14 minute read
NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across the county, including the launch of a new book by Stamford author Dominique Allen.
Author’s new book follows Gertie’s Path
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES OF BOOKS FROM LOCAL AUTHOR IN SHOPS NOW
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Joyful, heartwarming and designed to make the reader smile. That’s what sets a new trilogy of books from local author Dominique Allen apart, and makes them ideal as fireside reading this autumn.
All For Overalls is the first in a trilogy of books featuring the central character of Gerald, ‘Gertie’ to his friends, who wants to be called Gerry’ at the start of WWII! Set during the Dunkirk summer of 1940 in a rural area not dissimilar to Stamford and the surrounding countryside, the story follows Gertie and his friends as they adapt to wartime ways.
All for Overalls is available now from Walkers bookshops, whilst its sequel If the Sock Fits, set amid the Battle of Britain and the start of the London Blitz, is currently with the books’ publisher. A third volume, Raids, Rallies & Reserves,
STAMFORD has the backdrop of 1941 and the news of Pearl Harbour. Dominique lives with her twin sister Kesriel and has had the stories in her mind for a number of years, but around five years ago she sat down to turn her characters and ideas into proper manuscripts. The two sisters say that the stories are not designed to be ‘gritty’ or challenging to read, but warm, easy and very entertaining, allowing the reader to see life through the perspective of a trio of childhood chums, Gertie, Al and Walker as they commit to becoming ‘salvage scamps,’ and doing their bit for The Effort. Dominique is currently working on further manuscripts so The Salvaged Summer Trilogy could be just the beginning of a longer series.
n Buy from Walkers bookshop, Stamford and Oakham. See www.gertiespath.co.uk, or buy from purchases@gertiespath.co.uk.
Rutland’s unsung heroes
RCC LAUNCHES NEW COMMUNITY AWARDS TO RECOGNISE COUNTY’S UNSUNG HEROES
RUTLAND Rutland County Council is launching a brand-new awards scheme to recognise local people who make an invaluable contribution to their communities but often go unnoticed. The ‘Multum Awards’ will take place next month and aim to celebrate people in Rutland who embody the county’s motto Multum in Parvo; ‘much in little.’ There are four ‘Future Rutland’ themes to the awards, each with two awards. Nominations close on 6th November in advance of a special ceremony at Rutland County Museum to award the winners their titles on Saturday 3rd December. n A Special Place: Event Organiser; The Creative. n Sustainable Lives: Wildlife Warrior; Climate Change Hero. n Healthy & Well: Unsung Sporting Hero; Good Samaritan. n A County for Everyone: Inclusivity Champion; Public Servant. For more details about the awards and how to give your nominations, call 01572722 577 or see www.rutland.gov.uk.
Capturing Rutland
IMAGES OF RUTLAND SOUGHT FOR NEW WEBSITE TO GO LIVE NEXT MONTH...
As preparations get underway to launch Rutland County Council’s new website, the authority is looking for residents to put their very own stamp on the site by capturing life in Rutland. Rutland County Council is launching a competition for budding photographers of all ages to have their snaps featured on a new council website, which is due to go live at the end of the year.
RUTLAND The council is hoping to get a range of images that capture what life in Rutland means to local people across three categories; Age 14 and over, Age 14 or under, Professional. A shortlisting panel will judge the photographs, with overall winners of each category receiving a £50 shopping voucher. Runners up will each receive a £25 voucher. n Send up to three of your best images to photography@rutland.gov.uk.
Fun for the family at new adventure playground...
GRANTHAM Oh to be young again! If we were, we’d probably head to Belvoir Castle, which has just announced that its new adventure playground will open on 15th October, as Pride appears in shops. The new attraction has cost £350,000 and is themed around the past and present custodians of the 16,000 acre estate. Meanwhile the Duchess of Rutland has just published The Accidental Duchess, her new autobiography, featured in this month’s Pride. n
Opposition to Solar Panels
RESERVATIONS OVER MALLARD PASS SOLAR PLANT RAISED IN PARLIAMENT BY MP ALICIA KEARNS...
RUTLAND Opposition to two solar panel developments have been expressed by concerned Rutland residents. Barnsdale Gardens has expressed opposition to an 200-acre field directly next to the gardens created by Geoff Hamilton which the owners say will generate ‘detrimental constant noise’ and become and ‘overbearing backdrop.’ Meanwhile, MP Alicia Kearns has said that she will fight against the proposed 2,175 acre Mallard Pass solar plant, in line with the views of residents of villages like Ryhall, Casterton, Essendine and Belmesthope on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border. n Daredevil leader of SKDC, Kelham Cooke, will take a leap of faith for charity as Pride goes to press. He’ll jump 13,000ft during a charity tandem skydive day for the charity Harry’s Pals, which provides emotional support to parents who have children with life-limiting conditions.
