Rutland Living October 2016

RUTLAND LIVING Covering Rutland, Market Harborough & surrounding villages

The spirit of the season

All the best fashion, beauty, interiors and events

OCTOBER 2016 ÂŁ1.50 10

www.rutlandliving.co.uk

@RutlandLiving

@rutlandlivingmag

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RUT LAND & M AR K E T H A R BO R O U G H LIV ING

October Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk

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ELLO and welcome to the October 2016 issue of Rutland and Market Harborough Living.

October! Where has this year gone?

Given the gorgeous Indian summer we’ve enjoyed this past month, it felt very odd compiling our Christmas menus and parties feature (page 15) – odd but exciting. I’m a big kid at heart and love the festive season, especially all the food that comes with it. Our local eateries look set to surpass themselves with their Christmas offerings this year and I can’t wait to try some of the delights in store for us.

But let’s not be too hasty – October is a glorious month and the countryside really comes into its own with the magical colours as the seasons change. While you’d be forgiven for wanting to hole yourself away under the covers as the nights draw in – check out our cosy interiors on page 37 if that’s your plan – make sure you find time to get outside and explore this glorious part of the world in all its autumnal wonder.

And last but not least, we’re now on Instagram – follow us at @rutlandlivingmag, where you’ll most probably find snaps of brisk walks through fallen leaves followed up by hearty Sunday lunches in cosy pubs and restaurants. October, sorted.

Enjoy!

Rachael

4 Editor’s selection

A few of Rachael’s favourite things this month

6 Fashion

It’s all in the detail

10 Local People The Prince’s Trust

15 Food and Drink

Festive menus and Christmas parties

20 Food and Drink Local and unique

23 Food and Drink

Recipe from The Olive Branch

25 Education

Oakham School’s sporting superstars

25 Out & About

Cycling and running in winter

28 Out & About

Take the plunge with Dive Rutland

31 Local Business

Businesses new to the area

37 Interiors

Time to get cosy

43 Health & Beauty VIP beauty treats

46 Out & About

What’s on in our region this month

53 Shops & Services Rutland Updates

57 Shops & Services

Editor Rachael Bull 07734 218155 rachaelbull@bestlocalliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designer Sarah Compton inkdesign@virginmedia.com Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

Harborough Happenings

@RutlandLiving @rutlandlivingmag INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

58 Local History

Crash landing in Rutland

62 Local People Nikolai Foster

RL cover: Matty Graham www.mattygraham.com MHL cover: Courtesy of Bigstock

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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EDITOR’S SELECTION Editor Rachael Bull reveals a few of her favourite things this October

Trick or treat Halloween is upon us and there’s plenty going on to thrill the kids this year – check out our ‘Three ideas for Halloween fun’ on page 49. It’s going to be spooktacular!

Seaton Meadows becomes part of Coronation celebrations In 2012, a Plantlife report revealed that a staggering 97% of our landscape’s meadows had been lost in the last 75 years. As part of the 60th It’s lovely to give someone a card that’s a anniversary of bit more special to all the rest on a birthday, the Coronation, wedding day or christening, which is why Plantlife patron I always turn to Marina B’s beautifully HRH The Prince illustrated cards. She even creates bespoke Seaton Meadows of Wales called for Photo© Plantlife cards by adding a personal message or at least one new name on request. You can find them stocked wild flower meadow in every county and for the across the area and at www.marinab.co.uk. surviving meadows to be celebrated and conserved.

EARLY The last-surviving species-rich BIRD OFFER meadow in the Welland Valley Readers can receive is Seaton Meadows, under the 20% off packs of six Welland Viaduct near Harringworth Marina B Christmas cards and now deemed the area’s (normally £6.99) if they Coronation Meadow. Find out more order before about our coronation meadows and 31 October. the new ‘recipient’ meadows in the area at www.coronationmeadows.org.uk

Reader offer for Marina B cards

THIS MONTH I’VE BEEN:

The George at Ashley This lovely local pub in the quaint village of Ashley, north-east of Market Harborough, has just reopened its doors following a hard-fought campaign from villagers. The pub closed twoand-a-half years ago and plans to turn the Grade-II listed Northamptonshire stone building into houses were turned down following tireless efforts from the villagers of Ashley to save their favourite local.

New publicans Chris and Carol have given it a full revamp and they’re now taking reservations for food and overnight stays at the pub’s new B&B. Call 01858 565411 or visit www. thegeorgeatashley.co.uk.

Half term shenanigans I’ll admit it. I’m rather envious that I’m not in the age bracket to enjoy the numerous halfterm activities going on this year – especially the Dodgeball Halloween Holiday. It’s for guys and girls aged 6 to 14 years old, on 17 & 18 October at Cottesmore Community Centre. Call qualified Dodgeball instructor Ben on 07800 967927 for more information and to book a place for your aspiring ball-dodgers.

Soaking up the sunshine at Barnsdale Lodge; oogling the A/W collection at Duo in Oakham; enjoying evening strolls along Foxton Locks; spending hours on Instagram @rutlandlivingmag 4

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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F ASHI ON

It’s all in the detail From fur cuffs to fine fringing, finishing touches are everything – here are some beautiful, locally sourced pieces for winter FASHION: NIKKI BEATTY PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

From top - left to right: Abro bag, £105, CoCo, J Brand skinny cords, £224, Munthe leather top, £229, Vic Matie shoes, £264, all Cavells. Industrial earrings, £42, Cavells, Munthe leather top, as before. Cream lace top, £59.99, Duo, Mulberry small Bayswater bag, £845, Cavells. Tom Ford sunglasses, £245, Langrick and Coe, Essentiel Beetle bag, £75, Cavells, Cream silk vest, £29.99, Duo. Marie Mero dress, £168, Vanilla, Mulberry Lock Clutch bag, £495, Cavells. J Brand skinny cords, as before, Vic Matie shoes, as before. Cream skinny trousers, £69.99, Duo, Ash star trainers, £169, Cavells. Marie Mero dress, as before, Necklace, silverqueen UK. Tom Ford sunglasses, £260, Langrick and Coe, Cream silk lace vest, as before. ¶ RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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F ASHI ON

STOCKISTS Duo, Oakham, Tel: 01572 722116, www.duoboutique.co.uk Cavells, Oakham, Tel: 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk Vanilla, Oakam, Tel : 01572 757577, www.vanillaboutique.co.uk CoCo Shoes, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757646, cocooakham.co.uk Langrick & Coe Opticians, Oakham, Tel: 01572 724407, opticians-oakhammeltonmowbray.co.uk silverqueen UK, available via ebay shop, silverqueenuk

12RUTLAND 8 RUTLAND&&MARKET MARKETHARBOROUGH HARBOROUGHLIVING LIVINGOCTOBER MAY 2016 2016

From top – left to right: Cream lace top, £54.99, Duo, Cream silk vest top, £29.99, Duo, Sparkling Arrow necklace, £15, Duo. Coccinelle bag, £95, Des Petits Hauts cardigan, £179, Otto d’Ame leather skirt, £192, all Cavells. Kanna ankle boots, £110, CoCo. Otto d’Ame leather skirt, as before, Kanna ankle boots, as before. Tom Ford sunglasses, £230, Langrick and Coe, Cream silk vest, £29.99, Duo. Smith and Canova bag, £125, Tuzzi cardigan, £195, both Vanilla. Ugg boots, £135, Cavells, Tuzzi cardigan, as before. Tom Ford sunglasses, £274, Langrick and Coe. Abro grey bag, £165, Coco, b’charmed necklace, £59, Duo, Tuzzi cardigan, as before.

With thanks to: To our beautiful model Mel Wiffen and Elli Dean for the amazing photography www.ellideanphotography.co.uk, Tel: 07932 055548.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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T HE PR I N C E ’S T R U S T

Transforming lives

Over the past 40 years, youth charity The Prince’s Trust has been helping young people get their lives back on track. Established in 1976 by HRH The Prince of Wales, who used his Navy severance pay of £7,400 to fund a number of community initiatives, this year the charity will support more than 59,000 young people. Katie Mitchell takes a look at how young people in the local area have been supported into jobs, education and training with a little help from The Trust.

Back on track

This year The Prince’s Trust is celebrating 40 years of supporting 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.

Many of the young people helped by The Prince’s Trust are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or they have been in trouble with the law. The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

“Every girl deserves beautiful shoes”

For years, 24-year-old Caroline Stillman, from Oakham, struggled to find fashionable footwear due to a medical condition called Marfan Syndrome, The Prince’s which means she stands 6’4” and has to wear Trust has supported size 10-11 shoes. Caroline’s condition meant 825,000 young people in the she experienced difficulties growing up, including severe bullying at school. She last 40 years and this year it will has always had a love of fashion, but support over 100 more each day. finding the right clothes and shoes always proved very difficult.

Three in four young people She says, “Whenever I did find anything fashionable, it was just supported by The Prince’s Trust amazing. It was something I rarely had. move into work, education or There was rarely anything on the market training. for my size or height, so I started thinking how good it would be if I could design my own.”

Frustrated by the lack of appropriate options out there, Caroline decided to do something about it. She studied for a BTEC Diploma in fashion at Leicester College and later completed a degree in footwear at De Montfort College. She gained experience working for a shoe company but was determined to design her own range and work for herself. That’s when she approached The Prince’s Trust and was referred to the Enterprise programme, which helps young people to set up in business.

Caroline received training and the support of an experienced business mentor to help her on her way and soon, Carobella was born. The main aim of Carobella is to give women like Caroline the chance to wear beautiful shoes. She says, “I believe every girl deserves to have the experience of wearing a beautiful pair of shoes, no matter how big or small their feet are. The help from The Prince’s Trust has been so helpful – especially the support of my mentor, whose support and encouragement helped me to believe in myself.”

• To find out more visit www.carobellaboutique.co.uk

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

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T HE PR I N C E ’S T R U S T Achieving potential

The Trust’s initiatives include intensive vocational training schemes, short engagement programmes, personal development courses and helping young people to set up in business.

It also helps young people struggling at school to re-engage with education, providing them with the tools – and more importantly the selfbelief – they need to reach their potential.

With all of the The Trust’s core programmes running here in the East Midlands, the return on investment is impressive – a new Trust report shows that the charity has returned £105million in value to society in the East Midlands in the last ten years alone. The calculation, by the New Economics Foundation, takes into account the return on investment of getting young people off benefits, reducing offending and re-offending, helping young people to achieve at school, and the associated savings to the public purse.

The charity is also working alongside a great range of local employers like Marks & Spencer, HSBC, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester Tigers, Leicester City FC, Leicester College, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Seed Creativity, Co-op and Tresham College.

“It’s all about self-belief, perseverance and the support of people around you.”

Efaz Ahmed struggled at school and left at 16 with no qualifications.

Unable to find work, he found himself heading down a destructive path and became involved with the wrong crowd.

A series of events including major life-threatening surgery changed Efaz’s outlook on life and he knew he had to change.

Efaz suffered glaucoma, resulting in multiple operations and Efaz being told that he could never play football again.

He said, “The issues I had with my health were a wake-up call for me and, though I suffered severe depression for eight months, I knew then I wanted to do something positive.”

With help from The Prince’s Trust, Efaz has founded a successful social enterprise called New Era Boys Academy (NEBA) in Leicester that uses football to encourage community integration and personal development.

