Stamford Pride May 2020

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PRIDE STAMFORD’S FINEST MAGAZINE

Off the Wall The Local Wallpaper Designer

Beautiful Gardens Milton Hall near Stamford

Local Restaurants Turning Japanese at Hoppi Dorri

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WELCOME

hat a month. We really do appreciate that these are troubling times for people around the World, as Coronavirus continues to spread.

The number of infections and fatalities are rising. Cities and even entire countries are shutting down. Many people are being forced into isolation. But amid all the worrying news, we have also seen many reasons to find hope.

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It is our job to ensure that you love reading our local magazines and to promote local businesses - mainly small independent businesses, the type who most need support and a sense of optimism at this time.

We know that the World will now change. So what a fantastic opportunity for us to choose to shop locally again; to ensure our independent shops thrive and to return to using our local towns. We can catch up with friends and enjoy a coffee, a pint, a G&T, a lovely meal, the cinema, a visit to our local market... we can ensure our towns and villages boom, as well as our country.

The virus is forcing people to stay in, so we anticipate the general population will use this time to browse the internet or watch TV. But when there’s nothing left to watch and when we tire of the internet, perhaps we will all realise that this isn’t the World we really want, and that happiness is right here in the county, closer than we realised. Times will soon change, and we still have a bridge to cross, but even in the darkest times, I forever remain an optimist!

Best wishes and good health,

Julian Wilkinson, Managing Director, Pride Magazines Ltd.

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118 CONTENTS NEWS & EVENTS 08

NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across the area.

HIGHLIGHTS

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EYE IN THE SKY We explore

HOMES & GARDENS 66

WELCOME HOME We take a look around Geddington’s Old School.

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HOUSE FRESH Refresh your home and take nature or floral prints as your inspiration.

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GARDENS Events for the NGS at Milton Hall and Harlaxton Manor.

Stamford and Rutland from 400ft above the ground.

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WALLPAPER DESIGNER Meet Exton designer Annie Allison.

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LOCAL WINDMILLS A chance to discover the area’s wind-powered heritage.

108 THATCHED ROOFING Scott Mulheron maintains the look and charm of thatch-topped roofs.

FOOD & DRINK 52

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DINING OUT This month we visit both The Admiral Hornblower and Stamford’s Hoppi Dorri.

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DINING IN Fruit crumbles and a celebration of English Wine Week.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN 118

WEDDINGS James & Rachel marry at Rushton Hall.

127 FASHION Marc Cain’s new spring and summer collection.

140 COSMETICS Makeup and perfume.

THE HIGH LIFE 143 HIGH LIFE The Belvoir Hunt Ball.

152 MOTORS Range Rover Sport PHEV.

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THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE AREA READ PRIDE MAGAZINE

READ

FREE ONLINE

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.

The magazine is also sold in supermarkets and newsagents and our in-house distribution team also works hard to hand-deliver the magazine to selected hotels and restaurants, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs.

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

Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 24,000 online readers each month who view the magazine free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

Read Pride Magazine free online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk or by downloading our free iOS and Android App. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

THE PRIDE TEAM

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

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

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

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

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Manager: Charlotte Daubney.

Sales Supervisor: Cydney Dyson.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Photographers: Dean Fisher, Jonathan Scrimshaw.

Illustrator: Jocelyn Lawman.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

Office Manager: Sue Bannister.

Sales Executives: Cassy Ayton, Emily Brown, Grace Mumford, Carissa Smith, Tilly Wilkinson.

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

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

Download Now

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978 www.pridemagazines.co.uk | enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

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NEWS & EVENTS

Say ‘ello ‘ello ‘ello to Audrey...

POLICE WELCOMES NEW RUTLAND COMMANDER AUDREY DANVERS RUTLAND A new inspector is set to take over the helm in Rutland for Leicestershire Police. Audrey Danvers takes over the newly created Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), which has seen Eastern Counties (covering Melton, Rutland and Harborough), split into two.

Harborough will now be policed alongside Wigston under the command of Inspector Siobhan Gorman.

Other changes include the creation of a new role of Neighbourhood Patrol Officer which will carry out both response and investigative duties and the establishment of co-located CID offices in each area led by a Detective Inspector.

The changes will see more locally-based officers, meaning quicker response times, better local knowledge and more resilience and capability in neighbourhoods.

Inspector Danvers joined Leicestershire Police nearly 24 years ago having completed a Master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Loughborough University.

She has covered multiple roles across the force from Sergeant to Patrol and Resolution Inspector and said her experience should stand her in good stead for her new role.

“The changes will provide even greater local focus on policing our neighbourhoods, making us more receptive and responsive to the challenges happening on our doorsteps.”

“I’m very much looking forward to getting out into the community. My previous roles have been in both the city and rural communities and I know that only by engaging and working with others can we deliver on these.” n

Oakham Regeneration ‘4OAKHAM’ COMMUNITY GROUP MEETS TO DRIVE THE TOWN CENTRE FORWARD

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OAKHAM A new partnership board will soon be taking forward the recommendations presented by the Oakham Task and Finish Group.

The six-person board is called ‘4Oakham’, and its formation has been supported

by Rutland County Council.

It is made up of members of Oakham’s business and residential community.

The Oakham Task and Finish Group was set up by Rutland County Council’s Growth and Infrastructure Resources Scrutiny Panel in January 2018 to identify improvements to Oakham

town centre to benefit all those who use the town – residents, businesses and visitors alike.

The Group’s improvement options and recommendations were presented in December 2018. Since then, members of the Task and Finish Group have been working to establish a community-led mechanism to ensure they are reviewed and achieved, with the aim of pulling together stakeholders and volunteers to drive the initiatives forward.

A meeting was held in March when 4Oakham invited key stakeholders in the community to meet up. n

COTTESMORE Work is approaching completion on efforts to re-lay the main passenger line of Cottesmore’s Living Ironstone Museum, Rocks by Rails. At the end of 2019 it was discovered that a serious case of subsidence meant some hard work was needed, and by Christmas 2019 volunteers had excavated the rails on which the heritage trains run, ready for new tracks.

Work was limited further by bad weather in winter and spring, but was given a boost with the delivery of 200 tonnes of ballast from a local quarry.

Efforts will now be completed ready for when the museum opens at Easter when The Rutlander train will make its inaugural trip. Rocks by Rail is a charity dedicated to the preservation of ironstone quarrying and transport. n

Long Row Move for Council OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL IS ON THE MOVE THIS MONTH TO NEWER PREMISES WITH MORE SPACE

WITTERING Three major awards and a promotion to Flight Sergeant have been earned by an outstanding Air & Ground Steward from Royal Air Force Wittering.

Sergeant Steve Harland has been named as the RAF Air & Ground Steward of the Year for 2020.

After more than 25 years’ service, he has just collected his Long Service & Good Conduct medal and clasps.

Steve is also a part time fire fighter with our local Fire & Rescue Service, as if his work at RAF Wittering did not keep him busy enough! n

OAKHAM We’ve all experienced that feeling of needing to pack up and move to a bigger place.

And now Oakham Town Council is moving premises this month, leaving behind Victoria Hall to move to new premises on Long Row. The move, say councillors, will afford them more room to conduct council business. Town Clerk Allison Greaves says: “Oakham Town council requires more space and Long Row provides this not just for council members’ business, but also to accommodate members of the public.”

It’s expected that the council will complete their move by the end of May. n

£298,000,000 Boost

IRONSTONE EXPLORED IN COTTESMORE

RUTLAND’S MP Alicia Kearns, has welcomed the forecast £298 million boost for the East Midlands. It follows the Government published its negotiating objectives for a free trade agreement with the US as part of its plan to level up economic growth across the whole UK. n

Museum Reopens

Promotions for RAF Wittering Flight Sergeant Steve Harland

LOCAL

NEWS In Brief

PETERBOROUGH

EXTENSION WORKS BEGIN AT QUEENSGATE SHOPPING CENTRE Work has officially begun on the £60 million cinema, restaurant and retail extension of Queensgate Shopping Centre. The 18-month project will see a 10-screen Empire cinema complete with iMAX – the world’s most immersive movie experience – and new restaurants and stores opening by late 2021.

The cinema will be located on the roof adjacent to John Lewis & Partners, while the restaurants and stores will be located on the levels beneath.

The work will see 77,000 square feet being added to the existing building, creating over 200 job opportunities once complete. Most of the work will be taking place behind the scenes – but shoppers can expect to see cranes and scaffolding around the centre. n

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NEWS & EVENTS

Royal Visit from Queen Helena ACTRESS HELENA BONHAM CARTER LAUNCHES BELVOIR CASTLE’S 2020 SEASON GRANTHAM Actress Helena Bonham Carter visited the Duke and Duchess of Rutland recently to mark the opening of the royal season at the castle in the Vale of Belvoir.

Helena Bonham Carter plays Princess Margaret and will appear in series three of the drama. The actress says she believes the royal was misunderstood, mistakenly taken for being ‘angry, rude and tough,’ when in fact she was more vulnerable than the public gave her credit for.

So keen was she to ensure her characterisation of the Queen’s sister was correct that she sought the advice of Margaret’s inner circle.

Helena even sought to make contact with Margaret, who died in 2002, via an astrologer and psychic, asking for her blessing to play her.

The Regency Castle, which stands in for Windsor Castle, has greatly increased its

LOCAL NEWS In Brief

STAMFORD INVENTOR COLIN FURZE’S ‘LOVELY JUBBLY’ VISITOR...

Actor David Jason recently visited Stamford inventor Colin Furze as part of his Great British Inventions series. The series explored British eccentrics and their love of innovation.

“It was great, he was a really nice bloke!” said Colin on the Del Boy and Frost actor. n

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opening days over the last three years with 2020 seeing it gear up to welcome more visitors than ever before from March onwards.

Its 2020 programme includes the introduction of Royal Afternoon Tea inspired

by The Crown, including a guided tour with exclusive access to the private Tapestry Room and Wellington Room featured in the Netflix hit, as well as welcoming back family favourite events Belvoir Knights and Firework Champions.

Emma, Duchess of Rutland said: “We are delighted to once again welcome everybody back to Belvoir for what will be a thoroughly exciting season of events. We feel so very fortunate to be acting as custodians for what is a short time in Belvoir’s many centuries and we are humbled to share experiences and memories with all of our visitors.” n

Stamford Teen’s TV Debut STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BROOKE FLEMING TAKES THE LEAD ROLE IN THE LUNA SQUAD SERIES

STAMFORD Local teenager Brooke Fleming has landed the lead role in a new series for Amazon about a group of youngsters who embark on an exciting adventure.

The teenager from Toft near Stamford is 14 and will play Ashley, who find a mysterious map in an old comic book and goes on to uncover a UFO sighting, persuading her friends to join her in exploring the site.

The series will also be accompanied by a comic and a pop single, and will launch in June... mum & dad Tamsin & Leigh and Brooke’s little sister Honey, can’t wait to see their daughter on screen! n

GEDDINGTON, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Guide Price £975,000

In the centre of the enchanting Northamptonshire village of Geddington sit this charming Victorian property constructed in yellow stone with local Collyweston stone tiled roof. This was once the village school, now converted into an immaculate home that has vaulted ceilings, commodious rooms including a magnificent reception room which was originally the school assembly hall. From 2013-15 a local builder completely renovated this listed building to create a beautiful, modernised home using only the finest materials to the highest specification. The layout has been sensitively remodelled to create an open plan kitchen/breakfast room leading into a spacious dining room, retaining its original features of exposed stone, arched doors, stone mullion, leaded windows, renovated stone fireplaces and the grandeur of the main hall. New oak staircases and gallery have also been installed as well as the creation of the four double bedrooms, all boasting contemporary en suites with granite tiles and counters.

The mostly lawn walled garden is benefiting from the stunning view of the church of St. Mary. Parking for several cars is on the tarmac within the gates of The Old School, and more outside on Grafton Road.

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

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

fineandcountry.com

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WHITWELL, RUTLAND Guide Price ÂŁ1,000,000

This attractive period residence, sits in the heart of the pretty village of Whitwell, just a stone’s throw from the shores of Rutland Water. The property has been much improved by the current owners who have added contemporary additions to makes this a fantastic family home. The highlight is the stunning open plan kitchen dining family room which is the hub of the home. Fitted with a bespoke kitchen, this extended room benefits from bi folding doors that open on the terrace as well as a large lantern that floods the room with natural light. The remainder of the house offers several versatile reception areas and five double bedrooms. Outside the gardens have been carefully landscaped to include a terraced patio area and large lawned area for children to play. With its stylish looks and period features, Holly Cottage is an appealing property that offers excellent family accommodation in a superb Rutland village.

Similar properties urgently required for waiting buyers

225 offices across Great Britain Plus 75 offices globally

NEW

LANGHAM

NEW

£1,150,000

A superb, substantial, individual family residence set on a private plot of approx. 0.5 A on the edge of a highly regarded village enjoying countryside views. The property was constructed using many reclaimed quality materials and offers spacious, flexible accommodation full of character. 2 Rec. Rooms, farmhouse Kitchen/Diner, ample Ancillary Accommodation, 5 Dbl Bedrooms, 5 en-suite Bath/Shower Rooms; Outbuildings, Garaging. Energy Rating: TBC.

SOMERBY

£875,000

Stunning individual house providing high-standard, substantial, flexible character accommodation (including Annex) with south-facing garden, extensive garaging and car port in a picturesque village location with far-reaching rural views. 3 Rec. Rooms, Kitchen/Diner, Utility, Wine Cellar, Clrkm, 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bath/Shower Rooms. Energy Rating: D.

NEW

SOUTH LUFFENHAM

£575,000

Character Barn Conversion set in a popular village and enjoying stunning countryside views.

The spacious accommodation features a full two storey height lounge with exposed roof timbers, stone Inglenook-style fireplace and partially vaulted ceilings. 2 Rec. Rooms, Brkfst Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms; dbl Garage, Gardens. Energy Rating: E.

SOMERBY

£420,000

Delightful period 3-storey property dating back to 1818 and offering substantial accommodation with incredible character and a host of original features set in a sought-after, picturesque village. 4 Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 5 Dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom; single Garage, private cottage Garden. Energy Rating: G.

NEW

Cottesmore

£395,000

Delightful new-built, detached stone cottage under thatched roof appointed to an exceptional standard and occupying an attractive plot enjoying views over open countryside to the front and village church to the rear. Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm/WC, 3 Bedrooms, En-suite Wet Room, Family Bathroom; 2 Parking Spaces, south-facing rear Garden. Energy Rating: B.

NORTH LUFFENHAM

£325,000

Beautiful Victorian townhouse providing elegant, stylishly appointed accommodation arranged over three floors and retaining many original features. Open-plan Sitting Room and Dining Area, Breakfast Kitchen, Clkrm/Utility, 5 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, separate small Shower Room; walled, hard-landscaped rear Garden with summerhouse. Energy Rating: F.

Bespoke Property. Bespoke Advice.

ER R D E UN FF

O

A superbly appointed detached house with versatile accommodation and attractive gardens, set in a popular village, conveniently located for Oundle, Stamford and Corby.

Four bedroom attached barn conversion, situated down a quiet lane in the popular conservation village of Tinwell.

