Active Magazine // South Leicestershire // May 2017

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EE

ISSUE 25 // MAY 2017

!

HOW TO… Stamford & Rutland’s sport and lifestyle magazine

Willow weave Cook perfect paella Fix knees, backs and necks

Pick a Perfect

Picnic ISSUE 25 // MAY 2017

Cycle Circuit

The best spots to lay your blanket.

Plus seasonal food and fashion

Our new te monthly rou to ride

Bottle It

The crazy world of bottle kicking

This is the end

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Local football and rugby seasons reach finale

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Editor’s Letter SO IT SEEMS THAT THERESA MAY DECIDED that she wanted to go to the country again in a general election after a good walk in the country.

I know the feeling: there’s something about walking that makes you feel extremely positive and refreshed. If I was out for a wander in the fields and was Prime Minister, I too would smell the spring grass and think that the Labour Party could not be any more hopeless than it currently is, or watch a dog cheerily loping alongside me and reckon I could control my own hardline right wingers with a snap election.

And as for unwrapping a slab of pork pie while I sat on a log in the warm sunshine, well, I would conclude I could probably bring North Korea to heel too.

Funny thing is, when I was a kid there was nothing worse than when my parents declared we were off for a walk. Traipsing along for endless miles staring at fields and trees, when I could have been at home playing football in the garden, or inside with my Star Wars figures, seemed like a chore more burdensome than washing dad’s car or mowing the lawn.

I see the same thing with my kids. Catch them in the wrong mood, and pitch the idea of a walk at the wrong time, and you are guaranteed to have to endure miles of moaning, every step more stompy than the last.

But I keep on striding on, because I know that whether they like it or not, they will come round to my way of thinking. It might take a few years, but when they are President of the United Kingdom of England and Wales, Lord Chief Protector of the inner Solar System or whatever grand career they end up at the very pinnacle of, a good walk will be just the thing to clear the mind.

Enjoy the issue! Steve

Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com Art editor Mark Sommer mark@theactivemag.com Contributors Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Jeremy Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, Pip Warters Production assistant Gary Curtis Advertising sales Lisa Withers lisa@theactivemag.com Amy Roberts amy@theactivemag.com Editorial and Advertising Assistant Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Tel: 01780 480789

If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@ theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@ theactivemag.com. Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2059-8513 A Grassroots Publishing Limited company. Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318 Disclaimer

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

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication.

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

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

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Contents ACTIVE LIFE

ISSUE 25 /// MAY 2017

24

11 WHAT’S ON

Great things to do locally for all the family

12-13 HOW TO...

Cook the perfect paella and mix a stunning sangria

16-17 RIVERFORD RECIPE

This month we cook a tasty chicken ramen

19 GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Plan your ultimate road trip across the USA

FEATURES 22-29 THE PERFECT PICNIC

Our guide to where to go, what to wear and what to eat

56

31 MARTIN JOHNSON’S COLUMN

The Sunday Times writer on the Lions tour to New Zealand

ACTIVE BODY 35 KIT BAG

The latest essential gear

37

37 A PAIN IN THE NECK

Expert advice from the Ashleigh Clinic

38 SADDLE SORE

Function Jigsaw advice on how to avoid cycling injuries

42-43 THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Tips and products to get you looking good for summer

ACTIVE LOCAL 46 DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Kilworth House theatre founder Celia Mackay

48-49 CHALLENGE UPDATES...

How our intrepid fund-raisers are faring

50-55 A LOT OF BOTTLE

The unusual sport of bottle kicking

56-57 GREAT WALKS

Another route through our stunning countryside

59 ON YOUR BIKE!

Our new feature gives you a great cycling route

60-65 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

50

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THE BYRE HOUSE, HOUGHTON ON THE HILL

Guide £865,000

FANTASTIC FAMILY HOME BOASTING IN EXCESS OF 4000 SQUARE FEET OF ACCOMMODATION AND PROVIDING A LARGE DETACHED HOUSE WITH PRIVATE WEST FACING REAR GARDEN AS WELL AS A SEPARATE, DETACHED COTTAGE WITH LIVING ROOM, KITCHEN, BEDROOM AND SHOWER ROOM. THE BYRE HOUSE IS SITUATED IN HOUGHTON, A POPULAR AND THRIVING VILLAGE, PERFECTLY LOCATED FOR LEICESTER CITY CENTRE YET SURROUNDED BY STUNNING LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE. EPC RATING: C

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Activelife GREAT THINGS TO DO, HOW TO COOK A PERFECT PAELLA, SPOT A PEACOCK BUTTERLY AND PLAN YOUR DREAM ROAD TRIP ACROSS THE USA Edited by Mary Bremner

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TOP CLASS SPORT AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE Rockingham International Horse Trials burst on to the eventing calendar four years ago to rave reviews.

This year’s competition runs from May 19-21 across Rockingham Castle’s Great Park, overlooking the stunning Welland Valley. World class riders through to Pony Club members will be competing so there will be plenty of action. www rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com and you can find them on Twitter @ RockinghamLIVE! #RockHT Watchmaker Robert Loomes and Co from Stamford is the official timekeeper once more and will be running the Loomes Championship which awards one of its limited edition watches, worth £7,850, to the rider closest to the optimum time for the cross-country course. www.robertloomes.com

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Peterborough City Council presents

Organised by

Principal sponsor

L VE RUNNING L VE CHALLENGE

Sunday 8 October 2017 One of the UK’s fastest half marathons

TOENT DA ER Y!

Perkins Great Eastern Run

Flat and historic city centre route • Great for a personal best time Fantastic spectator support • Family entertainment and more

www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk Perkins Great Eastern Run Title charity

Media Partner

R GO

E

A

R

D

A

CE

Half Marathon 10:30am

L

B

Anna’s Hope Fun Run 10am

R

UKA 2017 - 14702

@Perkinsger

GRA

FOR OUTSTANDING RACE MANAGEMENT

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24/02/2017 14:05

Activelife

HARBOROUGH CYCLISTS RAISE CHARITY CASH The third annual Market Harborough Festival of Cycling took place recently with money raised and cyclists taking part surpassing previous figures.

Around 400 riders joined in, raising more than £2,000 while they cycled round three different routes – 50km, 100km or 100 miles.

The next event organised by Race Harborough will be the Carnival of Running on June 10. www.raceharborough.co.uk

WELL DONE Lutterworth Rotary is pleased to congratulate Rebecca, receptionist at the Greyhound Coaching Inn, Lutterworth (where they lunch every week), who has raised £895 for Macmillan Cancer Care.

She did this by running a half marathon in Milton Keynes in memory of her father who died last year. Lutterworth Rotary is also celebrating the success of the Santa Fun Run last December. They raised a total of £9,500 which has been distributed to local charities in the area.

Box2Beat Cancer Members of JUST Fitness in Market Harborough have recently donned their boxing gloves to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Action. Sixteen members of Juliet Sterland’s boxercise classes joined the Box2Beat Cancer movement and took part in a three-hour ‘boxathon’ to help raise money and awareness of the disease. The total money raised so far is just over £1,800.

If you would like to donate please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ JUSTfitnessBox2BeatCancer

SHOP OF THE MONTH

KIBWORTH Kibworth Garden Centre is run by the Holland family and has been for 32 years.

Angela and her husband Charles are the second generation running it, with their children helping out as well. With years of experience and a vast knowledge of plants they are able to offer lots of advice. The nursery specialises in herbaceous plants with lots of cottage garden blooms available. Open every day, they are your go-to business for anything to do with plants ranging from seeds to fertilizers and everything in between. www.kibworthgardencentre.co.uk 0116 269 2754

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY Amelia Nour, the well-being boutique that sells skin, hair and aromatherapy products, has just celebrated its first birthday.

The shop celebrated by running a masterclass by Scentered on therapy balms and relaxation. The next masterclass is on June 3, focusing on skin care and will be run by

Elemental Herbology. This will be a talk about skin care and all the products available. Places are available for 15 people so to book your place ring Meesha on 0116 431 5395. The first birthday celebrations have coincided with the launch of their new website. www.amelianour.co.uk

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Come & join us at the 2017 Rutland County Show 185t h Sunday 4th June Sh ow

Livestock & Equine Classes Main Ring Attractions Local Food & Drink Rutland Farrier Competition Rural Crafts Tractor Pulling Dog Scurry & Agility The Sheep Show Rutland Morris Men Donkey Rides The Mole Show Dog & Duck Show Leicester Tigers’ Big Boot Vintage Fun Fair D’Ukes of Rutland Ukulele Band Wississippi Dixie Band 150+ Unique Craft & Trade Stands

Launde Abbey

Open daily for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea

Cyclists and walkers very welcome Why not start your walk or ride at Launde then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at the end?

FREE entry for under 17’s FREE Parking FREE Shuttle bus from Oakham & Uppingham Discounted Tickets available until 29th May £10 each (£12.50 on the day) online or from Walkers Bookshop in Oakham & Stamford and from Uppingham Sports & Books

www.rutlandcountyshow.com

The Rutland Showground, Showground Way, Oakham LE15 7TW (LE15 6US sat nav)

Visit our website for maps and routes at www.laundeabbey.org.uk Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XB T: 01572 717254 I E: info@launde.org.uk Charity No: 1140918

Venari House, 1 Trimbush Way, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7XY T: 01858 467476 E: office@corporatearchitecture.co.uk W: www.corporatearchitecture.co.uk Malcolm Foulkes-Arnold 07885 304970 Richard Coppock 07889 129735

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Activelife

WHAT’S ON There’s lots going on in your area this month, why not try some of these?

■ A fun cycle ride from Lincoln to London to raise funds to support homeless people is taking place over the August bank holiday weekend. Bookings are now being taken for the annual Queen Eleanor Charity Cycle Ride which covers 200 miles with three overnight stops staying in church halls in Grantham, Geddington and Dunstable. www. queeneleanorcycleride.org.uk ■ Music in the Park is being held in the beautiful grounds at Wistow on June 10 with funds raised going to two local charities – LOROS and Young Leicestershire. There will be fun for all the family including a firework display. Advance tickets are £15 or £20 on the night. To book ring 0116 231 8431 or go to www.wistow.com

Convention, is touring this year and will be at Leicester’s Curve Theatre on May 23 and 24. This tour is one of the highlights of the British dance calendar and one of the world’s greatest celebrations of hip hop culture. When appearing at Leicester the tour will be joined by local dance companies who will have the opportunity to dance alongside some of the international stars. www.curveonline.co.uk ■ Curve Theatre in Leicester will be opening the UK and Ireland tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda the Musical, currently showing at the Cambridge Theatre in London.

The performances will be from March 5-24, 2018, and tickets are now on sale. www.curveonline.co.uk

■ Hope Against Cancer is looking for cyclists to join them on September 16 for a four-day, 300-mile ride from Leicester to the Peak District and back. The ride this year is called Hope to Hope and will pass through the Derbyshire village of Hope. They plan to raise more than £60,000 for the Leicestershire and Rutland Cancer Research charity. To sign up and find out more visit www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk ■ Sadler’s Wells’ festival of hip hop dancing theatre, Breakin’

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Activelife

HOW TO…

MAKE PAELLA May heralds the beginning of summer so thoughts turn to dining al fresco. But forget the barbecue... let’s head to Spain and its traditional dish, paella. There is plenty of choice, a veggie one, traditional meats or fish. The most important thing is to have a large flat bottomed pan and to leave the rice to crust. Here’s a recipe for a chicken and chorizo version...

INGREDIENTS 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 chopped onion 15g fresh chopped parsley 70g roughly chopped chorizo 2 chicken breasts, diced 1 tsp paprika 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 chicken stock cube 1 glass of sherry 300g paella rice

100g frozen peas Pinch of saffron METHOD Put 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and heat.

Add the garlic, onion, parsley, chorizo, chicken and paprika and fry for about 10 minutes, stirring all the time.

Add the tomato puree and stock cube and then the rice and stir. Add 500ml boiling water, the sherry and salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Put the lid on (or cover in foil) and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the peas and saffron, stir through then turn the heat off, cover with foil and leave for 5-10 minutes. Scatter with parsley leaves.

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Natural luxury pampering products

Natural luxury pampering products HOW TO…

Mix a sangria If we are going Spanish with our food we need to embrace their drink too. Sangria is popular in Spain and delicious. Now all we need is the sun.

It’s very easy to make too – basically it’s three parts red wine, one part orange juice and two parts lemonade. Mix everything together in a large iced jug and add more red wine or orange juice according to taste and strength required. Add ice, sliced oranges and decorate with a sprig of mint. Salud!

59 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2BE 0116 431 5395 www.amelianour.co.uk

WE CAN HELP YOU! Ideas, Inspiration and Individuality.

Oh, and more plants than you ever dreamed of...

