Nene Living March 2018 by Best Local Living

Nene LIVING March 2018 ÂŁ1.50

Signs of

Spring!

Easy Easter style Artisan bakeries Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day treats Garden ideas

Covering Peterborough, Oundle and the Nene Valley

Contents Nene March 2018 March 2018 £1.50

Welcome to the March issue of Nene Living I

ALWAYS think of March as a hopeful month, with the garden coming back to life and the sounds of birdsong amplified all around. It’s also a time of celebrations, with Mothering Sunday on March 11 and an early Easter this year. We have some great ideas on how to treat your Mum, whether she enjoys lunch, shopping, a spa day or a country walk (see page 15). We’ve inspiration for relaxing over Easter, too, and it was very enjoyable to put together our edit of the new season’s gifts and homeware from local independent retailers, shot on location at a lovely local venue, The Arc cabin (page 32 and 33). One essential element of the Easter holiday is the hot cross bun, and writer Rebecca Downey visited some of our wonderful local bakeries to go behind the scenes and find out how these treats, and others, are delivered daily. It may sound like a fantasy business, baking delicious loaves, cakes and tarts, but there is some serious hard graft and unsociable hours involved. I’ll be even more appreciative now that I know how much effort goes into producing my daily bread! Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram @ neneliving, on Facebook and our Twitter account is now back up and running after a few glitches. If you have something to share with us, email Fiona@bestlocalliving.co.uk Enjoy the issue!

Fiona Editor

LIVING

Signs of

Spring!

Easy Easter style Artisan bakeries Mother’s Day treats Garden ideas

5 Six good things in March Things to see, buy – and grow!

6 Nene News

Updates on local businesses, places and people

13 Food and Drink News Our allotment blogger harvests leeks

15 Where to take your Mum on Mother’s Day Lunch, afternoon tea or a spot of shopping?

18 Flour Power

Behind the scenes at local bakeries

20 Visit Thrapston

Shop an independent high street

Covering Peterborough, Oundle and the Nene Valley 1 NL COVER MARCH.indd 4

13/02/2018 16:21

Cover photo by Lesley Anne Churchill. Foraging basket, £45, recycled metal wreath, £24, by Jeni Cairns, powder pink cushion, £30, all available from Hilly Horton Home. Grey stoneware jug, £22.95, Asha’s of Oundle. Bulbs in vintage containers, £10, from a selection at Foxtail Lilly, Oundle. Location www.thearccabin.co.uk

24 Wellbeing Notes

Treatments to make you look and feel better

29 Outdoor Living Make the most of your garden

30 Top Ten Tips to a Lush Lawn Green up your outside space

32 Easy Easter Weekend

Relax and enjoy the new season’s homeware

35 Style in the Country Meet the team behind Catesbys

39 Little Living

Activities and ideas for children

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 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

40 Out & About Essential diary dates

45 Nene People

Tim Stubbs, landlord of the Red Lion, Warmington

Incorporating Nene Valley Living www.neneliving.co.uk @neneliving @neneliving Nene Living

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Six good things in

…MARCH

SIP

Hot chocolate, tea or fresh coffee tastes even better in a fine china mug. We like this cheerful chicken design, £11 from local designer Sophie Allport, www.sophieallport. com, or visit her shop in High Street, Stamford.

BUY

Liz Ward of Clifton Cottage Candles recycles quirky tins and china to make these vintage style vegan soy wax candles from her home in Lincolnshire. Fragranced with hand blended essential oils, they cost £15 each, plus p&p. Purchase from her Instagram account @clifton_cottage_candles or via her Etsy selling page https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CliftonCottage?ref

READ

Oak leaf rum, hawthorn salad and mallow soup – Tiffany Francis’ new book Food You Can Forage, published by Bloomsbury, gives a new perspective to country walks with advice, illustrations and useful information on wild foods you can gather along the way. Order from Oundle Bookshop.

GROW

Despite their exotic looks, camellias are easy to grow and will start delivering flowers in winter or early spring. You can even put them in a pot – try ‘Donation’ for a pop of pink. Available from local garden centres.

HANG

Easter Sunday falls early this year on April 1. Why not decorate a branch with pastel eggs, £4 for a pack of six from John Lewis, Queengate Centre, Peterborough to make your own Easter tree?

VISIT

You never know quite what you’ll find at Peterborough Festival of Antiques (March 30 and 31 at the East of England Showground). Furniture, pictures, vintage garden accessories, it’s all here. Arrive early to snap up the best finds. Details from www.festivalofantiques.co.uk

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Nene News People, places, businesses

Try an activity at Yarwell Country Park

S the weather gets better, it’s time to head outdoors again. Why not try something different, such as archery or stand up paddle boarding, one of the fastest growing watersports in the world? Dan Wallace and his team of Adventure Rutland have started running regular sessions at Yarwell Country Park, set in 52 acres of countryside. Archery sessions are already proving popular, and booking is essential. Classes run on March 3, 11, 17, 25 and 31, with many more planned through the year, and they cost £15 per person. Paddleboard hire starts at £5 per person and takes place from April – September. Kayak hire is also available. “We are predominantly at the park during the weekend, and we use fully qualified freelance specialists to teach new skills,” says Dan. “We can offer trips upstream and downstream on the river Nene, where we’ve been spotting kingfishers, otters and herons.” Many more activites are planned this season, to include paddleboard yoga and raft building. For more information, or to enquire about a bespoke event, email Dan at adventurerutland@ gmail.com or visit the website www.adventurerutland.com

ASK THE VET!

In the first of a regular series, Caroline Hudson, Clinical Director at the Byre Veterinary Surgery, answers some of the common questions she hears from her animal-loving clients

We’re all aware that the government recommends us humans to have at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, but what about our dogs? Play and exercise are equally important for our canine friends to help keep them fit and healthy. Walking your dog keeps their muscles strong and supple and helps to prevent obesity. Sadly, it is estimated that one third of our pets are overweight due to their owners’ inactive lifestyles.

Q A

How much exercise does my dog need?

Q A

Can I monitor my dog’s exercise?

The recommendation is that dogs have at least one walk everyday but the exercise your dog requires does depend on its breed. The Kennel Club has a useful guide as to how much exercise your breed requires on their website (thekennelclub.org.uk). It is also important to take care with puppies as they need much less exercise than an adult dog. A good rule of thumb would be five minutes of exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until fully grown. So, for example a four month old puppy could have 20 minutes of exercise up to twice a day.

A musical celebration of the Nene

‘N

ENE,’ a new orchestral piece presented by Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust, Rutland Music and Peterborough Music Hub, will be performed at Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday March 17. Written by local composer Benjamin Till, ‘Nene’ celebrates the people, places and history of the river as it flows from Northamptonshire, through Peterborough and out to the sea. To gain inspiration for the piece, Benjamin walked the length of the river (112 miles) in a week. ‘Nene’ features local musicians, as well as youth orchestras and choirs from the region. It premiered last November at the ‘Music for Youth Proms’ in the Royal Albert Hall. 7pm. £15 Nave seats (£10 concessions) £10 Side aisle seats (£8 concessions). Book online via Oundle Box Office on 01832 274734.

100 Years of the female vote 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of women being granted the vote. To help celebrate and inspire women from all walks of life, arts organisation Metal is inviting women to help create a banner and take part in a national event in London on June 10. Workshops will be led by artist Kate Genever at Metal’s welcoming HQ at Chauffeur’s Cottage, 1 St Peters Road, Peterborough (behind the Town Hall). The Processions events start in March, are planned for Wednesdays from 6.30-8.30 pm, and are expected to continue until mid-May. The march takes place on June 10 and involves an all day trip to London. You don’t have to attend every session. Contact sarah@ metalculture.com or ring 01733 893077 stating your interest.

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

STOP PRESS Baby and Toddler Table Top Sale. March 10 12-3pm at Fletton House, Oundle, PE8 4JA. Free Entry. Tel: 01832 272055

It is possible to monitor your dog’s activity by using an activity monitor such as a PitPat which is similar to a Fitbit. These attach to the collar and show just how much walking, running and playing your dog has done - really useful and great fun! We live in a lovely part of the country and have so much beautiful countryside to explore. Why not explore it with your dog? Grab your dog, wellies, lead, toys and poo bags and hit the footpaths, fields, park or garden and you and your dog can enjoy an active 2018 together.

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Nene News What you need to know about childhood vaccinations Research from around the world shows that immunisation is the safest way to protect your child’s health.

ARENTS often have questions about why their baby or child needs to be vaccinated, especially when we don’t hear about the diseases their child is being vaccinated against. It is because of the effective immunisation programmes in the UK, the number of children catching serious diseases is now very low. But if children do not continue to be immunised, the diseases will come back. Diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza… these are just some of the serious infectious diseases your baby and child will be protected from through vaccination, before they start school. Many of these diseases are still around in other parts of the world and your child may be at risk if you travel with your family. With more people coming to visit this country, there is always a risk that your child could come into contact with the infections. Vaccines are routinely offered to everyone in the UK free of charge on the NHS. Try to have your vaccinations delivered on time to ensure protection. If you’re not going to be able to get to the GP surgery when a vaccination is due, talk

to your doctor, as it may be possible to arrange to have the vaccination at a different location. If you’ve missed a vaccination it may be possible to catch up. How do vaccines work? Vaccines contain a small part of the bacterium or virus that causes a disease, or tiny amounts of the chemicals the bacterium produces. Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to make antibodies. If your child comes into contact with the infection, the antibodies will recognise it and be ready to protect him or her. Because vaccines have been used so successfully in the UK, diseases such as polio have disappeared from this country. How do we know that vaccines are safe? Before a vaccine is allowed to be used, its safety and effectiveness have to be thoroughly tested. After they have been licensed, vaccine safety continues to be monitored. Any rare side effects that are discovered can then be assessed further. All medicines can cause side effects, but vaccines are among the very safest. For further information or to view the vaccination timetable, visit www.healthypeterborough.org.uk.