• Built in 1999 but significantly improved • Close to Oundle and Stamford • Good access to towns and cities with train links into London • Stone built home set centrally within its grounds • Spacious sitting room with French doors

• Popular village location next to Stamford • Kitchen with large utility and boot room • Dining room, sitting room and garden room • Entrance hall with WC and cloaks cupboard • Three double bedrooms and family bathroom • Principal bedroom with ensuite shower room

• Breakfast kitchen, separate dining room & utility • Principal bedroom with ensuite shower room • Guest bedroom with ensuite shower room • Two further dbl bedrooms with family bathroom • Double garage and further off-road parking • Beautiful landscaped garden with dining terraces

TINWELL – GUIDE PRICE £750,000

DEENETHORPE – GUIDE PRICE £585,000

ER R D E UN FF

• Beautiful garden with views over grazing land and church • Garage with access into the rear garden • Communal grounds to the front, including a duck pond • Potential for modernisation

ER R D E UN FF

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O

Attractive 5 bedroom detached house with stylish interiors, south facing garden and A substantial detached residence set in the heart of a popular village with swimming pool double garage set in an enviable village location within easy reach of transport links. and grounds of approximately two acres.

• Large breakfast kitchen and separate utility room • South facing Orangery with access to garden terrace • Sitting room with wood burning stove • Second sitting room/playroo /separate wine room/office • Master bedroom suite with dressing area and en suite bathroom

• Vaulted guest bedroom suite • Three further bedrooms with family bathroom • Landscaped gardens, dbl garage & off-street parking • Edge of village location, extensive countryside views • Modern stone property recently refurbished throughout

NASSINGTON – GUIDE PRICE £795,000

• Over 5,000 sq/ft of internal accommodation • Gated driveway leading into a dble open garage • Breakfast kitchen, drawing room & garden room • Separate dining room, study & utility/boot room • Principal bedroom suite, dressing room & en suite

• Guest bedroom with own staircase & en suite • Three further double bedrooms & cinema room • Family bathroom and separate shower room • Swimming pool with terrace and changing room • Grass tennis court, paddock and alfresco dining with bar/BBQ

GLATTON – GUIDE PRICE £1,550,000

Guide Price £585,000

Guide Price £550,000

Main Street, Sutton Bassett

St Mary’s Road, Manton

A substantially extended character cottage with a fantastic garden, overlooking open countryside in a popular Market Harborough Village.

A characterful, stone village property with generous proportions and open plan living spaces with an excellent sized rear garden.

Guide Price £550,000

Offers Over £450,000

Glebe Road, North Luffenham

Main Street, Wardley

A fully renovated, character cottage with modern, open plan living spaces, stunning views to the South and mature gardens.

A charming, grade II listed, quintessential thatched cottage, bursting with character with a beautifully mature garden and lovely views over the countryside.

PROPERTY FINDERS

A Solution To Every Problem?

Finding your dream home and having your offer accepted is an exciting time for any homebuyer, but the road to exchanging contracts and completion can be long and difficult. Local property expert Kate Vincent discusses some of the challenges that buyers can face and how best to overcome them Many home buyers believe that finding the right property to buy, and negotiating an acceptable price, is the difficult part of the purchasing process, but for many this can be when the challenge really begins. As a property transaction progresses and legal enquiries are made and surveys are conducted, a wide range of unexpected hurdles can materialise which stand between you finding the perfect property and securing it with legal certainty.

Listed properties Acquiring a listed property offers challenges and attractions. The existence of a listing concerns some buyers, who are fearful that this will add significant restrictions and bureaucracy to any plans that they have to change a property. Of course, if you are looking to buy a listed building you need to appreciate that the restriction was put in place to protect the look and structure of the building so this needs to be respected. However, by taking time to understand how English Heritage work, by planning sympathetically and liaising closely with the local conservation officer, modern and innovative improvements can be built into the oldest of buildings.

Protected species The presence of a protected species of wildlife can be an unexpected challenge, particularly if you have plans to renovate. In some cases, the presence of these protected

Kate Vincent Garrington

species can jeopardise a deal, as the legal provisions are not to be taken lightly. However, do not despair if these creatures are found at your dream home or within its gardens. Specific measures can be undertaken by employing the services of necessary professionals, such as a specialist surveyor who will survey the property and make recommendations of how to mitigate the impact of your plans.

And finally…too much emotion Whilst buying and selling a property is essentially a business transaction, it is not only a major financial commitment, but also intensely personal. Emotions and personalities often come into play. Do remember that whilst your future home is a long-term commitment, the relationship with the seller is not. You are not buying a new best friend!

Historical paperwork It is not unusual for older properties to have some of their historical documentation missing. In these situations, it’s essential to take expert advice from your solicitor. Even though these situations often look like ‘deal breakers’ there are certainly ways to protect yourself against any nasty surprises at a later date. Always be very clear with your solicitor if you have any plans to develop the property you are buying as this may affect their advice to you.

Typically, around 30% of purchases fallthrough after an offer has been accepted however, amongst Garrington’s clients this number falls to around 12% as we are able to use our extensive property buying experience to help buyers successfully navigate the post offer minefield. Garrington can assist if you are considering buying a property and would value support overcoming the inevitable challenges associated with finding, negotiating and completing a purchase.

Overage Clauses Some sellers like to build in an ‘Overage Clause’ as a means of clawing back some of the financial gains a future owner will generate from developing part or all of the property or plot. It is therefore critical to gain a good understanding of the parameters of any such clauses early on in order to avoid unwelcome surprises at a later stage. Where possible negotiate these out of the contract at offer stage.

Garrington work on behalf of private and/or corporate clients who want to buy, rent or invest in property throughout the UK. They also provide a negotiation only and overseeing of sales service.

If you are thinking of moving this spring and would like further information on how Garrington can assist, contact Kate Vincent on 01780 408377. Email info@garrington.co.uk or visit www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

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

Creating a Legacy by Minimising Tax Why do we want to build wealth? Is it so we can buy plush homes, drive fast, sleek cars or sun ourselves in exotic climes? Or is actually for a far more personal reason?

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

it is important that any plans you make are lawful, accurate and fair. Achieving the balance between what you want to do and what you have to do is a little bit of a minefield, so we have created a lunchtime talk to demonstrate what your obligations are, and what options are available to you.

Our event will explain key areas and show you how you could: l Avoid hefty Inheritance Tax Charges. l Ensure that your house and capital are protected against third-party risks. l Take measures to prevent your assets disappearing if a divorce in the family were to happen.

But is just making money enough to guarantee this?

Inheritance Tax is currently set at 40%, meaning that, if your estate exceeds the threshold (currently £325,000 for a single person and £650,000 for a married couple) you could end up giving away nearly half of your wealth to the Government. I’m sure that you don’t want them to become the single largest beneficiary of your hard-earned money! That’s why protecting your wealth in later life is becoming more and more poignant.

Historically, Inheritance Tax has been the preserve of the super-wealthy, but this is changing. The ever-evolving world of tax, especially Inheritance Tax, is not just targeting the very rich; in fact, it is beginning to hit the average family too. Last year alone, we saw HMRC collect £5.1 billion in Inheritance Tax - a rise of 9% from 2016 . And with the conventional Nil-Rate Band is fixed at £325,000 until April 2021, this trend looks set to continue. But what can you do?

Careful planning around your finances is one of the key steps to take now in order to protect your wealth for the benefit of your loved ones.

A former Chancellor once said, that “Inheritance Tax is paid only by those who distrust their family more than they dislike the Inland Revenue.” But was he right? To use a palatable analogy, this planning is very much like

Understanding these areas could be the difference between you leaving your family ‘a life changing sum’ and a ‘life changing lesson’.

Tax, is not “ Inheritance just targeting the very rich; in fact, it is beginning to hit the average family too...

”

n The event will take place on Wednesday 16th September at 1200 at Portfolian House, 30 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AY. To book your complimentary place, please contact us on hello@efficientportfolio.co.uk or 01572 898060.

baking a cake. First, you need to identify what could ‘spoil the mix’- in this case Inheritance Tax. Next, you need to choose the best ‘ingredients’ to minimise the amount of tax you pay and ensure that your loved ones will receive the most they can. Only then can you ensure that you are in the best position to financially feed your own future as well as that of your loved ones; so, you can have your cake and eat it!

Any planning around tax can be confusing, time-consuming and controversial! In the UK, we all have to pay tax in some form, so Charlie Reading created Efficient Portfolio to offer entirely independent financial advice and helping people clarify and realise their dreams and goals through financial planning.

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

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AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

OUR EYE in

THE SKY This month as blustery winds gave way to still skies, we braved the breeze and ventured around Stamford and Rutland to explore the region from 400ft...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

IF YOU’RE A KEEN PHOTOGRAPHER you’ll appreciate the simple pleasure of a fresh perspective on a subject you’ve photographed time and time again.

A few years ago small unmanned aircraft or drones arrived on the market with impressive high-resolution cameras and the ability to take your photography to a whole new height.

Naturally we were keen to take to the air and show off Stamford and Rutland from the maximum permitted height of 400ft, or 120 metres. Unfortunately, blustery conditions and numerous storms have meant that Air Force Pride has been unable to stretch its wings in recent months, but with a break in the breeze recently we took to the air to take a look at the county.

Our images are composites of five different exposures blended together to show as much detail as possible.

If you too want to explore aerial photography we recommend DJI equipment and strongly advocate booking yourself onto a training course to learn the rules of the air.

Should you find yourself flying a drone in a safe and legal manner around the county, we’d love to see your images of the county too.

Incidentally, our drone pilots are also available to those who would like to commission aerial photography or video footage of their home, farm or business.

Call 01529 469977 for more details on how you can achieve hi-res, copyright free aerial photography. n

<< STAMFORD TOWN CENTRE...

England’s first conservation town, Stamford was so designated in 1967 and has over 600 listed buildings. Happily the town’s Georgian character has been preserved, and along with it, many of its churches. Visible here, left to right, are All Saints’ Church, St John the Baptist Church, St Mary’s Church and St George’s Church. Further in the distance are the grounds of Stamford Endowed Schools, and the villages of Little Casterton, Ryhall and Belmesthorpe. n

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>> UPPINGHAM TOWN With its population of just 5,000 people, Uppingham is one of the area’s most diminutive towns. This view looking north east shows Uppingham Town football club adjacent to Tod’s Piece. This recreation ground was named after a mighty man and his scythe, who undertook to mow a whopping even acre field in a single day... though he did die of exhaustion shortly after. Shown here is the market place, which has had a market in it since 1281, plus November’s Fatstock for over 100 years. On the right hand side of our photo is Beast Hill, the original twice weekly cattle market was held, and the site of Uppingham’s former railway station which was a four mile branch line from Seaton and was open between 1894 and 1964. n

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<< OAKHAM TOWN From the air, the scale of Oakham’s castle grounds are clearly visible. Its £2.2m restoration in 2014 included a partial restoration of the castle’s curtain wall, seen here on the left. Also visible is Oakham School, home to 1,000 pupils and founded in 1584. Our camera took off from Cutt’s Close and looks south west with The Willows woodland, Betty’s Bottom and Gorse Field in the distance and the villages of Brooke and Braunston also visible. n

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UPPINGHAM SCHOOL

THE MEADOWS

Above: The estate of Uppingham School from about 50 metres. The school was created by Robert Johnson in 1584 and incorporated a hospital and almshouse, now located in Uppingham churchyard and still owned by the school. The original hospital building is now incorporated in the School Library. n

Below: Stamford Meadows is Common land – divided by the Enclosure Act 1871 between Burghley Estates, the Freemen and the Town Council. The Town Council is responsible for the land from the Town Bridge to the first complete fence across the Meadows; the next two fields belong to the Freemen. n

>> BURGHLEY HOUSE, STAMFORD...

Right: Shown here are the chimneys and obelisks of Burghley House. The Grade I property is set within 1,000 acres and welcomes 750,000 visitors each year. The house has more than 100 rooms including 35 state rooms and it has 500 windows. The skyline is dominated by turrets, numerous column chimney shafts and the spire over the clock turret. An earlier house on the site with remains of St Michaels Priory, incorporated in the present house, came into the possession of Richard Cecil between 1508 and 1528. Shown here is Burghley’s Fine Food Market, which takes place in April and August. n

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32

WALLPAPER DESIGNER

OFF THE

WALL When Annie Allison rediscovered a love of illustration she could scarcely anticipate becoming a designer of bespoke luxury wallpapers. Happily she decided to roll with it, and is now launching a core collection of some of her most popular designs…

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Rob Davis, Zoe Noyes.

JUST HOW BESPOKE IS BESPOKE? It’s a question that we’ve posed a number of times in relation to custom-made kitchens, or sofas made to your exact specification from their dimension to their fabric by companies like Stamford’s excellent Delcor.

We’ve long advocated using one of the area’s interior designers to help create bespoke furnishings like window dressings and soft furnishings, but this month we’re championing the rather unusual but utterly fabulous concept of being able to design bespoke wallpaper, thanks to Exton’s Annie Allison who can offer you the chance to decorate your home in something tailored to your tastes, perhaps even completely unique.

“It’s a really exciting time for me,” says Annie. “I’m relaunching 12 of my designs via a brand new website with a view to providing an almost limitless degree of choice for anyone looking to commission bespoke wallpapers.”

We’re sitting at the designer’s kitchen table with a sample book in front of us just like those produced by international fabric and wallcovering brands.

Her designs look brilliant, but Annie is as canny as she is creative, and having renovated a number of properties with husband Tom, she has a keen eye for colour and style, but is also shrewd enough to have spotted a gap in the market.

Commissioning bespoke wallpaper that has been created by a bona fide designer is usually eye-wateringly expensive.

Annie, however, has managed to create a core range in different colourways which, if none of the pret a porter ranges appeal, can also be tweaked to suit.

You can, for instance, scale up Annie’s motifs for larger rooms or change colours to suit, all with a little more than the small cost for colour sampling.

Opposite: Wallpaper designer Annie Allison works from her studio in Exton.

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WALLPAPER DESIGNER

>> For a little extra, you can even commission Annie to create a completely original piece in the colour of your choice and enjoy knowing that for at least two years, it will remain completely and totally unique.

visited. From very Rutland motifs like Pheasant, Peabirds and Trees to abstract designs like Stellar and Sirius to quirkier designs like Pineapple and Palm. Each design is also available in up to eight colourways.

Best off all, with prices from around £117-£135 for a roll, many of Annie’s designs undercut off-the-shelf designer wallpapers, making them rather good value too.

The designer has also partnered with bespoke paint producer Fenwick & Tilbrook to produce a range of matching paints with eggshell and matte finishes.

“I’m really lucky that I live in an age where the internet makes it possible to show off my products online, to trade nationally, or internationally, and to not have the overheads of much larger design houses.

Trading the way I do also means I can build a personal relationship with clients and provide them with something unique and high quality, something that both my clients and I can be proud of.”

Annie’s new core collection will include some of her most popular designs, inspired by her love of nature and places she has

Annie is undoubtedly talented but also really practical; “I’ve renovated properties myself so I wanted to create a range that would prove stylish but versatile too. I pride myself on being able to picture my designs in different rooms in the home, not just in a reception room or a bedroom.”

“I like designs that are classic, not overpowering. I’d like to think the my designs are versatile and have wide appeal, whilst remaining imaginative. The illustrations are important, but they also work in conjunction with the different colourways I suggest, so there’s usually a more neutral

“Annie has also partnered with bespoke paint producer Fenwick & Tilbrook to produce a range of matching paints with eggshell and matte finishes...”

Above: Annie’s wallpaper is printed on 100% recycled non-woven paper made of polyester fibre and wood pulp.

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WALLPAPER DESIGNER

“I’m really lucky to have a good company which can turn my illustrations and my chosen colours into a final design. They’ve helped me a lot and I’m very grateful to them.” colour and some stronger colours too. A lot of the time I work with earthy colours too, which suit both older or more modern properties.”

“I’d like to think my designs have broad appeal without being mainstream. I suppose I’m at the mid to high-end of the market but I was really conscious when creating the collection that I didn’t want to just produce high-end products with a limited market.”

