We’re back in print! Three go camping Valentine vanishes Sample the delights of the Channel Islands Meet football club manager Stu Spencer Say hello to Whissendine’s Windy Miller ISSUE 98 | AUGUST 2020
! E E R F
Bringing in the harvest Nature waits for no man - or pandemic
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H me is where the heart is Let’s keep it there Call us to find out how we can help you with care in your home
Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland, Peterborough & Oundle Rutland Care Hub: 01572 729357 Stamford Care Hub: 01780 480881 Peterborough & Oundle Care Hub: 01733 459 907 bluebirdcare.co.uk/peterborough-oundle bluebirdcare.co.uk/stamford-rutland
When you or a loved one need care and support, you’ll want to engage with the right people. People you can trust, who are highly trained, who listen, understand and show compassion. Referred to by our customers as ‘lovely blue angels’, our team deliver award-winning home care from a 30-minute care visit through to full 24/7 Live-in care.
Editor and Publisher Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Art editor Matt Tarrant Contributors Will Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick, Advertisement Sales Director Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com Production assistant ary Curtis Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, Eventus Business Centre, Sunderland Road, Northfield Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, PE6 8FD If you have information about a club then please get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine please email distribution@theactivemag.com. Active magazine is published monthly 12 times per year. I
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Disclaimer
Copyright c Triangle Publishing Ltd TPL 2019. ll 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 TPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of TPL 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, TPL 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. TPL 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.
E DI TO R ’ S L E T T E R “Pick up a copy in the supermarket or where you see the magazine and take it home to read.” I AM DELIGHTED to be able to say that after three months online we are now back in print so do pick up a copy in the supermarket or where you see the magazine and take it home to read. We pride ourselves that Active maga ine offers the quality of a national magazine, but is full of local, interesting content. If you’ve missed any editions go online at www.theactivemag.com to read them. Or you can subscribe to the magazine so you never miss an issue. Details are on page 53. The countryside is alive with activity this month and we have gone to meet the farmers and farm shop owners who work alongside Mother Nature who, of course, has not been affected by the Covid pandemic. They have all been working hard to make sure we have the food, flour and milk that we need. Life does still go on despite recent events. To celebrate the easing of lockdown restrictions the three of us went camping. We didn’t travel far but a change of scenery did us all good. The weather was typically British but it didn’t spoil it for us, and what would camping be in this country without a bit of rain? Some of you in Stamford might have noticed that a rather famous face has disappeared. But fear not, Valentine the whippet is still in town and I enjoyed catching up with his owner Miss Pickering to find out what her future plans are. Despite the lockdown restrictions, particularly not being able to see friends and family, it offered opportunities as well. During lockdown I have been enjoying Sunday night socially distanced drinks with my neighbours. We decided that we would meet in the street weekly and enjoy a glass of wine and a chat keeping a safe distance from each other. We’ve had a laugh, got to know each other and even enjoyed cocktails (it does help that one couple is in the hospitality trade!) Kate has been catching up with Harborough Town’s football manager to celebrate the start of the season. I have been climbing windmills and meeting cows and Will, of course, has been out walking. Do pick up a copy and enjoy a good read, we’re packed full of interesting local news, faces and facts.
Mary - Editor
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August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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I S S U E 98 / AU G U ST 2020
Contents
ACTIVE LIFE 9 NEWS
Local news updates
15 GARDENING
Eco tips and how to keep your garden going this month
18 THREE GO CAMPING
The ctive girls have been off in a camper van. Kate Maxim tells us more
26 VALENTINE VANISHES
28
Stamford’s most famous dog has disappeared. Mary Bremner finds out where he s gone
26
28 HARVEST FEATURE
Mother Nature waits for no one, not even Covid 19
42 WILL’S WALKS
Will heads into rural Leicestershire for a very pretty walk
ACTIVE BODY
18
47 VERRUCAS
Kate Maxim discusses verrucae
ACTIVE SPORT 48 ON YOUR BIKE
Cycle around all the Rutland villages
52 INTERVIEW
Meet Stu Spencer, manager of Harborough Town
56 SPOTLIGHT ON BADMINTON Find out more about the sport named after a country mansion
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Bringing the taste of summer to Uppingham with a range of fresh homemade tapas from the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East along with a range of Sourdough Pizzas from the wonderful Bisbrooke Artisans. Perfect for sharing, topped off with a great pint or glass of sangria to really bring on the sun.
Please book to avoid disappointment, contact: info@crownuppingham.co.uk or on 01572 822302 www.crownuppingham.co.uk
ActiveLife Valentine has vanished | Three go camping Harvest special | Walk with Will E DI T E D BY M A RY B R E M N E R
Meet the cows with a fabulous view p34
August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Fancy taking singing lessons with Helen, a soprano who treads the boards at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden?
Online Singing Lessons Helen trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before going on to sing for Glyndebourne Opera Festival, English Touring Opera, Tête-à-tête Opera Festival, as well as giving solo recitals and concert performances at prestigious venues including Barbican Hall, Purcell Room, Aldeburgh Festival, Symphony Hall, Three Choirs’ Festival, National Portrait Gallery, and Handel House Museum. Alongside her performance career, Helen offers private singing lessons to anyone ranging from the young to the not so young; short fun lessons to children (DBS approved), and hourly lessons to adults wanting to learn new skills or to develop their natural voice. The repertoire taught is German/French/English song, Opera, Oratorio, and/or simple pieces for children.
For more information and to book your lesson, please contact Helen Withers (BMus (Hons), PDVT, Opera course) on 07779 103241 or hlwithers@hotmail.com
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Active life
Care home alternatives OUR LOCAL CARE providers have been working extremely hard during the pandemic. A couple of them have let us know how they’ve been getting on. Oakham based oldfinch Care gency are a capable, dedicated and highly trained team who strive to provide an excellent service throughout the country for 24 hour live in care, both long term and respite. The agency will go out of its way to place a suitable carer who not only has the right experience but has a compatible outlook on life. Common interests are also taken into account. Carers are mostly car drivers who are able to help with outings, shopping and appointments when necessary. During the current situation MD Pauline Butchart says that “At oldfinch Care, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our clients and carers. We continue to monitor and adhere to Government guidelines.’ www.goldfinchcare.co.uk BLUEBIRD CARE STAMFORD & Rutland’s priority is keeping their team and customers safe and up to date with all regulatory guidelines as well as providing exemplary care. Lockdown has been isolating for many so they introduced additional care packages and activities for customers to enjoy with their care assistants and arrange video calls for everyone to keep in touch with their families. Online communications tools have helped keep customers families up-to-date and offer them reassurance. Providing customers with a regular care assistant, someone they can get to know well, helps to control and reduce the risk of spreading infection. To help their care assistants and customers feel safe, e tra PPE and robust infection control has been provided. What they value, every day, is helping to make a difference and raising a smile. The pandemic has shown that companionship, fun, laughter and having someone to talk to can be some of the best medicine for everyone; customers and colleagues. www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/stamford-rutland
Who Are 4Oakham? TWO YEARS AGO, Rutland County Council set up a group to consult with all elements of Oakham to explore ways to bring new vitality into the town. new team, 4Oakham, supported by both Rutland County Council and Oakham Town Council, is setting out to engage, support and encourage economic recovery by helping deliver projects put forward by the resident and business community. One initiative as restrictions ease coming out of lockdown has been to turn Mill Street into a one-way street going out of town. The pavement on the left hand, old-Chapel side has been widened to become pedestrianised so the cafes can set up tables there. It will give people space to wander and enjoy the shops. There will be plenty of community engagement to ensure that Oakham Town delivers the aspirations that the people who live and work here want and need. Remember if you want Oakham to thrive get involved and have your say #shopoakham #shoplocal
A new home for The Stamford Fabric Company THE STAMFORD FABRIC Company has moved - but not very far - to a new shop at 10 tamford Walk. It s bigger, brighter and all-round better. Pop in and view their new range of dress fabrics (just in time for summer sewing projects) or to pick up a face covering to keep you safe. They also offer a range of making-up services with a large selection of fabrics for cushions, blinds, curtains and lampshades. sk in the shop or give them a call to find out more. They look forward to seeing you very soon. www.thestamfordfabriccompany.com
August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Do you have questions about about how Do you have questions how the final stages Government's Coronavirus JobJob the final stages of of thetheGovernment's Coronavirus Retention Scheme(CJRS) (CJRS) might Retention Scheme might affect you or your business? affect you or your business? Reliable HR Solutions providescomprehensive comprehensive support Reliable HR Solutions provides support and advice to employee and employer clients on a and advice to employee and employer clients on a wide range of HR and employment matters. wide range of HR and employment matters.
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Active life
Cycle to support the homeless LOCAL CYCLISTS ARE being asked to join in a cycling event this August Bank Holiday weekend to raise money for homeless charity The Connection based just off Trafalgar quare in London. Doing their bit to burn up some of the miles will be Keith Wright and eith Busfield from Braceborough who will be doing the relay section from the site of the Queen Eleanor Cross in Grantham to eddington, Northamptonshire, the location of one of the three remaining crosses. ylvia Bland from Greetham and Chris Hulbert from Stamford will also be burning the calories in return for donations. In normal times The ueen Eleanor Cycle Ride is a 200 mile 4-day sponsored ride with riders staying away overnight. But this year that is not possible so the challenge has been opened up to everyone around the country to cycle 200 miles, anywhere in the country. Full details about the Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride can be found at www.queeneleanorcycleride.org
Alfred Poppins has a new home WOOD BURNER AND multi fuel stove specialist Alfred Poppins has relocated to the Chater Business estate in Ketton where they have a brand new showroom packed full of different stoves to view. There s lots more space and plenty of parking. This family run business, that also sweeps chimneys, offers e cellent customer service and advice on buying and installing the best stove for your
home, whether that s for a traditional, period-style or more contemporary look. They pride themselves on their friendly, professional customer service and competitive pricing. If you are looking for a way to transform the look and feel of your living space in your home Alfred Poppins can help. Pop down to the showroom and have a look, there s lots to see. www.alfredpoppins.co.uk
Hello Oh Curio
Bat and Bottle celebrate OAKHAM BASED INDEPENDENT wine merchants Bat and Bottle are celebrating 25 years in business as well as winning the Inaugural Online pecialist Wine Buyer award. They specialise in importing carefully selected, sustainably farmed Italian wines, buying directly from the farm, or cellar, and mostly from small, artisan producers, delivering wine directly to their customers doors. The company offer free delivery for orders of £55 or more within a 10 mile radius of Oakham. www.bat.wine
OH CURIO, BASED at Percy s Barn in Harringworth is back open with an e citing new e tension. A barn store full of home accessories welcomes you, along with the scent of delicious coffee and treats from the in-store takeaway coffee bar. With a focus on artisan style and natural materials Oh Curio is the place to discover home accessories for easy styling, from affordable throws to stylish tableware. Their large collection of greetings cards makes it a one-stop shop for finding the perfect gift too. Oh Curio quickly gained a reputation for serving great coffee and there is year-round courtyard seating outside the barn to enjoy your favourite hot drink with one of their popular Oh Curio spiced buns. New for utumn, Oh Curio offers an e tensive calendar of creative workshops. Learn willow weaving, wreath making, jewellery design and more from the delightful Old Cart Shed ne t door to the store. www.ohcurio.com
August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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E A TAST S FOR JOIN U
OF
E E RANG E R F Y L TRU CE PRODU L A C O L L FREE A C I M E CH AT FED ME E R U T PAS PEARMAN'S VEGETABLES
SHOP SMALL
BIG SHOP
Conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in winter? Classic have the answer to this problem and you do not even have to change the existing windows/doors, although you can. Structurally very strong which means your new sun room meets full Building Regulation Approval.
visit our showroom 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm
Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk
Active life
RECIPE
Mini rosemary and sun-dried tomato focaccia Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean
F
OR MANY OF us trips to the Mediterranean are on hold this summer, but that doesn’t mean we can t enjoy the fresh flavours of the Med right here in the East Midlands. These mini sun-dried tomato and rosemary focaccia are ridiculously easy to make and perfect for a late summer picnic. erve with a cool glass of rosé and some freshly made hummus – you’ll barely notice you’re not in the South of France!
