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EE UP FRPICK
Scene THE RUTLAND
For all your Local Community News & Events and What’s On Plus
Nature; Rutland Water Nature Reserve Reviews; Beauty, Books and Travel Community; Co-operative support for Motor Nurone Charity Christmas Services in Rutland
www.thescenemagazine.co.uk
DECEMBER 2011
2
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Welcome to the final edition of the Rutland Scene for 2011. Our Family & Craft page this month brings the smell of warm baked gingerbread into your home – perfect for guests, gifts and tree decorations (p26). Freya North is back with us for Christmas recommendations, either for gift ideas or for those days after all the visitors have gone home when you just need to relax and enjoy some quiet time (p28). For those of you curious about how the digital age delivers your favourite author, see our review online at www.issuu.com/the_scene_magazine - look for the December City Scene edition! If the snow makes it to the area for Christmas and it makes you wonder about a warm location as an alternative, see our travel review (p22).
18 Interiors
13
26 22 Travel
Contents Useful numbers
4
Christmas Services
5
Community 6-8
Keep your community news and events coming through to naomi@scenepublishing.co.uk We all wish you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year – see you in 2012! From all The Scene Team
Heidi, Charlotte, Naomi & Sarah X
Garden Scene
13
Festive Healthy Eating
15
Interiors: Preparing for Christmas 18-19 Rutland Shopping Guide
20
Travel: Sri Lanka
22 & 23
What’s on
24 & 25
Family & Craft Scene
26
Book reviews
28
Scene Offices Scene Marketing, The Old School House, Great North Road, Wittering PE8 6BX Tel: 01780 783613 The Scene online www.thescenemagazine.co.uk | www.issuu.com/the_scene_magazine
TheCityScene
@yourlocalscene Telephone: 01780 783613
| December 2011
3
Need a phone number? Then look no further than our useful numbers Police, Health, Places of Worship, Helplines/Advice, Public Services
POLICE Non emergency (0116) 222 2222 In a non emergency - for example not requiring police attendance - or to report a nonurgent crime, there is one telephone number for the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
SUPPORT ADVICELINES Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Emergencies 999 Childline - 0800 11 11 Parentline 0808 800 2222 Samaritans 08457 909090 Citzens Advice Bureau 56 High Street Oakham LE15 6AL 0845 120 3705 www.rutlandcab.org.uk
LOCAL COUNCILS Rutland County Council Catmose, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HP Tel: 01572 722577 E: enquiries@rutland.gov.uk Uppingham Town Council The Town Hall, High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY - 01572 822681 www.uppinghamtowncouncil.co.uk
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Rutland Adult Learning Enquiries and Enrolment E: adultlearning@ catmose.rutland.sch.uk www.rutnet.co.uk/adultlearning
Collyweston, Easton on the Hill, Wittering 01780 720228
PLACES OF WORSHIP
St Josephs Catholic Church, Oakham 01572 722308
Oakham Ashwell, Braunston in Rutland, Brooke, Egleton, Hambleton, Langham, Market Overton,Teigh,Whissendine Revd Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani 01572 722108 Ryhall, Essendine, Carlby The Revd Patrick McKee 01780 762398 Cottesmore, Barrow & Burley Greetham,Thistleton, Stretton, Clipsham, Exton 01572 812202 (Cottesmore Church office) Lyddington, Stoke Dry, Seaton, Caldecott, Glaston, Bisbrooke, Harringworth The Revd Jane Baxter 01572 822717 Uppingham, Ayston, Belton, Wardley The Revd Canon Rachael Watts 01572 823381 Barrowden & Wakerley, South Luffenham, Morcott, Duddington Tixover The Revd Geoff Angell 01572 747192
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Ketton, The Rev Andrew Rayment 01780 729052
Congregational Church, Oakham 01733 262086 Methodist Church, Oakham 01572 756946
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Methodist Church, Uppingham 01572 722239 Baptist Church, Oakham 01572 724990 Langham Baptist Church 01572 768386
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The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) 59 South Street, Oakham 01780 460454 (voicemail) Market Overton Free Church 01572 767383
The Revd Jo Saunders The Parishes of Great Casterton, Little Casterton,Tickencote, Pickworth and Tinwell Bishop’s Officer for SelfSupporting Ministers Mellstock, Bourne Road, Essendine, Stamford PE9 4LH Email: revjosaunders@live.co.uk 01780 480479
i f aCHRISTMASe SERVICES i
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11 DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS EVE
CHRISTMAS DAY
All Saints Church of England, Church Street, Oakham Christingle Service, 4pm
All Saint’s Church of England, Church Street, Oakham Crib Service, 4pm Midnight mass, 11.30pm
All Saints Church of England, Church Street, Oakham Parish communion with carols, 10am
Great Casterton Church Midnight mass, 11.30pm
Great Casterton Church Family Service followed by said communion, 10.30am Ketton Methodist Church Christmas Morning Service, 10am Little Casterton Church Christmas Communion, 9am
