Essential Living 2018/2019

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Contents

welcome Welcome to the 2018/19 edition of Essential Living, created by the Local Living team, who publish monthly magazines across Stamford, Rutland, the Nene Valley and Market Harborough – the area shown on our beautiful, specially commissioned front cover. We’re based in the region and are infectiously passionate about the attractions on our home turf – many of which are highlighted in this magazine.

It’s my first year as Editor and I’m thrilled to bring you a new-look Essential Living. Both inspirational and practical, it showcases the best of the region, helping you – whether you’re local or visiting – to explore new places, try out new activities, shop locally and enjoy the abundance of creative talent and attractions on our beautiful patch.

It’s been a pleasure compiling this 2018/19 issue, and I hope you delight in reading it.

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

Clare Peel Editor Local Living magazines bestlocalliving.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT SALES Claudia Bayley (Stamford) 01780 482828, claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Bridget Steele (Nene) 01733 707538, bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Tracy Watkinson (Rutland and Market Harborough) 01572 813187, rutlandliving@btinternet.com Rachel Beecroft (Advertisement Production Manager) Sarah Patterson (Advertisement Designer) EDIToR Clare Peel (clare@bestlocalliving.co.uk) DESIGN Elli Dean (ellideanphotography.co.uk) CoVER ILLUSTRATIoN Sara Mulvanny (saramulvanny.com) CoNTRIBUToRS Deborah Pennell, Nicholas Rudd-Jones, Sally Stillingfleet, Lily Canter, Amander Meade, Catherine Varney, Fiona Cumberpatch, Sue Dobson, Bridget Steele PUBLISHER Nicholas Rudd-Jones, Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY, 01780 765571, nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk PRINTERS Warners of Bourne

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Contents

ESSENTIAL LIVING 2018/19 Rutland • Stamford • Nene Valley • Market Harborough

CONTENTS

The ultimate guide to the region

OUT AND ABOUT 10

Essential events

14

Stamford

18

Rutland

20

Local profile: Paul McClure

22

Nene Valley

24

Market Harborough

26

Staycations

28

Local profile: Charlotte Hollis, Grange Farm

32

Family fun

FOOD AND DrINk 38

Eating out

50

Local fare

FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY 58

Local fashion forecast

64

Local profile: Gill Haynes, Jacks for Women

66

Accessorise!

70

Beauty calendar: a year of looking good!

76

Spas and retreats

80

Ageing well: health in later life

HOMES AND GArDENS 88

Time to renovate? Here’s how…

102 Local profile: Jo Robinson, Fika and Cavells 106 The A–Z of gardening 114

Local profile: Lady Ursula Cholmeley, Easton Walled Gardens

EDUCATION 120 Junior schools 124 Senior schools 128 Local profile: Will Phelan, Stamford Endowed Schools 130 List of advertisers

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be inspired... the heart of your home The kitchen has evolved in style, look and technology, but it remains the heart of the home.

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Breathtaking bespoke jewellery Diamond, Gemstone & Pearl Specialists

• CAD Studio • Bespoke commissions • NAG valuations • Repairs • Gemstone finder service 5 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham. LE15 6EA t: 01572 722666 e: heidi@heidikjeldsen.co.uk www.heidikjeldsen.co.uk

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show me the best of the region Area highlights, local attractions, recommended shops and more

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Photo by Elli Dean

out and about

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out and about

EssEntial EvEnts

There is no better place to enjoy swathes of snowdrops, aconites and hellebores than the exquisite Easton Walled Gardens. visiteaston.co.uk

APRiL

Snowdrop Week

MAY

JANUARY

The start of the year is a great time to catch up on local pantos after a hectic December. Leicester’s Curve and Stamford Arts Centre put on family-friendly extravaganzas. curveonline.co.uk stamfordartscentre.com

FEBRUARY

Some of the best annual festivals, concerts, days out and family events taking place across the region, with specific dates where available

MARCH

Talented young musicians from across the city and further afield compete in this annual competition, which will be in its 94th year in 2019 (18–23 March). vivacity-peterborough.com National Garden Scheme (NGS)

Oundle Festival of Literature Celebrating great literature, this runs year round, with talks, discussions and workshops from notable literary figures. There’s also KidLit, from 4–8 March 2019.

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Stamford is proud to have its own poet laureate, changed annually, with the new one being announced each April. Come and take part! stamfordartscentre.com

Rockingham Horse Trials Dressage, cross country and showjumping, plus trade stands and family entertainment. rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com

Stamford Shakespeare Festival Running through June to early September, this annual festival in the idyllic setting of Tolethorpe Hall near Ryhall always features two Shakespeare plays plus one other production. Arrive early with a picnic or to enjoy a drink in the beautiful grounds. The stage is open air (lovely wooded backdrop), but the audience is covered, so the weather doesn’t stop play. stamfordshakespeare.co.uk Rutland Open Studios

Annual food and drink festival at Oakham’s Grainstore. Live music and a barbecue add to the fun. grainstorebrewery.com

Artists and makers across the county open their studios on weekends throughout the month.

Go along – you’re very welcome to browse. rutlandopenstudiosco.uk

Hue and Cry

National Watersports Festival

Crowds gather in Oakham on the May Bank Holiday to watch ‘robbers’ try to outrun groups of upright citizens along the high street. Great family entertainment.

The largest participation water sports event in the UK, aimed at novices and intermediate enthusiasts, is being held from 8–10 June 2018 at Rutland Water. nationalwatersportsfestival.com

Rutland Cider & Sausage Festival

Peterborough Music Festival

BookFest, Kibworth

JUNE

Most weekends from March to October, selected gardens large and small across the region open to visitors as part of this national scheme. A fine opportunity to discover treasures on our doorstep. ngs.org.uk

Stamford Poetry Competition Finals

Rutland County Show Equine, cattle and sheep shows, the Cottesmore hounds, farming displays, vintage vehicles and more at the Rutland County Showground, Oakham (3 June 2018). rutlandcountyshow.com Oakham Festival

oundlelitfest.org.uk

A stellar line up of music, theatre and comedy events at locations across town (26 June–1 July 2018). oakhamfestival.co.uk

Mid Lent Fair

Nevill Holt Opera Festival

The Mid Lent Fair spreads across Stamford for the week, delighting the young and old alike with funfair rides, stalls, and food and drink outlets. Key venues are Bath Row, Castle Dyke, Sheep Market, Red Lion Square and Broad Street.

The 2018 programme (14–30 June) includes Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ and Thomas Adès’ ‘Powder Her Face’, showcasing at the brand new theatre. Festival-goers can enjoy the estate’s lovely grounds. nevillholtopera.co.uk

Annual literary festival run by Kibworth’s independent bookstore.

Events in 2018 run from 5–27 June, with big names including Lisa Jewell and Carol Ann Duffy. thebookshopkibworth.com Peterborough Heritage Festival The UK’s largest multi-period city centre living history festival is taking place on 16–17 June 2018 with the theme ‘Festival of Celebrations’, marking the cathedral’s 900-year anniversary. vivacity-peterborough.com/ heritage/heritage-festival Market Harborough Carnival On the second Saturday in June (the 9th in 2018), the town comes alive with floats, bands, entertainers and stalls. Great family-friendly fun.

Gifts for Home, Garden and Lifestyle

Interior Design Making Up Reupholstery Beautiful furniture, lighting and lifestyle accessories in store and to order

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

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

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Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

A new music festival at the Market Harborough Showground (29 June– 1 July 2018). Camping, glamping, food, drink and a funfair on site too. textfest.co.uk

The big event of the Burghley calendar takes place around the first weekend in September (30 August–2 September 2018).

Attractions include dressage displays, cross country and showjumping plus hundreds of stalls that take over the grounds. This really is one of the most eminent events in the international equestrian calendar and a fabulous spectacle. burghley-horse.co.uk

jULy

Sweet Pea Week From 1-8 July 2018, another highlight of the gardening calendar at Easton Walled Gardens is Sweet Pea Week, when these beautifully fragrant flowers are at their peak.

Glorious! visiteaston.co.uk

Green Meadows In its 7th year in 2018, this familyfriendly festival offers a great line up of music acts, plus activities for kids. Camping is possible too. greenmeadowsfestival.org

Music on the Meadows Jazz, blues, singer/songwriters, country and classical – something for all musical tastes and the idyllic setting of Stamford’s Meadows from 6–8 July 2018.

Five days and nights (25–29 July 2018) of open-air films for all ages and a backdrop of the one of the country’s greatest Elizabethan houses. New for 2018 is food – American classics from an airstream trailer – which all sounds very cool. burghley.co.uk Rockingham Fair A family-friendly weekend (28–29 July 2018) with stalls, exhibitions of country pursuits, and a dog show.

Birds of prey, stunt-driving events, etc, in the main arena too. rockinghamcastle.com

Santa Specials From late November through to Christmas it’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Nene Valley Railway near Wansford. Festive rides are a huge hit with visitors young and old. Book early! nvr.org.uk Uppingham Fatstock Show Dating to 1889, this livestock show for champion pigs, sheep and cattle is the only one of its kind that still uses temporary penning in a town’s market square. The 2018 Fatstock is on Wednesday 28 November. A little piece of Rutland history.

Nene Valley Festival Nine days of events celebrating the wildlife, heritage and culture of the Nene Valley. nenevalley.net/festival-home

Christmas Festival, Stamford

Stamford Georgian Festival It’s hard to think of a more appropriate festival for this elegant Georgian town. Expect street theatre, colourful markets, celebrity speakers, science shows, workshops and acrobats. stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk Oktoberfest This annual beer festival takes place in Oakham’s Grainstore on the weekend of 27–28 September.

Live music, great beer and food. grainstorebrewery.com

Across the region the sky comes alive on 5 November. Peterborough Firework Fiesta is one of the top 10 fireworks displays in the UK – there are stalls, a funfair, music and food. fireworkfiesta.com

One of the first local events of the festive season (19–23 November in 2018) sees the castle transported back to Victorian times. Magical. rockinghamcastle.com

The 19th annual festival runs over the Bank Holiday weekend (23–27 August) and brings together over 70 ales from across the UK. Live entertainment and barbecues. grainstorebrewery.com

SEPTEMBER

The Burghley Film Festival

Bonfire Night

Victorian Christmas at Rockingham

Grainstore Craft Lager and Ale Festival

Oundle International Festival

What more atmospheric way to visit this Elizabethan house than when it’s softly lit, as if it were yesteryear, with music (and Prosecco) to add to the ambience (3–6 October). From 17–31 October, Halloween Spooky Tours delight the kids. burghley.co.uk The ‘County of Good Taste’ celebrates local produce from 21–28 October, starting with Oakham’s Farmers Market (always the third Sat of the month) and culminating in a day of stalls across town. discover-rutland.co.uk

The city’s embankment is transformed into beer heaven for five days each August – 2018 is the 41st time the festival has been held. peterborough-camra.org.uk

A music festival set over a long weekend (camping available) in the picturesque grounds of Rockingham Castle. 2018 dates are 13–15 July. theflashpointfestival.com

Burghley at Twilight/ Halloween Spooky Tours

Rutland Food & Drink Week

Peterborough Beer Festival

Flashpoint

Ten days of music (4–14 July 2018) theatre and community events take place across this pretty market town. Expect brass bands, lunchtime recitals, ragtime music and a party at the wharf. We love The Big Bach Walk. oundlefestival.org.uk

OCTOBER

Texfest

Stamford Festival

NOVEMBER

From 23 June–1 July 2018 this festival includes a parade of floats and a family fun day. stamfordfestival.co.uk

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, with lectures by celebrity regulars including Chris Packham and Bill Oddie among many others. Dates for 2018 are 17–19 August. birdfair.org.uk

A fabulous showcase for local entertainers of all kinds, from blues to rock to comedy to choral. oundlefringe.org

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Birdfair

Stamford hosts an evening of latenight shopping earlier than many other local towns – 25 Nov in 2018.

DECEMBER

jUNE

Oundle Fringe Festival

AUGUST

EssEntial EvEnts

Christmas Festivals Market towns including Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Uppingham and Oundle close their streets early in December for an evening of late-night shopping, music and celebration. A great excuse to support local independent traders.

For dates, see council websites.

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OUT AND ABOUT

OUT AND ABOUT IN STAMFORD Described by John Betjeman as ‘England’s most attractive town’ and by Sir Walter Scott as ‘The finest stone in England’, Stamford remains a beautiful town, regularly voted one of the best places to live in Britain by The Sunday Times. Stamford Living Editor, Nicholas Rudd-Jones, tells us why

THE ‘DISCOVER STAMFORD’ EXHIBITION AT STAMFORD LIBRARY Visitors will find lots to intrigue at this compact but very informative exhibition. The centrepiece is the Stamford Tapestry, completed in the year 2000 and depicting the history of the town in wool.

BURGHLEY HOUSE One of the grandest Elizabethan mansions in all of England. Eighteen treasure-filled state rooms, deer park, fantastic modern sculpture garden with ice house and a Garden of Surprises. Treat yourself to tea in the Orangery or take a picnic.

PE9 3JY • 01780 752451 • burghley.co.uk A WALK AROUND THE HISTORIC CORE Stamford is all about ‘looking up’.

Pick up a map from the tourist office at Stamford Arts Centre and head out. My preferred route would be: St George’s Square, Broad Street, Barn Hill, Red Lion Square, St Mary’s Hill and then St Martin’s. stamfordartscentre.com/about-us/ tourist-information/ THE CHURCHES Stamford’s skyline is full of towers and spires, with its five medieval churches providing a focus for the town. All Saints’ is mentioned in the Domesday Book. St John the Baptist has a beautiful roof decorated with wooden angels. St Martin’s holds the splendid tombs of the Cecil family of Burghley House.

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PE9 2BB • 01522 782010 • lincolnshire. gov.uk/heritage-and-tourism/discoverstamford/ STAR-STRUCK STAMFORD Stamford and Burghley have played starring roles in television and Hollywood films. St George’s Square was a setting for ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005) and the BBC’s ‘Middlemarch’ (1994), Burghley House for ‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006) and Barn Hill for Merchant Ivory’s ‘The Golden Bowl’ (2000) and ‘Middlemarch’.

THE MEADOWS This attractive green space adjacent to Bath Row is an idyllic place to take a break from sightseeing, with the River Welland gently meandering around its two longest sides in a wishbone shape.

Head back into central Stamford via delightful alleyways that lead from the Meadows up to St Mary’s Street.

THE GEORGE Travellers have been stopping for refreshment at this historic coaching inn on the old Great North Road for more than 900 years. It’s still a delightful place for a pitstop, whether in the gardens in fine weather or inside with roaring log fires in winter.

PE9 2LB • 01780 750750 • georgehotelofstamford.com STAMFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY (TOLETHORPE HALL) Based at Tolethorpe Hall in Ryhall (in Rutland, but very close to Stamford), this company – which celebrates its 50 years in 2018 – puts on three openair productions each summer, two of which are by Shakespeare. Arrive early to enjoy the gorgeous grounds.

PE9 4BH • 01780 756133 (booking) • stamfordshakespeare.co.uk

STAMFORD

SHOPPING DIRECTORY Anand Shoes Anand offers a range of classic shoes and a useful repair service. There’s also a brilliant range of Steiff collectable bears, identifiable by the iconic button in the ear.

PE9 2BB • 01780 767688 • anandofstamford.com Colemans Stationery Colemans are just so good at what they do – every stationery item you might wish for, plus wares for the home office or workplace. Next door is an excellent art shop, with everything to spur your creativity.

PE9 2BE • 01780 762324 • colemans-online.co.uk Country Traditionals 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 here!

PE9 2AZ • 01780 755409 • countrytraditionals.co.uk Emma Cutmore 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, including artisan pottery from Penrith. She also stocks clothing (see p59).

PE9 2HG • 01780 482870 • emmacutmore.co.uk Ewe Wool Shop Ewe is 100 per cent dedicated to wool and knitting. It has a large selection of knitting accessories in stock. Pom Pom makers, row counters, stitch markers, buttons and more!

PE9 2JE • 01780 763838 • i-love-ewe.com Harrison & Dunn

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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!’ PE9 2PA • 01780 762088 • harrisonanddunn.co.uk Loomes & Co.

FUN FACTS

A visit to this upmarket shop specialising in clocks and watches 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.

1. Stamford dates back to the 12th century, and the old town walls are still evident in places, notably at the west end of St Peter’s Street, and along North Street.

PE9 2DP • 01780 481319 • robertloomes.com Robert Fogell Gallery Regular exhibitions and a permanent display of sculpture and pottery, plus very friendly and knowledgeable gallery owners (Robert is a sculptor too) make this a delightful destination on St Martin’s.

2. The Stamford Mercury has been continuously published since 1695, making it Britain’s oldest newspaper.

PE9 2LF • 01780 762099 • robfogell.co.uk St Martin’s Antiques A short stroll up St Martin’s you will find stand after stand of interesting antiques through which to rummage.

3. For over 600 years Stamford was the site of the Stamford Bull Run festival. The custom was started by William de Warenne, after he saw two bulls fighting in the meadow beneath his castle viewpoint.

5. Stamford was the first town to be awarded conservation status in 1967, before even York and Bath. This has helped it enormously to preserve its historic core.

St Mary’s Books Photography by Elli Dean

4. Stamford has the highest proportion of listed buildings of anywhere in the country: 446 buildings in total, 22 per 1,000 of population.

PE9 2LF • 01780 481158 • st-martins-antiques.co.uk Bit by bit St Mary’s Books has become one of the region’s most-established and respected second-hand bookshops.

PE9 2DP • 01780 763033 • stmarysbooks.com Stamford Music Shop This is the spot to come to get you or your child going musically. All sorts of instruments, for purchase or hire, sheet music, music-themed gifts and much else besides.

PE9 2DP • 01780 751275 • stamfordmusicshop.co.uk

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01733 891568

ALSO STORES IN BOURNE & SPALDING

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Country Traditionals Traditionals Country Country Traditionals Country Traditionals

Visitour ourshop shop Visit Visit our shop Visit our shop MaidenLane, Lane,Stamford Stamford Maiden Maiden Lane, Stamford opp tourist info & arts centre opp tourist info & arts centre Maiden Lane, opp tourist info &Stamford arts centre opp tourist info & arts centre OpenMon Mon---Sat Sat10am 10am---5pm 5pm Open Open Mon Sat 10am 5pm OpenTel: Mon Sat 10am 5pm Tel:01780 01780755 755409 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

Oven/Aga/microwave/dishwasher/freezer proof

Clock & Watch Restoration and Repair Robert Loomes FBHI FRSA 4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319

Member of The British Watch and Clock Maker’s Guild (Founded 1907)

www.dialrestorer.co.uk

Visit our shop - Maiden Lane, Stamford Lane opposite Tourist Info & Arts Centre

Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Tel: 01780 755 409

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Member of The British Horological Institute (Founded 1858)

House visits, all domestic clocks repaired, high grade repairs to all makes of watches.

Insured, qualified, guaranteed

Visit our other store: Cambridge CB3 0AF 17

out and about

Out and abOut in Rutland There’s a strong sense of pride apparent among Rutlanders, inhabitants of England’s smallest county. The county’s motto, ‘Multum in Parvo’ (Much in Little) is one that’s popularly quoted, and it’s absolutely spot on. Rutland Living Editor Clare Peel shares some of its highlights

Oakham Highlights in the county town include Oakham Castle, which dates to 1190.

It’s not your archetypal turrets-andtowers confection, but it is one of the finest surviving examples of domestic Norman architecture in Europe. It is noted for its unique collection of over 230 ornate horseshoes donated by Peers of the Realm over the centuries – note they hang what might normally be considered upside down!

Rutland County museum, located in the old Riding School of the Rutland Fencible Cavalry, built in 1794, charts the history of the county. It’s fun for kids, with regularly changing spotting trails available at the front desk. Film nights (first Thursday of the month, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start) and theatrical performances are hosted here too – see the Arts for Rutland website, a4r.org.uk, for more details.

If possible, visit Oakham on either Wednesday or Saturday to see the town’s market in full flow. A farmers’ market is also held along Gaol Street on the third Saturday of the month.

LE15 6DR • 01572 757578 • oakhamcastle.org LE15 6HW • 01572 758440 • rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk Rutland WateR Rutlanders are known to quote ‘small county, big pond’, and the area’s star attraction – the UK’s largest manmade lake and the second largest reservoir in England after Windermere – is a magnet for tourists and locals alike. Come here to spot ospreys, sail, canoe, fish, cycle and, in summer, play and swim at the 18

manmade beach and the fantastic inflatable AquaPark. anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water BaRnsdale GaRdens Created for the late Geoff Hamilton for the BBC’s Gardener’s World, Britain’s largest collection of individually designed gardens – 38 in all, across an 8-acre site – Barnsdale Gardens is an inspiring place to visit throughout the year. The tea room and calendar of events (including some great seasonal activities for kids) add to the appeal.

Rutland VillaGes It’s impossible to pick just one village as a highlight, so we are flying the flag for all of them. These include market Overton (wonderful children’s playground), Wymondham (of windmill fame), picturesque lyddington (notable for its Grade I-listed Bede House), egleton (nirvana for bird watchers) and Clipsham (home to The Olive Branch restaurant, see p38).

LE15 8AH • 01572 813200 • barnsdalegardens.co.uk uppinGham Rutland’s other market town, uppingham, is on the map thanks to its historic public school. To explore the town’s highlights, follow the fine heritage trail, which incorporates 20 sites of interest, all within easy reach of the centre. The High Street is peppered with independent shops and cafes/restaurants, so save time for browsing after all that sightseeing.

The Goldmark gallery, with an amazing collection, is a cultural highlight too. uppinghamheritagetrail.org.uk

eyeBROOk ReseRVOiR Not content with one incredible reservoir, the area has two, with the second bordering the counties of Rutland, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. A Site of Specific Scientific Interest, the eyebrook (formed when the Eye Brook was dammed) is a key site for wintering wildfowl. It’s really rather lovely. haRRinGWORth ViaduCt Opened in 1878, this is the longest masonry structure across a valley in Britain, with 82 arches and 30 million bricks. There’s great walking country nearby and a good pub in the village.

RUTLAND

SHOPPING DIRECTORY Albar’s Den, the Gift Emporium At the high-street end of Oakham’s Crown Walk, Albar’s Den does fashion, jewellery, bags (lovely Italian leather ones), gifts and a small range of homewares. A tiny Aladdin’s cave full of pretty treasures.

LE15 6BZ • 01572 723204 • albarsden.co.uk Catesby’s Neil and Jonathon elevate everyday life to an art form with their hand-picked collection for home and garden. Items are available online and there are open days from time to time at their über-stylish HQ in the village of Exton.

LE15 8AX • 01572 812186 • catesbys.co.uk Fords of Oakham

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Located on Church Street, Oakham’s super-friendly, family-run department store stocks clothing for all the family (including a good lingerie department), plus an excellent kitchenware range, gifts, bed linen and bathroom accessories. The excellently stocked toy department is a magnet for Rutland’s youngest inhabitants – there’s a great Lego selection, plus a broad choice of board games.

FUN FACTS 1. Rutlanders are known as ‘Raddlemen’.

LE15 6AA • 01572 722654 • fordsofoakham.co.uk

2. England’s smallest county, Rutland measures just 16.3 miles from north to south and a mere 16.53 miles from east to west – that’s a very dinky 151 square miles.

Located on Orange Street, this highly renowned gallery, established over 40 years ago and with more than 40,000 items in stock, hosts four to eight stunning major exhibitions per year, alongside an enriching programme of talks. It’s extremely welcoming – they say the coffee is always on – and the staff are hugely knowledgeable and happy to help. Next door is Goldmark Pots, selling ceramics.

Goldmark

LE15 9SQ • 01572 821424 • goldmarkart.com

3. Rutland was a district of Leicestershire from 1974 until 1997, when it proudly regained independence after a long-running campaign. The fight continues for a Rutland postcode…

Goodwin & Belle This is ‘curated craftsmanship for everyday living’ – a gorgeous collection of homewares, stationery and toiletries in a stylish shop on Uppingham’s High Street.

Resist if you can!

4. The signal box at Oakham Station was the prototype for the Airfix model kit of a signal box. It may look familiar!

LE15 9PY • 01572 822142 • goodwinandbelle.co.uk Made This small independent gallery on Orange Street in Uppingham sells beautiful handmade jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, glassware, art, textiles and cards.

5. Leicestershire’s Belvoir Castle has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland for around a millennium.

The current castle was built between 1801 and 1832 by architect James Wyatt for the 5th Duke and Duchess.

LE15 9SQ • 01572 822002 • madegallery.co.uk Priddy Essentials Self-proclaimed ‘purveyors of uncommon objects and needful paraphernalia’, this independent store on Uppingham’s High Street stocks a range of items combining traditional craft methods and modern design processes. Beautiful handmade cards, ceramics, toiletries and fragrances, plus clothing brands including Rutland’s very own Nadinoo.

LE15 9PY • 01572 821890 • priddyessentials.com Rutland Cycling

Photography by Elli Dean

Established in 1981, this family-run independent chain has its flagship store at Whitwell, with its other Rutland branch at Normanton. Superb for road, mountain, urban or electric bikes. Also offers cycle hire, a full workshop, body geometry bike fit, custom build and events/seminars.

LE15 8BL • 01780 460 705 • rutlandcycling.com Trent Galleries A welcoming space on Oakham’s Mill Street, with regularly changing exhibitions showcasing some of the UK’s most popular artists including Doug Hyde, Rebecca Lardner and Henderson Cisz.

LE15 6EA • 01572 722790 • trentgalleries.co.uk

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LocaL ProfiLe: the rutLand troubadour

Paul McClure The Rutland Troubadour

Paul’s music is well loved in his home county of rutland, where his fan base is growing at a rate of knots. endearingly dubbed ‘the rutland troubadour’, Paul also performs nationwide and across europe. Later in 2018 he is taking his music and the engaging rutland anecdotes that he tells in between songs further afield still – to new York. amander Meade went to meet the maestro…

W

hen we meet, Paul has had very little sleep, having returned home from a London performance at 3am that morning; but return he did, preferring to get home to his wife Amy and two young daughters than stay over in the capital. Fired up on a fresh cup of coffee, he describes his current schedule, which sounds incredibly busy.

Photo by Katy Craddock

House concerts There are appearances at clubs and concert venues in London and all over the UK as well as appearances in Scandinavia this autumn. We chat about the burgeoning popularity of Paul’s house concerts, which are exactly as they sound – a concert in your own home with an audience made up of your friends.

A little like the secret supper club phenomenon in the early noughties, the house concerts feel exciting because of the intimacy.

Paul’s music is all self-penned and has its roots in folk and country with musical heroes including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and The Beatles, among many more. His performance approach is relaxed and highly entertaining with funny anecdotes between songs, and he believes that playing to smaller audiences really suits his style. ‘Smaller gigs always feel like collaboration with the audience – it’s like inviting people into my life and I love that.’

Social media Signed to London based label Clubhouse Records, Paul uses social media to connect with his audiences. ‘It’s brilliant when fans get in touch to ask about songs or find out about gigs, so when a lady got in touch to ask where she could

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see me play, I asked her where she lived – she replied “New Jersey”. We talked about house concerts, and pretty soon a series of concerts had been arranged, and I was booking a flight to the US – that’s the real magic of social media.’

