Essential Living Magazine 2017

2017/18

essential

your ultimate guide to the region

rutland • stamford • nene valley • market harborough

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

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

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 3

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essential W

elcome to the 2017-18 edition of Essential Living Magazine, which as always aims to be a source book and inspiration for all the very best that the region has to offer.

It is always a pleasure to put together this guide, because it is such a strong reminder of how many brilliant independent businesses we have in the region, and of how passionate and committed their owners are.

Once again, the region has thrived over the last year, with regular ‘plaudits’ for its beauty and many new shop and restaurant openings. People come from far and wide to live here, and people that live here are very reluctant to be shifted! I always love the description of the region as ‘The beauty of the Cotswolds without the crowds’! Hopefully this guide will make you understand why…

Enjoy our local excellence and support our local businesses wherever you can.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Publisher

Our advertisement sales team: Claudia Bayley - Stamford Tracy Watkinson – Rutland Bridget Steele – Nene Sosennah Every – Market Harborough Rachel Beecroft – Advertisement Production Manager Our contributors: Stamford region: Sally Stillingfleet, Genevieve Potter, Rannveig Stone, Deborah Pennell, Kate Cadman, Antonia Scott Rutland region: Amander Meade, Nikki Beatty, Catherine Varney, Rachael Bull Nene region: Sue Dobson, Rebecca Downey, Sarah Chase, Bridget Steele Market Harborough region: Kirstie Mitchell, Katie Mitchell, Sosennah Every Design & Photography: Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk Publisher: Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY 01780 765571 www.bestlocalliving.co.uk Printers: Warner’s of Bourne Cover images: Afternoon Tea at Kavanah’s, Oakham; Keals (www.keals.net); Market Harborough; Fashion in Rutland

your ultimate guiDe to the region

2017/18 rutlanD • StamForD • nene • market harBorough

CONTENTS 6

Regional calendar of events

Shopping DiScoverieS 8 12 14 16 18 22

Stamford Oakham Uppingham Nene Market Harborough Local Hero – Dawn BirchJames, founder of Art in the Heart Gallery

FaShion 26 30 32 34

Stamford Rutland Nene Market Harborough

health & Beauty 36 44 48 52 56

Stamford Rutland Nene Valley Market Harborough Elderly and complementary care

home & garDen 60 64 68 74 78 82 86 90 94

Stamford - Ideas for the Home Stamford – Choosing a professional to help Stamford - Kitchens & Conservatories Local Hero – Annie Allison, wallpaper creator Rutland Nene Market Harborough Garden Inspirations Local Hero – Adam Frost, Garden Designer

FooD & Drink 98 100 102 104

Stamford Rutland Nene Valley Market Harborough

eating out 108 116 122 126 128

Stamford Rutland Nene Market Harborough Local Hero – Aaron Patterson, Hambleton Hall

out & aBout 130 132 134 136 138

Stamford Rutland Local Hero – Dr Tim Gray, emergency responder Nene Valley Market Harborough

kiDS’ learning & activitieS 142 144 146 148

Stamford Rutland Nene Market Harborough

eDucation

160

Junior Schools Senior schools Local Hero – Beatrice Cadman, schoolgirl Buying close to a good school

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Index of Advertisers

152 156 158

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ESSEnTiAl EvEnTS Our guide to some of the best concerts, days out and family events taking place in the next six months The Rutland Show

Photo by Rachel Barnes

Photo by Andy Balmford

The Burghley Film Festival

JUNE

The Rutland Show - Sunday 4 June The 185th show of its kind. Equine, cattle and sheep showing, exciting main ring entertainment including military dogs, the Cottesmore hounds, vintage vehicles, farming displays and much more. A traditional county show for all the family.

Rutland County Showground, Oakham www.rutlandcountyshow.com Nevill Holt Opera Festival 2017 – 15, 17, 18, 20, 22 June This year, multi-award winning Director Oliver Mears presents Puccini’s Tosca – the story of desperate and ruthless passion in a time of political turmoil which has held audiences in its spell since it was first performed. With unforgettably beautiful music and a story that keep you on the edge of your seat in a magnificent rural setting. www.nevillholtopera.co.uk

JULY

The Oundle International Festival Friday 7 to Saturday 15 July 2017 For over thirty years the festival team have provided entertaining and enriching music,

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The Houndogs

concerts, theatrical performances and community events. This year look out for the Party at the Wharf featuring Absolute Bowie and The Houndogs. www.oundlefestival.org.uk The Burghley Film Festival Wednesday 26th July - Sunday 30th The giant screen returns to Burghley creating an outdoor cinema in the gardens of England’s greatest Elizabethan House.

Among the returning cinematic favourites will be the ‘Best of British’ BBQ and film themed drinks, plus the chance to hire Burghley deckchairs, with a fabulous lineup of films for all ages. www.burghley.co.uk

Rockingham Fair –Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July) Set in the beautiful Great Park surrounding historic Rockingham Castle, this family friendly country show provides a full day of entertainment. visitors can expect trade stands, displays and exhibitions featuring all kinds of country and rural pursuits including arts and crafts, terrier racing and a dog show. Thrilling flight displays featuring birds of prey, stunt driving events, dog teams and pony events will all take place in the main arena. www.rockinghamcastle.com

AUGUST

British Birdfair 2017 - Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August Birdfair is the leading event of its kind in the world. Jointly organised by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust and the RSPB and held on the shores of Rutland Water, this is the event of the year if you’re interested in birds and wildlife with hundreds of trade stands, events and lectures hosted by Birdfair celebrity regulars Chris Packham, Simon King, Mike Dilger, David lindo and many more.

out & about : across the region

Booking and ticket information at www.birdfair.org.uk

Shakespeare at Tolethorpe

Stamford Shakespeare Season Throughout August visit Tolethorpe Hall where the annual season of plays this year includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing and Hobson’s Choice, all performed on the famous open air stage. Dining or picnic options available. Tickets and information at www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk or 01780 763203

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Great Eastern Run - Sunday 8 October The Perkins Great Eastern Run in Peterborough is growing in reputation. It’s one of the fastest growing half marathons in the country. Take part or go along to support the runners. Local charity Anna’s Hope have their own Fun Run Challenge on this flat, fast course through the city centre. www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk Halloween Spooky Tours at Burghley House - Wednesday 18 to Tuesday 31 October Designed to be spooky but fun the tours are run by local ghost expert Martin Tempest. For little ones, a less scary option is the Pumpkin Trail around the Sculpture Garden. Tread through the crispy autumn leaves and find the hidden pumpkins to receive a treat. www.burghley.co.uk

Peterborough Arena. Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough, Peterborough Minster and Round Table, all proceeds are donated to local charities and good causes. The Fiesta is Peterborough’s largest charity event having raised over half a million pounds since its inception. www.fireworkfiesta.co.uk Uppingham Fatstock Show Wednesday 29 November Champion pigs, sheep and cattle are primped and preened for this event held in the Market Square. Rutland farmers show off the best of their stock with the aim of encouraging people to buy British and support the industry. A truly unique show and the only event of its kind in the UK still held in temporary penning in

Peterborough Firework Fiesta

a town market square. One of the most prestigious events in the town’s calendar.

DECEMBER

Stamford Christmas Festival Sunday 26 November This popular traditional Stamford Christmas Festival returns each year to the centre of Stamford centering on Ironmonger St, High Street and Red Lion Square.

Stamford is well known for its exclusive and independent traders so the Christmas market is the perfect opportunity to find unusual gifts. There will be traditional craft stalls offering a wide range of popular and stylish gifts with treats and entertainment to excite and tantalize.

Photo by T Cronin

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials – Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September Land Rover Burghley’s attendance figures ensured its place in the UK’s top ten sporting events last year along with other sporting greats such as Wimbledon Fortnight and The Open. Those planning to visit in 2017 will be excited to hear that plans are underway to make this year’s event the best yet. A course designed by Captain Mark Phillips will be as challenging as ever and the shopping promises to be phenomenal. www.burghley-horse.co.uk

NOVEMBER

Peterborough Firework Fiesta Saturday 4 November Spectacular fireworks display, live music and family entertainment at the

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Shopping IN StamfoRD Independents’ Day

Nicholas Rudd-Jones highlights just a small number of unusual independents in Stamford without which the town simply wouldn’t be the same Harrison & Dunn The ultimate test of a hardware store is ‘I need X, a rather obscure object that I can’t even remember the name of anymore, do you have it?” To which the answer at Harrison & Dunn’s is invariably Yes! Established in 1924, and truly a family business, this is the shop that pretty much everybody agrees is their favourite!

3 All Saints’ Street, Stamford, PE9 2PA 01780 762088 www.harrisonanddunn.co.uk

tHe FLower House, stamForD

robert Loomes

A visit to their shop by the bridge is always a delightful experience, with the chime of myriad timepieces to greet you on the hour and, if it’s cold, a fire in the grate.

4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP 01780 481319 www.loomeswatches.com

Photo by Elli Dean

Robert Loomes’ English hand-made watches will simply take your breath away with their elegance and workmanship.

Tracy Burr has built this business into Stamford’s leading flower house, with lots of other lovely accessories for the home to be found here. You are met with enthusiasm, creativity and a fabulous choice of flowers whenever you go in.

31 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DS 01780 753225 www.theflowerhousestamford.co.uk

ewe wooL sHop Ewe is 100% dedicated to wool & knitting. It has a large selection of knitting accessories in stock. Pom Pom makers, row counters, stitch markers, buttons and much more! They also sell needle felting kits and patterns. Look out for their workshops too.

4 Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE 01780 763838 www.i-love-ewe.com 8

28 High St, Stamford PE9 2BB 01780 767688 www.anandofstamford.com

Photo by Elli Dean

Photo by Elli Dean

This shop consistently wins awards for service, and it’s easy to see when you go in, with its friendly, professional service, range of classic shoes and repair service; less known is their brilliant range of Steiff collectible bears

Photo by Elli Dean

ananD sHoes

st martin’s antiques In business for a quarter of a century, this is the ultimate browse in Stamford for antiques. A short stroll up St Martin’s, Stamford’s most traditional street in many ways, and you will find stand after stand of interesting stuff to poke through.

23 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF 01780 481158 www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

Shopping : StAmforD

St mAry’S bookS Bit by bit St Mary’s Books has become one of the region’s most-established and respected second-hand bookshops. They have books in most categories, but are especially strong in sport (Wisdens) and children’s books.

9 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 763033 www.stmarysbooks.com

StAmforD muSic Shop

emmA cutmore

This is the spot to come to get you or your child going musically. All sorts of musical instruments, for purchase or hire, sheet music and much else besides.

Emma, the owner, has been meticulous in her selection of unique products and has even created some of them herself.

The emphasis is on British Design and manufacture, using ethically sourced and natural products where possible. New and exciting lines are arriving all the time, and shortly there will be an artisan pottery range from Penrith.

But what really makes this place is the endlessly-quipping Dave Hollands and his delightful team of music enthusiasts.

11 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP 01780 751275 www.stamfordmusicshop.co.uk

St Mary’s Passage, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2HG 01780 482870 www.emmacutmore.co.uk

Snow DeSignS Is this the most stylish place in Stamford?

If you want something quirky, different and fun for the home, this is the place to come. I am a particular fan of their very distinctive lampshades. They are also running a series of interesting courses now, including taxidermy courses.

32 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DS 01780 751551 www.snowdesignsandinteriors.com

robert fogell Regular exhibitions and a permanent display of sculpture and property, plus very friendly and knowledgeable gallery owners (Robert is a sculptor too) make this a delightful destination.

23 St Martin’s High St, Stamford, PE9 2LF 01780 762099 www.robfogell.co.uk

Photo by Elli Dean

Sophie Allport Sophie Allport celebrates 10 years of her very successful product ranges and fabric designs with the launch of her first retail outlet, and we’re the lucky folk to benefit!

26-27 High St, Stamford, PE9 2AY 01778 560256 www.sophieallport.com

colemAnS StAtionery Colemans are just so good at what they do – everything stationery and home office or workplace. And they do it with such friendliness and professionalism. This year they celebrate 30 years in business – congratulations!!

Next door is an excellent art shop, with everything to spur your creativity. Plus of course grown-up colouring books!

Colemans, 1-2 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 762324 Art Shop, 39 High St, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 480635 www.colemans-online.co.uk

Once you start collecting this range of stylish blue pottery sourced from Poland you will be hooked. Just see if you can stop yourself! Be it an eggcup, a server or a complete dinner service, they have it!

10A Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ 01780 755409 www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

Photo by Elli Dean

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www.k nig h tso f o akh am. c o m 33-37 High Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AH • Tel: (01572) 722240 •

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Shopping in oakham

Photos by Elli Dean

For animal lovers: Itch Gallery ranging from cute brooches, ceramics and glass works right up to personally commissioned dog-sized steel sculptures, this vibrant gallery offers a dizzying array of unique, eclectic and affordable art, craft, design and jewellery sourced from local and British makers. lovely, personal service and Jenny is a font of knowledge on what’s in stock and what else she can source for you.

Itch Gallery, 17a Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. 01572 755333 www.itchgallery.co.uk

For the ladies: alBar’s Den, the GIft emporIum fur gilets, gorgeous Italian leather handbags, ponchos, scarves, vases, cards, dried flowers – you won’t be short of ideas for gifts for the ladies in your life at Albar’s Den. Catering for all budgets and tastes, you’ll struggle not to find a suitable gift. the handbags, made of superb quality leather, are a particular find. Not sure what to choose? Opt for a gift voucher instead.

Photos by Elli Dean

Albar’s Den - The Gift Emporium, 1 Crown Walk, High Street, Oakham, LE15 6BZ. 07977 002260 www.albarsden.co.uk

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shopping : rutland

For a special occasion: hEIDI KjElDsEn

For the Fitness Fanatic: Rutland CyCling

Whether it’s an important birthday, a special anniversary or a particularly special question, heidi Kjeldsen’s exquisite, bespoke jewellery is classical in style but with a modern twist. Whatever generation, whatever the occasion, you’ll find a present to cherish for eternity at heidi’s shop on mill street.

Photo by Elli Dean

Photo by Andy Cross

Heidi Kjeldsen, 5 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. 01572 722666 www.heidikjeldsen.co.uk

Photo by Elli Dean

her impeccable personal service and team of highly skilled craftsmen will guide you through your options with ease, whether it’s a special engagement ring, a stunning row of pearls or a sparkling diamond necklace. from exquisitely elegant diamond, pearl and gemstone designs to contemporary murano glass jewellery, every piece is lovingly handcrafted to perfection. Visit Heidi in person at the shop or view her collection online.

Established back in 1981, this family-run independent chain comprises 10 shops including their flagship store at Whitwell, Rutland Water – Britain’s biggest bike shop in Britain’s smallest county!

They certainly know their stuff, having been awarded Best Independent Cycling Retailer four times. Whether it’s road, mountain, urban or electric that they’re into, the Whitwell store is every cyclist’s dream. As well as stocking the best bike brands, they offer cycle hire, a full workshop, body geometry bike fit, custom build and lots of free events and seminars.

Rutland Cycling Whitwell, Whitwell Leisure Park, Oakham LE15 8BL. 01780 460705 www.rutlandcycling.com

For iconic art: TREnT gAllERIEs Trent represents some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative artists but it’s a welcoming, friendly space – a refreshing change to the intimidating atmosphere you can sometimes find in galleries.

They’re regularly changing their displays, introducing sculpture and limited edition and original paintings. They will even bring your favourite piece to your home so you can view it in situ, free of charge and with no obligation. A piece of art from Trent would make a fantastic and unique wedding gift.

Trent Galleries, 11 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. 01572 722790 www.trentgalleries.co.uk

For gadget lovers: KnIghT’s of oAKhAm A family-run business, Knight’s of oakham has been serving the local community since 1934. to this day it continues to offer a huge range of electrical appliances including cutting edge TVs, fridges, freezers, washing machines and dryers, cookers, heaters, small and audio appliances.

As well as stocking top brands including Dyson, smEg and Bosch at competitive prices, it offers free local delivery, and even same-day delivery within a 15-mile radius of oakham if the product is in stock.

They’ll also arrange a one-hour delivery slot at a time to suit you, will set it all up for you and take away your old appliance.

Knight’s of Oakham, 33-37 High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AH. 01572 722240 www.knightsofoakham.com

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Shopping in uppingham gOldmark gallery the gallery specialises in 20th century and contemporary art and ceramics, as well as making films and publishing books. The famously helpful and knowledgeable team at goldmark have been selling art for over 40 years, and it has gained a name for itself across the country and beyond.

Photos by Elli Dean

they host four to eight major exhibitions a year, alongside an array of fascinating talks and showings of works by major artists, supported by a great online presence for those who can’t make the shows in person. the atmosphere at goldmark is welcoming and unpretentious, vibrant and relaxed. and, of course, don’t miss the sculptured plaque of a flying pig on the wall outside.

14 Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ. 01572 821424 www.goldmarkart.com

Uppingham antiqUes Centre the place to go for anyone who loves the unusual and quirky, room after room here is a feast for the eyes, packed full of gorgeous art, clocks, fabulous garden items, pewter, shabby chic, objects de vertu, maps, taxidermy and a plethora of other delights. Owners nick and Wendy have their own high-quality stock alongside that of over 50 dealers, offering something for every budget from £5 to £10,000.

17 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY. 01572 822155 www.uppinghamantiques.com

rUtland antiqUes Centre this hidden gem stocks a wonderful collection of antiques that are regularly updated to reflect current trends. You’ll find fantastic vintage tin signs and retro kitchen wear right up to top-quality crystal. the team here are incredibly helpful so make sure you speak to them – they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. there are some lovely options here for a wedding or 21st birthday present, including decanters and sets of exquisitely cut glasswork.

Crown Stables, Crown Passage, Uppingham, LE15 9NB 01572 824011 www.rutlandantiques.com

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shopping : Rutland

GOODwIn & BELLE A Scandi-lover’s dream, Goodwin & Belle is a celebration of wonderful design. It is brimming full of simple, functional and beautiful products, with plenty of clean lines and natural materials including woods, ceramics, leather and metals.

With products ranging from fantastic oak platters (made from a vintage wine barrel, no less), stunning stationery including the locally made Stamford notebooks, the gorgeous L:A Bruket toiletries and cards for every occasion. Never before have I had chopping board envy.

11 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY. 01572 822142 www.goodwinandbelle.co.uk

Made Gallery This small independent gallery sells stunning personalised handmade jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, glassware, textiles and cards.

Owner Julia hunts down and promotes the best new talent, including the likes of Rob Morris, Tanya Igic and Catherine Edwards of CE Leather.

Julia also makes her own jewellery range, JEG Design, onsite. She offers a bespoke service so you can work with her to design something exactly how you want it – she’ll then custom-make the piece to your specific needs, and at a very reasonable price too.

Another lovely idea is the father’s birthday cufflinks, which children’s names on the front and hidden messages on the back.

As one customer put it, “the only problem is trying to decide which beautiful item to purchase first, and then seeing if I can bear to give it to the person I bought it for! The ideal place to find that something special.”

14a Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ. 01572 822002 www.madegallery.co.uk

CuRIOuS DESIGnS This is the perfect place for those who love shabby chic. Owner Florrie upcycles bespoke hand-painted furniture ranging from bedside tables and trunks to vast dressers and dining room tables using

Grand Illusions Vintage paint, a flat and milky chalk paint that she also sells in the shop. She strives to transform old and unloved vintage pieces into something new and beautiful for the modern-day home, at fantastic value.

Curious Designs also stocks a lovely array of home and giftwares. Take your pick from Sophie Allport make up bags, glasses cases and purses, delicately illustrated ceramics by Julie Davey, hand-printed textiles by Lottie Day and homewares by Plum and Ashley amongst others. And not forgetting the fabulous Rutland canvas bags from The Design Mould. Recent additions to the shop are fellow Rutlander Micheala Ireson’s beautifully designed cards and prints.

Garners Fine art, antiques and interiors Husband-and-wife duo Paul and Philippa are international dealers in 18th to 20th century English and continental furniture and fine art.

They have a fantastic reputation for sourcing exquisite pieces for their discerning customers and their refurbished gallery is vast and full of exceptionally well-presented pieces.

51-53 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY. 01572 823607 www.garnersantiques.co.uk

Curious Designs, Hope’s Yard, Uppingham LE15 9QQ. 07772 852374 www.curiousdesignsuppingham.co.uk

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Shopping in nene gifts for adults

Crackers

The Oundle Bookshop is a stalwart of the town, originally opening as the Oundle School bookshop; it has served both the famous public school and the townspeople for nearly a century. The impressive Georgian building houses a variety of fiction and non-fiction, cards and gifts for sale. Titles can be ordered for next-day delivery. The shop also hosts book signing events and craft workshops.

Down a little snicket off Thrapston’s high street is Hilly Horton Home, a delightful shop selling kitchenalia, storage and home accessories. Hilly creates unique textiles and personalised gifts and will happily take on bespoke commissions.

Harpur’s of Oundle is a family run business selling fine jewellery, antiques and collectibles, as well as an extensive repair and valuation service. Owner, Nigel Hill, prefers to feature items by individual makers, either as one-offs or limited runs and the shop offers a bespoke making service.

Judy Hibbins, owner of Crackers, has created an Aladdin’s cave of gifts, accessories and homewares, carefully selecting brands and labels that you won’t find elsewhere in the region such as House of Disaster, Fruits of Nature and Hydestyle, the latter being a range of

The Pickled Shop

gorgeous clutches and totes in metallic leather and suede.

Founded by Camille Ortega McLean, The Pickled Village is Bulwick’s fine food shop selling a range of preserves – all with a twist. The Pickled Shop is the online offshoot recently launched by daughter, Camilla, featuring a selection of hampers tailored for different occasions such as ‘Birthday Hurrah’ and ‘Hey Hot Stuff’. The gift boxes come in three sizes with the small starting at £30.

Slick and stylish, The Rounded House in Oundle sells gorgeous products for the home and garden as well as accessories for women and seasonal gifts. Owner, Sam Harpur, enjoys sourcing inspirational items and labels such as Love Molly ponchos and True Grace candles and scent diffusers.

Hilly Horton

sHoPPiNg for CHildrEN Jollys Toys on Thrapston’s high street is a joyful boutique of puzzles, games, toys and gifts for all ages.

Owner, Charlotte Croser, has an uncanny knack for choosing the latest gizmo or craze beloved by children. You will find products for science enthusiasts, creative minds as well as traditional toys. Pocket money-priced items such as glow-in-the-dark Thinking Putty and Ty Beanies plush creatures are a favourite among youngsters, but there are also items such as light boxes, lava lamps, art and craft kits and books. In addition, the shop offers gift wrapping and party bag services.

The Oundle Candy Company is a traditional sweet shop selling all the classic varieties including fudge and chocolates. Though a sweet tooth’s paradise, there are also sugar and dairy-free products as well as treats for vegans and the gluten intolerant.

Crackers of Oundle sells, amongst a plethora of gifts and trinkets, the Jelly Cat range of plush toys – adorable, tactile and washable – you will find it difficult to prise them from your little one’s hands.

Tiger

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The tiger store in Peterborough’s Queensgate shopping centre offers design-led, high quality, yet good value products from Denmark. Homewares, stationery, toys and craft items line the shelves but there are also gifts and decorations for parties of all ages. I guarantee you will not come away empty handed.

ShOppING : NENE VALLEy

The Primrose Art Gallery and picture framer on Thrapston’s high street sells original paintings, prints, ceramics, sculptures and glass art from high profile and emerging artists. The gallery also offers a picture cleaning, restoration and repair service run by a team of Fine Art Trade Guild framers on site. The home visit service gives expert advice on how best to place unique artworks in your home.

Art in the Heart

GIFTS FOR ART LOVERS

Art In The Heart 13 Westgate Arcade, Peterborough, PE1 1PY www.artintheheart.co.uk Back Then Bags www.backthenbags.com Crackers of Oundle 3 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4EA 01832 274467 www.facebook.com/cracker-of-oundle

Art in The Heart gallery and gift shop in Queensgate’s Westgate Arcade gives customers the chance to buy unique work from artists and makers as well as hosting regular workshops in felting, jewellery design and encaustic wax art. Last year the gallery launched its online marketplace for design-led shopping for all budgets. CEO Dawn Birch-James is passionate about featuring top standard UK contemporary artists and building aspirations in the region.

Greenman Antiques & Restoration 74 West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF 01832 270970

The family run Dolby Gallery in Oundle is the home and workshop of fine artist Simon and illustrator Gillian Dolby. The gallery displays an eclectic selection of contemporary and traditional original paintings, as well as prints, etchings, ceramics, artisan jewellery and gift cards. Current exhibitions include work by local artists Carry Akroyd and Robert Hunter.

All artwork is for sale alongside a range of limited edition prints, the gallery also offers a comprehensive framing service.

Harpur’s of Oundle 5a West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ 01832 274050 www.harpurjewellery.com

If you are looking for art supplies then this quirky Danish outlet is the place to go. There are kits for knitters, printmakers, crocheters and painters at Peterborough’s Tiger, all at affordable prices. Coleman’s of Oundle is more than just a stationery shop. As well as office supplies and art materials, services include copy shop and printing, laminating and comb binding as well as picture framing.

VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLES Mary Green creates gorgeous ball-clasp bags and gifts from vintage scarves from her studio in Orton Waterville. Back Then Bags features designs by Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Liberty, which are lined with contemporary fabric and delicately embellished with Swarovski crystals, vintage buttons, sequins or embroidery. Mary also creates totes, dog bandanas, handbag mirrors, key fobs and lampshades. More recently, she has branched into mosaics and tiaras – created from vintage brooches and preloved jewellery.

Back Then Bags

The Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro emporium on Bridge Street is the flagship vintage store for Sue Ryder.

The shop has a loyal clientele catering for men and women downstairs with household wares, furniture, vinyl and upcycled goods upstairs. A veritable gold mine of fashion and accessories through the ages – it’s a must for anyone looking for a fancy dress outfit.

The bijou, bay-windowed shop West Town Records is a short journey from Peterborough train station. The vast collection of vinyl comprises mainly soul, funk, two-tone, ska and reggae but there is a large collection of punk, rock as well as house and dance music.

Owner Damian McAlinden acquires wellpreserved stock from various trade fairs, charity shops and individual dealers.

Greenman Antiques & Restoration is situated opposite affiliate establishment the Oundle Clock Shop and offers friendly, helpful advice dealing in 17th-19th century furniture, Georgian and Victorian silver, fine art, china, decorative glassware and jewellery among other unique items. Gold and silver is bought here, too.

www.greenmanantiques.com Foxtail Lilly 41 South Road, Oundle, PE8 4PB 01832 274593 www.foxtail-lilly.co.uk

Hilly Horton Home 36a Goss Court, High Street, Thrapston, NN14 4JH 07530 404511 www.hillyhorton.co.uk Jollys Toys & Games, 28a High Street, Thrapston, NN14 4JH 01832 358915 www.jollystoys.co.uk Oundle Bookshop 13 Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BA 01832 273523 www.colemans-online. co.uk/oundle-bookshop The Oundle Candy Co 10A West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF 01832 275017 www.facebook.com/ theoundlecandyco The Pickled Village & Pickled Shop Bulwick Village Stores, 15 Main Street, Bulwick, NN17 3DY 01780 450774 www.thepickledshop.com Primrose Art Gallery 26 High Street, Thrapston, NN14 4JH 01832 730022 www.primroseartgallery.co.uk The Rounded House 10b West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF 01832 274687 www.theroundedhouse.com Sue Ryder Vintage & Retro 97-99 Bridge St, Peterborough, PE1 1EH 01733 345405 www.sueryder.org Tiger Upper Mall, Queensgate, Peterborough 01733 891893 www.uk.flyingtiger.com/en-gb West Town Records 81 Mayor’s Walk, Peterborough, PE3 6EX 07858 492710 www. facebook.com/West-Town-Records

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Shopping in Market harborough

Market Harborough is a delightful shopping destination and offers a wealth of independent shops and a popular award winning indoor market. Kirstie Mitchell explores further the kitchen range cookshop Best for traditional kitchenalia, bakeware, glassware and equipment for cooks plus a wide range of contemporary homeware and gifts!

Brands include: Emma Bridgewater, Le Creuset, KitchenAid, Joseph Joseph, Robert Welch, LSA and Orla Kiely.

The Kitchen Range Cookshop

keals Best for innovative, original and bespoke home furnishings, lighting, vintage items and gifts.

Mh Music Best for musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, PA and lighting systems, amplification, musical instrument repairs and servicing plus above all - a great service.

Photos by Elli Dean

DenhaMs Best for diamonds and coloured stones, bespoke jewellery design service, watch repairs and valuations and antique and second hand jewellery.

The Kitchen Range Cookshop

Denhams

the little Big Bra shop Best for providing a unique service to women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Professional bra fitting experience with teenage, nursing & maternity bras, sports bras and fully trained in mastectomy fittings. Many designer brands across lingerie, swimwear and nightwear such as Prima Donna, Empreinte, Fantasie, Wacoal, Marie Jo, Lejaby and Calvin Klein.

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sHopping : Market HarborougH

ada gallery Best for contemporary unique special gifts, handcrafted by UK designer makers, promoting the best of British Craftsmanship. From jewellery, leather purses & bags to silk & wool scarves.

“We have work by over 50 different makers from throughout the UK. With an ever-changing selection, so you have lots of choice. “

et ark selling M H g talls rou ndent s wellery, o b e Har or indep n, gifts, je d pet f n Best est fashio ashery a lling t e rd la s e , b e s ll a h t sta , records e, h r p u u it furn es. Pop laptops d n li supp hing from rniture a , Retro, e fu yt g r o a t e t day, v , e oap a Vin Wednes s is , s e belt n. Ther t on ay and arke fashio tables M n Thursd t. Voted o c e Colle t Market es Mark f British f u o a iq r n t tio a C day An socia ritain’s n s u A S l B a 6 a tions ation t 201 the N t Associa or Marke 2016 e o ry Mark mall Ind r Mercu ess of e S t in t s s s e u e B eic il B Reta the L and tershire s Leice ar. e Y e h t

Directory

Harborough Lights 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP, 01858 467716, www.harboroughlights.co.uk tJ thornton 3 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9BX, 01858 468858, www.tjthornton.com Ada Gallery 4 The Courtyard, Bennett’s Place, 30-31 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7NL, 01858 461896, www.adagallery.co.uk MH Music 7 St. Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DS, 01858 463144, www.mhmusic.co.uk Keals 10a Abbey Street, Market Harborough, LE16 9AA, 01858 419798, www.keals.net Denhams 2 The Square, Market Harborough, LE16 7PA, 01858 410395, www. denhams.co.uk the Little Big Bra Shop 4 Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT, 01858 465592, www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

Ada Gallery

lily loves sHopping Best for quirky homeware and gifts, handmade cushions and lampshades, cheeky cards, funny hand-printed slogan mugs, awesome Scandi style homeware and Instagram ready stationery.

Lily Loves Shopping

HarborougH ligHts Best for the largest selection of quality, decorative lighting, outdoor light fittings, bathroom lighting, kitchen lights, task lights and architectural and commercial fittings. A beautiful range of quality home items including; bowls, book ends, candle lanterns and mirrors.

the Kitchen range cookshop 5 & 22 Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA, 01858 433533, www.facebook.com/ kitchenrangecookshop tJ tHornton Best for high quality engagement rings, wedding rings, wristwatches, silver jewellery and giftware, as well as jewellery repairs, valuations and commissions.

Tim Thornton is a 4th generation jeweller, whose heritage plays a large part in his daily working life.

Harborough Market Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HB, 01858 465206, www.harboroughmarket.co.uk Lily Loves Shopping 2 Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT, 01858 433220, www.lilylovesshopping.com Grace & co contemporary Jewellers 68 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AF, 01858 446066, www. graceandcojewellery.co.uk the Growing tree 15 Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT, 01858 465555, www.facebook.com/thegrowingtreeMH Vintage 1 Abbey Street, Market Harborough, LE16 9AA, www.facebook.com/ vintageonabbeystreetno1

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3 COVENTRY ROAD, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE16 9BX. TEL: 01858 468858 Dower & Hall twinkle rings from £120

Spitfire silver & enamel cufflinks £105

tim@tjthornton.com

Antique & Modern Jewellery ANTIQUE AND MODERN JEWELLERY 3 COVENTRY ROAD, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE16 9BX. TEL:Platinum 01858 468858 & diamond 1.00ct £2270 18ct gold sapphire & diamond £1785

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Amber silver pendants from £50

gold £1660 diamond&cluster 18ct floral bands by Ungar &18ct Ungar £1400ring £2200

Ruby ring £1350

Wedding rings gold, platinum 18ctinyellow gold eternity 0.25ct £625 and9ct palladium white gold eternity 0.13ct £365

1930’s 18ct & Platinum £695

Silver enamel dragonfly brooch/pendant £345

Antique style silver and pearl locket £298

Silver enamel cufflinks £200

Lancaster & Gibbings pewter dish £44

9ct rose gold bracelet £95

18ct gold multigem ring £1450

1930’s cluster £425

Platinum aquamarine & diamond £3250

Classic platinum engagement ring £1975

Selection of pre-owned gold signets from £125

9ct white gold blue topaz ring £1100

18ct white gold 1.50ct £2735

Silver bluebell pendant £99

Victorian 15ct gold fox stickpins £185 each

Clever Kitchen Tools to Giftable Gadgets 5 Church Street, Market Harborough

01858 433533

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Dawn Birch-James Credited with putting art on the map in Peterborough’s city centre, the founder and CEO of Art in the Heart gallery and gift shop tells Sue Dobson about taking risks and ‘reaching for the stars’

Dawn Birch-James is not one to baulk at a challenge.

Blessed with enthusiasm for something she believes in and the determination to make it work, she’s known for her forthright views and her ability to get things done. She’s also prepared to take risks – like making a career change in her late forties and launching an ambitious project selling art in Peterborough, something her detractors said couldn’t be done.

Peterborough doesn’t have the reputation of being an art hotspot, but Dawn knew there were a large number of talented artists and craftspeople right on the doorstep. Her challenge was to create a working balance between art and business. “I wanted a gallery that was also a shop, showing and selling original fine and decorative art. My vision was to create a place where people could see beautiful things and buy them.” It took drive and dedication to make it happen.

Dawn didn’t start her working life in the art world. At school, languages were her forte and teaching was her chosen career.

For 21 years she taught French and German, but then her interest in antiques began to take over and she started a small business, loving the trade fairs and sourcing interesting ‘things’.

With several artists living locally she got involved in Peterborough Artists Open Studios. “At the time there weren’t many artists participating (there are over 70 now) and for four years I opened my house as a location to exhibit. I knew there were some very talented people around but they weren’t getting the exposure they deserved.”

Soon Dawn’s career was heading on a different trajectory. “I did a two-year MA degree in Art Market Appraisal – even got Student of the Year in my first year! So, at the end of the course, there I was, aged 47, with a qualification but no job. What now? I thought.”

13 artists with her. It was around the time that Mary Portas was making waves about the regeneration of the high street and Dawn was determined that Peterborough would be part of that. “I wanted to bring aspiration, culture and art right into the heart of the city.

Eventually the Council agreed and offered me an empty unit on Bridge Street.”

In October 2012, Art in the Heart was born. “People were coming in and were stunned at the standard, the variety and the quality that we were offering. We had the work of 45 local artists and makers on display and customers were arriving from all around the region to see this phenomenon in Peterborough! It really did bring fresh life into the city centre.”

Passionate about involving the community in projects, she launched a programme of creative workshops and meet-theartist Live Art Saturdays as well as offering internships and work experience for students. Art in the Heart is a Community Interest Company (CIC) “which means that any profit goes back into the company, for the good of the company”.

Then in 2016, Dawn received the devastating news that her Bridge Street location was needed for other use. “There was no way I was going to let all the hard work and dedication that so many people had put in to make the gallery and shop a success just fizzle out into nothing.”

One thing Dawn is not short of is determination. “I always try what other people think is impossible,” she laughs. “It’s all about reaching for the stars!” So she went to see the people at Queensgate “and persuaded them that they needed me!” Art in the Heart moved into the restored Westgate Arcade in the summer.

When she discovered there was unused space above Harriet’s Tea Room (now Carluccio’s) in Cathedral Square, Dawn acted. Harriet’s Art Gallery launched in 2010 and displayed the work of 30 local artists. “It was the start of visible art in Peterborough city centre,” she says, “and it attracted a lot of interest.”

Every inch of space in the new location is filled with appealing merchandise you’re not likely to find elsewhere. She now sources and stocks “only the very best and most interesting” items from artists and craftspeople nationally, also fairly traded crafts from around the world. “Price-wise there’s everything from a 50p gift bag upwards. We major on small items that are special, gifts people enjoy giving and receiving.”

At the same time she was networking among Peterborough’s business community. “I’m a big believer in getting art into business circles and getting it recognised as having an economic worth to the city. It took a while, but I got my message across!”

Her latest venture is an online shopping marketplace and she’s making sure that all the artists and makers listed offer the highest quality work. “They go through a few hoops to get listed,” she says.

“I’m quite schoolmarmish about it.”

When Harriet’s Tea Room closed the City Council asked her to set up a display in the Tourist Information Centre, which she did, taking

Art in the Heart, 13 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate, PE1 1PY. 07910 118148 www.artintheheart.co.uk

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Photo by Elli Dean

local hero : NeNe Valley

DawN’s faVourite places iN the NeNe Valley faVourite place to go The Green Backyard in Peterborough – a brilliant community project that holds some great events faVourite place to eat Willowbrook Farm near Helpston for freshly cooked full English and the new Pizza Parlour and Music Café faVourite place to shop Sue Ryder Vintage shop on Bridge Street, Peterborough, it’s a treasure trove of nostalgia Best kept local secret Harrisons Auction Centre in Crowland – bidding or not, their viewing days are always worth the trip 23

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51A West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ 01832 272 099

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1 Crown Walk, Oakham LE15 6BZ 01572 723204 helen@albarsden.co.uk

74 West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF

01832 270 970 greenmanantiques@btconnect.com Free estimates and advice on all restoration & repairs. Free roadside parking.

