Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // May 2023

EDITOR’S LETTER

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

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Active magazine is published monthly 10 times per year.

ISSN 2059-8513

Published by Triangle Publishing Ltd www.theactivemag.com

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WELL IT LOOKS like we are all going to be eating quiche this month and I’m not complaining at all. The new king and queen’s recipe recommendation for a coronation lunch sounds delicious; I’m even tempted to actually make it which is a bit rash for me! There’s lots going on locally to celebrate the coronation and many of us are looking forward to enjoying the pageantry and spectacle which we so excel at.

As well as the coronation May brings two more bank holidays so why not take a trip to The Horse and Jockey at Manton. The roof terrace and outside bar certainly lends itself to enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. And if you’re inclined to be a bit more active you can use the bike racks provided or plonk yourself down after a good long walk around the reservoir. It’s ideally situated on the cycle track so you don’t have to deviate at all. Or why not make the most of the bank holidays by squeezing in a long weekend to Auld Reekie, aka Edinburgh too, or even better do both!

Kate’s been busy this month. She’s been scaling the climbing wall at Tallington making it look easy by reaching the top in record time and then we sent her to New Lodge Farm at Bulwick to try out the new hydrotherapy pool which was a positive as well.

There are gardens galore for us all to enjoy this month with the NGS scheme reaching its peak in May and put a note in your diary to come and see us and Will at the Rutland County Show. We are joining the stall holders selling the Will’s Walk book, volumes 2 and 3 and Will will be with us too; you may even be able to persuade him to sign a copy.

May is a wonderful month with gardens bursting into full bloom and long sunny days ahead of us (let’s hope so). And with a coronation to enjoy and three bank holidays this is the month to enjoy the great British early summer at its best. There’s lots to celebrate as well as a new king! Enjoy the issue.

Mary - Editor

‘May is a wonderful month with gardens bursting into full bloom and long sunny days ahead of us’

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Clean up for spring

POD HAS STARTED a new business, Under Pressure, just in time to get your patios, driveways and outside space ready for summer. Pod expertly pressure washes exteriors to bring them back to life and they make a huge difference, smartening up your outside space.

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Feed the birds

VISIT RECTORY FARM, home of Eyebrook Birds Feeds and enjoy a walk around their nature friendly farm, with spectacular views of the Eyebrook Reservoir and the Welland Valley.

When buying from Eyebrook Bird Feeds you are supporting a traditional family farm, passionate about birds and conservation. The farm is a haven for birds, insects and wildlife, and the Johnson family are dedicated to improving the environment through habitat conservation and creation, all of which you can see on your visit to Rectory farm.

Eyebrook Birds Feeds is a long-established family business selling quality garden birdseed, much of which you can see growing on your walk. Their permissive footpath created between the village of Great Easton and the Eyebrook Reservoir provides excellent views over the reservoir and across the Welland and Eye valleys.

The walk offers a wonderful opportunity to view the diverse bird life around the farm, from the song and farmland birds in the fields, to the wading and water birds on the reservoir. Spring is a great time of year to watch the ospreys feeding at the Eyebrook, and to spot brown hares enjoying the grassy margins around the fields.

You can pick up a map from the birdseed shop, next to the church in Great Easton. Call in and meet the family, dogs (and gnomes), and save money on your bird seed by purchasing direct from the farm. Alternatively download a map from www.eyebrookwildbirdfeeds.co.uk

Yorkshire three peaks

KIM GLITHEROW, OWNER of Options Care loves a challenge so has decided to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks 2023 by joining Team Autism to raise funds for the National Autistic Society. And a challenge it’s certainly going to be. Kim will be climbing the three peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough with an ascent of 1,532 metres and covering 26 miles too.

The walk can take up to 14 hours and Kim is training hard for the event. So far she has raised £200. Good luck Kim!

www.optionscare.uk

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ kim-glitherow

A date for your diary

The charity eterborough Sings will be welcoming female singers from across the K and as far afield as Canada for a weekend of singing on - une. The inaugural eterborough nternational Women’s Choral Festival is a new weekend event for female choirs which will include a concert at eterborough’s cathedral on une.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England, the Festival will focus on the female experience of choral singing, championing women’s choirs and female composers and celebrating the quality and ambition of women’s singing globally.

Centred around Cathedral Square, the Festival will feature a Gala Concert at eterborough Cathedral, competition classes, informal singing opportunities, practical workshops with international specialists and a series of seminars exploring and addressing the challenges facing women’s choirs today.

With choirs visiting eterborough from across the K and overseas the Festival will be fantastic for cultural and community engagement in the city.

embers of the public are warmly invited to watch competition classes in the cathedral free of charge am- pm approx , and to attend the Festival Gala Concert at pm on Saturday th une an exciting evening of singing as some of the world’s best women’s choirs showcase their very different performance styles and repertoire in a wonderful celebration of women’s voices. www.peterboroughsings.co.uk

A new home for Nene Extreme Adventure

Oundle-based Nene Extreme Adventure have a new home at the arina on Barnwell oad in Oundle. t’s the perfect spot for them and they are there already so go and visit.

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Four

What’s On!

RUTLAND WALKING AND Cycling Festival takes place this month from 20 May to 2 June. You can book to join walks including the utland ound in the first week. This 65-mile led-walk will be split into six days. To find out more visit www.activerutland.org/ul/ walkingandcyclingfestival

IT’S MAY SO it’s the month of gardens galore. Remember the Open Gardens in Oundle on 21 May from 10-3pm when 12 gardens in the town, including the headmaster’s house of Oundle School will be open to all.

ART ON THE Terrace continues at The Pickled Shop in Bulwick with a multi-media art journalling workshop on Wednesday 10 May and portrait drawing with David Sandell on 25 May. Both workshops cost £75 and run from 10.30am to 3.30pm and include a delicious lunch as well. To book a class or lunch go to www.bulwickvillageshop. com or www.thepickledshop.com

@bulwickvillageshop

THE NGS IS literally in full ower now and if aliums and wisteria are a favourite head to Burrough Hall near Melton on 7 May to enjoy a beautiful garden, and cake of course. There are many, many more open throughout May. Head to www.ngs.org.uk

RUTLAND SPIRITUAL SOCIETY meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Quaker Meeting House, corner of Gaol/South Street in Oakham. There is a lucky ticket table at each meeting too, for just £1 per ticket and all are welcome. There is no need to book and doors open shortly after 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start. Development Circles are held in six week blocks, please ask at any meeting. Want to know more? Contact Alison via What’s App on 07557 226759

STAMFORD FLOWER ARRANGING club have a demonstrator on Monday 15 May. Arrive at 6pm for a 7pm start at Stamford Methodist Church on Barn Hill. Enjoy watching and be entertained by demonstrator David Wright as he creates at least five large oral arrangements on the theme of ‘20/20-A vision.’ Video screen to enhance detail. A warm welcome awaits. Membership not required and no need to book. Cost £6.

karenlelawrie@icloud.com

Red Lion recipe: Chicken breast, pearl barley and vegetable broth

Frazer King from the Red Lion at West Deeping supplies another recipe reflecting ‘elevated pub dining’ which is proving very popular. This light and fresh recipe is perfect for this time of year and utilises seasonal veg

INGREDIENTS FOR 4

• 4 chicken breasts (on the bone if preferred)

• 1 litre vegetable stock

• 360g pearl barley

• Shaved spring vegetables: asparagus, radish, fennel, carrots, baby turnips

• Pinch of sea salt

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Season the chicken and sear the skin on the breast. Then roast skin side down for 18 minutes until cooked.

• Boil the pearl barley in unsalted water until tender. Strain and place in the middle of a bowl. Top with the chicken and then arrange the shaved vegetables around it.

• Heat the vegetable stock and pour over the vegetables. Finish off with fresh herbs of your choice and edible owers such as viola, daisies and pea owers if you have them

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Jack by the hedge

Rowan Griffiths finds more garlic themed foliage

JACK BY THE hedge or hedge garlic as it is also known is not actually garlic but related to the cabbage family. It is a common wild herb in Britain frequently found around woodland edges and along hedgerows.

t is a biennial plant and in its first year the leaves are broad, smooth edged, kidney shaped and found growing at ground level in a small rosette. In the second year a spike-like stem appears, the leaves on which are more spear shaped (lanceolate) with serrated edges, giving them an almost nettle-like appearance. The stems can grow over a metre in height and in the spring are crowned with a cluster of small, brilliant white, crossshaped owers. Later the seeds develop in thin, green and erect pods, emerging from the stem owers.

The plant has a mild garlic smell when the leaves are crushed, hence the common name. The leaves are edible although opinion is divided on taste. When finely chopped they add something extra to salads or a cheese sandwich but are even better chopped and mixed with some mint, vinegar, sugar and a little boiling water as a sauce to accompany lamb.

The seeds too are edible, having a mildly mustardy avour hence the other colloquial name, hedge mustard. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the seeds were even ground and snorted as snuff

Jack by the hedge has a history of herbal use and has been used to treat asthma and eczema. Chewing the leaves is believed to relieve mouth ulcers.

As with wild garlic, cattle are fond of eating Jack by the hedge but this taints the avour of the milk so not to be advised.