INGREDIENTS 500g strong white bread flour • 7g fast action yeast 2 tsp flaked salt • 20g fresh rosemary 30g sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped • 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
METHOD Place the flour, yeast and 1 1 2 tsp of salt in a large bowl and mix. • Strip the leaves off half the rosemary stalks, chop finely and add to the flour mixture with the sun-dried tomatoes. tir in 4 tbsp olive oil and 200-250ml hand-hot water and combine, adding more water if needed to form a soft, but not too sticky dough. • Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and springs back when gently pressed. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Turn the dough out onto a board and knead again for a few minutes, then divide into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface roll each piece out to an oval shape of about 5cm. • Place the rolls on a lightly oiled baking sheet, cover them with oiled clingfilm and once again leave in a warm place to prove for around 30 minutes or until doubled in size. • Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once your focaccias have finished proving use your fingertips to make little dents all over the breads and dri le over the remaining olive oil. prinkle with the salt and poke in the remaining rosemary sprigs. • Bake in the oven for around 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. erve warm or cold, but always dri led with a little more olive oil.
August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
ECO TIPS
Don’t forget about plastic waste There has been a huge momentum towards ending single use plastics. But as we emerge from the Covid lockdown there is a real danger that this focus shifts and progress is slowed. Lizzie Davies recommends ways to combat this
GARDE NING
Rejuvenating and re-energising HERE ARE SOME simple ways that you can keep doing your bit for the environment without significant cost
Keep cups
Some food outlets have stopped serving drinks in keep cups. Fortunately there is good evidence (based on the views of 119 scientists from 18 countries) that reusable containers do not increase the chance of virus transmission.
Protective Masks
Consider using a cotton, washable protective mask that can be re-used many times. Remember that disposable masks are single use only, so the cost mounts up as well as the waste.
Farm produce
Support UK farmers and growers by buying local produce with quality standards promoting sustainability and traceability such as Red Tractor Farm Assured, RSPCA Assured, UK Free Range. You will be reducing food miles by buying locally produced food. You can follow Lizzie on Instagram and Facebook @lizcatalpa
August can be a difficult month for your garden. Foliage is dying back, grass is burnt and plants are drooping. Garden designer Teresa Kennedy recommends a quick pick me up
B
Y AUGUST MY garden looks like it needs a break too. Every year I vow to improve the show for the hot months, but it is definitely still a work in progress. I’ve got yellowing foliage on the early spring showstoppers; drooping foxgloves; everything in the veggie patch is going to seed; all the lovely fruit tree blossom has gone with little sign of fruit; something is eating my honeysuckle; the wisteria needs cutting back before we lose all light in the house and the hens have made a massive dust bath in the centre of the lawn where a new tree I planted died and has been removed. I totally understand that how we expect our garden to look and how it actually looks can make you think gardening’s not for you; believe me I totally empathise. But all is not lost.
LET’S LOOK FOR SOME HOPE
My first easy fi is to replace the herbs at my back door with fresh ones. I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that in early spring I pick up a few supermarket herb pots, split them into three, re-pot them and get a good few months of fresh herbs from each one. It’s time to replenish these again. Plus, if it's sheltered, get a few chilli plants. If you haven’t been to the Herb Nursery at Thistleton before do so, it s definitely worth a visit.
econdly, sunflowers. If you can get hold of some at your local nursery or garden centre then do. They will give plenty of wow factor. Plant them in the centre of your borders for support.
LATE PERENNIAL COLOUR
Asters are the king for this. I bought a fabulous one from the herb nursery a few years ago which gives a deep purple colour from September onwards and plenty of height. The height is invaluable as it lifts your eye from the scrappy lower foliage in your borders. Eryngium is also a great structural plant which will be in its full glory now.
POTS
Dahlias should be just starting to show now. There are a huge variety and it’s worth picking up some tubers later in the year to grow on yourself. But in the meantime there should be a great choice locally ready to bloom. If you can get hold of new fresh bedding plants as well then it’s a great time to refresh any annual pots that are looking tired. In a nutshell; have a bit of a tidy and spruce up and fall in love with your garden again. www.viridisdesign.co.uk 07726 334501
August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Installers of stylish thermally efficient products. Highly knowledgeable staff who offer excellent advice. Exceptionally high security rating on all products, many achieving PAS 24.
visit our showroom 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm
Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk
Active life
Welcome to the Slanted Door There’s a new kid on the block in Stamford’s restaurant and bar scene. Mary Bremner finds out more
M
ANY OF YOU will have noticed the building work going on at 43 St Mary’s Street on the run down property that used to be a Thai restaurant. Work started before lockdown and has now recommenced again in earnest ready for the grand opening of The Slanted Door on August 8, a 70 seater bar and restaurant. Unfortunately it won’t be opening in the style they had hoped for - no big party - because of Covid restrictions, but they will still be making a splash following government guidelines. But who is behind the refurbishment of this quirky, multi roomed and storeyed 17th century building? Many of you know Dameon Clarke, the popular chef from the Wicked Witch in Ryhall who has worked in some of the best restaurants around the world and delighted us locally for many years with his culinary talents. Well he has joined forces with brothers Oliver and Joseph Regis. And you know if Dameon is involved you are going to get really good food. There will be small plates (tapas style) and drinks including cocktails for walk in customers as well as a full à la carte menu
bookings only for the restaurant which is on the first and second floor. The top floor is ideal for group bookings and the roof terrace is a sun trap with spectacular views over The Meadows and beyond. The Slanted Door is an apt name for the bar and restaurant which will be housed in this quirky building, as there are lots of sloping walls, nooks and crannies and stairs. The trio pride themselves on their fabulous wine list, varied cocktail menu, draught beer and cider and of course fabulous food, most of it locally sourced. They open on August 8, I’ll see you on the roof terrace! www.theslanteddoor.co.uk
August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Three go camping Kate, Lisa and Mary follow the trend for staycations and spend the night at Cuckoo Farm campsite near Ketton. Kate tells us more
18
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CAMPING
M
Y GRANDPARENTS, MOTHER and uncle used to camp in Thornham in Norfolk travelling there on a motorbike and side car. Their luggage, including the tent, would be sent by train to the local station and a porter would bring the trunk to the campsite by cart and meet them on arrival. Years later, my parents would lay me in a sling hanging between the passenger seat and the back squab of their Morris 1000 (no seat belt regulations then!) and drive down, with my brothers, to a campsite by a freshwater lake near Bordeaux. Various families would converge to spend a few weeks together with us children running wild round acres of pine woods, swimming in the lake, buying baguettes each morning in the camp shop to practice our French while the adults read, swam, sunbathed and played cards. It was idyllic, very slow paced and relaxing. My children were teenagers when, after my nan died, I bought a 1979 Westfalia VW camper van in acid green with all the original features and upholstery using the money she left me. Kitting out Ev – named after nan Evelyn became a labour of love. It’s not a necessity to have silver cutlery or bone handled knives, original melamine crockery sourced from Ebay, or a crocheted food cover weighted with tiny cowrie shells to keep the flies away; but every time I use my plastic orange egg holder I’m gripped by nostalgia and fond memories. But Ev is not very reliable, probably one reason my children don t really see the attraction of camping. The fuel
gauge lies to me so we sometimes run out of petrol; the roof hatch leaks and often only one gas burner works. So I have to rely on my friends who have modern camper vans with far more reliable equipment to help out. It was with some trepidation that I suggested an Active camping trip to introduce Mary and Lisa to the delights of camping and to celebrate being able to stay away overnight again. I was envisaging a balmy summer’s evening, with delicious food and wine, a game of croquet or boules and an array of vintage board games. As it turns out Mary also experienced the joys of caravanning while growing up, touring the country to quiet, rural sites, running free and enjoying simple pleasures. Lisa hadn’t camped before but was looking forward to the experience.
CUCKOO FARM CAMPSITE
In the current situation few people are keen on travelling far for their holidays, if they even choose to go at all. Camping is a perfect solution: you are in your own little bubble with your own cooking and sleeping facilities and motorhomes and caravans even have washing facilities. But all campsites now are busily adapting their shower and toilet blocks to accommodate the new social distancing regulations and give their customers confidence they re in minimum contact with other people. It has taken a lot of work and effort but they are getting there. Roland Taylor from Cuckoo Farm near Ketton has reduced the amount of electric pitches available so there’s more space overall; he’s capped the number of people allowed on site; designated different blocks so that each family bubble uses one only and sticks to it; he s taken the front doors off the blocks for extra ventilation and moved more washing up sinks outside as they are obviously major pinch points.
“It was with some trepidation that I suggested an Active camping trip to introduce Mary and Lisa to the delights of camping” August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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LEISURE MANIA LTD
CAMPING, CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME PARTS AND ACCESSORIES Find us on Stamford market every Friday
Mob: 07368 417069 leisuremanialtd@gmail.com www.leisure-mania.com Nr. Kettering, Northamptonshire NN14 1BG We sell genuine parts like Thetford, Whale, Truma, Floe, Dometic and much more...
Launde Abbey
Open daily for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea
Cyclists and walkers very welcome Why not start your walk or ride at Launde then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at the end? Visit our website for maps and routes at www.laundeabbey.org.uk Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XB T: 01572 717254 I E: info@launde.org.uk Charity No: 1140918
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Welcome to a different world.
Farm Shop, CafÊ, Campsite and Luxury Glamping‌
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CAMPING
“Thankfully I had a portable gas burner so we all enjoyed a well earned cup of tea.” PITCHING UP
Mary and I arrived first and as the skies looked a little overcast we decided to quickly pitch the tents. Mary and Lisa had tossed a coin and Mary elected to spend the night in the camper van. But I’m too old to rough it so I’d packed thick camping mattresses, sheets, duvets and blankets, so we weren’t going to be cold. When I say we quickly pitched the tents, that’s not strictly true. In theory they were very easy to put up but needed a bit of brute force and lots of ignorance to get the poles to bend enough for the metal rods to slot into. Finally
it was time for a cuppa but I’d discovered the night before that even the one usable burner wasn’t working, and yes there was enough gas in the bottle! Thankfully I had a portable gas burner so we all enjoyed a well earned cup of tea. It’s always fascinating to see what equipment other people use, and what personal touches they add like fairy lights, flags or solar panels. Looking round the campsite I decided I need to buy a basic awning as I’d left mine at home as it s a bit complicated to put up. This was definitely the wrong decision as it turned out. Then Roland arrived to take us on a tour of the farm. It’s a very family friendly campsite, and Roland, his parents and partner Becky encourage visitors to enjoy the animals giving farm tours during the camping season from April to October. They have a herd of fallow deer, different breeds of heritage turkeys, Saddleback black pigs, easy care sheep and the cutest Black Nosed Valais sheep (which I got to cuddle the next morning). We got up very close and personal with Broadband who had just had seven piglets, but Roland kept her happy rubbing her back and feeding her pears whilst we admired Dial up and Malcolm from behind the fence. Back from the tour we thought we’d better crack on with lighting the barbeque as Roland had kindly given us some chicken breast, venison steak and lamb kebabs from his Rutland Organics farm shop and butchery. We also opened
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elland
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CAMPING
a bottle of champagne to celebrate our first birthday again And then things started to go a little awry. We tried one barbeque and, no, patience is not one of our virtues, but we weren’t convinced the coals were hot enough to cook chicken safely. So then we moved on to light another barbeque. n hour or so later, and we d polished off a delicious array of salads; delicious, organic, home reared meat, a bit more fi and quite a lot of chocolate always essential when camping). But the balmy evening sunshine never materialised, so we were wrapped up in coats, hopping in and out of the van and tents to dodge the rain – socially distanced of course, until we decided to call it a night.
