirds, blue and great tits, robins, greenfinches and collared doves. In many gardens dunnocks, song thrushes and chaffinches will hop around on the ground below the bird table if you’re lucky.
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Main: The incredible High Altar is worth a visit to Peterborough Cathedral alone. Below: Enjoy the Heritage Festival held at the Cathedral every year. Opposite: The stone fan vaulted ceiling at the east end.
Peterborough
CATHEDRAL Discover excitement this summer at Peterborough Cathedral, just a few miles east of Rutland and one of the most important 12th Century buildings in Britain. Their calendar of events is bigger and better than ever in 2016...
Peterborough Cathedral, properly the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew, is our focus this month, just a few miles east of the county, and a promising summer day out. The Cathedral has an incredible history.
Although it was founded in the Anglo-Saxon period, its architecture is mainly Norman, following a rebuild in the 12th century. It’s one of the most important 12th century buildings in Britain to have remained intact.
Peterborough Cathedral is known for its imposing early English gothic West Front with its three enormous arches.
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When you enter the interior, take care to look up. The wooden medieval nave ceiling, unique in England, is decorated with princes, abbots and mythical beasts, whilst a stone fan vaulted ceiling at the east end is thought to be by John Wastell, famed for his work at King’s College in Cambridge.
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Peterborough Cathedral this summer. You can enjoy picnics on the green at the West Front with friends and family, or take in the sights of this magnificent ancient building as you can every summer, but 2016 offers something extra.
An archaeological dig will be taking place in the second half of June, open for visitors to see,
whilst the annual Heritage Festival the Cathedral holds is packed with delights for all the family this year, and summer recitals bring sublime music to this beautiful backdrop. The Cathedral also hosts a Choral Evensong on weekdays.
For the more adventurous, there’s the chance to take up the challenge to abseil down one side of the West Front. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that will hopefully raise a large amount of money to help the Cathedral improve its facilities. The abseil is a very exciting way of raising money for the Cathedral, and it is exactly what is needed in the years leading up to its 900th anniversary in 2018.n
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- CHURCH OF THE MONTH -
The Calendar...
GET DIGGING
Wednesday 22nd June - 3rd July
Royal Connections...
Peterborough 900...
Henry VIII’s first wife, Katharine of Aragon, is buried in Peterborough Cathedral. A Katharine of Aragon Festival is held annually on or around the 29th January, the date she was buried at Peterborough. Each year a special service, events, lectures and Tudor themed activities are held at the Cathedral and Peterborough Museum.
The 900th anniversary of the foundation of the present building in 2018 is the focal point around many ambitious plans.
Mary Queen of Scots is also buried at the Cathedral after her execution at Fotheringhay in 1587. Old Scarlett the gravedigger, whose portrait hangs by the west door in the Cathedral, dug both graves and is thought to have been the inspiration for the gravedigger in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The vision for the future sees the Cathedral as a place of worship, education and music, better equipped to welcome visitors in the 21st century. Peterborough 900 is the campaign to raise funds needed to turn these dreams into reality. The campaign has already begun but there is still a long way to go before the Cathedral reach its targets and visions. A new Visitor, Heritage and Learning Centre will open this summer. Further improvements including a new Cathedral Music School will follow by 2018.
A Brief Timeline
Anglo-Saxon Period: The original church, at a settlement called Medehamstede, was founded during the reign of Anglo-Saxon King Peada and was one of the first centres of Christianity in central England. Norman Period: The Cathedral is built in this period after undergoing a Viking attacks and a great fire. Medieval Period: Many royal visitors including King Henry ii, King Edward i, ii and iii and King Henry Vi. Tudor Period: Katharine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots are buried at the Cathedral. Civil War Period: Cromwell’s troops caused a lot of damage, some of which was restored in the 1700s. Victorian Period: A girls’ school was established from 1870 until 1928. Edith Cavell attended the school.
Local schools and volunteers will be getting their hands dirty with a dig in the North West corner of the Precincts. On most days, they will down trowels and talk about the day’s work. There are also a series of evening talks. Tickets/£5.
HERITAGE FESTIVAL Saturday 2nd - 3rd July
The city’s annual Heritage Festival is a great opportunity to experience 3,500 years of history brought to life in the Cathedral Precincts in the city’s biggest annual event. Re-enactors, period market, activities and more!
CATHEDRAL ABSEIL Friday 8th - 9th July
A chance to abseil down the side of Peterborough Cathedral’s West Front. This will raise funds for Peterborough 900, to improve facilities leading up to its 900th anniversary in 2018.
A SUMMER OF MUSIC Saturday 9th - 14th July
The Cathedral’s series of summer recitals showcases distinguished professional musicians as well as those starting out on their careers. Tickets are £5 on Thursdays and free on Wednesdays.
n Full details of these events can be found at www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or call 01733 355315 for more information. 127
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Out of Africa
Photographs: Deans Street Photography, 01572 757643, www.deansstreetphotographers.co.uk.
meet our COUPLE Iwalda and Bob’s story is a well-travelled one! Iwalda comes from South Africa... and Bob comes from Stamford! They met in London after finding each other through online dating. Their first date was at an ale house. They then walked through Hampstead Heath where they shared their first kiss. Iwalda is a nursery manager and Bob owns his own engineering company. They now live together in Clipsham, to the north of the county.