SOUTH KESTEVEN n
13,000ft Jump
LOCAL NEWS
In Brief
GRIMSBY
Success for Uppingham & Stamford In Bloom...
Uppingham and Stamford are both blooming happy with their top positions in this year’s East Midlands In Bloom competition. Uppingham earned itself a gold award in the small town category, whilst Stamford achieved a silver gilt and the judge’s award for its floral chairs project. The Elms community allotment in Uppingham, The Falcon Hotel’s gardens, Stamford’s Lord Burghley’s Hospital and the grounds of Kneads Pubs’ Crown were also praised. A little way down the road from Stamford, Bourne was also awarded a silver gilt, with the town’s Bill Pauley earning praise for his displays. n
Luxmuralis returns to the Cathedral
SPECTACULAR LIGHT SHOW RETURNS TO PETERBOROUGH TO CELEBRATE ADVENT
Following their acclaimed son et lumière performance at Peterborough Cathedral last November, Luxmuralis will be bringing their art projection The Beginning to the Cathedral from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th November 2022. “This sequel to The Angels are Coming will once again transform the magnificent west front and nave of Peterborough Cathedral with light,” says Artistic Director of Luxmuralis, Peter Walker. “The show is based around the Nativity story and timed to coincide with the start of the Advent season. It promises to be a stunning experience for all the family and the perfect start to the Christmas season.” “The audience first of all sees a colourful light projection onto the outside of the Cathedral, accompanied by music composed by David Harper, then they enter the medieval building to experience an immersive light and sound installation, this time inspired by the fragility and beauty of
PETERBOROUGH Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Visitors who saw The Angels are Coming by Luxmuralis at Peterborough last year described the show as ‘magnificent, beautiful and festive,’ and ‘a very moving experience from start to finish.’ This year’s presentation will be just as unforgettable.” n To book tickets for the shows, see www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
LOCAL NEWS
In Brief
STAMFORD TOWN COUNCIL IS SPENDING A (HUNDRED) PENNIES...
Stamford Town Council has spent a penny – or rather a hundred – purchasing the public toilets in Red Lion Square from South Kesteven District Council for a nominal amount of just £1. The town council says it’s looking forward to keeping them clean and in good condition for residents. n
The Angler, Mill Street
FORMER HOME OF ORBIS OAKHAM ON MILL STREET IS REINVENTED AS THE ANGLER PUB...
OAKHAM Restauranteur Jonathan Spencer is reopening his Mill Street restaurant on 26th October. The Angler will be a new pub restaurant serving good food in a relaxed setting. “We had an Orbis restaurant in both Oakham and Stamford, which was diluting interest and meaning we were doing the same thing in two restaurants,” says Jonathan. “Establishing The Angler means we’re no longer tied to Orbis’s remit and we can offer our Sunday carvery, a range of burgers and steaks from Northfield Farm and much more besides. Orbis will, of course, continue to operate the same as ever in Stamford.” n See www.tastetheworld.uk.
OUNDLE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Guide Price £700,000
Ducks Nest is one of the oldest properties in the historic market town of Oundle;
a date inscribed on the gable end states 1637 but other parts are far older. This Grade II listed quaint stone cottage provides three bedrooms, one en suite, a family bathroom, three good-sized reception rooms and a farmhouse style kitchen. Automatic gates from the street open into a gravelled area with under cover parking and old flagstone steps lead down to the rear entrance and a little paved area for eating outside. As the property offers a great deal of living space on the ground floor, for anyone wishing to make substantial alterations and create a fourth bedroom, it is suggested that - with the necessary planning consents - the kitchen might be moved into the large drawing room with the old kitchen changed into a ground floor en suite bedroom.
Positioned in the desirable village of Easton on the Hill, this period stone cottage
is an English classic comprising a porch, dining hall, reception room, kitchen, shower room, garden room, bedroom with en-suite, and laundry room on the ground floor, while a further two bedrooms, one with en-suite, await on the first floor. The home also adjoins a garage, and a separate garden store presents a useful space, but it is the peaceful and private mature garden, intricately designed, that makes this property stand out amongst others, a paradise for those who enjoy watching the hours pass by surrounded by nature. Set on the popular Church Street, the abode, whose sale is subject to probate, is just a couple of miles from Stamford, only a mile from the A1, and a 25 minute drive from Peterborough with its fast rail connection to London, making it highly convenient for commuters.
