NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across Rutland & Stamford. This month, we’re delighted to report that Birdfair will be back, bigger, better and with a new name.

Birdfair WILL be back in 2022...

NEW CONSERVATION FESTIVAL AT THE RUTLAND SHOWGROUND FROM 15th-17th JULY

Birdwatchers across Rutland are in for a boost this July as Global Birdfair, a new worldwide conservation festival, will be held at the Rutland Showground, Oakham. Tim Appleton, who founded the original British Birdwatching Fair back in 1989 said “I am delighted to announce that the new Global Birdfair will continue have a home in Rutland.” The benefits brought to Rutland by hosting Global Birdfair will give a massive boost to the many hospitality providers and other businesses within the county. Visitors and exhibitors spending locally at the fair has, historically, generated around £1.2 million for the local economy. Tim added: “If there has been one benefit throughout the pandemic, it has been a huge increase in many people’s appreciation and awareness of their local environment. I hope newcomers will enjoy the fair which will showcase everything the birding and wildlife industry has to offer.” Exhibitors will include conservation organisations and eco-tourism companies alongside exhibitors selling books, art, optical equipment, bird food and local produce.

RUTLAND There will be a variety of activities including lectures by guest speakers discussing topics relating to wildlife around the world. n See www.globalbirdfair.org.

Our ‘posh’ local villages...

SURVEY IN THE TELEGRAPH PRAISES ‘POSH’ BURLEY ON THE HILL AND UFFINGTON...

Residents who live in Uffington near Stamford or at Burley on The Hill have fresh bragging rights according to a new survey in The Telegraph which names the two places among the ‘poshest’ villages in the UK. The survey examined 6,116 villages across the UK and determined that both the Stamford and Rutland villages were in the top 1% of the country’s villages in terms of property price and quality of life. The average price of property in Uffington is just under £475,000 whilst a house at Burley on the Hill

RUTLAND & STAMFORD will set upwardly-mobile Rutlanders back nearly £740,000. Curiously no mention in the list is made of property in the village of Hambleton, which is regarded as one of the most soughtafter villages in the area. Of the most desirable addresses in Burley on the Hill is a residence in the area’s 250-room Palladian mansion which was split up into 20 separate homes by Kit Martin in the early 1980 and today, the mansion sits within 3,000 impressive acres and amongst 67 acres of beautifully maintained parkland. n

Wendy at Wheelhouse

UNRAVELLED JOURNEYS IN OAKHAM

OAKHAM A long-serving Oakham School Textiles Teacher is celebrating 30 years of her work with a local art exhibition in preparation for her retirement. Wendy Greaves, who joined Oakham School in 1991, is commemorating her time at the school with a series of works which will represent what she intends to do when she retires at the end of the academic year. The exhibition is running until 7th March in the school’s Wheelhouse Gallery and is open to the public. The theme of ‘Unravelled Journeys’ sees the exhibition illustrate where Wendy began work 30 years ago and concludes with her work completed at the end of 2021. “Coming from Liverpool, Oakham was worlds apart from where I grew up but I was taken back by its quaintness and warmth. The passion that the Oakham staff had for their subjects is astonishing!” n www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk.

DIY SOS helps family with property makeover...

STAMFORD & RUTLAND Two local businesses have pulled together to help Lindsey McAuley – whose husband, ex-royal engineer Shaun, died in November after battling cancer – to bring their property back from the brink in the latest series of the BBC’s DIY SOS programme. Dynamics Cleaners and Dynamics Environmental are run by Tim Wade, and this is the second time Tim and his team have contributed to helping out the show. n

An illuminating experience

BOURNE IN LIGHTS IS A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT DESIGNED TO SHOW OFF THE TOWN IN MARCH...

BOURNE The town of Bourne will shine a little brighter this month with the announcement of Bourne in Lights on Saturday 19th March. The community event will include lights, projections, and illuminated entertainment across the town with light sculptures, illuminated live performances and large-scale artwork. The completely free event will take over North Street, which will be closed to traffic from 3pm with a trail for people to follow, as shops, pubs and food outlets stay open late. The event is designed to boost the town’s post-Covid economy. n Pantomime Players in Stamford told local Macmillan care nurses that they were

STAMFORD behind them with a £1,500 donation from ticket sales following their 70th anniversary season’s pantomime, Jack and The Beanstalk, which was performed at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. n

£1,500 Donation

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

RUTLAND x

Local garden society safe for another year...

