Rutland Pride February 2019

PRIDE

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RUTLAND

RUTLAND’S FINEST MAGAZINE

£4.50

Warm up Your Winter

Winter homes, food and fashions

Saving Clipsham’s Yew Trees

The locals working hard to save Rutland’s landmark

Just Don’t Talk Politics

Firebrand Ann Widdecombe in Rutland

READ

FREE ONLINE

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WELCOME

C

an anyone believe that women were once considered the less-capable gender? It’d be laughable these days to hold such an antediluvian attitude, but if anyone in our (very) dim and (hopefully) distant history ever doubted the strength, intellect and resolve of women, this month’s trio should set the record straight.

For starters, we’ve straight-talking politician and firebrand Ann Widdecombe, appearing in the area to discuss everything from - whisper it - Brexit to more lighthearted subjects like her dalliance on Strictly.

Our main course is an exclusive interview with Stamford-based entrepreneur and Apprentice star Khadija Kalifa who proves that the show can be a breeding ground for business talent and is more than just schadenfreude.

And finally we enjoy an afternoon with the wit and bone-dry humour of comedienne Jo Brand who comes to the area as part of Leicestershire’s Comedy Festival. Politics; business; comedy... we have it all this month, alongside dining out at Stamford’s William Cecil and a sneak preview of this year’s Rutland ‘Good & New’ Sale designer fashions.

Best wishes for a great month!

Executive Editor rob@pridemagazines.co.uk

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CONTENTS NEWS & EVENTS 06 34

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NEWS A roundup of good news stories from across the area for February.

WHAT’S ON Rutland and Stamford’s best events for Valentine’s Day month.

HIGHLIGHTS 22 42 88

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34 102

THE INTERVIEW We enjoy an

exclusive interview with the BBC Apprentice candidate Khadija Kalifa.

WHAT’S SO FUNNY? Comedienne Jo Brand appears at The Curve.

YEW TREE AVENUE Why a committed group of locals are raising funds to save the area’s topiary attraction.

FOOD & DRINK 46 52 57

DINING OUT Stamford’s William Cecil

HOMES & INTERIORS 58 68 84

WINTER INTERIORS Silver, white and other luxe themes for winter.

LUXURY KITCHENS With local firm The Fitted Furniture Company.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN 96

102 111

is a recommendation of February 14th.

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WINE Rediscover the entente cordiale with our Brexit-busting French reds.

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RECIPES Our dishes of the month.

HOMES Why Burley on the Hill’s Church Cottage is simply divine.

WEDDINGS A 1920s-themed

wedding for Wendy and Gareth.

FASHION A sneak preview of the luxury fashions on offer at this year’s Good & New Sale.

BEAUTY Winter skin and makeup.

THE HIGH LIFE Our social pages, featuring the area’s NSPCC fundraising concert.

MOTORS Jaguar’s new F-Type coupé.

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The WeALThIeST PeoPLe IN The AReA ReAd PRIde mAGAzINe Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county.

Our circulation is to properties in the top three council tax bands - homes which are predominantly worth over ÂŁ300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content. In addition the magazine is also sold in supermarkets and newsagents including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, WHSmith Tesco, Asda, Co-Op and Morrisons.

Our in-house distribution team also works hard to hand-deliver the magazine to selected hotels and restaurants, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs.

This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

Our magazines also have more social media fans than any other local magazine, and we are available to read free of charge, online on your tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

If your business would benefit from being showcased to the wealthiest people in the area, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977.

The LIFeSTyLe mAGAzINe FoR hIGh quALITy homeS

In print, and to view on your computer, tablet or mobile device from www.pridemagazines.co.uk

LeGAL dISCLAImeR

By supplying editorial or advertising copy to Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion.

This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available.

Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

The PRIde TeAm

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Manager: Charlotte Aiken.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Editor: Tilly Wilkinson.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Distribution: Joe Proctor.

Office Manager: Sue Bannister.

Account Managers: Lauren Chambers, Melissa Trestrail.

Sales Executives: Emily Brown, Hannah Boyle, Cassy Ayton, Carissa Clay, Hayley Scott.

Pride Magazines Ltd., Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QF

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

www.pridemagazines.co.uk | enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

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NEWS & EVENTS

Lunch for Less across the county...

RESTAURANTS JOIN TOGETHER TO OFFER DINERS A WINTER PICK-ME-UP

RUTLAND Food for thought if you’re seeking comfort food this month. eight of the area’s best restaurants have joined together to offer winter diners the opportunity to Lunch for Less.

Participants include hitchen’s Barn - the new venture of Louise and Neil hitchen - formerly of Wymondham’s Berkeley Arms; Lyddington’s marquess of exeter; hambleton hall; The olive Branch; hart’s of Nottingham; Ryhall’s Wicked Witch; Langar hall and Greetham’s Wheatsheaf.

All are all offering two courses from £14.50 and a third course for just a £3 supplement.

Typically each restaurant is running its promotion from late January to march or April, but each is subject to slightly different dates.

The promotion is available monday to Friday, with Saturday included at some

venues too. The promotion is designed to boost the area’s hospitality trade in a traditionally sluggish time for the whole industry, and Lunch For Less must be quoted in advance.

expansion for Stamford’s Tallington Lakes facility SIX FIGURE INVESTMENT WILL BE COMPLETED LATER IN 2019, PROVIDING A WEALTH OF NEW FACILITIES

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Best of all, you can enjoy the same quality of dining from the same chefs as you’d expect during full-priced service, including new dishes from Rutland and Stamford

Pride’s newly crowned Restaurant of the year, Clipsham’s olive Branch, whose new head Chef is Nick evans and hambleton hall’s Aaron Patterson. n

STAMFORD The area’s dry ski slope and watersports centre at Stamford’s Tallington Lakes is set to improve dramatically thanks to an investment in facilities totalling a six figure sum, the results of which are due to be seen later in 2019.

The main dry ski slope at Tallington will be resurfaced, and a new 2,000sq m freestyle area will be created with schuss and jump box. The new slope will be faster and will provide not only leisure facilities for the general public but a place for professional athletes like 2014 Sochi competitor Jade etherington to practise on.

Situated in former gravel pits, the park has a 205 acre spring-fed lake for water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, dinghy sailing and windsurfing, as well as a 15 metre climbing wall, a touring park and campsite. other activities on the site include zorbing and open water swimming, fishing and tennis, as well as a 120 metre slope which provides skiing and tobogganing. Tallington Lakes also has two and three bedroom luxury lodges for hire. n For more information see www.tallington.com or call 01778 347000.

TAKE PART IN A4R’S OPEN ART EXHIBITION

OAKHAM February represents the last month that work can be submitted for consideration into Arts 4 Rutland’s open Art exhibition. A closing date of monday 25th February has been announced for work to be handed over at Rutland County museum.

Judging of all work submitted will take place on the following day before work that has not been selected will be returned.

The remaining pieces will be on view first at a private view

on Friday march 1st, then to the public as an open exhibition from Saturday 2nd march to Friday 5th April at Rutland County museum.

The exhibition will include examples of painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, ceramic, glass, textiles and jewellery from artists from across Rutland and Stamford. n For more information see www.a4r.org.uk or visit Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW.

Repairs for Scout hut

£12,000 FROM RUTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL ENABLES 100 SCOUTS TO BENEFIT FROM REPAIRS TO SCOUT HUT

Nature lovers in a flap as ospreys prepare to return to the area...

MANTON It’s a sure sign that spring is on its way when Rutland’s ospreys prepare to return to the county. maya and 33 are just two of the birds anticipated back in the county next month and locals can watch their arrivals thanks to manton Bay’s nature reserve’s webcams. n See www.ospreys.org.uk.

OAKHAM Rutland County Council has given out a grant of almost £12,000 to help repair oakham All Saints Scout hut.

The money has been used to repair the hut roof, which was last replaced 22 years ago, and means that the building can continue to be used by the local Scout group, which currently supports close to 100 young people aged six to 14 in the oakham area. “The grant has been amazing. We’re so pleased with the repairs, and we’re now hoping to expand to establish a new explorer group, for older youths,” says Leanne Wrentmore, Leader of oakham All Saints Scout Group. n

64 Charities

Local Works of Art

64 LOCAL CHARITIES across South Kesteven are benefiting from the new LotterySK game which now has over 1,000 players.

60p in every £1 will go to good causes in the area as a result of ticket sales - twice the amount donated by the National Lottery and one lucky player has already scooped the £25,000 jackpot, which provides a one in 50 chance of winning. n

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LOCAL

NEWS In Brief STAMFORD

BACK TO BURGHLEY FOR 2019’S BATTLE PROMS TICKETS ON SALE NOW! It’s coming back to Burghley with a bang, or rather, with lots of bangs from the thunder of cannon to the triumphant ripple of fireworks across the sky.

20th June 2019 has been confirmed as the date for this summer’s Burghley house Battle Proms, organised by JSL Productions.

The event attracts over 8,000 people and has taken place in the parkland for over 15 years.

Gates will open from 4.30pm, with a Napoleonic Cavalry display at 6.15pm, The Red devils parachute display then vintage pop duo The vignettes, before the evening programme commences at 8pm, concluding at 10.30pm after an aerial display

by The Grace Spitfire and fireworks. n Tickets £32.50, call 01432 355416.

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NEWS

National award for re-cycle scheme

CYCLES REFURBISHED BY HMP STOCKEN INMATES FOR REUSE BY PUBLIC RUTLAND Rutland County Council’s My Bike project has won the ‘best partnership’ category in the Modeshift National Travel Awards.

The awards recognise and reward schemes, projects or other activities that support and encourage sustainable travel in Rutland.

My Bike was set up by the County Council’s transport team in partnership with HMP Stocken. Families across the county benefit from the scheme which sees old and damaged bicycles restored and given free of charge to people of all ages who don’t have a bike of their own.

Bikes disposed of at the Council’s recycling centres are collected and reconditioned to full working order by inmates using HMP Stocken’s workshops. Together with bikes donated by local businesses Rutland Cycling

LOCAL NEWS In Brief

LIFE SAVING TECHNOLOGY FOR UPPINGHAM THANKS TO £3,000 FROM CO-OP

Uppingham is to gain two new defibrillators to save the lives of those who suffer a heart attack. The town will have seven of the devices in total thanks to a £3,000 grant from the Co-Op. The foolproof devices can’t be misapplied and can be used to restart the heart of casualties. n

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and Oakham Cycle Centre, more than 150 bikes have been restored and given to people who need them.

“This project has multiple benefits, helping children,

young people, adults and families into education, training, employment, and a way to enjoy the great outdoors, by giving them access to free sustainable transport.

New Pilots for the RAF

THESE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES ARE ON A HIGH AFTER GRADUATING AT RAF WITTERING

At the same time, it gives prisoners meaningful work and new skills for the future,” says Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Portfolio Holder for Transport. n STAMFORD Newly qualified pilots have successfully graduated from the Elementary Flying Training course at Royal Air Force Wittering. The Squadron trains student pilots and is one of Britain’s most historic flying units, pre-dating the formation of the Royal Air Force.

The Squadron was formed in 1915 as part of the Royal Flying Corps at Saint Omer in France; hence its nickname ‘The Saints.’

During EFT the students have had to master aircraft handling, navigation, aircraft systems and the rules of the air.

Eleven officers from the squadron will be streamed into fast jet or multi-engine pilot training. n

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BARRACK MASTERS LODGE, NORMAN CROSS £650,000

THE MANOR HOUSE, ORTON WATERVILLE £2,450,000

Tel: +44(0)1780 750200 Email: stamford@fineandcounty.com

Barrack Masters Lodge is an exemplary Grade II Listed character property constructed in 1816. The lodge, through design and construction, incorporates a number of architectural refinements designed to add style to the estate. The property’s traditional interior features; high ceilings and light-filled rooms, original fireplaces, sash windows and a wealth of original character. Situated in a plot totaling 1.2 acres this is a spacious family home in a beautiful garden that must be viewed to be appreciated.

An imposing stone residence with superb reception space and extensive accommodation fitted to the highest standard throughout. Sympathetically renovated and extended over the last few years by the present owner. The interior combines a wealth of period features and traditional detailing with modern fittings of the highest specification. Accessed by a sweeping tree lined driveway which leads to 1.15 acres of private enclosed grounds that include several formal landscaped gardens and a large courtyard at the rear of the property which adjoins the kitchen.

Tel: +44( 0)1572 335145 Email: rutland@fineandcounty.com

fineandcountry.com

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225 offices across Great Britain Plus 75 offices globally

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Guide Price ÂŁ950,000

Church Cottage, Burley on the Hill A stunning Grade II character property with 3 / 4 bedrooms, fully renovated with a contemporary extension, offering immaculately presented accommodation throughout and sitting in an elevated position in the highly sought after location of Burley on the Hill.

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facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

The Old Rectory, Market Overton

The perfect Grade II Listed Old Rectory in an edge of village position with far reaching south westerly views.

Edward Brassey 01858 438 723 Edward.brassey@struttandparker.com

Guide Price £1,895,000.

HALL | INNER HALL | DRAWING ROOM | SITTING ROOM | DINING ROOM KITCHEN | BREAKFAST ROOM | PANTRY | UTILITY ROOM CLOAKROOM | BOOT ROOM | CELLAR | PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM | 5 FURTHER BEDROOMS | STUDY FAMILY BATHROOM WITH SAUNA | SECOND FLOOR ANNEXE WITH KITCHENETTE, BEDROOM, BATHROOM SITTING ROOM AND STORAGE GARAGE | CARPORT | PRIVATE WALLED GARDENS AND GROUNDS SWIMMING POOL | TENNIS COURT PADDOCK | 40 PANEL PHOTO VOLTAIC ARRAY | IN ALL ABOUT 6.16 ACRES

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NOAIN CH

ASHWELL

S

£795,000

A beautiful Grade II listed detached Country House offering extensive family accommodation with a wealth of character throughout and set within very private, glorious gardens and grounds of approx. 1.0 acre in the centre of this desirable village. 3 Rec. Rooms, Farmhouse Kitchen, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bath/Shower Rooms; Dbl Garage, parking. EPC Exempt.

D L O

CLIPSHAM

Guide Price £650,000

Large, detached individually built bungalow providing very spacious accommodation with 3 bedrooms & 3 bath-/shower rooms set on an exceptional plot backing onto open fields & taking in unspoilt southerly views. The bungalow itself has become a little dated and would benefit from updating/remodelling. Both the bungalow and the plot possess immense potential for redevelopment, STPP. Energy Rating: E.

NOAIN CH

BARROW

£599,950

Substantial detached period property set on a good sized plot in a rarely available location, surrounded by established gardens and enjoying panoramic rural views. 3 Reception Rooms, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom, large loft space. Dbl Garage, ample parking, lovely gardens. Energy Rating: E.

GRETTON

£599,000

Substantial, well-maintained detached family home built by the present owners and providing spacious accommodation on a large plot with views over parkland and rural farmland. 3 Rec. Rooms, Kitchen/Diner, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bath/Shower Rooms; dbl Garage, gardens with thatched beach hut. Potential for Annexe accommodation. Energy Rating: E.

