Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // December 2016 by Active Magazine

FR ISSUE 54 // DECEMBER 2016

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

Box yourself fit Make Mulled Wine Go velvet this Xmas

Festive, yet Fabulous! How to indulge this Christmas, and come out of it fighting fit ISSUE 54 // DECEMBER 2016

www.theACTIVEmag.com

From Little Acorns…

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The thriving local mini rugby scene

Will’s walk Knossington, Withcote and Owston

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FIND THAT PERFECT GIFT IN STORE OR HAVE IT DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR DOOR PETERBOROUGH GARDEN PARK, EYE, PETERBOROUGH, PE1 4YZ , 01733 808705 COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM

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Editor’s Letter SO I HAVE TAKEN UP A NEW WINTER SPORT. And like a crazy person, the first time I ever played was straight into a league match, having never, ever tried it before, and coming off a pretty serious injury. Unsurprisingly, in my first match I got walloped. By a chap who was probably born before the Second World War. Trust me, pushpenny is not for the faint hearted. My cricket club has put a team in the Stamford Pushpenny League, with our fortress for our home games, The Jolly Brewer (we haven’t won a game yet). Problem is, we are competing against teams who have been playing the sport for decades, and although we do very well on the drinking beer and eating chips side of it, we’re not yet Premiership standard on the coins. It’s brilliant fun though. For those of you who have not tried this ancient game which once thrived in this area (and hopefully will do so again), you’ve got three coins – two heavy, one light – and a board with 10 beds, in which you must land the coins through a combination of fine motor skills and brilliant tactical play. The first one to land coins three times in all 10 beds wins. What makes it especially fascinating is that the boards differ. Our home board is like greased lightning, the Augusta National of pushpenny boards, while the one Blackstones B team use is fast up the right side, but much slower in the middle and left. So you must choose you penny, and your shot, like a scratch golfer. Our young side (average age 41) has been welcomed in the SPL fold with enthusiasm and friendliness and we’ve had some cracking evenings, playing some, what is called round these parts ‘good old bors’. They’ve even given us plenty of advice and coaching, having seen our hamfisted initial attempts. By the end of the season, we might even have snuck a win. Games like this must not die out. It’s part of our local heritage – they must be played and the traditions continued. So feel free to come and join us, or ask in The Jolly Brewer, The Hurdler, Blackstones or the Tobie Norris, where they have a board for public use. You only need five people to make a team, and somebody I’m sure can find your pub or club a board. Send me an email if you’re interested, and I’m sure we can give you a game.

Enjoy the issue! 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, Jeremy Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, Pip Warters Production assistant Gary Curtis Advertising sales Lisa Withers lisa@theactivemag.com Sarah Stillman sarah@theactivemag.com Amy Roberts amy@theactivemag.com Editorial and Advertising Assistant Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Tel: 01780 480789

If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@ theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@ theactivemag.com. Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2049-8713 A Grassroots Publishing Limited company. Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318 Disclaimer

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws. GPL and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.

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Contents ACTIVE LIFE 10 HOW TO...

ISSUE 54 /// DECEMBER 2016

Make make mulled wine

14 NATURE

Christmas favourites – the robin and mistletoe

16-17 RIVERFORD RECIPE

A potato salad with chicory, blue cheese and walnuts

23 DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Volunteer driver co-ordinator James Freeborough

26 WHAT’S ON

Great things to do locally for all the family

FEATURES

26-31 MIGHTY MINIS

Rugby’s stars of the future

36-42 CHRISTMAS CALORIES

Enjoy the festive excess... then burn it off with exercise tips

ACTIVE BODY 47-49 EAT YOUR WAY TO FITNESS

How the right nutrition can aide your recovery

50 NUTRITION ADVICE

Healthier alternatives to the usual Christmas classics

52-53 THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Tips and products to help you look great

REGULARS 33 KIT BAG

A focus on the latest essential cycling gear

35 MARTIN JOHNSON COLUMN

The Sunday Times writer on the worst sports sides

58-59 WILL’S WALKS

We head out to Knossington, Withcote and Owston

61 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out the seasonal game menu at the William Cecil

65-67 SCHOOL SPORT

Our focus on the latest achievements from local pupils

68-74 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

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savills.co.uk

ELTON, cambridgeshire

LITTLE BYTHAM, lincolnshire

An attractive period village house ø 4 reception rooms ø 6 bedrooms ø contemporary kitchen garden room ø enclosed landscaped garden ø stone garden store ø around 0.55 of an acre ø parkland views ø EPC = Exempt

A striking detached farmhouse ø five bedrooms ø four reception rooms ø tithe barn and outbuildings with potential STP ø far reaching rural views ø conveniently positioned for several renown schools and commuter links ø EPC = Exempt

Guide £1.62 million

Guide £1.195 million

Savills Stamford jabbott@savills.com 01780 484694

LANGTOFT, lincolnshire

DEENETHORPE, northamptonshire

A contemporary farmhouse conversion in a rural setting ø 4 reception rooms ø 5 double bedrooms ø landscaped south facing garden ø paddock ø triple garage block ø approximately 0.9 of an acre ø EPC = D

A pretty stone built property converted from 2 smaller cottages ø 3 reception rooms ø 4 bedrooms ø garden store and office ø pretty gardens ø garage ø countryside views ø EPC = Exempt

Guide £775,000

Guide £595,000

Savills Stamford jabbott@savills.com 01780 484694

Savills Stamford lsimpson@savills.com 01780 484695

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Activelife DECEMBER MEANS CHRISTMAS! SO THIS MONTH WE HAVE SOME LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS, TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A FESTIVE DOOR WREATH PLUS A DELICIOUS BOXING DAY RECIPE Edited by Mary Bremner

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Activelife

HOW TO…

MAKE MULLED WINE The staple drink for Christmas, and it takes a lot of beating… Ingredients 1 bottle red wine 60g demerara sugar 1 cinnamon stick Grated nutmeg ½ orange 1 bay leaf 60ml orange juice 60ml sloe gin or brandy (optional)

Heat the wine in a saucepan along with the orange, sugar, orange juice, bay leaf and spices until the sugar has dissolved. Taste and add more sugar if required. Remove from heat and stir in the sloe gin or brandy if you wish. Strain into heatproof glasses and serve immediately.

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GOLF MEMBERSHIP 15½ Months Membership for ONLY £780 (no joining fee) 1st January 2017 to 18th April 2018

NO WINTER GREENS EVER!!!! Best kept winter course in the region Toft is known as the FRIENDLY club! Come and join us.

Make your Christmas Merr y with Barnsdale Leisure Sign up with no joining fees throughout December to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

Massive savings up to £199

Merry Christmas

from all of us at Barnsdale. 22 metre swimming pool 6 Tennis courts Fully equipped gym with cardio theatre

Contact Mark Underwood on 01778 590616 or Julia on 01778 590614

Winter War

mer offer

coffee/tea and bacon b ap 18 holes golf Chefs dish o f the day ONLY £25pp

Free studio fitness classes for members Spa pool, steam room and sauna Table tennis Snooker room

Nr Oakham | Rutland LE15 8AB www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

Tel: 01572 757901

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Activelife

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN Christmas is just around the corner but there’s still time to buy some last minute gifts and stocking fillers HAMAX SNO RIDER £20 They keep forecasting snow so this is the perfect sledge to have fun with. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

VINTAGE INDIA COLLECTION FROM £6.99 Local company Katie-Alice’s Vintage Indigo Collection breathes new life into traditional blue and white porcelain. www.katie-alice.co.uk

KIDS FUR BOBBLE HAT £18.95 A raccoon pom-pom bobble rib knit hat. The fur is detachable for washing. www.thefurbubbleshhop.com

LEONIE BODY £44 Handmade by local designer Lauren Crowe this body is a simple yet stylish off the shoulder design. www. elcyclothing.com

CASHMERE BED SOCKS, FROM £35 Everyone gets socks at Christmas and these cosy cashmere ones are perfect. www.thewhitecompany.com

MEN’S ORGANIC GROOMING COLLECTION £30 Transform the man in your life into a perfectly groomed gent. www.nealsyardremedies.com

SHOP OF THE MONTH…

The Pickled Shop The Pickled Shop in Bulwick is a ‘must visit’ place. Situated on the Main Street, owner Camille Ortega McLean creates all sorts of ‘pickled deliciousness’. Her products have been sold in Harvey Nichols, Fortnums and Harrods, but you can ﬁnd them all locally in Bulwick. She makes chutneys, jams, marmalades and pickles and they are delicious. The Ginger Snapper, a stem

ginger curd, is a ﬁrm favourite. Her international background (Spanish father, Italian mother and childhood spent in the Caribbean) are reﬂected in her wares. But Camille doesn’t just sell pickles, her shop is bursting with mainly British made products ranging from cheese to chocolate to gin. And for Christmas she is selling Goodie Boxes that are stuffed full of everything tasty. Next day delivery can be arranged. Prices start at £30. This shop really is a must for Christmas. www.thepickledshop.com 15 Main Street, Bulwick, NN17 3DY. Telephone 01780 450774

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Superb range of Dress and Patchwork fabrics, haberdashery, Vogue, Simplicity and New Look Patterns. Pfaff sewing machines, Babylock overlock machines, Horn furniture, classes and workshops.

Before

Unit 1a Rutland Village/Rutland Garden Centre, Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QN 01572 756468 www.rutlandsewing.co.uk Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm

After

Less than a mile from the A1 Now with more than 70 dealers, the centre has a variety of antiques unmatched in the surrounding area. Items range from £5 to £5,000 and regular turnover of stock frequently brings customers back for more. Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat

and 10.30am-5pm Sundays

23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LF (01780) 481158 www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

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12 St Leonards Street Stamford, PE9 2HN

Tel 01780 654321 • www.classicstamford.co.uk

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Activelife

NATURE

THE ROBIN A cheeky chap who adorns many a Christmas card, what could be more iconic than a robin in the snow with its red breast standing out in stark contrast? The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite bird, the robin is recognised by almost everyone. Males and females look identical and can often be spotted in your garden. A friendly bird, it will often sit close by and watch you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many a time you will spot one perched on your garden fork keeping an eye out, waiting for a tasty worm to appear. Classed as the gardenersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; friend, ancient folklore decreed it should never be harmed. A talented songbird, male robins are surprisingly aggressive when it comes to protecting their territory. Robins are common throughout Britain and can be found in woodland, hedgerows and gardens. They are a common sight at garden feeders and are partial to worms, seeds and nuts.

MISTLETOE Mistletoe can be spotted in many trees at this time of year. Easy to see because the branches are bare, it grows on a wide variety of trees. Mistletoes are parasitic and attach to, and penetrate, the branches of a tree through which they absorb water and nutrients. European mistletoe is native to the UK and has smooth oval evergreen leaves growing in pairs along a woody stem. The waxy white berries grow in clusters of two to six. Most mistletoes are spread by birds through their droppings. Poisonous to humans, it is a good source of food for many

birds. Mistletoe is quite a mythical plant and features in many different cultures. It is associated with Christmas and often used as a decoration. It is supposed to possess mystical powers that brings good luck and wards off evil spirits, hence the tradition of hanging it in your house. Associated with fertility by the druids, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in Victorian times. Tradition is that a man is allowed to kiss any woman standing underneath the mistletoe and that bad luck would befall a woman who refused the kiss.

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www.ashwoodhomes.co

info@ashwoodhomes.co YOUR HOME - OUR VISION

The Tay - £315,000

The Lock - £225,000

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A BRAND NEW HOME IN 2017? BRAND NEW COWBIT DEVELOPMENT

‘Mill View’ COWBIT

Open Daily 10am - 5pm

MILL VIEW, Backgate, Cowbit, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 6AP “Ashwood Homes aren’t only proving popular with first or second time buyers but several existing local residents have shown interest to reserve properties.” Help to Buy is available on all homes, with a purchase price up to £600,000 subject to status and affordability criteria, terms and conditions apply. The Help to Buy scheme is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debit secured on it

HEAD OFFICE Manor Farm, Fen Road, Holbeach, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 8QA

N O TI S A E C I M 0 F I O 9 C H 5 E Y 0 P 9 S IT 4 H AL 6 G 0 I U 4 H Q 01

Activelife

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POTATO SALAD WITH CHICORY, BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUTS This salad is perfect for a Boxing Day lunch. Not only does it help use up left over odds and ends from Christmas Day, but it also satisﬁes a desire for less rich food after the gastronomic excesses of the day before.

Toast the walnut in a dry frying pan, leave to cool.

●

Wash the celery, watercress and chicory. Chop the celery into 2cm pieces.

●

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the onion, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, a little salt and pepper and 6tbsp olive oil. Taste and add more lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, oil or seasoning as needed.

