Market Harborough Living Sept 2017

MARKET

Covering Market Harborough, surrounding villages & Rutland

HARBOROUGH LIVING

Into autumn Harvest, the new school year, Burghley Horse Trials and more

SEPTEMBER 2017 £1.50 09

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RUT LAND & M AR K E T H A R BO R O U G H LIV ING

September Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk Welcome to the September 2017 issue of Rutland & Market Harborough Living magazine

T

HIS is my first issue of three as Interim Editor and it’s a delight to be looking after the magazine for you.

I love this area, which in the last three years has become home to four generations of my family, and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate it with you.

September is a month synonymous with school, harvest and, in this region, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, all of which we’re covering for you in this issue.

And that’s not all… The new school year can be a time for starting afresh for everyone, not just the kids, and, if you work from home, why not take inspiration from our interiors feature on page 20 and give your home office a makeover.

I’ll be looking to update mine.

Be inspired, too, by our region’s gorgeous countryside, which at this time of year – as autumn begins – is arguably at its finest. Behind the beauty is a hive of industry, which is to be championed, and we explore the fruits of our farmers’ labours with features on harvest and farm shopping on pages 8 and 46. This glorious area holds its own with any in terms of the high quality of the homegrown produce available in local, specialist food outlets, so do go out and support them and our farming community. Local is the way to go!

Enjoy the magazine and have a great month!

C e

Rutland First Responders

8 Local Business

Harvest on Stapleford Farms

10 Profile

Sir Mark Todd

14 Fashion

Ask the Experts!

17 Updates News & Views

20 Home & Garden Home Office

26 Local Business The Kitchen Showroom

28 Updates News & Views

32 Out & About

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

@rutlandliving @rutlandlivingmag INCORPORATING

4 Editor’s Selection 6 Rutland Heroes

Village Lifestyle

43 Food & Drink Food Reviews

46 Shopping

Farmers’ Markets and Farm Shops

50 Food & Drink Great Food Club

53 Food & Drink

The Olive Branch Recipes

56 Education News & Views

59 Education

Junior Schools: Extra-Curricular Activities

64 Education

Senior Schools: Giving Back

66 Updates News & Views

68 Out & About

Scenic Running Routes

73 Health & Beauty New Sensations

79 Harborough Happenings News & Events

81 Out & About What’s On

86 Local History Market Harborough’s Golden Wonder

Interim Editor Clare Peel clare@bestlocalliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designers Sarah Compton inkdesign@virginmedia.com Calum Handley Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne RL cover: Bigstock MHL cover: Jacks for Women (www.jacksforwomen.co.uk), by Elli Dean

Subscribe to Rutland & Market Harborough Living Subscriptions – annual rate £25 (UK only).

Please write to: Publisher, Local Living, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY, enclosing a cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd. Or subscribe online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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E D I T O R ’ S SEL EC T IO N

A few things to look out for this September RUTLAND WATER NIGHTSWIM One local sports event that sounds incredible is the SwimRutland NightSwim, which offers the chance to test the waters of the smallest county’s favourite lake by moon- and starlight. There are two looped courses, the main one being 750m and a beginners’ loop of 250m, both starting at Whitwell. Registration closes at 5pm on the day of the event, and the swim starts at 8pm and finishes at 9.30pm, with food and warming drinks from 9pm until 10pm. The entrance fee includes event kit including neon swim hat, glowsticks and emergency whistle, plus hot drinks and snacks; wetsuits and swim floats are compulsory. Bank crews and waterkayak crews will be on hand to keep swimmers safe.

• Saturday 2 September, entrance £36 (including swim float hire), www.therutlandmarathon.co.uk/nightswim NEW COURSES AND FRESH CHALLENGES September is a time to start new courses and take up fresh challenges. Local Living’s Rachel Beecroft has recommended an art class that she’s been enjoying at Yarwell Village Hall in the hope that others might be inspired to try something similar.

Rachel hadn’t done any “art” since school but she enjoyed drawing as a teenager, so she signed up to a 12-week course with The Seasons Art Class at Yarwell Village Hall.

“Yes, I was a little nervous… but it was unfounded! Chatting with my fellow artists, I discovered some beginners like me. All the materials were provided, and our instructors Mike and Helen were full of encouragement, advising on techniques and giving tips on a variety of media, which included pencils, watercolours, acrylics and oil pastels. I’m looking forward to the course in September, so I can continue to develop my skills.”

If you’re inspired by Rachel’s story, why not take the plunge too? I’m tempted!

• For information on dates, fees and how to book, call 01832 273749; see also page 67 FISH TANK SUSHI’S OPENING I don’t think I’m the only one who has been counting down the days to the opening of Oakham’s stylish new Japanese restaurant.

Bringing this refined culinary art all the way from the Far East to the East Midlands, Fish Tank Sushi is located in the Bakers Yard, and it’s great to see the venue used again. Husband and wife team Romy and Sam Letteri specialise in fairly priced and responsibly sourced dishes using the finest ingredients, so that’s their namesake sushi plus a host of Asian soul food, such as chicken, prawn and sweet potato Katsu, miso soup, soft-shell crab burgers and more.

• Fish Tank Sushi, Bakers Yard, 6 Church Street, Oakham LE15, 07494 911691, www.fishtanksushi.com

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HARVEST EVENTS Across the region, there are harvest events from September into early October in churches, village halls, schools and other venues. These include, at the family-friendly West Lodge in Desborough, a special Hedgerow Harvest organized for the weekend of 16 and 17 September. Weather-permitting, you’ll be able to jump aboard the tractor trailer for a ride to all the berry-picking hotspots around the farm, and collect as many sloes, blackberries and hazelnuts as you can carry.

• West Lodge Rural Centre, Back Lane, Desborough, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN14 2SH, 01536 760 552, www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

STAMFORD GEORGIAN FESTIVAL September’s a busy time of year in neighbouring Stamford. Not only does the month kick off with the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (see page 32), but in the third week the town plays host to its biennial Georgian Festival. Expect theatre, concerts, celebrity speakers, Georgian science, entertainment on The Meadows, horse-drawn carriages, colourful street markets, historical fashions, Jane Austen-themed events and more.

• Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 September, www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk

OAKHAM LIBRARY’S REOPENING Monday 4 September sees the long-awaited unveiling of Oakham Library after months of renovation. I’ve enjoyed the library being based in Rutland County Museum, but it’ll be marvellous to have access to the newly improved facilities, with the addition of the Visions Children’s Centre to the rear.

• Rutland County Library, Catmos Street, Oakham, 01572 722918, www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries

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PEOPLE

Rutland Community First Responders

RUTLAND

HEROES

There are plenty of Rutland residents who have reason to be grateful for the selfless efforts of the county’s volunteer medical teams such as EMICS and the Air Ambulance crews.

Often first on the scene, responding immediately after 999 calls are made, are the Rutland Community First Responders (CFR). Founder member and Group Coordinator Barbara Crellin tells Amander Meade about the work of her team.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

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HE First Response service in Rutland was launched five years ago, and Barbara has been involved from the very inception. Formed to provide an additional response to the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), First Responders are deployed to attend life-threatening 999 calls and typically deal with emergencies within five miles of their home. “Our role is to arrive as quickly as possible – usually before ambulance crews arrive – and to provide defibrillation and other life-saving care until a paramedic or doctor arrives on scene,” explains Barbara.

Who can apply to become a Community First Responder?

Anyone at all over 18 who is communityminded, caring and with access to their own vehicle. I got involved after I retired, as I have always been busy and wanted to remain so.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life. After training they are expected to be available for a minimum of 200 hours a year, although most of us are happy to do significantly more.

What does training involve?

Community First Responders are trained to a high level with regular refresher training.

On joining the scheme, volunteers attend Level 2 training, which takes three days and is organised by EMAS. Volunteers can then continue their training up to Level 4, which means they will be qualified to attend most incidents, including road traffic accidents.

Training is funded by EMAS but done in your own time and it takes place within the East Midlands. Three times a year our volunteers have the opportunity to accompany ambulance

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“The best part is being able to make a real difference to outcomes when an emergency is taking place.” crews – some of our people have gone on to train as paramedics.

What is the best bit of being part of the CFR team?

The best part is being able to make a real difference to outcomes when an emergency is taking place. With every minute that passes in a cardiac arrest the patient has a 14 percent lower chance of survival until a defibrillator arrives. The national survival rate for cardiac arrests is 3 percent, but this rises significantly with early defibrillation in those vital first few minutes. By responding quickly in their local area Community First Responders can provide defibrillation within these golden minutes.

Having said that, it’s not all about cardiac situations – no two call outs are the same, and when you “log on” to make yourself available, you never know if you will have three calls in an hour or no calls at all.

How can readers help?

As a new scheme we are only able to operate thanks to the kind generosity of our sponsors.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

It costs in the region of £2,500 to equip each responder, and we are always looking for help to raise this money to enable us to recruit more responders into the local area. This is especially the case in the south of the county, where we could do with extra support at the moment. We are always looking for help with fundraising, and, if this is something you would like to get involved with, please get in touch via our website or Facebook page.

Thinking of joining?

CFRs must be: • Over 18 years of age and physically fit • Able to achieve a satisfactory standard of proficiency after training • Sympathetic, with a caring approach to people • Able to work as part of a team • Honest, trustworthy, reliable and compassionate • For more information or to apply online, visit www.rutland-responders. info or www.facebook.com/ RutlandCommunityFirstResponders

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All purchases will also qualify for an invite to meet Doug and a dedication on your purchase at our event in our Newark gallery later this month.

Call us now on 01572 722790

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01572 722 345

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LOCA L B USI NESS

Down on the farm The lead-up to September, with its harvest festivals, sees an intense period of action on our farms. To find out more, Clare Peel pulled on her wellies and went to meet David Matthews, Farms Manager at Stapleford Farms, located north of Whissendine.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

S

TAPLEFORD Farms is part of the Gretton family’s Stapleford Estate, which until the 1980s also included what is now Stapleford Park Country House Hotel. Following the death of the second Lord Gretton in 1982, the house was sold to American restaurant entrepreneur and hotelier Bob Payton. The luxury hotel is now owned by a private individual, and its guests enjoy access to Stapleford Estate’s fine parkland, which was designed around 1770 by Lancelot “Capability” Brown.

The farm has an arable operation extending over nearly 3,000 acres (more than 270 fields). Harvest here takes place over a 40-day window – dependent on the unpredictable British weather, of course – from midJuly to the end of August. The autumn cultivations for the next season are then carried out between mid-September and mid-October. All this work comes down to just the Farms Manager (David) and two full-time staff (Chris and Tom), plus three additional farmhands in the summer.

One of Stapleford Estate’s main objectives is to manage the land as responsibly as it can, with a focus on the immediate environment, which it ensures is maintained and enhanced wherever possible. The estate combines this with the production of high-quality crops through modern farming techniques.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

Crops

The main crops are wheat, oilseed rape and spring and winter barley. I asked David where their crops go. “A fair percentage of the wheat goes into the production of Weetabix,” he tells me.

“All of our oilseed rape is sold to ADM, a supplier for Unilever, for the production of Hellmann’s mayonnaise and other such condiments. And all the spring barley that makes the malting quality goes to Coors Brewery.”

For its Unilever contract, Stapleford has to be a “LEAF Marque” farm (Linking Environment And Farming), which is an environmental assurance system based on environmentally responsible farming principles. “There’s a strong commitment here to farming good-quality produce with great care and to high environmental standards,” says David.

Reducing the carbon footprint

Lowering the farm’s carbon footprint is a topic that comes up repeatedly in our conversation and is clearly something to which David and his team are highly committed. They are approaching this in several ways. Firstly, there’s the accuracy of the combine harvester and the degree to which the machine disturbs the soil. The better the soil health, the lower the negative impact on the environment. There’s also a determined effort to reduce diesel consumption too.

Then there’s the worms… On areas of soil that the combine hasn’t driven over, there’s an undisturbed worm workforce busy below the surface, carrying out cultivation in the way that Mother Nature intended. Much gentler on the environment than doing it by machine!

And, to further reduce the extent to which the soil is disturbed in the overall cultivation process, the team employs a farming method called “direct drilling”. This involves seeds being planted without (or with very minimal) prior cultivation directly into the “stubbles” of the previous crop (the bit of the plant left behind once the combine has done its work).

Diversification on the farm

In a move to open the farm’s land up to outsiders, Stapleford is a member of the Toll Rides Off-Road Trust (TROT), a charitable group established in 1990. It is dedicated to providing members with an extensive national network of horse riding and carriage-driving routes on privately owned land.

And one rather charming, very English diversification on the farm is the planting of a series of willow trees, intended, David advises, for the production of cricket bats. This creative use of otherwise non-production land by Stapleford is expected to come to fruition in around 14 to 15 years time. Here’s hoping Rutland produces another Stuart Broad to test them out.

• Stapleford Farms, Holygate Road, Stapleford, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2SG, 01572 787540. For further information on the LEAF Marque scheme or on TROT, visit www.leafuk.org or www.tollrides.org.uk

Combine harvester This monster machine, a symbol of harvest and pretty awe-inspiring up close, is computerized, using GPS RTK (Real Time Kinematic) to steer with +/-2cm accuracy in order to control soil damage – this kind of accuracy would be impossible to achieve consistently even with the most skilled human driver at the wheel.

Stapleford’s combine cuts a 10-metre-wide strip of crops in one go and it has an air-conditioned cabin for maximum comfort for driver Chris – who very kindly let Elli and myself go for a ride.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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BU R G H L EY HO R SE T R IA L S

Sir Mark Todd returns to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials – 38 years after his first visit Antonia Scott caught up with one of her childhood equestrian heroes

PHOTO: NICO MORGAN

Why the return to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials?

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials has always been my favourite event. It comes at the end of the season and everyone looks forward to it. I first competed there in 1979 and I’ve been lucky enough to have won it five times. I’m returning this year to see if I can make it six.

I’ll also be there in my new role as a Land Rover ambassador, which I am really looking forward to.

Tell me a bit about the horse you will be riding?

At the moment, I’m not sure which horses I’ll be taking to Burghley. It could be Leonidas II or NZB Campino, who have both competed there before. I also have a couple of younger horses who are moving well up the ranks and they might be ready for a crack at Burghley this year.

What makes this event so special?

Burghley House is like a fairy-tale castle and the park is simply glorious. It’s a beautiful part of the world and the fact that we can ride around there is just incredible. The atmosphere is always brilliant and it has an end-of-the-season celebration feel to it. Out of all the four-stars around the world, it is definitely the one I enjoy the most.

How has it changed since 1987 – your first win there?

It’s been great to watch how the event has grown over the years. In the early days, we’d be competing in front of crowds of about 20,000; now it is one of the most popular sporting events in the UK with over 160,000 spectators. When I first started competing,

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PHOTO: JAKE EASTHAM

Burghley used to be the event you competed at before attempting Badminton the following spring, but these days Burghley is the stronger of the two. With a horse stepping up to fourstar for the first time, I would always attempt one of the other four-star events before taking on Burghley.

What makes someone a good three-day event rider?

A good event rider must possess patience and calmness. It is not always going to go your way, which can be frustrating at times, but the worst thing you can do is loose your rag. You also need to be dedicated and maintain a positive attitude. Natural balance also helps.

What qualities do you look for in an event horse?

I like them to be at least 60% thoroughbred and have a good eye. They need to be reasonably correct in conformation and naturally balanced (so that I don’t have to work too hard). Most importantly they need to have a good attitude.

How old were you when you started riding?

I was six years old. My grandfather, who had a farm, got me a little white pony called Shamrock who I used to ride around his farm. One day my parents thought I probably should wear a hat and got me a policeman’s helmet to wear which they borrowed from a friend! I just used to ride Shamrock around the farm in my policeman’s helmet and that is how I learnt to ride.

When did you know you wanted to do this for a living?

In the early days, I always thought of it as a

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

hobby and that I would ride for a few years and then return to farming as a real job. In 1981 I’d been over in the UK, won Badminton, sold the horses and returned to farming. Then two years later I got a call from someone whose horse I had been riding in the UK asking if I would fly back over and ride it at Badminton. It was the moment that I realised I wanted to be doing this full time.

What do you do when you’re not riding?!

I love skiing. This year we went to Austria for the first time, which was fantastic. I try and hit the slopes for a week every year.

Is 2017 your last year competing on the world stage, or are you aiming for another Olympics in 2020?

I am just taking it one year at a time and seeing how I feel. I’d like to do the World Championships in 2018, and that is my main aim at the moment. After that, I’m going to see how I feel.

Do you have fond memories of Stamford?

I have many fond memories of great nights at The George. Every year I have competed at Burghley, I have always tried to go for one night at The George. It’s been run by the same people ever since I can remember – Mary and Lawrence Hoskins, who are wonderful people.