NOAIN CH

GRETTON

£595,000

Individually built detached house with annexe barn set on a large plot backing on to open fields and enjoying countryside views. Constructed to a high specification and beautifully appointed, the house provides spacious 3-/4-bedroom accommodation to the main house with a further 1-bedroom apartment above garage within the barn. Energy Rating: C.

GRETTON

£525,000

A brand new detached house occupying an elevated plot enjoying far-reaching views across the Welland Valley. Appointed to a high standard throughout, the property provides wellproportioned family accommodation believed to extend to over 2,500 sq ft. 2 Rec. Rooms, Office, Kitchen/Diner, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bath-/Shower Rooms. Energy Rating: TBC.

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D L SO

D L SO

An exceptional, well equipped, Jacobean country house set in 19 acres • Reception Hall, Cloakroom • 6 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Pantry • Laundry and Utility Rooms, Cellars • Principal Bedroom Suite, 8 Beds, 3 Baths • Attic Rooms, Office/Gym Suite, Dbl Garage

• 3 Bed Coach House, 2 Bedr Cottage • Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Helipad • Walled Garden, Greenhouses, Stables, Stores • Orchard, Topiary Garden, Ponds, Parterre • Lawns, Paddocks, Riparian Ownership, River Frontage

A substantial Georgian Grade II listed country residence situated within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, equestrian facilities and paddock.

• Reception Hall, Kitchen • Ironing Room, Laundry Room • Dining Room, Drawing Room • Games Room, Wine Store • Snug, Rear Hall, Cloakroom • Boiler Room, Stables • 8 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms • Tack Room, Gardens • Play Room, Store/Pantry • Paddock, In all Approx 7 Acres

STIBBINGTON – GUIDE PRICE £2,950,000

D L SO

A substantial un-listed country home in an enviable position set in about 2.25 acres combining privacy with far reaching southerly views across the beautiful Welland Valley • Reception Hall • Snooker Room & Wine Cellar • Orangery & four further Reception rooms • Cinema / Games room • Kitchen / Breakfast / Family room • Indoor Swimming Pool with Gymnasium • Principle Bedroom suite • Triple Garage / Single Garage / Mower Store • In all about 2 ¼ acres of Grounds • Five further Bedrooms, four with En Suites

TIXOVER – GUIDE PRICE £1,999,000

CAREBY – GUIDE PRICE £895,000

D L SO

An exceptional, neoclassical house constructed in 2006 to exacting standards, offering versatile living space, and set within beautifully landscaped gardens • Sitting Room • Master Suite • Dining Room • Five Further Bedrooms • Study • Family Bathroom • Kitchen/ Breakfast Room • Double Garage • Conservatory • Landscaped Gardens

FOTHERINGHAY – GUIDE PRICE £1,400,000

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LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM HOME IN 2019... then look no further than our exciting development at Top Lock Meadows, Uffington Road, Stamford, a superb range of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes

The first release of homes range from £395,000 to £570,000 for 3 & 4 bedroom properties, contact Richardson for more information, email: post@richardsonsurveyors.co.uk

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GAS LANE, STAMFORD

£950,000

An attractive five bedroom stone built barn conversion situated in the historic town centre of Stamford • Charming barn conversion over 300 • En suite to master years old • Stunning modern kitchen with • Five well balanced bedrooms integrated appliances • Large reception rooms • Enclosed rear garden, off road parking and single garage • Modern renovation with original features • EPC rating - D

HOME FARM CLOSE, BURLEY, OAKHAM

£895,000

Uninterrupted views over rolling farmland & towards Burley Park is just one of the many features offered by Oak Barn, an exceptional modern family home • Stunning modern family home • Four bedrooms & three bathrooms • Highly regarded location on the • Separate reception rooms edge of Oakham • Breakfast kitchen & laundry room • Large garden with countryside views • EPC rating - D • Private development

GROVES CRESCENT, STAMFORD

£650,000

Beautifully presented five bedroom detached property, situated on a lovely plot on a quiet estate in Stamford • Spacious & open entrance hall • Beautifully presented throughout • Enclosed rear garden, single garage • Five bedroom detached family home and off road parking • Three spacious reception rooms • EPC rating - B • Three bathrooms and cloakroom • Large modern kitchen diner

PINFOLD ROAD, CASTLE BYTHAM

£600,000

Set within the stunning Village of Castle Bytham sits this characterful family home boasting a wealth of history and many period features; and a few modern ones • Stunning period property • Four spacious beds & two baths • Popular village with amenities • Stunning living kitchen family room • Easy access to Bourne, Stamford • Enclosed gardens & detached garage & Grantham • EPC rating - E • Sitting room & dining room • Chain free

STA MFORD

OAK H AM

B OU RN E

4 IR ONMONGER STREE T 01780 754530

6 MARKE T STREE T 01572 335005

2 NOR TH STREE T 01778 422567

WHY CHOOSE ANYONE ELSE?

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Interior Design

Live beautifully

Fabric in stock Making up Reupholstery Express curtain making. www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 17a and 27 Mill St Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA 01572 722 345

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T H E

I N T E RV I E W

KHADIJA

KALIFA APPRENTICE CANDIDATE

Imagine popping out for a pint of milk one day... only to find that everyone recognises your face. It’s a bit of a paradigm shift, according to Stamford mumpreneur and one of the final three of BBC1’s Apprentice candidates, Khadija Kalifa...

Traditionally a notable person is said to be ‘one in a million.’ It’s more like one in 50,000 where Stamford’s Khadija Kalifa is concerned, because that’s how many hopefuls she saw off to become one of the fianl three competitors on series 11 of BBC1’s e Apprentice.

Ask any candidate what motivates them and you’ll hear the usual truculent declarations that they’re born to sell, motivated to make millions or determined to become the next Sir Alan Sugar etc., etc.

Whilst Khadija is by no means lacking in ambition, there’s a simpler, but no less compelling reason she’s fighting for a business investment from Britain’s most irascible businessman, the 95th richest person in the UK, whose personal worth is valued in excess of £1.15bn. It is and has always been - about making a great life for her two daughters, Sorayah & Taaliah and her partner Simon.

From 50,000 wannabes, Khadija is looking to grow her business, but has already been branded aggressive by some fellow competitors.

To find out if that’s an unfair characterisation or whether it’s all in the editing of the programme, we relentlessly pursued and finally met the immensely busy Khadija in Stamford’s Cosy Club for a chat about what impact appearing on e Apprentice has had on her life.

Have you always lived in the area?

Yes. I was born in Peterborough. My mother was a single parent and I’m the eldest of four siblings. I never met my dad but mum was always a superb parent and a superb role model. She worked so hard and gave me my work ethic and my determination to succeed. >> Words: Rob Davis.

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>> I was schooled locally and went off to study for a law degree at the University of Middlesex. I worked for a while at the Financial Ombudsman. But when I had my first child I wanted to move back to the area - Bourne, and eventually Stamford - so I began looking for a new life that would complement, rather than compromise, my ability to be a mum.

And that was compounded by difficulties in your daughter’s birth?

It was. Sorayah is four years old now; a lovely little girl who’s meeting all of her targets for development. During my pregnancy I remained healthy, I didn’t smoke or drink and I didn’t give birth prematurely. But when she was born, her cord was wrapped around her neck, depriving her of oxygen.

What was the effect of that?

It was a difficult time not just because of the immediate medical concern but because at a time I should have been bonding with her, instead she was receiving medical treatment and even participating in a new neo-natal treatment whereby she was administered xenon gas and given brain-cooling therapy. It’s a treatment which proved successful, and I’m hoping that now trials have been conducted it will be ratified as a recommended treatment in the event of similar births.

However, I experienced postnatal anxiety as a result. It was that, combined with the difficult birth, that made me realise I needed to be there for my new family. That’s why I knew that any new career or any role in business has to segue neatly with caring for my children.

You feel mums shouldn’t have to compromise career and children?

Absolutely not. Everything I’ve done as a business owner has been with a view to making it as easy as possible for mums to have careers as well as children. Contracts to tessellate with the school day so mum’s aren’t hit hy the high cost of childcare, for example.

Do you think mums are a bit of an untapped resource?

They certainly are. The UK and in particular SMEs are missing out on a huge pool of talented and intelligent potential employees.

Childcare costs and 9-5 working hours prevent many from working without incurring costs and make it prohibitive or impractical for them to have a career. We almost disable a mum’s ability to work, whilst simultaneously expecting modern women to be both parent and full time worker, earning money for their family.

So what business did you decide on?

It was a very pragmatic decision, really. I researched online for the cheapest businesses to set up and cleaning was what came up.

I can clearly remember going into Oakham one day and spending £20 on supplies, then getting some business cards printed.

That was it; Opal & Pearl was born, named after my birthstone and my daughter’s birthstone. From that point on it was just a case of hard work and growing the business.

And it grew from there?

It grew from just me to my sister and I. Then we employed our friends too. Eventually we had about 25 people working for us.

We had a huge amount of work in the domestic cleaning market and grew the business to the point where we became VAT registered.

From that point on domestic cleaning was less profitable, so we concentrated more on commercial contracts and - latterly - on >> 24

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T H E I N T E RV I E W K H A D I JA K A L I FA

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You’re Hired!

Pride’s Editor Rob Davis meets Khadija in her home town of Stamford.

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“

T H E I N T E RV I E W K H A D I JA K A L I FA

”

But you have to hold your own among many strong characters when you’re on e Apprentice. All are vying to impress Sir Alan Sugar and if you wait your turn patiently, you’ll either fade into the background or you’d be accused of hiding...

>> property management, like serviced offices and apartments, and on interior design. We’ve reduced the number of staff now, we focus on more specialised services and we look after our clients.

Cleaning might be seen by some as a mundane business, but it’s a service that everyone needs, universally. It is ubiquitous, but if two businesses can clean the same floor to the same standard, but one does it well, and communicates well with their client whilst the other doesn’t do it with a smile or a passion to keep their customer happy, the successful one will be the one that gives better service, that communicates and looks after their client better. That’s the spirit of an entrepreneur; I never do anything begrudgingly or wearily, it’s always with enthusiasm and energy and level-headedness. You have to put yourself out there.

That sounds quite practical... not ‘aggressive?’

That’s what some in the process suggested was a character trait of mine. But you have to hold your own among many strong characters when you’re on The Apprentice. All are vying to impress Sir Alan Sugar and if you wait your turn patiently, you’ll either fade into the background or you’d be accused of hiding. Or you’ll be fired!

I put myself forward when nobody else wanted to become Project Manager on the second episode. Finding myself in that role, there was no way I was going home in the second week. We needed to win, and we did. That’s not being aggressive, but it is being determined and I think that’s the second trait of a true entrepreneur.

How does The Apprentice work?

We filmed during spring 2018. Because of the need to keep the outcome a secret there are strict media embargos, non-disclosure agreements and the producers even film two endings to ensure the winner is not revealed in advance.

The production team is large, with four film crews - each with their own producer and researcher - following the main team and subteam of both groups. The tasks are chosen to test core business skills like sales, negotiation, marketing, teamwork and so on.

There’s an embargo on communication to prevent leaks too and even though candidates who make it to the late stages are away from their families for over two months, only one personal phone call a week is permitted and even then the call is monitored.

Each task takes roughly three days; two days plus a ‘board room day,’ but everything you see is real, nothing is staged. Nothing is scripted.

Sir Alan doesn’t have a script for the boardroom, or an earpiece; the production team can’t interrupt him or feed him material.

Everything he says and all of the decisions he makes are his own.

Do you get on with your competitors?

Again, what you see is a true reflection. It’s obvious that Jackie and I had our differences, but the friendships between myself and Sian - my absolute bestie - and Camilla & Sarah-Anne were genuine.

Living in close quarters with your fellow competitors is tricky.

If you’ve had a tense day with your workmates or with a partner you want to get away - either to work or home - but there, you can’t.

You’re stuck with each other in a strange dynamic of part-cooperation and part-competitiveness! But we’re all still in touch. We have a messaging group and all chat to each another as the episode airs.

Do you still respect the series having seen it first hand?

Oh yes. It’s been a great experience and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

It has shown me that I can put my mind to anything and made me question how quickly I can accomplish things. I’ve taken just three weeks to launch my own range of Opal & Pearl Home products and if you’d told me before the process that I could do it in that time I wouldn’t have believed it.

What’s it like seeing yourself on TV?

It’s been a difficult watch in places. My preferred thing to do is curl up on the sofa with my partner Simon, and on several occasions he’s noticed me shaking. You remember what it was like, you remember when some moments come along where you’ve let your guard down.

When you cry in the board room you’re crying to 8,900,000 people, which is very real to say the least, and in this day and age everyone is able to comment on news sites’ comment sections or on social media.

You wear your heart on the sleeve... you’re very very exposed. >> 27

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T H E I N T E RV I E W K H A D I JA K A L I FA

>> What feedback or reactions have you received?

I’ve had loads of support and people have been genuinely lovely on the whole. You do get trolls these days - people can be very cruel from behind a keyboard - but I’m pragmatic about that. You have a button to block them. You can and should do so.

As a businessperson you hire and fire, make and stand by your decisions. And as a parent, too, you do the same. I’ve developed a thick skin over the years and it has been important to retain that thick skin through the process too.

Especially necessary because of Sir Alan’s bluntness? Or is that for show?

Nothing is for show. That is his real persona, it’s not for the cameras.

But he’s a legend. He’s inspiring, motivating, an iconic entrepreneur.

Who wouldn’t want to work for him?

There didn’t seem to be too many ‘comedy’ participants this year?

All of the candidates were credible entrepreneurs compared to other years which have seen some quite quirky people taking place and delivering the occasional cringeworthy soundbite.

I think the other really great thing about this year’s series, though, was that the women outlasted many of the men and I think that makes a good point about how women are now regarded in business. They’re successful and they’ve been seen to be successful.

Is being a woman an asset in business? Or is there still a ‘glass ceiling?’

I don’t think there’s a glass ceiling at all. If you’re strong-willed and determined, if you don’t succumb to sensitivity you can show off your skills. Women have fought for equality and arguably they’ve achieved it - on the whole - but women can’t expect that equality to be sugar-coated. There’s no chivalry in business. Just business.

What has the series done for you business-wise?

It has certainly raised my profile, given me a forum to be noticed.

It’s meant that I have renewed confidence to begin new business ventures like my forthcoming range of home products.

It was a huge thrill recently to put in the order for the first 1,000 units of my new product, a letterbox-sized Opal & Pearl Homebranded set comprising 200ml home mist and 200ml hand wash.

Which you’ll sell exclusively online? Not via retailers?

There are a couple of boutique retailers I’m happy to work with but I don’t want to churn out products en masse. The future of products for the home is purchasing directly from the producer, not through a retailer. Why would I want a retailer to take a cut?

Why would I let an intermediary have the relationship with the customer, rather than forming that relationship myself ?

These days you can run a business not even from a laptop but from a tablet or smartphone, and that’s what I think an increasing number of women will consider to be valuable as they balance

Above: Khadija broadcasts live on one of the UK’s shopping channels as the team battle to make the most sales!

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their family and their business interests for the purpose of both supporting themselves, but ensuring a good work/live balance.

I take my youngest daughter, aged two, to soft play areas and whilst she’s having a great time I can catch up on an email or two.