●

INGREDIENTS

½ red onion 800g salad potatoes, halved 100g walnut pieces 1 celery heart 50g watercress 2 heads of chicory 200g Cropwell Bishop stilton

Remove any large, tough stalks from the watercress.

Gently toss the potatoes in the dressing.

●

Cut off the base of the chicory and break off the leaves. Cut them lengthways into 2-3 strips per leaf.

●

Mix in the celery and chicory. Crumble in the cheese, add the watercress and very gently turn everything to mix it together.

●

Serve on a platter or in a large salad bowl

For the dressing Olive oil Caster or light brown sugar Vinegar (balsamic, red, white or cider) Salt and pepper Lemon Dijon mustard

METHOD

Peel and ﬁnely dice half the red onion. Put in a small bowl with 1 tbsp vinegar and 1tsp sugar and leave to marinate.

●

Scrub the potatoes clean, halve the larger ones and boil until tender, approximately 12-15 minutes. Drain them and leave to cool.

●

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

45 minutes. Think well balanced and nutritious, with a few treats thrown in. Their 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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The

houses of Christmas

Reserve one of these new energy efficient properties and look forward to a happy, home loving new year in 2017...

Housebuilder of the Year 2016

Part exchange your existing property for a new 3, 4 or 5 bedroom home. Tricklebank, Stamford

Thorney Meadows, Thorney

The Windsor

5 bedroom luxury home with swimming pool. For only £950,000

From only £194,995

Gretton Valley, Weldon

The Cheltenham 5 bedroom detached homes. From only £399,995

The Worcester 4 bedroom terrace homes. From only £243,995

Whittlesey Green, Whittlesey

Buttercross Park, Oakham

The Salisbury 4 bedroom detached home. For only £241,995

The Brecon 4 bedroom terrace homes. From only £254,995

Anvil Mews, Stamford

Parson’s Prospect, Eye

3 bedroom semi-detached home.

The Paddock, Stamford

The Chelmsford 3 bedroom terrace homes. From only £244,995

The Morgan 5 bedroom luxury home. For only £699,995 The Croft, Baston

The Ripon 5 bedroom detached homes. From only £302,500 Developments also at: Bourne Heights, Bourne Greetham Square, Greetham NEW Hempsted Park, Peterborough

The Harrington 3 bedroom chalet bungalows. For only £259,995 Colsterworth COMING SOON Doddington COMING SOON Pinchbeck COMING SOON

www.larkfleethomes.co.uk

General Enquiries Falcon Way, Bourne PE10 0FF The Maree 4 bedroom luxury townhouse. For only £520,000

The Cheltenham 5 bedroom detached homes. From only £402,995

 01778 391555 Showhomes open daily 10am - 5pm

Prices and information correct at time of going to print. Images are for illustrative purposes only. *Terms and Conditions apply.

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Activelife

NORDIC WALKERS ARE THE FASTEST IN BRITAIN

JOIN THE SANTAS FOR A FUN RUN The 10th Stamford Santa Fun Run, organised by Burghley Rotary, will be held on Sunday, December 11, in Burghley Park. Starting at 11.30am it’s open to everyone and is a great chance to raise money for your favourite charity. More than £200,000 has been raised since its inception and this year they are aiming for 1,000 Santas to take part. You can run,

walk, or skip at your own pace and bring the dog too (as long as they are on a lead) over a maximum distance of three miles. There will also be a Santa Doggy Competition. Entry fees for the run are £14 to include a Santa costume and £7 for children under 12. For more information and to book a place, visit www.stamfordsantafunrun.com.

Nordic Walk It! team members of Rutland, Stamford and Market Harborough are celebrating their win after they scooped the British Nordic Walking 2016 Series with three wins out of four. This means that the 10k team retained their title and the 5k team won their first one. Team members range from 40 to 75 so this is a sport for all. Team leader Jo Douglas said: “Nordic walking really is addictive, a great way to get fit, make new friends, set new challenges and offers benefits for all abilities and ages.” To find out more about Nordic walking in Rutland, Stamford and Market Harborough visit www.nordicwalkit.co.uk.

BODYPUMP COMES TO WESTSIDE Westside Health and Fitness Club in Stamford is launching exciting new classes in January in partnership with fitness provider Les Mills. Bodypump and Bodycombat classes are starting in January with Bodyattack starting in March. There will be taster sessions and members and non-members can take part. Bodypump aims to get you lean, toned and fit, fast. Using weights it’s a fun workout and scientifically proven to be successful. Bodycombat is a non-contact, high energy martial arts inspired workout where you can punch and kick your way to fitness. It’s also a great way to release stress and have fun at the same time. For more information or to book a class (be quick they are getting booked up) ring 01780 480651. www.westsideclub.co.uk

BOUNCE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS Bounce has come to Stamford. Fun, friendly and ﬁerce it’s a really effective way to get ﬁt while having fun on a trampoline. Classes are being held at Rhino’s Gym on Monday and Tuesday evenings. You need to book a place so contact Michelle on 07590 539442 or contact her via Facebook @bouncestamford.

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WWW.STAMFORDWINEBAR.CO.UK

IM DREAMING OF A WINE CHRISTMAS! Come and celebrate Christmas cheer in our new cosy back room! Taking bookings now!

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Activelife

DOES ANYONE HERE SPEAK ITALIAN?! Jess Lamb updates us on how the 321 Challengers are getting on. They are intending to run three marathons in three months in three countries to raise money for the Pelargos Foundation and Parkinson’s UK... One thing that nobody ever tells you about running a marathon (or two, or three) is the enormous amount of admin involved. We quickly found that this is even worse when trying to enter a marathon where the website is all in Italian, there seems to be no obvious translate button, and none of the three of you have a clue what du leggere pendenze all’inizio di via dei Cerchi might mean. Add to that the baffling requirements for medical forms, something bewildering about fees, and a bottle or two of red wine and I’m sure you can relate to the utter confusion amongst Team 321 during the attempt to sign up for marathon mumber one in Rome. However, we finally conquered administration Everest and all money is paid, places are secured and flights are booked. This, of course, means that training has begun in earnest. We’re all training solo at times, but mid-October saw us manage to co-ordinate our first Saturday morning team run. We’ll slowly be upping the distance to about 22 miles over the next few months, and as painful as that idea feels, team morale is high. Plus, the more we run the more brunch we’re able to eat, which is absolutely fine by us! Thanks must go to the Empire Gym in Market Deeping who, having an interest in Parkinson’s and having seen last month’s piece, have offered us free membership until we complete the challenge. The final piece of news this month is that you’re now able to start donating to the 321 Challenge via our Virgin Money Giving Page at uk. virginmoneygiving.com/ team/321marathonchallenge.

THEY DID IT! Team 52 have completed their challenge to try a different sport every week over the course of a year to raise money for Cancer Research UK. They embarked upon the challenge at the end of September 2015, as their grandfather was battling cancer for a third time. The family team of Lucy, Carys, Alec, Holly and Mike grew up in Rutland and many of the sports they took part in were generously donated by Rutland clubs. The five-strong team completed 52 different physical activities over the year including a marathon, triathlon and a 5k inflatable obstacle course! The final list of activities was: Gung Ho! obstacle race, bubble football, target archery, tennis, stand-up paddleboarding, badminton, spin cycling, pilates, zumba, fencing, boxercise, lane swimming, track cycling, road cycling, pole dance fitness, bouldering, military boot camp, spin cycling, dodgeball, quidditch, triathlon, hockey, boxercise, aikido, street dance, orienteering, Go Ape, golf, rounders, open water swimming, paintball, parkrun, gymnastics, petanque, yoga, a marathon, rowing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, Aussie

rules football, downhill skiing, rugby, tap dancing, scuba diving, table tennis, ﬁeld archery, tai chi, kick boxing, judo, trampolining, muay thai, and cross ﬁt. Team 52 would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to all of the generous coaches, clubs and teams that have donated time and free sessions to the challenge. To date, the team have raised £2,382. The team have been blogging about their experiences at https://52in52site.wordpress. com/ and they hope that by the time all of the blogs have been released, they will have raised £2,445. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/ fundraising/Challenge52.

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Greenacres Chiropractic Centre SERVING PETERBOROUGH, MARKET DEEPING, BOURNE AND STAMFORD

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas Greenacres Chiropractic Centre provide a professional, friendly approach to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, muscles and joints.

We will manage your aches and pains and help you to stay mobile.

Full examination and assessment in a professional yet friendly environment.

For more details or to discuss your problem please give us a call. NEW SERVICE - HYPNOTHERAPY

We are delighted to offer a new service at Greenacres Chiropractor Centre. Ask your Chiropractor about the benefits of Hypnotherapy treatment to help with pain management, general wellbeing and more.

You don’t have to suffer the discomfort of these conditions: • • • • • • • • • •

low back pain, leg pain, headaches, neck pain, joint pain, stiff joints, muscle strains, back pain, sports injuries work related injuries

HOURS OF BUSINESS

Monday to Friday 9.30am – 6.00pm

Phones monitored at all times for emergencies. Out of hours appointments may be possible please ask the Chiropractor.

01733 254239 12 St Leonards Street Stamford, PE9 2HN

Tel 01780 654321 • www.classicstamford.co.uk

Greenacres Chiropractic Centre, 4 Westbourne Drive, Glinton, PE6 7JU

e: greenacreschiro@gmail.com | www.greenacreschiropractic.co.uk

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Greenacres

Chiropractic Centre

12 St Leonards Street Stamford, PE9 2HN

Tel 01780 654321

12 St Leonard

Tel 01780 654

www.classicstamford.co.uk

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Activelife

A day in the life of

JAMES FREEBOROUGH TRANSPORT MANAGER

oluntary Action Rutland (VAR) is a charity that has been based in Oakham for more than 30 years. The transport scheme is a door-to-door service for frail, elderly, disabled and vulnerable people in Rutland who have difficulty travelling independently. Our team includes me, a part-time administrator, six office volunteers and 72 drivers. The service is split into two – a social car scheme and a community vehicle scheme. The social car scheme has nearly 3,000 registered users who live in Rutland and need to travel to access services in or out of the county. The service is provided by volunteer drivers using their own cars. Priority is given to medical and dental appointments including to hospitals as far away as Addenbrooke’s or even London. Any remaining resources are used to take people shopping, to social events or to other appointments. A charge is made to the service user which covers the cost of the return journey, and all volunteer drivers are reimbursed for their mileage so they are never out of pocket. VAR operates a concessionary scheme for those who have a Rutland County Council bus pass, disabled pass or access to travel tokens and we also provide assistance to Rutland County Council for special educational needs transport. Our community vehicle scheme consists of two wheelchair-accessible minibuses and a wheelchair-adapted VAR car, all of which can be hired out with or without a volunteer driver. Users of this scheme need to be registered and include the Barrowden Evergreen Club, Rutland Stroke Club and Rutland Health and Leisure to name but a few. 340 individuals and groups are registered for this service and go on a variety of trips such as to Springfields shopping centre, the seaside and the National Arboretum. Volunteers from all walks of life Our volunteers have full driving licences, regular vehicle service confirmations and are checked through a Government service. They come from all walks of life, often looking for something to do with their time as many are retired. It’s up to them how much time they want to give: a few volunteers do one drive a week and others are happy to do five or six local drives per day. The service is much more than just travelling from A to B as the drivers are mindful of the welfare of all service users. For example, it was noticed that one wheelchair user had to navigate

a gravel path from their home to reach the road. VAR raised this issue with various partners and, with the person’s permission, the path was resurfaced to make it safer. The transport scheme receives many letters from people singing the volunteers’ praises. And we firmly believe they do a great job. Throughout the year, we take part in a number of social events and, at Christmas, a volunteer drivers’ dinner is held, with a raffle and a quiz to raise funds. The money is donated to a local nominated charity such as the air ambulance, Help for Heroes and the Stroke Club. Before I joined VAR nearly six years ago, I served with the Royal Logistics Corps for 24 years and worked in various transport organisations. When I arrived the transport scheme undertook 70-80 drives a week and now the numbers have risen significantly to an average of 170-200 drives per week – with the same amount of drivers. Last year, the volunteers did 16,871 journeys and travelled 206,378 miles. Such a service can be very demanding when trying to match needs to

available volunteers. However, the results speak for themselves and the calibre and commitment of local people is exceptional. We are always recruiting volunteers and anyone interested in being involved with a wonderful team, can always contact me for a chat. Taekwondo builds fitness and confidence In my spare time I train in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo and have achieved my third degree black belt. I have also qualified as a national instructor and referee. It’s a very family-oriented discipline which I did with my son and now my 17-year-old daughter is a second degree belt. Taekwondo builds self confidence, discipline and self control and gives you a sense of achievement. You don’t have to be super fit or flexible when you start but this develops over time. I am also a member of the Global Taekwondo United Kingdom squad and still train with them on a regular basis. For details, call 01572 724705, visit www.varutland. org.uk or email transport@varutland.org.uk