Currently more than 100 boys are now registered across five teams, while Efaz has aspirations for the academy to have their own ground in the future. Efaz also provides one-to-one mentoring sessions and emphasises the development of transferable skills, understanding the code of conduct and good sportsmanship.

He says, “If you believe in something, if you have a vision, only you can make it happen.

Nothing comes easy in life; it’s all about self-belief, perseverance and the support of people around you. Without the help of The Prince’s Trust, my mentor, family and friends, I simply wouldn’t have got to where I am today.”

Efaz has also worked for the Big Lottery Fund initiative Talent Match, which tackles youth unemployment in some of the poorest communities in the UK, volunteered as a peer-mentor at Leicester City and became a Young Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust to help other young people get into work.

“One of the things I admire about The Trust’s work is they celebrate the achievements of the young people they work with.

Too often these days, we fail to congratulate each other on our successes. But I’ve been to many Prince’s Trust ceremonies and witnessed how important it is for individuals to be recognised for their accomplishments. A boost in confidence like that can do so much for someone’s self-esteem and set them on course for a bright future.”

Ex-Leicester Tigers player Leon Lloyd is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust.

• Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at www.princes-trust.org. uk or tel: 0800 842 842.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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EA T ING O U T

Christmas menus and party rooms for the festive season Yes, we know we’ve been enjoying a 30˚c heatwave in September, but now’s the time to get organised and start planning your festive shindig. Whether you’re searching for a venue for your office party, a family get-together or fancy leaving Christmas Day lunch to the experts, our plethora of fine local establishments are on hand. Rachael Bull takes a look The Olive Branch, Clipsham Main Street, Clipsham, LE15 7SH Tel: 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com This local favourite’s menus are looking more stunning than ever this year. Expect delights such as Tian of crab and fennel with avocado mousse and pink grapefruit dressing followed

by Confit goose leg cassoulet, celeriac and caramelised shallots then an iced-coffee parfait with mini cinnamon doughnuts.

They’ve also put together a luxury gourmet ‘Christmas Escape’ package that includes a veritable two-day feast from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day and the luxurious bedrooms across the road at the gorgeous Beech House in which to sleep it all off. Total cost is £365 per person based on two people sharing a superior room. Book on 01780 410 355.

Lake Isle Restaurant, Uppingham 16 High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 822951 www.lakeislehotel.co.uk If you’re after wonderful food and wine in exquisite surroundings, look no further than Lake Isle. This hidden gem offers superb food and outstanding service in their 2 AA Rosettes restaurant, where you’ll enjoy seasonal, local produce. It’s fine dining at its best, with over 160 different wines from 11 countries and 20 champagnes to enjoy alongside their famous Christmas menu. I’m particularly excited about the Supreme of cod, smoked stilton rarebit crust with parmentier potatoes, leeks, winter greens, cider and mussels, while veggies and non-veggies alike will want to try their Squashsage roll with whipped smoked feta, pecans and maple roasted roots.

The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham

Barnsdale Lodge

59 Main Street, Wymondham, LE14 2AG Tel: 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk Neil and Louise Hitchen offer a warm welcome and their award-winning pub and their food continues to impress us. This year they are offering a two-course menu with coffee and mince pies for £30, with a third course for £5.

You’ll enjoy masterpieces such as mulled wine poached pear with goats cheese, caramelised walnuts and watercress, followed by braised shoulder of venison with red cabbage, mash, root veg and juniper sauce – alongside the traditional festive classics, of course.

The Avenue, Rutland Water, LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 724678 www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk Barnsdale Lodge really does feel like home from home, with friendly and attentive staff and a relaxed feel. This makes it a magical place to celebrate the festive season.

Their renowned Festive Party nights, which include a 3-course dinner and disco, are on selected nights in December; £28.50 per person (Sun-Thu), £30 (Fri-Sat) Their Christmas Lunch/Dinner Menu 2016 is available Mon to Sat from 5th Dec–23rd Dec and Lunch 24th Dec. Booking is essential. Lunches, £18.00 pp for two courses, £21.00 pp for three courses. Dinner - £25.00 pp for three courses. Includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine for parties of 8 +.

Sat Dec 17th Annual Christmas Ball. Tickets cost £49.50 per person, to include a glass of Champagne on arrival, a four-course meal and dancing to the renowned ‘Fat Chance’.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel North Shore, Rutland Water, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Celebrate at one of their Christmas party nights, which includes a three-course dinner with crackers, hats and novelties, followed by music and fun provided by resident DJ. Great value at £31.50 and dates are available throughout December.

Christmas Day Lunch is £77 (£38.50 for children 6-11 years); and a brilliant New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball at £82, which includes champagne on arrival, a five-course dinner, table magician and disco.

The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington 52 Main Street, Lyddington, LE15 9LT Tel: 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk The front room of this popular destination is one of our all-time favourite spots for a hearty meal during the festive season. Brian and team offer delicious, locally sourced fare in their tastefully decorated private dining area and restaurant.

The Marquess’s Christmas lunch is oft praised for being such exceptional value, as are the party menus. And their New Year’s Eve party is fabulous fun, offering a superb menu and a B&B for the night so there’s no need for arguments about who’s driving or expensive taxis – make a night of it!

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EA T ING O U T

Christmas menus and party rooms for the festive season

Hothorpe Hall & The Woodlands Theddington, LE17 6QX Tel: 01858 881500 www.hothorpe.co.uk/christmas Between this fine hall and the modern Woodlands venue in the heart of Hothorpe’s 12 acres, there are plenty of options for Christmas get-togethers and office parties.

They’re hosting shared party nights at The Woodlands on Thursday 15th and Saturday 17th December, as well as exclusive hire at Hothorpe Hall itself on Friday 9th and Saturday 17th December. On each night, guests will enjoy a three-course meal, disco until midnight and bar until 12:30am.

For something a bit different, there’s a twonight stay in the luxury treehouse from 28th to 30th December 2016 for £500, including a continental breakfast hamper for the first night and a bottle of sparkling wine waiting on arrival. Visit www.woodlandbreaks.co.uk for further details.

The Wicked Witch

The Exeter Arms, Barrowden

Bridge St, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649 www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk You can always be sure that the food at the Wicked Witch will be cooked with flair, under the guidance of Head Chef Dameon Clarke. The Christmas party menu will be available from Thu 1st December to Fri December 23rd, advance booking and pre-order will be necessary. Two courses £24.95, three courses £29.95.

As well as traditional Christmas favourites, there are some more unusual dishes; for starters, for example, Rabbit and prune ravioli, with celeriac remoulade and caper butter sauce; for mains, Pheasant Wellington, with creamed garlic spinach, pomme dauphine and honey roast parsnip; for Desserts, Plum and lemon meringue, Lemon jelly, with plum sorbet and candid lemon.

28 Main Street, Barrowden, LE15 8EQ Tel: 01572 747365 www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk The Wade family, who took over this delightfully quintessentially village pub in April, are frequently praised for the lovely, friendly atmosphere, superb service and delicious, excellent-value food. Well worth tying in a lunch here with its wonderful views then enjoying a walk in the stunning surroundings. Call or visit the website to get details about their suitably festive fayre.

The Admiral Hornblower, Oakham 64 High Street, Oakham LE15 6AS Tel: 01572 723004 www.hornblowerhotel.co.uk It’s been quite a year for this 17th century farmhouse – it’s now part of the Finch’s Arms family and has been restored to its former glory. The festive season is full of events including A Dickensian Christmas celebration, Christmas cookery demonstrations and festive dinner (£29.95 for three courses) and festive lunch (£19.95 for three courses) to enjoy throughout December – definitely worth considering for a group get-together.

Christmas Eve and Boxing Day three-course meals come in at a reasonable £40 per head, while Christmas Day brings a four-course meal for £80. Or you can even get spoilt rotten with their two-night package from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day and eat and drink to your heart’s content.

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The Noel at Whitwell Main St, Whitwell, Rutland LE15 8BW Tel: 01780 460347 www.thenoel.co.uk The Noel at Whitwell is an incredibly welcoming pub. Its warm, friendly interior uses classic colours, natural materials and modern lighting to marry its traditional heritage, flagstone floors and open fire with a refreshing up to date environment.

Bring your family and friends to celebrate Christmas Day, with a glass of warm mulled wine & a festive five-course lunch for £75.00 per person.

There are also Party Nights, where you can gather with friends and colleagues, enjoy a great meal and dance the night away. £27.50 per person. Call for available dates.

Hambleton Hall Oakham Rd, Hambleton Peninsula, LE15 8TH Tel: 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com Hambleton Hall provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party, with its log fires, beautiful Christmas trees and sensational Christmas decorations.

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s private dining rooms, is perfect for Christmas parties of 8 – 16 guests, offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, for £60.00 per person for three courses, with a choice of three items per course. Starters include a salad of crab, bloody Mary and celery sorbet, mains include Loin of fallow venison, artichoke, sour cabbage, cocoa-flavoured sauce, while desserts include Almond Amaretto soufflé.

The Hatton Arms, Gretton 14 Arnhill Road, Gretton, NN17 3DN Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com This ridiculously quaint olde-English pub provides the perfect setting for a traditional Christmas Day lunch at £56.95 for a six-course meal. Those of you after a lovely pub venue for your Christmas party lunch, look no further than their Credit Crunch Christmas Special at £15.95 per head. And no festive season would be complete without a good old Christmas carol singsong around the piano with a glass of mulled wine, taking place on 18 December at 6.30pm onwards.

Neil and Julie will also be providing the perfect hangover remedy on New Year’s Day, offering a Traditional Full English Breakfast with a bottle of Newcastle Brown (or another drink!) for £9.95.

The King’s Head in Spratton Spratton, NN6 8HH Tel: 01604 847351 www.kingsheadspratton.co.uk Parties large and small will be well catered for at The King’s Head in Spratton, where a new marquee will be available alongside restaurant dining.

Brasserie 23 will be offering a special festive menu priced at £23 for two courses and £28 for three during Devember alongside their regular a la carte menu, and the coffee shop will be doubling up as a private evening dining space for up to 30 people. By the time diners arrive for their Christmas meal, they could find that they’re eating in award-winning surroundings. Once again, Brasserie 23 is shortlisted for ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in the Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, having won the title two years ago.

The Orchard Café, Welland Vale Garden Inspirations Glaston Road, Uppingham, LE15 9EU Tel: 01572 824935 www.wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk This popular café will be hosting their delicious traditional Christmas lunches again across December. Choose from a single course at £12.95, two courses at £15.95 and a three-course meal at £17.95 per person.

It’s not all about Christmas lunches, of course. Throughout the Christmas season The Orchard Cafe will be offering mince pies, mulled wine and mulled cider from their licensed bar as well as a mulled apple juice non-alcoholic option – ideal refreshments if you’re visiting Welland Vale Garden Inspirations for your Christmas tree, Christmas wreaths, decorations and gifts.

The Mill Street Pub & Kitchen, Oakham 6 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 729600 www.millstreetoakham.com Christmas cheer will be in abundance at this new kid on the Oakham block, whether you want a two or three-course Christmas lunch or dinner, buffet for 10 to 50 people, festive snacks to enjoy with a drink in the bar or a Boxing Day or New Year’s Day brunch with a Bloody Mary or Bucks Fizz.

