Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // August 2015 by Active Magazine

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Concussion: what lies beneath... What everyone playing sport needs to know about the deadly injury ISSUE 38 // AUGUST 2015

STA M FOR D & RU T L A N D’S SPORT A N D L E I S U R E M AGA Z I N E

Sun lounging? No chance - there's too much to do! ISSUE 38 // AUGUST 2015

In this issue: › Healthy summer recipes › Great places to entertain the kids › Start training for a half marathon › Get your metabolism going › Visit historic houses › Start pre-season fitness regime › Win a £400 kids' bike › Do some great walks

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18/07/2015 06:49

BSC (HONS) SPORTS COACHING AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In this innovative degree, you will explore the scientific approach to coaching. You will find out which areas of knowledge, such as human movement, pedagogy, child development, physiology and psychology, can contribute to making coaching methods more effective. Our students work with a number of sports clubs throughout their studies including Peterborough United and Leicester Tigers which provides them with the real life experience needed to get a job at the end of their degree. Some of our students also find paid jobs in coaching and personal training during their studies

www.peterborough.ac.uk e: ucpenquiries@anglia.ac.uk t: 0845 196 5750

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This innovative blend of theory and practice will develop you into a modern scientific coach who is able to coach an array of learners in any age group. It may also lead into other related jobs such as sports development, performance analysis and teaching.

17/06/2015 15:36

Editor’s Letter IT IS INEVITABLE WHEN YOU PLAY SPORT that you will get injured from time to time. Certainly I’ve been to casualty on a number of occasions with various bits of my body not pointing in the direction in which they started the game. You accept the risks and then afterwards everyone compares their battle scars and has a chuckle about it. But concussion is different. As Max Hartman of sports health and fitness experts Function Jigsaw points out in this issue, it is a threat that is often unseen and not understood, and only with the advent of some post-career research in American football has the huge damage done been recognised. Obviously, in local sport you’re not playing to the same intensity as 20-stone giants smashing each other to pieces every day, but nevertheless it is still an issue – not least because a second impact close in time to the first can have catastrophic, even fatal, consequences. Quite a few years ago, I was playing hockey and sprinting across to intercept a through ball when the attacking player took my legs out. I skidded across the Astroturf and concrete and headbutted the fencing behind the goal. Having made quite a mess of my elbows and knees, and knocked myself out, I was carted off by ambulance to hospital. Dozens of stitches later they let me go home. But they couldn’t find the details of my local GP. Not surprising really, because I gave them the name of one of my parents’ friends, who was an estate agent. A day later, I felt so ill I could barely move, although fortunately it relented after a day or so. Looking back, it seems shocking that nobody in the hospital thought much of looking into why I thought a bloke with a good track record of selling houses might be a useful point of contact for my rehabilitation. Nowadays, that concussion would be monitored far more carefully, and if you run a sports club o, hopefully you have measures in place to manage players back to fitness. If you think you need more advice, have a read of Max’s column on page 48. I hope you enjoy the magazine, Steve

Twitter // @theACTIVEmag Facebook // www.facebook.com/theACTIVEmag

Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com Art editor Mark Sommer mark@theactivemag.com Contributors Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Sandie Hurford, Jeremy Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, Pip Warters Production assistant Gary Curtis Advertising sales Lisa Withers lisa@theactivemag.com Amy Roberts amy@theactivemag.com Editorial and Advertising Assistant Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Tel: 01780 480789 A member of the Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@ theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@ theactivemag.com Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2049-8713 A Grassroots Publishing Limited company. Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318 Disclaimer

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws. GPL and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.

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EASTON ON THE HILL, RUTLAND

ÂŁ475,000

ÂŁ499,995

A delightful period property in the heart of this popular village within an easy walk of all the local amenities. Retaining its historic character, the Grade II house has detailing such as oak beams and lintels and an impressive inglenook fireplace, whilst more recent additions have made this a welcoming and practical family home with a sheltered south-west facing garden. EPC Rating: Exempt

LANGTOFT, LINCOLNSHIRE

An impressive stone-built home with elegant reception space and extensive accommodation, located in a gated estate within an easy drive of Peterborough. The house has a semi-open plan layout and French doors allowing an easy flow out to the secluded garden, and has been fitted to high standards throughout with solid oak floors and doors, double-glazed timber frame windows and a sunny Kitchen & Breakfast Room. EPC Rating: C

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WE NERIC P

WOTHORPE, NR STAMFORD

ÂŁ2,000,000

This exceptional period residence has outstanding original features including gracefully proportioned rooms, a handsome staircase and casement windows overlooking the gardens. The stunning formal reception space includes a billiards room; there is extensive bedroom accommodation and potential to create a self-contained two bedroom Annexe. The secluded grounds include a sunny terrace, thatched Breeze House and a tennis court. EPC Rating: Exempt

EASTON ON THE HILL, RUTLAND

ÂŁ825,000

This unique Grade II property comprises a charming house and three period dwellings set within pretty gardens of just under an acre. The main house has light-filled rooms and stylish features, whilst the attractive garden cottage has two bedrooms. There is planning permission to substantially increase the size of the main house creating a sizeable property with flexible accommodation, and overall this an exceptional property with wonderful potential in an excellent location. EPC Rating: Exempt

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As unique as you are - 220 x 285.ai

CMY

18/03/2015

12:50:12

Stamford office 9 High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF

01780 484696

stamford@savills-smithsgore.co.uk

A BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED PRINCIPAL VILLAGE HOUSE WITH FIRST CLASS COMMUTER CONNECTIONS alwalton, cambridgeshire Believed to have been built for the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam  entrance hall  5 reception rooms  2 offices  kitchen  breakfast room  utility room  boiler room  extensive cellars and stores  breath-taking master bedroom suite  guest bedroom suite  7 further bedrooms  extensive landscaped gardens  gym/hobbies room  swimming pool and pool house  garaging  paddock land  stables  EPC Exempt

Guide £1,750,000

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY CLOSE TO STAMFORD clipsham, rutland

A SENSITIVELY EXTENDED AND STRIKING HOUSE easton on the hill, northamptonshire

Set in an elevated position with views over its own land  entrance hall  drawing room  sitting room  dining room  kitchen/breakfast room  study  conservatory  utility room  master bedroom with en suite shower room  4 further bedrooms  family bathroom  landscaped gardens  swimming pool  paddock  stables  outbuildings  approximately 6.15 acres  EPC E

Recently renovated and extended  approximately 3,100 sq ft of accommodation  entrance hall  sitting room  snug  kitchen/family room  study  utiity  cloakroom  master bedroom suite  4 further bedrooms one with en suite bathroom  family bathroom  detached home office/gym  gardens to front and rear with dining terrace  EPC C

Guide £1,385,000

Guide £750,000

Our next move in the property market helps yours Savills and Smiths Gore have come together to offer our clients an even greater service, with more agents, more offices and a deeper market knowledge, to help you make your move.

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Contents NEWS

ISSUE 38 /// AUGUST 2015

12 ACTIVE LIFE

Details of Riverford Organic Farm’s open day

16-17 FIVE THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST

Great ideas for days out during the summer holidays

18-19 HEALTHY EATING

Another tasty recipe from Riverford Organic

20 DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Stone and plaster conservator Simon Ebbs

23 COOPED UP

The chickens plot their escape

26-27 WHO’S NEW IN TOWN...

Focus on new businesses in the area

29 WHAT’S ON

The best local events coming up

35 MARTIN JOHNSON COLUMN

The writer recalls some of his strangest assignments

36-37 KIT BAG

Essential gear for the sporting summer

FEATURES

30-33 EARLY START

Get training for the winter sports

38-41 FLYING HIGH

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

42-49 HEALTH AND FITNESS

The latest on looking and feeling great

REGULARS 50 DOG HEALTH

More great advice to make life with your pooch easier

52-53 GREAT WALKS

Will Hetherington heads to Wing and Manton

55 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out The Saxon Crown in Corby

56-59 SCHOOL SPORT

Our focus on the latest achievements from local pupils

62-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

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avendita.co.uk

NEW

Grafham Water Park

Marlow Car Park Grafham Huntingdon PE28 0BH

Rutland Water Park Pitsford Water Park

Sykes Lane, Empingham, Rutland LE15 8QL

www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure

Now Open Everyday Sykes Lane Rutland Water

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Causeway Car Park Brixworth Road, Holcot, Northampton NN6 9SJ

tic@anglianwater.co.uk

Tel 01780 686800

Rutland Water Park Sykes Lane, Empingham, Oakham, LE15 8QL

Friday 28 August 2015,

See Tickets (0871) 220 0260 www.seetickets.com Adult £14 / Child £10 / Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £42

TICKETS Tel 01780 763203

Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating. Picnics are welcome.

SYKES LANE, EMINGHAM

www.livepromotionconcerts.co.uk

16/07/2015 18:43

In Play

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PIP WARTERS ACELENSMAN.COM AND GEOFF ATTON

Burghley Park CC Cricket Week The sun shone on finals day for this years Burghley Park Cricket Club Cricket Week and Beer Festival. The club took on the Gentlemen of Leicestershire in the day game ahead of the evenings 6s finals. Stamford Town CC retained the coveted 6s trophy in front of a bumper crowd of well over 1,000, Tim Juggins knocking the winning runs with an audacious reverse sweep off the last ball.

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Activelife GREAT THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE, PEOPLE TO MEET // Edited by Mary Bremner

OUT AND ABOUT

On the farm Riverford Organic Farm, just outside Peterborough, is holding a series of farm walks throughout the summer. Held on the last Wednesday of the month from 5-7.30pm, the next one is on August 26. It will be followed by a Riverford picnic of pies, soups and salads. Tickets cost £6 per person. Bring wellies and be prepared to walk as there’s no transport around the farm. For details ring 01803 762059 or email events@riverford.co.uk.

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Get active this August... Leisure club membership offer: Joining fees reduced to only £30 for single memberships or

£50 for Couple / Family memberships

Premium camping pitches available throughout the summer with optional entry to Sacrewell included

Plus a free pair of swimming googles for all new members in August Futura one Speedo Adult Goggles* Futura one Speedo Junior Goggles* 6-14yrs *Goggle colours may vary and stock is limited

› 22 Metre Swimming Pool › 2 Spa Pools › Steam room & Sauna

› Studio fitness classes included › 2 Squash courts › 6 Tennis courts › Crazy golf › Pitch & Putt › Lawn Bowls › NEW & IMPROVED Gym

www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB

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ROYCE RANGERS

Royce Rangers Girls Football are looking for new players to join them in the Leicester League from September 2015 both for fun and competitively. The club trains from 2:30pm to 4:00pm at the New Showground every Saturday. With the increase in membership since the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the club are looking to recruit a Level 1 Football Coach. For more information, please contact Jo Kelly on 07813 735234.

RUTLAND ROCKETS

Rutland Rockets Netball Club are an ever growing club backing over 150 girls with an U14’s team recently making nationals. They are looking to recruit Level 2 Netball Coaches and volunteers to help support the day-to-day running of the club. In addition, the club is looking for girls aged 7 to 10 years to join their High Five session on a Monday evening from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Catmose College, term time only. For more information, please contact Sam Grifﬁn on sam853@hotmail.com. Active Mag August Issue.indd 1

THE ACTIVE RUTLAND CORNER ACTIVE RUTLAND HUB

The Active Rutland Hub has proven popular since opening in May and is close to having a full schedule of activity with a few slots available for hire. These slots include use of the artiﬁcial astro turf pitch and the ﬁtness studio for both evening and day time use. For more information, please contact Glynn Attiwell on gattiwell@ rutland.gov.uk or 01572 758403. 13/07/2015 21:41:56

DISCOVER RUTLAND DAY

CALLING ALL SPORTS CLUBS, ORGANISATIONS AND DELIVERERS!