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13/10/2016 11:17

Activelife

FINANCIAL HEALTH

THE GIFT OF THE SPORTING YEAR Bryant Wealth Management’s William G Bryant on the importance of gifting in inheritance tax planning Where has the time gone? It’s December already. This is a great time to look back at the sporting year, and what a year it’s been, from the highs of Leicester City winning the league, and the carnival of sport that was the Rio Olympics, to the lows of the abject failure of the England football team at Euro 2016. Imagine the conversation over Christmas dinner at the Murray household, with Jamie and Andy discussing Grand Slam wins, Olympic success and world no. 1 rankings or indeed in the Brownlee household after Alistair and Jonny became the first brothers ever to finish first and second in an individual Olympic event. This is the time for giving and thankfully the sporting calendar has more to give over the festive period. From the Boxing Day races, to New Year’s Day test matches, Christmas is a busy time in the sporting calendar. The Premier League will have a full program over Christmas and New Year. Cue complaints from highly paid, cotton wool wrapped footballers that they can’t play two games in a week and think they should have a two week winter break in the sunshine

instead. Forgive me if I don’t sound too sympathetic to their plight. Gifting also plays a key role in inheritance tax (IHT) planning. Now is the perfect time to use reliefs and exemptions that otherwise would be forever lost. An important one, sometimes overlooked, is the gifting of assets, which can add up to significant savings in IHT over the years. More and more people are becoming liable to IHT, so anything you can do to lessen the burden on your heirs should be welcome. According to figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), a higher number of families are paying IHT than at any time in the last 35 years. One simple and, indeed, rewarding way to reduce a future IHT liability is to give away some of your wealth during your lifetime. By moving it out of your estate while you are alive, you are reducing the total on which IHT will eventually be calculated. And ‘exempt gifts’, as they are called, are outside of your estate from the moment you give them – you don’t have to survive for another seven years, as is usually the

case with other larger gifts. In any one tax year, an individual can make exempt gifts worth up to £3,000. This can be given to one person or broken up into any number of smaller gifts. If you don’t use one year’s exemption, it can be carried forward into the next tax year – but only the next year. After that, it lapses. A separate small gifts exemption allows you to give up to £250 to as many people as you like. This can be used for birthday presents, Christmas gifts and the like. The sum of £250 is the maximum per person and, if it is exceeded, the entire relief is lost. A gift of £251 does not qualify, and the relief would not apply to the ﬁrst £250. The same person cannot receive a ‘small gift’ of this kind as well as part of your annual gifting allowance. One imperative with any gifting arrangement is the need to keep a record of what gifts were made to who and when, as this will make things much easier for your executors when the time comes. These ‘lifetime exemptions’ may seem modest, but used consistently and cumulatively they can generate considerable savings. Enjoy the festive period, the family fun, the sporting spectacles, and let my gift to you be the gift of tax efﬁciency! To receive a free guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact William Bryant on 01780 668117, email william.bryant@sjpp.co.uk or visit bryantwealthmanagement.co.uk

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Activelife

WHAT’S ON There’s lots going on in our area this month – and Christmas seems to be dominating proceedings…

Christmas. The sheets are available between December 22 and January 3 and cost just 50p. Suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. www.neneparktrust.org.uk ■ Manor Farm Cookery School in Branston in the Vale of Belvoir is welcoming its ﬁrst Christmas. They have a number of Christmas cookery courses lined up over the next few weeks, including December 5 and 8, where you can learn to make canapés, soups and all sorts of delicious seasonal food. They will be running children’s cookery classes in December and will also host Christmas parties as well as offer vouchers. www.manorfarmcookeryschool. co.uk or ring 01476 879320 ■ Rutland-based artist Barbara Taylor-Harris, after exhibiting at the NEC in Birmingham, is returning to her roots and holding an exhibition at the Victoria Hall Gallery in Oakham. Her work is innovative where 2D paintings become 3D sculptures. She will also be at Welland Vale Garden Centre on December 8 where she will be doing a 3D pen creation. She creates textured paintings using unusual materials. 01572 822210 or go to www. pinterest.com/Barbaraartist

■ Head to Ferry Meadows, collect a sheet, and hunt for clues on their Christmas Trail. It’s a great way to get some exercise after over indulging at

■ Stamford Shoestring Theatre are performing Arnold Wesker’s play Roots between December 6-10 at the Arts Centre. It promises to be a great production so book now. www.stamfordartscentre.com or www.stamfordshoestring.com

■ Stamford Pantomime Players are performing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Corn Exchange between December 27 and January 1. It promises to be a night of laughs, music and slapstick. Fun for all the family. www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk ■ Visit Oakham on December 5 for the Christmas market and late night shopping evening. There will be craft stalls, entertainments and a fun fair.

■ The traditional Burghley House chapel carol concert takes place on Sunday, December 11. For many this evening of carols, performed in the intimate setting of the chapel, is the start of their Christmas celebrations. Mulled wine and mince pies will be sold during the interval. www.burghley.co.uk

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20/11/2016 08:38

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18/11/2016 10:57

Feature /// Mini rugby

FROM LITTLE ACORNS… Rugby for young boys and girls is thriving in the area, with hundreds turning up at clubs to learn the game. Jeremy Beswick reports Photography: Pip Warters

ONE MIGHT THINK our local rugby clubs would be at their busiest on those Saturday afternoons when the first team is playing at home. Who wouldn’t? But the truth is you’d not only be wrong, you’d be out by an order of magnitude. For every Sunday morning, come rain or shine, it’s time for mini rugby, when the grounds at Stamford, the Deepings, Oakham and Uppingham are packed by tiny minis and their parents. Together with the juniors and colts, it’s not unusual to see all the pitches in use, the touchlines crammed with adults and a hundred or so kids of all ages, shapes and sizes (and both boys and girls) taking their first steps in learning the ropes of rugby – and a fine sight it is, too. Yet even this scene is eclipsed when they all get together for a minis festival when several clubs descend on a ground, usually bringing two teams each. Stamford’s is reputedly the biggest in the country with 1,500 children, but Oakham’s and the Deepings’ are enormous events as well. The last one I attended – at

Oakham – required police marshalling the bypass to handle the incoming traffic. For we rugby lovers it’s reassuring to know that, just as the very top of the pyramid represented by Eddie Jones’ resurgent England side flourishes, the base is also in rude health holding out the promise of a secure and rosy future for the game. But what’s the attraction, for kids and parents alike? To find out more, one freezing morning at Stamford I joined the touchline and fell into conversation with Simon Epps who was there with his sons Benjamin (four) and Freddie (seven). “Lots of Freddie’s schoolmates were coming here,” Simon told me, “so I knew how tight the team ethos was. The coaching is fantastic and other parents will always look out for your kid if you’re watching another one. Lots of our local schools don’t play rugby any more so this is their only opportunity to learn it. Ben in particular has made lots of new friends.” Whilst all three of them are here, mum

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18/11/2016 10:57

Feature /// Mini rugby

Georgie gets to spend quality time with their youngest, Jack, and when he starts here himself in a couple of years she’ll have the opportunity for some well-earned time to herself while the boys do their stuff. Both Ben and Freddie told me their favourite part of the morning is “crocodiles” – where Velcro strips are attached to their shorts and they try to get to the far side of the pitch without them being pulled off by their opposition. It is, of course, non-contact at this age and indeed, if you’re worried about your little one being hurt, two of the girls playing wore glasses throughout, which shows just how gentle it is. Around noon it was time for the adults to retire to the warmth of the clubhouse for coffee and a bacon roll which, not having having my own kids there to look upon proudly was, I confess, my own favourite part of the session – crocodiles notwithstanding. Stamford’s coaching co-ordinator Julian Winspear joined me, and some co-ordinating those coaches need too. When you put all the age groups together there are 91 of them. Although they’re all volunteers, they do need qualiﬁcations and the courses are expensive – which is where a large part of the revenue from the minis’ subs goes. “Two-way trafﬁc,” he summed up. “Lots of income with lots of matching expense but it’s symbolic of our whole club ethos to get as

much interaction as possible between the various age groups.” The minis will in time feed the juniors, who will feed the colts, who in turn feed the ﬁrst team. A quick headcount showed a high proportion of the elite squad had started out just like the four-year olds I’d watched earlier. Your very own photographer Pip was one of those too. Nowadays he can only manage about one vets’ game a year – from which it takes him six months to recover – but he told me: “When I look around my best mates today, most of them played mini rugby with me here at Stamford. That bond had never left us.” I came across a real gem on social media the other day from rugby mum Emma Smith, who’s kindly agreed to let me steal her words that I’d like to share with you. To paraphrase: “One of my friends asked “Why do you pay money and spend so much time running around for your son to play rugby?” She explains: “I don’t pay for my son to play rugby. I pay for those moments when my boy becomes so tired he feels like quitting – but doesn’t. For the opportunity that he has to make life-long friendships, and the amazing coaches that teach him that rugby is not just about game plays, but about life. I pay for him to learn to be disciplined, to take care of his body and to work with others and to be a proud, supportive, kind and respectful team

Above

All ages, sizes, shapes and sexes take part in mini rugby; what is common between them is fun and friendship

member. To learn to deal with disappointment, but still get up and be determined to do his best next time. To understand that it takes hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success does not happen overnight. I pay so that my son can be on the pitch – instead of in front of a screen.” Mark Edwards and Matt Allen run the minis show over at the Deepings. Mark told me: “Mini rugby is hugely important to the club – if you took them away eventually they’d be no flow of new players into the first team. It’s our breeding ground. But we offer a lot in return. There’s a real bonding with the club and each other, not only for the little ones but for their parents as well and it’s good for the children to extend their friendship groups outside school”. If you think this is a good way for your children to spend their Sunday mornings, you’ll find that the subs are low and, as children at this age grow so quickly, a stock of second-hand boots and kit is often available for a nominal charge. Club websites will have all the contact details you need to take the first step. The last word goes to Mark, who summed it up by saying “They are the lifeblood of our club.”

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18/11/2016 10:57

Feature /// Gear

KITBAG THE LATEST CYCLING GEAR

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2. Sidas moulded footbeds

Foot pain while cycling or just looking for more support? Sidas gives ultimate comfort and performance in a cycling shoe. It guarantees optimal foot support especially at the front of the foot where the pressure is greatest. You have to book an appointment to have them fitted so call Andrew at Windmill Wheels on 01572 787720. Price Sidas footbeds £80 (footbeds), £100 (footbeds and cleat set up), £190 (full Classic bike fit including footbeds) From windmillwheels.co.uk

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3. Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 2017 6Fattie

Some trails just have too much climbing to fully enjoy a whole day’s riding but not anymore with the Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie and its powerful motor which takes the effort out of even the steepest climbs. Price £5,000 From rutlandcycling.com

4. Le Col HC cycling bib shorts Café Ventoux limited edition

The HC (Hors Categorie) cycling bib shorts have been designed to be a combination of performance, function and style. Gummy Lycra shield with silicone dots hold leg panels in place. The Dolomiti gel pad keeps you comfortable while riding long distances or just competing in a short race. Laser cut bib straps with the contour lines of both Mont Ventoux and Cafe Ventoux sit flat against the skin and offer excellent stretch withoutcompromising on fit. Price £180 From cafe-ventoux.cc

