Market Harborough Living November 2018

Market

Harborough LIVING November 2018 ÂŁ1.50

Covering Market Harborough and its surrounding area, plus Rutland

Local highlights A R T S , FA S H I O N , F O O D , I N T E R I O R S , W H A T ’ S O N

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Contents November 2018 FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 6 42 44 46

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Fashion: Sing Your Heart Out In Vogue in Harborough Health & Beauty News & Reviews Health & Beauty: Laser Focus from Flawless Body

HOME & GARDEN 24 In the Navy 26 Alexander Lewis: British-Made Fine Furniture 30 Outdoor Living

FOOD & DRINK Cover images this month: RL: Brooke Peverell, Director of Oakham and Stamford S!ngs, photographed by Elli Dean (ellideanphotography.co.uk); see pp6–8 and p10 MHL: “Strolling Through Time” by Richard Telford, courtesy of Wingates Gallery in Market Harborough; for more details, see p60 and wingatesgallery.co.uk

rutlandliving.co.uk marketharboroughliving.co.uk Editor Clare Peel clare@bestlocalliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager, Rutland and Market Harborough Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertising Copy and Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designers (Editorial) Calum Handley Chris Strickland Designer (Advertising) Sarah Patterson inkdesign@virginmedia.com Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne Subscriptions: annual rate £25 (UK only).

Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY, with a cheque payable to Local Living, or go online to bestlocalliving.co.uk

32 34 36 39

The Olive Branch: Classic Gravy Turn up the Heat: the Chilli Farndon Fields Farm Food News & Reviews

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, SHOPPING, LEARNING & BUSINESS 10 Community Choirs: All Together Now! 17 Christmas Gifts 50 Local Walk: Southwick and the Surrounding Woods 53 The Sir Laurence Howard Rutland Scholarship 54 Little Living 65 Out & About 70 We Will Remember Them…

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PEOPLE & PLACES 13 Rutland Heroes: Rutland Poppy Project Volunteers

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NEWS & NOTES 4 Editor’s Page 59 Westwood Stairlifts; MHA Welland Place 60 Rutland NSPCC Carol Concert; Filmed by Oliver; Wingates Gallery and Richard Telford 62 Rutland Cycling; Brooke Hill Academy Trust; Greetham Gardens

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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THIS MONTH

Welcome

Can you believe it’s November already? I’m amazed by how rapidly this year is speeding by. I’m absolutely loving autumn so far – this season, along with spring, are my favourite times of year. The region is looking incredible in all its late-autumnal glory, and there is just so much on offer across the area to keep us all busy. My biggest challenge is how to get it all into the magazine for you! There’s no letting up on all this activity, of course, as we zoom towards Christmas. Restaurants are gearing up for the festive period (book now!), shops are packed with enticing seasonal stock (they need your support, so do shop locally – the first instalment of our gift guide should help with inspiration; more next month, too), and there are events aplenty in the run up to Christmas. In this issue – which I hope you’ll agree looks better than ever (special thank you to designers Steve, Calum and Sarah for this) – we’ve also got a wonderful fashion shoot with clothes modelled by local choir members (another huge thank you to them for giving their time), navy interiors, Market Harborough design, news of a Rutland scholarship scheme with Leicester University , reflections for Armistice Day, and much more. Enjoy the read and very best wishes for the month! @rutlandliving

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@rutlandlivingmag

Editor’s selection On the radar this month…

EMBELLISH RECHARGE

at Millers, a super-stylish, pocketsized café tucked away on Millers Yard, just off Church Square (near Hobbs Fishmongers) in Market Harborough.

Fabulous coffee (just look at that beetroot latte), delicious cakes and great décor.

What’s not to like? millerscafe.co.uk

your dinner table with these fantastic napkins from Thornback & Peel (£45 for four), available at the über-stylish Sarah Harding Interiors in Uppingham. sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

THE FATSTOCK INVEST

in a new hat, scarf and gloves to keep the cold off as the days get chillier…

Great places to look for these include Duo in Oakham, Jacks for Women in Market Harborough and Attic in Stamford. Chilly mornings… do your worst! Fluffy pom-pom set shown here: gloves £20, hat £20, with fluffy leopardskin cross-body bag, £45, all at Jacks for Women. jacksforwomen.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

REHYDRATE

in style!

While on the shoot for our Christmas gift guide, I fell in love with these funky drink bottles (£15 each) by Hip, available at the Kitchen Range Cookshop, on Church Street in Market Harborough.

The only issue is which gorgeous colour to choose…

Each November – this year it’s on Wednesday 28th – Uppingham’s Market Place is transformed into a livestock market. It’s the only event of its kind in the UK still held in temporary penning in a town market square and it makes for a fine morning out.

TRENT GALLERIES

IS DELIGHTED TO BE SHOWCASING THE OUTSTANDING NEW COLLECTION FROM RUTLAND’S FINEST LOCAL ARTIST

DEBBIE BOON

Pop into the Gallery, or call us on 01572 722790!

11 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA 01572 722790 oakham@trentgalleries.co.uk

www.trentgalleries.co.uk

Diamond, Gemstone & Pearl Specialists

EXCITING NEW JEWELLERY PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS Available online and in our showroom NOW

www.heidikjeldsen.co.uk 5 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA t: 01572 722666 e: heidi@heidikjeldsen.co.uk

Professional DesignService Service Professional Interior Interior Design Re-Upholstery SoftFurnishings Furnishings Re-Upholstery and and Soft Unique and Beautiful Furniture Unique and Beautiful Furniture SuppliersofofLinwood, Designers Guild, and Zoffany, Suppliers Osborne Little, Colefax and Fowler, Romo and Colefax and Fowler, Zoffany, Designers Harlequin Guild and Romo 6 MARKET PLACE · UPPINGHAM · RUTLAND · LE15 9QH · 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk · info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd

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Sing your heart out

Brooke wears black Mac skinny jeans, £100, from Attic, with leopard-print Maison Scotch blouse, £110, and Soie Schnoor bomber jacket, £106, both from Energy. Gabor high-heeled boots, £120, from Marcia May Shoes

WORD: SALLY STILLINGFLEET PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Kay wears striped Bellrose top, £115, with burgundy Mac Jeans, £100, and bottle green Great Plains coat, £150, all Attic

Margo wears Marie Méro hot pink dress with bead detail, £207, and matching scarf, £109, both from Vanilla. Long burgundy Gabor boots, £170, from Marcia May Shoes

Sally Stillingfleet found that dressing two choirs gave her a great chance to meet local ladies who love their new-found voices! They enrolled in Brooke Peverell’s Oakham S!ngs and Stamford S!ngs, and the two groups came together to try on outfits from local shops before choosing the autumnal outfits seen here. Pushed out of their fashion comfort zones, they enjoyed trying on clothes in seasonal berry colours, greens and pinks, making a change from the usual black!

It was lovely to introduce them to looks they may not have opted for – we think they all look fantastic! Many thanks to Oakham S!ngs and Stamford S!ngs and thank you to Brooke the Director, Yvonne Twine, Gail Nicholls, Kay Clayton, Dyl Powell and Claire Franklin, just a few members of the two groups who agreed to be my models for a day

Claire wears Marie Méro V-neck top, £129, from Vanilla, with blue jeans (seen on p8) from a selection at Energy

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Yvonne wears silk Second Female shirt, £110, with striped Second Female wide trousers, £110, both from Attic. Burgundy chunky trainers, £155, from CoCo

➧ RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Sing your heart out

Whole group left to right: Gail, Yvonne, Margo, Brooke, Dyl, Claire and Kay, wearing fashions as before and below

BELOW: Gail wears red silky Twist & Tango top, £100, with Mac black-coated, straight jeans, £80, both Attic, and red/black faux fur-trimmed cardigan, £165, from Vanilla. Grey buckle-up ankle boots, £179, from CoCo

STOCKISTS Arch Label Agency St Paul’s Street, Stamford, 01780 764746, archlabelagency.co.uk Attic 33 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, 01780 766667, atticofstamford.co.uk CoCo 29 High Street, Oakham, 01572 757646, cocooakham.co.uk Duo Boutique 29a High Street, Oakham, 01572 722116, duoboutique.co.uk Energy Ironmonger Street, Stamford, 01780 765633, energy-clothing.com Fords of Oakham 8 Church Street, Oakham, 01572 722654, fordsofoakham.co.uk Jacks for Women 16 Church Street, Market Harborough, 01858 431396, jacksforwomen.co.uk Marcia May Shoes 36 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, 01780 762699, and 17 Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 759313 Vanilla 23b Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 757577, vanillaboutique.co.uk

ABOVE: Dyl wears Celine loral bomber jacket, £220, over pink sleeveless silk blouse, £40, both from Arch, with Mac burgundy jeans, £100, Attic, and Gabor boots, £89.99, from Marcia May Shoes

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

• Thanks to my gorgeous models from Oakham and Stamford S!ngs • Natural make-up by Sally Stillingfleet, flowerfile@aol.com.

• Photography by Elli Dean, 07932 055548, ellideanphotography.co.uk

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Interior Design Soft Furnishings Re Upholstery Fabric Wallpaper Paint Lighting Floor Coverings

We now have two stores! Lots of lovely new collections including tabletop, gifts and Christmas decorations

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 17a and 27 Mill St Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA 01572 722 345

Colefax and Fowler Crucial Trading Charlotte Gaisford Christopher Farr Designers Guild Fermoie G P and J Baker Jacaranda Jane Churchill Kate Foreman Larsen

SAMUEL ROBSON

Nina Campbell Osborne and Little Pierre Frey Porta Romana Ralph Lauren Roger Oates Romo Sahco Thibaut Vanessa Arbuthnott Villa Nova Voyage William Yeoward Zoffany

Alternative Flooring Andrew Martin Anna French Arte

Linwood Manuel Canovas Mark Alexander Mulberry 9

Singing is the perfect antidote to our busy, stressful lives and beneficial to both body and mind.

Lily Canter meets some local choirs to find out why we should all have a go

All together now!

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

HERE are more than 4,000 singing groups in the UK meeting in church halls, meeting rooms and community centres each week to share their love of melodies.

New choirs, with an emphasis on fun and variety rather than audition and choral tradition, are popping up all over the region, welcoming a new generation of singers. This resurgence in singing has been partly credited to the popularity of BBC Two series The Choir, in which choirmaster Gareth Malone charmed the nation and introduced naysayers to the benefits of making music with our vocal chords.

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HEALTH BENEFITS AND THERAPY

In fact, it has been proven that singing has massive health benefits and has been shown to boost immune systems, improve lung function, reduce stress levels and, according to a report published in the Journal of Music Therapy in 2004, help patients cope with chronic pain.

It also enables people with dementia to access memories and is often used as therapy in care homes, hospices and hospitals. In Market Harborough, Singing for Memories is run by Dementia Harborough each month to help soothe, stimulate and bring to mind long-forgotten memories through music and song. Rutland Reminders, which has groups in Uppingham and Oakham, also offers therapy through singing to people with dementia.

SOCIABLE, FUN AND CONFIDENCE-BUILDING

Singing in a group, rather than solo, also helps people to feel connected to others, as well as to the lyrics. Brooke Peverell, who founded S!ngs in Rutland (she also has choirs in Stamford and 10

Bourne), firmly believes that singing improves lives and is a great social activity. She said: “Particularly in this area everyone is spread out, and it can be isolated. S!ngs is all about building friendships whilst making music. It is about having a good time whilst singing well.

“Singing has so many benefits. It lowers your blood pressure… When you sing, your posture improves, your breathing improves, the health benefits are incredible, and it releases endorphins.”

Aged just 21, Brooke brings a youthful energy to her choirs, who sing rock and pop music as well as choral pieces, Disney soundtracks, gospel music and musical theatre. (See Brooke and members of her Rutland and Stamford choirs in our fashion feature on pages 6–8.)

Following a similar vibe is Dolly Mixtures Ladies Choir in Market Harborough, founded by Alex Reffell in 2013. Alex had previously sung in local groups and wanted to set up something a little different. The group sets themes for concerts and dresses in fancy dress, whilst also encouraging the audience to join in. “We have done an 80s’ theme and a movie theme. At one concert we had a man in a full Freddy Mercury costume from ‘I Want to Break Free’ with a vacuum.

“We try not to take ourselves too seriously and we tackle quirky arrangements of pop and rock songs by the likes of Foo Fighters or Justin Bieber, as well as covering songs from other eras and styles,” said Alex.

The choir is a great stepping stone for women wanting to build their confidence and singing skills, whilst working towards a performance if they wish to. “If people can be brave enough to step through the door, I see how they are amazed with themselves. They can learn to sing in tune and in time and let go.”

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

And even established choirs have open arms for new members. Songbirds Choir in Market Harborough is a long-running, non-auditioning choir for women who like to sing a wide variety of songs in convivial company. Chairperson Julia Brittain said they are known as the “friendly choir”, as they aim to have a lot of fun and are successful in retaining members.

Meeting weekly, the choir sing everything from John Rutter to Irving Berlin via Bob Dylan.

The emphasis of the choir is on community and social activity, and they fundraise throughout the year. “People have a jolly good natter before we start each week. Some people might have caring responsibilities or grandchildren they look after, so it’s nice for them to come and chat and have a good laugh.”

And Bridget agrees that there is something special and inclusive about singing that brings people together. “It is an opportunity to relate to other people and be part of something. You feel good afterwards, and if you hit a bum note, it doesn’t matter.”

