Nene Living November 2018

Nene LIVING November 2018 ÂŁ1.50

Embrace the season 100 great gift ideas Restyle your kitchen Make a bonfire feast Take a crisp winter walk

Covering Peterborough, Oundle and the Nene Valley

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PHOTO: ALEX KISBY

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Contents Nene

Welcome to the November November 2018 issue of Nene Living

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THINK many of us have been given a wake-up call this year by the recent publicity around the extent of plastic pollution in our oceans and on the land. So perhaps this Christmas, some people will be aiming for a more mindful approach to buying gifts and decorations. Our own guide, starting on page 14, ties into this, with plenty of ideas for sustainable presents, using natural materials and built to last, rather than throwaway novelties that will end up in landfill. A beautiful leather bag might cost a bit more, but it will last a lifetime. The same goes for a striking piece of jewellery or a wooden toy. Alternatively, if you prefer to give an experience, rather than a ‘thing’ you must check out Rebecca Downey’s feature on page 19, which tells you how to book everything from a parachute jump, walking with an alpaca, learning calligraphy to a sourdough bread making masterclass.

If you’d like to buy some art directly from a local artist, then I recommend the Peterborough Artists Open Studios (PAOS) event on December 1 in the Colonel Dane Community Centre at Alwalton. Every piece will be priced at £50 or under, and everything has been created and made here in the Nene valley area. Doors are open from 11am – 4pm, and it sounds like a great way to pick out some really special pieces.

Have a good month

Fiona Editor

Incorporating Nene Valley Living

November 2018 £1.50

LIVING

5 Six Good Things in November What to see, make and do

6 Nene News The latest from local businesses

12 Gifts to Love Solutions for your seasonal shopping

19 A Grand Day Out Make memories

23 Outdoor Living Forage a fireworks cocktail

24 Food News A foodie day out in Cambridge

27 Food with Fireworks Make a feast with our allotment blogger

28 Alastair Adams: Portrait Painter The astonishing talent of a Rutland artist

33 Heart of the Home Give your kitchen an update

39 The Beauty Business Elysia’s Lisa Claypole

40 Wellbeing Notes Look and feel better

Embrace the season 100 gr a gif id a Restyle your kitchen Mak r Take a crisp winter walk

Covering Peterborough, Oundle and the Nene Valley

Flower Council of Holland www.flowercouncil.co.uk Editor Fiona Cumberpatch fiona@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Nene Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.neneliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Bridget Steele 01733 707538 bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designer (Editorial) Calum Handley Designer (Advertising) Sarah Patterson inkdesign@virginmedia.com Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.locallivingltd.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne Subscriptions; annual rate £25 (UK only). Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, with £25 cheque payable to Local Living, or go online to www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

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42 A winter walk Nicholas Rudd-Jones shares a new route

45 Little Living Ideas for children’s activities

46 100 Years On Armistice Day centenary commemorations

48 Out & About www.neneliving.co.uk @neneliving @neneliving Nene Living

Our pick of the month’s events

53 Nene People Adebola Adeshina of The Chubby Castor

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Pre-loved fashion Designer clothing, shoes and accessories at a fraction of the cost.

Mother of the bride, evening wear and casual wear.

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18 Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1JN www.mcp-law.co.uk I 01733 865880 Circles of Yaxley Chapel Studio, Chapel Street, Yaxley, Peterborough PE7 3 LN T: 01733 242539 circlesofyaxley www.circlesofyaxley.co.uk

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Also at Kings Lynn, Thetford and Wisbech

Six good things in

…NOVEMBER ENJOY Lesurely Chrstms shopping in the grand setting of Peterborough Cathedral’s nave on December 1, 10am – 4.30 pm. A range of stalls selling crats, food and git ides will be prsent. Suggsted entry donation, £2.

VISIT

A festival of cheese? Bring it on! Arriving at the East of England Arena and Events Centre on November 10, as part of a nationwide tour, taste and buy around 140 different cheeses along with matching wines, and enjoy cooking demonstrations and live music. Tickets from £3 at www.cheesefestuk.com

BUY Cut lowers may be in short supply at ths time of year, but why not dsplay a single strand of red berris or a structural seedhead instead? Add the stems to one of thse attractive vss, £8 each from Hilly Horton Home in hrapston.

MAKE

A rag wreath makes a jolly addition to a festive front door, and it’s an ethical alternative to plastic decorations. Learn how to make one on December 1 at the Stibbington Centre. It costs £35 for a half day class, 1.30 – 4.30, with materials provided, drinks and lapjack included.

Call 01780 782386 to book a place, or email cees.stibbington@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

PRUNE It’s time to prune fruit tres. Haven’t got a clue? Try the Pruning Fruit Tres course on November 6 at Barnsdale Gardens. Demonstrations and hands-on activity which can be applied to apple, pear, plum, cherry and peach tres, plus many more. It csts £34, from 10am – 12.30.

Barnsdale Gardens, he Avenue, Exton LE15 8AH www. barnsdalegardens.co.uk

READ

Do you know when the moon rises and sets this month, or why November has its name?

The Almanac, by Lia Leendertz, is a seasonal guide incorporating nature, food, star gazing and gardening, charmingly illustrated by East Anglian artist Celia Hart, published by Mitchell Beazley. An ideal stocking iller, £10 from The Oundle Bookshop.

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Nene News Businesses, charities, events

Christmas at Queensgate

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UEENSGATE Shopping Centre is kicking off the Christmas season with a ‘Festive Fiesta’ on Saturday 17 November. Families will see the centre come to life at 10.30am with a complete magical takeover. “Our ‘Festive Fiesta’ is unlike anything we’ve done before,” says Mark Broadhead, Centre Director at Queensgate.

Shoppers will experience dancing, music, entertainment, and magic. Everywhere shoppers look, there will be a celebration of Christmas. Dancing bellboys, mischievous elves, nutcracker ballerinas, drummers, plus the hilariously hideous Ugly Sisters come to life to start the joyful season with a bang.

To add to the fun, every hour on the hour, from 11am shoppers can take part in a family fun Christmas Gameshow in which shoppers can win incredible prizes. Mark says: “this is the event of the year! We can’t wait to bring Christmas 2018 to life for the people of Peterborough; we have got such an exciting schedule planned.

And there will be plenty of surprises too, so keep your eyes peeled for those as the festive season approaches!”

2018 also sees new decorations throughout the shopping centre and the return of Santa’s grotto in Central Square.

More details about the light switch on will be announced on Queensgate’s social media channels: www.facebook.co.uk/queensgate; www.twitter.com/Queensgate_PB

Free home design service at John Lewis

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HETHER you’re refreshing a room or rethinking your whole home, there is a free in design service at John Lewis & Partners, Peterborough to help you. Book online and you can get a consultation on three elements of your interior design, for example, curtains, paint and lighting. The meeting with one of the Home Design team lasts for around 90 minutes, and all that you need to bring along is some rough ideas of the look you want to achieve. A member of the team will talk you through products and paint charts, and you receive a follow up email pulling together the ideas discussed, with hyperlinks to relevant products. If you need more speciic help, it costs just £250 for a home visit, which is redeemable against a £1500 purchase within six months. Home design stylist Emma Valerio says: “it’s a inancially astute way of doing things as taking advice means that you won’t make a mistake. Buy clever and you only buy once.” www.johnlewis.com/home-design-service

Amazing inventions

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OIN author, scientist, historian and TV presenter Adam Hart Davis on Wednesday December 5 in Oundle, when he will be talking about his book Very Heath Robinson. He takes a look at the world of William Heath Robinson, inventor of unlikely contraptions. A dozen collections of Heath Robinson’s work have been published over the last 80 years, but most have been compilations of pictures with minimal text. Very Heath Robinson is the irst to explain the technical and social background out of which the pictures grew.

Tickets £8 (£6), £1 off early bird tickets bought before November 28, available from the Oundle Box Ofice, 4 New Street, Oundle. 10am – 4pm Mon to Fri: Tel 01832 274734, online at www.oundlefestival.org.uk

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AKING place in a pop-up Christmas toy factory located in Central Square outside Primark between 11am and 5pm, there will be a free Toy Testing event on November 3 and 4. This year, the event will separate children into two age groups: up to 4 years and 4 years plus, so the elves can make sure each child is road-testing the toys that are best for them. John Lewis, Game and Flying Tiger will be loaning the top toys to get childrens’ verdict on their predicted best sellers. On Sunday at 10am, there will be a sensory lead session for children with special needs, supported by Peterborough charity Little Miracles.

Billy Ocean announced for Burghley House in 2019

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ERE’S a date to look forward to next year: Live Promotions Concerts presents Billy Ocean in concert at Burghley House, Stamford on Saturday June 8.

Billy Ocean is the biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced and has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime. He has collected a pile of Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide on pop charts including the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland, and the UK. Born in Trinidad, Billy settled in London’s East End when just seven years old. He soon got turned on to soul singers like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, as well as pop groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. His hits include Caribbean Queen, When The Going Gets Tough, Love Really Hurts Without You, and Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car. An evening of nostalgia, fun and dancing is guaranteed.

Earlybird tickets are now on sale from www.livepromotions concerts.co.uk. Corporate hospitality available on request - email info@livepromotions.co.uk for all details.

Pilates & Prosecco

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REPARE yourself for the Yuletide season with a Pilates Christmas Special at Fletton House Dance Studio, Oundle. Using a variety of mat based equipment, the hour and a half class on December 19, 7-8.30pm, promises to improve lexibility, build on core strength with focussed mindful stretch and movement...and to be fun! Beginners are welcome to this mixed ability class.

Advance booking and payment only. £15 per person. Email Clare on connectitnessuk@outlook.com

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Recruiting Now!

Bluebird Care is an award winning home care company providing a person centred home care and companionship service to older people living in the community.

We are currently looking for caring, friendly and cheerful people who would enjoy a role making a difference caring for people to enable them to stay in their own homes.

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Join our amazing team of carers in Stamford & surrounding villages.

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Curtains, Blinds, Shutters & Awnings A local, family-run business with excellent service values

• ROMAN BLINDS • VENETIAN, ROLLER & VERTICAL BLINDS • WALLCOVERINGS • WOODEN SHUTTERS • AWNINGS • CONSERVATORY BLIND SPECIALIST (perfect fit system) • CUSTOM MADE CURTAINS (pencil, pinch, eyelets, valances, pelmet boards, swags & tails)

Book a free home visit to measure and discuss your requirements and receive a no-obligation quotation.

Harlequin, Prestigious, Blendworth, Villa Nova and many more!

