Stamford Pride December 2019

PRIDE

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STAMFORD

STAMFORD’S FINEST MAGAZINE

£4.50

PRIDE MAGAZINES

Seasons Greetings to all of our Readers!

COVER IMAGE: PRIDE MAGAZINES’ ILLUSTRATOR JOCELYN LAWMAN

READ

FREE ONLINE

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WELCOME

M

y first job this month is to thank everyone who has voted in our Good Food Awards. As you read this we’ll be in the process of tallying up the thousands of votes we’ve received ready to name our 2019 Restaurant of the Year and the awards’ other titles, ready for a big reveal in our next edition!

Next, I’ve the pleasure of introducing our in-house illustrator Jocelyn Lawman. You’ve probably noticed our amazing front cover design this month.

Well, we’ve been so impressed with Jocelyn’s excellent work that we’ve invited her to join the Pride team to create our covers in 2020 and beyond. We’ll meet her properly in a special feature later in this edition!

In addition we’ve Christmas gifts from local retailers, festive bakes from Rutland’s Katy Jones, the most beautiful festive decorations for your home, plus party fashions and everything else you need to enjoy the season and celebrate the very best of life in the county.

Best wishes for a wonderful month, please do enjoy a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Executive Editor rob@pridemagazines.co.uk 3

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CONTENTS NEWS & EVENTS 06

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around the area for December.

WHAT’S ON The best Christmas events in Rutland & Stamford.

HIGHLIGHTS 26 39

MEET OUR COVER ARTIST

Artist Jocelyn Lawman on how we create our front page illustrations.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS Thoughtful gifts courtesy of Rutland and Stamford’s independent retailers.

FOOD & DRINK 54 62 71

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NEWS Our roundup of news in and

DINING OUT Seasonal dining as Clipsham’s Olive Branch pub celebrates its 20th birthday...

CHRISTMAS BAKING Festive

FESTIVE WINE Tipples for turkey and a gin with frankincense and myrrh. bakes for the family with Katie Jones.

HOMES & GARDENS 74

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WELCOME HOME A wonderful contemporary cottage in Belton.

DESIGN YOUR OWN HOME

Bespoke architecture in the county.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN 94 98

WEDDING A magical day at Rushton Hall for Laura and Lee.

WEDDING VENUES The best places in which to marry for 2020 & 2021.

106 FASHION Party dresses to dazzle

as you celebrate the festive season.

108 COSMETICS Gold Sparkles.

THE HIGH LIFE 115

HIGH LIFE A military reception held at Kendrew Barracks.

126 MOTORS Aston’s DB4 Zagato.

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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 properties in the top three council tax bands - homes which are predominantly worth over £300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content. In addition the magazine is also sold in supermarkets and newsagents including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, WHSmith, Tesco, Asda, Co-Op and Morrisons.

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 magazines also have more social media fans than any other local magazine, and we are available to read free of charge, online on your tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

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

This month’s cover artwork has been created by Pride Magazine’s illustrator Jocelyn Lawman.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

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.

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

THE PRIDE TEAM

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Manager: Charlotte Daubney.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Chief Photographer: Dean Fisher.

Illustrator: Jocelyn Lawman.

Features: Laurin Dempsey, Carissa Smith.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Distribution: Joe Proctor.

Office Managers: Sue Bannister and Melissa Trestrail.

Sales Supervisor: Cydney Dyson.

Sales Executives: Cassy Ayton, Emily Brown, Jade Cox, Grace Mumford.

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

www.pridemagazines.co.uk | enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

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NEWS & EVENTS

Royal Visitor for Oakham Castle

RUTLAND PREPARES TO WELCOMES HRH THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER TO CASTLE OAKHAM Rutland is preparing to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester for an official Royal visit. His Royal Highness will travel to Rutland on 20th November 2019.

The tour will include a visit to Rutland County Showground to meet with representatives of Oakham Rugby Club. His Royal Highness will hear about the club’s work with the local community before speaking to volunteers from Rutland’s First Responders. The First Responders are trained in the use of defibrillators and can administer a range of potentially life-saving treatments when called upon.

The Royal visit will also include a trip to The King Centre in Barleythorpe. The site of a former sixth form college, The King Centre is now home to some of Rutland’s most innovative local busi-

nesses and generates more than £14million for the local economy and will meet with the Leader of Rutland County Council, Councillor Oliver Hemsley, along with local

Opera venue Nevill Holt wins Stirling People’s Vote NEVILL HOLT ESTATE’S 400 SEAT OPERA AUDITORIUM HONOURED IN STIRLING ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

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business owners. The Duke will then travel to Oakham Castle to view a ceremonial horse shoe hung to commemorate his first Royal visit to Rutland in 1977 and will be

the guest of honour at a special ceremony at Rutland County Museum to unveil a new and previously unseen historical artefact to mark the Museum’s 50th Anniversary. n

UPPINGHAM Opera venue Nevill Holt’s 400-seat auditorium has been honoured with recognition in the 2019 Stirling Prize awards.

The new theatre, which opened in 2018, has won the People Vote in the Stirling Prize awards for architecture.

Designed by architects Witherford Watson Mann and theatre designers Sound Space Vision, the theatre is located in the 17th century stableblock on the estate of Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross.

Nevill Holt Opera, founded by the businessman

in 2013, has a mission not only to stage word class opera but to enrich lives, and empower young people, through the power of music and the Arts, introducing new talent into the world of opera. Today, the company it headed up by General Manager Rosenna East and Artistic Director Nicholas Chalmers.

The award is in recognition of the investment in the theatre and effort the company has gone to in order to invest in its performances. The RIBA Stirling Prize is judged against a range of criteria including design vision and innovation. n

A BRACE OF CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN CHURCHES

STAMFORD Two churches in Stamford will warm up your winter this month with a brace of festive events providing uplifting live music.

St Mary’s Church presents its Opera Gala on Saturday 7th December with wonderful opera local singers performing airas, duets and ensembles from the operas of Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini and many others.

The Stamford Singers will also perform their Christmas Concert at St Martin’s Church on Saturday 14th December, with David Lovell Brown on Organ. The Singers is a chamber choir made up of enthusiastic and dedicated singers. Founded in 2007, the group performs to benefit its nominated charity, The Evergreen Care Trust. n See www.stamfordsingers.org.

Stamford’s New Apprentice?

Mystery month of filming at Burghley House in October...

STAMFORD Burghley House was closed for nearly two weeks last month as a film crew moved into Stamford’s Elizabethan stately home. The estate is remaining tight-lipped about exactly what was filmed at the house, but the property has previously been used as a backdrop for Pride & Prejudice and hosted the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow in 2010. n

STAMFORD “Don’t judge a book by its cover!” that was the message from Stamford’s Marianne Rawlins as she stepped into the boardroom in the new series of the BBC’s Apprentice.

Marianne is a 36-year old Risk Management Consultant born in the US before moving to the UK in 2017. Marianne’s appearance on the show follows last year’s fourth-place candidate Khadija Kalifa, who has been giving Marianne advice on the process. “She gave me a rundown so I can better anticipate what is going to happen from this point forward. She has been great.”

n Marianne is pictured opposite, first left, with the other contestants.

£12,000 garden

Festive Concerts

A SECRET GARDEN IN STAMFORD has gone on sale for £12,000. The plot is 10m x 6m, south-facing and has raised beds and a summerhouse. Its location is being kept secret until a would-be owner makes an enquiry to current owner Hayley Bell by calling 07860 676921. An ideal Christmas present for the gardener in your life perhaps? n

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LOCAL

NEWS In Brief STAMFORD

stamford musician & teacher’s ‘don’t lose hope’ message...

Stamford musician Dominic Brister - by day a teacher at Stamford Welland Academy - has helped Bourne based mental health group Don’t Lose Hope to raise awareness of mental health by releasing an album of popular covers.

The album includes covers of Dakota, Handbags & Gladrags, Mack the Knife and George Ezra’s Shotgun.

All funds from this covers album will go to support Don't Lose Hope, run by Nicola Brister n See dombrister. bandcamp.com.

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NEWS & EVENTS

A Heartwarming Anniversary...

20TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN DAY FOR STAMFORD PLUMBING & STAMFORD STOVES STAMFORD Celebrating 20 years recently, Stamford Plumbing and its sister company Stamford Stoves opened its Barnack showroom to new and existing customers to celebrate its milestone and show off a range of products from top names like Everhot, Charnwood, and Rais.

The day featured cookery demonstrations including brunch prepared on the showroom’s Everhot ranges, plus Prosecco from The Tipsy Flute and experts answering question on Worcester Bosch energy saving boilers. Also present was Helios - the god of fire - with his impressive fire eating act.

Naturally there was plenty of fire kicking around to allow owners Anthony Dean and Zara Jaques to light the candles of their cake, created

by Bakes by Chelsea. n www.stamfordstoves.co.uk.

LOCAL NEWS In Brief

rhea view mirrors earlier sighting of emu-sing bird...

It’s loose again! Bemused locals were shocked to discover that a large, funnylooking bird believed to be a rhea had once again manage to escape captivity near Uffington, mirroring an earlier escape when joggers and cyclists were caught in a stand-off with the bird.

The emu-like bird has been reunited with its owner. n

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Duchess’ Rutland Cameo HISTORIC STEAM TRAIN AND CARRIAGES PASS OVER HARRINGWORTH VIADUCT TO DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS

RUTLAND Rail enthusiasts were delighted recently when the steam locomotive 46233 Duchess of Sutherland made a majestic appearance steaming over the Harringworth viaduct.

Duchess is a London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Princess Coronation Class.

Built in 1938 in Crewe Works it hauled passenger services between London Euston and Glasgow Central as well as other expresses to Liverpool.

The appearance of the locomotive was not the first time a steam locomotive passed through the county; the Flying Scotsman passed through Rutland in June. n

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Uppingham, RUtland Guide Price £750,000

Set in a tucked away private location on the edge of the popular market town of Uppingham, Welland View is a great family home. The house has been much improved by the present owners to create a substantial home with a wonderful mix of reception rooms, making it ideal for family life. At the centre of the home is a lovely open-plan kitchen / diner, a natural hub for daily life where double doors open out to the rear garden and covered sun terrace. The accommodation further benefits from a master bedroom suite, two / three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom. In addition to the main house there is a self-contained annex which is adjoined to the property. Attractive mature gardens surround the house on all sides and offer a high degree of privacy, the rear garden benefits from a covered sun terrace that overlooks the feature pond. With its tucked away setting and excellent interior space, Welland View is a unique, stylish and welcoming family home in an excellent location.

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

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

fineandcountry.com

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Cottingham, lEiCEStERShiRE Guide Price £450,000

225 offices across great Britain plus 75 offices globally

Crossbank House is an absolutely charming stone property, which dates back to 1850.

Set in an elevated position in the centre of the village with fine views of the surrounding countryside. Crossbank House has been a much cherished home for the current owner for the last seventeen years and during this time has been carefully renovated whilst retaining many original features. The house offers versatile accommodation throughout with three reception rooms, a large kitchen breakfast room and four bedrooms, two with en suite shower rooms. Further benefits include an enclosed private garden, two parking spaces and an outbuilding. Internal viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate this lovely home.

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SOLD in 2019 D L SO

D L SO

CAREBY, LINCOLNSHIRE £895,000

UPPINGHAM, LEICESTERSHIRE £555,000

D L SO

COTTERSTOCK, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE £900,000

D L SO

STIBBINGTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE £2,950,000

D L SO

STAMFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE £795,000

D L SO

STAMFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE £725,000

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D L SO

D L SO

TIXOVER, RUTLAND £1,999,000

D L SO

SHOTLEY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE £695,000

D L SO

YARWELL, CAMBRIDGESHIRE £795,000

WANSFORD, CAMBRIDGESHIRE £1,250,000

D L SO

STAMFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE £2,750,000

D L SO

RYHALL, RUTLAND £537,500

We can help you move in 2020

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GLEBE BARN, HARRINGWORTH

GUIDE PRICE £1,600,000

A stunning barn conversion, built to an impeccable standard with far-reaching, panoramic views over the Welland Valley, sitting within three and a half acres.

• Stunning Panoramic Views

• Cinema Room

• Large Private Driveway

• Five En-Suite Double Bedrooms

• 38ft Open Plan Living Kitchen

• Sitting In 3.5 Acres

• Formal Sitting Room

• Contemporary Roof Terrace

• Snug

• Generous Double Garage

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facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Griffin House, Burley on the Hill, Oakham, LE15 7FL

A fabulous Country House, forming part of one of England’s finest mansion houses.

Edward Brassey 01858 433 123 Edward.brassey@struttandparker.com

Guide Price £1,425,000

HALL | KITCHEN BREAKFAST ROOM | DRAWING ROOM DINING ROOM | MEZZANINE GALLERY | REAR HALL WC | PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM AND DRESSING ROOM/BEDROOM 5 | 3 FURTHER BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | OPEN FRONTED COACH HOUSE (LAPSED PLANNING FOR 2 BEDROOM COTTAGE) DOUBLE GARAGE | GRAVELLED PARKING | PRIVATE WALLED GARDENS | COMMUNAL USE OF 67 ACRES OF GROUNDS AND DEER PARK

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NEW BUILD

Langham

NO CHAIN

£995,000

An executive contemporary 5 bedroom home set on a brand new, exclusive, gated development of only 3 dwellings set in a highly regarded village close to Oakham and enjoying open countryside views to the rear. The property is finished to a demanding specification and offers spacious, energy efficient family accommodation which benefits from air sourced heat pumps, underfloor heating to the ground floor and bathrooms and LED lighting throughout. Energy Rating: TBC.

NEW

Langham

Uppingham

£645,000

A beautiful large, detached period property with south-facing garden situated close to town centre. The property is built of local stone under slate roof and offers spacious and well laid out accommodation sympathetically refurbished to a high standard throughout whilst retaining much of its period charm. 3 Rec. Rooms, Study, bespoke Kitchen/Diner, Utility, Clkrm, 5 Bedrooms, 3 of them with en-suite facilities; Garage, parking. Energy Rating: E.