A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Despite the downpours we all managed to sleep quite well; in fact Mary slept better than she often does; but then, she was in the van. Stupidly I’d left the gas burner under the table outside and it must have got very wet because when we tried to boil the kettle for our morning tea the flames became a little uncontrollable so I quickly turned it off. fter packing up we decided to head off for a proper cuppa and breakfast at New Lodge Farm campsite just a few miles down the road near Bulwick, and to see how Sarah and Simon Singlehurst were getting on. It had been lovely to see the kids riding around on their bikes at Cuckoo Farm, playing near the river and enjoying the animals, but at New Lodge Farm it is over 18s only. This
“But the balmy evening sunshine never materialised.” generates perhaps a more tranquil atmosphere, maybe with not such early morning starts, and shows there is a campsite suitable for everyone. And we are very lucky to have so many good campsites on our doorstep. As Sarah pointed out some people only travel a few miles from home to go camping (like us), but they often just want to get away for a change of scenery and from the day-to-day chores. The facilities at New Lodge Farm are immaculate, housed in a converted Victorian milking parlour, again with plenty of increased cleaning and distancing precautions. There’s a range of hard standing for caravans, tourers and motor homes and grass pitches for the tents with a designated area for D of E expeditions. The site is not only well maintained and beautifully green to look at but green in terms of renewable energy from the solar panels which power the whole site, a biomass boiler for hot water and a klargester to turn grey waste into water clear enough to pour into the stream.
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WE CAN HELP YOU! Ideas, Inspiration and Individuality. Oh, and more plants than you ever dreamed of...
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Saturday and Sunday. If outside is closed inside restricted numbers open Saturday 12-10pm and Sunday 12-7pm Please see our website or facebook page for daily opening times as we will respond to daily weather conditions.
CAMPING
“You can even take your dog so everyone is happy” NEW LODGE FARM SHOP AND CAFÉ
The farm shop is currently being extended, to keep up with demand from the campers but also from the locals who have shopped there in droves during the lockdown. We arrived looking fairly bedraggled, but soon perked up with a steaming coffee and one of the best bacon sandwiches I have ever tasted under their new open air café canopy. Campers and the public can either eat at the café or take meals away, including Sunday lunches. Both Cuckoo Farm and New Lodge Farm are busier than ever with more mid week bookings than usual outside the summer holidays. Families and couples (old or young) know that camping is one of the safest ways to spend time together, have a break and enjoy the fresh air, which we all know is one of the best ways to ward off catching the virus and soak up some Vitamin D. You can even take your dog, so everyone is happy. If pitching your own tent seems a bit too much like hard work, there is always glamping. This has rocketed in popularity and I can see why. There will shortly be two lotus bell tents at Cuckoo Lodge Farm; and there are two funky glamping pods with their own kitchen facilities at New Lodge Farm, which Lisa and Mary were keenly eyeing up. And we were fondly reminiscing about our stay at Country Bumpkin Yurts last year. There they have three Mongolian yurts, two of which can accommodate six people, and a more romantic one for two. ll cosily fitted out with wood burners, proper beds and a kitchenette. Our overnight camping trip was slightly dampened by the weather and my old van’s unreliable gas burners, but we had a good laugh and enjoyed spending time outside. Camping is definitely a good choice for a holiday, even if just for a night or two away and not only in the current circumstances. It s a low cost, green, fun and accessible option for all ages. www.cuckoofarm.co.uk www.newlodgefarm.co.uk
Camping kitbag
Porta Potty 335 Qube portable mini camping toilet Ideal for camping when space is short. Other sizes available. Price £115 from www.leisure-mania.com and Stamford market on Fridays
Yeti Cooler Bag Hopper flip Charcoal A leakproof, tough-as-nails, carry-the-day soft cooler. It has a wide-mouth opening for easy loading and its compact, cubed body means ultimate portability. Price £249.99 from www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com
Zempire Chill Pill Self Inflating Pillow A 45 x 30 cm camping pillow with a depth of 8cm to give families a great alternative to taking the home pillows, saving vital packing space. Lightweight and compact, it only weighs 374g. Gives neck support, easily inflates and has a washable soft stretch cover. Price £24.99 from www.ibexcamping.co.uk
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“I took the garden on from the Cecil Trust last year as I wanted to start growing more of my own flowers to make the business more sustainable.�
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Active life INTE RVIEW
Valentine vanishes Non essential shops opened a few weeks ago, but have you noticed that a certain celebrity dog is missing from Stamford? Mary Bremner finds out where Valentine the whippet (and his owner) have gone
H
AVE YOU NOTICED that since lockdown has eased and the shops have re-opened there is an empty shop in t Paul s treet, a shop that usually had its own ‘how much is that doggy in the window resident es, one of our favourite shops - and resident - has disappeared from tamford s high streets. alentine and his owner Miss Pickering have headed to pastures new. But don t worry, they haven t gone far. ust across town in fact to a commercial garden rented from the Cecil Trust. Miss Pickering aka imone is happily growing many of her own flowers; alentine is not quite so happily accompanying her and missing the adulation of his fans. I caught up with the pair of them recently to find out more about imone s plans and the metamorphosis of the Miss Pickering business. ‘I took the garden on from the Cecil Trust last year as I wanted to start growing more of my own flowers to make the business more sustainable, says imone. I planned to run the shop and garden side by side for a while with a plan to give the shop up eventually. Then the lockdown happened and I had to shut the shop. I didn t really notice any change at first because it was around Mother s Day which is one of my busiest times so I was working flat out and then I always close during Fair Week so enjoyed a week off as per usual. It was only after that when I should have been back in the shop that it all sunk in. Obviously all my weddings for the foreseeable future had gone so I was busy rearranging them with my brides. The lockdown has given me a chance to take the business online. We quickly did that in the first couple of weeks with customers able to order and pay online which has been so successful I decided not to re-open the shop. Covid forced me to make the decision and gave me a practice run which worked well. The residents of Stamford might be missing alentine, and he them, but it does not mean we will miss out on Miss Pickering s fabulous flowers. ou can still order bouquets online which she will deliver. ntil recently she has been only delivering once a week to minimise travel during lockdown but has now upped that to
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. By delivering this way the business has become much more sustainable which is what I wanted. There is much less wastage of flowers by working this way. nd by delivering it s meant I have been able to keep seeing my customers and am often able to spend more time with them which has been lovely particularly during the lockdown period. The weekends she is keeping free for weddings and has managed to rearrange all of her bride’s weddings - as well as taking on more for ne t year - that should have taken place, with a few smaller weddings in the pipeline later in the year as well. fter 14 years in the shop imone felt it was time to make changes to her business. Part of this decision was spurred on by her recent hearing loss. It was becoming hard to hear customers correctly on the phone. t times it could be quite comedic but it was getting more and more difficult. Now customers can write their messages online and I know they are correct, not misheard by me The cutting garden is a beautiful spot, but as it s a commercial garden you cannot visit or buy from here, everything is now online. Simone has a shed that she can work from and is planning to build another one. lightly under 1 2 an acre including apple trees, I used the blossom earlier in the year and when the apples were smaller, they fit beautifully in some of my arrangements. Simone is busy planning and planting perennials for next year as well as preparing the soil for autumn sowing of hardy annuals. I have become a complete compost nerd and am working hard to improve the soil. I planted 4,000 tulip bulbs which I used in the spring, along with narcissus beds and will be replanting again in the autumn. I grew roses and dahlias before and have now transferred them to here. Dahlias are my speciality and a real favourite. I don t grow specific flowers as such but work more with a colour pallet. s well as flowers I m growing ornamental veg including tomatoes which look fabulous in a table arrangement as well as beetroot; I use stem and leaf. I worked in food before I became a florist and like to incorporate some fruit and veg in my arrangements as they work so well. nd, of course I am growing lots of herbs as I use a lot of them in my work.
‘I am growing a lot that I can’t buy commercially which makes a big difference. Of course I’m still buying from suppliers and can get anything my clients want but I like, as do they, that the business is more sustainable with me growing a lot of what I use. It reduces business miles and I like that I am working for local people from tamford. Brides know that quite often they are carrying a bouquet which has been grown in their home town. I think that s lovely. nd I know where everything I use has come from. I am busy harvesting water using plenty of butts and of course making lots of compost from any left over greenery. I am using organic methods, lots of horse manure and a non dig philosophy. I m becoming quite the soil nerd now, said with a big grin. ‘The pandemic has brought sustainability and British products right to the forefront of everyone s mind. The logistics of getting hold of stuff during all of this has really concentrated the mind and made people think about where what they are eating or using is coming from. nd that s got to be a good thing. I did worry at first that I might miss being in the heart of tamford but there is a lovely community here. Everyone is very friendly and we are always swapping tips and plants, I ve been made very welcome. alentine I think is rather missing his fans though. nd the downside I have a real problem with rabbits and muntjac getting in and eating everything o I m madly netting and planting fo gloves they hate them . When we first arrived everyone was delighted to see alentine thinking he would keep the rabbits and muntjac away. nd as a lurcher you would think he would. But, oh no, he just lies there and watches them. It s almost as if it s beneath him. I can see him lying there thinking I m a celebrity you know seless dog www.misspickering.com
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H A RV E S T H IG H L IG H T S Covid has thankfully had very little impact on the agriculture industry. Mother Nature is the ruler of this industry and we’ve met a few local stalwarts who are working hard alongside her to keep us all fed; and we are very grateful to them
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SUMMER HARVEST
We plough the fields and scatter… Kate Maxim heads to an arable farm near Southwick and learns all about the soil, harvest and the life of an arable farmer I DEFY ANYONE to feel unmoved by the sight of a huge combine harvester kicking up plumes of dust in a field of golden wheat on a hot summer s day under a baking blue sky. ou might not be as impressed if you re stuck behind one of these mighty beasts on a single track country road, but you get the picture. We often forget the close relationship between field and fork but if recent times have taught us anything, it s the importance of food production. nd arable crops such as wheat, barley, oats and beans are crucial to our food chain. I met father and son team ames and eb Richardson whose family has been farming in Cotterstock and outhwick near Oundle since 1880. Now the only full time members of staff, as ames father aged 87 has retired, they have their work cut out. They farm 2,000 acres in total, of which two thirds is arable and one third grass.
They grow wheat, field beans, oats and both winter and spring barley. ome of the barley is grown for malting, specifically for Budweiser; it s a particular type called E plorer which grows well on their land. nd their oats - naked oats - are also unusual, used mainly for horse feed. Previously they grew oilseed rape but according to eb seeing swathes of yellow fields will shortly be a thing of the past as farmers are now banned from using many of the chemicals they ve historically used on the crop to control the weeds. This is because of the bees. eb says that obviously Bre it is going to affect us, but one thing that is really having a big impact is weather and the environment. This year the weather has been pretty grim because it was so wet all winter and then so dry. We are used to having nice, wet weather in pril and May, which is really good for crops to grow. But if, all of a sudden, we start to have droughts in pril and May then that doesn t work so well at all.
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“This year, May was the driest month ever, since records began and February, the wettest. These huge fluctuations are the most difficult conditions to cope with.”
This year, May was the driest month ever, since records began and February, the wettest. These huge fluctuations are the most difficult conditions to cope with. The key with arable farming is to establish the crop properly in the first place. s eb points out, if you drill something and it s wet and cold, or too dry and the seeds don’t get going you have fewer plants, then you have to try and keep what you have alive. We tend to do most of our drilling planting in the autumn, but the year that s just gone we did 80-90 of it in the spring because of the weather. nd also, as we re trying to do better for the environment and not use as many chemicals, we re getting more weed problems. We re using what you
would call cultural control methods which means drilling later in the autumn or in the spring so we have more time to kill the weeds. Twenty years ago farmers would drill in the middle of eptember, but now we re talking about drilling in the middle of October or even running up to November so obviously you risk coming up against the dodgy weather. nd this year was a kind of perfect storm where it started raining in the middle of eptember and didn t stop. We all recognise the image of a grumpy farmer complaining about the price of wheat but ames and eb were upbeat about last year s yields. ames says, I ve been in the game for a long time and last year was easily the best year for yields, across the board.
