Rutland Pride Mar 2014

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MARCH

MARCH

2014

THE BEST OF

MARCH 2014

RUTLAND & STAMFORD EVERY SINGLE MONTH

RutlandPride

RutlandPride THE NUMBER ONE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Willow Weaving

COVERING RUTLAND AND STAMFORD

CELEBRATING SPRING TIME IN THE COUNTY...

Countryside Crafts Restaurant of the Month

MARQUESS OF EXETER 2014

Spring Dining

Spring Homes

Spring Style

The county’s best restaurants

Bright colours for your home

Fashion from local retailers

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£3.70

M AR CH

Spring Weddings - Food & Drink Motors - Fashion - What’s On

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M A R C H

MARCH

2014

RutlandPride

THE BEST OF

RUTLAND & STAMFORD EVERY SINGLE MONTH

RutlandPride THE

NUMBER

ONE

COUNTY

MAGAZINE

Countryside Crafts

Willow Weaving

COVERING RUTLAND AND STAMFORD

xxx

ThE numbER onE CounTy mAgAzinE

This month spring has arrived, and it’s a season of new beginnings. For instance, we welcome into the Pride team our new Features Editor, Ceri Jackson who joins us to ensure we can cover even more stories from across the county every month.

Restaurant of the Month

MARQUESS OF EXETER Spring Dining

Spring Homes

£3.70

Spring Weddings - Food & Drink Motors - Fashion - What’s On

x

Spring Style

The county’s best restaurants

Bright colours for your home

Fashion from local retailers

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This month’s cover: Crocket Lane in Empingham,

by Richard Adams, who also photographed 2014’s official Rutland Calendar - see youtube.com/user/adamspics.

This month we enjoy a trip to Rutland Water and the chance to meet willow weaving artist Joelle Bryan who’s teaching her craft in a special one day workshop.

Pride magazines Elm grange Studios East heckington, boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF

Meanwhile, we meet Rutland ‘s celebrity chef Brian Baker at The Marquess of Exeter and enjoy a meal at Stamford’s Cosy Club to enjoy spring dining.

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978 Web: www.rutlandpride.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

Elsewhere, we’ve spring homes with the latest interior design trends, plus spring fashion from leading independent retailers. With all this and more, we offer our best wishes for a wonderful month!

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!

Enjoy!

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.

With best wishes from the Rutland Pride team...

Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. General Manager: ian bagley.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Features Editor: Ceri Jackson Customer Care Manager: mandy bray. Accounts Manager: Sue bannister.

Sales Manager: zoie Wilkinson. Sales Executives: Jayne broughton, Elaine hall, Jo Leadbitter, Rachel Jones, Emily brown, Sami millard, Andy Taylor, Lauren Chambers, Chloe griffiths.

Sales Support: Amy Whiley. Distribution Manager: Paul Dixon.

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!

Creating

Furnishing

Dining

Starring

Discover a new hobby at Rutland Water this month with willow weaving artist, Joelle Bryan.

Spring style for your home with the latest design trends courtesy of Rutland’s top interior designers.

Sampling the best pub restaurant cuisine at Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter and visiting Stamford’s Cosy Club.

London Olympics star, Louis Smith MBE officially opens The Fitzwilliam Hospital’s new MRI Scanner.

SPRing 2014

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CountyNews

Send your press releases and county news to: Rob Davis via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Local girl Jade will enjoy a place in Winter Paralympics 22 year old local girl Jade Etherington will compete in this month’s Russian paralympic ski event...

Jade Etherington: Local Paralympian Jade at the 2013 World Championships in Spain.

Local Winter Paralympian Jade Etherington was recently confirmed as the country’s competitor in her skiing discipline, and will represent Britain in this month’s winter games.

Jade comes from Bourne and is one of just 15 athletes who will represent Britain in the games, which take place from 7th to 16th March and will be screened on Channel Four.

Jade went to the area’s Deepings School and has been practising for the games with the British Ski Team.

Jade was born with Axenfield’s syndrome and has just 5% of her vision remaining, yet she will compete in the slalom event alongside guide Caroline Powell, who will relay radio instructions to her.

Arctic Adventurer Ranulph in Rutland for Air Ambulance charity supper event Chilly reception for guests at Barnsdale Lodge...

Werrington’s Cherry House is celebrating its 20th anniversary under Andrew Corrick by announcing that it will donate a percentage of its takings to the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s General Charitable Fund in 2014.

“We enjoy welcoming many NHS staff to the restaurant.” says Andrew. “Their support has been highly appreciated, so that we wanted to give something back.”

We’ll profile the restaurant in next month’s edition of Rutland Pride, which will be available from 14th March.

Other Britons competing in the slalom ski team include Kelly Gallagher and Millie Knight. Mick Brenann, Ben Snesby and Anna Turney will compete in the sit-skiing event, whilst James Whitley will represent the team in the standing event.

The UK’s curling team will comprise Aileen Neilson, Tom Killin, Gregor Ewan, Rob McPherson and Angie Malone.

The Paralympics will also include Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, CrossCountry Skiing, ice sledge hockey and wheelchair curling.

Britain has yet to win a gold in the winter paralympics, and this year, Jade so her fellow competitors are looking to win the county its first one.

Exton’s Barnsdale Lodge welcomes arctic explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Rutland as Pride goes to press.

The hotel will eschew its usual warm welcome for a slightly cooler one, more climatically in keeping with Sir Ranulph’s role as the first man to have visited both the north and south pole, and the man who has climbed Everest and completed a circumnavigation of the world during a 52,000 mile odyssey.

The adventurer will visit the hotel to talk to an audience of over 100 in aid of the Children’s Air Ambulance.

The evening includes a drinks reception and three course lunch before the guest speaker takes to the lecturn.

Look out for exclusive images in the next edition of Rutland Pride.

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CountyNews

Send your press releases and county news to: Rob Davis via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Rutland Farmer takes a LEAF out of Africa’s book...

Caldecott farmer Andrew Brown recently embarked on a subSaharan trip to see what the UK can learn from African farmers.

Andrew was one of nine farmers who embarked on the study tour, organised by Leaf - The Local Environment and Farming group - and funded by Smiths Gore and Defra.

and national awards for his conservation work whilst maintaining a viable and productive commercial farm and also hosts school trips on farms and goes into schools to promote British food and farming.

“I think we can learn a lot from these people and may have to adopt some of their practices as more of the active ingredients in pesticides are banned.” he said on his blog following the trip.

Andrew’s trip included a visit to one of Africa’s avocado farms, a visit to a producer of broccoli and runner beans for the UK’s supermarkets and a safari on which he learned about the activities of Fairtrade foundations.

Pushing The Boundary: The region’s best chippy celebrates 2014 award

Andrew’s family have been farming in the area for over 300 years.

He has won several local, regional

March chamber music event with renowned cellist and violinist...

National Fish and Chip Awards names Market Deeping’s Boundary as best in Eastern England...

Market Deeping’s Boundary Fish and Chip Shop is once again celebrating victory in the 2014 National Fish and Chip Awards.

The awards named Market Deeping’s Boundary the best fish and chip shop in Eastern England during a ceremony held at London’s Lancaster Hotel.

The shop narrowly missed out on a national prize but did also pick up an award for promoting sustainability.

Bill Shaw runs the businesses, which has been trading since 1890 and is so named because it sits on the boundary of Market Deeping and Deeping St James.

“We pride ourselves on sourcing the best products possible and awards like this prove we know how to do it in the right way.” said Bill.

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“There were a lot of top businesses in the running for this, so we’re proud to have come out on top.”

“It’s important for a fish and chip shop to be involved in all stages of how their potatoes are sourced and I hope that we can serve as inspiration to others, and prove that issues like this really do matter.”

The awards were hosted by celebrity chef and Michelin starred cook Jean-Christophe Novelli and were sponsored by industry body Seafish.

“The Boundary is to be commended for their focus and determination to responsible potato sourcing and sustainability practices; we’d like to congratulate them on their win.” said Seafish’s Paul Williams.

Oakham School will this month celebrate both of Brahms’s Sextets in a chamber music event on 6th March from 7.45pm. Violinist Martin Cropper is joined by an ensemble of fellow professional musicians including acclaimed violinist Peter Cropper and cellist Richard Jenkinson from Oakham School’s visiting teaching staff. With some of the finest musicians in the country, this concert is one not to miss! Oakham School Chapel, tickets £10; call 01572 758820.

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DEEPING ST JAMES, LINCOLNSHIRE £599,995 St Benedict’s Priory is a handsome stone farmhouse with a fine historic heritage and wealth of period features. In a secluded location which was the site of a twelfth century priory, the farmhouse was built for a gentleman farmer in the seventeenth century and his social standing and affluence are reflected in the property’s fine architecture and magnificent interior detailing – much of which remains today. Throughout the house the rooms have lofty ceilings with impressive oak beams, magnificent fireplaces and stone mullioned windows, whilst the splendid four hundred year old dog-leg staircase retains its original carved newel posts and balusters. The Grade II* listed farmhouse is now divided into two, with this the greater semi-detached portion, and more recent additions such as double glazing throughout and a sunny Conservatory have made it into a practical and welcoming family home. The property has a delightful, secluded setting next to the Church and is surrounded by wonderful gardens which have been carefully planned and stocked with a variety of well-established trees, heritage flowers and shrubs, whilst there are also many sunny patios and seating areas from which to enjoy the lovely views.

NASSINGTON, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE £675,000 The Old Bakery is a handsome detached house, located in the heart of this vibrant and friendly village. Occupying the site of the village bakery, the house has a lovely local stone façade, a slate roof and many windows which flood the interior with natural light. The property has recently been thoroughly extended and updated to create an elegant home with classically proportioned rooms and an open flow around the main living rooms and out to the garden, making it ideal for both family life and for entertaining. The classic décor of the interior includes features such as wood-burning stoves, solid oak doors and a bespoke Clipsham stone fireplace, along with many doors opening up to the pretty rear garden. The sunny KitchenBreakfast room is an ideal centre for family life, whilst the bedrooms and bathrooms are superbly fitted, in particular the stunning Master Bedroom suite. The property benefits from modern features such as centralized and automatic lighting systems, TV points in every room and double-glazing throughout. With its west-facing garden, elegant interior and substantial accommodation, the Old Bakery is a superb village home in an excellent location.

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

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STAMFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE £795,000 The Elm sits within extensive gardens, set back from a leafy residential road in the heart of Stamford. The original brick-built house and its Coach House date from the 1920’s - some internal period features remain, whilst all the main reception rooms benefit from high ceilings, large windows and plenty of natural light. Over the years the house has seen successive additions, and has grown into an impressive property with elegant living space and extensive and flexible accommodation. It has until recently been operating as a successful four-star rated Guest House, and the layout is currently arranged with en-suite guest-rooms and reception space on the ground floor, and a self-contained three bedroom flat on the first. There is the further benefit of extra space in the self-contained Annexe in the recently converted Coach House. The Elm offers an excellent opportunity to take over and run a thriving business or equally the chance to create a large and handsome family home with a large garden in an excellent location.

BELMESTHORPE, RUTLAND £975,000 Perched on the edge of this tranquil village, Brookfield House is an attractive stone property set in lovely gardens which run down to the river Gwash and border open countryside. Built of local stone with a Collyweston slate roof, the house itself has been extended over the years to create a welcoming and practical family home with flexible accommodation, including the benefit of a self-contained Annexe located above the Garage. Internally the house has features such as a delightful formal drawing room, exposed stone walls, hearths with open fires and many French doors leading out to the garden.

There is a sociable layout to the ground floor with interconnecting doors leading between the reception and family space and a country-style kitchen with four oven AGA. The sheltered gardens surround the house and have many sunny and secluded seating areas. A haven for birds and wildlife, the gardens run down to a shaded riverside with views out across open fields. With its peaceful semi-rural setting, Brookfield House combines a village location with easy access to the amenities of Stamford and beyond and, with its extensive accommodation, it makes an excellent family home.

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LOVICKS PLACE, EMPINGHAM

GUIDE PRICE £1,400,000

A Gracious Former Rectory, Listed Grade II, Set in Delightful Gardens.

THATCH FARM, GLASTON

GUIDE PRICE £1,300,000

A Charming Stone Thatched Period Property, Listed Grade II, Dating from the Early 17th Century with Annexe and Cottage.

STAMFORD

Tel: 01780 484520 Offices – LONDON • MARKET HARBOROUGH • NORTHAMPTON • STAMFORD

www.kingwest.co.uk

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Find your perfect holiday with your local, independent & friendly travel experts

SPOTLighT On iTALy T

he stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches and wonderful fresh food make italy one of the most romantic and sought after destinations in the world. Whether you are looking to explore the flavours of Tuscany & Umbria or the chic italian Lakes or simply relax on the soft sands of Sardinia, we love italy and know you will too.

Tuscany & Umbria offers an area of classical Italian beauty, patchwork orange groves and Chianti vineyards together with flower filled hillsides and medieval towns, with the hidden gems of Siena & San Gimignano. Nestled below the magnificent Mount Vesuvius and the sparkling Bay of Naples, is Sorrento and The Amalfi Coast, home to some of Italy’s finest scenery, just off this coastline lie the stunning islands of Amalfi & Capri. The area of Puglia is a relatively undiscovered region and a real find which will surprise and delight. Here you will find miles of unspoilt coastline, a rich and diverse countryside with flourishing wine and olive oil industries, the region is also famous for its traditional Trulli houses. The Italian Lakes provide beautiful scenery and a romantic atmosphere, with three dramatic lakes to choose from Como, Maggiore and the largest Garda; this stunning region is ideal for families and couples of all ages. Finally the Italian cities, from the romance of Venice to the history and culture of Rome to the glamour of Milan, each city has their own special magic and provide the perfect destination for a short city break, or as an addition to your main holiday. If you would like to reduce your carbon footprint, why not travel by rail? The Italian rail system is surprisingly modern and reliable, with it’s comprehensive rail network this fast and efficient service offers travellers the perfect way to enjoy two or more destinations in one trip, you get to admire the countryside and meet the locals at the same time! Oundle Travel can assist you with booking your rail journey within Italy.

Why not try Sicily, one of Italy’s stunning islands. Taomina is an ideal location for a September break.

A week’s stay at the 5* Grand Hotel Timeo from £2,949.00 pp in September.

The Tuscan hill town of Siena, widely regarded as the birth place of the Italian Renaissance. Three nights staying at the 4* Hotel Garden, Siena travelling in June from £169.00 pp.

The Amalfi Coast is breathtakingly spectacular with quaint coastal towns including Positano. Three nights staying at the 4*Hotel Villa Franca, Positano travelling in September from £539.00 pp.

For more details and ideas or to check availability please contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600. www.oundletravel.co.uk.

01832 273600 market Place, oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EA Email: sales@oundletravel.co.uk Website: www.oundletravel.co.uk

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TO VIEW AnD PuRCHASE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVEnT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZInES.CO.uK

THE EVENT Olympian Reveals Fitzwilliam’ s MRI...

Star of the London Olympics, Louis Smith, recently visited Peterborough’s Ramsay Fitzwilliam private hospital to officially open its new state-of-the-art MRI scanner. The new machine has been installed in a dedicated wing of the private hospital to provide rapid and easy diagnosis. The Optima MR360 Advance Scanner represents a multi-million pound investment for the hospital, which is particularly useful for looking at soft tissue like ligaments and cartilage, as well as musculoskeletal applications. “It’s a big investment for a small unit like ours, and is the first GE machine of its type in the UK.” says Morag Wilson, Radiology Manager. The event was attended by over 20 of the hospital’s consultants, and by former Strictly competitor, Olympian Louis, who is no stranger to MRI scans, having had a number during the course of his training during the London games, at which he took silver medal on a Pommell Horse.

Shown here is Georgina Harris, James Beech and Jane Groom.

Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EVEnT Fitzwilliam

Hospital

The scanner was officially opened

by Olympian Louis Smith.

The Fitzwilliam Hospital has over 100 consultants and three operating theatres.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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HIGH quALITy CARE AnD GREAT nuTRITIOn

MAKInG MEAL TIMES MATTER Rutland’s Oak House Residential Care Home has always provided the highest levels of resident-centred care, but is now employing a revolutionary device to ensure its residents’ nutrition is maintained. Known as Ode, it’s designed to use the scent of food to stimulate the appetite. Owner and Head Chef Preston Walker explains more...

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crucial part of maintaining health in later life is to ensure good nutrition. That can sometimes be a challenge, especially in patients with conditions like dementia, but Oak House, Rutland’s residential care home, is leading the way by trialling a new device.

High Quality Food Residents at the 25-bedroom, family-run residential care home, established in 1989, have always been able to appreciate high quality food and the importance that owner Preston Walker and his team place on nutrition.

The team’s efforts culminated in their award for quality catering in the National Association of Care Catering Awards, and last year.

The Home also won an Innovation and Achievement Award for trialling a new device, Ode, a system aimed at stimulating residents’ appetites using a sensory device which also provides holistic approach to nutritional care.

“Ode is a safe, fan-assisted device that releases controlled bursts of food fragrances in our

“The team’s efforts culminated in the award for quality catering in the National Care Home Awards last year...”

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dining room. Fragrances are released as ambient airborne scents both in the lead-up to, and during, each mealtime.” says Preston.

“We tested Ode as part of its development over a three month period and found that 50% of participants gained weight during the trial and those who did increased by an average of 1.96kg, providing a great improvement in overall health.”

Throughout the Day The device stimulates residents’ appetites with three fragrances - a breakfast fragrance of fresh orange juice, a lunchtime scent and a teatime scent. In addition to stimulating appetite, it also help those with conditions like dementia to understand what time of day it is.

Pharmacy Links In addition to its Ode project, Oak House has also begun to work closely with a specialist provider of pharmacy services to care homes called The Local Care Home Chemist, which visits the home each month and has revolutionised the way medicine is provided.

“It’s another way we manage to provide better care for our residents.” says Preston.

“We have an excellent working relationship with a dedicated pharmacist and get to see them each month, as well as being able to order products for next day delivery.”

“It offers a responsive, personal service that benefits us, our residents and their families.”

Further Information... £ Oak House provides 25 rooms and was established in 1989.

It provides short term respite care and residential care too. £ The company has trialled the use of a new device, Ode, aimed at improving nutritional standards for its residents. £ It has also created a new partnership with Local Care Home Chemist for 2014. £ Visit Oak House Residential Care Home by appointment; Pond Lane, Greetham, Rutland LE15 7NW. For more information call 01572 812647 or see www.oakhousecarehome.co.uk.