No trip to Burghley is complete without a visit to The George.

• Sir Mark Todd is a Land Rover ambassador.

Land Rover has been at the heart of equestrian sport for over 30 years. For more information, visit www.landrover.co.uk

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Advertisement Feature

DAZZLING DISPLAY AT DENHAMS Celebrating 65 Years in Business

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enhams of Stamford is much more than your usual jewellers - it’s run by gemologist, Sarah Stamp, who loves nothing more than remodelling an old piece of jewellery into a stunning, modern piece.

Denhams, an independent jewellers, has been trading for 65 years and currently has shops in Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray and Stamford. “It’s a family business,” explains Sarah, who began working with the firm just before she turned 16 years old. “We pride ourselves in carrying out bespoke work and regularly take on commissions to rework jewellery. We specialise in diamonds and coloured stones.”

“I come from a family of antique dealers and my uncle one day mentioned that we needed a gemologist in the family, so I went to work at Denhams in Leicester to learn the trade. By 21 I had become a Director and 15 years later I bought the business.”

“One of our customers was taken a back when I recognised them from serving them 25 years ago!” she exclaims. “One of my favourite recent commissions was having the opportunity to remodel an old Victorian brooch, which my customer said she would never wear, into two stunning pieces of jewellery - a cluster ring and a beautiful pendant to match - which she can wear any or all the time.”

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Under Sarah’s leadership, Denhams has evolved into a very established business, run by a superb team of managers and staff. “We are like one big family, we all muck in and help out. Everyone does everything here. We are all very proud of what we have achieved.”

A visit to the shop on St Mary’s Street reveals a whole new take on your usual jewellers. “Our customer service is the most important part of our job. We spend time with each customer helping them to select the right piece of jewellery to suit them and their lifestyle,” says Sarah. “Alongside a full repair service, we particularly love the bespoke work, often designing and creating a piece from scratch to match the customer’s dreams.”

“It is really important to help and encourage our customers to find something that really works with their lifestyle. We don’t just try and sell any old piece, we pride ourselves in taking the time to guide and help everyone to find something they really get a lot of pleasure out of wearing.”

With almost 30 years of experience in the industry, Sarah’s business has evolved over the decades - and two-and-a-half years ago Denhams arrived in Stamford. “I chose this location to open a third shop because Stamford is such a pretty market town and it felt the right place to be. Since we opened, we have built up a good relationship with many regulars.”

With such an eye for detail, it stands to reason that Sarah’s got a good memory for faces.

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Denhams 2 The Square, Market Harborough LE16 7PA 01858 410395 8 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE 01780 757131 15 Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1XH 01664 500300 www.denhams.co.uk

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Blouse by Cream, £69.99, Fransa trousers, £42.99, scarf, £14.99, all Duo; Abro purse, £79, Paul Green ankle boots, £165, both from Coco

Ask the experts!

This month we asked local fashionistas for inspiration for the new season FASHION: NIKKI BEATTY PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

Mos Mosh Blazer, £179, Mos Mosh Levon trousers, £125, Mos Mosh T-shirt, £65, all Abiti

Second Female suede jacket, £269, Vilagallo top, £119, Just Female pleated skirt, £79, Alpe khaki boots, £119; all Jacks for Women

Robell trousers, £46.99, blouse by Cream, £69.99, all Duo; shoes, £115, Unisa bag, £96, both Coco

Weekend MaxMara culottes, £185, Paul Smith sweater, £195, Calperre platform shoes, £155, all Cavells

Weekend MaxMara dress, £385, Alpe peeptoe shoes, £89, both Cavells

Fee G dress, £175, Elia B shoes, £109, all Jacks for Women

BIG THANKS TO: Michelle from Abiti Rosie and Delia from Cavells Pam from Duo Gill from Jacks for Women Elli Dean for the fabulous photography – 07932 055548, ellideanphotography.co.uk STOCKISTS Abiti, Stoneygate, 0116 2704379, abiti-ladies.co.uk Duo, Oakham, 01572 2722116, duoboutique.co.uk Cavells, Oakham, 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk CoCo, Oakham, 01572 757646, www.cocooakham.co.uk Jacks for Women, Market Harborough, 01858 431396, www.jacksforwomen.co.uk For more fashion inspo go to fashion editor Nikki Beatty’s Instagram @styleinthestix RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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UPDATES News & Views

BilinguaSing

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ilinguaSing is an award-winning singing, music and movement class for parents, babies, toddlers and pre-school children to learn Spanish or French together. The classes are designed to introduce young children to a second language in a natural, fun way – just as they learn their mother tongue. The group sings popular rhymes and songs, accompanied by engaging, interactive props to stimulate the senses.

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Bottle Wine Club Using the advanced laser technology of the Deka Motus

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any congratulations to Oakham wine merchant Bat and Bottle, whose Wine Club recently reached the final two in the wine trade’s answer to The Oscars: the International Wine Challenge Awards. They were ultimately pipped to the post by the UK’s largest wine club, The Wine Society.

No shame for Bat and Bottle, though, as the judges found their Wine Club “modern and approachable” and loved the enthusiasm from the team. It was an extremely tough category and being shortlisted was an extraordinary achievement.

The Brew & Roast Co., Oakham

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ucked away in Knights Yard, off Gaol Street, is The Brew & Roast Co. Set up by Debbie Chapman and her son Joel, the company is a micro coffee-roastery and loose-leaf tea specialists, with a rather magicallooking shop (or “emporium”, as they rather fittingly like to call it). Here, you can buy carefully selected, high-quality loose-leaf teas and house blend and guest coffee (both as beans and ground) to enjoy at home.

There’s a small number of seats should you need a caffeine shot or a brew on the spot, and they do takeaway drinks too.

Debbie and Joel have also launched “Brew Box”, a monthly tea subscription service (available for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months), which sounds like a great option for anyone keen to try out new varieties or, perhaps, as a gift for a tea-lover.

• The Brew and Roast Co. is at 4 Knights Yard, Gaol Street, Oakham LE15 6AQ. It’s open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 8am–4pm. For more details call 07946 494988 or visit www.thebrewandroastco.co.uk.

Bat and Bottle specialises in importing wine directly from Italy. Ben and Emma Robson, cofounders, have spent over 20 years seeking out artisan products, small-scale wineries, oddities and surprises in order to offer truly individual wines. They run education courses and wine tastings. Their shop hours are not fixed, but they are always open on the third Saturday of the month.

• You can find Bat and Bottle at 18d Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, Oakham LE15 7TU. For more information call 01572 759 735 or visit batwine.uk.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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UPDATES News & Views

Hypnotherapy comes to Oakham’s Community Hub

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OCALLY well-established, registered hypnotherapist Dr Jacqueline Preston has opened a hypnotherapy clinic at the charity-funded Voluntary Action Rutland (VAR) Community Hub, on Lands’ End Way in Oakham, with the aim of providing help and support to people who are experiencing a range of long-terms conditions in Rutland.

“I am delighted,” says Jacqueline, “to have set up at the Hub a new hypnotherapy clinic that will offer the community access to hypnotherapy as a standalone therapy or as a complementary adjunct working alongside other talking therapies such as counselling. It will also act as a supportive therapy to mainstream NHS treatment options, where hypnosis is becoming increasingly IMAGE: A. OSTROVSKY recognised as an effective therapy for helping people to break habits and relieve stress-related disorders, and for overcoming a range of long-term conditions.”

Jacqueline specialises in hypnotherapy for weight loss and weight management (to assist in the prevention of serious health conditions such as diabetes, for example) and she helps people to overcome eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, as well as obesity.

She also specialises in stress management to overcome anxiety disorders, in pain management to manage arthritic, joint and back pain, and in using hypnosis to help to treat insomnia and sleep disorders.

“Hypnotherapy,” she says, “is an effective therapeutic tool that empowers the mind to heal the body, restore order in disorders, alleviate stress and change negative habits and patterns of unwanted behaviour to bring about positive changes in wellbeing.”

• To discover more about Hypnotherapy at the Hub and for a free initial telephone consultation, contact Dr Jacqueline Preston in complete confidence on 07906 601758. Alternatively, visit www.celestialhypnotherapy.co.uk and book an initial consultation appointment. Voluntary Action Rutland (VAR) Community Hub is on Lands’ End Way, Oakham LE15 6RB.

“Stairlift – I wish I’d got one sooner!”

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HAT’S a statement that Westwood Stairlifts hears so often. An independent installer, the firm offers a wide range of stairlifts from the leading national brands. Long warranties and complete after-care packages are available, as Westwood understands the importance that its lifts function reliably and safely on a daily basis. All the firm’s packages are available at highly competitive prices and are guaranteed to be cheaper than the big nationals.

“It took me a long time to actually admit to myself that the stairs were becoming an accident waiting to happen. I called Westwood Stairlifts. No pushy sales pitch… they just told me what I needed to know. I can honestly say it was one of the best things I have bought to help me with my disability. I would recommend Westwood Stairlifts. Great friendly customer service.” SS – Bourne Westwood’s in-house installers are all manufacturer-trained to install, service and maintain various lifts, so even if you already have one, Westwood will be able to service or repair it for you. The company offers rental packages and reconditioned stairlifts too. So, if you’re thinking of one of these devices for yourself or a family member, give Westwood Stairlifts a call today.

• For more information, call 01733 609777 or freephone 0800 2461016, contact Westwood at info@westwoodstairlifts.co.uk or visit www.westwoodstairlifts.co.uk.

New builds for Great Easton

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ULBERRY Developments has just launched Stokes Rise, a select collection of 22 three- and fourbedroom family homes in the picturesque village of Great Easton in Leicestershire. Potential purchasers are welcome to visit the “Bradgate” show home, which has been designed to meet the needs of modern living, with an emphasis on space and with a high-quality finish.

Prices range from £389,950 to £750,000. You can also visit Stokes Rise marketing suite, which is located off Broadgate, Great Easton LE16 8SH and open Thursday to Monday, 10am–4pm.

• For more information, call 01582 797562 or visit www.mpdl.co.uk.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

Complete Design and Build of bespoke homes and developments.

Bilingual singing and music classes for babies, toddlers and young children in Spanish or French

The first class is free - bring a friend too!

Classes are in Stamford, Oakham and Bourne sarah@bilinguasing.com or 07495 340726 or www.facebook.com/BilinguaSingEastMidlands

Contact - Robbie Dance Robbie.Dance@hotmail.com I 07557772798 www.Rutland-Development.com 19

HOME & GARDE N

Inspire productivity with a stylish update to your home office Working from home has never looked so good! Anna Morley checks out how to employ creative style ideas to make your study a welcoming, efficient space.

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HETHER you have a man cave, a rustic retreat or a modern, purpose-built study, you can easily refresh your current home office to create a stimulating environment. Invest time in your redesign and use stylish storage, on-trend accessories and clever lighting ideas to make your space as appealing and as conducive to work as possible. Our style tips focus on products from independent retailers across the region.

Table lighting Having a desk light that can be angled will not only keep your mind on track, but your work project in focus too. It can also help eliminate shadows and ease eye strain. For a beautiful selection of lighting, try Lumison Lighting and Harborough Lights

Harborough Lights Enna desk light, £POA

Lumison Lighting mini copper upside-down tripod table in black, from £71.50

Flooring Think about a hard-wearing short-pile carpet or rug or even hard wood or laminate flooring for a practical under-chair solution. Try the ranges at Barefoot Flooring or Brookside Carpets & Curtains.

Barefoot Flooring has a large range of wooden flooring

Lumison Lighting Scandi black metal desk lamp, £120

Farrow & Ball “India Yellow” No.66, £43.50 per 2.5 litres

Farrow & Ball “Manor House Gray” No.265, £43.50 per 2.5 litres

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

Decor Change the mood of a room with a new wall colour. Be bold and go for vibrantly rich shades to inspire the senses. Farrow & Ball paint is available from stockists including Kent Blaxill and Chez Soi. Brookside Carpets & Curtains Sisal “Bubbleweave Acapulco” carpet with a single “Rainbow Bleu” border, from £167 per sq m

Storage

“St James” padded wing dining chair from Elizabeth Stanhope, £745

From filing cabinets and baskets to open shelving and fitted or freestanding storage, there is a wealth of options available to make your study both stylish and practical. Keals of Market Harborough has some quirky filing cabinets and office furniture.

It’s important to keep a clear, organised office space, so if you find that you have too much filing cluttering the place, consider using an external storage company such as Harborough Self Storage.

Colemans “BETA” chair, £99.99

Seating Comfort is king when it comes to choosing seating. Ideally, both the height and back of your chair should be adjustable to give you plenty of support.

Elizabeth Stanhope has a lovely selection of elegant seating options.

For traditional office chairs, try Colemans. Both are in Oakham.

If you would like to know how ergonomic your workspace is, Positura can give you a personalised risk assessment.

Window treatments Being able to control the natural light throughout the day using blinds or curtains makes for a more comfortable working environment. Sarah Harding Interiors, 5 Day Blinds and Rutland Shutters all have large selections from which to choose.

Sarah Harding Interiors, stockists of Zoffany fabrics; Zoffany wallpaper, shown here, from £60 per roll Quirky office furniture at Keals

Accessories Add personality to your space with accessories that are both attractive and functional. A luxe wall clock serves a dual purpose as a timepiece and wall decor. Find a great selection of items at Lily Loves Shopping and The Little House of Hygge in Market Harborough, and at Bowden Stores, nearby.

Purpose-built storage Alexander Lewis offer their “truly” bespoke services for home offices as well as kitchens, producing fitted bookshelves and concealed storage for filing, printers etc.

DIRECTORY: 5 Day Blinds, Oakham, 01572 759176, www.5dayblinds.co.uk Alexander Lewis, Market Harborough, 01858 434444, www.alexanderlewis.com Barefoot Flooring, Oakham, 01572 759752, www.barefoot-flooring.biz Bowden Stores, Great Bowden, 01858 440957 Brookside Carpets & Curtains, Market Harborough, 01858 433334, brooksidecarpets.co.uk Chez Soi, Stamford, 01780 757446, www.chezsoi.co.uk Colemans, Oakham, 01989 566946, www.colemans-online.co.uk Elizabeth Stanhope, Oakham, 01572 722345, www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk Harborough Lights, Market Harborough, 01858 467716, www.harboroughlights.co.uk

Lily Loves Shopping wire basket and rose-gold with marble wall clock, £30 and £50 respectively Rutland shutters 89mm louvre Pure White shutters in MDF. Prices from £225 per sq m (including fitting and VAT)

Harborough Self Storage, Market Harborough, 01858 880425, harboroughselfstorage.co.uk Keals, Market Harborough, 01858 419798, www.keals.net Kent Blaxill, Market Harborough, 01858 469980, www.kentblaxill.co.uk Lily Loves Shopping, Market Harborough, 01858 433220, www.lilylovesshopping.com The Little House of Hygge, Market Harborough, 07595 376865, thelittlehouseofhygge.com Lumison Lighting, Oakham, 01572 724600, www.lumisonlighting.co.uk Positura, Market Harborough, 07794 311201, positura.uk Rutland Shutters, 07768 695236, www.rutlandshutters.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors, Uppingham, 01572 823389, www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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www.harboroughselfstorage.co.uk Tel Jack on 07791 806726 or Email: jack@harboroughselfstorage.co.uk 22

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Advertisement Feature

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF RETIREMENT LIVING AT

LONSDALE PARK McCarthy & Stone’s Lonsdale Park Retirement Living development on Barleythorpe Road will comprise a highly exclusive collection of 43 stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for the over 60s.

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Lonsdale Park will feature a homeowners’ lounge, perfect for catching up with friends, family and new neighbours. There’ll also be landscaped gardens for relaxation and recreation, and a comfortable and inviting guest suite should homeowners wish visitors to stay over.

“There’s never a dull moment at McCarthy & Stone. The fantastic sense of community here was apparent from day one, and our wonderful House Manager has been instrumental in setting up a range of terrific social events for people that want it. While there is no pressure to get involved in the activities around the development if you prefer not to, everybody is always welcome to join in.”

A House Manager will be on hand to take care of the smooth-running of the development, while a security-entrance system and 24-hour emergency call points will provide peace of mind.

Perfect position Oakham is located in the heart of the county of Rutland, an area that was recently voted Britain’s best rural place to live by The Telegraph.

A new lease of life Retirement Living allows homeowners to live in a safe and secure environment, while maintaining independence with a balance between a private and a social life. Property maintenance is taken care of, meaning homeowners have more time to relax and undertake activities that they enjoy.

The array of green parks and fields presents a stunning backdrop for a relaxing retirement, and there is a host of essential amenities within easy reach of Lonsdale Park, including shopping, restaurants, a post office and medical facilities.