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18 December
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All Saints Church of England, Church Street, Oakham Service of nine lessons and carols, 6pm
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Oakham Baptist Church Carols by candlelight, 6pm
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Oakham Methodist Church Crib Service, 3pm
Ketton Methodist Church Carol Service, 6.15pm Little Casterton Church Carol Service, 6pm
St Joseph’s RC Church Oakham Holy Mass & children’s nativity play, 6.30pm Midnight mass with carols, 11.30pm
Oakham Baptist Church Family Service, 10.30am
Oakham Congregational Church Songs & carols for Christ, 3pm Oakham Methodist Church Carols by candlelight, 6pm
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Oakham Methodist Church Family celebration, 10.45am
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St Joseph’s RC Church, Oakham Holy Mass of the nativity, 10.30am
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Tinwell Church Christmas communion, 9.30pm
St Mary’s Church, Ketton Village Service of lessons & carols, 6.30pm
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Congregational Church bOakham Christmas worship, 10am
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22 DECEMBER
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Oakham Baptist Church Christmas Day service, 10.30am
St Mary’s Church, Ketton Christingle, 3pm Midnight Communion Service, 11.30pm
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Tinwell Church Carol Service, 4.30pm
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St Mary’s Church Ketton Family Communion Service, 10am St Thomas of Canterbury, Exton Holy Mass of the nativity, 9am
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The Religious Society of Friends Meeting House Silent Worship, 10.30am
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Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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COMMUNITY
OFFICIAL OPENING FOR BRIGHTWAYS A colourful, bright and interactive centre for people with learning disabilities has been officially opened at Catmose Campus in Oakham. Open to any member of the Rutland community that has been referred by a Social worker, the new ‘Brightways’ centre can look after up to 15 people each day. Councillor Christine Emmett, Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care, opened the new centre. The official ribbon was cut by Brightways user Lorna Earle. Brightways is located at the newly built Catmose Campus on Huntsmans Drive in Oakham. It is a base for people with learning disabilities who have complex needs and provides highly flexible space which is used for a wide range of care and learning activities. The main rooms focus on enhancing feel, vision and sound. They include many interactive features such as a large touch screen as well as many audio and visual aids. There are dedicated areas for physiotherapy and relaxation, as well as an outdoor sensory garden. For more information about Brightways please contact 01572 772 586. Councillor Emmett has appealed for local employers in Rutland to offer work placements, as part of the work towards getting people with learning disabilities into employment. If you are an employer in Rutland and would like to help the council to provide suitable employment opportunities then please call 01572 722 577 or email enquiries@rutland.gov.uk
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OAKHAM FOODSTORE CELEBRATIONS RAISE £400 FOR CHARITY Customers visiting Midlands Co-operative Society’s Oakham foodstore at the beginning of November were able to enjoy a day of food, fun and special offers as the store celebrated its second birthday. The event raised over £400 for the Society’s staff-elected corporate charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association. There was something to keep everyone entertained including: face painting, balloon modelling and a magician for the children, refreshments, a raffle and competitions in aid of the charity. FREE food tastings, an ‘Everyone’s a Winner’ competition thanks to the in-store Travel team and special discounts for Midlands Co-operative Society members on food purchases, homeware and travel bookings. Customers also had the opportunity to find out more about the Society, its Membership and commitment to responsible and ethical retailing as well as find out more about its Funeral business.
CIVIC AMENITY SITES Local residents are reminded that the Civic Amenity Sites – at Cottesmore and North Luffenham – are now operating on the winter hour’s timetable. Opening hours for both sites are 11am until 5pm until 31 March 2012. Cottesmore CA site is open seven days a week, whilst North Luffenham is open Friday to Monday (inclusive) only. Both sites are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day. www.rutland.gov.uk
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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COMMUNITY
THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES ARE COMING TO RUTLAND!
