Stamford Pride April 2024

Welcome

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Summer is nearly here and with it comes the chance to enjoy fresh air and all of the sunshine and Vitamin D you can absorb. Happily Rutland and Stamford both provide a wealth of opportunities to really enjoy the countryside, not least this month when the annual Rutland Walking & Cycling Festival takes place over two very active weeks.

Another way of enjoying the area is to try sailing at Rutland Water, and we were recently very lucky to join Matthew and Ashleigh for a lesson in sailing on the reservoir in Matthew’s lovely keelboat.

All that activity, of course, does rather work up an appetite, but fortunately our next visit was to The King’s Arms in Wing, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this month under the custodianship of James and Kate Goss. The two have created a country dining experience with no effort spared in the preparation of some great dishes.

Elsewhere we celebrate the brand new events barn at The Barnsdale in Exton, which opened recently with a special VIP preview evening for invited guests. We also attend the installation of Bishop Debbie Sellin as the 39th Bishop of Peterborough, a joyous occasion with lots of uplifting music and worship.

Finally, this month we enjoy visiting some local gardens opening for the National Gardens Scheme and we meet sculptor Lloyd Le Blanc who will open his normally private gardens to the public so they can view his best work in situ at Le Blanc Fine Art Foundry.

Best wishes for a wonderful month,

Julian Wilkinson Publisher, Pride Magazines

In this edition we’re championing the NGS whose open gardens events last year raised an impressive £3.4m for local and national charities: shown here is Sol House. We also picture Clare Lodge at Wothorpe, created by Stamford architect Edward Browning c.1850. We’re always looking for great images of the area, so please feel free to email us your best photos to us at robin@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £500,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.

The magazine is also sold in leading newsagents and supermarkets and we also deliver the magazine to local businesses including selected hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 45,000 online visitors viewing our magazines free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

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

Offers In Excess Of £800,000

Guide Price

Main Street, Thorpe by Water

Tudor Cottage, originally built in the 16th century, is a charming and deceptively spacious, five-bedroom Grade II listed cottage that has been beautifully and sympathetically renovated throughout whilst retaining its original character, sitting on a wrap-around plot nestled into the heart of this quiet Rutland hamlet.

Church Street, Langham

A well-presented, semi-detached period home originally built in the 1920s with off-road parking and a generous garden, all sitting in the popular village of Langham.

The Field, Somerby

Copperfield, originally built in the 1960s is a unique, four-bedroom home with spacious accommodation and a fantastic plot of approximately a third of an acre, offering an incredible opportunity to create a wonderful family home at the edge of this popular village surrounded by the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.

West Road, Oakham

Offers in Excess of £225,000

Originally built in 1896, this beautifully-presented, two-bedroom end of terrace home sits on a generous plot with a west-facing garden and conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Oakham town centre.

Find Your Perfect Home

The largest selection of luxury homes on the market in Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding area

The Stone House at Wing, currently on the market with Pelham James. See page 60.

LUXURY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

A SMALL COMPANY WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF EXPERTISE, USING LOCAL SKILLED CRAFTSMEN AND ARTISANS. DELIVERING INCREDIBLE PROPERTIES WHETHER IT BE NEW BUILDS OR OUR SPECIALTY OF CONVERTING AND RESTORING BARNS.

Sustainable and energy efficient homes that enhance their setting. Every home is unique and thoughtfully designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing in order to enhance the lives of the people who live in them.

Development possibilities, with or without planning permission undertaken, if you have a property with development potential or land please do contact us.

Lambley Lodge

Belton In Rutland

Positioned in open undulating countryside with gardens and paddock land extending to approximately 5.5 acres with triple garaging, barn and a former stable. The property offers well-proportioned extended accommodation with 5 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms and 4 bathroom/shower rooms.

Guide Price: £1,200,000

Richardson Surveyors Sheep Market House, Sheep Market, Stamford PE9 3RB. Call 01780 762433 or see www.richardsonsurveyors.co.uk

Barrowden

Rutland

An immaculately presented, traditional style home that is built for modern living and includes solar panels, is situated down a private no-through drive in the highly sought after village of Barrowden. The attractive, stone property is set over three floor s and has five double bedrooms with a principal bedroom suite on the top floor

Offers in region of: £900,000

Stocks Cottage is situated in the attractive Rutland village of Market Overton. The village has a public house, church, shop, GP Surgery, Bowls Club and Cricket Club and is surrounded by rolling, open countryside. Stocks Cottage Market Overton Guide Price: £1,250,000

Local News

Queen Elizabeth II statue installed

Lord Lieutenant’s special tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II created by sculptor Hywel Pratley will be installed in Oakham as Pride goes to press

Plans

for a Wild Rutland

Victoria Hall debut for Joss and James Hanbury’s plan to create a 1,200-acre nature reserve near Oakham as part of a huge ‘regenerative conservation’ project

Wild Rutland revealed its pre-planning ideas for a new nature reserve at a public exhibition held at Victoria Hall last month, to give residents the opportunity to ask questions and express interest in the project.

Joss and James Hanbury – whose family have been farming the area for generations – have made a pre-planning application for a 1,200-acre nature reserve in Rutland The site will create a new conservation-inspired visitor attraction later this year, which will bring together heritage, nature, wildlife, play and adventure near Oakham.

Wild Rutland CEO Hugh Vere Nicoll says: “Wildflower meadows, the measured introduction of native tree species and indigenous animals will work holistically to improve the ecology of the area and in turn create opportunities for insect, bird and reptile diversity to flourish.”

A full planning application will be submitted later in 2024, but for now, an initial concept is available to view at www.wildrutland.com.

Rutland’s tribute to the late HM Queen Elizabeth II is due to be unveiled on 21st April at 2pm in the gardens adjacent to Oakham Library.

The statue has been created by sculptor Hywel Pratley and funded following a campaign led by the county’s Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness and her team.

The date of the statue’s unveiling is significant as it would have been the late Queen’s birthday. Among invited VIPs will be both two and four-legged representatives from The Welsh Corgi League, as the Queen is depicted with three of her beloved dogs. The statue will be 7ft tall, cast in bronze, and installed on a 5ft plinth.

Image: Hywel Pratley in his London W6 studios reproduced with kind permission of Geoff Pugh, Instagram @GeoffPix.

Don’t lose your head!

Lost 1,800-year-old Roman bust unearthed, during car park construction, now on display at Burghley

A mysterious 1,800-year-old Roman bust that was unearthed during car park construction work is now on display within the dramatic Hell Staircase of Burghley House.

A marble head of a Roman lady was discovered by digger driver Greg Crawley in spring 2023, closely followed two weeks later by a marble bust. Both are now on display, see burghley.co.uk.

Good & New Sale Success

For Rutland’s Good & New Clothing sale was a success once again, raising funds for local advisors

Hat’s the spirit! Hundreds of Rutlanders enjoyed raising money for charity at the county’s Good & New Sale, organised in aid of For Rutland. A special VIP preview evening includes Champagne and canapés for guests provided by Hambleton Hall, and an early opportunity to seek out the best designer goods and accessories ahead of the Saturday sale. See www.forrutland.org.uk.

Barrowden’s bellringers are back in business

For whom does the bell toll? St Peter’s campanologists of Barrowden following £105,000 tower restoration

Hemingway asked for whom the bell tolls. Turns out it tolls for the campanologists at Barrowden’s St Peter’s Church. The group has been able to recommence its activities for the first time in several months following a refurbishment of the bell tower and the bells themselves, which has cost £105,000.

Water leaking into the tower over decades has let to the weakening of the Victorian louvres, resulting in the deterioration of the quatrefoils and lucarnes which has in turn allowed water to damage the wooden floors and bell-hanging mechanism.

Barrowden and Wakerley Parochial Church Council and the church’s bell ringing group have embarked on fundraising along with two village benefactors, the Augean Community Fund, the Mick George Community Fund, the Jack Patston Trust, the Benefit Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust in order to complete the repairs.

And Finally... One of Rutland’s most beloved residents has returned to the county! Maya was the earliest of the Rutland Osprey Project’s birds to return from wintering in Africa. Maya arrived in Rutland back in 2009, and has raised 11 chicks. On Easter Saturday around 2pm, Maya laid an egg... with a 37 day incubation period, it should hatch around the May bank holiday! Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

High Life

The Barn: An Exclusive First Look

The Barnsdale team has been working really hard behind the scenes to reveal their beautiful new events barn, revealed to specially invited guests for a Champagne and canapé reception last month

Images: Rob Davis.

A brand new venue for happy occasions! The first couple to say “I do!” in The Barnsdale’s brand new wedding and events venue will marry as Pride goes to press, but in advance of that occasion, the hotel took the opportunity to showcase its new events space to local businesses, media and VIPs recently for a special preview of the space which will now be know as The Barn. “It’s not just a wedding venue but so much more,” say owners Hector and Samantha Ross whose company, The Signet Collection, acquired the property in May 2022. “It’s perfect for suppers, talks, presentations, conferences and much more. The team have worked really hard and it’s joyful to think of all the couples who will begin their lives together here in the space we’ve created!” For information on The Barn at Barnsdale, see www.barnsdalerutland.com or call 01572 724678.

‘Where every child is known, valued, and supported to achieve above and beyond their potential.’

We have a reputation for genuinely caring for the young people we teach and nurturing them to become the best version of themselves. Parents recognise the exceptional pastoral care that we provide and combined with superb teaching; we offer a truly ‘whole’ education for young people. This approach has resulted in not only fantastic GCSE results, but perhaps more importantly, young people who feel confident, happy, safe, members of our school family.

School tours take place every Thursday morning and can be booked through our reception on 01780 761000. Please visit our website www.stamfordwellandacademy.org

OUR SUMMER OPEN EVENING TAKES PLACE ON TUESDAY 18TH JUNE AT 5PM.

Bishop Debbie Bishop Debbie A Warm Welcome for

Last month saw a warm welcome for Bishop Debbie Sellin at Peterborough Cathedral as the 39th Bishop of Peterborough was installed in a joyful and inspiring service

Congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Debbie Sellin who was installed in her Cathedra – or Bishop’s Seat –last month. March saw the Archdeacon of Canterbury, on behalf of the Archbishop, install Bishop Debbie in a service at Peterborough Cathedral which was both joyful and inspiring.

The Diocese of Peterborough is the regional presence of the Church of England in Northamptonshire, Rutland and Peterborough. The Diocese is led by The Bishop of Peterborough, assisted by the suffragan Bishop of Brixworth.

The service started with Bishop Debbie banging on the door of the Cathedral and being greeted by children from several local church schools. The Dean then sprinkled Bishop Debbie with water as a reminder of the baptism in which all Christians are called to share.

The formal aspects of the service included the reading of the Archbishop’s mandate and legal transferring of responsibility for the Diocese. Oaths were made to the King and to be a ‘faithful pastor to the clergy and people of this diocese,’ holding a Bible used at Peterborough Abbey in the thirteenth century.