Wheat is the most important crop on any farm, because it s the one that usually makes you the most money. icarage Farm is only three miles from the river Nene where the soil is quite silty and sandy. nd the red soil of the Welland alley is incredibly rich and fertile. But there can be three different soil types in just one field here because we re getting further away from the flood plains. o it just isn t practical for some crops. Farming is all about planning. istorically farmers would know the crop rotation of their fields many years in advance. Beans are a good crop in many ways because they take nitrogen from the atmosphere and put it back into the soil, the opposite to most crops which use the nitrogen. o
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SUMMER HARVEST
if a farmer plants beans then follows them with wheat it will require less artificial nitrogen. Beans also give the field a break from continually growing grasses wheat, barley which can help reduce grass weeds. But with the fluctuations in the weather plans are having to change. arvest usually starts around mid uly. Normally oil seed rape or winter barley is ready first with wheat ready by mid ugust and beans after that. Every crop has to have a moisture content of less than 15 so the weather needs to be dry for a prolonged period during harvest. Farmers can check the moisture content and anything more than that and the combines stop. s the Richardsons also own cattle and sheep, on a typical day during the harvest ames and eb have to tend to the livestock, wait for the dew to dry and get the machinery ready before they can think about starting to harvest. combine is a machine that is running flat out for about 12 hours every day, says eb, and it never stops so it can become incredibly hot in some areas. If you leave a load of dust to build up on it for days on end that s when they catch fire.
The largest field eb and ames combine on their farm is 104 acres. s combines now are self-steering the biggest problem is falling asleep at the wheel. ou just press the button and the combine drives then you get to the other end of the field, turn around, press the button again and off you go. Imagine doing that for 10 hours a day, you d need something more than the rchers to keep you awake. Reading the screens in the cab for instance. The yield mapping function highlights how much each hectare yields and that information can be used to boost future nutrient levels in different areas. We carry on combining late into the evening until it s too damp, says eb, and then we do it all again the
ne t day, weather permitting. ou d think the combining is the important bit, but actually all anybody wants to do is get the combining finished and get the seed established for ne t year. In the future it is likely there will be fewer but larger farms, and fewer farmers children prepared to take over the reins. fter WWII people were encouraged to start farming for the first time; it was easier to get tenancies and the equipment wasn t as e pensive. Now ames combine would cost about 300,000 new and that s not the top model. Many farmers children go to agricultural college but eb studied Russian at Manchester niversity, did a master s degree and taught in t Petersburg before returning home seven years ago to work with his father on the farm and marry his Russian girlfriend. uccession is often the biggest cause of conflict because most farmers don t let go easily. ery rarely do farmers retire, they just do less and then fall down according to ames. appily there appeared to be no sign of conflict at icarage Farm, just all hands to the deck, ready to bring in the harvest.
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Whissendine’s windy miller Mary Bremner meets Whissendine’s own windy miller, Nigel Moon
WINDMILLS ARE AN iconic sight in a village towering above the houses with their sales dominating the horizon. The UK could be split vertically down the middle with the west side having more water mills and our side dominated by windmills; probably due to the drier climate and wind perhaps being more reliable here than water in some years. And of course the flat lands of the Fens and Lincolnshire are ideal for strong wind being so exposed. A windmill is a structure that converts wind into power using the rotational sails. This power is used for grinding wheat into flour. Believed to have first been used in Iran in the 9th century vertical windmills first appeared in northern Europe in the 12th century. Tower mills quickly became more popular with only the top of the mill, the cap, holding the sails revolving to make full use of the wind direction. The mill owner would have to adjust the sails to maximise use of the wind strength and direction. Mills built in the 18th and 19th century mainly had four sails but in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire some were built with six or eight to make full use of the wind. This also meant that if a sail was damaged they could still carry on milling. Smock mills were also built but as wooden structures, not many survived. The tower mill was built from brick or stone hence there are many still surviving today, albeit not many with their sails, and even fewer are still operating today. Such tall ponderous structures were also vulnerable. Lightning strikes weren’t unusual and exceptionally strong winds could cause considerable damage, particularly if they got behind the sails. Virtually every village had its own mill to grind corn, usually built by the largest local landowner, often with more than one and towns would have many, as well as water mills. Look out for Mill Lanes and Mill Streets which will tell you where mills were situated
and how many Windmill Farms spring to mind? Hudd’s Mill (a water mill) and King’s Mill in Stamford are two such examples. These innovative pieces of engineering made use of sustainable, free energy - ie the wind and water which we, in the 21st century, are now reverting back to. The mill was so important within the community that the miller was able to signal news to everyone such as deaths and births, when he’d stopped for his lunch or finished for the day by the set of the mill’s sails. By 1840 there were over 10,000 mills in Britain - 2,000 more than in olland - but by the end of the century there were under 100 still operating as wind power was usurped by steam. And more wheat was imported into the country. And the spread of the railways meant that food was easily transportable with mills popping up at docks so every village no longer needed its own. Hence they became redundant and fell into disrepair. And presumably the poor miller lost his livelihood. Today many villages around us still have windmills, Wymondham, Morcott, Barnack and ibworth Harcourt to name a few yet none are working. But Whissendine in Rutland still has a working windmill that uses
Whissendine Windmill is open to the public but Covid restrictions are currently in place. Free admission, donations welcome You can buy flour direct from Nigel at the mill or in local shops including Hambleton Bakery and Gates farm shop To contact Nigel ring 01664 47417 or n.moonwhissendine windmill@hotmail. com And you can find him on facebook Whissendine Windmill www.tcmg.org.uk www.spab.org.uk
the wind to grind flour and I had the pleasure of meeting Whissendine’s Windy Miller Nigel Moon. For those of you that are too young google Camberwick Green). This nineteenth century mill has dominated the skyline at Whissendine for 200 years. It was built in 1809 by the Earls of Harborough, incumbents of nearby Stapleford Park and is now grade ll* listed. Thought to be the tallest stone windmill in the country; it is 72 feet to the vinyl with 68 feet sails. It had several owners and was fully functional until 1922 when it was damaged during a storm and never repaired. It was used by the ome Guard as a base during WWll. In 1995 it was bought by Nigel Moon who tells me a bit more about it. ‘The mill was lucky in its owners as they looked after it well. Even after it was damaged the owners looked after it. A stroke of luck was that the son of the vicar of Whissendine became a high flying solicitor in London, bought the mill and founded the Windmill ociety. e effectively stopped it being knocked down. Another owner replaced the roof in the 1960s. Nigel was an experienced miller when he bought Whissendine having owned, repaired and run the mill in oham for over 20 years. It was the mills themselves that he loved rather than the milling, ‘that came afterwards, I taught myself how to do it.’ I d always had my eye on Whissendine having worked on it years before so when it came up for
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SUMMER HARVEST
“Over lockdown demand dramatically increased for his flour as many people started baking and flour was hard to come by.” sale I bought it. I’d always had a soft spot for it. It took me about a year to repair it, getting it running on the motor and another 10 years to get the sails back on it and working. Some villagers were initially unsure but, as you can see, the sails are silent when turning and I think are well loved now. It was the building, mechanics and engineering that interested me initially but I taught myself to do the milling and became really interested and thoroughly enjoy producing organic, locally produced flour using sustainable, free power.’ Nigel is at the windmill every day milling and over lockdown demand dramatically increased for his flour as
many people started baking and flour was hard to come by. ‘The yard was full of cars!’ He supplies Hambleton Bakery with flour and many of the local village shops in the Wreake valley, as well as Gates farm shop. You can also buy direct from the mill. He produces organic wholemeal bread flour, white and spelt flour too. e can produce up to 1 1 2 tons of flour a week; 100kg/hour on a pair of sails. The mill just about pays for itself with the production of flour. Whissendine is one of only four or five mills that still runs every day. ‘I’m at it all year round,’ Nigel buys his grain from a merchant which is delivered in 20 ton
loads deposited in the hopper. The grain he is using at the moment was grown in Spalding and he uses nothing but English organic wheat. 70% of the wheat is used producing white flour with the residue chaff sold as animal feed to local farmers. Wholemeal flour uses all of the wheat, ‘I much prefer making that’ says Nigel with a grin. At the moment the windmill only has two sails working as one of the four has been damaged. A government grant is hopefully going to allow Nigel to repair it soon. The sails traditionally were made of pitch pine but that is now hard to get hold of so most sails are made using Douglas Fir from Scotland. The sails had only been used for eight days out of the last 80 so I was extremely lucky to turn up on a windy day to see them working. This meant that Nigel was constantly popping outside to check the sails and running up and down the numerous very steep steps ladders really to tweak a few things. A head for heights is a must in this job, and I don’t have one but cautiously followed Nigel up the stairs and got as far as the balcony level to see the massive wheel turning and the grinding taking place. That was my limit and there was no way I could have got out on to the balcony and definitely not in that wind . I thought I’d got to the top but was only halfway up whilst Nigel nimbly climbed to the very top to adjust the sails. Sadly a miller’s life is not for me. But thankfully it is for Nigel. He is fascinated by the beautiful buildings, unique parts and original machinery that makes up a windmill and is a member of the Traditional Corn Millers Guild as well as the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings via the mill section, and enthusiastically supports the preservation of these fascinating buildings. ‘They should not be turned into houses, a windmill can make necessary delicious flour, which is produced locally and is environmentally sound reducing food miles.’ So support your local miller who produces good quality, organic flour. We’ve all been making bread recently and because of the shortage of flour have suddenly realised the importance of the relationship between the farmer, miller, baker and consumer us so let s continue to do so and keep these traditional, historic businesses and buildings going.
