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It’s not every day you come face to face with a big cat. Nor would you expect Rutland to be especially abundant in them, but one of the joys of both Rutland and Stamford is their ability to provide a constant source of delight and interest to both residents and county magazine editors alike. Chris Lawton created the Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary back in 1999 and five years later, the first of many big cats was making a new home in Rutland. Chris is committed to ensuring the welfare of the animals and will host one of his rare Big Cat Experience days later this month. We recently had the pleasure of spending a few minutes just sitting quietly by the enclosures of his big cats just observing them in what is as close to as a natural habitat as you could hope to see them. It was fascinating, and really quite moving.
Elsewhere this month, we’re enjoying a chat with local fundraiser and champions of philanthropy in the area, Jeannette Warner as the For Rutland team prepares to host one of the most popular events in the local calender, the Good & New Clothes Sale, at the Rutland Showground, which raises money for the home-grown charity, celebrating 10 years in 2024.
We’ll also visit Barnsdale Lodge for a highland fling at the hotel’s Burns Night event, and we’ll celebrate Shaunagh & Will’s wedding day at Stamford’s Holywell Hall, take a look around a well-considered eco-house near Burley on the Hill and finally, we’ll enjoy dining out at the area’s impressive country house hotel, Hambleton Hall.
Best wishes for a wonderful month,
Julian Wilkinson Publisher, Pride Magazines
This month’s covers show Uppingham’s C18th ironstone properties on London Road and Stamford’s Toll House, rebuilt in place of an earlier building by William Browning in 1849, now selfcatering accommodation for those visiting the town (see www.stamfordstays.com). We’re always looking for great images of the area, so please feel free to email your best photos to robin@pridemagazines.co.uk.
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Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £500,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.
The magazine is also sold in leading newsagents and supermarkets and we also deliver the magazine to local businesses including selected hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.
Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 45,000 online visitors viewing our magazines free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.
If your business would benefit from being showcased to the wealthiest people in the area, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977.
Guide Price £775,000
Originally built in 1952, this well-presented, four-bedroom detached home stands on an impressive plot of approximately 0.4-acres with a southerlyorientation and is in a sought-after area at the edge of Oakham, just a stone’s throw from the town centre.
A spacious, four-bedroom, detached family home with extensive accommodation, double garage, and a private driveway, sitting on a generous wrap-around plot within easy walking distance of Oakham town centre.
Linden Tree Cottage, built only three years ago and one of only three houses in a rural village location. It is a detached ‘Cottage Style’, four bedroom, red-brick family home offering light-filled and spacious accommodation, extensive off-road parking, and garaging in the quiet village of Sewstern.
Guide Price £500,000
A two-bedroom detached dormer bungalow with a two-bedroom annexe offering flexible accommodation, private parking, garaging and a south-facing garden, giving direct access to the centre of the historic market town of Oakham.
Ketton
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Hambleton
Kintyre is an individually built stone residence boasting over 5000sqft of accommodation, positioned in an idyllic spot on the edge of the sought-after Rutland village of Hambleton. The property occupies a large plot of approximately 3.5 acres, with outstanding views of Rutland Water.
Offers Over: £1,995,000
Country & Equestrian from Moores Goodwood House, Hackamore Way, Oakham LE15 7FS. Call 01572 757979 or see www.mooresestateagents.com/country-equestrian/
Spanhoe House is a five-bedroom, stone-built home originally built in 1989 sitting on approximately 0.55 acres of land offering extensive and well-proportioned accommodation throughout with a private driveway and beautiful countryside views, located at the edge of the charming village of Laxton.
Guide Price: £1,000,000
Guide
Ridlington Guide
Elegant design, quality materials and expert craftsmanship combine to bring superior living to Ridlington at No. 4 Church Lane, a luxurious six bedroom home. Sitting on a plot of just under half an acre, the landscaped gardens offer huge potential to create a lush green oasis with views of the surrounding Rutland countryside stretching away to the front of the home.
Situated in a small exclusive cul-de-sac of quality individual barn conversions on this award winning development by Hereward Homes, this impressive five bedroomed family home backs onto open countryside and offer s generous accommodation throughout.
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COMPANY WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF EXPERTISE, USING LOCAL SKILLED CRAFTSMEN AND ARTISANS. DELIVERING INCREDIBLE PROPERTIES WHETHER IT BE NEW BUILDS OR OUR SPECIALTY OF CONVERTING AND RESTORING BARNS.
Sustainable and energy efficient homes that enhance their setting. Every home is unique and thoughtfully designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing in order to enhance the lives of the people who live in them.
Development possibilities, with or without planning permission undertaken, if you have a property with development potential or land please do contact us.
Neil McIvor and the Team Stamford group raise £1,000 for Stamford in Bloom ensuring the town will bloom for competition when it’s judged this summer
Princess Kate and Prince William are considering Oundle School for ten-year old prince, second in line to the throne
Princess Kate and Prince William are considering a number of options for secondary schools for 10-year old Prince George, including Oundle School. The couple were schooled at Marlborough and Eton respectively, but are said to be concerned that those schools are both ‘too flashy.’
Instead, they are impressed by Oundle School’s distaste for arrogance and elitism. The school was established in 1556 and is co-educational, offering both day and boarding attendance, with an enrolment of over 1,100 pupils.
The school says it ‘places the highest value on giving our pupils every possible opportunity to flourish.’
It’s no secret that Stamford looks lovely in summer, and credit must be given to Duncan Lingard and the members of Stamford in Bloom. This year the team will have £1,000 in their budget to spend on plants from Stamford Market and Wothorpe Nursery. That’s thanks to the fundraising efforts of Neil McIvor and the Team Stamford group, whose GoFundMe page has managed to raise funds to donate to this year’s Stamford in Bloom efforts.
A polytunnel at the town’s MindSpace allotment garden is also planned and will be used to ensure planters and baskets are well-stocked in good time for when the competition is judged in July. Stamford in Bloom’s Helen Lewis says the group is really grateful for the money and hopes everyone will enjoy this year’s displays.
Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
Rutland & Stamford’s Open Garden events in 2023 helped to raise an impressive £38,000 for charity
Gardens across Rutland and Stamford will open to the public between March and September as the National Gardens Scheme resumes. They include the following:
17th Mar: Gunthorpe Hall, Gunthorpe, 2pm-5pm
6th/7th Apr: Burghley House South Gardens, 10am-4pm
5th May: Burrough Hall, Burrough on the Hill, 2pm-5pm
12th May: The Old Vicarage, Whissendine, 2pm-5pm
19th May: Fox Cottage, Ashwell, 11.30am-4.30pm
19th May: 83 Main Road, Collyweston, Stamford, 12.30-5pm
26th May: The Old Vicarage, Burley, 11am-5pm
25th May: Greatford Mill, Stamford, 11am-6pm
2nd/9th June: Ashcroft House, Tallington, 11am-4pm
16th June: Thistleton Road, Market Overton, 12-5pm
23rd June: Wing Gardens, 2pm-6pm
29th/30th June: Home Farm, Ryhall, 2pm-5pm
3rd July: The Old Hall, Market Overton, 5.30pm-8.30pm
12th Sept: Redhill Lodge, Barrowden, 5.30pm-8.30pm
Last year’s Rutland NGS raised over £38,000 for the NGS contributing to a total of £3,403,960 raised for 17 different charities. Find out about this year’s openings and download the NGS app from www.ngs.org.uk.
Stamford is on the lookout for its next poet laureate with the return of the Verse Festival in April
Stamford is great, and everyone knows it, now the town is seeking a poet. If you’re a writer, and good with a pen, hopefully you’ll get a ten out of ten... Stamford Verse Festival takes place from Wednesday 24th April to Saturday 27th April, with a series of events at Stamford Arts Centre, at which the town’s new poet laureate for 2024 will be named.
Paul Stokes of SKDC says: “Stamford Verse Festival is a small but perfectly formed celebration of the spoken word, the culmination of this is to find a Poet Laureate for one year. Throughout the year they will help to develop opportunities to help make poetry part of the life of the town.”
For more details on the role, see www.stamfordartscentre.com.
Alicia Kearns announces the winners of Rutland and Melton’s Favourite Independent Shop Awards 2023/4
Rutland MP Alicia Kearns recently announced the winners and runners up of Rutland & Melton’s Favourite Independent Shop Awards 2023/4. This year’s competition received 20,278 votes across 13 different categories. Hilltop Farm Shop was named as the overall winner with the highest number of total votes.