NEW

£629,950

Superb detached house occupying an enviable position on the edge of a sought-after village and enjoying far-reaching countryside views. The property offers generously-proportioned, light and airy accommodation with 2 Reception Rooms, Study, Snug, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 4 Dbl Bedrooms and 3 Bath/Shower Rooms. Dbl Garage, private, south-facing Garden.

Energy Rating: C.

Edith Weston

£575,000

Welland Heights is a new gated development of just five substantial detached dwellings sitting in an elevated position adjacent to the Gretton Conservation Area and enjoys views over the Welland Valley and surrounding countryside. The properties on the development have been thoughtfully designed to offer spacious family accommodation and are being constructed to a demanding specification by a long established local building firm. Energy Rating: TBC.

NO CHAIN

Barrow

£525,000

Substantial detached period property set on a good sized plot in a rarely available location, surrounded by established gardens and enjoying panoramic rural views. 3 Reception Rooms, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom, large loft space. Dbl Garage, ample parking, lovely gardens. Energy Rating: E.

Ayston

£495,000

An elegant stone-built semi-detached character property dating back to 1891 set on a large plot within Conservation Area of a picturesque hamlet just outside of the historic market town of Uppingham. 2 Reception Rooms, Kitchen/Diner, Clkrm, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom; established Gardens, Outbuildings, dbl Garage. Energy Rating: E.

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

5 Steps to Combat Investment Mistakes Whatever stage of life you are in, future security is a concern for us all. We all want to enjoy the coming years but planning for your future can be a daunting prospect, especially with the current rates of inflation that are eroding your money. But that is not the only risk; pitiful rates of return, volatile markets and overpaying tax could also damage your future plans.

So how can you grow your wealth, reduce your tax bills and fulfil all your ambitions?

K

EEPING MONEY IN CASH is highly unlikely to deliver the levels of return that you hope for but investing can seem like too much of a gamble. And it can be, if it is not done correctly, because most people take too much risk when investing and don’t review what they have in place.

1. Review. Continually and regularly reviewing what you have in place is crucial to your future success. For example, high charges, commissions and fees all erode the money you make, thus drag your investments down. Sometimes the charges aren’t as clear as they should be, so we can help you get to the heart of what they are and identify ways to reduce them. is could even mean retiring earlier or affording more of that bucket list.

2. Manage Risk. It’s important to mention here that there is no such thing as no risk; even if your money is sat in the bank, it is still at risk from erosion by inflation. Everyone’s attitudes, preferences and tolerances to risk will be different, and as you move through life these will change. It’s vital to regularly review these, so you don’t blow up the plan later on!

3. Diversify. Diversification is often regarded as the secret ingredient to investment success. e old adage ‘don’t put all of your eggs in one basket’ couldn’t be truer here! A diverse range of investments can help to boost your wealth, giving you more flexibility and financial security for the future. e split of your investments is so important; it is shown to drive between 80-90% of the returns you receive.

4. Reduce Tax. Alongside diversification, tax efficiency is the key component to a successful investment strategy. ere are some taxes that you must pay, but equally there are many solutions available to you that will help to reduce this figure,

as your financial future, it’s important you can see the road ahead of you, so you can make the right turns today to ensure you get there as quickly and safely as possible.

Another step you could take is to read or listen to ‘e Dream Retirement’. You can get your own free copy by visiting www.efficientportfolio.co.uk If you want peace of mind for your financial future, you need to know you are getting the best return possible for a level of risk you are comfortable with, and that you have a clear plan to achieve what is important to you and your loved ones. If you are failing to plan, you are planning to fail!

“

n If, after reading the book, you would like some professional guidance, please contact us on hello@efficientportfolio.co.uk or 01572 898060.

We’d be delighted to help.

Even if your money is sat in the bank, it is still at risk from erosion by inflation

”

therefore boosting the returns you get, and again, maybe allowing you to retire earlier or tick off more of that bucket list.

5. Have a Plan. e question we get asked more than any other is ‘will I have enough’, often by people who have a financial adviser! at’s because they are receiving financial advice but have no financial plan. If you don’t have a Lifetime CashFlow Forecast, you don’t have a plan, which means you don’t know where you are going. On a journey as important 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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Buy Online

15% off* Pre Christmas online orders, when you use the code: ‘Gifts19’

Interior Design Making Up Reupholstery www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 17a & 27 Mill St Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA 01572 722 345

*this offer excludes all artwork

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PRIDE’S RESIDENT ARTIST

ARTIST MEET PRIDE’S COVER

is month we’ve the pleasure of introducing Jocelyn Lawman, our new resident artist. e illustrator’s background in creating beautiful watercolours will come in handy not just for creating the 2020 covers of the area’s finest magazines but for local families looking to commission their own bespoke Christmas cards and portraits…

Images: Pride’s Chief Photographer Dean Fisher and Jocelyn Lawman.

According to the adage, a picture can tell a thousand words. In the case of illustrator Jocelyn Lawman’s work though, that word count seems a significant underestimate.

We adore Jocelyn’s work so much that we’ve invited her to undertake the position of Pride’s Resident Artist, creating our cover artwork and illustrations throughout 2020.

In addition, Jocelyn will also continue to work on her own private commissions, creating watercolour images of families – couples, children and beloved pets – watercolours of clients’ homes and bespoke greeting cards.

We recently joined Jocelyn in her studio to see how the artist creates her watercolour illustrations and to find out how an instinct for art has translated into a career working for some of the UK’s most well-known beauty brands too.

“Art was always a profound pleasure for me,” says Jocelyn. “I was schooled hight her in at the county at Lincoln College of Art & Design and completed a BA (Hons) in Fine Art at Newcastle university.”

“I loved the city, its people, its vibrancy and would spend hours ‘people watching’ and completing quick sketches of people in one of Newcastle’s busiest thoroughfares, Eldon Square in the heart of the city.”

“I had really been encouraged by my peers at school who looked at a couple of pieces I’d produced – a Pierrot figure, and a white feather, from memory – and exclaimed ‘wow!’ That catalysed my confidence and encouraged me to fill sketchbook after sketchbook with quick simple portraiture.”

Doing so enabled Jocelyn to work in a highly instinctive way. She observes that in the Victorian era, ladies were encouraged to ‘learn’ art in a formal, structured way, breaking pictures down into simpler shapes.

That approach would yield very samey looking pieces. By contrast Jocelyn’s instinctive approach gives her work an individual, warm and characterful look and she soon began to pick up commissions.

“We spent summer holidays at my grandfather’s rustic barn conversion in the

Opposite: Jocelyn Lawman is our Artist in Residence, and works with us to create our cover artwork.

This month we’re going behind the scenes at Jocelyn’s studio to see how she creates our covers and her other commissions - greetings cards, portraits and paintings of families, properties and pets.

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Jocelyn also works hard creating her private commissions – usually portraits and properties – creating bespoke Christmas cards for clients...”

Top: A few of Jocelyn’s bespoke Christmas cards.

Far Right: Jocelyn works in light pencil strokes to sketch an idea before ‘drawing’ in watercolour.

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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Dordogne, which was a lovely agricultural area, providing lots of inspiration. I created sketches and illustrations for pleasure but upon graduating I moved to London and landed a job with Proctor & Gamble.

My role was in marketing brands like Max Factor, Vidal Sassoon, Pantene, Herbal Essences and Clairol. I liaised with agencies and found my real skill was creating a tangible brief for a designer to work with.

I was a good intermediary between the brand managers and the designers, which was essential to ensure I was commercially successful in the role – and it was a huge achievement to visit the supermarket and see our vision there on the shelves - but unfulfilling creatively.”

“My husband and I relocated to Dorking to start a family and start a new business as an illustrator. I created illustrations of every pupil – about 130 kids – at our children’s school every three or four years, painting them individually and in their friendship

Above: Pets are among the most popular commissions that Jocelyn paints for her clients. She also has a range of cards from her existing range as well as her bespoke commissions.

groups. There was a terrific number of illustrations, but it was so rewarding.”

“Moving back to the area, as my children were growing up, gave me a better work/life balance and enabled me to take the plunge and to take on more commissions.”

“Today I still retain commissions like the Olsen Animal Trust and an ongoing Superhero Series - a grass roots paratriathlon event founded by Paralympian Sophia Warner.”

Jocelyn also works hard creating her private commissions – usually portraits and properties – creating bespoke Christmas cards for private householders. In Jocelyn’s studio are chests full of illustrations – thousands of them. Everything is digitised but often the client receives the original illustration.

Though she sometimes has to resort to working from a photograph, for surprise gifts for example, Jocelyn usually visits the 29

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As Pride’s Artist in Residence, we thought we’d show off exactly how Jocelyn has created our beautiful Christmas covers...

home she’s painting, preferring to see the subject in real life.

“I start and finish on the same sheet. I usually work on A3 cartridge paper, and my initial weapon of choice is a gnarly 3B pencil sharpened with a craft knife.”

“I sketch the bare bones of a design completely freehand, really lightly but I mostly ‘draw’ in watercolour so there are as few pencil marks remaining as possible.”

“I prefer not to go over outlines in black ink, but if the client prefers that or the artwork lends itself to it, I’ll normally use an Edding pen.”

“I spend about 15 minutes on an initial sketch and if I’ve met the client, I usually have the image half-drawn in my head by the time I’ve driven home.”

“In total a commission can take up to two hours. I scan it in to digitise it and to make the background pure white, but I don’t do much in Photoshop at all, it’s handy for filing images and for removing smudges but otherwise everything is hand-drawn.”

“Moving back to the area in 2015 has given me and my family a much better quality of life. There are better schools, I’m closer to family and of course lots of inspiration for my work.”

“I absolutely love the place so to be able to illustrate the county over the coming years and see my work in print, but also to reach new clients keen to have commission their own illustrations will be lovely!” n

n Jocelyn Lawman is Pride’s new Resident Artist and will be working on our 2020 collection of front covers. The artist is also available for private portrait and house commissions. For more information call 01529 469977 or see www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

For several years now, Pride Magazines has tried to be a little different in the way we present our magazine, from the bond paper we use to give the publication a luxury feel to the way we eschew the usual county scene on the cover in favour of quirky artwork.

“The cover is like a shop window for a magazine not just in terms of content, but also in terms of giving readers an idea of the title’s position in the market place and its values,” says Editor Rob Davis.

“Our decision to use illustrations rather than cover photographs was possible because ‘newsstand appeal’ is less of a concern to us compared to other county magazines because our distribution is predominantly a free one, directly through the letterboxes of properties in council tax bands F, G and H.” “Because we don’t need to sell magazines on newsstands we have more freedom with our choice of cover artwork, choosing what looks quirky, not a cover image which will ‘sell magazines.’”

“The use of illustrations mean we’re not constrained by what images it’s possible to achieve with a camera or what we can obtain in spite of the weather, or time of year.”

“In our cover conferences the whole of the team is responsible for contributing ideas, and when we’ve an idea for a cover image which reflects the content of the magazine and which we all agree will look great, we hand a brief over to our illustrator Jocelyn Lawman.

“Jocelyn hand-draws images taking anything up to two hours per image, ensuring that each image can incorporate a regional variation for our Lincolnshire, Rutland and Stamford magazines.”

“Jocelyn is great at incorporating our briefs, and our Christmas cover took three hours, with each element hand-drawn in a large format before being composited to create the final image.”

“Jocelyn works with pencil to lightly sketch her idea on A3, but she ‘draws’ in watercolour, mixing each colour up and building up the light, shadows and colours in each image.”

“The artwork is scanned in, gently retouched then placed on our page where we add the magazine’s masthead and ‘teasers’ to let readers know what our most important features are, before it’s sent off to our printers in high resolution.” n

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Christm tmas Cards Impress your friends or clients with our new

Bespoke and han d painted

Why not have hand painted and bespoke Christmas Cards this year of your family, your business or home?

Our beautiful hand made Christmas Cards are painted by our in house illustrator, Jocelyn. To o see the quality of her work simply look at this months front page.

The Christmas cards are unique and add a ver y personal touch, they’re also ver y affordable.

For prices simply let us know what you are looking for and the quantity and then email

sales@pridemagazines.co.uk or call our friendly team on 01529 469977

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EVENTS

What’s On...

KINGS LYNN

OAKHAM

12th & 19th december

christmas shopping events at vancouver Quarter

saturday 7th december

charles dickens: a christmas carol Based at Oakham Castle, this is a festive treat for the whole family to enjoy. Chorus Theatre’s adaptation of Dickens’ classic morality tale is expertly and lovingly told by one actor, Andrew McWilliam and a myriad of characters.

The engaging narrative moves seamlessly from action between characters vividly portrayed by a simple change of hat, cloak, prop and the endearing tiny puppet of Tiny Tim. Oakham Castle will also welcome Lamphouse Theatre for a production of The Jungle Book on 11th December, with tickets for £8.50/adults, £6/children.

With gifts for everyone, Kings Lynn’s Vancouver Quarter shopping centre is the only place to visit this festive season.

From homeware and clothing to beauty, gaming and toys you can work through your lists and stop for a little rest in one of our coffee shops or cafes.

This year the centre is hosting two late night shopping event. On the 12th starting at 3pm, the Quarter will come alive with local choirs.

On the 19th Father Christmas, Elsa, Ana and Galaxy the Unicorn Queen will provide family fun and activities.

n From 6pm, Oakham Castle. £8/adults; £5.50/children, £23/family. Call 01572 757578 or see www.oakhamcastle.org.

Burghley Christmas Fair

FESTIVE FOOD, GIFTS AND DECORATIONS IN THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF STAMFORD’S ELIZABETHAN STATELY HOME...

STAMFORD

STAMFORD

thursday 28th november - sunday 1st december

friday 27th december

burghley house christmas fair

Judy Dench stars in this satellite screening of Shakespeare’s tragicomedy.

Burghley House’s biggest ever Christmas Fair. Wander amongst the Elizabethan surrounding of the Chestnut Courtyard and Brewhouse, heated marquees and Fine Food Market and enjoy a perfect Christmas shopping opportunity in the festive surroundings of Lincolnshire’s Elizabethan stately home. During the Christmas Fair the estate’s Christmas Shop will once again offer luxury Christmas gifts and decorations. n 9.30am-4pm (3.30pm on Sunday).

