NEWS The best ‘good news

Supporting ‘For the love of Scrubs’

SCHOOL STEPS IN TO WASH DONATED FABRIC TO BE MADE INTO SCRUBS OAKHAM SCHOOL Are proud to be Textiles department to that of supporting the local ‘For the their resident Seamstress, all Love of Scrubs’ team who are staff members have been producing PPE for the NHS. asked to donate any fabric The School’s industrial washing along with the accruements machines are now ‘on’ with needed to make the Scrubs. the important task of cleaning There’s now a safe drop-off all the donated fabric prior to point for the fabric, which is it being made up into scrubs. then laundered and delivered “Originally we were just asked to the team of volunteers who for materials from Gill Hayes, then make it into scrubs. who is co-ordinating the local “It’s wonderful, at this time, ‘For the Love of Scrubs’ to offer practical support,” appeal,” says Estates Manager, concludes Patrick who is Patrick Trower. “But we co-ordinating the School’s realised that we could do more support. “We are just one than just provide fabric; small part of the ‘For the Love including taking on all the of Scrubs’ team, but we’re laundering they need. Our proud to help our local NHS industrial machines have sped workers to stay safe at this up this process considerably; time. It’s also fantastic that the enabling a quicker turnaround ‘For the Love of Scrubs’ sewing and allowing those who can team have made Oakham sew to spend more time School a supply of re-usable making the scrubs rather than face masks and laundry bags washing and ironing.” for volunteers who are making As well as raiding the School’s face visors. The community is own supply of fabric, from the coming together.”

Capturing National Hero ANDREA NAYLOR PAINTS CAPTAIN TOM MOORE IN PASTELS FOR ALL TO SEE ...

COTTESMORE Local artist Andrea Naylor, has created this wonderful painting of our National Hero Captain Tom Moore.

Lockdown has unfortunately meant that she cannot hold her usual workshops, lessons or demonstrations so she wanted to channel her artistic energy into creating her latest portrait of ‘Our NHS Hero’ Captain Tom Moore, who raised over £32,000,000 for the NHS by walking laps of his garden. Andrea will be donating it to her local GP practice, Empingham Medical Centre, where people can be reminded of his amazing contribution to the NHS.

Andrea was also involved in the Tom Croft project, offering a free portrait to the first Frontline NHS worker that contacted her. This was won by Clare Haines who works on the Medical Ward at Stamford Hospital. It was Andrea’s way of saying thank you to the NHS.

n If you would like to make a donation to the NHS go to www.nhscharitiestogether. justgiving.com.

Personal Shopper FREE CONTACTLESS CALL & COLLECT...

OAKHAM Gates Farm Shop near Oakham is offering customers a personal Call and Collect service during the Coronavirus lockdown. When customers call to place an order, one of the friendly team of personal shoppers then call them back to ‘walk’ them through the store, shopping as they go. After paying by phone, customers arrange to collect at a time convenient to them and, on arrival, staff will pop the shopping directly into the boot, meaning they don’t even have to get out of the car! As the service is entirely contactless, it is the safest way to shop. Owner Nigel Gates says, “Over the years our customers have been good to us and we want to give something back.”

n Call 01664 454309 or visit www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

Creating & Sharing Resources RESILIENT RUTLAND HAVE BEEN CREATING RESOURCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES...

Photographing the neighbours during lockdown

OAKHAM Local wedding photographer Lizzie Adams found herself with no work with weddings being cancelled due to Covid-19, so she decided to spend time photographing portraits of her neighbours instead. She has been combining her daily exercise with ‘lockdown photo-shoots!’ Her five-yearold daughter Elsie has been helping by shouting out directions to the ‘models.’ Lizzie is trying to ensure the portraits capture households in Oakham as people cope with being stuck at home in these unprecedented times. “It was really wonderful to speak to everybody and they said it was so nice to see a different face,” Lizzie says. “I think the value of making connections at the moment is really important.” All of Lizzie’s images are taken in return for donations to Rutland Foodbank.

RUTLAND Living in strange times and the uncertainty is having an impact on us all at the moment. Resilient Rutland have worked hard on their website to provide trusted information on where to get help and advice. Adding specific Covid-19 information for young people which has been created by the charity YoungMinds. Having worked collaboratively with Brooke Hill Academy’s ELSA Paula Reeves to develop and share activities to try at home. ‘Resilient Moves’ can be used by parents. Ideas for a wellbeing walk and breathing activities are just a snapshot of what is available. n www.resilientrutland.co.uk

STAMFORD LIBRARY

has seen a huge increase in the use of online services. This has meant more people have enjoyed popular books, newspapers and magazines, thanks to the Council’s library services team during lockdown. They are adding new content all the time including books for children for e-learning at home.

Keep Reading...