Winning the beauty, pampering and wellness category was Glow Hair Studio in Oakham. Leeson Family Butchers triumphed in the best butcher category, Farmer Lou took the runner-up prize in the farm and produce category.
The best independent clothing and accessories retailer was Cavells of Oakham, and in the craft and hobby category, Oakham’s Wool Zone was voted number one.
In the food and drink category, Hambleton Bakery was a deserved winner, whilst Gates Garden Centre was named best garden retailer. Other winners include Katie Cardew and Goodwin & Belle (homes category, winner and runner-up), Quirky Bird Gifts of Oakham (gift and stationery category) and Barrowden & Wakerley’s Community Shop in the village shop category.
And Finally... Rutland County Council Leader Gale Waller and Chairman Andrew Brown recently joined Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness by sending their best wishes to King Charles, following His Majesty’s recent cancer diagnosis. “I hope that by sharing his cancer diagnosis King Charles will likewise raise awareness and encourage people to have check-ups and that more cancers will be caught early on as a result,” said Dr Furness.
Good fun and a celebration of the Scottish poet. The Barnsdale’s Burns Night returned earlier this season with over 70 people enjoying an authentic evening of dining and entertainment
Images: Rob Davis.
January saw The Barnsdale’s popular Burns Night event return with bagpipes, a wee dram and of course, exceptional dining courtesy of Executive Chef Gareth Thorpe. The event was held in the main restaurant rather than the function suite, which is currently being refurbished and is approaching completion in late spring, much to the excitement of the hotel’s new General Manager Jonathan Carter Morris. See www.barnsdalerutland.com.
This year represents the 10th anniversary since the founding of local charity For Rutland. Once again, locals are being encouraged to relove preloved clothes at one of the charity’s flagship annual events, the Good & New Clothes Sale
Image: Items from this year’s Good & New Clothes Sale, photographed by Elli Dean Photography, 07932 055548, www.ellideanphotography.co.uk.
utland consistently enjoys the honour of being named one of the best places to live in the UK, with newspapers like The Sunday Times and the ONS’s National Wellbeing Survey recognising that the smallest county in Britain is also the one with the best access to green spaces, low crime rates, good schooling and residents in overall good health.
Though that’s undoubtedly a source of great pride, it’s also true that as a population we’re living much longer beyond retirement, and remaining active for longer too. Back in the 1900s the average life expectancy was just 32 years, but 100 years later that had more than doubled to 81 years. The world’s population of persons 65 years or older is expected to double over the next three decades, reaching 1.6bn worldwide.
Whilst that’s all good news, is also means that making good financial provision for a later life that’s now longer in duration is more important than ever. It also means the number of people in the UK living with long-term health conditions (cancer, strokes, heart disease, dementia and mental health conditions) has now reached one in four people.
It was a fact not lost by the founders of For Rutland which marks its 10th anniversary this year. In the past decade, the charity’s special advisors has helped locals to access over £9m of benefits, grants or debt write-off, providing peace of mind for people of all ages and providing a source of free, confidential, independent non-medical advice to people in Rutland and the surrounding area.
Funding For Rutland’s independent advisors at Citizen’s Advice Rutland is a team of volunteers who organise events like this month’s Good & New Clothes Sale, which has been taking place in the county for 56 years, with the first event back in 1969 raising £190.
This year’s event on 22nd and 23rd March at the Rutland Showground, is expected to attract over 650 people and usually raises over £50,000 a year from the sale of preloved designer items including accessories like shoes, bags and millinery, as well as items for gents.
Whilst the event is open to the public on Saturday morning 23rd March, you can enjoy first dibs at a ticketed VIP preview evening on Friday 22nd March, for £25/ticket, which also includes a glass of Champagne and canapés, provided free of charge to the charity by Hambleton Hall, who has supported the event for more than 26 years, alongside other sponsors.
Throughout the year the charity invites donations of quality pre-loved items via Oakham’s Cavells and John Porter Dry Cleaning, Uppingham’s Costa and Stamford’s Allsaints Hairdressing.
The event is one of the charity’s most important sources of income along with its Grand Bottle Tombola at the Rutland Show and September’s Golf for Rutland event.
This year will also see a garden party celebrating the 10th anniversary of the charity, which will take place at Redhill Lodge in Barrowden on 6th June.
The charity’s chairperson is Jeanette Warner who says: “The service helps local residents, often trying to cope with their own, or a spouse’s long term conditions, to maximise their income, manage debts, and the service provides help with employment, housing, relationships, access to care services or referrals to other services.”
“For Rutland’s volunteers all work tirelessly to raise the £87,000 a year we need to continue funding the specialist advisors who provide free, confidential, independent and non-medical advice for those living in the county with long-term health conditions.
“One in four people in the UK suffer from long term conditions, such as cancer, strokes, dementia, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and mental illness.”
This affects every part of our community and people of all ages,” says Jeanette.
“The point of diagnosis is often just the beginning. Living with the practical problems associated with long-term conditions can be overwhelming at a time when people are at their most vulnerable.”
“We’re really proud of the charity and its work, and we’re really pleased with how consistently well-supported the Good & New Clothes sale is.”
“This year, we’re also delighted to announce that the sale will be officially opened by Rutland MP Alicia Kearns and that Saturday’s event will provide coffee and cakes which we hope will increase the amount of money we raise even further.”
This year’s Rutland Good & New Clothes Sale will mark the 10th anniversary of For Rutland, and takes place at the Rutland Showground with VIP early access to the sale £25/ticket on Friday 22nd March from 5pm8pm including Champagne and canapés donated by Hambleton Hall. The sale continues on Saturday 23rd March from 8.30am1pm, £5/entry. See www.forrutland.org.uk.
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Area Advisor: Camila Goddard-Pineres
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Camila Goddard-Pineres
BA (Hons), PGCE Cer Ed, MAEd.
Home-School Tutoring (Est. 1984)
Friday 19th April
An unforgettable experience at the Burghley House organised by Sojourns. You’ll be tasked with solving several murders, getting to meet (and question!) local ‘residents’ and ‘staff’ to uncover who is responsible –we know it’s one of them, but it’s a race to find out who!
Welcome drinks reception with canapés plus four-course fine dining menu and murder mystery entertainment. Early booking advised; limited to just 42 people.
Taking place in The Great Hall at Stamford’s Burghley House, prebooking essential, £349 ticket, optional overnight stay £149, see sojourns.co.uk or call 01780 752451.
Superb evening performance of British-American rock group as Candlelight returns to Peterborough Cathedral
Friday 12th April
Saturday 13th April
Featuring a cast of West End Singers and a live band, join us for a ‘landslide’ concert of Fleetwood Mac in the nave, illuminated by candlelight. This incredible show will feature best loved songs including ‘Little Lies,’ ‘The Chain,’ ‘Rhiannon,’ ‘Don’t Stop’ and many more.
7.30pm, tickets £20£50, Peterborough Cathedral, PE1 1XS. Call 01733 355315, peterboroughcathedral.org.uk.
Thursday 11th April to Saturday 13th April
Gangster warfare in New York as Dandy Dan’s hoodlums terrorise the district. His rival is Fat Sam Stacetto, who runs the Grand Slam Speakeasy. Out of the melée a hero emerges: the show’s eponymous Bugsy Malone and his beloved Blousey.
Tickets £17£20, from 2pm and 7.30pm, Stamford Corn Exchange, PE9 1PX. For details call 01780 766455 or see stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.
Saturday 6th April
A treat for G&S fans as the Wandering Minstrels sing act and dance their way through the Mikado, Iolanthe, HMS Pinafore, and more.
From 7.30pm, tickets £15, St Mary's Church, Stamford, call 01780 763 203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com.
Friday 26th April
Live streaming of the beautiful Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the Oscar winning MGM film, featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin
7pm, £10£15, Stamford Arts Centre, call 01780 763 203 or see stamfordartscentre.com.
Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
Saturday 6th April
Sunday 7th April
Shop and enjoy local produce in the stunning surroundings of the Chestnut and Stable Courtyards. A wide range of exhibitors will be serving up dishes from around the world and selling produce to take
home including handmade cheese, soft and alcoholic beverages, luxury sweet treats and rare breed meats.
