Rutland Living July 2018

Rutland Covering Rutland, Market Harborough and the surrounding area

July 2018 ÂŁ1.50

LIVING

Be inspired by where you live

Summertime!

M I K K I L O N G L E Y, G R E E N L I V I N G , PA U L M C C L U R E & M O R E

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IN THIS ISSUE

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46

40

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Contents July 2018

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 13 Fashion: Lazy Days of Summer 28 Health & Beauty: Feel the Heat 31 Bluebird Care

HOME & GARDEN

32 Outdoor Living 34 Lady Ursula Cholmeley, Easton Walled Gardens

FOOD & DRINK

38 Let’s Be More Eco-Friendly in Our Area 40 Food News & Reviews: The Olive Branch; The Old Plough Cover images this month: RL (Uppingham) and MHL (Market Harborough – St Dionysius and Church Street), both by Mikki Longley (mikkilongley.com)

www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk Editor Clare Peel clare@bestlocalliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager, Rutland and Market Harborough Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertising Copy and Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designer (Editorial) Calum Handley Designer (Advertising) Sarah Patterson inkdesign@virginmedia.com Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne Subscriptions: annual rate £25 (UK only).

Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY, with a cheque payable to Local Living, or go online to www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, LEARNING & BUSINESS 24 26 36 44 46 48 58

Efficient Portfolio – Financial Planning Oundle Festival: The Big Bach Walk 2018 Property Advice from Andrew Granger Local Walk: Fotheringhay, Elton, River Nene Little Living Junior Golf Out & About

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PEOPLE & PLACES 6 10 16 20 62

Artist of the Month: Mikki Longley Rutland Hero: Simon Fisher Paul McClure: The Rutland Troubadour 18 North Norfolk Ideas for the Summer of ’18 History: Fast-Living Lord Tim

NEWS & NOTES

4 Editor’s Page 50 Priestgate Dental Practice, Rockblok Summer Activity Club, Heatsource 52 Healthy Hearing, Wistow Maze, UPP Property 55 Oundle Travel, Leicestershire 3 Peaks Challenge, Wingates Gallery

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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THIS MONTH

Welcome

It’s officially summertime, and we’re zooming towards the school holidays. July is another month packed with fantastic events across this region, from the Oakham Festival to Easton Walled Garden’s Sweet Pea Week to the opening of the Wistow Maze and Burghley’s Film Festival. A large number of these events are wonderfully family-friendly – perfect for keeping youngsters busy over the long vacation. Many, too, are run by volunteers, who generously give hours of their time and in doing so play a vital role in enriching local community life. Hats off and heartfelt thanks to them…

There’s a lovely quotation on the shift from spring into summer in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist”, and it feels very appropriate to our region. “Spring flew swiftly by, and summer came; and if the village had been beautiful at first, it was now in the full glow and luxuriance of its richness… The earth had donned her mantle of brightest green; and shed her richest perfumes abroad. It was the prime and vigour of the year; all things were glad and flourishing.” It’s a sentiment aptly reflected, I think, in our gloriously vibrant cover images this month by Market Harborough artist Mikki Longley. You can read more about Mikki and her work on pages 6–7.

Enjoy July!

C e

@rutlandliving @rutlandlivingmag

Editor’s selection

Lovely things on the radar this month…

relax

at Tolethorpe – the season (mid-June to 1 September) is now underway, with productions this year being The Merchant of Venice, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Sheridan’s The School for Scandal. stamfordshakespeare. co.uk/2018-season/

SPARKLE

with some beautiful individual designs from Uppingham’s Made Gallery. These gorgeous rings are by Susannah Hanl and are priced between £120 and £400, depending on the stone. madegallery.co.uk

ENJOY

lazy days and relaxing evenings at The Burghley Film Festival. There are five days and nights of open-air films for all ages from 25 to 29 July. Fabulous! burghley.co.uk

CHILL

this summer in this flattering “Koh Phi Phi” swimsuit with tummy control by Fantasie (£78) from The Little Big Bra Shop in Market Harborough. thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

BRIGHTEN

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Old Town Hall, Market Harborough

Aldeburgh, The Fish Shack

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

Artist of the month Mikki Longley trained at Cheltenham School of Art and Nottingham Trent Polytechnic before 13 successful years as a graphic designer, producing award-winning work for international clients. Now based in Market Harborough, she is inspired to paint the attractive villages and towns she finds on her doorstep.