Charity music quiz nets £2,500 to help vulnerable children Competition was fierce at the annual NSPCC Peterborough Business Support Group’s music quiz night. But the actual winner was of course the charity, which netted around £2,500. Thirty-five teams of six from businesses around Peterborough took part in the event at the Holiday Inn, in Thorpe Wood. Quiz master and compere Colin Start took charge of proceedings setting questions on music from the last five decades as well as ‘name the introduction’, a green themed round and questions on James Bond film posters. The runaway winners were Derek and the Dominoes, a team from Perkins Engines, who collected their prize from the Group’s chairman Chris Collier. The group’s next money-spinning event is the 15th anniversary Gala Dinner with Penny Smith.
Everyone who lives and works in the county can now start looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of seeing the Olympic Torch. A more detailed ‘torch route’ has been was revealed in early November and puts Langham, Oakham and Uppingham firmly on the Olympic map. The Olympic torch will pass through Rutland on Tuesday 3 July 2012 – Day 46 of the Olympic Torch relay – exact timings and arrangements will be confirmed nearer the time. On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8000 miles across the UK including Leicester (2 July) and Peterborough (3 July). The Olympic Flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The latest news and information about the torch route through Rutland will be updated on the council website at www.rutland.gov.uk
Don’t forget that the Rutland County Council website is a comprehensive source of local information. For events, council services, meetings and information, the website also allows you to make online payments for council tax, business rates, planning fees, school transport fees and much more. Links are also available for the library service and Live@ The Museum. www.rutland.gov.uk
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November 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT SCHEME Whilst this year’s winter fuel payment will be a maximum of £300 the majority of our elderly will only receive £200 with many as little as £150 and even £100. The payment doesn’t allow for those that rely on oil for their heating. Trading standards state the minimum delivery must be 500 litres. This means that with current crude oil prices still at an all-time high, the cost to the consumer, of even the minimum delivery, is likely to exceed the maximum fuel payment of £300. Following last winter’s severe weather conditions combined with high oil prices, which caused particular misery and hardship to our older community, Chandler’s Oil & Gas have launched a Winter Fuel Scheme specifically to assist those that qualify for the winter fuel payment. “We are offering those that need it the most the opportunity to spread the cost this winter. As a family owned and run business for 76 years we have seen the adverse effects of spiralling fuel costs and ever more severe winters on
our customers. This is our way of giving something back to our community” says Simon Caunt, Director of Chandlers Oil & Gas. For more information how Chandlers Oil & Gas can help you bridge the gap this winter, telephone 08456 202010 quoting “Winter Fuel Payment Offer”.
How to claim winter fuel payments If you have received the winter fuel payment in previous years, or receive the State Pension, you should receive payments automatically in November or December 2011. Claims can be made until 30th March 2012 for all those born on or before 5 January 1951. Call the winter fuel helpline on 08459 915 1515 or get a claim form online www.direct.gov.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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Body Intelligence Training with Sally Carmichael at Barnsdale Lodge Your mind and body are in cahoots. What you
techniques can help to improve your skills
think affects how your body behaves and what
development for any sport, injury rehabilitation
you do with your body affects how you think.
and/or creative performance. You will have a complete body check to map your weaknesses
Now this might sound a bit ‘out there’ however,
and strengths and workshops throughout the 2
Sally Carmichael has 20 years experience in the
days that will help you to link how you think and
field of movement education, and trains with the
feel to how you move.
best. If you would like to be in touch with your own “I have integrated existing movement disciplines
body and realise how you feel, then you will find
and somatic methods to evolve what is known as
Sally a very interesting person. Sally has a very
Body Intelligence.” Explains Sally.
open view and will teach you as an individual to expose your potential.
