Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // June 2024

Throwing the clay on a pottery wheel

Meet a metal detectorist

Reflections on five years at the helm of Active The Rutland pub celebrating two AA rosettes

The benefits of journalling

135 | JUNE 2024

Summer loving

BEDS FURNITURE PILLOWS DUVETS ACCESSORIES

Editor and Publisher Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com

Deputy editor Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com

Art editor Matt Tarrant

Contributors Will Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick,

Advertisement Sales Director Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com

Production assistant Gary Curtis

Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com

Active magazine, Eventus Business Centre, Sunderland Road, Northfield Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, PE6 8FD

If you have information about a club then please get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com.

If you would like to stock Active magazine please email distribution@theactivemag.com.

Active magazine is published monthly 10 times per year.

ISSN 2059-8513

Published by Triangle Publishing Ltd www.theactivemag.com

Disclaimer

Copyright (c) Triangle Publishing Ltd (TPL) 2019. 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 TPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of T or its affiliates. Disclaimer of iability. hilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, TPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws.

T 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.

EDITOR’S LETTER

‘And the three of us would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your support.’

I’ve always wanted to have a go on a potter’s wheel and this month I had my chance. I thoroughly enjoyed my taster session ‘throwing the clay’ at Katharine Staples’ gallery in Wymondham. That was one to tick off my list and I can’t wait to pick up my finished pots and have another go at some point. And it was lovely to see the changes at Wymondham Windmill, it’s a great place to visit. This month we are celebrating five years as owners of Active and I think you could say we have had ‘one hell of a ride.’ It’s occasions like this when it’s good to take the opportunity to look back and appreciate what we have done. Sometimes it’s very easy to just push forward and keep going on the merry go round but we have taken the time to re ect on what we have done over the past five years there’s lots and, interestingly, we each have different stand out moments. hat we all agree on is how uickly the time has own by so here’s to the next five years to come. And the three of us would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your support, ranging from our fabulous advertisers, you the reader and all the very interesting people we have met along the way a massive thank you from us, we really do appreciate you all.

Once more this issue is stuffed full of interesting articles including the second in our series about what lies beneath the soil. This month it’s the turn of the metal detectorist and it’s fascinating stuff. Hugh enables explains why keeping a ournal is so beneficial and I caught up with Ralph Offer at The George and Dragon in Seaton to celebrate his recent award of two rosettes from the AA.

There seems to be one certainty in life at the moment and that is the unreliability of the weather. We had that week of marvellous sunshine so our peonies and roses were wonderful and our gardens bloomed. I sincerely hope that by the time you read this we are back to sunny days when we can get in the garden to enjoy it once more. Fingers crossed.

Enjoy the issue.

Mary - Editor

Be Inspired

Catch up with what is going on with local businesses 24 TRAVEL

The Alde and Ore estuary, so good they named it twice

26 FIVE YEARS AT THE HELM We look back at some of the highlights of five years of owning the magazine

29 THROWING A WHEEL

Mary has a go on a potter’s wheel

32 ROSETTES FOR RALPH e visit the Rutland pub that has been awarded two rosettes by the AA

36 DIGGING IN BRITAIN, PART TWO

Meet a metal detectorist

42 WILL’S WALKS

Will crosses the boundary line on this Welland Valley walk 46 LOCAL SCHOOLS’ NEWS

52 PODIATRY What does a podiatrist do

56 THE ROUNDUP

Jeremy looks at what’s been happening this month

ActiveLife

Digging in Britain part two; metal detecting Travel; The Alde and Ore estuary

Five years at the helm at Active

The Rutland pub awarded two rosettes by the AA Will crosses the county line in the Welland Valley

Throwing a wheel

Experiencing the potters’ wheel p29

Visit our luxurious salons with ample parking at 11 Hope’s Yard, Uppingham, Rutland. LE15 9QQ Phone: 01572 823370 www.goodhairdaysuppingham.co.uk

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Rutland Rural Retreats

Rutland Rural Retreats, based on the edge of Belton in Rutland in beautiful bucolic surroundings, offers adult only, dog friendly, luxury glamping holidays. ou can en oy a fabulous stay completely off the beaten track in four acres of beautiful, ancient meadow land. Within this four acres there are only three glamping pods and now a newly installed shepherd’s hut - complete with its own wood fired hot tub - so you have lots of room around you and absolute privacy.

What’s more each unit has a secure garden so you can relax knowing that your canine companion is secure too. And of course, there are lots

of fabulous walks right on your doorstep including the Rutland Round. This really is the perfect location to escape for a well earned rest, be that a romantic break or just the chance to get away from it all, kick back and relax.

ou might be completely off the beaten track here and hidden away but you are actually just a stone’s throw away from dog friendly restaurants, pubs and places to visit including Uppingham just four miles away, Rutland Water, beautiful Stamford and Burghley House to name a few. This really is the perfect place to visit and enjoy your surroundings away from prying eyes but with whatever you need right on your doorstep.

www.rutlandruralretreats.com

Hallwood Furniture

If you’re looking for a handmade wooden kitchen, boot room, built in wardrobes and even tables and chairs, Hallwood Furniture in Kettering should be your first port of call. stablished over 4 years ago, Jeremy Nicholls bought the business in October 2023 and has carried on, and expanded what Graham and Helen Smith started in 1981.

The quality and service are exactly the same, bespoke solid wood kitchens are the order of the day as this is their speciality, and they’ve just moved the business to a modern factory on the other side of Kettering on the Telford Way industrial estate. The two former employees have joined Jeremy and his team of 12 and customer service is of the essence. Designs are bespoke so you talk to Jeremy and his team about what you want and they will go away and design it for you.

Kitchens aren’t the only thing that Hallwood can offer you. As eremy says ‘anything to do with wood and oinery is what we offer. This includes kitchens of course, but also boot rooms, media walls, wardrobes including built in and furniture including chairs and tables. e offer a great service and travel far and wide.’

www.hallwoodfurniture.com

Celebrating 20 years of Eyebrook Wild Bird Feeds

The Johnson family are celebrating 20 years of Eyebrook Wild Bird Feeds. They started selling bird seed from their nature friendly farm in 2004, creating garden birdseed mixes using seeds grown in their fields which surround the beautiful Eyebrook Reservoir.

The traditional family farm straddles the Leicestershire and Rutland borders and is a haven for wildlife. The family’s passion for birds and conservation is evident in their quality seeds and seed mixes, which ensure both an appetising and beneficial feed for your garden birds.

The family are delighted to mark their anniversary by inviting all their customers and friends to an open day at the shop. This event will coincide with the village Open Gardens on June 23 from 11am – 3pm. You can enjoy many beautiful gardens in the pretty village of Great Easton and visit Eyebrook Bird Feeds on your route around the village.

Rectory farm’s garden will be open for you to enjoy, and the family will be serving tea, coffee and delicious homemade cakes. Staff at yebrook ild Bird Feeds will be on hand to offer help and advice about bringing birds and wildlife into your garden. There will be special offers on all bird seeds, feeders and feeding accessories, plus some great competitions and giveaways.

The farm shop will be open too, selling delicious locally produced food such as Kingarth farm milk, Grassy Shire beef and lamb, Manor farm yoghurts, eggs, bread and cakes and much more www.eyebrookwildbirdfeeds.co.uk

Come and play

hat do touch, play, and chocolate have in common All trigger a surge of neurotransmitters in the brain that make us feel good. Our brains are hard-wired to reward us with good feelings when we connect with others, so why don’t we do it more So much of our modern life is solitary whether it’s our commute to work in the car, train travel with our book and headphones, working in an office at our computer, or ust responding to the stimulus of our mobile phones. etting go of the solitary activities and finding somewhere we can connect with others, including our own loved ones, where we can play and touch, support and trust, move and be free, be silly and, above all, play, is vital. It allows us to be truly connected to those we play with.

hen we engage in play with others, our brains light up with activity and sadly as adults this is often overlooked. ouple this with being in a safe environment where you can focus on the present moment, and you have a magic combination for improving your well-being, and your partnerships with others. Acro oga fulfils so much of the connection and play that we seek. There is movement in the body, connection with others, laughter, and support. ou learn, move, play, have fun, are present, and above all, you can ust en oy being yourselves and take some time out for some self-care.

To find out more, call or text 07732 730501 or find them @AcroAlchemy

How did

A year has gone by and just like that, Fiona Swan Curtains and Blinds of Oundle is celebrating their first anniversary.

Fiona says ‘I cannot thank everyone enough, for their custom and support, since we moved to Oundle. A big ‘shout out’ to the best ‘dream team.’ ouldn’t be here without you ’

Bespoke made to order curtains and blinds is mostly what they do, made from a wide selection of well known furnishing fabric brands. They now offer lots of accessories too including lighting, wallpaper and rugs for those finishing touches.

Pop in on Saturday 8 June, to help celebrate their first birthday and to get some interior design inspiration.

www.fionaswancurtainsandblinds.co.uk

Fairchilds

HOLIDAY BARNS

Visit Fairchilds Barnstwo beautiful barn conversions situated on a family farm in the heart of Rutland

Fairchild’s Barn and Big Drift Barn can be booked together to accommodate up to 22 guests, perfect for a group getaway.

www.visitourfarm.co.uk/bookings/ 07801 057417

Fairchilds Lodge, Caldecott, Market Harborough LE16 8TE

Clare Cottage, 12 Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough. PE6 7ED.

are Cottage, 12 Woodgate, Helpston, terborough. PE6 7ED. 01733 253330 Email: info@clarecottage.org

Tel: 01733 253330 Email: info@clarecottage.org

Clare Cottage, 12 Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough. PE6 7ED. Tel: 01733 253330 Email: info@clarecottage.org

Clare Cottage, 12 Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough. PE6 7ED. Tel: 01733 253330 Email: info@clarecottage.org

Explore where John Clare lived and worked, a shop withlocal crafts, beautiful gardens and relaxed café serving homemade scones,cakes and soups

e

Explore where John Clare lived and worked, a shop withlocal crafts, beautiful gardens and relaxed café serving homemade scones,cakes and soups

Explore where John Clare l and worked, a shop withlo crafts, beautiful gardens an relaxed café serving homem scones,cakes and soups

Open Mondaysand Thursdays 10am until 3pm.