Oundle Cinema

Nature notes

ILLUSTRATION: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

The countryside is starting to green up. The unfurling is a slow, steady process with violets and coltsfoot among the first to show their faces. I notice the clamour of birdsong as I’m walking along the lanes and through the woods. The hedge-sparrows are displaying to each other. We’re lucky to have a thriving population of these birds on my regular route. I’m hoping to see a hare as I cross the fields. You can’t mistake their distinctive silhouette and if you’re lucky enough to see them springing and jumping, it really feels as if the new season is upon us

Walk to Remember

What’s on at

SPRING woodland is the setting for a new event on the calendar at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Walk to Remember is a 5km walk open to people from across the region. It’s hoped that hundreds of people will join the walk on Sunday May 20 which starts in the beautiful grounds of Thorpe Hall Hospice before heading out to Longthorpe village, through woodland and back to the finishing line in the grounds of NGA HR, Thorpe Hall’s neighbours. The route has been chosen to suit families and pets, giving everyone chance to remember someone special, celebrate the life of someone who’s missed or just enjoy a spring stroll. Walk to Remember is being organised by a committee of volunteers with support from the hospice’s fundraising team. Early bird prices are available at £7 for adults, £4 for children or £20 for a family (two adults plus two children). To sign up visit www.sueryder.org/WalkToRemember

HE amount of plastic which finds its way into rivers and seas has been a focus of national discussion recently. Equally destructive is the chemical pollution of our global waterways. Oundle Cinema’s dOCs+ screening of RiverBlue on Wednesday March 21 sheds light on this issue, unveiling the impact of the manufacture of denim on many of the world’s rivers and how those who rely on them for their survival have been affected. Sponsored by Transition Oundle, RiverBlue will be shown in Fletton House, Glapthorn Road, Oundle on Wednesday March 21 at 7.30pm. Victoria and Abdul retells the true story of Queen Victoria’s friendship with an Indian servant, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal) during the twilight of her reign. Judi Dench reprises her role as Queen Victoria. It will be screened in the Stahl Theatre on Thursday March 22 at 7.30pm. Forthcoming films include Goodbye Christopher Robin, Breathe, Paddington 2 and Murder On The Orient Express. Visit www.oundlecinema.org.uk for tickets. Or drop into the Oundle Box Office, at 4 New Street. Email information@oundlefestival.org.uk to receive regular updates.

➧ NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Nene News Excellence in Healthcare

VICENNA Clinic is an innovative, private healthcare facility located in the heart of Peterborough. The new purposebuilt clinic is consultant-owned and consultant-led which means that the practice is entirely focused on providing patients with the highest level of medical care. Dr Hany Elmadbouh founder and lead consultant at the clinic, is working with other specialist consultants to deliver excellence in minimally invasive surgery, imaging and image-guided intervention techniques to patients in Peterborough and the Dr Hany Elmadbouh surrounding area. Hany says: “The consultants who have registered at the clinic offer a wealth of experience, expertise and skills that they will transfer to Avicenna for the benefit of its patients.” The consultants are leaders in their fields and registered specialists. To gain practicing privileges at Avicenna Clinic they must also meet its own stringent criteria and undergo a rigorous selection procedure carried out by its Medical Advisory Committee. In addition to securing the right level of expertise at the clinic, it has been a priority for Hany to incorporate the latest technology to ensure the best possible diagnostics and treatment outcomes. The clinic offers patients top of the range ultrasound machine and digital X-ray machines alongside the only ‘open’ MRI scanner in the region. “Being the first clinic in the region to have the Hitachi Open MRI Scanner is just one example of the way the clinic will be using the latest technology to provide the highest level of patient care,” says Hany. “The open MRI scanner is particularly useful for patients who suffer from claustrophobia. Patients benefit from MRI scanning technology without experiencing unnecessary anxiety or physical discomfort associated with the more usual enclosed imaging systems. It’s about offering better choices to the patient, and that’s our ethos.” The clinic also operates an online booking system to allow GPs, private practitioners and self-paying patients to book consultations and treatments easily and with the ability to secure same-day treatment where required. Patients and their GPs can easily view their results online which makes the service much more convenient and empowering for users. The clinic is based in Peterborough city centre. During the conceptual stages of the clinic, Hany wanted to site the facility in a place that would be easily accessible to everyone. North Street, was the ideal location. “We also considered very carefully the interior layout, function and style of the clinic to allow us to offer personalised and responsive care, within a serene and relaxing environment. We want our overall patient experience to be one of comfort.” The clinic offers flexible same day appointments in most cases and one stop clinics in order to speed the diagnosis and treatment. The clinic opens Monday to Saturday, except on bank holidays. You can refer yourself or your GP can refer you - either online or call 0330 202 0597. Connect with Avicenna Clinic on www.facebook.com/avicennaclinicpbo, twitter.com/AVClinic. For more information, visit www.AvicennaClinic.com.

We Love

Riverford Kitchen’s healthy, delicious recipes such as this one for Wheatberries and Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Crispy Onions and Chilli. Find this recipe and many more, with details of the fresh, seasonal organic veg boxes and recipe boxes at www.riverford.co.uk.

STOP PRESS

On Saturday March 10th the team from Gently be invite you to take time for you. They will show you how taking small steps to get your Mood, Food and Movement in balance can transform your wellbeing and what you feel able to achieve. The day costs £55 including lunch and refreshments and runs from 9.30am - 5 pm. Venue: Stibbington Centre, Church Lane, Stibbington PE8 6LP. For enquiries, email ali@gentlybe. com or call 07840 737588.

Give your car a facelift!

TEVE Knights, owner of Knights Detailing told NL: “After years of cleaning, polishing and waxing family and friends’ cars I was encouraged to set up as a business and help others with my experience in getting their cars looking their absolute best and making them easier to keep looking that way all year round. People always commented that the cars I had worked on looked like new. Car washes can make paintwork look tired, rough to touch and result in swirl marks and scratches. After a full bodywork cleanse, machine polish and a fine hand polish, cars can be restored to their original colour. We offer a full valet service through to paintwork enhancement and correction and finally apply a Titanium sealant to protect your car from the elements and to keep it looking fantastic. Products used are high quality such as Angelwax and Menzerne. We have full insurance and secure premises. Making cars look their absolute best is a challenge that I relish and I enjoy seeing the look on the owners faces when they see their finished cars.” To book, contact 07879 881311 www.knightsDetailing.co.uk

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What’s new and where to go

Food & Drink News

Meet Nene Living’s brand new blogger and allotmenteer, Annie, who gardens in the Cambridgeshire Fens.

Fenland Lottie

When my partner in crime, Mr Digandweed and I first visited our prospective allotment in March seven years ago, we left with an armful of leeks. They were a gift from a friendly allotment holder, freshly pulled from his plot, the black earth still clinging to their roots. The following year, the first leeks I grew on our very own plot were also a gift. This time tiny seedlings, hardly bigger than a blade of grass and given to me by my father-in-law. I carefully dropped each fragile seedling into a deep hole and watered them in, enough to wash the soil around their delicate roots. In subsequent years, I have found buying seedlings from the nursery and planting them out in early summer is the easiest option. Keep the leek seedlings moist and they will provide a welcome harvest from late Autumn to spring. One early spring morning when the sun makes a welcome appearance, I venture down to the allotment and dig up the last of the leeks. The clocks move forward an hour at the end of this month and with each passing day we have a few more minutes of precious daylight. Soon it will be time to start planting again, but in the meantime, I return home with my basket of leeks. The leek is an unassuming vegetable. More delicate in flavour than an onion, it forms the basis of any number of recipes, but seldom has a starring role. On this occasion, my leeks are destined to be made into a soup, along with that other allotment favourite, the potato. I melt a large knob of butter in a big pan and add about 450g of washed, sliced leeks, about 225g of peeled, chopped potatoes and a good seasoning of salt and pepper. With the lid on, they cook slowly for about 10 minutes and then I pour in 550ml of vegetable stock. About 20 minutes will be enough, on a low heat, to ensure the potatoes are soft. After a quick whizz in the blender, I add a mixture of milk and single cream to reach the desired consistency. I have some chorizo sausage in the fridge which needs to be used, so with a nod to Nigel Slater’s Potato soup with leeks, black pudding and parsley (Tender Volume 1) I serve my hearty soup with a topping of crispy chorizo and crunchy croutons.

I’m Annie, an avid reader and collector of cookbooks, grower of vegetables, fruit and flowers. I’m married to Mr Digandweed, my allotment helper. I have two lovely daughters and a beautiful granddaughter. Read more about Annie’s life on her plot every month in Nene Living.

Nene Living visits… Tavan

It’s not an easy task to make a large restaurant like Tavan (the former Tom Lock pub in Lincoln Road) feel atmospheric, but the new owners have succeeded. Extensively refurbished, with glowing lanterns, plush red drapes and banquettes, the interior styling reflects the Turkish and Moroccan cuisine that is on offer here. On a busy Saturday night, we started our meal with a shared hot and cold mixed mezze (£14.95). This was a revolving wooden platter with small bowls which included cacik (yoghurt, cucumber, mint and garlic), zaalouk (creamy smoked aubergine with tahini and garlic), small slices of hot Turkish sausage, grilled halloumi, spicy vegetable falafel and my favourite, piping hot borek which are triangular filo pastry parcels filled with feta cheese and deep fried. Calorie busting, I’m sure, but so worth it. The mezze was served with plenty of gorgeous home made pitta bread, hot off the griddle. Next, I chose chargrilled chicken kebab, a generous plate of food which came with rice, cous cous and three salads, while Perry had the lamb kofte, charcoal grilled spicy minced lamb. The meat was tender and I liked the variety of salads, with marinated onion, a delicious slaw and a crunchy classic tomato and cucumber. Vegetarians would fare well here, I liked the look of the Tavan Sebzeli Mixed plate (£9.50) with vegetable falafel, hummus and charcoal grilled halloumi served with mixed rice and pitta bread. We accompanied our food with bottles of Efes, a light Turkish beer. We rounded off with good strong Turkish coffee and a three tier plate each bearing sliced fresh fruits, a tiny honeyed baklava and a square of Turkish delight. This would be an ideal place to visit with friends, as Turkish food is ideal for sharing and the atmosphere at Tavan is casual and friendly. Service was prompt, and the pledge to customers is that the food should brought to the table in a continuous flow, as it is in Middle Eastern homes. There are private dining areas if you’re planning a special occasion feast. We’ll definitely be back with our extended family. Fiona Cumberpatch 77 Lincoln Rd, Peterborough PE1 2SH Tel: 01733 685850 www.tavan.co.uk

WE LOVE…

Traditional Pasteis de Nata (deliciously flaky Portugese egg custard tarts) and a great cup of coffee at Nata Lisboa, 10 Midgate, Peterborough PE1 1TN.