For the second year running, Discover Rutland Day brings you the Active Rutland Sports Arena on Saturday 12th September from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Discover Rutland Day is a large scale event attracting approximately 5000 people to ďŹ nd out what is on offer in Rutland. This year within the Sports Arena, there will be the opportunity for local sports clubs, organisations and deliverers to promote their club, sessions and services, provide a demonstration or taster session and to increase the awareness of sport and showcase how good Rutland sport is. It can entail anything from a dance display, martial arts show, technique workshop or a mini game, the possibilities are endless. If you wish to have a slot in the Sports Arena during the day, please email the Active Rutland Team on activerecreation@rutland.gov.uk by Friday 14th August stating what you would like to do, how much space you require and any preferred times you would like during the day. Active Mag August Issue.indd 2

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Activelife

Nordic Walking winners Six months ago Jo Douglas, from Nordic Walking, invited a group of her more competitive walkers to train up for the British Nordic Walking 10k speed challenge that took place in May. They rose to the challenge winning the fastest 10k mixed team and the fastest man competitions. Following this success they are raring to go and have entered more competitions. Jo has also pulled together another lot of walkers who will be competing at the 5k level. Nordic Walking is a great way to exercise as it’s a low impact, full body workout. It caters for the lowest to highest levels of ﬁtness so is a sport for all.  To ﬁnd out more about Nordic Walking in Rutland contact Jo on 07949 392018 or visit the website at www. nordicwalkit.co.uk.

OUT AND ABOUT

FIVE THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST  It’s school holiday time, which could mean bad weather. If that’s the case visit The Yard, an indoor play centre for the under 7s at West Street in Stamford. It’s great fun and they have a café as well. If it’s still raining try Pots of Fun, which has recently moved to Love Stamford in Broad Street. It’s a great idea – you turn up at the café, choose a ceramic piece to decorate, pick a table and some paints and get started. There’s always someone there to offer a hand and advice. You collect your masterpiece after it has been glazed in about 7-10 days. www. potsoffunstamford.co.uk  Go and see the rare breed piglets that were born on July 4 at Sacrewell. Ten little piggys made an appearance on Independence Day, courtesy of their mother Maggie who is a British Lop Pig, one of the rarest breeds of native pig in the country. www.sacrewell.org.uk  Visit the Bird Fair at Rutland Water. Described as the Glastonbury of birdwatching, enthusiasts from all over the world ﬂock to

Egleton for the fair on August 21-23. The fair, now in its 27th year, has raised more than £4 million for global conservation. www.birdfair.org.uk  Tickets are now available for the third annual Water Newton Music Fest on August 23. The ﬁnal band line up has been announced, including the return of last year’s star act Grounded. There’s music to suit everyone ranging from folk to rock with funk-jazz in between. Food and a bar, including bubbles and Pimm’s, will also be available. www.waternewtonvillage.co.uk  Go and cheer on Oakham rugby players, friends and followers on August 13 as they complete a 15-mile relay carrying a rugby ball, kindly donated by Rutland Sports, to raise money for the Air Ambulance. They will be running through villages north of Rutland Water, ﬁnishing at Sykes Lane to coincide with the arrival of the Rugby World Cup trophy. Let’s hope it’s coming home this year. www.rugbyworldcup.com

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nutrition

healthy snacks sent straight to your door

STAMFORD’S LARGEST FURNITURE SHOWROOM SALE • SALE • SALE • SALE HUGE SOFA SALE NOW ON!

Fit Snack is a monthly box delivered to your door packed with delicious healthy products. It’s ideal for those in intensive training so we asked Emma Sowden (pictured), from estate agents Sowden and Wallis, to try a box as she is in training for marathon after marathon this year (five in total, including an ultra marathon), so needs all the help she can get. Emma said: “I used the Fit Snack range as a mixture of pre- and post-training run snacks. I liked them as when you start training, it’s very difficult to know what you need and when nutrition-wise. “I found that ‘snacks’ were a big part of my training diet as, for me, to eat little and often worked far better than three large meals a day. “I loved the veggie crisps and the almond and pumpkin mix and even the Noggi protein powders were tasty, and being chocolate flavoured was a real bonus – what more could a girl ask for! “I really liked all the snacks in the box, and it just made it so easy. But I have to confess my favourites were the protein bakery cookies and the brownie. They are filled with protein so an ideal post-run snack and the best bit was I was actually eating a cookie and it was doing me good. “The boxes are brilliant because, rather than doing hours of research about what you should and shouldn’t eat, they’ve done it all for you. So all I had to do was concentrate on the training knowing that I was eating healthy snacks.” n To find out more about Fit Snack and to arrange delivery visit www.fitsnack.com

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Activelife

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GREEN BEAN AND POTATO SALAD WITH EGGS AND OLIVES INGREDIENTS

500g new potatoes Salt and pepper 1 bay leaf 2 eggs 100g kalamata olives 30g chervil 15g basil 15g chives 1 tbsp capers 200g French beans 1 garlic clove 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp cider vinegar Olive oil for dressing

METHOD

Give the potatoes a wash and scrub. If they are not similar sizes cut the larger ones down to match. Fill a large pan with cold salted water. Add the bay leaf, potatoes and eggs and bring to the boil. After exactly seven minutes from the time the pan starts to boil, remove the eggs and pop them in a bowl of cold water to cool them down. Leave the potatoes cooking until they are tender

RECIPE BOXES Riverford recipe boxes are a simple and inspiring way to cook. Every week, we deliver everything you need to make three tasty organic meals. Inside each box, you’ll find the freshest, seasonal organic produce, step-bystep recipe cards and all the ingredients in exact quantities. The recipes are quick to cook and ideal for week nights – most are ready in under 45 minutes. Think well balanced and nutritious,

and then drain and leave to one side. Peel the eggs when cooled. Wash the pan and put it back on to boil again. Remove the stones from the olives with your ﬁngers (1); you should be left with scraps of olive ﬂesh. Discard the stones. Wash the chervil, basil and chives and shake them dry. Soak the capers in a cup of cold water. Remove the tops from the green beans. Fill the bowl with cold water. Blanch the beans in the boiling water for three minutes until tender, drain and plunge into the cold water to stop them cooking. To make the dressing, pound the garlic clove with a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar. Add the mustard and vinegar (2) and mix together to make a paste. Slowly stir in 3 tbsp of oil to make a thick dressing. Finely chop the chervil leaves and chives (3). Drain the capers, squeeze dry and roughly chop them. Cut the warm potatoes into a mix of slices and wedges. Mix together with the dressing, green beans, olives, capers, chopped herbs and some freshly torn basil leaves. Season if you think necessary. Divide between two plates and top each with an egg, cut into wedges.

with a few treats thrown in. Our cooks come up with nine new recipes every week, so there is always plenty of choice. There are three different varieties of recipe box – choose from vegetarian, quick or original. A box for two people ranges in price from £33 for the vegetarian box, to £39.95 for the quick and original boxes. Delivered straight to your door, with everything you need to cook included, generous portion sizes, and three delicious meals per box they offer great value for money.

No waste. No missing the vital ingredient. All you have to do is cook. Visit: www.riverford.co.uk/recipebox to find out more or call 01803 762059.

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Activelife

A day in the life of

SIMON EBBS

Graphic designer turned stone and plaster conservator

fell into this job about 11 years ago. I trained as a graphic designer but was bored of sitting in an office and, coming up to my 30th birthday, I decided if I was going to do something else I needed to crack on with it. I originally wanted to be a stonemason but as I was getting on a bit it was difficult to get an apprenticeship, so I found a company called Skillington Workshop in Grantham who took me on as a conservator. I’ve always liked working with my hands and I’m fascinated with architectural history and how churches and cathedrals are constructed so it seemed a good profession to be in. I tend to specialise in statues and monuments. I also wanted to work outside and not be in one place for too long as after a two-month project I can get itchy feet. The project I’m working on at Ufford church has been extended as we’ve found some Renaissance wall paintings which date back to late 1500s, a pretty rare find. You do find them on walls when you take monuments down but this is quite an early one. So far I’ve never broken anything – I’ve not had any drops or falls while taking figures or large pieces of stone down from the walls, but I’m not tempting fate. Monuments are riddled with ironwork which is what holds them to the walls, but it starts to corrode. We replace the iron with marine-grade stainless steel which should last for 900 years. My favourite job was at Warkton church on the Boughton estate. We worked on several monuments but the best one was a Roubiliac late Renaissance sculpture. The whole thing came down – 98 pieces of stone from dinky little bits to about a ton. First of all the white marble comes off the life-sized figures and little cherubs. I love working with marble, it’s crisp and beautiful. I like alabaster too, but it’s so soft you can cut it with your fingernails and you have to be very careful not to scratch it. We don’t have a lot of marble in this country but we do get hard, black carboniferous limestones from Derbyshire and Ireland that will take a polish. I normally wake up at 6am and walk my two-year-old labradoodle Meg before I go to work at 7.30am. She comes with me sometimes if it’s a nice, quiet church. There are about 15 of us at Skillington Workshop including conservators, traditional lime plasterers, stonemasons and good local builders who know how to work with old, soft bricks. I stay away from home a lot, and as there might be five or six of us on a project we tend to rent a cottage somewhere together. It’s good fun. 20

‘This area is famous for its limestone and would have been a hotbed for masons’ After work, if I’m at home, I normally walk the dog and then cook. I tend to do all the cooking at home. I like Italian food and stir fries and splurge at the weekends with a nice steak or a roast on Sundays. To relax I love listening to music, which I can obviously do at work as well, providing it’s not a working church. This area is famous for its limestone from Ketton, Clipsham, Ancaster and Barnack and would have been a hotbed for masons. There has obviously been a huge loss of craftsmanship over the years but thankfully there are still a few of us left with the knowledge.

Different styles of building I come from Norfolk where you just fall over churches. You can stand on a hill and see six or seven spires. I’m not religious but I think it’s important to retain these buildings and our built heritage as they tell a story. You see the different styles of building from rare early Saxon churches to Romanesque, Gothic and perpendicular. I tend to work in places of worship but I’ve also worked at the Tower of London, Palace of Westminster, Scottish National Gallery and I’m currently working at Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire.

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MAMMA MIA HERE WE GO AGAIN!

BEfit Performance Centre is a private Personal Training gym, meaning you’re far from the hustle & bustle of a commercial gym floor, it’s just you and your trainer.

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We recognise that everyone is an individual who requires a bespoke personal training programme to achieve their goals. At BEfit, you will benefit from dedicated one-to-one sessions, creating a unique dynamic with your personal trainer and allowing you to focus on one thing - your results. We’ll create a regime specifically tailored for you, taking into account current fitness, potential injuries, limitations and nutrition.

Personal training at BEfit integrates a wide range of disciplines and methods to keep both body and mind challenged in a variety of ways. This includes options such as strength, conditioning, cardiovascular exercise and sports performance. At BEfit we also offer a wide variety of group exercise classes.. Including Bear Camp, Les Mills BodyAttack, Shred 30 & Chislled. Please contact us for info & a class timetable

PLEASE CONTACT : Ben Easson: 07795 050865, Rob Willcocks: 07531 047239 Emma Rutherford: 07887 442494 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

16/06/2015 12:32www.beneassonfit.com Page 1

WIDE RANGE OF CAMPING, LEISURE AND TECHNICAL OUTDOOR CLOTHING We supply a wide range of tents and camping accessories. Leisure wear and technical outdoor clothing for adults and children. Come and visit us in store or online today.

OFFERS

Craghoppers Pro Lite Half Zip £30.00

Hi-Tec Ezee'z Shandal £37.50

www.getlostinrutland.co.uk Visit our shop. Open Monday-Sunday.

Hi-Tec Mens Ezee'z £40.00

e. info@getlostinrutland.co.uk t. 01572 868712 Rutland Village, Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7QN – FREE PARKING! Vango Airbeam EpsomCapri 500xl £550

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Do you need a lawyer?