Open Mondaysand Thursdays 10am until 3pm.

Open Mondaysand Thursda 10am until 3pm.

Private Hire andGroup Bookings

Private Hire andGroup Bookings welcome.

www.clarecottage.org

Private Hire andGroup Bookings welcome.

Private Hire andGroup Boo welcome.

www.clarecottage.org

www.clarecottage.org

‘Beginners might prefer an introduction to tennis through one of the club’s training sessions offered by head coach Felix Beech.’

Stamford tennis club

This year’s summer season is well under way at Stamford Tennis lub, with several different sports and social opportunities for both new and experienced players. The club has seven courts, so everyone has the chance to hone their skills.

isit the club on a Sunday morning and you will see all courts alive with members testing their serves and strokes during an open pitch-up-and-play morning. Those familiar with the sport but new to the club are welcome to oin in, before considering if they too would like to sign up as members.

Beginners might prefer an introduction to tennis through one of the club’s training sessions offered by head coach Felix Beech. Felix is running a 4 Summer amp, where younger players aged to 4 can try, improve and en oy their game over two weeks. The camp starts on uly and continues over four mornings, the last taking place on 4 uly.

This year also saw the introduction of tennis for the disabled, where on a Friday morning every second week club volunteers help impaired visitors from the Stamford Adult entre en oy the exercise and challenge of hitting trial balls with a racket provided by the club. olunteers from the club have undergone specialist training from Bright Ideas for Tennis.

Stamford Tennis lub is located alongside Stamford School sports field. Its entrance is ust off onduit Road. This vibrant club of almost adult and unior members offers many social as well as league team opportunities, for beginners and for more advanced players.

isit Stamford Tennis lub to find out more about the club, and F .Tennis gmail.com for coaching and further details about the summer camp.

What’s On!

12, 13 & 14 JULY 2024

RUTLAND, UK

Conserving Nature Worldwide www.globalbirdfair.org

Global Birdfair is back in July and migrating to Lyndon Top Caravan Site on 12, 13 & 14 July.

Packed with six large exhibitor marquees plus a dedicated art marquee, workshops, lectures and events. There’s something for all the family with the new Discovery Zone for younger visitors. www.globalbirdfair.org

Stamford Choral are performing Brahms’ radiant German Requiem, and for CV Stanford’s centenary, the rousing Songs of the Fleet starting at 7pm at Stamford Schools’ Oswald Elliott Hall on Saturday 29 June. Tickets available at www.stamfordchoral.co.uk

Pay a visit to Don Paddy’s in Uppingham to enjoy the newly refurbished interior and delicious new menu choices. You won’t regret it. The main changes to the interior are upstairs where they have created a cosy lounge with its own bar and some private booths which can be hired out privately. www.donpaddys.co.uk

Sarah McQuaid is in concert on Thursday 16 May starting at 7.30pm in St Andrews hurch, Irnham. re show dining is available at The Griffin www.ticketsource.co.uk/irnham-community-entertainment/sarahmcquaid-in-concert

Hallaton Festival of Archaeology takes place between July 13-28. There will be lots going on including an update about the proposed reinstatement of the crypt of St Michael and All Angels via the multimedia exhibition in the north aisle. af in the hurch will offer lunch, cakes and cream teas from 12 to 4pm every weekend.

Hallaton Museum will be open on weekends from 2.30 to 5pm. This year’s museum exhibition is Prize Marrows and Dancing Shoes. There will be guided walks around the St Morrell’s Pilgrimage, Hallaton Heritage Trail and to Hallaton Castle. Talks in the church include: The latest findings about Hallaton astle, The Rutland illa ro ect, and recreating Britain’s finest Roman cavalry. Tickets for walks and talks are available from www.eventbrite.com/cc/ hallaton-2024-3337759

Telephone Phil Gilbert 07889 775270 or  HallatonChurchRestorationTrust@gmail.com

The summer season of fabulous plays at Tolethorpe is about to start. This year there are four plays: Sense and Sensibility, The Recruiting Officer, A Monster alls and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Tickets are available now from boxoffice@tolethorpe.co.uk

Mid-Summer in Song

An evening of Summer Music

Saturday 29th June - 6.30pm

St Mary and All Saints, Fotheringhay

English Heritage historian ick Hill will oin the Harborough Singers at Fotheringhay church for an evening of summer song on Saturday June 29 starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are on sale now and cost £15 to include prosecco and strawberries. www.harboroughsingers.com or 07761 729558

The Rotary club of Stamford is hosting a cheese and wine evening at Ryhall village hall on June 11. Guest speaker is well known chef (and Celeb contestant Rosemary Shrager. The event is in aid of Rotary and local charities and tickets cost . www.rotaryclubofstamford.co.uk

A weekend of celebrations takes place on July 6-7 in St Mary’s church, oodnewton. There will be ower arrangements, music, culture and homemade treats to en oy. There will be various stalls and sideshows as well as an evening keyboard concert from Richard Hutchinson. All funds raised will go towards the toilet and servery pro ect fund.

Tickets: £15.00 To include Bubbles & Strawberries www.harboroughsingers.com Box Office: 07761 729558

Enjoy a glass of bubbles & strawberries followed by a talk with Nick Hill MBE “A History of Fotheringhay Church or, How to lose a choir”!

Chicken momo

This interesting recipe for chicken momos comes from the chefs at The Everest Lounge in Oakham and Market Harborough, and it sounds absolutely delicious

Ingredients for the dough cups plain our

• 1/2 teaspoon salt ater, as needed

Filling ingredients, makes 80 momo

• 500g chicken mince

• 1 medium sized red onion, finely chopped g green coriander, finely chopped

• 20g fresh spring onions, finely chopped tablespoons ginger garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon salt teaspoon red chilli powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala tablespoons melted ghee, or butter

• 80 small dumpling wrappers apa cabbage, or parchment paper, to line the steamer

Chutney makes 600g, optional tablespoon olive oil

• 4 medium tomatoes, chopped

4 green chillies, chopped

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• ½ teaspoon turmeric teaspoon S echuan pepper

• Salt, to taste tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• 10g fresh coriander

Method

First prepare the dough by mixing our and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add water and knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough. The dough should be firm but pliable. over it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about minutes.

• Then prepare the filling. Stir the minced chicken, red onion, spring onions, coriander, garlic, ginger, chilli powder, garam masala, ghee, salt and olive oil together in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands.

lace a tablespoon of filling in the middle of a dumpling wrapper. sing your finger, lightly wet the outer rim with water. inch the top of the wrapper, using your fingers to pleat and tighten as you close so it looks

n oy your homemade momos. They’re great as a snack or as part of a meal. RECIPE

like a little pouch. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

• Bring a large pot filled a third of the way with water to the boil and top with a dumpling steamer basket. Line the basket with cabbage leaves or parchment paper. Steam the momos in batches for 12-15 minutes, until the wrapper becomes slightly translucent.

Then prepare the dipping sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, green chillies, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and S echuan peppers. Season with salt. ook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato is softened, for about minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and let the mixture cool for - minutes.

• Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender and add the sesame seeds and coriander. Blend until smooth.

Cuckoo pint

Rowan Griffiths reveals more about this ‘suggestive’ plant

Cuckoo pint or lords-and-ladies or its scientific name - arum maculatum - is a plant native to Britain and a lover of shady places such as woodlands and hedgerow. It is also seen in open fields and gardens too.

Because of its rather ‘suggestive’ appearance it has many other more ris u collo uial descriptions upwards of in fact but I would get into trouble if I named some of them here. A few of the more innocent include soldier in a sentry box, friar’s cowl and snake’s head.

It is a very common plant which first appears and owers in April to May. The leaves are arrow shaped, large and shiny in appearance and may display small purple or black blotches. The ower is a purple or yellow ‘spadix’ a prong of very small owers on an upright stem set within an intriguing pale green, cobra-like cowl. In the autumn the owers become a vertical cluster of dark orange or red berries that are clearly visible amongst the leaf litter. Another way of identifying the plant is by smell. Once the spadix warms up in its sheath during the warmer months it emits a cowpat-like odour that is attractive to ies that then contribute to pollination.

hilst not strictly poisonous it contains oxalate crystals that can cause nasty allergic reactions and should be avoided. However, it was used in folk medicine up until the turn of the th entury to treat various conditions. In the th century a drink was even made out of the roasted and ground roots of the plant. Saloop, as it was known, was a warm drink popular as a less expensive alternative to tea and coffee. arm milk and sugar were mixed with ortland sago the ground cuckoo pint root which acted as an arrowroot substitute thickener. The root needed very careful preparation and fortunately the drink has fallen out of favour.

Making the most of your garden this summer

This month garden designer TJ Kennedy tells us about a few of her favourite designs and plants for the summer garden

Early sunrises, long days and warm nights are perfect for gardens during the summer. se colour to pull your eye through the garden, suggesting a route that will guide you towards focal points and places of rest. The softness of early summer light develops into a brighter, high-summer version as the season progresses. This suits strong reds, purples and oranges. These colours are able to compete with the higher concentration of light but need balancing out with shades of peach, lilac and creamy yellows. A superb transitional pairing for the change from May to une is the rusty reds of erbascum etra with their vertical delicate spires mixed in with the frothy foliage of Foeniculum, either purple or yellow.

The scents of summer are divine. First the glorious bluebells and hyacinths move on to wisteria and then to my favourite, the rose. There is nothing more delicious than the musky scent of an nglish rose. If you have been reading my columns over the years you will know that I absolutely love a rose climbing, rambling, shrub that evocative divine fragrance drifts in the evening light. David Austin’s Desdemona is one of my most reliable and favourite rose for fragrance. ong summer days warm our local

Rutland stone and the honeyed tones of lipsham and ironstone come alive when they have baked in the summer sun. ow stone walls create a microclimate as they hold on to and release heat, accentuating evening scented owers, encouraging you to perch and rest. Stone is grounding, historical and creates a sense of place. If you can work in some stone features to your outdoor space they will anchor your planting, providing permanence which is an essential element of good garden and landscape design.

