Interview with Rory Underwood Get ready to rumble Uppingham focus Walk with Will Pottery Painting with foam
ISSUE 88 | OCTOBER 2019
Let’s keep moving
! E E R F
How to get about whatever your circumstances
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E DI TO R ’ S L E T T E R Editor and Publisher Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Art editor Matt Tarrant matt@theactivemag.com Contributors Will Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick, Peter Going 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
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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 TPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, 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. TPL 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.
“This small market town is buzzing and full of life.” THE NIGHTS ARE definitely beginning to draw in and there’s quite a nip in the air now in the mornings when I’m out early with the dogs. But that doesn’t mean we should all go into hibernation mode lighting the fire and sitting in front of the TV watching Strictly (although that is very pleasant). Far from it. There’s still plenty to do and places to explore locally and we need to make the most of the month before the clocks change and we lose our longer evenings. The Active team has been enjoying some team building time recently, albeit a bit unusually in that we were all trying to shoot each other; don’t worry it was only pretend as it was ‘live action gaming.’ But great fun was had, no one was hurt and Rumble Live at Grafham Water was our location – and yes, we are still friends. Uppingham is a town that I have only recently got to know properly. I’ve visited it on and off over the years but never spent any significant time there until we took over the magazine four months ago. Since then I have found that, as well as being very architecturally attractive, this small market town is buzzing and full of life. Local independent businesses are well supported by the community, there’s lots going on and everyone is super friendly so add it to your list of places to visit. As we get older some of us become less mobile, or maybe an accident or illness has caused this to happen before your twilight years. This doesn’t mean that you still can’t get out and about enjoying what’s on offer. I very much enjoyed reading a letter from one of our readers, 83-year-old George Perkins. He wrote to Will Hetherington saying how much he enjoyed his walks despite not being able to actually manage them himself any longer. The enterprising George follows them in his car instead, keeping as near to the route as he can and ‘finds the walks to be a bit of an adventure.’ George’s letter made us think, so this month we have enjoyed finding out about what mobility aids are available as well as searching for companies who will accompany those less able on outings and excursions; there are many which is excellent as it means that everyone, whatever their circumstances, can get out into the fresh air and enjoy being part of the community. The rugby world cup has just got underway and hopes are high for the home nations. I don’t want to jinx anything but do hope that we will all be enjoying some exciting games, with positive results. I enjoyed meeting rugby legend Rory Underwood this month who thinks England can do well; let’s hope he’s right, and good luck to them, I’ve got everything crossed. Mary - Editor FIND US ONLINE
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October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Contents
ACTIVE LIFE 10 NEWS
Local news updates
13 WHAT’S ON
Great local events for all the family
15 CRAFTS
Kate Maxim enjoys a shaving foam pottery painting workshop
17 GARDENING
Teresa Kennedy is turning Japanese in the garden
32
18 WILL’S WALKS
Will takes to the Alps
28 GET READY TO RUMBLE
The Active team enjoy some quality time together
32 UPPINGHAM FOCUS
Out and about in Uppingham
38 LET’S GET MOVING
Ways to get out and about whatever your circumstances
ACTIVE BODY
17
45 SHEILA STORER
How bone scanning can detect osteoporosis
56
ACTIVE KIDS 51 LOCAL SCHOOL UPDATES
ACTIVE SPORT 56 TAKING TO THE ROAD
Kate Maxim is bitten by the cycling bug
58 MEET RORY UNDERWOOD
Mary Bremner meets the rugby legend
64 ROUNDUP
The cricket season has finished and rugby just started, catch up with some local teams
18 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveLife Uppingham Focus | Team building at Rumble Pottery Painting workshop | Let’s keep moving E DI T E D BY M A RY B R E M N E R
Walking in Austria p.18
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Active life
Stamford celebrates 25 years of cinema STAMFORD IS CELEBRATING having 25 years of cinema at the Arts Centre, and it’s gone by in a flash. Back in 1994, the year of the cinema’s opening, the Arts Centre showed 97 different films to an audience of 6,198. This past year they have shown 185 films to an audience of 46,181; so things have changed slightly! To celebrate Stamford Cinema have a packed programme of special screenings and
new releases with more titles than ever before. On October 24 – the actual anniversary of the first screening – the Cellar Bar will host a 25th birthday film quiz. There will also be a chance to catch several films also celebrating their 25th birthdays including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Pulp Fiction and The Lion King between now and November. www.stamfordartscentre.com
Lutterworth’s Big Bike Ride AFTER AN EARLY shower the eighth Lutterworth Big Bike Ride took place in fine weather on Sunday August 18. Over 450 cyclists registered to follow one of four routes that ranged from 11 miles up to a new 67 mile route that went to the Langtons and Eyebrook reservoir. They all followed the quieter country roads of south Leicestershire and north Northamptonshire and included parts of the national cycle network. Of those taking part over 200 completed the 67 mile route with a further 100 covering 39 miles. As in previous years the event started and finished in the beautiful grounds of Misterton Hall thanks to the generosity of owner Mrs Craven where returning cyclists were welcomed back with a delicious hog roast. The event was organised by Lutterworth Rotary Club as part of its charitable fund raising effort. It is hoped that about £5,000 will have been raised, the funds going to support the work of Epilepsy Action, Rotary Disabled Sports and other Rotary supported charities.
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Vintage Cars and Fabulous Scenery A SUNNY DAY in August was the perfect day for an outing of vintage and classic cars recently. The 120 mile Welland Wander started at Mountsorrel near Loughborough and wended its way towards Stamford for a lunch stop on the Meadows before finishing at Deene Park. 90 cars took part ranging from a 1928 Sunbeam to classic Jaguars and Porsches; and a great time was had by all.
New Ă la carte menu at The Olive THE OLIVE KITCHEN in Market Harborough has just launched its new Ă la carte menu offering modern cuisine. The restaurant on Abbey Street that opened in May is proud of its new locally sourced, freshly prepared food offering a large choice to suit all tastes. As well as delicious food The Olive offers a large choice of gins and cocktails. www.olivekitchen.co.uk 01858 411005
New shop for Sophie Allport SOPHIE ALLPORT HAS just opened a new shop on Spalding Road in Bourne. Situated alongside their factory and offices the new shop is large enough to show their full range as well as having an outlet for seconds and returned goods. www.sophieallport.com
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After 30 years of looking after people with hearing loss, I have come to realise how having good hearing and the ability to communicate well, can be vital to your general health and wellbeing. At Harborough Hearing Care we want to help you to hear well, so that you can live well. Clare Heaviside, Director & Audiologist
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stamford arts centre Join us for a whole host of special screenings, new releases, a filmmaker Q&A, a 25th birthday film pub quiz, and lots more this seaon, as we celebrate...
B ox O f f ice 0 1 7 8 0 7 6 3 2 0 3 www.stamfordartscentre.com
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Active life
What’s on...
Great things to see and do in the region
N
ICK BIRCH OF the bone screening company Osteoscan will be visiting Stamford’s Broad Street Practice on October 7 to talk about osteoporosis starting at 7pm. He will explain what osteoporosis is, the risk factors and how it can be diagnosed. www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk Welland Valley Art Society is holding its autumn exhibition at Stamford Arts Centre between October 7-19. Entry is free and there will be lots of varied art on display. Countesthorpe village has lots coming up this month. Four A cappella singers will be performing at the village hall on Friday October 4 and then the annual Family Arts Day will be held on the 5th at the Leysland Community College. There will be maypole dancing, woodland crafts and much more. And finally bookings are now being taken for the Christmas Wreath Workshop that will be held on Saturday November 30. Cost is £15 and to book go to www.activearts.info
The Mediterranean deli at Wistow Rural Centre sells the most delicious artisan foods that are locally and internationally sourced. Their Baklava, made on the premises is a firm favourite. They also offer daily gin tasting sessions from some little known suppliers. www.wistow.com The Travers Foundation charity’s latest fund raising event is “Aggers with Young Friends’ at Melton Mowbray theatre on Wednesday October 16. Ex professional cricketer and well known broadcaster Jonathan Agnew MBE will take to the stage to share stories from his careers. Tickets cost £18.50 and are available from www.meltontheatre.co.uk www.travers-foundation.org.uk The Harborough Singers will be performing under the baton of their new musical director Charlie Penn on October 26 at Lyddington church. And it will be something special as using computer technology they will be performing alongside the organ from Hereford
Cathedral! Tickets are £10 and available from www.harboroughsingers.com Lyddington village hall will be showing films Fisherman’s Friends on Friday October 4 and Can You Ever Forgive Me on Friday November 1. Tickets are £5 on the door. Stamford’s Gilbert and Sullivan players will be performing Iolanthe on October 9 and 11 at Stamford’s Corn Exchange on Broad Street. www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk Leicester Grammar School are holding an open morning on Saturday November 2 between 10.30 am and 1.20 pm. Everyone is welcome www.leicestergrammar.org.uk Easton Walled Gardens will be holding their annual Original Pumpkin Rolling Event during half term from October 16-27. Enjoy the thrill of rolling your pumpkin along their magnificent terraces. www.visiteaston.co.uk Corby Glen is holding its 781st Sheep Fair on October 6. Starting at 10am there is something for everyone including clay pigeon shooting, a fun fair, craft stalls, sheep show and vintage cars. The March Hare tearooms will be serving delicious food and there’s a beer festival at The Fighting Cocks.