13-advert-active.pdf

15/07/2015

10:45

Rutland WateR Relaxing Meditation Retreat Sunday 16 August 10am - 12.15pm Meditation improves concentration and reduces stress, worry and anxiety. Training in meditation brings inner peace, happiness and a positive outlook on life.

everyone is welcome to attend this half day retreat. Birdwatching Centre, Egleton, Oakham, LE15 8BT ÂŁ15 (pre-booking required), includes parking Book online at:

www.meditateinpeterborough.org.uk with Gen Nyingpo

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Activelife

LIFESTYLE

COOPED UP

Editor Steve Moody is taking up the good life and keeping chickens. Month three: the chickens try to escape

ne of the things that put me off chickens in the ﬁrst place was all the looking after they might need. After all, if you’ve ever had rabbits or guinea pigs as a kid you might remember all that hassle with cleaning them out. And it’s recommended you clean the chicken coop out once a week, which seemed like a lot of effort. But thanks to our Clever Chicken Coop it’s nowhere near as troublesome as I thought it would be. The design is such that the tray on which the sawdust sits just slides straight out, and because it is made of plastic the bedding and poo just sweeps into a bin bag. A quick spray with disinfectant and the job’s done – in

about as much time as it takes to read this paragraph. Brilliant. More troublesome are Daisy, Olly and Mildred, who appear to have been hatching more than eggs: daily they seem to have a cunning new plan for escape. On one occasion, Daisy, who is by far the most confident, tried the fairly simplistic ruse of just following very close behind me and sneaking out before I shut the gate before diving into the flowerbeds for a day out. Being fairly simplistic myself, it worked – first time at least. Once I had foiled that scheme, they took to using the various bits of wood in the run as a springboard to get over the picket fence,

managed to prise a gap through a piece of wire fencing into next door and as far as I can work out must have ﬁred Matilda out of a canon to get her over the fence. So it was clear they needed their wings clipping. Not a job me or my wife fancied so we brought in a friend, Andrew, who reckoned he had the necessary skills and equipment (which turned out to be YouTube and a pair of scissors). The chickens seemed non-plussed by the whole exercise, and were quite happy to be clipped. Subsequently, there were no more escapes, so it obviously worked. Although for all I know, they are secretly digging a tunnel as you read this...

SPORT

Burghley Rotary moves to Borderville Burghley Rotary Club, organisers of the Stamford Santa Fun Run and the Victorian Cricket Tournament, now has a new sporting home at Borderville Sports Centre. Andrew Harwood, president of Burghley Rotary, said: “We feel it is important to support this new community project and we look forward to a good relationship with the site and its excellent management team.” Paul Pepper, commercial manager of SAFC, added: “We are delighted to welcome Burghley Rotary into the Stamford AFC family. With our community links and their charitable fund raising we hope this will be a successful partnership.” Pictured right: Paul Pepper welcomes Burghley Rotary president and Rotarians to Borderville

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18/07/2015 12:57

Glen Eden (142)_Layout 1 19/03/2014 08:37 Page 1

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Stoke Rochford Hall Stoke Rochford, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG33 5EJS T: 01529 531291 E: leisureclub@stokerochfordhall.co.uk

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17/07/2015 10:17

Activelife

CHALLENGE

CYCLING THE WORLD

James Peach is on the adventure of his life – to cycle around the world and raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. This month he’s back in Europe

ou’re on the home straight now’ is what I seem to be being told most days now. Having just crossed into Turkey on the Black Sea coast I study a map at the border control. The ﬁrst thing that strikes me is how vast this country is; the second is the long strings of mountains, and the third; that 5,000 kilometres is still a long way from home. Following the Black Sea coast I enjoyed some sunny beachside riding combined with consistent indulgence in Turkish kebabs. I made a few attempts at sleeping on the beaches but each time was moved on by police and ended up back on park benches or behind petrol stations. Months ago I would start to worry when night fell but these days I almost revel in the challenge, often spending evenings looking around a town, eating dinner, then pedalling out into the darkness to ﬁnd a quiet spot. After a few days on the coast I headed into the mountains and across central Turkey, the cycling immediately becoming more challenging and the views more impressive. Every day Turkey would throw an afternoon electrical storm my way – the thunder, lightening and rain not enough to stop me, but the wind often was. During a particularly wild storm I took shelter at a petrol station. I stood chatting to a motorist

as we observed the impressive weather performance from the comfort of the forecourt. A short while later he quizzed me on why I was preparing to head back out when the storm had not yet cleared, to which I replied, ‘You see thunder and rain, I see wind’. The storm had brought with it a clattering tailwind which I was not going to miss. Heading out I was pushed along for an hour at a pace that could have me back in Rutland by dinner time. Although the language barrier was as thick as ever I regularly felt the warmth of Turkish people. Every time I stopped at a petrol station to get water or food a chair would be thrust my way, sometimes I’d be shown to the manager’s ofﬁce if it was raining. The Turkish obsession with tea is incredible, often I would be offered a seat or shouted ‘chai’ from the roadside every few minutes. It became so regular that I would try not to look up and catch people’s eyes as I hated turning down these invitations, yet if I stopped I might never get home. Crossing the Bosporus and placing a foot back on European soil after over 11 months away was a special feeling. I took a few days rest in Istanbul, joining the tourist trail exploring the old town and enjoying the feeling of being back in my home continent and off the bike.

I pedalled into Greece for a night, then crossed the beautiful mountains of Bulgaria and Macedonia en route to Albania. Often on this journey I have found unexpected jewels, and Albania is one of those. The landscape is breathtaking and I enjoyed a few days taking in some of the most spectacular rural landscapes. From here I crossed into Montenegro, looked out across the Adriatic Sea before getting lost in Bosnian mountain backroads, entering Croatia, crossing into Serbia, then Hungary on the way north to Budapest. Since moving on from Istanbul there has been plenty of challenging cycling to keep me working, and I’m having to pick up the pace to get home on the date I promised. The main thing I will take away is how much there is to see in this corner of Europe, these countries are truly beautiful places to experience on a bike, there is so much to discover close to home. Which leaves me in Budapest. I take a break from walking around the city to enjoy the same beer I drink at home, listen to the English accents of holiday makers and enjoy some chocolate digestives I had found on sale. I admit it. This feels like the home straight now. To follow James visit www.thelifecycle.org which will let you donate to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

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16/07/2015 13:59

Activelife OUT AND ABOUT

Who’s new in town?

A focus on new businesses opening in Stamford and Rutland

ELCY CLOTHING Stylist Lauren Crowe has recently started her own online business selling lingerie (pictured above) and swimwear that she makes from her home in Stamford. She has recently set up a website and is selling online, and it’s going well. You can also buy some of Lauren’s lingerie in Poze (see entry below). www.elcyclothing.com

POZE Pop in and see Zoe Phillips at Poze in Star Lane, Stamford. She’s been open since October and specialises in lingerie including some well known sports bra brands such as Shock Absorber and Panache, as well as swimwear. She knows her stuff and is very helpful and friendly.

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16/07/2015 13:59

BEFIT Are you fed up with the hustle and bustle of the gym and not being able to get on machines when you want? Or do you feel you need a bit more one to one training and encouragement to keep the motivation going? Meet Ben Easson and Rob Willcocks who have recently opened BEﬁt gym in Oakham on the Long Row Industrial Estate. It’s a personalised training studio where you get one to one training with a personal trainer who also offers nutritional advice. “We offer private personal training that is bespoke to the individual client,” Ben said. “We take into consideration their personal goals, work schedules and any injury problems they may have and offer nutritional guidance as well.” To top up the individual training they also offer evening classes that they encourage their clients to attend once or twice a week at least. Joining them is Emma Rutherford who offers the same service. To ﬁnd out more follow them on Facebook or ring Ben on 07795 050865.

SYNCCANINE Stuart Milton loves dogs, particularly his beagle Monty and combines this passion for the canine world as a qualiﬁed Veterinary Thermology Technician. He now brings this service to the Stamford and Rutland area. Using medical grade equipment that is non-invasive and 100% safe and needing no sedation, clinical level scans are professionally interpreted to assist in diagnosis and monitoring of recovery/ rehabilitation in animals. www.syncthermology.com or email Stuart@syncthermology. com

BOWEN TECHNIQUE Greatford-based Rebecca Westwood and Vicki Ball from Ryhall trained together and specialise in Reiki and the Bowen technique. Reiki is an ancient form of healing originating from Japan that works on all levels including mental and physical. The Bowen technique works directly on the skin and muscles but the sessions are gentle and non invasive. To find out more about the treatments and ailments treated visit Rebecca’s website www.peaceheallove.com or contact Vicki, who also works from Broad Street in Stamford as well as her home and is offering half price treatments at £20 as an introductory offer. Contact Vicki on 01780 482244 or visit her website www.vickiballreflexologist.co.uk

GAGLIARDI Richard and Gayle Wailes have recently opened Gagliardi in St Mary’s Street. The shop in Stamford is the only English branch of this Maltese company that sells great men’s clothing. “We offer clothing for the full demographic,” says Richard. “Our customers vary from the professional gent to the stylish young man about town and includes some of Stamford’s gentry, if that’s how I can describe them.” They stock a wide range of suits, Italian slim ﬁt, as well as the more traditional, and a wide range of polo shirts and sports jackets. A beautifully designed shop, once you’re through the door it will be difﬁcult to leave empty handed. /// A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

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16/07/2015 14:00

USSC Active 1/4pp Rookie ad.qxp_Layout 1 06/07/2015 16:17 Page 1

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LT & ADU REN’S LD ING I H C IMM SO SW NS AL ITH O W LESSLABLE IM I A V C SWOL A S S U HO SC

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Art, Music, Drama, Technology, Science, Creative Writing, History, Baking, Sport… with more than 30 different courses and camps for children and adults in the summer holidays, there really is something for everyone! Residential options are offered on all courses held in the summer. Music – Courses for beginners and advanced musicians, classical, jazz, rock and musical theatre Technology and Science – Computer game and robot design, radio broadcasting and exploring nature Creative Arts & Drama – Creative writing, art, history and drama Sport – Hockey, netball, rugby, tennis and NEW lacrosse camps Subsidised places are available on a number of courses courtesy of the Windmill House Trust.

www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk summerschool@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820800 Like us on Facebook

16/07/2015 18:42

Activelife

EVENTS

What’s on MEET UP AND MEDITATE Enjoy a summer meditation retreat at Rutland Water on August 16 in the education room at Egleton. Buddhist nun Gen Nyingpo (pictured below) will be guiding a half-day of relaxing meditation. The course will offer beginners the chance to learn the basics of meditation and, for the more experienced, deep inner peace. www.meditateinpeterborough.org.uk

A MINIATURE PARK Visit the improved wildlife garden at Ferry Meadows. The garden, which is part of the 500- acre site, is described as a ‘park in miniature’. It has trees to shelter from the wind, a small pond and meadow areas which were all worked on by volunteers. www.neneparktrust.org.uk PARKRUN COMES TO RUTLAND Parkrun organises free, weekly 5km (3 mile) timed runs around the world and now it is coming to Rutland. Meeting every Saturday at 9am in Normanton car park, all are welcome, whatever their ability. The aim of Parkrun is a run for the community, aimed at improving health for all ages and abilities. For details, contact event director Manjinder Jagdev on 07400 103301 or email manjjagdev@gmail.com.

DOG DAYS AT EASTON WALLED GARDEN August is the month for dogs at Easton Walled Garden. Every Sunday from 4-6pm you are invited to bring your dog for a walk in the 12 acres of lawns and woodland and hear more about Easton’s supported charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. And then head to the tearoom where there are refreshments for dogs and their owners. If dogs aren’t your thing, on August 12 there is a teddy bears’ picnic. www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk

SACREWELL MILL The Mill at Sacrewell (main picture) will be grinding wheat again this month, something it hasn’t done since the 1960s. After months of restoration and conservation work the mill re-opened in July. Everything has been repaired or recycled including the Collyweston roof and waterwheel. www.sacrewell.org.uk

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16/07/2015 14:08

Feature /// Training

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The pain starts here… The winter sports season might seem a little way off yet, but for some these lovely summer evenings are about pushing themselves to the limit in pre-season training. By Jeremy Beswick Photography: Pip Warters OKAY, OKAY, I know it’s only August – and many of us like to moan about the encroachment of winter sports, particularly football, into the traditional domain of the cricket season, but all over our county rugby, hockey and football players have already dusted off their kit and hauled their tired muscles into pre-season training. I remember it well, and how it got inexorably more difﬁcult the older I became. You try to keep yourself in reasonable shape in the couple of months off with the odd light run here and there, but those extra few pints and occasional curry have taken their toll, even if you don’t know it. Somehow having forgotten the misery of the year before, you turn up for the ﬁrst training session without a care in the world thinking

“how difﬁcult can this be?” and 20 minutes later you’re vomiting at the side of the pitch. That’s not so bad compared to the next morning, when getting out of bed and tying your shoelaces can take anything up to an hour to achieve. So, it’s only fair we pay tribute to those bold men and women who are going through their own version of this purgatory right now – partly for the sake of our entertainment. The hockey season starts a little later than the others but Rutland Hockey Club’s thoughts are already on the new campaign. It’s not a sport I’ve played but friends that do claim that, on average, they run further in a game than a football player does, so it’s no easy option. I spoke to leading light Tracey Taylor about her hopes for this year.