Most importantly at this time of year, take the time to slow down in your garden and recognise the detail in ower heads, foliage, insect and mammal activity. The gently swaying tops of yellow achillea or i ia attract insects, and the interaction between insect and ower is cyclical and a good reminder of process. If you don’t already have one I urge you to get a hammock and look up at the sky. I often sleep outside on summer nights to absorb the birdsong, insect life, bats and stars. To wake at sunrise and watch the colours develop in the sky is a magical experience. In your hammock watch the play between cloud, blue, leaf and bird capturing moments in time. Total relaxation.

www.tjkennedy.design

www.eyebrookwildbirdfeeds.co.uk

What makes RoshiWave unique…

Roshi devices have been used by clinicians and to help Olympians and professional athletes to optimise their mental and physical performance since 1990.

Safe and easy to use, RoshiWave deploys light and electromagnetic stimulation over the full range of brain frequencies to achieve what psychologists describe as the brain’s steady-state response.

The new generation RoshiWave is now available in the UK to help you to improve your wellbeing and brain performance Find real peace of mind…

• Induce calm and reduce anxiety

• Increase proprioception

• Improve sleep

• Help with pain management

• Optimise brain performance at work and socially

• Provide relaxation around stressful situations

This simple portable device, small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag, helps to deliver the inner peace you seek.

Exclusively from Octopus Psychology in the UK

Camelbak Podium water bottle

The ultimate cycling bottle for rapid and reliable hydration. With a new design and improved cleanability, the Podium prioritises performance and excellent cage fit above all else for both professional and recreational users. Easy to squeeze, always BPA free with insulated options and lots of colour choices.

Available in 600 or 710 ml.

Price: £12 or £13 from www.georgehallcycles.co.uk

Aveda leave-innutriplenish  conditioner

DUX Duvet Superior Light

Do you find it difficult to sleep in the heat Try Duxiana’s finest down duvet for summer, with pure new white European goose down. Plenty of other duvets available plus linen bedding for extra luxury.

Prices: From £210 to £1500 from  www.duxiana.co.uk

Havaianas

If you’re looking for a classic summer look, the Havaianas Brasil Logo is the ‘go to’ style for any wardrobe. Featuring the Bra il ag and logo on the strap and stripes in the comfortable, pure rubber sole, everyone needs at least one pair!

Price: £30 from www.energy-clothing.com

HOT SUMMER PRODUCTS

This lightweight, hydrating leave-in conditioner spray hydrates and replenishes hair for 7 hours and offers a naturally derived filter which helps protect hair from the drying effects of the sun.

Price: £35 from Allsaints Hairdressing, Oakham

English rosé

Made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this locally grown Single Estate English Rosé is the perfect drink on a summer’s day. With hints of redcurrants, cranberries and succulent nectarines, it is crisp, dry and pale pink with enchanting oral aromas. Sit back and relax…

Price: £22 from www.mallardpoint.co.uk

We’ve found the perfect products to keep you fresh in the sun

Coastal inspired fabric

Looking for some summer inspiration? We are summer ‘24 ready! Come and be inspired by our new fabric and wallpaper collections in Oundle. Individually priced fabric from www.fionaswancurtainsandblinds.co.uk

Yeti Rambler 25oz

Seafoam Straw Mug

Perfect for those early morning smoothies or an afternoon pick-me-up iced coffee not for use with hot drinks), Yeti’s Rambler 25oz will keep them cool all-day. Designed with an elevated handle and cup holder compatible base, it’s a great addition to any road trip.

Price: £37.99 from www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

Solarsport SPF 30

sunscreen

Aimed at sports enthusiasts and athletes, the non-slip, sweat-proof sunscreen means it won’t wash off or run into the eyes even during the most heated of matches or contests. It shields the skin from harmful UVA, UVB and IRA rays, plus the handy 50ml, pocket-sized bottle makes it ideal for on-the-go use and short trips.

Price: £9.99 from www.solarsport.co.uk

Rutland Rural Retreats

Adult only, dog friendly glamping holidays

www.rutlandruralretreats.com relax@rutlandruralretreats.com

Nestled in the undulating hills of Rutland, lies this very special, small and secluded, super dog friendly glamping retreat.

Just three stylishly furnished, en-suite, heated glamping units, each with enclosed gardens, can be found within 4 acres of beautiful meadow land. Everything you need to escape from everyday life and enjoy the great outdoors with your pooch whilst still retaining that touch of luxury.

Rest – Relax – Re-energise at Rutland Rural Retreats!

I can highly recommend all classes at Pure Ora we aim to o er something for everyone.

To book any of these classes, visit my Instagram page at @PureOrastudio, where you’ll find a Linktree link in the bio for booking classes. Specifally For Vinyasa, Hatha and Pilates you can book directly on our website at pureora.co.uk

~

We o er a variety of classes, including Vinyasa Yoga and Hatha Yoga with the wonderful Rebecca W, Pilates with the highly experienced Harri, Pre-Natal Yoga, Mum and Baby Yoga with Julie, Exquisite Self Care Yoga with Justine 1-1’s available, Kind Yoga with Rae and occasional events to look out for often a collaboration with 2 teachers for a beautiful experience. Sound Healing with Cassy is also o ered.

Class passes are available for those booking directly through the Pure Ora website.

These classes are deliberately kept to usually a maximum of 8 for a bespoke experience. All are welcome, there are herbal teas available for you to enjoy either in the studio downstairs, or as the weather warms up upstairs outside on the patio.

PRODUCT TEST

Lisa Chauhan tries bras from Etta Lingerie

When I heard there was going to be a new lingerie shop in Oakham I was intrigued to find out which brands they would be stocking. So, I popped in and met Hetty Arnold, the owner. Hetty is extremely helpful and greets you with a smile as soon as you step inside the shop. It’s small, offering a great personal service and stocks good brands. A fabulous addition to Mill Street.

hoosing a bra is a very personal experience and it can take time to find the right fit and brand. One of my favourite brands is mpreinte. It’s a French, family owned business and they have really thought about what women with larger breasts need, combining uni ue support with French elegance. They are at the top end of the price bracket but you get very good uality and stylish designs. And they will last you for years if you look after them properly. tta ingerie has other brands to choose from including ise harmel, again French.

Hetty gave me a sports bra from the mpreinte, Initiale range to try. I have been wearing this for a few months now. It gives maximum support, ust what you need when working out. It offers up to an H cup so

'I popped in and met Hetty Arnold, the owner. Hetty is extremely helpful and greets you with a smile as soon as you step inside the shop.'

wearers can do aerobics or similar with confidence. The spacer fabric on the cups is breathable and uick-drying, and the straps are multi-positional. Bounce is reduced to a minimum and a feminine figure is retained. It is a uni ue blend of performance and comfort, whilst also being chic and feminine. Again, it can be tricky to find the right sports bra that offers support and comfort, both of which are vital for workouts and running. This is definitely one to be considered. I really like it.

tta ingerie also offers a free bra fitting service and I would certainly recommend a

visit. I am sure you’ll find something you like. Other less expensive brands are also stocked including emonade Dolls. These are stylish with pretty lace and a great choice of colours. I bought a set go check them out, they are so comfortable and pretty.

Hetty also stocks some other accessories including Flower url as seen on Dragon’s Den, . oated in vegan satin material, the Flower url protects hair from damage whilst gently creating longer lasting curls. And it worked for me.

www.ettalingerie.co.uk

Aldeburh Beach And River Alde And Ore

The BrudenellAldeburgh Beach

Orford looking towards Aldeburgh

An estuary so beautiful they gave it two names

The Alde and Ore estuary in Suffolk has something for everyone who loves nature, action, culture and peace and quiet. John Stanton tells us more

On the Suffolk coast, the Alde and Ore river meanders from Snape Maltings via the towns of Aldeburgh and Orford to oin the orth Sea at the aptly named Shingle Street. It’s a mile stretch of water with so many things to do on and around it. But thankfully it still retains the innocence and tran uility of an unspoiled natural ecosphere.

Snape Maltings is an internationally renowned arts and music venue. art of the Britten ears Arts foundation it was originally a ictorian malthouse. A minute drive down river, or a beautiful walk along The Sailor’s ath, and you get to Aldeburgh. Straddling the river on one side and the orth Sea on the other, Aldeburgh was once part of the orth Atlantic cod fishing industry and commercial fishing still thrives there today. Fishing boats lie on the shingle beach and are towed to sea by tractors. The fresh catch is sold from a series of black sheds that run along the beach.

But you don’t have to cook your own fish, Aldeburgh boasts many excellent restaurants from the fish and chip shops to The Suffolk and Brudenell Hotels. If you need an aperitif to go with that, Aldeburgh’s own gin distillery, Fisher’s Gin, offers guided tours and samplings. The old Moot Hall and the Scallop, a beautiful Maggi Hambling sculpture sitting on the beach are must visits.

The river takes a right angled turn at Aldeburgh and heads south to Orford with its medieval castle. The village sits on the river banks and looks across to the famous Orford ess which is the longest vegetated shingle spit in urope. The ess was created by the unremitting orth Sea longshore tidal ows that wash the shingle down from the coast further north. The ational Trust runs guided tours to the ess throughout the summer. And if you en oy eating on the river, The ady Florence, a 44 wooden motor fishing vessel, runs breakfast, lunch and supper cruises up and down the river from Orford uay.

If you prefer to eat on dry land, Orford’s two old pubs provide lunches and dinners throughout the year, while the famous inney’s Orford Oysterage has fed its clientele fish and shellfish caught by their own boats for years.

We aren’t

the only things that live there

This estuary is a uni ue habitat for a variety of ora and fauna. The wetlands and mud ats which are vitally important to migratory wading birds, is internationally recognised. Along its banks and on the tidal ats you can see wading birds of every description from avocets to egrets and greenshanks to godwits. It is home to rare lichens, sea kale, sea cabbage, samphire and sea purslane delicious in salads . ild hares run along its wind-created shingle waves and you may even get a glimpse of the hinese water deer that have adopted it.

But these towns and the uni ue wildlife habitats between them are under threat. Along the stretch of the estuary from Snape to Shingle Street the land is protected from ooding by a network of river walls which were built in the Middle Ages, when Orford now six miles inland was a seaport. But since , little has been done to them. Sea levels are rising, the walls are in poor condition, and the risk of

catastrophic ooding is ust a big storm surge away. The Alde Ore stuary Trust AO T is a charity that finances applications to the nvironment Agency to pay for ood defences and raises money for any shortfall.