Located in the Chestnut & Stable Courtyard, from 10am4pm, free entry.
Burghley House, Stamford PE9 3JY. Call 01780 752451 or see www.burghley.co.uk.
Spend an evening in the company of Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE, the world’s greatest living explorer...
Sunday 21st April
Annual Stilton Cheese Classic Vehicle Run, organised by Uppingham First and the Rotary Club of Uppingham. Features up to 300 classic cars, vans, motorcycles and kit cars. Traditional 39 mile route setting off from Uppingham Market Place.
www.stiltoncheeserun.uk.
From 1stSat 27th April
Exhibition organised and promoted by Arts for Rutland, open to artists from 11-18. Rutland County Museum, 10am4pm, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, www.a4r.org.uk.
Wednesday 17th April
Live on stage at Leicester’s Curve Theatre, Sir Ranulph will share stories from his legendary exploits and adventures, telling untold tales of the world’s most extraordinary feats of daring and exploration. Taking us from his magical and mischievous childhood, to his time in the military and beyond, Sir Ranulph will
Tickets are on sale now for this year’s performances at Tolethorpe Hall, home of the Stamford Shakespeare Company.
This year’s performances will include A Midsummer Night’s Dream with an Edwardian backdrop, The Recruiting Officer, by George Farquar, and romantic comedy with the Dashwood sisters in Sense & Sensibility. Take along a picnic!
Tickets are now available directly from Tolethorpe Hall, home of the Stamford Shakespeare company, see www.tolethorpe.co.uk or call 01780 754381.
also reveal for the first time his own personal heroes and the incredible lessons he learnt from them which have informed his hazardous profession.
Delivered in his own inimitable fashion and accompanied by stunning, never-before-seen images and home videos, this show guarantees to leave you entertained and inspired.
From 7.30pm, £10£42, at Curve Theatre, LE1 1SB, call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.
Enjoying magnificent views of The Meadows, The Toll House Cottage on Stamford’s town bridge was created in 1849 by Edward Browning and now offers self-catering accommodation popular with those who want to reminisce about where they first met!
Stamford is home to over 600 listed buildings, not least among which is The Riverside Club on St Mary’s Hill, opposite Loomes. Its Grade II listed status was conferred in 1974 and the front of the building is known as The Toll House Cottage, although it’s unclear whether that was a folly or whether the tollgate did function as such.
What is certain though is that the building was created by Edward Browning in 1849 when he rebuilt the town bridge.
It’s the third generation of bridge over the Welland, with the original dating back to the 12th century, and a second example built in 1558 by John Houghton. The second one also had a room over it and was used as a town hall and gaol. When Browning created the bridge and The Toll House Cottage, it was
incorporated onto the side of an existing riverside warehouse dating back to 1756. Browning’s bridge intended to capitalise on the malting market – in 1834 there were 13 malthouses in the town – but the arrival of the railway ended river transport within the next few decades.
More recently the property was known as The Riverside Club, incorporating a bar and nightclub before being used as an antiques centre. It stood empty until September 2016 when it was refurbished to incorporate four holiday cottages including The Toll House Cottage, which has been run by Darren Grigas and Sarah King since 2018.
Some of their guests have returned to stay in the accommodation having first met one another as youngsters whilst enjoying a night out in the club!
The Toll House Cottage is available as selfcatering accommodation for up to four guests, with riverside views and prices starting from £100/night. For more details call 01780 693433 or see www.stamfordstays.com.
Hambleton Hall in the spring is a profound pleasure, offering British cuisine, delivered with flair and a really warm welcome
Images: Dorte Kjaerulff, www.dorte.co.uk.
Spring brings many pleasures, from warmer weather, blue skies and the sight of new growth in the garden. It also brings new menus and opportunities to enjoy spring dining at the area’s favourite dining room.
Hambleton Hall remains probably the best-known and most well-respected of Rutland’s more formal restaurants. Happily the hotel is offering a chance to enjoy a Spring and Summer Escape which provides three-course Michelin Star dining, accommodation and a Hambleton breakfast with morning newspaper (from £580/couple). You’ll also enjoy waking up to the sight of Hambleton Hall’s beautifully maintained grounds, with views of the reservoir beyond.
Owners Tim & Stefa Hart established the hotel in the former hunting lodge of Walter Gore Marshall, who built the place in 1881. It was inherited by the Astley Cooper family who entertained playwright Noël Coward, composer Malcolm Sargent and painter Philip Streatfeild in the house. Subsequent owners have included Lord Trent, son of Sir Jesse Boot the founder of the national retailer Boots, before was later put on the market, purchased by Tim & Stefa Hart in 1979 with Hambleton Hall opening a year later as a smart country house hotel. Stefa was responsible for creating the interiors of the hotel in conjunction with her interior design friend Nina Campbell.
Terrine of heritage carrots, spiced carrot ice cream and coriander oil. Chicken liver parfait, with Granny Smith apple and blackberries. Morel & black pudding boudin, confit egg yolk, Iberico ham, and Grappa sauce.
Seared loin & tartar of yellow fin tuna, with green tomato gazpacho and sudachi puréee. Riceless squid risotto, with chorizo and basil.
Loin of rabbit, baby garden vegetables and pearl barley.
Roast Merryfield Farm duck, heritage beetroot and yuzu purée. Pluma of Iberico pork, soused cabbage, parsnip fondant and apple.
Roast fallow venison, Koffman cabbage, caramelised endive, chanterelle mushrooms and chocolate flavoured sauce.
Pan fried fillet of John Dory, Asian pear, cockles, cider and parsley sauce.
GOURMET CORNER
Sturia Oscietra caviar, potato ice cream, buckwheat (Starter course - £5.00 supplement)
Roast rose veal fillet with morel mushroom risotto, veal sweetbread and violet artichoke. (main course - £8.00 supplement)
Hambleton’s Walnut Whip, passion fruit marshmallow, Taste of Eccles, grape and Sauternes sorbet.
Mille-feuille of Calvados apple, blackberries and caramelised white chocolate mousse.
Unwaxed lemon soufflé, sorrel ice cream, vanilla poached pear and pistachio Anglaise with pistachio cake and pear sorbet.
NB: This is a sample menu, and featured dishes are subject to availability and change.
During its early years, Hambleton Hall’s head chef was Nick Gill, brother of The Times’ late food writer, A A Gill. A 21-year old Nick took under his wing a young protege named Aaron Patterson, who joined the kitchen at 16 years of age and left Hambleton Hall for a time to work with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. His old boss returned last year to reunite with Aaron and host a dinner at the hotel.
Hambleton Hall quickly gained a reputation for excellence, with Prince Charles once delaying a trip home to London to dine at the hotel. TV chef and author Delia Smith also celebrated record-breaking sales of her renowned Complete Illustrated Cookery Course in the 1980s with her publishers, dining at Hambleton Hall.
Aaron rejoined the hotel and became the hotel’s head chef, remaining there ever since and ensuring that today Hambleton Hall has retained its Michelin Star designation longer than any other restaurant in the UK.
Today Aaron is responsible for a brigade of 16 chefs who create exciting and evolving dishes, but also acknowledge the need for consistency too.
Aaron works alongside colleagues including Charlie Jones and James Stone, ensuring Hambleton Hall’s accolades also include recognition in The Good Food Guide, Hardens and four AA rosettes.
Contributing equally to Hambleton Hall’s consistently high standards are General Manager Chris Hurst, Restaurant Manager Graeme Matheson and Sommelier Dominique Baduel.
The best dishes necessitate the best ingredients and so Aaron oversees the hotel’s kitchen garden and enjoys a good relationship with local farmers and foragers, as well as British suppliers, with daily deliveries of fish from the best suppliers, fruit and vegetables from as close as the Fens and as further afield as Rungis Market in Paris.
From 2008 the hotel has also enjoyed a close working relationship with its sister company, Hambleton Bakery, founded by Tim Hart and former Hambleton Hall pastry chef Julian Carter, who not only provides the hotel’s artisan sourdough bread, but also supplies many of the area’s best restaurants, and its retail customers via its eight shops and a 24-hour operation.
Above: Salt baked celeriac, nashi pear winter black truffle and smoked almond.
Opposite: Cured red mullet, chive, baby leeks, vichyssoise dressing.