5. Boardman AIR 9.4

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Guest column

When you’re blaming a smelly goat, your team is really bad... Martin Johnson lists his favourite sports team ‘no-hopers’ ’ve never managed to get my head around American sport. Take their football. It mostly involves two groups of men in helmets barging into each other, until a chap in a striped shirt calls a halt by throwing a duster on the field and saying something like: “false start, 49 defence, five-yard penalty”. And the game goes on for so long you could take the family away on holiday, or grow a beard, and still not miss much. Same thing with baseball. There’s a chap on a mound throwing a ball at another chap holding a wooden club, behind whom stands a bloke wearing a fencing mask and a large pair of gloves. The batter, as he’s known, has three goes at hitting it, missing on every occasion, and then hands over to a team-mate to go through precisely the same routine. Call me hard to please, but after half an hour of this you find your hand reaching for the remote control. And yet the final of this year’s World Series (the ‘world’ equating to 29 teams from America and one from Toronto) sparked off British pub conversations the like of which I’ve never heard before. Someone would come through the door, order a pint, and say: “Great win for the Indians last night. But I think the Cubs can pull it back at Wrigley Field if the pitcher can sort out his curveball.” And no-one would so much as raise an eyebrow. The surge in interest had its origins in a story dating back to 1945, when the Cubs were playing in the final against Detroit. One of their fans apparently brought a goat along with him, and when other supporters complained that the animal niffed a bit, he was invited to leave. And to take his smelly four-legged friend with him. However, before being evicted the owner conferred upon the Cubs what became known as the ‘curse of the billy goat’, declaring “them Cubs will never win the World Series again”. Detroit duly beat them, and it wasn’t until this year that the Cubs won the big one for the first time since 1908. Having spent most of the 71 years between 1945 and 2016 evoking discussions as to whether they were the worst major league baseball team ever. Being the worst team in any sport is a unique kind of achievement, and while England’s football supporters have spent most of their time since 1966 moaning about their team, it could be worse. They could be supporting Tonga, the lowest ranked FIFA team in world football – Tonga don’t come out to play very often, but when they do, they make Hartlepool look like Barcelona. It’s a different world down at the bottom end of the footie chain,

where Lionel Messis and Gareth Bales are a touch thin on the ground, and the teams are about as on the ball as their administrators. As I once found out after being sent to a World Cup game in Dominica. Needing to get in touch with someone at the Dominica Football Association, I dialled all three numbers listed for them in the island’s telephone directory. The first rang out unobtainable, and the second gave the message: “I’m sorry, the number you have called is out of service.” The third was also a recording, but this time it offered some handy advice. Not about the kick-off time, or ticket availability, but on what precautions to take in the event of a hurricane. On reflection, maybe the FA could have arranged a similar recorded message, offering advice on what precautions to take in the event of appointing Sam Allardyce. In cricket, or at least among the Test playing nations, England have occasionally flirted with the title of having the worst team, and before they devised a system of official world rankings, the England fans took matters into the own hands back in 1999. Gathering underneath the balcony at the Oval after losing at home to New Zealand, they sang (to the tune of “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”) “We’ve Got The Worst Team In The World.” However, these fans must have had pretty short memories, in that the 1989 England side that was thrashed at home by Australia had a more convincing claim to that title. England’s bowlers were labelled “pie throwers” and their batsmen kept getting out to a gentle medium pacer called Terry Alderman. By the end of the series, underneath the political slogan “Thatcher Out!” painted on a wall outside the Oval, someone had added: “lbw Alderman 0.” In rugby union, the title of the world’s worst international team appears to be a bit of a bunfight between the likes of Cameroon, Guam, Peru and Finland, and given that there is hardly any sport more excruciating to watch when it’s played badly, watching, say, Finland v Cameroon on a freezing cold afternoon in Helsinki must be one of sport’s less uplifting spectator experiences. Getting back to the Chicago Cubs, though, one thing that heartens me is that no curse will ever derail my own team, Newport County, who entered November in 92nd place in the 92-team Football League. For the simple reason that when you get crowds like Newport, you could bring along a pet goat, or a pet skunk come to that, without being in any danger of being asked to leave.  Martin Johnson has been a sports journalist and author since 1973, writing for the Leicester Mercury, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He currently writes columns for The Rugby Paper and The Cricket Paper, and has a book out called ‘Can I Carry Your Bags?’.

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19/11/2016 10:55

Feature /// Christmas calories

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HAVE A WICKED CHRISTMAS, AND HOW TO WORK IT OFF Our guide to eating and drinking the very best and most indulgent food and drink around, and ways to ensure that you come out of the festive period with those calories burnt off

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Feature /// Christmas calories

GET FRESH WITH OYSTERS This time of year doesn’t just have to be about big, heavy, hearty meals. Why not have a light lunch of Loch Fyne oysters that will cut through the stodge. And Loch Fyne’s restaurants offer some tongue kicking sauces to go with it: tequila and lime will revitalise you after a heavy night, while beetroot and horseradish has a wintry feel without the weight. www.lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk

GIVE YOURSELF THE AFTERNOON OFF!

There’s hardly any calories in oysters, and even with the sauces you’re doing very well (although driving after the tequila and lime one isn’t recommended!). Put your feet up in front of the ﬁre and feel good about yourself.

GO MED WITH YOUR PICKY BITS Looking for stunning pre-dinner nibbles? The Mediterranean Deli and Farmshop at Wistow makes an amazing meze of stuffed bell peppers with cheese, Greek olives and pickled garlic cloves marinated in local rapeseed oil and red pepper ﬂakes. And if you have room after your meal, try the amazing Turkish baklava, made with ﬁlo pastry, nuts, butter, and honey instead of syrup. They don’t add preservatives to any of their food so you always know what you’re eating. www.olivetreecompany.co.uk

RUN TO THE HILLS – AND BACK AGAIN These baklavas are an indulgent delight and as a result you will eat too many of them. It just means you’ll need to do a 90-minute run the next day running at an average speed of about 6mph.

MINCED UP Riverford Organics’ organic mince pies are tried, tested and much loved. Ben Watson and his team make these rich, buttery little pies by hand in the Farm Shop kitchen. The ﬁlling is made with apples, vine fruit, citrus peel and a slosh of brandy. They’re just wonky enough to look homemade – ideal if you want to pass them off as your own. Six cost £4.99. www.riverford.co.uk

GET YOURSELF IN A SPIN

Most gyms offer spin classes: if you go for a high cadence, 40-minute workout on a spin bike, three of these pies could be gone in no time.

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Feature /// Christmas calories

GO SLOE

UNWRAP THE GOODIES

Sloeberry Spirits uses the ﬁnest spirits to which it adds its fruit, much of which is hand picked from the hedgerows in and around Melton Mowbray, and then left to infuse naturally over a period of several months. This traditional method allows the fruit to slowly transform the spirits, giving them wonderful new ﬂavours. No colourings or preservatives are required. www.sloeberryspirits.co.uk

Bulwick Village Shop’s Christmas goodie boxes are available in three sizes, each bursting with a delicious selection of British-made treats. This year, there are three themed boxes – Christmas Love, Christmas Joy and Christmas Cheer. The small boxes feature, among other things, the mouthwatering and quirky pickles and preserves from The Pickled Village as well as perfectly paired Fine Cheese Company crackers and Snowdonia cheese, a Two Fingers biscuit, a handmade chocolate thin and a beautiful card handwritten with your message. The medium boxes also feature more pickles, artisan biscuits from Derbyshire, and tea from Pukka. And the large boxes feature more pickles and preserves, English ﬁzz, sloe gin or vodka, a wee Christmas cake and a box of handmade chocolate thins. Next day delivery can be arranged by request, but you need to order by December 16 to ensure pre-Christmas delivery. www.bulwickvillageshop.com

THE MORNING AFTER

Now, this wonderful sloe gin, drunk sensibly in a shot glass measure, isn’t the end of the world. But that’s not going to happen, right? No doubt you’ll get carried away, and it would be rude not to. Our prescription: a glorious icy, sunny three-hour walk the next morning to clear the head. Perhaps a warming shot of sloe gin halfway round too…

EVERYDAY ROUTINE

A goodie box of this fare isn’t going to get eaten in a day, so you’ll need a daily routine. Burn calories, lose weight and feel great with this 10-minute home cardio workout routine for aerobic fitness. If you have a skipping rope, you can swap one of the exercises listed below with a 60-second burst of skipping. This 10-minute cardio workout counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of aerobic activity every week. Before you begin, warm up with a six-minute routine. After your workout, cool down with a five-minute stretch. • Rocket jumps – two sets of 15 to 24 repetitions (reps) Recovery: walk or jog on the spot for 15 to 45 seconds. • Star jumps or squats – two sets of 15 to 24 reps Recovery: walk or jog on the spot for 15 to 45 seconds. • Tap backs – two sets of 15 to 24 reps • Recovery: walk or jog on the spot for 15 to 45 seconds. • Burpees – two sets of 15 to 24 reps Now cool down with a five-minute stretch. All done!

DON’T DUCK OUT The Red Lion in Great Bowden is famous for its exemplary food, and throughout the winter months it has winter glazed duck breast on the specials board, served with fondant potatoes, buttered leeks and a juniper and port jus. The duck is sourced locally, and all of the vegetables are seasonal, organic and British. During December, when the cold nights are upon us, the pub likes to produce food that is best enjoyed by the roaring log ﬁre, with candles lit and drink in

hand to create a perfect snug dinner experience. www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk

TAKE TO THE WATER

An average sized person, swimming fairly constantly for an hour and at an average pace, would do more than enough to work off an evening of fabulous duck and the odd drink too. Perhaps take in a spa or sauna after as well, to chase away most of of those other toxins built up during the festive period.

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Feature /// Christmas calories

ARE YOU GAME? The new evening winter menu at The King’s Head, which is making a real name for itself for its food, focuses on game: quail, pheasant, duck, rabbit and venison all feature. On the menu is a superb pork belly and pheasant pie, a gamey take of beef Wellington with a venison version, a succulent duck and rabbit terrine, as well roasted conﬁt of quail. All the meat is extremely high quality and supplied by Nelsons butchers. For those who aren’t game, they are still holding steak night on a Thursday. 19 Maiden Lane, Stamford , 01780 753510

LAP RUTLAND

GET PIE-EYED Made in Oakham, The Rutland Pie Company’s award winning homemade pies are available to order online, and arrive fresh using their special coolboxes. All the ingredients are sourced locally, whether it’s organic ﬂour from Whissendine Mill just two miles down the road, or even closer is the rare-breed pork and beef from Northﬁeld Farm which prides itself on its animal welfare (and produces great tasting meat). Our favourite for a winter Christmas warmer? The 2016 National Pie Award’s gold medal-winning steak, ale & mushroom pie. www.rutlandpie.co.uk

Vension is low in sodium and a good source of riboﬂavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus and zinc, and a very good source of protein and thiamin. Add it to Wellington with all that pastry and it needs working off – a single portion means you should probably cycle a pleasant lap of Rutland Water at a fairly leisurely speed – without needing to do the peninsula though.

BURN OFF YOUR PIE!

One intense half-hour circuit class at your local gym should do the job: for example, perform ﬁve exercises for two minutes each and repeat the circuit three times. Choose squats, pushups, calf raises, crunches and glute kickbacks.

BETTER SCOTCH The Bull and Swan’s scotch eggs are legendary. If you happen to be heading for some Christmas shopping in Stamford, a pint and one of these crispy batter, soft yolk-centred little balls of joy are an essential respite from the crowds in a beautiful old pub with warm ﬁres and even warmer atmosphere. www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk/ the-bull-and-swan

YOU’RE ALREADY WINNING!

According to research, most people burn 1,500 calories doing their Christmas shopping due to walking between shops, carrying heavy bags, pushing trolleys and the general stress of it all. So a pint and a scotch egg are absolutely free. It seems a waste not to take advantage.

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Become a member of our Sports Centre

Membership s from

A NEW LOOK FOR 2017:

£23.00 per month

• A 30% larger fitness suite • New state of the art Pulse Fitness equipment

• On site Personal Trainers available • Newly extended free weights area with functional training rig

• A 25m pool with pool only memberships

• Stamford Swim School, now

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LIVE WELL

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ACTIVE BODY GET UP TO SPEED IN THE SADDLE WITH THE LATEST INITIATIVE AT CAFE VENTOUX, EAT WELL THIS CHRISTMAS AND LOOK FAB IN VELVET Edited by Mary Bremner

BOARDMAN LAUNCHES AT CAFE VENTOUX Cycling legend Chris Boardman has launched a bike fitting centre at Café Ventoux in Tugby for a new range of high performance Boardman road bikes – one of only three centres in the UK. We went along to find out why he chose this unique venue Images: Alamy/Pip Waters/Matthew Edwards

Active What should customers expect from a Boardman bike in terms of quality, equipment and service? CB With whatever we make, we want people to think: ‘Wow that’s cool, I can’t believe it’s that price” and give people something they can’t get elsewhere. For example, when we introduced the £1,000 carbon bike. What I want is trust. If you buy one of our bikes, you won’t be able to buy a bike at the same price better. You will get quality and service, and that’s what we aim for.

bolt, I still have final sign-off but people come to me with ideas and it’s a really small company and to the guys who work for me I say ‘don’t show me anything that doesn’t make you feel those ways too because I’ll just say no’. You can’t do 50-odd different designs of bike yourself, but I still see everything before it goes out, and I’m always looking for new ways of doing things: for example I’ve just been to see a guy with a 3D titanium printer to see what we could do with it.