To raise awareness of the plight of the river walls, the AO T have organised another running of The Flotilla. This is a challenge held on Sunday uly for participants to swim, paddle-board, canoe or kayak a five mile route along the river estuary from Aldeburgh to Orford. It has become an immensely en oyable summer event.

ou don’t need to be an elite swimmer to oin in. Anyone who en oys wild swimming or kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding, and does it regularly, can take part. The event will coincide with a strong ebb tide so swimmers and paddlers always have the river on their side. So if you are feeling active and want to support a fantastic cause do oin in. Head to the website below for more info.

Don’t leave your walking boots at home

The estuary is a walker’s paradise. As well as the Sailor’s ath from Snape to Aldeburgh, the river walls provide a natural walk along the route of the estuary. The walk from Snape Maltings to the beach at Iken takes you along the upper reaches of the river. And from Orford extensive walks allow you to see the wading birds at the RS B site Havergate island. But if you really want to stretch your legs, Orford to Shingle Street is a lovely mile walk which includes a volunteer operated rowing boat ferry to cross the Butley River tributary. hatever oats your boat or gets your walking shoes muddy, the towns along the estuary are a uiet secret for lovers of music, food, wine, walking and messing about on the water. hether you’re a water rat or a landlubber, you’ll find something to en oy doing in this uni ue landscape. And even in the height of the summer holidays you will discover a place where your peace and tran uility is only disturbed by the cry of an oystercatcher or a curlew.

www.brittenpearsarts.org www.aoetrust.org

'The river takes a right angled turn at Aldeburgh and heads south to Orford with its medieval castle.'

Five years at the helm

The five years as owners of Active have flown by. Mary looks back at them

Sometimes it seems like yesterday that we took over the magazine; others that we’ve never done anything else. But celebrating five years seems a good time to look back and pick out some of our highlights; and there are many of them.

One of mine was actually getting that first issue out because, as you can imagine, it was very stressful setting up a new company as well as producing a monthly maga ine. But we all knew what we were doing, pulled together, had a few sleepless nights and prevailed. And that really has been the case throughout the years; we know that whatever happens there will be a maga ine at the end of each month, and a good, interesting read at that. That is our mantra and we are very proud of it.

There has been some huge stand out moments along the way, for all of us. One of mine is the press trip to Aruba in the aribbean. That was obviously a real opportunity and there have been many more including my recent walking holiday in Ma orca, overnight stays at hotels, spa days, beauty treatments and, a real stand out, driving a and Rover off road at Rockingham now that was fun

I have really enjoyed it when the three of us have done things together: Three women on a boat, Three go camping and Three go axe throwing spring to mind immediately. When the three of us get

together we have fun, and talking of fun, when the whole team unites we certainly do have it. Reverting to childhood literally playing cops and robbers when we had a go at Rumble ive Action Gaming is a lasting memory. Gosh we had fun, and we paid for it a few days later as we were all so stiff ate, our action girl, has really en oyed the chances she has been given to try things she would never normally do. These included surfing in ales and doing the Go Ape circuit which was very much out of her comfort zone. Keeping to the water theme she’s gone

paddleboarding, rowing on the Nene in Oundle and open lake swimming. She tried her hand at beekeeping, climbing and, a real stand out moment, was a yoga retreat in the Lake District.

Lisa, our ad director, has also enjoyed it when the three of us get together and highlights for her have been a press trip to Italy with ate which was her first visit to the country and she really en oyed the grape harvest at Mallard Point. We all really enjoyed that, but Lisa enjoyed it so much she went back for a second day. We are all looking forward to this year’s harvest too.

And, of course, we have become a book publisher too with Will’s Walk book. And not just one book but three and another in the pipeline soon.

Over the five years I have got to meet some interesting people and visit some beautiful places. I am fascinated to find out people’s stories and how they get to be where they are, doing what they do. I also love

history, historic houses and architecture so my solo tours of places like Kelmarsh, Lamport Hall and Deene Park (to name a few) have been an absolute honour.

And I have learnt so much from the interesting people I have met. Stand outs include Libby from Stamford Strings who told me all about being a luther; the Lamymans growing hemp in a secret location and making CBD oil; Whissendine’s windy miller Nigel Moon; David Bates, owner of Welland Valley Vineyard; a superyacht captain; Jonathan Clegg from Stamford Clocks; Ben Izzett the water sommelier and so many more, including people establishing new businesses and those running large concerns. Everyone has welcomed me and I’ve learned so much from them. And I like to think that we have helped them along the way too; our editorial and their adverts have raised their profiles and their businesses have definitely benefitted from it exactly what we are here for.

We are celebrating our frst anniversary Please join us on Saturday 8th June. We’d love to see you for tea & cake, or fzz if you’d prefer.

Extending our gratitude, for the overwhelming support, since we opened last year.

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Extensive fabric library. Spring/Summer 2024 collections now available.

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Deliveries

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PYO Strawberries available from late May onwards.

Throwing a wheel

Mary has a go at throwing a pot on a wheel and there was no sign of Patrick Swayze and unchained melody

Ihave never used a potter’s wheel and it’s something I’ve always fancied having a go at, but never got round to actually finding where to do it. Of course, the wheel for anyone who has seen the film Ghost con ures up images of atrick Sway e, but my mindset is more Wedgewood.

When ceramicist Katherine Staples invited me to one of her throwing on a wheel taster sessions I jumped at the chance. Katherine has recently moved her business into new premises at Wymondham windmill. She has a studio for her ceramics classes and next door an art gallery featuring her work as well as other local artists. The whole Wymondham windmill site is worth a visit too because, as well as the windmill and very good tea room, there are now new shops that have relocated there as well as the very good ones that have been there for years. You can certainly spend a few very happy hours there, as I did.

I duly arrived on the first sunny Saturday morning in May hurrah to meet Katherine and Rebecca who was actually going to run the session. atherine is a well established, fully ualified BA and masters ceramicist who has been teaching pottery for many years. Now she has opened her studio she has been able to expand her classes. ‘The studio is a fabulous space for pottery,’ she told me, ‘but you will find that as well as working with clay you will find it therapeutic, be able to relax and let go. It’s pure escapism and you will leave having made something.’ This was encouraging as I wasn’t entirely sure I would actually be able to create anything that looked slightly like a pot.

There were three of us having a go this Saturday morning and none of us had ever used a wheel before, and the last time we had all used clay was at school, so we were absolute novices. Rebecca who is on a year out from her fine art degree at oughborough where she is specialising in ceramics, gave us a quick demonstration and then we donned our aprons and were let loose on the wheel.

There were a couple of fundamental rules to stick to. Make sure

there are no air bubbles in the clay as if there is your piece is likely to shatter in the kiln; it could even break the piece it’s next to. Keep your arms locked ‘and remember to breathe.’ Use plenty of water which helps stop the clay sticking to your hands. ‘Enjoy yourself, you will have messy fun,’ said Katherine, and we did.

We each sat at our wheel, pushed the foot on the pedal and away we went. First of all you must centre the clay, ie put it in the middle of the wheel. Then you need to get it to stick. So you lock your elbows to your knees and your hands together around the clay and spin the wheel. You push down with your hands, keeping your arms locked too and eventually you will make a cylinder shape. Then you create a divot in the middle using your thumb, all the while spinning the wheel and keeping the clay wet. Once you’ve created the divot you can then use your thumb to enlarge the centre and then lift it up. And that’s all there is to it!

Of course, it’s not quite that simple. You’ve got to get the speed of

'First of all you must centre the clay, ie put it in the middle of the wheel. Then you need to get it to stick.'

the wheel right. I had mine going far too fast at first, then a bit too slow. If you don’t lock your arms and hands the clay ops about all over the place and, once you start trying to raise the clay, it’s very easy for it to split so you have to then chuck the clay in the bucket we all had to do that a few times) and start all over again. But I loved it.

atherine was right, it’s therapeutic. es, you get messy and that included my clothes despite the apron, but that didn’t matter, you come prepared. ou have to concentrate, so it’s mindful, there’s no time to worry about anything else and you really are in the moment. It’s incredibly satisfying and you are creating something.

It turned out I was pretty good at centering my clay and making my pots very even. I even managed to get one to a pretty good height and created a sort of beehive shape no idea how though. And there were a few disasters too of course.

Once the pot is made you then need to slice it off the wheel using a cheese wire and lots of water so you can slide it onto a board and leave it to one side. This can be tricky as the clay is very soft and malleable so you can lose your lovely cylindrical shape with one false move.

After we had all made a few pots it was time to decorate them. e were using coloured slips which is basically runny clay to add colour so were handed a few ars and merrily started painting patterns on the pots we had decided to keep. They were then going to be left to dry and harden before being put in the kiln. atherine and her team would then gla e them for us so they would be water tight and functional. hat we hadn’t painted with the coloured slips would be

'You have to concentrate, so it’s mindful, there’s no time to worry about anything else and you really are in the moment'

white after being in the kiln. I can’t wait to pick mine up.

Decorating the pots was fun albeit I expect mine to look very amateurish as there was uite a bit of slopping around with a paintbrush on my part. I ust hope they survive the kiln and don’t shatter.

I absolutely loved my taster session. The setting at ymondham is lovely and as soon as I can manage the time, I think I am going to go back and do the six week course. If you do this you are taught all the basics of clay work including slab building, hand building, press moulding, throwing on the wheel and gla ing. All of which sounds fascinating and fun. Maybe the ghost of edgewood will be looking down approvingly at my first attempt at becoming a potter, who knows.

A taster day on the wheel costs £60 for a two hour session. The six week course is £180 plus minimal kiln costs. www.katherinestaples.com

Rosettes for Ralph

The George and Dragon at Seaton has recently been awarded two rosettes by the AA so Mary went to chat to owner Ralph Offer all about it over lunch

Ralph Offer has owned The George and Dragon for seven years now. hen he took over in 7 some of you will remember that he had a ma or refit and refurb at the pub including establishing three new rooms for accommodation, updating the bar and opening a new restaurant.

ell things have moved on a lot since then and this year Ralph and his team are celebrating winning two rosettes from the AA guide which is uite an achievement as it celebrates culinary excellence and much more. The awarding of these rosettes recognises that the pub is excellent in every way from food to service to accommodation and general ambience excellent in every way basically. udging is done anonymously so Ralph had no idea when a lady booked a room and en oyed her stay, including a three course dinner, until she announced as she was leaving that she would like to talk to the owner, chef and housekeeper. She then told them that they had been awarded the prestigious two rosettes and would be appearing in the AA guide, obviously much to their delight.

