Nene Valley Living March 2011

H E L P I N G Y O U T O G E T T H E M O S T O U T O F L I V I N G L O C A L LY

NENE VALLEY Living Easy living

Relaxed spring fashion

Book your slot

Oundle Lit Fest is back

All change

Fresh ideas for eating out

ÂŁ1.50 March 2011

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Cosmetic Open Evenings How can you find a surgeon that you can trust?

Are you interested in finding out about surgical and non-surgical treatments that could boost your confidence? Come to one of our free Open Evenings, meet our consultants and find out more.

Thursday 10th March. 5.30pm - 8.30pm Richard Price – Free consultation evening on all aspects of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatment.

Call 01733 842304 to book a free 15-minute one-to-one consultation.

Monday 4th April, 7.00pm.

Erik Scholten - Free presentation on General Cosmetic Surgery (non-facial) with wine and nibbles.

Call 01733 842304 to book your place.

01733 842304 Peterborough PE3 9AQ www.fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk

Fitzwilliam Hospital

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NENE VALLEY LIVING

W W W. B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K

@LocalLivingUK

h rc a M e u s s i s i h T

Fion a Cu mberpatch Editor SUBSCRIBE TO Nene Valley Living

Tulips at Wadenhoe

by Dave Phillips

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here’s an army of volunteers out there working away for local charities. Here are two great projects currently underway: • Age Concern is running a free 12 week programme aimed at people aged 55 plus. It takes place in the Joan Strong Centre, Oundle, starting Thursday April 7th, and provides talks, demonstrations and activities aimed at helping people to maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle.

So, if you fancy trying armchair aerobics, t’ai chi, Indian head massage, line dancing, or getting advice on diabetes or stroke awareness or home safety, give it a try. Contact Yvonne on 01536 513100 to book a place.

• Cancer Care Lincs and Cambridge is opening a new charity shop in Stamford on February 27th. They want your bric a brac, books, cds and furniture - and offers of voluntary help. The shop will also be selling specialist hats and wigs, for those who experience hair loss as a result of cancer treatment. Find it at 45 Broad St, Stamford, or call 01780 756968 for information.

• Finally, thanks to the anonymous person who found my wallet, complete with credit and debit cards and a little bundle of cash and handed it in at the Antiques and Home Show at Lincolnshire Showground. I’m so grateful to the security guard who tried so hard to help me find it on the day, and the stall holders, too.

Random acts of human kindness are not as rare as we might think!

Cover shot:

Designer china offer

7 Upfront

Jitterbug Toys and Adam Electrics

8 Upfront

Try a rail holiday

10 Easy weekend

Relaxed fashion for spring

10 EASY WEEKEND

15 Food news

A review of The Brewery Tap

16 Food news

Take a paella masterclass

18 Old pub, new owners Fresh faces at local hostelries

18 OLD PUB, NEW OWNERS

22 Health and beauty notes Pure Beauty’s rejuvenating facial

25 Insider trading

Lifting the lid on a local business

27 Writers and so much more 25 INSIDER TRADING Editor Fiona Cumberpatch fiona@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Nene Valley Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.nenevalleyliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Bridget Steele 01733 707538 bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Advertisement Director Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Assistant Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: localliving@btopenworld.com Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY www.locallivingltd.co.uk Printed by Warner’s of Bourne

What’s on at the Oundle Festival of Literature

30 Local walk

King’s Cliffe and Blatherwyke

32 Motoring Versatile cars

37 Diary dates

The pick of this month’s entertainment

15 THE BREWERY TAP

For £20 (£30 for overseas’ surface mail) you can subscribe to Nene Valley Living for 12 issues.

Please send your name, address and a cheque made out to Local Living Ltd to: NVL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

The bank with a human touch

READER OFFER

Signs of spring Bring some spring cheer to your table with these fresh designs from Northamptonshire designer Sophie Allport. Although she is nationally known, Sophie’s business is a truly local concern, and she works from her studio in Fotheringhay overlooking the fields and trees which inspire her. This chicken bag costs £15, a plate is £10 and a cup and saucer is £15. But for March only, Sophie is offering NVL readers 10 per cent off her designs.

• To order, visit the website www.sophieallport.com and type in the discount code NENESA.

Safer running If you are training for a marathon this year, or just enjoy regular running, you’ll be aware that preventing injuries is the key to success. Advance Performance, the specialist running store in Fengate, Peterborough, can help with its one stop shop for keeping you healthy. As well as its well established gait analysis service which ensures that trainers fit properly and help to prevent joint strains and jarring, the company is now offering injury rehabilitation from physiotherapists at the Fitzwilliam Hospital. Each Tuesday and Saturday, they will be in store for pre-booked appointments in an allocated room.

• For more information, call Advance Performance on 01733 891111.

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STOP PRESS Oundle has a new source of secondhand books. The Courthouse Bookshop is at Unit 3, The Courthouse, Mill Lane, Oundle PE8 4BW

How refreshing. A bank you can actually talk to without having to remember the colour and make of your first car or your mother’s maiden name, where you can call up and know the person you are talking to. In fact, the only people you will ever talk to are the tightly-knit team based in the Peterborough office. Handelsbanken has the human touch, which makes an enquiry or request stress-free, backed up by the reputation and experience of a bank that has been around and thriving for 140 years. Handelsbanken was founded in Sweden in 1871 and is one of the leading banks in the Nordic region, with 700 branches worldwide. It has always believed in a highly localised service with the minimum of bureaucracy. The bank’s key philosophy is being local and it has a decentralised structure, which means that in the eyes of the customer, ‘the branch is the bank.’ There are no tiered telephone answering systems, just the people you know and can contact at any time.

There are 93 branches in the UK, and in November 2010 a branch was launched in Peterborough. The local team comprises Julian Turner (Branch Manager), Mike Aikman (Corporate Account Manager), Paul Simmons (Consultant), Samantha Jones (Individual Banking Manager), and Gill Elborn (Account Support Manager). Between them, they have more than 140 years experience and know the area extremely well.

They offer both commercial and personal banking, and pride themselves on offering bespoke, rather than pre-packaged products.

• Handelsbanken, Peterborough Branch, First Floor, Futura House, 4 Axon, Commerce Road, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6LR. Tel: 01733 238060 www.handelsbanken. co.uk/peterborough

Protect your assets Increasing care home fees could mean that elderly people have nothing to leave in their wills. This warning follows a report that more than 20,000 pensioners had to sell their homes in 2009 to pay for residential care home fees, an increase of 17 per cent in the past five years. Age UK estimates for 2009 put average fees at £470 a week, prompting the Law Society to warn that many wills could need reviewing, as care residents’ assets continue to deplete, and it urged people to seek legal advice. Greg Baker, partner and head of the Trusts and Probate Department at Hegarty LLP says: ‘some people may consider it unfair that those who have saved and lived carefully for years can see their assets wiped out because of care home fees, but this does not have to be the case. Many people have ended up in this situation because they have not received legal advice from a solicitor.’

• Hegarty LLP has solicitors who specialise in care home funding issues and asset preservation. Contact Greg Baker, telephone 01733 295616, Joanna Grewer on 01733 295552 or Jo Wild on 01780 750952.

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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Happy 1st Birthday We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our lovely customers who have supported us, our first year has been very exciting and we hope that our toys have brought lots of fun to you all.

New ranges now include toys for the slightly older boys & girls with 4M science and craft kits and ZOOBS the moveable, creative building set from 6 years. We are also now a stockist for award winning HABA toys suitable from 3 months and new Budkin dolls for 2011 are now in, come and take a look!

2 St Osyths Lane, Oundle, PE8 4BG Tel: 01832 275252

Foxtail Lilly Flowers for Mother’s day We do Wedding flowers too

0pen Wed – Sat - 10am till 5pm 41, South Road, Oundle

01832274593

www.foxtail-lilly.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

Mini magic We Brits love our Minis. Last year, some 284,000 were sold in the UK. Local entrepreneur Dan Butcher-Lord and his family are such fans that they each own one. At the beginning of this year, they decided that it was time to turn their passion into a business, and so DanKan Mini Shop was launched .

“We will meet all the needs a Mini owner could want,” explains Dan. Repairs to BMW Minis, a diagnostic service, general servicing, performance upgrades, Mini modifications, car parts as well as accessories are on offer at the Royce Road premises, all at competitive prices.

“We can also do MOTs and tyres, although these would not be done on our premises at present,” says Dan. • For more details, visit www.dankanminishop.co.uk or call 08442 096896. 14 Royce Rd, Eastern Industry, Peterborough PE1 5YB.

Daffodils at Deene Park Open gardens are few and far between at this time of year, but there’s a spectacle in store at Deene Park, Northamptonshire on Sunday March 27th. The stately home, owned by the Brudenell family, is opening for a Daffodil Day, where visitors can view the display of cheery yellow, cream and white blooms, with hellebores and primroses as well. Refreshments are available in the Old Kitchen, decorated with spring flowers by Rutland Flower Club and Stamford Floral Arranging Society. The day runs from 11am-4pm.

• Adults, £4, children free. Visit www.deenepark.com, tel: 01780 450278.