To find out more visit burghley.co.uk.

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n For more information visit www.vancouverquarter.com.

winter’s tale

n Stamford Theatre, live screening, 7pm, £14/adults, 01780 763 203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com

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Send your press releases and events to: the Features Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

LEICESTERSHIRE

thursday 21st november monday 30th december

walk like a man Following their amazing shows in Kilworth House’s Orangery last Christmas the country house hotel is delighted to welcome back ‘Walk Like A Man’ to start the festive season with a flourish!

Winners of the National Tribute Awards 2016 for Best Four Seasons Tribute and

pumping out classics such as ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Sherry,’ ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ and many many more, ‘Walk Like A Man’ is the ultimate celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons!

This amazing venue also provides the option to enjoy pre-theatre dining and overnight accommodation.

n Evening and matinée performances, £63-£75/person, from 1.30p/6pm, for information call 01858 881805 www.kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk.

Festive fundraising for the NSPCC in Oakham

ANNUAL CONCERT PROMISES FUN, THE CHANCE TO SING ALONG AND SOME GREAT SPEAKERS TOO!

UPPINGHAM

OAKHAM

tuesday 4th december

thursday 26th december

it’s beginning to look a lot like christmas...!

boxing day racing in huntingdon

Everyone is fond of a Christmas tradition, and what could be better than the annual feast of seasonal music courtesy of Uppingham students and staff !

With a diverse array of solo turns, festive ensembles and audience participation, this final lunchtime concert of the Autumn term will be sure to leave you feeling merry and bright.

n Uppingham Theatre, High Street Uppingham. Call 01572 822211 or see www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk.

MELTON MOWBRAY

friday 30th november

victorian fair

A much-loved, annual event in and around the town centre over three full days. Incorporates the Christmas Light Switch On and Fireworks (Friday 6.45pm).

n See www.melton.gov.uk.

OAKHAM

monday 2nd december

nspcc christmas carol concert This year’s NSPCC Celebrity Christmas Carol Concert, sponsored by Don Paddy’s in Uppingham, takes place on Monday 2nd December at All Saints’ Church in Oakham.

A fabulous line-up of stars of stage and screen will perform at this year’s NSPCC Carol concert.

Including Richard Coles (Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You?, Celebrity Masterchef, Have I Got News for You), Christopher Villiers (Emmerdale, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Mile High, Top Secret!), Lars Tharp (Antiques Roadshow), Nigel Colborn (TV Gardening presenter and

Highly regarded as Huntingdon Racecourse’s biggest event of the year, an event like no other that welcomes over 8,000 people across a seven race card Boxing Day racing is the gift on everyone’s list! Boxing Day at Huntingdon is firmly placed in the social calendar!

n Tickets from £10, Thrapston Road, Huntingdon PE28 4NL. Visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

OAKHAM

friday 6th december

rutland big band

Rutland Cookery School has been established by chef Robin Stewart., a professional chef, for over 30 years. Robin will demonstrate seven different canapes and will talk about different ways to serve them to ensure they are as appealing as possible. n From 6.30pm, see www.oakhamcastle.org.

columnist), Anne Davies (BBC) and Tim Hart and David Farrer QC are back by popular demand. Music will be provided by the sublime Harborough Singers; the cheerful Foresters Brass Band and carols (with audience participation!) and the evening will be compered by the vivacious Caroline Aston.

Tickets are now on sale for this unmissable evening of festive delights. The event is always a sell out and having raised over £250,000 since the concerts began organisers are once again looking forward to another successful evening.

n Tickets are priced at £15 each and available from James Sellicks, Oakham (01572 724437); Don Paddy’s, Uppingham (01572 822255) and Margaret Wheeler (01572 813626).

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EVENTS

Send your press releases and events to: the Features Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

West Side Story at The Curve...

THE SHARKS AND THE JETS BATTLE IT OUT IN A RATHER FAMILIAR LOVE STORY, SET TO A CROONING 1950S SOUNDTRACK! LEICESTER

monday 2nd decembersaturday 11th January

west side story at the curve

New York City, West Side, 1957.

In the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, love at first sight strikes between Tony, a founding member of the White-American Jets and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks.

In the face of danger, the two young lovers continue to meet in secret – but the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out. Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tragedy

Romeo & Juliet and with a timeless score, making use of music by Leonard Bernstein and libretto by Stephen Sondheim, the soundtrack features well-known numbers like Tonight, America and I Feel Pretty.

West Side Story represents one of the greatest musicals of all time, filled with romance, charm, aggression and heartbreak.

Leicester’s Curve Theatre Based on the 1957 Broadway musical which in turn became a 1961 film which earned United Artists the accolade of producing the highest-grossing musical of all-time; West Side Story grossed $44.1 million worldwide ($370 million in 2019).

The Curve presents Damian Buhagiar as Chino and Ronan Burns as Riff. A performance on Wednesday 11th December includes an after-show discussion.

Opened in 2008 by Her Majesty The Queen, almost one million people a year engage with Curve through performances and projects including diverse programme of musicals, plays, new work, dance and opera.

All of this is presented alongside a dynamic mix of community engagement, artist development and learning programmes.

n Tickets from £10-£49.50, from Monday 2nd December to Saturday 11th January, call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.

STAMFORD

thursday 5th & thursday 12th december

choose happiness Just in time to help the stressed out this festive season.

By harnessing the power of meditation, we can come to understand that happiness is an option.

We can learn to cultivate positive, peaceful minds that make joy and happiness an everyday reality for ourself and for those we love.

Located at Stamford Arts Centre, this talk is hosted by the Drolma Buddhist Centre, in the Arts Centre’s Rehearsal Room.

Drolma Buddhist Centre is a Centre for meditation and Modern Buddhism based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and offers everyone the opportunity to develop lasting inner peace through meditation.

Meditation courses are held in Peterborough, Stamford and at Fineshade Wood.

The Centre and its activities are open to everyone and you do not have to be Buddhist to take part in the classes or courses run by us to benefit from them.

n From 1pm, £6/adults, call 01780 763203 or see stamfordartscentre.com

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

vv

T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring. at’s because this household had Christmas all wrapped up - literally - nice and early. Here, we’ve some super gifts from some of our favourite independent retailers...

Compiled By: Rob Davis & Dean Fisher.

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Chrismas TOY EVENTS AT • Gifts for all the family • Toys & Clothing • FREE Refreshments

Monday 2nd December - Lowdham* - Pytchley Tuesday 3rd December - Melton Mowbray Wednesday 4th December - Stamford Thursday 5th December - Grantham Events will run from 3-7pm *Lowdham 3-5.30pm

sharmans.jd-dealer.co.uk

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Below: ‘Dainty’ 18ct yellow gold plated silver horseshoe bracelet £57.

Cave Treasure organic set one off ring (varying prices related to metal & stones).

Left: Freshwater pearl & 18ct gold plated silver ‘Tassle’ necklace £340.

Right: Cross-body ‘Coco’ handmade leather chain bag £175

Ada Gallery

Ada Gallery is a boutique style gallery showcasing the best of British Craftsmanship.

Find a thoughtful gift at this Aladdin’s cave of contemporary jewellery & adornments, from over 50 different designer makers...

Above: Freshwater pearl & 18ct gold plated silver ‘Orbit’ chain earrings £60.

Left: ‘Paillette’ 18ct gold plated silver hoop earrings £105.

Left: Merino lambswool scarf £64.

Below: Lichen inspired 22ct gold plated silver earrings £250.

Above: ‘Cluster Granule’ silver & green sapphire rings £120/£250.

Below: Silver & 18ct yellow gold ‘Wrap’ rings from £120/£168.

find these featured products at: ada gallery, 4 e courtyard, bennett’s place, 30–31 high street, market harborough le16 7nl. open: tue to sat 10-5. call 01858 461896 or see www.adagallery.co.uk.

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Below: Boxing hares sculpture, £165. Gates Garden Centre.

Left: Culinary Concepts punch bowl £199.

Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB. 01664 454309 or see www.gates gardencentre.co.uk.

Above: Charles Farris candle set A Winter's Tale, British Expedition & Garden Of Eden £49.95, from Elizabeth Stanhope, Mill Street Oakham, 01572 722345 www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk Right: Neom Gift of Happiness Bodycare Gift Set £40.

John Lewis, Queensgate, www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.

Gifts from Rutland & Stamford Offering the latest jewellery trends Stamford’s Rubirox’s brands include Swarovski, Thomas Sabo and more.

An independent, family owned jewellers, perfect for finding special gifts!

Photos: Pride’s Chief Photographer Dean Fisher.

Below: Cozy Living Mathea Throw Cedar,£55.30, Cavells, Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 770600, www.cavells.co.uk.

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Right: Squark Interiors Duo Tone Art Print - from a personal photograph £130 / 50cm x 50cm, 01476 385051 squarkinteriors.co.uk Below: Branch D’Olive room diffuser set £27, not pictured is candle £25. From Sarah Harding Interiors Market Place, Uppingham, Oakham LE15 9QH 01572 823389. sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk.

Below: Mulberry Small Amberley Satchel Bag, Oak £650, John Lewis, Queensgate, www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.

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This Page: Sophie Allport’s Holly & Berry gift wrap, £5.50/roll.

Festive mug £11.50.

Sophie Allport, High St, Stamford PE9 2AY. 01780 751044 or see www.sophieallport.com.

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Left: Rubirox Jazz necklace in white gold £2,180.

Below: Swarovski gold necklace £209.

Above: Jazz earrings in white gold £2,095

Below: ‘O’ pendant, charms and chain £175.

Left: Nomination bracelet charms from £18.

Left: ChloBo Splendid Star bracelet £105.

Above: Ro Copenhagen Nord aquamarine ring £780.

Rubirox Jewellers

Offering the latest jewellery trends Stamford’s Rubirox’s brands include Swarovski, Thomas Sabo and more.

An independent, family owned jewellers, perfect for finding special gifts!

Above: Thomas Sabo Star earrings £98.

Photos: Pride’s Chief Photographer Dean Fisher.

Right: Swarovski Naughty or Nice bangle £119.

Below: Vivienne Westwood bracelet £90.

Right: Vegan Winter Wonderland watch £95.

find these featured products at: st mary’s street, stamford pe9 2df. call 01780 755996 or see www.rubirox.co.uk.

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Above: Example of votive tealights from Hunters Interiors - left to right teal and gold £9; blue dot tealight holder £5; blue and gold votive £6.

Above: Orange marbled tray £30.

Left: Mosaic khaki jar £50.

Right: Large atomic bowl £72.

Right: Pair of horse head bookends £27.

Hunters Interiors

Right: Triangle monochrome jar £45.

Below: Trio of blue and white orbs £16/three. Cream ‘bobble’ bowl £45.

Synonymous with elegant, stylish, comfortable and practical interiors, Hunters Interiors is also the place to find thoughtful gifts this season...

Photos: Pride’s Chief Photographer Dean Fisher.

Right: Golden pheasant, £45/pair.

Above: Leopard trinket dish £6.

find these featured products at: e dairy, copthill farm, deeping road, uffington, pe9 4td. call 01780 757946 or see www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk.

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7.5ft Grand Spruce Pre-Lit Christmas Tree & Sparkle Decoration Bundle ÂŁ850 The White Company, 0203 7589 222, thewhitecompany.com

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St. Petersburg Unlit Christmas Tree, Blue, 7ft, £259; Assorted Shatterproof Baubles, Tub of 30, White / Clear £12; 120 LED Icicle Lights, Ice White £30.

All from John Lewis & Partners Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NL, call 01733 344644 or see www.johnlewis.com

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Left: Red tote bag £100.

Right: Cushion pom pom pheasant design £30.

Right: Duchess Gallery tweed teddy £100.

Left: Pecking chicken in metal £29.95.

Below: Duchess Gallery china set cup and saucer £25; coasters £12; placemats £30.

Below/Right: Faux suede coat in yellow check £150.

e Engine Yard...

Find a range of luxurious gifts at Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard village. Here we’ve a selection of gifts from the estate’s Duchess’s Gallery boutique...

Photos: Pride’s Chief Photographer Dean Fisher.

Above: Duchess Gallery bergamot musk aromatic candle £18.

Right: Barbour cable hat and scarf set £50.

find these featured products at: e duchess’s gallery, belvoir castle, woolsthorpe road, grantham ng32 1pa. tel: 01476 247058 or see engineyardbelvoir.com.

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CHRISTMAS PERFUMES

festive fragrances NEW LUXURY FRAGRANCE RELEASES JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 1. Jo malone london festive limited edition english pear and freesia cologne 50ml, £69.

2. creed in gold leather atomiser 10ml, £140.

3. lancôme maison patchouli tonka edp, 100ml, £150.

4. guerlain mon guerlain gold collector edp 50ml, £63.75.

5. miller harris la fumée alexandrie edp 100ml, £170.

6. estée lauder aerin limone di sicilia edp 50ml, £150. n

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Take out one of our Christmas

Gift Subscriptions It’s the perfect gift idea for your loved one You can choose to have a six month subscription for £18 or a twelve month subscription for £36 We’ll deliver Pride free of charge to your friend or loved one’s doorstep - every month!

They’ll never miss a single issue!

01529 469977 SIMPLY CALL US ON

Alternatively, visit our website at www.pridemagazines.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

The Olive Branch at CLIPSHAM

This month the team at Clipsham’s Olive Branch are going to party like it’s 1999.

That’s because this month sees the stratospherically sublime pub restaurant celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of special events to really warm up your winter...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Pride’s Chief Photographer Dean Fisher.

Do you remember where you were in 1999?

I was an undergraduate student in the North of England wrestling with the academic rigours of Russian cultural theory courtesy of Messrs Valentin Voloshinov & Mikhail Bakhtin, or crucial media theories like Thompson’s mediated quasi-interaction and Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic constructs.

I can count on one finger the number of times my media studies degree has proved itself a useful ally in my subsequent career pulling together Rutland and Stamford’s finest magazine. Three years wasted... aside perhaps from the time I invested standing at the bar of a grotty student’s union convincing the girl who would become my wife of my academic and marital viability.