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Iwalda and Bob aren’t just well-travelled in terms of where they come from; they’re avid explorers, and have travelled the world together, sparking a lot of inspiration for the theme of their wedding last month. “We were together for three and a half years before he proposed,” says Iwalda. “We were on holiday in South Africa and it was the first time he’d met my parents. After asking for my father’s permission, he took me to Camp’s Bay, a place I remember well as a child, and proposed to me there. It was a very magical moment.”
“The first decision we had to make was whether our wedding would be in the UK or South Africa. We decided on the UK because we had lived there for the past 10
years and Bob is very close to his grandparents. Stamford was the perfect place too, being such a stunning town.”
“I’m a devout Christian, so we knew we would marry in St Mary’s Church in Clipsham. We also love The George - it’s the heart of Stamford - so the venues were quite easy decisions.”
“Everything else fell into place too really. The date was decided because we love spring, my in-laws married around the same time, and it’s around the same date as my mother-in-law’s birthday.”
“I went to the Stamford Bridal Rooms with my mum and brother, with an idea of what I wanted. I didn’t want a traditional dress, and I wanted something a bit slinky.” >>
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- WEDDINGS -
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- WEDDINGS -
>> “It was the third dress I had tried on, and I just absolutely fell in love with it. It was exactly what I wanted.”
“The flowers were South African, and the rest of the venue decor was map orientated; we both love travelling and walking. We made sure the table names were ‘official’ locations for us like where Bob proposed and where we first kissed.”
“The actual day was nothing like I’d expected. It was the best day of my life. Taking my vows and walking down the aisle with all of my family and Bob’s family - it was magical and so emotional.”
On the way to the George, Iwalda asked Bob what he thought of her dress. His reply, after a long pause, was, “I’m absolutely speechless. I’ve never seen you look as beautiful as you are today.” “The George was the perfect venue for our reception,” says Iwalda. “We had a rustic buttercream cake and really large letters spelling ‘love.’”
“We also had dance rehearsals before the day so we had some sort of routine. However, on the day, after a few drinks, Bob came over to me explaining he’d forgotten the whole thing! I took the lead after explaining to everyone our situation, and everyone laughed and cheered. The atmosphere with all of our friends and family there was beyond words.”
“It’s so important to take 10 minutes out of your day just to reflect on everything with your husband, because the day goes by so quickly.” “For the honeymoon, we went to Borneo on an adrenaline-junkie experience. Just like our wedding, it was lots of fun!” Images: Deans Street Photography, 01572 757643, www.deansstreetphotographers.co.uk.
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“The dress was the third one that i had tried on, and it was exactly what i was looking for; something non-traditional and quite slinky...” Top: Iwalda and Bob had a rustic buttercream cake at their wedding in the George Hotel, Stamford.
Left: The couple married at their local church - St Mary’s in Clipsham - before having their reception at the George Hotel.
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Main/Below: Images by Andy Howe, Rutland Photographic.
PLANNING YOUR
WEDDING Rutland is lucky enough to boast a wealth of local expertise in the wedding world. From florists to photographers, the county has so many talented and passionate people ready to help you organise your day. Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
Your wedding day shouldn’t simply be the happiest day of your life, it should also be one of the most individual too.
Whether you choose a ‘theme’ or simply a colour scheme, there’s no reason not to make your exercise your sense of creativity. However,when it comes to photography, floristry, 132
decoration and so on, some advice from experts will help you to explore the options available to you, as well.
This month we’re asking a few experts about the current trends for 2016/2017 weddings, and finding out what questions you should ask your supplier in order to create your big day. n
PHOTOGRAPHER Rutland Photographic Who are you? “My main aim is to record the atmosphere and emotion of the day and those special intimate interactions between the couple.”
What should brides-to-be ask you during a consultation? “Couples should ask to see examples of a full wedding shoot, not just a few selected shots. If the bride is unsure about the different styles of photography offered, for instance classic or reportage, she should ask the photographer to explain the pros and cons of each.”
“Most importantly, she should make certain she likes and feels comfortable with them, because they will play a big part in her wedding day.”
What are the latest trends you’ve seen in photography? “Brides are increasingly asking me to present their wedding photographs edited in a retro film style, using dreamy soft focus and pastel shades.” “There is also a resurgence in the popularity of black and white images.”
n For more information, call 01572 868485 or visit rutlandphotographic.uk.
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- WEDDINGS -
THE CARS, by Graham Steele
THE CAKE ARTIST Michele Walters of Love Life Eat Cake! Who are you? “As a professional wedding cake artist, every one of my cakes is designed by you, for you and made to perfection by me to give you a cake that not only looks stunning but tastes delicious using the finest ingredients.”
“I treat each client as a personal friend and strive to produce the cake of your dreams and the best possible service from contact to delivery.”
What should brides-to-be ask you during a consultation? “For a consultation, the bride and groom should come with photos of designs of the cakes they like, colour theme or theme of the wedding and I normally use these as a guideline to create their perfect wedding cake for them.”
What are the latest trends you’ve seen in cake decoration? “Trends that I see this year include rustic buttercream cakes, naked cakes (with no icing on them) and cakes that are personalised to the couple usually incorporating their hobbies or favourite things.” n For more information, please call 01572 756957 or visit www.lovelife eatcake.com.