Showroom at: 30 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8FZ - Email: sales@jandsinteriors.uk.com www.jandsinteriors.uk.com Opening times: Mon - Fri 10 - 4, Sat 10 - 1; Closed Sun. Free parking - Telephone: 01733 558864 - (Behind Dobbies Garden World)

Nene News 3 November workshops to learn a new skill

LAY A HEDGE November 24 and 25, Rutland Water Nature Reserve Volunteer Training Centre You might have noticed hedges which have been neatly twisted to create a contained barrier around local ields. This is hedge laying, which began as a way of containing livestock after the Enclosures Acts. Learn how to do it at a two day event, lead by expert John Shone. 9.45am – 4pm, £80. Tools provided, just bring a packed lunch.

Rutland Water Nature Reserve Volunteer Training Centre, Oakham Rd, Hambleton, Rutland LE15 8AD. Tel: 01572 770651 TRY LEATHERCRAFT In November, artisan Justin Capp is running four leathercraft workshops at Thurning Studio. Make a belt, or work on a project of your own, under Justin’s expert eye. He will be teaching cutting, hand stitching, edge inishing and surface decoration. The workshops will run on November 7, 14, 21 and 28. The cost, for your belt and brassware etc, is £95.

For further details or booking, contact justincapp4@gmail.com or message on 07925 279025 MAKE A WREATH Join with local lorist Florae Foray at one of a number of Christmas wreath making workshops hosted by Hilly Horton Home in Thrapston. Dates start on November 27, with daytime or evening slots available. Each workshop costs £39 including materials.

Booking essential, call 01832 358894.

Little Marketing Company with big ideas

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MALL businesses across the Peterborough area can now access affordable marketing expertise to help them grow their business as The Little Marketing Company (LMC) oficially launched in September.

Founder Natalie Brannigan irmly believes size shouldn’t matter when it comes to accessing the marketing tools, knowledge and expertise that small businesses need to grow. After using the marketing expertise (gained over 13 years across the private, public and charity sectors, local authorities and government) to support friends and family to establish and grow their own successful local businesses, Natalie wanted to help other small businesses do the same. The Little Marketing Company has already supported over 30 small businesses in the region, ranging from hairdressers, itness and PAs to electrical and property with tailored services including a marketing health check, marketing plans and marketing masterclasses, Start Up packages, mentor sessions and consultations. Natalie says: “People often start their own business because they’re passionate about the product but sometimes struggle to ind the time or lack the expertise to market their business effectively. My marketing health checks start from just £35 and can provide plenty of tips and advice.”

Visit www.thelittlemarketingcompany.com

Shutters for every window shape

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OODEN shutters never go out of style and they are easy to clean and maintain. If you have a period property, or a home with oddly shaped windows, it doesn’t mean that you should rule them out. Sean Webster of Hampton-based company J&S Interiors recently fitted some on the sloping windows of a German style Huf Haus, whose owners had previously despaired of finding a solution to their window treatments. “Our shutters are custom made in a specialised process, and we can accommodate every shape, from sloping ones to circle portholes to arches,” explains Sean. “The shutters come in 28 paint colours, very similar to the Farrow & Ball palette, and we can even get paints colour matched if customers have very specific requirements.”

To discuss your requirements, or to request a free home visit and a no obligation quote, contact Sean on 01733 558864.

The showroom is at 30 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FZ.

Calling young actors!

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AMPHOUSE Theatre is looking for local actors for their next play, The History Boys by Alan Bennett, which is to be staged at The Key Theatre in 2019. The play will be created by a team of professional theatre makers but the whole cast will be made up of actors from the community.

Tom Fox, director of Lamphouse Theatre says: “for this play we are particularly looking for young people to play the parts of the boys from Cutlers’ Grammar School. We will be casting gender blind, so male roles can be played by girls too.”

Auditions are open to male and female performers over 16 and Lamphouse are primarily looking for anyone with a playing age of 16-23. There are several parts for adults as well.

To sign up for a casting workshop, go to lamphousetheatre.co.uk/lamphouse-local

Foxtail Lilly Christmas Preview

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OR seasonal foliage, houseplants and vintage, beautifully displayed by owner Tracey Mathieson in her barn shop, join the preview evening at Foxtail Lilly in Oundle on November 9, 5pm-8pm. Fresh burritos and crepes will be sold on site, served with a glass of izz or spiced hot apple juice.

Foxtail Lilly, 41 South Rd, Oundle PE8 4PB

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Nene News Help end street homelessness the right way

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EVENTEEN local voluntary, faith, community and public service organisations have formed a new ‘Safer off the Streets’ partnership to work together to tackle street homelessness in Peterborough. It includes the following initiatives:

Avicenna One Stop Clinics

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HE One Stop Clinic model was devised to speed up patient diagnosis and treatment by incorporating diagnostic imaging input within the outpatient department. In the traditional model, a patient must pass through a minimum of three appointments before receiving their treatment. First appointment: consultation.

Second appointment: imaging. Third appointment: consultation to decide treatment. Fourth appointment: treatment. Time lapses between each appointment occur for administrative tasks and standard processing. The One Stop Clinic reduces unnecessary outpatient appointments, reduces waiting time and improves the care pathway and experience.

Example: Mr X was referred to the clinic with back pain and sciatica. He will be seen by Mr Y (spinal surgeon). Mr Y requests MRI of the lower spine. Mr X has the spine scanned. Dr Z (consultant radiologist) reports on the scan and communicates the results to Mr Y. Mr Y decides that Mr X will benefit from spinal injection. Dr Z undertakes the spine injection under imaging. Mr X is happy, he has his consultation, diagnosis and treatment all in one sitting and is now painfree.

One Stop Clinics can deliver many benefits to all stakeholders, the consultant, clinicians and of course, the patient. The model delivers better patient experience and service satisfaction, less travel cost and time off work for patients, and better patient outcomes and quicker time frame from referral to diagnosis. In addition, it allows early treatment planning and action, improving patient care and wellbeing and aids a multi disciplinary approach to allow for discussion of the patients’s case between the clinicians involved in treatment.

The Avicenna Clinic in Peterborough specializes in spinal conditions and back pain. The clinic has a range of specialist consultants, an operating theatre for surgical procedures and superior in house imaging facilities, including state of the art MRI, ultrasound and X ray scanning equipment. It can assess and diagnose all cases of acute and chronic pain quickly and deliver comprehensive treatment plans tailored to you.

To book a consultation or for more information on treating pain and exploring the services available to help, contact the Avicenna Clinic in Peterborough on 0330 2020597.

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• A new contactless card donation point at the Argo Lounge in St Peter’s Arcade, off Bridge Street, allowing people to make an instant £3 donation using their bank cards.

• A Safer Off the Streets website – www.saferoffthestreets.co.uk - an information hub which allows people to ind what support is available across the city and to make online donations quickly and easily.

• Cash donation boxes will also be placed at Peterborough Town Hall and the Visitor Information Centre, among other spots across the city.

• Dedicated Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @sospboro social media channels.

• A new Safer off the Streets drop in hub located at The Garden House in Wheel Yard, will be open six days a week and offer such support as GP and health advice, housing guidance, volunteering activities and CV/job search.

• Outreach oficers will work with individuals offering personalised plans and a clear offer to support them off the streets, made easier with a co-ordinated schedule for night shelters, food donations, cooked meals, volunteers and transportation, as well as in-shelter support services.

• A rehabilitation package will be set up to help rough sleepers, aiming to take them from the irst point of contact into night shelters, training, and ultimately housing and/or employment.

• Peterborough Winter Night Shelter – This Winter season the night shelter will be running from 26 November until 18 March. Ten churches are working together to host homeless guests and to offer warm meals and beds, friendship and support.

Christine Graham, Chair of the Safer off the Streets Partnership and Co-ordinator of Peterborough Street Pastors Scheme says: “Rough sleeping is the most visible and unacceptable consequence of homelessness. A recent count showed that 35 A campaign to help homeless people were Peterborough’s rough sleepers sleeping rough on Peterborough’s streets.

Although there are many agencies across the city doing much to tackle the issue of rough sleeping, we felt a more targeted approach was needed. That’s why charities and organisations across the city have joined up to create a network of support to help people who are sleeping rough, but also to look at ways to prevent and support people so they don’t end up on the streets in the irst place.”

Christine adds: “Donations, however big or small, make a real difference to homeless and vulnerable people in Peterborough. We’ve now made it easy to donate money. The website and social media will also keep people up-to-date on support available and to ind out what items are in need.”

Donations received will primarily go towards funding the day to day running costs at the drop-in hub, which will provide advice, support services and health and wellbeing advice. Any additional funds will be used for personalised budgets for rough sleepers to encourage them to leave the streets for good.

For more information visit www.saferoffthestreets.co.uk.

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Gifts to Love Make Christmas shopping easy this year with our ultimate guide to the best local buys.

Hare pinboards, £40 small, £50 large, Hilly Horton Home

COMPILED BY: FIONA CUMBERPATCH PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM STEELE

HOME & GARDEN

Four porcelain bud vases, £15.95 for the set, Chapel Interiors

£15 Animal egg cups, £4.50 each, Stu-Pots

Hedgehog worktop saver, £15, Stu-Pots

Scented candles, orange and nutmeg, £14, green ig and cassis, £14.99, both from The Rounded House

Slate Bunting, £17.50, Hilly Horton Home

Emma Bridgewater tins, from £10.99 - £12.99, and large round tin tray, £27.99, all from Stu-Pots.

‘Always Sparkle,’ typography print on wood, £10 from The Rounded House

Folk Lore hand cream, £7.50, lip balm £4.95 and emery boards, £3, all from The Rounded House.

£35

Apple harvest mug, £11.95, Chapel Interiors

£11.95 Red Smeg Kettle, £129.99, Stu-Pots

A Christmas hamper from The Pickled Village at Bulwick, from £30. Many different combinations available.

Impressed clay handmade bowl, £35, Chapel Interiors

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Lino cut printed cushion, £44, Hilly Horton Home

Aga Tips mini books, £3.50 each, Mary Berry Aga Cookbook, £25, and Ursula Evans Fruitcake book, all from The Aga Shop, Oundle.

£270

SPARKLE & SHINE

Silver pearl bracelet, £270, Harpurs of Oundle

Silver necklace, £14, Style, Peterborough 18 carat amythyst ring, £2950, Harpur’s of Oundle

Silver bracelet, £150 and chunky chain, £330, Harpur’s of Oundle

Rosie Fox brooches, butterly, £29, snake, £29 and bird, £22, all from Style, Peterborough

£56.50 Blue sparkle earrings, £14, The Right Time

Gold shoulder clutch, £56.50, Diversity

Star compact, £7.95, Asha’s Attire

Three pendants, £29 -£34, all from Harpur’s of Oundle

Suede star bag, £62.95, Diversity

Rotary watches, men’s £120, and women’s £100 (offer prices), both from The Right Time

Silver and pearl choker, £450 and ring, £120

£62.95

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Gifts to Love FUN & GAMES

£12.5 0

Wooden car transporter, made with 100 per cent recycled milk cartons, £25, Jollys Toys

Hornby Flying Scotsman train set £183.95 Tumiya Lunchbox remote control £180.00 Scalextric Grand Prix set £109.95, Trains 4 U

Striped monkey, £12.50, The Rounded House

Ballerina Sloth, £18, Jollys Toys

Oundle jigsaw 1000 piece puzzle, £20, illustrated by Gillian Dolby and sold in aid of Oundle Volunteer Action.