Future homeowners will also be well serviced by excellent rail links to the neighbouring cities of Leicester, Peterborough and Cambridge.

ll those who make Lonsdale Park their home when the doors to the development are opened in early 2018 can make the most of all the benefits of luxury Retirement Living, with the opportunity to enjoy their independence in a private, purpose-built apartment (typical interiors as shown here), and with access to high-quality shared facilities, which support companionship.

cCarthy & Stone homeowner, Mr Billson, said: “Where I lived before, I hardly saw anybody on a day-to-day basis. While I’ve always enjoyed getting out and about and playing bowls with my friends, it could feel quite lonely when I was just at home by myself.

Five-star housebuilder More than nine out of ten customers would recommend McCarthy & Stone to a friend, ensuring that the firm has received the full five-star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation for 12 years running. McCarthy & Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this accolade for that long, which is every year since the awards began.

Find out more today Prices at Lonsdale Park currently start from £199,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £309,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. The development is proving to be a big hit with local retirees, with over 40 percent of apartments already sold off-plan and the second phase of apartments now released due to popular demand.

All those interested in securing a luxury apartment at Lonsdale Park are urged to visit the off-site Marketing Suite at The Maltings on Mill Street to find out more.

For further information, please call 0800 153 3300 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/lonsdalepark.

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LOCA L B USI NESS

The Kitchen Showroom Braunston Road, Oakham

Rachael Bull chats to Gary Noble, Commercial Director at The Kitchen Showroom in Oakham

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RRIVING at The Kitchen Showroom is a pleasure in itself.

Set away from the road between Braunston-in-Rutland and Oakham, the showroom has views that stretch over the town’s rooftops and spires to the left and the marvel that is Rutland Water straight ahead. It’s a view of the lake I hadn’t seen before and something that customers often comment on to Gary Noble, the firm’s Commercial Director, who you will meet at the showroom.

I’m a bit of a kitchen addict, always nosing around on Rightmove at the kitchens of houses for sale and in interiors magazines, so I jumped at the chance to have a tour around The Kitchen Showroom.

Manufacturing quality kitchens for over 40 years, this family business is now in its third generation, with its original family values of quality and service still at the heart of everything they do. And as Gary explains, “being a family business is a big part of what we offer. It is our reputation that goes behind every kitchen we manufacture.”

As soon as I walked into the showroom, a huge display of thank you cards caught my eye. From a read through some of them, it’s clear to see how delighted customers are with their finished kitchens from here. Notes of gratitude and wonder and praise such as, “We’re over the moon with our new kitchen – thank you so much for your patience!” say it all.

“That’s my favourite part of the job,” says Gary. “The pleasure that a new kitchen brings to our customers. All of us at The Kitchen Showroom get great pleasure from the comments from our customers when they

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

see their new kitchen installed for the first time, which all stems from the in-depth discussions throughout the design consultation process and the fact that we fulfilled all of our promises.

“We manufacture every kitchen in our own factory and we don’t subcontract the installation. Many kitchen retailers actually buy in all their cabinetry and sub-contract fitters to install it. We don’t. The team that makes your new kitchen installs it too – it gives everything total continuity, resulting in all of our customers being very satisfied and happy. This is one of the many reasons why much of our business comes by way of recommendation.”

Project management is done by Gary’s brother-in-law, Adrian. “Adrian has no grey areas in his life… it’s right or it’s wrong – but he will only accept right. You could say he’s a bit pedantic, but he’s the man I would want to project manage my new kitchen. He talks to the builder. He coordinates the electrician, the plumber, the plasterer, the tiler. He leaves nothing to chance. He’s called ‘The Organiser’.”

And what about Gary himself? Like Adrian, he has been in the business a long time. His expertise is to advise. He likes to take a blank canvas and add inspiration. “I try to advise our clients on what would be the most practical design but also add exciting ideas for their new kitchen. When someone comes to the showroom, it’s important to get an insight into their personality and their lives. It’s not just about fitting a kitchen that they like the look of in a magazine, it’s about designing for their home a kitchen that they’ll love and use for decades.

“Everyone is different. A lot of people are looking for inspiration, for ideas. A lot of people will know what they want, but you’d be surprised how many people change their mind after visiting the showroom and spending time discussing their aspirations. At the end of the day, buying a kitchen is the same sort of money as buying a car, but if you don’t like a car you can sell it. You buy a kitchen you don’t like and you’re stuck with it. It’s the heart of the home, so it’s crucial that we get it absolutely spot on. And that’s what we focus on. We will not let you make a mistake.”

What should people consider when looking for a kitchen designer, I ask.

“It’s really important to find someone you can work with, who you have chemistry with, someone to debate with. We do this for a living, so there is a lot that we can bring to the party. For us, it’s not just about saying ‘yes’ to everything we get asked to do. There are so many elements to a good design, which is why an in-depth briefing will enable a good designer, using the latest CAD technology, to produce a concept that is the start to achieving the perfect kitchen for the client.”

Having taken a tour of the 10 large kitchens on display in the showroom – ranging from the high-gloss, ultra-contemporary to the traditional farmhouse style – I cheekily comment that they all look rather expensive.

Not so, says Gary.

“It’s all about value. Our quality is second to none, as is our service, and you get a professional design all at a very competitive price. There are real misconceptions about buying from some local independents – that they must be more expensive – but it’s simply not true. We’re not on the

high street paying high-street rents. We manufacture everything on site.

And we sell and fit everything ourselves, both saving you money and controlling the quality.”

So how does one go about finding the kitchen of one’s dreams? First things first, visit the showroom on the Braunston Road. Go and see the stunning kitchens on display in different styles and colours, and get ideas and inspiration from worktops in quartz, granite and timber. You can buy a DIY kitchen for under £5,000 or a fully project-managed kitchen from £15,000 to £50,000 plus. They have something to meet all budgets.

Having spent a couple of hours with Gary, I was most impressed with the beautiful showroom and the high quality of the large displays. It’s no surprise that there were so many thank you cards from so many satisfied customers. For anyone looking for a kitchen, a visit to The Kitchen Showroom is a must.

• Visit Gary at The Kitchen Showroom, Braunston Road, Oakham LE15 8UH, 01572 722636, www.thekitchenshowroom.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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UPDATES News & Views

A new clock shop for Oakham

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UW Matravers Clocks, offering a personal and professionally qualified service repairing, restoring and conserving antique and modern clocks, has just opened in Oakham.

Huw has 27 years of practical bench experience in his field and is a fully qualified member of the British Horological Institute, having taken and passed three years of practical and theoretical examinations followed by a further two years of bench experience.

He spent the first 18 years of his professional life in this trade working for Günter von Waskowsky, a master clock- and watchmaker from Germany. Under Günther’s tutelage Huw was taught exacting standards in clock repair and how to excel at traditional clockmaking methods.

Huw is passionate about clocks and loves to hear the stories about them from his customers: how they became custodian of the clock, for example. The monetary value of the clock is not always important to the customer – often the emotional or sentimental value is key. Huw takes great pleasure, time, skill and effort in returning a treasured possession back to its working beauty.

• Huw Matravers can be found at his workshop, Huw Matravers Clocks, 4 Melton Road, Oakham LE15 6AY. For more information call 07766 316583, email info@huwmatraversclocks.co.uk or visit www.huwmatraversclocks.co.uk.

Of course you are a safe driver!

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OW often do you think about your driving skills? Have you experienced a near-miss lately or been caught on a speed camera?

Do you avoid motorways or city driving because you’ve lost confidence or maybe avoid reversing into parking spaces? Are you worried by the escalating cost of insurance? The Institute of Advanced Motoring Road Smart is the UK’s largest independent road-safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.

The institute has over 100,000 members and more than 200 regional volunteer groups.

Britain’s roads are some of the safest in the world, yet in 2015 over 1,700 people were killed in collisions involving motor vehicles – this equates to more than four people every day. In the same year over 22,000 people sustained life-changing injuries. In the vast majority of these incidents, human error was a large contributing factor.

Volunteers at Corby and District Advanced Motorists Group offer a free, no-obligation assessment (in your own car) and they will provide feedback on any areas where unhelpful habits might have crept in. Drivers have the opportunity to seek advice on any aspects of driving. This autumn they are also welcome to join a course, which leads to full membership.

• To find out more visit www.corby-advancedmotorists.org

Open the door to a world of sound!

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F you’re over 60 years old, there’s a 25 percent chance you have a hearing loss; if you’re over 75 years, there’s a 44 percent chance. Amazingly, only a quarter of people who have suffered a hearing loss have ever done anything about it.

Visit Healthy Hearing at their Open Day on Thursday 14 September (9am–5pm) and take advantage of a free hearing assessment and demonstration of Swiss hearing-aid designers Phonak’s new, award-winning “Audeo B-R” – the first rechargeable hearing aid to provide 24 hours of hearing with one charge. Phonak’s rechargeable hearing aids are the quickest-charging devices of their kind on the market and come with a variety of easy-to-use options for smart charging – handy for when you’re on the go.

• Call 01572 759555 to book an appointment or call in on the day at Healthy Hearing Ltd, Oakham Hearing Centre, 17b Gaol Street, Oakham LE15 6AQ, www.healthyhearing.co.uk. Alternatively, a free home visit can be arranged at a convenient time to suit you.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

mail@rutlandshutters.co.uk Heatsource of Uppingham provides an extensive range of premier stoves, fireplaces and traditional designer cast iron radiators.

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High quality stoves including brands such as: Charnwood, Contura, Jotul, Chesneys, Scan, Morso (as pictured), Clearview and many more.

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OUT & AB O UT

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 31 August – 3 September 2017

Antonia Scott celebrates one of the highlights of the Stamford and equestrian year.

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HE Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials encompasses a vast area of Stamford’s famous Burghley estate parkland. This annual international equestrian phenomenon now welcomes over 80 global competitors and an incredible 160,000 visitors, who come from all corners of the globe to enjoy this prestigious four-day event. As well as horses, there are plenty of canines at Burghley too – the dog agility classes are wonderful family fun to watch. There are over 600 trade exhibitors for shoppers to enjoy, all showcasing a vast array of country living homewares and produce.

LOCAL EXHIBITORS Stamford and its surrounding area has a plethora of entrepreneurial talent, and this year many of these local businesses will be exhibiting at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Here, they can proudly display their wares and raise their profile to an international audience. Many local businesses consider Burghley “the place to be”, since it offers them the opportunity to showcase their products – the very best of British – to such a vast target audience.

Hunters Interiors

Contact: www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk, info@huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk, 01780 757946 Hunters Interiors haven’t exhibited at Burghley before and are very excited to be at one of the country’s most prestigious horse and shopping events this year. “We will be displaying a selection of what we can supply – sofas, chairs, occasional furniture, lighting, mirrors and decorative accessories, plus the latest ranges of fabrics, wallpapers and paints. We welcome people to come on to what will be a very comfortable stand to chat over their interior projects with us and see where we may be of help.”

Two Birds Spirits Butler Stewart

Contact: www.butlerstewart.co.uk, info@ butlerstewart.co.uk, 07941 513650 Butler Stewart is an exclusive brand specialising in tailoring and tweed, creating understated British elegance for men and ladies. All garments are designed in-house using the finest British fabrics to create timeless, luxurious styles. “Our ready to wear collections and made to order service are available through our website, at shows and home/ office visits. Our popular made to order service allows customers to design a unique garment tailored to their individual tastes, choosing from hundreds of British fabrics and stunning trimmings. Visit our stand in the Lifestyle Pavilion near the celebrity chat zone.”

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Contact: www.twobirdsspirits.co.uk, sales@twobirdsspirits.co.uk, 01858 463758 “This is by far the best show event of the year. Visitors do come to spend money and also start their Christmas shopping. We will have five full-time staff on for the whole four days to meet customer demand. Shoppers can taste our complete range of spirits before they buy. We also offer a Picnic Bag containing a small bottle of gin, chilled tonic and two glasses. Shoppers can choose any of our four gins including our new Strawberry & Vanilla Gin. We also have a Chilled Countryside Cocktail in a 20cl bottle with a straw.”

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

James Gillick – Artist

Contact: www.gillick-artist.com, james@gillick-artist.com, 01507 600269 “My stand is one of the only places outside London where shoppers can get to meet and see the work of a top London artist. I also make all my own paints, canvasses, varnishes and mediums using 17th-century recipes.

“We display a collection of still life, game and equestrian oil paintings in sizes ranging from the palm of your hand to the size of your living room wall! From £2,000 to £50,000.”

Robinsons of Stamford

Contact: www.robinsonsofstamford.com, info@robinsonsofstamford.com, 01780 755378 “We believe in supplying high-quality items at reasonable prices with a fantastic customer service. We’ll have the latest Country Clothing ranges from brands such as Barbour, Alan Paine and Aigle at Burghley, as well as a fantastic selection of footwear from Le Chameau, Zoo and Barbour, and a wide range of gifts, handbags and leather goods.”

Hill Farm Furniture

Contact: www.hillfarmfurniture.co.uk, 01636 626063 Hill Farm Furniture is a family-run business that specialises in creating bespoke, handcrafted kitchens and freestanding furniture to fit your home and your unique character. Prices start at £25,000 + VAT. “We display a mobile showroom full of handcrafted furniture, bespoke kitchens and Victorian glasshouses.”

Heatsource

Contact: www.heatsource-of-uppingham. co.uk, 01572 829953 Heatsource is a retailer and installer of woodburners, fireplaces and renewable heating solutions. “We will be bringing the Arc stove designed and made by Charnwood and exclusive to Heatsource of Uppingham, as well as a complete new range of basketwares.”

Sophie Allport Homewares

Contact: www.sophieallport.com, customerservice@sophieallport.com, 01778 560256 “We do a number of shows across the UK, but Burghley is always very special as it’s on ‘home turf!’ Our offices are just up the road, our first high street shop is now in Stamford, and we love seeing all our local customers and those from further afield at this annual event. We are launching four new collections, including ‘Cows’ and ‘Artichokes’, that will be on display. There’s also a wide range of new products including new home fragrances, new bags, pet products, additions to the children’s melamine collection and gorgeous knitted bobble hats and scarves.”

Peachy Belts

Contact: www.peachybelts.co.uk, zoe@peachybelts.co.uk, 01664 454994 “I love Burghley, as it is the one local event where we see all of our local customers – AND we launch our new autumn/winter range – and I am most excited about this year’s range, as we have a fantastic red cowhide belt in three different widths, a lovely sea-blue python, as well as leopard, which is always popular.

“There are some great new buckles as well as our clutch bags and initialled key fobs. We will have a small sale of summer colours that are remaining and so it is a great chance to grab a seasonal reduced belt – something we rarely do!”

The Wool Room

Contact: www.thewoolroom.com, info@thewoolroom.com, 01780 461217 Burghley is a unique and special event for The Wool Room. It’s where potential customers are open minded and often looking for new and exciting products. “We will be presenting our new brand image this year along with one of our new chemical-free, British wool-upholstered bedsteads and mattress as the highlighted product. We will also be showing our luxury range of bedding, which is manufactured with 300TC organic cotton and a fine blend of British Alpaca and British wool.”

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OUT & AB O UT

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 31 August – 3 September 2017 Fitted Furniture Company

Contact: Racecourse Farm, Easton on the Hill, www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com “Every piece of furniture is individually designed to the client’s own ideas and specific requirements. Our furniture is built to last using traditional methods of construction in conjunction with modern furniture technology such as softclose drawer runners, low-voltage LED lighting systems and energy-efficient appliances. We take great pride in delivering a truly personal service, working closely with the client to exceed expectations, presenting and inspiring new ideas to achieve superb results.”

Oakham Rugs

Contact: www.oakhamrugs.co.uk, mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk, 01572 724441 “Burghley is a wonderful event for us. We love meeting customers old and new and showing them the latest collections in quality hand-knotted rugs. We have lots of interesting pieces, both contemporary and traditional, all with our money-back guarantee.”

Sinclairs of Stamford

“Sinclairs is a family-run, independent retailer, offering an unrivalled level of customer service. We are a major stockist of Hunter Boots, Barbour, Longchamp, Michael Kors, Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Worcester and Beswick with up to 40% off the RRP.”

Snuggle Sacs

Contact: www.snugglesac.com, enquiries@snugglesac.com, 01603 881705 “Our products are unique, distinctive, high quality, fun, practical and utterly desirable from toddlers through to adults. There are now eight different adult-size Sacs – one of which has a horse-print lining!”

Country Traditionals

Contact: www.countrytraditionals.co.uk, sales@countrytraditionals.co.uk, 01780 755409 “Burghley Horse Trials is a show we have been exhibiting at for many years now. We always have the same stand within the Rural craft marquee. It always feels like the start of our busy build up to the coming Christmas period. We have many customers who come back to us year on year to buy our wonderful Polish stoneware – they love the fact that it can go from oven/Aga to table and is microwave/ dishwasher/freezer safe. As we give customers such a massive selection to choose from, they always end up buying a mix of items from mugs through to larger baking dishes and more. Our stand is just like a pop-up version of our Stamford and Cambridge shops!”