WORDS: AMANDER MEADE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MIKKI AND HER STUDIO: ELLI DEAN

How did your journey to becoming a successful artist begin?

I was constantly drawing as a child; I loved to create images of owls, armadillos and elephants, in particular, plus alphabets and lettering, which directly traces my love of textural work and graphics to this day.

I made up my mind early that I would go to Art School, so geared all my educational efforts towards that.

Your career began in graphic design. Did you always want to become a painter eventually?

Not at all – I had a wonderful career during the 1990s, when working in a creative industry was so much fun. I worked my way up at the prestigious Quadraphic Design Company and ended up as an account manager for the likes of Virgin Atlantic and Canon. Part of the job was commissioning illustrations, which meant I always had an eye on the world of original illustration. It was after I had my son, Fergus, that I began to paint – beginning with the village scenes I could see from my window in Drayton, where we lived at the time.

How did your very distinctive style evolve?

When I decided to pursue a self-employed career, I knew I would have to develop a unique style to stand out from the crowd, so I took myself back to basics – drawing from scratch – and the idiosyncrasies just developed from there. I like to create a snapshot of a scene and almost wrap the image around itself like a big hug – in fact people often refer to my work as “the bendy pictures”. Initial responses to my first few paintings were positive, so I continued in the same vein.

Your paintings have a very distinctive sense of place. How do you choose a location?

I love market towns and their character, so I choose a street scene or market place and take lots of photos, from which I then sketch thumbnails.

Often I sleep on an idea, and then angles and colours just come to me, which is very lucky. I’ve just begun a series of paintings of East Coast scenes from Suffolk to Norfolk, which I’m really enjoying. I aim to define the architectural character for each individual location, adding colour, texture and pattern, creating a heightened reality and a very personal view of the world.

You combine your commissioned work with teaching and graphic design work, which is unusual. How do you fit it all in?

I really enjoy all three elements of my work. I love meeting inspired business people via the graphic design work as well as taking inspiration from the children I teach. It is a privilege to be commissioned to paint for individuals too – I have recently been asked to paint several castles, country houses and large estates, which is wonderful.

Uppingham Market

To find out more… Follow Mikki on Facebook or subscribe to her mailing list for details of flash sales and special events. To make an appointment to visit Mikki’s gallery in Market Harborough, contact her through mikkilongley.com or call 01858 468105. You can also see her work at the Dolby Gallery in Oundle (dolby-gallery.com) or Gallery Stamford (gallerystamford.co.uk). Congratulations to Mikki on just having won “Best Art Gallery” in the local Muddy Stilletos Awards 2018.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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In a new campaign, farmers in Leicestershire and Rutland are calling for the assistance of countryside lovers and rural residents to help combat illegal hare coursing – a growing problem, says Simon Fisher, National Farmers Union (NFU) County Adviser

Simon Fisher

RUTLAND

HERO

What exactly is hare coursing?

It’s the illegal pursuit of hares with dogs across open farmland. It may involve a larger group of people coming into the county looking for suitable land, particularly along the A47 corridor and the larger fields on the Lincolnshire border.

It may only be two men and a dog, but each year between August and April, farmers across the county experience almost daily incidents across their farmland.

Why is it a growing problem across this region?

This is because of the amount of money involved.

Hare coursers bet thousands of pounds on the dog catching the hare. Good dogs can be extremely valuable; others get abandoned.

Film footage of coursing is also used for illicit gambling. Coursers use unregistered vehicles and speed around on false number plates to disguise their identity. Other criminal activity in the area, such as theft, can be linked to them, some of whom have criminal records. We know that hare coursers travel from all over England and Wales to Lincolnshire to carry out their “sport”, and to do that they come through Leicestershire. In the last few years the incidence of coursing in Leicestershire and Rutland, particularly where it borders Lincolnshire, has increased.

Following harvest and cultivations, the hare coursers drive on to the more open fields, damaging crops and land, affecting yields and livelihoods, and killing hares. They damage gates, fences, hedges and machinery as they enter and leave the field, adding more cost.