Available from The Oundle Bookshop and Colemans.

I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree, A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year, illustrated by Frann Preston- Gannan (published by the National Trust), from The Oundle Bookshop

£7

Wooden tractor, Fair Trade produced, £7, Jollys Toys

Colour in Create Your Home pillowcase, £15, Jollys Toys. Also available in a world map design

Star romper suit, £24, The Rounded House

£24

Revell Spitire Plastic kit, £9.95

Wonders of the World’s Museums

by Molly Oldield, published

by Hachette Children’s Group.

Marvel at over 50 exhibits from international museums. From The Oundle Bookshop.

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8 Queen Street, Peterborough - 01733 348917

• Handbags, Accessories & Man Bags • Leather & Sheepskin Jackets • Official Stockist of Kipling, Radley & Gianni Conti Handbags

NOW DOUBLE THE SIZE!

BEAUTIFUL THINGS FOR THE HOME, GARDEN AND YOU

www.designerleathers.co.uk

10a and 10b West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF 01832 274687

Stu-Pots 36 Market Place Oundle 01832 275414 Thank you to all the customers who have supported us over the last 25 years

Sodastream stockist Council approved bio-degradable bags in stock

Full key cutting service: Cylinder, Mortice, Chubb, Union, Yale, Safe, Car and Padlock

• Unique gits for Men and Women • Trollbead stockists The place to shop for beauiful pieces at brilliant prices 17 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate, Peterborough, PE1 1PY

T 01733 349177 E stylewestgate@gmail.com 16

Gifts to Love

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STYLISH BACKPACKS

STYLE & WEAR 1. Tan backpack, £69.99, Diversity, Oundle

Gloves in a box, £10, Style, Peterborough

2. Two tone leather backpack, £74, Designer Leathers

Wallets, £19.95 each, Style, Peterborough

Red bag, £56, The Rounded House

6 £5

3. Dark brown leather backpack, £75, Diversity, Oundle

Theo Terpomo £350 The Oculist Gold star scarf, £18, The Rounded House

£19.95 Theo Composite 1957, £225 FACE A FACE Alium Wire £425, The Oculist

Striped scarf, £49.95, black bracelet with gold bead, £29, black necklace with gold bead, £44.90, all from Asha’s Attire.

Grey leather bag, turns into a rucksack, £59.99, Designer Leathers

Grey necklace, £16.95 and bracelet, £12.95, Asha’s Attire

Bocca Mania 665 frames, £360, The Oculist

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Maui Jim Dragonly sunglasses, £255, The Oculist

OF THE BEST BELTS

Animal Print belt, £10, Accessorize

Plain brown leather belt, £22, Next

Sparkle belt, £20, The Rounded House

STOCKISTS Style 17 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate, Peterborough PE1 1PY The Oculist 24 Westgate Arcade Queensgate Peterborough PE1 1PY Trains 4 U 27 St David’s Square, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5QA Designer Leathers 8 Queen St, Peterborough PE1 1PA The Rounded House 10b West St Oundle PE8 4EF www.theroundedhouse.com Asha’s Attire and Chapel Interiors both at The Bazaar, West St, Oundle PE8 4EJ www.ashas.net Diversity 2a St Osyth’s Lane, Oundle PE8 4BG Harpur’s of Oundle 5a West St, Oundle PE8 4EJ Stu-Pots 36 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BE The Pickled Village 15 Main St, Bulwick NN17 3DY www.thepickledshop.com Hilly Horton Home 36a Goss Court, High St, Thrapston NN14 4JH www.hillyhorton.co.uk Jollys Toys & Games 28a High St Thrapston NN14 4JH www.jollystoys.co.uk The Oundle Bookshop 13 Market Place, Oundle PE4 4BA Colemans 10 New St, Oundle PE8 4EA Accessorize Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NT Trains 4 U 27 St Davids Square, Fengate PE1 5QA NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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THE RIGHT TIME E S TA B L I S H E D I N P E T E R B O R O U G H FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS

Massive selecion of Sterling Silver Jewellery including earrings, bracelets, nose studs, rings and pendants.

Repair Service and While You Wait Batery Replacement Service.

Only the best, longest lasing branded bateries ited to all watches while you wait including Gucci, Raymond Weil, TAG, Seiko etc.

A superb selection of watches to suit all budgets and styles from ÂŁ5 upwards. Internet prices matched.

Brands include Seiko, Rotary, Casio, Storm, Ted Baker, Ben Sherman, Superdry, Accurist, Timex and more.

50% discount on all Rotary watches.

Clocks.

We buy Gold including broken items at highly competitive prices.

THE RIGHT TIME 23 WESTGATE ARCADE, PETERBOROUGH TEL: 01733 555499 18

Departs from Burton Latimer Book online now!

A Grand Day Out It can be difficult to choose meaningful gifts for Christmas. Why not offer friends and family an experience to remember instead? Rebecca Downey selects some local options

STYLE COUNSEL Ellen Bletsoe, Image Consultant

Papdi Chaat Indian street food

CULINARY ARTS Crafting Curries Cathy at Crafting Curries has created a range of Indian cuisine half-day courses from her home in Peterborough. Her training as a teacher and passion for authentic Indian cooking gives participants some excellent hands on experience, followed by a delicious meal using fresh ingredients and spices. The perfect gift for someone who wishes to extend their repertoire and experience some warm hospitality in the process. www.craftingcurries.co.uk

Tui’s Flowers & Food Multi-talented Tui not only runs a lower-arranging business but also a Thai cookery school for weekly half-day sessions for six in her ample kitchen in Old Fletton. Refreshments and ingredients are included and if you can resist devouring your creations, there will be plenty of food to take home. Tui explains that the pleasure in Thai cooking resides in discovering the delicate balance between hot, sour, fragrant, sweet and salty lavours. Throw away those takeaway menus and learn to create incredible Thai food at home. www.tuisflowers.co.uk

House of Feasts: Sourdough master class Learn from celebrated Polish chef, Damian Wawryzniak, who has created a destination restaurant in Peterborough’s Eye Green, which features in the Michelin Guide UK and focuses on simple food with exceptional taste. Damian’s sourdough master class starts at 9am with coffee and freshly baked bread.

Participants learn how to prepare the sourdough starter and will sample a few taster dishes based around the fermentation process. The class includes a light lunch and participants take home instructions, recipes and the dry starter: a gift that keeps on giving!

Courses run on a monthly basis and usually sell out fast. www.houseoffeasts.co.uk

Ellen’s service encompasses colour analysis, cosmetic application, bodyline and style advice, wardrobe management and personal shopping, delivered from her barn studio in Thrapston.

Clients can opt to work with Ellen on some or all of the above and will save themselves time, money and wardrobe space in the process.

Ellen’s goal is to help you develop a style in keeping with your body shape and proportions and a wardrobe featuring a minimum number of items with a maximum number of outit combinations. There’s no bossy criticism or mortifying body analysis reminiscent of TV shows on the subject; Ellen’s sensitivity and practical advice is always positive. She trained with the Federation of Image Professionals International, a City & Guilds accredited programme, and initially studied textiles at Leeds University. She set up her business in 2015 following a career working with the likes of Prada, Margaret Howell and Boden.

Ellen has male and female clients of all ages, helping for instance, a septuagenarian with a curvature of the spine to discover techniques to minimise this aspect of her appearance.

“It’s a real privilege to get to know people and enable them to dress conidently. If I can save my clients three or four regret purchases then it’s paid for me and will save them money in the long-term.” My time with Ellen was truly insightful and I came away understanding the colours, shapes and cuts that suit my frame, plus some tricks and illusions to get me closer to that ideal. www.ellenbletsoe.com

 NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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A Grand Day Out Hilly Horton Home The home ware and gift shop in Thrapston runs a variety of popular courses with Florae Foray in the studio above its boutique. Courses include learning the art of creating hand-tied posies, buttonhole designs, jam jar and table centre displays as well as Spring wreaths and loral gifts. Prices include materials and sundries while the design and arrangements are yours to take away. Book early to avoid disappointment. www.hillyhorton.co.uk/aboutworkshops

Sam Marshall, artist and print maker

GET CREATIVE Glyn Mould, School of Woodcarving Glyn began carving when he was 12 and never dreamed that he would see his creations on The Antiques Roadshow or more recently, receive a commission for the Lord Mayor of London.

Glyn has 34 years of teaching experience and imparts his expertise through regular classes at Elton Village Hall and hosts a monthly two-day workshop at Sacrewell Farm Centre. Glyn has produced over 150 signs for towns and villages, including one for ‘Ambridge’ as part of The Archers 50th anniversary celebrations.

To view Glyn’s work and purchase gift vouchers for courses from £49, visit: www.glynmouldwoodcarvingschool.co.uk

Sam runs workshops from her Laxton studio in rural Northamptonshire.

One-day courses cost £50. Equipment and materials are provided and participants leave with detailed instructions, suppliers and stockists. The Introduction to Linocut course guides you through the technique and tools, and attendees will produce several prints from two or three images. The Reduction Linocut course is suitable for those with previous experience wishing to create prints using layers of colour. The Drypoint workshop is ideal for those keen to extend their knowledge of Intaglio printmaking; the image is etched directly on to the plastic or metal plate and a small edition of prints are created through Sam’s etching press. www.sammarshallart.com

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Misty Meadows Alpacas Who could resist falling in love with these friendly furry creatures that reside in the village of Maxey? Misty Meadows offers Walking With Alpacas and adoption packages that include a certiicate of adoption, information and photos about the alpaca and allow the recipient plus guest to visit on two occasions. Ideal for the young and old, Owner Karen Hepworth-Lavery those with special needs or needing and alpaca Willow therapeutic respite; alpacas are for everyone. Walking experiences start at 10.30am (1, 8, 16, 23, 27 & 30 December and 1 January.) Walking dates resume in March. www.mistymeadowsalpacas.co.uk

City tours and ghost walks Explore Peterborough’s supernatural scene and discover the region’s haunted heritage via the Ghost Walk and Museum’s Candlelit Ghost Tour.