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Treat your Mum Mother’s Day is the time to give your Mum some extra-special attention. Sarah Chase suggests some wonderful ways to spoil her this year

If you’re struggling to find a way to express your gratitude to your Mum, take a look at our ideas. Whether she likes food or culture, activities or pampering, you should find something to suit.

L unching

Tea time

At The Old Barn, Wadenhoe, afternoon tea is a serious business. This Mother’s Day, why not take your mum there and enjoy a mouthwatering array of sandwiches, scones, homemade tarts and cakes? Accompanied by her choice of Jenier tea, it will arrive on traditional Royal Albert china and, if you’re lucky with the weather, you may even choose to sit outside in the beautiful gardens. Browsing the locally-made crafts and gifts on offer inside as well as the plants outside will make it a thoroughly enjoyable day out. There’s also a pretty riverside walk if you want to take a stroll. Breakfast and lunch are also available. Visit www.theoldbarnatwadenhoe.co.uk for more information.

Pay a visit to one of the wonderful farm shops and cafés in our area and enjoy a relaxed meal out whilst sampling locally-produced food of all kinds. Steve and Lynn Briggs took over Whitehall Farm in Farcet in 2007, and opened their farm shop and café, Harvest Barn, in January this year. Lynn says: “We aim to provide a welcoming, friendly farm shop and café, offering home-grown and locally sourced fresh produce. “We have a butchery range, and offer deli produce and lots of other goodies, as well as a wide gluten-free range, both in our shop and café.” For Mother’s Day, Lynn and Steve have got the perfect stress-buster for anyone taking charge of the cooking: The Harvest Barn “Mother’s Day Sunday Roast Box”. Designed to take the pressure off providing the perfect Sunday roast, the Box includes your choice of meat to roast, along with all the fresh vegetables you need for a family of four, plus the trimmings and a full instruction card: all you need to do is cook it for her! Alternatively, treat your mum to a light lunch or afrnoon tea at the café - less washing up that way… Visit www.harvestbarn.co.uk for opening times. At Willow Brook Farm Shop and The Granary cafe, in Helpston, the third farming generation of Mortons will offer you a warm welcome and a wide range of home-cooked food to make Mother’s Day a treat for everyone. Roast dinners are always on the menu - but perhaps an early walk at nearby Swaddywell Pit nature reserve, followed by a hearty cooked breakfast (also on offer at The Granary) is your mum’s idea of heaven. Food hampers from the Farm Shop will provide a delicious memory of the day - or you could indulge a cookery enthusiast with a ticket to one of Willow Brook’s popular courses: choose from pork pie- or sausage-making. More details can be found at www.willowbrookfarmshop.co.uk. There are so many great pubs serving food in our area, too: take a look at the Queen’s Head or the Black Horse in Nassington; The Crown Inn at Elton, The Red Lion at Warmington and The White Swan at Woodnewton.

Located in the heart of Oundle, teashop Brewbabu has won a loyal following in the years since it opened, and with a winning combination of quirky dècor, an incredible array of loose leaf teas and locally roasted coffees and delicious food it would be a smart choice for Mother’s Day this year. Book in for one of their High Teas which offers a selection of finger sandwiches, savoury tartlets, scones, petit fours and the all-important tea. Plus a glass of prosecco. Yes, please! Call 01832 273909 to book.

Brewbabu

Pampering

Mums and daughters can spend some quality time being pampered at Elysia Health and Beauty, whose salon is situated in the pretty village of Tansor, near Oundle. Enjoy a Mother’s Day package including a back massage, express manicure and pedicure and a facial. Contact Lisa Claypole on 01832 226328 for details of her innovative treatments and to book an appointment.

➧ NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Treat your Mum Culture What could be nicer than wandering around an art gallery or a museum? Peterborough’s City Art Gallery has an exciting exhibition on until March 22, showcasing sculpture, print, painting and drawing dating from the 50s to the present day. Artworks from internationally renowned artists such as Antony Gormley, Patrick Heron, Julian Opie, Eduardo Paolozzi and Cornelia Parker have been selected from the Arts Council Collection, the most widely circulated national loan collection of modern and contemporary British art. Squire’s Coffee House, the Museum and Art Gallery’s cafe, will provide refreshments if all that art leaves you in need of a sit down! www.vivacity.org has everything you need to know before you visit. Lyveden New Bield, near Oundle, will be open on Mother’s Day for a stroll around its stunning grounds. Follow that up with a cream tea in the National Trust’s idyllic Cottage Tea Room and this really is the ultimate all-inone visitor experience, with fresh air, natural beauty, historical interest and cake! Check www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lyveden for opening times. If you have the time to travel a little further afield, then head to Cambridge for the newlyreopened Kettle’s Yard - a hidden gem of a gallery. Conceived in the 1950s by Jim Ede, curator at the Tate Gallery in London during the 1920s and 30s, and his wife Helen, the space originally served as the couple’s home, before they donated it to the University of Cambridge in 1966. During their time at the house, the Edes maintained an ‘open house’ policy for students and members of the public to come and view their extraordinary collection of modern art. Featuring paintings by Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Alfred Wallis, Christopher Wood and Joan Miro as well as sculptures by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Henri

Shopping

Lyveden New Bield

Kettle’s Yard

Gaudier-Brzeska, Kettle’s Yard nonetheless retains the feeling more of a much-loved home than an art gallery and is, quite simply, magical. The website is www.kettlesyard.co.uk.

Since its opening last summer, Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre has established itself as a major attraction in Northamptonshire. Uniquely located alongside the Nene Valley Wetlands, with whom the Shopping Centre worked closely during construction, visitors are able to combine rural and urban pursuits in one handy location. With a full square mile of wild and man-made habitats, the Nene Valley Wetlands offers visitors the chance to explore trails of varying lengths, from a 20 minute stroll to a two hour hike, with plenty to see along the way. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a canoe trip along the waterways starting from The Boathouse, the new base of local business Canoe2. Once the cobwebs have been well and truly blown away, take your mum for lunch at one of Rushden Lakes’ restaurants before browsing the shops for a Mother’s Day gift she’ll love - because she chose it herself! Plan your visit by going to www.rushdenlakes.co.uk.

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Visit The Barn for all your garden needs

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

Great Plants, Great Choice, Great Value

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

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

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

With unsociable hours and hard graft, running an artisan bakery is a labour of love. We meet the local business owners who make our daily bread

Flour power WORDS: REBECCA DOWNEY

PHOTOS: TIM STEELE

KING’S CLIFFE BAKERY The King’s Cliffe Bakery has been a successful home and business for Oliver and Karen O’Sullivan since 1987. Set in the heart of the village, the building is Grade II listed and discreetly announces its trade via the Hovis sign outside – a piece of history from a 1940s campaign. The shop supplies breads, pastries and cakes to over 45 outlets in the region including restaurants, pubs, shops and newsagents. It is famous for its old-fashioned fluted milk loaf, multi-seed, malt-crunch, sunflower and pumpkin loaves as well as cakes and buns. The premises has been a bakery for over 300 years and houses the original oven (no longer used) along with various period features and a traditional shop counter. However, Oliver and Karen now feel it’s time to hang up their aprons and pass on the trade to a younger couple with energy to develop the business further. The traditional bakery is run with six part-time employees and

work includes packaging, labelling and delivery, with two vans distributing within a 10-mile radius. The flour comes from family millers Heygates of Northamptonshire and the loyal client base and current contracts generate a turnover in the region of £226,700 a year. The O’Sullivans have enjoyed their time at the helm but now in their 60s, the nocturnal hours and busy schedule are taking their toll. Neither will rest on their laurels however, both are keen to pursue their respective hobbies of golf and quiltmaking, but their decision to retire creates the opportunity to hand over a well-established bakery business – that like well proven dough – can only get bigger and better. For sale details, email enquiries@hiltonsmythe.com or telephone 01204 556300. Bakery enquiries email: kingscliffebakery@gmail.com. Facebook: @kingscliffebakery

THE OLD BAKERY The Old Bakery in Deeping St. James is much more than just a bakery - and proprietor Clive Hankers is so much more than just a baker. The shop is the last independent outlet on the high street and has been the site of a bakery since at least 1893; Clive has the copperplate-script account books to prove it. The bakery is home to an impressive steam-tube, coal-fired oven – still in use, as well as variety of authentic contraptions including a bun maker. Clive studied at South Fields College in Leicester and was a baker in Melton Mowbray prior to setting up on his own. He has been running the bakery for 33 years and describes himself as a “prisoner in the shop,” but he is by no means negative about getting up at 5am most mornings (3.30am on a Saturday) and enjoys not having to answer to anyone other than his dog. The daily grind does not seem to have affected him too much as he appears much younger than his 64 years. He employs a staff member, Lucy, to lend a hand in the shop. Clive’s ancestors came to the area from Holland to drain the Fens, though his immediate family were barge people from Manchester, which is perhaps where Clive gets his free spirit. A man of many interests, he returned to college a few years ago to study performing arts at Stamford, among other roles, he has played Begbie in a production of Trainspotting, and more recently appeared in a production at Flag Fen Archaeology Park. Clive paints and sculpts when he has time, as well as posing as a life model for local classes. The tearoom above the bakery showcases art and is a delightful setting for an afternoon cuppa. In the past, Clive has produced speciality breads but his regulars like the more traditional products such as sourdough, seeded breads and his famous jam doughnuts. Clive does promise to bring back his chocolate and chilli scones and hot cross buns for Easter though. Don’t miss out! The Old Bakery 20 Church Street, PE6 8HD 01778 344034