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HEALTHCARE

with Oak House

“Oak House Residential Care Home has helped to develop a new system designed to ensure your loved one’ s nutrition is maintained.

They’ ve installed a system called Ode, designed to release food fragrances at meal times so the appetites of residents - even those with dementia - are stimulated...”

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Spring Dining: our main course of duck breast was treated to a soya and ginger dressing, served with honey roasted parsnips and shallots.

SPRInG DInInG AT LyDDInGTOn’S

Marquess of Exeter Rutland’s celebrity chef Brian Baker has always been keen to recognise local produce, and to host his regular cooking demonstrations. This month the Marquess of Exeter’s spring menus make the Lyddington pub restaurant a ‘must visit’ venue...

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RESTAuRAnT OF THE MOnTH

Left: The restaurant served up char grilled smoked salmon with roasted red pepper, chilli and garlic flakes.

Right: The venue dates back to the 16th century and carries a Grade II listing.

Above: A cosy snug and bar dining room has flagstones and open fire, giving way to a large open plan dining room.

Below: A must-try dish for pudding fans was our chocolate truffle tart served with white chocolate ice cream and caramel bananas.

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he Marquess of Exeter’s Brian Baker is known to a great many Rutlanders. In addition to being the chef patron of one of the county’s most successful pub restaurants, he’s also the face of many of the county’s cooking demonstrations at events like Rutland Day’s Food & Drink Festival. His tenure at the Marquess began in 2009 after a complete refurbishment of the pub restaurant.

If, as a chef, you were to write a ‘fantasy CV’ detailing all of the places you’d want to work, and all of the chefs you’d like to work with, it would read pretty much like Brian’s resumé; Rutland’s own Hambleton Hall, and The Ritz in the 1980s, The Criterion... even a stint at The Waterside and La Gavroche under a brace of Roux brothers, plus a number of private clients too.

Brian’s breadth of expertise and experience in some of the country’s highest profile restaurants preceded a return to the county in 2003 whereupon he set up The Fox and Hounds in Knossington, and in between these appointments, he also created a consultancy and outside catering business, working for blue chips like Marks & Spencer.

The Marquess afforded the opportunity to settle in a homely, traditional looking place and integrate into the community - and that’s just what Brian has done. Locals pop in on a Sunday morning to purchase croissants and pain au chocolat, the chef has also been known to provide food for villagers’ dinner parties which they can cook at home (and presumably pass off as their own!).

The chef says he wanted to create a ‘pub as a hub’ in the community; a traditional place that would be as welcoming to locals as it is appealing to those visiting from further afield.

Brian’s approach has led to myriad accolades, from AA Gold Star awards, to a four-star rating for the pub restaurant’s 17 boutique hotel bedrooms, and commendations in the Michelin Guide & The Good Pub Guide for the past three years running.

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Sample M enu £ STARTERS Cheese £14.95 Whole baked Slipcote cheese with roasted garlic and chilli jelly.

Prawns £6.75 Salt and chilli prawns with cucumber and beansprout salad and sweet chilli dressing.

Parfait Chicken liver parfait with fig chutney and grilled bread.

£6.95

£ MAinS Steak £15.75 8oz flat iron steak ‘Café de Paris’ butter, pommes frites and green salad.

Sea Bass £17.50 Tandoori fillet of sea bass, bombay potatoes and cauliflower with lime, coriander and ginger.

Tartlet £12.95 Tartlet of onion marmalade with field mushroom and Colwick cheese.

£ PUDDing Panna Cotta £6.25 ginger panna cotta with poached fruits and honey tuille.

Sorbet home made orange and blackberry sorbet.

£6.25

Cheese Board £8.25 Selection of farmhouse English cheeses with home made chutney and oat cakes.

£ SERviCE TiMES Lunchtime 12pm-2.30pm monday to Saturday 6.30pm-9pm Sunday Evening Service 6.30pm-9.30pm monday to Saturday 6.30pm-9pm Sunday.

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RESTAuRAnT OF THE MOnTH The Marquess was also voted by Rutland Pride readers as one of our Restaurants of the Year and Brian himself was a Rutland Pride Food Hero of the Year too, in our 2013 awards.

Dining at The Marquess is by way of à la carte menus which run during lunchtime and evening service. During lunchtime service there’s also ‘Lunch for Even Less’ which runs until 29th March. This is a county-wide eating out promotion which other restaurants are participating in too, including Wymondham’s Berkeley Arms, Hambleton Hall, The Olive Branch, Stathern’s Red Lion Inn and Ryall’s Wicked Witch.

At The Marquess, Lunch for Even Less affords two courses for just £12.95 and three courses for £15.95, with a choice of two starters and two main courses plus a choice of two desserts.

The equivalent during evening service is The Marquess of Exeter’s brand new Good Value Gourmet menu.

Two courses for £14.95; three courses for £17.50, and a 3/3/2 menu. During both daytime and evening service, the à la carte menu includes eight starters, nine main courses and six desserts, plus a cheese options.

after your meal. The venue even has a kitchen garden at the back where it produces herbs and some of its veg.

A comprehensive wine list comprises 21 whites, 24 reds and a selection of champagnes. These are keenly priced from £15-£60. Dessert wines and digestifs are available too, whilst local ales and ciders will be well-received during the warmer months.

Just as local are the restaurant’s suppliers - Launde Farm for lamb and Derbyshire’s Richard Taylor for rare breed beef.

These two suppliers provide key ingredients in the restaurant’s spectacular sharing dishes, too. Grilled rib of beef for two with pomme frites, or slow roast shoulder of Launde lamb with buttered hispi cabbage and mash with home made mint sauce are a treat, for two diners, at £42.50 and £36 respectively.

High quality, enjoyable food is what The Marquess of Exeter does best. The food is of a spectacular standard, the menu far surpasses what lesser, common-all-garden gastropubs, have on their menus. The Marquess’s welcome is really warm and its service polished.

Our starters of terrine of pork with chorizo and black pudding and chargrilled smoked salmon with roasted red peppers, chilli and garlic flakes were most enjoyable in front of the huge open fire in the pub restaurant’s flagstone floored bar area. Meanwhile our main courses of grilled tuna steak and duck breast were perfectly cooked and beautifully flavoured with tomato confit and soya & ginger respectively.

The restaurant hosts a quiz night on the last Saturday of each month, and will be hosting Brian’s cookery demonstrations on 14th April from 10.30, with a theme of The Taste of Spain, and again in September and November. Each of these are £35/person, with a two course meal and glass of wine included. There’s also a ladies’ pamper afternoon with each booking - a great treat for spring.

Desserts are a treat too, with our chocolate truffle tart served with white chocolate ice cream and caramel bananas.

Naturally ice creams and sorbets are made in house, as is the venue’s fresh bread and even the truffles served with coffee

With fresh menus, a great look, and exceptional service, plus the bonus of having a high profile chef working in a downto-earth, relaxed venue, the Marquess is a restaurant that we’re happy to recommend. It’s a great option for spring dining.

THE MARQUESS OF EXETER Lyddington, near uppingham

52 Main Street, Lyddington, nr Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9LT To book a meal call

01572 822477

From A47 - Leave the A47 at Uppingham and join the A6003 London Road towards Caldecott.

Turn left signposted Lyddington Bede House and look out for the pub, situated on the right hand side on Lyddington’s Main Street.

Find out more online at: www.marquessexeter.co.uk bookings@marquessexeter.co.uk

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FANTASTIC NEW OFFERS SERENE SUNDAYS Staying in one of our Superior rooms, come and enjoy a 3 x course dinner in our a la carte restaurant on any Sunday in February or March 2014 all for just £125.00. Full payment to be taken upon booking and is non-refundable. Sharing plates not included in offer.

DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST From Monday to Thursday you can enjoy a delicious à la carte meal in our restaurant and stay over for a great price!

Standard rooms £140.00 / Superior rooms £160.00 / Suites £170.00.

GOOD VALUE GOURMET DINNER We are now offering a new 3 course set dinner for £17.50 per person from Monday to Thursday.

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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quIRKy CASuAL DInInG In STAMFORD

The Cosy Club...

Since 2012, The Cosy Club, based at the old delivery office in Stamford, has been offering first class service. As they enter their third year, we paid them a visit to experience a delightful mix of English favourites and unpretentious comfort food...

Casual Dining: We enjoyed the restaurant’s Venison loin with wilted baby spinach and nutmeg, duck fat-roasted potatoes and a juniper berry sauce.

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RESTAuRAnT OF THE MOnTH

Left: A 10oz 35 day hung Hereford grass-fed rump steak.

Right: The quirky bistro style restaurant has an eclectic mix of reclaimed tables, leather chairs and benches.

Above: A star of the menu; The Cosy Club’s sociable tapas!

Left: General manager Steve comes up with a cocktail in two shakes.

Below: Limoncello and cranberry crème brûlée.

B

ased at the old delivery office in Stamford, it’s no surprise that the town’s award winning bistro style restaurant, The Cosy Club, offer a first class service.

The large, open plan industrial space is split into two areas which can seat up to 200. First impressions as you walk through the double glass doors? You feel like you’ve headed nearly 4,000 miles to a rustic American diner!

Alex Reilley, managing director for 12 years, sure has good taste.

He’s hand-picked the decor himself influenced by his travels.

The bar area oozes style, with an impressive pillar box red bar (an tip of the hat to its former use), the perfect place for a casual cocktail catch up. There’s plenty of relaxing leather club chairs and sofas, velvet footstools and Art Deco coffee tables too, a welcoming sight for mid-morning coffee lovers.

There’s an eclectic mix of quirky furnishings to draw the eye; antler chandeliers, Victorian lampshades, taxidermy, and an array of flags, banners and oil paintings line the walls. Reclaimed tables, leather dining room chairs and benches fill the dining areas, all adding to the relaxed character and charm of the place.

Upstairs there is an art deco inspired function room called The Mess which can seat up to 55 and can be used any day of the week for any kind of occasion.

With all this uniqueness, it’s hard to believe The Cosy Club is in fact part of a chain - there are 35 Lounger restaurants and six Cosy Clubs throughout the UK. Stamford was the third to be established, and as they enter in to their third year general manager Steve Mantle thinks it will be just as successful as the last.

The food on offer is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and head chef Anthony Curry, along with his brigade, uses his experience and steady hand to offer a delightful mix of old English favorites with a twist, own style Tapas and unpretentious comfort food. They also accomodate gluten free, vegetarians and vegans.

Mimicking the split dining areas, there are two different menus to choose from - for lunchtime and evening dining. Anthony offers nine different sandwiches and paninis from the fiery pulled pork, with Monterey Jack, jalapenos and BBQ sauce panini, to the 29

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Sample M enu £ BRUNCH Cosy Club Breakfast £7.95 Grilled smoked back bacon, Cumberland sausages, field mushroom, grilled tomato, black pudding, fried potatoes, baked beans and fried, poached or scrambled eggs with sourdough toast.

Tripe-stacked buttermilk pancakes £5.95 With fruit or bacon and golden syrup.

£ STARTERS Severn and Wye smoked salmon £7.95 With pickled cucumber and mint yoghurt.

Tapas £3.50 each or 3 for £9.95 Selection of 13 including chorizo in red wine and garlic, prawn cocktail with Bloody Mary mayo, pulled ham hock and piccalilli and honey-glazed shredded five-spice pork.

Mushroom Bruschetta £5.25 Pan fried mushrooms, spinach, smoked garlic and aged balsamic on toasted bruschetta.

£ MAINS Pan-seared scallops £13.95 With slow-roasted belly of pork, potato mash, glazed carrots, parsley purée and apple chutney.

Vegetable Wellington £10.75 Butternut squash, spinach and sun blushed tomatoes with red pepper and tomato chutney.

Venison Loin £14.95 With wilted baby spinach and nutmeg, duck fat-roasted potatoes and juniper berry sauce.

£ PUDDINGS Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce.

£5.25

Mousse £10.75 El Dorado rum and Belgian chocolate mousse.

£ SERVICE TIMES Food is served all day, everyday from 9am to 10pm. Brunch and lunch everyday, 9am-6pm.

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RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

classic and simple fish finger sandwich. The bistro’s sharing plates are perfect for a lunch time snack or starter - and there’s a vegetarian, meat and fish choice. A main star on the menu has to be is the selection of Tapas. With 13 delicious combinations to choose from, they make a great choice for sociable dining, fun catch up over wine or a light dining option.

First, we tried the crispy potatoes with mature cheddar and spring onions, mini fish fingers with tartare sauce and pulled ham hock and piccalilli tapas. The luscious smell grabs your attention and when you take that first bite you get a flurry of taste. Served on a wooden chopping board with pieces of crusty bread it’s definitely an option for those tucking in together.

Our second option was the Severn & Wye smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and mint yoghurt. The captivating colours sprang from the plate, and this was a great lighter choice to start our meal.

For main course, we were presented with an impressive 10oz 35 day aged Hereford grass-fed rump steak, served with triple cooked chips, herb and garlic baked Portobello mushroom, cherry vine tomatoes and beer battered onion rings. A true dining delight - a feast fit to fill even the biggest appetite!

Our venison loin arrived on top of crispy duck-fat roasted potatoes with wilted baby spinach, nutmeg and a juniper berry sauce. Beautifully pink, together with the dark spicy sauce created the perfect combination.

Next came the dessert, the pièce de résistance for any sweet tooth. The limoncello and cranberry creme brûlée with butter shortbread came atop a white and blue china plate, adding to the bistro’s quaint and quirky charm. Lightly

golden, the cranberry seeped through adding a touch of colour on the caramelised topping. The delightful mix of limoncello and cranberry created a burst of flavour.

The Dream Extreme cheesecake is the perfect option for those chocolate lovers looking for a bit of indulgence.

Topped with Maltesers with Baileys and Daim Bar, we definitely recommend asking for a tall spoon to power through the creamy layers and biscuits.

Cosy Club also boasts an impressive cocktail and wine list; scores of bottles line the gin-palace-inspired bar. As well as the decor, the owners have a lot of influence when it comes to the wine, often bringing back new products from wine tasting trips to France. A particular favourite is the Muscadet Domaine Led Grands Presbytères at £23.50, which evokes fond camping memories for Operations Director Jake Bishop. Other white wines include Sauvignon Blanc Moko Black Marlborough at £25.95 and Sancerre La Clochette Loire Valley at £29.95.

There is a vast red and rosé selection, with all three lists incorporating tastes from around the world including New Zealand, Australia, Italy, France & South Africa. There are also four Champagne options and 15 cocktails to choose from - great for a fun night out with friends and family.

All in all, The Cosy Club certainly lives up to its name; its really is cosy. The relaxed atmosphere coupled with quick, friendly service and amazing food make this is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a casual dining experience.

As Steve said, they have such a varied mix of customers so there’s definitely a place - and something on the menu - for everyone at The Cosy Club.

THE COSY CLUB

Horseshoe Lane, Stamford

The Old Delivery Office, Horseshoe Lane, Stamford PE9 2RB To book a meal call

01780 767710

How do I get there? The Cosy Club is located in the town of Stamford on Horseshoe Lane. We recommend you take advantage of parking on Bath Row adjacent to the Town Meadows.

Find out more online at www.cosyclub.co.uk

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Left: Sarah believes that no matter how many covers, no matter where she’s working, her diners are entitled to restaurant quality food.

Above: Rutland’s smallest restaurant is in a studio adjacent to her outside catering kitchen.

It’s where potential clients sample Sarah’s cuisine.

R

utland’s motto is multum in parvo - much in little - so deserved because there’s a lot packed into England’s smallest county.

Rutland’s smallest restaurant, however, has to be outside caterer Sarah Rivett’s mini-restaurant, just adjacent to her Morcott home. With just four covers, it’s where brides & grooms, or event organisers go for a meal before they book her services, and rather than just a bite or two, they enjoy the entire meal before deciding whether to book her services.

Following the tradition of multum in parvo itself, the room may be small, but it definitely leads to more ambitious catering operations, because once Sarah’s four diners are satisfied, she’ll be called upon to cater for weddings, corporate functions, society events and private dinner parties.

HOW DO yOu CATER FOR 700 PEOPLE? ASK...

The Rutland Gourmet...

Anyone who frequently hosts a dinner party can relate to both the pleasure - and pressure - of entertaining. But how would you cope with the task of catering for, say, 200 guests? Or 400? Or even... 700? That’s what outside catering expert Sarah Rivett does to the tune of 30,000 plates a year!

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“I think it’s only right that people should try the food rather than just tasting a bite or two.” says Sarah. “Typically my work is weddings, which probably average 120 covers.

But I have many events like end of season balls for hunts and leaver’s balls for the county’s schools, which usually involve catering for 600 or 700 covers.”

Sarah’s calmness masks fanatical organisation and logistical skills, because catering for that number of people is a considerable challenge. Restaurant covers are at least spread out over a whole evening’s service, whereas Sarah’s covers all have to leave the kitchen at once. Likewise, Sarah might be cooking in a field, or a marquee, rather than a proper kitchen.

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FOOD AND DRINK

The Rutland Gourmet

That does beg the questions of how (and why) she does it; “It’s not difficult...” says Sarah modestly. “...as long as you’re organised and methodical.

I’m a very keen list-maker and usually end up with a to-do list, a shopping list, a kit list, a staff list and a list of timings.”

Assuming Sarah has these lists - and a list to keep track of all her other lists - there are just two other secrets to her success. The first is an army of staff (sometimes as many of 50 people) working at the front of house; amazingly, Sarah works single-handedly in the kitchen.

The second is her vast amount of equipment. Any piece of catering equipment which comes in handy during her military style catering operations, Sarah purchases rather than hires. That means she always has a fleet of linen, cutlery and glassware at her disposal, plus two portable catering kitchens with kit including £8,000 ovens, refrigerated trailers and vans. Sarah’s right-hand-man is husband Johnny, who serves as a sort of logistics officer.

Together, the two can use Sarah’s professional catering kitchen to do as much prep work as possible back at base before going on the road.

“Puddings can often be prepared on a Wednesday, with Thursday a prep-day for the rest of the meal.” says Sarah. “Friday is kept free as a sort of

emergency day, in case one is needed, then on Saturday we usually have two weddings in mid-summer, and arrive on-site a few hours before meals need to be served.”