Dare to visit the Priestgate Vaults and hear accounts from the ghosts of Peterborough’s past. Or try the vaults escape rooms for a thrilling adventure. Hidden Heritage and Crime & Punishment tours will guide visitors around the city’s place of execution, prisons and sites of grisly deeds. www.vivacity.org/whatson/heritage/city-tours/ www.vivacity.org/escapethevaults

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NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Vivacity, Peterborough The charity enriches the lives of local people by creating inspirational opportunies to learn heritage skills. Workshops this season include: Stained Glass Ornaments where participants will create a unique item using the copper foil and solder method, 1 Dec 2018, £50 per person; and a Foundational Calligraphy workshop which teaches the fundamental principles of the art to create a bookmark or greetings card. Lunch is included in the cost, 2 Feb 2019, £55. www.vivacity.org

Peterborough City College The College runs a variety of courses for people of all ages looking to learn a new skill, develop a hobby or train for a new career.

Gift a course to a loved one this Christmas and help them realise their ambition through termly or one-off Saturday courses in complementary therapies, cookery, DIY, dressmaking, jewellery design, massage, pottery, relexology and upholstery, to name a few. In addition, the college is running seasonal workshops in Christmas and Chinese New Year crafts. www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk/adults/ gift-course/

Oundle Golf Club The picturesque 18-hole golf course set outside the town offers fantastic annual membership rates with a reduced fee for the under-30s, and an excellent clubhouse and lounge, offering bar snacks, meals and a full bar service. This Christmas, the club is offering to design a gift voucher to suit your budget whether it’s for lessons, equipment, experiential days or membership packages. www.oundlegolfclub.com

UK Parachuting Experience the exhilaration of freefall and the satisfaction of completing a skydive in the capable hands of UK Parachuting’s skilled tandem instructors at Sibson Airield. This Christmas a special offer tandem skydive voucher costs only £199 and is valid for one year. You may well get the bug and sign up for the Accelerated Free Fall course starting at £300 per person. www.skydivesibson.co.uk

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OutDoOr LIviNg WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

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HE Gerbera Daisy was discovered in South Africa in the late 19th century – hence its popular name, the African Daisy. The Gerbera gets its proper name from German botanist and medical doctor Traugott Gerber, and it has developed into one of the most popular cut flowers in the world.

In the Netherlands nearly 900 million flowers are grown every year and only roses, carnations, chrysanthemums and tulips are more popular for arrangements and bouquets.

Gerberas are available in many different natural colours including white, glowing red, vibrant orange, yellow, hot pink, lilac, purple and some varieties are bi-coloured. Some blue daisies have also been artificially created.

At present there are around 40 documented species of gerberas around the world and, outside of Africa, species of this flower have been found in tropical Asia and South America.

The daisies are said to symbolise innocence, purity, joy and cheerfulness.

Gerberas are not only beautiful but they also have health benefits. At night, the flower discharges oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide and other toxins found in the air. This is why some people will place gerberas next to their beds to enjoy better sleep.

If you want a long lasting flower, gerbera should be your choice – they are one of the longest lasting flowers when used as a cut flower in a vase.

Gerbera Daisies can be bought from Flowers and Plants Direct in a range of colours.

Their wholesale flower business does sell to the public and can be found at Unit A3, Club Way, Hampton Business Park, PE7 8JA.

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

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

You can buy dogwoods at The Barn Garden Centre, Oundle, Bosworth’s Garden Centre at Elton and The Barn by Cherry Lane, Peterborough.

Foraged Bonfire Night cocktail If you would like to sip something a bit stronger than hot chocolate around the fire this year, make this warm, fruity cocktail using English orchard fruits You will need • 50ml toffee vodka • 50ml apple juice • 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice • Cinnamon sticks • Apple and pear slices to garnish How to make Put the apple juice, toffee vodka and lemon juice into a pan over a very low heat and warm for about 20 minutes (don’t let it boil). Pour into glasses or mugs, garnish with the pear and apple slices and add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.

ILLUSTRATION: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

In a new monthly column, the experts at Flowers and Plants Direct, based in Hampton, Peterborough, tell us all about a seasonal flower you can display in your home. This month: GERBERA DAISIES

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Feed the birds As the weather gets colder, remember to put out food for feathered visitors to your garden.

Observe these rules to give them the best possible diet: • DO leave berries and seed heads in your borders for birds to feast on. It’s tempting to tidy everything up, but you’ll be doing them a favour if you let some areas run wild.

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

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

• DO put out some suet-based snacks. These will attract starlings and long tailed tits to feeders.

Fletton Parkway Dobbies Garden Centre Tesco

Flowers, Plants & Floral Sundries OPEN TO THE PUBLIC for everyone at trade prices

Club Way Mercedes

Unit A3, Club Way, Hampton Business Park, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8JA t: 01733 340 945 e: scot@lowersandplantsdirect.co.uk

www.lowersandplantsdirect.uk NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Bridget Steele tries out the Cambridge Food Tour PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM STEELE

A Fodie Day out in Cambridge M

ANY towns and cities in the UK offer food tours nowadays - with Cambridge being our closest I was keen to see what culinary delights it had to offer and explore its food heritage. The Cambridge Food Tour was founded by Gerla De Boer in 2014 and was one of the irst available in the UK – a Dutch self-confessed foodie, she wanted to share its vibrant food scene with visitors.

There are many different themed food tours available, such as an Artisan Food Trail, Craft Beer Tour, and Hidden Cambridge. I invited ive foodie friends to join me on the four-hour Lunch Tour that covers about three miles. I hadn’t chosen the best day as rain had set in early, so we arrived all togged up and umbrellas up! However, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits and we met our guide, Karen Geddes at Fitzbillies in Trumpington Street – our irst food sample was their renowned sticky inger licking Chelsea Buns that are made with a secret syrup recipe, they keep for eight weeks and are shipped all over the world.

Our second stop was Bread, Meat – they specialise in slow roasted meats and cook joints overnight at just 70 degrees C to produce delicious succulent meat served on sour dough delivered fresh from London, teamed with their own Salsa Verde and relishes.

We then visited the Eagle Pub, no food samples here but a fascinating stop to hear about many tales and to see the messages preserved on the pub walls and ceiling from World War II servicemen stationed nearby.

We moved on to a popular lunchtime spot called Aromi. The owner also has a restaurant in Sicily, they make twice baked sour dough pizzas, no soggy bottoms here, with authentic meat and vegetable toppings. We also tried Aromi’s ine chocolate and pistachio tartlets.

Our stop at The Cambridge Cheese Co. was a delight. We met Camilla (who also takes groups on food Tours) and shop owner Jackie, both passionate about food. We were given a platter of cheeses to try, including several Italian Cheeses just delivered and a very creamy cheese called ‘Cambridge Blue’ made

especially for them that we all loved, so much so several pieces were bought to take home.

I think the three men in our party enjoyed our next stop the best, at The Free Press pub – it’s been in the ‘Good Beer Guide’ more than any other Cambridge pub. Here we were given three types of sublime slightly runny centred crispy coated Scotch eggs to accompany our wine and real ale.

Karen then took us to the lively Mill Road area of Cambridge. She explained: “This area has become popular with people moving to the area from London with a vibrant café culture, food scene and lots of independent shops”.

We visited Tom’s Cakes, (Tom’s a local baker with shops in St Ives and Cambridge) a Lebanese Café where we choose a drink and a pastry and a fabulous and enticing deli.

To inish off our day, Karen recommended the Salisbury Arms, which was not part of the tour but proved to be another ine place to visit with a warm welcome, real ale and good food. Here we reviewed the places we visited and relaxed before catching the train home.

Karen explained: “The Cambridge Food Tours have been very popular with participants and businesses involved – with many food outlets wanting to be included, and stringently high standards of the businesses chosen.” I can see why as when I next visit Cambridge I will be keen to go off the beaten track and seek out the artisan foods made with such passion and enthusiasm.

The Lunch Tour was £49 per person. For more information on the Cambridge Food Tours contact www.cambridgefoodtour.com or call 01223 269991

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NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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BU LW I C K VILLAGE SHOP

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Enjoy seasonal tastes that are perfect for sharing around the bonfire, devised and styled for Nene Living by blogger Fenland Lottie

Fod with Fireworks!

WORDS AND PHOTOS: ANN GRAVES

M

Y trips to the allotment are less frequent now. The shed has been tidied and the tools cleaned and put away. There are overwintering leeks and garlic growing, and parsnips, but many of the beds are cleared of their summer crops.

It’s time to take stock and look back over the growing year, after an exceptionally hot and dry summer. Some of the crops loved the heat; the winter squash, the strawberries and the herbs, such as basil. Others, like the climbing beans struggled and went to seed early. But the days

are short now. Darkness closes in early and thoughts turn to winter celebrations rather than allotments.

First up is Bonire Night. I still ind a child-like delight in standing on a cold night, wrapped up in coat and scarf, watching the inky sky light up with a myriad of multi coloured lights. Better still if there is a mug of hot soup and some Bonire Night treats to enjoy at the same time!

Here are some favourite recipes.

Fenland Celery Soup Fenland Celery is creamy white with a lovely nutty lavour. Grown in the deep, black, rich soil of the Fens, it is the irst English vegetable to be awarded Protected Geographical Indication.

Serves 4 • 1tbsp butter • 1 onion • 1 head celery (about 500g) • 1 large potato • 1 litre hot vegetable stock • 170ml double cream • Croutons and crispy cooked chorizo to serve (optional) • Melt the butter in a large pan and add the roughly chopped vegetables.

• Cook gently for about 5 minutes then add the stock.

Bring to the boil, then simmer for about 25 minutes until the vegetables are very soft. Blend until smooth, then remove from the heat and stir in the cream.

• Check the seasoning, ladle into bowls and serve with croutons and crisply fried chorizo.

Quick and Easy Toffee Apples Goats’ Cheese and Pesto Pinwheels

The little apple tree on our allotment produced a really good harvest this year and the fruit are perfect for this sweet treat. This easy recipe produces a toffee apple with a soft caramel coating.

I sowed two types of basil this year; ‘Sweet Green’ a traditional green variety and ‘Crimson King’ with beautiful purple leaves. Both thrived in the long hot summer and provided a plentiful harvest for making pesto.

Homemade pesto will keep in the fridge for a few days but also freezes very well, making it ideal for preserving a summer glut.

• 6 small apples • 400g toffees • 2 tbsp water.

• 6 wooden sticks (or twigs for extra rustic appeal)

These pinwheels are quick and easy to make.

• Wash the apples carefully and dry thoroughly. This is especially important if the apples are bought, as they often have a waxy coating which, unless removed, will prevent the toffee from sticking.

• Remove the stalks and push a wooden stick into each apple.

• Put the toffees into a pan with the water and melt slowly over a low heat.

• Dip each apple into the melted toffee and rotate until well coated.

• Place onto silicone paper and refrigerate for an hour or two until the toffee has hardened.

