Nene Living May 2017

PLANNING A WEDDING? Meet the professionals

NENE LIVING C OV E R I N G

P E T E R B O R O U G H , O U N D L E A N D T H E

N E N E VA L L E Y

Make the most of May

MAY 2017 £1.50 05

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE May 2017

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urrah for May – the month that treats us to two Bank Holiday Mondays, the Chelsea Flower Show and a whole host of sporting action! It’s a time, too, to really start making the most of all that’s so special about living here in the Nene region – and we hope to have offered plenty of inspiration on that count within the pages of this issue. The wedding season is in full swing now, but if you’re still at the planning stage of your own big day, our feature on the professionals (p21) might provide some useful suggestions. Elsewhere, we’ve talked to the traders who make two of our local farmers’ markets such popular monthly events (p15) and we’re delighted to have caught up with the Rev Richard Coles (p13) who’s part of this year’s exciting Oundle International Festival line-up – there’s more of that on p17 too. As always, we want to celebrate the inspiring people and community spirit that surround us, so it’s a joy to feature the Peterborough Art Society (p35), Special Olympics Swimming Group (p25) and a very special Oundle craft club (p31). If you’re involved with something similar that you think we and our readers should know about, do send me an email (neneliving@hotmail.com) and tell me more…

Finally, there’s a look at the amazing work that’s been done to re-pitch the organ at Peterborough Cathedral (p28) plus a preview of a weekend-long music festival that takes place there next month, and, for those readers who’ll be enjoying the great outdoors in the coming weeks, some camping holiday suggestions (p40) and a lovely North Norfolk walk on p47. All this and much more… enjoy!

Gillian Bendall Editor INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 Upfront

Give your wardrobe a makeover with some wellchosen accessories

7, 8, 10 News & Notes

Helping you make the most of Nene living

17 Oundle on Show

A look at what’s planned for this year’s Oundle International Festival, including an extra-special weekend of events to start the fun

31 A creative community

Discover a craft club with a difference

32 Health & Beauty

The latest tips on looking good and feeling great

35 Peterborough Art Society

How to join, who to look out for and where to see members’ works this month

21 Married to the job 13 Nene People

A jolly nice chat with the Rev Richard Coles

Meet some of the local specialists whose job is all about keeping the ‘happy couple’ happy

25 In the swim

Peterborough’s Special Olympics Swimming Group

27 Nene People 15 Eat from the Earth

For a taste of the truly scrumptious, look no further than your local farmers’ market

Artist Fiona Cumberpatch on the beauty that surrounds us

GET IN TOUCH: neneliving.co.uk

Tastes of the exotic and the home-made

40 The Great Outdoors

How to hit the right pitch on a camping holiday

45 Fashion

Fresh looks from a newlylaunched Oundle label

47 Walk North Norfolk

Where to head for a wander by the sea

28 Pitch-perfect

The story behind the new sound of music at Peterborough Cathedral

Editor Gillian Bendall neneliving@hotmail.com Write to Nene Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.neneliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Bridget Steele 01733 707538 bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designer Sarah Compton inkdesign@virginmedia.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 localliving@btopenworld.com Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.locallivingltd.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

38 Food & Drink

51 Out & About

Mustn’t-miss events in May

COVER: Early evening at Ferry Meadows by Tim Sandall www.timsandall.com

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Nene Living

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UPFRONT Refresh your spring wardrobe with a few well-chosen accessories… whether you opt for muted tones or a statement splash of colour,all you need is a new bag,belt or scarf to achieve a simple yet stylish update

Brakeburn bag, £39.95 and purse, £24.95, Asha’s Attire Brakeburn scarf, £18, Asha’s Attire

Sandwich belt, £14.95, Asha’s Attire

Clea leather across body bag, £89, John Lewis

Grey bag, £42, The Rounded House

Tutti & Co scarf, £32, The Rounded House

Louise cut out flower leather belt, £25, John Lewis

Collection neckerchief, £9.50, M&S

Maya leather across body bag, £79, John Lewis

Box bag, £25, M&S

Oriental print scarf, £14, Monsoon

Orange bag, £16, Next Textured stitch tassel wrap, £45, John Lewis

Leather bag, £30, Oasis STOCKISTS: Asha’s Attire, The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ. 01832 275605. www.ashas.net. The Rounded House, 10b West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF. 01832 274687. www.theroundedhouse.com. John Lewis, M&S, Monsoon, Next and Oasis all Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NL. www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.

NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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Pipewell Hall relaunch their stunning waterside historical wedding Venue for 2017 onwards

To find out more, call us on 01536 764720 or 07549 282 228 or email info@theusefulteam.co.uk

FREE ENTRY

Sunday 4th June 11am – 3pm

Glass of Fizz on arrival and canapĂŠs

by Thomas The Caterer For more information, contact us on Tel: 01536 760563 Email: info@pipewellhall.com pipewellhall.com Pipewell Hall, Pipewell, NN14 1QZ

NEWS & NOTES Helping you make the most of Nene living

Disability charity receives funding for work with ex-forces personnel

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NSPIRE Peterborough has been awarded £20,000 by the Ministry of Defence for its Supporting Disabled Ex-Forces project which will offer opportunities for people with disabilities and mental health conditions to take part in social, sport or leisure activities and offer opportunities to gain qualifications in fitness, volunteering and employment in order to support their peers.

The project will run until March 2018 and will look to incorporate inclusive sports such as sledge hockey (featured in our November 2016 issue) – local team Peterborough Phantoms are seven times national league champions and feature several ex-forces members with disabilities, including Stuart Perridge, an amputee and ex-RAF and Armed Forces.

Councillor John Fox, a former Royal Navy Radio Operator, said: “We came up with the idea for Supporting Disabled Ex-Forces after meeting Stuart.

Here was a local guy who had served his country, lost a leg in the service of his country, but struggled to know where to turn for a little bit of help. Supporting Disabled Ex-Forces will fit perfectly with the aims of the Armed Forces Committee in Peterborough, but with an emphasis on helping those with disabilities or longterm health conditions.”

• If you’d like to see the Phantoms in action, matches will be taking place on Sunday 21 May, Saturday 10 June, Sunday 2 July and Saturday 15 July. All start at 4.15pm, are free to attend and further information can be found by visiting www.phantomssledgehockey.co.uk

Save the date…

WIN tickets to ‘Icons of the 80s’ concert at Burghley Park Burghley Park, Saturday 10 June, 5pm

Three pairs of tickets to be won! Each pair of tickets is worth £79!

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HE ‘80s are back as three legendary star names join forces for a truly incredible concert experience.

With millions of albums sales and iconic hits such as We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, King Of Wishful Thinking, Wouldn’t It Be Good, The Riddle, I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Heart and Soul and the classic China in Your Hand, this authentic ‘80s triple-header is not to be missed.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Go West’s first hit single We Close Our Eyes. Other hits followed, including Call Me, Goodbye Girl and Don’t Look Down, Faithful and the smash hit theme song from the film Pretty Woman, King of Wishful Thinking.

Nik Kershaw first achieved chart success in 1984 with Wouldn’t It Be Good?, followed by other classics such as I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me and The Riddle. A prolific writer for other artists, Nik also penned the number one single The One and Only for Chesney Hawkes.

T’Pau’s first single Heart and Soul was released in 1987 and initially found success in the US after being featured in a Pepe Jeans commercial, before charting in the UK. Their biggest hit China in Your Hand hit the top spot in the UK later that year, and stayed at number one for five weeks.

HOW TO ENTER Answer this question: Who wrote the song The One and Only?

Email your answer to localliving@btopenworld.com, with ‘Icons of the 80s’ in the subject box, plus your name and full address. Closing date for entries is Sunday May 21 2017.

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FTER a five-year hiatus, Pipewell Hall in Northamptonshire has become a wedding venue once more, and to celebrate is hosting a Wedding Showcase on Sunday 4 June.

The event will showcase Pipewell Hall’s glorious lake and stunning parkland alongside some of its new local preferred partners. Entry is free and includes a welcome glass of fizz and canapés on arrival, as well as beautiful music and lighting. There will also be a perfectly dressed Tipi marquee, showing just why future brides in the East Midlands will be hard pressed to find a more romantic and delightful wedding venue.

• For more information call 01536 760563 or see www.pipewellhall.com

➧ NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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NEWS & NOTES New after dinner wine and cocktail venue for city centre

A N I M A L A D V O C AT E S

Create a cat-friendly garden

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ETERBOROUGH’S Cowgate is already home to a number of restaurants, a pub and a dessert lounge, but late night revellers can now enjoy visiting a wine and cocktail bar there too.

The Pizza Parlour & Music Café has been open since September and its mix of traditional wood-fired pizza oven and the ambiance created by live and recorded music has proved a big hit – with many diners wanting to stay on and enjoy a drink after the kitchen closes at 10pm.

Natasha Fierro said: “It’s clear that people like the feel of our restaurant and particularly towards the end of the week like to take time over another glass of wine or a cocktail. So on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, when our kitchen has closed for the night, we will be clearing the tables, dimming the lights and transforming into a wine and cocktail bar.

“There are a great many diners in Peterborough city centre – not just at The Pizza Parlour – who want to enjoy a last drink or two but not necessarily in a pub or club.

Our evening wine and cocktail bar fills that gap, providing a fun and safe environment for legal drinkers of all ages.”

Open to non-diners, The Pizza Parlour & Music Café will also offer spuntino, Italy’s equivalent of Spanish tapas, for customers to enjoy.

• 01733 902233, www.thepizzaparlourpeterborough.co.uk

So much to do, so little time? New business The Useful Team may be able to help. Located in beautiful Pipewell and owned and managed by Patsy Valentin, TUT offers bespoke business and personal concierge-style management services.

The team’s Lifestyle Management service takes care of clients’ day-to-day tasks – planning and booking holidays, selecting schools, house moves, managing second homes, decorating, travel – whilst an unlimited Concierge and PA service provides a range of pay-as-you-go options, from client liaison and diary management, temporary staffing, social media and PR, to event planning and home/office organisation, paying bills, spreadsheets and budget management, charity functions and support.

• For more, call 01536 764720 or see www.theusefulteam.co.uk

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AKE a few simple changes to your garden and you can create a wonderful environment for your cat to enjoy this spring and summer.

Providing outdoor access is important for allowing your cat to express its natural behaviours. Firstly, look at the area directly outside your door or where the cat flap is. Is there enough for your cat to hide behind? Cats like to feel that they have a bolt-hole nearby, so if they see or hear something that worries them, they can run for cover. Place plant pots or plant small shrubs in this area, to enable your cat to feel safer directly outside the home.

Ensure any plants and shrubs you use are not toxic to cats.

Providing shelter and places to hide in the rest of the garden will protect your cat from the rain or the mid-day sun. Shelter can be in the form of large shrubs, trees or garden furniture and sun parasols.

Cats love to climb and they generally feel safer surveying their territory from up high, so provide your pet with some logs and posts, and a couple of easily-reached perching platforms.

Cats will also use these to scratch and mark their territory.

If you would like to encourage your cat to toilet outside, provide a small section of the garden with some loose non-toxic sand for it to use as a designated latrine area. Ideally, ensure this is in a more sheltered area of the garden, to make it appealing for your cat to use in all weathers.