“It’s all really positive,” she told me. “Last season our firsts were runners up in the first division so this time around it’ll hopefully be one more push for the title.” The seconds are no slouches either, having themselves been promoted into the same division last year. Tracey continued: “We in the seconds will need to consolidate our position. It’ll be a stretch but we’re aiming for mid-table.” By a quirk of fate the opening fixture of the season is against their own first team – how’s that for a local derby? Training’s on Tuesday nights at 8pm at Oakham School. “We’re lucky to have ex-England player Katie Long coaching” said Tracey “and we’re very happy to have new players come to give it a try,

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19/07/2015 09:41

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16/07/2015 18:42

Feature /// Training

even if they’re complete beginners.” If you think you’d like to join in, call Tracey on 07861 967 430. Over at Bourne Deeping Hockey Club – The Dragons – there are more than 200 members, with six mens’ teams, two ladies’ teams and junior sides from under 12s to under 18s. Like many of our local clubs, there’s an opportunity to play for fun – social hockey you might call it – but also seriously. Club Secretary Graham Brewer told me: “We see ourselves as a club offering players the best of both worlds. A family atmosphere welcoming new players young and old, many new to the sport, and old hands who haven’t picked up a stick since school.” However, Graham stressed the quality of their coaching. “Throughout the club there’s a commitment to provide progression for our junior players to develop through the teams from beginner level right up to county level hockey and into our first XIs playing high level senior hockey.” They’re aiming for promotion for both their first teams and are always looking for new Dragons. You can find them at www.facebook. com/bournedeepinghc

Our leading football club, Stamford AFC “The Daniels” - started training at the beginning of July and have just played their first friendly against Blackstones. First team secretary Philip Bee is bullish about the coming season: “Having avoided relegation last time with six minutes of the final game to go, we’ve recruited half a dozen players to the squad, so we’re looking to improve our league performance by a few places. We’ve a couple more friendlies to come, including one against Northampton Town, so we’ll be ready. “The first thing we did was a weight assessment and there were no issues. The players are looking sharp.” Perhaps that’s because this is a high standard of football, the players being semi-professional, so unless you’re at that level there’s not much point in taking your boots along to Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but Philip told me they’ve affiliated with Stamford Lions, who are actively looking to recruit new players. If the name’s new to you, it’s the rebranding of Ryhall United following their move to better facilities from their old home. They’re now based at The Daniels’ Borderville complex.

“Any interested players should speak to manager, James Sheehan” said Philip. Contact details on their website www.pitchero.com/ clubs/ryhallunited. Another of our local football clubs is Uppingham Town. I spoke to manager James Coughlan, who says his players seem to have behaved themselves in the close season. “To be fair, I was surprised what good shape they were in. Our first session was for two hours in a 30 degree heat and they stood up pretty well. There was a good turn-out in terms of numbers too”. They train twice weekly, Wednesday evenings from 6:30 and Saturday mornings at 11:00. James told me: “We are looking to recruit players at the moment. We’re very much a community club with a great atmosphere but ours is a strong and competitive league. We’ve maintained our top flight status for a good few years now and we’re a match for anyone on our day with our strongest team out.” They’re looking for a top half finish this season. To join in, find them at www.facebook. com/pages/Uppingham-Town-Football-Club. Perhaps the toughest pre-season to go through, because of its full contact, is rugby. Stamford Town’s Coach and ex-captain Matt Albinson told me his squad were a bit of mixed bag. “I’d say they vary quite a lot at the moment in terms of conditioning. Certainly one or two seemed to have taken the opportunity to let their hair down in the close season. They might not know it yet because I’ve been soft on them so far”. “Soft” is not a word I’d normally associate with Matt, and doubtless the players won’t be feeling they’ve had it that easy. Matt continued: “With over 60 matches to play in the coming season across first and seconds – and with the colts having lots of fixtures – we do need to recruit to strengthen our squad. Especially in front and second rows.” Anyone is welcome to show up for training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:45, or email Matt at ma590511@gmail.com. Whatever your sport, if you do decide to grasp the nettle then well done you. If not, as you watch our local sides throughout the coming months, spare a thought for the hours of pain and effort that’s the price for all the fun. Not to mention the vomiting – or was that just me?

GET A SHOUT OUT FOR NEW PLAYERS! Do you need new players for the upcoming season? Email Active before the 15th of each month and each issue we’ll pin it up on a ‘noticeboard’ in the magazine and also put it on the website, Twitter and Facebook. Email steve@theactivemag.com and we’ll do our best to help you unearth some new local talent.

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19/07/2015 09:41

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Calling all sports Clubs! Discover Rutland Day on September 12 is coming round fast and this year the Active Rutland Sports Arena will return! as well as the usual event showcasing rutland and all it has to offer, this year’s event is once again going to have a sports zone. there is going to be a sports arena on the site at sykes lane which will have demonstrations and activites running throughout the day. Within the zone there will be space for local sports clubs to have a stall to promote themselves. Rutland Ad.indd 1

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the possibilities are huge and will enable any club, whatever their activity, to showcase their abilities, promote themselves and as well as recruit new members. if you wish to be involved, and to book your slot, please ring antony Entwistle on 01572 653017. 17/07/2015 10:49

17/07/2015 11:21

Guest column

Olympic kissing, time travel and Formula 1 phonetics Martin Johnson recalls some of his stranger reporting assignments

ith the release of his new book recounting life as a sports hack, Martin Johnson picks three of his stranger assignments...

Winter Olympics I wandered over to the ice rink, where the Olympic Kissing Championships were taking place. This followed a comparatively dull affair called the ladies’ ice skating short programme, which more or less confirmed my suspicion that once you’ve seen one triple toe loop you’ve seen them all, and once it was out of the way the punters were treated to a far more compelling contest to see which of the two American girls, Michelle or Tara, would have more bouquets thrown at them. They were then required to kiss all the flower collectors, and fall tearfully into the arms of their coaches, before retiring to a booth containing even more flowers to await the judges’ marks. Tara got the better marks, which led to a ferocious scrum in the interview room. You wouldn’t have got a glimpse of Michael Jordan, never mind a girl who stood all of 4 foot 10 with her skates on, but you could just make out a squeaky voice somewhere behind the sea of bodies. One reporter grabbed another as he rushed to file his copy. “What did she say?” he implored. “I gotta replay this tape recorder,” came the reply. “But it was something about being on a cloud.” McLaren’s new car Imagine my unrestrained outpouring of joy when the office asked me to attend the launch of McLaren’s new Formula 1 car. I was, though, slightly taken aback by the choice of venue. I’d assumed it would have been in a garage, but the launch was held at Alexandra Palace complete with ticker tape, dry ice, go-go dancers, and all-girl rock bands. All this spanned a period of three hours, with the various intervals allowing the punters the chance to wander past a large tarpaulin and wonder what might be hidden inside it? It was the nerve jangling equivalent of waiting for those lights to go out on the starting grid, but at last the great moment arrived. Someone pressed a button, the tarpaulin was whisked into the air, and the audience let out a collective gasp of astonishment. Followed by a spontaneous outbreak of applause. Then the female MC – Devina – introduced the two drivers, David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen, and she quickly moved to what she described as the “big question.” Big? It was enormous. “Tell me David. Is it Coul-tard? Or Coul-thard?”

David, recognising the invaluable experience this would give him should he ever be cornered by Jeremy Paxman, put up no resistance. He meekly pulled over like the driver of a Morris Minor spotting the new McLaren in his rear view mirror. “Coul-thard” he croaked. Henley Regatta If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to own a time machine, albeit with the needle permanently stuck in reverse, you could do worse than spend a day or two at the Henley Regatta. There, if you listen hard you can just pick up – above the general hubbub – conversations about the Boers kicking up in Pretoria, or Mr Gladstone addressing the House on the thorny issue of raising road tax on ponies and traps. Only the price of a Pimm’s jolts you back into the realisation. Henley might be regarded as a quintessentially English event, but the intensity of the competition is ﬁerce. A small group of spectators tucking into their smoked salmon were startled by an American crew whipping themselves up into a frenzy with a bonding routine that appeared to have its origins in a Sioux war dance. “Eight of them, huddled in a circle, each held out a clenched ﬁst, and listened, heads bowed, to their leader. “Okay guys, we’re going to win this race! We’re trained! We’re the best! A collective whoop of “Yeeeessss!”” as they all leapt about 30 feet into the air it so unnerved a lady picnicker she had to have her back thumped to retrieve the olive for her Martini.

WIN MARTIN’S BOOK!

Can I carry your bags? The Life of a Sports Hack Abroad is a hilarious new book by Martin Johnson, published by Constable (£18.99). To win a free copy, answer the following question: About which cricket team did Johnson infamously write: “There are only three things wrong with this English team - they can’t bat, can’t bowl, can’t field” Was it: A) Jardine’s 1932/33 Bodyline tourists, B) Gatting’s 1986/87 squad, C) Strauss’s 2010/11 team.

Email your answer to johnsoncomp@theactivemag.com by August 31. Three winners will be picked at random.

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17/07/2015 20:58

Feature /// Gear

Kitbag

The latest kit to keep you active this summer

Giant Alpecin standard short sleeve jersey

This jersey, featuring in the Tour de France, is high performing, and takes away moisture from your skin keeping you dry. It will also keep you cool with the front and side panels for breathability. The full length zip allows you to choose your ventilation level, and you can keep all your belongings in the pockets. Price £64.99 From www.rutlandcycling.com

Outwell Bredon Hills with side table

Striking fabric patterns and colours in totally new squares and stripes in blues, greens and pepper blacks complement the superb materials and reliable designs with a durable, powder-coated hybrid frame of steel and alloy. Foldable to small pack sizes. Price £49.99 From www.getlostinrutland.co.uk

Kooga Leicester Tigers home jersey For 2015/16 Tigers have a new kit supplier in Kooga, and this is their first shirt. For those that want something a little less busy, there are classic versions without the green to white fade. From www.leicestertigers.com Price £55

Sky Gingham swim short

Gagliardi embodies the timeless appeal of Savile Row but adds a distinctive Mediterranean flair and a penchant for rich colour. These swimming shorts should make you look stylish and continental whether you’re at Bourne Lido or in the Bahamas. Price £59 From Gagliardi, Stamford

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Outwell Gourmet Cooker three burner stove/grill

The stove with grill is ideal for making that all-important cup of tea and toast first thing in the morning! Also among the main features here are auto piezo ignition and separate controls for a wide range of heat control, plus windshield, lid and base. Price £69.99 From www.getlostinrutland.co.uk

Olpro windbreaks

Every British summer holiday needs a windbreak, but these new ones with a sense of humour from www.olproshop.com are just the job for picnicking, camping or barbecuing and they’ll certainly ensure you stand out from the crowd. Price From £29.99 From www.olproshop.com

Ted Baker Cascading Floral 4-wheel large suitcase

Want to be the most stylish holidaymaker on the airport carousel? This Ted Baker suitcase might win you the prize. Constructed from ultra-lightweight and durable makrolon polycarbonate, the suitcase features four wheels for great manoeuvrability and stability. Other features include a fetching floral print on the front panel, bespoke Ted Baker hardware and a fully lined interior with a ‘Take Flight’ bird print. Price £295 From www.johnlewis.com

Poler Retro rucksack

Poler’s Rucksack has stood the test of time thanks to its brilliantly cra ed old school design it looks as good now as it did 30 years ago. Made from highly durable campdura fabric with leather accents, this bag will be up to the job as your trusty hiking, backpacking and camping companion. Price £85 From www.bearandbear.com

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19/07/2015 09:46

Feature /// BBMF 75th anniversary

IN HONOUR OF THE

FEW Mary Bremner meets two local men who are privileged to be able to fly the iconic Spitfire on a daily basis Photography: Richard Paver