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Fashion Independents day stamford remains one of the few small towns to retain its local independent shop presence on the High street and surrounding streets and alleyways. shop owners keep us up to date, buying the best UK and european fashion brands. they are established and know their customers and, combined with good buying and the personal touch cannot be beaten, which is why it’s such a popular destination. a shopping trip to stamford is a must for visitors and locals alike. there’s everything from the best jeans to jackets, shoes to suitcases - it’s all here. Sally Stillingfleet talks to local shop owners to find out what’s new.

Poze Zoe’s shop is welcoming and the selection of underwear and swimwear is suitable for all ages. Zoe is a strong believer in teenage fitting and the benefits of proper sizing. You can change your shape and ensure you are wearing the correct bra size or swimwear style. Having the right underwear is the key to good looking clothes and she’s there to help.

Kate Martin jewellery is also on offer.

2 Star Lane, Stamford 01780 753886 www.poze-lingerie.uk

Photo by Elli Dean

Attic Attic’s combination of up to the minute European and UK brands ensures stock is ever changing, reflective of a more casual approach to dressing. New brands include Beatrice B, Onjenou alongside firm favourites such as American Vintage, Esprit and Mac jeans. Personal Styling has recently become a free and popular service offering customers a chance for a wardrobe refresh or outfit suggestions for a special event. A series of Fashion Mornings are also planned throughout the year.

33 St Mary’s St 01780 766667

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Map scarf £25 sunglasses £25 both attic

Fashion : stamFord

in Stamford www.atticofstamford.co.uk

mArciA mAy shOes Marcia May Shoes continues to provide shoes for men and women in their newly refurbished light and airy premises.

Samantha Drewery manages to buy all the right shoes and sandals to covet from the well-known brands to the very different with a whole mix of styles for all occasions. Now it feels as if she’s taking over the street with the welcome addition of a children’s clothing and toy shop, where she will continue to offer her expert fitting skills at number 42.

36 St Mary’s St marcia may mini 42 St Mary’s St 01780 762699 energy Now that Sarah has notched up 20 years in the business it’s clear her following reaches further than her bricks and mortar shop. She can be very proud of what she has achieved with the power of social media at her fingertips. Using her unique and quirky posts she delivers fashion and fun with a strong following - it’s become a go-to destination for men and women irrespective of age. Energy feels like a London boutique without the rail fare.

9 Ironmonger St 01780 765633 www.energy-clothing.com

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Coat from arch Label agency

Phot

gAgliArdi There’s an interesting variety of covetable menswear, shoes and accessories, strikingly displayed. A trip to this stylish shop is a pleasure and will introduce men to the beautiful fabrics and classic pattern cutting, which have resulted in some timeless pieces mixed in with casual separates. 34 St Mary’s Street 07850 178028

llace

chAmeleOn Chameleon is a pioneer in selling beautiful lingerie, swimwear and accessories, offering a varies selection of designers, in small quantities across many ranges.

Fantastic accessories, jewellery and skincare from Caudalie, Delilah and Aromatherapy Associates.

5 St Mary’s Hill 01780 755405 www.chameleonboutique.co.uk

Arch lABel Agency Arch Label Agency has become famous for its fantastic selection of up to the minute pre-owned and very often new designer clothing and covetable handbag selection. Susie’s shop is well stocked and is on everyone’s ‘hit list’ when visiting the town. Now a mecca for those aspiring to wear ‘Designer’ with an affordable price tag! The website and Instagram feeds keep customers updated with the latest items to arrive.

St Paul’s Street 01780 764746 www.archlabelagency.co.uk geOrgi cOllectiOns I had to mention this lovely shop and lovely lady who has been in the fashion business for twenty-four years. Sadly, Uschi is retiring and now going to be “living!” We wish her all luck and will miss her elegance and her sophisticated eye for classic fashion.

7 All Saints’ St 01780 756444 www.georgi-collections.co.uk emmA cutmOre Emma’s Dress Agency is upstairs selling a good selection of High St. pre-owned fashion and accessories. Downstairs the lovely aprons and giftware mean there’s always something new to look at.

Emma Cutmore & The Dress Agency, 4 St. Mary’s Passage 01780 482870

Other independents: AnAnd shOes Men’s shoes and repairs 28 High St www.anandofstamford.myshopify.com BAuBles And BAngles 39 St. Mary’s Street 01780 763633 BlAck Orchid 7 St. Mary’s St 01780 754140 www.blackorchidltd.co.uk nOrth shOes 2 Red Lion Square www.northshoes.co.uk 23/7 3 Stamford Walk 01780 238008 www.23seven.co.uk sly www.slyfoxonline.co.uk sales@slyfoxonline.co.uk rOBinsOns Of stAmfOrd 4 St Mary’s Street 01780 755378 www.robinsonsofstamford.com

mensweAr cOlin Bell 7, Sheep Market 01780 757888 www.colinbellmenswer.co.uk pAul richmAn The Olde Barn Passage 01780 762389 23/7 01780 238008 www.23seven.co.uk 27

MARCIA MAY SHOES 36 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 762699 17b Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 759313

follow us on facebook 28

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Fashion

Photos by Elli Dean

l a delightfu rs e ff o m f Oakha , et town o rk a f charming m o c e ri g to n is ra h a distance.

The with g e in c lk n a e w ri e y exp in eas and shopping es all with u q ti u Mill Street o d b n t a n t e e d e n tr e indep e High S shion and th fa r n fo w o g d in ll v o r cra dly, Take a str to fuel you er by frien ft ty a n le d p e k d o n eing lo you will fi all times b t a , s e ri o tants access and assis rs e n w o l helpfu

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Fashion : Rutland

in Rutland Cavells

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With an impressive stock of over 100 brands to cater for women and men, Cavells takes pride in offering a relaxed environment, complete with complimentary coffee and magazines to enjoy when not browsing their carefully assembled collections. Look out for the inspired window dressings on Mill Street, and don’t forget that around the corner lies Cavells Country; here you will find a sporty and traditional outdoor range that’s no less stylish.

16 Mill Street 01572 7244177, www. cavells.co.uk Cavells Country, The Old Mill Yard, South Street, 01572 772502

duo

Lovingly created by its two founders in 2014, Duo’s ethos is quality style and affordability in women’s fashion and accessories. An intimate and warm atmosphere, coupled with a personal touch makes shopping here relaxed and enjoyable. The recently launched gym range by Fransa is not to be missed!

29A High Street, 01572 722116, www.duoboutique.co.uk

CoCo

At CoCo you will enjoy a large, meticulously selected and exciting range of ladies shoes, bags and jewellery. From heels to flats, clutches to totes, dressy or casual, you will always find something to finish off any outfit.

29 High Street, 01572 757646, www.cocooakham.co.uk

vanilla

This boutique is renowned for helping you find that something for a special occasion. Beyond its traditional shop front is a deceptively large, contemporary and elegant space with a carefully chosen mix of formal and casual wear. With the attractive addition of a large selection of the much loved Dr. Hauschka skincare, this is well worth a visit.

23b Mill Street, 01572 757577, www.vanillaboutique.co.uk

Priddy essentials (Uppingham) Within a short and wonderfully picturesque drive of Oakham, you will find yourself in the beautiful town of Uppingham. Located in a listed Georgian building the quintessentially English High Street, these designer makers combine a passion for new ideas with a healthy respect for time worn products and vintage trades. Produced with great care in artisan studios, the Attire clothing range features only natural fabrics, and products are lovingly made in small quantities by a team using traditional work skills.

25 High Street, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY, 01572 821890, www.priddyessentials.com

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FAShion in e region h t s e r plo fleet ex hion mix g n li il t S fas Sally res the lo p x e and

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eterborough’s City Centre and Westgate Arcade, along with market town Oundle, have a handful of independent businesses offering something different. Finding independent shops offering high fashion for men could not be easier in the newly refurbished Westgate Arcade. A good blend of contemporary fashion fits for a younger more ‘Urban’ guy at clues and a Designer menswear shop, a little further along at maysons.

Designer frames and sunglasses are all wonderfully displayed at the Oculist. Director Gerry Sondh, Rob and the team are always willing to go through the process of updating your look and finding a pair of glasses or sunglasses to suit your face shape – the styles are fabulous!

Photos by Elli Dean

style is a predominantly jewellery business offering costume jewellery, Lovelinks, Nordahl and iMenso jewellery brands. The best-selling scarves and hair accessories are coordinated by colour, this shop always has something to tempt me.

Clothes from asha’s attire and shoes from Cottons

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circles has always been a girl’s best friend for buying pre-owned designer and High Street ladies fashion. Allow plenty of time, the range is extensive to say the least. With a generous selection of fantastic ‘Wedding Outfits’ shoes, bags and jewellery, it’s also a great way to re-cycle your own good quality items but always telephone to make an appointment.

fashion : nene

NeNe Peterbo & Ound rough le NeNe VAlley FAshiON RetAileRs Niro

Asha’s Attire and Asha’s Male Room (with café upstairs) – The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle 01832 275259 louise makes the amazing cakes at Asha’s louisepassam@gmail.com Bohéme (Wansford) Privately owned Vivienne Westwood Boutique Drayton House, London Road, Wansford 01780 784799 www.bohemeclothing.com Clues 2 Westgate Arcade 01733 703546 www.cluesfashion. co.uk

Clues

Asha’s Attire and now Asha’s Men’s Room has evolved in under a year to fill the Bazaar in Oundle with contemporary ‘easy to live with’ ladies and now men’s fashion. Barbara, Tony and her staff are friendly and enthusiastic and you always get a lovely welcome. Sandwich and Brakeburn, Casual Friday to name a few are lovely brands on offer, they also stock Butterfly Twists.The same effortless style of Asha’s Inspired Living continues to go from strength to strength upstairs, where there’s a lovely new café.

Anne is the fourth-generation owner of Cottons in Oundle – established in 1871. A fantastic range of footwear for the whole family is on offer, stocking Paul Green, Gabor, Pikolinos and Rieker and Clarks, plus many more.

Described by many customers as an Aladdin’s cave, Diversity Boutique has stock coming in on a daily basis and some sizes get snapped up quickly. This quirky shop has a lot to offer for men and women.

I can remember buying my first suit in my ‘grown up’ days from Niro when Paul

the Oc

ulist

sold womenswear alongside the designer menswear. The men’s designer labels sold have gone from strength to strength and it still offers a fantastic range of casual wear and suits (you can literally have anything you want!)

Gary and manager Mark at Clues have a great eye for the brands of the moment for the younger Urban man. Gary has introduced some great brands with substantial following on social media including Luke, G Star, Siksilk and Eleven Degrees to name just a few.

Sean is the owner of Maysons and now has three shops in total. He has created an interesting interior to show a clever blend of Vivienne Westwood Man, Paul Smith and Hugo Boss suits alongside Lacoste and Ralph Lauren, there’s something for most ages in here and a well merchandised shop with a helpful manager and team effort.

Cottons 7 Market Place, Oundle 01832 272534 www.cottons-oundle.com Circles of yaxley The Chapel, Chapel Street, Yaxley 01733 242539 www.circlesofyaxley.co.uk Diversity Boutique 2a Osyths Lane, Oundle 01832 270330 Designer leathers 8 Queen Street 01733 348917 www.designerleathers.co.uk John lewis Queensgate Centre 01733 344644 www.johnlewis.com Maysons 27 Westgate Arcade 01733 342347 www.maysons.co.uk the Oculist 24 Westgate Arcade 01733 555621 www.theoculist.com style 17 Westgate Arcade 01733 893393 www.style-accessories.co.uk

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Fashion

fashion : Market harborough

Fashion in Market harborough & stoneygate A visit to Market Harborough offers an enticing mix of mainstream high street chains and independent boutiques. A charming place to discover and explore, this much loved Leicestershire town offers a unique shopping experience, from vintage through to contemporary fashion and accessories.

Market HarborougH

stoneygate

Jacks for WoMen Located on the renowned Church Street, and established 16 years ago, Jacks for Women offers imaginatively put together collections from Europe and Scandinavia.

With a passion for one to one customer service and their ‘here to help’ ethos, customers can enjoy a truly tailored experience.

16 Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7DS, 01858 431396, www. jacksforwomen.co.uk

Take a short drive away from the bustling town of Market Harborough to the leafy Leicestershire suburb of Stoneygate.

Tucked in amongst the large Victorian houses, Francis Street and Allandale Road offer a host of independent boutiques, fabulous eateries and a relaxed cosmopolitan vibe, providing shoppers with a unique experience.

LiMe House Situated in the fabulous Old Town Hall, Lime House is always evolving its selection of women’s brands to create a fresh, en trend range combining independent labels alongside high street brands such as Ted Baker.

Old Town Hall, Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA, 01858 432915 tHe LittLe big bra sHop This award-winning boutique provides a unique service to women of all shapes and sizes. Here you will find an array of designer lingerie, nightwear and swimwear brands. Much more than a bra measuring service, this experienced and committed team afford customers a complete bra fitting experience.

4 Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT, 01858 465592, www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk DoyLes Passionate not just about fashion, but individual style, Doyles has become renowned for spotting emerging and under the radar brands. With new collections arriving for each season, there’s a fresh feel and energy about this boutique you will find enticing.

Old Town Hall, Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA, 01858 433279, www.doylesfashion.co

abiti Keen to provide customers with something different, this stylish boutique offers a handpicked edit of womenswear and accessories from designers all over Europe. An expert eye, friendly styling advice and a beautiful store layout ensure that each customer enjoys a one to one tailored shopping adventure.

21 Francis Street, Stoneygate LE2 2BE, 01162 704379 www.abiti-ladieswear.co.uk kiki & fLeur If you’re of the view that it’s the shoes that make the outfit, then step inside Kiki & Fleur. This gorgeous shop first opened in 2014, fulfilling the need for an independent ladies footwear store in the area and perfectly complements the ladieswear boutiques in Stoneygate.

13 Francis Street, Stoneygate LE2 2BE, 01162 705260 www.kikiandfleur.co.uk With specialised boutiques such as Browns Lingerie (designer lingerie and swimwear) and Betty Brown (creating and designing amazing one-off pieces), Stoneygate is a delightful place to shop and spend time. broWns Lingerie, 35 Francis Street, Stoneygate LE2 2BE 0116 707188 www.brownslingerie.com betty broWn, 36 Francis Street, Stoneygate, LE2 2BE 07713 746010

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health & beauty in stamford AGEING WELL

Genevieve Potter seeks out the experts and the treatments that have been designed to make the ageing process a cause for celebration

elemis aT ivy lodge Elemis is a beauty brand that’s built its entire reputation on anti-ageing skincare and the brand is available to purchase and to experience at The Ivy Lodge, situated at the Stamford Garden Centre.

Photos by Elli Dean

The star products are the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, a formulation that’s won numerous beauty awards and promises to deliver visible results in just 15 days.

The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, a wonderfully indulgent cleansing product, dissolves all traces of make up and surface debris and is formulated with an active base of 100% natural UKgrown oils.

Equlibrium

The equilibrium ulTimaTe anTi-ageing facial Equilibrium now offers combined CACI and radio frequency to deliver what owner Samantha believes is the most potent non-surgical anti-ageing facial available.

The CACI non-surgical facelift system was developed two decades ago and in recent years has advanced considerably. Radio frequency is creating a buzz in the beauty world as it’s proven to stimulate collagen production to keep skin plump. Combine the two regimes and you have a powerful ‘lift and tighten’ regime.

The two hour treatment begins with CACI non-surgical facial toning, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy, after which radio frequency gently heats the deepest skin layer through a hand held machine, without damaging the top epidermis, to stimulate new collagen growth.

I recently tried the facial for myself and whilst it’s not designed to be a relaxing experience (the radio frequency part feels quite ‘gloopy’ as a thick gel is applied to stop excessive heat), I could feel my skin getting a brilliant work out (the CACI stimulates 32 facial muscles to lift and tone). Fast forward a couple of days and I did notice that my skin looked fresher and noticeably tighter and more defined, especially around my jawline.

The combined ultimate anti-ageing facial costs £100 for two hours and a course of treatments is normally recommended.

Special offer - when you mention Essential Living at the time of booking you will receive a complimentary 30-minute massage worth £30 with every ultimate anti-ageing facial – valid until 31st March 2018.

Equilibrium, 7 St. Paul’s Street Stamford PE9 2BE, 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk

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For optimum results, the experienced therapists at The Ivy Lodge offer the Elemis Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial, to visibly reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness from the very first treatment.

The Ivy Lodge, Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, PE9 4BB 01780 766583 www.theivylodge.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAuTy : sTAmford

a uniquE non-suRgiCaL tREatMEnt at fLawLEss BoDy Flawless Body is Stamford’s newest destination for the latest non-surgical treatments, all performed to the highest of standards by their team of experienced, fully qualified Aesthetic Doctors and Aestheticians.

A popular treatment is The ‘Flawless Signature Facial’ delivered by 3D Skintech.

Described as ‘the ultimate results-driven facial’, 3D-Skintech is a clinically tested, multi-functional procedure that combines advanced aesthetic technologies. It’s noninvasive and non-surgical, and can treat a variety of skin concerns.

Utilising 3D-Skintech’s rotational diamond peel microdermabrasion, radio-frequency, mesotherapy and LED phototherapy elements, the team can deliver a programme of treatments to tighten, brighten and lift skin, delivering results with maximum efficiency and no down-time.

Mesotherapy - to break through the resistant barriers of the skin, transporting high concentrations of topical products deep in to the dermis, to hydrate and plump.

LED Phototherapy - prompts skin fibroblasts to produce collagen and stimulates the body’s healing response to damaged cells.

Neeta, the Clinic Director and the team of Aestheticians love this treatment as there is virtually no downtime and the results are outstanding. It costs £125, lasts 90 minutes and to get the best results a course of six is recommended (courses can be booked in advance with a 20% discount).

Flawless Body, 18a Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ, 01780 660301 www.flawlessbody.co.uk

“Seeking the very best antiageing facial in just one treatment has led Renaissance owner Fiona Hood to create her own; the ‘Collagen Lift’ facial.”

Depending on the client’s specific goals it will incorporate some or all of the following technologies: Crystal-free Diamond Rotational Microdermabrasion - a deeply exfoliating system that works to gently remove dead skin and debris, revealing a brighter, clearer complexion.

Radio frequency - penetrates the skin layers, selectively heating the skin tissue and causing an immediate contraction of collagen fibres, whilst accelerating the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. Promotes smoother, healthier and younger looking skin.

CoLLagEn Lift faCiaL at REnaissanCE Seeking the very best anti-ageing facial in just one treatment has led Renaissance owner Fiona Hood to create her own; the ‘Collagen Lift’ facial.

gooD foot hEaLth at toE taLLy Tired, aching feet can be so painful that they cause you to walk in a slightly different way and this can in turn be the cause of knee, hip and back issues in later life.

For the elderly, joints stiffen, skin becomes thinner and the extremities are more prone to be affected by the cold. Properly fitting shoes are vitally important, but caring for

Renaissance

feet throughout every stage of life can significantly improve your overall health.

A routine appointment at Toe Tally (£34) can help each and every client, regardless of life stage, to achieve pain-free feet.

Toe Tally Clinic, 10 High Street St Martin’s (opposite The George Hotel), Stamford PE9 2LF 01780 766991

“Caring for feet throughout every stage of life can significantly improve your overall health.”

It incorporates non surgical face lifting with thermotherapy, cryotherapy, microdermabrasion, light therapy and specialist intensive serums sourced from a range of leading brands, that are introduced into the skin using ultrasound.

The facial is further enhanced up by Medik8, a cosmeceutical line that’s designed to give excellent anti- ageing results at home and in the salon.

The treatment costs £110 or £750 for a course of ten treatments.

Renaissance 2 Mallory Lane Stamford PE9 2AZ 01780 763768 www. renaissancebeauty.co.uk 37

Garie Nigel Hairwork

20% off for all new clients

7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL 01780 482 888 francescaalexander.co.uk

Opening Hours: Tue - Sat 9am - 8pm Some things in life are worth waiting for... now long hair doesn’t have to be one of them HAIR EXTENSIONS @ Garie Nigel Hairwork 6 Silver Lane . Stamford . 01780 751511

www.garienigelhairwork.co.uk

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(subject to variation)

falexanderhair francescaalexanderhairandbeauty

Advertisement Feature

MICROBLADING AT EQUILIBRIUM It doesn’t matter if you like them arched and feathered or straight and bold, eyebrows are arguably the most important facial feature. If you’re not satisfied with the ones you have, then Equilibrium’s new Microblading treatment may just be the answer for you.

E

quilibrium have recently launched the Microblading technique for brows.

Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo, created using a tool with a series of tiny needles. Unlike traditional permanent make up techniques, it gives a more natural result and Equilibrium’s owner Samantha answers some of your questions; WHAT IS MICROBLADING? Eyebrow microblading is known by several names, including microstroking, micropigmentation, eyebrow embroidery, eyebrow feathering, and 3D eyebrows.

Although the names differ, the procedure is the same. Microblading fills in sparse areas of your natural brow, which is done by using a very fine blade to deposit pigments into the dermal layer of the skin. The result is a natural, real life looking hair stroke.

IS MICROBLADING PERMANENT? Microblading is not permanent. The results from microblading have semi permanent qualities for two reasons. First, the pigment used for microblading has an iron oxide base rather than a carbon base that is used for permanent cosmetics. Second, microblading pigment is not implanted into the skin as deep when compared to permanent cosmetic procedures.

DOES MICROBLADING FADE AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? Microblading tends to fade gradually over time, so a touch up is recommended 12 months after the initial microblading which keeps the colour of each microstroke looking vibrant. The variation in time is determined by lifestyle, sun exposure and skin type.

Someone with an oilier skin type tends to experience results that fade quicker compared to someone with a drier skin type.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The average microblading appointment lasts at least two and a half hours. Nothing is ever rushed during your microblading

appointment because the results are a semi permanent eyebrow tattoo that stays on your face for an extended period of time.

We insist on being thorough and taking the time to provide the most beautiful, natural looking brows possible.

DOES IT HURT? Keeping in mind that pain is subjective, some clients say they experience a little discomfort during Microblading. Any pain that was experienced has been compared to the feeling of a light scratch with minimal discomfort. We use a specialised technique to apply a topical anesthetic to provide a more comfortable microblading experience.

“I was also very impressed with the pre-treatment and aftercare healing instructions given to me by Equilibrium (for example, you can’t get your brows wet for five days after the procedure).

Gwen made sure I fully understood everything.

“I couldn’t be any happier with the result, I would recommend this treatment to anyone thinking about it. My new brows look amazing and I will definitely go back to Gwen for Microblading in the future, to keep them looking this good!”

Stamford Living reader Heather Smith was fortunate to win Equilibrium’s Microblading launch competition, and recently underwent something of a transformation in the skilled hands of Microblade Artist Gwen. She told us;

“I was never happy with my brows, thanks to years of over-plucking and waxing in the wrong areas! I also wanted to save the time I spent trying to fill in and shape my brows. After seeing some of Gwen’s client photos, I knew they would look good (although with anything like this you can’t help but worry slightly). I needn’t have - we went through each stage of preparation very carefully, making sure I was happy with the colour I wanted, the shapes I liked and how they looked on me.

“My new brows were very precisely drawn on and measured for my face (Gwen explained that faces are not symmetrical). The process itself was a little uncomfortable, a bit like a very light scratching sensation, but I had expected that and was made to feel reassured and comfortable throughout the two and a bit hours that it took.

Microblading for brows at Equilibrium costs £435, which includes the initial consultation and sensitivity test, Microblading procedure and a retouch appointment four to six weeks later.

• Equilibrium, 7 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford.

Lincs. PE9 2BE. Tel: 01780 757579 Email: info@equilibriumstamford.co.uk Website: www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk Opening Hours Monday - 9am – 5:30pm Tuesday - 9am – 7pm Wednesday - 9am – 5:30pm Thursday - 9am – 9pm Friday - 9am – 5:30pm Saturday - 9am – 5pm Sunday - CLOSED microbladingstamford

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great looking hair keRaTin STRaighTening aT fRanCeSCa alexandeR PeRfeCT bRowS aT naTalie damS beauTy

Photos by Elli Dean

As you age, brows tend to be sparser and less defined (particularly if they have been over-plucked). Defined, natural looking brows can help to shape the face and open up the eyes for a fresher, more youthful look Electrolysis & Skincare Studio

Skin Tag Removal aT eSC STudio Skin tags are unsightly and ageing skin lesions often found around areas of friction such as, the eyes, neck, under arms and between the legs. They can be safely and effectively treated using Advanced Electrolysis techniques.

HDBrow is a seven-step, precise brow shaping treatment involving a combination of techniques that include tinting, waxing and threading, using specialist HDBrow products. (please note a patch test is required prior to treatment)

Ageing hair can be hard to tame, but the global keratin straightening and smoothing hair care system at Francesca Alexander promises to smooth and revitalize hair for up to five months. This is not a chemical treatment, but instead uses a high concentration of a keratin compound, Juvexin, to leave hair healthier, bouncier and much quicker to style. Prices start from £60 for a one-hour treatment.

Francesca Alexander’s beauty team offer the Dermalogica ‘age smart’ skin treatment, using skin mapping to tailor a facial regime to each client’s unique skin type. One of the hero products from

Natalie Dams Beauty, 13a St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE 9 www.nataliedamsbeauty.com

Carolyn Claypole, owner of the Electrolysis & Skincare Studio, is an electrologist specialist and member of The British Institute & Association of Electrolysis, with over 22 years clinical practice. For the past 15 years Carolyn has been the International Head Trainer for Sterex Electrolysis Ltd, the leading training provider for Advanced Electrolysis.

Carolyn welcomes new clients and offers a free consultation – please get in touch to book and to find out more.

Electrolysis & Skincare Studio, George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 01780 763620 www.escstudio.co.uk

A NAturAL fAcELift At BE WELL MASSAgE & HoLiStic BEAuty This precise and deeply relaxing all-natural facial from Lynsey Saker at Be Well Massage & Holistic Beauty helps to ease away fine lines with a wonderful massage of the face, pressure points and décolletage. It has been designed to counter the effects of pollution, using gentle but effective lymphatic drainage. It gives a visibly lifted, refreshed result when carried out regularly (recommended treatment is once a fortnight, followed by monthly top ups).

Essential Living readers can ‘buy five get the sixth free’ for the natural facelift treatment, (£45), when mentioning Essential Living at the time of booking (offer is subject to availability).

Be Well Massage & Holistic Beauty, Mojo, 1a Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL 01780 757070/ 07861 732792 www.bewellmassage.co.uk

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the ‘age smart’ range is the multivitamin power exfoliant, containing lactic acid and vitamins A, C and E to instantly renew skin cells, revealing a fresher and smother complexion. A one-hour facial costs £60.

New clients receive 20% off their first hair or beauty treatment. Please mention Essential Living at the time of booking.

Francesca Alexander, 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL 01780 482888 www.francescaalexander.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAuTy : sTAmford

Also recommended by Essential Living:

FuLLER HAIR AT GERARdS Jayne and the team at Gerards have established a great reputation for treating thinning hair and recommend the Aveda Invati range to many of their clients.

Invati is a three-step system. Exfoliating shampoo removes any build up and renews the scalp, a thickening conditioner mimics the hair’s building blocks to weightlessly thicken hair, and a scalp revitalizer spray containing Ayurvedic herbs is proven to keep the hair that you have for longer.

For men, Gerards also offer a fast, colour blend service that can be added on to regular cuts in just five minutes. It subtly blends away grey hair for a subtle more youthful look.

The Broad Street Practice Treatments include: Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy,Traditional Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Women’s Health & Couples Fertility, Nutritional Therapy, Private GP – Tablet Avoiding Doctor, Western Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy), Remedial & Sports Massage, Exercise Rehabilitation, Reflexology & Bowen Technique, Counselling for Young People, Play Therapy for Children & Families,Skin Camouflage Services 20-21 Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PG 01780 480889 www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk Glen-Eden Medical If you’re considering aesthetic treatments, a consultation at Glen Eden Medical Centre is a sensible first step. The highly qualified team can provide leading edge treatments that are precisely tailored for each client including wrinkle relaxing injections and facial fillers, and tattoo removal. The Market Cross Surgery, Corby Glen NG33 4BB, 01476 550056 www.Glen-Edenmedical.co.uk

Gerards, George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 2LB 01780 753002 www.gerardhair-beauty.co.uk

The Reflexology Studio A peaceful haven tucked away in a leafy suburb of Stamford.

Owner Laura Donaldson offers one of the world’s oldest, wonderfully rejuvenating therapies for mind and body. Tinwell Road Lane, Stamford, 07584 901949 www.thereflexologystudio.co.uk

OPTIMuM COndITIOn AT GARIE nIGEL HAIRwORk

Belifehappy Reiki and holistic massage Emma Lannigan is a talented coach, Reiki and holistic massage therapist based in Market Deeping. Emma Lannigan, belifehappy, 07508 246266 www.emmalannigan.com

Most services offered by Garie Nigel Hairwork are suitable for of all their clients, whether young or more mature.

Olaplex is ideal for those clients whose hair is feeling dry and dull from years of colouring or has been thermally damaged by hair straighteners. Olaplex helps to rebuild bonds in the hair, strengthening the structure and adding significant shine.

It can be applied in the salon and can be taken home as a follow up treatment too.

Olaplex makes a huge difference to those clients who have their hair coloured regularly, as it can be added to the colour or bleach before application, or just applied as a stand-alone treatment when coming in for a cut and finish or a blow dry.

And for those clients who want to maintain the condition and integrity of their natural hair colour, grey is very ‘on trend’ at the moment!

Olaplex costs £30 as an addon to any colour, cut or blow dry service at Garie Nigel.

Garie Nigel Hairwork, 6 Silver Lane Stamford PE9 2BT 01780 751511 www. garienigelhairwork.co.uk

Jonny Hands at Inner Body Balance A brilliant sports and remedial massage professional, who is based within Stamford’s Fusion 3 Fitness centre. 07879 368074 www.fusion3fitness.co.uk Chameleon A gorgeous boutique just a short stroll from the George Hotel.

Chameleon is home to some of the world’s premier beauty brands, including Caudalíe and Delilah cosmetics. The place to go if you’re in need of beauty advice, Chameleon’s staff are exceptionally helpful. 5 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 755405 www.chameleonboutique.co.uk Body Matters One of Stamford’s friendliest salons, Kirsten and the team are experts in dermalogica skin care and massage. 1 Brownlow Street, Stamford PE9 2EL, 01780 270002 www.bodymattersstamford.co.uk Élan Hair Studio Tucked away in Silver Lane, the salon specialises in the superbly nourishing ‘Moroccan Oil’ range of products and treatments, that are excellent for mature hair.

1A Silver Lane, Stamford PE9 2BT 01780 767700 * All details and prices are correct at the time of going to press.

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sta mford’s deluxe salon El emis facial & body treatments - Stamford’s only Elemis salon Experien ced team of therapists Open 7 days a week and until 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Complimentary car parking

View our Treatment Menu and book online or via our free app ‘The Ivy Lodge’

w w w. t h e i v y l o d g e . c o . u k o r c a l l 0 1 7 8 0 7 6 6 5 8 3 The Ivy Lodge I Stamford Garden Centre I Great Casterton I Stamford I PE9 4BB

Advertisement Feature

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of élan Hair Studio, a beautiful salon located on Silver Lane in Stamford.

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élan Hair Studio, 1A Silver Lane, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2BT Tel: 01780 767700 Open Mon 9.30am - 4.30pm, Tue 9am – 6pm, Wed 9am – 5pm, Thur 9am – 7pm, Fri 8.30am – 7pm, Sat 8.30am – 3pm, Sun-closed

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health & beauty in Rutland SalON Spy

Catherine Varney goes behind the scenes of her favourite local beauty salons and talks to the teams who tend to the tresses and skincare needs of Rutland residents

Photos by Elli Dean

Creme

Creme Hair and Beauty

One of the longest-standing hair and beauty businesses in Rutland, Creme is situated in a beautiful light and airy converted church on Mill Street, making this a truly relaxing place to enjoy a pampering experience. Chris Gunby launched the business in 1996 with just one apprentice; fast forward 21 years and the salon now boasts an incredible 32 members of staff. Chris told me: “In addition to Redken and Kerastase professional hair products, we have recently taken on Pureology, a sulphate-free range with an anti-fade complex which is perfect for coloured hair. We also offer adhesive-free Nano ring hair extensions, and Olaplex deep conditioning treatments which repair and restructure broken bonds within the hair. On the beauty side we are an Espa accredited salon, offering the full range of facial & body treatments, together with Jessica nails, Mii mineral make-up and St Tropez tanning. And as we’re here 6 days a week and until 8pm on a Thursday, we’re always around to ensure our clients look and feel great.”

Barnsdale spa

Love the idea of being pampered in beautiful surroundings? Then Barnsdale Spa is a must-visit when you’re in Rutland. A popular destination for bridal hair and makeup, the team at the spa also offer an extensive range of hair and beauty treatments including Jessica nailcare, Mii make-up, CaCI facials and their newest addition: ESPA face and body treatments. The high-end skincare brand is already proving to be very popular with clients who love the skin solutions and age defying facials as well as the body scrubs, detox wraps and the ‘piece de resistance’; the ESPA back, face and scalp treatment. The team at Barnsdale told me: “all of the products are packed with beautiful natural blends of essential oils and natural carrier oils. Each treatment is specifically designed and tailored to each individual client’s concerns and needs by using sensory testing, carried out by our highly trained therapists.”

Creme

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HEALTH & BEAuTy : RuTLAnd

Also recommended:

THomAs HAirdressing

This local hair salon business has gone from strength to strength since opening in a small unit in Oakham five years ago.

Owned by Thomas Potts who trained under Michael Van Clarke in London’s West End, his vision was to bring London standard hairdressing to our small rural county – and he’s certainly achieved that and more! Three further salons have followed and Thomas now employs a hugely creative and diverse team, offering superb cutting techniques, colouring, Brazilian blowdry treatments and extensive wedding hair services.

Still being incredibly hands-on with the business, Thomas has also developed his own product range for specific hair types which is used in high end hotels across the country. Thomas told me: “I will always be the first one there in the morning and the last to leave because my passion for hairdressing is still as strong

langham Body & Beauty studio Nicola Harrold has a lovely salon set in the grounds of her home in Langham.

With none of the problems associated with town centre parking, this is a great choice for anyone who wants a relaxing, hassle-free appointment. Using cult British brand Katherine Daniels skincare, Nicola tailors her facials to the client’s individual skin type and lifestyle for optimum results. Also available are Jessica manicures and pedicures, electrolysis, St Tropez tanning and the ‘Drop a dress size’ body treatment, comprising a course of re-sculpting body treatments for noticeable inch loss. today as ever. Whilst it sounds a bit of a cliché, the team I have working alongside me inspire me to keep striving for bigger and better things; I am excited to see what the future brings.”

ellique

The lovely ladies at Ellique are popular for their friendly and welcoming approach to clients, both old and new. Julianne and her team have been situated on South Street in Oakham for the last 5 years and have quickly made a name for themselves as THE place to go for gel nails due to their magnificent range of OPI colours and luxury pedicure station, which is central to the salon. But they also have much more to offer as salon owner Julianne explained: “Our Decleor facials are some of our most popular treatments as they are tailored to suit all skin types and we’ve just introduced a new CACI anti-ageing eye treatment which is already a big hit. Plus the girls and I have recently completed our training for LVL lashes and love doing this amazing lash lift and tint on our clients.” Make-up brands include New CID cosmetics and in the Gaol Street shop, customers can purchase Barry M, Mad Beauty and ethical brand Myddfai. elique

olive Tanning and Beauty Whilst they’re known as the county’s top destination for sunbeds and spray tanning, Olive has so much more to offer than that! Owner Janine Donlan and her team offer a wide range of services including a brand new Microblading clinic with the talented brow artist, Claire Elizabeth. Friendly therapist Gilly Booth has appointments for Shellac gel nails and eyelash extensions whilst brow expert Rebecca Tidd offers Gelish nails, ‘Red carpet’ Ilah brows and a whole host of waxing services. Finally, if relaxation is more your style then Jane Sumner can bring some peace and tranquillity to your life with her massages and holistic therapies.

Aroha Beauty House Lottie Davies and mum Sarah have opened the newest addition to Uppingham High Street with their fabulous beauty house, offering Rutland residents a little slice of luxury. Lottie is internationally trained in waxing and offers a full range of waxing services for men and women, as well as lash and brow treatments, facials using Botanicals products plus Swedish massages.

And if you’re after something a little different, you’ll find it here: luxurious bath treatments in their hydrotherapy room; choose from Skin Nourishing Honey, Invigorating Lemon and Pure Relaxation Rose.

direcTory creme Hair and Beauty, The Old Church, 8 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, 01572 723823, www.cremehairandbeauty.co.uk Ellique, 55 South Street, Oakham, LE15 6BG, 01572 723950 Barnsdale spa, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB, 01572771313, www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Thomas Hairdressing, The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, 01572 756561, www.thomashairdressing .co.uk langham Body and Beauty studio, 12 Cold Overton Road, Langham, LE15 7J, 07917 672815, www.body-and-beauty.co.uk olive Tanning & Beauty studio, 5&6 Crown Walk, LE15 6BZ, Oakham, 01572 755750 Aroha Beauty House, 43 High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PY, 01572 822853, www.arohabeautyhouse.com 45

Clinical Reflexology

Restore your body’s balance naturally.

Conditions that reflexology can help with are: • Anxiety • Asthma • Depression • Hormone imbalances

• IBS • Infertility • Lymphoedema • Migraines

• MS • Sleep disorders • Stress And many more...