Dining at Hambleton Hall is available seven days a week with a daily-changing menu comprising four starter options, four main courses, and four desserts plus a farmhouse cheese board. Two additional ‘gourmet corner’ options are also available with a small supplement, with evening dining £115/person for three courses.
During lunchtime service, customers can also opt for the hotel’s Lunch for Less offering, with two courses and two choices per course for £54/person, and an additional dessert course available for £14/person.
A dedicated Sunday lunch menu is also available with a traditional sirloin of beef, and its worth noting that vegetarians can also enjoy a menu comprising seven dishes ensuring those who prefer a plant-based diet are not denied the full and authentic Hambleton Hall experience.
A final mention of Hambleton Hall’s events calendar which, throughout the year, offers everything from wine pairing dinners to partnerships with Nevill Holt Opera and Palmersport Racing, plus wild mushroom foraging and open garden events.
Thursday 21st March will see Lord Norman Fowler host an evening dinner to discuss the memoirs he wrote and released last year. The Best of Enemies, recalls his time in the Thatcher and Major governments and as Lord Speaker. Tickets for the dinner are still available £175/person. Whilst it’s generally considered bad form to discuss politics over dinner, An Evening with Lord Fowler is a good case for making an exception! Otherwise, Hambleton Hall in spring remains a profound pleasure, offering a wonderful welcome, and British cuisine, delivered with flair.
The Pitch: Hambleton Hall is your luxurious home from home, renowned for impeccable service with elegantlydesigned rooms and Michelinstarred cuisine.
Lunchtime and evening service, seven days 12 noon – 1.30pm, 6pm – 9pm.
17 beautifully appointed and individually decorated rooms and suites from £445/night.
Hambleton Hall, Ketton Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH. Call 01572 756991 or see www.hambletonhall.com.
All events are special, but for outside catering specialist Sarah Rivett, The Rutland Gourmet, there was one function so important that she deserved the evening off... eldest daughter Daisy’s 21st birthday!
Words: Rob Davis.For The Rutland Gourmet all events are special, of course… but some, even more so. The company, specialising in outside catering, was established by Sarah Rivett to provide everything from canapés for a drinks reception to a dinner party in your home for 10 people or catering for weddings, charity events and black tie balls for up to 1,000 people.
Usually Sarah can be found creating bespoke menus, preparing and presenting dishes alongside a team in the kitchen and at front of house. She’s usually accompanied by husband Johnny, too, who backs Sarah up logistically with a full range of mobile catering equipment that can see a self-contained professional kitchen set up in the middle of nowhere, alongside all of the crockery, glassware, cutlery and equipment necessary.
On this occasion though, both Sarah and Johnny were otherwise occupied, with a glass of fizz, family and friends.
It’s Sarah’s eldest daughter, Daisy’s 21st birthday, we’re at The Rutland Showground, and for a change Sarah is enjoying the event rather than overseeing the kitchen. Because this is her own event, she’s invited us along to finally address our curiosity of how on earth you can cook delicious dishes for 120 people, at the same time, with the impossibly relaxed manner and lack of stress of someone simply dishing up midweek dinner for the family.
“We’re used to it now, so nothing phases us, from canapés to dinner parties to buffets right
up to three-course fine dining,” says Sarah. “A hundred people or a thousand, we’re just as relaxed. It’s all in an evening’s work, because we’ve got the equipment and the experience we need to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
The perfect event begins with a consultation with Sarah to discuss bespoke menus. Easy on this occasion, as the whole family loves really good fillet of local beef served with chunky chips.
Sarah also knows what works well, practically, when catering for a large number of people. And in this instance, she has a trick up her apron. Searing the beef off to seal it, back in her commercial kitchen in Morcott, it’s then cooked sous vide at a steady 55°c which means a tender meat, with moisture locked in, but also gives the team plenty of room to manoeuvre in terms of cooking time. Guests arrive and enjoy a welcome drink. The canapés are served on boards to guests and we’re in awe of the kitchen team. Meanwhile, Sarah, Johnny, Daisy and Daisy’s sister Lily are able to spend time with guests and we get busy taking a few photos of Daisy and her friends. By the time Johnny delivers his (very funny, very good) speech thanking all of the guests for coming, the kitchen team are working with a five-strong front of house team who line up ready for the red wine reduction, beautifully cooked steaks, chips and rocket & Parmesan dressing, then whisk plate-after-consistentplate out to guests. 120 covers, a couple of vegan options, no stress, and complete satisfaction...
“It was a lovely evening and the team in the kitchen and at front of house were great,” says Sarah. “Creating a great dining experience is what we do, but it was lovely to be a guest at one of our functions for once, experiencing what we do all the time for our clients... and of course, Daisy had a lovely night celebrating with her friends, so it was a great evening!”
discuss your bespoke
call 01572 747909 or 07970 576882, or see www.therutlandgourmet.com.
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A brace of 0%-alcohol drinks from Leicestershire based distillery Warner’s
One of our favourite local distilleries, Warner’s is a great name to know, if you’re keen to enjoy a quality zeroalcohol ‘spirit.’ These juniperbased drinks with a pink berry option, can be enjoyed just like a gin and tonic, but without the headache afterwards! Made in harmony with nature.
£18 / 50cl / 0% ABV www.warnersdistillery.com
A trio of sulphite-free wine for Earth Day, plus quality local spirits and a luxuriously smooth rum. This month we’ve a lovely choice of light, easy-drinking wines and spirits to toast the spring months
The biodiverse EarthGarden vineyards are organically cultivated and alive with wildflowers. Sauvignon Blanc with fresh lemon, £12 at www.tesco.com, 75cl.
Organically made, natural fermentation Pinot Noir, ensures a very clean wine, with no added sulphites, £9.50 / 75cl / 13% ABV, winestoreeccleston.co.uk.
Les Enracinés Macon Chardonnay is a natural and no added sulphur wine with pure, fresh and floral notes, £21.75 / 75cl / 13% ABV, www.terroirwines.co.uk
This is a versatile, light, easydrinking red for spring, this month we champion this Beaujolais with rich and succulent Gamay fruit from one of 10 controlled appelations in the region. As well as having the concentration and structure to develop in bottle. Aged six months in oak, resembling a burgundy, light and fruity with plums, cranberry and a hint of spice. £19 / 75cl, 13% ABV and available from Ocado, ocado.com.
Fans of rum will enjoy this special import from Harold and Hansa, aged three years
Harold and Hansa presents this cask strength rum, distilled in a Portuguese Pot sti for three years and aged in Madeira Wine Cask. Flavours include dried fruits, vanilla, and orange.
£91.80 / 70cl 62.6% ABV, at www.harold andhansa.co.uk.
This month’s featured property – Staddle Barn at Burley on the Hill – is large, well-presented and smart too, thanks to lots of technology which makes it efficient to run and really convenient
Words: Rob Davis.
“It has definitely been a passion project!” says Chris Simms, the owner of this month’s featured property. He’s a talented chap with a career that has included construction, property development, technology and a few other interests which came up in conversation during our interview.
Chris was also an early adopter of energy efficient technology for the home too which is evident within a long list of features at Staddle Barn Lodge.
Offering plenty of really versatile accommodation over two floors, the property has three reception rooms, which are currently arranged as a large living kitchen with adjacent sitting room, a dedicated sitting room and a study or snug.
The house also offers three bedrooms and there’s also a separate selfcontained annexe ideal for those seeking a property which will facilitate multi-generational living.
The house was built in the early 1990s then extended and modernised when the family moved in back in 2007.
Chris added a solar slate roof, plus other banks of solar technology around the property and bank of Tesla Powerwall batteries, as well as an air-source heat pump and heat exchanger. The result is a home that’s cost-effective to run, sometimes even feeding energy back into the grid, despite its 6,850sq ft living space.
There’s an indoor swimming pool and gym in an oak-framed extension overlooking a spacious terrace...
Among many other improvements the family have made to the house is the addition of an indoor swimming pool and gym in an oak-framed extension overlooking a spacious terrace and with superb views of open countryside.
The kitchen, with its king truss beams, was designed and constructed in solid timber by Theodore Ross Interiors of Oakham. The cabinetry is topped off with cream Silestone surfaces and cooking appliances include a fouroven gas Aga with a companion module, Quooker boiling water tap and other integrated appliances by Neff and Gaggenau from a US-style fridge/freezer to an integrated coffee machine. A separate utility room also keeps family clutter out of the way plus there’s a separate walk-in larder.