Jitterbug’s first birthday Opening a toy shop in the midst of a recession may sound like a rash move, but Amanda Wells and her husband Darren have shown that it was the right decision as their Oundle shop, Jitterbug Toys, celebrates its first successful year in business. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved: it has surpassed our expectations” says Amanda. “We have a very loyal customer base and people always say that they are so glad they have found us.” Jitterbug is a beautifully decorated shop which sells attractive, traditional toys for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and older children. “We haven’t tried to be all things to all people. We stick to what we’re good at,” says Amanda. “We will always try our best to help people by tracking something down or ordering it in if we possibly can. Our stock rotates very quickly, so there is always something new to see.” The shop also has a website with an ordering facility. “But we never want to lose the boutique-y, niche feeling that people seem to enjoy so much,” says Amanda.

• Jitterbug Toys, 2 St Osyths Lane, Oundle, PE8 4BG Tel: 01832 275252 www.jitterbugtoys.co.uk

Adam Electrics: tried and trusted

Antiques for everyone

If you love antiques and vintage style, head for The Antiques and Home Show at Lincolnshire Showground on April 4th, 5th and 6th. This vast show, with thousands of stalls, offers antiques from all eras. Country French style, retro, Georgian and Victorian are all represented by dealers from the UK and across Europe. Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes and take some cash!

• For ticket information, opening times, and a map of the location, visit www.asfairs.com

STOP PRESS Best selling author Joanna Trollope will be talking about her new novel, Daughters in Law, at Peterborough Central Library on Monday March 7th, 1pm-2pm. Tickets cost just £3 (£2 concessions), available from Central Library or Waterstones, Bridge Street, Peterborough.

Congratulations….

The winner of our Farmhouse Breakfast for Two competition at The Granary, Willow Brook Farm Shop, near Helpston, is Paul Collins of Longthorpe, Peterborough.

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Reliability and quality of work is paramount in these lean times, and Peterborough company Adam Electrics comes with a history of good service and guarantees for all its work.

Established in 1978 by Owen Jones, initially to carry out domestic electrical installations, the business has now expanded to encompass commercial and industrial contracts as well.

Owen and his two sons offer rewiring, outside lighting, new fuseboards and inspecting and testing for industrial and domestic premises.

They are also skilled at carrying out office refurbishments and three phase installations.

A relatively new arm of the business is the installation of solar PV panels, a cost effective way of generating electricity in domestic homes. Unlike some solar panel companies, which use salesmen to clinch a deal, and then outsource the work, Adam Electrics do everything themselves.

• For more information, contact Adam Electrics on 01733 576146 or email enquiries@adamelectricsltd.co.uk www.adamelectricsltd.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

Running for Jacqueline Fabien Francis’ life changed when his partner Jacqueline suffered a brain haemorrhage last June at the age of 41. Jacqueline is now in The Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability in Putney, London, famous for helping to rehabilitate people who have suffered serious brain injury. As well as supporting Jacqueline, Peterborough-based Fabien is running the London marathon to raise money for the Hospital, which does not receive funding from the NHS. If you can donate, please sponsor Fabien at www.justgiving.com/jacfab We wish Jacqueline, and Fabien, all the very best.

Great rail journeys Why not try a rail holiday for Summer 2011? These holidays are hassle-free and include city tours, guided visits, excursions, meals and hotel accommodation with experienced tour guides who meet Oundle Travel’s passengers at the beginning of their holiday. You also have the freedom to take some time to explore independently. These holidays are ideally suited to single travellers, too, as travelling by rail is sociable and informal. Oundle Travel also offer a number of exclusively ‘single’ holidays to some of their most popular destinations, featuring smaller group sizes and no single room supplements. Oundle Travel can arrange rail travel to London, a hotel close to St Pancras if you have an early start, and even have your luggage sent on ahead. A popular rail journey is Rome, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

This fabulous journey starts in the ancient city of Rome and then, based in Sorrento, you’ll visit magnificent Capri and the lost city of Pompeii. Your journey begins at St Pancras International, where you board the Eurostar to Paris. The journey picks up the high speed service to Switzerland, arriving in Lausanne for your first evening. Onwards to Milan, taking in Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii, Capri, Paestum and Basel. All hotels are 4*. This trip is fully escorted and includes 11 nights hotel accommodation. From £1,945 per person, departing in May 2011.

• For more information, a detailed itinerary and other departures/available dates, call Oundle Travel on 01832 723600. www.oundletravel.co.uk

Ask the expert

Paul Evans, senior partner at Stephenson Smart & Co answers your financial questions If I leave my house to my children in my will, what are the tax implications if they sell it, rent it or live in it?

If they sell the house, they’ll potentially be liable to capital gains tax on the sale. This is calculated on the difference between the sale proceeds (net of selling costs) and the deemed acquisition value of the property, which will be the value of the property at date of death – the probate value. If the property is sold shortly after death, it’s likely that there will be little or no gain and therefore no capital gains tax will be due, the proceeds will be free of tax. If the house is retained in a rising property market, then a capital gain might arise. Any gain will be divided between the children and taxed at 18 per cent or 28 per cent, depending on the personal tax circumstances of each, but remember each person can make capital gains of £10,100 per tax year before they pay capital gains tax.

If your children rent the house, they’ll pay income tax on net rental from the property (that’s the annual rent received, minus costs). The annual ‘profit’ from letting will be divided equally between the children, assuming it was left to them equally, and income tax will be payable at each child’s marginal rate of tax of 20 per cent or 40 per cent (50 per cent for high earners).

Finally, if the children live in the property, there are no tax consequences until the property is sold. Even then, if they’ve lived in the property since the date of death as their only residence, any gain on sale will be free of capital gains tax. The tax situation is more complex if the children live in the house for a period, then let it and eventually sell it. At this point, they need to speak to an accountant.

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Are you ready for the digital switchover?

If you receive Anglia News, your TV service will be going digital in April 2011. If you haven’t made changes to your set, now’s the time to do it. You don’t necessarily need a new TV: if you bought it after 1996 it will probably have a SCART socket on the back, which allows it to be connected to a digital set-top box. But you may need a wide band aerial. It’s important to ensure that you use a reliable workman to carry out any work needed. Unfortunately, there have been some recent cases of bogus tradesmen cashing in on the changes. Stay safe by choosing a local www. safelocaltrades.com aerial specialist to carry out your digital switchover.

• If you have any queries, or want to speak to a trustworthy aerial specialist for a free, no-obligation survey, log onto www.safelocaltrades.com or contact freephone 0800 0141832

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The choice is yours when creating time for what matters....

Introducing Cambridgeshire's only supplier of Hydropool Self Cleaning Hot Tubs and Swim Spas.

Crightons Hydropool (Peterborough) Ltd . 5 Titan Drive . Fenagte East . Peterborough . PE1 5XG Tel: 01733 305140 . Web: www.crightons-hydropool.co.uk

C r i g h t o n s H y d r o p ool (Pet erborough) Ltd

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FASHION Brown leather belt, £44.95, Jacks Vintage tins, from a selection, Lincolnshire Antiques and Home Show

Easy weekend Dress down in simple, relaxed pieces with a spring look. Feature: Fiona Cumberpatch.

Photographs: Lesley Anne Churchill

Ruffle ballet wrap cardi, £49.99, Reba

Night shirt, £40, and blue robe, £52, Eve

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Bracelets, £3.99 and £4.99, Reba

Floral lace up wellies, £16, Peacocks, stripy dog collar, £10.95, and matching lead, £16.95, Harvey Tweel Black FitFlop trainers, £80, Footprints, soft leather ankle boots, £110, Jacks, taupe Gabor sneakers, £75, Footprints, blue sneakers, £85, Jacks

Polka dot recipe box £8.99, Reba, retro tea towels, £9.50 for three, Marks and Spencer

Chicken print wellies, £35, Footprints, flowers from a selection at Normans, Oundle, vintage basket, Lincolnshire Antiques and Home Show

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FASHION

Red tunic, £45, Jacks.

Shopping bag, £5.99, Reba.

Clothes airer, Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro

Contacts: Reba, Cathedral Square, Peterborough PE1 1XH Tel: 01733 319606 Jacks, 20 Market Place, Oundle Tel: 01832 270033 and 16 Church St, Market Harborough Tel: 01858 431396 Footprints, 10, Westgate, Peterborough PE1 1RA Tel: 01733 313890 Eve, The Bazaar, West St, Oundle, PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 273969 Marks and Spencer, Queensgate, Peterborough PE1 1DU Tel: 01733 311331 Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro, 97-99, Bridge St, Peterborough PE1 1EH Tel: 01733 345405 Harvey Tweel, Unit 1, The Bazaar, West St, Oundle, PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 272444

Striped jumper, £64.95, Jacks.

Tea towel, part of set, £9.50, Marks and Spencer

• With thanks to our canine model, Monty.

