Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // February 2016

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ISSUE 44 // FEBRUARY 2016

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HOW TO… Fit a ski boot Make healthy pancakes

Stamford & Rutland’s sport and lifestyle magazine

Buy beautiful underwear Fall in love with slugs!

THE LONG AND

WINDING ROADS ISSUE 44 // FEBRUARY 2016

All the amazing long distance challenges to do this year

Ticketyboo Ticker

The perfect food for a healthy heart

Beauty and Wellbeing Fabulous facials, Spring style

www.theACTIVEmag.com 02

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From Dusk till Daniels

A day of training, roller skating and football at Borderville

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FITNESS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

PETERBOROUGH GARDEN PARK, EYE, PETERBOROUGH, PE1 4YZ

COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM

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Editor’s Letter AS THE ENGLAND CRICKET TEAM WERE flattening the world number ones South Africa in Johannesburg the other week, it was great to see two local cricketers putting in exceptional performances. Stuart Broad, of Oakham School, ex-Leicestershire and a bit of a local round these parts, bowled as only he can when he is on song: with bounce, pace and accuracy. It was too much for the South Africans and his five wickets for one run sealed the series for the tourists.

Broad has made a habit of doing this, perhaps as no English bowler before him has ever done. He steps up and is counted when it matters, ripping through the opposition in one spell. That he has done this on numerous occasions to win Ashes series and tests against the very best shows he is a fabulous competitor from the very top drawer of English sport.

He was aided and abetted by James Taylor, from Burrough-onthe-Hill, who stood guard at short leg and took two of the finest catches you will ever see there. With less than half a second to react, move and take the catches, they were both inexplicably good.

They breed them well round here.

So the rumour goes, Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs didn’t make the England squad because he wasn’t good enough defensively and didn’t carry the ball enough; warped logic that would see Stuart Broad dropped from the England cricket team for not taking enough wickets.

It is so bizarre, I think I know what must have happened, because it happened to me. When I went to the under 11s cricket trials at my new school (and I’ll humbly profess to having been one of the better players at my age in the area at the time), I didn’t make the squad because the new teacher got me confused with another boy who looked like me, but was rubbish, and picked him instead.

I can only think this has happened to poor old Eddie Jones.

Perhaps he should get his eyes tested though: I don’t think Dylan Hartley looks anything like Tom Youngs.

Enjoy the issue! Steve

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

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

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication.

Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws.

GPL and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.

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NE W EMPINGHAM, RUTLAND

£950,000 A UNIQUE PERIOD BARN WITH A STYLISH INTERIOR & COUNTRY VIEWS, IN AN EXCELLENT RUTLAND LOCATION

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EPC Rating: D

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NE MARKET DEEPING, LINCOLNSHIRE

£525,000 A UNIQUE PERIOD PROPERTY WITH EXTENSIVE ACCOMMODATION & DELIGHTFUL SECLUDED GARDENS

3

4

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EPC Rating: D

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21/01/2016 13:21

Hambleton Road, Stamford ÂŁ245,000 This extended three bedroom semi-detached family home has been finished to a high standard by the current owners, including a stylish new kitchen diner to the rear. Located in a popular residential location which provides easy access to the town centre, A1 and the Malcolm Sargent Primary School. The accommodation comprises of an entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen diner, utility room, cloakroom, landing, three bedrooms and family bathroom. There is off street parking to the front for two cars, whilst to the rear is a west facing patio and lawned garden. Viewing highly recommended.

Norfolk Square, Stamford ÂŁ160,000 Situated in a cul-de-sac this three bedroom home offers good levels of accommodation and off street parking all within easy reach of the town centre. A spacious sitting room and well presented breakfast kitchen feature on the ground floor, with three bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor. The property has gas fired central heating and replacement windows.

To the rear of the property is a long patio and lawned garden which is west facing. To the front of the property is graveled off street parking for two cars.

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Contents

ISSUE 44 /// FEBRUARY 2016

ACTIVE LIFE 12-13 HEALTHY EATING

Another tasty recipe from Riverford Organic

14 HOW TO...

Make a romantic St Valentine’s cocktail

16 NATURE

The seasonal delights on offer outdoors

23 DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Gyll Mauchline of Three Counties Dog Rescue

25 WHAT’S ON

Great things to do locally for all the family

FEATURES 36-41 GOING THE DISTANCE

Amazing long distance challenges to try

36 21

42-43 CLUBBING TOGETHER

How to secure funding for your team

ACTIVE BODY 44 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Get your ideal body in three months with our fitness plan

49 KNOW YOUR FATS

Our expert nutrionist explains good and bad fats

50

50-51 HEALTH AND BEAUTY

More tips and products to help you look great

REGULARS 33 MARTIN JOHNSON COLUMN

The Sunday Times writer on Jimmy Hill’s legacy

35 KIT BAG

More essential gear to help you look good on the ski slopes

52-53 WILL’S WALKS

We head out to Castle Bytham

55 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out Thai on the Square in Market Deeping

57-59 SCHOOL SPORT

Our focus on the latest achievements from local pupils

60-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

44

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Anonexclusive home the edge of Oakham The Haybarn Barn conversion An exclusive 4 bedroom, double garage

£550,000 as shown on the left.

Also in Oakham

Buttercross Park 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes

£162,500 to £249,995

from

Oakham Sales Office Opposite Catmos College, Off Barleythorpe Road, Oakham LE15 7EE

Tel: 01572 722262

Show apartment open daily 10am – 5pm

www.larkfleethomes.co.uk

...better, because we care.

Prices and information correct at time of going to print. Number of remaining properties is subject to change. Image is for illustrative purposes only.

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Activelife ROMANTIC COCKTAILS AND CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES, BEAUTIFUL UNDERWEAR, CHEERFUL ACONITES, AND A HEALTHY AND TASTY SWEET POTATO AND BLACK BEAN CHILLI DISH Edited by Mary Bremner

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Activelife

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SWEET POTATO JACKET AND BLACK BEAN CHILLI INGREDIENTS

2 large sweet potatoes Salt and pepper Sunflower oil 1 onion 2 garlic cloves 1 red chilli 1 tin black beans 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried oregano ¼ tsp cinnamon 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika Pack of tortillas ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 1 pot soured cream

Add the garlic and chilli and cook for another three minutes until fragrant. Drain the black beans and add to the pan with the tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon and paprika.

●

1

Half fill one of the tins with water and add that too. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 30 minutes (2).

●

Meanwhile brush four tortillas on both sides with oil. Cut each into eight wedges and sprinkle with a little salt. Lay them evenly on a baking tray and cook in the oven for eight minutes, turning them over after four (3). They should be just starting to colour and crisp.

●

2

When the potatoes are ready check the chilli and adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you want more heat add some cayenne pepper a pinch at a time.

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METHOD

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Scrub the sweet potatoes well, sprinkle the wet skin with salt and give it a rub to coat (1).

●

To serve, split the sweet potatoes open and divide them between two plates. Spoon over the chilli and top with a blob of soured cream. Stack the tortillas at the side.

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Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven shelf and bake until they can be easily pierced with the tip of a knife – about 45 minutes, but check after 30.

●

3

Peel and finely slice the onion and garlic.

Deseed and finely slice the chilli. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion gently until translucent stirring occasionally.

●

Tip: This is a vegetarian version of chilli but it is very easy to add mince to the recipe if you wish.

RECIPE BOXES Riverford recipe boxes are a simple and inspiring way to cook. Every week, we deliver everything you need to make three tasty organic meals. Inside each box, you’ll find the freshest, seasonal organic produce, step-by-step recipe cards and all the ingredients in exact quantities.

The recipes are quick to cook and ideal for weeknights – most are ready in under 45 minutes. Think well balanced and

nutritious, with a few treats thrown in. Our cooks come up with nine new recipes every week, so there is always plenty of choice.

There are three different varieties of recipe box - choose from vegetarian, quick, or original. A box for two people ranges in price from £33 for the vegetarian box, to £39.95 for the quick and original boxes. Delivered straight to your door, with everything you need to cook included, generous portion sizes, and three delicious meals per box they offer

great value for money.

No waste. No missing the vital ingredient. All you have to do is cook.

Visit: www.riverford.co.uk/recipebox to

find out more or call 01803 762059.

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Activelife

HOW TO…

Make a delicious romantic cocktail

THE ST VALENTINE’S Ingredients 1 shot Warner Edwards rhubarb gin 10ml sugar syrup 15ml lemon juice (a large squeeze) Prosecco Ice Pour the gin, sugar syrup and lemon into a champagne glass. Add the ice and top up with prosecco. Fix a strawberry to the top of the glass.

Courtesy of The Wine Bar, Stamford.

HOW TO…

Create perfect chocolate covered strawberries The perfect accompaniment to the St Valentine’s cocktail, these chocolate covered strawberries are delicious.

The crunchy outer chocolate shell melts in your mouth and combines perfectly with the sweetness of a juicy strawberry and, what’s even better, they are very simple to do. The secret is to use the best quality strawberries you can find and high cocoa content chocolate.

14

Ingredients 1 large punnet of strawberries 300g good quality dark chocolate Wash and dry the strawberries – it is vital that they are completely dry or the chocolate won’t stick.

Break the chocolate up and melt it either the old fashioned way by using a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water or in the

microwave at 15 second bursts, stirring each time.

Cover a baking tray with parchment. Working with one strawberry at a time, grasp it by the leaves and dip it into the chocolate turning it until it is completely covered.

Shake gently to remove excess chocolate and then place on the baking tray.

Once covered leave them for the chocolate to set by putting them in the fridge.

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Stamford Junior School and Stamford Nursery School

DISCOVERY MORNING Take a tour, observe lessons, meet the pupils, talk to staff and the Head.

Come and join us this February…

Valentine’s Special

Discover what makes every day at our Schools special.

Treat yourselves this Valentine’s,

Save a massive £111

9th February 2016, 10am-12pm

with joining fee from just £14 per person

To book your place at our Discovery Morning,

01780 484400

please call or email headjs@ses.lincs.sch.uk Visit www.ses.lincs.sch.uk for more information on our Schools.

› 22 Meter swimming pool. › 6 Tennis Courts › Fully equipped gym with cardio theatre › Free studio fitness classes for members › 2 spa pools, steam room and sauna

To take advantage of this fantastic offer please call the leisure team today on:

01572 771314 Our goal is your goal, with our new bespoke fitness plans.

Tailored to your every needs!

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

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Activelife NATURE

WINTER ACONITES Winter aconites are beautiful flowers that add a drop of colour to an otherwise dull time of year. A native European woodland plant, they are amongst the earliest to flower, along with snowdrops between February and March, and their bright yellow petals are very distinctive. They are easy to grow in the garden and lovely to spot when out and about on a walk.

THE NUTHATCH

Slugs Slug is a common name for a shell-less terrestrial gastropod mollusc. Gastropod means stomach foot, a very apt description as they do look like they are crawling around on their stomachs. Despite looking so unappealing they do have a role in the eco-system.

They are composters so break down vegetation and are a source of food for other wildlife. There are about 30 species of slugs, four of which are native to the UK and the bane of gardeners’ and farmers’ lives causing approximately £8 million in damage to vegetable crops each year. Each garden is home to about 20,000 of them – you have been warned…

A sparrow-sized woodpecker-like bird with a sharp pointed bill, nuthatches occur in deciduous woods and parkland – Burghley and Exton Parks hold good numbers, as do the Rutland Water woodlands. It is a regular at bird feeders in local villages, where peanuts and fat are favourite foods.

Nuthatches are quite aggressive at feeders, driving away tits and finches.

The cheerful ‘twit, twit’ call or a loud whistle is often the first indication of a nuthatch high in the tree canopy. When seen well, the blue-grey back, buff underparts and chestnut flanks identify it.

The throat and cheeks are white and a black stripe passes through the eye. Well adapted for life in trees, nuthatches will descend headfirst down the trunk as easily as they move up it.

Nuthatches feed mainly on seeds – beech mast, acorns and hazel nuts, with nuts and acorns wedged into crevices in the bark and hammered open. In summer, insects form a

larger part of their diet, especially when feeding chicks. Nuthatches are hole nesters and will plaster mud around the entrance to exclude larger birds. Occasionally they will use a nest box.

Terry Mitcham

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SOLAR ECLIPSE USA 2017

For more information or to book, please call Stamford Independent Travel on

Telephone 01780 763030 Email - sit@vgmail.co.uk

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Stamford Independent Travel, 44 St Pauls Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BH Organised by Omega Holidays plc, ABTA V4782, ATOL Protected 6081, a company wholly independent of Amateur Photographer, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Single supplements apply. Subject to availability.

Omega

.

6081

The Travel Association

21/01/2016 13:08

Activelife

MAKE LIKE A COWBOY Beef jerky, like the American cowboys enjoyed, is growing in popularity over here. Made from the finest joints of air dried silverside beef, it’s a healthy snack containing virtually no fat, no carbohydrates and is packed with protein. A much healthier option than a packet of crisps and just as delicious. We tried, and liked, Wild West beef jerky that can be found in most supermarkets. www.wildwestjerky.co.uk

REMEMBER PANCAKE DAY! It’s Shrove Tuesday on February 9 so get your pinny out and start making pancakes. Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Lent which is the 40 days leading up to Easter. Traditionally a time of abstinence, pancake day was associated with clearing your cupboards of foods such as sugar, fats and eggs before starting the fast. And to enjoy it all the more why not enter a pancake race so you can eat even more pancakes after all the exercise?

SHOP OF THE MONTH eLCy Clothing and Intimates is an online business selling handmade underwear and swimwear, designed and made from home by Stamford girl, stylist Lauren Crowe. Her beautiful, soft and delicate bralettes are very versatile and can be worn as underwear, outerwear and nightwear. Lauren is able to add linings to certain ranges and will make garments to order. The ideal Valentine present? Check out her website to see more of her designs at www.elcyclothing.com.