The open plan space has a dedicated dining area and sitting room with French doors, plus an additional sitting room with a log burner.
On the first floor the master suite has an impressive bathroom with two dressing room areas and a balcony overlooking the grounds, whilst two additional bedrooms share a family bathroom.
Throughout the ground floor of the property and in the master bedroom en suite there’s underfloor heating in conjunction with either limestone or solid oak flooring. The system is also controlled by a smartphone app, which can automatically switch the heating on when it detects your location and determines that you’re nearly home. Smart technology, in the property also extends to a CCTV and alarm system and a Sonos multi-room distributed audio system.
Staddle Barn Lodge sits in an acre and a half of grounds, and whilst the property itself is free of listed status, the adjacent Staddle Barn is Grade II listed, and dates back to the C19th, currently used by the family as a games room. The barn features a thatched roof and sits on 18 staddle stones, with timber-framed interior and large feature windows.
The separate carport and garage provides secure parking for seven cars, ideal for those keen to curate a collection of classic cars, whilst the garage also has a dedicated office ensuring it’s a sufficiently versatile space for those seeking to create a place to work from home.
Elsewhere the grounds are mostly laid to lawn with a paddock also available for rent to accommodate those with
horses or sheep. An all-weather tennis court has been surfaced by Peterborough based En Tout Cas, who have created 10 tennis courts for Wimbledon and surfaced the running track for the London Olympics.
Technology outdoors extends to two charging points for electric vehicles and a Husqvarna robot mower which serenely nibbles on the lawn, helping to ensure the grounds remain neat but need very little time to manage.
With the couple wanting to spend more time abroad and with their children becoming increasingly independent, the family has put Staddle House Barn on the market, but say they’ll miss the place enormously. They take comfort, though, in the fact that a new family will enjoy the place and make happy memories there in the future.
Location: Burley on the Hill, Oakham two miles, Stamford 11 miles.
Provenance: Modern property built in early 1990s and extended by current owners, with Grade II listed C19th Staddle barn adjacent.
Rooms: Three receptions currently arranged as living kitchen, study/sitting room, living room. Three beds plus selfcontained annexe.
Guide Price: £2,500,000.
Find Out More: James Sellicks, Oakham, call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com.
Our experienced interior designers timeless spaces tailored just for you
Our experienced interior designers create timeless spaces tailored just for you
Professional Interior Design Service Re-Upholstery and Soft Furnishings
The Stables, Copthill Farm, Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD
The Stables, Copthill Farm, Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD
6 MARKET PLACE · UPPINGHAM · RUTLAND · LE15 9QH 01572 823389
Visit our showroom 01780 757946
Visit our showroom 01780 757946
www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk • info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk
See our website www.huntersinteriors.co.uk
See our website www.huntersinteriors.co.uk
www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd Sarah Harding Interiors (@sarahhardinginteriorsltd)
As we approach the end of another long winter, those who have rattled around an overlarge home for most of the cold months, may be starting to wonder if this is the time to consider downsizing to a smaller property.
The appeal of downsizing is evident with the potential for lower bills, less maintenance, fewer infrequently used rooms and the attraction of living in an altogether cosier home. However, despite these advantages, many homeowners, often defer embarking on this initiative due to the perceived magnitude of the challenges involved.
This article delves into the challenges faced by downsizers and provides insights on how to overcome them.
It is a sad truth that selling property, and particularly a cherished home can be uncomfortable. Exposing your home to scrutiny, opening your home to strangers, a possible sense that everyone is privy to your affairs, and the disappointment when anticipated buyers decide against proceeding, all contribute toward unwanted feelings that cause some to stall moving altogether.
To alleviate this, some homeowners opt for
off-market sales, inviting only pre-selected serious buyers for a potentially less pressured negotiation away from prying eyes. Whether engaging with a reputable selling agent, a property finder, or dealing directly with a buyer, this approach may limit the number of prospective buyers but often offers a greater sense of control.
Possessions accumulated over the years can inevitably carry deep emotional ties. Whilst most of us recognise we may own too many ‘things’, it can be very difficult to decide how to dispose of some of it sympathetically, economically and ecologically. There are no quick fix solutions to this conundrum but asking for support from family and friends can help and perhaps remembering that a home is largely about the people, memories, and a selection of perhaps fewer cherished items.
Finding somewhere suitable
Arguably one of the most significant challenges is deciding where to move to. Those familiar with period houses understand the considerable effort and expenses associated with maintaining an older property, making the appeal of a modern home quite attractive. However, the practicalities of modern
properties may pose challenges too, from a lack of that 'homely' feeling to struggles with fitting furniture from a larger dwelling into smaller rooms.
Choosing the right location can also be daunting, especially when contemplating a move from a rural setting to an area with more amenities or even relocating away from the current area, possibly closer to family. In this regard, a professional property finder can offer invaluable support, considering not only the physical aspects but also helping to balance these with lifestyle priorities and future needs.
If you would appreciate some extra support downsizing and would like to explore how Garrington can help, please do get in touch for an initial discussion without obligation:
Tel. 01780 408377.
Kate Vincent Garrington
Email info@garrington.co.uk
www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk
Kate Vincent from Garrington Property Finders discusses some of the challenges those contemplating downsizing face and shares ideas to make the process easier.
Offering interior design, project management and home-staging services, Lindsey Clarke has over 15 years of experience delivering beautiful homes and stylish furniture solutions for developers and private clients
We met Lindsey at her beautiful home just outside of Uppingham. She has recently moved there with her partner and two young children. Lindsey looks comfortable in her new surroundings having grown up in Ireland and spending the last 12 years living and working in London.
Back in London, Lindsey was a go-to interior designer for a number of leading London estate agents and private clients, providing home staging and bespoke interior design services presenting new homes for sale or prepare properties for photography for their developers, landlords or agents.
“I was raised in Dublin and completed a degree in interior design before working in the city for a range of clients,” says Lindsey.
“As a family we’ve always wanted to relocate back close to where my partner was brought up. When we found the perfect property, we couldn’t wait to move to the area.”
Lindsey takes pride in her work, and in her own home. She is keen to deliver an experience to her customers. For private clients it’s about delivering a style that suits their personality, needs and the actual style of the property. This is achieved by taking a pragmatic and practical approach through her step by step design process.
Our homes are the most significant of our assets as they are where we conduct our lives day-to-day, so good design in the home is perhaps more important there than anywhere else.
Especially after the pandemic people have realised how important their space is and they want to adapt their homes to suit their lifestyles rather than trying to adapt to their current homes.
“Home staging as it’s known is a really useful service to be able to offer, because when you’re selling a property, presentation is everything,” says Lindsey. “Making a house look like a home will usually mean that it will sell or rent faster ensuring its value is well-reflected.”
“If you’re looking to update your living space, sell your home, or you’ve created a new property or development, it’s a good investment in creating the best first impression.”
“As well as staging and bespoke interior design, I also create turn-key furniture packages for developers or landlords to purchase if they’re offering a property on a fully-furnished basis.”
Lindsey offers bespoke interior design services for private clients, reconciling an encyclopaedic knowledge of suppliers, well known furniture brands and tradespeople with assiduous project management skills.
Lindsey’s ability to take the hassle out of creating a beautifully complete room, property or several properties means that no matter what your ambition for your home, she can help you to achieve your vision in a step by step process.
“In my opinion it has to be a collaborative journey to really achieve what the client wants. At the early stages of a project it’s rather exciting getting to know and understand the client and what they are trying to achieve. This is a vital part of the process. After all, it is their home.”
Lindsey has recently completed residential projects in London Bridge, Kensington, Surrey, Buckinghamshire as well as overseas in Portugal and Spain.
Lindsey Clarke has over 15 years experience as an interior designer and home staging specialist working for private clients, developers and estate agents. To find out more speak to Lindsey or one of her team on 07502 019079 or visit www.lindseyclarkedesign.com.
Pink and red hues and floral motifs to create a cheerful spring look for your home...
www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk.
Delcor on Baths Row Stamford (01780 762579, www.delcor.co.uk) created bespoke chairs, sofas, footstools, and upholstered headboards and divans. This is Albany in a bespoke linen and raspberry colour scheme.
