Rutland Pride Mar 2013

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SPRING

MARCH

2013

MARCH 2013

NEW RELAXED LOOK

RutlandPride

RutlandPride THE NUMBER ONE COUNTY MAGAZINE

FASHIONS Restaurant of the Month

MARQUESS OF EXETER MAR

MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL THIS SPRING

Beautiful Spring

Local Food - The Event - Weddings Homes and Gardens - Motoring

A Great New Hobby

Get fit for w i t h R o s e mS p r i n g ary...

S PRING

Fashion

Local Food

Countryside

Stay in style for spring {Page 108}

Restaurants recommended {Page 26}

The Joy of keeping chickens {Page 76}

ÂŁ3.70

Beautiful flower arrangements for your home - we show you how!

2013

KEEPING CHICKENS

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RutlandPride March THE NUMBER ONE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Welcome to the first of three spring editions for the county’s number one magazine!

This month we meet the area’s Rosemary Conley, to find out how to look great in time for summer, and create beautiful arrangements with spring flowers to make your home look beautiful.

We enjoy keeping chickens, sample the new menus at some of the county’s best restaurants, and enjoy fresh fashions from Betty Barclay.

Enjoy!

Happy

Hungry

Healthy

Hobby

Discover the simple pleasure of keeping chickens - it’s great fun, and easy to do. A source of unlimited pleasure that’s great for the children too!

Colourful, vibrant and delicious spring dining at some of the county’s best restaurants - we enjoy the simple pleasure of seasonal produce.

Enjoyable and effective ways to create a slimmer you in plenty of time for summer. We speak exclusively to fitness guru Rosemary Conley.

Spring flowers, creating a beautiful home, or fashion no matter what your pleasure, we’re happy to indulge you this month!

SPRING 2013

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Rutland Pride – The Number One Team What will you be giving up for Lent... and is there anything you couldn’ t live without?

Julian Wilkinson

Rob Davis

Ian Bagley

Managing Director

Executive Editor

General Manager

apple-mad Julian says he couldn’t live without his mobile phone!

our editor is a man of few vices, so what could he possibly give up for Lent?

could technology buff ian, live without his gadgets?

“I’ ve been in business for nearly twenty years now and in all that time I’ ve used Apple computers.

These days my iPhone, iPad and iMac rarely leave my side, so I couldn’ t possibly be without them. I won’ t be giving anything up... certainly not those!”

“I observed ‘Dry January’ and gave up my weekly glass of red wine which didn’t bother me at all. I don’t have a sweet tooth... in fact I’m a man of few vices! However, this Lent I’ll be giving up watching TV in favour of reading more instead!”

“ I love technology so whilst I could live without a glass of wine or chocolate I think I’ d burst into tears if you asked me to give up technology... the idea of not being able to surf the net, Facebook or Tweet over Lent is a truly terrifying prospect!”

Zoie Wilkinson

Mandy Bray

Emily Brown

Sales Manager

Customer Care Manager

Sales Representative

zoie is a girl of simple pleasures... like chocolate and clarins!

our graphic designer and customer care manager has just one serious addiction!

Fast food emily has decided her Friday treat isn’t something she can do without!

“ I don’ t have many vices but I’ d be horrified by the prospect of giving up chocolate and Clarins for Lent.

I think everyone deserves to have something they can enjoy spoiling themselves with... so nice skincare products, makeup and chocolate are my treats!”

“I can happily live without a glass of wine with my meal, but I love dessert and I’ ve a real weakness for a gooey warm chocolate pudding. I gave up chocolate last year for lent...

I’ll never do that again!”

“Some of us in the office observe ‘ Fat Friday’ and treat ourselves to fast food after a week of dieting.

That’ s definitely not something I’ll be doing though. The odd junk food treat doesn’ t harm anyone, and it’ s something I enjoy too much to give up!”

RutlandPride The number one counTy magazine

pride magazines elm grange studios east heckington boston Lincolnshire pe20 3QF

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

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Web: www.rutlandpride.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

enjoy rutland pride, read it cover to cover. pick it up, put it down and when you have finished with it pass it onto your best friend.

When everyone has had a good read, pop it in the recycle bin!

by supplying editorial or adverts to rutland pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. in the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where pride magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available.

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CARLBY, LINCOLNSHIRE

£525,000

15 High Street is set in about ¾ acre of mature secluded garden, with an imposing view of a partly medieval church. In the 1800’s a Manor House, belonging to Sir Ralph Woodford Bt., stood on the site. The remnants of that building were visible as recently as the 1920. The extensive and professionally landscaped garden has many features, including a pumped water storage system, vegetable garden, rose walkway, hidden loggia, and potting area. A finial, thought to have been part of the Manor House roof, was unearthed in 1975; it is now a feature in the front garden. The property is a high specification architect designed house with a linked self-contained annex, with separate disabled access. A large double garage and several out buildings provide convenient storage facilities. EPC – D.

SOUTH LUFFENHAM, RUTLAND

£595,000

Sycamore House is located in the popular Rutland village of South Luffenham where local amenities include two pubs, the Boot and Shoe and the Coach House, as well as the church and village hall. The Georgian market town of Stamford, just 7 miles away offers a wide choice of excellent shops, bars and restaurants, including the well-known George Hotel. South Luffenham is within easy access of the A47 & A1 for road travel and Peterborough, approximately 18 miles away provides a high speed rail link to London Kings Cross and the North, with connections from Stamford Station. The area is home to many excellent state and private schools which include Stamford, Uppingham, Oakham and Oundle. There is golf at Luffenham Heath & Burghley Park in Stamford and Rutland Water, a short drive away, offers varied sport and leisure amenities. EPC – C.

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

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EMPINGHAM, RUTLAND

£895,000

Tucked off Main Street 2 Home Court is a detached executive family home built in a development of three similar properties, The property benefits from versatile living accommodation to suit any potentially purchaser as well as offering a Master suite with dressing room, en suite bathroom and Balcony overlooking the rear garden, Four further double bedrooms one of which is en suite, established gardens and a double garage with room and shower room above. EPC – C.

STRETTON, NR OAKHAM, RUTLAND

£1,075,000

The Old Greetham Inn is recorded as one of the earliest staging posts built to take advantage of the trade passing along the Great North Road.

Dating from 1780, for many years it operated as a coaching inn for travellers making the long journey up and down the famous road but more recently it fell into disrepair until being entirely refurbished eight years ago by the current owner. Local stone and Collyweston slate have been used to restore the exterior of the Grade II listed property whilst internally it has been converted into an impressive family home with flexible reception space and extensive bedroom accommodation. Inspired by the original Georgian style, solid oak six-panel doors, sash windows, cornicing and mouldings have been replaced and mixed with a distinctive contemporary design whilst the property now benefits from modern features. EPC – C.

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1 EAST COURT, BURLEY ON THE HILL

GUIDE PRICE £565,000

A Superb Conversion of Part of the East Court to the Grade I Palladian Mansion House.

THE GRANARY, THE OLD HALL STABLES, LANGHAM A Superb Conversion of a Grade II Listed Granary.

King West St Marys Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DE Telephone: (01780) 484520 email: stamford@kingwest.co.uk www.kingwest.co.uk

GUIDE PRICE £390,000

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ALDGATE HOUSE, ALDGATE, KETTON

GUIDE PRICE £695,000

A Superb Period Detached Stone Village House.

THE OLD GRANARY, EMPINGHAM A Substantial Barn Conversion with Far Reaching Views.

GUIDE PRICE £795,000

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THE OLD FORGE, 11A WELL CROSS, EDITH WESTON

ÂŁ695.00 pcm

We are pleased to offer this well presented cottage located in the beautiful village of Edith Weston, close to the shores of Rutland Water.

The accommodation comprises of:- Open plan lounge/kitchen with integrated cooker hob and washing machine, utility room, two double bedrooms the master having en-suite facilities and family bathroom. To the rear of the property is a small private courtyard. On street parking is available.

1 STAR LANE, STAMFORD

ÂŁ695.00 pcm

This newly built property is located close to the Town centre and offers spacious accommodation. The accommodation comprises of :Open plan lounge/kitchen with integrated appliances and French doors to the rear, cloakroom, two double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes in the master with en-suite facility and family bathroom.

Knight Partnership 3 Red Lion Street, Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 1PA Telephone: (01780) 765060 www.knightpartnership.com

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WALNUT COTTAGE, LITTLE BYTHAM

Guide ÂŁ925,000

In a private, south facing setting, enjoying wonderful views over its own grounds and farmland beyond, this substantial and beautifully presented residence is set in approximately 3.7 acres with stream and Japanese bridge, stables and a 6 car garage. Extended and developed over recent years to accommodate family and business requirements, the contemporary accommodation extends to about 4,500 sq ft with the principal rooms enjoying the southerly aspect and far reaching views. Reception hall, with bespoke steel and glass spiral staircase, four reception rooms, five bedrooms, four bathrooms including Master and guest bedrooms with en-suite facility.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

AT A TOP 20 FIRM To meet the demands of its growing business Saffery Champness is looking for personnel at all levels from school leavers with A-levels seeking to enter the accountancy profession right through to experienced senior staff...

O

riginally founded in 1855, Saffery Champness is an independent top 20 firm of chartered accountants with nine offices across the UK and offices in Guernsey, Geneva and Zurich. In addition it has worldwide associations in more than 100 countries through member firms of Nexia International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and consulting firms.

Saffery Champness focuses particularly on advising owner-managed businesses in a variety of commercial sectors as well as wealthy individuals, families and trusts, charities, other not-for-profit organisations and landed estates.

The firm’s network of UK offices ensures that it can provide a local service backed by the expertise of a major national practice.

The Peterborough office was originally established in 1995.

Like all the firm’s local offices it is committed to providing a service based on professionalism and integrity; standards which are designed to ensure that clients get the most from Saffery Champness’ experience and expertise.

Peterborough-based partner Stephen Collins said: “We are proud to have held Investor In People status since 1997 and to be regularly included in the list of Britain's top employers.

“Our people are encouraged to broaden their expertise and to develop the appropriate interpersonal, managerial and business skills.”

“All staff can take advantage of a range of training programmes, career moves and secondments, which are all designed to enhance personal effectiveness, technical and business skills.”

The firm’s offices in Peterborough combine the historic architecture of a listed railway building with a high standard of interior design to provide an open and modern working environment. The facilities include a suite of meeting rooms named Mallard, Rocket and Pullman, after the distinguished locomotives and rolling stock, which pay tribute to the building’s heritage.

Mr Collins said: “Our new offices provide an ideal working environment located close to some of the city's highest profile companies and professional service firms, at the heart of the city's business community.

“And being right alongside the railway station gives us easy access to colleagues and clients in London and the rest of the UK.” Saffery Champness Chartered Accountants, unex house, bourges boulevard, peterborough pe1 1ng Telephone for more details on 01733 353300 or visit our website www.saffery.com.

Main image: Saffery Champness Peterborough partners Jane Hill and Stephen Collins (front) with colleagues in the company’s recently-opened offices near Peterborough railway station.

Top Right: Stephen Collins, partner in the Peterborough office of Saffery Champness.

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rosemary conLey

The die T and FiTness experT

The county’s Rosemary Conley was awarded by a CBE in the 2004 New Year’s Honours and has over 40 years experience as the UK’s leading diet and fitness expert.

Words: Rob Davis

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A RENDEZvOUS WITH

Rosemary Conley Spring into action now and you’ll look good and feel great in plenty of time for summer. This month we enjoy a spring dog walk with Rosemary Conley - who we think is the UK’s most trustworthy expert for diet and fitness advice that really works...

T

he world of dieting and fitness is replete with misconceptions, falsehoods, diets that don’t achieve the desired results and fitness products that don’t work as well as they claim. Thankfully, for over four decades, Rosemary Conley has been offering advice that’s safe and easy to follow, and more importantly, advice that really does work. What’s more, the diet and fitness expert assured us that with just a little effort over the spring season, anyone can see a dramatic improvement in their health and appearance in plenty of time for the summer months.