Creative and charity projects Never short of motivation or creative inspiration, Paul is also writing a book, which is a memoir documenting the last ten years of his career and describing his experiences touring and performing.

He is also under commission to write the score for a new British independent film, Made You Look, starring James Sutton, Gemma Oaten and Matt Di Angelo and which has been a different kind of discipline for him. ‘I usually write about my own family, friends and experiences, so writing around someone else’s creative vision has been different in a really good way.’

Other projects to look out for include Paul’s family concerts (designed to introduce younger children to live music), festival appearances and Paul’s activity as an ambassador for local volunteer doctors’ charity – the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). With his increased success, he continues to teach, travel and perform further and further afield, but his roots will always remain in Rutland – the place he calls home.

Find out more about Paul’s back catalogue, current music and tour dates at paulmccluremusic.com or follow him on Twitter at @PMcCluremusic. For more information on EMICS, see emics.org.uk. n

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s i m o n . d o l b y @ s k y. c o m

W W W . D O L B Y - G A L L E R Y. C O M

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

01858 433533

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out and about

Out and abOut in the nene Valley The River Nene meanders through ancient towns and pretty villages, weaving among meadows and woodland, past lakes, through parks and Peterborough’s busy city centre, to present a region packed with activities and interest. Nene Living’s Sue Dobson reveals more…

the heart of these magical acres just 3 miles from Peterborough’s centre. Jog, walk, sail, cycle, picnic, fish, play golf – be as active or relaxed as you wish.

PE2 5UU • 01733 234193 • neneparktrust.org.uk nene Valley railway

highlights Peterborough Cathedral One of Britain’s finest cathedrals (and celebrating its 900th anniversary), this venerable institution is an island of tranquillity in the heart of the city.

Go for Evensong, for glorious music in a majestic setting.

PE1 1XS • 01733 355316 • peterborough-cathedral.org.uk Peterborough MuseuM and City gallery Don’t miss the Victorian operating theatre or the exquisite crafts created

by Napoleonic prisoners of war. The City gallery shows contemporary art.

PE1 1LF • 01733 864663 • vivacity. org/vivacity-venues/peterboroughmuseum Flag Fen arChaeology Park Explore Bronze Age life at the site where excavations have revealed a monumental wooden causeway and ritual platform from 3,300 years ago, perfectly preserved in the fen wetland.

Highlights include reconstructed round houses and fascinating ancient finds.

PE6 7QJ • 01733 864468 • vivacity. org/vivacity-venues/flag-fen nene Park With its lakes, meadows and woodland, Ferry Meadows Country Park is at

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A big family favourite, this heritage railway, home to the little blue engine named Thomas, runs through pretty countryside with station stops at Yarwell, Wansford, Overton, Orton Mere and Peterborough. Get nostalgic in restored wood-panelled coaches.

PE8 6LR • 01780 784444 • nvr.org.uk oundle Georgian alleyways, courtyards and honey-stone buildings, plus individual shops, markets, festivals and a lively arts scene all add to Oundle’s appeal.

Follow the oundle heritage trail and make a weekend visit to the museum.

PE8 4JA • 01832 272055 • oundle.info Fotheringhay This tranquil village with 15th-century cottages and a scenic bridge over the River Nene was the birthplace of Richard III and execution site of Mary, Queen of Scots. st Mary and all saints Church has pinnacles, flying buttresses and a spectacular lantern tower.

PE8 5HZ • friends-of-fotheringhaychurch.co.uk

lyVeden new bield A lavish Elizabethan garden lodge that was never completed, with a moat, orchard, spiral mounds, woodland and wonderful walks. It’s alive with secrets.

PE8 5AT • 01832 205158 • nationaltrust.org.uk/lyveden wadenhoe One of the Nene’s prettiest villages, wadenhoe has grassy banks and weeping willows sweeping down to the river and a 13th-century church set alone atop a hill. With a great pub and barn tearooms for refreshment, it’s an idyllic destination on a summer’s day.

PE8 5SX • Download a village walk from wadenhoehistorygroup.org birds and butterFlies Spring migrants and wintering wildfowl inhabit Aldwincle Lake in the titchmarsh reserve, and riverbank nettles host numerous butterflies. Bird hides punctuate the trails at barnwell Country Park, while rare butterflies skim Fermyn woods Country Park.

NN14 3EE • 01604 405285 • wildlifebcn.org/reserves/titchmarsh PE8 5BP • 0300 126 5941 • northamptonshireparks.co.uk/ barnwell-country-park NN14 3HS • 0300 126 5933 • northamptonshireparks.co.uk/fermynwoods-country-park

NeNe VALLeY

SHOPPING DIRECTORY The Dolby gallery, oundle, for fine art, sculptures, ceramics, prints, watercolours, framing and greetings cards, plus changing exhibitions.

Pe8 4eF • 01832 273801 • dolby-gallery.com Olive Grove Oundle has Mediterranean plants and olive trees, plus a good deli, gift shop and bistro.

Pe8 5LQ • 01832 275660 • olivegroveoundle.co.uk Harpurs of Oundle is a treasure trove of jewellery and collectables. It offers bespoke designs, engraving, valuations and repairs, too.

Pe8 4eJ • 01832 274050 • harpurjewellery.com

Peterborough 900 Peterborough Cathedral is 900 years old in 2018, and the whole city is celebrating with a year of festivals, exhibitions and special events. the Cathedral has always been at the heart of Peterborough – indeed the town originally grew up around what began as a monastery back in the 7th century. the great abbey church, begun in 1118, is substantively the one we see today. (It was designated a cathedral by henry VIII in 1541.) the marketplace and townscape built to the west of the precincts survives as the modern city centre street plan. this is one of england’s greatest cathedrals. the dramatic west front, a vast, triple-arched portico as wide as it is tall, is unique in Christendom, and the 13th-century painted wood ceiling is unique in size and age in all europe. Catherine of Aragon is buried here (as, albeit briefly, was Mary, Queen of Scots) amid superb romanesque architecture. guided tours are free and the Visitor Centre offers excellent background information.

Pe1 1XS • 01733 355316 • peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

DID you kNow? • the Nene Valley, with its wildflower meadows, wetlands, marshes and woodlands, is one of the most important inland locations for wildlife in england.

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Hilly Horton Home, thrapston, offers a fantastic collection of homeware and gifts from artisan makers and craftspeople, many of whom are based locally. hilly also runs courses.

NN14 4Jh • 01832 358894 • hillyhortonhome.co.uk Oundle Bookshop is known for its wide selection of titles for adults and children, notebooks, cards and the local author corner.

Pe8 4bA 01832 273523 • colemans-online.co.uk/ oundle-bookshop Tandee Nursery in thurning sells great-value plants grown and nurtured on site.

Pe8 5rh • 01832 293755 • tandeenursery.co.uk

• Peterborough Museum is housed in what is believed to be the most haunted building in the city.

• At 9ft below sea level, holme Fen near Peterborough is the lowest point in britain.

• the lovely church of St kyneburgha in Castor, the only church in the world to bear this local saint’s name, was built on the site of a palatial roman villa.

• Frederick henry royce, of rolls-royce fame, was born in Alwalton, where his parents leased a flour mill on the river Nene. In 1876, aged 15, he was apprenticed to the great Northern railway company in Peterborough.

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out and about

Out and abOut in Market HarbOrOugH Market Harborough and the surrounding villages within roughly a ten-mile radius are home to an array of historical, scenic and entertainment hotspots. Whether you are seeking a leisurely day out or an exhilarating experience there is something to offer anyone, of any age.

Lily Canter takes a look…

that highlight the history of the area.

Or take in a spot of gift shopping at The Manor in tur Langton before enjoying a coffee and cake at the cafe behind the Nevill Arms in medbourne. ashley is gorgeous too. kibworthvillage.co.uk themanorturlangton.co.uk nevillarms.co.uk/café

Foxton Locks Explore the history of the ten Grand Union locks, which culminate in this idyllic Leicestershire walking hotspot.

A feat of Victorian engineering that is still in operation today.

armourgeddon

A traditional family theme park with a fantastic playground, 30 exhilarating rides and activities and a family of meerkats to admire. You can even stay the night in the cosy camp site or ride on the narrow-gauge railway.

Experience the excitement of driving a tank over a course set around a World War II bombing range at Husbands Bosworth. There’s also a museum with military vehicles and guns, etc.

LE16 7RA • foxton-locks.co.uk Brampton VaLLey Way

market harBorough

This 14-mile trail built on the former railway line between Market Harborough and Northampton is popular with dog walkers and brave runners and cyclists. It includes two long, dark stretches of tunnel, so a head torch is essential. Also of note is the northampton & Lamport railway.

This market town has a wealth of independent boutiques, an awardwinning indoor market and highlights including the lofty st dionysius’

rockingham castLe An impressive Norman castle over 900 years old, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror. Discover the history of its ownership, wander around the wild gardens or visit one of its many country events hosted on 130 acres of splendid countryside.

LE16 8TH • 01536 770240 • rockinghamcastle.com ViLLages Stroll through kibworth and smeeton Westerby along the heritage trails 24

LE16 7LT • 0116 305 3627 • harboroughmuseum.org.uk

Wicksteed park

NN15 6NJ • 01536 512475 • wicksteedpark.org

northamptonshireparks.co.uk/ brampton-valley-way

church and the adjacent timberframed 17th-century old grammar school raised on wooden legs. You can pick up a heritage trail map at the symington Building, a former corset factory on Adam and Eve Street that is also home to a museum and library.

LE17 6NW • 01858 880239 • armourgeddon.co.uk keLmarsh haLL Tour the Grade I-listed estate, which dates back to 1732. Explore life both above and below stairs through a dozen new interactive rooms and an innovative app covering the hall, servants’ quarters and laundry.

NN6 9LY• 01604 686543 • kelmarsh.com WistoW Get lost in the maize maze in summer (opens 20 July 2018; closes in September), before enjoying a bite to eat and a little light shopping at Wistow rural centre.

LE8 0QF • wistow.com kiLWorth house Enjoy afternoon tea in The Orangery of this magnificent Grade II-listed 19th-century house. Or enjoy a theatre break with a stay at the hotel and a show at the magical open-air theatre.

LE17 6JE • 01858 880058 • kilworthhouse.co.uk

market harborough

SHOPPING DIRECTORY Ada Gallery Contemporary handcrafted jewellery and accessories by independent makers.

Photo : © Canal and River Trust

LE16 7NL • 01858 461896 • adagallery.co.uk

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Bagel & Griff Gifts, jewellery, homewares.

LE16 7NB • 01858 468764 • bagelandgriff.com The Bookshop Kibworth Triple award-winning independent bookshop. Runs the annual BookFest in June.

LE8 0HQ • 0116 279 1121 • thebookshopkibworth.com Bunny and Clarke Gifts, jewellery and homewares at Tur Langton’s The Manor.

fun facts

LE8 0PJ • 01858 540424 • bunnyandclarke.com Gildings Auctioneers

1. Each Easter Monday the villages of Medbourne and Hallaton come together for the ancient custom of bottle kicking.

The game is played with three small casks – two filled with beer and one, the dummy, empty and painted red and white. The aim of the game is for each team to try to move the ‘bottles’ across two streams, one mile apart, by any means possible.

Auction house specialising in antiques, collectables, fine art, jewellery and much more.

2. The first written record of Harborough’s market is from the early 13th century, when its fees were collected by the King. It traded in livestock grazed on the extensive surrounding grasslands.

Kibworth Antiques Centre

3. The factory of RW & H Symington & Co based in the centre of Market Harborough (now home to the library, museum and council offices) once employed a quarter of the town’s population. It was famous for the Liberty Bodice corset.

Gorgeous kitchenware and homewares, including clever tools, cool things for kids and a range of stylish brands.

4. The ten locks at Foxton are the longest flight in the British canal system. The village is also the location of the Inclined Plane, an ingenious barge lift that circumvented the lock flight and speeded traffic up considerably.

5. On a hill top near Hallaton, archaeologists discovered thousands of Iron Age coins, a Roman helmet, sacrificial animal bones and a range of intriguing artefacts. It was unlike any excavation archaeologists had come across and still remains a mystery.

LE16 7DE • 01858 410414 • gildings.co.uk Keals Bespoke gifts, home decor and vintage goods.

LE16 9AA • 01858 419798 • keals.net Antiques and curiosities.

LE8 0RB • 0116 2793386 • kibworthantiquescentre.co.uk The Kitchen Range Cookshop

LE16 7AA • 01858 433533 • facebook.com/ kitchenrangecookshop Lavender Blue Homewares, accessories and flowers. Lovely for gifts.

LE16 7AA • 01858 419090 • lavenderbluemh.com Lily Loves Shopping Homewares, gifts, stationery.

LE16 7LT • 01858 433220 • lilylovesshopping.com No.56 Cafe and shop in Kibworth.

Handmade arts and homewares.

LE8 0HQ • 0116 279 1111 • number-56-kibworth.co.uk

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out and about

StaycationS With so much on our doorstep, there’s really no need to venture far from this gorgeous region.

Whether you’re in the market for a romantic night away or a camping trip with the kids, and whether the budget’s big or small, Editor Clare Peel suggests a few local places to try…

The Woodlands Treehouse at Hothorpe Hall Romance, luxury and relaxation await you at The Woodlands (below), a treehouse with an oversized balcony hidden in manor house grounds off a sleepy country lane at Theddingworth, near Market Harborough. Inside, there’s a kingsize bed, widescreen TV, a bath and kitchenette. It’s ideal for getting away from it all, super romantic and you can even book one night, which is a bonus (many such places require two nights minimum). woodlandbreaks.co.uk

Hambleton Hall With a Michelin-starred restaurant headed by Aaron Patterson, five-star service and comfort, glorious location and gorgeous gardens that roll down to Rutland Water, Tim Hart’s country house hotel (right) is an impeccable choice for special occasion. hambletonhall.com

Classic Stamford In Stamford classic options include The George, a historic coaching inn that has played host to travellers needing a break on the Great North Road for 900 years, The William Cecil, a Georgian hotel with contemporary style in St Martin’s, and The Crown, another former coaching inn, next to All Saints’ Church. The Bull & Swan, on St Martin’s, is full of historic charm too.

Our local area is blessed with historic country mansions converted into hotels. Examples in Northamptonshire include Barton Hall Hotel and Rushton Hall Hotel, while Leicestershire has Kilworth House and Stapleford Park. bartonhall.com • kilworthhouse.co.uk rushtonhall.com • staplefordpark.com

Rural Retreats at Barnsdale Lodge Just across the road from Barnsdale Lodge Hotel (where facilities include a restaurant, bar, lounge and beauty salon), these cool rural retreats (right) offer luxury and seclusion.

They’re great for families (two- and three-bedroom options are available) and have serious eco-chic appeal. barnsdalelodge.co.uk 26

Glamping options include bespoke domes for 4–6 people at In The Stix in Greetham and The Hidden Hideaway (at Hallaton between Uppingham and Harborough), which has two incredible fully equipped safari-style tents on a family-run farm.

georgehotelofstamford.com

inthestix.co

hillbrookehotels.co.uk/the-william-cecil

hiddenhideaway.co.uk

kneadpubs.co.uk/the-crown-hotel

Palatial glamour

Glamping

hillbrookehotels.co.uk/the-bull-and-swan

Barnsdale Hall Hotel Once a hunting lodge, Barnsdale Hall is now an established hotel (celebrating its 30 years in 2018) with great leisure facilities including an indoor pool and a spa. The setting, on the edge of Rutland Water is gorgeous – the best way to experience this is from one of their lodges by the water. barnsdalehallhotel.co.uk

Classic camping If the budget’s tight or you’re holidaying with kids, there’s always camping of the good, old-fashioned type. There are excellent local sites iat Wing and Greetham (Rutland Caravan and Camping – with heated indoor pool). Near to Peterborough, Yarwell Mill Country Park by the river Nene offers camping and mooring. winghall.co.uk rutlandcaravanandcamping.co.uk yarwellmillcountrypark.co.uk Foxton Locks Lodges If you’re planning a trip to Foxton Locks – great for dogs and children – why not make a longer stay of it and stay in one of four luxury lodges (each with its own secluded hot tub) on the outskirts of Foxton village. foxtonlockslodges.com

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out and about

Charlotte Hollis Director of Grange Farm Leisure

Since 2010, Charlotte Hollis has been pivotal in growing a hugely successful events business on the family farm near Wittering, just outside Stamford. Deborah Pennell went to speak to her to discover more about the business – its background, its current offering, etc – and Charlotte herself

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ith a first-class honours degree in Business and an MBA from Aberystwyth University, Charlotte was offered a job soon after graduating at a firm of engineers in Newark. Her role was heavily centred around marketing and branding, which provided Charlotte with valuable experience and knowledge that she still uses to this day. She then spent three years working for a marketing agency in Market Harborough, where she ran accounts for companies such as Coca-Cola and De Beers, among others. This was a job she found stimulating and with lots of opportunities, and she relished the challenges this role gave her.

Back to the farm In 2007, Charlotte married Ben, which prompted her to re-evaluate her career, and, after much deliberation, she decided to head back to her own family’s farm to help run their growing outdoor events business. Her grandparents had moved to Grange Farm in 1959, a farm with relatively poor land in arable terms, and one that struggled to cover its costs. For some years the farm’s income had been supplemented by Charlotte’s grandfather, who ran direct drilling contracts and owned the butcher’s shop in Wittering, so when Charlotte’s mother and father took the reins in 1985, it was agreed that further diversification would be necessary to make the farm viable.

To say that they are a very busy and motivated family would be an understatement. These days Charlotte’s mother, Diane, heads up the equestrian side of the business and offers catering services for many of the events taking place in the marquee and around the farm. Charlotte’s father, Robin, and brother, James, meanwhile, run the agricultural and lettings areas of the business, also offering help with events preparation, when required.

The equestrian element of the business is in fact the catalyst for many of the recent changes and enterprises seen at the farm. Between 1986 and 2007 Grange Farm had a busy and thriving riding school and was a competition venue. This not only sparked Charlotte’s love of events, and all that goes into planning and hosting, but also drew in a tremendous footfall of customers, who ultimately helped to drive growth into other activities, such as the clay pigeon shooting, archery and off-road driving, seen regularly at the farm today.

Grange Farm Leisure Over the last eight years Charlotte’s focus has been to grow Grange Farm Leisure, the events side of the business. Their permanently sited 35 x 15-metre marquee can seat up to 250 guests or be sectioned off to create more intimate party spaces for smaller numbers. It sits in a beautiful location alongside a small lake and provides an idyllic setting for

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both corporate and private events. With the installation of air conditioning and heating units, it really is an all-yearround venue, and it plays host to weddings, corporate days, team-building events, celebrations and charity events. The venue offers something for everyone, and it is not only local businesses who hire the marquee – firms also come from far afield to experience corporate days involving 4x4 off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing and many other indoor and outdoor pursuits.

In fact, the team at Grange Farm thrives on a challenge and aims to help clients to create bespoke packages to suit their exact needs. Charlotte says: ‘We are constantly looking for new experiences to add to our already long list of activities.

Variety is the spice of life, and I feel we offer our customers something individual here at Grange Farm; we are always pushing boundaries and looking for ways to enhance the experience of our guests. Over the years corporate days have included experiences such as learning the haka, cooking up a feast, blindfold driving, water zorbing and hovercraft piloting, to name a few.’

It would appear Charlotte has found what so many people strive for, the ‘perfect’ job, but, she says, there are a couple of things she doesn’t enjoy – cleaning the loos, and the fact that running events is all consuming. ‘I sometimes struggle to get a work/life balance, but I’m working on it! I have a great team of people, and all my family are involved in different guises, so it really is not that bad!’

Personal interests When time allows, Charlotte can be found riding one of her two horses. As an accomplished horsewoman, she excels in the world of dressage and has competed at the National Championships on several occasions, with her as-yetunfulfilled ambition being to ride at Grand Prix level. She therefore spends a degree of time with her trainer, attending dressage workshops around the country.

Charlotte is also a member of a netball team known as The Sirens, who play in a local league, and says she has really enjoyed rekindling her love of team sport. With a husband and three-year-old daughter also requiring her time, she is constantly in demand, but she wouldn’t have it any other way: ‘farm and rural diversification is something I feel extremely passionate about. The challenges faced by rural businesses are often more complex and significant than they might outwardly appear. The same can be said for the events business. I really enjoy getting stuck into the detail, that ultimately puts a smile on our customers faces.’

For information about organising an event at Grange Farm contact Charlotte at Grange Farm Leisure, Wittering Grange, Wansford PE8 6NR, 01780 782459, grange-farm.co.uk.

Photo by Elli Dean

local profile: charlotte hollis

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out and about

family fun Kids to entertain? Don’t panic… this is an amazing area in which to be based if you’re looking for family fun. Editor (and mum of two) Clare Peel shares a few recommendations for keeping the kids busy, come rain or shine

If you and the kids are up to it, why not do a tour of the entire reservoir? The circumference is 25 miles, and there’s a perimeter track to avoid the traffic.

CaStleS and CountRy houSeS

Rutland WateR There’s so much to do for all the family here that it would almost be simpler to list what’s not available!

At Whitwell there are high ropes and rock climbing at the Rockblok, cycle hire at Rutland Cycling (also at Normanton) and a brilliant outdoor gym that the kids love. Watery fun includes a trip on the Rutland Belle (an old-fashioned paddle-steamer for a leisurely cruise on the reservoir – the background commentary is very interesting, if the kids keep quiet enough to let you listen), sailing, canoeing and the incredible aqua Park (summer only – from late May; look out for offers on social media).

At Sykes lane, kids can enjoy a fantastic playground, a beach with imported sand and (in the summer holidays) lifeguards, and Bugtopia the Zoo (a good option for an hour on a rainy day – handling and feeding both possible). The dam also offers excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and roller-skating. lyndon, meanwhile, is a focal point for twitchers big and small – children are encouraged to come along to the hides to learn more about Rutland’s celebrated ospreys. And Barnsdale has wonderful areas for den-building.

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Educational, spacious and typically with a gift shop to entice and a cafe to refuel, palatial mansions have something for every member of the family. Be sure to check opening times online before you head out, as some are rather eccentric (Grimsthorpe closes on Fridays and Saturdays, for example). Most keep their gardens open year-round but allow access to the house only in season (usually from Easter to late October).

Local highlights include Belton house, Belvoir Castle (the seat of the Dukes of Rutland), Burghley house (with family-friendly film screenings in summer and the fabulous Garden of Surprises that squirts water at unsuspecting (and delighted, expectant) children alike – take swimwear or a change of clothes; see p14), Grimsthorpe Castle, Kelmarsh hall (see p24), oakham Castle (wonderful family-friendly events all year; see p18) and Rockingham Castle (see p24) Many of the region’s castles host seasonal events aimed at families – check their websites for details.

FloRa and Fauna It’s easy to hear the crackle of twigs beneath your feet, whether at the Spinney near Little Bytham with its great play area, Barnsdale Woods by Rutland Water and Fineshade Wood (family-friendly walking and cycling trails, plus another excellent play area), just off the A43.

Both Exton’s Barnsdale Gardens (see p18) and, further north, easton Walled Gardens (see pp114–115) organize events for children through the year, typically in the holidays – Halloween and Christmas are highlights. Check their websites for details.

Another highlight is Wistow Maze (see p24), an extraordinary annual creation that delights children from the region and much further afield.

Ferry Meadows, part of Nene Park (see p22), is another ideal place for a family day out. Less than 3 miles from Peterborough city centre, it’s one of the largest country parks in the region and has barbecue areas, a miniature railway, water sports, a dog-agility course, a branch of Rutland Cycling and several child-friendly cafes.

In terms of farms – always popular with kids – Sacrewell, located near Peterborough, has a huge soft play area, while West lodge Rural Centre,

Marcia May

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InterIors

famIly fun

DIReCtORY in Desborough, has a wonderful indoor woodland-style play barn; both are brilliant options on wet days.

Also recommended is Rutland Farm Park, although it’s best on drier days, as it can get very muddy and there’s limited shelter apart from the cafe.

MuseuMs From spotter trails and lovely creative play areas, there are excellent options for fun and learning at museums across the region. These include Rutland County Museum (see p18) Hallaton Museum, Harborough Museum (see p24) the Peterborough Museum (see p22) and, in Stamford, the Discovery Centre (see p14).

access, fountains and massive slide, plus Corby’s superb Olympic-sized pool with lovely area for tinies (great pirate ship). There are water-based activities aplenty, too, at twin Lakes near Melton, tallington Lakes and stanwick Lakes, plus a traditional family theme park at Wicksteed Park (see p24) and the mechanics of canals at Foxton Locks (see p24). tHe aRts the Core at Corby Cube, Leicester’s Curve, Melton’s Regal Cinema, the stamford arts Centre, uppingham theatre and, in Peterborough, the Broadway theatre all put on productions/screenings for youngsters.

Perfect for those colder, chillier days.

WateR Fun anD tHeMe PaRks In addition to Rutland Water, options range from the Peterborough Lido and Bourne’s 50-yard, heated Outdoor swimming Pool to the excellently child-friendly stamford Leisure Pool, with its gently sloping

aLL aBOaRD! Finally, if your youngsters love trains, check out the heritage trains at the nene Valley Railway (see p22) and Rutland’s Rocks by Rail, plus Oakham’s listed signal box (see p19).

aquaPark LE15 8BL • 01780 693201 • aquaparkrutland.co.uk Belton House NG32 2LW • 01476 566116 • nationaltrust.org.uk Belvoir Castle NG32 1PE • 01476 871001 • belvoircastle.com Bourne Outdoor swimming Pool PE10 9EP • 01778 424243 • bourneoutdoorswimmingpool.org the Broadway theatre PE1 1RT • 01733 306071 • broadwaypeterborough.co.uk the Core NN17 1QG • 01536 470470 • thecorecorby.com Curve LE1 1SB • 0116 242 3595 • curveonline.co.uk Fineshade Wood NN17 3BB • 0300 067 4340 • forestry.gov.uk/toplodge Gallone’s LE16 7LT • 01858 465468 • gallonesparlours.com Grimsthorpe Castle PE10 0LY • 01778 591205 • grimsthorpe.co.uk Hallaton Museum LE16 8TY • hallaton-museum.co.uk Peterborough Lido PE1 1YY • 01733 864761 • vivacity.org/lido Regal Cinema LE13 1XA • 01664 500642 • regalcinemamelton.com

Great places to eat with kids Let’s be honest… dining out with children is not always the most relaxing of experiences – some days it’s life-affirming, some days it can be a little testing!

Here, to help achieve the former, are some tried-and-tested child-friendly local places with menus designed with young diners and their parents in mind.

Barnsdale Lodge (see p38) Try the Kids’ Menu, which is available daily from 12–2.30pm and (for a late-night treat) 6.30–9pm. Perfect when you don’t quite have the energy to cook for the little darlings! If you visit in fine weather, you can sit outside, and the kids have plenty of space to let off steam in the garden, where there’s a lovely swing, croquet sets and lots of room to run around without bothering other guests.