Sally helps to develop people’s awareness of the connection between thinking, feeling and moving. This awareness is the body’s own intelligence guidance system that has to be trained, just like a muscle so that we can use it effectively. She uses bodymapping, movement techniques from eastern and western technologies, psychology and somatics to help individuals develop their own body’s intelligence. Barnsdale Lodge are offering a two day retreat
Date: March 3rd and 4th 2012 Residential price includes room and full board - £345 (£395 Single occupancy) Non-residential includes lunch and refreshments - £195 To book or for more details contact Dee Spurdle on 01572 725971 or email dspurdle@barnsdalelodge.co.uk. Further information can be found on www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk
so that you can discover how these amazing
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
11
Enrol now for courses starting in January 2012! There are a variety of courses to suit all, whether you’re learning for fun or for qualifications:
Learning for Life
• Computer and ICT courses: for beginners, ECDL, digital media & photography, online shopping and web design plus getting to grips with Microsoft Office 2010 • Friendly, relaxed courses in English and Maths from entry level to GCSE - put those demons to rest in 2012! • Language classes, including Italian, French and German • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) • Computerised and Manual Accounts Qualifications • Arts and Crafts, including mixed media art, pottery, watercolour painting, jewellery making, floristry, sewing and dressmaking... and more besides! Look out for full listings in the local press in December, and make 2012 your year for learning
Call: email:
For your timetable, 01572 772599 adultlearning@rutland.gov.uk
A brighter future for all through local learning 12
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
HOME & GARDEN
Garden Scene By Joseph Whitehead www.gardenwiseadvice.com
A few jobs in the garden to help work off that second helping of Christmas pudding • Start pruning apple and pear trees, also soft fruit including currants and gooseberries. • Keep forking over bare ground exposing pests to hungry birds. • Prune ornamental and edible vines also figs before Christmas to prevent bleeding of sap. • Keep out of the cold, clean and repair tools and tidy the potting shed! • For wonderful scent and flowers over the winter months, plant Sarcoccoca, Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’, Lonicera x purpusii or Viburnum bodnantense. •
Clean down glass houses inside and out to remove over wintering pests like Red Spider mite and their eggs.
• Continue to cut down, lift and divide herbaceous perennials when the weather allows.
With our long and often glorious autumns it doesn’t feel quite right that Christmas is nearly here again. Over a mince pie or two, time to reflect on the season now past - what grew well and perhaps what not so well, make plans and thumb through seed catalogues, get ready as spring’s on the way! ‘My Poinsettia has lost all its leaves’ – ‘My cyclamen has turned to mush’… Never fear, top tips here for getting the most out of these festive fancies. Merry Christmas!
Poinsettia Poinsettias need plenty of warmth. • Protect the plant from the cold, even when shopping for it! • Average temperatures of 12-15°c are optimum. • At night don’t trap your plant behind the curtains where it will get cold. • Water thoroughly and wait until the compost dries out a little before watering again.
Cyclamen • • • • •
Cyclamen quickly rot off if watered from the top, so water by immersing pots in a container of water to just below the rim, allowing water to be well absorbed. Keep moist at all times. Pick off any dead flowers or leaves. Keep cool ideally 10°c. Avoid direct sunlight, but give bright light. Stand plants on a tray of wet pebbles.
Azaleas • Keep cool 10-12°c, on a light windowsill but not in full direct sun light. • Use soft water and keep moist at all times. • Mist the leaves regularly. Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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Essence of Uppingham would like to wish a
Merry Christmas to all its loyal clients and a welcome to all new ones too. Kate and her team at Essence are delighted to offer, for December, half price colour treatments when booked with a cut and blow dry.
Gift Vouchers available
To claim your gift from Essence, please present this advert. (Applies with selected stylists)
e
Rutland
hair works
Essence can also offer fabulous gift ideas for Christmas from Cloud Nine and Aveda, ranging from stocking fillers to gift sets.
Hair & Beauty Treatments Tues & Weds 9:00 -5.30pm Thurs 9:00 – 5:00pm Fri 9:00 – 6:00pm, Sat 8:30 – 2:30pm
01780 460528
13 Church Street , Empingham, Rutland
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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HEALTH, HAIR & BEAUTY
iFestive Healthy Eating Tips
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T
The high-calorie food extravaganza often begins in early December and lasts right into the New Year. Office parties, family gatherings and Christmas parties with your friends = tight clothing, increased waistline and loss of muscle tone.
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To help combat this, start your day off with a healthy breakfast, reducing the chances of an unhealthy Christmas food binge. Fitting in all of your regular meals, helps keep you on track and full, when you do face Christmas treats. Christmas beverages can also add to the waistline but won’t completely derail a healthy diet. Balance these drinks with plenty of water.
