Christmas gift guide Stamford Tenants; a new book Try out American football How to use a defibrillator Why be a nude life model Buy our new walk book by Will! I S S U E 1 01 | N OV E M B E R 2020
! E E R F
Slip sliding away We try out the new Land Rover Defender and you can too if you enter our competition
w w w .t h e a c t i ve m a g . c o m
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If you are thinking about your future or that of a loved one, now is the time to register your interest in our brand new care home or apartments. With beautiful views, stunning interiors and our usual first-class care coupled with our events and activities programme, this will be the home of ‘excellence in care.’ Contact us today to register for your interest and we’ll make sure you’re kept up to date
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Editor and Publisher Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Art editor Matt Tarrant Contributors Will Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick Advertisement Sales Director Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com Production assistant Gary Curtis Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, Eventus Business Centre, Sunderland Road, Northfield Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, PE6 8FD If you have information about a club then please get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine please email distribution@theactivemag.com. Active magazine is published monthly 12 times per year. ISSN 2059-8513 Published by Triangle Publishing Ltd Printed by Warner’s of Bourne
www.theactivemag.com
Disclaimer
Copyright (c) Triangle Publishing Ltd (TPL) 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from TPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of T or its affiliates. Disclaimer of iability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, TPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws. T and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.
E DI TO R ’ S L E T T E R
‘Talking of books we are very excited to announce that Will’s Walks, 21 rambles around Stamford and Rutland has now been published.’ THERE’S NO ESCAPING it, the nights are drawing in, the clocks have just changed and the C word is coming ever closer. Yes, it’s that time of year again with Christmas now on countdown. To help with inspiration for presents we’ve got our Christmas gift guide in this issue. We’ve also enjoyed a Christmas wreath making workshop and a felting one too; both of which are still possible (at the time of writing) to enjoy under Covid restrictions. But it’s only November so some of us can ignore the seasonal festivities for a while. I managed to get behind the wheel of the new Land Rover Defender this month and put it through its paces off road and it was great fun. If you’d like to enjoy a half day’s driving experience at Rockingham (where I went) enter our competition on page 21. Kate has certainly been put through her paces too this month; she joined a training session with the Peterborough Royals who are a women’s American Football team. Slightly less energetic, she also caught up with some life models during a drawing class and found out what motivates them. There’s a new book out this month by ohn Daffurn telling us more about Stamford, its tenants and a Victorian property developer. I enjoyed finding out more from ohn. Talking of books, we are very excited to announce that ‘Will’s Walks, 21 rambles around Stamford and Rutland’ has now been published. To buy your copy visit our website www.theactivemag.com or you can buy it locally in Walkers, Quinns and Tallington’s Pro Shop as well as other retailers. It’s packed full of local walks ranging from an hour long to most of the day. The book will be a great Christmas present, so add it to your wishlist. Mary - Editor FIND US ONLINE
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TWITTER @theACTIVEmag
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WEBSITE theactivemag.com
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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I S S U E 101 / N OV E M B E R 2020
Contents
ACTIVE LIFE 9 NEW BOOK
We have published a Will’s Walk book
11 NEWS
Local news updates
16 OFF ROAD DRIVING
Mary Bremner becomes better acquainted with the new Land Rover Defender
21
21 COMPETITION
Win a Land Rover driving experience
26 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
33
We pick out the perfect presents
33 CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING
9
Attend a wreath making workshop
36 INTERVIEW
Mary Bremner meets ohn Daffurn to chat about his book, Stamford Tenants
38 LIFE DRAWING
ate a im finds out more about drawing nudes
40 WILL’S WALKS
Will enjoys some pretty Rutland villages
ACTIVE BODY
54
48 HOW TO USE A DEFIBRILLATOR
ACTIVE SPORT 53 AMERICAN FOOTBALL
Kate Maxim trains with the Peterborough women’s team
54 INTERVIEW
Mary Bremner meets Liesl Norris, a lady who never gives up
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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CELEBRATING 15 YEARS IN BUSINESS! A big THANK YOU to my family, friends, colleagues and loyal customers for all your encouragement, help and support over the last 15 years. It is you who have made this achievement possible. Kirsten XXX A very special thank you to Kirsty who celebrates a whole decade working with us…
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C
FREE PARKING
ActiveLife Meet some life models | Christmas gift guide | Christmas wreath workshop A new book from Active ‘Will’s Walks, 21 rambles around Stamford and Rutland.’ The Victorian property developer | Drive the new Land Rover Defender E DI T E D BY M A RY B R E M N E R
Enjoy a felt workshop p35
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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BEFORE
AFTER
Conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in winter? Classic have the answer to this problem and you do not even have to change the existing windows/ doors, although you can. Structurally very strong which means your new sun room meets full Building Regulation Approval.
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Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk
Active life
A walk book from Will Sometimes it’s hard to get some inspiration about where to go for a walk. Help is now here as we have published a book of Will’s walks. But be warned you might get muddy feet
I
T’S HERE! WE are pleased to say that we have now published a book containing Will’s Walks around Stamford and utland, and we are delighted with it. any of you enjoy Will’s walks, I know I do, and have been asking us for quite some time to publish a book with a selection of them, and so this is e actly what we have done. We’ve worked with Will to pull together some of his, and our, favourite walks in and around Stamford and utland, 21 in total,
all of which show off the stunning surroundings and scenery we are lucky enough to live in. The book is split into three sections of shortish hour-long walks, those between an hour and two and over two hours for those with more time on their hands I’m planning to do some of these at the weekends. I think you’ll be surprised to find parts of the area that you didn’t know e isted. If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration
you will find plenty of ideas for walks in this compact new guide which is available for . 5 plus postage from our website www.theactivemag.com or you can find it in many local bookshops and stores including Walkers, uinns and Tallington’s ro Shop, to name a few. Will’s Walks, 21 rambles around Stamford and Rutland is now available to buy at £7.95 + postage from www.theactivemag.com
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
New owners at The Deli Hut THE DELI HUT at Ashwell Enterprise Park has been infused with some allic flair by new owner rench chef Jean Pierre. He prides himself on using the best quality ingredients sourced from local independent suppliers. As well as being a popular café The Deli Hut supplies ready made meals and offers dairy and gluten free choices as well. Some new Middle Eastern dishes have been added to the range (Jean Pierre has lived in the UAE) which are delicious and very popular. Customers can either have their meals heated up to eat on the premises or take them home. There is also a click and collect option to be ordered online. The Deli Hut is eco friendly and uses environmentally friendly packaging. There’s lots going on in this friendly business. Visit www.thedelihut.com to find out more and to order online.
Well done Wright Care at Home WRIGHT CARE AT Home have been delivering care service to their customers in Stamford and surrounding villages since April 2016 and have now expanded into Bourne. And today they are celebrating as they have received an outstanding rating from the Care Quality commission. The company enables their customers to be able to stay in their own homes. They offer dementia care, end of life care as well as care ranging from 2 to a minimum of 0 minutes. A new service they are offering is Covid recovery to help customers recover from the virus. Over the last 12 months they have continued to support over 200 customers. As well as looking after their customers they have been delivering dementia information sessions to local businesses to increase the awareness and understanding of it. Director Samantha Wright is rightly proud of her team following the inspection. ‘To be recognised for hard work and dedication from every single individual is such a reward,’ she says. www.wrightcareathome.co.uk
Play@home LYNGO THEATRE HAVE developed a show that you can actually do at home, not just watch. By following their fun instructional videos in the weeks leading up to Christmas you’ll make props and table-top sets and take a creativeplay journey together as a family through a garden of delights. They provide the music, songs and narration so you can tell the story of how Winter got its colours, using household objects and your own Christmas tree (with some very special decorations). At the end of this you’ll have made, played and stayed together which, after all, is the true meaning of Christmas. It runs from November 21-January 21 and costs £12 per family. www.stamfordartscentre.com
Christmas magic at Peterborough cathedral GOOD NEWS, PETERBOROUGH Male Voice Choir and Peterborough Voices will be joining forces to perform Christmas Magic at the cathedral on December 12. A covid-secure seating plan means space is limited so do book your tickets promptly. www.peterboroughsings.org.uk
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
RECIPE
Saag halloumi A spiced spinach and tomato curry with halloumi. I made this last night and it was absolutely delicious. And just as importantly, really simple and quick to make. INGREDIENTS
METHOD
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 pack of halloumi cheese, diced 1 finely sliced onion • 3 cloves of crushed garlic 1 tsp ginger • 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp coriander • 1 tsp turmeric 1 2 tsp chilli powder • 250g cherry tomatoes halved tbsp water • 200g baby leaf spinach
sing 1 tbsp of the oil fry the halloumi, turning all the time, for a few minutes until the cheese is deeply browned. Tip cheese onto kitchen paper and leave to one side. • Add the remaining oil and then fry the onion, tossing frequently to avoid burning for about 4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and spices and fry for about a minute. Add the tomatoes and water, stir and then cover the pan to allow the tomatoes to break down and cook which takes about 5 minutes. Stir frequently all the time. • Reduce the heat and stir in the halloumi then add the spinach and allow it to wilt. Serve immediately. I had mine with brown rice. Delicious!
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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GAR D EN SER VI C ES & M AI N T EN AN C E
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Active life
ECO TIPS
Waste not wanted What do you do with items that can’t easily be recycled or re-used? Lizzie Davies looks at solutions for tricky waste LOCAL COUNCILS AND High Street charity shops collect many items for recycling or re-use these days. But there are always those difficult items that don’t fit the criteria. ere are some ideas and tips:
www.terracycle.com is a good starting point for several recycling schemes. You can use the location map to find your most local collection point, including:
GARDE NING
Medicine blister packets – Stamford’s Superdrug is one of around only 30 collection points so we should definitely use it. Crisp packets – there are plenty of collection points including Sowden Wallis in Stamford, Rutland Museum in Oakham and Welland Park Academy and Meadowdale Primary Schools in Market Harborough. Pet Food Packets. There are few collection points at the moment and TerraCycle are trying to expand these, so there’s an opportunity to get involved setting up a collection point if you have space. Contact lenses and blister packaging are accepted by Boots Opticians and other local opticians including Simmons in Oakham. Health and Beauty Products are collected by larger Boots Stores (Peterborough, Leicester). More details at www.boots.com/boots-recycling-scheme Electrical items – the Air Ambulance Shop in Cold Overton Road, Oakham has good parking and is a convenient place to drop off electrical items and furniture. Also, Curry’s stores accept electrical goods. You can follow Lizzie @lizcatalpa on Instagram and Facebook, and please share any local recycling knowledge you have.