Bishop Debbie was then anointed with oil of chrism (myrrh) by the Bishop of Brixworth and Archdeacons of Oakham and Northampton before being robed in the Diocesan Cope which carries symbols of St Peter, the patron saint of the Cathedral. The Archdeacon of Canterbury then placed Bishop Debbie in her Cathedra where she was welcomed by civic and ecclesiastical representatives from across all three counties of the Diocese; Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Bishop Debbie was then greeted with enthusiastic applause from the whole of the congregation. Throughout the service, there was an uplifiting range of worship, praise and diverse music from Te Deum (Colleguim Regale) to Blinded by your Grace by Stormzy.

Bishop Debbie’s sermon focused on hope and how we long to see change and transformation in our broken world, but we need courage and audacity to work towards this brighter future. She then reflected on the ancient Cathedral and how many centuries of ministry and teaching had served to show the world God’s hope for the future across our diverse diocese. ‘It has always been the task of the people of God here to present that hope, to present it in different ways and it should always be relevant to the culture of the day and offer hope despite the struggles that are going on.’

She acknowledged the work of all those who have worked hard in the Diocese throughout the vacancy, in particular Bishop John and said how she was looking forward to working together in their shared episcopal ministry. Bishop Debbie concluded using the words of the Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley; ‘I hope we will choose to live differently, dance to a different tune, to see the world through the eyes of God who died on the cross to change it’ and described her journey as an adventure that she was prepared to embark on and hoped that the whole Diocese would join her on that journey.

Peterborough Cathedral has a diverse programme of events including former singer of M People, Heather Small, visiting the Cathedral to perform on Sunday 5th May from 7pm. Call 01733 355315 or see www.peterborough­cathedral.org.uk. To find out more about what is happening across the Diocese in your local churches please visit www.peterborough­diocese.org.uk.

Images: Paul Marriott Photography 07885 439184, www.marriottphotos.co.uk.

FROM RUTLAND to BARMSTEDT

Rutland’s Adam Lowe is on a mission to breathe new life into the county’s association with Barmstedt with a twinning event that takes place on 30th May... could you soon be saying “Guten Tag!” to some overseas friends?

Next year will represent the 40th anniversary of Rutland’s Association with Barmstedt in the German Federal State of SchleswigHolstein north of Hamburg. In advance of the milestone, Rutland’s Adam Lowe is keen to ensure that cordial relations between the two towns continue with fresh impetus in the area’s twinning association.

Oakham has been twinned with Barmstedt since 1985 and in that time there have been many enjoyable visits in both directions, but with changing times, membership has diminished.

Now, with renewed enthusiasm, a working party has been formed and is keen to build itself up again, so it’s looking to a bright future with new members and fresh ideas as the twinning moves towards 2025’s milestone, hopefully with a number of special events to celebrate the association.

“In Barmstedt our contacts would be pleased to revitalise this successful link following many previous exchange visits by families, school sports groups, concert bands, from scouts, to footballers and cyclists,” says Angie Humphreys, who co-founded the association with her husband Francis.

“There are many benefits of twinning from travel opportunities to an exchange of language, culture and the experience of living with families… even trying new foods is a true way to meet people in their own environment.”

Former Mayor of Oakham Adam Lowe is also a member of the working party and says:

“When Angie approached me and I became involved in 2018, which included exchange visits, it opened my eyes to what is a very easy and relaxed friendship between the towns.”

“The activities of Brexit seem to have only strengthened the resolve of people involved to remain friends. The twinning offers an opportunity to maintain ties and friendships with a great country, mixing with great people who have shared values and vision. I would love for like-minded people to join us in taking what Angie and Francis started to another level.”

Image: Barmstedt courtesy of the Oakham and District Twinning Association. Below: Schleswig­Holstein.

Barmstedt has a population of approximately 10,000 people and is situated on the banks of the Krückau River.

The town is known for its historic castle, which dates back to the 13th century, and its picturesque old town, with timberframed buildings and charming streets.

The town was once home to 133 shoemakers. Just one remains today, Gabor, which makes 8,000,000 shoes a year. Oh... and Germany’s ex-champion in unicycling, Peer Fischer, was born in Barmstedt, too!

The group, will go under the new name of the Oakham & District Twinning Association so that interested parties living outside Oakham know that they are also very welcome. The Association is holding a drop-in evening of drinks and light bites in Oakham Castle from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 30th May.

Local residents will be able to find out more about the history of the relationship between the two towns, view pictures of Barmstedt and articles from over the years and express an interest in the future of the group, as visits become more regular.

Susanne Schmidt, Chair of the Barmstedt Twinning Association, and the Mayor of Barmstedt, Frau Heike Döpke, will be travelling from Germany for the occasion and are looking forward to introducing themselves and the town.

Twinning in Rutland

It’s good to know about each other, talk to each other, understand each others’ concerns and also share ideas on the challenges of climate change, for example...”

Susanne has already extended an invitation to visit Oakham in September: “For us, town twinning means international understanding,” says Susanne. “It’s good to know about each other, talk to each other, understand each other's concerns and also share ideas on the challenges of climate change, for example. Current events in the world show that we must work together to protect our peace.”

“In Barmstedt, we are very pleased about the friendship and partnership with Oakham and District as well as with Roissy-en-Brie in France and Middelfart in Denmark. Guests from all three twin towns meet in Barmstedt

on various occasions. Anyone interested in attending in September is very welcome.”

“One of the association’s main aims is to promote pen pal correspondence between pupils here and in Barmstedt.”

“There are so many benefits to learning a foreign language and the association would be delighted to meet families and local school representatives who would like to give young people the opportunity to develop friendships with pupils in Barmstedt. This does not require the pupils in Oakham to be learning German at school, as the Barmstedt pupils would be keen to respond in English.”

To register your attendance at Rutland’s 2024 event, please email Councillor Adam Lowe at adamfromoakham@gmail.com or telephone Adam on 07801 541389 by Thursday 16th May.

RURAL LIFE

Sunday 26th & Monday 27th May

A family event embodying the spirit of rural activities, crafts and history. Event includes arena performances by equestrian Ben Atkinson, shopping, food, agricultural vehicle displays, a traditional fairground and animals.

Lamport | Northamptonshire | NN6 9HD 01604 686 272 | www.lamporthall.co.uk

engagement@lamporthall.co.uk

An Active Summer in Rutland

From walking and cycling to sailing on Rutland Water, there’s never been a better time to explore the county and enjoy fresh air and fitness

Words: Rob Davis.

Walking & Cycling Festival

Happily, Rutland (and Stamford) enjoys frequent recognition for being one of the best places to live in Britain. Among the usual criteria of low crime, good transport links and so on, is a consideration of health and wellbeing in the local population.

It’s little wonder that in our neck of the woods Rutland scores highly in this respect given the wealth of great walks, opportunities to get out and about and surround yourself with nature and, of course, with the presence of Rutland Water and its walking and cycling routes plus opportunities to enjoy activities like sailing. Rutland also has its own physical activity development team, Active Rutland, comprising of four people including Danielle

Adams who is jointly responsible for creating the county’s annual Walking & Cycling Festival, which this year takes place from Saturday 18th May - Friday 31st May.

The programme comprises two weeks of suggested walking and cycling activities including the Rutland Round if you’re feeling especially ambitious. The whole route is about 65 miles in length, but helpfully it has been broken up into six stages over a week, so participants can either pick and choose a

Rutland’s Walking and Cycling festival will take place from 18th-31st May

route near them or tackle the whole lot in manageable stages whilst enjoying some spectacular Rutland scenery. The original Rutland Round route was created by John Williams and was first published in April 2000, but there are a number of shorter routes too, planned for the second week of the festival across estates like Exton.

As well as walking routes, the festival is also designed to ensure people have the confidence to get back in the saddle with cycling refresher events for both adults and youngsters in conjunction with Bikeability.

There’s also a couple of nature-themed events from guided bat walks to guided walks along Oakham Canal to discover the area’s heritage, too.

Cycle

Rutland Cycling has a huge hire fleet to enjoy all day from £40 (£50 for a model with electric assistance), though pre­booking is recommended. The company hand­picks the best brands including models from Specialized which the company’s José Mason­Baxter, a keen rider, reckons are the best engineered bikes on the market.

“Covid saw a huge increase in the number of bikes purchased, so manufacturers delayed the launch of their new models and

concentrated on meeting demand. They’re now beginning to release new models of bikes, with competitive prices and really good discounts on current models.”

“There’s never been a better time to come in and try one out. We’ve models with electric assistance to help in hills and headwind plus bikes from £500 with some really good electric assisted versions for about £2,000.” At Normanton and Whitwell, call 01780 460705 or see www.rutlandcycling.com.

The Rutland Round Walk

Make 2024 the year you complete the Rutland Round! The walk is a 65 mile circular route around the perimeter of the county, starting in Oakham with a couple of detours to visit Rutland Water. It was first launched in 2000 by John Williams; back then he was the Rights of Way Officer for CPRE Rutland.

As part of the annual Rutland Walking and Cycling Festival, volunteer walk leaders will be leading walkers along the route and will be sharing their knowledge along the way.

The overall route will be split into six days starting on Saturday 18th May and finishing on Thursday 23rd May. You can book to walk as many sections as you like or take on the challenge of walking the full Rutland Round!

Saturday 18th May: Oakham to Wardley, 9.5 miles.

Sunday 19th May:

Wardley to Seaton, 12.5 miles.

Monday 20th May: Seaton to Geeston, 10.5 miles.

Tuesday 21st May:

Geeston to Tickencote, 10 miles.

Wednesday 22nd May:

Tickencote to Thistleton, 11 miles.

Thursday 23rd May:

Thistleton to Oakham, 12 miles.

As the Rutland Round is a circular walk, each day starts at a new location. All walkers need to be able to cope with stiles and need to wear suitable footwear and clothing (walking boots or strong footwear are essential).

Dogs are welcome but need to be kept under close control and you must be able to lift them over difficult stiles. don’t forget refreshments and other essential items like sun cream. See www.activerutland.org.uk.

Walking & Cycling in Rutland

Rutland’s Walking and Cycling Festival takes place from Saturday 18th May to Friday 31st May

Saturday 18th May

Guided Bat Walk

Identify and learn about the bats that make Oakham Canal their home on a guided walk led by a trained ecologist. Takes place from 8.30pm - 10pm, free event.

Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, Oakham, LE15 7TU

Thursday 23rd May

Oakham Canal

Guided History Walk

Enjoy a guided history walk along Oakham Canal. Join in a 5-mile loop of the canal from the centre of Oakham and learn all about the fascinating history and future of this beautiful waterway along the way. Free event. Church Street Car Park, Oakham, 10am­1pm.

Saturday 25th May

Parkwalk at Rutland Water

Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere, giving you the opportunity to chat to others and be active at any pace. Located at Edith Weston. From 9am Rutland Water, Normanton Road.

