Active Magazine // South Leicestershire // September 2015 by Active Magazine

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what's going on in your area - right now! Bruntingthorpe, Market Harborough, Kibworth, and Lutterworth ISSUE 05 // SEPTEMBER 2015

S o u t h L e i c e s t E R s h i r e S P O R T A N D L EI S U R E M A G A Z I N E

ISSUE 05 // SEPTEMBER 2015

THE DAYS OthLingD G OGF s reat active y to do in the countr this autumn

Maximus Gluteous How to avoid an inferior posterior

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Rugby and Football preview The hopes and dreams of your local teams

Throw a Great Party!

www.theACTIVEmag.com 09

The best venues for an active bash

23/08/2015 20:17

KS4 OPEN EVENING beauchampcollege

8 October 2015 , 5pm - 8pm

WANT TO SEE MORE? Sign Up For A College Hours Visit Tour around our state of the art facilities Sample our outstanding GCSE lessons.

Please book by phone or email

KS5 OPEN DAY

31 October 2015 , 10am - 2pm beauchamp.org.uk Ridgeway, Oadby, LE2 5TP 0116 2729100 . info@beauchamp.org.uk Active Life Magazine.indd 1

19/08/2015 11:39

Editor’s Letter IT’S NOT REALLY SURPRISING TO HEAR THAT Leicester hasn’t fully embraced the Rugby World Cup yet. The decision not to include Welford Road is nothing short of scandalous, and I couldn’t care less about that daft reasoning from the organisers about the pitch being too small, which is why they went to the King Power. It was done to get more tickets sales, and nothing else. Well, now it’s backfired because the people of Leicestershire, steeped in a long tradition of rugby history, are snubbing it, with ticket sales way below any other venue in the tournament. Meanwhile, at Welford Road there’s a lot going on and not only with the smart new stand in the process of construction. The start of new seasons are always exciting, but this one even more so, for it will be fascinating to see what impact the installation of ex-Tiger and All Black legend Aaron Mauger as head coach will have, and the introduction of a raft of new young players. But this has to be balanced out with what goes before. Ever since he took over as the top man in 2009, Richard Cockerill has done a magnificent job for Tigers. He has his methods and some might not like them, he has won a lot of silverware, despite a couple of seasons with desperate injury lists, and crucially he understands the history and traditions of Leicester FC. While Mauger will no doubt bring in more attacking flair to the back line, as director of rugby Cockers is the touchstone of the club and hopefully will remain so for many years. Because while the World Cup organisers might not care much for heritage, players that come to Tigers really are part of a legacy, and it is their duty to maintain it during their time in the shirt, before passing it on to somebody else. Cockerill is just the man to remind them of that, and his partnership with Mauger could make for a very exciting season at Welford Road. I hope you enjoy the magazine, Steve

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

Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com Art editor Mark Sommer mark@theactivemag.com Contributors Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Sandie Hurford, Jeremy Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, 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 A member of the Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@ theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@ theactivemag.com Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2049-8713 A Grassroots Publishing Limited company. Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318 Disclaimer

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2015. 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

ISSUE 5 /// SEPTEMBER 2015

36 NEWS 13 ACTIVE LIFE

Details of the Victory Show in Cosby

16 COOPED UP

Editor Steve Moody updates us on life with chickens

18-19 HEALTHY EATING

Another tasty recipe from Riverford Organic

20 DAY IN THE LIFE OF... Flying vet Mike Thorne

23 WIN: LAND ROVER SHOW TICKETS Two family tickets up for grabs

25 FIVE THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER Everything from dancing to blackberry picking

26-27 WHAT’S ON

The best local events coming up

31 MARTIN JOHNSON COLUMN

The Sunday Times writer on sports managers

32-35 KIT BAG

Essential gear for the sporting season

FEATURES 36-41 AUTUMN FUN

Great ideas to get you out and about

42-49 HEALTH AND FITNESS

The latest on looking and feeling great

REGULARS 50 DOG HEALTH

More great advice to make life with your pooch easier

52-53 GREAT WALKS

Will Hetherington heads to Bruntingthorpe

55 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out Toro Latino Tex Mex in Lutterworth

56-61 SCHOOL SPORT

Our focus on the latest achievements from local pupils

62-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

8 SE P T E M BE R 2015 ///

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22/08/2015 17:56

Opening Times Mon - Fri 7.30am – 9.30pm Sat 7.30am – 8.30pm Sun 8.30am – 7.30pm

Lincolnshire, NG33 5EJS T: 01529 531291 E: leisureclub@stokerochfordhall.co.uk

www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk

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17/07/2015 10:17

Tel: 0116 2796001 ext 3

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21/08/2015 18:26

In Play

Flashes of brilliance The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best firework companies competed against each other with 10-minute firework displays choreographed to music at Belvoir Castle recently. The dazzled audience could vote for the one they liked the most using their mobile phone, with MLE Pyrotechnicsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spectacular show the winner.

1 0 SE P T E M BE R 2015 ///

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/// SE P T E M BE R 2015 11

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PETERBOROUGH CITY COUNCIL PRESENTS

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21/04/2015 15:54

Activelife GREAT THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE, PEOPLE TO MEET // Edited by Mary Bremner

OUT AND ABOUT

The Victory Show This year is the 10th anniversary of the Victory Show, which pays tribute to World War II. It runs from Friday, September 4, to Sunday, September 6, at Cosby in Leicestershire. Held on a 100-acre site, the show plays host to many historical societies and lots of 1940s vehicles including tank rides. Also enjoy music from the 1940s and much more. www.thevictoryshow.co.uk /// S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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Activelife

EVENTS

What’s on STRICTLY SONDHEIM Join Market Harborough musical theatre for its tribute to Stephen Sondheim between September 29 and October 3 at the Harborough Theatre in Church Square. There will be songs from West Side Story and Gipsy as well as lots of familiar tunes to enjoy. www.ticketsource.co.uk/mhmt COTESBACH ESTATE Visit the Cotesbach Estate in Leicestershire and enjoy its Heritage Open Days from September 11 to 13 There will be guided walks around parts of the estate not normally open to the public, a market in the yard and an artists’ and designers’ fair on the Sunday which offers lots for everyone and is free to enter. www.cotesbach.net TRY-A-TRI TRIATHLON The Market Harborough Sprint and Try-a-Tri Triathlon takes place on September 6. Back after its successful inaugural event last year, it’s open to everyone from the hardened triathlete to the complete novice. You can do it with friends and family as a relay event or try the Try-a-Tri which is half the distance of the Sprint which is a great way to try your ﬁrst triathlon. Or just go along to watch and encourage the competitors. www.racetime-events.co.uk WINDMILL OPEN DAY Visit Ullesthorpe Windmill on Sunday, September 13. It’s open for a heritage day when there will be guided tours explaining the history of the mill. Open from 11am-4pm, entry is free although donations will be welcome. 01926 851127

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Activelife

LIFESTYLE

COOPED UP

Editor Steve Moody is taking up keeping chickens. Month four: there’s eggs everywhere!

e are awash with eggs. Every time somebody pops round for a cup of tea, they get offered an egg instead of a biscuit. If the kids want to play catch in the garden, I’ll suggest they use an egg. Need a handy wedge to keep a door open. Egg it is. It seems as though, even with my dodgy maths, that three chickens laying every day should produce three eggs – yet the egg mountain seems to rise at a rate far greater than that. Have a day without an egg and the pile leaps skywards. Not that I’m complaining, because the result is amazing. It wasn’t quite so at the start when Daisy laid a few shell-less eggs, which are a rather bizarre

sight. The concern was that she wasn’t getting enough calcium in her diet, but I think it was just that she was young because once she got the knack she was ﬁring out proper eggs at a prodigious pace. In fact, her speciality is the double yolker – there’s normally one a week and I bet it makes her eyes water to lay one of those huge bombs. It’s always worth collecting a couple of times a day because some lay early, and some a bit later. Handily, our hen coop as a roof right above where they lay so it’s really easy to collect the eggs and doesn’t require any rooting about. Much easier than going to the supermarket. Cooking with eggs produced at the bottom of your garden is different too. Poached eggs are

easy – just throw the egg into boiling water and it will hold together in one glutinous ball. Perfect every time. Omlettes are a luminescent yellow, the yolks being some much more vivid in colour than than shop bought ones, while fried eggs are fabulous. I was never a massive fan of fried eggs before – often because they’re thin, stringy things – but made from our eggs they are gorgeous. The egg sits ﬁrm and proud in the pan a good inch taller than a shop bought one, and puffs up on the heat like a piece of popcorn. Elevenses? Time for a poached. Quick afternoon snack? Fried. Something before bedtime? Scrambled. I’m determined to keep up with the chickens…

NATURE

How to spot a yellowhammer The ‘little-bit-of-bread-and-nocheese’ song of the yellowhammer is the perfect accompaniment to countryside walks on warm summer days. It may be heard from February to the end of August from birds perched in tall trees, hedgerows or overhead wires. Male yellowhammers are attractive birds with their bright yellow head and breast; the female is rather paler.

Yellowhammers are seed eaters, about the size of a chafﬁnch, and they remain widespread locally despite a large reduction in

numbers in recent years. Like many other farmland birds they have been hard hit by more intensive farming. Fewer winter stubbles have reduced winter food resources whilst some pesticides have removed the insects which the adults depend upon to feed their chicks. On the brighter side wildlife friendly planting of wild bird seed mixtures, with uncultivated ﬁeld

margins, can provide winter feeding and flower rich headlands encourage the insects needed to raise two or three broods of healthy chicks each year. Yellowhammers will take advantage of game crops grown for pheasants and partridges and these may attract flocks of fifty or more. In winter they will also feed around cattle yards and in fields where hay has been spread for livestock. Terry Mitcham

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ///

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23/08/2015 15:07

Come and see us on stand H12 at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

gardening

Autumn is calling

Do you need a lawyer?

September, the beginning of autumn and the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, to quote Keats. So the nights are drawing in, but all is not lost as the garden can put on some magnificent displays in September with autumn colours and late flowering shrubs and blooms. And there’s always the chance of some warm, sunny weather. There are also plenty of jobs to do, despite September being a quieter month in the garden. Keep weeding as the little blighters never seem to give up. Cut back your herbaceous border and divide large perennials. Start planting spring flowering bulbs. And remember, if we are lucky enough to get an Indian summer, keep watering regularly. Allotment Corner Whilst it might be fairly quiet in the garden it certainly isn’t on the allotment. September is harvest month so get out there and reap the benefits of all your hard work. Lift your remaining potatoes and onions before the slugs and cold, damp weather get them. Potatoes need to be stored in the dark and onions in the light, but both need to be kept frost-free. Harvest apples and pears and any late season raspberries. Cut courgettes and marrow regularly and keep feeding the pumpkin for Halloween. Pick the remaining tomatoes, even the green ones, and make them into chutney. Once the harvest has been completed clear the ground of any spent crops and dig it over. Complete the summer pruning of apple and pear trees as well as soft fruit bushes.