Stripy socks, £18 pair, Harvey Tweel Vintage books and desk, charity shop finds

Denim skirt, £74.95, Jacks, wooden clothes airer, Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro, coloured pegs, Poundland

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Men and Women’s Country Clothing & Accessories R M Williams • Musto Katie Mosa • Ness Le Chameau • Lyn Antley Seasalt Open Monday to Saturday 9:00am till 5:30pm

www.harveytweel.co.uk Unit 1 The Bazaar West Street Oundle PE8 4EJ - 01832 272444

ONLY

£3.50

2011

edition out now!

Write to Essential Weddings.

PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY

Enclosing a cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd for £3.50, along with your address

Or Visit our website: www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

PERFECT FOR WHEREVER YOU MAY BE GOING! Beautiful spring/summer collections now arriving in store 16 Church Street, 20 Market Place, Market Harborough Oundle Tel: 01858 431396 Tel: 01832 270033 13

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A New Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is now open in Hampton Vale providing a Restaurant and Wine Bar all under one roof.

ANY PIZZA OR PASTA FOR ÂŁ 5.95 Valid 7 days per week 1200-2.30pm & 5-6pm

We look forward to welcoming you !!!

Valid for March Only

114 Four Chimneys Crescent, Hampton Vale, Peterborough, PE7 8FH - Tel: 01733 241246 Open 7 days 12.00-2.30pm and from 5pm till close. sales@mattoni-restaurant.co.uk

www.mattoni-restaurant.co.uk

FREE MARQUEE HIRE! Conditions apply

Go

od

Fri

day Now Eas (Fish takin ter g o Sun n Frid book day ay M ings for ( Sun e S day unday nu) - F r 24t h A Lunch iday 2 pril 2 Me nu) nd Ap ril

Mothers Day (Sunday Lunch Menu) - Sunday 3rd April

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FOOD & DRINK

PHOTOS: DAVID CORFIELD

Food news All the latest on local food and drink

NENE VALLEY LIVING

RECOMMENDS • The Brewery Tap •

P

Relaunch for The Benefield Wheatsheaf

“We have everything in place to be the best and most welcoming independent hotel in the area.” So said Roger Brockbank, General Manager of The Benefield Wheatsheaf, as the hotel staged its grand reopening in February. Regular guests will already be familiar with the refurbished rooms and public bar at the hotel and the new marquee for formal functions, while the restaurant’s menu has been earning high praise from diners since chef patron and co-owner David Clipsham arrived last year. Together, the two men have carefully plotted a new course for the hotel, aiming to create a warm and friendly atmosphere where nothing is too much trouble. “We have a picture-perfect location in a quiet village between Oundle and Corby: we have culinary expertise in the kitchen, and have a desire to put our guests at the centre of everything we do, whether they’re dining, enjoying a short break or are here for a wedding or conference,” says Roger.

Bites • Hold a fish and chip supper in aid of a good cause. The Spinal Injuries Association is looking for people to host an evening in their own home, at work or in a community hall on Friday May 20th, and invite at least seven guests, who pay a minimum of £5. For details or a fundraising pack, call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 6786633 or email fishandchips@ spinal.co.uk • The Haycock, Wansford, hosts a Wedding Fayre on Sunday March 13th. www.thehaycock.co.uk Tel: 01780 782223 • The Granary Tea Room at Willow Brook Farm Shop is offering delicious cut price Senior Citizens lunches on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 2.30. A main course is £5, and a pud is £2.50. It serves hearty fare, with fat chips just like mother used to make. Willow Brook Farm, Scotsman Lodge, Stamford Rd, Helpston Heath, Peterborough PE6 7EL Tel: 01780 749483

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lanning a night out with a group of friends can mean accommodating many different tastes. The Brewery Tap could be the answer. Real ale drinkers, light appetites, big eaters, spicelovers and palates which prefer milder tastes would all be happy here. We tried the new Thai menu one Friday lunch time. The Tap is a huge space, in Peterborough’s old Labour Exchange, but it’s welcoming and characterful, with friendly front of house staff. There are large leather sofas, chunky tables and a hefty dose of industrial chic. Upstairs, there is a restaurant area (with dedicated service on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays), but you could eat wherever you wanted. It’s that kind of place.

We nibbled spicy prawn crackers with a sweet chilli dip while we made our choices. To start, we shared tender Pandan Chicken, marinated strips of meat wrapped in leaves and deep fried, a Soft Shell Crab, lightly battered and served with crispy garlic and noodles, and Introducing Oaka, a selection of starters, including chicken satay, chicken wings and fish cakes with prawns and seaweed.

The crab was outstanding: this is the only place in Peterborough that you can get this delicacy and it’s very special, the sweet crab meat contrasting with a crisp, melt-in-the- mouth coating. For our mains (average price £6.95), we shared a selection of dishes: the Roast Duck Curry was gorgeous, moist and savoury in a red curry, with the addition of pineapple and tomatoes. Pad Ta Krai (lemongrass chicken), with garlic sauce, was excellent, as was the Chu Chi Salmon.

Pad Poi Sien was another lovely combination: eight ingredients seasoned and fried together, combining the flavours of chicken, prawns, squid, mushrooms, glass noodles, celery, Chinese leaves and spring onions. Bowls of steamed rice, coconut rice, and fried rice accompanied the dishes, but the star of the sides was the White Crab Fried Rice, an unusual but delicious twist on a favourite. You can see the chefs at work in their busy kitchen through a high level window.

As well as it’s exceptional food, The Brewery Tap is, of course, a brew pub (the largest in Europe, as it happens), with the award winning micro-brewery on site.

As well 12 real ales, there are draught products and a range of bottled, conditioned beers. Busy, buzzy and with a highly professional team both front of house and behind the scenes, The Brewery Tap is a real asset to Peterborough.

Fiona Cumberpatch In a nutshell: Expertly prepared authentic Thai food Head chef: Mee Boonsiri Special features: Function room with own bar available for private functions and conferences. Stand up comedy and speakeasy poetry nights. Brew house on site.

80 Westgate, Peterborough PE1 2AA Tel: 01733 358500 www.oakhamales.com NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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FOOD & DRINK

Food news All the latest on local food and drink

Mattoni opens in Hampton Vale

Peterborough’s newest Italian restaurant has just opened in Hampton Vale. Mattoni means ‘brick’ in Italian and this restaurant is situated where the old brick works used to stand before the extensive township of Hampton was built. On one wall, a huge photograph shows the chimneys dominating the landscape of Peterborough and the many brickworks in the city.

On to the food…I visited during the restaurant’s first week of opening, and pondered over a light lunch choice. I chose two starters – Insalata Caprese, buffalo mozzarella with fresh basil and tomatoes, drizzled with fine olive oil and balsamic vinegar with ciabatta bread to mop up the juices. It could not be faulted: fresh, tasty Italian food at its best. I also ordered the vegetarian anti pasti that included marinated mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, large, juicy green olives and mozzarella with salad, in a light olive oil dressing. Again, it was deliciously fresh and good value.

My friend Debbie ordered the Penne Arrabiata, a wholesome pasta dish with a homemade tomato and chilli sauce, sprinkled with parmesan and black pepper from the mill. She said it was very good, perfectly cooked and with just the right bite of chilli.

Our meals, with wine and coffee, came to £26. The service, friendliness of the staff and the food were pitch perfect. I would love to see more salads on the menu, particularly for lunch time, and I would like to experience an evening meal, where cocktails are served and the lights are low, to enjoy a leisurely Italian meal in great surroundings.

Bridget Steele • Mattoni, 114 Chimneys Crescent, Hampton Vale, Peterborough PE1 8FH Tel: 01733 241246

Try a paella masterclass Bridget Steele went to the Kings Arms, Polebrook, to learn how to make an authentic paella plus an unusual variation on the classic dish…

“T

hese classes are held regularly in the pub and I’d heard that they are popular. On arrival, we were given a glass of sangria and copies of recipes for the evening. There were about 20 people at the demonstration and we were shown how to make a Fideois (a traditional pasta and seafood dish) using an unusual method of cooking pasta by frying first, then gently cooking with fish stock and home made garlic mayonnaise. The chefs at this pub use a lot of roasted garlic and we were shown how to prepare this ahead. Everyone sampled the Fideois and I loved the sweet flavour of the roasted garlic and the fresh fish.

We were then shown how to make a paella. This is a real signature dish at The Kings Arms and they often make huge pans of it for large parties. Although paella varies from region to region in Spain, this version included a whole chicken, which we were shown how to joint, as well as chorizo, prawns and squid. It was all cooked very gently, without stirring, and just adding liquid gradually. Everyone tucked into this rustic and tasty dish afterwards. The evening was great fun and there were plenty of tips along the way. I was very impressed with Stanley Crump, the demonstrator and chef, with his infectious enthusiasm for cooking great food. The next Paella Masterclass evenings will be on March 14th and March 15th. It costs £10 per head. For more information or to book, call 01832 272363.”

• The Kings Arms, Kings Arms Lane, Polebrook, Oundle PE8 5LW

Absolute Taste at Burghley House In January, Absolute Taste, the renowned events and catering company, started to supply all the food and drink at Burghley House. This includes The Orangery restaurant, the Garden Café and all catering for any events held at Burghley House. The company has enjoyed great success at a variety of well known national venues, including the Design Café and Dome Café at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, Absolute Taste at Quintessentially Soho House of St Barnabas, and their first fully branded restaurant, Absolute Taste at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge.