Who are you? “As a prestige car hire firm, no matter what the event, we understand an occasion like your wedding day has to be perfect. You can rely on Prestige Cars of Rutland to ensure that both the bride and groom arrive looking and feeling like it’s the happiest day of their lives, which of course it is!”
What should brides-to-be ask you during a consultation? “The questions brides should be asking us during a consultation or their first phone call to us is what sort of extras we can provide.”
Join www.ukbride.co.uk for advice from real brides, plus the chance to WiN A DREAM WEDDiNG!
Below: A three tiered sponge with white chocolate icing and sugar flowers, and three tier cake in gold and white.
“We offer couples a comfortable and refined Mercedes E-Class that accommodates three passengers, in addition to your chauffeur.” n Call 01572 811189 or visit www.prestigecarsrutland.co.uk.
“The extras they should be asking questions about are things like the colours of ribbons and bows, floral decorations, if they provide champagne and other questions like this.”
wedding plan your
request alternative style cars. Classic cars are still as popular as ever but with more and more brides opting for a more relaxed style of wedding compared to a traditional one, campervans are a little more popular.”
What are the latest trends you’ve seen in the world of wedding transport? “I’m seeing more and more brides
The Wedding Designer
Who are you? “Lily King offers beautiful letterpress stationery, handwritten calligraphy, bespoke flowers including bouquets and buttonholes, tablecloths, napkins and chair covers and full wedding and event design and management.”
What should brides-to-be ask you during a consultation? “Brides should be asking questions like ‘do you set everything up?’. We say of course, that’s a part of our full service.”
n Call 01780 756102, or see www.lily-king.co.uk.
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- WEDDINGS -
WEDDING JEWELLERY with You & Beyond
Who are you? “You & Beyond offer a range of beautiful, contemporary, branded jewellery within an affordable price range. Their products are perfect for bridesmaids gifts or for you to wear on your special day. From Pandora charm bracelets and jewellery to traditional pearls, they have something to fit every style.”
What should brides-to-be bring in store or ask when visiting to buy jewellery? “It’s a good idea to bring a photo of the bridesmaid’s dresses or the bridal dress whoever you’re buying the jewellery for.”
“Brides like to match their jewellery to their dress or theme so bringing a photo of the dress can often help us to offer advice on what we think is best matched. We also offer a 30 day refund so you can trial it with your dress at home.”
What are the latest trends you’ve seen in wedding jewellery? “We are seeing more brides opt for classic jewellery with a contemporary twist. Pearls with an added sparkle look great and meet both of these aspects. The Jersey Pearl studs and necklace are made from sterling silver with a genuine freshwater pearl surrounded by white topaz stones.”
n For more information, call 01780 755996 or visit www.youandbeyond.co.uk. Earrings £95 Necklace £85.
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VENUE STYLING with Lola Rose
Who are we? “We are a family business based in Oakham in Rutland called Lola Rose Venue Dressing & Chair Cover Hire - we have been dressing weddings, events, parties and corporate events for many years. We love our job and pride ourselves on our attention to detail and offering a friendly and professional service. We provide chair cover hire or can transform and dress your whole venue to create the wedding or event of your dreams.” When do I need to book your services? “As soon as possible, since dates do get booked up and it avoids disappointment.”
What other services do you offer? “We dress chairs but also offer a bespoke venue dressing service; this includes a consultation and then you can add whatever you would like including: table centrepieces, flowers for the venue but also for all your wedding party, drapes, top table and cake table swags, candelabras, letterbox, sparkly lights, topiary trees, ceiling lights, sparkly trees, dance floors, LOVE letters and much more. We are happy to source items for brides, too.”
What type of chair dressing hire do you provide? “We have Lycra and polycotton chair covers in a variety of colours and sizes (white, ivory, navy, pink, even zebra print!) White lycra covers are the most popular and versatile as they fit most chairs – they are also the most inexpensive. We have 100s of different colour sashes and hoods in organza, taffeta, silk, lace and hessian. We can add flowers, broaches, frills to your sashes too.”
What colours would you recommend for dressing my wedding? “Everyone has a preferred colour but if a client is struggling to make a choice we would recommend the following: champagne, gold, white, ivory - creates an elegant, timeless look and always works beautifully. Silver/grey creates a sophisticated look. Sage or green is useful for bringing the outside in. It’s soft but fresh especially against white covers. Classic navy blue is another option for a smart, popular and stylish look, whilst a classic scheme is dusky pinks – ideal for country, vintage and romantic themes.” Left: Image credit - Rutland Photographic.
Above: Tables can be themed according you your favourite songs, places you’ve visited or similar.
“Champagne, gold, white and ivory all help you to create an elegant, timeless look and always works beautifully no matter what the theme of your wedding...” What is the difference between organza, taffeta & silk? “Organza is a soft fabric which creates a light floaty sash - this is the least expensive of all sashes and is the most popular.”
“The taffeta sash always looks stunning - it is stylish and classic and the colours are more vibrant. Silk sashes are similar to the taffeta but they are shiny and have a softer fall. We can provide top table and cake swags in matching fabrics.”