Tinwell Road Lane, Stamford, by appointment only m: 07584 901 949 e: Laura@TheReflexologyStudio.co.uk www.TheReflexologyStudio.co.uk

HOLLY ELIZABETH

Health Therapy Health & Beauty Health& &Beauty Beauty Therapy Therapy

Beauty

2 Mallory lane, StaMford 22M Mallory allory l lane ane,, SStaMford taMford t tel el.. 01780 01780763768 763768 tel. 01780 763768

Some Some of of the the most most trusted trusted names names in in beauty... beauty... all all under under one one roof. roof.

Established 23 years.

Specialist in high tec and aesthetic treatments and cosmeceutical products for exceptional results.

Specialists Specialists in in hi hi tech tech treatments treatments and and cosmeceuticals cosmeceuticals www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk renaissancestamford

THE ULTIMATE BRIDAL PRE-WEDDING PACKAGE:

Full set of Lash Perfect Lash extensions Set of gel nails - Eyebrow wax and tint Full body Kissed By Mii exfoliation and tan - And a glass of bubbly!

Only £95 (Worth over £120) This package can be tailored to suit your special day.

Grooms treatments also available!

The Cutting Co. I Stamford I 01780 763331 I hollycody@hotmail.co.uk

STAMFORD YOGA Classical Hatha Yoga

Calm your mind,

Beginner Level Yoga

relieve anxiety.

Power Yoga Slow Flow Yoga Yoga for Stress Relief

Gain greater flexibility,

Yoga For Abs

strength,

Aerobic Yoga

muscle tone,

Yoga With The Ball ‘Long & Lean’ Power Stretch Pilates Workshops / Intensives & much more !

Finding stillness in a fast paced world…

stamina & focus 12 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PG Mob: 07738 272474 Website: www.stamfordyoga.co.uk Email: info@stamfordyoga.co.uk

46

Is it time to re-discover your hearing?

Missing the odd word during the conversation?

Having to turn the TV up?

If these situations sound familiar you may benefit from a free hearing assessment.

Healthy Hearing are your local hearing experts. With many years of experience we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive hearing healthcare service and finding the best solutions for your needs.

Call us for: • Free expert hearing advice • Free lifestyle hearing assessments • Free trials of the latest digital hearing aid technology • Home visits available

Call us today for your FREE hearing assessment

0800 298 7261 Oakham Hearing Centre, 17b Gaol Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AQ Stamford Hearing Centre, No 1 The Old Police House, Cliff Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1AB

With our help your hearing can only get better.

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health & beauty in nene balance

beauty best at elysia Elysia Health and Beauty is in the picturesque village of Tansor- and offers a comprehensive range of beauty and holistic treatments. Owner Lisa Claypole is passionate about bringing the latest treatments to her clients giving the very best results in skin and body care. Lisa says “we strive to keep up to date with the latest technologies that really work and use products such as Environ, CACI and Obaji”. Clients travel to the salon from miles around to take advantage of Lisa’s expertise in face and body treatments.

balance

Balance Mind and Therapy Centre recently opened in Oundle by Pilates expert Aleksandra Stanton-King with studios on hand for one-to one and small group sessions focussing on core stability helping clients achieve a balanced and aligned body. The studios are impressively equipped with a Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel and plenty of smaller aids.

The centre is ideal for everyone including rehab patients, athletes and avid exercisers.

The centre also has Helen Shardlow on hand, a medical herbalist who uses the ancient tradition of plant-based medicine. Helen explains “it is particularly well suited to treating chronic and recurring conditions such as digestive and hormonal disorders as well as conditions such as stress, emotional issues and digestive disorders”. Physiotherapy is also available at the centre and therapists work alongside each other to give clients treatment tailor made for them.

Balance is at 36A Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4AJ. 01832 272927

abulous Facials

Lesley Spencer and her team at the Chaelis Clinic in Lowick, near Kettering offer a wide range of non-invasive yet highly effective facial and beauty treatments. “Our facials not only add a glow, depth and luminosity to your skin, but they can also treat a variety of skin problems including the signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation, acne and balancing for oily skin and rehydrating dry and mature skins,” says Lesley.

Facials include radio frequency and High frequency ultrasound to firm skin on face, neck and décolletage. Courses of treatments are recommended.

For more information contact Chaelis Clinic, Sten Beren, Main Street, Lowick, Kettering, Northants, NN14 3BH 01832 733811 www.chaelis.co.uk

lasting Results

The Body Laser Clinic in Peterborough and Cambridge is run by medical professional Dr Jonathan Lenihan and treatments are always administered by fully qualified medical staff who will advise on procedures to help you get the most lasting results for your concerns.

Treatments on offer include Laser hair removal, facial treatments, vein removal, acne therapy, rosacea pigmentation treatment as well as Botox, Restylane, Juvederm Voluma, Sculptra injections plus many others.

For more information contact The Body Laser Clinic, 60 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1SU 01733 555200 Bodylaser.co.uk 48

Some of the latest treatments on offer include the BTL Exilis Elite that uses monopolar radio frequency and ultrasound energy for permanent results in fat reduction and skin tightening, Venus Viva for firmer tighter skin, reduction in lines and overall skin health with minimal down time and the latest technology in laser treatment for hair removal, facial and leg veins, Rosacea, brown spots, skin tightening, toe nail fungus, verrucae and warts.

The salon also offers injectable treatments, holistic, LCN Nails, manicures, lash extensions, LVL lashes and intimate waxing. Sports massage and nutritional advice is also available.

Elysia Aesthetic and Laser Clinic, Tansor, Oundle, 01832 226328 or 07879 620196 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

HEALTH & BEAuTy : NENE

alwalton Hall

Photo by Chris Rawlings

Prestons HealtH Care

a new exPerienCe in BeautY and wellness Alwalton Hall opened its doors in Spring 2017 as a Beauty and Wellness Spa – set in five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. Alwalton Hall promises a ‘wow’ experience for clients, facilities include a 15m outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace and a wide range of beauty and wellness treatments including the latest CACI non-surgical antiageing treatments, waxing, facials, pedicures and manicures, and massage. The Hall offers clients full and half day packages complete with lunch and afternoon tea boasts five specially themed treatment rooms for ultimate pampering and plenty of relaxation areas. Alwalton Hall, Church Street, Alwalton, Peterborough PE7 3UN www.alwaltonhall.com 01733 391166

tHe aviCenna exPerienCe Avicenna Clinic is an independent, consultant-led private healthcare practice, opened this year in a Grade II listed building on North Street, Peterborough. Lead Consultant Dr Hany Elmadbouh says: “Being a consultant-owned practice helps the clinic to focus on providing patients with the very highest level of medical care”.

The clinic is a Centre of Excellence specialising in minimally invasive surgery, imaging and image-guided intervention techniques. The clinic also provides Hitachi Open MRI facilities, the first and only open MRI scanner in East Anglia, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire.

Patients can book their own consultations, or ask their GP for a referral. Dr Elmadbough says the clinic offers a host of services that can be viewed online with top specialisms including pain management, and anaesthesia, plastic and general surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, oral, maxillofacial and dental care and vascular surgery.

Incorporating state-of-the art facilities and the highest level of expertise, the Avicenna Clinic offers personalised, responsive care within a serene and relaxing environment. A same-day online booking and treatment management system creates a new experience in health care.

The clinic offers a variety of conventional and complementary practitioners – consultants are leaders in their fields and appear on the General Medical Council Specialist register.

For more information contact The Avicenna Clinic, 1 North Street, Peterborough PE1 2RA 0330 2020597 www.avicennaclinic.com

Meditation Stop Worrying and Start Living is a positive message to us all and the Drolma Buddhist Centre in Peterborough offers courses and workshops in Peterborough and Stamford helping people to meditate with practical advice on replacing worry and uncertainties with positive constructive attitudes to give a balanced and peaceful mind.

For more information contact Sue Gunn, Drolma Buddhist Centre, 26 Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough, PE1 3PG 01733 755444; e-mail info@drolmacentre.org.uk; www.meditateinpeterborough.org.uk

Based at Thorpe Wood Peterborough, Prestons has a long and successful history in Peterborough, not only offering treatment for pain, Helen Preston and her team work with clients to find the root cause of a condition giving patients the confidence to keep moving and manage their condition. The clinic is ideally situated next to Virgin Active which means there are plenty of facilities on hand to work with clients. Helen says “we are able to take advantage of the gym equipment and use the swimming for rehabilitation and also offer Podiatry and Sports Massage. Prestons, Thorpe Wood Business Park, Longthorpe, Peterborough PE3 6SB 01733 565911 www.prestonshealth.co.uk

Feet First at insteP Podiatrist Sue Arnold says on her website “No nail, toe or foot is too horrible, we have seen worse!” Healthy feet don’t hurt and painful feet are a misery, if you need routine treatment, or something more complex contact Sue and her team for an appointment. In Step was established in 2001 and provides treatment in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a clinic in Wansford and at Prestons Health Care. “We can treat heel pain, and offer nail surgery for a permanent solution to ingrown nails, and treat Veruccae, fungal and diabetic foot conditions. Orthotics and Acupuncture is also available.”

For more information contact Sue Arnold BSc (Hons) at Instep, 19 Elton Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JD 01780 783982 www.instepfootclinic.co.uk

YoGa Yoga is great for stress relief as well as an exercise system giving muscle strength bringing health and harmony to our bodies keeping the spine well aligned, joints flexible and a boosted immune system.

Stamford Yoga offer classes and private tuition for all levels in their Stamford Studios as well as sessions in Castor and Eastrea. For more information contact: Stamford Yoga Ltd, 12 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, Pe9 1PG 07738 272474 info@stamfordyoga.co.uk

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Gift Vouchers Available

Is pain restricting your lifestyle?

We can help you get the best out of life with our fabulous Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Sports Massage Team!

Call today on 01733 565911

or visit us at www.prestonshealth.co.uk OUR NEW BESPOKE CLINIC NOW OPEN AT VIRGIN ACTIVE HEALTH AND RACQUETS CLUB IN THORPE WOOD, PETERBOROUGH AND ALSO WITHIN OUNDLE GP SURGERY

FOCUS ON FEET! Chiropody/Podiatry • Treatment for Various Skin & Nail Conditions • Budget Toe Nail Cutting • Free Foot Care Advice • Hard Skin Removal • Painful Corns • Verruca Treatments Home • Simple & Casted Visits Available Orthotic Design • Diabetic Foot Care For further information, call Sheryl on:

BodyLaser Clinics

• Laser Hair Removal

• Vein Treatments

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• Botox and Fillers

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60 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SU Tel. (01733) 555200

71 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AB Tel. (01223) 464171

BodyLaser.co.uk 50

Before

After

Before

After

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Skin - Body - Beauty ELYSIA - “Good things come in small packages”. Set in a beautiful, discreet and tranquil setting, this is the salon for those in the know. With our small expert team we pride ourselves on superior service and treatments in our chic and glamorous salon.

EXPERIENCE AND ADVICE - We aim to offer the most effective face, body and beauty solutions. Proven technology with impressive results. Tailor made, bespoke treatment plans just for you.

and Skin Health by Dr Zein Obagi.

This dermatology skincare range has revolutionised skin care.

We can treat anti-ageing, pigmentation, rosacea and acne.

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY LASER to treat Hair Removal, Veins, Pigmentation and Skin Rejuvenation

BEAUTY - Be relaxed and pampered.

We offer all beauty treatments including CACI and Environ Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, LCN Sculptured Nails, Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Lash Extensions, LVL Lashes, Intimate Waxing and Make-up

BODY SCULPTING & PERMANENT FAT LOSS - Ultrasound, Radio Frequency, Fat Reduction, Skin Tightening, Cellulite, Shockwave Therapy. Using the most advanced non-surgical technology.

FACE - Ultrasound, Radio Frequency, HIFU, Fractional, Skin Peels, Micro Needling, LED, CACI, Environ, ZO Medical

WHAT’S NEW? - We now offer PRP Face Treatments, Mesotherapy, Advanced Skin Peels, Muscle Relaxing Injections, Fillers and Vaginal Tightening.

Elysia Aesthetic Laser Clinic I Tansor, Oundle.

Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196 I www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY IN MARKET HARBOROUGH SIGNATURE SALON TREATMENTS

l’Homme

Catherine Varney asks her favourite Market Harborough salons to divulge their most popular beauty treatments of all time

L’HOMME GENTLEMAN’S GROOMING LOUNGE: This gentleman’s barber is the new kid on the block and enjoyed an opening night in April which was attended by Aston Merrygold from JLS! Exclusive, luxurious and very high end, it is the brainchild of Salon Director Eleni Ioannou, a barber with a wealth of experience, having learnt advanced cutting techniques as well as detailed scissor and clipper work at the London School of barbering. signature treatment: Royal L’ Homme Wet Shave with signature facial, £35 Eleni told me: “This facial is a really popular choice because the products we use are all from the Tom Ford Men’s skincare range. We start off by using a cleanser to clean the skin and prepare it for exfoliating, before using the energising exfoliation scrub to remove all dead skin which leaves it feeling fresh and clean. We finish up with oil free moisturiser, and throughout the treatment, continually use the face steamer to keep the pores open to get a deeper clean.” This hour of pure relaxation and pampering is served alongside a background of unlimited sports on television and your favourite tipple brought to your chair: bliss!

NAOMI NAILS & BEAUTY: One of the biggest and most established beauty salons in Market Harborough, Naomi and her team are renowned for being at the cutting edge of beauty treatments. Offering expert endorsed skincare range Environ as well as extensive nail services with OPI, Shellac & Minx, LVL lashes and HD Brows, IPL skin

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rejuvenation and a wide range of Elemis face and body treatments. signature treatment: The Elemis Absolute Spa Ritual, £89 Described as two hours of pure relaxation, The Elemis Spa Ritual combines a unique Elemis Advanced anti-ageing or skin solutions facial with the powerful effects of a deep tissue muscle massage. The anti-ageing facials use a potent mix of high-performance ingredients to deliver outstanding results: increasing skin smoothness, rejuvenating skin tone and texture, increasing moisture levels and elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for younger, more luminous looking skin. Skin solutions facials are particularly suited to clients who would benefit from skin rebalancing: reducing sebum levels, decreasing redness and irritation whilst regenerating skin cells and boosting radiance.

HEALTH & BEAuTy : MArkET HArBorougH

Head Candy

MOKO SALON AND SPA: Having recently joined forces with the team from The Beauty Manor, this well established town centre hair salon and spa have a huge beauty offering including Aveda face and body treatments, Lycon hot wax, HD brows, nail services and full wedding packages to include make-up and hair services.

Signature treatment: Bespoke Aveda ritual, from £35 to £65

HEAD CANDY HAIR SALON: Situated just off the bustling high street, the team at this popular and friendly salon have been tending to the tresses of Market Harborough’s residents for the past 14 years. They offer fabulous colour services

by Wella and are exclusive stockists of System Professional hair care system with energy coding; a new method of diagnosing individual hair profiles for a completely personalised approach to hair care. The highly professional team are led by salon manager Leah Burnell and regularly have in-salon training from top Wella technicians and attend courses at renowned academy salons including London-based Hob and Sanrizz.

As the name implies, the Aveda rituals are completely customised to each client based on time and budget available.

Clients can choose a treatment time from 45 minutes up to 1hr 45 minutes and after a consultation, the therapist will recommend a facial and massage experience that is tailored to the client’s needs. Aveda products are plant based and over 97% naturally derived and designed to work on all of the senses to instil calm and relaxation. Treatment options include hot stone and stress-fix body massages, and facials that take a botanical approach to treating and improving skin clarity and blemishes whilst aiming to lift skin, reduce wrinkles and improve tone, texture and appearance.

Signature treatment: Colour Contouring, POA. Salon Manager Leah Burnell explained this new colour trend: “Influenced by the current makeup trend of contouring, optical illusions are created in the hair using colour, cut and texture. Contouring is a hand crafted colour technique adapted to the face shape to enhance facial features by placement of colour that transforms any look. It is tailor made to each client using different shades and tones to create the deception of light and shade, complimenting individual skin tone and eye colour.”

THE CHAELIS CLINIC: Based in Lowick, Kettering, Clinical Director Lesley Spencer offers cutting edge aesthetic treatments for face and body as well as semi-permanent make-up. Some of the technologically advanced treatments include anti-ageing PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma blood) facials, Dermapen Micro needling, Thermavein treatments, Cryolipolysis fat freezing, Cavitation fat reduction and non-surgical vaginal tightening.

Signature treatment: HIFU face lift, £800 Hifu (high intensity focused ultrasound) works by delivering focused ultrasound at 1.5mm, 3mm and 4.5mm to the underlying skin tissues. As the energy goes through the skin and tissues, it generates heat up to 65 degrees - this causes immediate contraction of collagen fibres and stimulates fibroblast action resulting in the formation of new collagen and elastin; in turn resulting in further skin tightening and lifting and a reduction in lines and wrinkles. The depths reached by Hifu are the same depth that a plastic surgeon would work at; however, unlike surgery, Hifu is non-invasive and causes no damage to the skin’s surface.

DIRECTORY: L’Homme Gentleman’s Grooming Lounge, 19 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2DA 0116 270 7000 www.lhommegrooming.co.uk Naomi Nails and Beauty, 14 Manor Walk, Market Harborough LE16 9BP 01858 657001 www.naominailsbeauty.co.uk Moko Salon & Spa, 2 Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA 01858 432525 www.mokohair.co.uk Head Candy, 26 Church Street, Market Harborough LE16 7AA 01858 464395 www.headcandy-mh.com The Chaelis Clinic, Sten Beren, Main Street, Lowick, Kettering NN14 3BH 01832 733811 www.chaelis.co.uk

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Market Harborough Inspirational hairdressing from traditional to contemporary cutting & styling.

Specialists in couture colour.

Experience the alchemy of care, colour & style.

HEAD CANDY Wella Premium Salon

Book your appointment Call 01858 464395 www.headcandy-mh.com 26 Church Street, Market Harborough @HeadCandyMH

/headcandyMH

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01780 480 881 01733 459 907

Oak House Residential Care Home for the Elderly

INDEPENDENT CARE ADVICE

We will all need to think about care options and how we can fund them at some point in our lives. The Care Advice Centre offers independent, no jargon, advice on care and funding issues.

It is vital that the most cost effective method of funding care fees are considered. Such planning will give peace of mind that the available capital will last as long as possible.

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE

Are you feeling like you need a break?

Respite & long term care available Call or email now To request a brochure or for more information

please telephone us on 01572 812647 or e-mail us on info@oakhouse-carehome.co.uk

www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk Pond Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7NW

You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if you have care needs. You don’t actually have to receive help from a carer because Attendance Allowance is based on the help you need, not the help you actually get. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested.

NHS CONTINUING HEALTHCARE FUNDING You may be able to claim NHS continuing healthcare funding if you have a complex, progressive health care need. This is funding from the NHS. If you are found eligible, it can pay all of your care fees, whether you are at home or in a care home. NHS continuing healthcare is not means-tested.

For more details please contact Aleisha: T: 01572 720705 M: 07766 490473 Email: info@care-advice-centre.co.uk 55

Helping You Cope WitH Care Aleisha White

appropriate alternative to a care home for example.

What is the best way for families to avoid a crisis?

Photo by Elli Dean

If you are caring for an elderly person, arm yourself with plenty of information.

Forward planning is vital to make sure that individual wishes are carried out and assets are protected as much as possible.

Lasting Power of Attorney makes sure the right people are in place to act on your behalf whilst you are alive. Having an expert to fight your corner when you need them most is sensible.

What are the most common misconceptions about elderly care?

AleishA White is one of only a handful of independent social Workers operating in the east Midlands and runs the Care Advice Centre. We asked her some questions around elderly and social care.

Elderly and social care is constantly in the news – are things really as bad as we hear?

There have been lots of changes to the social care assessment procedure over the past couple of years with the implementation of the Care Act and also the recent announcement that government have agreed a £2 billion funding boost for social care over the next three years. It is now even more important to be aware that there is independent support available to help make sense of all the options.

If you have over £23,250 in cash assets or you own a property you will be classed as a self-funder and will have to pay for your care. Your local authority will charge you an arrangement fee to arrange a care package for you.

How easily can families navigate the care system?

It can be extremely challenging. There are lots of care options to be considered – deciding whether live in care is an 56

That you have to sell your house to pay for your care. This is sometimes true, but it is vital to ensure that an assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare takes place before you make this decision. If this claim is successful then NHS will fund your care.

How can professional advice help?

Having an independent social care professional on your side can really help you to understand all of your options and ensure that you make the right decisions.

Families might worry about the cost of using professional advice – can you reassure them?

Paying for independent professional advice makes sense when you consider a week in a care home is typically between £850 and £1,200. I offer an initial meeting for a fixed fee which has proved very popular with my clients.

Aleisha White, The Care Advice Centre, 01572 720705/ 07766490473 www.care-advice-centre.co.uk

RetiReMent lifestyle With a well-equipped gym, spa, swimming pool and private landscaped gardens, Welland Place in Market Harborough is a fabulous example of the kind of tailored accommodation that is tempting ‘downsizers’. Within the active and fulfilled retirement community, residents enjoy a sitting room, snooker room, a library, hair salon, restaurant and bar. Each apartment has a link to staff on site available 24-hours a day. Welland Place combines independence and privacy in a range of options. Live life to the full with the reassurance of support, if and when it may be needed.

HEALTH… Living WELL in LATEr LifE

Oak HOuse feels like HOme

As well as being a Director of Oak House, Preston Walker is an expert chef and takes a keen interest in the nutrition of his clients. Preston has won several awards for the quality of the food enjoyed by residents. Long serving staff and management add to the ‘home from home’ atmosphere. in a nutshell: Great food and an open door policy. Oak House Residential Home, Pond Lane, Greetham, Oakham LE15 7NW 01572 812647 www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk

HealtHy HearinG uk

Home instead

tHe pOwer Of CHOiCe As we get older and live longer, our care and support needs may change. Perhaps a family member needs some extra help to stay independent in their own home or is considering a move to a care home? In this region there are plenty of experts to make sure your later years are as rewarding and fulfilled as ever.

ALWAys TAkE CArE - fLExibLE CArE AT HomE

Always Take Care are a domiciliary care agency specialising in twenty four hour care at home in respite situations, post operatively or on a longer term basis. The company pride themselves on care designed around each individual. ‘We provide flexible services in clients’ own homes to specifically meet their personal needs,’ explains owner, Bridget Hayward. in a nutshell: Care at home with maximum flexibility to changing needs.

Always Take Care, 9 High St, Oakham LE15 6AH 01572 869138 www.alwaystakecare.co.uk

CArE And CompAnionsHip by HomE insTEAd

Gail Devereux-Batchelor runs Home Instead Senior Care for Market Harborough, Corby and Rutland. Gail believes that high quality recruitment and training results in excellent care for her clients. Home Instead offer a wide range of non-medical services from companionship and help around the home to daily personal care.

‘For us, care and companionship go hand in hand,’ explains Gail.

Healthy Hearing’s UK head office is in Stamford and the team offer all styles of hearing aids and assistive listening devices, allowing users to connect to other devices including phones and TV. Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker MBE is the brand’s ambassador. He comments: “I’m very proud to be an Ambassador for Healthy Hearing and I’m committed to spreading the word to those with hearing problems and letting them know that help is at hand that can make an amazing difference to their lives.” 0800 298 7261 www.healthyhearing.co.uk

BespOke Care By BlueBird

Last year Bluebird Care Peterborough and Rutland were named National Franchisee of the Year 2016. Delighted with the award, Director, Leisa McKenzie states that Bluebird Care’s vision is to help all of their clients live safely and holistically in their own home and to maintain their independence and dignity. in a nutshell: Award winning staff – many of whom are qualified in dementia and alzheimer’s care.

Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland, 16 Wharf Road, Stamford PE9 2EB 01780 480881 www.bluebirdcarestamford.co.uk

in a nutshell: ‘Great care is taken to match the right carer to each client’ says Gail. Home Instead Senior Care, Mill Farm, Cranoe Road, Stonton Wyville LE16 7UQ 01858 513 909 www.homeinstead.co.uk

A foCus on quALiTy WiTH WrigHT CArE AT HomE

Launched by Samantha Wright just eighteen months ago, Stamford based company Wright Care at Home is already gaining a reputation for excellence in domiciliary care.

Samantha has worked as both a carer and care manager and has a firm philosophy of what good care looks like. ‘Our goal is to provide our customers with dignity, respect and maintain their wishes.’ in a nutshell: Care at home by a small focused, dedicated team.

Wright Care at Home, 3 Broad St, Stamford PE9 1PG 01780 489227 www.wrightcareathome.co.uk Bluebird Care

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Photos by Elli Dean

Shopping for you r home in Stamford

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Home & Garden : stamford

H

ailed as one of the most popular places to live, the picturesque market town of Stamford also boasts a large & vibrant mix of independent retail outlets offering a fabulous array of goods to furnish your home. Hopefully this small selection of who is out there will inspire a well-earned shopping spree!

EMMA CuTMoRE & THE DRESS AGENCY; situated in St Mary’s Passage, it houses a collection of British led luxury & ethically sourced natural products for the perfect gift or luxury addition to your home.

You, LIvING & GIvING; here you will find a large collection of interesting gifts and home accessories. You’ll find it tucked around the corner of St Mary’s Street, behind the church.

SNoW DESIGNS & INTERIoRS; stocks a mixture of vintage and contemporary design all under one roof on St Mary’s Street. Their eclectic stock is constantly updating so each week is something new to see.

DELCoR; a family business, situated on the beautiful Bath Row in Stamford manufacturers made to measure British made sofas & chairs, with a huge choice of fabrics to create a living room unique to you.

NooK; in the Sheep Market stocks an eclectic mix of furniture, lighting and accessories for the home and for that perfect gift. Pop into The Cosy Club whilst there for a sneaky coffee!

CHEz SoI; situated on St Mary’s Street has a delightful collection of old & new furniture that you can purchase and have painted to your Farrow and Ball colour of choice, all complemented by a vast choice of candles, lamps, wreaths and small accessories.

THE STAMFoRD GARDEN CENTRE; is a thriving centre for independent businesses. For the home & garden, one will find a large collection of pots & baskets, outdoor tiling and garden furniture whilst being able to wonder through The Sack Store where furniture, accessories and Wood Burners reign supreme. On site, you will also find Anna Stone Design Ltd for a home design service, vintage lighting and up cycled furniture, Verdon Sawmills for all those build and timber related needs, Chalk Interiors stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint run workshops and sell hand painted furniture and home accessories and Sew Now who specialise in the manufacture, supply & fit of bespoke soft furnishings.

ST MARTIN’S ANTIquES; on High Street St Martin’s has over 70 dealers supplying antiques and collectables; you are bound to walk away with a treasure.

THE FLoWER HouSE; stocks a colourful array of fresh and imitation floral arrangements, art work, accessories and vases. Perfect for injecting a smile into your home!

RoBERT FoGELL GALLERY; exhibits art in a beautiful period town house on High Street, St Martin’s. The gallery features contemporary and British modern art and crafts from leading and emerging artists.

HuNTERS INTERIoRS; alongside providing a fully comprehensive design service Hunters also have an online furniture & accessories shop, where you can browse and buy beautiful pieces in the comfort of your own home.

LuMISoN LIGHTING; are professional lighting designers with a delightful showroom in Oakham that features an ‘extensive range of inspirational lighting’ as well as an online store for that added convenience.

sUPPLIer dIreCtorY: You Living & Giving 01780 765001 www.youstamford.co.uk Snow Design & Interiors 01780 751551 www.snowdesignsandinteriors.com Delcor 01780 762579 www.delcor.co.uk Nook Furniture 01780 751029 www.nookfurniture.co.uk Chez Soi 01780 757446 Chalk Interiors 01780 752414 www.chalkinteriors.com The Sack Store @ Stamford Garden Centre 01780 765656 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk The Flower House 01780 753225 www.theflowerhousestamford.co.uk Sly Fox 01780 482870 www.slycollections.co.uk Country Traditionals 10A Maiden Lane 01780 762908 Fitzgeralds Beds 01780 762908 www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk Stamford Stoves 01780482039 www.i-love-ewe.com Hunters Interiors 01780 757946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk Anna Stone Design Ltd 07900883117 www.annastonedesign.com J&L Ball 01780 481416 www.jball.co.uk NGI Design 01780 766899 www.ngidesign.co.uk H Works 01780 754605 www.hworksdesign.co.uk Lighting Styles 01780767617 diane@lightingstyles.co.uk Lumison Lighting 01572 724600 www.lumisonlighting.co.uk Stamford Stone 01780 740970 www.stamfordstone.co.uk Katie Cardew 07825333136 www. kcillustrations.co.uk St Martin’s Antiques 01780 481158 www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk Golding Young & Mawer 01778 422686 www.goldingyoung.com Robert Fogell Gallery 01780 762099 www.robfogell.co.uk

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Windows • Warm Roof • Bi-Folding Doors • Garage Doors If you are considering any home improvements please contact us for advice and for a competitive quote JUST A SMALL TASTER OF WHAT IS ON DISPLAY IN OUR STAMFORD SHOWROOM • 7 Display Kitchens’ • 15 Composite Front/Back Doors • French Doors/Patio Doors/Bi-Folding Doors • 1 Working Display Model of Electric Roller Garage Door • Windows in Cream, Black, Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Rosewood, White & Grey • English Heritage Approved Sliding Sash Window • Large Rubber Covered Flat Roofing Display Model • Full size roof corner showing Fascia’s Soffits and Guttering • White and coloured Cladding • Warm Roof with Velux

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

Tel: 01780 654321 www.classicstamford.co.uk Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 62

L i ve B e a u t i f u l l y

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 27 Mill St, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA 01572 722 345

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Home & Garden

GettinG Advice DIY, SOS? Time to call in the Pro’s!

The Old Dairy at Burghley Park; Harris McCormack Architects & Thomas Hamel & Associates

Ross Thain Architects

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have not yet met a human being who is an expert in everything. We all have skills and the nature of society encourages sharing these to build a better and more successful world. Yes, we can all manage a certain level of DIY; some are better than others. But no amateur can beat the knowledge of a trained professional. Home improvements can be expensive and stressful. A professional in this field can bring knowledge and calm to the process. They will know and suggest options that the DIY enthusiast would never think of. So, if you are contemplating extending, building, decorating or furnishing your space consider employing the skills of a trained professional. Rannveig Stone.

How do you know if you really need an architect or a designer? Most offer in depth and very useful one-off consultations and in a short space of time you can gain useful insight into all areas of

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your project from design and cost through to planning and construction. An architect is very likely needed if planning permission is required.

Before doing anything however it is best to put on paper your wish list. Work out what you want, need and any problems that need addressing. Think about the long-term goal and how you would like to use the space as time goes on. It is also sensible to decide on your overall budget so that you can design accordingly and avoid disappointment further down the line.

WHAT CAN AN ARCHITECT DO FOR YOU? A chartered architect is professionally trained and skilled to turn your dreams into a reality with minimal stress through the design, planning and construction process of your build project. When obtaining quotations make sure

the quotes and services offered are comparable. Providing Professional Insurance is compulsory for an architect but not for a technician or a designer.

Always use a Chartered Practice. Initially an architect will assess your options and help you decide on the best way forward and whether approvals from other consultants such as a structural engineer is required. Concept design comes next, where they will develop a few basic layout options to choose from and speak to local planners regarding feasibility. Stage 3 will involve a developed / detail design of the chosen concept into something that can be built and submitted to planning.

Once approved, the architect will develop the technical drawings and specification schedules necessary to build from. The architect can then invite builders to tender and manage the building contract on your behalf throughout the construction process and hand over providing a completion certificate.

Home & Garden : Stamford

Harris MccorMack arcHitects LtD LtdAlongside the development of their own unique offices in the ‘old Little Chef’ building on the A1 near Wansford, Harris McCormack Architects has a long list of successful local projects under their belt. They specialise in any level of architecture that requires design input but focus predominantly on residential developments of varying size. ‘Essentially, through design, architects add significant value to your asset and subsequently improve how you live or work in a building.’ ArcHaus, Peterborough Road, Wansford, PE8 6JN; www. harrismccormack.co.uk; 01780 433 334; Architects@harrismccormack.co.uk ross tHain arcHitects Over 26 years Ross Thain, has built a successful local architectural practice comprising 14 professionals. He believes that employing an architect will maximise your wishes and minimise your expenditure. They specialise in residential developments of all scales and sizes to commercial projects, schools and restaurants. Ross Thain Architects; 20 Belton St, Stamford, PE9 2EF; 01780 482483; mail@rossthain.co.uk raw arcHitecture Husband and wife team Helen Raymond and David Watts of RAW Architecture believe that “spaces should add joy to your life - at work or at home so it is important to get it right!” they specialise mostly in domestic dwellings but will also undertake office, retail and healthcare.

Barnack Rd, Stamford PE9 2NA; www.rawarchitecture.net; 01780 740385; info@rawarchitecture.net jonatHan HartLey LtD Having trained at the family practice for many years Jonathan started up on his own as an architectural consultant in 2003. Now a company of 5 and based in the heart of Stamford they tend to specialise in traditional and listed building development. With these complex buildings, an architectural consultant will “ensure the project runs smoothly and correctly, from conception to completion, on-time and within budget.”

The Old Curiosity Shop 28 St Peter’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2PF; 01780 757550; jhartley@jonathonhartley.com sMaLLwooD arcHitects Based in Battersea London and Stamford for the past 40 years has seen Smallwood Architects create an impressive portfolio worldwide. They work primarily on bespoke residential projects. “Anything where we can engage with the client to create something unique is of interest.”

Using their creative experience and professional expertise they aim to make the process enjoyable for the client as they manage the project from idea to reality. 11a High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF; www.smallwoodarchitects.co.uk; 01780 757737; office@smallwoodarchitects.co.uk arctica Unit 1 West Street Business Park West Street Stamford, PE9 2PL; 01780 482200; freshthinking@arctica.co.uk joHn trotter Wythe Holland Limited, RIBA-accredited Conservation Architect; 10 Emlyn’s Street Stamford PE9 1QP; 01780 757876 www.wytheholland.co.uk fcD arcHitecture Having designed and Constructed the first certified Passivhaus in Rutland, Tony Goodwin from FCD Architecture is well aware of the obstacles one faces building modern design in protected areas.

8 Main Road, Whitwell, Rutland, LE15 8BW; www.fcdarchitecture.co.uk; 01780 460457; 07906 134316 craiG coMPton BuiLDers Craig Compton Builders are committed to incorporating the strength, beauty, and practicality of brick, block or stone into homes in Stamford and beyond. With many satisfied customers to date, they continue to deliver a top standard of service and workmanship to their customers.

50 Doughty St, Stamford, PE9 1UT 01780 482933 www.craigcomptonbuilders.co.uk

wHat can an interior DesiGner Do for you?

An Interior Designer will hold a qualification, have experience and skills required to research and creatively solve negative issues found within the interior space. They can help guide you on the removal of walls, altering light fittings, space planning, kitchen and bathroom design, décor and furniture specification.

With drawings, schedules and mood boards a designer will help clients visualise the space. By using learnt knowledge of interior construction, regulations, tools, materials and furnishings will also manage a team of professionals to implicate the design. An Interior Designer will know where to look for quality and where to shop for your budget. By working with a designer, although there is a fee involved it will prevent you from making costly

mistakes and they can also get you discounts on items you normally wouldn’t have access to or design and have made the perfect piece when the retail world falls short. Of course, it is possible to DIY interior design and by doing so you save money initially, but by hiring a professional everything will be easier, costly mistakes can be avoided, family conflicts on how the house should look can be resolved, sentimental pieces will blend into the design and you will end up with a finished result you would never have dreamed of.

Hunters interiors of staMforD Hunter’s are an experienced Interior Design company who specialise in providing design, large or small, bespoke to your needs. They are suppliers of wallpaper, paint, fabric, lighting, accessories, flooring and much more and offer a seamless service from concept through to installation alongside a team of trusted tradesmen. The Dairy Copthill Farm Deeping Road Uffington Stamford, PE9 4TD; 01780 757946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk; eLizaBetH stanHoPe Rutland based residential & commercial interior designer Elizabeth Stanhope has a reputation for classic, elegant and understated interiors, whether they be traditional or contemporary. At her showroom in Oakham, Elizabeth also stocks a wide selection of fabrics available by the meter and beautiful accessories to boot. 27 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk 01572 722345 anna stone DesiGn LtD Living, working, dining or holidaying in a space that makes you happy is the ethos behind Anna Stone. However big or small the project is, this house believes professional design of interior spaces is an investment that will do wonders for your mental well-being. They aspire to create an impeccable interior suited to you, the client. Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton Road, Stamford, PE9 4BB; www.annastonedesign.com; 07900 883117 saLLy LonGDon Designers of classic and contemporary bespoke interiors for private and commercial properties, their designs are characterised by an unwavering commitment to intelligent design, traditional craftsmanship and gorgeous materials. Their skills in furniture and kitchen design, is developed from their own workshop where they develop high quality bespoke design. 07779 584554 www.sallylongdeninteriors.co.uk 65

B E S P O K E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N FO R T H E WAY YO U L I V E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N C O N S U LTA N C Y | P R OJ E C T M A N A G E M E N T LUXURY WALL COVERINGS I FABRICS I FURNITURE I UPHOLSTERY I ACCESSORIES

David James Interiors Oakham Ltd 7 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 869058 enquiries@davidjames-interiors.com

www.davidjames-interiors.com

D E SIGN TO SU IT YOU R TA S T E INSP IRATIO NAL, I N N OVAT I V E & UN I QUE

INTERIORS ARE FOR LIVING, LOVING AND INSPIRING – LET YOUR HOME TELL YOUR STORY. SUPPLIERS OF Paint | Wallpaper | Lighting | Home Accessories | Furniture | Curtains & Blinds | Flooring | Interior Design NOW WITH ONLINE SHOP Visit our showroom six days a week including Saturdays:

A16 Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone: 01780 757 946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk 66

OA K H A M R U G S est. 1993 The finest selection of hand knotted rugs in the area.