For those wanting private dining, The Cavern private dining room has its own bar and 54-inch TV and can cater for 26 seated guests or 50 standing.

And for party planners that want to get a flavour of the pub’s Christmas offer before booking, the team are hosting a Christmas showcase event on Thursday, 20 October from 3pm to 9pm.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU Amuse bouche Starters Salmon ballotine Sherry crème fraiche, saffron cracker and caviar Rabbit and prune ravioli Celeriac remoulade, caper butter sauce Goat’s cheese and sage pithivier Walnut and grape chutney, lamb’s lettuce Duck liver parfait Cranberry jam, ginger and honey brioche

Mains Roulade of turkey Leg meat sausage roll, Brussel and chestnut fricassee Pheasant wellington Creamed garlic spinach, pomme dauphine and honey roast parsnip Venison and herb faggots Onion rosti, braised onions, cabbage and bacon stew Roast cod loin Salsify, prawn gnocchi, baby gem lettuce and bouillabaisse

Desserts Dark chocolate tart Mascarpone sorbet and clementine’s Salted crème caramel Praline cigar, caramelised chocolate Christmas pudding Vanilla ice cream and brandy butter Plum and lemon meringue Lemon jelly, plum sorbet and candid lemon

TWO COURSES £24.95 THREE COURSES £29.95 Available from 1st - 23rd December Tuesday - Saturday only

ADVANCE BOOKING NECESSARY

Late November dates maybe available with pre arrangement.

Boxing Day Lunch

2 courses £20.95/3 courses £25.95

New Years Eve 5 course tasting menu followed by a disco! £65

T: 01780 763649 E: wickedwitch@reborn.com www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk Like our Facebook page & keep up to date with our events

www.facebook.com/TheWickedWitchAtRyhall THE WICKED WITCH, BRIDGE STREET, RYHALL, PE9 4HH 18

Christmas Parties 2016

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s fabulous private dining rooms is perfect for Christmas parties of 8 – 16 guests, we are offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, ÂŁ60.00 per person. +DPEOHWRQ +DOO LV RQH RI %ULWDLQ¡V finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water the hotel provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party.

Salad of crab, bloody Mary, celery sorbet Ballotine of foie gras, toasted sourdough Salt baked celeriac, hazelnuts, hickory dressing

At the end of the evening why not stay the night?

*** 3DQ IULHG ¿OOHW RI VHDEDVV IHQQHO ROLYHV ERXLOODEDLVVH VDXFH Loin of pork, endive, red cabbage, Armagnac sauce Loin of fallow venison, artichoke, sour cabbage, FRFRD ÀDYRXUHG VDXFH

Log fires, beautiful Christmas trees, sensational Christmas decorations and at the end of the evening lovely bedrooms to rest your weary head.

If you would like to stay after your Christmas Party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, we are offering a special rate of ÂŁ230.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

*** $OPRQG $PDUHWWR VRXIĂ€p Chocolate tart, orange sorbet Terrine of pear and blackberry, salted caramel ice cream *** Coffee, Chocolates All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5%

HAMBLETON OAKHAM RUTLAND LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

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B R I N G I N G LO CA L FO O D TO L IF E

Local and unique K Two independent local food businesses that put passion into their produce, and offer something a little different to the chains….

BY ANNA FORGAARD: GREAT FOOD CLUB’S NEW RUTLAND & NORTH NORTHANTS EDITOR

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

ING’S Cliffe Bakery is a traditional village bakery that produces no-frills, high-quality bread, rolls and cakes, as it has done for 300 years. There’s a great story behind this business, but as with so many small local outfits, it rather hides its light under a bushel, mainly because its owners are so busy. That’s where Great Food Club comes in, as we want to promote and celebrate as many great local independents as possible.

Easily missed from the road, King’s Cliffe Bakery on West Street in King’s Cliffe has a simple “Hovis” sign above the door. That and the notice showing its opening times are the only indications it exists. But beyond the door is a thriving bakery, run by Oliver and Karen O’Sullivan, who continue the 300-year history of baking on these premises.

They bought the business in 1987 after Oliver had learnt his trade working for other family bakeries and supermarkets. They inherited condemned ovens and a shop so basic that the till was a broken moneybox.

Over the years they’ve invested in new ovens and mixers, refreshing the small shop area and expanding the retail and wholesale business. But this is still a traditional family bakery – Karen does all the packing, labelling and delivery organisation. Oliver does all the baking single-handedly from 9pm to 9am every day – longer at weekends – to produce the range of breads and cakes. His only tools are two bread mixers, a cake mixer, five ovens and a “bun divider moulder” or BDM (ask to see it if you visit – it is a machine worthy of a role in a Wallace & Gromit film).

Their aim is to produce top quality bread to traditional recipes at a fair price, which is exactly what they do. Using flour from Heygates in Northampton, vegetable fats and vegetable suets, the emphasis is on what is left out of the recipe, not what is added in. You can choose from a variety of loaves, including old-fashioned fluted (sometimes called a milk loaf), multiseed (a personal favourite), wholemeal, malt-crunch, sunflower or pumpkin loaves.

All the cakes are mixed in a mixer donated in the 1940s by the Americans at Wittering Air Base, who were keen to have some sweet treats to enjoy from the local bakery. Thanks to their generosity, you can enjoy paradise slices, Eccles cakes and a range of buns, as well as seasonal offerings such as hot-cross buns and mince pies.

King’s Cliffe Bakery bread is available from shops, post offices and newsagents around the area and is served in many restaurants and pubs in Stamford, Oundle and Peterborough.

If you are near King’s Cliffe, a visit to the shop is well worth a detour to see a traditional bakery, pick up a fresh-from-theoven loaf and listen to village chat. But don’t expect to see Oliver – he’s likely to be tucked up in bed.

• King’s Cliffe Bakery, 68 West St, King’s Cliffe, PE8 6XA, 01780 470205 facebook.com/kingscliffebakery

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EXT up is a fantastic local caterer I’ve recently discovered – Devine Betty’s based in Barnwell, near Oundle. Devine Betty’s are perfect for foodies demanding something a bit different on the table. Owners Liz and Emma are both passionate about food, the ingredients and the presentation, and will go to great lengths to ensure their dishes are made from authentic ingredients – if a Peruvian dish requires Aji Amarillo chillis, they will source them rather than use a substitute.

From intimate dinner parties to extravagant weddings, via shoot lunches and birthday parties, Devine Betty’s devise imaginative menus, revise recipes to suit the customer’s tastes and deliver the most beautifully presented food. They will also organise the marquees, tables, chairs and staff if required everything to make the occasion run smoothly and look stunning.

Because their approach is so personal and tailor-made, don’t expect set menus.

Instead, they create each menu to reflect the customer’s taste, lives and experiences.

They have delivered pie-and-mash weddings,

Brazilian tapas, Peruvian feasts, Lebanese lunches and American dining. If you want a Russian breakfast, Emma and Liz will relish the challenge of researching, testing and tweaking dishes until they have found a selection that will suit - and surprise.

Their food can also be tasted at the regular supper clubs they run at Brewbabu in Oundle, Stanley’s in Kettering and the Beer House in Market Harborough. Serving set menus themed around a country’s cuisine, expect dishes such as empanadas, albondigas and envueltos de betenjena at a Spanish night, or Acaraje, pao de quijo, frango churrasco, costello de porko assada with aji and chimmichurri on the side at a Brazilian night. Whatever the theme, the dishes will be imaginative and authentic.

Liz and Emma are both quirky characters, brimful of fun and passion and this is reflected in all their food, which really does taste as good as it looks.

• Devine Betty’s Catering Co, Unit 17 Barnwell Manor Est, Barnwell, Nr Oundle, PE8 5PL facebook.com/Devinebettys

Join Great Food Club With its new editing team, Great Food Club is on a mission to unearth brilliant food and drink gems in your area and beyond. We currently recommend around 320 pubs, restaurants, producers and food shops, and around 200 of them run exclusive offers for Great Food Club members. Offers include 10% off at Stamford Cheese Cellar, 10% off at The Tobie Norris, a complimentary cocktail when you dine from the a la carte menu at The Olive Branch, 10% off at The King’s Arms in Wing, and 25% off at The Fox & Hounds in Exton. It is completely free to join and get a membership card – no catches – and we never share your data – sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk

About the writer

Anna lives in “the best village in England (King’s Cliffe)” with her husband, two boys, four chickens and an allotment. Her perfect meal is spicy, slow-cooked lamb, gratin dauphinois and a Rioja Gran Reserva.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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Now taking bookings for Christmas Country Inn and Restaurant A warm welcome is assured at our quintessential old English county pub, bringing you the best of British home cooked meals and a choice of well kept Real Ales.

Why not join us for Sunday Lunch?

Choice of 3 roasts all served with the traditional trimmings £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month.

Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head

Friday Lunchtime Special

2 Portions of Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas for £10 Tue, Wed, Thur 12pm – 11pm (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Fri, Sat 12pm – 12am (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Sun 12pm – 6pm (Food 12.30pm – 3pm).Closed Mondays

LAST ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE FOOD IS STOPPED SERVING

14 Arnhill Road, Gretton | Northants, NN17 3DN

Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com

MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

“In control and totally flexible. Food was utterly delicious, staff charming, no hesitation in recommending you ” Ali Crossley

s Fully tailor-made and refined menu s Advance menu tasting s Fixed price quotation s Site visit included s Pay bar and Bar staff available s Supply your own wine – no corkage charges

Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882 The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ e-mail sarah@rutlandgourmet.co.uk

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T HE OL I VE B RAN C H R E C I PE

Lashings of custard and ginger beer!

The Olive Branch’s head chef Sean Hope with a pud that would go down well with the Famous Five…

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HINGS have been hectic at The Olive Branch of late. Summer is always busy due to the holidays, then Burghley Horse Trials weekend is upon us, and next, before you know it, people are calling up asking about (whisper it) Christmas! It’s a non-stop rollercoaster ride but we all love it. And as if we weren’t busy enough, we’ve also got the new allotment over the road to look after. I’ll be bringing you more news of how it develops as time goes on.

We recently found out we’d been named County Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2017, which is excellent news (although we go more by our customers’ opinions than the critics’, but recognition is always nice!).

Right, down to business. This recipe is from one of my recent cookery demonstrations. It’s a truly delicious dessert – enjoy!

BAKED SAFFRON CUSTARD, GOOSEBERRY AND GINGER BEER COMPOTE, POPPYSEED TUILE Serves 4 Baked saffron custard • 1-litre double cream • 200g sugar • 250g egg yolks • 2 sachets saffron Method 1. Bring the cream, sugar and saffron to the boil, remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature 2. Once the cream is cool, mix it with the egg yolks 3. Pour the mixture into a deep-sided oven-proof tray 4. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 100C (Gas mark 1/4) for 45-55 mins until set 5. Allow to cool in the fridge overnight before serving

GOOSEBERRY AND GINGER BEER COMPOTE • 250g fresh gooseberries • 250ml ginger beer • 250g caster sugar • Juice and zest of 1 lime • 1 vanilla pod – split Method 1. In a saucepan add the ginger beer, sugar, lime & vanilla 2. Bring to a rolling boil and add the gooseberries 3. Remove from the heat, cover with cling film 4. When cool, strain the syrup into a saucepan and rapidly boil to reduce by 50% 5. Cool the syrup and add back to the poached gooseberries, then serve

POPPYSEED TUILE MIX 5. Sprinkle the • 2 egg whites poppyseeds on top of • 65g caster sugar the tuile paste • 30g butter 6. Bake in a • 75g flour preheated oven at 165C (Gas Mark 3) for 1. Whisk egg whites approximately seven and sugar for one minutes, or until minute golden brown 2. Add all the other 7. Remove from the ingredients and beat together until smooth oven and allow to 3. Chill the mix for 10 cool and become crisp minutes 8. Serve 4. Using a pallet knife, spread the mix evenly using a template to shape

PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD?