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SPF-AD.pdf 21/01/2016 17:47:15

stamford boot camp

Children’s Courses for Spring 2016

C

Swimming Crash Courses An intensive week of swimming lessons running through the school holidays. Offering a fasttrack way for your child to learn to swim, these lessons help children progress quickly and efficiently. This is a great way for your child to gain water confidence or improve their swimming technique.

Dates 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 Feb Duration 5 days Time 14.30-15.00 or 15.00-15.30 Age range 4+ Cost £36 Members, £40 Non-members

Intensive Swimming Lessons Intensive swimming lessons aimed at improving technique for all four main strokes as well as learning competitive diving and increasing swimming stamina. This course is a great way for your child to make fast progress.

Dates 15, 16, 17 Feb Duration 3 days Time 14.30-15.30 Age range 6+* Cost £36 Members, £40 Non-members

*P4+ is the minimum suggested USSC Aqua Quack swim scheme group level equivalent Terms & Conditions apply, please see website for details

For more information contact: 01572 820830 ussc@uppingham.co.uk www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk

art British Heon ti a d n Fou rning Coffee Moy 13 Saturda February 0 .3 10.30 – 12 at USSC

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

FREE TASTER SESSIONS Available Now

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K

www.stamfordpersonalfitness. email:info@stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk Call: 07846 457 959

­

Oakham Swim School February Half Term

Join our Intensive Swim Programme Half hour sessions over five mornings dedicated to help your child progress their swimming skills and techniques.

• • • • •

Progress from floatation aids Improve stroke and kicking skills Gain confidence in deep water ‘Boot camp’ for ASA Level Progression Small group class sizes for ages 4 – 16 Contact Conrad at Oakham School on

01572 758754 or cgn@oakham.rutland.sch.uk

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Young children learn more when they’re outside!

Come and discover the children’s nursery, based in the centre of Stamford, which puts enjoyment of the outdoors at the very heart of the children’s daily life.

The Children’s Garden on Broad Street: • Our beautiful babies enjoy their own secure outside play space • Large walled garden with mud-pit, veggie patch and natural grass lawn - great for toddlers!

• Mongolian yurt outside classroom with wood-burner • Bushcraft activities • Slide from the pre-school room down to the garden • Regular Forest School sessions in woods close to town

Search for The Children’s Garden on Facebook or email thechildrensgarden@btinternet.com or call 01780 752094 The Children’s Garden Day Nursery & Montessori Pre-school: Helping children develop naturally since 1998

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Activelife

FOUR MEN IN A BOAT Our intrepid quartet of Old Uppinghamians have risen to the challenge of rowing the Atlantic to raise money for two charities, Cystic Fibrosis and the Teenage Cancer Trust. This month we learn how they are getting on….

The team, known as Ocean Reunion, were due to set off on December 15 but the race had to be delayed for five days because of the weather and wind direction. This gave the lads a few more days to gain their sea legs and also gave them a bit more time to relax, rest, eat a lot and enjoy a few beers before the mammoth task ahead.

They got off to a great start on December 20 by leading the race and have continued to hold their own, getting into the routine of eat, sleep, row, repeat.

They have suffered from sea sickness and heartburn, but row for two hours at a time, wash themselves (rationed to one baby wipe), eat and sleep for an hour before getting up to start all over again. They have had to cope with severe storms and, at the time of writing, are facing their biggest challenge from the weather yet.

But it’s worth it. They are now, in early January, more than half way across the Atlantic and are still in the lead – go boys!

Follow the race at www. taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge. com or to donate to their charities visit www.oceanreunion.co.uk which has a link to their Just Giving Page.

NORDIC Nordic Walk it have walked themselves to more success. In the recent 2015 British Nordic Walking Challenge series the teams were fastest in the 5 and 10k races with David Crooks being the fastest overall man. These results make Nordic Walk it the British Nordic Walking series champions for 2015 – well done! To find out more visit their website at www.nordicwalkit.co.uk/sport

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Valentine's Menu Live Book Chichetti Misti

Music

Now

A sharing platter of our finest Italian amuse bouche

Starters Ravioli Con Capesanta E Gamberoni Giant Ravioli filled with scallops and prawn finished in fish veloute and saffron sauce

Insalata di Anatra Affumicata Lovely winter salad with smoked duck breast, beetroot, artichoke hearts, honey and wholegrain mustard

Carpaccio di Tonno Con Rucola Fresh tuna carpaccio cured in lemon olive oil and rocket salad

Parmigiana di Melanzane A classic aubergine bake in tomatoes, basil and parmesan gratin

Mains

Dolci - Dessert

Filett di Manzo Alla Rossini

Carosello Di Cioccollato

Finest fillet of beef cooked in Port, rosemary, worcester sauce and beef demi glacé topped with fois gras

A sharing chocolate mini dessert platter for both of you

Dantice alla pizzaiola Red snapper fillet cooked in white wine, lemon zest and capers, olives and cherry tomatoes

Agnello Al Pistachio E Menta Rack of lamb in pistachio crust on a bed of madeira and mint sauce

Couricina Con Buffala E Pomodori Secchi A heart shaped ravioli filled with buffalo mozzarella and sun dried tomato and basil sauce

Tiramisù Classico Traditional indulgent tiramisù

Pistachio Soufflé Homemade pistachio soufflé served with amaretto ice cream

£36.95

Il Vicolo Ristorante Italiano. 2-3 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2AX Phone: 01780480048 Email: ilvicolostamford@hotmail.com Visit: www.ilvicolostamford.co.uk www.facebook.com/Il-vicolo

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Activelife

A day in the life of

GYLL MAUCHLINE HEAD OF THREE COUNTIES DOG RESCUE

I

’ve been working in dog rescue for more than 40 years. The Three Counties Dog Rescue started off in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey but after we moved up here in 1990 we now cover parts of Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Our aim is to find homes for unwanted, lost or stray dogs. We also take cats.

We’re a registered charity and last year we rehomed 190 dogs and cats, bringing the total to more than 6,000 since we started. It costs us about £150,000 to run each year. About half of that is because we don’t own the kennels: we rent them. The other half is for vet bills. We usually have about 50-60 dogs at one time and you only have to get a dog with something major and that will cost £1,000 to £2,000. We have really good relations with Burghley vets in Stamford who go over and above to help us.

We’re really fussy where the dogs go, otherwise they could end up going around in circles so we do checks to make sure the home and owners are suitable. No-one walks out with a dog or cat immediately: they’re sent away to think about it. We’ve had to say no to people if their lives don’t suit having a dog.

Initially the dogs go out on trial. Once all is well, ownership is confirmed. We charge £150 for each dog but for that the new owners get an animal that has been neutered, inoculated, wormed, micro-chipped and de-flead. We make sure they’re as fit as they can be when they go to a home and we’ll always have a dog back. We’ll rehome them properly again.

Fostering can be a good solution We have some foster homes which are useful until a more permanent home can be found as it’s always more comfortable for dogs to be in a home than in a kennel, and some of them are a long-term solution for elderly or poorly animals.

In those cases we cover the dog’s food and vet costs. People sometimes get rid of elderly dogs as they think they’ll start to cost them money.

We also take in dogs whose owners have gone into hospital or who have a new partner who doesn’t like dogs, or if they’ve moved into rented accommodation where they can’t take animals. We always ask for a donation as we’re self-funded but often we don’t get one. Some dogs come in to us in a disgusting condition.

With proper treatment, the right food and lots of tlc we normally end up with fit animals.

Our long-term aim is to take over the kennels but there’s a four-bedroom house that goes with it so we have a lot of fund-raising to get on with!

‘No-one walks out with a dog immediately: they’re sent away to think about it’ We could then build up the boarding side of things to be able to finance the rest. We have a growing group of people who make a regular contribution and sponsor a dog. We sell calendars, Christmas cards and diaries through our website, and we have a dog show at Waterside Garden Centre in August every year.

We have recently opened a charity shop in Bourne so there’s lots of work involved in that.

I interview people throughout the day and when I get home at night I then sift through all the calls on the answer phone. We get about 1,000 calls a month from people getting rid of

dogs and enquiring about rehoming one. We also give advice to owners to try and help them keep their pets at home. Some foods can cause behavioural problems and anything highly coloured has preservatives and additives in them that can make dogs aggressive.

I’m on the go all the time but you get to know the dogs so well it becomes a passion to get them rehomed. Things can all change in a day: we get down to just one notice board of dogs waiting then the next day loads more arrive.

For more information visit www. threecountiesdogrescue.org

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KICK START 2016 • Cardio area and resistance equipment • Large free weight area • Fully Air Conditioned • New morning classes available • Sauna and Steam rooms • Highly experienced PTs • CRECHE Facilites • Free parking for all members.

• Functional training area to include Powerplate, TRX and Boxing • Extensive studio and Indoor cycling studio offering over 35 classes per week to include BLT attack, Boxing Circuits, Cardio Pump, Stretch and Flex and Total Body Fitness • Luxurious locker rooms with complimentary toiletries • Free nutritional advice and Full Body stat analysis available to all members • Full gym induction and programme review every 4 – 6 weeks

“With 20 years’ experience in the industry Westside is a popular, friendly health club which has something for everyone.”

CONTACT US TODAY: 01780 480651 www.westsideclub.co.uk Westside Health & Fitness Club West Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PN

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Activelife

WHAT’S ON Get out and explore the great things on offer in Stamford and Rutland

■ Visit Easton Walled Gardens to see the huge show of snowdrops between February 13 and 21. At the same time visit their Essence of Summer photography exhibition which attracted nearly 900 entries. www.eastonwalledgarden.co.uk ■ Fancy a trip to London? The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show, the UK’s largest outdoor and adventure show, is being held at ExCel from February 11-14. There’s something for everyone, be it climbing, hiking, photography or extreme challenges. A ticket to this show will also give you access to The London Bike Show, The Triathlon Show and a Dive Show which are running simultaneously. www. telegraphoutdoorshow.co.uk ■ Senior meditation teacher Kadam Bridget Heyes will be at Stamford Arts Centre on February 26 to give a talk on meditation and mindfulness.

She teaches meditation and mindfulness courses worldwide and this is her first visit to Stamford. Tickets are available from the box office. Her visit compliments weekly meditation classes held at the arts centre by Buddhist nun, Gen Nyingpo. www.drolmacentre.org.uk

■ Stamford Junior and Nursery Schools are hosting a discovery morning on Tuesday, February 9, from 10am-12. This gives potential parents a great opportunity to be shown around the school by pupils and to see it on a normal working day. There will also be a short talk from the head, Emma Smith, about the school and the entry process as well as a chance to chat with senior staff. Places must be reserved so either ring 01780 750309, email smberesford@ses. lincs.sch.uk or visit www.ses. lincs.sch.uk.

■ There’s always lots going on at Ferry Meadows, which is run by the Nene Park Trust, particularly at half-term. You can make a kite and then fly it, hunt for clues on a trail, learn about birds of prey and forest crafts. There’s lots for adults too.

To find out more visit www. neneparktrust.org.uk

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Feature /// Leisure

BORDERVILLE THE CENTRE OF THE COMMUNITY It’s not just football: Active takes a look at what is going on at Stamford’s Borderville leisure complex Photography: Pip Warters

Now 18 months old, Borderville Sports Centre in Stamford is proving to be more than the home of Stamford AFC and New College Stamford, with a huge number of community clubs and groups using its facilities.

JUNIOR DANIELS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND ROLLER SKATING Saturday mornings see a number of sessions for the Junior Daniels in the sports hall. Mark Setchell and Mark Atkins run them for children from two years old to five, working on their co-ordination and ball skills. The hall is larger than most sports halls, giving the kids plenty of space to play, and for their parents to sit alongside and watch.

Such has been the success of Junior Daniels

that the sessions have been fully subscribed, but the club is always keen to take on more budding Daniels’ stars of the future.

While we were there, at the same time as the kids were racing about downstairs, the function room upstairs was similarly busy, with a birthday party for 25 children – all being entertained by a mad scientist. And once they are over at noon, there’s a quick change as the hall is taken over by rolling skating, where youngsters can learn to skate by qualified staff.

There’s also a roller disco on a Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours.

GAME TIME Claire Jezard, the club’s chef, arrives early to start preparing for a busy afternoon and evening of football.

Claire says: “With a large gate expected today I have extra staff to help serve teas, coffees and hot food to home and away supporters. I have worked with sports academies before so I know what athletes need after physical exercise.”

Claire was appointed in April and worked as a tutor at Tresham College prior to Borderville.

She provides all catering requirements for

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PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL SPORT

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There’s much more to Borderville than the Daniels; the centre hosts numerous functions, from weddings to business meetings, and is also home to numerous clubs

place and solid support at this 2,000-capacity ground, they should soon be on the up again.

private functions held at Borderville, match day food for supporters, meals for the players post-match and a buffet for the Daniels 1896 Club Lounge, where directors, sponsors and guests are looked after by hospitality manager Simon Whatling.

Simon comes to the club with a wealth of experience: he was head steward for British Airways and more recently co-owner of The Riverside Café. Simon not only runs the lounge on match days, he is also responsible for functions held at Borderville.

Simon comments: “We hope to promote the facilities at the centre for a wide range of uses in the future. For example we already have four wedding receptions booked for this year, three presentation evenings and numerous parties.

We hope the community gets to know that we are not just a sports centre, but that we can cater for your special function.”

It’s now an hour before kick-off and things

are buzzing inside and out of the stadium.

Guests are welcomed into the centre by Ron Snape who is the club’s meeter and greeter, and escorted to the 1896 lounge where sponsors and guests enjoy the hospitality, before making their way to the seats in the main stand. The bar and terrace are very busy with supporters enjoying a pint before the match, even for this Boxing Day fixture.

Visitors Barwell took the lead, with the Daniels a little unlucky to have a penalty shout for handball turned down immediately beforehand. On the half-hour the home side equalised, only for a superb 25 yard volley just before half time to put the visitors ahead again.