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Activelife

1 8 SE P T E M BE R 2 0 1 5 ///

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CHICKEN AND SUMMER GREEN BROTH WITH NOODLES AND HOISIN Ingredients Salt and pepper 2 garlic cloves 2 spring onions 4 radishes 1 red chilli 1 tbsp sesame oil 15g mint leaves 15g basil 2 sticks of rice noodles 20g summer greens Sunflower/vegetable oil for frying 1 tsp Chinese 5 spice 500ml chicken stock 1 chicken breast 1 sachet hoisin sauce Method Put a large pan of salted water on to boil. Peel and finely grate the garlic and ginger. Clean and finely slice the spring onions, including their green tops. Wash the radishes, cut into thin discs (1). Finely chop the chilli, seeds and all. Mix with the sesame oil in a small jug and set to one side. Wash and dry the mint and basil. Drop the noodles into the boiling water and cook for four minutes until just tender. Drain and cool under cold running water. Put to one

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-bystep recipe cards and all the ingredients in exact quantities. The recipes are quick to cook and ideal for week nights – most are ready in under 45 minutes. Think well balanced and nutritious,

side. Wash the summer greens. Cut away any tough looking stalks and shred the greens very ﬁnely (2). This is best done by rolling a bunch of them up like a cigar and slicing widthways. Heat the 1bsp of oil in a pan and fry the garlic and ginger gently for 1 minute. Add the spring onions and 5 spice, cook for a further minute. Tip in the chicken stock and 250ml of water, bring to the boil slowly. Slice the chicken into thin 1/2cm wide strips, widthways rather than lengthways. Add the chicken, greens and radishes to the pan (3). Simmer on the lowest heat until the chicken has just cooked through, this should take 3-4 minutes. Add the basil leaves that will wilt in seconds. Divide the cold noodles between two large deep bowls. Ladle the broth evenly between the bowls. The heat of the broth will reheat the noodles. Shred a few of the mint leaves. Put the mint, hoisin sauce and chilli oil on the table and add to taste to the broth, depending on how spicy you like it.

Tip Prepare everything before you start cooking so all ingredients are easily to hand to add in quick succession.

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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Activelife

A day in the life of

MIKE THORNE

Leicestershire and Rutland’s very own flying vet

normally get up at around 6am, depending on where my first call is. Today I went to a dairy farm on the other side of Bourne, but our practice covers the East Midlands so I could be anywhere from Leicester, Newark, Peterborough or Rugby. I come from Zimbabwe so long distances don’t phase me at all. To be a little more efficient I’ve qualified to fly my own helicopter so I can effectively halve the call out time to farms on the edge of our area, and it’s really quick to get to emergencies too. You could call it my mid-life crisis! It’s a small chopper and looks a bit like a ferris wheel with a tail stuck on. I have a few hairy moments every day but that’s all part of the fun. But I never land in a field of cows as they’ll chew the rotor blades off! I don’t often stop for breakfast. I just have coffee, and then I graze all day on the packed lunch my wife makes me. In the spring when I’m a bit more stressed with lambing and calving I live mostly on a healthy diet of Red Bull and crisps! But I always finish with a good dinner later in the day. A typical morning might see me taking my mobile ultrasound scanner to a dairy herd to internally examine cows after they’ve calved to see which ones are coming into season and when they’ll be ready to be served through artificial insemination. If they’re not ready I can give them medication to prompt their cycle. I’ll also check to make sure there are no reproductive problems remaining after calving. I should think I burn a few calories every time I stick my hand up a cow’s bottom as they’re not very willing patients and clamp down tight! You need strong arms and you always build up a bit of a sweat. I often do about two or three visits a day with up to 50 cows each time, so that’s pretty active. As a practice we’re all about preventative medicine rather than just fire-fighting. We talk to the farmers about their production levels and vaccination programmes. I should think about 55% of the business is now farm animals and the rest, small animals. I still do some small animal consulting, mainly for my longstanding clients who have become more like friends, and also at some of our new clinics. I start these in the afternoons at about 4pm after all the operations have finished. We have five veterinary nurses in Uppingham and four in the branch surgeries in Oakham and Melton, and 10 vets altogether. I have a fantastic team with a great work ethic who are openminded enough to work with me and my bizarre ways. I arrived here 22 years ago with a rucksack on my back and not much else – Mugabe having 20

‘I have a few hairy moments every day in the helicopter, but that’s all part of the fun’ got rid of all the farms – and I count myself immensely lucky the UK has given me the chances it has. I’m trying to build up a practice that can support all 10 vets and not just sustain my family, so I’m not just Mike, the vet anymore, I’m Mike the businessman too. I try not to work on Friday and Saturday nights but most other evenings I’m working at something or other. There’s always jobs to do like updating websites, interviewing people, listening to grievances or organising builders, and obviously animals get sick all times of the day and night.

The best time for me is around eight or nine o’clock, after dinner when my blood glucose is up, my belly is full, the kids are home and the stresses of the day have started to wane so we can enjoy a bit of quality time. I play squash one night a week and I go running about twice. I don’t like running when people can see me so I run in the dark or go early in the morning. I think it’s because I feel a bit guilty - people expect their vet to be working, not exercising. Mike is the owner of the family-run Rutland Veterinary Centre based in Uppingham. He is married with two sons.

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Stoneygate School An Independent Co-educational Day School

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER 8.30AM-11.30AM

Stoneygate School has been offering quality co-educational provision for over 150 years to children aged 3-13 years. Our School is a place of learning, enjoyment and inspiration. You are welcome to attend our Open Morning to experience school life at Stoneygate or alternatively please call the school office to arrange an individual tour.

Help your child discover their future at Stoneygate School 6 London Road Great Glen Leicestershire LE8 9DJ 0116 259 2282 www.stoneygateschool.co.uk school@stoneygateschool.co.uk

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Activelife NATURE

Know your crop: field beans Have you noticed the fields of what looks like dead, black stalks and wondered what they are? If you get up close you’ll see that the dead stalks have pods on them that look like broad beans. That is what they are but they’ve been allowed to harden off so they are solid as a pulse rather than soft as a broad bean. Usually the last crop to be harvested it is grown as a break crop because as a legume it fixes nitrogen in the soil to help fertilise it before a following crop of wheat. Relatively easy and cheap to grow and harvest they have been a popular break crop for years but have dipped slightly in popularity, taking second place to oilseed rape. An ancient crop native to North Africa and Asia beans are first thought to have become part of the Mediterranean diet in 6000BC. In ancient Greece and Rome the bean was used for voting. A white bean for yes, a black one for no. Most of the bean crop grown in this country is used for stock feed and is an alternative to GM protein crops such as soya. The beans grown for human consumption are mainly shipped to the Middle East where they are used prior to Ramadan.

COMPETITION

Win a family ticket to the Land Rover Owner Show The Land Rover Owner Show on 19-20 September at the East of England Showground, Peterborough, is the UK’s biggest and best Land Rover show of the year and we have two family tickets to give away. Visitors can expect to see fast-paced laps, high-octane action and a spectacular demonstration course in the Live Action Arena. There will also be the widest range of Land Rover clubs representing all models made and stalls where you can buy everything from state of-the-art off-road equipment to elusive old parts. Land Rover will bring the Defender’s story to life at the show, hosting Q&A sessions with special guests including TV presenter Monty Halls. You can also have a go on our 4x4 off-road course, conquering the steepest of hills and muddiest of gullies, watch a live vehicle rebuild, try your hand at bushcraft skills and there’s plenty of activities thrown in for the kids too. With great camping facilities, why not make a weekend of it? Prices range from £6 - £85. Dogs are welcome. For more information, visit www.lroshow.com To enter the competition to win a family ticket to the show answer this simple question: Where is the Land Rover Owner Show held? Email the answer to lrshow@theactivemag.com. Make sure to include your name and address.

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Oakham is a great co-educational boarding and day school for 10-18 year olds offering A Levels and the IB

www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

21/08/2015 17:29

TIGERS IMAGES

Activelife

OUT AND ABOUT

FIVE THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER  Is rugby your game or do you prefer football? Leicester is home to two top clubs, Leicester Tigers and premiership team Leicester City, known as The Foxes. To celebrate the beginning of the seasons, and, of course the Rugby World Cup, why not attend games and see which sport is for you? www.leicestertigers.com, www.lcfc.co.uk

 Visit the theatre to go and see the musical Hairspray at The Curve in Leicester. It’s on between September 9 and 19 and should be an excellent show. The theatre itself is worth a visit. Opened by The Queen in 2008 it’s an amazing building that has no traditional backstage area so you get to see what goes on behind the scenes. www.curveonline.co.uk  There are still some gardens to visit even though it’s September. Long Close at Woodhouse Eaves is opening for the NGS on September 2. The garden offers ﬁve acres of herbaceous borders, kitchen garden and many rare shrubs and trees. The Washbrook Allotments, described as a hidden oasis, are also open for the NGS on September 6, showcasing over 100 whole and half plots growing a wide variety of fruit and veg. www.ngs.org.uk

 Visit Stamford’s Georgian Festival on September 25-27 and combine it with the delights that this beautiful Georgian town has to offer. There’s a chance to see the wooden bull being led through the streets as well as an opportunity to have a carriage ride through the grounds of Burghley Park. www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk  Go blackberrying. The hedgerows are full of them this month. Grab the kids and see who can pick the most. And what can be better than enjoying the fruits of your labour with a delicious blackberry crumble.

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Activelife

EVENTS

What’s on GO RACING Leicester Racecourse, at Oadby, is a dual flat and national hunt venue that hosts 32 race meetings a year. September is still the flat racing season with two meets held this month on the 8th and 21st. The National Hunt season starts in November but there’s plenty more flat racing before the jumps start. You can book tickets online. www.leicester-racecourse.co.uk

STRICTLY TRY DANCING It’s September so that means Strictly’s back on our TV screens! Does it inspire you to have a go too? If so contact Strictly Try Dancing who offer classes, private tuition and wedding dance tuition in Leicestershire. Run by husband and wife Richard and Linda Young, who have been ballroom and Latin American champions so they have lots of knowledge to pass on. www.strictlytrydancing.com

OPEN AIR CINEMA Cinema buffs and romantics need to visit Lamport Hall for their Luna Flix Love Film weekend on September 18, 19 and 20. All the ﬁlms (Dirty Dancing, An Ofﬁcer and a Gentleman and Far From the Madding Crowd) are classic romances and shown on a big screen in the grounds of Lamport Hall. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy some romance. www.lamporthall.co.uk

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BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS It’s Burghley time again. Stamford is set to welcome top equestrians from all over the world who will be competing for the coveted three-day event trophy from September 3-6. This year, as well as all the usual excellent shopping and socialising, to coincide with the Rugby World Cup the Webb Ellis Cup will be on display. As another nod to the forthcoming world cup competition there will also be a bespoke cross country jump designed by course designer Captain Mark Phillips. There’s also a chance to win a Pashely bike, a special edition one, so pop into the Country Living tent to ﬁnd out more. www.burghley-horse.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF Talent search

A er notable league success last season, the Harborough Feathers Badminton Club is hoping to attract new members. The club came top of the mixed doubles Northants league last season earning promotion to division two. They also have a ladies team in division two and two men’s teams in the third and fi h Leicestershire league. The club now wants to build on their success and find some new members. It is ideal for anyone who has either played badminton before wanting to join a club or for those playing regularly who want to improve their game. The club is friendly and sociable and meets every Friday evening at Welland Park community college sports hall in Market Harborough at 7.30pm. For more details, go to www.harborough-feathers.co.uk.