If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club.

• Sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, free of charge.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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24

PEOPLE

Sporting superstars inspire the next generation at Oakham School

“It’s not all about results. What’s important is developing young people.”

Crista Cullen became the second former Oakham School student to become an Olympic champion when she won gold with Team GB in Rio this summer. She is part of a conveyor belt of top-level sports talent at the school. Nick Rennie met the man in charge of the sports department to find out more about the ethos of sporting excellence there.

Iain Simpson – Director of Sport Oakham School

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RISTA Cullen’s heroics at Rio 2016 was just the latest in a series of outstanding sporting achievements

by Old Oakhamians.

Lewis Moody won the Rugby World Cup with England in 2003 and Stuart Broad became an Ashes cricket hero, as well as the world’s number one bowler.

All three regularly return to Oakham School to coach or give talks to students, as do many other alumni who have become top-level sportspeople.

Iain Simpson, who has been director of sport at Oakham School for a decade, said: “The Old Oakhamians enjoy coming back and they really inspire the students who are here now.

“If children meet someone who looks like them and who went to the same school, it’s understandable they will be thinking, ‘Why can’t I do that too?’”

Lewis Moody

Crista Cullen visiting Oakham School in 2010 & pictured with Alice Huddlestone, who now plays for England Under 21s The school has been celebrating this summer after Crista won her Olympic gold medal following that thrilling hockey penalty shoot-out victory over The Netherlands.

Crista, who left the school in 2003 and won a bronze at London 2012 with the Team GB squad, became only the second ex-pupil to become an Olympic champion – Arthur Lawrence Rook won three-day eventing gold at the 1956 Stockholm games.

Two other members of the British squad also have links with the school. Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch, who saved every Dutch penalty in the final shoot-out, was a goalkeeper coach for Oakham students four years ago and Ellie Watton was a teacher there for three years.

“Crista is a regular visitor and coach at the school and she accompanied the school team on last year’s pre-season camp in Holland.

“One of our students, Alice Huddlestone, has been coached by Crista and she is now playing for the England Under 21 team.”

And there are already signs that the current intake contains top sporting talents.

This summer’s cricket 1st XI had the school’s second-best ever season, the girls’ football team won a national competition, the boys’ hockey team were UK runners-up and the netball team also made national finals.

It is exciting times for the Oakham School sports department because the sports hall is being completely renovated to the tune of £1.2 million. New changing rooms and a spectator gallery will be added by next Easter to a building that dates back to 1970. Cricket nets and artificial pitches are being upgraded and a second sports hall will also be erected.

Iain co-ordinates the activities of 14 staff and

15 external coaches.

The school already boasts eight rugby pitches, six cricket squares, two artificial surfaces and Stuart eight netball Broad courts.

Facilities are so good that Premier League football clubs Manchester United and Chelsea both staged academy training camps at the school over the summer.

Iain said the school sports department aimed to help all students develop a passion for sport, regardless of ability.

He said: “It’s not all about results. What’s important is developing young people. The vast majority are not going to go on and be elite sportsmen and women. We want them to have skills to play at university or to continue playing sport later in life.”

The school continues to help Old Oakhamians after they leave, sponsoring rugby player Tom Croft in his first season at Leicester Tigers before he went on to play for England.

And it has also set up a sports aid foundation to help talented young sportspeople, whether they attended the school or not. Top British golfer Charley Hull was one to benefit.

Iain added: “We take a pride in trying to assist guys once they leave Oakham. It’s not a case of ‘you’ve done your A-levels, now off you go’. We help them as much as we can.”

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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Extensions should complement their environment

Your complete Home Build Solution from concept to completion 01780 729027 www.brownandjones.co.uk

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Brown & Jones Ltd Contemporary & Traditional Property

OUT & AB OUT

Top tips for cycling and running in winter Be seen when out running

As the long winter nights approach, it gets increasingly challenging to exercise outside. However, you can still enjoy running and cycling in the cold and wet. Nick Rennie consulted some Rutland experts for tips on how to run and cycle safely and enjoyably during the winter months

Getting your bike ready for winter So you are determined to stay fit over the winter by going out cycling, despite the cold, dark and often wet conditions of the roads and paths.

Staff at Rutland Cycling, which has two stores at Rutland Water, recommend that you make subtle changes to your bike to make it safe to ride.

The first thing to do is to reduce tyre pressure slightly because this increases the contact area with the ground and improves your grip.

Experts also advise a six-step plan to get your bike winter-roadworthy: 1. Clean the drivetrain (the gears, chain and crank set) and then apply a wet lube 2. Fit mudguards if you don’t have any 3. Clean the bike thoroughly after a winter ride 4. Swap your normal tyres for heavier-duty winter tyres (consider tubeless tyres to avoid punctures) 5. Get your bike professionally serviced ahead of winter 6. Ensure your lights work Wearing high-visibility clothing is common sense, of course. It’s also important to wear base layers to keep yourself warm, but not to the point where you are too hot.

Readers can get Rutland Cycling staff advise wearing Merino wool baselayer clothes 10 per cent off a full and a heavier, windproof and waterproof jacket with high-visibility bike service at Rutland elements. Thermal socks and waterproof gloves are also recommended.

Cycling by quoting ‘Living Magazine’ until October 31, 2016.

Safety on the road

Winter runners should pay close attention to what they are wearing, according to Rutland Running and Triathlon Club president Paul Rogerson.

Paul suggests wearing a reflective, lightweight, waterproof high-visibility jacket along with a flashing armband.

Layered clothing ensures you won’t overheat. A first layer of compression clothing works well, teamed with a hat and gloves, if it is particularly cold. Paul usually wears a neck buff to stay warm and well ventilated.

“Always run towards the oncoming traffic so you can take avoiding action if they don’t spot you,” said Paul.

“Staying hydrated is as important in winter as it is in summer. Take a small bottle of water because you will still sweat in the cold, particularly on distances greater than 10km or when you run for more than an hour.”

There are also advantages to joining a running club like Paul’s over the winter months. Having others to run with helps motivate you to run in the cold, Paul pointed out. And it’s safer, particularly for women, it’s sociable and you will learn new running routes.

Paul added: “Winter is also a good time to cross-train, so it’s worthwhile going to the gym for some calisthenic workouts to strengthen the core or to the pool for a swim.”

• Go to www.rutlandrunandtri.co.uk for more information on Rutland Running and Triathlon Club.

It is vitally important that you have your wits about you when riding in winter. Look further ahead than normal to prepare for hazards.

Aim your front wheel at dry patches and sections with more grip and avoid painted road markings and manhole covers. More potholes appear in winter and they can often be concealed by being filled with water.

Key safety tips from Rutland Cycling experts are: • Use only your rear brake in icy conditions with gentle, progressive application • If your bike slides on ice or damp surfaces and starts going sideways, don’t panic. Make small corrections rather than sudden over-steering movements.

• All of the products mentioned above are available at Rutland Cycling’s Whitwell superstore. Rutland Cycling is online at www.rutlandcycling.com or you can call 0330 5550080.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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A C T IV IT IES

Take the plunge

“Diving is very addictive and our members find that it’s a fantastic way to discover the natural world, make friends and learn new skills.”

Dive Rutland is the county’s longest established and largest diving club with members drawn from all over the East Midlands. Whether you’re looking for a brand new hobby or like the idea of preparing to go diving while on holiday, the club’s team of professional instructors offer a range of courses to suit adults or children, complete beginners or those wishing to take their diving skills to the next level.

Amander Meade spoke with John Sinclair from Dive Rutland, which is owned by IDC Staff Instructor, Tracey Roberts.

Where do your members train and what kind of courses do you offer?

Our members train in Oakham School’s swimming pool on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and every first and last Sunday at Stoney Cove in Leicestershire. All our instructors and courses are endorsed by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) starting with our Bubblemaker course aimed at children between eight and ten years.

Bubblemaker gives young people the opportunity to enjoy SCUBA in a fully supervised and controlled environment. Young divers aged ten or over can begin the PADI Open Water Diver programme and progress through the levels from there.

We have courses that cater for everyone from complete beginners to those wanting to refresh their skills or move into new areas of experience and qualification. We also offer instructor training for those pursuing professional SCUBA qualifications. For firsttime divers the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Programme at £29.95 is an easy and cost effective way to try diving before committing to a full course. It’s also a really popular gift.

What is the best age to begin – and is it ever too late?

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Dive Rutland offer courses to young divers as young as eight years old and we have taught individuals coming to diving for the first time in their mid-seventies.

What if I’m not the most confident swimmer – can I still learn to dive?

Certainly – in fact learning to dive will only improve water confidence and wearing fins helps enormously.

Do I have to invest in lots of expensive equipment?

Not at all. Equipment is covered within all courses (except Technical) and free use of equipment for the pool is part of the club membership fee (Gold).

What’s the best thing about belonging to a club like Dive Rutland?

Divers are by nature a sociable bunch and the benefit of club membership is that you can always find a diving buddy – a spectacular dive is far more fun with someone to share the experience and talk about it afterwards. We organise great trips all over the UK and have been to Malta, the Maldives and most recently a brilliant visit to Iceland.

My personal favourite dive was to Scapa Flow in Orkney to see the wrecks of the German fleet, which was scuttled there after the end of

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

the First World War. Diving is very addictive and our members, from all walks of life, find that it’s a fantastic way to discover the natural world, make friends and learn new skills. There is no huge initial expense – you can acquire kit little by little, beginning with a mask and snorkel and take it from there.

Fancy joining the team?

Dive Rutland is on the lookout for Dive Masters, Assistant Instructors, OWSI and above to work with them as volunteers. In return for all the benefits associated with a busy PADI 5 Star Centre, you should have current PADI Professional current teaching status and be a good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.

• To find out more about volunteering or learning to dive, contact Tracey Roberts at Dive Rutland. Tel: 0845 5195464 or 01572 868450 or visit www.diverutland.com

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FROM DESIGN TO BUILD

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1981 - 35 Years

Tel:01780 756666 www.qks-ltd.co.uk Showroom: Unit 4, Cherryholt Lane, Stamford, PE9 2EQ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm

Images show the design & finished build by QKS

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LOCA L B USI NESS

Local businesses going from strength to strength With Leicestershire and Rutland leading the way in economic growth across the East Midlands region, Rachael Bull talks to a handful of new businesses to the area about their success and what makes the area so special.

Mike McKinlay at Oliver’s Kitchens Oliver’s Kitchens was founded 30 years ago by furniture makers passionate about designing and creating beautiful pieces of furniture and has since become recognised for exceptional craftsmanship. Due to high demand locally and further afield, in June 2016, they opened their showroom in Oakham.