DIRECTORY • Dolly Mixtures Ladies Choir, Market Harborough: wendysavill@btinternet. com, facebook.com/dollymixtureschoir/ • Rutland Reminders, Oakham and Uppingham: 07779 413889, rutlandreminders.org.uk • Singing for Memories, Market Harborough: 07772 055935, dementiaharborough.org/ singing-for-memories • S!ngs, Stamford, Oakham and Bourne: 07772 055935, facebook.com/SINGSCHOIRS/ • Songbirds Ladies Choir, Market Harborough: 07799 457626, facebook.com/ songbirdsladieschoir/

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This month’s “hero” slot goes to everyone involved in the magnificent Poppy Project.

Ten thousand ceramic poppies were created by hundreds of Rutlanders and are now on display in a fabulous installation at Oakham Castle. Amander Meade speaks to the originator of the project, Vickie Goddard

The Rutland Poppy Project Volunteers AVING visited many impressive exhibitions around the UK – including those using poppies to symbolise remembrance – Art Technician Vickie began to wonder if it might be possible to create something on a grand scale for her home county of Rutland. “When the idea began to formulate in my mind, I loated it around some friends, who were encouraging, so I approached Stuart Williams, Principal of Catmose College, where I work. Stuart was 100 per cent behind the idea from the start and funded some initial start-up costs to get the ball rolling.”

Recruiting friends to help her bring her vision to life, Vickie was determined that the project would be truly inclusive, involving all ages and abilities and with cross-curricular elements including creativity and history.

“We settled on a plan to create an installation of handmade poppies to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War I, and the obvious choice of venue was Oakham Castle.

Robert Clayton, Head of Culture at Rutland County Council, gave us enormous assistance, and, when approval was granted, we could inally begin fundraising and putting things in place.”

Following generous donations towards the cost of materials by local companies, charitable organisations and private individuals, the irst poppies were made by some of the younger Catmose College students after a special assembly on the meaning of the poppy within the context of remembrance. Vickie’s team of volunteers began to roll out the invitation to make poppies across the county. “We provided ‘poppy kits’ with improvised and inexpensive tools to keep the costs down (100 poppies cost just £1.50). Volunteers toured the county visiting primary and secondary schools, clubs, organisations, companies, hospitals and care homes the length and breadth of Rutland. The team explained about the project and demonstrated how easy it was to make a poppy and be involved,” says Vickie. “Through social media, word of the project snowballed, and before long we were being approached to hold workshops and were inundated with requests for poppy kits, which was a wonderful and very welcome surprise,” she adds.

The poppies were made by moulding clay around a template then

RUTLAND

HEROES

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“There has been amazing interaction between generations over the last year, and we are so proud of everyone who has helped make such a special remembrance tribute on behalf of our county.”

Vickie would like to thank everyone who volunteered to make the Poppy Project a reality – in particular Judith Spiers, Liz Cumming, Karen Lemon, Judith Gilboy, Kate Hamilton, Roz Nicholl, Lizzie Newel, Lynne Cooper and the many others who have so kindly given up hours of their own time to help out.

shaping it into a simple poppy shape. The pieces are then twice ired and glazed, placed upon wire “stalks”. This month all 10,000 can be seen arranged in drifts at Oakham Castle in the most moving and impressive exhibition recently launched during a special ceremony led by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland. At the end of the installation period the poppies will be removed in batches of 100 and placed on the county’s war memorials and also offered to the schools whose pupils were involved as a souvenir of the project. The remainder will be sold in support of the Royal British Legion.

“There have been so many special moments along the way,” says Vickie.

“Too often small towns and rural communities miss the opportunity to experience major art projects. I hope those involved will feel they have delivered both an inspiring sculpture and had a memorable and valuable experience. There has been amazing interaction between generations over the last year, and we are so proud of everyone who has helped make such a special remembrance tribute on behalf of our county.”

Find out more on Twitter from @PoppyRutland

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Fords Of Oakham Rutland’s premier department store

The Old Church, Mill Street, Oakham

Online Exhibiion of Original Acrylic & Oil Painings by Paul Meakins

8 Church Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AA Tel: 01572 722654 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Fordsofoakham Now open on Sundays 10am to 4pm 16

@ paulmeakinsgallery.com

ChristmasGift Guide Look no further than your local high streets for your Christmas shopping this year – everything you need is right here, in the market towns on your doorstep. Amander Meade and Clare Peel round up a selection of the best ideas for gifts from some of our favourite independent retailers.

Also check out our suggestions for beauty gifts on page 44 PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN AND COURTESY OF OUR RETAILERS

For the kids

Crochet animal heads: fox £50, bull £79, others also available, Keals

Terramundi money pot, £22.50, Polka Dot

Lilypad Fairy Garden, £19.99, Fords of Oakham Jellycat Percy Penguin (30cm), £30, Polka Dot

 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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ChristmasGift G For her

Paul Green studded suede ankle boot, £179, CoCo

Belts from £55 each and buckles from £50, all at Peachy Belts Pashley “Penny” bike, £575, George Halls Cycle Centre

Printed scarves from £24.99, gold collar necklace £44.99, gold bangle £34.99 and matching earrings £22.99, above, and touchscreen gloves, £29.99, right, all by Dansk Smykkekunst, at Duo

Ring by Paul Finch in silver and gold with 4 diamonds, £525, Made Gallery Geometric coral resin earrings, £42, Ada Gallery

Aquamarine and diamond bubble ring in 18ct white gold from £2,950, Heidi Kjeldsen

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Sparkly flower necklace, £50, Jacks for Women

t Guide

For him Lamy fountain pen, £25.50, Colemans

Windsor and Newton brush set, £23.75, watercolour palette, £12.99, and St Cuthberts Mill watercolour paper, £7.80, all at Colemans

Muc-Off 8-in-1 bike-cleaning kit, £39.99, Rutland Cycling

Pair of silver cufflinks with Rhodolite garnets, £175, Topset Jewellery

Recycled leather satchel, £45, Keals

Giant ATX 1 2018 mountain bike, £338.99, Rutland Cycling

Pong Wars Beer vs Prosecco game, £12, Polka Dot

 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Christma Gift Guide

Why not make up a hamper using items from the wonderful range of food and drink gift ideas at The Olive Branch Pub Shop? Prices start from £5

For foodie

Rutland Cookery School - Vouchers for workshops at Rutland Cookery School are available from £60 each, along with gift cards priced at £3 featuring dishes from the workshops

Chilly’s bottles in a huge range of colours/designs, £15–30, Kitchen Range Cookshop

“Mr Wattson” lamp, £139, Harborough Lights

Neom reed diffuser, £39, and bath foam, £22, both from Vibrant Senses Bird door wedge, £4.50, Keals

For the home

Novelty dish brushes by Vigar, £3.99 and £4.50, Kitchen Range Cookshop

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

DIRECTORY Ada Gallery 4 The Courtyard, Bennett’s Place, 30–31 High St, Market Harborough, 01858 461896, adagallery.co.uk CoCo Shoes 29 High Street, Oakham, 01572 757646, cocooakham.co.uk Colemans 46 High St, Oakham, 01572 770883, 1–2 Church Square, Harborough, 01858 322028, colemans-online.co.uk Duo Boutique 29b High Street, Oakham, 01572 722116, duoboutique.co.uk Fords of Oakham 8 Church Street, Oakham, 01572 722654, fordsofoakham.co.uk George Halls Cycle Centre 10–12 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, 01858 465507, georgehallscycles.co.uk Harborough Lights 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, 01858 467716, harboroughlights.co.uk Heidi Kjeldsen 5 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 722666, heidikjeldsen.co.uk Jacks for Women 16 Church Street, Market Harborough, 01858 431396, jacksforwomen.co.uk Keals 10a Abbey Street, Market Harborough, 01858 419798, keals.net Kitchen Range Cookshop 5 Church Street, Market Harborough, 01858 433533 Made Gallery 14a Orange Street, Uppingham, 01572 822002, madegallery.co.uk The Olive Branch Pub Shop Main Street, Clipsham, 01780 410355, theolivebranchpub.com Peachy Belts 01664 454994, peachybelts.co.uk Polka Dot 22 Church St, Market Harborough, 01858 433827 Rutland Cookery School Ashwell Business Park, Oakham, 07391 679208, rutlandcookeryschool.co.uk Rutland Cycling Stores at Whitwell, Normanton and Peterborough; 0330 555 0080, rutlandcycling.com Topset Jewellery 27 High Street East, Uppingham, 01572 759100, topsetjewellery.com Vibrant Senses 10 Church Street, Market Harborough, 01858 289235, vibrantsenses.co.uk

• Jelly Cat • Cards • Homewares • Stationery • Jellycat • Cards • Homewares • Stationery • Candles • Caroline Gardner and so much more

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C O F F E E

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S H O P

Nestled at the back of the shop is our coffee shop, the perfect place to stop & refuel after a busy shopping trip! Serving artisan coffee, loose leaf teas, sandwiches, soup & homemade cakes!

22 Church Street, Market Harborough

01858 433827 21

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

HARBOROUGH MARKET Everything you need for the perfect Christmas all under one roof

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his Christmas season, why not give the supermarkets a miss and support your local, independent market traders?

Buy local products, support local traders, and buy handmade items that often can’t be found on the high street.

Brennan’s Candy Cabin, Christmas cake from Sarah Ruth Cakes and fresh ish from Grimsby Fresh Fish?

There are just too many gift and foodie ideas to list…

If you haven’t visited the market before, You really do need to visit the market you may be surprised by the variety and to see what great inds you can make. quality of goods on offer.

A perfect time to visit is on Friday 7th December 5pm to 9pm for the lateHarborough Market is open Tuesday to night Christmas Fayre.

Sunday and features a weekly Tuesday and Friday Makers Market, a Thursday So how about it?

Craft Market and an Antiques Market Will you be supporting local traders each Wednesday and Sunday. this festive season and buying all of your Christmas gift shopping at Whether you are Christmas shopping Harborough Market? for your mum, dad, partner or friends, We deinitely will be! it seems as if there is something for everyone at the Market.

Anyone would be delighted to receive a gorgeous Turkish lamp from the fabulous Wee Bazaar. They are simply stunning and look the part in any room.

How about some new trainers or sportswear from Baileygate Footwear, a festive jumper from Sita Vig Fashion, lingerie or nightwear from The Lingerie Lounge, or a framed print from Gary Lawson?

If you are really looking to push the boat out for that special someone, Selvey & Co Jewellers has a huge range of beautiful jewellery and watches to suit every pocket.

Let’s not forget the food! Pick up a turkey from John Ross and Son butchers, cheese and speciality pies from Sues Cheese, chocolate from 22

Harborough Market is operated

by Harborough District Council and is open 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm for the popular Sunday Antiques Market

Alan Oliver’s PAINTINGS

Gifts for Home, Garden and Lifestyle

on display now at The Old House Gallery, Oakham Also original painings of Rutland etc. online at www.alan-oliver.co.uk Tel: 01572 756845 Email: alanoliver2@gmail.com

1 Crown Walk, Oakham, LE15 6BZ 01572 723204

www.albarsden.co.uk

GEORGE HALLS CYCLE CENTRE 10-12 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 9HE. 01858 465507 www.georgehallscycles.co.uk georgehallscycle@aol.com

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Interior Design

In the Navy Eminently chic, with timeless appeal, excellent durability and the perfect complement to a whole host of other shades, navy is an incredible colour to charge up the style factor at home.

Here are some smart ways to inject it into your interiors COMPILED BY: CLARE PEEL

Alpaca and merino wool blanket, £148, Linum cushion, £47, savon parfume extra pur, £5.70, all Goodwin and Belle Velvet Cylinder Stools, £79 each, Catesbys

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Above: Farrow & Ball do a range of stunning blues that work well on their own or in combination, as shown here. Local stockists include Chez Soi in Stamford and Kent Blaxill in Harborough. For a free colour card, visit farrow-ball.com

Handmade blue mugs, £10 each, handmade horsehair pot, £45, on Photoboards photo backdrop, £18/30, all from No.56

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Dulari nibble bowls in mustard or navy, £14.95 each, set of trays in gold, £72.95, dark blue velvet pouffe (30cm high, 80cm circumference) £495, gold metallic cowhide, £310, all Cavells Home

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Hand-tufted “Pebble – Woad Rug” by William Yeoward, 160 x 260cm, £995, Sarah Harding Interiors

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Royal Blue “Coolicon” utility lighting shade, The Standard, available in two sizes: small, 228mm diameter, £120, and large, 400mm diameter, £200, also available in different colours including a sky blue, Lumison Lighting

Three deep blue Farrow and Ball shades There is a fantastic range of blues in the Farrow and Ball range. We loved the following:

Hague Blue

Inchyra Blue

Stiffkey Blue

Curtains in Thibaut Parada navy 100% cotton, just one of a stunning selection of fabrics from Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors

DIRECTORY Catesbys Yew Tree House, Exton, Rutland, 01572 812186, catesbys.co.uk Cavells Home 16 Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 352966, cavells.co.uk Chez Soi 16 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, 01780 757446, chezsoi.co.uk Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors 17a and 27 Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 722345, elizabethstanhope.co.uk Farrow and Ball farrow-ball.com Goodwin and Belle 11 High Street East, Uppingham, 01572 822142, goodwinandbelle.co.uk Kent Blaxill Unit B1, Welland Business Park, Valley Way, Market Harborough, 01206 216000 Lumison Lighting 1 South Street, Oakham, 01572 724600, lumisonlighting.com No.56 56 High Street, Kibworth, Leics 0116 279 1111, 56kibworth.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors 6 Market Place, Uppingham, 01572 823389, sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Interior Design

Alexander Lewis – British-made fine furniture WORDS: AMANDER MEADE

As the first occupant of a newly converted barn in a beautiful Leicestershire village, Stacey Brindle had the opportunity to install the kitchen of her dreams. Starting from scratch meant Stacey needed concept, design and installation advice – she explains why Alexander Lewis in Market Harborough was the only supplier she considered “Whilst the building work was still underway, and the property was still a shell, I visited the Alexander Lewis showroom and found out about their products and the way they work,” explains Stacey. “I knew right away that they were the only company I would trust to guide me through the process,” she adds. “I had heard great things about the company’s reputation for excellence, and they came highly recommended.”