Crisis talks have been held to discuss the future of the Rutland Horticultural Society, which was in danger of closing after failing to attract enough new members. Established in 1872, a spokesperson for the group said “We have decided to stay in our roles for another year to try and keep the society going.” “We will not hold our annual show or spring market this year, but hope to reinstate them next year if we get the support needed.” The group hosts monthly talks throughout the year and admission is free. See the group’s Facebook page for details. n

Stamford author’s romantic

NEW NOVEL BY LORNA HUNTING

STAMFORD According to the proverb, fact is often stranger than fiction. Well, let’s say that it’s often more fascinating. The story of Lorna Hunting’s forebears’ emigration from England to Canada in the mid-19th century were recounted to the Stamford author by her mother and proved sufficiently fascinating to inspire her latest novel, New Beginnings on Vancouver Island. Described as a ‘wonderful story of emigration told through the lives of characters who are relatable and real,’ Lorna’s story follows Stag Liddell, a Whitehaven collier who signs up to leave the UK and find work in Vancouver Island’s new coal mine. Stag meets school teacher Kate McAvoy on the dock at Liverpool and their relationship blossoms until damning information comes to light and a pact made years before comes into play. The couple are left wondering whether their romance will survive the devastating revelation and whether their new life in a new land will endure. Lorna was born and raised in Lincolnshire, and after raising a family, studied and taught history at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, gaining a doctorate in Chinese History. Her forbears emigrated from England to Canada in the mid-19th century to open up coal mines in British Columbia, so Lorna grew up listening to these tales being recounted. Lorna now lives and writes in Stamford.

n Lorna Hunting’s book will appeal to fans of the historical romantic fiction genres and is available in all good bookshops, by visiting www.lornahunting.com or by calling 07798 804853.

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

THREE WEEKS ON THE RUN FOR ANT THE WALLABY..

A seven month-old wallaby which escaped from the Tiny Steps petting zoo has been reunited with its brother after spending three weeks on the run. Ant and Dec are residents at Thurlby’s Tiny Steps petting zoo. He was found in one of the feeding cages left out to catch him, happy and unphased by his adventure. n

Kino plans fall through...

PLANS FOR OAKHAM CINEMA DASHED AS TRUSTEES VOTE AGAINST GIVING THE PROJECT COMMITMENT OAKHAM As featured in the November edition of Rutland Pride, Oakham’s Andrew Robinson and Genevieve Margrett had hoped to begin work in 2022 on creating a new two-screen cinema for the town in Victoria Hall. Sadly, last month, the two confirmed that plans have fallen through. “The trustees of Victoria Hall voted against giving Rutland Kino the commitment needed to bring an independent cinema to Victoria Hall. We want to thank everyone who took the time to write in favour of our planning application and championed the idea.” n

Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester

WADENHOE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Guide Price £1,100,000

The most appealing, four bedroomed, stone cottage with open plan living areas,

stands in the centre of an idyllic, conservation village in North Northamptonshire, surrounded by undulating countryside. There are good road links to many stations for commuting to London and elsewhere, and Oundle is only about 3.5 miles north. The property was originally two cottages but many years ago was joined to form one, more spacious home, with recent additions and alterations creating the perfect home for a modern-day lifestyle. It has been completely renovated in the last eight months and is now presented in exceptional order. The property sits on a corner plot and approached through solid timber gates. There are several outbuildings including a storage, potting shed, log-store, carport and a garage (which has recently been renovated to become an office.)The garden is completely enclosed and not overlooked at all. It features a spacious, paved terrace, ideal for al fresco dining.

HELPSTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE Guide Price £525,000

Railway Cottage, one of a pair of adjoining properties, was built by the Great

Railway Company circa 1898, and is a charming three bedroomed cottage with an expansive garden and adjoining land of 2.5 acres (stms) attracting a variety of wildlife. As soon as you enter you realise this is an immaculately presented, extensive property with a south facing aspect, beautifully bathed in natural light yet cosy and welcoming, and very private. The bright and airy open plan kitchen/diner is a great space for entertaining family and friends, with a generous living room to the side opening onto the terrace and garden. Sweeping lawns stretch beyond pretty areas for relaxing in the sun and shade, with fruit trees providing an autumn harvest. With far-reaching Fenland views, the cottage lies between glorious Stamford and the City of Peterborough, making this a desirable property for a commuter wishing for a rural lifestyle. It is also in an excellent position for children’s education.

LANGHAM OFFERS OVER £800,000

Superb detached family home offering extensive contemporary accommodation appointed to a high standard throughout and set on a large south-facing plot within the prestigious Rutland village of Langham. 2 Reception Rooms, Office, Study, open-plan Kitchen/Diner, Utility, 2 Cloakrooms/WCs, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bath-/Shower Rooms, Double Garage, Ample Parking, Private Gardens. Energy Rating: D. Viewing is highly recommended.

SOUTH LUFFENHAM £675,000

Immaculately presented, substantial detached family home enjoying far-reaching countryside views to the rear. The generously-proportioned and energy-efficient accommodation is appointed to a high standard throughout. Lounge, Snug, Living Room, open-plan Dining Kitchen, Utility, Cloakroom/WC, 4 large Double Bedrooms, Master Dressing Room and En-suite Shower Room, Family Bathroom; ample Parking, fully enclosed Garden. Energy Rating: B

UPPINGHAM NO ONWARD CHAIN £290,000

Beautiful Grade II listed end-terraced cottage with good-sized south-facing garden and brick outbuilding situated on the edge of town centre. Rose Cottage is built of local stone under slate roof and offers a character-filled accommodation with sash windows, timber panelled internal doors, exposed stonework and working open fireplace. Kitchen, Sitting Room, three Bedrooms, Shower Room. EPC exempt.