Back to school

It’s back to school this month and Stoneygate School in Great Glen have had a great summer celebrating their athletic achievements. All pupils are coached in athletics from years 1-8 and they currently have two county champions. The school recently hosted a huge athletics competition involving 16 schools from the south of the county with over 450 competitors some of whom had the chance to compete in a stadium for the first time. Stoneygate had great success with years 3, 4, 5 and 6 being overall champions.

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Feature /// Parties

PARTY ON ZORANDIMZR

Want a party for young or old that has some competition, adrenaline or exercise involved? Try out our favourite local venues

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From cork screw turns, high speed corner and hairpins, to the big sweeping bend that takes you up ‘Damon Hill’, and the challenging turn that leads you back down through to the Monaco tunnel, the Race Club in Corby is a superb multi-level indoor go kart track and arena that will test your driving skills. It’s also got an excellent diner and raceday packages for kids and adult parties, as well as team building corporate events too. www.theraceclubuk.com

that you might have dreamed about having on your bedroom ﬂoor as a kid. They can even cater for kids’ parties (OK, the parents might get involved too). www.scalextric-racing.co.uk IVANMILADINOVIC

ARMOURGEDDON

Want to try something totally different and unique? How about a Tank Paintball Battle? The only place you do it in a 17 and half ton tank is at Armourgeddon, near Market Harborough. Experience the fun and excitement of driving tanks and other military vehicles over courses set around a World War II bombing range. There’s even a brilliant kids’ experience, where they drive round in an army truck while ﬁring at targets. www.armourgeddon.co.uk

SCALEXTRIC RACING

Did you know the easiest way to race round Silverstone or Brands Hatch is by heading to Spalding? Electric Tracks Scalextric Racing has a facility that will take you back to your childhood, on amazing recreation of race circuits

Feel the thrill of hunting down your best friends and shooting them in the chest: Skirmish Paintball is a national company with a facility just south of Lutterworth which provides excellent facilties for a great day out, whether it be for kids or adults. There are even tanks to hide behind – try getting shot by a paintball then! www.skirmishpaintballleicester.co.uk

ADRENALINE ALLEY

MIDLANDS ROLLER ARENA

The Midlands Roller Arena is an internationalsized covered rink with plexi-glass and sport court ﬂooring along with seating for spectators. Predominantly designed for inline hockey and roller sports, it can also accommodate other team sports and activities, as well as roller discos. www.midlandsrollerarena.com

SKIRMISH PAINTBALL

ANCASTER LEISURE ENTERPRISES

Adrenaline Alley in Corby is a superb six acre complex, of indoor and outdoor ramps, trails and jumps for skaters, scooters and BMXers to practice their skills. The skate park, the largest of its kind in the UK, provides a safe, enclosed environment too as well as training and coaching for novices through to experienced riders. www.adrenalinealley.co.uk

It will take a few visits to get round all of Ancaster’s various activities, with outdoor karting, paintball, laser tag, quad bikes and bowling all on site. An impressive clubhouse, national standard paintballing area and two unique race circuits make Ancaster a superb destination for a party, or two, or three. www.ancasterkarting.co.uk

THE ROCKBLOK

The RockBlok at Whitwell, Rutland Water, is an exciting outdoor activity centre, offering High Ropes, Climbing, Abseiling and Cycling for individual, family, school or corporate trips. There are traverse walls and a trampoline too for those not quite with a good head for heights, as well as cycle hire from Rutland Cycling next door. www.rockblok.com

VADVEN

THE RACE CLUB-UK

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Guest column

Backroom staff should be seen and not heard Martin Johnson on the relationship between managers and staff

lot of opprobrium has been heaped upon Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea manager’s decision to demote the two members of his medical staff who ran on to the field to attend to one of his players, but some of us understand perfectly well why Jose had steam coming out of both ears and a complexion the shade of a freshly boiled beetroot. Mourinho explained afterwards that he couldn’t be doing with people on his bench who didn’t understand football, and he was bang on. Jose knew, and the two medics should have known also, that when a Premier League footballer falls to the ground and starts rolling around in agony, there is absolutely nothing wrong with him. It mattered not a jot that Eden Hazard’s death throes resembled a freshly shot stag. Jose knew that, on the list of probabilities, a broken leg was way behind an eyelash getting into his eye, or a sudden unexpected sneeze somehow blowing him off his feet, and the Chelsea manager knew also that once the medics were involved, the player would have to leave the field. Yes, the footie season is back again, and in the nick of time too, reminding impressionable children after their summer hols that the way to get on in life is to have more sneaky tricks up your sleeve than the next man. The kids of today need to be aware that ranting and raving is always the best course of action, and in Jose they have the perfect role model. In Mourinho’s world the football manager is always bigger than the referee (unless his name is Wenger) which is why the rage he flew into when his medical team responded to the referee’s signal for them to come on to the pitch caused him so much grief. Referees are there to be ignored, is Jose’s mantra, just as fourth officials are only on the touchline for managers to shout at them. It wasn’t always like this, was it? Certainly not when I grew up watching Newport County during the time Billy Lucas was manager. Three times, in fact, between 1953 and 1974 with only a couple of years away when he had a brief spell in charge of Swansea City. I don’t recall Billy ever leaving his seat in the stand, where he’d sit fairly impassionately, in his overcoat and trilby, for the entire 90 minutes. Heaven knows he had reason enough to shout and bawl on the touchline, especially on the memorable day his leading striker, Ralph Hunt, put a penalty so far over the crossbar that it bounced on to the road bridge behind the stand, carried on down the hill, and ended up in the car park of Billy’s own pub, the Black Horse.

Neither do I remember any manager standing up, let alone waving their arms around inside what is curiously described as the ‘technical’ area. You can go back to the 1966 World Cup final, when Geoff Hurst’s fourth goal prompted trainer Harold Shepherdson to jump up and down in sheer excitement. A celebration Alf promptly nipped in the bud with the immortal line: “Sit down Shepherdson. And stop making a spectacle of yourself.” What is it with modern managers that makes them sprout horns for 90 minutes? One of the never to be forgotten sights of last season was Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson with his hands around the throat of a prostrate Crystal Palace player, partly the product of a man who never stopped revealing his inability to control himself, but mostly the fault of regulations which permit a football manager to encroach so ridiculously close to the playing area. It’s not just soccer that causes the people in charge to behave badly. Two years ago, during the Premiership rugby final between Northampton and Leicester, a slightly robust tackle on one of his players prompted the Tigers’ Richard Cockerill to come storming down from his seat in the stand for a word – and not a quiet one either - with the fourth official. Resulting in a nine-match suspension for ‘obscene, inappropriate and unprofessional’ language. Rugby union is learning fast from football. Dean Richards’ involvement in the fake blood business at Harlequins was a world away from his own playing days at Tigers, when, as a Hinckley bobby on the beat, he never had time to dream up shady schemes. His thoughts were mainly confined to asking his colleagues if they’d mind swapping shifts, and informing the Tigers’ secretary which roundabout he’d be waiting for the team bus to pick him up from. Another former Tiger, Neil Back, was caught doing something underhand on camera, but not by the referee, in a European Cup final. It was probably a game winner, and justifiable to himself at the time no doubt. It’s long enough ago for him to have found room to apologise in the book he’s just written, but all we get is the observation that he’d ‘do it again’. And rugby matches now take about three hours to play, given that every time a player falls over injured, all these ‘rehydration’ wallahs come sprinting on. And anyone who thinks that this is out of genuine concern for players’ welfare, rather than an orchestrated wheeze to bring on tactical messages, must also believe in the tooth fairy. A chum of mind told me that the Mourinho outburst was perfectly understandable given the ‘huge pressure’ (his words) modern managers are under. What tosh. As ever, I quote the line from the great Australian cricketer Keith Miller: “Pressure? Playing cricket? Having a Messerschmitt on your arse. That’s pressure.”

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Feature /// Gear

Kitbag

The latest kit to keep you active this summer

Therapearl Back Wrap with Strap

The generously sized back wrap provides fast, penetrating relief for upper, mid or low back pain. It’s perfect for abdominal cramps and muscle tenderness on large areas of the body. Chill it in the fridge or freezer, or pop it in the microwave, and the pack retains its therapeutic temperature for a full 20 minutes. Price £11.99 From www.lloydspharmacy.com

Canterbury Rugby World Cup shirt

The official Rugby World Cup 2015 shirt. Cut in a straight fit, similar to that worn by the players, this is ideal for the most committed of supporters. Designed specifically for the Rugby World Cup it has no sponsor branding, but does have the official World Rugby tournament logo and, of course, the iconic Webb Ellis trophy on the sleeve to mark the 2003 victory. Price 69.99 From www.rutlandsports.co.uk

Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel

Biofreeze products relieve pain through a method known as ‘gate control’. In the gating process, menthol acts to stimulate specific sensory receptors in the skin, blocking other receptors from sending pain signals to the brain. Biofreeze Pain Reliever provides temporary relief from minor aches and pains of sore muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, bruises, strains and sprains. Price £8.99 From www.boots.com

Asics Gel-Hockey Typhoon 2

If you’re the kind of player that needs to get around the field fast, this Asics hockey trainer is for you. is for you. A moulded, high-grip outsole allows fast changes of direction, while the comfortable cushioning is down to the lightweight Solyte midsole and gel in the rearfoot and forefoot. Protect your forefoot from high-speed shots with a P-guard that wraps around the front of the shoe too. Price £100 From www.gl-sports.com

Enigma Ecroix bike

With competition ready geometry, and an array of features the Enigma Ecroix is ready for cyclocross, gravel racing and is more than capable for your daily commute or light tour. The disc brake specific Ecroix is cra ed from 3AL2.5 Titanium and icludes a 44mm head head tube for precise and exhilarating riding. Mud, sweat and hills - it is ready for whatever you want to throw at it. Price Custom builds start at £2,499/Frameset starts at £1,646 From Windmill Wheels, Wymondham

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Giant Escape 1 Hybrid bike

Built using Giant’s premium Aluxx Aluminium with geometry tailored for stability, the Giant Escape 1 is fast and sporty for a fitness session while being comfortable enough for commuting. 700c wheels combined with a wide range of gearing ensure that the Giant Escape 1 doesn’t leave you huffing and puffing trying to get anywhere. Price £349.99 From www.rutlandcycling.com

Lock Laces

Never lose valuable seconds in a long distance race having to tye your laces again: made from the same material as bungee cords, Lock Laces are an all-new, elastic shoelace and locking system that feature specially designed elastic laces combined with a spring activated locking device. Price £5.24 From www.runnersneed.com

Animal men’s Gain backpack

Great as a commuter’s cycling bag, or a stylish kit bag for the gym, with a laptop sleeve and pockets for all your other kit. Price £28.00 From www.shop.animal.co.uk

Velobici Vici Polo short

The Vici Polo t-shirt is a favourite that can be worn on and off the bike all year round. Made from a Supplex/Lycra mix, it has a luxurious super so feel. All Vélobici clothing is designed and made in England. Price £95 From www.velobici.cc