Read the labels

This month Tessa Burns talks hostas, slugs, King Charles and why we should follow instructions

N A RECENT article a garden columnist advocated ignoring care advice on plant labels and planting wherever you like. I can see if you have a mature garden and wish to add a particular favourite this might make sense. But for those of us with new gardens or who are refurbishing a border, plants are costly and label guidelines are there for a reason, to give said plant the best chance of thriving. They don’t preclude other possibilities but ignoring the labels could be expensive and disappointing if the plants fail.

My thoughts are, whatever you’re planning, take notice of the advice, do your research and consider the size of the plants when mature to avoid overcrowding other shrubs. While your new plantings establish, intersperse with herbaceous plants or try some salad crops in the spaces or pots of colour. Label plants and use markers as reminders for where you’ve planted bulbs or herbaceous perennials. This helps when you’re weeding and tidying to remind yourself which plant varieties you chose.

If you’ve been watching for signs of fresh young hosta shoots pushing up through the soil they should soon unfurl their leaves in a glory of shape, colour, size and texture. They love moist, damp conditions and are at their best in dappled shade. They look wonderful in a bog garden as long as they aren’t waterlogged, or can be grown in pots where they will need dividing every three years or so. Hosta foliage ranges from the palest ‘White Feather’ through yellows, silvers, blue greys to the deepest greens, and in size from the tiny ’Blue Mouse Ears’ to giant specimens of one metre spread such as ‘Blue Mammoth.’

Variegated or striped with cream, silver or gold, they not only look stunning in pots or shady borders, they’re popular with ower arrangers for their beautiful patterning. If your soil is clay, use pots of hosta ‘Fire & Ice’ and evolution’ with white or cream ares down the centre of each leaf. Placed in fairly deep shade these are really eye-catching beacons or try ‘Rainforest Sunrise’ with its acid green foliage as contrast.

If growing in pots you will need to keep hostas watered. Although predominantly grown for their foliage the summer owers range from white to purple, some having a lovely subtle fragrance. Varieties such as ‘Halcyon, Frances Williams and Blue Mouse Ears’ are all slug-resistant.

Slugs and snails adore succulent young hostas so we need to protect these plants. For those in containers, attach copper tape around the rim or smear with Vaseline to form a barrier the molluscs are reluctant to cross. For those growing in soil, copper collars can be placed around each plant or scatter wool pellets around. Biological nematodes can be used in a drench for surrounding soil or as pellets.

If you’re going to use chemicals, use an organic pellet containing ferric phosphate which will not harm other wildlife, pets or humans. Pellets based on metaldehyde are fatal to animals, including pets. A thin scattering is enough so be careful. Look out for Neudorff organic products or wool pellets which are available at garden centres. Any stray slugs can be picked off manually and either killed in a pail of salty water or if you don’t want to kill them, make sure you take them in a container to dump somewhere away from your garden because they are said to have a strong homing instinct

As we are celebrating the coronation of Charles lll this month, a visit to Highgrove shows what a thoughtful and enthusiastic gardener and countryman he is. The planning and detail in every part of the estate is enlightening and memorable. It’s not the majestic formal areas that have remained with me, but the beauty of the woodland, the stumpery of ferns, olive jars positioned and framed so perfectly through gateways and unexpected expressions of humour in places. Few of us could hope to create similar perfection, but we can use such visits for inspiration and aim to follow his organic principles.

And most of all, don’t forget to include some humour in your garden, it’s supposed to be fun www.wellandvale.co.uk

Auld Reekie

It’s known as Auld Reekie and the Athens of the North; they can call it what they like just enjoy Edinburgh in all its glory

ACITY BREAK is a perfect way to spend a weekend and you don’t need to hop on a plane to enjoy one. At this time of year head north to enjoy the charms of Edinburgh. The days will be long, hopefully the sun will shine and you can enjoy the city at its best, with the blossom and late spring owers at the forefront.

Edinburgh is easy to get to from here. Hop on a train or head north on the A1 and keep going. Once you get there you can pack your days with lots of sight seeing, enjoy the beach or just chill out and take it all in; or better still, do all three.

Because it’s the coronation of King Charles lll this month thoughts turn to castles and crown jewels and Edinburgh has them both. The Honours of Scotland are on display in the Crown Room in the Castle. They are the oldest crown jewels in Britain and include the priceless crown made for James V who wore it at the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1540. And then there are sceptres, gems and much more as well as the Stone of Scone, well worth a visit, but remember you’re not allowed to take photos of the jewels. And once you are at The Castle a tour is a must. But if you don’t have time or the inclination for that just drink in the view of the city below you; it’s a sight that will surely inspire you.

After all that history enjoy a different era with the grandeur of Princes Street and its predominantly Georgian architecture. It’s the southernmost street of Edinburgh’s New Town area and is about a mile long you get a fine view of the castle from there too. And make sure you enjoy a spot of retail therapy at the same time as Princes Street is the main retail area in the city.

If you fancy stretching your legs and getting out of the city there’s always Arthur’s Seat to climb near Holyroodhouse or head towards

Leith using the Walkway which heads out of the city past the botanical gardens and urrayfield to name a couple of well known landmarks. And just a short 20 minutes drive away from the centre of Edinburgh is The Royal Yacht Britannia based again at Leith where you can book a guided tour.

Head back into the city to enjoy fabulous food, a trip to the zoo, the Edinburgh dungeon or a trip round the Johnnie Walker experience and what I always really enjoy, a city walking tour; the perfect way to get your bearings and find out about the history of the city with local landmarks being pointed out along the way.

And talking of landmarks, a trip to Auld Reekie is not complete unless you make the pilgrimage to give Greyfriars Bobby a pat and a quick rub of his nose (it’s supposed to bring luck) near Greyfriars Kirkyard.

www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk www.visitscotland.com www.waterofleith.org.uk

'Because it’s the coronation of King Charles lll this month thoughts turn to castles and crown jewels and Edinburgh has them both.'

A WEEKEND FIT FOR A KING

It’s been 70 years since the last coronation so we will be celebrating in style!

FOR THE MAJORITY of the population the coronation of King Charles lll on ay will be the first coronation we have ever seen so it’s going to be quite a momentous occasion. The last coronation was in June 1953 so for anyone under 70 it’s all new. And it is expected to be a much different ceremony to then as times have certainly changed; the number of and type of guests for a start, down from 8,000 to 2,000. One guest who will be lucky enough to be there is Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland.

But lower numbers and changes does not mean that it won’t be a proud British occasion, we certainly know how to do pomp and ceremony in this country. Many of us will head to London to join the crowds to see the King in all his splendour and to soak up the atmosphere whilst many more of us will be glued to the television to get the best view in the house.

And then it will be time for us all to get together to celebrate as a community. And there’s lots going on. As well as pomp and ceremony the British know how to throw a party and street parties are a bit of a speciality when it comes to royal occasions. Nothing has changed this time with lots being planned in our local towns and villages throughout the bank holiday weekend, ranging from street parties to garden parties, volunteering and everything in between.

Flags will be ying and bunting will be lining the streets in most of the local towns and villages. And I’m quite sure many households will enjoy decorating their gardens too. Stamford’s Civic Society is holding a competition for the best shop window. Church services will be held throughout the area on the Sunday, many with parades involving local dignitaries as well. The service at 10.30am at Oakham’s All Saints is one which will finish at Cutts Close for a Party in the Park, there will be jazz in Uppingham, music, entertainment and fair rides on Stamford’s Rec on the Bank Holiday Monday and a party in Welland Park in Market Harborough on the Sunday.

There is far too much happening to list here but I’m quite sure every village and town will have plans of their own to which everyone will be welcome. And there’s even a new beer being brewed specially at The Grainstore Brewery! There are grants available from Harborough Council for not for profit organisations and for The Coronation Big Lunch which is planned for Sunday May 7. We can spend the weekend eating; lunch on Sunday, street party on Monday.

On Monday May 8, the bank holiday, the King has asked that people get together to ‘help out.’ The Big Help Out, planned throughout the country will create a legacy of volunteering. Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord Lieutenant of

Rutland is helping organise a ‘Coronation Clear Out to Help Out Car Boot and Table Top Sale’ at the Rutland Showground. The Rutland Agricultural Society are donating the entrance fee to the three chosen charities: Rutland Foodbank, Citizens Advice and ‘For Rutland.’ People can sell good quality items from their car boots or their own table tops and make money for themselves or if they wish give the money raised to charity. Those who do not wish to sell in person can donate good quality items that others can sell for the chosen charities.

Oakham Town Council will take donations at their o ces in Long ow during o ce hours in the week preceding the Coronation. Recognised voluntary groups can have a free pitch to raise money for their own good cause or for the three chosen ones.

People can come along, have fun, enjoy food, drink and entertainment and increase their awareness of volunteering in Rutland whilst enjoying picking up bargains and raising money for good causes.

It’s going to be a busy, happy weekend.

Memorial to the Queen

There are also plans to commemorate Queen Elizabeth ll in Rutland with a 7ft bronze statue of her which will be placed outside Oakham’s library. This means that utland will be the first place in the country to have a memorial for her and it will be utland’s first statue.

The sculptor is Hywel ratley who works at the LeBlanc foundry near Melton Mowbray. Funds are being raised now and it is hoped it will be in place in time for the first anniversary of the ueen’s death.