“Your motivation is at its greatest in the first couple of weeks.” she says. “I usually advocate a short sharp regime that will begin to give visible results after just a couple of weeks. That provides the encouragement and motivation you need to sustain your efforts.”

After that, it’s important to make a plan and create simple rules you can follow - taking 30 minutes exercise each day, cutting your portions by a quarter, or giving up alcohol mid-week, for example.

The idea is that, in conjunction with an activity you find enjoyable, the reward of being able to see the results of your lifestyle changes will spur you on to continue your efforts.

Motivation and Dieting “Dieting is as much about your head as it is your body.”

Diet and Food says Rosemary as we joined her for a spring dog walk Rosemary’s seminal book, The Hip and Thigh Diet, with labradors BB & Sky, and Waise, her Lurcher Whippet published in 1998 went on to sell over 2,000,000 copies, and cross recently.

“For most people, the desire to diet is acute, “For more people, the desire to diet is something rather than chronic. It’s usually the result of seeing some footage of themselves on acute rather than chronic. It’s the result of seeing holiday or an unflattering photograph.”

unflattering photographs or footage of themselves.

In order to sustain a healthier lifestyle, But a healthy lifestyle should be sustainable, Rosemary says, you should make changes that are easy to live with. Walking her dogs not something that serves as a quick fix...” is an activity Rosemary loves and describes the effect of just half an hour each day as ‘amazing.’ strongly influences her new book, The FAB (that’s Fat Since her appearance on Dancing on Ice last year she has Attack Booster) Diet, which launched last month. The book taken up skating, with great enthusiasm, and was leaving for offers a diet that is easy to stick to with over 50 choices for Austria for a skating and skiing break just after our interview. healthy breakfasts, lunch options and dinner suggestions.

Finding an activity you love makes your lifestyle changes The plan advocates an allocation of 1,200 calories for the more successful and more sustainable. first fortnight; 1,400 thereafter, with 200, 300 and 400 Fast Results calories for breakfast, lunch and dinner, power-snacks and Diets that promise quick fixes are often unrealistic, however milk permitted in-between and a high fat treat or alcohol Rosemary does believe in ensuring you can at least begin to permitted after the first couple of weeks. Thereafter, a see the results of your work as quickly as possible. personal FAB plan is based on the individual’s basal metabolic rate to create a tailored plan.

According to Rosemary, making changes to how you look and feel about your body is 50% will-power or motivation, “The FAB Diet speeds up your rate of weight loss like never then 25% diet and 25% exercise. before. It’s so versatile and caters for all tastes and lifestyles.

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RENDEZvOUS

>> “Just walking the dog each day can be absolutely health-transforming.” says Rosemary. “The best way to get exercise is to do something you love. That’s why our exercise classes work so well. They’re as much of an opportunity to socialise and support each other. I still do classes twice a week and absolutely love it.”

Enjoyable Ways to Kick-Start your Healthy Lifestyle Here, Rosemary suggests five healthy ways to spend your bank holiday with the family, appreciating all the county has to offer and enjoying some exercise in the process.

If you’re looking for other ways to get fit, Rosemary’s website (www.rosemaryconley.com) offers a searchable directory of fitness classes across the county. Alternatively, her TV channel (www.rosemaryconley.tv) broadcasts online and offers participatory channels for aerobic, toning and family fitness, whilst her new DVD, Kardy-O-Fun has three ‘chapters’ - easy, classic and peak - which can burn off 500 calories with fun workouts you can enjoy in your own home.

£Walking the dog shouldn’t be a chore, it should be a pleasure!

What’s more, doing so for 20 minutes can burn over 100 calories.

Starting a healthier lifestyle - and seeing results in time for summer - can be really enjoyable.

With two bank holidays coming up, we’ ve asked Rosemary for five ways to burn calories this spring... £A family bike ride at Rutland Water lasting four hours will burn 4,000 calories!

Hire your bikes from Whitwell or Normanton (www.rutland cycling.com) and cycle seven, 10 or 25 miles tracks, or just go as far as you feel comfortable.

£Look out for charity fun-runs such as this month’s British Heart Foundation Fun Run or Cancer Research’s UK’s Race for Life which, at 5-10km are gentle but rewarding events that also raise money for charity.

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£With the capital just a 45 minute train ride from Stamford, sightseeing in London can burn loads of calories whilst you walk around.

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lOSE WEIGHT AND GET FIT IN TIME FOR SUMMER

Diet and Fitness Advice from Rosemary Conley Introduce the children to gardening this month - digging borders or planting tubs burns 10 calories a minute, using a lawnmower five calories a minute, and three hours of weeding will burn 800 calories!

In addition, you can teach children to grow their own vegetables, bringing knowledge of nutrition and science into the activity too...

Rosemary Conley’s FAB Diet Book (Arrow, £6.99) and Rosemary Conley’s Kardy-OFun DVD with Kardy Laguda (£9.99) are both available by calling 0870 050 7727 or at www.rosemaryconley.com.

The Fat Attack Booster diet promises a better body and healthier lifestyle in time for summer. For details of Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs in the county call 01509 620222 or visit www.rosemaryconley.com.

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TO VIEW ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVENT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Kilts were optional (especially for photographers, thankfully!).

THE EVENT William Cecil Burns Night Over 110 guests recently enjoyed the hospitality of Stamford’s William Cecil on Burns Night.

The celebration of the Scottish Poet saw host Glynis Sullivan-Porteous welcome a troupe of dancers from the Encore Dance Academy in Glinton, and Deeping Piper Edmund Fiddy to the boutique hotel, which was refurbished in 2011. The menu included Cock-a-Leekie Soup, Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, Cranachan, and there was a traditional address to the Haggis with a toast to the lassie. Regrettably, the exact composition of the hotel’s (potent) Burns Juice remains a trade secret!

Words and Photos: Rob Davis

Beautiful black dresses were complemented with lots of tartan.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

Deeping Piper Edmund Fiddy.

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THE EvENT William

Cecil Burns Night

Dancers from the Encore Dance Academy.

A snowy but very pretty William Cecil.

Guests enjoyed Burns Juice - the exact recipe is a William Cecil trade secret!

View all the photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the hotel’s lounge with its huge open fire.

A three course meal was held in the hotel’s marquee.

Over 110 guests attended the William Cecil’s Burns Night.

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THE EvENT William

Cecil Burns Night

Guests braved snow and ice - as the temperature fell to -5째!

Couples gathered at the black tie event late in January.

A three course meal included Neeps & Tatties and Haggis.

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>>

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RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

THE MARQUESS OF EXETER at lyddington, near Uppingham

one oF ruTLand’s mosT renoWned cheFs This monTh inTroduces his pub, and expLains Why iT’s boTh The hub oF The communiTy in LyddingTon, and a greaT pLace For diners From across ruTLand To FeeL WeLcome...

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The restaurant offers a set lunch option in addition to Ă la carte dining seven days a week...

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RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

Dine in a spacious, light restaurant or in one of two cosy bars.

D

oes your local pub stock freshly made pickles and chutneys, or sell the vegetables grown in its kitchen garden? Can you purchase croissants or pain au chocolate from them for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast? Has the chef patron of your local ever whipped you up something for a dinner party dessert you can enjoy at home?

The restaurant’s thick rustic tables, open fires and flagstones are the perfect environment in which to enjoy Brian’s unpretentious country food.

You can, if your local is Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter.

Its amenable staff are happy to do any of the above, as the venue wants to spearhead a return to the traditional role of the village pub in rural communities - the idea of the ‘pub as a hub.’

In an era and an area in which people travel miles to dine at a pub with the kind of reputation that the Marquess enjoys, it’s nice that the place still wants to look after its locals. It goes to show from the very moment you walk through the door.

Entering the Grade II listed building, created in the 1600s from honey-colour local stone, it has a comfortable, warming feel right from the outset. There’s original beams and mullioned windows, and during our visit in late January, a uniform line of icicles clung to the eves. Once inside the bar’s massive open fire consumes thick, hefty logs whilst heating the flagstones and providing much-welcome cosiness during our visit as fluffy white snow gave way to slush.

The idea of a pub designed for locals and diners from the wider area alike is quaint, but in fairness The Marquess of Exeter does have a significant ace up its sleeve in the form of chef patron Brian Baker who is universally popular as a chef who’s more than happy to serve as the area’s unofficial ambassador for good food.

Having started his working life in one of Rutland’s most renowned butchers, Brian went on to be Head Chef at Hambleton Hall for a number years following which he acted as personal chef to Elton John and fashion designer Valentino.

Spearheading the development of The Criterion and The Abingdon in Kensington were his next challenge and then managing events for some of the largest blue chip companies in the UK kept him very busy up until his welcome return in 2003 to The Fox and Hounds in Knossington, Rutland.

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This spread: Starter, Main Course and Pudding.

Our Bruschetta was followed by Grilled Rib of Derbyshire Beef, Béarnaise Sauce, Pomme Frites and Green Salad.

A Baked Orange Cheesecake with Orange Curd and Orange Sorbet finished off our meal beautifully.

Brian first came across the Marquess of Exeter in 2009 and embarked upon a comprehensive refurbishment of the original building at the front which comprises two bar areas and a cosy snug, and the later addition which includes the 86-seater main restaurant serviced by his 20-strong brigade.

He also oversaw the refurbishment of the 17 boutique hotel rooms and the creation of a kitchen garden to provide some of the fresh local produce he uses in the kitchen.

Brian’s dishes comprise traditional, unpretentious home-cooked fare with a contemporary twist - and plenty of finesse, flair and flavour to match its environment.

“We offer a relaxed, immersive atmosphere, an inviting, informal ambience, attentive service.” says Brian. “We think it’s the perfect restaurant choice for a great dining experience.”

Daytime service is by way of a set lunch menu at £12.95 and £15.95 for two and three courses respectively with diners choosing from three starter, main course and dessert options.

An à la carte menu serves diners at lunchtime and during evening service with around eight starters, ten mains and six desserts.

THE MARQUESS OF EXETER lyddington, near Uppingham 30

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The Marquess of Exeter is all about feel-good dining, with quality English food in a relaxed setting...

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Sample M enu £ STARTERS Bruschetta bruschetta of roast mushroom with sun-blush Tomatoes and Welsh rarebit.

£6.25

Salmon chargrilled smoked salmon with roasted red peppers and chilli & garlic Flakes.

£6.50

Squid crispy salt and chilli squid salad.

£7.25

£ MAINS Sharing Dish for Two £38 grilled rib of derbyshire beef, béarnaise sauce, pomme Frites and green salad. linguine King prawn Linguine with Tomato, garlic and chilli oil.

£14.25

Breast of Chicken £13.25 roast breast of chicken stuffed with black pudding, creamy Leeks and sundried Tomatoes.

Cod Fillet roasted Fillet of cod with clams, mussels and creamy White Wine sauce.

£15.95

£ PUDDING Crème Brulée

£6.25

Sorbet homemade blackberry and apple sorbet.

£6.25

Cheesecake baked orange cheesecake with orange curd and orange sorbet.

£6.25

Cheese selection of local farmhouse cheeses with homemade chutney, also available for sale at the bar, and home-made oatcakes.

£7.50

£ OPENING TIMES LUNCH 12PM-2.30PM MONDAy TO SATURDAy 12PM-3PM SUNDAy DINNER 6.30PM-9.30PM MONDAy TO SATURDAy 6.30PM-9PM SUNDAy

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RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

Menus are created twice a day in line with the produce that comes through the door so Brian can create a menu that exploits that day’s best ingredients whilst ensuring variety for regular diners.

Local suppliers include Launde Farm for lamb, Derbyshire’s Richard Taylor for rare breed beef - including the venue’s epic Grilled Rib sharing dish - and local shoots who supply game when in season.

The restaurant also has around ten chickens and rears its own pork - with British Blacks, Parsley and Thyme, having just been dispatched to the great sty in the sky in order to service the restaurant’s spring diners.

A wine list comprises 21 whites, 24 reds and a selection of champagnes, dessert wines and digestifs. Keenly priced from around £15, even top of the line wines such as a 2008 Nuits St George red or Meursault premier cru white burgundy still remain around the £60 mark. Alternatively, local ales and ciders are offered at the bar too.