Design and installation Matthew Wright, owner and Managing Director of Alexander Lewis

Stacey Brindle and her son Benji

Stacey’s kitchen project was overseen by Matthew Wright, the owner and Managing Director of Alexander Lewis, and after their irst planning meeting it was clear that Stacey was looking for a contemporary-style kitchen to suit the open-plan nature of the ground loor.

“In Stacey’s case it was important to carefully consider the space available, how the family might use the kitchen and to ind out about their lifestyle,” explains Matthew. “In an open-plan area – especially in an older building – the kitchen should never dominate the space. Our strategy is always to place function above form initially.

Once the functionality of a kitchen is decided, the form tends to fall into place,” he adds.

Working to Stacey’s brief, Matthew and his team installed sleek contemporary units including an extensive island. The cabinetry is in white with

26 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

a dead lat, matt inish to eliminate too much relective surface and the dreaded ingerprints.

Special features include an iron sink coated in ceramic, which makes it less prone to cracking and allows for a larger than normal bowl, as well as an integrated Miele Nespresso coffee machine. Stacey is thrilled with the results.

“The kitchen is very much the hub of our home, and we love every single element. I do a lot of baking and cooking, so the 90cm-wide oven and panoramic hob are essentials for me. Matthew suggested two dishwashers, which was an inspired idea, as we have the space and generate so much washing up. He also suggested the recessed shelving to add personality. I change the displays from time to time, and at Christmas that area will be illed with seasonal stars and foliage.”

Stacey’s favourite aspect of her new kitchen is the way it lends itself equally well to family life and to entertaining, and she thoroughly endorses Alexander Lewis, recommending them to anyone considering a new kitchen. She has gone on to use the company for itted furniture in most other rooms in the house. “I never felt pressured to upscale my budget – in fact, Matthew and the team saved me money by helping me determine what was necessary and what was not. The whole process was relaxed and at my own pace – I enjoyed every minute.”

Showroom and Project Development Studio

Craftsmanship, expertise and choice are at the heart of the business

Based in the centre of Market Harborough, the Alexander Lewis showroom is located in Millers Yard. The welcome and the coffee are always warm. “We are delighted to informally chat through ideas, and you won’t find any high-pressure salesmen – just design experts who are pleased to help.”

In the company’s recently remodelled Project Development Studio, just around the corner on Church Street, clients are offered an exclusive tailored design service inspired by RollsRoyce. In a one-to-one consultation, each element of a new kitchen is selected according to purpose, colour, form and design.

From cabinetry to lighting, flooring and installation, each detail is planned in much the same way as the elite motor company offers its customers the opportunity to create a bespoke motor car.

Company ethos Matthew sums up his attitude to business when he says, “The most important element of any design is to listen to the client. Our entire service is completely bespoke, from the first conversation to the last. Each client is highly individual, and so is our approach. We are delighted when customers endorse us, and the vast majority of our work is through personal recommendation. I believe part of our success is down to the fact that our entire trusted team is ‘in house’. We don’t contract out any work – in fact, nobody outside our team handles our products until we sign them over to the customer. It’s a strategy that is very rare in this industry, but we find it helps maintain the highest possible quality of service.”

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

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Recent customer installation

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25 large room settings in our extensive showroom

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• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens • Design, supply, manage & install • Affordable, quality kitchens and the latest designs on display • Over 60 appliances on show “Overjoyed with the quality and redesign of the kitchen and how the project was overseen.”

Our customers can’t recommend our services highly enough, offering our vision and knowledge that becomes seamlessly transformed into a practical working living space.

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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Blinds & Curtains Made to Measure & Fitted Locally

Let us design & install

Conservatory Roof Sails The Innovative Alternative to Traditional Roof Blinds

FOR A QUOTATION OR ADVICE Call Richard on 01572 759176 or 07967 383827 or email rich@5dayblinds.co.uk Fitting Blinds & Curtains: Oakham, Rutland, Stamford, Melton & Bourne

We are members of

www.5DayBlinds.co.uk www.conservatorysails.info

Divinely Vintage stock a wide range of designer pre-loved curtains of all sizes.

DO YOU HAVE CURTAINS YOU WISH TO SELL? Let us ind you someone else who will love your curtains as much as you did

07971 886664 OR 07976 945697 WWW.DIVINELYVINTAGE.CO.UK Showroom inside St Martins Antiques, Stamford

F&S Curtains For all your soft furnishing needs: curtains, blinds & accessories free home visit and quotation

give us a call today 0116 296 1032 www.fscurtains.com enquiries@fscurtains.com 29

Foraged Bonfire Night cocktail

Create winter colour

If you would like to sip something a bit stronger than hot chocolate around the fire this year, make this warm, fruity cocktail using English orchard fruits.

ILLUSTRATION: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

You will need • 50ml apple juice • 50ml toffee vodka • 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice • Apple and pear slices to garnish • Cinnamon sticks to use as stirrers How to make Put the apple juice, toffee vodka and lemon juice into a pan over a very low heat and warm for about 20 mins (don’t boil). Pour into glasses/mugs, garnish with fruit and add a cinnamon stick to stir.

If the November winds have blown all the leaves away and your garden is looking bare, try planting some dogwood shrubs to maintain interest through the colder months. These hardy plants provide a modest display in the summer, with small creamy flowers, but it’s in winter that they really come into their own. Red-barked dogwood (Cornus Alba ‘sibirica’) has crimson upright stems that glow against a frosty landscape. For best effect, plant them in a group with a Golden Twig variety, which has gold/yellow tips and a darker green at the base.

These shrubs are easy to care for – just prune them back hard in March, cutting them back to around 7cm above the ground to ensure the brightest crop of stems next season.

You can buy a selection of dogwoods from Welland Valley Garden Inspirations, Glaston Road, Uppingham LE15 9EU, wellandvalleygardeninspirations.co.uk

OutDoOr LIviNg WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

Try a new skill!

There aren’t as many jobs to do in the garden at the moment, so why not take the opportunity to expand your knowledge or try a natural craft activity, inside or outside?

Booking ahead is essential with all of the activities below.

LEARN TO PRUNE 6 November, Barnsdale Gardens Have you inherited fruit trees and have no idea how to care for them? The Pruning Fruit Trees course at Barnsdale will help, with demonstrations and hands-on activity, which can be applied to apple, pear, plum, cherry and peach trees, plus many more varieties. It costs £34, with tea and coffee included, and runs from 10am–12.30pm.

Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton LE15 8AH, 01572 813200, barnsdalegardens.co.uk LAY A HEDGE 24 and 25 November, Rutland Water Nature Reserve Volunteer Training Centre

You might have noticed hedges that have been neatly twisted and twined to create a healthy, contained barrier around local fields.

This is the ancient art of hedge laying, which began as a way of containing livestock after the Enclosures Acts, and you can learn how to do it at this two-day event, led by expert John Shone. It’s a rugged, hands-on course, from 9.45am–4pm, costing £80. Tools are provided, but you need to bring a packed lunch/drinks.

Rutland Water Nature Reserve Volunteer Training Centre, Oakham Road, Hambleton, Rutland LE15 8AD, 01572 770651 MAKE A WREATH 1 December, Ketton Primary School A great way to cut down your plastic use, fashion a natural wreath for your door, with tips from a professional florist, while enjoying a glass of Prosecco and some Christmas nibbles.

The course runs either from 2–4pm or 5–7pm, and it costs £30.

Ketton Primary School, High Street, Ketton PE9 3TE, ketton-school.co.uk TRY WILLOW WEAVING 1 December, Anglian Water Bird-watching Centre, Egleton Craft your decorations from sustainable willow. During this afternoon session, run by Dale Martin, learn to weave an angel or a wreath. It costs £20 for either an angel or a wreath, £30 if you make both.

Tools, materials and light lunch are provided.

Anglian Water Bird-watching Centre, Egleton, Rutland LE15 8BT, 01572 770651, rutlandwater.org.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Feed the birds As the weather gets colder, remember to put out food for feathered visitors to your garden. Observe these rules to give them the best possible diet: • DO leave berries and seedheads in your borders for birds to feast on. It’s tempting to tidy everything up, but you’ll be doing them a favour if you let some areas run wild.

• DON’T use fat from cooking, as the runny, greasy mix can clog feathers, reducing insulation and waterproofing. Also avoid putting out milky products, or anything that is mouldy or stale.

• DO buy peanuts and bird food from reputable sources, as some nuts can contain toxins that are harmful to animals. The bird food stall on Stamford market is a good place to shop.

• DO put out some suet-based snacks.

These will attract starlings and long-tailed tits to feeders.

KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS HELP! with design problems, hot, dry or shady places, screening issues or just with that idea

You need somebody?

01780 481624 www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

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OL I V E B R A NC H C LA S S IC S The Olive Branch shares a recipe it’s been making for nearly 20 years – its classic, much-loved onion gravy

Superbly simple gravy When it comes to roasts, that little pot of gravy on the side makes all the difference!

PHOTOGRAPHY: CLIVE DOYLE

Y

OU can’t beat the classics. Pushing the boundaries to create snail porridge or egg and bacon ice cream might be fun, but will such dishes be well loved in 50 years? Surely not. At The Olive Branch we love experimenting – but we also believe the old favourites are “classics” for a reason… they work! They are comforting and delicious, and they shouldn’t be messed around with! As the pub enters its 20th year, there are some recipes that we’ve relied on time and again over the years. We wouldn’t dream of mucking about with them.

One is rich onion gravy – perfect for Sunday roasts. This is a stock recipe for us – as comfortable as old slippers and as pleasing as a perfect hotdog on Bonire Night. We make this nectar almost unthinkingly week after week, yet it always delivers. We hope you enjoy making it at home.

Important note: the quantities in the recipe below are how we make it in the pub kitchen. Unless you have very big pans and plenty of storage, you may want to adjust the quantities accordingly.

The Olive Branch’s onion gravy

Sights and sounds of the pub

• 3 large Spanish onions, inely sliced • 3 cloves of garlic, inely chopped • 150ml red wine or sherry vinegar • 3 tbsp redcurrant jelly • 1 bottle red wine • 1 bottle of port • 1 gallon chicken stock • Two-thirds of a gallon beef/veal glaze • 3 sprigs of thyme, leaves inely chopped • Knob of butter 1. Sweat off sliced onions with chopped garlic until nice and golden brown.

2. Add the vinegar to the onions and reduce the liquid down completely.

3. Add the redcurrant jelly, stir until dissolved.

4. Add all the alcohol, cook off for approximately 15 mins until the alcohol has cooked out.

5. Place the chicken stock and the glaze into a saucepan.

6. Reduce by rapid boil, skimming regularly.

7. When at the right consistency, add the fresh thyme leaves, whisk in a knob of butter and season to taste.

8. Place into containers, label, date and then refrigerate.

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Awards & coverage Last month we found out we’d been named County Dining Pub of the Year for Leicestershire & Rutland by The Good Pub Guide 2019, and this month we’ve been listed in The Times’ Top 30 Pubs in Britain. The Lady magazine has also featured The Olive Branch as one of the UK’s top 10 restaurants with rooms for an autumn break. We’re so pleased and couldn’t have done it without our amazing team! We’re particularly chuffed with The Lady feature. We redesigned our bedrooms around a year ago with the help of Furleys of Oakham – it’s wonderful they are getting national attention.

Our “Berry” bedroom – autumnal fabrics, an antique French bed dressed with Egyptian cotton sheets and feather-down duvet, and a comfy armchair

Local crab apples being prepared for a pork dish

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Grapes from our own vine

Some of our non-alcoholic drinks – seasonal and made with herbs from our paddock

Over the next few months we’re planning on turning our pub paddock in Clipsham into a sustainable, organic kitchen-garden

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

The Jackson Stops Christmas Celebrations Bookings now being taken

December Christmas Lunches

2 courses £16.50 (excluding Sunday) FESTIVE A LA CARTE EVENING MENU AVAILABLE NOVEMBER OFFERS Lunch for Less 2 courses £12.95 - 3rd course £3.95 Dinner for Less 2 courses £15.95 - 3rd course £3.95 (Available Tuesday to Friday inclusive. Booking advisable.

Please mention at time of booking)

THE J

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K S O N ST AC

N N T RY I N

he Jackson Stops, Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7RA

T: 01780 410237 E: robertknowles1@sky.com

www.thejacksonstops.com 33

Turn up the heat Kingfisher Chilli’s Tim and Annette

When you reach my stage in life, a bit of hot stuff can only be a good thing! Deborah Pennell investigates the draw of the chilli and chats to a local couple, who set up their business, Kingfisher Chilli, after demands for their chilli products escalated, following a local church’s fundraising Christmas Fair

Chilli origins Chilli peppers originated in Mexico, with many cultivars rapidly spreading across the world. The explorer Christopher Columbus was thought to be one of the first Europeans to encounter chilli peppers on his exploration of the Caribbean, and it is believed that a physician on Columbus’s second voyage to the West Indies in 1493 brought the first chilli peppers to Spain, and soon after wrote about their medicinal effects. Chillis, as a result, were often grown in the gardens of Spanish and Portuguese monasteries; here, Christian monks experimented with their use during food preparation and discovered their “hot” flavour offered a substitute for black peppercorns.

What do we know about the chilli pepper?

The chilli pepper is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, members of the nightshade family. Widely used in many cuisines, chillis add heat to dishes, but are also used in ingested medicine and can be applied topically in some instances. Today – commercially – there are many different chillis grown, and they are one of the most widely cultivated crops; India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of chilli peppers.