It is both trespass and criminal damage. This brazen activity is distressing and stressful for 10

WORDS: AMANDER MEADE PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN (Simon) and IAN BROWN (hare)

farmers and their families, who feel powerless to challenge the coursers, especially when it involves threatening behaviour, intimidation and violence. Hare coursers have even been known to threaten dog walkers, which is why coursers should never be approached directly by members of the public.

What is being done to combat this crime?

Farmers are using social media to share information, and we have the support of our excellent community policing units – hare coursing is taken very seriously by the police.

What should we look for?

Suspicious activity includes groups of people with 4x4 vehicles and dogs at the edges of property. Never approach them, but immediately

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

call 101 with as much information as possible – or dial 999, if coursing is in progress. Even though the police may not reach the location before the coursers have left, any information such as descriptions of individuals or vehicles will help the police to build up a bigger picture of the main perpetrators and gather evidence of their whereabouts at different times, which helps build a case for prosecution.

How can readers help?

The NFU is asking all rural residents in Leicestershire and Rutland to report hare coursing as a matter of routine. All information is useful to help us stop this abuse of the countryside, push the matter up the police agenda and help make Leicestershire and Rutland a “no-go” area for illegal hare coursing.

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Choose carefree, lighthearted pieces for warm summer days and cooler evenings, with our fashion edit from Queensgate Centre, Peterborough, photographed by the River Nene at Yarwell Country Park.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN ellideanphotography.co.uk STYLED BY: SALLY STILLINGFLEET Instagram@flowerfile

Lazy Days of Summer Mel wears bright pink top, £29, with striped handkerchief-hem skirt, £45, and bag, £35, all from Monsoon. White chunky Converse, £59, at Office.

➧ RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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Above right: Rose wears white linen tee shirt, £25, John Lewis., floral trousers, £49.95, Joules, rose-gold mirrored Ray Ban sunglasses, £145, The Oculist.

Right: Vanessa wears navy cotton ruffle blouse, £35, and floral trousers, £55, both Monsoon, with blue Brooke pumps, £75, from Hotter.

Left: Rose wears red embroidery sundress, £59, from Monsoon, worn with chunky Converse, as before.

Lazy Days of Summer

All jewellery from Monsoon and John Lewis STOCKISTS All clothes available from Queensgate, Peterborough.

Hotter – 01733 891862 John Lewis – 01733 344644 Joules (new!) – 01733 314585 Office – 01733 894779 Monsoon – 01733 352261 The Oculist – 24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Centre. Tel: 01733 555621, theoculist.com

M

Shoes from left to right: Laurel £49, Brooke £75, Crossover sandals £49; all from Hotter.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

ANY thanks to our models Vanessa Squires, Mel Brown and Rose Jones. Thanks also to Rob Gilbert at The Oculist for his help.

Shot on location at Yarwell Country Park, which combines permanent park homes and lodges with caravan and motorhome facilities.

Overlooking the River Nene, it has a five-acre fishing lake on site, and the Riverside Café for coffee, tea and light snacks. Six new luxury apartments are currently for sale in a converted flour mill, via Aspire Sales and Lettings.

Thanks to Ema Corcoran and the team for making us so welcome.

Yarwell Country Park, Mill Rd, Yarwell PE8 6PZ Tel: 01780 782344, yarwellmill.co.uk

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Paul’s music is well loved in his home county of Rutland, where his fan base is growing at a rate of knots. Endearingly dubbed "The Rutland Troubadour", Paul also performs nationwide and across Europe. Later this year he is taking his music and the engaging Rutland anecdotes he tells in between songs further afield still – to New York. Amander Meade went to meet the maestro…

Paul McClure: The Rutland Troubadour WORDS: AMANDER MEADE PHOTO: GRAEME BUNYAN

“Smaller gigs always feel like collaboration with the audience – it’s like inviting people into my life, and I love that.”

W

HEN we meet, Paul has had very little sleep, having returned home from a London performance at 3am that morning; but return he did, preferring to get home to his wife Amy and two young daughters than stay over in the capital. Fired up on a fresh cup of coffee he describes his current schedule, which sounds incredibly busy. There are appearances at clubs and concert venues in London and all over the UK as well as appearances in Denmark and Scandinavia this autumn. We also chat about the burgeoning popularity of Paul’s “house concerts”, which are exactly as they sound – a concert in your own home with an audience made up of your friends. A little like the secret supper club phenomenon in the early noughties, the house concerts feel exciting because of the intimacy.