Scotts of Thrapston

Contact: www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk, info@scottsofthrapston.co.uk, 01832 732366 “We exhibit at many shows throughout the year, yet Burghley is our favourite and the one show that all three generations of the Scotts family come together for.

We love meeting new customers, but Burghley is also the place that keeps us in touch with our previous clients – where we have time to catch up with families and businesses to find out what life is like once their dream stables have been built. Our inhouse architectural team, led by Bryn Lee, has produced a stunning display showcasing the quality of build you can expect from Scotts stables. The bespoke equestrian building, on display at BHT 2017, incorporates a 12m2 loose box, secure tack room, feed room and wash-down area. Our stables will complement any home, whether a period property or new build. We will also have a 3.9m Sun Ray Garden Room and Burghley Summerhouse to view, so your garden doesn’t feel left out.”

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

The Rutland Bookshop

“We stock a unique and wide-ranging selection of books relating to equestrianism, including first editions and fine illustrations alongside practical manuals and personal reminiscences.”

OTHER LOCAL TRADE STANDS: • Aga Shop at Pochin • Burghley House Gift Shop • Daniel Crane Sporting Art Ltd, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire • Dawson of Stamford • Joules Clothing • Legacy, Uppingham, Rutland • Please Shut the Gate, Oakham • Thomas Dainty Brogue Trader, Hambleton For full details: www.burghley-horse.co.uk

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Walking the Food Walk at Burghley Horse Trials 31 August – 3 September 2017

Right in the centre of the trade-stand area of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, the Burghley Food Walk offers a vibrant atmosphere, with wonderful cooking aromas and a plethora of ingredients to satisfy even the most ardent foodie. Deborah Pennell relishes the chance to profile three local businesses who bring something extra to the Burghley Food Walk experience, and lists some other businesses that are definitely worth a visit.

FEN FARM VENISON www.fenfarmvenison.co.uk Contact: Jane Wesley “We take pride and delight in producing our venison, all year round, to an extraordinary standard.”

How many years have you had a stand on the Food Walk at Burghley Horse Trials?

We have been on the Food Walk at Burghley since 2013.

Is Fen Farm Venison a family-run business?

We are very much a family-run business – there is myself, Jane Wesley, my husband Peter and father-in-law Brian who are all partners, and my mother-in-law Janet is also a member of the team. Our children, Alice and Tom, can frequently be found helping on our stall at farmers’ markets and shows.

What percentage of your business is online sales, compared to farmers’ markets and shows?

Online business is a small percentage of what we do at present, but it is an area we are keen to expand. We updated our website last year and that has helped us see a steady increase in sales. Otherwise we can be found at a huge number of farmers’ markets around the area, and also at many shows. Burghley Horse Trials is by far the largest event we take part in.

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What hours do you tend to work during Burghley week?

We work exceptionally long hours during Burghley, arriving on site by 7am, and it can be 6pm before we leave. Once we are home, we clean down, wash up and restock for the next day. The amount of product we take is based on the previous year, so hopefully we do not need to set to and make more burgers when we get home in the evening!

Having four consecutive days makes it tough, and you are certainly ready to put your feet up at the end of the show!

What products do you take to Burghley Horse Trials?

We bring our complete range of fresh meat – burgers and sausages, casserole, mince, steaks, joints and fillets. On site, we cook our own home-cured bacon, venison burgers and venison steaks, offered in a white or wholemeal roll made for us by Pocklington’s, and we use the tasty, local Cote Hill “Yellow Belly” cheese – no Kraft slices here! We also cook wild boar sausages, purchased from a local game dealer. Our wild boar sausage and home-cured bacon breakfast bap is delicious, exceptional value and extremely popular.

An interesting fact about your product.

Venison is high in iron, low in cholesterol and lower in fat than skinned chicken, making it incredibly healthy.

What is your favourite thing about Burghley Horse Trials?

We just love everything about Burghley – it is such a prestigious event and we have built up quite a following over the years. We love to see all our customers year after year. The shopping is fantastic too!

Have you a favourite event rider?

It has to be William Fox-Pitt.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

THE BROWNIE COMPANY

www.thebrowniecompany.co.uk Contact: Amanda Hamblin “Simply the gooiest, moistest, chocciest, yummiest Brownie you’ll find!”

How many years have you had a stand on the Food Walk at Burghley Horse Trials?

This will be our seventh year at Burghley, and I cannot believe how quickly that time has gone!

We love Burghley, as customers come back to see us year after year.

Is The Brownie Company a family-run business?

The team is myself, Amanda Hamblin – I make all the brownies – and my husband, son and two daughters, and anyone else I can rope in to lend a hand on the stand!

What hours do you work during Burghley?

I’ve been known to be baking until 4am during past Burghleys. Although this is exhausting at the time, it does mean customers are choosing us, and that really keeps me going.

Have you an interesting statistic about The Brownie Company relating to Burghley?

I use roughly 1,000 free-range eggs and about 50kg of premium-quality Belgian dark chocolate for the four days at Burghley.

Which is your most popular brownie?

I will have eight flavours of brownie on the stand this year. As for a favourite type, you just never know from one show to the next which ones are going to sell out first, but personally I have a real soft spot for the Sour Cherry Brownie. I soak cherries in cherry brandy overnight to create an amazingly intense flavour.

Any great memories of previous Burghley Horse Trials?

I always wish we managed to see more horses and riders at Burghley, but we do not usually get the chance. As a family we are huge Leicester Tigers rugby fans, and one year two of our favourite players happened to be sitting in the seating area near our stand; I couldn’t resist giving them a free brownie each to give me a reason to say “hello”. To my delight, later that day they came back and bought a whole batch of brownies, as they said they had enjoyed them so much! That was a highlight.

➧

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Loc

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1981 - 36 Years

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25 large room settings in our showroom

!

• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens • Affordable, quality kitchens and the latest designs on display • Over 60 appliances on show The best quality, best value & best service from a company fitting kitchens since 1981

Your local appointed Sheraton dealer.

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.uk

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OUT & AB O UT ideal for sweet and savoury dishes. Pure raw honey is a wonderful natural sweetener and sugar substitute.

What is your rarest honey and where does it come from?

Our Raw Zambezi Plains Organic Honey is a gold star award-winning rare organic honey, found in the remote Miombo forests, located at the head of the Zambezi River in Zambia.

In Zambia they keep their bees in trees and harvest a very strong honey from the dense jungle pollen. My work with the local beekeepers in Zambia means I can offer this unusual and rare honey.

OGILVY’S HONEY

Which is your most popular honey?

Traditionally the Himalayan, but recently the Raw Australian Jarrah, our natural healing honey, is seeing an increase in popularity.

Have you a favourite recipe using one of the honeys?

Our favourite recipe at the moment is a Summer Berry Smoothie, using the naturally healing Jarrah honey. Jarrah has a wonderful smooth, syrupy flavour and is delicious with sharp berries and creamy yoghurt – a great combination.

This smoothie will give you energy and a feelgood vibe.

www.ogilvys.com Contact: Shamus Ogilvy “Ogilvy’s, awardwinning pure raw honey is known for great texture and quality, and above all, for truly great taste!”

How many years have you had a stand on the Food Walk at Burghley Horse Trials (BHT)?

This is Ogilvy’s fourth year at BHT and we are delighted to be here again.

Is Ogilvy’s a family-run business?

Yes, founded by myself, Shamus Ogilvy. I am also known as The Honey Hunter – my mission is to search the UK and worldwide for quintessential pure honeys. My team includes my right-hand man Emma, Penny who looks after PR, Nick the website guru and Steve on sales.

What percentage of your business is online sales, compared to farmers’ markets and shows, etc?

We sell across a number of retail platforms – online, supermarkets, Ocado and Amazon, farm shops, delis and health-food outlets.

What is your favourite thing about Burghley Horse Trials?

We love to meet our customers face to face and to talk honey! I have a complete passion for bees and honey and enjoy teaching people about the benefits of raw honey, and divulging tips on cooking with honey.

Have you a favourite event rider?

William Fox-Pitt.

What hours do you tend to work during Burghley week?

All day, and everyday throughout Burghley – it is great to meet our customers and get feedback, and it’s a fantastic event for introducing new honey and flavours.

An interesting fact about the company.

Ogilvy’s offer a Honey Subscription service, an easy way to discover delicious, pure raw honey monthly – perfect for honey lovers, foodies or as a gift. You choose your subscription – 3 months, 6 months or 12 months – and receive honey, a recipe and special offers.

Each honey has a different amazing flavour,

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

DIRECTORY Some other local businesses who feature in the food walk at Burghley: Chocolate Alchemy Specialists in luxury artisan chocolates. www.chocolate-alchemy.co.uk Dickinson & Morris Traditional bakery, specialising in Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, plus sausages and English cheeses. www.porkpie.co.uk Duck Fat Roasties Pop-up event caterers offering delicious Maris Piper roasties – their roasted potatoes with cheese and gravy come highly recommended. www.duckfatroasties.co.uk Hedgerow Cordials Exciting, award-winning cordials. www.hedgerowcordials.co.uk Launde Farm Foods and The Marquess of Exeter This collaboration of talented chef and award-winning lamb produce flavourful wraps – a great lunchtime treat. www.laundefarmfoods.co.uk www.marquessexeter.co.uk Munchy Seeds A range of delicious toasted seed mixes. www.munchyseeds.co.uk Pipers Crisp Co. Natural potato crisps using local potatoes in four flavours. www.piperscrisps.com Saint Valentines Liquorice All things liquorice. www.liquoricestore.com Two Birds Spirits A collection of great-tasting British spirits. www.twobirdsspirits.co.uk The Whiskymouse A comprehensive selection of whiskies. www.whiskymouse.com

We bake a selection of delicious breads, savouries, cakes & desserts. Using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients we develop the real taste of our products, full of flavour with no preservatives or enhancers.

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

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

The Garden Cookhouse Company s p e C i a l i s T s i n o u T d o o r C o o k i n G a n d e n T e r Ta i n i n G

• Over 20 years’ experience of creating outdoor cooking and eating spaces • Design and build available from a modest barbecue to a full-blown outdoor kitchen

• Design and fabrication of bespoke cook-fires, braziers and firepits

• Wood-fired pizza ovens built to our own design or full installation of an Italian manufactured system To discuss options for outdoor cooking in your garden, please drop us a line by email or visit our website.

Contact: The Garden Cookhouse Company Phone: 07950 234497 • Email: mail@gardencookhouse.com Web: www.gardencookhouse.com

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The George at Ashley

Events at The George in September Tuesday 5th September - Our regular Quiz night only £1 entry Thursday 7th September - Cheese and Wine tasting evening £15

Friday 15th September -

Our 1st Birthday Party at The George from 7pm, Celebrate with us and enjoy music from The Bar-Room Buskers Booking now for Christmas and New Year, Please see website for details and Menus

21 Main Street, Ashley, Northamptonshire. LE16 8HF T 01858 565411 E info@thegeorgeatashley.co.uk www.thegeorgeatashley.co.uk

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FOOD & DRI N K

Hearty fare at The Fox & Goose, Illston on the Hill

O

NCE I heard that Stephanie Hamblin from the Foxton Locks Inn and The Waterfront in Market Harborough had taken on the lease at The Fox & Goose, I was intrigued to see what was going to change. Stephanie and new GM Henry Kendall, formerly of The Bell in East Langton, are keen to reiterate that whilst there have been some changes to the kitchen and the outside seating, the quintessential country pub charm of The Fox & Goose will remain.

We went to try it for a family Sunday lunch and were all warmly greeted by the affable Henry and his team, who understood our need to order and feed our hungry brood quickly!

The menu was varied and interesting and certainly had enough tempting options for us all. I opted for a Bloody Mary crayfish cocktail starter that was bursting with crayfish and lots of fresh lettuce, radishes and cucumber.

The “Heritage” tomato starter included an outstanding-quality mozzarella and a sweet balsamic glaze, which all melted in the mouth.

Ed chose the roast sirloin of beef for his main course, which arrived perfectly pink and succulent, with all the trimmings. I had the fillet of seabass with lemon new potatoes, crayfish butter sauce, pickled and crispy samphire, and greens, and it was light, zesty and flavoursome.

Our children devoured their homemade pizza – a pitta bread base with fresh green tomato and large chunks of melted mozzarella – and home-made chicken goujons with hand-cut chips. The large ice creams to follow were also greeted with much approval!

The kitchen and menus have been revived by chef James Cotterill (also formerly from The Bell), who has come back to work with Henry to the delight of the villagers, who have whole-heartedly supported the pub. Located in the heart of this pretty village, it is a perfect spot for walkers, locals and families who want a classic cosy country pub with excellent hearty food.

Words: Sosennah Every

D

IARY Date – Sunday 17 September is “Onion Sunday”, a traditional charity event at The Fox & Goose, with the aim of raising £10,000 for LOROS with a hog roast, face painting, stalls and a Rod Stewart tribute band. There is also fierce competition to see who has grown the largest onion – these were bought from the pub in April and have been grown and cared for by the villagers ever since. They will be on show on Onion Sunday! There are children’s categories too, including a competition for the most inspirational onion design.

• The Fox & Goose, Main Street, Illston on the Hill, Leicestershire LE7 9EG, 0116 2596340, www.foxandgooseillston.co.uk.

The Lean Pantry Co. branches out into Stamford

I

S it bad to judge a place by its chocolate brownies? I think it’s a real teller: if the brownie is good, you’d even be safe with something potentially more risky such as oysters, but you won’t find anything like that in Stamford’s latest hangout.

The Lean Pantry Co. has done so well in Oakham that it has taken its lovely aroma to neighbouring Stamford. The sign outside proudly states, “Dairy free, Gluten free, Refined sugars free, Wheat free” – finally a safe place for coeliacs, I thought. I was even a little frightened when they asked me which milk I’d like my hot chocolate to be conjured from: I chose coconut and took a seat. As I gazed longingly at the various cakes on the counter from the safety of the other side of the pantry, I couldn’t quite get my head around how they could be free of all things naughty.

For people with less of an addiction to sugar there are lots of delicious and creative options for breakfast and lunch – mostly brightly coloured vegetables with quinoa – including some specials. On the day I visited there was a smoked salmon and vegetable frittata served with a seasonal salad, at £7.50. I thought that it was great value for something so delicious. What really jumped out at me were the aftereffects of eating at The Lean Pantry Co. I was full all day and buzzing off it!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, the brownie was unbelievable, the coconut milk hot chocolate was frothy and reassuring, and all of the staff were most amicable. I’m so glad that the space (opposite HSBC, previously Javawocky) has remained a coffee shop of sorts. It’s the perfect space to spy on passers-by without being spotted yourself, and if you want to be really exclusive, you can hide upstairs. Definitely worth a visit. I think The Lean Pantry Co. is here to stay.

• The Lean Pantry Co. is at 72 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AW, 01780 763173. There’s also a branch at 2c Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA, 01572 774363, www.facebook.com/theleanpantryco/.

Words: Georgie Fenn

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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Situated in the Rutland village of Cottesmore, The Sun Inn is a delightful traditional pub offering great beer, fresh local homemade food and a warm welcome.

THE SUN INN 25 Main Street I Cottesmore I Rutland I LE15 7DH Tel: 01572 812321

Country Inn and Restaurant A warm welcome is assured at our quintessential old English county pub, bringing you the best of British home cooked meals and a choice of well kept Real Ales.

Why not join us for Sunday Lunch?

Choice of 3 roasts all served with the traditional trimmings £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month.

Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head

Friday Lunchtime Special

2 Portions of Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas for £10 Tue, Wed, Thur 12pm – 11pm (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Fri, Sat 12pm – 12am (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Sun 12pm – 6pm (Food 12.30pm – 3pm).Closed Mondays

LAST ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE FOOD IS STOPPED SERVING

14 Arnhill Road, Gretton | Northants, NN17 3DN

Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com 44

Christmas Parties 2017

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s fabulous private dining rooms is perfect for Christmas parties of 6 to 16 guests. We are offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, £65.00 per person for 3 courses. (£80 per person for 4 courses) Hambleton Hall is one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water the hotel provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party.

Terrine of Sea Bass & Artichoke Foie Gras Chicken Liver Parfait with Fig Wild Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan & Tarragon

Log fires, a beautiful Christmas tree, sensational Christmas

decorations and lovely bedrooms to rest your weary head.

At the end of the evening why not stay the night?