Chat in the 1896 lounge afterwards was Stamford were unlucky, but that with Graham Drury back at the helm, hopefully their fortunes should turn in 2016.

Certainly, the Daniels have facilities that are second-to-none, and with these foundations in

3G, CLUBS AND FUNCTIONS Because of the high standard of the facilities, it’s not only New College who use Borderville for learning. The FootballCV Academy, a private football academy for young men from all over the world, are based here, training and playing on the 3G Astroturf pitch behind the main stadium. It’s the latest, state of the art surface and with its grassy fibres and rubbery infilling is a far cry from those hard, rough old sand-based pitches that scour knees.

But Borderville is the base of many other organisations too, says Paul: “Since the centre opened, we have extended the Stamford AFC family to numerous organisations that now call Borderville their home. Burghley Rotary Club meet here every Monday evening, Stamford Striders have the centre as their headquarters, the Royal British Legion have their monthly meetings here, as do the St John Ambulance and the Stamford Referees’ Association, and we even have a ladies knitting club meet here on a Wednesday evening.

“Our 3G pitch is run by director of football Guy Walton, which again is available to hire, with local football clubs using the pitches for mid-week training sessions; and Stamford Rugby Club Veterans train here as well. We have numerous five a-side teams and leagues registered throughout the week, and also using the grass community pitches are the newly formed Stamford Lions who play in The Peterborough League. The ‘Young Daniels’ also use the Community Pitches at weekends for their home matches.”

“We hope the wider community in and around the Stamford and Rutland area see the centre as a venue for any type of function. We are happy to discuss how we can help to make their event special. Over the past year we have held birthday parties, wedding receptions, christenings, seminars, children’s parties, a travel show, antique fairs, presentation evenings and general meetings.”

Tanya Brown is the bar manager at Borderville and in the evenings her staff look after guests who have come to the various functions in the main room. With up to 180 people able to be catered for, it can be a big job and Tanya, appointed last May, has brought in her own staff to provide a professional service to every function. Tanya added: “Beforehand, we like to meet with everyone who has booked an event to make sure we cater to their exact requirements.”

If you would like to hire any part of Borderville Sports Centre, please contact commercial manager Paul Pepper on 07849 629991 or email commercial@stamfordafc.net

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Active Family Week 13th - 21st February 2016 For regular updates about activities running for all the family throughout the February half term, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or visit the Active Rutland website. Don’t forget to visit our website regularly for up to date news and events throughout the year, funding opportunities for local sports clubs, coaches, volunteers, talented individuals and facilities, inclusive physical activity session details, the Passport to Leisure Scheme and much more.

@ActiveRutland

February Issue Active Mag.indd 2

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www.active rutland.org.uk

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14/01/2016 17:22:50

romrodinka

Stuck for things to do with the kids this February half term?

We’ve got plenty of sport and physical activity sessions for the whole family to get involved in.

Taking part in sport and physical activity is an extremely important part of all our lives so why not get active together? This new campaign week launches on Saturday 13th February for a week full of fun and friendly activities designed for families to move more often and get active together. You won’t be short of things to do with plenty of activities going on.

Discover the wide range of physical activities on offer including sessions for the kids and for the family. All ages and abilities are welcome with activities to suit all interests. The week will see over 30 sessions across Rutland including family fun tennis coaching, fun floats and inflatables, mother and tots cycle ride, badminton and many more.

For more details about what’s on this February half term, please visit www.activerutland.org. uk/activefamilyweek to download the activity timetable or alternatively contact a member of the Active Rutland Team on activerecreation@ rutland.gov.uk or 01572 720936.

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15/01/2016 16:09

Activelife

SUPPORTING #teamgeorge Global support for severely injured schoolboy George Robinson – but your help is needed Friends, family and the wider community have showed their support for recovering Stamford School pupil George Robinson, with a host of creative recent activities raising both awareness and funds.

George suffered severe spinal injuries during a rugby match in South Africa in July 2015, but since then there has been an overwhelming level of support with money being raised through donations, sponsored activities and merchandise sales. A trust has been developed for George which contains family and friends, including Stamford School headmaster Will Phelan. It decides the most effective uses of the money raised for George, be it new equipment or donating to charities which have supported him.

Over the weekend of January 2-3 current and former Stamford School students came together to walk the 32 miles from the Stamford School Chapel to the Lincolnshire coast. They had initially hoped to raise £500, but they have actually already raised £3,800, and this figure continues to grow. Around the school there have been a number of other fund-

ABOUT GEORGE

raising events by pupils, including a rock concert and food sales in the tuck shop.

Over the Christmas period, trustee Gareth Evison and his family (including Stamford School pupils Sam and Joey Evison) visited South Africa for an England cricket test match and got England cricketers to show their support through donning #teamgeorge merchandise. They were even able to make it on to Sky Sports after an interview with former England cricketer David Lloyd.

George was injured playing rugby in South Africa on the school rugby tour. While playing against DF Malan School in Cape Town, George incurred a serious spinal cord injury in a tackle. The injury is life changing as it caused a transection of his spinal cord. Over five months in to the injury, it is likely that George will require long-term personal care and support.

The Robinson family are positive in their outlook and confident, as is George, that he will continue to live a vibrant life and contribute to the full. A er spending 37 days in a South African hospital and a further five weeks in Addenbrooke’s Hospital near Cambridge, George is currently being rehabilitated in the Princess Royal Spinal Unit in Sheffield.

If you wish to donate to teamgeorge then visit www.justgiving.com/ teamgeorge2015 – alternatively #teamgeorge merchandise, including Beanie hats, can be bought from the Stamford School shop with all money raised helping George.

Messages of support have poured in for George on the Teamgeorge Facebook page from stars of world rugby, including Jonny Wilkinson and Geordan Murphy.

Will Phelan said: “The response of Stamfordians and friends of the school to George and the #teamgeorge campaign has been

wonderful and it makes me proud to be a part of this community.

“We as a school and I as a part of the trust wish to harness this support and work with George to both help him and allow him and #teamgeorge to help others in the future. We are really looking forward to George’s return to School in September.”

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FREE CRÈCHE throughout half-term!

That’s right, we’ve made it even easier to relax with the little ones in tow!

Meditation & Mindfulness

Take advantage of our on-site crèche for FREE in the half-term holiday when you come for your hair or beauty appointment*.

Friday 26 February

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SER59_active Ad February.indd 1

Public talk with senior Teacher, Kadam Bridget Heyes. Please book tickets at the Stamford Arts Centre box office.

www.drolmacentre.org.uk 13/01/2016 10:26

Rehabilitation Exercise Functional Rehabilitation

Less than a mile from the A1 Now with more than 70 dealers, the centre has a variety of antiques unmatched in the surrounding area.

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with the Philip Cutts Pain Management & Rehabilitation Group

Sponsored by Organo Gold - A selection of Gourmet Teas, Coffees & Hot Chocolate.

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22/01/2016 09:48

Guest column

Jimmy Hill’s legacy: high wages and endless punditry Martin Johnson on how the TV presenter changed football for all hen Jimmy Hill died just before Christmas, it’s unlikely Wayne Rooney raised a glass to his memory over the turkey with (taking into account the presenter’s most distinctive feature) a hearty cry of “chin, chin.” It was an awesome chin, capable of staging – given a sprinkling of show – the men’s Alpine ski jump, but what Rooney may not appreciate is that if it hadn’t been for Hill, any toast he might have made would probably have been made with a cheap bottle Cava from Asda.

Of all Hill’s legacies, including three points for a win and the slow motion replay, the biggest was his role in the abolition of the maximum wage which, in 1961, stood at £20 a week. In which case, far from pocketing a reputed £300,000 a week, if Rooney had been playing under the wage restrictions imposed back then – he’d currently be earning – allowing for inflation – £311 a week.

There was, however, one innovation of Hill’s which may have required all his legendary gift of the gab when trying to get through the Pearly Gates. I have this image of a grim faced St Peter blocking the entrance and saying: “Oi, you with the chin and the beard. Aren’t you the bounder responsible for the football panel?”

Amazing though it is to people of my own vintage, an entire generation of fans have grown up watching matches on television blissfully unaware that the coverage once used to start only five minutes before kick off.

Nowadays, there is at least an hour’s worth of waffle about whether Rovers will be playing the diamond system, the pros and cons of zonal marking, a series of clips demonstrating that Albion are vulnerable to left footed crosses from the right hand side, and possession and territory stats from the previous games. All of which will be minutely dissected by a variety of so-called experts.

Hill started it all, back in 1970, when there was only terrestrial television, the BBC and ITV shared the rights to World Cups, and the Beeb traditionally blew their commercial rivals out of the water when it came to viewing figures. But with Hill on ITV, surrounded by his revolutionary panel of experts, that was suddenly reversed.

When the panel cranks up now, most sane people fill the time before kick off by taking the dog for a walk, or finally getting round to fixing that tap that’s been dripping, but in those days the novelty of listening to football people droning on holding midfielders and overlapping full backs was evidently more riveting than the game itself.

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There were some classic moments with the panel, not least when Brian Clough was on. As in 1973, when England were playing Poland in a World Cup qualifier and, after the first 45 minutes of the visiting goalkeeper performing like an octopus with a set of extra tentacles, Clough spent the interval describing him as a clown. When the keeper pulled off about 20 more staggering saves in the second half Clough repeated his claim that the Polish keeper must have been recruited from a circus, and declined all invitations from the presenter, Brian Moore, to acknowledge that he’d had a good game.

These gems don’t happen any more, partly because pundits as one-eyed as Clough are hard to find, but mostly because they talk informedly, calmly, and with a lot of sense. Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, that kind of expert. The analysis is top-notch, but frankly who wants it? Clough talked rubbish, but it was never boring.

Hill was also a man with left field opinions, and it was about this time that the emphasis on commentary began to change. Up until then the chief requirement for any sport involving England was that you had to be delivered to a subliminal soundtrack of “Land of Hope and Glory”. You didn’t so much commentate as cheerlead.

My two favourite programmes actually involved sports I couldn’t abide – Ski Sunday with David Vine, and the Horse of the Year Show with Raymond Brooks-Ward. Many of you will have heard clips of that footie commentary when Norway beat England - “Maggie Thatcher! Winston Churchill! We gave your boys a hell of a beating!”

– but we had our own champions in the art of waving the flag, and it always came as a surprise to me when David or Raymond got to the end without bursting into a chorus of “Rule Britannia.”

Ski Sunday would invariably involve a succession of Austrians and Swiss hurtling down a mountain without dislodging a single pole, but just occasionally there’d be a Brit in the field, and David would give him or her the big build-up. “In the form of her life”, “real chance of medal here”… and no sooner had David enticed you to shift to the edge of your chair in anticipation than our girl was identifiable only by a couple of skis poking out of a giant snowdrift.

Raymond was an even classier act. The Horse of the Year Show was different to the skiing in that we actually had genuine medal contenders, and whenever one of our great hopes went deeper and deeper into a clear round, Brooks-Ward became hopelessly embroiled in a losing battle with his stiff upper lip.

Times have changed, usually for the slicker, but not always for the better. Or the more entertaining. So farewell Jimmy Hill. You were a great innovator, and we’ll remember you fondly, but not quite so fondly, perhaps, when Alan Shearer is next droning on about Crystal Palace’s flat back four.

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Feature /// Gear

KITBAG THE SNOW’S FINALLY COME - HERE’S MORE GREAT SKIING KIT 1. Salomon womens X Pro 90 green white ski boots

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Salomon has developed the third generation custom shell providing more heat mouldable area than ever before allowing the last to increase from 100 up to 106mm for a tailored fit increasing performance and comfort.

Price £287.99 From www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

2. Dirty Dog Afterburner goggles The Dirty Dog Afterburner ski goggles have been made with a minimalistic feel and a frameless design for the best field of vision possible. The lenses have also been treated with an anti fog and anti scratch treatment to ensure you have the best vision at all times.

Price £49.99 From Rutland Sports

3. Dirty Dog Eclipse helmet Designed for maximum safety when you need it most. Constructed with a protective outer shell made of PC (Polycarbonate) or high impact ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). These shells give the helmets durability, weather resistance and are easy to clean.

Price £54.99 From Rutland Sports

4. Columbia’s Women’s Lay ‘D’ Jacket Available in a range of colours including Bright Plum Dobby, this sophisticated jacket boasts 550-fill power down technology, underarm venting, a snap-back powder skirt and thermal lining. Ideal for skiers who want to go straight from the slopes to après ski activities.

Price £190 From www.cotswoldoutdoor.com (click and collect from local stores available)

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5. Smoothie EC2 Women’s Snowboard This new snowboard incorporates a wide range of technical innovations developed through Lib Tech to produce an all mountain board. It has a full heart core which is made from a sustainable fast growing tree for its lightweight and environmentally friendly properties.

Price £299.99 From www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

GET THE PERFECT FITTING SKI BOOT There’s no denying it, if your ski boots are uncomfortable you are going to have a pretty miserable week on the mountain.

Your boot is the most essential part of your ski equipment as it’s what connects with your ski. Every movement you make with your ankle should immediately impact on your ski. A good boot fitter can help you find the perfect fit and will always ask what sort of skiing you do as this effects the choice of boot.

The most vital thing is to get a secure snug fit around the foot without pressure points.

The most common mistake is to get a boot

that is too big but remember that the boot liner will mould to your foot within 10-15 minutes and after several days skiing will have really packed down. So a boot that feels snug in the shop could feel loose and floppy within a few days. If it feels too tight initially it’s probably the right size. And make sure it’s snug around the heel and ankle. Don’t buy the first boot you try on, experiment with a few others and wear them all for 15-20 minutes.

To get your boots fitted locally visit the pro shop at Tallington Lakes www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

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25/01/2016 13:17

VACCINATION AMNESTY If your pet’s annual booster vaccination is more than 3 months overdue we would recommend starting the full course again.