245
s calorie s s la g per
g
Don’t accept every holiday treat passed your way. Save your indulgences for Christmas treats you truly love to make the calories worth it.
T
i
112
calories per glass
If you are hosting a Christmas celebration, plan a healthy menu or make substitutions in the classic Christmas dishes for lighter versions. The occasional slip-up is inevitable on the best of days, and slip-ups are more likely during the holidays. If you end up eating a little more than you intended to or can’t make your workout session, go easy on yourself. I know I will !
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45
calor ies each
Mark Gordon www.fitness2health.co.uk Facebook: Mark FitnessTrainer
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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Babywear Autumn/Winter Fashions
or new flo tock tiles in s de tra open to b & pu lic
IN STOCK NOW School Uniforms Stocked for C of E Oakham Primary New Designs
Catmose Primary Catmose College Brooke Hill Primary
St Mary & St John Primary Plus plain uniform available 5 Crown Walk, Oakham
01572 771775
www.kidsandmore.co.uk
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Super Ceramic Services Ltd specialise in Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles, Bathroom Suites and Painting & Decorating. Our Uppingham showroom has the largest selection of tiles to be viewed in Rutland, including Ceramic, Porcelain, Limestone, Marble, Mosaic and Glass. Our Bathroom Showroom shows suites from many quality manufacturers, such as Roca. 01572 821119 | sales@superceramicservices.com 40 North Street East | Uppingham | LE15 9QL
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
DEVONPORTS
kitchens & bathrooms of ul s ds tif om re au ro .. nd be ath m. Hu ply & b fro e sim ens oos ch ch kit to
Add a Unique, Beautiful Character Beam to ANY Property...
Cover unsightly RSJs, Pipework and Lintels...
Supply Only or Full Fitting Service Available Design & Planning Service
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
For more information please call Chris 01778 380693/ 07715 531 896
Mon to Sat 10am-5pm
www.periodceilings.co.uk
45 BRIDGE STREET | DEEPING ST JAMES PE6 8HA | 01778 346415 www.devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk 17
HOME & GARDEN
free standing & wall hung
P
reparing for
Christmas can be quite a stressful time, especially if you are entertaining over the festive period. Sorting your home so that you can deal with the invasion of guests (some invited, some not) and working out just how you are going to feed
Preparing for the festive season Create Space Creating enough space so that people can move around easily and comfortably will
everyone and where
help them to feel more at ease and relaxed so look around your home – is there any way
everyone will sleep,
middle of the lounge. Look at the furniture you have scattered around, could anything
is, unfortunately, just the beginning. However with some careful strategic planning, you can be prepared.
you can create extra space? It might be as simple as removing the coffee table from the be moved into the garage on a temporary basis? If you have young children visiting, move any expensive ornaments so they are out of reach. This will prevent people being on tender hooks when excited children are running around Christmas morning.
Seating If your seating is limited, think about investing in some bean bags or cubes. These are great for children and young adults and can be used anywhere. They can also be easily stored when not in use.
Sleeping Arrangements If you haven’t got the luxury of unused space then just be logical about it. You might have to give up the main bedroom - especially if you have to utilise the living room as a make-shift bedroom. If you use the room it will help things run more smoothly and avoid any unnecessary ‘awkwardness’ in the morning if you
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
By Sue Hessom Tidy Interiors 01476 564035 or 07540612143 www.tidyinteriors.co.uk are waiting for your guests to wake up.
cereals or sachets that are past their
of the chairs and simply gather about half
Besides with a house full you’re bound
sell by date and any items that you
way down and tie with a big, luxurious
to be up early anyway!
haven’t used in the last six months.
ribbon. Same applies for all your plates,
Check any inflatable beds and spare
Make the most of the new found space
cutlery, serving dishes and pans. See
bedding. If they have seen better days
and stack your festive food carefully
what you can borrow from the family and
invest in a couple of blow up beds
and logically.
friends who may be spending Christmas
and extra ‘fluffy’ pillows and duvets.
elsewhere, again think about colour
important, so don’t leave it until the last
Eating arrangements
minute to check them.
Ideally everyone needs to be eating at
can be purchased singularly – there are
the same time. If necessary consider
plenty of bargains out there so have a
purchasing a sheet of MDF and
good look round.
Making your guests feel comfortable is
Food
schemes if appearance is important to you. Alternatively, find some plates that
TBe prepared and have your menus
polystyrene sheeting to place over
sorted.