Paul’s music is all self-penned and has its roots in folk and country with musical heroes including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and The Beatles, among many more. His performance

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approach is relaxed and highly entertaining with funny anecdotes between songs, and he believes that playing to smaller audiences really suits his style. “Smaller gigs always feel like collaboration with the audience – it’s like inviting people into my life and I love that.”

Signed to London-based label Clubhouse Records, Paul uses social media to connect with his audiences. “It’s brilliant when fans get in touch to ask about songs or find out about gigs, so when a lady got in touch to ask where she could see me play, I asked her where she lived – she replied ‘New Jersey’. We talked about house concerts, and pretty soon a series of concerts had been arranged, and I was booking a flight to the US – that’s the real magic of social media.”

Never short of motivation or creative inspiration, Paul is also writing a book, which is a memoir documenting the last ten years of his career and describing his experiences touring and performing. He is also under commission to write the score for a new British independent

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

film “Made You Look”, starring James Sutton, Gemma Oaten and Matt Di Angelo and which has been a different kind of discipline for him.

“I usually write about my own family, friends and experiences, so writing around someone else’s creative vision has been different in a really good way.”

Other projects to look out for include Paul’s Family Concerts (designed to introduce younger children to live music), festival appearances and Paul’s activity as an ambassador for local Volunteer Doctor’s charity – the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). With his increased success, he continues to teach, travel and perform further and further afield, but his roots will always remain in Rutland – the place he calls home.

Find out more about Paul’s back catalogue, current music and tour dates at paulmccluremusic.com or follow him on twitter@PMcCluremusic. For more information on EMICS, see emics.org.uk.

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18North Norfolk ideas for the summer of ’18

Nicholas Rudd-Jones reviews some of the best-known things to do and places to eat in our “holiday backyard”, and suggests other things that are a little quirkier and off the beaten track.

Oh, and several suggestions for walks…

4. North Street Bistro

Dan Fancett, chef at this recently opened café and bistro, comes with a wealth of experience including working under both Gary Rhodes and the Galvin brothers, as well as stints in Spain and France. It’s no small surprise, therefore, that dining here is a treat – expect a warm welcome and a concise yet innovative menu that reflects the seasons and is changed weekly.

Location: 20 North Street, Burnham Market, PE31 8HG Opening times: Lunch Thu-Sun, dinner Wed–Sat Contact: 01328 730330, 20northstreet.co.uk

5. Cookie’s Crab Shop Cley Marshes visitor centre. Photo: Richard Osbourne

NATURE 1. Cley Marshes

Cley Marshes has an unsurpassed history of attracting exciting and extraordinarily rare migrant birds. Its habitats are also home to many unusual breeding birds, from tiny bearded tits to magnificent marsh harriers to avocets. You can observe from the visitor centre – a fabulous modern building with a café and shop – or walk out into the reserve.

Location: Just east of Cley on the A149 coast road (NR25 7SA) Opening times: Every day, 10am–5pm Contact: 01263 740008, norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/cley

2. Visit the seals

This is always a fun trip, past the characterful old lifeboat building and along to the edge of the spit, where there are usually masses of seals to be seen.

Timing is dependent on the tide, but there are generally several trips per day.

Boats depart mainly from Morston Quay, NR25 7BH Bean’s Boat Trips, 01263 740505, beansboattrips.co.uk Bishop’s, 01263 740753, bishopsboats.com Temples, 01263 740791, sealtrips.co.uk 20

PIT STOPS 3. Eric’s Fish & Chips Owned by Eric Snaith of Titchwell Manor, Eric’s harks back to the traditional British fish and chip restaurants of the past, blending that nostalgia with a modern European menu influence. Eric’s now also works in partnership with French’s Fish & Chips on the harbourfront at Wells, so it’s worth checking that out too, if you are passing.