Sarah makes it sound easy, but it’s an incredible operation, especially when her 30,000 plates a year are of same quality you’d expect to be served in one of the county’s best restaurants.

“It’s like a dinner party. Being organised and completing as much prep-work as possible makes the job more manageable.” she says. “I can cook almost anything my clients request. Although, some dishes work better than others; main courses like rump of lamb or seared duck breast work well.”

Sarah’s 700 cover operations are impressive, but the chef also handles smaller operations beautifully too - canapés for business receptions, for instance.

Likewise, Sarah can prepare and deliver three courses for a private dinner party in your home for, by way of an example, 10 people.

“My father was a butcher so I think I grew up with an appreciation for good food.” says Sarah. “I was raised to believe that there’s always time to prepare good quality food, no matter how short you are of time, and I’ve carried that philosophy through to my business - no matter where I’m catering, no matter how many covers, it’s all about quality!”

£ FIND OUT MORE Sarah caters for weddings, corporate functions and dinner parties anywhere in Rutland for between 10 and 700 diners.

She’s completely self-contained and has all the equipment, crockery and table linens you need. She’s happy to discuss bespoke menus for anything from £20-£50/head.

For more information call 01572 747909 or see www.rutlandgourmet.co.uk

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MOTHERS DAY HAMPERS AT ABBEY PARKS FARM SHOP What better way to spoil your mother this year than with a hamper filled with all of her favourite things, it’s something she will enjoy on the day and for much longer after that and will earn you lots of brownie points! Abbey Parks Farm Shop hampers make wonderful presents as they are created specifically with the person in mind, they are unique and show great thoughtfulness and the best bit, we do all the hard work for you!

Call in and feast your eyes on all of our wonderful products, some very practical, others very luxurious and some totally radical, pick what you like the most or think the person the hamper is for will love and we will fill and wrap the hamper beautifully. Alternatively give us a call or drop us an email indicating what sort of products you would like in your hamper or the sort of person the hamper is for and we can create, wrap and send the hamper out for you.

We are also celebrating Mothering Sunday with a delicious Sunday Lunch menu, treat your mother and all the family to a home cooked roast without having to lift a finger, the cosy atmosphere of the restaurant will make you feel like you are at home but with no washing up to do once all the feasting is over. Menu available online.

Abbey Parks Farm Shop is a little country haven filled to the rafters with delicious delicacies, home grown vegetables, locally sourced products, an excellent cheese counter, local meats, antiques, gifts and much more.

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND RECEIVE FOUR ISSUES FOR FREE! You can choose to have a six month subscription for £14.75 or a twelve month subscription for £29.50 We’ll deliver Pride free of charge to your doorstep - every month!

You’ll never miss a single issue!

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The county’s best restaurants {Page 18}

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TheWineCellar This month Blake Johnson has gone as mad as a March hare, choosing a few oddities for his column. Try these unusual wines if you’re seeking something deliciously different...

Our Gift Subscriptions last a whole year

Felines Jourdan, Grenache Syrah 2012 £9.99

Graci, Etna Bianco, 2011 £17.99

Selbach Oster, Riesling Kabinet 2012 £12.99

Domaine Alain Michaud, Brouilly 2011 £13.99

Jordan Merlot, 2010 £10.99

Spicy, bramble fruit with a peppery finish.

A spring warmer... a quaffing wine from a grape blend found usually in the Cotes Du Rhone. A very smooth and rounded wine on the palate, great at this price!

Sicilian wines are ever more popular and this glorious white is a fine example. The grapes are Carricante and Cataratto, from the northern slopes of the volcano.

Lovely mineral fruit, fine aromatic charm.

Located high above the Mosel village of Zeltingen, the Schlossberg Kabinett reflects decomposed slate soils with its slim, crisp, crunchy citrus aromas.

Deliciously salivating thanks to its acidity and pith purity.

Wines from Brouilly represent the more robust and powerful of the Beaujolais set... and Alain Michauds wines are superb.

Very fruit driven with no tannin to mention; summer fruits and cherries are abundant.

The Jordan name has been winning every award going for their varietal wines from South Africa. Usually on limited allocation, these wines rarely stay on our shelves for more than a few week. It’s a deep, rich and plummy Merlot.

every single month in 2014!

This month’s features wines are recommended by: The Stamford Wine Company, 10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2BE Tel: 07538 228337, www.thestamfordwinecompany.com.

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The Joy Of

Biscuits

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RECIPES

Beautiful Biscuits

T

he unmistakable warmth of a freshly baked biscuit, that home baked taste and the impressed look on friends’ faces as they pop round for morning coffee and sample your baking endeavours!

There are few things more enjoyable in life than baking, and few bakers better than former Great British Bake-Off contestant Miranda Gore Brown for anyone seeking inspiration.

Here, we recommend her book, Biscuits, which provides over 100 recipes for those who think a mere cookie is a little predictable.

Love at first bite...

“Biscuits are something I’ve always particularly loved baking.” says Miranda.

“They bring back memories of happy times spent as a family, of parties, and adventures.”

“We always took homemade biscuits on our walks, and big tins of biscuits on holiday to munch on canal boats or outside tents.”

“I know I’m not the only one. Biscuits are a wonderful part of our heritage, perhaps even a British obsession.

Everyone has an opinion about their favourites, and the mere mention of a bourbon or ‘squashed fly’ biscuit can trigger childhood memories and fierce

debates about which is the most irresistible... and which is the best way to eat them. To dunk or not to dunk, for instance. With chocolate coating, or without?”

“Biscuits are wonderfully varied and versatile. They can be a treat between meals, a personalised gift, or a gesture to say you’re thinking of someone.

They can be exquisite and elegant, or simple & sustaining. There’s simply no limit to the world of biscuits, so I wanted to create a book with recipes for every type of biscuit, from familiar favourites to twists on classics.”

“I like to bake with friends and most of the biscuits in my book are ones you can make whilst chatting to friends in the kitchen. I have tried to keep the recipes as straightforward as possible, and to offer useful tips, but I have also included a few more demanding ones for special occasions.”

A helping hand when baking...

Miranda’s book also includes general tips on ingredients, equipment, and techniques. So if you’re a novice, it’ll help you to create great biscuits with ease, but if you’re a more experienced baker, it will also provide inspiration and ideas... making it suitable for absolutely everyone!

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You’ll fall in love with these delicious heart-shaped biscuits. With passion fruit made with ganache, they’ re sweet and lovely!

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RECIPES

Beautiful Biscuits

PASSIOnATE CHOCOLATE HEARTS What better way to convey your love of biscuits than with these melt-in-the-mouth shortbread hearts, sandwiched with white chocolate and passion fruit ganache?

Makes 12

For the Biscuits 170g unsalted butter, softened 85g golden caster sugar seeds from one vanilla pod 50g white chocolate, grated 175g plain flour, sifted 80g rice flour, sifted pinch of salt 15g caster sugar 15g freeze-dried raspberries or toasted flaked almonds (optional) icing sugar, to dust

For the Filling 100ml double cream 200g white chocolate, finely chopped 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened pulp from four passion fruit N.B: You’ll also need a heart shaped cookie cutter.

Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla seeds, then mix in the chocolate. If you’re using a food processor, you can chop the chocolate in it first, then add the butter, sugar and vanilla, and cream them all together. Add both the flours and the salt, then mix until a dough forms. Bring it together with your hands and knead gently.

Squash the dough into two flat discs, wrap tightly in cling film and chill for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/Mark four and line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

Squash the chilled dough a little to soften it, then place each disc between two sheets of cling film and roll out to a thickness of 3mm. Use your cutter to stamp out 24 heart shapes. Place them on the prepared trays, spacing them at least 3cm apart, and chill for about 10 minutes. Bake for 10–15 minutes, less if the hearts are very small, until lightly golden and quite firm.

While still hot on their trays, sprinkle half the biscuits with caster sugar and some of the crumbled raspberries or flaked almonds.

Then leave the biscuits to cool completely.

To make the filling, heat the cream until it is just boiling, then pour over the chocolate and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon. Allow to cool and thicken a little before beating in the butter.

Fold in the passion fruit a little at a time as you do not want to make the ganache too runny – you might not need all the pulp.

Spread a dollop of ganache on the underside of a plain biscuit, then gently press a raspberry - or almond-covered biscuit on top.

Repeat until all the biscuits are sandwiched together. Dust with icing sugar and enjoy.

Biscuit by Miranda Gore Browne is published by Ebury Press, £14.99. Photography by Laura Edwards.

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RECIPES

Baking Biscuits

BAKEWELL

BISCUITS

These chewy, almondy biscuits are packed full of cherries, then sprinkled with toasted flaked almonds and finished with gorgeous almond icing. Miranda’s mother always included cherries in her version of Bakewell tart, so it’s her recipe that inspired these...

Makes 16

For the Biscuits 125g unsalted butter, softened 250g caster sugar 125g soft light brown sugar ½–1 tsp almond extract 1 egg, lightly beaten 150g self-raising flour, preferably sifted 125g ground almonds 175g chopped glace cherries 50g flaked almonds, toasted

For the Icing 100g icing sugar ¼ tsp almond extract mixed with a little water

Preheat the oven to 150ºC/Mark two and line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

Cream together the butter, sugars and almond extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. Beat in the egg.Now add the flour, ground almonds and glacé cherries and mix until a soft dough forms.

With floured hands, roll the sticky dough into balls the size of a golf ball and place on the prepared trays, spacing them at least 2cm apart.

Gently press the dough to flatten it a little, then sprinkle generously with the flaked almonds.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, until puffy and pale golden.

Set aside to cool on their trays for at least five minutes, then use a palette knife to transfer them carefully to a wire rack. Leave until completely cold. Put a sheet of greaseproof or baking paper under the rack before doing the next step.

To make the icing, mix the sugar with the almond extract and water: the mixture should be just runny enough for drizzling. I like to put it into a piping bag, snip off the corner to make a tiny hole, then make zigzag lines to give a pretty finish. Leave the icing to set a little before eating.

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Biscuit by Miranda Gore Browne is published

by Ebury Press, £14.99.

Photography by Laura Edwards.

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These lemon-ey biscuits with polenta and poppy seeds have a light freshness that’ s perfect for spring, and a delicious crunch serve them as a tea-time treat!

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RECIPES

Beautiful Biscuits

POPPY SEED & POLENTA BISCUITS Zingy, lemony and with the crunch of polenta, these biscuits taste delicious. The lemon cream cheese filling complements them beautifully and is perfect for those looking for a butter-free icing...

Makes 15

For the Biscuits 175g caster sugar 250g quick-cook polenta 100g rice or spelt flour 170g unsalted butter, softened and cut into Small chunks zest of 2lemons 2eggs ½ tsp vanilla extract 20g poppy seeds icing sugar, to dust

For the Filling 200g full-fat cream cheese 2 tsp lemonzest 1 tbsp icing sugar 2 tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice, or as required N.B: You’ll also need a small ice cream scoop.

Put the sugar, polenta and flour into a large mixing bowl and whizz or mix well to combine.

Add the butter and lemon zest and mix again until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

Put the eggs into a cup with the vanilla and beat lightly with a fork. Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the polenta mixture, then add the eggs and mix to make a sticky, wet dough.

Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper, then use a small ice-cream scoop or two tablespoons to place walnut-sized balls of dough on it, spacing them at least 5cm apart.

Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/Mark four. Bake the chilled biscuits for 10–12 minutes, or until pale golden and firm to the touch. Leave to firm up on their trays for at least 10 minutes, then use a palette knife to transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you want to sandwich the biscuits together, put all the filling ingredients into a bowl and whizz with a hand mixer or beat with a wooden spoon until light and creamy. Add a little more lemon juice if the mixture seems too dry.

When the biscuits are completely cold, spread a layer of cream cheese filling onto the base of one biscuit and gently press a similar-sized biscuit on top. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Biscuit by Miranda Gore Browne is published

by Ebury Press, £14.99.

Photography by Laura Edwards.

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Is this you...

If you’re a ‘first thing I think about when I wake up’ go-getter, a “let’s make it better”, a cold coffee drinker, a mid-morning thinker, a missed lunch groundbreaker, an afternoon risk taker, a falling to sleep with your spreadsheet reader...

You’ll appreciate an equally dedicated marketing leader.

To advertise in Pride Magazines call our friendly team on 01529 469977.

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SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA RESORT & SPA “The ‘World’s Most Romantic Resort’ certainly looks romantic, and it’s not only set on Antigua’s most beautiful beach, Dickenson Bay, but also packed with plenty to do on a fortnight’s honeymoon.

We loved the idea of it offering two holidays in one, with the glamorous Mediterranean Village and chic Caribbean Grove. Because it was our honeymoon, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to really push the boat out, we opted for a Honeymoon Garden Rondoval with Private Plunge Pool, and personal butler.

In addition to the stunning beach there are so many secluded, quiet areas amongst the gardens of the Caribbean grove where you can catch a few rays, read a book, or sip one of the many delectable cocktails (all created to order from premium brand drinks of course).

We loved the dining options here, there was so much to choose from and so many varieties of cuisine it would be very hard to get bored of eating here, even after two weeks. We usually had breakfast delivered to our Rondoval suite, but a few mornings we headed over to the Bayside restaurant for breakfast complete with gorgeous sea views. Lunch and dinner were never a chore, and we even managed to fit in deliciously delicate pastries and fresh coffee at Café de Paris, the Parisian-style patisserie where it’s all hand made on the premises.

Neither of us are scuba divers, but we were amazed that there is unlimited scuba diving available for certified divers. We opted for snorkeling instead, and it was so enjoyable. The sea kayaks are fun too, as are the Hobie cats and hydrobikes – and the best bit it’s all included!

Back on land we played tennis and checked out the fitness centre, but we decided it was more fun to enjoy a Scents of Love Couples massage at the Spa instead.

It sounds crazy, but we just couldn’t bear to leave our suite, however, our personal butler did manage to persuade us to explore a bit of the island, and he booked us a few Island Routes excursions. We did the Antigua Sunset Cruise, and that was utterly romantic, complete with canapés and cocktails; we also did the Historic Fort & Beach Tour.

One last thing – if you’re booking a honeymoon don’t forget to register for your free Honeymoon Package, which means you can enjoy a bottle of bubbles on arrival in your room, wonderful turn-down service and a decadent breakfast in bed!”

£ SAVVI TRAVEL Savvi Travel can arrange a holiday for you: call your Travel Consultant on 01572 842012 for more information or pop into Savvi at 7 The Maltings, Oakham.

Prices are subject to availability.

Flights are based from London Gatwick with BA flights.

The Sandals Grande Antigua from £1,614 for a 7 night luxury all-Inclusive stay in a premium room.

Grand Pineapple Antigua From £1034pp for a 7 night All inclusive stay in a Garden View room.

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WELCOME HOME

Country Living at The Old

WASH HOUSE 52

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Piece of history: The property was created in the 18th Century, acting as Casewick Hall’s wash house. It incorporates the old estate offices, milking parlour and stables.

T H E WA S H H O U S E , C A S E W I C K

BACk In 1760, CASEWICk HALL WAS A MEdIEVAL WASH HOUSE And WORkInG COUnTRy ESTATE. TOdAy A COMMUnITy OF 11 PROPERTIES ARE SITUATEd In ITS GROUndS, OnE OF WHICH IS THIS OnE. PAUL And VIRGInIA HAVE CREATEd A PICTURESQUE COUnTRy HOME HERE, IdEAL FOR Any FAMILy WAnTInG TO EnJOy THE COUnTRySIdE WITHOUT FEELInG TOO ISOLATEd...

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P

aul and Virginia Thompson chose the picturesque country setting within the grounds of Casewick Hall as their perfect location to create a country home.

The Wash House is part of Grade I listed building, Casewick Hall, which has been previously owned by the extended family of respected Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope.

Incorporating 11 properties, each helps to create a small community within the grounds of the hall and with a 15 acre communal garden and parkland on your doorstep, this home definitely makes easy country living.

addition to our home. We have a large extended family, so we needed a calm place away from the main house.

We made other major improvements throughout the property including refurbishing the Collyweston slate roof.”

The family enlisted the help of H&H Builders from Greatford to carry out the conversion, and Virginia and Paul kept the stable layout and rooms as they were. The conversion made way for two extra bedrooms, each with a wetroom and underfloor heating. “We wanted guests to be able to see the stable’s layout, so the bedrooms were kept the

Above: Oakham based Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors helped Virginia Thompson style some of the rooms in the property, creating a light, airy country theme throughout.

Dating back to the 1760’s, The Wash House is part of a small

“I wanted our three daughters to community within the grounds of Casewick Hall. With a experience country life, but not feel like they were remote. This 15 acre communal garden and parkland on your doorstep, home was perfect - they had the this historical home definitely makes easy country living... freedom to explore and to ride their bikes whilst we had the comfort of knowing they were able to have a safe same size with the original features.” They also added a childhood.” garage next to the stables with two floors and a mezzanine.

The Wash House dates back to the 1760’s. Originally used as the estate’s laundry, the Thompson residence also incorporates the estate office, milking parlour and stables.

The property was converted in the late 1970’s, so when the family moved in 2006, Virginia wanted to bring it up to date and add the family’s own sense of style.

The property boasts a large kitchen with breakfast room, pantry and family area. The kitchen features cabinets and birch worktops from Jacksons. Local tradesman Glynn Wolfe installed a bespoke island, an eye-catching addition to their country style kitchen. The original quarry tile flooring was kept from the previous conversion.

“The biggest change we made was the conversion to the stables. They were separate from the main house and particularly dark. We transformed them into a welcoming

“When it came to creating our perfect kitchen, I wanted to keep a country theme going. I wanted to create a place where we could all be together when I was cooking, so we

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WELCOME WELCOME HOME HOME

Left: The master bedroom, situated on the ground floor, incorporates an ensuite and dressing room.

Left: The dining room features an original fireplace found in the stable.

It was brought back to life by Virginia’s father, a retired builder. Glynn Wolfe created bespoke furnishings, such as the bookcase.

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incorporated a family room into the kitchen. I like bright colours, so we commissioned Elizabeth Stanhope to create bespoke soft furnishings for the family room.”

Concealed within the kitchen are a number of appliances including a dishwasher, electric oven, and Wedgewood blue Aga. The family installed a new boiler into the stable conversion, which is dedicated to heating the kitchen, family room and boot room - ideal for muddy boots and dogs.