Consider any allergies or
your current dining table – once it is
Whatever your plans this year, remember,
requirements people may have. If you
covered and decorated, no-one will
that spending time together is what is
don’t know – ask as this will avoid any
know the difference and it will allow
really important, so accept any help
embarrassing moments.
ten people to be sat round a table
that’s offered, don’t try to do it all yourself
Storing food could be an issue. So
that normally holds six. Extra chairs
and definitely don’t try to keep the house
start munching your way through
needed? Borrow them! If you really are
as tidy as normal.
your freezers contents now to free up
particular about creating a wow factor
some space. Look through cupboards
with your dining experience, then use
and throw away any condiments, tins,
white pillow cases to put over the back
And the most important thing – enjoy it!
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
19
free standing & wall hung CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
20
£35
Red and Blue Lacquer Jewellery box with mother of pear 07817373511 www.elephantroom.co.uk
Coat with a leather tie
The Elephant Room, South Street,
01572 821390
Oakham, LE15 6BG
Twist of Uppingham 30 High Street East,
Italian Leather Handbags 01572 823510 Wish of Uppingham
heheheheheheheh
heheheheheheheh
ehehehehehe £179
from
£38
Uppingham, LE15 9PZ
10b High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ
£59.95
Vouchers available from all featured retailers and also from: Kids & More, Oakham 01572 771775
Camitz Sparkling Vodka £59.95
Essence Hair in Uppingham 01572 822715
01572 757124
Dean Street Photography 01572 757643
Oakham Wines, 3 High Street, Oakham LE15
ehehehehe 6AH
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Taking orders now for Christmas
Christm ranges as now in
Get what you want PLUS the surprise! Ladies, create your very own
‘Christmas wish list’ We will keep it for when your man comes in, he can choose your gift from the list. Perfect!
01858 465592
pollen 01572 724404 www.pollenfloristry.com
4 Adam & Eve Street | Market Harborough
42 High Street Oakham LE15 6AL
Say Merry Christmas With A Gift From
Fords
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
21
SRI LANKA
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Local travel company Inspirational
Sri Lanka as a nation has come a long
also tour in March, playing two tests (one in
Travel continue to add wonderful
way from it’s turbulent past which has
Galle and one in Colombo). Packages for
been blighted by civil unrest and the 2004
the tests and the Twenty20 are available
Tsunami, which caused over 50,000
through Inspirational Travel.
destinations to their portfolio and this month they launch Sri Lanka, aptly known as the “pearl of the
fatalities. The Sri Lankan people are wonderfully resilient and proud people
Colombo, the economic capital and
Indian Ocean”. The companies MD,
and not only have they come to terms
hub of the country, is simply manic with
Steve Daykin, has just returned
with the past but they are looking forward
everything at first seeming so overwhelming.
from a three-week adventure to
to the future with much optimism. In our
Before rushing around this beautifully
opinion there is no doubt that this unique
chaotic city take some time to take in all the
island is primed to become a prosperous
sights, sounds and smells at your own pace.
destination hotspot.
Life here surprisingly can go quite slowly
some of the best highlights that Sri Lanka has to offer, which range from sunning yourself on the
once you discover the laid-back mindset of
numerous idyllic beaches spread
Cricket fans in particular will want to take
the fun and charming Sri Lankans. Getting
across the coastline to discovering
note as Sri Lanka will be hosting the ICC
around this island can seem quite a chore,
Twenty20 World Cup this time next year,
with not the most perfect road network and
a sport followed religiously in a Cricket-
driving styles that would make the safety
obsessed nation, and it is sure to be a
conscious wince. The key is to simply go
colourful and atmospheric event. England
with the flow.
the unique patchwork history of this culture-rich island.
call: 784380 email: info@inspirational-travel.com 22 01780 November 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Heading inland is the cultural heartland
Sri Lanka’s picturesque beach towns and
There are regular direct flights from
of what has made this nation what it is
ports have drawn past explorers and traders
London Heathrow and the island can
today. From the rich history of the Golden
to its shores, lured by the exotic offerings of
also be combined with The Maldives or
Triangle, endowed with temples and
fruits, spices and tea. Today those towns
destinations in Asia or the Middle East.