October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active life CRAFTS
Fun with foam Kate and Izzy try their hand at creating marble effects at the Paint Pottle in Market Harborough IN MY EXPERIENCE shaving foam has only been good for one thing. But not anymore! Little did I know that you can use shaving cream (not gel, it doesn’t work) to create a marbling effect while painting pottery. I recently took my friend’s daughter Izzy to join ten other children at The Paint Pottle in Market Harborough for a shaving foam pottery painting workshop. Run by Claire Webb, who is full of ideas and enthusiasm, the workshops are held in a light and airy studio giving the children plenty of space to create their masterpieces. Our workshop was for decorating a large, square clay plate; others could be making, then decorating clay objects like plant pots or bowls. Little children can have a go at painting dinosaurs, or families can get together for clay play. Claire also holds themed children’s parties, Christmas decoration workshops, and adult workshops are becoming more popular too. One that particularly caught my eye was a workshop on Peranakan (a blend of Chinese/Malay) culture where you learn how to decorate your own Peranakan inspired bowl. Then two weeks later when you return to collect it, you fill it with E’lain from Yellowbird caterer’s laksa soup and finger food. Altogether very satisfying. But that’s jumping ahead. We were at the Paint Pottle to decorate a plate. Izzy started off choosing a star shape in red sticky backed plastic to stick onto the middle of the plate and mask off the area. Then she had to
choose three colours that would go well together. Claire used large painted plates on the wall to briefly demonstrate the principles of the colour wheel. Having turned the plates over and drawn around the edge to mark how big they were, it was time for the kids to get messy. Shaking the cans well, they quickly became engrossed in filling the space with lots of lovely, squirty foam. Surprisingly no one aimed it at each other but they obviously didn’t want to waste a drop. Then they squeezed their colours all over the foam, then swirled them with a long wooden skewer to create the marbling effect. They placed their plates over the foam, pressed down firmly, then slid them off sideways. The final part of the process – washing off the foam under water – unveiled the design. The extent of the marbling depends on how much colour is used and how much is mixed into the foam. It’s a very simple, but effective technique. But the fun didn’t stop there. Everyone then peeled off the shape in the centre of the plate, leaving a clear space ready to be filled with dobs of paint using the hard end of a paintbrush. Dipping and dotting with paint, using a dip for every dot, they outlined the shape and filled it in. It was amazing to see
how different everyone’s plates looked; and after two hours in the children’s company I could see how each plate showed off a little of their personalities. On our table we had a range of children from six to 12 and they all loved it. The two hours flew by, they all had fun, watched and learnt from each other, and then walked away with something to remember it by. Well actually they had to wait a couple of weeks for the plates to be fired but they were all looking forward to soon eating sandwiches and cake from their own special plate. The price for this workshop was £20 each and Claire offers a ‘buy one, get a second half price’ offer. Or you can pick a ready prepared shape from the shop, and paint it using your own design. Whatever your choice, the Paint Pottle is a perfect venue for entertaining the children during the holidays. www.thepaintpottle.co.uk 07900 090851
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Active life GARDE NING
Turning Japanese Garden designer Teresa Kennedy passes on garden design ideas she picked up on a recent visit to Japan
L
AST SUMMER I wrote about how to bring home inspiration from the places you visit during your holidays. This month I’m going to share some of the themes and ideas I’ve seen on my own travels. July is my end of year so I take the chance to have a long break with my family over the summer. This year we travelled by train from Peterborough to the far side of Russia and then a short flight got us to Japan which is one of the most unique destinations for garden design. Despite the heat and humidity, I made the most of it.
Pruning and shaping
Shrubs and trees in Japanese gardens are often delicately and finely pruned to create clear levels and cloud-shaped tips, bonsai-style. The effect is a large landscape on a small scale. This is clearly an art in itself, but start small and take your time to identify branches you can section out.
Moss and rocks
The Japanese climate is suited to supporting a year-round moss carpet beneath everything. The beauty of moss is that it is compact, neat, tight and tactile. Damp shady conditions would give you the opportunity to create a small scale moss floor (consider using a stone container to bring the rock element in). Fine stone chippings and a finely pruned small shrub will give you the base to build from.
Viewing points
By pruning levels into trees, a viewing point is made. Light streams through and rather than being enclosed by leaves, the breaks in form draw your eye. It’s very clever and a great way to frame views. Glimpses of water or sculpture build depth to your garden.
Water
It is so wonderful to see how water is used on a large scale to build landscapes. It acts as a setting for islands of pruned trees, moss and stone. On a smaller scale, use water runs and trickles across stone to link and skirt planted areas. This is easily achievable at home and will tie everything together. Key points to consider for a Japanese style garden: neatness, tending, moss, rock, simple palette, water, viewing points, miniature. www.viridisdesign.co.uk 07726 334501
N AT U R E
The Jackdaw THE JACKDAW IS our smallest crow, a similar size to a collared dove but stouter; all black with a grey nape and ear coverts. They have been reported in the BTO Garden Birdwatch survey from 35% of participating gardens and are becoming more common nationally. Jackdaws are common locally, especially where there are hollow trees and sheep or cattle to disturb insects on pasture. Burghley Park supports a large population. They are also abundant in quarries at Ketton, Greetham and Woolfox where they nest in crevices in the quarry faces.
In towns and villages jackdaws typically nest in chimneys but are easily stopped by fitting mesh covers. They visit garden feeders and have become adept at clinging to those containing peanuts and fat balls. They will take food scraps but are wary and often visit early in the morning. The breeding season is between April and June with a single brood of up to six young. Noisy flocks may, along with rooks, flatten growing cereals. The nest is an untidy structure of twigs, lined with wool, grass and hair. Jackdaws unfortunately readily take to large nest boxes intended for kestrels or owls, filling them with sticks. Terry Mitcham
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W I L L’ S W A L K
Alpine adventure The Austrian Alps around Zell am See provide a few more contours than usual for Will Hetherington. Images: Š Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus http://zellamsee-kaprun.com
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Active life
“I
f you think the Alps are pretty in the winter you should really see the mountains in the spring and summer,” is a common refrain from those in the know. I never doubted it, but I hadn’t quite managed to arrange more than a drive through in the warmer months until July this year. As we were on something of a European Grand Tour it was a case of simply picking some convenient places to stay for a few days along the way. I’ve enjoyed skiing in Austria over the past 10 years and knew that Saalbach and Zell am See in Salzburgerland are pretty places, so one of our pins on the map dropped on to Zell. It’s a fair bet that where there are ski lifts in the winter there is walking and mountain biking in the summer. And so it proved.
TH E LOGISTICS
The major walk we did in Austria is a 17km high altitude trail called the Pinzgauer Spaziergang and it’s well sign-posted and advertised. We first read about it in the Zell am See/Kaprun Adventure Hiking brochure in the hotel. We were well advised by the hotel owner to get the Number 71 bus from the middle of town to the bottom of the Scmittenhöhebahn and take the cable car to the start of the walk. This takes you from the base station at 945m above sea level to 1,955m and is something of an adventure in itself, particularly if you aren’t a regular skier. But be warned – it cost €27 per person for the two-leg journey (up the Schmittenhöhebahn and down the Schattberg X-Press at the end of the walk). If you want to know if it was worth it then the answer is a resounding yes. These cable cars are incredibly robust pieces of engineering which operate at high altitude in the worst weather conditions, so I suppose we can’t expect them, or want them to be cheap. You could walk up but, trust me, by the time you had done more than a kilometre of ascent you would be regretting that decision.
“It’s a fair bet that where there are ski lifts in the winter there is walking and mountain biking in the summer.” October 2019 / the activemag.com
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Active life I N TH E E M PRESS’S FOOTSTE PS
At the top of the Schmittenhöhe there is a rather charming little church called the Elizabeth Chapel, named after Empress Elizabeth who, along with her husband the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz-Josef, was a visitor here in the late 1800s. Near the church there is also a useful information office, which I have found is usually the case in Austria. Many services here are user-friendly, logical and do tend to work when you need them which doesn’t seem like much to ask but is attractive. Anyway a lovely lady pointed us in the right direction for the start of the Pinzgauer Spaziergang walk, which is also marked as number 719 on the signposts. Route 719 is known as one of the most beautiful high trails in the eastern Alps and it did not disappoint on July 22nd this year. This was the beginning of the heatwave across most of Europe, but up there in the mountains above 2,000 metres it was perfect weather for walking in shorts and a t-shirt with spectacular views to the valleys below and the peaks above. Once you have done the first kilometre, with a steep drop followed by the equivalent climb, the trail itself doesn’t involve too much undulation as it pretty much traverses the south facing side of mountains like Maurerkogel and Zirmkogel. It’s possible to make detours to also scale these peaks as you do the walk but that would add time, use energy and we didn’t think it was necessary on this occasion. It’s pretty well signposted and it’s also way-marked with the Austrian flag painted on to rocks along the route so you would soon realise if you had gone off the trail. For the first two thirds of the walk you have the Salzach Valley down to your left with the ski resort of Kaprun beyond and the Kitzsteinhorn (3,203m) and Austria’s highest peak the Grossglockner (3,798m) in the distance. What can I tell you about these views? They are a far cry from Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
“This was the beginning of the heatwave across most of Europe, but up there in the mountains above 2,000 metres it was perfect weather.”
STAMFORD GERMANY
FRANCE
AUSTRIA ITALY
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22 Main St, Woodnewton PE8 5EB www.whiteswanwoodnewton.co.uk reservations@whiteswanpubco.co.uk 01780 470944
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Bar open all day (but closes at 4pm on Sundays). Food is served 12-2 and 6-9 Mondays to Saturdays and 12-3 on Sundays. The Falcon Inn, Fotheringhay. PE8 5HZ www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk I T. 01832 226254
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Active life
A PATH LESS TR AVE LLE D
It’s approximately 17km in total (about 10 and a half miles) so if you pin your ears back and get motoring you can do it in four hours or so. But there’s really no rush and there are some ups and downs which take the energy out of your legs, and the thinner air at this height is noticeable. The signposts and the guidebook suggest allowing six hours, which is generous really, but it depends on your walking pace I suppose. As we headed west we started to see a few other walkers on what was initially an almost deserted trail. And then as we moved beyond the halfway point we started to see a lot more people who must have come up from Saalbach that morning rather than Zell. The closer we got to the lifts down to Saalbach and Hinterglemm we noticed a lot of families, dog walkers and picnickers rather than just hikers, which created a lovely atmosphere up there in the mountains.
“We had time to enjoy an Aperol Spritz and a cold beer in Saalbach, one of Austria’s great party towns.”
PEAK TE M PTATION
We made good time and couldn’t resist a quick scramble up the Sallbachkogel (2092m), one of the smaller diversion peaks near the end. Even though this was probably only a 100m ascent I could still feel it draining energy from my legs, and it was a good example of why it’s important to carry plenty of water and snacks to keep you going. And the view from the top was, as they always say, worth every step. From that peak it was probably only about one hour walking north to get to the Schattberg X-Press down to Saalbach. We had made good time, completing the walk in about four and a half hours, so we were able to have a fine lunch on the balcony in the sunshine at the Sky Rest. They don’t really do small portions in Austria so we probably could have shared a dish, but if you can’t pig out when you’ve walked the 17km of the Pinzgauer Spaziergang then when can you? It’s a five-minute ride down the mountain in the gondola and then we had time to enjoy an Aperol Spritz and a cold beer in Saalbach, one of Austria’s great party towns in the winter or summer. The last bus back to Zell goes at 7.20pm and we just made it for the 20-minute journey. It’s a stunning walk and really if you think the Alps are pretty in the winter…
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W I L L’ S W A L K
Fotheringhay and Woodnewton A beautiful countryside stroll with historic significance, a couple of decent pubs and a charming stream. By Will Hetherington Images: Will Hetherington
ACTIVE INFO The Falcon Inn was named after the House of York (Richard III) whose heraldic shield depicts a falcon. Richard III was also born here on October 2nd 1542 and went on to become the last English King to die in battle. And Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle on February 8th 1587.