Back in the kitchen Brian’s efforts are unsurpassed, with bread baked freshly each day, ices & sorbets - even the chocolate truffles served with coffee - all produced in the kitchen.

Following a theme of promoting food made completely in house, Brian also hosts his own cookery demonstrations, with the next few dates confirmed as Monday 6th May with a theme of Best Bank Holiday Barbecues, Monday 16th September with a theme of Ready Steady Cook and Monday 11th November with the theme of Proper Party Food.

Each is an opportunity to replicate the kind of dishes you’ll find on the Marquess’s menus. It’s also a chance to take a few tips from a professional chef as to how to make each dish as easy as possible to make barbecues and parties easier to prepare for - Brian is an advocate of easy, enjoyable food.

“We’re in a commuter belt, so we’ve a number of people who come to us having dined in fairly formal places in the city all week.” says Brian.

“When they come to us, they want a more casual, relaxed experience; to be able to relax and enjoy a slower, more informal pace of dining, whilst still enjoying great food.

That’s what we’re all about.”

A high profile chef in a down-to-earth environment is a great combination, hence this month’s recommendation to sample Brian’s food for yourself. After all, if it’s good enough for Elton and Valentino, it’s good enough for us!

Opposite: The frosty entrance to the pub gave way to crackling open fires and great food.

THE MARQUESS OF EXETER lyddington, near Uppingham

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

01572 822 477

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

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

www.marquessexeter.co.uk bookings@marquessexeter.co.uk

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17th Century Pub | Restaurant | Hotel

Lunch for Even Less Continues...

March is your last chance to join us for our fantastic lunch for even less offer. Ending on 30th March, you can enjoy a delicious 2 x course lunch for £12.95 or 3 x course lunch for £15.95 Monday-Saturday.

Our Cooking Demonstrations Our renowned Proprietor & Chef Brian Baker will be hosting a number of fantastic cooking demonstrations in 2013; our next is on Monday 6th May at 5pm and is a great one for the boys; Best Bank Holiday Barbecue!

It’s £35 per person and includes dinner with a glass of wine, or a pint.

52 Main Street, Lyddington, Uppingham LE15 9LT Call for bookings: 01572 822 477, www.marquessexeter.co.uk.

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week | 17 Modern Bedrooms | Four AA Star Rated

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Sample Dishes

SAMPlE DISHES

SPRING FISH Good Friday will prove even better when fresh fish is on the menu. This month we ask the county’s chefs to create a selection of starters and main courses utilising the fresh fruit de la mers... photos: Rob Davis

Crispy Salt and Chilli Squid Salad The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington - 01572 822477.

<< Seared Scallops with Apple and Black Pudding The George of Stamford 01780 750750.

>> Salad of Cornish Crab with Brown Meat Ice Cream.

Hambleton Hall - 01572 756991.

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SAMPlE DISHES

<< Pork Belly with Squid Ink Pasta and Crayfish.

Barnsdale Lodge, Exton 01572 724678.

<< Pan fried Sea Bass with Courgette Salad, Lemon and Sesame Dressing.

The Jackson Stops, Stretton - 01780 410237.

Salad of Smoked Salmon and Beetroot from the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new season menus.

The Brasserie, Barnsdale Hall Hotel Exton - 01572 757901.

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TheWineCellar

High quality wines are more accessible than ever, but what’s life without a little indulgence, asks wine expert Ben Straw? This month we profile luxury wine just perfect for the occasional treat...

Domaine Bertheau Bonnes-Mare Grand Cru 2004 - £105.95 The 6.5 hectares of this domaine are scattered over 53 different parcels.

François produces some of the purest wines in Chambolle-Musigny.

The wine is elegant and feminine with amazing complexity, depth and clarity. Shows soft red fruit flavours and a very faint hint of oak.

Domaine des Lambrays Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru les Folatieres 2004 - £63.95 Thierry Brouin’s near perfectly sited estate produces wines that are lush, long and elegant.

This example has a lovely nose, showing minerals and white peaches.

The fruit is also readily present on the palate.

Citrus with firm acidity and intense.

Tokay Classic Winery Tokaji Aszu 5 puttonyos, Hungary - £31.99 (50cl) Blending the local varietals Furmint, Hárslevelü and Muskotály (a Muscat clone) this dessert wine justly deserves it’s reputation. Rich, smooth and beautifully rounded in the mouth. Fresh apricot and citrus flavours are all present in an enveloping and long lasting mouthful.

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, South Africa - £19.95 Working only with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties, the Hamilton Russell family has found the perfect cool climate site in South Africa and are creating wines of exceptional complexity and finesse.

Focused by bright natural acidity and a long, dry minerality.

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneufdu-Pape 2005 - £49 Incredibly difficult to source outside of London, if you get the opportunity to try this wine don’t turn it down! The Brunier brothers run this magnificent estate and produce one of the best Châteauneuf-du-Papes in existence. Powerful and well-structured, with vibrant brambly fruit.

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WeLcome home

Designer Living

AT WALNUT LoDGE 40

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Walnut Lodge is now on the market with Stamford’s Knight Partnership for £925,000 and features four reception rooms, five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

WaLnuT Lodge

THIS MoNTH’S FEATURED PRoPERTY IS A HoUSE THAT LITERALLY GREW UP FRoM THE IMAGINATIoN oF DESIGNER JACQUI AND HUSBAND STEWART WARING, WITH A TRANQUIL CoUNTRY VISTA 41

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E

very so often a property comes onto the market which really does deserve to be called a designer home. There’s little wonder that following its refurbishment, Walnut Lodge has become one such property, given their joint interest and with Jacqui’s background, in art & design.

The couple moved to the area 25 years ago after Stewart left the RAF to continue his flying career in civil aviation.

The geographical location of Walnut Lodge was important as good commuting times to various airports by road and rail was essential.

A very important consideration in the development was to make the most of natural light, this helps to create an environment conducive to creative work and, of course, opens up those great rural views.

Especially bright, and a real architectural feature, is the property’s spacious entrance hall with its glass and stainless steel spiral staircase and solid ash floor.

Off the entrance hall is a contemporary drawing room with double aspect windows and doors which open onto a large south facing terrace taking full advantage of panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

After a long search they found a beautiful, if slightly smaller, Walnut lodge offers enviable views and versatile single storey home close to the border of Rutland and in 2000 accommodation, extended by a whole level to include embarked on an impressive a master suite and office space that takes advantage refurbishment and expansion of the property, adding another storey and a new roof, to create a of the surrounding countryside... country home that now has over 4,500 sq ft of accommodation over two floors with A large dining room on the other side of the house has an spectacular views over the countryside. open fire which makes it a lovely cosy space for those fresh The expansion, which took two years to complete, allowed spring days. The modern kitchen was installed by John Lewis Jacqui to house her graphic design business in the property’s and has high-gloss ash laminate doors, Corian toppers and 35ft studio and meet clients in a dedicated space with its own sinks, as well as premium appliances from names like seperate access.

Britannia and Bosch.

“It’s a really versatile property both inside and out.” says Jacqui.

“You really can adapt the space to suit your lifestyle, it offers accommodation that was designed with flexibility in mind.”

There’s also a fully fitted utility with double butler sinks, a rear lobby/bootroom and a good sized conservatory with fully enclosed garden.

The entrance hall features a bespoke curved glass and stainless steel spiral staircase designed by Jacqui in collaboration with Midas Engineering of Peterborough.

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The sitting room features a ceramic floor with a large terrace and spectacular views over adjacent farmland.

WaLnuT Lodge 45

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WELCOME HOME

On the first floor we find the property’s huge studio space with its cathedral ceiling, there is also an adjacent archive room/ library. The separate study has a large fitted bookcase and the views to the south make this one of the property’s most pleasing rooms.

The master bedroom has a full en-suite together with a dressing area. Also on the first floor is an additional bathroom with walk in shower.

Outside, the paddock, taking up some of the property’s 3.7 acres, has a stable block comprising two loose boxes and tack room, so there’s plenty of room for those with equestrian interests. Jacqui kept her own horse for over 20 years and enjoyed the excellent hacking opportunities around the property.

Walnut Lodge’s pretty stream which bisects the land provides clean fresh water for horses, whilst the recent addition of a Japanese bridge has been very popular with the family dogs who never did like getting their feet wet!

“It’s a great property for those who love wildlife.” she says.

“There are ducks and moorhens on the stream; every season brings different things to look out for, including deer and if you’re lucky, the electric blue flash of a kingfisher.”

Seeking a move to the South West, the couple have put the house on the market but know they will miss the house - and the surrounding countryside - a great deal.

“I’d definitely say the house is unique!” says Jacqui. “It’s a great size, the location’s perfect for a growing family and the accommodation offers the opportunity to adapt to individual needs. We hope the next owners love it as much as we do!”

Walnut Lodge, Little Bytham Owners: Stewart and Jacqui Waring.

Style: Extended and improved country home set in 3.7 acres with equine facilties.

Receptions: Four, currently arranged as sitting room, dining room, study and studio.

The kitchen features ash coloured high gloss cabinetry and Corian toppers.

Bedrooms: Five, with two en suites.

Other features: 35ft studio space with separate entrance. Stableblock and paddock with stream.

Guide Price: £925,000.

Estate Agency: Knight Partnership, 3 Red Lion Street Stamford, PE9 1PA. Telephone: 01780 765060.

Website: www.knightpartnership.com.

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BEAUTIFUl HOMES

A Brand New Room A trio of Rutland businesses are now working together to create a new room for your home with bespoke oak buildings from Natural Structures, beautiful interiors from Maison plus high-end kitchens and bathrooms from Sherwin Hall...

Creating Your Space: Natural Structures will create your bespoke oak building, whilst Maison Interiors will create your interior and Sherwin Hall will design your kitchen - a trio of business all working in partnership means less hassle and a faster completion.

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THREE RUTlAND BUSINESSES WORK TOGETHER

Create a Beautiful New Room in your Home

£ NATURAL STRUCTURES Market Harborough based Natural Structures will design, create and erect your bespoke oak building or extension. Call 01858 545518 for details.

£ MAISON Maison Interiors incorporates Michael John Flooring and provides bespoke soft furnishings, individually designed hand-made sofas, as well as providing interior design and carpets & flooring. Call 01162 712584.

One room, three experts, and less hassle for you!

That’s the aim of a new team who want to create beautiful new rooms in your home. Natural Structures is based near Market Harborough and creates beautiful bespoke oak buildings for clients across Rutland.

Meanwhile, Maison Interiors of Oadby are specialists in bespoke furniture, fabrics, soft furnishings and wallpaper.

With an interior design service and full project management the two businesses are teaming up to create new rooms ‘from start to finish’ offering full project management to take the hassle out of extending your home.

With kitchen specialist Sherwin Hall on board too, the trio of businesses can also add the creation of bespoke kitchens in your room to their range of capabilities as well.

Working together, the three business can liaise with customers to create anything from extensions to complete homes without the need for additional architects and with all building, roofing, kitchen, electrical, gas, plumbing and decorating contractors co-ordinated for you.

Meanwhile, in-house interior designers Maison can create bespoke sofas, solid timber furniture, and the firm has a range of carpets and flooring solutions too. They can advise, source and install each element for a look that suits your new room from mood board to sign-off.

Maison also has a range of lighting, fabrics & wallpapers and accessories to ensure you choose the look you want and your room is delivered on time and on budget without the hassle of chasing contractors or suppliers.

“It’s a great way to work - less hassle for the customer, with your room delivered without the usual hassle of trying to pull everything together.” say Simon Lewington of Natural Structures and Simon Manley of Maison Interiors.

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KITCHEN STylE

INDUSTRIAl CHIC A debut for a new top of the range kitchen design which combines tough stainless steel with stylish high gloss laminates and oak finishes.

Perfect for those seeking a stylish, modern and rugged high-end kitchen with industrial chic...

NGI Design’s design guru Neil Partridge has added the Kalea kitchen to the company’s contemporary, luxurious portfolio of Italian kitchen ranges.