There is also a separate utility room and cloakroom, which house laundry equipment, and a cloakroom.

The property has three reception rooms, currently a dining room, drawing room that boasts a high vaulted ceiling and the family room adjacent to the kitchen. These have been styled and decorated by none other than Virginia, with help from the likes of Laura Ashley and Oakham’s Lizzy Stanhope. The master bedroom also has a high vaulted ceiling, is also situated on the ground floor, and comes with its own ensuite and dressing room.

There are a further three bedrooms on the second floor.

“A key feature for me was good sized bedrooms. My daughters could have their own space and create a haven; over the years they have each added their own personal touches.” The bathroom has been updated, and features marble and limestone floor, with bath, shower and basin.

“The south facing garden is a favourite of mine. The house wraps around it creating an enclosed, private area. It’s a suntrap and I have fond memories of my husband and girls sunbathing in the summer months.”

With her daughters gradually flying the nest however, Virginia and Paul are finding themselves drawn towards city life in London. “Although it has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, eventually it would just be myself here and it would be a shame to leave such a beautiful family home empty. It’s time to move on and allow another family to create lasting memories here... like we have been able to!”

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The Wash House Casewick, near Stamford Style: Late Regency/early Victorian property restored by Virginia and Paul Thompson.

Receptions: Three currently arranged as dining room, drawing room and family room in the kitchen.

Bedrooms: Four; master suite to ground floor with en suite and dressing room.

Other features: Stable conversion, outer and inner hall, utility, boot room, enclosed garden with 15 acres of communal land.

Price: £930,000 Estate Agency: Smiths Gore, 9 High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF. Tel: 01780 484696.

Web: www.smithsgore.co.uk.

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Discover an Island Paradise with Rutland’s Tenerife Real Estate Experts

CML Tenerife is a specialist real estate company catering for residential, commercial and corporate needs in Tenerife with local representation here in Rutland...

Call us on 0843 290 5160 to find out how we can help you discover an island paradise, or visit our website; www.cmltenerife.com.

Apartments, Houses and Villas Land and New Developments Exclusive and Luxury Properties Sell Your Property International Property Investment

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HOuSE & HOME

Colour Infusion...

Brand new from furnishing designers’ latest collections, we bring you bright invigorating colours. With shades of red, orange, yellow, blue and turquoise, an extensive and bright palette is bound to help you create the perfect look...

Luxurious: We bring you the exciting new collection from a leading fabric house in France, Manuel Canovas. The collection boasts luxurious fabrics and wallpapers, with bold, unusual colour harmonies.

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HOuSE & HOME

Discover a New Collection: Voyage of Discovery, launched by Sanderson for Spring 2014, pays homage to our pioneering ancestors, their love of travel and their ďŹ rst discoveries that have a strong inuence on many aspects of our everyday lives.

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HOuSE & HOME

Main: Clarke & Clarke’s exciting and newly launched South Beach collection for 2014 is inspired by the vibrancy of Miami's South Beach with South American influences.

Above: The collection is flamboyant, and boasts daring shades of flamingo, citrus and sunset.

Embroidered linens and jacquards make a confident fashion statement.

Featured designers are available from the county’s leading independent soft furnishings specialists.

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HOuSE & HOME

T

his is the season to be bold and make a statement!

Spring 2014 is all about mixing vibrant, eye-catching colours with an exotic, oriental theme - what better way to shake off those winter blues!

Citrus yellows, celosia orange, rouge and turquoise create an intriguing and exotic palette and mixed with an array of prints you can be sure you can create a colourful harmony this spring. We’ve brought you an exclusive insight into a few of the new collections available in 2014 which are sure to make your home bright and beautiful!

Above Left/Right: Jane Churchill’s designs are informal and easy to use. Incorporating prints, weaves, checks, stripes, wallpapers and trimmings with appealing colours, textures and eye-catching patterns with a contemporary twist.

Sanderson’s new ‘Voyage of Discovery’ collection leads you through the Caribbean and South America; an exploration of the exotic, juicy colours found naturally in the flora and fauna of the southern hemisphere.

From the leading fabric house in France, Manuel Canovas, boasts luxurious fabrics and wallpapers with unusual colour harmonies such as red or yellow with turquoise. Rose Indian, amethyst and turquoise are other must-have colours this spring, and work well with interchangeable accents, different fabrics, textures and patterns, adding colour and contrast throughout your home.

Oriental floral prints are incorporated throughout the designs of Jane Churchill. Against a backdrop of charcoal she adds dashes of colour with eye-catching patterns creating a welcoming contemporary twist.

Create a fashion statement with Clarke & Clarke’s new exciting South Beach collection, inspired by the vibrancy of Miami and incorporating Citrus, Flamingo and Sunset hues. Adding flamboyant, colourful accessories will create a fresh, exciting ambience in your home, certain to brighten anyone’s mood.

Left: Selection of fabrics from Manuel Canovas’s 2014 collection - Arizona, nikita and davina.

Finding Out More J&L BALL INTERIORS: north St, Stamford, PE9 1EH. Tel: 01780 481416. www.jandlball.co.uk.

ELIZABETH STANHOPE INTERIORS: Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 722345. Web: www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk.

FURLEYS: 7 High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH. Tel: 01572 755539. Web: www.furleys.co.uk SARAH HARDING INTERIORS: Market St, Town Centre, Uppingham LE15 9QH Tel: 01572 823389. Web: www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk BROOKSIDE CARPETS & CURTAINS: 123 St Mary's Rd, Market Harborough LE16 7dT. Tel: 01858 433334. Web: www.brooksidecarpets.co.uk.

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Main Image:

The addition of a conservatory is an exciting opportunity, allowing you to be creative and break the tradition of other conventional rooms in your home...

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COnservatOrIes

people in Glass

hOuses

as winter becomes spring, we speak to leading experts to help you choose the right conservatory for your home. We also explore the ways to add these, and orangeries to your home and how to make them as comfortable as possible all year round...

Images: Vale Garden Houses www.valegardenhouses.co.uk.

C

onservatories have certainly come a long way since their beginning in the 17th century. In that era, they were merely stone structures with glazing used by the scientific community, nobility and the landed gentry, mainly to protect plants and seeds collected on European tours that they wished to grow back in the colder climate of England.

Today however it’s a very different tale - they fulfil a much wider variety of uses from sitting rooms to kitchen extensions and dining areas, and are often a place of peace and tranquility.

The addition of a conservatory is an exciting opportunity and can allow you to be creative with design and break the tradition of other conventional rooms in your home, offering a unique atmosphere with unlimited uses.

Conservatories can be built to suit any period of building and most can create a beautiful addition - as long as consideration is given to finding the most appropriate design and proportion.

Making sure the design is sympathetic to your home is the key to creating the perfect conservatory. Mirroring existing detailing on your home can make your new addition look as though it has always been there - giving a timeless quality, and sourcing matching materials will help you do this.

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COnservatOrIes

Lush: With a comfortable temperature for plants all year round, a conservatory is the perfect place for keen gardeners to create an aesthetic and beautiful indoor garden room.

image: Vale Garden Houses.

Finding a happy balance between what you want and the needs of your home is key to choosing your perfect conservatory.

A smaller, modest home would not suit an oversized conservatory, and similarly a larger property will require a more substantial structure to maintain the right balance.

Your next stage is choosing the prime location. Where you install your conservatory can be influenced by its use - but the possibilities are endless. Most conservatories act as an extension to living space; a place to eat, socialise or relax, and the direction it faces will impact on heating and sun screening. A conservatory can be used as a day room, an extension to your kitchen or keen horticulturalists can create the perfect indoor garden.

A stunning feature can be created on an otherwise unattractive spot such as a plain or featureless wall, or replace an outbuilding.

An unused courtyard or garden can be transformed into an attractive additional area of functionality, peace and tranquility.

No matter how small, creating a more functional space is a great investment particularly when the space you have is limited.

Many prefer a fully glazed structure, however for some the balance of a solid insulated roof and glazed sides will create a feeling of light and space. Even the combination of a part-glazed and part-leaded roof can create the desired effect but it’s all down to you, your tastes and requirements.

The combination of traditional build and glazing can create an interesting and substantial effect. This option is often suited to most homes, and the solid wall areas can provide useful wall space to add your special touch with lighting, pictures or furniture. In a larger conservatory you may also prefer to divide the room with solid walls rather than with a glazed screen.

But a little sunshine, whatever the season, will flood the room with light and warmth – a conservatory has the capacity to provide an area of peace, tranquility and calm.

ask tHe experts We spoke to J&L Ball Interiors for their advice on creating shade in your dream conservatory...

“A conservatory is a great asset to almost any home, and it is very important to consider the window shading options available to make sure you can use the space to its full potential.” says Jeremy Ball of stamford’s J&l Ball. “almost any blind can be made to work in a conservatory: verticals, rollers, metal or wooden venetians, pleated and cellular blinds, romans and even shutters may be used on the sides.

“When it comes to shading solutions for the roof, there are three main options available: pleated and cellular fabrics, shutters and shade sails.” “shade sails are elegant, pleasing to the eye and a natural

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complement to both traditional and modern rooms. they are an excellent alternative to fitted blinds for lanterns, roof lights and conservatory roofs.” “the sails are made from advanced stretch fabric that creates a sail that has a beautiful taut, smooth surface. they’re easy to install or remove and can be cleaned in a domestic washing machine.”

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Reduce Glare...

Mark luCas, speCialist produCts ManaGer at Hillarys on GettinG tHe Most froM your ConserVatory... “a conservatory is a place to relax and enjoy summer days. But without blinds it can suffer from the ‘goldfish bowl’ effect leaving you feeling exposed. It can get too hot in summer and rather chilly during the cooler weather.

With blinds you can provide much needed protection from the heat of the sun, reduce glare and of course help to give it that all important wow factor.” £

Decide what the room is being used for. Use darker colours and more opaque fabrics to reduce glare in a TV room, lounge or home office.

£

Choose crank operated blinds for easier operation if you need to open and close them on a daily basis.

£

Use one blind per glazing panel - smaller blinds are easier to operate, will last longer and are more reliable, plus the design of the roof will be maintained.

£

Roof blinds will often look lighter than blinds at the side window as the light filters in at different angles.

Go for a complete contrast to eliminate this effect.

£

If you’re after a more contemporary look, go for pleated or venetian blinds in a PerfectFit frame.

These blinds fit seamlessly, with no need for screws, giving enhanced privacy and cover any light gaps.

Left/Below: a selection of blinds available from Hillarys.

a little sunshine, whatever the season, will flood the room with light and warmth. a conservatory has the capacity to and provide lots of extra, practical living space...

Orangeries originated from the Italian Renaissance Gardens, and were buildings in the grounds of fashionable or period residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries. They had a distinguished classical architectural form, and was originally used as a place where citrus trees were often wintered.

A traditional period orangery is very different in design and construction to that of a classical conservatory. Here we explore the main differences to help you choose the right one for you.

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The main difference with orangeries is the roof structure.

With a conventional conservatory, the roof covers the entire structure with a much greater roof pitch. This can sometimes result in the amount of glass being overbearing with sensitive architectural surroundings.

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naturaL struCtures

Strength and Style...

If you’re looking for something a bit more personable than a conservatory or orangery, why not choose a bespoke oak-framed timber building to compliment your home? natural structures, based in Market Harborough have been hand-crafting oak framed timber buildings for over twenty years, and have helped to revive oak framing throughout the uk. using techniques that have evolved over ten centuries with up-to-date materials and technologies, they design and build beautiful oak timber structures to suit modern day family life.

sit in style: Conservatories make the perfect place to relax, and with a little sunshine you’ll enjoy light and warmth.

“We are careful to adopt local styles and construction methods when designing our works with surrounding architecture.

When we link to existing buildings, we enhance the union of the two, and our expert designers will ensure you get the best.” says simon lewington, natural structures demonstrates both modern and traditional detailing, creating beautiful bespoke oak timber structures to last and enjoy for years to come.

For more information see www.natural-structures.co.uk.

An orangery instead has a glazed lantern with a smaller footprint than the structure itself.

The pitch of the roof can also be much lower, which means the amount of glass is significantly less too.

This can create a softer ambiance and a profile that is more sympathetic to a wide variety of architectural backcloths.

2 3

An orangery has a traditional wide box-gutter to the perimeter of the lantern, which drains water down through traditional hoppers and downpipes.

above: add your own personable touch with decorations and furnishings - you can be as creative as you want to be!

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Another key difference is the side-wall design.

An orangery is more substantial in appearance compared to a typical conservatory. This starts with the deeply moulded fascia (or entablature) which is above and up to the perimeter of the doors and windows. A classic orangery will always incorporate columns that flank each window and door. These columns incorporate period detailing and should be mirrored in interior elevations.

Bold colonnade effects are created by these columns, and an Orangery without this element is simply a glazed structure.

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Kim Woodburn:

The Queen Comes Clean self-styled queen of Clean and forMer i’M a CeleBrity Contestant, kiM WoodBurn, offers tips on HoW Best to sprinG Clean tHis CoMinG sprinG... and WHen to say GoodBye to tHinGs old and Worn. kiM also reVeals Her entHusiasM for GettinG BeHind CHarities like tHe stroke assoCiation...

Words: Camilla davies.

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I

f there was ever an exemplar for the art of perseverance, Kim Woodburn would be it. The veteran cleaner rose to fame in 2003 as part of TV Duo Kim and Aggie in How Clean is Your House. Since finding fame at the age of 61, she’s become known for her customary updo and bubbly persona. Eight months ago, though, her life was turned upside down when husband, Peter, suffered a stroke. Did Kim see the warning signs?

“Nothing at all! Peter’s mother and father had low blood pressure, he inherited that. He never needed pills…

You wouldn’t have thought him a target for a stroke.”

“But the doctors asked: why wouldn’t you expect he’d have a stroke? Babies can have them – they occur at any age. They are all severe but some are much more severe than others.

You have to be grateful, stay positive.”

Warning signs...

In Peter’s case, his stroke was pre-empted by a series of smaller incidents. “The Saturday evening (before his stroke on the Monday) we were sitting reading the papers. Peter was reading something to me and he couldn’t get one word out: Bashir. He was trying to say Bashir – the reporter- but he couldn’t say it.”

“I asked if he was tired and he said he was, so he got to bed.

The next day he was in the garden pottering round wearing backless mule slippers. But he kept losing his slipper off his foot and he had his bare foot on the pebbles in the garden – you know they can hurt – and he couldn’t feel it. Then on the Sunday evening he said ‘I have a bit of a headache’ – I said ‘go to bed’ and that’s it.”

“On the Monday morning it was sunny so we sat in the garden. He brought me over a cup of tea and it was spilling everywhere. You couldn’t miss it. I said ‘what’s going on?’

He said ‘I just don’t feel good.’ He told me about yesterday not feeling his feet on the pebbles. He said ‘I’m numb down my right side, and the right side of my face by my ear, my hand.’ I knew then he’d had a stroke. I rang for an ambulance.

So what happens now?

“He was discharged with medication. Some he’ll be on for life with frequent check-ups. He may not have another stroke, but obviously now has a higher chance than before.

He had no paralysis, and you wouldn’t tell from looking that he’d had a stroke apart from him slurring his words. But he has no short-term memory at all.”

How far back does that go?

“He can remember up to about three or four years ago his entire life, but ask him to recall what he didn’t this morning, he doesn’t know. He’s stopped slurring his words now but he can’t get out the odd word out. He panics a lot, when he was always a cool cookie.”

But Kim isn’t one to wallow. “I tell Pete: ‘Listen, you had this stroke, but you don’t have to work, no-one would know from looking, remember that there are people in terrible states.’”

Having suffered a hard upbringing, coupled with domestic violence ending her first marriage and the loss of a baby, Kim knows that the secret to positive thinking is acknowledging the blessings you do have.

“I know people laugh, but I’ ve always loved cleaning.

It’ s therapeutic, it keeps you fit, the joy of a clean house... to me, it means a great deal. I love it!”

“I had a rotten childhood and it doesn’t leave you, even as an older women. But honestly, people have had a worse childhood than me. It’s not that you forget there are people worse off than you – its gets you through.”

So what does Kim rely on to cleanse her mind? “Cleaning!

I know people laugh, but I’ve always loved cleaning, it’s therapeutic, it keeps you fit, the joy of a clean house. To me, it means a great deal. I love it! To know where everything is.

A tidy mind! I walk around the house and it gives me a thrill.

It doesn't everybody – but it certainly does for me!”

So does Kim have any cleaning tips she just can’t live without? “Clean as you go! Don’t let a room mount up and up. Half an hour here leaves you less hard slog later.”

We’ve spring coming up – where to focus on first?

“There are always going to be certain things in the spring you do – closets. I’ll put winter clothes out of the wardrobes. Some people never clean them but they get dusty, and moths will just ruin your clothes.”

When it comes to spring cleaning her own wardrobe, is Kim as strict as with the rest of the house?

“Oh yes! You have choices – charity shops or commission shops where they’ll sell them for you for a little profit.

If you have something that just sits there – give it away to someone who needs it – get rid of the junk!”

Over: We present a

few cleaning tips for anyone considering taking a leaf from kim’s book.

Find out More: kim is an ambassador for stroke association.

More can be found at www.stroke.org.uk.

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Be a spring Clean

King & Queen it’s time to brush those winter cobwebs away, so grab a duster and become a domestic God or Goddess. now is the best time to give your home a good spring clean and the those household jobs we love to hate...

Words: Ceri Jackson

TACKLE THAT OVEN If you tackle your oven or aga regularly, it needn't become your shameful secret! it's hard to imagine having the discipline to wipe out the oven after every use, but deep down you know it makes sense - just think about never having to do a huge oven blitz again. for those with more realistic levels of self-discipline though, there are two ways to tackle a big clean. the non-caustic method; create a thick paste using a household favourite, bicarbonate of soda. smear all over the inside of the oven then leave overnight. Brace yourself for some serious scrubbing with water and a scourer the next day. the caustic method requires less graft but more prep.

Create an ammonia bleach and water solution - you’ll need a respiratory face mask, thick rubber gloves, protective clothes and the surrounding area needs to be well protected, too. spray the oven racks outside and seal them into a bin bag, then spray the oven. after a couple of hours, hose down the racks (keeping them away from plants and pets) then wash in warm soapy water. rinse the oven with plenty of clean water - note that if you’re pregnant or asthmatic, you should avoid this method. off-the-shelf products like oven pride are brilliant, too. these include a sealable bag in which you can soak oven shelves and other internal fittings.