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Live music, the Sheep Show

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Floral displays & rural crafts

Schools’ garden competition

Gardeners’ Question Time

Local food & drink producers

Hundreds of trade & craft stalls ...and so much more

It’s

WIDE OPEN GARDENS

Kate meets many hardworking local gardeners who raise money for the National Garden Scheme by throwing open their gardens to hordes of visitors every year

WE ARE A nation of gardeners who spend much of our free time and energy working on our gardens, allotments, balconies and window boxes often enjoying the literal fruits of our labours. We also love visiting other people’s gardens. There’s nothing better than having a good nose round someone else’s domain, hence the huge success of the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Over 3,500 gardens in the scheme are thrown open to the public every year in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. This gives us the chance to wander around a variety of different spaces, gleaning inspiration from the many planting schemes and landscaping projects, coming away with plenty of top tips to use in our own gardens.

As an additional draw, hundreds of volunteers offer delicious refreshments in their village halls and churches providing an even more enjoyable day out. Cakes and gardens, you can’t go wrong! And perhaps the most satisfying part of the day out is knowing that all the admission money to the open gardens goes to a variety of nursing and health charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Parkinson’s UK and The

Carer’s Trust. The NGS also supports charities championing gardens and health, and grants bursaries to help fund community gardening projects.

The National Garden Scheme has been synonymous with raising money for nursing charities since it started in 1927. It was initially to help fund the district nursing service set up in 1859 by Liverpool MP William Rathbone after he employed a local nurse to look after his dying wife at home. The NGS has grown and ourished since its first year when it raised over £8,000. Over ninety years later in 2022, the scheme raised £3.11 million despite the drought and heat which caused many gardens to close.

The scheme couldn’t run, of course, without the many volunteer garden owners who spend hours of their time and money readying their gardens to reach the peak of perfection for their visitors to enjoy on the day. Some gardens are open for just one day, others may open one day per month so you can see how the garden evolves over the season. One thing is for sure, come rain or shine the owners are just as thrilled as the visitors to have a chat, share advice and soak up all the delights these wonderful gardens have to offer.

met a variety of different gardeners who are throwing open their gardens this year: some are old hands, one is a newcomer to the scheme, and one group of gardeners raise funds for their local charity Creative Oundle instead of the NGS.

Image: Joanne Drew

Val and Chris Carroll

22 Lyndon Road, Manton, Rutland. Open Sunday 4 June 1pm-5pm.

THIS YEAR THERE are six gardens open on the same day in Manton on the south shore of Rutland Water. Visitors can walk from one garden to another in the village, ending up in the village hall and St Mary’s church for refreshments.

Chris and Val Carroll have been opening their garden for a few years since the local organiser persuaded them to open it initially just for the village. They had resisted for a long time, not entirely sure they wanted strangers wandering around their garden. And they weren’t too sure why anyone would want to come in the first place. We didn’t think people would want to see a modern house like ours. It’s not like visiting a stately home but actually we’ve found that people are amazed at how full of plants it is.’

After the first year they opened the garden for the NGS and this year is their fourth time. ‘Having six gardens open is a draw,’ Carol says. ‘We’re the only group in Rutland open this year and people will travel from a distance if there are several to see in one place.’

Chris and Val would be gardening regardless of being part of the NGS, but ‘in the days leading up to opening we just don’t stop. You bounce from one thing to another, always tidying. It’s a great discipline and we have to get going on the garden early, we can’t sit back.’

Val grew up in the village and after she married Chris they had their house built. The garden used to be part of a tennis court so when they moved in they had a clean slate to work on. ‘It’s changed a lot

over the years,’ Chris says. ‘We used to have a lawn at the front, there were patios all over the place and we had a vegetable garden at the bottom. Now we have an allotment elsewhere.’

‘We have large herbaceous borders, not so many annuals, and I’m a sucker for buying something new,’ Val told me. ‘We’re not meticulous at all, I’m a ‘bung it in’ person and I often forget how big everything is going to get but if the garden is crammed, the weeds won’t get very far. We pot up extra plants and put them out on the front verge for people to take and they always go.

‘We like the end of May and June when the gardens are open as the spring owers are out. Because of the extreme weather last year, we’re waiting to see what gaps we’ll have, particularly in the pots. Our hanging baskets got scorched and we had to drape our greenhouse with a sheet.

‘We enjoy the day. The majority of visitors are really nice and want to talk and ask us questions particularly it seems about a distinctive yellow rose we have at the bottom of the garden and our blemish-free hostas. We have a gravel path and a wall that acts as a barrier to deter the slugs.

‘We like to look around gardens in the NGS and National Trust ourselves. It gets you out and about and there’s always something to see. You take photos to remind yourself, get ideas, then go for tea and a piece of cake.’

Elisabeth and Robert Braddock

Manton House, Church Lane, Manton, Rutland. Open Sunday 4 June 1pm-5pm.

THIS IS THE first year that Elisabeth and obert have opened their garden, having moved in three years ago. t was completely overgrown when they bought it but they are bringing it back to life.

There is a huge lime in the back garden, metres high, and the area underneath was covered in rotten wood. had to peel everything back,’ says Elisabeth, and ’m going to create a sunken garden there but it’ll all be tidied up by the time people come.

The borders in front of the house were full of bushes and trees and you couldn’t see the house so got rid of all that and am replanting the beds. We’ve had all the lime plaster on the side of the house re-done and all the windows so now we can open them and let the fresh air blow through.’

Elisabeth grew up in the countryside developing a great love for gardening, the great outdoors and greenhouses When ’m out in the garden don’t think of anything else, it’s an absolute pleasure, even in the rain. espite being in the centre of the village, it’s so peaceful here.’

She went to see al on Lyndon oad, who gave her the confidence that she too could open her garden. We’re taking a lot out and gradually putting pieces in with advice from a number of people in the village. Through the scheme ’ve been introduced to people ’d not met before, it’s a community.

like to have an eclectic mix of old and new, like we have in the house. want it to be a gradual process, don’t want it to be overwhelming. ’m going to make the borders bigger for une and move the tubs around. A lot of plants died because of the hot summer last year and the cold snaps. need to see what’s going to grow and what need to add.’

Already Elisabeth has transformed the garden, getting rid of -foot-high ivy, introducing water features from a local reclamation yard, planting a variety of avid Austen roses and loads of bulbs. The front of the house is south facing with ornamental yews, there’s a huge lawn and the vegetable patch will be full again this year with aris iper potatoes, onions and beans.

Everyone in the family has to muck in, planting the seeds, snipping out the tomatoes, picking the beans, digging the potatoes. That way we see the whole process from sowing a packet of seeds, then into a pot then into the garden and two months later we’re eating what we’ve grown.

know it will be so busy when the gardens are open. eople want to see what’s down the different nooks and crannies in the village, and they’re seeking inspiration for their gardens whatever their si e. They want to see what plants are growing at different times of the year. Or what looks good in pots, what edging or paving slabs we have, what compost we use. love it. Gardening is so good for the soul, being outdoors in the fresh air with your fingers in the soil.’

Joanne and Bryan Drew

Westbrooke House, 52 Scotland Road, Little Bowden, Market Harborough.

Open Sunday 28 May and 25 June 10am-4.30pm.

WESTBROOKE HOUSE SITS in six acres and includes a walled ower and kitchen garden, a fernery, wildlife pond, woodland walks, meadow with wild owers and even a ha-ha. When visited at the end of arch it was delightful, but when the , tulips and later the roses are out ready for the open days imagine it’s stunning. So much so it was featured on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love your Garden’ show in August . And was a regional finalist in The English Garden’s The Nation’s Favourite Gardens competition.

oanne generally plants early ay owering tulips. Each year make a tulip plan while ’m on holiday. have new ones every year and pull the old ones out. We sell the dried bulbs on the open days, they go like hot cakes. One year we gave them to the local golf club to plant around their putting green.’

All the beds are numbered and oanne knows exactly how many bulbs to put in each bed and works out a new colour scheme, always on the pink, lilac, purple and cream spectrum.

oanne, Bryan and their gardener uliette try to do something new every year. This year it’s the turn of the front garden which had shrubs so high they couldn’t see the magnificent limes and giant redwoods in the drive which were planted at the same time the house was built in . They have recently chopped the shrubs down and created a new seating area. Last year they added huge reclaimed gates with yew hedges to the side of the house which look like they’ve always been there.

Since moving in they have made many changes to the garden and built an orangery. We’ve enlarged the back patio,’ oanne says. There was a lawn where the vegetable garden is, we built another wall. ’ve got three greenhouses, huge compost bins and we’ve cleared the dumping area Local garden designer ebecca Winship designed the lower garden, vegetable garden and the back terrace.’ t was ebecca who suggested they open the garden to the public.

t’s hard work and gets stressful leading up to it,’ says oanne, and then if it rains only people might come through the gate. But some years we get .’

oanne and uliette propagate cuttings hydroponically through the winter in the greenhouses and sell them on the day. oanne’s sister-in-law Karen runs a courtyard caf which visitors love. They wander round the garden, go to the caf for tea and cake, and then often go back round the garden. We give all the money to the NGS.’ They raised over , last year and over , during the Covid lockdown year when we were able to first go out.

The garden is a family affair, particularly on the day. We’re a family friendly garden so we get big family groups and the children from the local primary forest school who regularly use an area of our garden on the other side of the stream.

uliette and are usually in the veggie garden selling plants and talking to people, there’s always a great atmosphere. We often hear people talking about using our ideas in their gardens. But before they come, ’m usually up at five raking and checking things over. like being out there on my own before it all begins.’