Nike Mercurial Superfly Leather FG boots

You’ll be the star of the early season football in Nike’s new pink and black hard ground boot. Constructed with a fusion of Flyknit and seamless leather, the Nike Mercurial Superfly Leather Men’s Firm-Ground Soccer Cleat is designed to give the attacking striker a revolutionary locked-down fit, a so feel and explosive speed on the field. Nobody will take the mickey either, we promise. Price £250 From www.nike.com

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

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Feature /// Gear

Shooting Kitbag With the shooting season underway, we feature some of the best new kit for the season 1

1. Laksen Esk Donegal tweed sports jacket

Made of Scottish Tweed and with a CTX membrane, which makes it waterproof, windproof and yet breathable. Price: £359

2. Jack Pyke shooters pullover Acrylic, v-neck with suedlite shoulders, embroidered pheasant logo in Hunters Green colour. Price: £39.95

3. Barbour Swainby jacket A lightweight fleece lined waterproof breathable shooting jacket with articulated sleeves and waterproof zips. Price: £229.00

4. Barbour waterproof sporting gloves

Waterproof technical glove for outdoor activities, featuring stretch upper and leather palm. Price: £69.95

5. Aspex glasses A fantastic multi fit, multi sport style, with adjustable nosepiece for comfort and three lenses to suit all weather conditions. From Kibworth Shooting Ground. Price: £48

6. J.P. Steermans Speed Loader 20g cartridge belt A full leather 100 cartridge capacity. Price: £52

7. Aigle Parcours 2 Iso Open wellington boots Amazingly comfortable boots that protect from the cold with a thick neoprene lining and are easy to put on with the full zipper. Price: £190

8. Flugz earplus

Personally moulded Flugz are ideal for shotgun sports enthusiasts and bird shooting. From Bushwear.co.uk Price: £24.99.

9. Farlows The Denby Olive & Gold shooting sock & garter set

The Denby Shooting Socks are made from extra fine merino wool and come with matching garters. Price: £65.99

10. Barbour Brearton gilet A stylish quilted shooting gilet with suede shoulder patches to prevent gun slippage and large pocket Price: £199.00

11. Schoffel Gunthorpe vest The new Schoffel Gunthorpe Shooting Vest is made from Polartec Therma Pro fleece and features a reinforced shoulder pad for recoil protection. Price: £149

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Feature /// Autumn fun

DON’T FAIL IN THE FALL

Think the on-set of Autumn means an end to outdoor fun? Don’t worry – we’ve got lots of ideas for getting you active in the country. By Will Hetherington and Julia Dungworth

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POJOSLAW

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Feature /// Autumn fun

FLY FISHING AT EYEBROOK RESERVOIR

Eyebrook Reservoir is renowned nationwide for its fly fishing. Rutland Water might be its attention-seeking big brother with oodles of sailing, cycling, fishing, kayaking and even beach lounging these days, but Eyebrook just south of Uppingham offers something different; the chance to learn the noble sport of fly fishing in one of the country’s leading venues. There are less people here and, in fact, ruffian watersports such as sailing and the like are banned so the fishermen and women can enjoy their pursuit in total peace. And whether you are a seasoned expert or totally new to this most delicate of pastimes, you will find something to entertain you. Scenic, peaceful and potentially extremely rewarding, Eyebrook is a national treasure on our doorstep. www.eyebrook.com

Kibworth is more for the dedicated clay shooter, or at least those who want to focus solely on this most mentally challenging of sports. Successful clay shooting requires a combination of sound technique, effective equipment and the right mental approach. Once you have learnt how to do it you have to retain your conﬁdence without getting complacent and you have to be able to treat each clay as a completely separate entity. It’s great fun and very satisfying when it goes right, and when it goes wrong, well you just have to go back and try again. www.kibworthshootingground.co.uk

KIBWORTH SHOOTING GROUND

Clay shooting requires decent hand to eye co-ordination and plenty of focus. While Grange Farm Wittering offers a wide variety of activities, including shooting,

RUN A MARATHON

Around Rutland Water, not only is there the traditional 26.2-mile marathon, there is an option to opt out into a half-marathon or, for those not feeling so brave, then there is a mini marathon or even a swim. Unlike a lot of traditional road-run marathons, this is run predominantely over paths around the very picturesque Rutland countryside. There is a new family team of twin brothers organising this new event and it’s sounding like it will be an annual event. www.therutlandmarathon.co.uk

CONKERING

CLAY SHOOTING

Grange Farm, Wittering Fancy your hand at a spot of clay shooting? Then Grange Farm is the perfect place to give it a go in a friendly and relaxed environment. This sport came to prominence again during the 2012 London Olympics when Peter Wilson won gold in the double trap discipline and if you too want to experience the sheer thrill of smashing a few clays then there is no better place to start. But they don’t just do clay shooting here; you can also try archery and axe throwing, air riﬂe shooting, off-road driving, blindfold driving (yes, really) and a range of other team building exercises. So if you want to enjoy some clay shooting or something else a bit different this is the place to go. www.grange-farm.co.uk

At Stapleford School of Falconry you can experience the thrill of handling these majestic birds of prey under the expert guidance of a personal falconer. Stapleford’s head falconer, Peter Sibson, owned his ﬁrst kestrel when he was just six years old. Since then his life has revolved around the ancient hunting bond between man and bird of prey. His falconer’s art is available to inform, educate and teach guests at Stapleford. Peter has ten of his sixteen birds at the luxury hotel. Bernard the European eagle owl and Boo the barn owl have a fascination of their own. But it is the hunting birds like ‘Chip’, Peter’s Lanner Falcon and Inga the Goshawk which epitomise the magic of Falconry. www.rutland-falconry.com www.staplefordpark.com

FALCONRY

Always fancied getting up close and personal with some of nature’s most efficient predators? Well, here is your chance. With a plethora of owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and buzzards and the accompanying razor-like talons and fierce beaks this is no place to be a field mouse or a vole! Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre at Exton is an unexpected gem sitting in the heart of Rutland and offering a fascinating few hours for visitors of all ages. Admission is £6 for adults, with a series of concessions for youngsters, senior citizens and family tickets. Not surprisingly you won’t be able to take the dog otherwise something would get eaten and if it came to a scrap between a Labrador and an eagle there will only ever be one winner…

World Conker Championships, Southwick Fancy a sprint down memory lane to reincarnate those school playground conker battles? Then this is your chance in what is the World Cup for horse chestnut ﬁghters. Sunday, October 11, is the date and the Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick, near Oundle, is the venue. The games begin at 10.30am and conclude at 3.30pm and if you think we are joking then we really are not. In fact the master of ceremonies for the event is BBC Radio Five Live’s very own Mike Sewell. As we closed for press online entries to compete in the event were still being taken, but you can just go along as a spectator and enjoy the sport and a live band too. www.worldconkerchampionships.com

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...better, because we care. Prices and information correct at time of going to print. Number of remaining properties is subject to change. Purchase options subject to status - terms and conditions apply. *Based on an average Larkfleet home having an energy efficiency rating of B and an older home having a rating of G and continuing increases in fuel prices

JUPITERIMAGES

Feature /// Autumn fun

Have horse, will travel

Julia Dungworth highlights the best equestrian events to go to this autumn

NICO MORGAN

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials September 3-6 Four days of action at arguably the best three-day event in the world. I’m still hoping Andrew Nicholson will make an appearance to make it win number four. Although still entered, we won’t know until the eleventh hour if he will compete after a recent fall in the British Open at Gatcombe. Burghley still promises a brilliant week of competition and most importantly a lot of shopping and socialising.

Belvoir Team Chase September 13 Held at Garthorpe near Melton Mowbray, if you’ve never watched a team chase before, this is the one to go to. Teams of four gallop round a cross-country track with some of the fences in the Open the same size as at Burghley, which normally is full of dramas and a great spectator sport. There are also trade stands, beer tent and a hunter trial. The valley means that you don’t have to walk far to see nearly all the course.

Osberton Horse Trials October 1-4 Although a bit further away, competing at Osberton is the main ambition of many riders as all the Young Horse championships for the year are held here, for the four, ﬁve, six and sevenyear olds, then to top that they have in-hand classes for yearlings upwards. And if that wasn’t enough, there is a CCI* & ** which makes it truly international. East of England Autumn Show October 11 Fun, fur and feathers - a fantastic family day out with many attractions including birds of prey, sheep racing, Pony Club team show jumping, canine events – including The Scruffts Family Crossbred Dog of The Year and The Supreme London Championships – a small livestock show and almost any other cattle or animal you can think of. Halloween Spooktacular Show, Arena UK October 27 - November 1 An amazing six-day show for those of you who love a bit of dressing up and getting into the Halloween spirit! It starts on the Tuesday with the ponies jumping. From the 30th the seniors jump, which is very funny to watch, with a few novelty and fancy dress classes running alongside, with fences starting at 1 metre all the way up to huge, with some very spooky fences to jump!

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ActiveFit

4774344SEAN

EXPERT ADVICE ON GETTING, AND KEEPING, IN GREAT SHAPE

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

HOW EXERCISE CAN GET YOU A PROMOTION IF YOU EXERCISE regularly, it can improve all aspects of your life, including work productivity. Being productive and alert at work can help you get your job done faster and even make you more eligible for a promotion. It’s a situation financial services provider BGL has recognised and acted on. For the past two and a half years employees have been making the most of a heavily subsidised on-site health club at the group’s head office in Peterborough. From state of the art equipment, to personal training sessions and tailored nutritional advice, the BGL Health Club offers health and fitness related support to enable each and every member to achieve their individual goals. Phil Croney, fitness manager for the BGL Group, said: ‘‘One way exercise can help boost productivity at work is by making you feel more alert. When you exercise, you are increasing the blood flow to your brain, which helps sharpen your awareness and improve your ability to perform tasks more efficiently.” BGL’s approach to the gym is personalised, adapting its programme to the needs of its members, by offering classes and sessions fit for high class athletes, or those at the start of their fitness programme. There is a range of sessions available offering diverse, weekly courses including things like yoga, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and a couch to 5K running programme. Since the Health Club first opened in 2013, BGLers have covered an approximate distance of 96,413km – enough to travel the world four times over. They have also climbed 5,382 steps on the step machine, which is the equivalent to climbing the Shard 75 times. In order to help members reach their individual goals, BGL allows people to use the gym at a time that best suits them, including within traditional working hours.

Benefits of working out at work

Alertness One way that exercise can help boost productivity at work is through alertness. When you exercise, you are also increasing blood ﬂow to the brain, which can help sharpen your awareness and make you more ready to tackle your next big project. Optimum physical health Not only can exercising help reduce body weight and the risk for certain medical conditions, you also will have improved cardiovascular health, which will give you more stamina to meet the physical demands of your job. Improves mental health One way to be more productive on the job is to have improved mental health. Regular exercise can help curb feelings of anxiety and depression. When you exercise, your brain releases serotonin that helps you feel better and improves your state of mind, making the stresses of work easier to handle. Prevents illness Regular exercise that includes power walking, running, weight lifting, swimming or jogging can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of illness and disease. This means fewer sick days at work.