Wood Green The Animals Charity offers a low-fee advice service for dogs and cats. If you would like behaviour or training advice for your pet call 01480 830014 ext 1281

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NENE LIVING MAY 2017

WE MAKE WATCHES FOR WINNERS

Austin O’Connor - Winner 2014

Sir Mark Todd - Winner 2015

Bill Levett - Winner 2016

LOOMES CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROCKINGHAM INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS 19TH, 20TH, 21ST MAY 2017 www.robertloomes.com - 01780 481319

NEWS & NOTES Welcome to Handelsbanken You may have heard the name, and now you can find out more about the relationship-led bank that’s been based in Peterborough for the last six years… Nene Living caught up with Julian Turner, Branch Manager What is Handelsbanken?

Handelsbanken is a local relationship bank founded in Sweden in 1871. Since opening in Peterborough in 2010 it has steadily made a name for itself amongst local customers looking for a more personal or business long-term relationship with their bank. Our distinctive approach is based on the belief that experienced local bankers are best placed to understand the customers that live, work and trade in their community.

Where are your customers based?

With over 200 branches in the UK, each Handelsbanken branch is responsible for an area in which their customers live and operate.

The Peterborough branch looks after customers from Oundle to Kings Lynn, Stamford to Downham Market and all the villages and towns in between. We call this local focus the ‘Church Spire’ principle.

By taking care of those closest to us we can provide a tailored banking solution and a personal customer service to suit their individual requirements.

What is Handelsbanken’s appeal?

At Handelsbanken, relationship banking still lives up to its name.

You only ever deal with people you know by name and decisions are made locally by us at the branch. Our simple aim is to provide the best possible service to our customers.

How is Handelsbanken different?

We are free from sales targets, mass marketing campaigns and bonus incentives – everything we do stems from our core value: to build long-term customer relationships. For customers, the branch is the bank. Not only are employees empowered to make credit decisions and create tailored solutions locally, but they are also available to handle a customer’s day to day banking requirements in person. Handelsbanken is one of the world’s safest banks*, with over 800 branches in more than 20 countries worldwide.

And customer satisfaction is a priority at Handelsbanken?

In October 2016, Handelsbanken was rated top for customer satisfaction and loyalty, for the eighth year running, in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers, conducted by EPSI Rating (www.epsi-rating.com).

What type of banking services do you offer?

In addition to our everyday banking services, Handelsbanken offers a range of personal and business services including mortgages, loans, savings accounts and wealth management advice, as well as asset finance, trade finance, invoice discounting and currency solutions. Customers can also do their banking in a way that suits them, whether through online and mobile banking or with our Handelsbanken 2417 telephone support. *Handelsbanken was named the world’s fourth safest commercial bank by Global Finance magazine, November 2016.

• To find out more about Handelsbanken’s different way of doing banking, any of the team would be delighted to meet you over a coffee. Contact Julian Turner, Branch Manager, Handelsbanken Peterborough, First Floor, Futura House, 4 Axon, Peterborough PE2 6LR. 01733 238068 or 07530 094225, email: jutu01@handelsbanken.co.uk

Celebrate 90 years of the National Garden Scheme

Ferrar House

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INETY years ago 600 gardens raised £8,000 for district nurses; last year, 3,800 gardens raised a record-breaking £3.5million for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Hospice UK. In total, The National Garden Scheme has raised over £45million,

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NENE LIVING MAY 2017

and some of the most generous green-fingered folk are preparing to do their bit once again this month.

Great gardens, a friendly welcome and wonderful cakes… all can be enjoyed at these local gardens in May: • Ferrar House, Little Gidding, Huntingdon PE28 5RJ. The peaceful garden of a Retreat House, adjacent to the historic Church of St John.

Open 14 May, 10am-5pm. £3.

• 289 Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough PE1 3PA. A garden designed by artist Julie Reid. Divided into rooms with layers, textures and subtle sculptural additions. Open studio and art exhibition.

Open Sunday 28 May, 5-8pm. £6 includes wine and nibbles. Monday 29 May, 12-6pm. £3.50.

• Willow Holt, Willow Hall Lane, Thorney, Peterborough, PE6 0QN. A two-acre garden with ponds, meadow and lots of plants.

Sunday 28 and Monday 29 May, 11am-5pm. £4.

• Northborough Gardens, 9 and 11 Church Street, PE6 9BN. Two gardens in one village, new to the NGS. A cottage garden with flowers vegetables, fruit trees and chickens and the mature family garden of an old vicarage.

Open Monday 29 May, 1-5pm. £4.

• For more details of gardens open under the National Garden Scheme, see www.ngs.org.uk

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Aga alternatives are on Display 9 x Range Cookers

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01733 561991 11

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

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

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

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NENE PEOPLE

Rev Richard Coles The thoroughly modern Vicar of Finedon tells Sue Dobson how he juggles a life in the media,being a parish priest and reaching out into the community

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EVEREND Richard Coles seems to be everywhere – including Oundle in July, when he’ll be in conversation with local author Adam Begley at the Oundle International Festival.

On radio he co-hosts the weekly Saturday Live programme, essential listening for Radio 4 aficionados (“I’m endlessly curious about people’s lives, so it suits me admirably”) and regularly features in Pause for Thought on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Radio 2 (“nice and quirky, not your average God Slot”).

He pops up on television in Have I Got News For You, Newsnight Review and QI. He won BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind quiz, did remarkably well on Celebrity Masterchef (“loved it!” he says with glee) and has recently kept viewers engaged with BBC 1’s The Big Painting Challenge. “That was wonderful, seeing people discovering a talent deep within themselves. Art makes us look at the world differently.”

He’s written several books – the latest, Bringing in the Sheaves, was published last autumn – writes for various media, appears at book festivals, hosts awards ceremonies and is much in demand for his witty and wise afterdinner speeches. So how does the Vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Finedon, fit all this in?

“Other than Saturday Live, most of what I do on radio and television is pre-recorded, a process that can be spread over a year or more, but as the panel games are constantly rotated on one channel or another, I appear to be doing more than I really am,” he says. “I’m actually in Finedon a lot more than people think.”

He knew when he moved back to Northamptonshire in 2011 that he would be paid a half-stipend – “but of course there’s no such thing as a half-time job!” – which suited the church/media mix of his life. “My parishioners are very understanding about my absences, but I’m conscious that there’s always more to do.

Most priests feel haunted by jobs not done.”

The media activities keep him in the public eye but he actually packs in a lot more for subjects very close to his heart. He’s on the board of Wellingborough Homes, a

“My parishioners are very understanding about my absences, but I’m conscious that there’s always more to do. Most priests feel haunted by jobs not done”

Tickets are already sold out for Rev Richard Coles’ appearance at Oundle’s Stahl Theatre on Monday 10 July, where he’ll be interviewed by friend and author Adam Begley. We’re told there’s a waiting list for any returned tickets – to find out more on this and other Oundle International Festival Events see www.oundlefestival.org.uk

social enterprise providing housing and community support for the borough of Wellingborough, and speaks at bigcompany conferences on diversity, inclusion, trust, ethics and philanthropy.

Now he has another role – as the new Chancellor of the University of Northampton. “I’m very thrilled about that,” he says. “Higher education, housing, building and engaging in communities interest me greatly and the university is actively involved in all of these.

It also takes a leading role in the county that’s special to me, being born, bred and rooted here.”

Richard was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the university in 2012 (and received an Honorary D.Litt last year from the University of Warwick) but what he’s enjoying most is “a sense of continuity. When my father retired after a lifetime in the shoe manufacturing business, he fulfilled a long-held ambition to study for a degree in English, which he did at what is now the University of Northampton.”

Last year Richard took a three-month sabbatical that allowed him to co-host The Big Painting Challenge and join a small ship as a lecturer, cruising around Scotland and up to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. “That was a delightful experience, with perfect weather and congenial company. Difficult not to have cream tea every day though,” he says, ruefully patting his waistline. “As the only passenger who was allowed to go crew-side, I was able to meet people who labour behind the scenes and marvelled at their skills.”

Richard and his partner David share The Vicarage with four exuberant dachshunds: Daisy, Pongo (left, also known as William), Audrey and Horatio (usually called H). Walking with the dogs in the countryside around Finedon is a favourite pastime.

Warm and thoughtful, with a self-deprecating sense of humour and a voice that’s a pleasure to listen to, the Reverend Richard Coles is endlessly interested in people and their stories.

“There were some fascinating characters in the history of shoemaking in Northamptonshire,” he muses. “I’m toying with a novel.”

NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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We are a Made to Measure blinds specialist offering a wide range of window coverings.

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These include, Verticals, Rollers, and Venetians in Wood Slat, Faux Wood & Aluminum. Roman, Pleated and Perfect Fit Blinds.

4 Free measure and quote service 4 Blinds supplied and fitted 4 100s of fabric designs and colours including blackout 4 Multiple venetian slat and colour options

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LOCAL LIVING

Eat from the Earth For a taste of the truly scrumptious, look no further than your local farmers’ market. Rebecca Downey finds food for thought at both Oundle and Thrapston, which offer a mix of locally grown and reared produce, international cuisine and creative culinary products that you won’t find in the supermarket

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HE Farmers’ Market in Thrapston began in 2014 and was set up by a voluntary organising committee of four people, chaired by Jollys Toys & Games owner, Charlotte Croser. Charlotte (right) is committed to the regeneration and improvement of the town, which is often by-passed by visitors unaware of its parade of interesting shops and boutiques. The money raised pays for the rental of the market space and is reinvested into the town through the funding of resources for local groups, community events and town centre improvements. Beneficiaries include, among others, theatre group Thrapston Dreamers and the St John’s Ambulance Thrapston Group, who received a resin form skeleton to aid their teaching. The fund has also paid for planters and bulbs to enhance the community space as well as a ruralthemed metalwork Charlotte Croser bench (left) and is currently planning a mosaic art installation.

There are presently 26 stallholders on the books and the town has seen a boost in footfall on the day with visitors coming from Oundle, Corby, Kettering and Huntingdon. High Street shops and businesses have benefitted from the monthly event and new businesses often time their launch to coincide with it. Iain Cowan, owner of Replete Flatbreads says: “I’ve been at Thrapston farmers’ market for nearly two years now and it’s fantastic; the High Street is perfect as it allows easy set-up and take-down of our gazebos, but also good access to the customer. The volunteer market team are always there to give a hand and make everything function smoothly.” Lauren from Ganders Goat agrees: “You couldn’t hope for a nicer bunch of people to greet you and support you throughout your trading year. Not only do they take great pride in their traders they also shout about your products, really pushing and instilling enthusiasm in their wake.”

CHEGGS SCOTCH EGGS

Plasterers during the week and Scotch egg connoisseurs at the weekend, Matt Keena and his brother Liam recently celebrated their first anniversary in the business. The hot Scotch eggs are the perfect balance of crispy breadcrumb and spiced sausagemeat encasing an egg cooked to oozing orange perfection – every time! Inspired by their own mother’s recipe, the Rushden-based brothers source produce from Lancaster Farm in Higham Ferrers and Bird Bros.