Saturday 25th May to Friday 31st May

Local Walking Routes

Sat 25th: Manton, 8.5 miles, 9.30am.

Sun 26th: Belton in Rutland, 9 miles, 10am.

Mon 27th: Exton, 6.5 miles, 10am.

Mon 27th: Exton, 5 miles, 2pm.

Thurs 30th: Hambleton Walk, 5 miles, 10am.

Fri 31st: Braunston Walk, 5.5 miles, 10am.

Fri 31st: Braunston Walk, 5.5 miles, 2pm.

See www.activerutland.org.uk/ walkingandcyclingfestival

Wednesday 29th May

Oakham Social Trail

Accessible family friendly short walk around Oakham to improve and maintain physical and mental health. The Social Trail begins at the Rutland Family Hub on Catmos Street, LE15 6HW. From 10.30am, free event.

Thursday 30th May

Back in the Saddle: Adults Biking Refresher

Would you like to get back on your bike? Would you like to feel more confident on your bike? Active Rutland can offer you support to do this at a secure enclosed venue with its own private road network. Active Rutland Hub, LE15 7TU, from 10am.

Sailing on Rutland Water

Smooth Sailing

Experiencing sailing is a breeze thanks to an inclusive, knowledgable, friendly and welcoming community at Rutland Sailing Club, who recently invited us along to enjoy a taste of what Rutland Water has to offer

The sheer number of idioms deriving from sailing is really surprising. Being ‘at a loose end’ or ‘on the right tack’ are among the more obvious ones, but to be overwhelmed refers to ‘qhelmen,’ an old English term for turning upside down or capsizing. The etymology of the word posh, meanwhile, referring to elegance or luxury, is thought to be a nautical acronym refering the ‘port out, starboard home,’ the more comfortable and desirable of accommodation – out of direct sun – when sailing between England and India.

My recent education in sailing was not limited to the etymology of its words and phrases though, as we joined Matthew Botfield and Ashleigh Reeves for our first taste of sailing.

My preconception was that sailing at Rutland Water would be very wet and more oriented towards competitive sailing. So, to prove that it could also be a more enjoyable, leisurely (and dry) experience, we were overjoyed when Rutland Sailing Club directed us towards Matt’s 2018 Sedna 24, a comfortable lifting keel cruiser of 7.5 metres, with all the mod cons; a couple of double bunks and a small galley.

It wasn’t the sunniest day – around 6°c with a wind somewhere in the region of 11-16 knots or four on the Beaufort scale – but with a couple of windcheaters, we were warm, comfortable and most of all, we were really well looked after by Matt and Ashleigh, who got us on board and ‘showed us the ropes.’ There we are; yet another sailing idiom.

Words: Rob Davis.

Sailing on Rutland Water

Matt lives in Leicestershire and was introduced to sailing at the age of 12 whilst attending a local youth club, very quickly discovering an affinity with the activity both for leisure and sport, competing in the Schools’ National Championships in 1984.

He’s been a member of Rutland Sailing Club since 2009 and as Pride goes to press, he’ll be enjoying a seven-day sailing break, taking his boat, Imogen, down to Southampton in order to sail around the Solent, taking in Cowes or Bembridge, depending on conditions.

Rutland Water, meanwhile, is a brilliant resource for those keen to try sailing, whether in a larger cruiser, a dinghy or one of the foiling boats or wingboards on the water during our visit.

A 1968 Act of Parliament gave the go-ahead for the creation of Rutland Water, which was originally to be known as Empingham Reservoir prior to a petition by local schoolgirl Jane Rutter. Rutland Sailing Club was, in fact founded in August 1969, some years before work on clearing the site that would become Rutland Water began in June 1970, and before the filling of the reservoir commenced on 6th February 1975 (that also took a while; the reservoir wasn’t full until 1979).

Today the reservoir has a surface area of nearly 4.2 square miles, and holds over 124,000,000 cubic metres of water, up to 30 metres deep and set in 3,100 acres of countryside. The club, meanwhile, held its first AGM in 1973 and had about 450 members back then. Today there are 1,000 members, (including 250 family memberships), a third of

Matthew Botfield and Ashleigh Reeves gave Rutland Pride’s Editor Rob Davis a chance to try sailing on Rutland Water recently.

which are female, 30% over the age of 65 with 68% of members stating they sail for relaxation and social interaction, rather than with competition in mind.

That’s not to say Rutland Water isn’t a great facility for competitive sailors though, offering club racing fixtures and training as well as accommodating teams like The Rutland Raiders. It’s also one of just five RYA (Royal Yachting Association) advanced Sailing Academies, specialising in providing RYA-affiliated training for adults and youths.

Matt’s cruiser, meanwhile, is ideal for more of a leisurely experience of sailing even if the principles remain the same. He was very patient despite my constant barrage of ‘what does that rope do?’ questions.

With my wife and I equipped with lifejackets, Matt eased us away from the pontoon with a small electric outboard motor and into the reservoir just off the Edith Weston shoreline, with wind speeds of between 17 and 21 knots, (a force five wind); ideal conditions for getting a bit of a shift on.

First impressions were how quiet the experience was and how gentle and enjoyable the movement of the cruiser moving through the water.

Much like an aeroplane wing, the idea of sailing is to ensure the Bernoulli effect; high pressure airflow behind the sail, and a low pressure airflow in front of the sail, utilising the keel beneath the boat for stability, steering using the rudder and using the jib –the smaller sail at the front – for balance.

One of the elements of sailing I thought would prove the most nerve-wracking was sitting high up on the side as the boat leaned over. In fact it turned out to be the best bit, and we were soon swapping from port to starboard and having a great time. The water is well-used but safe thanks to rules on when and how to give way, and there’s a variety of people enjoying the reservoir in many varied boats. Wingboarders looked a bit chilly, but the dinghy sailers were having a great time and there were a couple of boats out with members of Rutland

Sailabilty, the group established over 25 years ago to ensure an accessible sailing experience for those with disabilities, also providing training right up to Olympic level.

Our adventure must have seen us travel six or seven miles, with Matt constantly talking us through what observations he’s making –the darker ripples of water indicating stronger winds for example, or why he was adjusting the sails. The route took us to the reservoir’s limnological tower, past Normanton Church (for a wave at the visitors) and then back towards the sailing club. It was a really enjoyable, comfortable and bone dry experience thanks to the expertise of Matt and Ashleigh.

If, like me, you’ve always looked at those enjoying the water with a degree of curiosity – perhaps even envy – the club offers everything from taster sessions to RYA training. Neither age, nor fitness, nor lack of experience are prohibitive factors, it’s definitely an experience we can recommend... and one that we’re keen to repeat very soon!

With thanks to Matthew Botfield and Ashleigh Reeves who gave us a taste of sailing on board Matt’s Sedna 24 lifting keel cruiser. We really enjoyed the experience and we’re very grateful for your time! Rutland Sailing Club is friendly and accessible for novices and experienced sailors, offering tuition and taster experiences too. For details call 01780 720292 or see www.rutlandsailingclub.co.uk.

What’s On

Sunday 26th May and

Monday 27th May

Living Heritage

Game & Country Fair 2024 at Burghley House

Enjoy a visit to the popular Game and Country Fair over the late May Bank Holiday Weekend at Burghley House, Stamford. The weekend will be packed with experiences and have-a-go opportunities, from clay shooting, fishing, falconry and country crafting, as well as entertainment in the main arena demonstrations, plus live music, plenty of local food and much more.

£16/adult; £5/child, 10am to 6pm, call 01780 752451 or see www.burghley.co.uk.

Classic Wheels in Oakham

Take a ride out to Rutland this spring for an unforgettable day of motoring at the county’s showground this month

Sunday 19th May Classic

Wheels

Rutland Showground will host its fourth Classic Wheels event on Sunday 19th May.

More than 1,000 classic vehicles were on display in 2023 alongside autojumble stands, food & craft stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and club displays, making this event a truly unforgettable day for fans of vintage motoring.

Thursday 9th May

Spring tour and talk around the gardens of Burghley House

Saturday 11th May

The Concert That Never Was: The Beatles

& The Stones

Two of the most exciting tribute bands on the international touring circuit. The Cheatles recreate the original look and feel of The Fab Four with the utmost precision. The look is sharp and the harmonies are second to none.

Meanwhile, Not The Rolling Stones is a serious tribute to the band’s music, with Satisfaction, Honky Tonk Women, Jumping Jack Flash, Sympathy for the Devil, Brown Sugar and more.

Burghley’s Head Gardener will guide you around the beautiful South Gardens and Sculpture Garden, pointing out particular planting displays, discuss the stunning seasonal highlights and tell you about upcoming projects the team will be working on throughout spring and summer. Followed by afternoon tea. £55/tickets, from 1.45pm­5pm. Burghley House, PE9 3JY. Call 01780 752451 or see www.burghley.co.uk. From 10am ­ 4pm, day tickets £10, Rutland Showground, Oakham LE15 7TW. For details see classicwheelsrutland.co.uk.

Stamford Corn Exchange PE9 1PX, tickets £25, call 01780 766455 or see stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

Monday 22nd April to Saturday 11th May

Welland Valley Art Society Spring Exhibition

The first of this year’s shows, held annually in the main gallery, the Spring Exhibition of the Welland Valley Art Society features over 100 original works by professional and talented

amateur artists. Come along and enjoy the wonderful variety of artworks from over 30 artists. Many original artworks, both framed and mounted, are for sale. Hosted by Stamford Arts Centre on St Mary’s Street, free admission.

Stamford Arts Centre, 10am5pm Monday­Saturday, free admission, see www.welland valleyartsociety.co.uk.

Le Blanc Fine Art Exhibition

Opening of foundry, sculpture gardens and gallery at Le Blanc Fine Art, home to Lloyd Le Blanc

Wednesday 1st May Carmen

Live screening of The Royal Opera House’s Carmen at Stamford Arts Centre.

Tickets £16/adults, 6.45pm, see stamfordartscentre.com.

Friday 24th May to Monday 27th May

The 12th Annual Cider & Sausage

With a great barbecue and live music throughout the Cider & Sausage festival at Oakham’s Grainstore Brewery features 40 real ciders and locally crafted sausages as well as great music.

The Grainstore Brewery, Oakham, LE15 6RE. Call 01572 770065 or see grainstorebrewery.com.

Saturday 11th May

Saturday 8th June

Le Blanc Fine Art Spring Exhibition

Open event for the gardens and fine art studios of Le Blanc Fine Art. View a large collection of works by Lloyd Le Blanc, meet the team and take a look behind the scenes of the foundry.

Sculptors Lloyd Le Blanc and Judith Holmes Drewry have created many original bronze sculptures which are found in private, corporate and

Thursday 2nd May to Sunday 12th May

Six at Curve Theatre

It’s the crowning glory of Broadway and the West End!

The international smash hit musical Six makes its royal return to Leicester following its previous sell-out success!