Book their vaccination at Oakham Veterinary Hospital before 31st March 2016 and only pay the price of a standard booster to restart the course.

Phone our Small Animal reception on: 01572 722646 for more information or to book your appointment.

Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QH Small Animal: 01572 722646 / Equine: 01572 722647 www.oakhamvethospital.co.uk

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22/01/2016 09:48

TAKE IT TO THE EXTREME! Triathlons, duathlons, marathons and long distance walking: why not take on some challenging events this year?

March 5 Dambuster Duathlon Rutland Water

Starting with a 10km run around the lake and across the dam it’s important not to be deceived by the flatness of the run section which does a double loop of the dam. The fact that you can see the competition for much of the run means this is a psychologically challenging course, and is followed by a 42km bike ride around Rutland. www.pacesetterevents.com

March 27 East Leake Triathlon Loughborough

The friendly atmosphere makes East Leake Triathlon a superb event for the first timer (each event has over 150 first timers), whilst the fast flat course and distance makes for a excellent start to the season. Timing chips will be used, enabling you to view your time crossing the

finish line and provide full accurate results/ splits on the day. www.entrycentral.com/festival/657

April 10 Desford Sprint Triathlon Bosworth Academy

An early season event at this popular venue, a great way to start your season and see how that winter training has improved your times.

The event begins with a 400m pool-based swim in the Bosworth Community College pool, before heading out on a 1 lap 18km bike course.

You then finish with a spectator-friendly 5km run to the finish line within the college grounds. www.racetime-events.co.uk

May 2 Leicester Sprint Triathlon Leicester Grammar School

The fourth year of this great event based at the

stunning location of Leicester Grammar School in Great Glen, it begins with a 400m swim in the state of the art pool, before heading out on a 1 lap 20km bike course.

You then finish with a 5km run through the local area to the finish line. www.racetime-events.co.uk

June 18 Dambuster Triathlon Rutland Water

First established in 2002 the Dambuster Triathlon is a well recognised feature of the triathlon calendar in the UK. The swim which takes place in the Rutland Water Lake is a straight one lap 1500m with no real surprises. A well tried and tested course which starts in front of the Harbour Bar and is a tremendous spectacle for competitors and spectators alike.

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Feature /// Challenge

August 16 Castle Classic Sprint & Super Sprint Triathlon De Montfort University Leisure Centre

The DMU campus will play host to the annual Castle Classic cycle race. Returning for the third year, the 3.8km circuit runs through the campus with the start/finish line at The Newarke, opposite Trinity House.

The race includes this year’s final round of the British Cycling Elite Road Series, which will attract the best riders and teams in the country to decide the outcome of the series. Last year 3,000 spectators lined the course and it was televised too. www.dmu.ac.uk

September 14 Market Harborough Triathlon Market Harborough Leisure Centre

A pool based triathlon event featuring both a Sprint distance and a Try-a-tri distance, the Harborough Triathlon has created several new categories to help encourage many of the entrants that are often overlooked in traditional triathlon events. So as well as the usual rewards for outstanding achievement, there will be some extra ones: New Mum to Super Mum, Super Vets, Fit Couple and Fit Family! www.raceharborough.co.uk/triathlon

September 10 Vitruvian Triathlon Rutland Water

Established in 2003, the Vitruvian started from humble beginnings and less than 250 starters in its first year. Since then the Vitruvian has grown into one of the most respected and iconic races on the UK calendar.

With a two-lap 1,900m swim in front of highly enthusiastic crowds, the race starts as it means to go on and the double lap bike course, covering 85km in total, is not for the faint hearted. With the 21km run to finish it off the Vitruvian is a true test of endurance. www.pacesetterevents.com

The bike – a slightly long 42km around the spectacular Rutland scenery – is a good testing course and well suited to strong bikers. Best described as undulating it’s sure to sort out the standings.

The Rutland Ripple is not the only test of endurance on the course which offers little in the way of flat, but does offer good road surfaces and is a well established and clearly signposted route. www.pacesetterevents.com

July 31 Flashman Sprint Triathlon Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College

The Flashman Sprint Triathlon returns in 2016 at Welbeck Defence College in the heart of the Charnwood forest.

After your 400m pool swim you will depart on the hilly bike leg which will see you tackling

some of Leicestershire’s signature climbs.

During the bike leg there is a King of the Mountain stage, before returning to Welbeck Defence College to complete a 5km run which predominantly is on a bridal path. www.leicestertriathlonclub.co.uk

August 7 Rainbows Hospice Desford Sprint Triathlon Bosworth Academy

The event is open to anybody, whether you are a novice or a seasoned triathlete. Why not enter as a relay team and compete with your friends, family or colleagues?

It begins with a 400m pool based swim in the Bosworth Community College pool, before heading out on a one lap 18km bike course. You then finish with a spectator-friendly 5km run to the finish line within the college grounds. www.racetime-events.co.uk

September 24 Equinox 24 Belvoir Castle

The Equinox24 is a 24 hour mixed terrain race around a 10k loop against the clock. The event is open to all abilities: whether entering to run solo or in a team of 2-8, whether you aim to win or just to take part, this race will be exhilarating, testing and rewarding with a great atmosphere.

The 10k route will take you around the picturesque Belvoir Castle Estate. www.equinox24.co.uk

November 6 Duathlon Rockingham Rockingham Circuit

Rockingham Circuit offers a venue with a closed circuit track that has a fast course to test your early season sprint distance times. Nestled in the heart of Northamptonshire, this jewel of a venue is relatively flat, so good for setting a PB. www.rockingham.co.uk/portfolio/duathlonrockingham

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Rockingham Cars, Cockerell Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 5DU. Tel: 01536 268991 WWW.ROCKINGHAMCARS.CO.UK The New Abarth 595 Factory Racing starts from £17,420 OTR. Official fuel consumption figures for Abarth 595 Factory Racing Edition: mpg (l/100km): Combined 47.1 (6.0), Urban 35.8 (7.9), Extra urban 57.6 (4.9), CO2 Emissions: 139 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/ regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Model shown is the Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition 1.4 T-Jet 160 HP at £17,890 OTR including Gara White paint at £300 and optional Side Stripe and Mirror covers at £170. Abarth UK is a trading style of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK Ltd.

Feature /// Challenge

HALF AND FULL MARATHONS Feb 27 Belvoir Challenge 26 Melton Mowbray

The Belvoir Challenge first took place in 1990, with the aim of raising money for Harby Primary School. The race is organised by the Vale Striders running club and the Friends of Harby School. It takes place every year regardless of weather conditions. www.belvoirchallenge.co.uk

Mar 6 Cambridge Boundary Run Cambridge

The Cambridge Boundary Run is organised by Cambridge University Hare & Hounds, The University Cross-Country Running Club. The race stems from when three men and a dog ran around the boundary of the borough of Cambridge non-stop. Inspired by this, twentyfive years later, James Hasler and Derek Shorrocks decided to organise a similar event when about fifteen runners ran around the boundary in February 1949. Although originally

an irregular event, the Cambridge Boundary Marathon is now an annual event. www.cuhh.org.uk/competition/boundaryrun/

June 11 Market Harborough Carnival Half Marathon Market Harborough

The Market Harborough Carnival of Running Half Marathon raises funds for local charities.

There is also a Market Harborough Carnival of Running 10K. The race starts at The Robert Smyth Academy on Burnmill Road and fisnishes at the Symington Recreation Ground on Mill Hill Road. www.raceharborough.co.uk

Oct 23 Leicester Marathon Leicester

The race starts and finishes at Victoria Park.

From there, runners follow a loop, heading out into surrounding countryside, then back towards the finish line. www.leicestermarathon.org.uk

PERKINS GREAT EASTERN RUN Entries are now open for one of the biggest running events in the East Midlands – the Perkins Great Eastern Run. It was a record-breaking event in 2015 with almost 7,000 runners taking part across the half marathon, Anna’s Hope 5K Fun Run and wheelchair race.

The half marathon winner, Kenyan Philip Koech, ran its fastest time yet of 61 minutes and 40 seconds. This was also the second fastest time in the UK during 2015.

Annette Joyce, service director for city services and communications at Peterborough City Council, said: “We had such a great response to last year’s race and, with hundreds of people already pre-registering for the 2016 event, signs already look encouraging for October.”

The event has a great reputation among half marathons in the UK, as its fast, flat course gives runners an excellent chance of a personal best.

Close to the event, novice runners can get all the running support and training advice they need for the race. Free weekly training sessions take place at the Peterborough Embankment Athletics Track from July and on race day pacers will lead runners around the course. www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk

COUNTRY WALKING’S 1,000 MILES BRITAIN’S BEST-SELLING walking magazine has launched a challenge for people to each walk 1,000 miles in 2016.

It’s increasingly well known walking is the best form of exercise – adding years to your life, cutting the risk of diabetes, dramatically reducing the risk of hip fractures, boosting self-esteem and shedding pounds pleasurably and painlessly.

But did you know walking an average of just 2.74 miles a day – less than a lunch hour – will not only see you hit an astonishing 1,000 miles this year, it will halve your risk of becoming obese, cut the risk of suffering depression or stroke by over a third, trigger your body to slow its ageing and repair its DNA, and turn your body into a fatburning machine even when you’re sitting at your desk?

Now thousands are harnessing walking’s extraordinary powers as a panacea by pledging to hit the magical grand in 2016 – encouraged by

a vibrant social media support network, and routes, advice and recognition from Britain’s biggest walking magazine, Country Walking.

Editor Guy Proctor said: “#walk1000miles shouldn’t be thought of as a tough, no-pain-nogain challenge. It works out at an average of 2.74 miles a day, and is eminently fit-in-able, involve-the-kids-in-able and pursue-in-slackmoments-of-your-day-able. Part of the joy we’ve heard reported again and again in the Facebook group for people doing the challenge lies in discovering all the walking there is local to you and how enjoyable it is to do!

“Most of my miles will be earned in Stamford, Rutland, Leicestershire and Northants, and I constantly make new discoveries that remind me walking isn’t about travelling large distances to ‘resort’ locations – its pleasures and benefits are all around us. And the more you do it, the better everything gets!”

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Feature /// Challenge 1

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WALKING April 9 The Twilight Walk King Power Stadium, Leicester

Dig out your ball gown, dust off your tiara for a girl’s night out in Leicester! Join ladies of all ages and fitness levels on a 10km sponsored walk in aid of charity LOROS, starting and finishing at King Power Stadium. The route will take you around Leicester City Centre, passing by some of Leicester’s most iconic landmarks such as the infamous Leicester Cathedral and the spectacular Curve Theatre.

You will be welcomed at the Phoenix Square (the half-way point) by light refreshments and loads of entertainment along the way. www.loros.co.uk

May 8 Paws 4 a Cause Leicester’s City Park

Get yourself to the Oval in Abbey Park for a lovely 4K walk around Leicester’s City park, taking in the views of the River Soar and 12th century ruins of Leicester Abbey.

Organiser Laura Fitzsawyer, fund-raising co-ordinator at LOROS, said: “Paws for a Cause was great fun last year and we hope this year’s event will be even more so.

“Taking part is easy and entry is free – you can register and claim your free fundraising pack by clicking the link above. All we ask is that you raise some funds for LOROS by asking your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you and your dog.”

KITBAG CHALLENGE You can’t take on the hardest obstacles and challenging conditions without the right kit. Here’s our pick...

1. 2016 Genesis Croix De Fer 20 Steel Adventure Road Bike - Olive Green

4. Salomon Women’s Wings Flyte GTX Shoe

This bike will take you almost anywhere thanks to its excellent blend of Tiagra components, TRP Hy/Rd-C Brakes and Reynolds 725 steel frame.

Price £1,199.99 From www.rutlandcycling.com

The lightest weight option in the Wings line, Flyte is a mountain trail running shoe.

Price £100 From www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

2. Dare2b Men’s Fired Up Windshell A super lightweight fabric jacket with a showerproof finish, designed for rainy weekend training or runs.

Price £30 From www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

3. Cloudflyer running shoes The all-new Cloudflyer brings extra cushioning and stability to your run. Its patented CloudTec system is engineered with Zero-Gravity foam so the shoes weigh in at less than 300 grams. So they’re light, yet incredibly stable and cushioned.

Price £130 From www.on-running.com

5. La Sportiva Men’s Bushido Shoe Neutral, lightweight, sticky and aggressive, the Bushido is made for technical terrain.

Price £100 From www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

6. EzyDog Road Runner Lead Use as a standard dog lead or unclip the handle to wear around your waist/shoulder or use as a temporary tether.

Price £34.99 From www.innerwolf.co.uk

7. 2XU Compression tights A versatile and essential piece for any activity or post-exercise recovery. Body firming and ideal for both high and low impact training.

Price £75 From Leicester Running Shop

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Feature /// Sports funding

DOING YOUR BIDDING There are many grants available for clubs and organisations from the Government and local bodies, and local firms too. But how do you make a successful bid for them?

THERE ARE A SURPRISINGLY high number of grants available but often clubs and organisations do not now how to get hold of them, or how to apply to get the best results. Often, the more you apply for the better you understand the process and how to present to distributing bodies and committees, because unlocking funds successfully and on a regular basis takes a lot of time and experience.

It is best if one person takes charge of the whole project, as long as they have the full support of the rest of the organisation, because having too many people involved, however well-meaning, can often lead to confusion, replication of duties, or key elements of the bid being missed.

Sometimes there are also presentations to do, so there needs to be somebody happy to stand in front of a group of people and ‘sell’ your bid.

Rich Twigg of 4Grants, who work with many organisations and clubs to apply for grants, understands the intricacies of various systems and offers some key tips to writing a comprehensive funding bid...

• Clearly demonstrate you meet all of the criteria.

• Clearly detail the outcomes of your project.

• Demonstrate that the project is additional to a statutory service.

• Ensure you thoroughly evidence the need for the project.