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HAMBLETON BAKERY The bakery set up by Hambleton Hall’s Tim Hart and head baker-entrepreneur Julian Carter will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and what a decade it’s been! Julian has seen the business burgeon over the years with the unit at Oundle Wharf making the sixth retail outlet for the business (others are situated in Oakham, Stamford, Market Harborough and West Bridgford, Nottingham). The bakery and shop in Exton, Rutland, now supplies breads, cakes and savouries to over 100 hotels and restaurants in the region. Previously a powerhouse, the bakery could still be described as such today in terms of its thriving work ethic and reinvention ‘from power to flour’. The business currently employs 98 staff, is open 24-hours-a-day, with two shifts working around the clock. “We put the world to rights on the night shift,” says Julian. All goods are baked for that day, with seven vans on standby to deliver in all directions from the headquarters. “There are no fats or additives in our bread. We are about good quality natural ingredients and we use a slow fermenting process and traditional methods that have been around for thousands of years,” says Julian. “Cheap factory bread uses less flour but lots of water and air, which can be squashed into an indigestible ball of dough,” he continues, while pressing firmly on a loaf of Hambleton bread, which quickly springs back into shape. “We are not inventing anything new here: many of our breads are old recipes that have stood the test of time and contain natural sugars with slow release energy.” In days gone by, bakers were known as ‘grunters’ - a result of the effort and heavy-handed process of kneading. “But this is really important,” says Julian, “there is no need to use machines. In fact, the less you mix, the better the colour and taste will be.” As well as being advocates of the ‘eat less, eat better’ philosophy, Julian is proud of the bakery’s green credentials, and of the fact that no waste from the bakery goes to landfill; all left-over bread goes to local farms for animal feed and packaging is made from recyclable paper and card. Local provenance is also part of the business plan: flour comes from local mills in Whissendine and Boston; milk comes from Belvoir Ridge Creamery in recyclable old-school bottles; sausage meat is procured from free-range pigs at Leeson Butcher in Oakham; and local cheeses such as Stilton and Red Leicester are used in the savoury goods. This Easter, Hambleton Bakery will be baking hot cross buns and simnel cakes as well as tarts, tea cakes, pastries and irresistible breakfast goods. Visit the shop at Unit 7, Oundle Wharf or telephone to order: 01832 358529 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

COOKIES OF OUNDLE The sister branch of the bakery in Raunds is in prime position in Oundle’s market place - serving local residents, workers and school children, who in busy periods can be seen queuing down the street. The bakery excels in producing seasonal confectionery and has a minimum of 40 different cakes available at any time. White, wholemeal, malt, French sticks and rye breads are baked fresh every day. But the bakery’s unique selling point is its low GI (glycaemia index) multi-seed loaf which contains linseed, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, combined with wheat bran and oat flakes to create a tasty flavour; its slow energy release will not send blood sugar levels soaring and it’s an excellent choice for diabetics and IBS sufferers. For those looking to treat their mothers on March 11, the bakery will also make celebration cakes to order. www.cookiesbakery.co.uk 2 Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BQ 01832 273586

PETER’S TRADITIONAL BAKERY Situated on Fletton High Street, this busy bakery caters for locals and passing trade supplying sausage rolls, pies and pasties as well as buns and cakes. The popular pork pie comes in various sizes and is exceptionally tasty. 120 High Street, Fletton PE2 8DP 01733 554938 NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Visit Thrapston Take a trip to this compact high street full of enterprising independent local businesses WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

Situated close to the River Nene, Thrapston is a lively Northamptonshire town with history. Its thriving Tuesday market has been in existence since 1205, and the handsome, centrally located Church of St James dates to the 13th century. With a population of over 6,000, the town sustains a number of interesting shops, selling gifts, homewares, toys and clothes, a café and art gallery. Auctioneers Bletsoes run weekly livestock sales and a Fur and Feather market on the first Saturday of every month.

Jollys Toys and Games Hilly Horton Home 36a Goss Court, High St, NN14 4JH Tel: 01832 358894 www.hillyhortonhome.co.uk Hilly Horton has put together a fantastic collection of homeware and gift products from artisan makers and crafts people, many of them based locally. Print maker Sam Wilson’s designs, translated beautifully to cushions, kitchen textiles and cards sit alongside a range of stunning teardrop shaped wooden bird houses, decorative laser cut metal ware from Whittlesey based artist Jenny Cairns, tiny handmade hares from a Thrapston maker and homeware and paintings by popular local artist Sam Purcell. Throws, lamps and glassware are carefully styled together in the two storey showroom, which is a former print shop and listed building. There’s a capsule clothing collection in tasteful neutrals, and excellent well-priced jewellery. Hilly also stocks a range of original vintage pieces such as roughly hewn dough bowls from Hungary, wooden chairs, and painted vintage furniture which is repurposed in her own workshop by business partner Sarah Whiteside. “We’re a destination shop,” says Hilly. “My aim is to source pieces that you can’t find anywhere else in the area or on the high street.” She also runs courses throughout the year, see the website for details.

28a High St, NN14 4JH Tel: 01832 358915 www.jollystoys.co.uk Charlotte Croser has developed a lovely children’s gift shop, catering for babies to teenagers. There are products for every purse, from 75p pocket money treats, to ‘Thinking Putty’ at £3.50 a pot (snap it, stretch it, bounce it!), Playmobil kits, board games, arts and crafts ideas, collectables, wooden toys and educational items. The complementary giftwrapping service is rightly popular, and you can always expect super-friendly service with a smile.

Funky L’il Feet 36 Huntingdon Rd, NN14 4NQ Tel: 01832 734500 www.funkylilfeet.co.uk Fresh, bright and appealing, with novelty aeroplane seats, this shop aims to take the stress out of children’s shoe shopping. With many years’ experience in fitting, including shoes for children with orthotics and young people with special needs, staff really do go the extra mile with service. Brands stocked include Start Rite, Ricosta, Petasil and Berbelis.

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YOUR

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OPENING TIMES: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9.30 - 5.30 Thursdays 9.30 - 7 Fridays & Saturdays 9.30 - 5.30 Sundays by appointment

Frocks – the dress and accessories boutique in Thrapston, caters for all your special occasions. Our extensive range of dresses are available in sizes 6 through to 22. OPENING TIMES: Plus we can also help with those all-important ﬁnishing touches - with stunning Tuesday & Wednesday 10.00 accessories to help complete your outﬁt - ideal as gifts too. 66 High Street, Thrapston, NN14 4JH. T: 01832 733100 W: frocks.co.uk

– 5.00 Thursday 10.00 – 7.00 E: info@frocks.co.uk Friday 10.00 – 5.00 Saturday 10.00 – 3.00 Sundays by appointment

Frocks – the dress and accessories boutique in Thrapston, caters for all your special occasions. Our extensive range of dresses are available in sizes 6 through to 22. Plus we can also help with those all important finishing touches – with stunning accessories to help complete your outfit – ideal as gifts too. 66 High Street, Thrapston, NN14 4JH T: 01832 733100 W: frocks.co.uk E: info@frocks.co.uk 21

Funky Lil’ Feet Children’s Shoe Shop

Just some of our Top Brands: Start-rite • Babybotte • Pom D’api Ricosta • Petasil • Daisy Root Shoo Pom • Geox • Pom d’Api Noel Joules • Camper • VANS 36 Huntingdon Road, Thrapston, NN14 4NQ

Large range of Joules clothing

Full width fittings and half sizes

Gift vouchers available

Call: 01832 734 500

www.funkylilfeet.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

The areas largest Siemens dealer The areas main KBSA member

Waterland House, 81 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EJ

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

Visit Thrapston H Johnson and Sons 58 High St, NN14 4JH Tel: 01832 732417 This butcher has been owned by David Milson for two years and is a popular fixture on the high steet. There’s a large range of appetising pre-prepared meats such as marinated lamb cutlets, peri peri chicken and Mediterranean pork loin steaks. Beef is sourced from Grange Farm, Haddon. Try the fresh-looking selection of pies, cheeses and cold meats, locally produced Titchwincle honey and there are plenty of recipe ideas if inspiration is lacking. Look for the outstanding value family packs, £20 for a selection which may include a chicken, a pie, mince, stewing steak and delicious sausages.

Inspired Interiors 65 High Street, NN14 4JJ Tel: 01832 733800 Bespoke curtains in wide choice of fabrics, and gifts including hats, bags and cushions.

The Bread Basket Thrapston Barbershop 24 High St, NN14 4JH Tel: 01832 735006 Jonny Hedges wanted to combine his passion for motorbikes with his skill as a barber, and that’s exactly what he’s done at this ultra-cool salon which opened last August. The former RAF engineer has created a stylish industrial style space, with real bikes to peruse, a free Coca Cola, X-box and convenient opening hours (from 10am to 7.30pm).

32 High Street NN14 4JH Tel: 01832 735366 Fresh bread, rolls and cakes, plus filled rolls, wraps and tasty toasties to take away. A good range of sweets and confectionary too.

Frocks 66 High St, NN14 4JH, Tel: 01832 733100 www.frocks.co.uk A huge range of dresses for special occasions such as weddings, proms, and parties. Opt for sparkle and bling, or go for something a little quieter: all tastes are catered for here with names such as Amphora and Tahari. Downstairs, there is an accessories department with clutch bags, wraps, scarves, fascinators, hair accessories, and a huge selection of earrings. We loved the Daisy range of jewellery and the fluoro clutch bags to add a pop of colour to any outfit. Affordable prices, too.

Siam Grocery Shop 7 The Bullring, NN14 4NP Tel: 01832 732951 www.siamgrocery.co.uk A Thai grocery store, offering fresh exotic fruit and veg, curry pastes, tapioca flours, frozen dishes and all the seasonings you need to prepare authentic Thai food.