What do we do next if we are interested in booking you? “You can arrange an appointment to meet us - we offer a free no obligation consultation at your venue to share ideas and show you products. We meet at the venue so that you can see the actual chairs dressed and look at the room layout and its soft furnishing colours and work together to talk
about how we can transform the room for your special day. Alternatively, we are happy to arrange everything via email and telephone.”
How many weddings and events have you dressed? “We have dressed 100s of weddings in hotels, marquees, village halls and country houses we also dress the chairs for church services too. We have a wealth of experience and knowledge and know the staff at many of the Rutland, Stamford, Melton Mowbray, Leicester, Peterborough, Market Harborough and Uppingham venues.”
n Lola Rose provides venue styling and chair cover hire. Call 07944 655995 or visit the firm online at www.lolarose-venuedressing.co.uk or on Facebook at Lola Rose Venue Dressing and Chair Cover Hire.
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This Page: Fuchsia dress £435, with fascinator £175.
Colour & Style for Any
OCCASION From summer parties to weddings and holidays, Sutton Bridge retailer Cindy’s has a wealth of beautiful, colourful outfits and all of the accessories you need to attend any occasion in style. To prove it, we photographed the retailer’s lastest fashions in the beautiful gardens of The National Trust’s Peckover House... Words & Images: Rob Davis.
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- FASHION -
Opposite Page: Catherine wears a red Zeila tulip dress and jacket £498 with poppy hat £115, clutch bag £29 and necklace £59. Ann wears a Zeila royal blue dress and jacket £479, royal blue and white hatinator £195, necklace set £49 and royal blue bag £59. Main: Catherine wears a Frank Lyman bright print dress £189. Top: Frank Lyman mandarin print dress £169, bolero £79, hat £125, black bag £59. Above: Lebek print top £35, gilét £65, mint jeans £79, necklace & bracelet £25.
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- FASHION -
The sun will shine as you’re reading this, but things weren’t so certain as we hosted this month’s fashion shoot. A gloriously sunny day was sandwiched between one with overcast skies and one with pouring rain. Our oasis of good weather was sufficient to showcase some beautiful summer outfits for any occasion from Sutton Bridge retailer Cindy’s at the National Trust property Peckover House, just over the border in Wisbech. Many thanks to the team who made us welcome and to Cindy Marritt and her team, who chose some lovely outfits!
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Opposite Page, Main Image: Frank Lyman print top £149, Michele white trousers £79, necklace £30. Opposite Page, Small Image: Catherine wears a Lebek mint stripe top £35, mint skirt £49, necklace £21 and white bag (shown below) £59. This Page, Main: Catherine wears Frank Lyman maxi dress in black and white £call, with necklace £31. Top: Ann wears a Michaela Louise maxi dress £195. Necklace £49, earrings £19. Above: Ann wears a Michaela Louise black and white dress £145, short sleeve jacket £99, black and white hat £135 and necklace £15.
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- FASHION Main: John Charles dress and jacket £775, matching hatinator £229, with ivory clutch £29. Small image: Catherine wears a John Charles dress and jacket £849, matching hatinator £165, necklace £35, bracelet £15 and earrings £9.
Find Out More: All of out items are available from Cindy’s, Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge PE12 9SA. Tel: 01406 350961. www.cindysfashions.co.uk. Many thanks to David Chapman and the team at National Trust property Peckover House; garden open this month Saturday to Wednesday, 11am-5pm. The house can also host weddings, too.
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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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A Matter of
TIME 144
Newark’s Andrew Michael’s Jewellers was established over 35 years ago, providing luxury jewellery and high-end watches. Of all the brands the retailer has championed, Breitling has always remained the brand for which it’s most well-renowned, and now, that reputation has been cemented with the creation of a unique Breitling boutique area - perfect to showcase the firm’s new Exospace B55 smartwatch...
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- LUXURY WATCHES -
this space WATCH
Left: Breitling Chronomatic Diamonds, stainless steel watch with mother of pearl and diamond dotted bezel, £10,500.
Right: Breitling Exospace B55 smartwatch, in Grade V titanium and Bluetooth connectivity £5,540
Andrew Michael Jewellers has cemented its reputation as the area’s leading independent specialists in high end watches for over 35 years. Last month, though, saw the completion of a Breitling boutique unique anywhere outside of London, to allow the jeweller to really specialise in its flagship brand.
“We’ve over 180 Breitling watches ranging in price from £1,920 to £16,000 and an area dedicated to our Chopard and Mont Blanc brands too,” says specialist Richard Atkins.
Working alongside both Andrew and Sam Michael Jones, there’s little the company doesn’t know about high end watches, with names like Breitling, Houblot, Tag Heuer, Bell & Ross and Ball, all in stock.
May sees the creation of a boutique area in store, which, with the exception of the brand’s Bond Street studio, has the largest collection and the greatest expertise across the whole of the UK. “We really do know
“WHETHER YOU’RE SEEKING YOUR FIRST WATCH, OR YOU’RE A KEEN COLLECTOR, OUR IN-STORE EXPERTS CAN HELP TO GUIDE YOU...”
Below: Breitling 1884 stainless steel gents’ watch £6,370.
our stuff, and have a dedicated blog with over 80 reviews on the site for expert commentary,” says Richard.
“Whether you’re seeking your first watch, or you’re a keen collector of the brand, we’ve an expert in store who can guide you through the purchase of both gents and ladies watches. We have access to watches up to £150,000 in price including rare special editions and new models like the Exospace B55, which connects to your mobile phone to provide extra functionality.”