H Works of Stamford’s St Mary’s Street (01780 754605, www.hworksdesign.co.uk) reupholstered this chair using Colefax & Fowler fabrics in red with two sofas, not pictured, to complement.
This month we meet Simon Lewis and Gordon Hill, committed to creating bespoke interiors for clients, from kitchens, boot rooms and utilities to bedrooms, studies and dressing rooms
Below: Kitchen with island and separate boot room and utility for a local client, created by Lewis & Hill.
“We value both a good working relationship with our clients and a collaborative approach to design, so we really do get to know our clients and understand their needs...”
The hallmark of a truly great partnership, or a really good team, is the creation of something that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Bespoke Interiors specialist Lewis & Hill is a good example, with Simon Lewis heading up the workshop and Gordon Hill creating bespoke designs for clients’ kitchens, utilities and boot rooms, studies, bedrooms and dressing rooms.
Backed up by a team of 13 craftspeople and working from a 6,000ft2 of premises, the team is able to create truly custom-made interiors that utilise the best materials and reflect the team’s uncompromising principals of flawless craftsmanship created with style and flair.
The company’s reputation has ensured they’ve secured a place in the address books of architects and interior designers who know they can partner with Lewis & Hill to ensure their clients’ rooms will look good and function well for years.
“Increasingly we’re being asked to complete whole-house projects, ensuring thoughtful consistent design from boot room to utility to pantry to kitchen, or to ensure that bedrooms and dressing rooms provide plenty of storage but feel luxurious and comfortable too.”
“The increasing prevalence of working from home has also demonstrated the need for well thought-out studies and offices too, to facilitate a well-organised place for creating thinking.”
“We value both a good working relationship with our clients and a collaborative approach to design, so we really do get to know our clients and understand their needs.”
“The benefit of that is an ability to deliver something unique, that wraps around a client and their life, something that suits them... that should be the point of creating bespoke interiors after all.”
“Because our approach to good design and bespoke craftsmanship are both intrinsically linked, we also ensure that quality and longevity are both built-in to everything we make, from using quality timbers – tulip, oak, walnut – to construction that is screwed, dowelled, then glued cabinetry for durability or traditional mortice & tenon joints.”
“With materials like Silestone, Caesarstone or granite surfaces and appliances from brands like Sub Zero, Wolf, Lacanche and Gaggenau, plus premium brightware – taps and handles – from names like Perrin & Rowe and Armac
Martin for example, every aspect of our work from common touchpoints to the hidden bits are engineered to last.”
“There are no sales team here, nobody working on commission, and because we construct and install our work, there’s nowhere for us to hide from our obligations to ensure only the best quality and the best experience.”
“It’s our combination of good old fashioned cabinet making and craftsmanship combined with traditional levels of customer service, but a thoroughly modern approach to design, and quality that enables us to keep our clients happy, and to deliver a first class experience, as well as kitchens, pantries, utility rooms and boot rooms or reception rooms, studies, bedrooms and dressing rooms that will last decades, rather than years.”
Relax, dine, entertain and admire your garden this spring and summer with a selection of comfortable, high-quality outdoor furniture ranges and accessories, new for 2024 at Cold Overton’s Gates Garden Centre
8. Bramblecrest Monte Carlo six-seat dining set in marine grade faux leather, £2,299.
9. Supremo Leisure Risha six-seat rectangular dining set with 3m parasol and base, £2,149.
10. Bramblecrest Chedworth bistro set in Sandstone, £699.
11. Kettler Kalos copper electric lantern, £79/small, 73cm; £89/medium, 84cm; £99/large, 98cm.
12. Ooni Karu 16 multi-fuel (wood, charcoal, or gas) pizza oven for stone-baked pizzas in 60 seconds, £699.
Products featured here are available from stock, with delivery available too, at Gates Garden Centre, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.
Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting its Big Cat Open Days in early April. This intimate visitor experience is a way to see Chris Lawton’s incredible cats up close in an environment that’s as close to their natural habitat as it’s possible to create...
Images courtesy of Barbara Meyer, wildlife photographer and speaker. Photographic experiences and prints available, with all profits to Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary, see www.bigcatphotography.co.uk, or call 07912 161969.
They say patience is a virtue, but few people have the forbearance of Rutland’s Chris Lawton who has invested many hours in sitting quietly by the enclosures of his big cats, building up a sense of trust built on mutual respect and due caution. It’s probably the last place you’d expect to see leopard and pumas – in the heart of Rutland, just a few miles from the popular reservoir – but the very leafy and mature woodland is advantageous as far as Chris is concerned.
He’s resolute in his desire to give the animals a peaceful and happy life, creating a wildlife sanctuary to put the animals’ needs first, not satisfy throngs of people with exited youngsters seeking a day out.
Chris settled in Rutland in 1996 after a career in construction, and outgrew the back garden in which he rescued domestic birds and eventually, birds of prey. An opportunity in 1999 to move to his current site between Barnsdale Avenue and the A606 not only afforded him a luxurious 42-acres of space, but also a leafy, mature setting off the beaten path, as close to a natural habitat as a sanctuary could wish for.
Respectful visitors to Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary are welcome from Tuesdays to Sundays during daylight hours, but only on the animals’ terms. Chris isn’t interested in attracting loads of people, or creating a tourist attraction.
He’s only concerned with the welfare of his birds of prey, of which there are around 100 buzzards, owls and hawks, with some of his more nervous or vulnerable birds kept away from the public where they feel more relaxed.
Likewise, Chris’s five big cats also prefer the quiet life. These include a male Persian leopard called Cyrus, and his pumas, Tocho, Inca, Temini, and Ueltui. Visitors can, however, join Chris for one of his Big Cat Open Days. The next one is on Monday 1st April when a small number of visitors will be led by Chris to the enclosures for an experience that’s more intimate and authentic than a zoo or wildlife park and prioritises animal welfare over visitor entertainment.
Chris’s first big cat, an Amur leopard called Manx, came to the site in 2004, and with one cat, Argun, having been returned to an international breeding programme, there are currently four enclosures free, should more big cats need sanctuary. Persian leopard Cyrus, for example, came to the site in 2012 at the age of three, straight from a theme park. Walking through the woods, the noise of traffic and any other human activities are sufficiently muted as we approach Tocho’s enclosure.
The sanctuary’s paths are natural, with no concrete or artificial surfacing. The woodland surrounding the enclosure is visible through 360° and for all intents and purposes you’re right in the middle of the woodland, almost as though there’s nothing between you and the big cats.
Happily, that’s not the case because these are not tame animals and whilst Chris can usually go into an enclosure, he’s the only one who can do so and only then after many hours becoming acquainted with the animals.
It has taken hours, and hours, and hours for the cats to trust Chris enough and to become sufficiently familiar with him, achieved by putting a weathered garden chair next to each enclosure and demonstrating zen-like patience.
It is, of course, rude to turn up to see a friend empty-handed, so Chris has brought along a pack of chicken drumsticks. Tocho approaches and happily takes one of them, biting down with a very loud crunch. Tocho is absolutely beautiful. Very calm, but very alert, taking in the newcomer. He’s probably 75kg, about a metre long and with the most enormous paws you’ve ever seen.
Pumas like Tocho live across the Americas, from the south-west of Canada all the way down to the south of Patagonia (Chile and Argentina). Across their region, pumas have different type of habitats; some in deserts, colder coniferous forests, Patagonian grassland or steeper mountain areas.
The Amur leopard meanwhile is from an altogether different habitat with fur designed to protect the animals from the harsh winters and against the heat in the summer months. The most optimistic estimate for the Amur leopard population is up to 100 across the Russian Far East, and across the globe the number of Amur leopards in captivity is at least double of the most optimistic estimate in their natural habitat. Amur leopards have only a very small area, which is considered to be their home range or territory; in the south-west of the Russia Far East with some of them appear to have established their home in North-East China.
Above: Chris feeding Tocho a treat... chicken drumsticks!
Image Rob Davis.
Healthcare for the big cats is provided by Stamford Veterinary Centre’s David Cawte, but sedating the cats is necessary before any examination.
Making our way to the other enclosures, we meet Ueltui and Temini, who are brother and sister. They obviously get along very well as each one takes it in turn to take a treat from Chris and retire to their favourite area of the enclosure to eat it; Temini ventures up onto one of the platforms, but Ueltui has a favourite corner, private and rather sheltered by the bushes growing around the perimeter.