monasteries offering an insight into the
offer smart little boutique hotels and lodges,
history of the ancient kingdoms, to the
with bustling centres that house energetic
Example price:
quintessentially British colonial charm
markets. Alongside they offer miles and miles
Just £950.00 per person for a
of the Hill Country, with tea plantations
of wonderful pristine beaches that provide
7-night stay at the brand new 4-Star
dotted across the verdantly green hills and
the perfect base to relax and just do nothing
Deluxe Haridra Beach Resort,
quaint houses that wouldn’t look out of
at all.
including flights from London and private car transfers in Sri Lanka.
place in the English countryside, this is an area deserving exploration. The so-called
Missing the edge of wildlife sightings? Sri
‘Capital’ of the cultural heartland, Kandy,
Lanka has a number of superb National Parks
was the last ancient kingdom to hold out
where you can spot the Sri Lankan elephant,
against colonialism and is rich & proud in
leopard and sloth bear for starters, which are
its strong Buddhist heritage, and it was
all endemic to the island. Many other species
no surprise that it was made a UNESCO
of mammal plus over 200 species of birds are
World Heritage Site in 1988.
also found in the National Parks, to ensure the
For further details or to book simply call 01780 784380 or email info@inspirational-travel.com
offerings of nature are rich and varied.
www.inspirational-travel.com Telephone: 01780 783613
| December 2011
Telephone: 01780 783613 | June 2011
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WHAT’S ON
4 DECEMBER, 7.30pm Oakham Choral Society Concert; Saint Nicolas Oakham School Chapel. £8 (£6) Tickets for concerts available from boxoffice@oakham.rutland.sch.uk (01572 758820), Music&More (Oakham), www.wegottickets.com
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Christmas is a great time to enjoy Rutland’s traditional English Market Towns in all their festive glory. Featuring events and activities including funfair, craft stalls, late night shopping and much more.
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15 DECEMBER, 7pm Carol Concert at Oakham Castle
Free. Details from the Clerk to the Council 01572 723627 Come along to Oakham Castle for traditional readings and carols in beautiful surroundings.
17 DECEMBER, 7pm Music in Ketton, St Mary’s Church ‘CANDLES & CAROLS’ With mulled wine and Mince Pies. The Cantus Choir accompanied by James Parsons – Organ. Tickets £8.00. Available from Ketton Post Office or call 01780 721005
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13 DECEMBER, 1pm & 7.30pm Cranford At Christmas £10.50 (£8.50) Stamford Corn Exchange Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Brush off your bustle and fasten your bonnets as Chapterhouse Theatre Company invite you to the sleepy village of Cranford where a mysterious new arrival is setting hearts aflutter. At the centre of the village are the outrageously proper spinster sisters, Matty and Deborah Jenkyns, who head an unforgettable collection of loveably misguided womenfolk. Set deep in the tranquil English countryside, this most traditional tale of splendid snobbery, gossip and social scandal pits lost loves against old friends with sensational results.
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4 DECEMBER, 10am-4pm Melton Mowbray Victorian Fayre
27-31 DECEMBER Cinderella - Stamford Pantomine Players £9 (£7) Stamford Corn Exchange Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Tick, tock, tick, tock, panto time is fast approaching. Don’t miss out on what promises to be the biggest and best party in the land, a delight for audiences of all ages, with non- stop fun, memorable songs and plenty of audience participation in this 60th Anniversary celebration. Cinders is but a lowly housemaid with two rather ugly sisters. The handsome prince is looking for a bride. Will true love take its course (assisted by our heroine’s Fairy Godmother and the broken-hearted Buttons.
December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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FAMILY SCENE
FAMILY & CRAFT So family and craft comes together this month, apt as so many of us spend an extraordinary amount of time baking during December! Baking doesn’t all have to be about putting a meal on the table, so how about trying your hand at some edible Christmas decorations and maybe even some delicious edible gifts.
Ginger bread Recipe INGREDIENTS - 250g unsalted butter, 200g dark muscavado sugar, 7 tbsp golden syrup, 600g plain flour, 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda, 4 tsp ground ginger Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a pan. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ground ginger into a large bowl, then stir in the butter mixture to make a stiff dough. If it won’t quite come together, add a tiny splash of water. Bake for 12 minutes or until firm and just a little darker at the edges. Once cool, get the children to decorate with sweets and sprinkles!
