Active Magazine // November 2014

!

E E

FR

Girl Power with the Deeping Devils Why women's rugby is taking off and you could join in

ISSUE 29 // NOVEMBER 2014

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

ISSUE 29 // NOVEMBER 2014

How to train better

Football, Rugby, Hockey,

School & ot h roundups er

Tips on getting fitter and eating better

Dog walk

Empingham, Exton and Whitwell

Get to the point www.theACTIVEmag.com

How sewing is cool again

11

Cover 29 final.indd 116

21/10/2014 18:51

time-difference2.ai

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1

17/10/2014

15:26:33

Editor’s Letter IF YOU HAVE SPENT ANY TIME PLAYING IN A team, you will know that the dressing room is a unique place. I know perfectly sane people, who when they start putting their kit on, turn into mouth-frothing lunatics. I’ve seen some of the toughest men I know sitting in floods of tears having been on the wrong end of a result in club matches, and saw a chap punch a hole in the wall in frustration, and then not be able to get his fist out.

A lad I knew turned up for a game with a rabbit in his bag he had found injured by the side of the road. A bloke in our team, who worked in an abbattoir, wouldn’t go near it to help put it out of its misery and cowered in the corner.

Surreal, emotional, violent, hilarious: the sports team changing room is a bizarre environment because the people in it are stressed, or letting off steam, or hanging out with their best mates, having the best of times. And the banter: endless, cruel, biting, but generally very, very funny. If you can take it, of course.

So some of the comments of Kevin Pietersen about the culture within the England cricket team were especially interesting. When things aren’t going well, egos collide, issues get bigger, foibles get more irritating, personalities grate.

And the things that are said in there, which seem so important at the time, actually often make no sense outside of that environment.

Such is the complex nature of a team, whether it be a club team or an international sports machine.

Of course, if you have to spend 200 days a year in your team’s company all those things might become even more magnified, but still, the changing room is one of the most entertaining places to be and the people in it are generally great too.

Not for KP though, it seems. Graham Norton probably put it best when he said to him: “It strikes me that maybe, just maybe, team sport’s not for you.”

Thanks, Steve

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

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

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication.

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

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

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

3 ed letterCM.indd 117

3

21/10/2014 17:53

LANGTOFT, LINCOLNSHIRE

Price: £525,000

Ty Mawr is an impressive stone-built home with elegant reception space, extensive accommodation and a sunny secluded garden. The house is located within a private gated estate comprising four properties set amongst maintained lawns and surrounded by stone walls and hedging and was built in 2005 of local stone with a slate roof. The attractive façade has a classic timeless architectural design and inside the interior features stylish reception rooms with double doors and a semi-open plan design that allows an easy flow between the main living areas. French doors along the back of the house allow many of the rooms to be extended out into the garden on sunny days and the many windows throughout increase the feeling of light and space. The house has been fitted to high standards throughout with solid oak floors, double-glazed timber frame windows, oak doors, modern bathrooms, a water-softening system and alarm system. The enclosed garden has a sunny south-west facing patio and wide lawn edged by tall mature hedges.

With its private, secure situation, extensive accommodation and light-filled rooms, Ty Mawr is a smart, welcoming and practical home in an excellent Lincolnshire location.

EPC Rating: C

CASTOR, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Price: £695,000

The Lodge is a charming Grade II period cottage dating from the1700’s and built of local stone with a slate roof. In recent years it has been carefully renovated and extended to create a stunning light-filled home that combines historic charm with excellent modern fittings and practical living spaces. Throughout the house a simple décor enhances the many original features which include exposed timbers and stunning oak beams, pitched ceilings and a handsome inglenook fireplace. Natural materials such as stone flooring and a solid oak staircase match the period style of the house whilst casement shutters, window seats, cast-iron radiators and latch-handled doors add to the overall style and charm. Practical use has been made of all available space with fitted display cupboards, wardrobes and library shelving on the sunny landing, and the stunning oak-frame Garden Room adds extra living space and successfully combines contemporary design with historic character. Outside, the pretty, landscaped garden features a sunny terrace, patio, lawns, and a delightful Summer House. The property has the further benefit of a detached Garage with a sunny first floor studio room which could serve as a home office. With its excellent location, period charm and stunning interior, The Lodge is a unique property and an exceptional village home.

EPC Rating: Exempt

fine&country.indd 1

21/10/2014 14:01

MARKET DEEPING, LINCOLNSHIRE

Price: £650,000

Dating from the early twelfth century The Old Rectory is a magnificent property with a unique historic heritage and still retains its period charm and many wonderful original features. Set in extensive gardens just minutes from the centre of Market Deeping, the property occupies the west wing of what is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited parsonages in the country and one of the few religious dwellings to survive the Dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII. Later additions to the parsonage include the handsome Clipsham stone façade with its central gable and tall square bay windows dating from 1832 which have all the elegance and style of the Regency period. The Grade I listed property has extensive accommodation laid out over three floors with stylish reception rooms flooded with light from the tall bay windows and original features throughout, many of which are excellent examples of early craftsmanship: of particular note are the splendid Jacobean staircase, the impressive entrance door with what is believed to be twelfth century iron-work, and the hand-carved roof trusses with oak gargoyles. Stone mullioned windows and high ceilings feature throughout the interior, whilst more recent modern updates, such as the Kitchen and bathrooms have turned The Old Rectory into a welcoming and practical family home. Outside, the delightful gardens are stocked with mature trees and hedges that surround wide lawns, a pond and many sunny and sheltered seating areas. With its splendid features, lovely grounds and practical and varied accommodation, The Old Rectory is a truly unique and impressive period residence in an excellent location.

EPC Rating: Exempt

EASTON ON THE HILL, RUTLAND

Price: £850,000

Dating from 1688 and built of mellow Stamford stone, 24 Church Street is a unique Grade II listed property comprising a charming house and three period cottages set within pretty, private gardens of just under an acre. The main house currently has two bedrooms and there is full planning permission in place to incorporate one outbuilding to create a spacious four bedroom home. The property has, in recent years, been painstakingly renovated and it retains a splendid charm and historic character with many original features such as splendid oak beams, ornate cornice work from the eighteenth century and a magnificent inglenook fireplace in the Entrance Hall. The house has a simple décor with white walls and plasterwork creating an elegant home with spacious, light-filled rooms that enhance the carefully sourced reclaimed fittings. Details include an eclectic mix of latch-handled doors, oak lintels and carved stone fireplaces, whilst the stunning Drawing Room is now fitted with tall French doors flooding the room with light and opening to the garden and grounds. Outside, the picture-perfect cottage is a delightful two bedroom Annexe and the Folly is ideal to adapt as guest accommodation or into a splendid home-office. The Studio, has two spacious rooms on both the ground and first floor and offers the opportunity to substantially increase the size of the main house as planning permission has been granted to create a link between the two. With its exquisite interiors, pretty gardens and quiet location, 24 Church Street is an exceptional village home with flexible accommodation and excellent potential to further adapt the house for the next chapter of its history.

EPC Rating: Exempt

fine&country.indd 2

21/10/2014 14:01

Contact us:

nortonrickett.co.uk

01780 782 999

GUIDE PRICE

GUIDE PRICE

country

£575,000

£315,000

country

Tansor

Nassington

A detached cottage offering flexible accommodation with a self-contained annexe.

A charming Grade II listed semi-detached thatched cottage in need of modernisation.

• • • • •

• • • •

2 Receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, cellar.

4 Bedrooms (1 en suite), family bathroom.

Annexe with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, family room, conservatory.

Double garage, garden with summerhouse, approx half an acre.

Energy rating F/37

country

£

2 Receptions, kitchen, garden room, 2/3 Bedrooms, bathroom.

Small courtyard garden leading to a large rear garden.

Timber garage and off-road parking.

Energy rating exempt

GUIDE PRICE

GUIDE PRICE

1,550,000

£695,000

country

Peakirk

Greatford

A magnificent Grade II listed former Rectory set in secluded mature grounds.

An attractive detached family home in a secluded position.

• • • • •

• • • •

5 Receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, pantry, cellar, gym.

2 Bedrooms with en suite and dressing room.

4 Further bedrooms, family bathroom, en suite.

Gated entrance, private garden, tennis court and grounds of approx 3 acres.

Energy rating exempt

2 Receptions, kitchen/dining area, conservatory, study, utility, games room.

3 En suite bedrooms, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom.

Ample parking for several cars, enclosed private rear garden.

Energy rating C/71

Leading Independent Estate Agents Paul Norton

Nick Rickett

Contents

ISSUE 29 /// NOVEMBER 2014

38

NEWS 8-9 IN PICTURES

The Perkins Great Eastern Run

12 MELTON HUNT CLUB RIDE

The Cottesmore Hunt are hosting this year’s event

17 CYCLING THE WORLD

James Peach begins the adventure of his life

18-19 HEALTH AND WELLBEING The latest on looking and feeling great

21 ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO!

Active’s Chris Meadows and Lucy Eayrs report back from the Great Eastern Run

23 OUT AND ABOUT

Five things to do in November

27 SIGN UP FOR THE SANTA FUN RUN

44

Organised by Burghley Rotary at Burghley Park

32-35 KIT BAG

Our four-page festive gift guide

37 MARTIN JOHNSON COLUMN

The Sunday Times writer on sporting injuries

FEATURES 38-53 HOW TO TRAIN EFFECTIVELY

The gym isn’t the only place to get fit – experts explain how you can train in the comfort of your own home

44-49 GIRL POWER

Jeremy Beswick on Deeping Ladies’ women’s rugby

REGULARS 51 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

The Brownlow Arms at Hough On The Hill, Lincolnshire

52-53 GREAT WALKS

Will Hetherington heads out to Empingham, Exton and Whitwell

55 DOG HEALTH

More great advice to make life with your pooch easier

56-57 SCHOOL SPORT

Our focus on the latest achievements from local pupils

59-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the Stamford and Rutland area are faring

32 40 /// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 7

Untitled-2 117

26/10/2014 18:47

In Play

8 NOV E M BE R 2014 ///

8-9 in play.indd 8

25/10/2014 08:42

Perkins Great Eastern Run Thousands of runners took to the streets of Peterborough on October 12 for the Perkins Great Eastern Run and the Anna’s Hope Fun Run. Jonah Chesum took first place in the half marathon with an impressive time of 1:03:36, over an hour quicker than Active publisher Chris Meadows! See how he and partner Lucy finished up on page 21.

/// NOV E M BE R 2014 9

8-9 in play.indd 9

25/10/2014 08:42

In Play

1 0 NOV E M BE R 2014 ///

Untitled-3 10

26/10/2014 18:49

NICO MORGAN

Autumn glory in Rutland The hunts have been out in force as beautifully warm, sunny weather made for fabulous riding weather across the area this autumn. This picture was shot looking across Brooke Hill.

/// NOV E M BE R 2014 11

Untitled-3 11

26/10/2014 18:49

Activelife GREAT THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE, PEOPLE TO MEET

PICTURE: NICO MORGAN

// Edited by Mary Bremner

EVENT

Melton Hunt Club Ride The 2014 Melton Hunt Club Ride is to be hosted by the Cottesmore Hunt on Sunday, November 16. This historic race was first run in 1956 and is the oldest and most prestigious in the country – the Cottesmore Hunt are determined to make this year’s course a testing and memorable one.

Course designers, the Masters of the Cottesmore, have created a track that runs over the finest pieces of old Cottesmore hunt country. Covering four miles there will be around 25 natural hedges and fences to negotiate with emphasis on ‘take your own line’ so, where possible, the rider can take whichever route they feel is quickest or most appropriate for their horse.

There are some competitive entries in this year’s race with Rowen Cope, Master of the Pytchley, riding. He has an excellent track record including second in the Cheltenham Natural Country Race. Catherine Atkinson, who won the last Melton held in Cottesmore country, will also be taking part along with a number of other team chase competitors and a good contingent of local Cottesmore subscribers.

The Cottesmore are keen to encourage anyone to come and take part as the course can be completed at any level. They are also offering horse and rider accommodation to anyone wanting to travel and a reduced cap to competitors who wish to hunt on Saturday, November 15, where the meet will be in the best of the Cottesmore country, so those who have not visited before can experience the lovely grassland and hedges that are on offer.

For further information contact Zoe on 01664 454994 or the Melton Hunt Club on 01949 860984 or 01664 464259.

1 2 NOV E M BE R 2014 ///

12 Active lifeCM.indd 10

21/10/2014 16:03

Be Christma Christmas Turkey Hamper • • • • • • • • • •

10lb Fresh Turkey or Capon Order 1lb Lincolnshire Sausage meat Early for 1lb Lincolnshire Chipolatas Christmas 1lb Dry Cured Streaky Bacon 10lb Fresh, free&range Turkey or Capon 1 pack of Sage Onion stuffing 1lb Sausage voucher meat for January 2015 A discount 1lb Chipolatas All this for just £49.00 1lb Streaky Bacon 1 pack of stuffing A discount voucher for January 2015

Christmas Turkey Hamper

Our little ideas turn a happy Ch

Come and be inspired by our colour co-ordina room settings. Don’t forget you can decorate insi indoor and outdoor lights and illuminated outdoo technology. We have a feast of seasonal treats w

ONLY £9.99

ONLY £14.99

All this for just £TBC 100 Supabright LED Lights - Various Colours

Also available: • • • • • •

Bronze Free Range Turkeys Boned & Rolled Turkey Breast Norfolk Capons Duck & Geese Rib of Beef, Topside, Rolled Sirloin Gammon

for these and many more cuts please call 01778 560000 ActiveNovember2014.indd 1

Enjoy the fun of the fair this Christmas at Waterside.

180 Multi-colored Supa

Don’ Forg Waterside Garden Centre 16/10/2014 15:47:42

mas Happy

Christmas Events Ice Skating at Waterside

py Christmas into the best ever.

o-ordinated displays of Christmas decorations and rate inside and out, as we have a huge selection of outdoor features, all using the latest LED lighting treats waiting for you at Waterside Garden Centre.