My older daughter, meanwhile, has just asked my if mummy can pick her up from school. And I can. I make sure I can.

I can tailor my work hours to suit, and even if I’m working late into the evening after they’ve gone to bed, I have the peace of mind of knowing I’ve not neglected them, that I’ve been there for them and that I’ve been able to have good career but not sacrifice my role as a parent in the process.

What else has helped you to do that?

These days technology is an asset. But I’ve also learned that leveraging business is a good thing. Delegating responsibility is healthy and putting yourself out there to grow a business whilst others are allowed to take responsibility for day-to-day matters frees you up to take a wider view of your business.

You can do lots of things with people and with technology to manage your time and to ensure you’re able to concentrate on what matters. I’ve an online PA, for example, who messages me and helps me to prioritise what matters and what my business priorities should be, taking each day as it comes.

You describe yourself as a mumpreneur?

Yes. There’s been a bit of derision for the term but I stand by it.

These days a woman can be both a mum and an entrepreneur.

You no longer have to choose. Even if people do ask you for a ‘selfie’ when you pop out to buy a pint of milk... which for now remains a surreal experience! n Khadija Kalifa was one of the final three competitors in series 11 of BBC1’s The Apprentice. She will release her autobiography early in late January 2019. Khadija is also the founder of Opal & Pearl Home.

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Truly Independent Financial Planning • Efficient Portfolio’s Charlie Reading • Author of The Dream Retirement

Why Do We Want to Build Wealth?

Is it so we can buy plush homes, drive fast, sleek cars or sun ourselves in exotic climes? Or is actually for a far more personal reason: So that we can give our loved ones a comfortable, secure and enriched life?

F

OR SOME PEOPLE, filling our lives with luxury is a key motivation to make money; however, most of us also want to help those who we love by leaving behind a legacy that will give them the best start in lives, or enable them to continue to live out their lives with confidence and certainty.

ones will receive the most they can. Only then can you ensure that you are in the best position to financially feed your own future as well as that of your loved ones, so you can have your cake and eat it!

Any planning around tax can be confusing, time-consuming and controversial! In the UK, we all have to pay tax in some form, so it is important that any plans you make are lawful, accurate and fair. Achieving the balance between what you want to do and what you have to do is a little bit of a minefield, so if you would to discuss your personal situation with an expert, we are delighted to be able to offer you a free initial call with one of our independent Financial planners. Please call 01572 898060 or email hello@efficientportfolio.co.uk to book yours. n

But is just making money enough to guarantee this?

Inheritance Tax is currently sat at 40%, meaning that, if your estate exceeds the threshold (currently £325,000 for a single person and £650,000 for a married couple) you could end up giving away nearly half of your wealth to the Government. Yes, the Tory government increased the limits by introducing the Residential Nil Rate Band, but it certainly isn’t the £1m allowance they promised, and if you don’t play your cards right, you may not get any of it at all. Your hard-earned wealth could be quickly eroded by tax and may end up lining the Treasury’s coffers, rather than the pockets of your loved ones.

I’m sure that you don’t want May and her band of not so ‘Merry Men’ to become the single largest beneficiary of your hard-earned money! at’s why protecting your wealth in later life is becoming more and more poignant.

Historically, Inheritance Tax has been the preserve of the super-wealthy, but this is changing. e ever-evolving world of tax, especially Inheritance Tax, is not just targeting the very rich; in fact, it is beginning to hit the average family too. Last year alone, we saw HMRC collect £5.1 billion in Inheritance Tax - a rise of 9% from 2016.

And with the conventional Nil-Rate Band is fixed at £325,000

“

I’m sure that you don’t want May and her band of not so ‘Merry Men’ to become the single largest beneficiary of your hard-earned money!

until April 2021, this trend looks set to continue. But what can you do?

”

Careful planning around your finances is one of the key steps to take now in order to protect your wealth for the benefit of your loved ones. To use a palatable analogy, this planning is very much like baking a cakethere are multiple layers, which take a great deal of care to construct. Firstly, you need to identify what could damage your creation; in this case, Inheritance Tax could ‘spoil the mix’. Next you need to choose the best ‘ingredients’ that will help you to minimise the amount of tax you pay and ensure that your loved

Charlie Reading created Efficient Portfolio to offer entirely independent financial advice and helping people clarify and realise their dreams and goals through financial planning.

Call 01572 898060, see www.efficientportfolio.co.uk or visit Portfolian House, 30 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AY

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WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

A vISIoN oF

WINTeR

The county’s photographers have been out and about capturing the frosty beauty of Stamford & Rutland in the snow...

1. All Saint Church and its church yard,

as captured by Jack Stow on Flickr.

2. Stamford’s St martins is captured here by Paul Benns on Flickr. “The person on the right was another photographer who braved the elements and I watched as he slowly walked towards me. I think it gives a sense of scale and meaning to the image.”

3. Burghley house looks magnificent at any time of the year but the stately home takes on an especially pleasant look covered with snow, image: John Lawrence/Burghley house.

4. hambleton hall in the winter snow. The hotel was originally created as a winter hunting retreat for Walter marshall in 1881.

5. And finally, how could we not include an image of Normanton Church? The images was taken last February by John Sharma. n

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NEWS & EVENTS

What’s on...

UPPINGHAM

FRIDAY 8th FEBRUARY

LEICESTER

A NIGHT OF ENGLISH WINE

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY

THE NUTCRACKER

A fabulous evening of English Wine from the Three Choirs Vineyards with menu pairing.

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath.

When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairytale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life literally off the set, the Mouse King and his mouse army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow.

Performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, formed in 1981.

n Falcon Hotel, Uppingham, 01572 823535, falcon-hotel.co.uk OAKHAM

12th - 28th FEBRUARY

SUMPTUOUS SNOWDROPS AT BARNSDALE

It’s the perfect time to visit Barnsdale Gardens this month and indulge yourself in our excellent range of snowdrops planted in the gardens.

There are lots of our common snowdrop as well as many rare and unusual varieties to see, all mixed in with so much other winter interest. This is a time of year not to be missed!

n £20-£42, 2.30pm or 7.30pm.

DeMontfort Hall, Leicester, 0116 233 3111 or see www.demontforthall.co.uk.

An evening with Ann

FIREBREATHING POLITICIAN STOPS BY IN STAMFORD AND PROMISES TO BE ENLIGHTENING AND CONTROVERSIAL...

n 01572 813 200 or see www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk.

STAMFORD

TUESDAY 19th FEBRUARY

STRICTLY ANN WIDDICOMBE

Sailing dangerously close to National Treasure status, one of the most outspoken politicians of our time visits Stamford Corn exchange as part of her national tour. entertaining, enlightening and as controversial as you would expect, margaret Thatcher and Craig Revel horwood collide as Ann lifts the lid on life in Westminster and shares behindthe-scenes gossip from some of the nation’s best-loved programmes, including Strictly Come dancing, have I Got News For you and Celebrity Big Brother. n £22, 01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

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OAKHAM

SATURDAY 2nd MARCH

AN EVENING OF MUSIC WITH NIGEL TRUMAN

Looking ahead, book early for an evening of delightful guitar music at Rutland’s most iconic building.

n Tickets £8, Normanton Church, 7.30pm, 01780 686800 or see www.a4r.org.uk.

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

KETTON

FRIDAY 1st FEBRUARY

RANAGRI: CELTIC FOLK SONGS

PETERBOROUGH

WEDNESDAY 13th FEBRUARY

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX UNIVERSAL WORLD TOUR

Science superstar Professor Brian Cox has announced an 18 date UK tour for 2019 which includes Peterborough’s East of England Arena.

Taking audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the

Universe, Professor Cox’s Universal World Tour 2019 offers a fascinating insight into the workings of nature at the most fundamental level.

Whether an avid science reader or a novice, Brian makes challenging ideas accessible to all, exploring the vast, possibly infinite universe and our place within it from earth to the edges of the cosmos.

n Tickets £39.20-£50.40, from 8pm, 01733 363500 or see www.eastofenglandarena.com.

The Smetana Piano Trio STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE WELCOMES BACK THE CZECH SMETANA PIANO TRIO AS PART OF A SUBLIME 2019 CLASSICAL SEASON

Ranagri is a contemporary folk band of four musicians who have come together to create some exciting new music.

Ranagri fuse celtic folk music with quality contemporary songwriting, enhanced by virtuosic instrumentals, vibrant rhythms and haunting melodies, all interlaced with vivid storytelling.

The band mainly write their own music with echoes of Pentangle, Jethro Tull and new Celtic folk sounds. They have recently been joined by Stamford’s own eleanor Turner, internationally acclaimed concert harpist. dónal Rogers on guitars and voice, eliza marshall on flutes and Irish whistles, ellie Turner on celtic harp.

STAMFORD

THURSDAY 7th TO SATURDAY 9th FEBRUARY

STAMFORD YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS THE WIZARD OF OZ

Stamford youth Theatre in association with Wildcats Theatre presents the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion, who join dorothy in her quest to find the Wonderful Wizard of oz. Join them on the yellow brick road for this unforgettable story that captures the hearts of children and the child in all of us. n Stamford Arts Centre, 01780 763203, stamfordartscentre.com.

n Northwick Arms Hall, Ketton.

From 8pm-10pm, tickets £10.

Call 01780 720521 or see www.a4r.org.uk.

STAMFORD

SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY

THE SMETANA PIANO TRIO

Stamford Arts Centre is delighted to welcome back the Smetana Trio back to Stamford. The Trio was founded in 1934 by the legendary Czech pianist Josef Pálenícek, violinist Alexandr Plocek and cellist František Smetana. despite changes in personnel, it remains the foremost Czech chamber ensemble.

As BBC music magazine wrote recently, “There is nothing routine about the Smetana Trio’s approach to this

engaging repertoire. every aspect of their interpretation is carefully considered without losing an ounce of spontaneity.

Individual lines are remarkable for their focus and beauty, though the powerful sense of ensemble is never sacrificed to individual display.”

The trio will perform Rachmaninov’s trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor, dvořák’s Piano Trio in F minor, op. 65 and martinů Bergerettes, h. 275. n Stamford Arts Centre from 7.30pm, £20, call 01780 763203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com.

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Join us for a fun day on the farm...

TRADITIONALLY RUN FAMILY FARM SPECIALISING IN CONSERVING RARE BREEDS • ToTs on Tuesday ( term time only ) 10% off admission for mums and pre-school children, lunch time deals, feed and cuddle the animals.

• February halF Term we have craft activities and cuddle the animal sessions on Tue 19, Wed 20, Thur 21, Fri 22 – 11.00 - 3.30.

• seT in 19 acres of farm land within the town boundary of oakham. Traditionally run family farm specialising in conserving rare breeds. Purchase food to feed the goats, sheep and the alpacas.

• ouTdoor Play area for the children.

• daPhne's Tea room serving hot and cold light meals, cakes, snacks, drinks, ice creams and gift shop.

Admission under 3 Free, 3-12 years £5.00, 13+ £6.00, Family ticket £18

OPEN: Tues - Sun 10.00 - 4.00 FREE PARKIN G

RUTLAND FARM PARK Uppingham Rd, Oakham LE15 6JD 01572 722122 • enquiries@rutlandfarmpark.co.uk www.rutlandfarmpark.co.uk

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A NATIONAL TREASURE IN STAMFORD

ANN

An Evening with National treasure? Perhaps? Missing life in politics? Definitely not! The Westminster firebrand and outspoken commentator-turned-dancer Ann Widdecombe reaches Stamford this month and reveals in an exclusive interview Pride the strangest question she’s been asked and the only occasion she’s been rendered speechless!

It’s not very often that Ann Widdecombe is rendered speechless, but she had absolutely no answer to one particular left-field question from the audience. Hopefully, Ann appears in Stamford this month, the questions will be a little less asinine.

As one of the most outspoken politicians of our time who is approaching ‘national treasure’ status, she’s never been afraid of courting controversy, delivering hard-hitting home truths, or indeed sending herself up in self-deprecating comedy.

And as she prepares to embark on her first ever national theatre tour with her one woman show, Strictly Ann: An Evening With Ann Widdecombe, it’s the chance to engage in cheeky banter with the unpredictable British public that she’s particularly relishing.

“One of the things I enjoy the most about going on stage in a show like this is that you never really know who your audience will be, and what you’re going to be asked next,” she says.

“I’ve never said that any topic is off limits in terms of questions, and I’ve been asked just about everything in my time, from the ins and outs of my time in politics and showbusiness, to more personal things like whether I’d ever envisage marrying, or regret not having children.”

“But probably one of the most bizarre questions I have ever been asked was whether I could understand why anyone might want to have an extra-marital affair

Words & Images: Carl Jones.

with former deputy prime minister John Prescott . . . what are you supposed to say to that? I’m not struggling to come up with an answer very often, but that was certainly one of those occasions!”

Since standing down as an MP in 2010 after 23 years in parliament, Ann has earned her place in the public’s affections, and been heralded as a ‘national living treasure’ by the Guardian.

Entertaining, enlightening and of course as controversial as you would expect, it’s Margaret Thatcher and Craig Revel Horwood colliding on this new tour as Ann lifts the lid on life behind the scenes in Westminster, as well as sharing behind-thescenes gossip from some of the nation’s best-loved programmes, including her time on Strictly Come Dancing, Have I Got News For You and Celebrity Big Brother.

She says: “The show is split into two halves.

The first part involves me talking mainly about all the things I have done since leaving Westminster, and then after the interval it’s up to the audience to decide the talking points, as we move to a question and answer format.”

IT’S THE CHANCE TO ENGAGE IN CHEEKY BANTER WITH THE BRITISH PUBLIC THAT ANN IS RELISHING...!

Opposite: Ann Widdecombe visits Stamford this month to host a Q&A session on Tuesday 19th February at Stamford Corn Exchange.

From her early family life in Singapore and her convent school days to her student ambitions at Birmingham and Oxford, and long-serving years as an MP, Ann can offer a unique insight into her time as a minister in three departments of John Major’s Tory Government, as well as life in the Shadow Cabinet after Tony Blair swept into Downing Street.

She is also happy to talk – as indeed she does in her autobiography which she will be signing on the tour – about the roots of her conversion to Catholicism in 1993, or her deeply held views on abortion and gay marriage.

“I don’t want people to think that this show is some sort of party political broadcast,” she says. “First and foremost it’s a night of comedy; it’s entertainment.

“Ever since I signed up to do Strictly Come Dancing I’ve discovered just how much I like making people laugh.”

So let’s talk about Strictly – how did that all come about?

“I was approached to do the show in 2010, very soon after I had stepped down as an MP, and I viewed it as a good opportunity to try something completely different. It sent my life on an entirely different course, which I have been enjoying ever since.”

Ann admitted from the outset that she was ‘not interested in being sexy’ while getting to grips with the raunchy rumba or sultry samba, and her laughter-filled partnership with Anton Du Beke, which took her >>

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- ANN WIDDECOMBE -

>> through to week 10 of the series on a wave of public support, became the stuff of Strictly legend. She has become good friends with Anton, as well as the show’s pantomime baddie Craig Revel horwood, and teamed up with Anton once again to take part in the 2018 Strictly Christmas special.

that I really found it freed up enough time.” Ann’s first novel, The Clematis Tree, made it into the top 10 of the Times Best Seller List, and she has since written a series of book, both factual and fiction, as well as her autobiography, Strictly Ann, which was published in 2012.