If you would like to stay after your Christmas Party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, we are offering a special rate of £240.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

***

Middle Course Offer - the best fish catch of the day *** Fillet of Turbot, Cockle, Clams & Cucumber Merryfield Duck, Caramelised Endive, Cucumber & Plum Jacobs Ladder, Smoked Potato, Horseradish & Red Wine Jus *** Prune & Armagnac Soufflé Golden Chocolate, Passion Fruit Sorbet Lime Meringue Pie & Lime Leaf Ice Cream *** Coffee, Chocolates All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5%

HAMBLETON OAKHAM RUTLAND LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

LUNCH SPECIAL OFFER Wednesday to Friday.

Two Courses for £12.50 STEAK NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY Two Steaks (Ribeye, Fish or Gammon) & Two glasses of house wine for £30 QUIZ NIGHT First Thursday of the month £5 per team of four.

Prize for the winning team.

All funds from ticket sales go to the Rutland Air Ambulance.

WE OFFER A Warm Welcome I A Selection of Real Ales Premium Lagers and Quality Wines Seasonal and Varied Menu I Roaring Log Fire Large Garden I Parties and Functions Overnight Accommodation I Children and Dogs Welcome

More information and our current menu on our website

www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk

OPEN MIC NIGHT 3rd Thursday of the month.

Talented local musicians playing Live Music from 8pm

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday 6pm - 10.30pm Wednesday & Thursday 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 10.30pm Friday & Saturday 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm Sunday 12 noon - 6pm Monday Closed

T: 01572 747365 E: info@exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk 45

S HOP P I N G

Fresh, delicious and local There is a fabulously enticing variety of local produce available at farmers’ markets and farm shops in this area, and by adding it to your shopping list you can support our farmers, eat seasonally and reduce your food miles. Your taste buds will most certainly thank you, too. Katie Mitchell takes a closer look at what’s on offer. Photography by Elli Dean.

Farmers’ markets Market Harborough

At Market Harborough’s well-established monthly farmers’ market, held in The Square on the first Thursday of each month (8am–2pm), you can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, locally sourced meats, vegan produce, flowers and plants, handmade pies and cakes, local cheeses and locally brewed beer. Once a month it also plays host to a new artisanal and street food event, where you can expect to find street food from around the world alongside hot, ready-to-eat, local produce.

• www.harboroughmarket.co.uk

Farm shops Ashley Farm Shop

It’s not surprising that Ashley Farm Shop (Tuesday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 11am–4pm) was nominated last year in a regional competition for “Best Farm Shop” – it really is a little gem. It’s stocked with everything from delicious pastrami to home-made cakes and meringues to locally produced jams and chutneys. Saturday 30 September (10am–4.30pm) is the date for the next Ashley Farm Shop Artisan Food and Craft Fair. In addition to the farm shop fare, there’ll be Helen Buff Chocolate, Paula’s Pickles, Redlands goat cheese, The Roving Apothecary, Ganders Goats, Daisy Fawcett Pottery, Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Saxby Cider, English Spirit Distillery, Botterills and more.

• Main Street, Ashley, Market Harborough LE16 8HG, 01858 565722, www.ashleyherbfarm.co.uk

Farndon Fields Farm Shop

This lovely farm shop (Monday–Saturday 8am–6pm, Sunday 10am–4pm), located on the way to East Farndon, is choc-a-block with the tastiest produce grown on the farm (shown right), alongside an extensive selection of other items sourced locally and from further afield in Britain. Best-sellers include the home-grown broccoli, cabbages and leeks, and, in summer, wonderfully succulent strawberries and raspberries. Every morning its chefs are busy making home-made quiches, coleslaw and soups and scrumptious sausage rolls that are very hard to resist. Excellent brownies too!

• Farndon Fields Farm, Farndon Road, Market Harborough LE16 9NP, 01858 464838, www.farndonfields.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

Hambletons

It’s all about fine food at Hambletons (Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm), a farm shop in a town location. From farming its pedigree herds of Longhorn, Dexter and Aberdeen Angus on its own farm on the edge of Rutland Water to buying from other local farmers, the firm offers award-winning sausages, pork pies, cooked meats, patés, sausage rolls, hams, bacon (dry-cured or smoked), meat pies and posh ready meals, and a delicious wide choice of deli products.

• 2–3 Gaol Street, Oakham LE15 6AQ, 01572 724455, www.hambletonfarms.co.uk

Oakham

Held along Gaol Street on the third Saturday of each month (8am–1pm), Oakham’s farmers’ market plays host to some mouth-wateringly tempting local produce. Expect to find local beef virtually straight from the farm, venison, gourmet sausages and charcuterie, chicken, local cheeses, pickles, olives, eggs, smoked fish, jams, jellies, fudge, gin, coffee, cakes and local honey.

• www.facebook.com/Oakhamfarmersmarket/

Stamford

Local producers selling sausages, charcuterie, cheeses and artisan products take over Stamford’s pedestrianised High Street fortnightly on Fridays (8am–3.30pm) for a farmers’ market. On Broad Street and Ironmonger Street there’s also the fresh fish, vegetables and flowers of the regular market.

Uppingham

There’s some tasty local produce on offer at Uppingham’s monthly farmers’ market, including locally reared meats, organic fruit and vegetables, and much more. The farmers’ market is held on the second Friday of the month in the town’s Market Place, from 8am–1pm.

The Langton Farm Shop

Part of the extensive, family-owned Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre (Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm), located in south Leicestershire, this shop stocks tasty, locally produced fruit and vegetables, meats and dairy produce, as well as home-baked bread.

• The Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre, Melton Road, East Langton, Leicestershire LE16 7TG, 01858 545819, www.langtongreenhouse.co.uk

Northfield Farm Shop

This farm shop (Thursday 9am–4pm, Friday 8am–5pm, Saturday 8am–4pm) is an oasis of first-class steaks, topquality sausages, award-winning pies, fine local ales, fresh bread and top-notch chutneys and jams. Much of the meat comes from livestock raised in the surrounding fields and butchered on site. In addition to this shop (and Northfield’s Borough Market stall in London), you can order online.

• Whissendine Lane, Cold Overton, Rutland LE15 7QF (for Satnav use LE15 7JD), 01664 474271, wwwnorthfieldfarm.com

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Advertisement Feature

WELLAND PLACE

What exactly makes Welland Place so right for an active retired life?

It is certainly beautiful, with attractive private apartments, a swimming pool, gym, salon and restaurant. But what makes it truly special?

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he spacious lounge where residents meet and enjoy fresh coffee? The social bar, aptly named The Well and Truly, with its volunteer resident bartenders? Regular poetry and film nights, and a games room for snooker, table tennis and darts? Or the well-stocked indoor tool shed, where residents indulge their passions for tinkering!

Residents love all of these. But ask around, and you soon find that it’s two things that make Welland Place their true home. The warm and vibrant community in which they live, and the on-site staff team that is available around the clock for emergency assistance, or help with personal care.

“My wife Pat and I fell in love with it here,” recalls resident Ron Bailey.

“We swim daily, and I love having the tool shed.

I can probably pursue my hobbies better here than in our old home because the tool shed is so well stocked. It’s a dream to have a lathe!”

Fellow resident and tool shed enthusiast Ken

Morris added, “I love model making and taking things apart and putting them together. My hobbies keep me healthy.”

It’s a testament to the strength of community and friendship within Welland Place that tool shed users spend so much time doing odd jobs for other residents, such as mending their desks or beloved dolls’ houses.

“This was the only place I looked at and I’ve never regretted moving here for a moment,” says resident Michael Currah.

“I love having my private apartment and being able to meet people. You want to carry on doing your hobbies in retirement.”

Coffee mornings, evenings in the bar, bridge tournaments, film screenings, restaurant meals and craft and gardening clubs are just some of the ways residents get together.

And they speak highly of the dedicated on-site staff team, available for personal assistance packages as required and always available via an

emergency call system connected to every room.

“The staff are exceptional,” enthuses resident Chris Orme, who lives at Welland Place with his wife Bridget.

“They are so caring, and it’s important for family to know that they are there.

“And all the time, you’ve got these beautiful apartments and all these facilities. When I talk to people here, so many of them say they just wish they had moved here five years earlier.”

Retirement should be a time of choices - how to spend your time, what to do and whom to meet.

At Welland Place you can have all these choices, so to find out more and take a look around, please call for an appointment on: 0800 328 1656 Welland Place is run by award-winning charity and care provider, MHA. Registered charity no 1083995

sales@mha.org.uk www.mha.org.uk

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BR I N G I N G L O C A L F O O D T O L IF E

“Stamford Spruce-ter” and other fine creations Stoney Ford’s latest brew brings Stamford and Alaska together via one refreshing ale, discovers Matt Wright

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TONEY Ford Brew Co. in Ryhall is brewing some great beers. Alongside Baker’s Dozen Brewing Co. of Ketton (aka Dean Baker who runs The Jolly Brewer), the firm is helping to revive Stamford’s strong historic link to commercial brewing.

It’s a shame that neither brewery has yet been able to find suitable brewing premises in Stamford itself, but maybe this will change in the future (although with town property at such a premium, this will be easier said than done). It would also be good to see more pubs in Stamford and the surrounding villages always stocking Stoney Ford and Baker’s Dozen beers.

In the case of Stoney Ford, The George, The Jolly Brewer, The Lord Burghley, the Kings Head, Mama Liz’s, The London Inn, The Tobie Norris, The Green Man, The Cellar Bar and The

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Bull & Swan already do, but it would be great if even more places supported local brewers.

I recently revisited Stoney Ford’s small brewery on Crown Street in Ryhall to see Tim Nicol and head brewer Simon Watson brew their latest exciting creation: “Stamford Spruce-ter”. The surprise addition to this 4.5% ABV pale-coloured brew is young sitka spruce tips, which – like all of Stoney Ford’s brewing ingredients – are sourced in the UK. Simon came across a beer brewed with sitka spruce while living in Alaska a few years back and wanted to make his own version. After much searching, he eventually tracked down a source of sitka spruce tips in Scotland, and later in Yorkshire, which currently appears to be the most local source. If anyone knows differently, I’m sure Simon would be keen to hear from you!

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The spruce tips are downy and soft and they give off a wonderfully fresh lemony aroma. There’s none of the strong piney smell to them that you sometimes associate with older pine needles. The idea is to create a beer with intriguing aromas and flavours, and Simon added the young spruce tips to the brew late in the brewing process – in just the same way that brewers usually add aroma hops. Handpicking these tips is labour intensive, so making this beer is not cheap, but both Tim and Simon were keen to brew it. I’m pleased they did!

The first test batch Tim and Simon made was apparently dominated too much by the sitka, so for batch two Simon added the tips later in the brewing process, thereby releasing slightly less of their flavour. It has done the trick. I tried a glass of the second batch and the result is a highly refreshing and really drinkable lager-like ale. The sitka adds a very subtle and unique fragrant dryness.

It’s the perfect summer drop, and I recommend you seek Stamford Spruce-ter out. It should be available at Peterborough Beer Festival (22–26 August) and The Jolly Brewer Beer Festival (31 August–3 September).

The question is: which unusual ingredient will Stoney Ford brew with next?

Get the 2017 Handbook The Great Food Club Handbook 2017 is out now. With over 100 pages, the new Handbook is a handbagor glovebox-sized publication with one simple aim: to guide you to some of the best independent restaurants, pubs, farm shops, breweries, food producers, delis and cafes. It is available to buy now for £4.95 including postage. Go to www. greatfoodclub.co.uk, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click ‘Buy the Handbook’.

Other Stamford brews St Mary’s Sundowner and Meadows Moondance are two more recent Stoney Ford brews that have been going down well. Another on the horizon is their Commemoration Ale, a brown porter that Tim and Simon are brewing specially for the “Stamford 50” celebrations.

These are to mark Stamford’s designation as the UK’s first conservation town in 1967 and will tie in with Stamford Georgian Festival 2017 (21–24 September). Tim and Simon also tell me they have been picking blackberries ready for their next batch of Broad Street Blackout Stout.

The quest for ancient Stamford yeast Back in January Stoney Ford appealed for old bottles of Stamford ale in a quest to reactivate ancient yeast strains.

They received three old bottles: two old Melbourns IPA bottles with lids and contents intact, and one very old almost empty bottle of Lowe, Son and Cobbold “A.K. Stamford Ale”, which could be over 100 years old.

They delivered the bottles to the laboratories of Nottingham’s Murphy & Son, who provide ingredients and testing services for the brewing industry. However, none of the yeast turned out to be salvageable. The quest continues…

A few places where you can try Stoney Ford beers (A–Z) Blackstones Sports & Social Club, Stamford The Blue Bell, Easton on the Hill The Bluebell, Helpston The Bull & Swan, Stamford The Cellar Bar, Stamford The Coach House Inn, South Luffenham Empingham Cricket Club The Exeter Arms, Easton on the Hill The Fox, North Luffenham The George, Stamford The Golden Pheasant, Etton The Green Dragon, Ryhall The Green Man, Stamford The Hare and Hounds, Greatford The Jolly Brewer, Stamford Kings Head, Stamford The London Inn, Stamford The Lord Burghley, Stamford

The Lord Nelson, Oakham Mama Liz’s, Stamford The Olive Branch, Clipsham The Red Lion, Bourne The Six Bells, Witham

Smith’s of Bourne The Tobie Norris, Stamford Stamford Shakespeare Company, Tolethorpe The White Horse, Baston

Join Great Food Club With its new editing team, Great Food Club is on a mission to unearth brilliant food and drink gems in your area and beyond. We currently recommend around 320 pubs, restaurants, producers and food shops, and around 200 of them run exclusive offers for Great Food Club members. Offers include 10% off at Stamford Cheese Cellar, 10% off at The Tobie Norris, a complimentary cocktail when you dine from the a la carte menu at The Olive Branch, 10% off at The King’s Arms in Wing, and 25% off at The Fox & Hounds in Exton. It is completely free to join and get a membership card – no catches – and we never share your data – sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk

About the writer Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodclub.co.uk, a Leicestershire-based website that celebrates and promotes local food and drink. His Great Food Club Handbook 2017 is out now

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T HE OL I VE B RAN C H R E C I PE S

Perfect steak!

The Olive Branch’s co-owner and head chef Sean Hope reveals how to cook the perfect steak, served with his own mustard béarnaise

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VERY carnivorous chef needs to know how to make the perfect steak.

It’s not rocket science, but we’ve all eaten steaks – whether sirloin, rump, bavette or whatever – that don’t quite cut the mustard. The first thing to say is that you need a good supplier.

Look for cuts of beef that have a rich, deep-red colour with even marbling.

Stay away from bright red cuts and buy local where possible. At The Olive Branch we love to use English Longhorn beef.

Once you’ve got your steak, remove it from the fridge around 20 minutes before cooking and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Allow it to come to room temperature. Next, get your griddle or frying pan to a really high temperature – hot enough to hear the sizzle when you place the meat into the pan. A pan that’s too cool can result in toughness.

Add a knob of butter to the pan and sprinkle the steak with black pepper and sea salt flakes. Then gently place the steak in the pan. To take a 170g (6oz) steak to medium rare, cook for 2–3 minutes each side. Turn your steak gently and just once to avoid losing precious juices and drying out the meat. Be careful not to overcook it. Then remove the steak and let it rest for the same amount of time each side. The resting is crucial because it allows the juices to move evenly throughout the whole steak. This develops its flavour and tenderness.

Enjoy your steak! And why not serve it with this mustard béarnaise?

SEAN HOPE’S ENGLISH MUSTARD BÉARNAISE Serves 4–6 • 2 egg yolks • 1 shallot, finely diced • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar • 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped • 200g fresh, unsalted, melted butter • 1 level tsp English mustard 1 Combine the egg yolks, shallot, vinegar and tarragon in a round-bottom bowl.

2 Whisk over a bain-marie (hot-water bath), so that the heat from the steam causes the egg yolk to go fluffy.

3 Very gradually pour the melted butter into the bowl, whisking the ingredients all the time until the mixture starts to thicken up.

If it gets too thick, dilute it with hot water.

4 At the last minute, add the mustard and season to taste. Serve with your steak.

A FASCINATING ADVENTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN On 11 October at The Olive Branch we’re really looking forward to being joined for dinner by a chap The Telegraph describes as “the man with the amazing palate”. Wine expert Steve Daniel has a knack for discovering amazing, often radical hidden gems and he’ll be in Clipsham on 11 October to host a seven-course wine dinner. Steve is credited as the person who first brought Chilean wines to the UK and as the pioneer who showed us that Greek wines could be amazing. We’re in for a real treat and it’s going to be a fascinating adventure into the unknown! If you’re interested, please visit our website – www.theolivebranchpub.com – or call 01780 410355.

PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD?

If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club.

• Sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, free of charge.

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EDUCATION UPDATES News & Views

A new Head for Brooke Priory School

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basis. The ethos – the strong child-centred heart of the school – remains as it has been since the first days at Brooke Priory.

• For more information on Brooke Priory call 01572 724778 or visit www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk

HIS month heralds the start of an exciting new era at Brooke Priory. After 16 years as Headmistress, Elizabeth Bell felt that the time was right for new leadership to take the school forward.