Some of the more commonly available fresh chillis include jalapeño, serrano, poblano, bird’s eye, and habanero, but demand for the “super hots” such as nagass, scorpions and morugas are on the increase, presumably due to the popularity of programmes such as “Man v. Food”, where extreme-eating challenges are set that involve the presenters devouring large quantities of ridiculously hot food in a set time frame, in order to win a challenge. I understand there is even a chain of restaurants in the UK where a disclaimer has to be signed before restaurant goers partake in their extra spicy hot chicken wings, as they really do have a health warning!

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Chilli and its health benefits

Chillis are loaded with vitamin A, a potent antioxidant and boost to the immune system.

Due to the high capsaicin levels in chillis, some people believe that eating them may temporarily help to speed up the metabolic rate, burning off calories faster. Other claims are: boosts to the immune system due to the antioxidants, lowering cholesterol, and bloodthinning properties beneficial to the heart and blood vessels. Red chillis contain large amounts of vitamin C and small amounts of carotene. In addition, peppers are a good source of most B vitamins, and vitamin B6 in particular; they are also very high in potassium, magnesium, and iron.

How to measure the heat of a chilli

The Scoville scale is the measure of the heat/ spiciness of a chilli pepper or anything derived from a chilli pepper, such as hot sauce. The scale is actually a measure of the concentration of the chemical compound capsaicin, which is the active component that produces the heat sensation on the human palate. Capsaicin occurs naturally in chilli peppers, together with a number of very similar compounds referred to generically as capsaicinoids. One of the world’s hottest chillis, the super-hot Carolina Reaper chilli, measures an average of 1.5 million on the Scoville scale, being around ten times hotter than Scotch Bonnets, which have a Scoville score of between 100,000 and 350,000, and around 400 times spicier than the more widely used jalapeño peppers, which register at an average of 3,500 to 10,000 Scovilles.

Spicy Lamb Moussaka Try Tim’s delicious recipe.

Note that it works equally well with beef mince.

LOCAL BUSINESS: KINGFISHER CHILLI Award-winning Kingisher Chilli was set up in October 2016 by Tim and Annette Williams, almost a year after a hugely successful Wansford fundraising Christmas Fair. They were subsequently looded with repeat orders for their spicy condiments, which prompted them to embark on their new business.

I met Tim and Annette at their home, where at the moment they are still managing to keep up with Kingisher Chilli production, and it was fascinating to learn a little more about their fantastic product.

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N December 2013 Tim and Annette Williams moved to the UK, originally to St Neots and more latterly to a beautiful house next to the River Nene, at Wansford. Tim and Annette’s background is in project and programme management, and setting up a new business has seen them use all their skills to bring Kingisher Chilli to the marketplace. Tim’s passion for food began as a child whilst growing up in South Africa. His father cooked a lot, and had, in Tim’s words, “the unusual ability to take a few ingredients and create food with an incredible lavour”. Tim began creating his own chilli concoctions in school, drawing on his childhood inluences and experiences. He fondly remembers one occasion when visiting his father – their maid created a delicious traditional Zulu dish, which contained “Devil chilli” (an incredibly hot bird’s eye chilli). Some time later, Tim decided he was going to recreate the dish. Not realising the serious strength of the chillis, he added so much that the food was almost inedible! It was a true learning experience, but it did not deter him from experimenting further.

Where is Kingisher Chilli produced?

At the moment all the products are home produced, but we are in the process of looking to outsource to a small company in Nottingham, where we can carefully monitor and quality check the products, as we are running out of space at home!

Where do you source your ingredients?

The chillis come from local wholesalers, with whom we have built up great relationships, and the oils are from Spain.

Is there one particular chilli you favour for your products or do you use a blend of chillis?

We use a blend of three chillis, one fresh and two dried. Each imparts its unique lavour to the blend – the African bird’s eye chilli we use offers a strong, smokey paprika lavour to the end products.

Where is Kingisher Chilli sold?

At the moment we sell all our products at food markets around the local area, but we are just beginning to place our products into farm shops and delis.

And, inally, a random statistic about Kingisher Chilli…

In the last three years Tim and Annette have single-handedly destalked a staggering 240,000 chillies – that is dedication to a truly magniicent product!

Kingisher Chilli produce a Chilli Paste, Chilli Jam, Chilli Oil and Chilli Mayo, with the Chilli Jam winning the stakes as their bestseller.

For more information about the great range of Kingisher Chilli products, visit their website: chilli-products.co.uk

• 5ml Kingisher Chilli Oil • 15ml olive oil • 2 medium onions, inely chopped • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • 1kg lamb mince • 50ml red wine • 5ml to 10ml (1–2tsp) Kingisher Chilli Paste (according to preferred heat) • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 5cm cinnamon stick (approx) • 2 large bay leaves • 1 tsp oregano • 2 large aubergines • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Béchamel sauce • 75g butter • 75g cornlour • 600ml milk • 50g Parmesan and cheddar cheese, inely grated • 2 medium egg yolks (beaten)

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Preheat the oven at 200ºC/400ºF/Gas 6.

For the lamb sauce, heat the chilli oil and the olive oil in a pan. Add the onions and garlic and fry until just beginning to brown. Add the minced lamb and fry over a high heat for 3–4 minutes. Add the wine, chilli paste, tomatoes, cinnamon, bay leaves and oregano and simmer gently for 30–40 minutes.

Next, remove the stalks from the aubergines. Cut the aubergines lengthways into 5mm slices. Sprinkle with salt and leave for 30–40 minutes to draw out the bitterness. Once done, rinse, pat dry and place on a baking tray. Sprinkle with a little olive oil and bake for 30–40 minutes. (Alternatively, heat a frying pan until hot, add one tablespoon of the oil and a layer of aubergine slices and fry quickly until tender and lightly coloured on each side.)

For the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a nonstick pan. Add the cornlour to a little milk and blend into a watery paste. Add the cornlour mix to the butter and cook on the hob, gradually beating in the rest of the milk. Bring to the boil, but keep stirring. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring every now and then. Stir in the cheese and some salt and pepper to taste. Cool slightly, then beat in the egg yolks – be careful not to allow the egg yolks to solidify.

To assemble: layer the aubergine over the base of a shallow ovenproof dish. Add a layer of mince and repeat with a second layer of aubergines. Add the inal layer of mince and top up with the béchamel sauce. Finish with a layer of grated cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

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This farm near to Market Harborough enjoys a fantastic reputation locally and has been a regular awardwinner for its shop and restaurant over the years. The team has been working hard recently on some exciting new developments to improve the offering even further. Kirstie Mitchell went to find out more…

Farndon Fields Farm

WARD-WINNING Farndon Fields Farm has come a long way since the irst ields were ploughed by Kevin Stokes in 1983. Over the years the business has grown, developed and expanded to always be better than yesterday. I had the pleasure of meeting Nicola Stokes, Kevin’s daughter and the Farm’s Marketing and Brand Manager, who took me through some exciting new developments.

This family business now consists of a 550acre farm plus a large farm shop selling the farm’s produce, along with a selection of local and British food. Farming is at the heart of the business – fresh and seasonal produce is what Farndon Fields does best.

A shopping trip to Farndon Fields is a wonderful experience in itself. Customers will ind a spacious layout with products beautifully displayed. The farm shop sells fresh and

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high-quality produce from its own farm with a fantastic array of specially selected products from other local suppliers. The design detail has not been overlooked either, with a genius idea of using pallets from the farm and deliveries.

Nic says, “We are always striving to improve and work together to provide our customers and community with the best shopping experience with real local food. We enjoy creating new products and connecting the farm-to-fork story, and that includes how produce is displayed in the farm shop.”

New butchery and wet ish counters, which Nic is delighted with, are now positioned near the fresh vegetables and fruit. New dry-aging cabinets are full of grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef from Matt Knight in Walgrave, Northants, and chosen because of its depth of lavour and quality. Local Charolais grass-fed beef from Michael Squires in Ashley, Northants, is also

dry aged and will soon be available to enjoy for an exceptional Sunday roast. Packington freerange pork and chicken from Staffordshire offer outstanding lavour, not forgetting the farm’s own rare-breed Tamworth Pork, which is also available at the butchery.

Another exciting new addition is freshly prepared food and coffee to go. Filled wraps, paninis, sandwiches and rolls are prepared on site from the Production Kitchen, with bean-tocup coffee sourced from Market Harborough irm, Carrera Coffee. To complement the savoury option, a new pâtisserie selection offers individual cakes, desserts and delicious macarons from local supplier, Maison des Macarons. The deli counter has an even wider selection of tasty meats with a great range of speciality British cheeses.

The Garden and Gift Shop has a carefully selected range of high-quality gifts, garden plants and accessories, with Christmas decorations and gifts now on display in the Christmas Cabin.

After shopping, why not take a break and relax in The Farmer’s Kitchen, taking advantage of the superb seasonal menu there?

It’s a hugely attractive offering, showcasing the very best local fare.

Farndon Fields Farm, Farndon Road, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 9NP, 01858 464838, farndonields.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Bespoke Catering...

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

saramcallister PROFESSIONAL CATERING

OUR FESTIVE MENU IS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER LUNCHTIME & EVENING We also offer a Christmas Party Menu (pre-booked groups of 8 or more) Tue - Thur 2 Courses £17.95, 3 Courses £20.95 Fri - Sat 2 Courses £19.95, 3 Courses £22.95

LUNCH FOR LESS Wednesday to Friday 2 courses for £14.50 3 courses £17.50 TAKE OUT TUESDAY Fish & Chips WICKED WEDNESDAY Steak Deal Two 8oz Ribeye Steaks For £30

BOOK NOW to celebrate New Year’s Eve Enjoy a 5 course Gala Dinner including prosecco on arrival for just £49.50 per person OPENING HOURS Tue: 6pm - 10pm Wed & Thur: 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm Fri & Sat: 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 10.30pm Sun: 12 noon - 6pm Mon: closed.

More information and our current menu on our website

www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk

QUIZ NIGHT 1st 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.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 3rd Thursday of the month.

Talented local musicians playing Live Music from 8pm.

SatNav LE15 8EQ T: 01572 747365 E: info@exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk 37

he Old Pheasant Hotel in Glaston is situated in the picturesque heart of Rutland, providing the perfect escape for some relaxation.

Off the A47, this traditional grade 2 listed stone-built country pub with rooms attached is close to the market towns of Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford. It is located just a stones throw away from Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

Breakfast is open to the public and our lunch and dinner menu has some great pub classics along with some tantalising dishes sourced locally. Our menus have been created by our chefs to suit a variety of different tastes.

The well set out rooms have contemporary furnishings and décor, and come with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Whether your stay is for business or simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, our dedicated staff will take care to ensure your every need is catered for, leaving you to simply enjoy yourself and unwind.

Now taking bookings for Christmas 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 38

Compiled by Clare Peel

Food News & Reviews Review of the Old Pheasant in Glaston

I

t was a soggy Saturday when Stamford Living’s Nicholas and I headed for lunch at the Old Pheasant in the Rutland village of Glaston, and the pub offered an ideal retreat from the gloomy weather. The Old Pheasant (which also has rooms) has recently been taken over by new management, who are making big strides with renovation – a real plus for the village, for which the pub is a busy focal point.

After an extremely warm welcome, we took our places in the bar – note you can also eat in the more formal restaurant area.

The menu is described by chef Karl Turner as having a traditional English focus with a country feel and features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. There were four choices per course, plus specials, which included a vegan main (a regular thing). There’s also a selection of traditional pub mains, some sandwich choices and a nice kids’ menu.

After being served lovely warm homemade beer bread, I started with pan-fried figs, with mozzarella and a balsamic glaze – an inventive combination that hit the spot. Nicholas enjoyed the pumpkin and butternut squash soup – warming on a chilly day, with a spicy kick. I then had pork medallion, with colcannon (delighted to see this on the menu), braised red cabbage and a cider reduction, while Nicholas went for the

A new chapter at The Olive Branch Sean Hope, co-founder and co-owner at The Olive Branch in Clipsham, has decided to take a less hands-on role in the kitchen after 20 years at the stoves. “I have decided to spend more time with my family and in the near future to focus on other projects and challenges,” said Sean. “It feels like the right time to move in a different direction.”

The Olive Branch has appointed Nick Evans as executive head chef. Nick arrives from Michelin-starred Northcote near Blackburn in Lancashire, where he was head chef working closely with executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and chef patron Nigel Howarth.

Ben Jones, co-owner of The Olive Branch, said: “Nick will create his own ‘Olive Branch’ dishes and menus, while understanding and respecting the style of food and establishment we have created over the years.”

Ben will continue to direct the business, ably assisted by long-standing general manager Louise Williams running frontof-house operations and Nick managing the kitchen.

Sean has co-built a hugely successful country pub with rooms at The Olive Branch, winning some of the industry’s most prestigious awards. These include a Michelin star, The Good Pub Guide UK Pub of the Year 2014 and The Good Hotel Guide’s Cesar Award to name but a few.

Sean said: “Over the years Ben and I have established ourselves as recognised professionals in our field, have put The Olive Branch on the map and gained numerous accolades. This would not have been possible without the dedication, passion and hard work of all of our team.”

Nick Evans will join The Olive Branch team at the end of October 2018.

The Olive Branch, Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland, 01780 410355, theolivebranchpub.com

roasted partridge with black pudding mash, baby vegetables and thyme jus. Both were generously sized and full of complementary flavours.

There was just room for dessert: a generously sized cheesecake with a chocolate honeycomb topping with a satisfying crunch and a nicely sharp accompaniment of forest fruits for me, and, for Nicholas, a banana crème brûlée that didn’t last long - speaks for itself!