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Health & Wellness EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BE FIT, HEALTHY AND FANTASTIC

// Edited by Sandie Hurford

CHILDREN IN THE DIGITAL AGE: Most children have mobile devices by age 10 Seventy per cent of children in the UK have mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, by the age of 10. In a sweeping piece of research on children’s mobile usage by security company BullGuard, it was also revealed that most parents’ desire to equip their children with mobile devices is driven by the age-old parental anxiety of knowing where their kids are. The nationwide survey of 2,000 parents also revealed that the most popular age for children to receive their first mobile device is 10 (16%), though the UK average is 8, and it’s not unknown for even three-year-olds to have mobiles (2%). Many parents (42%) said they gave their children mobile devices so they could easily stay in touch with them. But 37% said it helped them with their homework, while 31% bowed to peer pressure and said they didn’t want their children to feel le out. A quarter also said they did so because it kept the kids quiet. Nearly half of parents across all children’s age ranges (44%) cited stranger danger as the thing they most worry about when the kids are cruising the internet. Alarmingly, almost 60% of children between the age of 7 and 10 have Facebook

accounts, despite the minimum age for Facebook users being 13. Some 46% of parents with children aged between 11 and 14 said online stranger danger was their biggest concern and 41% of parents with children aged between 7 and 10 cited the same reason. Over a third of parents with children under the age of 10 said they did not feel they talked to their children enough about online dangers, while almost 30% with children aged between 11 and 14 said the same. Some 16% of parents with kids under 10, and 12% with children aged between 11 and 14, said they never talked to their children about online danger. Around 38% of parents had taken their child’s mobile devices away, with 48% saying they spent too much time on it and 25% saying their behaviour was worse a er spending time using their mobile devices. Others had removed the devices because they felt their children had abused their trust. Despite the encyclopaedic knowledge available to children online, 72% of parents would rather their children asked them about things they are

curious about rather than stumble across something. Only 8% said they would prefer their children to search online for something that might cause them embarrassment. To protect their children 43% of parents check internet history, with 36% checking it weekly. Yet 20% believe their kids are tech savvy enough to know how to delete search histories. Cam Le, CMO at BullGuard, said: “These findings provide a snapshot of how the nation’s parents and children are handling the surge in mobile technologies. The survey reveals that most children are using smart mobile devices before the age of ten. “Parents are clearly well intentioned and are providing their children with devices for the best motives. “However, there are clear concerns – for example, anxieties about children being approached online by strangers. “This isn’t helped by what are clearly large numbers of children between the age of seven and 10 having Facebook accounts when it’s well known that predators use social networking sites to seek out vulnerable children.”

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Active Fit

Children growing up too quickly, say parents Modern children start becoming independent at the tender age of 10, a study has revealed, with the majority of parents letting their kids own a mobile phone, pierce their ears and get a TV in their bedroom at that age. Getting an iPad, choosing their own clothes and making their own breakfast are also luxuries the typical 10-year-old can enjoy. But catching a bus alone, being allowed to wear make-up and getting an email account comes at the more mature age of 11, the survey found. More than half of the mums and dads polled have specific age deadlines in mind for a number of life’s landmarks. And many of these milestones are significantly different to what they encountered when they were young. The polled parents said 70% of children aged 12 or under are now ‘Googling’ things unsupervised, 80% said their kids were growing up too quickly and 77% feel the vast array of content they can access online is to blame. This accelerated maturity is due to peer pressure, the internet and social networking sites, according to eight out of 10 parents.

Nedko Ivanov, CEO of BullGuard, which commissioned the survey, said: ‘‘Children display different levels of maturity and as a rule you can’t always say every child is ready to do this or that by a certain age. “All parents will question whether their children are ready to attend a sleepover or catch a bus, but in today’s digital age the use of different types of technology is also something to consider. For instance, knowing when to let children have access to smartphones, tablets and laptops can be a real dilemma. “Most kids will pester their parents and demand the latest gadgets, but it’s important to take into account whether or not they’re ready for what they might encounter and if they do start using this sort of technology, to make sure they are safe online.” Four in ten parents felt pressured to buy their children the latest gadgets while half let their youngsters use the internet unsupervised and download apps at the age of 10. On average, 50% of parents would also be comfortable with a child having a Facebook account by the age of 12. The study also revealed that 40% said it annoyed

them that celebrities and friends had more influence over their children than they did. More than one in three parents acknowledge that their child is obsessed with fitting in and nearly half of parents say they do all they can to ensure this is possible. Around half of parents say their children are more tech-savvy than they are, so it’s important to know where to turn to for help. Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, commented: “Children of today are part of a digital generation, they just do not know any different than to use technology and the internet. “However, whilst it may be second nature, it’s important that young people understand the risks and the boundaries they should observe. “Part of this is about trust and education. Like learning to ride a bike, or crossing the road, the most effective way to educate children is to start early and empower them to take responsibility for their own safety. For many parents this means educating themselves too so they can feel confident talking to their children about online behaviour and safety.”

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// Active Fit

POJOSLAW

You can do a half-marathon

Weeks 4-8 of your easy 12-week training guide to the 21k Perkins Great Eastern Run this October. By Claire Maxted

Part 2 – You can run 5k, now up it to 10k

There’s still plenty of time to train up for the Perkins Great Eastern Run (PGER), Peterborough’s premier half-marathon (21.1k/13 miles) this October. This fantastic achievement is very doable, especially if you’ve already completed last issue’s 5k training plan from local personal trainer Jon Sheehan. This issue he takes you up to 10k in 4-weeks, next issue will take you to the full distance ready for race day. Don’t worry if you missed last issue’s plan – if you’re an active person who can jog 5k (about 30-40 minutes), this training plan will suit you too. Enjoy your summer running!

Eat right

There’s no need to snack during the training

runs on this plan, but as with your 5k workouts, run one-and-a-half to two hours after meals and ensure you’re not starving beforehand with a glass of orange juice or fig roll.

Wear the right gear

Training for 10k means you’re running for twice as long at least, so now’s the time to make sure your kit doesn’t chafe in hotspot areas like underarms and thighs.

Avoid injury

Always warm up with five minutes jogging, then two to three minutes of drills: high knees, butt kicks, fast walking with arms circling, skipping and bounding (leaping with a long stride length). Cool down with five minutes of slow jogging to stretch all the major muscle groups.

Be inspired

Look at your calendar entry for the Perkins Great Eastern Run and get support and fund-raising help by telling friends and family it’s an important goal for you.

Don’t make this blunder!

Trust your own pace. It’s easy to bomb off as if you were running just 5k, but ease off at the start and run steadily to maintain a slightly slower pace for the whole 10k.

Make it fun!

Training with others makes you forget you are working out. Try Stamford Striders, they have groups for all abilities – Tuesday 6:50pm, Borderville sports ground. And, mix it up with Jon Sheehan and Vicky Player’s sessions at Stamford Endowed Schools’ sports hall – circuits on a Monday from 7-8pm, Boxercise on

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Stamford Striders’ top tips for 10k training SUSAN LAW

Put together a training plan that ﬁts with your lifestyle so your family can be supportive of the time you’ve scheduled for training. Join a running club! They offer great encouragement, you meet new friends that you can run with at a similar pace and you learn new local running routes. All this keeps you motivated to train.

MARK ALDERSON

Swimming is useful as cross training and core abdominal strength is very important – get into the habit of doing 20-60 seconds plank and 5-15 press ups daily.

MARTIN CANDISH

Keep well hydrated before and after training and racing. It will improve performance and enable you to run without carrying any water. Hydration Striders-style (the pub!) is not recommended pre-race… afterwards though.

BECCA STUBBS (COACH)

TRAINING SCHEDULE 10K WEEK 1

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 20-30 minutes Day 2: Run 30 minutes steady Day 3: Rest or cross-train 20-30 minutes Day 4: Run 35 minutes steady Day 5: Rest Day 6: 5k parkrun or 5k race, jog for 5 minutes a erwards Day 7: Rest

WEEK 2

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 40 minutes Day 2: Run 35 minutes steady Day 3: Rest or cross-train 40 minutes Day 4: Run 40 minutes steady Day 5: Rest Day 6: 5k parkrun or 5k race, jog for 10 minutes a erwards Day 7: Rest

WEEK 3

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 45 minutes Day 2: Run 40 minutes steady Day 3: Rest or cross-train 45 minutes Day 4: Run 45 minutes steady Day 5: Rest Day 6: 5k parkrun or 5k race, jog for 15 minutes a erwards Day 7: Rest or cross-train 45 minutes

WEEK 4

Day 1: Rest or cross-train 20-30 minutes Day 2: Run 35 minutes steady Day 3: Rest or cross-train 20 minutes Day 4: Run 20 minutes steady Day 5: Rest Day 6: 10k race - remember to pace yourself! Day 7: Rest, pick up Active mag for your 21k plan

Don’t go out too quickly. Have a pace in mind from your training regime and stick to it without getting caught up with faster runners in the ﬁrst few kilometres, otherwise you might burn out. For your sprint ﬁnish, run to left of the runner in front as they usually look back over their right shoulder – then you can nip past and pip them to the post! Not that any of us are competitive!

ALAN HAYES

Speed up by spending some of your training time running faster than your planned 10k pace – step up to a faster Striders group for a few sections every Tuesday; chase someone faster than you; try to beat your previous times on a known mile loop. Be prepared for some pain – and then the rewards that come from accomplishment.

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IBRAKOVIC

// Active Fit

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THE ERA OF THE POSTERIOR The glutes are the most important and most under-trained muscles in the body, says Function Jigsaw’s Max Hartman

IN GYMS UP and down the country, there is one clear trend: many keen gym goers, from weekend warrior to dedicated ﬁtness enthusiast, will have a tendency to train and develop what they can see in the mirror. The weightlifters want a bigger chest, fuller shoulders and thicker arms, and anybody wanting to lose weight will often rate success or failure against the stomach and hips, or the number on the scales. This is human nature. With this considered, it is understandable that the group of muscles, which personally I would rate as the most important in the body, the glutes, are often undertrained or forgotten about completely. After all, unless you really look, you can’t see them! In simple terms, the glutes are the biggest, thickest, strongest, and most powerful muscles in the body. The glutes have multiple functions, all of which are essential for a healthy, pain-free body, as well as for high level sporting performance and good quality, efﬁcient movement.