I’ll tell you what though: three people who weren’t wasting their time in 1999 are Ben Jones, Sean Hope and Marcus Welford. This time 20 years ago they’d just saved their village pub from obsolescence - which in itself is worthy - but they went on to create what many argue is the best pub restaurants in the area, indeed, one of the best pub restaurants in the UK.

THE PLACE IS LOVELY AND RUSTIC: PANTILED FLOORS, CHUNKY FARMHOUSE FURNITURE AND OPEN FIRES, REAL ALES AND FINE WINES...

20 Years of

THE OLIVE BRANCH

Michelin starred from 2002, Michelin Pub of the Year, 2020 Leicestershire & Rutland Dining Pub of the Year, one of the Good Pub Guide’s 10 best pubs nationally and Pride Magazines’s Restaurant of the Year from January 2019, the Olive Branch is beloved; dripping in accolades; celebrated; lauded... it’s just... wonderful.

As of 2018, Sean has stepped back from his stove but is still involved in the business, running it alongside Ben, both overseeing a team of eight chefs and as many front of house team members.

The place is gorgeously rustic, with pantiled floors, chunky farmhouse furniture and open fires, real ales, fine wines and food that’s as compelling to taste as it is to look at.

There are two menus each for daytime and evening dining. In the case of the former, there’s a lunchtime menu plus the pub’s >>

November 1999: Hambleton Hall trainees Ben Jones and Sean Hope, along with their friend, wine-seller Marcus Welford, buy The Olive Branch for £140,000.

2002: The Olive Branch is one of the first pubs in the UK to win a Michelin Star.

2005: The team buys Beech House opposite The Olive Branch – and convert it into six luxurious bedrooms, opening it in 2006.

2006: The Red Lion Inn is named AA Pub of the Year.

2014: The Olive Branch is named UK Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide.

2016: The pub opens its own allotment supplying ingredients for its kitchen.

Nov 2019: The Olive Branch celebrates its 20th birthday. n

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>> Lunch for Less option, whilst evening dining provides an à la carte dinner menu plus a five course Gourmet Dinner tasting menu with optional flight of wine or ale.

Image: Elli Dean.

December sees a couple of festive variations in place of The Olive Branch’s daytime and evening menus and a couple of special events in November and plenty more throughout 2020 to celebrate the pub restaurant’s 20th anniversary.

We’ll also remind readers that there’s an excellent Sunday lunch menu, plus the availability of six boutique bedrooms at Beech House, the B&B that Ben and Sean created in 2006.

OPEN FOR FOOD Lunchtime Service: 12 noon to 2pm Monday to Saturday.

Evening Service: 6.30pm to 9.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Sunday Lunchtime: 12 noon to 2pm Sunday.

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on the MENU OPTIONS FROM THE OLIVE BRANCH’S DINNER MENU Starters

Paddock broad beans & peas, slow cooked duck egg, truffle, turnip, nasturtium £8.50.

Smoked beef tartare, egg yolk jam, mustard frills, pickled radish, lovage £9.95.

Lightly smoked trout, apple, cucumber, dill & smoked yoghurt £10.50 Main Courses

Goosenargh Duck breast, spiced berries, celeriac, basil, dauphine potato £25.50.

Christmas Day was booked up even before Santa had finished last year’s deliveries, and with this being the nativity season, there’s ‘no room at the inn’ on Boxing Day either.

The team will also close the doors for New Year’s Eve and New Years Day, to put down the pans, rock back & forth and stare into the middle distance following December.

That’s what working in the restaurant trade over the festive season does for you, so spare a thought wherever you drink or dine, eh?

When they reopen, though, you can enjoy a post-Christmas pick-me-up with The Olive Branch taking part in January’s Lunch for Even Less promotion alongside seven other Rutland dining rooms.

The pub will also offer its early doors charity dining promotion which allows diners to enjoy two courses for just £12.50 from 6.30pm-7pm in February, on the condition that in the envelope placed on the table is placed a generous donation to the Olive Branch’s 2020 charity. This year’s charity is to be confirmed, but previous beneficiaries have included the Mat Hampson Foundation, Sue Ryder and Team George.

Look out, too, for wine evenings like 28th November’s festive tasting event and 30th November’s festive wine masterclass, plus the Olive Branch’s cookery demonstrations.

Local suppliers? Well, the restaurant’s allotment and polytunnel has supplied the kitchen well with fruit, veg and herbs since 2016, shellfish comes from Norfolk and the Yorkshire coast; other fish from Billingsgate or Covent Garden.

Meat is locally sourced from nearby farms and butchers, whilst the Pub Shop provides homemade chutneys, pickles, stock sauces, chocolates, oils, vinegars, wine and meat from Grasmere Farm.

Two decades on from its creation, and The Olive Branch’s Ben, Sean and the team are looking forward to celebrating the pub restaurant’s milestone, a team quite justifiably proud of their reputation.

Meanwhile it’s 20 years since I was a student.

And where has it got me? Still standing at the bar, still trying to convince my wife of my continuing academic and marital viability.

Still, at least now I’m standing at the bar of The Olive Branch. That’s progress... n

Brown butter poached Cod, smoked broccoli, mussels, almond, sea vegetables £22.50.

Roast Churchill Farm Chicken Breast, piccolo parsnips, spring onion, hen of the woods, smoked potato croquette, parsnip puree £19.95.

Dessert

Lovage parfait, cream cheese, granny smith apple, toasted oats £8.50.

Beetroot curd, white chocolate & horseradish ice cream, frozen blackberries, beetroot meringue £8.50.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change. n The Olive Branch at Clipsham is situated on Main Street, Clipsham, Oakham LE15 7SH. Call 01780 410355 or see theolivebranchpub.com.

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CHRISTMAS MENU

2 courses £23.95 3 courses £28.95

AVAILABLE 1ST - 24TH DECEMBER. CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY STARTERS

Traditional Scotch broth & Griffin bread

Smoked haddock & clam chowder Chicken liver parfait, onion chutney & toasted brioche Pear stuffed with blue cheese, cream cheese and walnut

MAINS

Traditional turkey roast & seasonal trimmings

Beef & carrot bourguignon, creamed potato & rich gravy

Fillet of hake, wilted greens & crayfish beurre blanc

Wild mushroom & Parmesan risotto with basil & truffle oil Beetroot falafel, petits pois, spinach & mint

PUDDINGS

Traditional Christmas pudding & brandy sauce Duo of homemade mince pies & brandy butter Chocolate brownie & honeycomb ice-cream Apple tart & cream or ice-cream Selection of local cheeses, fruit, chutney & biscuits (£2.50 supplement)

TEA/COFFEE & PETITS FOURS

All of the Griffin team wish you a Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year Please ask for vegetarian/vegan options and other dietary requirements. *TIPS: We are very happy to promise that all those who have worked so hard to make your evening an enjoyable one, receive all tips whether by card or cash.

Michael and Jamie

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

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FESTIVE BAKING

BAKING

CHRISTMAS

is month we’ve created a dizzyingly delicious range of festive treats with our favourite baker Katie Jones. If you’re keen to provide the family with some delicious Christmas treats, you’ll find festive food for thought here!

Words: Katie Jones. Photos: Pride Magazines’ Chief Photographer Dean Fisher.

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CINNAMON & WHITE CHOCOLATE BLONDIES Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes.

For the Blondies: 255g butter • 340g brown sugar • 320g plain flour • 3 tsp ground cinnamon • 3 eggs • 1 teaspoon salt • 200g chopped white chocolate For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 125g butter • 400g icing sugar • 340g soft cheese • Pistachios to decorate.

I use disposable foil trays to avoid greasing, lining, etc. Preheat the oven to 180°c.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. In a mixing bowl whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale. Add the melting butter and final dry ingredients except the chocolate and mix together with the paddle setting.

Once mixed stir in the white chocolate, and pour the batter into your baking tray. is will need anything upwards of 25 minutes depending on your tray and oven.

Don’t use a knife to check because blondies are naturally fudgy and gooey like brownies, not like cake, so you know when they’re done when they no longer wobble in the middle. Leave to cool.

For the cream cheese frosting, whisk all together using the whisk paddle on your mixer until combined, pale and fluffy. taste and alter ratios as per your own taste preference.

Chop or grind a full pack of pistachios. Add the frosting to the now cooled blondies, then sprinkle the pistachio crumb over. n 65

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CHOCOLATE ORANGE

& VANILLA MARBLE LOAF CAKE Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes.

For the Vanilla Sponge: 115g salted butter • 115g caster sugar • 140g self raising flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 2 eggs • For the chocolate cake batter: 85g salted butter • 85g caster sugar • 15g cocoa powder • 45g drinking chocolate • 70g self raising flour • 1/5 teaspoon baking powder • 2 eggs • zest of two oranges (keep the oranges for the juice later).

Grease and line your loaf tin. use a tablespoon to add three scoops of the chocolate batter into the base of the loaf tin, leaving space fore then adding three scoops of the vanilla cake batter next to the chocolate. Do the same for a second layer, alternating chocolate on top of the vanilla and vice versa.

Once you have used all your cake batter get your cake tester and swirl the batter about to make it marble, without actually mixing it together to combine it; you want to marble it so you have two separate flavours marbled together, not mix it so you have a weak chocolate cake batter!

Pop it in the oven at 170°c, and depending on your oven and tin it will need anything from 30 minutes onwards. Keep checking until a knife comes out clean. Once cooled take it out the tin and use your skewer to poke holes all over the top of the loaf cake. Juice your two oranges and add two heaped tablespoons of caster sugar. spoon the juice over the holes so it seeps through the sponge. I added ganache on this one here, which is the same recipe as the ganache drip for the chocolate cake. I also added some dried orange slices for drama. n 66

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F E S T I V E

BA K I N G

BAILEY’S CHOCOLATE FUDGE SPONGE CAKE Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 20 minutes.

Butter 170g (I always use salted because it enhances the flavour of everything so don’t be afraid of using salted butter in baking) Caster sugar 170g • Cocoa powder 30g • Drinking chocolate 85g Self-Raising flour 140g • 3 eggs • 1 tsp baking powder Half a tin of condensed milk • 350g butter • 125g cocoa powder 250g icing sugar • Bailey’s to your personal taste.

e original recipe will feed roughly 12 people, but as this is the tall show-stopping piece I have multiplied it by three.

Grease and line two baking tins, preheat the oven to 170°c. is is an easy recipe where you throw the whole lot in the mixer at once, best using a mixing paddle.

Mix until it's creamy and divide into the baking tins, then bake for roughly 20-30 minutes, depending on the depth of the baking tins and your oven, so keep checking every five minutes after 20 minutes until a knife comes out clean.

For the Bailey’s buttercream, melt 100g butter in a saucepan on a gentle heat.

Once melted immediately take off the heat and add all the cocoa powder by hand whisking.

In a mixing bowl cream the 250g butter and icing sugar until really pale and fluffy.

Taste to see if you're happy with balance of butter and sugar; add more of either to your own preference. en whisk in the cocoa-butter, which should be quite a thick mixture. Again, taste to check that you're happy with the balance of flavours; add more cocoa if you prefer it more bitter. en start adding Baileys slowly until you’re happy with the strength.

Once the sponges have cooled I would recommend popping them in the freezer before decorating, as the Bailey buttercream will be relatively loose due to the liquid content, so by having a slightly frozen sponge it will make it much easier to decorate and will help the buttercream to set.

Katie used edible gold leaf to decorate her showstopper.

The chocolate shards are hand tempered 70% Belgian chocolate, scattered with chopped pistachios.

e chocolate ganache drip is made of 50/50 70% Belgian chocolate and double cream. You melt the chocolate then hand whisk the cream in, which will be a thick ganache consistency. In order to drip it successfully you need to pop it into a piping bag and heat in the microwave on a gentle heat for just a few seconds until it is a loose, dripping consistency. Do some test drips on the edge of a glass first.

Work quickly as the ganache cools quickly!

Find Out More: Katie Jones owns and runs Cocoa & Cane, which creates homemade decadent, quality artisan traybakes supplying to both private customers and wholesale business to business. Katie retails through her online shop as well as attending shows throughout the year. For more information see www.cocoaandcane.com, call 07961612610 or email cocoaandcane@gmail.com. n 67

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œČ Ħñ ˪ ĉÎĥŅñ ň ÅŒ 7ÄŒ Ħ˪ ĉÎĥŅñ ň ÅŒ vñ ň ÅŒ ĬĦÎÄ&#x; ÄŒ ÅŒ ñ í˪ Ä&#x; Îæñ Ä&#x; ÅŒ 7ÄŒ ă Å” ˪ œČ Ħñ ˪ æĬŲñ ÅŒ ›Č ÅŒ ÄŒ Å” ˪ Ĭřň ˪ ŭñ æŌ ÄŒ Å” ñ ˪ ă Ĭň ˪ Å” ĉñ ˪ Ņñ ň ă ñ ç Å” ˪ ĉň ÄŒ ÅŒ Å” ĥÎŌ ˪ Ä„ÄŒ ă Å”

8IÈ›

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Yule be lucky to enjoy a tipple of this festive gin!

Wine of the Month

Presenting a solid gold festive gin flavoured with frankincense and myrrh!

Arc du Rhône Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France £23.95 / 75cl / 15%

It’s a wise man (or woman) who keeps a bottle or two of this in the drinks cabinet.

Lay waste to your winter with Edinburgh Gin’s special edition festive tipple... it’s solid gold, flavoured with both frankincense and myrrh!

Rich aromatics include zesty sweet orange, while a finishing note of nutmeg adds comforting yuletide warmth. Ideal in a negroni cocktail as shown opposite, or enjoyed in a stable surrounded by a new born! £34.95 / 70cl / 43%.

At 15% alcohol, this is certainly a heavyweight festive Rhône but a rewarding one too, from the most famous cru in the Southern Rhône. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made from carefully selected Grenache Noir, Syrah and Cinsault to produce this ripe, full-flavoured wine.

Ripe, full-flavoured wine with notes of black cherry and plum laced with the savoury-sweet spice of black pepper, tapenade and kirsch.