• 1 sheet of bought puff pastry • 200g soft goats’ cheese • 4-5 tbsp pesto, bought or homemade • Spread the goats’ cheese evenly over the pastry, followed by the pesto.

• Roll up from the long edge, like a Swiss roll and chill in the freezer for about 20 minutes to make it easier to slice. Cut into rounds about 1cm thick and bake at 210c for 15 minutes or until golden.Cool on a wire rack. Best eaten on the same day.

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Alastair Adams Portrait Artist Alastair Adams is a Rutland-based artist with an impressive international portfolio. He has travelled the globe producing portraits of senior politicians, academics, captains of industry and celebrities. Amander Meade finds out more about the county’s most understated talent Alastair Adams with his portrait of former PM, Tony Blair which now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery

John Timpson

IVING quietly in Rutland with his wife, Amy, and their children Lucy and Luke, Alastair Adams is an astonishing talent. Almost reluctant to discuss his burgeoning success, he is prompted by an obviously proud Amy to tell me about his achievements. Having met aged 11, the couple both hail from the North West and studied for their degrees – his in illustration and hers in fashion and textiles – at De Montfort University.

After graduation Alastair spent three years trying to break into illustration for publishing before a life-size portrait of a friend was accepted into the prestigious BP Portrait Award at London’s National Portrait Gallery. This became a catalyst for a change of direction. “Acceptance of that first portrait meant I began to receive commissions, which in turn led to me exhibiting at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, and in 2002 I was invited to become a member.” Alastair went on to become President of the Society – the youngest ever.

With more and more commissions, Alastair was still working full time as a senior Lecturer at Loughborough University, and it was at this time he was approached by the National Portrait Gallery to paint former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, for their permanent collection.

“Tony was not keen at all to be painted, but, traditionally, all former Prime Ministers have been represented in the permanent collection, so I persevered and eventually enlisted the help of his wife, Cherie, to pin down some sitting sessions, which took place at their home. He was very guarded, but eventually a trust was established, and my family joined the Blairs at a simple dinner to celebrate the unveiling. The portrait received a lot of attention from the press at the time, which was interesting for me; I learned that the trick is to create a touchstone – something the haters can hate and the admirers can love.”

The Blair portrait exposed Alastair’s work to a US audience, and he has since established an ongoing relationship with Yale University, following the successful completion of a number of commemorative portraits. The most recent is of Professor Marvin Chun, the outgoing

L

Bruce Robinson

Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Sarah Furness, painted whilst High Sheriff

master of Berkeley College, and is on permanent display alongside his predecessors in Berkeley dining hall. “We were lucky enough to be invited as a family to the US to see the unveiling, and I took my mother along, which was very special for her,” says Alastair.

Back in the UK, Alastair’s work was shown in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ annual exhibition last May, including his portrait of Dr Sarah Furness, now Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, in her previous role as High Sheriff.

With a satisfying waiting list for his work, Alastair now paints full time and has found an interval to paint a noncommissioned portrait, which again has been selected for exhibition at this year’s BP Portrait Award. The subject this time is director, screenwriter, novelist and actor, Bruce Robinson. Bruce is best known for writing and directing the cult classic “Withnail and I” and writing the screenplay “The Killing Fields”. “I’m delighted, as 2,667 portraits were submitted, and only 48 were chosen to take part in the exhibition, which runs between 14 June and 23 September before touring additional locations nationally.”

Working from his studio at home in Rutland and having made the decision to take a break from lecturing, Alastair is relishing the opportunity to explore things that interest him and to move his own discipline forward. “I’ve always enjoyed producing work that satisfies people, and I have some work in the pipeline that will help me continue to do that as well as providing some travel opportunities for the family too, which is a brilliant bonus.”

Commissioning a portrait: An initial chat with Alastair includes an insight into the production process as well as negotiating a budget and timeline. Alastair aims to book between four and six sittings with photographic reference used to reduce sitting time. Alastair also offers his own bespoke framing and transportation service.

For more information call Alastair on 07808 585366 or visit alastairadams.co.uk.

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Update your Kitchen

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Time to revamp the heart of your home? Local companies tell Sarah Chase what’s on offer

Units The team at SmartHaus (www.smarthaus. co.uk), located in the stunning Old Print Works in Kettering, has been creating cutting-edge, designled German kitchens for their clients for over 12 years. The extensive ground floor showroom holds kitchen displays that are designed to inspire, and their experts are ready to talk through all your requirements.

“We’ve seen tremendous leaps forward in innovation in all areas,” comments Dan Greasley, senior designer at SmartHaus, “not least in the use of alternative materials for cabinets and doors. Natural timbers will always have an appeal, but we are now seeing rougher textures such as stone-veneered doors rising in popularity - slate, for example, machined to a really light-weight thickness of only a few millimetres, making it practical, tactile and easy to look after.”

Darker and more dramatic wood tones and

paint colours are also on the increase, and, says Dan, “we’re seeing glass becoming a prominent feature, not only on over-counter shelving and pendant lights, but also inset into feature cabinet doors and as splashbacks, which is helpful in balancing the darker unit colours.”

Guy Bolsover, owner and manager of Oundlebased kitchen company Küchen Kraft (www. kuchenkraft.co.uk), has noted an increase in demand for clean lines, with handle-free doors proving popular and concrete-look matt finishes on the rise. Once again, though, balance is key advises Guy: “It’s a good idea to incorporate a natural and aesthetically warm material, such as wood, into even the most modern of kitchens, to avoid a feeling of clinical starkness.”

“Many people are choosing to house appliances behind pocket doors, to keep work surface clutter to a minimum, and stone or resin sinks are popular as they contribute to a seamless look.”

There’s still a place for the traditional wooden, handmade kitchen, as Guy will testify: “The Shaker in-frame units are perennial favourites,”

Worktops If you tend towards a more ‘freestyle’ approach to cooking, then having a surface that will take the spills and knocks it’s presented with is essential! Keeping a glossy, granite worktop looking good may require more time than you’re willing to spare – or you may see this loving care as part of the deal.

Local company, Rock Revelations (www. rockrevelations.co.uk), uses state of the art machinery at their 15,000 square foot fabrication centre, to create worktops, flooring, cladding and bathrooms from an extensive range of materials, including granite, marble and quartz as well as ultra-compact surfaces such as Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec.

“We work with our customers to establish which product will offer the right solutions for them,” explains director, Paul Cunningham.

“Granite and marble - both natural materials - have very different qualities and will result in very different finishes for the kitchen.

“Quartz, with brands such as Silestone and Caesarstone, has become very popular for today’s kitchen worktops, with its broad range of colours and extraordinary textures, as well as its top-quality performance.

The move towards so-called ‘ultra-compact’ surfaces like Dekton - which is a super-strong blend of porcelain, glass, and quartz - has revolutionised kitchen design. “This really does deliver everything the modern kitchen requires,” explains Paul. “Not only does it have UV protection, but it is water; impact; stain; scratch; and heat resistant. It can be used in kitchens as worktops, or as floor and wall tiles even externally as cladding!”

he remarks, “and, if your budget doesn’t allow for a fully handmade kitchen, there are now options that offer a similar look for a lot less.”

Malcolm Brandwood, who established QKS (www.qksstamford.co.uk) back in 1981, has seen trends come and go, and ensures that a comprehensive range of kitchen set ups, in 20 room-size settings, are available at their showroom on the Barnack Road in Stamford.

“We supply kitchens that span the spectrum of the industry,” he says, “from handmade bespoke to factory-built bespoke and preassembled kitchens - they are all the latest designs that are available to the marketplace.”

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Update your Kitchen Flooring

Choosing hard flooring that can stand up to the rigours of domestic life will help to ensure your kitchen retains its good looks through the years. Peter Peel, from Oundle Carpets and Curtains (www.oundlecarpetsandcurtains.co.uk), shares his recommendations: “Although we can supply some beautiful solid and engineered wood flooring, we steer customers away from these options in the kitchen,” he explains. “Kitchens, by their very nature, are rooms that will experience changes in temperature, which will lead to wooden floors warping very quickly. We find our clients who were hoping for the look of a parquet floor, for example, are often delighted with the vinyl flooring on offer these days.”

Above: Marigold and Lettice china range £10-£40 Above right: Napkins £4.75 Right: Brompton cutters £16 All from The Rounded House, Oundle (www.theroundedhouse.co.uk)

Karndean, which Peter stocks, is one of the UK’s leading designers of woodand stone-effect flooring, which combine the beauty of the real thing with the practicality and durability of vinyl. Their designs are a thing to behold, from the intricate grain details to the unique characteristics of real woods and stone, and the flooring can be used in conjunction with underfloor heating, too.

For show stopping sophistication in flooring or worktops, it may be that marble has caught your eye.

Peterborough’s renowned Olympic Marble (www.olympic-marble. co.uk), a family business with its origins in Greece, prides itself on providing an artisan end product which begins life in the quarries of Italy or Greece.

“We’ve done a lot of granite kitchens,” says Nick Polychronidis, manager of the business, “but we’re seeing an increase in demand for marble, and the result is a kitchen with ‘wow’ factor.”

Appliances The iconic AGA has embraced progress in recent years, with innovative technology allowing greater flexibility in everyday use, as visitors to the showroom at Oundle Wharf (www.agaliving.com) will witness.

The new AGA 3 Series cooker has a highly efficient triple-element hotplate which can be set either to boiling or simmering mode. Next to the hotplate you can opt for either a useful warming plate or induction hob complete with bridging feature, allowing you to use a griddle plate, fish kettle or other large cookware.

Each model has an oven that can be set for roasting or baking, along with a simmering oven and separate warming oven - all this, and handy 34

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

storage built-in, too!

If it’s gadgets and technical innovation you’re after, then manufacturers are offering these in spades at the moment. “Flex induction is what people are demanding for hobs,” comments Guy Bolsover, “it’s so fast, clean and safe, and it looks sleek.”

“We’re also seeing more demand for ovens with a full steam-cooking facility, as well as useful extras such as the boiling water tap.”

“Looks-wise, the big call at the moment is for appliances in a smokeblack stainless steel finish,” says Dan Greasley. “Siemens (www.siemens. co.uk) have a superb range of innovative extras, such as sous vide cooking, in which food is vacuumsealed in a ninety-nine percent airtight drawer, enabling optimal heat transmission – and succulent results.”

Can’t afford a full makeover?

Refresh your accessories instead

Smeg toaster and kettle, both £129.99 Stu Pots, Oundle (www.stu-pots.com)

Above: Granite Mortar & Pestle by Garden Trading £19 Left: Burlington Egg Basket by Garden Trading £15 Hilly Horton Home, Thrapston (www. hillyhorton.co.uk

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

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

We ofer 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 inished product.

