February 2011
www.thescenemagazine.co.uk
Inside This Issue... Stamford Rotary Club History of St Valentine Latest Bands What’s On Seat Leon Cupra R Real furniture at “Beat the VAT prices” from The Table Place Market Overton Rutland LE15 7PP
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CASH IN YOUR UNWANTED GOLD
Stamford Rotary Club 8 Stamford U3A 13 Book Reviews 14 Garden Scene 17 Digital Switchover 21 Golden Pheasant review 25 Music Scene 26 Travel 28 Getting Fit 31 Let’s go fly a kite 32 Coach Holidays 33 ST Valentine 36 Seat Leon Review 38 Half Term Whats On 41 Stamford Whats On 43 Useful Numbers 44 46 Robert Loomes
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Welcome to the February edition of the Scene magazine, we have lots of interesting information for you this month including the history on St Valentine and why we celebrate this day. We have an article on the Stamford Rotary Club which tells you about all the great things they do for local and worldwide charities. We are starting our new Garden Scene this month, which will give you hints and tips about getting your garden in shape and ready for spring. Plus we have an informative article about the imminent ‘Digital Switchover’ all the questions you have, answered. We also have our usual features including travel, motoring, health & beauty plus what’s on in and around Stamford. If you are into great food, you really should read the Golden Pheasant review on page 25. I hope you have a great time reading this issue, and if you have anything you would like contribute, please email details to naomi@scenepublishing.co.uk
Naomi Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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Purple for Rotary Day 2011 Rotary Day 2011 is February 23 and the day is specifically assigned to combine the talents and efforts of every Rotary club, with the main aims being to ; • Raise £1m for Polio Eradication through the Thanks for Life initiative. • To maximize public awareness of the Rotary Polio campaign and Rotary in general. • To increase Rotary membership. Rotary’s big aim is to eradicate polio worldwide, and RIBI (Rotary International of Great Britain and Ireland) has worked with The Eden Project, the International Flower Bulb Centre, the National Trust and Learning through Landscapes to plant purple crocus bulbs from the beginning of October last year so they will be in flower for Rotary Day. These Purple Flowers represent the colour of ink dabbed on a child’s little finger to indicate they have been immunised against polio. This terrible affliction is now endemic in only four countries in the world: Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. Rotary Clubs in Stamford purchased thousands of crocus bulbs and these have been planted in Stamford under the auspices of the Urban Group of Stamford Town Partnership who enlisted the help of willing volunteers from Cummins Generator Technologies. Stamford - Meet on Wednesdays at 1245 The George Hotel, High Street, St Martins, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2LB Stamford Burghley - Meet on Mondays at 1945 Lady Annes Hotel, St Martins, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2LJ Stamford St Martin’s - Meet on Tuesdays at 1930 The Crown Hotel, 6 All Saints Place, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2AG The Rotary Club of Stamford - Trust Fund The Rotary Club of Stamford Trust Fund is used to help not only local companies and individuals, but also to respond to international disasters and cries for help. Aquaboxes and tents have been sent to Haiti and the South Pacific following their disastrous earthquakes. A major project has involved post-tsunami relief in Sri Lanka: this included the supply last year of more than 10 tons of donated school books, following the destruction of schools and libraries, provision of water supplies, and contributions to the artificial limb centre. This year the club has collated eight tonnes and is aiming to make that one dozen.
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
The club is looking for sponsorship of up to £1200 to pay for the shipping of the books to Sri Lanka - can anyone out there help with a few hundred pounds - or even the whole £1200?! On a more local front, funds have been raised for Help for Heroes, there is involvement in the national Young Chef competition and there are many who have benefited from the hard work and generosity of Rotarians. In the last year alone, The Evergreen Care Trust, Rutland Sailability, The Kingsmill Centre for the Handicapped and two pre schools were recipients of equipment or funds from our club, and several individuals have benefited from being on self-improvement and confidence building courses or have been given assistance to help them in their endeavours.