“Your home is a very personal reflection of you. I think it’s important to democratise choice and make sure that as many people as possible can have the access to design they deserve when choosing something like wallpaper.”

About three quarters of Annie’s work is domestic, and most customers approach Annie with a view to using her existing collection rather than commissioning a design from scratch. The designer say that she’s intending to add to her core collection to the tune of about eight new designs and wants to launch those in winter.

Being a smaller-operation, Annie can also be more conscious about the quality of her products. All of her papers’ substrates are made of 100% recycled material, a non-woven polyester and wood pulp mix.

Likewise her colours are created from water, not oil-based inks.

Most feature a subtle weave texture designed to prevent the imagery looking too ‘flat,’ with Annie keen to mitigate the strength of the texture with the boldness of the colour in the design.

The designer liaises directly with her customers, or with the customer and their interior designer, and is already forming great relationships with Rutland and

Stamford interior designers which she’s keen to build on. She has no interest in competing against such companies but instead wants to work alongside them on exclusive ranges, and to achieve beautiful rooms for their clients.

“I enjoyed art when I studied it at A-level,” she says. “But I’ve never been a designer or artist, until now. I’ve had a really chequered career history having worked as a charity fundraiser, an online media director and selling houses as an independent agent.”

“I’m from Hertfordshire and met my husband in London. We moved to North Norfolk and then to Rutland six years ago.

I was doing some drawing with my children, Romy and Skye one day and noticed how happy I felt drawing with pen and ink on paper and how connected you are to the piece you produce.”

“It was a bit of a lightning bolt moment, and I began to draw more and more. When a good friend remarked that some of my designs would make good wallpaper that off-the-cuff remark made me wonder.”

“I’m really lucky to have a good company which can turn my designs and my chosen colours into a final design. They’ve helped me a lot and I’m very grateful to them.”

“They were used to working with people far more experienced so I had a steep learning curve but actually coming into the industry fresh has been good because you have no preconceptions.”

“That’s what I want to provide for my clients; the ability to choose something that suits them and the way they want to express themselves in their own home. It’s about creativity, without limitations.” n

n Annie Allison lives in Exton and designs bespoke wallpaper, see www.annieallison.co.uk.

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LOCAL WINDMILLS

When the Wind

BLOWS This month we discover the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wind-powered heritage in Wymondham and Whissendine...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

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IT’S A BLOW, FOR WINDMILLS... the ongoing Coronavirus crisis has caused the cancellation of a number of regular events in the countryside calendar, not least among which is National Mills Weekend, usually held in May and serving as a fantastic opportunity to visit mills, many of which are not usually open to the public.

Until the advent of the steam engine, wind and watermills provided the only source of power for many different processes making flour or course, but also producing paper, cloth and hammering metal or extracting oils. This month visitors can explore mills that produced, or still produce these products, some restored to working order, some derelict and some still working commercially.

Windmills appeared in England from c.1180. A fixed structure would only work if the wind was blowing in the right direction, so the post mill, which could be turned into the wind, was soon preferred. They were often sited high or built on a raised mound 44

to catch more wind. A logical development by the end of the Middle Ages was the tower mill. The tower gave height, and only a cap holding the sails revolved.

Smock mills, which arrived by the late 16th century, are similar, but entirely timber-built, whereas the tower type was built of durable brick or stone, so more tower mills survive.

Windmills were favoured in the windy flatlands of East Anglia and watermills in upland areas, with fast-running streams.

Usually held in May, the National Mills Weekend is Organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and provides once a year access to more than 300 windmills and watermills as proud owners opening their doors to the public.

“It’s a real shame as the weekend is usually a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get inside their local windmill or watermill and explore their local industrial history,” says Jonathan Cook, former Chairman of the

Another summer victim of Coronavirus, National Mills Weekend is usually held in May. It’s organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and provides once a year access to more than 300 windmills and watermills as proud owners opening their doors to the public...

Above: Nigel Moon has purchased and restored Whissendine Windmill and the working mill generates artisan flour for local bakers.

Wymondham Windmill .

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NATIONAL MILLS WEEKEND

“Whissendine is one of England’s few remaining fully operational nineteenth-century windmills and has towered over the village of Whissendine for more than 200 years...”

SPAB Mills Section and owner of Fosters Mill in Cambridgeshire. “For mill owners it is also a chance to share our enthusiasm for these buildings and for traditional flour milling.”

Windmills are something to remind us of a slower, gentler pace of life. The steady turn of the sails and the rhythmic grinding of the millstones are in fact only two components among dozens more than the miller needs to grind wheat into flour.

Miller Nigel Moon bought Whissendine Windmill north of Oakham in 1995 and is normally one of several local windmills open to visitors during British Mills weekend.

Nigel is enthusiastic and welcomes visitors, as seeing hte mill in operation is a real education. Whissendine is one of England’s few remaining fully operational nineteenthcentury windmills and has towered over the village of Whissendine for more than 200 years, it’s 60 feet tall.

Today, fully restored, it produces plain, strong white and wholemeal flour all of which 46

you can purchase at a reasonable price as well as supporting a local craftsman and keeping this tradition alive. Nigel also sells his stoneground flour to local bakery Hambleton for their local soursough. The Mill was built in 1809 by the Earls of Harborough of Stapleford Park to replace an earlier windmill and worked up until 20th April 1922 when it was damaged in a gale and left unrepaired. Later owners maintained the Mill until it was sold to Nigel Moon.

Since then a new top has been made, with four new sails and it began working again on wind in August 2009. Within the Mill is a fine set of machinery – a smutter, four sets of millstones, three flour dressing machines and an original Wegman roller mill dated from 1877. Whissendine works all year round and produces bread and pastry flours, but also spelt and barely flours, ryemeal and oatmeal.

“British Mills weekend rarely gets the publicity it ought to get,” says Nigel. “I will not only just the open the mill on the weekend

NATIONAL MILLS WEEKEND

but whenever anyone wants to visit as I am proud to show off the beauty of Whissendine Mill.”

“The trend towards gluten free bread flour has been a worry for business which of course is frustrating for me, but I produce good organic flour approximately two tonnes every week and if I say so myself, it makes bloody good bread! I believe the speed of bread production, rather than gluten itself, is the problem, and leads people to think they’re intolerant to bread.”

Wymondham has received £36,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £34,500 from East Leicestershire LEADER for an exciting project, The Living Mill. The project will see the historic mill conserved and its story told by people in the local community.

Wymondham Windmill, near Melton Mowbray, is Grade II listed. The Mill ceased grinding corn in 1952 but continued with cattle feed until 1960. It is one of only four six-sailed windmills remaining in the country.

The project over the next few years will be to replace all 11 windows to the original design allowing for more light to enter the tower and to make it watertight, replace damaged stone, redress the outer stonewalls, repair and paint the cap, and replace the fan tail, enabling the cap to rotate as it was designed to do so. The seven-acre visitor attraction, with tearoom and shops, is open to the public 364 days a year and welcomes 35,000 visitors.

In 1985, Nigel Moon was also instrumental in the restoration of nearby Wymondham Mill as it was Nigel who rebuilt the cap the mill bringing it to 2016 and the next phase of restoration.

Vincent and Sarah Jayne Fletcher run the Tea Room for which serves lunches and cakes making the site a meeting point and destination with the mill providing a superb view of the unspoilt countryside.

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The windmill is at the heart of the site and visitors are free to explore the building.

At current the windmill has no sails but in the future Vincent and Sarah Jayne are hoping to see these restored, and could soon once again have the wind in their sails... perhaps in time for next year’s National Mill Weekend, hopefully an event which won’t be cancelled due to a nefarious virus. n

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OUR BRAND NEW APP

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Download our brand new App to enjoy Stamford Pride on your tablet... completely free of charge!

Read online now at

w w w.p r i d e magazines.co.uk 51

Pan-fried salmon fillet with English peas, chorizo and creamy mash.

FOOD & DRINK

The Admiral Hornblower in OAKHAM From alfresco dining to the Rocketman’s greatest hits, from bottomless brunches to a sporting win.

There’s lots to look forward to this summer and you can enjoy it all at Oakham’s Admiral Hornblower.

With so much to offer diners this summer, Head Chef Sean Hartnett will see you there...!

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Never mind blowing a horn, Oakham’s Admiral Hornblower is sounding a clarion call for quality dining and quality time with friends and family all summer long.

meet the CHEF

It’s probably one of the most sociable restaurants for summer dining in Oakham and this summer you’ll be able to enjoy not only a great menu, but live sport, lazy brunches, sublime music and outdoor cinema too.

SEAN HARTNETT

Instead, they continued to run it from 1987 until purchasing The Finchs Arms in 1997 and The Admiral Hornblower in 2017.

Oakham’s Admiral Hornblower is the sister restaurant of The Finches on the Hambleton Peninsular. The Crawford family were property developers rather than publicans when they purchased an old pub near Melton with a view to developed it into private accommodation, and on a whim, thought they’d open for one final night as a sort of last hurrah for the building. They didn’t realise just how good they’d be as publicans and accidentally forgot to close it!

It’s perhaps because of not despite the fact that the family don’t come from a hospitality background that they’re so good at it. With no preconceptions the family - Colin & Celia Crawford and children Charlotte & Jordan approach hospitality from the perspective of a customer and as such, they’ve come to know and respect what their customers want.

THE ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST SOCIABLE RESTAURANTS FOR SUMMER DINING IN OAKHAM

This summer, as well as offering great dining, Charlotte and Jordan have planned a series of menus, events and promotions to make the most of the restaurant and its outdoor bar with local ales, premium gins and delicious cocktails. >>

Food History: I’ve been in the area for about 20 years now and worked at Stapleford Park before returning to the area to work at The Hornblower, attracted by the friendliness and feel of the place.”

Food Philosophy: “A happy team all working together will result in a happy restaurant all pulling in the same direction!”

Food Heaven: “Fillet of beef, medium rare.”

Food Hell: “Oysters!”

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Selection of ‘small plate’ dishes.

Grilled seasonal asparagus and goats’ cheese salad with pine nuts and balsamic glaze .

>> Making its debut at The Admiral Hornblower last year was a monthly Bottomless Brunch promotion, with the availability of unlimited Prosecco.

This year the promotion returns, with Bottomless Brunch events held on 9th May, 13th June and 11th July. In addition the restaurant will be hosting summer barbecues with acoustic music sessions and outdoor cinema events.

Films are yet to be confirmed, but one Hollywood hit making an appearance this summer will be the Elton John biopic

OPEN FOR FOOD Lunchtime Service Monday – Saturday 12noon – 2.30pm.

Evening Service Monday – Saturday 6pm – 9pm.

Sunday Lunch 12noon – 8pm.

on the MENU FROM THE SUMMER MENUS AT OAKHAM’S ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER

Small Plates £15/three Grilled aubergine tabbouleh with mint and tahini dip.

Beef meatballs with Napoli sauce.

Honey and Mustard Chipolatas.

Starters Grilled seasonal asparagus and goats’ cheese salad with pine nuts and balsamic glaze £7.50.

Iced orange parfait with blood orange compote and orange sorbet .

Rocketman, a feel good film that the whole family will enjoy singing along to.

Speaking of the family, children and well-behaved parents are always welcome at The Admiral Hornblower, with a new children’s menu due to launch as Pride goes to press providing two or three courses for £7.95 and £9.95 for two or three courses respectively. There will also be screenings of children’s films throughout the summer as part of the Hornblower’s outdoor cinema sessions. Also shown live this month will be sporting events, Wimbledon in June and July for example. Sister restaurant The Finches will also host its Champagne and jazz night on 16th May, plus a wedding fair later in the month too.

Of course, at the centre of all the fun is a great dining experience. There’s a single menu with nibbles and sharing boards, small plates - sort of mix ‘n’match tapas style dishes, plus seven starters and 13 main courses, with about six desserts plus ice creams and cheese board options.

In addition to the main menu operating during lunchtime and evening service, there’s a set menu too with three starters, main course and dessert options for £16.95 and £20.95 for two or three courses available during the week at lunchtimes and during evening service from Monday to Thursday.

As Pride goes to press the restaurant will be gearing up to serve Launde lamb, asparagus and strawberries from Manton, plus its own artisan bread. Local ingredients are used alongside those from quality suppliers like butcher Owen Taylor, veg supplier Oliver Kay and fish merchant Direct Seafood.

With a great location, lovely outdoor dining space and a smart pub restaurant with open fires and a rustic feel Oakham’s Admiral Hornblower is an exceptional pub restaurant with great dining, great entertainment and a friendly feel in the heart of Oakham. A restaurant to enjoy all summer long and a great recommendation, we’ll see you there! n

Paprika and lemon king prawns with toasted ciabatta £7.50.

Main Courses Pan-fried salmon fillet with English peas, chorizo and creamy mash £16.

Roasted rump of lamb with minted peas, scallion mash, pea purée and red wine sauce £17.50.

Homemade steak and ale pie with mashed potato, veg and gravy £15.95.

Rice noodle al pomodoro with chilli oil £14.50.

Dessert Iced orange parfait with blood orange compote and orange sorbet £6.95.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n The Admiral Hornblower is based on High Street, Oakham LE15 6AS. Call 01572 723004 or see www.hornblowerhotel.co.uk.

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Stay at The White Hart, Ufford call 01780 740250 Main Street, Ufford Stamford PE9 3BH lisa@whitehartufford.co.u www.whitehartufford.co.uk @WhiteHartUfford The White Hart, Ufford

The White Hart has 12 beautifully appointed bedrooms, all offer complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, television and hairdryer.

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DINING OUT AT HOPPI DORRI

Kon’nichiwa to

HOPPI DORRI Deliciously different and brilliantly executed, Hoppi Dorri brings soul food and sushi to Stamford. Rob Davis says kon’nichiwa to this month’s dining out recommendation...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Holly Withers and Jonathan Scrimshaw main image.

DINING OUT - HOPPI DORRI

Young, creative, vibrant. Hoppi Dorri is an exciting, new and very different addition to the town’s restaurant scene. A completely unique dining experience most worthy of a recommendation for those looking to dine out this spring.

The restaurant is overseen by Directors Sophie Joy & Holly Withers. Hoppi Dorri offers soul food and sushi, a fusion dining experience that advantages itself from Holly’s experience of Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Not only do they serve Sushi from the authentic Japanese Sushi Bar, Hoppi Dorri boasts a hot kitchen serving soul food which also borrows a concept or two from Western dishes, for instance a Japanese twist on ‘carbonara’ or its Samurai ‘burger.’

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Sophie was raised in Stamford and has always had a passion for the hospitality industry. For two years she worked for Heston Blumenthal in Bray, Berkshire. She returned to the area to take over as the Catering Manager at Burghley House. Alongside running another business in Stamford she oversees the Front of House team at Hoppi Dorri.

Working in the kitchen, Holly develops the menus with her team of chefs. They bring together their experiences to create fusion flavours and are constantly developing innovative dishes. Hoppi Dorri is the only restaurant locally that offers hand crafted sushi, which is now available to takeaway for locals keen to enjoy at home.

The kitchen, meanwhile, is headed up by Holly Withers, a culinary polymath who, after growing up in Rutland and meeting Sophie at school, lived in Asia for nine years and worked as a food photographer and stylist in South East Asia, also running her own bakery in Malaysia and working across the continent as a menu consultant specialising in mitigating Western and pan-Asian influences to design menus for clients.

Sophie and Holly have kept in touch over the years, they are both delighted to now be reunited and working together on such an exciting project.

As Pride goes to press, Hoppi Dorri opened a beautiful Japanese bar on the restaurant’s first floor with saké, craft beers and fine wine.

The perfect place to unwind after work with friends, a cocktail and some Gyozas.