TOP TIP #1

TOP TIP #2

TOP TIP #3

Not just great to use when cooking grease proof paper is also brilliant for lining kitchen drawers and cupboards.

It makes spring cleaning quicker and easier as you can just remove the paper and re-line the cupboards once they’ve been wiped clean.

Fill your bath with really hot water, a pint of white vinegar and lemon juice. Wipe, then rinse. The best cleaning supplies we’ve come across, though, is the HG range of commercial products. Available from DIY stores, bathroom or floor/tile retailers, they’re well worth their slightly higher price.

You don’t need to redecorate to feel like you’ve entered a new season. Change your bedding to update the look of your bedroom for spring. Get rid of the winter layers, remove thick blankets and throws and replace with fresh, light bedding. Use the opportunity to clear out your cupboards!

using grease proof paper in the kitchen...

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removing bath soap scum...

Don’t redecorate redesign instead!

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Five of the Best

vacuum Cleaners Clean machines with build quality and good design suitable for any home...

Busy lifestyles often mean we don’t have time to have a real good clear out in the bedroom. if your room suffers from overflowing laundry, clothing pile-ups and unwanted toiletries, hair & beauty products - now’s the time for a good spring clean! £ Your Wardrobe Clothes are the real villains when it comes to making a mess. easier said than done for those avid fashion lovers - but go through your wardrobe every three to four months and have a clear out of any clothes you haven’t worn for more than two years.

expensive top of the range model but amazing build quality, brimming with features. Hepa filter, turbo brush, parquet head, headlight and 10 year guarantee. £480, Miele.

£ the Bed nothing beats that ‘fresh linen’ feeling when you get wrapped up in bed after a hard day at work.

sebo x4 pet £ Your Dressing table We all know how quickly our dressing tables can get crowded with make-up, toiletries, and hair care products, aftershave and jewellery.

Mattress protectors increase your bed’s softness and protect you from dust mites. a high quality cover will last years and can be washed with your bedding.

Bedframes collect dust quickly, so get rid of surface dirt with a damp cloth. Wooden frames are more likely to collect dust mites so wash these with oil soap.

Create more space by organising your products in baskets or containers, and have a clear out every other month. no matter how much you want to squeeze out that last drop - discard those old tubes!

Get rid of items you barely use or products that are broken. Clean your dressing table and make-up brushes too, to prevent bacteria.

£ the Floor

£ the Clutter

Bedroom floors are notorious for being a dumping ground when we don’t have time to tidy away.

the biggest culprit for an untidy bedroom? you guessed it - clutter. Be ruthless and clear everything out that you don’t need in your bedroom.

However the longer you leave them, the more the dust builds up on your floor (especially under the bed). Have your carpets professionally cleaned once a year as professionals use steam and special chemicals to remove more dirt, dust and human and pet hair.

Make sure you vacuum weekly to get rid of any dust building up. if you have a wood or tiled floor, mop it with hot water, soap and a drop of lavender oil.

powerful, rugged commercial machine best suited to homes with hard floors. no frills, but should last years. long cable and large 9 litre bag. £99, John Lewis.

Miele s8 uniQ

organise your clothes by season - then you can store away your winter clothes to make more space. Get into the habit of hanging, folding and putting away your clothes to prevent clothing pile-ups on the floor.

although bedding is changed regularly, you should also ensure your mattress, bedframe and protective covers get just as much attention. While cleaning, why not take your mattress outside to air, or turn it over and around every month to ensure it gets an even wear.

numatic henry

Be a good samaritan, and take your unwanted clothes to a charity shop. next, throw away - or recycle - old magazines, newspapers, letters or books. only keep furniture that you really need this will help to create more space, making your room feel bigger and more spacious. try and make a habit of cleaning and tidying as you go, to avoid those big, time-consuming clear ups.

Best for homes with lots of carpets. self-adjusting head, great for pet hairs.

Convenient built in hose, mini turbo head and pet odour filter. £299, John Lewis.

Gtech air ram 22v Just 3.5kg but it’s cordless and claims to be just as powerful as a full size mains vac. it compresses the dust into a ‘brick’ in the head for dust-free empyting. £229, Gtech

Dyson DC56 Cordless vacuum with built-in wet wipe pad for a quick clean up of hard floors. light, quick, but expensive... and it won’t replace your full size vac. £249, Dyson.

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In the GarDen

The Urban Garden

sustainability is on-trend both in the home and the garden. this month we speak to gardening expert, author and former Gardeners’ World presenter alys fowler about what sustainability is and how to employ it in your garden...

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“Nothing goes to waste in a sustainable garden, which is really satisfying to know!”

T

here’s no better place to go green than in the garden. The idea of sustainability is a really on-trend, but what is it and why should you employ its principles? To find out, we spoke to former Gardeners’ World presenter, gardener and author Alys Fowler - she’s a real advocate - probably the best person to bring you the know-how to ensure your garden is sustainable.

“The best kind of gardening truly doesn’t cost the earth.” says Alys. “You can recycle so much from your kitchen, creating compost from scraps, and using pretty vintage tins as planters for seedlings and small plants such as herbs.”

One of the key ideas in sustainable gardening is not to import too many external elements. For instance, instead of using mains water, use a butt to collect rainwater from the roof and recycle old brick or slate tiles to make a path and give your garden a rustic feel.

Get Native Choose native, drought-tolerant plants as they are better suited to the soil and require less fertiliser and water. These are also better for local birds, insects and other wildlife, and as a bonus, require less care.

Try feeding your plants with comfrey tea - made from rotted down comfrey leaves - and use local pea sticks from hazel or willow instead of importing bamboo.

£ Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a low-growing

Main: Grow your own food which can then be enjoyed by the whole family. right: Ceratostigma plumbaginoides in full bloom.

Far right: the unique salvia nemorosa (amethyst) with pale violet flowers.

herbaceous perennial bearing oval leaves which turn red or purple in autumn and flower blue from late summer.

taking a sustainable approach to gardening can be key to creating a garden with a diverse range of plants.

Doing so will help to increase biodiversity and provide the perfect habitat for animals, insects and birds...

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GarDenInG

In the GarDen

Jobs for March

£ Now is a good time for the whole family to get stuck into the garden and enjoy spring, so start a new garden project together.

£ Prune, prune, prune! March is the best month to start, so prune those rose shrubs and climbing roses. Now is also the right time to prune heathers and mahonias.

£ Get planting and replanting. Pick out which perennials flowered less last season; these can be divided and separated to give them a new lease of life. March is the best time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs, grapes, roses, hedges, biannuals such as pansies, forget-menots and wallflowers, and to start sowing plants for the summer.

£ Nutrients are very important for a healthy garden so don’t forget to make good use of your compost corner, and fertilise.

£ Nature is awakening this month... but so are slugs and snails. Use environmentally friendly slug pellets to avoid harm to other animals or humans.

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GarDenInG

£ Salvia nemorosa (Amethyst) - is taller than the other varieties; its pale violet flowers make it rather unique.

Create a Compost Corner Creating a ‘compost corner’ is easy to do, and provides excellent soil conditioner for your garden. With lots of environmental benefits like reducing toxins and promoting healthy growth, it provides financial benefits and the satisfaction of moving towards a greener future. The easiest way is to purchase a compost bin and recycle food scraps, leaves and weeds for your garden.

Be a Rain Water Harvester Install rain barrels to collect rain water from gutters which can be used to water your plants.

Turn Food Miles in to Food Steps For the greenest garden, you can grow your own food.

It’s lovely to be able to pick fruit and eat it straight away in your own garden - and very easy to do!

Sustainable Materials and Rustic Furniture Choose your materials carefully. Make sure it does not harm the environment in its production, transport, use or disposal.

Purchasing products made from sustainably-harvested wood is a great option, especially if the product was made by a local craftsperson who can customise it to be a one-of-a-kind perfect fit for your design.

Plant Trees Planting trees helps to absorb carbon from the atmosphere into the soil. Trees can also cool your home in summer and let in the winter sun.

Create a Sedum Green Roof These are good for the environment and the wallet. They put rainwater run-off to good use and provide insulation. They also attract insects and wildlife when in bloom. Convert existing roofs using pre-planted seed mats. New structures can accommodate more elaborate rooftop habitats.

above/right: Water barrels are a great way to collect rain water to use in your garden. above: Creating a green roof is great for the environment, will attract wildlife and could help you save money by serving as insulation. right: don’t forget to grow your own food - it’s a great project to get the family involved in gardening and save money whilst creating an environmentally friendly space.

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CeleBratinG 10 years of QUALITY IN THE GARDEN it’s a landmark anniversary for sleaford’s four seasons Garden Centre this month. a real success story, the garden centre, with its restaurant and farm shop, will celebrate 10 years in business with a host of special offers...

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sleaford’s Four seasons Garden Centre is this month celebrating 10 years of trading and what better way to do so than to pass on loads of savings to its loyal customers, and host a wealth of offers throughout the month.

Established by Michael Hix and Chris Bird back in 2004, the centre is now spread over four acres, having expanded in 2009 to include its farm shop and deli, in 2011 - when it doubled in size - and again in both 2012 and 2013 with a larger car park and plant area.

It’s a real success story for the county, with 40 members of staff now providing the best level of service to the centre’s 500,000 annual visitors.

“We couldn’t have achieved what we have without our staff.” says Michael. “They all share our vision that we should provide a level of service that gives people a great experience, whether they’re gardening experts or if they need a little advice and help choosing products and plants to suit their garden.”

To celebrate its 10th anniversary on 15th and 16th March, the centre is hosting a grand treasure hunt, where customers will have to solve several clues and riddles to find the hidden treasure. One lucky person who has correctly solved all of the clues will win a garden & home treasure trove worth over £1,500 which will include a Landmann gas barbecue, garden tools, clothing, a stone water feature and much more.

Meanwhile children can embark on their own plant hunt for the chance to win their own garden starter kit.

In addition to these treasure hunts, the centre will also reveal a range of not to be missed special offers throughout its anniversary month.

Each of the centre’s departments will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary, with the restaurant providing birthday cupcakes & special birthday dishes over the anniversary weekend. Do you have a favourite Four Seasons Restaurant Meal? If so, simply enter their competition for your chance to have it cooked especially for you for free! The deli is offering the chance for you to win a Taste of Lincolnshire Hamper by putting forward your suggestions for any items you would like to see them stock.

“We’ve had an amazing 10 years and the business has expanded rapidly, even over the last couple of years during a recession.” says Michael. “Our heads of department, Nicola Woods, Mary McCue and Linda Morris and their staff all work hard to give our customers great advice.”

“This month, we’re also looking forward to the new growing season, so as well as our 10th anniversary celebrations there will also be high quality locally grown nursery plants, and all of the tools and equipment you need to ensure your garden looks great, all season long!”

Finding Out More: four seasons celebrates 10 years in business with a month of special offers and a 10th anniversary weekend on 15th and 16th March.

Visit the centre on London Road, Quarrington NG34 8NY. Tel: 01529 304970 or visit www.fourseasons gardencentre.co.uk.

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GarDenInG

with Pennells Garden Centres

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FIve prOjeCts FOr YOur GarDen

MaKInG YOur IDeas GrOW... pennells is the county’s oldest garden centre, says owner richard pennell, but that doesn’t stop the family looking for fresh ways to ensure your ideas grow this season. Here, we present five projects for your garden...

£ Five to Try: Spring Garden Projects...

Words & Images: rob davis.

S

pring means better weather, new growth in the garden and the chance to ensure that every time you look out of the window, you’re treated to an amazing display of colour and life... and thanks to Lincolnshire’s oldest garden centre it’s never been easier to make your ideas grow.

The company is Lincolnshire’s oldest garden centre according to owner Richard Pennell.

Established in 1780 and beginning life as a seed merchant, the company became a plant nursery specialising in Clematis under grandfather Walter Pennell before Richard and his sons Will and James took over the business, creating Lincoln’s largest garden centre in 1966 and a centre in Cleethorpes in 1967.

“Garden centres these days should be a day out, and a place to find inspiration as well as the products and the plants you need to make your garden look good.” says Richard.

There are tools designed to last years, and garden ornaments throughout the centre plus lots of furniture for your conservatory too, so you can enjoy your room in comfort.

This spring the centre will reveal its new ranges of garden furniture, as well as special offers on new-season barbecues from market leading names like Weber.

“We’ve some really good products at really competitive prices, but our aim throughout both our Lincoln and Cleethorpes stores is to ensure that we provide great value for money that means providing products that will last season after season.” says Richard.

“Likewise, because we grow many of our perennials and bedding plants on site, you’re guaranteed of the freshest, best quality plants and we’ve a five year guarantee on our hardy plants to back that up.”

“We’ve tried to select products that will enable you to do that, no matter what your level of expertise.”

In addition, customers can take advantage of the centre’s carry-to-car and delivery service, a range of delicious meals in its restaurant and great advice from knowledgeable staff.

The company’s Fallen Fruits area is a selection of high quality vintage gifts for gardeners with beautiful hand-painted pots, trugs and tools that look beautiful in their own right, even before you start planting them up.

Look out for a special Mother’s Day menu in the restaurant, plus offers around the store this season, as well as lots of new products and the freshest ideas for ensuring all of your gardening projects are successful throughout March.

£ Perk up your lawn - it’s easy to give your lawn a spring boost with products like evergreen’s Complete four in one, which kills weeds, feeds lawns, kills moss and fills in patches in your lawn with seed. £ Plant fruit trees - pennells has a range of trees and the advice you need to ensure you choose the correct variety for your garden. £ Pots and Tubs - pots and tubs are an easy way to perk up a patio or ensure voracious plants like mint don’t overwhelm your borders and spread too rapidly. £ Create a Herb Garden - pots and tubs are also handy to plant up and keep near your kitchen door to ensure fresh herbs are within easy reach. £ Bedding Plants - from mid to late March, pennells will have a huge range of bedding plants in stock - if you’re not sure what to plant, where, ask their friendly knowledgeable staff.

Pop into Pennells: Newark Road, South Hykeham, LN6 9NT or Humberston Road, Cleethorpes DN36 4RW. Tel: 01522 880033 or 01472 313600, www.pennellsonline.co.uk.

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The Perfect Mother’ s Day...

What better way to spend Mother’s Day than at a relaxing spa, enjoying afternoon tea or catching up on a walk around an open garden...

PERFECT BLOOM Pink & Perfect this vase full of pretty pink and white flowers really is the perfect gift. It’s ready to display, easy to look after and full of colour! £26.99.

For more details call 0844 453 5600 or see www.interflora.co.uk.

<< Take a stroll around the gardens and parkland at Burghley House - you can bring all the family and dogs are allowed in the park on a lead.

The main visitor gardens are the Garden of Surprises and the Sculpture Garden.

One admission ticket covers both gardens and they are open daily from 11am to 5pm.

You can also pay the Orangery Restaurant or Garden Café a visit.

AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy afternoon tea at Doddington Hall.

As well as scrumptious sandwiches, scones, brownies and tea or coffee, you can enjoy complimentary entry to the gardens, a glass of Prosecco on arrival or elderflower fizz. £16.50 per adult; £8.50 per child.

Call for details on 01522 812508 Visit www.doddingtonhall.com.

Treat Mum to a wonderful day at the beautiful Barnsdale Gardens.

With hundreds of bright spring blooms and a friendly tearoom serving luscious clotted cream teas and cakes, who could resist?

Mums accompanied by children visit free!

Call for details on 01572 813200 www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk.

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>> treat Mum to a wonderful pampering day out at ragdale Hall with the Clarins Mother & daughter day from £219 for two. enjoy quality time together with a Clarins serenity facial, three course buffet lunch, eau ressourçante fragrance gift, Clarins skincare consultation and full use of the thermal spa, relaxation areas, swimming pools, gymnasium and choice of exercise and relaxation classes.

Call 01664 433000 View www.ragdalehall.co.uk

CREATE THE PERFECT PICNIC While you’re out and about, pack the perfect picnic to enjoy with Mum... £ Choose foods that are interesting and easy

– we’re thinking finger food! £ prepare a few things and do them well.

you could also visit your local deli or farm shop and top up with a few yummy homemade goodies. £ avoid ice cream, sticky puddings and cakes.

they are fragile, and insects love them. £ Make sure everything is simple to

transport and not too heavy to carry. if the food is hot, double wrap with tinfoil rather than using heavy tins. £ use paper or plastic plates and cutlery. £ use cool bags or an icebox. freeze cartons

or bottles of drink to keep everything cool whilst also providing a super-chilled drink with your lunch. £ remember napkins or hand wipes for

messy fingers!

>> pandora have a selection of exquisite charms, beads and jewellery. a charming idea for a Mother’s day gift. tresor paris titanium earrings start from £11 and bracelets from £39 at Moore & scrupps so you can afford to treat Mum this Mother’s day swarovski Heloise teardrop pendant. available from you & Beyond, £69.

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>> Why not arrange for a mother and daughter - or for a family photoshoot? We suggest portrait photographer such as amba (www.ambaphotography.com), ali lovegrove (www.alilovegrove photography.co.uk) or Matthew lane (www.matthewhlane.co.uk).

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GRACEGENTLE "Memories of a much loved Grandmother and the name that they share "Grace Gentle" are the inspiration behind my home accessories and giftware shop located at 25a Castle Gate, newark.

My Grandmother was an elegant lady who had an amazing impact on my life, but now sadly passed away, her name will live on, in this company dedicated to her. every item i stock at Gracegentle has been carefully chosen because it is beautiful, or useful or both. the collection of home accessories and giftware includes jewellery, scarves, artwork, ornamental items, picture frames, glassware, clocks, leather handbags, china giftware and candlesticks including many items you won't find anywhere else in the area. inspired by both British design as well as scandinavian living, a home style and a dreamy gift can all be achieved and enjoyed with accessories that won't cost a fortune as i have gone for elegant, classic and luxurious timeless pieces at a realistic price. so if you are looking for a unique gift for an amazing lady in your life this coming Mother's day, then be sure to visit Gracegentle to "adorn & adore".

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER...

MOORE & SCRUPPS 3 Southgate Sleaford NG34 7SU 01529 302674

14 West Street Bourne PE10 9NE 01778 424228

7 Appletongate Newark NG24 1JR 01636 704488

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the WeDDInG aLBuM

the WeDDInG aLBuM

Timothy and Patricia Wong...