Professor Peter and Dr Sarah Furness

The Old Vicarage, Whissendine. Open Sunday 14 May 1.30-4.30pm.

IRECENTLY SPENT a wonderful hour walking around the garden of the Lord-Lieutenant of utland, r Sarah Furness, and it is so beautiful I’m hoping to return on the open day to see the herbaceous borders in their full glory.

Sarah is an extremely busy person but gardening is her greatest hobby and a wonderful way for her to relax when she has a spare moment. However, when she moved with her husband Peter to the Old Vicarage in 1990 she had a monumentous task ahead of her. ‘The garden was completely covered in bind weed and ground elder,’ she says. spent the first couple of years digging up the perennial weeds and apping them with weed killer and it didn’t look any different for ages. But I needed to do that before I could really get going.’

They planted a yew hedge to divide the lawn from the orchard area which has taken over 10 years to grow to the majestic height it is now. Sarah wanted a completely different feel to this area of the garden. Next to the greenhouse that Peter built there’s a pear tree, a mulberry and an apple tree with mistletoe that Sarah has successfully managed to grow on it by smearing the rotted down remains of a mistletoe she bought one Christmas onto the bark.

Strawberries and sweet peas grow in the raised beds as do gooseberries and asparagus. White, red and blackcurrants grow on quarter standards as it’s easier to pick and looks pretty. This area of the garden is also home to Sarah’s prized hens and the beehives.

‘I’ve planted the garden with the bees in mind so there is always something in ower. ’m so aware they need pollen and nectar so having a wide spread of plants is important. And I’m careful about what I grow as they prefer things that are not too hybridised or highly developed.’

Sarah describes herself and Peter as a ‘design and build’ team. ‘Peter designed the archway and carved the gates leading into the orchard including the bronze uprights. But garden expert and historian oy Strong advised us to reorientate the archway and double the si e of the borders which has made such a difference. We also removed a single garage that took up too much room and built the coach-house which my husband uses as a garage and workshop.’

I was particularly taken with a retaining wall they built which was

inspired by one from a hunting lodge in Melton Mowbray. But apparently the fountain garden is the favourite with visitors and I can certainly see why. Former outhouses form the basic structure of the orangery then they added glass and Peter copied the shape of the windows of St Andrew’s church next door to put in front of the glass. A formal garden design with pots and a stunning fountain complete the look.

However, the area Sarah is particularly happy to have altered is the terrace in front of the house. Previously it was narrow and out of proportion and Sarah read that a terrace should be the same width as the height of the house to the eaves.

‘I’m a great admirer of Bunny Guinness,’ says Sarah, ‘and this was a great example of how an experienced garden designer can not only come up with incredible ideas, but also save you money as she suggested a topiary criss-cross design which opens everything out instead of my idea of a wall which would have been expensive and cut across the outlook too much.

‘The satisfaction of developing a garden bit by bit is enormous, and if you long for something like my terrace you appreciate it more in the end.’

Sarah also enjoys showing people round. ‘One puts a lot of creative impulse into the garden and much of yourself and it’s really nice to share it. People are very kind and chatty when they come and can pick up planting inspiration for their own gardens. It’s a win for everyone as most gardeners like to share, and it’s a pleasure to support these wonderful charities. It also raises a considerable amount of income for our church as they very kindly provide the refreshments.’

The garden was featured on Gardener’s World in 2019 with Adam Frost and has been opened for the NGS for over 20 years with just one year off when Sarah was High Sheriff of utland. However Sarah doesn’t think a garden is ever finished t’s always changing, ’m forever putting in new plants, things grow and die. I love roses and peonies and I hope the tulips will be out on the day, but if not, there’s plenty of other things that will be.’

Ideal meeting point for Rutland Water - walking or cycling

Outdoor

Roof TerraceGood Food and

Tel: 01572 737335

horseandjockeymanton The Horse and Jockey Manton

www.horseandjockeyrutland.co.uk

Ian and Julie Jackson

16 Prince George Drive, Oundle.

Open on Saturday 21 May 10am-3pm for Creative Oundle

Open Gardens

SOME TOWNS AND villages organise their own open garden schemes to raise money for local charities, and one such scheme is Creative Oundle Open Gardens. All the money raised is used to fund community-focused arts projects across the Oundle area.

isitors first pick up a map and wristband from the ueen ictoria Hall then set off around the town to visit twelve gardens including more formal designs to smaller, more intimate plots. The garden at Cobthorne House, the headmaster’s house at Oundle School is also opening its gates.

efreshments can be found at one of the gardens which includes a swimming pond, at Beans Coffee Stop which is one of the sponsors, and at other caf s around the town. A plant sale is being hosted at the library and will be run by a group of volunteers from the Blooming Oundle team.

I met Ian and Julie who are opening their six-year-old garden for the second time. ost new build gardens are like ours,’ an says. And visitors want to see what people like us are doing on a small scale. When we moved in there was nothing here. We knew roughly what we had in mind but you’re very lucky if you put the plants in the right place from the start. ou have to mess around a bit and move things to get the desired effect.’

an loves apanese gardens because of their attention to detail. So many gardens have a square lawn with a path down the centre but don’t like that you need to break up and soften the shape. had to do a lot of work on the soil. We levelled it and brought in tonnes of topsoil and dug in lots of compost to put on top of the horrible clay studded with builder’s rubble.

built the summer house we bought an olive tree from the Olive Grove just outside Oundle ’ve trained wisteria on the south facing wall and it’s grown really well in six years. We put lights all around the garden which looked a bit industrial to begin with but now the plants have grown, they’ve softened it.’

After ferocious temperatures last summer, a very wet autumn and a cold snap in winter the edges of the lawn have huge patches on them so an has recently scarified and overseeded it. Last year before the heatwave, the lawn was about as perfect as it could be. t was like a carpet and people were getting down on their hands and knees asking if it was real

We had people visit last year and many people wanted to talk about why we planted what we did, how do get my plants in such a condition, and particularly how do get the grass like it is.

There’s lots of jobs to do before the opening. The cherry trees hardly have any leaves on at the moment and many of the plants haven’t come through yet normally you can’t see the soil and think we’re three to four weeks behind.’

Like all the gardeners talked to, an reiterates what they all feel when he says would have worked hard to get my garden up to the same standard irrespective of opening it to the public because it’s my passion. was outside from the first of arch to the end of October last year, even in the heatwave when nearly keeled over. Gardening gives you fresh air and exercise, you can be creative and once you’ve done the hard work, it’s lovely to sit back and enjoy your garden.’ For full details including accessibility, directions and admission, pick up one of the distinctive yellow guides or visit www.ngs.org.uk

For the Oundle group visit www.creativeoundle.co.uk/events/ open-gardens-in-oundle

Pub Goals

Mary visits The Horse and Jockey at Manton to meet a trio with the vision to see what a village pub should be

THE VILLAGE PUB is a stalwart of British life which keeps the heart of a village alive and kicking and brings a real sense of community; but these days can be a bit of a conundrum. Some pubs stay as ‘locals’ and are dying on their feet as they are dated, shabby and quite often only frequented by a hardened few with an, at times, quite unfriendly landlord behind the bar. Whilst others go down the gastro pub route and become so ‘chi chi’ that no local worth their salt would want to set foot in it, and don’t even think to bring your dog. Prices are ridiculously high, muddy boots are frowned upon and locals quickly shown the door. And never the twain shall meet.

But thankfully an enlightened few have spotted this problem and are doing something about it, making the village pub the heart of the village again and opening its doors to everyone. A few villages in our area now have thriving pubs and one that is really doing well is The Horse and Jockey at Manton who have got it just right.

Johnny and Flora de Lisle who live in a Rutland village nearby ‘spotted its potential’ so they bought it in 2019. The plan was to refurbish it using Flora’s interior design skills as it was pretty dated and in need of a bit of tlc. ‘And we looked forward to the challenge.’

The Horse and Jockey, as many of you will know, is the only pub that is actually on the cycle route around Rutland Water so this really is a ‘location, location, location’ spot. It’s been a pub since at least 1880 and used to sit on the main Oakham to Uppingham road until, in the 1970s, providence took over and it became the only pub on the cycle route overlooking Rutland Water. It was a lucky coincidence really and was immediately popular because of its position but I suspect rather sat on its laurels because of this; not much was needed to be done because it attracted customers anyway.

But the de Lisles could see the opportunity was there to do more with it and Flora was itching to get her hands on it and move it on by refurbishing it. And then providence took over again. Nine months after they had taken the pub over Covid struck and they were shut down. ‘This gave us time to really think about what we wanted to do and plan,’ says Flora. ‘I already had a pretty good idea what I wanted it to look like inside and it had to be a pub that appealed to everyone; locals who are our regulars and visitors alike. That’s when we decided to add an outdoor bar and a new roof terrace to ease congestion during busy times.’