“Our diners have proved to be well-travelled, knowledgeable as well as really open minded and excited to try new dishes!”

The name deviates slightly from its Japanese origins, but Dori refers to a street, whilst Hoppy street in the Asakusa district of Tokyo is renowned for its soul food and nightlife.

“We’ve been open for over six months now and we’ve found our guests to be really open-minded which, knowing how friendly Stamford is, hasn’t surprised us,” says Holly.

well as in UK cities like London, Birmingham and Cambridge. Many of them know when a dish has been created faithfully to its origins. Happily, that means they recognise quality, and one of our intentions in creating Hoppi Dorri was to afford room for imaginative ‘fusion’ of food cultures, whilst remaining faithful to how those dishes should be prepared and how they should taste.”

“Our customers are really well-travelled and very knowledgeable. They’ve experienced our style of food in its countries of origin as

If fusion, then, is not to come at the sacrifice of authenticity and quality, Holly and Sophie were going to need some really good suppliers.

MEET THE CHEF HOLLY WITHERS Director Holly and her kitchen team work together to deliver authentic, fresh dishes using seasonal and local produce.

They take pride in the food they create and share the same ethos when it comes to sourcing ingredients whilst being conscious of their impact on the world. n 59

DINING OUT - HOPPI DORRI

on the MENU For The Table Fried Duck Gyozas with aromatic hoisin sauce £7.

Miso Wok Fried Greens, broccoli with bok choy and sweet miso glaze £6.

Firecracker Chicken, karaage battered with satay mayo £8.

Kimchi Side with whipped tofu and tortilla chips £7.

Soul Food Gong Xi Mi, roasted pork belly with chilli, garlic, spring onion and yellow noodles £14.

Samurai Burger with beef patty, miso mayo, deep-friend gherkin and charcoal bun £14.

They have found many of them locally, from the excellent Askers Bakery , who have managed to create bespoke charcoal buns and Vietnamese-style ‘baguettes,’ to Derbyshire butcher Price & Fretwell who have enabled the pair to put Wagyu steak onto Hoppi Dorri’s event menu.

Marrfish, meanwhile, have been able to meet Holly and Sophie’s criteria for sushigrade salmon, tuna and so on - the criteria for sushi being more demanding than that of fish for conventional dishes.

OPEN FOR FOOD Tuesday - Thursday: 12noon - 3pm; 5.30pm - 9pm.

Friday: 12noon - 3pm / 5.30pm - 10pm.

Saturday: 12noon - 10pm.

Sunday/Monday: Closed

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Hoppi Dorri’s menu changes seasonally and comprises 11 items under the For The Table section of the menu, and the same number under the Soul Food heading. Additionally there are seven Sushi Rolls & Maki (seaweed paper) options, plus a Sushi Sharing Board section of the menu, and six options for Sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish) and Nigiri (pressed vinegared rice).

There are also four sides and four desserts.

Putting the latter aside, in terms of quantity, Holly and Sophie reckon six to eight dishes from the menu would be sufficient for a table of four diners.

“I believe that delicious food is just the start” says Sophie. “We aim to achieve a complete dining experience, from the greeting that you receive as you are welcomed in the door, to the décor, the ambience created by the lighting and the music, and of course fantastic service should all contribute to making an enjoyable meal!” n

Duck Ramen with Tea Stained Egg, roasted with yellow noodles, aromatic broth, bamboo shoots, bok choy and egg £15.

Sushi Rolls & Maki Crouching Tiger, prawn with Asian ‘slaw, chilli lime mayo and roasted red pepper £12.

Sashimi & Nigiri Seared Truffle Red Tuna Sashimi £12/six.

Dessert Yuzu Sorbet, honeycomb, candied mandarin and Thai basil £7.

n Hoppi Dorri, All Saints Place, Stamford, PE9 2AR. Call 01780 766 772 or see www.hoppidorri.co.uk, or follow @hoppidorri @nikaibar.

SAMPLE MENU Please refer to our website for current menu choices STARTERS Our chef’s soup of the day with Griffin bread £6 Seared scallops, with a hint of apple & ginger butterscotch £8.50 Smoked duck salad, truffle, rocket & fig £7.50 Chargrilled halloumi, sun blush tomatoes, olives & raspberry balsamic £6.50 Breast of wood pigeon, risotto fritter, pancetta & truffle £8

MAINS 8oz sirloin steak, pub chips, grill garnish & watercress £19.95 Rack of lamb, minted croquette, salt bake parsnip with red wine & rosemary £17.95 Loin of Irnham Estate venison, baby vegetables, roasted beetroot & a blackberry and port jus £16.95 Breast of chicken, smokey bacon risotto, spring greens, Madeira & truffle £15.95

Chef's catch of the day (please ask for availability) Linguini with broccoli, pine nuts & rocket, finished with crème fraîche & basil £15.95 Sweet potato and lentil curry, steamed rice, mint raita & a popadom £14.95

DESSERTS Citrus cheesecake, Passionfruit and raspberry £6.50 Pear and almond tart, butterscotch ice cream and praline crumb £6.50 Vanilla and tonka bean panacotta, cherry soup and apple crisp £6.50 Chocolate ganache, pistachio, honeycomb and blood orange sorbet £6.50 Chefs homemade ice creams and sorbets £6.50 Griffin cheeseboard, a selection of chutney and crackers £8 Please ask for other dietary requirements.

15 BULBY ROAD, IRNHAM, NR GRANTHAM NG33 4JG 01476 550201 | griffininn@irnhamhall.co.uk | www.thegriffinirnham.co.uk

Look forward to seeing you at The Griffin Inn Irnham 61

In the KITCHEN There are many health benefits to eating rhubarb... this month we look at the benefit of how good it tastes in some of our favourite dishes!

Rhubarb & Strawberry

SUMMER FRUIT CRUMBLE Preparation time: 15 minutes. Baking time: 45 minutes. Serves 6.

Ingredients: 400g rhubarb cut into 3cm lengths • 400g strawberries, hulled and halved • 2 star anise • 75g light brown soft sugar • grated zest and juice of 1 large orange • Topping: 150g porridge oats • 100g plain flour • 100g chilled butter, diced • 2 tbsp clear honey • 100g light brown soft sugar • 50g roasted chopped hazelnuts Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas mark 4. Place the rhubarb, strawberries, star anise, sugar, orange zest and juice in a large ovenproof dish.

Place the oats, flour and butter in a bowl then, using your fingertips, rub in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the honey, sugar and hazelnuts then rub together to form small clumps.

Scatter the oaty crumble over the fruit. Sit the dish on a baking sheet in the oven and cook for 45 minutes until the fruit is tender, bubbling around the edges and the top is crunchy and golden brown. n

Recipe: Waitrose, www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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ROASTED RHUBARB & CUSTARD CRUNCH Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 20 minutes.

Ingredients: 400g rhubarb, cut into 3cm lengths • 4cm piece root ginger, peeled and thickly sliced • 50g golden caster sugar • Small knob of butter • 2 tbsp honey • 50g jumbo rolled oats • 2 tbsp roughly chopped shelled pistachios • 500g custard • 110g pomegranate seeds Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6. Place the rhubarb and ginger in a baking dish and sprinkle with sugar.

Cover with foil and roast for 10 minutes then remove the foil and cook for a further 10 minutes or so until tender and syrupy.

Meanwhile, heat the butter and honey together in a large, non-stick frying pan. Add the oats and pistachios and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until golden brown.

Tip out onto a plate and leave to cool.

Warm the custard according to pack instructions.

Divide the rhubarb between four small sundae glasses (discarding the ginger slices) and spoon over the warm custard.

Top with the crunchy oat mixture and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. n

SPELT FLOUR PANCAKES WITH RHUBARB AND CARDAMOM Preparation time: Five minutes. Cooking time: Five minutes. Serves Six.

Ingredients: 125g stoneground spelt flour • 1 egg • 300ml semi-skimmed milk • 400g rhubarb, cut into 3cm lengths • 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed • 2 tbsp golden caster sugar • 50g butter, melted Sift the flour and pinch of salt into a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Crack the egg into the well and whisk the mixture together, incorporating all the flour into the egg. Gradually add the milk, whisking until you have a smooth batter. Cover and set aside.

Place the rhubarb in a small pan with the cardamom pods, sugar and 50ml cold water. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, to dissolve the sugar, the simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the rhubarb is tender.

Remove from the heat, discard the cardamom pods and keep the rhubarb warm. Heat a little of the butter in a 20cm crêpe pan or a small non-stick frying pan. Add a small ladleful of the batter and swirl around to coat the base of the pan.

Cook over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture has just set underneath, then flip pancakes, keeping the cooked pancakes warm on a covered plate.

Fold the pancakes into quarters and spoon the rhubarb mixture over. Serve with a dollop of fromage frais. n Recipes: www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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A spring spirit to be sipped, not slammed...

Wine of the Month

If you are looking for a modern drink to drink neat, pair with tonic or add to a cocktail then look no further - tequila is here!

Whispering Angel Rosé, Provence 75cl / 13.% ABV £19.99

Most of us will have experienced tequila with a wedge of lime and a lick of salt, but stop there. Tequila is an undervalued spirit which can also be drank neat (no different to sipping spirits like whisky) or incorporated into a cocktail - you can’t go wrong with a refreshing margarita. The Reposado from Tequila El Rayo has benefited from seven months in whisky barrels before bottling and you’ll be grateful for the smooth caramel, nuts and earthy notes. n £36.95/ 70cl / 40% ABV

The Wine Cellar JOIN US THIS MONTH IN CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BRITISH WINES WITH ENGLISH WINE WEEK (23RD MAY - 31ST MAY) AND OPTIONS THAT YOU CAN ENJOY ALL SUMMER LONG...

BEAUTIFULLY BRITISH: Celebrate English Wine Week!

1. Plumpton Single Variety is a white made from the Bacchus grape. Similar in some ways to sauvignon blanc, containing apple and citrus flavours along with notes of newly mown hay & elderflower, £16.95 / 75cl / 11% ABV.

2. We’re now seeing more English red wines on the market including Gamay Noir, a new addition to Kent Vineyard.

This light-bodied, easy drinking red has cherry and plum flavours with light floral notes. Enjoy it best lightly chilled! £15.50 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV. 3.Giffords Hall is a family run vineyard located in the village of Hartest in Suffolk. This rosé is crisp and delicate. The palate is fresh with red berry flavours, a touch of pink grapefruit, white peach and wild strawberry, £15 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV.

Oh, May! Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to rosé the day away...

With Whispering Angel you know you’re onto something special the moment you get a whiff of this gorgeous salmon-pink Provençal rosé.

Its delicate aromas of summer fruits include strawberries, peach, rose-water and orange blossom and doesn’t disappoint in the mouth either.

Elegant, crisp and complex, it’s one to impress your friends with!

Just be warned, the first bottle you buy is unlikely to be your last. n

We’re going mad for British bubbles amid English Wine Week British bubbles are all the rage with British sparkling wine now being a prominent fixture. Because it’s English Wine Week this month, we thought we’d share one of our favourite bubble makers!

Coates & Seeley bubbles are drawn from grape vines that line a secluded valley in the downlands of Hampshire in Southern England. You can find their fine sparkling wines at royal palaces and Newmarket’s esteemed Jockey Club. The palate of Brut Reserve NV is fresh and citrussy with racy acidity and a fine mousse. £31.95 / 75cl / 11.5%

n Our featured wines are available from

the best local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary from those stated.

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HOMES & INTERIORS

BACK TO

SCHOOL School days... the best days of your life, right? Well, Clive and Michelle of Geddingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old School certainly think so. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve restored the former village school and have a few lessons to teach those seeking a wonderful period property with lots of character...

Words: Laurin Dempsey.

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You boy! At the back! Are you eating sweets?

Write out one hundred times, ‘I must not eat sweets in class.’ In fact, take detention.

No. Better still, go and see the headteacher; he has a briskly flicked cane with your name on it! Oh! Happy memories from our school days when pale pubescent beasts feared naught but the stroke of short sharp willow across delinquent buttocks.

Happily schools are no longer allowed to birch children or throw blackboard erasers at them.

In fact if you’ve been in a modern school lately you’ll find interactive whiteboards, windows low enough to see outdoors and computers all over. Modern schools are a far cry from Geddington’s former schoolhouse.

Main: The large open plan kitchen and breakfast room has a large granite topped central island and Miele appliances.

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The place dates back to 1845 and was built as a Junior School, remaining open until 1986. Look at those narrow windows, located sufficiently high on the walls to allow light in whilst preventing distracted children from peering out.

You’d think such buildings would send a shiver down the spine, but actually, it’s easy to feel great affection for old schools. Clive and Michelle of Geddington on the border of Rutland and Northamptonshire have made The Old School their home, to great effect.

Positioned in the centre of the village and set in beautiful countryside surrounding Boughton House, the stately home and estate of 11,000 acres, house of the Duke of Buccleuch (the Queens Cousin) you will find this charming Victorian property constructed in yellow stone with local Collyweston stone tiled roof.

“We love to sit in the main reception room and listen to music as the acoustics are superb!”

The Old School was immaculately converted by the previous owners, modernised but retaining the building’s enchanting character and space.

“It is a perfect setting for entertaining and family get-togethers at Christmas and such occasions,” says Michelle.

It wasn’t until 2013 - 27 years after the school closed - that a local builder completely renovated the listed building to create a beautiful and modernised home using only the finest materials to the highest specification.

The layout has been sensitively remodeled to

create an open plan kitchen/breakfast room leading into a spacious dining room, along with four bedrooms that all boast contemporary en-suites which are accessed from two new oak staircases.

The reception rooms offer an abundance of natural light and have recently installed wood-burners that create a cosy focal point and also three bespoke polished cast iron radiators.

New wide oak floorboards in a ‘foot-worn’ style have also been fitted to greet you when walking through the downstairs of the property along with original exposed stone, arched doors, leaded windows and renovated stone fireplaces.

The dual aspect kitchen is very accommodating with a large granite topped central island which houses an abundance of Miele appli69

ances: two double ovens, a steam oven, a warming drawer, a gas fired hob and a dual sided hot plate. The fitted Tom Howley bespoke shaker style units also have granite work tops and also house a dishwasher and coffee maker.

The Old School also has a wet underfloor heating system to the kitchen, dining room and to each bedroom along with an integrated sound system throughout the whole property. There is also ample built in storage space throughout with a boot room, study area, large ground floor toilet washroom and a utility room which houses the Worcester gas boiler and Megaflow hot water system and a water softener system.

The outside terrace and garden is ideal for alfresco dining and accompanies a walled Top: One of two reception rooms featuring original exposed stone and leaded windows.

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garden which features walnut and cherry trees, a pleasing row of espaliered Holm Oak trees and the views of the historic church of St. Mary Magdalene which dates from the tenth century. The garden is not overlooked and has a large toughened glass greenhouse and stone outbuildings, plus parking for several cars and is powered automatic wooden gates to ensure privacy.

“The village has a very active community, nearby is a primary and junior school and village shop, post office and two public houses that serve food. It is the perfect village feel with central connections never far away,” say the couple.

“We would love to stay here, but it is just too big for the both of us, so we’re looking for new owners who will love it as much as we both do!” n

THE OLD SCHOOL, GEDDINGTON Location: Geddington; Caldecott and Lyddington 10 miles; Uppingham 13 miles.

Style: Grade II listed former village schoolhouse.

Bedrooms: Four, all with en-suites Receptions: Two, currently arranged as drawing room and dining room.

Other Features: Open plan kitchen/breakfast room, terrace and garden with outbuildings.

Powered gates and private gardens.