November is not for hibernating Wrap up warm and get out in the garden. November can be one of the most rewarding months in the garden, Teresa Kennedy tells us why
N
OVEMBER CAN BE one of the most beautiful and rewarding months in the garden. It’s a time for making changes, moving bits about, tending, planting and creating. This could be true for many other months too but in November the days can be crisp and cool, the soil is warm and welcoming to new plantings and there is little need for weeding a definite cause for celebration! A day in the garden in November is a small slice of heaven and gives a big kick of endorphins. So get out there and make the most of the limited daylight hours. November is a key shrub and tree planting month and they can dictate the style of your garden. They influence viewpoints and provide shaping and height, shadow and shape, all of which will add vitally important features to your garden. A garden can look flat if you are heavy on herbaceous borders. In contrast, shrubs and trees used as large specimens will block views allowing you to create zones which encourages creative gardening. Height will also change your eyeline from the horizontal to the vertical which expands your space. Tall planting also plays with the
light which brings in another element to your garden. The first thing to think about is the si e of your space. Don’t overdo it and cram too much in. Balance is vital so choose the most suitable trees and shrubs. Don’t necessarily go for trees as many shrubs can be pruned to create a tree-shape and are often more quick growing than trees. Positioning is key. If your space is small your specimen may be a focal point. Or it could be shielding an eyesore. Both are useful tips. You can use a specimen to change the shape of your ground space. It could encourage curves bringing attention away from the stark borders and corners of a garden. Break up larger areas with strategically placed trees and shrubs and let them guide you through the garden from seating area to eating space. Turn large areas into a glade setting with long grass and a wild feel; this will help cut down on lawn mowing too. Don’t be afraid to do this as a small patch of perfect lawn softened with wild overgrown areas looks totally intentional and creative. www.viridisdesign.co.uk 07726 334501
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Slip sliding away There’s a new upstart in the Land Rover family. This new kid on the block has a lot of making up to do to redeem itself after the demise of its older brother. Mary Bremner tries out the new Defender
T
HE LAND ROVER, launched in 1 , is an iconic vehicle known worldwide for its rugged versatility. It became so popular that it could be spotted throughout the African plains and every continent of the world as well as on virtually every farm in the nited ingdom and was, and is, driven by the oyal family it has a royal warrant. ver the years the and over became a bit of a cult vehicle, quintessentially British, despite not being British owned for many years. oved by most, fanatically by some. But the writing was on the wall when the Americans prohibited the sale of it in 1 because of safety regulations. roduction of the much loved and over ceased in anuary 201 and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. It did seem a sad day many of us were very fond of the old girl. And I had one too. urs was ancient, used on the farm a long wheel base pick up with a bench seat, no power steering and a pull stop to cut the engine. I’d strap both my daughters, initially in their car seats, alongside me and off we’d go. There wasn’t much talking as it was incredibly noisy and if you got to 50mph which was quite an achievement I’d have to hang on to the enormous steering wheel as the whole vehicle shook, rattled and rolled. The girls loved it and it was always fun despite the parking being a nightmare as there was no power steering. I developed pretty strong arms manoeuvring that vehicle about. The girls enjoyed being on the bench seat ne t to me and as they got older, because of the incredibly long gear stick, the one in the middle got to change gears for me. I do hasten to add that did
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not happen on public roads before I start getting told off. Eventually we upgraded to a Defender 90 and the old long wheel base retired to the shed but that was a different lifetime ago and life changes and moves on. But my fondness for the and over badge remained. I have owned one ever since apart from a brief flirtation with a sports car a few year’s back which was great fun if rather impractical. And thank goodness I had reverted back as a aguar would have been completely useless for delivering maga ines! When and over announced they were introducing the ne t generation of Defender I was interested to see what it would look like. 2020 has probably not been the best year for the introduction of a new and over but slowly and surely a few have started popping up locally. There is a and over E perience centre at ockingham which reopened after restrictions lifted in August the first one in the country to do so and they’ve been busy ever since. ou can go there and try any of the vehicles in the and over stable off road. But there was only one vehicle I wanted to try, the new and over Defender 110. And I was lucky enough to do so recently. ou can go to ockingham to have a half or full day, shared occupancy or solo and they are very popular. They also run corporate days. I have some e perience of driving off road but only on grass and mud and of course have driven in snow. Today I was going to be in the big beast so would be able to tackle steep slopes, deep ruts, hairy angles and a river crossing just what I wanted. irst of all this new Defender is nothing like the old one in looks although there is a nod to the old design , capabilities or ability. This new upstart really is the ne t generation. I am not a motoring
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
‘Today I was going to be in the big beast so would be able to tackle steep slopes, deep ruts, hairy angles and a river crossing; just what I wanted.’
November 2020/ theactivemag.com
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Active life journalist, nor mechanically minded but I can tell you that this car is very clever. And it will take you virtually anywhere you want to go off road. It has a 2 litre engine and does up to 0mpg. An electric hybrid is in the pipeline apparently. It has all the bells and whistles you would e pect from a and Rover: external cameras, a dashboard one, electronic stow-away tow bar and an auto terrain response 2 system. I have no idea what that is but the vehicle can be elevated so high that you can drive over an upright bottle of champagne without knocking it over I didn’t get the chance to do that unfortunately, I was too busy climbing hills and traversing them . Apparently it can go so high and then will stand on its tiptoes,’ and that’s what I had it doing. As I said, this vehicle is very clever. On the dashboard is a screen with so much on it that a technophobe like me goes blank. Ed, my instructor had me pressing different icons to change the wd terrain stuff depending on if we were driving on grass, mud, deep ruts, ridiculously steep inclines or declines, at an angle or through water. And we did it all, even reversing up inclines I would have to crawl up on my hands and knees. ou have to trust the vehicle. And the first time you go down an incline so steep I’d normally go down on my bottom, without having your foot on the break, is difficult. Instinct is to jam your foot on the brake, obviously. But you take your foot off and let the car do the braking for you all you do is steer. And when you’re coming up a hill so steep you can’t see the ground over the bonnet you use those cameras. It’s all very well having those little icons for the technically and mechanically minded but heathens like me need a bit of help as I can’t have an Ed sat alongside me all of the time. And that auto icon is what makes this car really clever. Once it has been selected the car makes 500 assessments a second every second! of its surroundings. It looks at the e terior colour, temperature, etc and does everything for you. It alters the suspension, throttle, gears, wd system, slip traction, hill descent and everything else I’ve never heard of. I was driving over ruts and dropping down in to them as well. At some points two wheels were off the ground. All the while I could feel the car changing
‘And we did it all, even reversing up inclines I would have to crawl up on my hands and knees.’ as it went from one mode to another. The steering would become lighter or heavier depending on terrain, as would the throttle. It wasn’t the most comfortable of rides as dropping over a metre into a rut is pretty e treme but nor was it back jarringly uncomfortable. Even traversing at 0 degrees was doable, if a very strange sensation. It did feel like I was about to fall out but at no point did I think the vehicle would roll. The Defender can drive through quite a depth of water, up to 00mm. echanically it can manage deeper but because of its relatively light weight would start to float, so that’s not possible. It has a wade sensor which shuts vents on the radiator, ups the suspension and does something to the brakes so they dry out quickly once you’ve left the water. bviously the sort of e treme driving I was doing is not something that most of us would ever do in a vehicle. But it was good fun and gave you confidence. It teaches you what this vehicle is capable of and once you learn to trust it very quickly you know it will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. It’s been tested in snow and ice within the Arctic Circle, in deserts and even hill farms in remote Wales for mud and ruts. ave the and over fanatics been converted Style-wise it’s a very different animal but as I said there’s plenty of nods to its older brother. The grab bars are still there, the windscreen is still upright, the back lights are a similar shape you can recognise its ancestry. o it’s probably not a vehicle which you would throw a sheep and a bale of hay in but there’s certainly room for plenty of muddy dogs and you can hose the boot out. n road it’s great to drive. There’s none of the old wallowing around with heavy steering. This car sits solidly and holds its position. ou’ve got great visibility and it’s surprisingly nippy. It certainly didn’t rattle when I got to 50 and that long gearstick is long gone. o, it’s not that iconic vehicle of old, but it could be the iconic one of new. And it’s not cheap. rices start from around 2,000. Apparently that is the equivalent price of the original 1 version, plus inflation, according to someone at and over. Do I want one o, but they’re about to launch the Defender 0 which is a shorter version and I definitely want that one best start saving then, it’s going to take some time… Gift vouchers are available to enjoy at Land Rover experience at the East of England at Rockingham. For more information visit www.eastofengland.landroverexperience.co.uk
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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We Sell A Variety Of Clothing, Homewares & Accessories. The Perfect Place To Pop In For A Gift Or A Treat For Yourself!
Visit Us In Stamford: 31 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS
Or Shop With Us Online At: https://irisandviolet.shop
Deli with a difference
www.olivetreecompany.co.uk
0116 2593441
Artisan Foods Locally & Internationally Sourced for Flavour. Turkish carpets, mosaic lamps, V&A tableware & textiles. WISTOW RURAL CENTRE
Active life
Win a Land Rover Driving Experience Would you like to enjoy a Land Rover experience at Rockingham like Mary? If so enter our competition, kindly donated by Land Rover Experience East of England.
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EVELOP YOUR DRIVING skills and discover the impressive ability of Land Rover vehicles whilst enjoying a half day Land Rover experience. You will gain a greater understanding of vehicle control, obstacle handling and how to assess different environments. Navigate steep inclines, descents, side slopes, axle twists, water, rocks and much more on the challenging and e hilarating off road course set in the grounds of ockingham Castle. ou will be able to drive one of the fabulous fleet of vehicles which are all less than 12 months old. Vehicles include the Range Rover Vogue, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Evoque and the All New Defender, plus many more. A half day experience will give the driver and up to two guests around 2½ hours of stimulating and memorable fun. All social guidelines are adhered to. Find out more by going to www.eastofengland.landroverexperience.co.uk
How to enter
Go to www.theactivemag.com/competitions The competition closes on Sunday ovember 2 . The winner will be notified on onday November 30. If you’re not our winner it is possible to buy a half or full day introductory course, or vouchers if you wish to give the experience as a present. Go to www.eastofengland.landroverexperience.co.uk for more details. T&Cs The prize is subject to availability. Full driving licence needed. Travel is not included. Prize must be taken within 12 months of the winner being notified and is non transferrable.
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, WRAPPED UP AND READY TO GIFT 32 St Mary’s St. Stamford PE9 2DS
Blue Aurora is purely and simply made from 100% English blueberries, handpicked from Lutton Farm in Northamptonshire. The blueberries are pressed and fermented to create this beautiful range of wines. @blueaurorawine
blueaurorawine.co.uk
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Welcome to our Christmas
Visit our Farm Shop and CafĂŠ bar for the complete festive experience
Our famous Hog roasts will be back!
Pre-order your Christmas meat, vegetables, puddings and pies
New CafĂŠ and seasonal menu
Excellent selection of beers and wines
Purchase your decorations and gifts from our festive range
Trees for sale (from 28th November)
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Active life
It’s time for the birds and the bees talk Kate Maxim wants to find out how to get our towns and countryside buzzing again. She meets Fay Johnson from Eyebrook Wild Bird Feeds to find out more
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WAS FLICKING through the TV channels one Saturday evening in September and came across Jimmy’s Big Bee Rescue on Channel 4. I have to say, I was gripped. Suffolk-based farmer and T presenter immy Doherty has a passion for bees and insects (he did a PhD in entomology) and is on a mission to help increase the population of pollinators in the countryside and towns and cities. There are over 250 species of bees in Britain and they need wildflowers to feed from in order to pollinate our crops, giving us food to eat. But of our flower-rich habitat has disappeared in the last decade. This is disastrous for all of us. As they say, there is no planet B. In his programme immy focused on Peterborough as a typical city and chose eight locations to carry out 150 different pollinator counts. ne of the locations was a farm west of the city as he wanted to study how improving bee habitats on an arable
farm would impact the numbers, instead of farming to the edge of the hedge. e chose Rectory Farm in Great Easton, as it already had great environmental credentials. The 50 acre tenant farm is run by hil and Sue Johnson and their daughters Fay and Abigail, with ay now taking on the succession from her father. y randad came here in 1 , aged 21,’ says ay, during an ama ing farming era when the country was coming out of recession and war was looming so there was a big demand for food.’ Farmers were incentivised by the government to plough up the land to grow crops and remove hedges, and pesticides were used widely to increase yields and produce more food. randad farmed through the war years until 1985 when Dad took over the tenancy. Dad was very conservation minded before it became fashionable and he was determined to leave the farm in a better environmental state than when he took on the tenancy.’