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DO THE HAIRS ON THE BACK of your neck stand on end when you hear the huge rumble of the Lancaster bomber approaching? And do you, like almost everyone else, stop in awe to watch as it lumbers overhead escorted by a couple of menacing looking Spitfires, and think back to what these planes and their pilots must have been through, filled with pride at what they did for our country? Virtually everyone has the same reaction, and we are lucky in Stamford as during the summer months they frequently pass overhead either on their way to a flying display or returning to RAF Coningsby where they are based. This year, being the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, is going to be a busy year for the flight and a very significant one as it is quite probably going to be the last big celebration when former veterans, ‘The Few,’ will still be present. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is run from RAF Coningsby and is made up of 12 aircraft including Spitfires, Hurricanes, the Lancaster and a Dakota. All the pilots are serving RAF officers who are experienced flyers with more than 2,500 hours’ flying time. All fly with the BBMF on a voluntary basis, giving up most of their weekends in the summer to take part in displays – an understanding wife and family is obviously a prerequisite. The aircrew, including engineers and navigators, are also mainly voluntary. All are stationed at RAF bases around the country including Brize Norton, Waddington, Cranwell and Coningsby. The only permanent member of the BBMF staff is squadron leader Duncan Mason, who is the officer commanding. He is an ex-Red Arrow and Harrier pilot who has served at both RAF Cottesmore and Wittering and now lives just outside Bourne. Dunc’s job is to organise the air displays and to train the pilots to fly the iconic aeroplanes that belong to the nation. “I look for pilots with natural flying ability when they come to try out for the flight as they will be flying a national treasure that is over 75 years old,” says Dunc. “Flying a Spitfire is very different to flying a modern fighter plane such as the Typhoon or Hawk – it’s raw flying at its best. Every pilot wants to fly the Spitfire and it’s the reason I joined the RAF. I feel beyond privileged to have ended up being the officer commanding the BBMF, it’s my dream job.” As the Spitfire is a single seat aircraft the first time the pilot flies it will be solo so there’s a lot of pressure and no room for error. Dunc’s job is

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21/04/2015 15:54

Feature /// BBMF 75th anniversary

Clockwise from far le

Dunc Mason and Andy Millikin; Dunc in the cockpit; the two remaining airworthy Lancasters flyng over Eastbourne; old and new – a Typhoon flies alongside a Spitfire

‘THE SPITFIRE IS BEAUTIFUL TO FLY. IT’S A FANTASTIC PLANE THAT LOOKS LOVELY AND MAKES A GREAT SOUND’ to make sure that the pilots are up to the job. He has many applying to join the flight as they all want to experience the thrill of flying the old planes. When Dunc isn’t flying he’s cycling and often rides to work and back, which is 32 miles each way. It takes him just over an hour and a half and keeps him in training for the many challenges he sets himself. He cycled 400 miles in four days for a charity ride in 2011, from Land’s End to John O’Groats and the following year changed to a mountain bike for a coast to coast off road challenge. Last year he cycled up Mont Ventoux in France – all 6,000 feet. He didn’t just do it once but three times in a day! This year he hasn’t set himself a challenge as, as well as organising extra events to commemorate the 75th anniversary, he is also leaving the BBMF as his tenure has come to an end. But before he leaves he will be organising numerous flypasts starting with one over London and culminating with a flight over Westminster Abbey on September 21 where a commemoration service will be held, attended by members of the royal family and war veterans. In October, at the end of the flying season,

RICHARD PAVER

Dunc will move on to another job within the RAF and squadron leader Andy ‘Milli’ Millikin will take over as ofﬁcer commanding. Milli is currently a Typhoon pilot based at Coningsby who has seen active service over Iraq and most recently in Libya. He is perhaps one of the pilots who can relate best to ‘The Few’ who fought during WWII as he is involved in ‘quick reaction alert’ duties. This means that about once a month he spends 24 hours on standby with a Typhoon armed and ready to go if the call comes. And don’t think it doesn’t happen – Typhoons are routinely launched to defend the UK’s skies.

“I am really doing exactly the same job as the pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain. The RAF is here to secure the skies. It was doing it 75 years ago and is still doing it now,” he said. “The BBMF flight is run just like a modern day front line unit within the RAF but with planes that saw active service 75 years ago.” Milli is a third-generation pilot from his family – grandfather, father and brother all being pilots – and attended Stamford School as a boarder. He has been based in this area for many years and now lives just outside Bourne so classes himself as a local. He’s very much looking forward to taking over command at the BBMF: “The Spitfire is beautiful to fly. It’s a fantastic plane that looks lovely and makes a great sound. It’s a huge responsibility to be in charge of such national treasures, but one I shall relish.” So next time the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when the planes fly over, spare a thought for ‘The Few’ who did so much for the country and, who knows, it’s quite likely to be Dunc or Milli flying so give them a wave. To find out more about the BBMF displays or to visit the BBMF visitor centre at Coningsby go to www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf

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ActiveFit

MARIDAV

EXPERT ADVICE ON GETTING, AND KEEPING, IN GREAT SHAPE

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

THE ‘RUNCH BREAK’

Fitting a run in to your working day might seem impossible, but if you follow our top tips, it is possible.

Be prepared

Plan your working day of meetings and calls so nothing eats into your lunch hour If you don’t have showers at work, why not join a local gym or club and use that as your base? Leave your kit at work from Monday to Friday and make lunch before you leave for work to save time.

Warm up at your desk!

Don’t waste valuable time: use the hour before lunch to warm up and stretch. Run up or down the stairs, stretch calves, raise and lower your heels and tap your toes at your desk; do a few shoulder rolls, gentle twists and neck bends so you’re ready to go as soon as you’re changed.

When to run

Every day would be great, but that may not be possible. If not, Monday Wednesday and Friday gives you a recovery day between each session. Add in a long run at the weekend and you’ll be getting plenty of exercise.

The ultimate Runch Break runner Nathan Still set himself a fundraising challenge – to run at least three miles a day, every day, for a year with no days off, no matter what. Last year Nathan Still, who works for Junction, local insurance group giant BGL Group’s partnership brand, visited Zambia to see a primary school which was funded by the firm. Since that trip keen runner Nathan continued to support the school on a personal level and in his own style. He said: “To say it has been challenging is a true understatement. Generally fitting the running in has been the hardest thing. Anyone that says they don’t have time to keep fit needs to think again!” Over the 365 day period Nathan covered 1,234 miles, spending seven days 12 hours 54 mins and 28 seconds pounding the streets. In that time he burnt just under 150,000 calories (over three stone) and his

total height ascended was more than twice the height of Everest. However his efforts have certainly been worthwhile as he has raised over £4,000, including £1,000 of match funding from BGL, to put a volunteer teacher through his teaching qualiﬁcations. The challenge saw Nathan run in various locations, not only in the UK but also around the world, with the support of friends, family and colleagues. “Some of my favourite runs have been across the bridges of New York and in the mountains and marshlands of Spain. The runs around the industrial estates of Peterborough have not been quite as picturesque, but have been made a lot more bearable by the many people at BGL that have joined me along the way.” “There is a great sense of achievement but I am looking forward to a rest!”

Who to run with

You’ll perform better if you can ﬁnd somebody at work to buddy up with and push you harder.

What to run

You don’t want to be running so hard for so long that you come back to work a gibbering, exhausted wreck, but you want it to do you some good. So try and vary your pace, with a slow warm-up of about 10 minutes followed by a very high intensity period of ﬁve minutes, then a really gentle warm down. Depending on how much time you have, try and repeat this process two or three times. Obviously, if there’s a hill or two you can sprint up for a short, high intensity burn, then even better. But there’s always space for a gentle jog in the working day too. If you got a place you just like to cruise along listening to music, then it’s a great way to distress and think about what you need to achieve that afternoon

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Health & Wellness EVERYTHING A WOMAN NEEDS TO BE FIT, HEALTHY AND FANTASTIC

// Edited by Sandie Hurford

GET THE KIDS OUTDOORS: Campaign aims to tackle childhood obesity The World Health Organisation says nearly a quarter of British children under the age of five now fall into the overweight/obese category. Meanwhile, the National Wildlife Federation reveals that children are spending 50% more time indoors than 30 years ago, and 28 hours a week looking at screens. Research commissioned by a children’s outdoor clothing brand, in partnership with Your Baby Club, found that 65% of respondents felt more should be done to get children outdoors and 19% feared their children spent too much time watching TV and on technology. Natasha Ascott, a mum of three, entrepreneur and managing director of the clothing business Muddy Puddles, is spearheading a “Get Outdoors” campaign. The aim is to get children active and healthy by encouraging parents to send their children out to the park rather than plugging them into an iPad. It also wants to encourage this culture to spread through nurseries and schools in the form of outdoor education. Maths lessons can be about estimating the number of leaves on a tree, not just the number of dots on a piece of paper. Alongside other businesses that are turning their focus to this issue, such as Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and the National Trust’s 50 Things to Do before you are 11 and ¾ campaign, Muddy Puddles is aiming to inspire families to Get Outdoors by becoming a publisher with purpose. They are creating a Muddy Days blog full of ideas for what to do outdoors, expanding their calendar of free outdoor events and building partnerships with like-minded businesses. The team aspire to remind families that the greatest childhood memories are of climbing trees and rolling down hills or marching through the rain singing songs. The team at Muddy Puddles passionately believe in the words of the great outdoor educationalist, David Polis, when he said: “Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.” “If we can change British culture to be in line with Polis’ words, then it will lead to the next generation of children with healthier bodies, better concentration and bigger imaginations,” added Natasha.

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GET THE KIDS OUTDOORS: Dogs aren’t just for fun – they can bring major health benefits too Want to live a longer, healthier life? Get a dog! That’s the message from health psychologist David Moxon. Recent research shows that children who grow up in households with a dog are less likely to develop eczema, a common childhood skin allergy. Also, there is some evidence that children from a ‘doggy’ home may develop more robust immune systems generally. The theory that possibly underlies these findings is that dogs carry dirt and therefore by exposing infants and children to this at an early age, their immune systems become stimulated, enabling them to fight pathogens more effectively. Taking this line of argument a stage further, researchers at Stanford University in the US found that owning a pet could reduce the risk of developing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (a form of lymphatic cancer) by nearly a third. Again their explanation is that ‘it is possible it’s related to altered immune functioning’. Our modern obsession with sterile living could partly be to

blame and having a ‘dirty’ dog around the house could potentially reduce the risk. What about the apparently obvious argument that dog owners do more walking and this must be good for their hearts and cardio-vascular systems? Owners do enjoy such benefits, but it might not be due to just the walking. Studies have shown that pet ownership generally reduces owners’ blood pressure in stressful situations compared to non-dog/cat owners. Further research has concluded that heart attack patients are significantly less likely to die within a year of having an attack than those who are not dog owners. So it seems that there are both direct and indirect benefits of being a dog owner where the cardio-vascular system is concerned. What about the psychological benefits? Taking your dog for a walk not only provides your daily exercise - it also provides a source of social interaction. A dog becomes a ‘mobile common point of interest’, an ice-breaker to allow you to

seamlessly start interacting with others. Dogs help ease people out of social isolation or shyness, suggests Nadine Kaslow, professor of psychiatry and social sciences at Emory University, USA. Also, child psychologist Robert Bierer points out that children who experience caring for a dog have higher levels of empathy and self-esteem compared to children without pet dogs. According to a review in the British Medical Journal, dogs act as ‘social catalysts’. It is suggested that dogs offer ‘intrinsic’ support such as shared pleasures in recreation, relaxation and uncensored spontaneity - all of which add up to good quality of life. It appears to be the day-to-day positive mental health benefits that dogs can provide which could be the connection between dog ownership and human health outcomes. Having a dog around can provide its owner with a sense of being needed and the fact that dogs provide unconditional love can amplify these psychological benefits, especially for those who live alone or feel lonely.

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// Active Fit

You can do a half-marathon Part one of our fun, easy 12-week training guide on how to train for half-marathons such as Perkins Great Eastern Run. By Claire Maxted Part 1 – Get yourself to 5k

Fitter, healthier, happier, with a proud memory that lasts a lifetime – that’s you hitting the finish line of the Perkins Great Eastern Run (PGER) in Peterborough this October. Half marathons are a great way to get into long distance running and it’s easier than you think to whip yourself into shape for the Peterborough event (21.1k/13mile) if you follow our three-part, 12-week plan from local personal trainer Jon Sheehan. Start today with Jon’s simple 5k plan; next month it’s 10k, then the full 21k. Get your running shoes on and off you go!

Fuel up right

You don’t need to eat during the runs on this plan, run one-and-a-half to two hours after meals and drink plenty to avoid thirst all day. Distracted by pre-run hunger pangs? Scoff a handful of raisins for a healthy, energy-boosting snack.

Kit yourself out

Biggest mistake!

Avoid injury

Cross-training ideas

Treat yourself to new, feel-good running kit for extra motivation. All you need is a t-shirt or vest, pair of shorts, trainers and, for the ladies, a sports bra. With trainers, pick the comfiest pair.