Mechanics of the glutes

On a mechanical level, the glutes produce three key movements: hip extension (moving the leg behind the torso), hip abduction (moving the legs laterally, away from the midline), and external rotation of the hip. All three of these movements have clear, evidence-based importance within scientiﬁc literature for both health and performance. Conversely, a lack of strength and control through these joint actions also has clear consequences and a negative impact on performance. Participants in activities requiring sprinting, jumping, throwing and weightlifting all require tremendous hip extension force in order to perform to a high level - the majority of which is contributed by the gluteus maximus. Furthermore, any sports requiring lateral movement and sidestepping such as football, rugby, hockey, tennis, and golf require good development and control in the gluteus medius and minimus. These two muscles, both of which are much smaller than the gluteus maximus, provide the external rotation and abduction of the hip required to produce lateral forces and move the

body sideways. Whilst doing so, they not only provide stability to the knee and ankle by maintaining the angle of the femur, but also help to maintain a level pelvis and preserve the strength, stability, and loadbearing ability of the trunk and shoulder girdle. Without this pelvic stability, the body is exposed to numerous risk factors that can lead to low back pain or injury, lower limb injuries including ligament sprain or rupture, and overuse injuries of the patellar and Achilles tendons. With regards to hip extension and gluteus maximus strength, there is a clear correlation between a lack of hip strength and the incidence of chronic lower back pain. The age-old idea of lifting ‘properly’: bending the knees and keeping the back straight, is made impossible by a lack of hip strength. If you are forced to generate power with the muscles of the lower back, you will at some point invariably develop low back pain. At a push, and usually in more high performance environments such as elite sports teams, literature has also shown a loose link between a lack of glute strength and the incidence of shoulder pathology. Due to the large amount of connective tissue called fascia (see Active Magazine March edition for Self-Myofascial release techniques) that attaches the glutes to the tissue of the lower back, weak glutes can impact the tension that the latissimus dorsi (the lats) put on the shoulder joint and as a result can lead to upper limb dysfunction.

How to get a brilliant bum

So, knowing what we do about the glutes, what can you do to ensure that yours are working

effectively and doing their job? First and foremost, it is key that full range of motion is gained at the hip joint. A principle known as reciprocal inhibition shows how in the body opposing muscle groups impact one another. If one muscle group is tight and short, the opposing group is unable to fully contract and as a consequence weakens over time. With this considered, foam rolling and stretching should be performed on the hip flexors, quads, and adductors (groin) to allow the glutes to function properly. Once this has been achieved it is important to train the glutes through all three of their primary functions. Exercises using a Miniband such as clamshells, bridging, squats, and crab walking can be performed before high intensity activity to warm up the glutes and prepare the system for optimal performance. High-level glute exercises such as weighted hip thrusts, loaded squats, walking lunges, and single leg squat varieties are all excellent for developing glute strength and size when performed correctly. It should also be noted that due to the types of muscle fibres that make up the glutes, in most people they will respond well to a varied stimulus of moderate and high weights as well as low, moderate, and high numbers of sets and repetitions. So for those interested in lifting heavy weights as well as those more focussed on their endurance training there is no reason to stray too far from your usual habits. Put into practice, glute training can be added to your programme either as part of a lower limb session or a core session. Within that session, start with some mobility exercises and foam rolling through the hip flexors followed by some glute ‘activation’ exercises such as Miniband bridges and crab walking, finished off with some weighted hip thrusts, single leg squats, and walking lunges.

Information

For more information on glute training or for help with an injury or training issue, contact Function Jigsaw via phone (0116 340 0255), email (info@ functionjigsaw.co.uk) or via social media (@ functionjigsaw) to talk to one of their expert therapists.

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Feature /// Dog health

Home alone 2

Learning to be left alone is an essential life skill for dogs. In the second part, Bobs Broadbent looks at before, during and after time alone for various reasons a dog may seek reassurance whilst being alone, for example, after a disturbance of some kind, such as, a noise from outside, a visitor to the door or the phone ringing. By introducing something visual, such as a mat or towel and placing it in the middle of the room, by the door or in front of a crate, it can act like a post-it note with a message that says ‘back soon’. It’s very important that whatever is used is never left down when there is company in the house and it needs to always be put down just before leaving. It’s this speciﬁc usage that gives your dog the right association with it because it only happens when they are on their own and therefore becomes a prompt to remind your dog that everything is okay and he should settle down again until you return.

PURESTOCK

4. Be calm to be kind

1.Leave your dog tired and ready to relax

A dog that has been well exercised and had all their essential needs met will settle better, so ensure that your daily routine always allows for this prior to leaving your dog. When there is evidence of destruction, it can often relate to boredom so this needs to be addressed and exercise will often help towards getting rid of excess energy whilst leaving toys and activities for your dog will offer purposeful stimulation. Dogs at any age, but particularly young dogs that are left repeatedly for many hours, are likely to become unsettled when left and utilizing the services of a professional dog walker to exercise and replenish any activities can help to relieve long periods alone. Younger dogs are more likely to chew because of the physical changes in the mouth and keeping them in a safe area within the home is highly recommended. If your dog is experiencing some problems, this is the ﬁrst area to address.

2. Film and see what your dog is up to

It’s really easy with the use of a smart phone to video your dog and see how he’s coping. There are now Apps, such as the Dog Monitor that can be used to watch your dog whilst you are out. This is particularly important because some

dogs don’t leave evidence of their stress by fouling or being destructive they simply pace up and down and internalize their anxiety. This anxious behaviour is extremely disturbing for your dog but can go unnoticed because of the lack of disruption when you return. Seeing how your dog behaves when you are out will give you peace of mind or action you to deal with what you see, and if your dog hasn’t learned to accept spending time alone, it is very important that there is no punishment when you return. Whether anxiety or boredom, the cause of the problem needs to be addressed rather than the symptom and any telling off will not stop this from happening again. Also, if your dog is reprimanded when you return home, he will not connect this with the mess made earlier in the day, thus your actions will not only be ineffective but will have a detrimental effect on how your dog perceives you when you return to the house. If all is well you can feel reassured that you have done a good job!

3. Leave a note to say ‘back soon’

Dogs don’t have the same understanding of time in hours, minutes and seconds, in the way we do, so they don’t ‘clock-watch’ and tend to stay settled once they are happy being left. However,

Avoid long lasting departures or excitable returns. Be organised and systematic – your dog will learn the chain of events that lead up to you leaving so will already be accepting of what’s going to happen, therefore, allow him a guilt-free exit. If you have built up a good association around your departure he should be waiting for the fun to begin (see last month’s Part 1 of this article), so set the scene, place the ‘note’ in the form of a mat on the ﬂoor, offer the cue for your dog to get busy and then leave. Much is said about ignoring a dog when returning but this isn’t necessary, however, a composed greeting to acknowledge you’re back and reunited avoids boisterous, over-excited behaviour developing. First actions should be to pick up the special mat and put it ready to use the next time you leave your dog, followed by a calm, heartfelt hello that makes both of you feel good to be back in each others company! Since dogs tend to recharge their batteries when resting, heading out for another energy busting walk will help shake of any cabin-fever and provide some long awaited un-divided attention, ready for a relaxed evening. Learning to be home alone is an essential life skill that dogs need to be taught and good preparation and practice from an early age will set them in good stead for the rest of their life. If you encounter any problems, such difﬁculties tend to worsen rather than improve on their own, and therefore it’s recommended you seek the help of a dog behaviourist (www.apbc.org.uk). Bobs Broadbent is the founder of Dogknows (dogknows.co.uk). You can join her on Facebook or Twitter

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Feature /// Great walks

Bruntingthorpe and Peatling Parva This walk has something for everyone, including a race track and airfield as a backdrop, as Will Hetherington discovers Photography: Will Hetherington Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

Park in Bruntingthorpe down Church Walk near the Joiners pub and walk north through the village. Just after the last house there is a stile leading to the path out across the fields to the north west. Cross the first two fields and then follow the path left and down through a small patch of woodland over a bridge which spanned a very dry stream the day I did this walk. You will then very shortly come to a more active stream and here you turn left before crossing the stream. Head south west with the stream on your right and if it’s a hot day as it was when I was there this is very well timed opportunity for the dog to cool off and have a

drink. There were young cattle on the other side of the stream but the natural barrier means you should remain separated from the herd. This path carries on in an almost straight line towards Peatling Parva, which, like many villages in this area, looks as pretty as it sounds. Before you reach the village though you will pass Peatling Hall to the right and if images of Bertie Wooster cavorting in the bushes don’t spring to mind at the sight of this stunning house then you must have a very cold heart… The footpath takes you up to Peatling Parva and it’s deﬁnitely worth a little amble around before returning to where the path joins the village and taking the westward branch. Initially the path leads across a pasture ﬁeld before heading through a belt of woodland. I would imagine parts of this walk get very wet at some times of the year but not on this hot summer’s day. Once through the woodland the

path goes round the edge of a couple of wheat fields before coming into the grounds of the Manor House and then St. Mary’s Church shortly afterwards. And walking through the grounds of the church really is a lovely way to return to Bruntingthorpe. However there is one fairly large and obvious caveat with this walk – the noise from Bruntingthorpe Airfield, vehicle testing ground and race track. It’s hardly a surprise because you can’t miss the airfield on the OS map and Bruntingthorpe has long been famous as the home of the last Vulcan – an unusual backdrop to a walk in England’s green and pleasant land… Clockwise, from above

Glorious countryside makes for a lovely walk in the heart of England; the stream and trees offer a bit of shade and a drop of water for dogs; Peatling Parva is as pretty as its name suggests; you can just imagine Bertie Wooster climbing the drainpipes of Peatling Hall

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TOP STAT

➛

orpe was RAF Bruntingth and now it is a 42 19 in ed en op a d airfield with privately owne on cra museum air jet r Wa ld Co site too.

➛

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park On Church Walk in Bruntingthorpe near the Joiners pub. Distance and time Two and a quarter miles/45 minutes. Highlights Glorious countryside, Peatling Hall and St Mary’s Church in Bruntingthorpe. Lowlights Depends on your opinion on high performance engines. If you don’t like the noise this walk might be a problem but I thought it provided an interesting contrast to the visual tranquility. Refreshments: The Joiners and The Plough in Bruntingthorpe. The pooch perspective It’s a good walk for the dog with the stream half way round providing ample cooling off opportunity and not much livestock. For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.

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59 - 60 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AF Tel: 01858 461635 www.theredcowmarketharborough.co.uk

Breakfast and meals served from 9.30 till 2.30

Quite unlike any other pub remaining in the town from this bygone century of traditional hostelries, the Red Cow thrives due to the very essence of what it is built on, its own cellar.

OPENING HOURS

The natural deep cellar keeps a constant temperature of 53f degrees, perfect for keeping beer and in particular Real Ale.

Sunday: from 10am until midnight

As testament to the quality of our beer, The Red Cow is a member of the Real Ale Club, is awarded the Cask Marque and is a member of the British Institute of Innkeeping .

Monday to Thursday: from 9am until midnight

The Red Cow is a traditional Real Ale pub that serves fine beer, provides good entertainment and is filled with friends you are yet to meet.

Friday & Saturday from 9am until 1am

ENTERTAINMENT

Classic Pub Games Skittles, Darts, Dominoes Live Sports Football, Rugby, Boxing

tex mex Toro Latino Tex Mex is the ideal meeting place for friends, families, lovers – FOR YOU! You can expect a thoroughly warm and friendly welcome that will make you feel at home the second you walk through the doors.