HOW TO…

Willow weave Learn a traditional English craft making a contemporary style.

Maxine Smith and Marion Curry are running a new willow workshop at the White Lion Pub, Whissendine, on May 4 between 7pm and 9.30pm. They will show you how to make willow cloches and a bird feeder. The cost is £30 and you need to book in advance. For details email hareandsheepwillow@ gmail.com or ring Marion on 07902 407111.

KIBWORTH GARDEN CENTRE

9am - 5pm Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm Sunday

(0116) 2792754

@KibworthGardenCentre

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Individually Designed & Built Structures

naturalstructures beautiful oak buildings

Main Contractor Service | Architectural Services | New Builds | Extensions | Garages | Conservatories | Barns | Garden Rooms | Orangeries | Stables | Home offices | Carports

Activelife

NATURE

THE PEACOCK BUTTERFLY A common sight in the garden and woodlands, the peacock butterfly is one of the first to emerge from hibernation in the spring. Their vibrant colours, and the peacock eyes, act as a deterrent to predators. The peacock butterfly feeds on flower nectar, is a strong flier and can travel long distances in search of food. Males and females look exactly the same, although the male is slightly larger.

During the summer the butterfly will lay its eggs, up to 500 in layers, on the underside of stinging nettle leaves. The adults, which are about a year old, will die of old age leaving the eggs to hatch into caterpillars that feed on nettle leaves. In July these caterpillars pupate, emerging as butterflies in August.

THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL This large and impressive looking gull has a body almost as large as a Canada goose.

Adults are white with a black back and wings. The legs are pink and the bill yellow, with an orange spot on the lower mandible. Immature birds are pale headed with a beige body, dark wing tips and a black bill. Adult plumage is not gained until they are four years old with the birds showing more white in their plumage.

Great black-backs, mainly immatures, may be seen throughout the year at local reservoirs but numbers increase in winter when many adults roost overnight – 450 were at Rutland Water in January 2014. During the day they scavenge around the reservoir or feed at landfill sites. They may also quarter farmland after a game shoot seeking missed birds. They have been seen to kill ducks, gulls and coot at Rutland Water. They are very efficient predators.

Sightings of birds carrying coloured and numbered leg rings have shown that some Rutland adults have been ringed at landfill sites in south-east England and some have been ringed as chicks in Norway, far north of the Arctic Circle.

Terry Mitcham

Violets The common dog violet is a widespread plant growing in woodland, hedgerows and grassland and is easy to spot because it is very common.

It flowers from April to June but is not scented, unlike its cousin the sweet violet. Violets are easy to grow in the garden and quickly naturalise. They are hardy too, being able to withstand the vagaries of the British winter.

Renowned in ancient folklore, violets were loved by Napoleon and were a popular picked flower with the Victorians and Edwardians.

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Activelife

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CHICKEN RAMEN

1

WITH SPRING GREENS AND CHESTNUT MUSHROOMS INGREDIENTS

1 fresh chilli 25g ginger 1 garlic clove Salt and pepper 2 eggs 50g brown rice miso 1 tbsp tamari Oil for frying 2 sticks rice noodles 200g chestnut mushrooms 200g spring greens 1 tsp bouillon powder 300g diced chicken breast 1 lime 1 tsp sea salad

METHOD

Put a pan of salted water on to boil. While waiting for it to boil de-seed and finely chop the chilli, and peel and finely grate the ginger and garlic clove. ●

3-4 minutes. When tender drain and run under cold water, then toss in a little oil to prevent them from sticking. ● Boil a kettle. Wipe the mushrooms clean with damp kitchen paper and slice. ● Wash the spring greens then strip or chop the leaves away from the tough central stalks. Shred the leaves. Measure 700ml boiled water, add the bouillon powder and stir. ● Empty the paste into a saucepan and cook for 30 seconds to a minute until smelling fragrant. Add the mushrooms and chicken and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes.

● Check the chicken is cooked through. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if required. ● Peel and halve the eggs. Slice the lime into wedges. Divide the noodles between two bowls.

Ladle over the chicken ramen. Top with egg and sea salad.

● Put the ginger, garlic, miso, tamari, 2 tbsp oil and half the chilli in a bowl. Mix to a paste.

Tip: Separating the noodles as you cook them prevents them clumping. If they are still sticking after cooking, rinse under cold water and drizzle with oil.

Add the noodles to the boiling water. Cook for

RECIPE BOXES Riverford recipe boxes are a simple and inspiring way to cook. Every week, we deliver everything you need to make three tasty organic meals. Inside each box, you’ll find the freshest, seasonal organic produce, step-by-step recipe cards and all the ingredients in exact quantities.

The recipes are quick to cook and ideal for weeknights – most are ready in under

3

● Add the spring greens and stock. Cook over a medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes.

● Add the eggs to the water and boil for five minutes. Remove from the pan and put in a bowl of cold water to cool. Keep the hot water on the heat.

●

2

45 minutes. Think well balanced and nutritious, with a few treats thrown in. Our cooks come up with nine new recipes every week, so there is always plenty of choice.

There are three different varieties of recipe box - choose from vegetarian, quick, or original. A box for two people ranges in price from £33 for the vegetarian box, to £39.95 for the quick and original boxes. Delivered straight to your door, with everything you need to cook

included, generous portion sizes, and three delicious meals per box they offer great value for money.

No waste. No missing the vital ingredient. All you have to do is cook.

Visit: www.riverford.co.uk/recipebox to

find out more or call 01803 762059.

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21/04/2017 07:06

Quality, precision custom handmade cycle wheels.

Wide range of world class brands

IS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Wheelsets made for Road, Gravel, Cyclocross, Touring, Track and Mountain Bikes Wheel and hub repairs and refurbishments undertaken

The future of flooring is closer than you think.

Drop in to look at examples and chat about your requirements.

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Conveniently located in central Oadby, we’re your NEW local specialists for the latest luxury floors, carpets, wood floors and rugs.

Call for professional sales, advice or quotation – 01832 358732 Opening hours Tuesdays to Fridays 10am to 6pm Saturdays 9am to 4pm

Visit our website www.velowheels.co.uk

Call us on…

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1 The Parade, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5BB w w w. o a d b y f l o o r i n g . c o . u k

ZIP WIRE

SWIM WITH SHARKS

CYCLING

SKYDIVE

DRAGON BOAT

3 Peaks

SPEED

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Energetic

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Teamwork

Endurance

The longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world

Come face to face with 10ft Sand Tiger Sharks …. No Cage!

At Rockingham Speedway - for families & keen cyclists

13,000 feet Tandem parachute jump

10 Rowers, 1 drummer per boat… can you win the race?

Climb 3 mountains Hike 24 miles Travel 1000 miles Complete in 24 Hrs

What’s your Challenge going to be?

Challenge yourself & raise vital funds for Lakelands Hospice in 2017 Contact the Fundraising Team on:

18.indd 1

01536 747755

Charity Registered. 1062120

community@lakelandshospice.org.uk

21/04/2017 10:36

Activelife

TRAVEL

THE LAND OF THE DONALDS – DUCK AND TRUMP America – the land of skyscrapers, Hollywood, Disney and Trump. But there is so much more...

California with its fabulous beaches and vineyards, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, the Deep South, New York or the beautiful New England.

One of the best ways to experience the USA is to do a fly-drive holiday, and the perfect way to do this is to hire a camper van and set your own route and agenda. The States has a vast amount of national parks where you can explore to your heart’s content, get incredibly close to the wildlife and camp way off the beaten track.

And a motorhome is perfect as you do not have to pack your things every morning, you just get up, hop in the driver’s seat and away you go.

USEFUL WEBSITES INCLUDING LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS www.usatours.co.uk ● www.oundletravel.co.uk ● https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ ●

TOP TIPS

● Remember you need a visa. An ESTA is the tourist visa that is easy to apply for ● Each state has a different speed limit so make sure you know what it is if you cross the county line ● You can hire a vehicle in the US with a full British licence, held for at least a year.

Many hire companies will require you to be over 25 ● Remember to take your rubbish home with you. Find an appropriate garbage bin to deposit your rubbish ● Look out for bears if camping in the Yosemite Park – do not leave debris lying around or you will attract them. You have been warned….

BOOKS TO READ

Road Trip USA: Cross Country Adventures on America’s Two Lane Highways by Jamie Jensen The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America by Bill Bryson

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM VISIT OUR SHOWROOM VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

classic full page.indd 1

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm www.classicstamford.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm St Leonard’s Lincs PE9 2HN Tel:12 01780 654321Street, Email: Stamford, sales@classicstamford.co.uk Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN

12/04/2017 09:40

Activelife

FINANCIAL HEALTH

GET RICH (AND HEALTHY) SLOWLY There are no short cuts to creating wealth, says Bryant Wealth Management’s William G Bryant Diet and fitness go hand in hand. This is especially true if you are trying to shed a few pounds. As a rule of thumb, in trying to create the calorie deficit needed to lose weight, up to 80% should come from diet.

Exercise is still a key component in any weight loss plan but it becomes very hard to lose weight through exercise alone (not least because your weight-loss programme can quickly be derailed by a latte and piece of carrot cake as reward for doing a work out).

Unfortunately, there are no short cuts, no get fit quick regimes or fad diets that prove sustainable in the long run.

Nutritional advice can seem contradictory, one week clean eating is being hailed as the new wonder diet, the next it is being criticised for lack of nutrients. But there is scientific evidence that improving the quality of your diet can lead to weight loss over the long-term (Fung TT et Al 2015).

A balanced approach over the long term provides health benefits. Further health benefits are associated with the Mediterranean style diet, especially in men (D.L. Katz & S. Meller 2014).

The Mediterranean diet is one that is high in

vegetables, fruits, nuts, wholegrains, breads and seeds. Along with moderate amounts of fish, dairy and poultry (red meat is eaten rarely), extra virgin olive oil is used extensively. You are encouraged to wash it all down with a nice glass of red wine.

Like healthy eating, there are no short cuts to creating wealth. You should adopt a sensible long term strategy that harnesses the power of Warren Buffet’s favourite tool – compounding.

The classic chess board fable demonstrates this: a king is so pleased with the inventor of his new favourite game, he offers him anything as a reward. The inventor asks only that he gives him one grain of rice in the first square of a chess board, and doubles the amount in each subsequent square – 1,2,4,8,16 and so on.

The king was insulted that this was all he had asked for and quickly agreed to his demands and sent him on his way. Little did he realise that the amount of rice being asked for was more than had ever been grown in the world let alone in his kingdom – the answer being 2 to the power of 64 or 18.4 quintillion (18,446,744,073,709,551,616). As Warren Buffet knows, investing in stock markets over the long

term allows you to use this power to your advantage and is the reason that Warren has made most of his wealth after the age of 60. If you can achieve an 8% rate of return per year on your investment, and you leave the money and returns invested, you will double your wealth in 10 years.

Still not convinced on the power of compounding? The next time you see a new diet in a newspaper, take the page out and fold it in half. Fold it again and again. How many folds can you manage? 7 and you’re doing well, 14 and you will have a new world record, and 45 times you will have reached the moon. Such is the exponential growth offered by compounding. Over the long term, eating a balanced diet and having a sensible long term investment strategy will get you a long way, if not quite to the moon and back.

To receive a free guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact William Bryant on 01780 668117, email william.bryant@sjpp.co.uk or visit bryantwealthmanagement.co.uk

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Feature /// Picnics

Blanket coverage With spring here and summer not far behind, we pick out the best in seasonal food and fashion, and the best spots for a stroll and a picnic Photography: Katie Ingram

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Feature /// Picnics RIGHT Ella wears a White Stuff saffron jumpsuit in denim size 8 £55; Des Petits Hauts Avilou cardigan in ecru/marine in small £170 and Grenson Ethel Stingray sandals in pink size 5 £215 all from Cavells, and Maui Jim Sunshine sunglasses from The Stamford Eye Clinic. Felix wears Levis 511 slim fit Rock Cod jeans size 34 waist £90; Aquascutum Rolfe crew neck jumper in bright red in large £135 and striped polo from Polo Ralph Lauren in French navy in large £75 all from Cavells

BELOW Ella wears a sleeveless blue striped Derek Lam shirt in size 10 £100; white Osman slim leg trousers size 10 £130; Prada black wedge shoes size 39 £90; Victoria Beckham sunglasses £100 and carries a Hemsley ‘slice’ lunchbox bag £100 all from Arch Label Agency. Felix wears Levis 511 slim fit Rock Cod jeans size 34 waist £90; Aquascutum Rolfe crew neck jumper in bright red in large £135 and Aquascutum Teddy Twill washed jacket in grey size 44 chest £350 all from Cavells

LEFT Ella wears Superdry Flippy Shore playsuit in margo ditsy navy in small £34.99; Des Petits Hauts Bowie mohair cardigan in mimosa in small £175 and Calpierre lace up platform shoes with zip detail in yellow/white/silver 38.5 £155; Tom Ford Lucho sunglasses from The Stamford Eye Clinic. Felix wears Levis 511 slim fit Rock Cod jeans size 34 waist £90 and Mads Norgaard Pique Tavid Polo in lapis blue in large £65 all from Cavells and Moscot Gelt from The Stamford Eye Clinic.