'The Horse and Jockey, as many of you will know, is the only pub that is actually on the cycle route around Rutland Water so this really is a ‘location, location, location’ spot'

The Horse and Jockey Manton

It’s a very busy spot with lots of seating in front of the pub including bike racks for thirsty cyclists. There are 60 covers inside, another 150 out and now space has been made for 70 more via the roof terrace all supported by the outdoor bar; and it’s a beautiful spot. Some people are just wanting to stop en route and grab a quick sandwich or baguette before they get back on the bike or set out again to walk round the reservoir and that’s just fine. Whilst others will enjoy whiling away a few hours sitting on the roof terrace with friends enjoying the fabulous views, listening to the birds sing and soaking up the sun. All are welcome and there’s space for everyone. Many people use it as a meeting spot or starting finishing point and it’s very popular with cycling and walking routes and appears in our Will’s Walks more than once.

Everyone now gets to enjoy Flora’s vision. She redesigned the interior, reconfigured the space and opened up areas by knocking down walls in some spots. And the result is a practical, modern but classic pub. Light and airy with no pretensions; muddy boots, dogs and filthy cyclists are all welcome even the odd horse. t’s hard wearing and easy to clean but really comfy and welcoming too. It’s cosy in the winter with the woodburner roaring away throwing out just the sort of heat you need and in the summer windows are ung wide and the sun shines in; and of course there’s all that outside space including plenty of shady spots too.

But a pub like this, however lovely it looks needs good food too along with a warm welcome; this is what keeps people coming back. And this is what you get at The Horse and Jockey. Dan Bourner is the manager and just the sort of landlord you want, experienced, friendly and knowledgeable. Together he and Flora have got it just right. Flora’s design skills have created the perfect setting and her Cordon Bleu training (yet another string to her bow) and Dan’s experience have been combined, along with an experienced chef using local, seasonal, quality produce to create a menu of good pub food. It’s not pretentious or ridiculously priced. You know if you come to The Horse and Jockey, be it for just a quick baguette and coffee or a full blown three course dinner you are going to go away happy and wanting to return ‘and that’s what’s really important,’ says Dan; ‘local food done well.’ The specials list is popular and the menu changes regularly. They even have their own beer, The Jockey, brewed by The Grainstore Brewery in Oakham and serve local gin, Multum gin parvo which again is made in Oakham.

espite all the pub has to offer an is not one for sitting back and letting the trade come to him (which it does) he’s always driving it forward. Fortnightly, live acoustic sessions from local musicians are now attracting more customers; the Morris men are a huge hit whenever they visit; there was a recent Grand National sweepstake and other terrestrial events are shown on the large TV attracting the villagers and visitors alike and cycle expert Carl Silvester, who has a stand on Uppingham market will be there on Saturday mornings

throughout the summer to do bike repairs and maintenance. There’s plenty of parking for bikes and cars, full disabled access and even a five van caravan camper van site which is very popular in the summer.

The pub is open seven days a week with food served daily. Depending on the weather they either open at 11 or 11.30am ‘or when someone bangs on the door for an earlier coffee.’ Big groups of cyclists, walkers and school groups can pre-order their food knowing it will be ready for them when they return thirsty and starving after enjoying the reservoir. This makes for a proper local with welcoming faces, good food and a great interior all in a fabulous setting with Rutland Water right on the doorstep which also attracts visitors and other nearby villagers. These three have certainly solved the conundrum of what to do with a village pub between them.

www.horseandjockeyrutland.co.uk

@horseandjockeymanton

'Many people use it as a meeting spot or starting/finishing point and it’s very popular with cycling and walking routes and appears in our Will’s Walks more than once.

berryfieldsevents@gmail.com

Rutland County Show

AMICROCOSM OF the wider countryside, the show which takes place on Sunday 4 June brings together almost every aspect of rural living and lifestyle, from crafts and livestock to the region’s finest farm machinery.

Now in its 189th year, the show is bigger than ever with a jampacked schedule full of family entertainment alongside livestock and equine-showing classes and the county’s finest food and drink.

Trade stands offer visitors the chance to browse local crafts woodwork, jewellery, ceramics and sample locally produced foods such as cheeses, meats and jams. Oakham-based brewery The Grainstore will provide bars and there will be a wide range of street food and other refreshments available throughout the show.

There’s live music throughout the day and vintage tractor displays, ferrets, scent dog demonstrations as well as a funfair plus the hilarious Sheep Show is back once again for more ovine fun.

In the main ring this year you can watch Bolddog FMX, the UK’s number one motorcycle display team performing heart-stopping stunts and tricks. A fast and furious scurry racing competition will also feature as well as an entertaining duck herding demonstration by some very smart sheep dogs.

Those gentle giants, the heavy horses will be back. Entries travel from far and wide and you can meet them along with horses, ponies and livestock including sheep, cattle and goats as they all compete for Best in Show.

Wander into the horticultural tent to see some gorgeous oral displays at the ower show and enjoy some rural arts and crafts with the oot and Branch Out team. Later in the day there’s a Gardeners’ uestion Time with experts including Nick Hamilton.

There’s really something for all the family to enjoy and wellbehaved dogs are welcome too, so bring them along to take part in the dog show.

The show opens at am at the utland Showground. There is free parking and a free shuttle bus will be running throughout the day from Oakham and ppingham. The timetable will be available on the website from ay.

Discounted tickets are available online at www.rutlandshowground.com or on the gate on the day.

Buy the Will’s Walk Books at the show

We will be there too with our own stand selling Will’s Walks volumes two and three. These excellent walk books offer inspiration for walks around our beautiful area.

Come and meet Will, have a chat and buy a book as well (he might even sign it) so you can enjoy 21 rambles and walks; 42 if you buy both books, around the utland countryside. We look forward to seeing you there!

You just can’t beat the Rutland County Show as a fantastic day out for all the family. And Will and the Active team will be there too

Cinelli Veltrix - Italian Elegance

Why not come and join our team?

Drivers/cleaners

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SUPPORT FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Day opportunities are extremely important for well being. Without access, individuals could run the risk of experiencing ill health, isolation and lack of independence.

Activities currently provided

Shopping / Walking / Cinema / Bowling / Baking Games / Library / Arts and crafts / Day trips and many more…

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Soothing swim spa

Kate soaks her cares away in the New Lodge Farm hydrotherapy pool

WHEN I WAS invited to try the new swim spa barn at New Lodge Farm near Bulwick I wasn’t too sure what to expect. How well can you swim in a hydrotherapy pool and what would the whole spa experience be like?

The barn has been lovingly restored, creating a clean and modern interior with an enticing seascape covering one wall and an 18-foot-long hydrotherapy pool in the centre of the room. The under oor heating and soothing warm water guarantees a beautifully therapeutic experience.

But first things first you book your slot online – there are seven sessions currently per day fitting in with the farm shop opening hours, with more planned in the summer. When you arrive you collect your wristband from the shop which gives you access to the barn and from then on it’s all yours. Up to two people can book the barn for an hour which gives you plenty of time to change (watch out for the automatic shower on the way into the pool area) and make full use of the facilities.

There are three jacuzzi seats, massage jets and a resistance current to swim against so you can alternate between relaxing and keeping fit. t’s deep, almost up to chest height if you’re 5’5” like me. I decided to start with a swim so I put my goggles on and found it was more effective to swim front crawl against the faster current and do breast

stroke against the slightly reduced jet. I quickly settled into a steady rhythm and soon realised you don’t waste time turning at the end of the pool like you usually do, which was a bonus.

If you were with a friend you’d have to take it in turns to swim but whoever wasn’t swimming could enjoy the spa elements to the pool. I turned on the TV and watched a few minutes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine while being massaged by the different jets what decadence on a weekday afternoon! Then I asked Alexa to play some David Bowie and instead of oating in a tin can far above the moon,’ was thoroughly enjoying oating in a little slice of watery heaven whilst loudly belting out the lyrics. I was hoping the wardens wouldn’t be able to hear, because I do know you can call for help via Alexa who will turn on the camera so they can assist you in the case of an emergency.

It’s a fabulous facility particularly for

people with health conditions who would benefit from the warm water temperature to ease their aches and pains but also to help improve their joints and range of movement using the water as resistance.

The campers on the farm enjoy having the pool on site but many locals have also now discovered it. You become a yearly member which allows you to book slots online. I imagine it would be great fun coming with a friend, and on a warm day you can open up the bifold doors and look out towards the shepherds’ huts, the glamping pods and the farmland beyond. Then when you feel suitably relaxed and rejuvenated you can visit the café for lunch, dinner, tea and cake or Pizzas in the Park.

For more information and to book your slot, visit www.newlodgefarm.co.uk/new-lodgefarm-swim-spa The introductory offer price for two people is £15 per hour.

‘There are three jacuzzi seats, massage jets and a resistance current to swim against so you can alternate between relaxing and keeping fit.'

Yarwell Station and Nassington

With a detour to the Nene Valley Railway and plenty of time by the Nene, there is a touch of old fashioned magic about this lovely route.

By Will Hetherington

The bridleway between Nassington and Yarwell on the return leg.

Difficulty rating

The route

Park on Mill Road in Yarwell, just around the corner from the church and the pub, and take the eastward path clearly signposted for the Nene Way Footpath and the Nene Valley Railway. Head down here and take the right turn in less than a minute where there is a marker on the post. Keep heading south, past the alpacas on your right, until you come to the access road to Yarwell Mill. Turn left here to walk downhill into the holiday complex.

When you get to the old mill turn right and then turn right again immediately to pass the café and cross the bridge over the lock.