Bird friendly farm
ay’s grandfather was a gra ier of bullocks so thankfully he hadn’t got rid of many hedges, which are prime nesting sites, so the farm still had plenty of birds and insects. Being situated right ne t to the Eyebrook reservoir helps too, with fields providing feeding and nesting sites for a host of wild birds. hil created wildlife corridors, spinneys, ponds and all sorts of attractive habitats for birds. Today the family farms with focus on the environment at the forefront, using traditional farming methods such as rotation and plant selection alongside modern farming practices to reduce the need for chemical inputs.
November 2020 / theactivemag.com 23
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Companionship Matters NOW COVERING THEEAREA RN STAMFORD AND BOU We are a local care provider who support our customers with independent living whilst remaining in their own home Each care package is tailor made following an assessment to suit the needs and wishes of our customers SERVICES AVAILABLE
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Active life
So ay and family were definitely up for seeing what else they could do to improve the numbers of insects, bees and moths on their land. They planted six metre wide strips in two of their fields with a specialist wildflower mi created by e perts for the programme and a year later Jimmy came back to see the results. ‘Ours was the most successful of the eight flower plots,’ says ay. ‘And overall the bee count almost tripled so it was a wonderful project to be involved in.’ The family is no stranger to seed mixes having diversified into wild bird seed mi es when ay finished her degree course in agriculture and business and came home to help run the farm in 2004. ‘With our passion for conservation and our location next to Eyebrook we diversified into making our own wild bird food, developing ten different mixes over the years including two collaborations with Tim Appleton from the Rutland Bird Fair. We also do bespoke mixes for organisations like the RSPB and the National Trust. All of our mixes are really nutritious,’ says Fay. ‘It’s like a restaurant meal, if you pack out mixes with cheap ingredients the birds won’t come back.’ Like everything it seems that customers like to buy locally and from a farm that really cares for the environment. The seeds are grown on the farm including wheat, oil seed rape, barley and millet. The more exotic straight seeds such as peanuts, black sunflower and nyger seeds are brought in as locally as possible. Anything they can’t buy in the UK they buy from Europe rather than further afield to reduce air miles.
wildflowers are attracting more pollinators like bees and moths.’ The greater the variety of wildflowers and grasses grown, the better for the bees. Using this experience the family also now sell wildflower mi es. They have an annual mi a bee and butterfly mi and a wild bird mix which is one which attracts the insects that birds like. eople enjoy dealing with a traditional family business,’ says Fay, ‘meeting a family member, having a chat about the birds and bees in their gardens. Traditionally you would feed the birds during the winter but bird experts like Bill Oddie now endorse feeding birds all year round. We have a high energy mi for fledglings with sunflower hearts, chopped peanuts, suet and mealworms. That’s very popular in May and June. People want to see the birds all year
round, so they feed them.’ Being tenant farmers the Johnson family feel so privileged to have grown up on such a beautiful farm they like to share it with anyone who is interested. Phil has always offered farm walks and they have links with local schools so they can help teach the children about where their food comes from. All their products are now sold in paper bags and cardboard boxes rather than plastic tubs and plastic bags. Farmers will soon be paid to grow wildflower areas on their farms under the new environmental land management system (ELMS) which is currently being piloted, to create healthy habitats for the insects, birds and bees. The idea is that with proper subsidies it will be worth it for farmers to grow wildflowers rather than just commercial crops. ‘But if there’s one thing we’ve learned,’ says Fay, ‘it’s that everyone needs to do their bit even if that’s planting a small patch of flowers or herbs in their garden or windowsill.’ Eyebrook Wild Bird Feeds sell their products in their farm shop in Great Easton and locally through Welland Valley Feeds and Farndon Fields in Market Harborough; New Lodge Farm Shop at Bulwick and the Rutland Water Reserve shop. Also online at www.eyebrookwildbirdfeeds.co.uk
With our passion for conservation and our location next to the Eyebrook we diversified into making our own wild bird food, developing ten different mixes over the years.’
Wildflower haven
There are footpaths on the farm so customers and bird watchers can walk and see the conservation work they do. The brown hare population is healthy and there are birds thriving on the farm which are on the RSPB endangered red list like tree sparrows, yellow hammers and lapwings. ‘I think that’s because of the wildlife corridors we’ve put in. We had grassy margins anyway to attract the insects but since the programme the
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS F ROM US T O YO U We all need some comfort and luxury in our life, particularly this year. So go on, treat your loved ones (and your pets) to these tasty and stylish gifts. By doing so you will be supporting our local shops who need you more than ever. Merry Christmas to one and all‌
26 November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS
FOR YOUR LOVED ONE… Carbon-negative Kintsugiinspired yoga mats
Inspired by the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and powdered gold, silver or platinum, this practice ensures that objects have a long, beautiful and ultimately environmentally friendly way of life. Available in travel, pro round and pro rectangular. Prices from £45 from www.theform.co.uk
Red Paddle Co Pro Change navy jacket If you do not wish to bare your backside, before or after your SUP session, get one of these changing robes to keep you warm, dry and covered. Designed so you can put a full wetsuit on without the need to take the jacket off thanks to unique stretch panels and generous sizing. Price: £119.99 From www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com
A4 weekly undated diary planner
An opulent, ring binder planner for your appointments, to do lists and much more. With a colour-me-in page to help relieve stress, there are no lost days - you simply turn the next page and add your own date. A5 daily journals available too. Price: £19.99 from www.bossbird.co.uk
Body Shop festive berry little gift box
This little box of fruity body care treats is the perfect Christmas gift for yourself or someone sweet. Festive Berry Shower Gel 250ml; Festive Berry Body Yogurt 200ml; Festive Berry Hand Cream 30ml; Festive Berry Body Scrub 50ml. Price: £18 from www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk
Rose quartz facial roller
This roller stimulates blood circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, clears toxins and eliminates puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Always roll upwards and outwards on the face, neck and décolleté. And remember, this product never runs out! Price: £18.99 from www.organicritualbeauty.org
Dashel cycle helmet
Dashel elmets offer a range of slim, ventilated, lightweight cycle helmets manufactured in the UK and made from recycled and recyclable materials. Choose from black, blue, sage green and red. Price: £79 from www.dashel.co.uk
Global Cycling Club coasters They come in an attractive set of four different designs. Price: £12.99 per set from www.georgehallscycles.co.uk
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Heyland and Whittle festive collection
Multi-Miracle balm with watermelon and golden marula
A zesty blend of orange and lemon with a dash of seasonal spices layered over with warm cedar patchouli. Evoke fond memories of celebrations past and set the scene for days to come. Price: £19.99 from www. wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk
Angel necklace
Cleanse, exfoliate and nourish in one simple step. This skincare hero is a serious multi-tasker and can also be used as an intensive beauty mask, lip balm and body moisturiser. Also incredibly soothing for inflammatory skin conditions. Price: £42 from www.lisaarmitage.com
A beautiful crystal pendant available in a selection of colours on a long chain. Price: £25 from Anna Couture, 17C Cheyne Lane, Stamford, 01780 765174
Beautiful hoop earrings
Silver and 24ct gold plated ‘Bouddica’ bead hoop earrings. Price: £65 from www.adagallery.co.uk
Hand made Christmas baubles
Delightful resin cast holly and pheasant feather baubles. All handwritten in Modern Calligraphy. Price: £12 each (discount for multiple buys) from www.millie-stone.co.uk
Sewing supplies
Christmas ribbons in a range of designs and colours - £3.99 for a spool of 4 metres; Christmas fat quarters – assorted prices; Stitch it for Christmas by Lynette Anderson. (A book of Christmas craft projects to stitch and sew) - £7.99; Needle-felting Kit - £5.75; Tweed round sewing box with magnetic fastening - £23; Ho Ho Ho Pattern (Christmas Wall hanging by Bunny Hill Designs) - £8.50 from www.rutlandsewing.co.uk
Framed photographs of Oakham and Rutland wildlife
A stunning selection of pictures snapped day and night by talented local photographers. For every wildlife print sold, the Deli Hut donates £2 to The Rutland Osprey Project. Prices from £23 from www.thedelihut.com
SEAMS hand cream
The perfect stocking filler for anyone who loves sewing, knitting or crochet - it absorbs instantly, smells amazing, and instantly moisturises dry hands. Price: £14 from www. thestamfordfabriccompany.com
Will’s Walks, 21 rambles around Stamford and Rutland
A handy local walk guide with long and short rambles. Price: £7.95 from www.theactivemag.com
28 November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Cast iron small baked potato cooker
What’s better than a jacket potato? A crispy jacket potato cooked on top of your cast iron wood burner or multifuel stove! Price: £29.99 from www.alfredpoppins.co.uk
Hedgerow handbook
This lovely book reintroduces the wild and natural hedgerow ingredients that our grandmothers used on a regular basis - but gives them a contemporary twist. Each entry is accompanied by a full colour illustration to help you identify each plant or flower, along with its history and folklore, and culinary and medicinal uses. Price: £12.99 99 from www.ohcurio.com
Plastic-free starter bundles
A selection of plastic-free items to make it easier to get started on a more sustainable life. Kitchen, bathroom and cuppa sets. All contain gifts that can be reused again and again. Price: Kitchen and bathroom set £19.99 /Cuppa set £7.99 from www.refillrevolution.co.uk
Embroidered cardigan Emu Australia slippers
Sheepskin slipper with an outdoor sole. Price: £49 from www.energy-clothing.com
Cosy knitted cardigan with lilac flower embroidery – the perfect gift to keep someone warm this Christmas! Price: £55 from www.irisandviolet.shop
Elizabeth Scarlett flamingo make-up pouch
New brand to Murano Silver, Elizabeth Scarlett velvet bags and pouches. Price: £22 from 32 St Mary’s St, Stamford, 01780 764386.
Sustainable gift vouchers
To spend on the various stalls at The Eco Village in Market Harborough. Price: £10-£50 in multiples of £10 from www.eco-village.co.uk
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FOR YOUR DOG…
Dermalogica beauty kits
There’s a Dermalogica gift set for everyone, from the traveller to the one who loves routines, to the vitamin C obsessed! Currently 15 off. Price: From £14 up to £99 from www.bodymattersstamford.co.uk
Clone dummy set
Designed specifically with the dog and handler in mind, the advanced marking visibility and eye-catching realistic appeal of the Dog ield’s range of riginal Clone training dummies helps bring a new life-like realism to your training. Price: £24.99 from www.dogandfield.co.uk
Castelli Estremo gloves
100 Stars stork rectangular cushion
These limited edition velvet cushions are 5 55cm and include a lu ury ethically sourced duck feather inner. Available in green, orange, and slate grey. Square cushions also available. Price: £40 from Rhubarb, 5b High Street East, Uppingham, 01572 822577.