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M E E T T H E M O B I L E M I L K M A I D A dairy farm in Rutland is quite an unusual sight, an organic one more so; and a dairy herd run by a 25-year-old female ballroom dancer definitely needs some investigation. Mary Bremner finds out more JESS ARMITAGE HAS packed a lot in to her 25 years and on meeting her I can see how she’s done it. She’s an absolute pocket rocket of energy who oozes enthusiasm with a huge zest for life and great ideas and takes some keeping up with, but in the nicest way. And she needs this energy, she’s up at 3.15 every morning to milk her cows. Jess is from an established farming family who have run dairy farms in Leicestershire for over 30 years. The whole family has a passion for organic, sustainable agriculture turning the farms organic in 2005. Wil rmitage, a Nuffield scholar ess s father) proved a very successful farmer and had the highest yielding herd of cows in the country at one point. His favourite cow, Highpoint Chief Mary, who produced 176 tonnes of milk in her lifetime is buried under an apple tree at the family farm. After leaving Oakham School Jess headed to Reading to do a business management degree. ‘I wasn’t that interested in a career in agriculture. I thought I’d go to London and work for an events company; that was the vague plan anyway. But whilst at uni I joined the Agric Society, started educating my city friends about farming and the countryside and my passion for agriculture grew.’ ‘My degree course was four years with a year in industry. I headed to Australia and New Zealand and worked in agri businesses that were adding value to their produce mainly through direct sales. I learnt so much, not just about milking cows which I d never done) but about marketing, the environment, how to farm with extremes of weather and I also came across my first milk vending machine. It was such a good, simple idea. Customers can come and help themselves. It struck a chord; we could do this!’ ‘My father always told my brother and me that if we wanted to come back to the farm we had to come with a business idea, and mine was PrOganics. I finished uni and spent
two years as the young stock manager on eythorpe the family farms and then last year became the herd manager here at Glebe Farm and set up PrOganics which we launched in August 2019.’ But of course it wasn’t as simple as that, there’s been an awful lot of hard work going on not least sourcing a pasteurising machine and, as Jess says, ‘at times it was really stressful trying to get everything in place.’ The Glebe herd is made up of 200 milkers which Jess milks twice a day at 4.30am and 2.30pm. The organic milk the only organic herd in Rutland) is collected by tanker twice a week and is used for making organic Cheddar cheese. But not all the milk goes for cheese, Jess keeps 1,500 litres a week back for her business. Jess’s original idea about supplying milk through vending machines has become a reality. PrOganics, Jess’s business, is doing just that. It’s a very simple idea. Jess supplies milk through vending machines that customers can help themselves to and pay for remotely. She also supplies branded PrOganics glass litre bottles which customers can buy and reuse again and again so
reducing plastic waste. She has two large vending machines, one at Gates’ farm shop just down the road in Cold Overton and the other in Market Harborough’s Eco Village with two smaller ones at Waterloo Cottage farm shop in Great Oxendon and Cafe Ventoux in Tugby. She travels around in her little van topping the vending machines up at least twice a week they are very clever and te t her when they are running low). It’s such a simple idea and cuts out the middle man so Jess actually ‘sells the milk for what it’s worth.’ But of course milk cannot be sold unless it is pasteurised so Jess had to invest in a pasteurising machine and set up a system at the farm where she could pasteurise her milk. She found a machine that pasteurises 400 litres an hour which she runs three times a week and delivers that day so you know her milk is really fresh. As well as being organic and pasteurised PrOganic milk is unhomogenised. This means that it looks like an old fashioned milk bottle used to with the cream at the top. Homogenised milk stops the milk separating so the cream is mixed
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throughout the milk making it more consistent in look and taste. Unhomogenised milk allows the cream to settle so it sits at the top of a bottle. All you have to do is shake the bottle to disperse the cream. ‘Milk is a superfood,’ says Jess. ‘It’s great for the brain and bones packed full of Vitamin A, D and E and unhomogenised milk is in its natural state. It seems to be more easily absorbed by the digestive system so many who are lactose intolerant can drink it. When I first started PrOganics I would milk the cows, grab some breakfast then dash down to Gates to stand by my vending machine explaining the pros of my delicious organic, unhomogenised milk. And it worked, people were interested and wanted to try it. I now have lots of regulars. And many of these regulars are asking if I will come to their villages. So I have reached the next stage.’ In September Jess will stop milking every day and concentrate fully on PrOganics. ‘This will give me more time to develop the business. I’ve recently bought a much bigger van which is in the process of being
“Milk is a superfood. It’s great for the brain and bones.” converted and sign written so I’m going to become a mobile milkmaid! As well as my vending machines I am going to visit farmer’s markets, starting initially with Stamford and Oakham, so I can introduce my milk to more people and I’m also going to call in at villages where people can come and collect their milk from the van. I’m doing this because so many people are asking for it; people are realising that their bodies need proper milk and good quality food and are happy to spend a bit more for organic produce as it can help reduce health issues.’ ‘I want PrOganics to become a strong and sustainable brand but do
not want to let it get too big. I am determined that we will only sell top quality produce coming from Keythorpe Farms, then I know the provenance. Until now PrOganics has just been me the milkmaid, but my family are now getting involved. Mum supplies me with her eggs and my brother is going to start supplying beef from the farms. So I am going to start selling organic food boxes from my van as well. There will be Wyke cheese which our milk makes (but I am working on my own brand at the moment), eggs, organic oats grown on the farm and beef when available from the farm. So PrOganics is taking another step forward. I also want to make cream and butter and hope to get that going within the year.’ Jess lives at Glebe Farm just outside Oakham which has fabulous views over Rutland Water and keeps herself very busy. The coronavirus lockdown meant that she was very isolated ‘and I won’t lie, it was tough. It’s a lonely life milking cows but I was lucky as I was able to see my father and brother as we were all milking and looking after the stock. Because of course cows don’t stop producing milk during a pandemic!’ As I said Jess is fully of energy and enthusiasm. You would think that developing PrOganics and milking cows with a 3.15am start would keep her fully occupied. Far from it; she’s chairman of the local Young Farmer’s Club, an enthusiastic tug of war team member and, as mentioned, a bit of a dab hand at dancing. She started ballroom dancing two years ago, Latin and ballroom, and last year danced with her partner at the National Championships at Blackpool coming second with her waltz and rumba. ‘It amuses me because that morning I was milking the cows and later in the day competing at Blackpool in the Nationals. Most people there would never believe what I do for a living!’ www.proganicproduce.co.uk
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The family at Farndon Fields Mary Bremner meets Nicola Stokes who, with her parents, runs Farndon Fields farm shop FARNDON FIELDS FARM shop in Market Harborough is one of my top spots for dropping the maga ine off when we are distributing. The food displays are beautiful; the fruit and veg as you walk in, piled in pyramids just makes you want to dive in. I ve always wanted to spend more time there e ploring but I haven t had the chance. Today I met Nicola tokes who is the daughter of the founders Kevin and Milly who built the business up from scratch, starting out with nothing. And today they are celebrating 35 years in business as well as winning The Guild of Fine Foods Shop of the Year Award in early March which is a real accolade. But let s go back to the beginning. In 1983 Kevin Stokes was at Brooksby Agricultural College where he grew and traded a few vegetables. He became great friends with George Pilkington whose family owned a typical Welland Valley pasture farm at Farndon. Between them Kevin and George hatched a plan to grow vegetables and sell them direct to the customer. George’s family supported the idea, Kevin moved in with them, ploughed up the grassland and started planting potatoes, cabbages, cauliflowers and other veg. And in 1985 he realised his plan. He set up a table on the side of the road to sell his veg and immediately started getting customers.
After a few years George left the business and Kevin was slowly expanding. By now he was selling his produce from a garage on the farm and trying different crops as well. In 1988 Kevin married Milly who was an interior designer working on large commercial designs. And she proved to be a vital part of the business. She took over the running of the shop in the garage building proper units and ‘prettifying’ it as well as having two children. And the business was growing all of the time, so much so that they had to move the shop as they had run out of space in the garage. In 1998 the shop moved premises to where it is now on the Farndon Road. Milly designed the building, interior and exterior, and the stacks of pyramid vegetables had a home of their own, ‘the power display,’ as Nicola calls it. At this stage the farm shop still really only sold fruit and veg with some dairy products, eggs, milk and cheese with bread from Wesses bakery down the road with the odd
grocery item and honey. Since the original building opened in 1998 there have been four or five e tensions; this family does not rest on its laurels but is always planning new schemes and expansions. Now of course the shop stocks a vast amount with the business employing 80 people, five of whom work on the farm which still grows soft fruit and veg on its 550 acres along with wheat that is often sold to Weetabix, and oats which go to Glebe Farm gluten free with the gluten free oats and porridge then being sold in the shop. And the family also has some Tamworth pigs. ‘Our speciality is fruit and veg but we started with the Tamworths in 2011,’ says Nicola. ‘They are slow grown and free range and come through the butchery when they are ready. The Tamworths eat much of the fruit and veg waste which is another good thing.’ In 2005 they e tended again to open a café, the farmer’s kitchen, and in 2006 opened a butchers and deli. The
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SUMMER HARVEST butchery is run in-house with a head butcher and small team. ‘It’s a dying art so we need to keep it going,’ says Nicola. Virtually everything sold at the deli is produced on site in the large kitchen. ‘The only thing we don’t make ourselves are the Scotch eggs as our supplier makes absolutely delicious ones, so many different types which are really popular.’ Nicola says the family pride themselves on keeping their products as local as possible. ‘First and foremost great quality, delicious products are what’s most important to us. We taste everything before agreeing to stock it. We like our suppliers to be local, to have a great story and to have a similar ethos to us; provenance is vital. We are then happy to support them and sell their products. Low food miles are important to us too. Most of what we sell in the shop is within a 30 mile radius of it, much of it from Market Harborough and surrounding villages itself. We like to keep our products unique, very few of them can be bought in a supermarket and most of our suppliers are small independents. Even our alcohol is mainly local as it’s very strong locally here with breweries, gin makers and even a vineyard just down the road. They had built up a strong customer base and were renowned locally for
good quality, unique produce with a low carbon footfall; everything was going well with a high turnover and footfall through the shop. And then Covid hit. ‘We knew it was coming,’ says Nicola. So on the Sunday before lockdown we sat down together over Sunday roast and made a plan of attack. On the Monday morning of March 23rd we got all of our managers together and rearranged the team, shutting the cafe and pulling staff into the kitchen to start cooking more for the shop. So when the country was officially shut down that evening we were able to immediately pop up offering food deliveries, click and collect and a safe place to shop.’ ‘Our feet haven't touched the ground since. It’s been a challenging, intense and at times extremely stressful few months but we’ve managed to keep everyone in food, delivering as late as 8pm but no one has gone hungry and we have been able to help those who have been shielding. People suddenly discovered us and started deserting the supermarkets. We were able to keep our shelves stacked as virtually all of our suppliers are small independents who could quickly adapt and keep up with demand, as could we. We were having eggs delivered two or three
“First and foremost great quality, delicious products are what’s most important to us.” times a day at one point.’ As well as setting up deliveries, click and collect and keeping the shelves stacked they have now started doing takeaway afternoon teas and Sunday roast packs and, more recently, reopened the café kitchen to serve takeaways. They have been very busy, frenetically so at the beginning but now are on top of it all. ‘We will keep on doing deliveries as there is a huge demand for it,’ says Nicola, ‘click and collect as well.’ Both Kevin and Milly are still very much involved with the business. Kevin running the farming side of it and Milly overseeing and designing the new displays: ‘she planned the new layout and one way system and is now working on our Christmas plans, which is coming round quickly.’ ‘We are always changing here with a project on the go every year. Because of this we are able to adapt and Covid certainly gave us an unexpected project! But now we can go back to what we were planning before the pandemic hit. We are working on installing a milk vending machine using glass bottles which will be coming very soon. Again it will be local with the milk coming from Great Glen. We’ve bought a new delivery van to run alongside those we have to be able to do more deliveries throughout the week and have been delighted that new customers who found us during the pandemic have stuck with us, along with our loyal customers from before. It’s important to shop local and we are proud that all of our products and suppliers are just that.’ www.farndonfields.co.uk
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Waterloo Cottage farm shop Mary Bremner pops in to see Kirsty Clarke at her farm shop in Great Oxendon
KIRSTY CLARKE HAS been at Waterloo Cottage farm at Great Oxendon for 12 years, opening her shop in December 2009, and since then has won numerous awards. Her mantra has always been to sell mainly home reared meat from their farm that is slow grown, grass fed only, antibiotic free and with no harmful chemicals used on the land. And she has stuck religiously to that over the years building up a loyal following of customers and a good reputation for producing good quality food. Kirsty is also well known for her sausage making and butchery courses. She also has a stall at Market Harborough’s eco village which opened earlier this year. Just before lockdown Kirsty had started working with vegetable grower Andy Pearman on an online, not for profit platform which sells local produce, food and drink called EdibLE 16 (note the post code reference). It had been around for a few years but Kirsty and Andy took it over earlier this year running it as a click and collect business; customers could order what they wanted and then pick it up.