FAR LEFT Maui Jim Sunshine; Tom Ford Lucho; Moscot Lemtosh Wood sunglasses from Stamford Eye Clinic

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RIGHT Harriet wears pink coral Minoti shorts 4-5 years £8.50 and Life and Legend purple hoodie 4-5 years £9.99 from Stamford Kidz Stuff. Thomas wears Minoti yellow shorts 2-3 years £9.50; blue long sleeve hooded top £7 and Riot Club T shirt 2-3 years £6 and Minoti blue knit £10 all from Stamford Kidz Stuff

BELOW Harriet wears floral Minoti shorts with braces and grey Bewox T-shirt 3-4 years both £12 from Stamford Kidz Stuff and rides Frog balance bike from Rutland Cycling £124.99

LEFT Thomas wears Gap cap £6.99 from Gap for Kids at Springfields Shopping Outlet

FAR LEFT Thomas wears grey hoodie 3 years £19.99; multi-coloured checked shirt 3 years £19.99 and brown shorts with denim waistband 3 years £16.99 all from Gap for Kids at Springfields Shopping Outlet. Harriet wears Super Squad pink spotted dress 4-5 years £10 from Stamford Kidz Stuff

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Volkswagen Polo. £149 a month.

6.2% APR Representative.

•

Parking Sensors front and rear

•

Composition Media touch-screen infotainment system

•

Cruise control

•

15” Stratford alloys

With £1,800 towards your deposit*

Solutions Personal Contract Plan^ representative example subject to 10,000 miles per annum+ for a Polo Match Edition 5dr 1.0 Duration

4 years

Optional final payment

£4,936.50

Recommended on-the-road price

£14,425

Option to purchase fee** £10 payable with final payment

Deposit contribution

£1,800

Total amount of credit

£10,118.69

Customer deposit

£2,506.31

Excess mileage (per mile)

7.2p

47 monthly payments £149

Rate of interest

6.2% fixed

Total amount payable £16,255.81

Representative APR

6.2% APR

Robinsons Volkswagen (Peterborough) Storeys Bar Road, Eastern Industry, Peterborough, PE1 5YS Telephone: 01733 312213 www.robinsons.volkswagen.co.uk

Find us on:

/Volkswagen.Robinsons

@Robinsons_VW

^At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) own the vehicle: pay the optional final payment; ii) return the vehicle: subject to fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. *Available on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. **Payable with optional final payment. Subject to agreed annual mileage, excess mileage charges apply (incl. VAT). Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. 18s and over. +4.8p per mile excess mileage charges apply (incl. VAT).

Subject to availability. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available when ordered by 30th June, 2017. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Image used for illustrative purposes only. Accurate at time of publication [04/17]. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services.

Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures for the Polo model range in mpg (litres/100km): urban: 37.2 (7.6) – 56.5 (5.0), Extra urban: 55.4 (5.1) – 78.5 (3.6), Combined: 47.1 (6.0) – 68.9 (4.1), CO2: 139-94. Excludes battery, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

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13/04/2017 17:05

Feature /// Picnics

Make the perfect picnic You can’t control the weather on your perfect picnic, but you can control the food, and here are some local suppliers providing the finest fare for your basket...

Stamford Cheese Cellar A picnic isn’t a picnic without some artisan cheese, and Stamford Cheese Cellar has a huge range of amazing products that you won’t be able to stop nibbling at.

Hambleton Bakery Incredible fresh bread made with great artistry, Hambleton Bakery is establishing itself as one of the finest craft bakers in the country.

Riverford Fresh organic vegetables, fruit and meat from Riverford will ensure your picnic is full of only the best seasonal food.

Stage 2 Café, Stamford Homemade cakes, scones, tea and coffee that will provide the perfect afternoon tea.

The Deli, Kibworth A great picnic is all about the nibbly delights, and The Deli is a treasure trove of bread, cakes and other high quality fare.

Belvoir Fruit Farms The best cordials and presses, organically sourced and provising the fruity cool refreshment for when the sun starts beating down.

Eat in Style Katie Alice’s beautiful, intricate patterned crockery harks back to a more whimsical time and is ideal for a picnic, country kitchen or summer garden party. She started her business in Northamptonshire in 2010 and since then has forged quite a reputation, being named a ‘future star’ by The Daily Telegraph and appearing at the Chelsea Flower Show.

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National ts Festival Watersporatersports W nd tla Ru

PR LF Elton Hlf Page Mussel Madness Press Ad v1.pdf

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21/04/2017 10:36

Feature /// Picnics

Pick a picnic Surrounded by so much beautiful countryside, the opportunities for a great picnic are nearinfinite. But if you want a more structured day out, here are our favourites...

longest staircase flight, take a boat trip, or just sit back and relax at the pubs, café or picnic spots. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/1-foxtonlocks

Abbey Park Fascinating grounds containing the remains of a 12th Century abbey, the ruins of Cavendish House, a highly decorative Victorian park, boating lake and miniature railway make this a great urban picnic spot. www.leicester.gov.uk

Kilworth House Kilworth House is part and parcel of the rolling countryside of rural south Leicestershire.

Explore the 38-acre estate by taking one of the walks and discover a rich abundance of wildlife, including pheasant and muntjac deer, and picnic by the pond. www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

Barnwell Country Park There’s plenty to do for the whole family with an adventure playground, paths, trails and a barbecue area too for dad to show off his cooking skills. www.barnwellcountryparkfriends.org.uk Beacon Hill Country Park The park is home to number of chainsaw carvings which are displayed along the main routes through the park, and there’s an adventure playground with climbing frame, tower slide and animal sculptures next to the picnic areas. www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/beacon-visitor Brocks Hill Trails, a human sun dial and a den building area make this a fascinating place to explore for kids, while you laze on a picnic rug. www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/brocks_hill_ country_park Burghley House One of the finest Elizabethan houses in the country, surrounded by glorious landscaped grounds and a Garden of Surprises for children to splash about and play in. A perfect picnic paradise. www.burghley.co.uk

Rockingham Castle Masses of open spaces for children to run around in and enjoy themselves, incredible views across the surrounding countryside and beautiful gardens make this an idyllic picnic spot. www.rockinghamcastle.com

Launde Abbey Our photoshoot took place at beautiful Launde Abbey near Tilton-on-the-Hill. They were very nice to us, because usually you can’t have a picnic there as it’s a Christian retreat for rest and thought – there’s a fabulous little café though if you’re passing through on a walk. www.laundeabbey.org.uk

Rutland Water The shores of Rutland Water are home to dozens of picnic spots, and you can find a variety of attractions such as the visitor centre, playground, cycle paths, Bugtopia, crazy golf, shops, cafes and restaurants. www.rutlandwater.org.uk

Thanks to models Ella, Harriet, Felix and Thomas and to Launde Abbey for hosting the photoshoot.

Tolethorpe Hall The grounds of Tolethorpe Hall were landscaped in their present form in 1867 and remain much the same today. A picnic on the lawns, a stroll around the lawn, pond and flowerbeds and shrubberies all add to the magic of a visit to Rutland Open Air Theatre. www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk

Thanks to the following suppliers: The Deli Kibworth for freshly made to order picnics and hampers: 0116 2790077, 39 High Street, Kibworth, LE8 0HS Riverford Organic Farms: www.riverford.co.uk Hambleton Bakery: www.hambletonbakery.co.uk Stage Two Coffee House: Corn Exchange Shopping Arcade, Broad Street, Stamford The Stamford Cheese Cellar: www.stamfordcheese.com Katie Alice Ltd: www.katie-alice.co.uk Rutland Cycling: www.rutlandcycling.com Sycamore Peterborough: www.sycamoremini.co.uk Robinsons Motor Group: www.robinsonsmotorgroup.co.uk Genesis Reflective Products: www.genesisreflectiveproducts.com

Travel in style

Burrough Hill The well-preserved Iron Age hill fort dramatically crowns a steep-sided promontory of land reaching 210 metres up with superb views and plenty of space for spreading out a blanket. www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/burrough-hillcountry-park Fineshade Wood Be challenged by the exciting play areas and cycling, or explore the wildlife and history on foot, before unwinding in the cafe or browsing in the shops. www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge Foxton Locks See the remains of the historic Inclined Plane – once a spectacular chair lift for boats! Sneak a peek at the colourful boats, climb the UK’s

Mini Countryman This Mini Countryman JCW, painted in melting silver, is from Sycamore Peterborough. The new all-new Countryman small SUV is at home in town or country, thanks to its compact dimensions, nimble handling and fourwheel drive. Prices start from £22,949.

Volkswagen Tiguan The new Tiguan is a classy SUV with the feel of a much bigger premium car. It’s the ideal family transport thanks to huge amounts of interior space and incredible build quality. This 2.0-litre Tiguan in deep black pearlescent paint costs £27,990 from Robinsons Motor Group.

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SAT 10TH JUNE 2017

BURGHLEY

A family day out to try something new at...

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30.indd 1

21/04/2017 10:42

Guest column

I have a cunning plan...

Martin Johnson has some thoughts on how the Lions can beat New Zealand during their forthcoming tour f you listen to cynics and Australians, New Zealand is stuck in the 1950s, the kind of place in which Cliff Richard is always No 1 in the hit parade and the fastest thing away from the traffic lights is a Morris Minor. And where the airport tourist board posters welcome visitors with the message: “Welcome to New Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzealand.”

However, if there’s one area in which New Zealand is light years ahead of the rest of the planet it’s rugby union, and when the British and Irish Lions arrive for their eleventh visit since 1904, they’ll be visiting a country in which the game is not so much a sport as a religion. Good luck to them. Having won just the one series there – in 1971 – the Lions are going to need it.

Or are they? One reason the All Blacks have been the pre-eminent side in world rugby for so long is the fear factor. Fifteen hulking great men, all dressed in black, performing that bone chilling war dance before every game. Opponents have tried everything to minimise the psychological effect but it’s almost impossible to face the haka without allowing your mind to drift from all those meticulous pre-match instructions to wondering whether you should have sorted out some extra life insurance.

This time, though, I have a plan. So cunning – as Blackadder once said – you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel. All you have to do is translate the haka from Maori into English, and the Lions won’t so much be holding on to each other out of terror, as to stop themselves from falling over laughing.

“It is death, it is death. It is life, it is death. It is death. This is the hairy man who caused the sun to shine. Up the ladder, up the ladder.

Up to the top. The sun shines.”

I ask you. How can you be intimidated by something that sounds like George Formby singing When I’m Cleaning Windows?

With 41 players in the Lions squad, the East Midlands contributes four of them, with Ben Youngs and Dan Cole from Leicester Tigers, and George North and Courtney Lawes from Northampton Saints.

And while these two clubs famously don’t get on, if Lions’ history is anything to go by, the four of them will come back as great mates.

A Lions tour is famous for forging friendships, regardless of nationality, and when Leicester held a retirement dinner for their former chief executive and England hooker Peter Wheeler, many of the guests came from friendships forged on his two Lions tours.

Not that these friendships didn’t have to be temporarily suspended, especially for matches between England and Wales, as

I

Wheeler found out in the 1980 Five Nations clash at Twickenham. A match infamous for foul play and punch ups also resulted in a black eye for Wheeler courtesy of front row opponent Graham Price. Who happened to have become one of Wheeler’s best chums three years earlier on the Lions’ 1977 tour to New Zealand.

Lions tours were a bit different in those days. This summer’s tourists, along with all the support staff, will fill a sizeable chunk of a very large plane for the flight over, and will play just 10 games.

Whereas in 1977 there were 25 matches and the players not only had to take their own boots, but were allocated just two jerseys each for the entire trip. And 50p a day expenses.

Everywhere the Lions went, huge crowds would be at the airports to greet them, and following the Lions’ 1971 victory there, and no World Cup in those days, it was by far the biggest rugby event on the planet. As the tourists found out by reading the local papers.

Not only were acres of newsprint devoted to rugby news, but the coverage made the tourists realise that they were not only up against the All Blacks, but an entire nation. And no-one got this message more clearly than the Welsh scrum-half Brynmor Williams after his opening game of the tour.

His room-mate, Graham Price, went out to buy the local paper and Williams, having had what he thought was a good game, was looking forward to reading the report. Until Price threw the paper across the bed and said: “They don’t think much of you round here, Bryn.” And there, just above Williams’ photo, was the headline: “Is This The Worst Scrum Half Ever To Visit These Shores?”