The lads offer various flavours such as smoked hickory or pork and leek and the Scotch eggs come served on a bed of rocket. Needless to say you will never want the cold, cellophane-wrapped supermarket version ever again. Cheggs can be found at Thrapston and Oundle farmers’ markets as well as a number of food festivals in the region. Keep up to date with their whereabouts on social media at: www.facebook.com/cheggsscotcheggs

Ian Horton

GANDERS GOAT

Family business Ganders Goat began selling goats’ milk soap in 2015 and has been selling gelato for just over a year. The 11-acre smallholding at Cottingham is the hub of activity for the Horton family who have been working hard to get it up and running since purchasing it in 2012 in quite a dilapidated state. The enthusiasm and energy they bring to their business is infectious, sourcing ingredients locally, often trading with fellow stallholders and producing seasonal flavours. Alongside the typical popular ice cream varieties, you can try guest flavours such as blackcurrant ripple, gooseberry and elderflower, and for the more adventurous among you, savoury blood orange and chilli. The ‘KISS’ (Keep It Simple Soap) contains only three natural ingredients: Ganders goats’ milk, local rapeseed oil and coconut oil, making it kind to the skin and beneficial to those suffering from conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Ian and Lauren Horton have an admirable ethic on their farm, recycling and reusing where possible as well as protecting wildlife and nurturing the diversity of their environment. Even the bees were rescued from abandoned hives on the brink of being destroyed! Ganders Goat can be found at both Oundle and Thrapston Farmers’ markets and you can buy products online at: www.gandersgoat.com NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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LOCAL LIVING

REPLETE FLATBREADS

Iain Cowan (right) set up Replete Flatbreads in 2014 after making rather delicious Indian kulcha breads from his home in Wymington.

Having filled them with onion bhaji and chilli chutney, he realised this was a niche product he could develop. After doing lots of market research he forged ahead, experimenting with a range of flatbreads based on worldwide recipes all with a sealed filling. Many farmers’ markets and food festivals later, the range is now up to 13 variations, all vegetarian, many of which are vegan, plus a few gluten-free options. The original Indian kulcha filled with onion bhaji is still on offer, alongside flatbreads from Greece, Spain, Sicily, Egypt, South America and the current bestseller, a Great British cheese and Marmite flatbread.

Iain has had a good deal of success stocking flatbreads in local restaurants and shops, and is expanding into the vegan market, with three vegan festivals already completed this year plus more in the calendar. You will find Replete Flatbreads at six farmers’ markets including both Oundle and Thrapston, on Facebook (www. facebook.com/Repleteflatbreads) and at www. repleteflatbreads.co.uk.

Iain Cowan

PUDDING & PIE

Kings Cliffe-based Hilary Coulthard and Teresa Rushton have been selling their delectable cakes, tarts and treats for the last four years through local food festivals and fairs. Regulars at Oundle’s Hilary Coulthard and Teresa farmers’ market, you will be drawn to Rushton their stall of freshly baked goods and will struggle to choose between the array of delights on offer. I suggest you get there early if you want to sample the raspberry Bakewells which Hilary cites as one of their best sellers. But there are also caramelised pecan tarts, lime and pistachio cakes, white chocolate raspberry tarts, individual banoffee pies, meringues, cupcakes, biscuits and brownies.

Resistance is useless! You will find Pudding & Pie ‘A little of what you fancy’ at food festivals in Oundle, Stamford and Kings Cliffe, they will also take birthday cake and cupcake orders for small private functions and parties.

Email: pud.pies@gmail.com Barbara Vanstone

FLOPPY CHICKEN

Floppy chicken is the brainchild of Steve and Barbara Vanstone from Queen’s Bank Farm near Spalding and is now my sons’ top choice for a Sunday roast! The ‘Galantine’ style dish is derived from the French method of deboning and stuffing the bird – in this case with a variety of complementary ingredients to suit your every whim, such as Spicy Meat Jambalaya; Spanish Chorizo, Mozzarella & Basil; Mediterranean Vegetable and Parma Ham; or Bubble & Black among others. All chickens are of the finest quality and come from British ACP registered farms, while other produce is sourced from local suppliers where possible. The de-boning process is a skill that Steve has honed to absolute precision and is done entirely by hand with a keen eye and a sharp knife. All that is required on your part is to season the bird then place in a pre-heated oven at 170°C for 45 minutes/kilo (20 minutes/lb) plus another 20 minutes before resting and consuming. Succulent and moist, this really is the most tasty, hassle-free roast. Floppy Chicken can be found at several farmers’ markets across the region, the nearest being Oundle. Or you can order online at: www.floppy-chicken.com

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THE LITTLE SOUP KITCHEN

Rachael Kelley uses only the best ingredients, cooking from scratch and creating a wide choice of soups with bold and imaginative flavours such as bacon, lentil and chestnut, or chorizo and sweet potato. Take-away pots are served alongside fresh bread from the Kings Cliffe Bakery. The Little Soup Kitchen also wins the prize for best looking stall: a lovingly restored 1976 Citroen H van called Hugo. His former life as a horsebox is a far cry from his current occupation – and though his exterior remains authentic, inside he is a fully functioning catering outfit complete with fridges, burners, bain-maries and a Burco boiler.

The Little Soup Company offers a nutritious warming meal to the patrons of both Oundle and Thrapston’s farmers’ markets but can also be found at many festivals in the region. You can also hire Hugo for private parties and functions, offering everything from canapés to curries. www.thelittlesoupkitchen.co.uk

OLD CHAPEL FUDGE COMPANY

The Old Chapel Fudge Company makes Scottish butter tablet which is gluten- and salt-free and is suitable for both vegetarians and coeliacs. A traditional tablet mix is the basis for all the products, using the finest natural ingredients without essences, flavourings, additives or preservatives. There are traditional flavours and some more unusual – we chose the lavender, which is home-grown and subtle to taste. The texture is divine, being both crumbly and meltin-the-mouth. Some products may contain cashews or hazelnuts.

The Old Chapel Fudge Company sells nationwide but you can sample the wares and treat yourself at Oundle Farmers’ market.

Luba Tunnicliffe and Oliver Wass play for this year’s Bach Walk

Oundle on Show T

ICKETS are now on sale for this year’s Oundle International Festival which – with highlights including Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, the Reverend Richard Coles (both events already sold out!), the European Union Chamber Orchestra, Party at the Wharf, an outdoor screening of hit movie Back to the Future and lunchtime recitals from the stars of tomorrow – presents a range of events with broad appeal from Friday 7 to Saturday 15 July.

We at Nene Living are delighted to be sponsors of The Bach Walk which takes place on Tuesday 11 July – inspired by J S Bach’s 560-mile walk to hear Buxtehude play the organ, this will be a gentle stroll between two of East Northamptonshire’s beautiful villages, Sudborough and Lowick. Tickets are selling fast!

The first weekend of the Festival offers an opportunity to see and hear a wealth of musical, artistic and green-fingered, home-grown local talent in Oundle on Show: enjoy exploring the town – including many of its hidden gardens – while calling in at some of the short, free performances which will show off the variety, skill and diversity of different amateur performing groups from all age groups. Other events on the 8 and 9 July include the always popular Oundle Farmers’ Market, the Oundle Horticultural Society’s summer show, an exhibition by the Nene Valley Artists at the town’s Yarrow Gallery, and a 1940s exhibition at Oundle Museum.

• For full details of all Festival events, pop into the Oundle Box Office at 4 New Street, Oundle PE8 4ED, call the ticket hotline on 01832 274734 or log on to www.oundlefestival.org

The Oundle Farmers’ Market is held on the second Saturday of each month from 8am to 2pm.The Thrapston Farmers’ Market is held on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm. Do go along, chat to the stallholders… and tell them we sent you!

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As the weddings season gets into full swing, Rebecca Downey speaks to some of the local experts who work hard to keep the ‘happy couple’ happy

Married to the job T

HE notion that a wedding planner will take over your big day, mess up your plans and run off with your best friend’s boyfriend is a Hollywood fallacy; a wedding planner is there to nurture your ideas, guide your expectations and fulfill your dreams – all within budget of course!

With the average wedding reportedly costing £24,000 and requiring 250 hours’ preparation, it’s not surprising couples feel the pressure mounting towards the big day.

Is it possible to remain friends – let alone lovers – when there is a constant drip-feed of decisions to be made and possible points of contention? This is where employing a wedding planner or a venue co-ordinator can lighten your load and actually allow you to enjoy the process and the day itself.

Organising aside, wedding planners really are worth

Selena and Laura greet the bride and groom

Serenity Weddings Selena has been planning weddings for over 15 years and eventually set up Serenity Weddings after selling her telecoms business five years ago. Her background in customer services and event management has prepared her for the flurry of activity and judicious planning it takes to hold a wedding. She furthered her skill set by training with The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners, which was founded to promote professionalism in wedding planning and follows a valuable code of practice.

But Selena doesn’t view it as a job: “I would go so far to say it’s a passion – I love every aspect, from the initial meeting with the couple, sharing their excitement, to putting the last guest to bed and knowing that the whole process has gone seamlessly.”

Sourcing the right suppliers takes precious time – but through her wealth of knowledge and

their weight in gold if any problems arise on the day.

You picture yourself in all your finery exuding swanlike serenity, so won’t want to be running around like a headless chicken! And who wants to be worrying about parking issues or seating plan changes? Not your nearest and dearest – they’ll be keen to enjoy the day too!

When it comes to costs, you may have a clear idea of how you envisage your wedding day, and fear that input from another may steer you off track and increase the cost of your final bill. But doing it all yourself is not always a money-saving exercise. Planners are used to working within the confines of a budget, and will know the best suppliers, photographers and caterers in your area. They have done it all many times before and will have a clear understanding of availability and, more importantly, negotiating the best deal for you.

Serenity Wedding planners

resources Selena procures the most suitable in terms of budget and personality. Ultimately, couples make the final decision about who they want to work with. “I don’t want it to be at all stressful or overwhelming, so I hold the couples’ hands every step of the way,” she says. “I don’t take commission and on average, the money I save the client through careful negotiation usually pays for the planner’s fee. Which in turn gives couples more time to spend together and no raised stress levels.”

Selena listens closely to her couples’ ideas and wishes, and designs a wedding plan that reflects their lifestyles and personalities. “But more importantly, I listen to the things they don’t want,” she says. Wedding photos last a long time – you don’t want to be cringing 15 years down the line so Selena encourages couples to avoid making decisions based on current trends, but instead to choose a theme or colour that tells their story and one that they are comfortable with.

If you’re planning your big day, here’s some of

Selena’s sound advice: • Hire a wedding planner!

• Everything you plan is going to be relevant to the number of people you are inviting, so do the guest list first • Remember it’s YOUR day. Be diplomatic, you cannot please everyone • Choose from at least three suppliers. Cost is always a consideration, but ask yourself: does this company fit with our personality and ethics?

• Always read the contract from a supplier. Once you have signed it, you are legally bound • Be prepared to compromise – don’t forge ahead with an idea if your partner dislikes it • During the last week, go on a ‘date night’ and try not to talk about the wedding • Keep mum: most people love surprises, so try to confide in only close friends or you run the risk of being copied, or worse, becoming a bore!

• At the last minute things can change, but don’t panic; a solution can always be found. www.serenity-weddings.com NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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➧

Married to the job

Rhian Laura with partner and professional photographer Paul David Smith

Rhian Laura

Having worked in the hospitality sector for many years, Rhian initially began helping friends and family organise their weddings and soon found herself doing more and more at each celebration. Realising she had a knack for planning and a cool head when it came to dealing with problems, she decided to make it a career and launched her wedding planning business four years ago. Her dedication to the job has earned her a Bridebook Wedding Awards 2017 nomination and more recently she has been shortlisted in the Guides For Brides customer service awards.

Being organised is paramount but Rhian loves every aspect of her job and feels

Elton Furze

it’s a privilege to be part of such an intimate and special day. “We already know the baker who does the style of cake you want, or the florist that fits your budget. But having a wedding planner present on the day helps the proceedings to flow a bit better; we solve any problems that arise – in many cases without the wedding party knowing there was ever an issue.” A good planner will also be able to discourage the more assertive family members from interfering in the run-up to the event.