Fish tank sushi (see p45) If your children are willing to venture outside the usual comfort zone and transition from fishfingers to sushi, why not check out the kids’ menu at Fish Tank. Sticky chicken skewers and Japanese ice cream are good options to try. Kids get their own special chopsticks (fun!), but if they’re still too fiddly to manage, they can just use their fingers (hurray).

Gallone’s Most children love ice cream and this family-friendly place, one in a mini Northamptonshire chain that has been in business since 1895, does a fabulous range to suit all preferences. The chocolate/fudge/rocky road fondue is guaranteed to keep the kids good at least for a few minutes! Great waffles, pancakes and sundaes too. On Adam and Eve Street, so very central. nature’s Pantry (see p46) Located in the heart of Market Harborough (Church Street), this cafe has a strong focus on healthy eating, so it’s a great choice if you want to avoid nasties in your children’s food. It’s very kid-friendly, with a big area upstairs for classes and events for little ones. Good for tinies.

Wildwood The Oakham branch of Wildwood is excellent for children – there’s an appealing menu for them, a playroom upstairs (no boring sitting waiting at the table) and even a candyfloss maker at the front. The booths, particularly, make for fun seating. There’s also a branch in Peterborough.

Rockblok LE15 8BL • 01780 460060 • rockblok.com Rocks by Rail LE15 7FF • rocks-by-rail.org Rutland Farm Park LE15 6JD • 01572 722122 • rutlandfarmpark.co.uk Rutland Water anglianwaterparks. co.uk/rutland-water sacrewell Farm PE8 6HJ • 01780 782254 • sacrewell.org.uk stamford arts Centre PE9 2DL • 01780 763203 • stamfordartscentre.com stamford Leisure Pool PE9 1UZ • 01780 765522 • 1life.co.uk stanwick Lakes NN9 6GY • 01933 625522 • stanwicklakes.org.uk tallington Lakes PE9 4RJ • 01778 347000 • tallington.com twin Lakes LE13 1SQ • 01664 567777 • twinlakespark.co.uk uppingham theatre LE15 9UD • 01572 820820 • uppthearts.co.uk West Lodge NN14 2SH • 01536 760552 • westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk Wildwood LE15 6AJ • 01572 869146 • wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk (also PE1 1XH) the Yard PE9 2PL • 01780 480610 • theyardstamford.co.uk

the Yard Food and drink is high on the agenda at Stamford’s The Yard, which also offers a great soft play area for little ones.

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Coach House , Thorn ham, 5 Bed

The Gable s, Thorn ham, 4 Bed

Laven der Barn, Holme-next-the-Sea, 5 Bed

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The Beach Hut

Available for hire to Guests staying in any of the Ocean Breaks Norfolk properties.

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point me to the ReGion’S beSt food and dRink Where to eat and drink, plus great places to buy our fantastic local produce

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Photo by Elli Dean

food and drink

37

Food and drink

Eating out Stamford Living Editor Nicholas Rudd-Jones picks some favourite spots for eating out from around our region

GREAT FOR… A SPECIAL OCCASION Special occasions demand special places, and here we list some of our favourites to help you decide which one is just right for you.

Hambleton Hall (see p36–7) sets the gold standard in the region when it comes to fine dining, having the highest national accolades and the strongest sense of ‘special occasion’ with its formal setting and highly trained (and very friendly) staff.

WHAT mAkES A GREAT PLACE TO EAT OuT? It’s as easy and difficult as this: The food It all starts and ends here. Not just good, but CONSISTENTLY good in the class in which it is competing – so that could be good haute cuisine or just good bangers and mash. Are the ingredients fresh and local, and does the menu change regularly? Is the Head Chef in the kitchen most of the time?

The ambience The outside, the seating area, the tables, the details – diners tend to scrutinise absolutely everything, often without even realising it.

Hospitality/service Are you made to feel genuinely welcome when

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you arrive? Are your needs looked after during the meal (but nothing too obtrusive)? Is there an individual who seems to be taking personal interest that you are having a good time?

Is the patron there?

Flexibility People increasingly go dressed differently, with different appetites and food preferences and at less regimented times – is the restaurant good at accommodating these varying needs without raising an eyebrow?

Value for money It might cost a lot or a little, but do you feel that the whole experience was great value?

For great cooking at a good price, with a touch of classic French style, the Lake Isle is not to be overlooked – make sure you check out their superb wine list, with over 160 wines from which to choose. The dishes here are always well put together; they are so cleverly thought through, superbly balanced and beautifully creative.

For something more informal in classic country style, then The Olive Branch is hard to beat, especially on a warm evening sitting out under the trellis. The menu here is inventive, welcoming and changes often according to the seasons. Sean Hope is one of the region’s most dedicated and inventive chefs. His tapas are shown opposite (top left).

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel does country charm exceptionally well too, and its cooking is always spot on, including fresh trout hooked straight out of Rutland Water. It gets top marks for warmth of welcome. (It’s also a great choice for coffee.)

The Cherry House is a very pretty restaurant, with wisteria lining the front, a thatched roof, low-beamed ceilings and beautiful garden areas in which to enjoy an apéritif. Chef/ Patron Andrew Corrick has run it for more than 21 years, and his mission is simple: to offer ‘fine dining both in terms of food and service’. He has very many regular patrons.

The Berkeley Arms has held a Bib Gourmand (‘good cooking at moderate prices’) for the last six years. To summarise: ‘Appealing, gutsy dishes rely on seasonal local produce and are constantly evolving; alongside British favourites you’ll find the likes of mallard with poached pears.

Service is relaxed.’

Prévost, run by Peterborough’s most inventive chef Lee Clarke, is seriously ambitious with its cooking, and has the most modern feel of all out selected restaurants, albeit it is set in a 16th-century mews in the heart of the city. If you want ‘fine dining without the formality’, then this is the place for you!

eating out

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel Rutland Water, LE15 8AH • 01572 724678 • barnsdalelodge.co.uk The Berkeley Arms Wymondham, LE14 2AG • 01572 787587 • theberkeleyarms.co.uk The Cherry House Werrington, PE4 6QF • 01733 571721 • cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk Hambleton Hall Hambleton, LE15 8TH • 01572 756991 • hambletonhall.com Lake Isle Uppingham, LE15 9PZ • 01572 822951 • lakeisle.co.uk The Olive Branch Clipsham, LE15 7SH • 01780 410355 • theolivebranchpub.com Prévost Peterborough, PE1 1JA • 01733 313623 • prevostpeterborough.co.uk

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Food and drink

GREAT FOR… TOP-NOTCH PUB GRUB Thanks to our quaint villages and strong communities we do pubs exceptionally well in this region. At a number of them the food is seriously good too.

North of Rutland Water The Jackson Stops is a lovely 16th-century building with low beams and notably good cooking. Family run and always with great hospitality, it is notable for its vegetarian dishes as well as a strong meat and fish offering.

You can expect fabulous pub dining at The Wicked Witch in Ryhall, with twists that only Dameon Clarke, Head Chef and owner, can add from his vast reservoir of experience.

He has a culinary pedigree as long as your arm – including Le Gavroche and Tetsuya’s in Sydney.

The Wheatsheaf in Greetham is the epitome of a successful village pub, always busy and generally booked well in advance at weekends. The food comes highly recommended.

The Sun Inn in Cottesmore is the archetypal picturepostcard village pub with whitewashed walls and beautiful thatched roof. A great place for a classic, hearty pub meal and brilliant for anyone with a big appetite.

Good pub grub can be washed down by a pint of Cross Keys beer, brewed in the village by the King’s Cliffe brewery.

The White Swan, in Woodnewton, has bags of character and a good outdoor space out the back. You can also do a lovely circular walk from her across the fields to Fotheringhay.

The Black Horse at Nassington is a perennial favourite with its delightful beer garden and friendly welcome. The Nene Way passes right by the pub.

The Fox at Folksworth is a country pub with a twist of the modern, both in the décor and the ambitious cuisine.

The creative kitchen team ensures that you get pub food of the highest quality and interest.

The Wheatsheaf in Titchmarsh recently opened and has been receiving strong reviews for its food. There’s an intimate feel and a good outdoors space. They focus on local produce wherever possible, offering a ‘pints for produce’ scheme, whereby allotment owners in the village can bring in produce in exchange for a couple of pints or vouchers to spend in the pub.

The Black Horse Nassington, PE8 6QU • 01780 784835 • blackhorsenassington.co.uk The Cross Keys King’s Cliffe, PE8 6XA • 01780 470276 • crosskeyskingscliffe.uk The Fox at Folksworth PE7 3SU • 01733 242867 • foxatfolksworth.co.uk The George at Ashley LE16 8HF • 01858 565411 • thegeorgeatashley.co.uk

South of Rutland Water The title of the best pub in the Midlands has been officially given to The King’s Arms in Wing by the Countryside Alliance’s Rural Awards. The pub is notable for its hearty game and meat dishes. All charcuterie, bread and pies are made in-house.

The George & Dragon on the edge of the Welland Valley in Seaton is the new kid on the block, run by an energetic young owner and a highly experienced chef. An unassuming pub with food that packs quite a punch.

Gretton is one of the friendliest villages around, and The Hatton Arms is very much a core part of the community, with frequent music nights and great pub food. The building dates back to the early 14th century, making it one of the oldest pubs in the county.

Dating to the 18th century, The George at Ashley is how you would imagine a small country pub to look – up a few steps, a welcoming room on either side and a tiny bar. Chris, the landlord, is a successful chef and wine guru himself.

The George & Dragon Seaton, LE15 9HU • 01572 747418 • thegeorgeanddragonseaton.com The Hatton Arms Gretton, NN17 3DN • 01536 770268 • thehattonarms.com The Jackson Stops Stretton, LE15 7RA • 01780 410237 • thejacksonstops.com The King’s Arms Wing, LE15 8SE • 01572 737634 • thekingsarms-wing.co.uk The Langton Arms Church Langton, LE16 7SY • 01858 545396 • thelangtonarms.com The Sun Inn Cottesmore, LE15 7DH • 01572 812321 • suninncottesmore.co.uk The Wheatsheaf Greetham, LE15 7NP • 01572 812325 • wheatsheaf-greetham.co.uk

The Langton Arms in Church Langton has just undergone a complete refurbishment. It is a friendly establishment with staff who go out of their way to be helpful. There are beautiful walks round here too, if you want to pop in afterwards for lunch or a drink.

The Wheatsheaf Titchmarsh, NN14 3DH • 01832 732203

The Nene Valley and environs

The Wicked Witch Ryhall, PE9 4HH • 01780 763649 • thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk

The Cross Keys in King’s Cliffe came under new management this spring and is developing quite a buzz.

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The White Swan Woodnewton, PE8 5EB • 01780 470944 • whiteswanwoodnewton.co.uk

eating out

Barnsdale Hall Hotel Rutland Water, LE15 8AB • 01572 757901, barnsdalehotel.co.uk Barton Hall Hotel Kettering, NN15 6SG • 01536 515505 • bartonhall.com The Exeter Arms Barrowden, LE15 8EQ • 01572 747365 • exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk The George of Stamford PE9 2LB • 01780 750750 • georgehotelofstamford.com The King’s Head Wadenhoe, PE8 5ST • 01832 720024 • wadenhoekingshead.co.uk The Orangery at Burghley House Stamford, PE9 3JY • 01780 761989 • burghley.co.uk

GREAT FOR… A PERFECT SETTING Sometimes one is in the mood for aesthetic pleasure brought about by one’s surroundings, in which case these are the places for you.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel is a great spot for afternoon tea (cream tea £6.50, high tea £16.95), boasting as it does some of the most beautiful views across Rutland Water.

Barton Hall Hotel is an impressive Grade II-listed building and a great wedding venue, including a stunning orangery.

The grounds here are quite exceptional, and the patio out through the French doors is a delightful spot. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the Vines Brasserie has notable cooking.

The Exeter Arms at Barrowden looks across a green and a duck pond to the Welland Valley beyond. This is an excellent start point for a circular walk around the valley and what better than great pub grub and a beer on your return, with oodles of outdoor space to enjoy.

Wadenhoe is a picture-postcard perfect village, and its pub, The King’s Head, looks out over the River Nene with its gardens going down to the water’s edge. This is also a brilliant spot for walking from (the Lyveden Way passes the pub), so it’s highly recommended if you fancy a good walk and want to get away from it all.

On a fine day, clutching a Pimm’s, there is no finer place on earth than The Courtyard at The George of Stamford, but get there early to bag a spot in the sun!

With the sun beaming in from the rose garden, The Orangery at Burghley House feels warm at any time of the year.

It offers excellent food and light bites, plus of course a stopping point after a walk round the park or the delightful Sculpture Garden and the Garden of Surprises.

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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

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Food and drink

GREAT FOR… SITTING OUT IN THE GARDEN It does just occasionally happen… we have a spell of really hot weather, and one just has to be outside to eat. Here are some of the best places for alfresco dining.

The Mad Turk traditional mezze is amongst my favourite meals in the region, and, if you add to that a balmy evening and a seat in the beautifully looked-after and exotic garden, then that’s pretty much perfect.

If you were trying to conjure up what the ‘secret garden’ looked like, it might not be far off the one at The Castle Cottage Café, behind the castle in Oakham – a quaint spot to lounge away a hot summer’s afternoon in the hot dappled shade. Children always love sitting in the little garden shed.

The William Cecil has a delightful terrace on the right as you come in, immaculately presented and full of sunshine.

A stroll through the garden towards the marquee is also a pleasure.

The Falcon Inn at Fotheringhay’s garden has a bird’s-eye view of the very beautiful Fotheringhay church, which at time of printing was undergoing restoration.

The Kitchen Garden at The Bull & Swan in Stamford is a beautifully converted area with a vegetable and herb garden. It offers Pizza Potting Shed fare (where you can watch your pizza cooking in the pizza oven) and an outdoor film night every Thursday in fair weather, with blankets to keep the evening chill off (see photo below). Also shows family films on Sundays.

The ‘secret garden’ out the back of The Fine Food Store in Stamford is a real find. Order at the counter and head down the passage to the garden, where you will feel totally secluded from the hustle and bustle of the street. Plus, it’s a sun trap. The food is Mediterranean in style and delicious.

The Wine Bar in Stamford is a cracking space out the back, with almost a city vibe in this ancient town, particularly with a glass of Prosecco or a cocktail in hand on a warm night with the stars above.

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The Bull & Swan Stamford, PE9 2LJ • 01780 766412 • hillbrookehotels.co.uk/bull-swan The Castle Cottage Café Oakham, LE15 6DR • 01572 757952 The Falcon Inn Fotheringhay, PE8 5HZ • 01832 226254 • thefalcon-inn.co.uk The Fine Food Store Stamford, PE9 2DS • 01780 754222 The Mad Turk Stamford, PE9 2BE • 01780 238001 • themadturk.co.uk The William Cecil Stamford, PE9 2LJ • 01780 750070 • thewilliamcecil.co.uk The Wine Bar Stamford, PE9 2BE • 01780 757844 • stamfordwinebar.co.uk

eating out

GREAT FOR… INFORMAL EATING AND DRINKING Often you want good food but no fuss, or perhaps to eat at a slightly unusual time of day, or are part of a group where people have very different appetites. This is when you need really flexible dining, and these are the places round here that do it really well.

Whether you want to sit in a cosy quiet corner on one of the beautiful new sofas, perch at the bar, or crowd around a table with a big group of mates, Paten & Co in Stamford is a revelation. We especially love the light bites menu, which is perfect if you are heading out to a show later. The decor is a thing of beauty.

Housed in one of Stamford’s oldest, most interesting buildings dating back to the 13th century, The Tobie Norris has long been the ‘go-to’ pub for groups of friends to meet up over a beer, wine and great comfort food, including the very generous pizzas baked in their own pizza oven.

Lambert’s, tucked away down the quaint Cheyne Lane in Stamford, has been a huge addition to the Stamford informal eating scene, with top-quality food prepared by Steve Conway, the very affable and experienced chef and owner.

They are open throughout the day, and also for dinners on Thursdays and Fridays.

Stamford’s Cosy Club has oodles of space and that special knack of being able to accommodate all sorts of different groups and ages, and yet still having space to spare. The ‘comfort food’ menu is very enticing, and there is a lovely relaxed vibe.

Otters Fine Foods has become a landmark on Oakham’s Mill Street, with a first-rate deli and delicious light bites focussing on the ingredients sold in-house.

Fish Tank Sushi, launched last year in Oakham, became an instant hit, even attracting Gary Barlow of Take That fame.

It offers beautiful rolled fish, meat and vegetarian sushi, ramen, katsu and a host of other nourishing Asian soul food.

East Restaurant, moored on the banks of the Nene in Peterborough, creates a fusion of Oriental styles of cuisine.

Dishes have been chosen from diverse cultures of SouthEast Asia. I always find the food here ultra fresh and delicious. For £12.95 the all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet is unbeatable value.

The Pizza Parlour & Music Café in Peterborough has become a lively hub for authentic Italian food and music lovers. All musical tastes are catered for: ‘60s rockabilly, soul, jazz and open-mic sessions, plus a salsa night on the first Wednesday of every month. The food is put together with Italian love, and the pizzas are cooked in a proper wood-fired oven.

Tavan in Peterborough opened last year and specializes in classic Moroccan and Turkish cuisine, including hot and cold mezze (try the to-die-for borek!) and generously sized main courses.

Cosy Club Stamford, PE9 2RB • 01780 767710 • cosyclub.co.uk/ clubs/stamford East Restaurant Peterborough, PE1 1FP • 01733 315702 • east-restaurant.co.uk Fish Tank Sushi Oakham, LE15 6AA • 01572 720077 • fishtanksushi.com Lambert’s Stamford, PE9 2AX • 01780 767063 • lamberts-stamford.co.uk Otters Fine Foods Oakham, LE15 6EA • 01572 756481 • ottersfinefoods.co.uk Paten & Co Stamford, PE9 2AG • 01780 408647 • kneadpubs.co.uk/paten-co The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Peterborough, PE1 1LR • 01733 902233 • thepizza parlourpeterborough.co.uk Tavan Peterborough, PE1 2SH • 01733 685850 • tavan.co.uk The Tobie Norris Stamford, PE9 2BE • 01780 753800 • kneadpubs.co.uk/the-tobie-norris

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Food and drink

GREAT FOR… CAFE LIFE

GREAT FOR… GARDEN CENTRE CAFES

It’s the cafes that have changed the most since we launched Essential Living over a decade ago, when none of the spots we list below existed. Basically the ‘modern, eclectic’ vibe has reached our shore… and we’re loving it!

Garden centre cafes always have ample parking and often other associated shops and food provisions, making them very handy.

Kafae on the Square, located behind St George’s Church, is a great new addition to Stamford’s coffee scene, with an effortless informality and outstanding coffee.

What a little gem Uppingham’s Scandimania is! It’s tiny, but don’t let that put you off. It is Scandi chic and serves delicious home-baked food to eat in or take out. Avocado, cream cheese, chilli and seeds on sourdough is a favourite.

Fika, in Oakham, is a fabulous new spot alongside Cavells on Mill Street, and it looks as if it could have come straight out of Clerkenwell. Fika is an important part of Swedish culture, meaning making time for friends to share a hot drink and a little something to eat. We agree with that!

Kavanagh’s is such a quaint tea room – all vintage and retro and beautifully kept with exquisite cakes. Clare, Martyn and the team always make you feel a bit special.

The Lean Pantry Co (Oakham and Stamford) offers a delicious and creative range of light meals including all-day breakfast and lunches, salads and superfood smoothies. All are free from wheat, gluten, dairy and refined sugars.

Nature’s Pantry in Market Harborough serves a vast array of healthy home-made food, soup, wraps and various salads.

It has the considerable distinction (at the time of writing) of having a perfect five on Trip Advisor, which is some feat, not just down to the quality of the food but also the friendliness and efficiency of the service.

How did the name brewbabu originate? The ‘brew’ refers to the tea, of which there are 14 varieties, while ‘babu’ is an Indian term used as a sign of respect. The team ensures that everything served has earned the ‘babu’ mark, and with its eclectic, vintage style, brewbabu, in the heart of Oundle, is my southern part of the region spot of choice.

The Lakeside Kitchen & Bar has a gastro pub-style menu, with plenty to keep adults and children happy. Under Raj Regmi’s ebullient management (see photo, p39), this is a great place to relax. Great after a stroll in the Nene Park. brewbabu Oundle, PE8 4EF • 01832 273909 Fika Oakham, LE15 6EA • 01572 337337 • fikaoakham.com Kafae on the Square Stamford, PE9 2BN • Twitter @KafaeOn Kavanagh’s Tea Room Oakham, LE15 6DR • 07427 936763 • kavanaghstearoom.com Lakeside Kitchen & Bar Ferry Meadows, PE2 5UU • 01733 233218 • lakesidekitchenandbar.com The Lean Pantry Co Oakham, LE15 6EA, 01572 774363/ Stamford, PE9 2AW, 01780 763173 • theleanpantry.co.uk Nature’s Pantry Market Harborough, LE16 7AA • 01858 468568 • naturespantry.co.uk Scandimania Uppingham, LE15 9PZ • 07951 345807

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The Stamford Garden Centre Café is a bustling, popular spot for coffee or a light bite, with an outdoor area for the summer and stoves to keep you warm in the winter months.

There’s also a first-rate butcher, Simpsons, on site.

Farndon Fields, near Market Harborough, does an especially good three-tier afternoon tea, ideal to celebrate a birthday or special occasion. The kitchen recently won the ‘Farm Restaurant of the Year’ Award in the FARMA Awards, and the farm shop is also very well regarded.

The Orchard Café at Welland Vale, near Uppingham is tucked alongside an art gallery, Peter Baker Fine Art, which makes a welcome browse before or after your drink or bite to eat. It has a pleasant outdoor seating area and, for the gardeners, an excellent selection of plants, shrubs and trees.

The Olive Grove Nurseries Bistro at Polebrook has, as you might expect, a very large selection of olive trees, which gives the place a glorious Mediterranean feel. It also has a delicious food offering in a modern Italian-style setting, including pizzas cooked fresh from the flame-grilled pizza oven.

The Langton Greenhouse Café has plenty of space to stretch out, a dedicated area for young children and outside seating too, together with a regularly updated specials board. n

Farndon Fields Market Harborough, LE16 9NP • 01858 464838 • farndonfields.co.uk The Langton Greenhouse Café Market Harborough, LE16 7TG • 01858 545819 • langtongreenhouse.co.uk The Olive Grove Nurseries Bistro Polebrook, Oundle, PE8 5LQ • 01832 275660 • olivegroveoundle.co.uk The Orchard Café at Welland Vale, nr Uppingham, LE15 9EU • 01572 824935 • wellandvalegardeninspirations. co.uk/orchard-cafe The Stamford Garden Centre Café Casterton, PE9 4BB • 01780 765656 • stamfordgardencentre.co.uk

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M I C H E L I N P L AT E AWA R D 2 0 1 8

The Jackson Stops Great food in a relaxed setting Extensive wine list, local ales, wide range of gins

LUNCH FOR LESS 2 COURSES £12.95 3RD COURSE £3.95

(Available Tuesday to Friday.

Booking advisable - please mention offer when booking)

Rookery Lane I Stretton I Rutland I LE15 7RA

THE J

C

OU

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S OP

K S O N ST AC

N N T RY I N

Only 10 minutes from Stamford

Call us on 01780 410237 or Email robertknowles1@sky.com

www.thejacksonstops.com

• Breakfast • Lunch • Afternoon Tea • Dinner • Takeaway • Private Hire • Gift Card 5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX 01780 767063 - www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk

SUMMER IN STAMFORD! The William Cecil Champagne terrace Open every day from 12noon for award-winning food and our gin inspired afternoon tea.

Join our #TeaTribe

thewilliamcecil.co.uk T: 01780 750 070

The Bull & Swan’s Kitchen garden Open every day from 12noon offering great food sourced from the garden The Pizza Potting shed open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

thebullandswan.co.uk T: 01780 766 412 For full details please visit our website or check out our social channels #PizzaPottingShed #GardenCinema #Teavents #TeaTribe

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Food and drink

local Fare As you circumnavigate Rutland, Market Harborough, Stamford and the Nene Valley it is clear to see we live in an area with a thriving food culture. It is exciting to discover many high-quality butchers whose fridges are stocked with locally reared meats, a sprinkling of fishmongers, incredible delis and farm shops, and award-winning bakeries – we have it all, declares Local Living’s food writer Deborah Pennell

StamFord Our journey begins in Stamford, a historic market town regularly voted one of the top 10 places to live in the UK. Its traditional weekly market takes over Broad Street on a Friday, with a fortnightly Farmers’ Market adding a number of really exciting stalls. Find locally smoked fish, fantastic pies, Thai dressings and curry pastes, alongside Fen-reared venison and honey from the bees at St Leonard’s Priory.

The town has a great selection of delicatessens, offering a wide range of products. On the High Street, at No.39, The Stamford Deli (01780 755772, facebook.com/ thestamforddeli) is well known for its tasty and competitively priced lunchtime offerings and fantastic cakes, and brownies, many of them gluten free and vegan. Meanwhile, at the pungently appealing Stamford Cheese Cellar (17 St Mary’s Street, 01780 489269, stamfordcheese.com) – a turophile’s dream – you can choose from over 50 cheeses.

Whilst you visit, be sure to check out their large selection of gins, wines and spirits too.

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Just so Italian (35 St Mary’s Street, 01780 238160, justsoitalian.co.uk) introduced their deli into Stamford just over two years ago following in the footsteps of their Market Harborough shop (9 Adam & Eve Street) – you can guarantee to drink fabulous coffee, eat delicious Italian food and venture home with tasty Italian deli treats. Just so Italian stocks a great number of gluten-free pasta products and especially delicious freshly baked focaccia and other high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars and sweet treats.

Their online business offers an exciting range of hampers filled with everything Italian.

Aloha Foods Co (12 St John’s Street, 01780 238813, alohafoodsco.com) and The Lean Pantry (72 High Street, 01780 763173, theleanpantry.co.uk) both tick many boxes.

Healthy eating plays a big role in their menus, which are available to eat in or take out. Aloha Foods (photo above) was new to the Stamford food scene in 2017, and brothers Grant and Nathan Worthington are both well qualified to run a place offering ‘the effortless way to feel good’.

local fare

Grant has a BSc in Nutrition and Healthcare, and Nathan is an experienced chef who has spent time working in the kitchens of several Michelin-starred chefs. Aloha’s concept is simple: build your own nutritious and healthy meal from their many food options, and it is then cooked to order.

Expect to find plenty of pulses and grains, and many vegetarian and vegan options. Meal plans are available too.

Those looking for organic items, supplements and all things eco friendly should venture down the narrow Silver Lane, just off the High Street, to find Silver Lane Whole Foods.

A tiny shop stuffed to the gunnels with a huge selection of products. If they do not have what you are looking for, they are more than happy to get something in for you.