Burghley’s Orangery Restaurant has undergone a complete refurbishment with Lloyd Loom chairs, Farrow and Ball paint and Sophie Conran china, mixed with a modern look of slate and Perspex with old oak tables and enamel pie dishes and jugs. The menu embraces Absolute Taste’s commitment to locally sourced fresh ingredients and the use of unique products from small neighbouring suppliers.

• The Orangery is open Weds-Sun, 10am-4pm until Burghley House and gardens open on March 19th, and then 10am-5pm, Sat-Thurs (closed on Fridays). The Garden Café opens 11am-5pm, including Fridays, from March 19th.

8 NENE 16 NENEVALLEY VALLEYLIVING LIVINGJuly March 20082011

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NORMANS

GREENGROCERS AND FLORIST MARKET PLACE - OUNDLE A great new web site for all food lovers in the area bringing together Normans, Trendalls ,Kings Cliffe Bakery and a local dairy .

www.normansoundle.co.uk

A complete food shop delivered to your door

Local food solutions for local people Tel: 01832 273545 E-mail normansoundle@hotmail.co.uk

The Kings Head, Apethorpe

THE FINEST ENGLISH CUISINE AT

The

Thu 17th March – St Patrick’s Day Supper, with Irish music & Guinness.

2 courses £16.95/ 3 courses £19.95

“the difference is in the detail..”.

Sat 26th March – Authentic South African evening, please call for more details Sun 3rd April – Treat mum to a special Mother’s Day lunch.

2 courses £16.95/ 3 Courses £19.95

• For Superb Food & Excellent Service • In Delightful Surroundings

• Chef owned business • We offer fortnightly changed,

Sun 23rd April – Easter Sunday - Sunday lunch menu with

fixed price menu • For all occasions inc birthday & anniversary

Easter egg hunt for the children

celebrations, intimate weddings, wakes...

Guest Beer only £2.80 a pint and Wine of the Week £2.90 glass

Kings Cliffe Road, Apethorpe, Peterborough, PE8 5DG Tel: 01780 470627 email: TheKingsHead@apethorpe.net

Cherry House Restaurant

Reservations Essential

www.cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk

01733 571721 -125, Church Street, Werrington, Peterborough

17

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FOOD & DRINK

Old pubs, new faces Country pubs across the UK are closing at an alarming rate, but fresh blood is reinvigorating our local inns, says Dave Phillips

T

imes are tough for the traditional country pub, with hundreds closing in the UK every year as publicans give up the fight against rising costs and dwindling customers. Pessimists predict the death of a British institution that dates back many centuries.

Yet in this area, pubs are bucking the national trend. True, a lot of local pubs have changed hands at a dizzying rate in the past year, but – and it’s a big, pint-sized, but – the new landlords and landladies are enjoying success thanks to a generous measure of hard work and good ideas.

Take the Shuckburgh Arms, at Southwick. It’s a small pub in a small village that’s well off the beaten track, which stood empty for nearly a year after the previous tenants threw in the bar towel.

When landlord David Dixon took it on last year, many thought he was doomed to failure, but instead he has reinvented the pub and turned it into one of the area’s leading live music venues.

Six nights every month the pub is packed with performers and foot-tapping regulars enjoying bluegrass, folk, Irish, R&B and indie acts and has earned a reputation that draws in customers from miles around.

“I didn’t want to turn the pub into yet another foodie establishment,” says David. “I was determined it would be different to the rest: different, yet at the same time traditional. We serve non-nonsense pub food, local real ales and attract customers who just want to chat at the bar. It’s a proper pub.”

The Shuckburgh Arms is also building up a reputation with the walking fraternity, thanks to the proximity of some lovely local footpaths. It’s much the same story in Wadenhoe, where the King’s Head is conveniently situated at the meeting points of the two biggest footpaths in the area – the Lyveden Way and the longdistance Nene Way. Mine hosts Aletha Ainsworth and David Porter, who took on the pub last August, even supply free maps for walkers, offering them a choice of woodland or river walks (or both!) that last from one to four hours.

“It’s been hard work, but we’ve re-established the King’s Head as one of the area’s top pubs,” says Aletha. “Our head chef, Alex Edwards, has transformed the menu, but we’re still a pub with real ales and darts and skittles teams.”

Forthcoming attractions include a beer festival (June 3-5) and this summer the pub will be introducing continental-style table service and BBQ snacks for customers enjoying a drink on the famous riverside paddock. There are also plans to revive the annual raft race down the Nene from Thorpe Waterville (would-be teams of rafters please apply).

18

David Dixon

Continued on page 21

A proper pub

✒

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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£10 Tuesday Two delicious courses Inclusive of rice & vegetables

The

Shuckburgh Arms at Southwick “A proper country pub”

Walk this Way...

F

or more than 400 years, the Shuckburgh Arms at Southwick has been serving weary travellers with good food and honest real ales. Situated in the heart of the area’s best hiking country, we’re open 10am-11pm Monday to Friday, 9am-11pm Saturdays and 9am-10pm Sundays, serving everything from full English breakfasts to full evening meals, plus hearty home-made soups and tasty bar snacks.

Walkers are welcome to use our car park as their base for exploring the lovely woods and open countryside.

Tel: 01832 272044

Mothering Sunday 3rd April Celebratory Buffet Make your reservation today

The Taste of the Orient

Call us NOW to book

01733 315 702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk Lunch 12-2:30pm Mon-Sat, 12-3:30pm Sun (Buffet) Dinner 5:30-11pm Fri & Sat, 5:30-10:30pm Sun-Thurs Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1FP

19

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15 mi f Ha rom ns mp ton

Traditionally home-reared & locally sourced meat & poultry at affordable prices!

...outrageously delicious!

PARTIES

Farm Shop

11/2 lb Minced Beef, Homemade Pie, 8 Lamb Breakfast Chops, 1lb Sausages (any flavour), 4 Homemade Burgers, Joint or Chicken

All for £24.99 - Tel: 01780 740261

Open: Tue to Fri 7am - 5.30pm, Sat 8am - 4pm, Sun 10am – 4pm

Good local food at reasonable prices

The perfect treat for all celebrations. Cakes can be personalised with names, initials, age and favourite colours.

A Giant Cupcake (featured above) is a real fun talking point at any party!

Cupcake Towers for parties are very popular as guests can choose their favourite cake which is then is popped into an individual cupcake sized plastic pod (included in the price).

This is so much easier and neater than slicing a traditional cake and wrapping in a napkin.

The Granary Café

Senior Citizen Days, Wednesday & Thursdays Main meals £5 – Puddings £2.50

Group bookings available for up to 30, Good location for walking parties - Tel: 01780 749483 Open: Tue to Fri 9am – 4pm, Sat 8.30am – 5pm, Sun 9am - 4pm

Find us on the road between Marholm & Ufford

Willow Brook Farm, Scotsman Lodge, Stamford Road, Helpston Heath, Peterborough. PE6 7EL

www.willowbrookfarmshop.co.uk

Cupcakes custom made to suit all occasions......find us at: www.blossom-cupcakes.co.uk Tel: 01733 231320 or 07511 372717

VILLAGE PUB & KITCHEN FINE FOOD & award winning ales

Open Lunch and Dinner Every Day Except Sunday Night 2 Course Lunchtime Menu Monday – Saturday £10.00 full a la Carte Menu also available lunCh and dinner

book your table on

01780 470944 The White Swan, 22 Main Street, Woodnewton PE8 5EB 20

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FOOD & DRINK ✒ Continued from page 19

White Swan flies high Another local pub that has suffered a chequered history in recent years is the White Swan at Woodnewton, with a succession of landlords and periods of complete closure.

It had been boarded up for six months when landlord Ian Simmons took it over last May. Well-known locally (he was landlord of the Montagu Arms at Barnwell for ten years) Ian has forged a reputation for good-value food with a continental flavour. Business has boomed as a result.

“Some people thought I was taking a massive gamble, but I knew the pub well and I know local people, too. If you offer them a good pub, with great food at sensible prices, they will support you,” says Ian. The White Swan’s menu changes at least once a month, but it has a definite Italian theme, which will be enhanced thanks to Ian’s plans to build a pizza oven in the near future.

The White Swan, Woodnewton

Plans for the Black Horse, Elton Food is also key to the success of the Black Horse at Elton, where new owners recently took on the popular hostelry. Manager Ivelina Banyalieva has recruited Michelin-starred chef Andon Andonov to attract discerning palates, yet is still offering a budget menu of two courses for £9.95.

Diners during Easter weekend (April 22-24) will each receive a hand-crafted Easter egg and Ivelina has also planned a full programme of events for the coming months, including themed dining experiences and a beer festival.

The big walled garden will also come into play in the summer, with BBQs and fun days for the family, including a children’s corner so that the adults can relax while the kids are having fun in the large but enclosed area.

All change at Apethorpe A reinvigorated menu is also key to the future at the King’s Head, Apethorpe, where a new management team is aiming to continue the picturesque pub’s reputation for excellent food.