Kalea by Cesar is the latest design in a string of beautiful ranges offered by the Stamford showroom, which provides a wealth of ideas for contemporary homes.

“In an effort to break away from standard, linear designs, Kalea offers a really pleasing mix of traditional and contemporary styles.”

“Kalea’s doors adds a touch of style, giving the design a very light and elegant appeal but it’s hard-wearing and practical too. It’s a great design for families and those who want to exploit an ‘industrial chic’ look.”

Kalea is available in a range of finishes including matrix laminates, silk effect laminates, gloss and in sixteen additional shades. It’s shown here in Old America Oak with a stainless worktop.

Available from NGI Design, the Kalea kitchen retails from around £20,000.

more information: 4-6 High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF. Tel: 01780 766 899. www.ngidesign.co.uk

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For more information see www.ngidesign.co.uk

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KITCHEN STylE

with NGI Design

is not just a kitchen showroom - it offers high-end on-trend designer NGI Design NGI products for every room in the house; here are a few examples...

Bettina by Alessi from a selection of cutlery £205.

Raimond by Moooi lights. £1,100 (pendant).

Spun by Magis stools; £320.

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KITCHEN STylE

A ClASSIC KITCHEN Traditional style for period properties but with modern features and technology - Nathaniel oliver’s enduringly traditional and full-bodied kitchen is set within a timber frame and combines forward thinking design with traditional craftsmanship...

A great looking kitchen needn’t look thoroughly modern with shimmering high gloss and conspicuous technology. The quality of Nathaniel Oliver’s range of traditional designs prove that peerless craftsmanship can combine beautifully with modern features.

“We’ve over 40 years experience designing traditional modern furniture and have 10 examples of our work in our Oakham showroom.” says the firm’s Gary Noble.

The company designed this example to reconcile Georgian architecture with current kitchen trends. It provides a space for casual dining, makes the most of natural light and ensures a sense of continuity with the property’s architecture using traditional tongue-and-groove construction, and carvings that match in with the property’s elaborate architraves.

“We pride ourselves in producing the best quality kitchens but also in ensuring the service we offer is the most attentive too, with a full service from design to installation with all building, electrical, plumbing and tiling tradespeople fully project managed.” more information: Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver, Braunston Road, Oakham LE15 8UH. Tel: 01572 722 636. www.kitchensbynathanieloliver.co.uk.

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For more information see www.kitchensbynathanieloliver.co.uk

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KITCHEN STylE

Kitchenaid Artisan stand mixer, ÂŁ429.

Emma Bridgewater mugs from a selection at Sarah Harding Interiors, Uppingham.

Fresh Cream We present our favourite designers and appliances to show that whilst some trends come and go, quality will be in fashion for ever...

with Nathaniel Oliver

Dualit toaster ÂŁ145, www.oldrids.co.uk.

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KITCHEN STylE

STAINlESS STylE Reconciling a traditional sage colour with modern stainless steel highlights, designer Sarah Devonport has created an amazing kitchen with a wealth of storage, easy to clean granite surfaces and a clean, modern look...

Devonports are experts when it comes to creating kitchens that look great and work well in a family home. Here, they’ve presented us with one of the season’s best looks in the form of the Canterbury range’s olive and pebble kitchen with stainless steel handles.

“The products we use are sourced from the best UK kitchen furniture manufacturers, and allow us to provide a really broad range of products but with the kind of service you’d expect from a family-run independent retailer.” says Sarah.

“We’ve designs by Cucina Colore - an Italian inspired contemporary collection - and English Revival; a hand finished in-frame range with a traditional style.”

The company stocks designer taps by Franke and Hansgrohe, appliances from Neff, Siemens and Miele, and the latest work surface technology with names like Corian and Silestone.

Customers will enjoy Devonports’s in-house design service, in-house fitters and full project management to ensure the quality of the firm’s service matches the quality of its products. more information: Devonports Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms, 45 Bridge Street, Deeping St James PE6 8HA. Tel: 01778 346415. www.devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk.

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For more information see www.devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk

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KITCHEN STylE

Sage Advice Cookware, tableware and appliances to make the most of Sarah’s beautiful sage green kitchen accent...

with Devonports

Delonghi Icona kettle in unique sage green; £82; www.johnlewis.com.

Le Creuset cookware in Nutmeg; £85 (16cm) - £105 (£20cm); www.lecreuset.co.uk

Denby Orchard 27cm plate, £9, bowls £9, accent plate £11, jugs £16-£25 www.denby.co.uk.

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KITCHEN STylE

MARINE STylE Mark Fordham’s marine-inspired kitchen is bright and beautiful. But underneath the traditional look is the designer’s Dynamic Space standard, which aims to make your kitchen more practical and easy to use than ever...

Mark Fordham understands how modern families use their kitchen, and has created an award-winning line of kitchens incorporating his Dynamic Space standard.

Dynamic Space is a design concept integrated into all of Mark’s kitchens which provides better organisation and access through clever features like configurable internal drawer dividers, and bottle pull-outs for storing oils and sauces.

‘Zones’ are created with task-specific design features for cooking, food preparation, cleaning, consumables and non-consumables with clever features for better usability and hygiene.

“We’ve 30 years experience producing great looking kitchens but we want all of our rooms to be practical and easy to use too. That means making them clever and easy to maintain.” says Mark.

“I can provide your new room and make sure it’s the heart of your home from drawing board to installation. As winners of the Kitchen Industry National Customer Service Award, we can ensure you’ve a room that looks great, works well but one that’s less stressful to achieve too.” more information: Mark Fordham Kitchens.

The Showroom, New Road, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HL. Tel: 01780 482892. www.fordhamkitchensltd.co.uk.

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For more information see www.fordhamkitchensltd.co.uk

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KITCHEN STylE

with Fordham Kitchens

Clockwatching Quality kitchen clocks that are on-time and on-trend, a perfect match for your blue colour scheme...

Thomas Kent from a selection, £17; www.oldrids.co.uk.

Newgate Ice Cream clock, £54.99; www.beauperry.co.uk.

Blue dome clock, £25; www.marksandspencer.com.

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KITCHEN STylE

TECHNOlOGy TAMED The latest gadgets, inconspicuously incorporated into a kitchen that features the very highest standards of craftsmanship. The Fitted Furniture Company create inspirational bespoke furniture for their clients with both technology and tradition as standard...

Technology meets Tradition with The Fitted Furniture Company’s craftsmanship and this beautiful blend of materials combining with the latest integrated, useful technology.

With 21 years of experience, the firm works from purpose built workshops at Racecourse Farm.

The craftsmen install their own work, all of which have been personally tailored to clients’ specifications from initial design to installation.

Every piece is lovingly built to last using traditional methods in solid hard woods such as English oak, walnut, maple, ash or cherry and each is hand painted or naturally finished.

At the same time they make the most of innovation, utilising the latest in modern furniture technology such as soft-close drawers and pull-out storage solutions, boiling water taps, Miele appliances and LED lighting systems.

The Fitted Furniture Company’s philosophy remains with traditional values of service and craftsmanship. Quite simply, the company is passionate about furniture.

more information: Racecourse Road, Easton-on-the-Hill, PE9 3NT. Tel: 01780 480080. www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com.

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For more information see www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com

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KITCHEN STylE

Tap Trio Designer style for your sink - but this trio of taps are smarter than your average examples with boiling or filtered water on demand...

with The Fitted Furniture Company

No more limescale; Brita tap with in-built filter system; RRP £279 www.brita.co.uk.

Kill the kettle; ondemand boiling water tap by Quooker RRP £850; www.quooker shop.co.uk.

Franke chef’s tap with pull-out nozzle RRP £300 available from www.franke.com.

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KITCHEN STYLE

COMPACT STYLE Beautifully designed and completely bespoke with solid cabinets hand-made in Leicestershire. This Jeffrey Stone kitchen revitalised a dark Victorian terraced house with a fresh, bright kitchen that makes the most of available space with clever storage...

Bright and beautiful, Jeffrey Stone’s bespoke blue kitchen shown here was installed in a terraced house on Stamford’s Ryhall Road.

With over 25 years experience in the restoration of period properties, and the creation of bespoke kitchens, working with budgets from £15,000 to £40,000, Jeffrey is used to completing ambitious refurbishment projects, and this project was no exception. A new kitchen and bathroom were installed in a large glass-extension, creating a fresh, bright space for its family.

Floor to ceiling cabinetry and a large island - incorporating no fewer than eight drawers plus large pan cupboards and floating oak shelves created plenty of practical storage spaces.

With integrated appliances including dishwasher, fridge freezer and waste bin, plus a Franke designer sink, granite and solid oak work surfaces and easy-clean glass splashbacks, it’s tough enough to stand up to family life. However, with a bright blue colour scheme and underfloor heating, it’s also cosy and great fun to work in.

Specialising in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms as well as wine cellars and home cinemas, Jeffrey Stone has the project management skills and the flair for design to make your next kitchen simply stunning.

More Information: Jeffrey Stone Design 01780 762 505 or 07949 861 753.

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KITCHEN STYLE

True Blue Carry on your colour scheme with a beautiful range of duck-egg blue accessories and appliances...

Le Creuset cookware in Coastal Blue; Mug £12, Plate £10, Dish £27. www.lecreuset.co.uk.

Kitchenaid Artisan stand mixer, in Crystal Blue from Oldrids; £429, www.oldrids.co.uk.

with Jeffrey Stone Design

Aga Total Control in Duck Egg blue, £9,895; www.agaliving.com.

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Business Feature

Oakham Oriental Rugs

A TRADITIoN oF RUGS LUxURIoUS oRIENTAL RUGS ARE A GREAT WAY oF ADDING WARMTH AND LUxURY To YoUR HoME BUT ALSo REPRESENT THE CULTURE oF THEIR CoUNTRY oF oRIGIN. THEY CAN ALSo BE A GREAT INVESTMENT, So CoNSULTING AN ExPERT BEFoRE YoU CHooSE oNE FoR YoUR HoME IS ESSENTIAL...

Oriental rugs are more than just great accessories for your home. Intrinsically linked to the culture of their county of origin through symbolism and motifs, each is unique and when chosen well, they can make a great investment.

Additionally, owners of country properties and period homes find their larger prints and traditional designs are more suitable than rugs from multinational retailers.

increases, but the height of the pile is a reflection of the country of origin - the cooler the climate the deeper the pile - rather than quality.”

Unlike large retailers, an independent specialist will stock rugs up to a massive 18ft x 12ft - after all, anything less will look unsuitable in a large reception room or entrance hall.

Buying from an independent specialist is crucial, especially if you’re interested in the investment potential of your rug. In Rutland, there’s nobody better to consult than Fiona and Christian Hawker of Oakham Oriental Rugs.

“All our rugs are hand-picked by us so you’re assured of high quality rugs that have been carefully crafted using authentic materials and techniques.” says Fiona. “We’re a family run business and take the extra time to search out each country’s finest examples, most of which are created using traditional methods in small villages across the area.”

“It’s a fascinating culture.” says Fiona. “There are three main methods of constructing a rug; kilim or flat-woven, knotted and tufted. In general, quality is considered to improve as the knot density

“As such, we don’t just offer a really high quality accessory for your home. We offer something with an artistry and culture all of its own, produced by a master craftsman which will look beautiful for years.”

£ AROUND THE WORLD The shop stocks rugs from Afghanistan, Persia and the Orient, hand-picked and imported especially by Fiona and Christian.

£ CARE AND REPAIR As well as being specialist retailers, Fiona can also create a bespoke rug to your specification from a range of samples. The firm can also offer an expert cleaning, repair and valuation service.

£ MORE INFORMATION Visit the shop in The Maltings; Mill St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA. Telephone: 01572 724441.

Web: www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk.

Open Tues-Sat from 10am-5pm.

Words & photos: Rob Davis

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£ POET LAUREATE CAROL ANN DUFFy

£ FIND OUT WHAT THE BUzz IS!