We were both very impressed by the staff’s passion for their pub and the plans afoot for further renovation. Wishing them all the best in this exciting new phase.

Old Pheasant, 15 Main Road, Glaston, Rutland LE15 9BP, 01572 822326, oldpheasantglaston.com

Normanton Park Hotel There’s a new team at Best Western’s Normanton Park Hotel, which enjoys a fantastic location on the south shore of Rutland Water. This Christmas they’ve put together an exciting offering, including party nights (Thursdays £22.95, Fridays and Saturdays £24.95), a December festive lunch (2 courses £15.95, 3 courses £17.95, half price for children), and a fun-sounding special “lunch with Santa” menu (Sunday 16 and 23 December and Monday 24 December, 2 courses £19.95, 3 courses £22.95, half price for children), featuring Father Christmas and a gift for children under 12.

There’s also a festive dinner in December (2 courses £18.95, 3 for £22.95) and a festive afternoon tea (from £13.50). Special menus are also offered on Christmas Day (lunch: £75 for adults and £35 for children) and Boxing Day (lunch: £19.95 for 2 courses, £19.95 for 3).

Normanton Park Hotel, Rutland Water, South Shore, Rutland LE15 8RP, 01780 720315, normantonpark.co.uk

The Lake Isle in The Good Food Guide 2019 Congratulations to Uppingham’s The Lake Isle for their inclusion in The Good Food Guide 2019. This stylish restaurant with rooms has a super festive offering this year, which includes a festive lunch menu, available 4–22 December, Tuesday to Saturday (also at dinner for parties of 8 or more, Monday–Thursday), and a December à la carte menu. There are also special festive menus for Christmas Eve (dinner only), Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Full details on their website.

The Lake Isle, 16 High Street East, Uppingham, 01572 822951, lakeisle.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Christmas Parties 2018 ‘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, £70.00 per person for 3 courses. (£90 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.

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 £245.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

Pan fried illet of Seabass with a bouillabaisse jus Terrine of Carrot with star anise ice cream Wild Mushroom raviolo with grappa *** Best ish catch of the day *** Poached illet of Turbot with leek, potato and watercress Roast Guinea Fowl with artichoke and sweet corn Madeira jus

Jacob’s Ladder, smoked potato, horseradish, red wine jus *** Tiramisu Almond souflé with quince ice cream

Terrine of Pear and Blackberry Caramel ice cream *** Coffee and 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 40

M NEW EN U! Christmas Menu, December 1st to January 5th.

Booking Essential. Menu subject to pre-orders only with 7 days notice.

Starters Scottish Smoked Salmon, Norfolk Crab and King Prawn Tian, pickled angel’s hair vegetables and a horseradish cream.

Gressingham Duck Liver and Courvoisier Pate with Melba Toast served with house tomato and date chutney.

Spiced Roasted Celeriac and Parsnip Soup with Conit Chestnuts, root veg crisps and home made bread.

Mains Norfolk Bronze Turkey served with roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, stufing, seasonal roast veg, pan gravy.

28 Day Hung Willowbrooks Sirloin of Beef (served medium) Yorkshire pudding, stufing, roast potatoes, seasonal veg.

Butternut Squash, Goat’s Cheese, Spinach and Conit Chestnut Wellington with mushroom gravy and seasonal veg.

Pan Seared Fillet of Scottish Salmon, sautéed new potatoes, samphire, tender stem broccoli and salsa rouge.

Desserts Individual Christmas Pudding served with brandy butter cream.

Cinnamon and Calvados enriched panna cotta - Baileys Cheesecake and a coffee cream Mince pie and apple crumble with house made crème anglaise - Tea or coffee with homemade mince pies

Lunch 2 courses £23.95 - 3 courses £27.95 Evening 2 courses £26.95 - 3 courses £29.95 Christmas Day £57.95 per person (inc glass of Prosecco on arrival)

The Old Plough 2 Church Street Braunston Near Oakham Rutland LE15 8QT

Tel 01572 722 714 www.oldploughnearoakham.co.uk

BRING YOUR PARTY

TO A- WITH CRESCENDO LIVE MUSIC Spirited, lively, highly professional duo of Will on trumpet and Sam on keyboard, trained at London’s Guildhall School of Music.

We play all styles – classical, jazz, and popular tunes

Any type of occasion, including weddings Stamford or surrounding villages. Competitive rates.

Just contact Sam on rudd.jones@yahoo.co.uk to ind out more and make a booking.

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In vogue in Harborough Market Harborough has been firmly on the fashion map since the mid-19th century, when Symington’s tailors became a global corset business. The town may no longer produce corsets and liberty bodices, but it has seen the birth of some of the country’s most stylish and contemporary fashion brands.

Isabella Hamnett reviews four of Market Harborough’s finest

Outside the Lines Designed for girls aged 3-13, this relaxed bohemian brand (shown above and right) was established in 2016 by Philippa Cloete and Kate Please, two lifelong friends and career-shifting mums with a wealth of experience thanks to careers at some of the biggest British high-street brands. The pair shared a vision for sophisticated top-end design at a more affordable level without compromising on quality. It’s hard work, though – Philippa comments: “We did think we would get time with our children, but in fact we work harder than ever! We do get to take them to school though and can be around for them when needed, which is great.”

Based in a studio at The Manor in Tur Langton the entrepreneurial pair have created a real women’s powerhouse and employ two other ex-industry mums. Each collection is designed so that girls can create their own style and

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express their personality, mixing and matching interchangeable pieces that include knitwear, washed jeans, dresses, outerwear and party skirts. We love their pom-pom-adorned hangers! A soft, muted palette, fresh use of colour and signature embroidery have earned them an accolade of prestigious awards from the Junior and Smallish Design Awards.

This year Outside the Lines was awarded Best Girls Fashion Collection at the Junior Fashion Awards.

This season Philippa and Kate are also launching a women’s capsule “minime” style. “We get asked what feels like hundreds of times a season ‘I wish you did that in my size!’ So, we are doing a low-key launch for AW18 with a small capsule collection.” The Outside the Lines Womenswear collection will be launched in full in spring 2019. Watch this space! outside-the-lines.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Butler Stewart

Launched by Anna Butler in May 2015, Butler Stewart is an exclusive British brand selling luxury lifestyle and shooting clothing.

Anna’s vision was to change the outdated perception of tweed by designing beautifully contemporary yet timeless garments. Her love of both design and the countryside stems from a childhood spent on the family farm, participating in country sports and working in the tailoring and shooting industry. It was while working in the high-end London retail industry that she discovered her true passion for tailoring and stunning British-made textiles.

The company supports British manufacturers, suppliers and tailors, and all of the 100% British wool used is carefully sourced from the inest British mills.

“I am passionate about reined British style and focus on high-quality tweed, exquisite tailoring and intricate detail to create fresh, stunning and effortlessly stylish collections.”

After only two years of trading, the brand secured the Highly Commended Award at the 2017 Rural Business Awards in the Best Rural Clothing & Accessories Business category. In September Butler Stewart’s sponsored event

rider Caroline Powell, won the “best-dressed rider” at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials’ trot-up, sporting the brand’s signature kneelength coat.

Anna has just launched her latest men’s and ladies’ shooting collection and since the beginning of October has been showcasing

Kingdom of Origin Kingdom of Origin (K.O.O.), shown above, was born in 2015 from a desire to create beautiful clothes for girls aged 4–11, focusing on the very best of British craftsmanship. Founder Vanessa Wright, who has a degree in Printed Texiles and enjoyed a successful career in brand communications, explains, “The concept was more than just another childrenswear brand – I wanted to do something positive for the industry and support local artisans and ethical factories, with an aim to improve the local economy and help towards the revival of British manufacturing. My vision is to inspire something different within the market: a truly authentic and unique British-made brand.”

Kingdom of Origin sources the majority of its fabric locally, makes all garments in British factories and produces all packaging in the UK. It offers beautiful heritage clothes for girls, relecting Vanessa’s love of timeless British style with a contemporary twist. It has already amassed a string of accolades from the national press and children’s fashion titles, including Platinum for Best Fashion Newcomer in the prestigious Junior Design Awards. It recently made the front cover of Drapers Magazine, in which it was named as the new “Noteworthy Childrenswear Label on the Market”. There’s good news from older girls. Overwhelming demand for larger sizes (and women’s too) means that Vanessa is working on plans to launch the brand as a tween label. kingdomoforigin.co.uk

a selection of her ladies range in Bernard Weatherill’s prestigious Knightsbridge store in London. Future plans including launching a contemporary collection in 2019 and building on Butler Stewart’s stockists across the country. butlerstewart.co.uk

Joules Established by Tom Joule nearly three decades ago, and still retaining both its head ofice and very irst Joules retail store in Market Harborough, Joules is now a premium multi-channel lifestyle brand with an authentic heritage. Carefully designed products have the cheerful personality to match those of its customers’ upbeat outlooks, ranging from everything from their iconic tweed jackets to eye-catching homeware. The talented in-house print design team lovingly hand-draw all of the charming prints you see in its collections.

Quality, inherent Britishness, family values and humour ensure that Joules stands out from the crowd. This approach, along with an unwavering attention to detail and the drive to surprise and delight its customers with unexpected product detailing, has been key to the brand’s phenomenal success.

Joules was awarded Mainstream Brand of the Year at the Drapers Awards 2016 and previously won the Drapers Best British Fashion Retailer of the Year at the 2015 awards.

For autumn/winter 18 Joules, shown above, celebrates the British weather and takes a wander through the woods, with a focus on knitwear and prints featuring chrysanthemums and berries. joules.com RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Beat the frizz!

Compiled by Clare Peel

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HE weather this time of year can play absolute havoc with your hair, especially if it has a tendancy to become frizzy or unruly. We contacted some lovely local salons for advice on how to give your hair some much-needed TLC, as the winter kicks in.

Oakham’s Creme Hair & Beauty recommended their keratin smoothing treatment, which can help tame frizzy, unruly hair, making it easier to manage on a dayto-day basis. It lasts for around three to six months, depending on hair texture. It makes a huge difference to the look and feel of the hair, as these before and after photos (above) show. This client was absolutely delighted with her smooth locks, saving her time and allowing her to blow dry and style her hair at home and achieve a much more sophisticated look. Call 01572 723823 to book in for your free consultation with Patricia, Keratin Expert at Creme, Oakham.

Rutland Hair Works: 25 years!

Many congratulations to Rutland Hair Works, who are celebrating 25 years in business this month. This family firm started in North Luffenham, moving to their present home next to the village store in Empingham in 2005. To celebrate, they’re holding a prize draw for clients who have an appointment in November. More details on their advert in this magazine. Book now on 01780 460528 or at rutlandhairworks@ yahoo.co.uk.

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Owner of Thomas Hairdressing, Thomas Potts also recommends keratin smoothing treatments, as well as clear glossing – the latter can be applied at the back wash in 15–20 minutes and will add an amazing shine to the hair. A clear glossing will make your hair look healthy and lush, it’s suitable for any hair type and won’t leave any residue or roots to worry about, and it will gradually just wash out over the coming months. Thomas also told us about an amazing anti-frizz spray

by Colour Wow, called “dream coat”. He said, “It stops frizz in the hair for up to four washes and is fantastic for anyone whose hair doesn’t behave in this damp weather.” Travel sizes and fullsize bottles are available at Thomas Hairdressing salons now.

Market Harborough’s Head Candy recommended a hair care consultation with the System Professional energy coding from Wella, which they feature in their salon. The team can create the perfect combination of cleansing, moisturising and styling products for your hair needs. “Smoothen” shampoo is great for curly hair to control, moisturise and tame frizz, while “Luxe” oil reconstructive elixir will give instant softness, UV protection and high shine, and is even suitable for fine hair.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS A first look at some of the gorgeous beauty gifts available locally this Christmas…

Decléor Skin, Body and Mind “A Messy Golden Christmas” box set, £95, Ellique Beauty

System Professional gift sets, £25 (small) and £35 (large), can also be created bespoke for you, Head Candy

Environ gift set, Skin EssentiA 1–3, from £157.95, Naomi Nails & Beauty

DIRECTORY Creme Hair & Beauty The Old Church, 8 Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 723823, cremehairandbeauty.co.uk Ellique Beauty 22 Gaol Street, Oakham, 01572 723950 Head Candy 26 Church Street, Market Harborough, 01858 464395, headcandy-mh.com Moko 2 Church Street, Market Harborough, 01858 432525, mokohair.co.uk Naomi Nails & Beauty 14–16 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, 01858 469222, naominailsbeauty.co.uk Rutland Hair Works 13 Church Street, Empingham, 01780 460528 Thomas Hairdressing 16 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 756561, and 7 Market Place, Uppingham, 01572 822555, thomashairdressing.co.uk

A

lso in Market Harborough are Moko, an Aveda salon. Two ranges from this natural haircare brand that are especially good for the challenges of this time of year are “Damage Remedy” and “Smooth Infusion”, both of which are available at Moko. They also stock one of my favourite Aveda products – their 99.9% naturally derived Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil (30ml, £22), a leave-in treatment that really puts the shine and smoothness back into hair and smells divine too. You only need a few drops, so the bottle may look little, but it lasts for months and months.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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CONFIDENCE IS BEAUTIFUL BEA The First and Foremost Foremost Aesthetics clinic in Rutland for f both men and women. Treatments T eatments to RESTORE RES , RENEW and REJUVENATE your skin.

Wrinkle rinkle smoothing injections Dermal illers for lip and facial rejuvenation. rejuvenation.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Laser focus from Flawless Body Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to meet the team at Flawless Body in Stamford’s Scotgate T’S been nearly two years since I caught up with Neeta at Flawless Body. Back then she talked with great passion on how the introduction of new and innovative technologies were helping people look and feel body confident; however, the offer in the local area was limited.

