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They say it’s better to travel than to arrive. That’s certainly true if you’re being chauffeured in a Rolls-Royce. Back in 1904 when Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met, the two embarked on a bid to ‘create the best car in the world.’ Since then much has changed when it comes to motoring, but what has endured is the fact that 120 years on, the sight of a Rolls-Royce still commands respect.
You can see about 1,200 of the world’s finest examples at this year’s Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club rally at Burghley House, but in advance and to find out if the marque is still worthy of such admiration, we met the club’s Philip Robinson and Stephen Went for a trip in two of their classic vehicles.
You’ll find a Rolls-Royce to be quick, but not 3,000mph quick. For that sort of velocity, you’ll need to be on board the Space Shuttle. Appearing at Leicester’s National Space Centre in June, Don Thomas can tell you first hand about the experience as he’s a veteran of four missions on board Colombia and Discovery... we’ll meet him later in this edition too.
By contrast, Clipsham’s Olive Branch is determinedly down to Earth in its approach to dining. We’ll enjoy a return visit to the place to sample the pub’s new summer menus and enjoy Tapas on the Terrace.
Elsewhere this month, we’ve a roundup of the best summer events in Rutland and Stamford, and we celebrate the official unveiling of Oakham’s tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Best wishes for a wonderful month,
Julian Wilkinson Publisher, Pride MagazinesThis month’s covers show action in the main ring of last year’s Rutland Show, and a rather beautiful RollsRoyce at Burghley House’s Enthusiasts’ Club rally and Concours d’Elegance. We’re always looking for great images of the area, so please feel free to email us your best photos to us at robin@pridemagazines.co.uk.
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9 LUXURY HOMES Enjoy the largest selection of quality homes on the market in Rutland & Stamford.
22 NEWS ‘Good news’ stories from around Rutland & Stamford including a warm welcome to the role for the county’s new High Sheriff.
48 WHAT’S ON Live music and theatre.
58 SCHOOLS & CHILDCARE
The best schools and childcare providers in Stamford & Rutland.
Highlights
24 QUEEN ELIZABETH II Late monarch celebrated in Oakham with unveiling of new statue.
30 OUT OF THIS WORLD Astronaut Don Thomas touches down at Leicester’s National Space Centre.
JUNE 2024
37 SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT County shows and live events.
52 ROLLS-ROYCES IN STAMFORD
The annual RollsRoyce Enthusiasts’ Club rally and Concours d’Elegance.
Food & Drink
62 DINING OUT The Olive Branch at Clipsham’s new summer menus including Tapas on the Terrace.
73 WINE English wine week.
Homes & Gardens
74 WELCOME HOME A beautiful modern family home in Ketton.
84 HOMES Luxury kitchens with Moir Wade, conservatories and orangeries.
Lifestyle
120 FASHION Broderie
123 COSMETICS Summer essentials.
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16 Catmose Park Road, Oakham
A beautifully-presented, four/five bedroom, detached family home with spacious and free-flowing accommodation and a spectacular plot extending to half an acre with a mature, south-facing garden and private driveway, all sitting within a short walk of Oakham town centre.
A substantial and immaculately presented barn conversion with mature gardens, outbuildings and beautiful countryside views sitting on the edge of this popular village on a plot of approximately 1.6 acres including two paddocks. Guide Price £1,000,000
Offers In Excess Of £850,000
Ivydene Barn, Great Dalby
Offers In Excess Of £800,000
Beech House, Bellfield, South Luffenham
A spacious and light-filled, five-bedroom detached home with off-road parking, garaging and a sunny south-west facing garden, sitting at the edge of the popular village of South Luffenham with stunning countryside views to the rear.
Offers In Excess Of £500,000
16 Lyndon Road, North Luffenham
Originally built in the late 17th century, this charming limestone-built cottage offers three double bedrooms, parking and garaging and a sunny south-west facing garden, nestled into the heart of North Luffenham village.
Find Your Perfect Home
The largest selection of luxury homes on the market in Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding area
for £2,950,000, see page 74.
Barn
Exton
Springfield Barn is located just over a mile from the charming, conservation village of Exton in Rutland, situated in attractive, undulating countryside about a mile to the north of Rutland Water. The village of Exton has a popular local pub, The Fox and Hounds, and a good primary school. Barnsdale Gardens and the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre are close by whilst The Barnsdale and Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa are a short distance south.
Guide Price: £1,595,000
Forming part of a terrace and originally 2 cottages which now forms one larger property offering 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms and 2 bathrooms with two staircases. In need of updating but with plenty of character and not Listed positioned on the edge of the village with open aspect over paddock land and further garden plot to the end of the terrace.
Guide Price: £575,000
Richardson Surveyors Sheep Market House, Sheep Market, Stamford PE9 3RB. Call 01780 762433 or see www.richardsonsurveyors.co.uk
Morcott RutlandDrift Wothorpe
Situated in the exclusive and peaceful hamlet of Wothorpe, this splendid stone-built home has been meticulously crafted by Hereward Homes. It is architecturally magnificent while maintaining its warmth and welcoming nature.
The White Lodge Whissendine
The White Lodge is a wonderfully charming Grade II Listed detached home, nestled in the heart of the popular Rutland village of Whissendine. The property offers a wealth of charming features throughout, including high ceilings, flagstone flooring and Georgian sash windows. Offering over 3500sqft of accommodation including five bedrooms and further attic rooms.
Offers Over: £925,000
Moores Estate Agents Goodwood House, Hackamore Way, Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com
Local News
A New High Sheriff for Rutland
Congratulations to Richard Cole as he is officially declared Rutland’s High Sheriff for 2024/2025, congratulating outgoing High Sheriff Geraldine Feehally
Three years of local radio
Rutland & Stamford Sound is celebrating three years since its inception with a summer of pop-up radio stations across Stamford, Oakham and Uppingham
The area’s community radio station, Rutland & Stamford Sound, is celebrating three years of broadcasting this summer with a series of pop-up radio stations across Stamford, Oakham and Uppingham. Local broadcasting legend and Station Manager Rob Persani founded the station in March 2021 as a not-for-profit company aimed at ensuring the availability of local radio content following Bauer’s acquisition of Rutland Radio. Rutland & Stamford Sound is keen to hear from communities happy to host the station during its outside broadcasts throughout May, June and July. The station is also eager to hear from volunteers who want to contribute to its output, either behind the scenes or on air.
Rutland & Stamford Sound is available on smart speakers, via its mobile app and online. It’s hoped that the station will gain a DAB or FM option in the future too.
See www.rutlandandstamfordsound.co.uk for details.
Congratulations to Richard Cole, who was installed as Rutland’s High Sheriff at a traditional ceremony held at Oakham Castle last month.
It’s the second time that Richard has served in the role, although his first tenure – which was during the Covid lockdown – wasn’t exactly the full experience with no visits possible. Happily, the second time around Richard will have the opportunity to make the most of the role, which dates back from the 12th century and sees the incumbent representing law and order in the county.
Richard praised outgoing High Sheriff Geraldine Feehally and chose to end his investiture with a contemporary choice of music, Times Like These by the Foo Fighters!
Image: Nick Clarke, www.clarkepr.media.
Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
Rutland’s Snowdrop Awards
Wisteria House and Snowdrop Home Care awarded Rutland Snowdrop Award for compassionate care
Wisteria House and Snowdrop Home Care have been awarded The Rutland Snowdrop Award for compassionate end of life care. The charity Dying Matters, founded by Rutland’s Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness, created The Rutland Snowdrop Award to celebrate health and care workers who have gone
above and beyond in their role, with members of the public putting forward nominations for the awards.
The two winners were named during an afternoon tea event held in Whissendine.
For further information on the charity, see www.dyingmatters leicestershireandrutland.com.
Freya & Echo head to DogFest
Dogfest comes to Burghley House on 8th/9th June, with best friends Freya & Echo invited to join the fun!
Last month our sister magazine, Lincolnshire Pride, told the touching story of Freya & Echo, who competed at this year’s Crufts. Freya & Echo are keen to join the Breed Meet-Up Challenge at June’s DogFest at Burghley House. There’s also a four-ring fun dog show, with categories including the best four-legged celebrity lookalike!
See later in this edition or visit www.dogfest.co.uk.
Banking on a future in Oakham
Alicia Kearns MP officially opens Oakham’s new Banking Hub on the town’s Church Street
It’s a familiar challenge facing Britain’s retail banks: more and more transactions are being conducted via online or telephone banking, so it’s increasingly difficult to justify a bricks and mortar premises for those who want to bank the traditional way.
Happily, Oakham residents are already beginning to benefit from a new Banking Hub created in the town’s former Lloyds Bank building, with five major banks represented.
Monday will see Barclays operate from the centre, Tuesday will be NatWest’s day, with Santander on Wednesday, Lloyds on Thursday and HSBC on Fridays.
The Hub was recommended by LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, following the closure of the HSBC branch. Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has worked with HSBC to ensure the branch did not close until the new Banking Hub was up and running.
“This new community asset will offer improved access to banking locally, with five different banks operating from the same site, outstripping the banking provision in most local towns,” Alicia says.
And Finally... congratulations to Uffington and Burley on the Hill who have been named the ‘poshest’ villages in Lincolnshire and Rutland respectively in a survey by the Daily Telegraph. The newspaper named its 48 smartest villages, with Uffington praised for its ‘lively community,’ and Burghley on the Hill’s ‘fascinating local history’ recognised.
News
HM Queen Elizabeth II Unveiling
Hundreds attended the unveiling of Oakham’s tribute to the late HM Queen Elizabeth II, a sculpture funded following efforts by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness and created by Hywel Pratley. The statue was revealed by the Lord-Lieutenant alongside MP Alicia Kearns and Bishop of Peterborough Debbie Sellin...
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The Interview NASA Astronaut Don Thomas SPACE EXPLORING
This month in Leicester, a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet veteran astronaut of NASA’s Space Shuttle programme, Don Thomas
Words: Rob Davis.
Don Thomas has travelled around the world. Literally around it: orbiting Earth 692 times. He’s travelled 17,600,000 miles, and has logged over 1,040 hours in space working as a NASA astronaut making four separate flights into space on two different Space Shuttle orbiters. He’s also been to Leicester, and he’s returning again this June for the third visit in his career to the city’s National Space Centre to spend a day meeting people who want to hear first hand about what it’s like to go into space.