Traditional and Contemporary. New and Old.

www.oakhamrugs.co.uk mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10.00AM TO 5.00PM 6 The Maltings, off Mill St, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6EA 01572 724441 Oakham Oriental Rugs Ltd t/as Oakham Rugs

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Kitchens, conservatories and other services Stamford has a thriving collection of kitchen and conservatory specialists that enables you to make a very considered local choice and not have to travel further afield

Photos by Elli Dean

QKS KitchenS QKS are the kitchen kings of the area, in terms of the breadth of kitchen styles and price ranges they offer. With over 35 years’ experience, they span the full spectrum from bespoke through to affordable middle market kitchens and offer a full design and installation service or supply only.

The showroom boasts over thirty room settings, and also many range cookers on show with trained advisors to answer any of your questions. They will also beat any genuine like for like written quote.

The Maltings, Barnack Rd, Stamford, PE9 2NA 01780 755855 www.qksstamford. co.uk QKS home improvement QKS Homes has recently re- branded its business, using the strapline ‘inspirational spaces’ in recognition of the vast increase in the array of options open to you these days as you extend your home. It used to be ‘let’s add on a conservatory for those sunny days’ to ‘let’s do something that will transform our leisure lifestyle’.

Pop down to the showroom to see some amazing new installations, including one where the ‘wall’ can be pushed back into a recess in hot weather.

The Conservatory Showroom, Cherryholt Lane, Stamford, PE9 2EQ 01780 756666 www.qks-ltd.co.uk the Fitted Furniture company Jason Nicholls, the owner, describes the approach of the business: “Every piece of furniture is individually designed to embody your own ideas and specific requirements, married with precise measurements for a perfect fit.

“Our craftsmen install their own work, taking the time and care to complete each commission to your satisfaction. Our

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QKS home improvement

furniture is built to last, using traditional methods such as mortise and tenon jointing, solid dovetailed timber drawer boxes, whilst also incorporating modern furniture technology.”

Racecourse Road, Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford, PE9 3NT 01780 480080 www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com orchard KitchenS Orchard, with their complete range of building expertise, are able to take any project through, no matter how extensive or complex, from inception to completion.

And Maxine Couch, who will be your key service contact, has more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen business and can help you every step of the way to achieving exactly the result that you dream of.. She can suggest solutions that you may never have thought of and make sure that all the elements are brought together in the optimal way. Her passion

for her subject will help bring your dream to reality. 22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ 01780 481850 www.orchardstamford.co.uk orchard conServatorieS Orchard grew largely because so many of their clients wanted a company that could manage their whole renovation project, from installing the latest A rated windows throughout the house, or installing bifolding door systems, to complete kitchen installations that require removing external walls to form large living spaces, or carrying out full house renovations.

So, the two Marks have built a business that is able to look after the entire project, including seeking all relevant building regulations, all necessary electrical and gas installations and flooring requirements.

1 Meadow View, Uffington Rd, Stamford, PE9 2EX 01780 753343 www.orchardwindows.co.uk

Home & Garden : Stamford

Photo by Elli Dean

other favourite SupplierS around the home

Bakehouse

ClaSSiC Stamford Classic Stamford is going from strength to strength. The superb kitchen displays will really get you dreaming of what is possible and this part of the business has been very active, offering complete kitchen installations from the middle of the market upwards.

There are reputed to be over 13,000 registered double-glazing companies in the UK, but Classic are one of only 35 who have achieved the ultimate recognition of a BSI Kitemark for the Survey & Installation of Windows and Doors - and to this day BSI is still the true sign of quality.

Classsic are also market leaders in warm roofs. The Guardian Warm Roof System is the biggest revelation to hit the home improvement market in the last ten years. You can now change your old conservatory roof for a new Guardian Roof and effectively turn your old conservatory into a new extension that can be used all year round. 12 St Leonard’s St, Stamford, PE9 2HN 01780 654321 www.classic1992.co.uk

the owner, described what makes the business different: “I have a passion for design and studied CAD drawing; I like to think ‘outside the box’ to create the best possible result in the designated space.

My job is to listen carefully to people’s needs and desires and then come up with a solution that amazes – we think of it as ‘kitchen architecture’. Balance and aesthetics are key in a kitchen, and we work hard to optimise these.” 5 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DE 01780 767928 www.bakehousekitchens.co.uk A great option if you have a lot of windows that need replacing; and good value conservatories. Manor Windows has supplied many of the most prestigious locations in Stamford, including the George Hotel. 67 South Street, Stanground, Peterborough, PE2 8EY 01733 342888 www.manorwindows.net

orchard kitchens

Stamford multifuel Stoves Very experienced installer, and especially familiar with old properties. www.stamfordmultifuelstoves.co.uk opal & pearl eco Cleaning Services Established in 2014, Opal & Pearl - Eco Cleaning Services is a 5 Star rated domestic and commercial cleaning company. 0800 772 0801 info@opalandpearl.com fitzgeralds Beds The place to go in Stamford if you are looking for great beds and really helpful advice. West Street, Stamford PE9 2PS 01780 762908 www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk anglo Securities So, you’ve created a great home, now protect it!

27 Water St, Stamford PE9 2NJ 01780 480757

Classic

BakehouSe kitChenS Last year Bakehouse Kitchens opened a showroom in St Mary’s St. Alan Ramm,

QkS

manor WindoWS

Störmer interiorS Stuart Hendry has recently opened a stunning new store on St Martin’s. The quality of the suppliers is impressive.

Since 1958 Störmer, a German company, has been designing and constructing modern, high-quality, state of the art fitted kitchens. They are constantly using the latest manufacturing technology for any lifestyle. For example, they were the first to produce water-resistant cabinets. To complement this, Charles Yorke offers a contemporary classic style that delights with its elegance. 19 High Street St. Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF 01780 765124 www.stormerinteriors.com

lighting Styles With two decades of experience in helping architects, designers and end user light their spaces effectively the Lighting Styles team are well positioned to provide guidance, help and advice.

9 Glen Industrial Estate, Essendine, PE9 4LE www.lightingstyles.co.uk

Stormer

Stamford Roofing Domestic & Commercial Roofing Stamford Roofing enters its 41st year of trading as one of Stamford’s leading roofing contractors.

01780 754498, 07930 529905, www.stamfordroofing.co.uk

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CONSERVATORY TOO HOT IN THE SUMMER AND TOO COLD IN WINTER?

Professional InteriorDesign DesignService Service Professional Design Service Professional Interior Interior Re-Upholstery andSoft SoftFurnishings Furnishings Re-Upholstery Soft Furnishings Re-Upholstery and Unique and BeautifulFurniture Furniture Uniqueand and Beautiful Beautiful Unique Furniture Suppliers of Designers Designers Guild, Zoffany, SuppliersSuppliers of Designers Guild, Zoffany, Colefax and Fowler, of Guild, Zoffany, Colefax and Fowler, Romo and Harlequin Nina Campbell, Romo andand Harlequin Colefax and Fowler, Romo Harlequin MARKETPLACE PLACE· ·UPPINGHAM UPPINGHAM· ·RUTLAND RUTLAND· ·LE15 LE159QH 9QH · · 01572 01572823389 823389 66MARKET www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk · info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk · info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd

Bespoke Joinery and Furniture Classic have the answer to this problem and you do not even have to change the existing windows or doors, although you can.

Fantastic low U-Value of 0.18 and structurally very very strong which means your new sun room meets full Building Regulation Approval.

Plastered ceiling, LED lighting, Velux roof vents and choice of tile type and colour.

FOR ALL YOUR BESPOKE JOINERY NEEDS t. 01536 400095 t. 01572 820095 m. 07786 861211

CLASSIC WARM ROOF

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

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Photos by Elli Dean

Annie Allison

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I am hugely excited to introduce you to the wonderful talents of Annie Allison of Allison & Allison, bespoke pen & ink wallpaper. The idea for her business started when a friend commented on illustrations she had drawn whilst sketching with her daughter; and from this comment the seed to turn them into wallpaper was sown.

Rannveig Stone.

local hero : rutland

H

er designs are very simple in execution and style which is why they work so nicely for wallpaper. All are hand drawn using pen and ink, then digitised so that the designs can be produced in different colour ways. Annie loves playing with colour as it can make the same design look so different; becoming flamboyant or understated, pretty and delicate, or strong and bold. By altering the colour a simple design will reflect the personality of her client.

The quality of the paper is of high standard and feels very robust.

There is a subtle texture and depth to it, making it very tactile but also oozing class and quality. At the moment, she works on bespoke designs reflecting what the client wants. A wonderful option for those that require something unique; as an interior designer, this is music to my ears; being able to create wallpaper perfectly suited to my client is very exciting. She is also bringing out her own range, 13, in the spring.

What is your background?

I’m not a trained artist, but I’ve always been creative. In the past I have renovated houses to sell and run a small business upcycling and selling furniture. When we moved to Lincolnshire, I focused on my children. My eldest daughter Romy is very artistic so we used to sit down and draw together. Then one friend suggested that my illustrations would look great as wallpaper. I investigated and found a manufacturer who was prepared to produce very small runs of a design. My vision was about individuality, coming up with something that was completely unique and commissions for bespoke wallpaper snowballed from there.

I have since been involved with creating a range of wallpaper for a commercial project in London and I’m currently working with a hotel in Norfolk and on my own range of wallpapers. The bespoke element of my design will always be the core of my business but I also wanted to have a range of my own designs that people want to buy.

What has been your greatest challenge?

Grasping the digital side of life! I find that utterly baffling. I’m not particularly comfortable with the technical side of production, supplying my illustrations in the correct format, and even pattern design. It’s a minefield! I can come up with the designs and drawings and the colours that I want but I need help translating this into a technical specification for production.

What is your design inspiration and style?

The inspiration always comes from the things I like. I’m influenced by where I live, so the countryside features a lot. I love pattern and the abstract style of things. But I like simplicity, my style is very pared back, not fussy. Quite understated. I want to stay very true to the fact that the origins of my designs are always pen and ink drawings. This is paramount but there are massive variations that can be introduced through colour. Colour for me makes a simple drawing come to life. My signature textured style is in all the background to the wallpaper designs. You can see that the quality of the paper supports this. The end product has to be luxurious.

When you’re having something special, it has to feed through everything from the design to the materials used to make the wallpaper. I think this product achieves this. I want my wallpaper to enhance a room, to make a statement but not overpower it.

So, what happens now?

The 13 range is currently being made into a book and then I just need to find people to sell it! I need to get out there!

Well, having seen these gorgeous designs for myself; I am certainly happy to be one of those people! Collection 13 is available at Anna Stone Design Ltd, Stamford Garden Centre. For more details on this and the bespoke service please contact Anna Stone; details below.

What is your collection called?

My collection is called 13: there are 13 designs, it’ll launch on the 13th June (Romy’s birthday). She really was the inspiration for this collection and to get me drawing. Romy has designed the penguin wallpaper and the little bunny illustration for her sister, Skye. I scanned her designs and they are now part of the range. As I’m going forward, I’ve learnt that the possibilities of what I can create are endless. I started off with some really simplistic drawings but I’m now working on designs that are far more detailed and abstract and I’m excited by that. I’m experimenting all the time.

What made you turn your ideas into a real business venture?

I don’t think work-wise, I’d ever done something that I truly love.

This has been the first thing that has really inspired me and is a true reflection of who I am. It’s creative, individual and reflects all the things that I think are important. Everyone is different, you don’t have to follow the crowd and I hope that Allison & Allison provide the vehicle for others to be creative and express themselves in their homes. It was terrifying at the start and I feel a huge responsibility to get it right, but I’m growing in confidence and realising that I can do what I love, and that in itself is spurring me on.

What has been your favourite project to date?

Working with, Titchwell Manor, in Norfolk; they have embraced ‘me’ and trusted me with what I’m going to do. With no formal interior design training, I feel very privileged to have been given this opportunity. It started off as a very small project with me designing bespoke wallpaper for them. And now I’m redesigning 10 of their rooms.

Prices Bespoke design; £288 (inc vat) one off design fee which includes 1 finished sample plus £135 (inc vat) per roll (min. 2 rolls). collection 13; £135 (inc vat) per roll (minimum 2 rolls); If you wish to explore other colour ways to your bespoke design or within collection 13 there is an additional fee of £75 (inc vat) per sample.

Listing Allison & Allison bespoke pen & ink wallpaper www.allisonandallison.co.uk 07960 949423 Anna stone Design Ltd Stamford Garden Centre; www.annastonedesign.com rannveig.annastone@gmail.com 07900883117 75

I wish my upholstery could be cleaned & stain protected

I wish my curtains could be cleaned in situ

I wish my hand made rug could be moth treated & cleaned

I wish my natural stone floor could be cleaned & sealed

WE WILL gRanT yOuR WIshEs WITh OuR hIgh QuaLITy aFFORdabLE cLEanIng sERvIcEs

Weaver (UK) Ltd www.weaverltd.co.uk

24F Pillings Road Oakham Rutland LE15 6QF

Weaving magic

Tel : 01572 759899 - Mobile: 07857 601004 76

Are you thinking about selling your house?

Or is your house already on the market but not selling?

Do you want to achieve the highest possible price?

The Home Styling Company can help you.

Professionally qualified home stylist Denise Cable will assess your home from a buyer’s perspective. It is difficult to be objective about your own home. As few buyers can visualise potential, you need to dress to impress. Let me work within your budget to emphasise the best features of your house, working with what you already have. Adding finishing touches will ensure your property is perfectly presented and ready for market ahead of the competition.

A small investment should lead to a faster sale, a greater chance of achieving your asking price, and will cost less than the first price reduction you may make if your house isn’t selling.

MINIMUM OUTLAY FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT

Home Consultation and Staging to Sell Report £150

Contact Denise Cable T 07870 751108 info@thehomestylingcompany.co.uk

www.thehomestylingcompany.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN: While home décor trends are definitely fun to sprinkle around the message from Rutland’s interiors experts is clear – 2017 will continue to celebrate individualism and authentic style.

Living beautifully is about living with what you love; pieces that you find on your travels or that you fall in love with at first glance will never be out of style. There’s plenty to inspire you at Rutland’s interior showrooms from walls to floor, furnishings and fabric.

ColouR ComebaCk The past few years, we have all loved the wonderful Scandinavian influences in whites, grays and super-cool tones.

This year colour makes a comeback with warmer hues from jewel bright shades right through to feisty florals in paint and fabric. Texture will be key. Contemporary wallpapers will be more widely embraced, even by minimalists. For beautiful and innovative wallpaper and coordinating fabric collections, Manuel Canovas is the name to keep at the forefront of your mind this summer. The Canovas summer collections really lead the way in the inspirational use of colour this year and can be viewed at leading interior design showrooms in Rutland.

FResh Foliage and gReeneRy Draw on a palette of gorgeous greens to evoke the feel of a fresh garden. Make a feature of a window sill with delicate foliage, potted herbs and green glass, which will ensure the display lasts through summer and beyond. The look translates beautifully into wallpaper and fabric too.

If you do one ThIng Throw some dazzling jewel coloured cushions around. If your scheme is Scandi neutral they will really pop and add some fun this summer – you can always swap back to your fur or felt furnishings when winter looms.

InspIraTIon from The fLoor up A statement rug has the power to change the atmosphere in a room. The experts will tell you to consider three things – style, practicality and budget. When all three elements come together that’s when you know you have the right rug in the right place. Seek out personal service and the attention to detail that only a local, familyrun business can provide.

fresh and floral prints in zingy greens and aqua by manuel Canovas. shop the look at sarah harding interiors in uppingham – sarah’s friendly team are always happy to advise too.

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Home & Garden : rutland

RUTLAND

British lighting designer Tom Raffield’s impressive technique of bending wood into beautiful forms to create unique light fittings can be found at Lumison in Oakham.

Porta Romana Lamp, fabric and wallpaper by Manuel Canovas and bedding by Peter Reed. Project design by Elizabeth Stanhope.

RECONDITION AND RESTYLE Even if you are not planning any major interior purchases this season, investing in expert advice will always pay dividends.

Spruce up your floors and upholstery or restyle a room this spring and see the benefits last for months.

The team at Weaver UK Ltd can rejuvenate and extend the life of floors and fabrics and even operate an emergency service 24 hours a day. “Fragile or antique fabric can be cleaned by hand using dry foam and double distilled water rather than vacuums which may compromise the fibre,” explains MD David Weaver.

The Rug Studio in Uppingham stock a collection of imaginative and lively rugs inspired by the work of artist Rex Ray as well as traditional weaves.

“Spring and summer are the best times to consider a deep clean of curtains, leather furniture and mattresses which can be sanitized and allergy treated. Natural stone flooring poses no problem for Weaver UK who can bring the life back to relatively new floors or even Victorian tiled floors.

“We can clean, restore and seal slate, travertine, limestone, quarry tiles and many other materials.” Clever cleaning for a brighter home this summer.

NEW THIS YEAR: The home STyling Company If you want to improve the look of your home but are not quite sure where to start, local interiors expert Denise Cable is offering home staging and styling advice to maximise the potential of your property. Denise is a qualified interiors stylist and has been so successful that her own home has featured in multiple national interiors magazines. She offers her skills to homeowners across the region whether you require decoration advice for your own benefit or especially if you want to present your house for sale in the best possible condition.

“Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can help establish why a property may not be selling or help prepare a home for sale to attract the broadest market and ultimately secure the highest price,” says Denise who can help with a single room makeover or transform a whole house.

“Often we are so familiar with our own home we need a little impartial help to maximise what we have,” she adds.

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY: Barefoot Flooring, Unit 14, Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6RA 01572 759752 www.barefoot-flooring.biz Denise Cable 07870 751108 www. thehomestylingcompany.co.uk Elizabeth Stanhope, 27 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA 01572 722345 www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk Oakham Rugs Ltd, 6 & 7 The Maltings, Oakham LE15 6EA 01572 724441 www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors 6 Market Place, Uppingham, LE15 9QH 01572 823389 sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk The Rug Studio, 2 High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ 01572 829927 Weaver UK Ltd 24F Pillings Road, Oakham LE15 6QF 01572 759 899 www.weaverltd.co.uk Lumison Lighting, 1 South St, Oakham LE15 6BG 01572 724600 www.lumisonlighting.co.uk David James Interiors, 7 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA 01572 869058 www.davidjames-interiors.com

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STAMFORD STORE

West Street, Stamford, PE9 2PS, (just along from Waitrose)

01780 762908

PETERBOROUGH STORE

Phorpres Close, Cygnet Park, Hampton, PE7 8FZ

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DISPOSAL OF OLD BED AVAILABLE

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Blurring Boundaries also stresses the relevance of creating other destination areas when designing a garden, “this is especially important with small spaces, even if it is a simple bench which draws the eye.”

“The current theme seems to be more naturalistic”, she says, having observed less landscaping and a surge in the planting of British varieties and colour blocking. There is also a trend for blurring the boundary of the home and garden using rugs, lamps and furniture designed for the outdoors. Similarly, Kate’s own designs have moved indoors to the kitchen area where her work with specialist carpenter, joiner and builder Edward Newton has seen her drawing designs for interior projects.

Photos by Elli Dean

Kate discovered she could transfer her skills easily to interiors when redesigning her own kitchen three years ago. Her drawings are all to scale and are popular with Newton’s clients who like the artistic style of her presentation. Newton’s kitchens are bespoke, hand built and hand painted and Kate and Edward work well together to create a stylish and functional space.

Kate Wyer-roberts, garden designer Kate Wyer-Roberts comes from a family of horticulturists, her grandfather was head gardener to an estate in Norfolk and she grew up enjoying working outdoors alongside her green-fingered mother.

Graduating with a Latin degree, she became a classics teacher, later giving this up to concentrate on her burgeoning family. After the birth of her third child, Kate studied Advanced Horticulture with RHS accreditation at Shuttleworth College and realised her gift and passion for garden design would move her career to the outdoors.

Her own garden in Nassington could be described as a series of rooms with different purposes reflecting her vibrant personality and that of her family: formal courtyard; cottagey; orchard; vegetable; paddock; and finally, a water garden

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which ceases at the bank of the River Nene and incorporates a natural pond and wildlife area. She is currently working on a new section, which she describes with an arched eyebrow as: “garish and inappropriately tropical”.

Kate co-designed her first Chelsea Flower Show garden in 2016 with celebrated sculptor Nicolas Moreton, and earned four stars. Designs have been approved for this year’s project, which Kate hints involves a turf roof and wild meadow planting. Inspiration comes from visiting other gardens when on holiday but her absolute favourite, and the one she regularly revisits is the Old Vicarage garden at East Ruston in Norfolk.

“It’s important to start with boundaries when designing a garden; look at the structure and internal hedging. Is your eating area big enough – a common pitfall is underestimating this” says Kate. She

You can visit Kate’s garden at Nassington’s Open Garden weekend 2425th June. www.katewyer-roberts.com 01780 781412

Kate Wyer-roberts reCoMMends: R E Newton Ltd Edgehill, 47 Church Street, Nassington PE8 6QG 01780 782704 www.renewton.com Brewers Decorator Centres 10 Brassey Close, Lincoln Road Industrial Estate, PE1 2AZ 01733 558161 www.brewers.co.uk Rasell’s Nurseries Station Road, Little Bytham, Grantham, NG33 4RA 01780 410345 www.rasells.co.uk Nicolas Moreton Associate of Royal British Society of Sculptors www.nicolasmoreton.com

Home & Garden : nene valley

and secret spaces diane ray, Head Gardener, THe Walled Garden aT elTon Hall

Tracey Mathieson

Tracey maTHieson, FoxTail lilly The quirky barn shop and florist on Oundle’s South road is a must visit for anyone looking for a decorative one-off piece for the home or garden.

Tracey sources vintage containers and unique furniture items from antique fairs locally and abroad, and will often hold pop-up seasonal events. Tracey has a keen eye for putting gardenia and items of curiosity together and her informal style of bouquets are mostly grown and cut from her own garden.

While specialising in wedding flowers and wreathes, there is always an array of seasonal blooms, succulents and hand-tied posies for sale in the shop, which exudes vintage country style like no other business in the region.

The garden has evolved over two decades and has featured in ITV’s Love your garden with Alan Titchmarsh as well as accolades in Country Living and The Garden. With its naturalistic planting incorporating a cutting meadow, the garden blends into the countryside beyond.

Enthusiasts can meander through the space when Tracey opens it to the public in June.

Foxtail Lilly, 41 South Road, Oundle PE8 4BP www.foxtail-lilly.co.uk 01832 274593

Beyond a wrought iron gate at the back of Elton’s Walled Garden something wonderful is emerging. The Secret Garden is a new venture for owners Nick and Christine Smith, who have employed Diane Ray to manage the project.

The independent garden centre and tearoom is set in beautiful surroundings, offering a range of plants, trees, garden furniture, seasonal decorations, gifts and accessories. With the help of willing volunteers, the revitalised kitchen garden will eventually provide produce for the tearoom and become a place, which Diane hopes, will attract the likes of garden enthusiasts, school children, artist groups and those desiring a therapeutic contemplative environment.

The garden will be divided into sections comprising three large vegetable plots and a cut flower border, surrounded by espaliered fruit trees. Diane is adamant that there will be no waste and will make use of surplus produce through partnerships with local soup kitchens and food banks. Volunteers and visitors are most welcome.

The Walled Garden at Elton Hall Elton, PE8 6SH 01832 280058 www.eltonwalledgarden.co.uk Diane Ray

Aspect Fires 37 Market Street, Whittlesey PE7 1BA 01733 202220 www.aspectfires.co.uk Specialist fireplace retailer since 1977 with an extensive showroom offering everything from survey to design and installation.

The Barn Oundle Barnwell Road, Oundle PE8 5PB 01832 273310 www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk Helpful staff, quality plants, garden-related products, gifts and pet supplies all reside at this garden centre just outside Oundle.

City Plumbing Ivatt Way, Westwood Industrial Estate, PE3 7PH 01733 262617 www.cityplumbing.co.uk Here you will find thousands of products catering for all your plumbing needs.

Intone Design Bridge House, Station Road, Oundle PE8 4DE 01832 275743www.intonedesign.co.uk This family run business has been creating exquisite bespoke kitchens for over 30 years in classic and contemporary styles.

The Lampshade Warehouse 10 Saville Road, Peterborough PE3 7PR 01733 264391 www.thelampshadewarehouse.co.uk The showroom has an extensive range of lighting products and has been illuminating interiors for over 25 years.

Manor Windows 67 South St, Stanground, PE2 8EY 01733 342888 www manorwindows.net Family-run business offering the best energy efficient products at reasonable prices.

Olympic Marble Unit 14-15 Wainman Road, Woodston, PE2 7BU 01733 687414 www.olympic-marble.co.uk Leading manufacturers and installers of natural stone for kitchens and bathrooms.

RTC Plant Hire Services Milton Business Park, Werrington Bridge Road, Peterborough, PE6 7PP 01733 810695 www.rtcplant.com A highly professional Hire, Sales, Spares and Repairs outlet, supplying customers within a 100 mile radius of Peterborough.

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Specialist in the manufacture, installation and care of natural stone.

With our experience in materials such as Marble, Granite, Neolith and Quartz, we are able to create stunning kitchen worktops, bath surrounds, vanity units, staircases, fireplaces, flooring and wall coverings.

We offer a personal and knowledgeable service with highly skilled craftsmen and pride ourselves on the quality of service, the quality of materials used and the workmanship of your finished product.

We offer a full supply, template, manufacture and installation service Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday 8am – 3pm Unit 14-15 Wainman Road, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 7BU Tel: 01733 687414 or 01733 370941 sales@olympic-marble.co.uk www.olympic-marble.co.uk

Visit The Largest Independent Lighting Showroom in Cambridgeshire 10 Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7PR (next door to The Party Place)

Free car park 84

T: 01733 264391 E: sales@tlsw.co.uk

W: wwwthelampshadewarehouse.co.uk Opening times Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 4pm

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HOME & GARDEN:

Market HarborougH Kirstie Mitchell asks local firms for their creative ideas on how to make the most of your indoor and outdoor space

Natural Structures

Photo by Elli Dean

Alexander Lewis

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ou may already have a design but wonder if it’s possible to build it in oak - to add that traditional feel of natural finishes and warmth. Natural Structures recommend that when planning your design, you work with surrounding architecture, adopting where possible local styles and construction methods. Simon says: “Oak is a natural material ever changing in texture and colour, adding life and atmosphere wherever it’s used. Design is crucial in everything we do, be it structural calculations or aesthetic detailing, you can rely on us giving you expert advice.”

Bespoke furniture company, Alexander Lewis recommend it is essential that you fully consider what you want the space to do for you - the function it needs to perform. Many people leap into the colour and fabric charts as their first step when a successful scheme starts much further back in the design process. It is equally important to be realistic. Better to have a kitchen diner that feels spacious than a kitchen-diner-living space that feels tight. Small details can make a big difference. Matthew Wright explains: “When designing our own installations, we treat each element as a piece of furniture in its own right. Every base cabinet, drawer, larder and wall cabinet needs to look beautiful on its own merit. If it’s for a kitchen we build furniture that fits a space rather than a fitted kitchen. It sounds a small difference but the result is far more pleasing both in use and to the eye.”

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home explains Jonathan Biggs from Bosworths Garden Company.

Jonathan says: “Adding a seating area to the garden can make it feel like an additional room. This can be a simple built in bench to an elaborate dining suite with reclining chairs.” Just by giving thought to your choice of plants can create a year-round array of colour and interest. Even the smallest of spaces can benefit - where ground space is limited why not try ‘vertical gardening’ whereby plants are hung from frames on the walls.

top tip! be sure to research what can affect the cost of your new project

Home & Garden : marKeT HarBoroUGH

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY: Natural Structures The Manor, Main Street, Tur Langton, LE8 0PJ 01858 545518 www.natural-structures.co.uk

ay

nd D

ey a Jeffr

Photo by Elli Dean

Alexander Lewis Showroom 2 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA 01858 434444 www.alexanderlewis.com

Livingstone Moore Interiors recommend you think about what you want from your new space? For example, do you require a more modern look and feel, a more user-friendly space, increase in size or more storage. Also, think about your favourite bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms.

Bosworths Garden Company

Water features are an additional touch to your garden that can create a relaxing ambiance and these come in many wonderful shapes, sizes and budgets, some even being solar powered to negate the need to be wired into the mains. Be creative and make your outside space personal to you.

The key to a successful interior is creating contrast; rustic and modern, dark and light, masculine and feminine, old and new. Mixing styles, textures, colours and playing with scale creates an interesting interior that feels warm and inviting.

At Jeffrey and Day, they are all about making the most of the space you have; whether that be creating practical solutions or decorative interest. Charlie explains: “We love playing with different antique styles to create exciting spaces.

Mixing woods, metals, patterns or colour makes a space unique and personal. We live by the ethos that we only source items that we love, so our warehouse stock reflects this.”

If you are thinking of improving your bathroom, kitchen or bedroom,

When it comes to fireplaces, having the perfect mix of form and function is a hard balance to get right. Most modern homes can benefit from having a secondary heating source like a wood burner, but compromising on valuable living space to add in a fire can be difficult. Felicity Voss from Harborough Stone says: “To help with the feeling of space, why not choose an inset fire, which sits flush with the wall and doesn’t intrude into the room, or open out a cavity for a fire to sit inside, either in an existing internal, or additional external chimney breast. That way the room has a new focal point and heat source, without taking up a chunk of floor space.”

Working mainly with Oak, Roger Kendrick Bespoke Carpentry advise you to find out as much as you can about your forthcoming project, whether a new kitchen, piece of furniture or an extension.

Use the internet and magazines for inspiration and ideas on what you want your project to look like.

Bosworths Garden Centre Finedon Road, Burton Latimer, NN15 5QA, 01536 722635 www.bosworthsgc.co.uk Jeffery and Day – French Antiques and Decorative Salvage Skeffington, Leicestershire, 07798 718370/07834 104709 www.jefferyandday.co.uk Livingstone Moore Interiors Unit 4 Curie Courtyard, Cockerell Road, Corby, NN17 5DU, 01536 260663 www.lmicorby.co.uk Roger Kendrick Bespoke Carpentry and Joinery 01536 4000095/07786 861211 www.rogerkendrickcarpentry.co.uk Harborough Stone Sully’s Yard, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT, 01858 410033 www.harborough-stone.co.uk Langton Garden Centre and Langton Stone The Langton Greenhouse & Garden Centre, Melton Road, East Langton, LE16 7TG 01858 545819 www.langtongreenhouse.co.uk Diamond Mowers 8-10 Sutton Court, Bath Street, Market Harborough, LE16 9EQ, 01858 463932, www.diamondmowers.co.uk Gildings Ltd. Auctioneers and Valuers The Mill, Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DE, 01858 410414 www.gildings.co.uk Livingstone Moore

A well-kept mower that has been cleaned, lubricated and sharp will do a much better job of keeping your lawn in better condition. Diamond Mowers recommend you service your lawnmower regularly to ensure your machine will last longer than without servicing.

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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE IN STYLE.

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Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting and the latest in LED technology.

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Thousands of options and bespoke manufacture offering an unlimited choice.

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Appointments and home visits available.

We are now the preferred suppliers for Astro Lighting.

A range of stylish, beautifully engineered contemporary fittings for indoors and out.

Open Tue to Sat 9am-5pm 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

01858 467716 www.harboroughlights.co.uk

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GARDEN INSPIRATION elsPeTH sTocKWell is an award winning designer and horticulturalist; her husband Paul builds beautiful, bespoke garden features. Along with their team they have extensive experience of designing outdoor spaces for customers requiring many different styles and budgets. Elspeth offers her advice on how to make the most of summer gardens.

“When spring is over early summer eventually reveals a full riot of summer herbaceous. June can be a tricky month – it’s the link between two seasonal highpoints and gardens can somehow recede a little. Don’t despair as nature has plenty to offer a gardener in June and the summer months beyond.”

Elspeth’s tips: Guide a woodland feeling into early summer gardens with tall pink foxgloves (Digitalis Purpura). Add some companions in the form of ferns, Astrantias, Aquilegias and the pretty white flowered Geranium Macrorrhizum ‘Album’.

If you have a large space to fill, the delicate pale pink bottle-brush Persicaria Bistorta ‘Superba’ is one of my favourites. It is tolerant of many situations but really stands out in a shady spot.

Vamp up a sunny border with Irises, Geums, Achillea and even Poppies.

Another way to add colour is to give a late flowering border of Hydrangeas and autumn flowering grasses an early summer twist by adding drifts of purple flowering Alliums. Add some Salvia Nemorosa for added impact and valuable early summer nectar for insects too.

“June doesn’t need to disappoint; instead, add a dash of drama to help transition your garden towards the delights of high summer.”

Garden design by Elspeth Stockwell

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Why use a Garden Designer?

Fresh ideas - A professional garden designer brings with them a new level of creativity and can often help you avoid costly mistakes. As well as drawing up plans, knowing which plants work where, and how to locate materials, a designer’s role is also to spend your budget wisely.

Specialist knowledge - Professional garden designers will take responsibility for all the design work, specifications and appointment of contractors. Most will have a list of trustworthy contractors that they work with regularly, while others may be part of a design and build company which keeps all the processes ‘in house’ and can often have time efficiency benefits.

Understanding your needs - Choose a designer who you feel best interprets your aims and who will freely offer ideas and suggestions. Make sure you fully understand the ideas on the table (ideally in 3D) before paying for them.

Knowledge and training - Remember that a gardener or builder is not a garden designer so their training won’t include spatial design, drawing/computer-aided design and creating planting schemes, for example. Spend time looking at a prospective designer’s portfolio or website, speak to former clients and make sure you choose someone you can see yourself working alongside.

Garden design by Yvette Smith

Home & Garden : Garden insPiraTions

GLORIOUS GARDEN CENTRES Wistow Garden Centre

desiGners and landscaPers: diamond mowers Unit 3 Sutton Court, Bath St, Market Harborough LE16 9EQ 01858 463 932 www.diamondmowers.co.uk adam Frost design, The Barn, Villa Farm, Barnack, Stamford, PE9 3DY 01780 740531 www.adamfrost.co.uk chris Hodgson landscape design, The Dairy, Naseby Rd, Haselbech, NN6 9LQ 07812 156809 www.chlandscape.uk Gretton Garden services, 1 Finch Hatton Drive, Gretton, Corby, NN17 3DQ 01536 772434/07976 286664 Joe’s lawn care, Cropston House Farm, Cropston, LE7 7GE 01163 184189 www.joeslawncare.co.uk Ken rawson Garden designs, 34 Western Avenue, Easton on the Hill, Stamford, PE9 3NB 01780 481624 www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk marram Gardens 28 Fife Close, Stamford PE9 2YX 01780 752119 www.marramgardens.co.uk elspeth stockwell Garden design ltd, 129a Middleton Boulevard, Wollaton Park, Nottingham, NG8 1FW 0771 312 1930 www.elspethstockwell.co.uk yvette’s Garden design solutions, 63 Beckingthorpe Drive, Bottesford, NG13 0DN 01949 843186 www.yvettesdesignsolutions.co.uk Plants & Gardens by Julie shaul 21 Tapendale Close, Ketton, Stamford PE9 3RU 01780 720608 www.julieshaul.gardens.co.uk

Over the last two decades, the humble garden centre has evolved into a specialist shopping encounter – a destination experience in fact. We have come to expect not only the finest selection of horticultural and garden ware but gifts, clothing, pet products, galleries and great food into the bargain. Luckily, the region is well served by some brilliant independent garden centres with all these elements and more. Here’s our easy guide to some of the best around.

The Barn Garden centre Full plant and garden ware product range at both centres plus a comprehensive aquatic department with tropical, cold water and pond fish at Paston. Barnwell Road, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 5PB 01832 273310 also at Gunthorpe Road, Paston, Peterborough, PE4 7AD 01733 320134 www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk Barnsdale Gardens Home to Britain’s largest collection of individually designed gardens plus a nursery, tea rooms and superb programme of diverse courses and events all year round. The Avenue, Exton LlE15 8AH 01572 813200 www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk Gates Garden centre & nursery An extensive business stocking plants, tools, garden furniture, clothing, pet supplies plus a large restaurant. Especially recommended at Christmas to view the impressive collection of themed decorations and brilliant children’s grotto. Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB 01664 454309 www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk Ken Bailey at Wistow Garden centre Long established and well stocked with seasonal plants, trees and shrubs ready to plant. Very well laid out, tidy and easy to navigate. An excellent website and on-line ordering service. Kibworth Road, Wistow, Leicestershire LE8 0QF 01162 592009 www.kenbaileyatwistow.co.uk langton Greenhouse & Garden centre and langton stone company Landscaping to suit your garden. Ornaments and furniture plus interior tile and stone specialist, The Langton Stone Company. Melton Road, East Langton, LE16 7TG 01858 545819 www.langtongreenhouse.co.uk olive Grove Garden centre Italian-style garden centre specialising in Mediterranean plants and ornamental trees.

Home to the largest and most ancient olive tree in the UK estimated to be almost 1,000 years old. Oundle Road, Polebrook, Peterborough, PE8 5LQ 01832 275660 www.olivegroveoundle.co.uk rutland Garden centre A complete range of plants, trees and shrubs complemented by a full range of hard landscaping products. Among other businesses on site is Rutland Classics – a fascinating collection of garden antiques, architecture and collectables. Ashwell Road, Oakham, LE15 7QN 01572 723583 www.rutlandgardencentre.co.uk stamford Garden centre Fill half a day here browsing Country clothing, a high quality butcher/deli, home interiors, a stove specialist and a range of flooring as well as the garden centre itself.