Designed for the coldest conditions, made from a windproof E-TE I I I - ast fabric combined with a fleecy material on the palm, and covered with silicone te ture for a better grip and durability. Price: £94.95 from www.speedhub.co.uk
Flutter butter feeder and refill jars
Attract the birds to your garden with this birdseed feeder, irresistible to your feathered friends. Easy, convenient to use jars which are fully recyclable. Price £10.99 (£3.29 for the refill jars) from www.eyebrookwildbirdfeeds.co.uk
Proviz REFLECT360 waterproof fleece-lined dog coat
eeps your dog cosy and dry when out in the rain, sleet and snow. The innovative material shines brightly when caught in torch beam or vehicle headlights. Price: £35.99 from www.innerwolf.co.uk
30 November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS
FOR YOUR TABLE… Tea tasting hampers
Along with their usual coffee hampers, The Brew & Roast Co are doing tea tasting hampers as well. Choose from Breakfast Teas, Afternoon Teas, Green Teas, Mixed Box and Tea Connoisseur. Great gift ideas for that tea lover in your life or buy a gift voucher and let them choose for themselves. Price: From £30 to £45 from www.thebrewandroastco.co.uk
Champagne Deutz Brut Classic
Welland Valley wines
A range of delicious local wines from Marston Trussell including: Steeplechase Sparkling Brut 2016 £19.99 Farndon Dale dry white £10.99 Hunting Pink Pinot Noir rosé £10.99 For details of local stockists and to buy online visit www.welland-valleyvineyard.com
Bottega Rosé
Café Ventoux gift boxes
Pick from: a selection of two craft beers, speciality cheese and chutney, Caf entou coffee and two pieces of homemade traybakes. Price: £30 from www.cafe-ventoux.cc Or as above with a choice of Winbirri Wines. Price: £35 from www.cafe-ventoux.cc
A sparkling, fresh rosé, perfect for celebrations. Bottega Gold also available. Price: £55 for 1.5litre; £24.99 for 750ml; £5.99 for 200ml from www.olivetreecompany.co.uk
Back in 1887 and 1897 Queen Victoria’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee was celebrated with Champagne Deutz Brut Classic. Why not try some yourself? Price: £29.95 from www.oakhamwinesonline.co.uk
Blue Aurora English blueberry wine
Try the delights of blueberry wine from Lutton Farm near Oundle including: Dusk: medium dry, crisp & deliciously fruity £11.95/bottle Midnight: intense, oaky & beautifully rich £11.95/bottle Ice wine: sweet, fruity & velvety smooth £17.95/bottle Shop the full range at www.blueaurorawine.co.uk
2019 Guild of Fine Food award-winning mince pies
Freshly baked on site, all butter pastry, mincemeat and crunchy crumble topping Price £1.50 each from Lily and Honey Bakery, Gaol Street, Oakham
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own
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Tel. 01858 410820 Take control of your health Sheila Storer BSc FdSc ION BANT CNHC Nutritional Therapist
ER NG & CEOUS
tore
Uppingham’s Local Independent Garden Centre & Café
Christmas Uppingham’s Local Independent Garden Centre & Café PLANTS, GIFTS, LIGHTS & DECORATIONS
Even bigger selection of Fresh and Artificial
TREES & WREATHS
For the perfect gift create your own or try our ready made
LUXURIOUS Uppingham’s Local Independent HAMPERS Garden Centre & Café
For a delicious indulgence or a great gift try our
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEAS
CHRISTMAS WREATHS
DOOR DECOR
Last year Mary attended a Christmas wreath making workshop and this year she’s going again. Thankfully it’s something we are still allowed to do together, if apart
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UR AREA HAS some stunning front doors; Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian and modern. And these doors really lend themselves to Christmas wreaths. But not only period properties, every house however humble deserves a bit of Christmas foliage. And this year more than ever, Christmas is at the forefront of people’s minds. Will we or won’t we? It’s fine to go and buy a wreath but it’s much more satisfying to be able to design and make your own. And it’s something we can still do in socially distanced groups. Last year I attended a workshop that georgia florist ran and she’s running them again this year. You start the workshop with a ready prepared moss-covered wreath (thankfully,
as that’s the really fiddly, time consuming bit and then you can pick and choose exactly what you want to add to the wreath. There’s lots of pine and seasonal foliage, Christmassy fruit and cinnamon, feathers, baubles, even cotton branches and, of course, the ubiquitous ribbons. Georgia shows you how to attach these to the wreath and offers advice about how to make sure you cover the wreath completely. Thankfully she is also on hand to help out;
much needed in my case. It was a very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours at the end of November. Refreshments were provided, plenty of mince pies and sausage rolls were consumed and the concentration from all participants was palpable, albeit in a very relaxed manner. What was most interesting was that even though we all had the same foliage and accessories to choose from everyone produced something different. Some wreaths were free flowing, others neat and precise. Some used pines, others oranges, some both. It was fascinating seeing them all finished. And the best bit? Hanging my wreath on my door thinking ‘I made that’ and thinking the same thing every time I came to the door for the next month; very satisfying. @georgia_florist is running workshops over the weekend of November 28 and 29 at Greatford Village Hall. The hall is spacious and well ventilated and up to 10 people can be accommodated on individual tables. Tickets are £50 which includes all materials and decorations. Tools and mince pies supplied. For more info go to www.georgiajoy.co.uk
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Complimentary wine on Wednesday & Thursday! Choose 2 courses off our Ă la carte menu and enjoy a complimentary bottle of our lovely petit ballon house red or white wine. (this offer is limited to one bottle per 2 diners) T&Cs apply.
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Eat with us... to SUPPORT US www.thejoinersarms.co.uk
0116 247 8258
FELT MAKING
BOB, BOB, BOBBI NG A LONG
Kate Maxim heads to Oh Curio in Harringworth to try her hand at felt making
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HAVE JUST spent the most relaxing three hours I’ve spent in a long while, despite vigorously stabbing at a small object in my hand the entire time. I was at a felt making workshop led by Fiona Sadd at the Old Cart Shed which belongs to interiors store Oh Curio in Harringworth. I joined Nicola and Sarah, who has just moved to the area; all of us were new to felting. The advantage of a workshop is that you can have a go at something for half a day and see if you enjoy it before shelling out for lots of equipment. There’s a wide range of workshops on offer at h Curio including jewellery making, calligraphy, wreath making and biscuit baking. Fiona teaches willow weaving in the summer but, quite rightly, feels that felt making is a wonderful winter pastime. Having someone provide all
the equipment and telling you what to do is very liberating. And with felting you don’t need masses of equipment. We were given a selection of coloured wool (merino, angora, carded wool and even the coarse wool that’s used for insulation on Gusto food boxes). Also two barbed needles - one medium, one small for the finer details, and half a car washing sponge. We had a picture of a bird to make (robin or wren) in front of us. You start with coarse wool because it packs down well and gives you a good base. You roll and fold it and then basically start stabbing at it with the needle to matt the fibres of the wool together. The more you do it, the better you get at looking at shapes and proportions, and you can really play around with the shape of your bird by compressing the wool with your needle.
Stabbing at your bird is extremely therapeutic, until you stab yourself, and then it hurts. The more you stab, the more compact your bird becomes. As Sarah said it sounds a little like a mouse eating a bag of crisps which could get rather irritating for people sitting next to you if you were doing it while trying to watch TV - but in the peace of the Cow Shed it was very meditative. It’s also not too complicated, so if you’re like me and all fingers and thumbs, you do end up with something resembling what you set out to make. And being able to achieve something to take away in three hours is very satisfying. Once you’ve got your basic shape, you cover the whole surface with fine, white wool to give another base layer. Then you add the colouring, so I got to work with the brown and red wool. Then we added the details: beak, wings and tail. And finally the wire legs to attach to the body, and a wooden post to perch on. Fiona demonstrated each process, advising us how to improve on the shapes and then how to attach each part to the body. Having her robin helped too, as you really do have to look properly at what’s in front of you and then try to recreate it. My ability to do that could definitely be better my robin was twice as big as Fiona’s with a very un-robin like beak, wings and tail, but thankfully the red breast is a bit of a give-away. You don’t have to limit yourself to robins. Fiona has made a range of plants and animals including cacti, penguins and pheasants. She’s made them into key rings, Christmas decorations and, of course, she’s given many away as presents. They can even go outside because if they get wet they don’t spoil. So I know what will be hanging on my Christmas wreath this year. As Fiona gave us the needles and some wool to take away I can even make a little friend for my robin too. Maybe one that looks less of a thug this time? For full details of all the workshops visit www.ohcurio.com
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The Victorian Property Developer Mary Bremner always thought that the Burghley estate was the major landlord and landowner in Stamford but John Daffurn introduces her to another major player @theoldbuilding
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OHN DAFFURN SPENT his career in pharmaceutical management but has always had a big interest in history, particularly genealogy. So when he retired in 2010 he decided to do some genealogical research into unclaimed estates and managed to claim a substantial £200,000 estate for two heirs; not that they were particularly grateful, but that’s another story. ‘It’s the solving the puzzle that fascinates me,’ says ohn, not the writing.’ But the writing had to be done as it was too good a story not to put into words. ‘I’m an analyst by nature. I love the problem solving and researching side, following leads and cracking the pu le.’ In 2015 ohn published his first book, Seeking ohn Campbell’ selling it on Amazon and in Walkers Bookshop. But ohn’s enquiring mind did not stop there. ‘We lived in Rock Terrace and had decided it was time to downsize. And it got me thinking about who had lived in our house, and then the whole of the terrace before. And that was it, I was off researching again delving into the tenants in all ten houses in the terrace.’ And the result of this is
his next book ‘Stamford Tenants.’ Rock Terrace on Scotgate in Stamford was built in 1841 by Richard Newcomb. He’s an interesting character and well known in the town as the proprietor of The Stamford Mercury. As a previous incumbent of Rock House in Scotgate I had always thought that he’d built that first and then built ock Terrace for his staff. But ohn disabused that notion very quickly. @prettylittlestamford
‘He bought various plots of land in Scotgate on the Great North Road and had a big bust up with ord Burghley over one plot which ended up in court. Richard Newcomb subsequently lost the case but was awarded the land at a peppercorn rent and they never got on after that. It didn’t help that they were polar opposites politically as well, Newcomb being a liberal and ord Burghley a conservative. They seemed to spend their time vying for prestige. Newcomb was even mayor for a year in 1847.’ But let’s go back even earlier as we need to find out how ichard ewcomb managed to be able to afford to buy land speculatively, as this is what he was doing, as a property developer of his time. His father was a wealthy printer in Uppingham and he, or his ancestors, is believed to have started the Mercury. Richard Newcomb moved to Stamford in his 20s and eventually took on the ownership. The Stamford Mercury became the largest provincial newspaper and is alleged to be the oldest in the country. His father built it up and Richard Newcomb carried it on. With this wealth he started buying property in Stamford and ended up
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Active life as the second largest landlord in the town after Lord Burghley, owning the Stamford Hotel and much of the High Street as well as numerous other properties. If you want to find out more about the properties follow @stamfordtenants on Instagram. Ownership of the land for Rock Terrace came about by accident, literally. The land was leased by the mayor of Stamford who died in a hunting accident. The land subsequently came up for sale and Newcomb emerged as the auction victor. He didn’t buy the land for altruistic reasons. There was no intention of housing his workers. It was purely opportunistic and a business decision. ewcomb had a good eye for turning a profit and was a very successful self-promoter according to John. The first house he built on Scotgate was Clock ouse in 1 , one of the most iconic and recognisable properties in Stamford sitting looking down Scotgate between the Casterton and Empingham roads. Rock Terrace was built in 1841 with Rock House following in 1842 (which he lived in) with the stables opposite and four houses on Rock Road following between 1844-5. The terrace and Rock House were built by the same architect, a name until now unknown. John has discovered who the architect was and
@theoldbuilding
names him in the book, which is an exclusive. Even Pevsner wrote ‘architect unknown.’ It would appear that there had been some sort of falling out over money and Newcomb (as the owner of the local newspaper) was able to censor reporting on the subsequent court case which mentions the architect’s name. All credit to John for unearthing it. At one point Newcomb also owned The Green Man which was a coaching inn with stabling for 50 horses. He sold the pub and retained the stabling, building on it. Richard Newcomb died without having children and his step children did not appear to be interested so the estate passed to his nephew. The estate stayed within the family until 1919 passing from the nephew to his mother and then to family in Cumbria. A codicil in Newcomb’s nephew’s will said that anyone who inherited his estate had to change their name to Newcomb, which they subsequently did.