Williams, though, made the team for the first Test, after which his opposite number, Sid Going, came up and asked him whether he’d like to swap jerseys. Having promised one of his two allocated jerseys to his home club Cardigan, who’d helped him out by raising some pocket money to take on tour, and wanting the other for his own souvenir, Williams had to decline.

Not much of the old style touring remains any more, which is sad, albeit maybe not quite so sad in the area of off the field behaviour.

The 1974 Lions to South Africa let their hair down so fiercely on one occasion that the captain, Willie John McBride, was informed by an irate hotel manager that he’d summoned the police. To which McBride replied: “The police eh? And how many of them do you think you’ll need?”  Martin Johnson has been a sports journalist and author since 1973, writing for the Leicester Mercury, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He currently writes columns for The Rugby Paper and The Cricket Paper, and has a book out called ‘Can I Carry Your Bags?’.

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Up to

50% OFF Original Prices

THE REGION’S PREMIER RETAIL & LEISURE DESTINATION Open Weekdays from 9:30am and Sundays from 10:30am* *Larger stores open for browsing only until 11.00am

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ACTIVE BODY DEALING WITH NECK PAIN, GETTING BIKE FIT, REHYDRATING, PAMPERING AND THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE

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33 SL Fitness Opener OK.indd 33

22/04/2017 20:24

ADD MILES. ADD EXPLORING. ADD STORIES. The new, bigger MINI Countryman has arrived at Sycamore Peterborough Ltd. From spontaneous days out to week-long road trips, our latest model is as adventurous as you are. Optional ALL4 all-wheel drive, coupled with the new MINI Countryman’s higher suspension, gives you a perfect view of the mountain road or the dirt track. With a range of innovative technologies like MINI Connected and MINI Navigation available as standard, plus the optional MINI Picnic Bench, plus the optional 8.8" touchscreen, you can take the road less travelled with the new MINI Countryman.

Visit our showroom to explore our biggest, boldest model to date, or call 01733 707074 to arrange a test drive*.

Sycamore (Peterborough) Ltd. Papyrus Road, Werrington Peterborough PE4 5HW Tel: 01733 707074

THE NEW BIGGER MINI COUNTRYMAN. WHO’S IN? Official Fuel Economy Figures for the new MINI Countryman range: Urban 32.1–58.9 mpg (8.8–4.8 l/100km). Extra Urban 47.1–68.9 mpg (6.0–4.1 l/100km). Combined 39.8–65.7 mpg (7.1–4.3 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 113-162 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. *Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

34831_bs198686_Sycamore_newcountryman_Ad_285x220.indd 1

06/10/2016 12:42

ACTIVE BODY

KITBAG THE LATEST ESSENTIAL SPORTING GEAR 1. Adidas 2017 Adipower Vector Mid Bowling cricket shoes

1.

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The Vector’s bevelled heel gives a smooth transition from jumping to landing, while a support cage and a mid-cut heel height work to stabilise.

From www.rutlandsports.co.uk Price £115

2. 2017 Gray Nicolls Legend cricket bat

Beautifully hand crafted with classic laser etched branding and made from the best quality willow. The best possible performance money can buy.

From www.vitascricket.co.uk Price £749.99

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3. RPC Heritage Bat

Based in Irthlingborough, Rob Pack is keeping the bat making tradition alive.

Pop over and try out a myriad of bats such as this RPC Heritage. You’re guaranteed to pick one up that you can’t put down.

From www.robertpackcricket.co.uk Price £300

4. Ping G irons

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If you’re serious about improving, then it’s essential to be fitted for your irons, and Ping has always been the leader in custom fitting. These irons have COR-Eye technology which provides a more flexible face for faster ball speeds, resulting in longer distance and softer landings.

Price c.£500 From Local pro shops

5. Cobra King F7 Heritage Collection driver

The new retro limited edition collection have a persimmon effect finish so that you can look like Old Tom Morris while hitting it like Dustin Johnson. It also features technology which means a smartphone can track the distances of your drives.

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Drive for show, putt for dough. While you might need quite a lot of dough to buy a Scotty Cameron Futura putter, the results will be worth it as you nail putt after putt.

Price c.£300 From Local pro shops

7. Babolat Pure Strike 16/19 tennis racket (2017)

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The Pure Strike 16/19 is the perfect choice for players looking to play aggressive shots with a diverse mixture of power, precision and spin.

Price £152.99 (frame only) From www.tennisnuts.com

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22/04/2017 20:44

Dingley, Market Harborough LE16 8PJ www.dingleyraces.com

under 16’s FREE ENTRY!

Enjoy a great day out with family and friends

∙ Licensed betting ∙ Children’s funfair ∙ Bar and refreshments

Easter Saturday, 15th April 2017 Sunday 7th May 2017 Saturday 27th May 2017

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ACTIVE TREATMENT

FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE 36.indd 1

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ACTIVE BODY

contract increasing the pressure on the joints and nerves resulting in headaches. ● Weakness and lack of coordination of the arm or fingers – when the nerve is pinched messages cannot travel to the area supplied as efficiently, rather like when you trap an electric cable and the bulb keeps going on and off. ● Nausea – this can occur with acute inflammation and pinching of the nerve.

CERVICAL NECK PAIN Craig Mortimer, consultant musculoskeletal physiotherapist at The Ashleigh Clinic, on an increasing burden in modern life CERVICAL NECK PAIN in the modern world is becoming an ever increasing burden on the individual, company and global economy.

It is estimated that neck pain affects 45% of today’s workers and affects 12% of females and 98% of men. This is is due to our increased use of technology such as computers, mobile devices and cars.

Spending 10 to 15 hours per day at home, work and school, all the while adopting poor postures.

These issues are now affecting our younger generation increasingly due to common factors such as ● Improper/poor positioning while sitting, using computers and mobile phones. Just take a look at the people sitting around you now. ● Long hours of repetitive movements.

Your spine is designed to move when we sit for long periods, the muscles, ligaments, tendons contract, circulation is impeded and the result is more limitation of movement. How do you feel when you stand after working on a computer for three or four hours? ● Carrying heavy backpacks, purses and briefcases. All of these increase the loading through the spine. This increases the pressure through the discs and small joints at the side of the spine called the facet joints. Over time slipped discs and wear and tear occurs and while this is normal as we get older these lifestyle related activities can increase the chance of further episodes of pain unless managed.

It is also important to understand that some people may have these changes and may also present with no symptoms.

A recent study of 33 elite tennis players between the ages of 15 and 19 as part of the screening programme showed all 33

had some pathology going on and eight had slipped or prolapsed discs. But not one complained of any pain. So it is important to understand some of these changes are normal and you can carry on being active as long as it is stable.

Posture is without doubt a significant contributor to on-going problems... ● Poor standing ● Poor sitting ● Misaligned spine ● Lack of exercise ● Muscle imbalance ● Spine degeneration ● All contribute to an increased incidence of neck pain.

Common symptoms of cervical (neck) pain are... ● Pain and stiffness – You may feel this in your neck and shoulders and have trouble turning particularly left and right. ● Numbness and tingling – When the nerve is pinched you may experience numbness, hypersensitivity or tingling in the arms, hands or fingers. This can also be present in your face. ● Clicking and grating noises – this is called crepitus. The inflammatory changes in the tissues cause the tissue to contract and restrict the normal movement of the neck. This increases the pressure on the joints of the neck and if there is wear and tear (arthritis) the joint surfaces are limited and they can rub together increase in pain and causing further inflammatory response. ● Dizziness and blackouts – impingement of the arteries for fractions of a second can cause a brief restriction of blood supply to the brain. ● Headaches – nerve impingement and inflammation cause the local tissue to

SO WHAT CAN WE DO? In The Ashleigh Clinic we see many chronic spinal problems where people either struggle to work or are even told they will need to change their occupation and in some cases told that they will never be able to work again.

I feel that it is important to understand wear and tear and prolapsed disc are a normal part of life and we see patients from teenagers to retired people and elite sports men and women with similar pathologies. We believe you do not have to live in pain and can live an active life.

You need to understand your condition so that you know which things aggravate it and how to treat and prevent it and also what treatment intervention will help treat the problem and not just the symptom. Our approach is this: ● Education – what causes the pain? How can I relieve the pain? How do I stop the pain? ● Treatment – we offer many forms of treatment depending on your problem all focused on restoration of normal function as near as possible. Targeting your problem and functional issues should be a priority as restoration of these should reduce future reoccurrence of injury. I am firm believer of maintenance which is what you can do and how future visits for treatment can maintain and improve your standard of living. It is important to understand you would not go down to the gym for eight weeks to get fit and then say I don’t need to go again.

A key aim from start to finish should always be to target the source of the problem and make exercises relevant to the persons goals. My own personal key words are “movement is everything” . The better you move the more efficient you are and the less you compromise your tissues and joints and you can enjoy a better quality of life whatever your age.

The Ashleigh Physiotherapy, Back Pain and Sports Rehabilitation Clinic 26 Stoneygate Road Stoneygate Leicester LE2 2AD T: 0116 270 7948 E: info@ashleighclinic.co.uk

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22/04/2017 15:57

ACTIVE BODY

PEDAL PAINS Reducing the risk of injury as a cyclist, by Function Jigsaw’s Lauren Dobson From rashes to broken bones to knee pain or numb hands, cycling injuries come in a range of painful areas from several different sources. We cannot prevent injuries, but we can reduce the risk of these injuries from occurring or recurring with some simple self-management strategies.

Many of these don’t take up too much time and when done correctly and consistently can be done whilst waiting for the kettle to boil or when you have a spare 10 minutes in the evening.

Most cycling injuries are due to factors such as – bike fit, collisions/external forces, friction, cuts and grazes and saddle soreness but can also be caused from muscular imbalances, muscular tightness and postural weaknesses.

The bike’s fit is important when you are spending good time on your bike. If something isn’t the correct height, size, width, weight and shape the bike doesn’t fit you and you don’t fit the bike which can cause all sorts of problems short and long-term.

Cycling injuries can be linked to being in the same posture for an increased period. As with running, walking, tennis, swimming – we are continuously contracting and strengthening the same muscles and other muscles can get neglected causing muscular imbalance, tightness and postural weaknesses.

COMMON INJURIES IN CYCLING Neck pain – mainly caused due to prolonged neck extension to look up to see where you are going from the bike riding position. This can cause localised deep neck ache with some cyclists reporting occasional neural pain. Bike Fittings should determine the correct stem length to maintain an upright posture. Self-management can be done by regularly stretching the pec muscle group (front of shoulders and chest), maintaining shoulder mobility, loosening the handle bar grip and considering some regular soft tissue massage.

Knee pain – frequently due to muscular tightness and muscle imbalance (overuse of quadriceps muscles), which is quite often linked with your bike size and the mechanics of the cycling motion. Cyclists with knee pain usually complain of sharp knee pains on pushing off through the pedals or deep pain behind the patella

(knee cap). Knee pain can be reduced with regular quadriceps (thighs), ITB and hip flexor stretching and self-massage techniques such as the active foam roller.

Strengthening your glutes and hamstrings is also beneficial to knee pain to try and equal out muscular imbalances. The benefits of reducing knee pain allows increased power on pedal strokes which will improve performance in numerous ways.

Lower back pain – being in the same position for a period of time doing whatever it may be, will make any muscle ache. Just like when you do the painting in your home, or crouching down to do the gardening on a lovely sunny day. For strong pedal strokes, the body must sit on the bike in a flexed position which easily results in lower back pain. This can cause a constant deep ache in the lower back or in more severe cases referred neural pain down the leg with muscular weakness. Stretching the surrounding structures of the lower back can help relieve this pain and reduce the risks of the pain returning. Lower back pain can also be linked to tight hip flexors…

Hip flexor pain and tightness – when sitting on the bike our hip flexors will naturally shorten as we are seated in hip flexion, the motions of pedalling involves further hip flexion again, shortening the hip flexors. The hip flexor muscle group will then gradually become tighter and tighter unless addressed. This may cause sharp or deep pains into the front of the hip but can also increase lower back pain because of the attachment of the deep hip flexor muscles. Regularly stretching this muscle group can help reduce hip and lower back pain along with maintaining good hip mobility.

Achilles tendonitis – pain in the Achilles can cause discomfort and inflammation.

Sometimes this can ease with movement and warming up or can cause discomfort all the time. For example, this may only be an issue in the morning for the first 20 mins of the day, or the initial phases of your ride. Bike size and fit is important with these types of pain – the shoe cleats need to be positioned correctly and the seat height will have a huge impact. If the saddle is placed too high, your toes will be pointing down with more constant contraction of the calf muscle increasing muscular tightness. Management for Achilles pain and tightness can be as simple as self-massage techniques using

the Active Trigger Ball to the above and below areas; calf complex and plantarfascia. Most Achilles problems are caused from calf tightness but when pain is increased, always ice the area and have an assessment from a professional who can provide you with some more in-depth advice.