Kirsty went on a skiing holiday with friends and family in early March and caught Covid. After recovering she then had to quickly change her business to cope with lockdown. They quickly expanded EdibLE 16 to include a home delivery service as well as the click and collect on offer. Customers use an app to order supplies and can then track when deliveries will be made. ‘We have had a lot of help from volunteer drivers many of whom have been furloughed,’ Kirsty tells me. ‘At the start of lockdown we were doing 170 deliveries a week which has now calmed down to 55. Many of our customers are shielding and I know virtually all of them.’ The ethos of EdibLE 16 is exactly the same as the farm shop. Kirsty and Andy have strong beliefs about food provenance and quality. Products
must be organic or chemical free, locally produced within a 20 mile radius and of excellent quality; and they are. Kirsty’s meat and meat products are used and Andy’s vegetables along with Hambleton bakery and Wesses bread to name a few. Customers know they are getting the best which is why they keep using the service. ‘We’ve worked long hours seven days a week but it’s been worth it,’ says Kirsty. ‘We’ve made sure that everyone who needed help with food deliveries got it.’ Now that the delivery and click and collect side of the business has calmed down to a more manageable level Kirsty has found that footfall at the shop has increased again. The shop is on the 5 acre farm where you can spot the Highland cattle and chickens. Kirsty and her husband Angus rent another 100 acres where they have more cattle and sheep. Andy Pearman now has a vegetable plot at the farm as he ran out of growing space where he was. These vegetables are included in the EdibLE 16 boxes. As well as selling her own meat and products baked on the premises including her sausages, the shop also stocks groceries, food and drink, again all produced locally. ‘Our beer, vodka and gin are all produced locally. And note the milk vending machine from PrOganics where you can fill glass bottles with organic milk.’ www.waterloocottagefarm.co.uk
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SUMMER HARVEST
Rutland Organics farm shop at Cuckoo Farm FARM SHOPS RANGE from large and fully stocked with everything you could think of to much smaller places which stock their own hand reared meat and eggs, with milk and bread supplied locally. Rutland Organics at Cuckoo Farm near Ketton is one of these. The Taylor family have been selling meat from their farm for about 20 years. The meat is all organic and ranges from venison to pork, lamb, chicken, and turkeys at Christmas. The meat is butchered on the premises by Roland Taylor who runs the livestock side of the farm as well. Turkeys are slow grown, free range, organic and well hung so the meat is much more flavoursome and tender. They are very popular at Christmas with orders being taken now. Their lamb and venison is equally as popular with locals and campers alike. Cuckoo Farm also runs a campsite so the campers are able to benefit from the delicious food too. Sausages, kebabs, burgers and bacon are all excellent. The family also run a local egg round delivering to the village. If you join their mailing list they will let you know when a beast has been slaughtered and what is available. Lamb and venison boxes are very popular as are the chicken ones too. www.rutlandorganics.co.uk
New Lodge Farm, Bulwick SARAH AND SIMON Singlehurst have been busy at New Lodge Farm, Bulwick, particularly since the Covid lockdown. They established the farm shop nearly 20 years ago selling meat from their own farm at weekends. Six years ago they opened their caravan and camping site. Today the farm shop is a much larger concern and it’s worth a visit; now open ever day. Beef and lamb, reared to organic principles on the farm is still sold in the shop. And they have an in-house butchery supplying pork pies, Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, quiches and more. Everything sold in the shop is produced as locally as possible including eggs, pork and chicken, as well as bread and delicious cakes. ‘We only use small producers who do not supply supermarkets,’ said Sarah. ‘We are a traditional farm shop but also sell some gifts and giftware and bird seed as well. As we have a cafe we can sell takeaways to campers and locals alike; fish and chips is always popular and the bar is licensed so come and have a glass of wine and enjoy some good food. You are welcome to use the takeaway service and eat it at our new purpose built picnic area.’
During the pandemic the Singlehursts have extended the shop as well as opening times, taken on more staff and enlarged the car park to make social distancing easier. They have organised deliveries and do a click and collect service as well. They’re a busy couple; as well as running the shop and camp site on this traditional family farm you will find them at tamford and Oundle farmers’ markets selling meat and produce. I can vouch for the bacon sandwich, one of the best I’ve had. www.newlodgefarm.co.uk
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W I L L’ S W A L K
Loddington and Tugby A contender for prettiest church in the region, the sleepiest of villages and a plethora of paths make for a very pleasant walk indeed. By Will Hetherington.
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There is a network of well-marked paths between Loddington and Tugby.
Difficulty rating TH E ROUTE
Images: Will Hetherington
It s not easy to find somewhere to park in Loddington but if you are careful and considerate you should be able to find somewhere on a verge to leave the car for a couple of hours. lternatively you can choose to start and end your walk in Tugby or East Norton. Walk south out of Loddington on the road towards East Norton and turn right into the field after about 50 yards. ead south west across this field through the gate in the dip and then up to the short path through the woods to beautiful t Michael s church. This is a peaceful spot and you might want to stay awhile either now or on your return at the end of the walk. Take the short path downhill from the church and turn right in the bottom corner of the field. ou will now be on a wellestablished farm track ignoring the permissive path on the left for about half a mile until you come to the Eye Brook. This is a lovely clear stream which is a great place for your dog to cool off if it s a hot day. Cross the Eye Brook and bear right on the clearly marked path up the hill towards the wood called ardy s unsel. When you get to the top turn right and keep going straight for a kilometre on a track road along the ridgeline. ou will pass Big unsel wood along the way and there are splendid views to the north and south from this elevated route. ou will ultimately come to Wood Lane just to the north of Tugby. Turn left here and stay on the road towards Tugby. ou will pass Caf entou on the left which, as anybody who has been before will know, is quite a lot more than a little caf . It s also a contemporary events venue with a passion for the great outdoors and makes a great place to stop on this walk.
St Michael’s church in Loddington is nestled into the woodland a quarter of a mile from the village.
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START/ FINISH
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When you reach the A47 at Tugby turn left and walk along the grass verge past the bus stop and within 100 yards take the path off to the left dropping diagonally down the hill. You will come to another stream in the valley bottom before heading uphill back towards Hardy’s Gunsel. But it’s not a case of simply retracing your steps from here (although you can if you want). Bear right and head towards East Norton and, with glimpses of East Norton Hall to the right, carry on over Loddington Lane and into the fields beyond. Cross the first field and in the far corner of the ne t field look out for the footpath sign and gate in the hedge on the left. Go through here and the next gate almost immediately. When you reach the ne t field after the dismantled railway keep to the left edge and you will see the footpath and bridge over the Eye Brook going off to the left. Cross over here (another good spot for the dogs) and follow the path north west along the side of the wood. When you reach Loddington Lane turn right and walk back along the quiet lane for a kilometre. When you get near the village you will be forgiven for briefly thinking you have walked into Cornwall as you take the steep winding downhill route through the woods. I would then recommend taking the short diversion via the church to finish your walk.
Essential information WHERE TO PARK Loddington doesn’t have an obvious place to park but if you use common sense and consideration you should be able to find a suitable verge. Alternatively start and finish in East Norton or Tugby. DISTANCE AND TIME Five miles/an hour and three quarters. HIGHLIGHTS One of the prettiest churches in the region, lovely little Loddington, the Eye Brook, great views and the vibrant Café Ventoux. LOWLIGHTS Briefly at Tugby the proximity to the A47 will be an irksome reminder of the outside world.
REFRESHMENTS Café Ventoux at Tugby and there is also a tea room at the stunning Launde Abbey just a couple of miles north of Loddington. DIFFICULTY RATING Three paws. There are hills but nothing too steep and it’s well marked all the way around with mostly gates rather than stiles. THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE You will cross the Eye Brook twice and there is another stream. Both had clear running water in them in early July so they should be good all year round. It’s mostly arable on the way round so limited livestock too.
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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You will cross the Eye Brook twice on this walk.
ACTIVE INFO CafĂŠ Ventoux is on a 10-acre site and (Covid-19 restrictions permitting) offers delicious breakfasts and lunches, making it the ideal stopping point on this walk.
East Norton Hall.
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ActiveBody E DI T E D BY K AT E M A X I M
The pros and cons of lockdown Lockdown forced changes to the way physios treat patients, some of whom have done too much, others not enough. Sarah Babbs tells us more
I
AM DELIGHTED that we are now allowed to see patients in person back in the clinic. As lockdown has been gradually, slowly and gently lifting there have been many changes, not least to the way that physiotherapists have been able to work. Physiotherapy has changed over the years as we have understood that education, understanding of concerns, e pectations and goals and reassurance are fundamental to recovery. Without these, traditionally seen treatments such as hands on and even e ercise simply won t work in the longer term. During lockdown we have been able to continue talking to patients as well as treat virtually so have been able to continue to support everyone. It has been so interesting how many people we have been able to help and also that we will continue to use these platforms; a real bonus when people are away with work, move away or even when someone asks if we can see a family member who lives on the other side of the country. What I ve noticed is people who have called for help are often from two e tremes those who have done more in lockdown and have picked up injuries and those who have done much less. I have a real concern about some of the older population who have been shielding unable to do their usual walk into town, around the supermarket and market and have heard horror stories of people no longer being able to walk without a stick, or even look after themselves at home. Enforced rest and social isolation has been very damaging for some. I haven t been able to visit a number of older people but have telephoned regularly to talk to them about keeping up the e ercise and strength work, trying to enthuse rather than frighten. Studies show that in all groups inactive
people lose 3-5% of their muscle mass each decade after the 30s but muscle wastage in the elderly especially when bed bound can happen at about 8% per week. During lockdown the hospital has been busy fi ing fractured hips as we are seeing an increase in falls. Normally each week I visit a number of older people in their homes and what we do is very similar to what we do in the clinic. sing e ercises and rehabilitation in the form of strength training is what we all need and older people are no different. We test as we would all patients and try and maintain strength and endurance. One e cellent test is the chair stand test; how often can the person stand up and sit down in 15 seconds. We are concerned if people can only do this five times as this would fall into the frail, muscle wastage category.
If you are in this position - or have relatives who are - the following would be helpful. Begin with even 10 minutes once a day doing: marching on the spot, holding a stable chair if balance is a problem. squats, with the chair or kitchen worktop as a support. “press ups” standing with the hands on the wall or a stable chair - or of course from the floor if you can get up again! lifting something of weight repeatedly. By the end they should feel somewhat tired with the heart rate having been raised. Doing this once a day allows the body to recover in time for the ne t session. These e ercises would be suitable for most targeting balance, strength and endurance, all of which are important in maintaining and gaining independence. The fabulous Pete Moore who runs the website The Pain Toolkit for people in pain talks about e ercise as being similar to cleaning our teeth. Why do we do that To keep our teeth and gums healthy and avoid the dentist. The same should be said of our body; daily maintenance helps to keep it healthy and to avoid seeing the physio, osteopath or doctor. Just what the doctor ordered! To make an appointment with Sarah ring 01780 480889 or 07780 900201.