Some couples may feel that employing a planner means relinquishing control over the day, or they may feel detached from the experience if they are not involved in the minutiae of the planning process. Rhian says that’s why it’s

Elton Furze Golf Club is set in the beautiful surroundings of the Cambridgeshire countryside, six miles from Peterborough. It is an idyllic venue for a wedding reception with panoramic views overlooking 135 acres of picturesque landscape. It accommodates seating for up to 120 for a wedding breakfast and a party of up to 250 people for an evening reception.

Fiona Martin is the wedding co-ordinator and has over 25 years’ experience in the business. Elton Furze prides itself on an excellent and friendly customer service, and its ability to create a bespoke, flexible package.

An all-inclusive package for a wedding breakfast for 75 guests and evening reception for 100 guests for a buffet costs £5,750 and includes room hire, table linen and chair covers, a glass of Bucks Fizz or Pimms on arrival, three-course wedding breakfast with coffee and chocolate mints, 16 bottles of red/white wine, sparkling wine for the toast and an evening finger buffet with a choice of four items, plus in-house disco and DJ. Fiona is a happy to discuss arrangements for creating a bespoke wedding package to suit your needs.

• Elton Furze Golf Club, Bullock Road, Haddon PE7 3TT www.efgc.co.uk

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vital to find a planner you really connect with.

After all, it’s possible you may be introduced to something that hadn’t occurred to you.

Rhian’s website and blog offer a wealth of knowledge and advice on such things as ‘wedding speech etiquette’, ‘day bag essentials for brides’ or the ‘advantages to having an autumnal or winter wedding’. But Rhian urges betrothed couples to: • Keep a notebook or diary, write lists • Accept help where and when it is offered • Budget for everything – there are lots of free templates online. Be realistic but also put five to 10 per cent of your budget aside for extras that you may have forgotten about • Do it how you want to – everyone will have an opinion but they will also have a good time no matter what • Have fun and enjoy the planning process too • www.rhianlaura.co.uk

The Bull Hotel

The Grade II listed building situated in the heart of Peterborough hosts around 30 weddings a year.

The four-star Bull Hotel (right) has been extensively refurbished in keeping with its original style – traditional yet incorporating all modern comforts.

It is licensed for civil ceremonies so couples can celebrate their special day all in one venue. The Lincoln Suite seats a maximum of 65 guests or up to 130 in the Broadway Suite – both rooms are lavishly decorated with mirrored panels and chandeliers for a sumptuously dramatic effect. The Broadway Suite can accommodate a maximum of 160 for a sit-down meal and has a private bar.

“We offer as much or as little help as the couple needs,” says Shannon Curley, wedding and events co-ordinator. “Every wedding is unique so we will work with each couple to give them the day they want. We recommend a lot of different suppliers from venue styling to bridal hair and we are always on hand to answer queries alongside meetings during the lead-up to their special day.”

All colour schemes work well with the simple and elegant theme throughout The Bull’s suites. “A lot of our couples are going for a minimalist approach; putting as little on the tables as possible to ensure it does not look cluttered,” says Shannon. Photo booths remain popular and she suspects will be for a long time: “It keeps all age groups entertained and adds the ‘fun’ element to any wedding reception.”

Shannon’s top tip is to stay calm! Getting as much planned in advance will help in the long run and this is where a wedding package can really tick several boxes in one go. The Bull Hotel offers three set wedding packages and can cater for 50 day guests and 80 evening guests for £4,599 on a Saturday or £4,299 Sunday to Friday; increasing to a maximum of 100 day guests and 150 evening guests for £8,499 on a Saturday and £7,999 Sunday to Friday. The wedding ceremony costs an additional £200 for the Lincoln (up to 65 guests) and £300 for the Broadway. All set packages include function room hire, dance floor, private bar, disco, DJ, three-course wedding breakfast, arrival drink, half a bottle of wine per guest, sparkling wine for the toast, table linen and centrepiece decorations among other items. Included in the package is a complimentary executive bedroom for the wedding night and reduced rates for guests, and finally, a toastmaster to ensure everything runs like clockwork on the day.

The Bull Hotel Westgate, Peterborough PE1 1RB • www.peelhotels.co.uk

Barton Hall Barton Hall is an 18th-century Grade II listed hall and hotel with a Grade I listed orangery situated in picturesque Northamptonshire countryside. The award-winning venue is an E-plan house with Elizabethan origins and early-18th century additions.

On the day, guests will be guided to the stunning orangery for the ceremony and drinks reception. The wedding breakfast is held in the Charles Suite with its splendid chandeliers and private patio and later this becomes the perfect space for dancing the night away. The hall offers three wedding packages and has money-saving offers for 2017. The ‘Elegant’ package includes co-ordinator, toastmaster, table linen, two glasses of sparkling wine, four-course wedding breakfast, half-bottle of wine per person with the meal, sparkling wine for the toasts, complimentary bridal suite and Sunday lunch for the bride and groom in the Vines Brasserie. Rates for Saturday (based on minimum of 80 adults) were £85 per person but are now £70 per person.

The ‘Elite’ package is a wonderful opportunity to have the venue in its entirety – bedrooms are included so that you can celebrate into the early hours and enjoy breakfast with your guests the following day. A Saturday wedding based on a minimum of 80 adult guests is £18,000.

• Barton Hall Hotel, Barton Road, Barton Seagrave NN15 6SG www.bartonhall.com NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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SPORT

IN THE SWIM Our city is home to many splendid sporting groups, among them one which promotes fitness, social skills and independence amongst people with learning disabilities. Gillian Bendall finds out more…

“Let me win, but if I cannot win then let me be brave in the attempt”

T

HAT’S the motto – and fighting spirit – behind the success of the Peterborough Special Olympics Swimming Group, which promotes lifelong fitness, social skills and independence among people with learning disabilities of all ages and abilities – all through the sport of swimming.

The group hails from 1986, when an athletics and swimming group was set up for pupils at St George’s, a former city ‘special school’. In 1990 the swimming moved to Bretton Wood School pool and was run by the parents of Andrew Popple, a champion disability swimmer.

Four years later a lack of interest made the athletics part of the group no longer viable, but the swimming continued and in 2007, when the Bretton Wood School was closed, the group moved to the Jack Hunt Pool.

“In August 2014 we were very lucky to become affiliated to COPS (the City Of Peterborough Swimming Club) and were allocated two training sessions at the Peterborough Regional Pool and a stable training base,” explains PSOSG Chair Johanna (Joh) Roberts. “Over the past two years the group has grown from around 10 swimmers to 21, all of whom have an intellectual (learning) disability. Some have a physical disability as well.”

Success stories so far include William, aged 17, who has Downs Syndrome. Joh says: “William learnt to swim at the age of four with the Oundle Otters. He found out about PSOSG by pure chance three years ago and is competing in the GB National Special Olympic Summer Games in Sheffield in August. Since January he has been training with the Down Syndrome GB swimming team and he hopes to be selected to go to Paris later this year for the DS European Championships.”

Shaun, age 45, suffers with learning disability, cerebral palsy and epilepsy and is PSOSG’s oldest member, having been with the group since 1986 when it first started. “He’s known as ‘Torpedo’ because although quite sedate in his training sessions, Shaun can amaze everyone during his races,” says Joh. “The highlight for Shaun and all of us last year was when, with the help of two coaches each holding his hands, he finally learnt to jump into the pool!”

The group’s aim is to help swimmers develop their technique and train towards their goals, says Joh Roberts (below).

Fundraising efforts create opportunities for all

Chloe, aged 12, has learning disability, cerebral palsy and visual problems and was put into water at a very early age, including hydrotherapy. She attended disability swimming lessons and in 2013 joined PSOSG. “To date she has won three bronze, three silver and two gold medals at various competitions around the country,” says Joh. “Her greatest achievement has been to learn how to do tumble turns in the past couple of months.”

Aside from simply being jolly good fun, the group has four important roles. Joh explains: “Firstly, it gives the swimmers a chance to be part of a team, to feel a sense of pride and achievement, to enjoy the success of winning, to learn to support each other in times of disappointment, and have aspirations to improve, develop and succeed.

“Secondly, it helps them to be fit, healthy and prevent weight problems. Thirdly, it helps them foster friendships, improve their communication and develop social skills. And fourthly, it is a support network for the parents, sharing information and problem-solving the many issues they have to face.

“Our group aim is to help swimmers develop

their swimming technique and train towards whatever goals they wish to try to achieve. The swimmers range from those recently joining us who may only just be able to swim the basic 25m unaided, to those who just like to come and train but do not feel ready to compete, to those who compete in local and regional galas and at national level.

“Apart from our Level 2 lead coach, all our committee members, Level 1 coaches and other helpers are volunteers and we rely entirely on our fundraising efforts throughout the year and on donations to fund the coaching costs, attend galas and to buy equipment for training as we want every swimmer to have the opportunity to take part.

“We welcome new members with learning disabilities – including Downs Syndrome and autism – and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in becoming a volunteer coach; we can fund their training.”

• For more information on the group, and how you could get involved either as a swimmer or in a supporting role, log on to www. peterboroughsoswimminggp.wordpress.com or email joh.sydenham@btinternet.com NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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NENE PEOPLE

Fiona Cumberpatch Never without her watercolours, Fiona Cumberpatch loves to capture the hidden details of the countryside.Clare Howcutt-Kelly meets up with her for a chat

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ITH a gentle voice and calming energy, Fiona sees beauty in delicate brittle seed heads, fragile pieces of china, dainty jars and petite petals. From her brush, leaping hares and hurrying hedgehogs appear as if chasing the moon.

A collage of a dresser shows off some of Fiona’s best-loved finds – a blue and white tea caddy, a small pot of rich cream, a yellowstriped vintage jug and many more pieces of treasure jostle for attention.

Working mainly in watercolour, she incorporates collage elements into her creations, painting individual items and then sticking them onto a base painting.

“Painting is incredibly calming,” says Fiona, a former editor of Nene Living. “You have to concentrate on the object in front of you and the pen or paintbrush in your hand, and nothing else. I suppose it’s a bit like mindfulness, focusing on the moment and not allowing anything else to intrude. I often play records or CDs while I’m painting, or maybe listen to a podcast or two. It’s a total relaxation zone.”

Fiona’s father is also an artist and so she has grown up surrounded by paper and paints and when it came to A Levels, she headed to Arthur Meadows Village College in Glinton.

“I learned to screen print, and I would spend hours drawing flowers and plants for various exam projects, but I wanted to be a journalist, so I did English at university, and my painting and drawing fell by the wayside for a few years, although I always had a box of watercolours

“You have to concentrate on the object in front of you and the pen or paintbrush in your hand, and nothing else. I suppose it’s a bit like mindfulness” and would occasionally do a bit here and there.”

As a magazine editor, Fiona is often busy during the days but when she has time she loves exploring Burghley Park. “I love the trees in all seasons, and the rolling landscape.” When it comes to sourcing vintage china, there’s a

couple of local places you might find her: “I’m a collector, and I love to pop in at St Martin’s Antiques Centre, or the Field Dog Antiques Fairs on Stamford Meadows where I like to pick up colourful pieces of china and vintage fabric which I use in my paintings. Vintage fairs in the Arts Centre are good for this too. The flower stalls in Stamford Market are another favourite destination: I always come home from the Friday market with a bag full of things to eat, drink – and draw.”

During the darker months, lunchtime is often spent foraging in the woods beside the River Nene, close to where Fiona works. In fact, it’s not uncommon for Fiona to indulge in a little hunter-gathering and leave the office with leaves and twigs.