• • • • • •

140m2 Super Glide Synthetic Ice Rink 45min Sessions BOOK Skates Included in price ONLINE Open Everyday Penguin Skate Aids Available* Party Bookings Available

Only £5.00 per person *Additonal cost incurred

ONLY £32.99

colored Supabright LED Lights

on’t orget

420 ‘Twinkle’ White LED Lights

3 Course Christmas Dinner at the Oasis Restaurant.

Waterside Garden Centre

King Street, Baston. Peterborough PE6 9NY

w ww. watersid e gard e nce ntre . co. uk ActiveNovember2014.indd 2

Visit Santa at Waterside Visit Santa in his Toy Workshop and see his Toy-O-Matic 3000 in action, as it produces presents! Santa arrives at Waterside on the 22nd November and will be in his workshop every Saturday & Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm.

Price includes an age appropriate £6.50 present and mini real Christmas tree.

Per Child

Photo souvenirs are available.* *additonal costs apply

16/10/2014 15:47:56

GPL-SBC Full Page April Active Advert_GPL-SBC Full Page April Active Advert 19/03/2014 10:38 Page 1

We are general building contractors based in Stamford, UK that cover a wide range of building work and services, with many years experience in the building trade.

We have been in business since 2002 and are specialists in Building, Extensions, Lofts Conversions and Refurbishment services, Modern and Traditional Extensions, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Interior Design, Landscaping, Gas and Electrical Work.

NEW BUILDS

EXTENSIONS

KITCHENS

OUR SERVICES Architectural Drawings | Basement Conversions Bathrooms | Kitchens | House Extension | Loft Conversions Project Management | New Builds | Renovations | Windows and Doors

Stamford Building And Construction 4 Silver Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2BT Tel: 01780 427 027 Email: sales@stamfordbuildingandconstruction.co.uk www.stamfordbuildingandconstruction.co.uk

Activelife

CHALLENGE

Cycling the world

James Peach is on the adventure of his life – to cycle around the world. He’s doing it to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and will update us on his progress each month I am a born, bred and proud Rutlander, schooled in Uppingham before studying history at Edinburgh University. I currently live in London and work for Innocent drinks. Well I did do, and hopefully still will do in the future, but at the moment I’m on my bike heading across America.

Six years ago I helped a friend at a launch party for a new start-up business where the guest speaker was Alistair Humphreys. Al had just cycled around the world, alone for four years, and his speech inspired me, I was going to do that.

For the past six years I’ve thought about it most days, wondering when and how I could fit it in whilst trying to build a career. It was always there in the back of my mind, an ever present dream.

There were reasons not to go away, job, promotion, holiday, wedding, life commitments, fear. But I was going to turn 30 in March and had decided that, no matter what, I was going to do it by then.

Sorting everything out, ie personal life and work, wasn’t easy but once I started telling people of my plans and building momentum it began to gain pace.

I love cycling as you get to see the world at a steady pace and can watch communities function as you cycle past. It’s a challenging and rewarding way to travel, but so much more superior to a Lonely Planet and a tour bus. The aim is to see the world as it exists day to day and hopefully inspire other people.

My plan is to cycle for a year around our planet.

But it’s not just to satisfy a whim I want to raise as much money as I can for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Seven young people are diagnosed every day in the UK with a life changing and potentially fatal cancer. It is for these seven young people, who might not have the chance to embark on such an adventure as mine, that I am cycling for and raising money for.

I’m not a complete idiot and cycled some of South America with friends in 2012 as a test run to see if I could cope with a world trip and I’ve been obsessed with studying blogs and books so my preparation was thorough, all I needed to do was leave.

The plan is to cycle west from London, passing through Rutland to see mum en route, then to Wales and Ireland before crossing the USA starting at Portland in Maine across to San Francisco. And then on to cross Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and all the way back home. The route is flexible, I’m travelling light to move quickly and budget’s are tight so I will be sleeping wherever I can and relying on the kindness of strangers.

I’m putting a lot of trust in places and people I don’t know yet. But it’s the most exciting thing in the entire world, and I can’t wait. I’m going to be on my own most of the time but friends will be joining me on different legs of the journey.

I set off in August and have been cycling ever

since. My knees are crocked and I doubted I’d make Chicago but took some advice and strapped them heavily so things are looking up. We’ve spent many a night on the side of the road in our sleeping bags but have also met some very kind people who have offered us use of a shower and, on occasion, a bed for the night. Much appreciated! We’ve cycled through a time zone. A first for us, and the amount of confusion it caused for two well educated Englishmen (Pete was with me) rather embarrassing, but it means we are getting across America.

And so the slog goes on. I’m loving every minute of it, even if my knees aren’t. We’ve passed the Great Lakes and seen parts of the Amish community, cycled through Ohio where we met an unfriendly farmer and his dog, who did not offer us a bed for the night, but the next family did as the daughters thought we sounded like One Direction! (who cares, we got a bed for the night).

We survived appalling weather on the way to Chicago but sensibly beat a retreat into a very grotty motel – better than losing our tent in the wind. We made Chicago, putting in some 100 mile days and are now heading south west across Kansas and the Rockies. Our visas are running out so we are aiming to make San Francisco on October 29th. I’ll keep you informed…

To follow James visit his blog at www. thelifecycle.org which will also allow you to donate to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

17 Active lifeCM.indd 27

17

21/10/2014 16:05

Activelife

Health and Wellness Everything a woman needs to be fit, healthy and fantastic

// Edited by Sandie Hurford

GETTING OLDER: Women opt for a new haircut over skincare as they age As women get older they spend less money looking a er their skin and are more likely to think the key to looking good is a new haircut.

That’s the finding of a poll endorsed by the UK’s only national skin cancer-specific charity, Skcin (The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity) that looked at attitudes towards sun damage to the skin.

The survey of over 1,000 women in the UK, which was conducted by specialist dermatology pharmaceutical company LEO Pharma in conjunction with Skcin, looked at what gives women their feel-good factor and how they look a er their skin health. The findings reveal that while most women are aware that not looking a er their skin in the sun puts them at risk of skin cancer and signs of premature ageing, they aren’t always clued up on the early warning signs.

Charlotte Fionda, director of Skcin, said: “Every year women in the UK spend around £544 million on anti-ageing creams and £7.98 billion on shoes.

“We all want to look our best but it’s important to remember that your skin is the accessory that sticks with you no matter which style is in vogue – and there are simple steps we can all follow to keep our skin healthy and protect it from sun damage.

“Warning signs of skin cancer aren’t just about changes to moles. Rough patches of skin can be a sign of a condition called actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, which can be a marker for increased risk of skin cancer. This survey reveals that 80% of women don’t know what actinic keratosis is, despite up to 65% of the non-melanoma skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, resulting from it. Actinic keratosis affects around one in ten of us aged 40 or over and this rises to one in four of us over 60.”

The poll also reveals that: ■ Women’s top-rated way of keeping their skin healthy and youthful is to drink water (60%), pushing sunscreen use into third place (41%).

■ Only 6% frequently check their skin for changes, which can detect early warning signs of sun damage.

■ More than three-quarters of women know that looking older and wrinkles can be a consequence of not looking a er their skin in the sun but over two-thirds don’t know actinic keratosis can be too.

■ 80% of women know changes to moles can be an early warning sign of long-term skin damage caused by the sun but less than half (43%) know

rough patches of skin can be a sign too.

■ Women under 35 spend an average £260 on beauty products and skincare each year compared with £202 a year for those 35 and over.

Dr Vicky Jolliffe, consultant dermatologist at The Royal London Hospital, said: “We all want to enjoy summer weather but it’s important to protect your skin. Damage to your skin is cumulative – it’s not just the sunburn you might have experienced over this year’s sunny weather that you should worry about but the ten summers or more before that.

“Over time this can lead to actinic keratosis. In its early stages it can o en be easier to feel than see (they feel rough like sandpaper) so it’s important to both look and feel for changes regularly. If you

have concerns, speak to your GP.” Charlotte Fionda, director of Skcin, added: “Many of us worry about premature ageing from sun exposure which causes wrinkles, but sun exposure can also mean you are putting yourself at risk of solar keratosis, which can lead to skin cancer.

“Investing in a high-factor sunscreen that you wear routinely throughout the summer months and at other times when your skin is exposed to the sun, is one of the best ways to protect your skin – and a bonus is it’s also one of the best anti-ageing products on the market. To find out more about how to protect your skin and check for changes visit Check Skin Changes and Skcin.”

1 8 N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 ///

Wellness nov.indd 10

22/10/2014 13:41

GETTING OLDER: Staying active in later life As people age they will lose muscle and bone mass and are at risk of developing problems such as back pain, osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. But the rate of muscle loss can be slowed down by regular exercise, something many older people stop doing as they age, says FieldandTrek.com.

Regular exercise can also increase balance and mobility thus reducing the risk of accidents related to balance within older people. Various research shows that gentle exercise can improve health, contrary to older beliefs that only vigorous exercise could improve a persons health and fitness levels.

As people age, they naturally become less able and athletic, but by no means should this stop people from continuing with regular exercise. Here FieldandTrek.com takes a look at how to stay fit as an older person and the health benefits of doing so.

The longer a person stays inactive for, the more problems they are at risk of developing. Joints may seize up and muscle will slowly deteriorate, making a person more unable and less mobile as time goes on.

Being active as an older person doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym or taking up a sport, it can be as simple as everyday tasks such as pottering in the garden, gentle bending to de-weed or a walk around the garden watering plants offers a short burst of activity that will benefit an older person.

Washing the car or taking a short walk around nearby lanes is an easy way to get the heart pumping a little faster and to use muscles that don’t get used as o en as they used to.

For those with conditions such as high blood pressure, exercises such as swimming can be a gentle way of lowering blood pressure and improving overall stress levels and mood.

Ways in which exercise can benefit an older person include: ■ Stamina – being able to walk longer distances or exercise for longer.

■ Strength – carrying shopping, walking up and down stairs, opening things such as stiff jars.

■ Flexibility – to help bend when getting dressed or picking up things.

■ Balance – to help walking and climbing stairs or avoiding falls.

These vital abilities are easy to maintain if a person is fit enough. As you age gentle exercise will help with everyday tasks and there is no need to take up vigorous exercise as this will more than likely cause more damage than good.

Staying fit and healthy is important at any age, and especially as a person starts to become less able at everyday tasks.

It is advised to seek medical attention prior to taking up a new form of exercise to ensure there are no precautions that need to be taken.

There is a great range of exercise equipment and accessories available to use around the house on a daily basis in order to maintain a regular exercise regime, such as small stress balls ideal for arthritis sufferers.

‘I miss buttons on my mobile phone,’ say older folk From the age of 40, people’s manual dexterity begins to gradually fade.

In a recent survey, 35% of over-40s using a smartphone admitted that they missed having physical buttons to press.

Other findings from the survey, conducted for emporia Telecom, included: ■ More than one in five of over-40s found it more difficult to dial numbers and write text messages on a touchscreen ■ Almost 30% mis-dialled numbers more o en with a touchscreen mobile phone ■ 38% preferred to remain with a traditional button phone rather than move to a touchscreen Eveline Pupeter, CEO of emporia Telecom, comments: “Just because almost every new phone is a touchscreen it does not mean that everyone likes the format, particularly those over the age of 40.”

From the age of 40, people’s manual dexterity begins to gradually fade. Whilst it is impossible to notice this on a day-to-day basis, as they age people have significantly less feeling in their fingers. This impacts on the ability to use a touchscreen as effectively.

“A Qwerty keyboard on a touchscreen smartphone is typically less than six centimeters by four, incorporating 33 keys, less than 0.75 of a centimeter per key. It is difficult for any user to accurately press buttons on a touchscreen, but with older users it becomes even more challenging.”

Pupeter dismisses the notion that older people are disinclined to use any touch technology: “25% of tablet sales are to the over-55s, demonstrating that at the right size touchscreens have universal appeal. The issue is with smartphones where a Qwerty keyboard is tiny on the screen.” emporia Telecom has launched a number of devices that incorporate both touchscreen and physical buttons and Pupeter concludes: “Only when you consider the limitations that the ageing process can place on people can we hope to develop universal products with global appeal. Touchscreens are wonderful for browsing images but counter-intuitive for typing on a small screen. This is why we offer users the choice of physical buttons or a touchscreen.”

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

Wellness nov.indd 11

19

22/10/2014 13:41

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

The Grange Spa Winter Wonderland spa experience available until 28 February

Full day £110 halF day £70 A full day spa experience includes a welcome drink, a light lunch and full use of facilities plus two 30 minute treatments. If you only have four hours to spare, choose the half day option which includes a welcome drink and one treatment. Please visit our website for the list of treatments available in this package.

Lincolnshire’s luxury boutique day spa

Pg20.indd 1

The Grange Spa is a family run business with a small, highly trained team. We pride ourselves in our professional and personable approach and welcome a maximum of 20 guests at any time to ensure that you have a relaxing experience.

We offer corporate schemes from vouchers to staff gatherings.

Please call or visit the website for more information.

www.thegrangespa.co.uk

pre party pick & Mix For groups oF Four or More must be booked in November or December

£65 per person A great alternative to a works Christmas party or a pre-Christmas catch up with friends! A social spa experience of four hours at a time to suit you. Enjoy full use of the facilities, a welcome drink and one 30 minute treatment.

Please visit our website for the list of treatments available in this package.

Millthorpe Road, Pointon, Lincolnshire NG34 0NF

Telephone 01778 440511

23/10/2014 20:05

Activelife

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO! Active’s Chris Meadows and Lucy Eayrs have been in training for the Perkins Great Eastern Run and have just completed it.

Chris tells us how they got on...

There is something incredibly satisfying about setting yourself a challenge and achieving it. To think that a two mile run back in April was such a struggle.

But it seems a distant memory now having made it round all 13.1 miles (or 22,000 steps according to my Polar Loop) of the Perkins Great Eastern Run. And in a time that beat all of my expectations, 1:54:03, with Lucy pipping me to the finish post on 1:53:51. I was delighted.