• Ensure your business plan is thorough and covers all aspects of the project, demonstrating that it’s a well planned and managed project.

• In current times, even if you meet the criteria there will be too many bids for the amount of money that a funder can distribute, if a funder has priorities make sure you detail how you meet these in your bid.

• Demonstrate your belief and enthusiasm for the project.

• Make sure that the group writes the bid so they have ownership of it.

• Have the application form signed by the correct people.

• Ensure that those group members that you put down as contact people are fully knowledgable about the bid.

• Ensure the application is sent before the deadline.

• Include all the documents that are required.

• Apply for the amount of funding as detailed in the bid.

• Make sure your accounts are not filed late and are up to date.

• Make sure that you fully complete the form; if the funder asks for the finance information to be written in the bid, don’t ask them to see your attached budget sheet.

• Clearly demonstrate how the money will be spent.

• Spend time producing an accurate budget sheet that clearly details all financial aspect of the bid.

• If your projects overall cost is more than the amount being applied for, detail where this money is coming from.

• Make sure you are not applying for anything retrospectively.

ABOUT 4GRANTS

4Grants works on a no-win, no-fee basis, and has experience of numerous funding sources available to community groups, schools, councils and charities. 4Grants reckons it can simplify the process and increase an organisation’s chance of success.

Recently, 4Grants secured funding for Burghley Park Cricket Club, and club chairman David Billings said: “4Grants charge a percentage of any successful grants which is perfect for us; we pay the commission from monies we raised through our own fund-raising. It’s a no-win no-fee approach so it’s in their interest to get the grant for you and everyone wins. 4Grants come up with grants that no-one has ever heard of!! The club is now in a great position moving forwards.”

For further information visit www.4grants.co.uk, Twitter:4Grants, Facebook: 4Grants For available funding streams in your area head to www.theactivemag. com/clubmaintenance Next month: we look at ways to spend the monies raised.

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU FITNESS PLAN – PHASE 2

Over the course of three months we’re outlining a fitness plan that’s designed to help make 2016 your fittest and healthiest year yet. The plan is designed to help you lose body fat, target typical problem areas, get in shape, improve posture and strengthen weak muscles.

In the January issue of Active we gave you your phase 1 ‘setting the foundations’ plan. This month we’ll show you the phase 2 ‘define yourself’ plan. Next month it’ll be all about fine-tuning those results, with the phase 3 “shape and sculpt” plan.

PHASE 2 PLAN – DEFINE YOURSELF The phase 1 plan was all about building your essential fitness foundations, developing a base level of fitness, strength and body conditioning that can be taken to the next level in this month’s plan. This month the exercises get a little more complex and the workouts get more challenging. The time

you’ll end up spending in the gym will be exactly the same, but this month you’ll burn even more calories, develop even more strength and body shape, and be pushed a little harder.

However, if you didn’t have a chance to complete phase 1 then all is not lost – you can jump straight in to this month’s plan providing you start off a little slower. Spend the first week developing your technique in the exercises below, and when you’re confident enough then push yourself a little harder, then do so.

This programme is also suitable for intermediate and advanced gym-users, so feel free to jump straight in to the plan at this stage if you feel it’s right for you.

HOW TO DO THESE WORKOUTS Like in phase 1, you’ll have two separate workouts to do; a resistance and strengthbased workout, and a cardiovascular and

conditioning workout. Each week you’ll ideally complete both workouts twice, alternating between the two, making a total of four workouts per week.

Workout 1 includes three ‘supersets’ of exercises – exercise A is performed back-to-back with exercise B with minimal rest in between. These supersets are designed to target the whole body in a very efficient way, meaning more calories burned, more muscle sculpted and a bigger boost in your metabolism. Workouts are shorter than you may have been used to previously, but that’s because they get straight to the point, meaning fast and highly effective training sessions.

Workout 2 gives you an option of exercises to use. We’ve given you the option of three, where you’ll pick only one to do that day. If you’re feeling like a bit of a gruelling session however, then you’re also more than welcome to do the optional

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WORKOUT 1

1A 1A

1B 1B

2A

2B

3A

3B

WORKOUT 2

OPTION 1

exercise at the end of the session, or add more sets on to your main session. These exercises are high-intensity, short duration, burners, and they’re designed to only take around 30 minutes from stepping foot in the gym to leaving.

Gone are the days of having to spend hours in the gym to see results; these workouts give you the results you want in half the time of traditional workouts. Just make sure you’re pushing yourself a little harder every workout to ensure your body is progressing.

Stick to the plan below until the end of this month, then in March you’ll be ready and raring to step it up another level with some metabolic resistance training (MRT) workouts, in phase 3.

WORKOUT 1 Warm-up – 10 minutes of foam rolling and dynamic stretching exercise

OPTION 2

OPTION 3

1a kettlebell swing – 4 sets of 12-15 repetitions, move straight to 1b 1b plank row – 4 sets of 10-12 repetitions alternating, rest 1 minute, back to 1a 2a split squat – 3-4 sets of 10-12 repetitions each side, move straight to 2b 2b dumbbell rotational press – 3-4 sets of 10-12 repetitions each side, rest 1 minute, back to 2a 3a overhead walking lunge – 3 sets of 12-20 repetitions alternating, move straight to 3b 3b ball knee tuck – 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions, rest 1 minute, back to 3a

seconds, rest 30-45 seconds, repeat again.

Repeat 5-7 times. Heart rate should be above 85% maximum.

Option 3: Rowing machine. Resistance level 4-7. 500 metres as fast as possible. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 3-5 times. Heart rate should be above 85-90% maximum.

Optional: Follow each high intensity workout with 15-20 minutes of brisk walking on a high incline treadmill. Intensity should be low, maintaining a heart rate of 70-80% of its maximum (3-5 out of 10 in level of perceived exertion).

WORKOUT 2 Warm-up – 10 minutes of foam rolling and dynamic stretching exercise Option 1: Plate push 30 metres as fast as possible, rest 30-45 seconds, repeat again.

Repeat 5-7 times. Heart rate should be above 85% maximum.

Option 2: Battling ropes (Any variation) 30

Gareth Sapstead MSc CSCS Gareth is one of the leading personal trainers in the UK, a fitness writer, book author, healthy recipe conjurer, and award-winning blogger at thefitnessmaverick.com. For personal training enquires contact Gareth via his website at www.thefitnessmaverick.com/contact or telephone 07825 640837.

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LIVE WELL

ADDRESSING YOUR WEAK POINTS Function Jigsaw’s Max Hartman on building corrective exercise into performance AS ATHLETES, sports men and women, weekend warriors, or seasoned pros, we all have physical deficiencies that must be addressed to push performance forward and ensure we can achieve our best possible results in our chosen pursuits.

One of the most common training strategies for athletes is well thought-out strength and fitness training, ensuring your body is adequately conditioned to perform the tasks you are asking of it.

While one major facet of training is strength work, good quality movement, stability, optimal biomechanics, and mobility are all also essential qualities that must be developed. Exercises that look to address these factors are often referred to as corrective exercises, prehab, injury reduction, or any other buzz term that often gets thrown around.

Whatever phrase is attached to this

form of training, it is essential that the outcome of improved performance is kept at the forefront of exercise selection.

Finding the right balance of high intensity fitness and strength work, and the somewhat lower intensity corrective exercises, is essential. Not enough corrective work leads to limits on performance and increased chance of injury, and too much of it and you will not be pushing yourself enough to really get fitter, faster, or stronger. So what should you be doing? How do you know what applies to you? And where do you start?

Throughout this article, we will discuss a number of corrective exercises, their progressions, why they apply to certain movements, and how to use them to successfully achieve the desired goal: improvements in your ability to partake in your chosen discipline, and the ability to

continue to push yourself forwards.

For this article, we will look at a series of exercises aimed at developing the sled push. This has become an increasingly popular exercise recently as ‘strength and conditioning’ type facilities have become more and more common, and gym goers strive for more challenging exercises.

While the sled push is an excellent exercise for developing lower body strength and power, you must have good technique to get biggest adaptation from your training. While technique is skill based, the fundamental quality underpinning technique is often ensuring adequate strength in the right areas of the body.

From (image 1), we can see a very good example of how certain physical qualities can contribute to poor technique. The aim of a sled push is to

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In this instance, as is the case with many keen gym goers, the key lies with both strength and control through the anterior core musculature, or the ‘abs’.

This is not necessarily referring to the typical ‘6 pack’ muscles you see in the mirror, but the deeper musculature of the transverse abdominals that work to stabilise the spine and prevent the excessive extension seen in the picture above. Whilst these muscles have to be strong to promote good function, its also essential to build control through the core as a whole so that when pushing a sled you actually realise and feel when you are in the right position, and when you aren’t.

You can be the strongest person in the world, but with no awareness of what the right position feels or looks like, it becomes very hard to get into that position and then keep it, especially when under heavy loads!

This is where corrective exercise comes in, you must start with low intensity, isolated movements, and progress load and intensity until the desired effect carries over into your training. The following series of drills are exercises that we commonly employ at the clinic to educate clients in situations like this where anterior core control is the main deficit.

produce high force at the legs and hips, and use that to drive the sled forward.

The torso and upper limb act as the conduit to transfer the force from the legs to the sled: all quite simple in principle.

Using the example above, you can see that although the upper back, head, and arms are in a good position, because of a very arched lower back the direction of the force is actually going DOWN toward the floor. This may not be an issue when working with lower weights, but high compressive load going through the lower back in a curved position such as this comes with a very high risk of injury.

So, corrective exercises: clearly in this situation there is scope to involve some sort of ‘prehab’ routine to address this problem and start to change the movement pattern. But where to start?

The main point of corrective exercises is that for them to contribute effectively to a chosen movement, they have to actually resemble that movement in some way, whether that is the position the joints are in, the speed at which it is performed, or the type of work a muscle is doing.

EARLY STAGE: ISOLATED ANTERIOR CORE CONTROL (image 2) This exercise teaches the basic contraction of the anterior core, or transverse abdominals, in isolation, and how to maintain this contraction to stabilise the spine whilst moving the hip joints. As mentioned previously, because our goal is to improve performance in the sled push, and a successful sled push requires a stable spine, our corrective exercises must target this sort of movement. Whilst real ‘core’ strength training should target the whole of the trunk musculature together, for the purpose of corrective exercise like this, isolated contractions in this situation can be very helpful. The aim is to keep the lower back flattened against the floor/ couch, and maintain this position whilst alternately lowering each leg slowly, returning to the start position, and repeating. Placing a small ball under the lower back gives good feedback with each rep: if your back raises off the ball and you can’t feel it, the correct stability isn’t being trained. If you keep pressure on the ball, great, you’re doing it right!

PROGRESSION: EARLY QUADRUPED DRILLS (Image 3) The all fours, or quadruped position, is a great training tool for educating the musculature of the core, spine, and shoulders, and offers ample opportunity

to develop good quality movement and stability. For athletes such as runners or footballers however, this position has little benefit, as it is very rarely experienced during performance. However for athletes in combat sports such as judo, rugby, wrestling, or martial arts, the quadruped position is very useful indeed. Again, due to the similarities with the sled push, it is a good choice for our case study. The goal of quadruped exercises is again to maintain a stable pelvis and spine whilst moving the hips through range. Below is a basic quadruped exercise that demonstrates this type of movement with a low level of difficulty (image 3).

Balancing a foam roller along the spine ensures the movement is performed correctly, as any movement of the roller shows that the pelvis is moving and that stability is not being trained.

Whilst these exercises have been chosen for their application to a sled push, the benefits of core control training and spinal stability can be applied to any number of sporting movements.

Developing this quality can help protect the lower back, improve your ability to strengthen the core, hips, and legs, improving your overall quality of training.

See next month’s Active for further progressions building into a full sled push, and further discussion on where to apply corrective exercise to your training programme.

Many thanks to NPC performance Loughborough for use of their excellent facility.

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3 @FunctionJigsaw / @maxhartman4 info@functionjigsaw.co.uk www.functionjigsaw.co.uk

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LIVE WELL

A HEALTHY HEART FULL OF LOVE, NOT FAT As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s give our hearts a bit of loving too, says nutritional adviser Helen Cole

One of the biggest influences on heart health is the amount and type of fat consumed. Here’s how to work out good and bad fat, and how much to have...

FAT AS A FRIEND, NOT FOE A small amount of fat is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet. Fat is a source of essential fatty acids such as omega 3 – ‘essential’ because the body can’t make them itself.

Fat helps the body absorb vitamins A, D and E. These vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be absorbed with the help of fats.

THE FAT GUIDE The main types of fat found in food are saturated and unsaturated. Most fats and oils contain both saturated and unsaturated fats in different proportions.

Government guidelines recommend that the average level of fat in people’s diet should be about a third, or approximately 33%, and no higher than 35% of their total energy intake, with saturated fats making up no more than 11% and trans fats no more than 2%.

SATURATED FATS These are linked to increasing levels of bad cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Saturated fat is found in meat and dairy products, such as whole milk, butter and cheese, as well as in coconut and palm oils.

POLYUNSATURATED FATS Tend to be liquid at room temperature and may help to lower total and LDL cholesterol (but may also lower HDL or good cholesterol). They can be divided into two groups – omega 3 and omega 6. Both are important for heart health but omega 3s also help to reduce inflammation and are

important for cognitive function.

Polyunsaturates are found in certain plant oils, such as sunflower and soybean.

OMEGA 3 Occurs in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, whitebait and herrings), wheat germ, nuts, linseed and rapeseed oil and soya beans.

OMEGA 6 Occurs in nuts, sunflower seeds and oil, and wheat germ.

MONO-UNSATURATED FATS They are the healthiest type of fat as they help to lower total and LDL cholesterol but, unlike polyunsaturates, they also maintain levels of HDL or good cholesterol, making them a great choice for a healthy heart.

Monounsaturated fats occur in oils such as olive, rapeseed and sesame (which are good for cooking), avocados and some nuts and seeds such as almonds, brazil nuts and peanuts.