Forearm or elbow pain – cyclists can experience different types of forearm pain from numbness to deep aches in the elbow and forearm area. Most of the time this is following long distance rides causing poor grip strength and occasional sharp pains which can be coming from a number of structures. It is important that the bike fit is correct so that the elbow wrist and hands aren’t taking additional unnecessary force and load whilst cycling. Self-massage techniques through the forearm muscles along with stretches is beneficial to reducing this pain and to help prevent it from returning – again a similar approach to the other injuries mentioned above that when a muscle or joint is held in the same position for prolonged periods, there will be aches and pains experienced. It is also important that the reduced grip strength is assessed by a professional to ensure this isn’t referred weakness from the neck complex.

As you can probably pick up from this blog on commonly-reported cycling injuries, the causes and what to do about it; the simple key to reducing risk of injury is that can be managed by yourself is: ● Spend good money on your initial bike fit ● Frequent self-management strategies – stretching and the use of Active Kit ● Regular sports massage ● Consistency. Be consistent with a short routine with these tips and your cycling can be more enjoyable than ever.

All pre-existing injuries or aches should be checked out by a professional before any changes are made.

If you cycle for a club or as a group and you are interested in Function Jigsaw’s team delivering a seminar, get in touch – 0116 3400 255 or lauren@functionjigsaw. co.uk. Function Jigsaw host a range of seminars and educational talks and can adapt their knowledge to your needs and benefits whatever the level of sport, type of sport or number of individuals.

@FunctionJigsaw info@functionjigsaw.co.uk www.functionjigsaw.co.uk

3 8 M A Y 2 0 17 ///

38 Jigsaw Fitness OK.indd 38

22/04/2017 16:07

Are you running the risk of outliving your savings?

L

ife expectancy is increasing all the time. Over the last 30 years (1982 to 2012) life expectancy has increased by around eight years for males and six years for females to 79.0 years for males and 82.7 years respectively (Office of National Statistics December 2013). This means that someone retiring now will need to have accumulated a fund far greater than someone retiring in 1982 to generate the same income.

I believe in adopting an individual approach to help you make the best decisions for your retirement fund – decisions that are right for you now and in the future. I specialise in guiding people through the decision making process, so that they can make an informed choice.

The golden rule is to find out exactly how much you are going to need in retirement – and to start planning for it now.

For further information, or to request your no obligation review to retirement planning, contact:

MATTHEW BOYCE Associate Partner WINNER

PARTN E RS IN M AN AG IN G YO U R WE A LT H

Tel: 01162 599007 Email: matthew.boyce@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.matthewboyce.co.uk

The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

39.indd 1

21/04/2017 10:39

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fresh wheels wedding.indd 1

10/05/2016 16:17

ACTIVE BODY

FREE PILATES SESSIONS A natural health centre in Market Harborough is offering free Pilates taster sessions to celebrate this year’s world Pilates Day 2017 on Saturday May 6.

Archway Health Hub is running the classes as part of the international event which aims to promote the practice of Pilates across the world. Held every year on the first Saturday in May, events take place all over the UK as well as the rest of the world.

The free half hour sessions at Archway are for a maximum of 12 people and run throughout the day from 10am to 2.30pm. Taking place in Archway’s Pilates studio, some sessions are ladies/men only and others are mixed. Places are free but need to be booked in advance.

Nikki Dyson (pictured), head of pilates at Archway, explains the reasons for running the sessions: “Pilates is growing in popularity all the time, but many people still don’t really know what’s involved.

“We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give people a chance to try it out. The classes will be suitable for anyone from complete beginners to those wishing to add tone, balance and co-ordination to their workouts. In fact, one of the joys of Pilates is that you can

participate at your own level so it works for everyone.”

Archway is offering two different types of sessions: a traditional mat class or a session using the Pilates reformer and chair which are specialised machines designed by founder Joseph Pilates.

Archway is one of just a couple of places in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire that have this type of specialised equipment which is suitable for rehabilitation and offers a resistance based workout.

In addition to offering standard Pilates classes at varying levels in Archway’s studio, Nikki also runs classes for people suffering from neurological conditions such as MS and Parkinson’s disease and those recovering from a stroke.

“We hope that by promoting Pilates, we will encourage more people to take it up, whether here at Archway or somewhere else,” adds Nikki. “It has such fantastic health benefits for all ages.”

To reserve a place, call Archway Health Hub on 01858 410 820.

Record numbers enjoy Festival of Cycling Riders at the Market Harborough Festival of Cycling enjoyed blue skies and a scenic route while raising a record-breaking amount for charity.

The 2017 event was the third annual festival and saw the number of riders and money raised for charity surpass figures from previous years. The Festival of Cycling, sponsored by NFU Mutual Market Harborough, raised an estimated total of £2,000.

As well as providing a route for more experienced cyclists, the event offered facilities for the next generation of cyclists with child’s cycling classes.

Children aged between four and 12 took part in the coaching and raised funds for Whizz Kids.

“The event is growing year on year.

It’s great because this means that more and more people are enjoying the beautiful countryside around Market Harborough in the company of their friends,” said Brian Corcoran, event organiser from Race Harborough.

“The introduction of the 100mile route this year brought some more experienced riders but this is a cycling festival and we will always welcome a wide span of abilities.”

Riders gathered at Robert Smyth Academy from 7am onwards and, following registration and briefing, began their varying routes around the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire countryside.

Waiting for riders at the finishing line were hot meals provided by Waterloo Cottage Farm, hydration from Nuun and Clif Nutrition and a massage from The Training Shed.

“It was a real community effort and without the help of businesses, wardens and riders, we wouldn’t have been able to make the event so successful,” added Brian.

As with previous events, The AdamSmile charity is one of the main beneficiaries.

The organisation has spent the past 10 years raising money and awareness of building a safe cycleway and path between Lubenham and Market Harborough.

/// M A Y 2 0 17 41

41 SL Fitness news OK.indd 37

22/04/2017 14:07

ACTIVE BODY

THE FINISHING TOUCHES You’ve done all the hard work in the gym, playing sports and getting fit, so now is the time to reap the benefits and add the finishing touches…

Edited by Mary Bremner

TIME TO SORT YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE

WWW.BRANDATTIC.COM

Summer is just around the corner so at last it’s time to think about summer clothes.

Summer means you are able to show off your toned limbs and appreciate all that hard work in the gym has paid off.

This summer feminine clothes are in and the floaty summer dress needs to be at the top of everyone’s list, and it has to have a bold floral pattern.

Vintage Laura Ashley dresses from the 1980s are very popular so check the back of your wardrobe – or your mother’s.

Otherwise, have a look on ebay.

I can hear you all groaning that floaty patterned dresses are not everyone’s cup of tea but this year they are back with a bang. Don’t despair though – you can wear your dress with a bit of an edge. Clumpy boots and summer dresses have appeared on many catwalks, even matching floral shoes (possibly a step too far).

Wear it with trainers, top it with a leather or denim jacket, but most of all wear it with attitude.

4 2 M A Y 2 0 17 ///

42-43 Fitness beauty OK.indd 42

21/04/2017 07:21

RE-HYDRATOR FACIAL

And finally...

The latest fashions

Barnsdale Hall Hotel’s hair and beauty salon is a welcoming, calm place. It offers many treatments including spa days and a flotation tank. I was treated to a facial using Espa products which are made with the purest, natural ingredients to cleanse, nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

Espa has an interesting take on a facial.

Rather than have formulated treatments using certain products the client ‘sensory tests’ which means they pick by smell.

‘The nose knows what the body needs,’ is their mantra, and it works.

I was offered a choice of two oils and cleansers to smell and asked to pick the ones I preferred. The ones I chose would focus on hydrating my skin which is what I said to Claire, my therapist.

A light was also used to shine on my skin to accentuate any problem areas. It was interesting to see which spots needed extra hydration – my eyes as expected – and if they can get rid of the bags under them even better.

The massage was all that it should be, relaxing and rejuvenating. Claire used firm massage techniques, particularly around my eyes and it felt fabulous.

While waiting for the face mask to work I enjoyed a head massage with my scalp being treated with oils as well. Warning: don’t agree to meet anyone afterwards as your hair will be an oiled mess.

Afterwards I looked in the mirror and I looked well rested, bright eyed (with no bags) and wrinkles had diminished – just what the doctor ordered.

Re-hydrator facial takes 55 minutes and costs £48. www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

120% Lino Printed Dress £125 www.cavells.co.uk

Floral print canvas trainers £29 www.laredoute.co.uk

PAMPERING AT THE MANOR Manor Hair and Beauty at Tur Langton is in an idyllic spot, based in the pretty village just a few miles from Market Harborough.

There’s plenty of space to park and the premises are roomy and airy. Sisters Holly and Lottie were brought up in the village and have recently extended the premises to accommodate four hairdressers and four beauticians.

I had my nails shaped and polished, which is always a treat, and my hair washed and blow dried. It was very convenient to be upstairs having my nails painted and then to wander downstairs to get my hair done. The perfect place to combine a beauty treatment with hair. You can even make a day of it and have lunch at The Manor as well as do a spot of shopping, as there are quite a few other businesses on the site as well.

A wash and blow dry is very popular with some people having it done weekly. I have naturally wavy hair which never looks ‘done’ as it likes to do its own thing. I don’t like it being straightened as I think I look

rather odd with straight hair so it was decided that I’d have my hair curled in a controlled way. Having your hair washed and dried is relaxing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also liked the finished effect. I had bouncy curls which gleamed glossily – a sophisticated look which wasn’t too groomed. Definitely one to do again.

Prices start at £15 for a file and polish and £20 for a wash and blow dry.

Manor Hair and Beauty, The Manor, Tur Langton, LE8 OPJ. 01858 545333.

Marlin floral cage back maxi dress £25 www.boohoo.com

Rose print lace insert dress £60 www.lauraashley.com

/// M A Y 2 0 17 4 3

42-43 Fitness beauty OK.indd 43

21/04/2017 07:21

ACTIVE LOCAL A GRAND OLD TIME BOTTLE KICKING IN HALLATON AND MEDBOURNE, PLUS OADBY SURVIVE AND LIONS JUST MISS OUT

4 4 M A Y 2 0 17 ///

44-45 LOCAL OPENER SL OK.indd 44

22/04/2017 16:10

/// M A Y 2 0 17 4 5

44-45 LOCAL OPENER SL OK.indd 45

22/04/2017 16:10

ACTIVE LOCAL

A day in the life of

CELIA MACKAY OWNER AND PRODUCER OF KILWORTH HOUSE HOTEL AND THEATRE

I

t sounds very grand but I always wanted to build a theatre. When I was four I was a rabbit in my first production at dancing school, then I went on to sing in different choirs, took drama lessons and spent a lot of time with the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society. In 1992 I set up The ARC Theatre Company to raise money for research into motor neurone disease as three of my friends had died from it. It was like jumping into the unknown but I just ploughed on asking different theatre directors to take my shows.

In 1999 I bought Kilworth House which, at the time, was divided into flats and had a caravan park where the theatre is now. It took four years to convert into a hotel: I organised all the interiors and bought the furnishings and antiques. As we have such high ceilings it’s fabulous to be able to have such massive paintings and fireplaces. The Orangery was held up by a telephone pole and as it has a Grade II* listing it actually cost more to mend and create the space than it did to buy the estate.

To dip my toe in the water we put on little shows in the Orangery which I directed until three years ago; we still have our dinner theatre there every Christmas. We finally got planning permission and built the outdoor theatre in 2007. That first year we stored the two back row seats in a farmer’s barn, leaving only 350 seats in the auditorium as I didn’t know if anyone would come. We put on 17 performances of the Pirates of Penzance and they all sold out.

Since then we’ve always done two shows each summer. We don’t buy them in: we produce our own shows. I have set the bar high but at the same time I want it to be accessible and not charge silly prices. Myself, the musical director and the choreographer audition hundreds of people in the West End. Once we’ve cast the show we rehearse in London and I always go to the first rehearsal – it’s tradition.

Two weeks before we open they come up here and do the technical rehearsals. That’s when the fun begins.

We’re the only hotel in the country with a theatre in the grounds. We’ve become quite well known in the industry as it’s such a unique experience for the actors. You have to step over the muntjac to get on stage and you wouldn’t believe the amount of moths I’ve seen swallowed by leading ladies! It normally rains during the summer, but when we did Singin’ in the Rain typically we actually only had one wet performance. The audience and actors are covered by canopies but when we move scenery

‘You wouldn’t believe the amount of moths I’ve seen swallowed by leading ladies’ on and off, because we don’t have wings, rain water can be brought on stage which can be too dangerous with dancers all over the place. We have had to stop shows before.