And for those considering picking up paints for the first time, what advice would she give?

“Just do it. Don’t worry about being ‘good.’

Don’t think about how you felt when you did art at school. I was lucky with my teachers, but some people have a bad experience which puts them off. It really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You don’t have to show anyone. All you need is a cheap box of paints and paper.

Start with something small: a jug or a cup.

Really look at it, as if you were seeing it for the first time, and see how it goes.”

She credits Instagram as being a really supportive community: “I started putting a few of my pictures on there and I really recommend it. It has had such a positive effect on me.

I’ve had messages asking if people can buy pictures, and one lovely woman even asked if I’d like to illustrate her book!”

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Pitch-perfect

Sarah Chase looks into a most unusual musical project

I

f you have ever witnessed, at first hand, a cathedral organ recital – or even a rehearsal – then you will know that there are few more uplifting aural experiences to be had in the musical world. As tools to inspire religious devotion go, the organ has proved its worth over the centuries, creating a sense of awe and wonder in listening congregations.

Visitors to Peterborough Cathedral will appreciate this, perhaps, more than most: its organ, built

by William Hill in 1894 and the largest of its type in the UK at the time, has been described as ‘one of the finest organs in the country’ and has been impressing audiences and organists for well over a hundred years.

Now the instrument is back in the headlines again, following an 18-month renovation project designed to place the organ at the very heart of Peterborough’s musical life – and a music festival celebrating its new lease of life will take place next month.

Peterborough’s organ has spent its life thus far in Old Philharmonic pitch, meaning that it sounds higher (or ‘sharper’) than today’s orchestras and ensembles, who are all tuned to Standard Concert pitch. Consequently, visiting orchestras, brass bands and chamber groups have been unable to play alongside the organ as the half semitone difference in pitch makes for a less than pleasant sound!

Steven Grahl, Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral, explains further consequences: “We were genuinely concerned for our choir members, who were having to adapt their singing to a completely different pitch from that of all the music they hear and perform outside the Cathedral.

“The choir is being asked to overcome serious tuning problems, and repeated singing at the ‘wrong’ pitch is potentially damaging to young, developing voices.”

Steven Grahl, Director of Music at the Cathedral

CONSISTENCY AND CONSERVATION

Work on the £400,000 project began in 2015 following fundraising efforts involving private charitable trusts, commercial organisations, organists’ associations and individual donors.

Re-pitching an instrument of this size is no easy task, with every one of the 5,286 pipes needing to be lengthened. Harrison & Harrison, the Durham-based firm chosen to undertake the gargantuan mission, have over 150 years’ experience and have worked on the prestigious King’s College, Cambridge organ amongst many others, making them a safe pair of hands for the job.

Before the real work could commence, and as a condition of the statutory permission needed for the re-pitch to go ahead, it was necessary to complete a conservation project, which meant taking a sample of the sound created by every single pipe, at its existing pitch. This required absolute consistency in note length and power, and it was the Cathedral’s head chorister from 1985 who provided a nifty solution.

Ben Trenchard, now a professional recording engineer, was delighted to be able to offer his expertise on his old stamping ground. He set about designing and creating a robot which could operate each of the 56 keys for every pipe and also work the registration setter, thereby changing the sounds.

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Ben Trenchard puts his ‘robot’ in place

Peterborough Cathedral organ was built in 1894...

David Briggs

Organ pipes packed for transit

Hear for yourself

... and described as ‘one of the finest in the country’

The Peterborough Cathedral Organ Festival, from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 June, will feature internationally famous musicians, with an Opening Recital by David Briggs (top), regarded as one of the world’s finest improvisers. Once described as a ‘magical musical millipede’, he is definitely one to watch as well as listen to – there will be a video link between the organ loft and a big screen in the Nave.

Grammy Award-winning conductor David Hill is to conduct the Festival Concert on Saturday 10, with orchestra, choir and organ.

Voicing machine at the Harrison & Harrison workshop

“It was important to record a clear and true recording of every note,” says Ben, “and so three different microphones captured the pipe ‘speech’: one in the organ; one in the choir stalls; and one in the congregation area.

“We built up an accurate soundscape, which was given to Harrison & Harrison to help their work and is now part of our local history archives.”

It wasn’t easy to capture the recordings, though: background silence is necessary, meaning much of the work had to take place at night.

“Even then it wasn’t always straightforward,” remembers Ben. “On one memorable night, we had to contend with a rogue motorcyclist who drove back and forth, interfering with the sound recording!”

INTEGRITY INTACT

Dismantling the huge organ was the next step.

Whilst the smaller pipes could be lengthened on-site, the larger pipes – weighing up to a quarter of a tonne each – had to be transported to Durham for their re-pitching, where a new piece of metal would be soldered on and then cut back to achieve the desired pitch, using a voicing machine for accuracy.

Andrew Scott, Head Voicer at Harrison & Harrison, is clear about his company’s role in this transformation: “Our job was to make sure the organ remains the Peterborough Cathedral organ. We essentially copied what was already there, to maintain the integrity of the instrument.”

The stops (which change the sound the organ creates) were also overhauled in this

David Hill Photo © Sally Fisher

The mammoth project was completed in December

massive project, and new stops added: a Tuba Mirabilis, replacing its predecessor with a brighter and brassier sound; and the Sesquialtera, which is used for music of the Baroque and 20th-century periods.

The mammoth project was completed in December 2016 and has already been welcomed by members of the Cathedral’s choirs: “The lower pitch means we can sing more pieces more comfortably,” says Adam, a chorister.

Steven Grahl agrees: “We really are excited at the opportunities this offers for the organ to be used with choirs and with other ensembles,” he enthuses. “The re-pitching project will open the way for a huge variety of collaborations, creating a new era in our city’s musical life.”

David Humphreys

What’s on... and when Friday 9 June 7.30pm: Opening Recital by David Briggs Saturday 10 June 10.30am: Into the Organ Loft Cathedral organists get in amongst the pipes at high level in the Cathedral to give a virtual tour, shown on screen to the audience 3pm: Hauptwerk and the Cathedral organ Ben Trenchard shows how the recording of the organ at its old pitch has been used to create a virtual instrument, using Hauptwerk software 7.30pm: Festival Concert Grammy Award-winning conductor David Hill conducts a concert for orchestra, choir and organ Sunday 11 June 10.30am: Festival Eucharist with Brass 2.15pm: David Humphreys, Assistant Director of Music (left), will perform a new composition

by David Briggs, commissioned specially for the Festival 3.30pm: Festival Evensong • For ticket details call 01832 274734 or visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.

To see more of the work undertaken, search Youtube for Pipeworks – a series of short videos detailing the work from start to finish.

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• Trees, Conifers & Shrubs • Perennials & Alpines • Bedding & Seasonal Plants • Fruit, Veg & Herbs • Roses & Climbers • Grasses & Ferns The Barn Garden Centre, Barnwell Road, Oundle. PE8 5PB 01832 273310 - www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk Find us on facebook

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WATERLAND HOUSE, 81 WEST STREET, OUNDLE, PETERBOROUGH PE8 4EJ www.kuchenkraft.co.uk 30

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HAVE A GO

A creative community Sarah Chase discovers a locally-run craft club with a difference

Caroline Kisby

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OMMUNITY: it’s a wonderful thing. When the different strands of your local society pull together and produce a sum that is greater than its parts, you know you’re living in a special place.

Add a successful bid for funding from the country’s biggest Lottery organiser to the mix, and exciting possibilities become reality.

The newest venture from the Friends of Oundle Library (FOOL) took a great deal of work from its members to bring about, and the support it has since received from the surrounding community makes it just such a special venture.

The idea for a craft club with a difference came from a chance conversation with one of Oundle’s GPs, who mentioned that people in the early stages of dementia or who had low level health problems can derive real benefits from doing craft activities. ”FOOL exists to promote and support Oundle Library, and to encourage more people to use and enjoy it,” explains Jenny Smith, who is Secretary to the fundraising group. “Making use of our facilities in such a positive way, for those who may otherwise be marginalised, seemed like an obvious step.”

Following a successful 20-week pilot scheme, funded by a small grant from Northamptonshire County Council, FOOL started to consider more extensive funding options.

“The positive response to the project, both from the council and from those who attended the sessions, gave us the confidence to put together our bid for National Lottery funding,” says Jenny. “The application process involved a lot of work, but we were thrilled to receive funding that would allow us to run a full year of the Craft Club – £7,692 in total.”

A CREATIVE VOICE For the organisation and running of the club, FOOL turned to Caroline Kisby, well-known within the Northamptonshire art scene as a textile artist and felt-maker, who they felt was a candidate supremely well-suited for taking on the role: as well as running her artistic business, Pink House Arts, for many years, Caroline is also a qualified Adult Education Tutor who has specialised in working with vulnerable adults, and an experienced Arts in Health practitioner.

“It’s widely recognised that creativity can help people who are struggling with mental health problems,” says Caroline, “and many of the

results I have seen over my years of working with patients in the NHS and mental health charities have borne that thinking out.”

The Pink House Craft Club scheme is aimed at local residents suffering from a variety of conditions, from the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to mild depression, anxiety, loneliness, stress and isolation.

“Each person will be encouraged to explore and experiment with the resources available to find their own creative voice,” explains Caroline.

“They will be able to try a range of creative activities – either working on their own or as part of the group – with the aim of producing a piece of community artwork to go on display.”

Crafts to be explored include printing, stamping, silk painting, glass painting, paper craft and wet felting: these produced immensely successful results from the trial, both artistically and therapeutically.

“I was able to express myself, creatively,” said one participant. “I enjoyed the social interaction and was able to relax.”

Another commented: “I found peace during the session. I was able to focus on a task – it gave me a sense of achievement.”

PERFECT TIMING The decision to hold the club from 2-4pm on a Monday afternoon, when the library is closed to the public, has helped to extend attendance limits beyond what would be possible during opening hours.

“It means we are able to provide a secure, safe and stress-free environment for our visitors,” explains Caroline. “We offer easy to do craft activities, the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and have time to chat and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.”

Carers are welcome to come along too – either for their own benefit, or to support the person they care for. There is free car parking on the doorstep, and the Oundle-based Volunteer Action Community Car Service is available to collect those without means of making their own way to the club – the final piece in this community jigsaw puzzle.

“It’s fantastic to see what a locally-based group such as FOOL has achieved, by responding to the needs of our area and drawing on support and resources close to home and nationally,” says Caroline.

• For more information, contact Caroline Kisby via her website, www.pinkhousearts.co.uk NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Bridget Steele has the latest on looking good and feeling great

Better skin from within

Slimming with hypnotherapy

Collagen is a critical part of the inner skin structure, giving skin its plumpness and elasticity – from our early 20s it’s lost at a rate of 1.5 per cent per year. I have been taking part in a trial for Skinade, a liquid supplement containing 7000mg of collagen, Vitamin B, Omegas 3 and 6 and amino acids that are key to rebuilding collagen. Two weeks into taking the daily mango and peach liquid I can already see astounding improvements – my skin is brighter, less dry and the shadows around my eyes have faded. Not only can

I see differences in my skin, my nails have not felt so strong in years, are longer and not breaking and my hair is growing faster.

I could not have imagined that the results would be obvious so quickly!

A course of Skinade supplements needs to be taken for at least 60 days to maximise results and by taking a supplement in a liquid form the collagen quickly reaches the bloodstream. The little bottles provided can be taken as a ready-made drink or there are travel sachets that can be mixed with water.