Lizzie and Becky from Dot & Dab Lizzie and Becky are sisters who both love crafting. Lizzie has a degree in graphic design and Becky has spent the last four years running her own business. They came together to run a stall at the Craft Market in Market Harborough, then opened Dot & Dab in December 2015.

About the company: “There are many reasons why our customers continue to recommend us and come back to us for further additions to their furniture. First and foremost, it has to be down to the quality of craftsmanship and materials.

“What makes us different is that we make both the doors and the top, bottom and sides of our cabinets from the finest quality solid oak. All of our joints are dovetailed, providing both a beautiful finish and an incredibly durable piece of furniture that is built to last a lifetime.

About the company: “We are very knowledgeable about many different types of crafts and the supplies we stock. We’re dedicated to our customers and can source products that aren’t regularly stocked or are difficult to find. We are friendly and inviting to everyone who visits our shop or gets in touch.”

About the area: “We love the friendly people here. As soon as we arrived in Market Harborough, we were made to feel very welcome. Lots of the other local business owners have popped in to say hello and offer support.

“Just a wander round the town is always enjoyable, or a visit to the Symington Building and learn the history of the Corset in Leicestershire. For those cardmakers among you, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas cards and gifts. Pop down and see what supplies we have in our Christmas range.”

• Dot & Dab Craft Supplies, 48 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DU. Tel: 01858 468854 www.dotdab.co.uk

About the area: “It was easy for us to decide to locate our showroom in Oakham. It’s such a pretty town with a fascinating history. Many of the shops are individual, luxury boutiques and we felt that Oliver’s would sit very nicely amongst them.

“Oakham is the perfect setting for a day out with the many shops and bistros on offer. Spend time in the town and then come and visit us. Take a look at our kitchens and accessories on display – we will even supply the comfy seating and coffee!”

• Oliver’s Kitchens, 1 High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AJ. Tel: 01572 503015 (showroom) or 01604 372025 (workshop) www.oliverskitchens.co.uk

Sean McGuirk, general manager at Mill Street Pub & Kitchen Mill Street Pub & Kitchen is the newest offering from the Epic Pubs collection, opening in the heart of Oakham in July 2016.

About the company: “All of our pubs offer people a homefrom-home environment and we want our customers to feel a part of our family, with a warm friendly welcome guaranteed.

“We serve delicious food made from the best of British ingredients and quality drinks throughout the day, whether customers want to pop in for coffee and a cake, a lunchtime sandwich, a cocktail or beer or a full three-course meal.

“Our weekly events such as steak and burger nights, and monthly ‘Pub Club’ events such as game dinners offer a great night out for excellent value for money. Mill Street is also the perfect place to celebrate those important family occasions in one of our private dining rooms.”

About the area: “Oakham is such an exciting and vibrant place, with so much to see and do.

We love the farmers’ market, featuring a wealth of excellent producers, which runs the third Saturday of every month and is a must visit for foodies. Mill Street is an ideal spot to call in for breakfast or lunch before or after a market visit.”

• 6 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA, 01572 729600, www.millstreetoakham.com

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Rebecca from Rebecca Couture Millinery Rebecca started making pieces a few years ago for herself, family and friends and advertised them through social media.

People started showing a vast interest in her work and it’s progressed fairly quickly from there.

Her headpieces are now stocked in a number of boutiques up and down the country and overseas.

Nigel Moore at Livingstone Moore Interiors

About the area: Rutland is a lovely area. My children have settled into the schools well and everybody is so friendly. Rutland Water is our favourite place to visit as a family, it’s lovely to enjoy all year round.

• Rebecca Couture Millinery, 23b Suite 9, Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, Oakham, LE15 7TU. Tel: 01572 490432 www.rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk

About the area: “Having been born in this area, we love the diversity of people, the countryside, its history and the easy access to main motorways.

“There are some great local small independent businesses. We should all try to support them because you will find they are more likely to put something back into the local area. Livingstone Moore has sponsored the Harborough Sports Awards and the Pride in Northamptonshire Awards, as well as supporting local charities.”

Livingstone Moore opened its kitchen and bathroom showroom in Corby last year and offers a full design and installation service. It’s a family business, established in 1983, with 36 years’ experience between Nigel and his son.

About the company: “Most of our work comes from customer recommendations. We project manage from start to finish, carrying out all alterations.

It makes us a one-stop shop where we take the strain and stresses away from the customer and create their dream bathroom or kitchen. We also try and use as many British manufacturing suppliers as possible.

• Livingstone Moore, Unit 4 Curie Courtyard, Cockerell Rd, Corby Northants NN17 5DU. Tel: 01536 260663 www.livingstonemooreinteriors.co.uk

knowledge of both technical and decorative lighting, setting up a stylish showroom showcasing interesting and inspiring lighting was the logical way forward and it opened last year.

James and Pippa from Lumison Lighting

About the company: “Not only do we offer a huge selection of lighting, but we provide a design consultancy service. Clients come to us not only for advice on selecting a new fitting, but also to instruct us to design complete lighting schemes, whether one room or a complete property. Our design consultancy also covers commercial projects such as retail, offices, factories and even churches.

We’re able to provide our customers with the complete package – advice, design consultancy, light fittings and installation.”

James and Pippa set up Lumison Lighting in January 2014, primarily as a lighting design consultancy. While specifying lighting on various projects, it became apparent very quickly the need for a showroom so clients could view fittings at close hand.

With Pippa’s creativity and James’s

About the area: “We love living in Rutland and the surrounding area, not only for the beautiful countryside but also for the community spirit that is ever present in the towns and villages. With the clocks going back, think about what lighting

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About the company: “I’ve been up and running in Rutland since June 2016, having moved here from Chichester. I make anything bespoke to match any outfit and I listen to the customer to get a feel of what they enjoy to wear. Everyone likes to feel great on special occasions, so it’s important for me to make something that suit them.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

you might need and also what light bulbs you require. Remember lighting done well will completely transform a room, more than just a lick of paint!

• Lumison Lighting Design, 1 South Street, Oakham, LE15 6BG. 01572 724600. www.lumisonlighting.co.uk

bright ideas....

Visit our Oakham showroom to view our extensive range of stylish inspirational lighting Talk to our experienced design team and discover more about our lighting design service

1 South St | Oakham | LE15 6BG

www.lumisonlighting.co.uk

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Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy David Letts 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. LE16 9BP Tel: 01858 467716 Mobile: 07445 532774 dal63@hotmail.co.uk

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Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting and the latest in LED technology.

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LIGHTING With a huge selection of indoor and outdoor lighting from the best British and European manufacturers, we can cater for every style and taste.

With brands such as Franklite, Elstead, Endon, Metal-Lux and many others, we can also supply a huge range of lighting to suit every taste, décor and mood.

CONSULTANCY If you’re not sure exactly what you’re after, then we would be more than happy to suggest a lighting solution just for you.

From our extensive range of suppliers, we can source everything from a single wall light to fully integrated lighting systems – and if you can’t make it into the shop, we can visit you in the comfort of your own home.

BESPOKE MANUFACTURE Further to our extensive range of offthe-shelf lighting options, we also offer a bespoke manufacture and design service for that extra special lighting solution.

Contact us for further information.

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

www.harboroughlights.co.uk 01858 467716

I NT ER IO R D ESIG N

Autumn woodlandinspired interiors Autumn is a season famous for harvest, turning leaves, cooling temperatures and darkening nights. The colour of the changing landscape as the leaves turn yellow, red and gold is an expected and magnificent sight. Misty mornings followed by glorious golden sunrises, crisp autumnal woodland walks and relaxing evenings snuggled up by the fire are some of the highlights of this transition season between summer and winter. This month’s interiors are inspired by our woodlands and wildlife at this special time of year. Kirstie Mitchell looks at how easy it is to emulate a woodland theme for a cosy, country-style home with some fantastic ideas from local retailers and designers.

S

TART by decorating rooms with calming cream, off-white shades and pale grey tones, and pair these with beautiful woodlandprinted textiles, furnishings and accessories.

Texture can be achieved by wallpapering one or two walls with stunning autumn prints featuring foliage such as conkers and leaves and dress windows with woodland print blinds and curtains.

Add striking animal print throws and cushions to neutral coloured sofas and armchairs. Rugs with a gorgeous palette of rich autumnal tones embellished with elegant floral designs will add a touch of luxury to any room.

Wooden light fittings provide extra warmth to a room as well as an eye-catching feature. Use dimmable LED light bulbs with a colour temperature of 2700 to 3000K to ensure that the colour of your wooden lights are natural and vivid.

Woodland animal ornaments, sculptures and scenic landscape paintings will reflect character and interest. For a vintage style woodland theme, look out for items such as rustic reclaimed wood, distressed furniture, handmade throws and fabric cushions.

Finally, bring the outside in with candles and reed diffusers scented with patchouli and sandalwood.

Tom Raffield Butterfly Light and Stand £660 Oak £680 Walnut Lumison

Lord and Master Bronze Stag Sculpture

by James Stockton £1250 Trent Galleries

Kangris Lamp Base £145 Natural Linen Shade £59.95 Lumison

Reynard Relaxing Original Oil Painting by Gary Benfield £1495 Trent Galleries

Patchwork Hedgehog Doorstop by Dora Designs £27 Sarah Harding Interiors

Autumn Breeze by Chloe Nugent £995 Trent Galleries Voyage Maison Gregor Stag Cushion Linen £55 Velvet £60 Sarah Harding Interiors

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Sanderson Woodland Walk Collection (Print & Embroideries and Wallpapers) – POA Sarah Harding Interiors RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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I NT ER IO R D ESIG N

Vintage Fabric Cushion - £18 Hand Crochet Throw - £60 (other colours available) Reverse Painted Letter - £45 Handmade Autumn Bunny - £30 Pumpkin Spice Hand Poured Soy Wax Candle - £12 Rustic Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table - £99 Keals of Market Harborough

Conkers and Crumpled Leaves - digitally printed wallpaper. £95 per roll (10 metre length x 52 cm width) Charlotte Krone Textile Designer

Whittlewood Forest Roman Blind in copper.

Hand screen-printed in metallic copper on Irish linen. £85 per metre (Width: 125cm, Repeat: 38cm) Suitable for upholstery and all other furnishings (25,000 Martindale) Charlotte Krone Textile Designer

The Langham Chair - £595 Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors

Whittlewood Forest. The design is created from an ink drawing of a forest in Northamptonshire renowned for its bluebells every year. The repeat of the design is the cycle of the old leaves falling to the forest floor to create the fresh new leaves of the tree below.