Roger Outwin-Flinders will become the school’s first Headmaster, from the start of this autumn term. This will be Roger’s fourth headship, having previously led Hallfield School in Edgbaston, Fairfield Prep School in Loughborough and Wycliffe Prep School in Gloucestershire. He brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, governor (of two Prep Schools) and an ISI Team Inspector. Roger, his wife Tania and their family are looking forward to life in Rutland.

Although Elizabeth has retired as Headmistress, she has chosen to take a sideways step and remains actively involved as Proprietor, together with her mother, Susan Allen, with whom she founded the school. Elizabeth is looking forward to spending more time with the children and will teach on a part-time

Bringhurst Primary School’s new mural

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HE managers at Kent Blaxill, the decorating centre on the Welland Business Park in Market Harborough, have been instrumental in getting a long-awaited, local school project off the ground. The PTA at Bringhurst Primary School, near Great Easton, wanted to paint a tree mural on a large brick wall to liven up the entrance to the school and the playground. Kent Blaxill kindly provided paint in eight different colours, plus brushes and varnish spray, to the value of nearly £300 as part of their community-support programme.

Children from the school entered a competition to decorate a number of birdboxes, which are being displayed on the mural. Some 13 great designs, from a Jackson Pollock-style entry to a Monsters Inc one, were chosen and subsequently painted on to the birdboxes.

Bringhurst School thanks Kent Blaxill for its support, its enthusiasm for the project and, of course, for the materials. The response from the school’s pupils and their parents has been overwhelming, with everyone agreeing that the mural is a great success.

Kent Blaxill welcomes retail and trade customers and offers paints from all the top brands including Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Paint Library, Dulux Trade, Crown Trade and many more.

• For more details contact Kent Blaxill, B1 Welland Business Park, Valley Way, Market Harborough LE16 7PS, 01858 469980, marketharborough@kentblaxill.co.uk

Increased free childcare from September

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ROM September 2017, working parents may be eligible to receive 30 hours free childcare each week thanks to a government scheme that plans to increase the current 15 hours free childcare provision that all three- and four-yearold children are entitled to.

Parents will be eligible to receive the 30 hours if they meet the following criteria: • Both parents, or the sole parent in a loneparent family, are working and earning a weekly minimum equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage and less than £100,000 a year.

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• Both parents, or the sole parent in a lone-parent family, are working and receiving tax credits and/or universal credit.

• Both parents are employed, but one or both is/ are on temporary parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave.

• Both parents are employed, but one or both parents is/are temporarily away from the workplace on statutory sick pay.

• One parent is employed and one parent is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

• One parent is employed and one parent is disabled or incapacitated.

• Parents/carers can check their eligibility online via Rutland County Council’s website www.rutland.gov.uk or at www.gov.uk. For further information, contact the Rutland Information Service on 01572 722577 or speak with your early years provider

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EDUCA T I O N

Junior schools: extra-curricular activities As the new school year begins we look at the positive impact of extra-curricular activities. They help pupils to develop relationship and teamwork skills, benefit their health, boost self-esteem and teach about time management.

Bilton Grange Pupils have ample opportunity to find their passions and develop their talents at Bilton Grange, a co-educational boarding and day school for ages 4 to 13. Their options programme changes termly, but staples such as cubs, scouts, brownies and guides remain year-round. Horse riding, trampolining, Zumba and ballet are always popular, but they compete against fencing, girls’ cricket, clay pigeon shooting, swimming, photography, golf, art and sculpture.

Music is an important part of Bilton’s programme and, as well as their many choirs and orchestras, they have a range of ensembles, including saxophone, guitar, woodwind and brass.

• Bilton Grange Preparatory School, Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6QU, 01788 810217, www.biltongrange.co.uk.

Open Morning: Saturday 30 September,

from 10.30am. Please call the school’s Registrars on 01788 818246 or see details on the Bilton Grange website to book a place.

Brooke Priory Being lucky enough to have Rutland Water right on their doorstep, Brooke’s pupils can take full advantage of everything that it offers. Cycling days around the reservoir generate great team spirit and enable pupils to enjoy fitness and savour the therapeutic benefits of being in the great outdoors.

Sailing is another exciting activity on offer.

The Rutland Osprey Project gives pupils the opportunity to track the migration of these amazing birds to and from Africa.

Drama at this co-educational day preparatory school is especially strong, and the children eagerly step into character and perform in the purpose-built theatre. The boys and girls also take part in local drama festivals, often returning with awards.

Clubs and societies introduce pupils to different sports and disciplines including gymnastics, pétanque, Choi Kwang Do, ballet, tennis, showjumping and equestrian crosscountry, and chess, among numerous others.

The gymnasts have done exceptionally well this year.

• Brooke Priory School, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6QW, 01572 724778, www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk. Open Morning: Saturday 23 September, 9.30–11.30am.

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EDUCA T I O N

Copthill School There is a huge variety of extra-curricular activities on offer at Copthill, a thriving purpose-built independent co-educational school for two- to 11-year-olds set in 350 acres of farmland. Choices include 15 different music clubs and over 50 other clubs from karate and film technology to sailing and dry slope skiing.

The Copthill Challenge Scheme is a voluntary, child-initiated scheme designed to encourage all pupils from Year 4 upwards to try new skills and challenges, recognising all the abilities and interests of pupils – not just academic, sporting or musical ones. It also helps them to develop leadership and teamwork skills and encourages them to think about others and offer help through providing a service both in and out of school.

• Copthill School, Barnack Road, Uffington, Stamford PE9 3AD, 01780 757506, www.copthill.com. Open Morning: Thursday 5 October, 9–11am.

Empingham and Great Casterton CE Primary Schools At these two, federated, primary schools, inspiring teaching benefits all pupils. Children are supported in acquiring and applying lifelong skills and qualities, becoming enthusiastic, confident learners ready for their next challenges. Strong Christian values and family-centred, nurturing environments at both schools enable children to be the best they can be. Close links with families and the local community promote positive contributions locally, nationally and internationally.

The schools offer before- and after-school care and a wide range of exciting after-school extracurricular clubs. Children can join in activities from the sporty – football, gymnastics, rounders, fencing, dodgeball and archery, for example – to dance, art and languages (Spanish). New additions from September 2017 include drama for all year groups, plus Mad Science workshops and sewing classes.

• Empingham CE Primary School, School Lane, Empingham LE15 8PQ, 01780 460246, www.empinghamprimaryschool.co.uk. Open Morning: Thursday 9 November, from 9am.

• Great Casterton CE Primary School, Pickworth Road, Great Casterton, Stamford PE9 4AU, 01780 762417, www.greatcastertonprimaryschool.co.uk. Open Morning: Thursday 16 November, from 9am.

Spratton Hall The school day at Spratton Hall is packed with academia, sport, music, drama and art.

Pupils act in at least two performances a year, and each pupil has two pieces of art up on the walls per year, in addition to playing in sports matches every term and having the opportunity to participate in choirs, bands and ensembles.

Spratton Hall also offers extra-curricular clubs outside of school hours for pupils to extend their acting abilities, sporting prowess, love of art or enjoyment of being part of a musical group. After the school day, many clubs take place not only in the above but also in table tennis, chess, construction, cooking, Mandarin and more. Extra-curricular opportunities are vital to ensure a well-rounded individual who is happy in their school life and hence best placed to learn.

• Spratton Hall School, Spratton, Northamptonshire NN6 8HP, 01604 847292, www.sprattonhall.com. Open Day: Friday 6 October, 10am–12pm.

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Stamford Junior School Stamford offers all its pupils a wide range of co-curricular activities, some of which are relaxing, and some more challenging!

There is a comprehensive sports programme, which encourages participation from all children, whether it be a run around Burghley Park or even competing at national level. Gymnastics is very popular, and participation in golf is growing fast.

Other activities include a meditation and mindfulness club, which develops the children’s growth mindset and teaches resilience and self-regulation.

There is also the Formula 1 Challenge, which involves older pupils designing and building model cars before racing them against other local schools, whilst also developing links with local businesses. Sculpture Club allows the school’s youngest pupils to express themselves using a variety of materials, while the debating club gives the opportunity for independent research and to develop coherent arguing skills and respond to others appropriately.

• Stamford Junior School, Kettering Road, Stamford PE9 2LR, 01780 750311, www.ses.lincs.sch.uk. Open Day (also for the Nursery): Saturday 14 October, from 10am.

Stoneygate School Extra-curricular activities form an important part of the school day at Stoneygate School, a “Prep School Plus” for boys and girls aged 4 to 16.

“We want pupils to try something different. We also want pupils to excel in certain fields, and by offering a huge variety of clubs, there is something here for everyone.”

Pupils at Stoneygate are encouraged to stay late after lessons finish. Once the main school day has finished, pupils can decide whether or not to go to “prep” (Stoneygate’s homework club, which is monitored and supported by members of staff) or to take part in one of the many extra-curricular clubs.

Once the club has finished, everyone meets up for tea, after which the older pupils are encouraged to attend a second, later “prep club”. There are numerous arts clubs (tap, musical theatre, orchestra, recorder group, drama, knit and stitch, textiles – batik, various choirs, ukulele and guitar, and craft, to name a few), a range of language/literature clubs (including German, French Film Society and Gothic Literature), a variety of sports clubs, and lots of general-interest ones too (cookery, computing and gardening, for example).

Exciting, engaging and enjoyable!

• Stoneygate School, London Road, Great Glen, Leicestershire LE8 9DJ, 0116 2592282, www.stoneygateschool. co.uk. Open Morning: Saturday 28 October, 9.30am–12.30pm.

Witham Hall At Witham Hall, a thriving boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 4 to 13 years, there is a strong belief in a well-rounded education.

Headmaster Charles Welch writes, “We are committed to an education both in and beyond the classroom, thereby enabling the academic, artistic and physical potential of each child to flourish. Coupled with their purpose and determination to succeed, this broad programme enables our children to acquire a strong sense of achievement, a quiet confidence and an awareness of both themselves and each other.”

In addition to the main school timetable, there’s “prep” (supervised homework sessions) for pupils aged 8+. Additionally, children are free to engage in the school’s activities programme, which changes termly, with children opting in at the beginning of each term to a number of activities per week.

“The school day is further enriched by a programme of activities and

clubs, ensuring that recreational interests are well catered for. It is often at this time that untapped interests are developed, unthinkable talents discovered, or untried theories tested. This programme extends across both the Pre-Prep [ages 4 to 8] and Prep departments [8–13], offering additional flexibility for parents at the end of the school day.”

The extra-curricular activities range from the cerebral to the creative and the technological to the sporty. Examples include debating club, drama club, Spanish, design club, scuba diving (at Oakham School pool), bushcraft in nearby woodlands, and climbing at Tallington Lakes.

• Witham Hall Preparatory School, Witham on the Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE10 0JJ, 01778 590222, www.withamhall.com. Should you wish to make an appointment to visit Witham Hall and meet the Headmaster, please contact his PA, Mrs Claire Paylor, on the number above or by email at secretary@withamhall.com.

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EDUCA T I ON

Senior schools: giving back Charity work and volunteering greatly enhance students’ higher education and employability potential, with 73 percent of employers saying that they would rather employ someone with voluntary experience than someone without.*

Oundle School The Oundle School Community Action (CA) programme aims to cultivate a spirit of service and to encourage awareness of the needs of people from different sectors of society. Over 300 Fifth and Sixth formers participate in over 70 different activities on a weekly basis, including visiting and hosting people with special needs, children and the elderly, and participating in community groups and projects both in the immediate neighbourhood and beyond.

A series of annual CA events includes a sponsored “SleepOut” in a Birmingham car park to raise funds for homeless young people, and “Have-A-Go Days”, when pupils host afternoons of fun activities for children and adults with physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

• Oundle School, Church Street, Oundle, PE8 4EE, 01832 277122, www.oundleschool. org.uk. Open Day: Monday 16 September.

For an invitation, please contact the Admissions Office on 01832 277125 or at admissions@oundleschool.org.uk.

Leicester Grammar School Leicester Grammar School pupils put a lot of their time into supporting other pupils both locally and internationally. Many of them look to follow medical careers and, in preparation for this, they often engage in a prolonged period of volunteering, for example, helping in care homes, where they read to and befriend the elderly.

Pupils engage in a diverse range of activities as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, such as collecting litter in the countryside, volunteering as life guards and acting as car-park attendants at charity events. They also raise a significant amount of money for local charities, including Hope Against Cancer and Rainbows, or for local churches. Further afield they have raised tens of thousands of pounds to build a new dining hall in a sister school in Pasua, Tanzania.

• Leicester Grammar School, London Road, Leicester LE8 9FL, 0116 2591900, www.leicestergrammar.org.uk. Open Morning (for Leicester Grammar School and Leicester Grammar Junior School): Saturday 4 November, 9.30am–1pm.

Uppingham School Every Monday afternoon more than 150 Lower Sixth (Year 12) pupils take part in Community Service (CS). The value and importance of serving others is something at the forefront of Uppingham life, and the aim of the CS programme is to involve pupils in activities outside the school. From September 2017, the programme is extending to pupils in Years 10 and 11.

Pupils choose one activity to commit to for the academic year, with the options including working with adults and children with disabilities, assisting in nurseries and running clubs in local primary schools, making home visits as part of the elderly-befriending scheme, visiting care homes, tending to local gardens and helping with rural conservation projects.

• Uppingham School, Uppingham LE15 9QE, 01572 822216, www.uppingham.co.uk.

Visiting Days: Saturday 16 September (Sixth Form); Saturday 30 September (13+); for more details please contact the Admissions Department on 01572 820611. * Timebank Survey, Association of Graduate Recruiters

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Bourne Grammar School This mixed selective academy, rated as outstanding by Ofsted, works very closely with the Willoughby School, a neighbouring Special School for pupils with profound, severe and complex learning needs. As Bourne Grammar’s headteacher, Jonathan Maddox, explains: “Our students enjoy supporting the work of their peers at our neighbouring school, the Willoughby School. In March, sixth-form chemists from Bourne Grammar were invited to Willoughby to guide the students there through a range of science experiments which were carefully planned to excite, fascinate, inspire and involve them. The Sixth Formers were able to take with them apparatus and chemicals that the Willoughby students would not otherwise have a chance to see, handle and study.”

Year 10 students also organised an event for local primary school children as part of their GCSE PE course. One visiting primary school teacher commented how thrilled her pupils had been after attending: “The children were able to take part in a dance workshop or the multi-skills events and they all had a fantastic time. I would like to extend my appreciation to your Year 10 students, who were a credit to your school and excellent ambassadors. They showed great patience with the children and put them at ease.”

• Bourne Grammar School, South Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9JE, 01778 422288, www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch. uk. Open Evening: Thursday 9 November (Sixth Form).

Oakham School Oakham School offers a genuinely holistic education, wanting pupils to leave as wellgrounded, hard-working individuals who are at ease with themselves and are ready to go out into the world with the confidence and courage to stand up for what they believe in and to make a difference.

Through Voluntary Action (VA) each week, students work in local primary schools and care homes, and teach ICT skills to local elderly residents in a joint initiative with Age UK.

Stamford Endowed Schools

Stamford Endowed Schools have a long history of supporting the local community, with a firm belief that a sense of social responsibility helps to prepare children for life beyond the school gates.

The schools support a number of local charities, with events throughout the year providing funding and raising awareness. However, the schools’ drive to “give back” is not confined to local boundaries. They try to instil within their pupils that they can help to shape and improve the future and quality of lives around the world, as through the “Links to India” project, where pupils forge links with the schools in the Asharam and Arni communities in southern India.

Stamford students have run numerous fundraising activities including “India Week”, which included henna hand painting, Indian food taster sessions, curry lunches, themed films and casual clothes day to support these schools.

• Stamford Endowed Schools, St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE, 01780 750311, www.ses.lincs.sch.uk. Open Days for Stamford School and Stamford High School: Saturday 7 October, 10am–2pm; Open Evening for the Sixth Form: Wednesday 11 October, 6–9pm.

Oakham also holds two “Service Weekends” each year, where pupils participate in numerous VA projects, as well as hosting parties for approximately 300 elderly members of the local community.

Many of the school’s major trips and expeditions have a charitable element to them.

Most notable is the Kenya Schools Project, which sees students fundraise to support several Kenyan schools, as well as building and refurbishing classrooms during their trip.

During their time at Oakham, pupils also enjoy raising money for charity, fundraising for

around 18 charities a year and raising around £20,000 a year on average.