, What s On in March £ THE HONEy BEE

£ FARLEIGH TOWERS

£ THE GOOD GUyS

marie curie cancer care invites you to explore the fascinating world of the honeybee and naturalistic planting.

stage version of a Fawlty Towers, telling the story of put-upon hotelier basil, bossy wife sybil and chambermaid polly... oh, and their hapless waiter manuel! at uppingham Theatre, 15th march and 17th march, £6.00.

professional music in the chapel! it’s going to be a double hit - the most exciting professional big band to hit the streets in years by singers from oakham school’s very own big band!

Learn how to attract these busy, buzzy helpers into your garden and find out how they can benefit your health too. guest speakers at this fun but insightful lecture include george shepherd, a well-known rutland beekeeper and nigel colborn, formerly of gardeners’ Question Time.

The lecture will be based at stamford’s arts centre with booking essential.

Tickets are £15 to include tea, stall and raffle. all proceeds will go to supporting The marie curie nurses. www.discover-rutland.co.uk 01780 763203

www.uppthearts.co.uk

energy, great arrangements and dynamic musicianship give the good guys orchestra its unique style. With a huge playlist, from glenn miller favourites to rat pack and michael bublé too, and with salsa, Latin, funk, jazz and much much more, the good guys guarantee you a fabulous evening of musical entertainment.

Takes place in the chapel at oakham school. Tickets are available from the box office, booking recommended; £10 from 7.45pm. www.wegottickets.com 01572 758820

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WHAT’S ON

£ ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS: MURDER IS AFOOT!

£ DEENE PARK

£ POET LAUREATE

£ GARDEN VISIT

£ MURDER!

uppingham Theatre this month hosts an evening with carol ann duffy. since bursting onto the uK’s poetry scene with standing Female nude, carol, as current poet laureate is the first woman, the first scot, and the first openly gay person to hold the title.

This easter, enjoy the spectacular sight of deene park’s spring flora. Take a stroll around the property and its grounds and see the teapot topiary whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a hot cross bun. bliss! 31st march-1st april, 2pm-5pm, £8.50/adults. between stamford and corby.

There’s murder afoot! but fear not, it’s all in the name of a grand night out at Loughborough’s grand central railway.

The cbe-holding poet can also claim possession of the Ts eliot prize, the pinter prize and has enjoyed an audience with her majesty the Queen. her poetry is also studied by students at both gcse and a Level.

This evening is a chance to hear her read and ask questions, accompanied by flautist John sampson.

Tuesday 5th march, 7pm, uppingham Theatre, £13. www.uppthearts.co.uk 01572 813 200

01780 450278, www.deenepark.com

This month you can enjoy a wartime murder mystery as murder on the home Front takes place on 29th march.

The end of war is near, but celebrations must wait as local village busybody evelyn Tentt has just been found murdered. The lovely anna dynn found her to be a constant headache - is she the culprit? perhaps Lady Wanda aymlessly is more cold-blooded than her dignified demeanour would have us believe? To find out you’ll have to join the wartime train experience for a five course supper. £60/head including entertainment. www.gcrailway.co.uk Tel: 01509 632323

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THE COUNTRySIDE

Spring Chickens one of the perks of living in the countryside is the ability to keep chickens. These crazy creatures quickly become one of the family... and they’re easier than you’d think to rear. Here two families tell us how they came to love this feathery stalwart of country life!

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THE COUNTRySIDE

Keeping Chickens

birds which should provide around 200 eggs a year and you can expect for pay around £15 per point of lay pullet.”

Alternatives to commercial producers include rehoming charities like the British Hen Welfare Trust (www.bhwt.org.uk) and Fresh Start for Hens (www.freshstartforhens.co.uk), which charge less for ex-battery birds at the end of their commercially productive life.

Top; Sophie’s new range was inspired by her love of keeping chickens.

Below; Eggs from Bob and Joy’s Geeno Blue flock.

S

tamford’s Sophie Allport knows only too well that moving to the country affords a better way of life. Having relocated from London in 2008, the butterflies, roses and now chickens around her all provided the inspiration for her homeware ranges which include china, linens and her new range of designer handbags.

Keeping chickens is something that appeals to those in the countryside every bit as much as village life or the ability to live in a pretty cottage made of local stone. The good news, is that it’s also really easy to start keeping your own chickens; just ask Rutland’s Bob and Joy Jeynes of Westaway Poultry.

The couple has around 1,000 birds on their two and a half acre smallholding located, rather appropriately, in Wing.

Bob and Joy supply everything the enthusiastic amateur needs to create a loving home for their chickens, from a wealth of advice to bedding and feed, and of course the birds themselves, specifically prettier rare breeds like his own

Keeping chickens is both more rewarding and easier than you think - a set-up costs from around £200, and they will soon become part of the family, yielding fresh eggs each morning Geeno Blue flock, as well as Orpington and Sussex plus hybrids, which have greater capacity for egg-laying than their rare breed contemporaries.

Finding Your Chickens Chickens are a real pleasure, from their skatty, skittish disposition to the fact that they’re the only ‘pet’ that gives something back (aside that is, from affection).

“They’ll quickly become tame, they’ll get to know your family and you’ll get to know their individual personalities.” says Bob. “If you’ve fewer than 50 birds you don’t need to register, so there’s no paperwork. Pure breeds are prettier

A Des Res for Your Flock The next consideration for those keeping chickens is accommodation. Anyone with a large garden has sufficient room, but a coop is essential since the birds must be shut away each night - once established in a routine, they should make their way easily to their accommodation each night.

Bob and Joy used to provide exceptional quality runs from £400-£1,000. With the advent of cheap imports, they’ve ceased supplying their own coops because they don’t seem competitive, even though Westaway’s accommodation was vastly superior in quality, with second hand examples now highly sought after.

Online, you’ll find coops from £100, but quality counts when it comes to finding a des res for your poultry. It has to be weatherproof and sufficiently secure from foxes. Pay a little more and you’ll certainly reap the benefits; find a Westaway coop and your chickens will be eternally grateful. Your accommodation should be warm, draft-free and well-ventilated, situated off the floor.

Making Them Comfortable “Chopped straw is the best bedding.” says Bob. You should look to pay around £8 a bundle, but it must be sterilised to kill parasites; the best bedding is mixed with wood chip too.”

Changing bedding every two weeks is essential to create a sweeter-smelling run and more importantly to ensure no parasites are present in your coop.

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THE COUNTRySIDE

Keeping Chickens

“Once you’ ve had your own eggs you’ll never go back... going out to collect them in the morning is such a pleasure! ”

Above: Bob and Joy Jeynes can supply everything you need to embark upon your chicken-rearing endeavours; call 01572 737310 or see www.westawaypoultry.com.

Sophie Allport’s Chicken range comprises fine bone china, fabrics and accessories.

They are available direct from the designer at www.sophieallport.com.

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Chicken Feed Expect to pay around £8 for a unit of food - Bob recommends a mixed layered mash. This is rich in soya beans and can be mixed with water to make it a little easier to digest. Charities like the BHWT recommend Smallholder Range, a commercially available product for around £10.

Both of these should last for around a month if you’ve two or three birds.

Keeping Them Healthy Plenty of food and water is essential along with good coop hygiene. The lifespan of a laying chicken kept domestically is between five and 10 years, with a yield of five or six eggs weekly. Point of lay pullets are sent out at around 16 weeks, and will begin to lay around five weeks later.

“To ensure your chickens enjoy good mental health, it’s best to buy in threes.” says Bob. “One chicken will usually become depressed if it’s alone. Likewise if you purchase two chickens and one dies it can affect the remaining bird.

Three provides a bit more security.”

Rejoice in Your Flock “I think once you’ve had your own eggs you’ll never go back!” says Sophie. “I’ve three boys, Max, Freddie and Arthur. They’re aged between four & eight and from a young age they’ve collected the eggs, and have always been over-awed by the opportunity do so.”

“We love ‘dippy eggs’ with toasted soldiers and especially our own pancakes. The boys are all keen rugby players and my husband loves making them blueberry pancakes when they come in from playing outside!”

Spending time with chickens is a simple pleasure for anyone who lives in the countryside. With even a modest cottage garden it’s easier than you think to get started, and with their quirky characters, you’ll soon be enjoying a rewarding past time and, of course, fresh eggs each morning just in time for easter. That leaves only one unanswered question; why did the chicken cross the road? Perhaps, to find a new home with a loving family in Rutland.

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Domestic Breeds Hybrid breeds will usually yield a greater number of eggs, whilst pure breeds such as those pictured below will prove to be the ‘prettiest’ domestic breeds...

£ ORPINGTONS: Price: £20/mature hen.

Varieties: Black, Blue, Buff, White.

Standard Weights: Cock: 4.53kg (10lbs); hen: 3.62kg (8lbs); cockerel: 3.85kg (8.5lbs); pullet: 3.17kg (7lbs).

£ SUSSEX: Price: £18/18 week pullet.

Varieties: Speckled, Red, Light, Buff.

Standard Weights: Cock: 4.08kg (9 lbs); hen: 3.17 (7 lbs); cockerel: 3.40 (7.5 lbs); pullet: 2.72kg (6 lbs).

£ PEKIN BANTAMS: Price: £15/point of lay hen.

Varieties: Black, Blue, Buff, White.

Standard Weights: Cock: 4.53kg (10lbs); hen: 3.62kg (8lbs); cockerel: 3.85kg (8.5lbs); pullet: 3.17kg (7lbs).

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£ buddLeia

£ supporT peonies This monTh

IN THE GARDEN - March

WINTER HAS FINALLY PASSED - AND WITH THE ADVENT oF SPRING CoMES A WEALTH oF oPPoRTUNITIES To BUSY YoURSELF IN THE GARDEN. CARE FoR YoUR LAWN, CoMPLETE SPRING PRUNING AND GET YoUR GRoWING GoING IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN THIS MoNTH...

£ spring LaWns Make sure your lawn springs back into life this month by giving your turf a little TLC. Hopefully you had your mower serviced before you ‘put it to bed’ - if not, seek out a reputable specialist; if you look after your mower, it’ll last for years to come. Lawnmowers are designed to last year after year, unlike most domestic appliances.

When you come to make the first cut, set the lawnmower a bit higher than normal and only mow if the grass is completely dry.

Remove the cuttings for the first cut as it’ll make great compost. Thereafter, you can collect your clippings or mulch them into your lawn to feed your lawn as you cut.

Avoid using mulching blades if your lawn is plagued by moss or weeds - you’ll shred them deep into the lawn and help them to germinate. Alternatively, if your lawn isn’t up to scratch, this is an excellent month to use three in one weed-killer, grass seed and moss prevention products, or to sow a new lawn.

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To do so, choose the right seed blend for your needs (seeds designed for shaded areas, for example, or with ryegrass for a harder-wearing lawn if you’ve children or pets).

Budget around 75g or seed per square metre and sow onto weed-free fine tilth.

Keep well watered as seedlings are susceptible to drought and cover with netting to discourage birds.

£ march pruning This is the month to make the most of your pruning shears and loppers, especially on shrubs like buddleia.

It’s fair to say you can decimate a buddleia right up to the summer months and still be rewarded with rapid growth and a colourful display of purple flowers.

Invest in decent quality sharp secateurs & loppers that won’t snag and will make a clean cut. Telescopic loppers are particularly good for providing good leverage and more power for use on thicker branches.

Bypass secateurs are more suitable for lighter pruning and delicate stems whilst anvil secateurs are designed for woodier stems like those on buddleia.

You can prune your shrub roses and climbing roses now, and this is also the perfect time to prune heathers and mahonias.

Prune shrub roses down to between ten and fifteen centimetres above the ground, and dispose of the pruned branches.

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IN THE GARDEN

£ pLanTing onions

£ hanging basKeTs Pansies and primroses are perfect for hanging baskets - use one colour or mix and match.

Onions, shallots and garlic can all be planted outside this month.

£ pLanT perenniaLs

£ KiTchen garden

£ a greaT gadgeT

Plant and protect perennials in March to ensure you have a great display in the summer months.

Once the weather starts to get a little warmer, it’s time to get planting in the kitchen garden.

A number of vegetable crops can be grown this month, from beans and peas to carrots, salad crops and onions, including shallots and garlic.

Bosch’s Isio is a fantastic shaping and edging tool that’s rechargeable, light and easy to use.