Charlotte Krone Textile Designer

Whittlewood Forest Silver on Slate Fabric. Hand screenprinted in silver on slate dyed Irish linen. £85 per metre (Width: 125cm, Repeat: 38cm) Suitable for upholstery and all other furnishings (25,000 Martindale) Charlotte Krone Textile Designer

Hand Knitted Contemporary Indian Rug (2.45m X 1.73m) £1144 Oakham Rugs Voyage Maison Cairngorms Throw in Birch £99.99 Voyage Maison Aviemore Cushion in Birch £59.99 In Heaven at Home

The Luca Chair - £475 Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

DIRECTORY Charlotte Krone Local Textile Designer charlottekrone@hotmail.co.uk www.rediscoveredby.com Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors 27 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA 01572 722345 www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk In Heaven at Home 30 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7NL 01858 467075 www.inheavenathome.com Keals 10a Abbey Street, Market Harborough, LE16 9AA 01858 419798 www.keals.net Lumison Lighting Design Solutions 1 South Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6BG 01572 724600 www.lumisonlighting.co.uk Oakham Rugs 6 The Maltings, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA 01572 724441 www.oakhamrugs.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors 6 Market Place, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9QH 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk Trent Galleries 11 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA 01572 722790 www.trentgalleries.co.uk • Please note artist Gary Benfield will be in attendance at the Oakham Gallery on 8th October 2-4pm. Please contact the gallery for information

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VIP beauty HEA L T H & B E AUTY

treats

Ever wondered how celebrities always look so fabulous?

Catherine Varney uncovers the beauty regimes of the rich and famous and finds out how you too can look red carpet-ready with the help of our local salons...

A-list skin

Red Carpet Brows The secret to success of every famous face is a pair of very well groomed brows. And even celebrities aren’t immune to the effects of over-plucking, so a helping hand in the brow department is essential before any public appearance.

Therapist Rebecca Tidd at Olive Tanning and Beauty Studio has recently introduced Ilah Brows, a concept created by award-winning celebrity beauty artist Tahira Wells that has been dubbed the ‘red carpet brow treatment’.

She told me what makes them so special: “The brows are inspired by the same cutting techniques used in hairdressing so the shaping uses a combination of threading, waxing and tweezing to get the perfect brow for each individual. The range of colours in the tints is exceptional so you can be colour-matched to perfection. Plus, the tint lasts on the skin longer than other methods so there’s less need for pencilling in the gaps everyday; it’s great for anyone with thin or sparse brows.” Take your inspiration from the best celebrity brows as voted for by Glamour magazine: Lily Collins came top for bushy brows whilst Megan Fox was praised for her ‘preened-to-perfection’ arches.

Not every A-lister has won the genetic lottery when it comes to youthful, luminous skin. Just like the rest of us, they need to cheat their way to a clearer looking complexion. The rejuvenating CACI facial is loved by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Lisa Snowdon and Gwyneth Paltrow to name just a few, and here in Rutland you can get the same superstar treatment at Ellique Beauty. Known as the non-surgical facelift, the CACI treatment uses little electrical pulses transmitted through metal rods on the skin to kick-start the muscles so they’re toned and lifted, leaving the skin plumped and fresh-looking. And if it’s good enough for the likes of Gwynnie and co, it’s good enough for us.

Envy-inducing hair Balayage is still big news and I like to think of it as the more expensive-looking sister of the ombre trend - subtle colour hand-painted into the lengths of the hair, blended seamlessly into the roots. But beware, this is one look you simply can’t create at home. When I fancied injecting some lighter blonde and caramel tones into my own boring brown hair, I went to GLOW at Barnsdale Lodge and put myself in the very safe hands of Artistic Director Helen Chalk. It’s worth mentioning that in addition to being a boring brown colour, my hair has very persistent red undertones so any previous attempts at going lighter have all ended up more ginger than golden. This didn’t faze Helen at all and she managed to weave the lighter colour I wanted through the ends whilst covering up my pesky greys at the roots – fabulous! My fave celebrity balayage colours are showcased on models Lily Aldridge and actress Jessica Alba who manage to look effortlessly chic. Now I just need Helen to style my hair in casual curls every morning and I’ll be happy!

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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HEA L T H & B E AUTY

Top five celebrity treats So what are the weird and wonderful beauty treats our celebs can’t do without?

1

Japanese Nightingale Facial – it’s reported that Victoria Beckham is a big fan of this skin ‘treat’ in which the droppings from the Japanese Nightingale are mixed with bran and applied to the skin. It’s said to be excellent for treating acne scarring and discolouration of the skin.

2

24-Carat Gold Liquid Facial – a favourite of the Victoria’s Secrets models, it’s said to free the skin of impurities, increase oxygenation and slow down collagen depletion, resulting in a more youthful complexion. And with a price tag in the region of £1000, it certainly lives up to its name.

The best beach body Love her or hate her, you can’t deny that Kim Kardashian looked great in her bikini this summer. And looking so trim and toned after two children can’t just be attributed to her strenuous workouts and Atkins diet. It’s reported that Kim has also had a few sessions of nonsurgical skin tightening to smooth out the loose skin on her tummy after her impressive weight loss. You could get a very similar result with 3D Radio frequency treatments at the Chaelis Clinic in Kettering.

Targeted radio frequencies are used to heat beneath the skin, breaking down depleted collagen and creating a firmer, more youthful look – fabulous for stretch marks and puckered, stretched skin. It works on all areas of the body and 6-8 treatments will give outstanding results.

Supermodel shine As we get older, hair naturally loses its lustre and shine, resulting in dull, parched-looking hair. Celebrities ensure they look cameraready at all times with Brazilian blowdry treatments, which infuse the hair shaft with moisture-packed keratin to ensure it looks healthy from the inside out. But with prices in the region of £300 for mid-length hair, this is out of the question for many of us. To get your famous glow without blowing the budget, try the new Protocol Discipline from Kerastase, which essentially makes your hair more obedient, smoother, more supple and it will blowdry 33% quicker with unbelievable shine. Creme Hair and Beauty are currently offering this service for £60, which includes a full in-salon treatment, polished blowdry and shampoo and conditioner to take home for the best results.

Relax & recline It is well known that Cleopatra liked to bathe in milk. And why not, the benefits for skin are well-documented. But for a modern-day approach (which is definitely more luxurious than lounging in warm milk), head to the newly-opened Aroha Beauty House in Uppingham where owner Lottie has a fabulous hydrotherapy room where you can indulge in a treatment bath to soften skin, warm muscles and feel totally pampered. Starting from the fantastic price of £15, clients can choose from the Mind and Body Lavender Bath to relieve physical stress and tension, the Invigorating Lemon Bath for a refreshing and reviving experience, the Skin Nourishing Honey Bath that will leave you glowing or, for the ultimate indulgence, the Pure Rose Relaxation Bath, with soothing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits for all skin types. Just lay back, relax and dream of stardom!

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

3

The Vampire Facial – fortunately, this isn’t as gory as it sounds. Both Bar Refaeli and Kim K have had this facial recently, which involves drawing blood from the arm which is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets before being put onto skin with acupuncture-style needles. The results are said to be outstanding: fingers crossed us mere mortals get to try it soon...

4

Intraceuticals oxygen machine – normally only found in high-end salons, it’s alleged that Madonna has one of these machines in each of her six homes! It works by a process of hyaluronic layering - a non-invasive method that uses hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate the skin and help make fine lines and saggy skin disappear.

5

The Bottled Water bath – if you’re a fan of all things natural, you’ll love this. The world’s most expensive treatment bath is exclusively offered by a hotel in Miami in which you can bathe in twice-filtered Evian water sprinkled with Gerbera daisies.

The cost of this ‘exotic treat’? £3500 a time! Think I’ll stick to good old tap water and rose petals (even if Serena Williams is said to be a huge fan of the benefits).

DIRECTORY: Creme Hair and Beauty, The Old Church, 8 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel 01572 723823, www.cremehairandbeauty.co.uk Olive Tanning & Beauty Studio, 5&6 Crown Walk, Oakham, Tel: 01572 755750 Ellique, 55 South Street, Oakham Tel: 01572 723950 Aroha Beauty House, 43 High Street East, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822853 Glow, Barnsdale Lodge, Oakham, Tel: 01572 720611 Chaelis Clinic, Sten Beren, Main Street, Lowick, Kettering, Tel: 01832 733811, www.chaelis.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month

Throughout October at Barnsdale Gardens A really busy time at Barnsdale with a packed events menu including the chance to learn about new growing techniques, mastering a new craft skill or taking the family for a day out. Courses include an introduction to organic vegetable growing, lawn care and growing soft fruit. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful, new Winter Border, planted for 20 years’ remembrance of the founder of Barnsdale Gardens, Geoff Hamilton.

To book or find out more call 01572 813200 or visit www.barnsdalegardens. co.uk

the UK’s Rural Capital of Food. During the weekend, visitors will enjoy a huge selection of edible delights such as traditional Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, Stilton cheese, gourmet British game, and locally brewed ales.

Additional details and tickets at www.goleicestershire.com

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October EVENT: Melton Mowbray Food Festival One of the largest regional food festivals in the country, set in the heart of the traditional market town known as

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Thursday 6 to Saturday 29 October, 7.30pm THEATRE: The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde’s classic play gets the ‘Made at Curve’ treatment with a fresh and contemporary spin.

Bachelor Jack Worthing and his friend Algernon Moncrieff hope to marry society’s most eligible ladies but proceedings are far from straightforward.

Expect double identities, handbag mishaps and hostile encounters with the formidable Lady Bracknell played by Bafta and Golden Globe nominee, Cathy Tyson.

An evening of hilarious misadventure, mischief and matchmaking given a stylish new look by Nikolai Foster.

Curve, Leicester Tickets from £12 Tel: 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk Saturday 8 October, 10am to 4.30pm EVENT: Artisan Food and Craft Fair A range of the tastiest locally sourced produce, as well as ceramics and artisan products will be on offer from Welland Valley

Vineyard, Paula’s Pickles, Manor Farm Yoghurts, Thaymas Ice cream and many more.

Ashley Herb Farm www.ashleyherbfarm.co.uk Tel: 01858 565722 Sunday 9 to Friday 14 October, 11am to 4.30pm daily EXHIBITION: Revealed – The Secret Wild Almost 50 invited artists from around Leicestershire and Rutland are exhibiting at the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust’s 60th Anniversary Art Exhibition, which promises to be a very special event

Melton Mowbray Food Festival

and a wonderful showcase both of local artistic talent and LRWT’s amazing nature reserves. From oils to watercolours, mixed media to printmaking, ceramics to felted wool, a huge range of techniques and materials will interpret the wildlife, views, atmosphere and people found on Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust’s 33 nature reserves in the two counties. Artists were challenged to draw inspiration from the wonderful landscapes and wildlife the trust has helped to protect and enhance over that time.

Some of the locations, such as Rutland Water, may be well known to you, but others will be new and exciting places that you may be inspired to explore for yourself after their secrets have been revealed at the exhibition.

The Great Hall, Leicester Guildhall Admission is free.

Wednesday 12 October, 7.30pm EVENT: Ashley Film Night This month’s film stars Toby Jones, Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta Jones in ‘Dad’s Army’. Ashley Village Hall Tickets £5/£3 Refreshments available.

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OUT & ABOUT Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 October, 7.30pm MUSICAL THEATRE: Into the Groove – 80s Tape Mix This retro-inspired show produced by Market Harborough Musical Theatre will give you a real buzz. If you loved the 80s this is the show to see. Songs and dance pay tribute to The Flying Pickets, Queen, Carly Simon, Guns and Roses, The Weather Girls, Madonna, Whitney Houston and many more.

Dig out those leg warmers and pay tribute to those iconic 80s. The best costumes on Friday and Saturday nights will get a prize.

Market Harborough Theatre Tickets from £10 at www. mhmt.ticketsource.co.uk or Ideology, St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough.