Café at No 34 34 High St, NN14 4JH Enjoy a great breakfast or a light lunch such as homemade soup, garlic mushrooms on toast, or maybe a savoury pancake stuffed with roasted sweet potato and halloumi, in this busy little café, which comes under the Hilly Horton Home umbrella and is run by Becky. There are lots of gorgeous own-baked cakes to choose from, and if the weather is nice, you can sit in the sheltered garden. Takeaways are available.

Luke Williams Luxury Hair Design 33 High St, NN14 4JJ Tel: 01832 735946 This hairdresser only opened in May 2017 but it’s already very popular and the imaginative window displays, created by owner Luke and partner Scott, have proved a real talking point in town. A Wella salon with four stylists, it’s Luke’s first solo venture. “I’m delighted with the response,” says Luke, who’s returned to the area after a spell in Australia. “We’ve had so much local support.”

Primrose Gallery 26 High St NN14 4JH Tel: 01832 730022 www.primrosegallery.co.uk This gallery offers a whole range of art services from specialist picture framing and frame restoration to high quality giclee printing and picture cleaning. Owner Neil Duguid, who also owns a business in Northampton, organises exhibitions of local artists, and sells ceramics, art glass and sculpture in contemporary and traditional styles. Great selection of cards, sketchbooks and notebooks.

Review:

The Taste of Nepal Nepalese Exec Chef Khadak Singh Khatrichetri opened The Taste of Nepal within the Bridge Hotel on July 17 last year. He brings with him a wealth of experience working in Nepal, Northern India, London and more recently in Stamford and Market Harborough. His food is “Punjabi comfort style inspired by popular street food.” We received a warm welcome from Holly, who recommended dishes for us to try such as Momos, which are delicious little lamb dumplings served with tomato chutney (similar to Dim Sum). Aloo Tiki Chat was another recommendation: delicious spiced potato cakes on a bed of chick peas with a tamarind dressing. The Gurkha style lamb curry with Nepalese spices, potatoes celery and carrot was rich and flavoursome, perfect food for a grey wintry day. There are a plenty of vegetarian options and even a ‘clean eating’ selection on the menu. We found the food to be both appetizing and creative. Bridget Steele Taste of Nepal, The Bridge Hotel, Bridge Street, Thrapston NN14 4JP Tel 01832 732320

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Compiled by Bridget Steele

Wellbeing Notes

Zone Face Lift

Lovely lashes!

I was keen to try the Zone Face Lift with beauty and massage therapist Kristin Mohn, who recently relocated to Stamford from Hampton, Peterborough. The Sunday Express has called the treatment ‘a spiritual facial treatment…unlike any other.” I checked in to Kristin’s peaceful purpose-built studio in the garden of her home near the town centre. There’s a Scandi vibe, with pale washed floorboards, cosy sheepskins, flickering candles and soft blankets – it’s got hygge in spades! The Zone Face Lift has been developed from a combination of traditional reflexology methods Kristin Mohn and ancient healing processes. It uses pressure-point massage along with traditional Native American techniques and Asian body mapping to create a thoroughly relaxing treatment. The treatment has been pioneered by facial reflexologist Ziggie Bergman, with whom Kristin has trained, and unlike many anti-ageing therapies, it is not product-based, and does not involve any machines or needles. As I lay on the warmed therapy couch, Kristin’s hands moved lightly and expertly over my skin, tapping, pausing and pressing at key points. She used a combination of methods, including cooling quartz crystal spheres to glide over my cheeks, forehead and eye sockets. A head and shoulder massage accompanied the 75 minute experience, and I sank into a state of deep relaxation. “The first part of the treatment is about facial reflexology, and balancing the body, and the second part is the face lift through massage,” explains Kristin. Credited with removing as much as 10 years of ageing, a 12-week programme is recommended and, for some women, it is a substitute for Botox or dermal fillers. I emerged feeling blissed-out, and rather sleepy, although as the day progressed, this was replaced with renewed energy. Three days afterwards, I was still experiencing the benefits and my skin was smooth and super soft. A single treatment costs £59, a 12 week course is £590. To book, email info@kristinmohn.co.uk 07720 022924 www.kristinmohn.co.uk. Fiona Cumberpatch

The latest treatment offering at Pure Health and Beauty is a Lash Lift. This is essentially an eyelash perm. Yes, really! It’s suitable for most people and if you don’t like the idea of lash extensions but would like to enhance what you have, it’s worth considering. My treatment with Robyn took about an hour. There is no discomfort apart from a slight pulling as a guard is placed around the eye area and the lashes are teased apart. Robyn applied serums in three stages and the £40 treatment also included an eyelash tint. During the 15 minutes with the final serum on, my brows were waxed, shaped and tinted. I underestimated what a difference this treatment would make. My eyes look larger and the lashes appear longer and thicker. Mascara can still be worn for more definition and the effects last for about eight weeks. A brow wax, tint and shape is usually £18, but if done in conjunction with the Lash Lift, the treatment is £10 in March. Pure Health and Beauty, The Old Stables, Church Farm, Glapthorn, Near Oundle PE8 5BE Tel: 01832 272310 or text 07807 879459 or e-mail jayne@ purebeautyglapthorn.co.uk Bridget Steele

Sort out your skin Lisa of Elysia Health and Beauty is knowledgeable about skin problems and she is keen to help clients achieve the best results possible, whatever their concern. She comments: “we’re seeing an increase in skin conditions such as acne which is common not just in teenagers, but in all ages, through to the late fifties. Rosacea is another cause of redness and irritation. The causes for this vary, but they include fluctuating hormones, environmental issues, stress, diet and daily routine which all have a massive impact on the skin. They can affect appearance and, in turn, reduce people’s confidence.” Lisa offers a range of treatment that effectively target, treat and improve both of these issues. The options include LED Light Therapy, Laser Skin treatment and peels. These treatments target bacteria and inflammation without damaging surrounding tissue, and can deliver excellent results. Lisa advises on avoiding harsh over-the-counter self prescribed products. She has found that some of these can actually make the problem worse as they often make the skin more reactive and strip the barrier function. Call Lisa to book a consultation. The salon has skin analysis technology so that results can be clearly monitored. Elysia Health and Beauty, Tansor, Oundle, PE8 5HP Tel 01832 226328 or 07879 620196 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Advertisement Feature

SPRING BEAUTY

COUNTDOWN

Lisa Claypole - Elysia Health & Beauty.

SPRING is around the corner. Time to move on and embrace the year. Tackle head on your concerns – they won’t go away on their own and start your journey to a great skin and body! Aesthetician, Lisa Claypole, has a range of treatments designed to work harder and produce more dramatic results than spa or traditional beauty treatments. Lisa established ELYSIA Health and Beauty 16 years ago and she is based in the beautiful village of Tansor, just 2 miles from Oundle and a 20-minute drive from Stamford and Oakham.

“MY CLIENTS ARE DRIVEN BY RESULTS AND SO AM I. THAT’S WHY ALL OUR TREATMENTS CERTAINLY DELIVER OUTSTANDING RESULTS.” MOTHER’S DAY

We still have our popular Winter Warmers promotion. Book a massage or a reflexology with a lovely latte, hot chocolate or a glass of wine for only £30 or, book a Pamper Day for your Mum or a Mum & Daughter Day. We also have Gift Vouchers for any amount. It’s all about results driven skincare. What Mum wouldn’t love an ENVIRON gift set or products. We even have 15% off ENVIRON gift sets in March.

VENUS VIVA

Get set to glow. Fabulous for lines and wrinkles but also really effective for rosacea, acne scars and men love this one too.

ZO MEDICAL AND SKIN HEALTH

By Dr Obagi is a COSMECEUTICAL prescription based product range, which can reverse sun damage, pigmentation, acne and ageing. Want results? Call us today. From the Red Carpet Stimulator Peel to Control Depth Peel we can protect and perfect.

MARCH

Also sees the start of the Wedding season – are you the Bride, Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride or Groom, or even a Guest? Let’s face it, we all want to look knockout! Our advanced medical product ranges and treatments bridge the gap between high street and surgery. WE KNOW YOU WILL GET RESULTS and we can make improvements so, let’s get started. If you want proof just book in for our detailed pre Skin Analysis before you start your treatment journey. This shows the skin on many different levels so you can see what’s going on underneath. A great tool to track results.

COUNTDOWN AFTER TO THE BIG DAY

Here are some suggested treatments. LIPOFIRM PRO/EXILIS/X WAVE – to help with cellulite, inch loss and fat reduction. With age our skin becomes loose and not quite as youthful. This does not need to happen and we can do something about it.

CACI

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

SKIN MAKE UP

If you are investing in treatment and good skincare YOU NEED a great make up. Book a ‘make over’ to get started.

PREP, PREP, PREP...

SKINADE

We all know we are what we eat (and drink). Diet, lifestyle, environmental factors all affect our skin and body. Talk to us about the benefits. We LOVE SKINADE. BEFORE

AFTER

Tanning, nails, lashes, massage. At the end of all of the above you may need a de-stressing massage and fab nails and lashes. We offer all the finishing touches. You could even book a Pamper Day for you and your friends to relax, unwind and feel great.