Lucy was a great motivator around the course and could have easily shaved minutes off her finish time but sticking together and supporting each other was great. The crowds were a huge help too and the community spirit along the track was fantastic.

The run is put on thanks to the efforts of Peterborough City Council and specifically the Perkins Great Eastern Run team who put on a seemingly effortless organised event. They even arranged good weather this year.

Annette Joyce, assistant director of commercial operations at Peterborough City Council, said: “The Perkins Great Eastern Run was another fantastic event for the city. It encouraged hundreds of residents to join in, as they do every year, getting behind and supporting the runners as they pass through their neighbourhoods.

“The support our half marathon gets from residents is one of the things it’s famed for and the atmosphere the race generates is a big reason why many runners keep coming back. Whether it was Jelly Babies and orange slices or musicians and cheerleaders, the runners were really motivated all the way to the finish.

“Everyone involved in helping the race be as successful as it is deserves a well-earned pat on the back and the support from our principal sponsors Perkins has once again been invaluable.

Planning for next year’s event is already underway and we will be announcing the 2015 race date in the coming weeks.”

What has made the whole event even more worthwhile was raising money for a great cause.

It made every step count that bit more. Donations are still coming in but it looks like we’ve raised about £600 for Anna’s Hope, so thanks to everyone who was kind enough to part with their hard earned cash. If you haven’t donated yet then please head to www.justgiving.com/pger2014 so we can help more children diagnosed with a brain tumour.

There are some thank yous that we need to make. Firstly to Tim Cook from run4fun. Tim has been fantastic, and if you’re thinking of taking up running definitely get in touch with him. He has

2014

Above

Chris and Lucy a er completing the Perkins Great Eastern Run

been a huge motivator and made sure we kept up with the plan he set out. Also, a thank you to Advance Performance for supplying our kit and Imogen Shaw from Shaw Nutrition who helped make sure we fitted into it! Polar.com kindly supplied an H7 heart rate monitor and the Loop, and On-Running.com provided a pair of their Cloud trainers, which I can’t rate highly enough. All these are available from Advance Performance.

Fancy giving it a go next year? Lucy is already keen to sign up, I need to stop aching first. For those that think it’s too big a challenge, we’d definitely say try it, as long as you’ve not been

medically advised not to! Try going out running and build up slowly, just like I did. I ran 208 training miles.

It’s great socially too with a plethora of running clubs in the area. The free training sessions at Peterborough athletics track were also well worth going to and there’s good news, they will be continuing on the first and third Wednesday of the month between 7 and 8pm for anyone over 17 years old, albeit with a nominal charge of £1 per session to non-club members (www.gpan.org.uk).

I’m planning to keep up the running, so see you there.

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

21 Active lifeCM.indd 27

21

21/10/2014 17:56

Luxury Exquisite Chocolates THE PERFECT GIFT

Gift Boxes & individual chocolates

2 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PL • t: 01780 437080 contact@cafeauchocolat.co.uk • www.cafeauchocolat.co.uk OPEN: 8am - 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am - 4pm on Sundays

Specialising in seasoned hard and soft firewood for the local area Sourced from our 50 year old sustainable woodland on Walk Farm, our family farm in Pickworth, near Stamford.

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 5 MILES OF PICKWORTH, NEAR STAMFORD.

We can deliver at a day and time convenient to you, including Saturdays. Or, you can collect from our farm in Pickworth.

Our barrow bags will fit into a large car boot Call or text 07900 408437 and we will have your firewood ready.

www.stamfordfirewood.co.uk

email: sam@stamfordfirewood.co.uk Walk Farm Barn, Ryhall Road, Great Casterton, Stamford, PE9 4BN

Pg22.indd 1

22/10/2014 18:55

Activelife

LOCAL PEOPLE

A day in the life of Mike Thorne Rutland’s very own flying vet on hairy moments in the sky and dealing with cow’s bottoms I normally get up at around 6 am, depending on where my first call is. Today I went to a dairy farm the other side of Bourne, but our practice covers the East Midlands so I could be anywhere from Newark to Peterborough to Rugby. I come from Zimbabwe so long distances don’t seem that far to me.

To be a little more efficient, I’ve just qualified to fly my own helicopter so I can effectively halve the call out time to farms on the edge of our area and it’s really quick to get to emergencies too. You could call it my mid-life crisis! It’s a small chopper and looks a bit like a ferris wheel that you just stick a tail on. I have a few hairy moments every day but that’s all part of the fun.

At the moment I fly about twice a week but once Andrew Moss, one of the other vets in the practice, passes his test, we’ll be using the helicopter daily, depending on the weather. I never land in a field of cows as they’ll chew the rotor blades off!

I don’t o en stop for breakfast. I just have coffee, and then graze all day on the packed lunch my wife makes me. In the spring when I’m a bit more stressed with lambings and calvings I live mostly on a healthy diet of Red Bull and crisps!

But I always finish with a good dinner later in the day.

A typical morning might see me taking my mobile ultrasound scanner to a dairy herd to internally examine cows a er they’ve calved to see which ones are coming into season, and when they’ll be ready for artificial insemination.

If they’re not ready, then I can give them medication to make them cycle. I’ll also check them to make sure there are no reproductive problems remaining a er calving. I should think I burn a few calories every time I stick my hand up a cow’s bottom as, understandably, they’re not very willing patients! You need strong arms and I always get up a bit of a sweat. I o en do about two or three visits a day, with up to 50 cows each time, so that’s keeping me pretty active.

As a practice we’re all about preventative medicine rather than just fire-fighting. We talk to the farmers about their production levels and vaccination programmes. I should think about 55% of the business is now farm animals and the rest, small animals.

I still do some small animal consulting, mainly for my longstanding clients who have become more like friends, and at some of our new clinics. I start these in the a ernoons at about 4pm a er all the operations have finished.

We have five veterinary nurses in Uppingham and four in the branch surgeries in Oakham and

Melton, and ten vets altogether. I have a fantastic team with a great work ethic who are openminded enough to work with me and put up with my bizarre ways.

I arrived here 22 years ago with a rucksack on my back and not much else - Mugabe having got rid of all the farms - and I count myself immensely lucky the UK has given me the chances it has. I’m trying to build up a practice that can support all ten vets, so I’m not just Mike, the vet anymore, I’m Mike the businessman too.

I try not to work on Friday and Saturday nights but most other evenings I’m working at something or other. There’s always jobs to do like updating websites, interviewing people, listening to grievances or organising builders, and obviously animals get sick at night too.

The best time for me is around eight or nine o’clock, a er dinner when my blood sugar is up, my belly is full, the kids are home and the stresses of the day have started to wane so we can enjoy a bit of quality time.

I play squash one night a week and I go running about twice. I don’t like running when people can see me so I run in the dark or go early in the morning. I think it’s because I feel a bit guilty people expect their vet to be working, not exercising!

2 4 NOV E M BE R 2 0 14 ///

24-25 Active lifeCM.indd 26

21/10/2014 16:10

Specialists in bespoke construction projects, from extensions to entire new builds as well as period property restoration. Working with a trusted team of local craftsmen to create the property of your dreams

Thorpe Construction (UK) Ltd Tel: Stamford (01780) 749599 l Email: info@thorpeconstructionuk.com l www.thorpeconstructionuk.com Find us on www.facebook.com/thorpeconstructionukltd Company registered in England No. 8917848

thorpeconstruct 1.indd 27

21/10/2014 16:12

2309 GPL-GLR Half Page November Advert_V3_GPL-GLR Half Page November Advert 08/10/2014 15:22 Page 1

Out of the Ordinary Christmas Gifts at Get Lost In Rutland

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

Extensive selection of unique gifts and clothing for people who love the outdoors!

www.getlostinrutland.com Vist our shop. Open 7 days a week. Next to Cotton Traders.

e. info@getlostinrutland.co.uk t. 01572 868712 Rutland Village, Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7QN – FREE PARKING!

fall in

LOVE

wuth

The Old Mill • South Street • Oakham • Rutland • LE15 6BG

www.cavellscountry.co.uk

Pg26.indd 1

22/10/2014 19:00

Activelife

EVENT

Sign up for the Santa fun run The eighth Stamford Santa Fun Run, organised by Burghley Rotary, will be held on Sunday 14th December starting at 11.00am in Burghley Park.

This is a great chance for groups and individuals to raise money for their own organisations or favourite charities. Since the Fun Run started the Santas have raised over £100,000. This year they are aiming for up to 1,000 Santas.

It’s a fun run so no prizes are awarded – apart from a commemorative medal. You can run, yomp, jog, dance or walk and talk at your own pace. The maximum distance to cover is a gentle three miles – but you don’t need to do that if you don’t want to.

Teams and individual entries are very welcome, dogs too, if on a lead. Entry fees are £12 for adults

and £6 for children 15 years of age and under.

(Children under four are free to enter but no suit will be issued). The fee includes a free Santa Suit, with hat and beard.

Use the entrance on Barnack Road opposite Cummins Generator Technologies. For more information and to sign up for the fun run visit www.stamfordsantafunrun.com

EVENTS

FOOD

Dates for your diary

Pudding orders

Christmas is just round the corner so there’s lots of shopping to do. And what better way to do it than visit some of the Christmas markets, fairs and bazaars being held locally. Get your diaries out, note the dates down and get shopping and eating mince pies on the way…  Hampers and a Hexacopter are the show stoppers at the Harringworth Christmas bazaar on Saturday, November 29. Held in the village church from 10.30 am there will be lots of local traders selling their wares including the ‘Made in Harringworth’ local produce preserves and of course, the Harringworth Hampers. Also available will be aerial photos of the village and viaduct.

Hambleton Bakery is now taking orders for its Christmas lines. If you want one of their Christmas puddings don’t delay and place an order quickly as they run out.

This year as well as their tasty puff pastry mince pies they are offering an assorted Christmas cake box (9 pack), as well as all their usual delectable Christmas goodies – www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

 Starting at 12pm on Saturday, December 6, is Oundle’s Christmas market. The Market Place will be filled with over 60 stalls selling food, gi s and cra s. Father Christmas will be joined in his grotto by some reindeer, choirs will be singing, jugglers will be juggling, the brass band will be playing and there will be fairground rides as well as stalls selling mince pies and mulled wine. To top it all off the town’s Christmas lights will be turned on at 6pm and the market will continue until 7pm. For more details visit www.oundlefoodfestival.co.uk  Corby Glen is holding its Christmas fair on Sunday, December 14, from 1-4pm in the Church Street rooms. Loads of Christmas goodies on offer including bags and scarves, stockings and decorations.

And of course, there will be Santa’s grotto and face painting.

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

27 Active lifeCM.indd 27

27

21/10/2014 16:13

• Pfaff Sewing Machines and Servicing • Simplicity and New Look Patterns • Haberdashery • Patchwork, Quilting, and Dressmaking Fabrics • Knitting Yarns and Patterns • Workshops and Classes • Unit 1a Rutland Village/Rutland Garden Centre, Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QN 01572 756468 www.rutlandsewing.co.uk Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm

Fabricadabra Magic with Fabric

Gift Vouchers available 1:1 classes for both Children and Adults Holiday Workshops Evening classes We do classes to suit your personal requirements.

‘Everyone is a beginner at the beginning!’

All kinds of haberdashery, zips, dress patterns & ribbons We undertake alterations Love Stamford, Corn Exchange, Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PX e: annabel@stamfordfabrics.co.uk t: 07522193743 w: www.stamfordfabrics.co.uk

Activelife

HOBBIES

Getting to the point Everybody seems to be doing it, it’s become ‘cool’ again. Sewing is the new knitting and it’s taking off in a big way in the area.

And now, as the nights draw in, is a great time to learn to sew or to get the sewing machine out again. Learn how to make curtains so you can have a winter project refurbishing a room, or to make yourself a fabulous party dress for all those Christmas parties that are coming up. It will cost you half the price, will fit perfectly and will be just what you want. Active talks to some businesses who are helping the residents of Stamford and Rutland harness their skills. Who knows the next Vivienne Westwood or Cath Kidston might be among them….

‘My classes have always been popular but demand seems to have increased dramatically’ says Annabel Wood proprietor of Fabricadabra based in Love Stamford on Broad Street. ‘Interestingly a lot of my classes are one to one with a beginner who has a project. They pick it up very quickly once they gain some confidence and then o en join my evening class which is a very social occasion as well as instructive’. Annabel teaches children as well but says that it’s mainly adults who want to learn. She is running a Christmas cra s workshop on Saturday, November 8. Booking is essential.

Vicky Palmer trained in Theatrical Costume Design and made costumes for theatre, film and television including the BBC and The Royal Shakespeare Company. A er being in Stamford a few years she started her own business making wedding and ball dresses.

She has now set up Two Little Birds which runs courses for beginners and the more experienced from her home in Stamford. Vicky also runs a er school clubs and children’s sewing parties which are proving very popular.

Louise and Leanne from Sew Friendly in Bourne have been open for five months and their feet have barely touched the ground since. “We are running up to seven classes a week and are rushed off our feet which is fabulous,” says Louise. “Leanne runs the classes, she’s the expert with 25 years experience, whilst I run the shop and attend the classes too. We cater for all sorts, from the beginner to the improver to the expert who wants to learn a different skill. We are adapting to suit our customers needs and are delighted with the response we’ve had.” They’ve even had the odd man in their class and also run children’s classes at the weekends and a er school. Follow them on Facebook (sewfriendlyBourne) where they are building up quite a community.

Lynn at Rutland Sewing, based on Ashwell Road in Oakham, has a great set up. Within her shop, which sells lots of fabrics and patterns, she has a separate classroom. “We run lots of classes catering for the beginner through to the expert”, she says. “Sewing is cool again and we are getting lots of people wanting to learn.” She runs classes for dressmaking, so furnishing, patchwork and re-upholstery as well as knitting and crochet.