“But doing that show led on to the live Strictly tour, and I have ended up spending far less time at home than I expected, pretty much ever since.”

“I love doing pantomime, and hearing the sound of young people laughing, and can’t wait to meet people on my new tour throughout 2019.

So, is there anything else still on Ann Widdecombe’s bucket list?

“I’m not really looking too far into the future at the moment; just enjoying the variety which is in front of me right now.

“Before I did Strictly, I’d envisaged that life in political retirement would be quiet and peaceful, giving me time to write, and walk the dogs at my home in dartmoor.”

At one of those live Strictly shows, Ann was approached by a member of the audience who happened to be from the casting department at the Royal opera house.

They felt she would be ideal in the comedic role of La duchesse, in donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment – previously played by the likes of dawn French. Sure enough, Ann took to the stage for the first time in 2012.

“Thankfully, it was a non-singing part, because I’m tone deaf,” Ann says. “But if being involved in Strictly was a dramatic change of direction for me, being on stage at the Royal opera house was something absolutely no-one could have ever predicted.”

more stage work has since followed, and Ann has become a regular on the pantomime circuit. This year, she is playing the Wicked queen in Snow White and the Seven dwarfs.

It was Craig Revel horwood, Strictly’s very own ‘mr Nasty,’ who first suggested Ann for pantomime. despite having his claws out for 40

“I CAN’T EVER REMEMBER A TIME WHEN BOTH OF THE MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE BEEN IN SUCH A MESS!” her dancing talents on the Tv show, the pair have become firm friends, with Craig saying: “Ann is extremely entertaining, and such a sport.”

Away from the showbiz limelight, Ann has also developed a career as a celebrated writer. When she stood down from the shadow cabinet in 2001, where she had served as both shadow health and home secretary, it was a chance to finally devote more time to putting pen to paper.

“I’ve always been a scribbler, writing down bits and pieces from my time at school, but it was only when I left the shadow cabinet

“Apart from that, I’ll carry on writing, and I have some speaking dates planned on cruise ships too, so it is going to be a busy year.” So, not missing the cut and thrust of life at Westminster, then? Apparently not... especially in these turbulent times!

“I can’t ever remember a time when both of the main political parties have been in such a mess at the same time,” she says.

As a fervent supporter of Brexit, she’s also concerned that we will be leaving the eu in name only under the current proposals.

“There should be only two things to agree in terms of our departure from the eu – the size of the divorce bill which it is only right that we should have to pay, and the trade agreement after we go.

“Anything else means we will be half in, and half out, which is not what people voted for, and not what anyone really wants.” n Ann appears at Stamford Corn Exchange on Tuesday 19th February, 7pm. Call 01780 766455 or see www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

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COMEDY FESTIVAL

WhAT’S So

FuNNy?

For former psychiatric nurse and dry-witted comedienne Jo Brand, laughter is the best medicine... and this month she’s appearing as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival, hosting a q&A session with festival director Geoff Rowe...

You have to laugh, or you’d cry... as the saying goes. For comedienne Jo Brand it’s true. A sense of humour has been an essential way to ride out a decade-long career as a psychiatric nurse working with troubled young people as well as a comedy career in the face of sometimes fierce opposition.

“If you’re doing comedy, you must be funny first and preach second and I do have very strong principles. But comedy is still the perfect platform to portray the challenging subject to the masses.”

What isn’t funny, however, is the presence of misogyny in comedy. The stand-up comedian, author and actress is known for her pro-women stance, which has led to her being labelled ‘man-hating’ and has been heckled throughout her career.

“The reality of what’s going on is in my comedy.

Women are still subject to some poor treatment and cuts do inevitably result in poorer healthcare.

The service is weakened and there is less available staff to deal with things.”

Recently celebrating her 61st birthday, Jo will this month be appearing at The Curve Theatre as part of Leicester’s Comedy Festival, which includes 70 venues and attracts over 60,000 people.

But the reality is that Brand doesn’t hate men, she’s just sick of the patriarchal undertones in society and fortunately Jo is well-placed to set the record straight using her dry wit and wry charisma and to stand up not just for her gender, but other things that matters like healthcare. “having done a ‘normal’ job for 10 years, as a psychiatric nurse dealing with emergencies, I know what terrible, hopeless lives some people have.

So in many ways, it’s great to be able to wield the financial power that I can, and do gigs, fundraisers or give money. I feel lucky I can help out.”

Jo’s series Getting on was set in an NhS hospital geriatric ward, whilst damned was set in the office of social workers and Going Forward used a care home as its setting. She’s able to use comedy, Jo says, to highlight the increasing problems of an ageing society and a crumbling NhS.

“Comedy enables you to get a message - about some things that are otherwise actually really awful - across to people.”

“Just because something makes you laugh, it doesn’t mean you don’t respect the situation of the people you are focusing on, and certainly I know when I was a nurse, you deal with people who are in the most awful circumstances and actually using humour relaxes people.” n Jo appears at The Curve, Leicester, on Sunday 10th February from 2pm. See www.comedy-festival.co.uk for more information or call 0116 242 3595.

Leicestershire Comedy Festival 2019: Three More Highlights...

Saturday 9th February, Flo & Joan: The Curve hosts dry-witted piano duo as seen in Nationwide Building Society’s ‘Sisters’ advert.

Monday 11th February, The British Pun Championships: Based at The Curve, featuring contestants from across the UK.

Tuesday 19th February: Comedian of the Year 25th Anniversary: One of the UK’s longest running comedy competitions based at De Montfort Hall, with Romesh Ranganathan. n

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FOOD & DRINK

The William Cecil

at STAmFoRd

Food fit for a king… or rather, a queen. In fact, food fit for Queen Elizabeth I’s Chancellor, the namesake of this month’s dining out recommendation. Stamford’s William Cecil has a brigade in the kitchen whose new dishes will tempt diners, with an ethos of quirky luxury…

It’s a truly benevolent chef that willingly and happily donates his talent for the benefit of others on valentine’s day. Being one of the busiest evenings of the year for dining, chefs like The William Cecil’s Craig mcCready will be rattling their pots and pans on 14th February to enable the rest of us to enjoy a romantic evening with our significant others.

Take the present mrs davis and I. God willing, babysitter permitting and on the assumption I can say ‘hmm, definitely that one’ with sufficient fake conviction to convince her I’ve an opinion when she asks ‘this dress or this one?’ - we plan to spend the evening out.

We’ll play footsie under the table, raise a glass to each other and enjoy a rare night out. I’d hate to have to work on valentine’s day, but surprisingly, Craig loves it.

Food, he believes, is integral to a romantic evening for his guests, so he’s created a sumptuous menu designed to ensure that food plays its part in a special evening out for loved-up couples.

CRAIG AND HIS TEAM HAVE CREATED COMPELLING MENUS OF BOTH À LA CARTE DISHES AND PUB STYLE CLASSICS...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

meet the CHEF CRAIG McCREADY HEAD CHEF

Craig has been at The William Cecil for about a year and a half. In that time he’s worked with his brigade of seven chefs to ensure the hotel is one of the finest places in the town to dine.

The hotel itself dates back to 1771 and carries a Grade II listing. It remains part of the Burghley estate and has a sister venue, a more casual pub, The Bull & Swan, just down the road.

There are 27 bedrooms, and the place has a wedding trade that’s brisk to say the least with the thick end of 70 weddings planned for 2019 - as well as the usual business meeting and conference trade. It’s the dining we’re interested in here, though, and in that respect, you can trust in Craig and the team to provide a compelling choice of dishes. >>

Food History: I was born and raised south of Glasgow and spent a number of years at the three-rosette Fonab Castle.

I then moved down to the Lake District and finally to Stamford...

I’ve lived in some pretty beautiful places!

Food Philosophy: Managing flavours is really important.

Let one really good ingredient flourish!

Food Heaven: Fillet steak!

Food Hell: Oh, blue cheese! n

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>> A single menu is available during both lunchtime and evening service. There’s a choice of six starters, six main courses and six desserts. In addition, there are three salads, four gastropub-inspired classics and a choice of six sandwiches during lunchtime service.

Those meeting friends for a glass of wine can also avail themselves of a few nibbles like hambleton Bread served with balsamic oil and so on.

The main restaurant seats around 28 diners, but one of the benefits of The William Cecil’s

OPEN FOR FOOD Monday to Saturday: 12 noon - 2.30pm; 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

Sunday: 12 noon - 3.00pm; 6.30pm - 9.00pm.

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on the MENU FROM THE À LA CARTE MENU AT THE WILLIAM CECIL AT STAMFORD Starters

Blowtorched mackerel, sour leaf, fresh radish, mooli crisp, glazed soy gel £8.50.

Beef consommé, suet dumpling, rainbow carrot, carrot gel, watercress £8.

Roast breast of pheasant, parsnip purée, blackberry, hazelnut crumb, red wine jus £8.50.

Main Courses

Pan-seared venison, salt baked celeriac puree, braised raddichio, buttered celeriac, chestnut jus £19.

makeover a few years ago is the creation of its exeter Suite which can function as a private dining room adjacent to the main restaurant, as well as the bar and orangery, which offer a rather more relaxed dining environment too.The hotel’s terrace is a real sun trap in the warmer months, and wellbehaved dogs are also welcome in the bar or conservatory.

menus change quarterly and reflect the vast array of seasonal ingredients available to Craig and the team. Local butchers include Stamford’s Nelsons and Peterborough’s Stilton. vegetables are sourced locally and rather than labouring to try and beat the best, the team acquiesce to hambleton Bakery to provide diners with artisan bread. Just about the only concession to national sourcing Craig makes is the use of London-based marrfish, whom chef believes are the best in the business. our whistlestop tour of the hotel’s winter menus began with a smoked pumpkin dish, beautifully presented and bursting with colour, with sweet onion, sprout leaves and a walnut salad.

We also tried a blowtorched mackerel with radish and mooli crisp, again bursting with colour. our main courses, meanwhile, were a braised ox cheek dish with creamed potatoes and confit shallots. It was quite possibly the richest, meatiest dish we’ve enjoyed for a long time with an unctuous stocky sauce.

An alternative option is the baked cod fillet shown opposite with black garlic pesto linguine.

And so to dessert. Craig reckons the way to a lady’s heart is through a really good chocolate-based pudding. happily, his bitter coffee cremeux feuilletine is the best in the business; rich, exceedingly more-ish and cleanly presented.

our hunch is The William Cecil is so established as one of the area’s most popular hotels that locals forget it’s also available to non-residents. That would be a shame given Craig and the brigade’s formidable talent.

It’s a great looking hotel, but also a great standalone restaurant for non-residents.

Food is neatly presented, well-executed and bursting with flavour too. n

Baked cod fillet, black garlic pesto linguini, pistachio, onion & coriander vinegar dressing £16.50.

Braised ox cheek, vanilla creamed potato, confit shallot, mushroom ketchup, red wine jus £15.50.

Nelson’s 8oz 28-day dry aged rib-eye steak, twice cooked chips, cherry vine tomatoes, onion rings £22.

Dessert

Bitter coffee cremeux feuilletine, milk foam, coffee gel, burnt butter ice cream£7.50.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change. n The William Cecil, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ. For bookings call 01780 750070 or visit www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk.

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In the KITCheN

Winter warmers this month as we present three ways with salmon...

WILd SALmoN with Cauliflower & Celeriac Mash

Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes. Serves Two. Ingredients: ½ tbsp unsalted butter • 1 echalion shallot, finely diced • ½ small cauliflower (about 300g), in small florets • 200g celeriac, peeled and diced • 100ml semi-skimmed milk • ½ lemon, zest and juice • ½ tbsp olive oil • 2 salmon fillets. For the herb salsa: handful each flat-leaf parsley, basil and mint leaves • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 small garlic clove, crushed • ½ tsp dijon mustard • ½ tbsp red wine vinegar • ½ tsp capers

1. heat the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat.

2. Add the shallot, cauliflower, celeriac and a pinch of salt, cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes. Add the milk and simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes until the veg are tender (don’t worry if the milk looks split).

3. Whizz the vegetables in a food processor until chunky; season with salt, pepper and the lemon juice, then tip back into the pan, cover and set aside.

4. Wipe out the food processor and add all the salsa ingredients to the small bowl. Pulse, season and set aside. Preheat the grill to high (220˚C).

5. Brush the oil over the salmon, season and sprinkle with most of the lemon zest. Place, skin-side up, on a parchment-lined baking tray. Grill for three minutes, then turn flesh-side up and grill for another two minutes. Pile the mash, salmon and salsa onto plates and sprinkle over the remaining zest. n

Recipes & Dishes: Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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oveN RoASTed SALmoN with tray-baked vegetables

Prep time: 10 mins. Cooking Time: 35 mins.

Ingredients: 300g charlotte potatoes, cut into 1cm thick slices 1 fennel bulb, core removed and cut into wedges • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 1½ tbsp olive oil • 200g cherry tomatoes on the vine ½ lemon, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp chopped dill, plus extra to garnish 2 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche • 220g salmon fillets, skin removed

Preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6; place a large baking tray in the oven to heat up. Toss the potatoes, fennel, garlic and 1 tbsp olive oil together, season and scatter on the hot tray. Roast for 15 minutes.

Toss the veg, then nestle in the tomatoes and lemon slices; return to the oven for 20 minutes more. meanwhile, mix the dill, crème fraîche and 1 tbsp water in a bowl; season and set aside. Set a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper, then brush all over with the remaining ½ tbsp oil. Season and fry for three minutes on each side. Serve the fish with the dill sauce and veg, spooning over any juices from the baking tray and sprinkling with the extra chopped dill.

SALmoN LINGuINe with dill & lemon

Prep Time: 5 mins. Cooking Time: 15 mins.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 fennel bulb (about 160g), hard core removed, finely diced and any fronds reserved • 150g linguine • ½ lemon, zest and juice • 75g soft cheese • 100g oak smoked salmon, cut into strips • chopped dill

heat the oil in a large frying pan and gently sauté the fennel with a pinch of salt for 10-12 minutes until softened and just starting to turn golden.

Bring a separate large pan of salted water to the boil, add the linguine and simmer for nine minutes. Just before draining, scoop out and reserve a large mug of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. The pasta cooking water contains lots of starch, which helps to create a silky, creamy sauce to coat the strands of the linguine.

Add the lemon zest and a tbsp juice, the soft cheese and 100ml cooking water to the fennel, stirring to combine over a high heat. Take off the heat, toss the linguine through the sauce, then stir through the salmon, dill and any reserved fennel fronds. divide between plates, season with black pepper and serve immediately. www.waitrose.com

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Champers and Hampers

NEW FOR 2019 – Our picnic hampers are such a great idea for informal weddings and parties.

Everyone can dig in and share around a selection of our fine foodie goodies in hampers.

We take our popular sharing platters to new heights with a huge selection of delicious savoury and sweet treats to choose from. Jeeves is a local premier catering company committed to providing excellence.