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

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

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0 1 8 3 2 2 7 0 3 0 0 I I N F O @ K U C H E N K R A F T. C O . U K @kuchenkrat @kuchen_krat www.kuchenkrat.co.uk 35

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Advertisement Feature

GET SET TO

GLOW With only 8 weeks to Christmas, Elysia Skin: Body: Laser can get you all set to sparkle for the festive season.

Set in the beautiful village of Tansor (only 2 miles from Oundle and 11 miles from Stamford) aesthetician Lisa Claypole offers an impressive range of treatments guaranteed to get you looking and feeling fabulous. The salon is very private and discreet so no matter what you’ve had done, you can walk out and get straight into your car without the worry of a busy town or parking.

The majority of treatments are non-invasive with no downtime and Elysia are passionate about giving clients the best results. Keeping up to date with the latest developments in the industry, all the treatments give outstanding results. As they have many different technologies available, Lisa believes in a bespoke treatment as everyone’s skin is different and combination therapy is so important. During your consultation we will discuss your concerns and help you make the right decisions to get healthy skin for a lifetime.

CACI Lisa has worked with CACI for over 10 years. CACI have decades of industry expertise and is famous for the nonsurgical face-lift. It started as a medical treatment restoring loss of muscle tone and has crossed into the aesthetic market as a favourite anti-ageing treatment. “I always describe to clients that it’s like a gym workout on your face and neck” says Lisa. It has lots of loyal celebrity followers too, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Jennifer Aniston to name a few. Whether it’s just the lifting and toning you want or the ULTIMATE, which covers the latest orbital microdermabrasion, wrinkle comb and ultrasonic peeling, light therapy, hydratone collagen mask, CACI EYE treatment and lymphatic drainage, Lisa can make the treatment bespoke.

“TO REALLY CUSTOMISE IT TO “YOU” WE HAVE MANY CLIENTS WHO ADD IN A STIMULATOR PEEL OR RADIO FREQUENCY. IT’S THE ULTIMATE MUSCLE AND SKIN WORKOUT.”

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Lisa Claypole - Elysia Skin: Body: Laser.

ZO MEDICAL AND SKIN HEALTH BY DR ZEIN OBAGI. This outstanding range really delivers results. “It’s so rewarding to effectively treat pigmentation, sun damage, acne and rosacea - to name but a few concerns. If you only try one treatment make it the ZO RED CARPET STIMULATOR PEEL. Clients generally are a little nervous when you mention the word ‘peel’ but this treatment and range of products are amazing. You’ll get the instant wow factor that will last. Trust us and try if for yourself,”

ENVIRON Developed by a South African dermatologist to stimulate collagen and repair damaged skin this popular range harnesses the powers of vitamin A, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Combine with an in salon treatment and you get amazing skin penetration. If you want results and healthy skin contact Elysia now.

COLLAGEN WAVE LIPOFIRM PRO and EXILIS ELITE provide fabulous radio frequency treatments. Also with the added beneit of ultrasound on the EXILIS, it can give a focused treatment with deeper penetration depths. Radio frequency heats deeper into the skin tissue to stimulate collagen production so it’s also perfect to improve skin texture and lift and is very comfortable with no downtime. This is a popular treatment either on its own or in combination with other technology.

KYLIE MINOGUE is a fan of the COLLAGEN WAVE TREATMENT. BEFORE

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LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND SKIN REJUVENATION Wouldn’t it be amazing if you didn’t have to wax or shave again? Incredibly popular for men and women, we can treat most body areas. Start your hair removal course now!

Harnessing all of the beneits of the light. To put it simply LIGHT has amazing beneits on all of us. Just think how much better your skin is when you are on holiday. Unfortunately though, too much sun is very ageing and can have more serious effects. Elysia use safe light at controlled wavelengths and these treatments are wonderful for acne sufferers. It’s also one of very few treatments that can clear the skin reducing vascular and pigmentation concerns. It evens out the skin, reducing lumps, bumps, lines and wrinkles.

A more youthful complexion guaranteed!

VENUS VIVA This is a wonder treatment! Always consistent and works to treat anti-ageing, lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size and acne scarring. “We have some wonderful before and after’s in our portfolio where you see great lifting and natural collagen stimulation – it’s also fabulous for rosacea.”

A little downtime with this treatment – but only 12 hours maximum and deinitely worth it.

ELYSIA SKIN: BODY: LASER: REALLY LOVE WHAT THEY DO AND ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU ACHIEVE GREAT SKIN FOR A LIFETIME Elysia Skin: Body: Laser, Tansor, Oundle, PE8 5HP Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com Follow us: elysiahealthandbeauty

Lisa Claypole of ELYSIA SKIN:BODY:LASER salon in Tansor is at the forefront of advanced skincare treatments in the area, bridging the gap between beauty treatments and cosmetic surgery

Unveil a New You E

STABLISHED by aesthetician Lisa Claypole some 17 years ago in the beautiful village of Tansor, ELYSIA SKIN:BODY:LASER is the go-to for advanced face, body and laser treatments.

When we meet, it’s clear that Lisa is dedicated to helping her clients make positive changes to their skin and body shape. She doesn’t promise miracles, but relies instead on tried and tested, evidence-based treatments which are delivered safely over a period of time. It is a winning formula which has seen her gain a trusted reputation in the area. Now, after rebranding, Lisa is set to take the business forward once again.

“My clients are driven by visible results and how they feel after treatment or a course of treatments, and I am too,” explains Lisa. “I thoroughly research everything to make sure we are offering the best and most advanced technology.”

The range of treatments are designed to work harder and provide more dramatic results than spa or salon treatments, bridging the gap between beauty and surgery. Lisa has dedicated the last 17 years to understanding skin and training for her practice. Her focus is always on how to improve problem skin, minimize the effects of ageing and to provide long term results, rather than a quick ix.

For optimum skin health, Lisa recommends Environ which was developed by a South African dermatologist, and Zo Skin Health and

Medical by Dr Obagi – both are Retinol based, prescription strength, and they can help with treating anti-ageing, rosacea, pigmentation, acne and sun damage.

CACI treatments are always popular and are suitable for maintaining healthy skin. An award winning, non-surgical face lift, Lisa describes the process as “like going to the gym but for your face.” A course of treatments is recommended, and Lisa can combine this with other procedures, to create a bespoke package.

Lipoirm Pro and Exilis Elite (featured in Tatler magazine’s Cosmetic Surgery Guide 2018 as a go-to treatment) both harness the power of ultrasound and radio frequency to offer different levels of skin tightening, contouring and cellulite-busting and are painless, so clients can continue with day to

“I thoroughly research everything to make sure we are offering the best and most advanced technology.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM STEELE

day life as soon as they leave. The one-hour Lipoirm Radio Frequency skin tightening treatment focuses on body and face, boosting collagen production and making the skin glow.

When it comes to having a treatment that keeps skin looking fresh, Lisa recommends a peel. It may sound daunting, and you might think that you’d have to hide away for weeks afterwards, but with a thorough consultation, this is deinitely not the case.

Venus Viva treatments reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture and lessen the appearance of scarring using focused radio frequency and needling technology. In addition to these specialist treatments, Lisa has a registered Nurse Prescriber who can

deliver muscle relaxing injections, illers and mesotherapy (injections of anti-oxidants and vitamins). Medical laser treatments are also offered for hair removal, red thread veins, pigmentation, acne and symptoms of rosacea.

Those who visit Elysia recommend the salon for the high level of care given, sound knowledge and experience, the sense of calm, the beautiful, discreet location and unhurried approach. There is always more than enough time to address any concerns you may have prior to, or after, your treatment. The team are all there for you – and once you’ve visited, you may well be asking yourself why you didn’t do it sooner.

More info: www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Looking and feeling good. Compiled by Bridget Steele

Welbeing Notes Golf lessons I joined Richard Keys, the PGA Professional at Oundle Golf Club for a taster session with a little trepidation, having never been on a golf course and knowing very little of what would be expected of me.

An hour later with his patient coaching I was able to hold a ‘7 Iron’ correctly, understand the stance required and hit a bucket full of practice balls in the right direction. It’s a great feeling, even for a beginner, knowing you’ve have done everything properly and the ball has gone where it’s supposed to. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Richard explains: “The Club runs a Beginners Package – for £120 you get ive half hour lessons with the professional (two players can have an hour), a 9 hole round of golf with the Professional, use of clubs, balls and practice ground as well as a temporary social membership. This is a great way to see if the game is for you with coaching along the way.”

Bridget Steele For more information contact Richard Keys, PGA Professional, Oundle Golf Club, Beneield Road, Oundle PE8 4EZ Tel:- 01832 273267

New sports camps for children Peterborough brothers Ottavio and Dario Tanzillo are students at Loughborough University and are qualified sports coaches and personal trainers. They have founded a ‘Be Active Sports Camp’ in the school holidays, starting in December with multi sports and activities for 5-12 year olds and aimed at promoting the positive benefits of exercise with the focus on fun. The camps will run at Jack Hunt School, Peterborough.

Be Active Sport can also be tailored for birthday parties and social events as well as specialist coaching available in football and swimming.

For more information contact Ottavio and Dario Tanzillo on 07963 595952 or e-mail ottavio. tanzillo@hotmail.com

Dance: the complete exercise for body and mind The ‘Strictly’ effect means that many more of us want to learn to dance. Whether you fancy Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle, Rock’n’Roll or Line Dancing, any style can bring huge physical and mental beneits, as well as being great fun. Increased strength and itness, improved memory, lexibility and balance are all positive side effects.

Being a weight bearing exercise, dance is excellent for toning muscles and bones while providing a good cardiovascular workout without being too strenuous. It also boosts stamina, balance and core strength.

When joining a class, you’ll be mixing with people who have the same interest, making friends and improving self-conidence.

Five week taster courses at the Nene School of Dancing are running in Peterborough or Stamford now, with the next Ballroom and Latin beginners course starting in November.

What are you waiting for?!

Contact Janina to enrol or for more information. www.neneschoolofdancing.co.uk 01778 590655 or 07931214211

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NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

Power up!

Instead of reaching for chocolate when you’re feeling tired and need a boost, mix up some of these energy boosting balls instead. Keep them in the fridge for when you feel the urge to snack.

You will need: • 100g cashews • 75g cranberries • 1 tbspn ground almonds • 1 tbspn agave syrup • 50g dessicated coconut • 2 tbspn peanut butter What to do In a food processor, whizz up the cashew nuts (you could also use pecans). Add the cranberries, almonds, peanut butter and agave syrup. Blitz the ingredients until combined. Shape the mixture into walnut sized balls. Roll in dessicated coconut and put in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to irm.

Pilates: the next stage Many of us are familiar with Pilates exercises which are based on the work of Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), who created a series of exercises to build strong core muscles and lexibility.