This is well deserved as Ralph and his team pride themselves on their pub. It is renowned for being a strong gastro pub that hasn’t forgotten its roots and its place, and importance, in the village and surrounding community. ‘ e do simple things well,’ says Ralph, ‘and this is what we are proud of and renowned for. Food is fresh and locally sourced, including game birds literally from the village shoot during the season, to lamb from down the road and a local butcher. verything is beautifully cooked and presented, our beer is excellent and our wine menu varied and good uality. e are always very welcoming and friendly.’ And they are, I can vouch for that, and for the food too.

Since owning the pub, Ralph has improved the garden so it’s a lovely place to sit and en oy a glass of wine and delicious food. And he has also expanded the accommodation. ast year he added more space by converting and extending some outbuildings, which fit in around the garden beautifully, with lovely d cor and furnishings designed by Ralph’s fianc e Toni. This means they can now offer accommodation for 4 people with prices starting at 7 a night. This is very competitive pricing, and the uality of the rooms means the rooms have a occupancy rate which is excellent. Guests come from all over the country to en oy the peaceful Rutland countryside, lots of local walks, and, of course, The George and Dragon’s excellent menu. And the repeat business says it all about the uality of the accommodation and food on offer. An la carte menu is changed seasonally every four months or so and then there are the bar menus too.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available seven days a week and 44 people can be accommodated at one time. There is a regular, very popular pub ui and once a month Ralph lets his chefs loose in the kitchen allowing them to come up with themed ban ueting nights where they write the menus and really go to town blowing all budgets and indulging their culinary imagination. They sound absolutely delicious. Themes have included fish, steak, lamb, Italian and many more. These evenings aren’t cheap ranging from to per person but I can assure you that you will be literally fed a veritable feast. Some nights offer six starters and four mains, others nine starters and yes, you get to try every single dish so make sure you arrive hungry.

It’s always worth travelling if you know you are going to get good food when you arrive and now that The George and Dragon has these two rosettes you know you are going to get excellent food. ou can relax, en oy the atmosphere and the friendly welcome, eat good food, en oy well kept beer and good wine choices. hat more can you ask for.

www.thegeorgeanddragonseaton.com

It is renowned for being a strong gastro pub that hasn’t forgotten its roots and its place, and importance, in the village and surrounding community.

The write stuff

Hugh Venables explores how keeping a journal helps put you on the right track to good health

Taylor Swift, Alexander the Great, Michael Palin, Albert Einstein, Meghan Markle. They all found time to do it. But me - keep a journal? I am too busy living to write down the minutiae of my daily life, you protest. And besides, what would I write, and who would be interested in reading it anyway?

As children, so many of us thought it would be great to keep a diary. I don’t know about you, but for me that was the first new year’s resolution to be broken, even faster than the one about promising myself I would be nice to my little sister.

Yet now, my journal (not my diary, I’ll explain the difference in a moment , is a constant friend, a companion without whom life would be less rich, less fulfilling. Barely a day goes by when we don’t talk.

Journallers are passionate about their craft, evangelists for the cause. They know first-hand the benefits of taking the time perhaps ust a few minutes each day to write. So how do they do it, what do they get from it? And, suppose you were to give it a go - where would you start?

Diary comes from the Latin, dies, meaning day. A diary is something that logs your days, lists what happened. Bad ones frequently feature the words ‘and then I…’ many times. Diaries are useful, but they are not journals. The word journal has its etymological roots in the French word Journeé, a day. Journeé also means the distance travelled in a day, a highly appropriate metaphor, a journey.

Journals don’t focus merely on what has happened or what might happen; they centre more on why and how things happen. Most importantly, they explore how those things impact on how you feel. Journalling gives you the freedom to explore your inner thoughts and feelings, about the things you do, the things others do, and how you relate to the world around you. And because it is only for you no-one else need ever read it it gives you the opportunity to be absolutely honest with yourself, without fear of disapproval or ridicule from others. And that is the ultimate in what some would call ‘self-therapy.’

When talking doesn’t crack it

Talking it over is often the way we deal with the things that are concerning or exciting us, ‘a trouble shared’ and all that. But sometimes talking won’t do it. There is a science behind the idea that writing it down processes things differently, as Oundle psychologist, Dr Naomi Murphy, explains:

‘Studies show that writing uses a different side of the brain than when we talk, so we process information and thoughts in a particular and unique way when we write them down. The re ective nature of writing, especially using pen and paper, has been

demonstrated to be hugely beneficial.

‘There is no doubt that journalling has a positive impact on mental well-being but there is growing evidence that it benefits physical health too. In a 2018 Cambridge study, participants were asked to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings surrounding the most stressful or upsetting events in their lives. Four months later, those who wrote about their experiences for 15 minutes a day reported fewer visits to the doctor and fewer sick days. It is little surprise that therapists and counsellors increasingly incorporate journalling into their programmes.’

For most people, time spent in private self-re ection is the most appropriate way of processing positive and negative experiences. A journal is always there, a constant listening ear. And, strange though it sounds, once you develop the relationship, the journal will feed back to you in the most remarkable ways.

Debunking the myths

Of course, there are so many reasons not to start a journal: 'I don’t have time. I am no good at writing. I’d quickly run out of things to say. Overcome them. Make time stop trawling social media for just 15 minutes and communicate with yourself instead. It doesn’t have to be perfect prose, or even grammatically correct. No-one except you is going to read it.

The alchemy of words

And honestly, you will never run out of things to say. Even if you start the entry with ‘I’m struggling to think what to write today,’ you can then ask yourself why you are struggling and what makes you feel that way.

The alchemy of words will carry you forwards.

So how will you start? Try introducing yourself. Outline what prompted you to put pen to paper or tap the keyboard, that’s fine . Set out what you want to achieve and then make your own rules. Here are some of mine: Try to write every day, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t

Be totally honest, even if it feels uncomfortable at first remember, it’s private

Feel free to digress, it will take you to all kinds of interesting places

Observe what you see and hear, but focus mostly on how you feel about it ook backwards, look forwards, be in the moment, but all the time re ect rite in the present tense if you can, even about the past, it makes things more alive and immediate ever later amend what you have written on a particular day. It re ects how you felt at the time, even if now you feel differently. Instead, refer to it and write about how it looks now.

Nurturing the habit will mean writing your journal is not a pressure or an imposition, but will quickly become an en oyable, integral part of your life. Once you have established the habit, go back and read what you wrote - a week ago, a month ago, three years ago. I promise, you will be amazed at who you are, how you have developed and how much better you understand yourself and how utterly brilliant and life-enhancing the process is. Now, that’s a thought worth writing down.

www.octopuspsychology.com www.hughvenablespoetry.com

DIGGING IN BRITAIN: PART 2

I’m waiting for you…

Kate meets metal detectorist Christiaan Smit in a field and is fascinated by the idea of finding treasure

Afew years ago while out blackberry picking I jumped out of the hedge and accosted Christiaan Smit as he was making his way back to his car with a metal detector slung over his shoulder. Luckily I didn’t scare him, we kept in touch and recently he showed me the extensive collection of finds he’s made over the last eight years.

I’ve also just watched all three series of the absolutely brilliant show ‘The Detectorists’ written by Mackenzie Crook who also stars as main character Andy, a member of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club. If you haven’t watched it, you must! (I’m very late to the party.) It’s the most wonderfully funny, poignant and beautifully shot TV you’ll ever come across, and the song lyrics by the equally brilliant Johnny Flynn sum up the magic of metal detecting.

‘Will you search through the loamy earth for me? Climb through the briar and bramble I’ll be your treasure… …I’m waiting for you.’ (Johnny Flynn).

As it happens, Christiaan also watched The Detectorists recently and it revived his interest in the hobby having taken some time out after his daughter was born. He’d always been interested in history while growing up on a banana farm in South Africa near a town which had been a trading post for people hunting in the Kruger National Park. But metal detectors are very expensive there. When he moved to Rutland he got an opportunity to buy a £200 detector and, as his wife knows a lot of people locally, he was able to explore their gardens. He started finding and coins which he found exciting as it was foreign currency to him. And then he discovered coins from the s, ictorian pennies and finally a French apoleonic coin from . At that point, he’d never seen anything that old in his life.

As he was working in the Falcon Hotel he started to meet local

farmers who gave him permission to detect on their farms. ‘The number one rule,’ he told me, ‘is that you must have permission from the landowner, without that you can’t go onto their land. And with tenant farmers you don’t technically have permission as they don’t own the land. They could take action against you for trespass or disturbing the animals but the farmers I know are all very nice and they look out for each other. I’ve often been approached by people asking me if I have permission but once I showed one farmer I was trustworthy they then recommended me to their other farming friends.’

The more Christiaan got into it, the more he realised he needed a better detector. ‘There are big differences in e uipment,’ he says. ‘ ou can buy a decent detector for between - and they’ll find most things. But when you go out in a field the soil is mineralised, particularly around here with ironstone, and a lot of detectors don’t work properly because they are constantly picking up metals. The more advanced and sensitive the detector, the more it will cancel those out.’

Listening for the signal

‘ hen I arrive, I start to ig ag across a field. It can take me two to three hours to walk to the other side, taking it slowly, listening to the detector. I like to listen to all the signals, even the iron signals, athough you don’t dig them. The detector has different programmes and I can cancel all the lead and iron out but I like the signals to be very busy because then you can find patches where there’s lots of activity. If you find nails in a x metre area, you know they’ve not been dropped by chance, they’re there for a reason. I’d then change my programme to a more sensitive one that can find smaller items between the nails and concentrate on that area. And it’s paid off for me.

‘The chance of finding gold is slim,’ he says. ‘ ou would never go

We’re open seven days a week during the growing season from 9am - 5pm at Rectory Farm, Polebrook, PE8 5LS. 07702 159870.

out and expect to find it you’d spoil it for yourself. ou go out, you start walking, you hear a signal. It’s going to be lead of the time as it’s so malleable and was easy to use back in the day of the time it will be a ictorian or Georgian coin and will be nice stuff like a hammered, Roman or Saxon coin.’

