12 minute read
NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across Rutland & Stamford. This month Stamford’s very own luthier adds another string to her bow.
Another string to Libby’s bow...
STAMFORD STRINGS COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR AND EXPANDS SERVICES
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STAMFORD In the same week that Stamford Strings celebrated the first anniversary of its shop opening, this regional destination business is expanding to include guitar repairs. Until now owner Libby Summers has focused solely on violin, viola and cello with the occasional double bass repair. This new development has been possible due to the appointment of a new talented luthier, Roger Rosa. In addition to his degree in violin making, he is also fully qualified in guitar making and repairs. The new workshop behind the St Leonards’ Street shop, Stamford provides space for the increasing repair workload for existing instruments and now, guitars. Additionally, Libby has created an extra spacious, airy room, newly decorated, with a sofa and coffee machine, where musicians can come to try out violins, violas and cellos to their heart’s content before committing to a purchase. “Choosing an instrument is a very personal and important decision,” says Libby, “And as professional level instruments are a big investment, musicians need time to fully explore the potential of several of them before making a decision. I wanted to create a calm and private space where this can happen away from the busy nature of the street and the workshop.” Stamford Strings has vastly increased its stocks of new and pre-owned instruments, from student to professional grades, but is particularly proud of its handmade instruments from new and established UK makers, which attract customers from all over the country. n For advice on purchasing or repairing an instrument, please call the shop on 01780 764339 or see www.stamfordstrings.co.uk.
An Elizabethan education
MAJESTY OF BURGHLEY HOUSE IS USED TO BRING HISTORY TO LIFE FOR GCSE STUDENTS
STAMFORD The Burghley House Education Team has used the backdrop of the property and some rather fetching period costumes to bring history to life for GCSE pupils who will sit their exams next year. Rachel Starmer, Lynne Denham and Amanda Carter, work as education co-ordinators for the estate whilst tour guide Neville Short, has also helped to put together a 30 minute video for history students. ‘William Cecil: Politics, Power and Patronage’ is a film lasting 30 minutes and has been produced with the GCSE exam questions in mind to ensure that those taking their all-important exams in 2022 will get a good feel fr what live and politics were all about in Queen Elizabeth I’s England. “Burghley House is a fabulous place to work. You’re walking in hundreds of years of history,” says Lynne. “We did a rehearsal first in front of each other and the company we worked with was also good at putting us at ease. We’re all really pleased with it!” n The film is online now and can be viewed at burghley.co.uk.
Round Rutland Run
80 PARTICIPANTS FOR CLASSIC CAR RALLY
UPPINGHAM Last month around 80 heritage vehicles enjoyed a 39.5 mile rally hosted by the Uppingham First Community Partnership. The route took in both the Rutland Water and Eyebrook reservoirs, and was a similar event to the Stilton Cheese Run, which is usually held April each year. The participants were waved off at half ten in the morning by Rutland’s Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness and returned to enjoy lunch and live music at about 2pm. The Cheese Run rally is organised to coincide with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Club’s annual ‘Drive it Day.’ In the early 1700s the housekeeper at Quenby Hall, near Hungarton, Leicestershire used to make blue cheese. Her daughter married the inn keeper of The Bell Inn at Stilton and she used to regularly take some of the cheese to her in-laws at the Inn. The 39 mile route is homage to the route she used to take to distribute her fresh truckles! n
Julia speaks bravely about breast cancer battle...
RUTLAND BBC Countryfile presenter and Rutland native Julia Bradbury has urged women to be vigilant following her recent breast cancer diagnosis. “I’m sad to say that I’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer and need urgent surgery,” she said in a recent tweet. “Please self-check regularly and if you have any unexplained pain, tenderness or lumps, please ask for checks and follow ups. Ask for a second opinion if you’re not happy.” n
Missing brooch returned
ANCIENT BROOCH RETURNED TO RUTLAND COUNTY MUSEUM ALMOST 30 YEARS AFTER IT WAS STOLEN...