AT ELYSIA HEALTH & BEAUTY WE REALLY LOVE WHAT WE DO AND ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU ACHIEVE GREAT SKIN FOR A LIFETIME Elysia Health & Beauty, Tansor, Oundle, PE8 5HP Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com Follow us: elysiahealthandbeauty

Eyebrow tint and shape for ÂŁ10 when you book a lash lift which tints and curls the lashes and lasts 6-8 weeks. Valid until 31st March 2018

To book your appointment or for further information please ring 01832 272310, text 07807 879459, or Email: jayne@purebeautyglapthorn.co.uk The Old Stables, Church Farm, Glapthorne, Nr Oundle PE8 5BE

Expert accountancy, taxation & business advisory service For more information & a free initial consultation call 01733 343 275 36 Tyndall Court, Commerce Road, Lynchwood, Peterborough, PE2 6LR. www.stephensonsmart.com

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Sound proof your garden According to a recent survey, the most irritating sounds in the garden are loud music, barking dogs, traffic noise and neighbours. Given that housing density is increasing, is there anything you can do to solve the problem? It is possible to use fencing and planting to help cut down on intrusive noise, and although you can’t eradicate it completely, it may help you to relax and enjoy your outside space. Acoustic fencing panel is attractive as well as functional. Made by Forest Garden and available from Wickes (Forty Acre Rd, Peterborough PE1 5PS), the fence reduces noise by 30 decibels. Of course, any fence panel will reduce it to an extent, but this one has been made with no gaps in the lap panels (noise can travel even through small spaces) and is said to be eight times more effective. At around £119.99 per 180m

wide panel, it might be an investment worth making if rowdy neighbours or a busy road are a constant problem. Alternatively, use plants to help absorb and diffuse sound via their leaves and branches. Dense planting is thought to reduce noise by up to six decibels. Evergreen shrubs are an obvious choice because they offer year- round protection, but a hornbeam hedge is worth considering as it does not shed its leaves in the winter. Plants such as hollies and junipers that have thick branches at ground level may help to muffle excessive noise. Alternatively, a fast grower such as bamboo makes an attractive living screen. For an instant solution, choose mature plants to provide immediate height and cover. As well as noise absorption, bamboo has the advantage of creating soothing sounds as it rustles in the breeze.

OutDoOr LIviNg WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

GROWING IN MY GARDEN NOW Don’t overlook the wallflower (erysimum). These perennials are guaranteed to brighten up an early spring garden – in fact, my ‘Bowles Mauve’ have been valiantly flowering all year round and there’s rarely a time when I don’t spot a purple bloom on the silvery green foliage. They’re slug and snail resistant, and they spread to fill gaps, without being invasive. ‘Winter Orchid’ and ‘Red Jep’ have gorgeous deep coloured petals in velvety scarlet and deep pink. Pair them with some tulips in a pot or border. For stockists, try The Barn Garden Centre in Oundle and Helpston Garden Centre.

QuiCk IdeA

Not enough blooms in your garden to make a bunch? Display single blooms in old glass bottles instead. Snip a primrose, a stem of muscari, and a sweetsmelling hyacinth. Similar bottles are available from Peterborough Festival of Antiques (March 30 and 31 at the East of England showground).

SPECIAL OFFER! 2 FOR 1 ENTRY TO EASTON WALLED GARDENS March is the perfect time to get out and about again. Why not take a gain some inspiration from the experts at Easton Walled Gardens? Owned by the Cholmeley family for over 400 years, the gardens are a beautiful work in progress and there’s something to see in every season. Over the last 15 years, the family has introduced a turf maze, a yew tunnel, shrubberies, meadows which are full of bulbs for spring colour, a cottage garden, vegetable garden, long borders and an orchard. Although the

2 for 1 Entry

gardens are based on the original Tudor and Jacobean layout, and the scale is large, there are plenty of manageable ideas to steal for your own plot. A small bank or primroses for example, or a little water feature, not to mention hundreds of ideas for colour combinations and companion planting. The tea room is open from 11am – 4pm for gardeners lunches, jacket potatoes, cakes and scones. In summer, ingredients for salads are sourced from the garden, and honey is from the local bees. • EASTON WALLED GARDENS are pleased to offer the readers of Living Magazines a 2 for 1 admission voucher for use during our 2018 open season. Come and explore 12 acres of gardens steeped in 400 years of history, nestled in the Lincolnshire Vales. • T&Cs: Voucher entitles the bearer to admission for two people for the price of £7.50. The voucher is non-transferable and non-refundable. Please present the voucher upon arrival. Photocopies will not be accepted. Only one voucher can be used per transaction. Voucher may only be used once during 2018. Valid between 4/03/2018 – 28/10/2018. Voucher cannot be used during the following special events: Snowdrop Week (17th – 25th Feb), Sweet Pea Week (1st – 8th July) & Autumn Country Market (2nd Sept). • For more information about Easton Walled Gardens, go to www.visiteaston.co.uk NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

10 waysto a lush lawn! A swathe of green lawn adds kerb appeal to your home and makes the perfect backdrop for outdoor entertaining as the weather warms up. Sarah and Jo from Green Thumb answer their most asked questions to get your patch looking its best

Is there a right way to mow grass? Yes, correct mowing really does make a huge difference to the health of the lawn and how it looks. For the first cut of the new season set your mower blades higher than usual (approx. 30–40mm). Resist lowering your blades until after the late frosts. “Never cut your lawn too short is our key piece of advice,” say Sarah and Jo. Mowing too short weakens the grass plant and encourages lawn disease, weeds and moss. During the growing season, opt for a weekly mow and cut no less than 25mm (1”) increasing the height to at least 50mm (2”) during dry spells.

How do I sow grass seed? Rake the ground to create a crumbly seed bed, scatter the seed and cover with a thin layer of soil or compost. The absolute essential is to keep the ground moist; if it’s too dry the seed won’t germinate.

How do I get rid of the weeds in my lawn? The most effective way is to get expert help. At GreenThumb, Sarah, Jo and their team use herbicides and the best and safest application methods. It’s a continuous battle with weeds as seeds blow in from neighbouring locations. Poor mowing contributes too. Lawns cut too short or too irregularly encourage weed germination because the grass is weak and thin which enables weeds to invade.

When can I cut new grass? Seed will likely germinate in seven to fourteen days and once the new grass is about 50mm (2”) tall start giving it a cut on a high setting. This will encourage the new grass to thicken out.

AD 6 Why have I got moss in my lawn? Moss thrives on compact, heavy soil and/or boggy ground which is common in our area. At GreenThumb, this is addressed by annually hollow-tine aerating lawns. This is where thousands of cores are punched out from the lawn, getting more air down into the soil and near the grass root zone. Far easier and more effective than using a garden fork! Also, a lawn with lots of “thatch” – that’s the dead matted layer within the grass attracts moss. Over the winter months thatch acts like a damp sponge and that’s why moss loves it. Remove this by raking or by using a scarifier. If you haven’t done this, you’ve still got time before the grass starts to grow.

7 D 3 When is the best time to sow grass seed? For grass seed to germinate it needs warmth and plenty of moisture so, weather permitting, seed can be sown from March through to October.

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Does GreenThumb treat all lawn sizes? Yes. Sarah, Jo and their team look after lawns ranging from the size of a dining table to a football pitch and all shapes and sizes in between. They firmly believe that everyone’s lawn should reach its full potential.

How often does a lawn require expert treatment? GreenThumb carry out four seasonal ‘weed & feed’ treatments over a year to keep lawns looking green, lush and weed free. Sarah and Jo recommend the grass isn’t cut for three days either side of these visits for best results. They also carry out free visits to give help and advice and offer a range of other services and treatments to keep lawns in fantastic condition.

What can I do if my lawn looks as if it’s beyond help? If your lawn is decades old, mostly moss, consumed with weed and weedgrasses, you don’t necessarily need to have it returfed. Try a specialist service such as Green Thumb’s Lawn Makeover. It’s a fraction of the cost, time and inconvenience of returfing yet will create a lush new surface.

How do I start with GreenThumb? Call Sarah and Jo on 01733 755028 or email them at peterborough@greenthumb.co.uk and book your free lawn analysis and quote. There are some great spring offers to kick start your lawn and get it ready for a summer of enjoyment.

Serve seasonal snacks simply on a beautiful wooden board.

Slip into the softest cashmere jumper.

Easy Easter Weekend £36.95 from Asha’s.

£59 from The Rounded House

Relax into the Bank Holiday with our selection of fresh spring homewares and accessories available from local independent shops PHOTOS: LESLEY ANNE CHURCHILL PRODUCT STYLING: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

Soak in a steaming tub.

White basket, £22.95, Asha’s.

Cosy up with a throw and plenty of cushions.

Textured throw, £48, Mr Blackbird lino print linen cushion, £44, Sam Wilson Studio, Running Hare lino print cotton cushion, Sam Wilson Studio, £34, all from Hilly Horton Home.

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Add a touch of Easter.

Wooden rabbits, £6 each from The Rounded House.

A slow breakfast starts the day.

Stoneware jug, £22.95, Asha’s, Sam Wilson Studio hare mug, £13, Hilly Horton Home, tea towel, £10, Hilly Horton Home. Vintage milk bottle, St Martin’s Antiques Centre

Plant bulbs and spring flowers. Vintage containers like this old loaf tin, £10, from Foxtail Lilly work well.

STOCKIST DETAILS Asha’s, The Bazaar, West St, Oundle PE8 4EJ www.ashas.net Hilly Horton Home 36a Goss Court, High St, Thrapston NN14 4JH www.hillyhortonhome. co.uk Jollys Toys and Games, 28a High St, Thrapston NN14 4JH www.jollystoys.co.uk The Rounded House, 10b West St, Oundle PE8 4EF www.theroundedhouse.com Foxtail Lilly, 41 South Rd, Oundle PE8 4PB www.foxtail-lilly.co.uk

Shot on location at The Arc woodland cabin, available for rental www.thearccabin.co.uk With many thanks to Lotte Hughes and Lucy Milner

About The Arc

Tea time!

Hare cake plate, £4.95, and ceramic rabbit spoon, £3.50, both from The Rounded House. Rhubarb and almond slice from Hambleton Bakery.

Swap phones and iPads for some traditional family games.

Shut the Box, £15, Dobble (a game of observation), £13, Rat-a-tat-cat, £13.50. Scrabble Original, £20, all available from Jollys Toys.

Lotte Hughes has created the perfect retreat at The Arc, near Elton. Sleeping up to four, the timber built cabin is set at the water’s edge in hidden woodland. Rustic yet luxurious, with a bohemian feel, it has a wood burning stove and pizza oven, bathroom with free standing tub and power shower, well stocked kitchen and a charming fairy lit veranda, from which you can watch the red kites, kingfishers, herons and other riverside bird life. There is wifi, but no TV. Book through the website (www.thearccabin. co.uk), for a three night stay at the weekend, or a four night stay through the week. No under eights (apart from babes in arms). NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

mail@rutlandshutters.co.uk

Catesbys:

Style in the country

Neil Honor and Jonathon Pegg have moved their successful home accessories and interiors business to a Georgian rectory in the heart of the Rutland countryside. Fiona Cumberpatch found out more.