LOCAL NEWS In Brief

RUTLAND LOCAL DAIRY FARMERS

Welcomed the Government’s new hardship funding to bolster them through COVID-19. Dairy farmers produce over 49 million litres of milk every day but have seen decreased demand as bars, cafes and restaurants have had to close. The new hardship fund will provide support for the most in need farmers. Eligible dairy farmers who have lost more than 25% of their income over April and May will be able to access this funding of up to £10,000 each for those qualifying months. The UK dairy sector and the Government have launched a new £1m campaign to increase the consumption of milk too.

LOOKING TO JOIN A RAPIDLY GROWING

PREMIUM ESTATE AGENCY?

[Job title vacancy] Associate – position

We’re recruiting for ambitious, driven We’re recruiting for ambitious, driven individuals who can offer an optimum level of service to high net-worth clients. individuals who can offer an optimum level of service to high net-worth clients. Talk to Fine & Country [XXXXX] for more information. Talk to Fine & Country Rutland, Stamford & South Lincolnshire for more information.

Bespoke Property. Bespoke Advice.

UNDER OFFER

A superbly appointed detached house with versatile accommodation and attractive gardens, set in a popular village, conveniently located for Oundle, Stamford and Corby. • Built in 1999 but significantly improved • Breakfast kitchen, separate dining room & utility • Close to Oundle and Stamford • Principal bedroom with ensuite shower room • Good access to towns and cities with • Guest bedroom with ensuite shower room train links into London • Two further dbl bedrooms with family bathroom • Stone built home set centrally within its grounds • Double garage and further off-road parking • Spacious sitting room with French doors • Beautiful landscaped garden with dining terraces

DEENETHORPE – GUIDE PRICE £585,000

UNDER OFFER

Four bedroom attached barn conversion, situated down a quiet lane in the popular conservation village of Tinwell. • Popular village location next to Stamford • Beautiful garden with views over grazing land • Kitchen with large utility and boot room and church • Dining room, sitting room and garden room • Garage with access into the rear garden • Entrance hall with WC and cloaks cupboard • Communal grounds to the front, including • Three double bedrooms and family bathroom a duck pond • Principal bedroom with ensuite shower room • Potential for modernisation

TINWELL – GUIDE PRICE £750,000

UNDER OFFER

Attractive 5 bedroom detached house with stylish interiors, south facing garden and double garage set in an enviable village location within easy reach of transport links. • Large breakfast kitchen and separate utility room • Vaulted guest bedroom suite • South facing Orangery with access to garden terrace • Three further bedrooms with family bathroom • Sitting room with wood burning stove • Landscaped gardens, dbl garage & off-street parking • Second sitting room/playroo /separate wine room/office • Edge of village location, extensive countryside views • Master bedroom suite with dressing area and • Modern stone property recently refurbished en suite bathroom throughout

NASSINGTON – GUIDE PRICE £795,000

A substantial detached residence set in the heart of a popular village with swimming pool and grounds of approximately two acres. • Over 5,000 sq/ft of internal accommodation • Guest bedroom with own staircase & en suite • Gated driveway leading into a dble open garage • Three further double bedrooms & cinema room • Breakfast kitchen, drawing room & garden room • Family bathroom and separate shower room • Separate dining room, study & utility/boot room • Swimming pool with terrace and changing room • Principal bedroom suite, dressing room & • Grass tennis court, paddock and alfresco dining en suite with bar/BBQ

GLATTON – GUIDE PRICE £1,550,000

NEW

NEW

LANGHAM £1,150,000

A superb, substantial, individual family residence set on a private plot of approx. 0.5 A on the edge of a highly regarded village enjoying countryside views. The property was constructed using many reclaimed quality materials and offers spacious, flexible accommodation full of character. 2 Rec. Rooms, farmhouse Kitchen/Diner, ample Ancillary Accommodation, 5 Dbl Bedrooms, 5 en-suite Bath/Shower Rooms; Outbuildings, Garaging. Energy Rating: TBC.

SOMERBY £875,000

Stunning individual house providing high-standard, substantial, flexible character accommodation (including Annex) with south-facing garden, extensive garaging and car port in a picturesque village location with far-reaching rural views. 3 Rec. Rooms, Kitchen/Diner, Utility, Wine Cellar, Clrkm, 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bath/Shower Rooms. Energy Rating: D.

NEW

SOUTH LUFFENHAM £575,000

Character Barn Conversion set in a popular village and enjoying stunning countryside views. The spacious accommodation features a full two storey height lounge with exposed roof timbers, stone Inglenook-style fireplace and partially vaulted ceilings. 2 Rec. Rooms, Brkfst Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms; dbl Garage, Gardens. Energy Rating: E.

SOMERBY £420,000

Delightful period 3-storey property dating back to 1818 and offering substantial accommodation with incredible character and a host of original features set in a sought-after, picturesque village. 4 Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 5 Dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom; single Garage, private cottage Garden. Energy Rating: G.

NEW

Cottesmore £395,000

Delightful new-built, detached stone cottage under thatched roof appointed to an exceptional standard and occupying an attractive plot enjoying views over open countryside to the front and village church to the rear. Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm/WC, 3 Bedrooms, En-suite Wet Room, Family Bathroom; 2 Parking Spaces, south-facing rear Garden. Energy Rating: B.