“The visit is organised by Nick and Bryar Deakin, who founded a not-for-profit company, InspireSpace CIC Ltd (astronautevents.co.uk), which runs events and programmes to enable people to take an active role in Space and learn about the experience of space travel.”
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects all feed into space exploration, making it a great potential source of inspiration for young people with its ability to encourage their interest in the subjects. It certainly worked for Don.
“I was six years old, growing up in Cleveland, Ohio,” says Don. “We were all ushered into the school hall one day to watch Alan Shepard become the second person and the first American to travel into space on the Mercury-Redstone 3 mission. It was my ambition from that moment to become an astronaut, and that really encouraged me to do well at school and to eventually work towards a doctorate in Materials Science at Cornell University.”
The Interview NASA Astronaut Don Thomas
“You’re 10% terrified and 90% excited, fairly insulated from the noise. But the amount of vibration is huge and with three times the force of gravity on you, the pressure on your chest is significant, making breathing more difficult...”
Don’s academic specialism was the conductive properties of materials in the field of electronics. Following his education, he worked for telecoms company AT&T Bell and for Lockheed. Never losing his ambition to pursue a career in the space industry, in 1987 Don relocated 1,600 miles to Houston, and a year later, joined NASA as a materials engineer.
It took four attempts to achieve selection as a NASA astronaut, obtaining his pilot’s license, then gaining a qualification in IFR (instrument) flying whilst working at the Lyndon B Johnson Space Center.
In January 1990 Don was selected by NASA to become an Astronaut Candidate, and officially became an astronaut in July 1991, then working in the safety, operations, payloads and CAPCOM branches of mission control, whilst being trained in each of the different aspects of Space Shuttle operation including how to fly – and how to land – one billion dollars worth of spacecraft.
Astronaut Candidates are assigned to a specific mission, usually 18 months to two years in advance, and they spend at least a year training for their specific role on that flight. Don was assigned to STS65 which would see the Space Shuttle Columbia take off from Kennedy Space Centre on 8th July 1994.
Commanded by Robert Cabana and with Don serving as a mission specialist, overseeing the International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2), it was the 17th flight that Columbia had performed out of a total of 28 missions (travelling a total of 125,000,000 miles and orbiting Earth 4,808 times) including STS-83 and STS-94 for which Don was also on board – he would also fly on Discovery, the most well-used of the five Space Shuttles on STS-70.
“The intervening time is spent studying and keeping fit,” says Don. “There’s not an adrenaline rush in the lead up to the flight because it’s a long build-up to the event and you’re used to working in the space industry, using simulators and being in that environment. It’s routine and it’s your career, so it’s more a sense of professional anticipation.”
Above: Columbia, the most used of NASA’s Space Shuttles, completed 28 missions. Right: Don in the flight deck.
“Saying goodbye to my wife, though, was tough. ‘See you in two weeks,’ is what we said, not countenancing the reality that something could go wrong. NASA allows you to spend time with your partner if they’ve been declared medically sound, but they don’t allow you to see your children as they’re considered a greater potential source of viruses or infections.”
“There are two shifts in the run up to a launch, and I was on the night shift, so I was already on site, and with lift-off scheduled for noon, we were inside the orbiter by around 10am.”
“30 seconds before lift-off, the on-board computers take over the launch sequence and ignite the three engines, one at a time, building to 90% thrust. At T-minus zero seconds, the explosive bolts holding the spacecraft release, the solid rocket boosters ignite and 2,000 tonnes of Space Shuttle starts to move upwards.”
“You’re 10% terrified and 90% excited, fairly insulated from the noise. But the amount of vibration is huge and with three times the force of gravity on you, the pressure on your chest is significant, making breathing more difficult.”
“Two minutes into the flight, at an altitude of about 28 miles, the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) detach and after eight and a half minutes, as you’re travelling at the speed of sound, the engines throttle back and then shut down. A couple of minutes later you’re in low orbit and suddenly everything is quiet and serene. There’s no time to process it though as the whole mission is subject to a flight plan, and without a second to contemplate where you are, my immediate task was to use a camera on board to photograph the large orange external fuel tank out of the window to check for any damage that may have occurred during lift-off.”
“Weightlessness isn’t gradual, it’s immediate when the engines are switched off. Being dry in a pool of water is a comparable sensation, but there’s drag in water, so eventually you come to a stop. There’s no drag in a weightless environment and some things are really easy, like moving objects around. Other (normally very simple) tasks become quite frustrating though, and on balance I’ve come to the conclusion that I quite like gravity!”
“The Space Shuttle is a very functional place to be: small, crowded but comfortable enough. 30 years ago we were able to exchange a text-based message or so each day with our loved ones back home, and we could make a ‘phone call’ about five minutes in duration (in public) via mission control halfway through the 15-day flight. Today
there’s more unlimited access to the internet in space, so communication can be more regular.”
“I took a book with me, but there’s little to do but work and sleep on board. On the ISS you’re afforded more free time but during a mission two weeks in duration, we’re all worked hard to ensure your time can be as productive as possible.”
Perhaps mercifully, Don’s shuttle flights were after the Challenger disaster and before the loss of Columbia in 2003, so the crews on board his missions always regarded take-off as the most hazardous part of a shuttle mission, there was a sense of relief when it was over.
“The journey back to Earth is an incredible experience. For ten minutes as you’re re-entering the atmosphere the shuttle reaches over 1,000°c, and just four feet away from my head is a window, beyond which is a massive fireball of plasma with bright pink and orange colours streaking 20ft along the orbiter.”
Don would return to space on three more missions, and eventually retired from NASA in 2007. What do you do after a career like that, I wondered. “I really did come back down to Earth,” Don recalls. “When I landed it was to applause, as an American hero. Back home though, my wife told me in no uncertain terms that after two weeks of being away, it was my time to take out the trash and change our young son’s diapers.”
The Interview NASA Astronaut Don Thomas
“I’ve found a new passion in life now, education. It’s an incredibly uplifting experience to share in people’s enthusiasm and to answer questions. People are always fascinated not necessarily by the technicalities of going to space, but with day-to-day life in space like how to eat and sleep. The most frequently asked question is always ‘how do you go to the toilet in space?’”
Does that make Don roll his eyes? “No! I’m thrilled to be asked every question, even the same question, every single time. I’m really privileged to be able to share my experience, and if I can inspire people, especially young people, to take an interest in STEM subjects and in space, I’m always happy to do so.”
“I’m looking forward to return to Leicester, where we’ve a ‘breakfast with an astronaut’ event planned, and opportunities to ask questions and generally discover more about space travel.”
“There’s a moment that you look out of the Space Shuttle window and see Earth, so far away. Suddenly you feel far away and so disconnected from home, which is emotional. But that also means that upon your return, you feel incredibly grateful for our precious planet and for the opportunity to be with the people you love.”
TAKING RISKS WITH WATERCOLOUR
Shirley Trevena RI
Saturday June 1st - Saturday June 29th. Preview Saturday June 1st, 10.30am-4pm.
The first exhibition of Shirley Trevena RI at The Rutland Gallery. A member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, Shirley enjoys an international reputation as one of Britain’s most innovative artists in watercolour.
Shirley Trevena, RI Metal Bird & Irises, watercolour, gouache and pen & ink, 18x151/4in (46x39cm). All work available to view and purchase online now and throughout the exhibition.
THE RUTLAND GALLERY
High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY, 01572 510048 | www.rutlandgallery.com
Open seven days a week throughout the exhibition, 10.30am-4pm.
NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME OPEN DAY
Saturday 8th June
Enjoy the summer garden blooms whilst raising money for charity.
50TH ANNIVERSARY STUDY DAY
Tuesday 18th June
Four lectures by eminent historians Neil Lyon, Dr Laura Engel, Dr Megan Leyland and Dr Jane Eade exploring the history of Lamport with lunch included.
LAURA CROBU HARP RECITAL
Friday 28th June
Lamport | Northamptonshire | NN6 9HD 01604 686 272 | www.lamporthall.co.uk engagement@lamporthall.co.uk
Summer Fun in Rutland & Stamford
Get ready for a summer of county shows, live music, performing arts and more as Rutland & Stamford reveal their offering of summer entertainment
Words: Rob Davis.This month sees the return of one of the biggest and most successful events in the area, in the form of the 190th Rutland Show.
The show takes place across 150 acres and attracts over 12,000 visitors to its 13 fields each year. Highlights include its livestock, with over 400 sheep, 40 cattle and 90 heavy horses competing for in their respective classes.
Happily this year will also see the return of the show’s heavy horses, whilst the main ring will also see scurry driving and a parade of hounds, as well as a livestock parade towards the end of the day.
Over 100 trade stands will ensure first class shopping. There’s a chance to browse the latest agricultural equipment, garden furniture, fashions plus local art and craft producers.
Over 50 local producers of cheese, meat, spirits and sweet treats will enjoy a dedicated area for shoppers seeking to take home a taste of Rutland, whilst Oakham’s Grainstore Brewery is providing refreshment with its local ales.
In addition there’s live music throughout the day and vintage tractor displays, ferrets, scent dog demonstrations as well as a funfair plus the hilarious Sheep Show is back once again for more ovine fun.
The Rutland Agricultural Society was established in 1788 and held the first of what was to become an annual show in 1831 at an indoor stable on the site of the current Rutland County.
It was attended by over 500 people – not bad for its inaugural event – but the popularity of the event year after year saw the show move to a 17-acre site at Barleythorpe, then to Burley-on-the-Hill in 1976 before the society purchased the current Rutland Showground
Summer Shows
THE 190th RUTLAND SHOW
Sunday 2nd June
and relocated the show to the site in 2014 where it remains today.
In the main ring this year you can watch Bolddog FMX, the UK’s number one motorcycle display team performing heartstopping stunts and tricks. A fast and furious Shetland Pony Grand National will also feature as well as an entertaining sheep herding demonstration by some very smart sheep dogs.
There’s really something for all the family to enjoy and well-behaved dogs are welcome too, so bring them along to take part in the dog show.
Sponsors of the show include global payroll software provider MHR, Frontier Agriculture, NFU Mutual, Newton Fallowell, Sharmans, Ben Burgess and Taylor Made Securities.
The latest programme of main ring and countryside ring activities can be found online with provisional timings.
£13.50/online advance, £3/children, from 9am5pm, Rutland Showground LE15 7TW see www.rutlandshowground.com.