Active What’s your philosophy with bike building? CB It must be cool, I must feel wowed and I hold the company to that as well. If they show me a product or idea, whether it’s on a napkin, final drawing or every nut and

Active Why did you choose to work with Cafe Ventoux? CB The bit that’s great is the bit that’s about service, quality and fun, and I got to come here to Café Ventoux a few months ago, as we were changing our business

strategy, and we knew we only wanted a handful of businesses across the UK who like us are all about service and passion. One of the guys on our team used to work here and he was raving about it, so I came down, and just thought “wow this place is awesome and this is what cylists love”. “You can see yourself, it’s just a great space and already I’ve bumped into a few people who said “I came down, I’ve been thinking about this bike, and they gave them the keys, and just said ‘just go and ride it’. So they’ve got the passion, the experience and the advice and a lot of shops just can’t give you the chance to go and ride them outside because of where they’re based. Everything at Café Ventoux has been thought about to the tiniest degree, there’s an obsessive compulsive edge to it! This is a pretty special place, you want to be involved, and it makes you want to ride a bike. To have a business that you love and believe in, is very important. That’s what I love about it here. Active Do you think the cycling craze can continue to grow, and if so what needs to be done - do we need better understanding of cyclists needs in the road? CB I think cycling has become hugely more visible since 2008 and it has become much bigger and there’s a lot of

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recognition of it in the public mind. If you rode to work 10 years ago you were the smelly geeky person in the office, and now it’s a small boast, that you ride to work, and that’s a massive cultural shift. There are the enthusiasts who ride to work, who are great, but I’m passionate about seeing people going to the shops, taking the kids to school, realising a bike is a really good tool for getting from A to B. That will be success because that bit is static – only about 2-3% of journeys in the UK. It’s because we haven’t made safe spaces and people will not change their behaviour if they think it’s not easy. Space is the big thing – we’ve got to make the space for cycling. 70% would cycle more if they felt safe. So that’s a big thing for me.

Active Finally, what were the moments in your racing career that you look back on with most pride? CB The gold medal in 1992 stands out because it transcended the sport, because everyone knows what a gold medal means and it gave me the belief, broke the jinx and proved that I could do it. To win my first ever Tour prologue showed we could beat the world in what is unofficially the world championship and to beat the world hour record in 2000 was about going right back to basics, round tube, drop handlebars, spoked wheels and breaking Eddie Merckx’s distance by 10 metres. It was the last thing I ever did on a bike with a number on my back. That was a very satisfying way to finish.

ACTIVE WATTBIKE OFFER: Book three Wattbike sessions and get a fourth free at Café Ventoux, Telephone: 0116 2598 063 and quote ACTIVEMAG to get this great offer.

Wattbikes at Café Ventoux The Café Ventoux Wattbike Studio is the newest addition to the Experience Centre, providing training facilities for all levels of cyclists and fitness enthusiasts. It has a state-of-the-art Wattbike cycling studio with 12 Wattbikes for Free-Ride sessions, classes and group bookings. The Wattbike is designed as a unique fitness training tool which identifies an individuals current fitness level and training zones through simple testing on a realistic bike simulator. Once your zones are established through our induction program you are able to train to your specific training zones irrespective of your ability, and train in a mixed ability group whilst getting the work out to suit your specific fitness level. The Wattbike feels like riding a real bike on the road or track thanks to a unique design and gives you an amazing indoor cycling experience. You can monitor your performance and progress thanks to Wattbike’s ability to record 39 parameters 100 times per second. The Performance Computer on each bike displays only the key information for the cyclist through seven different views.

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RETAIL BOUTIQUE

Our retail boutique is the ultimate one stop shop for cyclists this Christmas with top brands including: - Boardman Elite Bikes - Sidi Shoes - Mavic Helmets - Velobici & LeCol Clothing - Bliz Eyewear -

WATTBIKE sTUDIO

Voted Best Cycling Cafe 2016 Come and relax in the chilled out environment that is Cafe Ventoux, enjoy - Freshly Ground Coffee - Homemade Cakes - Freshly Cooked Food Gift vouchers available for the perfect Christmas present

Beat the Christmas bulge with regular sessions in our 12 bike Wattbike studio. Open for Pedal & Pay sessions and instructor led classes. Book online now www.cafe-ventoux.cc

DECeMBER Opening: Tuesday-Thursday 10am - 8.30pm, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 8.45am - 5pm We will be closed FRIDAY 23rd december - Tuesday 3rd January

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EAT WELL, RECOVER BETTER! Make sure your diet is right when you’re recovering from injury, says Function Jigsaw’s Lauren Dobson

DID YOU KNOW THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACCELERATE RECOVERY BY WHAT YOU EAT? Nutrition is a big part of your treatment path when you are injured and performing rehab to return to your chosen activity. Many people now carry some form of injury that requires management from regular injury prevention strategies such as sports massage to strict exercise rehabilitation programmes for return to play. Contributing factors such as physical mass, gender, over-use, collision forces and force generation are all reasons behind the severity and quantity of injuries. Despite the complications behind the nature of injuries, the healing process will always be the same. There are three phases to the healing process – inflammation, proliferation and remodelling... INFLAMMATION The inflammation stage is the body’s immediate natural response to any type of injury, where the bleeding and swelling is at its worst. The process has a rapid onset quickly increasing to its maximum reaction (we’re talking minutes or hours). There will always be an inflammatory response which will cause pain and discomfort in all injuries, but is classed as a positive function (normal and essential), which then gradually reduces over the healing process. During the first five days of the inflammation stage, pain can be reduced nutritionally with anti-inflammatory foods. Those anti-Inflammatory foods include; grapefruit, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, lemons and limes, broccoli, peppers, courgettes, asparagus, eggs, turmeric, cinnamon, celery, pineapple, blueberries, salmon, walnuts, chai seeds, coconut oil. Anti-inflammatory strategies in the inflammation phase can help reduce pain, increase mobility and improve blood flow to the injured area to promote recovery. As inflammation begins to reduce, and the damaged tissues have been removed as part of the healing process, the focus of

nutrition changes to tissue growth for the proliferation stage. PROLIFERATION This stage involves the re-generation of the repair material which for most sports injuries, involves the creation of scar (collagen) material. Again, with a rapid onset (24-48hrs), taking a little while longer to reach peak reaction (2-3 weeks). At the end of the phase, this does not mean the production of collagen is complete, but the main bulk is formed. The process of tissue growth/collagen formation is tough on the body through the stages of an injury due to the reduced anabolic stimuli that comes from immobilisation and reduced range of movement. To drive this tissue anabolism requires enough calories and macronutrients to enhance the process. Remember when you are injured, it is not uncommon to fall into poor nutritional habits due to loss of routine, appetite and lack of cues to eat. So, short-term weight management techniques are crucial. The correct calorific intake will be crucial and independent to you. Excessive dietary restrictions also reduce the probability of getting sufficient micronutrients that are key to supporting tissue growth, especially; vitamin A, C and D, as well as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. The goal is to ensure that sufficient quantities of specific nutrients are maintained to have an impact on the healing process. IDEAL FOODS TO EAT FOR THE PROLIFERATION PHASE: Vitamin A – beef, eggs, chicken, seafood, fruit and veg, greens, carrots, pumpkin, peas, turnip. Vitamin C – broccoli, spinach, green pepper, lemon and limes, strawberries, pears, seafood, pork. Vitamin D – dark green leafy veg, milk, yoghurt, ice cream, livers, eggs, mackerel, salmon. Calcium – leafy greens, cheese, milk, yoghurt, tofu, broccoli, canned fish with bones. Copper – beef livers, sunflower seeds, lentils, almonds, apricots, dark chocolate. Iron – kale, brown rice, pulses and beans,

nuts and seeds, white and red meat, fish, tofu, spinach. Magnesium – nuts, seeds, fish, kale, beans, avocados, bananas. Zinc – beef, kidney beans, pumpkin seeds, prawns, watermelon seeds, spinach. REMODELLING The remodelling phase is very important, especially in the context of therapy and rehabilitation. There is no rapid onset, nor high reaction, but results in a quality and functional ‘scar’ which is then capable of handling the demands of injury repairing. For athletes coming out of the healing process, a diet based around quality anti-inflammatory foods remains key. Additional calories will be required to support the increase in workload and energy demands, and the continuous breakdown/repair of tissue. One of the key elements following the healing process is to reduce fatigue, but not increase unwanted fat mass. There are a number of dietary considerations to support healing. To increase iron absorption, combine a source of vitamin C with foods that contain iron in the same meal. Avoid tea and coffee close to meal time, which can have a negative effect on mineral absorption. Vary breakfast alternatives to ensure high fibre cereals are not the only choice; consider egg whites, smoothies, beetroot or pomegranate juice, avocados and dairy-based proteins to start the day off with a bang. Use fish soups, chicken wings or fresh stock to get the benefits of natural collagen in food through bones. Snack on natural fats or protein such as nuts, full fat yoghurts and seeds, and finally avoid a high sugar intake which can promote increased fatigue. The outcome of the healing process, assisted by correct nutritional intake, is that the damaged tissue will be repaired with a scar which can enable quality recovery without the need for drugs (for most patients), with an effective return to sport and a low injury recurrence rate.

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

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the goodness is lost when used for cooking. Save the olive oil for your salad dressings and cook with rapeseed oil to get the best of both! CHEESES Try adding some goats cheese, feta and some slices of fresh parmesan or manchego to your cheese board this Christmas, as they are all lower in calories than the classic cheeses such as stilton and cheddar. Arrange with a selection of whole nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecan), apple slices, grapes, celery and even fresh figs. DRINKS Add some non-alcoholic fruit cocktails to your drinks table. Often, we focus on what alcohol we are providing and soft drinks are a bit of an afterthought. If you are clever, you may also be able to use it as a healthy mixer for champagne or gin cocktails. This is a good way to manage alcohol intake.

EAT, DRINK AND BE HEALTHY! Nutritional adviser Helen Cole on how to make those tasty Christmas classics that little bit better for you If we focus on the goodness our festive food provides and look at ways in which we can tweak some of our classics, we can eat without losing any of the fabulous flavour. TURKEY Still the most popular choice for Christmas Day, turkey is relatively low in fat and high in protein and vitamins B6 and 12 – good for metabolism of amino acids, fats and carbohydrate and to help protect us from infection. Try to opt for more of the white meat as it contains three times less fat than the brown meat and avoid the skin as this will bulk up your calorie and fat intake without you even thinking about it!

A, to improve night vision and they are a good source of fibre, vitamin B6 and iron. Rather than boiling all of this away and smothering them in butter, try shredding them and gently fry/steam in a frying pan with 1-2 tablespoons of water and add some grated orange zest and chopped chestnuts or almonds. CHESTNUTS The lowest in fat and calories of all the nut and seed family! Rich in vitamin C and potassium, which can assist in lowering blood pressure and a good source of vitamin B6 and magnesium, to help strengthen our bones and teeth.

ROAST POTATOES Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, B6 and potassium, so mustn’t be seen as the baddie! Try mixing in some sweet potatoes too for a boost of vitamin A. Roast in a plant oil as opposed to animal fat as plant oils are higher in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats – the good ones and lower in saturated fats – the bad ones!

CRANBERRY SAUCE Bought cranberry sauce contains very little in the way of nutritional value and is very high in refined sugar. Try making your own healthier version with fresh or frozen cranberries (rich in vitamin C), orange zest, a little water and cinnamon and sweeten with stevia, honey or maple syrup instead of sugar (see page 11 for a recipe idea).

SPROUTS Extremely low in fat (depending on how they have been cooked), sprouts are bursting with vitamin C, which has high anti-oxidant properties as well as assisting in iron absorption. They are high in vitamin

OLIVE OIL OR RAPESEED OIL? Although olive oil contains more monounsaturated fats than rapeseed oil (the ones that help to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol), it has a lower smoking point, which means that most of

PETIT FOURS Rather than passing round the chocolates or truffles after dinner, why not make some healthy cocoa and cranberry energy balls... Ingredients • 40g dried cranberries • 25g gluten-free rolled oats • 2tbsp cocoa powder • 1tsp ground cinnamon • 100g walnut pieces • 1tbsp maple syrup • 1tsp vanilla extract • 3tbsp no added sugar or salt peanut butter Method 1. Put half the cranberries in a processor with the rest of the ingredients and whiz until smooth. 2 Spoon the mixture into a bowl, then stir through the remaining cranberries. If it’s too dry, add 1–2tsp water to bring it together. 3. Roll the mixture into 16 walnut-size balls, then chill for 1 hr or until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. TIP: Cocoa powder may contain milk, so check the label if you need to be dairy-free. Above all else, eat, drink and have a very merry, healthy Christmas! Cole Nutrition offers a full dietary analysis to identify the requirements for each individual. Together, we look at current eating and lifestyle patterns or habits and identify possible changes in realistic and achievable terms. Whatever your lifestyle, Cole Nutrition will endeavour to find the perfect balance for a happy, healthy you. If you would like to book a consultation or find out more about what we offer, contact Helen Cole on 07966 050 193, email colenutritionh@ gmail.com or visit www.colenutrition.co.uk.