With two blades and an optional long-handled extension, it can be used to trim around walls and shrubs, edge lawns, and tidy up hedges.

Cut down perennials that remain from winter, lifting and dividing clumps and splitting polyanthus once they’ve finished flowering.

For those plants that need extra support, install canes for poppies, peonies and delphiniums.

This will give them extra support to grow independently of support in the summer months.

You can also plant summer flowering bulbs now, using multi-purpose compost and a scattering of bonemeal, and now is the perfect time to create great-looking hanging baskets with pansies, viola and primroses, densely packed and well-watered.

Depending on whether you’re seeking formal English borders or a look that’s more influenced by wild flower meadows, you can also sow calendula, cornflowers and poppies.

Early season potatoes can also be planted outside at the end of the month so if you haven’t done so already, these should be chitted by storing in a cool light place with the heavily chitted ends facing upwards once they start to sprout.

It’s so handy and light and because it remains on charge until it’s needed, it’s the kind of gadget you’ll use often it’s so convenient and quick.

RRP£45; www.boschisio.co.uk.

Those with a glasshouse should also get ahead in time for summer by planting tomatoes, peppers and other salads but check each manufacturers’ recommended temperatures and wait until warmer weather if necessary.

Prune fruit trees (being diligent with regard to making sure these are well-supported) and plant pot-grown fruit trees as well as strawberries and rhubarb, adding moist organic mulch and watering well.

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ON THE FARM WITH BARRy POSTON

Paul Babcock is a farmer with Riverford Organic Farms - potato crops generally are poor, though this is keeping prices higher.

The company delivers 40,000 veg boxes each week and has farms across the UK. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veg boxes start from ÂŁ10.45 including delivery and include potatoes, onions and carrots as well as seasonal veg.

See www.riverford.co.uk for details.

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ON THE FARM: BARRY POSTON Farmers across the region are counting the cost of poor weather and low yields. Fields are sodden and many still have standing water. Those in the arable sector will be hoping for kinder weather this season...

I

n March most of the county’s farmers minds will be concentrated on the improvement of their soil structures following the excess rain during the winter. Fields that were growing sugar beet and potatoes were seriously damaged during the harvest of these crops. Very careful cultivation will be required and the soil must be left to dry out before putting heavy machines on these damaged areas. I believe shallow busting and ploughing will be the best treatment.

It has been an ideal time to inspect and clear any tunnel ends and drain pipe outlets during the wet winter conditions.

Many drainage pipes have been found to be running out of pipes put in 40 or 50 years ago. As mentioned in previous editions, many thanks are due to the efforts of farmers and drainage boards in low-lying areas who keep our dykes and drains running.

There’s a further consequence to soggy ground; waterlogged soil has a very low oxygen levels, and as oxygen is vital to ensure healthy growth, there’s no doubt that many winter wheat and rape crops will have been unable to sustain their health as well over the winter and early spring. We expect their final yields will suffer accordingly.

With below average acreages sown and poor growing conditions, it would appear that 2013 yields will be relatively

low across the arable sector, although spring sown wheat and rape never yield as well as winter crops.

Those farmers growing potatoes will be very pleased to see prices much higher, unfortunately this has only occurred because of below average yields and greater damage when lifting the later fields in bad conditions.

One wonders how high prices will go before the public refuses to buy and change to imported produce.

My mind goes back to 1976 when prices reached a similar level to those existing today... although, with inflation factored in, current prices are still not as great as then.

Sugar beet has turned out to be an average crop in yield and prices. However with adverse weather conditions, most growers have struggled to lift their later acreage with the consequent damage to the soil and the impossibility of sowing a winter wheat crop on these soils.

All arable farmers will be looking forward to ‘kind’ weather throughout spring to sow and establish their crops in tricky soil conditions. Although it would appear that we will be unlikely to see ‘record’ crops in 2013.

It is to be hoped that prices will be maintained and possibly increased to help farmers to cover their ever-increasing costs.

Words: Barry Poston

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Spring Flowers

Flow er s W

Make the most of your Spring blooms with ďŹ ve top ideas for creating easy, dramatic and beautiful arrangements for your home...

ith local florists, farm shops, markets and even supermarkets providing fresh flowers thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no excuse for not keeping a cheerful arrangement of blooms in your entrance hall or on your table.

With a few tips from florist Helen Jane, however, you can create professional looking arrangements that are technically easy but rich in style... here are our suggestions! >> >> Styling and Text: Helen Jane.

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Even a simple bunch of tulips can look effective tied using raffia with some twigs from the garden. The bunch was cut at different lengths and tied to give the arrangement some shape.

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Spring Flowers

Pink and Lilac Hand Tied Posy The arrangement on our opening spread is a special spring bouquet for a special person, which smells beautiful too!

Mixing colours that are close together on the colour wheel always works well, and this range of pink and lilac flowers is very soothing.

Pale pink hyacinths have been mixed with deeper pink roses and ranunculus and branches of lilac to form a hand tied design.

F

lowers are available in such abundance nowadays that there’s really no excuse for not having some in your home throughout the whole of spring. Whilst we’d always advocate a trip to your local florist or farm shop, the designs we’ve featured here use blooms that you’re likely to find in the supermarket or, perhaps a little later in spring, ones from your own garden.

These are combined with filler foliage like the cherry branches pictured opposite and accessorised with material like raffia.

Hand Tied Bouquet of Yellow Tulips If you ever needed proof that less is more, our vase of tulips, pictured opposite, is just that. Bright spring flowers

The secret to flower arranging for beginners, she says, is to use seasonal blooms and ensure the designs are light on technique but heavy on colour and style look fantastic in a simple hand tied bunch. Spiral the stems, adding in a few branches of buds, then bind with raffia – this will help the flowers to fan out. Tulips, like other springflowering bulbs, continue to grow when cut so you might need to trim them every few days.

With cut flowers it’s important to use floristry scissors and to cut at angles to enable the flowers to draw in as much water as possible. Helen recommends cut flower food to more than double the life of your cut flowers.

Teapot Arrangement with Freesias Just about anything can be filled with flowers! Over the page, a decorative teapot has been filled with floral foam (Oasis) and the outline of the design formed by adding foliage, before arranging the flowers in place.

This design uses white and yellow ranunculus, which is a lovely spring flower with masses of petals, together with lilac-blue freesias.

After soaking the foam, start from the top and work across the top and then downwards, working at opposites to separate and divide colour evenly; the finished design should be fairly tightly packed.

“Again, it’s a technique that’s easy to master but allows you to exercise the kind of creativity, that makes arranging flowers a really rewarding pastime.” says Helen.

Cream Jug with Mixed Flower Posy For a pretty country-style arrangement, take a handful of flowers in different shapes and sizes and hand tie them.

Use spires of creamy stocks, masses of tiny blue lilac flowers and the round golden yellow blooms of ranunculus all working together to give a variety of texture and form – the trick is to spread the different flowers through the design.

When stocks come in season in the next couple of months they represent a great low-cost filler flower, which provides the opportunity to introduce a slightly more expensive ‘feature’ flower like ranunculus or freesia.

This design is also really strongly and sweetly scented, making it great for reception rooms.

Blue Jug with Muscari and Ranunculus Blue and white make a lovely, fresh colour combination.

Try mixing blue muscari with pretty white ranunculus, using the same spiral technique to create a small hand tied bunch.

Keep the colour scheme simple by using a jug to pick up the colour of the muscari.

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Spring Flowers

Our florist, Helen Jane, gave up a career in financial services and now runs her own company creating floral designs for weddings and corporate events. She also runs workshops for one to six attendees with all materials included.

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Our floral advice comes from Helen Jane.

helen has created five arrangements for your home that are really easily recreated - moreover they feature seasonal flowers, many of which can be grown in your garden...

Also known as grape hyacinth, Muscari grows in abundance in English gardens, making this a great arrangement for anyone seeking to grow and use their own flowers in their arrangements.

The hardy flowers grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, great for beginners and - as they spread quickly - they’re ideal for growing in pots.

“Especially if you’ve no experience of floristry, it’s important to create designs that are light on technique, easy to produce but give scope for some degree of creativity.” says Helen.

“Your pot or container is as much a part of your arrangement as the flowers themselves, and our blue jug is a perfect example of how both take equal precedence, with your choice of flowers being influenced by their new home.”

“I was working as an accountant and latterly in the banking sector when I discovered that working in

the garden could be a really good antidote to the daily commute and life stuck in an office.”

“The fact that I could then pick and arrange flower from the garden and have fresh flowers in my home was a real bonus.”

Helen gave up her career to pursue a City & Guilds course, and was soon asked to produce wedding flowers for family and friends. Completing a third level C&G, and demonstrating at Chelsea in 2011, she now produces floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

Summer 2012 saw her creating a number of evening and half-day courses for up to six beginners who want to gain a few tips for using flowers in their home. This month, she’ll be hosting a series of events themed around Mother’s Day and Easter expanding upon the techniques and ideas we’ve used here.

£ FlowerS For MoTher’S DAy Saturday 9th March: Learn the hand tied technique by making a small posy of spring flowers and a gift wrapped bouquet suitable to be given as a gift. 9.30am - 12.30, cost £60.

£ eASTer BouqueT AnD TABle cenTre Wednesday 27th March: Saturday 30th March: Make floral table arrangements and bouquets for Easter using gorgeous spring flowers. Evening workshop: 6.30pm - 8.30pm, cost £40. Saturday workshop; 9.30am - 12.30, cost £60.

To book a place on one of Helen’s workshops, call: 07852 100982, or see www.helenjanefloristry.co.uk

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THE WISH LIST WITH: SPRINGFIELDS OUTLET SHOPPING

Atlas Mountain Rose gift set RRP £46, outlet price £29.90 from The Body Shop Outlet.

Heathcote & Ivory gift set from Festival Garden Centre, RRP £9, outlet price £4.50.

World’s Best Mum heart RRP £8 outlet price £4, frame with motif RRP £16 outlet price £8 from The Gift Company.

Florentyna cream bath 475ml RRP £9.50 now £6.50 from M&S Outlet.

Mugs from The Gift Company RRP £8 (red) £6 (cream), outlet price £4, £3 – that’s half price!

THE WISH LIST I Love Mum wooden stand cut-out, RRP £12, outlet price £7 from The Gift Company.

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Sterling silver jewellery set with embedded rose. Pendant with 18 in silver chain RRP £45, outlet price £22.50.

Matching earrings RRP £35, outlet price £19.99. Bangle RRP £49.99, outlet price £34.99 from Event Jewellery.

THE WISH LIST With...

Springfields Outlet Shopping Doris Scotty Dog doorstop, RRP £22.50, now £14 from M&S Outlet.

Thorntons Milk Collection (back) RRP £10, outlet price £5.

Love Milk (foreground) RRP £6, outlet price £3. Mum’s Lovely collection (right) RRP £15, outlet price £10 from Thorntons.

Floral cupcake tin and recipe book RRP £12.00, now £8.50 from M&S Outlet.

Over 55 retail outlets and a wealth of branded products make Springfields near Spalding one of the region’s best shopping destinations.

Here we’ve collected some of the centre’s best offers from various retailers for Mother’s Day gifts ideas.

The centre has been open since 2004 and now boasts outlet shopping with savings of up to 75%, every single day, as well as 25 acres of beautiful gardens and numerous places to enjoy a bite to eat. From The Kitchen (a new concept featuring a bakery, restaurant and bar) to Springfields Garden Centre Restaurant and Costa Coffee, there are plenty of opportunities for a brief respite from shopping. As well as the Play Barn with their new Jurassic Golf attraction to keep the children amused.

This season represents the perfect time to discover Springfields for yourself, with great gift ideas plus the best fashions for spring and summer. Open until 6pm (5pm Sunday) and offering late night shopping on Thursday until 8pm.

Yankee Candle Reed diffuser; RRP £10.99, outlet price £5.49 each or 3 for £12.99 from Hallmark.

Tel: 01775 760 909. springfieldshopping.com.