Summer Shows
GAME & COUNTRY FAIR
Sunday 26th & Monday 27th May
Living Heritage’s Burghley Game & Country Fair takes place on 26th/27th May, with arena events including horse boarding, plus a new an exciting jousting act from OG Performance Horses. Other main ring events include falconry, scurry driving and gundog displays.
Elsewhere there’s World of Dogs, plus archery, angling, fly-tying, and clay shooting, plus a craft village, steam engines and vintage displays, plus chainsaw carving and lots of great shopping, a funfair, and food & drink.
Admission £18/adults, £6/junior, from 10am6pm, Burghley House, see www.livingheritagecountryshows.com.
LIVE MUSIC IN OAKHAM
9th, 16th, 23rd, 20th June
Enjoy live music throughout summer in Oakham’s Cutt’s Close with these performers:
9th June: Alan Jackson, 12noon-2pm 9th June: Marlow & Smith 3pm-5pm
16th June: Houndogs, 2.30pm-4.30pm
23rd June: Rutland Concert Band, 2.30pm 30th June: The Atomics, 2.30pm-4.30pm.
D-DAY AT 80
Sunday 9th June
Oakham commemorates 80 years since the D-Day landings in Cutt’s Close Park, with music, food stalls and other elements designed to remember WWII’s heroes.
GLOBAL BIRDFAIR
Wednesday 12th Friday 14th July
A new venue for Global Birdfair this year as the event moves to Lyndon Top, providing a chance to enjoy an event commonly referred to as the ‘birdwatchers’ Glastonbury.’
The event features a range of exhibitors including conservation organisations and eco-tourism companies alongside exhibitors selling books, art, optical equipment, bird food and local produce. Meanwhile four lecture stages plus a variety of workshops will appeal to any keen ornithologist keen to both enjoy a great three-day event, and raise funds for global conservation projects too.
Lyndon Top, Rutland, tickets £40/three day, see www.globalbirdfair.org.
DOGFEST AT BURGHLEY
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th June
The UK’s favourite dog-friendly festival makes its debut at Burghley House... and this month the event celebrates its tenth birthday! DogFest is hosted in the stunning grounds of seven stately homes across England and features The Big Dog Walk; Breed Meet-Up sessions; all Have-a-Go Activities; and shows & training tips from top dog experts.
Additional crowd-pleasing extras include the four-ring Fun Dog Show including categories like best celebrity dog lookalike, where judges reward a rosette for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Every festival includes a shopping village, a food court, and live music. Join the crowd and experience the magic of DogFest. Book early for the best ticket price.
Final Tier Standard adult £21 (excl. booking fee). 516 yrs £14 (excl. booking fee). Book early to beat final tier prices. Dogs and under 5s go free. See www.dogfest.co.uk.
BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS
Thursday 5th Sunday 8th September
Defender Burghley Horse Trials returns to Lincolnshire in September, offering visitors the chance to see the world’s best horses and riders compete in the CCI5* event, including its famously challenging cross-country course in the Capability Brown-designed setting of Burghley Park.
Meanwhile the stars of the future will feature in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse final. The entire Horse Trials event features around 340 horses across the varying competitions and the site spans more than 530 acres.
Around 175,000 spectators watch the action each year and enjoy luxury shopping courtesy of 600 carefully chosen trade stands and the legendary food walk, with hospitality options and children’s activities a great feature too. Advance tickets on sale now see www.burghleyhorse.co.uk.
Stamford Shakespeare at Tolethorpe
Fresh air and fine entertainment courtesy of Stamford Shakespeare Company, at Tolethorpe Hall
As always, Stamford Shakespeare Company is presenting a trio of superb performances against the backdrop of Tolethorpe Hall with its 600seater covered woodland auditorium.
This year sees A Midsummer Night’s Dream set against an Edwardian backdrop. Great fun from four young lovers to the hilarious escapades of a merry band of hopeless actors. Performances take place on various dates from 4th June to 27th July.
Also coming to the stage this season is Farquhar’s restoration comedy The Recruiting Officer, set in the 18th century, and featuring plot twists, crossdressing, forged letters, and chaotic love triangles from 11th June to 17th August. Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility will also appear at Tolethorpe in association with Concord Theatricals from 2nd July to 24th August.
Any finally Tolethorpe Young Drama will host A Monster Calls from 29th31st July, based on the 2016 film.
Dining/picnics also available, for tickets and details see www.tolethorpe.co.uk.
Live Music
The sound of summer in Stamford & Rutland
NEVILL HOLT FESTIVAL
Saturday 1st June Wednesday 26th June
Held in the spectacular setting of David Ross’s Nevill Holt estate, enjoy a multi-arts festival featuring over 150 of the UK’s leading musicians, artists and speakers covering jazz, classical and contemporary music, literature and visual arts.
Highlights this season include Mozart’s Magic Flute (1st-9th June), plus Britten Sinfonia, a celebration of Noël Coward in the form of A Most Marvellous Party, and jazz in association with Ronnie Scott’s orchestra. Visit www.nevillholtfestival.com, for details, Image below: Nevill Holt.
ENDELIENTA BAROQUE
Saturday 22nd June
Part of the Music in Lyddington programme, facilitating performances by internationallyrenowned artists here in Rutland.
Endelienta Baroque comprises some of the country’s most talented young performers on historical instruments. Their aim is simpleto revel in the joy of performing music from many baroque repertories, so audiences can participate in that joy. Musical highlights to include Bach (Violin Sonata no1), Erlebach (Sonata Quinta), Abel (Sonata in C minor). £20/advance, at Lyddington Church of St Andrew, see www.musicinlyddington.co.uk.
BATTLE PROMS CONCERT
Saturday 13th July
Burghley House is once again the venue for a spectacular programme of live classical music and much more besides.
The evening begins at 6.15pm with a cavalry display, follower by a parachute display by The Red Devils before the Battle Proms Belles give a performance of vintage harmonies. After an evening salute there’s a programme of classical prom favourites with Spitfire flyover and fireworks. Take a long a picnic or pre-order a hamper and chairs online. £55/adult, £22/junior, pavilion tables and hampers available see www.battleproms.com.
Kilworth House Theatre
Summer entertainment with musical theatre and live performances
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
Tuesday 18th June to Friday 28th July
The classic, multi-award winning musical 'Singin’ in the Rain', will be gracing the Kilworth House Theatre stage this summer.
Adapted from the 1952 movie, it’s packed full of charm, romance, comedy and tinsel town glamour. Singin’ In The Rain features all the songs from the glorious MGM score including ‘Good Morning’, ‘Make ‘em Laugh’, and the show-stopping ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ in a lighthearted spoof of frantic Hollywood!
LIVE AT KILWORTH
Wednesday 7th to Sunday 25th August
A carefully chosen and eclectic programme of the very best of British tribute acts at Kilworth House Hotel, with optional dining and accommodation packages
Totally Tina: Wednesday 7th August
Simon & Garfunkel: Thursday 8th August
A Country Night in Nashville: Fri 9th August
The Carpenters Experience: Sat 10th August
Talon, To the Limit: Sunday 11th August
Abba Revival: Tues 13th & Wed 14th August
Singin’ in the Rain tickets from £45, Live at Kilworth tickets
The Sound of Springsteen: Thu 15th August
ELO Again: Friday 16th August
Lost in Music (disco): Saturday 17th August
Last Night of the Proms: Sun 18th August
Twist and Shout (1960s): Tues 20th August
Magic of Motown: Wednesday 21st August
Taylor Swift by Katy Ellis: Thur 22nd August
The Bohemians (Queen): Friday 23rd August
Legend Live (Bob Marley): Sat 24th August
Queen of the Night: Sunday 25th August.
£39£45. Optional dining and accommodation packages, call to book on 01858 881939 or see www.kilworthhouse.co.uk. Kilworth House Hotel, Leicestershire LE17 6JE.
What’s On
Thursday 13th June to Saturday 15th June
Pride & Prejudice
Curve Theatre and Leicester’s De Montfort University present a brand-new retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This performance is adapted and directed by Curve’s Artist Development and New Work Producer Cara Nolan, the lively and riotous take on Austen’s classic romance will be performed by drama students from the university.
Expect some regency romance, rebellion, wit and many a wellpenned letter!
Tickets from £10 to £18. Performances at 7pm and 2.30pm on Saturday.
Curve Theatre, LE1 1SB. Call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk
Meet Astronaut Don Thomas
Sunday 9th June
Meet an Astronaut at The National Space Centre
Selected as a mission specialist astronaut in 1990, Don Thomas is a veteran of four Space Shuttle missions, aboard Columbia and Discovery. He has spent 44 days in space and has travelled over 17.6m miles in the process. Join the NASA astronaut for a special visit to the National Space centre. National Space Centre, Leicester, 0116 261 0261 or see www.spacecentre.co.uk for details and ticket prices.
Saturday 8th June
Lamport Hall Open Gardens
This month the beautiful gardens of Lamport Hall gardens will be open 10am-4pm in order to raise money for charities including Macmillan and Parkinson’s UK. There will be 10 acres of formal gardens, the estate’s walled cutting garden and its woodland walk.
The property has been home to the Isham family for over four centuries.
Lamport Hall, NN6 9EZ. Call 01604 686272 or see www.lamporthall.co.uk
Sunday 23rd June
Uppingham Feast Day
Uppingham’s Market Place plays host to live and acoustic music stages from mid-day to 10pm with a continuous programme of entertainment and music throughout the day.
All music tastes are catered for; jazz to pop, soul to rock, funk to folk, there’s something for everyone. The event is free to attend all day and the High Street is crowded with food stalls to feast from.
Children’s entertainments are many and varied and there is a craft and gift fair in the Town Hall for shoppers.
From 12 noon until 10pm, see www.loveuppingham.org.uk.
and Medieval Living History Village
Saturday 8th June and Saturday 22nd June Gin Cruises on The Rutland Belle
Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
Friday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June
Rolls-Royce & Bentley Annual Rally at Burghley
The world's largest gathering of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars takes place at Burghley House, Stamford each year.
See the Knights of Nottingham perform at Rockingham Castle! Can good triumph over evil? Knights and Horses combine for a hard hitting Medieval Jousting display. This jousting show is filled with sword
For further details see www.rockinghamcastle.com Sunday 16th June
swinging, gut punching thrills, anything can happen and often does with fantastic audience participation and comedy included! Cheer for the White Knight or boo at the Black knight, hear thunder of the charging forces as the great Knights battle on the original Tilting Lawn.