“If you’re looking to experience the pleasure of owning a luxury watch, it’s definitely the right time to call upon our expertise,” says Richard.
n Andrew Michael’s Jewellers is based on Stodman Street, Newark, NG24 1AW. Call 01636 679638 or see www.amjwatches.co.uk.
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CRYSTAL TEARS OIL With Crystal Tears oil extracted from the Pistacia Lentiscus tree, the Manuka Doctor Cashmere Touch Serum promotes the delay of skin ageing thanks to the firming and rejuvenating supreme oil crystal tears. It’s cashmere-like fragrance creates an inviting luxury feel to the skin, the use of manuka honey injects a ray of youthfulness to the skin, £29.99.
y t u a e B t s e t The La
INNOVATIONS
2
5
OUR BEAUTY BLOGGER, JOHN ROHNAN-WHARFF, THIS MONTH LOOKS AT SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE INGREDIENTS MAKING THEIR WAY INTO YOUR SKINCARE REGIME...
3
A REVOLUTiONARY
CLEANSER
4
The NIOD Low-Viscosity Cleaning Ester uses omega rich avocado and isolated sugars to pull away dirt, grime and pollutants. Skin is left deeply cleansed and hydrated thanks to its water-free formulation from this next level cleanser from NIOD, £30.
VITAMINS FOR THE SKiN
Zelens high potency vitamin Power Drops target a multitude of skin concerns from skin imperfections and ageing skin to restoring the skin’s protective barrier, £125.
CREATING A REAL BUzz
Warm, aromatic and sensual. The ultimate Silver Bee Venom Face Mask from Heaven already has a big celebrity following. It uses patented Abeetoxin™ to ensure firm, tighten and restore skin. No bees are harmed in the making of this outstanding face mask, £55. 146
BOOST
SUMMER SKIN
Boosters: Do you have a hectic lifestyle? Work outdoors? Take in a little too much summer sun? Recharge and enhance your skin care regime with these Clarins ‘Boosters.’ Simply add 2-3 drops of your chosen Booster to your favourite beauty cream for a personalised beauty boost. Repair, Energise or Detox with Clarins Boosters, £30.
n John Rohnan-Wharff is a beauty and makeup blogger, who reviews and rates products at www.mr-wharff.com. All products available from good independent local stockists unless otherwise stated, prices are RRP.
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Stamford Eye Clinic MAKE YOUR SUMMER DRIVING SAFER AND YOUR TIME ON THE BEACH MORE COMFORTABLE WITH STYLISH DESIGNER SUNGLASSES FROM STAMFORD EYE CLINIC...
n The Stamford Eye Clinic is open Tuesday to Saturday. Visit the clinic on 32 St Peter’s Street, Stamford PE9 2PF. Call 01780 767403 or see www.thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk.
Summer is here, and so are high fashion sunglasses at The Stamford Eye Clinic. Since opening in 2014, the opticians, run by Malvinder Hanspal and Kirpal Singh, has always brought the latest technology to customers seeking the expertise of an independent optical specialist, and the latest ranges made using state of the art materials and the latest, lightest, most durable lenses.
“Summer means glare whilst driving, and the dangers of bright sunlight to the eyes. A pair of polarising sunglasses filters out all of the glare, UVA and UVB light, enhancing contrast to make you feel more comfortable in sunlight.”
“We stock brands like Zeal, Moscot, Maui Jim, Tom Ford, Face à Face, Taylor Morris, Bollé, Shaun’s Shades and Lafont, providing protection, but also style, too.”
“Our modern sunglasses are made from light, hard-wearing materials, and feature materials like leather, wood, titanium and carbon fibre for unsurpassed durability no matter how you spend your summer.”
Not only does the practice enjoy the presence of exclusive ranges, it offers comprehensive sight testing with state of the art diagnostic equipment, enabling you keep an eye on your overall health, as well as retaining clear vision and enjoying a long, hot summer. 149
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The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.
Two unique sites and different styles of gaming. Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth. The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve. Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.
01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk www.freefirezone.co.uk Designed by email: games@urbanassault.org.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk
RutlandPride RutlandPride
JUNE 2016
S BRYAN FERRY PERFORM AT BURGHLEY HOUSE
A HISTORY OF BEDE HOUSE, LYDDINGTON
D& COVERING STAMFOR THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
ES QUALITY HOM E FOR HIGH LE MAGAZIN THE LIFESTY
Come Fly with Me Air EXCLUSIVE
Rutland from the Air
£3.70
JULY 2016
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF 2016’S RUTLAND SHOW
SMITH ELIOT’S BOLLYWOOD BASH
COVERING STAMFOR D& THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND
THE LIFESTY LE MAGAZIN E FOR HIGH QUALITY HOM ES
Sir Alan Duncan our Future in the on EU... THE INTERVIEW
£3.70
ANGELA HARDING
ER A COUNTRYSIDE FARRI
Bird Artist based in the village of Wing...
trade to Passing on hisratio n... the next gene
Page 154
SHAKESPEARE IN STAMFORD
Tolethorpe theatre’s 40th anniversary...