Then one day hristiaan was detecting on a really rocky area of a field and he found a piece of a gold ring which the plough must have crushed and bent open. ‘After about my 4 th lead hole I saw a gold shiny thing, as shiny as the day it was dropped. I sent it off to Megan Gard, the Finds iaison Officer at Rutland ounty Museum in Oakham so she could record it with the ortable Anti uities Scheme and it turned out to be a th or th century ring which may have been worn by a priest or a royal. It was classed as treasure but no-one was interested in buying it as it was mangled.’

Gold dance

‘I’ve now found three gold coins locally. The first two I found a week apart in different fields and from completely different eras. It was the complete luck of the draw. Other people I’m in touch with have been looking for years and not found anything like it. I did a gold dance. I was by myself and did a bit of throwing my gloves around

‘My first gold coin is a ing George I from and it looks like new. It came out really clean because gold doesn’t tarnish. But gold is so soft you can scratch it with a spade, so you have to be really careful when you’re digging.

‘My dward III gold coin dates from between and 7 and is

called a uarter oble. In the middle of the cross is a small for dward, and there’s a Fleur de ys and a dragon on the coat of arms. It’s in really good condition. And I have a Half oble which is bigger with ing dward standing on a boat with a sword and shield. I’m still looking for a Full oble.’

He’s also found lots of hammered silver coins, some of which are battered and broken. He has uarters and halves as people would cut a penny in half or uarter to give as change. He also has silver coins with clipped edges, which was very common because if someone clipped the edges of coins they’d end up with a whole bag of silver they could melt down to make ewellery. Our coins today have milled edges so you can’t clip them.

He has heavy Roman coins, and love tokens which are bent like a wave. Suitors would rub off all the detail on a silver coin and bend it so the recipient couldn’t bend it back and spend it. But if the girl didn’t like the suitor she would ust chuck it away, so there’s probably uite a few of them underground waiting to be found

On the right track

hristiaan found the gold coins very near to the surface as they were from ploughed fields. They are the best places to look as the plough will turn anything from one to two feet deep to the top. If you go back the next year after the plough, the field may be full of life again. Some permissions have old roman tracks on them but there are also many tracks that have been lost. Modern footpaths were only introduced years ago and ‘you tend to find ictorian or George coins on those. ou can also find ewellery from people walking their dogs.’

But even if you have the best e uipment in the world, you’ll never find what’s underneath if you don’t walk over the right area.

hristiaan advises creating an arc of degrees with the coil as at and as close to the ground as possible without hitting stones. ‘And you’ve got to be looking at the ground all the time. If you find pottery on the surface, it’s a good indicator of human activity. I spotted a very rare, leaf-shaped int arrowhead which the detector wouldn’t have found from the neolithic period - , B before people used metals to make items for hunting and defending themselves.’

He has also found, amongst other things, the shard of a bron e age axe a gold ewish Mi pah sweetheart brooch a lead spindle whorl used for spinning wool a medieval wax seal inscribed with a deer a roman enamelled brooch an early th century pilot’s badge pin badges from the hats of the Royal Guards medals, clay beads silver leaf from a walking cane and shards of pottery.

It is incredible what you can find with a metal detector. And time runs away with you. ‘I don’t normally go for less than to 4 hours,’ hristiaan says. ‘I often look up and it’s gone dark. Then I go home and research what I’ve found. There are lots of clubs on Facebook where people post their finds and give each other advice. And I have a good book by Spink which shows all the coins in ngland from the most modern to the Romans, even back to the elts. The coins on the pages are scaled to the actual si es which helps, and they give up to date prices of what they sell for. I’ve not sold anything I’ve got every single find since day one. And I’m really happy with what I’ve found.’

If any landowners would allow hristiaan to detect on their land please get in touch with ate via the maga ine. He is always looking for new permissions.

What is treasure?

It is important to follow the rules if you discover items that are deemed to be treasure

Full details of The Treasure Act of 1996 (which replaced the Treasure Trove Act) are available online at www.legislation. gov.uk/ukpga/1996/ but in a nutshell the following items are classed as treasure:

Any metallic object, other than a coin, provided that at least 10% by weight of metal is precious metal (gold or silver) and that it is at least 300 years old when found. If the object is of prehistoric date it will be treasure provided any part of it is precious metal.

Any group of two or more metallic objects of any composition of prehistoric date that come from the same find.

Two or more coins from the same find provided they are at least years old when found and contain 10% gold or silver (if the coins contain less than 10 per cent of gold or silver there must be at least ten of them). Only the following groups of coins will normally be regarded as coming from the same find: hoards that have been deliberately hidden; smaller groups of coins, such as the contents of purses, that may have been dropped or lost; votive or ritual deposits.

Any object, whatever it is made of, that is found in the same place as, or had previously been together with, another object that is treasure.

ven if a find doesn’t meet these criteria it may be potential treasure if found on or after 30 July 2023, and is made at least partially of metal, is at least 200 years old, and provides insight into an aspect of national or regional history, archaeology or culture by virtue of one or more of the following:

its rarity as an example of its type found in the nited ingdom the location, region or part of the nited ingdom in which it was found, or its connection with a particular person or event

All applicable finds must be reported to one of 4 local Finds iaison Officers who will identify and record them on the ortable Anti uities Scheme AS database. This is available for the public to view online and is designed to help advance our knowledge of history and archaeology in England and Wales.

Megan Gard is the Finds iaison Officer for Rutland and eicester, based at Rutland ounty Museum. Finds which are regarded as treasure will be offered to an appropriate museum to see if they are interested in buying the object. Megan will always try to approach the most local one but sometimes museums with specific collections will be approached for instance, Roman coins would be offered to museums with Roman collections. If no museum wants it, then it is returned either to the landowner or the person who found it, depending on their agreement. The unwritten rule is that if someone makes a valuable find, any money earned will be shared with the landowner who gave the permission. It is always encouraged to get these agreements in written form too.

ollating all the finds on one central database has been useful in mapping the activity of people in the over different time periods. If someone finds something that has not been logged in an area before, it gives archaeologists and historians a point of reference to work from that there was indeed human activity in a place and at a time when previously they didn’t expect people to be there.

In the first year of the Treasure Act , 7 ob ects were declared as treasure years later , 7 were found in one year. During those years, over , ob ects were added to museum collections across the country and these ob ects, from Bron e Age axes, Iron Age cauldrons and Roman coin hoards, to early medieval weapons and medieval jewellery have helped transform our understanding of the past.

As Megan points out: ‘This is important work as most of the time none of us know what’s right under our feet.’

www.rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk www.finds.org.uk/treasure/advice/summary www.gov.uk/government/consultations

WILL’S WALK

The Welland valley

Taking in four villages, two counties, a viaduct, two pubs and the meandering river Welland, this walk is perfect for an English summer’s day. By Will Hetherington

Images: Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating The route

Barrowden has a strong claim to the prettiest village in Rutland and you can park anywhere responsible around the village green (multiple village greens in fact). Head west along Main Street and branch left on to Seaton Road. Almost immediately turn left on to a drive and take the footpath over a stile to the right. From here follow the path south west for a mile as it makes its way towards the Welland, with lovely views to Northamptonshire across the border. Cross the river at Turtle Bridge and turn right immediately to follow the river westwards.

In approximately one kilometre you will arrive in pretty Harringworth, lying in the shadow of the mighty 82-arch railway viaduct which spans the valley here. Head west out of the village on Gretton Road and 50 yards before you reach the viaduct take the path right across the field and underneath the arches. Stay on the path as it recrosses the Welland and goes around Seaton Mill. Cross the road and head uphill through sheep pastures to Seaton. From its hillside perch this little village offers superb views of the valley and viaduct. It also has an excellent pub, the George and Dragon, which can be hard to walk past.

Whether the pub draws you in or not, the route continues east out of the village on Main Street. Immediately after the pub go straight on at the crossroads and stay on this wonderful country lane for a kilometre as it drops downhill. There is an alternative path to Morcott to the left as the road bends right, but for this walk I suggest staying on the road down to the T-junction, where you turn left. After 200 metres on the tarmac take the left turn on the bridleway. When you get to the high point on this bridleway make sure you turn around and appreciate the view down to the viaduct and beyond. You will then rejoin the road down into Morcott for 500 metres. Cross the busy A47 with care, and walk along the A6121 for 100 metres. Turn right on to the footpath which skirts around the back of the village and means you don’t have to walk along the busy main road. Recross the A47 and then pick up hedge-lined Morcott Road all the way back into Barrowden, passing the Morcott windmill near the start.

When you get back to Barrowden the Exeter Arms will be waiting for you.

Turtle Bridge spans the Welland between Barrowden and Harringworth and also connects Rutland and Northamptonshire.

A classic road sign on the edge of Seaton.

ACTIVE INFO

The viaduct is a striking feature of this walk. It was completed in 1878, is more than a kilometre long and 30 million bricks were used to build it. At one point 3,500 men and 120 horses were employed in the construction, and Cyprus Camp on the north side had 47 huts and a population of 560 people. It remains an incredible example of Victorian engineering and construction.

START/ FINISH

Essential information

WHERE TO PARK

In Barrowden.

DISTANCE

Seven and a half miles.

Highlights

Pretty villages, a viaduct, the river, lovely views and two good pubs.

LOWLIGHTS

You will probably see quite a lot of sheep.

REFRESHMENTS

The Exeter Arms in Barrowden or the George and Dragon in Seaton.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Four paws; there are quite a lot of stiles and some of them are tricky, plus it’s more than seven miles with a few hills.

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE

Good in terms of dipping in the river in the first half, but be warned you will see plenty of sheep so take care.

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.

One of the great landmarks of the area; the railway viaduct between Harringworth and Seaton.

Active Kids

Here come the girls

Girls’ cricket is going from strength to strength at Oakham School, with exciting new fixtures and incredible opportunities on offer.

So far in the 2024 season, the Girls’ 1st XI have played their first fixture against the prestigious MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) and enjoyed an inspirational visit by cricketer and journalist Jenny Thompson as part of her world cricket tour. As well as their fixtures against local competitors, the team will conclude their season by playing for the second time in the BOWS Festival against Brighton College, Wellington College and Sedbergh School.