Warm up: five minutes gentle jog, two x10 of each - high knees, butt kicks, fast walk with arms circling, skipping and bounding. Cool down: five minutes slow jog then stretch quads, hamstrings, calfs, back and arms.

Stay motivated!

Write your goal on your calendar - Perkins Great Eastern Run, Sun 11 October – then all the reasons why you want to do it. Read this when you don’t feel like running and BOOM! - you’ll want to run.

The absolute biggest mistake beginners make is thinking you must go faster. Go steady! The secret to enjoyable running, or jogging, is to slow down so you have fun and want to do it more often.

Try cycling, swimming, yoga and Jon Sheehan and Vicky Player’s fun, sociable classes at Stamford Endowed Schools’ sports hall. Circuits Mon 7-8pm, Boxercise Wed 7:15-8pm and The Weekender strength and conditioning Sat 8-9am. All levels welcome, pay on the day or book at www.mojobootcampstamford.co.uk. Claire Maxted is the editor of Trail Running magazine www.trailrunningmag.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TRAINING SCHEDULE WEEK 1

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins Day 2: Run 10 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat twice Day 3: Rest Day 4: Run 12 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat twice Day 5: Rest Day 6: Run 13 minutes, walk 1 min – repeat twice Day 7: Rest

WEEK 2

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins Day 2: Run 15 minutes, walk 1 min repeat twice Day 3: Rest Day 4: Run 17 minutes, walk 1 min, run 7 min Day 5: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins Day 6: Run 19 minutes, walk 1 min, run 7 min Day 7: Rest

WEEK 3

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins Day 2: Run 20 minutes, walk 1 min, run 6 min Day 3: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins Day 4: Run 24 minutes Day 5: Rest Day 6: Run 26 minutes Day 7: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins

WEEK 4

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins Day 2: Run 28 minutes Day 3: Rest or cross-train 20-30mins Day 4: Run 30 minutes Day 5: Rest Day 6: 5k parkrun or a 5k race! Day 7: Rest, pick up Active for your 10k plan

Stamford and Rutland runners at the Perkins Great Eastern Run EXPERT MAGGIE SKINNER, 35

INTERMEDIATE MARK ANDERSON, 40

BEGINNER PAULA STENSON, 44

It’s hard ﬁtting in my weekly six runs, two swims and three bike rides (I do triathlon too) with a six-month old baby, but sport’s a great stress reliever. I started running eight years ago after retiring as a professional dancer and I’m aiming for 1hr 28min at PGER to get a championship qualiﬁcation for the London Marathon in 2016.

The hardest part about my training has been having to rest frequently after surgery over the last six years. I’m aiming to beat my personal best of 1hr 33min at PGER so if I can do it, anyone can. I love the freedom of running, and that feeling of tiredness walking upstairs the next day – you know you’ve worked hard!

Losing my mum to a heart attack in January 2014 gave me the impetus to don my running shoes. My exercise routine was non-existent so now I love the feeling of achievement after running, exploring the countryside, and eating cake without feeling guilty! I just hope to complete the PGER, my ﬁrst half - 2hrs 30mins?

Top tip: You get enormous satisfaction from running whatever your age, level, shape or size – there will always be someone quicker or slower than you.

Top tip: Enter races to push yourself, and get a decent pair of socks, they’re just as important as shoes.

Top tip: Many say, “Oh no I couldn’t do that, I’m not built to be a runner,” but give it a try, you might surprise yourself.

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// Active Fit

HEAD CASE Concussion has been a misunderstood issue in sport, but high-profile cases mean that even at club and junior level there needs to be greater awareness. By Max Hartman

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COMSTOCK

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CONCUSSION IS THE BIGGEST BUZZWORD in sport right now and rightly so. More people than ever are suffering the ill effects of head injury acquired on the field and with court cases in the US ending with hundreds of millions of dollars being paid out to retired professional athletes, there is clearly an issue in the identification and management of head injuries. A concussion is caused by trauma to the brain resulting from a direct impact to the head, or sudden acceleration/deceleration of the head, causing a movement of the brain within the skull. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, loss of consciousness, confusion, aggression, loss of co-ordination, as well as sickness, nausea and vomiting. As with any injury, concussions can range from mild, to moderate, and severe, with symptoms changing accordingly. Part of the issue with concussions, especially at grass roots level and in youth sports, is that they are incredibly difficult to identify and manage as symptoms may only present themselves hours after the incident. Furthermore, as diagnosis can rely on players reporting symptoms to the team doctor, physiotherapist, coach, or a parent, and the pressure to play on ‘for the team’ can often get the better of an athlete and lead them to continue play. All of this combined with a chronic lack of medically trained professionals working with youth and grass roots teams, identification of concussion is poor at best and players will often stay on the pitch following what is essentially a traumatic injury to the brain. Over time if the brain is not given sufficient time to heal, changes to the structure of the brain occur and the brain becomes unable to function adequately. In the short term, consequences can be dire, and a second impact to the head following a concussive episode can result in what is known as second impact syndrome: a cascade of chemicals within the brain known as neurotransmitters causes a rapid decrease in brain function, which in the most severe cases can be fatal.

What can you do?

The biggest factor is education: many young players do not realise when they have actually been concussed. Seeing stars, having their ‘bell rung’, wobbly legs, or even a simple headache can all point toward a concussion, yet many young players and parents will brush these off as a simple bump. If we can educate athletes as to the risks of concussion and help them to communicate to coaches and parents how they are feeling following a head impact, it is easy to remove the individual from play until it is safe for them to continue. In an ideal world, all players should be tested during preseason using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT test) to establish a baseline of cognitive function and short, mid, and long term memory. A trained professional such as a doctor, physiotherapist, or sports therapist can easily carry out this test in a few minutes and moving forward, once a player has been identified as possibly having a concussion, the player can be tested again to ensure that the brain is functioning well enough to rule out concussion. If on the other hand the player is found to have a confirmed concussion, a graduated return to play should be followed consisting of daily progressions from low intensity jogging, progressing to higher intensity running and building in sport specific skill training. Once this has been completed with no recurrence of symptoms and a SCAT test shows full cognitive function, a player can return to activity with the full knowledge that it is safe to do so.

For more information

For information regarding how to safely return to play, or for a full SCAT assessment, contact Function Jigsaw to speak to one of its professionals about how you can manage concussion in the safest way possible. @functionjigsaw, info@functionjigsaw.co.uk, www.functionjigsaw.co.uk

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Feature /// Dog Health

HOME ALONE

Learning to be left alone is an essential life skill for dogs. Over the next two months, Bobs Broadbent explains how to teach it

Part 1: Developing positive associations with being left

KIM_YOUNG

Why do some dogs become anxious when left alone while others learn to cope well? Dogs are social animals and like to be part of a group. They enjoy the company of their own kind but happily latch onto human affections to replace canine bonds – that’s what makes them such good pets. Being part of a social group is not just something they enjoy, it’s a vital element of their wellbeing and without it they feel bereft. For dogs to be content when left alone they need to develop a strength of mind, so they can ﬁnd comfort in the knowledge that they will be reunited soon enough. Some dogs are genetically prone to becoming anxious while others will develop fears and phobias due to unhappy experiences. We can learn from the behaviour that these dogs demonstrate and use this as early warning signals to possible future attachment problems. For example, dogs that constantly follow owners from room to room, unable to settle when their owner moves around the home or dogs that repetitively instigate petting by leaning into their owner to encourage them to stroke them are likely to have issues with being left. The onset of this kind of reassurance-seeking behaviour needs to be handled carefully because being oversympathetic to it can potentially make the situation worse.

Similarly, if a dog is never left alone they can’t be expected to learn how to cope and any isolation will become a much greater ordeal for them. Indeed, our own behaviour can be at the core of an over-attachment problem and when identiﬁed, this requires tackling along with teaching the dog that being left is nothing to be feared. All dogs need to learn that it’s okay to be separated from their owner while staying in a familiar place for a period of time and to enable them to do so will make a positive lifelong impact on them. Nurturing an independent dog that is happy and conﬁdent even when alone starts by developing positive experiences to being left. From a young age in puppyhood help your dog to develop positive associations with being left alone so that something special happens that makes your dog feel good about your departure. The best form is by offering a distraction that becomes a fun game that they look forward to. There will need to be some preparation on your part to create your dog’s liking for occupying themselves, by playing with toys, chomping on chews or learning how to use a interactive food toy, such as a Kong product, (which once they can use well, can potentially keep them busy for 10-15 minutes and more). Begin by leaving your dog for lots of short

sessions of less than a few minutes, putting out favourite items (play and food toys). Refrain from giving these things freely throughout the day, saving them for this training, so that the appeal is higher. Hopefully your dog is still actively involved with the distraction when you return. Several successes will teach him that it’s okay when you leave because it’s the start of something rewarding for him, plus you always come back. Gradually build up the time you leave to a 30-minute session. If you can achieve this and your dog is settled when you return, you can be fairly sure that they will continue to be relaxed, even when left for longer. You can further this by hiding the toys and treats before you go, then give your dog the cue to find them, so that they are searching out the rewards and extending both the time they are active as well as the fun they are having! Avoid the ‘follow-my-leader’ game. Dogs that act like ‘Velcro’ and follow you everywhere are likely to find it most difficult when left alone and this needs to be redirected. Use the same distraction technique as above but simply walk out of the room into another and begin by returning almost straightaway and remain a little aloof towards your dog, then extend the time and distance gradually. Place high-value, long lasting chews or a favourite toy on the ground or scatter a trail of kibble back into the room you are leaving. The toys and treats will need to be motivating for your dog. When you find the right rewards, this will break the action of your dog automatically following you and gradually you can extend their ability to cope when left alone using the method above. (More ingrained problems will need the help of a skilled dog behaviourist). If you have a puppy or young dog, make time to include this into your daily training plan and next month we share four essential tips so you can understand how well your dog copes when left alone and what you can do to improve their experience. If you are encountering any problems, such difficulties tend to worsen rather than improve on their own, and therefore it’s recommended you seek the help of a qualified Dog Behaviourist at www.apbc.org.uk. Bobs Broadbent is the founder of Dogknows (dogknows.co.uk). You can join her on Facebook or Twitter

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19/07/2015 09:43

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You don’t need a bat, racket or expensive kit for this exercise. Just a ball.

Join us for a summer’s evening of fun

Saturday 8 August Why not look after someone’s dog while they’re away.

Walk 10km or 5km for Thorpe Hall Hospice and enjoy music, entertainment and a barbecue

Become a host with Barking Mad

To sign up visit

It’s great fun, all of the benefits of dog ownership without the emotional or financial commitment. We carefully match dogs to your home.

Kerry Wells 01780 322008 kerry.wells@barkingmad.uk.com BarkingMad.uk.com

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www.sueryder.org/starlightlighthike/thorpehall Thorpe Hall Hospice Thorpe Road, Longthorpe Peterborough, PE3 6LW Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SC039578).

16/07/2015 18:42

Feature /// Great walks

Wing and Manton

Go from good pub to good pub and back again, with this classic country stroll. By Will Hetherington Photography: Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

Park as close as you can to the western end of Bottom Street in Wing where it meets Reeves Lane, which is where the footpath starts. The path heads north west from here across a grass meadow, and after crossing one ﬁeld boundary you will soon drop down to the bridge over the Chater. Cross over and keep following the path as it heads towards the railway bridge. This is Manton Junction, where two railway lines meet on their respective routes from Harringworth viaduct and Stamford on the way to Oakham. Shortly after Manton Junction the railway enters a tunnel which takes it under Manton and through to Oakham. But to continue the walk go under the railway bridge and turn right immediately afterwards.

This narrow uphill footpath goes through a small belt of woodland before eventually leading into South View Close and then joining the main road through Manton. Turn left here and walk down the road until you reach the crossroads of Cemetery Lane and Wing road. You can take the right turn down to the Horse & Jockey which is a good place for a drink if you fancy one, but you will be seriously outnumbered by cyclists on their way around Rutland Water. If you don’t want to stop here then take the left turn at the crossroads on to Wing Road. Stay on this very quiet country lane for about half a mile and you can either take the left turn back to the railway bridge and trace your steps back to Wing or stay on Wing Road for a little bit further. If you take the latter option look out for the footpath on the left after you cross the Chater. This takes you back underneath another railway bridge and into Wing on a different path. For variety alone it’s a better option and it’s also a lovely route back into Wing.