Guide Price: £POA Find Out More: Fine & Country, Seaton Barn Grange LE15 9HT. www.fineandcountry.com, 01780 750200 n

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HOME FURNISHINGS

Spring

FRESH Refresh your home with these brand new fabric collections for spring 2020. Each takes nature or ďŹ&#x201A;oral prints as its inspiration...

Image: Morris & Co., Honeysuckle & Tulip Velvet fabric, in forest/chestnut colourway.

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Each of our wallcovering and fabrics brands are stocked by local interior designers who can create bespoke furnishings for your home...

This Spread: Morris & Co Melsetter collection.

Left: Curtians in Season by May, paint Zoffany Prussian, sofa in Pure Laxa Weave.

Above: Curtains in Theodora, paint Sanderson Ethereal Blue, cushion in Acorn.

Top Right: Melsetter Wallpaper. Right: Curtains in Theodora, wallpaper Middlemore, chairs in Hoy. Suhions Ruskin and Hoy.

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Above: Morris Seasons wallpaper. chair in Ruskin Wine.

Top/Right: Sanderson Caspian Madurai wallpaper.

Chair in Particle.

Above/Right: Curtains in Andhara, wallpaper in Solo Plain.

Right: Curtains in Cantaloupe, blind in Parity, Trellis wallpaper, headbord in Darter.

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Local Suppliers...

Corner Farm, 01778 561333, www.cornerfarminteriors.co.uk.

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

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

Furleys, Rutland 01572 755539 www.furleys.co.uk.

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

Hunters Interiors, Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD, 01780 757946 huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk.

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

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MOIR WADE DESIGNS

ISLAND in THE SUN An island will never be deserted if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place around which to prepare food, to work or enjoy a coffee.

Emma & Karl reckon incorporating one in their centre of their kitchen was a stroke of genius, made possible in part thanks to their choice of designers, Leicester-based Moir Wade...

Words: Rob Davis.

They say the best things come to those who wait. And it’s true. Leicester couple Emma and Karl moved into their 1930s-built village property 12 years ago.

With a kitchen that was perfectly functional - albeit not entirely to their taste - the couple held off embarking on a replacement but Emma says she always had a vision of her dream kitchen at the back of her mind.

Finally, last year, the couple decided the time was right and embarked on a redesign of their kitchen with Leicester’s Moir Wade.

“We’ve used them before for built-in wardrobes and stuff, and they were always impressive,” says Emma. “There was nobody else we’d consider using and sure enough they were absolutely brilliant.”

“I thought we had a pretty clear idea of what we wanted and I thought I’d considered everything but the depth of thought and planning Moir Wade put in was incredible.”

“They listen and deliver what you want, but they also take your ideas and add to them, develop them and make everything work.”

“And it’s not just the positioning of the actually cabinets, either. It’s the light, the storage and the details.”

Emma and Karl have busy lives - busier still when their son returns from university.

For that reason the kitchen has to double up as a makeshift office, a reception room and a family room too. Emma says it works in all of these respects and more.

“I really wanted an island and having one has proved a good idea. I was sceptical at first though, because the room is long but narrow, but in typical Moir Wade fashion, the company made it work.”

Left: The kitchen was designed by Moir Wade and at its heart is a useful island around which to conduct family life.

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KITCHENS

“We’re absolutely delighted with the room and can’t praise the service we’ve had from Moir Wade highly enough...”

“It has become the hub of the home, a nice place to spend time but also a place that’s functional too.”

Emma opted for a solid oak kitchen and though she loves the two tone grey cabinetry, she says she likes the idea that in the future it can be repainted for a change or to cover up any scuffs and marks.

White quartz work surfaces look immaculate and can withstand high temperatures, whilst an induction hob and a suite of Siemens cooking appliances including a deep warming drawer, plus an integrated dishwasher and butler sink, all help to mitigate the latest technology with classic kitchen style.

Moir Wade was founded in 2002 by brothers-in-law Jonathan Wade - who liaises with customers and designs spaces for clients - and Will Moir, who heads up a six-strong workshop team.

Working with budgets between £40,000 and £60,000, Moir Wade is one of the area’s most recommendable firms, creating everything from a classical-looking in-frame shaker kitchen to dramatic kitchens in more modern properties.

Moir Wade’s kitchens can be created in tulip, oak, maple, cherry or a range of veneers, paired with Corian, granite, quartz, timber or Pyrolene work surfaces.

“The planning was superb but what really impressed us was the fact that everyone who Moir Wade brought in, as they planned and coordinated the whole installation, was equally invested in doing a great job.

Appliances are sourced from Aga, Miele, Siemens, Gaggenau, Wolf & Sub-Zero, as well as Qooker who provide boiling water taps. Sinks and taps, meanwhile are typically from Franke, Kohler or from Villeroy & Boch.

From the electricians to the flooring contractor, everyone was so skilled and so meticulous, from leaving the place spotless at the end of the day to considering all of the details.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the room,” say Emma and Karl. “We can’t praise the service we’ve had from Moir Wade highly enough!” n

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 selling-free discussion about your project.

Five Kitchen Design Tips from Jonathan Wade & Will Moir 1. Zones: “There’s an old cliché about the work triangle. But modern kitchens aren’t just designed for a single purpose.

We think it’s more useful to think of a kitchen in terms of ‘zones,’ for instance, the food preparation area, the homework zone, the dining zone, then design your kitchen around the patterns of your use.”

2. Storage: “Creating storage in your kitchen isn’t just about cramming in as much cabinetry

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as possible. The internal fittings and features like double-width drawers ensure that you’re not stacking saucepans or bowls within each other, so it’s important to think about the ‘quality’ as well as the quantity of storage you incorporate.

3. Appliances: “Built-in appliances hide away white goods and gadgets. Boiling water taps and coffee makers cut worktop clutter and if you live in a hard water area, a

water softener will prevent your kitchen looking prematurely tired as well as prolonging your other appliances.

4. Utility: “Utility rooms, boot rooms and pantries are great for hiding family clutter away.”

5. Surfaces: “Taking the brunt of your culinary efforts is your work surface. Engineered stone and quartz surfaces are temperature and kniferesistant, easy to clean and can be refurbished if damaged. n

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Peterboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Kitchen Design & Installation Specialists...

Papyrus Road, Peterborough PE4 5BH JUST ALONG FROM THE BMW & AUDI MOTOR DEALERSHIPS

01733 894422 | www.pdakitchens.co.uk 84

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FULL DESIGN SERVICE, ALL MANAGED UNDER ONE ROOF

• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens • Affordable, quality kitchens and the latest designs on display • Over 60 appliances on show • Review our recent jobs on our website www.qksstamford.co.uk or visit our Facebook page • 25 large room settings in our extensive showroom The best quality, best value and best service from a company fitting kitchens since 1981

THE AREA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT KITCHEN SHOWROOM The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford PE9 2NA T: 01780 756514 or 755855

E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk

www.qksstamford.co.uk

Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Sat, 9am-3pm, closed all day Sunday

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GARDENS

OUTDOOR LIVING Stylish and practical ideas for enjoying outdoor living this summer from Gates Garden Centre...

Words: Rob Davis.

1. Hartman Berkeley: Alfresco dining couldn’t be more stylish with the smooth lattice of this cast aluminium set in Maize with Wheatgrass cushions & parasol; RRP: £822; Gates price: £649.

2. York Garden Mirror: Create the illusion of depth and space with an outdoor mirror; £95.99.

3. Bramblecrest Cubic Stool: Add a splash of colour to your patio this summer with these showerproof cubic stools; RRP: £131; Gates price: £99.

4. Bramblecrest Tulip Single Cocoon: The perfect retreat for a bit of ‘me’ time. Somewhere to relax, somewhere to curl up and read Pride! RRP: £496; Gates price: £349.

5. LED Party Light Starter Set:

20 warm white festoon globes for indoor or outdoor use. Connect up to 100 lights; £37.99.

6. Stepping Stone in Antique: Ideal for random paths through borders and across lawns; £call for details.

7. Hanging Lamp: Battery powered wire hanging lamps; £14.99.

8. Kettler Palma Round Set: In rattan or white wash; RRP: £1,999; Gates price: £1,749.

9. Bramblecrest Portofino Lounge Set: Modern looking with dark grey frames and a contrasting chunky weave; RRP: £1,732; Gates price: £1,299.

10. Abbey Paving in York Gold: Patio kit; £call for details. n

Products available from Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

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Let there be light (and heat)...

Ensuring you remain comfortable all summer long doesn’t just mean investing in quality garden furniture.

Take a trip to a quality garden centre like Cold Overton’s Gates and you’ll quickly discover a range of products to ensure your comfort as the summer nights turn chilly.

Shown here is a Plush floor-standing garden heater and lamp, serving two purposes, powered by electricity and now just £299.

your steaks, ribs and burgers enjoy a delicious smoked flavour.

Add a range of crockery and cutlery suitable for outdoor use, plus outdoor decoration, showerproof cushions and other mood lighting and you’ll be able to enjoy the same comfort you enjoy inside on your terrace and in the garden too! n

Also shown here is Weber’s SmokeFire EX6 wood pellet grill, £1,299, the only barbecue you’ll ever need and a great way to ensure

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HERITAGE WINDOW SPECIALISTS ENHANCE THE STYLE, VALUE AND APPEARANCE OF YOUR HOME WITH THE VERY LATEST ALUMINIUM, WOOD OR UPVC FLUSH CASEMENT BESPOKE WINDOWS & DOORS. UNRIVALLED QUALITY & SPECIFICATION, MANUFACTURED IN THE UK BY CRAFTSMEN.

Call our friendly team on 0115 855 6010

hello@hardwickwindows.co.uk â&#x20AC;¢ www.hardwickwindows.co.uk VISIT OUR SHOWROOM BY APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

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GARDENING

SPEND A DAY at

MILTON HALL This month, garden enthusiasts can enjoy a once a year opportunity to visitthe gardens of one of the most beautiful country estates in the area.

Milton Hall had provided inspiration to Daphne du Maurier and sanctuary to Thatcher... now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your turn to enjoy this local country estate...

Words: Rob Davis.

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Humphry Repton

“LAST NIGHT, I dreamt I went to Manderlay again,” wrote Daphne du Maurier in her 1938 Repton lived from 1752 to 1818, gothic novella Rebecca. It’s one of the best coming to prominence after the death of Capability Brown. literary openers I’ve ever plagiarised for an He was often regarded as the article of my own. This month you too can find latter’s successor and also grounds of the estate too, yourself ‘stood by the iron gate,’ at Milton Hall. worked at Burley on as well as a golf course and a The author visited the Peterborough estate as a the Hill. deer park with a drive that child and brought her memories to mind in conjunction would traditionally take the family with estates she experienced in Cornwall, to invent the down to what is now the A47.” estate in her book.

“When we open to the NGS, we’ll be inviting The Fitzwilliam family came to Milton Hall in the early 1500s the public to enjoy the formal gardens,” says and today their country home extents to around 500 acres of Tony. “There’s a productive walled garden parkland adjacent to the Nene, and closer to the part-Elizabethan, with five areas and masonry dating back as part-Georgian house, with its Grade I listed ashlar façade, there’s far as the Tudor era.”

40 acres of beautifully tended pleasure grounds.

“The kitchen garden leads to the Italianate Unlike many country estates, the property has not been commergarden, designed to be a formal pickery with cialised. Instead the Fitzwilliam family has quietly managed the a central sunken pool and herb borders and estate, latterly opening the garden once a year for charity. a wrought iron gate into the pleasure gardens themselves.”

For the first time, owners Sir Philip & Lady Isabella NaylorLeyland are opening for the National Gardens Scheme, to allow “Percy Caine set out the Italian Gardens visitors to enjoy the grounds. after WWII. We’ve a suspicion that Harold Peto may have had some influence over the “It’s a diverse site in terms of its soil, with heavy clay in parts of gardens too, but we’re not sure as records the parkland and limestone brash closer to the house,” says Tony have been lost from the time.

Wellingon, head gardener. “Much of the parkland owes a debt to Humphry Repton, who was commissioned in the late-18th century to lay out the grounds.”

“There are large plantations in the ground from The Heronry to the south-east; Ferryhill Plantation in the South, and Thistlemoor Wood to the north. There are three lakes, too, all connected to one another and the kennels for the Fitzwilliam Hunt in the 92

“Beyond the walled area of the gardens is an orangery created by the Georgian architect John Carr, who travelled here from York.”

“The orangery is part of a circuit which goes around the lake and past coade figures which Repton installed.”

Above: Milton Hall’s grounds inspired Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and welcomed Margaret and Denis Thatcher during the Falklands conflict.

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“The orangery is a really pretty place in early summer with oranges and other citrus fruit, camellias and jasmine. The smell is wonderful!”

“Next to the lake is a really good selection of specimen trees, from Wellingtonia sequoia - to beech and oak. There’s a really nice tulip tree too, Repton obviously had a strong vision for it and it really does make a spectacular sight.”

“Early summer is one of my favourite times, with peonies, irises and a few magnolias all set to make an appearance for the open garden event. It’s a shame that our roses don’t make an appearance until later in the season, because they’re really special too.”

In addition to the garden event, the family also hosts The Milton Horse Show, which has family dog classes. Naturally being an NGS event you can expect plant stalls, homemade cakes and hopefully the odd ray of sunshine, too.

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“In addition to the garden event, the family also hosts The Milton Show, a small gymkhana with ponies and Fitzwilliam dogs...”

Tony has spend 15 years tending the grounds of Milton Hall and knows them inside out.

He arrived at the estate from his previous work tending the grounds of the late Lord King, Chairman of British Airways.

“What really appealed about Milton Hall was the fact that it was a traditional private English country estate,” says Tony.

“There are horses in the stables, not offices and it’s nice to work for such a lovely family.”

Interestingly, PM Margaret Thatcher also stayed at Milton Hall, in April 1982 with husband Denis, following an engagement in Sir Stephen’s Bedfordshire constituency. She took the phone call which told her that an RAF Vulcan had successfully bombed Port Stanley.

“In a way I’m glad that we don’t open more often as it’s a fair bit of pressure, ensuring the grounds look good, but I must admit I like the idea of the odd opening because it means our six gardeners who work really hard to preserve the look and feel of such a lovely estate can show off their handiwork!”

This month represents a once a year chance to see Milton Hall, a little bit of Manderlay, and a perfectly preserved country estate close to Peterborough. n Milton Hall is located on Milton Park, PE6 7AG. It’s open on Sunday 10th May from 10.30am-5.30pm for the NGS. For more information see www.ngs.org.uk.

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HARLAXTON MANOR GARDEN

EUROPE BY

GARDENS x

With French-style terraces, ornamental Dutch canals and Italianate gardens - plus the charm of a traditional English country estate, Harlaxton Manor near Grantham opens this month to show oďŹ&#x20AC; its spectacular bluebells, and provides an opportunity to explore Europe by gardens...

Words: Laurin Dempsey. Images: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

HARLAXTON MANOR

IT’S PROBABLY THE GRANDEST landmark in the area... and yet, also one of the least well-known. Happily though, this is the month to change all that, as Harlaxton Manor opens to the public so everyone can enjoy the former stately home’s beautiful grounds and in particular its woodland, carpeted with bluebells this month.

Perhaps one of the reasons that Harlaxton has less of a profile compared to, say, Belton, Belvoir of Burghley, they great triumvirate of local stately homes is that Harlaxton Manor is, first and foremost, an American college, serving to hosts transatlantic students embarking on their studies.

That remit normally limits the place from a tourism potential but this month Harlaxton’s

gardens will be open to visitors just in time to enjoy the stunning scents and aroma that surrounds and its pan-European garden design influences.

First built in 1837, Harlaxton Manor is now owned and operated by The University of Evansville operating as Harlaxton College and hosts their study abroad programme.