Find us on Facebook & Twitter

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} Weddings }

THE WEDDING ALBUM

Casarine Paget and David Hills When you’re planning a wedding, time is of the essence and organisation is crucial. But what if you have just four weeks to plan the happiest day of your life? Simple, just take a few tips from this month’s featured bride! Seven years to propose, four weeks to plan the day, and a newborn baby to take care of?

“No problem!” says Casarine Hills, nee Paget!

Photos: Contact:

Ali Lovegrove Photography 07735 974 799, www.alilovegrovephotography.com

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pe ar ls so “C as arin e w as alrea dy a fan of hen pi ck in g th ey w ere th e ob vi ous ch oi ce wellery ... ” th e statement w edding je w

flo w er b lue n r o c e s o h c e W lou r fo r sa a h ig h lig h t dc oc up c akes .. . ou r flo w er s an

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THE WEDDING ALBUM

The wedding took place at a boutique hotel after Casarine found herself underwhelmed by the local registration office.

We planned our wedding in a month!

D

ave and I were introduced by my mother nine years ago. Dave was working as a fitness instructor at our local gym where I was employed as a receptionist. We became firm friends and our friendship grew. He waited well over seven years before he plucked up the courage to pop the question, on a relaxing weekend break to Palma where we revelled in the excitement at having just found out we were going to become parents too.

Washingborough Hall, our guest list consisting of 17 of our absolute closest friends and family.

Still carrying some baby weight meant I was a bit restricted with the shape of dress I could have.

Even then, I was restricted by time.

After two weeks, I found a gorgeous boutique which had several dresses I liked and chose a stunning A-line, lace dress with little capped sleeves and a beautiful keyhole back.

We plan on having a wedding party later on in the year to Just days after our son was born, Dave found out he was to be made redundant. The job hunt ended in gainful employment...

Dave waited over seven years to propose, but because but in Abu Dhabi!

To move there as a family, we needed to be married, and fast.

of the move to Abu Dhabi, we had just four weeks to plan our wedding, which made things interesting!

That gave us four weeks to plan the day! Once the date was set, we started with the venue, guest list, menu and then the practical things such as the registrar and giving notice.

Dave and I would have loved to plan the day together but he was busy preparing for the move. I organised our ‘little big day’ with the intention of it being a simple paperwork exercise.

However, I felt the registration office lacked charm and convinced Dave that we should get married at

celebrate in style with a larger group of friends and family.

We’ll have the opportunity to do all the things we didn't have time to plan the first time around. We'll have a proper cake, a first dance, bridesmaids and groomsmen and a honeymoon.

Although, for our honeymoon, I think we’ll go against the grain... perhaps a trip to see the northern lights whilst staying in an ice hotel or a castle in the Scottish Highlands!

Images: Ali Lovegrove Photography; 07735 974 799. www.alilovegrove photography.com

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Lyndsey and Jason Griffiths On Lyndsey and Jason’s wedding day, the bride wore a crystal-embellished ‘A’ line wedding dress, whilst the groom’s morning suit featured a teal highlight colour.

Morris Winn Photography Tel: 01205 351833

Emma Bristow and Robert Barber Emma and Robert married in a grey morning suit with cobalt blue highlight colour.

The bride wore a strapless ‘A’ line ruched wedding gown.

John Denton Wedding Photography - Tel: 07971 147804 www.jdenton-weddingphotography.co.uk

Kirstie and Kevin Kirstie and Kevin enjoyed a winter wedding just before Christmas and will take their honeymoon somewhere nice and hot this spring!

Dean’s Street Photography Studio – Tel: 01572 757643 www.andycrossphotographer.com

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Gemma and Michael Gemma and Michael paid a flying visit to the UK to get married with family and friends before flying back home to Australia!

Dean’s Street Photography Studio – Tel: 01572 757643 www.andycrossphotographer.com

Kate M an ning an d Kar l Ward On Kate and Karl’s wedding day the rain poured down all day long... it didn’t stop once! We made the best of it with huge purple umbrella and had great fun with the group... the groom smen were really great.

Ali Lovegrove Photography - Tel: 07735 974799 www.alilovegrovephotogra phy.com

} Weddings } Katie and Edward Peck Katie and Edward married in the county but enjoyed a honeymoon in Dubai and Mauritius.

Gavin Read Tel: 07947 211285

Con gra tul ati ons ...

...to all couples marrying in the county this month .

To have your wedding featured here email – weddings@pridemagazines.co.uk or ask your photographer to contact us directly on 01529 469977 Planning a wedding? You can have free wedding planning tools, a free engagement photoshoot, you could win a £25,000 wedding and you can plan your wedding properly with...

Visit www.ukbride.co.uk to see why we have over 300,000 members and over 25,000 Facebook Fans!

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For a Lifetime of Special Memories

All Inclusive Packages available from ÂŁ2000 Catering upto 150 guests Beautiful Landscaped Gardens Bridal Suite Taking bookings for 2013/14

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Riby Road, Grimsby N/E Lincolnshire DN41 8BU.

Tel: 01469 561302 www.stallingboroughgrange.com

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WEDDING ADVICE

A Helping Hand Wedding planners pop up in many films and TV shows, often playing out with an overbearing stereotype. The reality, however, is a helping hand to plan your wedding and save you money.

This month we meet Amy Thorne to find out how useful a real wedding planner can be...

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WEDDINGS

I

t’s unlikely you’ll find a role so misrepresented as that of a wedding planner. Often portrayed as overbearing in movies and on TV, the reality is, thankfully, quite different. Amy Thorne left a career as a senior PA to set up her wedding planning business in 2012 and works with brides to create their wedding, working with budgets between £10,000 and £40,000... best of all she guarantees to be able to save brides the total cost of her consultation fee with canny negotiation and money saving tips.

How does hiring a Wedding Planner work?

My services range from a simple venue search or supplier search to Final Countdown - that’s when brides have planned most of their day but are struggling with the finishing touches or find themselves panicking that their wedding is getting closer and there’s still a lot to do. This even includes a half-day spa experience for two.

Planning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming, and it can be really stressful, spoiling the run up to the big day.

Brides suffering from what I refer to as ‘wedding planning fatigue’ usually consult me for this service six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Another popular package is The Big Day which involves venue styling - especially for marquee weddings - and

Amy works with brides whose wedding budgets range from £10,000 to £40,000. A typical budget is £17,000 and Amy says she can usually save a bride at least her £2,500 wedding planning fee support on the day itself, creating and managing an itinerary for the day and helping with anything from dressing the bridal party to creating contingency plans should anything go awry.

Wedding planners can potentially save a great deal of money - and stress working with a bride to help her to organise her day.

Do you make decisions for the bride?

No! I work with the bride and help her to match her expectations and what she has in mind to suppliers and venues I know. My full package is called Total Support.

This involves creating an itinerary, managing budgets and suppliers, choosing a dress, arranging their honeymoon everything.

The Wedding Planner

It usually involves more than 250 hours work, and I charge from £2,500 for this service, promising brides that on an average budget - around £17,000 - I can save them at least this amount of money with skilful negotiation, planning and money saving ideas.

The service also includes wedding day management, venue dressing and a few other treats along the way!

What areas of their wedding planning do brides need most help with?

It’s fun making creative decisions but knowing which services to book, when to book them and how to manage a budget can be tricky. As a PA I was always super-organised so it comes naturally to me.

It also helps to have a sort of objective voice to bounce ideas off, and I do become a sort of surrogate counsellor - someone objective, but honest, who won’t tire of hearing about weddings!

What are the key skills for a successful wedding planner?

Lots of patience, an unflappable personality - especially on the morning of the wedding - and excellent organisational skills as well as the ability to negotiate with suppliers.

I also think a wedding planner should be naturally creative and have an eye for detail, as well as a flair for colours & themes. I also have a Diploma in Interior Design, and you’ll be surprised how often the skills prove transferable!

Do you ever feel annoyed with the way wedding planners are portrayed when they appear on TV and in film?

They’re always far-fetched characters. It is a little unfair, so I only hope people realise we’re not in the least bit like our TV alter-egos.

Above all, a wedding planner should be an objective voice of reason, someone calm that you can trust to help you out.

At no point should a wedding planner ever become over-bearing; we’re there to help and our job is to work for the bride, with the bride.

It’s a great job. I’ve never been happier and my brides all tell me they couldn’t have planned their day without me... it’s a real compliment, and makes all the hard work worthwhile!

Amy helps brides across the county to plan their wedding and can offer as much or as little help as bride needs; for more information call 07971 384473 or see www.amaranthyne.co.uk.

Read our blog www.amaranthyne-designmyday.co.uk.

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TO VIEW ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVENT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.UK

The event has already raised £8,000 for local charities.

THE EVENT Sparkledust Valentines Ball The annual Sparkledust Valentine’s Ball is always a highlight of the area’s social calendar.

Attracting over 200 guests, the ball raises funds for local charities, with Sparkledust already having raised about £8,000 over the years for local charities including When you Wish Upon A Star, SANDS, Alzheimer’s, and local dementia charities. This year’s event raised money for breast cancer care in the area and the Butterfly Hospice.

Rachael Brogden and Micky Nuttell.

Images: Darren Garwood

Mandy Bray and Dave Limb

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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THE EVENT Sparkledust

Sabrina and Scott Mackay.

The organisers’ party; Sam Lakin, Heidi Shooter, Leanne Belton and friends.

Ball

Alan and Val Cropley.

Around 200 guests attended the event.

Lisa Chapman and Jonathan Smith.

This year’s event’s beneficiaries included the Butterfly Hospice.

View all the photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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THE EVENT Sparkledust

Ball

Shaun and Anne Taylor.

Guests were photographed by Darren Garwood.

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Dawn Cawston.

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SPRING Into the Season A BOLD, COLOURFUL PALETTE AND A CLEAR, OPTIMISTIC LOOK - THIS MONTH WE PRESENT A PREVIEW OF BETTy BARCLAy’S SPRING SEASON...

>> £ MAin iMAge Tropical print shift dress.

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THE FASHION PAGES

C

lear, optimistic and versatile – these are the key themes in the spring season fashion collection by Betty Barclay.

Style elements from the active-wear sector reference a retro look from the 1950s, with added ethnic inspirations, tribal influences and chunky prints all providing ideas for the latest styles this season.

A popular focus is on a wide choice of blazers and new indoor jackets such as collarless zipped jackets, feminine little blouse jackets, high-fashion blousons plus long jackets and coat jackets.

One of the special highlights is the printed singlebutton blazer, perfectly complemented by a clean-cut, white blouse and denim drainpipes creating a casual yet feminine summer look.

In trousers, the focus is on the narrow silhouette – close-fitting, cool stretch drainpipes or narrow cut-off pants. Skirts stay simple, with added vitality from the materials and patterns. A short skirt with a scarf print or eye-catching trousers with a tie print are worn with a casual suede blouson.

Loose blouses, tops and tunics come in a variety of styles with new details and necklines. In tops, patchworks of woven fabrics and positioned prints create new fashion looks. Pullovers are in the spotlight too, with fancy yarns, coatings or matt shine effects.

Colour remains an important element. However, it’s used more sparingly, and always combined with neutral shades. Strong colour contrasts support clarity and a natural feeling in combinations.

New pastel shades add freshness and femininity to the colour palette, combined with neutral shades to reduce their sweetness.

>>

Perfect for day or night - royal blue tunic top

N avy an d w hite ta ilo re d sli m -fit jeans w ith a flojac ket , w hite ra l t- sh irt 109

FASHION

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Main: £ jAckeT Black and stone printed blazer with loose-fitting lime shirt and stone trousers.

<< Below, designer glasses frames by Tiffany; £193. £o’BrienS opTiciAnS 01652 653 595, www.obriens opticians.co.uk.

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Above: £ jAckeT Lime green lightweight jacket with white t-shirt and retro print trousers.

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Accessorise on-trend monochrome outfits with vibrant citrus shades this Spring...

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Classic Clothing for the Modern Lady...