Stamford has a total of four butchers’ shops with Nelsons (Red Lion Square, and on the corner of Broad and Ironmonger streets, nelsonsbutchers.co.uk) also housing their factory in the Recreation Ground car park. From here they produce their very popular range of pork pies, sausage rolls, traditional haselet and other deli products. Their pork pie wedding cakes offer an original alternative to the

normal fruit cake. Expect to find knowledgeable butchers who will prepare cuts of meat to your specification and provide an excellent service. Grasmere Farm (grasmerefarm.co.uk), at 34 High Street (also in the Westgate Arcade in Peterborough), specialises in pork reared on its farm but also stocks poultry, beef and lamb sourced from a trusted network of local farms. Its mixed meat packs are also very popular. Finally, just out of town on the Great North Road, The Stamford Garden Centre houses the award-winning Simpsons Butchers (Great Casterton Road, 01780 757499, simpsonbutchers.co.uk). Here the counters are always stocked full of local meat and interesting new product ideas.

Easy parking, a great cafe/restaurant, and a beautifully presented garden centre run by friendly, efficient staff, are all incentives to visit.

Askers (King’s Mill Lane) is the only remaining bakery in Stamford and has been run by the Asker family since 1927. Bread and an impressive variety of bakery products are baked daily in the traditional coal-fired oven for their shop at 5 Red Lion Street. And on the subject of

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Food and drink

bakeries, the multiple-award-winning Hambleton Bakery (hambletonbakery.co.uk) also runs a shop at 1 Ironmonger Street. The bakery was founded in 2008, when Master Baker Julian Carter and Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall joined forces to create a bakery that went back to making bread by the more traditional methods. These days, their Exton bakery (01572 812995), which boasts a traditional woodfired oven alongside the more commercial bread ovens, supplies their six shops – in Oakham’s Gaol Street, Market Harborough’s Church Street, West Bridgford and Oundle Wharf in addition to Exton and Stamford. The shops stock a full range of artisan breads, cakes and savouries – choose from spelt, sour dough, date and walnut, English muffins, and ‘guest’ breads and cakes. The ‘Rutland Pippin’ is highly recommended for lunch. Hambleton Bakery bread can also be found in many farm shops, village shops, delicatessens, hotels, restaurants and pubs around the area, including, of course, Hambleton Hall and, in Nottingham, Hart’s.

the nene valley As you leave Stamford along the Barnack Road with the magnificent Burghley Estate on your right-hand side and head towards Peterborough, you will travel through Barnack, Bainton and Ufford before coming to Willow Brook Farm Shop (01780 740261, Scotman Lodge, Stamford Road, PE6 7EL). Run by The Morton family since 1938, this rural enterprise has a well-established butchers and farm shop.

They are specialists in hog and ox roasts, and their monthly Classic Car Rallies, from April onwards, are popular. The Granary Tea Room provides welcome refreshment.

Within around 10 minutes of Stamford down the A1 is the impressive Hill Farm PYO and Farm Shop ( 01733 233270, Oundle Road, Chesterton, PE7 3UA, hillfarmpyo.co.uk). A huge range of fruit and vegetables is available to pick once the season begins in May, right through to pumpkin time in September/October. If you have not got time to pick, the Farm Shop is normally well stocked with fruit and vegetables and other local produce.

rutland In the market town of Oakham, walk along Mill Street to Otters Fine Foods at No.19 (01572 756481, ottersfinefoods. co.uk). This popular smokehouse and delicatessen stocks home-produced oak-smoked products, local artisan and European cheeses, jams, chutneys and other epicurean delights and is a great place to find gifts for foodie friends.

The cafe (Mon–Sat 9am–5.30pm) uses ingredients from the deli to create wonderful breakfasts and light lunches.

It is important to explore Oakham, as there are shops tucked away off the main street that are worthy of a peruse – one such is the Hambletons (2–3 Gaol Street, 01572 724455, hambletonfarms.co.uk). It has knowledgeable staff, a butcher’s counter housing an extensive range of local meats and accompanying products, plus a deli counter and other fine foods. Opposite is the Hambleton Bakery.

On Station Road is The Grainstore Brewery (01572 770065, thegrainstorebrewery.com), a popular Oakham haunt, dubbed ‘The Grainy’. In its in-house brewery it produces a selection of very drinkable ales and ciders, which are distributed to hotels and pubs around the area.

Annual events include a Cider and Sausage Festival in late May, and a Lager and Ale Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The brewing tour is also recommended.

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Straddling the Rutland/Leicestershire border between Oakham and Melton Mowbray, the Northfield Farm Shop (Whissendine Lane, LE15 7QF, 01664 474271, northfieldfarm. com) stocks award-winning rare breed meat. The farm runs herds of traditional breeds that are reared slowly and naturally outdoors, except in the worst of the winter when they live in one of the barns and are fed hay and silage made on the farm. Jan McCourt’s expertise has been recognised by the Prince of Wales, who has requested he be entrusted with selling Highgrove rare breed beef. Northfield Farm has for many years had a stand at London’s Borough Market.

market harborough Heading southwest from Rutland into Leicestershire brings you to the pretty village of Ashley, home to the excellent Ashley Farm Shop (Main Street, Ashley, LE16 8HG, 01858 565722, ashleyherbfarm.co.uk). This family-run business started life as a herb farm but has grown into a multifaceted business. It sells a range of herbs alongside perennials and vegetable seedlings, plus many other products. The deli/ farm shop sells award-winning home-reared meat, cakes and deli products such as pies and sausage rolls – all made on site in the farm kitchen. Local chutneys, fresh fruit, vegetables and bread are also stocked.

Continue on to Market Harborough, which lies nestled on the Leicestershire/Northamptonshire border, and you will find a traditional market town with an eclectic mix of food shops all worthy of a visit: a fabulous fish shop, butchers, delis and a great bakery. Emerson and Wests (7 Northampton Road, 01858 462181, emersonandwests. co.uk) is rather an institution in the town – peer through the

local fare

Caterers and Courses Bread, Meat, Cheese Promising to inspire you with their culinary creations, this Stamford catering firm designs exciting modern menus from scratch to suit your budget and taste.

There’s a broad range of services, from wedding catering to pop-up options to private bookings for up to 10 diners.

07734 701142 • breadmeatcheese.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. The Canapé Cart caters for wedding receptions and corporate parties, finger buffets, breakfasts, christenings, afternoon teas and wakes.

07831 498378 • thecanapecart.co.uk Crafting Curries Cookery School ‘Sharing the Art of Indian Cooking’ – Cathy George was born and raised in India and now lives in Peterborough. She shares her knowledge and experience of Indian cookery in a series of short courses in her own home. Courses include the flavours of Kerala, Indian Street food, Indian Vegan and bespoke ones tailored to client needs. craftingcurries.co.uk

windows of its extensive frontage to get a sneak preview of a wonderful world of food. This shop is so impressive.

Display fridges packed full of local and traditional cheeses, cured meats, award-winning Melton Mowbray pork pies and deli products, artisan breads, and much more. A traditional tearoom is situated above the deli.

For a traditional butcher, visit Bates Butchers (4 Church Street, 01858 462400, batesbutchersmarketharborough. co.uk), which is also a delicatessen. Here, you will find locally sourced beef, pork, lamb and poultry, plus a wide selection of cheese, bread, preserves and speciality condiments.

The Garage Bakehouse (6 Roman Way, orders: 07791 951984, garagebakehouse.co.uk) is precisely what it says on the tin – a bakehouse created by Dan Cadoo in the renovated garage of his grandfather. It’s a Market Harborough gem. The sourdough is exceptional – that and a variety of other breads plus fresh soup and cakes are created on site daily for customers to take away.

Rutland Cookery School Run by chef Robin Stewart, whose career took him into the kitchens of some of the countries most prestigious hotels, including The Dorchester and The Connaught. There are courses as varied as ‘Cooking for University’ and Japanese or Indian food.

07391 679208 • rutlandcookeryschool.co.uk Rutland Gourmet Professional Caterer Sarah Rivett has a fine reputation in Rutland and surrounding areas. Catering for bespoke private dinner parties and major corporate events, she has the experience to fulfil all your requirements.

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

Positive testimonials speak for themselves.

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Heading outside the town centre now, give yourself plenty of time before you venture into the expanse of Farndon Fields (Farndon Road, LE16 9NP, 01858 464838, farndonfields. co.uk) and be prepared to come out with a plethora of things you probably did not need, but that were just too irresistible to leave behind. Row upon row of shelves stacked high with every type of fresh fruit and vegetable imaginable create a vibrantly colourful display as you enter. Walk on through, and there is a vast array of food items, many original and quirky, alongside gift ideas, plants and an award-winning cafe/restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. This farm shop is extremely popular with the local community, but many people also travel from far and wide to enjoy it. n

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Make Me look a Million dollars The local fashion forecast, the best places for a spot of pampering, plus advice on staying healthy into later life

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Photo by Elli Dean

Fashion, health and Beauty

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FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Cardigan and sweater, both from Energy

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Photography by Elli Dean

LOCAL FASHION

LOCAL FASHION FORECAST

FORECAST Local Living’s fashion writer Sally Stillingfleet takes a look at the stylish offering across our region, sharing with us some of her local fashion favourites

I

am a vintage clothing fan and cannot resist a quick browse in a vintage shop – or pre-loved clothing shop, as they have become known. For me it’s the thrill of a style gone by – I love to revisit or have an opportunity to experience top-quality fabrics and clever pattern cutting. My daughters have acquired my passion for the past, and it has informed their designs, with new ways to cut things and an appreciation of details. Luckily, we have the wonderful and beautifully styled Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro store on Peterborough’s Bridge Street. Sam the Manager and her staff are vintage obsessed and style the shop with great flair. They play old vinyl records, and everything is neatly sorted into long dresses, short dresses, coats, denim, etc. Jewellery is wrapped in old pages of books, and the homes section is something else. If you want a trip down memory lane, it is well worth a visit. Of course, the best bit is that the cream of the Sue Ryder donations from all over end up here, and, of course, the money raised goes to a fantastic cause.

interior and take inspiration from what its enviably stylish owner is wearing?

Meanwhile, for specialist vintage clothing in Oakham, there’s Abigail’s Vintage Bridal – a very different vintage bridal atelier, where Abigail’s honed skills as a seamstress mean she can alter bygone gowns to suit brides to be. Note that she operates by appointment only. And Amy’s Vintage is another gem for pre-loved items. Located above Hobb’s Fishmongers in Market Harborough, it’s very central and has lots to be tempt customers.

NEW FASHION MARKET HARBOROUGH AND NENE: For brand new womenswear my recommendation is Jacks for Women (read my interview with the store’s lovely owner Gill on p64–5).

CLASSIC DESIGNERWEAR AND VINTAGE STYLE Arch Label Agency in Stamford celebrates its 15th year this year, and its cult following ensures a steady stream of wonderful designer pieces (usually from London). An enticing Instagram feed often results in key items being snapped up by those in the know. It’s especially good for designer handbags at a fraction of their original price.

Pre-owned clothing can also be found upstairs at Emma Cutmore & The Dress Agency, a gift, fashion and homewares shop tucked away on St Mary’s Passage in Stamford. Emma offers a good mix of designer and high street fashion, with a range that is always changing. Her new apron dresses in 100 per cent linen are very popular.

Anna Couture, a wonderfully dinky boutique off St Mary’s Street on Cheyne Lane, is run by Anna, a skilled seamstress with a background in costume design. Anna spent 20 years in the fashion and film business before relocating to Stamford from London. She specializes in bespoke wedding and bridesmaid dresses as well as occasionwear, and also stocks wedding shoes. She is a dab hand, of course, at alterations. She has a fabulous sense of style, creativity and old-style Hollywood glamour.

Passionately run by Dagmar Price, boheme in Wansford has a wonderful selection of vintage Vivienne Westwood, alongside the new. Who wouldn’t want to visit this gorgeous

Cardigan, top, skirt and pumps, all from 23/Seven

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FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY

A good independent shop offers excellent service with staff who really know the stock, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at this welcoming Market Harborough boutique. Gill stocks well-selected fashion from an enticing range of European brands, with something to suit women of all ages. Gorgeous selection of scarves and shoes too.

Over in Oundle, you are assured of a warm welcome, too, at Asha’s Attire, which has recently expanded to offer a male barbering service within the men’s clothing shop and a nail bar upstairs near the cafe. It’s fast becoming a one-stop shop for fashion and grooming for both sexes.

STAMFORD: On Ironmonger Street, there’s a fabulous vibe at Energy, which celebrated 21 years in 2017. Owner Sarah stocks stylish, on-trend clothing for men and women, with key brands including Adidas, Ash, Birkenstock, Calvin Klein, French Connection, Reebok, Sofie Schnoor and Superga.

Sarah and long-standing colleague Claire have hilariously engaging Instagram accounts that keep us all in touch with their madcap life, funny slogans and their bustling and energetic approach to high fashion with the emphasis on fun! Since opening in 1996 this fabulous boutique just keeps going from strength to strength. It’s amazing for jeans, too – Sarah and Claire’s jeans-fitting ability for all shapes and sizes has to be seen to be believed!

On St Mary’s Street, meanwhile, Attic has introduced some new European brands (Beatrice B, Design Society and Bellerose, for example) and their Esprit clothing range is extensive and blends well with the other fashion brands.

Jewellery by My Doris and Spanish Sisters is also very popular, as are the One Hundred Stars scarves, particularly those from the ‘Map’ collection.

brands including Fransa, Cream, A Postcard Brighton, Nour, Treaty and Nümph. There’s a gorgeous range of accessories too including fluffy Ruby + Ed slippers, plus scarves, hats, gloves, bags and jewellery – it’s brilliant for gifts (see also p66). Owner Pam is always happy to advise and help with recommendations – you can expect personalised customer service with every effort made to meet each individual customer’s style and wardrobe needs.

Fords of Oakham is expanding its womenswear further and is a relaxed place for a browse; the lingerie department features brands such as Cyberjammies, Fantasie and Wonderbra. The children’s clothing department is excellent, too, and includes ranges by Blue Seven, Frugi and Kite.

In Uppingham, the impeccably stylish Priddy Essentials stocks Nadinoo, the whimsical fashion brand of Rutlandbased Nadia Izruna, whose gorgeous Instagram photos (a new way of discovering local talent) caught my eye. Nadia’s internet bespoke ‘Slow Fashion’ movement and beautiful, pared-down designs in beautifully subtle muted shades of organic cotton have caused a stir all over the world. I look forward to seeing her new pieces soon. There’s a fabulous range of beauty products and cards at Priddy Essentials too.

Bomber jacket and striped top, from Cavells

Also recommended, on St Mary’s Hill, is Chameleon, a tardis of a boutique stocking beautiful lingerie and swimwear as well as accessories and skincare from Caudalie and Aromatherapy Associates (the gorgeous scent hits you when you go in).

Finally, Mel Brown offers personal styling and shopping on a one-to-one basis. Clients can take advantage of her new service to ensure they get the pick of local shops and enjoy a thoughtful approach to finding individual personal style and a great wardrobe.

RUTLAND: Heading over to Oakham, on Mill Street Cavells have embraced a lifestyle approach with the opening of their Scandi-inspired homeware department (headed by Jo Robinson – see p102–3), blending seamlessly with the main fashion store (menswear and womenswear, including an excellent range of shoes and other accessories) and the introduction of the stylish Fika coffee shop right next door.

It’s a gorgeous, very welcoming and hugely tempting place in which to peruse. Their second branch, Cavells Country, is located just around the corner on South Street and stocks countrywear and more sporty and traditional outdoor clothing with brands such Barbour, Le Chameau, Dubarry, Hunter and Schöffel.

Also on Mill Street is Vanilla, an elegantly feminine space with a carefully chosen mix of formal and casualwear. Owner Felicity says, ‘We build your wardrobe, we don’t just sell you clothes.’ It’s a great choice to find something for a special occasion. There are gorgeous accessories too, plus a lovely range of natural skincare products from Dr Hauschka.

And on Oakham’s High Street, adjacent to one another and with unfailingly eye-catching window displays, are CoCo and Duo. CoCo sells an enticing range of ladies shoes and bags, from dressy to casual (see p66). Duo, established by friends Pam Giblin and Gail Neville in 2014, focusses on offering a range of great-quality, stylish, well-priced clothing, with 60

MENSWEAR In terms of menswear, the offering in the region is better than ever. The carefully curated collection at Cavells in Oakham features stylish brands including Paul Smith, Dirty Velvet and Mads Norgaard. Fords of Oakham also has its own menswear department, with a good selection of classic casual and more formal styles to appeal to a broad age range, with a solid underwear range (handy for gifts). At Gagliardi in Stamford there are finely cut suits and casual pieces in all sizes – the elegant window always tempts the eye. 23/seven does on-trends fashions for men (and women).

In Peterborough, in the Westgate Arcade, menswear has taken over with Maysons and Clues at one end, and, further along, the super-stylish The Oculist, an opticians with a dazzling array of the finest glasses and sunglasses, which will add finesse to every gent’s look. And if you’re looking for formalwear, the Market Harborough branch of Anand now specializes in gents’ formal hire. The Stamford and Harborough branches also have an impressive range of men’s footwear, including top British brands (both from Northamptonshire) Cheaney and Church’s (see also p66). ■

LOCAL FASHION FORECAST

DIRECTORY

STAMFORD 23/Seven 3 Stamford Walk • 01780 238008 • 23seven.co.uk Anand Shoes 28 High Street • 01780 767688 • anandofstamford.com Anna Couture 17c St Mary’s Street/Cheyne Lane • 01780 765174 Arch St Paul’s Street • 01780 764746 • archlabelagency.co.uk Attic 33 St Mary’s Street • 01780 766667 • atticofstamford.co.uk Baubles and Bangles 39 St Mary’s Street, Stamford • 01780 763633 • baublesandbangles.co.uk Black Orchid 7 St Mary’s Street • 01780 754140 • blackorchidltd.co.uk Chameleon 5 St Mary’s Hill • 01780 755405 • chameleonboutique.co.uk Colin Bell 7 Sheep Market • 01780 757888 • colinbellmenswear.co.uk Energy 9 Ironmonger Street • 01780765633 • energy-clothing.com Gagliardi 34 St Mary’s Street • 07850 178028 Marcia May 36 and 42 St Mary’s Street • 01780 762699 Mel Brown 07971 259538 • mel@tgs-uk.net North Shoes 2 Red Lion Square • 01780 755400 • northshoes.co.uk Paul Richman The Olde Barn Passage • 01780 762389 Robinsons of Stamford 4 St Mary’s Street • 01780 755378 • robinsonsofstamford.com OAKHAM Abigail’s Vintage Bridal • 07729 888751 • abigailsvintagebridal.co.uk Albar’s Den – The Gift Emporium 1 Crown Walk, High Street • 01572 723204 • albarsden.co.uk Baubles and Bangles 2 New Street, Oakham • 01572 724177 • baublesandbangles.co.uk Cavells 16 Mill Street and (Cavells Country) The Old Mill Yard, South Street • 01572 770600 • cavells.co.uk CoCo 29 High Street • 01572 757646 • cocooakham.co.uk Duo 29a High Street • 01572 722116 • duoboutique.co.uk Fords of Oakham 8 Church Street • 01572 722654 • fordsofoakham.co.uk Heidi Kjeldsen 5 The Maltings, Mill Street • 01572 722666 • heidikjeldsen.co.uk Langrick and Coe 16 High Street • 01572 724407 • opticians-oakham-meltonmowbray,co.uk Marcia May Shoes 17b Mill Street • 01572 762699 Vanilla 23b Mill Street • 01572 757577 • vanillaboutique.co.uk

Shirt dress, Vanilla; bag at Emma Cutmore; glasses at Langrick and Coe

UPPINGHAM Priddy Essentials 25 High Street East • 01572 821890 • priddyessentials.com (stocks Nadinoo – see also nadinoo.com)

Vintage style at Anna Couture

MARKET HARBOROUGH Amy’s Vintage 5c Miller’s Yard • 07811 450975 Anand 67 High Street • 01858 466033 • anandshoes.weebly.com Doyles Old Town Hall, Church Street • 01858 433279 • doylesfashion.com Jacks for Women 16 Church Street • 01858 431396 • jacksforwomen.co.uk The Little Big Bra Shop 4 Adam and Eve Street • 01858 465592 • thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk STONEYGATE Abiti 21 Francis Street • 0116 270 4379 • abiti-ladies.co.uk Browns Lingerie 35 Francis Street • 0116 270 7188 • brownslingerie.com Betty Brown 36 Francis St • 07713 746010 • bettybrownboutique.com

Shirt and trousers, Asha’s Attire; metallic flatforms, North Shoes

NENE Asha’s The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle • 01832 275259 • ashas.net Boheme Drayton House, London Road, Wansford • 01780 784799 • bohemeclothing.com Circles of Yaxley Chapel Studio, Chapel Street, Yaxley • 01733 242539 • circlesofyaxley.co.uk Designer Leathers 8 Queen Street, Peterborough • 01733 348917 • designerleathers.co.uk Diversity Boutique 2a Osyths Lane, Oundle • 01832 270330 North Shoes 7 Market Place, Oundle • 01832 272534 • northshoes.co.uk Westgate Arcade queensgate-shopping.co.uk/westgate-arcade.html The Rounded House 10b West Street, Oundle • 01832 274687 Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro 97–8 Bridge Street, Peterborough • 01733 345405 Vow 26–30 London Road, Wansford • 01780 783607 • vowbridal.co.uk White Vanilla 1 Market Place, Oundle • 01832 247107 • whitevanilla.co.uk 61

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fashion, health and beauty

A life in fashion

Photo by Elli Dean

from the dressing-up box to Chanel’s old bond street store to running her own business, Gill haynes of Market harborough’s Jacks for Women boutique is one of our favourite local fashionistas. sally stillingfleet went to find out what makes her tick

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LocaL ProfiLe: GiLL haynes

I

t was great to meet Gill, whose stylish clothes frequently feature in our monthly magazines, and whose warm, friendly welcome made me feel right at home. Her boutique, Jacks for Women, has an extensive offering of fashion, accessories and beautiful shoes and is a one-stop shop where customers can expect impeccable service from longstanding staff and to come out more than happy with their outfit choices, whatever the occasion.

The decision not to stock brands that have a big internet presence has ensured customers come back for more, and the stock is always fresh and exciting.

Gill is also a great believer in customer service: she wants her clients to feel good, be looked after, to try lots on and to feel the fabrics and appreciate colour first hand. An independent boutique, in my opinion, is always a joy – you will get something different, you’ll feel special wearing it and you’ll treasure it.

Jacks is a very special place to shop.

Tell me a little bit about how you came to have this beautiful shop?

For this season, what are your favourite pieces and what do you think will be strong for the forthcoming season and beyond?

My favourite pieces this season are the longer mid-length dresses and skirts – it is so easy to put them on with a wedge or to make them a bit more edgy… pop a pair of white or silver pumps on with them! Vilagallo and Primrose Park have some lovely ones in the collections. I am a jeans girl at heart, and I love French Dressing jeans.

What are your favourite pieces and what do you think will be strong for summer and beyond?

Trying to choose a favourite piece from my wardrobe is like trying to choose a favourite child! Now the weather is warmer, I can’t wait to start wearing dresses. I have a lovely Beatrice B silk dress just waiting for the sun to shine.

Which other designers do you admire?

Anything Chanel! Having been so lucky to work with such an iconic fashion label, I am a huge fan of their handbags, fashion and jewellery, and I love watching their fashion shows – they are so beautiful and so creative!

I’m lucky and very proud to have this shop – my husband Paul and I took it over more than 20 years ago. It grew out of being a menswear shop on the first floor… We expanded into womenswear (and over an additional floor) a few years later, and we now only sell clothing for women, which is much more fun!

Why Market Harborough? What do you like about living in this area?

My family moved to this region at the beginning of the 1990s. It’s a great area, as we have the best mix of beautiful countryside on our doorstep, cities within easy reach and the benefit of living in a lovely thriving market town.

Did you have a previous career or a background in the fashion industry?

I left school at 16 and joined a buying training scheme with Dickens & Jones in Regent Street. I then worked for Pronuptia, selling wedding dresses for many years, before being asked to join Chanel in their Old Bond Street boutique – which was amazing!!

How did your love of fashion begin?

I was always in the dressing-up box when I was very young, and, although I had no aspirations to be a designer, I always loved dressing my friends, my sister or any poor soul I could get my hands on!

How have you settled on the brands you currently sell and why did you choose them?

We choose brands that are a bit different and don’t have a big presence either on the internet or on the high street. We try to have at least three new labels a season to keep our ranges fresh, exciting and current. Most of our brands are European, including a number from Denmark.

How does it feel to be an independent retailer and how do you set yourself apart from the high street?

I love being an independent retailer – we have the flexibility of being able to choose our collections and we can be creative with our selection. We offer a personal shopping experience where customers can talk to us about their needs for the coming season!

Tell me a bit about your customers We have such a wide range of customers, right across all ages. We get to know our ladies very well, and most will come and see us at least three to four times a season, often requesting a particular sales advisor.

Do you have a favourite Sunday activity?

As I work most Saturdays, Sundays are like a whole weekend rolled into one day, so we love spending it catching up with friends and family, usually involving long lunches and a few bottles of wine. At Jacks we don’t open on a Sunday. I’m not a big fan of Sunday trading, as I think that there should be one day a week to spend with our loved ones.

Favourite local cafe or restaurant We are big fans of Boboli and The Lighthouse in Kibworth – it’s very relaxed and serves great Italian food.

Jacks for Women is at 16 Church Street, Market Harborough LE16 7AA, 01858 431396, jacksforwomen.co.uk.

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FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY

ACCESSORISE!

Good accessories can transform what you are wearing, bring an outfit up to date and ensure endless possibilities. Sally Stillingfleet reviews the range across the region. It’s hard not to be tempted…

W

e have fantastic independent shoe shops in this area. In Oakham, CoCo’s handwriting is classic and neutral with a fabulous selection of Paul Green, Kennel & Schmenger and Carmen Saiz shoes.

The shop also stocks lovely handbags and Estella Bartlett jewellery. At Cavells, the shoe selection is vast and covers Penelope Chilvers, Paul Smith and GH Bass & Co, to name but a few – you are sure to find a fashion-forward style to co-ordinate.

Opposite Cavells is the Oakham branch of Marcia May, which stocks shoes for all the family. In Stamford, children are lucky enough to have their own separate Marcia May Mini shop, with a huge selection of shoes for little ones, plus kids’ clothes and toys. The ever-patient, fully trained staff can suggest styles from a good range, and there are fun colours too. Men also have a great choice at Anand shoes and North Shoes (now in Oundle as well as Stamford and Harborough) and at Cavells.

Jacks for Women

Marcia May Mini

while Fords of Oakham has a fine selection of Radley handbags, as well as jewellery and other accessories. Albar’s Den, on Crown Walk, also has a lovely accessories range, including beautiful Italian leather bags.