Next up is a visit to see Inca who is a little more active, pacing backwards and forwards. Chris reckons she can hear or sense that his colleague Tom is due to put in an appearance with some food.
Again, there’s a garden chair by the enclosure and Inca is happy to come and chat to Chris,
clearly enjoying the bond they have. She’s a little more uncertain of me and I get a little snarl... nothing personal I don’t think, just wary of strangers.
It’s easy to see how Chris can sit beside them and just observe their behaviour. In the short time I spent with them each of the big cats seems to have its own personality, and just watching them is a joy.
Another observation is how remarkably similar some of their traits are to domestic cats. My own moggy is a joyful fellow, rehomed from the Cats Protection charity five or six years ago.
Watching how each of the cats carry their tail, use it to balance or express themselves and seeing the odd languid stretch or an arch of the back is uncanny in its similarity to a domestic cat.
One point of difference, sadly, is the low number of big cats across the globe. There are about ten million domestic cats in the UK, 50,000 pumas like Tocho, Inca, Ueltui and Temini in the world, but only 100 or so Amur leopards across the globe, making the species the most endangered big cat in the world.
Conservation measures has seen the global population rise from an all-time low of just 25 Amur leopards in 2008, to about 100 today.
It’s more important than ever, though, to ensure those big cat species most at risk are the focus of conservation and welfare first and foremost. Rutland’s Wildlife Sanctuary is determinedly not tourism-led, but a place where Chris’s genuine concern and guardianship of his animals is obvious, and seeing his birds of prey and his big cats in the sanctuary is, we reckon, as close as you can get to seeing them in their natural habitat.
Chris Lawton is the owner of Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 100 birds of prey and five big cats. Bank Holiday Monday, 1st April sees the opportunity to attend one of the sanctuary’s Big Cat Days, for details see www.rutlandwildlifesanctuary.co.uk or call 07778 152814. Images courtesy of Barbara Meyer, wildlife photographer and speaker. Photographic experiences and prints available, with all profits to Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary, see www.bigcatphotography.co.uk, or call 07912 161969. Burley Bushes, Exton Lane, Oakham LE15 7TA.
Aston Martin’s new two-seater Grand Tourer promises a fresh interior, new technology and even more power compared to its predecessor
It was back in the 1950s that Aston Martin first applied the Vantage designation to one of its sports cars, a DB2 model, denoting an upgraded engine package. Then, in 1964 it was given to the DB5 model, to designate a flagship version of James Bond’s car in Goldfinger. Vantage was not a standalone model for the company until the 1970s, but has since come to represent the smaller of Aston Martin’s two mainstream GT models, with the current version sitting below the DB12.
The emphasis of this new model is in creating a more focused drive and a new interior architecture to bring the car’s luxury credentials in line with more modern GTs on the market.. and to face down challenges from performance-oriented electric vehicles.
The car is a strict two-seater, and it’s powered by Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0V8 twin turbo, but it has been engineered to provide much greater performance; 30% more power and 15% more torque than its predecessor, with no increase in engine size.
The fettled engine’s output peaks at 665ps and generates an impressive 800Nm torque, with modified engine profiles, extensive tuning, larger turbos and better cooling yielding a sharper beast.
A new launch control system helps to channel the power onto the track, and there is a new Active Vehicle Dynamics system plus a new electronic differential to help the rear wheels cope with the power.
50/50 weight distribution helps with the handling, and an adjustable traction control system allows the driver to increase or decrease the amount of permitted wheel slip for showing off, if you’re on a closed track.
As well as 21” wheels and optional carbon ceramic brakes, there are new quad-exhaust pipes, frameless door mirrors and pop-out door handles, plus a redesigned grill to enhance cooling by over 29%.
Inside, there’s a new dash inspired by the larger DB12, with a bespoke surround sound stereo provided by Bowers & Wilkin. As standard, there’s 390w of power in the speakers, with an optional 1,170w 3D sound package also available.
Wireless Apple Carplay, new 3D navigation and a companion mobile app which allows owners to check the status of the car have also made their way into a redesigned cabin. Sharper, sleeker, smarter, the car is on sale now, with the first deliveries of the new Vantage expected in early summer... keen drivers won’t be disappointed!
The Details
Price: £165,000 (est; TBC).
Powertrain: 4.0 litre twin turbo V8, 665ps power, 800Nm torque, ZF eightspeed automatic transmission, rear wheel drive.
Top speed: 202mph. 060mph 3.5 seconds.
Standard Equipment: 360° camera, active park assist, adaptive cruise, keyless entry, front/rear parking sensors, heated seats, navigation, Bluetooth, climate.
This month we’re inspired by The White Company to present a choice of natural tones and fabrics offering comfort and timeless style for spring
For Shaunagh & Will, Stamford’s Holywell Hall was a beautiful backdrop against which to create a relaxed but classically elegant country wedding
Images: Cinzia Bruschini Studio, www.cinziabruschini.com. Instagram: @cinziabruschini.
Shaunagh & Will were childhood sweethearts, meeting at school at the age of 13, and later moving to Stamford to raise their family in a pretty part of the country that offers a great lifestyle.
The two enjoy walking in the country and were visiting one of their favourite places Rutland Water, when, after 10 years together, Will dropped down onto one knee and asked Shaunagh for her hand in marriage. The two set about realising their
vision for a quintessentially English countryside wedding, but one thing was missing... the venue.
Happily, the couple had already sought out the creative and organisational talent of local wedding planner Katrina Otter, who was able to suggest Stamford’s Holywell Hall as a venue to consider. The privately owned, 17th century estate comprises beautiful grounds with a walled garden, parkland and the Grade II* listed country house itself.
“We knew we wanted to have our ceremony outdoors, and it was a beautiful backdrop for a marquee wedding that we felt would be completely private, and wouldn’t feel in any way commercial or corporate.”
Katrina worked with Shaunagh to create a marquee venue in the parkland with a sperry tent, managing to secure the last free date in August. Equally bespoke was Shaunagh’s two couture wedding dresses, designed in conjunction with Emma Beaumont.
“It was a lovely day, and a wonderful way to begin our life together as husband and wife!”
The first was a satin A-line gown, the second a silk evening gown with feather embellishment for the reception. The bridesmaids’ dresses were by Ted Baker, whilst Shaunagh and her four bridesmaids’ hair and makeup were styled by Jo Adams of Hair and Makeup Atelier.
The groomsmen, meanwhile, wore tailoring from Smalleys of Nottingham, which was established in 1888, and the couple’s two French Bulldogs, Poppy and Gus sported coordinating silk bows.
“It was a really hot day – the warmest of the year,” says Shaunagh. “Will and his groomsmen spent the previous evening at The Olive Branch in Clipsham and arrived at Holywell Hall in a vintage bus, whilst the bridal party stayed over at the venue the evening before.”
“It was lovely in the marquee as there was a nice through-breeze, and the venue looked absolutely amazing thanks to Katrina and JenniBloom, our florist, who took inspiration from native flowers and a colour palette of soft pastels including the lilac of the bridesmaids’ dresses.”
Capturing the day was photographer Cinzia Bruschini Studio and our videographer, Each & Every Moment.
“We enjoyed the company of about 90 guests and that felt right to ensure we could spend meaningful time with everyone. It felt like we were in a bubble with nothing around us but friends and family, Holywell Hall is so private and intimate.”
“It was a lovely day, everything that we hoped it would be, and a wonderful way to begin our life together as husband and wife!”
Venue: Holywell Hall, www.holywellhall.co.uk.
Wedding Planner: www.katrinaotterweddings.co.uk.
Photos: Cinzia Bruschini Studio, www.cinziabruschini.com.
Videographer: www.eachandeverymoment.com.
Marquee: www.josephbenjaminmarquees.co.uk.
Florist: JenniBloom Floral Design: www.jennibloom.com.
Caterer: Fiona Herbert www.fionaherbertcatering.co.uk.
Bar: The Cocktail Service, www.thecocktailservice.co.uk.
Wedding Cake: Caroline Debonnaire, www.cakebycd.com.
Stationery: Laura Patrick, www.lauraelizabethpatrick.com.
Hair & MUA: www.hairandmakeupatelier.com.
Wedding Dress: Emma Beaumont, emmabeaumont.com. Transportation: Dews Coaches, www.dewscoaches.com.