• Oakham School, Chapel Close, Oakham LE15 6DT, 01572 758500, www. oakham.rutland.sch.uk. Open Mornings: Saturday 16 September and Saturday 7 October (Lower School); Saturday 30 September (Middle School). To attend an Open Morning or book an individual visit, contact the Admissions Team on 01572 758758 or at admissions@oakham.rutland. sch.uk; alternatively fill in the request form on the school’s website.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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UPDATES News & Views

Ride and Stride

O

N Saturday 9 September, from 10am to 6pm, nearly all of Rutland’s 64 churches will be open to the public during the biennial “Ride and Stride” fundraising event, organized by Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust (RHCPT).

You can ride a bike, a horse or a cart. You can walk, run or hobble. You are welcome to raise sponsorship for RHCPT for your efforts or simply donate to the cause and in return combine exercising with enjoying some glorious local countryside and visiting churches you may not yet have visited.

Alternatively, you can help out by manning

your local church for an hour or so during the day to welcome visitors.

You can work out your own route using

The lowdown on moving in and out of Rutland

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HIS month, our local property advisor David Crooke, owner of UPP Property Agents, looks into where people are moving into Rutland from and considers how it affects our property market.

“Do Rutlanders ever move far away?” This was an intriguing question asked by one of my clients recently. For the majority of them, the response is not very far. In fact, it is much more common for us Brits to move across town than to the next town or county.

Until now, it’s been hard to say how many homeowners and tenants moved from (and to) relatively far away to buy or rent their new homes. Statistics commissioned for me from Royal Mail, for the 12 months up to the middle of autumn 2016, showed some interesting trends.

In that period, 365 households moved out of Rutland (LE15), going an average distance of 57.11 miles. The greatest distance travelled was 302 miles, when someone moved to Blairgowrie, Scotland. This reflects the fact that once someone finds a town they like, they tend to want to settle and, if they do move, they might only do so to a different neighbourhood, or for better transport links, or perhaps to be within a particular school’s catchment area.

I then looked at people moving into Rutland. For the 12 months up to the middle of autumn 2016 some 509 households moved into LE15, from an average distance of 56.75 miles. The greatest distance was 443 miles, when someone moved here from the Isle of Lewis and Harris!

So, what does all this mean for Rutland’s homeowners and landlords?

When an agent markets a property for sale or to let, it is vital to know the prospective tenant or property buyer well and that the properties they are selling or letting fit those buyers and tenants.

There’s a lot more involved than simply knowing the features of the property, the mover’s budget and being able to share insight on the area. Agents need to be reading (and reacting to) trends in the local property market and understanding where their homebuyers and tenants are relocating from in order to appreciate and match their clients’ needs.

I use my research to assist my clients to buy, sell and let their properties more effectively. The information gained here will enable us at UPP to be more efficient in where to direct our marketing resources. For example, residents in the South East of the UK favour Zoopla as their preferred property search engine, whilst Rightmove is the East Midlands’ top site. That’s why we promote our clients’ properties on the three most popularly used property search websites: Zoopla, Rightmove and Prime Location.

• For professional advice on buying, selling, renting and managing your homes and property investments, please call UPP Property Sales & Lettings on 01572 725825.

ONGRATULATIONS to two local fundraisers who have gone to hair-raising lengths to raise money for charity. Sonia Gehlcken decided to “brave the shave” for Macmillan Cancer. She told our Health & Beauty writer, Catherine Varney: “My brother was diagnosed with cancer when he was 19, and whilst he is in remission now, we’ll never forget the support we all had. I heard the promotional campaign on the radio and one night, after a few glasses of wine, decided to sign up.

By the time reality hit the next morning, I already had some online donations, so it was too late to back out!” In the run-up to the big day, Sonia dyed her hair almost every colour under the sun, including blue. Thomas Hairdressing in Oakham kindly shaved Sonia’s hair for free.

Another inspirational fundraiser is local lad Seb Constable, who started growing his hair in January 2016 in aid of The Little Princess Trust. Seb told Catherine: “I was first inspired to grow my hair by my friend Ella, who had previously donated her hair to the charity. The Little Princess Trust provides wigs to children who have suffered hair loss, whether through cancer or alopecia, and I thought it was a very worthwhile cause. The minimum length required for donation is 7 inches; the hair is then sent overseas, and each wig costs between £300 and £500 to make.”

Seb was supported by his family, school and the hairdressing team at Harpers in Oakham.

• For more details visit bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/sonia-gehlcken and www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sebshair. Thanks to both hair salons.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

PHOTOS: ELLI DEAN

Two inspirational charity fundraisers

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the specialist “Create a Route” option on the Trust’s website. This year the Trust is also working with Anglian Water on a special “Ride and Stride” around Rutland Water. Refreshments will be provided in most of the county’s churches, and there will be someone at each one to sign your sponsorship form and dish out treats. There are prizes on offer too – for the person (or team) who visits the most churches and for the most outstanding walking achievement.

• For more information and to print off a sponsorship form visit www.rhcpt.co.uk/ rutland-ride-and-stride.html. If you’d like to speak to someone direct, please contact Richard Foulkes on 01572 722192 or Sue Thomas on 01780 410085.

Rutland Primary Partners OPEN MORNINGS

Thursday November 9th from 9.00am Empingham CE Primary School

01780 460246, office@empingham.rutland.sch.uk www.empinghamprimaryschool.co.uk

“Where pupils make good progress in their learning and are achieving well” Ofsted July 2016

Spaces still available for September Thursday November 16th from 9.00am Great Casterton CE Primary School

01780 762417, office@greatcasterton.rutland.sch.uk www.greatcastertonprimaryschool.co.uk

“The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. This has lifted achievement to the excellent standard now seen across the school.” Ofsted June 2016

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OUT & AB O UT

Scenic running routes Now that the kids are back in school it’s time to dust off those trainers and make the most of the countryside before winter sets in. Lily Canter heads off road to explore the best scenic running routes in the area.

Rutland Water

This Site of Special Scientific Interest is perfect for runners with its network of footpaths and cycle ways running around the reservoir’s 17-mile perimeter. There are four main car parks (each with toilets), situated at Whitwell, Skyes Lane, Normanton and Barnsdale. Parking is £1.50 for up to an hour and £3.50 for up to three hours; annual passes are also available. You can choose your distance – whether it be a two-mile jog around the picturesque Normanton Church, or a marathon attempt around the reservoir, incorporating a circuit of the Hambleton Peninsular and amounting to 25 miles in total. The manmade lake regularly holds in excess of 25,000 waterfowl and it is bordered by woodlands, ensuring that there is always plenty of nature to observe. For those wanting a timed challenge, there is a free 5km (3-mile) park run every Saturday, starting at 9am at the Normanton Road entrance.

• Find out more at: www.rutlandwater.org.uk and www.parkrun.org.uk/rutlandwater/

Photo: Dun.can

Brampton Valley Way Head out of the south side of Market Harborough next to Little Bowden allotments on to this former railway line. There is a free car park near to the playground off Scotland Road. The gravelly path is wide, and, although it has a gradual southerly incline, it feels flat underfoot and is sheltered by bracken hedgeways. This is definitely a route for the more adventurous runner, however, as it has two long stretches of pitch-black tunnels at Great Oxendon and Kelmarsh. A bright headtorch and steely nerves are a must, as the tunnels are pocketed with potholes and they are frequented by brave but slow cyclists. Enter at your own risk! The 14-mile route runs all the way from Market Harborough to Northampton avoiding roads, making it perfect for both short- and long-distance runners.

• Find out more at www.northamptonshireparks.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

Grand Union Canal

The Market Harborough branch of the canal runs for six miles from Union Wharf to Foxton Locks. Park for free next to The Waterfront restaurant for two hours and follow the track as far as you wish. On sunny days the overhanging trees provide welcome shade, and the route is never too busy, meaning you are not constantly dodging bicycles, dogs and ramblers. The tranquil waterway is dotted with barges chugging along at a leisurely pace, and some days you pass cows and horses drinking at the canalside on the opposite bank. There are no facilities, but if you take some cash you can pop into The Boathouse at Foxton Locks for a midway drink and toilet stop, before returning back along the same path.

• Find out more at www.ukwaterwaysguide.co.uk/map/ grand-union-canal/market-harborough-arm

Canal & River Trust

Fineshade Wood

Canal & River Trust

Situated on the Rutland–Northamptonshire border, off the A43, this ancient broadleaf and conifer woodland has miles of clearly signposted tracks, which pass through areas where iron was once smelted. The longest circular route is six miles and has a range of gradients and surfaces, with parts becoming muddy during wet periods. There are also gentler two-mile routes to get you started.

The woody foliage means it is the perfect shady run, but be aware that horse riders and cyclists also use the tracks. Parking is £1.50 an hour, and there are toilets and a café on site, both of which are open from 10am to 5pm daily.

• Find out more at www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/ englandnorthamptonshirerockinghamforestfineshadewood

AUTUMN RUNNING RACES Two Counties Half Marathon and Team Relay East Carlton Countryside Park Sunday 10 September www.twocountieshalfmarathon.co.uk Rutland Marathon and Half Marathon Rutland Water, Skyes Lane Sunday 17 September www.therutlandmarathon.co.uk Leicester Half Marathon and Marathon Victoria Park Sunday 15 October leicestermarathon.org.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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HEA L T H & B E AUTY

New sensations Catherine Varney discovers the latest cutting-edge beauty treatments that promise to deliver outstanding results

Elemis Biotec at Naomi Nails & Beauty

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AVING enjoyed the friendly welcome and exceptional beauty treatments at Naomi Nails & Beauty in the past, I wasn’t surprised to learn that they had recently been awarded the accolade of Leicestershire’s “Best Beauty Salon” in the Muddy Stiletto Awards for 2017. On this occasion, I had been invited to try one of the salon’s latest high-tech offerings: the Elemis Biotec facial. My therapist, Rosie, asked what I hoped to achieve from my facial: anti-ageing, wrinkle reduction, fresher, more radiant-looking skin, improved clarity? Having been up half the night with a temperamental 2.5 year old, I needed all of the above and more!

Within the Biotec range, there are eight different facials combining five different technologies for individual skin concerns. I asked Rosie to recommend which facial she thought would best suit my skin: “I love the Line Eraser facial… it’s a really effective treatment with some great results” – which I’m sure was a kind way of saying my skin was looking on the tired side.

The products used within this facial are “Marine” ones from the Pro-collagen range and they are all seaweed based. “I love the Elemis range because the products are 94 percent naturally derived yet they deliver real clinical results,” Rosie told me. The facial started with a procollagen cleanse, followed by the prescriptive Biotec cleanser. Rosie then applied some rose-oil capsules before exfoliating my skin to remove dead skin cells and advising, “with these facials, we avoid exfoliating dry skin to prevent damaging it.”

Once it had worked its magic, the exfoliator was removed with warm face cloths: so far, so normal. But it soon became clear that this had

just prepped my skin for what was to follow…

Rosie then applied an amber massage balm to act as a conductor for the lifting and firming action of the microcurrent technology that uses two metal probes to redefine the contours of the skin. “It’s like giving the muscles a workout,” she explained to me, “and with a course of these facials, we’d gradually increase the strength to really accelerate your results.”

Next came the lighttherapy treatment – and a physics lesson: “If you remember back to your science lessons at school, the red light has a longer wavelength, so works deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen production, whilst the blue light works superficially to reduce redness, uneven skin tone and acne scarring.”

The final technological element of this facial was the oxygen infusion. Using a handheld wand, Rosie pumped 98 percent pure oxygen onto my skin, plumping the skin cells to fill in lines and wrinkles. And, to be honest, as far as resultsdriven treatments go, this was one of the most relaxing I’d had (no tingling or uncomfortable sensations at all). Immediately afterwards, my skin looked glowing, albeit slightly oily due to the amount of product that had been used; but certainly plumper and fresher. I’d done the “pinch test” before I left the house that morning, and whereas my skin had lazily returned to its former shape, it now sprang back immediately. Impressive!

The most noticeable difference came the following morning when I applied my regular foundation – it glided on effortlessly, leaving a flawless finish, with much less product required.

The fine lines around my eyes were definitely less pronounced too.

These are great facials both for those who are new to Elemis and for anyone who loves the brand. “Biotec is unique in that it re-energises and reactivates your skin,” says Rosie. “So even if you currently use the range, Biotec will reset your skin, dramatically improving the performance of your daily skincare routine.”

Advanced Plasma Skin Regeneration available at The Chaelis Clinic Clinic proprietor Lesley Spencer is renowned for her advanced and hightech aesthetic treatments, and this latest procedure is no different. Offering a “permanent” (3–5 years) solution to the signs of ageing, Advanced Plasma Skin Regeneration works on crow’s feet, upper and lower eye bags, smile lines, scars and stretch marks, acne and sun damage. The Plasma BT machine generates plasma in a minuscule gap between a tiny needle and the skin; this causes pinprick-sized burns and sterilises the area. It also changes the positive and negative charges in the skin cell membrane, aiding regeneration of new, tighter skin and increasing the formation of collagen and elastin. Each area to be treated takes around 8–10 minutes. Immediately afterwards, small brown pinprick dots will be visible, with the skin shedding after a couple of days, revealing new, tighter, pinker skin underneath. Watch this space for a full report and “before” and “after” photos of this exciting new treatment soon…

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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➧

HEA L T H & B E AUTY

A new way to detox If the summer holidays have taken their toll, then spend a bit of “me time” in the relaxing surroundings of Homefield Grange.

This stunning spa retreat, set in 23 acres of Northamptonshire countryside, offers a variety of weight loss and detox packages designed to revive, invigorate and re-charge anyone feeling rundown and sluggish from the daily grind.

(That’s all of us then!)

From the one-day kick-starter plan, which is designed to help you eat well, think well, move well and feel well – and fast – to the residential options, there is something for all lifestyles and budgets. If you’re fortunate enough to have more time, the four-night Intensive package is the perfect kick-start for weight loss, cleansing, breaking bad habits and simply escaping from daily life. With treatments such as infrared sauna therapy and relaxing massages, and diet options including juicing, protein smoothies and a blood-sugar-balancing food plan, you’ll leave brighter and lighter in just five days.

Thomas Hairdressing wins national acclaim

DIRECTORY • The Chaelis Clinic, Sten Beren, Main Street, Lowick, Kettering NN14 3BH, 01832 733811, www.chaelis.co.uk • Homefield Grange, Manor Road, Rushton, Northamptonshire NN14 1RH, 01536 712219, www.homefieldgrange retreat.co.uk • Naomi Nails & Beauty, 14 Manor Walk, Market Harborough LE16 9BP, 01858 657001, www.naominailsbeauty.co.uk • Thomas Hairdressing, The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA, 01572 756561, www.thomashairdressing.co.uk

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Thomas Potts and his talented team at Thomas Hairdressing have been named as finalists in the Hairdressers Journal International (HJ) British Business Hairdressing Awards in the “Business Newcomer” category. The awards, which are now in their 19th year, seek to find and celebrate the very best salon businesses in the country. With 17 categories relating to all aspects of the business side of hairdressing, the awards are a proven platform for raising a salon’s profile.

HJ’s Executive Director, Jayne LewisOrr says: “Promoting professionalism, innovation and excellence, the British Hairdressing Business Awards recognise those individuals and teams who work tirelessly to raise the profile and stature of this industry, and make it one of which we can all be proud. New salons open all the time, but what makes them successful is a clear vision, defined goals and an owner who can motivate and inspire their team to deliver greatness. That’s what this exciting category is all about.”

Salon owner Thomas Potts told us: “It’s such an honour to be on the shortlist in this competitive category. A couple of years ago, my salon was just a dream – now it’s a thriving business with an exciting future. I’m excited to see it go from strength to strength, and this nomination is a great confirmation that we’re on the right track.”

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

Accredited Mental Health First Aid Training

Train to be a Mental Health First Aider on this 2-day internationally recognised course, accredited by Mental Health First Aid(MHFA) England. The course is designed to raise the awareness of mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding issues such as depression, suicide, anxiety, phobias, psychosis and bipolar disorders.

You will learn the skills and knowledge to enable you to: • • • • •

Spot the early signs of a mental health issue Feel confident helping someone experiencing a mental health issue Provide help on a first aid basis Help prevent someone from hurting themselves or others Aid faster recovery by helping to stop a mental health issue from getting worse • Guide someone towards the right support Dates: 21/22 Sept, 19/20 Oct & 16/17 Nov 2017 Venue: Greetham Hotel, Golf and Conference Centre, Wood Lane, Greetham, Oakham LE15 7SN Cost: £295 including refreshments, all materials, MHFA Workbook, Manual & Certificate

To book a place please contact Cathy Lawson, MHFA Instructor T: 07771 550541 E: cathy@maestrowellbeing.com

EXCITING TIMES A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail informing me that the THOMAS HAIRDRESSING GROUP along with THOMAS & THOMAS Melton Mowbray has been short listed into the final six for an award at the BRITISH HAIRDRESSING BUSINESS AWARDS. We have been placed in the “INDEPENDENT SALON – BUSINESS NEWCOMER” category, the previous winners of this award have typically been salons based down in London, in fact 4 of the 6 finalists this year are all London salons, so it’s a massive honour to be included in what is an extremely prestigious and sought-after award.