www.stamfordrotary.org.uk Rotary Club of Stamford St Martin’s Stamford St Martins Rotary Club was formed in May 2001. Membership is made up of professional people who meet weekly to discuss ongoing projects for charity and the community whilst enjoying each other’s company. The club motto is ‘Fun with a Purpose’. The current charities that Rotary St Martin’s support are; • Polio Eradication • Evergreen Trust The Evergreen Care Trust was established in May 2005 and aims to promote healthy ageing by providing physical, mental and spiritual support for the ageing and vulnerable within the church and wider community from their bases in Stamford and Bourne. www.evergreen.org.uk The Myosotis Trust The Myosotis Trust was founded to improve the physical, spiritual and mental health of the orphaned, the old, the young, the sick and the poor of Barlad in Eastern Romania. Their philosophy is to provide opportunity for change. They want to develop a self sufficient Romanian based charity to continue this work for the future and to enable these people to help themselves. www.myosotistrust.org.uk • • •
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www.rcssm.org Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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to hear about the U3A, and it brought an avalanche of 400 letters. U3A is a self-help, self-funding local group which buys in very little and provides and produces almost everything from within its own resources. Each Group is self financing except for a new Group’s inaugural meeting and for the Entertainment put on by members for members at Christmas.
U3A groups in Stamford Stamford U3A 01780 752755 Welland (Stamford) U3A 01778 347569
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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Freya North’s Top 4 Romantic Reads for Valentines
Author of 10 bestselling novels and winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year, Freya’s 11th novel, Chances, is published on March 31st
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte is undoubtedly the most devastatingly romantic book ever written (Jane and Rochester literally go through fire for love). I read somewhere that you won’t understand true love until you’ve read this book! For my Valentine’s selection, I have chosen personal favourites which have plenty to say about That Thing Called Love. For me, a great love story is one in which we recognize our own hopes and dreams – and also the trials and tribulations we may have experienced. But all good romances must have that fairy-tale element which takes us out of the drudge of our everyday lives and puts into print the happy-everafters to which we all aspire… Jessica Adams | I’m A Believer | Black Swan £6.99 This is a book about love after death and life after love. It is jaunty and quite comic – but also very sensitively told. Mark Buckle, a scientist and bit of a sceptic, loses his girlfriend Catherine in a car crash. Soon enough, and initially much to his disbelief and displeasure, she ‘appears’ to him. Catherine becomes instrumental in helping Mark heal, move on and continue with his life. Have tissues close to hand! If you love the movie “Ghost”, you’ll adore this book. Maggie O Farrell | After You’d Gone Headline Review £7.99 How I sobbed in this book. Alice is such a lovely character; I wanted to be her, to befriend her, to mother her. And I fell a little bit in love with John. This novel is beautifully written. The intensity and emotional punch of Alice and John’s love story is that it is told in retrospect – and though their tale is compellingly romantic, for the reader there is this constant, dreadful inkling of the tragedy they’ve experienced.
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
John O Farrell The Best A Man Can Get Black Swan £8.99
With O’Farrell’s trademark sardonic wit and observational humour, this book is essentially a reflective and tender tale of one man shaking off the last vestiges of being blokish to become a good husband and father. Michael has a perfectly nice home, child, baby and pregnant wife but of course doesn’t realise their worth until he’s about to lose them. Initially, “just being tucked up warm and cosy” is what Michael resists most. By the end of the novel, he embraces it as the best thing known to man.
Mary Wesley Not that Sort of Girl Vintage £8.99 This book inspired me to write. I love the way that Mary Wesley marries gentle romance with quite surprising sexiness in all her novels – but here in particular. Rose marries Ned and is extremely loyal to him whilst also carrying on a rampant relationship with the rather louche but wonderful Milo. And, being a tough cookie, she manages to keep this happy balance for over half a century. This novel is both feisty yet romantic at heart – it is not about duplicity, it is about dual constancy.
World Book Day 2011 World Book Day was designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organiza tion) as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. The origins of the day we now celebrate in the UK and Ireland come from Catalonia where roses and books were given as gifts to loved ones on St. George’s Day – a tradition started over 90 years ago. Most other countries hold World Book Day on 23rd April every year , but the initiative is so well established in schools in the UK and so coincides with term time to really make the most of the opportunity to celebrate books and reading. World Book Day is a partnership of publishers, booksellers and interested parties who work together to promote books and reading for the personal enrichment and enjoyment of all. Thanks to the generosity of National Book Tokens Ltd and numerous participating booksellers, school children are entitled to receive a World Book Day £1 Book. The Book Token can typically be exchanged for one of the six specially published World Book Day £1 Books (where stocked and while stocks last), or is redeemable against any book or audio book of your choice at a participating bookshop or book club. World Book Day 2011 in the UK and Ireland will take place on Thursday 3rd March.