Keep following the Nene Way signs and a few minutes after the lock you will come to the sign to the Nene Valley Railway to the left. Take this route over the bridge and, after skirting around the edge of the field, turn left on to the permissive path down to arwell Station on the Nene Valley Railway. Once you have explored the old station simply retrace your steps back to the bridge and then rejoin the Nene Way by turning left once you cross the bridge.

You should now have the Nene tributary on your left and after a while you will start to arc south west across the ood plain towards Nassington, crossing the Nene once more along the way. When you reach the village turn right and then first left on to Church Street. At the top of the gentle incline you will find the rebendal Abbey on the left and the church to the right. You can walk through the churchyard and then keep heading north on Church Street and carry straight on to Northfield Lane where the main road bends to the left. Keep going past Lily ad Cottages on your left and you will come to the bridleway and the ford almost as soon as you leave the village.

Pass under the old railway bridge and stay on the track in a straight line for half a mile until you reach Nassington Road. Turn left here and walk along the pavement into Yarwell for a minute or two. Just as you reach the village there is a footpath to the right across the playing fields. ou can then either go straight back to the car or turn left down one more path to explore the church on the way.

Yarwell Station on the Nene Valley Railway.

The power of play

Experience

Meet

Essential information

WHERE TO PARK Mill Road in Yarwell.

DISTANCE AND TIME

Four miles/an hour and a half.

HIGHLIGHTS

Yarwell Station, the river Nene, the lock at Yarwell Mill and Nassington village.

LOWLIGHTS

To be avoided after prolonged heavy rain because the Nene is prone to flooding just after Yarwell Mill.

REFRESHMENTS

The Paper Mills at Wansford.

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE

The dogs will enjoy this walk. There’s not much livestock around and some good opportunities for a paddle.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Two paws; not much to worry about but can be a bit muddy in places.

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.

Early morning mist down by the Nene.

ACTIVE INFO

Described as a hidden gem and King Cnut’s Royal Manor, the Prebendal Manor in Nassington dates from the early 13th century, and is the oldest dwelling in Northamptonshire.

MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN AGED 4-14

Our OFSTED registered Camps, which have been running in the area for over 25 years, offer a wide range of over 30 fun activities to keep your child entertained in the holidays.

Our OFSTED registered Camps, which have been running in the area for over 25 years, ofer a wide range of over 30 fun actvites to keep your child entertained in the holidays. Some of the actvites that we ofer include bouncy castles, arts and crafs, sports, food making, crossbows, orienteering, computer games and den building.

Our OFSTED registered Camps, which have been running in the area for over 2 5 years, offer a wide range of over 30 fun activities to keep your child entertained in the holidays.

Some of the activities that we offer include bouncy castles, arts and crafts, sports, food making, crossbows, orienteering, computer games and quad biking

All staf are DBS checked and have the necessary experience and training to deliver the wide range of actvites we ofer. We pride ourselves on the quality of our childcare and our excellent staf ratos.

Some of the activities that we offer include bouncy castles, arts and crafts, sports, food making, crossbows, orienteering, computer games and quad biking.

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

REST ASSURED -WE WILL BE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE TO ENABLE US TO DELIVER MAXIMUM FUN IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

We accept payment by childcare vouchers.

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

May Camp

Summer

Camps

Peterborough THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL

We accept payment by childcare vouchers.

Stamford STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL

Oakham BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL

Easter Camps Easter Camps Summer Camps

9.30 am – 4.30 pm (early and late care available)

8th-12th April 8th-12th April 22nd-26th July

15th-18th April (4 day) 15th-18th April (4 day) 29th July-2nd August

Tel. 01572 868 304

May Half-Term Camp Summer Camps

Email: info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk

28th-31st May (4 day) 15th-19th July

www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk

We accept

Summer Camps 22nd-26th July

8th-12th July 29th July-2nd August

01572 868 304 Email: info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk

15th-19th July 5th-9th August

22nd-26th July 12th-16th August

29th July-2nd August 19th-23rd August

5th-9th August

12th-16th August

9.30 am – 4.30 pm (early and late care available)

CAMP COST - £165

We accept payment by childcare vouchers

Tel. 01572 868 304 Email: info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk

www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk

Peterborough THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL

Stamford STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL

Active Kids

Copthill; Junior School of the Year award

COPTHILL IN UFFINGTON are celebrating this month as they have won the Independent Schools Association (ISA) junior school of the year award which is quite an achievement. The ISA said of the school: ‘They stay true to their mission to keep “the child at heart” with a diverse curriculum supported by enrichment opportunities in the arts, sports and within their local community.’

To be ISA Junior School of the Year, applicants were asked to demonstrate how their school makes a positive difference to the educational outcomes of the children in its care and the clear cause and effect between decisions made by the school and the exceptional outcomes achieved.

Their entry highlighted all that is unique and special about Copthill School, including the foundations laid by the directors; the dedicated, passionate and creative efforts of the staff; the strong support from parents and, of course, the wide-ranging achievements of all their children. Well done!

Well done Withamians

AND THERE’S MORE celebrations going on over at Witham Hall as the 2023 leavers have secured a record 19 scholarships between them out of a cohort of 38 leavers.

Scholarships are to a range of senior schools including Uppingham, Oundle, Oakham and Stamford locally as well as further afield at Greshams and Rugby. Scholarships range from academic to sports, to music and art showing what a diverse all-round education these youngsters have achieved from Witham.

Festival of Sport

It’s the 20th anniversary of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup win later this year. Team member Will Greenwood reflects on his time at Leicester Tigers and The Festival of Sport which takes place in August

GREENWOOD JOINED THE Welford Road outfit in , and over a four-year stint ran out times as a Tiger. uring that time, he helped them win the league twice, bag the ilkington Cup and make a European Cup final. And his form with them led to his first England call-up in . Further international success followed in the Five and Six Nations and several European Cups.

have such ama ing memories of those years at Welford oad,’ says Will. Fantastic team mates who became friends for life and the experience of games like the European Cup semi-final against Toulouse in anuary where literally everything we did worked.’ That match, which saw Greenwood play alongside Tigers’ legends artin ohnson and Neil Back, led to the start of his international playing career with a call-up for the triumphant British and rish Lions tour of South Africa later that year.

Away from the field, Leicester was, says Will, the ideal place to live at that time in my life so vibrant, with great places to go out on the doorstep, and surrounded by beautiful countryside.’ Special mentions are reserved for in uatre on King Street for post-match debriefs, alongside the Kohinoor ndian restaurant close to the train station.

But Leicester means far more to Will than simply the foundation of what would become a stellar eleven-year playing career, including joint top try scorer at the World Cup. t’s where he first met wife Caro, on a night out with his Tigers’ team mates. The couple shared their first home in Holbrook oad, Stoneygate before moving to West London when Will returned to play for Harlequins.

They still return to Leicestershire regularly now, to visit Caro’s family who live in Foxton.

After two decades closer to London, where Will has forged a successful career as a commentator, speaker, charity campaigner, rugby coach and businessman, there’s another move afoot. This time it’s a relocation to Norfolk, where Caro grew up. As Will explains Norfolk’s a beautiful county, and it’s one that ’ve got to know well over the past years. t’s also a great breeding ground for rugby talent current Tigers and England players Ben oungs, ack van oortvliet and Freddie Steward all came up through Norfolk clubs to join the Tigers Academy.’

That a nity for the county helps to explain why this August, Will is once again hosting his Festival of Sport weekend at Holkham ark, north Norfolk. Co-founded with fellow Tigers alumni Austin Healey, the Festival is a full weekend of family action, with the emphasis firmly on fun rather than competition.

Held over three days from to August, the Festival gives youngsters the chance to hone their skills in their favourite sports and try out completely new disciplines. From football, netball, hockey, golf and of course rugby, to kayaking, boxing, American Football, skateboarding and skipping, we’ve got something for everyone,’ explains Will. t doesn’t matter if you’ve played it before, or never even heard of it, we want to share the joy of sport with as many families as we can - learning something new, spending quality family time together and making new friends.’

Aimed primarily at children aged - , each youngster takes part in different sessions across the weekend, followed by evenings in front of the main stage where live bands and open-air cinema keep the party atmosphere going into the evenings. Alongside a street food village and camping and glamping options available on-site, it’s a totally family-centric festival where all ages can have an ama ing weekend.

To make the event really special, all sessions are led by sporting professionals including several gold-medal winning Olympians, aralympians and international players who are there to coach, motivate and have fun with families.

This year’s first-time attendees include England and Saracens’ women’s rugby player Sydney Gregson hockey gold medallist Helen ichardson-Walsh wife Kate is

returning from and young GA pro golfer Hannah Bowen. Alongside Will and Austin, stars returning in include cricketer yan Sidebottom, aralympic rowers icki and Tom Aggar, netballer Karen Greig and golfer Graeme Storm.

There’s plenty for adults to have a go at too, from Echelon cycling classes to anceFit, and challenges in chipping, skipping and rowing throughout the weekend including the chance to pit themselves against sporting professionals. Greenwood is keen to stress that the emphasis is on fun rather than competition though. Now that my professional playing days are over, it’s always the taking part and not the winning that counts ’ he says, although ’m pretty sure Team Will are always going to beat Team Austin in any challenge - old habits die hard ’

Festival of Sport takes place at Holkham ark, Norfolk - August . Tickets for the full weekend are on sale now, priced at adult child agedyears . Additional adult tickets , additional child tickets . nder s go free. Tickets include access to the event and a full programme of sports sessions for all children plus entertainment on all three nights.