The Lion King in Oakham
Oakham School’s Lower School production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Rutland Water Cruises is a family-run business operating boat trips since 1986, cruising around the reservoir during daylight hours from April to October each year. This month there are two opportunities to combine an idyllic return journey with a fantastic selection of different gins, from renowned local suppliers, including inspiring summer flavours from Rutland’s Multum Gin Parvo. Departs Whitwell Harbour, inc finger food and live acoustic music.
Departing 5.30pm, journey time approx 3.5hrs, see rutlandwatercruises.com.
Tuesday 18th June Friday 21st June
Enjoy a weekend of displays, trade stands, auctions, and a parade of prize-winning cars. Over 70 specialist traders and autojumble stands, local arts & crafts stalls and a fine selection of food & drink, the event attracts both members from both UK and overseas but it’s also open to the public.
Open to public, free entry. Call 01780 752451 or see www.burghley.co.uk.
The Lion King Jr at Oakham School
Bringing the school year to a fitting conclusion, Oakham School’s Lower School pupils bring audiences the wonderful musical, The Lion King Jr.
Based on Disney’s animated hit, this story is full of spectacle, villainy and humour, this is a coming-of-age tale set against the back-drop of the grassy plains where Lions contend with Hyenas, and Kingship is thwarted by brotherly envy.
Yet, within this charming musical, full of unforgettable
numbers including Hakuna matata, He lives in you, and the smash-hit, Can you feel the love tonight?
Against a wild backdrop, shaky young friendships transform into maturity and love, and the coming generation take their place in the Circle of Life.
Takes place in the school’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre, from 7.30pm, tickets £12.
Call 01572 758500 or see www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk,
The Spirit of ECSTASY
This month over 1,200 Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars will gather at Burghley House for a concours d’elegance event, the largest gathering of the vehicles anywhere in the world. It’s a chance to admire some beautiful examples of the marques
Words: Rob Davis. Image left: Philip Robinson, Events Manager for the RollsRoyce Enthusiasts’ Club Annual Rally 2024.
If you’ve ever doubted the old adage that it’s better to travel than to arrive, you probably haven’t been chauffeured in a Rolls-Royce. It’s perhaps the best-known and most revered brand in the world, synonymous with luxury and with over 120 years of provenance.
Among the marque’s devotees are the 7,500 or so members of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club, of which around 4,000 members are based here in the UK. The Club began life in 1957 and usually holds its flagship annual event in the same location for five years in a row.
However, since 2015 Burghley House has been the preferred location for the Club to invite what has become the largest gathering of RollsRoyce and Bentley motor car owners to celebrate the very best of luxury motoring with the stately home as an impressive backdrop to the event.
Not too far away from Stamford are Rolls-Royce and Bentley aficionados Philip Robinson and Stephen Went. We met in the village of Water Newton right next to the River Nene. The place is also home to their 3 beautiful self-catering cottages (www.rivernenecottages.co.uk) a beautiful setting to experience the couple’s motor cars and find out if the magic of the two brands still endures in the 21st century.
Raised in Zimbabwe, Philip was schooled in England and worked in banking where, at the age of just 26, he was able to purchase his first Rolls-Royce, a 1963 Silver Cloud III. That was back in the late 1980s, during which era the voiture de jour would have been a Porsche 911, with a few choice optional extras; Filofax, red braces, mobile phone with brick-like proportions. So what made Philip opt for a Rolls?
“Elegance, craftsmanship, quality,” he says. “The cars are hand-built and I think that – subliminally, if not consciously – you appreciate the fact that somebody has really worked hard and put an incredible amount of effort and talent into creating something so magisterial.”
“At no point in the process has anybody intervened and deemed a process too labour-intensive, or a material too expensive. Nobody will have compromised or settled for less than excellence, and that really is reflected in the car, experientially but also technically.”
Undoubtedly the sight of so many of the vehicles in one place is impressive, but this is not 1904 and today’s cars are all rich in technology, generally reliable, rapid enough and reasonably quiet. Those were all unique hallmarks of Rolls-Royce vehicles as far back as 1904 when Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls conceived the 30hp (of which just 37 were produced between 1905 and 1906), before the Silver Ghost was declared a satisfactory outcome of the company’s ambition to build ‘the best car in the world’ – or rather cars (plural) since 7,874 examples were made.
That’s impressive for the era, and was sufficient to secure the marque’s reputation for the next century and beyond. But in a world where adjectives like ‘luxurious’ are a ubiquitous addition in any marketeer’s copy, is a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley still the ultimate expression of engineering and comfort? We thought we’d find out.
Philip is the Events Manager for the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Annual Rally 2024, and looks forward to the Burghley event, keen for as many people as possible to discover the romance and technical excellence of the cars for themselves. Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars come in all shapes and sizes, but the Club celebrates all of the two marques’ models, from the very early vintage vehicles to the modern classics and Goodwood-era vehicles.
The latter point should be explained and it was a point that always puzzled me. Rolls-Royce and Bentley were similarly positioned in the market as luxury vehicles, yet they were the same company for a number of years. I wondered why you’d have two very similar brands surely competing with each other.
It turns out there’s a significant point of difference between the two brands. Bentley was founded in 1919, 15 years after the founding of Rolls-Royce. Hit hard by the great depression of 1931, Bentley ran into financial difficulties, and was acquired by British Central Equitable Trust which was in reality Rolls-Royce. Both brands would endure, with their future models developed concurrently, which solved a problem for Rolls-Royce which had always favoured cars that provided a smooth, quiet, ‘wafty’ ride.
Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club
Bentley motor cars, meanwhile, were favoured by those seeking a more spirited ride, who aspired to follow in the tyre marks of Tim Birkin and the rest of the Bentley Boys of the 1920s.
Happily, with both brands, the company could now develop two separate lineages with one oriented towards pure luxury and one providing a more sporty experience. That’s why you won’t see a rev counter in most Rolls-Royces, but you’ll find one front and centre in the cabin of a Bentley.
In 1998, the companies diverged with Rolls-Royce purchased by BMW Group and Bentley purchased by the Volkswagen group. RollsRoyce’s cars were produced at a new facility in Goodwood, with 90 people working along the Glass Mile, a vast production facility with the entire linear assembly line flanked by huge panes of glass to make the whole manufacturing operation visible to the world.
Is there any brand snobbery or bias towards Rolls-Royce or Bentley, and are any particular vintages of cars preferred? “No!” says Philip. “It’s an inclusive club in which both marques are revered and all ages of cars are celebrated right up to Goodwood-era vehicles.”
“Some owners favour cars from a particular era, or from one brand or the other, but that’s personal preference. Each iteration of car represents the best of what could be achieved in engineering and as an expression of luxury at the time.”
I wondered, too, with generally better, generally more sophisticated cars – like a thoroughly modern and very competent Tesla I drove recently – if new cars are so good that the point of difference (luxury and engineering) that Rolls-Royce and Bentley once championed are now ubiquitous among luxury cars from brands like Range Rover, Mercedes and BMW.
‘Judge that for yourself,’ was Philip’s response, as we headed towards two of his vehicles with a view to experiencing the marque for ourselves, and comparing vehicles from two eras.
Our cars were a 1970 Silver Shadow LWB named Beyoncé, and a 1997 Silver Spur LPT (Light Pressure Turbo) named Mary Berry (the cars all have personal names of significance). The couple’s 2001 Park Ward (Silver Seraph LWB, ‘Eminem’) and Bentley Arnage R Mulliner (‘Louis’) were enjoying some R&R at Peakirk’s Colbrook R&B who provide specialist service and restoration for the marques.
‘Beyoncé’ was parked next to a modern Range Rover, but the difference in size was vast. Even accounting for the fact that the car is an extended wheelbase model it’s physically huge, long and wide with that enormous grille and a proud Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet (specified with a little bit of bling in gold rather than silver from the factory... now is not the time to be bashful).
The cabin is equally enormous with incredibly deep, squashy seats in dove grey Connolly Vaumol hide, leather Duchess handles and chrome accents everywhere. Under the bonnet is a 6.2-litre engine with eight cylinders. For context, even the most powerful modern Range Rover Sport models are only 4.4-litre eight-cylinder cars, albeit turbocharged and more modern. The power feels enormous with a guttural rumble still despite the company’s soundproofing and refinement.
Just like a modern Range Rover Sport, the car weighs over two tonnes, but whereas the former has a number of electronic systems to provide driver assistance, the Silver Shadow has recirculating ball steering and comparatively basic disc brakes. Interestingly, it does have a similar suspension setup to Citroën’s DS of the 1960s, providing a superbly gentle ride.
The available power was obvious even though the car is 55 years old, but most impressive was the gentle ride. A little body roll by today’s standards but very comfortable and composed over road gaps and patchy surfaces.
Back at River Nene Cottages, we alighted from Beyoncé and stepped forward 30 years into Mary Berry, so-called because she was purchased by Philip and Stephen just prior to Christmas, and the official name of her colour is Wildberry.
Inside, there’s magnolia hide, piped in matching Wildberry, pretty glossy walnut veneer and the very deepest lambswool rugs you’ve ever felt. About 320hp, Philip reckons, from the 6.75-litre hand-built engine.
Despite Mary’s age, the power the car possesses is impressive today, never mind back in the late 1990s. Dynamically, it’s a bit more taut, stiffer, but very refined and quiet. Travelling in the rear is an absolute treat, with lots of room and a sense of hush despite the enormous power underfoot.
Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club
The evolution that Philip eluded to from generation to generation is apparent. He’d suggested that each Rolls-Royce iteration is two or three decades ahead of whatever else is on the roads at the time, and I can see now that’s not a baseless claim.
The question, then. Is a Rolls-Royce still as special in an era of wellengineered cars where luxury is a ubiquitous claim? Yes. Absolutely.Surprising though, it’s a tangible quality, as well as the sense of reverence that a Rolls-Royce naturally commands.
They are both genuinely beautiful vehicles and very well-engineered too, able to hold up well against much newer vehicles giving a sense that the cars are simultaneously ahead of their time but abiding in their remit of offering luxury motoring.
Visitors to this year’s event will see around 1,200 vehicles, with a good number of those competing for the Concours d’Elegance’s best in
show award. Non-members of the Club are very much welcome to this ticketed event and can enjoy a great day out and a celebration of the greatest brand in the world.
As well as the display of vehicles, and many trade stands, there are driving experiences, live music and it’s hoped – although unconfirmed at the time of print – a special guest in the form of Edwardian-era AX201, the most famous Silver Ghost in the world.