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TOP STAT

n opened in Manton Junctio d Manton and 1848 and serve tpaths on this Wing via the foo in 1966 and the walk. It closed form an buildings now industrial area.

➛

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park At the western end of Bottom Lane in Wing, or as close as you can. Distance and time Two and a half miles/45 minutes to an hour. Highlights Lovely views across the Chater Valley and the gurgling Chater itself. Wing is a very attractive Rutland village. Lowlights There is a stretch of the walk on Wing Road but it’s not too long and it’s a very quiet country lane. Refreshments The King’s Arms in Wing is a classic country pub and the Horse & Jockey at Manton is also very popular. The pooch perspective The Chater offers a good cooling down opportunity and a chance for a drink and there were no livestock around when I did this walk. Above

Rest your legs at the Horse and Jockey – you’ll be in good company with all the cyclists on this lovely little corner of Rutland Water

For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.

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The Saxon Crown 100 Elizabeth Street, Corby Northamptonshire, NN17 1PF Tel: 01536 203 762

16/07/2015 18:42

Feature /// Sportsman's Dinner

The Saxon Crown, Corby Kate and Tim are impressed with the value and food at this JD Wetherspoon pub Kate I have to confess I’ve never eaten in a Wetherspoon’s pub before so I’m not sure what to expect. The place is buzzing so I’ve obviously been missing out on something. There are loads of people here tonight and it’s only a Tuesday. Tim That’s probably because it’s Steak Club night. Monday is Mexican night, there’s chicken on Wednesdays, curry night on Thursdays and ﬁsh on Fridays. If I choose a mixed grill then I can have a pint of Thatcher’s Gold cider for £6.25 altogether. You can’t get better value than that. Kate I’m sure, but I can see you have your eye on the bottled ciders in the fridge. Go on, push the boat out – have a bottle of Orchard Pig Trufﬂer from Somerset. Or you could try one of their ten draught beers – they’ve even got a local one from Oakham Ales. As for me I could choose one of the gins from the gin palace or a cocktail but I think I’ll stick to my favourite tipple and go for a glass of sauvignon blanc – although I seem to have chosen the most expensive wine on the menu with the Villa Maria. Tim That sounds about right for you! We could have chosen two steaks and a bottle of wine for £14.99 depending on the cut and all steaks are matured for 35 days.

Kate I cooked steak last night and we all know you shouldn’t eat too much red meat so I’m going for the sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry with pilau rice, naan bread, mango chutney and poppadums. Doesn’t that tempt you? Or are you going to stick with your meat feast of gammon, pork loin, rump steak, lamb and sausage? Tim What do you think? It’s a great choice. The steak is really tender and the lamb is tasty too. We could have chosen something off the Scottish menu like the Macsween handmade haggis or the highland haggis burger with whisky sauce. Each Wetherspoon pub likes to capture something of the local area so there are plenty of Scottish touches including the tartan carpet. It’s also good fun watching the chefs at work in their open plan kitchen. They make cooking look easy. Kate I know, they’ve kitted out the place beautifully. It’s all copper utensils, wood and gleaming glass doors. And I like the way the dining area is separated from the bar. This used to be the toy department in the old Co-Op building – I used to spend many an hour in here – but you wouldn’t know it now. Apparently the two massive conker trees in the garden were brought in from elsewhere – now they’re thriving and decked out with fairy lights. I bet in the evening

there’s a great atmosphere. Especially if you’re lucky enough to bag a space on the grass sofa. Tim The one thing I’m not so keen on is being told how many calories are in each meal. I’d rather not know. It seems I’ve consumed 924 calories with my mixed grill but you’ve not eaten your poppadums so you can happily order a pudding. Or we could share? Kate My vegetarian curry was absolutely delicious and you’re right, I could manage a pudding so let’s try Eli’s salted caramel cheesecake with vanilla ice cream. Salted caramel is sold everywhere at the moment and now I can see what all the fuss is about – the salt takes any cloying sweetness away. I’ll have an espresso and then I’m done. There are 12 bedrooms here so if you’ve overindulged you could just roll upstairs. It’s been a real eye-opener and I’ll deﬁnitely come again, and bring the children too. It’s great value for money, so instead of them eating us out of house and home, we should bring them here.

The Saxon Crown Elizabeth Street, Corby. 01536 203672. www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

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Feature /// School sports

Sponsorship for Greetham juniors Greetham Valley Golf Club’s junior section has secured a three-year partnership deal with Savvi Travel. Funding from Oakham-based Savvi Travel continues the momentum for this rapidly growing section at the club. The funding from Savvi Travel this year has enabled the juniors to purchase their Lincolnshire Junior League kit. Neil Curtis, Greetham Valley’s golf professional, said: “The Juniors are an absolute joy to teach and we now have girls and boys receiving coaching in the Academy with age ranges from 7-17. This funding will help with our continued success and we are delighted to have established this local relationship.” Dave Batley, sales director at Savvi Travel added: “With so much progression at the club we are delighted to form this partnership. To play our part in seeing these youngsters have such fun and learning new skills was an opportunity we did not want to miss.” Savvi Travel will also be providing some prizes at the Rutland Junior Open being played this month. For details on the Greetham junior section e-mail shop@greethamvalley.co.uk.

Talented tennis trio head to Wimbledon Three Stamford Tennis Club juniors successfully competed in last weekend’s U14 county round of the HSBC Road to Wimbledon competition held in Lincoln. Pippa Bourne, winning all three of her matches in straight sets, took the county title and qualified for the national finals to be held in at the All England Club Wimbledon. Stamford’s Archie Hill - having won the club round, won his group and came third in Lincoln and Tom Andrews, as club runner up and a wild card entry into the county round, winning two of his three group matches. Head coach Carole Wilson of R2R tennis ran the first stage of the Road to Wimbledon competition – a tournament for 14 and under players rated between 10.2 and 7.1 – at Stamford in May. “We attracted a lot of keen young players who were eager to compete and put their lessons into practice,” said Carole. “We’re delighted that, as a club, we have players performing so well in this competition at county level.” Pippa will head to Wimbledon in August. Performance coach Ralph Clarke is optimistic. “Pippa is a Stamford Tennis Club/TSUSA squad player with great potential. She trains with the right attitude and her hard work and adventurous game style has paid off with qualification to the Road to Wimbledon finals.” And Stamford Tennis Club will be a hive of activity this summer with courses and lessons for players of all standards running throughout the holiday. Full details can be found on the website www.stamfordtennis.co.uk or from Carole Wilson on 07939 095713. Pictured right: Stamford Tennis Club junior Pippa Bourne presented with the County Road to Wimbledon Trophy.

Key role for Stamford’s Martyn Reynolds at ASA Stamford Swim School co-ordinator Martyn Reynolds has been appointed president of the Lincolnshire County Amateur Swimming Association. The ASA is the governing body for swimming, diving, water polo, open water and synchronised swimming in England. The local president is elected by members of the Lincolnshire County Council executive, and they go on to act as chairman for executive meetings and provide direction for the county in all aquatic sport. The position is also an honorary role, representing the county of Lincolnshire at Regional ASA and National ASA Competitions, usually watching the aquatic activity and presenting awards to winning teams. Martyn has said: “This is a voluntary position and I considered it an honour to be elected.” 5 6 AUGUST 2015 ///

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IAPS national finals success Oakham School’s youngest athletes had an incredibly successful day at the IAPS National Athletics Finals at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, bringing home seven medals and setting six new school records. Four of the pupils who competed (all aged 10 to 14) achieved gold medals, including superstar runner Helen Braybrook, who ran the U13 Girls 1500m in just under 5 minutes, having smashed the county record for the U13 Girls 1200m the week before at the Leicester and Rutland Schools Track and Field County Championships. The athletes also won a silver medal and two bronze medals. Ten Oakham School pupils qualified for the national finals, an amazing achievement considering that a total of 50 schools competed at the regional finals in Bedford.

Athletes get advice from national coach Oakham School’s top javelin throwers had an intensive training session with David Parker, national coach mentor javelin throw and combined events for England Athletics. David spent two hours introducing new drills and imparting his extensive knowledge as a former National Champion and Junior World Champion. The School’s javelin throwers have enjoyed considerable success this season, culminating in three medal wins at the Leicestershire and Rutland County Championships for Daniel Sharman (Gold, U19 Boys), Flora England (Silver, U17 Girls) and Luke Taylor (Bronze, U15 Boys). /// AU G U S T 2 0 1 5 5 7

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16/07/2015 18:41

Feature /// School sports

Deepings pupils recognised The Deepings School has held its ﬁrst sports presentation evening, with 23 individuals receiving awards. Certiﬁcates were also awarded to 32 students for South Lincolnshire District and Lincolnshire County representation. Jade Etherington presented the awards and spoke inspirationally to the students as well as signing autographs and talking to the students individually. The award winners were: Boys football player of the year: Jordan Smith Boys football most improved player of the year: Thomas Fisher Girls football player of the year: Evie Porch Girls football most improved player of the year: Victoria Bell Rugby player of the year: Jason Warner Rugby most improved player of the year: Jamie Wand Cricket player of the year: Daniel Malcolmson Cricket most improved player of the year: George Cushen Netball player of the year: Rebecca Austin Netball most improved player of the year: Akili Bramble Rounders player of the year: Samantha Pinder Rounders most improved player of the year: Alexandra Cooper Male Cross country runner of the year: Austin Herbert Male Cross country most improved runner of the year: Jack Weddup Female cross country runner of the year: Chloe Squires Female cross country most improved runner of the year: Caitlin Back Male Athlete of the year: Oliver Welch

Male most improved athlete of the year: Tom Welch Female Athlete of the year: Ellie-Mae Stokes Female most improved athlete of the year: Elizabeth Wright Sportsman of the year: Nathan Pickering Sportswoman of the year: Rebecca Austin Outstanding achievement: Johnathan Hoggard District Cross Country: Eden Oldﬁeld, Penelope Woods, Charlie Heath, Oskar Storti, Chloe Squires, Tom Wright, Ethan Russell , Sophie Partner, Jack Weddup, Elliot Ramsden District athletics: Elizabeth Wright, Nathan Pickering, Kamil Danielewski District Athletics and Cross Country representation: Hannah Knight, Megan Williams, Oliver Welch, Caitlin Back, Jasmine

Oldﬁeld District Netball: Bex Austin, Tessa Pascoe, Ava Rangolam, Sophie Langan, Kiera McHattie, Libby Stygall, Olivia Brown, Abbie Morter, Georgia Mann Country Cross Country: Georgia Gibbs County athletics: Jack Weddup, Ellie-Mae Stokes, Scott Waumsley County Athletics and Cross Country representation: Austin Herbert Team of the year: Under 18 Football team – Charlie Seconde, Jason Lythgoe, Liam Reeve, Jordan Smith, Ashley Baldock-Smith, Frederick Moore, Anthony Garmory , Dylan Knowling (C), Liam Laughton, Max Cooper, Tom Palmer, Jack Baxter, Jake Brown, Cameron Newton, Jamie Colangelo-Long, Joshua Lynch.

Strength and conditioning conference Oakham School has hosted the ﬁrst ever Strength and Conditioning (S&C) In Schools conference, welcoming over 100 delegates from schools and organisations across the country. Director of sport Iain Simpson was the ﬁrst speaker on the programme. He began by outlining how the purpose of the conference was to be a source of inspiration for the attending schools, and to consider how S&C should move forward in the coming years.

Other speakers provided a lot of interest, including Darren Veness, head of S&C, sports science and medicine at Somerset CCC, who gave some interesting developmental case studies of working with young athletes to become international professionals. Kevin Mannion, who has just moved to his new role of academy athletics performance director at Gloucester Rugby, gave an equally insightful talk, focusing on how academies integrate S&C into the

training of their youth athletes. Joel Tratt, full-time S&C coach at Oakham, ﬁnished the programme with an insight into how S&C is offered to Oakham’s students. There were a number of key messages that came out clearly from all the speakers across the course of the day. Firstly, was the consensus on how important it is to focus on improving the quality of movement in pupils – not to only improve all-round performance, but also to reduce injuries.

Secondly, there was agreement that S&C with younger athletes is a complex area. This is due to growth spurts and development patterns, as well as the fact that S&C research is often only focused on adults or other groups. It was also agreed that young athletes shouldn’t rush to specialise, but instead should focus on improving their overall performance and strength, which in turn would beneﬁt each of the sports they enjoy.