We are passionate about food and use top quality seasonal produce from local suppliers wherever possible.

For our menus please visit www.jeevescatering.com. For further details please don’t hesitate to email or call Susan on 01778 349512

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A new range of chocolate to complement your wine...

Wine of the Month Follador Prosecco Superiore Torri di Credazzo Venato, Italy, 2017 12% ABV, £14.99

On the off chance that you are, or you know, a lady who enjoys both wine and chocolate, this should be of interest. Chief Chocolate officer has analysed the typical tasting notes of the uK’s six most popular wine grapes and produced a premium range of unique chocolate bars.

These work so well that when paired with their chosen grape, they mutually enhance the enjoyment of both.Cab Sav, Pinot and Chardonnay are among the six flavours available. n

The Wine Cellar £3.99/100g.

THIS MONTH WE WAIT OUT THE WINTER WITH SOME BUDGET-BUSTING, BREXIT-BUSTING HEAVYWEIGHT FRENCH REDS AND WE ENJOY A NIBBLE OF CHOCOLATE TOO...

THREE OF A KIND: HEAVYWEIGHT LUXURY FRENCH WINTER REDS...

1. Abandon faith all ye who consume this Rhône, a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, especially the 2008/2010 varieties. A grenache blend that’s as full-bodied as they come, sumptuous and silky. £80 / 70cl / 14.5% ABV. 2. God bless the French producing wine like this. A 2001 forest fruit Margaux of exceptional provenance. Dark flavours of fig and liquorice give this wine a hefty nose and real elegance and longevity with nice balance. £78.18 / 70cl / 13.5 ABV.

3.Our third offering is this syrah-based Rhône sporting some dark red fruit, and a pronounced oak flavour.

Produced by father and daughter Philippe & Emilie Desmeure. £60 / 70cl / 14%

Prosecco believe the drink of the moment, with 2018 sales of some examples rising by about 30% over the year.

Some reckon sales are abating as we reach peak-Prosecco, but before that happens, you might want to toast your beaux with Follador’s Superiore Torri di Credazzo, an elegant Prosecco from a top single vineyard.

Supple, full-bodied, savoury and fulfilling, with nuances of apple, peach and rose petals.

Bright yellow straw with greenish reflections.

Very fine and persistent bubbles. n

Sloe sloe, quick quick: a super winter tipple from Warner Edwards

From the hedgerows to your winter, via the magnificent local distillery of Warner edwards.

The firm specialises in superb premium flavoured gins with a gentle tinkling of botanicals and water from an underground spring. This superb sloe gin variant is intensely fruity, bursting with berries and has cherry and almond flavours.

Ideal for a winter tipple from your hip flask whilst out hacking on horseback, or to be taken in liberal quantities in front of an open fire, snuggled up on valentine’s day! n 70cl, 30% ABV, £24.99.

n Our featured wines are available from the best local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary from those stated.

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HOMES & INTERIORS

v

dIvINe A Cottage That’s Simply

vv

ENVY REMAINS ONE OF THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS BUT WE THINK YOU’LL BE FORGIVEN FOR COVETING THIS MONTH’S PROPERTY IN BURLEY ON THE HILL. BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED BY PROPERTY DEVELOPER RICHARD ELWELL, IT OFFERS LUXURIOUS LOW-MAINTENANCE ACCOMMODATION AND A LOVELY SETTING...

AND FOR ABSOLUTION, THERE’S EVEN A CHURCH RIGHT NEXT DOOR! 58

Words: Rob Davis.

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According to the proverb, to sin is human, to forgive, divine. So if you’re guilty of envy after taking a look at Church Cottage in Burley on the hill, we’re sure you’ll be forgiven.

After all, it does represent a great prospect for its next custodians.

The odd-shaped plot has a steep slope but you really can’t argue with the scenery, with the 12th century holy Cross Church next door.

Whilst the Grade II* church is redundant and now under the custodianship of the Churches Conservation Trust, the Grade II listed cottage has received some recent TLC courtesy of property developer Richard elwell.

Above: Church Cottage benefits from the addition of a modern extension and a couple of glazed vestibules.

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Right: The dining room is large enough for entertaining even if you’re downsizing from a large Georgian home.

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And what a job he’s done. The place has been treated to a complete refurbishment with the resulting cottage immaculate inside and presented as a property its next owners can move into immediately. home styling has been completed by The home Styling Company, and all of the furnishings shown here are available by separate negotiation.

Arranged over two floors, the cottage has a living kitchen with dining area and a large sitting room adjacent. There is also a separate dining room for entertaining located in a new glass vestibule.

The property has four bedrooms in total.

Three of the bedrooms are located in the original old cottage. one down stairs with an ensuite bathroom and a further two

The place has been treated to a total refurbishment with the resulting cottage immaculate inside... upstairs with a shared shower room. The fourth bedroom is situated above a double garage offering a wonderful private space with further ensuite facilities.

Straight away we can suss out who this property is aimed at. many of the owners oflarge Georgian or victorian country properties - to whom we speak - talk of the glory days when kids and kaboodle finally up sticks and clear off to university. The peace and quiet is divine, but suddenly such

homes feel awfully large for mum and dad, abandoned by their offspring to an empty house, a life of leisure and the odd dinner party. Church Cottage, then, is the perfect property into which you can downsize whilst still retaining that lovely large kitchen, spacious sitting room and separate dining room for when you’re hosting supper for friends.

There are certainly enough bedrooms for when those pesky kids return to introduce their new life partner or if the dinner party turns into a tiddly affair.

Another priority for downsizers is to move into a home that’s maintenance-free, and with plumbing, wiring and roof brand new, Church Cottage certainly fits that remit. >> 61

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>> The property also has an immaculate new kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, in stylish and modern old english White and warm grey.

A boiling water tap is built into the island, there’s plenty of worktop space with easy-to-maintain engineered stone plus a bank of Siemens appliances, some double-width pan drawers and an integrated dishwasher, again, the perfect dinner party des res. Richard has even managed to hide away the white goods in a utility room.

Thankfully, the renovation has been sufficiently sympathetic to ensure that plenty of the character of the cottage has survived.

As well as plenty of exposed beams and

Main: The kitchen in the property has contrasting bespoke cabinetry plus a bank of high-tech Siemens appliances.

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Collyweston slate roof, the exterior of the grounds is every bit the county cottage you’d hope for. A large sloping terrace enjoys the presence of an established woodland, and there are raised flower beds and lawned areas.

In addition, the exterior of the cottage is surrounded by wrap-around terraces newly landscaped in stone with glass balustrading to provide plenty of very usable but also low-maintenance spaces to enjoy morning coffee or outside dining... in a month or two, perhaps.

In all, Church Cottage remains every bit the downsizer’s dream. It’s beautifully presented, still has lots of character, doesn’t condemn its next owners to small spaces and it still offers a home that’s ideal for entertaining friends or for children returning home for the odd weekend. It’s perhaps one of the most well-presented homes we’ve seen for a long time... so perhaps an early viewing might be in order! n

CHURCH COTTAGE

BURLEY-ON-THE-HILL Style: Sympathetically modernised Grade II listed country cottage.

Bedrooms: Three with two bathrooms.

Receptions: Three, currently arranged as living kitchen, sitting room and snug.

Features: Wrap-around terraces, double garage, adjacent church.

Price: £950,000.

Find Out More: Church Cottage is currently on the market with James Sellicks at 24 Catmos Street Oakham Rutland LE15 6HW. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com.

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HOME FURNISHINGS

Create a Winter of Content Shades of warm grey and silver, metallic fabrics and wonderfully tactile soft furnishings all create a stylish look for winter. This month we explore the look of luxe...

February is replete with iridescent white, silver and grey which coruscate in the late winter sunshine before spring reveals its gaudy palette of green.

But the gentle shimmer of luxe is a look for homes that appeals well beyond winter.

Fabrics are among the most tactile elements of the decoration for any room, so combine different materials and provide a contrast of texture as well as colour, either from sofa to scatter cushions, or within a single window treatment, for example.

This month we’ve selected some of the newest fabrics from leading brands, keeping to silver, grey and white as our cool and calm halo colours.

Over the next few pages you’ll find new fabric and wallcovering collections and our suggestions for local businesses that can help create bespoke soft furnishings for your home. >>

The luxe trend for interiors typically refers to sumptuous fabrics that are tactile, with silk weaves, bright silvers, coppers or golds and lighter white fabrics that diffuse low winter sunlight though voile fabrics.

Always work with an interior designer who can ensure your made-to-measure sofa, chairs, window dressings and your wallcoverings all work together cohesively.

Opposite: Prestigious Textiles’s Titus in Mist, cushions in Othello Pewter and Hamlet Graphite.

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Above: Roomset by Sanderson, including Gull Grey paint and Harmonic and Iris fabrics by Harlequin and Sanderson.

Right: Willow Boughs by Morris, floor seat in Pure Willow Boughs weave in ink.

Cushions in Pure Marigold Print, Lightish Grey, Pure Laxa Weave in Cloud Grey.

Opposite Page, Top/Left: Sofa in Spruce Cedrus, cushions in Laurus Slate and Taxus Steel by Larsen at Colefax & Fowler.

Top/Right: Lusso from Clarke & Clarke.

Opposite Page, Bottom/Left: Cushions in Caesar Pewter, Hamlet Sienna and Titus Mist from Prestigious Textiles.

Bottom/Right: Corallino Sheer Champagne/Gold; Puro Pebble; Fino Ivory/Rose Gold all from Clarke & Clarke.

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“Combine iridescent fabrics like Prestigious Textiles’ Caesar and hamlet to create both a contrast of colour but of touch, too. For more visual interest, mix and match plainer patterns with prints and weaves too...”

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Above: Casamance’s Memoire

Top/Right: Harlequin’s Momentum and Leaf voiles. Pure Dove and Rose wallpaper by Morris.

Right: Casamance Sienne, curtains in Kraft Blanc, chair in Guimpe Gris.

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Local Suppliers...

Cavells Home, oakham 01572 770372 www.cavells.co.uk.

Delcor Interiors, Stamford 01780 762579 www.delcor.co.uk.

Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors, oakham 01572 722345 www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk.

Eye4Design, Stamford & Rutland 01780 723128, 01572 729390, www.eye4designupholstery.co.uk.

Furniture Loft, m/harborough, Le16 7PT, 01858 435500, www.furnitureloft.co.uk Furleys, Rutland 01572 755539 www.furleys.co.uk.

H Works, Stamford 01780 754605 www.hworksdesign.co.uk.

J&L Ball, Stamford 01780 481416, www.jlball.co.uk.

Oldrids Downtown Boston & Gonerby Junction Grantham, 01205 350505, 01476 590239 www.oldrids.co.uk.

Paul Edwards Interiors, hinckley Le10 0BL, 01455 616095.

Sarah Harding Interiors, uppingham, 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk. n

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HOMES & INTERIORS

LARKFLEET HOMES

Building for the Future

Larkfleet Homes started in 1998 with three staff working in an office in Stamford. It now employs over 100 people based in Bourne, building new homes under both the Larkfleet Homes and Allison Homes brands.

Its success has led to a new brand being launched called Swift...

Larkfleet Homes has just launched a new business, Swift Homes, to deliver affordable homes for rent to help tackle the housing crisis head on. Swift is regulated by UK government agency Homes England as a ‘registered provider.’

Most of Larkfleet’s new housing developments are in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Rutland and Northamptonshire. However, the company has been so successful at meeting customers’ needs that it has expanded across the width of England, with new housing developments from Devon in the west to Norfolk in the east.

This year it is building more homes on more sites than ever before.

The company says that its ‘corporate mission’ is to produce high quality sustainable developments using innovative technology and construction methods, delivered to exceed customers’ expectations.

Those are not just fine words on the wall above the reception desk, though they are indeed there, but an aspiration the company tries to live by.

Right: A showhome kitchen and a showhome bedroom, there to show you just how one of the properties at Larkfleet Homes can look like. For more information about Larkfleet Homes, make sure to call them on 01778 391550.

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All new Larkfleet homes are built using the latest technologies and most of its homes are fitted with solar PV as standard, helping to improve energy-efficiency and reduce running costs for their future owners.

Founder and CEO Karl Hick is very much the public face of Larkfleet and his ‘hands on’ management style has driven the company’s growth. He continues to be involved in all major decisions but, inevitably, as the business has grown he has had to delegate more to his

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THE HELP TO BUY SCHEME

Many Larkfleet homes are available under the government’s Help to Buy scheme which means that you could move home with a deposit as low as just five per cent of the purchase price of the property you’re looking at.

The scheme allows you to own 100 per cent of a newly-built home with just a 75 per cent mortgage and a small five per cent deposit.

The remaining 20 per cent of the purchase price is paid for with a loan from the government subject to approval.

The loan is interest-free for five years and can be repaid at any time or on the sale of the home.

Help to Buy is available not just to first-time buyers but to anyone buying a newly-built home subject to certain criteria.

Larkfleet also offers several schemes of its own to help make the process of moving home as easy as possible.

These include a part-exchange scheme under which the company will take your existing home as part payment for your new one and a secure home purchase scheme where Larkfleet guarantees the sale of your current house.

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“Market research has certainly demonstrated Helen’s success; Larkfleet show homes have been singled out by potential house buyers for their quality of design, furnishing and decoration throughout the different rooms...” senior management team. A key player in that team is wife Helen Hick who helped him to establish the company two decades ago.

Her formal title is Joint Managing Director but her brief is wide-ranging, and the informal aspects are as important as those encompassed in her job title.

For example, Helen’s intuitive eye for design and style mean she has created a role as the interior designer for all the company’s show homes.

Market research has demonstrated her success, with Larkfleet’s show homes being singled out by potential house-buyers for their quality of design, decoration and furnishing. She also has a significant impact on the strategic development of the business.

CEO KARL HICK’S COMMUNITY FUND

Karl Hick believes it is important that when Larkfleet builds new homes for people, it should develop robust, living communities as well. One of the ways it does this is to support charities and volunteer groups in the areas where it is working.

“These groups are very often the backbone of the community,” says Karl.

To help deliver this support Karl has established Larkfleet Homes Community Fund which supports charitable projects that enhance local communities.

It is part of Larkfleet’s commitment to integrating new developments within the communities.

Any charitable cause within ten miles of a Larkfleet Homes development can apply for a grant of up to £5,000.

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AGE-EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

One of Larkfleet’s newest developments is the second phase of its age-exclusive community for the over 55s - The Croft in Baston, Lincolnshire.

Award WINNING

Many companies class confidently expect “She is a great ‘sounding board’ themselves as award-winning a stream of emails for ideas,” says Karl. “Her advice but few can compare to and phone calls has stopped us doing some things Larkfleet’s total of 23 when the couple are that would have been disasters and recognised national and local titles! supposedly on holiday. has helped to shape new initiatives which have kept us one step ahead in “The business is so central rapidly changing markets.” to our lives we can’t just forget about it when we are away from the office,” says Helen.