Smart Casual Wear from every-day brands like Steilmann and Sandwich... gift vouchers available

Swaton, near Sleaford, Lincs NG34 0JP

Tel: 01529 421335

Opening Hours: Monday 11am – 3pm, Tuesday – Sat 10am – 4.30pm

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>> £ Tunic DreSS Black, stone and coral printed tunic top with black three-quarter length jeans and leather biker-style jacket.

£ STockiSTS Cindy’s Sutton Bridge, Spalding; 01406 350961. www.cindysfashions.co.uk.

Coney’s Wide Bargate, Boston; 01205 311355.

Eve & Ranshaw Market Place, Louth; 01507 602902. www.eve-ranshaw.co.uk.

Linnet 24 Catmose Park Road, Oakham; 01572 770000. www.linnetofoakham.com.

Oldrids/Downtown Strait Bargate, Boston; 01205 361251.

Gonerby Junction, A1, Grantham; 01476 590239. www.oldrids.co.uk.

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SPRING INTO THE SEASON << £ cArDigAn Mint green button-detail cardigan with fruit print shirt and white trousers.

<< £ Tunic Top Pink and mint green ethnic print tunic top with white jeans.

117

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>> £ CHAMELEON Navy and biscuit geometric print blazer with pale blue shirt and denim jeans.

£ STOCKISTS Cindy’s Sutton Bridge, Spalding; 01406 350961. www.cindysfashions.co.uk.

Coney’s Wide Bargate, Boston; 01205 311355.

Eve & Ranshaw Market Place, Louth; 01507 602902. www.eve-ranshaw.co.uk.

Linnet 24 Catmose Park Road, Oakham; 01572 770000. www.linnetofoakham.com.

Oldrids/Downtown Strait Bargate, Boston; 01205 361251.

Gonerby Junction, A1, Grantham; 01476 590239. www.oldrids.co.uk.

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>> ÂŁ cArDigAn Coral cardigan with butterďŹ&#x201A;y print t-shirt and stone trousers.

Naturally inspired pastel colours like soft shades of coral offset stone and pure brilliant white this season...

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h ite trim an d r f w h it w r e z la Re d b rn e d sc a e t t a p h it w s w h ite trouser Lime green t- shi rt and sli m- fit trousers with stripe d jac ket

rint Co ra l den im jac ket with sh oe -p t- sh irt an d flo ra l trousers

a t - top w it h j e an s e w s n e e r g M int t an d w h ite ir h s t t in r p a r rot - p

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£ BeTTy BArclAy Royal Blue tunic top with printed trousers in white, blue and lime green.

£ STockiSTS Cindy’s Sutton Bridge, Spalding; 01406 350961. www.cindysfashions.co.uk.

Coney’s Wide Bargate, Boston; 01205 311355.

Eve & Ranshaw Market Place, Louth; 01507 602902. www.eve-ranshaw.co.uk.

Linnet 24 Catmose Park Road, Oakham; 01572 770000. www.linnetofoakham.com.

Oldrids/Downtown Strait Bargate, Boston; 01205 361251.

Gonerby Junction, A1, Grantham; 01476 590239. www.oldrids.co.uk.

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MOTORING NEWS

Jaguar’ s New F-Type Jaguar’s new two-seater F-Type is billed as the successor to the legendary 1960s E-Type, generally regarded as the most beautiful car ever created.

But with its bells, whistles and carbon fibre, can the modern model ever compare to its forebear?

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generating 340ps, and a second 3.0V6 turned to a more powerful 380ps, whilst at the top of the line is a raucous 5.0V8 supercharged model.

First impressions are more than promising. It’s a beautiful machine from any angle. Sharp air intakes, LED lights and a very E-type-like rear end create a gorgeous, modern-looking two-seater sports car with electrically operated soft top; a coupé will also follow.

In the cabin, there’s a much fresher interior than the current XK whose cabin is little changed from that car’s 2006 model. The quirky rotating air vents and cylindrical gear selector of modern Jags has been ditched in favour of a conventional automatic gearshift, and whilst a leather steering wheel and suedecloth seats are standard on base models, leather seats and a suede steering wheel are optional.

Right hand drive models are available from this month.

Cabin is racy but standard Equipment is stingy with climate control, parking sensors, leather and heated seats all languishing on the options list despite the car’s £58,000 asking price

L

egend has it that when Jaguar revealed its E-Type in 1961, Italian automotive entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari looked at it through gritted teeth and declared begrudgingly that it was ‘the most beautiful car in the world.’

It was true then and it’s still true today. That car was, and remains today, one of the world’s most iconic sports cars, its desirability underwritten by its role as James Bond and George Best’s transport of choice.

Quite why Jaguar never wholeheartedly tried to replicate its success after the demise of the MkIII E-Type in 1974, is a mystery. The 1970s and 1980s saw the creation of the XJS coupé and convertible, whilst 1996 saw the launch of the XK, but both of those models were more Grand Tourers; luxurious, rather than raw, thoroughbred track-oriented sports cars.

It’s a beautifully designed car with a tail that’s reminiscent of the 1960s legend that is the E-Type.

It’s probably the best looking car on the market!

Jaguar F-Type Price: £58,500 Engine: 3.0 Supercharged Performance: 0-60mph 5.1 seconds top speed 161mph Fuel Economy: 31.4mpg combined Equipment: 18” alloys, Bluetooth, sat nav, iPod port, suede seats

This month though, Jaguar launches its F-Type which, as its name suggests, is the successor to its 1960s predecessor. The car will be sold alongside the existing XK (the large coupé which has been holding the firm’s sports car fort) and it will still concentrate on challenging softer, more luxurious models like Aston Martin’s Vantage, Mercedes’s SL and BMW’s 6-Series.

That leaves the F-Type to fend off more raw and hotblooded sports cars like Porsche’s 911, Audi’s R8 and Mercedes’s SLS AMG. Three models are offered; the standard model with its 3.0V6 supercharged engine

Whilst all models get sports seats and electric windows, sat nav and Bluetooth, it’s disappointing to see that base models, at £58,500 and even 5.0V8 models, at nearly £80,000, will still see owners delve into the options list to equip their F-Type with heated seats and screen, front parking sensors and auto lights & wipers.

Though standard kit is lacking in places, owners can, nonetheless, choose from different seats, several different styles of wheels and a beautiful new palette of exterior colours. Whilst the XK is larger, slightly more practical and certainly better equipped, the F-Type is more of a wholehearted sports car with sharper looks and certainly sharper performance; 3.0 models reach 60mph in a whisper over five seconds; 4.2 seconds for the 5.0V8 version. In our opinion, there’s really little point paying the premium for the larger engine for the sake of shaving a single second off its 0-60 time.

Minor niggles about equipment levels and a superfluous 5.0 flagship aside though, the F-Type is undoubtedly the best looking and most desirable sports car on the market. Whether the new model will have the longevity of the E-Type remains to be seen, but for those seeking a bona fide sports car, there’s nothing on the market to match its grace, its pace or the motoring heritage Jaguar has called upon in the course of its creation.

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NEW RELAXED LOOK

2013 SPRING MARCH

MARCH

LincolnshirePride T H E

E R N U M B

t New Begin a Grea

O N E

T Y C O U N

THE NU MBER O NE COU NTY MA GAZINE

Beautiful Spri ng

Restaurant of the Month

MA RQ UE SS OF EX ET ER

the Month Restaurant of

FASHIONS

Put a spring in your step with Lincolnshir e Pride

ings The Event - Wedd Local Food ns - Motoring Homes and Garde

The county’s nts best restaura {Page 22}

The area’s best society events {Page 18}

Ge t fit wi th Ro for Sp rin g sem ary ...

Be au tif ul flo we r you r ho me - we arr an gem en ts for sho w you ho w!

Fashion

Stay in style for spring {Page 108}

Local Food

Restaurants recommended {Page 26}

Countryside

The Joy of keeping chicken s {Page 76}

Advertise in the number one county magazine.

To discover how we can boost your sales, call our friendly team now.

01529 469977 www.pridemagazines.co.uk

£3.70

The Event Local Food

£3.70

for r arr an gem en tsho w!

Be au tif ul flo-wewe sho w you me ho r you

Local Food The Event - Wedd ings Homes and Gardens - Motor ing

KEEPING CH ICKENS Hobby

A Great New

MAR 20 13

ng Beautiful Spri

28 ISSUE 1

AD QU EE NS HE RN E AT LE GB OU

128

NEW RELAXED LOOK

FASHIONS

edlecraft Discover Ne

Stay in style for spring {Page 108}

2013

RutlandPride

Z I N E M A G A

Hobby

Fashion

S P R I N G

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Country Workshops Independent Landrover Specialists Bespoke Vehicles & Accessories.

Restorations and Manufacture.

Parts From 1948 to date. Retail Trade Export.

Tel/Fax 01775 750223 Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs PE11 4EZ

www.british4x4centre.co.uk

Simply Nothing To Wear Personal Wardrobe Advice...

www.elmsfarmcott

ages.co.uk

...in the comfort of your own home.

I can help you make the most of the clothes you have and show you how little you need to buy to bring new life to you and your wardrobe.

Call JEAN HOLMES

carol@elmsfarmc

01205 367287

Nine Award Winning Holiday Cottages, fully equipped and furnished to a high standard, ideal for a relaxing break for two or a place where family and friends can gather for a holiday or special occasion.

Sleeps up to 38 - Open all year.

ottages.co.uk

‘The Granary’ Weddings and Conference Venue.

Boston, Lincolnshire. Tel: 01205 290840 M: 07887 652021.

Open all year, sleeps 2-38

www.simplynothingtowear.com • jean@simplynothingtowear.com

F. E Addlesee & Son

LE CREUSET • BRABANTIA • BAKEWARE • GARDEN PRODUCTS

Achurch for Quality Variety and Service Upstairs & Downstairs

WELL WORTH A VISIT! YOUR LOCAL FRIENDLY HARDWARE STORE 16/17 Market Place, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 5BN

Telephone: 01507 523441

KITCHENWARE • CAKE/BREAD STORAGE

TRAYS • OVEN/TABLEWARE • TOOLS • LE-CAFETIERE

Privately Owned and Family Run Funeral Directors Established in 1930

by Frank Addlesee 44 Castle Street, Boston, Lincs

Telephone: 01205 311303

B/D POWER TOOLS • GLASSWARE - CRYSTAL • SMALL ELECTRICAL

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Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Test your lateral thinking skills with Lovatts Cryptic Crosswords. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS 8. Tell her Vi's heard broadcast (8) 9. Names are made up about a mariner (6) 10. Some integrity needed for gumption (4) 11. Ditch The Times! It's rubbish! (5,5) 12. Team gets on dressers (10) 15. Knocks back damaged goods (7) 17. Did embroidery when provoked (7) 18. Rebukes agent with household pests (10) 22. Fear of strangers using one in a phone box conversion (10) 24. Mormon state called you "Tar" (4) 25. Boost ascending elevator (6) 26. Parrot takes kite role perhaps (8)

DOWN 1. Abstained from having a shower between football official and news boss (9) 2. Lie snugly in greenest leaves (6) 3. Half a dozen start scaring owl with revolver (3-7) 4. Closer to one's heart, so worth more (6) 5. Act swiftly and promptly at first (1,1,1,1) 6. Even in bad circumstances, Lance remains poised (8) 7. Reads about ventures (5) 13. Jurassic beasts' snarls rouse stags (10) 14. Assigns job to Des - surround the papal envoy (9) 16. you four rear at the sound of high spirits (8) 19. Pele swallowed bees and rock (6) 20. Charlie's familiar with parts of drill (6) 21. Mounds change shape (5) 23. Smacks of success (4)

No 1530

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

1. Grumbling 6. Iridescent gem 8. Sixth month 9. Becomes knotted 10. Moist (fruit) 11. Reserve, set ...

13. Repossess 15. Flightless birds 16. Match before final 17. Large grocery shop

1. Queen's ornaments, the ... (5,6) 2. Defensive castle ditch 3. Straighten 4. Lender's receipts (1,1,2) 5. Actor's make-up 7. Locks 8. Fast water scooters (3,4) 12. Depression 13. Steak cut 14. Submissive

No 2513 This article was downloaded from http://www.freefeatures.com.

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

QUICK ANSWERS

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