Difficulty rating TH E ROUTE
Park along the wide main street in Fotheringhay somewhere close to the Falcon Inn and walk west out of the village. Turn right along a minor road just as you leave the village and follow the road for five minutes until you see a footpath leading off to the left on a bend before you reach Model Cottages. Take this path and follow it as it crosses a field and then another minor road, before going through a big gap in the hedge and a
narrow track and over a little bridge. From here it’s just less than a mile over the fields to Woodnewton but make sure you concentrate at the field boundaries because it’s easy to miss the path and accidentally stray along the farm track to the left. Just before you get to Woodnewton you will cross the Willow Brook, which is lovely, and the sewage works, which aren’t. You will arrive in Woodnewton on Pound Lane and turn right here on to Oundle Road and then almost immediately bear right on to the Nassington road, which leads north east out of the village. After about 100 yards you will see the footpath off to the right through the hedge and out in to the fields. Follow the path east
It’s fairly flat land between Fotheringhay and Woodnewton.
for a mile, with glimpses of Fotheringhay church to the south east, until you come to a short tree lined avenue which then leads to the T-junction with the bridleway. Turn right on to the bridleway and then after a couple of minutes turn left just before the stone bridge over the Willow Brook. Follow this beautiful clear stream for five minutes as it curves round towards Fotheringhay and then cross the wooden bridge and take the path back into the village. Make sure you take a look at the church before you retreat to the Falcon for a pint and some food if you wish. And if you have the energy pay a visit to the Castle Hill before you leave to enjoy the view of the River Nene.
24 October 2019 / the activemag.com
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Active life The bridge over the Willow Brook on the final approach to Fotheringhay.
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2019 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 036/19
You will walk along the north bank of the charming Willow Brook for five minutes near the end of this route.
START/ FINISH
Essential information WHERE TO PARK On the wide main street in Fotheringhay somewhere near the Falcon Inn. DISTANCE AND TIME Three and three quarter miles/an hour and a half. The fabulous church of St Mary and All Saints in Fotheringhay with its octagonal lantern.
HIGHLIGHTS St Mary and All Saints church in Fotheringhay, two attractive villages with good pubs, the charming Willow Brook and some very English countryside. LOWLIGHTS Sewage works on the edge of Woodnewton but that’s about one minute and a necessary evil. REFRESHMENTS The Falcon in Fotheringhay is a lovely pub/restaurant, as is the White Swan in Woodnewton. DIFFICULTY RATING Two paws. It’s pretty flat and mostly excellent underfoot. THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE The Willow Brook makes this a wonderful walk with the dogs and on the day I did it there were no livestock anywhere either. 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.
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BEAUTY
Eyebrow raising Kate Maxim learns about the art of threading
the thread of cotton to anchor it behind her front teeth, then deftly twists it into triangles (think cat’s cradle), and using a dipping motion pulls the thread with her mouth across each row of hairs to pluck them out from the roots. And it barely hurts at all, not like the heat and rip of waxing strips. Granted, waxing doesn’t take as long, but threading seems to give a really strong definition to your eyebrows. And as Ruth pointed out, “having your eyebrows done is the cheapest and easiest way to lift and frame your face.” It’s perfect for people with fine downy hair on the sides of their face and also for that pesky top lip and chin thing that starts to happen with age! Regrowth normally starts three to five weeks later. All of the therapists are trained in threading at the salon. There are different ways of threading using the mouth, hands or neck but Charlotte prefers to use her mouth as it gives her more precision. It only takes half a day to train which I find incredible because even at the end of the treatment I still couldn’t quite work out how Charlotte did it, but then it takes a good 12 months of practice to really perfect the technique. And she certainly did a good job with my eyebrows. Out of shape on the arch and straggly at the ends when I walked in, they were a beautiful shape when I walked out without me looking like I’d been taken by surprise. Threading costs £13 for one area (top lip, eyebrows or chin); £20 for two areas or £25 for a full face including lip, chin and cheeks. Active readers get 20% off their first threading treatment. www.rutlandbeauty.co.uk 01572 756589
H
AIR REMOVAL IS a big industry nowadays, as none of us like hair in the wrong places. These days the choice of how to go and stay hair free is pretty wide. Back in the day people just used tweezers to pluck their eyebrows, then there was waxing and electrolysis, not to mention hair removal creams and epilators. And nowadays, thankfully, there is threading. An ancient art - some say about 6000 years old – it originated in the East, particularly in Iran, India, central Asia and China; the art of threading to remove unwanted hair has now taken firm root (excuse the pun) in the West. Not every beauty salon offers it, perhaps preferring to stick with the tried and tested, but not so at Rutland Health and Beauty Clinic in Oakham. Owned by Ruth Foster for the last 11 years, the business has been going for the last 40 so it’s a well-established name in the town and the team likes to keep up with the latest treatments on offer, and have been rewarded with Crown Salon status by Guinot UK in 2017 and 2019. Ruth and senior therapist Charlotte were keen to explain the benefits of threading to me. “It’s a non invasive, precise method of removing hair from the face and as no chemicals or heat are used, it suits all skin types.” That was music to my ears because after waxing I normally have to scuttle home to a darkened room for a day or two as red blisters and spots appear around my brows which are itchy and sore. I was looking forward to a less severe reaction. You can have threading done while sitting in a chair but lying on a bed gives Charlotte a better angle to work at. She balls up the end of
26 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active life FASHION
Glamour and casual = Glasual They’re good at coming up with new words in the fashion industry but when Marks and Spencer are using it, it could be here to stay
G
LAMOUR SEEMS TO have lost its lustre over the years and now rather than being associated with super smart, slightly scarily chic women it seems to have gone rather downmarket. When I think of glamour now the county of Essex pops to mind with contoured faces, thick brows and lashes, fat lips, fake tan and minimal clothing. Maybe a very unfair generalisation, but one at the moment that seems to have stuck. Glamour in many people’s minds today seems to encapsulate excess, an unnecessary show of ‘bling’ and poor taste. And this doesn’t sit well with today’s viewpoint when we are now trying to shop sustainably and thinking hard before making any unnecessary purchases. At last we are all thinking of the environment and the source of our clothing. Fashion excess is no longer as acceptable, and waste even less so. Welcome to glasual, a style which tends to suit many women because it means you can look smart and still thankfully be comfortable; what’s not to like. A combination of casual and glamour, think floaty, slinky skirts, paired with a cashmere jumper, or dropping the killer heel for a flat sandal or knee high boots, or wearing trainers with a smart trouser suit. Uncontrived, elegant and effortless is the look which incorporates good quality, sustainable clothing that will last for years; think cut and quality of fabric, along with soft muted shades and ease of movement; perfect.
John Lewis cashmere crew neck sweater £85 www.johnlewis.com
Leather riding boot £135 www.jonesbootmaker.com
Metallic pleated midi skirt £49.50 www.marksandspencer.com
Stine Goya marigold stars ruffled skirt £140 www.cavells.co.uk
October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Let’s Get Ready to Rumble cently enjoyed s re m a e T e v ti c er Rambo and The A Mary Bremner umble Live releasing their inn an evening at R
28 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active Life
A
UGUST 12TH - THE Glorious Twelfth - was the day the Active team headed to Grafham Water to enjoy some ‘quality time.’ But we weren’t going to be shooting grouse, we were going to be shooting each other. Not how some would consider the best way to team build but we were happy to give it a go. Rumble, based at Grafham Water describes itself as an ‘exciting new concept in outdoor family fun - live action gaming.’ I’d heard of laser shooting before and definitely paint balling but had never tried either. Some of the team had tried both and it turns out we had a ringer Gary Curtis who designs our ads (aka Big Bad Billy) and is an enthusiastic laser gun expert. So we all hoped we had him on our team. We arrived to play for 6.30pm and were asked to arrive 30 minutes early for our debrief with Rumble Rambler Tom who explained everything including the very impressive guns which apparently cost £500 each. The setting was fabulous, alongside the reservoir with a large fenced area of woodland behind us with strategic hides and towers within it. I have to admit I felt a little wary being handed what looked like a semi automatic machine gun, albeit much lighter and being told to look down the sights and pull the trigger. I’m used to handling a shotgun so it went against all instincts to pull the trigger with so many of us standing close by. Pulling the trigger emitted a loud noise; these laser guns were very life-like, but thankfully there was no recoil. I still wasn’t sure I would enjoy this and Lisa (Badger) felt much the same way, particularly as she had never handled any sort of gun before and struggled to close her left eye properly; I’m sure that was a bit of a ruse as once she’d swapped shoulders and eyes there was no stopping her. After our debriefing and the picking of teams which was done very democratically by the choosing of straws we picked up our guns and found they were named. Most of the names were rather macho such as Cobra, Big Bad Billy and Fox. I was Colin… We also had to put a head piece on which was lit with a red light, if it flashed green it meant we were dead; and with these on we all looked like Rambo as well as felt like him. It was all very clever, if you were dead your gun wouldn’t work, and your opponents could see that you couldn’t do any harm; it took us a while to work that one out. The head piece also recorded how many hits and kills you made, as well as how many times you were killed. Our session would last an hour so Tom started us gently on our first game. We were pitted against each other in our teams and the aim basically was to get the most kills. For this game if we were shot we would be resurrected
“Most of the names were rather macho such as Cobra, Big Bad Billy and Fox. I was Colin…”
immediately, just so we got used to the gun and finding out if we’d been hit. Each team was sent to the far corners of the wood where we had to start behind a partition. And then it was a complete free for all. We were told certain hides and spots gave the team more points (you had to hit a button) and the tower was obviously the best strategic point to defend yourself. To say it was good fun is an understatement. If you were shot, the gun emitted groaning noises and once dead, dying noises. There was a bit of confusion at first as we didn’t all realise if we were dead or not so there was lots of ‘you’re flashing’ conversations. And we quickly realised that your gun told you who had shot you. We were all tearing around like 10 year olds, hiding from each other and jumping out to take shots, all with big grins on our faces. All great fun. At this point Will (Fox) arrived as he was running slightly late. ‘I couldn’t believe it, you were all running around, darting about and hiding behind trees shooting at each other. I thought this was going to be a quiet, gentle evening.’ Ha, little did he know, and to be fair some of the rest of us hadn’t realised quite how energetic it was going to be. After about 15 minutes when we’d all succeeded in killing and being killed Tom called a halt for us to have a breather. We then turned to the score board to find out who had been the most successful and which team had won. Colin had scored a few hits, and taken many more. Big Bad Billy and Cobra (Matt our designer) were deemed to be the best. Will joined my team and this time we were told if we were shot we had to return to our base and press a button to be resurrected. Sounds simple but it’s very frustrating when you’re in the thick of it, get shot and have to tear back to base to press the button and then get shot again before you’ve had a chance to join the fray again. Thanks Big Bad Billy who seemed to be very good at this and was like a will o’the wisp tearing around. Gary had good tactics and was the first to claim the tower, so we were all sitting ducks then. And our team bore the brunt. Tearing back to be rebooted proved very tiring and we were soon all puffing and panting, but having a whale of a time running on adrenalin. It was slightly disconcerting at times as there was a footpath around the perimeter of the wood so occasionally you would point your gun at an unconcerned