Ever since we heard about our inclusion it’s been nonstop, I have been on BBC Radio Leicester for a live interview on their popular morning show, featured in the Leicester Mercury NEWSPAPER, we have scheduled interviews with Radio Rutland, Harborough FM, we have been asked to present a “current trends” feature for the BBC home counties and have received letters and phone calls of congratulations from numerous large hairdressing organisations.

The ceremony itself takes place down in London on the 11th September and is a black tie/ballgown affair at a 5-star Park Lane hotel, so all the guys and I will head down with everything crossed.

To win would be something of a landmark but we are realistic and I personally am just so proud to even be nominated for the award.

News and updates will be posted on our Facebook page along with photos of myself and my amazing team all dressed up on the night itself.

Sociable, Ladies only RUNNING GROUP

FINGERS CROSSED...

Thomas

Groups suitable for new runners and beyond

Oakham 01572 756561 Uppingham 01572 822555 Melton Mowbray 01664 566812

Next 8 week beginner course starts Tuesday 12th September £40 Booking essential Meeting in Market Harborough.

Email: thomas@thomashairdressing.co.uk Run@shecandoit.co.uk shecandoit.co.uk

www.thomashairdressing.co.uk 75

The Lady Rothschild Dairy

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HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS Market Harborough News & Events

Arts Fresco 2017

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RTS Fresco, one of the largest free street theatre festivals in the UK, celebrates its 15th anniversary when it returns to Market Harborough on Sunday 10 September 2017. This year’s event takes place across town and features a host of performances from professional street artists from both the UK and abroad.

Artists appearing at the festival include Garagthy and Thom (a street comedy act and winners of last year’s Audience Award), Deaf Men Dancing (a quirky mix of aerial circus, Tango and British Sign Language interpretation), Mimbre (a blend of physical and acrobatic theatre), the Strong Lady from Australia and

Le Navet Bete (described as “clowning around and downright silliness”).

A children’s village, supported by the Market Harborough Building Society, will feature circus workshops, entertainment and more.

Nina Thomas, from the Arts Fresco Organising Committee, said: “We’re delighted to reach our 15th anniversary this year and with over 10,000 visitors expected in the town during the day, we hope that they will all be able to join in our celebrations.”

Arts Fresco is entirely funded by local sponsorship and donations, and is organised by a dedicated team of local volunteers who are passionate about Market Harborough.

Why not go and enjoy the festival with them?

• Arts Fresco 2017 takes place on Sunday 10 September from 11am to 4pm in Market Harborough.

For more information on events, visit www.artsfresco.com.

Vintage Festival at Foxton Locks

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OXTON Locks is hosting the Foxton Vintage Festival on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September, from 10am–7pm on both days. This new event is being run by the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of canal and rivers in England and Wales.

The family-friendly festival, which is a ticket-only affair (for details on how to purchase tickets, see below), will bring to life the stories of what it was like to live and work along the canals during the Industrial Revolution. It will include a wide variety of heritage and vintage working boats, steam engines, a vintage fun fair, craft stalls, local food and drink stalls, characters in costume and boat trips through the locks.

Built in 1815 Foxton Locks is home to a staircase of ten locks, which enables about 4,000 boats each year to navigate up and down the hill at Foxton. The site is home to a boat lift that was designed to speed up travel by bypassing the locks, although the lift fell into disuse in 1911.

Vicky Martin, waterway manager from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Our waterways are as much alive today as they were when they were used to transport cargo around the country and are a great place to visit as a family.

“This festival will give people the chance to get up close to our canal heritage and discover how important our waterways were in helping to shape modern-day Britain. Nowadays our canals are places where you can enjoy a much slower pace of life and, as a charity, we’re really keen to showcase all they have to offer to a new generation of enthusiasts.”

• Foxton Locks, Gumley Road, Foxton LE16 7RA. Tickets (£12/£15 in advance/on the day – price per car, including parking and festival entrance for the car’s occupants) at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ enjoy-the-waterways/events/2017-09-16-foxton-vintage-festival.

Great Bowden Bale Push & Family Fun Day

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OLL your sleeves up and get ready to push… Great Bowden’s first-ever Bale Push & Family Fun Day is taking place at Bowden Cricket Club on Sunday 17 September.

Starting at 1.30pm, this delightful-sounding event involves the bale push itself plus a barbeque, bar, face painting, lots of fun stalls and a ceilidh – so get your dancing shoes at the ready too. It’s planned to be a great afternoon out for the whole family, and hopefully it’ll be the first of many!

• Admission is free, with just a £1 donation requested if you want to take part in the bale push. For more details visit www.facebook.com/GreatBowdenEvents/.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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OUT & ABOUT Amander Meade selects the best entertainment in the region this month

Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September EVENT: Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials The Horse Trials are recognised as the premier equestrian and social event in the international sporting calendar and a focus for the best horses and riders in the world. Burghley’s parkland provides a stunning location for both the trials and for the popular shopping village of more than 600 exhibitors, making sure this event is now almost as famous for the fabulous shopping as for the equine action.

Burghley Park, Stamford. Tickets from £15.

01933 304744. www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

Thursday 7 September, 7.30pm FILM: The Golden Years Cinema for Rutland, part of Arts for Rutland, takes place on the first Thursday of the month at Rutland County Museum.

September’s film is The Golden Years, a lighthearted comedy about a Bristol-based group of erstwhile law-abiding senior citizens, who, following the pensions crisis, take matters into their own hands. Wine and other refreshments will be available.

Rutland County Museum.

Tickets £5, from Oakham Wines and www.wegottickets.com.

01572 758440. www.a4r.org.uk.

Friday 8 September, 7–11pm EVENT: Barn Dance

To celebrate another fine osprey season at Rutland Water a barn dance will be held, with music provided by the Navigation Band.

The ticket price includes a hog roast, and there will be a bar on site to quench your thirst after all that dancing, plus a raffle and games.

Manton Village Hall.

Tickets £20. 01572 737378. www.ospreys.org.uk.

Friday 8 September, 7.30pm COMEDY: Oh Goody!

Tim Brooke-Taylor and Chris Serle An evening in the company of one of the funniest and best-loved comedy performers of our time, Tim Brooke-Taylor, as he discusses his long career with the writer and broadcaster Chris Serle.

Expect a few revealing

anecdotes about many of the names Tim has appeared with, including his fellow Goodies, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.

Uppingham Theatre.

Tickets £16/£14, available on 01572 820820 or from Uppingham Sports and Books.

Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 September THEATRE: The Memory of Water Presented by Stamford Shoestring Theatre and written by Shelagh Stephenson, this lifeaffirming play won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2000. A reunion occurs when three estranged sisters and their partners gather at the home of their recently deceased mother. As the sisters relive the past, it becomes

Saturday 9 September, 7.30pm MUSIC: Clare Hammond This month pianist Clare Hammond is Music in Lyddington’s featured guest. Clare won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s award for “Young Artists” in 2016 in recognition of outstanding achievements in the previous year.

St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington.

Tickets £16 (students admitted free), from Uppingham Sports and Books and Oakham Wines. www.musicinlyddington.co.uk.

apparent that despite synchronicities of time and place, each has a very different memory of events.

Stamford Theatre. Tickets £10/£8. 01780 763203. stamfordartscentre.com.

From Wednesday 13 September, 1.20pm MUSIC: Lunchtime Concert Series Daniel Mills, a Music Scholar at Uppingham before going on to further study at Leeds College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, opens the school’s lunchtime concert series alongside Accompanist-inResidence Simon Smith.

The programme includes a selection of works for the trumpet by Honegger,

Haydn and Brandt.

Later in the month, on Wednesday 20 September, the lunchtime concert features Uppingham Music Scholars Sam Abbott and Amy Clark, who will perform a programme of works for the clarinet

by Mendelssohn and Krommer, alongside the school’s Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion, Andrew Webster. On Wednesday 27 September, renowned opera stars from Uppingham School’s Singing Department take to the stage to perform highlights from Georges Bizet’s enchanting 1875 opera, Carmen.

Uppingham Parish Church.

Admission free (no ticket required). 01572 820820. www.uppingham.co.uk.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

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➧

OUT & ABOUT Amander Meade selects the best entertainment in the region this month

Thursday 14 September, 7.30pm MUSIC: Harry the Piano There’s another chance to see the extraordinarily gifted and breathtakingly creative Harry the Piano, who is back due to popular demand. Widely considered one of the best improvisatory pianists in the world, Harry does things with the piano that you have never seen before, moving seamlessly between jazz, classical, pop and much more.

Oakham School Chapel.

Tickets £10 (free for school-age children), from Walkers of Oakham bookshop and wegottickets.com.

Friday 15 September, 7.30pm THEATRE: The Noise Next Door Fresh from their sell-out show at Edinburgh the UK’s premier comedy improvisation troupe will transform audience suggestions into fantastically funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye.

Uppingham Theatre.

Tickets £14/£12, available on 01572 820820 or from Uppingham Sports and Books.

Saturday 16 to Saturday 30 September, 7pm MUSICAL THEATRE: Sunset Boulevard

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Strictly Come Dancing 2016 finalist Danny Mac is to star as Joe Gillis in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical.

One of the all-time greats, the show is a compelling story of romance and obsession. In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond lives in a fantasy world.

Impoverished screenwriter Gillis stumbles into her reclusive life with dramatic consequences.

Curve, Leicester.

Tickets from £10.

0116 2423595. curveonline.co.uk.

Saturday 16 September, 7.30pm MUSIC: Frumenty – Folk Music and More This is traditional music at its very best from four musicians singing and playing English, Irish, French, German and Friesian folk classics along with their own compositions.

Empingham Village Audit Hall.

Tickets £5 in advance or

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

£6 on the door.

01780 460106.

Sunday 17 September, 6.15pm for 7pm MUSIC: Café Jazz A fun and relaxing evening featuring a variety of well-known vocal and instrumental jazz classics from artists such as Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Gershwin and Sinatra.

Ashley Church.

Tickets £15 (including a glass of wine and canapés); free for children under 16.

01858 565294.

adaptation of his classic poem, The Hunting of the Snark (4+). The following week it’s Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur – an epic tale of deep magic, heroism, love and betrayal – a fast-moving show with puppetry and outstanding storytelling (7+).

Uppingham Theatre.

Admission free but tickets required. 01572 820820. www.uppthearts.co.uk.

Wednesday 4 October, 12.30pm CHARITY EVENT: RNLI Annual Lunch Roger Oakes will be the guest speaker, sharing his experiences as a guide at Burghley House. A relaxed lunch with souvenirs and a raffle.

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel.

Tickets and information from Laura Reekie, 01572 724716.

Wednesday 27 September, 7.30pm EVENT: Historical Talk Local historian Douglas Clinton will be the guest of Great Easton & District Local History Society, with his presentation “Breedonon-the-Hill: the Treasures of an Anglo-Saxon Monastery”.

Great Easton Village Hall.

TIckets £2.

Thursday 28 September and Tuesday 3 October, 4pm CHILDREN’S THEATRE: Rutland Children’s Theatre Project Children are invited to see two special performances in Uppingham. Firstly, enter the imaginative world of Lewis Carroll in a brand new, ultra-modern

Friday 22 September, 7.30pm CONCERT: Dominic Kirwan with Lisa Stanley One of Ireland’s great entertainers, who has toured with Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride and Kenny Rogers, Dominic Kirwan hits the road again with a new show and accompanied by singer Lisa Stanley. Lisa is renowned as one of Ireland’s top female vocalists.

They each bring their own inimitable style to the vast and rich musical heritage of their homeland.

The Core, Corby.

Tickets £22.50. 01536 470470. thecorecorby.com.

Rutland is some offering some Rutland CountyCounty Council Council is offering FREE refresher refresher driving courses aimed at Rutland drivers. driving theory courses aimed at drivers in Rutland.

THECOURSES NEXT COURSE BEING HELD THE COUNCIL THE HAVE BEENIS ARRANGED ON THEAT FOLLOWING DATES: OFFICES IN OAKHAM ON THE FOLLOWING DATE:

Monday 12th October 10.00-12.00 Council Chambers, Oakham October 2017Uppingham 10.00 –Town 12.30 TuesdayThursday 3rd November 12th 14.00-16.00 Hall There are also 3 more courses organised for 2018.

Wednesday 17th March 14:00-16:00 Cottesmore Village Hall Thursday 24rd March

10.00-12.00

Tinwell Village Hall

These theory courses are aimed at drivers who would like to update their knowledge as well as learn how to drive more safely and efficiently.

These for break Rutland who would to update their knowledge as There courses will be aare short forresidents refreshments.

The like course is currently free for Rutland well as learn how to drive more safely and efficiently. There will be an opportunity for a residents and £30 for non-residents. It consists of a 2 ½ theory course and a voucher practical driving session at a later date. for an hour practical session to use with a local driving instructor at a later date.

For more information or to book your place telephone 01572-758248 or email tbarnwell@rutland.gov.uk

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HIST O R Y

From humble spud to golden ticket Caroline Aston tracks the small wonder that earned Market Harborough a place in snack history

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EPTEMBER – and soon, we hope, all will be safely gathered in, as harvest time continues apace. Fields will yield up the fruits of farming, so let’s hear it for the potato, or, more particularly, for that humble tuber’s offspring, the crisp! Interestingly, one particular brand of that moreish snack food has strong links with our very own Market Harborough.

But first, some history…The saga of the spud goes back centuries: Latin name ‘Solanum tuberosum’, the fourth-largest food crop in the world has been cultivated for thousands of years, and originally by Inca tribes in Peru. In 1536 the Spanish conquered Peru, took a shine to potatoes and brought them back to Europe. By the end of the 16th century the families of Basque sailors were growing the crop on the Biscay coast of Northern Spain, and Sir Walter Raleigh introduced the potato to Ireland in 1589, establishing a 40,000-acre plantation near Cork. Four decades later the vegetable had found favour throughout Europe, but almost 300 years went by before the crisp was born.

Chef William Kitchiner published his recipe book The Cook’s Oracle in 1817. A best-seller in England and the US it listed a dish described as “potatoes fried in slices or shavings”. Kitchiner recommended that the slices should be a quarter of an inch thick, or, alternatively, that the potato be peeled in a continuous strip and fried in lard or oil. I, however, prefer a rather more dramatic version of the crisp’s creation.

In 1853 chef George Crum was working in Saratoga Springs, New York, at the upmarket Moon’s Lake House restaurant, where his thick-cut fries were a speciality. One night a picky customer returned his chips to the kitchen, complaining that they were too thick. Crum’s second effort was also sent back, which didn’t go down well with the short-tempered chef.

As a pointed joke Crum produced a third batch too thin to be eaten with a fork – and the finicky eater loved them! The crisp, which was marketed as Saratoga Chips, was born and it has never looked back! (Mr Crum didn’t either and by 1860 he was the proud owner of his own lakeside eaterie.)

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2017

And so to Market Harborough… In August 2013 the Mercado Lounge opened in Edinburgh House, on Abbey Street. Part of a successful nationwide chain, the Harborough version occupies what was once the headquarters of the well-known crisp brand Golden Wonder.

Back in 1947, the year our Queen married Prince Philip, a Scottish baker had a lightbulb moment about how to increase his profits. William Alexander’s business was based in Stockbridge, near Edinburgh, and his plan was simple: all his baking was done by lunchtime, so he decided to make crisps in the afternoon. The potato variety Alexander chose as his raw material was the “Golden Wonder”.

The firm of the same name was founded in 1957 and by 1960 Golden Wonder had become the leading Scottish brand of crisps. By the time they created their ready-salted nibbles, they rang the death knell for that little twist of blue paper containing salt that was popularly found in crisp packets at that time. Two years later the company introduced crisps with a flavour: cheese and onion.

In 1964 Corby became the site of the biggest crisp and snack factory in the world. A year later, to make sure its best-sellers retained their crunch, Golden Wonder produced “Crackle Fresh” packaging. As England won the 1966 World Cup the nation was chomping through millions of 5p-a-pop bags of what was then the national leading brand of crisp, with Golden Wonder the fifth-largest grocery brand in Britain. The “Wotsit” was introduced in 1970 and the “Ringo” in 1972.

During the long, hot summer of 1976 Golden Wonder nearly lost its potato stocks due to drought – wholesale prices soared, and there was such a shortage that Parliament debated forcing the crisp companies to sell their spuds to ease things. Sadly, there was a huge fire at the Corby factory in 1988 – it took six months to get back into production, by which point the brand had lost its market leadership to Walkers.

But Market Harborough was once the epicentre of potato-based fortune, so remember that as you bite into those addictive little crunchy discs of deliciousness that are crisps!

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