The winner of 26 major international awards Six is the sell-out Tudor take-off following the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak.

Ticket prices vary, shows from 4pm, 6pm and 8pm, Curve Theatre, Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB. Call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.

public collections worldwide. All of the bronze sculptures are of a small limited edition and are cast in their own bronze foundry near Saxby Melton Mowbray.

Specialising in bronze and the lost wax process the Le Blanc Art Foundry has been established since 1973 and is housed in the converted farm buildings at Manor House in rural Leicestershire.

From 10am­4pm, free admission, call 01572 787503 or visit website at www.leblancfineart.com.

Dining Out

20 Years at the top of their game

The King’s Arms in Wing

What do you get if you combine a quintessentially ‘Rutland’ pub, with a chef determined to make the most of every single dish, and a fondness for game? The answer, it seems, is 20 years of success. This month sees the 20th anniversary of James & Kate Goss’s tenure at their 17th century country restaurant, The King’s Arms, a rather spectacular place to dine!

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Flavour, flavour and flavour. In that order, those are the three qualities that James ‘Jimmy’ Goss says he looks to impart into any new dish that he introduces onto the menu at The King’s Arms in Wing. Not a single opportunity to make the most of an ingredient is forsaken, and no labour is too much effort when it comes to creating dishes that beautifully reflect the countryside surrounding the 17th century pub restaurant.

It’s an approach to chefcraft which is labour intensive but enables a compromise-proof dining experience, one that has ensured The King’s Arms has remained one of Rutland’s best restaurants for 20 years... exactly 20 years in fact.

On 11th May 2004

David Goss, his wife Gisa, and their son James purchased The King’s Arms from equally gifted Rutland publican Jason Allen, who had looked after the building very well indeed.

Opposite:

David has gone from working behind the bar to behind the scenes, whilst Jimmy has capitalised on his experience working around Europe to create menus that focus on quality and seasonality, making the most of the countryside.

Jimmy developed a love of foraging and farmhouse cooking from his grandmother then worked in his uncle’s restaurant before embarking on a one year stint working as a ski-season chef – which overran by about, oooh, six years – followed by a stint in Denmark, working at Michelin-star kitchens.

Underwriting Jimmy’s dishes is his belief in a ‘field to fork, nose to tail’ approach. The chef works alongside Andy, who has been with him in the kitchen for 11 years, and Josh who joined the two at the age of 16 and is now 21. That retention of talent over many years ensures consistency in the dishes that the team creates – which is great for diners – but also allows Jimmy to impart a range of more advanced kitchen skills, employing them throughout his menus.

Fallow deer saddle, sweet medlar red cabbage, balsamic beets, sprouting broccoli, and port glace, £28.

The King’s Arms at Wing, Rutland

FIRST COURSES

Confit grey squirrel legs, smoked bacon, peas, truffled custard, hen of the woods, £11.

Pub cold-smoked wood pigeon breasts, pub black pudding, onion jam, chicory & game chips, £12

Rutland kedgeree, lightly spiced rice, pub hot smoked trout, trout roe, garden peas, toasted almonds & boiled egg, touch of cream, parsley crisps, £10.

Jimmy’s charcuterie, pancetta, lomo, spicy coppa, muntjac bresaola, venison salami and pickles, £20.

MAIN COURSES

Roasted cod loin, cavolo nero rösti, artichoke, Jimmy’s Parma ham & red wine glace, £25.

Fallow deer saddle, sweet medlar red cabbage, balsamic beets, dauphinoise and port glace, £28.

Braised Launde Farms

lamb shank, wild garlic and parsley mash, jus and greens £28.

Herbed red wine venison sausages, red cabbage, mash, greens and chestnut mushroom sauce, £21.

Dry-aged fillet steak, shin croquette, hen of the woods, celeriac puree and thyme fondant, £38.

DESSERTS

Pub orchard fruit crumble with cinnamon sorbet & real vanilla custard, £9.

Amaretto brulée with pub orchard quince compote and salted almond snap biscuit, £9.

Pub cheese board: 2 cheeses for £8, and £3 per additional cheese. Enjoy the full board alone or share with the table for £26.

NB: This is a sample menu, and featured dishes are subject to availability and change.

“We believe greatly in seasonality, in using the best ingredients, and investing lots of effort in what we do...”

For example, the team values provenance and favours local producers like Gwilym and Alex Owen at Launde Lamb, Grasmere Farm for pork, a couple of local suppliers of 30-day aged beef, plus game from local shoots and estates.

The latter is a particular speciality of The King’s Arms, and whilst game is more typically associated with the cooler months, Jimmy also has a dedicated smokehouse, adjacent to the restaurant allowing him to produce hot and cold smoked meat, from venison sausages to a range of charcuterie which can still be enjoyed throughout the summer months.

Everything but everything is produced in house; Jimmy and the team make their own bread, produce ice creams and sorbets in house, and even have a range of homemade tipples on a chalk board adjacent to the bar; elderflower vodka, raspberry gin and pub orchard pear schnapps are all created with fruit steeped in house. So is the redcurrant vodka which, Kate advises with a degree of caution, is ‘lethal...’ but not when consumed in sensible quantities, I’m sure. I was driving during my visit, so I can’t attest to the

strength of those spirits, nor did I enjoy local ales like Grainstore’s Osprey or any of the very well-curated (by David) wines available from £25 a bottle, up to about £50.

I can, however, confirm that even tea and coffee is local, sourced from roastery Lee & Fletcher, about an hour away from The King’s Arms. The company has been supplying the restaurant for a number of years and like a few of Jimmy & Kate’s other suppliers, they’ve become friends as well as fellow food and drink aficionados.

As we were putting the camera away during our visit, the roastery’s owners Jim and Katharine Fletcher were just checking in to one of The King’s Arm’s eight nicely presented letting rooms for a rest, prior to enjoying supper that evening.

“They’ve become really good friends,” says Jimmy. “We’re really lucky that we’ve a community around us that gets what we’re trying to do. We believe greatly in seasonality, in using the best ingredients, and investing time and effort in what we do.”

“Our approach has come back into fashion, but it’s just what we’ve been doing for years;

Above: Jimmy’s charcuterie comprising pancetta, lomo, spicy coppa, muntjac bresaola and venison salami, pickles, £20. Opposite: Roasted cod loin with rösti, artichoke, Parma ham, £25.

Dining Out

refusing to waste opportunities to impart flavour or make the most of what’s growing around us.”

“Butchering our own meat in house means we’re able to vouch for the quality of our ingredients and produce everything from our own sausages and charcuterie right down some really good stocks, but also give our customers an authentic, fairly-priced dining experience because we don’t waste anything.”

The King’s Arms’ diners aren’t the only ones who recognise the quality and authenticity of the restaurant’s dishes either. The place was awarded a rosette by the AA for its dining in 2005, then a second rosette a year later and it has retained them ever since.

In addition The Good Food Awards, The Countryside Alliance and Guns on Pegs have all recognised the quality of The King’s Arms’s dining and its accommodation.

“It’s something we’re proud of, certainly, but the real measure of success for us is how satisfied our diners are,” say Jimmy and Kate.

“We’re pleased with the lovely feedback we get from people who dine with us. One recent comment was from a customer who hadn’t been back for a few months but commented that they shouldn’t have left it so long.”

“They also commented on the consistency of the experience which means a great deal to us, as it’s a reflection on the fact that we keep the same team members and all work hard together to achieve the same goal of ensuring our customers have a wonderful experience.”

“We’re a family business, but also a family in the broader sense too, with a really great team, some wonderful suppliers and some fantastic regulars. That’s why the past 20 years have flown by and why we can’t wait for the next 20!”

The King’s Arms, Wing, Rutland

The Pitch: The culinary heartbeat of rural Rutland, a 17th Century dining room in the conservation village of Wing with lots of game on the menu and adjacent smokehouse. Home to David, Jimmy & Kate Goss for 20 years.

Kitchen opening hours: Closed Monday. Open Tuesday 6pm­8.30pm; Wednesday 6pm­8.30pm; Thursday 12noon­2pm, 6pm­8.30pm; Friday 12noon­2pm, 6pm­9pm; Saturday 12noon­2pm, 5.30pm­9pm.

Sunday 12noon­2.30pm.

The King’s Arms, Top Street, Wing, LE15 8SE. Call 01572 737 634 or see www.thekingsarms­wing.co.uk.

Opposite: Cold­smoked wood pigeon breasts, pub black pudding, onion jam, chicory and game chips, £12. Assiette of chocolate £9.

Above: Jimmy’s gran’s indulgent sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce, nut basket, rum ‘n’ raisin ice cream, £9.

Recipe

Rhubarb & Ricotta

Bread and Butter Summer Pudding

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Baking Time: 35­40 minutes.

300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 1cm pieces

50g granulated sugar

• 8 slices of white bread,

50g unsalted butter, softened

250g ricotta cheese

• 2 large eggs

100ml whole milk

•

50g demerara sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon

Pinch of ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Icing sugar to dust

• Crème Anglaise or ice cream to serve.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). In a bowl, toss the chopped rhubarb with the granulated sugar and let it sit for about 15 minutes to macerate. While the rhubarb is macerating, generously butter each slice of bread on one side.

In another bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, whole milk, demerara sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Arrange half of the buttered bread slices in a single layer in the bottom of a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them if necessary.

Spoon half of the macerated rhubarb over the bread slices, along with any juices that have accumulated.

Place the remaining buttered bread slices on top of the rhubarb layer, again overlapping them if necessary, either upright or flat – upright will ensure the crusts are a little more crisp. Spoon the remaining rhubarb and juices over the top layer of bread.

Pour the ricotta mixture evenly over the bread and rhubarb layers, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Allow the pudding to sit for about 1015 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with good ice cream or crème Anglaise.

Recipe

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Baking Time: 35­40 minutes.

500g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 1­inch pieces 250g strawberries, hulled and quartered 100g granulated sugar (adjust according to taste and sweetness of fruit)

1 tablespoon cornflour 150g plain flour 75g unsalted butter, cold and diced

75g demerara sugar

50g rolled oats (optional)

A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Good ice cream or crème Anglaise to serve.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4). In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornflour. Toss gently to coat the fruit evenly.

Transfer the fruit mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly, or spread out into separate individual dishes.

In another bowl, combine the plain flour and cold diced butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar and rolled oats if using, along with a pinch of ground cinnamon if desired. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit in the baking dish or dishes. Place the baking dish/dishes on a baking tray (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until

the crumble topping is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling.

Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve the rhubarb and strawberry crumble warm, with really good ice cream or for a real treat, crème Anglaise.

To create the latter, use a vanilla pod split length-ways and scrape out of the seeds adding the seeds and pod to 500ml whole milk. Warm for 10 minutes on a gentle heat to infuse the flavour then leave to cool.