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Rutland

Teaching Alliance

GET INTO TEACHING Rutland Teaching Alliance are now recruiting School Direct places for September 2017, across both Secondary and Primary Teaching. For more information on our School Experience Programme and how to apply for a School Direct placement please visit www.rutlandta.com or contact admin@rutlandta.com

www.rutlandta.com

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www.facebook.com/rutlandta/

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BE HEART SMART! Free defibrillators for local organisations Organisations in the East Midlands are being urged to apply for free equipment to save lives. The British Heart Foundation and the Department of Health are encouraging organisations in the East Midlands to help make their communities safer as they launch another £1 million partnership to make public access defibrillators and CPR training more widely available across England. In 2015, thanks to the first round of funding from the Government, 700 more defibrillators were made available in communities across England, including 120 in the East Midlands. So far, the BHF has helped fund over 14,000 lifesaving defibrillators in communities across the UK. Secretary of state for mealth, Jeremy Hunt, said: “I’m delighted to be working with the British Heart Foundation for a second year. Our £1 million investment will provide hundreds of defibrillators as well

as training in CPR to communities across the country. “I congratulate the British Heart Foundation on their tireless work in this important project. It will empower people to know what to do in an emergency and save lives.” When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping blood around their body and they will die within minutes without treatment. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, a person’s chance of survival decreases by around 10%. However, a bystander giving immediate CPR and defibrillation can double a person’s chances of survival in some cases. The programme will be managed by the BHF with support from a network of charities and organisations concerned with improving the UK’s low survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrests. This includes the Arrhythmia Alliance, the Resuscitation Council (UK), the

Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, NHS England and the Department of Health. Organisations, including charities, social enterprises, community groups and commercial organisations working in partnership with the NHS Ambulance Service can apply to the BHF for free community packages. This includes up to five public access defibrillators, the BHF’s Call Push Rescue CPR training kit and defibrillator cabinets. This will help equip local communities with the life saving skills and equipment to improve survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrest in their areas.

Organisations can check if they are eligible, and apply for the free community package including up to five public access defibrillators and a Call Push Rescue training kit by visiting bhf.org.uk/defibengland

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(No2)

STAR LANE

01780 753886 info@poze-lingerie.uk @pozelingerie

Pr o fit fess tin io av g s nal ai erv br lab ic a le e

All I want for Christmas

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

VA VA VOOM VELVET Christmas is just around the corner which means the party season is upon us. And parties mean new dresses! But there’s so much choice, so what do you go for? There always seems to be something around covered in sequins at this time of year, which is fine if you are below 25 or can afford designer prices. For the rest of us, sequins can look a bit

over the top or tacky if you’re not careful. Memories of scratchy sequins laddering tights spring to mind. Velvet is the fabric of the season – it’s been all over the catwalks and this sumptuous material can be dressed up or down depending on your taste. The velvet dress is the ‘only’ dress you need this party season, according to many fashion pages. We’re not sure we’d necessarily agree, but the great thing about velvet is that you can team an elegant dress with a pair of biker boots and

shaggy coat to look really on trend. The perfect combination, looking the part but keeping warm as well. There’s no doubt velvet dresses are lovely and feel wonderful to wear as the fabric is so sumptuous and the colours so rich, but we’ve found a jacket and boots if you want to buck the trend but still give a nod to the fabric. Or stand out from the crowd – what about a tuxedo? We’ve found a velvet tuxedo jacket from Ted Baker (see right) which will look perfect with black trousers and killer heels and, as a classic, can be worn for years to come.

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SHIMMERING, SMOKY EYES AND ARTFUL HAIR

Christmas and the party season demands fabulous hair and make-up so it’s a great time to go all out and have it professionally done. When could be a better time to treat yourself? We o en get in a rut when it comes to make up so a party look can be hard to achieve yourself. Do you go for smoky eyes and vampy red lips, or is that too much? Should it be one or the other, or both? We asked Laura Thomson-Dunne from Ltd Beauty to give our model Edina a glamorous party look and to offer advice. Laura’s ethos is to use cruelty-free, non-toxic products and her approach to beauty is very much the holisitic one. First of all Laura looked at Edina’s colouring to decide what to do with her eyes. Edina is grey eyed but is a bit of a chameleon as sometimes they can look green depending on what she is wearing or what shade of eye make up she uses. First of all Laura used a light foundation on Edina’s skin. On Edina’s eyes she used Well People Elitist eyeshadow powder in pink champagne on the lid up to the brow bone and luminous copper on the lid. This shade brought out the colour of Edina’s eyes immediately. To make the look more smoky and defined Laura used luminous mocha in the upper lid crease. “I don’t agree with the mantra ‘smoky eyes and pale lips, or the other way round’,” said Laura. “I just go with how the whole look pulls together and how it looks, and feels, on the model. Lips and eyes together is fine if the occasion and look is right.” To finish Edina’s eyes Laura used Ilia Beauty pure eyeliners in havana affair (a khaki tone) and my generation (violet) to bring out the green in Edina’s eyes. The khaki tones went on the upper and lower outside lid and the violet on the inner lower lid. And the colour of her eyes really was brought out. Then it was lashings of mascara to finish off the look.

The cheeks were defined with a pink blusher, a colour Edina would not normally use, but worked well. A bio bronze powder from Well People finished the face. Laura had intended to use a red lipstick but decided last minute that a pink shade would suit Edina’s look better. “Flexibility is the approach, don’t be too rigid with your ideas,” she added. Laura outlined Edina’s lips with a Lily LoLo lip pencil in so nude and used an Ilia Beauty lipstick in neon angel finished off with a touch of lip gloss. Again, pink was a colour that Edina would never have considered favouring nude lipsticks normally. The overall look was very effective giving shimmery, smoky eyes, defined cheekbones and luscious lips. Edina was delighted, she still looked like herself (something that many people are scared of when professionally made up) but had that added extra something which drew your eyes to her perfectly made up face immediately. To go with the fabulous make up Rebecca from Francesca Alexander set to work on Edina’s hair. Her hair is long and slightly wavy so she had plenty to play with. Edina didn’t want anything too formal so Rebecca decided to leave it quite loose. First of all she used curling tongs on the hair to add to the natural wave. Instead of tying the hair up completely she pulled it into a high ponytail leaving the front of the hair out. She then incorporated this into a sweeping fringe which made the overall look quite so . The finished effect looked quite retro, almost ’50s in style, and didn’t look at all ‘done’, which was the look Edina wanted. But best of all, despite looking very casual Edina knew that this style was going to stay firmly in place all night, no matter how much head tossing went on! The overall look was polished and sophisticated without looking ‘too much’. It also means you will be confident that your hair and make-up will remain in situ. And there was none of the stress of trying to do it all yourself, a more relaxed way to start the evening! www.ltdbeauty.co.uk. Laura charges £50 for make-up. Hair by Francesca Alexander Hair and Beauty, 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL. 01780 482888. www.hairdresserstamford.co.uk

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18/11/2016 10:56

ACTIVE LOCAL OAKHAM SEAL A MAJOR DEAL, THE HUNTING SEASON BEGINS, THE DANIELS MAKE HISTORY AND WE HEAD TO REMOTE KNOSSINGTON

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Feature /// Great walks

TOP STAT

a prominent Knossington is d most of an e lag vil p hillto 600 feet n tha re mo s it lie above sea level.

Knossington, Withcote & Owston It would be hard to find a more remote feeling walk in the area, as Will Hetherington discovers Photography: Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

Park on Owston Road near the bottom of the hill before the right hand turn on the way out of Knossington. The footpath leads south straight on at the bend in the road and follows a farm track past the Manor House. Ignore the branch off to the left and keep going south down and up one dip before passing through a farmyard and then heading into another dip. There were some rather inquisitive cattle and sheep in this next field when I did the walk which can be avoided by using the line of trees down the middle of the field. Once you are through this field it’s uphill and across one more large field before you reach Owston Wood Road. This was the first time I had ever been on this

quiet country lane and I was only passed by two motorcycles during my 10-minute stroll. As you come out of the woods you will see the estate cottages on your left with their tremendous views to the south, and then you come to the junction with the Oakham to the Tilton road. Turn left and then very quickly take the footpath to the right which leads down a couple of ﬁeld margins and into the farmyard at Withcote Hall. On the day I walked here there was a locked metal gate to negotiate in the yard which was a bit tricky with two dogs but shortly after that it’s a right turn up the track back towards the Oakham Road. You can make a detour in the yard to see Withcote Hall. But once you are back on the track heading north west you will quickly cross Oakham Road and carry on straight uphill through the tree-lined avenue towards Owston Woods. Here I have to make it very clear that wellies are essential for the 500 yards through the woods. It’s a narrow woodland bridleway and the horses’ hooves mean it’s boggy, deep and wet for most of the way. It’s tough going and a bit of a

shame but definitely worth it. Once you clear the woods it’s an invigorating up and down walk for a mile across the open fields to Owston. Once you get near the village take the path which runs to the north of Hill Top Farm and when you get to the road turn right and after 100 yards take the footpath to the right. After the first field boundary on this path you will curve in a slightly northward direction and uphill before reaching Knossington Road and turning right. It is another mile from here back to Knossington. If you only want half a mile on the road at the end you can take another cross country option east from Owston via Furze Hill Farm but I don’t think it’s necessary. Knossington sports one of the best food pubs in the area in the Fox & Hounds so you might want to think about planning your walk to take advantage. You will certainly have deserved it Clockwise, from above

The Rutland/Leicestershire border offers many superb views like this; Knossington Manor House; the woodland route south to little-known Withcote; the dogs will thank you for the exercise

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park Near the bottom of Owston Hill before leaving Knossington. Distance and time Five miles/one and three quarter hours.

➛ ➛ START

Highlights Remote combination of hilly arable and grazing fields mixed with woodland and quiet country lanes.

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Lowlights The last mile on the road back to Knossington is not exciting but it’s a good opportunity to stretch the legs for that last bit of exercise. And you MUST wear wellies for the Owston Woods stretch. Refreshments The Fox & Hounds in Knossington.

➛

Difficulty rating Four paws. Lots of ups and downs and the Owston Woods stretch is demanding on the legs because it’s slippery underfoot.

➛

The pooch perspective You will have tired dogs at the end but there were inquisitive cows and sheep early on and there isn’t actually much fresh water on the way around. 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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WC_Award winning eats_FP_Active mag.indd 1

11/9/16 4:01 PM

Feature /// Sportsman's Dinner

The William Cecil, Stamford Matt and Will sample the seasonal game menu on offer at this town centre hotel Matt It’s always a pleasure to stroll up St Martin’s towards the William Cecil, and even more so if you stop for a quick refreshment at its little sister, the Bull & Swan, halfway up. That pint from the Stoney Ford brewery in Ryhall was just enough fuel for the ﬁnal push up the hill. Stoney Ford has rapidly established a reputation for excellent beer. Will Yes, it’s satisfying to enjoy local produce made by people you may well bump into at the bar, rather than faceless conglomerates. And I think that’s what living in small towns such as Stamford, Uppingham and Oakham is all about; appreciating the simple things. Anyway, here we are in the William Cecil which still imparts a sense of occasion on entry. It’s just grand enough to feel special, but it’s far from stuffy. Matt We’re in the middle of the shooting season and I know they are keen for us to sample the game menu so that makes selection a lot easier. My venison quail scotch egg starter (£9.50) was actually two scotch eggs, which I’m hardly going to complain about. It was served with honey roasted parsnip puree, pea shoots and a juniper berry vinaigrette and washed down with a glass of malbec. Lovely. And I have to mention the small loaf of Hambleton Bakery bread which was served beforehand. It was still warm and was perfect for taking the edge off the hunger. Will My pheasant, hare and rabbit soup (£8.50) was rather special. It was served with a piece of sourdough and was thick, rammed with ﬂavour

and just the right amount. Verging on the rich, I don’t think you would want any more than that portion. I’m also pleased we placed ourselves in the drinks manager’s hands and he recommended this Babich pinot noir from New Zealand. I thought it might not be ‘big’ enough to stand up to the strong flavours of game but, as he said, the spiciness works perfectly with the warm autumnal flavours. Matt Following on from my malbec I thought it might lack a bit of punch too but I have to agree; it’s just right. My main course was poached and seared loin of wild rabbit, mini rabbit pie, curly kale, pearl barley, prosciutto and port sauce (£18.95). The loin was a pleasure to eat and would have made the dish on its own, but the mini rabbit pie made from confit leg was outstanding. Everything else on the plate was clearly put there by someone who cares deeply about matching flavours and preparing food. Will Well, that will be head chef Phil Kent, who won the CLA Game Fair/Field magazine Game Chef of the Year competition in 2015 and is the mastermind behind the food here and down the road at the Bull & Swan. There is no doubting the quality of his cooking. My loin of venison, sauteed potatoes and golden raisin puree (£19.95) was everything I had hoped for and then a little bit more. Venison is one the very healthiest of all meats, being extremely low in fat and cholesterol. This can mean there is a danger of it drying out when cooked but not when it’s cooked as beautifully as that was.