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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The Garden Scene February - bleak and dormant but then a dusting of white as snowdrops unfurl, the sweet citrus scent of Witch Hazel floating on the breeze, a bash of yellow from an early primrose, spring is but a whisper away. Much to do in the garden!
The Ornamental Garden * Now is the time to prune your Wisteria. Prune back to two buds on all laterals/side shoots. * Late flowering clematis, prune to 30cm and mulch. * To borders apply a generous layer of mulch after a winter tidy. There are a number of options available, home-made compost, well rotted farm manure, composted bark. * Annual mulching is one of the secrets to successful borders, improving soil structure and retaining moisture, both vital factors to keep plants growing healthily.
* Grass still grows all be it slowly through the winter so if we have a dry week give a light trim with cutting blades raised high to keep your lawn in check. * Prune your roses.
The kitchen garden * Apply a general fertiliser like blood, fish and bone to all fruit trees and bushes. * If your soil allows, towards the end of the month try a short row of early potatoes under horticultural fleece for an early crop. Also, direct in the ground sow early peas, broad beans, beetroot, radish, spinach and spring onion. * On a warm window sill or in a propagator sow peppers, aubergines, cucumbers/ tomatoes. In a glass house, summer cabbage, and lettuce. * Keep feeding the birds they’re your free caterpillar, slug and snail control! Plant of the month. For me a must have plant for the winter garden is the shrub Hamamelis, or which hazel. Flowers are exquisitely delicate papery tassels, from yellow to red and orange with a subtle citrus scent, most flowering now, some in the autumn. Easy to grow, it prefers lighter soils and does well in semi shade or full sun. With no routine pruning needed this is a wonderful plant to brighten up any dreary winter’s day. By Joseph Whitehead
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Good varieties - Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’, ‘Diane’, ‘Jelena’, ‘Arnolds promise’, ‘Copper Beauty’ and Hamamelis mollis.
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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The Digital Switchover and what it may mean for you… The way you watch your favourite TV programmes is changing. The government will turn off the traditional analogue TV signal, region by region, between 2008 and 2012, to allow all TV services to go digital. Traditional analogue is where you can only receive BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and possibly Channel 5. If you receive Anglia News then you are in the ‘Anglian Region’ and the analogue transmitter will be switched off in April 2011. If you receive Central News, then you are in the ‘Central Region’ which will be switched off in May 2011. If you live in north Lincolnshire you may receive Yorkshire television and this will be switched off in July 2011. Any TV that is not converted to receive digital when the digital switchover happens will no longer be able to receive TV programmes.
APPLES PEARS LOSS Want to lose weight the easy way with a proven weight loss method? • Small groups • Food Analysis and find the right food for you • Loads of new Recipe ideas to try • Find YOUR motivation • A weekly workout to kick start your routine..... so bring your trainers!!! Say goodbye to fad diets, and hello to your new lifestyle that enables you to stay slim, in control and happy. The next plan will start on Wednesday 12th January 2011 and runs for 8 weeks, places are limited so register by Monday 4th January. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT KAREN SOUTHWELL Tel: 01832 226360 or 07841 418475 E mail: kpsouthwell@aol.com
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Apples & Pears – the answer to the weight loss puzzle Initially a gym-phobe, Karen Southwell, owner of Apples & Pears, worked as a pharmacist for 15 years before becoming a stay home mum. Then after turning 40 she discovered that she had gained a lot of weight. The next few of years were spent in denial followed by unsatisfactory dieting…. Sound familiar? Karen decided to train to become a Personal Trainer and find the answer to the weight loss puzzle once and for all. Karen says that she likes to work with ladies as she understands exactly how looking after a family, holding down a job and looking after a home can push your own personal needs to the back, and in no time you can find yourself overweight, lacking in energy and feeling unhappy with yourself. There is hope; the answer to the weight loss puzzle is……. Apples & Pears E: kpsouthwell@aol.com T: 01832 226360
I can’t get Freeview at the moment, what does the digital switchover mean for me? Almost everyone will get Freeview. By switching off the old analogue signal, the power for digital signals can be increased; so all households that can get analogue will be able to get digital. If I don’t do anything, what will happen? If you do not have digital TV when your area switches over, you won’t be able to watch TV.You must make sure every TV, including those in bedrooms or the kitchen, is connected to a set top box or replaced with a TV that has a digital tuner. What features does digital TV offer for those with sight and hearing problems? Some digital boxes have special access features such as subtitles, signing and audio description for people with sight or hearing problems. For more information you can contact the RNIB on 0845 766 9999 or the RNID on 0808 808 0123.