The café is very popular – booking advised at busy times. Casterton Road, Stamford PE9 4BB 01780 765656 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk Welland vale Garden inspirations Friendly and knowledgeable staff offer advice on every aspect of horticulture with an extensive range of accessories and garden furniture as well as gift ware and indoor plants. A fine art gallery and other businesses on site. The Orchard Café is famous for its delicious Sunday roast lunches. Glaston Rd, Uppingham, LE15 9EU 01572 822729 www.wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk West lodge Plants Recently expanded, three acre site homes a retail plant nursery, wholesale plant production and a design, landscaping and maintenance service. Quality plants and a complete landscaping service from design to construction. Back Lane, Pipewell Rd, Desborough NN14 2SH 01536 764255 www.westlodgeplants.co.uk

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With over 40 years experience in the industry, our team of professionals have been trained to give you the best Roofs service from start toRoofs finish and can guarantee Flat / Glass / Slating & Tiling results to be proud of, whether you are in need of Maintenance Contracts roof repairs or a full roof replacement.

Stamford Roofing Company Ltd Strawsons Farmhouse Main Street Great Casterton Stamford Lincs PE9 4AP

Commercial / Domestic / Difficult Access /

Tel/Fax: 01780 754498 Mobile: 07930 529905 Email: info@stamfordroofing.co.uk Web: www.stamfordroofing.co.uk

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Hi Claudia hopefully this will all work for the small advert at the back of the magazine

WE OFFER A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE, INCLUDING OFF DRAWING QUOTATIONS AND WATER FLOW DESIGN.

Obviously your art person may rejig things, our colours are in the logo additional info if it can be added to the list under our logo is Stamford’s leading flat roof Grp fibreglass roof contractors, estate agent maintenance contractor for 40yrs, fitting the best products at a price that reflects the lifespan and quality of the product.

We are Also celebrating 40yrs of trade if your art person can thinks up “Your company’s commitment something nice for the advert to quality was evident from the

Natural blue slate roof

start, with the thorough on site review of the work needed to my flatroof. Following on the discussion of work schedule and comprehensive breakdown of different options available to me was highly appreciated and refreshing to be able to discuss the materials used. I valued your feedback on progress and subsequently the guarantees issued”

We are also on Facebook so that logo will need adding.

Looking through your latest edition I like the layout and style of the hunter Steven limited advert and the wright feet advert Grp fibreglass

Mr D Bury OAKHAM

Heritage Collyweston slating

Stamford Roofing Company Ltd, Strawsons Farmhouse, Main St, Great Casterton, Stamford. PE9 4AP

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Email: info@stamfordroofing.co.uk www.stamfordroofing.co.uk

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Contact us on: Tel/Fax: 01780 754498 Mob: 07930 529905

S TRAD

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Adam Frost

Photo by Roo Kendall

Adam Frost is a Landscape Designer who is passionate about what he does. He believes there’s inspiration all around us - in nature, architecture, art, people and food - we just have to take the time to stop and look around us. Antonia Scott visits Adam’s new Garden School in the picturesque village of Barnack

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local hero : stamford

PassIoN for desIGN

Adam Frost has a passion for horticulture and design and often uses his own life experiences for inspiration. Some of his earliest childhood memories are of being outside, helping his grandparents on their allotment. Creative by nature, Adam loves to connect each garden design to its natural landscape and surrounding architecture as well as to the people who are going to enjoy it. He draws on memories, special places and people who have been influential to the way he designs. Adam cares that his garden designs are about creating personal spaces that people can feel comfortable in, authentic places that actually feel ‘real’, as well as being beautiful. He enjoys travelling the world designing gardens and speaking on a wide variety of horticultural topics.

Since establishing his own garden design and landscape business in 1996, Adam has designed gardens and won multi awards across the world; in addition to winning seven gold medals at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. He is also Co-Founder of the Homebase Garden Academy and a presenter on BBC television, including BBC 2’s ever popular Gardeners’ World – a job that almost feels as though he’s gone full circle, having helped Geoff Hamilton from Barnsdale Gardens design and create the 38 miniature gardens for the very same programme, some 20 years ago: “Geoff taught me so much, through his passion for plants and about understanding that gardens are for people. I always aim to connect each garden to its place and the people who are going to enjoy using it. When Geoff died in 1996, I knew I had the passion, commitment and knowledge to set up on my own and continue doing what I loved.”

PassIoN for teachING

Since May 2014, Adam has been an RHS Ambassador with a brief that is close to his heart: our next generation of gardeners. Adam’s role is to encourage more secondary schools to embrace gardening on the curriculum, and to raise the profile of careers in horticulture: “It may sound deep, but I feel very strongly about passing something on to the next generation and leaving behind a better environment. I would love to see more children gardening at school, and for them to be inspired to think about the horticultural industry when considering a career. If I could encourage just one youngster to enter the world of horticulture, nobody would be more pleased than me.”

In 2015 Adam wrote his first book ‘Real Gardens’ which features all of his Gold Medal winning garden designs and the inspiration behind each one. The book tells his personal story and includes advice and ideas for readers to use in their own gardens.

Alongside his television presenting, Adam regularly writes for Gardeners’ World magazine, covering a range of practical topics for gardeners.

GardeN school

Last spring Adam and his family moved to the picturesque village of Barnack which is situated on the Lincolnshire/Cambridgeshire border. He immediately fell in love with the Grade II listed house and mature 3-acre garden that he was keen to restore back to its former glory.

“The wisteria that wraps itself around the main body of the house is probably one of the largest I have seen – it’s simply beautiful and when we moved in last May, it was just beginning to flower. I fell in love!”

Adam decided to set up The Adam Frost Garden School which opened its doors in March 2017 and is run from a renovated barn where he hosts informal workshops to gardening enthusiasts. The Garden School welcomes anyone looking to learn practical gardening skills, find inspiration, and take home ideas and solutions. Adam enjoys passing on his knowledge and wants every visitor to enjoy his relaxed style of teaching.

Small class numbers make each course a fun and interactive experience, with emphasis on spending as much time outside as in the classroom. Visitors on his courses will have the chance to see parts of Adam’s garden that are undergoing exciting developments as he experiments with ideas and plays with design concepts.

2017 COURSE INFORMATION: Adam will be hosting one day courses on the following dates: Monthly masterclasses: Thursday 29th June Thursday 3rd August Thursday 7th September Thursday 5th October Thursday 2nd November An introduction to garden design: Thursday 24th August Friday 15th September Big ideas for small gardens: Thursday 22nd June Wednesday 11th October Introduction to planting design: Tuesday 18th July Thursday 23rd November Fruit and veg outside the box: Thursday 17th August Thursday 28th September Two-day courses with Adam: Getting to grips with garden design: Friday 13th & Saturday 14th October Planting to be proud of: Thursday 16th & Friday 17th November The recipe for a kitchen garden: Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th July GUEST TUTORS: Alongside Adam, guest tutors will bring their expertise to the Garden School, including industry experts - David Hurrion, Michael Marriott, James Alexander-Sinclair, Matt Biggs, Pippa Greenwood and Jason Ingram.

For more information: www.adamfrost.co.uk

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‘You Dream It, We Build It’ Bosworth's Landscaping is an award winning landscape design and build service based at Bosworth's Garden Centre in Burton Latimer, Near Kettering.

Our work is carried out by in-house teams of skilled craftsmen and qualified designers to ensure that you receive a professional service and quality workmanship.

We cater for all size projects from single features such as a timber pergola or a paved seating area to the more complex projects that include a complete makeover with on going maintenance.

From design to build and also with our new garden care service to keep your garden in beautiful condition, is it time for your garden to have the makeover it deserves?

Bosworth's Landscaping

Finedon Road, Burton Latimer, NN15 5QA Tel: 01536 722635 Email: info@bosworthslandscaping.co.uk

www.bosworthslandscaping.co.uk 96

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Food & drink in stamford

Grasmere

Adnams Tucked away in The Bath Row Warehouse; a veritable emporium.

Great for quirky gifts for food and drink loving friends - tins of high quality teas, the Naughty Sheep range of jams, jellies, marmalades and chutneys, flavoured oils, Olive Wood Bowls and boards, champagne stoppers, Oak stoppered decanters, multi bottle cases of wine and their own award-winning Gin. Also stocked, the innovative Black + Blum collection of lunch boxes and drinks bottles, and the popular La Rochere and LSA glassware.

Stamford PE9 2HG 01780 753127 www.adnams.co.uk/tag/stamford Askers Bakery Run by the Asker family since 1927, Askers Bakery is the only remaining bakery in Stamford.

Their traditional coal fired bread oven is lit at 6am every day and as well as supplying their shop, the bakery supplies many local hotels, restaurants and cafés around Stamford. Their huge trays of freshly baked focaccia are a must for any party or event and come highly recommended. For special orders contact The Bakery in

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Just So Italian Deli

Kings Mill Lane or visit the shop, which is open 6 days a week.

5 Red Lion Street, PE9 1PA 01780 481933 Grasmere Farm Butchers, PE9 2BB This is a family-run business specialising in quality pork and bacon but they also offer a full range of locally sourced beef, lamb and poultry products. Cooked meats, free range eggs and condiments.

Party packs of meat, outside catering and hog roasts also available.

01780 765563 www.grasmere-farm.co.uk Just So Italian Deli Italian Chef’s Danilo and Alison Trozzi trained and worked in Italy and now own and run an online Italian Deli site, and two delicatessen shops in the local area.

All produce is carefully sourced on their frequent trips to Italy, and provenance is key. Using some of Italy’s small scale rural producers they can guarantee quality and authenticity. The deli has a few tables and offers high quality freshly baked focaccia sandwiches, homemade soups and pasta dishes with a real taste of Italy, as well as huge range of Italian deli products and sweet pastries, which can be accompanied by an excellent coffee. A bespoke hamper service is available. 35, St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DS 01780 238160 www.justsoitalian.co.uk

Nelsons Nelsons have two shops in Stamford and a purpose-built pie factory, which has been open in Alma Place since 1925. Well known for Pork Pies, hand raised Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Lincolnshire Sausages they also offer a full range of beef, pork and lamb products. Planning a wedding, and want a cake with a difference, try Nelsons Pork Pie Wedding cake! - ideal if your guests are feeling peckish later in the evening.

Shops: Red Lion Square, PE9 2AJ and Broad Street, PE9 1PJ Red Lion Square shop 01780 762344 Broad Street shop 01780 263418 www.nelsonsbutchers.co.uk The Kitchen Garden and Simpsons Butchers at The Stamford Garden Centre The Stamford Garden Centre is slightly out of town on the old Great North road but definitely worth a visit. Great for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea, the atmosphere they have created here is warm and comforting. The food is of good quality at a sensible price. Home to the multi-award Winning Simpsons Butchers who display an enviable counter of fresh locally sourced meat, homemade pies, sausage rolls and a cheese counter. A few fresh vegetables

Food & drink : stamFord

and deli products are also available in the garden centre, as well as a carefully selected range of reasonably priced wines. Open 7 days a week PE9 4BB The Kitchen Garden 01780 765656 Simpsons Butchers 01780 757499 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk www.gsimpsonbutchers.co.uk silver lane Whole Foods This excellent health food shop offers natural and organic grocery items from honey to dairy free chocolate, pulses, dried fruit and an array of vitamins and supplements. If you are looking for something in particular, just ask and they will try their best to source it for you.

Silver Lane, PE9 2BT 01780 755710 the stamford Cheese Cellar

Food related events

Another of Stamford’s popular haunts for food and drink lovers. Upstairs you are treated to a veritable selection of wines, whisky and nearly a 100 gins this is after all the home of the Stamford Gin Company. Descend the spiral staircase into the cellar and halfway down you are hit by the deliciously pungent smell from their fantastic cheese counter. Cheese wedding cakes available to order and interesting

stamford Market, Broad Street, every Friday from 8am – 4pm stamford Food & drink Festival, PE9 2WE 9th – 11th June 2017 Stamford Meadows host this three-day indulgence in regional food and drink. This year includes a craft beer festival. Live music too.

Burghley Fine Food Fairs, The Courtyard, Burghley House, PE9 3JY Burghley’s three Fine Food Fairs showcase the best of local produce – local cheeses, artisan breads, organic vegetables. rare breed meats and sweet treats.

Held in April, the end of August and with a Christmas fair in late November.

01780 752451 www.burghley.co.uk

stamford Heavenly Chocolates and the stamford Cupcake Company

the stamford Cheese Cellar

Cheese talks by prior arrangement. Deli products, olives, chutneys, tapas style terracotta, and olive wood boards. 17 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DG 01780 489269 www.stamfordcheese.com sales@stamfordgin.com the stamford delicatessen This very popular delicatessen, based in the centre of Stamford stocks wonderful quiches, deli style sandwiches, pâtés and tapenades all prepared in house, coffee to go and amazing brownies and cakes. They cater admirably for food intolerances. In addition, they provide an outside catering service, with wonderful mezze platters and fresh, innovative food on the menu. 39B High Street, PE9 2BB 01780 755772

Owner Barbara Farrow, an incredibly talented chocolatier and cake decorator, offers a fantastic range of top quality chocolate products from her shop on the outskirts of Stamford, at George Farm. I highly recommend a visit. Also popular for chocolate workshops and children’s birthday parties. Bespoke birthday cakes, cupcakes and corporate cakes made to order.

01780 489364 PE9 3JP www.stamfordheavenlychocolates.co.uk www.stamfordcupcakecompany.co.uk

adnams

Wothorpe nurseries Based off the Kettering Road, at Wothorpe on the Hill, this traditional nursery has a large table piled high with local grown fruit and vegetables. Buy in bulk, sacks of potatoes, carrots and onions. Expect to find seasonal fruit and vegetables, but at great prices. If you are a budding vegetable grower then buy your seeds and seed potatoes here.

Open daily 01780 763268 PE9 3JJ

askers

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Food & drink in Rutland For the smallest county in England, Rutland has a huge array of small independent businesses, supplying a wealth of wonderful produce to our tables Grainstore Brewery Founded in 1995 and home to The Brewery Tap, a popular Oakham haunt. Produces a selection of seventeen Ales ranging from Rutland Panther at 3.4%, to NIP at 7.3%, and three ciders. Annual events include a Cider and Sausage Festival in late May, and a Beer Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

This is a busy and vibrant venue.

01572 770065 www.thegrainstorebrewery.com Hambleton Bakery Multiple award-winning Hambleton Bakery is a huge success story. In 2016 The Daily Telegraph voted it one of their Top 20 bakeries in the UK. The Hambleton Bakery shops stock their full range of artisan breads, cakes and savouries; choose from Spelt, Sour Dough, Date & Walnut, Manchet rolls, English Muffins, and seasonal ‘guest’ breads and cakes.

The Bakery at Exton 01572 812995 Stamford Shop 01780 754327 Oakham Shop 01572 757541 Oundle Shop 01832 358529 Market Harborough Shop 01858 289412 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

Jimmy’s Smokehouse at The King’s Arms, Wing Local Produce Finalists in the 2016 CLA Rural Oscars.

Jimmy’s Smokehouse products are available direct from the pub or online.

Be prepared for seasonal variations in stock. Everything they smoke is sourced locally - trout is from Rutland Water, pheasant and venison from a nearby Estate.

01572 737634 www.thekingsarmswing.co.uk/rutland-smokehouse New Lodge Farm Shop Run by husband and wife team, Simon and Sarah Singlehurst, New Lodge Farm Caravan/Camp Site, Farm Shop and Eatery is a rapidly expanding business. The Farm Shop offers home produced meat, locally grown fresh vegetables, and locally baked cakes and biscuits, alongside an eclectic mix of jams, chutneys and other goodies. They also provide catering for outdoor events, with traditional Hog Roasts, Ox Roasts, Lamb Roasts and barbeques – catch them at the Stamford Farmers’ Market, local Point to Points and the Burghley Fine Food Markets.

Open at weekends, all year round 01780 450493 www.newlodgefarm.com

Hambleton Bakery

Otters Fine Foods: Smokehouse & Deli This very popular delicatessen stocks a good range of home produced Oak smoked products, local artisan and European cheeses, jams, chutneys and other epicurean delights – a great place to find gifts for ‘foodie’ friends. The excellent in-house café uses ingredients from the deli, to create wonderful breakfasts and light lunches.

01572 756481 www.ottersfinefoods.co.uk Rutland Rapeseed Oil Young farmer, Josh Makey, established Rutland Rapeseed Oil four years ago and at present produces around 1,500 litres of cold-pressed rapeseed oil a year. Buy online or from local stockists, including Nelsons Butchers, Otters Deli and The Stamford Garden Centre.

Used by chefs in some of Rutland’s top kitchens. 07989 585723 www.rutlandrapeseed.co.uk The Rutland Cake Company Bespoke cakes made to order. This newly established business is the dream child of Naomi Morgan. Visit the café at Oakham Enterprise Park to indulge in good coffee and a fresh daily selection of cakes. Light lunches and snacks are also catered for.

Open 9am-5pm weekdays 9am-2pm Saturdays Closed Sundays (however, Naomi often opens on a Sunday to welcome large walking or cycling groups) – by prior arrangement only. 01572 723185 www.rutlandcakes.co.uk The Rutland Pie Company Born and bred in Rutland, Ian Curtis has over the years earned his title of Master Pie Maker. With a veritable collection of awards to his name, his range of traditional hand produced pies have graced many a table in the county. Most of his pies are available gluten free.

01572 722058 www.rutlandpie.co.uk

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Photos by Elli Dean

Food & drink : rutland

bespoke private dinner parties to major corporate events, Sarah has the experience to fulfil all your requirements.

01572 747909/07970 576882 www.rutlandgourmet.co.uk Sara Mcallister Catering With over 20 years experience Sara provides top end catering with elegant contemporary food for any special event. She will advise, organise and provide a first class tailored service for all your outside catering requirements.

Testimonials from happy clients speak for themselves. 07778 227734 www.saramcallister.co.uk

Underfine Wraps

Rutland Water Fruit Farm Located in an idyllic position on the South shores of Rutland Water, this Pick Your Own farm is a popular haunt amongst locals. Open from mid-May until the first week in August, there are normally four poly tunnels of fruit ready to pick at any one time, and these give ample protection against bad weather.

A small onsite farm shop sells ready picked strawberries and raspberries all season, and asparagus picked on adjoining land, through May and June.

Opening times 9am-5pm 7 days a week Find them on Facebook Nick Makey 07875 479533 Stoney Ford Brew Co Recently established by Simon Watson and Tim Nicol this small batch brewery based at Rhyall just outside Stamford is one of a number of micro breweries popping up in the county. Spot their Alebulance around Stamford and surrounding towns and villages.

01780 753747 www.stoneyfordbrewco.co.uk The Bytham Kitchen A true cottage industry, Andy Heaps of The Bytham Kitchen, produces a range of award-winning chutneys, relishes, jams and marmalades from his tiny home kitchen. Find him at farmers markets and events around the region or on the shelves in local delis and garden centres. 07717 666422 www.thebythamkitchen.co.uk Under Fine Wraps Handmade luxury hampers containing fresh food, drinks and gifts from highend artisan producers. A huge range of hampers for all occasions; thank you hampers, celebration hampers, indulgence hampers and one for the man who has everything – a Manper!

03332 000190 www.underfinewraps.co.uk

The Gin Trailer

Rutland Cake Company

CooKeRy SChool, CaTeReRS and Gin!

“let the fun beGin” In 2016 Gin enthusiasts Simon Irwin and Gary Eldred jumped on the Gin bandwagon and undertook the complete renovation of an authentic ‘Rice’ Horse Trailer, transforming it into a bespoke gin bar, stocking over 25 independent and artisan gins. Available for hire, this is a great addition to any private party or corporate event.

07751 532722 www.thegintrailer.co.uk

The Canapé Cart Specialising in canapés and ‘small food,’ ex London caterer and Formula one chef, Deborah Pennell serves up innovative modern food with original quirky presentation, bringing a little bit of London to the region’s parties. The Canapé Cart caters for private and corporate receptions, finger buffets, breakfasts, afternoon teas, and wakes.

07831 498378 www.thecanapecart.co.uk Rutland Cookery School Run by acclaimed chef Robin Stewart, whose career as a chef took him into the kitchens of some of the country’s most prestigious hotels, including Gleneagles, The Dorchester and The Connaught.

Robin’s love and enthusiasm for food is reflected in his ability to demonstrate and teach others. There are courses as varied as University cooking, Japanese food, Indian food masterclasses, Healthy Eating and knife skills – a course to suit all ages and experiences.

07391 679208 www.rutlandcookeryschool.co.uk Rutland Gourmet Professional Caterer Sarah Rivett has an excellent reputation in Rutland and surrounding areas. Catering for

The Canape Cart

MaRKeTS oakham Market Weekly on a Wednesday. Farmers’ Markets take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

Uppingham Market Weekly on a Friday. Farmers’ Markets take place on the 2nd Friday of the month. oakham Country Market Held in Oakham Congregational Church Hall every Friday from 8.30-11.15am, this WI style market was established over 45 years ago. It’s all about home grown, home crafted and homemade produce. 01572 722212

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Food & drink in nene Where to source some of Nene Valley’s best local food and drink

Ashbys Asparagus

Ashbys Asparagus at J L Ashby & Co, Rectory Farm Growing and selling cut asparagus from the farm gate.

With a short growing season, generally between the end of April and mid June, asparagus is a much sought after crop. Ashbys asparagus is sold to local farm shops, village shops and appears on the menus in restaurants and pubs, up and down the Nene Valley. Opening hours 8am-5pm 7 DAYS A WEEK PE8 5LS 01832 272243 www.armstonfarm.com/asparagus Amps Wine Merchants This fourth-generation independent wine merchant based in Oundle, has a great reputation and a loyal following. Their bulging shelves stock an incredible range of wines from around the globe. Join their wine club to receive 10% off your first case of wine. Regular events and tastings are held in store.

01832 273502/01832 279164 www.ampsfinewines.co.uk DonnaLulu Cooks Based out of Thrapston, Donna Thomas started marketing her delectable bakes in 2014. This year has seen a slight shift in her product lines toward sweet and savoury tray bakes and individual tarts, and a move into larger food festivals.

Find her at Thrapston Farmers market on the first Saturday of each month, and Higham Ferrers on the last Saturday of each month, and in between, at food events around the local area. Signature tarts such as fresh fruit frangipane, roasted pepper and pesto, and the ever-popular red onion and brie are accompanied by more modern twists such as roasted cauliflower and mustard with walnut crumble. 07581 244810 www.donnalulucooks.co.uk Hill Farm Pick Your Own & Farm Shop As its name suggests, this popular farm shop and pick your own site is perched on a hill, just outside Peterborough. The farm shop stocks freshly harvested fruit and vegetables, locally sourced meat, homemade jams and chutneys, amongst other things. A wide variety of fruit is available for ‘pick your own’ during the season, June to September. PYO sweetcorn, pumpkins and squashes finish off the season, in mid October. Opening times 10am-6pm weekdays and 10am5pm weekends PE7 3UA CLOSED ON MONDAYS 01733 233270 www.hillfarmpyo.co.uk

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Ogilvy’s Honey Founded by Shamus Ogilvy, Ogilvy’s pure premium British, World and ‘Super’ honeys are all raw and all naturally blended by bees. Shamus says, “by raw we mean honey which hasn’t been heat treated. All enzymes and goodness remain in our honey. We believe in leaving it to the bees.”

Each honey has a unique taste and depth of flavour, influenced by the wide variety of trees and plants found in the British countryside, and remote locations around the world. “You have to try the honeys to understand that they all taste different. Bees only fly in a five mile radius from the hive, so each honey is uniquely regional.” Shamus enthuses about his ‘super honey’, the Australian Jarrah, which because of its high antioxidant levels (two or three times higher than that in Manuka honey) shows great anti-bacterial qualities, and a range of health benefits.

01780 450377www.ogilvys.com

Food & drink : nene

Farrington Mellow Yellow™ Born and brought up on the family farm in the beautiful Northamptonshire village of Hargrave, Duncan Farrington soon realised if he was going to sustain the family business for future generations, he would have to diversify. Having researched rapeseed oil at University, Duncan was driven to educate the public on its fantastic culinary properties and proven nutritional benefits; it seemed a sensible idea to turn his passion, into a new business.

From humble beginnings, Farrington Oils now lead the way in top quality cold pressed rapeseed oil. Available in local village shops in the area, many restaurants in the Nene Valley also use the oil in their varied cuisines, and chefs wax lyrical about its great properties for cooking. The Farrington product line has expanded with the business and the original Mellow Yellow™ Rapeseed Oil is now joined on the shelves by a ‘must try’ Chilli Oil, and simply delicious vinaigrettes and mayonnaises.

01933 622809 www.farrington-oils.co.uk Willow Brook Farm Shop & The Granary Tea Room This family farm, run by the Morton family since 1938, has a Butchers, Farm Shop and Café. They also offer an outside catering service with their Great Willow Brook Hog Roasts and Ox Roasts proving very popular. All their beef is home produced and the pork is sourced locally. Homemade pies, ready meals, eggs and an array of condiments fill the shelves in the farm shop, which guarantees you will never leave empty handed. A vintage car rally is held every second Wednesday of the month, between April and October, in the fields opposite. This attracts a bevy of classic car enthusiasts and proves a real spectacle. 01780 740261 www.willowbrookfarmshop.co.uk

flowers to decorate. Emily Harmston cakes are in high demand. “It is quite unusual for me to have a day when I am not baking or fiddling around with the next creation. In some ways when fruit cake was more widely used, my job was slightly easier – these days the type of cakes I am baking do not keep fresh for more than a few days, so everything has to be put together at the last minute.

The only thing I can prepare in advance are the intricate sugar work flowers.”

Choose from combinations such as rose and raspberry, orange blossom and passion fruit, chocolate, orange and cardamom to name a few. To view P-J’s exquisite portfolio, go to her website at www.emilyharmstoncakes.co.uk 01832 272573/07866 248 829

CaTERERS Beetroot Catering Regional Finalists in The Wedding Industry Awards 2015 An established caterer with a loyal following, promoting themselves as Wedding party and Corporate Caterers, hugely experienced Head Chef, Keith Mickleburgh and his dedicated team provide a high quality dining experience.

07921672076 www.beetrootcatering.co.uk

Emily Hamston Cakes

Jeeves Catering Jeeves is a well-established brand.

Under the watchful eye of owner, Susan Fenner, Jeeves team provide food for weddings, celebration parties and corporate events across Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Rutland. Whilst offering a bespoke service, Susan says, “every client has different requirements but their end goal is always the same; to provide an amazing food experience for their guests within a budget”. Jeeves has catered parties at most, if not all, of our beautiful local venues. 01778 349512 www.jeevescatering.com donna lulu Cooks

Emily Harmston Cakes Regional Winner of The Wedding Industry Awards Cake Designer of the Year 2016 Former vet P-J Parker creates wedding cakes of outstanding beauty. Traditional fruit cake has been surpassed by tiers of chocolate cake or different flavour combinations, and often with fresh

OundlE FOOd FESTival Saturday 24th June 2017 – 9am-4pm An important diary date for the regions ‘foodies,’ and 2017 promises to be bigger and better than ever. The highlight of the Festival is the very popular street market on Saturday 24th June, when over 75 of the region’s finest independent food, drink and kitchenware producers fill the town’s Market Place and New Street. 01832 274734 www.oundlefoodfestival.co.uk

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food & drink in

Market HarborougH

Farndon Fields Farm shop

Farndon Fields Farm shop

Farndon Fields Farm shop is located on the way to East Farndon just five minutes from the centre of Market Harborough. With the café and garden centre and the chance to stock up on fabulous fresh fruit, vegetables and home-made pies, it is definitely a place to savour. The Farmer’s Kitchen won ‘Farm Restaurant of the Year’ at the Farma Awards 2016.

Bestsellers – home-grown broccoli, cabbages and leeks and in summer their strawberries and raspberries. In the deli section, the bestsellers are the homeroasted country ham, sausage rolls and chocolate brownies!

My favourite – the succulent tastiest strawberries you can find Farndon Fields Farm Shop, Market Harborough, LE16 9NP; 01858 464 838; www.farndonfields.co.uk

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ashley Farm shop

ashley Farm shop – a family run farm shop that is renowned for its meat, tasting all the better because it only has to travel a few metres from farm to shop!

Sue’s cakes are also legendary.

Rob is the butcher and maker of all the hugely popular homemade cooked meats, lasagnes and deli products. His Traditional Pork Pie was finalist in the ‘Made in Northamptonshire’ food and drink awards 2016.

Bestsellers – All the meat joints; eggs from the free-range chickens on the farm and Sue’s fabulous cakes My favourite – Sausages and Lamb kebabs for the kids and the Ashley pork pie Ashley Farm Shop, Main Street, Ashley, LE16 8HD; 01858 565722; www.ashleyherbfarm.co.uk

harborough market is home to an impressive range of outlets for locally sourced produce including John Ross & Son butchers, Boyds ‘fruit and veg’, Routs fishmonger and Sue’s Cheese Stall.

In addition there is a fish and chips shop and Dim Sum serving authentic Chinese cuisine as well as two cafes. It won ‘Best Small Indoor Market’ in 2016.

New– from April on the third Thursday of each month will see the new ‘Market Harborough Food Fair’ on the square where there will be a number of stalls selling mouth wateringly delicious street food from around the world alongside locally sourced and produced ready to eat produce. www.harboroughmarket.co.uk

Hobbs FisHmongers – has a tantalising array of Oysters, Mussels, Dover Sole, Cod, Norfolk Crabs, Cornish Squid, Tuna just to name a few. Owner Jenny Hobbs and her team are only too happy to give advice on fish preparation and cooking suggestions.

Photos by Elli Dean

food & drink : Market HarborougH

Hobbs Fishmongers

new bigger sugar sHack shop found on the high street! Totally eye-popping is the giant 28ft long gummy worm - not sure how anybody would ever eat this but it looks great, along with the giant Jelly Baby and other giant chocolate treats too.

For diabetics and those on sugar-free diets there is a small range of sugar-free mints, toffee’s and even Cola bottles!

Bestsellers – Cod, Haddock and Salmon fillets and Mussels on the shellfish side.

Fishcakes sold at 50p a cake are a big hit with families. Smaphire Grass is sold loose from April to August, perfect steamed with butter and a healthy choice as it is full of iron.

Bestsellers are their range of Jolly Rancher American sweets and Snapple fizzy drinks.

New in is a huge Lindor Balls pick and mix tower where you can make up your own bags of Lindor chocolate balls with enticing new flavours such as Irish Cream and Dark chocolate orange.

Hobbs, 5 Church Square, Market Harborough; 01858 464025 www.hobbsfishmongers.co.uk THe garage bakeHouse is an artisan bakery owned by Dan Cadoo who has built up a great reputation. It is impossible to go shopping in Harborough without stopping off here.

Also new are handmade hampers which can be made up for you for an extra £2.50 with a wicker basket and cellophane wrapping with your choice of anything in the shop.

Bestsellers – Cheese and Marmite swirls sell out straight away in the week, as do the Cinnamon Buns on Saturdays. The white and seeded Sourdough loaves and Turkish bread are bestsellers from the range of breads on offer – best to preorder if you definitely want one!

My favourites are the Candy Sushi boxes and the flower candy Haribos Sugar Shack, 31 High Street, Market Harborough; 01858 433722; www.thesugarshackmh.co.uk

New in are Portuguese custard tarts which have already proved very popular.

My favourite is definitely the Turkish bread and the Dukkah seeds pack which taste amazing sprinkled on salmon or chicken.

The Garage Bakehouse, 8 Roman Way, Market Harborough; 07791 951984 www.garagebakehouse.co.uk Matt and Emma Wray opened naTure’s PanTry last June and the popularity of their healthy smoothies, lunches and hot drinks have been growing ever since.

Bestsellers – anything from the ‘make your own wrap’ bar and the Vit C smoothie New - a new ‘make your own’ salad bar to enhance their healthy lunch offerings My favourite – the sweet potato, smokey black bean, roasted vegetable and guacamole wrap and the healthy hot chocolate which has cacao and macaroot in it with almond or coconut milk.

sugar shack

nature’s Pantry

The garage bakehouse

Fancy doing some local wine tasting? brynne Vineyard is only 10 minutes south of Market Harborough, off the A508 to Northampton. Julia and Mark Bennett run the vineyard set in 10 acres of tranquil and beautiful countryside next to Pitsford Reservoir and offer tasting days, adopt a vine, afternoon teas and even yoga at the vineyard.

Bestsellers – the 2015 Solaris which is a dry white and in the summer months their Rosé Georgie Girl, is very popular.

Nature’s Pantry, 3 Church Street, Market Harborough; 01858 468568 www.naturespantry.co.uk

New in is a sparkling white called Starburst and a pink sparkling called Reservoir Sunset – I can’t wait to go and have a sample on a sunny afternoon and encourage you to do so too!

My eyes and taste buds were on over-drive with the choice of sweets, chocolates, toffees, fudges on offer at the

Brynne Vineyard, A508 Brixworth, Northamptonshire, NN6 9WT; 07729 789138 www.brynnevineyard.com

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Bespoke Catering...

For advice and further information please contact M 07778 227 734 E info@saramcallister.co.uk www.saramcallister.co.uk

saramcallister

PROFESSIONAL CATERING

HILL FARM, CHESTERTON, PETERBOROUGH, PE7 3UA (on Oundle road, 200 yards west of Alwalton A1 flyover) OPEN JUNE - OCTOBER

FARM SHOP AND PICK YOUR OWN

• Breakfast

• Takeaway

• Lunch

• Deli

• Afternoon Tea

• Private Hire

• Dinner

• Gift Card

5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX 01780 767063 - www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk

Strawberries • Raspberries • Gooseberries • Plums Black & Redcurrants • Blackberries • Tayberries • Vegetables in season - Locally produced Beef & Lamb Facilities for Disabled Visitors. Refreshments available.

Picnic Area. Children's Play Area. Caravan Club C.L. Site Opening times: Tue-Fri 9am - 6pm Sat/Sun 9am - 5pm Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays

Please ring for up to date crop information or to order ready picked produce

TEL 01733 233270 www.hillfarmpyo.co.uk

Working in partnership with our clients to achieve tax efficiency & business growth

• Personal Tax • Corporation Tax • Statutory Accounts • Partnership Accounts • Sole Trade Accounts • Business & Tax Planning • Payroll Bureau • VAT services • Bookkeeping & Management Accounts

www.cracknellandco.co.uk Contact: Lucinda Cracknell T: 01780 483807 E: lucinda@cracknellandco.co.uk

Willoughby House, 2 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1PB

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We bake a selection of delicious breads, savouries, cakes & desserts.

Using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients we develop the real taste of our products, full of flavour with no preservatives or enhancers.

Shops: Exton Bakery, Oundle, Market Harborough, Oakham, Stamford & West Bridgford

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 107

Eating out in Stamford Stamford is spoilt for choice for places to eat out. nicholas rudd-Jones looks at a selection of his favourite places to eat in and around Stamford

best food NO. 3 THE YARD A regularly-changing menu makes this a Stamford favourite. Recent mains we enjoyed included ‘beef bourguignon pie with tripe-cooked chips, seasonal vegetables and beef jus; and ‘Pan fried sea bass, olive oil mash, seasonal green vegetables, confit red onion, butternut squash, prawn, pine nut and lemon oil dressing.”

Over the summer, I especially recommend the delightful outside area and, if you are really lucky, they will be cooking on their open fire.

3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL 01780 756080 www.no3theyard.co.uk GALLERY RESTAURANT AT NEW COLLEGE The Gallery Restaurant is a training kitchen for New College Stamford students, run by experienced chef lecturers and giving students the chance to try out their dishes and service on the public. I do not exaggerate to say that the food was amongst the best that I have tasted in the region. And there is the added pleasure of knowing you are helping the next generation of culinary stars to develop and refine their skills! It is also exceptional value. Drift Road, Stamford, PE9 1XA 01780 484340 Please book in advance Open Thu & Fri for lunch and Thu evening, during term times.

garden – I think this probably gets my vote for the most stunning outdoor space anywhere in Stamford! 8/9 St. Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 238001 www.themadturk.co.uk THE WiCKED WiTCH Dameon Clarke, owner and head chef, is always that little bit different and adventurous in his cooking, and the menu changes weekly. Dameon is a trained butcher too, so he always gets his carcasses whole and does all the butchery himself.

Our reviewer wrote: “This is incredibly inventive cuisine and would grace the highest-class establishments.”

Bridge St, Ryhall, PE9 4HH 01780 763649 www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk

great ambience COSY CLUB The Cosy Club is a homage to modern vintage style; all eclectic mismatched tables and chairs, deep leather sofas for lounging, fringed Victorian lampshades and antlers abounding, edged with industrial factory lighting, teamed with a gloriously punchy, glossy pillar box red gilt bar.

Ideal for just about any social occasion, and particularly popular with young families, as there’s plenty of floor space.

The Old Delivery Office, Horseshoe Lane, Stamford, PE9 2RB 01780 767710 www.cosyclub.co.uk THE CROWN HOTEL, STAMFORD The Crown Hotel has always been a favourite of mine, being at the heart of Stamford’s community and a place people often repair to after an event in the town.

The public rooms provide many different areas according to mood and need – a chat over a cup of tea in the lounge, a beer with a mate after work in the bar, a family meal in the restaurant area, or cocktails with a gang in the courtyard on a hot summer’s evening. All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk THE GEORGE HOTEL, STAMFORD Mention you live in Stamford, and people will always respond, “Ah yes, I remember stopping for a meal in the George”. Well, this has been going on now for roughly 400 years now and shows no signs of abating.

The Mad Turk is very much a family affair, and the food is fresh, well-cooked and authentic, with all the meat cooked on a charcoal fire and good vegetarian choices.

The ambience is warm and friendly and the service highly proficient.

Paul Reseigh, Executive Chef, runs a team of 23 Chefs making it by far Stamford’s biggest eaterie. He told us: “We use local suppliers such as the wonderful Stamfordbased Askers Bakery who supply all of our bread; whilst our fishmonger, Wicker Fisheries Ltd, comes daily from London. It always amazes me the number of oysters we sell. If you work it out on an annual basis it is around 13,000!”