In 1901 the socialite Florence Zita Egan-Newcomb inherited the estate from her husband. She apparently went through a lot of money being a spendthrift and divorcee so in 1919 sold the lot, including Rock House and over 100 properties. JEC Potter, the printer, bought all 10 houses in the terrace for £2,500. The houses stayed in the family until the children started selling off the freeholds, one by one starting in 1946 with the last one being sold in 1969. One property, sold in 1967 had had the same tenant for 50 years and did not have electricity! That’s enough about the landlords, it’s the tenants who John has written about and there’s some very interesting characters amongst them. When the houses were first built they attracted good quality tenants as they had pumped water and a back access for servants who could come and go unseen. Stamford town centre was overcrowded, smelly and unsanitary so it must have been a pleasure to move into a modern house with all mod cons away from the filth in the town. John has researched the tenants from 1842 to 1941 and related their history in chronological order in the book tying them in with local and historical events. Every house had a live in servant until 1900 who would have slept in the kitchen in the basement. e has profiled around 1 tenants and gone into much more detail about their lives. Tenants include a Japanese Prisoner of War, a servant girl who married the lord of the manor and came to Rock Terrace in later life. A lady who married a Russian merchant, moved to St Petersburg and then returned to Rock Terrace. Another resident was the last witness to Stamford’s Bull Run. There are sad tales as well, amongst them a woman whose husband was bankrupted and ran off to Europe with a young lady and then committed suicide with her in the Bay of Naples. There are many more characters in the book and it’s fascinating reading. The initial rent paid was £25 pa and I was right, some ercury staff did live there. But they were tenants paying the going rate, nothing altruistic here, just a modern day property developer. Stamford Tenants is now available to buy from Walkers or at www.johndaffurn.com RRP £14.99 ISBN 978 0 9931479 2 0
‘Rock Terrace on Scotgate in Stamford was built in 1841 by Richard Newcomb. He’s an interesting character and well known in the town as the proprietor of The Stamford Mercury.’ November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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NAKED NORMALITY Any fine artist will tell you that life drawing is a skill they all want to master. Kate Maxim wonders what the attraction is so she went to a life drawing class to find out
Teacher
Local artist Jax Crew teaches the class at Stamford Contemporary Arts, amongst other venues, locally. I asked her why she thinks life drawing is so popular It’s the fascination with the body, we’re drawn to it, male or female. The human figure has infinite variety in terms of structure, si e and emotional make up. Years ago Royal Academy students had to draw from plaster
casts before facing the challenges of an actual life model. ow, of course, we can come to a class, draw a nude model and any element of awkwardness soon disappears as the state of nakedness is normalised. ‘I teach people skills such as measuring the body and using the size of the head as a unit to work out proportions, and the use of tone. earners can improve very quickly, particularly at the beginning. I show people how to really look at what they see in front of them and it’s fascinating how each learner will interpret the figure in a different way to the person sitting next to them. Students want to learn a visual language, skills that convincingly turn a 3D form into a 2D image. This is challenging, but with enthusiastic teaching and practice, improvements can be made and the challenges can be fun. ‘The class usually starts with a series of different short poses. The longer poses come in the second half of the lesson when the student is ‘warmed up.’ I ask the models to use varying poses, this is important to keep the learners interested. In the shorter poses you’re trying to capture a gesture, the essence of the pose, whilst you forget everything else and hone your concentration. ‘I don’t want to over-complicate things to start with, or frighten people off. I get in the boat with all the learners at all their different stages. I want to inject my passion for the
subject into the room and help my learners develop their ability and confidence in a friendly environment.’
Learner
Paul Crewe is a former illustrator and comes to Jax’s class to practice his life drawing skills. I was 1 when I first did life drawing,’ he says. ‘ I wasn’t used to confronting naked people, but very quickly it was normalised and you just get on with it. There’s a focus to what you’re doing. It’s great at half time as everyone has got something to talk about, like wasn’t that second pose difficult eople like to look round and learn from other people’s drawings.’ Colette McGrath
W
E’VE ALL SEEN and admired paintings by Rubens or Titian of voluptuous models reclining at rest or sometimes in torment. People rarely tire of looking at them but, likewise, artists never seem to tire of drawing real people in the flesh. Why is that I talked to some of the participants who make up the triangle in a life drawing class: teacher, model and learner to find out what they enjoy so much about the process. Beverley Wrigley- heasant owns Stamford Contemporary Arts and runs a series of classes to enable complete beginners and more experienced artists to learn a range of artistic techniques from drawing, portraiture, colour theory, painting with watercolours to life drawing. Beverley says ‘a life drawing class gives you structure, and a way to develop skills. You learn the vocabulary so you can have a conversation, and it’s open to all, e perienced or not, you just have to want to do it.’
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Active life
‘The human figure has infinite variety in terms of structure, size and emotional make up.’ arrive warm and in between poses I wrap up. It’s not about trying to look good, you just want to be comfortable; being still and giving the most interesting angles, or twists, is the important thing.’
Life model - Paul
Paul went on to say, ‘it’s like doing a sudoku or crossword puzzle, we like solving problems. Different poses present different dilemmas, you never know what you’re going to get. You’re immersed in doing it; it’s the one time of the day you’re on a trapeze, doing something exciting. ‘I think what makes it so special is the immediacy of it. A bowl of fruit is never going to get up and go home. I look at the model as a series of shapes, it’s like looking at an apple you’re going to draw, not eat. I don’t mind if it’s a female or male model, but they have to be able to sit still. Someone who is in tune with their body, with character, is interesting. And confidence is important because then the whole room becomes more confident and rela ed. ‘I don’t ever expect it to go well. Why should it? Sometimes when people start they think they’re going to produce a Leonardo da Vinci. They don’t realise how hard it is, but you do get better quickly at the beginning. It’s the most concentrated way of immersing yourself in the art experience and it’s good value for money, with plenty of advice; better than going to art school!’
Life model - Heidi
‘I’ve been a life model for about 15 years ever since I was living in Suffolk and an artist friend who was running a class was let down by his model. I offered to do it then went home and thought, what have I agreed to? I’ve had an eating disorder since I was a teenager and had major body dysmorphia issues; I thought I was enormous.’ So why did she agree to stand naked in front of a class of strangers? ‘Once I’d done the first one,’ eidi says, I realised when I looked at the pictures that people were drawing a normal sized person and weren’t being paid to do it, so it was really good therapy for me. And no-one cares what I look like, it’s not about me as a woman or a person. I could be a lemon. It’s so liberating. I actually feel less judged than when I’m in my
swimming costume on a beach. ‘I have a full time job as a nurse but I do many classes in my spare time. Once you start, people ask you to do more. My job is very intense but when I’m modelling I can sit down and not move and think about mundane things, or nothing at all. Or I try not to think about the pain I’m in. After 20 minutes things can get really uncomfortable. Standing is often easier than sitting as nothing digs in.’ I wondered if eidi ever felt uncomfortable with anyone in the room? ‘If someone was coming for the wrong reasons I don’t think they would come back. There’s plenty of porn out there, people don’t have to come to an art class to see a naked body. I do feel uncomfortable when I’m cold. I mainly sit in the middle of the room and the heat rises and I’m on the floor, free ing! I try and
eidi is my best friend and I asked her one day if I could have a go. We ran through a few poses and she gave me a few pointers about the etiquette, what to do or not do. ‘I’m a painter and decorator but I wanted to push myself to do something new. Most people I talk to say they couldn’t do it, it must be terrifying. But actually it’s not. The strange thing is you can be in a room with 15 people all looking at you and you’re sitting there naked but actually you feel the most comfortable person in the room. I can’t explain why but it makes you realise we make such judgements about people from their clothes. When you strip all that away, I could be anyone sat there.’ I wondered if Paul had any reservations about showing his body The first time,’ he says, I was absolutely terrified even though eidi said you’re just an object, all the people are bothered about are what sort of angles you’re creating. As a man my biggest fear naturally was what if it feels sexualised. What happens if something happens type of thing, but funnily enough it doesn’t enter your head. It would be very obvious, but no-one is thinking about that, they just want to draw you. I find a spot on the wall and just focus on it. I could be in the room on my own. I think about what I’m going to cook for dinner, what I’ve got to do at work that week, you’re almost meditating. ‘I love it. On a Sunday morning, what else would I be doing? During the week I take time off work to do it as my job is fairly fle ible. I get paid between 15 and 20 per hour so it’s extra money. People think it’s easy to be paid for sitting around, but it isn’t. My muscles can ache from holding a pose and when I hear there’s still a few minutes left I sometimes have to push through cramps in my thigh and pins and needles, particularly with the more dynamic poses. But I enjoy doing something that puts the fear of God into most people.’ A 2.5 hour session at Stamford Contemporary Arts is £30. A maximum of six people are allowed with social distancing measures. For more information on life drawing and other classes visit www.stamfordcontemporaryarts.co.uk
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W I L L’ S W A L K
Oakham, Egleton, Brooke & Braunston This nine-mile route takes in the county town, three idyllic villages and the highest point in Rutland. By Will Hetherington.
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Sponsored by
You will get wonderful views of Oakham and Rutland Water beyond from various points on this route.
Difficulty rating THE ROUTE
This is a bit longer than the usual walks but it’s definitely worth it if you have four hours to spare on a bright winter’s day. I would suggest parking in akham either at the Burley oad or South Street car parks. That way you will finish in the pretty and bustling county town of utland. ead south out of town on Catmose Street, which rapidly becomes ppingham oad. Then after crossing Swooning Bridge take the footpath very shortly afterwards on the left. This will take you over a couple of fields and then the bypass on the way to Egleton, which clings on to the western shore of utland Water. Walk through this peaceful and stunning little village and then take ambleton oad west and cross over the bypass again in less than half a mile. rom here it’s uphill to Brooke Covert East so make sure you look back to enjoy some good views of akham, Burley-on-the- ill and ambleton. nce you pass Brooke Covert East on your right make sure you take the left turn to take you downhill through a couple of fields and then a lovely bit of woodland on the way into the secluded paradise that is Brooke village. ou will cross the wash on the way into the village and then go through Brooke and head west on the road towards Braunston. After the right hand bend there is a path behind the hedge for a bit, but the road is so quiet it’s probably the better option. When you reach Brooke riory on the right turn left off the road on to the footpath. Then after a quarter of a mile make sure you turn right over a wooden bridge, across the ride beyond and then diagonally across a small paddock. rom here the path follows the wash down to the right into Braunston where the intriguingly named anters ane will bring you out right opposite the church. or this whole first section all the way to Braunston you are on the utland ound and it’s obvious why it’s included in that route – it’s beautiful rolling English countryside with the prettiest of villages. When you reach Braunston, turn right and walk straight up Church Street unless you want to stop at the wonderful Blue Ball pub . At the top of Church Street turn left on to the main road for 100 yards before taking the right turn at the footpath sign. ollow the bridleway and enjoy nearly a kilometre of gradual uphill. When you reach the top of the path go through the gate and turn left immediately. Walk across the pastureland and you will come to a T-junction with another bridleway. Turn right here and head north for one kilometre towards lebe arm. I have been up here twice this year and there have been some quite attentive cows on both occasion so be warned. It is up here with marvellous views all around that you pass the highest point in utland at 1 metres. There is a trig point off to the left but it’s not actually on the path. When you reach lebe arm cross over Cold verton oad and start the long descent into Barleythorpe on anor ane. It’s well over a mile but it’s downhill all the way with some great views from the gateways on the right hand side. When you reach the B 0 in Barleythorpe turn right and walk back into akham, where you will find the likes of the ord elson and the Admiral ornblower pubs. Will’s Walks, 21 rambles around Stamford and Rutland is now available to buy at £7.95 + postage from www.theactivemag.com
November 2020 / the activemag.com
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Images: Will Hetherington
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A book of Will’s Walks
21 rambles around Stamford and Rutland. We’ve answered your call and compiled a selection of Will’s favourite walks around the area; some short and sweet for busy days, others more meandering and lengthy when you want to fully explore what’s on our doorstep.