Manager Adam Alexander and his partner Laura Hopkins are working with new owner Bernd Bartels to introduce special events including wine-tasting events and themed nights to include Greek and Indian cuisine.

Meanwhile, the pub’s cosy public bar will continue to house a deli where drinkers can purchase their cured meats and fine cheeses!

It was an idea pioneered by previous landlady Julia Wells which has proved to be a popular talking point and meeting place.

“Food’s important, but we’re not forgetting that this is also a village pub, where locals like to come and chat,” says Adam. “We believe there’s still a great future for the British country pub.”

So do we, Adam. So do we.

Contacts The Shuckburgh Arms, Southwick.

PE8 5BL. Tel: 01832 272044.

The King’s Head, Wadenhoe.

PE8 5ST. Tel: 01832 720024.

The White Swan, Woodnewton.

PE8 5EB. Tel: 01780 470944.

The Black Horse, Elton. PE8 6RU. Tel: 01832 280240.

The King’s Head, Apethorpe.

PE8 5DG. Tel: 01780 470627.

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health & beauty

notes The latest from local health and beauty businesses. By Bridget Steele

Affordable pampering

Amanda moves to Apollo Hair and Beauty Amanda Murphy has taken over the Beauty and Holistic Business at Apollo in Netherton. Having a wealth of experience in practising and teaching therapies, she specialises in using Natural Elements products using 100% pure plant extracts and organic essential oils. The treatments on offer include reflexology, massage, Indian head massage, Hopi ear candle treatment, reiki, facial treatments, Geleration Nails, waxing, tinting and nutritional therapy.

I tried the Equilibrium facial which restores skin back to its natural healthy glow, and includes skin analysis, thorough cleanse, exfoliation, mask and neck and shoulder massage and eye treatment. Amanda’s expert touch is very relaxing, the difficult bit is staying awake and savouring every moment!

Amanda is offering a “10 year younger kit” sample or a free eyebrow shape with any facial treatment during March.

• Apollo Hair and Beauty, 27 Winslow Road, Netherton, Peterborough, PE3 9RE Tel: 01733 333300, or Amanda’s direct line, 07709 765200.

Tackle phobias with hypnotherapy Therapist Tim Pinning recently opened a Hypnotherapy Clinic in Priestgate, Peterborough. His techniques combine hypnotherapy with psychotherapy for quicker and lasting results. The initial consultation is free and Tim can help with smoking cessation (in just one hour), fears and phobias, stress management, weight loss, and sports improvement.

Contact Tim Pinning, Hypnotherapy Clinic, 26 Priestgate, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 768839

Antony James Hair and Beauty, located in Peterborough City Centre, has recently introduced a Privilege Pack combining a choice of three treatments to include hair, beauty and wellbeing. The three treatments are offered at £59.95 and at less than £20 a treatment offers excellent value in a salon where attention to detail is paramount.

The hair treatment includes a style and colour consultation, a deep cleanse and condition and a professional cut and blow dry using LB products, with helpful advice in keeping hair in tip top condition.

There are three beauty treatments on offer and Kanize Panjwani let me choose between a Dermalogica Facial, Manicure and Pedicure. I opted for a facial and enjoyed over an hour of relaxing face mapping, hydrating mask, massage and deep nourishing moisturising whilst lying on a warmed couch.

The third treatment is taken in the Wellbeing suite and clients can choose between a massage, aromatherapy, reflexology or reiki with therapist, Brian Fosett. I chose reflexology, which stimulates the zones in the feet and relates to the whole body, emotionally and physically. Brian talked me through his findings as he worked, which was most informative and accurate.

I chose to have three treatments all in one go, however, the salon is happy for you to take them separately. This would make a lovely gift Mothers Day Gift.

• Antony James Hair and Beauty, 40 Cowgate, Peterborough, PE1 1NA Tel: 01733 311231 www.antonyjameshairandbeauty.co.uk. Open Tuesday to Saturdays.

A rejuvenating facial I’m a novice when it comes to facials: I have super-sensitive skin and many products seem to cause more problems than they solve. But a nasty winter virus had knocked me for six – and it showed. When Becky Postlethwaite at Pure Health and Beauty suggested a facial using Eve Taylor products, which are based on aromatherapy principles, I leapt at the opportunity. This affordable range has been developed by Eve Taylor, whose business is based locally, yet she has a worldwide reputation as a pioneer of modern aromatherapy. The Glapthorn salon is a lovely space: I felt the tension roll off me before I’d even taken off my coat. Becky ‘diagnosed’ my skin with a series of questions before getting to work. My face and neck were thoroughly cleansed, then refreshed with a bamboo and soya bean scrub. This was light, yet exfoliating, so it would restore brightness without irritation. Becky massaged my face at the same time, paying special attention to some problems I’d highlighted. She extended the treatment to my neck and chest, where sun damage and signs of ageing are most noticeable. The products smelled amazing: it was like being rolled in a herb garden, with tones of lavender, peppermint and lemon. Then, Becky applied a sheet of collagen to my entire face – it looked like a paper mask. She painted a gel preparation over the surface. This is designed to activate the collagen, which helps to plump up skin. The mask stayed on for 20 minutes of relaxation time. Afterwards, moisturised and pink again, I felt ready to face the rest of the winter.

Fiona Cumberpatch • Book an Eve Taylor Intensive Facial, Back Massage, Eyebrow Shape and Pure Indulgence Manicure or Pedicure for just £95 (would be £106.50 if booked separately). Valid until March 31st 2011. Can be purchased as a gift voucher, ideal for Mothers Day.

8 NENE 22 NENEVALLEY VALLEYLIVING LIVINGJuly March 20082011

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BRAND NEW Beauty and Holistic Therapist at

Apollo Hair and Beauty Salon Eve Taylor Intensive Facial, Back Massage, Eyebrow Shape

Do n Da ’t fo y 3r rge t d Ap Mo ID EA t L G ril 2 he 01 r’s IFT 1

and Pure Indulgence Manicure or Pedicure

for just £95 (£106.50 if booked separately) Valid until 31st March 2011

Please call: 01832 272310

Opening Times

Pure Health & Beauty

Mon 9.30-7.30 Tue 9.30-7.30 Wed 9.30-7.30,

The Old Stables, Church Farm, Glapthorn,

Thur 9.30-7.30 Fri 9.30-5.00 Sat 8.00-5.00

Nr Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 5BE

by Amanda Murphy Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Massage, Ear Candling, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Natural Facial Treatments, Nutritional Therapy, Manicures, Pedicures, GELeration, Waxing and Tinting.

Book any Facial Treatment during March and receive a “10 year younger kit sample” and a free anti-ageing hand treatment.

27 Winslow Road, (Netherton Shopping Centre), Peterborough PE3 9RE

01733 333300 Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan Truter

Chartered Clinical Psychologist Specialise in treating the following areas: • Low self esteem and loss of confidence • • Anxiety, panic and stress • • Depression, low mood and despair • • Phobias, obsessions and ruminations •

www.psychologistuk.co.uk For further information please contact

01780 758556

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

THE COSMETIC CLINIC

Kings Lynn / Peterborough / Norwich / Wimbledon Injectable Treatments For Facial Lines from £175 Armpit Sweating • Lip Augmentation Surgical Eye Bag Removal Restylane / Sculptra / Juvederm / Radiesse from £220 Chemical Peels • Intense Pulsed Light / Laser and Radio Frequency Treatment for Permanent Hair Reduction Skin Pigmentation • Facial and Leg Thread Veins Acne / Acne Scarring Treatments • Microdermabrasion Facial Rejuvenation and Non-Surgical Facelift Semi-Permanent Make Up • Eyelash & Hair Extensions Laser Teeth Whitening £300 Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser for Deep Facial Lines Dermaroller for Acne Scarring / Stretchmarks Miss Z.Butt,Consultant Surgeon (MBchB,DO,FRCS,FRCOphth,MD) Email: bzahida@aol.com www.ukcosmeticclinic.com 226 Dogsthorpe Road,(DHCBusiness Centre),Peterborough PE1 3PB �01733 310090 St George’s Chambers,27 King Street,Kings Lynn PE30 1ET �01553 692531 6 Exchange Street,Norwich NR2 1AT �01603 877470 23

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ROWANTREE Events

Sewing Class After School Club Knitting Surgery Sewing Salon

Monday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

Workshops

Roman blind Workshop Finishing Techs. for Knitting

WORKSHOPS FOR MARCH

7, 13, 21, 28 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 3, 10, 17, 31

9.00am – 12.30pm 4.30pm – 6.00pm 7.00pm – 9.30pm 9.00am – 1.00pm

- Saturday 12 March - Saturday 19 March

10.00am - 4.30pm 10.00am - 4.30pm

For more information contact Margaret Rowan on 01780 783323 e-mail margaret@rowantreeworkshops.co.uk www.rowantreeworkshops.co.uk

2011 at The Bridge Hotel

Where good food and good fun is always on the menu

Wedding Promotion Get a grand wedding for a grand!! in March, October and November 2011 with three course meal, wine, coffee and Evening buffet.

Two newly renovated function rooms to choose from.

Pushed for time at lunch?