NEW
NEW PRICE
SOUTH LUFFENHAM £675,000
Substantial Grade II Listed stone-built house with south-facing garden set next to village church and overlooking village green with outstanding views beyond. Affording spacious accommodation over three floors, the layout of the interior is slightly unusual due to the historic use of the property, but offers immense potential for alteration and improvement, STPP. Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen, 5 Bedrooms, Bathroom, ample Ancillary Accommodation. EPC Exempt.
NEW
MARKET OVERTON NO ONWARD CHAIN GUIDE PRICE £695,000
A substantial, detached, individual property with private, mature, south-facing garden in a desirable village location. 2 Reception Rooms, open-plan Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom/WC, 4 Bedrooms, Master Dressing Room & En-suite Bathroom, Family Bathroom; double Garage, ample off-road Parking. Energy Rating: C.
NEW PRICE
BARROWDEN Offers Over £595,000
Stone-built detached property occupying a privately screened, good-size plot at the end of a prestigious cul-de-sac in this desirable village. The property benefits from a larger-than-average attached double garage which can be easily converted to provide further ground-floor accommodation (STPP) and enjoys distant countryside views. Lounge/Diner, Dining Kitchen, Clkrm/WC, 4 Dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom; Dbl Garage, Parking for cars, Gardens. Energy Rating: C.
NEW
OAKHAM £590,000
Substantial, five-bedroom 1950's detached house occupying a large plot with beautifully maintained gardens situated on the very edge of town, a short walk of amenities therein. Requiring routine modernisation, this imposing property possesses immense potential to create a stunning family home in a much sought-after location. 3 Reception Rooms, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bath/Shower Rooms, Tandem Garage. Energy Rating: D.
NEW
BELTON-IN-RUTLAND £450,000
A detached bungalow with double garage and lovely garden enjoying glorious views over undulating countryside to the rear, situated in one of Rutland's most popular villages. The accommodation benefits from calor gas central heating system and briefly comprises Entrance Hall, Cloakroom/WC, Lounge/Diner, Conservatory, Inner Hall, three Bedrooms, refitted Kitchen and refitted Bath/Shower Room. Energy Rating: TBC.
BARROWDEN £370,000
Beautifully presented and recently redecorated detached bungalow providing set at the end of a cul-de-sac within a desirable village. The property offers deceptively well-proportioned accommodation which features a Lounge, refitted Kitchen/Diner, a good-sized Conservatory, two double Bedrooms and refitted Bathroom. Single Garage, with driveway, low-maintenance Gardens with countryside views to the rear. Energy Rating: E.
Offers in Excess Of £575,000 Offers In Excess Of £800,000
Homelea Farm House, Tilton On The Hill
An attractive, four-bedroom detached home sitting in an elevated position with spacious accommodation located at the heart of the popular Leicestershire village of Tilton on the Hill.
Offers In Excess of £1,100,000 Lower Leesthorpe Farm, Leesthorpe
A hansome, double-fronted, Georgian farmhouse with elegant proportions throughout and extensive accommodation, sitting in an elevated position with far-reaching views and paddock land available by separate negotiation.
Guide Price £1,600,000
Charity House, Somerby
A substantial, five-bedroom, ironstone village home, oozing with character and sitting on a wonderful plot surrounded by its own gardens with stunning countryside views. Wing Barn, Morcott
Wing Barn is a beautifully renovated and extended off-grid rural home, nestled into its own plot of approximately three and a half acres with 360-degree panoramic views of the Rutland countryside.
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Charlie Rearden
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Uplifting, evocative and a superb gift for Christmas!
All For Overalls is a beautifully crafted hardback book, set in the 1940s. This gloriously unhurried read follows the story of ‘salvage scamps’ Gertie and friends, written by local author Dominique Allen with original commissioned cover artwork...
It’s the Summer of 1940, and with the news from Dunkirk a scrawny 14-year old errand-boy is spurred into action, inspiring a young gang of Salvage Scamps to join him in ‘The Effort.’
Equipped with bicycles, wheelbarrows and buckets; Gertie, Walker and the rest of the Scamps run errands and salvage scrap, paper, rags and rubber; managing to enlist the vicar and the church warden, the village shop-keepers and the local farmers into their scrapes along the way.
The old village and the new RAF hospital had plenty of characters and best-intentions between them, but country wisdom and military efficiency didn’t always rub along smoothly... and then, of course, there was Gertie!