Accommodation on site starts at for three nights for a tent or campervan pitch, ready-erected bell tents from three nights, up to six sharing .

www.festivalofsportuk.com

EDITED BY KATE MAXIM

Stepping Out

Ankle injuries can vary from niggly pain to much more serious. Physio Sarah Babbs explains

ActiveBody  T

HE ANKLE, A joint of which we ask much. It takes our weight when we are on our feet, helps us walk, run, jump, balance, climb and helps prevent us falling when doing those activities. It is made up of three bones, the tibia and fibula forming an arch over the talus bone. The talus then sits on the heel bone or the calcaneus and the rest of the foot attaches to both of these, again performing all of these movements as well as telling our brain what surface we are on, at which angle and how to propel us from that point. These bones are held together by ligaments and surrounding the ankle are tendons attaching muscles in the leg to the foot. These muscles control how we move the foot and, therefore, the body as we step and how we respond to different surfaces, And this is where your Achilles tendon is.

Unfortunately, many of us have tripped, slipped and fallen and ‘twisted’ an ankle at some point. Many get away with a few days of soreness while others have longer lasting problems. It is thought that around 20% of those with ankle sprains continue to have problems, often known as Chronic Ankle Instability.

If you do sprain an ankle it may just be a simple pull on the ligaments around the ankle. Ligaments attach bone to bone and prevent too much movement. When injured, there may be pain and swelling. The in ammatory cycle will then begin, and ultimately the tissue will repair. During this time the ankle may feel normal within days or weeks but the tissue repair continues for many months.

A complication to the injury can be an avulsion fracture when a tiny piece of bone comes away from the tibia or more commonly fibula. This will usually be more painful with more swelling. This injury will usually show up on an X-ray and often a boot, through which one can continue to take weight, may be required for a few

weeks. Sometimes the ligaments at the ankle tear fully meaning the ankle will feel much more unstable. Again a boot may be required to allow healing to occur with the ligaments and ankle supported. Occasionally surgery will be required if the ankle remains unstable but much can be gained through physiotherapy and exercise to support the ankle while the ligaments heal.

First aid for ankle sprains has changed over the years. The old RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) has been superceded by EACE and LO E. This idea tends to improve the longer term outlook while RICE really only managed the acute phase. EACE rotection, Elevation, Avoid anti in ammatories, Compression and Education and LO E Load, Optimism, ascularisation and Exercise . n ammation is the body’s normal response to injury, taking place over many months as the tissue is repaired to as near as possible to the original. ce and anti-in ammatory medications will slow the secondary repairs so it is suggested that, unless severe and intolerable, pain is better managed without these and certainly if used, only a few days is

recommended. By loading the injury appropriately and with protection such as a boot, the tissue is encouraged to repair well. It also improves early balance and proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position in space.

Balance exercises such as standing on one foot on a stable surface are a good starting point (classically recommended while cleaning teeth), progressing to unstable surfaces such as a cushion, wobble board or BOSU. If the ankle is too painful it has been shown that balancing on the uninjured side will help in the longer term, a form of brain training perhaps. Building back up with both local and global balance including heel raises, squats, lunges and progressing to stepping, hopping and jumping when ready works well. Eyes closed adds to the challenge.

Early rehabilitation as always, however mild the injury, means less trouble later and a successful return to the activities we love. So keep on challenging movement and balance, your body will thank you.

To contact Sarah ring 07780 900201.

Living with anxiety

High anxiety levels are becoming more prevalent. Raj Sachdev shares some ideas on how to reduce them

WE ALL EXPERIENCE anxiety

from time to time. Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress, and it’s not all bad. It kicks in to protect us from potentially harmful situations (think woolly mammoths of years gone by) and can motivate us to meet deadlines.

But anxiety becomes a problem when it oods our minds with toxic thoughts and worry on a continual basis and can be very detrimental to our lives.

Whilst we might be much better today at looking after our cognitive cogs than we were , , or even five years ago, our mental health, just like our physical wellbeing, needs constant monitoring and support.

There are things you can do to help calm your mind and prevent anxiety from taking over.

Identify your triggers

Identifying your triggers will help you to take back control. Listen to your body’s responses. If a situation is making your heart beat faster or your palms sweat, you are experiencing anxiety. Common anxiety triggers include the first day at a new job, meeting a new person for the first time and public speaking which are all perfectly valid reasons to feel worried; but we’re all different.

Once you’ve identified what makes you anxious you can put in place better coping mechanisms.

Question your thought patterns

Negative thoughts can be quick to take root and if given a voice for long enough, can distort the severity of a situation. Try to drown out the chatter. Recognise the thought for what it is and turn it down in your mind. Sometimes just acknowledging a fear can make it seem a lot less substantial.

Go one step further and challenge your fear – is what you’re worried about likely to happen? What would you tell someone else in the same situation? This can be very powerful. The chances are you would calmly reassure them. Treat yourself with the same kindness as you would others and see how that makes you feel.

Write down your thoughts

Committing your worries to paper can free

your mind and make your worries seem a lot less daunting. You’ve allowed them space on a page, now turn that page – or better still, rip it up and bin it.

Calm your breathing

By taking fewer but deeper breaths you will optimise your oxygen intake, helping you to relax and remain calm. There are plenty of ways to breathe more deeply. One approach is the five-six-seven breathing method breathe in through your nose for a count of five, hold for a count of six, exhale through your mouth for a slow count of seven. Repeat until you feel calm and connected.

Even without trying to control your breathing, just by taking the time to focus on your breath, will automatically slow your breathing.

Remove yourself from the situation

Go for a walk. Physical exercise will help to

distract you from whatever is making you feel anxious and it causes the brain to produce endorphins to cheer you up. If you can, try to surround yourself with nature, the greener the better. Green space exposure activates a primitive part of the brain involved with stress regulatory responses. Just 10 minutes a day will help you to feel better and more in control.

Need a helping hand?

St John’s Wort or Hypericum can also be used for feelings of low mood and mild anxiety. Scientists believe it works by prolonging the action of serotonin and by increasing levels of melatonin, but bear in mind that Hypericum can take up to six weeks for best results. It may also interact with other medications and affect the way they work, so isn’t suitable for everyone. Check with your G first if on prescribed medicines.

If you’re still feeling anxious try A Vogel’s assi ora Complex Spray. A gentle, nonaddictive relaxing blend of herbs for those needing to relax. t combines passi ora passion ower and lemon balm. The handy spray makes it ideal for using on-the-go.

For further information on anxiety, visit Raj and his team at The Body Store, 13 Town Square, Syston, LE7 1GZ or call 0116 269 4348.

ActiveSport The ride of

his life

It’s not often an amateur cyclist gets to cycle the Tour de France

DAN MCDONALD FROM Elton has been selected to be part of The Tour 21 team, one of 25 amateur cyclists riding the entire Tour de France route one week ahead of the professionals. This team of amateurs hopes to raise over £1 million for the blood cancer charity, Cure Leukaemia and it’s going to be tough.

It is a massive challenge that will take place over three weeks starting in Bilbao on Saturday une and finishing on Sunday July in Paris. Dan and his team will tackle all 21 gruelling stages and 3,404km of the Tour de France route - one of the world’s most iconic and toughest sporting endurance events. Each rider is committed to raise £30,000 of which every penny donated will go direct to Cure Leukaemia.

‘It was exciting and a real privilege to be chosen to participate,’ says Dan. But the task ahead has been quite daunting. Joining the Tour 21 has meant committing to nearly a year of intense training and that has been tough. t also means taking four weeks off work which will not be a holiday at all as Dan will be cycling for six to eight hours a day for 21 days. It’s going to be tough even for a strong amateur cyclist and road runner like an who has recently completed five of the six world major marathons.

With the full support of his family, wife Jess and two daughters Carys and Eleanor, recruitment business owner Dan is feeling excited, if understandably a little apprehensive. ‘Flat tyres, mechanical issues and torrential downpours on the mountainous descents of the Alps and Pyrenees are my biggest fears. But it helps to know that my parents, wife and children will be there cheering me on at the finishing line at the Arc de Triumph in aris on uly .’

To raise additional funds for this excellent blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia, Dan

has organised a glitzy black tie ball on Saturday 17 June at Barnwell Village Hall. Tickets are selling fast so secure yours today to join in the fun and to be in with a chance to win a signed Tour de France shirt from this year’s winner.

Dan has been busy and is also organising a Big Co’RUN’ation Bake Sale at Elton Village Hall on Bank Holiday Monday 8 May starting at 11am that will incorporate a 14km off-road trail run, a hour cycle event both starting at 11:15am) and a 1.4 mile fun run/

dog walk noon before enjoying tea, coffee and cakes in the afternoon. This is a free event with donations gratefully received for the wonderful cakes, bacon rolls and light refreshments on offer. f people can bake or donate a cake in lieu of a donation, even better! For both events, please contact Dan McDonald on 07810 414787 or via danbuoy@ hotmail.com www.thetour21.co.uk/

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ danielthetour21

More cycling challenges

Three Counties Sportive is coming to Uppingham in July

AFTER FIVE SUCCESSFUL years running the Gretton Charity Sportive, Wild Dog Events are bringing their cycling sportive to the centre of Uppingham on July 2.