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Essential information WHERE TO PARK In Burley Road or South Street car parks in Oakham. DISTANCE AND TIME Nine miles/three and a half hours. HIGHLIGHTS Great views, pretty villages and some idyllic churches.
You will see countless beautiful cottages on the way round, like this one in Egleton.
LOWLIGHTS Some of the bridleways may be muddy in the winter and I have encountered some attentive cattle near Glebe Farm at Rutland’s highest point.
Part of the route between Brooke and Braunston in deepest Rutland. All Saints Church in Braunston-inRutland.
REFRESHMENTS The Blue Ball in Braunston and the Lord Nelson and Admiral Hornblower in Oakham. DIFFICULTY RATING Four paws. It’s a proper walk with some decent climbs but also some really easy long stretches like Manor Lane back into Barleythorpe. THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE Despite crossing the Gwash a couple of times there’s not a lot of other fresh water on the way around. And beware the cattle. For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.
ACTIVE INFO
START/ FINISH
The first half of this walk from Oakham to Braunston and the last quarter down Manor Lane into Barleythorpe and Oakham also form part of the 65 mile Rutland Round circuit.
©Crown copyright 2020 Ordnance Survey. Media 040/20
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Active Kids Olympian visits Witham Hall WITHAM HALL SCHOOL recently welcomed Olympic gold medallist and team GB hockey player Shona McCallin for a day of coaching. Shona, in association with the Mintridge Foundation, spent the day coaching year 3-8 girls and year 7-8 boys and finished off by signing some lucky pupils’ hockey sticks.
Mintridge Foundation
Birthday celebrations STAMFORD FOOTBALL ACADEMY which is based at the Borderville sports centre is celebrating being half a decade old. The Academy, which is a partnership between Stamford football club and Stamford College, provides education as well as football training. Over 130 students, all of whom are over 16, have benefitted and work towards a BTEC qualification as well as improving their football skills. The Academy is running open evenings for those who are interested in joining them after finishing year 11 in September 2021. For more information go to www.stamford.ac.uk and type football into the search.
Summer camp success Despite the summer - and indeed the year of 2020 - being a strange one, the Youth Dreams Project in Peterborough have still been able to deliver their infamous summer camps for 2,500 children, including 100 free places for disadvantaged children. They ran the camps for seven weeks in nine different schools throughout Peterborough. YDP put a Covid-friendly plan together so they were able to safely deliver the camps and are doing so again for half term. For further information about the camps and after school activities go to www.youthdreamsproject.co.uk
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ActiveBody E DI T E D BY K AT E M A X I M
Expansion and contraction Sarah Babbs explains how physiotherapy can help during pregnancy
P
HYSIOTHERAPISTS ARE OFTEN asked to help women, both during and after their pregnancies. This can be supporting pregnancy and labour with breathing exercises, rela ation techniques and general fitness as well as work with the changing pelvic floor and abdominal musculature. ne in five women can be troubled by pain during pregnancy and physiotherapy can be very helpful here. bviously the body changes during pregnancy. Altering the weight going through the pelvis puts different pressures on the joints and of course the muscles over the abdomen have to stretch to allow for the baby’s growth. For most women this is not troublesome and everything returns to normal in the months after the baby is born. ne in five will have what is known as elvic irdle ain Symphysis ubis Dysfunction is an older term included in this and two in three women will have some gapping in the abdominal muscles during the third trimester of pregnancy. The pelvis has three joints, two between the sacrum and the ilium at the back sacro-iliac and one between the pubis bones at the front pubic symphysis . E tremely strong ligaments run over the joints and during pregnancy there are hormonal changes which allow the ligaments to soften ready for birth. Some women experience pain at these joints and there can be movement at the joints which can lead to a feeling of instability and pain. This can occur when standing on one leg, walking, turning in bed and sometimes at rest. In most women this settles after the birth without intervention. It tends to occur in those who have already had a pregnancy, those who are overweight or less fit generally as well as those who have had previous back injuries or who have hyper mobile joints. hysiotherapists assess, as with any other pain, advise with ideas for positioning to support the joints and exercise to maintain and improve strength and muscular support. Sometimes manual therapy can be helpful, as well as using breathing exercises and other techniques to help manage the pain. Sleeping with a pillow between the legs and keeping the knees together when getting in and out of a car, or out of bed are all recommended. Using a belt-like support around the pelvis can be very helpful too. E ercise may include those for the abdominal, back and pelvic floor areas. The pelvic floor muscles consist of a sling of muscles supporting the bladder and back passage and of course are stretched during vaginal delivery. Doing pelvic floor e ercises during pregnancy is helpful with longer term continence and they should be continued once the baby has been born. As mentioned before, the S Squee y app is a great reminder to exercise on a daily basis.
Diastasis rectus abdominis is the term used for gapping of the abdominal muscles, specifically the si pack muscle we all yearn for which has a fibrous band running vertically between the left and right sides of the muscle. During pregnancy this stretches and thins and the gap between the muscle widens. In some this gap does not reduce effectively, the muscle activates less well and can lead to problems later such as back pain and loss of abdominal strength. Regular exercise will help reduce the risk of a widened gap but exercises such as sit ups and planks which put longitudinal pressure through the muscles should be avoided during and after pregnancy. or most people the gapping improves in the first few weeks after birth a gap of less than 2 cm is considered normal . In an uncomplicated pregnancy 150 minutes per week of exercise is recommended, but do not start new and vigorous exercise. eeping fit before, during and after pregnancy is the best way to help reduce problems and be in the best shape before and after the baby arrives, which can only be a good thing! 01780 480889 or 07780 900201
November 2020 / theactivemag.com
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Break in case of emergency Following a medical emergency close to home Kate Maxim wanted to know more about first aid training. She meets Darren Mitchell from MJD Training
I
’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT it would be a good idea if every young adult in the country did a first aid course then we would all have some idea what to do in an emergency. Darren Mitchell from MJD Training in Stamford says that children, in fact, are very good at learning first aid. e has taught year 5 pupils at Copthill School in ffington the recovery position, how to use bandages and a defibrillator. irst aid training was supposed to be part of the curriculum this September for secondary school aged pupils, but Covid has postponed things. opefully not for long. Possibly because children have no fear of doing the wrong thing or making the problem worse, they just listen, learn and get on with it. ‘Often people are worried about being sued if something goes wrong,’ says Darren, ‘but in 2015 the Sarah’s Act came out - the social action, responsibility and heroism act which supports you as a first aider. The main principle in first aid is to preserve life and I always say doing something is better than doing nothing.’
Charitable organisations like St John Ambulance and British ed Cross run first aid courses. Private companies like Darren’s are also very much in demand particularly for work place safety as employers have a legal responsibility to provide the right amount of first aiders. These are nationally recognised courses, regulated by OFQUAL. ost people go on a first aid course because they’re sent by work. Very few ask for guidance because they have a new born baby, for example, says Darren.’ I think that’s a shame as every new parent would benefit from some basic knowledge under their belt. D Training offers a regulated one day evel Three Emergency irst Aid at Work course and a three day evel Three irst Aid at Work course. That’s the qualification, but it’s obviously first aid for anyone, not just people at work. The emergency course covers your roles and responsibilities; how to get people to help you; minimising the risk of infection; scene surveys – making sure it’s safe to approach, getting a response from the casualties; checking if they’re breathing;
carrying out CPR, and being able to use a defibrillator. ou learn how to do a visual check for obvious injuries how to put people in the recovery position (also known as the safe airway position); deal with choking; general seizures and how to treat them, wounds and bleeding, minor burns and scalds. On the three day course pupils look at head and spinal injuries fractures poisoning injuries to the eye major illnesses like heart attack, angina, stroke, asthma, diabetes and anaphylaxis. The students get a lot of hands on practice but now because of Covid there are many more safety measures in place. ‘I’ve reduced the class numbers,’ says Darren. The room has to be big enough, everyone has their own face for the mannequins which are shared one between two people and they each have a C face shield. They wear gloves and face masks all the time and wipe everything down. It’s hard work but it’s important people get to practice. They use the defibrillator as well. And they find out how tiring CPR can be.’ I had a scary experience a few months ago when a friend of mine collapsed. We rushed to the village hall for the defibrillator but thankfully, in the end, didn’t have to use it. I was worried they would be complicated to use so I visited Darren at home to learn how a defib works. ‘I like people to have a go and see how easy they are,’ says Darren. They all have pictures to show you what to do. They all talk to you, and if you’re on the phone to the emergency services they’re also talking you through it. And if you’ve had first aid training that’s three different ways you know what to do.’ If you have a casualty who is unconscious and not breathing the first thing to do after asking someone to phone an ambulance is to start CPR - cardio pulmonary resuscitation. This is the method of pressing with two hands, one on top of the other, pushing down hard for 30 compressions and then giving two rescue breaths the old kiss of life . ou’re trained on a course how to do this, but in a real situation no-one must feel obliged to give the rescue breaths if there is a risk of infection through blood or vomit coming from the mouth, or now, with Covid-19. ands only C is better than nothing and it helps to push the blood and, therefore, oxygen around the body to keep the vital organs alive. By doing the two rescue breaths you’re putting even more oxygen in there. The British eart oundation ran a campaign, fronted by Vinnie Jones, using the song Staying Alive to give the right beat when doing the compressions. If you go too slowly you won’t be moving the blood around fast enough if you’re too quick then all you do is empty the heart, not giving it a chance to refill with blood.
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Hopefully you will have someone else with you who can be told by the ambulance operator where the nearest defibrillator is. Stamford has approximately 30 dotted around the town and many villages have them in disused phone bo es. It’s a good idea to know where your nearest one is, just in case. If you can get a defib on a casualty within two minutes,’ says Darren, the rate of survival could go up to 0 . It’s good to have one handy even if you don’t use it. ealistically you want it within five minutes of someone collapsing, because for every minute you waste the survival rate can drop by 10 .’ Darren let me loose on Annie, his mannequin. I lifted the lid on the machine and it immediately started to talk to me. irst I pulled the red handle to reveal the pads and looked at the pictures to show me where to apply them to bare skin. In the grab bag there’s a pair of scissors so you can cut through clothing to reveal a bare chest. There’s also a disposable ra or so you can shave off any hair to make more efficient contact with the skin.
‘If it does administer a shock, which works, you’ll see the casualty come round almost immediately.’ When you put the pads on it starts to analyse the rhythm, acting as an EC . If the heart has stopped completely it will say no shock advised, continue C ’ until the ambulance arrives. ou won’t be able to press the shock button. Its job is not to restart a stopped heart but to reset a heart that has an abnormal rhythm. If it does administer a shock, which works, you’ll see the casualty come round almost immediately. ou would then keep them warm and comfortable and wait for the paramedics to arrive. If it doesn’t work it tells you to continue C and when to take your hands off again so it can reanalyse. ou don’t stop C unless your casualty comes round or someone takes over from you.