Happily though, Philip doesn’t need to wait for Club events to enjoy a drive. His regular trips in Beyoncé include picking up fish ‘n’ chips on a Friday evening... if that’s not a quintessentially British journey in a vehicle that remains an icon of British engineering excellence 120 years on, we’re not sure what is!
The RollsRoyce Enthusiasts’ Club (RREC) Annual Rally will take place at Burghley House from 21st23rd June. See www.rrec.org.uk.
Rutland & Stamford SCHOOLS
Here, we profile some of the best independent schools and childcare, across Rutland & Stamford, offering the very best education the region has to offer...
Below Image: Oakham School, www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk.
Oakham School
Ensuring friendships and connections for life
As a large co-educational boarding and day school, Oakham School offers the ideal environment in which your child will thrive and make friends for life. At Oakham we believe in fostering connections that last a lifetime, equipping your child with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to flourish in the 21st century.
Our outstanding Connected Curriculum ensures that we integrate academic, pastoral, and co-curricular learning to nurture wellrounded individuals. We are proud of the vast number of opportunities that we can offer your child to develop an existing passion or discover a hidden talent.
We provide five major drama productions every year; 400 individual music lessons each week, 30 different sports on offer; and we provide 125 activities to take part in each week
Whether your child’s journey with us starts at age 11, 13 or 16, there are many ways for them to join our vibrant community. Our 16 Houses provide a home from home environment with a supportive team of adults who will care for your child as you would expect: recognising each as a unique, talented and special individual. When the time comes to look beyond school, our full-time Head of Careers and her team will guide your child on career options and admissions procedures for UK and overseas universities.
Our Old Oakhamian Club with its 6,000-strong alumni community offers a lifelong supportive network where former pupils can keep in touch both socially and professionally.
To discover more, contact the admissions team to arrange an individual visit or book your place at our next interactive Open Event: admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk, 01572 758758.
Churchill Summer Camps
For children aged 4-14 during the holiday periods
Churchill Summer Camps offer Ofsted registered multi-activity camps for children aged between 4 -14 years old during the holiday periods. Our camps offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities to help children gain confidence, make new friends and just ‘have a go’ at as many activities as we can fit into the week – the emphasis at the camps is very much on having fun!
Some activities on offer include quad biking, bouncy castles, ball pit, cooking, arts and crafts, crossbows, orienteering and various sports. Children are booked in for the full week, joining us from Monday–Friday. Core hours are 9.30am–4.30pm; early care from 8am and late care until 6pm are available for an additional fee.
Our camps are a great opportunity for children to try out new activities in a safe environment, surrounded by supportive and experienced staff. We pride ourselves on the quality of our childcare and our excellent staff ratios. Carefully chosen staff include a mixture of qualified teachers, graduates, sports coaches, playgroup workers and students; each one committed to making sure our camps are a safe and fun place for every child. All staff are DBS checked and have the necessary experience and training to deliver the extensive range of activities.
Our camps are based at Stamford Junior School and The Peterborough School, both of which provide lots of space and excellent facilities. We are able to accept payment by the Government Tax-Free Childcare scheme and childcare vouchers.
More details at www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk.
HOME-SCHOOL TUTORING LINCOLNSHIRE & RUTLAND
Tutoring tailored to meet your needs
“My name is Camila and I used to work at a number of schools as a MFL Teacher. I know the importance of finding the right tutor for your child. An approachable tutor who is also experienced in teaching the subject that your child is studying in school. I have a team of other experienced Lincolnshire and Rutland teachers working with me as tutors. We are all fully referenced, and DBS checked.”
Home-School Tutoring (Lincolnshire & Rutland)
Area Advisor: Camila Goddard-Pineres
T: 0771 909 6687
E: camila@homeschool tutoring.co.uk www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk
Area Advisor Camila Goddard-Pineres BA (Hons), PGCE Cer Ed, MAEd.
Home-School Tutoring (Est. 1984)
Dining Out
The Olive Branch
In 2024 The Olive Branch is celebrating 25 years of relaxed excellence... so what better time to reacquaint yourself with brilliant dishes or Tapas on the Terrace in Clipsham this summer?
Words & Images: Rob Davis.
Some things get better with age. Good wine, classic cars, antiques, venerable trees and friendships, for example.
Add to that list The Olive Branch, Clipsham’s village pub which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1999 when three friends and some dedicated villagers decided to save their pub, the place reopened with a pretty cottage garden outside, and open fires, pantiles and pine tables inside.
Even with a more humdrum offering of food it would be a desirable place to spend time, but from the very beginning its owners, including Ben Jones, were determined to make the place something very special indeed in terms of its provision of dining, whilst determinedly retaining the relaxed and friendly feel of a village pub.
The result 25 years on is a dining experience that gets better and better with every visit, ensuring not just a lovely looking place to dine but first class dishes prepared with a huge amount of care and skill.
Head Chef Ben Fisher leads a brigade of five chefs plus other team members in the kitchen, whilst Andy Devine as front of house manager ensures the welcome guests enjoy is as warm as the look and feel of the place, and up to the same standard as the plates Ben and the team create.
Over the years The Olive Branch has been praised in the Michelin guide, the Good Food Guide, Harden’s and Sawday’s, achieving two AA rosettes and taking the title of Leicestershire & Rutland Dining Pub of the year on no fewer than 16 occasions.
Dining Out
The Olive Branch at Clipsham
STARTERS
Marinated heritage beetroot, goat’s curd, fresh cream, dill £13.50.
Chicken liver & thyme parfait, fermented plum, kombucha soaked sultanas, pub made sourdough, hazelnut £13.50.
English pork belly, fermented maple, burnt apple, smoked bacon £13.50.
Ham hock raviolo, apple & lovage velouté, crispy onions £14.50.
Prawn mousse, kataifi, spring onion £15.50.
MAIN COURSES
Lightly poached & seared Monkfish, leek, potato, smoked ham & mussel broth £35.
Slow cooked Beef Rib, smoked mustard, Lincolnshire Poacher, fermented cabbage, sour cream, confit garlic & truffle creamed potato £38.50.
Olive Branch Fish (Haddock) & chips, pub peas, tartare sauce (with homemade tomato ketchup or curried ketchup) £26.
Wild mushroom tagliatelle, cavolo nero, salty fingers £24.50.
DESSERTS & SAVOURY
Olive Branch dark chocolate orange, blood orange sorbet £10.50.
Baked vanilla cheesecake, forced Yorkshire rhubarb, white chocolate, ginger £10.50.
Sweet woodruff panna cotta, lemon curd ice cream, honeycomb £9.95.
Eccles cake, Barkham Blue, Earl Grey £9.95.
Selection of three English cheese £9.95.
NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.
The Olive Branch’s terrace will return this summer, with a Tapas on the Terrace menu also available...
Whatever the Great British summer decides to throw at us, weather wise, The Olive Branch has you covered with open fires during our visit on a fairly grey day in April but the covered terrace due to reopen as Pride goes to press for dining in the fresh air.
Accordingly, Tapas on the Terrace is being offered during early evening service from 6pm-7pm too, having previously only been available during daytime service.
The offering for £39.50/person provides no fewer than 10 small dishes served on a board all packing big flavours. The experience also includes an assiette of mini puddings too including a mini pistachio tart, mango pudding with yoghurt sorbet and mini cones of ice cream and sorbets.
A Lunch for Less and à la carte menu is available during daytime service and in the evening there’s an à la carte menu with seven dishes per course, plus the availability of a seven-course tasting menu for £95/person with optional flight of wine. Sunday lunch is available too with both set lunch and à la carte options.
The rear of the menu is a map of the area showing the vast number of local suppliers and food heroes that The Olive Branch values. The chefs also have a productive kitchen garden, The Paddock, opposite the pub adjacent to its six-bedroom boutique bed and breakfast, Beech House.
The chefs butcher their own meat on site utilising a Stretton producer of hogget, Launde lamb and Essendine fallow deer as well as Price & Fretwell of Derbyshire. Meanwhile everything from pickles and preserves, to ice creams and petit fours are made in house. Bread is supplied by Hambleton Bakery, but we’ll excuse that, given its superior sourdough.
Above: Lightly poached & seared Monkfish, leek, potato, smoked ham & mussel broth £35. Prawn mousse, kataifi, spring onion £15.50. Opposite: Launde Farm lamb (rump & belly), bell pepper stew, roast aubergine, Olive Branch dauphinoise potatoes £34.
Meanwhile, The Olive Branch curates a list of more than 100 wines, also offering a range of real ales and ciders including those from Oakham’s Grainstore Brewery. There’s also a selection of house cocktails including nonalcoholic mocktails for drivers.
Other local suppliers are represented in the form of Belvoir Fruit Farms with its range of pressés and juices, Mallard Point and Multum Gin Parvo. As this month includes English Wine Week, it’s worth mentioning Hambleton Classic Cuvée from Hampshire is one of the pub’s sparkling wine options.
If you’re in the mood to spend a lazy summer afternoon grazing with friends, there’s a choice of snacks on the menu too, also available as a bar board designed for friends to share.
Diners can also take home The Olive Branch ethos thanks to a pub shop with the kitchen team’s olive and herb butter, jam, chutney, plus local cheese, and wine too.
If it’s the chefs’ expertise you covet, however, we recommend joining The Olive Branch’s mailing list (join up on the pub’s website) for updates on events and experiences from bread and butchery to fish masterclasses in June and July, cookery demonstrations (one on Thursday 4th July), and wine tasting suppers (including the Zinio Bodegas Spanish Wine Dinner on Thursday 13th June).
The Great British Summer may not be predictable, but at least you can always rely on The Olive Branch to deliver the taste of summer, with the very best dishes and a truly enjoyable experience guaranteed.
The Olive Branch Clipsham, Rutland
“Celebrating 25 years in 2024, Clipsham’s awardwinning village inn features friendly & knowledgeable staff, passionate about food & drink.”
Lunch food orders taken WednesdayFriday, noon until 2pm. Saturday noon to 2.30pm, Sunday 12 noon to 4.30pm.
Dinner food orders taken Wednesday to Saturday 6pm9.15pm.
The Olive Branch, Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland, LE15 7SH Tel: 01780 410 355. www.theolivebranchpub.com.
Opposite: Selection of tapas including smoked ham and cheese croquette, charred broccoli with toasted almonds, seabass patatas bravas, cod cheeks with red pepper coulis, classic gazpacho, manchego with rocket and pine nuts, £39.50/person.