Rutland Shutters Made to measure Window Shutters

Tel. 01664 474013 Mob. 07768 695236

www.rutlandshutters.co.uk

Come and have lunch at the hotels newly launched hot and cold salad bar with at least 15-20 different items daily.

Freshly prepared salads Delicious hot selection Healthy options Freshly prepared dressings No waiting for food In and out in no time at all.

Cold selection £4.10, hot selection £5.10 or both £6.10

The Bridge Hotel

Bridge Street, Thrapston, Kettering, Northants, NN14 4JP Tel: 01832 732128 - www.thebridge-hotel.com

Room to Live

Image of Local installation by QKS

Showroom Cherryholt Road, Stamford, PE9 2EQ

Creators of finest quality bespoke Orangeries & Conservatories

Tel: 01780 756666

Orangeries Lanter n Rooms Conservatories

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm,

Windows Doors Folding Sliding Door Systems

Sat 10am-3pm

Vertical Sliding Windows Roofline Products Porches

www.qks-ltd.co.uk

Heritage Secondary Glazing

t.

Es

Est

Loca

. 198

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1 - 30 Ye

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Making crafts pay L

L

I Ii I

Insider gL n i d a r T L

I iI i

In the first of a new series, we go behind the scenes at a local small business. This month, Margaret Rowan of Rowantree Craft Studio tells Fiona Cumberpatch how she realised her ambition

M

8

NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008

25 NASSINGTON.indd 1

PHOTOS: LESLEY ANNE CHURCHILL

argaret opened her craft studio in Nassington on February 13th. The aim is to offer a pleasant and inviting space, where adults and children learn sewing skills, knitting, how to make rag rugs and customise clothes, and create covered boxes, paper crafts and jewellery. “The kettle will always be on and there will be cakes, biscuits and chat. I want it to be a lovely environment where people learn new skills,” says Margaret. A tutor at New College, Stamford, Margaret also runs a successful soft furnishings business, which she will continue to operate alongside the studio.

Q. Why did you start the business?

A. Since I was small I have been making things, and it’s something that I’ve continued throughout my life. But we are losing the skills of needlework, knitting and paper crafts, because there hasn’t been a tradition of learning them in recent years. I want to encourage creativity in all sorts of areas, not just sewing, and offer a place for people to gather together to carry them out. I have been holding workshops in the local area for a while, using village halls and my own home. But the idea of having everything under one roof just seems to make sense and when this shop came up for rent, I realised that it was now or never!

Q. Why did you choose this location in Nassington?

A. It’s near my home, and I can walk to work.

I had been considering moving house so that I could get a workshop space, but when this shop came up out of the blue, it just seemed like fate. Several other people were interested in the premises, so I was very relieved when everything was signed and sealed.

Q. Do you have any members of staff?

A. Yes, I won’t be offering all the workshops myself, I have a team of freelance people who are going to be teaching here as well. Many of them are local. We have a jewellery maker, a print maker, who will offer card making workshops, a book binder, a paper crafts specialist and Tim Bascombe, who has supplied

some of the painted furniture that we’ve got here. I’ve also got a team of expert knitters. I work with Rowan, the yarn company, and have made many contacts through them.

Q. Your grand opening was on February 13th.

Who has helped you get to this point?

A. Mainly friends and family. I haven’t sought advice from banks or business advisors, I have had a ‘seat of the pants’ type approach. I just knew that I wanted to do this now. I have got a supportive family and I have a Monday sewing group of ladies who have been incredibly helpful. One of them helped me with the painting and another supplied the cakes for our opening. I’ve also had some invaluable support from Sharon Brant at Coates.

Q. Did you need to get a bank loan to finance your start up?

A. No, I have self-financed the project. My main

investment was eight new sewing machines. I have done the painting and decorating myself, with the help of some friends. The rent here is reasonable, as we are in an out of town location, so my overheads are not large. I have done some advertising (in Nene Valley Living), but that’s about it.

Q. Where do you see yourself in a year’s time?

A. In the next 12 months I hope it will be a thriving, busy little place that is open six days a week, with loads of different things going on.

I have got so many ideas. I will be taking on a young person to help out, too.

• Rowantree Craft Studio, 24 Station Rd, Nassington, Peterborough Tel: 01780 783323 email: Margaret@rowantree.eclipse. co.uk www.rowantreeworkshops.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

25

17/2/11 15:04:08

fresh ideas for Springtime 20% off

Treat yourself with an Artisana shopping card th at entitles you to a fantastic 20 %

off any purchase until Apr il 12th, an

d then goes on to earn you bonus points fo r money off future purchases every time you use it. Apply in-sto re for your card.

6 Market Place, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QH. Tel. 01572 822 056 12 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EF. Tel. 01832 270 444

Küchen Kraft w w w. k u c h e n k r a f t . c o . u k

Kitchen,Bedroom and Bathroom showroom with the areas largest selection of working kitchens and bathroom displays under one roof.

PEACE OF MIND WITH OUR VVVVV DEPOSIT PROTECTION

FANTASTIC SALE – 20% OFF ALL BECKERMANN P L U S F re e S i e m e n s KITCHENS PURCHASED THIS MONTH Dishwasher free planning | full installation | worktops | flooring | tiling Showroom, 81 West Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire PE8 4EJ 01832 270300

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Activities

d n a s r e t i r W e r o m h c so m u

James Mayhew

E

very year, the Oundle Festival of Literature throws in a few innovative surprises. This year it’s the ‘poetry chair’. The brainchild of Community Events Organiser Paula Prince, and created with magician-like precision by Jay Rubenstein, the chair, which is actually a stool, will recite poetry for whoever sits on it. You’ll find it under the eaves of The Oundle Bookshop in Market Square and its repertoire will include local and well-known poems. “It’s quirky and fun,” says Paula, “and we hope everyone will enjoy giving it a go.”

Journalist Simon Heffer’s passionate views on correct English have put him at the centre of controversy and debate. When his incisive emails to colleagues on the Daily Telegraph about grammatical mistakes and stylistic slips found their way onto the internet, they gathered quite a following. In his latest book, Strictly English, he sets out to show ‘the correct way to write and why it matters’. But is he authoritative or authoritarian?

Nigel Warburton thinks philosophy matters.

Dry as dust? Definitely not when he’s around.

Nigel’s book Philosophy Bites is based on his hugely successful podcasts that have been download over seven million times and listened to all over the world. From freedom of speech

to the nature of happiness, from what is art to the impact of new technology, he’ll be exploring how some of the great philosophers of the past can shed light on present day predicaments and concerns.

History hits Historian John Julius Norwich combines vast knowledge with an elegant charm that captivates his audiences. At the Festival he’ll be tracing the history of great cities, from the origins of urbanisation in Mesopotamia to modern mega-cities. Spanning art and architecture, trade and commerce, travel and exploration, economics and politics, his illustrated talk promises to be something special.

In another treat, the popular historian Michael Wood gives a personal insight into his BBC4 series The Story of England, in which he built up a complete picture of one English community, Kibworth in Leicestershire, over 15 centuries. With the help of local people and using archaeology, landscape, language and DNA, he uncovered the lost history of the first 1000 years of the village.

If you like your ancient history fictionalised, then Simon Scarrow, whose book sales have topped a million worldwide, is sure to appeal.

The Legion is his latest epic adventure in the action-packed Roman series. Set in Egypt, it sees the Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro tracking down rebel gladiator Ajax and his men, on and off the battlefield.

Sarah McIntyre Diverse interests Schools will be bringing well over 1000 children to the Kit Lit programme that includes Lucy Coats, who takes her readers on a journey through the ancient world; James Mayhew, illustrator and author of the Katie series; comics creator Sarah McIntyre whose feisty characters show aliens a thing or two; Philip Ardagh of Henry’s House fame and Andrew 2

Continued on page 29

From best selling authors to fast and furious performance poetry, the Oundle Festival of Literature again has tempting line-up of events.

Sue Dobson sets the scene

Simon Heffer

Michael Wood NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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ACTIVITIES

Mark Billingham

Continued from page 27

✒ Lane, who reinvents Sherlock Holmes as a brilliant but troubled teenager.

But for a family outing on Saturday afternoon, it’s hard to beat seeing author and illustrator Nick Sharratt bring his crazy characters to life. If you’ve never met a socktopus or a kung-fu-cow, a camel wearing pants or a shark that glows in the dark, then prepare to be delighted by their company.

A much admired columnist and contributor to Radio 4’s Food Programme, Rose Prince is no show-off celebrity cook. She’s wonderfully down to earth and her recipes are not only imaginative and achievable but economical, too.

Sports fans will want to see Sue Mott who, as well as being a noted columnist and contributor to countless television and radio programmes covering all major sporting events, has ghost written books for big name players, including Andy Murray. Just how revealing will she be?

On the subject of revelations, did you know that BBC Radio 4’s series North by Northamptonshire was written by local author Katherine Jakeways and that Wadenbrook is really Oundle? Two of the cast members, Felicity Montagu and Paul Forster, will be reading an actual script and Katherine, who also writes for the Armstrong & Miller Show, will be open to questions.