Make sure you spend time together on your big day – that’s the advice of this month’s bride and groom who married on their 12th anniversary! From a surprise proposal during a birthday weekend away to their big wedding with family and friends, they share their special moments...

Photos: Contact:

Michael powell photographer 01673 838040, www.michaelpowell.com.

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pre-wedding “Thinkin g back, I didn’t havetoanyget to th e nerves , I w as ex cited of my life. ” chur ch to m ar ry th e love

t ion in a c lo t c fe r e p e “ We h a de tbhot h h ave la rg e fa m il ies m in d . W e d to c a ter fo r a ll . ” an d n ee d

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the WeDDInG aLBuM

“The best advice I can give to future brides? Plan as much as you can early on, and take up any offers of help. And spend time together...!”

I

t was the most amazing feeling; getting married on our 12th anniversary together. We met in 2001 and have had the most amazing time together. When Timothy proposed it was a complete surprise, but I couldn’t have been happier; I was ecstatic!

Timothy took me on a weekend break to a beautiful log cabin in Cumbria for my birthday. We went for a walk in the woods and ended down by the river. It was there that he got down on one knee and proposed. It was perfect!

We started planning pretty much straight away after announcing our engagement, and it was quite easy up until the last minute when we were making sure everything was finalised.

We had the perfect location in mind - we both have large families so we wanted a fairly big wedding and needed the right venue to cater for all. Our tastes, and what we wanted from our day, were quite similar, but Timothy was quite happy to let me go ahead and plan everything... or at least, he went along with it!

Thinking back, I didn’t have any pre-wedding nerves, I was so excited to get to the church and marry the love of my life.

It was really overwhelming to walk down the aisle; I was close to tears but it was because I was so happy it was becoming a reality. Timothy was quite emotional too, and said afterwards that I looked beautiful in my wedding dress.

Over 140 guests attended the ceremony and wedding breakfast, plus a few more attended the reception in the evening.

We both have large families, and everyone was invited along with close friends.

When it came to finding my perfect wedding dress, it did take me a while. I originally wanted a meringue-style dress but when I tried it on, I felt I should be on top of the cake instead!

I knew when I found the right one for me; it had a strapless sweetheart neckline, with intricate lace and beads on the bodice and train. Simple but beautifully elegant.

We held our reception at Oaklands Hall Hotel; they decorated the room exactly how we wanted it with everything I’d collected over the year. It helped knowing they were there to help make it the most perfect day. We would love to thank everyone who came to our wedding, and a special thanks goes to our parents for being so supportive.

the Ceremony: Corpus Christi Church 01472 692370

I loved our wedding cake - a five tier masterpiece with different flavours so there was a mixture for everyone.

The top tier was specially made for us to freeze for when we christen our first child - our next exciting step!

Wedding Cake: Celebration Cakes by Carol www.celebration cakesbycarol.co.uk

The best advice I can give to any future brides is to do as much as you can early on and take up any offer of help.

Make sure you spend time together as it’s true what they say; it goes so quickly, so take time to enjoy it together.

the reception: oaklands Hall Hotel www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk

photographer: Michael powell www.michaelpowell.com

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• Church Weddings • Registry Offices • Civil Ceremonies Local family run business now in 11th year

Offering a complete service for your celebration needs

Contact us for a free quotation Tel: 01205 751383 or 07973 317080

www.bostonlimoscene.co.uk & www.lincolnshireweddingcars.co.uk E: info@lincolnshireweddingcars.co.uk & info@bostonlimoscene.co.uk

Boston Limoscene & Lincolnshire Wedding Cars

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ATTENTION WEDDING BUSINESSES OVER 400,000 members

OVER 60,000 Facebook fans OVER 16,000 followers on Twitter OVER 1.5 million unique visitors each year OVER 72,000 new brides-to-be every year WE CAN GUARANTEE LEADS, CONTACTS AND WEDDING DETAILS OF BRIDES-TO-BE IN YOUR TOWN. AND, WE HAVE A VERY SUCCESSFUL ONLINE ADVERTISING PACKAGE, UP TO 90% OF OUR CLIENTS RENEW THEIR UKBRIDE CAMPAIGN EACH YEAR! DEMO: WWW.UKBRIDE.CO.UK/2014 OR CALL OUR TEAM ON 0800 112 3 112

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A Seaside Wedding this month, wedding photographer and stylist Mandy Carter hosts a styled wedding shoot with a great look for summer brides... a vintage seaside wedding!

Images: Mandy Carter, dottie photography; 01945 773368 or see www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

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WE DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE... and this styled photoshoot from wedding photographer Mandy Carter makes it easy to see why!

Mandy took on-trend vintage colours and typography as the inspiration for her shoot, spending hours creating little personal touches like bespoke confectionery jars and tins for flowers; projects that you can incorporate into your wedding, too. diy touches will personalise your wedding and make the day really quirky - and whilst theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more labour intensive, little touches like our tin table flower containers, and vintage sweety jars can be picked up for very little money; all you need is a keen eye for design.

Mandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photography was treated to a vintage cross-processing effect that emphasised the traditional style that many couples are looking for.

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Centre: our bride’s dress was created by Harriet of tasty Vintage and featured layers of lace trim over a powder blue dress. Bright red shoes from a High street retailer proved cost effective.

Above/Left: Confectionery was presented in a variety of jars found at vintage and antique fairs. Home-made labels were created with a retro feel.

Mandy’ s styled wedding shoot provides a wealth of ideas you can adapt and incorporate into your own special day...

Opposite, Main: one of the biggest trends in wedding photography for 2014 will be the photobooth - an area that guests can ‘drop into’ for a shot, which will often include props. our models were Chelsea fitzpatrick and Gareth thomas... oh yea, and ken, the dottie pug!

Left: stripy individual cakes

by Couture Cakes, with design touches by dottie Creations.

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Above: framed prints made great finishing touches for our cake table and for the background of our ‘detail’ shots. a vintage seaside setting allowed photographer Mandy to incorporate lots of driftwood textures and bright colours like our yellow beach hut.

Right: Vintage china, hand-made napkin labels and confetti cones.

Below: ken the pug in makeup. He’s so vain.

Opposite: a shabby chic beach hut and beach made a great setting for our vintage images. We didn’t quite ‘trash the dress’ but it was a lovely change from formal wedding images.

Make your wedding your own with DIY touches - talk to a graphic designer friend or approach a local company to design items other than invites and ‘ b rand’ your wedding...

Suppliers and Experts...

Stationery: dottie Creations: 01354 660804, www.dottiecreations.com.

Photos: Mandy Carter, dottie photography: 01945 773368, www.dottiephotography.co.uk.

Venue: Carrington House and the family’s beach hut: www.carringtonhouse.net.

Dress: Harriet, tasty Vintage: www.tastyvintage.com.

Makeup: rochelle o’Brien: www.rochelleobrien.com.

Hair: lisa, Ciao Hairdressers: 01733 241136.

Cales: katie Watts: www.couture-cakes.co.uk.

Flowers: lesa: 07735 434965.

Models: Chelsea fitzpatrick, Gareth thomas and ken the pug.

Asst Photographer/Stylist: october Ward.

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TWO BEAUTIFUL VENUES, ONE UNFORGETTABLE DAY • Riverside Location with beautiful Boston Stump as your backdrop.

• 26 well-appointed rooms.

• Courtyard Bar and Riverside Restaurant for exceptional dining.

• The Boston Suite - Lincolnshire’s premier function room.

1-5 HIGH STREET, BOSTON PE21 8SH TEL: 01205 311900 whitehartboston@bulldogmail.co.uk

www.whitehartboston.com

• Personal Wedding Coordinator to help you make the very best of your special day.

• Luxury and style in the heart of historic Horncastle.

• Lots of character in a 17th century former coaching inn with 31 en suite bedrooms.

• Courtyard Restaurant and Rodney Bar, function room and more.

NORTH STREET, HORNCASTLE LN9 5DX TEL: 01507 523131

• Recently refurbished.

• Personal Wedding Coordinator to help you make the very best of your special day.

admiralrodney@bulldogmail.co.uk

www.admiralrodney.com

C A L L E AC H O F T H E V E N U E S A B OV E F O R A N O - O B L I G A T I O N G U I D E D T O U R A N D P E R S O N A L I S E D W E D D I N G C O N S U LT A T I O N BROUGHT

T O YO U B Y

THE BULLDOG HOTEL GROUP

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The best of

both worlds T

he only private hospital facility in Lincolnshire, where profits are returned to the NHS for the benefit of all local NHS patients. Patients enjoy privacy and individual attention whilst having the reassurance that The Bostonian is adjacent to the sophisticated services of The Pilgrim Hospital, with its expert diagnostic and emergency medical and surgical facilities.

H Award Winning Sleep Apnoea Service Please visit our website to view the full range of services we offer

www.the-bostonian.co.uk Comfort & Peace of Mind The Bostonian is the private wing of Pilgrim Hospital and is set in its own grounds and gardens. There are 19 en-suite single rooms with digital TVs and telephone. Our dedicated housekeeping team ensure continually high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Professional Expertise Almost any condition can be treated at The Bostonian by our dedicated team of professionals – most of our Consultants live only minutes away.

We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.

Range of Payment Options Available We deal with all the major insurance companies and also offer Fixed Price packages for the uninsured.

The Bostonian Private Wing, Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 360606 / Facsimile: 01205 311442 www.the-bostonian.co.uk • ISO 9001:2008 accredited

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Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing

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DIVINE NAILS & BEAUTY Keren is a qualified beauty therapist and nail technician. all treatments are in a cosy log cabin situated in her garden which is fully equipped to ensure the ultimate spa treatments within a relaxing environment. she specialises in shellac and minx overlays, gel and acrilyic enhancements. Hot wax and spa treatments for feet and hands. swedish hot stone massages. Brow designing and eyelash extensions. she also has two new revolutionary treatments, shrinking Violet, a wrap that sculptures the body and ensures inch loss and faith lift, a facial that reduces wrinkles and lifts the jaw line, using all natural products by tibby olivier.

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heaLthCare

with Lincoln Laser Skincare

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hIGh QuaLItY treatMents FrOM

LInCOLn Laser sKInCare lincoln laser skincare is a dedicated aesthetic skin clinic situated in the heart of lincoln, specialising in high quality treatments for a variety of skin imperfections. as they celebrate their 7th anniversary this March, the team are keen to add to the abundant services they already offer.

L

incoln Laser Skincare is continuing to make big investments. This enables them to offer their patients the latest technologies available in skin treatments. Run by specialist Registered Nurses, Deborah Crafts and Julian Kessler, their aim is to provide a high quality service; a balance between traditional healthcare institutions and beauty salons. The clinic offers a variety of hi-tech treatments for those seeking a solution to their skin concerns.

Where there is light...

The clinic is always looking for new innovative and effective products to bring their patients the best possible results. During the summer of 2013 they made a £65,000 investment in a top of the range Revlite laser.

“We chose this laser because of its excellent reputation in the industry for tattoo removal, and because of its versatility and flexibility it can also be used for a number of other treatments including; pigmentation problems such as melasma, skin rejuvenation, congestion, acne & scarring, and improving skin texture – so it definitely ticks a lot of boxes.”

“Tattoo removal is an area of particular interest to us and has become an increasingly popular treatment. As this is an area we specialise in we wanted to ensure the lasers we have available are ‘Gold standard.’ The Revlite laser ensures

“When you’re investing in lasers like ours, it’s essential to get it right. We want the technology that is tried, tested and established, with an excellent track record...”

that the fading and clearing process is as fast as possible with a very high safety profile... and the results have astounded us.”

“When you are investing in high quality lasers, it’s essential to get it right. We spent a lot of time researching the most effective laser for tattoo removal. We want the technology that is tried, tested and established, with an excellent track record.

“We spoke with many laser professionals and clinics across the UK and the feedback regarding the Revlite laser was extremely positive. We are delighted so far with the results we have achieved, it is quick, effective and has a great track record. Having some the best quality equipment gives us confidence in ensuring our patients will get the best results.

Our most recent investment this year has been a device called the Dermadart. This is an electronic needling system used for treating acne scarring, stretch marks and skin rejuvenation. This allows us to treat an area quicker with a better clinical end point and long term outcome. Following a trial we were really impressed with the reduced discomfort usually found in this type of treatment and the ability to effectively break down scar tissue. It can also be used as a ‘mesotherapy’ treatment, delivering active serums into the skin.”

Future investment...

“We don’t currently offer relaxing pampering treatments to our patients, although the Pelleve radio-frequency skin tightening treatments are described as a ‘lovely warm deep massage.’

However, we are about to add a new treatment to the clinic in the Spring called the Dermalux Tri-wave. This is an LED phototherapy system which can be used for a number of skin problems.

From a 20 minute session following injectable procedures (to promote healing and reduce

bruising), to regular sessions for acne, Rosacea, psoriasis, and rejuvenation. This treatment involves lying under a canopy of tiny LED’s which gently emit the selected wavelength of light over a 20 minute period. It is very relaxing and comfortable, so will allow our patients some quiet time to unwind and relax with the added bonus of improving skin health and gently addressing concerns.”

See For Yourself...

The clinic is located within walking distance of Lincoln city centre and serves a catchment area including the whole of Lincolnshire, Boston, Sleaford, Stamford, Grantham, Louth and Scunthorpe, as well as areas such as Retford, Newark, Rutland and Leicestershire.

£Find Out More... £ deborah and Julian are registered nurses who have undergone further extensive training in the use of the latest laser and light technologies. £ the clinic has two registered specialised nurse practitioners, a receptionist and two doctors who do injectable clinics such as botox.

Find out more - call 01522 575756 or see www.lincolnlaserskincare.co.uk.

The clinic is based on Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1UH.

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FASHION

Pastel Rainbow and

Palm Springs BETTY BARCLAY’S CoLouRfuL NEW CoLLECTioN iS BouND To HiT THE SPoT iN YouR WARDRoBE THiS SPRiNg. iT fEATuRES oN-TREND PiNKS, PASTEL miNT gREENS AND DAzzLiNg PRiNTS...

Words: Ceri Jackson.

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<< £ HOT HOT HOT! On trend pink bodycon dress.

B

e sure to inject a bit of colour into your wardrobe this spring with pinks, pastel mint greens and dazzling prints. Betty Barclay’s new spring summer 2014 must-have collection is sure to help you do just that.

The collection celebrates style with a number of statement pieces for all your wardrobe needs.

On-trend dazzling geometric, animal and floral prints are all featured throughout the collection.

As a leading company in ladies’ fashions for over 70 years, Betty Barclay offers a contemporary collection for the modern woman.

Committed to combining modern design and current trends with maximum comfort and wearability. You’ll feel well dressed, stylish and comfortable for any occasion. With a wearable collections and accessories, Betty Barclay conveys modern femininity an enjoyment of fashion and an appreciation for quality.

>> 117

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<< £ LBD Every woman needs a classic little black dress in her wardrobe. >> £ RIGHT Short sleeved geometric print dress.

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<< £ ABOVE Black long sleeved dress with a white floral design. << £ GO TRIBAL Stylish bodycon with animal print design, coupled with tribal sandals made a perfect combination!

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>>

FASHION

£ IN THE NAVY Navy blue cardigan over navy and white flower print dress. >> £ TIMELESS CLASSIC One for everyone’s wardrobe - a classic navy blue polkadot dress.

£ STOCKISTS for local stockists see www.bettybarclay.com.

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FASHION

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<< £ INTO THE WILD Long sleeved black bodycon dress with green geometric print. >> £ RIGHT Simple peppermint slouch jumper with jeans and sandals.

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<< £ ABOVE Brown chiffon dress with a statement mint clutch from Betty Barclay’s accessories collection. << £ FRESH MINT Mint green chiffon shirt teamed with a black zebra print skirt.

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<< £ ABOVE Black and white jacket teamed with a casual top featuring pink florals and black stripes. >> £ RIGHT Floral dress with shades of pink, orange and yellow.

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Pastel Rainbow,

Palm Springs << £ LEFT Green patterned dress with pink flower detail and yellow clutch bag available from Betty Barclay’s accessories collection.

<< £ LEFT Casual pink jacket over a pink flower print t-shirt and jeans creating a casual yet stylish look.

£ STOCKISTS for local stockists see www.bettybarclay.com.

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>>

>>

£ CASUAL TRIBAL Maison Scotch printed t-shirt £41.95. J Brand Jeans, Maria hi rise £230.

Anya Hindmarch, Carker bag £550. Ash, Genial Metallic Wedge £160.

THE JOYS OF SPRING AT

CAVELLS With the new season rapidly approaching it’s time to think of our spring wardrobe.

This year, more than before, anything goes - from monochrome to glorious technicolour, floral to tribal. There is a shape and colour to suit all and at Cavells we have a fabulous, inspiring selection of brands to help you on your way.

T

he must-have statement colour for this spring is radiant lemon!

Perhaps not always for everyone, but this not so mellow yellow can be worn in many different ways.

At Cavells, for those wanting to be bold we have a fantastic array of jeans from Oui, knitwear from Joseph and shirts from Equipment all featuring this zesty pop colour. Alternatively, for the not so brave, adding an accessory such as a beautiful scarf from Marc Cain or a fantastic pair of shoes from Paul Smith can update your existing wardrobe and bring you back on trend.

Another big trend for this season is metallics, which can be difficult to wear but an easy way to add this look to your wardrobe is in footwear.

At Cavells most of our shoe brands have nodded to this trend, particuarly Ash, who have added bling to their much loved wedge trainer with a subtle metallic sheen.

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£ LUNCH DATE Armani, striped t-shirt £115. Oui, oversized sweater £109. Part Two, crop trousers £74.95.

Oui, bird print scarf £69.

Paul Smith, Magda Wedge Sandal £185.

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THE FASHION PAGES

Spring at Cavells >>

>>

£ SPRING SHOPPING Weekend Max Mara, striped raincoat £319.

Oui, sienna jeans £109.

Equipment silk shirt £229.

Mulberry Bayswater £1200.

£ READY FOR THE WEEKEND Weekend Max Mara, maxi dress £150. Oui, cardigan £139. Sam Edelman, Trina Metallic Sandal £140.

<<

£ CITY OFFICE Weekend Max Mara, jacket £135.

Equipment, silk shirt £229. Weekend Max Mara, striped trousers £149.

Marc Cain, printed scarf £115. Paul Smith Brogue £275.