Will switching to digital affect my TV licence? No, the TV licensing requirements for digital television are the same as for analogue; you will continue to pay it as before. What if I live in a block of flats? If you share an aerial then this may need to be converted to receive digital television, but this is the responsibility of your letting agent or landlord. Will analogue radio be affected by digital switchover? The analogue radio service is unaffected by the digital TV switchover. But everyone with a television will be able to benefit from digital radio which they can listen to through their television set. I have a HD TV; will I be ready for digital? HDTV provides a sharper screen image than standard definition pictures. An HD-ready TV does not necessarily include an integrated digital TV and vice versa, so look for the ‘digital tick’ logo. I would like to go digital so what do I do now? The “Switchover” process may generate opportunities for doorstep crime. This can include bogus workmen, unsolicited sales call, rogue tradesmen, mis-selling, as well as distraction burglary methods such as “I need to tune your television” or “your aerial won’t work”. Digital UK has included crime prevention messages in all of their publicity, which includes stating that no-one representing their company will call on a householder without an appointment so please be vigilant and do not become a victim.
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OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE – 10 Year Insured Guarantee Official Opening Of New Helpston Pre-School The new Helpston Pre-School is being officially opened by the Mayor of Peterborough on Friday 18th February at 2.45pm. Come along to meet the staff and find out more about the new facilities on offer. The Helpston Pre-School which was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, is in the award winning extension to John Clare Primary School. With newly equipped facilities and experienced staff. Morning sessions available from 9am to noon or extended sessions from 9am to 2:30pm. Call 01733 253243. Or visit www.johnclareschool.co.uk
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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If you have not eaten at the Golden Pheasant in Etton recently, you are missing out on a real treat. My partner, Steve and I recently went for a meal and to listen to the amazing sounds of Murray Hockridge, a superb acoustic soul singer. The Golden Pheasant has live music 2-3 times a month and it is well worth looking out for future gigs. When Kate Shinkins took over the Golden Pheasant 2 years ago, her dream was to have a venue where she could serve great food in a relaxed environment with a lively atmosphere – I can certainly vouch for her success. We ate in the restaurant, but you can also choose to eat in the bar, and (when the weather improves) there are tables outside and also a safe enclosed beer garden. We were pleasantly surprised when we perused the menu. There was a choice of seasonal dishes including Partridge and Roast Pheasant, plus good old fashioned home-cooked food like Scampi and Lasagne. For starters I had King Prawn Risotto and Steve had the Spicy Chicken Strips, and to say they were delicious is an understatement. Be careful though, the portions are large, and for our main course I went for the Pheasant and Steve ordered the Game Pie. Once again the portions were really generous and the taste and presentation was just superb. Although full, we thought it would be rude not to have a glance at the dessert menu and could easily have opted for 6 of the 8 choices available! We couldn’t believe we were even contemplating having a 3rd course, but we decided to share the Baileys Cheesecake ... and what a great choice, it was delicious!!!! Kate and her team were attentive and helpful and were always on-hand to assist and recommend dishes and wine. The whole experience was very enjoyable and we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the Golden Pheasant to anyone. There is a new menu coming out in February and we have already booked to go again to sample the delights of expert chef Darren Adams’s great cuisine. Examples from the February menu Starters Seafood Cocktail with citrus Mayonaise Stilton Mushroom Served En Croute Mains Sun dried tomato and basil lasagne Salmon with fennel coleslaw and orange with vanilla bubbles Confit of Belly Pork with Roasted Apple
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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THE MUSIC SCENE By Charlotte Chorley
Ellie Goulding
With nearly 300,000 sales of her debut album, Lights, Ellie Goulding was the biggest new artist of the year. The Critics’ Choice of the 2010 Brits, she burst onto the scene with her threat of an acoustic-pop fusion, ‘Starry-eyed’, and captured the imagination and hearts of all ages whilst nailing the eccentric, folk glamour that has now forced her to the front of the fashion polls. Her secret is that she executes her feathery keyboard-pop concoctions with a contradictory mix of humble politeness to create a truly relatable, and lovable, stage presence; and, her dippy-hippy theatricality simply adds to her charmingly entrancing vocals, creating a unique and mesmerising listening experience. Her new album, Bright Lights, released recently, has affixed some new songs to her debut – you may recognise her cover of Elton John’s Your Song as the theme of the Christmas John Lewis advert. With no signs of slowing down, she is definitely one to watch in the coming year.