• For more information contact Elysia, Tansor, PE8 5HP. 01832 226328; www.elysiahealthand beauty.com

Hypnotherapy is an effective way to treat many conditions, ranging from smoking cessation to pain relief. Tim Pinning, who is included in the country’s Register of Senior Advanced Hypnotherapists, tells me it can be effective for slimming too. “The Hypno-Slimming programme includes a hypnotic gastro band and helps clients to regain control of their eating habits without thinking of a diet, allowing food to be left on a plate whilst still feeling full. It is ideal for combating food cravings and emotional eating.” The HypnoSlimming programme can also help with confidence, self esteem and motivational issues.

• For more information call Tim Pinning on 01733 768839 or 07963 419829 or see www.curativehypnotherapy.com

The (ultra)sound of beauty…

Ultherapy is an amazing treatment that lifts and sculpts the skin non-invasively and gradually from the inside out – without the need for surgery or any down-time. Treatment zones include the upper face, lower face, neck and décolletage – micro-focused ultrasound energy is delivered to three skin depths including the layer targeted by surgeons during a surgical facelift, triggering a natural regenerative response which stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastin.

• Book a consultation at Peterborough Cosmetic Clinic, 226 Dogsthorpe Road Peterborough PE1 3PB, call 01733 310090 or see www.ukcosmeticclinic.co.uk

Bridal make up Lea Davies is a freelance make up artist specialising in bridal and special occasion looks.

She works on a mobile basis and explains: “I am happy to travel to see brides and offer a prewedding trial, which usually costs around £30 and on the day £40-£50 depending on the look required, however this would be discounted for a party to £20 for a trial and £30 on the day per person.”

• For more information on Lea’s make up services email: LMDskin@outlook.com

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Mobile feet Wright Feet has now been trading for four successful years. Mobile foot health professional Holly Wright provides a warm and welcome chiropody experience in the comfort of your own home, specialising in all areas of foot health from cutting toenails to removing corns, calluses and ingrown toenails.

Holly comments: “I specialise in diabetic and neurovascular issues that can affect the feet and overall foot health. Over the winter months people often neglect their feet – it’s a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’.”

If you have hard skin, thick toe nails or cracked heels give Wright Feet a call and see what a difference can be made. There are free foot health checks with all visits and helpful after-advice to keep your feet looking and feeling great for longer.

• You can contact Holly Wright on 07931 624325

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

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We offer all beauty treatments including CACI and Environ Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, LCN Sculptured Nails, Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Lash Extensions, LVL Lashes, Intimate Waxing and Make-up WHAT’S NEW? - We now offer PRP Face Treatments, Mesotherapy, Advanced Skin Peels, Muscle Relaxing Injections, Fillers and Vaginal Tightening.

Join us on Wednesday 28th June for our open evening. Learn from the industry experts and see our demonstrations.

Call to reserve your place.

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

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34

THE ARTS

An artistic force for good As Peterborough Art Society prepares for its Annual Exhibition later this month, Gillian Bendall asks Phil Hemsley about its aims and achievements Frosty fen by Nick Tearle

Hot stuff by Carole Boyer

Fens by Nick Tearle

John Bailey

Oman fishing boats by Phil Hemsley

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commissions through their work being seen at our exhibitions or in the HE Peterborough Art Society was formed in 1929, making it ‘members’ gallery’ on our website. one of the oldest in the country. Our founding member was a “We also have several members who are professional artists, many Mr WV Garrard, who was an art master at The King’s School, with their own websites, who have sold both at home and abroad. Ken Peterborough. His aim, along with those of some other likeBurton, our President, is a well-known artist for minded associates, was to bring together local his landscapes and Norfolk coastal scenes. David artists and art enthusiasts who were interested in • The PAS Annual Exhibition runs from Ayres, a new member this year, has been a prolific meeting regularly to exchange ideas and exhibit 24 May to 3 June at St John’s Church, artist in lithographs, linocuts and etchings for their work,” explains Phil.

Cathedral Square, Peterborough. An many years. He has exhibited his work in both “Our philosophy is to develop members’ artistic Autumn Exhibition is held from 3 to the Mall Galleries and The Alexander Gallery potential within a welcoming social setting and 7 October at the same venue, where in London. Carole Boyer, our Secretary, has to work collaboratively with other art groups to members of other local art groups are also sold many of her encaustic wax artworks promote art both locally in Peterborough and also invited to exhibit. The Society also internationally, mostly to North America and in the wider cultural community. It is equally has a small permanent exhibition in Australia. open to all, from new amateurs to seasoned the café at the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall “Innovations and experimentations in our professionals.”

Hospice at Longthorpe, where 10 per cent members’ work are often inspired by our events, Membership currently stands at near-70, and of any sales are donated to the hospice. in particular our demonstrators and painting the Society meets every first Monday of the • To find out more log on to www. together where we feed off each others’ ideas month at St Mark’s Church Hall, Lincoln Road at peterboroughartsociety.org.uk, or email: 7.30pm. “This costs £2 for members and £4 for enquiries@peterboroughartsociety.org.uk. and techniques. One recent innovation has been our association with The City of Peterborough visitors, including those who just want to come Secretary Carole Boyer can be contacted Symphony Orchestra, to paint and draw them along for a ‘taster’ to experience who we are and c/o 57 Five Arches, Orton Wistow, in rehearsals, which has resulted in new friends what we do,” says Phil. “We also meet on the third Peterborough PE2 6FQ or on 07725 being made and a new experience of capturing Monday of the month from May to September, 550063. live group action on paper; some of our work has same venue and time. Most months we have • Readers are welcome to attend one of been included in their concert programme.” a professional demonstrator, but also hold the PAS monthly meetings (visitor fee is And which ‘promising’ new members should occasional life drawing classes and members’ own £4) – the full programme is published on we art enthusiasts and collectors watch out painting evenings.” the website. for? “Stephen Kulczak who is very prolific and So what successes have local artists achieved sells many of his large, strikingly colourful oils, often painted on timber as a result of their PAS membership? “Apart from selling paintings at our boarding. Chris Cox has a unique style in town and rural scenes in both exhibitions, we have several members who have received commissions acrylic and watercolour. Nick Tearle produces atmospheric landscapes, due to their membership,” says Phil. “For example our Treasurer, Bernard many set in the local Fenland area, and Geoff Mizen who does various Singer, has had a commission from St John’s Church, where we exhibit unusual ‘takes’ on features of the world around us. This is just a small twice a year, to paint the church in the snow. This is to be used to create selection of the new talent in our society,” says Phil.

Christmas cards to help raise funds for the church. Others have received NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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N O W O PE N

The Fox at Folksworth C A S U A L F I N E D I N I N G 7 D AY S A W E E K Family friendly seasonal food I Selection of real ales and beers I Children's menu I Specials board Bar menu I Sun room I Functions catered for and outside catering Marquee available for larger events Monthly tasting at the chefs table with wines matched to courses

T H E F OX AT F O L K S W O RT H 34 Manor Road, Folksworth, Peterborough PE7 3SU t 01733 892681 w bookings@clarkesrestaurant.co.uk 37

FOOD & DRINK

A taste of the exotic

Zada offers a mix of Middle Eastern cuisine with particular emphasis on Turkish food.Bridget Steele and guests enjoyed some authentic favourites

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ADA, specialising in Turkish cuisine, opened only eighteen months ago in Stamford but has already made its mark, having been recommended for the 2017 Michelin Guide. We booked a table for a Wednesday evening, arriving at 7.30pm when the restaurant had a comfortable buzz and a delightful ambience about it, both complemented by jewelled lampshades and beautiful artefacts hanging on the wall.

Iva is in charge of front of house and looked after us well – she explained that everything is made in the restaurant using authentic Turkish recipes often passed down through generations. The menu is extensive so it seemed a good idea to share a mixed meze platter – the lightest, softest flatbread (made that morning) was served with hummus, tzatziki, taramosalata, babaganush, Turk borek (feta pastries) falafel, sucuk (beef sausage), hellim and Head Chef Ali’s home-made chilli and yogurt sauces. Overwhelmed

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slightly by the quantity, we did well – everything was full of flavour and it was a great way to experience the many dishes.

For our main course we were able to try lamb shish, a yavash meat platter, and sebzeli iskelder (charcoal grilled vegetables with halloumi, tomato and yogurt sauce) with side dishes of rice and salad. The meat is all cooked on a charcoal grill, giving it a wonderful succulence and flavour – it was all delightfully flavoursome and colourful food, perfect for sharing.

To finish we enjoyed a Turkish dessert plate with Turkish delight, baklawa and fresh fruit with a glass of refreshing Turkish chai.

We are already looking forward to our next visit – there are two set menu feast options from £29.95 per person and lots of options for vegetarians and special diets.

• Zada, 13 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP. 01780 766848. www.zadarestaurant. co.uk

Simple lemon pudding Serves 8 • 180g unsalted butter, cubed and softened, plus a little extra for greasing • Grated zest and juice of 3 lemons • 270g caster sugar • 6 eggs, whites separated from yolks • 120g self-raising flour • 500ml milk (whole or semi) • Icing sugar for dusting • Use a piece of butter to grease a shallow heatproof baking dish that will just hold two litres of liquid.

• Use a wooden spoon to beat the rest of the softened butter with the sugar until pale and fluffy (your butter must be really soft).

• Add the lemon zest and gently beat in the egg yolks one by one, then mix in the flour and lemon juice.

• Gradually stir in the milk.

Don’t worry if it looks curdled.

• Whisk the eggs whites until light and fluffy and forming

soft peaks. Mix a large spoonful of the whites into the mixture, then gently fold in the rest, keeping the air bubbles. The mixture will be sloppy.

• Pour into the baking dish and put in a roasting tin large enough to hold it. Pour in just enough hot water to come about two-thirds of the way up the dish.

• Bake at 160°C for 40-50 minutes, until the top is springy and starting to turn golden. The mixture will have separated to form a spongy top with a lemon curd sauce on the bottom.

• Remove from the oven and lift the baking dish out of the water. Leave for five minutes, then dust with sifted icing sugar to serve.

• Best served warm but can be served cold. The sauce will thicken on standing.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

HITTING THE RIGHT PITCH

Traditional camping is a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it. There’s not usually any grey, until now that is - with the arrival of‘glamping’and‘champing’! Kate Cadman pitches up at a few of the region’s top get-away locations and hooks up to what’s on offer

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F you’ve had that ‘camping’ conversation with friends, you’ll know that the topic defines two distinct camps (ha ha!): those of us who love bunking up under canvas and those who are truly revolted by the whole prospect of lurking insects, communal showers, muck, mud and general outdoorsy sleeping arrangements. To bridge the gap, glamorous camping came along (glamping) and now you can even opt for an overnight snooze in a church - champing! Here’s a little taster of some of the region’s camping, glamping and champing hot spots.

IN THE STIX, GREETHAM

Brook Farm, Wood Lane, Greetham, Rutland LE15 7SN This is one of the region’s newest glamping sites which is based on a 30-acre farm in the picturesque village of Greetham. In The Stix has just opened for business offering four geodesic domes (hemispherical thin-shell structures) for hire, each sleeping up to six adults. The site is owned by husband and wife team, Darren Blackwell and Alex Cowie. Each spacious dome has its own private field kitchen (in a separate adjoining structure) which contains a log-fired oven for cooking – perfect for slow-cooked casseroles, fry-ups and pizzas, and a two-ringed gas hob for when you need a quick cuppa. The kitchens are equipped with pots and pans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. There’s even a kitchen sink with cold running water.