Above: Baked vanilla cheesecake, forced Yorkshire rhubarb, white chocolate, ginger £10.50.
A premium gin inspired by warm summer days!
Made in Essendine near Stamford by Andy & Fi Beamish
Andy & Fi established their distillery, winery and vineyard in 2012, planting their first vines in April 2019. They’ve been producing wine since 2022 from 15,000 cool climate vines, as well as making the superb London Dry gin with juniper and botanicals yielding citrus notes with apple and peach hints.
£42 / 70cl / 40% ABV, call 07850 912169 or see www.mallardpoint.co.uk.
The Wine Cellar
Home grown heroes this month as we champion English wines and spirits, plus a few examples lovingly produced close to home... celebrate a long hot summer, savouring every second by relaxing in the garden!
English Wine Week: 15th June - 23rd June...
The Roman Road winery on the South Downs produces this first class Chardonnay with lemon and honeysuckle. £29 / 75cl / 13% ABV, www.simpsonswine.com.
Based in Kent, Owen & Fergus Eias’s Pinot Noir has strawberry and cherry hints, ideal for BBQs or with tapas. £22 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV, www.ocado.com.
And finally, Gusborne Rosé is a sparkling example of British wine with red fruit, spice and fresh minerality. £55 / 75cl / 12% ABV, www.gusbourne.com.
Wine of the Month
Where else could this month’s top recommendation come from but right here in Rutland? Tim and Zoe Beaver are awaiting delivery of the first wines made from the couple’s 16,000 vines near Ketton. They also sell their own blend of still white, red and sparkling wines including this Classic Cuvée with its crisp taste. £34/75cl 12% ABV. To purchase visit The Tasting Barn, Ketton PE9 3RJ, Wed Sat, or see www.therutland vineyard.com.
Italy meets London, and it’s alcohol free!
Just the (Italian) job for enjoying a headache-free tipple in the garden!
Created with orange and rhubarb flavours and a hint of spice, this unique aperitif has been beautifully crafted to capture the essence of a Italian bitter spritz style by London’s Lyre's which specialises in creating its good noalcohol spirits.
£23.99 / 70cl / 0% www.lyres.co.uk.
Our featured wines are available from local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary.
‘Together Home’ Tom & Emily’s
From a cosy night in for two, to a summer afternoon with the children and their friends. Tom & Emily Goodale’s Ketton property, Tambre House, offers practical accommodation which soon becomes a party house for the whole family with plenty of room for friends Welcome Home
Words: Rob Davis.
There are lots of ‘family time places’ around Tambre House in Ketton, with squashy sofas and places to relax with the kids. “It’s really great,” says owner Tom Goodale.
“Objectively it’s a big property but it also has a lovely sense of being just the right size, cosy, even when the kids are at school and it’s just the two of us. But then, when they’re home, there are plenty of places to relax and read or watch TV together, as a family.”
“Summer is when Tambre House seems to become a much bigger place, though, full of laughter and fun!”
Tom and Emily (the former a GB eventing competitor) moved back to Emily’s native Rutland during Covid seeking good education for their three children and hoping to find a smallholding in the county.
Knowing how notoriously infrequently such an opportunity arises in the area, the two settled at Tambre House,
which was built in 2010. Despite still being relatively new, the couple embarked on a deep clean of the Stamford Stone, rewiring, replumbing the house, then creating the adjacent pool house and swimming pool from Huntingdon’s Aqualeaf.
Set in 1.3 acres of grounds and offering 9,500sq ft accommodation including three reception rooms, the property is arranged over three floors and has seven bedrooms.
The bespoke timber kitchen has recently been repainted in Little Greene’s Slaked Lime with buff stone surfaces and premium appliances including an electric Aga...
The property is arranged in a U-shape with the west wing providing a formal sitting room and dining room divided by a dual-aspect fireplace.
There’s a south-west facing sitting room and games room, looking out over the property’s grounds.
The north-east facing wing of the property, meanwhile, provides space for a gym or studio and a plant room for the pool. To the rear of the property is a spacious open-plan living kitchen with bi-fold doors leading out onto the family-friendly terrace.
The bespoke timber kitchen has recently been repainted in Little Greene’s Slaked Lime with buff engineered stone surfaces and premium appliances including an electric Aga R7 cooker in Dartmouth Blue, plus refrigeration by Fisher & Paykel and additional integrated appliances from Miele.
A dedicated utility room keeps family clutter out of the way, and there’s a beautiful bespoke wine cellar neatly incorporated into the stairwell created by local joiner Jonathan Smith which also incorporates all the necessary wine conditioning systems.
The property’s first floor provides a principal bedroom suite with twostorey dressing room and mezzanine, plus three further bedrooms; one en suite and two with access to a ‘Jack ‘n’ Jill’ bathroom. The second floor provides two further bedrooms each with en suite bathroom, and a further guest suite is located in the north east wing of the property.
The exterior of the property is easy to maintain, with a large area of lawn, conservation trees and pretty planted pots, as well as low-maintenance decking surrounding the swimming pool area.
The adjacent timber-framed structure provides a plant room and changing facilities as well as a pool house and covered outdoor dining space.
To the side of the property is a range of garages with two open bays, a closed bay ideal for classic cars, and a garden store too.
“We’ve been fortunate to have worked with some really good local people who have looked after us, and we’ve favoured them whenever we’ve made improvements to the house,” says Tom. “Harry Banks for example is based in Peterborough and has
Welcome Home
installed lighting through the house which is all neatly integrated, as well as a multi-room sound system.”
“It’s a really good family home when the sun shines and the doors are all open, with the kids and their friends all enjoying the pool. A really happy home with lots of smiles and laughter.”
“It’s also a really good location close to Stamford so despite feeling like a true country house, it isn’t too far from shops and really good schools.”
“We’ve cycled to Rutland Water on a few occasions too, which is just a 10 minute ride away. We’re only leaving because we want more land and space for a smallholding, but it’s been an outstanding family home and we’ll be sorry to leave it, we’ve already made so many happy memories here and we’d undoubtedly have made many more.”
Tambre House, Ketton near Stamford
Location: Kettton, Stamford 3.1 miles.
Provenance: Modern family property with three reception rooms and seven bedrooms, set in 1.3 acres, built in 2010.
Swimming pool and extensive garaging, village location.
Guide Price: £2,950,000.
Joint Agents:
Savills, Stamford, 01780 484696, www.savills.co.uk.
Fine & Country, Rutland & Stamford, 01780 750200, www.fineandcountry.co.uk.
Escaping to the Country
Kate Vincent from Garrington property finders suggests some aspects of country living those moving from the city may not consider before buying
As the weather warms the appeal of moving out of the city and into the country can become ever greater. Rolling hills, sunlight sparkling on a river or lake and wildlife aplenty can easily tempt even the most hardened town dweller to reassess their priorities and decide to move to a rural location.
However, making such a move is more than just a change of scenery, it is also a lifestyle choice, so what should you be thinking about before choosing where to buy?
Connection to the outside world
Whilst a remote village often offers the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle, with many people now working from home, internet connectivity is of paramount importance. The government’s scheme to encourage the roll-out of broadband to rural locations in recent years has helped many of the villages in Rutland with their connectivity but not every village has been upgraded so, do check early in the viewing process. Other potential ‘must-haves’ to consider include mobile phone reception, whether the roads are suitable to travel during the winter, access to public transport and travel times to the likes of train stations, supermarkets, schools and airports.
Utilities
Rural properties do not always have standard
heating and drainage systems. Septic tanks, oil or gas bottled central heating or water from an underground source often require the homeowners to incur a little more maintenance and thought than standard systems which automatically pipe in and out the appropriate material. The presence of these systems does not have to be a deal breaker, but some buyers are not willing to take on these additional responsibilities so if you are one of those, do enquire early in the process and get professional advice.
A home for all seasons?
It is no surprise that the number of country properties being put on the market invariably peaks during the spring and summer. Gardens look their best when flowers are blooming and leaves on the trees can play a significant role in masking an unsightly view, muffling sound, or acting as a wind break. It is important, however, to consider what a property will feel like in the winter when wintery conditions can feel magnified without the green protection or being surrounded by other buildings.
Of course, the risk of flooding from rivers can be high in towns and cities but it may be less obvious in rural locations where the waterway is perhaps a mile away. Check carefully and listen to advice as many of us are experiencing a wetter climate.
Get help
If you’re relocating from a more urban location, it’s important to carefully consider what is a priority when making such a move.
A professional property finder who lives in the local area and has worked with other buyers who have relocated from a town or city can be a valuable source of advice and local know-how. Often thought of as someone who simply finds property, the best not only do this but also help to assess a property’s relative strengths and weaknesses and balance these against their clients’ expectations and hopes.
If you would value some specialist advice on how to effectively find and buy property in this challenging market, get in touch with Garrington who in the first instance offer a commitment free meeting to share ideas: Tel. 01780 408377. Email info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk
SPRAY KITCHEN ELITE
The complete kitchen cupboard re-spray and refurbishment specialist
2024 see’s our 28th year in business, refurbishing and painting kitchens on a nationwide basis.
What started out as hand painting kitchens in the 1990’s, has progressed to a much greater business, offering all aspects of the kitchen refurbishment services.
As well as removing kitchens to prepare and paint in our factory, we offer our clients a full repair service as well as the manufacture of damaged items to match the originals. We also have our very own range of hardware which covers contemporary ranges in Nickel, Chrome, Brass and Copper too.
Last year we had the pleasure of announcing our partnership with a natural stone supplier who manufacture and fit new worktops, and also for those clients seeking an alternative, a product called Corian – amazing durability, non-porous and seamless fitting!
This year will see us continuing to build on our business, refurbishing and painting more furniture and kitchens.
Trends and colours change, and we like to be able assist our clients with up-to-date ideas and examples of how they improve their kitchens at a fraction of the cost of a replacement.
Luxury Kitchens
Second Time Around
When Hazel Horn downsized from a larger Edwardian house into a beautiful 500 year old cottage, there was only one company she wanted to create her new kitchen as part of the property’s renovation... Moir Wade!
Words: Rob Davis. Images: Paul Brown Imaging.
Because both the service and the craftsmanship of Leicestershire’s Moir Wade are second-to-none, Hazel Horn didn’t hesitate to commission them, second time around. The name sounded familiar to us, and sure enough, about eight years ago, Hazel and her previous kitchen featured in Pride, so it was good to catch up again!