Whilst boys’ cricket at Oakham School has enjoyed a long and illustrious history with many milestones and achievements recorded over the past 200 years, girls’ cricket is a relative newcomer, having only been properly introduced in 2018. Director of cricket, Patrick Latham, and head of cricket development and former professional cricketer, Tom Fell, are keen to continue the boys’ legacy and ensure that the girls enjoy similar opportunities to play and train. As the 2023–24 season continues, they have more plans afoot to promote a love of cricket amongst Oakham’s girls and boys.

Witham Hall Scholarship Success

Witham Hall’s 2024 leavers have secured 16 scholarships so far this year, with a record five academic scholarships to schools including Oakham, Oundle, Uppingham and Rugby. Eleven additional sport, art and all-rounder awards have been awarded from seven schools including Gresham’s, Oakham, Oundle, Repton, Stamford, Stowe and Uppingham. They couldn’t be prouder of the children’s hard work and commitment. Well done.

New appointment at Leicester High

Leicester High School for Girls is proud to announce the appointment of Annabel Simpson as the new head of PE and of Year 6 and 7, joining the school this summer term. She brings a decade of experience teaching PE in schools across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. She joins sports coach Sam Tratt, who started at the beginning of the academic year. Their collaboration is anticipated to strengthen the school’s sports department.

Spratton Hall School’s county cricket success

Congratulations to the seven Spratton Hall pupils who have been selected to play for county teams this season. The school’s main summer sport for both boys and girls is cricket. They have 24 mixed teams that receive specialist instruction from 18 coaches. The school’s director of sport, Gareth Barnard, is proud of their achievement, saying ‘all the boys and girls play a high level of cricket, taking part in weekly matches in which every pupil plays and represents the school and it is always a joy to see our players selected to play for a county team. We wish them the best of luck.’

Stoneygate BTEC students’ visits

Students at Stoneygate doing the BTEC Animal Care qualification have been fortunate to be able to visit and use the top-class facilities at Hyde Lodge Horses which is the base for ex-student and local eventer, Alex Tordoff. They have also had the opportunity to carry out industry-based work at the local Stoughton Grange farm park. Students have had talks from Farmer Barnes Dairy Educational Farm about notifiable diseases and Jason Cortis from Blue Cross about different initiatives such as responsible dog ownership and breed specific legislation. This enhances their knowledge of animal behaviour, health and welfare, handling techniques and the provision of suitable accommodation following the Animal Welfare Act 2006 guidelines.

Golf success

The Leicester Grammar Trust golf team, consisting of Anay (juniors), Eesha (senior), and Noah (Stoneygate), displayed an outstanding winning performance at the County Golf event held in Kibworth to secure a place in the National Finals which take place in July.

Noah emerged as the star of the event, capturing the top spot with a remarkable 43 points. His stellar performance not only cemented the team’s success but also displayed his individual talent. Impressing everyone present, Noah played an astounding seven strokes under his handicap of 11.

Eesha and Anay exhibited great precision and skill, finishing the event with 33 points each. The triumph in the county golf event marks an important milestone for the Trust team, as they now have the privilege of representing both their school and county at the upcoming National Finals.

Leicester Grammar makes the shortlist

Having earlier this academic year been named Sunday Times 2024 East Midlands Independent Senior School of the Year, LGS has now been shortlisted as one of eight national finalists for the prestigious TES award, Independent Senior School of the Year. The school’s entry is entitled: ‘Academic enrichment combined with increased support for wellbeing: a winning formula’. It reflects the outstanding achievements of pupils as a result of academic inspiration within and beyond the classroom, supported by a focus on community and individual wellbeing and care.

Catmose is outstanding

Congratulations to Catmose College in Oakham which has just been judged as outstanding in its most recent Ofsted inspection. It has been over 10 years since the school was last inspected and they are delighted to retain their outstanding rating, one of a very small number of schools nationally that has done this.

ActiveBody

EDITED BY KATE MAXIM

The human touch

Human touch is vital for our wellbeing including our mental and physical health. Physiotherapist Sarah Babbs enlightens us in the first of this two part series

Many people don’t realise that the largest organ in the body is the skin. As practitioners we can use touch or hands on therapies to maximise the effects of treatments. Massage is a form of touch, often performed by a physiotherapist as well as other therapists including sports massage, lymphatic massage and therapeutic massage.

One ma or physiological effect on the body of touch and massage is helping to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates many things, including the body’s stress response, metabolism, in ammation and blood sugar levels. hen stressed, the body’s heart rate and blood pressure can be raised, sleep can be poor, response to pain heightened and tissue healing delayed. Massage can help improve all of these for overall better health and recovery.

Massage also triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone known for promoting emotional well-being and connection to others. Interestingly, a study of elderly people massaging babies showed a greater positive effect on them than had they received the massage themselves. This effect has also been shown in therapists treating patients, positive to both therapist and patient alike. Oxytocin can also be increased by exercise which, as physios, you know we love, as well as singing, especially in groups, something we don’t often employ in the clinic though

One of my favourite and most effective things to do in clinic is to teach the patient to use touch as a starting point before exercise. For instance, when working with patients ranging from the elderly struggling with

walking to elite sports people with pain or balance issues, there are great ways to improve or ‘wake up’ the connections to the brain, using nerves from sensory receptors. I often use an exercise known as ‘Feeling the Snow,’ taught to me by the fabulous oanne Elphinstone. This starts with the patient standing in bare feet, ideally on a textured surface and ‘feeling’ with the soles of their feet on the oor. They then rub their hands together, being alert to the texture of their hands, before using them to gently slap and then rub their legs in the same way. Patients are often ama ed at how much better their balance is after this exercise, enabling them to start from a much steadier base. From this, they can then progress, be it to safely climbing stairs to serving a stronger smash with their tennis racquet.

The Online Thesaurus has 415 synonyms related to touch and ust three antonyms, interestingly including failure and loss. The strongest synonym matches were communication and contact. Consensual touch is very well known for playing an important role in strengthening social bonds and communicating emotions.

Studies with mothers and babies have shown that skin to skin contact in the first 4 hours after birth will help manage the babies’ temperature regulation, breathing, heart rate

and, unsurprisingly, crying. hildren who have been regularly touched in a positive way, for example, hugging and back rubbing show better growth and mental development. The reverse of this was so shockingly seen when, as some will remember, children were found in the Romanian orphanages. Having had minimal human touch and contact, the children were seriously developmentally delayed as a result.

More recent studies appear to show that children who are more physical with each other, including incidental touch, are calmer and less aggressive, both verbally and physically. The author looked at two reasons in society today for the lack of touch and possible behavioural issues. One being that in school, children are less likely to be hugged by teachers where no-touch policies are in place. The other was their increased use of phones, even when with others so isolating them from each other.

Touch with consent is hugely important for many reasons. As adults, especially when hugging our children, how often do we notice that we are the last one to let go? Perhaps today we should just make sure that we give and receive that touch as we will all be better for it.

To contact Sarah ring 07780 900201.

What is a Podiatrist?

Nicola Blower, podiatrist and co-director of Walkrite in Peterborough, reflects on her professional life as the company reaches its 21st birthday

In 2003, my husband, John Chadwick, and I founded our company, alkrite imited. Since then, we have worked in a number of clinics with clinicians, such as orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, sports and exercise medicine consultants and physiotherapists. e’ve learnt so much and been given such brilliant support by them. Our careers have been fascinating since graduating years ago. There’s not much we haven’t seen and yet no one day is ever the same. Working with patients is a privilege. We can help to change their lives and they trust in us to help do this. Walkrite turned 21 in May and we now have our own clinical premises and a growing team. Now is a good time to re ect on our professional lives, what

it means to be a podiatrist and what the future may hold for podiatry.

Sadly, not everyone knows what a podiatrist is. We are getting smaller as a profession facing the recruitment challenges familiar to other areas of healthcare. You can’t work from home, and high-profile strikes in the NHS give the impression of being poorly paid and highly stressed. Whilst it is true that healthcare has the highest burnout rates of any profession, there are far more positives than negatives if you get the balance right, which hopefully we are doing with our first new podiatrist, ayleigh Aldred.

Our careers so far as podiatrists have been varied, and podiatry is a wide-ranging

profession with lots of opportunities in the private sector and the NHS. Podiatry is a profession devoted to the treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. The term chiropody used to describe our profession, but podiatry is now globally recognised to best describe a profession involved in the treatment of the joints, bones, muscles, nerves, blood supply and skin of the foot and ankle. A profession where you can specialise in diabetes, vascular, dermatology, podiatric sports medicine, musculoskeletal, paediatrics, podiatric surgery and forensic podiatry. You graduate with a BSc (Hons) degree in podiatry that includes being a ualified local anaesthetist able to dispense certain medicaments such as antibiotics and some painkillers. You can then go on to qualify as an independent prescriber and, of course, carry on to MSc or PhD level study.

A typical day in clinic for us involves seeing patients from the age of eight months to over 100 years old. They are from all backgrounds including professional sports people, amateur athletes, differently abled patients, and patients recovering from surgery or trauma. Complaints range from sports and running injuries, walking problems caused by arthritic joints, neurological conditions, developmental issues in children, dermatological problems and foot deformities. We use assessment processes including clinical gait analysis incorporating technology to assess the foot pressure and analyse movement, footwear analysis, neurovascular assessment and dermatological investigations. Treatments range from minor surgical procedures for skin and nail conditions, re-training the way you walk or run, exercise therapy, footwear changes, foot orthoses and ankle braces and prescription of medications where needed.

So, after 25 years in practice, my main re ections would be that I will never know it all and when I think I do, it’s time to stop practising. No one day of my professional life has ever been the same. I’ve worked with many brilliant colleagues who have informed and enhanced my knowledge and the way I practice. I will never stop being enthused about being given the opportunity in my working life to be a detective, working out diagnoses, thinking of the best way to help my patients as uickly and effectively as possible and hoping that the profession will start to grow again behind me.

www.walkrite.co.uk

Get those steps in

Walking is something we all do, without thinking much about it. But it really is more than just putting one foot in front of the other as Nordic walker Jo Douglas explains

Agood walking technique has the power to really enhance your overall fitness, improve your pace and ow of movement. hen done correctly it will improve cardio fitness, muscle strength, movement and endurance, all of which makes you healthier and fitter.

onversely a bad techni ue can throw your body out of alignment, place stress on your oints, stimulate aches and pains and sap your energy.