So if you’re inspired to get out your needle and thread, there are plenty of people in the area who are more than happy to help you – happy sewing! www.stamfordfabrics.co.uk (Annabel Wood) www.two-little-birds.co.uk (Vicky Palmer) www.sewfriendly.co.uk (Louise and Leanne) www.rutlandsewing.co.uk (Lynn Vale)

LUXURY

Christmas at The Grange Spa Is the thought of Christmas stressing you out already?

If so, head to The Grange Spa at Pointon to join them for their Christmas shopping open evening on Wednesday, November 26, from 7-8pm. It’s free to attend and there will be a glass of mulled wine to enjoy whilst watching demonstrations of their new treatments. You can also chat to their skincare experts who will be available to advise on gi sets and other offers. A new treatment is being introduced and will be revealed at the event.

The Grange Spa is a family run business that provides excellent service in beautiful rural surroundings.

Guests are offered the choice of full day, half day or twilight spa experiences that will be enjoyable, relaxing and never over crowded.

To find out more visit www.thegrangespa.co.uk or ring 01778 440511. The spa can be found at Millthorpe Road, Pointon, NG34 ONF

SPORT

Cycling for all Want to get fit out in the fresh air and enjoy a new challenge? Want to get into cycling but don’t know where to start?

Cycle Wright Cycle Club might have just the answer.

They welcome riders of all abilities and run weekly rides from Baston.

There are different rides on different days of varying speed and distance. Ladies rides on Fridays are proving very popular.

To find out more look them up on Facebook or go to www.britishcycling.org.uk

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

29 Active lifeCM.indd 27

29

21/10/2014 17:57

KINGS head 1 9 M a i d e n L a n e , S ta m f o r d P E 9 2 A Z 0 1 7 8 0 7 5 3 5 1 0 C l o s e d S u n day e v e n i n g a n d a l l day M o n day

H Real Ales H Great pub lunches H Evening Steak and Seafood Menu H Traditional Sunday Roasts H Heated Courtyard Garden H Available for Christmas Party Bookings H Bookings Recommended Trip Advisor Reviews Lovely pub

HHHHH

The pub is very nice and well kept, the staff are friendly and prompt.

The food is great and the selection of beer and cider is great. Nice place to stop for a snack and pint.

Fantastic

HHHHH

Best place to eat in Stamford, have eaten here many times now and not been disappointed , can recommend the steak offer and Sunday lunch.

Good Food and Service

HHHHH

From all the places available to dine in Stamford I'm glad we found this place!

We had the steak deal and two of us had the whole deal to ourselves, good quantity of beautifully cooked food and two drinks for a reasonable price.

TURKEY HAMPER - only ÂŁ40 4kg Fresh Lincolnshire Turkey (4-4.5kg = 8.8-10lb) 1lb Sausagemeat Stuffing (sage & onion or cranberry & chestnut)

Please order as soon as possible to ensure availability and size of the items you require, especially poultry. Saturday 6th December is the last day for placing orders

Pg30.indd 1

23/10/2014 11:35

TIGERS IMAGES

Activelife

SPORT

Tigers book to help fund future stars Do you want to learn more about the history of premiership rugby team Leicester Tigers and at the same time support their Rugby Development Foundation which raises funds for their academy?

If so, buy this recently published book which charts the history of the club from its inception in 1880 right through to the present day.

An updated version of their history, the last book was published 21 years ago, it charts the club’s successes and how it embraced the onset of the professional era. Ably written by club historian Stuart Farmer along with former Times sports correspondent David Hands.

“We have a print run of 6,000 and hope to raise up to £100,000, all of which will go directly to the Foundation,” says Stuart. “The club have been incredibly helpful in providing lots of information and photos and are more than happy for all funds to go into the foundation.”

The Rugby Development Foundation raises money to offer bursaries to fund young players who are at the academy through their education, usually at university or their final years at school.

The book, which is a lovely coffee table volume offering lots of rarely seen pictures and obscure facts costs £45. It is available to buy either on match days in the Final Whistle bar at Welford Road or online via a link on the Tiger’s website or direct from www.rugby-foundation.org.uk. Post and packing is free in the UK as it is being funded by one of the Tiger’s sponsors, DX. An ideal Christmas present for the rugby fan who will be delighted to help fund the burgeoning careers of tomorrow’s rugby superstars.

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

31 Active lifeCM.indd 27

31

21/10/2014 18:09

Feature /// Gear

Christmas Kitbag All the latest kit to please your loved ones in our four-page festive gift guide

FOR CYCLING Liv Raceday Short Sleeve Jersey

This women’s cycling jersey features a full-zip, TransTextura™ moisture-wicking fabric and UPF 30+ sun protection for a high-performance, comfortable fit.

Price £54.99 From Cycle Wright

Liv Quick-Fix Combo

The Liv Quick-Fix Combo kit is everything you need to get back on the road - featuring a seat bag loaded with 9-function multi-tool, glueless patches and tyre levers, and a CO2 inflator with two cartridges.

Price £39.99 From Cycle Wright

Mongoose Switchback Sport

The Mongoose Switchback Sport is the perfect bike for all riding styles, from fast-paced fitness rides, leisurely rides with family and friends to the school run and workday commute. Mounting for mudguards and pannier racks make this a true all-rounder.

Price £199 From Rutland Cycling

3 2 NOV E M BE R 2 0 14 ///

32_active29.indd 32

26/10/2014 18:45

FOR SHOOTING Semi-Auto Maxus sporting carbon fibre shotgun The latest version of the Maxus range, this gun has been specially designed for sports shooting. With its ventilated rib tapered from 8 to 6mm, you can line up your target at top speed. Its carbon finish gives it a particularly unique style.

Price £1150 From Kibworth Shooting Ground

Beretta Uniform Man’s Vest

Ambidextrous shooting vest in cotton and thin mesh with Beretta Uniform motif and piping in Blue Xcell. Beretta brand embroidery on the front and logo on the back in Blue Xcell completes the look.

Price £95 From Kibworth Shooting Ground

FOR SKIING Salomon Quest Max Boots

High-performance all-mountain boots such as these Salomon Quest Max feature twinframe technology combined with a unique and effective hike/ride mechanism to let you access the best of the mountain. Comfort, flexibility and light weight mean your feet never need suffer again.

Price £360 From www.salomon.com

Hestra Gloves Beretta Uniform Man’s Vest

Ambidextrous shooting vest in cotton and thin mesh with Beretta Uniform motif and piping in Blue Xcell. Beretta brand embroidery on the front and logo on the back in Blue Xcell completes the look.

Price £95 From Kibworth Shooting Ground

Hestra’s beautiful, so and warm leather skigloves are manufactured in its own family-owned factories and the owners personally buy all leather, fabric, wool and other materials to ensure only the best quality and sustainability.

Price From £80 approx From www.hestragloves.com

Black Crows Atris Birdie

Black Crows are the new cool ski manufacturer from Chamonix. The Atris Birdie is very easy to ski and feels just as good on hard snow, rough and demanding terrain.

Price £580 From www.snowandrock.com

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 3 3

32_active29.indd 33

26/10/2014 18:45

Feature /// Gear

FOR HER Tropic Skincare Tropic products are derived from 100% pure plant extracts and are naturally effective on all skin types, never tested on animals and use only premium, responsibly-sourced natural ingredients to ensure your skin has only the best care.

Price From £15 From www.tropicskincare.co. uk/shop/amyroberts

Withings Activite Watches

Withings Swiss-made watches track your movement, connect to your smartphone and help create healthy lifestyle plans, but have the advantage of being more sophisticated and stylish than most activity watches.

Price £500 From www.withings.com

Sweaty Betty Tempo Run Tee

Enhance your workout in Sweaty Betty’s tried and tested sports t-shirts and yoga t-shirts.

Designed to flatter, its technical t-shirts stay in place while you train.

Price £55 From www.sweatybetty.com

Thalgo Skincare

Experts in marine skincare and spa therapies for over 40 years Thalgo draws on the riches of the oceans to develop exceptional professional beauty treatments.

Price From £32 From www.thegrangespa.co.uk

Apple Watch Sport

The Sport collection cases are made from lightweight anodized aluminum in silver and space grey and you can dowload Apps to check your fitness regime and sporting progrees. The display is protected by strengthened Ion-X glass and the matching fluoroelastomer band comes in five different colours.

Price TBC From Apples stores

3 4 N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 ///

Kitbag CM.indd 34

26/10/2014 21:35

FOR HIM Adidas DF24 Carbon Hockey Stick

The Adidas DF24 Carbon is a brand new stick this year from the ever increasing range of Adidas Hockey for 2014, with a concave section ideal for those who like to drag-flick and a flat face for massive hitting power.

Price From £256 From All major hockey suppliers

New Canterbury England Rugby Shirt

The new pro jersey has a less aggressive fit and will be the firm favourite of any England fanatic with its centralised England rose and the England values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship woven subtly into the back.

Price £55 From Precision Sports

England Padded Gilet

The England padded gilet is engineered from 100% lightweight Polyester, insulating your core from the elements. It features a nylon taffeta lining for extra comfort and two external embroidered logos of the Canterbury logo and the England rose across the chest.

Price £60 From Precision Sports

Asics Gel-Kayano 21 The latest edition of Asics’ Gel-Kayano 21 updates the classic running trainer with the most up-to-date versions of its trademark technology. FluidRide provides bounce-back and cushioning while retaining its lightweight and durable properties. The Ortholite X-40 Sockliner allows for high rebound and has excellent moisture management and breathability.

Price £140 From John Lewis

WackySox

WackySox offers a huge range of funny, funky and cool high-performance, British-made, novelty sports socks.

Price £7.99-£9.99 From Rutland Sports

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

32_active29.indd 35

35

26/10/2014 18:46

Melvyn Patrick

CREATIVE STYLING FOR MEN AND WOMEN

13, Ironmonger Street Stamford, Lincs PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 764 668

Debbie's Rant!

Mens Salon

Melvyn Patrick Stamford Est. 1974 (Revived 2014) Here at Melvyn Patrick we are totally committed and appreciate each and every one of our clients old and new. The conversations are always full of banter on numerous topics. At Melvyn Patrick we love cutting hair and couldn't imagine doing anything else for a living.

We love to hear about the beef you have with your boss at work or the hustle and bustle of everyday life, remember "what's said in the chair stays in the chair".

We value your time and appreciate that as much as you love getting a haircut and as much as you love the salon banter, you have a lifetime of things to do!

Thank you for your custom, long may it continue.

Pg36.indd 1

Ladies Salon

22/10/2014 19:05

Guest column

Bizarre sporting injuries: biting yourself on the bum and ironing your own cheek The Sunday Times’ columnist Martin Johnson on some of the strange ways players have made themselves unavailable was at Leicester Tigers’ recently, at a dinner to mark Peter Wheeler’s retirement from the club, and bumped into a lot of familiar faces from my time, many years ago, as the local newspaper’s rugby correspondent. Among them were that mercurial midfield double act, both for Tigers and for England, Clive Woodward and Paul Dodge.

And it struck me that there’s a whole generation of spectators out there who have no idea that there was a time when rugby centres had the quaint idea of attempting to beat defenders, rather than run straight into them. In Dodge’s case, it was mostly down to impeccable lines of running and a sublimely timed pass. Whereas with Woodward, his opposite number would be in danger of contracting – in the same way as football defenders marking George Best – twisted blood.

Woodward and Dodge were old-time lock-pickers, whereas the modern way is to reach for the gelignite. Hence, the likes of Billy Twelvetrees and Manu Tuilagi. Run hard and straight, take the hit, re-cycle. Rugby used to be a game for all sizes, but not any longer.

Unless you’re 17 stone and can do 100 metres in 10 seconds, you can’t play anywhere.

Which is why, combined with the almost total emphasis on dishing out and taking the “hit”, there are so many injuries in the modern game. In the first couple of months of the season, it was a quicker exercise for a rugby reporter to ask Tigers for a list of their fit players than their unfit ones. Rugby will end up like American Football, where the increase in brain injuries and long-term physical and mental health issues have seen the lawyers swooping like carrion crows on a tasty road-kill.

There used to be injuries in rugby, of course, even in the days when a prop forward would be 15 stone of pure blubber and trained on meat pies and pints of Old Original. But not many ended up in hospital, unless as the result of some inebriated prank, such as drinking a bottle of aftershave at the post- match dinner.

As for props pulling hamstrings, when the likes of Mike Burton, Robin Cowling and Justin Leonard were playing, they didn’t even know they had such things. Nowadays, though, you turn up to a rugby match an hour and a half before kick-off, and there they all

I

are knocking seven bells out of each other in what is laughingly described as a warm-up. They’re all knackered before they start.

It’s just the same in cricket. Years ago, a pace bowler would have a long lazy winter, turn up for a few nets in early April and bowl all summer long without so much as a niggle. And if you got injured, it was usually something slightly odd, like Derek Pringle missing a Test match after ricking his back writing a letter.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney once broke his jaw shouting at his defenders but even higher up the list of oddball soccer injuries is the former Rangers’ defender Kirk Broadfoot, who was ruled out of a game during the pre-match meal.

Sticking a fork into a poached egg, a jet of steaming water flew out and left him with a scalded eyeball.

Paulo Diogo, a soccer player for the Swiss side Servette, injured himself during a match in 2004. Clambering up the metal fence to celebrate a goal with supporters, Diogo’s wedding ring caught and ripped off his finger. Humanely, the ref decided he’d suffered enough and declined to book him for excessive celebration.

A Brazilian footballer, Ramalho, missed a game with haemorrhoids by hospitalising himself after taking the suppositories orally instead of you know where. And an American footballer, Muggsy Bogues, once failed to come out for the second half of a match after treatment for a knee injury. The knee was alright, but he was unconscious from inhaling ointment fumes.

The sport that appears to throw up the biggest percentage of injuries as a direct result of a missing IQ, however, is baseball. Brian Anderson, a pitcher, hurt himself while ironing in his hotel room.

Wanting to find out whether the implement he was using to remove the creases from his shirts was hot, what more natural way than to hold it against his cheek? It worked, in as much as he discovered that the iron was indeed hot enough for the job, although the shirts remained un-ironed owing to him being carted off to hospital.