The previous kitchen in Hazel’s large threestorey, six-bedroom Edwardian property, in the centre of Leicester, marked the culmination of a three year renovation. It was finished in an ivory shade with white quartz work surfaces and a large island in American walnut timber.
A couple of years ago though Hazel spotted a beautiful 500-year old cottage in a pretty, local village that was ripe for a sympathetic renovation and represented a good prospect both for downsizing and for moving out of the city, into the countryside.
“It was a beautiful property with lots of character, quite a bit smaller but that was the idea,” says Hazel. “We loved the experience and the end result when we worked with Moir Wade last time, so they were the only people I wanted to call when the time came to create a new kitchen here.”
The property’s smaller size meant clever, well-considered storage was necessary, and it was important to carefully plan how the space was configured.
Happily, Moir Wade’s design flair is underwritten by a canny ability to judge how to make the most practical use of available space, and so a downstairs bathroom was removed to yield a sensibly proportioned modern cloakroom and to create a large walk-in pantry.
A breakfast bar area was also created with space for relaxed dining, and a few practical modern features like an integrated drinks fridge and USB charging points for mobiles.
The available space precluded a dedicated utility room, so instead the company created bespoke storage for linens, and adjacent cabinetry to house a stacked Miele washing machine and drier.
A fridge and freezer are also neatly integrated into the space, along with bookshelves for cookery books.
The cabinetry itself is created from oak and painted in two Farrow & Ball shades; Peignoir, says the manufacturer, is a ‘romantic grey pink,’ whilst Brassica is their ‘dark and sophisticated lavender’ shade.
Luxury Kitchens
The kitchen cabinetry incorporates wide, deep pan drawers for storing saucepans and bakeware as well as plates, plus bespoke display shelving and there’s a slim built-in spice cupboard next to the range cooker, as well as a built in Miele dishwasher and recycling centre.
A Villeroy & Boch butler sink with brushed brass mixer tap and matching brushed brass handles complement the look, with white quartz surfaces and splashbacks plus solid oak surfaces, and oak-effect Karndean flooring. Hazel also sourced pendant lighting from Tala whose Voronoi design features oversized bulbs and contemporary oak fittings.
“Moir Wade worked with us, making constructive and creative suggestions as to how to maximise the space,” says Hazel. “Because their work is entirely bespoke any quirks in the architecture of the property can be accommodated.”
“For instance, the large beam that runs across the kitchen is to disguise a functional RSJ, whilst the corbel looks like a purely architectural feature but actually accommodates some of the plumbing, preventing the needs for some challenging rerouting of pipes.”
“The attention to detail and quality of work, and the way that both design and the construction of the kitchen are tightly integrated by the company means you don’t have to make compromises, and Moir Wade’s aftersales is really good, it makes the investment really worthwhile. In the last house, we were even able to paint the kitchen to give it a refresh, thanks to the fact that it was created from solid cabinetry.”
“Moir Wade are great to work with; skilled and professional. I’m delighted with the look and feel of our new kitchen, and it’s a pleasure to work or entertain in!”
Find Out More: Moir Wade is based on Nelson Street, Syston, Leicester LE7 2JQ. Call 0116 269 5915 or see www.moirwade.co.uk for a free, no obligation, pressure sellingfree discussion about your project.
Simply the Best
Refrigeration & Cooking with Sub-Zero & Wolf
Synonymous with quality and preferred by the world’s best cooks, equip your kitchen with refrigeration and cooking appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf, courtesy of Newark-based Cooks & Company
Because only the best is good enough, discerning cooks and professional chefs opt for Sub-Zero and Wolf when equipping their kitchens. Hewn from pure quality and designed to serve even the most demanding cook for decades to come, the sister brands may be design classics, but they’re also packed with the latest technology to ensure cooking is a joy.
The company’s appliances are created from heavy-duty stainless steel, subjected to testing and built to last for 20 years or more, for quality underwritten by some long and comprehensive guarantees.
Two styles of cooling appliances provide a wide range of looks to suit any style of kitchen, from the Classic Series with a purposeful look, influenced by professional kitchens, to the Designer Series for modern sleek kitchens.
Both ranges incorporate world-class food preservation technology, with Sub-Zero’s pioneering split-cooling and air filtration systems able to create different zones in your appliance to within a single degree of temperature difference. Meanwhile, the use of clean air enables food to remain fresh longer, eliminating odours and food-spoiling gases
Touch control panels and stainless steel accents ensure a robust feel whilst LED lighting schemes ensure every part of your refrigerator or freezer is evenly illuminated. Highly configurable to your needs and space, there’s a multitude of refrigeration, freezing, and wine storage options with single door, ‘over and under’ door and drawer models,
French door or side-by-side options as well as the option of filtered water dispensers. Integrated and undercounter models are also available, ensuring you can design a bespoke refrigeration setup to complement the way you cook.
The same configurable quality applies to Wolf’s range cookers, built-in ovens, steam convection ovens and cooktops. Different range widths, burner configurations and additional options like chargrill, teppanyaki, steamer, griddle or induction surfaces plus dual fuel options provide compromise-free food preparation whether you prefer cooking on gas or using electricity.
Meanwhile, a range of kitchen ventilation, warming drawers, microwaves and coffee systems are also available, ensuring you can equip your kitchen to suit your preferred method of cooking and your space as well as the style of your home.
The company maintains a flagship showroom in Knightsbridge but happily there’s also a Sub-Zero and Wolf partner in the form of Cooks & Company in Newark who can demonstrate the brands’ inscrutable build quality and help you configure the exact combination of appliances you need.
Cooks & Company is still family owned, established over 50 years ago and provides over 20,000sq ft of quality appliances as well as offering in-house interior and kitchen design too. Insisting on peerless quality, it stands to reason that Sub-Zero and Wolf both remain one of the company’s preferred brands for cooks who demand nothing but the best for their kitchens.
Find Out More: SubZero and Wolf creates some of the world’s best refrigeration and cooking appliances with an iconic look and the latest technology. See the brands at Newarkbased Cooks & Company which specialises in providing the best appliances, plus bespoke kitchens and interiors. The company is based at Cooks House on Newark’s Brunel Drive, NG24 2FB. Call 01636 593910 or see www.cooksandcompany.co.uk.
Homes
Design Icons
Great things happen when function meets form, and here, we celebrate five examples with the must-have additions to your kitchen which are iconic in their appearance but perform brilliantly too
in West
was created by Germanborn inventor
who founded the business here in 1952, the same year he launched his
toaster now known as NewGen and available in 14 colours. A design icon, it’ll survive the apocalypse, it’s repairable – unlike many other modern appliances – and it’s also very good at toasting bread, £219.99/four slice, www.dualit.com.
2. Kitchen Aid was launched in 1919, but the design of the firm’s current stand mixer dates back to the Model K of the 1930s. Its planetary action is better at working dough and mixing cake batter than food processors, £499/4.7 litre, www.kitchenaid.co.uk.
3. Roberts Radio was founded in 1932 by Harry Roberts but today its products are stateoftheart with DAB reception and streaming services built in, £149/Revival, in sunburst, www.robertsradio.com.
4. Smeg was founded in Italy in 1948. The company’s iconic refrigerators are now available in a range of colours, from this Veuve Clicquot orange shade, to a Union Jack print or with a blackboard finish, enabling you to chalk up notes to yourself on the appliance, £1,069/55cm, 122 litres.
5. The Aga cooker was created in 1922 by Swedish physicist Gustaf Dalén. He had recently lost his sight and his original intent was to make a cooker better suited to those with disabilities, £11,415/Aga 110cm, electric, www.agaliving.com.
01780 756666
enquiries@qks-ltd.co.uk qks-ltd.co.uk
To discuss your project, whether you're looking to build your dream home or create your perfect kitchen, we can help. 01733 551555 | info@morzaconstruction.co.uk | www.morzaconstruction.co.uk
People Who Live in Glass Houses
If you’re short of Vitamin D, we’ve good news... it’s easier than ever to create extra living space and invite the sunshine into your home with a conservatory or orangery thanks to some great local suppliers
Words: Rob Davis. Image Below: Bespoke Design, 01780 722401, www.bespokerutland.co.uk.
Conservatories & Orangeries
QKS Homes, Stamford
Award winning supplier of conservatories, orangeries, windows & doors, open plan living spaces, glass rooms & annexes. In addition to providing traditional styles for older buildings, QKS can also offer exciting possibilities for contemporary home projects, such as an extension on a new build.
Cherryholt Lane, Stamford PE9 2EQ. Call 01780 756666 or see www.qks-ltd.co.uk.
Bespoke Design
Family run business designing and building luxury orangeries and conservatories for homes in a traditional or modern style. Specialists in working with all materials including hardwood and aluminium.
High Street, Ketton, PE9 3TE.
Call 01780 722401 or see www.bespokerutland.co.uk.
Alü Homes
Creating inspired, refined and bespoke glazing solutions. Above all, the firm wants to play a part in helping you create your dream home and property renovation project. The people at alühome have many decades of experience in the UK door and window industry yielding an extensive product knowledge in fine glazing solutions.
Gooches Court Meadows, Stamford PE9 2RE. Call 01780 723864 or see www.aluhomes.co.uk.
Classic Group
From a window for a room or a whole house, to orangeries and conservatories, Classic Group offers access to a range of manufacturers in contemporary, classic or heritage, styles.
Ryhall Rd, Stamford PE9 1XP
Call 01780 654321 or see www.classicstamford.co.uk.
Timber Windows
Timber Windows remains dedicated to the supply and installation of beautiful timber windows and doors as well as conservatories and orangeries. The firm welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate how installing well-made, well-specified timber windows and doors can really enhance the beauty and value of your home.
Belton Street, Stamford PE9 2EF
Call 01780 322538 or see www.timberwindows.com.
Natural Structures
Using oak, timber, glass, and natural stone to create timeless and functional orangeries and conservatories as well as bespoke new built properties and extensions.
Tur Langton, Leicester LE8 0PJ
Call 01858 545518 or see www.natural-structures.co.uk.
Gardens
21 Years of Beautiful Gardens Foras celebrates
What better way could there be to celebrate your birthday than with a garden party... especially if the garden in question is an impressive 10,000m2 show space, featuring the UK’s largest collection of running water features, tiles, flagstones and garden accessories, all providing inspiration for your own garden!