Anand Shoes

In Oundle, Diversity stocks bags in all colours – perfect to make your outfit pop, while in Harborough Jacks for Women has a carefully curated range of stylish accessories. And back in Stamford, anyone familiar with Lyn Venables will know that she has started selling glorious textilebased bags in all shapes and sizes and at good prices – look out for her on Stamford’s Friday market. ■

Cavells

CoCo

Albar’s Den

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Colourful accessories are in good supply at Anna Couture (Stamford) and Baubles and Bangles (Oakham and Stamford) – their little clutch bags are easy pieces to go with occasionwear and eveningwear. In Oakham Heidi Kjeldsen produces exquisite jewellery (perfect for a special occasion),

For contact details, see p61

Anna Couture

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THE STAMFORD EYE CLINIC (OPTICIANS)

Nicholas Rudd-Jones is impressed by the friendliness and professionalism of this business in the heart of Stamford.

A

s soon as you enter the Stamford Eye Clinic, based in St Peter’s Street, you get an immediate sense of both their professionalism and friendliness. The clinic has a fresh, modern feel about it; a warm welcome and you will be offered a cup of tea or coffee if you have an appointment or even if browsing.

The key to the clinic is the quality of the staff and the high levels of customer service.

Whilst I was there, for example, a customer came in with a broken pair of sunglasses; a call was made to the manufacturer and everything was sorted there and then, and the sunglasses would be back repaired within a few days.

of visual aid required, be that glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, sports glasses, swimwear goggles, safety glasses, you name it…

Eyewear

Next was the consideration of single focus, bi-focal or varifocals. In the end, I opted for varifocals, which offers a subtle and invisible shift from short focus (reading) to longer focus (driving), which I have subsequently found to be invaluable. Finally, we looked at frame options. Malvinder seems to have the knack at proposing ones that you immediately feel are right for your style…clever skill that…

The range of frame brands is impressive, sourced from around the world, in many cases hand-made and not stocked by the multiples. Lenses are by Zeiss and Essilor, two of the most renowned makers in the business.

Followed by accurate measurements involving digital devices and aids that measured to 0.1mm and designed the lenses to ensure optimum vision from my spectacles!

Eye Management

After a week or so the glasses will be ready for collection. Malvinder made a ‘fitting appointment’ for me, and again I did not feel rushed, as he went through all aspects of what I had chosen and gave tips on getting the best out of my glasses.

There is a final vision check, checking that the glasses are fitting exactly right and then hey presto I am free to enjoy them… an exciting moment, at which point I feel sure: a) my eyes’ health have been checked thoroughly, b) I have received the optimal vision solutions, c) the glasses look how I want them to look…not bad!

I booked an appointment because I was starting to find reading, especially in the evening, difficult; and also because of a family history of glaucoma.

The very capable and friendly Mr Singh, formerly of Boots, conducted a series of tests on my eyes. First, he carried out a visual field test, and then he took a retinal picture, then a mini-MRI of the eye checking for abnormalities or dystrophies. Finally, he looked into the back of my eyes and carried out the ‘puff test’ for glaucoma. A very thorough check that lasts 40 minutes or so, and re-assured me about all aspects of my eye health. Plus, we chatted lots about cricket.

I then received a report that I could take back through to the ‘dispensing’ optician, Malvinder Singh. Malvinder talked through my needs in great detail, what I required glasses for, whether my job was computer-orientated, my lifestyle etc. From that came advice on the type

Delivery

After Sales Service

Malvinder recommends coming back after a month or so to check the fitting and to have a full service after six months. You will also be notified of your next eye test.

The Stamford Eye Clinic, 32 St Peter’s Street , Stamford, PE9 2P F www.thestamfo rdeyeclinic.co.uk Email: info@thesta mfordeyeclinic.co.u Tel: 01780 7674 67k 03

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TOP TREATMENTS

Our favourite time of year, but, if you’re concerned with your skin or body you may want to try some of our favourite treatments to get in the best shape.

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CACI

the award winning non-surgical face-lift.

Madonna,Jennifer Aniston and J Lo are a few of the celebrities who enjoy CACI facials. It’s one of our very popular treatments. It’s like going to the gym for your face. Start your course today.

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are you the Bride, Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride or Groom, or even a Guest? Let’s face it; we all want to look knockout! Our advanced medical product ranges and treatments bridge the gap between high street and surgery.

WE KNOW YOU WILL GET RESULTS. If you want proof, just book in for our detailed pre Skin Analysis before you start your treatment journey. This shows the skin on many different levels so you can see what’s going on underneath. A great tool to track results.

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Featured as the “go to” treatment in TATLERS 2018 COSMETIC SURGERY GUIDE. You will feel warmth in treated area.

Indications - Skin tightening, inch loss, fat reduction, cellulite reduction Frequency - Course of weekly treatments Downtime - none BEFORE

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LIPOFIRM PRO

What is it? A medical device using Radio Frequency and DMA. You will feel warmth and a pulsing of the muscle.

Indications - Skin tightening, inch loss, fat reduction, cellulite reduction Frequency - Course of weekly treatments Downtime - none BEFORE

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WANT AN AMAZING BOOST FOR YOUR SKIN? TRY OUR ZO MEDICAL PEELS BY DR OBAGI A wonderful intro peel. You WILL notice a difference. Call and quote ESSENTIAL to qualify for a £10 discount

Our body treatments are perfect to combat the signs of ageing. With age and a decline in hormones our skin gets loose/crepey and looses its youthfulness. WE CAN HELP!

FDA Licensed non-surgical treatment for Vaginal Health. After childbirth and as we age, many can experience issues with muscle tone and laxity in our intimate areas. This can cause embarrassment and self consciousness. This treatment will give relief from these issues. NO PAIN, NO DOWNTIME TIGHTENING - and rejuvenation without surgery, pain or downtime CONFIDENT - increase comfort and reduce self awareness SENSITIVE - Increase sensitivity PAINLESS - no pain; effective; non-surgical approach to labiaplasty ENERGETIC - stimulate collagen production and restore vagina and labia to more youthful state INTIMATE - improve your sexual satisfaction AT ELYSIA HEALTH & BEAUTY WE REALLY LOVE WHAT WE DO AND ARE COMM ITTED TO HELPING YOU ACHIEVE GREAT SKIN FOR A LIFETIME.

Elysia Health & Beauty, Tansor, Oundle, PE8 5HP Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com Follow us: elysiahealthandbea uty

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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fashion, health and beauty

beauty calendar a year of looking good and feeling great Want to look and feel your best throughout this year and beyond?

It’s all in the planning! Catherine Varney has done the legwork by working out which treatments will give you optimum benefits month by month… so pick up the phone and make your appointments to ensure you look gorgeous and glowing for the rest of 2018 and into 2019

g n i r p S

MARCH: VIVA LA SKINCARE!

If you’re looking for something a little different to combat the signs of ageing and give your skin a fresh start for spring, then Elysia Health and Beauty Clinic in Oundle may well have the answer to your prayers.

They offer the pioneering Venus Viva treatment, which has been voted as one of the top treatments in Tatler’s Cosmetic Surgery Guide. It’s safe, non-invasive and effective, with immediate and long-term results for various concerns including skin laxity and texture, deep pores, lines and wrinkles. The treatment uses radio frequency and advanced needling technology to penetrate deep into the dermis to correct skin concerns, encouraging the skin to renew from the inside out, produce more collagen and lay down new elastin fibres.

Your skin will be healthier, with lines, wrinkles and pore size reduced. Better still, the downtime and discomfort are minimal (you can even wear make-up after 12 hours), and you’ll see progressive results after a course of treatments.

APRIL: BEST FOOT FORWARD This month you may well start to see the first glimpse of sunshine. But if you’ve had your feet encased in fluffy socks and big boots all winter, they’re probably not ready to face the warm light of day. So, before those

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sandals become a permanent fixture, get your feet in tip-top condition by hot-footing it to Wansford’s InStep Foot Clinic, which specialises in podiatric medicine.

They can treat anything from fungal foot infections to ingrown toenails and help with a wide variety of other conditions in your lower limbs too. But if it’s pure pampering you’re after, then try the Foot Rescue treatment – a luxurious 45 minutes of relaxation that includes a warming, herbal foot soak, removal of all hard skin and rehydration of tired, neglected feet.

MAY: DON’T SWEAT IT Haven’t managed to make it to the gym? Don’t worry, there’s still a way to feel fabulous on the beach this summer without putting the hours in on the treadmill.

The award-winning, celebrity-endorsed fat-reduction and skin-tightening treatment, Lipofirm, is now available from Equilibrium in Stamford. Combining two technologies, TriLipo Radiofrequency (RF) and TriLipo Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA), it has proven results in fat reduction, stretchmark improvement, cellulite reduction, skin tightening and toning and firming of muscles. The two technologies work together through a single applicator that delivers non-invasive fat removal and lymphatic drainage, as well as skin tightening and wrinkle reduction. The latest celebrity to rave about the treatment is Denise Van Outen, who has hailed it as ‘magic’ and the perfect solution for her mum tum, which she found difficult to tone after the birth of her daughter. At Equilibrium, single treatments are £100 and a course of 8 works out at just £640.

JUNE: COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL

Summ

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to refresh your hair colour; and my advice is to head to colour expert, Leah Burnell at Head Candy in Market Harborough. This Wella salon is at the cutting edge of the latest styles, trends and techniques, and 2018/19 will see strong statement haircuts softened with the exciting new colouring technique ‘non-touring’. This involves the use of colour to harmonise the lines of a hairstyle and blend sharp contrasts in shape and texture. This mellows even the most daring cut into a flattering and wearable look that complements face shape and skin tone.

Beauty Calendar

er

And if you feel like wearing lighter make-up now that the weather is warming up, why not check out the mineral Mii range, available at Creme in Oakham.

Beautician and make-up artist Jessie said: ‘the Mii range of cosmetics is brilliant for creating a natural look.

They’re made from natural minerals, which allow skin to breathe, so they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts like some cosmetics can do.’ Creme also offers a wide range of beauty treatments, plus hairdressing.

JULY: FABULOUS FINGERS Nails tend to grow longer in the summer because your body produces more Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and this is essential for nail growth and health. So, whilst you’re sporting stronger, healthier nails, now’s the perfect time to show them off! I love Biosculpture Gel Nail treatments, available from Body Matters in Stamford, because they promote natural nail health. The treatments don’t require dehydration prior to application or any excess buffing and are free of formaldehyde too. The flexible gels add strength to natural nails and can be used to extend if you prefer the longer look, resulting in a smooth finish that can be left clear or coloured.

AUGUST: TURN BACK TIME Scrutinising your skin in bright sunshine can come as a bit of a shock, and if you’re in need of a confidence boost, a non-surgical facelift could just be the pick-

me-up you need. Available from Glen Eden Medical Aesthetics, a safety-assured ‘Save Face’ clinic in Corby Glen, the ‘8-point lift’ or non-surgical facelift, uses dermal fillers in eight key areas of the face to gently lift and enhance features, giving you a more youthful appearance. The treatment considers the face in its entirety, and these subtle changes create balance and definition around the eyes, cheeks, mouth and jawline for a younger, fresher look.

If it’s town-centre convenience you’re after, then Stamford Facial Aesthetics in Ironmonger Street is also an exceptional choice of clinic, run by a doctor- and senior nurse-led team. They offer Allergan botox to reduce wrinkles and dermal fillers to add volume and lift to tired, sagging skin for a smoother, more contoured look. While you’re in town, pop into SpaceNK to stock up on essentials – it’s hard to resist the delights in there!

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fashion, health and beauty

SEPTEMBER: GET READY TO RELAX

n m u t u A

The kids are back at school, the summer holiday is over.

That can only mean one thing – it’s time to relax. But if you’re having trouble winding down, then yoga offers a holistic approach to health and well-being. It’s a gentle but effective exercise method, designed to increase strength and flexibility in the body, improve circulation and instil relaxation through mindfulness – in fact, the complete opposite to the ‘no pain, no gain’ approach of many fitness regimes! At Stamford Yoga, they offer a wide range of classes and courses, including Relaxation Workshops and Power Yoga for weight loss from their studio (in Stamford), as well as other locations across the region.

If being pampered is more your thing, head to the beautiful surroundings of Barnsdale Spa, where they offer a wide range of holistic therapies including Hopi Ear Candling.

Proven to provide a wide range of health benefits, including reduction of migraines, anxiety and stress, hay fever and colds, this simple and relaxing treatment is a great way to unwind and focus on yourself. Mica Krotochwil, the Spa Manager told me: ‘It induces a pleasant feeling of warmth and a balance of pressure in the ears, forehead and sinuses, so it’s very soothing and wonderfully relaxing.’

OCTOBER: PARTY PREPARATION It’s never too early to start thinking about the festive celebrations and how you’re going to look in those party photos. If you’re worried about stubborn areas of fat that simply don’t seem to shift, then I can recommend the cryolipolysis treatment available from The Chaelis Clinic in Kettering. This innovative, one-off treatment removes 20–40 per cent of fat cells for smoother face and body contours.

The treatment works with the use of a cryo cup, which is placed on the area to be treated, the air flow is activated, and the fatty tissue is pulled into the cup with a vacuum action before the machine starts to freeze the isolated area.

It gets as cold as -6ºC, the temperature at which fat cells are destroyed (blood and tissue freeze at -12ºC, so there is no danger of any damage to them at all). The full results can be seen at 8 weeks post-treatment, but most clients report an instant, noticeable difference.

NOVEMBER: THE MANE ATTRACTION There’s nothing like a trip to the hairdressers to get you in the mood for a night out, so pay a visit to two of our favourite Stamford salons. Donna Marie has recently opened her salon in Foundry Road and is becoming renowned for her protein packs, which infuse dry, parched hair with protein and keratin to repair from within. Vidal-trained and an experienced hairdressing teacher too, Donna takes a trichologist approach to haircare and ensures her clients leave the salon with naturally luscious locks. The protein packs can be used as a standalone treatment or added on to a cut and colour service. Usually costing £37, the packs are on offer to lucky readers of Essential Living for the fabulous price of £25. Please mention the magazine at the salon.

Also new to the Stamford hairdressing scene is the Health & Beauty Hub on Ironmonger Street, run by Francesca Alexander who boasts over 20 years in the industry. This fun, funky salon offers a full range of cutting and colouring technical services including balayage, conditioning treatments and, as the salon’s name implies, a whole host of beauty treatments too. The perfect ‘one-stop shop’ to get party-ready!

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Beauty Calendar

DIRECTORY RUTLAND Barnsdale Spa Barnsdale Hall Hotel, nr Oakham, LE15 8AB • 01572 771313 • barnsdalehotel.co.uk Creme 8 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA • 01572 723823 • cremehairandbeauty.co.uk Thomas Hairdressing The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA (also Melton & Uppingham) • 01572 756561 • thomashairdressing.co.uk

Winter

DECEMBER: BANISH THE FRIZZ

Sleek, shiny locks seem even harder to come by in the winter months, when the damp conditions can turn hair into a frizzy, flyaway mess. But help is at hand, in the form of the Keratin Complex Permanent Blow Dry available from Thomas Hairdressing (in Oakham, Melton Mowbray and Uppingham). Healthy hair contains keratin that works to moisturise and keep strands strong and smooth, but with age and environmental damage the hair becomes more porous, absorbing excess moisture from the air, causing the cuticle to swell – resulting in the dreaded frizz. The blow-dry treatment replenishes the hair with keratin to help seal the cuticle and prevent humidity from entering the hair – as a result, it’s more manageable and blow-drying/styling time is significantly reduced.

JANUARY: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Start the New Year as you mean to go on by getting rid of any niggles, aches and pains or even addressing a long-term health problem.

Prestons Health Clinic in Peterborough takes a holistic approach to your well-being and offers treatments including physiotherapy, cognitive functional therapy, sports massage and mindfulness for health. The team members specialise in treating back pain, fibromyalgia and sports injuries amongst many other conditions. Prevention and rehabilitation are also key focusses of all treatment plans to ensure ongoing good health.

Meanwhile, in Stamford, Serene Massage’s Andrew specialises in holistic, relaxing, therapeutic Swedish massage. A highly qualified, fully insured therapist, he offers a tailor-made approach that will leave you renewed and energized. He is based at home, but also offers mobile appointments.

FEBRUARY: READY, SET, GLOW! By now, the full effect of over-eating and over-indulging at Christmas time will have started to show. Combine dehydration from alcohol with late nights and lack of sunshine and you have the recipe for pasty, lacklustre skin. One of the best ways to revitalise tired-looking skin is with a chemical peel, which uses high-strength acids to deeply exfoliate the skin without irritation, to reduce the signs of ageing, pigmentation and acne scarring. At Renaissance, in Stamford, owner Fiona Hood uses Medik8 products for her skin peels, which offer excellent results. A course of three is recommended and includes a homecare package comprising a Vitamin C antioxidant serum and a retinol night serum, which will result in stronger, healthier skin and a glowing complexion. n

MARKET HARBOROUGH The Chaelis Clinic Sten Beren, Main Street, Lowick, Kettering, NN14 3BH • 01832 733811 • chaelis.co.uk Head Candy 26 Church Street • 01858 464395 • headcandy-mh.com STAMFORD Body Matters Unit 1, Brownlow Street PE9 2EL • 01780 270002 • bodymattersstamford.co.uk Donna Marie Hair & Beauty 12a Foundry Road, Stamford, PE9 2PY • 01780 755984 Equilibrium 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE • 01780 757579 • equilibriumstamford.co.uk Glen-Eden Medical Aesthetics The Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Grantham, NG33 4BB • 01476 550056 • glen-edenmedical.co.uk Hair & Beauty Hub 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL • 01780 482888 • hairdresserstamford.co.uk Renaissance 15 Maiden Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ • 01780 763768 • renaissancebeauty.co.uk Serene Massage 43 Phillips Court, Stamford PE9 2EE • 07941 099745 • serene-massage.com Stamford Facial Aesthetics The Cutting Company, 6 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL • 07806 738863 • stamfordfacialaesthetics. co.uk Stamford Yoga 12 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG • 07738 272474 • stamfordyoga.co.uk NENE Elysia Health and Beauty Tansor, Oundle, PE8 5HP • 07879 620196 • elysiahealthandbeauty.com InStep Foot Clinic 19 Elton Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD • 01780 783982 • instepfootclinic.co.uk Prestons Health David Lloyd Club, Thorpe Wood Business Park, Longthorpe, PE3 6SR • 01733 565911 • prestonshealth.co.uk

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Summer is here (ish) and we are getting a lot of questions in the salon about what is (excuse the pun) HOT this year.

Below are three ‘go to ideas’ that will give your hair and you a lift this summer, whether we get sunshine or not.

Colour Wow Dream Coat. The latest product from Colour Wow and a product we all firmly believe in.

A must have this summer! Simply spray onto your hair after washing and Dream Coat will stop any frizzing or dry ends. The product is activated by heat! So the hotter the weather the better Dream Coat actually works; it also lasts up to three washes, a great product for holidays at home or abroad.

The Old Church, Mill Street, Oakham

Even if this summer doesn’t give us as much sunshine as we would all like, a great way to get a lift is to add some, very subtle, highlights through your hair. In fact, going slightly lighter no matter what your colouring will give a real sun kissed look and is a fantastic way to revamp your look. We offer free colour consultations at all salons so give us a call to arrange a time for a friendly no obligation chat.

If you have a wedding or an event over the summer, plats and braids are bang on trend this year. A simple plat or updo is a great way to keep cool; it works on all ages and is quick and easy to do. We have stylists in all salons that are more than happy to help you experiment with different looks.

To celebrate a successful brand refresh and our fast approaching 2nd birthday we would like to say thank you to all our existing clients and welcome new clients into our salon by offering a Luxury Conditioning Treatment using leading hair care line Bumble and bumble, with every hair service booked.

We are also offering a Free Skin Mapping session with every beauty treatment booked. We use Dermalogica skin care, which was voted No1 skin care line globally.

We look forward to seeing you soon

Thomas Oakham 01572 756561 Uppingham 01572 822555 Melton Mowbray 01664 566812 Email: thomas@thomashairdressing.co.uk

www.thomashairdressing.co.uk 74

Offer must be mentioned when booking to allow us time to allocate your FREE service.

7 Ironmonger Street I Stamford I PE9 1PL I Tel: 01780 482 888

www.hairandbeautyhubstamford.co.uk

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STAMFORD’S PREMIER SALON CELEBRATES 13 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE. The Salon

Equilibrium is nestled away off St. Paul’s Street in a gorgeous old building. It was established over 13 years ago by Samantha Hiseman with Selena Bailey, local entrepreneur and long standing client joining her in the business early last year. The pair are a force to be reckoned with, totally in tune with what makes a good beauty salon tick, the salon underwent a total refurbishment in November 2017 and have more expansion plans in the pipeline. The beautiful space mixes old charming beams with modern colours, cool lighting and sumptuous furnishings. Walking in you really can’t help but unwind, a sanctuary that is very tranquil and calm.

The Team

The team are a very friendly bunch who balance professionalism and familiarity perfectly. Customer service is incredibly important to them and they pride themselves on creating a wonderful atmosphere, which their countless 5 star reviews and loyal clients can confirm, many of which have been visiting the salon since the day they first opened. Not only is customer service important to Equilibrium but so is staff development and retention. Gwen, Senior Therapist and Manager, celebrated her 10-year anniversary back in February. She offers a wide range of treatments but with her artistic and creative flare along with attention to detail, specialising in Microblading was a natural progression.

Celebrations at The Retreat

Karen recently visited Equilibriums latest addition, The Retreat, to celebrate her 50th birthday with 3 generations of family where they enjoyed manicures, pedicures, massages and champagne. This private area is available for bespoke events; birthday parties, hen dos, corporate team building days, baby showers or just a good old excuse to catch up with friends whilst being seriously pampered in your own little haven.

The team will make sure you are well looked after, no request is too small and they can cater for everything from afternoon tea to canapés. They will tailor your visit to suit your needs. Karen said “We had a fabulous session in The Retreat. All the therapists were really lovely and couldn’t do enough for us. It was a great experience, thank you.”

Microblading at Equilibrium

The Treatments

If you want to drop in for a quick manicure you can of course, but most people slowly make their way through the long list of treatments on offer. The most popular choices are the CACI and Radio Frequency facials; they offer amazing results using the very latest technology to turn back time. For body contouring Lipofirm is the go to solution, with its non-invasive method, inch loss is achieved over a course of treatments. Kate who recently completed a course of Lipofirm had this to say.

“I was weighed and measured before my first treatment so that my progress could be tracked.

We discussed at length what I was hoping for from the treatment and what results I was likely to achieve. The end was a loss of 3 1/2 inches to each thigh, so a total of 7 inches lost overall. My skin appeared much smoother and taut. I thoroughly recommend the team at Equilibrium”

The trend for natural fuller eyebrows is not going anywhere anytime soon, many people will have over plucked back in the 80s & 90s and the damage sadly has been done. Microblading is a fabulous way to create the perfect brow to accentuate your natural features, enhancing your own brows for results that deliver a natural look, lasting up to 12 months before requiring a colour boost. Microblading is semipermanent tattooing which uses a hand tool to create beautifully defined and superfine individual hair strokes in the brows. Heather visited Gwen last year for her Microblading and said:

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

What does the future hold…..

Samantha and Selena’s vision has always been to expand and create a boutique spa environment for clients to enjoy treatments and relax for longer periods of time away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Having spent the last 13 years listening to exactly what their customers want, they have some fabulous plans up their sleeve and expansion is underway. This will offer something completely new to Stamford, something we are missing. So, watch this space….

7 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 7575 79 Email: info@eq uilibriumstamfo rd.co.uk Website: www. equilibriumstam ford.co.uk equilibriumstam ford equilibriumspa Open: Monday - 9am – 5p m, Tuesday - 9am – 7pm, Wednesday - 9am – 5.30pm, Thursday 9am – 9pm, Friday - 9am – 5.30p m, Saturday - 9am – 5pm, Sunday - Close d 75

fashion, health and beauty

spas and retreats Whether you’re looking for time out to enjoy beauty treats, relax the mind and body or enjoy time out with friends, Bridget Steele explores what the region has to offer

Luxury getaWay When Ragdale Hall (photo opposite, top left) near Melton Mowbray first opened its doors in 1973, it had been purchased by Slimming Magazine to open as a retreat for their thriving slimming-club business. It’s now one of the country’s top spas, employing hundreds of people and run like a well-oiled machine. Over the years it has evolved, enjoying significant investment, and is now a beautiful retreat offering every beauty treatment you could wish for, with a plethora of activities too – you really can get away from it all, whether you are a day visitor or staying for a week.

Despite its size ragdale Hall never feels crowded, there are plenty of quiet spaces to read a book, take a nap or enjoy the many sensory experiences, with extensive pool areas offering space to swim or just to relax. Breakfast in bed is a luxury that is actively encouraged, and the choice is enticing. In addition, there’s a daily changing buffet lunch and waiter-service dinner served in the oak-panelled dining room, where there is a delectable menu on offer to suit all diets and tastes.

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa, Ragdale Village, Melton Mowbray LE14 3PB • 01664 433000 • ragdalehall.com

Inner peace you don’t have to be a Buddhist or follow any religious faith to take part in the meditation and mindfulness workshops offered by the Drolma Buddhist Centre across the region. courses and retreats are organised for complete beginners to experienced meditators discovering the power of meditation giving inner peace, health and happiness and encouraging us to make time for meaningful space in the day. everyone is welcome. courses include ‘Learning to let go’, ‘empowerment’ and ‘Dealing with change and Loss’, and they help participants to meditate with practical advice on replacing worry and uncertainties with positive, constructive attitudes to encourage a balanced and peaceful mind.

Drolma Buddhist Centre, 260 Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough PE1 3PG • 01733 755444 • meditateinpeterborough.org.uk

One-StOp Spa a favourite for bridal parties, groups and individuals looking for a bit of time out, the beautifully located rutland Barnsdale Spa (photo opposite, bottom right), based in Barnsdale Hall Hotel, is well placed to offer an extensive range of beauty treatments including cacI and luxury skincare brand eSpa face and body treatments. packages and treatments are endless, with Jessica nail treatments, Mii make-up and hairdressing services making it a perfect one-stop spa destination. Bridal packages include a trial session, manicure, pedicure, hair styling, a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage and wedding day make-up, ensuring that all members of the bridal party enjoy peace of mind. groom packages are offered, and hen parties are welcomed, with private dining available for groups, and special activities laid on as part of the service, if required.

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spas and retreats

for anyone preferring a holistic well-being programme there are plenty of treatments offered, too, such as indian head massage and reflexology. amazing smoothies (above), too.