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Active Life dog walker or jogger; they were obviously quite used to a load of strangers tearing around like maniacs in the wood. Big Bad Billy eventually got shot so I was able to sprint across the clearing and claim the tower, accompanied by Yvonne (Cash) who had my back. Tom was great at calling encouragement, or making suggestions. I quickly realised that our team were not as tactically adept as the others and were suffering for it. Tom called a halt and we all staggered back to the screen to see how we were getting on. Points wise we were very close, there was very little between us. I think at this stage we were one game apiece. The next game was VIP where we had to protect one of our team mates whilst our opponents tried to kill them. Jeremy (Bond, Jeremy Bond) was our VIP. I’m afraid he didn’t last that long as Big Bad Billy went in for the kill. When I asked Will what our tactics should be I got a look, ‘just kill them,’ ok then. Next game we all had to be snipers, still playing as a team. This was great fun as we all hid from each other trying to pick one another off. At one point I turned round to see Bond, Cobra and Fox all army crawling whilst Cash was hiding behind a tree sniping away to her heart’s content. Colin was quite successful here and managed to avoid being killed, goodness know how, whilst taking out a few opponents. We then played a game where teams were abandoned and it was a free for all. Some of us didn’t enjoy this as much; it’s surprising how vulnerable you feel when nine other people are trying to kill you. Our final game was back to teams and we didn’t have to
return to base to be rebooted; thankfully. By now we were all filthy and by the end, even dirtier. We knew it was our final go so we all joined in with great gusto. Will and Kate ended up in the same hide shooting at each other at point blank range with lots of hilarity, and many of us did the same. At the end we all headed back to the screen to see the final score. The blue team, our opponents, had pipped us at the post just sneaking the final game. Top gun was Cobra aptly named as silent and deadly - who had quietly been killing our opponents at an amazing rate. Big Bad Billy was close behind followed by temporary intern Eleanor (Alpha) who proved to be very good at it. We had the time of our lives. The tensions of the day quickly vanished. I had forgotten quite how much fun it is tearing around a wood basically playing cops and robbers but with a much more high tech modern bent to it. We all released our inner child to much glee. This really is team building at its best. There were howls of laughter, healthy competition and we definitely worked as teams. We all then plonked ourselves on the benches provided and enjoyed a well earned beer and picnic, reminiscing and laughing about our antics well into the evening. Rumble is perfect for childrens’ parties, hen and stag dos, family outings or groups of friends as well as corporate team building events. And Colin? He will be back, as will the rest of the team. We are all enthusiastically recommending Rumble to everyone. Go and give it a go. Anyone from 8 to 80 can do it as long as you’re in good health and you can’t help but smile whilst you’re doing it. And I can safely say that no grouse, or Active team members, were hurt on the glorious 12th. Our thighs didn’t feel so great on the 14th though… Rumble costs £15 for an hour per person and is open every weekend and daily from October 19-27. www.rumblelive.co.uk
“ I had forgotten quite how much fun it is tearing around a wood basically playing cops and robbers but with a much more high tech modern bent to it.” October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Uppingham at its best
Despite its small stature Uppingham is up with the big hitters when it comes to local independent businesses Paintings by Terry Preen 32 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Around Uppingham
U
PPINGHAM IS THE second town of Rutland, six miles from Oakham, with a long history that can be traced back to earlier than the 13th century. A well supported, popular market is held in the square every Friday. Every year in November the fat stock show is held in the Market Place, the only one still to be held within the centre of a town with cattle, pigs and sheep penned in temporary enclosures within the square. Another fascinating part of Uppingham’s history is that the nearby Eyebrook reservoir was used as a practice site by the Avro Lancasters from RAF Scampton before the Dambusters raid in 1943. The workhouse in Uppingham was first recorded in 1777 existing until 1929 when it was closed and taken over by the school. It is now a boarding house called Constables used by the girls. The town will always be associated with Uppingham School founded in 1584 with its many famous alumni including Stephen Fry, Boris Karloff, Rick Stein and cricketer Jonathan Agnew. But it is much more than just a town with a famous public school. Full of independent local shops, as well as numerous cafés, restaurants and businesses, the town is thriving and worth a visit. It even has a Harley- Davidson dealership, Sycamore Harley-Davidson bang in the middle of the town in North Street and for the more artistic, a theatre on the Stockerston Road. Many a happy hour can be spent meandering through the pretty streets, absorbing the tranquility, admiring the architecture and enjoying the friendly hospitality of the locals.
Uppingham used to be renowned for its antique shops and art galleries – and there are still a few - but now the independent retailers are more varied and often quite quirky. But a visit to the town isn’t complete without popping into Goldmark Gallery on Orange Street. This family business has been in the town for over 40 years and is a big hitter within the art world, attracting customers from far and wide. Make sure you pop into Goldmark Ceramics at the same time. If art and antiques are on your radar Rutland Antiques and Art Centre, Uppingham Antiques and Garner’s Fine Art are all worth a visit and are virtually neighbours so not far to walk between them.
Peter Barker Fine Art Gallery
Another gallery to visit is Peter Barker Fine Art. This gallery has recently relocated to Hope’s Yard. Owned by Peter Barker, an award winning local artist, Peter exhibits his own work in the gallery along with an eye-catching collection by other hand picked artists including Terry Preen, whose work we are using today. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday 11am5pm. www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk 01572 868460
“Full of independent local shops, as well as numerous cafés, restaurants and businesses, the town is thriving and worth a visit.”
Blue Gryphon; Goodwin and Belle and Sarah Harding Interiors are a must if you are looking for interior inspiration and ideas, hours can be spent wandering around these three inhaling the aromas and admiring the displays.
Priddy Essentials
Another one for fabulous aromas and products is Priddy Essentials on the High Street. This shop houses a treasure trove of handcrafted, beautifully packaged, handmade perfumes and fragranced products made by the Priddy team on the premises. Made in small batches the products are designed to appeal to all tastes. As well as the Priddy Essentials ranges you will find products from other local talented artisans; this shop at 25 High Street East is a must to visit www.priddygoods.com 01572 821890.
Legacy
Located on High Street West, Legacy adds to the quirky individuality of many of the shops in the town. It offers a vast selection of ladies and gents vintage and equestrian clothing as well as a specialist stock of fine and antique jewellery. Owner Mo Cerone is a director of the Learned Society of Jewellery Historians as well as a valuer and auctioneer. She can offer expert advice on all matters jewellery, including repair, design and bespoke. 01572 822500.
Oliver’s of Uppingham
This hidden gem is not to be missed. Found at the far end of the High Street towards the Town Hall, turn right into Queen Street and pop in and say hello to David and his team. This clothes shop is much more than just that; yes there are clothes for men and women but there are also accessories, jewellery, gifts and toiletries. And there is also The Closet Dress Agency, an Aladdin’s cave full of amazing finds and bargains. David and his team can offer some great styling advice and are friendly and approachable; we doubt you’ll leave empty handed. 01572 868530.
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20/09/2019 13:22 15/12/2016 17:27
Around Uppingham
HAIR AND BEAUTY Now that you’ve found yourself a new outfit it might be time to get a beauty make over and Uppingham won’t disappoint; it has salons and beauticians galore, all offering something slightly different. The Barbers of Uppingham, in the Market Square is a traditional gents’ barbers shop offering a walk in and wait service. Discounts available for boys and pensioners as well as hot towel shaves; they’re a friendly bunch. 01572 820208. Good Hair Days in Hope’s Yard is another long standing business, established in 2002. London trained Nikki Thorpe is well known and popular in the town. Her recently refurbished salon is able to offer the whole package including facials and a nail bar and even has a private and relaxing hairdressing room for those wishing some ‘me alone time.’ www.goodhairdayseverday.co.uk 01572 823370. Organic Ritual Beauty on High Street East allows you to enjoy organic spa treatments as well as everyday routine beauty maintenance, all within their beautiful, stylish salon. Organic, welcoming and environmentally friendly is their mantra. www.organicritualbeauty.org 01572 822853. Sloanes of Uppingham on North Street East is under new ownership and has been completely refurbished. And a familiar face has returned as manager: Graham Bell who was previously a stylist is now managing the business and along with new owner Emma Lambell-Brown has transformed the salon to create a very high-end experience. Beauty services include facials, waxing, massages, nails and professional make-up for special occasions and, of course, there’s a range of hair treatments including cuts, colours, styling, Olaplex and Kerastraight treatments to protect, smooth and repair your hair. 01572 820333.
‘Uppingham has something to suit everyone when it comes to wining and dining.’
Don Paddy’s
Now that you have been pampered and preened to your heart’s content and found a new outfit it’s time to go and show it all off.
The Falcon
Uppingham has something to suit everyone when it comes to wining and dining. The renowned Falcon Hotel, a 16th century coaching inn sits resplendently in the Market Square. The food is excellent and varied, service impeccable and it’s hard to think of a better place to relax than in front of one of their open fires or outside on their lovely terraces. There are plenty of rooms available if you decide to make a night of it, including for the less mobile guest. www.falcon-hotel.co.uk
Situated in the Market Place Don Paddy’s is a coffee house, wine bar and brasserie. So you could start the day in there with a coffee, head back for lunch and then finish the day with a glass of wine; perfect. And don’t forget to try their brunch menu. www.donpaddys.co.uk
The Vaults
If a traditional pub is more your style head to The Vaults, again in the Market Place. This is a classic pub, situated in a perfect position in the town. Ideal for good honest, top quality traditional pub food, accompanied by well kept beer, served by friendly staff. And don’t forget the Uppingham Beer Festival which starts on October 25. There will be live music and plenty of beer (obviously) spread across the pubs in the town. Mention must go to the Uppingham Brewhouse as well. Located in the heart of the town with a commitment to creating quality real ale; look out for their beer. www.thevaultsuppingham.co.uk
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Around Uppingham
MORE COFFEE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS Scandimania Coffee House on High Street East is a firm favourite in the town, and now the residents of Stamford can enjoy the same benefits as a second café has just opened in the High Street. Raff’s coffee shop on High Street East has new owners who are settling in well. And don’t forget the Lake Isle for fine dining and Red India for excellent Indian cuisine.
TAXIS If, after a couple of glasses of wine and an excellent meal you want a taxi home, Dave at D C Taxis is your man 07528 121560.
‘Uppingham might be small in stature but it doesn’t behave that way and certainly packs a punch.’
THE BUTCHER, THE BAKER AND THE CANDLESTICK MAKER Uppingham might not be able to offer a traditional candlestick maker but it definitely has a fifth generation baker, Baines on High Street West where they bake on the premises. Two independent butchers are still in the town Nelsons and Culpin and Son. And perhaps two independent haberdashery shops, A E Bilsdon and D Norton & Sons as well as a carpet maker (or retailer) Uppingham Carpet Co will suffice for the candles. And every town needs an excellent florist, Earthworks is Uppingham’s finest. If visiting on a Friday make sure you enjoy the market and stop and say hello to bike mechanic Carl Silvester who runs a bike surgery -
32 Spokes for servicing and repairs, from his market stall. He’s friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about his craft and sport www.32spokes.co.uk 07757 057032.