There are four key elements to putting your best foot forward. Good Posture: Stand tall with your spine straight, shoulders relaxed and your chin parallel to the ground. hen you have good posture your muscles and oints work more effectively and you can breathe more deeply.

Smooth movement: Move with a relaxed ow, avoiding using a rigid gait. lace your heel down first and roll forward to push through your knees and off your toes. eep your arms straight and swing backwards and forwards from your shoulders to stabilise your body and aid momentum.

Purposeful Stride: A longer step forward better engages your leg muscles uads in particular and your glutes.

Conscious walking: eeping form and stepping out regularly, think about how you are walking. ust minutes walking a day using these techni ues will help to burn calories and increase your metabolism, improve blood pressure and the health of your heart it’s good for you

A really useful aid for enhancing and better maintaining good walking techni ue is ordic walking. If done correctly, using poles as a tool to form good posture, body symmetry and pace with a purposeful and relaxed ow of movement is what ordic walking is about.

ordic walking mimics the movements used by cross-country skiers without snow . ou angle, plant and push down and back on the poles to create a full body movement and propel forward harnessing the power of both upper and lower body. This switches on deep stabilising muscles to increase core stability and improve gait, making every step a full body workout with little perceived extra effort. The swinging arm motion, rotating of your torso and active hand, heel and toe motion act as pumps, aiding venous return and boosting circulation. ith all this extra movement ordic walking burns 4 more calories than normal walking, the e uivalent of a run, whilst continuously engaging of your ma or muscles. So, you double your exercise and boost your health without taking more time out to exercise.

www.nordicwalkit.co.uk

10-12 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 9HE. 01858 465507

www.georgehallscycles.co.uk georgehallscycle@aol.com

AOil those joints

Olive oil shots anyone?

drizzle of olive oil on your salad adds avour and is perceived to be good for you, as is adding a drizzle to soups and other dishes. ow a nutritionist at Bulk.com says that drinking one shot of olive oil every day will not only have significant benefits for your skin, hair, and nails but also help you lose weight and reduce joint pain.

Maintaining healthy skin, nails and hair can be di cult in the cold weather, and the late spring we e perienced with central heating still on was not helping. However, by increasing your olive oil intake, you could significantly improve your overall health. E perts suggest starting with one shot of olive oil for days.

When you drink olive oil daily something e traordinary can happen to you. live oil, particularly e tra-virgin, is one of the biggest superfoods. It is packed with antio idant compounds like vitamin E, oleacein and oleocanthal as well as compounds called polyphenols which are really good for your hair, skin, joints and weight,’ says Abigail Roberts, sports nutritionist at Bulk.com

Impacts on joints and pain

According to research, the Mediterranean diet which is heavily focused on olive oil, is proven to help with cognitive function, cognitive decline and dementia risk. This is thought to be because the polyphenols in olive oil act as a natural painkiller and can even work better than ibuprofen. Studies have also confirmed the effectiveness of olive oil in controlling morning in ammatory pain of phalanges and knees among women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Weight loss

A daily shot of olive oil, some people claim, helps with weight loss. There may be some truth in this because it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. These are

known to help with weight loss by increasing metabolism, reducing your appetite and body fat. A study revealed that a treatment group who were given e tra virgin olive oil lost more body fat than the control group who didn’t have it. In the long term, olive oil continues to have positive effects on the body and helps keep weight off or stable. If the thought of a shot of olive oil makes you feel nauseous - and it might do so - you can dri le it onto an egg and avocado dish or a salad.

‘When you drink olive oil daily something extraordinary can happen to you. Olive oil, particularly extra-virgin, is one of the biggest superfoods.

Gut health

ne of the most significant benefits of olive oil is to gut health. This is because the antio idants in olive oil can help to repair and heal the gut lining by stimulating the diversity of the bacteria, particularly good bacteria. live oil consumption can also help encourage your intestines to absorb more vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat. It also helps to increase Bifidobacteria in the gut, which can increase the feeling of being full and have positive effects on weight and cholesterol. live oil does not contain any fibre, therefore, pairing it with a high-fibre-content food such as uinoa or lentils is a perfect balance.

But be warned, consuming too much olive oil can have adverse effects leading to an upset stomach, so the old adage everything in moderation’ rings true here. And perhaps, rather than a neat shot on an empty stomach pair it with food to help ease digestion.

www.bulk.com

The cricket season may have started but first Jeremy talks about the successes of some of those who play with larger balls

Although now is the season for our cricket content – updates for which follow later - we still have some last hot news of the year to bring you from the winter sports.

To start with, let’s acknowledge and applaud that Stamford Rugby Club will look back on their year with a warm sense of well-deserved pride, despite the disappointment of the men’s first narrowly missing out on promotion. It was nevertheless their highest league finish for years and they can now proudly boast about winning the Lincolnshire Cup to boot, beating Scunthorpe - who play two tiers above them. And the women’s team has done even better, finishing top of their league, emulating the men by recently winning their own version of the Lincs Cup (by no less than

7 points to in the final and still have another winner takes all to come, with the Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire trophy at stake. A truly incredible campaign all round. As they say themselves: ‘It’s official. Rugby in Lincolnshire is purple, black and white.’

As a resident of Oakham one can only look on with envy when comparing that tour de force with our own local side. The mighty Oaks have, alas, been anything but of late and of course were relegated last month.

Close readers of this column will have noticed some disquiet in the ranks about how the club was being run but at least we can now guarantee that’s about to change with the sudden resignations of the chairman, vice-chairman, club secretary and treasurer in advance of what will be an interesting AGM on June 13. To lose all four posts simultaneously gives the club a serious governance challenge and all those who care deeply will be very concerned. We’ll keep

‘To start with, let’s acknowledge and applaud that Stamford Rugby Club will look back on their year with a warm sense of well-deserved pride’

you posted on developments and hopefully some of the old school, having already done their bit in recent years, can be persuaded to return for the greater good, together with some new blood. As the retiring chairman put it: ‘There is no free beer, no stripy blazer and you will not be carried aloft through the streets of Oakham but you will know you’ve played your part and given back to the club, the town and the brilliant game of rugby.’ To become a local hero, email chairman@ oakhamrfc.com

Before we move on, a shout out to retiring treasurer Richard Gant who has certainly played his own part over the last 20 years as an official. Dedication beyond the call of duty and I’m sure I speak for all in saying thank you for your sterling efforts.

Football now and the stand out story is about Harborough FC. Flying high at the top of the league with only a handful of games to go, all seemed hunky dory until they were docked six points for accidentally fielding an ineligible player – a transgression that’s surprisingly easy to commit as is evidenced by it being experienced by many clubs at much higher levels over the years. Speaking at the time, manager Mitch Austin said: ‘The players are gutted, but we spoke about it and

about trying to forget about it and move on. But when the news did hit it was hard.’ How would they react? Perfectly. Unbowed, they held their nerve to beat Hinckley on penalties in the play-offs semi and ultimately secured the promotion they thoroughly deserved with a win in the final against Anstey Nomads. Cue wild celebrations from the Bees players, management and supporters. Next year they will play at the highest level of the game in their history.

The cricket season has got off to a cracking start after a bit of a stutter due to the rain. Uppingham Town seem to have found a new recruit who may push them on to promotion back to the premier division in the form of Aussie Hayden Brough who scored 74 on his debut as his side beat Syston by five wickets and followed that with 88 against Ibstock in a match winning partnership with Jamie Dumford.

Oakham had a mixed start with two defeats and one win for the Saturday firsts. However, one piece of news that may cause opposing bowlers some sleepless nights is that batsman Cameron Flowers, who normally hits the ball so far that it clears the fence, has recently missed one of their games due to having laser eye surgery. If that

improves his sighting of the ball from the hand then I suspect the club treasurer will have to make more budgetary provision for replacement roof tiles and window panes for the surrounding houses.

Swimming, cycling and running are, like cricket, three activities best suited to the summer and those redoubtable athletes from Ketton Panthers, a club of triathletes for all ages and abilities, have been in touch about their junior section who were competing for the title of East Midlands champions. They did well, despite fielding a number of competitive debutantes, with several top 10 finishes and podium places in the individual events for Elliot Francis, Sophie and Ben Alliston, Ophelia Goodale, Henry Raitt, Seb Frost and Rafferty Bates before the teams of three relays. Louise Thompson, only eight years old, said ‘doing the team relay with my Panthers friends was an amazing way to finish the day. It was a hard race but we all enjoyed it and tried our best.’

Although I’m sure every member would put most of us to shame in terms of fitness levels, they seem a sociable bunch saying: ‘Despite the club’s chilled attitude and mellow strap line, don’t be deceived. Come spring and summer many of the members do become competitive (at least with each other), put in several tough training sessions a week and on occasions decline post-swim beers.’ They are looking for new recruits to add to their current membership which includes both first time novices, seasoned triathletes and all levels in between.

Contact Head Coach caroline.hattee@ btinternet.com in the first instance to arrange a taster session.

SWAYFIELD

SWINSTEAD

GRIMSTHORPE

START / FINISH

EDENHAM

ROUTE

Distance: 20.34 mi

Elevation: 1,206 ft

CASTLE BYTHAM

On your bike!

LITTLE BYTHAM WITHAM ON THE HILL

This month Gary Waterfall enjoys a 20 mile ride starting at Grimsthorpe Castle which has 1,200 feet of climb.

Leave Grimsthorpe Castle and turn left onto the busy road –single file advisable for this short stretch. As the road bends right, carry straight on and follow the road to Swinstead. Ride through Swinstead and then turn left to Swayfield, which is the highest point on the ride. Take a left turn to Castle Bytham and then another left to Little Bytham.

Turn right just before the railway viaduct and left once you go under the bridge to Witham on the Hill and enjoy the undulating road to the village. Go through Witham on the Hill and take care crossing the main road to go straight on to Manthorpe, up the hill and then left to Toft.

In Toft turn right and follow the road until you re-join the main road at Edenham - again single file recommended. Finally turn left back into the grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle. You’ll have earned a great coffee and food at Amy’s March Hare food stall.

https://www.strava.com/ routes/3221200822003305576

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