Homefield Grange, Manor Road, Rushton NN14 1RH • 01536 712219 • homefieldgrangeretreat.co.uk

counTRy House cHic

Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Barnsdale, Oakham LE15 8AB • 01572 757901 • barnsdalehotel.co.uk

Half-day escape Rushton Hall Stableyard Spa in Rushton offers a greatvalue half-day getaway (£40 for four hours), which includes use of the fitness suite, pool area, steam room and sauna, complimentary tea or coffee on arrival, bathrobe, towels and a manicure or pedicure. further treatments can be added, and overnight packages, with a three-course dinner and breakfast, are also available.

situated just off the a1 on the outskirts of peterborough, Alwalton Hall opened its doors in spring 2017 and has since become a favourite beauty retreat. it has a country-house feel and offers sumptuous, spacious, themed treatment rooms and a hair salon. in summer guests can enjoy the 15-metre outdoor pool and sun terrace, while in winter there are log fires in the drawing room. year round, there’s a wide range of beauty and wellness packages on offer, such as a half day with lunch or an afternoon package with afternoon tea. Treatments include the latest caci synergy antiageing facials, decléor face and body treatments, and opi manicures, pedicures, massage and holistic therapies. a saturday ‘superstart’ (£100) begins at 9am and ends at 1pm and includes a decléor 30-minute facial, an opi file and paint, a wash and blow dry, plus a delicious brunch prepared by the alwalton Hall chef. on Thursday evenings in summer (4–8pm) clients can enjoy a package including a 60-minute neck, shoulder, and décolleté massage, plus facial and barbecue supper, for £90.

Rushton Hall, Desborough Road, Rushton, Kettering NN14 1RR • 01536 713001 • rushtonhall.com

Alwalton Hall, Church Street, Alwalton, Peterborough, PE7 3UN • 01733 391166 • alwalton hall.com

peRsonal seRvice

soul Happy

nestled within 23 acres of beautiful northamptonshire countryside in the village of Rushton, Homefield Grange offers the ultimate retreat, and you really do feel you’ve left everyday life behind. This dedicated day and residential retreat offers packages for weight loss, detoxing, fitness, beauty, aesthetics and well-being. owner suzanne peck tells us: ‘the tranquil setting here allows you to concentrate on yourself with the experienced hands of health professionals. live blood analysis, dietary intolerance testing, nutritional consultation and colonic irrigation are some of the treatments on offer.’ Treatment programmes are tailor made for individuals, and experts in their field work with you to achieve optimum results. This retreat offers a scientific approach to health and gives a thorough personal analysis.

Soul Happy is a non-profit-making well-being centrein the heart of peterborough since 2017. owner Kim coley explains: ‘the centre aims to help people find more of their best selves and work towards sustainable well-being.’ There are three treatment rooms, where qualified therapists offer individual treatments such as massage, reflexology, reiki, etc, plus a large space for groups and workshops on topics such as confidence and empowerment building, mindfulness and yoga. There are also vegetarian and vegan evenings, with participants invited to bring food to share. soul Happy has recently received the peterborough small Business award and the peterborough small Business owner accolade.

Soul Happy, Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1NA • 07814 393099 • soulhappy.org.uk n

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Explore a more confident you and enhance your natural beauty.

Stamford's only registered nurse and doctor aesthetic practice exclusively at The Cutting Company.

Experienced and trained in non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

We offer free no obligation consultations and follow up appointments.

Discover what Stamford Facial Aesthetics can do for you.

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Treatments include: Anti-wrinkle injections l Botox l Dermal Fillers l Lip Augmentation Brow Lift, Nefertiti Face Lift, Cheek Augmentation, Chin Correction & Treatment for Hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating).

Fully insured. Adhering to high standards of infection control and health and safety standards to give you peace of mind and confidence.

We look forward to welcoming you, taking the time to discuss the areas you wish to focus on, making an individualised treatment plan to make your skin look and feel more rejuvenated and increase your self confidence.

For more information please email info@stamfordfacialaesthetics.co.uk Tel 07806738863

www.stamfordfacialaesthetics.co.uk

STAMFORD YOGA Classical Hatha Yoga

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The latest laser and injectable cosmetic procedures performed by fully qualified GP or Nurse Practitioner Laser Treatments Include:

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• Muscle relaxing injections for lines & wrinkles • 8 point non-surgical face lift • Non-surgical 15 minute Rhinoplasty • Volite & Restylane Vital skin rejuvenation • Juvederm & Restylane dermal fillers • Silhouette Soft Thread lifts • Treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) • Minor surgical procedures including mole removal & non-scalpel vasectomy

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The Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Lincs NG33 4BB

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fashion, health and beauty

ageing well – love the life you choose as we live longer than ever, planning for later life becomes essential. although we can’t predict the future, we can make sure that our wishes and changing needs are met by selecting the best way to support and protect ourselves and our families. amander meade explores some of the local companies dedicated to helping us to enjoy a fulfilled, healthy, productive later life

quality of care her team provides. ‘the greatest of attention is paid to matching the right carer with the right client. the majority of our clients are retired professionals seeking the dignity of remaining in their own homes.’ from their regional base in Stamford Bluebird Care UK is an award-winning care-at-home provider. ‘Our commitment to delivering high-quality services is stronger now than ever. We aim to provide the same standard of care that we would expect for our own families, which means valuing each person’s unique qualities and seeing them as an individual, and not as a list of care needs,’ explains director, leisa macKenzie.

I

ncreasingly, there are options to ensure that quality of life remains high for those who prefer to stay living in the home they love, despite personal limitations.

Continued life at home in safety might only require the smallest of tweaks, so if stairs are becoming a problem, why not consult the team at Westwood Stairlifts, who offer expert advice for each individual situation – no pushy sales people guaranteed.

CEA Mobility creates products ranging from steering balls to hydraulic lifts as well the experience and expertise to find solutions to most vehicle-adaptation problems to keep you safely on the road for longer. Mojo Partners Ltd and Scotgate Mobility both specialise in equipment to make life at home more comfortable, as well as wheelchairs, scooters and all kinds of devices to make everyday tasks a little bit more manageable.

Carefully matChed Care Specialist companies will match highly trained nurses and carers to individuals and supply care or companionship on a daily visit or live-in basis.

Always Take Care is a family-run, Gold Standard Care agency based in rutland. founder heather Gebbie has over 50 years’ nursing experience and takes great pride in the outstanding

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Samantha Wright of Wright Care at Home understands that finding care support for yourself or loved ones can be quite daunting. ‘It is a change that can sometimes present challenging and anxious feelings, so we aim to make the transition as easy and comfortable as possible. We are a small family-run business that supports those that wish to remain in their own homes and we keep compassion at the heart of everything we do.’

unlImIted lIfeStyle McCarthy & Stone is the uK’s largest retirement house builder and believes that your retirement should be without compromise on quality of life or the level of freedom you’re used to. their new lonsdale Park retirement living development in Oakham (shown below right and, with dame mary Peters, far right) offers a luxurious option for individuals or couples wishing to downsize but live independently in a spacious one- or two-bedroomed apartment set in landscaped gardens. later in 2018 a second development, Saxon Gardens, will open off Penn Street, offering privately owned homes reinforced by a range of additional 24/7 assisted-living services, such as catering, cleaning, laundry and personal care, as and when required.

Manor House at Middleton has eight self-contained apartments with all of the comforts of home, combined with tailored support packages that ensure individual personal health, safety and security as well as a fulfilling and longterm independent lifestyle with plenty of companionship and a full social life. MHA Welland Place in market harborough offers a range of options for living within a community of like-minded friends as well as the reassurance of tailored,

health in later life

discreet support, if and when it may be needed. Properties are available to purchase, part-own or rent.

If full-time residential care is required, Oak House in Greetham has a fine reputation for keeping its residents at the heart of the community. As well as exceptional, awardwinning food, there is a vibrant programme of activity and a skilled, caring team of professionals providing long- or short-term respite care. Country Court Care supplies residential and specialist dementia care and support in care homes across the region. The team motto is ‘Our family, caring for yours’ within a culture of family led-care delivered by devoted staff, highly trained in caring for the needs and wishes of each resident.

SPecIAlIST AdvIce Aleisha White runs The Care Advice Centre, and her advice is never to rush into selling a property when considering care options. ‘It may be possible for the house to be rented out or an application made to defer payment where the council agrees to fund residential care with the loan repaid when the property is sold. It is always worth investigating if you may be eligible for NHS continuous healthcare funding.’

Aleisha provides a consultation service for a fixed fee to discuss individual circumstances and solutions.

Healthy Hearing is a family-run business offering a superb range of top-quality hearing aids. Highly skilled audiologists will be delighted to provide the best solution from whichever portfolio suits your requirements the best. There are branches in both Stamford and Oakham, and the firm also offers a home-visit service for those unable to travel.

Age UK is the UK’s largest charity working with older people and offers advice and information on finance, health, travel and every aspect of living well in later years. The charity offers a free, confidential, national phone service for older people, their families, friends and carers, manned by a team of advisers who give reliable, up-to-date information. n

DIRECTORY Age UK 0800 055 6112 • ageuk.org.uk Always Take Care le15 6dH • 01572 869138 • alwaystakecare.co.uk Bluebird Care Pe9 2dR • 01780 480881 • bluebirdcare.co.uk The Care Advice Centre 01572 720705/07766 490473 • care-advice-centre.co.uk CEA Mobility Pe1 5WJ • 01733 333023 • chriselliotadaptations.co.uk Country Court Care 0843 5069452 • countrycourtcare.com Healthy Hearing Stamford (HQ) Pe9 1AB • 01780 759133/ Oakham le15 6AQ • 01572 759555 • healthyhearing.co.uk Home Instead Senior Care Market Harborough 01858 540317/ Rutland 01572 898147/ Peterborough • 01733 333342 • homeinstead.co.uk Manor House le16 8YU • 01536 771722 • autumn-care.co.uk McCarthy & Stone le15 6QJ • 0800 201 4811 • mccarthyandstone.co.uk MHA Welland Place le16 7GF • 01858 412060 • mha.org.uk Mojo Partners ltd Pe9 2YQ • 01780 238320 • mojopartners.co.uk Oak House le15 7NW • 01572 812647 • oakhouse-carehome.co.uk PTC 07974 569792 • physiotc.com Scotgate Mobility Pe9 2YB • 01780 763276 • scotgatemobility.co.uk Westwood Stairlifts 01733 609777 or 0800 246 1016 • westwoodstairlifts.co.uk Wright Care at Home Pe9 1PG • 01780 489227 • wrightcareathome.co.uk

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Your home, your life, your care... ...so trust in the very best, Bluebird Care.

More than care.

At Bluebird we believe that being able to live in the comfort of your own home can be a major benefit to a person’s wellbeing.

Friends and family can’t always be on hand, but at Bluebird Care we are always there when you need us most. From as little as one visit through to multiple visits, to full time or live-in care, we offer complete peace of mind tailored to your exact needs.

So whether it’s help with your shopping or running an errand to specialist care, your local, award winning Bluebird Care team have the knowledge, skills and caring people to give you the care and peace of mind you deserve.

Our award winning care teams are only ever a phone call away and cover the following areas: Stamford and surrounding villages including Ryhall • Casterton • Bainton • Barnack • The Deepings • Peterborough • Rutland • Oundle • Empingham • Oakham • Uppingham

Care in your own home • Washing and dressing, personal care • Domestic support,housework or shopping • Companionship, assistance to appointments or trips out • Support with medication

24 hour live in care • 24 hour care and support at home • Rehabilitation care • Respite care

Night care • Peace of mind through the night hours • Waking night care • Sleep-in night care

Specialist care Short or long term care for: • Dementia, Parkinsons or Stroke • End of life care • Respite and recovery care

To find out more about how we can help, tailor care and support to suit your exact needs, simply call us on:

01780 480 881 bluebirdcare.co.uk/peterborough-rutland stamford@bluebirdcare.co.uk Companionship & support • Care in your own home • 24 hour live-in care • Night care • Specialist care 82

See how we are applying emerging evidence and deep industry knowledge in the successful management of low back pain here: www.prestonshealth.co.uk/ our-specialities/low-back-pain Call today on 01733 565911 or visit us at www.prestonshealth.co.uk

OUR NEW BESPOKE CLINIC NOW OPEN AT DAVID LLOYD HEALTH CLUB IN THORPE WOOD, PETERBOROUGH AND ALSO WITHIN OUNDLE GP SURGERY

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

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 07766 490473 or Anna 07764 480565 Email: info@care-advice-centre.co.uk

PART EXCHANGE AVAILABLE

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homes and gardens

make my home and garden look amazing!

Interiors firms, design tips, style trends, garden advice and more

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01780 756666 | enquiries@qks-ltd.co.uk |qks-ltd.co.uk 86

Interior Design Service Furniture Professional Interior Design Service . Re-Upholstery and Professional Soft Furnishings . Unique and Beautiful Soft Furnishings Suppliers of Linwood, Osborne and Little, Colefax andRe-Upholstery Fowler, Zoffany,and Designers Guild and Romo Unique and Beautiful Furniture

6 MARKET PLACE · UPPINGHAM · RUTLAND · LE15 9QH · 01572 823389 Suppliers of Designers Guild, Zoffany, www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk · info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk · www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd

Colefax and Fowler, Romo and Harlequin 6 MARKET PLACE · UPPINGHAM · RUTLAND · LE15 9QH · 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk · info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd

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Homes and Gardens

time to renovate?

Here’s How‌ These days home is where we work, relax, raise our families and, often, invest for the future.

Whether you are renovating to add value, to make the very best of the space available or simply to give your home a fresh new look, there are interiors experts in our local area who can help. Amander Meade has investigated some of the essential interiors trends for the next 12 months and taken a look at the firms who can turn them into a reality for you

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interiors update

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f you’re planning on making major changes to your home, it’s good news, because extending your living space remains one of the most popular ways to increase property value and enhance your lifestyle.

We are fortunate in this region to have many highly reputed specialist firms to take you step by step through what can be a daunting process. From largescale renovations to a new kitchen or bathroom or a change of flooring or interior design, there will be a firm to suit your needs.

large-scale improvements in addition to the traditional styling associated with older buildings, stamford’s QKS Inspirational Spaces offers exciting possibilities for more contemporary projects, whether extensions or as part of a new build. ‘our building division coupled with our in-house architect and structural engineer can carry out any of your new-build requirements.

We will project manage your build from design to completion.’

Natural Structures has established an enviable reputation as one of the leading providers of beautiful oak-framed buildings across the region. ‘With a full-time architectural technician in the team, we’re always able to visualise concepts for clients, either in the form of sketches or digitally. We design everything from complete house framing to simple outbuildings or replacement beams in listed buildings.’ safe hands for projects of any size.

With two showrooms in stamford, Orchard provides a complete design and installation service for all kinds of interiors projects including conservatories, orangeries, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. ‘We found it reassuring to have a team on board that knew and worked together closely and who respected our budgetary constraints,’ says recent customer elli stonehouse. ‘We knew orchard had an

excellent reputation and we felt completely comfortable with them from the start.’ a great choice for a large-scale project. established over 25 years ago, Classic is now one of the largest independent home improvement companies in east anglia. the firm, which has a showroom in stamford, is passionate about creating a beautifully designed home for you to enjoy. classic has a tremendous reputation for exacting standards from inception to completion, and Design consultant Dan Barford expects the highest levels of performance from his team. one client who chose them for their kitchen commented, ‘We were impressed by classic’s efficiency and attention to detail… classic had a team in place to co-ordinate and complete everything from ground work to the plumbing, heating and electrical work, so we felt confident from the very start.’

From farmhouse kitchen to a contemporary look, the firm has a range to suit. a classic kitchen is shown above.

Kitchen Design so we’ve touched on kitchen design with companies who cover home improvements of all kinds. there are also firms focussing exclusively on kitchens. in 2018 design is all about timber veneers, colour contrast, texture, metallics and the industrial look. We are seeing bolder colours and textures in doors, and woodgrains will continue to prove popular, whilst industrial finishes such as concrete will create extra interest. the greatest attention to detail coupled with a commitment to excellent customer service are just two of the elements that ensure the market harborough firm Alexander Lewis is recognised as one of the finest manufacturers of bespoke furniture in the UK (see photo opposite). ‘Building a strong relationship with customers is at the heart of what we do,’ explains owner, matthew Wright. ‘our clients have very high expectations and we are delighted to try and exceed them.’

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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE IN STYLE. •

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.

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

01858 467716 www.harboroughlights.co.uk 90

Need ideas?

Got a design dilemma?

Want a change?

Be inspired From a single room refresh to a full house makeover, you can use us for inspiration and advice, for choosing and buying your paint, wallpaper, fabrics, lighting and accessories or for the whole project from ideas to finished and furnished room.

be inspired...

Visit our Shop & Showroom or book a home consultation

caring for your home Conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in winter?

Classic have the answer to this problem and you do not even have to change the existing windows/doors, although you can. Structurally very strong which means your new sun room meets full Building Regulation Approval.

Colefax & Fowler

Book an appointment

visit our showroom

12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

01780 757946

Shop & Showroom, The Dairy, Copthill Farm, Uffington, PE9 4TD 10 minutes from Stamford town centre

www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

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A sister to the home improvement arm of the business discussed on p89, QKS Kitchens has been established since 1981, and its kitchen showroom in Stamford is huge.

Here you can find 25 room settings, and 100 different builtin and range cookers plus 1,000 different door styles and colours. Options range from bespoke and custom-made kitchens to factory-built versions. Fabulous whatever your taste or budget.

Creating kitchens that make your space work harder for you is the challenge accepted by Bakehouse of Stamford. ‘We have established a group of pioneering engineers that work to create your vision; with expertise in every field whether it’s joinery, fitting, metal work, electrics or stone masonry, we can completely customise your space to make it work harmoniously with your lifestyle.’

If you like the idea of having plenty of input to your own specific kitchen design, Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver may be the firm for you. Making its own kitchens at its factory on Braunston Road just outside Oakham, the company offers customers as many design options as they require and can tailor every kitchen to include all kinds of individual features such as pantries and customised storage ideas.

Kuchen Kraft is one of only 300 approved members of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) in the UK, and this guarantees peace of mind and a six-year warranty on all their work. The firm’s kitchen and bathroom showroom is in Oundle, as are the project management team, fitters and craftsmen coordinated by owner Guy Bolsover. ‘Our reputation for excellence has been earned through offering customers an inspired selection of designs and for our commitment to comprehensive project management from start to finish. We help you to maximise space, enhance desirability, all the time adding practicality and value to homes both large and small.’

For a high-end finish to your kitchen (or bathroom) nothing shouts luxury quite like marble. Olympic Marble specialises in the manufacture, installation and care of natural stone in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire area. ‘Our team consists of highly skilled craftsmen with many years of experience in the traditional arts of sawing and polishing.

We pride ourselves on the quality of service, the materials used and the workmanship of your finished product.’

And if you need a joinery service, Roger Kendrick offers bespoke carpenty, with all his firm’s kitchens designed to meet your individual needs. The company also supplies windows and doors.

COlOUR, SHAPe And FORM Starting a room from scratch or adding in a nod to this year’s trends? either way there is so much colour and texture to look forward to this season. Pastels, glittery golds, indigo blues and purples are all trends this year. Our favourite local suppliers can show you how to work the look in your own home. And is Scandi style over? don’t you believe it! We are, however, seeing a move towards an increased sense of opulence in interiors. You can expect to see a gradual softening of those clean Scandinavian lines and minimalism for a look that’s more luxurious. In fabrics think velvet this year – a new favourite that is making its mark in furniture and soft furnishings in every room of the house. Pastel-pink velvet in Rose Ancien by Manuel Canovas is the perfect foil to the bold metallic and print curtains and Miami-inspired footstool from his Paris collection 2018, available at Sarah Harding Interiors (photo opposite).

Colourwise, brights are back in a very big way, from textiles and accessories in jewel tones right through to 1980s-style colour blocking. expect lots of vibrant primary colour, striking patterns and contrasting textures within wallpapers and paint. There’s lots of fun to be had, but if you are not quite ready to let go of your hygge haven, just update with cleverly chosen metallic accessories and warm up your wood with darker pieces not afraid to show their grain. Test the water with cushions in bolder, brighter hues to lift the mood for summer such as those in the ‘Animala’ range (photo left)

by Clarke & Clarke at Hunters Interiors in Stamford.

If you are looking for an investment piece to last a lifetime, consider the master craftsmen making beautiful furniture

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Homes and Gardens

you may not. They will also manage the order of things and, although they are an additional cost, they will certainly help you to spend your budget more efficiently.

Interior designer Elizabeth Stanhope transforms residential and commercial properties in addition to running her elegant Mill Street showroom in Oakham. This beautiful store is an inspirational showcase for a carefully handpicked range of fabrics and home accessories in a timelessly chic French- and Italian-inspired style. An additional exciting new venture in 2018 is the development of Elizabeth’s own bespoke furniture range.

David James Interiors, also in Oakham, is an independent interior design practice specialising in design services for both working and living environments. ‘We offer professional interior design solutions creating functional, luxurious and unique interior spaces either in your home or workspace.’

Stamford’s Emma Taylor at All Things House is dedicated to making homes the best they can be. Services range from property finding to relocation management and unpacking to interior design and feng shui consultancy.

for Delcor, who have a showroom in Stamford. The timber for the hardwood frames is selected and cut at their own sawmill in Northumberland, so if you want your chaise longue a little longer or your high-back sofa a little lower, the team will make it to your exact specification and your complete satisfaction. The firm also has a wonderful fabric room, adjacent to the main showroom on Bath Row. With two inspirational shops next door to each other in Stamford, Chez Soi specialises in modern country and vintage-style interiors, bringing together a carefully selected range of handcrafted furniture, beautiful home accessories and vintage finds. Roger Growcott and the team also design and make pieces to order to fit a particular space or style.

Dining tables, benches and mirrors are a speciality. And dressing your dining table beautifully will be a breeze now that Sophie Allport has opened her shop in the centre of Stamford. Her ‘Swallow’ collection can be seen below right.

Likewise, there are beautiful wares at Country Traditionals in Stamford, with each piece of pottery lovingly made and hand decorated by highly skilled craftsmen at one of the oldest, most highly respected potteries in Poland. The quality is superb, and the designs mix and match beautifully.

The whole range can be used safely in the oven, dishwasher or microwave, and it all looks beautiful when on display.

And in Oakham, a stylish recent addition has been the expansion of Cavells into homeware. The Mill Street store stocks an eclectic range suitable for all budgets. For more information, read our interview with Jo Robinson on p102–3.

With so many ideas trending in interiors this year, it can be hard to know which ones will pass like a fashion fad and which will have longevity for years to come. Using an interior designer can give you a professional assessment of your situation leading to a solid plan of action. A designer offers an extra set of eyes trained to see and notice things that

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House Goods 4 U has been up and running for seven years, and the firm has established itself as an excellent choice for high-quality discounted furniture. Based in Peterborough, it has a large showroom that houses a variety of furniture, beds and accessories by leading names. Stock is updated on a daily basis, so regular visits are recommended. Also in Peterborough, RDV Furniture is a one-stop shop for all rooms, from kitchen and bathroom to bedroom to living room.

It also supplies fitted furniture for shops and restaurants.

And if you already have items you would like renovating, Fotheringhay Furnishings offers bespoke furniture refurbishment and up-cycling. Annie Sloan paints and waxes are owner Darren Fountain’s preferred media.

AND SO TO BED… Fitzgerald’s Bed Centre in Bourne was established in 1993 and has built up a reputation for great service. Stocking beds and mattresses by leading brands such as Vi-Spring, Julian Bowen and Sweet Dreams, the Fitzgeralds team can advise you on the right kind of bed according to your preference, weight and size. The range includes divan beds, bedsteads, adjustable beds and memory-foam mattresses.

The company has now expanded to include new bed centres in Spalding and Hampton, Peterborough.

Perfect for the Home is a family-run furniture retail business also based in Bourne and specialising in bedroom furniture and fitted wardrobes in many styles of furniture from modern contemporary designs, traditional, through to the popular shabby chic. Pieces come and go swiftly, so popping in to the showroom frequently is recommended.

And once your new bed is ordered, treat yourself to a set of linen by Christy (photo above) from Fords of Oakham.

interiors update

Photo by Kirstin Prisk

‘Good lighting adds value to a property and creates a feeling of luxury within the space.’

James Morrison, Lumison Lighting

LiGHTiNG THE WAY Bolder colour might be on the rise in fabric and wall covering, but softer colours for lamps and light fittings are still proving immensely popular. Metallics such as copper, brushed silver and gold sit nicely alongside brighter colours and continue to be used to complement mellower, paler schemes. Metallics and glass can also usefully blend in with almost any kind of décor, from modern urban to farmhouse, making them a clever long-term choice.

The best lighting design is one you will love and that will work best in your home. James Morrison of Oakham’s Lumison Lighting (photo right) has a wealth of experience within lighting design and manufacture, so his technical expertise has helped countless customers achieve their perfect lighting scheme. ‘An eye for detail is needed when it comes to lighting design. We collaborate with clients, architects and other service providers in order to make the best choices, and then produce technical documents to help guide the builders and electricians. When you are installing lighting and all the wiring that comes with it, you want to do it once, and do it properly, as future changes can be complicated and are often costly.’

For an inspirational array of lighting, a visit to the Harborough Lights showroom is essential. The team, led by owner, Dave Letts, has a passion for good design and quality service, and, if a visit to the showroom isn’t possible, someone will visit you at home to discuss your requirements in order to find the perfect piece for you. ‘We will put together a package for your project, whether a new build, or refurbishment and can supply all your lighting needs, from the decorative living areas, to the bathroom, kitchen and the outdoor articles.’

The Lampshade Warehouse has been serving the retail and wholesale sectors with high-quality lighting products at discounted prices for over 25 years. ‘We stock a huge range of products from well-known brands such as Searchlight, Mantra, Diyas, Oaks, Fantasia Fans and many more for every room in the house.’ Customers can seek advice and see the ranges in the Peterborough showroom or shop online.