I’d been e pecting a massive shock to be delivered like you see on T with the whole mannequin being lifted up, which would be really daunting. But that’s not what happens. It sends energy through the heart but e ternally you don’t see anything move and you can’t change any settings or press the button when you’re not allowed to. Each machine is slightly different but they all do the same thing. This was very reassuring. In a real situation I can’t tell you how you’re going to feel,’ says Darren. Some people go on autopilot, some people free e, some people shake afterwards. I just know that teaching first aid is very rewarding. I’ve had several phone calls from my students saying they’d put the knowledge into practice. ne lady did the course on a Saturday and on the Sunday had to use the training for real. She told me, I heard you in my head, saying doing something is better than nothing. ’ www.mjdtraining.com
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Orbea Gain: E.Bike in disguise Tugby Orchards, Tugby, LE7 9WE I 0116 259 8063 I www.cafe-ventoux.cc By bike follow the Route 64 Cycle way
Cafe Ventoux now offers a new Autumnal menu throughout the week and weekend, alongside our freshly baked cakes, traybakes, quiches and famous sausage rolls. Bespoke cakes can be pre-ordered for any special occasion and our Afternoon Tea can be booked for any day of the week. Friday and Saturday nights we are open from 5-8pm and our stonebaked pizzas can be enjoyed with a cocktail or two from our bar, or a selection of our new craft ales. On the first Saturday evening of each month we have a themed event, featuring an exclusive dinner and cocktail menu, complete with live music. Please give us a call to book a table for our next event. AUTUMN 2020 OPENING TIMES Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 15:00 Friday 09:00 - 15:00 reopen 17:00 - 20:00 Saturday 09:00 - 20:00 Sunday 09:00 - 16:00
GEORGE HALLS CYCLE CENTRE 10-12 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 9HE. 01858 465507 www.georgehallscycles.co.uk georgehallscycle@aol.com
ACTIVE RUTLAND We’re now spending more time at home, which is why staying physically active and looking after your wellbeing is more important than ever. There are many ways that we can remain active in our homes and outside in your local area, whilst following social distancing guidelines. There are lots of local instructors, clubs and organisations delivering virtual classes to help you stay active at home. Visit www.activerutland.org.uk/activeathome to see what local online classes you can get involved in, including fitness, dance and pilates. It’s the perfect time to stay connected with regular sessions or to try something new.
ActiveBody
A little hard to stomach? Indigestion can be very uncomfortable and annoying. Gary Trickett advises ways to avoid it
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ROM HEARTBURN TO bloating, to constipation and stomach cramps, the symptoms of indigestion are varied, but each is a reminder that your digestive system is having trouble coping with the amount, or type of food it is being asked to process. Small changes not just to what you eat but also how you eat can make a huge difference. Thinking twice about what you’re eating seems an obvious place to start. Some foods are more problematic than others: red meat and fatty cuts are hard to digest, so swap these for lean cuts of turkey, chicken or fish. Cheese is also very hard to digest, so maybe give this a miss. You should also reduce your intake of sugary foods, cakes, biscuits and rich desserts. Try googling low sugar recipes for easy to make treats instead. Spicy foods, coffee, tea and alcohol are also common indigestion triggers and so should ideally be kept to a minimum. Instead try drinking some ginger tea with or before your meal to help stimulate digestion. Ginger is recognised by many as a digestive tonic and can help to maintain digestive function. Salt on the other hand hinders digestion and the assimilation of proteins, so cut down on sodium-based salt especially and if you simply can’t go without, opt for a healthier low sodium or herbal salt alternative. Herbamare® made from sea salt and organically grown vegetables, garden herbs and iodine-rich kelp, is a popular choice. Chew your food. As obvious as it may sound, so many people do little more than close their teeth a couple of times around a mouthful of food before gulping it down. Chewing not only breaks your meal down into a manageable size, it also alerts the stomach to the imminent arrival of food. If you don’t chew, your stomach won’t have produced the digestive enzymes it needs to break food down, resulting in chaos, confusion and a hefty dose of acid indigestion. For a helping hand with digestive enzymes a prebiotic supplement like Molkosan Fruit taken half an hour before each meal can help. For bloating and indigestion associated with feelings of fullness and wind there’s Digestisan from A ogel. It contains cynara (artichoke), dandelion and boldo to help stimulate digestive enzymes and peppermint to help reduce the symptoms of colic and wind. Dilute 15 to 20 drops three times a day in a little water. Have a lie down to release the burps. The
oesophagus joins the stomach a little to the left of our middle. The stomach lies on our left side and there is a gentle curve where it meets the gullet. If you lie on your left side the air can escape more easily. If heartburn is a problem, sleeping in a more upright position propped up on a pillow may help. Heartburn is the leading cause of sleep disturbance among the over 40s. It occurs often as a result of indigestion and acid reflu and is the pain you e perience as the acidic contents of your stomach make contact with your oesophagus. As the name suggests heartburn can be described as a burning sensation and due to the location of the pain (just under the breastbone), can be mistaken for a heart problem. Unlike your stomach your oesophagus doesn’t have a protective mucus layer and if the contents of your stomach
make it into your oesophagus - often when you go to bed - the acidic nature of your gastric juice can make you quite uncomfortable. Eating a light evening meal at least three hours before bedtime can reduce the likelihood of this happening. It is important to watch out for other symptoms and be sure to get it checked out if you are in any doubt. For the symptoms of heartburn associated with indigestion and acid reflu , try Silicol gel. It lines the digestive system and can help with the symptoms of digestive disorders such as heartburn, acid reflu , stomach ache and nausea. Drink plenty of water when you take Silicol gel and do tell your GP if symptoms haven’t cleared up after a few days. If you are constipated drink plenty of water throughout the day (not with your meal as this will dilute your stomach acid and not in coffee and tea as they can make things worse). For a real blast to get things moving again a spoonful of fla seeds stirred into yoghurt should help. For further advice visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester or call 0116 253 9097.
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Kate plays American football | Mary meets a channel swimmer Jeremy gives us the local roundup
ActiveSport Distance: 38.73 miles Elevation: 2409ft Ride type: Road
Horninghold
Stoke Dry
Wistow START / FINISH
Lyddington
Hallaton Tur Langton Kibworth Beauchamp
West Langton
Gretton Medbourne
Rockingham
Weston by Welland Middleton
On your bike! This month Gary Waterfall rides a testing 40 mile route starting and finishing at Wistow Rural Centre with 2,500 feet of climb.
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OVEMBER’S NOT ALWAYS the best of cycling months as roads can be wet and slippery and fallen leaves can add to the problems, so take care out there. This month we start at the very welcoming Wistow Rural Centre which has plenty of parking, a café, art gallery and good shops including a Mediterranean deli, garden centre and Inner Wolf. And I can assure you that you will have earned a cake from the café by the time you get back! Leave Wistow and head east through Kibworth, across the busy A6, before turning right through the Langtons. Head down into the Welland valley and rest the legs as you ride towards the picturesque village of Rockingham at mile 17. After
Rockingham turn left just before Gretton, which marks the half way point, and head to the beautiful Lyddington where the going will start to get tough. Go out of the village and cross the busy A6003 and a steep hill down to ride along the shore of Eyebrook Reservoir – watch the road as it has loose gravel to add to the challenge. Prepare yourself for the unrelenting Stockerston Hill before turning right at the top to enjoy the undulating ride back to Wistow through Horninghold, Hallaton and then onward to Tur Langton where you’ll join the route out for the last five miles back. Enjoy that well-earned coffee and cake, you’ll have deserved it after those hills! http://www.strava.com/routes/2747893058999734440
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ActiveSport
Get fit, get fierce, make friends The Peterborough Royals are in need of more players to join their team. Kate Maxim joined a rookie day to find out more
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HE PETERBOROUGH ROYALS, Peterborough’s Women’s American Football Team was formed in 2016 and since then have played flag football non contact) in the Women’s Opal league and contact in the Sapphire Series. Now they play in the Women’s National Contact League. They have 25 registered players at the moment, but they’d prefer to have 2-3 players per position in case of absence and injuries. Quite a few new people have joined in the last few months but they want more so they’re putting on a series of rookie days to encourage prospective players to get fit, get fierce and make friends.’ I can confirm that they’re a very friendly bunch as I attended one of the rookie days to find out what American Football is all about. Tanya, the team manager and defensive captain explained they’re on the lookout for women of all shapes and sizes. ‘We need small, quick players as well as tall, stronger
frames. We have people from all different backgrounds: social workers, teachers, nurses, welders, chefs and care workers. Some people come to us having been involved in rugby, netball, martial arts and roller derby and others, like me, had never played a team sport before or even watched a game of American football.’ One of the rookies, Lauren was enjoying the fact that, as such a niche sport, there’s no
‘It was great fun, really well organised and when I managed to twice cleanly catch the ball, it was seriously satisfying.’
expectation that you already know how to play. E plaining all the different positions, rules and skills required is a job for the six coaches. But rather than bamboozling us straight away with a raft of new terminology, after a series of warm up exercises we were split into small groups to practice some basic skills. I was put in the offensive group of running backs with Tom Hatton who has coached American football all over the country, including a spell with Team GB. Over the ne t two hours veteran ichelle aka iggler another rookie uth and I were drilled on ball security - how to hold it without someone ripping it out of your hands dynamic footwork, catching and hand offs. It was great fun, really well organised and when I managed to twice cleanly catch the ball, it was seriously satisfying. rdinarily the different groups would mi throughout the training session but that’s not possible at the moment. Discussions are still ongoing but now the team will play in a summer league starting hopefully in April, running through to September to tie in with the Men’s league. The Royals will play in the Southern league against Cardiff, ortsmouth and Kent this year with regular training hopefully starting again soon every Saturday. For up to date information go to www.facebook.com @PeterboroughRoyals and sign up. They need you!
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If at first you don’t succeed… Mary Bremner meets personal trainer Liesl Norris who earlier this year attempted to swim the English Channel
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IESL NORRIS HAS been a personal trainer for many years, starting when she was pregnant with her first child. ‘I found that if I could do the exercises heavily pregnant, my clients were prepared to try that bit harder and do them too,’ she smiles. iesl’s first client was a biker who had been hit by a lorry and she had to get him fit and ready for reconstructive knee surgery. He ended up being congratulated by his surgeon about his fitness and readiness for the operation, so a baptism of fire for iesl and one she came through with flying colours. Since then she has gained more qualifications and had another child. She specialises in back pain ‘because I experienced it,’ as well
as pre- and post-natal depression, ‘something else I’ve experience of.’ Liesl has travelled around the country as her husband is in the forces and is currently based at Wittering. But she’s travelled further than that as she is an American who met her husband Steve in the States. One of her incentives to become a PT was when she was in a class trying her best when the teacher started shouting at them all. ‘She actually yelled, “you skivers”,’ says Liesl. ‘I was so upset that I came home and cried as I had been trying my best. I suppose you could say that set the seed to becoming a personal trainer. It then happened organically as I was made redundant so then took a PT course. I always make sure that my classes are fun. If
clients can laugh with you it takes their mind off the training. I don’t do crash diets or anything like that so if you want to lose weight quickly I am not the PT for you. I teach clients to make wise choices and help them get fitter. We work on technique and form.’ Until the lockdown Liesl was working at a gym in Peterborough dealing with mainly older patients who would be referred to her by a GP. She was teaching classes to the over 50s as well as classes in sheltered housing. And then of course Covid struck. She was furloughed from the gym but still had her PT clients, many of whom she kept training via Zoom. ‘Some of them I disinfected equipment for and dropped it round to them before sessions, others had their own gear so
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‘I was exhausted and getting cold which is extremely unlike me but I was determined to carry on.’