8 Church Street • Lutterworth • LE17 4AW • Tel: 01455 553 100

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Feature /// Sportsman's Dinner

Toro Latino Tex Mex, Lutterworth Kate and Tim discover a hidden gem offering a wide menu and great atmosphere Kate This is the sister restaurant to the Rio Bravo Tex Mex and Toro Latino Tapas Bar in Market Harborough and it seems George and Lenka have gone and done it again. Since it opened at Christmas, business here has gone from strength to strength and I can see why. It has a really welcoming atmosphere once you’ve found the place. It’s hidden down a little side alley but it’s bang in the centre of town. Tim It’s a deﬁnite hidden gem. It’s open in the evenings only and there are plenty of offers on weekdays like ‘buy one meal, get one free’ to entice you in. At weekends they’re turning people away, and it’s fairly obvious why. Apart from the friendly service, just look at this menu. Kate There’s so much to choose from. You can go for straight Mexican food such as burritos, enchiladas or fajitas or try something off the Tex Mex menu which – as the name implies – is Mexican with an American twist. There are also some tapas for even more choice. I’m going to plump for some tequila prawns (£5.95). They’re marinated in tequila and lime and a special secret spice mix, then oven baked. Tim I’ve chosen the chicken nachos (£5.50) because I’m starving as I skipped lunch and these

are just the ticket. Crunchy at the top of the pile and coated with melted cheese, sour cream and guacamole further down. The large slices of jalapenos give a ﬁne little kick too, although apparently most Mexican and Tex Mex dishes include chipotle chillis which are smoke dried red jalapenos. But the chef is also happy to cater for people who don’t like their food too spicy. Kate I’m having trouble deciding on my main course. I could go for pizza, paella, a burger or the steak their butcher marinates in the special spice mix. Or I could have the crispy durango – unique to here – that’s an edible crispy tortilla basket ﬁlled with chilli con queso cheese, but as I love chorizo I’m going to choose the pollo del ranchero which is chargrilled chicken tipped with spiced chorizo and Mexican rice (£10.95). Tim I’m going to attempt some DIY eating and have a 28-day matured sirloin steak fajita. I know it’s going to be messy rolling my own tortillas but worth it. I thought it was a little pricey at £14.95 but this steak is ridiculously tender – which is incredible when you see how thick each slice is. Kate The spices on your sizzling beef couldn’t be further removed from the packet mix I normally add at home and pass off as fajitas. I must see if

Lenka will let me into her secret. The sauce on my chicken is very smoky with loads of chorizo. Just delicious. But as always I over-order so I can’t manage all of my rice or the tortillas. But you know what I’m going to say, don’t you? Tim Let me guess, that you’ll still be able to manage a pudding? The churros look interesting – a Spanish doughnut with chocolate sauce. Let’s just ask for a couple to sample. Kate Good idea. Then we can have a taste of the light, crispy batter without overdoing it. There’s a strong element of cinnamon and Lenka has given us toffee sauce in addition to the chocolate. You do have to be prepared to get your hands sticky here – there’s sugar everywhere. Still while we’re polishing this off, we can soak up the atmosphere. I see there’s a stash of sombreros by the bar which would be perfect for a party. Tim I think they’d look a bit daft on just the two of us. Maybe another night?

Toro Latino Tex Mex 8 Church Street, Lutterworth, LE17 4AW. 01455 553100. www.torolatino.co.uk

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Feature /// Kids and schools

Break Out Canoe Club seeks entries for special slalom race The Break Out Canoe Club, the watersports club for Scouts in south Leicestershire, is hosting a fixture on the UK Canoe Slalom national calendar at Hinckley Wharf on September 6. All paddlers are welcome, as the primary objective of the events such is to introduce young people to the Olympic Sport of Canoe Slalom. There are few prerequisites in terms of the skills required. Paddlers need only to be able to steer their canoe around a defined course. Anybody that has successfully completed a PaddlePower or 1 Star course should have the necessary skills. At a canoe slalom competition, each paddler must negotiate a course defined by a number of ‘gates’ as quickly as possible. They are timed, and penalties are applied for each gate missed, or pole hit. The winner is the paddler having the fastest time including penalties. Free practice will be available from 9:00 in the morning, and at 10:45 they will run through the rules for the benefit of those new to the sport. Refreshments will be available on site.

EVENTS Novice: This will be the main event, targeted at beginners. Note that this will be registered as a national ranking Division 4 event, and as such, will enable paddlers to attain ranking status should they achieve a good result. Open: All ranked paddlers, and experienced adult paddlers not interested in being promoted to the next division should enter the Open event.  For more information on how to enter, visit: www. breakoutcc.org.uk/HinckleySlalom.html

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Market Harborough badminton club looking for new members After notable league success, the Harborough Feathers Badminton Club is launching a campaign to attract new members. The club enjoyed Northants Doubles League success last season, with the Mixed Doubles Team ﬁnishing top of Division Three and securing promotion to Division Two. Paul Barnett, Harborough Feathers’ Chairman, said: “It has been a few years since we found ourselves in this higher division. We know it will

be tougher than last year but we’re conﬁdent of competing and making our presence felt.” The club also has two successful Men’s teams in the Leicestershire League, competing in Divisions Three and Five, as well as a Ladies team in Division Two of the Northants League. Now the Harborough Feathers Club is building on this success and seeking new members. The Feathers’ Chairman promises that the club is ideal for anyone who has either

played badminton before and is looking to join a club, or for those playing regularly wanting to improve their game in a competitive but friendly and social environment. The club meets on Friday evenings at Welland Park Community College sports hall in Market Harborough from 7.30pm.  Anyone interested should contact Helen Barnett at harboroughfeathers@hotmail.com. Alternatively visit www.harborough-feathers.co.uk.

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Feature /// Local events

Don’t miss Rutland Day 2015 For the second year running, Discover Rutland Day brings you the sensational sports arena alongside other stall holders and attractions. On Saturday, September 12, located around the Rugby World Cup posts at Sykes Lanes Rutland Water, Active Rutland in partnership with Active and Anglian Water provide visitors with the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of different sports and physical activities including yoga, football, Nordic walking and tennis amongst other mini challenges such as tug of war, drop kick challenge and old school sports day activities. There will be something different on offer every half an hour from a variety of local sports clubs, ﬁtness instructors and activity providers from 10am to 4pm with a chance to speak to instructors for further information. There are also lots of other stalls and displays showcasing what is best about Rutland, with excellent food and drink plus great family day entertainment. The day will include cooking demonstrations from Rutland’s top chefs, a range of local foods to purchase including cakes, breads, meats and cheeses, locally brewed beer to enjoy and live music.  For more information on Discover Rutland Day, visit www.discover-rutland.co.uk.

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Feature /// Sport

Help to get your workplace active Could you be the most active workplace across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland or even the whole of England? Workplaces across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland are being invited to join the nationwide ‘Shake Up September’ Challenge. Fresh from Workplace Challenge the programme, which combines cutting edge technology with sport and physical activity opportunities, Shake Up September encourages employees across England to increase activity levels by trying at least one new activity or sport during September. The ultimate aim for participants is to try a new activity and to log as much of the new activity as possible throughout the month-long challenge. Participants will be able to track their performance and set individual targets through personalised dashboards, while the online Workplace Challenge leaderboards will give an indication of who is to be crowned the ultimate Shake Up September Challenge individual and team champions. Why join Workplace Challenge and Shake Up September  It’s free and easy to use. Aside from how easy it is to register a business, Workplace Challenge has been designed with busy working people in mind – so it’s easy to log points online on a PC or laptop, or on the go, via the smartphone app.  It’s open to all businesses – big or small. There are no stipulations on the size or nature of your industry or business.  There’s something for everyone. A genuine multisport offer, Workplace Challenge participants can log activity across almost 150 sports and activities – from golf to gardening, hockey to hula-hooping and walking to waterskiing, so there’s something for everyone and no prescriptive format for participation.  Small steps can make a big difference. Shake Up September encourages people to try just one new sport or activity of their own choice, so there’s no risk of participants feeling overwhelmed or demoralised by unrealistic targets. Aside from the physical health benefits, evidence shows that doing a new activity can boost our memory as well as creativity.  There’s year-round support and free training. From specialist Workplace Champion training (to enable office Champions help colleagues get the most out of Workplace Challenge), to local knowledge and expert support from Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport, joining Workplace Challenge means you’ll have access to the right expertise to help your workplace physical activity programme run smoothly and effectively.  It shows investment. By offering Workplace Challenge as part of a workplace activity programme and promoting Shake Up September, businesses in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland are able to send a clear message to employees that workforce health and welfare is taken seriously and that positive steps are being taken to help and support employees get more active.  It could significantly boost team spirit. Taking part in Shake Up September could significantly boost team spirit – as Thomson Reuters discovered earlier in the year when it was one of 2,300 workplaces to take part in the Workplace Challenge MyTeam2015 Challenge  To take part in #ShakeUpSeptember just register your workplace at www.workplacechallenge.org. uk/lrsport tell your staff and colleagues to sign up and start logging points; a great motivation to help you reach your 150 minutes a week of physical activity.

Thousands

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nds set to tackle Wolf Run More than 8,000 runners will get their teeth into the 10km Wolf Run at Stanford Hall as they tackle the course on November 7 and 8. Unfazed by the gruelling course, participants will climb over 20ft cargo nets, scale 10ft walls, undertake a river swim, crawl through several of the muddiest of swamps and launch themselves down a 100m super slide to complete the run. Organiser Charlie Moreton said: “The Winter Wolf course at Stanford Hall is always a challenge, not just because of the masses of mud on course, but also because of the cold. It is not a course for the faint hearted! Wolf Runners, however, do embrace the challenge and push themselves to the limit to get round. Many runners raise money for charity and this seems to give them that determination.”

2016 DATES April 9-10: Warwickshire June 11-12: Leicestershire September 3-4: Warwickshire November 5-6: Leicestershire In addition to the running, participants and spectators enjoy a post-run Wolf beer, massages from Core Health and Wellness and a hog roast. Family and friends are also able to enjoy on-course action screened on a giant TV, bouncy castles and a range of food and drink stalls. All these elements combined enabled the event to win The Running Awards, Best Obstacle Race 2015; an award that was nominated and voted

for by the general public. Throughout the weekend money will be raised for the Air Ambulance. Since launching in 2011, the Wolf Run has gone from strength to strength. Four years ago it was a one-day event, welcoming 650 runners, now it is a weekend event hosting 8,000 runners each time and taking place four times a year. Charlie added: “We are always adding to the course and constantly coming up with different ideas to excite and entertain our existing ‘wolves’. For us it’s not just about attracting new runners; we love seeing familiar faces coming back to us time and time again.”  For further information on taking part in The Wolf Run please contact Charlotte Kissack on 07834871707 or email charlotte@thewolfrun.com /// S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 6 1

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Roundup The scores, star performers and stats from a month in South Leicestershire