The Wine Cellar MAKE CHRISTMAS THAT LITTLE BIT MERRIER WITH OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STUNNING CHRISTMAS WINES AND SPIRITS... OH, AND THERE’S SOMETHING FOR SANTA, TOO! TALKING TURKEY: Three wines to pair well with traditional Christmas turkey...

1. It’s always advisable to have some festive fizz to hand to lay waste to festivities, so our turkey-taming recommendation is this vintage Pol, with its brioche notes and stone fruit. £64 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV. 2. If they’re not too oaky, there’s no reason not to pair a mature Rioja with your festive bird. This example is a less common white Rioja, very dry courtesy of its Viura grape, with spicy notes and a fruity finish. £24.99 / 75cl / 13.5% ABV. 3. You’ll need slightly deeper pockets for this prestigious burgundy. But it’s a red option which pairs well with turkey thanks to low tannins courtesy of the Pinot Noir grapes used. £59 / 75cl / 13% ABV.

n Available from www.wriggly tinwine.co.uk.

Join as a King’s member to get this wine for just £17.75.

Leave something special for Santa!

Castilla’s Oloroso Sherry Steady now Santa, just the one snifter of this very special Castilla or you’ll be tumbling off a rooftop. Still, at least the man in red will know you’re grateful for his benevolence.

This remarkable single solera sherry is as dry as Mrs Claus’s turkey, as nutty as a naughty elf and finely polished enough to toast the good health of kith and kin over the festive season.

Hints of walnut and orange, aged 20 years, good enough to convert those who are normally vehemently opposed to a festive sherry... n £24.99 / 50cl / 20%

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

IN LOVE with

GREAT DESIGN

Orchard House is certainly our pick of the crop this month, as we present this charming country home for your consideration. This four bedroom property in the leafy village of Belton is immaculately presented and features designer style throughout...

Words: Carissa Smith.

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Interior designer Tony Wilson and his partner Jayne moved back to the UK after completing successful business renovations and redesign projects over a period of 10 years in Southern Spain. The purchase of a four storey Victorian townhouse located in North Leeds in need of renovation was to be the next project.

This enabled Tony to design the house to showcase his passion for 20th Century Art, Furniture and Glassware. Last October the couple moved to the picturesque village of Belton. Their unique home is a Grade II idyllic listed property and was originally the stables for Belton House.

Nestled away, almost hidden, in private grounds, it is accessed via electric estate style Above: The property’s garden room is timber-framed and opens out onto beautiful mature gardens.

Main: The sitting room with its multi-fuel fireplace.

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gates into a sweeping gravel driveway in the highly sought-after conservation village of Belton. The couple fell in love with this property and superb surroundings.

“We were amazed by the stunning tranquil location. The setting is absolutely beautiful, it’s breathtaking and many evenings have been spent relaxing in this special place, admiring the beautiful setting.”

The grounds are extensive with scattered patio areas, sun terraces, an orchard a large pond full of lillies and fish and a half size tennis court or croquet lawn.

A seating terrace is adjacent to a wrought iron arched tunnel covered by wisteria and honeysuckle. In addition, the garden has a summer house which benefits from heating and lighting could be an office get away, a shed, green house with cloches and

“The house has been designed and skilfully converted to a really high standard by interior designer Tony.”

vegetable garden, an oversized double garage with remote controlled doors and multiple parking areas.

The house and the garden are completely secluded with no visible properties in sight from the house. The two floored property is full of character and style.

The ground floor features garden room and dining room, family kitchen/breakfast room, large lounge, utility room, cloak room and boiler/ boot room.

An oak staircase leads to a mezzanine study/sitting room could be a further bed-

room. The large lounge features two sets of French style doors leading to the sun terrace.

The hall leads to the ground floor bedroom, with en-suite shower room, walk-in wardrobe and has direct access by French doors to the beautiful garden. A second staircase leads to two further double bedrooms both benefiting from en-suites.

The house has been intelligently designed and skilfully converted to an extremely high standard throughout, using natural materials such as solid oak floors and doors, original stone walls combined with modern techniques providing a stunning contemporary home.

The main kitchen area has a comprehensive range of Oak Shaker style base and floor to ceiling units with pull out larder unit and open wine rack. >> 77

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>> The solid oak kitchen units all have granite work tops. The kitchen has a Kuppersbusch combination oven and microwave plus another separate oven with warming drawer.

The kitchen also features a Quooker boiling water tap and a Siemens American style fridge/freezer.

Tony and Jayne had plans to redesign further but due to personal reasons this hasn’t been able to happen, and the couple have decided to move.

However, as an interior designer, Tony simply couldn’t leave the house completely untouched. The house has been painted throughout in white to create a clean, cool Scandi look for the entire property. A new four piece ensuite was installed in the main Above: The property’s kitchen features bespoke oak shaker cabinetry, plus Kuppersbusch appliances.

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upstairs bedroom completing the overall open plan aspect

Natural seagrass flooring has also been installed on the first floor and several internal doors have been replaced to allow light to flow through this property creating space and natural yet modern interior.

The property is also filled with contemporary artwork which the owners have collected over the years. A particularly special piece in the house is the Italian wall light design made in 1966 which Tony bought from Camden market over 30 years ago. The house also features a fabulous contemporary triptych artwork commissioned for him.

The property enjoys friendly neighbours in and around Belton House, which affords residents of the village free entry to the house and grounds with fantastic family fun all year round. This is a family home bound to strike just the right note with those looking for somewhere unique, comfortable, ideally located and beautifully presented. n

ORCHARD HOUSE, IN BELTON location: Grantham four miles; Newark 16 miles; A1 four miles. style: Grade II listed country home in the village of Belton.

Bedrooms: Three, with three en suite bathrooms. receptions: Four, currently arranged as breakfast kitchen, sitting room and first floor sitting room/study area plus garden room. other features: Mature gardens and multi-fuel fires. guide price: ÂŁ599,000. find out more: Fine & Country, Seaton Grange Barn, Seaton LE15 9HT. Call 01780 750200.

See www.fineandcountry.com. n

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Seasonal Greetings from the QKS Team • 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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PETER SMITH ARCHITECTS

A Partner for Your

PROJECT It’s remarkable that such an established profession as that of an architect should still be subject to so many misconceptions… and yet, so many people still believe that the role merely entails creating a formal drawing of your potential project. In fact, the role of an architect is one of project manager, coordinator of trades and an essential point for information on anything from listed building requirements to health & safety on site…

Words: Rob Davis.

There aren’t many professions which necessitate the breadth of knowledge and expertise like that of an architect. Theirs is a professional replete with misconceptions.

Fortunately, Robert and Victoria Dimond and their team are happy to set the record straight and prove that a good architect is worth their weight in gold.

“There are quite a few misconceptions about the industry, about the role of an architect,” says Victoria. “But that’s OK; it just means our clients are just pleasantly surprised by the scope of our work. It means we can transform opinions of the profession and leave a happy client in our wake.”

“People believe that the beginning and end of an architect’s involvement in your project is to create a pretty picture of your proposed project. In fact, the visual element of the project is only a small part of working with our clients,”

“The design that a good architect produces isn’t just a formal visual ratification of the brief and the evolution of a client’s initial idea but also a basis on which technical feasibility, costing and project management can be based.”

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“Architecture is a sort of 360° profession. A good architect is a design expert but also someone with a good working knowledge of materials, local planning laws, the financial and practical implications of bringing that design to fruition, then a project manager who can recommend trusted tradespeople and manage the project to execute it on specification, on time and on budget, right down to ensuring safety on site.”

Robert started off as a student, working alongside sole trader Peter Smith and remained following qualification. After a two year transition period, Robert took over the business, upon Peter’s retirement in 2015. The practice has grown to include nine people and delivers projects in the domestic, commercial and educational sectors. >>

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“A good architect actually pays for themselves, more than once!

You will reap the reward and the building will be hugely better and deliver much better value for it,�

Kevin McCloud Grand Designs

Top: The firm is able to work with period properties to introduce new living spaces into older homes.

Above/Right: The firm is currently in the process of renovating this rustic barn to create a stunning new office for the practice.

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>> “We’re seeing an increase in heritage projects, which we complete really well in an area of the country that we understand,” says Victoria. “Managing the balance between sympathetically developing a traditional space to retain its character but making it fit for purpose for a modern family is a challenge upon which we thrive. Each job is different and exciting, a chance to create a great space that looks good but works well, too.”

“It can cost potentially up to £9,000 to move to a new house. An architect is an option for those who want more space or need to reconsider the use of their existing building without incurring that cost - whilst potentially putting tens or hundreds or thousands of pounds onto the value of their existing property.”

“An initial consultation is free and can really help to contribute a number of ideas when looking at a space from a lifestyle perspective but with planning laws, financial and technical feasibility in mind. This process comes with no-obligation but does give us the opportunity to give potential clients a number of options to consider beyond relocation, as well as a preliminary idea of costs using a source book to give an approximation based on industry standard information.”

“We work with clients on anything from interior layout changes, extensions and exterior landscaping right up to complete new buildings. Once we’re aware of the scale and scope of the project, we’re then able to recommend local tradespeople or manage a tender process to ensure that clients work

with professionals we can recommend based on past experiences. That also helps to control costs, too. Creating a building, especially when it is a home, is the result of good working relationships and we try to be as accommodating to our clients as possible whilst also managing their expectations. We even provide appointments outside of business hours or at weekends if needs be,” “Right now, we’re practising what we preach by managing the renovation of a Thurlbybased barn, which will become our new office and studio in 2020. Its Grade II listed

and has plenty of character, so it’ll be a great example of what we can achieve.”

“Equally important though, it’ll be a space into which the business can expand, allowing us to work with more local clients to deliver the projects they entrust to us!” n Peter Smith Architect works with domestic and commercial clients across Rutland and Stamford, and beyond. They’re based at The Studio, 57 Main Street, Baston, PE6 9PB. Call 01778 560 090 for a no-obligation discussion about your project or see www.petersmithassociates.co.uk.

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Bespoke Joinery

Kitchens

Fitted Wardrobes

Sliding Wardrobes

01733 844292

www.martinthompsonjoinery.com enquiries@martinthompsonjoinery.co.uk Unit 1, Mereside Drove, Ramsey Mereside, Huntingdon, PE26 2UE. SHOWROOM OPEN: Mon to Fri 8am – 5pm. Evening & weekends by appointment.

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Making the most of your garden by creating new “living rooms� for your relaxation & pleasure.

We offer a full design across your entire garden, through to upgrading a bed or part of your outdoor space.

You get the garden you want, an investment in your property and improved well-being through the pleasure of your enhanced outdoor living areas and plants.

Call Soo on 07545 007323 for an initial chat.

Email soo@soospectorgardens.co.uk See our portfolio of work and client testimonials at www.soospectorgardens.co.uk

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PRIDE MARKETING

Take a Tour of Pride Magazines’ Offices and

discOver The POwer Of 3d virTual TOurs Your business can benefit from one of our new 3D virtual tours...

We’re inviting you to take a look around our office and discover the power of this new technology for yourself!

We’ve always been early adopters of new technology here at Pride Magazines... but even we’re impressed with this!

It’s the latest camera technology designed to create a 3D photographic plan of your office, property, restaurant, hotel or shop to enable prospective customers to take a virtual ‘walk around’ your business!

What is a 3D Virtual Tour?

Pride Magazines has a new team of 3D imaging specialists to create a seamless hi-res scan of your building visitors to your website can ‘walk around’ using your computer, tablet or smartphone.

How can they be used?

If you’d like to show prospective diners or guests around, or if you’re selling property, the technology is like giving someone a guided tour. e tours can incorporate pull out ‘highlights’ with additional text or links to areas of your website. ey also allow users to see floorplans.

How does it work?

Our imaging specialists use a new 3D camera to take 360° images that are stitched together.

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e user walks around the space to ‘move about’ and ‘look around’ using a mouse or touchscreen on a phone or tablet. A conventional, non-interactive video tour can also be created, too. e images are then uploaded to a system which stitches them together to create a floor plan and ‘dolls house’ view that you can move around. e process takes no longer to create the images than taking conventional photographs.

Who can it benefit?

If your business relies on showing off a particular space - a dining room, wedding venue or the layout of a property that’s on the market - it’s a great way to show off your space.

Alternatively, you might just want to show off your business and its people and facilities to potential customers... for instance, have you ever wondered what the Pride Magazines office and its people look like?

If so, why not take a ‘virtual tour’ or our premises.

Shown above is a ‘dolls house’ view of our office; visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk and you’ll be able to see our offices and try out this impressive technology for yourself! n

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Above: ‘Dolls’ House’ view of the Pride offices taken from our 3D tour - available to view online now.

<

<

Below: Look around the Pride offices and consider taking a 3D tour of your business to show potential customers.

>

>

Find Out More: Pride Magazines is now offering comercial photography and videography, 3D Virtual Tours, bespoke websites plus brochure design and printing to businesses like yours.

To discuss your requirements call 01529 469977 and don’t forget to take a Virtual Tour of our offices at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. n

PRIDE MAGAZINES HIGH END MARKETING

For almost 18 years the Pride Team have worked solely on producing the finest magazines in their areas.

We now feel that the time is right, having a proven track record for quality, that our clients should receive the benefits of our professional marketing team too.

If you require any of the following services for your business please get in touch. We are reasonably priced and of course you already know the quality of our work by the magazine you are holding in your hands!

3D VIRTUAL REALIT Y TOURS HIGH QUALIT Y PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT BEAU TIF UL BROCHURES COOL COMMERCIAL VIDEOS LEGALLY LICENSED DRONE VIDEOS HAND DRAWN ILLUSTRATIONS

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MARKETING SERVICES CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM ON 01529 469977 OR EMAIL SALES@PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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WEDDINGS

A FESTIVE

WEDDING

Having met in cyberspace, Laura and Lee fell in love with one another and then with their traditional wedding venue. The groom was intimately acquainted with their reception venue... given that he helped to build it!

Photographer: Lee Daniels of SimpLee weddings, 07738 255683, www.leedanielsphotography.com.

Laura & Lee met in the thoroughly modern environs of cyberspace, and had only just dipped their toes into the world of online dating before meeting one another.