we muddled through. As soon as we were able I’ve been holding 1:1 sessions in clients’ gardens as well as still holding Zoom sessions. Training outside is great for the immune system and you don’t feel cold for long if you’re working hard.’ Liesl has always been very active and whilst at school swam competitively (sprints rather than long distance) as well as doing ballet. And this swimming has stood her in good stead as last year she decided she was going to swim the English Channel giving herself 14 months to train with the attempt in August this year. ‘I wanted to show my boys, one of whom had been struggling with his mental health, that you should never give up. People thought I was mad to attempt it but it
made me even more determined.’ Liesl started training at Rutland Water as well as swimming at Dover. But then she became ill with what seems to have been Covid despite it being before Christmas. She took a long time to recover and was only just getting back to training when lockdown occurred. So that put paid to open water swimming. Not to be deterred she got a pool in the back garden and started strength training in it alongside her husband Stephen. Her swim was scheduled for August so once lockdown eased she headed to Dover for a week’s training. She managed 25 miles in the week so was quietly confident that she would be able to manage the 21 mile crossing. The day finally arrived with her pilot giving her the nod. She set off at 5am and hoped to complete the swim in 23 hours. But sadly it didn’t go quite to plan as she quickly lost her sea sickness patches and spent the first 5 1 2 hours of the swim being horribly sick. This obviously took its toll but she kept going and eventually managed to swim through the sickness and into calmer waters. I was stung by jellyfish and a seal swam with me,’ says Liesl. By now it was getting dark and apparently the French coastline was in sight. But this meant that the tide and current was now against Liesl. ‘I was exhausted and getting cold which is extremely unlike me but I was determined to carry on,’ she says. ‘What I didn’t realise was that I was swimming semi-conscious. Steve was shining a flashlight on me and that was waking me up.’ What she also didn’t realise was that she wasn’t actually moving, swimming on the spot rather than
making progress. She was exhausted after swimming for 17 hours and didn’t have the strength to swim against the tide. Everything was beginning to go very wrong for Liesl and the pilot realised so pulled the swim. They got Liesl back on board (no mean feat as she was covered in grease) and found that she was almost hypothermic. ‘I don’t really remember any of this, but was determined to finish the swim,’ says Liesl. She was only two miles from the French coastline, but she would never have made it in the condition she was in and she had given her all, refusing to give up. Liesl was very unlucky; if she hadn’t had the bout of seasickness she would have had the strength to fight the tide and the current. But this time was not to be her time. Undeterred Liesl has plans to try again next summer. ‘I knew on the way back in the boat that I would try again. I had to prove I could do it, and I know I can. That swim changed my life and gave me increased confidence. I had given all that I could. I might not have managed it this time but I know I can do it.’ And this is the attitude she brings to her clients enthusing them to keep going and not give up. And it gets results. So June 2021 is Liesl’s next attempt and she’s training for it now, swimming and doing strength work. This is a lady with big ambition. She now plans to do the Ocean 7 which is swimming seven channels around the world, one of which is the English. I’m sure that Liesl will manage this feat over the next few years whilst inspiring her PT clients at the same time. www.itspersonalpt.co.uk
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Club rugby is still in the doldrums, but there’s lots going on behind the scenes. And football is firing on all cylinders. Jeremy Smithson-Beswick tells us more
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UR LOCAL RUGBY scene still remains, alas, devoid of any competitive fi tures for me to share with you due to - well, you know why - and word is that it will be at least anuary before the community game gets going again across the country. evertheless, grounds across our region are still full of activity with the ever-popular minis sections continuing on Sundays and appropriately distanced training for all other age groups and, in more and more of our clubs, for both genders being enjoyed by many. Even with the absence of on-field action there remains news to report with Oakham C’s appointment of a new Club resident last month Chris Burton taking over from the redoubtable Steve Beanland being followed by close rivals Stamford doing the same. Their new incumbent is ai airn who, as avid readers of this column will know, has had a good Autumn all round as he won the etton Cricket Club ing ong race at odds of over 1,000 to 1 a few weeks ago. I suggest you buy a lottery ticket right now ai! e replaces stalwart eil olly who ai referred to in his opening address to the club as a legend’ before setting out his aspirations for the near future.
‘Their new incumbent is Jai Nairn who, as avid readers of this column will know, has had a good Autumn all round as he won the Ketton Cricket Club Ping Pong race (at odds of over 1,000 to 1) a few weeks ago.’
In common with every rugby club I know they will be missing the bar receipts from match days that are an important source of funds. As ai said, presaging the happier days we all look forward to, ‘sadly this means when we are able to get back together you will need to have your drinking boots on.’ Cheers to that. So, with the construction of a new clubhouse in its early stages any influ of funds would be helpful and Stamford are trying to bridge the gap by offering the possibility of supporters becoming club ice residents. This will help them in their push to improve standards not only on the social side but also to pay for further investment in the coaching staff and so to improve performance on the field. ai’s address continued ’s remain a key and crucial part in developing and moving our club forward, also providing a great way to
reconnect with past rugby friends as well as making new ones.’ Benefits include the opportunity to buy international tickets so do get in touch if you’re interested. A voluntary contribution, the si e of which is your own choice, is all that is e pected in return. ocal football, being less contact oriented than rugby, is fully up and running and there have been some fine performances. Stamford A C have brought their rich vein of form from the end of last season into this and are scoring for fun. ive against lossop orth End, four versus Sudbury and then, following an aberration when they only hit the net twice for two games, put five past incoln and then the same yet again against Stocksbridge ark. ast season’s top scorer Tom Siddons bagged a brace in each of the last two and manager raham Drury will be delighted with their start to the campaign
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‘The game you wished you’d watched however was probably at Uppingham Town with a goal every nine minutes as they beat Cardea 7-4.’
which means they currently sit third in the table. Stamford Lions had their own successes too and progressed to the next round of the Lincs Junior Cup with an e tra-time penalty against C ammers. Deeping United went through in the County Cup at the expense of Billinghay Athletic with the help of two goals from Steve Jucikas and Deeping Rangers, after a bit of a humbling from Rugby Town, recovered to win their ne t four fi tures including a -0 cup victory away to Lutterworth Athletic. The game you wished you’d watched however was probably at Uppingham Town with a goal every nine minutes as they beat Cardea - . ob ontgomery scored four alone to mean that new manager Paul Sheehan can bask in a played two, won two glow. We have, of course, already had to say goodbye to the truncated cricket season and Leicestershire CCC have also had to say farewell to two of their most prominent
players of the past few years. Opener and previous club captain Paul Horton has retired altogether at the age of 38 after scoring 2,787 runs for the Foxes to concentrate on a Masters degree in Sports Directorship. The Aussie reflected I have been fortunate enough to have a career in something I could only have dreamt of as a child. It’s been great fun...and I’ve made many lifelong friends and enjoyed some wonderful times playing this great game.’ e was seen early in his career as a four day specialist but successfully became adept at all forms of the game and developed into one of county cricket’s best slip fielders. The other departure is orton’s predecessor as skipper, and fellow Australian, Mark Cosgrove. Highlights of his time at Leicester include 188 at Derbyshire and being the club’s all time highest scorer in T20. In the short season that was 2020 Cosgrove took a back seat and chief executive Sean arvis said The 2020 season presented unique circumstances, and ark’s
selflessness gave opportunities to other players’ whilst head coach aul i on commented Co ie has scored many runs for us and he played a significant role in changing the club’s on-field fortunes over the last five seasons.’ For all of you who miss cricket as much as I do I’d like to sign off with a statement from the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket eague that offers a hopefully upbeat angle for the future. It’s been the toughest ever year....but we’ve played some cricket which looked extremely unlikely for most of the summer. Cricket will be all the more special when we get back to normal. We took it for granted having changing rooms open, a cup of tea and a sandwich at half-time, a drink with your team-mates and the opposition at the end of the game. It will return though.’ Amen to that and I look forward to sharing with you some extended cricket match reports in the happier days which will surely come next spring.
Meet superfood skincare expert Lisa Armitage Use it or Lose it, keep your brain and body active
Second helpings, a group helping reduce food waste
Winter walks with Will
Meet superfood skincare expert Lisa Armitage We try out a ‘god pod’
Meet the founders of WildDog Events
Find out about social prescribing
Meet fly fishing guide Nick Dunn
Brentingby Gin, the local company foraging for botanicals ISSUE 92 | FEBRUARY 2020
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Will walks in South Africa
We try out a ‘god pod’
Find out about girls’ and women’s cricket at Leicestershire CC
Are diamonds a girl’s best friend? We find out more about gem stones
Bourne has a new running club Meet Tom Bourne, director of sport at Uppingham Community College ISSUE 91 | JANUARY 2020
Find out about girls’ and women’s cricket at Leicestershire CC
Local walks with Will ISSUE 93 | MARCH 2020
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Spotlight on Swimming Deepings Swimming Club head coach Lynn Chapman explains more about swimming as a sport
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WIMMING IS ONE of the most important life skills anyone can have – it can, quite literally, save your life. It is also one of the most popular participation sports in the country with more than four million people regularly taking to the water. But there is a huge difference between a leisurely swim and the hours of weekly intense training put in by members of swimming clubs, including Deepings Swimming Club. The top swimmers at Deepings SC can train up to 14 hours a week in the pool, plus two land training sessions. Pool time is currently restricted due to the pandemic although the youngest members usually start with a couple of hours per week in the pool. They join the club after swim school. Structured coaching helps them to improve their technique and fitness ready for competitive swimming. Equipment levels vary but include the basics – costume, goggles and cap – up to more specialised training aids, such as pull buoys, kickboards and even drag parachutes. The sport consists of four rudimentary strokes, plus a special fifth stroke which can make all the difference in a close race.
technically challenging to master. It is also the slowest stroke and the one that creates the most drag in the water, meaning breaststroke is as much about minimising resistance as it is maximising power. The arms move simultaneously to the front, alternating with the legs, which kick out and together in unison. Breathing is to the front.
BACKSTROKE
Backstroke is the only stroke swum on your back. Arms move in alternative cycles with a constant leg kick. Flags are placed overhead five metres from each end to notify the swimmers they are approaching the wall – knowing your stroke count from flags to wall is advisable!
BUTTERFLY
Butterfly is the most difficult stroke. It requires precise technique and a high degree of fitness and is swum with two dolphin kicks (legs together) and simultaneous arm motion.
THE FIFTH STROKE
The fifth stroke has become increasingly important and is the underwater work that takes place at the start and each turn. Swimmers can travel up to 15 metres underwater for front crawl, backstroke and butterfly using a series of dolphin kicks with a streamline body position. When gold medals can be won by one-hundredth of a
second the fifth stroke can make all the difference.
LONG COURSE v SHORT COURSE
Competitive racing takes place in two types of pool: short course and long course. A short course pool is 25 metres while a long course pool is 50 metres. The difference between the two is huge and comes down to the fifth stroke – underwater work. In a short course pool a swimmer could spend 15 of each 25 metres underwater – or 60% of the race. In long course, they could spend 15 of every 50 metres underwater, or 30%. There is far less stroke swimming in short course than long course. Outstanding underwater work is important for all types of swimming, but in short course, it is an essential part of the race. Deepings Swimming Club is a competitive club that caters for all ages, from eight upwards with a squad structure that is designed to help members fulfil their ambitions in an enjoyable environment. It enjoys considerable success at county, regional and national level and has even had swimmers representing Great Britain at youth level. We’re always looking for new members. For details on how to join us, please email head coach Lynn Chapman at deepings@ swimclubmanager.co.uk
FRONT CRAWL
Front crawl is the most popular and fastest stroke. It is also the stroke with the most competitive distances, six in total. It is swum on your front with arms moving alternatively in cycles with a constant leg kick. The body is kept straight with some rotation and breathing is to the side.
BREASTSTROKE
Despite being popular with many casual swimmers, breaststroke is arguably the most
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