SLIGHTLY OUT OF TOWN Uppingham School Sports Centre on the Leicester Road is an excellent facility offering classes, courts and courses for everyone as well as swimming lessons and public swimming sessions too. www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk
Welland Vale Garden Inspirations
Located on the edge of town on the Glaston Road this garden centre offers an extensive range of plants, perennials, garden ware, statues and giftware; and also has the Orchard café where the cakes are extremely good. They’ve just opened a soft play area to keep the kids happy while their parents plan their gardens. www.wellandvalegardeninspirations. co.uk As we said Uppingham might be small in population and stature but it doesn’t behave that way. It certainly packs a punch with its host of independent businesses and the sense of community in the town is strong. Enjoy a day discovering it for yourself.
October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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S ’ T E L KEEP G N I V MO
It’s a proven fact that being part of the community and interacting with people is beneficial to both mental and physical health. For those less mobile there are plenty of solutions
38 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active Life
Driving Miss Daisy
A
S WE GET older we can become less mobile, or due to illness or accident the same fate can befall any of us. Being unable to walk or move around can easily make us feel more isolated and in some cases, become house bound. This can then remove you from the community and cause isolation so if you’re not careful the double whammy of mental health problems as well as physical can rear their ugly head. There is no doubt that loneliness and lack of companionship, as well as lack of exercise and fresh air can lead to many more problems. And at Active we don’t want that to happen. It’s important that everyone is part of the wider community, whatever their circumstances. We are lucky today as there are so many people, products and companies around who offer a solution to virtually any mobility or care problem there is. And locally there are many, many companies doing just this. We’ve found a few of them who are able to provide sensitive, practical advice and quite often a solution to any problems that can arise. So grab your coat and get outside once more to enjoy the sun on your face and get yourself back out there enjoying the company of others, or indeed, just to enjoy watching the world go by.
You might have spotted this van out and about; I have and think it’s an excellent idea. The Driving Miss Daisy franchise empowers the least able in society to live more independent lives through the provision of specialist transportation, social engagement and companion services across the country. Barney Buik owns the Stamford franchise that covers a large rural area as well as the towns of Grantham, Bourne, Stamford, Uppingham and Oakham and has been delighted with the level of interest. ‘We are not a taxi company; we offer companion drivers and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Many of our clients have become friends. We make regular shopping trips with some, allowing them to get out and interact and socialise. We also assist with trips to hospitals and doctors. And we can also enable people to enjoy social outings and to have fun. We are booked to take a client to see the Downtown Abbey film and another has recently enjoyed a shopping trip and lunch with friends. To see the smiles on their faces after these trips is hugely rewarding. ‘Our motto is ‘We’re family when family can’t be there,’ and that is exactly who we are, providing a trusted, reliable service.’ 07464 849422 or 01780 411463.
“It’s important that everyone is part of the wider community.”
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Active Life Scotgate Mobility
This Stamford based company is friendly, knowledgeable and able to help offer solutions for independent living ranging from mobility scooters and equipment hire to mobility aids, walking sticks and even footwear for problem feet as well as bathing and incontinence products. Proprietor Katy Brown took the business on in 2017 and has since revamped it to be a mobility retail store offering hundreds of products. She also hires equipment as well as sells it. Her shop has a flat level access for visitors with wheelchairs, scooters and walking frames and she is right next to the Scotgate car park with disabled parking spaces. Pop in and see Katy, you’ll get a warm welcome, practical advice and find a huge range of products to choose from. www.scotgatemobility.co.uk
Oakham Mobility and Healthcare
Customers are at the heart of Oakham Mobility and Healthcare. Understanding their needs and building solid relationships with them helps owner Mick Copas and his team to improve the product range and support they offer. A customer’s independence is top of their wish list. For some people the solution may be the latest portable scooter than can be electronically folded to fit into a car, others may need a larger more off road scooter which is stronger, more stable and able to cope with rough terrain. Oakham and Mobility Healthcare have solutions for every scenario. For wheelchair users there’s a range of folding and rigid active wheelchairs which are individually built to suit the customer. Many of these are made of lightweight titanium and carbon fibre enabling people to carry on doing what they always enjoyed doing, albeit slightly differently. A customer may still want to cycle around Rutland Water with their children even if they are no longer able to walk. Using a lightweight wheelchair with a hand bike such as the Quickie Attitude or a Klaxon Klik power add-on means they can still enjoy getting out and about. Mick and his team are clinically trained to assess each individual’s needs, often working with therapists. They will happily visit a client in their own home and will also offer a warm welcome to anyone visiting their showroom at Pilings Road, Oakham. www.oakhammobility.co.uk 01572 755204.
AHM Installations
For 18 years AHM Installations have paved the way for mobility in the home helping those who are less mobile to feel safer in their bathrooms. Started by Julie and Simon Symcox initially focusing on mobility scooters and stairlifts the number of enquiries about mobility bathrooms quickly made them realise there was a great demand and need for them. Specialists in bathroom adaptations for the elderly and disabled, AHM Installations can provide wet rooms, walk in showers and baths, automatic toilets, raised toilets, grab rails and shower stools. Every customer gets a free bathroom survey as well as free advice on available government grants and can guarantee they can rely on trustworthy tradesmen with a vast knowledge of bathroom and wet room installation. Visit AHM Installations showroom in Lincoln or go to www.ahminstallations.co.uk 01780 429281 or 0116 2025947.
“Allowing people to carry on doing what they enjoyed doing, albeit slightly differently.”
40 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Nursing • Residential • Dementia • Respite *Images are representative of our refurbishment.
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We’re family when family can’t be there Driving Miss Daisy® offers the UK’s first national safe, friendly and reliable companion and driving service.
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.
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Huge range of products including mobility scooters, active and electric wheelchairs, power add-ons and more.
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01572 755204 www.oakhammobility.co.uk Motability Partner
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Active Life
Bluebird Care
“One of our main priorities is to help maintain our customers’ independence.”
Supporting and caring for customers in their own homes throughout Rutland, Stamford, Peterborough and Oundle is the aim of Bluebird Care. They understand the importance of keeping their customers as mobile as possible to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. They offer a bespoke service to meet each client’s individual needs and mobility objectives are met, aided by their team of professional carers who will work closely with physios and occupational therapists if need be. Reducing the risk of falls and unsteadiness on the feet is a key part of enabling the elderly to remain in their own home. Bluebird Care has set up their own initiative to help this #GetOutdoors. This campaign encourages activity and mobility to enhance wellbeing. The success of the campaign means small wins have made a big difference to many people; ranging from a cup of tea in the garden, a gentle stroll, picking flowers, a visit to the park, all while staying safe and active and often accompanied by someone from Bluebird Care. www.bluebirdcare.co.uk 01780 480881 and 01733 459907.
Wright Care at Home
Staying at home for as long as they are able and being as independent as possible, has been proven to be beneficial for the elderly or infirm. Wright Care at Home, an independent care provider based in Stamford, offers support to those who wish to remain in their own homes but who require help to do so. “One of our main priorities is helping to maintain our customers’ independence. We work closely with occupational therapists and physiotherapists so we can support people with reduced mobility to stay at home rather than going into hospital or residential care. Our ethos is to promote independent living. Encouraging our customers to maintain their independence within their capabilities ensures they remain active. We encourage people to keep moving and get out and about and our carers take our customers to places like garden centres, the market or for afternoon tea.” www.wrightcareathome.co.uk 01780 489227.
Mobility Your Way
Based in Market Harborough this family run business specialises in mobility aids for the elderly and disabled. They aim to make life easier to help allow freedom and independence selling new and reconditioned stock ranging from mobility scooters to stair lifts to rise and recline beds and everything in between. You can view and test products and receive excellent knowledgeable advice. They have a newly refurbished showroom at Eckland Lodge Business Park on the Desborough Road or visit the shop on Northampton Road. www.mobilityyourway.co.uk 01858 469998.
October 2019 / theactivemag.com 43
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ActiveBody E DI T E D BY K AT E M A X I M
Dem bones, dem bones Nutritional Therapist Sheila Storer explains why she would refer a patient for a bone density scan
B
ONE DENSITY ISN’T a subject you hear discussed often, but it should be. As we age, our bones can thin and weaken leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Half of all women over 50 will suffer a fracture according to the Royal College of Physicians, but improving bone density is possible if we follow the correct advice. Ways to do this will vary from patient to patient. I see many clients in my clinic who may be at risk of reduced bone density or who are interested to know what their bone density is. In the first place I send clients to see diagnostic radiographer Finola MacSweeney at Archway Health Hub in Market Harborough for a DEXA scan of the wrist where the radius and ulna bones are at their thinnest. Your GP can refer you via the NHS to clinics in Leicester and Peterborough but you have to be eligible in terms of risk factors like family history, early menopause, whether you take steroid medication or certain food intolerances. Many people don’t want to wait for a referral or don’t pass the criteria hence private clinics like Archway Health and The Broad Street Practice in Stamford are making this service available. We build up bone density during our childhood and it reaches a peak in early adulthood. Depending on what we eat and if we are able to do regular weight bearing exercise then that level should stay fairly constant until the menopause (in women) when it declines naturally with the dropping off of the protective hormone oestrogen. Post menopausal women are the most common patients I see with concerns about bone density, but there are other people at risk. If someone has suffered from an eating disorder, a poor diet, or chronic bowel disorders (IBS) it often leads to low
mineral intake. Genetic factors also come into play and people who take steroid medication for conditions like asthma and arthritis may suffer from reduced bone density. People with food intolerances or coeliac disease may also have reduced mineral levels and patients prescribed certain chemotherapy medication may need a bone scan before and after treatment. The most important bone in terms of osteoporosis is the neck of the femur, or hip joint, as this supports the whole body. If someone breaks their hip it can lead to more serious problems as they become immobile. No one wants to get to this point so prevention is always better than cure. A scan takes a couple of minutes, is non invasive, and gives a T-score to measure a person’s fracture risk in comparison to the rest of the population. It may be in the normal range, point to osteopenia or flag up osteoporosis. There is always hope and depending on the results, I would recommend different nutritional advice which I will discuss next month. For a free 20 minute pre treatment consultation with Sheila contact Archway Health Hub on 01858 410820. A DEXA scan coupled with a nutritional therapy consultation at Archway Health Hub costs £140 and the date of the next clinic is Wednesday 9 October 2019. Contact Archway in order to book in. For more information about Finola Mac Sweeney visit www.croftmedicalimaging.co.uk. And to find out more about bone scanning at Stamford’s Broad Street Practice go to www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk
October 2019 / theactivemag.com 45
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20/09/2019 13:20
ActiveBody
Keep Bending The Knees Physiotherapist Sarah Babbs from Stamford’s Broad Street Practice explains why keeping active in old age is vital
W
E HAVE ALL seen the fabulous photographs of 90 year olds rock climbing, windsurfing and running races. But we have also seen relatives and friends who have really struggled with ageing; life has got harder and more difficult and they have become more isolated because of poorer physical health. So where is the happy medium? As we age, we lose muscle mass. This is known as sarcopenia and is a natural part of ageing. After the age of 30 we can lose as much as 3 to 5% per decade. Less muscle along with poorer bone quality and balance means greater weakness and less mobility, which increases your risk of falls and in the worst case scenario fractures, hospital stays and an increase in mortality; not to mention healthcare costs. I see a number of people between their 70s and 90s who have asked for help as they have become weaker and noticed that they are limited in their movement, or following fractures and hospitalisation for other conditions. Often quoted, though not strictly proven, is “10 days in a hospital bed leads to 10 years’ worth of lost muscle mass in people over age 80.” The term often used is “going off their legs,” catastrophic for some who get home and are no longer able to manage on their own. But it is not all bad news. A recent study from Monash University in Australia looked at 50,000 people aged at least 60 years (not old, I hear you say) and found that: “Although frailty is highly prevalent in older people, natural remission is possible and common.” The study was looking particularly at longevity but quality of life goes hand in hand with better physical health. What do we do to improve and maintain our strength and physical health into old age? As for everyone, loading and strengthening exercises will improve muscle mass. I ask almost all of my older patients to do squats and press ups, much to their surprise. These start as a simple sit to stand manoeuvre from a chair, or holding on to a work top and
“I ask almost all of my older patients to do squats and press ups, much to their surprise.” bending the knees and hips progressing to proper squats using weights. Press ups start against a wall and hopefully, ultimately the floor. Being confident getting up and down from the floor is vital as if one falls, getting up safely is paramount, otherwise it can be a long wait for someone to come and help. We even practice this in our sessions. Exercising the arms and legs with weights, starting low and building up is excellent. I rue the day that we all went digital with our kitchen scales as small pound weights are often enough at the beginning, now a bottle of water or tin of tomatoes seems the most accessible home weight. Combining balance and strength training is vital. Tai chi is a fabulous way of restoring and maintaining strength and balance. Done in a class or individually this Chinese martial art is often used by the older population. I was delighted and impressed recently to see a class being held on the Meadows in Stamford.