Another player stabbed himself in the stomach prising open a DVD case, but my favourite involved a 1920s baseball player. When running between bases, Clarence Blethen of the Boston Red Sox was in the habit of removing his false teeth and placing them in his back pocket. One day, requiring a long slide to make his ground, his teeth attached themselves to his posterior and the loss of blood resulted in him being stretchered off. Of all the injuries in the history of sport, biting your own arse takes a bit of beating.

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 3 7

37 johnson.indd 21

25/10/2014 12:03

Feature /// Home fitness

HOW TO TRAIN The gym isn’t the only place to get fit; for the time-poor who struggle to get to a 3 8 N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 ///

38-43 FEATURE training effectiveCM.indd 38

25/10/2014 08:45

EFFECTIVELY club, the experts at Technogym explain how to get healthy at home

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 3 9

38-43 FEATURE training effectiveCM.indd 39

25/10/2014 08:46

�

�

�

��

��

��

���

�

www.stamfordsportsnutrition.co.uk

SSN 1.indd 1 Pg40.indd 1

06/12/2013 11:54 23/10/2014 11:38

CULTURA CREATIVE RF / ALAMY

Feature /// Home fitness

BUILDING CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Cardiovascular – or aerobic – training encompasses the most popular forms of exercises, such as running, brisk walking or cycling, and involves cyclical movements that raise your heart rate and increase your blood circulation during the session. Within the home, machines such as the Personal Line treadmill, cross trainer or recline bike are perfect for this form of activity.

Cardiovascular exercise has many benefits, which include burning calories, improving heart health and releasing ‘feel good’ endorphins that stave off low moods, fatigue and stress.

Things to bear in mind when carrying out cardiovascular training: 1. Set an achievable goal Whatever the exercise, start with a slow and shorter session but work hard to establish your baseline speed and time limit. Then set a structured goal – do you want to compete in an event? When is it? What is your target distance and time? Work backwards to write a training programme for where you are now versus where you need to get to. If you train without a purpose or end-goal in sight, you will tend to be ineffective, unmotivated and unfocused. Visit online resources or download an app such as Technogym’s mywellness app to give you hints and tips.

2. Switch it up Cross training (training in different disciplines) is also

important. Don’t allow your body to get used to one single type of movement, as this lowers calorie consumption over time and lowers the effectiveness of your training. If you’re a runner, try running up hills or interval training, or try biking or swimming on alternate weeks. This also helps you to stay motivated and interested in your training.

Above

Cross-training is not only good for you, it also brings variety to your training regime.

GETTING STRONG

Together with cardiovascular exercises, strength training to build muscle mass is a central pillar of physical activity for better health, and should be carried out by people of all ages, sexes and ability. Strength exercises, especially functional movements carried out on equipment like the Kinesis Personal, increase muscle efficiency and joint mobility, ensuring they are capable of supporting substantial loads, making the most everyday activities like carrying, gardening or walking seem so much easier.

Contrary to popular belief, building muscle does not equate to ‘bulking up’, but instead it is about growing the percentage of lean muscle in your body composition. The more lean muscle you have, the greater demand your body has for fuel, and the higher your calorie burn, even at rest.

You build muscle mass by doing weight-bearing exercises, which can be performed using special equipment or free weights. Without compromising your safety, you need to ensure that your strength training session is high in impact and intensity. This ensures that your muscle cells are broken down during exercise, stimulating the production of more muscle cells: Post-workout your body is still working for a long time to repair itself – and this

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 41

38-43 FEATURE training effectiveCM.indd 41

25/10/2014 08:46

Fine quality notebooks, handbound in Stamford, England

Capture your thoughts, ideas and imagination in a stunning notebook handbound in our bindery using quality materials, beautifully smooth British paper and a combination of traditional and modern techniques.

Choose from over 70 colours across 6 materials including cloths and luxurious leathers.

Embossed initials to the cover are available.

Can be branded - corporate enquiries welcome.

THE STAMFORD NOTEBOOK Co.

Spiegl Press Ltd. Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 1XH Tel. 01780 762550 www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk email: team@stamfordnotebooks.co.uk

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine “Restore your natural equilibrium with a tried and tested 4000 year old treatment”

Nutritional Therapy “Achieve your full potential by discovering your optimal nutrition programme, tailored to your individual needs “

Western Herbal Medicine “In depth consultation and bespoke herbal medicine prescribed to improve your individual health condition”

Reflexology “An effective and holistic way to promote healing within”

Private GP “Unhurried, one hour consultations with a holistic approach.”

t: 01780 480889

Pg42.indd 1

w: thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk e: info@thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk 20/21 Broad Street - Stamford - PE9 1PG

22/10/2014 19:10

Feature /// Home fitness expends calories, burns fat and improves your metabolic rate even after the workout is over. Of course, highintensity exercise is impossible to keep up for very long, which is why short, dynamic interval training is the ideal solution.

Feeding yourself foods low in nutrition – such as crisps, cakes or processed food – means you need to eat a higher volume to extract the nutrients your body needs. That is what we mean by ‘empty calories’ – calories which the body isn’t able to use.

Two things to bear in mind when carrying out strength training:

Our friends at the Porsche Human Performance lab in Silverstone have shared some simple rules on how to shop for food wisely:

1. Warm up and cool down Don’t ignore the importance of maintaining your flexibility and muscle mobility. A tense muscle with restricted movement will not function effectively, leading to a limited range of motion and a heightened risk of injury. Do simple mobilising actions before taking exercise to fire up your muscles and prepare your body for physical activity. After exercise, make sure you stretch to bring your body back to its relaxed, pre-exercise state.

2. Keep safety a priority Strength training without supervision, if you are an inexperienced user, can place you at risk of painful and sometimes permanent injury. Always follow the correct technique properly, don’t over train and train safely – if you are unsure, seek the help of a personal trainer.

EATING BETTER

Below

The fuel you put into your body needs to be good to ensure you receive the nutrients you need

MARC ROMANELLI / ALAMY

Exercise and physical activity is only part of the full picture; you need to ensure that the other side of the equation is balanced.

The fuel you put into your body needs to be good, healthy, clean food, in order to ensure that your body receives the nutrition it needs to repair, fuel activity and build new muscle.

1. Don’t eat foods with more than 5 added ingredients: The more products a food contains, the more likely that the food is highly processed. The less processed your food is, the better.

2. Don’t eat foods with added sugar: Consuming too much added sugar has been linked with the development of degenerative diseases (such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease), weight gain and malnutrition. Sometimes, sugar is confusingly labelled on food products; these forms include: high fructose corn syrup, maltose, brown rice syrup, glucose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrate, and more.

3. Don’t eat food that claims to be healthy: The only food products that claim to be healthy are those that are in fact far from it. Vegetables or fruits do not have such claims, but you should make these the mainstay of your food intake.

4. Don’t eat food labelled as “low-fat”, “non-fat” or “light”: Products that have their fat removed taste pretty awful.

Food companies counteract this by adding sugar, which brings us back to the above rule.

5. Eat animals that have eaten healthy too: You are what your food eats. What the animal eats affects its nutritional value – the better it eats, the more nutritious it is. Ideally, your meat (and dairy) should be grass-fed (when available) and pasture-raised.

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 4 3

38-43 FEATURE training effectiveCM.indd 43

25/10/2014 08:46

Feature /// Women’s rugby

GIRL POWER

Deeping Ladies are forging an impressive rugby club in the area for women. Jeremy Beswick reports Photography: Andy Balmford

W

omen’s rugby has had a long struggle to become acceptable to all and gain the recognition and attention it now deservedly enjoys. The earliest recorded games were played in the late 19th century, in spite of condemnation from many quarters (mostly male of course) in those less enlightened times – and documentation of the history of the female game is sparse until university sides were formed in the 1960s. We have the French to thank for formalising the code, the English WRFU following in somewhat dilatory fashion by being founded in 1983.

The first women’s world cup, although not sanctioned by those old blazers at the International Rugby Board, took place in parallel with the men’s version in 1991 seeing the USA beat England in the final, that result being reversed next time around a few years later.

Fast forward to the present day and we can now say that women’s rugby is now finally firmly established with the Sevens format of the game making a debut in the 2016 Olympics, over 13,000 spectators at the 2010 world cup final and 7,000 adult women players and 250 affiliated teams in England alone.

4 4 N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 ///

44-49 FEATURE Deepings RugbyCM.indd 44

25/10/2014 08:50

44-49 FEATURE Deepings RugbyCM.indd 45

25/10/2014 08:51

GIVE IT A SHOT!

CELEBRATE

SUCCESS Huge range of medals and trophies available

FREE ENGRAVING with selected products purchased in store

Pg46.indd 1

24/10/2014 11:12

Feature /// Women’s rugby

‘YOU’RE AUTOMATICALLY ONE OF THE CREW. WE’RE A HOMELY OUTFIT ’

Participation has doubled since 2004 according to the RFU and their CEO, Ian Ritchie, is plainly fully on board saying “The potential to grow the women’s and girls’ game further is substantial and we aim to have 10,000 additional females playing contact rugby by 2017.”

England’s status as world champions (having heartbreakingly lost in the final of the previous three tournaments) can only help. I’m sure I’m not alone in finding their victory poignantly redolent of the men’s successes of my youth with the team playing only for the love of the game and comprising a plumber, a teacher and a vet.

The RFU’s strategy for women’s rugby is to grow the game at grassroots level targetting 200 local clubs across the country.

The most established of our own local sides is Deepings Devils who now play in the third tier of the national game following consecutive promotions. That’s an impressively high standard. Although we must acknowledge the greater numbers playing the men’s game, the local male sides we follow in this magazine every month – Stamford, Oakham, et al – are competing at around the seventh tier of their code, so one could argue that Deepings Devils are the neighbourhood’s pre-eminent rugby side. Only four promotions to catch them up lads. That should cause a few lively debates in the clubhouse...

Their success has not gone unnoticed by the English national side either and they’ve lost two players in recent seasons as a result – the powers that be insisting they move to tier one clubs if they were to be available for selection.

Additionally, only this month Katie Trevarthen has followed them after being selected for England U20s, but it’s testimony to their camaraderie that one star player, Gemma Hempsted-Alcoron, has opted to turn down the opportunity of a national cap and remain with the Devils.

Don’t bet against them stopping this outward flow of talent by driving towards that echelon themselves. The conveyor belt of class continues with Paige Fowler just selected for East Midlands U15s.

I visited them during one of their regular Tuesday and Thursday evening training sessions and was initially

Above, le and below

While training is taken seriously, the team also enjoys the social side of rugby, with various events linked to the side

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 4 7

44-49 FEATURE Deepings RugbyCM.indd 47

25/10/2014 08:52

LOVE READING ACTIVE? WANT TO BE PART OF THE TEAM? Active is looking for an office assistant to help with the day to day running of the magazine. The position is maternity cover but with the potential for long term employment. The ideal candidate would possess previous office experience and have good general skills in scheduling, telephone handling, typing, documentation, meeting planning, verbal communication, written communication, dependability, attention to detail and administrative writing. They would also be computer literate.

Salary would depend upon the candidate.

Think you’ve got what it takes?

Then apply for the position by sending your CV and covering letter to jobs@theactivemag.com.

Pg48.indd 1

22/10/2014 19:13

Feature /// Women’s rugby

Le and below

Plenty of physicality and commitment at the team’s training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday nights

amazed at their commitment and physicality – both second rows Lynsey Fowler and Sara Peacock being in plaster with a ruptured Achilles and torn hamstring respectively.

However Lynsey soon put me right. “We both finished the season injury free, then got these dancing a little too energetically at a team-mate’s wedding.” They both still turn up for training however, just to be involved.

You can tell these girls enjoy the social side every bit as much as the games themselves and I lost count of the times they referred to the team as “my rugby family”. Kiwi Grace Kerridge told me: “You’re automatically one of the crew.

We’re a homely outfit with an authentic old club house.”

She was echoed by front row Rowena Everitt: “It’s great to have something outside work. We’re one big family.”

They go on tour too, although the logistical difficulty of finding other women’s teams to play means that the sporting side of the tour is restricted to an occasional five-a-side football match and the keenly contested and serious business of seeing who can fit the most marshmallows in their mouth. Although that’s all they were willing to divulge (what goes on tour stays on tour), I’m sure there are other extra-curricular activities to enjoy - the similarities with the men’s game don’t end with them playing rugby by identical rules it seems!

Coach Stuart McCabe said: “The team spirit is as good as I’ve seen it in my time here” which, by the way, is 42 years.

“Their will to win is tremendous”.

There are various ways to get involved. They play a touch rugby charity event in the summer when people who’ve never tried before can give it a go. Press officer Naomi Hand told me “I was very happy to be sub and terrified of going on. Once I did they couldn’t get me off. I loved it!”. There’s also “Rucks and Mauls” where children learn not only how to play but also about the ethos of rugby and respect for others.

More immediately, boys and girls from under 6s upwards are welcome for the minis at Sunday lunchtimes.

As an adult – even if you’ve never touched a rugby ball – you’ll be welcome at training on Tuesday and Thursday nights to see how you get on. Alternatively, get a feel for the atmosphere at their fireworks night on November 7.

I promise you this is a great club with a tremendous feel to it. As I keep saying about local sides, they’re not private members clubs. They’ll all welcome you if you just wander into the clubhouse and buy a drink.

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 4 9

44-49 FEATURE Deepings RugbyCM.indd 49

25/10/2014 08:52

Be e t ro o t catering & events Professional Catering, Locally Sourced Keith MiCKLeburgh oundle • northamptonshire

tel: 07921 672076 info@beetrootcatering.co.uk • www.beetrootcatering.co.uk

Available for:

•weddings •corporate •private dining “ Many guests commented on the food and the attentiveness of the waiting team”

THE

BROWNLOW

In the heart of a picturesque village in Lincolnshire, the Brownlow Arms is a 17th century country inn formerly owned by Lord Brownlow.

Head Chef, Ruaraidh Bealby.