Originally everyone front of house were my mates and we all mucked in: I used to drive the buggies down from the house to the theatre.

Now I work 18 months in advance and we’ve got some really exciting things coming up.

This year is our tenth anniversary and we’re celebrating with Kiss Me Kate and Top Hat. Kiss Me Kate is a show within a show about a theatre company doing Taming of the Shrew but you see all the entangled love affairs and goings on behind the scenes. It’s hilarious and Cole Porter’s music is fabulous. Top Hat is proving so popular we’ve had to put on an extra week already. I’m also running a scheme called ‘Take a

Pew’ for Cancer Research where you can name a seat in the auditorium for £250. Every penny goes to charity and your name is there for life.

We have ‘Live at Kilworth’ events throughout the summer with different acts and tribute bands. The very first year when I looked across the full auditorium and saw Ken Dodd up there I thought, ‘he’s the last of the greats and he’s on my stage’. When the orchestra starts up and each show is just beginning it’s a fantastic feeling despite all the agonising beforehand.

I love all of our performances but one of my best memories has to be when we had women from five rock choirs from all over Leicestershire walk through the big doors to centre stage in Sister Act singing their hearts out. It was an indescribable moment. www.kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk

4 6 M AY 2017 ///

46 SL Local DILO OK.indd 46

21/04/2017 07:22

47.indd 1

21/04/2017 15:41

ACTIVE LOCAL

AND SHE’S OFF! Charlie Martin has just started her hillclimbing season.

Here she tells us how she has got race fit the season to start and to keep me from twiddling my thumbs? Working on my fitness, of course, with a combination of trail running round Pitsford Water, gym sessions and bouldering at Ape Index in Leicester. The latter is a Ninja Warrior-style gym run by Nigel Leeming, with all kinds of obstacles such as a warped wall (almost vertical and you have to run up it), obstacles for working on balance and climbing walls. Since it was my grip strength that let me down on series three of Ninja Warrior UK I’ve been focusing on building my strength as much as possible before auditions

NICOLAS MILLET

With spring in full bloom it’s racing season! As luck would have it my new neighbour is an ex-driver and race instructor (we’ve scheduled some evening sessions at Rockingham) and 2017 is the culmination of 10 years competing, so I want to be in the best condition possible, both physically and mentally.

Normally I’d be pre-occupied working on the car and van, but for once I have neither to worry about – especially since my Renault race van went on a boat to New Zealand last month to meet its new owner.

So what have I been doing while waiting for

start for series four this summer. The best way to do this is by climbing (or bouldering as it’s known) without ropes. It’s great fun and with a very thick sponge surface to land on you can attempt all kinds of things without the need for harnesses. Watching seasoned experts such as Nigel hang by their fingertips is inspiring.

Hopefully I’ll never lose my grip catapulting myself at a cargo net ever again!

Back to racing. I flew out over Easter to spend a few days learning the 5km course with team mate Sarah Louvet. Normally this would all be done on the Friday before the road is closed on Saturday morning for the start of practice, but as this is the only track I’ve not driven before in the Championnat de France de la Montagne it seemed wise to do my homework... the car felt incredibly fast on a circuit, so a French B road will be something else. I’ll let you know how the race went next month. www.gocharlie.co.uk

4 8 M AY 2017 ///

48-49 SL Local Challenge OK.indd 48

21/04/2017 07:24

PILATES AND THE CHALLENGE OF RECOVERY

MACMILLAN HARBOROUGH SPORTIVE Welland Valley Cycling Club is joining forces with Macmillan Cancer Support for a major fundraising sportive in south Leicestershire.

Sportives are non-competitive cycling events ridden at your own pace, open to everyone.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 13, starting and finishing at the Langton Brewery in Thorpe Langton, near Market Harborough.

There will be three rides – 100km, 60km and the shorter 10km family ride. The aim is to raise thousands of pounds for Macmillan.

Entry fees are £25 in advance or £30 on the day for the 100km and 60km rides and £10 per family for the 10km with the aim of raising £50 in sponsorship per family.

Routes will be signposted, food will be available on the way along with mechanical

support. Refreshments and live music will greet the finishers.

For details go to www.macmillanharborough. org.uk or email offroad@wellandvalleycc.co.uk.

Many people think that pilates is about getting a flat stomach by doing mat exercises and is something to do with ‘core’ control. Well, they are right to an extent but pilates is much more than that.

A lot of people think that only women do it but, originally, it was an exercise aimed at men and is becoming more popular with them. A Pilates Reformer is a machine used by many athletes and physios and is becoming more common in many studios.

Jacky Pugh, who runs a pilates studio in Leicestershire, now has a Reformer machine. She came to pilates through injury, as many people do. She was looking for an exercise to help a continual back problem following a serious car accident.

There weren’t many instructors around at the time so she qualified and now works with referrals from chiropractors, physiotherapists and coaches with a wide variety of clients from surgical rehabilitation to elite athletes. She also runs classes and has private clients.

But back to the Pilates Reformer and studio pilates sessions. These sessions are monitored far more closely than classes; the Reformer machine with its springs, bars and pulleys allows clients to feel muscle connections which helps create stability, balance and alignment. This helps with injuries but is also a great way to improve fitness, flexibility and strength, and Jacky is the one to guide you.

To find out more about Jacky and her studio, including the classes she runs, visit www.jppilates.co.uk or email pilatesbc@ gmail.com.

/// M A Y 2 0 17 4 9

48-49 SL Local Challenge OK.indd 49

21/04/2017 07:24

ACTIVE LOCAL /// Bottle kicking

Bottle it!

Jeremy Beswick gets pie in his hair and joins the fray at the annual bottle kicking match between Hallaton and Medbourne Photography: Pip Warters

5 0 M AY 2017 ///

50-55 Local feature SL OK.indd 50

22/04/2017 16:11

PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL SPORT

NO-ONE TRULY knows how far back the Easter tradition of bottle kicking and hare pie in Hallaton goes. Like many ancient village events – cheese rolling, straw bears, tar barrel burning – its origins are old enough to be obscured by the clouds of history.

It may even pre-date Christianity, when Easter was a pagan celebration of the fertility goddess Eostre (as in oestrogen), which explains why rabbits and eggs, with their obvious association with reproduction, are still symbols of the season. Some say Eostre’s companion was a hare, which it’s tempting to associate with the pie, and there are the remains of an Iron Age shrine nearby, so there’s been a settlement here for millennia.

Then again there is a less primitive, medieval, story about two Hallaton ladies saved from a pursuing bull when it was startled by a hare and, in thanks, donated money to the church to distribute beer, loaves and pie to the villagers every year.

This is the version preferred by the local vicar, Richard Curtis, who told me: “After the Lenten Fast this is a great celebration and would have been a means of meeting the needs of the poor.

In olden times we’d have been in the ‘hunger spring’ when the stores of the winter were running low and before the harvest was gathered.”

Event chairman Phil Allan, who has lived in Hallaton all his life and whose wife Lynne and daughter Suzy have made the pie for the past 14 years, takes the opposing view, believing that “the story was probably made up by the Christians to hide its pagan past”.

Whichever version you prefer, the first thing to understand about bottle kicking is that there are no bottles and precious little kicking. The ‘bottles’ are actually small wooden barrels of ale which the young men (and occasionally women) of Hallaton and neighbouring Medbourne compete over to return to their own village from a starting point in a field roughly mid-way between, wrestling the prize from each other as

/// M AY 2017 5 1

50-55 Local feature SL OK.indd 51

22/04/2017 16:12

ACTIVE LOCAL /// Bottle kicking

‘The first scrum is the really big one.

Once it starts to move the scrum doesn’t stop for anything... ditches, fences, barned wire’

if in some giant rugby scrum. It’s believed that Hallaton villagers originally scrummaged for the food and drink among themselves until one year a raiding party from Medbourne stole the lion’s share, whereupon it became a competition between the two.

I arrived to see for myself at around 12:30pm, the same time as several ambulances began to park up in readiness – this is not a pastime for the faint of heart. The Nene Valley Pipe Band, resplendent in full Highland dress, were already playing their bagpipes outside The Bewicke Arms by the Butter Cross – where victorious villagers would later return with the bottle to drink their fill – and presently I climbed the hill to the Fox Inn for the start of the parade.

There are three bottle carriers including the Master of the Stowe, Phil told me, and the two Carriers of the Cloth, which are the sacks from which the second throwing of the hare pie is made. In addition, John Morrison, ‘the Warrener’, bears a bronze sculpture of a hare atop a pole, with the pie itself and two Hallaton flags completing the regalia. The band struck up

some appropriately martial music and I joined the crowd of perhaps 1,000 to process down to the church for Richard to bless the pie, which was then thrown by the handful into the crowd – a part of the day aptly known as the scramble.

I managed to extract a lump of it from my hair and it wasn’t half bad – if perhaps a little gamey.

“There are two hares and potatoes and onions in it,” Suzy told me. “It’s a big pasty really.”

Like her father, she’d grown up in the village and bottle kicking is one of her earliest memories.

“It’s hard to imagine Easter without it. Most of us have friends in the other village, but not on that day. Any bad blood is settled in the hours to follow and it’s for the honour of our village.

Having said that, we know how to participate and look after each other. It’s part of our cultural history – something you wouldn’t see anywhere else.”

The barrels were dressed with ribbons and we processed back to the Fox where all took on board further liquid refreshment including even – or perhaps especially – the soon-to-be

5 2 M AY 2017 ///

50-55 Local feature SL OK.indd 52

22/04/2017 16:12

PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL SPORT

participants, among them the redoubtable Harry Hollis whose upper arms resemble most mere mortals’ thighs and fellow-bottle carrier Dave Marlow, one of nine Marlows including his three brothers who’d be joining the fray.

“It’s a big thing in our family. We’ve early photographs of us taking part in the 1880s,” he told me. “I’m just about hanging in there at the age of 50 but there’s a new generation coming through to take up the mantle.”

What’s it like taking part? “The first scrum is the really big one. Sometimes it doesn’t move at all for maybe 20 minutes and you can find yourself at the bottom whilst lads keep piling on top. I’ve had several broken ribs and countless stitches. Once it starts to move the scrum doesn’t stop for anything. Ditches, fences, barbed wire all get pushed through and if you get trapped underneath by the water that’s a bit of a worry.”

Dave is not blind to how others might see it.

“Yes, it’s a barbaric tradition really but something that must carry on. We just need to keep it going.”

/// M AY 2017 5 3

50-55 Local feature SL OK.indd 53

22/04/2017 16:13

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24/03/2017 16:09

ACTIVE LOCAL /// Bottle kicking

The bagpipes started up again and it was time for the much longer march to Hare Pie Bank where the remainder of the pie was thrown from the sacks and, on the third tossing of a barrel in the air, hostilities commenced.

The field was packed with spectators and we just about managed to retreat as the scrum threatened to engulf us and make involuntary joiners of us all.

On the way I’d spoken to 18 year-old Oakham schoolboy Tom Rollinson who, in contrast to those old hands the Marlows, was about to take part for the first time.

“My mates have told me it’s the best day of the year – you’ve just got to make it,” he said, adding ruefully: “Hopefully I’ll still feel that way tomorrow.”

In the event, he probably does because they were no reports of serious injury or – this time – visits by the air ambulance when I spoke to Medbourne’s Jack Burrows the following day.

Jack was sitting it out this year, ironically having fractured an eye socket and cheekbone playing that much more effete game, football, but claiming to be back with a bang next year. He’s

been taking part since the tender age of 12 “on the edges” as did his grandfather – and his grandfather’s seven brothers – and explained “there’s a lot of mutual respect between our boys and theirs. If there’s a serious problem you’ll hear the cry ‘back up, back up’ but unfortunately not everyone understands that,” reflecting the fact that anyone can just turn up on the day and join in – though why you’d want to is probably beyond any of us with a healthy sense of self preservation.

After a few minutes I decided, being one of nature’s sissies, it was time for a strategic withdrawal. As I walked back through the now eerily empty village thinking what a great day I’d had, I reflected that I’d been walking in the shoes of countless ancestors and experienced something uniquely English.

No matter how eccentric or politically incorrect some of these traditions might appear to us today, who could not be moved by a rite that’s taken place since before written history?

With generations of Marlows, Allans, Hollis and Burrows to come, I trust this one has a good chance of surviving for another millennia.

/// M A Y 2 0 17 5 5

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ACTIVE LOCAL Great walks

SEATON LOOP This month we’ve teamed up with Rutland Walking & Cycling Festival walk leader John Williams for this Seaton loop

Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

Leave the George & Dragon walking westwards through the narrow road-section passing the church on your left and continuing through the village on Main Street.

As you come to the end of the housing find Grange Lane on your left. Take this down to Grange Farm. Following the waymarks continue through the farm and along the field-edge track.