The Otago exercise programme was developed in Otago, New Zealand specifically for the prevention of falls and is also available in Stamford at the Broad Street Practice. Overall studies show that the exercise programme reduced by 35% both the number of falls and the number of injuries resulting from falls. Older people often fall when getting up in the night as vision is poorer in the dark. So practicing exercises safely with the eyes closed will help, as will putting night lights in the corridor. An example of exercise improving quality of life comes from a wonderful gentleman of 94 I know who is visiting the outdoor gym at Rutland Water each week. When we first met he had fallen and fractured his hip and was struggling to walk in the house, couldn’t manage the stairs and life was very limited compared to before his fall. With support from family and his indomitable spirit he has exercised himself back to walking to the local shop and using the cross trainer and cycle at the outdoor gym. What an inspiration he has been to me. To make an appointment with Sarah ring The Broad Street Practice on 01780 480889 or contact her direct on 07780 900201.
October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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20/09/2019 14:34
ActiveBody
Just five portions Following recent news about the dangers of restricted diets, lead researcher Dr Stephanie Howard Wilsher from the University of East Anglia reveals why young men are not eating their ‘five-a-day’
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STUDY PUBLISHED in the journal Nutrients shows why British men aged 18-24 are struggling to eat even three portions of fruit and vegetables a day. As well as not having the culinary skills to cook for themselves, the researchers found that young men are more focused on gaining muscle and improving their physique rather than eating a healthy diet. In England about half of men eat less than three portions of fruit and veg a day, and young men aged 18-24 eat the least. This is really worrying because men are more likely than women to suffer health problems later in life such as coronary heart disease. Our research team led focus groups involving young men aged 18-24, who were of normal weight, in urban and rural areas in
England. They used magazine images and health promotion materials as talking points to instigate discussions about health, diet and fitness. The participants kept food diaries for four days, and were separated into groups of high consumers – who regularly ate more than four portions of fruit and veg a day, and low consumers – who managed less than three portions. We found that the young men with the best diets really believed in their ability to afford, shop for, prepare and cook fruit and vegetables. These high consumers felt that they had good control of their diet and health, and had positive attitudes towards healthy food. For example they found that cooking and eating healthy food gave them enjoyment, satisfaction and better mood.
Those who weren’t eating enough either could not or would not cook. For this group, convenience foods were easier and fruit and vegetables were viewed as expensive, not readily available and their preparation time-consuming. They had more negative attitudes such as not liking the taste of vegetables, and not finding fruit and veg very filling. Some weren’t very open to trying new foods, and most didn’t prioritise good health. They hoped they would stay healthy, even though many had close family members suffering from chronic health conditions. Low consumers were also more driven by social influences from friends, family, and social norms. Interestingly, both groups believed that fruit and vegetables benefitted health and were nutritious. But none of the young men were aware that eating fruit and vegetables could lower the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, however low consumers didn’t think too much about their future health and had a ‘live for today’ attitude. This research helps us understand the motivations of a hard-to-reach group, in order to develop and target diet and health interventions. Policy makers need to adopt different approaches to engage young men with health messages and improve their dietary choices.
“We found that the young men with the best diets really believed in their ability to afford, shop for, prepare and cook fruit and vegetables.”
October 2019 / theactivemag.com 49
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20/09/2019 14:37
Active Kids E DI T E D BY M A RY BR E M N E R
Leicester Grammar’s head is settling in Stamford High School student wins gold CHARLOTTE BOLTON AND her team of rowers (Isle of Ely) recently won gold at the British Junior Rowing Championships this summer. This gold adds to her stash of winning a gold medal and setting a new GB record in the mixed junior relay at the British Rowing Indoor Championship and her title of women’s junior national champion alongside her partner Poppy, that she won earlier in the spring.
LEICESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL welcomed new headmaster and principal John Watson in the spring and he is now looking forward to his first full academic year. An Oxford classics and modern languages graduate John joined LGS from Bablake School in Coventry where he was previously head. The school has recently celebrated excellent A level and GCSE results and the staff are rightly proud of their pupils’ achievements. A new sixth form programme is being introduced with the addition of psychology and business studies A levels. Mr Watson is settling in well and looking forward to enhancing the opportunities available to his pupils.
Demi’s Delight
Celebrations galore
CONGRATULATIONS TO 16-YEAR-OLD Demi Bradshaw who jumped a clear round representing her pony club, The Cottesmore, at Burghley recently. Demi had never competed at the horse trials before and was one of only 17 out of 114 riders to go clear.
RUTLAND WATER JUNIOR parkrun recently celebrated their first birthday and had great fun doing so. 112 children took part in the run, joined by about 40 adults. Rutland High Sheriff Margaret Miles and Anna’s Hope fairy Carole joined the children at the end and there was plenty of cake to go round thanks to the generous volunteers.
October 2019 / the activemag.com
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Active Kids
Oakham hockey players’ success THREE OAKHAM SCHOOL pupils have been selected for the England National Age Group (NAGS) Assessments: Becca for the U18s, Tilly for the U16s and Ben for the U18s who has already captained the U16 NAGS squad this summer.
Witham Hall’s pre season tours a success WITHAM HALL GIRLS’ hockey 1st VII team and the boys’ 1st XV rugby team both had successful pre season tours recently. The girls headed to Essex and Suffolk
without losing a match. The boys went north to Woodhouse Grove, where they were not as successful but made up for it at Sedbergh winning a closely fought game.
Jonathan is Junior Champion LOCAL NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD triathlete Jonathan Oakey has just come first in the 2019 British Triathlon Junior Super Series. The series consists of seven races that brings the best young triathletes from across the UK together. Each race generally includes a 750m swim followed by a 20km bike ride and then a 5km run. The athletes earn points from each race and Jonathan came out on top, beating many senior athletes in many of the races at the same time. Jonathan has been a member of the Peterborough PACTRAC triathlon club since the age of nine and now trains at the Leeds Triathlon Centre. Keep an eye on him, he’s one to watch.
Old Stamfordian playing rugby in the US ZACK GODFREY WHO left Stamford School in 2018 has recently been signed for the American Major League Rugby side Houston Saber Cats for the 2020 season. Whilst at Stamford he was a key player in the 1st XV as well as being one of several boys who were in the Leicester Tigers U18 academy. Since leaving he has been playing in London and New Zealand and is now heading to Texas.
52 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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20/09/2019 13:18
Meet Rory Underwood | Kate gets on her bike Local club updates | Reader challenges | Essential sports kit
ActiveSport On your bike!
BRACEBOROUGH
This month Gary Waterfall recommends an easy, fairly flat 25 mile route on lovely quiet roads.
GREATFORD
Distance: 25.8miles Elevation: 612ft Ride type: Road WEST DEEPING
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TART FROM THE pretty village of Uffington at The Bertie Arms, where there is plenty of space to park if need be. Head south to Barnack and then on to Southorpe until almost the A47. Turn left just before the A47 up a short but challenging hill before turning right through the hamlet of Upton and to reach the A47 roundabout; take care here. Go straight across and follow the road to Ailsworth where a left turn takes you uphill and over the A47 where you will follow the road into Helpston. Straight over at the crossroads and over the mainline before winding your way to West Deeping. Taking care cross the busy A1175, then put your foot down on the long flat King Street before turning left to Greatford. Here the route can be cut short and flow into Greatford but for the full 25 miles, turn right to Wilsthorpe before turning left through Braceborough to bring you back into Greatford. A final three flat miles will bring you back to The Bertie Arms which has lots of great food and well-kept beer to choose from. Sunday Lunches are delicious and the weekday lunch menu is also great; the homemade fishfinger baguette is a favourite; and, you will have earned The Dirty Bertie Fries too.