NEW

MARKET OVERTON £695,000

Charming mid-19th century detached cottage with sympathetic modern extension combining character with contemporary style, occupying a large plot with stunning views over the village cricket ground. The property provides spacious and flexible accommodation, immaculately presented throughout whilst retaining an array of period features. 3 Reception Rooms, Conservatory, Living Dining Kitchen, Utility, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bath-/Shower Rooms; Dbl Garage. Energy Rating: F

NEW

BRAUNSTON IN RUTLAND £645,000

A delightful character property set on a select development of seven Mews Style houses set in the heart of a fine conservation village. The well-proportioned and tastefully appointed accommodation sympathetically combines period features and charm with modern high quality fixtures and fittings. Sitting Room, Conservatory, open-plan Kitchen/Diner, Clkrm/WC, Master Bedroom with en-suite Shower Room, 2 further dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom. Single Garage, Parking, Mature, Private Garden. Energy Rating: TBC

NEW

SEATON Offers Over £600,000

An immaculately presented detached bungalow occupying a stunning position on the edge of a sought-after village with astonishing views. The interior of the property has been recently upgraded to a high standard and features solid oak internal doors, new log-burner, newly created WC and refitted bathroom. Sitting Room, Kitchen/Diner, Clkrm/WC, Ancillary Accommodation, 2 Dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom; Dbl Garage, Ample Parking. Valid Planning Permission to extend. Energy Rating: D.

Planning for the Future

Retirement or ceasing to work is a big milestone in anyone’s life, and it means different things to different people. Planning for your retirement is one of the biggest financial decisions of your lifetime. There is a lot to consider; the fact that people are living longer, higher inflation rates and the huge number of choices, all result in not knowing what decisions to make...

Whatever you want to do in retirement, the more time you give yourself to prepare and the earlier you start putting money away, the harder your savings can work for you... ultimately, to help you to enjoy a prosperous retirement. Planning for the future always begins with understanding what you can save, what you have saved and whether you’re getting the best from it. How can you save for your retirement? A way that you can save for your retirement is through pensions. You can start to and continue to contribute into pensions at any working age. It’s never too late to start to save through pensions. You won’t be able to access the money you save until you reach the age of eligibility, around 55 – but this gives you the opportunity to save the fund for your retirement. Importantly, many people are not aware that there are many tax benefits when it comes to pensions. There are several benefits to pensions, for example did you know that there are pensions tax reliefs when you save for your retirement? Essentially, what this means, is the government rewards you for saving for your retirement. The government will top up your retirement savings and this is based on tax reliefs and on the highest income tax you pay. Most people can utilise the £40,000 annual allowance for pensions and earn tax relief, any contributions above this allowance will be subject to income tax at the highest rate you pay. There is also the potential for benefits when it comes to inheritance tax. For example, in most cases, any pension pots you have can be passed on and fall outside of your estate. Unlike your property, savings and other investments, your pension does not form part of your estate on your death, and therefore it won’t be subjected to inheritance tax.

Pension consolidations If like most people you may have changed jobs over the years and have several pension pots. It may be beneficial to consolidate your pots and by combining your pensions you can see your pensions in one place, and you’ll be able to see how your pension is performing. We can help you get to grips with what is where and how this helps with your plan.

Why should I speak to an adviser about all this? Individual advice remains very important because everybody’s needs vary when it comes to planning for retirement. There are many ways to create your retirement income using the pension types that are described and an adviser can help you to create a retirement plan that you can utilise in the most efficient way possible.

There is often a balance to achieve the right mix of certainty and flexibility to suit your retirement plan.

Pensions are a great way to save for retirement for most people as they offer tax benefits and tax reliefs as you save. It can be confusing navigating the complexities of pensions and we are here to help it make sense. At BCM Wealth Management, we look at your whole situation, including how you feel about different considerations, your future financial aspirations and help you to identify and build a plan that is right for you. We help you understand what tax benefits and reliefs are available to you, how much you are going to need, and then where appropriate we help you to achieve this. Speaking to a financial adviser is a good idea for building an understanding of your investment goals and what level of investment risk you are prepared to take. Our approach to planning your retirement is transparent, honest, and designed to meet your requirements. We want to support you with all your retirement planning needs and help you to maximise the potential growth within your pension funds over your chosen timescale.

You can book a face-to-face chat with our pension review service, to see if you’re on track to meet your retirement goals. The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. n

BCM Wealth Management Ltd is an appointed representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management product and service, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s place representatives.

Chat to BCM Wealth Management’s specialist team, based at 5 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1PL, www.bcmwealth.co.uk, 01780 437500.