Andrew Potter is Harlaxton’s head gardener and has been at the site for 13 years, along with two colleagues. Over that time, the team has been working hard to maintain and revive the once neglected gardens and bring back to life the look and feel of the French-style terraces, an Italian Garden, a Dutch

Harlaxton Manor

The Manor House was built in 1837 and is Grade I listed.

The current mansion is the second, replacing a 14th century hunting lodge built by John of Gaunt.

Meet the Gardener

ANDREW POTTER “As a gardener you often don’t have the time to stand back and see what it is that you are doing, the impact of your work, as you are so involved. We often take for granted seasons as they come and go so quick. It really is important to stand back and ensure that you enjoy your garden.”

“My top tip to any budding gardeners out there would be to adapt to your garden and the space that you have.

Researching before buying is definitely important. Often, it is trial and error but always look at the height and what your chosen plant will look like. People often get caught out and have not left enough room for it to thrive naturally.”

“As well as this, make note if your garden is North or South facing as some plants prefer the morning sun and others the evening. This is something we have had to do at Harlaxton.”

As Pride goes to press Andrew will have finished pruning the fruit trees and will be working on regular maintenance to ensure the gardens are in the best condition for their Summer open day.

Top/Left: In the north-west corner of the Italian Garden is a two-storey gazebo dating back to 1832-44, Grade II* and built of ashlar.

ornamental canal and English landscape walks. The Conservatory is virtually unique in design and use of architectural elements.

Above: Harlaxton Manor has 151 rooms... 150 if you don’t count the cupboard under the stairs where the vacuum cleaner is kept.

The grounds are open this month so visitors can enjoy bluebells in the parkland.

It is important for Harlaxton that their gardens are accessible to their students, and also for the public on their open days and guided tours.

Left: From the conservatory, a gravelled path leads along to the south-east front.

To the south-east of the path is the Lion Terrace.

Known as East Fountain Terrace it comprises an open loggia with flanking walls with low flights of steps on either side.

Before Andrew, Harlaxton’s garden had a helping hand from local TV gardener Alan Mason in 1991 for around five years.

The gardens however were then left neglected in certain areas until Andrew joined.

“It is important that we are ahead of ourselves, as we don’t want to be caught out weather wise. This means weekly grass cuts and trimming ready for when the weather improves and it can start looking after itself more to enable us to focus on other areas.

You’ll never catch up if you leave it for two weeks or more!”

“The garden in total is between 52-56 acres, with 100 acre woodland and recently a 180 acre parkland that we are currently leasing to a farmer for crops but have a long term plan to take back and revert back to much plainer parkland.”

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Main Image: Harlaxtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orangery, with its palms ferns and tropical planting, dates back from 1880.

HARLAXTON MANOR

“For the past 11 years we’ve included bluebells as part of our woodland walk. When we first opened we only had 13 villagers visit however, last year we had 1,500 visitors!”

“For the past 11 years we’ve included bluebells as part of our woodland and when we first opened we only had 13 villagers visit however, last year on our Bluebell Walk we had 1,500 visitors! It has definitely progressed and become more of a talking point, a real highlight of early summer for many locals!”

Harlaxton’s Bluebell Walk normally takes place in May, but Andrew and the team have to judge this a week or so before depending on how quick flowers blossom surrounding the bluebells dependant on the climate that year, as the walk takes you on a stroll around the woodlands and historic parkland.

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“Harlaxton’s grounds are arranged in a horseshoe shape which wraps around the back of the stunning building, with a front courtyard and a mile long driveway with a walled garden that covers around six and a half acres, one of the largest walled gardens in Britain.”

“The walled gardens remain private and are only open as part of our private tours.

The front courtyard contains mixed shrubbery, plus a lot of perennials, many of which flower for 12 months of the year. This is to add extra appeal and interest and ensures there’s something to enjoy at Harlaxton no matter what the month.”

“The Walled Garden is ornamental with the scent of roses when walking around. There is a free-standing orchid with dessert apples, peaches and pears. We wanted to ensure that it was local, relevant and as original as possible to how it would have been.”

The orangery is virtually unique in design, and today it’s a great place to sit and admire its ferns and tropical planting.

Together with a bluebell walk through Harlaxton’s 170 hectares of parkland, we think it’s a must-visit garden. n See www. harlaxton.co.uk.

PGM GROUNDCARE

When there’s More to Summer

THAN MOWING Don’t be a slave to your garden this summer. Enjoy it. There’s more to life than mowing and a helping hand is available in the form of automatic mowers. Sounds too space age? Think they’re a gimmick? Not at all, says Chris Brown of Peterborough Groundcare Machinery. The machines are simple, reliable and effective...

Don’t work hard. Work smart. Whether you operate your mower yourself or employ a gardener to do it for you, and whether it’s a walk-behind or ride-on machine, using an automatic mower instead can save days of labour this summer.

That’s time you can instead spend tittivating your borders, reading Pride magazine with a glass of wine from a garden chair, or simply enjoying an hour or two in a hammock watching the machine do the job for you.

“The machines have been around for a while now, but the UK has been slow to adopt them - perhaps being a little more conservative than the machines’ European markets,” says Chris Brown of Peterborough Grass Machinery.

“The term robot make it sound all very space age.

Perhaps that’s a reason for some people’s scepticism.

But actually, they’re just very practical devices with a number of benefits. The most obvious is that they’re fully automatic. They’ll leave their charging docks, cut your lawn methodically and return home when they’re low on charge or when it starts to rain.”

“They also ‘nibble’ at the grass consistently rather than taking large amounts off. That means your lawn doesn’t fluctuate in terms of its height and remains at a neat, consistent depth. Because they mulch smaller volumes of freshly cut grass back into your lawn it’s also the most effective way to feed your lawn naturally, and there’s never any stray clippings to trail into the house.”

“One of the biggest problems we have is challenging the misconception that this is not some futuristic fantasy but

actually just a good example of a ‘smart home’ device that works well and saves you money.”

“They’re suitable for lawns from 500m2 to 2,500m2, and cost between £999 and £2,199. Once installed by a professional they can operate automatically or you can be a bit more involved and take control with a smartphone app. Either way, at a comparable price to a ride-on mower - but without the need to give up your weekend or employ a gardener to use it - they’re a money-saver, a time-saver and actually just a really good idea. We even offer an ‘over-winter’ cleaning, servicing and storage service... collection is just a phone call away.”

“We still stock a range of traditional walk-behind and ride-on mowers, as well as a new generation of cordless multi-tool strimmers, hedge trimmers and pedestrian mowers for every area of your garden. But this is another product range designed to help you spend more time enjoying your garden, and less time working in it.” n

Find Out More: They’re not a gimmick. They’re efficient and reliable...! To find out more about the new generation of automatic ‘robot’ lawnmowers, contact Peterborough Grass Machinery for a free, strictly no obligation demonstration. Call 01733 268168, visit PGM at Ivatt Way, Peterborough PE3 7PG or see www.pgm-ltd.co.uk.

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THATCHED ROOFING

THE FINAL

STRAW For traditional thatchers like Harringworth’s Scott Mulheron, maintaining the look and charm of a thatch-topped roof is a matter of pride as well as practicality...

Words: Carissa Smith. Images: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

WHERE WOULD THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE be without a billow of coal-scented smoke drifting over thatched cottages? Thatching is the oldest form of roofing in existence and even though this trade is in decline the villages of Rutland and Stamford are still replete with thatched properties. Experienced thatcher Scott Mulheron tell us all we need to know about this centuries-old skill.

“After I finished school, everyone was going to college and apprenticeships were few and far between. I enjoyed working outside, I wanted to do something different and learn a challenging trade. I also liked the idea of being self-employed and seeing different parts of the country.”

Thatched roofs consists of either long straw, combed wheat reed or water reed. Luckily for Rutland, Scott has been trained in all three materials though this is not the case for all thatchers. In Norfolk thatched roofs are predominately made from water reed from the Norfolk Broads and in the Southwest of the country combed wheat reed or water reed is used almost exclusively.

“It can take between seven to eight years to become an experienced thatcher in all three materials. My mentors were fantastic, I worked with quite a few different thatchers and gained experience on all types of thatched roofs and materials and this has taught me everything I know.”

“Unfortunately this is not the case for all apprentices and many thatchers like to keep their trade secrets which I think is a shame as it will affect the skills of our future generation.”

For many careers eight years seems a lifetime to learn one craft. This perhaps demonstrates the precision and difficulty of thatching, and

of course, the value of preserving talent like Scott demonstrates. Few modern day thatchers though, are as lucky as Scott in the respect of getting stuck in to the job.

“In the olden days sometimes men would spend at least five years in a barn preparing the straw before being allowed to go onto the roofs. I don’t know if anybody in the country would have that patience now.”

Much of Scott’s current work around here is in the preservation of existing thatched roofs, rather than the creation of new ones... though Scott has created brand new structures too.

“Just preserving a thatched roof can take between eight to twelve weeks. Many of the buildings I work on are Grade II listed and the thatched roof needs to be replaced and maintained with exactly the same materials to maintain the heritage of the building.”

“I have created some new thatched roofs.

However, since the financial crash heritage roofs are not as desirable due to the cost and shortage of expertise. I find this a shame as nothing beats the look of a beautiful thatched roof, and contrary to popular belief, thatched roofs are actually really practical, too, 109

THATCHED ROOFING

Right: There are over 60,000 thatched roofs in the UK and now fewer than 800 master thatchers like Scott to ensure their longevity!

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providing excellent insulation and noise reduction, even when compared to more modern slate or tiled roofs.”

Thatched roofs are durable and a long straw thatch roof or one created with combed wheat straw can last between 20-25 years and a water reed roof can last up to 60 years.

However some thatched roofs beat all the records and Scott was training I was told of a receipt for a water reed thatch roof in Norfolk which was last replaced in 1880’s... it had lasted over 126 years.

As you would expect from such a historic skill all thatching tool are hand tools. The main tools needed are a leggett, wooden mallet, set pins, twister, a spar hook, shears and not forgetting Scott’s favourite tool... his broom!

One of the biggest concerns with thatching remains how a straw roof stays waterproof even during the great British summer.

“The straw is between 12-18 inches thick depending on the material. The water will run down the surface and due to its thickness

the underneath will be preserved. Once holes start to appear the roof will need patching.”

“The ridge of the roof is the decorative part and should last between 10-15 years. When the ridge is being restored the thatcher will also tidy the roof, remove any moss which has formed and patch any sparse areas to help the life span of the roof.”

“The quality of the reed is really rather important when considering how long a roof will last,” says Scott. “Over the last decade there has been a huge rotting problem, which the industry is researching as currently there isn’t a definite answer as to why it is happening.”

The majority of the reed is imported from Europe in particular Turkey and Ukraine, however some is imported as far as China.

As one can imagine work as a thatcher is very weather dependent and the heavy rainfall over the past couple of years has impacted significantly both on thatching as a profession but has also adversely affected the output of the farms which grow thatching straw for people like Scott to use.

“Over the past year two of my straw farm suppliers have regrettably closed due to the weather. I now travel to Suffolk and Devon for long straw and combed wheat reed. The wheat needs to be organically grown and the soil kept with low nitrate levels to reduce the risk of it rotting.”

“I love all the materials of thatching. Long straw is probably my favourite due to the rugged and natural look it creates however I also love the precision of combed wheat reed and water reed.”

Thatched roofs have been in existence for over 10,000 years. Despite newer building materials, there are still 60,000 thatched roofs in the UK. For Scott and the UK’s 800 master thatchers, there’s nothing quite as pretty as a roof topped with natural, sustainable straw or reed. To lose such a beloved sight in the countryside as a thatched cottage would be, they reckon, the last straw for Britain. n For more information on Scott’s craft call 07975 717814.

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NATURE

Wakey Wakey

May brings with it warmer weather and blossoming flowers. For some native animals it’s also the time to wake up from a lovely, long period of deep sleep!

Words: Carissa Smith.

We’ve All Experienced that feeling of waking up slightly groggy from a long deep sleep.

Spare a thought, then, for the native animal species which hibernate over the winter months when food becomes become scarce. Many will be waking up this month from their torpor ready to enjoy late sprig and early summer almost as much as us.

Periods of hibernation for some animals can begin as early as October and run right through until April. Once they’re ready to hibernate, the creatures instinctively start slowing their metabolism down to use as little energy as possible, their heart rate drops, as does their breathing and they enter a state of deep hibernation.

Hibernation is a voluntary state and is different to just sleeping because the brain cycles that these animals goes through are dramatically different from sleep patterns and it is more of an extreme slowing down. If you find an animal hibernating do not disturb them… after all, nobody likes being woken up in the middle of a good sleep.

The Prickly Issue of Hedgehogs Hedgehogs are just one animal which will be waking up from their long snooze this spring.

Hedgehogs regularly make it to ‘Britain’s favourite mammal’ in the polls and we understand why with their unique, charismatic appearance and harmless perception. However, hedgehogs are in trouble and this furry mammal population has declined by a third since the millennium.

Whilst hedgehogs are hibernating they cease being a warm blooded animal and instead become cold to touch. To wake up from this deep sleep the hedgehog needs to metabolise fat which warms the body and gets the blood flowing again. The hedgehog may help itself along by shivering. This can take from half to one hour to complete. Only then does the hedgehog have a normal body temperature and can again venture out into the world.

The exact time hedgehogs awake depend upon the temperature and this can be as early as March or as late as May. They will emerge very hungry and you can help our hedgehogs by putting out a hearty breakfast for when they emerge. >> 112

Estimates from concerned wildlife groups put the hedgehog population in the UK down to about one million, compared with 30 million in the 1950s.

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You can purchase hedgehog food from wildlife food suppliers. Alternatively, these prickly animals also enjoy tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) and crushed dog or cat biscuits.

Hedgehogs will also be thirsty so provide them with plain, fresh water but not milk as it can cause upset tummies.

If you really want to help these prickly animals put out a hedgehog feeder. A hedgehog needs to weigh at least 600g in order for it to survive hibernation so these little mammals have a lot of eating to do over the coming months.

By providing food, water and a safe garden for hedgehogs to live wildlife professionals are hopeful they can reverse the decline and save the British Mrs Tiggy-winkle and all her family and friends.

Bats The Spirit

Bats are the only flying mammal in the UK and their specialist form of movement uses a lot of energy. To cope with this bats hibernate during the winter when food is scare and they have a very low birth rate.

By April many bats will have gone almost six months without food; this results in them being very active and out feeding on every suitable night. Despite being desperately hungry bats will not emerge from the roost in high winds or heavy rainfall, on such nights they may become torpid.

Being torpid means the bats become cool and inactive but is just for a short period of time rather than fully hibernating.

Bats may move between several roost sites, simply feeding all night and returning to the nearest suitable place at dawn.

The Dormouse

The dormouse is another UK hibernation animal and this is not surprising when its name is derived from the French word dormir meaning â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;to sleep.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 114

HIBERNATING SPECIES

“All nature is being impacted by climate change, including hibernating animals. 2019 saw record temperatures of 21 degrees, and this unexpected warm weather is confusing our hibernating animals to wake up too early...”

The dormouse’s hibernation normally starts in November and lasts until April or even May depending on the weather.

To survive hibernation the dormouse forages to build up fat reserves in their body, during the summer and autumn, while they are still active.

During these active months these small, furry tailed rodents will increase their body weight by around 40% and use up to 30% of their fat reserves during hibernation.

However, even though these furry animals can survive hibernation through the storing of their fat stocks a considerable amount of the population still do not survive the winter months. During hibernation they are mostly inactive making them more vulnerable to disturbance and predation.

However even those who do survive their hibernation, are not out of the woods just yet and are still remain particular vulnerable once awake.