UFFINGTON START/FINISH
HELPSTON BARNACK
CAISTOR & AILSWORTH
https://www.strava.com/routes/21165280
54 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Taking to the road Kate Maxim is bitten by the cycling bug
56 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport
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INCE UNPACKING AND building my Canyon Roadlite fitness bike a few weeks ago (see the September issue) I have spent some very enjoyable hours on it alone and with friends. And I can safely say I now get what all the fuss is about. I’m sure like other novice cyclists, I’d have worked out the best gears to use in different conditions myself but it was much easier gaining advice from Giles Cooper, international triathlete and Active Rutland’s Sportsman of the Year. On my bike I have an 11 speed cassette with two chain rings on the front, therefore 22 different gears in total. The left lever on the handlebar moves the derailleur to change from the small chain ring to the largest, up or down. The right lever does the back, moving through the eleven gears. As Giles explained, the easiest way to pedal on the flat is using the smallest chain ring on the front and the biggest cassette on the back, somewhere roughly in the middle as they’re the closest in size to each other so you do more revolutions. The hardest way to pedal is with the smallest ring at the back and the biggest at the front, like sixth gear on a car. The idea is you don’t want your legs to move too slowly or spin too quickly and the ideal is roughly 80-90 revolutions per minute. He advised me, as a beginner, to not change the front ring a lot and to stay in the large chain ring most of the time. Until you go up hill… Once I’d got the hang of it I felt like I was flying at times, pedalling was so easy. The trick is to look ahead and work out which gear you’re going to need before you end up in a muddle. Sometimes easier said than done. Tyre pressure makes a difference too, the same as on a car. As my bike was brand new the tyres were good. Apparently you want to be able to squeeze the tyre a bit, but not a lot. The wide tyres on a mountain bike create lots of resistance like a tractor which is probably another reason I’ve always found cycling so much hard work! Mountain bikes also have a lot of suspension that absorb shock but with a road bike and its narrower tyres you feel every pot hole, and that’s my only complaint. I rode around Rutland Water one morning with one friend on her road bike and two others on electric bikes. I borrowed one of their padded seat covers for ten minutes and it made all the difference, so I know what I’d invest in. Even though the electric bikes went
sailing past me at times, I didn’t need to get off and push once which I put down to how light the bike is and how efficient the gears. The idea with a fitness bike (or any) is to use it. Often it’s too easy to hop in the car for a two mile trip without thinking about it. So I’ve tried to ride to friends in nearby villages instead of driving, and my friend Jax and I spent a lovely couple of hours cycling a 20 mile route instead of walking our dogs. I can’t stress enough how that would never have crossed my mind before, as cycling has always seemed such a chore. I’ve also been cycling a few times first thing in the morning but I’ve found that going at rush hour isn’t the most pleasant experience. Giles recommends staying off rat runs and even though it may seem safer to stay off main roads, they’re wider so may be better. The police are trying to enforce a 1.5m gap around cyclists and British Cycling recommend people ride two abreast. They
say it’s harder to overtake six riders in single file than three lots of two; a bit like overtaking an artic instead of an estate car. It also forces drivers to wait until it really is safe to overtake rather than thinking they can push past a long line. Although on a narrow road the recommendation is to ride in single file. I’m lucky because I can fit the bike in my car so I can ride wherever takes my fancy, without having to think about bike carriers. I think I should raise the seat to give me more forward momentum, buy a better helmet and, without doubt, invest in some padded cycling shorts or even change the saddle. But what I know for sure is, although I’ve not turned into a cycling fanatic, I’m now an enthusiast and will definitely carry on cycling. Give me a wave if you see me on the road. www.canyon.com
‘The idea is you don’t want your legs to move too slowly or spin too quickly and the ideal is roughly 80-90 revolutions per minute.’ October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Fast Jets and Quick Balls Editor Mary Bremner meets record international try scorer, rugby legend Rory Underwood MBE Did you always want to play rugby? No I wanted to be a pilot. I wanted to fly the Jaguar. It was sleek, powerful and fast, that’s what I wanted to do. I’d thought about being a commercial pilot but set my sights on joining the RAF. You can’t loop the loop in a jumbo jet! I was part of the CCF at school and at 16 won a flying scholarship from the RAF. This meant I spent four weeks at Cambridge airport where I obtained my PPL licence. I then continued on at school, did my A levels and applied to the RAF. So where did the rugby come in? Remember in those days rugby was an amateur sport so we all had separate careers. I was brought up in Malaysia where my father worked. We were a sporty family, my two brothers, my sister and I spent a lot of time outside, mainly playing football. My mother had been keen on athletics and Dad played football. I didn’t touch a rugby ball until I was 11 at school at Barnard Castle in Co Durham. We all sat in a classroom where they explained the rules and that was it. They
worked out I was quick so I was put on the wing, and I’ve stayed there ever since. Rob Andrew was in my house at school so we’ve played together since we were 11. Then what happened? I kept playing, first of all for the school’s first XV and for Durham County U18s and at Middlesborough. I was in their first team aged 16. I left school after A levels expecting to go straight into the RAF but I didn’t get in; they told me to come back a year later which, at the time was a real blow. It probably did me a real favour, but it didn’t feel like that at the time. So I kept playing rugby. I had a car so could travel to the matches. I played for Durham County who were in the northern division county championships before Christmas and after that, in early 1982, when I was with Durham County Colts I had trials for the North of England. I was then selected for the England Colts and we played against France and Wales. In May 1982 I received a letter telling me I’d been picked to tour with the England U23 team to Italy for a week. I was 18.
We played three games in a week on that tour. Remember it was an amateur sport so we had to fit our training in around our jobs. I reapplied to the RAF and heard in the November that I’d got in this time. By now I was playing for Yorkshire and the North of England and had played against Fiji. I moved to Cranwell to start my training on February 14 1983. That was a Monday. That day I was told by my wing commander to be ready to play in a match the following day. I went from Nottingham to Plymouth to play in an inter services game. I’d not met any of the team or trained with them. I suspect they wanted to ‘see me in the flesh’ so to speak. I graduated from Cranwell in the June and joined Leicester Tigers that summer whilst continuing with my flying training and playing at weekends. Was that not difficult? No, we didn’t know any different. I was aged 19-20 so young and naturally fit. It’s just what we all did. We worked during the week, attended training sessions in the evening and played at the weekend. I think the RAF were helpful in that they kept me in the area so I was able to play for Leicester Tigers, but I wasn’t so sure at the time as I wanted to carry on with my flying training. I started in Tiger’s second team but quickly got into the firsts. I was still playing for Yorkshire, the RAF and then had an England trial. I was picked for the England squad at Christmas 1983 and received a phone call in February 1984 telling me I’d been picked for the second match of the five nations (as it was then) England v Ireland. I was 20.
58 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport internationals and had a 12-year playing stint with England and the British Lions and played in three world cups. Do you see yourself as a rugby player or a RAF pilot? An Air Force pilot. That was my job, rugby was my sport. I worked during the week and played at weekends. My club career with Leicester Tigers wasn’t affected by my RAF career, nor vice versa. Of course it’s completely turned around now and rugby would probably have been my career today. I was very lucky. I had the thrill of experiencing low level flying, which I earned through hard work and skill, as well as the honour of playing and scoring at Twickenham; I don’t have any complaints.
Were you able to carry on with your flying training? Yes, the RAF were very accommodating and allowed me to catch up. This meant I was flying continuously and more intensely so that gave me an advantage and I quickly caught up. I went to Valley for another course which they pushed me through quickly so I could play in the next five nations tournament. The RAF were very good with me being flexible to allow me to get through. But I still had to pass the courses so was working twice as hard to do both, and as well as playing for England I was playing for the RAF as well. In September 1985 I was at Chivenor in Devon. I was still playing for the Tigers so would travel back on a Saturday to play. Thinking back I was mad; but young and fit with lots of energy and enthusiasm. It meant I never missed out on the flying and being with my peers, just disappeared at the weekends, as most of them did to see their girlfriends and families; I was just playing rugby instead. After Chivenor we were streamed and I went straight to flying the Tornado, this was in 1986. So I never did get to fly the Jaguar which was a single seater. The Tornado is a two seater and I doff my hat to any single seater pilot as I know the skills they have to have. The Tornado was based at Cottesmore so that is where I went, meaning I was still able to play for the Tigers. But I failed the course. I was gutted, I’d never failed at anything before. If you fail you’re chopped from the course immediately. They offered me the Hercules but I didn’t want to do that; I didn’t join the RAF to fly large transport aircraft. They sent me instead to fly the Canberra on 360 Sqn, which was based at Wyton, near Huntingdon. I was happy as it meant there was a chance to cross back over to the fast jets. All this time I was still plying rugby as well. So staying in the area was a good posting.
You also played with your brother Tony, who played on the opposite wing to you. The first brothers to play for England since 1937. What was that like? It was good, but during a match I didn’t feel like he was my brother, just another team mate. And it’s your team mates that you have the strong bonds with in those circumstances.
‘I had the thrill of experiencing low level flying, as well as the honour of playing and scoring at Twickenham.’
What have you done since both your careers ended? I finished playing for England in 1996. I was lucky as I never suffered from many injuries and was able to stop playing under my own terms. I left the RAF in 2001. I decided I wanted to be my own boss so combined my two strengths: the discipline of being an RAF officer, working in a team and of course the teamwork that is involved with playing rugby. I became a keynote speaker to start with but now have my own company, Wingman, which is a performance consultancy. I know how to get the best out of people and to get them working together. I spent 16 years playing rugby and 18 years as a fast jet pilot so have a wealth of experience. I enjoy what I’m doing. Do you have any connection to rugby now, and how do you think England is going to do in the world cup? I’ve been a non executive director at Leicester Tigers since 2007 which I love. I played for the Tigers for 15 years and it’s now an honour to be on the board. We had an annus horribulus last year but it’s done and now we just need to get on with it. I think we will do much better this season. I am still a huge rugby fan and enjoy watching as an avid supporter. England at the World Cup? They have the chance to do very well. If they get it right they could be unbeatable, but it will be tough. They will need some luck and a lack of injuries but with the wind behind them they are one of the teams that can beat New Zealand. But of course, there’s also Wales and Ireland…. www.wingmanltd.com
You still hold the record as England’s international try scorer, 49 tries from 85
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CHALLENGES
From Top to Bottom Stuart Hill and Jarred Lester are now cycling the Deloitte Ride across Britain. “UNFORTUNATELY”, STUART SAYS, “I never did get the big hilly ride in before my holiday but I feel pretty confident that my training over the last year has put me in good stead for the ride. It’s been really strange taking a step back from cycling this past month to ensure I am fresh for the trip. But it has made me really eager to start and get back on the bike; although I’m not sure I will feel the same after the first few hundred miles. “A day of fundraising in Stamford High Street has helped boost my fundraising total. So I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated and it was inspiring to hear so many stories from people who have beaten prostate cancer. “My brother has also been helping me by
creating a fantastic promotional video for my ride. You can view it by going to any one of Electric Egg’s social media pages. So thank you to him and Electric Egg for their support. As ever if you want to donate to my fundraising page you can do so at https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/ showROFundraiserPage?userUrl= StuartHill19&pageUrl=2 Jarred Lester has also been hard at his training despite heavy work commitments. His bike is certainly ready showing his support for Macmillan Cancer Support. Like Stuart he was excited and slightly nervous about the nine day ride but both were raring to go so hopefully got on well. We’ll find out next month.
60 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport
The Final Countdown Late last month, Charlie Reading, director and founder of Efficient Portfolio, took on his first Iron Man in Cervia, Italy. We caught up with him just before he left.