DIRECTORY

Delcor PE9 2QX • 01780 762579 • delcor.co.uk

Oakham Rugs LE15 6EA • 01572 724441 • oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk

5 Day Blinds LE15 6QF • 01572 759176 • 5dayblinds.co.uk

Elizabeth Stanhope LE15 6EA • 01572 722345 • elizabethstanhope.co.uk

Olympic Marble PE2 7BU • 01733 687414 • olympic-marble.co.uk

The Abbey Group PE7 2PB • 01733 200908 • taguk.co.uk

Ewe Wool PE9 2JE • 01780 763838 • i-love-ewe.com

Alexander Lewis LE16 7PW • 01858 434 444 • alexanderlewis.com

Fitzgerald’s Bed Centre PE10 9EF • 01733 891568 • fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk

Orchard Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms PE9 2YQ • 01780 481850 • orchardstamford.co.uk

All Things House 0333 210 7288 • allthingshouse.co.uk

Fotheringhay Furnishings PE8 5HZ • 07947 577825 • fotheringhayfurnishings.co.uk

All Water Solutions LE15 9EU • 01572 824004 • allwatersolutions.co.uk

Gildings Limited LE16 7DE • 01858 410414 •

Anglo Integrated Systems PE9 4EJ • 01780 480757 • anglois.com

Harborough Lights LE16 9BP • 01858 467716 • harboroughlights.co.uk

Aspect Fires PE7 1BA • 01733 202220 • aspectfires.co.uk

House Goods 4 U PE1 5QA • 01733 343777 • housegoods4u.co.uk

Barefoot Flooring and Beds LE15 6RA • 01572 759752 • barefoot-flooring.biz

Hunters Interiors PE9 4TD • 01780 757946 • huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

Bakehouse Kitchens PE9 2DE • 01780 767928 • bakehousekitchens.co.uk

Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver LE15 8UH • 01572 722636 • kitchensbynathanieloliver. co.uk

Cavells LE15 6EA •01572 352966 • cavells.co.uk Chez Soi PE9 2DF • 01780 757446 • chezsoi.co.uk

gildings.co.uk

Kuchen Kraft PE8 4EJ • 01832 270300 • kuchenkraft.co.uk

Perfect for the Home PE10 9LA • 01778 420700 • perfectforthehome.co.uk QKS Inspirational Spaces PE9 2EQ • 01780 756666 • qks-ltd.co.uk QKS Kitchens PE9 2NA • 01780 755855 • qksstamford.co.uk RDV Furniture PE1 2RJ • 01733 564723 • rdvfurniture.com Ridgeway Garage Doors PE3 8LA • 01733 772934 • ridgewaygaragedoors.co.uk Roger Kendrick Carpentry & Joinery NN17 5XY • 01536 400095 • rogerkendrick carpentry.co.uk The Rug Studio LE15 9PZ • 01572 829927 • therugstudio.co.uk Rutland Shutters 07768 695236 • rutlandshutters.co.uk

Classic Stamford PE9 2HN • 01780 654321 • classicstamford.co.uk

The Lampshade Warehouse PE3 7PR • 01733 264391 • thelampshadewarehouse.co.uk

Country Traditionals PE9 2AZ • 01780 755409 • countrytraditionals.co.uk

Lumison Lighting LE15 6BG • 01572 724600 • lumisonlighting.co.uk

Stamford Roofing PE9 4AP • 01780 754498 • stamfordroofing.co.uk

David James Interiors LE15 6EA • 01572 869058 • davidjames-interiors.com

Natural Structures LE8 0PJ • 01858 545518 • natural-structures.co.uk

Weaver UK Ltd LE15 6QF • 01572 759 899 • weaverltd.co.uk

Sarah Harding Interiors LE15 9QH • 01572 823389 sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

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RDV I furniture

Bespoke Family Business Specialising in Kitchens, Bedrooms & Storage Solutions

RDV Furniture Ltd 5-7 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2RJ Office 0044 1733564723 I Mobile 0044 7999713654 www.rdvfurniture.com

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ESTABLISHED KITCHEN STUDIO SELLING BESPOKE GERMAN AND ENGLISH KITCHENS HIGH QUALITY BESPOKE FITTED KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES • Handless Kitchen Specialist • Painted Shaker Kitchen Specialists • Full Working Display Kitchens • Full Project Management Waterland House, 81 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EJ The areas main KBSA member

The areas largest Siemens dealer

0 1 8 3 2 2 7 0 3 0 0 I I N F O @ K U C H E N K R A F T. C O . U K @kuchenkraft @kuchen_kraft www.kuchenkraft.co.uk

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 97

Homes and Gardens

now beautiful, flexible and practical enough to be a hugely popular choice for any room.’ Barefoot also has a fabulous range of carpets, natural wood, laminates, tiles and offers award-winning customer service. if beautiful rugs are your preference, try Oakham Rugs for a wonderful selection of fine examples from all over the world, many of them Persian, created using traditional methods.

Owners Chris and Fiona can tell you all about their products and their provenance and recommend Persian rugs for their incredibly hard-wearing qualities. ‘Persian rugs often see life-spans of 50 to a 100 years plus, making an Oriental rug a true investment feature for generations.’

Photo by Elli Dean

Over in uppingham, The Rug Studio owner rachel simpson (photo left), a trained weaver, said, ‘rugs are my passion. they can change the whole mood and atmosphere in a room either by blending in beautifully to an existing scheme or setting the tone that dictates the rest of the décor.’ rachel’s collection comprises both antique and contemporary rugs and some unusual pieces rarely found in the uK.

shades and shutters For all kinds of window treatments made to measure fast, 5 Day Blinds does exactly what it promises. With over half of the firm’s work comprising repeat business, there is no doubt that customers like what they see from roman blinds to larger shading solutions. Curtains are available and can be made from an in-house selection of fabrics or a designer selection including Villanova, harlequin, Voyage and Osborne & Little, all at discounted prices. use the clever online interactive design tool to inspire you and help choose styles and colours for every room. steven riordan operates Rutland Shutters across the east Midlands. Once upon a time, shutters were an expensive option, but they are now much more affordable in MdF, vinyl and various wood types. ‘designed sympathetically, shutters suit most homes and can be used in different situations to create an adaptable look offering privacy during the day as well as night time.’ steve assures customers that the person who comes out to measure up will be the same person who fits the shutters to ensure quality of care. Free, no-obligation visits are available for an initial chat.

Meanwhile, should disaster strike, and your precious flooring suffers from an accidental glass of red or the effects of a burst pipe, then don’t panic, call the emergency services of Weaver UK Ltd, whose Oakham-based team is at your service around the clock. Call as soon as the accident occurs, and they promise to have a van with you as soon as possible.

Weaver also offers specialist cleaning and sealing of stone floors plus scheduled cleaning of carpets and upholstery.

BesPOKe BathrOOMs With over 30 years’ experience, darron evans and his wife Lisa aim to offer a truly individual approach to bathroom design and installation. their company, All Water Solutions, based in uppingham, uses some of the best suppliers in the country such as roca and Fired earth. darron describes himself as a perfectionist who will be involved in all aspects of your job, from the early stages of design, through to the actual completion of the work, which is carried out by himself and his small team of equally experienced professionals. this is a service for clients looking for something a little more bespoke.

KeePing COsy it’s easy to forget about it, but your roof is the most vulnerable part of your home and regular inspection and maintenance by experts such as Stamford Roofing can make the difference between repair and replacement. the company offer all aspects of roof repair as well as custom made roofs and flat to pitched conversions. described as prompt, professional and trustworthy by their customers, stamford roofing believe that building relationships is as important as the projects they construct.

When it comes to flooring, we consumers are increasingly showing interest in value-rich products capable of giving us excellent performance, not just in the present, but for years into the future as well. Luckily, the choice from suppliers across the region available gets better and better…

Fire appliances are not a do-it-yourself product, which is why Aspect Fires uses its own qualified, registered and experienced installation team for every job. Founded in 1977, aspect is a family-run business specialising in everything concerned with stoves, gas fires, electric fires and fireplaces.

‘We offer the complete package from survey through to design and installation to customers within approximately a 25-mile radius of our showroom in Whittlesey – however we do make some exceptions, so please ask.’

One solution to affordable, durable, high-performing flooring is vinyl, which will continue to be a favourite.

Barefoot Flooring owner Mark tilson agrees: ‘Vinyl cushion flooring is a pleasure to walk on, amazingly affordable and highly moisture resistant, making it especially perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and playrooms. Luxury vinyl tiles are

The Abbey Group is a family-owned, family-run business in Cambridgeshire involved in property development, investment, logistics and renewable energy. specialities include residential and commercial development and land promotion. the firm is also very active in the solar and wind farming sectors of sustainable energy. n

FLOOring

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Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens Affordable, quality kitchens and the latest designs on display

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Over 60 appliances on show The best quality, best value and best service from a company fitting kitchens since 1981.

25 large room settings in our extensive showroom “Overjoyed with the finish, quality of our stunning kitchen” Mr & Mrs L

* Images of recent installation by QKS Kitchens

“More than happy with the finished kitchen; with the design, personal service and practicality of the working kitchen.”

Mr & Mrs H

Your local appointed Sheraton dealer and Neff Master Partner

T H E A R E A’ S L A R G E S T I N D E P E N D E N T K I T C H E N S H O W R O O M The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk www.qksstamford.co.uk99

Bespoke Joinery and Furniture

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

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Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

mail@rutlandshutters.co.uk

be inspired... transform your home

All our windows are manufactured to BSI to your own specific requirements giving you a choice of profile, colour, style, size and beading to perfectly match and compliment your property.

The Classic Range of front and back doors, french doors, in-line patio doors and bi-fold doors ensures that total symmetry with the windows is achieved.

visit our showroom

12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

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Homes and Gardens

Jo Robinson When the management at Cavells in Oakham decided to expand their offering to include homewares and a cafe element, there was only one person on the list of potential collaborators… step forward Jo Robinson – interior design guru and owner of Fika, the coolest coffee shop in town. Amander Meade fills us in…

Where did your interest in interior design begin?

Although I studied music at university and taught the clarinet for many years, I have always had a passion for interiors. Before university I worked for a year in Sweden, and it was there that I really fell in love with architecture and became fascinated with how shape, colour and form can transform our living spaces.

I just adored the country, the culture and, of course, their design aesthetic.

Whilst living in Cambridge in my twenties I developed properties alongside teaching and gained a level of expertise for interiors from the very bottom up… lots of getting my hands dirty and learning how to make the most of a home.

A lady asked for my help in designing her own interior, and it snowballed from there. When I moved to Rutland, word soon spread, and I was delighted to very quickly acquire a client base here too.

How did the Cavells Home project come about?

I was running my interiors business – SoJo Interiors on Northgate – which developed into a coffee shop alongside. In Swedish, Fika means ‘shall we have coffee and cake’, and shaping interiors sits very well with that idea, so it was a natural progression for me. I was approached by Corry Cavell-Taylor, who felt that Cavells needed a cafe element to enhance the shopping experience and that homeware was their next step in retail. Fika moved to the building adjacent to Cavells, and, with a large glass door linking the two, former warehouse space was transformed into the new Cavells Home department.

Describe Cavells Home style…

It’s a really light, airy and welcoming space situated between the fashion section of the store and Fika, but with an identity all of its own. The range is eclectic, accessible and suitable for all budgets. We have a range of beautiful furniture from dining tables and lighting to housewares and accessories that would make beautiful gifts too. Our stock comes from the UK and Europe, and we positively welcome browsers. Everyone is welcome, and our team is super friendly, very down to earth and always very happy to assist and advise.

What is your personal design style?

I have worked on projects large and small, and I am all about de-mystifying interior design. Listening to the customer is the most important thing and interpreting their ideas in a practical and affordable way. So it follows with the range in Cavells – there really is a broad range of stock, which I think will appeal to everyone. I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with things you love.

If you do that, your space will work for you.

What are your tips for making the most of 2018’s trends?

Look out for slightly darker wood in furniture. Strong jewel colours are back – especially emerald green, which works brilliantly with navy. Pastels are really big, too, as well as luxe textural fabrics such as velvet, paired with metallics, which are still with us. Keep an eye on Dutch designers – I think they are just superb and poised to take over from Danish expertise.

If we do one thing this year?

Think about house plants – a really inexpensive way of instilling life into any scheme. Consider ferns, Mother-in-law’s Tongue and succulents, which are all very easy to maintain. If you still struggle – the faux versions are fantastic.

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Favourite place to eat?

The Olive Branch – so consistently brilliant and it always feels like a treat.

Favourite place in Rutland?

The Hambleton Peninsula at any time of year.

Favourite shop?

My indulgence is having my nails done at Pure Beauty, where the team is just so nice.

Find Cavells Home at 16 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA, 01572 352966, cavells.co.uk

Photo by Elli Dean

LocaL ProfILe: Jo robInson InterIors

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£50 OFF ALL ORDERS OVER £500 T&C apply. Ask in-store for more information.

Units 1-2 St David Square, Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5QA (next to Screwfix) Tel: 01733 343777 A Family Run Business I Established 12 years

HouseGoods4U.co.uk

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HOMES AND GARDENS

THE

A–Z OF GARDENING Inspiring gardens, brilliant nurseries, horticultural supplies and top tools – the local gardening lowdown from A to Z Words and illustrations: Fiona Cumberpatch

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is for annuals Barn Garden Centre in Oundle has plenty for the serious gardener as well as novices, or those who just want a few fast fixes to prettify their space. There’s a good selection of David Austin roses, vegetable seedlings sold in handy strips, and lots of perennials, shrubs and small trees, as well as slabs, fencing and gravel. On-trend houseplants and pots to put them in are also available inside. A compact, well-stocked garden centre, with plenty of parking and exceptionally friendly staff.

Barnwell Road, Oundle PE8 9PB • 01832 273310 • thebarngardencentre.co.uk

The cheapest way to bring a garden to life is to take a pack of seeds, pop them in a compostfilled pot – and wait for the magic to happen.

You can’t go wrong with marigolds, nasturtiums, and cornflowers, which are stocked by most garden centres. Opt for richly coloured varieties such as purple cornflowers, and gold or ruby red nasturtiums. Plant in containers, or sprinkle on the soil in your borders.

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is for Duddington Hall & Gardens near Lincoln Five acres of wild and formal walled gardens, plus a working, traditional kitchen garden growing produce for the Farm Shop, restaurant and cafe. Colour and interest from early spring to autumn. doddingtonhall.com

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ourtyards are common in Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses in local market towns, and many new-build homes come with pocket-sized gardens. Yet even the tiniest gardens can be exciting to look at.

Good planning is key to a successful space: add a seating area so you can sit out in summer, surrounded by an ever-changing array of plants in varying heights, or install a pergola or a compact arbour that can be covered with a fastgrowing clematis or vine.

Got a fence? Paint it with a colour, available from hardware stores such as Harrison and Dunn in Stamford and D Norton & Son in Uppingham. A dark grey fence will make your plants ‘pop’.

E Edible flowers are having a fashionable moment.

Grow borage to sprinkle on a fruit salad or to add to a jug of homemade lemonade, use hollyhock petals as a vivid addition to salads, decorate a summer birthday cake with rose petals, or toss those pesky white lawn daisies into a bowl of fresh leaves and eat as a salad!

THE A–Z OF GARDENING

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oxtail Lilly Explore Tracey Mathieson’s magical garden in Oundle via the National Garden Scheme (NGS) on 10 June 2018, 11am–5pm. Her barn shop is open every week, Wednesday to Saturday, for cottage garden plants, fresh flowers (picked from her cutting garden in the spring and summer) and a fantastic selection of houseplants, including succulents. She also offers seasonal workshops, pop-up events and one-to-one garden coaching.

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is for indoor plants

41 South Road, Oundle PE8 4PB• 01832 274593

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reenhouse The Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre is a one-stop shop for gardeners, whether you are looking for top-quality plants, a water feature, a fire pit, barbecue, outdoor lighting or garden furniture.

Established for some 47 years, the centre started life as a nursery. It’s worth a visit for the pretty Greenhouse Café alone, a delightful child- and dog-friendly space with an excellent seasonal menu.

Melton Road, East Langton, LE16 7TG • 01858 545819 • langtongreenhouse.co.uk

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They are among the easiest plants to grow and bring scent, colour, bees and butterflies to your plot. The Herb Nursery in the pretty village of Thistleton, near Oakham, stocks an extensive collection of thyme, mint, lavender, oregano, marjoram and rosemary, and around 95 per cent of the plants are grown on site. You can also choose from 80 varieties of scented-leaf geraniums, which are perfect for planting close to a path: when you brush past, the delicious scent is released. Veg plants, bedding and cottage garden plants are also on sale.

is for herbs

Main Street, Thistleton, LE15 7RE • 01572 767658 • herbnursery.co.uk

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uniper House Garden Design Cambridgeshire-based designer and artist Jeni Cairns has won gold awards at RHS Hampton and Harrogate shows for her sustainable garden designs, which have an emphasis on wildlife and water conservation. She also makes stunning recycled metal sculptures and structures using plasma-cutting techniques for private gardens and has work displayed in public spaces at Peterborough, Boston and Sleaford. juniperhousegardendesign.com

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itchen garden In spring 2017 the new Kitchen Garden opened at The Bull & Swan, a historic 16th-century Stamford inn, replacing an unlovely car park with an inspiring space. Designed by gardener Kevin Dale, the garden has long, raised beds full of herbs such as thyme, oregano, vervain, rosemary, silver thyme, oregano, clary sage and lovage, all of which are used in the kitchen. There’s a fruit garden with pleached apple trees along the old red brick wall, and cherries, raspberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants

There’s been a resurgence in popularity for houseplants, and it’s not surprising. Easy to care for, they create a healthier environment by removing toxins from the air. Sarah Haefeli, floral designer of Sprigs and Stems, offers a design, installation and maintenance service for corporate and private clients. She can advise which indoor plants will thrive where and how to care for them.

01780 592338 • sprigsandstems.co.uk

and blueberries. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy Pizza Potting Shed fare and to watch a movie (see p44).

24 High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LJ • 01780 766412 • hillbrookehotels.co.uk/the-bull-and-swan

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andscaping You have a vision for your dream garden, the budget is in place – but who do you get to do the work? Bosworth’s Landscaping is a member of the Association of Professional Landscapers and offers a 12-month guarantee on its work. The firm, which works across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Cambridgeshire, is based at near Kettering and is part of Bosworth’s Garden Centre. The in-house team works on plots of all sizes, and does everything from single features, such as a timber pergola and paved seating area, to full garden makeovers. Services include paving, patios, driveways, steps, walls, fencing, soft landscaping and plant plans. Annual garden maintenance packages are provided too.

Finedon Road, Burton Latimer, Northants NN15 5QA • 01536 722635, bosworthslandscaping.co.uk 107

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oney-saving Gardening can be expensive, but there are ways to cut corners. Planting bulbs and raising plants from seed is one tip. Alternatively, head to the Fens, where there are a number of no-frills nurseries and discount stores. Glenside, near Spalding, sells direct from the greenhouse, and you can pick up bedding plug plants for just 11p each, and alpines at £1.20 a pot. Butters Factory Shop is an outlet store stocking indoor and outdoor plants and containers at heavily discounted prices.

Glenside Nurseries W. Pinchbeck, Spalding PE11 3NP Butters Factory Shop Kellett Gate, Spalding PE12 6EH • butters.co.uk

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ursery The beauty of buying plants from a nursery rather than a garden centre is that you are purchasing direct from the producer, guaranteeing expert knowledge and lower prices. Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, Market Deeping, offers rare and unusual plants, with a focus on those that will thrive in shade.

Bamboo, conifers, grasses and ferns are just a few of the plants sold by owners Colin and Karan.

You can see specimens growing in a secluded garden and ponder your purchases in a tea room over homemade soup and cakes. Riverside Antiques has a space here to browse for unusual pots, statues or even a rustic cart to fill with plants. Closed January and the first two weeks in February.

Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, 47 Towngate, Market Deeping PE6 8LQ • 01778 343340 • swinesmeadowfarm nursery.co.uk

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live Grove, Oundle If you love the Mediterranean look, then this garden centre, specialising in olive trees and exotics, is the place to head for. Whether you want a stylish, small olive ‘standard’ tree (a ball-shaped head on a slim trunk) a 70-litre ‘Picual’ or a mini gnarled olive – a statement plant with many years of growth – you will find it here. Along with the huge array of olive trees, you will find hardy palms and Mediterranean specimen plants. The large, relaxed bistro attracts a local following, with a menu inspired by the hot countries, plus great breakfasts and coffee.

Oundle Road, Polebrook, Northants PE8 5LQ • 01832 275660 • olivegroveoundle.co.uk

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ensthorpe in Norfolk showcases the work of a master plantsman. It has six gardens within its 700-acre estate, encompassing a diverse range of natural habitats including ancient woodland, farmland, lakes, wetlands and a wildflower meadow. The Millennium Garden, which contains over 100 different plants made up of 90 different species of perennials, 22 different types of grass and six different types of shrubs has been designed by world-renowned Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf.

It shows off his famous perennial drifts of sub-alpine, steppe and prairie plants.

See it at its best from July to December.

Fakenham NR21 OLN • 01328 851465 • pensthorpe.com

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uaking grass, or Briza, is worth including in a border. The heart-shaped seed heads on slim, delicate stems look pretty by day, and even better in the evening backlit against the sunshine.

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r is fo ion at m a l c re Incorporating salvaged materials brings character to the most featureless of gardens.

From reclaimed bricks to demarcate borders and railway sleepers to create steps, to an old wrought-iron bench to make a focal point, there are so many ways to use preloved materials. Rutland Classics Garden Reclaim has a vast choice of statues, urns, old signs, wagon wheels, plant stands, troughs made from zinc and copper, and every size of vintage terracotta pots. If you’re looking for plants to fill your new vessels, Rutland Garden Centre is adjacent, together with The Potting Shed Café.

All at: Rutland Village, Ashwell Road, Oakham LE15 7QN • 01572 720070 • rutlandvillage.co.uk

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The a–z of gardening

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upersize Everything about Waterside Garden Centre near Bourne is big, but the displays are carefully thought out. Herbs are split into types – flowering, aromatic and salad ones, for example, and plants are divided into sections such as ‘ground cover’, ‘sunny site’ and ‘low maintenance’. An impressive range of garden furniture, sheds, gazebos and arbours, trellis, fencing and hard-landscaping materials and every type of tool are stocked, and there are plenty of helpful staff on hand to give advice. It’s a great destination for beginners, who might need some guidance and ideas on how and where to plant, but keen gardeners will appreciate the sheer range of stock too.

King Street, Nr Baston, Peterborough PE6 9NY • 01778 560000 • watersidegardencentre.co.uk

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ools The better your tools, the easier your gardening chores, so it’s worth investing in the best you can afford. Tom Calton at The Groundcare Centre in Peterborough has a Husqvarna dealership, selling lithium battery-powered strimmers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, and all sizes of mowers from ride-ons to push-along petrol models. Customer care is a high priority, and everything sold within a 50-mile radius can be delivered by expert staff, who will assemble, install and test it. Tom is also doing a brisk trade in auto mowers – ‘robo mowers’ – which cut your lawn for you while you’re out, away on holiday or if you have limited mobility. ‘You can monitor the mower via a smartphone when you’re not home,’ he explains. An auto mower for a small garden costs from £1,350.

Good maintenance extends the life of any garden machinery, and Tom’s company offers a fully equipped van that will come to your home and repair or service mowers and power tools in situ. At the end of the season, a Hibernation Service for mowers is available, so when you reach for your grass cutter at the start of spring, it will be clean, shiny and ready to go!

And for large-scale machines and tools, RTC Plant Services also does hire, sales, part and service deals for construction and agriculture, supplying customers within a 100-mile radius of Peterborough. From diggers to generators, there’s nothing they can’t cater for.

The Groundcare Centre, Milton Business Park, Milking Nook, Peterborough PE6 7PP •01733 907060 • thegroundcarecentre.co.uk RTC Plant Services, Milton Business Park, Werrington Bridge Road, Peterborough PE6 7PP • 01733 810695 • rtcplant.com

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niversity Botanic Garden, Cambridge This 40-acre oasis of gardens and glasshouses has something to see in every season, with 8,000 plant species from all over the world. If it rains, pop into the tropical greenhouses and imagine you’re in warmer climes! Lovely cafe, too.

1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE • 01223 336265 • botanic.cam.ac.uk

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ertical gardens are one garden trend that looks like staying. Dobbies sells planters that are specially adapted for the purpose, and you can build your wall on any solid structure. Fill the planters with your chosen plants (try Carex ‘Evergold’, Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ and Ficinia ‘Ice Crystal’) using 12–13cm pots, and remove the plants from their pots and pop them in the planters, or, to make changing the scheme really easy, place the pot directly into each planter, making sure it touches the reservoir base.

Phorpres Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8NY • 01733 898640 • dobbies.com

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HOMES AND GARDENS

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elland Valley Garden Inspirations impresses with its selection of super healthy bedding plants and its exotic plants, such as a tree fern for £165 – these will thrive in UK gardens if protected during the winter and they add a sculptural feel and point of interest. There’s a lovely selection of wooden obelisks, ideal for training plants such as sweet peas, excellent rattan garden furniture, and good parking and café. A privilege card scheme is offered, giving a discount of 10 per cent on Wednesdays (plants only).

Glaston Road, Uppingham LE15 9EU • 01572 822729 • wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk

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eranthemum annuum (paper flower) Choose this pretty hardy annual to add a splash of colour to borders. It will thrive even on poor soil and is a useful filler for any gaps.

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vette’s Design Solutions If you need help to make the most of your garden, designer Yvette Smith can help. She tackles every size project, from replanting a small front garden to designing entire glamping sites. ‘Every job starts with a client consultation, when we think how the garden is used. I will prepare two or three different designs, which I will cost up, and, once a design has been chosen, I make 3-d drawings.’ Yvette is happy to project manage the garden or she will provide a designonly service. ‘I’m led by the customer in terms of the style they want, although I steer more towards wildlife-friendly plants.’

Once the design is in situ, she offers a garden coaching service, monthly, quarterly or annually, which helps clients to maintain their space.

11 Newton Avenue, Nottinghamshire NG13 8FU • 01949 876182 or 07810 293808 • yvettesdesignsolutions.co.uk

Flamboyant, bee-friendly and available in a rainbow of sizzling hot colours, these late-summer bloomers make a lovely addition to borders, or make a splash planted in a raised bed. Grow them from seed, sowing directly on to the ground, raise seedlings in a greenhouse, or simply pick up some ready-grown plants from a garden centre. Deadhead regularly, and you’ll keep the late colour display coming until the first frosts. If you can’t grow your own, pick up a bunch from Stamford’s Friday market in July and August!

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Custom Lawncare Professional lawn treatment, weed and moss control, scarification, fertilisation.

PE9 2JH • 01780 753575 • customlawncare.co.uk Julie Shaul Gardens Ketton-based Julie offers garden design, planting plans and gardening tuition.

01780 7220708 • julieshaulgardens.co.uk

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PE9 3NB • 01780 481624 • kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Lark Field Professional gardening services, including tree felling, pruning, grass cutting, patios, shed assembly and fencing.

07971 526557 or 01780 765000 • larkfieldgardening.com Marram Gardens Garden design and construction.

PE9 2YX • 01780 752119 • marramgardens.co.uk Stamford Garden Centre Garden centre, plus award-winning cafe/ restaurant. Celebrity gardener Adam Frost heads up a ‘Garden Club’ with regular meetings.

PE9 4BB • 01780 765656 • stamfordgardencentre.co.uk UK Treework Ltd Professional arborists.

LE7 9FN • 0116 259 9896 • uktreework.co.uk

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Homes and Gardens

Gardening at the edge of the wild Easton Walled Gardens have undergone a remarkable transformation in the last 17 years, thanks to the efforts of custodian Lady Ursula Cholmeley and her dedicated team.

Nene Living Editor (and passionate gardener) Fiona Cumberpatch went to talk to her

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trolling through Easton Walled Gardens in the late spring with its blossom-bedecked trees and elegant terraces, the spring bulbs pushing through in the borders, and an immaculate vegetable plot and cutting garden, I find it hard to believe that not so long ago it had come close to total collapse. ‘When we started to reclaim it in 2001, we had about five years left to act,’ recalls owner Lady Ursula Cholmeley. Old stone walls were crumbling, trees grew from the tops of tumbledown buildings, and brambles had overtaken the footings. A vine house and a peach house were lost, as were the walls around a second walled garden. All the remaining buildings were on the National At Risk register. Yet beneath the unpromising scrubland lay walls and elegant walks dating back to Tudor times, when Sir Henry Cholmeley first bought the manor of Easton and created a garden some 400 years ago.

Over the centuries, Easton Hall and its gardens were famous, photographed for Country Life in 1900 and enchanting the future president of the USA, Franklin Roosevelt, who fell in love with the place on a visit to the area. When World War II began, the Hall was requisitioned, and it became home to units of the Royal Artillery and the Parachute Regiment.