OAKHAM An Anglo-Saxon brooch stolen from Rutland County Museum has been returned almost 30 years after it went missing. The bronze-gilt squareheaded brooch, discovered in Market Overton, was taken from the museum at night in 1995, along with eight other brooches and a Roman gold ring. The brooch was sent by post to the Metropolitan Police anonymously at the end of last year and was welcomed back to the museum by representatives of Rutland County Council, the Metropolitan Police, The Art Loss Register and insurers Zurich. n It’s a huge well done to the 20 colleagues at Clipsham’s Stamford Stone who have raised £9,540 for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough, a charity they’ve been supporting for the last four years. The team recently completed a challenging climb of over 1,345m to the peak of Ben Nevis.
CLIPSHA M n
£9,540 Raised
LOCAL NEWS
In Brief
UPPINGHAM x
Making plans to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee...
Uppingham Town Council is appealing for locals planning events to celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year to get in touch. Planning for Jubilee Weekend, which will take place on the first weekend in June, is under way, and will be led by Rutland’s Lord Lieutenant. Locally organised events in Uppingham are being encouraged and letting the town council know about events taking place across Uppingham will enable a coordinated celebration of The Queen’s 70th anniversary of her accession. n Call 01572 822681.
On the edge of a small and pretty village a few miles west of Oundle, there is this
beautiful, fully renovated, former coaching in. The property has been skillfully refurbished keeping many original features, including inglenook fireplaces, mullion windows, exposed timber beams and an impressive staircase. The property offers comfortable, modern living with a large open plan kitchen / diner / family room and further three reception rooms on the ground floor. Bedrooms are all double with en suite; four are located on the first floor and the fifth is on the second floor. Outside, the south facing lawn garden is completely enclosed by timber fencing and a paved terrace stretches the entire width of the property at the back making it perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining. There is also a double garage and gravel parking area with access through the electric double gates.
PIPEWELL, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Guide Price £1,350,000
An immaculate, five or six bedroomed barn conversion with generous living spaces enjoys peace and tranquillity and far reaching views of the beautiful countryside,
as well as expansive grounds of predominantly lawns and grazing. Externally, nods to its former use are evident, whilst the interior blends the traditional with modernity. Windows and doors are handmade timber, and a combination of oak flooring and porcelain tiling has been laid, whilst vaulted ceilings with exposed roof trusses in the main living areas, as well as upstairs, enhance the feeling of light and space. Heating is by a highly efficient, air source heat pump, with underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. The gardens provide many spots for dining with a terrace wrapping round the property at the back that leads to vast lawns that stretch to the paddock land. On arrival, passing through electrically-operated gates, there is plenty of room for parking, both under cover and on the extensive gravel drive.
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LANGHAM Offers Over £1.0m
A superb, substantial single storey family residence set on a private plot of approximately 0.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds with a range of amenity outbuildings, all located down a long private driveway on the edge of this highly regarded village and enjoying delightful views over adjoining fields. 2 Reception Rooms, Farmhouse Kitchen/Diner, 2 Cloakrooms, Utility, Pantry, 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bath/Shower Rooms; Garaging. Energy Rating: TBC.
NEW PRICE OAKHAM Guide Price £600,000
A detached family home set on a good-sized plot with double Garage and mature, private gardens in one of Oakham’s most sought-after residential areas close to the town centre and within a stone’s throw of Oakham School. 2 Reception Rooms, Conservatory, Study, Breakfast Room, Utility, WC, 4 Bedrooms, Wet Room, Bathroom. Energy Rating: TBC.
NEW
UPPINGHAM £799,950
Superb stone-built period property with mature south-facing gardens offering elegant, extensive character accommodation on town outskirts. Drawing Room, Dining Room, Dining Kitchen, ample Ancillary Accommodation (including Cellars), Study, 5 Double Bedrooms , 2 En-suite Shower Rooms, Family Bathroom, Garage. Energy Rating: TBC. Viewing is highly recommended.