TRANS FATS These are the unhealthiest fats and occur naturally in small amounts in meat and dairy products but are also made when unsaturated fats are altered during processing to increase their shelf life. The resulting processed fats (called hydrogenated vegetable oils or HVOs) are used in a variety of products, such as cakes, biscuits, pastry and fried foods.

If you want to cut your risk of heart disease, it’s best to reduce your overall fat intake and swap saturated fats for unsaturated fats. There is good evidence that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol.

UNDERSTANDING FOOD LABELS For a product to be labelled lower fat,

reduced fat, lite or light, it has to contain at least 30% less fat than a similar product.

But if the type of food in question is high in fat in the first place, the lower-fat version may also still be high in fat (17.5g or more of fat per 100g). For example, a lower-fat mayonnaise is 30% lower in fat than the standard version, but is still high in fat.

These foods also aren’t necessarily low in calories. Sometimes the fat is replaced with sugar and may end up with a similar energy content. To be sure of the fat content and the energy content, remember to check the nutrition label on the packet.

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT FAT Cutting down on saturated fats is only one aspect of reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Other risk factors include eating too much salt and sugar, being overweight, smoking and a lack of physical activity.

When it comes to heart health, you are better off focusing on your overall diet than on individual nutrients such as fat or sugar.

A balanced and nutritious diet is considered one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Introduce plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oats, nuts and seeds, pulses, soya foods and vegetable oils to your diet every day for optimum health.

Cole Nutrition offers a full dietary analysis to identify the requirements for each individual.

Together, we look at current eating and lifestyle patterns or habits and identify possible changes in realistic and achievable terms. Whatever your lifestyle, Cole Nutrition will endeavour to find the perfect balance for a happy, healthy you.

If you would like to book a consultation or find out more about what we offer, please contact Helen Cole on 07966 050 193, email colenutritionh@gmail.com or visit our website at www.colenutrition.co.uk.

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ACTIVE BODY

THE FINISHING TOUCHES You’ve done all the hard work in the gym, playing sports and getting fit, so now is the time to reap the benefits and add the finishing touches…

Edited by Mary Bremner

WINTER SKIN At this time of year our skin can suffer because of the changes in temperatures from cold winds outside to stuffy, warm centrally heated rooms inside. This can cause unwanted dryness and the skin can be left dull looking. So make sure you use a good moisturiser on your body every time you get out of the shower and always clease, tone and moisturise your face religiously twice a day – it’s worth it.

HOW TO GET THE NO MAKE UP LOOK Make up this year is all about all or nothing, and it can be both in the same day. ‘Barely there’ is a trend that’s gaining in popularity and is great for the active girl as it brings your features to the fore, no overdrawn eyebrows and prominent lip lines. ‘It’s all about the face,’ is what many beauty and make up artists are saying this season.

But, as with most make up, a naked face is rarely that. This season the make up looks like skincare – plump, hydrated and cared for complexions. In other words a bright, healthy, subtle look. Gym skin with an athletic, not cosmetic look to it. False

tans are out but facials are definitely in.

No deep bronzes, unless you have a natural tan, peaches and beiges are the go to shades. Eyebrows are full and skin is lit up and highlighted rather than heavily contoured. Looking like you take care of your face as well as your body is the ongoing trend at the moment.

But that doesn’t mean ditch the make up altogether, far from it. Grab a good foundation that is lightweight and blurs out blotchiness whilst giving you a glow.

There’s a lot around at the moment. If you need hydration and line hiding try Givenchy’s Teint Couture Balm (£29) or for a more matte yet natural finish Nars Velvet Mat Skin Tints will be with us very shortly.

Blusher should look believable – a healthy flush rather than sharp bone structure. Buff it into the apples of your cheeks. Lips should look full of life and hydrated rather than blotted out with heavy colour. A top quality balm that shows off your natural colouring is to be recommended.

Eyebrows should be well groomed and natural looking – but definitely not drawn

on. Use pencils, thickeners and powders to get the effect subtly. Then it’s just a flick of mascara and you’re ready to go. A healthy, glowing skin that goes perfectly with your fit, strong body.

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And finally…..

The latest fashions to show off

The Kendall bralette £30 www.elcyclothing.com

NEAL’S YARD LUXURY ORGANIC FACIAL Neal’s Yard is renowned for its organic beauty products and prides itself on its Fairtrade policies. Enter their shops and you are met with fabulous aromas and friendly staff. What is not so well known is that they also offer many beauty treatments and massages in treatment rooms located in their shops. We were treated to a luxury organic facial (cost £50) at their Stamford branch.

Head upstairs within the shop and you are met by therapist Karen McGilvray, who takes you into her candle lit treatment room. A quick chat about what sort of products you use and what extra massage you would like, hands or feet, whilst the mask is in place, and then you get to lie on her heated treatment couch – a luxury in itself.

This facial is all about relaxation, rejuvenation and indulgence and it really does fit the bill. Karen started by deep

cleansing and exfoliating using a warm muslin cloth and then, using Eastern massage movements combined with warm oils, stimulated and oxygenated the skin whilst releasing tension in the face, neck and shoulders. She then massages the shoulders, arms and hands whilst you relax with a face mask.

We also benefitted from a foot massage which was fabulous. Be warned, it’s quite hard to stay awake it’s so relaxing.

Afterwards, whilst having a refreshing cup of herbal tea, Karen discussed the skincare products she had used, how to apply them yourself and offered a 15% discount on any products you bought that day – not to be sniffed at. My skin felt soft and smooth afterwards and I certainly felt relaxed, rather too much so!

GEL NAILS

she’ll give you a hand massage as well.

The application takes less than half an hour and lasts for two weeks or more without chipping and stays just as shiny as when it was first applied. It’s ideal for anyone with a busy active life.

The secret lies in the application, numerous layers that are dried off using ultra violet light and are rock hard immediately. What’s more the gel does no harm to your nails and actually protects

There’s nothing worse than spending ages painting your nails and then damaging them as they haven’t dried properly. Or, if you get past that stage, chipping them the next day. Gel nail polish is the solution and Antonia Dowell did a great job of mine.

She’s mobile so turns up at your house with hundreds of shades to choose from.

It’s very convenient and, if you’re lucky,

www.nealsyardremedies.com 01780 752505.

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them. Antonia leaves you with instructions about how to care for your nails and some cuticle oil as well. You do have to have the gels removed but mine lasted nearly three weeks so I wasn’t complaining – and was very tempted to have them redone. If Antonia comes back to re-do your nails she will not charge you for the removal of the previous set. Cost: £20 plus £5 for the removal. Follow Andrea on Facebook under Nailbar Stamford. Tel: 07715 111741.

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24/01/2016 18:28

Feature /// Great walks

Castle Bytham to Lobthorpe Open fields, wild deer and plenty of contours make for a cracking walk, as Will Hetherington discovers Photography: Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

Park somewhere near the village pond or the Castle Bytham sign on Glen Road and then walk north along Glen Road until you reach the brown Recreation Field sign which also says Permissive footpath. Contrary to your OS map this is the actual start of this walk. We spent 15 minutes looking for the footpath which is marked on the OS map, only to eventually discover the path no longer exists and starting at this brown sign is far easier.

From here head through the Recreation Field and uphill out of the village on the path which heads west initially until it reaches Morkery Lane and then turns north west across the fields passing Angel Wells Farm. It was here that we watched a herd of fallow deer move through the fields 100 yards to our right, which is always a pleasant sight.

Stay on the path as it undulates through another four fields with some heavy underfoot conditions, before reaching Tortoiseshell Wood.

This is a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve and makes for a decent walk in its own right.

Once you have passed Tortoiseshell Wood it’s uphill all the way to Lobthorpe, which is a tiny hamlet only about one mile east of the A1. When you reach Lobthorpe at Hall Farm turn right on

to Woolley’s Lane until you reach the footpath on your right which leads to Park House Farm. Take this easy track downhill to the farm and carry on straight through with the Glen Brook now on your right.

You should see a few pheasants around here and you will soon come to the old quarry on your right which is now a series of ponds. Shortly after the ponds you reach Red Barn and a well surfaced lane leading back to Glen Road. Turn right when you get to the road and head back into Castle Bytham. If you want a shorter version of this walk you can take the track to Park House Farm before you get to Tortoiseshell Wood which cuts out the Lobthorpe section. But if you do you may not work up a big enough appetite to enjoy a meal in the Castle or a pint in the Fox & Hounds…

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park Somewhere around the duck pond or along Glen Road in Castle Bytham.

Distance and time Six miles/two and a quarter hours.

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Highlights You may well spot a herd of fallow deer, as well as plenty of feathered game.

Tortoiseshell Wood is a nature reserve.

Castle Bytham is a fascinating village.

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Lowlights If it’s been wet, which it has a lot this winter, the first half will be hard going, but the second half is much better.

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Refreshments The Castle and the Fox & Hounds.

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Difficulty rating Four paws. It’s a long way round and there are plenty of contours.

The pooch perspective This is a pretty good walk for the dog as it’s mostly arable farmland so there is hardly any livestock. And the Glen Brook provides an opportunity for a drink and a cool off.

START

➛

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. ©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2015 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 055/15

TOP STAT

od is a Tortoiseshell Wo ldlife Trust site Lincolnshire Wi all visitors. and is open to

Clockwise, from le

Castle Bytham is just outside Rutland; park somewhere near the pond or on Glen Road; the old quarry is now a series of ponds

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24/01/2016 18:29

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22/01/2016 16:48

Feature /// Sportsman's Dinner

Thai on the Square, Market Deeping Will and Wendy head out east, both geographically and nutrionally Will We don’t often get over to Market Deeping for dinner so this makes a pleasant change. This restaurant is actually on the first floor of the Stone Loach Inn right in the middle of town, which is run by Johnny and Sabrina. Admittedly they could do with a bit more signage to advertise but there’s plenty of people in here so they must have built a good reputation since they opened just over a year ago.

Wendy Yes, it’s a bit of a surprise finding the Thai restaurant above the pub but, as you say, there are plenty of people here and it’s a welcoming atmosphere. The two waitresses are lovely, with big smiles and a very helpful attitude. Sabrina said people come from Spalding, Peterborough and Stamford so they are obviously doing something right.

people (£12) was just the sort of starter I like with a little taste of lots of different things; vegetable spring rolls, chicken satay, tempura prawns, Thai fish cakes and prawn toast. They were all tasty, especially with the four sauces.

Will Yes it was and I think the portions are about right. There was certainly enough for a starter but you have to be careful not to ruin your appetite for the main course, which can happen particularly in an Indian restaurant if you overdo the poppadoms. Not everybody likes the concept of sharing, but I’m with you – I think it’s fun and means you get to sample a lot more of what the kitchen has to offer.

Will Having a really good chef is probably the first thing but good staff and a warm atmosphere are all equally important. I am pretty peckish tonight, after a tough game of squash earlier and a decent dog walk so the Thai crackers with a tangy little sweet chilli dip were more than welcome while we looked at the well presented menus and enjoyed the first sip of a pint of Tiger lager.

Wendy This sounds dangerously like marital harmony breaking out over the dinner table, which is all very pleasant on a Friday night at the end of a long week. Having spent a fair amount of time in south east Asia I have developed a liking for Pad Thai so it’s always hard for me to order anything else as a main course in a Thai restaurant. And that was an enjoyable plate of stir fried rice noodles with chicken, egg beansprouts, tamarind sauce and topped with crushed peanuts and coriander.

And at £7 it’s extremely reasonable.

Wendy The Spice Island platter starter for two

Will Meanwhile my main course of gaeng deng

or Thai red curry (also a very reasonable £7) was extremely good. It’s a coconut milk-based curry with bamboo shoots, red peppers, Thai herbs, sweet basil and lime leaves and because I am slightly addicted to chillies I ordered it extra hot.

I’m very pleased to report my request did not go unhindered by the chef and he made sure that was a spicy bowl of curry. I needed the jasmine rice to help cool it down but that didn’t stop a slight tear in the eye.

Wendy I did notice you looking a little hot under the collar but I thought that was my effect on you. Only kidding, like you I love chillies so I’m glad they took notice of your request. I’m sure your second pint of Tiger helped to cool you down. And I have to say I enjoyed my half a pint, so you had better pass me the car keys.

That was a lovely meal but my only reservation is that you can hear the music from the pub clashing with the music in the restaurant.

Will I can’t say I really noticed that, but here are the car keys. I promise I’ll drive when we come back, which I am sure we will.

That on the Square 19 High Street, Market Place, Market Deeping, PE6 8EA. 01778 347653.

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55

23/01/2016 14:40

CHURCHILL SUMMER CAMPS MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN AGED 4 - 14

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All staff are DBS checked and have the necessary experience and training to deliver the extensive range of activities we offer. We pride ourselves on the quality of our childcare and our excellent staff ratios.

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OPEN MORNING Tuesday 23rd February 2016 9.00a.m.—11.30a.m.

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22/01/2016 09:47

Feature /// School sport

10 out of 10 for Witham First XV The Witham Hall 1st XV rugby side enjoyed a memorable 2015 season, winning all ten of their inter-school matches, a feat that has only been achieved twice in the past, in 1975 and 2010.

Technically the side were not unbeaten, having lost to Woodhouse Grove in the first of two fixtures in Yorkshire on their traditional early season tour, but, on a fixture list featuring the junior sides of five senior schools, ten wins represented a highly significant achievement.

In addition, the side won the annual Worksop College Festival, where they defeated St. Hugh’s from Woodhall Spa in the final.

The outstanding result of the season was at Sedbergh. The side spent large parts of the game defending but had the character, energy and desire to take every try scoring opportunity they made in the final quarter to achieve a remarkable victory.