Geneva to Champagne Meet Celia de Blasi who is cycling 515km in four days and will hopefully enjoy a glass of champagne at the end CELIA DE BLASI from Stamford is spending four days as we write cycling from Geneva to Champagne doing the Ferblanc Cycle challenge; 515 km in four days, that’s at least 80 miles a day. Celia is determined to raise £2,500 herself and is cycling with a team of 25 amateur cyclists who hope to raise £100,000 between them for neurological research for the Ferblanc charity. The charity has been doing the ‘slow Tour de France’ organising an event every two years. Celia has helped cater on the previous two legs supporting her husband who was cycling. But this year she has decided to tackle the penultimate leg herself. Celia is very much an amateur cyclist but has been training hard since February. At first she needed to get more confident on a road bike and used to wearing cleats. Doing the 100 mile Prudential Ride in London in August has certainly helped with her training as she will spend four days cycling at least 80 miles a day. Despite all the training she is not looking forward to the first day of the ride which will be in the Alps. We’ll let you know how Celia got on next month. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CeliaDeBlasi
Active wants to hear from you If you have set yourself a challenge, be it the most simple to the most ambitious, we want to hear from you. Get in touch well before your challenge date then we can follow your training, trials and tribulations as well as your actual triumph. Email mary@theactivemag.com
WITH ONLY DAYS to go, we found out how the final leg of his training was going, and how he is now mentally preparing himself for the gruelling challenge. “Now that I’m into my final month of training, I have been upping the ante and increasing my training load with one final push. This was always the intention so it hasn’t come as too much of a shock, but has still proved to be quite a challenge. “I have been doing much longer runs, rides and swims in both Rutland, where I live and Cornwall, where I holiday. Over the last month I have been averaging 8.5 hours on the bike, over four hours running and more than two hours swimming per week. I’ve planned my summer holiday around this training plan, otherwise I’m not sure I’d have been able to fit in sufficient training around work and my girls’ school commitments! “I’m feeling confident that my fitness is on target, so I’ve also been doing some mental wellbeing exercises, some acclimatisation training and ensuring that my overall health won’t let me down. “For my mental health, I’ve been practising some mindfulness and making sure that I sleep well every night, which is a huge factor for my overall wellbeing. I’ve found that my surroundings have had the biggest impact on my mental state: Training in some of the most beautiful locations in the country gives me a huge boost. Watching the sun rise with ospreys as my only companions has actually been a blessing and means that I look forward to my 5am alarm. Miles have become my meditation. “In previous months I’ve completed quite a few open water swims, but I have opted for a variety of swimming training sets in the pool recently rather than open water, to avoid the risk of illness. The last thing I need is a cold when I arrive in Italy! “My greatest concern before the Iron man has been the heat: temperatures in Italy could be in the high 20s and low 30s, so it’s going to be hot. I’ve been incredibly fortunate with the UK heatwaves this summer, as the hot weather has inadvertently provided some acclimatisation training. “In the next week or so, I will start to taper my training, so that I arrive at the start line in the best possible form. I do feel prepared, but some nerves are starting to kick in. To combat this, I will try to maintain my focus, and ultimately just try to enjoy the Iron Man. It’s been a goal of mine for some time, so to finally take part is scary, but also making me quite excited and determined.”
October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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% 5 15 M1 VE E A SAUOT
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BBCGOODFOODSHOW.COM | 0844 581 1345 Ends 11.59 01/12/19. 15% discount valid on advance adult tickets only. Excludes Premium and Saturday tickets. Discounts not valid on VIP, VIP Luxe or with any other offer. Gold Big Kitchen seats cost an additional £3, subject to availability. £2.95 fulfilment fee per advance order. Not all celebrities appear on all days. Details correct at time of print. Calls cost 7p/minute plus phone company charges. The BBC trademark is used under licence from the BBC. © BBC, 2018. The Good Food trademark is used under licence from Immediate Media Company London Limited. Organised and presented by River Street Events.
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ActiveSport
“Students of kung fu gain a variety of mental skills – focus, discipline, confidence, calmness, self-control and a respectful attitude.”
Spotlight on kung fu In the first of our series looking at different sports, black belt instructor David Schofield, explains that kung fu is most definitely not all about fighting
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TYPICAL KUNG fu class is hugely varied. We focus a lot on strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as cardio vascular fitness. The legs are of particular importance from early in the training so that a strong stance can be developed as a foundation to build upon. We apply single and combination kicks, punches and blocks on pads and in the air to develop speed, strength, power and balance. We learn “forms” (known in Karate circles as Kata) which entail the holding and moving between strenuous postures, whilst conducting a variety of strikes and blocks in a pre-designed sequence. Kung fu itself is largely based on the observation of animals
in the wild - using their energy carefully - so we imitate animal movements (kids particularly enjoy frog, dog and gorilla although these aren’t traditional). I teach for most of the session as well as guide students practising what they have learned, to further enhance their understanding. From this emerges an increased body awareness and ability to move more freely in every day life. Although a class may seem mainly physical, the more subtle benefits are what students gain the most from. Aside from the obvious selfdefence benefits kung fu can help you to find direction in life. This happens by encouraging an attitude of continuous
learning, which filters into the rest of life. When continuously learning we sometimes find what our strengths and weaknesses are which helps with future decisions. Students of kung fu gain a variety of mental skills – focus, discipline, confidence, calmness, self-control and a respectful attitude. Through the kung fu community they develop their emotional awareness and social skills. Students are also encouraged to teach other students and manage class equipment so gain public speaking, organisational and leadership skills. Kung fu is a way of life that extends beyond the Kwoon (training hall). We are able to become “black belts at life”, with strong and healthy bodies, stable emotions, focused and confident minds and a deep sense of meaning and fulfilment. I was fascinated by martial arts as a child and trained in a variety of disciplines before finding my home in kung fu at the age of 25. As well as martial arts I have studied philosophy, psychology and history to find how to live a full and healthy life. I am now passing this knowledge on through kung fu classes, online courses and to a global client base. www.harboroughkungfu.co.uk 07388 938292
Show your support for local sport Email lisa@theactivemag.com October 2019 / theactivemag.com 63
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Jeremy Smithson-Beswick catches up with news from some of our local clubs
T
HIS IS A great time of year for those of us who are fans of both cricket and rugby, when the local seasons briefly overlap. As we look forward to union getting underway it’s also a good time to reflect on what a superb campaign it’s been for many of our cricketers. Oakham and Stamford’s first Xl, to name but two, have been cracking open the champagne to toast record-breaking, historic achievements and there was much to admire in the performances of Barnack, Bourne, Ketton and Burghley Park as well. But first place must go to Oaks, who will compete in the Premier Division of the Leicestershire and Rutland League for the first time ever after finishing as champions of Division One – an outcome that was in doubt until their last game against fierce rivals Uppingham. They prevailed there by six wickets with Wes Durston and Rob Taylor bagging 90 and 89 respectively to see them home with plenty of overs in hand. It fell to Shyam Lakhani to score the winning runs which he accomplished with an enormous six to start the celebrations in which several players were soaked with fizz. It’s not only their first team that’s tasted success either. Their 2nd XI finished third and the Sunday side were promoted as winners of Rutland League Division Three, Cameron Flowers scoring 173 against Whittlesey to give them an unassailable points lead with three games still to play. Former player and groundsman Malcolm Rawlings – who’s been associated with the club for over 60 years – called it “The best
season the club has ever had.” They will seek to strengthen the side further in the close season for their debut at this level but I understand have resolved to remain a strictly amateur outfit to preserve the team spirit and bonhomie that’s got them this far. Good for them. Stamford’s end to their Cambs Division Two season was perhaps even more dramatic than Oakham’s with a delicious denouement against St Ives and Warboys that read like a Hollywood script. Table topping Cambridge St Giles had completed their fixtures the Saturday before and so, with our protagonists in second and third place in the table, both knew that whoever won their game would be champions. Things soon seemed bleak for Stamford at 49 for 4 but Captain Tom Williams and Scott Chamberlain then staged a defiant stand of 58 to steady the ship and following
Chamberlain’s dismissal, Ben Peck joined his skipper for a further partnership of 53. Eventually finishing on exactly 200, they soon had one of the oppositions’ openers on his way back to the pavilion but it was difficult to pick the favourites to win for several overs. At 100 for 3 the visitors were very much in the game but some excellent bowling by Peck and Chamberlain saw Saints lose their last seven wickets for less than 50 and so put Stamford at the top of the table; an outstanding achievement having nearly been relegated just two seasons ago. Their second XI is packed with talented youngsters boding well for the future and it would be very remiss not to mention Ben Doyle. Just 13, he took eight (yes, eight!) for 31 against Spalding and then, two weeks later, his slightly older colleague Luke Toomey hit a maiden century against Welby. Incredibly, the dramas of the last day of
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Images: John Butcher
ActiveSport
Action from Oakham CC this season
the season didn’t end there. Barnack also had a winner-takes-all finale in Rutland Division One against title rivals Peterborough Town but, alas, this one was not to have a happy ending as they were bowled out for just 70 after the home side had posted 215. A terrific season, nonetheless, and our compliments to champions Peterborough. Bourne’s cricketers also ultimately had a disappointing end after challenging for the top spot throughout the year but the town still had much to cheer with the recent
Images: Will Tarrant
inaugural CiCLE festival. It was reminiscent of the Tour of Yorkshire with villages along the route holding street parties and picnics and transforming their communities into festival yellow. With Olympic medallists taking part it seems set to be an annual event that will benefit the local economy by attracting visitors. The first ever women’s race was won by Emily Nelson – who also won the recent Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic - having dominated from start to finish. She followed that by being part of the victorious Time Trial Team and landing the under 23 crown. Congratulations are also due to the Lady golfers of Greetham Valley who retained their title of Lincolnshire Scratch League Champions by beating Woodhall Spa. Liz Haughton, daughter Izzy and Sue Brand battled valiantly against very tough opposition in a match which went to the wire. With the points being level after the regulation three rounds Liz entered into a sudden death shoot-out against Woodhall’s best player. The first four holes were all halved but, with the tension rising, Liz held
her nerve to win the next hole and keep the salver in the club house for another year. Leicestershire and Rutland Sport will be holding their annual award dinners across the area over the next three months and are asking for nominations for particularly deserving individuals or clubs. The awards are by area and include both Rutland and Market Harborough. You’ll have to be lightning quick to beat the deadline but if you want to “give someone a pat on the back and take the opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution individuals, clubs, teams, coaches and volunteers are making” as they put it, then details can be found at www.lrsport.org/sportsawards. Anything on the local grassroots sport scene qualifies. The same outfit is also doing its local bit to support the nationwide “We are Undefeatable” campaign which is aimed at the one in four individuals in the country who suffer from some sort of long term health condition and assist them to build physical activity into their lives. Much more info is available on their website or from GP surgeries.
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Kit Bag
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October’s sporting choices
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66 October 2019 / theactivemag.com
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MINI ELECTRIC.
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IT'S TIME TO FEEL MINI ELECTRIC. Driving a MINI has always been electrifying, but we’re taking that feeling to a whole new level. MINI Electric has everything you’d expect.
Now available to pre-order, arriving March 2020. For more information please contact us on 01733 707074 Starting from £24,400*
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Find Out More
*Figures shown incorporate HM Government Plug-In Car Grant of £3,500. OTR price is based on the Recommended Retail Price (including VAT) and On The Road charges (including delivery and emergency service, vehicle first registration fee
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The Witches Convention At Oakham Castle Join us for an afternoon session of spooky spells and magic mayhem. The high witch of Oakham will present the latest potions in fashion, discuss Broomstick speed restrictions and create spooky spiders. Prizes for the best dressed witches and wizards. Witches and warlocks of all ages welcome. Face painting available too! (ÂŁ2.50pp)
Thursday 31st October 4pm-6pm Convention Entrance Fee ÂŁ2.00pp Email: castle@rutland.gov.uk See full programme on website address www.oakhamcastle.org
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