It’s a crime In a double bill, Mark Billingham and Michael Robotham, two of today’s best crime writers, set out to thrill and chill with stories behind their bestselling books and the characters that set them apart, the intrepid DI Thorne and Joe O’Loughlin, Robotham’s “most compelling fictional shrink since Cracker.”

There’s an opportunity to give your own detecting skills an outing at The Rhymer’s Revenge. Following last year’s hugely successful murder mystery evening, writer/ poet Nick Perry has come up with a sequel that involves backbiting, bitterness and bitchery among entrants to a poetry competition. Based on experience? Surely not! Bring food, drink and a quizzical mind.

Ghosts and Grandees, Virtue and Villainy explores previous good, and not so good, local citizens in an entertainment that introduces you to the Bearded Lady of Bulwick, the silver ghost of Apethorpe and the world’s greatest flea expert, and throws in a few surprises.

Free Sunday events The Archers may have dropped Ambridge’s transition town activities from its storyline recently, but the Oundle Transition Town Group is ready for action as they ask How Green is our Oundle? Be there to discover more about sustainable living, get ideas and learn about plans for a local currency, OLE (Oundle Local Exchange). Then join environmentalist James Strawbridge, who is currently co-writing a guide to self-sufficiency with his father, Masterchef finalist Dick Strawbridge, for some

interesting insights.

Later, head on down to the Ship Inn, get a drink and prepare for the Battle of the Bards as local wit Nick Perry takes on fiery Londoner Philip Wells in an evening of hilarious performance poetry at its best.

• The Oundle Festival of Literature runs from Saturday 12th March to Sunday 20th March with events taking place in various locations around town. Tickets cost from £5 to £8 and are available from Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle PE8 4ED, Tel: 01832 274734 (open 10am to 4pm, except Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm) or online at www. oundlelitfest.org.uk where you’ll also find full details of events. The Oundle Transition Town website is www.oundletransition.org.uk

n o r i tS a ttra ct a Don’t miss the tor extra ordin ary character act) (a nd Peterborou gh re siden

Wa rwick Davis

as Star Wars: The work in such films his m fro d tes do sharing anec rnia, playing the lea e Chronicles of Na Th or ss di, Je ofe e Pr th as of les Return and his ro w and Leprechaun watch en Th r. tte Po rry characters in Willo k in Ha the goblin Griphoo a BBC2 Filius Flitwick and in Life’s Too Short, le ro ng rri sta w ne his in t. an him rch for Me t ou Stephen Ricky Gervais and sitcom written by NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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ACTIVITIES

L O C A L WA L K

King’s Cliffe & Blatherwycke Wait for a crisp, blue sky day and set out on this wonderful walk, traversing a varied landscape from deep woodland to sheep grazing pastures and a path alongside a babbling brook 6 miles 2.5-3 hours Explorer 234, Landranger 141 Start & finish Post Office, King’s Cliffe Terrain Easy going Stiles About half a dozen Getting there 5 miles west of Wansford along A47, then 3 miles south along minor road Refreshments Cross Keys Inn, King’s Cliffe Tel: 01780 470276. Inn was established in 1732.

Very cosy front bar, pub grub, friendly welcome.

The Post Office, 1 West Street, King’s Cliffe.

General store with lots of useful things, including several pamphlets on local walks in the area.

Distance Typical time OS map

Fineshade Abbey 6

5 4

Blatherwycke Lake

DIRECTIONS Park at the Post Office in the centre of King’s Cliffe. Head west along the main village street, then cross the Blatherwycke Rd up a track called Wood Lane over the disused railway line.

Almost immediately after the railway line, turn left over a stile and follow the path across open access land in a westerly direction; at the start of the second field keep to the right along the edge of the wood and follow this path until you cross a stile and enter the woods.

The path through the woods is reasonably well marked, but keep your eyes peeled; it briefly follows the route of the disused railway line and then passes behind a derelict footbridge.

Shortly you come out into a field; turn right, following the line of the woods and where the field edge bears sharply round to the right strike out Disused railway line across the field to a stile you can just see on Westhay Wood the far side of the field.

2 King’s Cliffe 3 Follow the path 1 through the 9 wood; in a few Willow minutes you Brook 8 will come out Alders Farm on a metalled

7

Blatherwycke

1

2 3

4

5

Blatherwycke track. Follow this to the right and go through a gate; there is then a steepish descent towards a small brook, keeping Fineshade Abbey on your right.

On reaching the brook, turn left keeping this side of it, passing through a sheep pen and along a field; after a couple of hundred yards start to climb in a southerly direction.

Once over the brow of the hill you will get a view of Blatherwycke Park Farm; follow the path through a further four fields until you reach the farm.

Walk through Blatherwycke village along the road until it turns sharp right; at this point turn left in an easterly direction, passing by the church; the path at this stage is easy to follow. About three quarters of a mile after the church there is a little gap in the fence on your left; one path goes towards a footbridge over Willow Brook, you need to take the path that turns immediately right after going through the gap, heading towards Alders Farm.

At the other side of the farmyard, walk along the right of the fence and fairly soon you will come alongside the brook; this is a most charming part of the walk, stop here for a picnic. After a mile cross a footbridge over the brook and you will soon find yourselves approaching King’s Cliffe.

Cross a stile into a field (beware of the bull sign) and then another, pass the allotments into Orchard Lane, follow this straight ahead towards the church, through the lovely back ways of the village; you come out into Hall Yard; turn left and you will be back at the Post Office.

6 7

8 9

POINTS OF INTEREST King’s Cliffe The Domesday Book records that the village comprised more than a square mile of woodland in 1086 with only a small amount of cultivated land. Successive kings visited the area to hunt, notably King John and Henry II. Blatherwycke Blatherwycke’s Holy Trinity Church is in the former grounds of Blatherwycke Hall, built by the Stafford family in 1713 in Grecian style but sold for £1,600 in 1948 and demolished for building materials. The garden is now being restored.

30

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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MOTORING

Cross-over cars The new cross-over vehicles blend the style of a 4 x 4 with the flexibility of a multi-purpose vehicle. Ashley Martin reports

T

here are more than 70 motor manufacturers selling cars in the UK and between them they produce something of the order of 375 different ranges and some 6,900 models.

That, you might think, would offer choice aplenty. But you would be wrong. There are the established range sectors of superminis, small family cars (the lower medium sector), family cars (upper medium sector), compact executive models, executive cars, luxury cars, estate cars, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), 4x4s, coupes, roadsters and cabriolets and perhaps to that list can be added performance cars and hot hatches.

Exhausted already? Well, in recent years manufacturers have decided that the choice list is still not long enough so they created a sector known as city cars - essentially ‘baby’ supermini. Then, those same car producers decided that instead of large seven-seat MPVs car buyers would like smaller MPVs so along came the mini-MPV segment.

Now as car makers continue to create niche ranges they have introduced the so-called crossover which, if hype is to be believed, marries the style of a 4x4 with the flexibility of an MPV to create the ‘perfect’ family vehicle.

swiftly as they can to plug what they perceive as any hole in their model line-up. For example, Mazda will unveil a concept version of its lower medium sector crossover at this month’s Geneva International Motor.

However, the issue with crossover vehicles is that while they may blend together the characteristics of an MPV (space and higherlevel seating) and a 4x4 (off-road capability, or more realistically up-kerb capability and practicality) they cannot be defined by either size or price.

For example, the Suzuki SX4 is probably the cheapest crossover available with prices starting at around £11,750 - the Fiat Sedici is in essence a re-badged version of the Suzuki and costs a few pounds more - while at the opposite

end of the scale the flagship 3.0 litre model of the Volvo XC60 crossover range costs more than £40,000.

The Volvo may be big, but it is a lot of car for your money and is available with a wide choice of engines - the entry-level 2.0 litre costs less than £28,000 - but then there are also small crossovers like the Toyota Urban Cruiser priced from about £15,400.

Mini crossover Interestingly Mini, which is continually seeking to expand its range, has decided to label its recently launched Countryman model - the first car from the iconic brand with four doors and a large tailgate and the option of four-wheel drive - as a crossover.

A glance down the list of car ranges on sale in the UK shows that there are perhaps 20 crossover models currently available and typically though not always - with a choice of petrol or diesel power and two or four-wheel drive.

That list is sure to grow longer as motor manufacturers will undoubtedly move as

32

Continued on page 34

Multiple choice

2

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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MOTORING

Continued from page 32

2

I’m not sure about that classification, but the public is voting with its wallet as Mini claimed that 2010’s Countryman allocation was sold out weeks before its autumn launch while the 2011 order bank is reported to be ‘robust’ for the vehicle that costs from about £16,300.

Jochen Goller, director of Mini UK, said: “We knew that there would be an appetite in the UK for the extra space and greater flexibility which the Mini Countryman has to offer, especially amongst customers who reluctantly left Mini when they needed a four-door car.”

Mini puts demand for crossovers down to drivers wanting the best of both worlds with normal saloon-like driving responses as well as the added versatility of soft off-road ability and the interior flexibility to cope with all the hobbies, shopping trips and activities that are such a huge part of busy modern family life.