Pg50.indd 1

Providing good old fashioned country hospitality and modern comforts in a tranquil and relaxing location.

Our accommodation is truly exceptional. We have 7 rooms

The Brownlow Arms, Hough On The Hill Grantham Road, Lincolnshire NG32 2AZ Tel : 01400 250 234 Email: armsinn@yahoo.co.uk Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday : 6:00pm - 11:00pm Sunday Lunch : 12:00pm to 3:30pm

tastefully furnished to a high standard, perfect for everyone’s taste. With calming sounds of the country and a soft and comfy bed its perfect for a relaxed weekend away. 1 aa rosette and no children under 8.

We would like to announce that we have won the Lincolnshire Pride Restaurant of The Year 2014 !

23/10/2014 11:39

Feature /// Sportsman's Dinner

The Brownlow Arms JB and Matt head north to Hough-on-the-Hill for a fabulous autumn game dinner JB When Editor Moody called and asked us to do this month’s Sportsman’s Dinner, I said yes I’d love to. When we heard we were going to The Brownlow Arms in Hough-on-the-Hill, I thought this will be interesting. I’ve no idea where Hough-on-the-Hill is. So a bit of research later I discovered that Hough-on-the-Hill is just to the north of Grantham, and The Brownlow Arms is the Good Pub Guide’s Lincolnshire Dining Pub of the Year. I was looking forward to it. If I could find it.

Matt Several people had recommened The Brownlow Arms to me, so it was great to get a chance to sample the menu. It's in such a lovely location too, a picturesque little estate village situated high above Belton. Just nip up the A1 and turn right. It’s not hard to find JB. It's a classy looking old pub on arrival, and welcoming too: warm and cosy big armchairs where you get to peruse the two menus, a regular and the specials. Both menus offer a wide variety of what I would call 'country dining', with locally sourced game featuring prominently.

JB I agree Matt, I was looking forward to trying food I wouldn’t usually eat. The dining room is quite formal but retains a great atmosphere - I can imagine bringing my family here for a celebratory dinner. To start, I went for the slow

braised pork belly fritter, which was fantastic.

It’s served with a tomato and chilli jam and a beautifully poached soft duck egg. The fritters were crunchy on the outside but delightfully moist on the inside. All the elements combined to make this an outstanding dish.

Matt Pan seared scallops and king prawns sounded enticing, so I had these to start. They come on a bed of dressed peas with a saffron rouille, crispy chorizo, chorizo oil and watercress. It sounds like a lot, but they all work so well together. The presentation of both dishes was fantastic too. So, with the taste buds up to speed, what about the main course JB?

rosti, curly kale, pancetta crisp, prune and pheasant leg ballotine and a red wine jus.

Sounds like something you'd find in the final of Masterchef! All combining to make a really delicious dish.

JB We were too full for desert but rest assured the desert menu looks great and just as good as the rest of the menu. I wondered earlier if I would want to make the trip to the Hough-onthe-Hill again. I will certainly be visiting The Brownlow Arms again, probably with my family. It’s a real find.

JB I was intrigued by The Brownlow braised game “vol-au-vent”. Forget about 1970s dinner parties, this is a special dish, with fresh slow braised game, served with roasted baby beetroot, roast turnips, and vegetable crisps.

What superb dish, it was warming, rich and perfect for the time of year. It’s not something I would generally order, but it won’t be the last time.

Matt Your main course looked amazing, and I always suffer from food envy when eating out, so I was happy to have ordered game too, pan roasted pheasant from the specials menu.

Accompanied by celeriac puree, root vegetable

The Brownlow Arms

Hough On The Hill, Grantham Road Lincolnshire, NG32 2AZ 01400 250 234

/// n o v e m b e r 2 0 14

Untitled-3 56

51

26/10/2014 21:47

Feature /// Great walks

Empingham, Exton and Whitwell This walk takes in some fine undulating countryside before finishing off along the shore of Rutland Water, as Will Hetherington discovers Photography: Will Hetherington

THE ROUTE

This is a circular route so you can take your pick where you start, but I chose Empingham. Park anywhere you can on Main Street and walk straight up Exton Road.

Pass the cricket club on the left and ignore the first bridleway going off to the right. Keep walking up the hill out of the village and you will soon come to another footpath off to the right.

Take this path and as it passes to the right of one spinney and keep on heading straight through a couple of field boundaries and then down the hill and through Horn Mill Spinney.

From here cross the sheep pasture and climb the stile near a spring which brings you on to the road. Turn left and follow the road around the left hand bend. After another 200 yards take the footpath heading off to the right and down into a charming little valley.

Follow the path along here as it passes Cuckoo Farm and Cuckoo Spinney, crossing the stream a couple of times as you head west towards Exton.

Even though the A1 is only a couple of miles to the east and Rutland Water is the same distance to the south you wouldn’t know it as you walk down this special little piece of Rutland.

The footpath emerges from this enchanting valley on the south side of Exton. Turn left on the road here and walk up to the T-junction where you will see the footpath to Whitwell heading south. Follow the path as it crosses some high farmland and you will be surprised at how different this part of the walk feels from the hidden valley less than a mile behind you. Even on a warm autumnal day it felt a little bleak up here as I passed High Moor Spinney so on a cold and windy winter’s day it must be quite an exposed footpath.

Luckily then the path soon finds its way into the car park behind the Noel Arms in Whitwell.

So if you need a refreshing pint of ale you are in the right place.

From the Noel Arms cross the A606 and turn right and look out for a left turn down to Whitwell Creek and the shore of Rutland Water. Again this walk changes personality as you move from the natural beauty of the countryside to the manmade leisure facilities of Rutland Water, with its giant car parks and well-maintained cycle paths.

As long as you remember you need to head east back to Empingham there are a number of different ways through the boatyard at Whitwell and it rather depends which gates are open the way you choose. But keep heading towards Sykes Lane and Empingham and you will soon find the path as it snakes around the creek and wends its way towards Empingham. Rutland

5 2 NOV E M BE R 2014 ///

52-53 walkCM.indd 52

25/10/2014 08:53

TOP STAT

of the smallest Whitwell is one nd, villages in Rutla uses. with just 19 ho

This page and le

Horn Mill nestles into its wooded hollow a mile north of Empingham. Whitwell Creek is home to the Rutland Belle, amid a number of other leisure activities

Water is not a great place for dog walking because there tends to be a lot of sheep and nervous looking non-dog owners on the route. But hopefully your dog will be so tired by the time you reach this point that the lead will be a welcome relief. I know Ella was.

When you get to Sykes Lane follow the signs to the dam to navigate out of the car park. And when you get to the northern end of the dam bear left along the fence down in the sheep pasture until you reach the footpath which soon heads through a spinney and back up into Empingham.

By the time you get there you will be well exercised and ready for a stop in the White Horse.

Difficulty rating (out of five)

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park On Main Street in Empingham, near the junction with Exton Road.

commercial atmosphere of Rutland Water with its large car parks, climbing wall, bike hire shops and sailing boats.

Distance and time Seven miles/two and half hours.

Lowlights If there has been a lot of rain recently parts of the walk will be quite boggy. The last section from Whitwell Creek to Sykes Lane lacks any rural charm.

Highlights Attractive Horn Mill and the peaceful little valley which hosts Cuckoo Farm. The stark contrasts between the three sections of the walk; bucolic rural charm for the first part, remote exposed path between Exton and Whitwell and the

The pooch perspective There are some sheep pastures but your dog should get plenty of exercise on this undulating route.

There are a couple of springs and a good stretch of stream for cooling off in.

Refreshments The footpath goes through the car park at the Noel Arms in Whitwell and the White Horse in Empingham.

/// NOV E M BE R 2014 5 3

52-53 walkCM.indd 53

25/10/2014 08:54

WK Xmas ad 1.indd 1

20/10/2014 17:38

Providing a Complete Veterinary Service From routine health checks, vaccinations, microchipping and preventative healthcare to specialist diagnostics and surgery, we provide an extensive range of services in our purpose built hospital. Our experienced and dedicated team of vets, nurses and support staff offer the highest level of veterinary care for all your animals. We provide a range of pet packages which offer advice and preventative healthcare through nurse clinics and vet checks.

To compliment our services we have a retail area that stocks food, toys, treats and other pet supplies.

24 hour emergency service on site Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7QH—01572 722646 Small Animal 01572 722647 Equine www.oakhamvethospital.co.uk Oakham Veterinary Hospital Small Animal

Pg54.indd 1

22/10/2014 19:17

JUNIORS BILDARCHIV GMBH / ALAMY

Feature /// Dog health

TOTAL RECALL:

Response action to voice command The third part of our four-part series on how to make your dog come back to you every time. By Bobs Broadbent ONCE YOU’VE TAUGHT your dog what the cue means, your job isn’t over. In fact, you have only just started. Now you need to teach him to return to you when (i) he is distracted and thinking about something else, and also (ii) he would rather be doing something else.

Begin with calling your dog when he is distracted and doing something else. Wait until he is really interested in a scent or doing something else, then call, moving away and putting lots of energy into getting him to return.

Reward really well when he does so.

Repeat until he will leave whatever he is doing readily and come to you to earn his reward. Make sure you make coming to you worthwhile so he is really keen to do so next time.

Leaving distractions to return to you Once your dog is coming back when he is busy doing something else, teach him to come even when he would rather be doing something else.

For this you will need something that he enjoys doing very much, such as playing with a toy. You will need to set up a situation so that, once you call, whatever your dog was enjoying stops until he comes to you, and starts again only when he returns after having gone back to you first.

For example, ask an assistant to play an exciting game with your dog. Call loudly to interrupt the play. As soon as your assistant hears you call, they should remove the toy and hide it behind their back. Wait until your dog comes to you (you may need to call him again once he is less focused on the toy), then praise him well and feed a tasty treat.

Then let him go back to play again so that he learns that coming to you is just an interlude rather than the end of his game. After a few sessions, your dog will learn that once he hears you call, the game is over until he has run to you and so he will begin to leave the game as soon as you call.

Tips for success: • Make sure you have really high-value treats for this exercise as leaving something as exciting as a game needs to be rewarded really well.

• Practise this exercise at home, then in the garden and on walks until your dog is really good at it and is coming as soon as you call.

• If you are struggling to make this work, lower the excitement level during the games and find better treats. Some dogs may prefer a more exciting game instead as a reward for coming when called.

• Once your dog is reliable, practise in other situations where he is doing something he enjoys. Remember to call in the same exciting tone you usually use, be as exciting and active as possible to encourage him to come to you, reward him well, then let him go back to what he was doing.

To increase the chances of success at first, wait a little while to make sure your dog is a little bored before you call and gradually work up to calling your dog away during more exciting moments.

Before your dog is trained, only allow him off lead in places where he is safe.

• If you are experiencing problems with recalling your dog, Bobs Broadbent offers private training lessons and group workshops and you can contact her by e-mail at info@ dogknows.co.uk or telephone 01664454792.

• If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour please seek professional advice prior to introducing any changes to their routine, either from a pet behaviourist: www.apbc.co.uk or trainer: www.apdt.co.uk

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 5 5

Untitled-4 55

26/10/2014 18:50

Feature /// School sports

Deepings defend U19 netball title Deepings School won the district under 19s netball tournament for the second year running.

The team, Georgia Mann (captain), Bex Austin, Abbie Morter, Sophie Langan, Libby Stygall, Olivia Brown, Tessa Pascoe, Ava Rangolam and Keira McHattie, faced Spalding High School in the first game and for the best part of the first half the teams were evenly matched. However, towards the end of the first half the girls stepped up a gear and won convincingly by 17-2.

The second game against Boston High School again started off very even but the girls romped home to victory 19-2. Boston College proved to be Deepings’ biggest threat and it was only the last five minutes of the game that saw Deepings’ strength in defence turn the ball around, helping the girls to an 11-4 win.

Bourne Grammar School were up next, with the girls cruising to win 16-6.

The final match against Bourne Academy saw Tessa Pascoe at both ends of the court, firstly as goal shooter and then as goal keeper, displaying superb all round skills. The score finished 15-0 to Deeping.

Cross-country at Brooke After a rather wet and windy morning, the weather improved just in time for the start of the Brooke Priory Cross Country in October, which was held, as usual, at Shorne Hill by kind permission of Mr and Mrs William Bevin.

There were races for U8s, U9s, U10s and U11s and eight other schools joined the pupils from Brooke Priory for the event: Stamford Junior School, St Peter’s, Grantham Prep, St Hugh’s, Glapthorn, Laxton, Witham Hall and Copthill. Each race had a hare and they were forced to keep a close eye on the field behind them as the pace in some of the races was impressive. The course involved a number of serious hurdles, including straw bales and tyres.

There was also an under 7 fun run, and the afternoon was rounded off with the prize giving and it was good to the trophies being shared between the schools.

Head of sport, Duncan Flint, said: “It was fantastic to see so many children, of all abilities, taking part in an atmosphere of friendly competition.”

CARYS SAILS INTO SECOND Two students from Stamford Junior School competed in the end of season sailing championships at Rutland Water, finishing second and ninth overall.

Carys Attwell and Isabel Leetch, both year five pupils, took part in the International Optimist Class Association Sailing Championships, competing in two days of sailing in October. The IOCA championships provide younger sailors with the opportunities to compete and develop their skills, and this year the regatta fleet held 41 competitors.

Carys got the chance to excel in this national regatta. With light winds and testing conditions for all the competitors she managed to come second and was also the first girl of the competition.

Fellow student Isabel Leetch also came away with great results, named third girl and ninth overall.

Biathlon success for Oakhamians Sixth Form athletes Asia Hamdorff and Harriet Wright (pictured) performed well at the East Midlands Biathlon Championships, placing first and fifth respectively in the U17 Girls competition.

The girls were building on their earlier success in the year, where they reached the National Schools Final at the London Olympic Park, and Asia achieved fourth place.

Despite struggling with colds and having to deal with challenging weather conditions, both girls kept their focus. Asia came first in the 200 metre swim with a time of 2.28 and first in the 1600 metre run in 5.51 to win the event overall, while Harriet came fifth in the swim with 2.53 and second in the run with 5.53.