In a separate bowl, whisk together four egg yolks and 100g caster sugar until pale. Add the cooled milk to the egg yolks and sugar, whisk, then return to a very gentle heat to thicken. Cool completely, then whisk in 300ml double cream and freeze, churning every hour.

Bookings

Alcohol-free, low-calorie and award-winning!

Say hello to Clean G Pink, a non-alcoholic pink gin alternative...

Bursting with fruity strawberry and sweet raspberry notes, this hangover­free hero delivers the perfect summer cooler, with that all important pink peppercorn and juniper kick. At just 13 calories per serving, Clean G Pink is sugar free and vegan, and of course, it’s nonalcoholic. Guilt­free indulgence!

£16 / 70cl / <0.5% ABV. From www.clean.co.

The Wine Cellar

Great value wines and spirits with big flavours ideal for the summer months... here we’ve some really indulgent drinks to ensure you can toast the arrival of summer in the garden!

Great value Vin de France trio inspired by La Belle Époque

You’d be a fool to dismiss

Vin de France such as this trio in favour of just sticking to AOCs, this Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing and aromatic, £9.99 / 12% ABV.

Finally, a smooth, fruity rosé, pretty in pink with Cinsault and Grenache grapes, £9.99 / 13.5% ABV, All La Belle Angèle from www.majestic.co.uk. Its sister bottle is this Pinot Noir­based wine with raspberry and blackcurrant, offering hints of spice and vanilla, ideal with meat and cheese, £9.99 / 13% ABV.

Wine of the Month

Brunello di Montalcino is obtained from the meticulous selection of Sangiovese grapes from Tuscany’s Collosorbo estate, in the southern part of Montalcino, between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate.

An exceptional, full­bodied wine with oaky notes. Perfect with red meat and Sunday roasts. Well­balanced with red cherry, crushed raspberry, and cinnamon.

£78.99 / 75cl, 15% ABV, from Waitrose Cellar, waitrosecellar.com.

Raspberry and Strawberry Rum

Pull the Pin’s pink rum is perfect for the summer months!

A pink rum flowing with flavours of British raspberry and strawberry. A beautiful fruity rum with a slight hint of citrus sharpness to complement the sweet berries. Makes a fantastic berry daiquiri or mojito and tastes great with tonic, lemonade or cream soda.

£36 / 70cl / 37.5% ABV pullthepinspirits.com.

Our featured wines are available from local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary.

Welcome Home

Written In

STONE

The Stone House in the village of Wing is a beautifully presented Gentleman’s Residence. Home to Francesca Kendall, we take a look around a truly joyous, very comfortable property

Words: Rob Davis.

It’s the perfect time to view The Stone House, in the village of Ketton, say its owners Francesca and Paul. May is the month when the gardens looks at their best, which is little surprise given how much attention and skill Francesca has invested in it.

The couple have lived in the property for just four years but have spent that time modernising the place to ensure that its next custodians will enjoy not only a beautifully-presented property

but many practical benefits like new windows, modern plumbing and pressurised water system.

Wiring, the boiler and the roof have all been checked which means its new owners will have peace of mind, as well as discovering a property with lots of character and versatile space.

“We’ve absolutely loved living here, it’s such a pretty house, but despite its size it’s also very cosy.”

The property dates back to the 1850s, although it has managed to escape a Grade II listing, so Francesca and Paul had greater freedom when deciding how to improve the property.

Nonetheless, the couple have still remained sympathetic to the period of the building and its origins as a ‘gentleman’s residence;’ one with lots of period features but perhaps not as much formality as a larger country house from the same era.

Francesca and Paul refurbished the kitchen, with cabinets finished in Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke shade...

Arranged over two floors, and offering 4,400 sq ft of accommodation in the main house, The Stone House is set in about 1.8 acres of formal grounds, extending to a total of 13.18 acres including the property’s paddocks.

Classic symmetrical proportions to the east-facing front mean sunrises for the drawing room, library and principal bedroom suite above. The drawing room also has a beautiful stone fireplace created by Sherman Finnemore.

The kitchen and adjacent dining room, meanwhile, provide a large, open-plan space to cook and dine, with a dedicated pantry and a separate laundry and boot room to keep family clutter out of the way.

The couple say the property’s cellar is always dry, and it’s equipped with lots of racks for the laying down of wine.

Francesca and Paul refurbished the kitchen, with new engineered stone work surfaces, and cabinets finished in Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke shade. The couple installed a new electric Total Control Aga with its Companion module, and opted for integrated appliances elsewhere from a built-in fridge/freezer, Miele dishwasher and additional Neff oven.

French doors from the dining room open on to the terrace for al fresco dining with a view in summer, whilst a log-burning stove offers cosy comfort in winter months.

Elsewhere downstairs there’s also a large south-facing family room and a study, plus a light entrance hall with encaustic tiles.

Speaking of its decoration, Francesca and Paul have used some really welljudged shades, such as the drawing room’s Little Green Botanist shade, and the brand’s Hicks Blue on the bookcases in the library.

To the first floor the principal bedroom suite has an en suite bathroom with contemporary Lusso stone bath, and there are two further family bathrooms and four bedrooms as well as an airing cupboard on the first floor too.

Adjacent to the property is a series of outbuildings, with a renovated barn that would make an ideal games room or office, plus a stable, wood store and garage. There’s a workshop too, and plenty of scope for the creation of stabling for a horse. The glorious gardens accommodate an array of trees including apricot, fig and pear,

Welcome Home

with mature trees including weeping ash, walnut and rowan.

The woodland is alive with spring bulbs, filled with snowdrops then bluebells and cowslip into May. Meanwhile, elevated views capture the majesty of the surrounding Rutland countryside.

The Stone House is also blessed with over eleven acres of paddock land stretching down to the River Chater. The property made a very pretty backdrop for a family wedding last year, which is just one of the many happy memories the couple will take from their time at The Stone House.

“We’ll miss the place a lot, but we hope to pass it on to new owners who will love it just as much as we have, and make their own happy memories here too.”

The Stone House, Wing

Located in Wing: Oakham 5.3 miles; Uppingham 3.8 miles; Stamford 11.3 miles.

Provenance: ‘Gentleman’s Residence,’ unlisted and built in the 1850s, 1.8 formal acres, 13.18 acres total.

Rooms: Four receptions, currently arranged as dining kitchen, drawing room, family room, library. Five beds with two en suites. Study, cellars.

Guide Price: £2,500,000.

Find Out More: Pelham James, Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH.

Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk.

Time to Spring into action?

In a similar vein to the dormant bulbs which tentatively release their green shoots to explore conditions before displaying their blooms, the local property market over the last few months has cautiously rolled out only a few interesting properties.

The uncertain geopolitical situation and the less than buoyant domestic landscape dampened confidence making many buyers and sellers wary of actively engaging in the property market. This is not to say that there is no demand to transact. There is, but it is often being played out tentatively and, in some cases, away from the open market. Off-market properties are readily available to those in the know and there are some serious buyers actively looking for that special buy.

The good news

Attractive properties that are priced correctly are selling well and there are a number of buyers locally who are keen and ready to buy. There are also many homeowners who are eager to move but are being curtailed by their inability to secure a sale themselves. However, as the weather improves the Spring market invariably kicks into action and the logjam that has inhibited some proceedings is likely to ease.

Steps for sellers to take

If you are considering selling this year, now is the best time to start actively marketing your property. Whilst sometimes, there is a role for an off-market approach, if you are serious about selling, you really need to shout about it. It is understandable that some would-be sellers are reluctant to openly market their property for fear of not finding a house to buy, but this mentally can have a dampening effect on the market so try to be brave.

Once a potential buyer has been found, do not be afraid to negotiate. Property negotiations are not just about money, they can include timings, certain conditions such as finding somewhere to buy for example, and more specialist ways of structuring a deal. All these can help a sale to take place to the mutual benefit of both parties. So, get expert advice and don’t be afraid of exploring options to make a deal happen.

Advice for buyers searching in today’s market

Be as ready as possible: The ‘best’ buyers are those who have their plans, finances and support team in place before embarking on the search for a property.

When you’ve identified a property be mindful of the full picture and negotiate on the finer

details such as timeframes or inclusion of white goods to secure what is important to you. Should problems materialise down the line from a survey or during conveyancing, bring in specialist advisors to quantify the issue and explore solutions. Whilst many people believe that a professional property finder is just about sourcing property, the best have strong negotiation skills, an extensive and varied network of specialist contacts and the experience of past situations which can be applied to find a solution.

If you would value some specialist advice on how to effectively find and buy property in this challenging market, get in touch with Garrington who in the first instance offer a commitment free meeting to share ideas:

Tel. 01780 408377.

Email info@garrington.co.uk

www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

Kate Vincent from Garrington Property Finders discusses how to increase your chances of moving home in the coming months

Kate Vincent Garrington

HUNTERS INTERIORS HUNTERS INTERIORS

Our experienced interior designers create timeless spaces tailored just for you

Our experienced interior designers create timeless spaces tailored just for you

Professional Interior Design Service Re-Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

6 MARKET PLACE · UPPINGHAM · RUTLAND · LE15 9QH 01572 823389

Visit our showroom 01780 757946

Visit our showroom 01780 757946

www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk • info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd

See our website www.huntersinteriors.co.uk

See our website www.huntersinteriors.co.uk

Sarah Harding Interiors (@sarahhardinginteriorsltd)

Image: William Yeoward

SPRAY KITCHEN ELITE

The complete kitchen cupboard re-spray and refurbishment specialist

2024 will be our 28th year in business, refurbishing and painting kitchens on a nationwide basis.

What started out as hand painting kitchens in the 1990’s, has progressed to a much greater business, offering all aspects of the kitchen refurbishment services.

As well as removing kitchens to prepare and paint in our factory, we offer our clients a full repair service as well as the manufacture of damaged items to match the originals. We also have our very own range of hardware which covers contemporary ranges in Nickel, Chrome, Brass and Copper too.

Last year we had the pleasure of announcing our partnership with a natural stone supplier who manufacture and fit new worktops, and also for those clients seeking an alternative, a product called Corian – amazing durability, non-porous and seamless fitting!

This year will see us continuing to build on our business, refurbishing and painting more furniture and kitchens.

Trends and colours change, and we like to be able assist our clients with up-to-date ideas and examples of how they improve their kitchens at a fraction of the cost of a replacement.

01664 823 923 or 07903 324 055

www.respraykitchen.co.uk

Special

Take a Seat

Bespoke sofas created by the area’s best interior designers and tailored to your exact preferences... this summer, take a seat and enjoy a well-earned rest!

Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors of Mill Street, Oakham presents this heavy linen fabric sofa and foot stool in La Maison Pierre Frey tartan wool, walls painted in Mummy by Edward Bulmer paints. Call 01572 722345 or see www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk, @elizabethstanhope.

Top: Sarah Harding Interiors of Market Place, Uppingham presents this Canford sofa by William Yeoward including upholstered foot stool. Also seen here is lighting by the brand including Nerys table lamp. 01572 823389 or see sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk.