This month we’ve forward-looking products to ensure you look good and feel great as the warmer, brighter months provide an uplifting boost to benefit both body and mind
Eau the Audacity is a bold scent of orange blossom and vanilla with head notes of black pepper, heart notes of leather and a boldness that’ll ensure you spring into the new season with a sense of Joie de vivre.
£195, 100ml penhaligons.com
Natural ingredients, ancient rituals and modern science combine in Fresh’s range of cosmetics. This antiageing serum reduces wrinkles and lines, helping to smoothing the skin, £97/50ml, www.fresh.com.
Created by skincare expert Caroline Hirons, this goldstandard moisturiser, as it name suggests, works to leave skin feeling softer, better conditioned and more resilient, £65, 50ml, www.spacenk.com.
Hermès’ Rouge Matte Lipstick is shown here in orange brûlée shade, a comfortable, moisturising and longlasting, velvet lip colour, £62, 3.5g, www.johnlewis.com.
An invigorating toner formulated with saw palmetto, cooling mint and salicylic acid, designed to reduce shine and removes excess oil. Leaves skin tingly clean refreshed and matte, £21, 150ml origins.co.uk.
Gucci’s Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil
Beauty Powder delivers a luminous looking finish, visibly unifying your complexion with its soft and silky formula, for a healthy glow. Blurs fine lines and pores for a perfected glowing look.
£47, 12g, from johnlewis.com.
All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, note that prices stated are RRP and may vary.
As winter turns into spring, and the countryside takes on a fresh new look, you too can achieve an equally healthy appearance thanks to the latest range of results-driven treatments available at Portia Barford’s private salon in the heart of Rutland...
Is there such a thing as too much choice? Most of the time we’d say there isn’t, but perhaps in the field of skincare and wellbeing, the vast and dizzying number of treatments, acronyms and clinics can often conspire to create a complex industry to navigate.
Many treatments profess to offer the best option for helping you to achieve more youthful or healthier-looking skin. So ideally you’d be able to turn to a professional clinician who can offer a range of treatment options and explain each as part of a relaxed, results-focused consultation.
Happily, that was exactly the approach that Portia Barford wanted to offer when she established her private salon in the heart of Rutland. After three years initial training, two years of additional training and a number of years in the industry, Portia established her clinic, the NU-U Skin Specialist, in 2022, and she celebrated the clinic’s second anniversary during our visit.
“Modern skincare treatments are really sophisticated, formulated with skin health in mind, often tailored to each client. They can offer visible results with new technology being introduced into the industry and with new treatments all the time,” says Portia.
“That means it’s important for clinicians to keep on top of the latest treatment options and assess them before offering them to clients to ensure we only offer the most effective therapies and technologies.”
“Our Profhilo skin remodelling treatments have among the highest concentration of Hyaluronic Acid on the market. It’s an injectable treatment but unlike a dermal filler, which only last a few weeks, the slow release of its formula ensures that it results in improved skin tone, hydration, volume and elasticity for up to six months.
“Profhilo also works in harmony with our natural processes, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. The treatment can also be tailored to provide, for example, anti-ageing benefits or to reduce the effects of acne scarring.”
“I most commonly use Profhilo on areas of the face but it’s equally beneficial for the neck, decollate, arms, knees and hands. It’s a versatile, safe and effective treatment that clients report really works well for them. For me it achieves all of the objectives I seek out when looking for a treatment that I can really trust to provide clients with resultsdriven skincare.”
“Another versatile treatment range that I’ve been using for some time now is Medik8, a range of facial peels which are gentler than other resurfacing treatments.”
“Clients can see initial results immediately but the benefits are fully noticeable after seven days. Again, the versatility of the Medik8 is something that I appreciate as there are peels formulated for clarity – deep-cleaning pores and decongesting the complexion – plus tackling outbreaks of blemishes or addressing signs of ageing around the delicate eye area.”
“Medik8 also has a range of really effective British-made cosmeceuticals, enabling clients to gain the benefits of products with much higher concentrations of active ingredients and a natural skincare approach.”
“With our IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments, we’re also able to offer hair removal, illumiFacial skin rejuvenation and treatment of age spots, sun damage or thread veins.”
“Underwriting our treatments and their underlying technology though is our independence, and commitment to our clients, providing a private salon with plenty of parking, and a service that’s client-centric, providing only the best results-driven skincare.”
Teeth Straightening: Discover your smile again using the latest Invisalign technology: removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. Comfortable, discreet and removable, you can eat and drink, brush and floss as usual as you gradually achieve a straight, natural smile.
Teeth Whitening: A simple way to transform your smile, improving the overall appearance of your teeth, and bringing a youthful bright smile.
Dental Implants: A safe, well-established way to replace a tooth when it fails, restoring your smile in a permanent, effective way.
New Patients: Going to the dentist shouldn’t be a daunting experience. We take the time to help you feel relaxed and comfortable whilst we care for both your health and appearance.
MONDAY
Ramsay Group’s Fitzwilliam Hospital, based near Peterborough, is the area’s private healthcare facility specialising in a range of disciplines, including spinal and orthopaedic services, from diagnosis to treatment, and from pain management to physiotherapy
Words: Rob Davis.Anybody who has endured discomfort, or had their mobility compromised by chronic spinal pain, will relate to the disruption it causes to the way we function day-to-day, interrupting everything from sleep to exercise to work and leisure.
The spine is remarkable in its architecture, but also incredibly complex and intrinsically connected to the rest of the body’s nervous system and hence our experience of pain. Happily, experiencing discomfort or lack of mobility isn’t inevitable: just ask the many patients each year who seek out the skills of the spinal and orthopaedic specialists at Ramsay Healthcare’s Fitzwilliam Hospital, based in Peterborough, with an outreach clinic at Boston West Hospital.
The healthcare facility offers consultant-led care, and end-to-end healthcare provision from a range of diagnostic facilities to specialist teams, and state-of-the-art operating theatres to physiotherapy and outpatient facilities for a joined-up care pathway without unnecessary delays.
Ivan Vidakovic is one of the consultant spinal surgeons whose field of interest includes cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral conditions from problems with vertebral discs to chronic pain in the back, neck arms or legs,
and issues such as stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or compressed nerves as in cauda equina syndrome.
Whilst Ivan and his colleagues at least initially approach conditions with conservative treatments such as physiotherapy or pain management, the hospital also provides access to highly-skilled surgical teams working across five modern operating theatres.
The healthcare facility offers a consultant-led service, from diagnosis to outpatient care
“Spinal treatment with Ramsay Health Care is carried out by our multidisciplinary team that comprises expert orthopaedic and pain-management consultants, nurses, physiotherapists, and radiologists,” says Ivan.
“We provide rapid and accurate diagnosis for the cause of your back pain using the latest diagnostic equipment including access to one of two MRI scanners such as the sophisticated Siemens unit installed in 2022.
Non-invasive treatments such as physiotherapy, injections, medication, and
pain management techniques are all options, before considering spinal surgery.”
The Fitzwilliam Hospital celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023 and remains a modern, comfortable healthcare facility with 45 en-suite bedrooms, and consultant-led care across not only orthopaedic and spinal disciplines, but across general surgery, ENT, gynaecology, ophthalmology and oncology including its ‘one-stop’ breast cancer clinic.
The hospital also provides private GP services, plus diagnostic services and scanning as well as its outpatient care.
The hospital received a ‘good’ rating in its last Care Quality Commission inspection, and patient feedback rates the Fitzwilliam Hospital as one of the top healthcare facilities in the area, providing access to diagnosis and treatment without delays, with multiple funding pathways to expedite your care and recovery.
Being in pain isn’t inevitable – nor is an ongoing struggling with mobility – and an initial conversation with one of the hospital’s care co-ordinators could be the first step in addressing chronic or acute spinal or orthopaedic conditions which would otherwise have an negative impact on quality of life.
Find Out More: Offering private GP services, The Fitzwilliam Hospital is one of 35 Ramsay Groupowned hospitals in the UK.
The hospital was established in 1983 as a private facility for healthcare with 45 en suite bedrooms, five operating theatres, a dedicated MRI, CT and XRay imaging suite and physiotherapy unit. Surgical disciplines include private GP services, orthopaedic, ENT, ophthalmology, gynaecology, medical diagnostics, treatment and surgical procedures. Call 01733 261717 or see www.fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk.