Six months later they opened the doors to their clinic, having made a substantial investment in to the world of Laser & Aesthetics. She is no stranger, however, to this sector, having established the sister business Flawless Faces (Hair & Beauty) back in 2006. The initial proposition focused on laser hair removal, 3D Lipo non-surgical fat reduction, skin tightening and cellulite reduction and two high-end facial machines.

I

So, what was the reception like from the local people?

In a word, “Mixed”, she said with a smile. We had one set that have had these treatments before in London or other large cities and knew exactly the benefits and results that can be achieved. Then there were others who were a bit more sceptical as to whether these things actually work!

Have you achieved what you set out to do?

You have to believe in what you do. We spent six months researching the market and finding the best equipment. If you take our Lumenis hair-removal laser, for example, we didn’t just purchase it with the standard head but purchased an additional patented vacuum laser head, (this elevates and stretches the skin so that the laser can achieve maximum absorption into hair follicles), which gives much better results on certain parts of the body. It became very clear early on that you must have the right tools to deliver great results!

We then made sure we had a great team and ensured that their training was far beyond the minimum level required. We ensured that we only took on clients that we thought we can genuinely help and get great results for – it is hard to turn down clients sometimes, but if it is not going to work, then it is best to be upfront.

Above all else, the results speak for themselves – we have changed people’s lives.

I can recall several clients who have come back again and again for multiple courses of treatments. It has allowed them to show their body off in ways they have not felt confident to do before and that gives the whole team so much satisfaction and purpose.

So, what’s next?

Having now completed several hundred treatments we have managed to get a very good understanding of our clients’ needs and what would make them even more “body confident”. This has led to us purchasing

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

more lasers earlier this year to address those needs.

The first of these addresses the taboo subject of Vaginal Rejuvenation. A lot of our female clients suffer from urinary incontinence, vulvoviginal athrophy (VVA) and dryness, all of which have a potential effect on the quality of life and self-confidence. It is unfortunately a fact of life that as you progress through life, things such as childbirth and aging can really stop you living life the way you want to. This nurseled procedure is already really helping lots of people in the short time we have had it.

Secondly, we have introduced a Q-Switch Laser that does Tattoo Removal. This treatment is not very accessible in this area, and we have had multiple clients asking us if this is something we can do. Buying the right laser has been key here as getting a good result is vital. Ours can remove up to 95% of tattoos and is one of the most advanced on the market.

We have already rescued a number of postholiday mishaps!

Finally, we have two lasers that focus uniquely on Laser Skin Rejuvenation. A CO2 Fractional Laser and a ND: YAG Laser.

Pigmentation, brown spots, age spots, acne scarring on the face and upper body region can really have a profound effect on confidence for some individuals. What these lasers can do and the results they can achieve have left me speechless, let alone clients. It is really heart-warming to see the difference it makes to individuals.”

As always, it was clear to see that Neeta has her finger on the pulse. Everything she does starts and ends with the client in mind.

I love the fact that even as a small business she is clear about her purpose: “quite simply it is creating body confidence”, she says passionately. “If we can make individuals feel more confident about their bodies, we will continue to have purpose.”

Flawless Body, 18a Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ, 01780 660302, flawlessbody.co.uk

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FIRST COME FIRST SERVED VISIT WWW.FLAWLESSBODY.CO.UK FOR INFO ON TREATMENTS *Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or finance. Offer ends 30th November 2018 Call 01780 660302 or book online www.flawlessbody.co.uk for a no obligation consultation Flawless Body . 18a Scotgate . Stamford . PE9 2YQ

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THE STAMFORD

EYE CLINIC

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS Specialising in treating: • Low self-esteem and loss of conidence • Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking • Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations • Signiicant life events, trauma, nightmares, lashbacks • Attachment and relationship diiculties • Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) • Autistic Spectrum Disorders

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Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE Church Street Practice, Melton Mowbray LE13 0PN

IMPROVE YOUR NIGHT DRIVING VISION WITH DRIVESAFE LENSES BY ZEISS The latest laser and injectable cosmetic procedures performed by fully qualiied GP or Nurse Practitioner Laser Treatments Include: • Laser tattoo removal • IPL photo-rejuvenation asses • Hair removal consu sment • Rosacea & facial redness ltation • Facial & leg veins & vascular lesions • Pigmented skin lesions & sun damage

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10.00am – 5.30pm 10.00am – 1.30pm Closed

All in addition to our usual range of Medical Aesthetic Treatments: • Muscle relaxing injections for lines & wrinkles • 8 point non-surgical face lift • Non-surgical 15 minute Rhinoplasty • Volite & Restylane Vital skin rejuvenation • Juvederm & Restylane dermal illers • Silhouette Soft Thread lifts • Treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) • Minor surgical procedures including mole removal & non-scalpel vasectomy

For further information visit us at: 32 St Peters Street, Stamford, PE9 2PF (next door to the Bathroom Shop) T: 01780 767 403 E: info@thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk www.thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk

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www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk 01476 550056 The Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Lincs NG33 4BB

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Rutland Hair Works are celebrating their 25th anniversary in November and this family business continues to go from strength to strength. he salon irst opened in North Luffenham in1983 by Sarahjayne’s mother, Christine. When Christine retired, Sarahjayne rebranded to become Rutland Hair Works and in 2005, the business moved to its present home next to the village store in Church Street, Empingham, with convenient parking right outside the door. They haven’t looked back since and offer a family friendly service with both hair and beauty treatments available.

T

As well as Sarahjayne, there are 2 more stylists; Melissa who has worked alongside Sarahjayne for over 14 years and Vicky who has been at the salon for over a year and specialises in bridal and hair up. And last but not least is Wendy, their friendly receptionist who completes the team.

To celebrate 25 years the salon are running a prize draw where 1 lucky client will win 25% off all their treatments at the salon for the next 3 months. For a chance to win just have an appointment during November and receive a ticket for the draw which will be made on the last day of November.

So book your appointment now - call on 01780 460528 or message us through our Facebook page and give us a “like” or email us at rutlandhairworks@yahoo.co.uk

13 Church Street, Empingham, Oakham, Rutland. 01780 460528

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LOCAL WALK

Southwick and the surrounding woods This is a little gem of a walk; it has beautiful views, sweeps of arable land and woods full of interest. I first walked it in early autumn, and, whilst the walking is very straightforward, it was hard to make progress because of the sheer number of blackberries that demanded to be picked!

THE ROUTE

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Park in the main street and walk through the pub car park through a brown gate into the cricket playing field on the right; skirt up the left side of this to go through a kissing gate, turning right then left along a field boundary (permissive path).

Towards the top of the hill, go through a metal gate, then soon turn right into Short Wood, taking the Middle Ride, the main east–west track through the wood.

Follow this for about 400m, then turn left at a bench, with the ride to the right named Burton’s ride, to head out of the wood via a metal gate and a stile.

Join the bridleway and then head west to Glapthorn Cow Pasture Wood. Go through a metal gate, across a field bearing slightly right to another metal gate, then right onto a track leading to a farm; go through the farm, and walk between two barns towards a metal gate; go through this and walk down towards a crossing over the stream and up the other side through a metal gate; on entering this large field, walk diagonally left towards another gate (leaving a small wind pump on the horizon to your right).

At this gate head due west and on reaching some deserted buildings head north along the east side of the hedge all the way to a wooden footbridge, which takes you back to the road.

At the road bear left over a bridge and immediately right up a concrete track towards Crossway Hand Farm; turn left just before you reach it along a metalled track north for about a mile, with the woods just on your right.

Take a left shortly after entering the wood, and then within a couple of minutes a right to head up towards Morehay Lawn; walk alongside this wood and then, on reaching the next wood, Tomlin Wood, take the path heading due south (right), which takes you back into the main wood.

Once back in the wood, keep on the path as it goes uphill and crosses a metal track into a wide grassy avenue.

Follow this path, which takes a left at the end of the pine wood on your left; it re-joins a gravelled track for a while (head straight, not right here), and then as the track bears left a footpath takes off to the right through an area protected from the deer. This path takes you straight back to Southwick.

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KEY DATA Distance: 7 miles (11 km) Typical time: 2.5 hours OS map: Explorer 224, Landranger 141 Start & finish: Southwick Church (PE8 5BL) Terrain: Straightforward, very good tracks all the way Stiles: 2 Getting there: 3 miles NE of Oundle

PIT STOPS The Shuckburgh Arms at Southwick, PE8 5BL, 01832 272044, shuckburghpub.co.uk.

“The Shuck” is a traditional pub with large garden, food and real ales

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

The World Conker Championships were held at The Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick this October Photo: ©Tom Carill

POINTS OF INTEREST

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Southwick Hall was built around 1300 for Richard Knyvet, a prominent local wool merchant. It is a blend of Elizabethan, Georgian and Victorian architecture. It’s only open on bank holidays, so it’s best to call 01832 274064 or check the website, southwickhall.co.uk, before you visit.

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Short Wood, notable for its bluebells, is an ancient woodland that was once part of Rockingham Forest. Look out for signs of ancient ridge and furrow and woodland banks.

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Glapthorn Cow Pasture is famous for its colony of Black Hairstreaks, one of the rarest butterflies in the UK. They can be seen at the south end of the wood from mid-June for a couple of weeks. Visit bedsnorthantsbutterflies.org.uk for the latest updates.

In the 17th century Morehay Lawn was encompassed by a wall and contained its own lodge. It was regularly visited by both James I and Charles I for the hunting, when they were staying at Apethorpe Hall, and was also used for horse racing.

© Crown copyright 2018 Ordnance Survey. Media 020/18

Short Wood RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Dr Sarah Furness and Sir Laurence Howard (current and former Lord-Lieutenants respectively), both have close personal ties with the University of Leicester. Together, this month they will launch an exciting scheme to create a set of endowed scholarships for Rutland as part of the University’s centenary celebrations

The Sir Laurence Howard Rutland Scholarship "I believe the centenary of the University offers an opportunity for us to establish something really worthwhile in Rutland, as we enter the second century."

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

How did the idea come about and what is the aim of the scheme?

Sarah: The aim is to create a set of endowed scholarships in honour of Sir Laurence and recognise and perpetuate his contribution as Lord-Lieutenant to both the county of Rutland and the University of Leicester. There were lots of suggestions, but the committee settled on the idea of a scholarship, which seemed appropriate. Sir Laurence completed his PhD at Leicester in 1967 and returned in 1974 as a Foundation Lecturer in physiology.

Sir Laurence: That was a very exciting time for me personally and professionally, as it was right at the very beginning of Leicester’s new medical school. Sarah has her own links to the University too, as she taught ethics there, and her husband Peter has been a Professor of renal pathology there for many years. Like us, many Rutlanders have strong connections with the University and have beneitted from the wonderful work and research carried out there.

What is Rutland’s historical link to the University of Leicester?

Sarah: After the heart-breaking losses incurred during World War I, it was suggested that in addition to the usual kind of static

war memorial, Leicester should establish a University College to commemorate the fallen.

In the most astonishing act of sellessness and forward thinking, Leicester’s Literary and Philosophical Society decided that a university would be a itting chance to provide a sense of hope for the region’s future generations.

Sir Laurence: This was such a unique approach, and there was a good proportion of monetary inluence from wealthy Rutlanders involved in the funding – hence our county emblem of a horseshoe is retained in the University’s logo today. I believe the centenary of the University offers an opportunity for us to establish something really worthwhile in Rutland, as we enter the second century.

More than that, in fact, I believe we owe it to the foresight demonstrated by our forefathers to continue that benevolent tradition.

What are you hoping to achieve with the scholarship scheme?

Sarah: The University is launching a set of Centenary Scholarships, and we will be part of that initiative, with a special scholarship for a Rutland student in Sir Laurence’s name. The idea of the scholarship is to provide inancial support in the hope that the pressure is taken

off students to earn, and they can devote more time to their studies – there will of course be certain criteria to be met when applying.

Sir Laurence: Along with the Dean of the Medical School, the Vice Chancellor and senior representatives from the University, we will be oficially launching the scheme at the Rutland Showground on Thursday 8 November. We shall be seeking contributions and fundraising vigorously to ensure the scheme is a success.

We are aiming for the irst recipient to begin their studies in Leicester next year. On a very personal level, much of my life has been bound up with the work of the University, and I have derived so much happiness from my time there.

I am hugely honoured that my name will be applied to the scholarship and am determined to help the scheme develop and lourish in order to beneit as many Rutland students as possible. The foundations were laid by those visionaries who established the University, and I feel it is our duty to move forward with those selless ideals today.

For more information about the Sir Laurence Howard Rutland Scholarship or the launch event this month, contact Catherine Coulson by email at: rutlanduolscholarship@gmail.com

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A liTtlE SHopPinG

A liTtlE bIt Of A bAng

It’s not just the toy shops that have gorgeous things for children.

Treat your little ones to these adorable organic cotton crochet hand puppets (£26.95) by Chunki Chilli from Sarah Harding Interiors in Uppingham. Use them to act out made-up stories and fire up their imagination. Hours of fun! sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

A liTtlE sCreEn TimE As the weather gets less dependable, it’s good to have indoor options, and for relaxation it’s pretty hard to beat an afternoon at the flicks. Highlights for kids in November include Smallfoot, on Saturday 24 November at the Stamford Arts Centre. A sweet family film about a Yeti who – despite what the other Yeti’s tell him – believes that “humans” actually exist and is determined to bring one back to his mountain home. Tickets £5/5.50. stamfordartscentre.com

Assuming your little ones are big enough to cope with the bangs, there should be plenty to delight them for Bonfire Night.