Above: Holly sofa in GP & J Baker Burford Stripe fabric, £4,100. Commissioned by Hunters Interiors who can upholster this sofa in any fabric. Square/rectangular cushion £35/£30, now in the showroom at Uffington near Stamford, 01780 757946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk.

Emily Howard, a Rutland based animal artist, creates a colourful range of striking original paintings, prints and greeting cards. Having grown up in the countryside surrounded by many family pets, its unsurprising that animals became Emily's biggest subject from a young age. She began her career as a professional artist after graduating from university in 2021 with a degree in Graphic Design. At the time Covid was preventing many graduates from finding jobs so Emily decided to pursue her dream of setting up a small business.

Since then, Emily’s work has proved to be extremely popular. She has completed and sold over 100 paintings, held many successful exhibitions and has collaborated with Next Home, where 2 of her paintings have been reproduced and sold in 200 Next Home stores around the UK.

Recently, Emily embarked on a monthlong trip to Africa where she volunteered on a Safari Park and got to witness African wildlife first hand. Upon her return Emily has channelled her experiences into some new original pieces. The 2 most recent

being “Kundisa, Savannah and Shingilani” capturing 3 lionesses from the park and “Heads and Tails’ capturing 2 wild zebras Emily saw during a horse back safari.

These 2 paintings are currently for sale on Emily’s Website, alongside her other available original paintings and her beautiful range of hand embellished, limited edition, giclée prints.

Emily also takes commissions and pet portraits. Please get in touch to discuss your ideas!

“March Madness” limited edition, Hand embellished giclée print. More prints available through Emily's website.

“Heads and Tails", Acrylic on a 30x30in canvas. "Kundisa, Savannah and Shingilani", Acrylic on a 30x40in canvas.

All Creatures Great & Small

Whimsical wallpapers and fabrics using animals as their inspiration, for design projects both great and small

Sanderson Elysium Geese wallpaper/fabric. Amsterdam Green colourway, blue clay, briarwood and gilver (not ‘silver’!) colours also available: £119/roll wallpaper; £79.99/metre fabric. Call 0203 4575 862 or see www.sandersondesigngroup.com.

Game Birds wallpaper by Voyage Maison, linen or cream colourways, £30/metre, call 0113 539 9896 or see www.voyagemaison.com.

Acquario whimsical fish wallpaper in print room blue, dark viridian, ink, taupe and charcoal also available, £295/roll, Cole & Son, call 0207 647 7717 or see www.cole­and­son.com.

Osborne & Little Quentin's Menagerie wallpaper illustrated by Quentin Blake, pistachio shown, also white and sky blue, £67/roll, call 020 8812 3123 or see www.osborneandlittle.com.

Busy Dogs wallpaper by Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs, £59.99/roll, call 01652 680253 or see www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk.

Evesham Deer

also available, £95/roll. Call 203 4575 862 or see www.sandersondesigngroup.com

wallpaper by Sanderson, indigo shown here, birch (cream) colourway

Company In Good Homes

One local family sought the creativity and attention to detail for which Newark-based Cooks & Company is so well-regarded when they created their new home...

In the same way that well-chosen accessories can complete an outfit, or some well-judged seasoning can mean the difference between a bland dish or one that’s truly delicious, the devil is often in the detail. When you’ve a large project like a property renovation, the completion of a new-build home – or a living kitchen that’s a significant investment in time and effort – it’s important that these finer details don’t get lost in the scale of the overall undertaking. Happily, a combination of ambition, capable project management and assiduous attention to detail are all hallmarks of Newark’s Cooks & Company. Founded in the 1970s, Cooks & Company launched as a hardware and joinery manufacturing business.

During the 1980s the company’s Managing Director, Peter Cook, took the decision to venture into handmade kitchen furniture. As the kitchen became the heart of the home, the demand for its furniture grew and Cooks & Company took on a new facet.

In addition to cabinetry, a focal point of any luxury kitchen are the appliances. That’s why the company has now established itself as the UK's largest premium appliance retailer including the world’s finest brands – Sub Zero, Wolf, Lacanche, Aga, Miele, Gaggenau, Everhot, Liebherr and Quooker.

The company’s 20,000 sq. ft showroom, based in Newark, has a dedicated kitchen and interiors showroom and a separate appliance showroom showcasing over 40 brands.

Pictured here is a recent example of the company’s work for a local client whose ambition was to create a sociable living kitchen in their property in which to spend time as a family, prepare meals, entertain and organise the usual family collateral.

In addition to the kitchen itself the company also created a boot room and utility with lots of practical storage. Cooks & Company also designed a snug for watching TV and created a dressing room with plenty of storage in the master bedroom suite.

Cooks & Company partner with cabinet makers Charles Yorke to create solid bespoke timber cabinetry which was finished in French Grey with an off-black accent colour to the island and Ceasar stone work surfaces in London Grey.

Above: Larder cupboard and boot room in the local property, all by Cooks & Company.

Homes

The flooring throughout the property is Lapicida limestone in Montpellier Ivory. Lighting throughout the project was sourced from architectural metalwork designer Corston’s Baylis range, whilst the same brand supplied Milliner handles for the kitchen cabinetry.

As you’d expect, Cooks & Company facilitated some of the world’s best kitchen appliances including a 150cm range cooker in stainless steel with brass accents from Lacanche, Liebherr cooling appliances and a Classic Fusion Quooker tap over a handcrafted Shaws of Darwen undermount sink.

The boot room and utility are beautifully appointed with Studio Green cabinetry, Shaws of Darwen and Perrin & Rowe sink and tap plus Siemens laundry appliances.

The company also sourced the Tetrad Truffle sofa for the snug and created bespoke cabinetry in Ammonite for the dressing room, ensuring beautifully organised storage.

Naturally the client is thrilled with the completed project, a timeless, functional space that’s also a beautiful environment in which to spend time. It’s a reflection of the company’s mission to provide luxury at home and ensure the sourcing of only the best products, matched with peerless craftsmanship and the very best experience for clients.

Find Out More: Based near Newark, Cooks & Company specialises in creating luxury kitchens, bespoke furniture, and interiors. Adjacent to the company’s exquisite interiors studio is a showroom displaying luxury­brand appliances. You can find the team at Cooks House on Newark’s Brunel Drive, NG24 2FB. Call 01636 593910 or see www.cooksandcompany.co.uk.

Homes

Creating Beautiful Natural Structures

If you want to create a beautiful, usable space that’s tailor-made for your property, talk to Natural Structures. The company uses traditional materials and methods, designed to blend perfectly with both traditional and contemporary homes

Below: Natural Structures creates extensions, living kitchens, exterior structures and entire properties.

“The beauty of oak is its versatility. It can create a traditional rustic building or a modern, contemporary space with lots of natural light...”

Rarely do function and form unite in such a satisfying way than when Natural Structures provides a bespoke space for local families and their homes. Back in 2010, Simon Lewington set up a company with a vision of using timeless materials and traditional methods of construction to meet a modern household’s needs for practical space.

The company has a mission statement of providing ‘beautiful buildings,’ which in practice means creating extensions to serve as modern living kitchens that blend seamlessly with older properties, smart offices for those pursuing the trend of working from home, as well as garden rooms, outdoor kitchens, studios, garages, workshops, carports and even complete properties.

“The beauty of oak is its versatility,” says Simon Lewington. “It can simultaneously create a traditional rustic building with all of the style you’d expect from a building hundreds of years old, or a modern space with lots of natural light commensurate with the trend of contemporary Scandi-chic.”

“There’s no building material more sustainable than oak. It’s practical as well as beautiful, and speaking of practicality, the nature of our work also allows us to fabricate much of a building’s structure in our purpose-built workshops, meaning all we have to do once it’s complete is install the building on site.”

“In turn, that ensures construction is not hindered by bad weather, and it minimises time spent and disruption caused on site, ensuring a functional, beautiful structure but also a better experience for the client.”

Homes

“Another reason that the client finds us so satisfying to work with is the fact that we offer a turnkey solution to extending your home, with a single point of contact from initial consultation to design, construction and installation.”

“Because we’re so experienced in the creation of bespoke oak structures, we know exactly what’s required and what planning officers are looking for in the respect of listed buildings or conservation areas.”

“We can advise on feasibility, then provide a design service with 3D visualisation, help to achieve planning permission, then proceed with full project management of all trades from foundation to finishing touches.”

“It’s a method of construction that scales up well from simple outdoor buildings to extensions and entire properties.”

“That’s why we offer a whole suite of services from concept to completion, even liaising with kitchen contractors to provide modern living kitchens. These provide functional and beautiful spaces in which families can cook, dine and entertain, retaining the look and feel of a period property whilst offering practical places for conducting modern life.”

“It’s definitely a method of construction that scales up very well,” says Simon

“We reckon that over three quarters of the work producing, say, an extension or freestanding building, is completed in our studio by a team of 12 people specialising in our method of construction.”

“I think it’s fair to say that across the whole Natural Structures team, we’re all really heavily invested in the method of construction as well as ensuring we end up with happy clients,” says Simon.

“We all recognise that the look and feel of our structures and the way they function for our clients makes them unique, practical and very beautiful too. We’re always happy to talk to potential clients, with no pressure or obligation, just to impart our experience.”

Lloyd Le Blanc Garden Sculpture with

This summer presents two opportunities to enjoy a tour of a stunning garden with incredible sculptures created by Lloyd le Blanc

Words: Rob Davis.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Lloyd Le Blanc’s career as a fine art sculptor. His diamond anniversary, in fact… bronze would be more appropriate, because that’s the medium in which he works, although that would represent only 19 years and Lloyd is far more experienced than that, with many fans, followers and patrons including restauranteur and friend Raymond Blanc (no relation).

Lloyd Le Blanc is renowned for his work, which mostly features the natural world including birds in flight. Based at Le Blanc Fine Art Foundry in Saxby near Melton Mowbray, Lloyd is still a prolific sculptor and continues to take commissions, but over the years he has also filled his garden with a number of pieces and will open the foundry and its sculpture garden to visitors on two special dates this summer.

Born in Nova Scotia, and moving to Boston, Massachusetts at the age of 10, Lloyd discovered he had a talent for sculpture as a student.

After experimenting with materials like stone, he discovered the almost alchemic process of lost wax casting and began to produce bronzes instead.

A year or so later in 1965 – and, as a committed pacifist, partly to avoid conscription in the conflict in Vietnam – Lloyd headed to Yale University, a couple of hours away in Connecticut with some of his work in the back of an old van, where he clearly impressed some influential tutors including David Smith... the entrance criteria we think, may be slightly more formal today. Still, Lloyd secured a full scholarship and would later teach at Yale, establishing his own foundry on campus.

Sculpture

Around the same time, Judith Holmes Drewry was participating in an English Speaking Union exchange in the States. When the two met and fell in love, a working partnership and a long, happy marriage was established that would endure until 2011 when Judith died.