Whilst many people may have at least one cautionary tale about online dating to share, Laura & Lee’s story can, happily, somewhat restore your faith in this thoroughly modern approach to finding your perfect match.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS LAURA & LEE

“Many of my friends are already married so we’ve been to many summer weddings.

I wanted something totally different, but I also knew that choosing Rushton Hall as our venue ensured we would have beautiful pictures no matter the weather. To be a little different, we decided to marry at Christmas, instead of the summer.”

“We had both signed up to an internet dating site and Lee then messaged me to say hello.

We went to an ice-hockey match for our first date and had our second date the following day. We quickly fell for one another and then moved in together a few months later.”

“Lee has always lived in the area, but I grew up in the Cotswolds. I moved to Peterborough after finishing University and qualifying as a Primary School Teacher. Lee is a stonemason and one of his largest jobs was a stunning new orangery adjacent to the Grade I stately home of Rushton Hall... the place that would later become the venue for our wedding reception!”

Lee proposed to Laura on their holiday during a cruise around the Greek Islands.

“I have always loved Greece so it was the perfect place for Lee to propose,” she says.

“Lee proposed in Santorini, which was the island I was most looking forward to visiting.

It was also the day after my birthday.”

“We decided to stop for a drink in a beautiful bar, and that’s where Lee proposed.

Santorini has the most magical scenery and we’ve promised ourselves that we’ll go back one day soon as a married couple.”

“The day after Lee proposed, we were at sea on the cruise ship so we decided to have a relaxing afternoon by the pool looking at venues. We knew we wanted to get married the following year and decided on a winter wedding. After the cruise, we went to look at a few venues, but nothing could compare to Rushton Hall.”

“I embarked on the majority of planning by myself, however I made sure Lee was involved in all the major decisions. Family and friends also helped with lots of the little details too.”

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

Wedding Dress: Mori Lee, www.morilee.co.uk.

Wedding Video: Dez Lartey, www.dezlarteyphotography.com.

Wedding Hair: Hair Perfection Peterborough, www.hairperfectionuk.com.

Wedding Makeup: Makeup By Alaina, 07745 849995, www.alainaclarke.com.

Wedding Entertainment: Okiem, 0333 006 5550. www.okiemofficial.com. n

As Laura was planning a winter wedding the bride opted, rather sensibly, for a long sleeved wedding dress... however, like many brides, before her, she ended up falling in love with a completely different style!

“I ended up choosing a ball gown dress designed by Mori Lee, with a beautiful flounced organza skirt and a beaded, high halter bodice. It made me feel like a princess!

I couldn’t have been happier.”

“We were married at the beautiful Rushton Hall which was the perfect venue and one that Lee knew well... as he had helped to build its Orangery! The stone faces of the building are breathtaking and we loved the elegant style of Rushton Hall itself. >>

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- WEDDINGS -

“Make sure you spend lots of time with each other on your wedding day. We took ourselves away from everyone for five minutes a few times in the day which was lovely.” >> The hotel’s Kerrie Morrell helped us to plan the day, and Lee Daniels of SimpLEE Photography captured some amazing images alongside our videographer Dez Lartey.

“We found Lee at a local wedding fair.

I loved the look of his pictures and could see his style fitting perfectly within what I had planned for our wedding. Lots of our guests mentioned how amazing he was on the day as well as complimenting our pictures when they were released.”

Laura and her bridesmaids’ hair was by Hair Perfection Peterborough and the girls’ makeup was by Makeup By Alaina.

“We also decided to have a pianist play during the wedding breakfast, we choose Okiem who was amazing.”

“One of the moments I will treasure most is sitting back and listening to our pianist during the wedding breakfast and just feeling grateful for all our family and friends who were able to share our special day with us.”

As Laura & Lee were having a Christmas wedding they left for their honeymoon on Christmas Day. The newly married couple went to New York for their honeymoon which Laura says was truly magical.

“My advice to other couples would be to make sure you spend lots of time with each other on your wedding day. We took ourselves away from everyone for five minutes a few times in the day which was just lovely.” n 96

Images: Lee Daniels of SimpLee weddings, 07738 255683, www.leedanielsphotography.com.

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STAMFORD & RUTLAND WEDDING RECEPTIONS

WEDDING STAMFORD & RUTLAND’S FINEST

VENUES

e backdrop to a beautiful local wedding is a stunning wedding reception venue. Here, we’re profiling a few of the most beautiful and versatile wedding venues across the area which will allow you to create your perfect wedding...

Words: Rob Davis.

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BREATHTAKING WEDDING RECEPTION VENUES FROM ANCIENT CASTLES TO MODERN HOTELS...

weddings at leicestershire’s barton hall...

BARTON HALL, located in the picturesque county of Northamptonshire, is the ideal setting for smart countryside weddings for up to 180 guests.

A Grade II listed idyllic wedding venue, Barton Hall is available with exclusive use for couples seeking to take advantage of the 16th Century Grade II listed Manor House, the Charles function suite and its Grade I listed Orangery. Dedicated wedding planners ensure your wedding is handled with the utmost care and attention, whilst bespoke wedding packages and menu packages enable to create exactly the day you’re dreaming of in mature and beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. n 01536 515505, www.bartonhall.com.

the bull & swan, st martins, stamford...

PART OF THE HILLBROOKE HOTEL GROUP and the sister pub to Stamford’s William Cecil, The Bull & Swan offers great food and ale, with the venue’s Cavendish Room available for weddings and functions. The courtyard has a herb garden and pizza oven for quirky, informal celebrations. n 01522 565180, www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk.

Quick Tips Wedding Receptions

Stapleford Park SET IN A 500 ACRE COUNTRY ESTATE Stapleford Park is an inspiring Grade I listed former stately home, now a luxurious hotel available to couples planning their wedding.

The hotel and grounds now offer marquee weddings in the Capability Brown landscaped estate, whilst weddings for up to 160 guests can also be held in the Grand Hall and Orangery.

Your wedding reception should be the first element of your wedding that you book, as doing so will give you the firm date you need to book all of your other elements.

For more intimate weddings, the Harborough Room accommodates up to 24 guests surrounded by scarlet covered silk wallpaper, whilst The Old Kitchen retains a sense of rustic minimalism. Stapleford Park even has its own church; the 18th century Church of St Mary Magdalene. n 01572 787017, staplefordpark.com.

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STAMFORD & RUTLAND WEDDING RECEPTIONS

Oakham Castle...

the wisteria hotel, oakham...

THE GREAT HALL of Oakham Castle is an impressive backdrop to your Rutland wedding, accommodating up to 120 guests for a ceremony or 90 people for a sit-down meal.

It was built between 1180 and 1190 and today, The Great Hall is famed for its for its unique collection

of over 230 ornate ceremonial horseshoes donated by Peers of the Realm (Royalty and nobility such as Dukes, Marquis’, Earls, Viscounts, Barons and Bishops). Refurbished in 2016, the hall is a great option for those planning their Rutland wedding. n 01572 757578, oakhamcastle.org.

In the heart of Oakham, Wisteria Hotel is a great place for those planning their wedding, with The Barn Suite for up to 100 evening guests, plus the Georgian Suite for 40 guests and the 17th century Hunters Bar and The Kitchen for 20 guests. n 01572 722844, wisteriahotel.co.uk.

RUTLAND WATER GOLF COURSE...

SITUATED ON RUTLAND WATER, and accommodating up to 180 guests, Rutland Water Golf Course has a marquee lined barn with adjacent courtyard, first floor function room and eight luxurious bedrooms, plus enviable views over the reservoir, making it the ideal venue for your Rutland wedding.

A dedicated wedding planner and bespoke menus, makes planning your day a cinch. n 01572 737149, www.rutlandwatergolfcourse.co.uk.

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william cecil, stamford...

HILLBROOKE HOTEL’S sister venue to The Bull & Swan is a country hotel in the heart of Stamford. The hotel’s entire wedding service is totally focused around you, and the venue is licensed for ceremonies either indoors or outdoors in the stunning Garden Pavilion.

27 individually decorated rooms plus the availability of marquee weddings provide all of the space and versatility you need to ensure a great looking day and comfort for your guests.

For those with guests travelling from afar, the hotel is conveniently located just off the A1, and dating back to the 17th Century, there’s plenty of style and character throughout the hotel. n 01780 750070, www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk.

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PLEASE LET OUR ADVERTISERS KNOW YOU’VE FOUND THEM VIA PRIDE MAGAZINE...

The White Hart, Ufford

THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PUB RESTAURANT THAT’S VERSATILE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR WEDDING

UFFORD’S WHITE HART is a beautiful country pub restaurant with two areas licensed for civil ceremonies; the Orangery for 50 guests and The Pantry for 40 guests.

The pub restaurant has been a village inn since the 17th Century, and benefits from 12 beautifully appointed bedrooms including those in the adjacent barn, allowing those

THE FINCHES ARMS IN HAMBLETON...

LOCATED ON THE HAMBLETON PENINSULA, The Finches Arms has made its main restaurant and private dining rooms available for local weddings. There’s also an option to create a larger wedding in a marquee in the grounds of the hotel overlooking the reservoir.

Bespoke packages and a wedding coordinator make the organisation of your day easy, too. n 01572 756575, www.finchsarms.co.uk.

seeking a pretty village pub as the backdrop to a family wedding. Flagstone flooring, open fireplaces with log burners, a spacious Wedding Receptions terrace and elevated garden ensure the White Hart is a truly photogenic Ask your wedding venue if they wedding venue. have a dedicated wedding planner who will act as your 01780 740250 single point of contact whitehartufford.co.uk. throughout your wedding

Quick Tips

planning, minimising hassle.

Orton Hall Hotel & Spa...

PETERBOROUGH’S Orton Hall Hotel & Spa is the former home of the Marquess of Huntly. Dating back to 1086, the former manor house is set in 20 acres of mature parkland and is in close proximity to the city of Peterborough.

The hotel has 70 bedrooms, an on-site spa, swimming pool and leisure facilities. Add to this 10 individually decorated function rooms, a beautiful stained glass conservatory and you have the perfect setting for your event.

From autumn this year the hotel is offering outdoor weddings in the newly built gazebo within the hotel grounds.

Guests can enjoy fine dining in the Huntly Restaurant or a more relaxed dining experience in the on-site pub, the Ramblewood Inn. The hotels secluded location ensures a relaxed atmosphere in picturesque surroundings.

01733 391111, www.ortonhall.co.uk.

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PLEASE LET OUR ADVERTISERS KNOW YOU’VE FOUND THEM VIA PRIDE MAGAZINE...

kilworth house hotel, leicestershire

The Bull Hotel...

THE FOUR STAR Bull Hotel, located in the heart of Peterborough, provides a Grade II listed 17th Century wedding venue, with 118 bedrooms, some with four poster beds, and the availability of the 65 guest capacity Lincoln Suite with its soft lighting, chandeliers and mirrored panels, as well as the Broadway Suite for 130 guests with its stage area and traditional paintings, the ideal venue for your

THE BEAUTIFUL Kilworth House is set within 38 acres of mature parkland, a Grade II listed Victorian country house hotel, converted from a private home into a hotel with 44 bedrooms.

With its large, light, beautifully appointed Orangery, Kilworth House can accommodate weddings for up to 130, but also offers The Wordsworth and The Shakespeare rooms for 40 and 20 guest respectively. Meanwhile there’s The Cellar Bar with its capacity for 130 reception guests and The Staging Post, a traditional log cabin adjacent to Kilworth House’s open air theatre. Naturally Kilworth House also has dedicated wedding coordinators and a team of chefs delivering bespoke menus. n 01858 880058, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

Quick Tips Wedding Receptions

Make sure you have ‘goody bags’ for children at your wedding, keeping them entertained whilst the grown-ups socialise, and enjoy a leisurely wedding breakfast and speeches.

wedding reception.

The Penthouse Suite, meanwhile, is suitable for larger weddings with up to 200 guests. Bespoke menus and a dedicated wedding coordinator mean you can design the wedding of your dreams. n 01733 561364, peelhotels.co.uk.

fort henry & barnsdale lodge...

FOR AN UNUSUAL and beautiful wedding location, Barnsdale Lodge looks after the Exton Estate’s Fort Henry - a magnificent gothic folly once used as a fishing lodge.

A quirky and wonderful backdrop with marquee receptions available on the Exton estate. n 01572 724678, www.extonpark.co.uk

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STAMFORD & RUTLAND WEDDING RECEPTIONS

Deene Park, near Corby...

DEENE PARK is a beautiful country estate in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside surrounded by stunning gardens, rolling parkland and lake views, we are the perfect venue for marquee receptions.

We have our own 30m x 9m marquee including star cloth, silk linings, dance floor, toilets and furnishings, all set in the privacy of the Walled Garden.

At the heart of the estate is the country house itself with its impressive stone façade and crenelated roofline, the perfect backdrop for your photographs.

Our professional staff are supported by a brigade of suppliers all offering excellent quality, service and value for money, we are now taking bookings for 2020 and beyond, we even have selected dates available during 2019. n

For information please visit, www.deenepark.com, info@deenepark.com or contact 07561 820828

GRANGE FARM LEISURE, WANSFORD Grange Farm Leisure’s permanent marquee provides a versatile and spacious place to create your perfect wedding reception for up to 160 guests. An array of catering suppliers and other suppliers plus a choice of decoration will help you to achieve just the look you’d like to create on your special day. n 01780 782459, www.grange-farm.co.uk.

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PETERBOROUGHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ONLY ONE STOP DIAGNOSTIC & INTERVENTIONAL SERVICE

IN THIS DAY AND AGE OF MEDICINE the biggest frustration can be getting any one to see you and assess why you suddenly have pain. The NHS has finite resources, they cannot respond to everyone who has pain, and often our General Practitioners are encouraged to treat with painkillers for many months before referring on for any investigations or opinions. This is not a criticism, that is the reality of an underfunded NHS. At the Avicenna clinic, we take your pain very seriously, having an assessment is the first stop in deciding where the pain is coming from, it then makes the choice of imaging much clearer and targeted.

Take for instance Mrs LM, with severe pain on the outside of her thigh, she was struggling to mobilise, to help her granddaughter look after her horse (which was probably the start of things as she had to walk uphill in a field for a good half hour to retrieve the horse) to enjoy life, and with an important holiday coming up, she feared she might have to cancel.