It suffered considerable damage during this time, and in 1951 it was demolished. Nature ran wild over the site, but underneath, the structure of the garden had remained.

It was 2001 when Lady Cholmeley decided to reclaim her horticultural heritage, encouraged by her mother, who had passed on her own love of gardening. ‘I had no idea if we could make a permanent difference, but blind optimism always helps me through challenges, and with every project in the garden, it’s often a case of just keeping at it and never giving up.’

First steps Plans were hampered by lack of budget, and in the early days friends and family were persuaded to help out, hacking away by hand at the undergrowth to reveal the ancient paths. A 24-tonne excavator borrowed for a week revealed the limestone terraces. ‘Over the next few years, it became possible to draw up lists and make a plan. By the mid-2000s

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we had planning permission to create a tourist attraction.

The first visitors followed, and the chaos has been replaced by our meadows, sweet peas, roses, vegetables, cut flowers and stunning parkland setting.’ the gardens today Horticulture is the main focus of Easton Walled Gardens, and planning behind the scenes ensures colour for nine months of the year. But diversification, in the form of events, workshops, a thriving cafe and shop, a Coach House, which is available for event hire, two holiday cottages, and, new for 2018, three luxury loft apartments overlooking the Victorian stable yard help to make it all viable. ‘Horticulture is so labour intensive that you have to find ways to fund a garden of this scale,’ says Lady Cholmeley.

A well-established autumn country market attracts local artisans and food producers (60 stalls are planned for this year) and the Sweet Pea Week, open daily from 1–8 July 2018, is nationally renowned. This year, however, the

LOCAL PROFILE: LADY URSULA CHOLMELEY

LADY CHOLMELEY’S TOP 5 PLANTS • Tree peonies – they look so spectacular when they flower.

Photo by Fred Cholmeley

• Spring bulbs – particularly the underrated blue chionodoxa (also known as ‘glory of the snow’), which have star shaped flowers in early spring.

• Hellebores, especially the ‘anemone-flowered’ ones. I like the pearl yellow ones with a tawny brown ruff of central petals.

sweet peas have been moved from the cutting garden to the vegetable patch after a fungal infection. ‘It’s a reminder that Nature is in control and you can only guide it,’ says Lady Cholmeley philosophically.

• Sweet peas – for their fragrance and the fact that you can cut them.

It’s nice that there is a finite season.

She’s hands-on, working with senior gardener Ollie RyanMoore and a team of permanent and casual staff. Further progress is made every year: a new development for 2018 includes some re-landscaping, which brings visitors into the garden the way they would have approached if the Hall were still standing. Some larger beds have also been made ‘to create a feeling of total immersion’. Despite the never-ending hard work that lies behind the project, Lady Cholmeley still appreciates the beauty, and especially loves the meadows and the terraces in high summer.

• A pear tree – trained against a wall, they look beautiful when they’re in blossom and then you have the pears to eat.

‘I like walking round in the evening when the light is low and slanting and the visitors have gone for the day. We have so much wildlife here, including 14 species of butterfly, and birds such as ravens, red kites, gold crests and grey wagtails.

For me, the movement and sound is part of the joy of being in the garden.’ ■

Photos by Fred Cholmeley

Open Sunday 4 March to Sunday 28 October 2018, 11am–4pm. Go to visiteaston.co.uk (or call 01476 530063) for admission charges, opening times and details of special events.

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School me in local education!

Junior schools, senior schools and more

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Education

Junior SchoolS nelson Mandela called education ‘the great engine of personal development’ and firing up that engine in the earliest years in a child’s learning journey sets the wheels in motion for years to follow. it’s incredibly important to find the right junior school for your child, and we are lucky with this, since there are many excellent ones locally. Clare Peel looks at a selection of them

Brooke Priory SChool tucked away opposite oakham Station is Brooke Priory, a co-educational, independent preparatory day school with an excellent reputation. it was established in 1989 in the pretty village of Brooke and moved to its present site in 1996 as the school expanded. the Station road entrance is arguably its least-photogenic side – the opposite side of the school enjoys a lovely outlook, backing on to the extensive playing fields and tennis courts of the adjacent oakham School, and Brooke Priory children benefit from the use of these facilities at break times and for sports lessons.

Bilton GranGe With excellent specialist teachers, amazing facilities and some of the smallest class sizes in the area, ‘BG’ is a school at which children truly fulfil their potential, grow their confidence and unlock their talents. Design technology and science are taught by specialists in fully equipped labs. top musicians provide specialist tuition, and children can take part in a range of choirs and instrumental ensembles as well as drama productions in the well-equipped theatre. Swimming is taught in the school’s 25-metre indoor pool, and there’s even a school course where pupils can learn to play golf. they can also engage in further sports such as horse riding as well as adventurous training including Cubs and Brownies in the school’s woodlands and beyond.

But Bilton Grange is more than just a school: it is a vibrant community. Parents pop in and out, supporting sports matches, enjoying coffee in the conservatory and afternoon tea in the gallery. With a strong track record of scholarships to top senior schools, space to play and room to learn, children enjoy the fantastic education and an idyllic childhood at Bilton Grange.

Find out more by booking an individual tour or attending the Open Morning on 6 October (10.30am).

CV22 6QU • 01788 818246 • biltongrange.co.uk

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at the time of its most recent independent Schools inspection (iSi), in october 2017, there were 179 pupils (91 boys and 88 girls) on roll, including children in the nursery. in the iSi report, Brooke Priory was judged to be ‘excellent’ (the highest rating) in both ‘academic and other achievements’ and in ‘pupils’ personal development’. roger outwin-Flinders, headmaster of the school since September 2017, aims ‘to make a good school even better’.

junior schools

COPThIll

Photo by Lyndsay Ford

Founded in 1969 and located in Uffington, close to Stamford, Copthill is a thriving purpose-built school for 300 boys and girls aged between two and 11 years old. It is situated on 350 acres of farmland in the lincolnshire countryside. Safe access to extensive woods, a river, fields, tracks, farm animals and archaeological sites all make outdoor learning a daily reality for its pupils.

The school’s emphasis is on health, exercise, inspiration, confidence-building and engagement, aiming to provide children with a ‘truly well-rounded education’ that combines tradition with innovation. The ISI inspection in May 2017 rated Copthill ‘excellent’ in all areas. The school’s headteacher, helen Schofield, describes Copthill as ‘a thriving, busy, happy place to learn’ and writes, ‘At Copthill, we are committed to putting the child at the heart of their education. We challenge and support them to be confident in recognising their own, and each other’s, strengths and talents, and instil in them the curiosity, excitement and drive to seize every opportunity to pursue their dreams.’

PE9 3AD • 01780 757506 • copthill.com

MAIdWell hAll Children can join the Nursery as soon as they reach their second birthday, benefitting in these fundamental early years from excellent facilities and outstanding staff. They are well prepared to join the Pre-Prep in the September after their 4th birthday and to progress to the Prep School at 7+. Teaching and learning is enhanced by small classes (usually around 15 and in either single or two-form year groups, dependent on numbers), specialist teachers and modern facilities.

At the end of Form VI, the children take the 11+ examinations to some of the leading independent schools in the country; Oakham School, Stamford and Oundle are popular destination schools.

Regular activities include music concerts and drama productions (in an attractive purpose-built theatre), art exhibitions, sports fixtures, residential and educational visits, as well as ‘welly days’ at Brooke – when the children head back to the school’s original rural site.

Plans are progressing for the new BPS Resources Centre, which will be at the heart of the school, while 2019 should see the introduction of a new multi-use astro sports surface.

Founded in 1911 and in its present idyllic location in the Northamptonshire countryside since 1933, Maidwell hall is a boarding and day preparatory school for boys and girls aged 8–13. The school offers a traditional, holistic education that encourages children to enjoy the great outdoors, to grow in self-confidence and independence, and, something that headmaster Robert lankester is keen to stress, to shine as individuals. The countryhouse setting and values are classic, traditional ones, and there’s a real Swallows and Amazons feeling about life here. There’s a strong emphasis on enjoying the school’s grounds, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and offering pupils a sense of freedom, whether they are exploring, den-making or tree-climbing in the woods that surround the school (‘the Wilderness’), cycling, or rowing or fishing on the lake. learning is nonetheless rooted in the 21st century, with iPads provided for each child to use in class, as well as to facilitate easy communication with home.

There are currently just 127 pupils (75 boys, 52 girls), so what is offered is a highly personalised education (class sizes of around 12 are the norm), with careful attention given to pastoral care. Around 80 per cent of Maidwell

The 2017 ISI report picked up on pupils’ attitudes to learning, which it classed as ‘outstanding’, continuing that the children ‘delight in their achievement and that of their peers’. It also noted that pupils ‘show outstanding respect and kindness towards each other’.

Brooke Priory is an impressive preparatory school offering a holistic, child-centred education with a traditional focus, caring environment and room for each child to reach his or her full potential.

LE15 6QW • 01572 724778 • brooke.rutland.sch.uk

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education

Hall’s students are boarders, but day pupils are fully integrated into school life and extra-curricular activities.

The school works very much in conjunction with parents – children see a lot of their families during term, on ‘leave outs’ (Friday lunchtime to Monday evening), and parents are encouraged to attend school events in between those times.

The school prepares pupils for Common Entrance, with specialist teachers in all subjects. There are daily sports lessons, making the most of the enviable facilities.

Music is a thriving area, too.

The Good Schools Guide summarizes Maidwell Hall as follows: ‘Small enough for everyone to know each other but big enough to offer a first-rate, all-round education, the school encourages pupils to work hard, get lots of fresh air and have fun along the way.’

NN6 9JG • 01604 686234 • maidwellhall.co.uk

STonEYGaTE a ‘modern yet traditional school’ is how Headmaster John dobson describes Stoneygate, a co-educational day school (a ‘Prep School Plus’) for pupils aged four to 16. Since May 2016, Stoneygate – which was founded in 1856 – has been a member of the leicester Grammar School Trust’s family of schools.

Stoneygate welcomes pupils with a broad range of abilities and aims to provide a well-rounded, holistic education, nurturing each child’s individual talents.

Small class sizes, committed teachers and a closeknit school community are key to this, and children thrive in the happy, caring environment. in addition to their academic focus, extra-curricular activities form an important part of the school day here, with a fantastic array on offer – sports and music are especially strong areas.

LE8 9DJ • 0116 259 2282 • stoneygateschool.co.uk

STaMFord Junior SCHool Part of the diamond-structured Stamford Endowed Schools (SES), this is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for children aged four to 11.

There is nursery provision for two- to four-year-olds.

The nursery and Junior School currently have 407 children, of whom 394 are day pupils and the remainder are boarders (from Year 3) The boy/girl split is almost exactly 50 per cent.

The school performed outstandingly in its latest iSi inspection, receiving the highest grade in all areas. it nurtures the academic and social growth of its children, whilst enriching them with values that emphasise community and responsibility. Pupils feel safe and happy in its caring environment and look forward to returning each day. in an interview with Stamford living, Headteacher Emma Smith said, ‘i like the magic and sparkle of this school; pupils should bounce in and bounce out of their school day. at this stage in their learning career it’s all about establishing a good work ethic and nurturing a love for learning.’

The school provides for children with a range of needs and aims to develop their intellectual curiosity and to achieve their best, believing that every child shines in different ways. ‘our curriculum is broad and balanced with many opportunities for individuals to discover their gifts, talents and passions,’ says the Head.

Whilst the school follows the national Curriculum, it prides itself in taking this much further. Teaching is child-centric, focussing on what is engaging and exciting to the children to help develop a curiosity and passion for learning. There are offers plenty of opportunities in modern languages (Spanish and French), music and sport (a thriving area, open to all, with the children benefitting from the use of the Senior School facilities).

Co-curricular activities include sports, music, art, creative writing, chess, science, tinkercad, iMovie and Formula 1 car building, among many others.

Parents can rest assured that their children are in highly capable hands at the school, with pastoral well-being given the highest priority. The Good Schools Guide reads, ‘Parents didn’t need to tell us that this is a happy school; we could see it for ourselves.… a joyful place, offering a happy, positive start to education.’

PE9 2BE • 01780 750311 • www.ses.lincs.sch.uk 122

WiTHaM Hall a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged four to 13 years, Witham Hall is located in beautiful countryside near to Bourne. its reputation for inspiring children to achieve both in and beyond the classroom has gained the school a much wider geographical reputation. Many of its 250 pupils travel from far to make the most of its home-from-home flexi-boarding experience, which starts at Year 4 and is underpinned by a strong family ethos and a lot of fun. alongside the striking Queen anne building and the beautifully maintained sports pitches stand purposebuilt modern teaching facilities including science and iT labs, music and performance rooms, a highly reputed art department and a state-of-the-art sports centre. a range of after-school clubs and activities starts from the Pre-Prep onwards, and be it from these, educational visitors, theme weeks or the annual school play, children are encouraged to build their self-reliance by trying something new. Charles Welch, Headmaster, says ‘When people meet our children, their lively intelligence and kind heartedness are what impress.’ academic confidence and success are nurtured in students to enable them to progress to their senior school of choice. These include oundle, uppingham, oakham, repton and rugby, with some going further afield, such as to Eton.

PE10 0JJ • 01778 590222 • withamhall.com

independent schools for independent minds

Why Stamford?

Sixth Form at Stamford

Stamford School

Stamford High School

Stamford Junior School & Stamford Nursery School

Our Schools work together to provide an Sixth Form outstanding day and boarding education for girls and boys aged 3 to 18. We take pride in developing curiosity and a love of learning while helping to shape well-rounded individuals Boys Girls who are fully equipped for the next stage in their lives.

Call us now to book a visit to our outstanding schools.

Juniors

01780 750311 | stamfordschools.co.uk

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Education

sEnior schools Photo by Elli Dean

choosing a secondary school is one of the most important decisions that parents have to make. From grammar school to full boarding school, here is a selection from across our region

motivated; they grow up and learn amongst others with similar values and aspirations. alongside a modern academic curriculum – which includes 27 a level subjects in the Sixth Form – there is a very full programme of sport, music, drama, clubs and a particularly vibrant Duke of edinburgh award programme. Pastoral care throughout the school is exceptional, ensuring that all students feel safe and well supported as they progress through their education. admission to Bourne Grammar is by the lincolnshire 11+ examination, which children at over 100 primary schools take at the start of Year 6. achievement of a qualifying score means that a student is in the top 25 per cent by academic ability. The school is inevitably oversubscribed – there are more qualified students than the 240 places on offer – so places are allocated according to distance criteria.

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eciding which secondary school is best for your child is an exciting yet daunting prospect, and with schools operating what can seem like complex admissions criteria, it is important for parents to do their homework in advance. Basic practical issues include the location of the school, availability of school buses, the length of the day (and even whether the school week is five or more days), and whether the school offers boarding (flexi or full) or not. Issues such as what the school’s academic record is like and whether it is selective, what did it say in the last inspection, whether the school is strong in areas of interest (sports, perhaps, or music), plus what is the pastoral care like are also key.

The Head of a child’s current school is usually the first to ask for advice on the right senior school, while friends and family with children are also usually helpful. In advance of any visit on an open day or a private tour, spend time reading the school’s website and prospectus to gain a sense of the ethos and character of the school. The visit itself should then serve to strengthen your initial impressions and answer the many questions you are sure to have.

The school is very well equipped; the estate was developed impressively during the expansion phase and a £4m science block, containing 15 laboratories, opened in 2017.

Open evening: Thursday 28 June 5.30–8.30pm. 11+ testing for children in Year 6: 15 & 22 September 2018 PE10 9JE • 01778 422288 • bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

oakHam ScHool oakham is well known and loved for being a friendly and unpretentious school for boys and girls aged between 10 and 18. Whilst the school is proud of its 400-year heritage, its priority is always to be at the forefront of educational developments: to be educational innovators. oakham was one of the first independent schools to move to coeducation in 1971 and it was also one of the first schools to introduce the IB Diploma, alongside a levels. It continues to look to the future to ensure that it equips its students (shown below) with the knowledge, aptitude and skills to thrive in the world of 2030 and beyond.

Bourne Grammar School is a large and highly successful mixed selective school. recent expansion has enabled children from further away to attend, so many students now come from Stamford, Spalding, the Deepings and Peterborough as well as the areas around Bourne, from which the school has traditionally recruited.

Jonathan maddox, Headteacher since 2005, has focussed the school on ‘atmosphere, Support and results’, very much in that order. Students (see photo above) are bright and well

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Photo by Elli Dean

Bourne Grammar ScHool

senior schools

‘Whilst academic excellence lies at the heart of everything we do, our focus goes far beyond just encouraging our students to achieve outstanding results in their examinations,’ says Nigel Lashbrook, Headmaster. ‘Our genuinely holistic approach to education means that learning is never just confined to the four walls of a classroom.’

As a large school, with just over a thousand students, Oakham is able to offer a staggering range of opportunities, and, vitally, all pupils have the chance to take part, or to develop their talents, in all areas of school life. Students can choose from over 130 activities in which they can take part every week. There are five major drama productions every year and over 500 individual music lessons each week. As well as offering 30 different sports to students of all levels – from enthusiasts to elite athletes.

Students can also choose to board, flexi-board or to be a day pupil. They all benefit from being part of the school’s unique, age-specific house environment, which is underpinned by exceptional pastoral care.

LE15 6DT • 01572 758500 • oakham.rutland.sch.uk

OuNdLe ScHOOL enjoying an enviable location in the heart of a delightful market town, the co-educational Oundle School (est. 1556), has long been associated with the very best of independent boarding education. It is the third-largest independent boarding and day school in england, with 860 full boarders and 250 day pupils, attracting children from more than 120 feeder prep schools across the country and around 12 per cent of its pupils from over 20 countries overseas. A key feeder school is Laxton Junior School, a day school in east Road for children aged four to 11.

Headteacher Sarah Kerr-dineen says, ‘The challenges our pupils will face in the world beyond School will require of them adaptability and emotional intelligence, as well as the best academic qualifications of which they are capable.

We take seriously our responsibility to our pupils, so that they can emerge as decent, open-minded adults: ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute, but never arrogant.’

PE8 4HG • 01832 277122 • oundleschoo.uk

STAmfORd eNdOWed ScHOOLS Spread across the historic Georgian town after which they are named, the Stamford endowed Schools (SeS) are made up of Stamford Junior School, Stamford School, Stamford High School and a Sixth form. The schools guide boys and girls through their education from ages two to 18, equipping them with a solid academic foundation, a passion for knowledge, the confidence to achieve and a broad range of experiences beyond the classroom. While the Junior School is co-educational, at age 11 boys begin at Stamford School and girls at Stamford High School. entry is accepted into any year, although years 7 and 9 are the most common entry points. The majority of students are day pupils, but a number do board – flexiboarding and weekly boarding are popular options. Teaching boys and girls separately

provides a proven academic advantage in the period from age 11 to GcSes, while boys and girls continue to mix in many co-curricular activities from music, drama and sport to ccf and duke of edinburgh. SeS believes that this is the ideal in terms of single-gender academic and mixed co-curricular provision, offering its pupils the best of both worlds. Bespoke pastoral care, meanwhile, is paramount, as the school knows that happy, cared-for children make eager, receptive learners.

The boys school (shown below) was established in 1532, while the founding of the girls’ school dates to 1870; both schools have strong reputations for success, from academic excellence to outstanding achievements in music, drama, sports and adventure.

Girls and boys are affiliated with their schools and come back to the classroom together in the co-educational Sixth form, where study requires a more mature character. Pupils share lessons, facilities, study time and lunches across the campus, encouraging a very collegiate environment – helping pupils to prepare for the next stage of their lives. Having this level of independence and trust in the pupils nurtures responsibility, time-keeping and mutual respect and empathy for one another: all valuable and important lifeskills. The Sixth form is hugely popular and attracts additional students from across the region.

It currently offers 26 A Levels, two BTecs and a comprehensive enrichment programme.

Students have access to a wealth of facilities, including first-class ones for sports (a new sports centre with a 25-metre pool and state-of-the-art fitness suite), plus a Performing Arts centre. Beyond the classroom, there are trips around the world to broaden cultural horizons and regular field trips to bring a subject to life.

Will Phelan, Principal of SeS (see p128–9), explains: ‘Stamford provides a huge range of opportunities, experiences, influences and support. We inspire our pupils, light fires in them and enable them to become who they really want to be.’

PE9 2BE • 01780 750311 • ses.lincs.sch.uk

uPPINGHAm established in 1584 (the same year as Oakham School), uppingham is a co-educational boarding school, a ‘sevendays-a-week school’ (only about 10 students out of 795 are day pupils). This, the school says, gives a single focus that enables remarkable depth and diversity of curricular and extra-curricular opportunity. The school, which enjoys an attractive situation in the thriving market town that shares its name, takes pupils from the ages of 13 to 18 and, in addition to its strong academic reputation, is renowned for music and the performing arts. Its contribution to the local community in terms of musical events is exceptional. It also runs a very successful summer school for local children.

Headmaster dr Richard maloney says, ‘Today, the value of an all-round education, in which each individual and their talents come first, is fundamental to the uppingham experience… uppingham values people. Ours is a warm, compassionate community where pupils explore their creativity and discover their passions.’ n LE15 9QE • 01572 822216 • uppingham.co.uk

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EDUCATION

Will Phelan Editor Clare Peel went to talk to Will Phelan, Principal of Stamford Endowed Schools, about his role, the schools and the education they offer

You became Principal of Stamford Endowed Schools in September 2016. For the uninitiated, what does the position involve?

My role is to develop dynamic, modern 21st-century independent schools and to ensure they progress forwards together, while still maintaining each individual school’s identity. I work closely with the heads – three ambitious and highly talented individuals – and the senior executive team to keep everyone moving in the same direction. I work with the governors to implement their strategy and with the local community to ensure that the school has a symbiotic relationship with the town.

In a nutshell, what kind of education do your schools offer?

Our schools are first class, dynamic and forward looking, and they prepare our pupils for a 21st-century future (doing jobs that may currently not even exist) and to become what we like to describe as ‘boardroom ready’ for whatever area they might ultimately choose to work within. We foster what we call the ‘Stamfordian spirit’, nurturing down-to-earth, hard-working, confident students. Stressing the importance of kindness is key, too – to use a child-friendly quote (from Paddington’s Great Aunt Lucy): ‘if we are kind and polite, the world will be right.’

Photo by Elli Dean

My eldest son is almost in Year 5, when we’ll be thinking about applying to future schools. How would you convince me to send him to Stamford School and what would you say to my son to help to win him over?

I would firstly wish to find out what children enjoy the most, as I believe this is crucial. In your case, I would then encourage your son to come along with you to see for

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LOCAL PROFILE: WILL PHELAN

himself what this looks like here and also what other things he could be doing in the future – it’s best to do this after you, the parent, have made an initial visit. By joining us at one of our open days, you can see the school in action and meet some of our pupils. We recommend doing this from Year 4, as your child’s Year 5 can become very busy with visits, and it makes the experience more relaxing if there are fewer time pressures.

Stamford School has been educating boys since 1532 and Stamford High School has been educating girls since 1870, so we really feel that we know what makes boys and girls tick, and what motivates pupils who come here. We have an excellent academic record, consistently achieving strong exam results, with the overwhelming majority of our leavers going on to their first choice of university. We feel we can bring the best out of each child, whatever their academic ability, talents and interests, and introduce them to new ones, but we are careful to stretch pupils rather than stress them. We tap into the individual – something that is helped by our small class sizes – and we foster a love of learning.

As a prospective parent, you can rest assured that we would want you to feel as close to the school as possible.

We aim for what we describe as a close triangular structure between parents, pupils and teachers, creating a ‘team together’. And if you should ever need to think about boarding, we offer a range of day and boarding options to suit the busy, ever-changing family lifestyle, including our Monday to Friday flexible boarding programme.

The poet WB Yeats wrote that ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,’ and one of our key ‘values’ at SES is precisely that – lighting fires. I would want to capture your son’s imagination and inspire him. We want him to be excited by learning at a boys’ school, with all the benefits of being in class solely with boys, but with girls nearby and joining the boys in many activities outside the classroom. We’d tap into his interests, whether they were in music, drama, sport and a myriad of other exciting things that make a Stamford education so fulfilling, and we’d explain to him that we’d be able to offer him a host of opportunities to fly with those things, in addition to trying a whole raft of new ones.

Are bursaries available?

Our ongoing aim is to ensure that ambitious children, irrespective of financial background, have the opportunity to receive a Stamford education. We have a long history of social inclusivity and supporting local children, and we want to continue to provide this. Means-tested bursaries are financial awards made by the Stamford Endowed Schools to pupils of all backgrounds to help pay for up 100 per cent of school fees. Anyone interested in these bursaries should contact the school.

How does the gender separation work and what are the benefits?

We provide co-educational teaching in the junior years and Sixth Form, with single-gender teaching for ages 11 to 16 – what we like to call ‘single-sex academic mixed education’.

It is a diamond structure, with pupils between the ages

of 11 and 16 benefitting from the all-girls and all-boys teaching environments and the over-arching mixed-gender environment when not in class. We recognise that girls and boys at this age learn differently, study differently and have different pastoral needs.

We address this with our single-gender approach before bringing boys and girls together again to study at Sixth Form. Throughout their senior school life our pupils enjoy mixed-gender co-curricular activities, such as debating, music, CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and various sports, so gender separation is not a negative issue for them. Our diamond structure gives our pupils the best of both worlds.

In the Sixth Form, classes are mixed, and this does mean that pupils have access to a wider selection of subjects – currently 26 subjects at A Level plus two BTECs. The Sixth Form has a collegiate feel, with pupils enjoying the increased independence and personal responsibility that is appropriate to their age as a stepping stone to the next stage of their lives, such as university.

What measures are in place to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of your pupils?

A strong network of support is essential if pupils are to achieve their best at school. Dedicated, trained staff are on hand to deal with any issues affecting students. On the pastoral side, pupils have a form tutor, plus a head of year, in addition to deputy heads and heads, all of whom support them personally as well as academically. We strongly believe that pupils are in a bespoke school that knows how to help them to deal with life’s ups and downs, and that really is a huge strength in terms of wellbeing. ‘The Team Around You’ is a key Stamford strength, with every individual’s team being slightly different.

Your schools are right in the heart of Stamford. What are the pros and cons of this?

The Schools date back to 1532, so they have evolved with the town. We’re the biggest employer in Stamford, and, as I mentioned above, we have a symbiotic relationship with the town. It’s a glorious place to be situated.

What do you love best about your job and is there something of which you’re especially proud with respect to your time there?

The best bit is that I get to interact with children of all ages, abilities and interests. I still love teaching (my subject is history) and I spend one day a week in each one of the schools. It’s also a great privilege to work with some brilliant practitioners. I always feel immensely proud when I see how our children have developed and how they’ve benefitted from an education here – that is hugely rewarding. I am also extremely proud of our unified strategy, which brings us neatly back to the core purpose of my role as Principal.

Stamford Endowed Schools • 01780 750311 • admissions@ses.lincs.sch.uk • ses.lincs.sch.uk

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