Find out more: All of the outfits shown here are available from Cavells at 16 mill Street, oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk

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THE BEST OF

2014

MARCH

MARCH

THE COUNTY

MARCH

2014 THE BEST OF

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

MARCH

LincolnshirePride T H E

N U M B E R

O N E

C O U N T Y

RutlandPride

E M A G A Z I N

RUTLAND & STAMFORD EVERY SINGLE MONTH

THE NUMBER ONE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Countryside Crafts

Willow Weaving

Lincolnshire History

Sir Joseph Banks

Restaurant of the Month

MAR QUE SS OF EXET ER

Rediscover Grantham

£3.70

GING ERBR EAD The county’s best restaurants {Page 18}

Spring Homes Country homes for families {Page 52}

Spring Style Fashion from local retailers {Page 116}

x

Spring Weddings - Food & Drink Motors - Fashion - What’s On Spring Dining The county’s best restaurants {Page 18}

Spring Homes Bright colours for your home {Page 52}

Spring Style Fashion from local retailers {Page 116}

Pick up your copy of the number one county magazine every month.

On sale in supermarkets and newsagents across the county.

Our April edition will be on sale from 14th March.

£3.70

- Conservation Grimsby’s TV Station Weddings Willow Weaving - Spring Spring Dining

COVERING R UTLAND AND STAMFORD

ISSUE 140

xxx

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where there’s willow

there’s a way traditional country crafts are enjoying a resurgence as issues of sustainability continue to be on-trend, and one such skill is willow weaving. whether you’re looking to create an eco-friendly obelisk to support your climbers, or if you’d like to get creative with a farmyard of wicker critters, the county’s Joelle Bryan can show you how, during her one day workshops...

w

hen you’re gardening this month and you’re looking to support your sweet peas and climbing plants, or if you’re looking to introduce a few ornamental animals into your garden, chances are you’ll head to your nearest garden centre to investigate their range of wicker garden sculptures.

What you’ve perhaps never considered, though, is that it’s really easy to create your own. There’s no better expert on wickercraft than the county’s Joelle Bryan. An education officer employed

by Anglian Water, working at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Joelle has always had a passion for working with the medium and this spring hosts a series of one day courses at the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, Egleton designed to help those seeking to learn the craft to take their first steps.

Joelle was raised in London - but not in the urban sprawl as you might think; she grew up living on a narrowboat. With a mum who’s a keen birdwatcher and a father who’s into mountaineering, she was always going to grow up with an appreciation for nature.

A family outing to a nature reserve’s visitor centre whilst on holiday to Islay was all that was needed to convince Joelle that a similar career was for her, too.

>> >>

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“There were all sorts of activities from guided walks to owl-pellet dissecting, which were great fun. They’re the kind of activities we run at Rutland Water now, and I love teaching those sorts of activities as much as I enjoyed participating in them as a child... it’s a great job!”

Joelle graduated from Aberystwyth University with a degree in Countryside Conservation in 2009, but with few jobs available at the time, lived and worked in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire respectively, including working at a holiday camp where she would host craft workshops. This coincided with Joelle’s love of willow weaving - a personal interest that has spilled over into her working life.

Joelle joined Anglian Water and the Rutland Water Education team in 2011 and has not looked back since, as it has given her the time and inspiration to start her own willow business JoelleJoanne.

While Rutland Water is owned and run by Anglian Water, the Nature Reserve is run in partnership between Anglian Water and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. The Trust looks after the habitat management and ensures the site is a world-class Nature Reserve, while Anglian Water delivers countryside courses, family and children’s events and delivers environmental education, free of charge, to schools, colleges and universities.

Above: willow weaving artist Joelle Bryan is this season hosting a series of one day workshops at rutland water Nature reserve, designed to introduce novices to the craft. shown here is a bird table created using different coloured willow. her various courses cover basket and platter making, garden structures and sculptures.

Left: Among Joelle’s menagerie of animals are her birds and tortoises. they’re created with willow globes, woven together, before the artist creates features like beaks, legs and tails.

around October until March, Joelle coppices willow as part of the trust’s ongoing management. willow for creating sculptures and garden structures is cut sooner to ensure it’s thinner. It’s then left to dry out over the next year...

A History of Willow the romans prized willow more highly than corn, cultivating it for basketmaking, furniture, and chariots. Amid the industrial revolution, enormous quantities of willows were needed for standardised baskets in factories. local farmers and enterprising newcomers jumped onto the willow bandwagon and by the end of the 19th century there were hundreds of willow growers, willow merchants, basketmakers and furniture makers. Baskets were standardised, and the 1916 British Amalgamated Union listed precise measurements and quantities of willow for many items, including hawkers’ baskets, plate baskets, scuttles, wool skeps, and linen baskets, as well as pheasant hampers, bread trays, sieves, pickers, cycle crates, homing pigeon baskets and even bath chairs! by Kate Lynch.

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cOuNtrysIde

Willow Weaving

5willow types of

one of the best qualities of willow is that it comes in lots of different colours...

Above: Coppicing usually takes place from october to March.

Joelle is hoping to create her own 3m x 3m space which will produce around 300 rods for her to use.

white willow

Joelle alternates her workshops, with days themed for gardeners, those who want to make baskets and platters, and those who want to produce sculptures...

Left: Joelle has a stock of different willow, dried out over the course of a year. its appearance is partly down to variety and partly down to whether it has been steamed or stripped.

when artists use a white colour in their designs they use a native willow which has had its bark stripped.

Flanders willow Flander’s red is a very nice basket willow. it has a waxy feel to the rod surface, with red or orange stems.

Buff willow Buff willow is produced by boiling the coppiced willow then removing its bark.

Nicaraguan salix nigra (black willow) is a species of willow native to eastern North America, with a black/red hue.

Green willow

Where to Buy Willow WORLD OF WILLOW in Dorset is one of the best places to find mail order willow. the company grows and supplies over 60 different types, so if you’re hoping to pursue a hobby in willow, their materials cost £6 for 60 rods. www.worldofwillow.co.uk.

A natural green willow that has been dried with its bark on. suitable to outdoor sculpture work and basketry.

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there are so many different colours of willow that it’s easy to bring an element of design into your piece. Joelle uses black, orange, white, brown and green, to make her animals more recognisable...

Above: Joelle has made sheep, deer, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks and tortoises!

Willow is coppiced between October until March. Most of the willow on the reserve is coppiced on a seven year rotation allowing it to grow to a stage that provides a good habitat for wildlife, Joelle coppices her willow on a one or two year rotation to ensure it is the correct thickness for her crafts.

Once coppiced, it’s left for around a year in a barn to allow the moisture to leave the willow - which also allows the willow to shrink before it’s used.

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One of the most basic willow weaving projects will be demonstrated this month on a one day workshop on Saturday 15th from 10am. Joelle will provide the materials and expertise to make an obelisk support for your spring climbers. The technique is relatively simple but you do benefit from Joelle’s demonstration. The artist first uses a jig

- a wooden base with holes in, through which your upright pieces are pushed. You can also push your vertical pieces into the ground, but a jig is certainly more convenient.

Once the verticals are in place, and the tip pieces are tied together, it’s time to begin weaving, and with the first piece left a little longer in order that it can be tied off, you can start weaving; behind one vertical, then in front of two, behind one, in front of two... and so on, pushing down and tidying up each circumference of willow as you go along.

There are so many different colours of willow that it’s easy to bring an element of colour and design into your piece.

It’s also easy to bow your obelisk as you’re working too.

To make baskets, six pieces of willow are used to create a cross - three pieces vertically, three horizontally. Willow is then weaved around from the centre, splaying out the six skeletal branches to create a sort of spider’s web.

Joelle alternates her workshops, with days themed for gardeners, those who want to make baskets and platters, and those who want to produce sculptures.

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cOuNtrysIde

Willow Weaving

Above: two balls - one slightly larger are woven together to create sheep, pigs, cows, etc.

Left: Proving that even a talentless oaf can quickly pick up the craft, we sent one along... Pride’s editor, rob Davis.

Animals are more advanced, especially as Joelle likes them to be anatomically correct, introducing tails, ears and beaks.

They’re created with a circle of willow which is turned into a ball. Two balls (one large, one slightly smaller) are then woven together, with interwoven pieces of willow in a figure of eight, to create an elongated body.

A ‘skin’ is then woven around these, with details like legs, heads, beaks and tails then added. Joelle also uses different colours of willow from a palette which includes black, orange, white, brown and green, to make her animals more recognisable.

It’s fascinating to watch the artist work, but even more fun having a go. At £20/person, the courses are a fun way to spend a spring morning, and her Willow Weaving for Gardeners course will still work out cheaper than purchasing plant supports from garden centres this season.

“It’s great fun introducing people to the craft!” says Joelle.

“I think the overall message is come along and have a go.

You’ll soon pick the skill up and you’ll enjoy spending a morning in some really beautiful surroundings!”

Dates for Your Diary SATURDAY 15TH MARCH, 10AM-2PM: willow weaving for Gardeners - creating plant supports and obelisks £20/person, materials included.

SUNDAY 18TH MAY, 10AM-4PM: willow Garden sculptures - from spheres to basic animals, £50/person, materials included.

Booking essential; call 01572 653042 or see www.rutlandwater.org.uk.

To see more of Joelle’s work see www.joellejoanne.com.

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ON the FarM

Barry POstON Prolonged rainfall created big problems at the 2014 lamma show, held at the Peterborough showground in late January, says farming expert Barry Poston. the event’s car parks and avenues were wet and muddy...

A

rable farmers in March will be commencing work on the land. This will mean applying a fertiliser top dressing for wheat and rape crops together with any grasslands, weed spraying as necessary.

Modern day sugar beet varieties allow sowing in early to mid-March subject to good soil conditions. Vining pea sowing will also commence subject to suitable soil heat units.

Potato planting generally takes place in early April when the soil has had a chance to thoroughly dry out and warm up.

However before any spring land work can take place, the soil will have to dry a lot, having been virtually waterlogged with twice the normal January rainfall. Hopefully the tile drains and dykes will have done their job to dry out the land.

This prolonged rainfall created big problems at the Lamma show held at the Peterborough Showground in late January, with car parks and walk ways very wet and muddy.

One must question the decision to hold such a large and comprehensive show in the middle of winter. Lamma has taken over as the largest machinery show in the country but when compared with the old Smithfield Show, held in dry and pleasant conditions, it comes out a poor second in my estimation.

One relatively new idea at the show was the use of drones to travel unmanned, but with a television monitor, over fields identifying weed and disease problems, which would save

Words: Barry Poston.

Image: British sugar.

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many hours of crop inspection walking. The machine can be set to follow GPS lines and will direct itself over the fields.

The sugar beet factories will be processing well into March, and are reporting above average yields. This has helped because the sugar content has remained good, and this has been maintained due to a mostly kind and warm autumn.

Potatoes appear to be keeping well in store and are being graded out, strictly to order. Tonnages are up on last year’s yields and this is reflected in the lower prices.

British agriculture has suffered a sad loss recently with the passing of the area’s ‘Ted’ Grant OBE. Ted was a highly successful pioneer in the various ventures he set himself into.

At one time he was the largest spinach grower in the area having imported specialised harvesting machines from America.

Realising the great importance of soil structure on the heavier silt lands and the great advantage of growing grass to provide badly needed organic matter, Ted built a modern grass drying plant. This has now been replaced with a dog biscuit factory - now one of the largest producers in the country.

He also found time to become Chairman of the local drainage board, help with numerous county events, and always found time to talk to everyone. For all these efforts he was awarded the OBE in the 1980s.

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ON the FarM

with Barry Poston

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sugar beet factories will be processing well into March, and are reporting above average yields.

This has helped because the sugar content has remained good and this has kept up due to the mainly kind and warm autumn...â&#x20AC;?

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supersonic: 2014 sees a coupé Jaguar F-type joining its soft-top stablemate, its supercharged varients are phenomenally quick.

New reGIstratION MOtOrING

Spring Motoring... this month’s Geneva Motor show is the most important event in motoring manufacturers’ calendars. the event serves as a preview of the models that will be appearing in motor dealerships across the county this year...

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G

eneva’s Motor Show, which opens on 6th March, is the world’s flagship motor industry event and, more than any other show, previews the models we’ll be driving in the year ahead. With new models due in showrooms ahead of this month’s registration plate change, there are some interesting trends for motoring in 2014.

MOtOrING

New Registration 2014

4x4 War There’ll be a spate of new SUV models in Geneva. Leading the charge is Nissan’s new Qashqai, available as a two or four wheel drive model, and positioned at the budget end of the SUV market. However, joining the foray is a wealth of new models like Porsche’s Macan, BMW’s X4 and Mercedes’s GLA. Whilst Mercedes’s model will weigh in at around £25,000 for entry level versions, the Macan and X4 will probably command £35,000 upwards. They’ll compete with a newly facelifted Range Rover Evoque, which debuts one of the only 9-speed gearboxes on the market to provide better economy.

A question still remains over whether Land Rover will reveal its new Freelander - which will, from 2014, be repositioned as as a (‘baby’) Discovery - at Geneva, or whether we’ll see the long-awaited replacement for the Land Rover Defender.

Executive Choice The 2014 Mercedes C-Class will also launch this month, and at the opposite end of Mercedes’s portfolio, we’ll also see the debut of the S65 AMG range topping limo which should sell for around £160,000. The Audi A8 will counter in the battle for flagship supremacy with its smooth V8 diesel limos.

Land Rover’s new Range Rover has been spectacularly well-received, and Geneva will debut a longer-wheelbase ‘limo’ Range Rover with 20cm more rear legroom, and a hyper-luxury ‘Black edition’ with a bespoke interior.

above/right: land rover’s DC100 is the next land rover Defender. it’s unclear whether it will make a Geneva appearance. above: BMw’s X4 will join the 4-series Coupé as a premium lineup based on the saloon 3-series. right: Porsche’s Macan will compete with the evoque.

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Sports Cars Conspicuous-looking sports cars have fallen out of favour in recent years. That hasn’t prevented Jaguar’s F-Type from gaining a coupé derivative which will sell alongside its convertible sibling. The new model has been highly praised for its E-Type like handling and feel, and will compete with Porsche’s new 911 which debuts with a new Targa roof.

Finally, Audi’s new TT will make its first appearance at Geneva too, with prices from around £25,000. It will feature the firm’s new ‘Virtual Cockpit’ plus a series of lighter, smaller, cleaner engines.

Downsizing and Economy Probably the most popular trend in motoring at the moment is downsizing. 2014 will see a new Mini, due in showrooms this month after its Geneva launch - we’ve profiled it in this edition. Mini has had to up its game considerably with the advent of Audi’s A1 premium supermini, and the funky, customisable, Fiat 500 with its fizzy little 0.9 litre turbo engine.

Another example of downsizing is the use of smaller engines in larger cars. Nissan’s Qashqai SUV is new and uses a 1.2 turbo engine, returning 50mpg despite its size. The car will go against Citroën’s C4 e-HDi model with a 1.5 litre engine that will enable the seven-seater to achieve 76mpg with sub-100g CO2 emissions of just 95g for cheap tax and company car bills.

Making its appearance in Geneva will be Ford’s Mondeo.

Despite its huge size (it has the largest cabin in its sector), it will feature a 1.0 three cylinder engine, a tiny engine for a car of its size, yet efficient enough to power such a large vehicle. It will also be used in the smaller Focus, which will debut a plug in hybrid version already on sale in the US for $35,000 (£21,000).

The Germans will reveal an eco-friendly Mercedes B-Class at Geneva, whilst Lexus’s CT200 hybrid hatch will also receive a range of updates, with the first deliveries due this month.

top/Left: Ford’s 2014 models will feature smaller engines and plug-in electric vehicle technology, following a trend of ‘downsizing.’

Main: Mercedes’s C-Class is a volume seller for the brand. it aims to stay ahead of the Audi A4 and BMw 3-series.

Probably the most popular trend in motoring at the moment is downsizing. there’s a new Mini - due in showrooms this month - audi’s a1 premium supermini, and the funky, Fiat 500...

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“Ford’ s new Mondeo, despite its huge size, will feature a 1.0 three cylinder engine... a tiny engine for a car of its sector.

M ercedes’ s C-Class will debut a new smaller engine too, developed in partnership with Nissan...”

MOtOrING

New Registration 2014

cOMING sOON

Look Out For...

£ Audi will add a plug-in electric A3 to its lineup in summer 2014. Badged E-tron, the car will emit just 35g CO2 and will have a petrol engine too, to avoid range-anxiety. Volkswagen will counter with an e-Golf - it’s like to share underlying technology with the A3.

VW’s Up city car will gain an electric e-Up version with a 100 mile range (presumably aimed at people from Yorkshire?).

£ Mercedes’s new S-Class has been warmly received. It will soon gain coupé versions and an ultra-long wheelbase Maybach replacement.

£ Volkswagen will release a turbocharged Golf R with four wheel drive and nearly 300bhp. It will launch as Pride goes to press, blending power with practicality.

£ Look out for a new Mondeo, which will Left: the new Mini is hardly small compared to its 1960s predecessor, but a new model with a new three cylinder engine will help the car achieve over 80mpg. the engine should make its way into BMw’s 1-series, and 2-series, too. above: lexus’s Ct200h is a great prospect as a company car with 82g Co2 emissions and 79mpg.

doubtless prove a class-leader. It’s ready for launch now and is already on sale in the US. Manufacturing disputes are holding up its UK launch. There will be a plug-in hybrid, too.

£ Look out for Volvo’s new seven-seater XC90 4x4 in winter 2014. The car will only use four-cylinder engines, downsizing from V6 models for better economy.

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MOtOrING News

Mini Hatch even though the new Mini is instantly recognisable, the new hatch has been re-engineered from the ground up. every component has been revised in an eďŹ&#x20AC;ort to combine modern motoring pleasure with the spirit of the original 1960s icon...

a timeless classic: The new model reflects a maturity and confidence in the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design and engineering.

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MOTORS Mini

eaching showrooms near you this month is a 2014 update on a timeless classic.

Launched to coincide with the 107th anniversary of the birth of the car’s designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, the new Mini Hatch has been hailed as a ‘new original’ that is distinctly familiar but enhanced in every single way.

R

Technology, engine efficiency, power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and personalisation have all been enhanced, whilst boasting the debut of a brand new groundbreaking three cylinder engine.

Featuring significant improvements, the Mini Hatch has come a long way since it first launched in 1959, and is proving bigger is definitely better.