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
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The Vaccines Receiving the baton of Critic’s Choice 2011 from Miss Goulding, this quartet are riding into town to reassert rock’s fundamentals with their short and bittersweet songs. Not much is known about The Vaccines, they have little web presence (having only recently created a MySpace account after their first local gig attracted 300 gig-goers and a further 200 had to be turned away!) and they’ve been keen to heighten the hype by withholding information about themselves and their line-up, but this forthcoming year is sure to bring them to the forefront of music stardom. Their first proper single, Wreckin’ Bar, is a short one minute and 24 seconds’ worth of Ramones-style indierock and is a wonderful addition to any party playlist. The handsome, indie hunks could be the first to revive the lost days of the four-square rock band...watch this space. Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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Honeymooners have long found the Caribbean the perfect destination for them, mixing romance and beautiful beaches with activity. The islands also continue to grow in popularity with those seeking an idyllic venue where they can tie the knot with a quality wedding in the Caribbean (with the honeymoon obviously included) often working out to be far cheaper than a UK wedding. Accommodation options are also varied across the islands with some islands offering more sophistication than others. The main / larger islands in the Caribbean, such as Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and Antigua, provide the whole spectrum of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Choose from world-class resorts offering a whole host of activities, boutique hotels perfect for romance, family orientated resorts with kid’s clubs etc, exclusive bolt-holes and self-catered luxury villas (although chefs can be supplied if required!!) Many of the resorts offer the opportunity to go “all-inclusive” which helps with budgeting, whilst some are simply on a bed & breakfast basis to allow for exploration of the islands cuisine.
The Caribbean – Idyllic gems in the sun!!
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The Caribbean is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, scattered like bright, sun-drenched jewels in the Caribbean Sea.
and the Bahamas. You can generally see neighbouring islands over the sea from your own. However, each Caribbean Island has its own individual history, culture and flavour.
Clichés about the Caribbean abound, and they are all true. These islands really are picture perfect with palm-backed white beaches, crystal clear azure waters and year round sunshine. What’s more, the people are friendly and welcoming and the pace of life is laidback and relaxed. And, whether your heaven is five-star nothing with ice in a deckchair, full-on adventure in the jungle or somewhere in between, you’re looking at the right destination.
There are destinations to suit couples, groups and families and there is plenty to do, from trying out water sports to relaxing on beaches, and from climbing volcanic peaks to wildlife watching in the jungle. Some islands reveal French influence, others Latin, Dutch or English. Want lively and well developed sophistication? Or perhaps you would rather be immersed in a strong, traditional culture of music and dance? Whether you want sport, sailing, nature, scuba diving, culture, lush mountains, amazing wildlife or simply a pristine beach, you’ll find it in the Caribbean sunshine.
The Caribbean Islands are scattered in volcanic arcs (island chains): the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles (including the Leeward Antilles) February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Whatever you crave from a holiday, the Caribbean is likely to have it all and more! Inspirational Travel are experts in the provision of tailor-made holidays to the Caribbean and will be happy to discuss your ideal itinerary with you to create your dream holiday.
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Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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Don’t be shy – give it a try! Some people hold back from getting fit because they feel self-conscious about their ability or body and want to find an activity they can do on their own, but organised classes and sports clubs can provide you with support and motivation, as well as a chance to make new friends.
If you’re interested in football, hockey or other team sports, for example, many local clubs will have several teams of varying abilities, while there are plenty of aerobics or yoga classes specifically designed to cater for beginners. There are many activities that can be done by yourself, and require neither technical expertise nor much in the way of equipment or expense - just your willingness to give it a go.You’re never too old to learn to swim, or you can take classes to improve your technique if that’s what’s holding you back. Walking is a great way to keep fit, so is dancing (either the disco type or traditional Foxtrots) and you get to make some new friends, and of course cycling can also be really beneficial and with all the green wheel routes around Peterborough, you will never tire of places to go. A FEW TIPS FOR YOU Walk, don’t drive, to the local shop. If you have a lot to carry, take a small rucksack. If you have children, walk them to and from school as briskly as you all can manage. Get off the bus or train a stop or two early. This will give you some extra daily exercise - and might even reduce your fare. Take a walk during your lunch hour. Half an hour’s walk after a meal will cut the amount of fat you store by using it to fuel your exercise. Once a week take a longer walk along a completely different route to keep things interesting. Contact Judi Brown for any information regarding the fitness classes she holds in your area 01778 429454
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
31
et ’s
go fly a ki
. . te
L
Have you ever thought “Kites are
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perhaps you could say limitless seeing as
just for children?” If so, you would be
the sky is “free” to use. The club meets
wide of the mark, although children can
on the second and/or fourth Sunday of
often make the best flyers. The Great
every month at Ferry Meadows, Peter-
Ouse Kite Flyers club, promotes kite
borough, and anyone is most welcome
flying as fun, as a sport and as a challenge
to join in either casually or perhaps by
to everyone regardless of age since it is
becoming a member of the club. If you
a “family friendly” group. The kite scene
don’t have a kite but would like to try.....