Events include the annual night out with the Rutland Lions at the Showground in Oakham on Saturday 3 November (child-friendly display at 7pm, main fireworks at 7.45pm, £6 on the night, £5 in advance) and the Cottesmore Bonfire and Fireworks Night on Sunday 4 November (4–7pm with fireworks at 6pm; tickets from the Cottesmore Village Shop or on the gate, adults £6, children over 1 £1.50). In Kibworth, on the field opposite New Road/the A6, there’s the Rotary Bonfire and Spectacular Fireworks event on Saturday 3 November (bonfire at 6.15pm, fireworks from 6.45pm, tickets from Kibworth and Fleckney post offices or, at a slightly higher price, on the gate, £6/7 for adults and £2.50/3 for children).

Fingers crossed for decent weather.

LIttLe livIng This month, we look at what’s on offer in the region from Bonfire Night events to cultural indoor escapes to early festive celebrations

A liTtlE HIstOry Mini historians should enjoy Rockingham Castle’s annual Victorian Christmas, which kicks off the festive season from Monday 19 to Friday 23 November. The gates open daily ready for the first tour of the castle at 11am; tours run every 15 minutes throughout the day with the last one at 7.30pm. Tickets (bookable online and available on arrival at the ticket office): adults £12, children (4–16) £7.50, tots aged three & under free.

For information, call 01536 770240 or visit rockinghamcastle.com.

A liTtlE tRaiN tRip wiTh SanTa

A liTtlE THeaTre Interwoven with original songs, Tabby McTat is the heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty from the team behind Stick Man Live and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales. This November, it’s coming to Leicester’s Curve theatre. Based on the book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, it’s suitable for children and families of all ages. It’s on from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 November at various (child-friendly) times.

Tickets are £14. curveonline.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

The end of November heralds the start of the Santa Steam experience at Nene Valley Railway. A welcome from the station staff (there’s entertainment too at busy weekends) is followed by a visit to Santa’s log cabin, where each child receives a special present from the main man himself. Following a short wait, families then join the steam-hauled, decorated train for a fun-filled ride to Peterborough and back.

During the journey the train staff serve the children with a drink and chocolates. Parents and other adults are not forgotten, with a mince pie and either an alcoholic miniature, wine or a hot drink. Santa walks through the train to see the children, providing an opportunity to take photographs and to wish everyone the compliments of the season. Arrive an hour before the train departs to give you time to go through Santa’s Grotto. Tickets from £15. nvr.org.uk

Come and see our happy, vibrant schools in action and meet our committed staff team to discuss how our child-led, all-round education can help your child fulfil their full potential.

Across our Trust we offer a diverse curriculum – which includes extensive sporting opportunities, a Forest Schools initiative, and innovative science and technology programmes to ensure that pupils are engaged and maintain high standards both inside and out of the classroom.

We also aim to provide the very best resources and opportunities for our children.

Each of our schools boasts beautiful surroundings; Brooke Hill, in Oakham, nestles amongst woodland, whilst Edith Weston is located on the south shore of Rutland Water. South Witham, just over the border in Lincolnshire, is in the heart of the picturesque village. All three work closely with their local community to provide the best possible service. We are proud to announce the opening of our 2yrs and up Little Hedgehogs Nursery at South Witham Academy on Monday 29th October.

Open Days Brooke Hill Academy Friday 23rd November Edith Weston Academy Tuesday 20th November South Witham Academy Thursday 22nd November Schools open from 9.30am – 3.00pm.

Everyone is welcome, so please come and see us in action!

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News & Notes Helping you to make the most of Rutland and Market Harborough living

Regain your freedom with Westwood Stairlifts, your local experts

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F your stairs are becoming increasingly hard to manage, the answer could well be a stairlift. There is a number of different types, with key considerations being whether your stairs are straight or curved, as well as how many lights they cover; there is wide choice in terms of comfort and strength, too.

This is where local independent experts Westwood Stairlifts come in… whether you are looking for a simple straight stairlift or a more complex curved or multiplelight one, this specialist Uppingham-based installer have options to suit at extremely competitive prices. Their extensive range from the leading UK and European manufacturers also includes outdoor and reconditioned home stairlifts, with rental available too.

Westwood have years of expertise in their ield, and all their in-house engineers are manufacturer trained and approved. The team takes great pride in the high level of customer service offered, including excellent after-sales support – something that is relected in the reassuring number of glowing reviews on their website.

The irst step is to contact Westwood to arrange a free survey of your stairs. Someone from the team will come out to your home to assess your stairs and work out what the right product for you would be. Rest assured that there’s no obligation to buy (the irm’s surveyors are not paid commission), and there will be no contracts to sign there and then – you’ll be sent a quote afterwards, so that you can digest it at your leisure. One happy customer reported: There was no hard sell, just relevant information, price and availability for itting – the rest was up to us. The itter was very polite, professional and very good with my Mum, and itted the stairlift very quickly with the minimum of fuss. I would have no hesitation in recommending Westwood Stairlifts to anyone considering a stairlift. My only wish is that we had had it installed months ago! (Caroline, Kettering)

All parts and labour on new stairlifts from Westwood come with a warranty, and since the irm is local to this area you can remain conident that they’re nearby in the rare event that your stairlift needs attention.

So whether you’re looking into the possibility of having a stairlift installed for the irst time, whether you’re upgrading or whether you need assistance with a model already in your home, get in touch on 0800 246 1016 or 01572 495006 or via email at info@westwoodstairlifts.co.uk. More information is also available at westwoodstairlifts.co.uk

Welland Place – making the right choice for your retirement

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ETIREMENT can be a time to look forward to, a time of freedom and having the choice of how to spend your time and live well. Welland Place continually strives to give you just that: independence and a variety of choices.

Welland Place is a development of one- and two-bedroomed apartments offering stylish independent living for the over 60s and available for sale or as shared ownership. Boasting a gym, spa, swimming pool and private landscaped gardens, Welland Place has everything you could want for an active and fulilled retired life.

Residents enjoy the beneits of a spacious coffee lounge and snooker room, along with a library, hair salon, restaurant and bar.

If you’d prefer something a bit more hands on, there is a craft room and “The Shed”, where residents can keep their hands busy crafting a variety of works. Several of our residents are part of a group making items for premature babies in the local neonatal unit, to support the refugee crisis, and another group make shopping bags that are given away, helping the community and the environment.

The range of activities and exercises are based around the residents’ passions and interests. Everyone’s views are valued and help to form the culture of this close-knit community.

Though you may be happily active now, peace of mind is given to you and your family, knowing that 24-hour on-site staff are available as part of the Wellbeing Service. Should your needs change, MHA can provide a personalised care service tailored to your needs, leaving you to enjoy your retirement with the knowledge that care and support are available if you need them.

Come and experience life at Welland Place on their open day on 25 October, 11am–2pm. See how residents enrich every minute of their retirement by using the scheme’s domestic, laundry and maintenance services, instead opting to ill their time with enjoyable activities, new experiences and social occasions whilst retaining their independence.

Call 01858 827344 to arrange a viewing of the facilities and the apartments for sale. Visit on the open day on Thursday 25 October, from 11am–2pm. Welland Place, St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 7GF

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News & Notes Rutland NSPCC Christmas Carol Concert

“A day worthy of the big screen”

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HE start of the festive season in Rutland is always eagerly anticipated and heralded by the joyous carol concert held at All Saints Church, Oakham, in support of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). The event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and many local businesses in Rutland and a willing team of volunteers including Margaret Wheeler, who originated the idea for the concert.

Audiences enjoy secular readings Lars Tharp sourced from classical literature and humorous authors, alongside musical performances by the internationally renowned Harborough Singers and the acclaimed band, Foresters Brass. This year readers include TV and theatre star Christopher Villiers, Lars Tharp, Peter Wheeler, Nigel Colbourn, Anne Davies and our very own history writer, Caroline Aston.

“We are the NSPCC’s largest donor from a single event in the East Midlands by far, and I always endeavour to keep abreast of how the money is spent. There are many children regionally and nationally helped by the crucial work of the NSPCC and, sadly, always new children to protect and different challenges to face,” commented Margaret.

This year’s concert takes place on Monday 3 December, 7pm for a 7.30pm start, at All Saints Church in Oakham. Tickets are on sale for £15 each at Don Paddy’s in Uppingham or at James Sellicks in Oakham

HAT’S the adage for newly local wedding videography business, Filmed by Oliver (FBO). Whilst giving Rutland that crisp finish within the wedding industry, FBO front-runner Oliver Gammell is looking to showcase your special day. With a background in writing and directing and a grasp on the corporate side of filmmaking, Oliver turned his eye, knowledge and passion for storytelling to weddings – and what a perfect place for it.

Filmed by Oliver offer innovative ways of showcasing your wedding, with a choice of video packages tailored specifically to you. With a blended style of candid cinematography and emotionally driven narrative, FBO want to change the way you re-live your wedding day.

To find out more and to see links to their work, check out the Facebook page – Filmed by Oliver – or contact them directly on 07808 706447 or by email at filmedbyoliver@gmail.com

Wingates Gallery

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HE cover of Market Harborough Living this month features the painting shown here by artist Richard Telford, whose work is available through Wingates Gallery. Born and raised in Dorchester, Richard is a highly versatile artist whose work enjoys a growing following. His commissions include this one of Market Harborough’s Old Grammar School. The primarily monochrome palate of his urban cityscapes – apart from a splash of trademark red, as seen here – lends itself to a vibrant, contemporary mood. Contrastingly, his landscapes, which are inspired by the surroundings of his formative years, are characterised by soft, bright colours that evoke a more serene atmosphere.

The gallery, which has been in business for over 40 years, prides itself on extending a warm, friendly welcome and excellent service to all its customers, and showcases originals, limited editions, sculptures, a full bespoke framing service, regular featured artist displays, “Meet the Artist” events and masterclasses throughout the year. The aim is to make selecting art a pleasurable, and not intimidating, experience with helpful advice and guidance should you require it and the space for you to enjoy the gallery and the collections shown within it.

Wingates Gallery, Wingates Walk, 44a St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, 01858 465455, wingatesgallery.co.uk

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News & Notes Open days at the Brooke Hill Academy Trust schools

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Rutland Cycling in the running for top award

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OCAL independent business, Rutland Cycling, is in the running for the Retail Excellence Award in the 2018 Midlands Family Business Awards. Rutland Cycling, established in 1981 as a simple cycle-hire cabin on the shores of Rutland Water, is now a second-generation family business with 12 stores. Rutland’s stores feature dedicated Electric Bike Centres and offer a wide range of products and services to all types of cyclists, from children learning to ride their irst bike, through to performance athletes.

Rutland Cycling’s expansion mirrors the growth of cycling in the UK – some 23% more miles were cycled in 2016 than 10 years earlier (source: cyclinguk. org), and British Cycling reported a record 62% increase in people joining its organised rides in 2017. Studies have shown numerous health beneits associated with cycling, from weight loss to improved mental well-being.

Sally Middlemiss, Rutland Cycling Director and daughter of the founder, said: “We are enormously proud to be nominated for the Retail Excellence Award.

In challenging times for the retail sector, we remain committed to my father’s vision: to inspire more people to get out and ride a bike. For us, it’s about much more than just selling bicycles – we’re here to help people achieve their cycling goals, turn those dreams into reality. As we’ve grown, our family values have helped us build a strong team ethos and keep us focused on delivering an excellent retail experience for our customers.

“We believe passionately that to get more people making cycling part of their lives, you’ve got to make it convenient and easy. So, in our Rutland Cycling stores, you can hire a bike or e-bike, get your own bike repaired 7 days a week, borrow a courtesy bike while your bike is serviced, and pick up cycle clothing, spares and accessories. You’ve also got to lead by example and inspire new cyclists to give it a go, and so we also offer led rides, including women-only ones, and bike maintenance classes for all cyclists.”

The award winners will be announced on 22 November.

For more information, visit familybusinessawards.co.uk or rutlandcycling.com

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

HIS November the Brooke Hill Academy Trust is holding open days for the three schools connected to its federation: Brooke Hill Academy in Oakham, Edith Weston Academy and South Witham Academy. The open days provide excellent ways for parents and carers to go and see the schools in action and meet members of staff, who will be able to talk to you about how they help children to fulil their full potential. Across the Trust, the schools offer an all-round, child-led education, with opportunities for young learners to develop academic, social, sporting and creative skills in a caring and supportive environment. This includes a Forest Schools initiative, innovative science and technology programmes, and extensive sporting possibilities.

Open days are being held between 9.30am and 3pm on the following dates: Edith Weston Academy: Tuesday 20 November South Witham Academy: Thursday 22 November Brooke Hill Academy: Friday 23 November

View home now open at Greetham Gardens

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OUSEBUILDER Lovell Homes has opened the doors to a beautiful new view home at its Greetham Gardens development in Rutland. The stylish five-bedroom “Richmond” home, is now available to view, and buyers wanting to secure the same home for themselves could receive £10,000 towards stamp duty, subject to terms and conditions.

The development, located off Oakham Road in Greetham, comprises a mixture of 34 three-, four- and five-bedroom detached homes, all constructed from local stone and slate from nearby Stamford. Surrounded by beautiful countryside yet conveniently situated for Oakham, Rutland Water and Stamford, Greetham is an attractive village with a thriving community. It has three pubs, a community centre and a weekly “Greetham Café”.

Toni Boden, Regional Sales Manager at Lovell Homes said: “Greetham Gardens is a beautiful development, built to the high standards of all Lovell homes. The Richmond is a magnificent property, suitable for families searching for their dream home in Rutland. The stunning rural location and the range of homes available make this development an extremely desirable place to settle down, which has been proven by the popularity of the development so far. I would encourage any potential purchasers to come and visit the view home now to experience the property first hand and make the most of the current stamp duty offer.”