Readymade kit If you want to try a readymade kit, the finished decorated result can be stunning. A great activity once the children are on their school holidays. www.johnlewis.com Kits from £15
Pickled Red Cabbage INGREDIENTS - Red Cabbage, Salt, Spiced Vinegar (you can buy pickling vinegar spiced already) Remove the outer stalks and the tough inner stalk. Shred the cabbage, wash and drain. Layer the cabbage, with salt between the layers. Leave for 24 hours. Wash thoroughly in cold water and drain. Pack into the clean and sterilised jars and top up with the spiced vinegar. Cover, label and date. Ready after 1 week, but the longer it is kept, the softer it becomes.
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
We have all heard the slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’. This campaign was created by the Dogs Trust in 1978 but is an ongoing concept not just for dogs, but all pets. There are about 24 million owned pets in the UK, a majority of which are cats and dogs and there are also at least 200,000 unwanted pets needing new homes. The following considerations should be taken into account when taking on a pet: • • • • •
Can I make a lifelong commitment to this pet? Is my home big enough and secure enough? Do I have time for socialising and training? Would my work hours lead to neglecting my pet? What type of household environment is suited to my pet, eg. children, families, other pets.
So when thinking about whether you would like to give an animal as a gift for Christmas please make sure you are able to give it all it needs and deserves, and don’t let it become one of the thousands of unwanted pets. www.oakhamvethospital.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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REVIEW Bestselling author Freya North tells us what books she’ll be giving this Christmas.
THE RADLEYS
32 PROGRAMMES
by Matt Haig Canongate
by Dave Roberts bantam press
£7.99
£12.99
Matt Haig is a clever, witty and hugely original storyteller.
You don’t have to be a bloke and you don’t have to like football
Winner of this year’s TV Book Club “Best Read”, this is the
to love this book. Dave Roberts relocates to the USA and his
story of a very ordinary family from the outside. Teenagers.
wife tells him his 1,134 football programmes aren’t coming with.
Dodgy uncles. The usual. However, behind the suburban
He can take just 32. As he begins the task of choosing which,
front door, the dinner parties and Radio 4, it’s a different
memories abound – his youthful football obsession, crushes on
matter. They’re vampires. This book has perhaps the best
disinterested girls, rubbish jobs and trying to impress skinheads.
shoutline I’ve ever seen on a cover – and it sums up the story
One final programme is added to his collection – one that he
brilliantly: “Families: They’re a bloody nightmare…”
thought he’d never say, one which means more to him than all the rest. A funny, touching tale of a man’s life and loves.
THE CAT WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS
THE MISTRESS’S REVENGE
by Cleveland Amory Corgi £6.99
by Tamara Cohen Doubleday £12.99
One snowy Christmas Eve, down a New York alley, the author
“Never have an affair with someone who has less to lose than
and the cat first met. Polar Bear, as he called him, was at
you.” When I read that on the cover, I knew I was in for a page-
death’s door. Cleveland Amory preferred dogs. The story
turner of a read. This is Tamar’s first novel – and it’s brilliant
follows their first year together – an unlikely pair: a stroppy
in that compelling, car-crash way. Clive has been Sally’s lover
stray cat and a curmudgeonly old bloke. Never twee, the
for 5 years. He promised he’d leave his wife for her. He lied.
relationship is recounted in funny and touching prose. Amory
Written in the present tense, in the first person, sometimes funny,
was a distinguished journalist, satirist and novelist – and
sometimes dark, it charts Sally’s desperation, delusion – and
when he died, he was buried next to Polar Bear.
revenge. Gripping. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…!
WORLD BOOK NIGHT Deadlines close 31 Dec 2011 if you want to become a World Book Night giver www.worldbooknight.org
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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The Rutland Scene now covers the whole county every month.
mmunity r Local Co For all you nts and What’s On News & Eve Plus
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LEAFLET & MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED CALL:
01522 514707
OR EMAIL: information@aaleafletdistribution.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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TRADE DIRECTORY
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Established since 1981 providing Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Fully Insured service
01780 720018
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Call Karen – 01780 720018 established since 1993. Reliable Ironing service – free collection and delivery
OAKHAM PEST CONTROL Tel: 01780 460450
Help with troublesome pests, Rats. Mice, Squirrels, Moles, Bees, Wasps, Ants, Bed Bugs, Fleas, Cockroaches, Pigeon’s & House Clean Ups.
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December 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011
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