High Intensity Pilates is an advanced version for clients with strong core muscles, who are injury free. It creatively combines classical mat Pilates with hard fast movements incorporating squats, lunges, planks and handheld weights.

Instructor Kerry says: “safe techniques learned from extensive Pilates knowledge allows it to be an effective way of burning calories.” Kerry is offering ive week courses at £40 starting 7th November – 5th December in Alwalton and Stamford.

Kerry also teaches a regular advanced Pilates class on a Tuesday evening at the Cedar Centre Castor, near Peterborough, from 7.158pm.

For more information contact Kerry on 07753 136966 or e-mail pilates.kerry@gmail.com

HAIRDRESSING

Absolute Beginners Ballroom and Latin 5 WEEK TASTER COURSE Saturday 3rd November 12.15pm-1.15pm, £7-50pppw

Parkway Sports and Social Club, Maskew Ave, Peterborough PE1 2AS

Tuesday 6th November 8pm-9pm, £7-50pppw

Stamford United Reformed Church Hall, Broad Street, Stamford, PE91PJ

11 West Street I Oundle I Peterborough

01832 275725

Please contact Janina to enrol 01778 590655 or 07931 214211 janina@neneschoolofdancing.co.uk www.neneschoolofdancing.co.uk

Smile with confidence Local dentist Catherine Cousley and Richard Cousley (Consultant Orthodontist) are delighted to announce the opening of The Priestgate Clinic in the centre of Peterborough.

Paient-focused general & specialist denistry Friendly and relaxed environment State of the art 3D imaging faciliies Acceping Denplan and private paients Second opinions seen, with and without a denist referral

If you would like to book an appointment, please call

01733 865000

26 Priestgate Peterborough PE1 1WG recepion@priestgateclinic.co.uk

www.priestgateclinic.co.uk

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LOCAL WALK

Polebrook & Barnwell This walk takes in two very attractive villages and glorious views looking down across to Oundle and the Nene Valley. Good for spotting wildlife, especially red kites!

THE ROUTE

1

Walk S down King’s Arms Lane, and branch left at the bottom down a rather scrubby path across the brook; on coming out onto a private tarmacked road, follow it straight ahead, all the way to the village of Armston Where the road bears to the left just past the farm, take a footpath through a wooden kissing gate across a field to the left-hand edge of a copse; go through another kissing gate, bear right and, where the field boundary bears left, take the footpath to the right over a stile to rejoin a metalled track after a few moments Turn left into a field where there is a green footpath sign, with a view of Barnwell Hall as you progress to the road into the village; on reaching the road, turn right Once in the village, cross the bridge by the pub and follow the small road left all the way along the village, with Barnwell Brook on your immediate left. Shortly after you pass the All Saints’ Church, turn left over the brook and proceed on the other side until you reach a footpath sign and Friars Close Farm Walk up through the farm (derelict), take a slight left half way through it, and then continue out the other side in an easterly direction, steadily rising. Where there is an old crossing over the ditch, cross and then proceed in the same direction on the other side until reaching the road Turn left here (there is also a field edge), and then right just after a wood along a footpath, heading east once again straight across a field.

Turn left (N) on reaching a metalled track and follow this all the way to the road (it crosses a field at the end), keeping the water tower on your right throughout; then cross the road and continue in the same direction until reaching a hedge Here you will see the path heads left (NW) along another field boundary, then right through the hedge across a footbridge in a northerly direction.

Turn diagonally left at a field hose tap towards a copse, which you walk through, keeping north on the other side through a metal gate, then over a wooden stile - at which point you will see Polebrook Church, your destination.

Proceed to the church, turn left, then along a passage to regain King’s Arms Lane. Your work is done.

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KEY DATA Distance: 6 miles (9.8kms) Typical time: 2 1/2 hours OS map: Explorer 227, Landranger 142 Start & finish: Polebrook (PE8 5LW) Terrain: a gentle climb, very muddy potentially across fields Stiles: 2

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NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

POINTS OF INTEREST Barnwell Manor is the historic former home of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The estate also includes the ruined Barnwell Castle, built c.1266 by Berenger le Moyne, who sold it to Ramsey Abbey in 1276 (private).

Barnwell Brook is a tributary of the Nene, as is Pole Brook. The village is neatly arranged along its length; and an interpretation board declares that water voles are still to be found along its banks.

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The Barnwell Water Tower is a useful indicator of the top of the hill, at 72 metres, and visible for much of the later part of the route.

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PIT STOPS King’s Arms, Polebrook, King’s Arms Lane, PE8 5LW (01832 272363, kingsarmspolebrook. co.uk). A delightful pub, full of character The Montagu Arms, Barnwell, PE8 5PH (01832 273726, montaguarmsbarnwell.co.uk).

Another cracking pub, you are spoilt for choice on this walk. If the weather is good, sit on the benches out front.

6

King’s Arms

© Crown copyright 2018 Ordnance Survey. Media 020/18

The Montagu Arms

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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Charity number 263617.

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A little wAlking There are so many scenic places to go for an autumnal walk, but if you’re willing to travel a little further aield (around 50 minutes) then Belton House is a great place to experience at this time of year. It has an amazing and extensive outdoor play park, train ride, restaurants and beautiful English country estate to explore, all owned by the National Trust. We often take an amble within the formal gardens and then walk along the tree-lined promenade to the maze on a sunny afternoon and enjoy the splendour of autumn colour. It’s an ideal place to forage for leaves and other foliage for arts and crafts at home, and the kids just love exploring and playing with various textures and colours. The maze is small enough for little legs to explore without feeling overwhelmed and Evelyn always likes leading the way to the centre. Tip: make sure you take a buggy, carrier and/or buggy board for tired legs, as there’s lots to explore! belton@nationaltrust.org.uk, 01476566116 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house

LittLe Living Bonfires, fireworks and autumnal walks... November has a lot to offer as Rachel Andrews-Ingram and her two little ones discover

A not-so-little firework display

A little Bonfire night recipe

Peterborough Arena is the place to be for this year’s ireworks display. On Saturday November 3, you can join the Firework Fiesta, the city’s largest charity event which has been running for over 40 years, raising money for well-deserving local causes. Not only will it be the area’s biggest irework display, there’ll be a large fair, sideshows, stands and food stalls.

Plus, Heart FM will be there bringing music and live commentary.

5pm gates open, 6pm lighting of the bonire, 7.30pm ireworks begin. Advance tickets are available £3 child £7 over 15’s - prices increase on the door. www.ireworkiesta.com 01733 452336 info@ireworkiesta.com

I like to make a special Bonire Night-themed tea before we head out to see the night sky light up in a crescendo of colour. The kids always love a sweet treat for afterwards, such as homemade popcorn with a drizzle of honey or try this simple recipe for some impressive looking bonire cupcakes.

You will need: • Some plain cup cakes or fairy cakes (easy to make or buy a pack of plain ones from a supermarket) • Orange buttercream icing (beat together 300g icing sugar with 150g softened butter.

Add the inely grated zest of an orange, and a few drops of orange food colouring) Chocolate ingers or orange Matchmakers

A little shopping

What to do 1.

Mix up the buttercream and get your child to put a generous spoonful on top of each cupcake. They can use a palette knife to create some textures for a lame effect.

2. Use the chocolate ingers or chocolate Matchmakers to create a wigwam of ‘logs’ by pressing them into the buttercream icing.

3. Garnish with some edible glitter or strips of orange peel for added impact!

A little computer coding…

Code Club at Peterborough Central Library is a fortnightly, free event where children aged 7 – 11 can learn the basics of coding. It’s a formal and fun introduction to a useful skill. There are dates available on November 10, November 24 and December 8. Pre-booking is essential and it’s wise to do it early, as these are popular sessions which soon ill up. Children should be accompanied by a parent or carer. Visit www.vivacity.org to snap up a place.

If you and your children are heading to a irework party this year, or maybe doing some trick or treating, invest in one of these cute light up animal hats from Jollys Toys in Thrapston. They cost £15 each and will it all ages. They’re also available in unicorn and panda styles.

Jollys Toys and Games, 28a High St, Thrapston, NN14 4JH. NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

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As the centenary of Armistice Day approaches, Sarah Chase looks at some of the ways in which our community is paying its respects to the fallen

100 years on F

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NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

“One hundred and seventy-one men from the Warmington Benefice, who fought for their country in the Great War, will be commemorated in a project initiated by Caroline Kisby of Pink House Arts.”

PHOTO: ALEX KISBY

ROM individual performance art to installation pieces created by communities and large-scale musical events, the people of the Nene valley are remembering the sacriices made a century ago.

One hundred and seventy-one men from the Warmington Beneice, who fought for their country in the Great War, will be commemorated in a project initiated by Caroline Kisby of Pink House Arts.

“Each person named has a wreath containing ive hand-knitted poppies and leaves and a hand- or machine-embroidered name label,” explains Caroline. “These wreaths are the work of thirty volunteers from our area, who wanted to contribute for their own varied reasons.”

The wreaths will be on display in the churches of Warmington, Fotheringhay, Tansor, Cotterstock and Southwick for the public to view on November 11 and for a period of time after. Volunteer Alison Reid explains: “I got involved to do some knitting with my ten year old son, and to create a connection between the poppies we made and their representation of far too many lives lost,” she says. “The results were awesome, and it was fantastic to be involved in this community project.”

Tim Stimpson, of Fotheringhay, reveals the particular pathos the project holds for his family. “My paternal grandfather was killed in action in France, leaving a young wife and three children under nine,” Tim says. “My mother, Joyce, who is 95, has knitted poppies for Fotheringhay to support this wonderful memorial initiative. Some of the knitted poppies were also taken, by my brother, to my grandfather’s war grave in France on the anniversary of his death, August 25, 1918. We will not forget them.”

For artist Charron Pugsley-Hill, the First World War centenary years have been the source of much creative inspiration, as well as relection. Charron began her four year World War journey with a single painting, completed in 2014 - but she quickly realised she wasn’t inished with the subject.

“It became important to me to keep alive the memories of the people who played a part in this momentous period of world history.” says Charron, “Art is my way of interpreting and bringing these stories to the people of Peterborough today.”

On Friday 9 and Saturday 10 November, Charron will be found standing beneath the Guildhall in Cathedral Square where, at 10am, she will begin ‘Naming the Men’ - reading the names of every one of the 1176 men and one woman who died, together with details and stories from their lives and tales of the part Peterborough played in the war.

Charron Pugsley-Hill

“I have created a postcard for each person, with details personal to their life inscribed on it,” explains Charron. “Tthese will be handed out, enabling people present to share the stories with family and friends.”

Maintaining the memories for future generations is at the heart of these tributes, as it is for award-winning choirs Peterborough Male Voice Choir and Peterborough Voices, who will present a Festival of Remembrance: an evening of words and choral music at The Cresset on Friday November 9, supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

“Peterborough Male Voice Choir has

a long history in the city,” says William Prideaux, director of Peterborough Sings!