Page 47
Eating Out in July
The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington & Kilworth House
Daniel Lambert Page 60
LOCAL STORIES
This Month: Summer
Dresses & Outfits from
. Oakham’s Cavells..
Part of our quirky A-Z of Stamford & Rut land... This Month: Welcome Home to a waterside country
home in Edith Weston...
Enjoy Rutland’s Number One Magazine every single month...
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A GOOD
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SPORT - MOTORS -
IT’S ONLY BEEN ON THE MARKET FOR A YEAR, AND YET LAND ROVER’S LATEST DISCOVERY SPORT SUV HAS ALREADY RECEIVED A ‘NIP AND TUCK’ FACELIFT. NEW TECHNOLOGY AND A NIFTY FEATURE FOR THE ABSENT-MINDED ARE JUST TWO EXAMPLES OF HOW LAND ROVER IS IMPROVING AN ALREADY EXCELLENT SMALL 4X4... Words: Rob Davis.
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Is there such a thing as an ‘average’ person? There is, according to Land Rover, and he or she - spends 15 minutes each day looking for stuff they’ve lost.
That’s the reason Land Rover has now incorporated a new feature called Tile into its newly updated Discovery Sport.
The Sport was only launched in 2015, but was improved almost immediately after launch, with the firm replacing its ageing 2.2 diesel with a newer Ingenium 2.0 engine which has proved cleaner and more frugal.
One facelift in such infancy would be surprising, but this month, another update to the Discovery Sport sees new safety features, an improved infotainment system and four new paint colours.
So, Tile. It’s a Bluetooth based advanced tracking app. Fasten a little token to your keys, handbag, wallet, child or dog, and your mobile phone - and the Discovery Sport’s infotainment system - will be able to identify then track each token. The system can guide you, via sat nav, to where you left your wallet, or sound a 90db alarm on the token to help you find lost items.
A gimmick? Maybe, maybe not. The system does, however, extend even further the functionality of a new technology system which is entirely touch screen - no fiddly central controllers - with Quad-Core computer processors, the first time such computing power has been used in a car. The system’s SSD sat nav is faster to use, and the new infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and integration with Android phones too. 152
Other technology making its debut on the Discovery Sport include a Lane Keep Assist system, which will counter-steer the car if you venture out of lane, Intelligent Speed Limiter, and a Driver Condition Monitor which will detect if you’re drowsy at the wheel. The 2017 model provides a new Graphite design pack, with the ubiquitous grey wheels, grey mirrors and grey roof. Best of all, these are improvements to an already formidable model, which is especially impressive given the breadth and quality of competition in the Discovery Sport’s class. We’d have a Sport in preference to both a Q5 and a BMW X3. The ‘proper’ Discovery is still on sale, a larger, more upmarket model, but also a model which is looking a little dated.
Above: The 2017 model year Discovery Sport vastly improves on Land Rover’s infotainment system. The car’s two ‘extra’ seats fold into the boot space.
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Essentially the Sport is a new, and re-badged Land Rover Freelander, though the new model is a Discovery in the sense that it offers seven seats, lots of standard equipment, and is utterly formidable off-road. However it still lacks the ‘proper’ Discovery’s air suspension, riding on springs, and its low-range gears for serious off-roading.
That’s not much of a problem though you’re unlikely to reach the Sport’s limitations in our part of the world, and there’s a motorway-friendly dynamic when you’re not up to your bumpers in mud. All Discovery Sports offer cruise control, auto lights and wipers, a heated front screen and power windows. Our recommendation is to step up from SE to at least SE Tech to gain sat nav, front parking sensors, and power tailgate. Higher-spec models are mostly about body styling and larger wheels, so we’d save
cash, avoid big wheels and sports suspension, and keep the most compliant ride. If you’re tight for budget, opt to spend the money on a 360° camera, parking assistance and adaptive cruise control. HSE Luxury models are lavishly equipped, if your budget is more generous, though.
There’s really no SUV that can touch the Discovery Sport off-road, and on road, it’s better than ever. Seven seats mean it’s an ideal vehicle for the school run, and with the Ingenium engine returning over 53mpg, it’s frugal enough, too.
Whether you’ll take advantage of the new Tile system is debatable, but remember that these are improvements to a vehicle that’s already pretty perfect. If you’re in the market for a luxurious family car that’ll handle medium duty off-roading with aplomb, this is certainly the car for you.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Price: £36,350 (SE Tech). Engine: 2.0 TD4 Automatic (180hp) Economy: 44.8mpg (urban), 60.1mpg (extra urban), 53.3mpg (combined). Top Speed: 117mph, 0-60mph 8.4 secs. Equipment: DAB radio, sat nav, heated seats, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, power tailgate, seven seats. 153
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- RUTLAND ARTIST -
Art on the Wing Angela Harding is the printmaker and painter whose work graces book jackets, magazine spreads, fine art prints, plates and even teatowels. We visited the artist in her appropriately located studio in Wing... It’s rare that I suffer from ‘office envy;’ our place of work, a barn conversion in rural Lincolnshire, is quite pretty. However, artist Angela Harding’s studio is absolutely beautiful... it’s little wonder the place proves a real source of inspiration for a wildlife artist, aptly based in the village of Wing.
The garden studio has floor to ceiling glass, and is flanked by a cottage garden with alliums and sweet peas on one side, and on the other, panoramic views over the Rutland countryside, with the Lyndon estate and the village of Manton both in view, and Rutland Water just over the ridge.