T’S just over a year since Neil Honor and Jonathon Pegg relocated their home-interiors business from a busy city centre to an idyllic rectory in a swathe of unspoilt parkland on the Exton estate. The couple’s business in Cambridge had become a seven-day-aweek operation, with Neil overseeing the super-stylish shop and Jonathon managing the kitchen, which was famous for its mouth-watering bakes and delicious lunches. “We reached a point where we wanted to get back in control of our lives and make the business work around us instead of vice versa,” explains Neil. “Almost without noticing, our online business had been growing, and the face of retail was – and still is – changing. We decided that it was possible to sell to people in many different ways, not just through a shop in the high street.”

The Exton rectory

Jonathon and Neil had been visiting Rutland for years and loved the county, which they describe as “the Cotswolds of the North”. When Jonathon saw that the rectory at Exton had come up for rent, they decided to take the plunge. After commuting to Cambridge for six months, they closed the shop there and are now based in the countryside.

As experienced interior designers with clients nationwide, they swiftly put their unique stamp on the house with a French-Scandinavian style fusion. Tasteful tones of grey predominate, complementing the many original features, such as beautiful flagstones and scrubbed terracotta floor tiles. The look is modern country, pared back, yet with quirky accents, such as a collection of beautiful old French glassware, an old portrait hung on the wall and items of painted vintage furniture mixed with more modern pieces, many of which are for sale on Catesbys’ website. Cosy rugs and throws are placed on chairs to soften the look, and a bowl of Chinese lanterns from the garden adds a pop of orange. “The house dates back to 1788, and it is listed, but we were able to make it work without any major changes,” says Neil. “It’s north facing, as many rectories were, to face the church, and it has beautiful proportions, with large windows, so there’s plenty of light.”

Online business and special events

Now that the interior is completed, Jonathon and Neil will combine their online business with special events in their home. A small barn in the garden has been converted into a showroom, open by appointment only, and there NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Catesbys:

BRING IN THE SPRING Neil and Jonathon’s tips for the new season: • March is the time to start bringing the outside in after winter. Find old or old-looking containers and fill them with snowdrops or daffodils. • Introduce shades of green into your home. We have some lovely Danish geometric blankets that fit the bill. • Introduce fragrance – if you can’t throw your windows open and fill your home with fresh air, you can burn aromatic candles instead. • Get in the kitchen and enjoy the first, early flavours of spring. You might be lucky enough to find some English asparagus already. • Anticipate a new season in the garden. Our chard platter and pumpkin terrine offer a great way to evoke the feeling of the outdoors, even if it is too early to be harvesting your own fruit and vegetables just yet.

Style in the country

Three of the best spring products from Catesbys

are plans afoot to run cookery and interior design courses. A weekend brocante has already been scheduled for 14 and 15 April, following on from a successful Christmas shopping event last November. “We have a lot of vintage and antique pieces that we have used in our shop, and it’s time to let some of it go. But we will always combine old with new items,” explains Jonathon. “Our business has really evolved from our ability to source unique stock at a good price. When we were travelling we kept finding interesting things from makers who were doing things in a different way. We develop collaborative partnerships rather than just placing orders at trade fairs. Our ethos is to buy less, but buy better, so you have things to keep and love for a long time. We really do live the way we espouse, so when you come to our home, you’ll see us using the things we sell.” A simple kitchen overlooking the rectory garden has open shelves with the same classic glass cake stands, beautiful but practical tumblers, wine glasses and white tableware that can be found on the website. A dining room wall displays a collection of quirky John Derian mushroom plates, another Catesbys favourite.

Bertie – and the future

Life has changed for Jonathon and Neil, not least with the addition of Bertie, their much-loved French Bulldog, whom they adopted from a rescue charity after making their move out of town. “I think sometimes it takes time for your heart to catch up with your head, but we are really enjoying life here and we have so many plans,” sums up Neil. “We think of ourselves as a national business, but with a personal touch, and that will never change.” 36

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Merino Geometric Blanket in green, £89

Chard platter from the Potager collection, £60

Nordic table runner in soft green, £15

Catesbys’ top three Rutland destinations 1. The Wheatsheaf, Greetham We love this pub and have been coming for the last eight years. Simple, honest cooking with amazing flavours and run by a great couple who really look after their guests. 1 Stretton Rd, Greetham, LE15 7NP, www.wheatsheaf-greetham.co.uk 2. Hambleton Bakery The bakery is just around the corner from us, near the village of Exton, so we can walk across the fields with Bertie to get there. We love the bread, but also the Rutland Pippin, a pastry filled with ham hock, sausage meat, Colston Bassett Stilton and apple puree. 2 Cottesmore Rd, Exton LE15 8AN (also in Oakham, Market Harborough, Oundle and Stamford), www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 3. Priddy Essentials A great shop that sells fragranced candles, amongst other original home accessories. 25 High Street, Uppingham LE15 9PY, www.priddyessentials.com

Specialist in the manufacture, installation and care of natural stone. With our experience in materials such as Marble, Granite, Neolith and Quartz, we are able to create stunning kitchen worktops, bath surrounds, vanity units, staircases, fireplaces, flooring and wall coverings. We offer a personal and knowledgeable service with highly skilled craftsmen and pride ourselves on the quality of service, the quality of materials used and the workmanship of your finished product. We offer a full supply, template, manufacture and installation service Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday 8am – 3pm Unit 14-15 Wainman Road, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 7BU Tel: 01733 687414 or 01733 370941 sales@olympic-marble.co.uk www.olympic-marble.co.uk

Visit The Largest Independent Lighting Showroom in Cambridgeshire 10 Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7PR (next door to The Party Place)

Free car park

T: 01733 264391 E: sales@tlsw.co.uk

W: wwwthelampshadewarehouse.co.uk Opening times Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 4pm 37

Marcia May

- Mini -

Great Children’s Shoes, Clothing, Toys and Gifts

42 S t Mary’s S treet, S tamford 01780 754400 I follow us on Facebook

A liTtlE bIt Of StaR-gAziNg As we move into March, Sacrewell Farm becomes a hive of activities and events. I was excited to hear that they will be holding a Star Party on 10 March in the playbarn, which will include various astronomical talks and a Planetarium session. Most are aimed at older children and adults, but the planetarium session is suitable for younger ones to join in. Beginning at 5.30pm, the playbarn will stay open during the Star Party so little-ones can let off steam. There are picnic benches next to the play area, and as it coincides with tea time, you could pack them a picnic. For Mother’s Day, Sacrewell will be treating Mums to £3 entry, and kids will be able to create and design a flower pot and a Mother’s Day card. www.sacrewellfarm.org 01780 782254 Under 2’s – FREE Child 2-12 - £10 Adult 13+ - £7

LIttLe livIng

Rachel Andrews-Ingram (and her two under fives) seek out some top activities and ideas for early spring days

A liTtlE cReaTivIty foR MOthEr’S DAy

I love receiving hand-made gifts from my littleones and I treasure them all. Kids will love getting creative and making a personalised flower pot for mum’s special day. Simply buy a plain terracotta pot from your local garden centre, get the paints out (acrylics work well as the colours are stronger, try Colemans or The Works for starter sets) and let them design their masterpiece. If you’re feeling brave, put down some newspaper and get out the glue and the glitter too! Finish the effect by buying a potted pansy from the market and get them to plant up their masterpiece.

A liTtlE bIt Of HisTorY It’s now over 100 years since WW1 began in 1914, and there is no longer a living link to those who fought. When my kids are old enough I’ll want them to remember those who gave so much – and this new exhibition at Peterborough museum is a perfect way to do it. You’ll be able to view two never-seen-before visitors’ books from Peterborough’s East station in 1916-17 which hold comments, thoughts, poems and drawings written by servicemen while they waited for their connecting train to take them to the front line. These will be brought to life through film and audio. The exhibition runs until April, and if you take a trip on Mother’s Day you can enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea (from 1pm) within Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery. Booking is essential. Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF Afternoon tea: 1pm start £9.95 per person (U16s £4.95) Book: 01733 864 663

A liTtlE eXplOriNg Ferry Meadows is a real gem on our doorsteps. The lakes, meadows, woodlands and riverside (and size) make it a wonderful place to explore and encourage an interest in nature. In warmer months, we often head to one of the many play areas by the café where smaller children can play in the sand-pit and splash around with water apparatus – just make sure you take dry clothes! Cycling, boat trips, train rides, horse-riding and bird-watching are just some of the activities you can enjoy here. There’s also a super water-side restaurant with an appealing kids’ menu where you can watch the boats. This month, there’s lots going on at the park including helping rangers (on Mother’s Day), making your own kite from scratch and tree planting! Help out a ranger - March 11 - FREE Let’s go Fly a Kite March 17 - £3 per child Plant a tree - throughout March – FREE 01733 234 193 www.neneparktrust.cloudvenue.co.uk NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

Out & About

Ring in the spring with a cracking itinerary of local events in March. Compiled by Rachel Andrews-Ingram

Shappi Khorsandi

The Elvis Dead

Saturday 3 - Friday 16 March ‘Contrasts’ at the Yarrow Gallery Here’s an art installation with a sartorial twist. Members of the ‘All Threaded Together’ textiles group will be holding the Contrasts exhibition showcasing a range of styles, themes and techniques. The challenge for the exhibition was to use Harris tweed and a silk of the artist’s choice, and there will be a series of challenge pieces, each 12-inches square, and canvas mounted. Monday-Saturday open: 10.30 – 1pm, 2pm –5pm, 2.30-5pm Sunday: 2.30-5pm www.oundleschool.org.uk/The-Yarrow-Gallery Saturday 10 March James and Ola uncensored Romance hits the dancefloor this month as two of the biggest stars from Strictly Come Dancing – James and Ola Jordan – will dazzle audiences of all ages with an autobiographical production of their own real-life love story. Featuring a full cast of dancers and a range of dance styles the performance will be bursting with passion, intensity and high-octane routines – and all of the usual charm and fun you’d expect. 7.30pm, £29.50; Broadway Theatre, 40 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RT, www.broadway.today Tuesday 8- Saturday 10 March Red, Red Shoes Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, students

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

from Oundle School perform the captivating and intensely powerful story of a young girl stuck amidst a homeland collapsing into war. Watch them explore Franvera’s struggle to escape a conflict not of her making… but what will she do when the tables are turned and vengeance is finally in her grasp? 7.45pm, £6; Stahl Theatre, Oundle PE8 4EJ www.oundleschool.org.uk/Stahl-Theatre Monday 12 March Semiramide Step into the Royal Opera’s first production of Rossini’s epic tragedy via live screening from the Metropolitan Opera. Described by director Allen as ‘hard and political, almost as if it is carved out of stone, and what lies beneath is like a Greek tragedy,’ Semiramide rules for decades and conspires with her lover Assur to murder her husband King Nino. But instead of giving the crown to Assur she leaves it to Arsace, whom she also loves. A tragedy of passion, betrayal and murder within a contemporary setting and an all-star cast including Angela Meade, Elizabeth DeShong, Javier Camarena, Ildar Abdrazakov and Ryan Red, Red Speedo Green, this Shoes opera debut will take your breath away.