As ever, the games against Stamford and Oakham were particularly tough; at Stamford a 12-0 half time deficit was first clawed back and then built upon to record a 25-12 success. At Oakham, an early lead was lost, and at 19-14 down entering the last five minutes something special was required. Right wing Archie Smith-Maxwell provided just that with a superb finish by the corner flag.

Oakham kicked off with two minutes remaining and, under great pressure, the Witham side went through numerous phases, taking them to the Oakham 22. A penalty was

won, 20 metres in from touch, and with the last kick of the game, fly half James Tattersall secured a very hard earned victory.

The final game came against a strong King’s, Grantham side, themselves enjoying a fine season. In what was an outstanding advert for U13 rugby, the Witham XV gave a superb exhibition of how to play into a strong wind in the first half, trailing by just one converted score at half time.

A converted try and penalty at the start of the second period quickly established a 10-7 lead, but despite concerted pressure the King’s defence held firm. The last five minutes were all

SHS Dance Showcase Pupils from SHS entertained two capacity crowds in January with a mixture of contemporary and modern dances in the annual Dance Showcase ‘The Movies’ 2016.

The showcase acts as a platform where students of all ages with an interest in dance can exhibit their work to an invited audience.

This year budding dancers and choreographers took inspiration from ‘The Movies’ for their choreography.

Dances were inspired by firms such as; Charlie Chaplin, Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Chicago and many more across the 37 dances that took place.

Additionally, audience members were entertained by the witticisms of Stamford School drama students Michael Jordan and James Pickering (both Y13), who acted as event comperes.

Some of the winning dances from the recent ‘house dance competition’ also featured in the show.

The event continues to grow in numbers and popularity after this year’s incredible tally of seventy two participating dancers.

Nicola Watson, the Dance Showcase

co-ordinator, said: “The students have worked tremendously hard and produced two stunning performances, which were a delight to watch.

“They have demonstrated the wealth of dancing talent that exists at the Stamford Endowed Schools and I am incredibly proud of the student’s achievements.”

played in the Witham 22, the last two more or less on the Witham line, but magnificent tackling brought an error and the final whistle, signalling the end to both a terrific match and a tremendous season.

Team: Toby Hanson, Archie Smith-Maxwell, Joe Fox, Orlando Thain, Hans Mehta, James Tattersall, Will Chandler, Archie Bingham, Frankie Atkinson, Will Pepper, Eshan Mehta, Max Shippey, Noah Cooper, Alfie Buik, Georgie Irvine (capt). The following also represented the XV: Toby Coulson, Finn Cummins, Freddie Dumbill, Oscar Fowler, Max Moore, Joey Robinson, Callum Wass.

Hockey season starts strongly Stamford School’s hockey teams made an excellent start to the new term as five of the six teams which competed against Gresham’s School emerged victorious.

The first team took on Gresham’s firsts in their opening fixture of the term. After a good start and a fantastic goal from Arthur Franklin, Stamford’s standards dropped allowing Gresham’s back into the game and a deflected shot made the score 1-1 at half time.

The team recognised a change of plan was needed and an excellent second half performance then followed; a hat-trick from man of the match Arthur Franklin and further goals from Laurence Sidwell and Will Leech completed the final 5-1 score line.

In the other results the 2nds drew 2–2 thanks to a last minute goal from Harry Barnett. The under 16As won 2-0, the under 16Bs won 5–1 and the under 15A and 15B teams won 6-1 and 17–1 respectively.

Head of hockey Jack Cropper, said: “The boys all competed well and the squad will look to move forward with much confidence.” /// F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6 5 7

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23/01/2016 14:41

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22/01/2016 09:47

Feature /// School sport

These girls can...

Girls from a number of schools in Rutland took part in a day run by Active Rutland called This Girl Can! to try new things, including producing pages for their own versions of Active magazine (pictured here).

They reported on other activities taking part throughout the day, including kickboxing, fit steps, rock climbing, dodgeball and bungee pump.

Active publisher Chris Meadows said: “It was great to see the enthusiasm of the girls for their projects and it was a superbly run day by Active Rutland, introducing them to new sports, and sports reporting too.”

THIS GIRL CAN IN

Rutland Girls Can on the 16th Decembe r.

Rutland Girls Can is for girls to get involved in sport. There are lots of girls here from different schools. The school’s are Catmose, UCC, CBECL at the Active Rutland Hub. I was invited here because we are bad at sport, can get better at so we sport and try new activites. really want to add cheerleading to Catmose I College, it would be quite fun in stead of doing something I don’t like.

Isobel van den berg Blake from Catmose College said, ‘This Girl Can’ day has encouraged me to do more sports. Each activity gave me a whole new sporting experienc e. The

Activelife

RUTLAND lunchtime speech from the kickboxin g teacher, was very inspiring because it was a warm encouraging nudge towards sports. The kept us very active day and really tired us out which was a good sign. Overall the day was inspiring and encourag ing to me.”

Lucy Adams said, “I feel that ‘This Girl Can’ is a great way to inspire girls that no matter insecurities, ability their or experience, physical activity can become a fun and active part of their lives. It is a great encouragement to try new things. I come from Catmose College have felt like the and sports done were nomy taste but, I thoroughly enjoy the activities ‘This Girl

RUTLAND

INTERVIEW: JENN A WOODS FROM UPPINGH AM COMMUNITY COLLEGE

THIS GIRL CAN IN

the girls to take, activities for as Kick Boxing of Rutland part in suchBungee Today is the day is being held Pump, Dodgeball, Girls Can, which Fit Steps. Also Rutland Hub in Climbing and ine at the ActiveEnterp have been rise Park.

Active Magaz journalism the Ashwell running a sports ign campa the girls have a is session where Rutland Girls Can their peers and age yound interviewed ide ional set up to encour profess in a te work alongs . teenage firls to paricpa photographer more sports. and part include

by Marli Hems-,Ward The schools taking from unity Hannah Baines Uppingham Comm Community College and . ham se Catmo Upping , College unity College College.

Casterton Comm of There is a wide range

23 SL Active Life

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already been Previously, Lucy has at the involved in high ropes Water. Having RockBlok at Rutland she was enjoyed the high ropes on the turn eagerly awaiting her with the other climbing wall along 10 girls.

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event takes d 13-15. This Active Rutlan is place at the Ashwell, this Hub near ty run by Rutland Coun Council.

of fitness and FitSteps is a mixture , waltz, jazz dance, like Charleston very It is a and modern music. if you play the energetic movement right song.

part in The group of girls taking and FitSteps were all laughing having fun.

Jess

By Jenna Woods and Sowerby, from Uppingham Community College

R Y 2 0 16 2 3

16/12/2015 13:41

and Anna

by Gaby ByrneUppin gham Hodson fromCollege.

Community

Y KEMP INTERVIEW: MOLL EGE CATMOSE COLL

a harness, The girls had to wear soled shoes. helmet and flexible by the They were advised to go instructor to ‘plan where using about before you go. It’s all than your your legs and feet rather arms.

/// F E B R U A R Y

FROM

also said, very energetic”. She hard at some “FitSteps is easy but points. and Hollie

by Kerrianne Collins Community Ward from Uppingham College.

Molly Kemp, from Catmose had class and College, was in the enjoyed the this to say, “I’ve really really fun and day so far, it’s been

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23 SL Active Life

RUTLAND

girls active isofto The aim of confidence increase the take might notng girls who sporti part in many g school or activitiesofdurin l. outside schoo taking girls are three Over 40this from part in Uppin gham different: College, Community rton and Caste Catmose Rutlan d, all of the College, aged betwe en girls are

ADAMS INTERVIEW: LUCY from 13-year-old Lucy Adams Oakham was Catmose College in organized taking part in an event Council called

by Rutland County ‘This Girl Can’.

Ruby Hayward said, “there are a lot of diff types of sports. All erent the sports are different to the ones that you do for school PE Lessons.

Throughout the day you try out 5 different sports.

There is Bungee Pump, where you have to poles and did stretches walking to stretch out various muscles. There was also climbing, in climbing get into a harness you and helmet and then get attached to a safety harness. Once you are safe you can climb.”

The kickboxing class teacher, In the class was Jenna Tasha Mima, from Leicester Woods from USS. There were Kickboxking Club comes 8 people in the class including strictly Egyptian family from a the teacher. The who didn’t benefits was that Jenna approve of the idea was of kickboxing. learning how to kickbox She started when she without was 8 and hurting hersefl. She has been doing it about was partnered 17 years with her teacher and and is now the Rutland used pads to Girl Can ensure kickboxing champion lifeshe didn’t hurt herself or Active . the teacher. Jenna does Judo in her free time.

Active life

THIS GIRL CAN IN

offers, such as kickboxin g. I never had a negative idea on sport but in a group with boys and doing things I do not like, you do not enjoy the experience. I hope that ‘This Girl Can’ campaign can be put into my school and daily life.”

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16/12/2015 12:13

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Phoebe sails for GB Phoebe Le Marquand competed in the Cesme International Regatta in Turkey as part of the RYA National Intermediate Optimist squad, where she placed 19th out of 256 competitors.

She came first out of her three GB teammates, and was also fifth placed girl overall.

Phoebe said “After training for four years in Optimist squads, two years at regional level in the South Zone and now two years at national level, I felt privileged to be invited and do well for Great Britain.”

The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy made for children up to the age of 15, and is one of the most popular sailing dinghies in the world.

Phoebe’s success comes after the British End of Summer Championship at Draycote Water in September, where she was the first placed girl. The Oakham pupil has plenty of upcoming events in 2016: “The next important ones are the Braassemermeer Easter Regatta in Holland, where I will be part of a large GB team, and the Selections.

“The Selections are very important to me

because if I do well I will be able to be represent GB in one of their very top summer teams. Only five sailors go to the Worlds and six to the Europeans. It would be awesome if I made it!”

Swimming What’s on offer at Oakham Swim School at half term Half term holidays can be the perfect time to review your child’s swimming progress and take advantage of some of the holiday courses being offered in the local area.

The team at Oakham Swim School is confident that short bursts of focused training really help the progression of young swimmers.

It has set up an intensive swim programme offering five half-hour sessions every weekday morning, specifically for children working towards their ASA Levels.

Conrad Nancarrow, Oakham Swim School’s swim manager, said: “Weekly swim sessions are a great way to learn to swim and grow confidence in the water. An intensive booster course gives our swimmers the opportunity to really concentrate on a particular stroke or challenge. These courses offer the daily repetition they need along with a little extra coaching, which gives them the boost to progress to the next stage.”

Parent Catherine Matthews, from Oakham, said: “My daughter Lily (aged 8) has now taken both the Level 1 and Level 2 intensive swimming short courses.

The sessions were just the push she needed to improve her technique and I’ve seen a huge improvement. It’s also a great way for her to learn while having fun in the school holidays”.

This half term, from February 15 to 19, it has three levels of training. The first is for the youngest non-swimmers who are keen to learn but perhaps a little reluctant to move away from armbands or fin floats. The teachers work patiently with the children but also support the parents, offering tips and techniques to practise with the children.

Getting to grips with the deeper water can be tough, but learning how to dive and swim underwater presents a real challenge. This course teaches techniques ideal for ASA Level 3–4 swimmers.

The third option is an intensive approach to mastering strong breathing, stroke and kicking techniques.

Each course is taught in small groups, and all children from the age of 4+, even if not currently attending weekly lessons, are welcome to join.  Call Conrad Nancarrow on 01572 758754 to find out more.

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24/01/2016 09:36

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

Rugby

Nail-biting finishes for Oaks and Stamford

BY JEREMY BESWICK

O

akham have been putting in some good performances lately and there was much more to admire in their last outings than the raw statistics show – unforgiving though they are.

Following a very narrow defeat away to Leicester Forest, the holiday season saw them face the challenge of playing the top two clubs in their division – Lutterworth, who are second, and the unbeaten Melton who have been piling up the points for fun.

Lutterworth were up first and started brightly at the Showground, turning the ball over at the scrum for their first try and generally bossing the set pieces thereafter, the accumulated pressure leading to a further score. With a quarter of the match gone and Oaks 14-0 down not many supporters would have given much for their chances, but a try late in the first half by Rhys Grieve, converted

by Nick Wackwitz, kept Oakham in touch.

Tim Andrews – “our outstanding coach” according to past president Keith Crellin

– must have lived up to that description in the dressing room at half-time as Oakham were a different proposition altogether in the second period. Hunting in pairs to stifle the Lutterworth offence and prevent the offload, Oaks managed to blunt the opposition’s attack and started to play with more freedom as a result. Only a last ditch tackle prevented Nick Wackwitz from scoring his second and then James Beanland went over to tie the scores.

Oakham were, by now, very much on the front foot and even the set pieces were going their way, in stark contrast to the first 40, and it was a from a lineout in the corner that their next try came, James Beanland again the scorer after a driving maul. Lutterworth were stung into action but Oaks defended bravely and made the most of the opportunities that came their way and, with minutes left to play, that man Beanland scored his third try in remarkably similar fashion to his second.

At 24-14 the match seemed won but there was still time for Lutterworth to grab a converted try themselves to make it 24-21,

who we are

ensuring a nail-biting finish in which Oaks stood firm. Crellin singled out his grandson Calum and John Mitchell for special praise in a second half performance that director of rugby Andy Williamson said may have been “the best rugby at the club for many years”.

The next weekend saw them visit Melton, a fixture in which “everybody expected us to get a good thumping,” according to Crellin, yet another spirited performance very nearly handed their opponents a first defeat of the season, Town leading 7-5 with 20 minutes to go after a try from Johnno Milnes. Alas they were unable to hold on, finally losing by 14-7, but it was another performance that showed great promise and, as Crellin told me, “Melton were delighted to hear the referee’s whistle”.

It wouldn’t be Oakham, however, without the ability to disappoint as they followed those performances up with a balloonpuncturing performance at home against Oadby Wyggstonians. Ex-player and club stalwart John Hamilton told me: “We didn’t

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6 0 F E BRUA RY 2016 ///

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23/01/2016 14:46

TIGERS IMAGES

Tigers talk There is genuine surprise and consternation at Welford Road at the news that Eddie Jones has le Tom Youngs out of his first England squad. As first choice hooker for the World Cup, it represents a dramatic fall in the pecking order.