Back in 2003, Britain and the rest of Europe were experiencing a heatwave. We all took to our gardens whether to work on our suntan or seek a bit of shade in which to read a good book and enjoy a G&T. That year also saw the founding of Foras, situated on a working farm amid the Fenland countryside. They have personally sourced everything you need to create a beautiful outdoor space.
21 years on, the success of Foras has been truly impressive, so there’s good reason to celebrate the company’s big anniversary, with their garden party due to be held over Friday, Saturday, and Monday of the late May Bank Holiday weekend. To celebrate Foras’s 21st anniversary, they created their own celebratory Signature Gin, using local botanicals including juniper, verbena and sea buckthorn. If you purchase a bottle of Foras’s Signature 21st Birthday Gin at our garden party, you will receive a one-off exclusive discount on any Foras garden accessory.
It’s a chance to enjoy a visit to Foras’s stunning show gardens and experience the colourful planting, calming sounds of running water and inspirational hard landscaping. An oasis to sooth the soul - attracting wildlife from butterflies, bees and dragonflies to hummingbird hawk moths, which rely on the water and call the garden home.
The company is ever evolving, and their selection of water features now include materials such as acrylic and glass, sourced from European manufacturers as well as being designed and assembled in the UK. New for 2024, exclusive lightweight resin planters have been specially designed by their creative team, allowing larger planting space while being easier to handle and move around.
Whichever look or ambience you’re seeking to create in your garden, Foras’s curated
portfolio of tiles and flagstones will enable you to impart a sense of personality and grace in your garden and home, ensuring it is a beautiful and functional place to spend your time.
“We really love the summer and watching the wildlife visiting the garden,” says the company’s Managing Director, Claire Brutnall. “This year will be even more special as we celebrate this milestone and reflect on all the living spaces we’ve helped our clients to create over the past 21 years. We hand select our entire range of tiles, flagstones and garden accessories; our personality is present in every piece!”
“Our anniversary Garden Party will be a real occasion, with wood fired pizza from local supplier Malley's, our woodland and field walks to explore and our own exclusive gin –Foras Signature, with local botanicals including verbena and sea buckthorn –served at our Juniper Sky Gin Bar.”
“We’re asking people to RSVP to our invitation and in return we’ll provide a complimentary G&T*, our new Elements brochure and a preview of the new Outlet area, with our end of line products at up to 50% off!” The event will also include a ‘best dressed guest’ award and special party discounts throughout the entire range.
“We’re also attending the Royal Norfolk Show on 26th/27th June, with a specially built stand and our own VIP Gin Bar.” Says Claire, “As a Norfolk based family business, we’re keen to celebrate our recent rebranding, show off our newest products and treat our customers to some special show discounts too. Our anniversary garden party and our presence at the show will both be a true celebration of summer, with lots to enjoy and everything you need to transform your home and garden with Foras.”
Foras is hosting its 21st Anniversary Garden Party on Friday 24th May, Saturday 25th May & Bank Holiday Monday 27th May (Closed Sunday 26th May).
Open from 9.00am 5.00pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am – 4pm on Monday, based at Stowbridge, King's Lynn PE34 3NJ. Call 01366 381069, find out more at discover.foras.co.uk/21stanniversary or RSVP at foras.co.uk/RSVP (* Over 18s only)
Fashion
Broderie Anglaise
Delicate embroidery and white needlework to create a cool, calm, boho look for summer...
Page: Broderie Lace Dress, £229, www.hollandcooper.com. Top Left: Organic Cotton
www.thewhitecompany.com. Top
www.tedbaker.com.Above Left: Deedee
www.wyselondon.com.
Time to Shine
With the sun set to shine all summer long, this month we’ve been inspired to suggest a range of luxury cosmetics in suitable shades, with protection from the sun in mind too
Beautiful Belle by Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder presents Beautiful Belle, a floraloriental fragrance for women: top notes of lychee, rose petals and mimosa. Mid notes of orange and gardenia then base notes of amber and musk.
From Estée Lauder, or fragrantica.com £79/50ml.
Gold standard protection against sun damage
Take care of your skin with Elizabeth Arden’s antiageing SPF50 daily moisturiser which utilises triple action protection to safeguard skin from pollution, UV rays and visible signs of ageing.
Infinite Shine for Nails
Basic Baddie is OPI’s creamy nude shade for summer nails from one of the best names in the business. High shine, rich pigments and chipproof quality for up to 11 days of normal wear, £17.50 / 15ml.
All About Shadow
A new quad palette of eye colour from Clinique, shown here is Teddy Bear shade, with longwearing formula and vibrant pigments ideal for creating a range of looks for day or night, £39/4.8g.
Forever Glow
£58/40ml, available from John Lewis.
A fivestar foundation that’ll have you seeing stars too. 94% natural ingredients, Dior’s Forever Skin Glow in nine shades including Star Filter boosts radiance and ensures a healthy glow, £45/30ml.
A moment of joy this season from L’Occitaine
You’ll go nuts for this trio of treats powered by almond oil from L’Occitane en Provence. The collection’s shower scrub with powdered almond shells gently exfoliates whilst the shower oil hydrates.
Luffa sponge also included.
£34 from John Lewis.
All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, note that prices stated are RRP and may vary.
10 Years of Quality Eyecare in Stamford
For a decade, Malvinder Singh Hanspal and the team at The Stamford Eye Clinic have been providing a service that’s clearly better for customers, ensuring their focus is on exceptional service, quality brands and the best provision of healthcare for families in Stamford and Rutland
Back in 2014, Pharrell Williams was ‘Happy’ in the music charts, The Church of England voted to allow women to become ordained as bishops and Stamford was basking in a summer heatwave... therefore a decent pair of sunglasses were definitely a must-have accessory that year.
Happily, for those seeking any kind of prescription eyecare or eyewear, there was a brand new independent specialist in the town. Malvinder Singh Hanspal opened his new clinic on the town’s St Peters Street with a single aim: to offer only the very best customer experience from thorough eye examinations utilising the latest technology, and ‘Styleyesing’ for the perfect spectacles through thoughtfullychosen eyewear and lens brands which Malvinder believes are the best in the industry.
“There are three aspects of the business which I think really elevate us,” says Malvinder. “But the most important point of difference is the way we value our customers and make time for them. It’s important for a couple of reasons. Firstly we all like to feel valued, and to feel that our custom is important, but also really understanding our customers allows us to better understand their eyecare needs too.”
“The second way that we differ from other eyecare providers is providing a really thorough and up-to-date technology-led eye examination.”
“It’s often said that the eyes a window to the soul, but it’s also true to say that your eyes can tell you a great deal about someone’s overall health. As well as conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes, the eyes can give clues as to the presence of high
cholesterol or high blood pressure, so as well as looking after your vision, a really good sight test is essential for monitoring your overall health too.”
“Our sight tests incorporate as standard some pre-screening examinations employing hospital-grade technology like our Optical Coherence Tomography system. The device provides a detailed image of the back of the eye and can detect changes from one eye examination to the next and provide an early warning of a number of conditions.”
“An eventual prescription in the industry is usually accurate to within 0.25 diopter. We work with greater precision to 0.01 diopter both in our examinations and when dispensing lenses of a particular specification.”
“The third point of difference for our practice is the brands we stock. Less recognisable, with fewer ‘fashion’ brands, but we believe our ranges represent the very best materials and engineering in the industry.”
“From super light and carbon fibre frames from ic! Berlin to Leisure Society’s white goldplated titanium frames with titanium nose pads and pins, to Götti’s sustainable range of 3D printed hingeless frames.”
“The technology and design innovations, in the fields of both eye examinations and in the quality of the frames we stock with a choice of lens from our lens partners Essilor and ZEISS to meet your lifestyle needs, themselves, are impressive. But that means nothing without good customer service and a real desire to make our clients feel like they’ve had a really good experience, and it’s that aspect of the business which has made our first ten years such a success.”
Break Free from Chronic Back Pain
Addressing the Impact of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their ability to work, sleep, and enjoy everyday activities. While traditional treatments like pain medications and manual therapy may provide temporary relief, many people continue to struggle with ongoing discomfort and limited mobility.
Exciting advancements are available with MBST Treatment—a revolutionary therapy providing a non-invasive, effective solution for chronic back pain sufferers. Unlike conventional approaches that merely manage symptoms, MBST targets the root cause of chronic back pain, offering newfound hope for lasting relief.
Changing the Future of Healthcare
After years of research, the latest study in April 2024 confirms how MBST precisely impacts cells, confirming that MBST is a revolution in healthcare.
For specific studies, please visit our website or contact our technical director at charles@ cell-regeneration.co.uk.
The Science Behind MBST Treatment
MBST is similar to MRI technology. Unlike MRI, which generates body images, MBST uses Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) to stimulate cells at a molecular level. By encouraging degenerated cells to regenerate faster, MBST effectively replaces lost cells, providing relief from pain, reducing inflammation, and enhancing mobility.
Benefits of MBST for Chronic Back Pain
- Non-invasive treatment with no side effects, delivering targeted therapy directly to the affected area.
- Offers long-term relief and improves quality of life for individuals undergoing MBST treatment for chronic back pain.
- NICE has recognised that MBST/ MRT is a safe therapy.
The MBST Treatment Experience
- An MBST treatment session is non-invasive, comfortable and entirely pain-free.
- Each treatment course is made up of 7-9 sessions. Each session lasts one hour.
- MBST works alongside trained healthcare professionals to ensure optimal results. Your
nearest MBST centre is Cell Regeneration & Ann Clare Physiotherapy in Tinwell, Rutland.
The First Step Towards a Pain-Free Future
Chronic back pain doesn't have to dictate your life. With MBST Treatment, you can break free from the cycle of discomfort and reclaim your mobility and independence. If you're tired of living with chronic back pain and are seeking a non-invasive, effective solution, MBST may be the answer you've been looking for.
Contact us in Tinwell, Stamford/Rutland today to learn more and take the first step towards a pain-free future. You can reach Sarah, our Clinic Manager on 01780 238 084 and sarah@mbst-therapy.co.uk
Physiotherapy and Cell Regeneration LTD.
Visit MBSTmedical.co.uk or call the friendly team on 01780 238084
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Six of the best long-sleeved wedding dresses, ideal for autumn and winter weddings, or for brides who want to wear their heart on their sleeve
Top left to right: Puccini, www.suzanneneville.com. Norma, www.justinalexander.com. Alice, www.sassiholford.com.
Bottom left to right: Coco, www.katefearnley.com. Indie, www.alanhannah.co.uk. Opera, www.carolinecastigliano.com.