Toyota’s model Meanwhile, it seems that while Toyota has the small Urban Cruiser it has also jumped on the crossover bandwagon with the RAV4 even though the model has been in showrooms for years and has been through several reincarnations.

Influential consumer magazine What Car? suggests that the RAV4 is ‘arguably the car that gave rise to the whole crossover idea’.

Meanwhile, Toyota itself bills the RAV4, prices for which start from around £22,750 as the model ‘that inspired a whole new market segment for compact recreational SUVs’.

Recreational SUVs or crossovers, it is the sort of bar room debate that marketing professionals would love.

Not content with billing the Countryman as a crossover Mini, brand owner BMW also gets in on the act with its own crossover, the X1.

The premium badge manufacturer launched the X5 more than a decade ago and subsequently followed up that model with the X3 and X6 before launching the compact X1 a couple of years ago.

Although BMW steers clear of using the crossover word, industry commentators

34

describe the X1 as a crossover but tend to refer to the other X models as 4x4s. Only available as a diesel, the X1 costs from around £23,000.

Peugeot’s version Taking on the likes of BMW, which is a perennial industry award winner is a tough task but that is what Peugeot is doing with its own crossover, the 3008.

So good is the Peugeot that What Car? recently gave the model its ‘Crossover of the Year Award’ and the 1.6 THP 156 Sport model ‘best buy’ status. Launched 15 months ago, the 3008 was named the publication’s ‘Car of the Year’ in 2010 Steve Fowler, editor in chief of What Car?, said: “The 3008 offers levels of class and comfort that rivals can’t match and, with the 1.6 THP engine under the bonnet, it’s great fun to drive, too. No wonder 3008 is the envy of the sector.

“The 3008 oozes clever thinking. It is styled in a striking and user-friendly fashion and has all the room inside that a modern family should need. Some of the features are a delight, like the full-length glass roof, the head-up display and the massive cooled storage bin between the front seats. Mind you, the rest of the car is pretty clever, too; the rear seats fold flat at the pull of a lever in the boot and the false cargo bay floor means you can get a long or a tall load in. And just as importantly, the 3008 is also comfortable to drive and be driven in, as well as being keenly priced and affordable to run. All of which makes it ultra-desirable.”

With on-the-road prices starting from almost £17,000 and topping out at more than £23,000, the 3008 is in the heart of the burgeoning crossover market as far as sticker cost is concerned.

Other manufacturers Britain’s best-selling motor manufacturer Ford is in that mid-price sector of the market with its Kuga as is fast-growing Skoda with the Yeti, which none other than Jeremy Clarkson recently raved about on BBC Television’s ‘Top Gear’.

And the Far East manufacturers are, not surprisingly, also in the middle price ground with plenty of choice - the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX, and the Kyron and Korrando from Korean marque Ssangyong, for example.

Two other crossover models to mention are the Tiguan from Europe’s largest motor manufacturer, Volkswagen, which is not as cheap as many rivals, but like all the brand’s cars is as solid as they come. The Nissan Qashqai is another choice.

If you want to fly the flag for Britain then the Qashqai and its stablemate, the Qasqai+2 (a five-seater with two additional seats), is the choice with prices starting from close to £16,000.

Both models are built at the Japanese company’s car plant in Sunderland as is Nissan’s compact crossover, the Juke, which went on sale last September and has on-the-road prices starting a few thousands pounds lower than its bigger brother.

At the launch of the Juke, Trevor Mann, Nissan senior vice president of manufacturing, Europe, said: “Juke provides a much needed breath of fresh air within the small car segment and will play a key role in defining the Nissan brand in the years ahead.

“Customers in this sector now have the opportunity to own a highly individual and innovative car that will reinforce Nissan’s position as a pioneer of crossover vehicles.”

Finally, if you thought that the ever inventive designers and marketeers at motor manufacturers had reached a dead end as far as inventing vehicle sectors are concerned then think again.

At the Los Angeles Motor Show late last year Nissan unveiled the Murano CrossCabriolet, which it billed as ‘the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible blending all of the things people love in a crossover with the open-air enjoyment of a convertible’.

In terms of choice, new car buyers have never had it so good.

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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• NVL March ADS.indd 36

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WHAT’S ON

Diary dates

Every Wednesday and Friday evening

Events for March.

By Yasmin Bradley

March

Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 March

TALK: A Scrapbook of Pubs 7.30pm Steve Williams of Peterborough Pub Archive, secretary of the Pub History Society and author, waxes eloquent on local pubs past and present.

• Free. St Marks Church Hall, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2SN. Telephone: 01733 263127. www.peterborough.net/civicsociety.

Wednesday 1 - Thursday 24 March EXHIBITION: Greece: Ancient Mythology to Modern Reality Peterborough-based Russian artist, Veronika Leontyeva, whose unusual, vibrant British landscapes were shown at Stamford and Peterborough last year is exhibiting new pieces alongside four other SaintPetersburg artists.

• Hellenic Centre, 16-18 Paddington Street, London W1U 5AS. Telephone: 020 74875060

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 For more information visit ‘diary dates’ at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 37 DIARY DATES.indd 1

Thursday 3 March MUSICAL: Rollermania! - The Musical Story of The Bay City Rollers 7.30pm Wallow in a bit of 70s nostalgia at the newly reopened Broadway Theatre as you sing along with Les McKeown.

• Tickets: £18.50 - £16.50. The Broadway Theatre, 46 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1RT, www.thebroadwaytheatre.co.uk.

Telephone: 0844 850 0850.

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 March FESTIVAL: The Potbelly Folk festival 3pm till late Fabulous new folk fest with BBC Folk Award-nominated duo Megson and international artists Harry Bird and the Rubberwellies headlining and Potbelly brews on tap! • Tickets: £17 (£8.50) weekend (£8.50); £11 (£5.50) day from www.WeGotTickets.com or Kettering Tourist Information, 01536 410226.

Kettering Arts Centre, St Andrew’s Church, Rockingham Road, Kettering, NN16 8RG

Monday 14 March

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EVENT: Poetry Writing Workshop 4:30pm – 7pm Romantic poet John Clare’s restored cottage is the setting for environmental and literary events throughout the year, including this workshop with Dr Sam Ward and Cheryl Markowitz.

• Free including refreshments. Booking essential. Clare Cottage, 12 Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough, PE6 7ED. Telephone: 01733 253330. www.clarecottage.org

TUESDAY



Monday 7 March

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MUSICAL: Disney’s High School Musical 7pm (Thursday and Friday) 2pm (Saturday) Lively performance by youngsters from the city school.

• Tickets: £5 from School Reception at Orton Longueville School, Peterborough, PE2 7EA.



SPORT: The Court Badminton Club 8 - 10 pm Play badminton in local leagues.

New players very welcome.

• Bushfields Sport Centre, Orton Goldhay, PE2 5RQ. Telephone: 01733 343467

PLAY: Up Out O’ the Sea 7.30pm Following the success of the locally inspired Nobbie and Lincoln Road, another insightful new play from Eastern Angles Theatre about the long-term effects of a Suffolk lifeboat disaster.

• Tickets: £8.50 (£7.50). Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. Contact: 01733 207 239. www.peterboroughkeytheatre.co.uk

Saturday 19 March CONCERT: The Songmen 7.45pm Young, all-male and one of the foremost Close Harmony groups of the moment, The Songmen perform Elizabethan Madrigal, Victorian Parlour Song, Pop and Jazz.

• Tickets: £8 from the Music School Box Office on 01832 277132 or email: music@oundleschool.org.uk.

Oundle School Chapel, Milton Road, PE8 4AB

Saturday 26 March CONCERT: A Couple of Swells 7.45pm World famous musician Richard Rodney Bennett visits as part of his 80th birthday celebrations to present sophisticated new arrangements of classics like ‘Let’s face the Music and Dance’ and ‘Cheek to Cheek’ from the Irving Berlin songbook with Claire Martin.

• Tickets: £10 from Stahl Theatre, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ, or contact 01832 273930 or stahltickets@oundleschool.org.uk.

NENE VALLEY LIVING March 2011

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0697 TCH-Weddings Full Page Ad

10/2/11

9:41 am

Page 1

Wedding venues to suit everyone The Crown Hotel, Stamford can look after weddings of up to 25 guests in their Upper Lounge, 55 guests in the Main Restaurant and 90 guests in the Main Restaurant and Front Restaurant combined.

Each couple will have their own dedicated wedding planner who will also be there on the day to ensure all details are carried out as you would wish.

Menus can be created for you from canapés, buffets, sit-down lunch or dinner and evening buffets.

All Saint's Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG t. 01780 763136 sally@thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk

The Orangery at The Exeter Arms in Easton on the Hill is a beautiful setting for a smaller wedding for 25 people.

Marquees for up to 150 people can be erected on the paddock at the rear of the pub. Menus will be arranged through The Exeter Arms with a dedicated member of the team to look after your wedding from initial meeting through to the day itself.

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The White Hart at Ufford is available for weddings in The Orangery for up to 40 people.

The adjacent ‘Pantry’ can be hired for evening entertainment.

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A perfect setting for a relaxed and personalised wedding.

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• NVL March ADS.indd 38

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