The weight loss after months without food requires the dormouse to spend a large amount of time foraging. Ecologists are studying the species but remarkably, nobody actually knows where these little creatures hibernate, whether they have a preference as to where to build a safe nest and whether there is more we can do to improve the chances of survival.

Climate Change?

All nature is being impacted by climate change including hibernating animals. February 2019 saw record temperatures of 21 degrees, the warmest winter day since records began.

This unexpected warm weather is confusing our hibernating animals to awake early.

Hibernating animals do so for a reason and being awake two months early means these species with their establish routine lack the energy or the food stores to survive.

It’s becoming increasingly apparent that as a county, we need to look after our wildlife to ensure their existence. n

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WEDDINGS

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Always having something to share together, lawyers James and Rachel made the decision to make their love for each other official last year at the beautiful Rushton Hall...

Photographer: Sarah Vivienne, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk

The first day of school is a nerve-wracking experience for anyone. Likewise, that first day in a new job. Luckily for James and Rachel, they were both in the same boat when they met at law schoo. The quickly became great friends in the process.

Still, they had no idea that five years later they would be marrying one another!

WEDDING SUPPLIERS JAMES & RACHEL CARTER

“We used a huge range of fantastic local suppliers. We had a beautiful three tiered cake, a wonderful harpist, a local florist and some stunning photos from Sarah Vivienne.”

“James proposed in the snow on the evening that we qualified as lawyers,” says Rachel.

“The proposal took place in our favourite spot for weekend walks by the boathouses in Putney. The next day we embarked on a month long adventure through Central America and the southern states of the USA. After an amazing proposal it was a lovely, uninterrupted time together and it enabled us to start thinking about what we’d like our wedding to be.”

“We started planning straight away - even drawing up our guest list on the plane.

We were really very excited but the first thing we actually booked was the wedding car.

It was a beautiful Rolls Royce Silver Wraith.”

Next was the dress. Rachel chose a design created in lace and fitted with a ‘kick out’ at the bottom. “It had beautiful beaded shoulders which definitely sealed the deal for me when I was choosing it. It was nothing like what I imagined myself wearing but I adored it, and my lace-outlined veil too.”

James & Rachel were married at Polebrook Church in Northamptonshire, near to where Rachel had grown up. They held their reception at Rushton Hall near Kettering.

“Rushton Hall is a beautiful country estate dating back to the 15th century, but it also has a magnificent new orangery,” says James.

“We fell in love with it as soon as we saw it.

Our drinks reception was held in the courtyard and we later moved to the orangery for the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.”

“The most memorable however, was the ‘singing waiters’ who were organised as a surprise, who after various small sketches during the wedding breakfast, broke out into an incredible operatic performance.

We were completely stunned, as were our guests, who absolutely loved it!”

Wedding Venue: Rushton Hall, Kettering, 01536 713001, www.rushtonhall.com.

Florist: Milestones, Oundle, 01832 274305, milestonesflorist.co.uk.

Cake: Whimsical Cakery, Kettering, 07473 043614, www.thewhimsicalcakery.co.uk.

Transport: Prestige & Classic Cars, Peterborough, 01733 348122, prestigeandclassicweddingcars.co.uk Toastmaster: Alan Hodge, Northampton, 07815 452115.

Fireworks: 1605 Fireworks, Peterborough, 01780 470595, www.1605fireworks.co.uk. n

“We left the church, and as we were waiting for the confetti to be thrown, the heavens opened. Our car journey to Rushton felt like the monsoon! We did begin to think that we’d have to move the rest of the day inside but about a couple of miles from Rushton the showers completely stopped and the sun came out!”

“The Rushton Hall team and our local toastmaster, Alan, greeted us with a glass of champagne through the car window.

We could see our guests in the courtyard enjoying a drink and nibbles, the harpist was playing and the kids were kicking a ball around. The momentary worry about the weather completely fell away and everything seemed perfect and exactly how we’d imagined it.”

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- WEDDINGS -

“Momentary worry about the weather completely fell away and everything seemed perfect and exactly how we’d imagined it..!”

“Another of my favourite moments was our fireworks,” says Rachel. “I had always wanted to have a firework display at my wedding, ever since I was little girl.”

“Our local company, 1605 Fireworks did an incredible job and the display rounded off our celebrations in the most perfect way... if I were fond of clichés, I might say it made the reception go with a bang.”

For their honeymoon James & Rachel enjoyed a trip to Canada, travelling from the East to the West coast in two and a half weeks.

“We managed to fit in a ball game watching the Toronto Blue Jays, wine tasting in Niagara, seeing the falls, hiking in the Rockies, glacier walks, the Rocky Mountain railway, spotting bears, whale watching trips and a seaplane ride to Vancouver Island.

We packed a lot in! It’s the scenery that we’ll always remember. It was just breathtaking, and part of a very ‘us’ trip which made it especially perfect.”

“In terms of wedding planning advice, we certainly found there was a lull between booking the bigger elements, like the venue and dress, and then everything else needed to make a wedding day, sorting the finer details, such as invitations.”

“If you find yourself experencing the same mid-planning break, use the break to plan and book your honeymoon. Otherwise I don’t know when we would have found the time to organise such a bespoke trip!” n 120

Photographer: Sarah Vivienne, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

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1. Madeline Gardner gowns from Mori Lee. Modern and sophisticated dresses with a high neck, net bodice accented in floral embroidery. Wisteria is one of 114 colours available.

Sizes 0-28; style 21604.

ALWAYS THE

BRIDESMAID

2. Hollis Ensley and Jada dresses by Jenny Yoo in luxe chiffon, lined with plunging V-neck that fits like a glove and a twirl worthy circle skirt.

47 colours, sizes from 0-24.

Your bridesmaids’ dresses are a great way to show off the colour scheme of your wedding and to ensure you all you walk down the aisle in style!

Words: Rob Davis.

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5. True Match from True Bride Elegant chiffon dresses.

All styles pictured here in Ballet Pink. Styles BT208C; BC106; BS104.18 colours, sizes 6-36.

3. Joss dress by Essentials, a modern one-shoulder bodice with a floaty wide frill, beautifully paired with a slim fitted skirt with pleats at the hip make for a super flattering fit.

Made in floaty chiffon and finPictured in Apricot Pink, one of 40 colours, sizes 6-36.

6. Mark Lesley dresses in chiffon and satin ith A-line silhouette. Sizes 6-30, 100 colours available.

4. Dee by Romantica of Devon, soft pink, one of 40 colours. Stunning A-line style with a plunge neckline.

Sizes 10-24.

7. Luna’s India is a beautiful vintage inspired beaded bridesmaid chiffon dress.

40 colours, sizes 6-36.

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8. Candy Quinn dress by Mark Lesley, in Mikado fabric, shown in Peacock colour.

Sizes 6-30, 17 colours available.

10. True Bridesmaids’ fun and flirty, retro inspired bridesmaids dress in satin and tulle. Style M101.

9. House of Wu dress with racer neckline, fitted jersey gown, features ladder detailing at the center bodice as well as the upper and lower waist. The skirt is fitted through the hips. Pictured in Suede, Bluestone & Rose. Style number 22917, 11 colours, sizes 0-30.

Mori Lee: www.morilee.co.uk.

Jenny Yoo: jennyyoo.com.

Essentials: truebride.co.uk.

Romantica: www.romantica ofdevon.co.uk True Match: truebride.co.uk.

Mark Lesley: marklesley.com.

Luna: www.truebride.co.uk.

House of Wu: houseofwu.com.

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Call of the

WILD Marc Cain’s new spring and summer collection features prints, materials and safari style inspired

by Africa...

Words: Rob Davis.

This page: Dress £359; pumps £225; bag £345.

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Party dress with glitter effect in midnight blue ÂŁ359.

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Jacket £359; top £135; trousers £185; bag £315.

Model on left, blazer £435; blouse £165; trousers £245; belt £119.

Model on right, blazer £315; blouse £245; trousers £299

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Coat £539; blouse £225; trousers £269.

Model on left, jumper £269; trousers £185; bag £345.

Model on right, coat £449; top £135; trousers £245; bag £225.

For local stockists see www.marc-cain.com.

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ELEGANT &

ICONIC

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FOPE JEWELLERY 2

Italian designer Fope has been creating elegant and iconic jewellery since 1929.

Happily, Fope’s newest creations are available locally...

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1. Eka Tiny bracelet in 18ct rose gold, 0.69ct, ref: 738B PAVE, from £4,600.00.

2. Eky Tiny necklace in 18ct rose gold, 0.19ct, ref: 730C PAVE, from £2,360.00.

3. Prima bracelet in 18ct yellow gold, 0.19ct, ref: 744B, from £1,630.00.

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4. Prima bracelet in 18ct rose gold, 0.20ct, ref: 748B BBR, from £2,360.00.

5. Eka Tiny ring in 18ct yellow gold, 0.50ct, ref: AN378 PAVE, from £3,440.00.

6. Eka Anniversario in 18ct yellow gold, 0.40ct, ref: 707B PAVE, from £5,370.00.

7. Prima ring in 18ct gold, 0.07ct, ref: AN746 BBR, from £985.00.

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n For local stockist see www.fope.com.

NB: Prices quoted should be considered as a guide only.

Massive rotator cuff tears in the over 70’s.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? tendons cannot work normally again once the nerve has been surgically ablated but as the tendons are already torn and can’t be repaired there is no real functional downside to doing this.

Mr Alun Yewlett, consultant Orthopaedic surgeon explains “I’ve been told I’ve got a massive rotator cuff tear that’s been there for at least 6 months and can’t be fixed now.

The NHS tells me I can have a reverse shoulder replacement if physiotherapy hasn’t sorted me out, but I don’t feel ready for metalwork yet. Is there anything else that can be done?”

This is not an uncommon scenario that I see in many of my NHS shoulder clinics.

The combination of an active and aging population coupled with increasing waiting times on the NHS means that many patients will find themselves faced with the stark choice of living with a painful shoulder or being forced to undergo a major shoulder replacement operation by the time they see a specialist. This is not an unreasonable option and when done by abhigh volume consultant surgeon with specialist fellowship training yields excellent and predictable results, but many of my patients ask if there is anything else that can be done that is less invasive.

There are a number of cutting edge techniques available for massive rotator cuff tears at the Avicenna clinic which are not widely available on the NHS. One such technique is the Inspace balloon.

This is an operation I have been doing for many years. This has started since I trained under Mr Matt Ravenscroft, a world leading arthroscopic surgeon who had great results with this operation and I think it has a role in selected patients.

In simple terms, when the rotator cuff is torn the humeral head is pulled upwards by the deltoid muscle which is no longer being counteracted by the deficient rotator cuff.

This can cause pain when the humeral head rubs against the undersurface of the 132

There are also a number of biological treatments that can be considered. I work in an internationally recognized centre of excellence for cartilage regeneration and am delighted to be able to bring some ofthese cutting edge techniques to the Avicenna clinic. acromion. This can lead to the humeral head becoming “decentered” and the control of the shoulder is affected.

The balloon procedure is a straightforward day case procedure that can be done to try and help with a painful rotator cuff tear. A balloon is put into the subacromial space and inflated. It effectively acts like a “waterbed” to help stop the painful rubbing of the humeral head against the acromion. It also helps to keep the humeral head centred on the glenoid (the socket) of the arm bone which can allow patients to rehabilitate the shoulder and use the deltoid muscle more effectively. The balloon is biodegradable and will disappear within 6 months and does not burn any bridges to come back to an arthroplasty solution in the future.

In select cases, The balloon insertion can be done in conjunction with a suprascapular nerve ablation. Two of the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus are innervated by the suprascapular nerve. This nerve also supplies pain from the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint.

When both of these tendons are irreparably torn it is possible to ablate this nerve with the aim of taking away the pain stimulus from the shoulder. This means that these two

Lipogems is a technique whereby fat is harvested from the abdomen and then processed and injected into an arthritic joint and is an ongoing subject of research study as it appears to reduce arthritic pain significantly in many patients. It also doesn’t burn any bridges so arthroplasty solutions are always available if it doesn’t work.We have had exciting results with the use of lipogems for patients with arthritic changes in the knee and our early results at eighteen months with shoulders are very encouraging.

So, if you have a massive rotator cuff tear but aren’t wanting to have metalwork just yet, then I would be happy to discuss the best option that suite you.

Avicenna clinic has a range of specialist consultants and superior in-house imaging facilities including state-of-the-art MRI and ultrasound. We can assess and diagnose all cases of acute and chronic injuries quickly and deliver comprehensive treatment plans tailored to you. n To book a consultation or for more information on treating your pain and explore the other available services to help you, contact The Avicenna Clinic in Peterborough please call 0330 202 0597.

For more information about the clinic please visit the clinic website www.avicennaclinic.com.

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Continually rebirthed each time it’s worn, the calming base of musk lauds vanilla bean and the violet essence of orris leave a noticeable impression. Exclusively available at Harrods. £235 / 100ml.

5. Awaken Your Senses with Aveda Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Vegan Soy Wax Candle provides an invigorating aroma of certified organic rosemary and peppermint and other pure flower and plant essences. 100% naturally derived soy wax blend burns clearly and completely for 40 hours. Revive your mind and refresh your home. £30/100g.

2. Rejuvenating Eyes Helena Rubinstein’s Powercell 24 hour eye care offers a revitalising effect that reduces the appearance of ageing and fatigue.

Targeting dark circles, puffiness and pigmentation, the cooling cream also brightens the skin whilst refreshing and softening the eye area.

For best results, use daily in the morning and perhaps in the evening too, £72.

3. Choose Your Shade Intense colour has been sealed within Guerlain’s first custom lipstick with a double mirror. Enhanced with luscious lip care into a jewel formula, it beautifully covers your lips in an intense and luminous long-lasting colour. Pictured is shade number 111, £26.

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The Concentrate and Créme de la Mer melt into soothing silk to immerse your skin in pure indulgence delivering a look of health and vitality that’s recognisably La Mer, £345.

4. Make A Statement Supple and bright, Yves Saint Laurent’s Mascara Vinyl Couture is available in a wardrobe of nine mesmerising shades, from forest green to cobalt blue, it acts as a statement accessory for your eyes.

Volumising and curling, it imparts strong colour impact up to the tip of lashes, £26

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n All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, please note that prices stated are RRP and may vary according to retailer.

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THIS MONTH: RAISING A GLASS TO THE COUNTRY AT THE BELVOIR HUNT BALL 2020...

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

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Enjoying the Hospitality at the

Belvoir Hunt Ball THE BELVOIR HUNT recently welcomed guests at Honington Grange, by Kind permission of Richard and Wendy Coney to support celebrate the hunting season.

Otis Ferry, son of Roxy Music’s Brian Ferry, was DJ, whilst the Marquess of Granby and heir apparent to the Dukedom of Rutland, Charles Manners, led the dancing.

Also in attendance was the Duchess of Rutland Emma Manners, daughters Lady Alice, Lady Eliza & Lady Violet and Hugo Manners, plus Joint Hunt Master Lady Sarah McCorquodale.

The Belvoir Hunt is one of the oldest and most celebrated hunts; it dates from 1750 and became a foxhound pack in 1762. The kennels throughout the Hunt’s history have been at Belvoir Castle.

The pack’s country lies in Leicestershire & Lincolnshire, adjoining the Quorn and the Cottesmore at Melton. n Photos: Nico Morgan Media. To purchase prints call 07515 029261 or see www.nicomorgan.co.uk.