Sunday 16 October, 10.30am to 3pm EVENT: Wedding Fair An opportunity for couples to meet and investigate the services offered by a host of wedding professionals from caterers and florists to musicians and photographers.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel.

Admission is free.

Friday 14 October, 7.30pm MUSIC: Rock for the Bells An evening of music and fun held in support of the restoration of

the bells in Wilbarston Church. A selection of local musicians will play including the renowned Market Harborough Ukulele Band as well as rock and party bands to ensure a lively atmosphere for all the family.

Wilbarston Village Hall Tickets available from Wilbarston Post Office priced £12.50/£7.50 for under 16 years, under 12 years admitted free.

Great Easton Village Hall All welcome, nonmembers £2 admission.

Friday 14 October, 7.45pm CONCERT: Piano Trio Oakham School music staff Anne Bolt, Martin Cropper and Richard Jenkinson return to perform another professional concert with piano trios from Haydn, Shostakovich and Schubert. This concert promises to be a wonderful evening of

Friday 28 October 6.30pm to 8pm – Preview. Open for all on Saturday 29 October between 10am to 5.30pm and Sunday 30 October between 10am and 3.30pm EVENT: Mini Art In Lyddington This substantial and successful charity fundraising exhibition will be donating proceeds towards the repair of the priceless windows in the magnificent, medieval church of St Andrew’s, as well as other local charities. Take the great opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of high quality artwork where all paintings will be a set size to reflect the smaller (temporary) venue.

All work is for sale and admission is free.

Lyddington Village Hall

fantastic chamber music.

Oakham School Chapel Tickets £10 (free for school-age children) available from Walkers Bookshop (Oakham) and wegottickets.com Wednesday 19 October, 7.30pm TALK: Colour Through the Seasons Simon Gulliver will be the guest speaker at the Great Easton and District Gardening Society’s monthly talk. Simon will explain how to get 365 days’ beauty from your garden.

Wednesday 26 October, 7.30pm EVENT: History Talk Great Easton & District Local History Society will be welcoming Harborough Movie Makers to show two short films: ‘The Changing Face of Harborough’ and ‘Working at The Rubber’.

Great Easton Village Hall Admission is £2 for visitors.

Thursday 27 October, 7.30pm OPERA: Opera Minima’s Final Fling The programme will include music from Opera Minima’s shows from every year since 2000.

Most will be sung in original language, so you might hear Russian and Czech as well as German, French, Italian and English.

Great Easton Village Hall Tickets £20 at www.

WeGotTickets.com/ OperaMinima or Great Easton Post Office

Three ideas for Halloween Fun….

Saturday 29 October, 11am and 1pm CHILDREN’S THEATRE: Little Frankenstein Puppeteer Frank Stein has had enough with his badly made puppets that keep falling apart, so he creates a puppet that changes his life forever Creature George. He’s alive.

A little horror for little horrors and a treat not to be missed. Suitable for ages 5 and over. Curve, Leicester Tickets £6 Tel: 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline. co.uk

Sunday 30 October, 12pm to 4pm EVENT: Barnsdale’s Scary Spooktacular Brave a walk in the weird woods, take part in a terrifying treasure hunt or carve your own petrifying pumpkin to take home. There’s frightening fun for all the family, and children in costume visit for free.

Barnsdale Gardens Adults £8, concessions £7, children £4 (or free in fancy dress), family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £23. www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk Sunday 30 October, 2pm to 4pm EVENT: A Hootingly Haunted Halloween Come along to try your hand at carving a scary pumpkin. Of course, no witch or wizard is complete without a broomstick so join the team at Rutland Water to make a magical one to take home.

Discover what goes on under the cover of darkness with the dissection of owl pellets and take part in some super spooky craft making. The best fancy dress costume will win a super prize. Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, Egleton Price £10 with booking at www.rutlandwater.org.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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CA RE ADVI C E

Hospital discharge: getting the right services in place We often hear stories of older people being discharged from hospital without the care that they deserve and to which they are entitled. Aleisha White, an independent social worker and founder of The Care Advice Centre, offers advice on what services should be available and how to make sure they’re in place.

Why patients are discharged so quickly

Hospitals usually want to discharge patients at the earliest opportunity to release beds and often work on ‘black alert’.

An NHS black alert is a warning to the healthcare community that a hospital is facing greater demand for services than it can handle. It’s at these times that the shocking situation arises where some very ill people are expected to wait on beds in A&E corridors while a bed is found.

The discharge process explained

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSESSMENT An occupational therapist can identify strengths and difficulties that the discharged patient may have in everyday life, such as dressing, cooking or getting to the shops, and will help them work out practical solutions.

They can work with the patient to identify goals that can help them maintain, regain, or improve their independence by using different techniques, changing their environment, and using new equipment.

NHS CONTINUING HEALTHCARE CHECKLIST When it has been determined that a patient will have care needs on As an expert in care management, I’m often involved with families who discharge from hospital, a NHS Continuing Healthcare Checklist should be struggle to understand the discharge process and all of the assessments completed on the ward, when the patient is deemed medically fit. that should take place before discharge.

If the Checklist is positive, a meeting should It’s vital that patients are actually medically fit for be arranged with the discharge coordinator, a discharge and that they have received all of the The Care Advice Centre offers a flexible, social worker and the patient (or a member of assessments they need to be able to return home safely. tailor-made approach to care planning their family/representative) and a decision about If discharges are not handled in the proper manner, it can without the eligibility, budgetary and eligibility should be made before the patient turn into a cycle of re-admission. time constraints associated with local leaves hospital.

So it’s extremely important to ensure that the following authorities.

If eligible, NHS Continuing Healthcare can fund assessments have been carried out before discharge.

Aleisha is also an affiliate of the Society the cost of care at home or in a care home. The of Later Life Advisors and a member of the patient or representative should be fully involved MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS British School of Social Workers and the in these assessments. Request copies of the All patients should have been reviewed by the ward Health Care Professions Council. assessments – you may need to refer to these at consultant and pronounced medically fit for discharge. a later stage.

It’s possible that some further assessments can be carried out as outpatients, but they are usually best done whilst still in hospital. All too often, patients are discharged when they are Support following hospital discharge not yet medically fit and this often results in a re-admission – known as a Help at home can include an initial intensive support package to ensure failed discharge. that the patient is able to continue to recover at home, such as support with personal care, meals, shopping and cooking.

PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSESSMENT Ongoing daily visits of up to four calls per day can be organised for Physiotherapy uses movement and exercise, manual therapy, education those who need it. It’s also possible to arrange a live-in carer if it’s deemed and advice to help restore movement and function when people are unsafe for the patient to be at home alone or would like to have some affected by injury, illness or disability. companionship to support them to stay at home.

Patients should be assessed by a physiotherapist before they’re discharged. It’s important that physio happens at the appropriate time so • For more information visit www.care-advice-centre.co.uk or call as to increase the chances of regaining independence.

Aleisha on 01572 720705.

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UPDATES Shops & Services

Will house prices drop ‘Post-Brexit’?

This month, our local buy-to-let expert and property investment advisor, David Crooke, author of the ‘Rutland and Stamford Property News’, online blog www. rutlandandstamfordpropertyblog.co.uk and managing director of UPP Property Agents discusses the impact Brexit could have on local house prices.

E

VEN the sanest person in Britain has to admit the Brexit vote will affect the UK property market. Excluding central London, most commentators are saying prices will be affected by around 10%. Using these calculations, as the average value of a property in the South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) area is £181,000, this means property values are set to drop for the average property by £18,100.

According to the Land Registry, SKDC property values today are 6.81% higher than a year ago. The 12 months before that they rose by 3.14%, and the 12 months before that, they rose by 3.14%. If we hadn’t voted to leave, using these figures, it is safe to assume house prices would have been 5% higher by summer 2017.

And, that’s the point. There won’t be a house price crash, it’s just that house prices in a year’s time will be 5% lower than they are now (i.e.

5% less the 10% lower figure because of Brexit). Comparing historical data to today’s figures for the SKDC area and Stamford as a whole: Average value of a property 20 years ago Average value of a property 10 years ago Average value of a property 2 years ago Average value of a property 1 year ago Average value of a property today Projected value of a property in 12 months’ time

£47,800 £157,800 £164,300 £169,500 £189,000 £171,950

Therefore, it can be estimated that the average value of a property will be £9,050 lower in 12 months’ time than today.

That’s not to say property prices might not dip slightly in the run up to Christmas. Whilst the UK’s vote for Brexit has created an uncertainty in the housing market, there is no need to panic and prospective buyers should merely use common sense about their purchases.

There won’t be a ‘2008 credit crunch fire sale’ of properties, because after the ‘Mortgage Market Review’ that took place in the spring of 2013, mortgage borrowers are not as highly leveraged this time around.

As a result of this, with any luck there will not be too many distressed sales, which cause widespread price reductions.

• For advice on buying, selling, renting and managing your homes and property investments in Rutland and Stamford, please call UPP Property Agents on 01572 725 825 or email david@uppproperty.co.uk

Want to spend more time with friends and family this autumn?

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53

UPDATES Shops & Services

Discover Oakham Country Market Fabulously fresh, locally grown produce as well as eggs, honey, preserves, crafts, cards, plants and wonderful baked goods are all available each week at the magnificent Oakham Country Market. If you have yet to discover this local gem then now is the time to visit and stock up your larder with seasonal goodies.

O

RIGINALLY run by members of the Women’s Institute, the market evolved into its current format when the laws governing charities changed. Now run as a social co-operative, the market is part of a nationwide concern. A shareholding of just 5p buys membership for life and entitles members to sell produce or be a helper.

Anyone over 16 years can provide goods for sale and benefit by a share in the profits with new producers warmly encouraged.

Hampers can be made up to customers’ requirements, making wonderful gifts. Cakes can also be ordered for special events – everything is home-made and at very reasonable prices with the minimum of food miles.

Current Chairman and Market Manager, Jane Skipp describes the

market as a haven for those that love to bake or grow and says the market enjoys brilliant support from Rutlanders, many of whom make a special journey to visit each Friday.

“As well as all our home produced goods, we serve tea and morning coffee and are a popular social hub.

Our flowers and plants are always very popular and we rarely have any cakes left over. It’s never too early to place a Christmas order to make sure your freezer is bursting with delicious local fare this year. Markets have been taking place now for over 50 years and we are proud to be part of life in Oakham.”

• New suppliers and customers always welcome between 8.15am and 11.15pm on Fridays at the Congregational Church Hall, Oakham.

More information from Jane Skipp Tel: 01572 722212

It’s time to start planning next year’s wedding flowers

A

S we move into autumn, now feels like a good to time to reflect on a period when many of our friends, family, and loved ones have shared their happiest day with us. And for those of us who have a wedding of our own on the horizon, these past few months have provided the perfect opportunity to see what we love, and what we want for our own wedding.

There are obviously many important aspects of the big day to take care of - from the dress, to the cake, to the reception and of course, the flowers.

Wedding flowers are the ideal way to make your day special and personal to you, but where do you start?

Do you want flower crowns for the bridesmaids? A floral arch to dress All flower photos the church? Corsages and buttonholes for the wedding party? A hand© Lindsey Arber tied or trailing bouquet for a bride?