Her GP suggested painkillers and whilst there was a bit of relief, it did not agree with her system. The pain was just getting her down, and so she made an appointment at The Avicenna clinic one Monday evening.

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Firstly she had a thorough history taken. It cannot be underestimated how important a history is, because by the time all the questions have been asked and answered, a clinician normally knows what to expect to find on assessment. With Mrs LM although the pain was in an unusual place for hip problems which are normally felt in the groin, all the questions like ease of getting in/out of a car, or stairs, led the way to believing it was a hip joint problem. The examination then ruled out the lower back and ruled in a hip joint problem. Armed with this, the clinician discusses the case with Dr El-Madbouh, Consultant musculo-skeletal Radiologist, who agrees the best investigation would be an MRI of the hip.

Within 45 minutes of arriving at the clinic Mrs LM is in the Open MRI scanner (the only Open scanner in a 100 mile radius) and sure enough it shows damage to the cartilage at the back of the hip joint. A normal x-ray would probably not have picked this up, but the MRI takes images form all direction and it clearly showed the loss of a patch of cartilage and some swelling in the bone as a reaction.

Next stop the operating theatre, kitted out with everything necessary for day surgery

treatment and a special type of x-ray called a fluoroscopy machine, giving an ability to take images in real time, which is very important for the next step of injection some anaesthetic and steroid into the joint. Once set up, the injection took 5 minutes and immediately there was a change in the pain. This means we certainly had the right diagnosis, now to see if over the next 6 weeks if this is enough to stop the pain and give Mrs LM her holiday, most importantly, pain free.

All this took about 2 hours in total.

At Avicenna clinic, we have a range of specialist consultants, operating theatre for surgical procedures, and superior in-house imaging facilities, including state-of-the-art MRI, ultrasound and X-ray scanning equipment. We can assess and diagnose all cases of acute and chronic pain quickly, and deliver comprehensive treatment plans tailored to you.n For more information or to book a consultation or for more information on available services to help you, contact Avicenna Clinic on 0330 202 0597, or visit our website www.avicennaclinic.com.

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

Or visit North Street, Peterborough PE1 2RA.

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Juliana Sparkle Maxi Dress £130.

Amily Sequin Wrap Dress £199.

Robynne Sparkle Wrap Maxi Dress £130.

SEQUINS

of EVENTS add a little sparkle to the festive events with party wear adorned with sequins courtesy of phase eight...

Words: Rob Davis.

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- FASHION -

Top/Left: Saya Wave Sequin Dress £120. Top/Right: Alessandra Sequin Jumpsuit £179.

Bottom/Left: Molly Short Sequin Dress £250. Bottom/Right: Fae Fringe Sequin Dress £130.

For stockists across Stamford and Rutland see www.phase-eight.com.

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WINTER BEAUTY

Good as Gold

WE’VE SOME PRECIOUS METALS THIS MONTH IN THE FORM OF GOLD PRODUCTS TO REALLY MAKE YOUR FESTIVE SEASON SPARKLE

1.The Rejuvenating Power of 24k Gold from Peter Roth...

Smooth and refresh ageing skin with Peter Thomas Roth 24k Gold Mask. It’s a luxurious anti-ageing face mask fortified with pure 24k gold to lighten, brighten and firm the skin.

Deeply nourishing, the pampering mask delivers intense hydration with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, that contribute to the plumping and lifting of unruly wrinkles.

Expect silky smooth skin with a youthful, radiant glow. £68 / 150ml.

2. For Golden Eyes

Clarins’ Ombre Sparkle eyeshadow will ensure that your eyes light up the room. This powder texture is composed of soft-focus pearls.

The soft touch glitter formula reflects the light, creating a beautiful sparkle. £20 / 1.5g.

3. Gold Radiance

Awaken your youthful radiance.

By drawing its inspiration from gold, a symbol of both beauty and eternity, Guerlain has reinvented its Parure Gold foundation, delivering a radiant complexion. £60 / 30ml.

4. Louboutin Nail

A must-have, limited edition Christian Louboutin that’s as good as gold. The designer’s nail colour is alive with shining metallic flakes that sparkle with every movement of your hand. £38 /13ml.

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5. Lip Sync with Pat McGrath...

Named by Vogue as one of the UK’s most influential makeup artists, Pat McGrath has put her name to BlitzTrance, a revolutionary lipstick so luxurious and richly pigmented, it drenches lips in a lightweight veil of opaque colour while delivering a mesmerisingly modern matte finish.

Sensually creamy and brilliant in texture, available in over 25 shimmery shades. £37 / 4g.

6. An Advent Calendar of Beauty & Skincare treats...

On the first day of Christmas discover one of 25 new and iconic beauty treats in the countdown to Christmas with John Lewis’s indulgent Beauty Advent Calendar.

A delightful gift for beauty enthusiasts with full and deluxe size products from skincare to makeup to beauty products. £150.

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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BEGIN 2020 WITH A GREAT BIG SMILE! Ensure your smile has a Happy New Year with our Teeth Whitening and Oral Health Check...

NEW YEAR SPECIAL OFFER

£239 NORMALLY £335*

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT NOW ON 01527 822655 Ayston Road, Uppingham LE15 9NY | reception@andrewsdentalcare.co.uk * TEETH WHITENING SUBJECT TO ASSESSMENT FOR SUITABILITY BY DENTIST. NEW PATIENTS SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION FEE OF £75. OFFER VALID THROUGH TO FEB 2020

CROWNS & BRIDGE WORK • WHITE FILLINGS COSMETIC BONDING • DENTURES • TEETH WHITENING CLEAR BRACES • FACIAL AESTHETICS • HYGIENE EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS • SMILE MAKEOVERS DENTAL HEALTH CARE PLANS FROM JUST £13/MONTH SEE WWW.ANDREWSDENTALCARE.CO.UK FOR DETAILS

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BULLEY DAVEY & BULLEY DAVEY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Making a difference to Our Clients’ Lives With nearly 85 years of experience in making a difference to its clients’ lives and their businesses, Bulley Davey and sister company Bulley Davey Wealth Management are the accountants, wealth managers and tax advisors you can really trust...

Good advice is a right, not a privilege. That’s the philosophy of Bulley Davey and Bulley Davey Wealth Management, providers of accountancy, wealth management and tax advice for both individuals and businesses for nearly 85 years in the local area.

Overall there are 150 employees within the combined businesses, with offices in Stamford, Peterborough, Spalding, Wisbech, Oundle, Corby, Boston, Baldock and Holbeach, which ensures a great breadth of expertise as well as offices conveniently close by.

“We’re that great cliché of being large enough to cope, but dynamic enough to care,” says Julia Peach, an Independent Financial Adviser with Bulley Davey Wealth Management.

“It’s important to us that we offer a range of services across the professions of accountancy and wealth management, from payroll and bookkeeping to tax advice and estate planning, to insolvency, wealth protection, investments and pensions.”

“But to us, it’s even more important that we make available to our clients the whole range of expertise we have.”

“Rather than trying to answer a question about a specialised area of tax or wealth management, we can refer our clients to someone else within the company who specialises in that field, which means clients benefit from both the familiarity and security of dealing with a single point of contact who understands their circumstances, whilst also enjoying the availability of specific experts.”

“With so many specialisms,

we’re able to

consider a client’s needs not just in isolation, but in the context of a longer term relationship, where one service might feed into another specialism. It allows us to employ joined-up thinking and to partner with a client for the future, then adapt our advice as that client’s circumstances change.”

“The first consultation with a client is always at our expense, and we avoid charging by the hour within Bulley Davey Wealth Management because this would limit us from fully talking about and understanding a client’s circumstances.

We’re entirely relationship based, rather than being transactional or ‘on the clock.’”

Continuing with the theme of adding value, Simon Baker, manager with Bulley Davey comments: “Since April the Making Tax Digital (MTD) process has made good IT infrastructure and ‘little and often’ bookkeeping and accountancy processes more important.We’ve been able to help our clients through this by creating structures and processes for their business which are modern and fit for purpose, meaning more and more clients are able to enjoy the security and accessibility of having their information securely stored on the cloud, accessible with tablets or mobile devices.”

“With regard to taxation, with changes in legislation concerning subjects like inheritance tax or in specific sectors like construction (e.g.: the now delayed CIS Reverse Charge VAT within the Construction Industry Scheme) the landscape of business is changing. Partnering with a company like ours means having a trustworthy source of information to help you as you run your business in ever-changing circumstances and sectors.” n

Find Out More: Bully Davey has offices in Stamford, Peterborough and seven other locations in the region. For more information on the company’s range of accountancy and wealth management services, call 01780 769303 or 01780 723120 or see www.bulleydavey.co.uk.

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NFU MUTUAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

SAFE & SOUND is winter the only thing that should send a shiver down your spine is plummeting temperatures. Making sure your financial future is in order and your home, business and possessions are well-protected is essential for your peace of mind. NFU Mutual Stamford office has the kettle on, and that’s not the only way it can provide you with support and reassurance this season...

Words: Rob Davis.

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established in 1910, providing insurance and investment products, making these available to everyone - not just farmers - in the 1990s.

NFU MUTUal doesn’t just provide insurance. It doesn’t just provide financial planning. ey provide peace of mind and security, as well as help and advice at what might be the most challenging time in your life.

“e Stamford office has been around since at least 1925 and has been situated on Sheep Market for well over 20 years, but as the agency has grown we have gradually run out of space for meetings with our customers,” says ashley.

NFU Mutual Stamford is one of 300 offices across the UK providing insurance for over 900,000 people. e team at Stamford work face-toface with clients, providing proper, human interactions and getting to know their needs personally.

“Insurance is something that can be purchased online, with as little time given to its purchase and as little thought given to the help and security it can provide if something goes wrong,” says ashley Oxer of NFU Mutual Stamford, based on St Mary’s Street.

the phone or online, not only is that really impersonal, but it results in a missed opportunity to sit down with the customer, have a cuppa and really understand their requirements.”

“We've gained new customers as a result of customers from other companies coming to us after discovering they were underinsured, didn’t have the level of protection they needed or they discovered they were paying more than they needed to.”

“Insurance can be really complicated and you could find yourself underinsured or lacking in adequate protection for the things that matter to you. Getting to know the customer, building a relationship and taking the time to find the correct cover is essential for avoiding that.”

“We believe that getting the right insurance is really important and although it can be dealt with over

e NFU was established in 1908 as the voice of British Farming.

NFU Mutual, is a separate company

“Moving to new premises earlier this year provided us with private meeting rooms for discussions and space for clients to meet with Chris Gormley, an NFU Mutual Financial adviser.”

“It is more accessible and allows us more room for face-to-face meetings with customers to discuss their home, motor or commercial insurance needs.”

“Insurance is more than simply a tick-box exercise that’s completed online. It should be carefully considered, so that you have the right cover and protection in place for you, your family and your business should the unexpected happen.” n Find Out More: NFU Mutual is now based at 41 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS. For more information call 01780 762421 or visit nfumutual.co.uk.

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PRIDE MAGAZINES HIGH END MARKETING For almost 18 years the Pride Team have worked solely on producing the finest magazines in their areas.

We now feel that the time is right, having a proven track record for quality, that our clients should receive the benefits of our professional marketing team too.

If you require any of the following services for your business please get in touch.

We are reasonably priced and of course you already know the quality of our work by the magazine you are holding in your hands!

3D VIRTUAL REALIT Y TOURS HIGH QUALIT Y PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT BEAU TIF UL BROCHURES COOL COMMERCIAL VIDEOS LEGALLY LICENSED DRONE VIDEOS HAND DRAWN & PAINTED ILLUSTRATIONS

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MARKETING SERVICES CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM ON 01529 469977 OR EMAIL SALES@PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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THIS MOnTH: wEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE dOwn THE RAbbIT HOLE wITH KuKu COnnECT & AT THE KEndREw bARRACKS RECEPTIOn wITH bRIGAdIER TOM bEwICK!

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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Kendrew Barracks reception with

Brigadier Tom Bewick THE dESERT RATS (7th Infantry brigade and Headquarters East and 2nd battalion e Royal Anglian Regiment) have received a warm welcome from the people of Rutland at a reception to officially mark their arrival in the county.

Held at Kendrew barracks Officers’ Mess, the reception saw the military personnel welcome organisations and individuals from across the county including the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland dr Sarah furness.

7th Infantry brigade and Headquarters East moved into Kendrew barracks from Chetwynd barracks, Chilwell this summer as part of the Army’s rebasing plans whilst the 2nd battalion e Royal Anglian Regiment have returned to the barracks from a 2-year posting in Cyprus. Also based at Kendrew barracks is 7 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps. n

photos: Rob Davis.

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KuKu Connect’s Annual

Birthday Reception CuRIOuSER & CuRIOuSER! ere was more than a slight doff of the top hat to C S Lewis as we ventured down the rabbit hole at Stoke Rochford Hall recently for KuKu Connect’s birthday reception, with an Alice in wonderland theme.

Performers entertained guests, whilst enjoying a splendid evening of award winning cuisine from all over the region, plus gin cocktails, a west-End singing star, even a hunt for gemstone and some fab prizes.

KuKu Connect is a vibrant and effective membership service connecting businesses and entrepreneurs at hand-picked receptions in some the most special venues and businesses across the East Midlands. e function also saw the launch of KuKu Connect in Lincolnshire, with vIPs including Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and KuKu’s directors Stephen Goddard and Philip brooks-Stephenson. n

photos: Rob Davis & Dean Fisher.

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The Little Book of Stamford

OFFICIAL LAUNCH e Pride Magazines team joined local businesses last month to celebrate #ShopStamford as the business group revealed its latest project at a networking event held at the town’s Crown Hotel. #ShopStamford has launched a 100-page A5-sized book containing profiles of local businesses which will be distributed to restaurants, coffee shops and tourist information centres not only in the town but in Grantham, Peterborough and across Rutland. e aim of the book is to encourage locals to shop more local, and to bring revenue into the town from outside the area to benefit independent businesses. e event also saw official confirmation that the town’s #ShopStamford Late night Shopping event would take place on ursday 12th december. n words & images: Rob Davis.