NEW
SEATON OIEO £350,000
Built in 1881, this charming, stone-built, semi-detached cottage with large garden and useful outbuilding is situated on an elevated plot towards the village outskirts and enjoys outstanding countryside views. The property retains many original features and provides attractively presented accommodation with Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms and Bathroom. Large Gardens, Outbuilding, Parking. Energy Rating: D.
UPPINGHAM NO UPWARD CHAIN £425,000
Stunning detached four-bedroom house offering immaculately presented, contemporary accommodation with garage and private garden set in a desirable residential area. The property has been beautifully reappointed by the present owners and features newly fitted UPVC windows, new high quality kitchen with matching utility, refitted cloakroom, en-suite shower room and family bathroom, newly replaced radiators and new consumer unit. Energy Rating: E.
The Buyer’s Advantage
Local property expert Kate Vincent from Garrington discusses why more movers are using a property finder in a difficult and competitive housing market..
Kate Vincent Garrington
In contrast to other property booms seen over the decades, the current ‘drive to buy’ is showing few signs of abating after nearly eighteen months of heightened activity. Fuelled by low interest rates and the ongoing wish amongst many buyers to change their circumstances, this competitive environment is unlikely to change significantly over the winter months and into next year. So, if you have attempted to buy a property in recent months and failed, is it time to ask for some professional help? Working with a professional property finder can help you with your specific requirements and will increase your chances of finding the perfect home in a number of ways:
Gaining exclusive access to opportunities
Buyers who have previously been unsuccessful in their search might wonder if they truly have the time to dedicate to a search and maintain the necessary relationships to gain access to the best properties. Having built relationships with a wide array of industry experts, and having an unrivalled knowledge of their own local markets, established and reputable property search consultants frequently have access to off-market or premarket opportunities, providing clients with a competitive edge over unrepresented buyers.
Expert information on local areas
Many new clients are surprised to learn that property-finding companies do not exclusively represent buyers relocating to a new area. Whilst the advantages available to a buyer unfamiliar with an area are clear, many local buyers overlook the difference between ‘local knowledge’ and ‘local property knowledge’. A property finder will swiftly bring clarity and objectivity on the best available options by aligning their local property knowledge of housing availability, types, sizes and average prices, with a client’s lifestyle requirements.
Professional negotiation
How much is the right amount to offer? Buyers can often find themselves unsure how to proceed and find a professional advisor to be a welcome guide. A property finder will conduct thorough due diligence on a property of interest and offer assurance throughout negotiations. Whatever the situation may be, and however much competition is present, a seasoned buying agent will have prior experience and knowledge that can be applied at these pressured and sometimes emotional periods when procuring a property.
Saving time and hassle
Finding and securing the right property is traditionally only half of the battle when moving home and typically around a third of transactions fall through between going under offer and exchange of contracts. A professional property finder represents the buyers’ best interests throughout a transaction by advising on possible solutions to problems, brokering sensitive conversations and sourcing specialist advisors when unusual questions are raised. They’ll also tell a buyer when it is time to walk away from a purchase; offering an experienced and pragmatic voice of reason for buyers that can prove invaluable when making one of the largest transactions in their lifetime.
Advice for discerning buyers
Whilst engaging a professional property finder will enhance a buyer’s purchasing status, it is always strongly recommended that clients also engage reputable experts to support all the elements of a purchase. An independent surveyor, an effective and communicative solicitor and an efficient and knowledgeable financial advisor are all valuable members of the professional team a buyer can surround themselves with. Together with a dedicated property finder, they can ensure that when a buyer finds a home they wish to purchase they are provided with the best possible advice to make well-informed decisions.
If you are frustrated by the difficulty of finding and buying your next property and would appreciate being given a competitive advantage over non-represented buyers, please contact Kate for an initial discussion without obligation.
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