Tigers director rugby Richard Cockerill told me: “I was flabbergasted – and he was as well. The telephone calls were coming in to the other lads who have been picked and I joked that he was being le until last because he was going to be made captain!” Fly half Freddie Burns also told me: “I just don’t understand it”.

Has Youngs been given the reasons for his exclusion? “He’s been encouraged to improve his ball carrying and tackling,” said Cockers, “which a er his performances lately just proves how subjective decisions can be.

But look, he’ll get his chance at some stage. He’s a fantastic fella and you’d want him in your 23 for all sorts of reasons. Of course he’s hurt but Tommy just gets on with it”.

Get on with it he did in his first Tigers match a erwards against Treviso with perfect line-out throwing, numerous crunching tackles and a generally barnstorming performance that merited the standing ovation he was given when substituted in the second half.

On a happier note, Cockers was pleased with the way Tigers’ season is progressing, with a near record-breaking points tally in Europe at the end of the first phase. He does seem to be enjoying his year and the reduced workload as a result of Aaron Mauger’s arrival. Who picks the team now?

“We do,” was Cockers’ canny first answer. “Five of us sit down and discuss it. Ultimately it’s about taking the backs’ point of view with that of the forwards and merging it together. Aaron has a full say but I have the last say, because if we get beat it’s down to me”.

Later I sat down with fly half Freddie Burns – a bright character with a good sense of humour. What’s his body telling him at the moment? “All good. I feel sharp – got my legs back now a er the injury”. (He’d broken his get our act together until the final 15 minutes and all of our key players seemed to have an off day.”

Stamford Town now seem to be stuttering a little after a tremendous first half of the season (their last five results read lost, postponed, drawn, lost, lost) but they remain high in the table and did at least retain their unbeaten home record by virtue of a draw against third placed Ashbourne. Availability is the major issue for them with seven first team regulars unable to make the start of that match.

Nevertheless, coach Matt Albinson remains upbeat as ever: “The last four weeks have been tough due to injury and unavailability but there is a great sense of expectation in and around the camp,” he said, and just to underline the extent of their injuries and absences went on to add: “We should see the

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Tom Youngs’ omission from the England squad is causing confusion at Leicester

jaw in the pre-season Kings of the North tournament). What parts of his game was he working on? “I’m always looking to sharpen all aspects, but maybe defensively – nailing tackles. Also game management. For example, if someone gets sin-binned, how to respond. As a 10 you’ll touch the ball 80-90 times in the match, and what you do with it is a subjective judgment, a matter of opinion. If you have in your mind the team comes first you’ll get it right more o en. A fly half has to consider everyone, backs and forwards, always fine tuning your decision making, when to take a risk, when to play safe. There are so many variables – the match position, who you’re playing with, the oppositions’ strengths, even the referee’s style and the weather. You learn every time you play.”

At 25 he’s plenty of time to improve and force himself into Eddie Jones’ reckoning, just as Tom Youngs will, if there’s any justice in the world.

full return to action of Gareth Ramsden, Cathal McHugh, Tom Wire, Cameron Park, James Prenter and the quartet of Schwarz, Ragg, Ross and Parker.”

The sight of Albinson filling in at fly half is also testament to that long injury list.

They went behind early on against Ashbourne, but Albinson himself spotted space on the tight side and freed Steve Taylor who drew the last man and passed to David Martin who won the race to the line. Town then went ahead after James Green showed good strength to bundle over from the front of a line out, but Ashbourne hit back with their forwards pushing a five metre scrum over the line. All conversions having been missed, the score read 10-10 at the break.

Stamford’s undoing in the second half was the loss of two players to yellow cards,

including Albinson for a shoulder charge, although he claimed “neither card was justified”. Ashbourne duly made the numerical superiority count with a try, again missing the conversion which was, this time, a relatively straight forward one.

Albinson takes up the story from there: “Stamford were awarded a penalty and with only minutes remaining Robbie Smith tapped and fed his pack. Hungry for work the pack picked for several phases before moving the ball one out to James Green who showed great strength to pile over just to the left of the left hand upright. With the scores level at 15-15, Taylor had the conversion to win it but pulled the kick to the left and the final minute was played out to leave both sides having to settle for a draw and two further league points.”

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Roundup

Football

Drury’s Daniels heading for safety?

BY DEAN CORNISH

T

here are a few tough jobs in world football, such as following Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, bringing back the glory days to Anfield, and trying to keep Stamford AFC in the Evo Stik Premier League. Of those three, I’m pretty sure that it’s the Daniels job that would have even the most hardened of managers wincing slightly, but Graham Drury is made of stern stuff and there are signs that his passion and ability to attract players is starting to bear fruit.

Drury took over a side that had won just one home league game in over 13 months, had conceded an average of almost three goals per game, and weren’t just the bookies’ favourites to go down, they’d practically paid out.

In the last month though, there are a few green shoots of a recovery. It’s not quite been of Lazarus proportions (yet) with December’s results certainly not being the Christmas miracle some had hoped for. After the early December win away at Mickleover, the Daniels drew away at lowly Ramsbottom, before then

losing at home to Barwell on Boxing Day (1-2) and then getting a Bank Holiday Monday beating at local rivals Grantham Town (3-1).

Since then though, someone’s prayers have been answered, and so far this year has been kinder to Stamford fans than many feared.

The first game of 2016 saw Stamford turn around the imaginary ‘form swingometer’ in dramatic style. Having been beaten 7-1 away at Hyde United just a few months ago, Stamford pulled up a great performance to this time beat their north-west opponents at home 2-1, with Thomas McGowan (again) popping up with an important winning goal against the odds.

Then, the following week, a strong Stourbridge side came to the Zeeco Stadium.

A few weeks ago, they’d been in the FA Cup second round. Then, on FA Cup third round day, they trudged off the Zeeco pitch having conceded two late goals in a 2-2 draw. I’m pretty sure that Stourbridge’s fans and players would not have dreamt of a third round day like that a few weeks ago. The Stamford

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scenes at the end of the game though were superb. Drury was fist pumping, the fans were singing his name, the players were getting hugged and suddenly everyone started believing again. Since then, the only action has been in Drury’s black book and the secretary’s transfer book, with Mother Nature putting paid to the rest of the games.

Drury has signed plenty of players, and let many go. With the experienced Paul Bastock now in goal, Elliot Hodge weaving down the wing (son of England player Steve Hodge), goals potentially coming from Jake Newman and Jack Wightwick and Sam Hill shoring up the midfield, I think we’re in for a storming couple of months, and Drury is keeping the Daniels up.

Meanwhile in the United Counties League, it’s also been a bit of a barren month in terms of games played. Once the waterlogged pitches were back in action, they became frozen pitches, and that’s where we stand going to press. Oakham United remain the pick of the local sides although they won’t be

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GEOFF ATTON Right

Action from Stamford’s 2-2 home draw against Stourbridge

happy with their Christmas form. They lost at home on Boxing Day to S&L Corby, before then drawing away in the local derby at Blackstones in the final game of 2015. That happened to be the last game for both sides, with no games being played yet in 2016.

Blackstones may be happy with that, with their recent improvement this season having reverted back to a poor run of form. In fact, the draw with Oakham apart, Phil Gadsby’s side lost all four of their other games in December. If they continue that sort of form, they could end up in another relegation fight, something that most thought Blackstones were well passed, after a few recent years of under achievement.

In the Peterborough League Premier Division, the local bragging rights belong to Ketton who are now into the top four in the

division having not lost in the last 10 games.

Most recently Rob Ward’s side won 5-2 against Riverside FC with Alex Sismore banging in a hat-trick on the Borderville 3G surface. They also recently (and bizarrely) won by the same scoreline the week before against Crowland Town, and started the year in fine form also by winning away at Langtoft.

Ketton have played a few more games than their rivals, so I can’t see them challenging for the title, but a top four finish will be a good season return.

Uppingham Town have had an impressive upturn in fortune in recent weeks. Apart from a recent cup loss away at Moulton Horrox, they are unbeaten in eight games. They won 4-2 away at Thorney and smashed Fenlanders Leverington Sports 9-0. A mid-table finish is the likely target for manager Billy Beaver.

In Division One, the Stamford Lions are keeping up their assault for the league title, although they’ve been knocked off top spot

by Wisbech Town Reserves, mainly due to the fact that the Lions haven’t had a league game for weeks due to the weather whilst Wisbech recently won away at Peterborough ICA. Hopefully James Sheehan’s side will get back in action soon, and can recover their 2015 form to finish league winners.

In the same division, the Stamford Bels had been poor in the latter stages of 2015, but maybe 2016 will be kinder to them, with an impressive 1-0 win away at Oundle Town their only recent action.

Let’s hope that the Bels’ first team steer clear of relegation, while the reserves get back to action soon and keep up their challenge for the Division 4 title.

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Roundup

Golf

Greetham captains’ drive-in New Year’s Day at Greetham Valley heralded the change of captains as symbolised by the traditional drive-in with out-going captains Fred Aspin (club), Cathy Steele (ladies), Peter Wood (seniors) and Ellie Haughton (juniors) being replaced by Micky Fish, Susie Ellis, Mel Clarke and Tom Haynes respectively.

As is usual, the drive-in took place from the tenth tee on the Lakes course in front of a large gathering of noisy members and it is nice to report that all the participants safely cleared the water hazard and saved themselves any embarrassment.

Following the drive-in, a nine-hole shotgun start was played with two-ball aggregate scores and prizes for the best score on each half. The winners of the front nine were Darren Sargood (5) and veteran Charles Guttridge (19) who scored a competitive 41 points to win by two points. The back nine was won by George Brand (18) and Ian Cunningham (14) with 36 points (on countback from John Dowding and Ian Copley).

The captains’ charity will be Dove Cottage Day Hospice at Stathern which, as the name

Above

The new captains prepare for the drive-in at Greetham

implies, provides specialised respite care and support in the north east Leicestershire, Rutland and south east Nottinghamshire areas. Funds will be raised through a raffle.

The Winter League competition, played over nine rounds prior to a knockout format for the top teams in each league, reached the (almost) halfway stage with four rounds played. Atrocious wet weather resulted in bunkers being flooded and greens saturated, but all the teams completed their matches.

Of the 40 pairs who have entered the competition, only three teams remain with a

100% record to date and two of these are in the same league. Graham Smith and Ian Copley, together with Anthony Mousley and John Herbert, seem destined to fight over the honours in League 3 while Bryan Birchall and Matt Williams are undefeated in League 4.

In the Seniors Winter League after the New Year, the fifth round was played in windless and dry conditions although the ground was still soaked from the previous day’s downpour. Scoring was again consistently high with eight players scoring better than par and separated by only four shots.

John Dowding scored 38 points to take third place on countback while the top two places were also decided on countback. Rob Gray, who currently heads the competition, started very strongly with a birdie on the first hole and amassed 22 points on the front nine.

His return half, however, was marred by a failure to score on the fourteenth which affected the countback totals. Top place was taken by Ian Jarvis, also with 40 points, who likewise had a failure to score but this was on the par 3 sixth; his back nine score of 19 secured the top place.

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Roundup

Equestrianism

Cottesmore beating Belvoir in hunt shunts

BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

W

e are having a particularly mild and wet winter, which luckily hasn’t dampened the spirits of the local hunts, with many hitting the front page, both locally and nationally, over the festive period.

With most hunts meeting in local town centres on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day without exception they all had reports of huge support, from both mounted and foot followers, which is great news.

The Cottesmore did indeed meet in Oakham on Boxing Day after having been very publically removed from Cutts Close. They met at the Catmose car park outside the Rutland County Council offices instead, where the public showed huge support for their local hunt.

The Cottesmore were extremely grateful for their new meeting place in the middle of Oakham and are hoping that they will secure it for years to come.

Hunting locally is famed for its witty banter among the subscribers and for the odd unseating of riders in the field: both the Cottesmore and the Belvoir run a Tumblers

Club – all you need to do to join is fall off!

The Belvoir and some of their crazy antics mean they are leading the polls at the moment, with a total of £815 – no mean feat when you are charged £10 for a rider fall or just £5 for a horse fall, although you are pardoned if you get taken away in an ambulance!

Fittingly, half the money is given to local air ambulance charities. David Bellamy, a guest field master, is way out in the lead with three horse falls and three rider falls, and Justine Smiley-Jones, who works for Noble Outfitters, is in second place with three rider falls.

The Cottesmore are way behind with only £170 in their kitty so far, with Andrew Osbourne MFH and Will Grant tying for the lead with three falls each.

I should point out that it is slightly cheaper to fall off with them at just £5 a plop.

Both hunts have hilarious detailed reports on how some of the falls took place, which is certainly worth a read, with quotes such as “my spotters reported there was a fight with a tree crossing a ditch, the tree won and claimed two victims” would be one that stuck in my

mind. If you are unlucky enough to fall off while out hunting, don’t think you’ll hide it; both hunts literally have spies positioned out in the fields with binoculars trying to catch you out.

It’s that time of year again to don the wellingtons and Barbours and get out into the countryside to watch those brave (or foolhardy riders) at the Melton Hunt ride.

This year it is hosted by the Belvoir Hunt on February 7 (from 12pm at Stonesby, near Buckminster) and is one of the first and biggest of the hunt rides of the year in the country, set over some of Belvoir’s most foreboding hunting country.

There are basically a few flags scattered across the countryside and the aim of the game is to be the first through the finish flags and live to tell the tale.

It is a great spectator sport; although you do have to be a bit careful where you stand, bearing in my mind it’s a ‘take your own line’ course.

It is a sight to behold seeing 40 or so mounted hurtling towards the first fence. If you haven’t been before, I would definitely recommend it.

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