Although their separate roles within the business mean they often do not see one “But we try to make sure it does not take another for more than a few minutes during over our lives and find time for a private and the working day, conversation at home often social life as well.” revolves around the business. They rarely n For more information about Larkfleet Homes get a chance to ‘switch off ’ and colleagues and the new brand Swift call the friendly team on 01778 391550 or visit the website Top/Left: Helen’s interior Above: One of the www.larkfleethomes.co.uk. Head office is at design skills have been showhome kitchens in highly regarded by many one of the many Larkfleet Larkfleet House, Falcon Way, Bourne, PE10 0FF. potential home buyers.

The company is building a small number of new homes alongside the highly successful fully-sold first phase, extending the community but keeping it at a modest scale.

“Developments under The Croft brand are designed to provide the over-55s, whether retired or still working, with the independence of owning their own homes combined with the benefits of being part of a community,” says Karl Hick.

The properties at The Croft in Baston are mostly one and two-bedroom bungalows which have been designed to need minimal ongoing maintenance.

They are located around attractive walkways and gardens, creating a pleasant residential environment.

The new show home at The Croft is open from Saturday to Tuesday between 10am and 5pm.

Homes developments.

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Delving

FOR PLATES DELFTWARE commonly recognised as earthenware decorated with a tin glaze was first produced in Antwerp in the early 16th century where a group of potters tried to create usable vessels on a non commercial scale for everyday use.

large scale damage or losses to glaze and named pieces and known makers are rare as production was not on a highly commercial scale.

The illustrated dish is an English Delft charger from the mid eighteenth century. Items weren’t made on our shores until around the 1550s, with a Malling jug found in the South East being the earliest known piece of Delftware in the country.

The dish illustrated is quite late, perhaps 1760. It is almost certainly from the Lambeth or Vauxhall region and is rare because it is multicoloured.

Often plates of this type are blue only. It is badly damaged and although unusual, is relatively affordable in today’s market.

The founder of Delft was an Italian, Guido Di Savino, as war and troubles erupted in Holland he and other potters were forced north, with many settling near to Delft where this distinctive pottery type gets its name.

Production intensified and by the late 16th century and Jasper Andries and Jacob Jansen were creating large numbers of wares in Norwich by the 1580s.

By the time this dish was made, the producing powerhouses were London, Liverpool, Bristol and some parts of Scotland and Ireland. Clay was often imported to England from areas such as Carrickfergus and it is no coincidence Delft potters congregated close to ports.

Object types were vast from flower bricks, to chargers, barber’s bowls, figures, tiles and any number of containers such as food warmers. The nature of the body and glaze meant items were brittle, the body was miles apart in terms of quality compared to say Chinese porcelain of the same era and it is impossible to find pieces of age without

As time passed pieces became more accomplished with Bristol boasting bianco sopra bianco (white on white) borders to many of their wares and famous Biblical events such as Adam and Eve or royal chargers were portrayed with subjects celebrating Queen Anne and Charles II proving to be the rarest types.

The production of English Delft highlights an important part in the history of potting from 1550 to its demise in the late eighteenth century when Josiah Wedgwood discovered Creamware, through to its reincarnation today by Studio potters. n With best wishes, Craig Bewick, MRICS. Auctioneer Golding Young & Mawer, Grantham.

Find Out More: Craig Bewick is an antiques specialist with Golding, Young & Mawer: The Bourne Auction Rooms, Spalding Road, Bourne PE10 9LE, 01778 422686; The Grantham Auction Rooms, Old Wharf Road, Grantham NG31 7AA, 01476 565118; The Stamford Valuation Office, The George Mews, Station Road, Stamford PE9 2LB, 01780 751666 or The Lincoln Auction Rooms, Thos Mawer House Station Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 3QY, 01522 524984. Alternatively, see www.goldingyoung.com.

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New Coventry Store Now Open!

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TRINITY LANE, HINCKLEY, LE10 0BL Tel: 01455 616 095

RUGBY ROAD, BINLEY WOODS, CV3 2AW Tel: 02476 453 878

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SUITES • CARPETS • CURTAINS • WALLPAPERS • BEDS • DINING FURNITURE TOP DESIGNERS:

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FITTED FURNITURE COMPANY

hand-Crafted

KITCheNS It’s always a great idea to invest in quality, and thanks to Stamford’s Fitted Furniture Company, you can create the kitchen of your dreams with craftsmanship that’s designed to last a lifetime...

Images: Graham Fowkes.

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An investment in a quality kitchen is not just one that will add financial value to your home. The practical and aesthetic benefits it provides will help you to create a space that you’ll be happy to live in for years to come, and one that will suit your needs, whether you eat, dine, entertain, work or spend time as a family in that one versatile space.

Creating kitchens, bedrooms or studies in period or listed properties is a tricky undertaking, but one in which Jason Nicholls and Graham Fowkes both specialise.

“We’ve over 30 years experience creating, making and then installing rooms like kitchens and utilities,” says Jason.

“With just a single point of contact from design to sign-off, we manage and liaise with all tradespeople and we’re accountable to our clients for quality, so we make absolutely no compromises on craftsmanship.”

“We create kitchens that are rugged enough to last and stand up to the rigours of day-to-day family life, using time-honoured methods...”

“All of our cabinets are made from scratch, and are truly bespoke, by craftsmen, in our own workshop by using time-honoured methods.”

“That means we can combine the newest features with old-school quality and create kitchens that are rugged enough to last and stand up to the rigours of day-to-day family life. They can be re-painted for a mid-life refresh and can still accommodate modern appliances, and technology like boiling water taps, integrated ovens, induction cooking appliances or electric Agas.”

“We’ve worked on modern-looking kitchens in new-build properties, and traditional looking kitchens for quaint cottages with low ceilings and wonky, uneven walls. No matter what the property, every home, room and space can be accommodated; that’s the beauty of bespoke.”

“Whether it is a project managed kitchen, a dream bedroom, stylish office or standalone piece, we specialise in designing and creating truly beautiful bespoke furniture.”

“We’re always happy to visit a potential client’s home, discuss your ideas and prove that our approach is one of dedication to quality with strictly no-pressure-selling.” n Find Out More: The Fitted Furniture Company is based at Racecourse Farm, Easton-On-The-Hill, Stamford PE9 3NT. Call 01780 480080 or see www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com.

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CLIPSHAM YEW TREE AVENUE

yeW We’ll Look After

Clipsham’s once remarkable Yew Tree Avenue has seen better days. But thankfully, 2019 will be the year that the 200-year old trees are restored to their former glory by a new charitable trust who are raising funds to ensure the 150 trees are maintained for generations to come...

Keen gardeners know what demands are placed upon them to

ensure their gardens retain an immaculate look. They’re all too acutely aware that even taking their eye off the ball for a week or two means plenty of catching up to be done.

Imagine, though, rescuing a site from four years of neglect and imagine if the site in question was a once-nationally renowned display of remarkable topiary. Clipsham’s yew Tree Avenue once formed part of the main driveway up to Clipsham hall, the family seat of the davenport-handley family.

In recent years the future condition of the site has been put at risk from a perfect storm of shrinking budgets and swelling tomes of ‘elf and safety diktats plus funding cuts which has meant their upkeep has become an increasing burden to The Forestry Commission, who were charged with keeping the site, with its half mile of yew trees, looking neat.

In summer 2018 though, a new group was formed - the Clipsham yew Tree Avenue Trust - headed up by dr Patrick Candler, Sue Thomas and Cliff Bacon to look after the site in the future and to raise the £15,000-£20,000 a year necessary to take care of the historic trees and ensure the topiary work retains its shape.

“At one time hailed as a top attraction in Rutland, it brought visitors to the area from all over the country,” says Cliff. “yew Tree Avenue was first designed by Amos Alexander who asked his then >> Main Image: Patrick Candler, Sue Thomas and Cliff Bacon have formed the Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue Trust. They’re hoping to have sufficient funding to ensure the trees are clipped this year for the first time since 2014, when locals funded their maintenance by Forestry Commission contractors.

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- YEW TREE AVENUE -

“It was agreed that each tree must be different and should show events and people of interest...”

Opposite: Cliff Bacon and Sue Thomas, founders of the Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue Trust.

Below: The group is hoping to restore the once white gates which are also Grade II listed - to reinstate their original appearance.

>> employer, John davenport-handley, if they could make the Avenue more interesting by clipping patterns and depictions of local people into the trees. It was agreed that each tree must be different and each tree should show events and people of interest.”

“Thus The queen was represented in each of her Jubilees and the tops of each tree were made into the shapes of various birds and animals. one important event after another was depicted, like in 1969, when Neil Armstrong was immortalised not just as the first man on the moon, but as the first man in yew, too - one small step for man, one giant leap for topiary - or when Rutland gained its independence from Leicestershire.”

From the 1870s until 1955, the site was owned by Clipsham hall, until The Forestry Commission undertook their maintenance and david davenport-handley leased the site to the organisation via a 999-year agreement. up until 2011 the trees were kept clipped by the Commission, and the site’s sides were responsibly mown, too. But with costs rising for the huge undertaking of the work, which involves cherry-pickers, powered clippers and other risky equipment, the financial cost, logistics and the health & safety burden incumbent on the Commission meant they

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could no longer keep the site - which generates no revenue from tourists - looking good. however, with the formation of the charitable trust last year, working under its chair dr Patrick Candler - Ceo of Sherwood Forest Trust - the group now hopes they can restore the site to former glory over the course of the next few years... but a few years is certainly what it’ll take, both because of funding implications and for arboricultural reasons too.

“The costs for maintaining the yew trees alone will run to around £15,000, and in addition to that the trust is seeking funding for much-needed maintenance of the rides, work to restore the Grade II listed gates, maintenance to other trees on the site as well as filling in pot holes in the car park.”

“We’re making a LeAdeR grant application for funding which will enable us to deliver the work schedule we’ve created not just in 2019, but over the next few years too. Almost all of the yews have grown out and faded to the point that the motifs are no longer >>

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- YEW TREE AVENUE -

>> distinctly visible, but because you can only cut back a certain amount during remedial work, the trees will have to gradually be trained back over the course of several years.”

“We’re also establishing a Friends of yew Tree Avenue Association so that a constant source of funding and of volunteers, too, can be ensured so that our efforts aren’t just a single course of works, but facilitate the ongoing maintenance of the site.”

Because clipping of the trees requires specialist equipment and training, volunteers are sought for ground works rather than work on the trees themselves, but there’s plenty to do on site from litter picking to scything away excess grasses from the rides.

Clipsham’s yew Tree Avenue isn’t a site that can be monetised easily.

It’s also a peaceful contemplative site to visit, so the Trust says that it doesn’t want to create scores of events or interpretation on the site and would rather reserve its tranquil character.

Nonetheless, lack of maintenance over the course of several years has left the site with remedial work to be completed both because of the way the trees have been grown out, and with the incursion of animals like muntjac deer, who have munched some of the topiary out of shape. “one fortunate factor on our side, though is the photographic records that we have access to, which will facilitate us being able to have a good record as to what each tree should look like.”

“It’s a beautiful site, and something Rutland can and should be proud of,” says Cliff. “once we’re established, we hope to be able to restore the avenue to its former glory.” n

Above: Clipsham Hall circa 1925.

Find Out More: Visit The Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue Trust on its website if you can pledge funds of help in a practical way with the trees’ restoration, www.yewtreeavenue.co.uk.

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Yew Factfile...

Scientific name: Taxus baccata.

Provenance: Taxus baccata can reach 400 to 600 years of age.

Overview: mature trees can grow to 20m. The bark is reddish-brown with purple tones, and peeling. The yew is probably the most long-lived tree in northern europe.

Leaves: Straight, small needles with a pointed tip, and coloured dark green above and green-grey below. They grow in two rows on either side of each twig.

Flowers: yew is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate trees. These are visible in march and April.

Fruits: unlike many other conifers, the common yew does not actually bear its seeds in a cone. Instead, each seed is enclosed in a red, fleshy, berry-like structure known as an aril which is open at the tip. The foliage and seed coat of yew contains a cocktail of highly toxic alkaloids.

The aril (fleshy red part) is not toxic and is a special favourite of blackbirds which act as efficient seed dispersers.

Where to Find Them: It is commonly found growing in southern england and often forms the understory in beech woodland.

It is often used as a hedging plant and has long been planted in churchyards.

Value to Wildlife: yew hedges in particular are incredibly dense, offering protection and nesting opportunities for many birds.

The uK’s smallest birds - the goldcrest and firecrest - nest in broadleaf woodland with a yew understorey.

Mythology & Symbolism: yew trees have long been associated with churchyards and there are at least 500 churchyards in england which contain yew trees older than the building itself. It is not clear why, but it has been suggested that yew trees were planted on the graves of plague victims to protect and purify the dead. yew trees were used as symbols of immortality, but also seen as omens of doom. n Source: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.

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WEDDINGS

Weddings and ‘all that Jazz’

Wendy and Gareth Ford’s wedding came together quickly after a proposal in one of the most well-known landmarks in the county... and there were a few celebrity messages thanks to the efforts of the groom!

Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography, call 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

For some brides-to-be planning a wedding can quickly turn from something to look forward to into a bit of a chore. Not for Wendy and Gareth Ford though. The couple, who live between Stamford and Peterborough knew even before they met where they wanted to be married.

“I think I even mentioned it on our first date... in hindsight that might have sounded a bit premature but fortunately it didn’t scare him off !” says Wendy.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS WENDY HILL AND GARETH FORD

“We’re both from the area and had often visited Rutland Water. I’d always thought it would be nice to marry there, and after we had been together for about three years, I was delighted when we went for a walk around the reservoir in January 2017 and he proposed in sight of Normanton Church.”

“I did have a bit of a suspicion that something was going on, he seemed quite nervous,” she adds. “But when he told me how much he loved me and went down on one knee, my heart melted.”

“The moment was slightly interrupted by a dog walker who came around the corner and clearly didn’t realise what was going on, the poor chap was really embarrassed but we laughed it off... nothing at all could spoil such a wonderful moment!”

Wendy and Gareth met online in 2014 and after his proposal, the couple began planning their wedding with mutual enthusiasm. having decided on the venue - Normanton Church - the next decision the couple made was to adopt a 1920s theme.

“We didn’t want a Gatsby theme per se but the 1920s look did appeal. We began to create the day using navy ivory and gold. We planned like mad and within just a month or so we had made most of the decisions!”

“I chose a Stella york dress with an A-line cut invisible neckline and lace appliqué from The Tailor’s Cat, located in Cambridge.”

Wendy chose navy outfits for two bridesmaids - sister Natasha and best friend Natalie - and ivory dresses for the three flower girls; emily, delilah and Georgie.

The gents, meanwhile, were attired in navy suits from A Formal Affair; Thomas, Adam and Aaron accompanied Gareth on the day, and waited nervously at Normanton Church as guests began arriving.

Wendy and her father made a graceful appearance in a vintage Rolls Royce from Peterborough Wedding Cars.

“The ceremony was amazing, and there was a funny moment when the registrar accidentally called me by my married name instead of my maiden name which made us giggle and helped us to get over our nerves.”

Wedding Venue: Normanton Church www.normantonchurch.wedding.

Wedding Dress: The Tailor’s Cat www.cambridge-bridalwear.co.uk.

Groomsmen: A Formal Affair www.aformalaffair.co.uk.

Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography www.rebekahrobert.com.

Videographer: Taylor Made Videography www.taylormadevideography.com.