46 August 2020 / the activemag.com
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The vagaries of verrucae Kate Maxim learns about the virus that causes verrucae from Pauline Kelly of Northgate Well-Being in Oakham
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INCE SEPTEMBER I’VE been aware I have one or two verrucae on both feet, but having listened to a programme on the radio which basically said to ignore them and they’ll go away by themselves, that’s exactly what I’ve done. But they have started to cause a bit of discomfort and as they are easily spread, particularly in the warm, moist conditions of a swimming pool, I thought it was high time to get them checked out. Cue Pauline Kelly of Northgate Well-Being in Oakham. Having worked as a podiatrist in the NHS for a number of years but finding herself increasingly in a management and problem solving role, Pauline wanted to get back to treating patients’ feet. And I don’t blame her, she’s good at it, with a very warm and welcoming nature to boot (never mind the pun). First of all, she was careful to manage my expectations. Podiatrists had previously thought that it was a low or compromised immune system and/or poor diet that caused people to be susceptible to picking up verrucae, and suggested that improvements in both may help. However, following increased research into the human papilloma
virus (HPV) it’s now widely acknowledged that it is also HPV that causes verrucae, common and genital warts. HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer but having verrucae or warts does not mean you have cancer. There are options for treatment, but there is no definite cure. What podiatrists hope for is that one of a range of treatments will cause trauma to the cells hosting the virus (possibly causing bleeding) so the immune system then starts to view the cells as foreign bodies. By galvanising a battalion of T-cells to target the trauma site, the body can start to eradicate the virus. Often there is a ‘mother’ verruca which spawns babies; if you get rid of the mother the babies should disappear too. Treatments include freezing the cells where the virus sits; applying an acid directly to the site, or needling; tiny needles puncture the cells right down to the dermal layer, creating a wound so the white blood cells start to do their job. This has to be done under a local anaesthetic. Another invasive method is microwaving the cells by applying electrodes through the site to break down the cells. As Pauline is keen to repeat she cannot
say these treatments will definitely cure the problem, but the success rate in the NHS in Leicestershire for needling, for example, is 50%. Before any treatment has a hope of being effective, Pauline has to scrape off the dead skin cells built up by the virus. If verrucae have been there for a long time the build-up will be quite sizeable. Getting rid of this makes you immediately more comfortable and leaves the site clearer for the treatment. In my case she then used acid on a stick, moistened in a wet tissue, dabbing it on for a few minutes. Then she put a dressing on to stop the acid from staining my clothes. I had to apply the acid every two days for a week, making sure I disposed of the tissue and stick afterwards. Using a pumice stone - wet or dry - will also help to reduce the build-up of dead skin again. She then examined my footwear and suggested I use some cushioned insoles with an arched instep as my boots have no padding left in them. This can cause pressure points which make the verrucae more uncomfortable and can also lead to corns. I may have been harbouring the virus for a long time but the verrucae appeared in September. If children develop a verruca it may take up to three years for it to disappear; in adults up to five. nd if they appear on areas of the feet where you put more pressure, they will hurt more; bad news for people who work on their feet all day. She suggests wearing verruca socks for swimming and yoga socks with pads so you don’t slip. That way you won’t be the one responsible for spreading the virus. Having applied the acid for a week, and using the pumice stone regularly, I’m going to see how things are in a couple of months. Hopefully they’ll have miraculously disappeared. If not I may go back for something stronger. www.northgate-wellbeing.co.uk 01572 722564
Treatments include freezing the cells where the virus sits; applying an acid directly to the site, or needling; tiny needles puncture the cells right down to the dermal layer, creating a wound so the white blood cells start to do their job. August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Meet football manager Stu Spencer The roundup | Spotlight on badminton
ActiveSport On your bike! Last month Will walked the Rutland Round, this month Richard Mackintosh is cycling 105 miles around England’s smallest county visiting every village along the way
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HE WEEKLY GROUP WhatsApp arrived from my cycling mate and at first glance seemed fairly innocent. “Anybody fancy a ride around Rutland?” That seemed innocuous enough until the route landed via the Strava App. So that will be almost 105 miles incorporating all 54 of Rutland’s villages in a single day’s cycling then? I’d heard of walking the Rutland Round so cycling round the county sounded like a great challenge and a lovely way to tour England’s smallest shire. We met at the allotted time outside the refurbished Exeter Arms in Barrowden and set off on our planned route around the villages. Heading east we had decided to tackle the challenge pretty much anticlockwise. There was no particular reason for this, it just seemed to work best for us (or so we thought). After a small downhill section on the A47 we poked our nose into Tixover before riding on to Ketton and then over the ridge line to Tickencote. We turned down through Great Casterton and Little Casterton, skirting Tolethorpe Hall, home to the Stamford Shakespeare Company open air theatre. After passing through the most eastern Rutland village of Ryhall and the hamlet of Belmesthorpe, next was Pickworth and Clipsham which completed the eastern side
of Rutland and then under the A1 at Stretton. Heading to the south of Kendrew Barracks we passed straight through Greetham and Rutland’s third largest settlement, Cottesmore. Onwards to Market Overton, not forgetting Barrow of course. After a quick diversion to Thistleton and then a backtrack we carried on west and south via Teigh and Ashwell to Whissendine, home of the tallest stone windmill in the country. Blowing our way south through Langham and Barleythorpe we stopped at the Hungry Birds Café in Oakham for a well deserved break eating some excellent sandwiches sitting outside the library. Replete we continued our way to Braunston-in-Rutland and back, Gunthorpe and back taking in Egleton and Hambleton village with its excellent views over Rutland water. Lots of doubling back here but it can’t be helped. Swinging round the Oakham ring road we turned and climbed the hill to pass Burley. We’re on a roll now with Exton, Whitwell, Empingham, Barnsdale, Edith Weston and North Luffenham getting ticked off in quick succession. A swift ice cream and water stop in outh Luffenham before continuing on to Pilton, Lyndon, Manton and Wing. An about turn leads us west to Preston, Ridlington and south through Ayston towards Uppingham. Right turn at the traffic lights in Uppingham and out past the cricket club and
‘I’d heard of walking the Rutland Round so cycling round the county sounded like a great challenge and a lovely way to tour England’s smallest shire.’
onto the unavoidable A47. We zoomed down the hill to Wardley which was my first visit here. After trying to convince a resident that we were indeed not mad (we failed) we continued with our madness along the A47 to Belton. A little back road brought us to the very picturesque Eyebrook reservoir followed by the climb through Stoke Dry onto the A6003 and down to Caldecott, the most southerly village of our route. Re-energised with the end in sight we continued to Lyddington, arguably the prettiest village in Rutland. Sadly we were not able to stop at either of its two pubs so we continued over to Thorpe by Water (no pubs) and then up the hill to Seaton. Why did we decide to go this way and leave all the hills to the end? The resident in Wardley was right, we are mad. We attacked the last two hills of the route up the ridgeline to Bisbrooke and down and up to Glaston. Taking a right turn onto the A47 we diverted through Morcott with our final destination in sight. fter eight hours, 105 miles and 6,000 feet of climbing we celebrated finishing with a well deserved beer lying on the green in arguably the best village in Rutland!
48 August 2020/ theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport Distance: 104.6 miles Elevation: 5,765ft Time moving: 5:58 Ride type: Road Thistleton Market Overton Teigh
Stretton Clipsham Barrow
Whissendine
Greetham
Ashwell
Cottesmore Pickworth Essendine
Exton
Ryhall
Langham Little Casterton
Burley on the Hill
Barleythorpe
Tickencote
Belmesthorpe
Whitwell Oakham
Ingthorpe
Empingham Egleton
Tolethorpe
Hambleton
Tinwell
Braunston in Rutland
Brooke Gunthorpe
Edith Weston
Manton Lyndon Ridlington
Ketton
Aldgate
North Luffenham
Wing
Geeston
Pilton
Preston Belton in Rutland Ayston
Morcott
South Luffenham FINISH
Glaston Allexton
Wardley
Uppingham
Barrowden START
Bisbrooke
Tixover
Seaton Stockerston
Stoke Dry
Lyddington Thorpe by Water
Caldecott
August 2020 / theactivemag.com 49
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Tugby Orchards, Tugby, LE7 9WE I 0116 259 8063 I www.cafe-ventoux.cc By bike follow the Route 64 Cycle way
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ActiveSport CHALLENGES
28 Not Out; done Rachael Templeton had committed to run 28 miles in memory of her friend Max, and to raise awareness of young suicide. Last month she did just that, with a little help from her friends THE 28 NOT Out event kicked off at 6pm on Friday uly 10 with a minute against suicide silence followed by a live mental health and sport panel on oom hosted by port piel. The panel featured Dan Cole Men s Leicester Tiger s player , emma aggers Psychotherapy Counselling , Liam Durkan Papyrus, prevention of young suicide and Dan riffin tamford Rugby Club and friend of Ma . The panel was a brilliant way to start the 28 hours of fundraising and certainly gave me e tra motivation setting off on my 28-mile running challenge the following morning. The weather was certainly on our side on the aturday with bright blue skies and a very welcome bree e. I set off at 8am and headed from tamford out to Ryhall then Belmesthorpe and on to reatford. I had a quick water break at mile seven where I was
met by my boyfriend cott before heading to ffington and then back towards tamford. university friend, arah Pilbeam, joined me around mile 10 so we chatted our way back to tamford which was a welcome distraction from the 18 miles I still had ahead of me. The half way point, mile 14, was back in tamford where I was then joined by ophie Botsford, Lisa Botsford, ophie ardy and Claire oakes. We set off back out towards Ryhall with spirits high and full of chatter. This lasted all of three miles when the chatter subsided and the heavy breathing started. round mile 19, le Paske Director of the Mintridge Foundation and close friend of Ma caught us up with the 28 Not Out banner proudly displayed in the back of her car. le s enthusiasm was infectious and helped power us on to our ne t water and
jelly baby pit stop at mile 21. From then on it was down to just Claire and me. till smiling we headed towards ffington. This stretch was definitely the most challenging. I remember seeing a sign post which said ffington 2 miles but it felt much more like five. s we approached the village we saw the smiling face of atie Compton who had come to offer support and aribo to help us on the home straight which was very gratefully received. The e citement was clearly too much for me as my tired legs made me take a tumble. Luckily I managed to bail onto the grass verge so no harm done; just relief that atie hadn t got the face-plant on camera. Finally after 4 hours 51 minutes of running I was back in tamford and the 28 miles were done. It really was such a special weekend and thank you to everyone who ran with me and kept me company. Everyone coming together to celebrate Ma s memory and to raise awareness about looking after our mental health and encouraging people to talk about it was a huge achievement. We managed to smash our target of doing 2,800 km in 28 hours. The final distance covered was 4,812 km and when I last checked we had raised 7,345 towards the Ma unter Fund, so I m delighted. It s not too late to support this fantastic cause. If you would like to donate please go to the following link https:// themintridgefoundation.enthuse.com/ cf/28-not-out---the-max-hunter-fund
“Finally after 4 hours 51 minutes of running I was back in Stamford and the 28 miles were done.” August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Managing a football team during lockdown Kate Maxim meets Stu Spencer, manager of the men’s first team at Harborough Town Football Club
H
ow long have you been manager of the first team at Harborough Town FC?
I ve been manager since October 2017 and I was a coach for the first team for a couple of years prior to that. I knew the previous manager Nick Pollard from my playing days and when he left the club I became the manager with my own coaching staff. I ve played football since the age of 10. I was a decent player and played for county teams through the youth sides as a forward and then at 18 progressed into men’s football, starting off as a full-back then played my best football as centre half. I played for Oadby Town in the Midland lliance, then I went up a level and played for Rothwell Town in the Southern League and then played for about two years at Barwell, also in the Midland lliance. Then I returned to Oadby Town. In my early 30s I called the playing a day; I d had one knee operation and was probably going to have another. I still wanted to be involved in the game so coaching became a decent fit.
How were Harborough Town doing before lockdown?
We play in the United Counties League premier division at step 5. Before lockdown we were ninth but the season has been classed as null and void. We’d played 29 games with nine games remaining and were three quarters of the way through. The club has had three successive eleventh place finishes and our aim was to better that this year. We were hoping to crack the top six but even with a good finish I think that would have been just beyond us, we may have been able to grab seventh or eighth. We were on form, we’d only lost one of the last seven games. But we are where we are. The club has built up a lot of stability in the last two or three seasons – prior to that it was a bit of a yo-yo club between the premier division and division one. In the last few years we haven t flirted with relegation; we ve been a competitive outfit in the premier division. We want to go beyond being a stable mid-table outfit making the next strides to getting in the top end of this division.
How have you achieved that stability?
As a club the coaching has been good, maybe starting with some of my input on that, a level of professionalism has built up and the club is a big sell in terms of facilities. We’ve got one of the best facilities in the league with the investment made in the 4G pitch a few seasons ago. We spent £800,000 on changing from a grass pitch to a high end artificial surface. It s a nice environment and it’s created a lot of appeal so we can retain and attract good players. We don’t have huge player turnaround and each year we try and keep the core strong squad we’re developing, so we keep going on an upward curve.
Do you get paid?
The only form of payment for players, managers and some coaching staff is expenses to cover time and petrol, and that’s classed as semi-professional. We spend a lot of time here. If we play on a Tuesday you re on the road about 5.30pm and by the time you ve had food and a drink it s 11pm. If we don’t play in the week we train which takes about three to four hours from door to door.
52 August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport personally. The trick is not to get too down when things are going wrong and not to get too high when you’re on a good run.
What do you do outside the club?