“It’s a wonderful place from which to see the area’s birdlife,” says the printmaker and painter. “I’ve always been inspired by birds, and try to combine the atmosphere of a place in my work with the shape of the animal. My favourites are blackbirds, they often feature in my work, always doing 154
something, whether helping themselves to the fruit I grow or nesting in a rose bush by the front garden.”
Angela’s work is certainly beautiful, with a naive simplicity and a narrative behind each image. The artist has worked in a number of different mediums over the years, but settled into print around 1982. After completing a degree in Fine Art at Leicester Polytechnic from 1979 - 1982, she went off travelling for a year as a self-confessed hippy, taking in India.
“MY STUDIO IS A WONDERFUL PLACE FROM WHICH TO TAKE IN THE COUNTY’S BIRDLIFE,” SAYS PRINT ARTIST ANGELA... Opposite: Blackbird stealing redcurrants, silkscreen print £160/print, 34.5cm x 51cm; cards available too.
Returning to the area in 1986 she co-founded the Leicester Print workshop which is a registered charity providing facilities for artists - both professionals and beginners. Last September saw the workshop move to a new £1m purpose-built base, and Angela is delighted to be able to continue teaching there, in-between her own commissions. >>
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- RUTLAND ARTIST -
>> The artist also achieved an MA from Nottingham Trent University and worked as the official Artist in Residence for Uppingham School between 1988 and 1990. Angela, her partner Mark, and children Amber and Holly 23 and George now 22, moved to Wing where Angela could set up her own studio. She’s mainly worked in lino/vinyl printing for the past seven years, accompanied by a Radio Four soundtrack The Archers, played as it should be, through a slightly inky Roberts radio - with a mug of tea always on the go.
With a natural panorama, binoculars close to hand and with a cosy studio to enjoy, Angela would be forgiven for never venturing far from the pretty bolthole, but in fact her natural habitat is the countryside - Rutland Water’s nature reserve is just two miles away - and occasionally, to the Norfolk coast to take in a species or two of coastal birds. “I share my studio with my three rescue dogs; Amy, Sid and Lilly - whippet, lurcher and saluki crosses,” says Angela. “We go for lovely long walks in the Rutland countryside and I always take my sketch book.” >> Right: Angela sketches on dog walks with her three whippetcross dogs. Her sketches aren’t reproduced literally but rather, they allow her to formulate ideas.
Left: One of Angela’s most recent commissions was a series of book jackets for Faber & Faber’s Nature Poets series.
Below: Each sketch is inked, then carved onto vinyl. The artist painstakingly carves the image, which is then printed onto art paper.
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- RUTLAND ARTIST -
>> “I’ve a long standing love of the natural world, and especially birds, and find great inspiration for my work just walking around.”
“I mostly write down different ideas and experiences,” says Angela. “My sketchbooks contain references and notes on things I’ve seen or read. I don’t formally draw anything as a picture. Rather I try to combine the atmosphere of a place with the shape of a bird or animal to make a successful image, but I always try to root my images in something I have been inspired by; something I’ve read perhaps, interpreting words visually or trying to tell a story.”
Angela’s ideas are turned into lino/vinyl and silk screen prints. An initial sketch is inked onto paper, and if she’s working on a commercial commission, this serves as a proof 158
of concept for artwork e.g.: a book cover or magazine artwork.
“Over recent years I have worked as an editorial illustrator for Gardens Illustrated, BBC Countryfile and Country Living Magazine,” she says.
There are a number of interesting (re: secret) commissions in the pipelines, but one of her most recently completed series was for book publisher Faber & Faber’s Nature Poets series.
“I mostly produce prints, but occasionally watercolour or acrylic paintings. I’ve really enjoyed my editorial work as the subject matter fits so well with the way I work and the images I produce.”
The artist uses double sided Japanese art vinyl, usually around 30cm x 40cm, and often working on vinyl twice of the artwork’s final size. Angela then draws out the design again, inking it onto the vinyl before she can begin carving it.
“OVER RECENT YEARS I HAVE WORKED AS AN ILLUSTRATOR FOR BBC COUNTRYFILE, COUNTRY LIVING AND GARDENS ILLUSTRATED...”
Into the relief surface, the artist uses hand-made Swiss cutting tools to etch into the surface; a V-shaped chisel or gouge, is used with both hands on the tool to steady it, so that the raised (uncarved) areas represent a reversal (mirror image) of the parts to show when printed.
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“I tend to work on two or three pieces at once and complete the important parts of the image in the morning when I’m fresher. I use the afternoons to work on the more laborious areas like the hatching strokes. I’m not a naturally patient person but I can sit there for hours creating each block.”
Angela uses a roller to ink the block and then impresses it onto a sheet of paper, providing the chance to check her design throughout the process.
Angela’s prized possession is her replica 1850s Albion press, produced by Harry Rocharte Ltd. A tinpan holds the paper, before being slid under the platen and squeezed with a pull of the piston lever, ensuring an even print. Angela also creates blocks for each colour, overprinted to create artwork with two or three different inks.
Once dry, Angela’s illustration work is digitised and then colour corrected at a local professional reprographic studio and sent to the publisher.