Matt Seeing as I walked all this way from home I think I deserved a pudding and the dark chocolate and peanut butter slice, brown bread ice cream and caramelised banana (£7.50) was exactly what the gym instructor ordered. I’m sure he will be delighted to know I ﬁnished it... Will I’m not sure you deserved one pudding and that was effectively three, so you really are in debt when you walk through the doors of the gym in the morning (if we both pretend you are really going to turn up). That said, it looked luxurious, rich and an extreme treat. I was pleased with my three cheese selection of Lincolnshire poacher, Ticklemore goat and Godminster organic smoked cheddar at £3 a cheese. Although, be warned, the last one really is very heavily smoked. Matt That was an exceptional meal and to top it off it was interesting to have a chat with Phil Kent. He was understandably happy with the rabbit dish and apparently it is extremely popular and it was also good to hear about the plans to develop the Bull & Swan garden in time for next spring. They don’t rest on their laurels at the Hillbrooke group, but with food like this they have certainly got something to be proud of.

The William Cecil St Martin's, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. 01780 750070. www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk/the-william-cecil

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Feature /// Sports awards 8

ACTIVE RUTLAND 4

On November 16 the Active Rutland Community Sports Awards celebrated the efforts and achievements of individuals and the unsung heroes who help and inspire the community to take part and success in sport and physical activity Photography: Nico Morgan

1. JUNIOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

10. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

sponsored by JLT Specialty Limited

WINNER, Duane Rawlings RUNNER UP, John Smith

9. YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Lions Club of Rutland

WINNER, Harry Mathers RUNNERS UP, Alice Kirby and Katie Holmes

WINNER, Oakham Artistic Gymnastic Academy RUNNER UP, Ketton Panthers Triathlon Club

17. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD sponsored by Spire Homes

WINNER, Michael Newton RUNNER UP, Andy Bird

Go to www.facebook.com/ theactivemag to see the runners-up and more images from the night

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Feature /// School sport

UCC get a rugby masterclass from World Cup winner Jonny Students from Uppingham Community College were treated to a once in a lifetime experience, taking part in a rugby masterclass with World Cup winner and Sky Academy ambassador Jonny Wilkinson. The school won this opportunity after taking part in the free Sky Academy programme; ‘Sky Sports Living for Sport’, which uses sport as a tool to inspire young people. The school have been involved in ‘Sky Sports Living for Sport’ since 2012 and use the project to inspire and improve conﬁdence in groups of students involved in the college’s extra-curricular programmes. This year the college ran a project to start an U13 girls’ rugby team, having set up a successful U15 girls’ team the previous year. Speaking after the masterclass, Jonny said: “I really enjoyed meeting the girls from Uppingham Community College today. They showed a great passion for rugby and I can see how taking part in ‘Sky Sports Living for Sport’ has beneﬁtted them. I wish the girls much success as they continue to develop their skills both on and off the pitch.” During the day the girls also spent some time

with ‘Sky Sports Living for Sport’ athlete mentors. Thinus Delport, who played rugby for South Africa, and Wales rugby international Philippa Tuttiett spent time with the girls, inspiring them through their own journey to success stories. Rob Lewin, UCC student activities coordinator, said: “It was an unbelievable opportunity for our girls to meet and be coached by these incredibly successful athletes. The

whole day was based around enjoying sport and not being afraid of making mistakes. The mentors were incredibly humble about their own success and were totally focussed on ensuring the girls had the best day possible“. Two members of the team, Amelie Ryan and Olivia Hill also had a unique experience when they got to interview Jonny Wilkinson on camera as part of the Sky Academy which will be broadcast in the coming weeks.

Stamford are U19 county champions Stamford High School hosted and won the Lincolnshire U19s County Netball Tournament. A strong start in their five games saw wins over Lincoln College, Bourne Grammar, Lincoln Minster, Spalding and Franklin College. A win against Caistor Grammar set-up a winner-takes-all match against Carre’s. A fabulous end-to-end game ensued, eventually resulting in a 10-10 draw. The girls went on to win their final match 23-2. With a tie for first place, it was down to goal difference to decide the winners, with Stamford being crowned the county champions. Stamford High School head of netball Catherine Raitt said “The squad played some of the best netball I have ever seen here. All the fitness and hard work this term has truly paid off.” County championship winning squad: Olivia Ellson (captain), Deanna Alderman, Honor Burges-Lumsdon, Velvet Cordial, Charlotte Crombie, Brittany Ellis, Emily Grace, Philippa King, Maeve Macdonald, Alice Radford and Alexandra Wilkinson.

Around the world adventurer Sarah gives Foundation Lecture Sarah Outen MBE visited Stamford Endowed Schools as part of the latest talk in this year’s Foundation Lecture series. The lecture - the second in the Autumn term - depicted Sarah’s four and a half year adventure around the world; ‘London2London: Via the World’. Her goal: to row, bike and kayak around the northern hemisphere.

Sarah, a former Stamford High School student, described her expedition as ‘a journey of contrasts, of diversity’, detailing the presence of humility in the face and strength of nature. Sarah’s lecture particularly focused on how she prepared herself mentally for the emotional strain that came during her journey. Additionally she encouraged students

in the audience to never give up in the face of adversity and spoke of the power and value of learning that comes from failure. Rachael Petrie, director of communications and development, said: “Sarah is an inspiration and we are always delighted to welcome her back. She is a wonderful role model.”

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18/11/2016 10:55

Feature /// School sport

Louise selected for Lightning squad...

Brooke gymnasts The Brooke Priory School gymnasts have had a very busy autumn. On October 15, the Gymnastics Club took part in the London Festival of Gymnastics at the Brentwood Arena. They performed a group routine in front of a huge audience before watching many professional acrobatic and gymnastics clubs perform. More recently, the Brooke Priory Gymnastics Squads gave impressive performances at the Independent Schools Gymnastics Association Two-Piece Championships at St Mary’s School in Gerrards Cross. They showed control and poise while being judged on their floor routines, and strength and drive on the vault. Captain of the boys’ U11 team, Charlie Watts, was crowned the Independent Schools’ national champion.

Louise Kelly, a Catmose College year 8 student, recently attended selection training for the Loughborough Lightning Academy U13 netball squad. She competed against 46 other girls for only 20 positions. Having been selected she will now attend training every other Friday at Loughborough University (where the England team are based). Louise will be playing against the other National Super League academy teams throughout the season. Louise now plays for Rutland Rockets Netball Club, County Academy and Loughborough Lightning Netball Squad, and is also playing for Royce Rangers football team at the weekends. Her goals going forward are that she continues with both sports if possible and improve her strength and core skills, which will allow her to go for regionals next year.

... and Emily picked for academy Emily Broughton, a year 11 at Catmose College, has been selected for the East Midlands Netball Regional Academy, where she’ll be playing against people from all over the country and training with the best coaches in the East Midlands Having played in and captained the school netball team since year 7, Emily then went on to play for Rutland Rockets Netball Club. Emily has represented the Rutland Rockets twice in the U16 club regional and national competitions, which she was also lucky enough to be chosen as team captain. Emily also plays in the premiership division (the highest division) in the Leicester Netball League, and has previously won player of the year on one of the lower divisions.

Oakham in semis after Ashton talk Oakham is now one of only four teams in the country that remain in the NatWest Schools Champions Trophy having secured their place in the semi-finals after beating Monmouth School 23-8. Players beneftted from a mid-week pep talk and coaching session from Brian Ashton MBE (pictured right), the former England head coach, who was able to pass on his advice on big game preparation ahead of their quarter-final game. Oakham kept control of the match to win themselves a spot in the semi-finals, thanks to the kicking of fly-half Josh Lewis, plus tries from prop Alfie Dawson, wing Tyrese Johnson-Fisher and centre Harry Garforth. /// D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 6 7

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19/11/2016 10:57

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

Rugby

A landmark day for Oakham BY JEREMY BESWICK

akham Rugby Club has announced a sponsorship deal with clothing firm Lands’ End, which has its European headquarters in the town. The deal goes beyond the provision of shirts and branding with significant financial support pledged over the next three years. Just how transformational this could be was apparent from my chat with Oakham’s director of rugby, Andy Williamson. “This puts us on a sound financial footing,” he told me. “We’re an ambitious club and with Lands’ End behind us, we’re aiming to move up the leagues.” Michelle Laidler from Lands’ End was equally delighted. “It’s surprising we haven’t done this before,” she said. “They’re a fantastic club with brilliant premises. They want to go places and they tick all our boxes.” On the pitch Oaks’ highlight this month was a stunning victory over table-topping Luton, who arrived at the Showground with a 100% winning record. After an exchange of penalties, Oaks’ Mark Woodward scored the first try and they had several opportunities to add to that tally through the boot of Callum Crellin before half-time, but bravely declined to kick easy penalties in favour of the more ambitious option of the line-out – which ultimately proved fruitless. Luton came out for the second half with a determined air and for a while it was backs to the wall for Oaks’ defence, who stood firm but conceded penalties. Williamson said: “We were perhaps fortunate that Luton’s kicker had an off day missing three attempts at goal.” The pressure was relieved in fine style though as Oaks broke from the deep and shipped the ball to winger Sam Woods. Still 60 metres out, he evaded several tackles to score a fine solo try in the corner – 15-3 to Oakham. Williamson takes up the story: “Crellin

Lands’ End has announced a three-year primary sponsorship of Oakham Rugby Club which will see significant financial support, including a roll-out of new shirts for all the minis and junior teams along with prominent site branding at the club

kept punishing Luton with some good kicking and again good defensive work by Stee Vukinavavanua, Jamie Brett and Johnno Milnes led the rest of the team in a superb effort which Luton, despite all their best endeavours, were unable to breach. The intensity of the match was reﬂected with both sides losing players to the sin bin as tempers frayed.” Final score Oakham 21 Luton 6. The older supporters were particularly pleased, as Williamson explained: “Sweet reward for Oakham, who had to wait nearly 20 years to avenge that defeat 25-24 in April 1997 in which Luton snatched victory with a last minute try and prevented Oakham getting promotion. Oakham also progressed in the County Cup, reversing a 17-11 loss at Belgrave in the league to a 13-19 win, but spoiled things by losing 32-25 at Market Harborough. Stamford started the month in second place and looked good value for that spot in their home match against Old Laurentians. Four early tries, including ones from Thomas Mutter, Guy Michels and Laurent Ross, set the tone. They were to go on to score nine in

total, Mutter bagging four, as Laurentians were demolished 47-12 which would have brought a smile to the face of coach Matt Albinson. Alas, they went on to lose their next three matches against Olney, Oundle and Coalville. Deepings had a fine 37-18 win at home to Brackley. With a total of five tries coming from captain Lance Charity (two), Alex Miller, Guy Cunningham and Alex Miller they continue to build a fortress at Spalding Road where they are unbeaten this season. With more strength in depth this year they’ll surprise a few teams, but Charity will have been disappointed to have lost the local derby away at Bourne by 14-9, the home side’s Jack Berry contributing nine of those 14 with his boot and Josh Lynch scoring the only try in a game that could have gone either way – and might have done had Deepings prop Gareth Silverwood not been red-carded for violent conduct. By the way, Bourne are now fielding a second XV regularly and tweeted: “Calling all rugby players past and present! Get your boots out and come to training this Wednesday”. Any takers?