NORTH LUFFENHAM £325,000

Beautiful Victorian townhouse providing elegant, stylishly appointed accommodation arranged over three floors and retaining many original features. Open-plan Sitting Room and Dining Area, Breakfast Kitchen, Clkrm/Utility, 5 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, separate small Shower Room; walled, hard-landscaped rear Garden with summerhouse. Energy Rating: F.

AGENTS OF CHANGE Kate Vincent, local property expert and buying agent explains what moving home is now likely to involve and shares some early trends being seen in the market

Kate Vincent Garrington

The government’s shock announcement on 12th May that the English property market had been released from lockdown created a quiver of excitement amongst those frozen mid-purchase and frustrated new buyers. Whilst a number of estate agents had continued to work remotely during lockdown, inevitably most buyers had to wait patiently for the market to re-activate before being able to progress moving plans.

New beginnings

The government suggests that approximately half a million buyers were stalled mid-process and based on the flurry of activity already seen in the market, many of these movers have been on the phone to their agent and advisors immediately to push through a purchase before a possible second wave threatens to suspend activity. At Garrington, we have a number of retained clients whose searches were paused in the early stages and many of these have now instructed us to proceed with haste. Whether this sample of the buying public is typical of a wider trend is not yet clear, but one thing for sure is, that anyone moving will be cautious of this new norm and fearful of getting it wrong.

Education, education, education

In light of the understandable air of caution surrounding our industry, new ways of transacting are already emerging requiring an education process for all parties involved in the move. Selling properties off-market has always appealed to a relatively few high-end property sellers, but there are already signs that this type of selling is to become more popular across the entire market. This method of sale reassures homeowners that their home is only going to be offered to fully proceedable buyers whose buying criteria closely matches the property on offer. This will reduce the number of viewings and limit the number of strangers entering their home. Homeowners looking to sell their property are also likely to reduce the number of agents visiting their homes for valuation. Gone are the days it would seem when three plus estate agents are invited round for tea and a tour. This is already being replaced by a virtual interview using Zoom and the likes, followed by more controlled rollout of essential visits by one agent to prepare the property for market. A handful of agents have experimented with virtual viewings/videos in recent times and these are likely to become more commonplace based on guidance from government. However, when using these techniques to assess a property, buyers should be mindful that like the glossy photos used extensively, an agent’s material is there to sell and promote the most attractive aspects of a home. Agents’ videos will never show the less desirable aspect of a property such as next door’s yappy dog or other possible blights surrounding a home.

Virtual becomes reality

In the same way that the car industry has evolved in recent years most buyers now enter the showroom with an in-depth knowledge of their products gleamed from extensive online research and YouTube videos, property buyers will become similarly more informed before they even contact estate agents, having carried out virtual tours and research online. However, whilst buying from the safety of your own home, may sound eminently attractive, in a rapidly changing market the need for trusted advice and a real-world perspective has never been more important.

How we can help

Having a local expert representing you as the buyer in these uncertain times can provide invaluable reassurance and value. Local knowledge of how Stamford property prices will differ from those to say in Oakham will be ever more important in these turbulent times. Different property types and locations will respond differently to the global changes that have taken place. At Garrington, we offer clients trusted and well substantiated advice as well as real-world ‘warts and all’ videos of viewings taken place on behalf of our clients, removing the need for them to visit property in person until they know it really offers what they are seeking. In this uncertain and somewhat scary world, we offer support and reassurance to make buying property a safe and well considered purchasing experience.

Garrington work on behalf of private clients who want to buy, rent or invest in property throughout the UK. They also provide a negotiation only and overseeing of sales service. If you are thinking of moving this year and would like further information on how Garrington can assist, contact Kate Vincent: Tel: 01780 408377 Email: info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

FREE HELP to Unlock the Potential of Renewables During Lockdown

Free, No Obligation Consultations via Phone or Video link

What a bright idea! Free, no obligation advice over the phone or via video-conference during Coronavirus lockdown.

Renbrac is the local company offering unbiased, jargon-free advice for those seeking looking to switch to renewable energy in the home, workplace or the car.

Call us on 01572 729538 and sta saving money, or visit www.renbrac.co.uk.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Home or Workplace • Solar Heating, Solar Electricity and Battery Storage • LED Lighting and Zero-Carbon Heating

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Experienced team of vets and nurses providing quality healthcare at a sensible price. l The practice is fully equipped with excellent facilities. We offer in house blood results, microscopy, digital X-ray, ultrasound and have a large operating theatre. l Separate dog and cat waiting areas and kennels ensure your pets feel more relaxed. l A team of animal lovers, we treat and care for your pets as though they were our own and make the time to get to know you too.

l Guaranteed same day appointment for any pet if the owner thinks it is needed. l We offer Deferred Payment Plans for those unexpected expensive procedures with no interest and no fees. l Owners can stay with their pets while sedated before routine operations. l We offer and encourage open visiting for hospitalised patients during opening hours.