“It seems itting to mark this occasion with what promises to be a nostalgic evening of wonderful melodies and touching moments, while raising money for a really good cause.”

Visit www.peterboroughsings.org.uk for tickets.

Peterborough Sings! will also be bringing together children from schools all over the city for the World War One Centenary Schools’ Singing Days, a collaborative music event culminating in performances for family and friends - helping the next generation to understand its place in history.

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Out & About Rachel Andrews-Ingram selects seasonal highlights

Festival of Remembrance

Sing-a-long-a-Grease Friday 2nd November The End of the Line Tonight’s performance at the Stahl is no ordinary theatre show – as you may have guessed by the fact that it is free admission. This is in fact a live rehearsal, where a script will be read aloud by actors for the irst time, scripts in hand, spontaneous and raw. In this case, The End of the Line, written and directed by Lizzie Martin – the story of Hayden, who sets off to lee a mistake made on his home turf, only to ind himself stranded in the middle of nowhere with the welcome distraction of a group of characters with a stew of their own issues to deal with. A great opportunity to view a critical stage in the creation of a play – and to give your take on its development.

Free admission. 7.45pm, The Stahl Theatre, Stahl Theatre, Oundle, PE8 4EJ www.oundleschool.org. uk/Stahl-Theatre

Wednesday 7 November Sing-a-long-a Grease There couldn’t possibly be a new spin on a 40 yearold ilm that everyone knows backwards… could there? Well, a theatre full of fans with the green light to dress up, heckle, quote lines, deploy a special bag of props – and of course, sing along – is bound to lend a sense of occasion to this screening of everyone’s favourite John Travolta ilm. The recipient of rave reviews from everyone from local newspapers to goodtime DJ Sara Cox, this is a corker guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face. And at the bare minimum, you get to watch a stunner of a ilm with one of the best soundtracks ever on the big screen.

Great is the word!

7:30pm, £17.50 Full Price, £13.50 Child (inc fees), The Key Theatre www.vivacity.org, 01733 207239, The Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF

Sunday 4 November The Barnwell Bonire The Barnwell Bonire party has gained an enviable reputation over 25 years for its spectacular ireworks, quality food, friendly village welcome and enormous themed bonire. Every year sees new ideas and the theme this year is again a closely guarded secret (last year it was the Hogwarts Express!). Gates are open from 5 pm to allow time for walking down the hill, viewing the installation and having a bite to eat and drink before the ire is lit at 6:45pm. The event has its own Facebook page too.

Adults £5, school age children, £4. Barnwell Village Hall, Hemington Rd, Barnwell PE8 5QD Proceeds to the Village Hall.

Friday 9 November Festival of Remembrance As digniied an occasion as you might expect to mark the centenary of the end of World War One – which is every bit as signiicant a milestone as it sounds – this special evening of recitals and choral music from the Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir. Stirring, moving and essential.

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NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2018

7:30pm, £16, www.cresset.co.uk, 01733 265705, The Cresset, Rightwell, Peterborough PE3 8DX Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 November Screwtape C. S. Lewis is forever associated with the classic Narnia series – but that’s not all he did. He also had a very successful stab at satire with the Screwtape Letters, here adapted for the stage by James Forsyth. Set around the reading of a series of letters concerning a demon (the titular Screwtape) to his nephew, Wormwood, mentoring the latter into securing the damnation of a human known only as the ‘patient’. The play is a supericially amusing but surprisingly deep exploration into faith, human laws and the machinations of heaven and hell. Funny, thought-provoking and original.

7.45pm, £6, The Stahl Theatre, Oundle, PE8 4EJ www.oundleschool.org.uk/Stahl-Theatre Tuesday 20 November The Madness of George III A live screening from the Nottingham Playhouse, this is an acting tour de force from one of Britain’s most versatile actors and its greatest living playwright. Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, The League of Gentlemen, and Alan Bennett make an irresistible combination in this modern version of the play that gave us the ilm The Madness of King George in 1991.

Based on the real life 18th century monarch who descended into insanity in the latter period of his life, this is acclaimed national theatre brought to your doorstep.

7pm, £11.50 Full Price (inc fees),The Key Studio, www.vivacity.org, 01733 207239, The Key Studio, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF

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Out & About Peter Pan

Wednesday 21 November G4 Christmas at Peterborough Cathedral Stars of the original X-Factor, the quartet of choral superstars that make up G4 are coming to Peterborough for a magical Christmas concert in the majestic surrounds of Peterborough Cathedral where they will be reciting Christmas classics and personal seasonal favourites. Atmosphere and entertainment perfect to get you in the mood for the most magical time of year.

7:30pm, From £16.50 01733 452336, www. peterborough-cathedral.org. uk, Peterborough Cathedral, PE1 1XS Friday 23 November Noel Fitzpatrick Supervet.

Welcome to my World They don’t call this guy the Supervet for nothing – a leader in his ield responsible for some of the leading developments in animal orthopaedic surgery, and now a hit TV star. This is his irst ever live show, and in it, Noel shares his life story, including how some of his earliest experiences as a child inluenced his game-changing work getting animals back on their feet.

East of England Arena, East of England Showground, Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 6XE

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Friday 23 November Yolanda Brown From being destined for a career in Management Science to being one of the most talked about musicians on the coolest scene imaginable, MOBOaward winning saxophonist Yolanda Brown’s sassy mix of fusion, pop and reggae has seen her perform alongside some of the biggest artists on the planet.

Celebrating a decade in music this year with a world tour, this is your chance to catch a true international virtuoso in the intimate setting of Peterborough’s Key Theatre.

7:30pm, £21.50 Full Price (inc fees), www.vivacity. org, 01733 207239, The Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF

Supervet

Friday 30 November Comedy Club November It’s all well and good bagging tickets for the hottest acts around, but every famous comedian started somewhere – and it often takes sharper comedy to get a laugh when you’re starting at zero. The Comedy Club at the Cresset’s intimate Fitzwilliam Suite is the oldest in town, and is a great venue for recapturing the kind of

atmosphere that kick-started so many of the world’s biggest acts.

Advance tickets £14.50 (face value £13.00) The Cresset, 01733 265705, The Cresset, Rightwell, Peterborough PE3 8DX BOOK AHEAD Thursday 6 December to Sunday 6 January Peter Pan It can’t be panto time yet, can it? Oh, yes it can!

Sorry, bad joke – but there’s nothing lame about this year’s Key Theatre show, as it takes us on a magical journey into one of our inest children’s literary classics: the one and only Peter Pan! With low-key performances for babies and children who might prefer a more relaxed show, to those for the visually and hearing impaired, this is truly an event for everyone – and the music, humour and audience engagement are all sure to be part of the fun! £12 - £18.50, The Key Theatre, www.vivacity.org, 01733 207239, The Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 December Burghley Christmas Fine Food Market at Burghley House Something about Burghley just screams Christmas – we don’t know why, just trust us on this – and it’s against its noble Elizabethan backdrop that you will ind one of the most scrumptious Christmas markets around. Make a day of it, bring the kids and enjoy the peaceful post-autumn grounds whilst sampling the inest seasonal fare designed to set your palate a’jingling. £5 parking charge per car, free entry, 9:30 to 4pm, Burghley House, Stamford PE9 3JY, www.burghley. co.uk, 01780 752451

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Nene People Sue Dobson meets a man with vision, chef/patron of The Chubby Castor in the Fitzwilliam Arms at Castor

Chef Adebola Adeshina “I

LIKE the word ‘chubby’. To me it says good living, enjoying good food and wine. It’s a friendly word, and it makes people smile.” Adebola Adeshina, chef/patron of The Chubby Castor is explaining the reasoning behind the unusual name for his restaurant. It’s also not a bad description of the man himself. He’s warm and welcoming, knows a lot about good food, especially the creating of it, and obviously enjoys life and sharing good things with the people around him.

Known to all as Ade (pronounced Addy), he’s also a man for whom only the best will do. Quality and consistency are his bywords, from the ingredients he sources to the stylish cutlery and glassware on spotless white tablecloths and the elegant bone china for afternoon tea. His fine eye for detail is revealed in the presentation of his food and in the judicious splashes of colour and fun cushions in the bar. It’s fine dining in a relaxed environment – or as he prefers to describe his restaurant: “civilised dining for civilised people”.

Born in Nigeria, Ade came to London with his family when he was seven years old and knew he wanted to become a chef from an early age.

“My mum was a good cook and I have five sisters, so there was always a lot of cooking going on in our house. They all enjoyed trying out new recipes, always had an open mind, so I guess it was from them that I got my love of food, and pleasure in discovering what exciting things could be done with ingredients.”

At 16 and sponsored by The Prince’s Trust, he earned a BTEC qualification and worked with the Conran Group’s Mezzo restaurant in Soho. There his potential was recognised with a scholarship “to up my cooking skills” at the City of Westminster College. Joining Gordon Ramsey’s team at Aubergine, when the now-famous chef and restaurateur was a virtual unknown, was the turning point in Ade’s career.

“I started at the bottom of the pile, doing the absolute basics. ‘Listen and learn’ Gordon told me. It has stood me in good stead.” He stayed with Ramsey for six years, progressing through all the sections in what became one of the busiest and most famous kitchens in town. He retains great admiration for his former boss. “I know all the intensely hard work that went into growing his business and earning those Michelin stars.”

There followed a year at Pétrus under Marcus Wareing and a year at London’s five-star Capital Hotel under the two Michelin-starred French chef, Éric Chavot. These are names to conjure with in the culinary firmament, but in his mid-20s Ade decided “to do my own thing”.

With business partner, Fabrizio Russo, he opened The Dock Dining Bar in Tottenham, North London. Despite the far-from-trendy location – “we were ahead of our time there” – it gained rave reviews, listings in guidebooks and a dedicated following. He moved on to a new venture at Parsons Restaurant in Waltham Abbey, which then won several awards, including Best Restaurant in Essex, two rosettes in the Good Food Guide and a Michelin recommendation.

He was head chef at the highly rated Petersham Hotel in Richmond when the opportunity came to take over The Fitzwilliam Arms in Castor.

“I saw the building and fell in love with it. I could see what it could become. We planned for eight months, then worked round the clock for three months to make it happen.”

He’s created a stylish and welcoming ambience amid the beams and thatch of the well-loved 17th-century building and a continuous flow of repeat customers prove his vision of offering high quality, seasonal British food combined with a genuine wish for people to enjoy themselves, is spot on. The Michelin inspector agreed and the restaurant has been recommended in the 2019 guide.

The Chubby Castor, 34 Peterborough Road, PE5 7AX; 01733 380801. www.thechubbycastor.com

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