On Saturdays we’re working from midday through to 6-7pm. If we got promoted to the next league more money would have to be spent on e penses as the league defines the level of players and managers.
How many players can you draw on and is there much collaboration with other managers at the club?
The first team consists of myself, two coaches, a physio and a squad si e of about 18-20 players. The match day squad is 16. The reserves have a healthy pool too of 20-25 players so we often have 30-40 lads training together. If I have injures or people away I have to add to my substitutes bench so I ll call on the reserves. Likewise if I’ve got players who’ve been on the bench and who haven t had much playing time over the last three weeks I might say to the reserve team manager I’m sending a player down who needs to get minutes in a game, and I need one sending back. ince I ve been in charge we ve worked hard at this and the players understand if they re asked to go down it s because they need to get a game. We don’t allow people to refuse to play for the reserves because they re on the first team.
Who do you like to beat and would you consider yourself a good manager?
The two games that mean the most to the town in our league are against Desborough and Rothwell. They tend to be lively affairs and create a bit of e tra spice and attract a few more people on the gate. People say you’re a good manager when you ve won a game, and a bad one when you’ve lost. People who look from the outside in don’t always understand what goes into managing a team. You have to have broad shoulders, people are quite fickle. ou learn as you go along not to take things too
“The two games that mean the most to the town in our league are against Desborough and Rothwell.”
I run my own accountancy practice and running has become a bit of a hobby over the last couple of years. I ve done a few half marathons and I’ve always wanted to do a full one. Running helps me switch off from my day job or football when that gets a bit intense. I was going to do a full marathon in Manchester in pril which has been re-scheduled to October. There s also one in Leicester in October but if they re both cancelled I m thinking of doing my own virtual marathon instead. I don’t want to train and then not actually get to do it.
What did you say to your lads regarding training during lockdown?
I didn t put too much pressure on them in the first few weeks because everyone was in their own bubbles: you don’t know if people’s jobs are secure, if they re working from home, or home schooling kids. o I left them to their own devices. We used oom to do qui es on aturday afternoons at 3pm for the first si weeks and to have a natter which was good for interaction. We had to assess fitness levels when they came back but our group of players do look after themselves fairly well. We did a bleep test on the first week of training and some of the lads got really high scores. uite a lot of them are living with their parents so they got bored and probably enjoyed getting out and running. We don’t have a start date for the season. It s normally the first weekend of ugust but there s no chance of that. It may be some time in eptember or October. ntil we get a start date we can t really organise friendlies or training. We d come back and done three aturday morning training sessions but now there’s restrictions on non-essential travel where I live in Leicester. It s also where the coaches live but hopefully it will only last about two weeks and we can get back to it. We have a genuine ambition to get promoted in the next two years into the Evo tik league which would be step 4 with teams like Corby. That’s if we get everything right. www.harboroughtownfc.org
Meet superfood skincare expert Lisa Armitage Use it or Lose it, keep your brain and body active
Second helpings, a group helping reduce food waste
Winter walks with Will
Meet superfood skincare expert Lisa Armitage We try out a ‘god pod’
Meet the founders of WildDog Events
Find out about social prescribing
Meet fly fishing guide Nick Dunn
Brentingby Gin, the local company foraging for botanicals ISSUE 92 | FEBRUARY 2020
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Will walks in South Africa
We try out a ‘god pod’
Find out about girls’ and women’s cricket at Leicestershire CC
Are diamonds a girl’s best friend? We find out more about gem stones
Bourne has a new running club Meet Tom Bourne, director of sport at Uppingham Community College ISSUE 91 | JANUARY 2020
Find out about girls’ and women’s cricket at Leicestershire CC
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Jeremy Smithson-Beswick is delighted that local sport has started again and looks back over the past few months of eccentricity and endeavour
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Uffington Cricket Club started their season with a socially distanced inter-club match
name but his voice will be familiar from the Boat Race, rugby and golf on T . Commentators, like newsreaders, have a special way of talking of course – a unique lilt and cadence - that wouldn t be heard in any other situation and ndrew s been keeping those professional voice-over tones in good nick by applying them to the performances of two amateur yet highlymotivated participants. is pet Labradors Olive and Mabel.
Twitter @MrAndrewCotter
BIG WELCOME back to your monthly fi of our local sports – The Round p. t least, welcome back to those of you who were unable to find your way to the e-maga ine which valiantly kept going as did we all in our own way I m sure throughout the recent months of isolation. We weren t able to distribute hard copies but, as ever, www. theactivemag.com has back issues for all you hitherto la y Luddites and, in all modesty, you ll otherwise miss some spectacular reports in this column of lockdown lunacy as athletes struggled to keep fit not to say sane in the absence of competitive sport, group training and gyms. Olympians running on washing up liquid in their baths, slip catch practice for dogs, pole vaulters in kitchens with baked bean-weighted broom handles, cricketers doing Pilates in full kit including helmet and seemingly endless ways of abusing a toilet roll. nd all the above protagonists are household names. et I believe I may have saved my favourite until last. It s not only athletes who ve been deprived by the lack of action after all. Fans, volunteers, referees, umpires – all needed to find ways to keep their hand in. nd so, of course, did commentators. o step forward my personal hero of the hour, the BBC s ndrew Cotter. ou may not recognise the
I can t pretend to be the first to discover him in fact, at time of writing, he s beginning to go viral but here s a taste of the delightful doggy denouements that await you. Competitive breakfast eating time trials, the lounging about to no particular purpose cup, surreptitious stealing this episode inevitably entitled ame of Bones and freestyle squirrel chasing all feature prominently. earch ouTube or Twitter and e pect to hear a hushed and respectful Cotter use his most studied and serious timbre to describe how Mabel finally wins the contest to see who can disgrace themselves most on a short walk. Olive dominating early on eating three kilos of grass and upsetting a small child but Mabel is finishing so strongly here now by taking herself off into a fetid pond. Really putting the pressure on her rival by just standing there doing nothing at all... There are several other episodes and all are pure genius. Closer to home our local sports teams have generally done more good than bad during their purdah, although an e ception was the supposedly light-hearted on-line village cricket competition that ended with recriminations and accusations of bribery I kid you not . et on the positive side we ve seen lots of charitable fund raising going on
54 August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport Biggest town respect however is due to Bourne I think with their “Natural Bourne Runners” 24 hour virtual relay, former Bourne FC’s manager Jimmy McDonnell’s four marathons in seven days and the town’s rugby players and cricketers jogging for Don’t Lose Hope and the NHS.
with Oakham cricket club’s virtual travel to Scotland’s international stadium putting 1.5 into the coffers of local food banks and tamford rugby s Darren ray walking 1,000km for the N for e ample. Biggest town respect however is due to Bourne I think with their Natural Bourne Runners 24 hour virtual relay, former Bourne FC s manager immy McDonnell s four marathons in seven days and the town s rugby players and cricketers jogging for Don t Lose ope and the N . There were countless others across the region who also gave their time and energy generously. pologies if I ve left you out. So we all now emerge blinking into the sunlight like pit ponies on their quarterly trip to the surface as live community sport shakes itself free of hibernation. Cricket returned in mid- uly with no saliva to shine the ball thanks bowlers – I bet loads forget themselves in the heat of battle and our out-of-season rugby sides recruiting and training. Many are redoubling their efforts to attract new-to-rugby female players to come and have a taster of the game with tamford and Oakham particularly keen should you wish to take a look. The truth is that, as with cricket, central government grants are more easily available to local clubs promoting sport for all so if you show up to give it a go
Show your support for local sport Email mary@theactivemag.com
you d not only be having fun but helping them survive through what has been a traumatic financial time. Netball, football and polo are back too. The Rutland Polo Club is returning to Langham, albeit with no spectators for the foreseeable and tamford Daniels have another new first team coach after le Cross left for Bradford Park venue. Luke ipwell has now replaced the recently appointed Ben Watts who had to step down for personal reasons and is reportedly gutted at not being able to continue. ipwell was previously at La ley and manager raham Drury described him as an ideal appointment. Rutland Warriors amantha riffin tells us they ve had a fantastic season in Netball s Premier League 3, winning it with three
matches to go. Their promotion to National 2 means they will play at the highest level of any East Midlands team in history - some achievement. Their pre-season training starts this month and they are still on the lookout for new players of all levels of ability as they field several sides. Whatever your sport, be it as a spectator, official, volunteer or player – and even if your thing happens to be running on some fairy liquid in the bath, stealing bones or abusing toilet rolls - let s all grasp this opportunity to have the life of competition rushing through our veins for the rest of the summer. We all hope that normality is returning but none of us can be certain that the winter won’t bring less carefree times than we hope for. Carpe diem.
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ActiveSport
Spotlight on Badminton Mark Jethwa, Chairman of the Leicester Lions, explains the rules
T
HE GAME OF badminton can be traced back to ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago. But the game we know commenced in 1870 and was named ‘Badminton’ by the Duke of Beaufort after his country house. Players used a paddle called a battledore and a shuttlecock which was a cork stuffed with feathers; the idea was to keep this in the air as long as possible. The first set of rules was first published in 1893 by the Badminton Association of England. In 1899 the all England Championships began. The international Badminton Federation, now known as the Badminton World Federation, was established in 1934. England, France, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and Wales were the first members. India joined a couple of years later in 1936. In 1977 the all England Championships were considered the unofficial world championships. The sport has been dominated by Asian countries and Denmark over the last few decades, particularly China most recently. The game can be either played as singles or doubles with one shuttlecock and rackets for all the players. It can be played inside or out, but in the UK it’s usually played indoors, as are competitions.
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The rules
The rules are reasonably easy to follow, making it a fun game. A coin is tossed prior to the match, the winner then selects which court end to play or opt to serve. The player’s goal is to win the best of three games all played to 21 points. Each time a rally is won the player receives a point and then serves. If the points are tied 20 – 20 the game continues until the match is won by a clear two points lead or if a team or player scores 30 points.
Serving
The shuttlecock is hit at the base in one stroke with the racket pointing down. The server and receiving player must ensure their foot is lifted off the floor until the shuttlecock has been served. Contact between the shuttlecock and the racket must be below the waist. At the start of the game service must be from the right hand side. If the score is even serve must be from the right, if odd from the left. The shuttlecock must be served within the service area otherwise the opposition receives a point and wins the serve. The serve must be diagonal across to the opponent within the serving area otherwise a point is conceded and serve is lost. The receiver also must stay within the serving area. The server changes sides on each serve. In doubles and mixed the opposing team receiving the service must not distract the server. Traditionally, in a mixed game, the females will start on the right hand and begin the game. There is no double fault in badminton.
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The game
Once a serve has been made a rally can start and once the shuttlecock hits the floor within the boundaries a point is scored. If a point is scored by the serving team the server serves diagonally to the opposite side. If the point isn’t won by the server the opposite team wins the point and serves. If the shuttlecock is not within the boundaries (ie out) a fault is called and the opposite team wins a point and service. If the shuttlecock hits the ceiling this is also classed as a fault. The shuttlecock can only be hit once by each team during service and a rally. The base of the shuttlecock must only be hit on the serve; but during a rally any part of it can be hit. Both parties can agree a let if they are unsure of a decision, be it the shuttle was in or out. Leicester Lions Badminton Club is a fun, action packed, energetic very cool club. We are also a close-knit team who enjoy socialising and having fun but when it’s time to get serious we do and perform to our best in league matches. If you are a visitor and don’t have a racket we can lend you one at no extra cost, depending on availability, as long as it is returned in the same condition. The club runs every Tuesday 1930– 2130 at The Beauchamp College, Ridge Way, Oadby, LE2 5TP. Due to coronavirus we are temporarily closed. For all club enquiries contact Mark on 07725 996560. Follow us on https://facebook.com/ LeicesterLionsBadminton/ or visit https:// www.leicesterlionsbadmintonclub.co.uk
B Freeman
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56 August 2020 / theactivemag.com
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