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Feature /// Competition

WIN! A £400 Frog Team Sky kids’ road bike from Rutland Cycling We’ve teamed up with Rutland Cycling for yet another amazing prize: a fabulous Frog Team Sky road bike. The Frog range of bikes were born out of the desire of one couple who wanted to see high quality, child-speciﬁc bikes. The Frog mountain and hybrid range are the most popular kids’ bikes Rutland Cycling sells, and the Frog road series deliver everything that we have come to expect of Frog bikes. Modern kids’ bikes can generally be placed in one of two categories: either they are heavy and poorly specced, or they are simply small adult bikes with speciﬁcations and components which make no sense on a kids’ bike. • Frog are unique in that they design their bikes from the ground up with children in mind. They design and source every component and spec on the bike to make it easier and more comfortable for children. • The Frog 58, for example, has small, shallow road bars and small levers to accommodate smaller hands. Two pairs of high quality tyres are included; one slick pair for road use and one grippy pair for more all-purpose riding.

And, in no more than 50 words: Why do you want to win this bike? Please include the following information with your entry: Name: Age: School: Parental consent is required to enter. When emailing the entry please include the following wording: I give permission for my child (name) to enter the Active magazine competition to win

a Team Sky bike. If selected at random as the winner I also permit photos to be taken and used for marketing purposes. (Your name). If you do not consent to the above please do not allow your child to enter. Entries should be sent to frogbikecomp@theactivemag.com Closing date is August 14. The winner will be announced in our September issue. For more information, visit www.rutlandcycling.com

How to enter

To win this incredible machine, worth £399, all you have to do is answer these questions: In what year did Sir Bradley Wiggins win the Tour de France?

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19/07/2015 18:55

Roundup The scores, star performers and stats from a month in Stamford and Rutland sport

Cricket

Thirsty work at Burghley Sixes BY JEREMY BESWICK

o the Lime Kilns on a beautiful summer’s evening as Oakham hosted the final of the Rutland T20 Cup between Uppingham - in traditional whites - and Ketton, resplendent in pink and dark blue. As the bell rang to signal the start of play, the umpires confirmed that Ketton had won the toss and elected to bat. The bar was open, the barbecue smoked and excitable commentary from Wimbledon wafted from the clubhouse. It was one of those perfect Rutland moments. Submitting to a spell of schadenfreude, I texted suitably idyllic photographs of the scene to several old friends still suffering with affluenza (that condition caused by the pursuit of affluence that, alas, makes your whole life feel like a bout of flu) who I knew would be, at that very moment, struggling with the evening commute on both tube and M25. I received many gratifyingly irritable and grumpy responses – as hoped. Ketton’s openers set about Uppingham’s

fast bowlers with relish, particularly the in-form Shaka Mahmood who was, however, warned several times about encroaching on to the pitch - until a fortuitous injury brought a runner to the crease to assist him from suffering any further embarrassment - and more ire from Uppingham’s fielders. It was the introduction of Mark Cox’s accurate spin that gave the batsmen pause for thought, his first over an impressive maiden as father Pop watched proudly from the scorer’s box (Mark went on to concede only 10 runs from his allotted four overs). In spite of Cox’s best efforts, at the halfway point Ketton had posted 70 runs with no wickets down and they were surely, as the assembled crowd believed, about to unleash a torrent of runs. However, some clever tight bowling from Uppingham saw wickets tumble and the innings finished on a competitive, but not impossible, 165 for 6. Mahmood and Ben Bryant (the latter soon off to play minor counties cricket) were top scorers with 72 and 58 respectively.

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Between innings the clouds quickly gathered and it became obvious that this had been a very good toss for Ketton to win. Two Town wickets fell early doors and thereafter they tumbled inexorably as the required run rate moved further out of sight. In spite of the best efforts of James Keywood (43) and Jamie Dumford (31), Uppingham found batting difficult in the ever darkening gloom and never really threatened to retain the trophy they’d held for three years. As Ketton’s skipper, Robin Vitas, had paid to sponsor the tournament it was justice of sorts. Burghley Sixes cricket week was another great success this year with those stalwarts from Stamford, Uppingham, Ufford Park, Market Overton, Uffington, Castor, Laxton Park, Ketton, Newborough, Barnack, Nassington and Baston joining the hosts for a veritable feast of quick cricket. The last men standing on finals night (the hosts having fallen to Castor earlier in the competition) were Ufford, Nassington, Stamford and Barnack – cavaliers all in the

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GEOFF ATTON

Right

Action from the Burghley Sixes cricket week, where Stamford Town retained their title a er a thrilling final

mix. First up were Ufford against reigning champions Stamford who batted first and, in spite of Tom Williams’ three sixes, reached only a relatively modest total of 68. However, some accurate bowling from Alex Birch and others restricted Ufford to a losing 61-3. Nassington then set up the final by posting 72 for the fall of a single wicket, Ryan Duffy not out 32, and Conor Craig with 25 defeating Barnack, who could manage 61 in their allotted overs. The final was a cracker, as befitted the venue and the attendance of hundreds of spectators. Nassington batted first for a creditable 70, Duffy and Craig again starring with the bat. They would have thought themselves nearly home and dry as Stamford began their final over needing 20 to win but,

helped by a few wides, the recently arrived Tim Juggins found himself facing the last ball of the tournament needing three to win. With great aplomb, he reverse sweeped to third man for a four to ensure Town retained the trophy they won last year. Burghley club captain Chris Meadows said: “I’ve never seen so many people at the club. We’ve also never gone through the amount of beer we did... we had re-racked all 30 barrels for Friday and they all went by the end of the evening”. Their beer tent has doubtless claimed many victims over the years, so it is to enthusiastic attendee Cameron Flowers’ great credit that he made the Oakham match the next day having awoken - a little jaded - 15 minutes before the toss to make a half century. Great

things have been expected of this younger brother of Calvin - who had himself greatly improved Oakham’s side last year – and after a nervy start to the season Flowers minor does seem to be blossoming. Not quite as much as Jamie McCormack though who, admittedly with the assistance of not outs, currently averages 211 with the bat. And finally, a special mention to Uffington, who have made the finals of The Daily Telegraph/Yorkshire Tea Cricket Tea of the Year competition. A vast spread was put on show for the judges and hundreds of villagers turned out for the occasion. Hopefully the festival atmosphere (with some cricket played in the middle of it too) might swing it. First prize is £5,000 and the visit of a Michael Vaughan XI for a game, so fingers crossed.

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21/06/2015 23:14

Roundup

Netball

Rutland County Netball League summer fun

riving rain threatened to stop play as Rutland County Netball League held its summer fun tournament in Oakham. But spirits remained high and all were determined to play on, as 13 teams from Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire competed across two pools. An unusual format required each player to select their bib out of a bag before the start of each game. With fast-paced matches and a quick turnaround between fixtures, teams playing out of their usual positions added to the challenge and tested the versatility of each player. While Rutland teams did their league proud, four guest teams won through to the semi finals. As the sun started to break through after lunch, Boston won their tie against Northants JMs 9-4, while Sleaford Hurricanes took a convincing 15-1 win over Bassingham Belles. Undeterred by this result, the Belles came back fighting to win the third place play-off. Sleaford Hurricanes proved the strongest team on the day, winning the final against Boston 7-2. Player of the tournament: Sophie McGarvie of Rutland-based Stan’s Stars. Most sporting players: Charlotte Bone of Melton Marvels and Kaira McHattie of Sleaford Hurricanes.

Training update from our bike winner Find out how our Rutland Cycling bike winner Su Mansell is getting on with training for her ride to Paris… Well, it’s nearly here! Last August I signed up to cycle from London to Paris for Action Medical Research. I’ve always wanted to visit Paris - I just never thought cycling 296 miles from London would be the journey I would take to get there. Now 11 months later it is nearly time to take up this epic challenge. Winning Ruby has been a huge help in my training for this challenge and I’m planning on a couple more rides then having a few days off before heading down to London. I recently completed a 55-mile sportive which involved a number of hills and gave me the opportunity to experience cycling with others just as I will be on the ride to Paris. My husband Stephen has been a huge support with my training, pushing and encouraging me to stretch myself. I am no longer the cycling widow I was and am looking forward to us cycling together and also meeting the other participants. Ruby has had her service at Rutland Cycling to ensure she is running perfectly and will be getting a thorough clean before we go so she is looking her best. I have been watching the Tour de France and this has inspired me even more and it will be amazing to be in Paris when the tour arrives and cycle down the Champs-Élysées.

New Classes in September

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Roundup

Equestrianism

Summer fun at show jumping BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

ith the ground getting ever harder through the summer, a lot of people have turned their hands to show jumping in favour of riding on a more forgiving surface. This was very apparent at the Cottesmore Hunt Supporters’ Club BS show at Ranksborough Polo Club near Langham, where they had 70 horses entered. This month’s winners were Louise Cavender on Baleens Queen in the 85cm, Sophie Robertson in the British Novice, Ben Cornwall riding Het Vliegen Hofz in the 1m open, and the Discovery winners were Danielle Farnsworth on Cellennio. Newcomers winner Holly Gilloton on Grannastown Sarco Lux H also won the Foxhunter and the 1.25 open, riding Armani Z and Emerald Butterﬂy. The last in the series of shows will be on August 9. Keysoe in Bedfordshire also ran CSI 2* the following week. This is also turning into a massive show with all the big names travelling far and wide to compete. Vicky Laing from Pilton made a good comeback from injury with a few minor placings.

One of the biggest classes went to Billy Twommey riding Ardcolum Duke and scooping the £625 winner’s pot, beating William Whitaker into second spot on Mersley Chakotay. Local eventers have been out excelling themselves over the last month and several changed steeds with the season well underway. Nicky Polson from Barnack started it off with her new mount by coming second on her sister’s South Esk Cyrus in the BE100 at Purston Manor with a fabulous dressage of 21! Unfortunately for Nicky, the horse is with her to be sold, and I think he will be snapped up quickly. Lisa Egan from Castor went one better on her new steed, the ﬁve year old Ducal Banks to win the BE80 at Carlton, also doing a great dressage of 24. I’m sure they will be ones to watch in the future. Finally, Etti Dale from Castle Bytham made the trip up to Aske Hall in search of better ground for a win on her own Simply Simon in the novice, and to make the day even better she also ﬁnished seventh in the Open Intermediate on Culteeb. Meanwhile in Marlborough, the Barbury International was running, where Simon

Grieve finished with two convincing double clears in the 2* and 3* then to top off a good weekend he finished eighth in the ROR (retraining racehorse) class. The main news though really was that Andrew Nicholson won the CIC3* on Avebury, only beating himself into second place on Nereo by five marks! It is looking entirely possible that not only could Nicholson win Burghley, but he could do it on Avebury, last year’s winner, which would make it four wins. On August 15-16, Vale View Equestrian Centre, near Melton, holds its annual Arena Eventing Championships, which boasts a huge prize pool. And don’t forget that Equifest is at the East of England Showground from August 12-16. If you haven’t been before, it is a must, with nearly 1,000 classes and there are a lot of showing classes which people have been travelling all over the country trying to qualify for. There is definitely something for everyone’s taste and no excuses about days off as the big show jumping classes run very late into the night and are indoors so the weather can’t even turn you.

Show your support for local sport... Email advertise@theactivemag.com 6 6 AUGUS T 2015 ///

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Suffering from muscular aches and pains?

We can help you get back on your feet. Our team of specialists can diagnose and treat a range of conditions for bones and joints: • Hip replacement

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• Foot and ankle surgery

• Arthroscopy

• Ganglions

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For more information call:

01733 842 304

w w w. r a m s a y h e a l t h . c o . u k

www.rutlandcycling.com

RED HOT SUMMER SALE In-store

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Rutland Cycling, Bull Brigg Lane, Whitwell, Rutland Water LE15 8BL Tel: 01780 460705 Giant Store Rutland, Normanton Car Park, Rutland Water, LE15 8HD Tel: 01780 720 888 Grafham Cycling, Marlow Car Park, Grafham Water, Cambridge, PE28 0BH Tel: 01480 812500 Fineshade Cycling, Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods, Northants, NN17 3BB Tel: 01780 440899

FOR DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT RUTLANDCYCLING.COM

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