They will both now compete in the British Modern Biathlon Championships and they hope to qualify for the British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships next March.

5 6 NOV E M BE R 2014 ///

56-57 schoolsCM.indd 36

21/10/2014 17:58

Uppingham girls regain hockey title Uppingham School Under 14A girls’ hockey team have regained the title of Leicestershire and Rutland County Champions.

At Leicester Grammar School, the team, captained by Grace Turberville Smith, saw off the challenge of their rivals and now take part in the Midlands Zone finals next month.

In a highly impressive display of defence play, they did not concede one goal in four of their five games, defeating Loughborough High 1-0,

Ratcliffe College 4-0, Dixie Grammar 3-0 and Oakham 1-0. They also drew with Leicester Grammar 1-1.

The form the team has shown since the start of term, during which time they have won three and drawn one of their games, was again on display on Friday (October) 10 as they became the county champions for the first time since 2012.

Uppingham School has an excellent record in

girls’ hockey – the Under 16 teams have also swept almost all before them in the eight years up until 2013 when they were county champions seven times.

The victorious Under 14s team: Grace Turberville Smith (captain); Lorna Bowser; Sophie Burnett; Ella Coulthard; Maya Cunnington; Anne Ewbank; Grace Gregory; Zara Jackson; Nadia Mason; Sophia Moore; Emily Parkes; Lily Simpson; Sophie Sporburg.

Team GB star coaches Stamford players Stamford High School’s hockey players were treated to coaching sessions from Chloe Rogers, part of London 2012’s GB hockey team.

Chloe spent the day at the school coaching different age groups in a variety of skills and game play scenarios. After the coaching sessions the whole school, parents and staff were invited to listen to Chloe’s presentation; a fantastic insight into her journey towards representing the successful GB hockey team in 2012.

Maria Higgins, head of hockey, said: “We would like to thank Chloe for giving up her time to visit SHS, and working with the girls. The experience was invaluable to the team and will assist them greatly in the season.”

Fifth County Cup in a row for Oakham School Oakham School’s 1st XI Girls Hockey team have taken home the County Cup for the fifth year in a row.

In this first stage of the national tournament, the team were up against local rivals Uppingham, Loughborough High School, Ratcliffe College and Leicester Grammar School.

The girls, ably led by captain Amelia Wilson, put on a fantastic performance at Leicester Grammar School, conceding just one goal throughout the whole afternoon. In their first match, against Loughborough High School, they showed some impressive defensive play, with goalkeeper Jessica Compton making two first-class saves. The team was dominant throughout, comprehensively beating their contenders 1-0.

The team looked very comfortable in their subsequent matches against Uppingham and Ratcliffe, triumphing 3-0 and 2-0 respectively. In the last match against Leicester Grammar School, the opposition put up a good fight, but Oakham proved their strength, resulting in a 4-1 victory.

“To be crowned County hockey champions 5 years in a row is a testament to the level of hockey being taught at Oakham,” says Ashley Denman, Director of Hockey. “This really is an impressive feat.”

The next stage for the girls will be the zonal tournament, where they will play against nearby counties to represent the Midlands.

Above

Top row, from le : Penny Skipper, Evie Drew, Francesca Lang, Ellie Watson, Millie Smith, Alice Huddlestone, Katie Cooil, Ella Brahmachari, Charlotte Gregg Bottom row, from le : Maddie Pearce, Annie Dalton, Ella Measom, Amelia Wilson (captain), Jessica Compton, Emma Dalton, Ali Eatch

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 5 7

56-57 schoolsCM.indd 37

21/10/2014 17:58

For all your rooFing needs TEL: 01733 391991 web: www.peterboroughroofing.co.uk email: info@peterboroughroofing.co.uk

• • • •

Flat Roofing Slates and Tiles Repairs and Maintenance Domestic, Commercial, Industrial

Established 1978 Unit 16, Orton Enterprise Centre, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate Peterborough PE2 6XU

Pg58.indd 1

23/10/2014 15:56

Feature /// School sports

Strong half for Stamford First XV Stamford School’s First XV go into the half term break having won all seven of their matches, after a resounding win against Uppingham School.

Stamford produced a commanding performance away at Spalding GS in the 2nd round of the NatWest Cup and then followed that up with arguably the performance of the season so far with a 57-3 away with at Uppingham School.

The visiting side produced a physical opening leaving Uppingham in no doubt that it was going to be a difficult day at the office.

Skipper Angus Collett drove over from a maul and minutes later centre Callum Corbett and Declan Spaine proved too much of a handful in open play and crossed for five points each.

Stamford’s pack started to dominate the breakdown, and Henry Hives at 10 controlled proceedings brilliantly after the interval with wave after wave of attack followed by great carrying and clearing out from Josh Allen, Henry Mawhood and Henry Wills.

Spaine and Davies added a second, benefiting from good quick ball and then Corbett and Lovell combined brilliantly to send Oli Arnold under the posts. Josh Allen crashed over with ten minutes to go after a series of effective forward drives. Full back Crellin slotted over the conversions to take the score to 57.

Coach David Laventure was full of praise for the squad: “To be unbeaten at this stage is a great achievement. They are scoring on average over 30 points a game and conceding less than a try a game. There’s a long way to go but if they can maintain their focus and work ethic, they will be a real challenge for all their opponents.”

TIGERS COACHES COME TO TOWN Stamford’s First XV rugby players were put through their paces by members of Leicester Tigers recently. The boys enjoyed a session delivered by Tigers’ legend and academy coach, Brett Deacon, and also head skills coach at the academy, Tosh Askew.

The coaches worked with the students to look at some decision making and distribution, as well as some defensive work around the tackle area.

Daisy and Issy win RYA sailing classes Two of Oakham School’s talented sailors took top places at the RYA North & West Zone Championships held at Blithfield sailing club at the end of September. Daisy Streatfeild and Issy Gibbs were delighted to win the top positions in the girls RS Feva class.

Overall, students from Oakham School had a great competition, with four boats winning places in the top 10, out of 26 boats competing in total.

In fact, sailors from Rutland did outstandingly well, with nine of the top 10 boats having previously trained at Rutland Water in the regional squad managed by Oakham School coach Nick Neve.

These zone championships are run by the RYA as a selection event for winter squad training. These junior squads lead up the ladder towards the pinnacle of Olympic selection. As a result of their performance in the championships, all of the Oakham boats have been invited to train with the regional squad this winter.

Le

Front row: Harry Martin, Patrick Holmes, Elysia Dooley, Daisy Streatfeild, Issy Gibbs, Oliver Neville, Matt Peckham Back row: Ollie Demetri, James Foster, Henry Neve, Bernard Visser

/// N O V E M B E R 2 0 14 5 9

59 schoolsCM.indd 37

21/10/2014 17:58

Football

Daniels slide as Ketton fly

BY DEAN CORNISH

Y

ou may remember that my update last month referenced Stamford AFC in the headline as ‘Top Dogs’ after their blistering start to the season.

There was already a ‘but’ with their then subsequent dip in form in September, and this has unfortunately continued into October with a mixed set of recent results seeing Staff’s side drop from first on September 2 to second the following week, then fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth and now to 13th in the Evo Stik Premier Division.

Don’t get me wrong, 20 points from their opening 13 games is still a good return, but they’ll need to make sure that the slide down the table doesn’t continue in the next couple of months.

It’s not all been doom and gloom for the Daniels though, with a good 2-0 away win against in form Frickley Athletic arresting the slide slightly at the start of October. The Daniels also drew against Halesowen Town

at home, and disappointingly lost also away at a blustery Barwell on October 21.

They have had some injury worries recently, with skipper Richard Jones out and hot shot Ryan Robbins also out with a suspension. When they get back to full strength they’ll need to start picking up some points if they don’t want to be scrapping towards the bottom of the league before Christmas.

As with last year, the main aim is just to avoid relegation for the Daniels, especially with the move into the new ground on the horizon. No official date has yet been confirmed for the ground opening, but the recent rain should have helped the problems with the slow grass growth.

On a positive note, the recent community evening showcasing the new ground’s facilities was very warmly received. The superb facilities really will be an asset to the town, and huge plaudits should be made to all those involved.

Away from the league, the Daniels also crashed out of the FA Cup, failing to emulate their superb progress last season to the fourth qualifying round. Staff’s side fell in the second qualifier to local rivals Grantham Town.

In the United Counties League, Blackstones have continued to show a vast improvement on last season’s form. They’re currently 13th in the league, which is far better than anything they’ve mustered up in the last couple of years.

They’re still very inconsistent, but at times have played some great, attacking football under Nick Andersen with cracking wins against Irchester United (6-2) and also a recent 5-0 win over Burton Park Wanderers.

The problem for Stones is that they then followed up that great win with a 3-2 defeat away at Wellingborough Whitworth. Due to their inconsistencies, it may be too early for this young side to challenge near the top this season, but if they stay together, they

6 0 NOV E M BE R 2014 ///

60-61 football.indd 60

24/10/2014 12:54

could become a force in the coming years.

In the Peterborough league Premier Division, Oakham United are riding high again this season after their recent rebuilding period. They’re just a point off Coates Athletic in top spot, with a game in hand, having won their last three league games. They’ve beaten Moulton Horrox 3-0 away from home, Riverside (3-2), and followed those two wins up with a fantastic result winning 2-1 away at Peterborough ICA Sports.

Uppingham Town had the better of their County rivals overall last season, but this year they’re well behind Oakham.

They currently have just 10 points from their first 13 games, with recent defeats to Langtoft, Sawtry and Pinchbeck, then bettered only slightly with a 1-1 draw

Stamford drew 1-1 with Halesowen, but otherwise results have been disappointing this month

away at Coates Athletic.

In the first division, Ketton FC meanwhile are also flying, three points off Coates Athletic Reserves at the top of the table.

Darren Edey’s side have been scoring goals at an incredible rate, with recent results including a 6-1 win away at Baston, a 9-0 mauling of Kings Cliffe, a 5-0 home win against Wisbech Town Reserves and also a 6-1 away win at Ratby Sports.

If that isn’t title form, then I really don’t know what is. The only negative for Ketton recently is the broken collar bone suffered in the reserve team by captain Andy Gray.

We at Active wish him a speedy recovery.

Ryhall United are also doing well in the

first division, currently residing in fourth place in the division. They recently came from a goal down to beat Langtoft United reserves by three goals to one, as well as having good recent wins over Oundle Town and Moulton Horrox.

If they win their games in hand, they’ll also be riding near the top of the table.

Could we see Ketton and Ryhall fighting it out for a place in the Premier Division?

In Division 2 Ketton reserves are now above the Stamford Bels first team after two consecutive, high-scoring league wins.

The Bels have beaten Crowland Town and Sawtry reserves recently, scoring nine goals in the process.

With a good cup win also over higher league opposition for Bels reserves, it’s not been a bad month for the Bels.

two little birds

Sewing courses for all ages and abilities Soft furnishings Dressmaking Curtains & Blinds Children’s classes and sewing parties www.two-little-birds.co.uk 07906 804085

/// NOV E M BE R 2014

60-61 football.indd 61

61

24/10/2014 12:54

Rugby

Stamford and Oakham’s slow starts to the season

BY JEREMY BESWICK

I

t’s been a tough start to the season for our local sides, none more so than Stamford Town, who have lost four on the bounce since winning their opening fixture against Ashby.

They had seemed to be gaining momentum at the end of last season with some notable victories, so what’s behind the sudden loss of form?

Much of it is down to changes of personnel, skipper Matt Albinson having departed for pastures new and Stef Arlow, latterly of Peterborough Lions, taking over the coaching duties full-time from David Laventure, who had been splitting his time between Town and School. However, they feel they’re taking a short-term hit for a long-term gain.

Club captain Nick McDowell told me: “Yes, it’s been a tough start. Apart from the coaching and captaincy changes, a number of our side have either gone back to university or left the area to take jobs in

London. We’ve had injuries too, particularly in the front row, and we’ve come across some packs who are big lumps and are doing us damage.”

However, he’s optimistic for the rest of the season: “The new faces are still finding their feet as a side but it’s encouraging to see some of the Colts coming through to the first team, like Max Andrews and Andy Marshall. Having a coach consistently there for every training session and match is a massive help.

“In general, in spite of there being so many new faces, there’s a good vibe and team spirit around the whole squad. We always seem to start the season slowly and I’m still hopeful of a top-five finish.”

His comments were echoed by veteran player and club stalwart Will Plummer: “We needed a full-time coach to become a more professional outfit going forward.

We’ve a young and inexperienced team who will only get better and I still think

Fun Innovative classes for babies and toddlers Our unique programme is structured and dynamic, yet flexible and gentle, completely centred around your baby’s individual needs. classes held...

To book a place or to find out information call 01664 567302 or visit our website: waterbabies.co.uk Email: surfthewave@waterbabies.co.uk 1409_WB_Ad_188x42mm_Leicester .indd 1

we’re on the up. It’ll take time to gel but now we’ve put something in place that’s the right way to be for the long-term.”

Notable performances have come from half backs Robbie Smith and Guy Michels and top scorer is vice-captain Oli Story. As players return and the new set-up beds in, I’m sure we can look forward to Town posting some wins in the near future.

Oakham have also found the going difficult, having been transferred, against their wishes, to the southern half of their division. An opening sequence of two wins and three losses seems to confirm that this is a more competitive group.

President Keith Crellin agrees. “This equivalent league in the south does seem to be stronger,” he said, “and playing sides every week we’ve never come across in a league situation is difficult. However, it’s pleasing that in all the matches so far – win or lose – we’ve never been outclassed. I’m quietly confident we’ll remain in this

New classes in November

across Leicestershire and Rutland

16/07/2014 09:22

6 2 NOV E M BE R 2014 ///

62-63 rugby.indd 60

24/10/2014 12:50

Tigers talk To Oadby for Richard Cockerill’s regular press conference and the busiest I’ve seen it in some time. The car park is full, Sky Sports and the tabloid press are out in force and nearly all the chocolate biscuits have gone.