71 High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LB 01780 750750 www.georgehotelofstamford.com

Kaz, the owner is always busy with new dishes and fresh ideas. A new takeaway offering was added at the start of this year and is proving very popular. The takeaway number is 01780 238282. And finally, the

Alex Way and Stephen Miskell have made this spot into the ‘go-to’ establishment for sophisticated imbibers, with a beautifully designed interior space and a

THE MAD TURK Turkish Cypriot

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THE WiNE BAR, STAMFORD

The Mad Turk

EATiNG OUT : STAMFORD

The Wiliam Cecil

Zada

stunning garden for the better weather.

The Stamford Deli provides great locallysourced food.

A second wine bar is now open at 12 All Saints’ Place, more for the standing crowd, very popular after work.

10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 757844 www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk WiLLiAM CECiL HOTEL The William Cecil is a very stylish and relaxing place to meet up socially or for a business meeting; and it does cosy very well, with its traditional hues, and candles scattered around the intimate bar and restaurant. You feel well looked after as soon as you step into the front hall.

Phil Kent, the talented chef, has already carved out a reputation for himself in the hospitality business, winning the CLA Game Chef of the Year crown.

Interesting food fact: They sell over 6,000 homemade scotch eggs a year! 800 at each of the Burghley Fine Food Fairs, which take place three times a year, and at least another 10 a day in the hotel.

St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ 01780 750070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk

etHnic miX BOMBAY COTTAGE Indian Cuisine Habib, the owner, is a great enthusiast for what he does and always has a broad, genuine smile for all his customers. “The great satisfaction for me,” Habib told me, “is seeing a satisfied customer. I just want to see people with a big smile on their faces when they leave. We are now

starting to serve 2nd, even 3rd generation families and it is such a pleasure to see them coming back and back again.”

52 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ 01780 480138 www.thebombaycottage.com 8848 RESTAURANT Nepalese Nepalese food is influenced both by Indian and Chinese cuisine, which makes it a culinary melting pot of the Indian subcontinent. Eating here is truly a taste experience.

Our reviewer wrote: “The starters are the highlight of this place for me. The signature Momo – spicy lamb and coriander in half moon parcels that are a cross between tortellini and dim sum. The Machi Pakora - crispy, delicately spiced fish, with an intense sauce - were equally tasty.” 11 Broad St, Stamford, PE9 1PG 01780 767600 www.the8848.co.uk ZADA RESTAURANT NEW Zada, specialising in Turkish cuisine has already made its mark having been recommended in the 2017 Michelin Guide,in which it says, “its name means ‘fortunate’ and the locals (that’s us) are lucky to have it in town.”

itaLian iL ViCOLO Il Vicola has bags of Italian personality and authentically-cooked dishes. They have also recently installed a pizza oven, so here you will find everything your appetite desires.

Mimmo’s (the owner’s) favourite dish is “A traditional dish from my home city called Ciavattoni allo scoglio – a delicious seafood pasta dish with a type of tubular pasta, much like a cannelloni but shorter.”

2-3 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX 01780 480048 www.ilvicolostamford.co.uk CLOiSTERS Re-opened Cloisters is back! This is such good news, now run by Dan and Jen. Great value, great ambience and authentic dishes.

9 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DE 01780 755162

Il Vicolo

The menu is extensive and everything is made in the restaurant using authentic Turkish recipes often passed down through generations. There are two set menu feast options from £29.95 per person and lots of options for vegetarians and special diets.13 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP 01780 766848 www.zadarestaurant.co.uk

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No.3

T h e Ya r d Restaurant with Rooms PERFECTLY SITUATED IN EASTON ON THE HILL FOR BUSINESS, VISITORS AND STAMFORD’S SHOPPING & LOC AL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.

TOWN CENTRE DINING PERFECTLY SITUATED IN EASTON ON THE HILL FOR LOC AL BUSINESS, VISITORS AND STAMFORD’S SHOPPING & LOC AL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.

Pizza’s and BBQ’s from our Wood Fired Oven on Sunday evenings from mid May

Lunch for Less Seasonal 2 Course Menu £12.95 3rd Course £3.95 (excludes Sat & Sun lunch times)

Modern British food, cocktails, local beers and a wide selection of wines, all served in our beautiful restaurant with a sunlit courtyard tucked away in the centre of Stamford.

Enjoy an alfresco lunch in the sunshine or in the evening with the heat lamps. Whether you are enjoying our courtyard menu or just having cocktails, it’s the perfect summer setting.

How about a lazy Sunday morning sitting in the sun? Our Sunday Brunch menu includes fresh orange juice, home made pastries, eggs Benedict and a cafetiere of coffee – open from 10.30am.

See our website for all the brand new menus.

21 Stamford Road, Easton on the Hill, Stamford, PE9 3NS T: 01780 756321 E: reservations@theexeterarms.net

www.theexeterarms.net

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No.3 The Yard, Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL 01780 756080 - www.no3theyard.co.uk

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pubs we like BERTIE’S ARMS Just re-opened, with a great beer garden and very friendly atmosphere.

Bertie Lane, Uffington, PE9 4SZ 01780 763834 THE BULL & SWAN AT BURGHLEY The Bull & Swan gets the balance between drinking and eating about right.

It remains a very ‘pubby’ pub, with good beer and chat, but at the same time offers food that is well above the basic pub grub level.

It is the new outdoor area out the back that really amazes. Potting Shed Pizzas, an outdoor cinema, a vegetable garden and oodles of outdoor space for those long hot evenings we know we will have.

High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk

now under new ownership. Stephen Alcock and his family Annie, Noah and Alfie have created a warm and welcoming haven. The menu is seasonal and locally sourced, changing every fortnight to ensure regulars enjoy a wide variety of choice. 19 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ 01780 753510

style’ restaurant, not forgetting the fully sheltered patio garden – the ideal spot for lunching after a weekend walk.

Main St, Ufford, PE9 3BH 01780 740250 www.whitehartufford.co.uk

MELBOURN BROTHERS

MAMA LIZ’S

Our reviewer wrote: “The picture-perfect exterior could easily make the cover of a Thomas Hardy novel, with its honey coloured stone walls and gas lamp light enticing curious passers-by. It instantly presents itself as a relaxing hostelry for the traveller seeking hearty food and a muchneeded ale.” 22 All Saints’ St, Stamford, PE9 2PA 01780 752186 www.allsaintsbrewery.co.uk

You can’t mention the Stamford eating out scene without mentioning this life tonic of a place. As well as the unique Central American vibe, it draws crowds for its many live music shows and stand-up comics. 9 North St, Stamford, PE9 1EL 01780 765888 www.mamaliz.co.uk

THE TOBIE NORRIS The Tobie Norris is a hub of social activity and is always innovating in some way, with a new drink or a new menu. This

fun times

NO. 1 THE KITCHEN Always a fun place to eat, a great deck out the back for when the weather is good and a party room for larger groups downstairs.

Our reviewer wrote: “The team are incredibly personable and welcoming, working together to ensure the customer has the best dining experience possible.

The menu is varied, catering for children, vegetarians as well as traditional burger and steak fans. My ‘go to’ dish is the salmon skewers, served with sweet chilli mayo.”

1 Castle St, Stamford PE9 2RA 01780 766522 www.no1-kitchen.co.uk SINGLE CASK Our reviewer wrote: “The Single Cask is a joyous little bar specialising in whiskies with character. I went along on one of its first open evenings to see what it was all about.

The Single Cask

EXETER ARMS, EASTON-ONTHE-HILL Peter Lane is now the chef owner and the food is at the top end of great pub grub.

This is a truly cosy pub.

Now here’s an idea. It makes a perfect circular walk from Stamford, for a stopoff here for a quick (or not so quick) Sunday lunch – a roast served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, carrot and swede purée and seasonal green vegetables. And some great beer and wine. 21 Stamford Road, Easton-on-the Hill, PE9 3NS 01780 756321 www.theexeterarms.netKING’S HEAD Truly a town pub with a country feel; and

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year they have re-furbished parts of the pub and upgraded the kitchen. But don’t panic, it still has that olde worlde charm about it.

Despite being a whisky bar, The Single Cask offers a whole lot more than just your average scotch. We were greeted by an enthusiastic chap called Tom who showed us the drinks menu that contains over 300 whiskies and a few cocktails and gins too.” 16 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2WE 01780 753389

Sunday evenings is often music night, but whenever you go the mellow Tobie Norris effect will envelop you. In the winter, especially this place would get my vote as the cosiest spot in town.

12 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 753800 www.kneadpubs.co.uk WHITE HART, UFFORD The White Hart offers a choice of dining areas, all with a different feel – from the cosy bar area, to the light and airy Orangery and the ‘farmhouse-kitchen

The William Cecil

EATING OUT : STAMFORD

Fine Food Store

Deli, CAfÉs & tAkeAwAYs ALOHA HEALTHY FOODS NEW Our reviewer wrote: “Aloha Foods is filling that gap in the market for lunchtime, evening and hopefully in the future breakfasts that are healthy, full of excellent nutrition and damn right delicious too.

Their menu is simple and straightforward, and all of the ingredients arrive fresh each day from local Stamford suppliers. You pick a protein, followed by a base and then you can choose your sides.”

12 St John’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DB 10.30-6.30 Mon-Sat 12-5 Sunday Bread Meat Cheese has continued to challenge traditional expectations of the humble sandwich and turn it into something far more celebratory, using local ingredients, local bread from Hambleton and local cheese producers too, all made fresh to order in front of your eyes.

With intriguing new sandwiches like “The Bouncing Czech” and “Get Your Goat You’ve Pulled” lined up for coming months, perhaps the days of the tuna mayo or the chicken and sweetcorn are numbered. 8/9 Red Lion Street, Stamford, PE9 1PA 01780 752500 www.breadmeatcheese.co.uk FINE FOOD STORE As well as the excellent hot drinks and cakes, I don’t think you can get a better lunch anywhere in Stamford, especially if you like Mediterranean-inspired food.

Fresh, interesting ingredients. Fabulous garden. And now they have the ultimate tea, with cakes, sandwiches and scones.

37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF 01780 754222 www.thefinefoodstore.com

Photo by Elli Dean

BREAD MEAT CHEESE NEW THE ORANGERY AT BURGHLEY If you like your walks very short, this is the perfect stroll up from town with one of the country’s finest Capability parks and Elizabethan houses to admire in the process.

The Orangery offers brunch, lunch and afternoon teas, serving delicious homemade food throughout the day. Each year they serve more than 7,000 scones, all produced in the kitchens!

LAMBERTS

Burghley House, Stamford, PE9 3JY 01780 767386

Steve Conway, owner and head chef, comments: “Popular dishes include our infamous Lamberts Choice Breakfast Platter, which is huge, and Lamberts Platter with its Mini baked Camembert.

I make small changes to the menu quite often with the evening menu changing each month. Popular dishes include our delicious Corned Beef Hash topped with a Fried Duck Egg and Quinoa with Goats Cheese and Butternut Squash.”

5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX 01780 767063 www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk

THE GARDEN KITCHEN AT STAMFORD GARDEN CENTRE The Stamford Garden Centre is slightly out of town on the old Great North Road but definitely worth a visit. Great for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea, the atmosphere they have created here is warm and comforting. The food is of good quality at a sensible price.

Road End Farm, Great Casterton Road, Stamford, PE9 4BB 01780 765656

A very popular café during the day, and a restaurant on Thursdays & Friday evenings only.

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HOTEL & RESTAURANT, HAMBLETON, OAKHAM, RUTLAND, LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

For Those Special Occasions

SPECTACULAR SURROUNDINGS A WARM WELCOME SUPREMELY COMFORTABLE AND STYLISH ROOMS DINING HEAVEN

8/9 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE reservations 01780 238001 takeaways 01780 238282 www.themadturk.co.uk

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Eating out in rutland rutland’s rural gastronomic excellence! rutland has so many quaint villages with great places to eat, as nicholas rudd-Jones discovers

best food BARNSDALE LODGE David Bukowicki, Executive Head Chef of Barnsdale Lodge has an exceptional food knowledge. He is bringing innovation and quality to the cuisine at this popular watering hole.

He told us: “We really do champion local produce – our trout is delivered fresh from Rutland Water and filleted in the kitchens here; and Game comes from an Estate 10 minutes up the road.” The Avenue, Rutland Water, LE15 8AH 01572 724678 www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk BERKELEY ARMS, WYMONDHAM Louise and Neil Hitchen continue to wow customers and judges alike. For the 6th year running, The Berkeley Arms has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good cooking at moderate prices. And we can see why.

The Michelin entry reads: “Appealing,

gutsy dishes rely on seasonal produce and are constantly evolving; alongside British favourites you’ll find the likes of mallard with poached pears. Service is relaxed.” 59 Main St, Wymondham, Leics, LE14 2AG 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk THE FOX & HOUNDS, KNOSSINGTON Kate Newell is a real character; she grew up in restaurants, as her father was a chef for 40 years, and she has also run her own establishment for many years – so she knows her stuff.

We were very impressed indeed when we visited in the spring. First of all, a great sense of warmth and conviviality in the tiny bar area. Then, still, more importantly, really good food. We were bowled over by mains of ‘Pan fried Duck Breast with a Red Plum Shallot Honey, Spiced sauce & Sweet potato mash and ‘Medallions of Monkfish with Chorizo sausage, Tomato Concasse, Pernod & Coriander Cream sauce’. 6 Somerby Rd, Knossington, LE15 8LY 01664 452129

THE FOX & HOUNDS, EXTON The Fox & Hounds has a perfect setting and one of my favourite front bars of anywhere around.

The food is ambitious, and the evening we went we enjoyed ‘pan seared duck & rhubarb celeriac purée, duck skin & nut granola, forced rhubarb gel, spring greens, rhubarb gin jus’; and ‘free range dale farm pork loin, with yoghurt, maple & rosemary marinade, apple purée, apple & cider ‘tarte tatin’, confit woodland mushroom, cavolo nero, pork air, cider jus.’ 19 The Green, Exton, Rutland, LE15 8AP 01572 812403 www.afoxinexton.co.uk HAMBLETON HALL It really is worth rowing the boat out (metaphorically speaking) to eat here. The £69 per head menu for three courses, with a choice of four dishes per course that change on a regular basis, has taken the cooking to a new level right at the top end of the Michelin one star range. It’s not cheap, but it still represents excellent value.

The Berkeley Arms

David Bukowicki, Barnsdale Lodge

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eating out : rutland

The Olive Branch

There is also a six-course Tasting Menu available at £92; and at lunch the everpopular Lunch for Less at £29 for two courses. And if the weather is fine, there is no better Rutland experience than sitting out on the terrace, sipping a glass of cool wine and admiring the parterre and the views of the water beyond.

Oakham Rd, Hambleton Peninsula, LE15 8TH 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com MarQueSS oF eXeter, lYddington The Marquess has always been a popular destination for lunch and dinner with its continuously changing menu designed around local produce. 75% of the menu changes on a weekly basis and sometime a daily one, depending on what the fish man brings that morning! Brian Baker, head chef and owner, breeds his own pigs and chickens, which enhance the menu seasonally. 52 Main St, Lyddington, LE15 9LT 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk laKe iSle reStaurant Lake Isle is a proper restaurant for those evenings when you are done with the hit-and-miss of pub grub and want a meal that you know will deliver three interesting and well-cooked courses. The cooking here is truly inventive and delicious, definitely fine dining.

The wine list is seriously good too – with a leaning to the classics, a great showing of French with one or two interesting twists… 16 High St East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ 01572 822951 www.lakeislehotel.co.uk

Hambleton Hall

tHe oliVe BranCH, CliPSHaM The Olive Branch really has it all – great food, great ambience, great service, always bustling but always in control.

As the weather improves, the garden is a delightful place, with blankets thoughtfully provided should you wish to dwell into the late evening.

And new for this year, the pub is open all day – so kick off for breakfast before a walk, or enjoy afternoon tea. Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com

perfect setting

pubs we like adMiral HornBloWer The Admiral Hornblower is under new ownership (the experienced owners of the Finch’s Arms), and definitely merits a second look.

Our reviewer wrote: “The menu was just my kind of thing – lots of sharing boards, nibbles and interesting looking starters.

Who needs a main? – Although they did look tantalising with such offerings as Lemon Sole and Confit Lamb Shoulder.”

64 High St, Oakham LE15 6AS 01572 723004 www.hornblowerhotel.co.uk

BarnSdale Hall Hotel Barnsdale Hall Hotel boasts some of the most beautiful views of Rutland Water and the surrounding countryside. Everyone is welcome to use the Brasserie, not just the members, and it offers a sanctuary from the bustle of the outside world.

There is a seasonally flexible menu, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

The Sunday Carvery is especially popular and represents great value. North Shore, Rutland Water, LE15 8AB 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk FinCH’S arMS The Finch’s Arms is one of the premier destinations in Rutland for a smart pub lunch; especially when the weather is fine and you can take a stroll around the peninsula in anticipation or to work off the excess. Great views from the terrace.

Hambleton Peninsula, Rutland, LE15 8TL 01572 756575 www.finchsarms.co.uk

Brian Baker, Marquess of Exeter

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WHeatSHeaF inn, greetHaM

Mill Street Pub & Kitchen

BlaCK Bull, MarKet oVerton

tHe King’S arMS, Wing

The Black Bull is a fabulous traditional thatched pub with a hearty food offering.

2 Teigh Rd, Market Overton, Oakham LE15 7PW 01572 767677 www.blackbullrutland.co.uk

The food is seriously good at this pub. If you need proof that they search for local produce wherever possible, just take a look at the local food and suppliers’ map up in the bar that shows where everything comes from. All the smoked produce has been smoked on site in Jimmy’s Smoke House. 13 Top St, Wing, LE15 8SE 01572 737634 www.thekingsarms-wing.co.uk

CoaCH HouSe inn, luFFenHaM A delightful ambience with a good mix of food offerings, including classic mains but also ‘Home Comforts’ that include dishes like the pie of the week! 3 Stamford Rd, South Luffenham, Oakham LE15 8NT 01780 720166 www.coachhouserutland.co.uk eXeter arMS, BarroWden Our reviewer wrote: “Sitting proud at the head of the quintessential village green with stunning views of the pond and fields beyond, The Exeter Arms is the perfect spot for a pub lunch. And inside doesn’t disappoint either… since re-opening in spring 2016, husband and wife landlords Tom and Joanne Wade have managed to create one of those family-run pubs that you walk into and immediately feel very welcome and cosy in, like a home from home.” 28 Main Street, Barrowden, LE15 8EQ 01572 747365 www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk JaCKSon StoPS, Stretton This pub punches far above its weight – much more than just pub food, top-end of gastro pub food, it would acquit itself in fine dining even. Impressed. And good value too.

Our reviewer wrote: “I was truly blown away by the ‘Wild Mushroom & Baby Spinach Rösti, finished with parmesan and truffle oil’ – I would choose that every day for lunch if I could, full of flavour and interest, but not too filling – and I hadn’t even noticed that it was a vegetarian dish!” Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE5 7RA 01780 410237 www.thejacksonstops.com

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Mill St PuB & KitCHen Rachael Bull writes: “Mill Street opened last summer and it reminds me of the places I used to frequent when living in SW London – smartly decorated without being over the top, and a focus on serving great drinks and food in a relaxed environment.” 6 Mill St, Oakham, LE15 6EA 01572 729600 www.millstreetoakham.com noel at WHitWell The Noel at Whitwell is a delightful country pub within walking distance of the shores of Rutland Water (and the beach of course). Good pub grub and lots of choice. Main Street, Oakham LE15 8BW 01780 460347 www.thenoel.co.uk

Our reviewer writes: “The Wheatsheaf has successfully created that rarest of creatures – the proper village pub. A roaring fire in the bar made sure of the warmest welcome when I visited recently and my lunch companion who is lucky enough to live in Greetham, informed me that the pub is now so popular with residents and visitors alike that in order to secure a table on a Saturday night, at least a couple of weeks’ notice is required.” 1 Stretton Rd, Greetham, LE15 7NP 01572 812325 www.wheatsheaf-greetham.co.uk WHeatSHeaF, langHaM Congratulations to the refurbished Wheatsheaf pub in Langham for their recent awards; they were named Best Overall Small Producer at the eighth annual British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray.

Landlord Mike Kilby added: “The awards are proudly on display and we’re shouting from the rooftops that our pies are among the best in the country. We want Rutlanders to come and experience our offerings.”

There’s also many other choices, including stone baked Pizzas, freshly prepared and cooked to order and topped with fresh ingredients. 01572 869105 www.thewheatsheaf-langham.co.uk tHe WHite HorSe, eMPingHaM Under new ownership, this pub continues to set high standards of cuisine in very stylish surroundings. Main Street, Empingham, LE15 8PS 01780 460221 www.whitehorserutland.co.uk

tHe lord nelSon The Lord Nelson has great atmosphere and the chance to spread out into one of many different rooms each with a different character. There’s also a welcoming space out the back for warmer days.

There’s a fine range of real ales and an impressive wine list featuring old and new world wines. The food menu has a choice of antipasto, snacks, mains and daily and seasonal specials using locally sourced ingredients. They also serve exceptionally good stone baked pizzas. 11 Market Place, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DT 01572 868340 www.thelordnelsonoakham.com

HUNGRY BIRDS, 2 Burley Rd, Oakham www.hungrybirdsoakham.co.uk

eating out : rutland

Photos on this page: Elli Dean

cAfÉs CaStle Cottage CaFe´ Sit in comfortable Lloyd Loom chairs at wooden tables dressed up with stunning oil cloths and fresh garden flowers. The serenity and calm of the gardens and café is matched by the simplicity of the food and the friendly manner of the team at the Castle Cottage.

FIKA, 21 Northgate, Oakham www.fikaoakham.com

Sometimes Trip Advisor says it all: “If you want run of the mill catering with ingredients that are offloaded from a chill truck before opening, this gem would mean little. The decor is quaint and full of character but more importantly, the service is welcoming and full of good humour. A jug of Pimms on a sunny day, sitting in the fairy tale garden with antique tea cups suspended from the trees swaying in a delightful breeze and you have to say, life don’t get much better than this.” Church Passage, off Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DT 01572 757952 www.castlecottagecafe.co.uk otter’S SMoKeHouSe and deli The Otter’s Deli is the culinary star of Mill Street, offering a range of delicious food products to buy (smoked meats, fish, cheeses, jams & condiments) and a sitdown area for meals.

THE LEAN PANTRY CO. 2c Mill St, Oakham 01572 774363

Our reviewer wrote: “I love the eclectic menu here - just my sort of fare. Vanessa and I enjoyed a bowl of homemade mushroom soup and soda bread on my first visit. I was very impressed with the service as the place was packed!”

19 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA 01572 756481 www.ottersdeli.co.uk SCandiMania CoFFee HouSe NEW Our reviewer wrote: “What a little gem Scandimania is! It’s tiny, but don’t let that put you off. It is Scandi chic and serves delicious food – home-baked and freshly prepared to eat in or take out. Try a healthy and invigorating juice or smoothie followed by a homemade sandwich, coffee from locally roasted beans and classic Swedish cardamom buns.”

10B High St E, Uppingham, Oakham LE15 9PZ 07951 345807 Welland Vale orCHard CaFe´ Welland Vale is full of garden ideas, both plants and furniture, and is sure to inspire you. The café is delightful, great cakes and service, and with such easy parking makes a great choice. Glaston Rd, Uppingham, LE15 9EU 01572 824935 www.wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk Scandimania

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Eating out in nene Kings Arms

Tap & Kitchen

THE PIZZA PARLOUR & MUSIC CAFE´

BEST FOOD THE CHERRY HOUSE, WERRINGTON Chef/Patron Andrew Corrick has run the Cherry House for more than 20 years, and his mission is simple: to offer ‘fine dining both in terms of food and service’.

Achieving that is a matter of teamwork – Head Chef David Marshall has been there since 2002 and today is in charge of the kitchen whilst Andrew is very much front-of-house. In that time, the restaurant has undoubtedly become Peterborough’s most loved eating establishment.

An ever-evolving menu makes the most of locally-produced ingredients and ethically sourced fish. The Table d’hote changes fortnightly and the Sunday lunch menu monthly. 125 Church St, Werrington, Peterborough 01733 571721 www.cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk FOX INN AT FOLKSWORTH The Fox at Folksworth recently opened after being closed for four years. It has been totally refurbished and has been transformed into a sleek setting with the benefits of a country pub overlooking meadows with cattle grazing. Food is stylish and beautifully presented by chefs who were previously at Clarkes Restaurant in Peterborough. The pub welcomes families, and visitors just popping in for a drink too. There is a chef’s tasting table and a private dining room. 34 Manor Rd, Folksworth, PE7 3SU 01733 892681 www.clarkesrestaurant.co.uk PRE´VOST After five years establishing himself as Peterborough’s most inventive young chef, Lee Clarke branched out with the opening of his new restaurant, Prévost last year.

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Prévost offers ‘fine dining without the formality’ and we love Lee’s approach to cooking food that’s British but full of surprises. As he says, “I’m inspired by all the great ingredients we can source today, and excited to share the different tastes we can create.” 20 Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1JA 01733 313623 www. prevostpeterborough.co.uk

GREAT PLACES FOR INFORMAL DINING THE BEEHIVE, PETERBOROUGH Our reviewer noted: “The menu is great; I could immediately see about four choices that made my mouth water.

In the end, I chose breast of corn fed chicken with potato rösti, buttered greens and mushroom sauce.” And as for the hot chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream - “The best dessert I’ve ever had” The Beehive, 62 Albert Place, Peterborough, PE1 1DD 01733 310600 www.beehivepub.co.uk LOCH FYNE FISH RESTAURANT, ELTON This restaurant used to be a dairy, and it has a delightful rustic feel, with an attractively arranged fish counter. If fish is your thing, you will definitely not be disappointed. And there are plenty of choices for non-fish eaters and vegetarians too. The Old Dairy, Elton, PE8 6SH 01832 280298 www.lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk

The Pizza Parlour offers a unique combination of traditionally-cooked Italian pasta and pizzas with feel-good music from the ‘60s.

The business is Italian-owned, local and independent, and the only restaurant in this area cooking with a wood oven, and that makes a huge difference. “Most pizzas in this city are cooked in ovens for four to six minutes, whereas our wood oven – being built brick by brick on site – will hit temperatures of 550 degrees. Our pizzas will cook in a minute and a half, resulting in a better flavour.” 5 Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1LR 01733 902233 www. thepizzaparlourpeterborough.co.uk TAP & KITCHEN Based at the buzzing Oundle Wharf (now also home to the Hambleton Bakery and Aga), this is a restaurant and bar owned and operated by Nene Valley Brewery.

The interior is eclectic (banquettes meet industrial chic), the food and drink menus are extensive and varied, and the opening hours will take you from morning coffee to post-dinner cocktails. Oundle Wharf, Station Rd, Oundle PE8 4DE 01832 275069 www.tapandkitchen.com

PUBS, BISTROS AND HOTELS WE LIKE BLACK HORSE, ELTON This delightful country pub with large garden has just celebrated a year under new ownership, and is thriving.

Chef Patron David Sims told us; “No expense was spared on the kitchen and the equipment as the focus really is on

eating out : nene

the quality of the food.” 14 Overend, Peterborough PE8 6RU 01832 280591 www.theblackhorseelton.co.uk

ETHNIC MIX

FaLCon, FotHeRingHaY

Popular Cantonese restaurant offering good value buffet style food from £7.50 on week day lunch times to £12.90 on weekend evenings. A great choice for families and groups with it’s no nonsense style and an appetizing choice of eastern food. 59 Napier Place, Orton Wistow, Peterborough PE2 6XN 01733 234450

The Falcon’s food is delicious and, most importantly, consistent, which brings back diners again and again.

The ambience of this establishment sets it apart – the very stylish conservatory, the beautiful views across to the church, the olde-world pubby part; it all goes to create a fabulous experience. Fotheringhay, PE8 5HZ 01832 226254 www.thefalcon-inn. co.uk King’S aRMS, PoLeBRooK This place has character and everything you would wish for from your local!

Diner comment: “The King’s Arms is a traditional village pub that serves truly excellent food, including a tapas menu... but it hasn’t fallen into the trap of becoming a glorified wine bar. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is always lively. It’s a proper pub.” King’s Arms Lane, Polebrook, PE8 5LW 01832 272363 www.thekingsarms-polebrook.co.uk LaKeSiDe KitCHen & BaR

BeiJing RenDeVouS

Our reviewer wrote: “My partner settled on the Tandoori King Prawns whilst I chose Chicken Jalfrezi, a personal favourite.

The entrance of the prawns was quite spectacular as they were arranged in a ceremonial arch and were still sizzling from the clay oven. Both dishes were substantial and we tried each other’s meals with approval.” 26 West St, Oundle, PE8 4EF 01832 274312

BengaL BRaSSeRie, tHRaPSton Numerous awards framed and hung in the entrance of the restaurant – a big, airy space that was formerly an auction house – attest to the quality of the food, while the happy buzz inside tells of its popularity.

10 The Bullring, Church Walk, Thrapston NN14 4NP 01832 735620 www.bengalbrasserie.net

CaFéS

BoMBaY BRaSSeRie

tHe oLD BaRn, WaDenHoe

The Bombay Brasserie is one of Peterborough’s longest established Indian restaurants, and it never disappoints, with fresh dishes on a regular basis and a good ambience. 47 Broadway, Peterborough 01733 565606 thebombaybrasseriepeterborough.co.uk

On a clear summer’s day, the setting of Ferry Meadows’ Lakeside Kitchen & Bar is pretty special. With its huge decked seating area jutting out over Gunwade Lake, you can enjoy delicious, freshly cooked food while taking in the stunning scenery Ferry Meadows, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU 01733 233218 www.lakesidekitchenandbar.com

eaSt, PeteRBoRougH

ReD Lion, WaRMington

You can enjoy the great East food experience in so many different ways – lunch, dinner, Sunday buffet or take out menu. Pick from the a la carte, or one of the set menus. Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP 01733 315702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk

The Red Lion is a perennial favourite amongst our readers for its great value, upbeat atmosphere and always delicious food. Their Sunday lunch is so popular, they have four sittings!

Peterborough Rd, Warmington, PE8 6TN 01832 280362 www.theredlionwarmington.co.uk

onKaR, ounDLe

This is by some distance the best ethnic cuisine in the region, mixing the flavours of the Far East in new and original combinations. Flavours are always fresh and interesting, there is spiciness but never excessive, there are interesting flavour combinations that take the meal way beyond the good to the outstanding.

BReWBaBu I just love this place, the eclectic interior, the nooks and crannies and the excellent coffee, tea and cakes.

6 West St, Oundle, PE8 4EF Tel: 01832 273909 A delightful tea room with old-fashioned service. People travel for miles for Sylvia and Andrea Neal’s homemade cakes.

They also have a delightful Mad Hatter’s Tea Party event that you can book in evenings. Mill Farm House, Mill Lane, PE8 5XD 01832 721129 www.theoldbarnatwadenhoe.co.uk oLiVe gRoVe nuRSeRieS, PoLeBRooK Sit on the terrazzo, Italian style, and enjoy the sleek café serving good coffee, light snacks and lunches, as well as a wide range of gelato ice cream in a peaceful rural location. Pick the right day and, with all the Mediterranean plants for sale around you, you can really believe that you’re somewhere exotic. Oundle Rd, Polebrook, PE8 5LQ 01832 275660 www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk

Brewbabu

PERFECT SETTING King’S HeaD, WaDenHoe This 17th century country pub serves up delicious meals at pub prices and boasts stunning views along the River Nene in a picture-postcard-perfect village of thatched stone cottages. Good start point for several walks. Church Street, Wadenhoe, Nr Oundle, PE8 5ST 01832 720024 www.kingsheadwadenhoe.co.uk

Pre´vost

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Set in the picturesque village of Medbourne in the heart of the beautiful Welland Valley on the Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire border, this quintessential English village Inn, was formerly the old stables and Coaching Inn. Open every day from noon with a choice of cask ales, fine wines, good food, a table d’ hote lunch menu, restaurant dining, very comfortable accommodation and a warm friendly welcome!

Nestled in the sunny rear courtyard of the Nevill Arms is our delightful English Cafe. Open every day from 9am serving breakfasts including award winning Stornoway black pudding, New York corned beef hash, Eggs Benedict, Brioche French toast, then through lunch for Croque Monsieur, Deli sandwiches, healthy salads, Tapas and of course our Afternoon Teas as well as our home made cakes served all day! Please call for a table.

12 WATERFALL WAY, MEDBOURNE, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LE16 8EE

12 WATERFALL WAY, MEDBOURNE MARKET HARBOROUGH, LE16 8EE

01858 565288 info@nevillarms.co.uk www.nevillarms.co.uk

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01858 565126 info@nevillarms.co.uk www.nevillarms.co.uk/cafe

The George at Ashley

18TH CENTURY IRONSTONE PUB • Seasonal and Local Food from Top Chef Stephen Bulmer • 6 Individually Decorated En-suite Rooms • Outside Courtyard with Decking and Tables 5 miles from Market Harborough, 8 Miles from Uppingham, 14 miles from Oakham For more details and menus please visit our Facebook page or website 21 Main Street, Ashley, Northamptonshire. LE16 8HF T 01858 565411 E info@thegeorgeatashley.co.uk

www.thegeorgeatashley.co.uk

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Eating out in MArket HArborougH COUNTRYSIDE PUBS NEVIL ARMS, MEDBOURNE The Nevill Arms was an old coaching inn that still retains much of its original character and features including a stone inglenook fireplace, leaded stone mullion windows and oak beamed ceilings.

Perfect for a weekend break or a get together with friends, the Nevill Arms has a bar menu with light bites that change regularly as well as a more formal restaurant serving three course delicious food.

Head Chef Emily Bull changes the menu regularly and incorporates a smattering of classic dishes as well as a good mix of seafood and exquisite main choices.

The dessert and cheese menu is also extremely tempting with the likes of a Passion fruit and white chocolate cheesecake with a fresh orange sorbet which complement each other perfectly.

My favourite – the Roast Gressingham Duck breast, poached pear, parsnip puree and kale and blackberry jus

Boasting a new thatch roof and refurbished outside seating at the rear of the pub, the White Horse is all that you want from your local village pub.

Under the same management as The Nevill Arms, you can expect a high quality of food and service. The menus have recently been revitalised offering good wholesome food with a friendly atmosphere.

My favourite – the Barnsley lamp chop with minted crushed new potatoes or the Chef’s homemade beef burger!

1 Harborough Road, Stoke Albany, LE16 8PY 01858 535268 www.whitehorsestokealbany.co.uk

THE GEORGE, ASHLEY The pub reopened last September and new landlord Chris, a successful chef and wine guru himself, has already made his mark with his popular cheese and wine evenings. Chris’s ex-colleague Steve Bulmer, whose has worked for many years at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

of events such as curry nights, fish and chips nights and quizzes as well as the more sophisticated gourmet evenings.

Alongside creating exquisite dishes, Steve’s passion lies in teaching. “I want to do cookery demonstrations and chef’s tables with five-course menus!”

Chris says, “I’d like to grow The George into a great destination pub for food, with a real emphasis on seasonal homemade, top quality produce using local suppliers wherever we possibly can. And with our six en-suite luxury rooms in our adjoining Coach House, we can offer a package of a fantastic five-course evening meal, an overnight stay and breakfast in the morning.”

My favourite – the starter of Thai Venison Kimchi – an oriental salad bursting with fermented vegetables and Venison cooked to perfection 21 Main Street, Ashley, Market Harborough, LE16 8HF 01858 565411 www.thegeorgeatashley.co.uk

The pub has the atmosphere of an unassuming, friendly local pub with a relaxed congenial vibe. There are plenty

Photo by Dorte Kjaerulff

12 Waterfall Way, Medbourne LE16 8EE 01858 565288 www.nevillarms.co.uk

WHITE HORSE, STOKE ALBANY

The George

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Café Nevill

Taste Social

Photo by Elli Dean

Photo by Dorte Kjaerulff

eating out : MaRKet HaRBoRougH

CAFE´S IN MARKET HARBOROUGH KITCHEN RANGE COFFEE BAR Hidden away at the back of the Polka Dot shop on Church Street, this gem of a café is one that locals in-the-know frequent. The small setting, the beautiful colourful china tea sets and the bright wallpaper gives off a lovely bygone tea shop atmosphere. There is a short lunch menu of soups, sandwiches and paninis and a tantalising array of cakes which are guaranteed to lift any mood!

My favourite – the carrot cake with a cappuccino Polka Dot, 22 Church Street, Market Harborough 01858 433827

CASA NOSTRA Is a new café/ restaurant in MH serving Italian fare. Owner Suleyman says, “We also cater for people who love pasta and pizza but have a gluten-free diet.”

13 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough. 01858 464477

ALFRESCO DINING Wistow Bistro and owner Jane Clifford celebrates her 10 years in business this year. Jane is passionate about good food and will only serve the kind of high quality fare she would like to eat herself. “Our core menu consists of all the classic favourites but we tweak and alter ingredients and add dishes both seasonally and according to what our customers tell us they like,” she explains.

“My personal feeling is that food can be delicious, tempting and full of great flavour whilst at the same time being wholesome

and healthy – the two elements come together here and our customers seem to love it.” Always exploring new ways of serving imaginative and nutritious treats, Jane’s menu for summer includes Buddha Bowls, internationally inspired brunch and lunch options and of course, her stunning home-made cakes and scones.

Visitors to the Rural Centre can enjoy some alfresco dining with plenty of benches with umbrellas outside the Bistro or seating in the cosy conservatory area too. If you’re lucky with the weather the Wistow Bistro mobile ice cream van might be open too!

Jane also has an outside catering side which is more popular than ever for corporate lunches, parties, celebratory events, launches, funerals, baby showers and of course, weddings.

My favourite – their award-winning afternoon teas Wistow Bistro, Wistow Rural Centre, LE8 0QF 0116 259 3756 www.wistowcafebistro.co.uk

CAFÉ NEVILL With a wonderful conservatory setting and an enclosed terrace, the Café Nevill is a wonderful venue for some alfresco dining.

It is the local place to meet for coffee and with their delicious brunch menu and range of sumptuous cakes on offer, you can’t go wrong with a visit here! From Noon until 4pm there is a light bites and deli menu with a choice of fantastic filling salads and some tapas dishes too.