has developed incredibly over the last
just ask (nicely) as the club members are
two decades. There are so many styles
a friendly bunch and would love you to
and sizes of kites that you would need a
enjoy the benefits of kite flying. It’s so
book to catalogue them all. Within the
much more than exercise and fresh air!
club everyone has their favourites, be it
The club is now planning the
single line, two line or even four line. It
Peterborough Kite Festival at Ferry
could be power, altitude, stunt, trick,
Meadows for 12th June 2011
inflatable or fighting kites or just plain
www.gokf.co.uk or ring Pete West, kite
picturesque which the club members
enthusiast and club member on
choose to fly. The choice is endless.....or
01778 571729
February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Whether you’re looking for sightseeing, scenery, coast, country or city, you’ll find Shaws Coaches offer a great choice of holidays and short breaks – all including their hugely popular ‘Door-2-Door’ Service, from Stamford, Oakham, Uppingham and most of the surrounding towns and villages! The local, family-owned firm’s new 2011 brochure features a tempting array of tours throughout the UK – where you’ll find some of the best scenery in the world - and a handpicked collection of European holidays, including an exciting new ‘Behind the Iron Curtain’ circular tour taking in Berlin, Krakow and Dresden! Other destinations currently on offer include the charming Isles of Scilly, the magical Hebrides, Jersey, Lake Garda, the Austrian Tyrol, an all-new Grand Irish Tour and a trip to the superb German National Garden Show at Koblenz. With destinations throughout the UK and Europe, covering everything from city breaks to scenic tours and seaside holidays to shopping weekends, Shaws can offer a holiday to suit everyone. And with just one call, you have your travel, accommodation and itinerary all taken care of - all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday! The firm also offers an attractive selection of days out, including a great selection of ‘London theatre trips from just £45 pp! Ring 01778 342224 or e-mail enquiries@shawscoaches.co.uk to receive a free copy of Shaws new 2011 holiday and day tour brochures.
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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Febr uar y 11 Candyland PR is proud to present
“The ButterflyBall” A stunning Valentine’s day show at Mama Liz’s Voodoo lounge.
Open Doors 8.30 £5 Entr y
FEATURING: Burlesque entertainment from Madame Lucy Furr & Candyland’s Burlesque Grotesque.
CANDYLAND Sexy, dark and disturbingly edgy, Candyland’s Burlesque Grotesque Troupe offers a new slant on burlesque, a dazzling alternative circus of startling Gothic visuals, avant-garde performance and a taste for the darker side of desire. With a repertoire including acro - dancers, contortionists, comedians, poets, musicians, striptease and fire artists, Candyland pr has established a reputation for providing some of the best night’s out in venues across the country, putting together events, fun nights, festivals, parties and artiste management,
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Restaurant Saturday – monday night from £15 a head 2 courses or £17.50 for 3 and coffee
9a North Street | Stamford | Lincs | PE9 1EL Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011 35 voodoolounge@mamaliz.co.uk - 01780 765888
Valentine saw this injustice and didn’t agree with the Emperor’s idea at all; he believed that young lovers should be allowed to marry freely. He united young lovers in secret places, allowing them to be together in love. However, he was soon found out and sent to jail. His jailor, Asterius, is said to have had a blind daughter that Valentine was able to heal due to his saintly powers. He grew very close to Asterius’ daughter whilst awaiting his sentence, and is believed to have fallen in love with her. Therefore just before he was executed on 14th February 27 AD, he left her a note signed ‘From your Valentine’, hence the reason that we send cards bearing this message on Valentine’s Day.Valentine’s Day is associated with love and romance due to the fact that Saint Valentine helped young lovers to be together and allowed their love to blossom.