Rugby

A feast of rugby awaits locally and nationally BY JEREMY BESWICK

hat a feast of rugby we have coming our way this year – internationally, nationally and locally. With the World Cup from September 18, Tigers appointing a new head coach and our neighbourhood clubs with some intriguing ﬁxtures, there’s plenty to look forward to with relish. If England are to be world champions again they will have to do it the hard way. The cliché ‘group of death’ could have been invented for Pool A, but worse follows should we go through in second place. If you’re a bit of an anorak like me you’ll already have worked out from the draw that if we don’t head the group it means we’ll almost certainly meet France and then New Zealand before even making the ﬁnal, so Stuart Lancaster’s men will have to hit the road running. Closer to home at Welford Road, Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill (exhooker) and newly-appointed Head Coach Aaron Mauger (ex-centre) seem to be heading

for an interesting working relationship. I predict the old ‘us and them’ mentality of backs versus forwards is set to be writ large. Scrum half Sam Harrison may have inadvertently lit the blue touch paper by claiming Mauger was “teaching us how to pass again”. Mauger was then quoted as saying “(We will) be playing with aggression and creating opportunities to not only get the ball back, but to score from them. It will be a different mentality and we will be looking at ways in which we can score tries” Cockerill then piped up a few days later “We are not going to play like Canterbury Crusaders (Mauger’s previous club) because the Premiership is a different competition and Aaron has different players at his disposal”. It seems power struggles aren’t restricted to the scrum! There’s plenty to hold our interest on our doorsteps as well. South Leicester were promoted to National League 2 last year so, as chairman Wayne Marsden put it to me: “It’ll take us a month or

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so to find our feet and know where we stand at the higher level. We’re there or thereabouts with our preparations but at this stage haven’t decided 100% on the first team line up”. They recruited quite a few new faces in the close season and, combined with absences because of the holiday season, they need to take a closer look at some of the players. “We’re training solidly now so it’ll become clear in the next couple of weeks,” he said. As the name implies, playing in the National League will mean more travelling and Marsden is determined to do all he can to ensure this doesn’t impact the ethos and traditions of the club.” At this level we’re attracting some players from a long distance away, but we must try to keep South as one club, from mini rugby up to the first team. We want everyone in the bar together after a game and the senior players engaging with everyone else especially our supporters – some of whom have been coming here for 50 years”. You’d think that the step up would mean

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TIGERS IMAGES

Above

Leicester Tigers will be hoping for bumper crowds for the Kings of the North tournament involving Sale and Newcastle

larger attendances and therefore higher gate receipts and bar takings but Marsden puts me right on this. “With some of our games now involving a 200 mile round trip it’s inevitable that away supporters will think twice before coming” he pointed out. Together with the higher associated overheads of the National League (fourth official, video facilities, medical attendance and so on) the club needs the support of the community so “Come down and watch. We’ll make you welcome”. They start with an away fixture at Huddersfield, followed by the first home game of the season against Sedgely Park on September 12 at 3 o’clock. Just down the road Leicester Lions await them in the higher division. Last season was a bit of a curate’s egg for the Lions with some notably good performances interspersed with mediocre ones. “Although our expectation was to finish not much above half way up the league, it was disappointing we were so inconsistent” said Michael Howkins, their press officer. “We were much better at home than away and lost heavily to some weaker

teams we would have hoped to do better against”. They’ll be looking to continue their late season form. “We had a promising last couple of months in the league” he said. Howkins was honest enough not to blame player availability for the losses saying “Sometimes we were lacklustre for no apparent reason, particularly in mid-season”. They’ll also hope their search for consistency will be helped by some new recruits. “Nearly all the players we had last season are staying with us and there are a few new lads who’ve looked very good in training. We’ll be assessing their performance further in some trial games to see if they’re good enough for a start in the first fifteen.” he continued. Are they looking forward to the derby match with South Leicester? For a moment Howkins went quiet, then said “Let’s just say that will be an interesting and competitive fixture. An extremely competitive fixture”. It’s gone straight into my diary as a result. However, as he said: “We’ll all be friends in the bar together afterwards.” Market Harborough are up and running with their first pre-season games, the first

against Huntingdon. Youngsters associated with the club have a treat in store, Harborough having been chosen from a highly competitive ﬁeld to supply the ball boys and girls for world cup games in Leicester. Back at Welford Road, Tigers will be opening their campaign in the new Kings of the North tournament during September. Recognising many of their players will be on international duty as the world cup draws near, this will be an opportunity for them – and their opponents Sale and Newcastle – to blood new talent. The teams will play each other home and away, with points awarded in the same way as in the Premiership. At the end of the round robin, one team will be crowned the Kings of the North and win the Richard III Cup. Enjoy the World Cup and if your enthusiasm for rugby is rekindled then do seek out your local club. If there’s a charge at all (most don’t) it’ll be nominal, you’ll be able to get close to the action and mingle with the players in the bar afterwards – and all within easy reach. You’ll be doing your bit for the community too. What could be better?

Show your support for local sport... Email advertise@theactivemag.com /// S E P T E M B E R 2015

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Roundup

Cricket

Young Harborough side on a learning curve BY JEREMY BESWICK

arket Harborough have made a lot of progress in the last year or so – and with a young side, all concerned will hope they can only continue to improve – but in fairness this was a month where results didn’t go as they would have wished. It started brightly enough with a regulation win against Thorpe Arnold, reaching their opponent’s total for the loss of only one wicket and with buckets of overs to spare and as captain Joe Gordon told me: “This was one we were expecting to win, to be honest.” It’s fair to say that Thorpe Arnold are having a testing time and are marooned at the foot of the Premier Division, but Gordon was particularly pleased with the performance of teenager Max Levine. “He’s still only sixteen I think, but to get 81 not out was a great milestone. It’s his highest total for us – so far.” Let’s hope there is more to come. Next up were Leicester Ivanhoe, who are below Harborough in the league. “The less

said about that the better,” continued Gordon. “They took a couple of outstanding catches, then we had a run out and to cut a long story short we were all out for 47.” Ivanhoe’s Niall Lafferty took the opportunity to improve his bowling average with a six-for and it was all over before tea as Ivanhoe took only eight overs to reach the paltry total. Gordon tried his best to be philosophical: “Not the best game I’ve ever played in but I guess that sort of thing will happen sometimes with a young and inexperienced team.” Another two losses followed, but Gordon was far more upbeat about their performances. He added: “Kibworth are obviously a very good side – probably the best in the league when at full strength – so it was encouraging that we batted so well after the week before.” They made 205 batting ﬁrst with Sam Williams just missing out on a half-century and Zain Mir making his, but then: “Kibworth batted even better. They came out aggressively

in the first 15 overs with the fielding restrictions in place. We had to put our spinners on earlier than we would have wished and they just knocked off the runs.” Sundeep Patel shone with the bat for Kibworth, reaching exactly 100 before being caught by Lawrence Perry off Ben Collins. It was a closer run thing against Loughborough who, batting first, reached 214 with Lawrence Perry claiming five wickets. “It had rained persistently for three days beforehand and it was a pretty poor wicket,” said Gordon. “But we matched them all the way. It was in the balance until close to the end when we lost a couple of quick wickets and, not wanting to be bowled out, saw out the overs for a losing draw.” With only four games left in the season they look to be safe from relegation and will surely live to fight another year in the Premier League. “The first priority is to make ourselves mathematically safe,” said Gordon. “Two of the games are really tough

Show your support for local sport... Email advertise@theactivemag.com 6 4 SE P T E M BE R 2015 ///

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JON WOLLOFF

Vox Fox

Above

Uppingham Town hosted a special fund-raising match featuring the Barmy Army, the Lord’s Taverners and several local and national cricketers. The match raised £5,000 for the Lord’s Taverners and donations can still be made at www.lordstaverners.org.

(Lutterworth and Sileby) but two are against teams around us. We could ﬁnish anywhere between sixth and tenth – the league is that tight.” Gordon was right to point out the strengths of Kibworth. This has been a great season for the whole club with the ﬁrst team hard on the heels of in-form Lutterworth in the Premier Division, the seconds top of Division 1 and the thirds very close to the promotion spots in Division 4. Cup competition has proved to their liking as well as they have made both the County and League Cup Finals. It would have been an even brighter picture for Kibworth had they not narrowly and surprisingly lost to Leicester Ivanoe. Chasing an admittedly challenging total of 296, they looked to be in the box seat with Petrus (Pite)

van Biljon and Matt Craven sharing a mammoth stand and the team needing only seventy or so in the remaining ten overs. Alas, as often happens, the fall of one wicket prompted others and they were eventually an agonising four runs short at the end for a losing draw. Lutterworth were therefore able to leapfrog them into ﬁrst place in the table with an easy victory at Thorpe Arnold – the sixth league victory in a row for Ollie Pickering’s men. Hold on to your hats as Kibworth host Lutterworth in what will surely be the Premiership decider. Then, to follow on 6 September on the hallowed turf of Grace Road, they meet again in the County Cup Final. Both should be crackers!

Leicestershire followed up on their groundbreaking victory over Essex – their first in the LV= County Championship for three seasons – with a second win against Derbyshire at Grace Road. At 56 for 4 chasing 273, it seemed an unlikely prospect but Niall O’Brien and academy graduate Aadil Ali were not to be denied. O’Brien was eventually the first to fall, for his side’s top score of the innings - 87 off just 128 balls, and by then the partnership was worth well in excess of a hundred. Ali went on to share another significant stand with Andrea Agathangelou, but when both fell within the space of a few balls the Foxes found themselves on 238-7. Over the last few years the expectation would have been for an edgy Leicestershire to crumble, but this year they have shown they’re made of sterner stuff. It fell to Ben Raine and Clint McKay to win the match, knocking off the 35 runs. There’s a new psychology about the side, as head coach Andrew McDonald stressed: “They showed great belief, which is something we spoke of throughout the game”. If they can show the same attitude for the rest of the season that they showed against Derbyshire then further wins can be expected. What won’t help them to climb that table, however, are any further shows of dissent. Following five reported transgressions directed at both umpires and opponents, the ECB has docked them 16 points, effectively wiping out the contribution of one of those two wins. CEO Wasim Khan was not happy: “We believe that the sanction imposed is severe. Andrew and I have worked hard, and continue to do so, to improve the standards and levels of discipline expected of Leicestershire cricketers. The conclusion to the hearing is bitterly disappointing , considering the win against Derbyshire and taking into account the significant strides we have made this season.” The deduction means they remain rooted at the foot of division two, 32 points behind Kent with just four matches to play.

Show your support for local sport... Email advertise@theactivemag.com /// SE P T E M BE R 2015

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Roundup

Rugby World Cup special

Webb Ellis Cup in Leicester as RWC draws near

JOHN ISGAR

Leicester has been slow to embrace the forthcoming Rugby World Cup, principally due to the iconic Welford Road being snubbed as a venue. However, the ďŹ rst stirrings of excitement were felt recently when hundreds posed with the Webb Ellis Trophy, which was on display as part of its UK-wide tour before the tournament begins. Tickets are still available for the group games to be staged at the King Power stadium, while Tigers will be a creating a fan zone at Welford Road, complete with big screens showing the major games.

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Stamford Endowed Schools

Open Days Saturday 3rd October 10am-2pm Stamford School Boys 11-18 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BQ

Stamford High School Girls 11-18 St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LL

Saturday 10th October 10am-2pm Stamford Junior School Girls and Boys 2-11 Kettering Road, Stamford PE9 2LR

Wednesday 14th October 6pm-9pm Sixth Form Girls and Boys 16-18 Stamford School, St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BQ

For everything you need to know about day or boarding places. There is no need to book your attendance in advance, but if you have any queries please call 01780 750311, email admissions@ses.lincs.sch.uk or visit www.ses.lincs.sch.uk