Cyclists will once again experience the challenging routes created every year by Bruce Donald, Director of Wild Dog Events who says: ‘We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country, it’s probably why we see so many cyclists around here so I always try to make sure we give our participants the best views and a few challenging hills when I design the course.’

There are two distances to choose from –50km or 100km - and this year cyclists will be treated to some live music as well as their medal at the finish line.

Lisa Thipthorp, event organiser said: ‘We are so excited to bring the sportive to Uppingham and are delighted to have the support from Wills Inns this year who own The Falcon Hotel, The Vaults and Don Paddys in the market square. Cyclists who have ridden one of our events before know they will have a great day both during the ride and afterwards. We have Tony from The Olive Kitchen serving up breakfast baps and hot drinks before the riders depart and there’ll be plenty of choices of refreshment at the end.’

Completing a cycling sportive gives riders such a sense of achievement whether it is their first or fiftieth event. Wild og Events are keen to encourage both experienced and novice riders with their trademark friendly and encouraging atmosphere, so do go and join them.

Why not make that commitment to your training and sign up here at www.wilddogevents.com

‘Cyclists who have ridden one of our events before know they will have a great day both during the ride and afterwards.’

Up the wall

Kate wanted to have a go at climbing so she headed to the superb outdoor wall at Tallington Lakes

WHY DO KIDS have all the fun? I’ve wondered this for a long time. As parents we drive them to all the different clubs and activities under the sun and often wait for them in the car until they come bounding out full of enthusiasm for their latest adventure.

But when your children have grown up or hopefully before say we should grab every opportunity we can to take part in activities we’ve always wanted to try. And that is exactly what ’ve just done at Tallington Lakes between Stamford and arket eeping. have conquered my first climbing wall, all feet of it m and in quite a hefty wind too!

I’d thought I wouldn’t have strong enough arms to pull me up the wall or that my rather stiff toes wouldn’t be up to perching for long on a tiny protrusion called pinches, crimps, jugs and pockets if you’re in the know . But as was soon to find out from my very helpful instructor att, most of the work should be done by the legs as the lower body is stronger than the upper, and was able to find enough suitable footholds on which to rest my weight. Climbing could be compared to yoga, as you’re stretching and reaching, tensing and relaxing your muscles and it’s as much of a mental workout as physical as you need to look ahead and plan your route. But then there’s the thrill of it too, as the decisions you make could have major consequences. Overextend yourself or get your legs muddled up and you’re in a pickle. Luckily you are attached to a harness and tied to a rope secured by a double figure of eight knot belayed by the instructor on the

ground who can hoist you down at a moment’s notice. Belaying is the climbing term for controlling the safety rope for another climber . t’s also the way you get down at the end which was a relief as couldn’t work out how was going to navigate my way back.

As an alternative to climbing you can also abseil from the top of the tower, and plenty of schools and groups come to Tallington to do just that. t’s the only outdoor climbing wall for miles around and is a great idea for a birthday party for people of any age and

ability. There are eight lines with different graded routes to tackle including one with an overhang no thank you and you can choose from taster sessions to full one-to-one tuition in belaying, knot tying and movement skills. Experienced climbers also book sessions on the wall to help them maintain their grip strength and practice their climbing techniques before they head off to rocky crags in the eak istrict, the Lakes or much further afield. ’m not sure ’m brave enough to attempt climbing in the hills but can absolutely see how addictive climbing can be. t’s such a great feeling of achievement when you get to the top. ou just want to go straight back up again but do it faster and with more finesse

Children who have climbed at least twice can join the Spider onkeys club on Sundays from April to September which helps them improve their skills, be outside in the fresh air, learn something new each time they go and, more importantly, have fun.

For full details visit www.tallington.com/ land-activities/climbing-centre/ Prices start from £10 each for two-to-one instruction (under fives) and £12 for four-toone instruction (over fives).

‘Climbing could be compared to yoga, as you’re stretching and reaching, tensing and relaxing your muscles.’

Stamford Daniels are deservedly celebrating this month. Jeremy Smithson-Beswick tells us more

IF YOU LIVE in Stamford you may possibly have noticed that, for some reason, there seem to be more happy smiley people on the High Street lately. It might have been a mystery to you - unless you’re a football fan of course. The explanation for those of you whose leisure interests lie elsewhere is that, after no less than a twenty-five year wait, aniels fans are celebrating a well-earned promotion, and

being undisputed champions of their league as well.

After the last couple of seasons when they came agonisingly close only to fall at the final hurdle, there was thankfully no need for any last minute dramas to be suffered either. Such was their dominance that the title was sewn up early with a few games still to play, thereby saving all those long-suffering annies fans from any further angst and bitten fingernails.

The trophy was presented after their last home fixture of the season, a - home victory over Yaxley that also saw a hat trick from star striker Jonathon Margetts, bringing his season’s goal total to an impressive . The club Tweeted ‘What a season it’s been, with a special group of players, staff and everyone involved at the club.’

Next season will be a big challenge at the higher level but I’m sure manager Graham rury’s already working on it. He certainly seems quite level-headed saying: ‘It’s perhaps

been six years in the making and I feel that this is the right time for the club to go up.’ The U-12 girls’ side added to the trophy cabinet too winning the Lincs County Cup with a brace of goals from Maisie Edwards and a third from Florence Swift in the final.

It’s to Harborough Town’s immense credit that, at time of writing, they still stand an outside chance of making the play-offs in that same league having risen to this level for the first time in their history just last year. Although other results will have to go their way for them to squeeze into the frame, they’ve been far more competitive than most observers would have predicted. The second team pitched in with silverware, landing the Leicestershire FA Intermediate Cup and were also United Counties Football League eserve ivision Champions which shows encouraging strength in depth for the future.

Elsewhere, congratulations are due to eeping angers who’ve reached the final of the United Counties Cup and will hope to go

‘It’s perhaps been six years in the making and I feel that this is the right time for the club to go up.’

Images: Rob O’Brien

one better than their earlier disappointment as losing finalists of the Lincs Trophy, and last but not least, kudos to Bourne Town who are into the play-offs of nited Counties ivision and go into the semi-finals on a rich vein of form – good luck to them.

As the football season draws to a close so too does the rugby one. In retrospect we can see that although Oakham looked to be irting with relegation in the first half of their campaign their young side improved inexorably as time passed - and in the end they were safe by a decent margin of twelve points. One trusts that progress will continue into next year as the side matures. Stamford were indisputably the better of the two sides this time around and for a while around Christmas looked to be mounting a credible assault on the promotion slots, but fell away in the new year to finish fifth behind arket Bosworth and Bourne who were only promoted to this division last year) in third and fourth respectively.

n fact arket Bosworth finished only five points away from promotion in what was an excellent season which saw the club further strengthened by the addition of a senior women’s side for the first time in their history. Bourne, like Stamford, claimed indisputable bragging rights over Oakham by beating them both home and away, prevailing by 27-22 away at the Showground in the last match of the season, which just underlines how far they’ve improved over the last couple of years.

And so, as the days lengthen and more sunshine we hope beckons, cricket now comes back to the fore. It’s been a challenging pre-season for our groundskeepers with the persistent rain in arch and April meaning heavy rollers had to be confined to barracks

lest the square deteriorate into a muddy field, but the recent dryer weather has saved us, and most of our grounds are now ready and looking at their best. Although I’ve already had some feedback about various clubs’ aspirations this time around I’ll save that for next month when the sport will inevitably occupy the greater part of this column. I’ll leave you with two teasers though. Who reckons they’re going to win every competition they’re in? And which local club’s first team matches will you be able to watch anywhere in the world on a live internet stream?

Tennis is also, of course, a predominantly summer activity and Stamford’s club have been in touch about the announcement of their new coach, Felix Beech, who’s joined them from Peterborough City. He’d been a member at Stamford as a youngster for

thirteen years before taking a sports degree and then moving to a position in the idyllic surroundings of Paleros in Greece. He said on appointment, this is where fell in love with the game, and it was a massive part of my childhood. I am hugely passionate about the club and am incredibly excited about returning to be a part of it again.’ They’re keen to attract players of all ages and abilities and hope the coaching on offer will give participants the feeling of improvement and to continually keep tennis fun and exciting’ whether that be for individual coaching, social tennis or competitive play’.

Whatever your sport of choice be it cricket, tennis, golf, athletics, cycling or bogsnorkelling and whether you’re a participant, volunteer, spectator or statistics-obsessed tiddlywinks aficianado, let’s hope that all of us can all look forward to a glorious summer.

STARTING FROM GREAT Oxendon, travel west out of the village and then turn left through Sibbertoft and past Husbands Bosworth Airfield. Then a quick right and left turn to North Kilworth. Once past North Kilworth turn right and enjoy the coast downhill to the river valley before turning right and climbing back up the hill past Upper Bruntingthorpe until turning right to Saddington.

Hopefully you’ve saved some energy for the rest of the ride as it starts to get a little tough. Be careful down the hill post Saddington toward Gumley, and then pace yourself as you climb up the hill before taking care down the other side. And then it is mostly downhill until Lubenham. But here

comes the sting in the tail as you climb up to East Farndon. Then enjoy the gently undulating ride back to Great Oxendon and a well-deserved coffee and cake or something more substantial at The George or grab a delicious sausage roll or pork pie from Waterloo Cottage Farm.

www.strava.com/

routes/3079717717109930700

Or scan the QR code to get the route