Saint Valentine’s Day By Megan Templeman
Valentine’s Day is a day that the month of February is renowned for. We all know and love (or not in some cases) the traditions which bring everything pink, romantic and sweet to the world for just one day. But where did it all start, I hear you ask? Apart from the commercialised celebration that we are all used to today, it has another, deeper meaning and origin. The real meaning of Valentines Day is slightly obscured due to the fact that three Saint Valentines are said to have been martyred on the 14th February, so essentially it could be due to any of the three. There are two slightly alternating versions of the Biblical story also, a
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Protestant version and a Catholic version, although the main stories in both are the same. Legend has it that Saint Valentine was a bishop that secretly held marriage ceremonies in about 270 AD because the emperor Claudius II had banned them. The Emperor needed soldiers for his army, and believed that married men were less likely to want to become a soldier because they would want to stay with their wives rather than fight; he thought that married young men were weak, and he needed strong men to fight for him.
Although other stories do exist and this could simply just be a myth, I think this is most believable, and a nice way to think of Valentine’s Day this February. So now you know, and when you write your Valentine’s card this year you will no longer be left wondering how it all came about.
• CARPETS • WOOD • VINYL • CERAMIC TILING
Supply and Fit Domestic and Commercial JAMES COTTAM Tel: 01778 424288 Mob: 07793 488466 enquiries@jamescottamflooring.co.uk www.jamescottamflooring.co.uk Home visits to suit you | Price match promise – like for like Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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SEAT Leon Cupra R
PROS ‘N’ CONS • Attractive √ • Performance √ • Fun √ • Cost √
THE LATEST Leon is nothing less than a beast. And it should be – it’s the most potent SEAT ever made.
• Boy racer image X FAST FACTS • Max speed: 155 mph • 0-62 mph 6.2 seconds • Combined mpg: 34.9 • Engine: 4 cylinders, 1984 cc, turbo-petrol • Power: 265 PS • Torque: 350 Nm at 2,500 rpm • CO2: 190g/km • Price: £25,205 OTR
By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer © BARNES-CLAY MEDIA 2010 www.barnes-claymedia.webeden.co.uk The Leon Cupra R sits above the Cupra, and offers a fine-tuned version of its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, packing a 265 PS punch, backed up by no less than 350 Nm of torque at just 2,500 rpm. That’s a full 50 Nm more than the already burly Leon Cupra. The result? A 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds and an unrestricted 155mph top speed. That’s getting close to supercar levels of acceleration and performance. But the Cupra R is more than just raw power. It’s also a very refined hot hatch with five doors and comfortable seats, and one that’s enormously exciting to drive. Even with front wheel drive, it manages to put all its enthusiasm down without fumbling for grip. The front always feels fixed to the road and the steering wheel doesn’t jerk from side to side as it can in other front wheel drive performance cars.
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
As impressive, perhaps, is the new Leon’s thriftiness. Combined economy of 34.9 mpg and CO2 limited to just 190 g/km make the car among the most environmentally friendly ultra-hot hatches around. Not quite green enough to qualify for the brand’s Ecomotive badge - but distinctly more environmentally conscientious than a number of competitors which have CO2 emissions of 220 g/km and above. Speaking of rivals, it might not have the kick of the Ford Focus RS, but at £25,205 on the road it is £3,000 cheaper. It’s also £3,500 less than the Volkswagen Scirocco R. Only the Renault Megane Renault sport offers a convincing alternative on cost, but the Cupra R’s engine has more finesse and the inconspicuous five-door formation broadens the interest. Even though the Leon has a relatively modest price tag, there is an awful lot of kit included. There are sporty twin central exhaust pipes within a modified rear diffuser,
a subtle extended high level rear spoiler, tasteful ‘R’ badging and gloss black highlighting inside and out. Then there are the ebony black front seatbacks with ‘R’ logo, which leave rear seat passengers in no doubt about the characteristics of this super quick SEAT. Colossal 19-inch ‘Potenza’ wheels, available in traditional silver alloy or contemporary white finish, also mark out the ‘R’ as something extra special. If that’s not enough, you also get cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and dual-zone climate control - all of which come as standard. Quite simply, the SEAT Leon Cupra R is a bargain when you consider how much car you get for the cash. It looks awesome, it’s engaging and it’s seriously rapid without being uncomfortable. The Leon would, without doubt, tick all the boxes for me if I wanted to buy a modern day performance hatch. Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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What’s On
Stamford Corn Exchange
Cash on the attic! Imagine never having to pay another electricity bill, or even better having your power supplier pay you rather than bill you. This is now a reality for many customers who have installed Solar Electric Panels with most systems achieving between 8 - 10% return on investment after tax. So where is the catch? Well there isn’t one. The incentive scheme is part of legislation to improve the uptake of renewable energy in homes across the country. It is payable for 25 years (from April 2010) and even better it is index linked to the Retail Price Index so your earnings are protected from inflation. Solar panels are relatively easy to fit to most roofs without any disruption to the house or its occupants, they require virtually no maintenance and last for decades, and they don’t even have any complicated controls to manage. The technology is well
Jollity Farm, PMA Productions Monday 21st February, 2.30pm - Tickets £7 Concessions £5.50 Family of four £22
tested as panels have been installed across Europe and America in the many millions already. They simply convert daylight into electricity and many homeowners, businesses, schools and farms are now getting in on the act and earning money from the sun. The incentive scheme payments will drop permanently from April 2012 so there is literally no time like the present to act! Red Mile Energy are a local Rutland based specialist who offer free no obligation quotes. To find out more visit www.redmileenergy.co.uk, or alternatively email info@redmileenergy.co.uk or phone 01780 729099.