Wedding Cars: Peterborough Wedding Cars www.peterboroughweddingcars.co.uk.

Wedding Cake: The Little Miss Cake Co www.littlemisscakeco.co.uk.

Wedding Flowers: Clare’s Wedding Flowers www.claresweddingflowers.co.uk.

Hair & Makeup: Avoca, 01775 760080. n

“We had a local jazz singer too, who performed songs from the 1920s - there are a surprising number of songs that everyone knows - and she learned a few modern songs like our favourite everlasting Love, a sloweddown, more vintage sounding version, which was absolutely incredible.”

The wedding reception which followed included an extra surprise for Wendy.

The bride works as a social media manager whilst Gareth presented her with works as a digital marketing specialist. The groom presented his new wife with a video featuring messages of congratulations from all of her favourite celebrities from 80s soap Neighbours’ Carl Kennedy, to pop act Five and the presenters of Food unwrapped; Kate quilton and Jimmy doherty... even the Channel Four newsreader Jon Snow sent a greeting! >> 97

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- WEDDINGS -

“Our photographers Rebekah & Robert were really amazing to work with and captured some really lovely images...!” >> As part of their efforts to create a soft ivory vintage look for their wedding, the couple commissioned a nearly naked cake in lemon drizzle and raspberry ripple flavoured tiers, with a gold figure of the couple and their cat Saffron (who couldn’t join them on the day) on the top.

The reception tables had tall grand gold candelabras adorned with pearls and featuring a sparkling white theme whilst tables were named after inspirational figures from the 1920s with their quotes on each table.

“our photographers Rebekah & Robert were absolutely amazing, capturing some really lovely images, and our last minute decision to book a videographer too was really smart - we’ve lovely formal photographs that have pride of place in our home and on our desks at work but also a video that we’ve already watched a hundred times!”

After a minimoon in the uK, Wendy and Gareth enjoyed a honeymoon to mexico and had a chance to reflect on their wedding day together.

“It really was an incredible day and we’re so glad that all of our friends and family were there to share it with us. even friends who lived far away in countries like hong Kong were able to wish us well in a pre-recorded video just after the celebrities’ messages!”

“If I’ve any advice for brides-to-be, it would be to enjoy every single moment, to take a second or two when everyone sits down to the wedding breakfast and just enjoy all of your friends and family being in the same room at the same time.” n 98

Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography, call 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

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WE LOVE WEDDINGS! From our Rutland base we can help you visualise and create a wonderful and bespoke marquee venue for your special day.

0808 169 1690 www.funky-tents.co.uk

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In Style for CHARITY

Rutland’s Good & New Clothes Sale is back for its 52nd year at the end of this month... but its organisers have afforded us a sneak preview of what we can expect Photos: Rob Davis. from this year’s event!

Main: Suzie wears a long black faux fur coat by Nicole Farhi.

RUTLAND’S Good & New Clothes Sale is back for its 52nd year at the end of this month. Starting off as a tiny country clothing sale with just a few items, the sale has grown into the biggest of its kind in the country. e sale, which is held at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel over two days each year, now offers over 70 rails of new and nearly new, quality clothes and accessories for ladies, men and children, ranging from top designer brands, such as Chanel and Mulberry to high street fashion including LK Bennett, Hobbs, Hush and Crew to name just a few.

Every year Hambleton Hall adds some extra sparkle to the Friday evening sale, by providing a delicious selection of canapés and a glass of Champagne to welcome each shopper.

Last month Hambleton Hall also opened its doors for an exclusive photoshoot with Suzie Hurst (Hambleton Hall) and Esther Liddar, modelling some of the clothes and accessories that will be for sale at Good & New 2019. >>

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This page: Suzie wears a pink tweed skirt by Renata Nucci.

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This Page: Suzie wears a grey faux fur gilet, and white blouse by B.Y. Esther wears a casual brown leather jacket by Oma Cuir.

Opposite: Main: Suzie Hurst wears a Mode Machine blue tweed jacket.

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The First Night Sale of Rutland’s Good & New Sale takes place at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, 1st March 2019, 5pm- 8pm, (pre-booked tickets at £15/ £20 on the door.

This allows you to get the best picks from the sale, over a complimentary a glass of Champagne and canapés donated

by Hambleton Hall).

The Main Sale takes place at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, 2 March 2019, 8.30am 1.00pm (£5 entry on the door). n

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quALITy To BooT

FAIRFAX & FAVOR BASED IN KING’S LYNN PRESENT THEIR LOVELY NEW COLLECTION OF QUALITY COUNTRY BOOTS WITH STYLE, PRACTICALITY AND THEIR SIGNATURE TASSELS...

Main: The Regina in Oxblood. This is the most well known boot from the brand coming in a variety of colours like tan and royal blue £325.

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Opposite, Top Left: The Heeled Amira in Tan over the knee suede boot, £415, and the Langley Croc handbag in chocolate, £395.

Opposite, Top Right: The Boudica mahogany leather ankle boots, £225.

Opposite, Bottom Left: The Chelsea tan suede boot £199. Opposite, Bottom Right: Heeled Regina boot in Mahogany, £355.

This Page: Imperial Explorer Oak leather boot, £395.

For more information on any of the featured products, visit www.fairfaxandfavor.com. n

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BEAUTY

vIoLeT vIBRANCe

THIS MONTH’S SELECTION OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS PROVES THAT PURPLE REIGNS, WITH ORCHID-SCENTED FRAGRANCE, HIGH-END SKINCARE PRODUCTS AND A BASE COAT FOR YOUR NAILS TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT IN COLOUR...

1. Tom Ford’s velvet orchid

Tom Ford’s Velvet Orchid is a sumptuous and sensual fragrance, featuring dark accords and an alluring potion of black orchids and spice lavished with notes of cool citrus, dramatic petals, honey and rum. modern yet timeless, this evocative scent comes in a lavish limited edition gift set, where it sits beside the rich and creamy textured velvet orchid lip colour,

5. SKINCARe To FoLLoW

Cult51 is a skincare first; a revolutionary 3d skincare experience with a multi-active formulation containing the finest key actives to help your skin cells generate younger looking skin. Beautifully scented, Cult51 day Cream is a rich serum that absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling softer, silky smooth and firm whilst boosting moisture levels, £100.

£122.

2. Glow Factor

Formulated with fruits and botanical oils, decorté’s Prime Latte effectively builds the skin’s strengthening barrier. milk-like in texture, this formula soothes the mind and body, while transforming your complexion for alluring softness and a welcome day-long glowing, £37.

3. Stiletto Style

The Silky Satin Lip Colour lipstick is the ultimate in luxury makeup. Christian Louboutin has created a lip colour that is the perfect combination of colour and superior wear.

It’s an elegant formula complemented with a subtle feminine scent, £70.

4. Nice in Norvina

If you’re partial to watching and reading about makeup tips and tricks experts, then chances are you’ll already know Anastasia Beverley hills. The latest addition to the cult beauty brand’s line of highly-pigmented eyeshadow, the Norvina palette creates dramatic berry-hued metallic looks, £43.

6. No More Nail Fails

If you’ve invested in quality nail colour, make sure it lasts as long as possible with this long-lasting protective base coat. Its formula acts like a ‘double-sided adhesive tape’ that adheres not only to the nail but also to the nail polish applied over it, significantly improving the hold of the manicure. The formula is also enriched with epoxy resin.

La Petite Robe Noire Base Coat guarantees a smooth result, protects the nail and has an optical effect of the nail’s natural colour for a trompe-l’oeil anti-yellowing effect. £16.20

n All our beauty products are available from local high quality independent stockists unless otherwise stated, prices are RRP. Visit each makeup brand’s website for more information on local stockists.

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PRIVATE HEALTHCARE WITH AVICENNA

DR HANY ELMADBOUH, SENIOR CONSULTANT, AT AVICENNA CLINIC EXPLAINS HEAL PAIN

The ankle and foot are made up of multiple complex networks of bones, tendons and ligaments. The ankle and foot carry the body weight ant its damage can affect other body structures and leads to additional problems that can be quite disabling.

The hindfoot is the most posterior portion of the foot . The hindfoot forms the heel and ankle. The talus bone together with the leg bones (tibia and fibula), forms the ankle. The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest bone in the foot and it is connected to the talus at the subtalar joint. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments run along the surfaces of the feet, allowing the complex movements needed for motion and balance. The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscle and the plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the heel bone to base of the toes and support the arch of the foot.

Pain in the heel can be caused by many conditions. The commonest cause is inflammation of the plantar fascia called plantar fascitis Other causes may include fracture of the heel bone (calcaneum), arthritis in the ankle or heel (subtalar) joint and irritation of the nerves on the inner or outer sides of the heel.

Strenuous activities that involve the plantar fascia can cause micro tears, which may result in degenerative changes, inflammation and pain. Plantar fascitis may result from chronic trauma, such as running in

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unsupportive shoes, standing for prolonged periods especially on a hard surface or for no apparent reason. The condition is more common in overweight people and those who suffer a rheumatological condition or have a high arched or flat foot.

Plantar fascitis is characterized by pain with weight bearing that is worse in the morning but the pain will typically go away after a short period of walking later in the day. The diagnosis is based on the location of the pain: tenderness where the ligament attaches to the base of the heel. The diagnosis can be further confirmed by ultrasound or MRI examination of the heal.

Usually plantar fascitis eventually gets better itself, but this can take months or even years.

This injury can be especially difficult to manage because it can only heal with a period of absolute rest which is difficult to achieve. A patient who suffered plantar fasciitis once, has a higher chance of having it again.

Physiotherapy is the primary treatment for the condition Exercises include stretching to relieve tension in the plantar fascia and can include pulling back on the toes while massaging the tender area, as well as doing a “runner’s stretch” of the calf muscle, which in turn decreases tension in the fascia. Rolling a tennis ball, or a frozen bottle of water along the bottom of the foot may also be helpful.

Sometimes the use of a night splint that holds the calf in a stretched position may be needed

and there may be also benefit from orthotics to distribute pressure to the feet more evenly.

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen may ease the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.

Ultrasound guided injecting of a steroid and more recently platelet-rich plasma into the tender area can provide pain relief. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is usually used for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn't responded to more-conservative treatments. The technique involves sound waves directed at the area of heel pain to stimulate healing.

More than 95% of patients with plantar fasciitis get better without surgery. Those who fails conservative treatment and continue to have symptoms may undergo procedures that reduce tension on the plantar fascia by detaching the ligament from the heel bone.

At Avicenna Clinic, we have a range of specialist consultants, operating theatre for surgical procedures and superior in-house imaging facilities –including state-of-theart MRI, ultrasound and X-ray scanning equipment. We can assess and diagnose all cases of acute and chronic pain quickly and deliver comprehensive treatment plans tailored to you.n To book a consultation or for more information on treating your pain and explore the other available services to help you, contact Avicenna Clinic on 0330 2020597 or see avicennaclinic.com.

Or visit North Street, Peterborough PE1 2RA.

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Give the Gift of Stamford & Rutland

It’s easy to subscribe to the area’s Finest magazines, either to enjoy yourself, or to be delivered to a friend or loved one as a Gift Subscription throughout 2019.

Six months for £18, 12 months for £36, both delivered by Royal Mail.

Call 01529 469977 and pay by credit or debit card, or subscribe online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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PR

ID

E MA GA Z I N

ES

ThIS monTh: The nSpCC ConCerT AT oAKhAm All SAInTS’ ChurCh...

To feature your event call 01529 469977. Our magazines are free to read online, so you can share the magazine with your friends. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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NSPCC CoNCeRT

e 12th NSPCC Concert in Oakham will bring the total amount of money raised by the event to over £250,000, thanks to readers, an audience of 400 and organiser Margaret Wheeler...

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To feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our Events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

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MOTORS

CouPé d’éTAT

Jaguar’s stunning F-Type Coupé and Convertible models have been updated for 2019 as the firm has the Porsche 911 very much in its sights, but the sector is more competitive than ever before...

Buy now, play later... the warmer weather may still be a few months away, but soon we’ll be enjoying that first glorious taste of spring and the opportunity to drive on dry roads in the sunshine once more. make sure you’re well-prepared with a proper, bona fide driver’s car like Jaguar’s F-Type.

The firm has had plenty of opportunities to practice producing really rewarding sports cars. 70 years, in fact. Its first bash was the 1948 XK120; its nomenclature referring to a then impressive top speed. Remarkable cars like the XK150, e-Type, XJS and XJ220 followed, but with its more recent XK model, Jaguar’s coupé flagship was more of a comfy GT than a sports car.

That changed with the introduction of the F-Type in 2014. It was a real driver’s car, intended to be a true Porsche 911-rival, rather than a luxury coupé. Since launch, three derivatives have swelled to include four, six and eight-cylinder versions, a coupé and convertible, supercharged models, ones with all-wheel drive and more recently a stripped-out version for rallying.

Now the F-Type has been updated for 2019 with a few minor updates and a celebratory Chequered Flag edition to celebrate the firm’s 70 years of sports cars. >> 118

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Two Seats, Six Cylinders: Compelling coupés and convertibles...

Mercedes SL400 AMG Line £76,390: Mercedes Benz’s SL roadster is the longest in the tooth of each car here, and despite a few facelifts, it shows in the cabin. Mercifully, though, the car was ahead of its time in terms of technology, so it can still keep up with the young guns. The firm’s E-Class coupé and convertible are worth a look too, but the hard-top roadster body here means you don’t have to make a choice between coupé or convertible.

There’s a generous provision of standard equipment but add Mercedes’ excellent Distronic adaptive cruise. n

BMW M4 £60,985: The BMW M4 is available in coupé form or for a £5,000 premium, as a hard-top convertible.

Unlike the other cars featured here, the M4 is not a standalone model but in fact a spin-off to the more mundane 3-Series saloon. The upside to that is that the M4 is more practical, with four seats and 445 litres of boot space. Don’t be fooled into thinking that neuters the car’s performance, though. With a 3.0V6 twin-turbo engine the M4 is good for 60mph in 4.3 seconds and will reach 155mph flat out. n

>> Simply put, the entire F-Type range is badged according to each model’s power.

There’s a 2.0v4 300PS; a 3.0v6 supercharged 340PS or 380PS, or a 5.0v8 550PS or 575PS. The Chequered Flag is available in 300, 340 and 380 variants, so there’s not necessarily any extra power on offer.

Rather there are a range of stylistic tweaks from branding on the headrests, tread plates and centre console, and a suede steering wheel.

Porsche 911 Carerra £77,891: And finally, Porsche’s Carerra represents the ultimate in motoring heritage.

In the most basic iteration it’ll reach 60mph in 4.6 seconds, 183mph flat out on a closed track. It’s more expensive than the F-Pace or M4, and you’ll need to keep some budget aside for optional extras, but the 911 is regarded as one of the best-handling and most rewarding cars in the world to drive. n

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And therein lies the problem. Stylistically, its a nice car, but so is the entry level F-Type.

The 300PS F-Type coupé starts from £55,625, whereas the Chequered Flag carries a premium of at least £7,000.