My favourite – a difficult choice between their triple layered lemon and blueberry cake and millionaires shortbread 12 Waterfall Way, Medbourne LE16 8EE. 01858 565126 www.nevillarms.co.uk/cafe

Café Nevill

Photo by Dorte Kjaerulff

Wistow Bistro

SOMETHING EXOTIC! TASTE SOCIAL The newest restaurant to open in Market Harborough, Taste Social is a Chinese Dim Sum restaurant and Cocktail bar, owned and adjacent to the Chinese restaurant Han. Stylishly decorated, the owners wanted to replicate a London design restaurant and bring it to Market Harborough. Already proving to be a big hit with locals since its opening in March, weekend dinner bookings are very busy.

The menu offers a large selection of Dim Sum ‘small bites’ with chicken dumplings and steamed buns of pulled pork or prawn being the most popular, but also the classic Chinese dishes of chilli beef and Chow Mein that people already know and love.

Their Cocktail menu is varied with some interesting new takes such as the ‘Guavalicious Martini’. Coffee and homemade cakes are served from 11.

My favourite – the Sui Mai, a steamed king prawn and pork Dim Sum in egg pastry Open 11-2pm and 5.30-late.

Closed Tuesday all day.

29 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DS. (Next door to Han) 01858 440108 Facebook – Taste Social 127

Aaron Patterson Celebrating 25 years as Head Chef of the Michelin Starred Hambleton Hall kitchens

Deborah Pennell discovers a man who is passionate about food, his team at Hambleton Hall, his family and Leicester City Football Club.

Tell me a little bit about your background I was born in Wolverhampton and spent quite a transient early childhood moving around the country before coming to settle in Rutland.

Did you train to be a chef?

I learnt my trade under an apprenticeship scheme, only going to Southfields Catering College, Leicester one day a week to gain my qualifications. How I cook and present my food just keeps evolving as the years pass.

You have been Head Chef at Hambleton Hall since 1992. Where else have you worked?

After a stint here at Hambleton Hall in 1984 I headed off to gain experience under Anton Mosimann and other excellent chefs, but probably the most influential part of my early career came during the four years I worked for Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir Quats’ Saison.

My position as a Senior Chef de Partie set me up for my return to Hambleton Hall in 1992.

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local hero : rutland

How do you find being based in Rutland - is it more difficult to keep up to date with food trends?

It is more important than ever to look at what other chefs are doing.

I tend to head for London where I can sample food from all spheres of the globe. Most recently I have dined at The Square, Hibiscus, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, and The Greenhouse.

Which country do you believe leads the world in food trends?

There is something to be taken from most countries. Every country in the world has one or two outstanding chefs and a plethora of exciting ingredients.

How many people work in the Hambleton Hall kitchen brigade?

At present we have 14 in the kitchen team. We are incredibly lucky that we have a great working relationship and four or five of the chefs have been with us for more than 10 years. I think that says it all. CVs come through the door on a daily basis and chefs move on to great jobs in high profile kitchens around the country. One of our former sous chefs, Julian Carter, is now a master baker and runs the awardwinning Hambleton Bakery.

How do you keep up with the rapid changes in food technology?

Equipment in the country’s top kitchens has evolved just like modern day technology – Heston Blumenthal may have something to do with this. Water baths, foam siphons and pacojets are all used daily in so many top establishments. Aaron suggests keeping up with all these ‘new fangled’ ideas may just be down to trial and error. He goes on to say, “I find the only way to understand these pieces of equipment is to use them and just experiment. You eventually get the result you are looking for!”

What is the most expensive ingredient you have ever worked with?

It has to be the white truffle I found whilst truffle hunting in Northern Italy.

Ramsay moment’ one Sunday night, about a year after I had returned to Hambleton Hall. An incredibly rude gentleman arrived at the hotel on his own, which always sets alarm bells ringing, as they are often food inspectors or restaurant critics. He parked his car directly outside the front door and refused to let a member of staff move it. He announced himself as an American food journalist and proceeded to be abusive to the Sommelier and then complained about every course of his meal. I had personally made sure that everything leaving the kitchen was presented perfectly, so by the time he got to his soufflé dessert, and had the audacity to yet again complain, I was seeing red! At the end of the meal the gentleman concerned demanded the restaurant manager extract me from the kitchen, but did not wait for this to happen and walked straight into the kitchen himself. What Aaron said to this extremely rude man is not suitable for print, but let it be said, Gordon Ramsay would have been proud of him, and Aaron was fully supported by the whole team who had witnessed verbal abuse and harassment all evening.

The moral to this story …there is a Gordon Ramsay lurking in every Chef!

In conclusion ...the gentleman was lucky to leave the hotel with his manhood still intact! No one should suffer rude, abusive and arrogant behaviour, whatever line of work they are in. Having been fortunate enough to eat Aaron’s food on several occasions I would describe Hambleton Hall as a world class dining experience with beautiful food, exemplary presentation and tantalising flavours; delicious beyond imagination.

And finally, what interests do you have outside of work?

I am a very keen Leicester City Football supporter, it is right to say football is a big part of our lives with one of my sons already playing for Leicester County. Sport generally takes up our ‘down time’, be it running, tennis, squash or golf. And strangely enough I enjoy cooking for the family too!

Can you find all the ingredients you need locally?

I use a mixture of local produce and suppliers from further afield.

All our lamb, beef and pork comes from local farms. Fish generally comes from Devon and our fruit and vegetables from our own kitchen garden and the Fens, with specialist items coming from Rungis Market in Paris.

What is the most technically difficult thing you have ever cooked?

We had an Assiette of Tomato on the menu at Hambleton Hall for a period of time – it was an outstanding dish but incredibly technical, with five or six elements containing varying textures, temperatures and flavours. It was all about the one ingredient and needed complete clarity in its execution.

Is there an ingredient you could not do without?

Salt and pepper Do you watch food programmes?

A very definitive answer – NO! What is the best meal you have ever eaten?

It was not only the meal I remember, but the reason I enjoyed it so much … I had just been through a gruelling two to three months at Le Manoir and I travelled to Southern Ireland on an incredibly stormy day. I ventured into a restaurant I knew on the harbour and ate the most incredible half lobster with garlic butter, followed by fillet of beef and washed it down with a pint of Guinness – it was perfect. Fresh, timeless classics cooked well.

Have you ever had a food disaster?

Not one that I can really put my finger on, but I did have a ‘Gordon

Hambleton Hall, Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8TH 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com

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out & about in

STAMFORD of elizabethan architecture with eighteen treasure-filled state rooms boasting a world-renowned collection of tapestries, porcelain and paintings. if you have a day to spare then take in a tour of the house – brilliant themed tours for children are available. admire the architecture from the vista of the surrounding park land where you will also find the splendid Sculpture gardens and the garden of Surprise which are superb all year round but make wonderful picnic locations in the summer time.

Highlights of the Burghley calendar this year include: The Icons of the 80s concert (10 June); Battle Proms Picnic and Concert (8 July), Film Festival (26-30 July) and the famous Horse Trials 31 August to 3 September). www.burghley.co.uk

Burghley House

Begin with a Blue Badge tour with so much to see it makes sense to take a guided Blue Badge tour accompanied by local expert Jill Collinge.

Jill will introduce you to Stamford’s georgian heritage, to Medieval Stamford, to the personalities of the town and to five, fine medieval churches. Tours can be tailor-made to suit your schedule, and are presented in an informative yet entertaining and anecdotal style.

The Town Centre Trail – examines the commercial centre of Stamford from the earliest shop dating back to the thirteenth century to the fashionable georgian facades on the high Street. the georgian trail covers three key areas of the town particularly rich in georgian buildings. the Victorian trail explores the lesser acknowledged part of Stamford’s beauty and heritage, and the Chimney trail pays tribute to the wonderful diversity of history

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to be gleaned from looking upwards to the town’s chimneys. To book a tour call Jill 01780 410780 or via Tourist Information 01780 763203

BrowSe for antiqueS Stamford antiques Centre is home to over seventy independent dealers and you will find items ranging from £5 to £5,000 here. attracting customers from all over europe, the centre is a browsers paradise and is the largest collection of antiques and collectables in the region. www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk 01780 481158

faMily dayS at Burghley no visit to Stamford would be complete without a trip to Burghley house – described as one of the finest examples

StaMford town hall found on St Mary’s hill the town hall was purpose built in 1728 and houses an extensive collection of regalia. Make sure you visit the Sir Malcolm Sargent room. open for tours on fridays, admission is free. www.stamfordtowncouncil.co.uk

Photos by Elli Dean

OUT & ABOUT : STAMFORD

EXPLORE THE ARTS Stamford Arts Centre in St Mary’s Street is home to the Tourist Information Centre, Gift Shop, Coffee Bar and Gallery as well as housing one of the oldest provincial theatres in the country and the assembly rooms built in 1727. The centre aims to provide the best in live arts for the area developing an ever widening range of theatre, cinema, music, workshops and exhibitions. There will almost certainly be something of interest going on during your visit. www.stamfordartscentre.com or 01780 763203

IN THE GALLERY

HISTORIC CHURCHES There is plenty to keep historians busy with so many fascinating tales originating from the churches in Stamford – especially the five medieval examples known as the ‘Famous Five’. St Michael’s dates back to the twelfth century had many alterations in the fifteenth and collapsed as a result of misguided ‘refurbishment’ in the nineteenth. It is now a shop and office complex with part of the former cemetery preserved to the East.

All Saints is one of the oldest churches in Stamford, and where you’ll find a fascinating reredos of the Last Supper.. Thanks to the wealthy Browne family, All Saints was rebuilt in the fifteenth century giving it its Gothic appearance similar to its neighbour, St John the Baptist. The church is open daily and is found just off Red Lion Square on All Saints’ Street.

Also of interest will be St Leonard’s Priory which was founded in the early 12th Century by the Benedictines of Durham Abbey. Its purpose was to prepare students for entry into Oxford University. Destroyed in the Danish invasion, the ruins are located on Priory Road on the outskirts of the Town Centre.

For detailed research and information on all Stamford’s ecclesiastical buildings, visit www.stamfordschurches.co.uk

Within the thriving arts scene several specialist galleries are well worth a visit including the Robert Fogell Gallery which features contemporary and British Modern art and crafts from leading and emerging artists. The gallery features exhibitions throughout the year showcasing some of the best artistic talent in the country. www.robfogell.co.uk 01780 762099 Situated opposite the famous George Hotel, Nigel Rhodes Fine Art Gallery specialises in Old Masters, period and modern art, antiques and decorative items. www.nigelrhodesfineart.com 07950 271898

the george hotel There are plenty of excellent independent coffee shops and cafes in the town centre but for something special, treat yourself to a little refreshment at the George Hotel – a former coaching in dating back almost a thousand years. A legendary Stamford landmark and highly recommended at any time of day – coffee, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. www.thegeorgehotelofstamford.com

TO MARKET! Every Friday, Broad Street in the town centre is transformed into a bustling, vibrant market with all the traditional traders represented. As well as fruit, vegetables, flowers, and meat you will find fabrics, homewares, fresh bread and baked goods, artisan cheese, international food and drink, jewellery, shoes and much more. Soak up the atmosphere and stroll from one end of the stall lined street to the other. On Saturdays there is a smaller version and once a fortnight, a Farmer’s Market.

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RUTLAND oaKhaM CaStle

oakham Castle has recently been extensively refurbished and is now open six days a week with a varied programme of events for adults and children. the splendid great Hall of the castle is one of the finest examples of late 12th century domestic architecture in england and is noted for its unique collection of ornate horseshoes donated by royalty and visiting noblemen. www.oakhamcastle.org rutland County MuSeuM & ViSitor Centre located in the old riding School of the rutland fencible Cavalry which was built in 1794, the museum charts the history of the county through an exciting programme of exhibits and events. film nights and performances are hosted here too with full details available on the website.

Catmos St, Oakham LE15 6HW 01572 758440 www.rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk

goldMarK gallery Considered one of the key cultural landmarks not just in rutland but in the greater east Midlands, goldmark art is an eclectic collection of the best in painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics with film making and music thrown into the mix. regular major exhibitions take place here and there is always something noteworthy either on display or taking place. Browsers are encouraged with a warm welcome and lots of information on the exhibits if required.

Goldmark Art, 14 Orange St, Uppingham LE15 9SQ 01572 821424 www.goldmarkart.com

uPPinghaM heritage trail uppingham’s award-winning heritage trail is an easy to follow list of twenty sites of interest all found within easy reach of the town centre. Sites include the archdeacon Johnson’s grammar School and the parish church of St Peter and St Paul which is thought to be the town’s oldest stone building. heritage trail maps are stocked in most outlets in the town or found at www.uppinghamheritagetrail.org.uk

Normanton Chucrh, Rutland Water

Oakham Chucrh

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OUT & ABOUT : RUTLAND

“The middle of England is full of delightful attractions that few outsiders visit, but Rutland Water is my favourite because it is lovely, transfixing and a joy to walk around. It is so natural looking that it can come as a surprise to realise that it was built only in the 1970s as a reservoir. It would be hard to think of a more successful large-scale enhancement to the landscape anywhere.” Bill Bryson we couldn’t agree more! here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy rutland water. find details of all the activities and events taking place all year round at www.anglianwater.co.uk faMily fun – young children will love the adventure playground at Sykes lane, and the beach there is a real treat during the summer months. the swimming area is open seven days a week during school holidays and weekends in June and September. take a picnic or choose from one of the many cafes or local pubs along the shoreline. nature’S BeSt – the lyndon Visitor Centre is designed to help nature lovers get the most from their visit. the army of well-informed volunteers will conduct guided walks for groups and explain the history of the nature reserve and the species of birds and animals that live there. the reserve is one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Britain and a Site of Special Scientific Interest with over thirty bird watching hides and several nature trails to follow. Contact the Visitor Centre on 01572 737378. hire a BiKe – Cycling around rutland water is easy and safe with cycling routes, tracks and trails created for all ages and abilities. Bring your own bikes or hire a cycle from rutland Cycling. the full route around the water is 23 miles but there are endless variations to enjoy. To book or find out more call Rutland Cycling on 01780 460705 www.rutlandcycling.com ViSit the oSPrey – there is no better way for visitors to experience the beauty of the reservoir than from the rutland Belle as she cruises between the north and South shores. Cruises operate daily between april and october with special osprey Cruises taking place at dusk and dawn offering the chance to glimpse Rutland’s rare and famous birds as they hunt. Details and booking at www.rutlandwatercruises.com 01572 787630.

SPort and Sailing – there are opportunities to sail, canoe, windsurf and kayak for all ages and abilities from the water Sports Centre on the north Shore. Details of courses, lessons and events can be found at www.anglianwater.co.uk 01780 460154.

CaSt a line – Learn to fly fish with Rob Waddington who offers tuition for beginners or improvers from his lodge on the Barnsdale Shore. Spend a day or just a couple of hours with rob and maybe land a trout or two. www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk 01572 722422 head for heightS – for those who enjoy a challenge in a safe, supervised environment, the rockblok is an eight metre high outdoor climbing and abseil tower with routes for novice or expert climbers. the high rope adventure course provides an aerial challenge to test your nerve. Both great ideas for activity parties or an adventurous family day out. To book call 01780 460060.

Rutland County Museum

Barnsdale Gardens

BARNSDALE GARDENS with Britain’s largest collection of individually designed gardens, it’s teeming with great ideas and lots of special events all year round. Summer time is particularly special here and every Sunday there are free family events to enjoy with garden entry.

Dad’s Day Barbecue: 18 June, 12pm-4pm dads will be treated to a free home-made burger and locally-brewed bottle of beer (with garden entry).

Roses Day with Stuart Dixon: 2 July, 12pm-4pm a special day of informal walks and talks hosted by writer, broadcaster and rose fan Stuart dixon.

Family Nature Trail: 23 July, 12pm-4pm Children take a safari around Barnsdale, to look for some creatures and see what they’re doing. try pond dipping, birdspotting and bug hunting, or make an insect home.

Croquet and Pimms on the Lawn: 6 august, 12pm-4pm Come and try this most english of games and treat yourself to a chilled glass of Pimms for a spot of genteel refreshment.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: 13 august, 9am-4pm a family day full of activities to help you find out more about the insect pals and pests in your back yard. early risers can join moth expert Vic arnold to see what’s been caught in the live moth trap overnight. entry to the gift Shop, nursery and tea room is free. a full list of all events at Barnsdale can be found on their website.

Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, LE15 8AH 01572 813 200 www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

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Dr Tim Gray

With their call rates soaring, if you become involved in an emergency situation anywhere in this region, the chances are the doctor attending the scene is a volunteer from EMICS – the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme. Founder and chair of the charity Dr Tim Gray MBE tells Amander Meade about the scheme hospital emergency medicine on scene is a speciality and EMICS doctors working alongside paramedics and other emergency services can make a huge difference to outcomes. All the volunteer doctors are specially trained in trauma work, performing lifesaving interventions at the scene of an incident such as an industrial accident or traffic collision. Call-outs either come in the form of a text via ambulance control or directly from the paramedics. It may be a victim is trapped or needs to be anaesthetized so we can take over their breathing in the case of serious injury.

How will eMics develop further?

How was the scheme created?

Back in the very early 1980s in a world without mobile phones or paramedics, I was a local GP working from the Oakham Medical Practice (I am now retired). I offered my services on an informal basis to ambulance crews working in Rutland. In those early days I might have been halfway through an ordinary consultation in the surgery when a call would come in and I would grab my bag and rush to the scene of the accident to see what I could do to help.

Alongside the ambulance staff, we soon recognised that the better the care in the immediate aftermath of an accident, the better the result for the patient. I put the word out and after galvanising support from my colleagues, we set up the Rutland Accident Care Scheme (RACS).

How did the scheme develop from there?

Three decades on from the original RACS initiative, the scheme has evolved, grown and been amalgamated into the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme covering six counties and supporting the work of the East Midlands Ambulance Service. Now known as EMICS, the scheme is a network of doctors from hospitals and general practices in the East Midlands who volunteer to attend emergency situations in their time off and holidays. I am amazed at how the scheme has grown over the years and it’s thanks to the support of my colleagues who volunteer and to the brilliant cooperation between ourselves and the paramedic teams working across the East Midlands. I could never have envisaged how far reaching the scheme would become when I began.

How does the work of the volunteers change outcomes?

Immediate care has undergone a complete transformation in the last thirty years; it used to be the job of the ambulance driver to transport a patient to the nearest hospital and there was no treatment of any kind at the scene of an accident. Today pre134

Last year we attended over 1,700 incidents and the call out figure is rising all the time. We are the only volunteer doctor service operating 24 hours a day. EMICS is run as a charity and funded solely by donations. No-one involved receives any payment whatsoever including the twenty six doctors volunteering across Rutland, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. Worth mentioning too is the money saved when EMICS volunteer doctors are able to deal with an incident freeing up ambulance crews to operate elsewhere. Funding is a huge challenge for us however. We have a waiting list of doctors keen to join our team but costs lie in providing them with equipment, specialist training and medical supplies. It can be very frustrating to have to refuse the service of volunteer doctors due to funding restriction. We are enormously grateful to anyone who is willing to fundraise for us and we can do a great deal with a relatively small amount. All donations are used to purchase and maintain our medical equipment without which we could not operate. I would like to see the scheme grow and evolve further and for our team to keep on improving care for local people across the region.

If you would like to find out more about EMICS or help in some way, then visit their website at www.emics.org.uk

keepinG iT local Favourite spot? Up Manor Lane in Barleythorpe enjoying the view over Rutland Water in the distance.

Favourite day out? Any day spent walking the Rutland Round with my dog.

Favourite place to eat? The Garden at Barnsdale Lodge on a sunny day. sage advice? I try to bear these three key phrases in mind - Don’t just hear what folk say but really listen; Do unto others what you would have them do to you, and ask not what the community can do for you but what you can do for the community.

Photo by Elli Dean

local hero : stamford

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Out & about in

NENE VALLEY MUSEUMS ARE FUN Explore the history of Peterborough through the interactive exhibitions at the city centre Museum. Gaze in awe at the prehistoric creatures that swam in the seas that covered Peterborough 150 million years ago and the Ice Age bones of woolly mammoths, giant elephants, even a hippopotamus found during quarrying around the city. Discover the people who lived here as far back as the Romans and Anglo-Saxons - look for one of the finest Iron Age swords ever found in Britain - and get nostalgic among the objects, films and room sets that follow the growth of today’s city from the small market town of yesteryear. See the reconstructed Victorian operating theatre from the days when the building was a hospital and be glad that times have moved on. The Norman Cross Gallery is a highlight. It tells of the first ever purpose-built prisoner of war camp and is full of exquisite handicrafts, the finest collection of its kind in the world.

Local museums may be on a smaller scale but they reveal all sorts of fascinating facts and intriguing finds.

People have been living in and around Oundle since Neolithic times and the award-winning Oundle Museum has exhibits to prove it. There are reminders of how many Roman sites and Iron Age farmsteads there are in surrounding villages and displays

• The Tankyard, Station Road, PE6 0QE. 01733 270908. Open from Easter Sunday to the last Sunday in September, 2 to 5pm (August bank holiday Sunday 11am to 2pm). Free (donations welcome). www.thorneymuseum.org.uk

Photo by Elli Dean

• Priestgate, PE1 1LF. 01733 864663. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm, closed Monday except during school holidays and bank holidays. Free (donations welcome). www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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• The Courthouse, Mill Road, PE8 4BW. 01832 272735. Open from March to end October, Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday and bank holidays 2 to 5pm, and Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays in August, 11am to 5pm. Free (donations welcome). www.oundlemuseum.org.uk The Thorney Heritage Museum chronicles the life and times of this fen island village from the Bronze Age and the medieval building of a great Benedictine abbey. With the 17th century comes the story of the drainage of the fens and the Huguenot settlers who farmed the land. In the 1840’s, the wealthy landowning Dukes of Bedford began an innovative social housing scheme for poor agricultural workers and Thorney became one of England’s first model villages. Local social history is covered in displays as diverse as eeling, wildfowl decoys and the war years of the Women’s Land Army ‘girls’ and the German prisonerof-war camp.

The City Gallery is also housed in the Museum building and has a terrific programme of contemporary art exhibitions.

Peterborough Cathedral

packed with memorabilia bring more recent times to life, from brewing to the railway station. A model of a pharmacist with his pill-making equipment sits alongside a General Store, its shelves laden with jars of sweets, tobacco tins and myriad cleaning materials. One room takes on a different theme each year: for 2017 it’s a snapshot of town life in the 1940s. You could spend hours here browsing through folders and files and following a history trail on wall displays, all expertly researched.

oUt & aBoUt : NeNe

Photo by Sue Dobson

Barnwell Country Park

MAKE IT A MARKET DAY Visit Oundle’s Farmers’ Market in the morning of the second Saturday of the month and take the opportunity to explore this lovely town of centuries-old warm stone buildings and independent shops and cafés.

Stock up on free-range eggs, hand raised pork pies, locally reared lamb and beef, artisan cheeses, fresh fish from Norfolk, handcrafted bread and patisserie, scrumptious cakes and puddings plus vegetables, flowers, herbs and nursery grown plants. A bite to eat while shopping? Try a slice of the hog roasting on a spit or an Aberdeen Angus beef burger, sizzling speciality sausages or freshly made tabbouleh.

PACK UP A PICNIC Lakes, meadows, woodlands and the Nene riverside make the Ferry Meadows Country Park a great place to be, to walk, cycle, eat out or take part in a multitude of activities from watersports to golf. There’s even a dinky Ferry Meadows Railway.

• Ham Lane, PE2 5UU. 01733 234193. Open daily to pedestrians and cyclists at all times. Free. Parking charges apply: vehicle access to 1st October 6.30am to 10pm, 2nd October to end March 2018, 6.30am to 6.30pm. www.neneparktrust.org.uk Barnwell Country Park on the outskirts of Oundle has 37 acres of lakes, riverbank and meadows to explore. Feed the ducks, spot a kingfisher, follow a signposted nature trail, fish for carp and pike on a willow-fringed lake or take part in one of the many events held here. Children love the play area.

As in Oundle, there’s the pleasure of buying direct from the producers at Thrapston’s community-run Farmers’ Market held along the High Street on the first Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm (except January). From locally produced wines and beers to rare-breed pork and poultry, gluten-free cakes and savouries to honey straight from the bees, the most delicious handmade chutneys and falafels and onion bhajis hot from the pan, there’s much to tempt the tastebuds here.

TAKE THE TOUR Peterborough Cathedral is at the very heart of the city, but many of us have never got further than the grounds. It’s one of Britain’s greatest cathedrals with a fascinating history and what’s more, the one-hour guided tours of the building are now free.

The new exhibition in the restored Cathedral Visitor Centre is also free and introduces some of the characters and stories across the cathedral’s 1300-year timeline. Check out Henry VIII’s deed of endowment that changed Peterborough Abbey into a cathedral and the original letter from King James I, written in 1613, requiring the mortal remains of his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, to be removed to Westminster Abbey.

Photo by Sue Dobson

• Barnwell Country Park, Barnwell Road, PE8 5PB. 0300 126 5931. Open all day, every day. Free. Parking, £3 for up to 12 hours. (Fishing permits include car parking). www.northamptonshireparks.co.uk/barnwell-country-park

The newly opened Becket’s Tearoom in the precincts’ medieval Becket’s Chapel (sit outside for the best view in town) is ideal for a snack, lunch or a proper cream tea.

• PE1 1XS. 01733 355316. Open for visiting Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 12 to 3pm. Visitor Centre open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm. Free tours at 11.30am and 2pm, Monday to Saturday (donations invited); check the website for any changes due to services or events. Camera permit £3. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk 137

Out & about in

Market HarborougH Whether you have visitors or are looking for a family day out, there is a myriad of exciting things to do in Market Harborough and surrounds.

Sosennah Every discovers that you are spoilt for choice

Foxton Locks

family fun Foxton Locks is a famous local landmark which inspires on every visit. a wonderful place to walk and experience this feat of engineering, as canal boats slowly make their way up a series of ten canal locks consisting of two ‘staircases’ each of five locks. Foxton Locks, located on the leicester line of the Grand union Canal is Grade ii listed and is the largest flight staircase locks on the English canal system. from the viewing platform just next to the current locks you can see the remains of the historic inclined Place which was once a spectacular chair lift for boats! it is a wonderful place to have a picnic, visit the museum and also enjoy a drink or meal at the foxton locks inn. you can even hire a narrowboat for the day.

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The Foxton Locks Festival in June is a great family day out with music and stalls held in the nearby fields. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk; www.foxtonlocksfestival.co.uk for a family day out then Dingley Races is just the ticket. Set in Dingley with stunning views across the valley, the racecourse has plenty of car parking so you can lay out your picnics from the boot and enjoy a sumptuous home-made feast before the day’s races. in addition, there is also a children’s funfair and plenty of trade stands as well as food and drink stalls, should you need topping up! www.dingleyraces.com Wistow Maze is a giant maize and sunflower maze that is great fun to explore. Children are challenged to unravel

the quiz trail and find all 12 clues hidden amongst the three miles of paths. The maze also incorporates high bridges and viewing towers that give visitors stunning panoramic views over the giant maze and beautiful surrounding countryside.

Open seven days a week from mid-July to early September. www.wistow.com

oUt & aBoUt : marKet harBoroUGh

FOR ADRENALINE KICKS

CulTuRE VulTuRES

for a completely out of the ordinary thrilling experience that is definitely going to get the adrenaline kicking in, a tank driving and tank paintball battle at amourgeddon in Husbands Bosworth is a must. Situated in a former WWii bombing range, Amourgeddon has a fleet of FV432s tanks which visitors learn to drive around the track, often deep in mud and with undulating country! Once you’ve mastered all the controls, you then enter into battle with another tank, shooting paint-filled Ping-Pong balls from a cannon fixed atop

Harborough Concerts

Amourgeddon

the FV432, requiring true team spirit and precision aiming, all of which is extremely thrilling. military driving experiences can also be taken; choose a number of tanks, military and non-military vehicles from the selection available and drive each around the track, experiencing what it would be like to be using these vehicles for transport situations across the world’s land masses. The newest addition to this group of vehicles is a Gloster Saro fire Engine - complete with working horn and siren!

The market Harborough concert series is rapidly gaining a wider national reputation for performances of the highest calibre, adventurous and innovative programming, and is establishing market Harborough as an indispensable platform for Classical music in leicestershire. The players are part of The Harborough Collective, which was formed in 2010 by David le Page, one of the uK’s top violinists and draws on the talents of this country’s most outstanding professional musicians.

Kibworth Shooting ground

The museum at armourgeddon stretches across three hangers and houses a wide selection of tanks and military vehicles from a world famous Sherman to a Centurion, a Bell 47 helicopter to an Opel Blitz, a T54 to a Challenger and everything in between! The collection also includes multiple guns, interactive activities such as a field telephone and Morse code machine, 24-hour ration packs, military uniforms and an anderson Shelter. fascinating for all visitors - those studying WWii at school, those with an interest in tanks or even those who never realised before that they are interested!

Armourgeddon is open from April 1st through to the end of October.

01858 880239 www.armourgeddon.co.uk

Coffee concerts start at 3pm and last an hour and evening concerts start at 7.30pm-9.45pm.

Concerts take place at The Congregational Church, Market Harborough, LE16 7JD OR The Methodist Church, Northampton Road, Market Harborough LE16 9HE 07903 020101 www.harboroughconcerts.co.uk

Kibworth shooting Ground specialises in clay, target and air rifle shooting and is an exciting way to spend a few hours whether you are nine or ninety years old.

Clay shooting and air rifle lessons can be booked in advance with experienced instructors that can assess each shooter and offer help and advice to correct any bad habits that may have been picked up. There is disabled access available and birthday party groups and hen/stag groups are also welcome.

0116 279 6001 www.kibworthshootingground.co.uk

The 2017 exhibition is “Self-Sufficiency – Do or Die.” Housed in the historic Tin Tab, located next to Hallaton’s picturesque church, the exhibition gives visitors a fascinating insight into village life during the 19th century, when most goods and services were sourced locally. The exhibition focuses on the remarkable people, buildings and trades that once characterised Hallaton’s flourishing community. Dependence on day to day essentials such as laundry, religion, schooling, carpentry, and plumbing demanded that the village supply a range of shops and societies. The exhibition is aimed at people of all ages.

Exhibition runs from 22nd April – 2nd October every weekend and bank holidays from 2.30-5pm www.hallaton-museum.co.uk

Photo: Raphael Klatzko

Hallaton Museum

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COMMERCIAL phOtOgRAphy pORtRAItS & LIFEStyLE WEDDINgS 07932 055548 • ellideanphotography.co.uk

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‘Childhood is a time to explore, create & be joyful!’ Ofsted Outstanding Forest School On-site Outdoor Learning in Yurt classroom Montessori from 2 years Respectful ethos from babies onwards W: https://stamford.tcgnursery.co.uk Childrensgardenmontessori E: thechildrensgarden@btconnect.com

T: 01780 752094 Roebuck House, 33 Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PJ

Founded in 1998

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Kids’ Learning & Activities in Stamford GArdEn Of SurPrISES, Burghley House, Stamford: Hidden from view is an exciting array of water-filled features including swivelling Caesar busts, basins of water, jets and a mirror maze. If water’s not your thing, then why not get a dirt fix by booking a Gruesomely Grubby Garden tour where you can enjoy discovering grubby insects and gruesome animals that live in the Sculpture Garden. www.burghley.co.uk SACrEWELL fArM, Thornhaugh: A multi-award winning heritage farm with lots of activities including a playground, maze, tractor rides, play barn and lots of lovely animals to see. In addition, the Grade II listed watermill has been restored to working order. Sacrewell also supports British Farmers and is home to rare breed British Landrace pigs and Lincoln Longwool sheep. www.sacrewell.org.uk tALLInGtOn LAKES, Tallington: Spring water-fed lakes are the backdrop to many water sports activities ranging from water skiing to wake boarding. You can also learn how to drive a power boat, sail, windsurf, jet ski, kayak, canoe and raft build or join in an open water swim session. Maybe you would prefer the dry ski slopes instead, or scale the 15-metre high climbing tower and take in the views! www.tallington.com

obstacles for children to explore. There is a designated under 2s space whilst grown-ups can enjoy fresh coffee and snacks. www.theyardstamford.co.uk LEISurE POOL, Stamford: Dedicated ‘Toddler Splash’ sessions run each week aimed at parents/carers bringing preschool children for a fun swim amidst a selection of toys which are added to the water. Swimming lessons are available from six months upwards. The pool runs a regular timetable of family swim times and other sessions. www.1life.co.uk/southkesteven-district-council/stamford-leisurepool/home StAMfOrd LIBrArY: Each week Stamford Library hosts two special ‘Story Time’ slots for pre-schoolers (Wednesdays at 2pm and Saturdays at 11am). These sessions last about half an hour and include stories, songs and craft/ colouring activities and continue through the school holidays. Older children are welcome to join in. Email: stamford. library@lincolnshire.gov.uk AdrEnALInE ALLEY, Corby: For a super active, indoor pursuit venue for slightly older children, why not visit the UK’s largest skatepark based in

Corby. Set over 120,000 sq ft of wood, concrete and dirt are zoned areas to play to any style of riding including cycling, scootering, blading and skateboarding. www.adrenalinealley.co.uk

CrEAtIvE/Art fOr BABIES StAMfOrd ArtS CEntrE, Children’s Workshops: All kinds of creative workshops to suit all ages: from kite making to Wallace & Grommit and Pirates & Fairies days. Fun and practical. www.stamfordartscentre.com BILInGuASInG, Stamford, Bourne and Oakham: An award-winning music, singing and movement class for parents, babies, toddler and pre-school children to learn Spanish or French together in a fun and engaging way that is appropriate for the development stage of each child.

Email: sarah@bilinguasing.com PAInt A POt WItH tOOtY, The Yard, Stamford: Offering ‘pop up’ workshops/ mobile ceramic pottery painting for all ages. Plus babies’ hand and feet prints.

Creative fun at its best. www.facebook.com/PaintaPotwithTooty

Photos by Elli Dean

OutdOOr fun

EASTON WALLED GARDENS, Grantham: The Easton Estate is a traditional rural estate which has been owned and managed by the Cholmeley family since 1561. The fabulous gardens (open to the public) include: a turf maze, yew tunnel, shrubberies, meadows (including an unusual rose garden), cut flower and vegetable gardens and more. www.visiteaston.co.uk

IndOOrS ACtIvItIES tHE YArd, Stamford: If you are looking for a safe play place to take young children, The Yard offers ‘a bit of a sanctuary for families’, with large play

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Music Bunnies. sessions are between 30-45 minutes long and are aimed at children between the ages of 2-5. Rhythm games, singing and dancing immerse children in a world of music. www.music-bunnies.co.uk

Kids’ Learning & activities : stamford

seLected nursery provision ChILdreN’S GardeN daY NUrSerY, Stamford: An Ofsted Outstanding Montessori nursery and Forest School set in a lovely Georgian town house.

Focusing on the natural inquisitiveness of young children fosters self-respect and confidence in their ability to work things out for themselves. Their ethos is that childhood is a time to explore, create and be joyful. www.stamford.tcgnursery.co.uk

Wildcats

drama/theatre StamFOrd artS CeNtre, Stamford Youth Theatre: Weekly workshops for children from 5+, Stamford Youth Theatre and Stamford Junior Youth Theatre (SJYT) work towards fun productions which are performed in the theatre. www.stamfordartscentre.com WILdCatS, Stamford: A fully inclusive theatre school based with classes across South Lincolnshire, Rutland and Peterborough. The school offers parttime classes to children aged 2-16 years.

Full-time accredited courses are available to students aged 16+ and there is also a full programme of educational holiday activities. www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk dINKY daNCerS, Stamford, Ryhall and Bourne: Classes specialising in dance, music, PE and action classes for 2-4 year olds. Designed to stimulate, encourage and develop a child’s sense of rhythm, balance, co-ordination and physical ability with activities including rolling, hopping and skipping. Email: emmawalkland@ active-creative.com Jem’S hIP hOP, Stamford: Is a Lincolnshire-based dance school specialising in commercial Hip Hop and Street dance styles. They run weekly classes for children aged three+ years. www.jhhdance.co.uk WeLLaNd SChOOL OF daNCING, Stamford: Caters for both the serious student (many go on to professional training and careers in the theatre), and the recreational pupil. Children are accepted from age two for ballet, age three for tap and modern theatre and

age seven for hip hop. The school’s main dance studio is equipped with pianists, ballet barres, mirrors and sprung floors. www.wellandschoolofdancing.co.uk

SPOrtS LIttLe KICKerS FOOtBaLL, Stamford: A programme developed by FA qualified coaches and nursery school teachers to provide football classes for children aged between two and seven years.

Classes help children develop sharing and teamwork skills alongside improving agility, co-ordination and balance. www.littlekickers.co.uk StamFOrd rUGBY CLUB, Stamford: Brilliantly sociable and active membership club for keen rugby players from aged five years. Weekly fixtures and training sessions keep everyone on their toes and learning new skills. www.stamfordrugby.rfu.club Little Lane Nursery

LIttLe LaNe NUrSerY, Stamford: A boutique nursery located in the centre of Stamford, providing the highest standard of childcare for a small number of children between the ages of six weeks and five years. They are passionate about childcare and dedicated to creating a safe and happy environment in which each child can achieve their full potential by developing confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning. www.littlelanenursery.com LIttLe CherUBS, Stamford: A privatelyowned, vibrant nursery offering children a caring, family environment within the heart of Stamford. They offer high quality day care for all children from three months to five years, treating each child as a treasured individual. www.littlecherubsstamford.co.uk the arK, Stamford: An Ofsted Outstanding Day Nursery and Forest School. They have two nurseries in Stamford, both on school sites and their own Forest School providing loving and stimulating environments where each child is treated equally and encouraged to develop at their own pace. www.thearkstamford.co.uk mULBerrY BUSh, Stamford: Two Ofsted registered nurseries offering flexible attendance - both offer free funded places. Nursery sites are based on Kesteven Road, Stamford and in Uffington - both offering breakfast and after-school clubs as well as holiday play schemes which are open to all. www.themulberrybushchildcare.co.uk

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Photo by Elli Dean

Kids’ Learning & Activities in Rutland

KEEPING ACTIVE Rutland is spoilt for choice when it comes to sporting opportunities for children.