The couple moved back from the US in 1973 to Judith’s parents’ home (then a working farm) on the site of the current foundry. Judith specialised in figurative work, producing portraits of young women and children, whilst Lloyd took inspiration from the natural world surrounding the studio, producing birds – both static and frozen in flight – flora and fauna, deer, sheep, equines… and dogs too, at least until one subject annoyed Lloyd by barking at its – presumably very realistic – clay likeness, before taking a bite out of it.

Lloyd’s work effortlessly captures the grace and movement of animals and birds, freezing them in time with an exquisite attention to detail. These pieces seamlessly integrate into the environment, creating a dialogue between art and the surrounding landscape, and he has gained international renown for breathtaking pieces where birds balance between sky and water.

It's unusual, almost completely unique, for a sculptor’s studio to have an on-site foundry, but Lloyd prefers to cast his own work, usually in editions of six or nine, occasionally 12 editions, but more typically as one-off pieces for a client subsequently destroying the mould.

Speaking of clients, Lloyd’s work can be seen at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir in Oxfordshire, where there are a number of examples in the grounds of the 15th century manor house.

The chef has worked with Lloyd for over four decades and has commissioned pieces from the three-metre tall Les Artichauts to Ceps and even Maman Blanc – a likeness of the chef’s mother.

Other examples include a commission outside the offices of Melton Borough Council, and a large dragon for a client two metres in height, weighing half a tonne. The foundry has also cast Rutland’s statue of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II created by Hywel Pratley and due to be officially installed as Pride goes to press.

The best place to admire Lloyd’s work remains at the foundry though, with two forthcoming open days.

Sculpture

The gardens extend to over half an acre with around 40 pieces on display plus a further 30 smaller examples in the family’s home, overlooking the gardens and rolling Leicestershire countryside.

Lloyd and daughter Faye will be hosting tours of the garden, talking about different examples of Lloyd and Judith’s work, whilst other local art on display including contemporary canvas-based work by Buckminster’s Alan McPherson.

The two open days, in May and June, enable visitors to enjoy stunning sculptures and the backdrop of a beautifully-maintained garden. It’s also a great opportunity to meet Lloyd and to tour the foundry, meeting a team of expert foundry-men perhaps discovering or commissioning the perfect piece for your home or garden by experiencing the creative process from conception to final bronze.

Le Blanc Fine Art is a bronze foundry based in Saxby, Leicestershire with sculpture by Lloyd and Judith Le Blanc and available for private commissions. An Open Day in the usually private sculpture garden will take place on Saturday 11th May and Saturday 8th June from 10am­1pm. Call 01572 787503 or see www.leblancfineart.com.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

A great day out, or a way to change lives? A visit to one of the National Gardens Scheme’s open gardens can be both. Happily the charity is providing an even greater number of opportunities to visit a local garden in 2024

Below: Stefa Hart receives an engraved trowel to celebrate 10 years opening for the NGS; Burley on the Hill and afternoon tea. Opposite: Sol House in the village of Wing.

Last year, the National Gardens Scheme changed many lives with an impressive £3.4m donated to many beneficiaries. It remains a great idea: proud gardeners are able to show off their green fingers, visitors enjoy a day out and gain some wonderful ideas for their own gardens, and some of Britain’s most important charities benefit from the proceeds of admissions, teas & coffees, cake and plant sales.

In total there were 3,372 individual gardens opening to the public last year, and Rutland’s contribution to the NGS in 2023 was £38,000, with 80p in the pound going directly to good causes.

Macmillan, has benefitted from £20m during their 40 years as one of the NGS’s key charities. Last year Macmillan received £450,000 and the same amount was donated to Marie Curie and Hospice UK. Other beneficiaries include the The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Carers’ Trust, and Parkinson’s UK as well as garden or natural history organisations and a number of community gardens across Britain.

For further details and directions to gardens see www.ngs.org.uk.

Sunday 5th May: Burrough Hall, Burrough on the Hill, LE14 2QZ

Built in 1867 as a classic Leicestershire hunting lodge. The garden, framed by mature trees and shrubs, was extensively redesigned by garden designer George Carter in 2007, 2pm-5pm.

12th May: The Old Vicarage, Whissendine, Rutland LE15 7HG

⅔ acre garden, Terrace with topiary, a formal fountain courtyard and raised beds backed by gothic orangery. Herbaceous borders, tunnel of wisteria, Gothic hen house, new garden room, 2pm-5pm.

19th May: Fox Cottage, Ashwell, Rutland LE15 7LX

Two acre country garden on the edge of the village.Walks through the wonderful ancient oaks and ash underplanted with spring bulbs and lawns surrounded by rampant cow parsley, 11.30am-4.30pm.

19th May: 83 Main Road, Collyweston, Stamford PE9 3PQ

Wildlife friendly garden with many small trees, bushes and perennials. Spring bulbs and primroses. Gravel paths and stone steps give access to sloping site of ¼ acre, 12.30pm-7pm.

25th May: Greatford Mill, Greatford, Stamford PE9 4QA

One acre village garden overlooking church and mill pond. Restored water wheel and open, unfenced mill pond. Traditional English country borders plus wildflowers and bonsai, 11am-4pm.

26th May: The Old Vicarage, Burley, Rutland LE15 7SU

Relaxed country garden, planted for year-round interest and colour. There are lawns and borders, a lime walk, rose gardens and a sunken rill garden, walled garden with fruit and herbs, 11am-5pm.

2nd/9th June: Ashcroft House, Tallington, Stamford PE9 4RG

Beautiful compact garden with interest all year-round. Wrap around plot with ‘rooms;’ cottage garden traditionals, as well as bulbs and tropical specimens and mature trees, 11am-4pm.

16th June: 59 Thistleton Road, Market Overton, Rutland LE15 7PP

1.8 acres wildlife friendly garden full of colour and variety. Kitchen garden, rose pergola, large pond, wildflower meadow, a small arboretum, large perennial borders a riot of colour, 12noon-5pm.

23rd June: Wing Gardens, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8SA

Two very different gardens: Townsend House is a cottage garden full of roses and herbaceous borders; Sol House is a contemporary garden surrounding a PassivHaus with mixed borders, 2pm-6pm.

29th/30th June: Home Farm, Little Casterton Road, PE9 4HA

More than 100 roses, inc many old English fragrant varieties, lavender avenues and herbaceous borders with delphiniums fill the formal part of this nine acre garden, 2pm-5pm.

3rd July: The Old Hall, Market Overton, Rutland LE15 7PL

Stone walls and yew hedges divide the garden into enclosed areas with herbaceous borders, shrubs, and trees, Japanese Tea House added 2020. NB: Booking essential, 5.30pm-8.30pm.

13th/14th July: 21 Chapel Street, Haconby, Bourne PE10 0UL

Cottage garden with a wide range of hardy and tender plants within borders and pot displays. The extended garden includes a grass area surrounded by woodland plus beds and meadow, 11am-4pm.

Porsche’s Macan Goes ELECTRIC

Porsche’s deus ex machina is this fresh version of its small SUV, the Macan. It’s all-new, all-electric and it’s going to be hugely popular!

Porsche’s most popular vehicle these days is its larger off-roader, the Cayenne. A close second is its smaller SUV the Macan, launched exactly 10 years ago. Now, there’s a new version and it’s been designed from the ground up to facilitate electrification.

A combustion-engined version will remain on sale for a year or two but it’s this electric version which is attracting the most attention and which remains the future for Porsche and other manufacturers.

Speaking of other manufacturers, Porsche’s parent company is the Volkswagen group which also owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini. The group has invested in a brand new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture upon which the Macan is based, and it will share the platform with vehicles like Audi’s Q6 E-tron, Volkswagen’s future electric vehicles and also its larger sibling, the forthcoming Cayenne, due to launch in 2025.

The new electric Macan has been pushed more upmarket, with a 4 version priced at £69,800 and a Turbo version at £95,000. That’s quite a gap, and being electric, the Turbo version doesn’t have an engine and therefore has no Turbo... still it fits with Porsche’s nomenclature.

But the standard car is very brisk; 60mph in 5.2 seconds, worth 387ps of power, so we’d opt for that version and spec a few of your preferred options. If, however, you’re a keen driver, the Turbo version not only provides a whopping performance boost but also provides air suspension with PASM (active ride management), plus a new traction management system and torque vectoring, going some way to justifying its higher price.

Physically the electric Macan is sleeker than the previous model, a bit more like a coupé or a Tesla Model Y (a fully electric SUV which was, incidentally, the third best selling car in the UK in 2023). Macan is 10cm longer, 15cm wider and 2mm lower than the old model.

Integrated into the rear of the car is a deployable spoiler, and inside there are up to three digital displays – including one for the front passenger – plus voice control and an optional head-up display.

It’s highly likely that Macan will be a big-seller for Porsche in 2024, if not its best-seller. The driving dynamics will match the best vehicles in the company’s portfolio of models and electrification will provide an exciting drive and a car that’s economical and clean.

Add parking space-friendly dimensions and a premium badge, and we reckon it’ll be one of the best cars on the market in 2024.

The Details

Porsche Macan

Price: £69,800 (4 Electric), £95,000 (Turbo). Powertrain: 100kWh battery generating 387ps, 650Nm torque.

321­381 mile range (4 Electric). Top speed 137mph (limited), 0­60mph 4.9 seconds (4 Electric).

Standard Equipment: Park Assist and reversing camera, heat pump, climate control, cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, Apple Carplay. Eight­way electric adjustable seats with heating.

Advertise your business in the new look, new feel Pride ...it’s the area’s finest magazine!

Lincolnshire Pride, Rutland Pride and Stamford Pride are delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county, which means we are the only county magazine which can guarantee a wealthy, discerning readership

Or call our friendly team on 01529 469977.

Fashion

Designer Denim

First created in Nîmes and popularised in the US, denim remains hard-wearing, comfortable and as these examples prove, stylish too

Opposite Page: Iconic denim jacket, £179, www.hollandcooper.com.

Top/Left: Belted denim field jacket, £229, ralphlauren.co.uk. Top/Right: Fisherman turn­up jacket, £875, loewe.com.

Above/Left: Cropped denim car coat, £349, www.ralphlauren.co.uk. Above/Right: Wayne blazer, £475, lagence.com.

“I have been told I am the youngest in the lingerie world to have my own store”

There is something really symbolic about lingerie to women because it is something we all have in common. As much as we all have different shapes and bodies, we all buy one thing in common which is usually knickers and bras.

In November 2023, I called my husband and said “I know what I’m going to do with that empty shop in town. What about a lingerie and nightwear store” Perhaps that was me announcing I needed some space after having two children under two years old. He backed me 100% and over Christmas he got to work fitting out the new shop. We signed the lease on the 20th December, and we were open for business by 20th January.