This is a fun, bright and colourful show aimed at 3 – 7 year olds – a panto style story, which has good versus evil, and educational too. Gleeful the Musical Polka Dot Theatre Company Wednesday 23rd February, 2pm & 7pm Tickets £10 Concessions £9 Family of Four £35 Inspired by the global phenomenon Gleeful depicts the ups and downs of teenage life at a typical American high school amidst one teacher’s dream to transform the students into an all singing, all dancing championship choir.
Box office 01780 766455
At Half Term Clare Cottage D.I.Y. Dinosaurs Tuesday 22nd February, 2 pm – 3.30 pm Build yourself some flat-pack ecomonsters using 100% corrugated cardboard! Clare Cryptic Quest Wednesday 23rd February, 2pm - 3.30pm Become spies, and hunt your way around Clare Cottage and garden solving the clues. Tickets to each activity are £3 each. Suitable for young people between 7 and 12. Places are limited and you need to book them in advance
01733 253330
BLINDS
10% OFF
your order on production of this voucher
Made to Measure
5
In Days
valid till the end of Feb 2011
Fitting Blinds “FAST” in Rutland, Stamford & Melton Mowbray Wooden - Venetian - Roller - Roman Conservatory - Office
We can make your Designer Fabric into Blinds and Curtains Fast Call Richard for a Free Quote Today on 01572 759176 or 07967 383827 See samples for Blinds and Curtains at our shop
Grafters of Oakham 9 Melton Road, Oakham
www.5DayBlinds.co.uk | www.7DayCurtains.co.uk
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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What’s On Back to Broadway at Stamford Corn Exchange 19 February - 7.30pm Tickets £15 Concessions £14 Box office 01780 766455 Back to Broadway presents a brand new classical musical theatre show with a contemporary edge. The show brings together world class voices, colourful costumes and songs from some of the best loved musicals, old and new including Gavin Burke (Joseph, English National Opera) and Gina Price (Beyond the Barricades).
13 & 30 February, 11am – 4pm Snowdrop Sundays at Deene Park Deene Park, Northamptonshire Adults £4 / Children FREE 01572 720921 www.deenepark.com
Deene Park has become renowned for its Snowdrop Sundays. There are large drifts of snowdrops and many rare varieties that are a delight to see. The lovely ‘Old Kitchen’ will be open with a roaring log fire to welcome you.
14 – 27 February, 10am – 4pm Spring Flower Fortnight at Barnsdale Gardens Free entry to Nursery, Gift Shop and Tea Room. Garden admission: adult £5, concession £4, child £1.50, family (up to 5) £11. 01572 813200 www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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Extraordinary Tales from Robert Loomes, Extraordinary Watchmaker Few would have the presence of mind of Mihir Patel, kidnapped outside Ahmedabad in India. He used his chronograph watch to time the exact route his captures took. despite being shut in a windowless van and every time the vehicle took a turning, Mihir noted the direction and the duration of the journey. This pinpoint accuracy led to the successful arrest of his captures. Whilst, none of us want to be kidnapped, a chronograph certainly ensures a sense of time, direction and purpose in life. Robert Loomes designs and builds his watches by hand at his workshop in Stamford. Robert Loomes, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DW, 01780 481319 www.dialrestorer.co.uk
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk
Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011
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February 2011 | Email: info@scenepublishing.co.uk