Each dome has its own en-suite which contains a shower, sink (with hot and cold running water) and a flushing toilet. All linens and towels, pillows, duvets and additional blankets are included. Prices for a minimum three-night stay start at £380.

• 07958 378971; 01572 811415 www.inthestix.co

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ALL SAINT’S CHURCH, ALDWINCLE

Main Street, Aldwincle, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN14 3EL If you fancy something slightly more solid to protect you during a night away, why not opt for a spot of champing – which means ‘camping’ in a church? Set up across England and Orkney, there are currently 12 champsites to choose from with the nearest in neighbouring Northamptonshire.

All Saint’s Church in Aldwincle boasts a formidable 15th century tower and mediaeval interior. Champers to this site can expect basic accommodation which includes camp beds, (bedding packs can be ordered), cushions, rugs, eco loos (which run on solar power), batteryoperated candles and lanterns, and a water supply (pumped by hand) or bottled water. There are no cooking facilities so champers are encouraged to pack their own pre-cooked food. There is a distinct lack of heating so layering up is advised. However, the beautiful building comes into its own as dusk falls, allowing the night sky to penetrate the cavernous stone building via its beautiful, plain glass, arched windows. For those who may have prayed for a little more to eat, an enormous cooked breakfast can be pre-ordered and delivered to the font in the morning (for £10). This pop-up hospitality is a truly great way for churches at risk (which have passed to the care of the Churches Conservation Trust) to raise revenue with very little impact on the environment. Prices start at £39 per adult and £19 per child per night.

• 0207 8410436 www.champing.co.uk

Exton Walled Gardens

Inside the ‘canvas cottages’ you’ll find a wood burning stove, ye olde candle lanterns, sofas, dining furniture, a kitchen with gas hobs and all cooking utensils plus an en-suite (attached to the tent) bathroom with separate shower and toilet EXTON WALLED GARDENS

A LITTLE BIT OF ROUGH, RUTLAND

A secret location in Rutland - shhhh!

You may prefer to opt for a magical starstudded night under canvas, with added luxuries. If this is the case, A Little Bit of Rough could provide that perfect mix whilst being ultra eco-friendly into the bargain. Deep in the idyllic 20-acre private ‘Spindleberry Woods’ are three spacious canvas lodges available for hire.

Only once you’ve booked your accommodation is the exact location divulged to you! Each lodge – available to book for three, four or seven nights at a time – comprises a king bedroom, a twin bedroom and a double cabin bed. An en-suite bathroom in each lodge boasts a roll top bath, washbasin and separate toilet room. At the heart of each lodge is a woodburning stove used for both cooking and keeping warm. A small gas ring is also provided for making hot drinks.

The kitchen is fully equipped with cooking utensils, pots, pans, crockery, cutlery and glassware and a solar-powered fridge/freezer. A large, three-seater leather sofa is great for relaxing on. A wooden chest houses board games, reading materials and the all-important bug hunting kits. At the front of each lodge is a large decked area complete with large table and chairs to tempt al fresco dining. In addition, six recliners entice campers to lie back, relax and enjoy the view.

• 01162 592319; 07591 736739 www.alittlebitofrough.co.uk

Exton Park, Oakham, Rutland This magnificent 18th century estate sits in 1,000 acres of land and is particularly wellknown for its five-acre walled gardens. Amidst this rural idyll are six spectacular safari tents providing luxury glamping accommodation sleeping a maximum of six adults. Inside the ‘canvas cottages’ you’ll find a wood burning stove, ye olde candle lanterns, sofas, dining furniture, a kitchen with gas hobs and all cooking utensils plus an en-suite (attached to the tent) bathroom with separate shower and toilet. The only notable absentee is a fridge, replaced by an equally functional cool-box.

All bedrooms (one double; one twin and a bunk bed with bedding and linen provided) are separated for privacy and comfort. The estate’s old potting shed is now home to an on-site honesty shop where essential items and local produce can be purchased. Once you’ve explored the ornamental garden it’s an easy walk into the quaint village of Exton. Prices start from £365 for a four-night mid-week stay.

• 01638 563478 www.lanternandlarks.co.uk/glampinglocations/exton

➧ NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

YARWELL MILL CARAVANNING AND CAMPING PARK Yarwell, Nr Peterborough, PE8 6PS If a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life sounds appealing, then a break away to Yarwell Mill could be just the ticket. Nestling at the edge of a sleepy village surrounded by fields and waterways is the peaceful retreat of Yarwell Mill. Spread over 27 acres of Northamptonshire countryside, the park has traditional pitches for motorhomes, caravans and tents. Campers can opt for nonserviced pitches through to super-serviced pitches which include electric, and many of these sites nestle near to a well-stocked, fiveacre lake (fishing permitted). In addition, the River Nene meanders right through the park and includes Yarwell Lock. With moorings at Yarwell Mill and course fishing available along the banks of the river (in season), there’s always lots to do. A small on-site shop stocks all the essentials, plus there are communal toilets, showers, facilities for the disabled and a washing-up area. Ring or email for prices and general information.

• 01780 782344 www.yarwellmill.co.uk

WING HALL ESTATE

Wing Hall, Wing, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8RY Wing Hall is a beautiful Victorian country house surrounded by acres of rolling countryside.

The estate offers a family-run, ‘traditionalstyle’ caravanning and camping site spanning four grassy fields. The site has basic facilities including an on-site shop selling local produce, which includes a daily supply of freshly baked bread from the nearby Hambleton Bakery.

And an independently-run café, The Button Hole Café, serves a tasty selection of homemade meals including afternoon tea, coffees and breakfasts throughout the camping season.

Fire pits can be hired during the evenings, which can make for some good old-fashioned ‘ging, gang, goolie’ fun. A dedicated adults-only site allows those without children in tow to enjoy a quieter atmosphere. The café hosts a series of informal music evenings during the summer with local musicians performing on the lawn of Wing Hall.

• Email: winghall1891@aol.com www.winghall.co.uk SURVIVAL GUIDE TOP 10 ESSENTIALS 1. Extra tent pegs/mallet 2. Water bottle 3. String 4. Clothes pegs 5. Matches 6. Torch 7. First aid kit 8. Bottle opener/ can opener 9. Mug 10. Cutlery

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Yarwell Mill Caravanning and Camping Park

NORTH NORFOLK COASTLINE MARGINS WALKING AND GLAMPING HOLIDAYS

SACREWELL FARM, PETERBOROUGH

Sacrewell, Thornhaugh, Peterborough PE8 6HJ If you’re after a room with a view, you’ll find it at Sacrewell Farm, which overlooks some of the most beautiful countryside in Cambridgeshire.

Competitive camping prices make Sacrewell the perfect stop for weary travellers or holidaymakers. And with 50 per cent discounted entry into the Heritage Farm Centre, you can make a full trip of it. If you’re a glamper and can’t do without your comforts, the site has 27 electric hook-up points. For those who prefer an authentic night under canvas (or in a caravan, campervan or motorhome), there are 48 spacious grass pitches. Communal campers’ toilets and showers are in the main building and are open 24 hours a day, with disabled and baby-changing facilities available. Hot and cold running water is accessible in the top and bottom field for washing up and re-filling water tanks.

• 01780 782254 www.sacrewell.org.uk/camping

FRIVOLOUS GUIDE TOP 10 NON-ESSENTIALS 1. Fairy lights 2. Electrical paraphernalia (hairdryers, straighteners etc) 3. Full length mirror 4. Blow up settee 5. Windbreaks, complete patio set 6. Coffee machine 7. Nutri-bullet 8. Earplugs/eye mask 9. Portable charger 10. Mobile air conditioning unit*

If you want to immerse yourself both day and night in the fabulous Norfolk coastline, why not book up for a walking/glamping holiday? This area of outstanding natural beauty is excellent exploration territory and at the end of each active day your glamping accommodation will be organised for you along your route.

Accommodation consists of a robust two-man tent (tents can be booked for one). You will be part of an exclusive, small group of up to six people but you walk to your own pace. The tents have a sleeping area with comfy camp beds and cosy duvets (just what you need after a long day of walking!) plus a separate sitting area. A small equipped kitchen with a gas burner allows you to make that all-important cuppa in the morning. A continental breakfast is included which consists of delicious local produce including eggs, bread, cheese, ham, cereals, fruit and juice – even the tea and coffee will be Norfolk produce! Each campsite is situated close to the coastal path and your glamping accommodation will always be ready and waiting for you. All you have to do is enjoy yourself! Prices start from £65 per night (which includes bag transfer for the whole of your stay, bedding, towels and a daily breakfast hamper).

For an extra £6.50 your dog can stay too!

• 07787 534809 www.walkandglamp.co.uk

*Ever thought of air conditioning your motorhome or caravan? There’s nothing worse than high temperatures/high humidity stopping you sleeping at night whilst you’re on your holidays. Cool My Camper offers a range of cost-effective and easy-to-use (no installation necessary), air conditioning units that efficiently cool the air and remove humidity. The units are fully portable and can hang on a van window, sit on a caravan A-frame or stand on a table. Prices start from £540.

• www.coolmycamper.com

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dual top. £45. size s - xl. colour: sky blue

FASHION

Oundle store launches own label

After five years of local boutique ownership,White Vanilla’s Eunha Gibbon has launched her own ladies’ fashion collection. Gillian Bendall reports

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HITE Vanilla’s Market Place store has long been a go-to destination for the latest looks from labels such as Masai, Sahara, Adini and Lily & Me. But now owner Eunha Gibbon has launched her own line of contemporary, comfortable loose-fit clothing in individual fabrics and designs.

Fresh for spring/summer, the White Vanilla collection has already attracted interest nationwide, and is being stocked by independent boutiques in locations including Cheltenham, Oxford, Lavenham, Alnwick, Derby and Kinross.

And Eunha says orders are coming in from even further afield for her autumn/winter designs – she’s expecting to see her label stocked in stores in Rome, Dublin and the Isle of Wight, among others.

The label launched in mid-April and Eunha is offering Nene Living readers 10 per cent off their first purchase from the White Vanilla spring/summer ’17 collection. Take a copy of this issue with you, or tell her you read about the new line here…

• White Vanilla is at 1 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA. 01832 274107. www.whitevanilla.co.uk NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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NORTH NORFOLK WALK

Wonderful Weybourne

WALK DATA

This walk gives you a riot of sea,parkland and woods – and an incredible view of the coast from a viewing tower

Distance: 8.5km (5.3 miles) Typical time: 2 1/4 hrs Height gain: 50m Map: OS Landranger 133 NE Norfolk Start & finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop, Weybourne: Church (E) & Ship Inn (W) Terrain: very straightforward; sturdy footwear needed

POINTS OF INTEREST

Weybourne is a beautiful North Norfolk village with delightful flint and brick cottages. There are the remains of an Augustinian priory founded around 1200 AD. Sheringham Park is a National Trust property famous for its vast collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, the work of the famous landscape designer Humphry Repton, dating back to 1812.

Climb The Gazebo in Sheringham Park, a tower at treetop height from which you have incredibly good views all round.

The North Norfolk Railway is a preserved steam railway connecting the town of Sheringham to Holt. To view train times, visit www.nnrailway.co.uk. There is a small buffet at the station too.