Are the media vultures beginning to circle a er Tigers’ poor start to the season?

A wounded Cockers was having none of it, giving his usual bravura performance with its heady cocktail of humour and defiance.

As always, we started with the sick list.

Manu Tuilagi is out for “a few weeks at least” and is not expected to make it back in time for the Six Nations, but should be fit for Tigers shortly therea er.

The assembled pack started to sniff that most reliable of staple stories, club versus country, but were soon put right by Cockers, who saw the danger a mile off and is far too media-savvy to fall for that old chestnut.

“The England doctor was here yesterday and we’re in agreement,” he continued.

“Relations between us and the England side are very good and the days of us being two separate camps are over.”

Apparently, Manu’s injury is different to the groin strain he was returning from, albeit it’s in the same area.

“We still need to find out what it is but clearly he’s done something else that’s not the same as before. So it’s back to playing wings and number tens in midfield again.

The seven that finished there against Ulster

will start the next match. They’re wrapped up in cotton wool in the dressing room now.”

Elsewhere on the casualty carousel, Anthony Allen is “not far away”, Geoff Parling is “back to non-contact training next week and we hope he’ll play early December” and Tom Cro is “four to five weeks from returning”.

Cockers smiled and went on: “Come January, hopefully all will be happiness and if we do get to the New Year still in the

league and learn from it.”

With Ian “Dosser” Smith newly appointed as coach, I’m sure that’s true and his input will be increasingly felt as the season progresses. As with Stamford, there are encouraging signs for the future, with four of the Colts coming through to make the first team against Olney.

Crellin’s also upbeat about the move to the new ground: “There’s been a dramatic increase in support at our new home with, for example, around 150 spectators for the match against Wellingborough.”

Those of you who’ve been along will know how impressive the facilities are but it’s been disappointing that the matches

themselves have had to be played on the football pitch behind the clubhouse rather than on the designated first team one.

Crellin commented: “We’ve been having a lot of work done. The dry weather has played a major part in the delay but I’m more than hopeful we’ll be playing on it very soon.”

The clubhouse certainly deserves a playing surface to match, so fingers crossed it’s just a question of time before skipper Tom Armstrong leads him team onto it.

If you’re looking for a ray of sunshine breaking through these early season clouds, then it’s best to look away from Stamford College Old Boys, who’ve lost their

mix we should be OK.” Looking to li the mood, he continued: “I thought the first 40 minutes against Ulster was the best we’d played all season.”

There was just time for him to repeat his monthly mantra: “Injuries don’t matter if you’re winning” and then he was off, back to his proper job of ensuring they do just that.

The vultures fluttered unwillingly away, feeling they’d been thrown some crumbs but still hungering for meat.

opening five games, including a 7-40 reverse against Deepings, the latter’s scrum (which has a front row with a combined age of 110) proving too much for them.

Alas, Deepings can’t cheer us up either, a record of won two, lost four not enough to raise a smile. Even the ever-reliable Devils Ladies have only managed one win and two losses following their promotion to the third tier.

At least Stoneygate, after a double promotion, started well, with a 24-12 victory away to Belgrave 2nds.

Any more of this and I’m coming out of retirement. Might as well make things worse.

Support your local team Email advertise@theactivemag.com or call 01780 480789 /// NOV E M BE R 2014

62-63 rugby.indd 61

63

24/10/2014 12:51

// MARKET PLACE Builders

Appliance Repair

Domestic Appliance Centre Est. 1929 Sales - Spares - Repairs

Pet Stay

plus many more small appliances..

CALL OUT SERVICE AVAILABLE

Renovations|Extensions Refurbishments Bathrooms|Kitchens New Builds|Plastering Electricians|Plumbers Loft Conversions Insurance works All Carpentry works

7 Silver Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BT

Email: g.bell546@btinternet.com

We Repair: - Vacuum Cleaners - Washing Machines - Tumble Dryers - Microwaves - Cookers

01780 762367 www.utselectrical.co.uk

For more information Call: 01780 769 154

www.guybellbuildersltd.co.uk

Plumbers

Peterborough branch

Are you looking for a loving home environment for your pet(s) to stay whilst on holiday? *Not happy leaving your pet(s) in kennels?

Also looking for Carers in * Looking for a lovely, caring, secure home where your pet(s) can be pampered and their routine kept? your area : dog lover ?, * Want to meet the Carer and their premises before secure garden ?, home all making any decision? day?, no young children ?, * Want a Carer licenced with the council and thoroughly checked and insured by PetStay to make sure your pet is extra earning of between £73 Safe while you are away? to £178 a week ? * Don’t want to pay silly prices? We charge as little as £18 a day for one dog for a premium service tailored to your pet(s) individual needs!!!

Covering : NG31, NG32 and NG34 (Grantham, Sleaford ) PE1 to PE16 (Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne, Spalding, Wisbech, March) PE19 (Chatteris) PE26 to 29 (St Neots, Huntingdon, St Ives)

If so, you could become one of many PetStay happy Customers: Contact Marie-Line for an informal chat: Tel: 01778 392595, Mob: 07812104729, Email: marieline@petstay.net

Tropic

Plumbing Gas Heating Biomass Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer.

Tel: 01780 482 039 www.plumbingstamford.co.uk

PetStay

To advertise on the Market Place page

Love your skin?

Enjoy a pampering evening in the comfort of your own home, which includes a free facial and free products.

Contact me Amy Roberts Ambassador 07875543065 Aemeadows@sky.com

Call 01780 480789 or email marketplace@ theactivemag.com

MM print services limited is now recruiting MM print services limited, a thriving Stamford based print management company, is looking for a full time office administration assistant to start with immediate effect.

The ideal candidate would possess previous office experience and have good general skills in scheduling, telephone handling, typing, documentation, meeting planning, verbal communication, written

Salary would depend upon the candidate.

jobs@mmprintservices.com

The position is maternity cover but with the potential for long term employment.

communication, dependability, attention to detail and administrative writing.

They would also be computer literate.

MM print services limited, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PG

Telephone: 01780 751313 Email: contact@mmprintservices.com Website: www.mmprintservices.com

64 martketplace October 2014.indd 116

To apply for the position please send a CV and covering letter to

19/09/2014 17:25

Roundup

Hockey

Flying start for Rutland Mixed Hockey Club

BY NEIL MOVERLEY

W

ith the Horseshoes challenging for the Division One title, only to fall short at the last, and with the Oaks winning a Cup and the Division Three title last season, it was always going to be a tough ask for the two Rutland mixed teams to get off to the kind of start that would replicate last season’s form.

This was especially the case considering that both teams are now playing in the two top divisions of the hardest fought mixed league in the Midlands for the first time in over five years.

Expectations have not just been met but exceeded with the Oaks winning the President’s Cup pre-season curtain raiser and both teams remaining unbeaten in the league after the first month.

The Horseshoe bounced back from being knocked out of the County Cup in the first round by winning their first three league games, scoring 16 goals and a keeping a clean sheet (last season the Horseshoes had to wait to March for their first). Admittedly four goals have been conceded since.

Hard fought 4-3 and 2-1 victories have come against two of the top teams in the

Players wanted

Above

Horseshoes in action against Loughborough

league (Loughborough Carillion A and Market Harborough A respectively) despite Rutland having to field radically different teams in each game due to work commitments.

The Oaks have also gotten off to a great start, not just being unbeaten in their new league, but also defeating the previously unbeaten league leaders Kibworth 4-1, with only nine players on the pitch (including no keeper).

On this form, with seven goals scored and two conceded in three games, Division Two holds no fear for the Oaks but surely tougher challenges will lie ahead!

Both Rutland sides are on the look-out for individuals interested in playing in goal – kit is provided as is training and support.

Due to the attack-led philosophy of the club the position is never boring and the keeper would be regularly involved in setting the defence and launching attacks.

Playing in goal is an ideal position for someone who has played another sport, such as football, and is looking for a different sport to play with a local friendly and welcoming club.

Rutland Mixed Hockey Club fields two teams in the local competitive mixed league set up. Training is at Oakham School on Kilburn Road on Tuesday from 8pm to 9pm.

If you are interested in a practice or a game or those new to the sport are all welcome. Check Rutland Hockey on Facebook for more details or just visit training on a Tuesday.

For more details contact club secretary Tracey Taylor on 07861 967430 or email tracey.taylor13@uwclub.net

You’ve got the bike!

You’ve got the kit!

Now get the coachiNg!

Bespoke coaching designed around you!

enquiries@wisecycletraining.com

0116 318 3521

07787 405 084

www.wisecycletraining.com

/// NOV E M BE R 2014

65 hockeyCM.indd 60

65

21/10/2014 18:07

Roundup

Equestrianism

Huge turnout at Festival of Show Jumping

BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

A

rena UK near Grantham hosted its tenth annual Festival of Show Jumping, lasting a whole week. This has to be the biggest show in the country and has the highest prize money at a non-international show, with a total of £180,000 awarded down the line.

Some of the classes had more than 200 competitors in them and lasted all day, and a whopping 7,000 first rounds were jumped.

There were also 1,300 stables used, not to mention the daily competitors. As you drove by Arena UK from the A1 it looked more like a huge truckers’ convention!

The winner of the largest (height) class scooping £20,000 was Robert Bevis riding his own Courtney 6. Local rider Joss Williams, from Melton Mowbray, also fared well, as he was third in the British Novice Grand Prix on Eniki and then went to jump a whopping 1.95m in the Puissance to come joint fourth on Culmore Prospect, also qualifying him for the Horse of the Year Show. Sadly, Culmore Prospect wasn’t feeling her usual spooky self, so Joss decided to withdraw her from HOYS. Joss, who hunts with the Readyfield Blood Hounds and relies on friends and

prize money to fund his show jumping, is seeking rides and sponsors if you have a spare horse or would like to contribute.

Osberton International, near Newark, saw yet another monster show the following weekend. This time it was the eventers’ turn – they held the 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-old National Championships, a CCI1* and 2* and, if that wasn’t enough, they also had In-hand classes too! It was a bit of a gloomy week and saw a huge downpour on cross-country day, but the rain was much needed and some great competition was had. William Fox-Pitt was on amazing form and pulled a double by not only being first and second in the CCI2* but also winning the CICYH*. Doubles were obviously in fashion and JP Sheffield from Rolleston, near Northampton, also pulled off a double finishing first and second in the CCI1*.

BEDE, who run Osberton, then decided that they hadn’t worked quite hard enough and decided to hot-foot it back down south to Grantham for Oasby Horse Trials. Oasby boasted perfect going after heavy rain all week leading up to it and also had its fair share of international competitors, with Mark Todd making the long drive from

Swindon worthwhile by winning an Intermediate and the Open Intermediate.

Local riders were out in force but the best results from the locals came in the same BE100 section, where Constance Copestake, riding Denver VI, beat rider Etti Dale into second place on her new horse Simply Simon II. Kate Walls, from Ufford, made a great tactical move after feeling harshly judged in the dressage at Osberton in the CICYH* – she decided to pull the plug on it, hot- foot it over to Weston Park for the CCI1* on Cooley Lands and finished third, just adding a few time penalties to her very good score of 44.7, which is their best result to date and a great way to end the season.

JumpCross has also finished for the year and the eagerly awaited league results are out, with some great prizes on offer; it has been quite a competitive season. Katie Webster riding Elvis won the Group 3 junior; Rebecca Bullock, who I believe had won every competition in the league, won the Group 3 Senior; and Margo Sly won the Group 2, which helps to ease the pain of her fall last time out.

Event dates for 2015 will be published shortly so get your diaries ready.

BAAN SABAI THAI THERAPY TRADITIONAL THAI DEEP TISSUE OIL MASSAGE BODY SCRUB BACK, NECK & SHOULDER HOT STONE REFLEXOLOGY/FOOT MASSAGE BACK, NECK & SCALP Open Mon - Sat 10am - 7pm Stamford Branch: 50 Broad St. Stamford PE9 1PX 01780 769132 Oakham Branch: 2 Market St. Oakham LE15 2DY 01572 729337

Gift vouchers available

www.baansabai.co.uk

6 6 NOV E M BE R 2 0 14 ///

66 horses.indd 60

24/10/2014 12:48

PERFORMANCE IS A STATE OF MIND.

FROM RAT RACE TO OPEN ROAD IN A HEARTBEAT

DISCOVER THE NEW ABARTH RANGE AT ROCKINGHAM CARS CORBY DIGITAL DISPLAY WITH G-FORCE INDICATOR AS STANDARD INCREASED COLOUR RANGE MORE CUSTOMISATION OPTIONS

Cockerell Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 5DU. Tel: 01536 268991 WWW.ROCKINGHAMCARS.CO.UK

The Abarth Range starts from £14,560. Models shown: Abarth 500 Custom at £15,540 OTR including optional Cordolo Red paint (£660), 10 spoke alloys (£320) and the new Abarth 500C Custom at £17,540 OTR including optional Cordolo Red paint (£660), 17" 10 Spoke Diamond finish alloy wheels (£320). The official fuel consumption figures for the Abarth 500 range: Urban 33.2 – 33.6 mpg (8.4 – 8.5 l/km); Extra Urban 52.3 – 53.3 mpg (5.3 – 5.4 l/km); Combined 43.5 – 44.1 mpg (6.4 -6.5 l/km), CO2 emissions: 150 -155g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption.

Filename Size (hxw) Creation Date

114558_IDA00001_Q314_Abarth_TopGear_Rockingham_Cars_Corby_285x220_ON2390 285x220 Operator Paul www.rla.co.uk 06/10/14 Modified October 7, 2014 10:00 AM

EX-HIRE

SALE SAVE £000’S ON BIKES FROM

STARTS 18TH OCTOBER

EXHIRE SALE 220x283.indd 1

AVAILABLE AT RUTLAND CYCLING, WHITWELL, LE15 8BL RUTLAND CYCLING GRAFHAM WATER, PE28 0BH GIANT STORE RUTLAND, NORMANTON, LE15 8HD 15/10/2014 16:48