At a left turn you will have a ditch on your right.

Continue on the waymarked route through a further field and down a fairly steep, broad track with woodland on your left.

As you reach the bottom of this slope you

come to a meeting of various paths. Keep straight ahead to reach Main Street, Lyddington.

Turn right along the street passing the Marquis of Exeter on your right; continuing through the village on the Uppingham Road. Shortly you will see a footpath sign on your right – ignore this and look diagonally across the road for your path towards Uppingham.

Continue diagonally across the first field and following the waymarks through three further fields take a stile on to the road with another stile slightly left on the other side. Over this follow the waymarked path to the school playing field, crossing this the path leaves down a steep slope continuing up the opposite side. At the gate turn left and shortly right through the woodland.

Follow the waymarks down to a small plank bridge and up to reach South View in Uppingham.

Cross the road and ascend the flight of steps opposite. At the top turn left to find steps into the

churchyard. On your right is a building said to be the original Uppingham School. The path takes you round the building into a passage-way round the church and out into the Market Place where toilets are available. (If walking on a Friday the market will fill the square.)

Leaving the Market Square turn right down High Street East noticing the historic architecture, particularly the rooves.

At the roundabout go straight ahead on the Glaston Road but take the footpath at the top of the bank as the road descends sharply left. Follow this waymarked track to Bisbrooke.

As you enter Bisbrooke bear right along Top Lane, cross over the junction to Church Lane following this to reach the Church then continue on the enclosed, waymarked track.

At the open field it is best to try and follow the contour until you see a gateway ahead, aiming for this pass through and head towards the left hand hedge where you will find a footbridge over a stream which you cross.

Look up the hill and following waymarks, going through a gate cross the disused railway and into the opposite field. Follow this track steeply up, eventually crossing a bridleway the path levels out and continues, eventually reaching a meadow which takes you into Seaton.

The road is reached down steep stone steps. Take care! Turn left, follow the Main Street back to the George and Dragon.

5 6 M A Y 2 0 17 ///

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& Rutland Walking al iv st Cycling Fe takes place from May 29-June 2

land.org.uk www.activerut

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START

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©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 044/17

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION WHERE TO PARK At the George & Dragon (ask permission first), or near the church.

DISTANCE AND TIME Just under eight miles/two and a half hours.

HIGHLIGHTS A variety of beautful churches – All Hallows in Seaton, St Andrew’s in Lyddington, St Peter & St Paul’s in Uppingham and St John the Baptist in Bisbrooke. Plus there’s Bede House (Bishop’s Palace) and Bishop’s Eye in Lyddington, Uppingham market place and its school.

REFRESHMENTS The George & Dragon at Seaton, or either The Marquis of Exeter or The Olde White Hart in Lyddington. In Uppingham there’s The Vaults, The Falcon and Don Paddy’s.

DIFFICULTY RATING Three paws. You must be able to walk eight miles. Some steep slopes approaching Uppingham.

POOCH RATING Several streams on the route, so paw’s up from the pooches.

LOWLIGHTS Some stiles, and the steps to the road returning to Seaton.

TOILETS Uppingham Market Place.

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.

/// M AY 2017 5 7

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Running Shop Run by Runners Large Shoe Range Gait Analysis Friendly Service Clothing Accessories 146A Clarendon Park Road, LE2 3AE 0116 2708447 leicester running shop.indd 1

www.leicesterrunningshop.co.uk 21/04/2017 16:56

ACTIVE LOCAL Ride-out

left turn (no signpost, although there is a brown cycle sign at this point). Soon after, you’ll pass Bulwick Lodge on your left, heading towards Southwick.

11. Follow the road through Southwick, passing the Shuckburgh Arms on your right. Keep to the through road as it bends to the right, then left, following signs for Oundle. Enjoy the lovely views of Oundle and the surrounding countryside as you gently descend and pass through the village of Glapthorn, still following signs to Oundle.

ON YOUR BIKE Rutland Cycling’s Sally Middlemiss suggests another great route to get you out in the saddle This route explores the attractive villages and quiet lanes of north-eastern Northamptonshire.

It’s a steady route, mainly flat with some gentle inclines and descents.

THE ROUTE

Peterborough to Nassington Suggested start point: Ham Lane, Orton Meadows, PE2 5UU – there is a Rutland Cycling store here for spare tubes, energy bars, etc, and if you pop into the store with a copy of this route, the Rutland team will be happy to offer you a free coffee and parking pass.

1. Head west out of Peterborough along Oundle Road towards Alwalton, Chesterton and Elton.

Keep straight on, crossing several roundabouts, passing the Showground on your left, and passing over the A1.

2. As you head out of the city, enjoy the gentle descent to Elton village. Here, take the right turn to Nassington, then keep following signs to Nassington. As you head out of Elton, you’ll cross over the River Nene.

3. At the t-junction, turn right to drop down into Nassington.

Nassington to Bulwick 4. At the Black Horse Inn in Nassington, turn left towards Apethorpe. Keep straight on, following signs to Kings Cliffe.

5. At the next junction, turn right, signposted Kings Cliffe.

6. Pass through Apethorpe village, still following signs for Kings Cliffe.

7. Keep straight on through Kings Cliffe,

following signs for Bulwick. You’ll pass the Cross Keys pub on your right, then the village shop and post office on your left. At the end of the village, turn left towards Blatherwycke.

8. Head straight through Blatherwycke, following signs for Bulwick.

Bulwick to Oundle 9. In Bulwick village, take the left turn to head up the hill, towards Deene and Corby.

10. Just after you leave Bulwick, take the minor

Oundle to Lutton 12. Enter Oundle, passing the George pub on your right, then Oundle School to your left and right. At the T junction in the town centre, turn left. You’ll find several good café options here.

13. At the mini roundabout, go straight on, passing Oundle Town FC on your right.

14. At the roundabout with the A605, go straight over to pick up the minor road towards Ashton and Polebrook, taking care to cross this busy road.

15. Keep straight on, passing the Olive Grove on your left. Pass through Polebrook village, following signs to Lutton.

Lutton to Peterborough 16. In Lutton, follow the road round to the left, signposted Folksworth. Soon after, you’ll see the Cambridgeshire county boundary sign.

17. Enter Washingley, and turn left at the crossroads, signposted Elton.

18. Keep straight on, crossing over the A605.

19. At the t-junction, turn right towards Chesterton and Alwalton and retrace your steps back to the start point.

KING’S CLIFFE START/ PETERBOROUGH

APETHORPE CHESTERTON

BULWICK ELTON SOUTHWICK

OUNDLE

/// M AY 2017 5 9

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Roundup The scores, star performers and stats from a month in local sport

Rugby

Lions just miss out on top two league spot

BY JEREMY BESWICK

L

eicester Lions, after a season of good performances, seem set to miss out on a top two spot in National League 2 North, with leaders Caldy too far ahead and Sale now looking safe as runners-up.

They would have seen their recent visit to the leaders’ Cheshire ground as an opportunity, albeit a challenging one, to break into the mix and it was to prove a close-run affair. Lions opened the scoring with a penalty from James Grayson before Caldy struck back with a converted try from their number eight after a quarter of an hour. Another Grayson penalty narrowed the gap to one point at half time.

Shortly after the re-start, Grayson yet again slotted a kick to give Lions the lead, but that was to prove the high point of the game for them as the home side’s Jack Lavin, with twenty and then ten minutes to go, went over twice to make the score 19-9.

To their credit, back came Lions through prop Ben Stokes, Grayson adding the conversion, to ensure the game was still the balance – three points in it with five minutes to go. Unfortunately for them the only score in the last few moves of the game was a penalty to the hosts making it 22-16 at full time.

Ken Whitehead, Lions’ director of rugby, commented: “A good game and we felt that we competed well and gave a good account of ourselves against a skilled league leading team. We showed some character.”

Next up was the visit of Preston Grasshoppers, bottom of the table but a side

that had surprisingly beaten them in February, a loss Lions might look back on as pivotal to their season. There was to be no mistake this time, prop Aniseko Sio with the opening try after just four minutes with winger Sam Benjamin adding a second after what the club’s Mike Howkins described as a “lovely cross-field move”. Five minutes later Luke Veebel made it 19-0 which proved to be the half time score.

Veebel was to feature again in Lions next try, breaking through to off load to Devon Constant who showed good pace to outrun the Hoppers’ defence. It wasn’t all one way traffic however, Howkins acknowledging that the visitors “had been making a game of it all the way through” and felt it was “due reward” that they got a try of their own on 52 minutes.

Veebel and Constant added another try each however to put the game beyond doubt and a late response from Preston was academic, the final scoreline being 40-14.

Whitehead noted “good to see some enterprising play by the backs, who scored five of our six tries”.

A sparkling away performance at Otley was to follow, winning 65-17 despite the hosts scoring a try within a minute. Lions were to score nine of their own including a purple patch in the last quarter of an hour in a performance Whitehead called “most impressive” and “a pleasure to watch”.

If they can play like that at the start of next season another push for promotion should be on the cards.

South Leicester will be quietly satisfied with their own, inaugural, season at this level – looking set to finish in a respectable mid-table position.

They lost narrowly to Tynedale with chairman Wayne Marsden noting: “It’s always going to be a challenge when you are on the bus for five hours to get to a game of rugby,” but, despite a total of six yellow cards in the match, they enjoyed themselves at home to Scunthorpe with six tries from Nick Cairns, Jacob Heath, Gaz Turner, Matt Riddington, Taiye Olowofela and a penalty try.

The pick of them was from Olowofela, described by Marsden as “a sublime run from his own 22 eluding several would be tacklers”.

That Marsden felt the referee was somewhat officious can be inferred from his report that one of the yellows was “for laughing”.

Their followed another home tie, this time against Luctonians, with Rickie Aley the star of their 40-28 win with 25 points of his own. In addition to his usual trusty performance with the boot (four penalties and a flawless conversion record), he landed a try and also, according to the club’s Mick McNeill, contributed to two others.

Market Harborough’s season rather fizzled out as, with only pride to play for as neither promotion nor relegation were possible, they lost to Olney, Oundle and a Peterborough side who have been head and shoulders above the rest of their league this season.

All will be relieved to see them promoted and so not have to face them again next year.

6 0 M AY 2017 ///

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Tigers Talk

Above

Prop Marcos Ayerza has been forced to retire a er taking medical advice over a back injury

seasons. I’ll miss it a lot but it is time to face new challenges in my life, turn over the page, as hard as that is, and I wish the Tigers all the best.”

Chairman Peter Tom added: “Marcos has had the respect of team-mates and rivals around the rugby world, as well as from the pundits and journalists who follow the game closely. He has been without doubt one of the leading players in his position in the world.”

Marcos will continue to be involved at the club as an ambassador for the wheelchair rugby side.

TIGERS IMAGES

Matt O’Connor’s position as head coach at the Tigers seems to have been clarified, with club statements that he will be in overall charge of all playing matters and with no immediate prospect of a director of rugby – the title predecessor Richard Cockerill held – being appointed above him.

A er a short pause while he awaited visa clearance, his hands are now firmly on the tiller. “The opportunity to come back and be in charge at Leicester is phenomenal,” he said. “This is a place that I have very, very fond memories of and that I care about greatly.”

With not much le of the season he’s hit the ground running. “Having the chance to come in quickly and getting a look at the environment for the last couple of months – right at what we hope is the business-end – is a huge advantage from my perspective. There is still a lot to play for and we know what we need to do,” he continued.

Despite the recent narrow loss to Bath, their nearest rivals for the fourth play-off spot, Tigers remain in pole position to land that a er a solid win against Newcastle and Bath’s slip up against Worcester. And O’Connor’s influence is beginning to be felt.

“Matt’s been proactive and highly involved,” commented assistant Geordan Murphy and, before the win against Newcastle, O’Connor said: “I cut my teeth in the Premiership. I’ve got a good understanding of what is required in this part of the world to win trophies.”

Tigers fans will be pleased to hear that, reading between the lines, he feels the side had been under-performing given the talent available to him.

“I think we have 25, 30, 40% growth in us, so it will be interesting to see how we go. If we look a er the ball four, five, six times better, we are good enough to beat anyone,” he said.

One part of the talent pool that, alas, won’t be available to him is one of the fans’ favourites, Argentine prop Marcos Ayerza who, a er a Tigers career of 11 years and at the age of 34, has reluctantly taken medical advice to retire because of a back injury. In a statement he said: “I have been extremely proud to represent Leicester and Argentina for so many

/// M AY 2017

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ACTIVE LOCAL Round-up

Football

Poachers survive the storm

BY JEREMY BESWICK

T

wo recent draws and a win have confirmed Oadby’s successful survival in the United Counties League Premier Division.