The Muckleburgh Military Collection, 1km W of Weybourne, is the UK’s largest privately-owned military collection, housing over 150 tanks, guns and vehicles in addition to thousands of other items. Worth a visit – you can find out more at www.muckleburgh.co.uk

➧ NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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©Crown copyright 2015 Ordnance Survey. Media 048/15

THE ROUTE

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From the bus stop, head W a few metres through the village and turn right up Beach Lane towards the sea; there is a good path for most of the way Bear right (E) when you reach the coast, which you follow for 2.4km; at one point you kink round the Coast Guard Cottages, a tiny terrace of houses right on the cliff Turn R (S) at a marker point away from the coast towards the woods of Sheringham Park and shortly afterwards you cross the steam railway line over a bridge, with a barn on your right On reaching the road, bear right 100 metres along a track, and then cross over, through a gate on the other side and follow the woods up on the W side; towards the end of the wood you will see a sign to the gazebo, well worth the small detour and climb providing you have a (reasonable) head for heights At the end of the woods bear left (E) through a wooden gate, then right at the next crossroads right in front of Sheringham Hall, heading S; bear right at the next junction (SW) and shortly you will reach two little lakes Bear right (NW) here along the red waymarked ramblers route. Go right at the National Trust sign for Weybourne Heath, pass a pond on the right, then turn left and come out of the woods with Weybourne Station to your left (W) Walk on, past the shed, then leave the red marker post route and go left through the gate to the station.

Go either over the footbridge, if the station is open, or up onto the road and over the railway bridge. Continue along the road N back towards Weybourne; there’s a good footpath all the way. Return to the bus stop.

PIT STOPS

The Ship Inn, Weybourne (NR25 7SZ; 01263 588721) Good local ales and locally-sourced menu.

BunTeas Tea-Room, Beach Lane, Weybourne. Teas, coffees, sandwiches, dressed crab and all day breakfast.

The Village Store, Weybourne includes a well-stocked deli counter that will tempt you.

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Walk along the coast and catch the bus back! Tel: 01553 776980 www.coasthopper.co.uk 48

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OUT & ABOUT So much to do,see and enjoy this May... and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

9.30am. £4 per person to cover train fare. Ferry Meadows Country Park, Visitor Centre, PE2 5UU. www.neneparktrust.org.uk Monday 1 May A Grand Day Out A free afternoon of fun activities for the over 60s and their families, hosted by Oundle School’s Community Action pupils.

Guests are invited to spend a relaxing time enjoying afternoon tea whilst listening to live music. Activities will include carpet bowls, card and board games, bingo, flower arranging, arts and crafts and a nail bar.

2-4pm. Oundle School Two Acre Club, off Milton Road. To book a place contact Liz or Amanda on 01832 277267 or email: ca@oundleschool.org.uk

Tuesday 2 May Shalamar One of the most successful bands to emerge from the heyday of soul music in the ‘80s, Shalamar perform in Peterborough.

7.30pm. £34. The Cresset.

Rightwell, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8DX. 01733 265705. www.cresset.co.uk Wednesday 3 May Ramble from River to Rail Join a Nene Park ranger for a gentle stroll along the River Nene to Wansford where there will be time to look around the Nene Valley Railway station before returning to Ferry Meadows by train. Participants must be able to walk six miles over uneven terrain and stiles,

Thursday 4 May Movie Nights in the Nave: Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens After the success of the Christmas Movie Nights, there’s another chance to watch a film in the spectacular surroundings of the Nave at Peterborough Cathedral. Celebrate ‘May the fourth’ with the most recent entry in the main Star Wars saga on the big screen, and catch up with the adventures of Rey, Finn and BB-8.

Refreshments will be on sale.

7.30pm. £6 adults, £4 children, £18 families, unreserved seating. www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk Monday 8 May Exploring mixed media – Ink, Pencil and Charcoal Peterborough Art Society presents an evening on the subject of mixed media, led by Ernie Butler.

7.30pm. Members £2, visitors £4. 7.30pm. St Mark’s Hall, Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2SN. www.peterborough artsociety.org.uk Thursday 11 May Fashion & Fizz John Lewis hosts an informal fashion workshop on style for summer in aid of the Sue Ryder Hospice at Thorpe Hall.

5.30pm. £5. Tickets available from reception at Thorpe Hall Hospice, Thorpe Road, Longthorpe,

Peterborough PE3 6LW. www.sueryder.org/carecentres/hospices/thorpehall-hospice

Wednesday 17 May The Eagle Huntress Oundle’s dOCs+ presents The Eagle Huntress, an extraordinary documentary about a young Kazakh girl’s quest to become the first female eagle hunter in twelve generations of her family.

Fletton House, Fletton Way, Oundle PE8 4 JA. £8. Advance booking via www.oundlecinema.org. uk (where film trailers are also available), or Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle PE8 4ED, 01832 274734, www.oundlefestival.org.uk

Friday 19 May Strictly Cathedral with Louis Smith and Cassidy Little Strictly Come Dancing winners, Olympic Champion Louis Smith MBE and war veteran Lance Corporal Cassidy Little, will be guests of honour at a special evening of ballroom dancing in the Nave – a fundraising event for the Mayor’s Charities and the Peterborough 900 Campaign. After a Prosecco reception, Tu Danse Studios will show you how to perfect your waltz and cha-cha-cha

Classical Reflection, the city’s very own identical twin soprano duo, stage a spectacular album launch concert at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday 13 May. Twins Naomi and Hannah Moxon first appeared on our screens two years ago on BBC’s The Voice and are delighted to be returning to their home town after sell-out concerts nationwide. The concert will include songs from West End musicals and the big screen and there will be guest appearances including world-renowned violinist Steve Bingham, BBC Radio 3 award-winning Huntingdon Male Voice Choir, classical guitarist Chris Sommerfield, and dancers from Saldance Studios. The duo’s album Echo is being released in association with Alzheimer’s Society.

Tickets are £15 (£12 concessions) and can be purchased through Peterborough Visitor Centre on Bridge Street (01733 452336), the website www.classicalreflection.co.uk, online at www. peterborough-cathedral.org.uk and via Oundle Box Office, www.oundlefestival.org.uk

technique before the dance floor opens up.

Later there will be a Q&A with Louis and Cassidy and even a chance to try your hand as a Strictlystyle judge. Everyone is invited to take to the dance floor before the end of the evening. Dress code is formal – sequins and tuxedos welcome, but no stilettos!

7pm. £25. www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk Saturday 20 May Concert by the City of Peterborough and Harlow Concert Bands 7pm. £8, free for accompanied under-16s.

St Andrews Church, Ledbury Road, Netherton, Peterborough PE3 9RF.

Tickets from Hilary Lewis 01733 265877, email: petconcertband@gmail. com Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 May Discover Ferry Meadows Drop in and discover the delights of Ferry Meadows – this is a celebration of everything the Park has to offer, with walking groups and other health and fitness activities, watersports and their relevant clubs, helicopter pleasure rides, miniature railway and many other offers for visitors of all ages. Free entry but some activities will incur a charge and car parking charges apply.

11am-4pm. www. neneparktrust.org.uk

NENE LIVING MAY 2017

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➧

OUT & ABOUT So much to do,see and enjoy this May...

BOOK AHEAD FOR...

The 185th Rutland County Show held on Sunday 4 June is the county’s most prestigious one-day show and the highlight in Rutland’s event calendar.

The show prides itself on keeping its traditional values: showcasing local food, farming and craft. It features over 1,000 livestock (cattle, sheep, goats and poultry) on the showground and over 600 horse and ponies, each competing for either the Royal International showing classes or British Showjumping qualifiers and all set against a backdrop of local and artisan food producers, rural crafters and individually-chosen high quality retail outlets.

Main ring attractions are a celebration of the working animal and this year feature Atkinson Action Horses – with recent credits from Poldark, Victoria and Peaky Blinders this elite force is sure to have at some time been on your TV screen. Heavy Horse Classes return after an absence of more than 64 years and will be shown ridden and in-hand, and also featuring this year are the hilarious Ridgeside team – fantastic lurchers and terriers who will race at full speed chasing an electric lure. They offer a fast, action-packed demonstration with an informative and humorous commentary. The public will then have the chance to ‘have a go’ with their own dogs – whatever their breed.

Other attractions include the Cottesmore Hunt, vintage parades and the highlight of the day, the Grand Parade, bringing together the prize winners from the showing classes in a spectacular narrated procession.

• For more details call 01572 757110, email secretary@rutlandcountyshow. com or see the advertisement in this issue.

Test ride an electric bike Rutland Cycling’s dedicated E-bike Centre at its Whitwell store has grown rapidly over the last six months, now with over 100 electric bikes available to test ride, hire and buy, and E-bike experts on hand to offer advice and guidance.

The new generation of E-bikes are light, versatile and easy to use. There are models to suit everyone from commuters and leisure cyclists, through to mountain bikers looking for that extra boost and excitement on the trails. Electric bikes are a common sight in European cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin, providing all the advantages of a regular bike, whilst reducing the strain on the body by giving you an assisted electronic boost.

Use them to ride faster, keep up with friends, help you up hills, improve your time around the woods or get to work. They’re also great if you’re coming back from injury or struggle to ride longer distances, allowing you to cruise with ease and enjoy the pleasure of riding a bike.

• Want to find out more? Rutland Cycling is holding an Electric Bike Demo Day at Whitwell on Sunday, 21 May, 10am-4pm. Go along and try a selection of E-bikes from top brands and talk to the experts. To book your free place visit: www.rutlandcycling.com/ events • E-bikes have also been added to Rutland’s hire fleet, so for just £19.99 you can see what it feels like to do a lap of Rutland Water with some power assistance.

Book online at www.rutlandcycling.com/hire, or call the store, seven days a week, on 01780 460705.

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NENE LIVING MAY 2017

Saturday 20 May Concert – Around the World Peterborough Take Note Community Choir invites you on a musical journey around the world, together with guests Club 73, and Florence and Terry who’ll be singing French folk songs.

7.30 pm. £11 (£10 in advance, contact peterboroughtakenote@ mail.com), £9 concessions.

Voyager Academy, Mountsteven Avenue, Peterborough PE4 6HX. www.peterborough takenote.com Sunday 21 May Derek Nash’s Picante Latin Band Peterborough Jazz Club presents Picante. a hugely

enjoyable Latin/Salsa band fronted by Derek Nash (featured saxophonist with the Jools Holland R&B Orchestra and Sax Appeal) and Dominic Ashworth (British Jazz award-winning guitarist).

Taking Latin flavours from Buena Vista Social Club, Sergio Mendes, Stan Getz/ Astrid Gilberto, Spyrogyra and the Gypsy Kings, Picante’s music makes you feel like dancing from the first bar with their unique compositions in mambo, salsa, samba and bossa nova styles.

7pm. £14. The Great Northern Hotel, Station Approach, Peterborough PE1 1QL. www.peterborough jazzclub.co.uk

Website IDEA1 is a great place to find out what’s going on in Peterborough: www.idea1.org.uk.

Garden Open Day

Milton Hall (Peterborough PE3 9HD)

By kind permission of Sir Philip and Lady Isabella Naylor-Leyland

Sunday 14th May 2017 In conjunction with

MILTON SHOW Gardens open from 11am – 4pm.

Lakeside Walk – Formal Walled Garden – Kitchen Garden Plant Stall

SUMPTUOUS CREAM TEAS IN THE ORANGERY Admission £5 per car including driver. £2 each extra Adult.

Children free.

Includes entry into Milton Show (Gate opens from 8:00 am)

DOGS WELCOME INCLUDING: Horse & Pony Competitions, Dressage, Dog Agility Demonstrations, Mini Clear Round Cross Country, Vintage Tractors, Family Dog Show, Trade Stands, Tours of the Hunt Kennels and more.

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