I completed a bra fitting course in Ascot on the 11th of January, and pretty much got to work straight away. Once I understood the logics behind fitting a bra, it felt quite natural to teach every woman I fit how to do the same. By following the process, I hope it teaches women for years to come how to check they’re still in the right size bra.

I think what is really important to share is that as much as I may be new to the industry, I’ve worn bra’s for years, and I’m a woman too.

I know what it feels like to walk into an overwhelming bra shop, nobody likes feeling awkward and exposed.

My passion for pretty but practical things, paired with my ability to put most people at ease means that this industry is really perfect for me. I’ve never been happier in a job and the space we have created is designed to take away any pressure.

We laugh in our changing room, and if I am honest, we’ve even had tears. It is a beautiful industry to work in and I am so grateful of my spontaneous idea that day. I believe it turned out exactly how I envisaged it to be.

Opening a business in Oakham has been wonderful for me and I look forward to welcoming you through my doors one day. We are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm.

Images by Rees

Pilates

Bespoke Pilates studio opens in Stamford

For those who have already stumbled across this exercise technique you are already likely to be converted. Practitioners are quite evangelical, adopting it as a way of life in order to regularly feel well-oiled of mind, body and spirit. One ‘needs’ Pilates…

What is Pilates?

Using a mat, perhaps some pieces of curious equipment (or often just you) the Classical exercises teach you how to use your body in motion to its optimum potential.

This reduces stress on joints, whilst improving coordination and balance, strengthening muscles, teaching effective breathing and most famously building a strong ‘core.’

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer machines are a low bed-like frame with two rails running their length and on that a cushioned trolly (or carriage) that moves on wheels up and down it.

This ‘carriage’ is controlled by a system of straps and springs, that are in turn controlled by the user.

“This allows for resistance levels, speed of work and range of movement to be totally bespoke to the client” explains Clare Clements, instructor and studio owner.

“The frame and apparatus helps guide clients to move more effectively from the get-go, way more so than more loosely structured or repetitive movement exercise such as dog walking, swimming, gym sessions or even yoga, therefore getting maximum value from their time invested in staying healthy!”

What’s happening in Stamford?

For some time, large studios dominated the city health scene, mat classes found their perfect place in village and town halls, and the occasional reformer machine graced the workspace of a broad-minded physio… in truth reformer access was hard to come by.

Now in Stamford there’s a bespoke Pilates Reformer and mat studio, just down the Lane from Starbucks. With a newly refurbished interior, warmly carpeted with loft-living styling mixed with Scandi calm.

Classes run throughout the day and into the evening for some specialist courses. Classes are led by Clare Clements fully qualified and insured Pilates, Reformer and matwork instructor and studio owner. Classes can be bought individually or in block bookings. Private sessions are also available.

The studio offers Pilates for beginners and improvers, introductions to Reformer, ‘Pilates for Men’ and ‘Mellow Movers Pilates’ (those who wish to slow it down a little)… and the timetable is constantly growing!

Find out more or book your place at www.pilatespracticestamford.co.uk. Find the Studio at 18 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ.

Cosmetics

Dark Nights

This month we’re taking inspiration from some of our best luxury brands to look stunning for a night out this season

The scent of summer from Diptyque

Sandalwood­driven scent from Diptyque of Paris. Asian spices highlight the wood and creamy nuances, anchoring Tam Dao solidly in its region of origin. A memory from the holy forests of Indochina, and the velvety, scent of sandalwood.

£153, 75ml, diptyqueparis.com.

Try Rodial’s Snake Bubble Sheet Mask

The Ultimate from Nars

A detoxifying and deep­cleansing mask with bubbles to remove dirt, dead skin cells and excess oil, revealing a brighter­looking complexion.

Deeply cleanses and unclogs pores for fresher, smoother looking skin.

£39/four, Available at rodial.com

Ultimate eyeshadow quad in nine variations, for intense colour and a luxurious texture.

Shown here is Golden Shimmer, Champagne Shimmer, Light Cocoa and Matte Coral, £34, 4.4g, narscosmetics.co.uk.

Mac’s hydrating waterproof formula can be used as a foundation or concealer, wearing for an unprecedented 36 hours. Blends seamlessly to a satin finish, eight shades, £24, 25ml, www.johnlewis.com.

Olverum’s helping hand Mac Longwear Foundation

Olverum Purifying Hand Wash is specifically designed for dry, dehydrated and stressed hands, and has a beautiful marjoram, lavender and geranium scent, 90% natural ingredients, £24, 250ml, uk.olverum.com.

Radically replenished skin from Harley Street

Achieve radically replenished skin with this advanced formula that targets the three key signs of ageing; wrinkles, age spots, and a loss of elasticity.

Black Diamond is Dr Yannis Alexandrides of 111 Skin’s hydration and antioxidant cream designed to target wrinkles, age spots and loss of skin elasticity.

£600, 50ml from www.111skin.com.

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

Find Relief for Osteoarthritis in Your Hands with MBST Treatment

Are you tired of letting osteoarthritis dictate how you live your life? The constant pain and stiffness in your hands can be debilitating, making even simple tasks feel like monumental challenges. But what if there was a non-invasive, effective solution that could help you regain control and reclaim your quality of life?

Introducing MBST Treatment for Osteoarthritis in Hands – a revolutionary therapy designed to target the root cause of your pain and provide lasting relief without surgery or medication. Whether you're struggling with mild discomfort or severe joint damage, MBST offers hope for a brighter, more pain-free future.

So, what exactly is MBST, and how does it work? MBST stands for Molecular Biophysical Stimulation Therapy, a cutting-edge technology that harnesses the power of magnetic fields to stimulate cellular regeneration and repair. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage symptoms, MBST targets the underlying degeneration in your joints, promoting healing from within. Here's how it works:

1. Non-Invasive: No more invasive surgeries or lengthy recovery times. MBST Treatment is completely non-invasive, with no incisions or anaesthesia required. You can relax comfortably during each session, knowing that you're taking a proactive step towards better joint health.

2. Targeted Therapy: MBST is specifically calibrated to target the affected areas in your hands, delivering precise doses of energy to stimulate cellular activity. By targeting the root cause of your osteoarthritis, MBST helps to repair damaged cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.

3. Pain-Free: Unlike traditional physical therapies that can exacerbate pain, MBST Treatment is gentle and pain-free. Many patients report feeling a soothing warmth during sessions, with no discomfort or side effects afterwards. It's a safe and effective option for individuals of all ages and activity levels.

4. Clinically Proven: Don't just take our word for it – MBST Treatment is backed by years of clinical research and scientific evidence. Studies have shown significant improvements in pain relief, joint mobility, and overall quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis in their hands.

But perhaps the most compelling aspect of MBST Treatment is the lasting results it offers.

While other treatments may provide temporary relief, MBST targets the underlying cause of your osteoarthritis, promoting longterm healing and symptom management. Imagine being able to enjoy your favourite activities without fear of pain or limitation –many have achieved that because of MBST. Don't let osteoarthritis hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards a pain-free future with MBST Treatment for Osteoarthritis in Hands. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation. Your journey to relief starts here.

Physiotherapy and Cell Regeneration LTD.

Visit MBSTmedical.co.uk or call the friendly team on 01780 238084

Celebrating The Barn at The Barnsdale

As Pride goes to press, the first couple to celebrate their special day in the new wedding barn at The Barnsdale in Exton will say “I do!”

We recently enjoyed a VIP preview of this beautiful new space in the heart of Rutland, with the help of some of the area’s very best wedding suppliers!

Images: Amanda Forman Photography, 01572 492791, www.amandaforman.co.uk.

Everybody deserves the wedding day of their dreams, and central to creating a really memorable event is a venue that feels tailor made for the happy couple.

In February 2023 The Barnsdale near Exton reopened and revealed a new look, ensuring that one of the area’s favourite hotels could continue to offer a luxurious country house hotel feel whilst retaining its familiar warmth and upholding its reputation for relaxed excellence.

Just over a year on, The Barnsdale has now opened its brand new space for weddings and other functions. It’s a beautiful, versatile and an extremely well-thought-out space, too!

Now known as The Barn at The Barnsdale, the hotel’s new space is larger than before,

Weddings

with expansive glazed aspects to west and east, ensuring plenty of natural light.

An open-plan layout provides plenty of scope when planning the layout of ceremonies and receptions, ensuring you can adapt the space to suit the size and style your day, whether you’ve 50 guests or 200.

A dedicated entrance, bar, cloakrooms and catering kitchen ensures exclusive use, and high ceilings give a sense of space.

For brides getting ready on the morning of their wedding, there’s also a dedicated and private studio, with makeup and hair stations for wedding professional to work, and plenty of room and hanging space for wedding dresses and for accommodating the whole bridal party, with large well-lit mirrors.

The project’s design lead was Samantha Ross of Ross & Ross Consulting, and work began on the venue’s transformation in January 2023 ready for the first wedding on 28th March.

To provide future couples with an early idea of The Barn’s potential, the hotel arranged a styled shoot with some of the area’s most talented wedding professionals, not least among which is photographer Amanda Forman, who created these images alongside a team of stylists and contributors.

The Barnsdale was created in 1760 as a hunting lodge for Thomas Noel and became a hotel in 1989. Purchased by The Signet Collection in May 2022, the hotel received a comprehensive makeover including the creation of the new 1760 Brasserie and a refurbishment of its 45 bedrooms and suites. The hotel was always popular as a wedding and events venue too, so the opening of its

Weddings

wedding barn will allow many more locals to ensure they can celebrate the happiest day of their lives at the hotel.

The Barnsdale’s wedding barn accommodates up to 200 guests, and is fully licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies, offering wedding packages in house as well as day hire.

“The space is now perfect for a wedding, family get-together, a business function or just an excuse to have a party,” says Hector.

“We really want The Barnsdale to be a local community hub. It’s been great to reaffirm the potential of the hotel, and we have a brilliant team around us.”

The hotel’s future plans include the creation of a spa and swimming pool with sauna, steam room, wood-fired eco hot tubs and the availability of treatments in shepherd-hut style pods too, more detailed information on the plans will be available soon.

The Barn at The Barnsdale, Exton: Local Suppliers...

Location: The Barn at The Barnsdale, Exton, LE15 8AH. Call The Barnsdale’s wedding and events coordinators, Beth & Ellie on 01572 724678, www.barnsdalerutland.com.

Images: Amanda Forman Photography, 01572 492791, www.amandaforman.co.uk.

Venue Styling/Decoration: Lola Rose, 07944 655995, www.lolarose­venuedressing.co.uk.

Floristry: Georgia Joy, georgiajoy.co.uk. Bride’s Bouquet: Moss & Bloom, mossandbloom.co.uk. Wedding Dress and Groom’s Tailoring: 074022, 48276, www.laceandpearlbridal.com.

Makeup Artist: Emmmzzyy Beauty, 07771 360540, Instagram @emmmzzyy_beauty.

Cake: Michele Walters, Love Life, Eat Cake, 07503 412335, www.lovelifeeatcake.com.