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“even the most modest F-Type offers all of the performance and luxury you need, decent economy and looks to die for too...” every F-Pace comes with electric suedecloth seats, navigation, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera and a newly upgraded touchscreen infotainment system as standard. What’s more, in its least powerful iteration, the F-Type also reaches 60mph in 5.4 seconds, 155mph on a closed track or autobahn and it even returns 35.8mpg too.

That being the case, even the most modest F-Type offers all of the performance and luxury you need, with looks to die for, and economy that’s easy to live with on a day to

day basis too. We’d question the wisdom of upgrading to more powerful iterations of the car and spend the cash on an optional extra or two instead.

Whilst the Chequered Flag edition of the car is a smart addition to the range, we think any F-Pace is a compelling prospect for owners and represents one of the best models that Jaguar has produced in modern times a true driver-focused rival for mercedes’s SL or Porsche’s 911, in a sector that offers more compelling choices than ever. n

JAGUAR F-PACE CHEQUERED FLAG Price: £62,335 (Chequered Flag).

Engine: 2.0 litre four-cylinder.

Performance: 0-60mph 5.4 secs 155 mph top speed.

Economy: 35.8mpg (combined).

Equipment: Windsor leather interior, navigation system, red seat belts and brake calipers, heated steering wheel, red illuminated treadplates, special edition badging. n 121

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MOTORS

A NeW BABy IN The FAmILy

Welcoming a new baby into the family is always a happy occasion, but Land Rover is set to be even happier once customers catch sight of the firm’s new Evoque. e first generation has been a sales success, and its second generation car looks set to be even stronger!

Words: Rob Davis.

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CAN YOU BELIEVE it’s been seven years since Land Rover revealed its Evoque?

With only a minor facelift in its six year history, the model is now pretty old in car terms. is month, version two will appear in showrooms, and it’s a completely new model from the ground up. It’s designed to accommodate a forthcoming plug-in hybrid version, but it also incorporates Land Rover’s newer technologies like the firm’s Touch Pro Duo digital dash, lifted from the larger Velar, and the latter’s flush ‘pop-out’ door handles.

Also new is a Clearsight Ground View ‘transparent bonnet’ which make the bonnet appear invisible so you can see exactly where the car’s front wheels are, as well as adaptive cruise control and Terrain Response 2.

LAND ROVER EVOQUE

FIRST EDITION

ere’s more room in the rear seats, boot space has increased by 10% and artificial intelligence now learns the driver’s favourite radio station, seat position, climate control settings and so on.

Cleverer, just as manageable around town and of course just as capable off road. We think the next generation of Evoque will be even more successful than the first! n

Price: £50,400 (on sale now, with first deliveries due spring).

Drivetrain: 2.0V4 with nine speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

Performance: 0-60mph 7.0secs, max speed 143mph.

Economy: 30.3mpg (combined).

Equipment: Electric leather seats and steering column, adaptive cruise, automatic parking and camera, power tailgate. n

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MOTORS

Aston’s Suv spied

FIRST IMAGES OF ASTON MARTIN’S 4X4 BREAK COVER UNDER CAMOUFLAGE

ASTON MARTIN First Porsche came along with the Cayenne.

Then Bentley and Rolls Royce launched their off-roaders. even Lamborghini has muscled in on the Suv act with their urus. And the latest addition to the unexpected 4x4 manufacturer’s roll call goes to Aston martin, whose dBX goes on sale before the end of 2019. The vehicle will resemble the firm’s Rapide

from the front, with a five door body shell and all-terrain capabilities built-in courtesy of a mercedes-fettled all wheel drive system.

Both v8 and v12 versions of the dBX will be available, and mercedes will be donating the dBX its AmG-v8 unit as well as numerous electrical systems. A plug-in hybrid Lagonda-badged model is also expected. n

8-Series Loses its head

BMW’S FLAGSHIP GT GAINS CONVERTIBLE SIBLING IN APRIL

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The perfect company car? mercedes Benz’s plug-in diesel...

MERCEDES mercedes Benz has created probably the perfect company car, a plug-in hybrid model uniquely mated to a diesel, rather than a petrol engine.

Badged the e300de, the car is available in both saloon and estate form, and can achieve 166mpg, emitting just 41g/km Co2, and costing zero RFL. The car has a range of 32 miles on electric only power, and reaches 60mph in 5.9 seconds meaning it’s fast, electric around town and frugal on longest journeys. n

MOTORING

NEWS In Brief

LUXURY CARS

LAND ROVER

BMW Is it spring yet? Well if you weren’t desperate for the better weather before, you’ll certainly be begging for a bit of sunshine when you see BmW’s new 8-Series Convertible, which launches this April.

The new model joins its coupé stablemate and will challenge the mercedes S-Class convertible in offering a four seater open top GT with v6 and v8 powerplants. The car’s roof opens and closes in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph, and all wheel drive for more assured handling will be fitted as standard. expect a fire-breathing m8 Convertible to follow later in 2019 too. n

r

THE UK’S BEST LUXURY CARS FOR 2019 CONFIRMED... motoring magazine Auto express has named the uK’s best luxury cars, each offering a quiet, composed drive and comfortable, spacious cabins for both driver and passengers.

Topping the list is mercedes Benz’s S-Class, Range Rover’s vogue and Rolls Royce’s Phantom, each of which are available in standard or long-wheelbase derivatives. Also in the list are sporting saloons or coupés in the form of Bentley’s Continental GT, Porsche’s Panamera, BmW’s 7-Series, Lexus’s LS, and Audi’s A8.

A sign of the times, two Suv models make the charts; Bentley’s Bentayga, and Jaguar’s all-electric I-Pace 4x4. n NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE TEASED WITH WIRE MODELS Land Rover teased its new Range Rover evoque model recently with a series of full-sized wire models in key locations around the uK including Kensington and Chelsea.

The model has very much transformed the company, never dropping below 100,000 units in the six years it has been produced. mk II evoque is set to make its official debut in late-January 2019 with an all new model expected to take styling cues from the firm’s larger velar model borrowing interior features like the latter’s dual-screen climate controls. n

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CAR & LIGHT COMMERCIAL SERVICING SERVICING & MOT SUSPENSION TOW BARS SUPPLIED & FITTED BRAKES & CLUTCHES PAINT & BODY REPAIRS AIR CONDITIONING ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS MOTORHOME SERVICE & REPAIRS WELDING TYRES LIGHT COMMERCIAL SERVICE & REPAIRS 4X4 SERVICE & REPAIRS

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APPROVED DEALER LEVEL SERVICING We can service any make or model of car under manufacturers warranty, save money and keep your warrantly – ask us for a quote

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

“We’ll enjoy a 2019 tourism boom...!”

TOURISM EXPERTS ENTHUSED BY INCREASE OF 5% IN TOURISM SPENDING RUTLAND The area enjoyed a 5% increase in spending by visitors last year report tourism experts, as they anticipate a visitor boom in 2019.

The tourism sector is worth around £123m to the area, and Rutland’s tourism group discover Rutland has been working on a number of project to raise the area’s profile from the creation of an annual printed visitors’ guide, to a new website for the group as well as a video to show off the county’s highlights.

Last year saw tourism spending increase by 5% as a result of a 2.7% increase in visitor numbers taking the number of Rutland tourists to nearly 1,900,000. visitors to the county spend £28.7m on shopping the county, £24m on food and drink, nearly £20m on accommodation, £11m on transport, £10m on general recreation and with indirect

spending of £30m, ensured that the sector is profitable for other businesses in the area too. The figures have been independently collated by Global Tourism Solutions for

Save appliances! Save money! make your home cleaner...!

FEW THINGS ARE MORE UGLY OR DAMAGING TO YOUR HOME THAN LIMESCALE BUILD UP

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the group, and a project for 2019 will be Rutland’s contribution to the explorer’s Road initiative which will see a 400 mile self-drive A1 route from Northumberland down

to hertfordshire being publicised to encourage visitors to stop at 16 market towns and three cities including oakham, uppingham, Stamford and Grantham. n

STAMFORD & RUTLAND Nothing is as damaging to your kettle, boiler, washing machine or dishwasher than limescale.

Invested in a water softener, and you’ll enjoy a cleaner home and longer-lasting appliances, saving thousands of pounds in replacements.

An investment of just a few hundred pounds in an electric or mechanical water softener is soon recouped, and you’ll enjoy better tasting water, use fewer detergents and cosmetics, whilst bathrooms, kitchens and windows will stay cleaner for longer too.

A water softener isn’t the

sexiest purchase you’ll ever make, but by golly, it’s a very wise one! morris Softeners Ltd based in Bourne specialise in their installation for both domestic and commercial clients, resulting in a clean, more pleasant home, softer laundry and healthier appliances.

Free no-obligation quotes, supply and/or fitting, plus the consumables and servicing means a one-stop partner for all your needs, and some machines carry a 10 year guarantee for complete peace of mind. n Morris Softeners supply to homes & businesses across the region.

Call 01778 394830 or see www.morrissofteners.co.uk

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FOR LIVING, DINING AND BEDROOMS...

Architectural details and items for indoors and outside too...

RUTLAND AND STAMFORD

mulberry, Ralph Lauren and GP & J Baker; furniture and elegant home interiors including authentic hand-carved Indian furniture; totally bespoke solid oak free-standing kitchens; and both traditional and contemporary accessories, the choice is breathtaking. n Kimbell & Co Interiors is open seven days based on Rockingham Road, Market Harborough LE16 7QE. Call 01858 433444 or see www.kimbellinteriors.co.uk.

Award-winning butcher’s bangers are best by far...!

LOCAL BUTCHER GRASMERE FARM WINS TOP SAUSAGE AWARDS AT MELTON FOOD SHOW

Top 100 Company

MARKET HARBOROUGH If you’re looking to update your home for spring, look no further for inspiration than Kimbell & Co Interiors the luxury interiors studio within market harborough’s Furniture Loft Ltd. With over 10,000sq ft of luxury interiors the firm’s mission is to offer something different to their customers. expect to see the very best in designer sofas, upholstered in fabrics from the likes of

35 years ago, Barry Spencer created a Georgian home from an old stone barn. Now, his search for period materials have turned into a business specialising in reclaimed bricks, stonework, timber, doors, fireplaces and more.

Spencer Architectural has over 1,000 doors in stock alone, and can help if you’re renovating a property or seeking period items for your home or garden. n Call 01476 860777 or see www.spencerarchitectural.com.

BUSINESS

HAY HAMPERS NEAR STAMFORD are celebrating after appearing in the latest Small Biz 100 list. Since owners elisabeth and Gabriele da Re took over four years ago they have increased the independent gift hamper company’s turnover to £2m - an increase of 300%. n

designer-Led homes

DEEPINGS Grasmere Farm is celebrating after winning two trophies and four awards at melton Christmas show last month. The pork farm, which is also celebrating its fiftieth anniversary next year, has an enviable reputation for making superb sausages which has seen it win many awards previously.

“We are very proud of our reputation and winning both of these categories, facing stiff competition from many other excellent Sausage producers,” says Stuart Stables. q Guild of Butchers member, Grasmere Farm, also won last year at the uK Sausage Awards for its Pork & Caramelised Red onion Sausage. n

NEWS In Brief OAKHAM

SPECIAL DELIVERY COMING TO OAKHAM A BRAND NEW POST OFFICE! There’s been a special delivery in oakham; one that’s taken slightly longer than most to arrive.

After four years of campaigning, the people of oakham finally have another Post office.

Whilst the volume of letters we send has been affected by the use of email in recent years, the growth in online shopping means a good local Post office is more important than ever. oakham’s new one will open on Churchill Road’s Briars Convenience Store as Pride goes to press and will be headed up by Indy and Nina Gill, who have been at the shop for 15 years.

“It’s fantastic news,” says Nina.

“Customers will be able to do all the standard things they expect from a Post office like sending parcels, benefits and pensions.” n

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: NFU MUTUAL

e nightmare before Christmas This edition of Pride comes out in mid-January. So we hope you’ve had a good festive season.

But with no apology, we present the story of how one local family’s Christmas was ruined in 2016 and why insurance - usually a grudge purchase - can offer a lifeline to families going through the worst possible experience at the worst time of year... Words: Rob Davis.

As this edition of Pride reaches readers in early January we hope you’re getting back into your regular routine following a wonderful Christmas and New year. one family will be enjoying a belated Christmas present this month as they move back into their own home after two years in temporary accommodation.

It was 15th december. The tree was up. The presents were wrapped and placed underneath.

The turkey was ordered. on a chilly winter day at dusk the family were settling down for the evening.

Robert Towell of Wing handed wife Frances and daughter Lottie a cup of tea each, switched on the Tv and finally lit the open fire in the sitting room of their part-thatched cottage, the Grade II listed home, dating back to 1668, in which they’d lived for 25 years.

Robert had diligently kept the chimney swept, he’d had it professionally inspected with a camera and had recently had the roof restored and re-netted. he had a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and was confident that he’d done everything possible to ensure his home was safe.

What Robert didn’t realise is that a family of jackdaws had made their home in the chimney.

Within 10 minutes, their home was ablaze and they began a battle to extinguish the flames.

“We had eight fire engines from as far as Coventry and it took 28 hours and 85,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire.

Because we’d had the roof re-netted, they couldn’t rake the thatch off, and had to rely on a ‘controlled burn’ to deal with the fire.”

for me to consider using them for our home contents and building too.”

“We’d been with them two years before the fire. you only know how good insurers are when you come to make a claim, and at the worst possible time for us, NFu mutual really were good.”

“We just had to stand and watch our house burn down. It was awful.” says Robert.

The family lost everything, from their furniture to their Christmas gifts and their tree. mercifully the family and their two dogs were safe, but the family’s Christmas and their home were ruined not just by the fire but through smoke and water damage too.

home insurance - both policies for buildings and contents - are usually grudge purchases.

We simply find the cheapest quote then cross our fingers that the protection they offer will never be needed.

Fortunately Robert had the foresight to value insurance more than most consumers. The former owner of Rutland oil, he’d worked with the farming community for years, serving them with fuel and lubricants, and he had heard good things about NFu mutual.

“I needed car insurance and chose NFu mutual in Stamford. They’d given us prompt response to enquiries and when our home insurance came up for renewal, they’d been good enough

“They came out immediately and provided the means for us to be put up in the village pub’s accommodation for six weeks.”

“We tried to live in a barn adjacent to the house, but it had no kitchen to speak of, and NFu mutual soon rented us a property nearby until the property was repaired.”

“The house needed to be completely rebuilt.

Such an old property didn’t have modern footings and the stonework was all damaged by the water.”

“NFu mutual were always really prompt with communication not just in the immediate aftermath but throughout a long rebuild which was further complicated by the fact that the house is both thatched and listed.”

“It’s been emotionally tough - your home isn’t just stone and thatch, there are a lot of personal possessions and memories invested in it, and to lose your home is dreadful.”

“NFu mutual have been wonderful to deal with and it has been nice having a local office we could go into. We were hoping to be in for Christmas but it’ll be early in the new year that we can return home. We’re promising ourselves that Christmas 2019 will be one of celebration back in our own home.” n

NFU Mutual provides home, contents, motor and equine insurance for the whole community - not just for farmers!

Your local agent is based at Sheep Market, Stamford PE9 2RB. Call 01780 762421 or visit for a free, no obligation quote.

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