This had been the extent of their pre-season objectives and represents a creditable result in a transitional year, which will give them the opportunity to consolidate and build in the close season for what will, hopefully, be a more profitable campaign for a very young side next time around.

Following a cracking 4-1 win away at already-relegated Harrowby United, Northampton Sileby – then riding high in sixth place – were the visitors on what the club’s Josh Jones described as a “perfect afternoon” with clear blue skies and the Freeway Park pitch in good condition.

After chances for captain Callum Steer and Carlton Beardmore the Poachers were awarded a penalty after 38 minutes when Beardmore, played through by Jacob Gill, was brought down by Sileby’s keeper as he rounded him towards an empty net, Beardmore himself converting.

Five minutes later they had a second, Harry Alcock the scorer with an accomplished finish to see them into the break 2-0 ahead. Sileby had also had chances and seen a decent penalty shout of their own declined and Jones acknowledged the score was “admittedly against the run of play”.

The visitors got their due reward just a minute into the second period, Michael Byrne taking a through ball and beating Oadby’s

onrushing young keeper, Sam Lomax, the ball “rolling agonisingly into the vacant goal” according to Jones. The next 15 minutes saw Sileby with the upper hand, Lomax doing well with stops from Andrew Hall and Luke Stevens.

Following another reasonable penalty appeal, they drew level through Brian Farrell and by now Lomax was having to perform heroics to keep the visitors at bay.

The game seemed to be drifting away from Oadby until Nuno Gomes came off the bench to replace Beardmore.

According to Jones this was “one of the key moments in the game” as “Gomes’ electrifying pace and composure on the ball provided the Poachers with a new spark of life when it was needed most” and he was to restore their lead with a goal after being on the pitch for a little over two minutes, albeit with a scuffed effort off his shin. “Not one that will be up for goal of the season,” noted Jones.

Alas, just one minute later Sileby’s third penalty appeal was rightly awarded and they made no mistake to make it 3-3. Oadby had to survive yet another decent shout before the end but clung on for the draw.

They could have no complaints as the visitors were “left to rue their host of clear opportunities” and who “squandered chance after chance in a highly-entertaining affair” which was “a fantastic result for Oadby, who created no more than a handful of clear-cut chances, but had young goalkeeper Sam Lomax to thank for claiming a point”.

In a further indication that the Poachers had ridden their luck, Lomax was made man of the match.

They then went on to draw away who to Harborough Town, who themselves now look set for a comfortable mid-table finish, a recent run of bad form being stopped with a 2-0 home win again Huntingdon and, although they then lost to Eynesbury and Desborough, that draw would have suited both sides.

Borough are currently eleventh out of twenty two.

Their vets have had a more exciting time of it, winning the County Cup in the final against Leicester Road Vets (the same two teams having also reached the final last year) in a match held at the Leicestershire FA’s Holmes Park headquarters.

One-nil down at half time, they equalised with a penalty early in the second period and went ahead with a finely taken goal, “Woj” whoever he may be – this is vets after all – “Cutting inside and curling one into the bottom corner from 20 yards,” according to the club’s Gary Wainwright. The same player then made it 3-1 with a tap-in and they were to go on to add two more for an emphatic 5-1 victory.

According to Wainwright they celebrated enthusiastically, “some of us longer into the night than is recommended for men of our age but it’s not every day you win a cup final”.

Hear hear. If you’re over 35 and can find your old boots under the stairs, training is at 8pm on Tuesday nights.

6 2 M AY 2017 ///

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Vox Fox

LCFC/Plumb Images

So, the Fox’s dream of a second consecutive season confounding all the odds, this time by landing the European Cup, is over as Atletico Madrid – a side that has reached the final in two of the last three years – proved too strong for them in the second leg of the quarter-final.

They were somewhat unlucky to be 1-0 down from the first leg and Saul Niguez’s opener to put them 0-1 down in the return proved too much of a mountain to climb, despite Jamie Vardy’s equaliser and a performance that drew admiration from all, including visiting manager Diego Simeone, who said: “I have to say what a great performance from Leicester, it was a pleasure to compete against them. They never gave up for one minute, they never let their heads drop. We were living in fear all night about what they might achieve as they were coming forwards. They pushed us all the way.”

Fox’s manager Craig Shakespeare also drew positives saying a erwards: “I’m disappointed to go out but immensely proud of our performance tonight. I thought we ran an excellent team close and we gave it a real shot. I hope the benefit is that they want some more of it.

“As a club we can be proud of how we’ve conducted ourselves but they should want more of this because the Champions League is the highest level. To do that we have to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.”

Danny Drinkwater, speaking to LCFC TV a er the match echoed that pride in their achievement: “We’re disappointed, obviously, but we can be proud. We put our all into that game. Overall, we’ve lost the game tonight over two legs, but I thought the lads did terrifically well tonight. Everything considered, I think we deserved more.

“We created a lot more chances in the second half. We were a lot more direct, we knew we had to make something of the game so we went for it a er half-time. I’m not sure how many chances we had but I think it was pretty high. It’s credit to us as a team. We’ve worked very hard to be where we are.”

Scorer Vardy was equally unbowed: “We’ve definitely given our all, especially in the second half and they’ve made quite a few blocks on the line as well, which on another day could have gone in” he said. “We were definitely in the ascendency and you could see that with the way we were playing. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, but at least we gave it our all and le everything out on the pitch”.

That they’d defeated Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Porto and Sevilla along the way shows just what they are capable of and they will surely now continue to climb the Premiership table for the remainder of the season before – who knows? – doing well enough next campaign to taste European football again in 18 month’s time.

Above

Craig Shakespeare drew positives from Leicester’s Champions League quarter-final loss to Atletico Madrid

/// M AY 2017

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16/02/2017 16:31

ACTIVE LOCAL Round-up

Equestrianism

Rowan wins at Saddington

BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

M

arch 25 was a very busy day for the horse fraternity – the Fisher German Harborough ride took place over three-and-a-half miles of superb Fernie hunting country at Saddington in Leicestershire, which is one of the last rides of the season and a lot of the horses in the pack would be going for a rest after their final run.

It was yet another successful day hedge hopping for on-fire Rowan Cope, who made the undulating course look easy as he romped first past the post many lengths in front of Clare King for second.

Lucinda Barrett finished a very respectable third, with previous winner Dominic Gwyn-Jones being knocked back into fourth.

Rowan also won best Fernie/Pytchley and Heavyweight – I dare say his mantle piece will need reinforcing at this rate.

There was also a fun ride, which ran immediately after, which is probably more fun to watch than it is to ride, but there were many riders looking deliriously happy with their efforts at the finish.

Then we headed straight over to Garthorpe in the afternoon for the very popular Belvoir

point-to-point with the going being good to soft. Joanna Hewitt won her first ever race, the Ppora Club Members’ (Novice Riders) at just 16 years of age. She was riding the Irish-bred 4/1 Smiths Hill; Joanna rode into the winner’s enclosure with a beaming smile and was greeted by loud cheering for her amazing achievement. She is based locally in Northamptonshire at Caroline Bailey’s stables.

Local rider Tom Chatfeld-Roberts is also making a good name for himself as a jockey, winning the Garthorpe Hunt members’ race on his father John’s Love Manhattan.

Tom is currently juggling university life with pointing and doing a great job of it as he also finished third in the Open Maiden 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-old race on Dulwich Hill as well.

The first of the Midlands Pony Racing fixtures within the area got underway a few weeks ago at the Pytchley point-to point at Guilsborough, it was all smiles for Molly Turcan riding Spring who won the Treehouse Sporting Colours Novice Riders Race.

Cottesmore’s Molly lives in Burrough-onthe-Hill near Melton and successfully takes part in all Pony Club activities although this was her first ever pony race.

In the Open it was a win for Nia Kerslake riding Pick Pocket, beating Benjamin Bromley into second and another Cottesmore rider Millie Parrington into third. Pony racing is becoming very popular, especially as it is very well endorsed by the Pony Club, but it is great fun to watch and adds a great fun element to the day.

Local event rider Emilie Chandler had just started to get excited about being Badmintonbound on Coopers Law after not only being accepted, but then having had an excellent fifth place in a competitive advanced section at Belton Horse Trials in early April, then fate intervened and she has had to withdraw due to minor setback.

There is a long wait list and Emilie withdrawing meant that another local rider, Willa Newton, got the call up to go on Chance Remark, who also had a good double clear at Belton in the Grantham Cup but was unplaced.

At the time of writing Emma Hyslop-Webb from Old Dalby is still on the waiting list with Pennlands Douglas – with five more to withdraw before she gets in, it’s definitely still a maybe.

Show your support for local sport...

Email advertise@theactivemag.com /// M AY 2017

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ACTIVE LOCAL Schools

Le

The re-opening of the USSC fitness studio a er its refurbishment

IFI award for Uppingham School sports centre’s refurbished studio Uppingham School Sports Centre has re-opened its fitness studio having completed a refurbishment and been supplied with 62 pieces of the latest Pulse Fitness equipment.

The new accessible equipment and other improvements have enabled USSC to be awarded the IFI accreditation, recognising the centre’s commitment to provide accessible facilities, equipment and support.

USSC is the first facility in Rutland, the second facility in Leicestershire and the third in the East

Midlands to receive the aaccreditation from the IFI. Andrew Merrell, fitness manager, said: “We are delighted to have received the IFI award recognising our investment in inclusive fitness.

The new equipment at USSC has revolutionised the training options for our customers and the increased variety of fitness equipment provides an excellent opportunity for individuals with varying needs to have an enjoyable workout, with improved access and inclusivity.”

Various membership opportunities exist to make use of this improvement to the centre and the fitness studio now also has specific sessions available to children to develop their fitness knowledge.

To view the new equipment follow USSC on Twitter or Instagram @_ussc and for further information, to arrange a tour or to become a member at USSC visit the website at www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk, contact the reception team on 01572 820833 or email ussc@uppingham.co.uk.

OBSTACLE WATER PARK TO OPEN THIS MONTH The UK’s biggest water sports Aqua Park will return to Rutland Water this summer.

Following its successful launch last year, the park will return on Saturday, May 27, and will double in size, serving up new obstacles and challenges for thrill seekers.

Open until the September 23 at Rutland Water, the park features more than 36 fun and challenging obstacles to climb, jump, crawl, launch, slide and splash.

The park has also commissioned the UK’s tallest inflatable climbing wall, named ‘The Beast’, a drop for only the biggest dare devils.

New obstacles also include the Action Tower XXL and the Ice Tower XXL providing a different set of challenges for guests to experience.

Designed for a super-soaking good time, tickets are priced at £20 for a 50-minute experience, including a free wetsuit and buoyancy aid in order to tackle the obstacles,

balance beams, climbing walls, trampolines and blast bags.

The course features obstacles such as Cyclone, the colossal Revolution, Jungle Jim, Kaos, Tango, Freefall Extreme, the Summit Express and many more which promise to deliver real excitement and very wet landings.  Due to high demand, visitors and groups of any size must pre-book online at www. aquaparkrutland.co.uk.

6 6 M AY 2017 ///

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22/04/2017 14:11

SUMMER FUN AT KILWORTH A total delight, perhaps the best kept secret in British Theatre.

The Daily Telegraph

‘KISS ME KATE’

1940’s Baltimore and it’s opening night...

10 minutes to the curtain going up and backstage all hell has let loose!

The story unfolds on and off stage as romantic entanglements, mistaken identities and hairy encounters with a pair of hilarious, foolhardy gangsters are all comically intertwined in Cole Porter’s stunning musical comedy.

Full of mischief, wit and dazzling dance including hit songs ‘Another Op’nin, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Too Darn Hot’ and ‘So In Love’, it will leave any ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ grinning from ear to ear – running from 31st May - 16th July, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ is an absolute must see for all the family!

RIOTOUSLY FUNNY. A CLASSIC FEEL-GOOD MUSICAL COMEDY. KILWORTH AT ITS BEST.

TICKETS £32 - £40

31ST MAY – 16TH JULY

K

ilworth House Theatre is dedicated to producing and presenting large scale professional musical theatre.

For the whole experience, guests can dine preshow in the beautiful ornate Victorian Orangery.

Why not treat yourself to an overnight stay enjoying the luxurious facilities of Kilworth House Hotel in one of their sumptuous bedrooms.

rn Millie, 2016.

Thoroughly Mode

Pre-theatre dinner

£30.

Ticket, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from just

£150 per person.

BOX OFFICE 01858 881939 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) OR BOOK ONLINE www.kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk KILWORTH HOUSE HOTEL & THEATRE LUTTERWORTH ROAD NORTH KILWORTH LEICESTERSHIRE LE17 6JE

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07/04/2017 15:03

Now twice as large, twice as challenging!

OPENING 27th May 2017 to 23rd September

All bookings ONLINE ONLY for individuals and groups whether small or large at:

www.apr.sports-booker.com