Prices at Greetham Gardens start from £334,995, with homes available to purchase with the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme, allowing purchasers to buy with just a 5% deposit. The remaining amount is made up from a 25% equity loan and 70% mortgage.

Part exchange is also considered at Greetham Gardens, allowing purchasers to avoid a potential chain and speed up the process of their move.

There are five Richmond-style homes including the view home for sale, priced from £479,995.

For more information, visit lovellnewhomes.co.uk or email the sales team on sales.eastern@lovell.co.uk

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Norfolk Autumn 2018 Free in Norfolk £1.50 where sold

LIVING

COVERING THE COAST, BURNHAM MARKET, WELLS, HOLT & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Make way for autumn!

A R T S , FA S H I O N , F O O D , I N T E R I O R S , W H A T ’ S O N

Out & About Amander Meade selects the best entertainment in the region this month

Japanese Garden at Barnsdale Gardens

Throughout November Wildlife at Rutland Water The team at the Wildlife Reserve have plenty of fun on offer this month with activities including a wildlife book club, badger watching, a day watching waders and wildfowl, nature walks, hedge laying for beginners and willow weaving.

More information and booking on 01572 653024 or at rutlandwater.org.uk

musically choreographed display for all the family.

Licensed bar and traditional refreshments.

Oakham Rugby Club, Burley Park Way, Oakham Tickets in advance from Fords or Uppingham Sports are £5 each (under 5 years old are admitted free); family ticket for 4 or 5, £16/£20; on the gate £6 each for everyone over 5 years. There is disabled parking at the Showground with all other parking at Lands’ End or Mecc Alte on Lands’ End Way.

Thursday 1 November, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Cinema for Rutland This month’s ilm is “My Generation”, with David Bailey, Michael Caine, Joan Collins and Roger Daltrey.

The Cultural Revolution that occurred in 1960s England is explored in this documentary. Book early for next month, when you can see “Paddington 2” on Thursday 6 December.

Rutland County Museum Tickets are £5 each available from Oakham Wines or on the door

Friday 3 and Saturday 4 November, 4.30pm to 6.30pm Big Bonire Party Free sparklers for every family. Make a guy, apple bobbing, toasted marshmallows plus Farmer Ed’s big bonire with gunpowder plot re-enactment. This is a no-irework event – perfect for children who do not like loud noises.

West Lodge Rural Centre, Desborough Tickets are £3.50 each and will allow entry from 4pm (excluding indoor play); children under 2 years free

Friday 2 November, 7pm Rhymes to Raise the Roof An evening of poetry, light music, wine and canapés in aid of church roof repairs. The event will feature narrator and published poet Bob Rollett plus The Beaufort Wind Quintet.

St Mary’s Church, Edith Weston Tickets are £10 each from the village shop, PCC members or ewparishnews@gmail.com

Tuesday 6 November, 10am to 12.30pm Pruning Fruit Trees Nick Hamilton’s easy-to-follow tutorial accompanied by practical demonstrations will give you the basic knowledge and conidence you need to train and prune a wide range of fruiting trees. Other courses this month include two Watercolour Painting days.

Barnsdale Gardens For prices and booking call 01572 813200 or visit barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Saturday 3 November, gates open from 6pm Rutland Lions’ Firework Spectacular One of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year, when Rutland Lions aim to outdo themselves with the most spectacular irework display in the region. At 7pm there is a smaller, quieter childfriendly display, followed at 7.45pm with a large,

Tuesday 6 November, 7.30pm Rutland Natural History Society Talk Wildlife lovers of any age will be made very welcome at the winter indoor meetings of the RNHS. This will be the irst Nola Thurlow ornithological lecture, inanced by a legacy from natural history enthusiast,

Nola. Members will be welcoming Dawn Balmer, Head of Surveys at the British Trust for Ornithology, whose talk is “Unravelling the mysteries of migration”.

A small donation of £2 on the night would be most welcome from non-members. Further information at rnhs.org.uk Voluntary Action Rutland, Lands End Way Friday 9 November, 7pm to 11pm Fundraising Evening for the Harley Staples Cancer Trust An evening of fun, food, entertainment and great company all in a good cause. Katherine and Jamie Staples established the charity after they lost their son Harley to a rare form of Leukaemia in 2009. The Trust provides much-needed breaks for families with children affected by cancer. The Smith Eliot team is proud to support this amazing charity and the full ticket price will go directly to the charity.

Oakham Castle Tickets: £20 per person, available on 01572 759759 Friday 9 November, 7.30pm Fordante: “From Romance to the Movies” Fordante are an acclaimed ive-piece ensemble created by award-winning ilm and TV composer Phil Mountford to perform a light classical repertoire.

Wing Village Hall Tickets are on sale at £10 each from John Hackett 01572 737394 Saturday 10 November, 10am to 4pm Catesbys Christmas Fair Offering the perfect setting for a little festive shopping, this event showcases pieces by handpicked makers plus Christmas home accessories and beautiful gifts from the Catesbys team.

Yew Tree House, Exton Parking is free. More information at catesbys.co.uk

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Out & About Seasick Steve

Saturday 10 November, 7pm Concert of Hope and Remembrance Uppingham Choral Society is joining forces with Uppingham Church Choir and the Cottesmore Military Wives Choir to offer a programme of music, readings, poetry and more to commemorate the centenary of the end of the Great War. Uppingham Parish Church Tickets are £10 from Uppingham Sports and Books, with all proceeds going to military charities Saturday 10 November, 7.30pm Perspectives and Pentabus Theatre present “Crossings” Two interconnected tales, set 100 years apart but both taking place in the same village hall. Combining powerful storytelling, live music and a waltz or two, this beautifully crafted play is full of vivid language and smart insights. This new play, by Edinburgh Fringe First-winning playwright Deirdre Kinahan, marks the centenary of the end of World War I. South Luffenham Village Hall Tickets £10 from 01780 720687 or 01780 720966 Wednesday 14 November, 7.30pm for 8pm showing Film Night This month’s ilm is “Loving Vincent”. In a story depicted in oil-painted animation, a young man comes to the last home town of painter Vincent van Gogh to deliver the troubled artist’s inal letter and ends up investigating Vincent’s inal days.

Refreshments available.

Ashley Village Hall Tickets are priced £3.50/£5 Saturday 17 November, 9.30am–12pm Autumn Sale It’s the Autumn Sale at All Saints Church in Oakham, raising funds for the church. There’ll be lots of stalls – cakes, tombola, toys, lucky dip, bric-a-brac, plants, preserves, etc – plus refreshments and mince pies. Everybody is welcome. Note that there’ll be a second (smaller) sale for anything left over from the main one, on Saturday 24 November, on a stall on Oakham Market.

All Saints Church, Oakham Free entry

Saturday 17 November, 7.30pm Seasick Steve Heading out on the road across Europe this autumn in support of his new album, and with a clutch of fantastic new songs to hand, Seasick Steve looks forward to performing for fans old and new.

De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets £31.50 at 0116 233 3111 or demontforthall.co.uk Monday 19 to Friday 23 November, 11am to 8pm Rockingham Castle Victorian Christmas It’s Christmas Eve 1849 and the Castle is decorated to help you step back in time to a thoroughly Victorian Christmas. The ires are lit, the food is prepared, and the Great Hall Table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas Dinner. Guided tours take place throughout the day (last tour 7.30pm).

A magical event to kick off the festive season.

Rockingham Castle, Nr Harborough, Leics LE16 8TH Tickets: adults: £12; children: £7.50; family (2 adults and 2 children) £31.50 More info on 01536 770240, rockinghamcastle.com Saturday 24 November, 11am–2pm Harringworth Christmas Bazaar A festive mix of local traders selling Christmas presents, cakes, preserves and much more, plus the famous Harringworth Hamper Rafle. Refreshments will be available.

St John the Baptist Church, Harringworth More info at harringworthvillage.org Sunday 25 November Stamford Christmas Festival The irst of the local Christmas festivals takes places on the last Sunday in November. The festive lights are turned on in the town.

More info on 01780 753808 Wednesday 28 November, from 8am Uppingham Fatstock Show Rutland farmers show off the best of their stock with the aim of encouraging people to buy British and support the industry. A truly unique show and the only event of its kind in the UK still held in temporary penning in a town market square. One of the most prestigious events in the town’s calendar.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Wednesday 28 November, 7.30pm Historical Talk Great Easton & District Local History Society will be welcoming Dr Len Holden, of Market Harborough Historical Society, with a talk about “Copies, Fakes and Forgeries in Art History”.

Great Easton Village Hall Admission is £3 for guests and visitors Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December, 10am to 4pm Welford Watercolourists Annual Exhibition All proits from the sale of paintings and cards at the exhibition will be donated to the Air Ambulance.

Welford Village Hall Admission is free Monday 3 December, 7pm for a 7.30pm start The Rutland NSPCC Christmas Carol Concert Always immensely popular and a key event in Rutland’s social calendar, this concert sees the usual line up of celebrity readers including TV and theatre star Christopher Villiers, Lars Tharp, Peter Wheeler, Nigel Colbourn, Anne Davies and our very own Caroline Aston. Funds raised support the NSPCC. All Saints Church, Oakham Tickets are £15 each at Don Paddy’s in Uppingham or at James Sellick’s in Oakham.

Thursday 6 December 2018 to Sunday 13 January 2019 (matinee and evening shows) White Christmas Curve present the joyous festive favourite based on the 1954 American musical ilm starring Bing Crosby.

Spectacular dance routines and some of the most memorable hits from the Great American Songbook.

Curve, Leicester Tickets from £10, 0116 242 3595, curveonline.co.uk Friday 7 December, 6pm to 9pm Market Harborough Christmas Fayre A traditional Christmas shopping event in Market Harborough town centre, with food and craft stalls, music and dancing and wonderful entertainment for all the family. This year the Square will become a Winter Wonderland with a snow machine, Santa’s Grotto, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, choirs, elves and more. The High Street will be lined with festive stalls and the stage will be outside The Angel Hotel.

ley & The Angel Fair Burgh

Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 December 9.30am to 4pm (3pm on Sunday)

FREE ADMISSION Car Parking £5 www.burghley.co.uk

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We will remember them…

WORDS: CAROLINE ASTON

On 11 November 1918, at 11.00am, the guns that had mown down millions of young soldiers during the four years of carnage we know as the Great War finally fell silent. Thousands of families grieved over husbands, sons, daughters and sweethearts, a vast legion of the lost, of men and women who had made the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country – but how best could this immense tragedy be recognised in a way that was both fitting and personal for the bereaved?

As I write this I am looking at an example of what was ultimately chosen as the answer to this most delicate of questions. I am sure that its twin is to be found in many homes in Rutland, Market Harborough and beyond. How it came into being is a fascinating story in this special year that marks the centenary of the Armistice that ended “the war to end all wars”.

As early as October 1916, in the face of rapidly rising numbers of fatalities, the government formed a committee to look into creating some kind of mass-produced memorial to commemorate each and every individual who would never come home. Formed of MPs, members of the House of Lords and government officials, this working party was chaired by Sir Reginald Brade. Born in 1864 in Melbourne, Australia, Brade was Permanent UnderSecretary of State for War between 1914 and 1920. His committee decided that a bronze plaque, produced and paid for by the State, should go to all next of kin. With this in mind a competition for designs was launched in August 1917 with prize money of up to £500 (around £33,000 today) for the top few entries. Any British-born subject could enter, and application forms were available from the Admiralty and the War Office. On 13 August The Times published the specifications for entrants, who were to use pseudonyms: plaques could be either round or rectangular, made to a diameter of just over 12cm or around 13cm by 9cm, and designs were to be submitted as wax or plaster-relief models to enable casting. There had to be a symbolic figure and the words “He (or She) Died for Freedom and Honour”, as agreed by the committee, plus the deceased’s name, initials and unit – no rank was to be mentioned, as all lives lost were equal. Judges were to be the commissioning committee plus the Directors of the National Gallery and the V&A Museum and the Keeper of Coins and Medals at the Museum.

The organisers underestimated just how popular the concept would be: over 800 people entered, and the original closing date had to be extended from 1 November 1917 to 31 December. On 20 March 1918 the results were announced, and the next day, in a terrible twist of fate, the Germans launched a massive attack along the Somme, which added several thousand names to the list of future plaque recipients.

The prize, in fact two prizes of £250, went to “Pyramus”, who turned out to be Edward Carter Preston (1885–1965), sculptor, medallist and founder of Liverpool’s Sandon Studios Society. He was later to spend over 30 years creating a huge number of works for Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. His classically beautiful circular plaque found its way into far too many homes: the figure of Britannia, holding a trident in her right hand and a laurel wreath in her left, stands behind 70

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

a lion, while two dolphins, symbols of British sea power, swim at the edge.

At the bottom a second lion is tearing the German eagle apart and the designer’s initials – “E.CR.P” – appear above the larger lion’s paw.

The plaques became known as “Dead Men’s Pennies”, and ultimately 450 tons of bronze (around 408 metric tonnes) were used to make them.

Manufacture was originally carried out in Acton, in London, but later switched to the Woolwich Arsenal in 1920. In all a total of 1,355,000 (600 to women) were issued, some of them as late as the 1930s, as survivors finally succumbed to illnesses and wounds suffered during the conflict.

Along with the “Penny” came a memorial scroll. Finding the right wording had proved incredibly difficult: well-known writers, including Rudyard Kipling, whose son John had been killed at the Battle of Loos in 1915, were approached for advice, but eventually it was Dr Montague Rhodes James, Provost of King’s College, Cambridge, who provided the draft. Printed in a calligraphic script under the Royal Crest and with each serviceman’s name, rank and regiment individually handwritten at the bottom, its message speaks to us across the years at this time of remembrance: He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger and finally passed out the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten.

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