Fine Classical Music at

Belvoir Castle THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF RUTLAND recently opened their remarkable home – Belvoir Castle – to Brit Award winning and Grammy Nominee Amy Dickson and her special invitees, Adam Barnett-Hart (violin) and Simon Mulligan (piano) for a soiree that includes fine classical music, an immersive experience moving around the exquisite public and private rooms of the spectacular castle seen to such wonderful effect in the Netflix series The Crown, and a fine-dining experience in the State Dining Room.

Re-creating the atmosphere of a classic English country house party, and in the presence of His Grace, The Duke of Rutland, the essence of an Amy Dickson performance is elegance, informality and understatement; Amy and her world class artist colleagues performing only feet away from the audience; virtuosity and perfection at first hand with none of the stiffness of the traditional concert experience. n

Photos: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

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For Rutland In Rutland’s 2020

Good & New Sale FASHIONABLY ON TIME, local charity For Rutland In Rutland held its Good & New Clothes Sale recently, opening the doors with a special VIP event so earlybirds could enjoy the best picks.

Each year For Rutland In Rutland opens a pop-up shop at Barnsdale Lodge providing thousands upon thousands of good quality pre-enjoyed designer clothes, plus shoes, bags and accessories.

VIP opening night guests enjoy a glass of Champagne and canapé reception courtesy of Hambleton Hall, and we must thank the event’s sponsor Hegarty Solicitors on behalf of the event’s organisers. Each year around 70 rails of designer clothes and accessories are donated and sold to raise around £50,000 for the charity, which provide free, confidential, independent, non medical advice to people of all ages who are living with long term health conditions in Rutland and the surrounding area. n Photos: Rob Davis.

Colour, Character & Oriental Cuisine at

Hoppi Dorri’s Ni Kai Sophie Joy and Holly Withers last month launched Ni Kai, the new Japanese style bar of their pan-Asian restaurant Hoppi Dorri. “‘Ni Kai’ ‘Upstairs’ in Japanese, is the newest edition to Hoppi Dorri restaurant in Stamford,” says Holly.

“Follow the red staircase upstairs to our Asian themed bar, serving fusion snacks such as sushi & dumplings, and a selection of Japanese and locally brewed spirits, bottled beers & wines.”

“Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings, we also invite our guests for a drink or snack before or after their reservation downstairs.”

“We have casual seating, as well as a beautiful large terrace area. Look forward to food pairings with local business,’ barbecues & private hire events this summer.” n

Photos: Rob Davis.

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Colour, Character & Oriental Cuisine at

Hoppi Dorri’s Ni Kai Sophie Joy and Holly Withers last month launched Ni Kai, the new Japanese style bar of their pan-Asian restaurant Hoppi Dorri. “‘Ni Kai’ ‘Upstairs’ in Japanese, is the newest edition to Hoppi Dorri restaurant in Stamford,” says Holly.

“Follow the red staircase upstairs to our Asian themed bar, serving fusion snacks such as sushi & dumplings, and a selection of Japanese and locally brewed spirits, bottled beers & wines.”

“Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings, we also invite our guests for a drink or snack before or after their reservation downstairs.”

“We have casual seating, as well as a beautiful large terrace area. Look forward to food pairings with local business,’ barbecues & private hire events this summer.” n

Photos: Rob Davis.

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MOTORS

POWER to the

PEOPLE With climate change in the news every day and an increasing moral obligation on private and business motorists to reduce their CO2 emissions, is the era of the combustion engine numbered?

Words: Rob Davis.

THE UK CAR MARKET is in turmoil right now. Sales of all but the most eco-friendly models are stale at best, Brexit has made consumers cautious and contradictory advice on whether motorists should purchase petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles plus the change in the way we calculate how many miles per gallon a car can achieve - from NEDC to the new WLTP measurement have all left consumers baffled at best.

Wading into a perfect storm of consumer ennui on 6th April is HMRC, with their unfailing and steadfast ability to make a complete Horlicks of your personal tax as soon as you even go near a company car.

From April 2020, Benefit in Kind rates for zero-CO2 emission cars will drop from 16% to zero, making fully-electric vehicles a compelling choice for those running a company car. Meanwhile, the BIK for cars that have both conventional engines and a plug-in electric motor and emit fewer than 50g CO2 will also drop to between 2% and 14%, depending on their electric-only range.

What’s more, we’re still demonising diesel engines, which means those motorists who visit the black pump will also be subject to a surcharge over petrol-powered cars.

being entirely dependent on finding a charging point when the need arises.

Because it will also run on petrol - not diesel - its 2.0 four-cylinder engine is a cheaper, more efficient backup power source to its ability to run for about 26 miles purely on electric power.

What’s more, because running a diesel Range Rover as a company car is eye-wateringly expensive, the tax benefits from running a plug-in Range Rover Sport instead make it a much more compelling option for businesses. We reckon it’ll save £400 a month in BIK tax compared to a diesel equivalent Sport.

Ironically, one of the UK’s cars least suitable for company-car drivers has become quite attractive. Badged the P400e, the plug-in hybrid Range Rover Sport is available in HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims, from £72,785-£86,385.

All cars have decent equipment with heated leather seats, rear view camera, navigation, cruise & climate control and parking sensors as standard. The only real drawback of ordering a Sport in PHEV form is the inability to specify the seven seater option.

Apologies if this is tedious, but we feel a need to set out the context behind which Range Rover has electrified its Sport, a model that, in fossil fuel form, is hardly going to receive a high five from Greenpeace, nor prove a wise company car; it’s expensive, it’s diesel and it’s not exactly economical.

The plug-in version of the car could be the perfect solution for those nervous about 153

Plug-In Power: SUVs with seven seats and three pin power...

Tesla Model X £82,995: The entry level 75kW version of Tesla’s Model X retains the ability to transport seven people in comfort and has nearly 2,500 litres of storage space. Its falcon-wing doors might seem impressive but we think they’ll irritate in tight spaces. Otherwise the car is impressive in its practicality. 360° cameras and adaptive cruise control give the car a modern feel, as does the huge iPad style centre touchscreen. It’s also good for reaching 60mph in 5.2 seconds and 130mph flat out, whilst achieving a range of 315 miles. n

Mercedes Benz GLE350de £61,360: Whilst the Tesla is a pure electric car, Mercedes’ GLE350de is unique in the sense that it pairs a 2.0 four-cylinder diesel unit with a 134bhp electric motor. The result is CO2 emissions of just 29g, meaning no tax for company car drivers. It’ll travel 60 miles on electric power alone. Meanwhile, the diesel engine should mean it’s still economical on longer motorway journeys. Shame about the dated looks and dated cabin, despite Mercedes’s best efforts with mood lighting. Options like the Premium and Premium Plus trims and Driver Assistance are packaged and so expensive, too. n

>> The PHEV Sport - badged P400 combines a 2.0 four-cylinder engine which musters 300hp (it’s the one badged P300 in Land Rover’s nomenclature) with a 105kW electric motor adding some extra shove.

Volvo XC90 Inscription Pro T8 £71,945: With seven seats, a huge boot and lots of standard equipment, the XC90 may not have the same brand caché as Range Rover of Mercedes, but it’s the cerebral choice. We’d specify the Xenium pack for £1,600 to add a 360° camera, Park Pilot and panoramic sunroof to the already vast list of standard equipment, but the XC90 is a bargain, emitting 55g CO2, achieving 117mpg and with an electric-only range of 44km. It’s fast, vast and has a beautiful cabin. n

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Low end grunt is given a boost by the fact that electric vehicles can leverage all of their power immediately without having to build up revs, so the P400 feels every bit as spritely as you’d hope, reaching 60mph in 6.3 seconds and achieving a top speed of 137mph on a autobahn. That low-end performance is also useful for low-speed/high-torque situations like really heavy duty off-roading.

The car’s 26 mile electric-only range isn’t enough for a motorway commute, but keep

“Until an all-new electric Range Rover arrives in 2021 followed by an electric Sport in 2022, this is one of the best models in the range.”

RANGE ROVER SPORT PHEV Price: £86,385 (Autobiography).

the car charged up and you’ll be doing that once a week visit to the supermarket and doing the school run, perhaps even commuting to and from the office, on electric-only power, only using petrol for those longer journeys.

The P400 emits 69g/km of CO2 so it’s not quite under the free-tax threshold, but it’ll certainly save you cash as a company car driver, but even if there’s nothing in it financially, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is also a really nice experience.

Best of all, the coveted Range Rover luxury, comfort, space, versatility, driving position and peerless off-road ability all remain unaffected.

Drivetrain: 2.0 litre V4 petrol engine with 105kW motor, seven speed automatic with all wheel drive transmission.

2021 will see a new Range Rover flagship, with prices rising significantly to compete with Rolls’ Cullinan and Bentley’s Bentayga.

A new Range Rover Sport will follow in 2022 with a fully-electric model, but for now, we reckon the plug-in Sport is probably one of the best models in the firm’s lineup. n

Performance: 0-62 mph: 6.3 seconds.

Top Speed: 137mph.

Economy: 75.3mpg (combined).

Equipment: Adaptive cruise, leather, park pack, navigation. n 149

MOTORS

LIVE TO TELL THE

SPEEDTAIL British motoring marque McLaren’s new Speedtail has broken the 250mph top speed barrier... making it an engineering masterpiece and a good future classic investment...

Words: Rob Davis.

IF EVER THERE WAS AN EXAMPLE of engineering achieving something it could regardless of whether it should, it’s the new McLaren Speedtail.

Whilst most cars depreciate in value, the Speedtail is likely to be purchased by devotees of the brand and kept garaged as a collector’s piece of motoring history.

It’s rather less likely that someone would have the chutzpah to drive it, not least for fear of somebody crashing into your £1.75m carbon fibre hypercar but because, with a 250mph top speed, you’d have to be on pretty unfriendly terms with mortality to want to do so anyway. That does rather beg the question of who on earth would put their name down for one of 106 Speedtails which will be made.

The Speedtail is road legal, if you’re of a sufficiently extrovert disposition, but it’s clearly designed for a track, or more likely destined to find a home in some private collector’s showroom, under a fabric cover.

But as an engineering achievement, it’s sufficiently impressive, with McLaren’s usual 4.0 V8 twin-turbocharged engine supplemented by an eMotor electric system.

The result is a car that has 1,055bhp and can reach 250mph flat out.

Though a 0-60mph figure is usually the way to determine a car’s acceleration, that rather modest velocity is reached and breached so soon that instead, McLaren quotes a 0-186mph time of just 13 seconds. Read this paragraph and by the time you’re finished, you’ll have accelerated from a standing start to 186mph.

Indeed, to test the Speedtail’s velocity the usual test tracks were insufficient, so McLaren had to use Kennedy Space Centre’s runway to confirm the car’s top speed.

The firm’s chief test driver Kenny Bräck took the XP2 prototype to that speed, probably with an overdeveloped sense of bravery compared to the rest of us.

He’d have been comfortable, as well as terrified though, because inside, the car is not the stripped-out track-day style interior you’d expect. Instead of something so crude as rear view mirrors there are rear view camera screens on the two A-pillars. That’s in addition to three digital screens; the left hand side one is for ‘ambience’ - that’s climate control to you and I - and navigation.

The right hand side one deals with media and telephony, then a central screen which

“The entire roof of the car is teardrop-shaped when viewed from overhead, a single panoramic glazed pane of glass which serves as both windscreen and roof...” contains the speedometer, the rev counter and other instruments. The car is also a three-seater with a centrally located seat flanked by two passengers’ seats and the entire roof of the car is tear-drop-shaped when viewed from overhead, a single panoramic glazed pane of glass which serves as both windscreen and roof. Sounds like a chip in the windscreen would be fearfully expensive... another reason to keep the Speedtail off the road. There aren’t even sunvisors in the car; instead electrochromatic technology darkens the car’s glazing when

the sun’s in your eyes. The dihedral doors open electrically and other controls are all created from beautiful milled aluminium.

The engine start-button, electric door switches and transmission buttons are all mounted on an overhead console.

As design goes, the Speedtail is concept-car pretty and perhaps hints at technology that will soon be commonplace - cameras and haptic screens. But we can’t help thinking the car is engineering for engineering’s sake; a museum piece, and a great investment as it’ll surely appreciate... but... not a driver’s car. n

McLAREN SPEEDTAIL Price: £1.75m; deliveries April.

Engine: 4.0 litre V8, twin turbo, plus electric motor, 1,035bhp.

Drivetrain: Seven speed auto gearbox, all wheel drive.

Performance: 0-186mph 13.7 seconds (est); 250mph top speed.

Economy: TBC. Equipment: Three leather seats, surround cameras, navigation. n

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MOTORS

Lotus’ Evija Hypercar THE HOTTEST THING TO COME OUT OF NORWICH SINCE COLMAN’S MUSTARD!

LOTUS Ford sold 6,100 Fiestas in January 2020; it’s the UK’s best selling car. Lotus, meanwhile, sells 1,630 cars a year from its headquarters in Norwich. Just down the road from Colman’s, the Norfolk mustard factory.

And you might be as keen as mustard to put your name down for the firm’s new hypercar, the Evija. With

2,000ps of power it’s the most powerful production car ever, and the lightest at 1,680kg thanks to its carbon fibre body.

Its electric range is 250 miles and it’ll reach speeds of over 200mph with airflow passages right through the car’s body.

Only 130 examples will be made and you’ll need deep pockets, as it’ll go on sale for no less than £2m! n

£400 per parking prang!

OUCH! AVERAGE REPAIR BILL OF £400 FOR PARKING PRANGS

The frugal way to move lots of luggage as BMW launches plug-in...

BMW If you’re looking for a car that’ll swallow loads of cargo, transport five in comfort, cost pennies to lease and run... and provide an engaging drive, good news! BMW has released a plug-in version of its 3-Series Touring model.

Fuel economy figures are 156mpg combined and emissions are just 42g CO2 meaning it’s exempt from BIK tax. It’ll reach 60mph in 6.2 seconds and of course, it drives like a dream, despite having 1,420 litres of luggage space. n

PARKING PRANGS We’ve all been there. A moment of carelessness or a tight multi-storey car park and all of a sudden your bumper is... well, bumped.

Skoda is doing great things in the motoring world at the moment, with a really great portfolio of models. It has also just completed research showing that drivers are left with a £396 repair bill on average, following a parking prang. 11% of motorists, 3.74m people a year, have damaged their vehicle in the past year out of 34m drivers.

Additionally, over 40% of drivers admit to having opened their car onto an adjacent car’s door in a car park in the past year! n

MOTORING

NEWS In Brief

ENDANGERED SPECIES

DUBIOUS MODERN ‘CLASSICS’ ON THE ENDANGERED LIST...

The prospect of extinction in the animal kingdom is a horrifying proposition, but in the motoring world, do some of history’s more dubious models deserve to be consigned to extinction? Take the Soviet Lada Riva, for example. Or the Peugeot 309. What about the (shudder) Nissan Bluebird? All of these cars are on the endangered list, some with just 50 remaining in existence according to the DVLA. If your first car was a Fiat Uno, and you remember it with fondness, would you rescue one of few remaining examples from auto oblivion?

Top Ten Cars at risk from extinction and the numbers remaining in the UK: 1. Lada Riva, 1983-1997 49 remaining in UK. 2. Alfa 146, 1994-2000 89 remaining in UK. 3. Fiat Uno, 1983-1995 218 remaining in UK. 4. Renault 21, 1986-1994: 221 remaining in UK. 5. V/Hall Carlton ‘78-’94: 270 remaining in UK. 6. Citroën BX, 1982-1994: 286 remaining in UK. 7. Nissan Bluebird, 80s: 324 remaining in UK. 8. Volvo 440, 1987-1996: 407 remaining in UK. 9. Peugeot 309, ‘85-’93: 409 remaining in UK. 10. Rover 800, ‘86-’98: 468 remaining in UK. n 153

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