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The Icon MOTORS

REBORN

‘Please, please, please let it be as good off-road as the original!’

‘Please, please, please let it be as tough, despite its new found luxury!’

Happily the folks at land Rover have been careful to be true to the rough, capable and brilliant original land Rover Defender whilst injecting the new model with some impressive new technology and greater comfort...

Words: Rob Davis.

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TWITTER STORMS, Single use plastics.

Unexpected items in baggage area. Climate change. Brexit. Crikey, modern life can be thoroughly rubbish. But such things are the price of progress. after all, who would trade all of the above for going back to living in caves without central heating? Who would abandon smartphones and online shopping? e very least we can say is that progress is sometimes… controversial. and so it is with the Defender. Pity the poor person charged with the responsibility of resurrecting an icon of British motoring; retaining the rufty-tufty, go-anywhere image whilst addressing the old model’s myriad faults; awful refinement, terrible crash protection, rubbish environmental credentials and a driving position only marginally preferable to being in traction on a mid-20th century orthopaedic ward.

Even the most marginal change to the car was going to elicit outrage from the land Rover faithful, so reinventing it from scratch meant that poor designer was always going to be sticking their head in a design noose.

e company covered 1,200,000 miles testing the car in desert, arctic and high altitude conditions. ey had to construct a tougher test track to put the new D7x platform through its paces and even developed a new test rig called 6DOF (six degrees of freedom).

e new model, much anticipated, is here.

It’s civilised, air conditioned and computerised; a supercomputer (!) controls 85 ECUs and processes 21,000 messages at any one time.

You’ll no longer want to stick a hay bale in the back or jet wash the droppings off the floor and worse still is a starting price north of £40,000 which has led to comprehensive criticism that the car is no longer a rugged back to basics farm workhorse, but just another luxury SUV. No, says land Rover. e new model, whilst admittedly civilised, is not ‘just as’ capable, but ‘more capable, more hard-wearing and able to surpass the performance and ruggedness of the old model’ according to the firm, despite its new-found sophistication and comfort.

Defender prototypes were put on the rig for eight weeks, 24/7 - the equivalent of 150,000 miles - then shaken to the point of failure with heave, surge, sway, pitch, yaw and roll movements. afterwards the cars, shaken to death, were torn down to see which bits failed first, then they were replaced and reinforced.

Kill it. Resurrect it. Repeat.

Don’t let the comfy interior fool you. Compared to a Range Rover, the chasiss, suspension subframes and arms, ball joints and bushes are all reinforced, as is the gearbox. ere’s more articulation in the wheels, greater ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles than any other land Rover in history. It’s also easier to access the car’s abilities, with standard automatic gearbox, 4x4, low ratio gears and Terrain Response (‘idiot proof ’ off-roading tech) as standard. >>

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MOTORS

>> At the moment there’s a single body style; a five door ‘110’ model which rides on air suspension. A longer ‘130’ people carrier’ version will follow, as well as a ‘90’ version with three doors. The latter will be shorter, riding on springs not air, both of which mean it’ll probably be the better off-roader.

Currently you can choose a 200hp 2.0 diesel, a 240hp 2.0 diesel or a 300hp 2.0 petrol. There’s also a 3.0V6 400hp mild-hybrid petrol engine, whilst a plug-in Defender will also launch in 2020.

A third row of seats is available if you’re keen to take the whole family along and for the first time on a Defender you can specify a middle seat in the front to accommodate three front seat passengers.

Happily, Defender owners get a 360° surround camera and parking sensors as standard, whilst an impressive optional ‘Clearsight Ground View’ system uses the car’s screen to show you the car’s wheels, the ground and any obstructions but with the rest of the car removed, showing you just exactly what you’re driving on, or over... or through, since Defender can also now wade through water 90cm deep!

Tested to Destruction

As if the dizzying array of engines and trim levels (Defender; S; SE; HSE; X; First Edition) isn’t enough To test the Defender, Land Rover Adaptive cruise is available to leave you scratching your created a new test track as the too, as is automatic parking, old one ‘wasn’t tough enough!’ head, the firm has also The firm covered 1,200,000 miles and sat nav comes as standard launched four ‘packs’ testing the car and placed it so this is very much a car at essentially body kits and on a new ‘torture rig’ for home in urban environments eight weeks! accessories - with practical kit like as in the countryside or extreme body mounted storage boxes and environments. air compressors, or portable shower units to rinse the mud from boots, bikes and boys.

To sum up, Land Rover says that far from being a soft, less capable pastiche of the Inside the Defender is thoroughly modern, original, the new Defender is tougher, more a source of frustration among those seeking capable and easier to live with than ever a more basic car than Land Rover’s before. The firm assures drivers that even other SUVs. A ‘back to basics’ Defender with a vast array of creature comforts, the Commercial will soon launch, promising a car will last longer and go further. more stripped-out interior which you won’t mind jet-washing. For now though we’d love to hate the khaki leather seats and rough-cut walnut dash finishers... but... but... they’re just too lovely.

Its long term reliability remains to be proven over Hilux and Navara trucks, but my goodness, the Defender is certainly more desirable, comfortable and sophisticated. n

four generations of defender: a brief history of the world’s most famous 4x4...

1947: Rover board approves creation of all-purpose jeep along the lines of the UK Willys Overland.

1948: The ‘Land Rover’ is launched at Amsterdam Motor Show, with 80in wheelbase, 1.6 litre 50bhp engine and pick-up body, priced £450.

1949: Army orders first trial batch, sales reach 8,000.

1951/2: Selectable two/four wheel drive and 2.0 engine introduced. Longer wheelbase a year later.

1961: Series IIA launched with 62bhp 2.3 engine.

1969: Lights built in to front wings for safety.

1971: Series III launched with ‘luxuries’ like plastic grille, optional fresh air heater and full-dashboard.

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1976: 1,000,000th Land Rover built.

1979: 3.5V8 engine launched.

1990: 90 and 110 models renamed Defender, with new 107bhp 2.5 litre engine., later 111bhp 300Tdi. 1998: Standard engine becomes 122bhp Td5.

2007: Facelift with yet another new TD5 engine to address environmental and emissions concerns.

2012: New 2.2 litre diesel unit for EuroV compliance.

2015: 2,000,000th Defender rolls off production line.

2016: After 68 years, final Land Rover a 90 Heritage Soft Top ‘H166HUE’ is created Huey was the nickname for the pre-production original. n

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Creating Your Defender

n Choose Your Wheelbase: From 1990 Defender models were distinguished by numbers that roughly correlated to their wheelbases; 90, 110, 130. Today’s Defenders’ numbers are more abstract. From launch there will be a single model; five door, five, six or 5+2 seats, badged 110. Soon a 90 model with three doors, and a 130 model with eight seats will be available too.

n Trim Levels: Defender: 18” steel wheels, navigation, surround camera, cruise control, heated seats, parking sensors, heated front windscreen, climate control, DAB radio, electric windows/central locking.

S: Leather and textile seats, leather steering wheel, Interactive dash display.

SE: 20” wheels, ClearSight ‘virtual’ mirror, keyless entry, electric seat adjustment.

HSE: Panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise, Windsor leather.

First Edition: Refrigerator, Meridian stereo.

X: Head up display, cooled seats, body kit. n Prices & Engines: 2.0L SD4 200HP DIESEL D200 Defender 110 - £45,240.

D200 S 110 - £48,695.

D200 SE 110 - £52,625.

2.0L SD4 240HP DIESEL D240 S 110 - £51,750.

D240 SE 110 - £55,680.

D240 HSE 110 - £60,505.

D240 First Edition 110 - £58,860.

2.0L Si4 300HP PETROL P300 Defender 110 - £48,295.

P300 S 110 - £51,750.

P300 SE 110 - £55,680.

3.0L i6 400HP PETROL P400 X 110 - £78,800.

n Accessory Packs: Adventure: Scuff plates, air compressor and portable rinse system, mudflaps.

Country: Protection bar, mudflaps.

Explorer: Snorkel, roof rack, side carrier.

Urban: Spare wheel cover, metal pedals.

Above: Our previous spread shows the shorter, three door ‘90’ model due to launch in 2020 alongside more basic ’Commercial’ models. For now, ‘110’ models offer five doors and five six or seven seats.

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MOTORS

ALL YOU WANT

for CHRISTMAS

Would you like a new aston Martin? a Superleggera, no less?

Well, you can have one. Free, in fact. ere’s just one catch, or rather six million catches; you’ll have to purchase a DB4 Zagato, too... still, not a bad thing to pop onto your Christmas list!

Words: Rob Davis.

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buy one; get one free. It’s usually the type of deal you expect to see in your local supermarket, but perhaps aston Martin has been on the sherry as Christmas approaches because there’s a ‘BOGOF’ deal on its latest model... albeit with a slight catch in the form of a £6m price tag.

aside from the gloss finish carbon fibre roof and rear diffuser, the eye is drawn to the model’s literal and figurative jewellery in the shape of its solid 18-carat gold wings badges front and rear, black anodised active front grille and its gold anodised side strakes and centre lock wheel nuts.

If you’ve been a very good boy (or girl) all year and have the necessary capital in your stocking, you can purchase what is essential day a modern day recreation of its 1959 DB4 Zagato. a quick motoring lesson; Zagato is the Italian coachbuilder which, under licence from aston Martin, designs some of the brand’s most desirable limited edition models.

e DB4 was Britain’s fastest passenger sports car, it was a born winner, scoring a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss. a total of 75 DB4 GT. were built between 1959 and 1963. Of these only eight were lightweight models, most of which survive today. around 4,500 hours of work go into each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuation sports cars being handmade at aston Martin Works.

Recently it has turned its hand to creating a Zagato edition of the firm’s modern DBS Superleggera flagship, with a 760bhp twin-turbo V12.

Only 19 pairs of the cars will be created, some of which are still available to order.

First deliveries will be made in early 2020. n

aston has also allowed the coachbuilder to recreate a DB4 model, which was first produced in 1960. a recent original DB4 was auctioned in 2018

by Bonhams and achieved a £10.1m sale price. Purchase one of the modern Zagatos, and aston Martin will also throw in a modern DBS Superleggera for free... call it... Christmas spirit. e DB4 recreation features a 4.7 litre six-cylinder engine which generates 380bhp. Both cars will be finished in an exclusive shade of red called Caithness Spicy Red. Well-heeled customers will be able to further customise each car by virtue of access to aston Martin’s ‘Q’ Division.

ASTON MARTIN DB4 ZAGATO Price: £6,000,000 (with free DBS Superleggera Centenary Edition).

Drivetrain: 4.7 litre six-cylinder, 380bhp, with four speed manual gearbox.

Performance: Undisclosed but likely to rech 60mph in four seconds.

Equipment: Roll cage, bucket seats, fire extinguisher, race-grade fuel bag, battery isolation system. n

Whilst the standard DBS Superleggera is slightly overshadowed by its forebear, it’s still a profoundly impressive car and in Zagato edition, utilises the first automotive application of configurable carbon and metal 3D-printed interior finishes. a beautiful central ‘saddle’ design features a unique parametric, inter-locking form, available in a range of three materials and finishes.

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MOTORS

The Young One’s Car PAY POP HOMAGE WITH A FAMOUS SINGER’S CAR - LIKE CLIFF’S STINGRAY!

CLASSIC CARS If you fancy paying homage to a pop legend in 2020, why not treat yourself to a classic car with ‘one careful owner... a young one?’ Silverstone Auction recently offered for sale a 1963 Corvette Stingray formerly owned by the British pop legend Sir Cliff Richard.

Estimated at £60,000 and with 69,000 miles on the clock this Corvette Stingray also has

the original Delco radio... just imagine that; the radio that Sir Cliff Richard listened to as he probably sang and created his next hit single!

Also in the sale was the 1971 Mercedes-Benz formerly owned from new by Lulu who had taken the pop world by storm in the mid-sixties.

With an estimated value of £75,000, the car is really something to shout about! n

Bentley: “The People’s GT” JEREMY CLARKSON’S FAVOURITE CAR IS BENTLEY’S GT V8...

Carry the weight of the world with a 3-Series Touring...

One of the UK’s most popular estate cars has been updated for 2020 as a new BMW 3-Series Touring reaches showrooms.

Since launching its first BMW 3-Series estate, the firm has sold over 1.7m examples.

The new model is 7cm longer, with a capacity of 500 litres more than its predecessor with rear seats, or 1,500 litres with seats folded. Usable space is up by 32 litres, and the car can tow 1,800kg. All wheel drive is also optional. n BMW

BENTLEY The Continental GT V8 was crowned the People’s Car of The Year by Jeremy Clarkson, and ‘Best British Built Car’ following a poll of the readers of The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times and listeners of talkSPORT. “Particularly when you sit inside, they are exceptionally good. I think it’s a wonderful, wonderful car and I want one,” said Jeremy of the Bentley.

Last year alone, the firm’s Continental GT won 19 awards from in the UK, Europe, Russia and China. Its overall success at this year’s awards also builds on last year’s ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ title. n

MOTORING

NEWS In Brief

ROAD SAFETY

put safety first on motorway says breakdown firm Road safety and breakdown firm GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to put safety first on motorway journeys.

The organisation is also calling for a stop to the rollout of smart motorways until a proper safety review has taken place.

GEM’s Neil Worth offered some reassurance for drivers: “Motorways may be the fastest roads we use, but they are statistically also the safest. However, the high speeds used on motorways mean that when there is a crash, it is likely to be more serious. That’s why on average around one in 50 motorway collisions is fatal, compared with one in 70 on all other roads.

The firm has issued five top tips for safer motorway driving based on the causes of motorway accidents they’ve investigated: Safer Driving on Motorways:

1. Plan your journey so you know when to join and leave the motorway.

2. Double your following distance in wet weather.

3. Scan the road a long way ahead so that you have early sight of developing hazards.

4. Avoid any sort of distraction. No mobile device, no interfering with stereo or satnav, no eating or drinking.

5. If you are about to miss your motorway exit, don’t make last-minute risky manoeuvres to leave the motorway. n

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