New technology inside ensures that it is the most connected car in its class. A brand new infotainment display with LED display concept provides visual feedback whilst creating a premium feel in the cabin.

The new Mini is two and a half feet longer, seven inches wider and two inches taller than the 1959 original.

Practicality is enhanced, with the news that boot space has increased from 160 litres to a more useful 211 litres, with an optional storage package. This includes a multi-level boot floor and rear seats that can be tilted to increase passenger or luggage space. It’s quieter than the outgoing model, with improvements to the acoustics and sound inside, and it’s safer, finished to an even higher standard and intended to provide an even more dynamic and performance-oriented experience, behind the wheel.

The new model reflects a maturity and confidence in the brand’s design and engineering; an iconic car that pays tribute to its unique British heritage yet stands ready to lead Mini into the second half of the decade and beyond.

With a list price starting at £15,300, there’s only a small increase against its predecessor and you can benefit from a whole host of additional features and customisation.

Above: The Mini boasts ‘big car’ technology, with new additions for the 2014 model including automatic parking. The car will tell you if a space is large enough, and steer itself into it. You just have to work the pedals!

Full of innovation, another debut is the all new ‘Driving Modes’ system. An optional extra, drivers can swap from the default mode to ‘Sport’ or ‘Green.’ You can choose to configure the car for performance, comfort or fuel efficiency, and the different modes also influence the cabin’s ambient lighting, characteristics of the automatic transmission and the Variable Damper Control’s settings.

Three versions are available; the Cooper Hatch, which has a three-cylinder petrol engine with 134bhp and reaches 62mph in 7.9 seconds. The Cooper D comes with a three-cylinder diesel engine with 114bhp, and reaches 62mph in 9.2 seconds. In terms of fuel efficiency this model is a class leader, and undoubtedly the star performer, with an combined economy figure of 80.7mpg.

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MOtOrs

Mini

The Cooper S Hatch is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine with 189bhp, and can reach 62mph in just 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 145mph.

‘Minimilism’ environmental technologies continue to feature across the Mini brand, and the new Hatch is no exception.

Designed to reduce fuel consumption, the suite of standard features includes a shift-point display function on manual cars and an optimised preheating process on the diesel.

Brake energy recuperation and need-oriented control of the fuel pump, coolant pump and other ancillary units also feature on all models.

Mini is renowned for pioneering the concept of personalisation, and you can rest assured that the spirit of individuality continues in full flow with the new model...

MINI hatch From: £15,300.

On sale: Now. engines: 114bhp/134bhp/ 189bhp. economy: 80.7mpg (Cooper D model) equipment: leD lighting, Keyless-go and start/stop function, Variable Damper Control, air conditioning, onboard computer, UsB and Bluetooth.

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Mini is renowned for pioneering the concept of personalisation, and drivers can rest assured that the spirit of individuality continues in full flow with the new Hatch.

The list of components you can customise and the options available for them is comprehensive... for instance, five exciting new exterior colours have been added to the already extensive palette.

Roof and exterior mirror caps can be finished in a contrasting black or white colour as a no-cost option, and roof rails are available for the first time. Other ways of adding a touch of individual style include adding the classic black or white bonnet stripes or a chequered roof design.

There is a choice of three transmission systems: six speed manual, six speed automatic and a six-speed sports automatic. These transmission systems have been newly

developed; the auto gearbox features an engine start/stop function for the first time, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption. When used with the Mini Navigation System, it takes into account the selected route and controls gear shifts based on navigation data. It also selects the appropriate drive position to match the road ahead, preventing unnecessary upshifts. If you prefer an automatic transmission, you’ll be pleased to know efficiency improvements have been made against the outgoing model, making a significant contribution towards reducing the car’s CO2 emissions.

The car’s already respectable list of standard features can be supplemented with a range of options designed to provide ‘big car’ luxuries. Two-zone automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, and visibility package which includes heated windscreen, rain sensor and automatic light control. A Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and a sports leather steering wheel are just a few other examples.

The new Mini Hatch also heralds the beginning of the Driving Assistant option, a camera-based cruise control system and distance control function which automatically maintains a predetermined distance from the vehicle ahead.

The package includes a collision and pedestrian warning system which applies the brakes, road sign detection and high-beam assistant. Other options includes a rear view mirror and Park Distance Control for those seeking a bit of added security when parking. Electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, and interior & exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function are also available.

Even with the increased price tag, the vast improvements, endless list of debuts and enhanced features all help to make the new Mini a must-have for any driver this spring.

So easy to drive, it’s a ‘car about town’ boasting big car features with the same sense of style as its 1960s predecessor.

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TO VIEW AND PURCHASE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVENT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.UK

THE EVENT Burns Night Supper...

Exton’s Barnsdale Lodge recently held its annual Burns Night Supper. More accurately, it held two, as the first event on Friday filled up, necessitating a second one the following evening. 140 diners on each night enjoy the usual haggis, piped in, alongside the requisite ‘neeps and tatties. The event featured a four course meal with the traditional readings of Burns’s poems, plus ceilidh dancing. As Pride goes to press, the hotel will also welcome arctic explorer Sir Ranulph Feinnes as part of a fundraising event for the Children’s Air Ambulance service. The explorer will give a talk about his trips to the poles, and how he conquered Everest to raise £2m for the British Heart Foundation following his own heart attack in 2003.

Images: Rob Davis.

The event was one of two nights held at the hotel, each of which attracted 140 guests.

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Prom, ParTy & EVEning WEar sPECialisTs Eight minutes from lincoln City Centre

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THE EVENT Burns

Night Supper

Guests enjoyed a piper, readings of Burns’s poems and ceilidh dancing.

The Exton hotel this month welcomes Sir Ranulph Feinnes.

The region’s largest dress stockist promises a shopping experience like no other • Buy & Hire • Celebrity Brands • Every taste, style & colour available Visit our website for full details & our opening hours

40 Hall lane, Branston, lincoln ln4 1Py Telephone: 01522 793777 149

www.redcarpetready.co.uk | facebook.com/redcarpetreadyltd

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£ LA BOHEME

£ SPRING AT BARNSDALE GARDENS

, What s On...

£ MERMAID BALLET

£ LA BOHEME

£ RUTLAND WATER

Join Ballet Theatre UK on this dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human prince and gives up everything to win his love.

Featuring the celebrated Chisinau National Opera & Philharmonic Orchestra with international soloists, La Boheme is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer.

A brace of birdwatching events take place this month at Rutland Water...

The kind-hearted Little Mermaid rescues the Prince during a storm at sea, and begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves.

Determined to pursue her love onto the shore she makes a bargain with an evil Sea Witch, but it comes at a heavy price.

Ballet Theatre UK’s charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, how making choices have lasting consequences and how goodness can be rewarded in unexpected ways.

Directed by Ellen Kent, this brand new production is traditionally staged and features lavish sets and costumes.

Performed in Italian with English subtitles.

Showing at De Montfort Hall in Leicester on Thursday 6th March. Tickets from £18. www.demontforthall.co.uk 0116 233 3111

Birdwatching for Beginners Hosted on Sunday 16th March at 1.30pm.

Due to popular demand there will be monthly walks aimed at those new to birdwatching or the reserve. These walks will be guided by an experienced Reserve Officer and provide the perfect environment for you to improve your birding skills.

Meet at the Birdwatching Centre at Egleton.

Booking is essential. £8 per person, or £4 for Annual Reserve Permit Holders.

Terry’s Friday Birdwatching Walk Hosted on Friday 28th March at 9.30am.

Saturday 29th March at 2.30pm & 7.30pm at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. Tickets from £17.50 for adults and £12 for children.

This walk will be led by Terry Mitcham, a bird recorder with Rutland’s Natural History Society, and a very experienced birdwatcher.

He regularly runs bird identification courses and has written several books on the subject.

You can also enjoy a pre-show three course meal for £16.

£8 per person or £4 per person with a Rutland Water Nature Reserve Permit.

www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk 01780 766455

www.rutlandwater.org.uk 01572 770651

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2nd March 2014

Get together for lots of family fun...

HUNTINGDON RACECOURSE WELCOMES FAMILIES FOR A FUN DAY OUT ON 2ND MARCH...

£ THE LITTLE MERMAID

Enjoy a fun filled day for all the family at Huntingdon Racecourse on Sunday 2nd March.

£ SPRING IS HERE

£ ZESTY MUSIC

Discover the beauty of Barnsdale Gardens...

Enjoy musical fireworks from ‘the best band in the land’; the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, on Thursday 20th March, 7.30pm at Key Theatre in Peterborough. Tickets are £16.50.

Mother’s Day at Barnsdale Gardens Sunday 10th March, gardens open 9am-5pm.

With hundreds of bright spring blooms, the scent of flowering shrubs and a friendly tearoom serving cream teas and hand-made cakes you can really treat Mum to a wonderful day out at Barnsdale Gardens.

PLUS: On this special day, Mums who are accompanied by children visit for FREE! Easter at Barnsdale Gardens Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April.

Spring has sprung, so why not discover the beauty of Barnsdale Gardens as it bursts forth with colour.

Drifts of daffodils and hellebores, giant snowflakes, and blossom in the trees - there are 39 individual themed gardens, ponds and woodlands for you to explore, and also a friendly tearoom serving delicious light meals, handmade cakes and cream teas. www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk 01572 813200

Their new show, In Concert is zesty, fizzling and sparkling its way through a performance that is sure to be brimming with surprises.

Chris Dean leads the Orchestra, showcasing their finely blended sound and conjuring memories of the glittering and glamorous days of the Big Band era. The atmosphere is exciting, the music dynamic and vibrant and Chris’s spontaneous, wry humour is a highpoint, adding a little spice to the occasion. www.vivacity-peterborough.com 01733 207239

There will be seven exciting races throughout the day, so why not place a bet with all the family. The gates open at 12pm, with the first race taking place at 2pm and the last at 5pm.

Under 18s who are accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and there will be free children’s entertainment to enjoy.

There are various places for you to eat and drink including The Peterborough Chase Restaurant.

Packages can be booked from £58 per adult and under 14’s from £29 including admission, lunch, betting card and your own VIP viewing balcony.

Admission is from £13.50 per adult.

Book in advance by calling 0844 579 3007 or visit www.huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk.

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Enjoy Rutland Pride magazine, every single month...

Find us in your local shop - we’re available from supermarkets and over 250 independent newsagents every month.

Subscribe for 6 months or 12 months from £14.75 with free delivery - call 01529 469977 or visit our secure website.

Available to read online, free of charge, on your computer, smartphone or tablet at www.rutlandpride.co.uk.

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RutlandPride THE NUMBER ONE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Find out more or subscribe online at www.rutlandpride.co.uk.

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Côte d’Azur: The French Riviera is the beautiful Mediterranean coastline of the south east corner of France.

Luxury in France, a real...

FAITACCOMPLI To shine with the stars at the Cannes Film Festival or enjoy Monaco’s Grand Prix in May, it’s advisable to book your trip now.

This month we took a look at the top destinations and vineyards to visit in the Côte d’Azur.

Words: Ceri Jackson.

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Monaco: The tiny country with a huge personality. A beautiful summer playground famous for its Grand Prix race in May.

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Wine tasting in France: If wine is one of your favourite tipples, why not take a tour of some of the vineyards located in the South of France?

Our featured vineyards give you an insight into how some of the country’s best producers create world-class wine in charming rural France.

Château de Raissac Located just outside Béziers, the Château de Raissac is an exceptional estate in the heart of 80 hectares of vineyards. It has been the home and passion of the Viennet family since 1828. You can be sure to find a harmonious and lively Languedoc vineyard with a mosaic of soils cultivated since Roman times. Each vineyard boasts vines specific to their own soil and climate. You can visit the cellars and taste the wines every day throughout the year except Sundays, and can enjoy Pinot Noirs, Viogniers and Chardonnays that have evolved from the property’s wine heritage.

1

Chartreuse de Mougeres The Chartreuse de Mougeres Winery is located in the heart of the Languedoc winemaking region, 10km northeast of Pezenas in Caux. The family uses traditional methods that date back 2000 years, with the upper vineyard boasting traditional grape varieties like Syrah, Grenache Noir and Mourvedre.

The rest of the vineyard goes around the wine cellar and stretches up between slight slopes and the bends of the Peyne river. Here Vin Pays d'Oc and Vin de Pays de Caux wines are produced.

You could happily spend a week here and still be hungry for more. From the Parc du Château, offering a cinematic panorama of Nice, the Baie des Anges and the port, or the historic old town Vieux Nice with markets, boutiques shops and restaurants, plus pebbly beaches and more.

There’s plenty to see and do. A seven night stay in May will cost around £3,500 for two adults.

Château L’Hospitalet, Narbonne Nestled in a bowl in the hills is Chateau L’Hospitalet, the HQ of South of France wine ambassador, Gerard Bertrand. Gerard inherited the family’s wine business and is something of a phenomenon in the south of France. He has gradually built up and acquired vineyards and estates across the Languedoc. The jewel in the crown is L’Hospitalet, an estate surrounded by 52 hectares of vines with outstanding wines. The tasting cellar offers you a range of more than 90 flagship wines and you can browse vaults, visit storage cellars, taste the best Gérard Bertrand crus, and discover oenology through fun workshops.

For wine tasting holidays Grand Prix or Cannes film festival holidays, visit your local independent travel specialists.

We recommend Savvi Travel on The Maltings, just off Oakham’s Mill Street (01572 842012) and Oundle Travel on the town’s Market Place (01832 273600).

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Visit the Côte d’Azur in style...

With an unusual mix of modern city vibrancy, old-world opulence, year round sunshine and exceptional location, Nice’s appeal is universal. An ideal holiday destination for all; dining options are some of the best you’ll find in the Côte d’Azur in France. There is a buzzing nightlife and thriving art scene.

2

Cannes is a popular tourist destination and host of the annual Cannes Film Festival taking place from 14th to 25th May. The city is also famous for its luxury shops, restaurants, and hotels. Cannes has a vast array of museums to visit, as well as The Villas of Cannes, and St Marguerite and St Honorat Islands. And if that wasn’t enough, you can also look forward to 12 hours of sunshine during the summer months. You can expect to spend around £3,000 for two adults during May.

3

It’s one of the most recognisable names on the French Riviera. St Tropez: the name alone conjures up images of champagne parties on yachts and star-studded beaches. However, the humble fishing port, military stronghold and artist enclave still shimmer beneath the palm trees on the Place des Lices, in the walls of the fortified

Above left: Basilica of Notre Dame, a Roman Catholic basilica in Nice.

Above right: St Honorat Island, the second largest of the Lérins Islands, and a mile offshore from Cannes.

Citadel, and along the narrow cobbled streets.

There are a number of beaches to enjoy and hikes to embark upon. For three days in May, Les Bravades is a traditional Provençal religious and military celebration dating back to the 15th century. A seven night stay for two will cost around £2,000.

4

Although a tiny country, Monaco certainly has a huge personality and is a beautiful destination. It is a summer playground made famous by its Grand Prix race in May. Even if you can’t make it to the race itself you can see the red and white striped curbs, walk the infamous tunnel and end your visit - hopefully richer than when it began - in Casino square.

Views are spectacular over the port, there’s an ice cream parlour outside the Cafe de Paris at highest point on the track and you can visit Prince Albert's own private car collection. There are a number of other places to visit including the Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House, Oceanographic Museum, the cathedral and Prince’s Palace. You can expect to pay around £3,500 for two adults during May.

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TRAVEL

Côte d' A zur

Below/Left: St Tropez.

Below/Right: Visit the Parc du Château for beautiful views of Nice, including Baie des Anges.

Culture Shock: Cannes is a popular destination and home of May’s Film Festival.

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Country Workshops Independent Landrover Specialists

The Directory To advertise here call our friendly team on 01529 469977

Bespoke Vehicles & Accessories.

Restorations and Manufacture.

Parts From 1948 to date. Retail Trade Export.

Tel/Fax 01775 750223 Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs PE11 4EZ

www.british4x4centre.co.uk

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

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Crosswords...

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS 1. It's not cheap to build a monument (8) 5. Sea off Tripoli with a leitmotif? (6) 9. Oddly puts on pretensions of being at a higher level (8) 10. Writer of letters to the Queen? (6) 12. Dances with a shadow minister (5) 13. Each test one plays is artistic (9) 14. Minister the senior service finds dotty, as is the coalition (12) 18. Brief turn by Waller, loud with 12, needing extra hands (5-7) 21. Digital sketch? (9) 23. Sound of sound poet (5) 24. Fruit may be elevating, though not entirely (6) 25. Red not English, but may be hidden in the closet (8) 26. Tropical ailment? (6) 27. Old college learned about student with several languages (8)

DOWN 1. Caroline's first partner, a man of substance (6) 2. Get cosy with a food provider? (6) 3. Model raced to practise athletics, maybe train … (9) 4. … track for each chap went variably with a variable (9,3) 6. Former minister seen in the Carlton or the Athenaeum (5) 7. Contend with French actor turning up in the distance (8) 8. Order heartless lady requires at once (8) 11. Molesworth's version of "It is a truth universally acknowledged … ” (2,3,4,3) 15. Enter scruffy friend without end (9) 16. Description of strange coteries? (8) 17. Answer for a punctured tyre? (8) 19. Arm spoilt in more ways than one? (6) 20. Note returned by a cheese-maker (6) 22. She's about to live free — or the converse? (5)

DOWN

1. Australian state (3,5,5) 8. Small fish (7) 9. Relating to the eye (5) 10. Act — exploit (4) 11. Plant (of the genus 10 down) with bellshaped flowers (8) 13. Persons of high birth (6) 14. Uproar (6) 17. Reticent (8) 19. Sharply pointed projection (4) 21. Enrol (anag) (5) 22. Nimbleness (7) 24. Gesture or mark of congratulation (4,2,3,4)

1. Hard dry fruit — enthusiast (3) 2. Owed gin (anag) — duck (7) 3. Oleaginous (4) 4. Extreme fear (6) 5. Unjust (8) 6. Children's game similar to bingo (5) 7. Person who follows next in order (9) 10. Cardiac stimulant prepared from 11 (9) 12. Musical work for orchestra and voices (8) 15. Powdered seasoning made from dried pimientos (7) 16. Unmitigated (6) 18. Latin American dance performed in single file (5) 20. Annoy (4) 23. Long-haired ox of Tibet (3)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

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