Photography With all of these decisions to make, it’s good to have a trusted partner alongside you like Paisley Flower Co, who design arrangements that provide the perfect background to your forever memories.

Paisley Flower Co.’s wedding service puts you at the heart of each design, spending time with you to understand your style, location, and colour palette for your day. Everything they offer is unique to your day and a true reflection of you as a couple.

Whether you’re planning for a summer wedding with milk churns full of English country flowers, a floral arch of garden roses, dahlias and herbs or perhaps a foliage-filled winter wedding of berried ivy garlands and thistle buttonholes, Paisley loves the diversity and challenge each and every wedding brings.

• Paisley Flower Co. is a boutique florist based on Mill Street in Oakham, working only with the best seasonal blooms and foliage. Get in touch to talk about how Paisley Flower Co. can bring a touch of colour to your special day, over a cup of tea or glass of Champagne. Contact Vicki on tel: 07789 153383 or vicki@paisleyflower.co.uk or visit www.paisleyflower.co.uk.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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56

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS Shops & Services in Market Harborough

The Native Experience

I

NSPIRED by her mother’s enchanting tales of her life on a ranch in the United States and her time spent with native American Indians, The Native Experience is a magical new bespoke party company founded by Sian Stanhope-Faiers.

Based at the stunningly situated The Manor, Tur Langton where Sian grew up, the venue has grown organically from its previous life as a working arable and dairy farm to the business hub and retail destination that it is today.

Now host to a coffee shop, hairdressers, beauticians, pilates studio, craft workshop and gift shop amongst others, the Manor has become a buzzing location of people working and visiting for recreational purposes and Sian felt the perfect spot in an area lacking specific entertainment for children.

Offering a hand-painted six-metre Aztec style Indian teepee for hosting children’s Woo Woo! Parties, the aim is to create cultural outdoor experience parties that are a far cry from the many soft play parties that are often interchangeable.

Wigwam tea parties will be held in the large teepee, with added extras available (at supplementary cost) for children’s entertainment. These include face painting, a bouncy castle, sand pit, feather hair extensions, bunny petting and fancy dress.

This is a “build your own party” format, which can start just with the hire of the site and teepees (4 play teepees) included, or there’s the option to go all the way and have Sian create an out-of-this-world bespoke rural kids party for your child. The two resident Alpacas Miguel and Fernando will be thrown into the paddock for free to add to the ambience.

The Native Experience at The Manor is also launching a TeePee Village for adult entertainment, yoga weekends, weddings and glamping in 2017. The teepee village will overlook one of the routes featured in the “Best Walks in Britain”.

• For more information on pricing and bookings contact Sian Stanhope-Faiers tel: 07725914164 or email siansf@ icloud.com. Find out more on Facebook: the native experience and on Instagram: @the_nativeexperience

Personalised paintings by Christie Lloyd Art

H

AVING always had a passion for art, family and nature, mother-of-four Christie Lloyd recently combined her talents to create beautiful paintings, limited edition prints and bespoke commissions.

From exquisitely detailed pencil-drawn child and family portraits to colourful pet portraits, Christie’s artwork is fast gaining a loyal following. Living on a rural farm, she is surrounded by nature and the changing seasons, both of which are reflected in her paintings. Encouraged to paint when a field mouse was discovered in the family boot room after having made a home in a wellington boot, this chance incident inspired the first painting and Christie hasn’t looked back since.

Looking at expanding into gift cards, this busy mum certainly has her hands full and thrives on it. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary gift for a wedding, christening or birthday or stuck for something to give the person who has everything, one of Christie’s artwork pieces would make an incredibly thoughtful and personal heirloom to be treasured.

• Christie Lloyd Art, Lilbourne, Rugby CV23 0SZ. Tel: 07966465606 www.christielloyd.co.uk

Free valuations at Gildings Auctioneers

T

HIS local family firm provides a broad range of specialist auctions from their prestigious Market Harborough salerooms including fine art, antiques, furniture, house contents and collectibles.

With more than 20,000 lots auctioned each year, Gildings has quite rightly positioned itself as one of the region’s leading salerooms over the last 21 years.

Highly experienced valuers are on hand in the salerooms that are now based in The Mill, a beautiful historic building on Great Bowden Road.

This welcoming firm offers, by appointment, free valuations, providing auction sale estimates and answering any questions that you may have. Whether you are looking to value much-treasured family heirlooms or curiosities found in the cellar or attic, Gildings are on hand to advise.

Forthcoming sales for the next couple of months include Antiques & Collectors inc. 20th Century Decorative Arts, Fine Art & Antiques and Aeromodel Engines, Kits & Engineering Equipment.

• Gildings Ltd. Auctioneers and Valuers, The Mill, Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DE. T: 01858 410 414 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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LOCA L HI ST ORY

Crash landing in Rutland July 17th 1862 – and Rutland was slumbering in the summer heat. Corsets were loosened, farm labourers floured with field dust dreamed of pints of local brew, while sun-bonneted children played in dappled shade….

But this mid-Victorian idyll was about to be rudely interrupted.

WORDS: CAROLINE ASTON

T

HAT afternoon a hot air balloon suddenly dropped out of the tranquil blue skies and landed with a thud in a field between Ashwell and Langham. It carried two intrepid balloonists who, from a height of 26,000 feet, had apparently spotted The Wash in the distance and decided to land sooner rather than later to avoid ditching in the sea.

Mr E. G. Baker, owner of both the Old Hall, Langham and the field, was soon on the scene to offer his assistance. His two unexpected guests were fed, watered and driven to Oakham Station to catch a train back to Wolverhampton where their journey had begun at the gasworks. And that was that – a long-forgotten nine days wonder – but the story of those balloonists is a gripping one.

One of them was already famous, well known among the group of enthusiasts the press called ‘balloonatics’. Born in 1819, Henry Tracey Coxwell was a dentist by profession but had been fascinated by ballooning since boyhood. He made his first ascent in London aged 24 and a year later founded the shortlived ‘The Balloon or Aeronautic Magazine’ – only 12 issues were printed! But Coxwell was clocking up an impressive number of flights, some of them nearly fatal.

In 1847 a bad storm ripped a 4.5 metres (16 feet in old money) tear in Coxwell’s balloon’s envelope. He was only saved from certain death when he got caught on some scaffolding before hitting the ground, thereby breaking his fall. By 1848 he’d left dentures, filling and drilling behind forever and become a professional balloonist.

In those days, that meant giving exhibitions and taking up passengers brave and wealthy enough to join him. He toured to Berlin, Breslau, Prague and Vienna among other European cities before settling in London in 1852.

Fast-forward 10 years. In 1862, the British Association for the Advancement of Science had decided to explore the earth’s upper atmosphere using balloons. Dr James Glaisher, a Fellow of the Royal Society and Superintendent of the Department of Meteorology and Magnetism at the Greenwich Observatory, courageously volunteered his services for these potentially dangerous experimental flights and the experienced Coxwell was frequently the pilot of choice.

Between 1862 and 1866 Glaisher made 28 ascents, so the Rutland incident must have occurred early on in his association with Coxwell – Glaisher was the other man who landed so suddenly near Langham. The exact height reached that day was 26,177 feet – without oxygen!

On 5th September 1862 the pair reached 30,000 feet but nearly died in the attempt. Glaisher passed out due to lack of oxygen and Coxwell had to shin up the rigging to release a tangled valve line, using his teeth to pull the rope as his hands were paralysed with cold. Had he failed both men would have died of hypothermia.

Dangerous work to say the least, and work that shed important light on the chemical composition of the upper air. Glaisher and Coxwell, those two forgotten visitors to Rutland so long ago, still hold a number of British altitude records today. And I can report that their crash landing in Mr Baker’s field broke quite a few of Glaisher’s delicate instruments! So Rutland Is linked to an episode of ground-breaking scientific exploration, proving yet again just how apt the motto ‘Much in Little’ really is.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

“On 5th September 1862 the pair reached 30,000 feet but nearly died in the attempt. Glaisher passed out due to lack of oxygen and Coxwell had to shin up the rigging to release a tangled valve line, using his teeth to pull the rope as his hands were paralysed with cold. Had he failed both men would have died of hypothermia.”

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PHOTO: TOM WREN

World Class Theatre at Leicester’s Curve

The City of Leicester has been rejuvenated lately with not only with the success of the football team and the discovery of a long-lost king, but the record-breaking success of its principal theatre.

If you’ve seen anything at Curve recently you can’t fail to have been impressed by the quality of the productions on offer as well as the infectiously positive and friendly atmosphere there. For the last eighteen months the magic formula can be sourced to the creative partnership between Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster.

Amander Meade met with Nikolai to find out more about Nikolai’s philosophy and what lies ahead for the new season.

H

AILING from a small rural community in Yorkshire, Danish-born Nikolai discovered the power of theatre when he sought solace from vicious school bullies at his local theatre group. His talent was enough to secure him a place at the prestigious Drama Centre in London, although during his second year there he began to lose interest in performing in favour of writing for his fellow students.

“I realised that my true passion lay in directing and when I was nearly thrown off the course I managed to persuade the management to let me remain as a trainee director – a capacity that didn’t actually exist at the time.

Luckily for me, they allowed me to stay on and from there I continued my training at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.”

Leading the field…

In order to further his career, plenty of directorial dues were paid as Nikolai directed an impressive portfolio of productions at theatres the length and breadth of the UK, encompassing everything from children’s theatre, contemporary dance, Shakespeare and much-loved musical favourites. Arriving at Curve in January 2015 in the midst of the

62

discovery of the remains of King Richard III, a baptism of fire ensued with a community performance to celebrate the reveal of the King’s tomb at Leicester Cathedral.

“I do remember being very nervous about that,” he admits.

The production proved to be a triumph naturally and Curve continues to lead the field in regional community theatre as well as youth productions and ground breaking-initiatives such as Dementia-friendly performances for some shows.

Something for everyone…

Demonstrating his Midas touch, Nikolai led his team towards hit after hit with ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ proving a smash and ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ going international with a tour in Korea. “I love all kinds of genres – working on big musicals is always exhilarating and Shakespeare has it all. I do believe Leicester audiences appreciate and deserve a really diverse selection of theatre so I intend to keep on broadening the offering.”

Proclaiming the new Autumn/Winter season as potentially the best yet, Nikolai promises plenty of ‘home-grown’ Curve productions, including ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2016

which he describes as being the perfect example of a bridge between traditional theatregoers and the new audience he hopes to attract.

“It will be a faithful interpretation of the classic play but created with our unique ‘Made at Curve’ recipe and the first time it will have been performed here, which is very exciting.

To follow later in the autumn are ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Akram Khan’s contemporary dance masterpiece ‘Until The Lions’, Roald Dahl’s ‘The Twits’ and family favourite ‘Grease’ as well as touring visits by Julian Clary and Elaine Paige.

Something for everyone is an overused phrase but surely highly accurate in this case?

With productions to fill the next three years already taking shape in his head, Nikolai says he is only part of the way through his journey at Curve and his quest to show audiences worldclass drama.

“I hope the people of Leicester trust us to bring them the best of what is available. I would love them to keep taking risks – for every musical they see, to maybe also try something new. That’s my challenge.”

• For details of all the new season shows visit www.curveonline.co.uk or Tel: 0116 2423 595

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