5:55pm, £16.50; Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF www.vivacity-peterborough.com Thursday 8 March – Sunday 11 March Key Comedy Festival 2018 Returning for a sixth year, make way for a bellyshaking laughs with stars from TV and stage, including Ellie Taylor, Joe Lycett and Daliso Chaponda. Edinburgh Fringe cult hit Rob Kemp will be performing The Elvis Dead - a comically dark mash up of Evil Dead 2 interpreted through the songs of Elvis Presley (and sure to be the best simultaneous tribute to both a horror classic and the king of Rock n’ Roll you’ll see this year). Or if that’s a bit niche, watch Shappi Khorsandi in Mistress and Misfit. She plays England’s unsung heroine, Emma Hamilton, best known as just ‘Nelson’s mistress’ as she moves up the social hierarchy to become ‘Lady Hamilton.’ Best known for Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News for You and Q.I, Shappi is both sharply witty and and charming. Prices and times vary; Key Theatre and Key studio, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF www.vivacity-peterborough.com Tuesday 13 March & Saturday 17 March Peterborough Music Festival Returning to the Key Theatre after a successful run in 2017, talented young musicians from across the city and further afield compete in this annual competition’s 93rd year. With a Heritage Music Celebration, New Youth Music Showcase and a Final concert announcing the Young Musician of the Year, this is a fantastic opportunity to discover and enjoy the most exciting musical stars of the future. 7.30pm £5, Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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Out & About

Ruby Wax: Frazzled

Macbeth Saturday 7 - Sunday 18 March Nene Valley Railway Open Weekend The Nene Valley Railway is a stunning piece of history for all ages – and if you haven’t ever visited, this spring is the season! You can’t beat the nostalgia of climbing aboard a heritage steam or diesel train at their Open Weekend – and what’s more, 900 free return rides to Yarwell will be given out as part of Peterborough Celebrates, marking the 900th anniversary of the city’s cathedral. 9.00pm-4.30pm, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR 19 March Teechers A play within a play, John Godber’s classic comedy follows three school leavers who perform to an audience about their torrid time in secondary school. Bringing to life terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils – and with a cool contemporary soundtrack – Teechers will treat you to unforgettable characters, political left-hooks and razor-sharp comedy. 7.45pm, £12, The Stahl Theatre, Oundle PE8 4EJ Friday 23 March Science Blast: The Great Scientists Heard of the X-Factor? Well, brace yourselves for the S-Factor! Science Mania’s Science Blast brings to the theatre nine of the world’s great scientists as they compete to wow you with their experimental extravaganza. One for all the family, expect audience participation, experiments involving explosives,

chemicals, high voltage electricity and cheese sandwiches (yes, you read that right.) Hilarious and fun, yet educational and slightly bonkers, you’re sure to have a blast! 7:30pm, £11.50, The Key Studio, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF www.vivacity-peterborough.co.uk Sunday 25 March The Bob Dylan Story Charting the rise and rise of a true icon of popular (and not always so popular) music, Bob Dylan’s place in history is immortalised in his records spanning five decades. This stunning new live show charts Dylan’s musical revolution, from folky troubadour to radical electric pioneer. A backing band brings those classic songs to life, while the lead player has an impressive eye for detail and – or course – that all-important wavy hair. 7:30pm, £21.50, The Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF www.vivacity-peterborough.co.uk Friday 30 - Saturday 31 March Dinosaur World Live One for all the little (and big) explorers out there, grab your compass and join the hunt across unchartered lands to discover a pre-history of incredibly lifelike dinosaurs - including every kid’s favorite, the T-Rex! A live show for all the family which includes a post-show meet and greet for anyone brave enough to come face to face with

these impressive, mystical creatures. £14, various times, The Broadway Theatre, 40 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RT, www.broadway.today

BOOK NOW FOR

Wednesday 11 April Macbeth Christopher Eccleston makes his RSC debut in this contemporary production of Shakespeare’s darkest psychological thriller. Niamh Cusack will also be returning to tread the Stratford boards in this livestreaming of The Scottish Play. £11.50, 7pm, Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF, www.vivacity-peterborough.co.uk Tuesday 17 April Ruby Wax: Frazzled Based on her number one best seller, “A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled,” the ‘it girl’ of mental-health campaigning Ruby gives a tour of the mind – how to use it and not lose it in this sassy one-woman show. 7.30pm, £21, The Broadway Theatre, 40 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RT, www.broadway.today Friday 20 - Saturday 21 April The National Motorhome & Campervan Show, East of England Arena Back for its 28th year running, this is event of the year for caravan and motorhome fanatics. Don’t miss live entertainment including Jimmy Osmond, shopping with over 300 retailers and your chance to browse the latest homes on wheels. Ticket prices vary, East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE, www.eastofengland.org.uk

NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

THE RED LION LUNCHTIME SPECIALS from £9.95 Tue – Sat

Warmington Tel: 01832 280362

Early Doors Buy ONE meal & get another HALF PRICE Tues, Weds & Thurs arrive between 6.00pm - 6.30pm

A Great Country Pub

The Famous Red Lion Sunday Lunch Serving at 12.00 noon, 1.00pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm

• Real Home Produced Food • Homemade Desserts • Quality Real Ales • Candles, Fresh Flowers & Linen Napkins

(booking essential)

Book the Marquee for your Summer event!

See our website for details

Closed Mondays theredlionwarmington@gmail.com www.theredlionwarmington.co.uk

Nene People Tim Stubbs, mine host at the ever popular Red Lion in Warmington talks about life, love and fundraising.

Tim Stubbs WORDS: SUE DOBSON

PORTRAIT: TIM STEELE

IM Stubbs was very close to his sister, Carole. “Growing up, we worked side by side in the family bakery. Although we were very different in some ways – Carole was always impeccably dressed and her home was modern and immaculate – we were the same, if that makes sense.” Talking about her today he’s visibly moved by her loss. Carole died of cancer in December 2016, an hour before her 69th birthday dawned, at the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall hospice. Impressed by the level of care there, and touched by the kindness of the staff, Tim, well known for his fundraising for local good causes, set his heart on raising money in memory of his beloved ‘Big Sis’. He commissioned angel-shaped wine glass markers to sell at the bar and at the after-funeral wake, Carole’s husband David pledged to do a sponsored skydive. Since then Tim has organised afternoon teas, theme nights, quizzes, raffles and charity auctions at the pub; Carole’s daughters, her grandchildren and family members have led a 17mile sponsored walk; her nephew, Tim’s son George, has run a marathon and countless individuals have made donations. “Our initial aim was to raise £10,000, which seemed a lot at the time, but amazingly we’d raised that amount in the first 10 weeks. By 20 weeks the total had reached £20,000, which included David’s skydive. Those glass angels raised around £10,000. By the end of the fundraising year we were nudging £45,000. It’s an incredible achievement, people have been so very generous.” It’s almost 12 years since Tim and his partner Richard Bright took over The Red Lion in Warmington. “I was selling cars, very successfully but hating the job, when we heard that the pub was available. I’m a baker by trade and have always enjoyed cooking, meeting people and being part of village life. It seemed perfect for us.” They’ve made a great success of the enterprise, serving “good value, simple, unpretentious food”. Their Sunday roasts are so popular that they have four lunch sittings. “We prepare and make everything we can on site and all our desserts are homemade,” he says. With its beams, fireplace and gleaming antique furnishings, the cosy and welcoming pub reflects Tim’s friendly personality and long-held interests. “I’ve had an eye for antiques as long as I can remember – I’ve always loved other people’s junk! My grandmother died when I was 11 and I longed for her brass and iron bed, her jugs and bowls, but my parents didn’t want to know, they wanted everything new.” When the family bakery was sold, Tim’s knowledge of antiques got him a job with an auctioneer in Bourne, where he was Assistant Manager and trainee auctioneer. A few years later he joined Antique and Secondhand Traders in the heart of the town. “They sold everything but specialised in Edwardian furniture. They were good, proper down to earth people to work for.” At the time he was a single dad to two young children, “a full time parent and part time worker” and today enjoys being granddad to his daughter Nell’s two children.

Tim Stubbs (left) and partner Richard Bright

A noted raconteur, Tim offers two talks: Reflections on Life and Buying and Collecting Antiques. The first one, about growing up in Thurlby, is both witty and thought provoking, and he tailors his talks on antiques to the interests of his audience. “Essentially I want to enthuse people and give them a sense of the enjoyment to be had,” he says. “A collection can often be sparked by something given to you or loved in childhood and once you focus on a subject there’s so much to delve into and learn.” Back at The Red Lion, Tim’s passion for fundraising continues unabated, whether it’s for Warmington Church (where three times a year he creates some spectacular flower arrangements), Warmington School, Air Ambulance or one of a host of other local deserving causes, underlining his belief in the importance of community and caring for others.

Tim’stop Nene Valley attractions

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The countryside

Winter sunsets

Being part of a village community NENE LIVING MARCH 2018

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