• Oakham Rugby Club offers some of the best coaching in the Midlands, providing age appropriate training for children from 5 years all the way through to adult play. www.pitchero.com/clubs/oakham

We pick the go-to family activities in Rutland, from brilliant bike rides, to discovering nature, sports and adventure

PRE-SCHOOL FUN There are lots of activities to keep little ones and parents entertained in the area, including: • The brilliant BilinguaSing bilingual music classes introduce babies and toddlers to Spanish & French through a mixture of music, rhymes, actions, sensory stimulation and above all fun.

Classes are held on Wednesdays at Mini Monsters Soft Play in Oakham. www.bilinguasing.com • Little ones can get splashy at Water Babies swimming classes having fun whilst building their confidence and independence in the water. Local venues include Oakham C of E Primary School. www.waterbabies.co.uk • Mini Monsters Soft Play in Oakham has a three story soft-play structure that includes slides, tunnels, playing blocks, 144

punch bags and a ball pit. It also has a separate soft play area just for babies with soft bricks, a baby slide, a ball pit, rockers and plenty of toys. www.minimonsterssoftplay.com • Visions Children Centre based at Oakham Library has a range of activities to engage little ones and support parents including messy play, a dads’ group and rhyme and story time. www.visionsccc.co.uk

• Lawn Tennis Association approved R2R Tennis Coaching aims to make learning easy for young players with softer balls, smaller racquets and lower nets engaging children from 4 years old. www.r2tennis.co.uk Whilst Oakham Tennis Club is a thriving club offering junior tuition and its junior teams play in the Leicestershire age group leagues. www.oakhamltc.org.uk • Ambitious yet very friendly, Oakham Cricket Club runs three weekend league teams and a junior section with over 150 boys and girls in all age groups. www. pitchero.com/clubs/oakhamcricketclub • Royce Rangers Football Club enters squads of boys and girls under 11 years in the Leicester Foxes Sunday League. www.pitchero.com/clubs/ roycerangersfootballclub • Multi-award winning Vale Judo offers recreational judo classes for children between five and eight years old with competition squad training beginning at eight years. www.valejudo.co.uk • Oakham Artistic Gymnastics Club, which is affiliated to British Gymnastics,

Photo by Eric Renno

Kids’ Learning & activities : rutLand

nurserY and Pre-scHOOL PrOvisiOn in rutLand

Choosing the right nursery or Preschool for your child can be stressful, but the good news is there are some great choices available here in Rutland.

Knossington & Somerby Preschool Knossington Village Hall, Main

Street, Knossington, LE15 8LT www.ksps.org.uk 01664 454674 Ofsted rated: Outstanding

Highly regarded Pre-school, with high staff ratios, excellent standards of care within the Early Years setting and an inspiring focus on outdoor learning.

The Ark Association

Princess Avenue, Oakham, LE15 6PQ Tel: 01572 755776 Burley Road, Oakham, LE15 6GY 01572 770121 www.the-ark.org.uk Ofsted rated: Good

Oakham Cricket Club

• Oakham Studios run dance and performance classes including Mini Music and Movement for those 18 months and over to ballet, modern and tap classes for children. www.oakhamstudios.co.uk • Rutland Water provides a marvellous array of water based activities for families such as learning to canoe, kayak, windsurf or sail. The man-made beach on its shores offers some great paddling opportunities, whilst the summer flagship floating inflatable Aqua Park Rutland is awesome. www.anglianwater.co.uk, www.rutlandsc.co.uk • RockBlok situated on the north shore of Rutland Water has a terrific climbing wall with high wire facilities suitable for all ages from 7 years upwards. Challenging experiences led by qualified instructors, means kids will be taking on the 8-metre climbing wall, abseiling tower and a high ropes adventure course with delight. www.rockblok.co.uk • Cycling at Rutland Water provides great fun for all the family. With stunning views, a chance to stop at the man-made beach, watch the sailing boats, and enjoy a trip to Bugtopia, everyone will sleep soundly after a full day of fresh air and exercise. Rutland Cycling have a great selection of bikes to hire for the whole family. www.rutlandcycling.co.uk www.bugtopia.co.uk

enJOYing WiLdLiFe In an area of such outstanding natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Rutland offers a spectacular opportunity to appreciate the wonderful diversity of British wildlife.

• The Rutland Water Nature Reserve has an exciting calendar of family events including Nature Detectives, pond dipping, bug hunting and nature related craft sessions as well as the popular Osprey Family Fun Day in September. www.rutlandwater.org.uk • The Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre, near Burley-on-the-Hill is set in 42 acres of unspoilt woodland and has over 90 birds on site, including owls, hawks, falcons, buzzards and vultures. www.rutland-falconry.com

Photo by Eric Renno

offers classes from walking age and include beginners, recreational and competition. All participants get the opportunity to learn skills on the Floor, Airtrack, Beam, Bars and Vaults. oakhamgymnastics@hotmail.co.uk

Operating two successful day nurseries in Rutland, this registered charity offers nursery sessions alongside pre and post school Kids Club for children up to the age of 11 years.

Oakham Day Nursery

Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, Oakham, LE15 7TU 01572 335055 www.oakhamdaynursery.co.uk Ofsted rated: Good Providing children ages 6 weeks to 5 years a fun, safe place to learn and grow. With a choice of morning, afternoon or full day sessions and open all year round (except for bank holidays).

Roots to Wings

3 Glebe Road, Wymondham, Leicestershire, LE14 2AF 01572 787334 www.root-to-wings.co.uk Ofsted rated: Good Friendly nursery offers happy and nurturing environment where children can learn through play whilst having lots of fun and a strong emphasis on outdoor play.

Whissendine Pre-school

Whissendine Village Hall, Main Street, Whissendine, LE15 7ET 01664 474412 www.whissendinepreschool.com Ofsted rated: Good A motto of ‘learning through play’ means children experience a great range of activities to support their learning including outside play, nature walks, Forest School, music sessions, and yoga. A strong relationship with Whissendine Primary School enables children to become school ready and have a smooth transition into their next stage of learning.

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Kids’ Learning & Activities in Nene SportS Oundle Town FC and Thrapston Junior FC Encourage a love of the beautiful game in your youngsters by enrolling them in one of these family-friendly football clubs.

Both offer coaching with fun training sessions to learn the basics for the youngest, through to a youth league providing competitive match action as they progress. Oundle Town FC have plans for a junior disability team and a toddler age two to four team! Boys and girls are all encouraged to come down and give football a go! Training times vary according to age group. Visit thrapstontownjuniors. co.uk and oundletownfc.co.ukfor more information.

Oundle Town Cricket Club Rolling out across the UK this year is All Stars Cricket, the English Cricket Board’s new initiative aimed at the youngest of our cricketing potential. Sessions will be on offer at Oundle Town CC, for children from four to eight years’, but older children are catered for too in the Junior clubs training sessions.

Long summer evenings allow the training sessions to start at 6pm, meaning parents can enjoy the opportunity to relax with a Pimms whilst watching the children learning this most quintessential of English games. Sessions take place on different days of the week according to age: oundletown.play-cricket.com have all the details you will need.

Adrenaline Alley If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual team sports, then look no further than Corby’s Adrenaline Alley, where young scooter, BMX and skateboard enthusiasts can try out their skills in this safe and secure environment, which is also the biggest such park in Europe. It boasts three indoor parks; an outdoor plaza and dirt jumps with various sizes of ramps for all ages and abilities.

If you’re a beginner, there is a weekly training club on Wednesday evenings, and one to one coaching is available to help improve your riding skills.

For all information go to adrenalinealley. co.uk or call 01536 202049.

Oundle Rugby Football Club Offering training and match play for children in Year One and above, Oundle RFC provides a fun introduction to this much-loved sport.

One mum says: “My son really didn’t want to do rugby at first, but now we can’t stop him from going every Sunday morning!

He loves it and is thriving from playing in a team and participating in tournaments. It has been great for his confidence!’

Training takes place every Sunday - call 01832 273101 to find out more.

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Dance anD Drama Saldance Theatre Arts Whether it’s ballet, tap or freestyle that makes your child want to move, there will be a class to suit at the Saldance Theatre Arts School in Peterborough. Classes take place after school hours and at weekends, and students work towards a theatre production every 18 months, giving them the opportunity to showcase their achievements. For more information, go to saldance.co.uk Telling Tales Supported by an outstanding team of Performing Arts teachers each week, Simon Aylin and Louise Russell aim to give their students the best possible experience in Dance, Drama and Singing.

Early Stages classes are open to children in Reception and Year One, with Senior School welcoming those from six to sixteen years of age. The company works towards a summer production held at the STAHL Theatre in Oundle, providing a wonderful chance for the students to experience life in the theatre.

It takes place every Saturday morning at Laxton Junior School, East Rd, Oundle: for further information, visit tellingtalestheatre.com.

Kids’ Learning & activities : nene

Music Rhymetime at local Libraries We are fortunate to have a number of wonderfully run and community-minded public Libraries in the Nene Valley, many of which offer Rhymetime sessions for parents and carers to attend with their pre-school children. These classes (which are free of charge) provide an inclusive and friendly environment for little ones to explore the joy of music making using toddler-friendly percussion instruments and props.

Run by volunteers, the times will vary from library to library, and are well worth investigating: visit northamptonshire.gov.uk/libraries to find out about sessions in your local Library.

Nene Valley Music and Performing Arts Centre Offering classes and ensembles in a diverse range of musical genres, this Saturday morning school is open to kids from Reception to Year Twelve. Groups include the more traditional strings, wind and brass, but children are also encouraged to explore new interests in the folk, jazz and rock classes, as well as in musical theatre.

Starting at 9am every term-time Saturday, NMPAT can be found at Prince William School in Oundle. Go to nampat.co.uk for all the information you will need.

Peterborough Centre for Young Musicians New for 2016-17, PCYM describes itself as ‘an exciting new venture for the region’s talented young musicians’ and offers tuition in association with London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Aimed at children between seven and eighteen years’ of age the Saturday morning sessions include ensemble, orchestra and choir training as well as workshops from visiting professors and individual instrumental lessons. Admission is by audition or teacher reference, but acceptance is based on musical potential. More information can be found at pcym.org.uk.

chiLdcare options in our area tansor playgroup

Based in Tansor’s bright and newlyrefurbished Village Hall, this longestablished Playgroup offers morning and some afternoon sessions to children aged between two and five, with a lunch club also available. A PreSchoolers’ Afternoon session, where those preparing for school are given an introduction to the basics by a qualified Early Years’ teacher, is proving popular.

On Thursdays, the children decamp to nearby woods for the popular Forest School, where den-building and problem-solving are on the timetable - together with a great deal of FUN, of course. To arrange a visit, please contact tansorplaygroup@yahoo.co.uk

Blackberry house day nursery

Offering day care for children from nought to five in their three centres (based in Wisbech, March and Peterborough), Blackberry House believes in providing an exceptional experience for those in its care. Sensory, IT and Music rooms help children to develop communication, language, personal and physical skills, and there are outdoor woodland play areas for little ones to explore.

Meals are cooked on-site by qualified chefs and a Before and After School Club is available for those aged four to seven. Go to blackberryhousedaynursery. co.uk for all contact details.

Busy Bees Montessori

Based in Rushden, the Busy Bees Montessori Nursery welcomes children from six weeks to five years, and is “dedicated to helping each child grow toward independence by building confidence, competence, self-esteem and respect for others.”

Children are introduced to a wide range of activities and learning opportunities, and are encouraged to engage in selfselected tasks designed to stimulate their natural curiosity and aptitude for learning.

One parent says: “We have been able to see our son’s development and the leaps that he makes in speaking, playing, motor functions, walking and confidence.

Such a happy boy in such a happy environment.” Visit busybeesmontessori. com for more information.

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Kids’ Learning & Activities in Market Harborough We pick the go-to family activities in Market Harborough, from brilliant sporting opportunities to outdoor fun and adventure KEEPING ACTIVE Market Harborough has some excellent options when it comes to sporting opportunities for children.

• Market Harborough RUFC is friendly and welcoming and provides great coaching and age appropriate training for children from 4 years old. www.pitchero.com/clubs/ marketharboroughrugbyunionfootballclub • Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club junior membership starts at £15, with coaching courses available for juniors of any ability from the age of 2½ years.

During the spring, summer and autumn there are coaching sessions for all age groups on Saturday mornings, whilst during the winter the courses run at indoor venues. www.harboroughtennis.co.uk Medbourne Tennis Club enjoys excellent facilities as part of the thriving Medbourne

Sports and Social Club. The tennis club has three newly resurfaced courts and the use of the recently extended club house. Annual membership packages are available for adults, juniors and families and it has a popular junior coaching programme. www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/ medbournetennisclub • Cricketing options are well catered for. The Market Harborough Cricket and Squash Club has a vibrant junior sections providing coaching for juniors from the age of 5 years upwards www. harboroughcsc.co.uk. The Bowden Cricket Club has a thriving Junior Cricket section that represents the Club at Kwik Cricket, U11, U13 and U15 levels. Tom Flowers Cricket Coaching also runs its hugely popular Summer School across a variety of venues in the areas, offering ECB Level 3 & 2 coaches. Suitable for ages 8-16 years and of all abilities, the course includes skills and drills, batting,

PRE-SCHOOL FUN activities to keep little ones and parents entertained in the area, including: • The fun filled Singing Sally sessions keep pre-school children and parents entertained with fun and innovative singing sessions. www.singingsally.co.uk • Little ones can get splashy at Harborough Leisure Centre where they follow the Amateur Swimming Association Learn to Swim Pathway from 6 months or at Aqua-Vie which teach babies, children and adults to swim with techniques based on the Alexander Technique and is available in Great Glen. www.aqua-vie.co.uk • Mini Mischiefs children’s indoor play area has a huge multi-level soft play frame. In addition, it also has a dedicated built-in Baby Area and Toddler Area with height appropriate soft play equipment allowing babies and toddlers to explore the play centre at their own pace. www.mini-mischiefs.co.uk • Lemon Jelly offers a fabulous Jelly Tots class for 2-4 year olds in Tur Langton which include dance, drama and movement. www.lemonjellyarts.co.uk • Pop into Nature’s Pantry, an independent shop based in Market Harborough selling healthy foods, delicious smoothies, sustainably made wooden toys and some great pre-school activities such as Little Foodies, Fun French for Kids and Crafty Kids. 3 Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA, 01858 468568

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bowling, fielding and wicket keeping skills. www.tomflowerscricketcoaching.com • Harborough Town FC has Minis, Girls, Junior and Youth teams and is one of the largest Mini Soccer providers in the area. www.harboroughtown.org • The Harborough Leisure Centre offers junior dodgeball, junior badminton, balanceability learn to cycle programme and Swift gymnastics. www.harboughleisure.co.uk • The are some great horse riding opportunities available. Clipston Riding School offers a range of services to help with all your equestrian needs, including riding lessons, livery services, private tuition, part loans and rider improvement schemes. www.clipstonridingschool.co.uk • Gymnastics can be found at the Market Harborough Gymnastics Club at Welland Park School, whilst the Corby Gymnastics Academy has something to offer for everyone with its diverse range of classes for boys and girls of any age.

It runs structured Pre-school Gymnastics sessions as well as Beginner, Recreational and Squad sessions. Corby regularly takes part in local displays/events as well as County, Regional and National Competitions. www.corbygymnastics.co.uk • The highly regarded Harborough Academy of Performing Arts offers expert tuition in ballet, tap, modern jazz, street jazz, gymnastic dance and musical theatre singing for boys and girls from 3 years to adults. www.harboroughacademy.co.uk • Lemon Jelly Arts runs a great programme of dance, drama, musical theatre and singing as well as holiday workshops. www.lemonjellyarts.co.uk

KIDS’ LEARNING & ACTIVITIES : MARKET HARBOROUGH

NURSERY AND PRESCHOOL PROVISION IN MARKET HARBOROUGH Choosing the right nursery or Preschool for your child is important, and the good news is there are some brilliant choices available here in Market Harborough.

Sunflowers Day Nursery

Bowden Business Village, Market Harborough, LE16 7SA www.sunflowersdaynursery.com Tel: 01858 540 227 Ofsted rated: Outstanding This excellent purpose built nursery, accommodates children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years old in a safe and happy environment over two floors.

Great outside play space offers areas for investigation and exploration, climbing equipment, gardening and grass for picnics and story telling. Open 5 days a week, year round between 7.30am – 6.30pm.

Little Angels Nursery

2 -4 Angel Row, Market Harborough, LE16 9QG www.littleangelsnursery.co.uk Tel: 01858 469 708 Ofsted rated: Outstanding

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS AND WILDLIFE There are lots of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds Market Harborough with the family and appreciate the scenery and diversity of wildlife.

• In July and August Wistow Maze is a giant 8-acre maize maze with a fun Quiz Trail hidden amongst 3 miles of pathways, with high-level bridges and towers giving fabulous panoramic views. The maze includes an activity fun-yard with mini mazes and games for all the family, including hoopla, beanbag throwing, a space hopper track and football shooting game. www.wistow.com • East Carlton Park is close by and has a lovely playground, pond, craft sessions and fun circular walk through the woods perfect for a family day out. www.corby.gov.uk/eastcarlton • At West Lodge Farm Park, children of all ages can meet and learn about a range of rare breeds, handle the rabbits and guinea pigs in Cuddle Corner and laugh at the antics of the pygmy goats on Goat Mountain. In Summer 2017 it opens its new indoor play area which will be quite different from conventional indoor play areas with a large tree being the focal point with rope bridges, slides, climbing walls and tunnels for little ones to immerse themselves in, alongside a designated area for younger children to play in. www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk • Forest School is also on offer at West Lodge Rural Centre. This outdoor educational experience includes bug hunting, natural crafts, den building and tree climbing as is run as a group session or a popular holiday club for 5-11 year olds. www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

This popular nursery is dedicated to providing the finest quality childcare for children from birth to 5 years. Operating in a large, spacious building with dedicated areas for different age groups, it has two separate well thought out outdoor play areas. Open 5 days a week, year round between 7.45am – 6.30pm.

Little Acorns Pre-School

St Dionysius Church Hall, Coventry Road, Market Harborough LE16 9BX www.littleacornsmh.co.uk Tel: 07866057446 Ofsted rated: Good This Pre-school aims to provide a warm, caring and friendly atmosphere which enables children to grow and learn in a stimulating, supportive and secure environment in order to enhance all aspects of their development. Session times are Monday to Friday, inclusive, from 09.00 to 12.00, with extended session times on Tuesdays and Thursdays of 09.00 to 15.00.

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Brooke Priory

Bilton Grange

Extra-curricular activitiEs The positive impact of extra-curricular activities is clear – it helps pupils build relationship and teamwork skills, it can benefit their health and boost their self-esteem and teaches them about time management

Bilton GranGe

Brooke Priory

Pupils have ample opportunity to find their passions and develop their talents at Bilton Grange, a co-educational boarding and day school for ages 4 to 13. Their options programme changes termly but staples like cubs, scouts, brownies and guides remain year-round. Horse riding, trampolining, Zumba and ballet are always popular but compete against fencing, swimming, photography, Tae Kwon Do, golf, art and sculpture. This year, girls’ cricket and clay pigeon shooting have been added to the mix.

Being lucky enough to have Rutland Water right on their doorstep, Brooke’s pupils can take full advantage of everything that it offers: the Osprey Project gives pupils the opportunity to track these amazing birds’ migration to and from the West coast of Africa. Cycling days around the reservoir generate great team spirit and enable pupils to enjoy fitness and savour the therapeutic benefits of being in the great outdoors.

Sailing is another exciting activity that pupils often enjoy.

Music is an important part of Bilton’s programme and, as well as their many choirs and orchestras, they have a range of ensembles including saxophone, guitar, woodwind and brass.

Drama at this co-educational day preparatory school is particularly strong and the children eagerly step into character and perform in the purposebuilt theatre. The boys and girls also take part in local drama festivals and regularly return with awards.

Bilton Grange Preparatory School, Dunchurch, Rugby, CV22 6QU. 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk

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Clubs and societies introduce pupils

to many unusual sports and disciplines including gymnastics, petanque, Choi Kwang Do, ballet, tennis, show-jumping and equestrian cross-country, chess amongst numerous others. The gymnasts have done exceptionally well this year.

Brooke Priory School, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6QW. 01572 724778 www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk CoPthill indePendent SChool Copthill is a thriving purpose-built independent co-educational school for two- to 11-year-olds. Situated on 350 acres of farmland, Copthill has a wellestablished and highly regarded Forest School department, and its outdoor education programme is an integral part of the curriculum, used by all ages to inspire and enhance pupils’ learning and build character.

The huge variety of extra-curricular

education : Junior schools

Stamford Junior School, Kettering Road, Stamford PE9 2LR. 01780 484400 www.lincs.sch.uk/stamfordjuniorschool Stoneygate School Extra-curricular activities form an important part of the school day at Stoneygate School: “We want pupils to try something different.

We also want pupils to excel in certain fields and by offering a huge variety of clubs – there is something here for everyone.”

Pupils at Stoneygate are encouraged to stay late after lessons finish. Once the ‘normal school day’ has finished, pupils can decide whether or not to go to ‘prep’ (Stoneygate’s Homework club, monitored and supported by staff) or take part in an extra-curricular club.

Stoneygate School

activities on offer include 15 different music clubs and over 50 other clubs ranging from karate and film technology to sailing and dry slope skiing.

The Copthill Challenge Scheme is a voluntary, child-initiated scheme designed to encourage all pupils from Year 4 upwards to try new skills and challenges, recognising all the abilities and interests of pupils – not just academic, sporting or musical. It also helps them develop leadership and teamwork skills and encourages them to think about others and offer help through providing a service in-school or out of school. Pupils can work towards a bronze, silver or gold award over the three years, dependent on their enthusiasm, self-motivation and commitment to a skill or variety of activities during the years.

children’s growth mindset and teaches resilience and self-regulation.

There is also the Formula 1 Club, encouraging older pupils to design and build a model car and race it against other local teams, whilst developing links with local businesses. Sculpture Club allows their youngest pupils to express themselves using a variety of materials, while the debating club gives the opportunity for independent research and to develop coherent arguing skills and respond to others appropriately.

Once the club has finished, everyone meets up for tea, after which the older pupils are encouraged to attend a second, later ‘prep club’. There are numerous arts clubs (tap, musical theatre, orchestra, recorder group, drama, knit and stitch, textiles - batik, various choirs, ukulele and guitar, craft to name a few), numerous linguistic clubs (German, French Film Society, Gothic Literature), a variety of sports clubs (from tennis to Tae Kwon Do) and general interest (cookery, computing, gardening). Exciting, engaging and enjoyable!

Stoneygate School, London Road, Great Glen, Leicestershire LE8 9DJ. 0116 2592282 www.stoneygateschool.co.uk

Copthill School, Barnack Road, Uffington, Stamford PE9 3AD. 01780 757506 www.copthill.com Stamford Junior School Stamford offers a wide range of cocurricular activities for all their pupils that prove to be very popular; some relaxing, some challenging!

There is a particularly comprehensive sports programme, which encourages participation from all children whether it be a run around Burghley Park or even competing at national level. Gym is very popular and golf is growing fast.

Other activities include meditation and mindfulness club, which develops the

Copthill Independent School

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Oakham School

Leicester Grammar

GivinG back

Charity work and volunteering greatly enhance students’ higher education and employability potential, with 73% of employers saying that they would rather employ someone with voluntary experience than someone without *

Bourne Grammar schooL This mixed selective academy, rated as outstanding by Ofsted, works very closely with the Willoughby School, a neighbouring Special School for pupils with profound, severe and complex learning needs. As Bourne Grammar’s headteacher, Jonathan Maddox, explains: “Our students enjoy supporting the work of their peers at our neighbouring school, the Willoughby School. In March, Sixth Form chemists from Bourne Grammar were invited to Willoughby to guide the students there through a range of science experiments which were carefully planned to excite, fascinate, inspire and involve them. The Sixth Formers were able to take with them apparatus and chemicals that the Willoughby students would not otherwise have a chance to see, handle and study.”

Year 10 students also organised an event for local primary school children as part of their GCSE PE course. One visiting primary school teacher commented how thrilled her pupils had been after attending: “The

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children were able to take part in a dance workshop or the multi-skills events and they all had a fantastic time. I would like to extend my appreciation to your Year 10 students who were a credit to your school and excellent ambassadors. They showed great patience with the children and put them at ease.”

Bourne Grammar School, South Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9JE 01778 422288 www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk Leicester Grammar schooL Leicester Grammar School pupils put a lot of their time into supporting other pupils both locally and internationally. Many of them look to follow medical careers and, in preparation for this, they often engage in a prolonged period of volunteering, for example, helping in care homes where they read to the elderly.

Pupils often engage in a diverse range of activities as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award, such as collecting litter in the

countryside, volunteering as life guards and acting as car park attendants at charity events. They also raise a significant amount of money for local charities including Hope Against Cancer and Rainbows or for local churches. Further afield they have raised tens of thousands of pounds to build a new dining hall in a sister school in Pasua, Tanzania.

Leicester Grammar School, London Road, Leicester LE8 9FL. 0116 2591900 www.leicestergrammar.org.uk oakham schooL Oakham School offers a genuinely holistic education, wanting pupils to leave as wellgrounded, hard-working individuals who know themselves well and are ready to go out into the world with the confidence and courage to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference.

Through Voluntary Action (VA) each week, students work in primary schools and care homes, and teach ICT skills to local elderly residents in a joint initiative with

education : Senior SchoolS

Oakham School

AgeUK. Oakham also holds two ‘Service Weekends’ each year, where pupils participate in numerous VA projects, as well as hosting parties for around 300 elderly members of the local community.

Many of the school’s major trips and expeditions have a charitable element to them. Most notable is the Kenya Schools Project, which sees students fundraise to support several Kenyan schools, as well as building and refurbishing classrooms during their trip.

During their time at Oakham, pupils also enjoy raising money for charity, fundraising for around 18 charities a year and raising £20,000 a year on average.

Oakham School, Chapel Close, Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT 01572 758500 www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk Oundle SchOOl The Oundle School Community Action (CA) programme aims to cultivate a spirit of service and to encourage awareness of the needs of people from different sectors of society. Over 300 Fifth and Sixth formers participate in over 70 different activities on a weekly basis, including visiting and hosting people with special needs, children, the elderly and participating in community groups and projects both in the immediate neighbourhood and beyond.

A series of annual CA events include a sponsored ‘SleepOut’ in a Birmingham car park to raise funds for homeless young people, and ‘Have-A-Go Days’, when pupils host afternoons of fun activities for children and adults with physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

Oundle School, Church Street, Oundle, PE8 4EE. 01832 277122 www.oundleschool.org.uk StamfOrd endOwed SchOOlS Stamford Endowed Schools has a long history of supporting the local community, with a firm belief that a sense of social responsibility helps prepare children for life beyond the school gates.

Their local charity of choice is the Evergreen Care Trust, a Christian organisation that relies on its local community to help provide the allimportant funding to support elderly and vulnerable people in the area. But the Schools’ drive to ‘give back’ isn’t confined to local boundaries. They try to instil within their pupils that they can help shape and improve the future and quality of lives around the world, as through the ‘Links to India’ project, where pupils forge links with the schools in the Asharam and Arni communities in southern India.

Stamford students have run numerous fundraising activities including ‘India Week’, which included henna hand painting, Indian food taster sessions, curry lunches, themed films and casual clothes day to support these schools.

Oundle School

aim of the CS programme is to involve pupils in activities outside the school.

The pupils choose one activity to commit to for the academic year and the options include working with disabled adults and children at Riding for the Disabled and Rutwell in Oakham, assisting in nurseries and running clubs in local primary schools, making home visits as part of the elderly befriending scheme, visiting local care homes, tending to local gardens and helping with rural conservation projects in Rutland.

From September 2017, the programme is extending to pupils in Years 10 and 11.

Uppingham School, Uppingham, LE15 9QE 01572 822216 www.uppingham.co.uk * Timebank Survey, Association of Graduate Recruiters

Stamford School

Stamford Endowed Schools, St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 484400 www.ses.lincs.sch.uk uppingham SchOOl Every Monday afternoon more than 150 Lower Sixth (Year 12) pupils take part in Community Service. The value and importance of serving others is something at the forefront of Uppingham life and the 157

Beatrice Cadman It’s quite impressive to be able to say that at the tender age of 12 years old you have stood up in the Houses of Parliament and given an award-winning speech to an audience of 100+ people.

Beatrice Cadman can take the credit for this and to top it all, she’s profoundly deaf

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itting patiently waiting in the cavernous and imposing foyer of the Houses of Parliament to make a three-minute speech to MPs and professionals is likely to be a daunting prospect for anyone, but add to the mix that this is the first public speaking event you’ve ever done and the potential for nerves is monumental.

Not so for Stamford girl, Beatrice, who was born with a genetic hearing loss. Despite the fact that without wearing hearing devices Beatrice can only just about hear the sound of a jet engine, she was elated at the opportunity and delivered her speech with all the confidence and clarity of a true professional. If you meet and chat to Beatrice, with her tumbling, bubbly hair covering her hearing aid and cochlear implant (she wears one of each), you would never even know that she was deaf.

“I always used to feel like I was the only deaf person and that being deaf was really rare because none of my family or friends have hearing problems.

Now I realise that it’s part of me and it’s just a ‘little’ difficulty which can be irritating, like when my hearing aid battery runs out and needs changing in the middle of a lesson, but I can get over it!” explains Beatrice.

Beatrice truly defies the old-fashioned views of a deaf person; a combination of clever, digital technology (hearing equipment) and four intense years of fortnightly play therapy sessions between the ages of 1-5 years old has resulted in beautiful diction and an incredible ability to use every ounce of hearing that she has access to.

The charity responsible for the early years’ support is Auditory Verbal UK (AV UK). AV UK works with families of deaf children with the specific aim to equip hearing impaired youngsters with age appropriate speech and language comprehension by the time they reach school age.

“AV UK gave me the opportunity to go to a mainstream school, to speak not sign and live a ‘normal’ life. They have also given me an

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opportunity to take the limelight and because they were impressed with my presentation, they have now asked me to become one of their young Ambassadors,” Beatrice adds excitedly.

Several months ago, Beatrice spoke at a London-based charitable concert, in her Ambassador role, alongside TV personality, Tyger Drew-Honey. “I felt very privileged to be able to speak at the same event as Tyger. It was quite a shock because I had no idea he was going to be there and I have always enjoyed watching him on TV.” “I feel I could be anything when I am older, the sky is the limit and I know I have as many life opportunities as my sister and brother.

I want to show everyone that, with the right help, all children can achieve their ambitions.”“From a parental perspective,” explains Beatrice’s mother, Kate, “I see Beatrice’s self-esteem growing and developing so positively from the fact that she is deaf. With the support of AV UK, the whole family has learnt to embrace Beatrice’s deafness positively as it is an intrinsic part of her character and has added a depth and dimension to our lives that we couldn’t have imagined years ago. I only wish we could have watched someone like Beatrice in the dark days post-diagnosis when we had no idea if our newborn baby would ever hear a bedtime story or be able to communicate with us.”

“However, I really needn’t have worried, Beatrice has developed phenomenal communication skills; she’s intelligent, witty, crazy and not at all afraid to speak her mind. In the words of Beatrice herself: ‘with the right support any deaf child can achieve their dreams’ - this is certainly true of Beatrice who has truly meteoric aspirations including worldwide travel, presenting on a global stage - oh and owning a phenomenal amount of pets!”

Photo by Elli Dean

local hero : stamford

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Photos by Elli Dean

education : good schools

A good school:

what’s it worth?

W

e all know that education shapes children’s lives, so it’s no surprise that parents will do whatever they can to secure the best possible education for their child.

Years of research shows that good statefunded schools can drive up nearby house prices, with families whose children are in state-funded education often battling for houses in the admission area of a highperforming school. In fact, recent research

by Rightmove and 192.com claimed that parents face a ‘primary school premium’ of more than £52,000 to live in an admission area of a primary school that’s rated by Ofsted as outstanding, when compared with living near one that requires improvement.

The demand for property near good schools is reflected by the introduction of www.rightmove.co.uk’s new School Checker, which gives house hunters detailed information about schools in the local area of a property, including admission criteria and academic performance reports.

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And it’s not just state-funded schools that raise house prices. More locally, research from Savills last year shows that homes near the best-performing independent schools command a 25% premium over the regional average, while the best nonselective state schools command a 20% premium.

James Abbott, Head of Residential at Savills in Stamford, explains: “The mid- to upper-end of the market in this area is driven by commuter links and schools.

Many of our clients are moving to and within the area. Whilst some are moving great distances to be in the admission area of a great state school, others are moving a matter of minutes closer to their child’s school to make their daily lives easier.”

“The housing market within a 20-mile radius of Stamford - which includes large parts of Lincolnshire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire - is driven by commuters, along with parents moving closer to schools of choice to cut down on daily travel time.

“Good schools in good locations continue to attract buyers moving out of London. Whilst over half of sales in and around Stamford this year have been to commuters, many already live in the locality and have simply moved 10 to 15 minutes closer to their children’s schools. The school is becoming an ever-more important factor in the house hunt and the property bought is more often nearer the school of choice than the station.”

James recently sold a property to Sarah Bateman and family, who moved to the village of Ashton, on the outskirts of Oundle where her children are schooled. They moved 15 minutes nearer the school from their previous home in Wansford.

“Both of our boys are at junior school in Oundle. We were only about 15 minutes further away in Wansford so it wasn’t that far, but far enough when you’re going back and forth to the school three or four times a day – especially when they have afterschool activities. It built up to being in the car for two hours a day. Ashton is only two minutes from Oundle, so we can walk or cycle - we’ve only been there a few weeks and are already realising the benefits.

“It was the main reason we moved – to be nearer the boys’ school. Ashton is a such a lovely village anyway and it’s helped so much, being so close to the school. It’s important from a proximity perspective, but also from a social perspective for the children. We can now help out the boys’ friends and their parents who might live further away, and there are lots of children who live in the village and go to same school, so they get to socialise at home too.”

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INDEx TO ADVERTISERS Albar’s Den

25

élan Hair Studio

43

Made

21

Alexander Lewis

89

Elizabeth Stanhope

63

Manor Windows

92

Anglo Integrated Systems

58

Elli Dean Photography

Marcia May Shoes

28

28

Elysia

51

Max Studios

76

Emma Cutmore

21

MHA Welland Place

58

Arch Label Agency Armourgeddon

140

140

Aspect Fires

85

Equilibrium

39

Natural Structures

2

Bakehouse

71

Ewe Wool Shop

28

Nevill Arms

124

Barn Garden Centre

96

Exeter Arms

110

No.3 The Yard

110

107

Oak House

55 67

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

163

Farndon Fields

Barnsdale Lodge

121

Fitzgerald’s Bed Centre

81

Oakham Rugs

Bilton Grange

154

Flawless Body

42

Oakham School

155

Bluebird Care

55

Francesca Alexander Hair and Beauty 38

Olive Branch

115

Olympic Marble

84

Opal & Pearl

58 25

Body Matters

38

Garie Nigel Hairwork

BodyLaser Clinic

50

George at Ashley

Bosworth’s Landscaping

96

Gerards Hair & Beauty

38

Oundle Clock Shop

Bourne Grammar School

164

Glen Eden Medical Aesthetics

50

Oundle Travel

Bread Meat Cheese

107

Grange Farm

Broad Street Practice

47

Brooke Priory School

154

Greenman Antiques & Restoration

38 125

140 25

Hambleton Bakery

107

59

Hambleton Hall

114

Bull & Swan

111

Handelsbanken

141

Bulley Davey

106

Harborough Lights

88

Café Nevill

124

Head Candy

54

Buckles Solicitors

Care Advice Centre

55

Healthy Hearing

47

Cavells

29

Heidi Kjeldsen

11

Chameleon

21

Hill Farm, Chesterton

106

Cherry House at Werrington

120

Holly Elizabeth Beauty

46

Children’s Garden

141

Home Styling Company

77

City Plumbing

63

Hunters Interiors

66

Classic Group

62

In Step Foot Clinic

54

Ivy Lodge

43 24

Classic Kitchens

3

Classic Roofline

24

Jeffrey & Day

Classic Warm Roof

70

Katie Cardew Illustrations

4

Coco

29

Kitchen Range Cookshop

21

Country Traditionals

25

Knights of Oakham

11

Cracknell & Co

106

Lambert’s

106

Craig Compton Builders

85

Lampshade Warehouse

Creme

46

Langton Garden Centre

David James Interiors

66

Leicester Grammar School

150

72 / 73

Livingstone Moore Interiors

88 77

Delcor Dolby Gallery

24

Lumison Lighting

Drolma Buddhist Centre

46

Mad Turk

162

84 93

114

4

Peterborough Mower & Groundcare Centre

93

Prestons Health

50

QKS Inspirational Spaces

67

Reflexology Studio

46

Renaissance

46

Roger Kendrick

70

Rug Studio

81

Sara McAllister Catering Sarah Harding Interiors Ltd

106 70

Savills

161

Stamford Endowed Schools

151

Stamford Roofing

92

Stamford Yoga

46

Stoneygate School

150

Stormer Interiors

80

T J Thornton Jeweller

20

Toe-Tally Clinic

50

Top 555

10

Weaver (UK) Ltd

76

Welland Vale

97

William Cecil

111

Wistow Café Bistro

125

Wright Care at Home

54

Yvette’s Design Solutions

96

Zada

120

163

164