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Tigers Talk There’s been much comment in the press, by no means all of it positive, about the new deal from the RFU for England players. The agreement will see them collect up to £300,000 a season in appearance money in addition to their club salaries, endorsements and other earnings and some see that as too much. Not Richard Cockerill though, who told me: “The RFU made over £100m profit last year. I think the players taking the field of play deserve every penny they get. “If you’re envious of what they make then I suggest you get down here and train with us. If you play as well as Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, Freddie Burns and the others then I’ll pick you and you can go on to earn that much as well.” Nevertheless, it’s all a far cry from the sort of money Cockerill would have made from his own playing career. Did he think he’d been born too early and played in the wrong era? “No, because I wouldn’t get into this England team,” was his self-deprecatory reply. The recent international fixtures have meant that Tigers’ squad players and youngsters have had a chance to show what they can do in the first team and Cockers thought they’d performed to expectations. “It’s good for the squad – they’ve done well for us.” He counselled caution however: “Young players tend to come into the first team and do well for a couple of matches but then the expectations kick in, the pressure rises and the acid test is – can they carry on and contribute in that way for an extended stretch of eight to 10 games?” One player having an eventful debut in the narrow win away to Bath was Springbok Pat Cilliers. Coming on in the 53rd minute to replace Fraser Balmain, he was soon back on the bench having been yellow carded within five minutes. “He’s getting a lot of stick from the lads about that,” said Cockers. “but we’ve now taken the correct action by informing him that we have an offside law here in the northern hemisphere.” He was also bullish about Harry Thacker’s performances: “He showed last year he can hold his own – and more. He’s taken his opportunity better than most and the size thing (Thacker had historically been thought too small) has been put to one side. His love of this club is a given.” Later I sat down with lock Ed Slater and his perspective was also positive: “It’s been a really enjoyable and productive two weeks – the young guys who’ve come in have done really well.” Those performances had included the best defensive display of the season, in terms of points conceded, against Newport Dragons but Slater was dismissive saying “They didn’t bring a strong side over here” but agreed they seemed to have tightened up since defence coach Kiwi Scott Hansen le the club in October – a er they’d conceded 15 tries in their first five matches. “We’ve gone back to basics,” he told me. “Particularly around the breakdown and the line out – the technical stuff. We’re not secondguessing ourselves anymore.”

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Roundup

Football

Daniels’ FA Cup dream is dashed at Hartlepool BY DEAN CORNISH

here are a few dates that will end up in Stamford AFC folklore and be talked about for years to come. From the foundation of the club in 1896, to the April 1980 Wembley victory in the FA Vase and now to November 6, 2016; the day the Daniels played in the FA Cup first round proper. Few of those hardy 505 fans who packed the away end at Hartlepool will ever forget the day that Stamford turned up at an established football league club and gave them a proper game. As I mentioned in the column last month, to get to the first round, Stamford had to play eight games. The Daniels successfully bypassed Sleaford Town in August, St Neots (after a replay), Gresley (also after a replay), AFC Mansfield (in injury time) and then, of course, that famous tie against Wrexham where 1,264 saw the Daniels earn a replay and then 54 Stamford away fans saw Drury’s men create history after a win in extra time. The reward for Stamford was a first round proper game away at Hartlepool. The excitement around the town was palpable for the weeks before the game. The club organised commemorative scarfs, mugs and then, of course, a fleet of buses to ferry the hardcore of fans up the A1. On arrival in Hartlepool, it was like being on Stamford High Street, albeit a little less picturesque. Everywhere you looked there were faces you recognised from town. The pubs seemed to have been taken over by Stamford fans, all good natured, chatting to locals, enjoying the hospitality (in particular the ‘Monkey brew’ local stout). As for the game, Drury once again elected to play a defender (this time Kern Miller) up

front, with the idea of using him as a target man and then bring the midfield into play. Ryan Robbins was therefore once again on the bench. Hartlepool naturally looked the more composed side and kept possession well. In spite of having most of the ball though, Hartlepool couldn’t get past Sam Donkin in the Stamford goal, and when the Daniels had a couple of reasonable chances just before halftime, the Stamford fans dared to dream. In the second half, Stamford again held firm for the first 20 minutes until hearts were broken when they were undone by a superb Deverdics free kick. Stamford then had to push on for an equaliser and it was no surprise that the professional side scored two more goals in the final minutes to put an unfair gloss on the final scoreline. After the final whistle, the players and management were treated to a rousing ‘love in’ with the fans. With all the FA Cup exploits, the Daniels have hardly played in the league recently. In fact, they’ve only played 10 league games all season, as opposed to some teams already having played 18 games. There’s bound to be a fixture back log now for Drury’s men as they try and get themselves up near the play-off positions before the end of the season. Their first league game after Hartlepool saw Stamford beat Loughborough 2-0 in an easy home win. If they win their eight games in hand, they would go second in the league, but of course that’s very unlikely! Let’s hope that some of the £30,000-plus earnt in FA Cup prize money alone can be spent on keeping players like Chris Salt, and maybe buying a few others to help the side climb the league.

Elsewhere, Oakham United remain in decent form in the United Counties League Division One. They’ve dropped slightly from their early season lofty league position to sixth with a game in hand on Potton ahead of them. In the same division, there were high hopes for Blackstones this season, but Phil Gadsby’s men are fourth from bottom, having lost their last three games. They’ve had bad luck with injuries, in particular with summer signing Lewis Leckie hardly featuring this season. In the Peterborough League, Ketton FC are still in the top 6 of the Premier Division. Any fanciful hopes of challenging for the top spot in the league were surely dashed though when they were crushed 6-0 away at league favourites Netherton. In the same division, Stamford Lions FC are on the march after a slow start. A recent thrashing of Thorney (8-2 away from home) was followed up by a superb 3-0 win against Netherton with Will Thomas, Jack Travers and Sean O’Donnell bagging the goals. James Sheehan’s men are 12th in the league, but I can see them finishing top eight come the end of the season. I suspect that Uppingham Town will be playing in Division One next season. A couple of seasons of upheaval haven’t helped the club, and they’re now second bottom, a few points away from safety. In Division One, the Stamford Bels are having a decent season overall, although they’ve not won any of their most recent five games. They remain fifth and will still hold outside hopes of challenging for promotion back to the Premier League. The recent highlight was an 8-0 away win at Spalding United Reserves.

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VOX FOX As we go to press it’s been a relatively quiet month for the Foxes with international fixtures bringing a pause to the Premiership, but that gives us the perfect opportunity to focus on the other outstanding football team in the city – Leicester Women. Last season was, of course, famously amazing for the men but LCWFC, as they are known, did their best to out-do them by winning 22 out of 22 in the league and landing promotion to the Premier League North at a canter. I caught up with captain Holly Morgan to find out what’s new. “We made a number of signings in the close season to strengthen the squad in preparation for the higher level, both from other sides and also six or seven youngsters from the FA’s Centre of Excellence who have broken into the first team,” she told me. “But the stand-out recruitment has been Shauna Cossens from Yeovil Town who plays central midfield. Although she’s still only 20 she has a lot of experience at this level. We’ve always played a high-tempo game but we’re able to be even more so with her in the side.” How are they finding life in the Premier? “Our mindset before the season began was to be in the top four or better and I’d say we’ve done quite well,” she said. A er a shaky start (they lost 4-0 to Fylde on the opening day) they’ve dug in and now sit in fourth, with games in hand, having beaten Stoke, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion. “We played Fylde again recently , drew 1-1 and really should have got all three points given the number of chances we had, which shows just how much progress we’ve made,” she said. “It’s always difficult to know what to expect when you’re promoted but we now know that we fit in and are competitive with the very best. The girls are hungry and focused and enjoying the season a lot. It’s good to test ourselves against harder opposition and we’re all relishing the challenge of having to raise our own game in response.”

They’ve also reached the first round proper of the FA Cup where they’ve drawn Birmingham West Midlands. “We’re excited at the prospect of a good cup run. I love the magic of the cup – you never know what might happen.” If you’ve not seen this team play, their style is similar to their male counterparts. “We’re a high energy side. The speed of our wingers and full backs means we can break with such pace that our opponents can’t regain their defensive shape in time”. The women’s game is, if anything, puts skill at more of a premium than the men’s with less reliance on physical strength to gain the advantage. If you’ve never watched it live I can recommend it without hesitation. LCWFC play at the Riverside Pavilion on Braunstone Lane (except for the last game of the season when they get to play at the King Power) and with tickets at £3 for adults and £1.50 for kids it’s a great a ernoon out for the family. And Holly means it when she says “Come along and watch us. You won’t be disappointed.”

Clockwise, from above

Gabby Reid strikes for goal; Kim Farrow in action; Alex Madden celebrates

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Roundup

Equestrianism

Hunting season in full swing BY JULIA DUNGWORTH NICO MORGAN

unting is already in full swing, with all of the many opening meets already having taken place (most hunts have two to three). The hunts have reported very high turnouts, possibly due to such good ground so early in the season, even though the uncharacteristically warm weather normally makes for bad hunting. The only major problem so far is that poor Freddie Jones (6), son of Richard and Victoria from South Luffenham, suffered a compound fracture to his arm at the Fitzwilliam Pony Club meet when he fell off his pony Ralphie. Luckily now a couple of weeks on from his operation he is back up and running around and can’t wait to go out again! The Cambridge University Drag Hounds have been going great guns with Bruce Langley-McKim field mastering sidesaddle on the stallion Cos Me Is Black. They meet at Great Gidding with more than 60 mounted, including six others sidesaddle. Bruce is fast becoming famous for riding sidesaddle. Obviously it was originally designed for women, but Bruce decided to start riding the stallion side-saddle to show how easy and versatile the stallion can be. He is one of very few people to ever field master whilst riding this way, and he led the field over some of the very best Fitzwilliam country, including Gidding’s daunting hedges. Harry Amelia, who is more famous these days for her recent appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, was also mounted on one for her first outing since having a baby. Harry is originally from this area and pony clubbed round here, so she was completely in her comfort zone and looking very happy to be out again. JumpCross, at Grange Farm at Wittering, has had another very successful season, with the last show taking place in the middle of October.

Bruce Langley-McKim field mastering sidesaddle at Great Gidding

This also saw the much anticipated end of the very competitive league table. The senior-intro seems to be the most popular of the different height classes, with a win this time for Shayni Caffell on Nan E’s Secret; she was the fastest out of the 25 starters and one of only eight to jump clear. The league winners are calculated on their placings over the season, with 14 points for a win down to two for a double clear. Lana Hayes was the grassroots junior winner. Jade Devonshire won the grassroots senior, which was especially pleasing as she missed the last competition of the series as she had already left the area for university. Linda Cowd took the intro senior having had another successful year on her own Tommahawk. Charlotte Mair was the highest point scorer of them all in the group 3 junior with a whopping 52 points to win her league

and ﬁnally Sarah Pointon won the group 3 senior on Madge. She was also two points behind herself on her other horse Rolo to take second place. JumpCross is now ﬁnished for the season albeit for the odd training round, but they do have a bumper calendar full for next year, so keep an eye out on their website. Rosemary David, who is most famous for the thousands of hours she has put into the Burghley Pony Club and Rutland Riding Club, has been having fun dancing to music with her horse Robin. The combination were placed eighth at the recent Novice Dressage to Music Championship at Bury Farm in Buckinghamshire. There were 25 competing in her class, which is a huge amount for a freestyle test, and the top 10 all went in for a mounted prize giving and a lively lap of honour. /// DE C E M BE R 2016

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Roundup

Running

Market Ho-ho-Harborough!

he Market Harborough Santa Fun Run is returning on Sunday, December 11, and will be open to a record 650 runners all dressed up as Santa. Now in its third year, the event has grown in popularity since its formation in 2014 and organisers Race Harborough are conﬁdent that the 2016 event will attract even more runners and have increased registrations further as a result. The Santa Fun Run sees a mass of Santas circling Welland Park to raise money for local charity Squires Effect. The event begins outside the Welland Park Café at 2pm with entrants free to run either the 5km or 2km race – all ﬁnishers receive a medal. “As well as increasing entry numbers, we are also hoping to increase the amount of money raised for Squires Effect,” comments Brian Corcoran, co-organiser at Race Harborough. “We challenge everybody that registers for the event to raise £10 each – that sum would make a huge difference to a great cause. “Even if you’re not running, come down and cheer on our Santas – there will be plenty of entertainment on too!” As in previous years, there will be refreshments available in the town centre and

Action from last year’s event

a live music performance by the Market Harborough Ukulele Group. Paws 4 Walking are donating a dog hamper to recognise the best dressed dog taking part and the ﬁrst Santa to catch the runner dressed as a Christmas pudding will win £100 to donate to a charity of their choice. For younger runners there will be a special Christmas elf that will be handing out festive gifts as they go round the course. The run, which is sponsored by Snap Fitness, costs £12 for an adult registration and £6 for under-16s. Also available are a range of family bundle

tickets as well as free registration for infants (2 and under) and dogs. Santa costumes are included with all registration prices. Race Harborough have organised many sporting events in the Harborough district over the past two years including the Zombie Run, Harborough Triathlon, the Harborough Half Marathon & 10k run.  To register your place on the run or to find out more visit www.raceharborough.co.uk. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis with registration closing at midnight on Monday, December 5.

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