Crucially, Angela always retains the copyright to her work, which she can then sell as prints, teatowels and bamboo plates.
The artist’s website has seven different teatowel designs, three different designs of plates, plus black and white prints, cards and 23 different prints around 50cm x 70cm, and ranging in price from around £160 to £280.
Opposite Page: Angela’s vinyl designs are printed by hand on a reproduction Rocharte Albion press. Colour is added in different block printed layers. Commercial commissions are then digitised.
Above: As well as producing fine art prints and notelets, Angela sells her work on teatowels £12.00; £22.50/two and bamboo plates (£12.50). The artist’s studio in Wing.
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“My original print work is produced in limited editions of 50 to 75. I’m also hosting an open studio event during each weekend in June.” Angela also produces pretty notelets and postcards, ideal as thank-you notes, and in time for Christmas she will have created a beautiful 3D advent calendar with winter scenes, too.
“The way the landscape changes through the different seasons is fascinating,” says Angela. “Birds are a recurring theme in my work - they bring moments of intense intimacy with nature. When I look at one, I feel a connection with another world.”
“ANGELA PRODUCES PRETTY NOTELETS AND POSTCARDS, IDEAL TO SEND AS THANK-YOU NOTES...” 160
“I try to convey how each one makes me feel. I like to think that most of my pictures have a happy, optimistic quality,” she says. Spending time in my studio looking out of the window is just like sitting in a field all day, I spend a good deal of my time just looking out and taking in the view.”
With such inspiration just beyond her hedgerow, and with such time spend painstakingly carving each line, it’s little surprise that the prints Angela produces are a beautifully designed and considered study of the countryside, evocative and cheerful.
It would be a shame, indeed, if such artwork was confined to the pages of a magazine and to a commercial commission. Fortunately, Angela’s range of prints, plates, teatowels and notelets means that anyone in the county can enjoy - or send to a loved one - a vision of the very countryside that any Rutland resident holds dear... the artist’s work truly is something worth crowing about.
ANGELA’S
work
(right) 1. Summer Foxes At Marske Hall, £300/fine art print 85.5cm x 66cm. 2. Harbour Whippets, £12/teatowel 100% cotton 50cm x 77cm.
3. S is for Sylvia My Sister’s Chicken Wood Engraving, £85/18cm x 27cm. 4. Ginger Cat & Fern, £160/fine art print 34.5cm x 51cm. 5. Norfolk Still Life, £240/fine art print, 51cm x 69cm. 6. Magazine commission for Country Living Magazine. n Angela’s studio is based on Morcott Road, Wing, Rutland. For more information on her work or to purchase, call 01572 737784 or see www.angelaharding.co.uk.
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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
9. Company for pitmen’s frisky 6 11 (9) 10. In Harare, natural amphitheatre perhaps (5) 11. Drug mule’s mother (5) 12. The stale and overfamiliar 22 across on Revolutionary Road (9) 13. Singer misbehaves — soprano quits (7) 14. Land engulfed in tsunami, biannually (7) 17. Topless vicar? That’s flaming wrong! (5) 19. Go off recipe books (3) 20. Early riser takes turn protecting a village in Africa (5) 21. Songbirds with time for explosive lunges (7) 22. British 11 12 game — caught out those at it (7) 24. Dish thrown out as lost cause? (9) 26. Group has second number one hit, finally (5) 28. Initially, little young Einstein looked like a Victorian geologist (5) 29. Perhaps make an anagram out of the bottom row? (9)
DOWN
ACROSS
1. Scottish broadsword (8) 5. Revolve quickly (4) 9. Russian country house (5) 10. Type of light bulb fitting (7) 11. Agitator (6-6) 13. Surplus (6) 14. Bushes (6) 17. Everyone (3,3,6) 20. Dekko (4-3) 21. Brightest star in Orion (5) 22. — (4) 23. Surreptitious (8)
DOWN
1. Body of laws (4) 2. Antiquated (7) 3. Be in earnest (4,8) 4. Red gems (6) 6. Carnations (5) 7. One practising nudism for reasons of health or religion (8) 8. Morbid anxiety about one’s health (12) 12. Remembered (8) 15. Perpendicular (7) 16. State categorically (6) 18. Big cats (5) 19. Kill (4)
CRYPTIC ANSWERS
QUICK ANSWERS
QUICK CROSSWORD
1. My attempt to keep quiet (4) 2. High-flyer is circling around Rugby (6) 3. Put off toilet cleaners (10) 4. Library books stored here? Loads! (6) 5. Cob (small 11), one unknown to the Spanish teachers (8) 6. Barrow by rail, shortly to return (4) 7. Exercise with Greek character (doctor) and artist (one of the Shadows) (8) 8. Voice in Bottom’s head — where did it come from? (4) 13. Pan right next to oven (5) 15. Confirming 11 is outside college at university (6,4) 16. Finally reduced map collection (5) 18. Under pressure to serve up 26s (8) 19. Leaves, perhaps, as neat movers also lower knickers for the audience (8) 22. Cricketer that’s second out — Wayne, the night watchman? (6) 23. Flower given to a French model as they leave the stage (6) 24. Capital of Czechoslovakia (not new or very fresh) (4) 25. Capital of Czechoslovakia (this one’s also not new or very fresh!) (4) 27. Bucket down at start of 13th hole? (4)
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