Location: Drove Orchards, Thornham (PE36 6LS) Opening times: Every day, 12–9pm Contact: 01485 525886, ericsfishandchips.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

Nowhere garners such mixed Trip Advisor feedback, so this place must be visited in the appropriate spirit – it’s informal, you need to go next door to the pub if you need the toilet, and you may find yourself on a shared table. But for me, at least, this place is magic – great seafood served in a no-fuss manner in simple surroundings, with no standing on ceremony, and the option to take your own wine. The location is superb, on the green at Salthouse, just a stone’s throw from the marshes where the samphire comes from.

Location: The Green, Salthouse, Holt NR25 7AJ Opening times: Every day, 9am–6pm (but best to check first and book a table) Contact: 01263 740352, salthouse.org.uk

6. Wiveton Hall Café

Some people bemoan the fact that “everyone knows this place now”, after the TV series Normal for Norfolk, but that in my mind doesn’t detract from the magic of the place, where you can sit on coloured chairs under the shade of a tree looking out towards the marshes, surrounded by strawberry fields and raspberry canes.

A lovely footpath takes you from here direct to Blakeney less than a mile away; ask the staff if you need to find the start of the route. From Blakeney the path takes off at the end of Back Lane, past the Manor Hotel and the remains of The Friary.

Location: 1 Marsh Lane, Wiveton, Holt NR25 7TE Opening times: Every day, 9.30am–4pm (booking advisable) Contact: 01263 740515, wivetonhall.co.uk/restaurant-cafe

10. Outdoor films, Creake Abbey

20 July – Casino Royale, 21 July – Moulin Rouge, 22 July – Breakfast at Tiffany’s Live music pre-film and delicious chicken and vegetable fajitas. Tickets at starandmouse.com.

Location: just north of North Creake on the B1355 (NR21 9LF).

Doors open at: 7.30pm Contact: 03703 331181, creakeabbey.co.uk

7. Rocky Bottoms

Rocky Bottoms has a unique clifftop setting between Cromer and Sheringham. As well as excellent crab and lobster, the posh fishfinger baps are very popular. Being keen walkers, we managed to make a visit here the close-to-end reward for a longish walk: take the North Norfolk coast path from Sheringham, over the Beeston Bump then inland and around to Cromer, and come back along the shoreline (try and avoid high tide) – it’s approximately 8 miles in all (about 5 miles if you don’t include the shoreline return). You can find the walk online in the spring 2016 issue of our sister magazine North Norfolk Living, issuu.com/ bestlocalliving/docs/nnlspring16 (p38–39).

Location: Cromer Road, West Runton, Cromer NR27 9QA Opening times: Sun–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri & Sat 10am–9pm Contact: 01263 837359

11. The New Architecture 1960–90

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts presents “Superstructures: The New Architecture 1960–90”, marking the 40th anniversary of the opening of

the gallery, the first public building designed by Norman Foster. The exhibition tells the story of architecture’s fascination with technology in the post-war decades and the drive to develop new architectural forms utilising lightweight structures, industrialised building techniques and innovative engineering solutions. Discover how the Sainsbury Centre was made and how earlier feats of engineering, such as The Crystal Palace, inspired “superstructure” galleries, factories and offices, etc.

Location: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norfolk Road, Norwich NR4 7TJ Opening times: Until 2 Sept; Wed–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm Contact: 01603 593199, scva.ac.uk

8. Thornham Deli

Just so useful for those of us who have driven an hour and a half or so already and feel like a quick break for a coffee and snack. It’s also a handy shop near the start of the coast, in case you want to pick up some provisions for a picnic on the beach.

Location: Thornham, on the main coast road, PE36 6LX Opening times: Every day 8am-5pm Contact: 01485 512194, thornhamdeli.co.uk

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

CULTURE

12. Holt Festival

The Holt Festival brings outstanding theatre, music, comedy, literature, talks, children’s and visual art events to the picturesque Georgian town and includes appearances by Paddy Ashdown and Jasper Carrott amongst many others.

Location: various locations in Holt When: 21–29 July Contact: 01603 598699, holtfestival.org

9. Houghton Hall

A series of new paintings by Damien Hirst entitled Colour Space is in the State Rooms until 15 July.

His six sculptures outside and two in the house will remain on display until 30 Sept. The grounds make a fabulous walk, and the walled garden is a thing of beauty not to be missed.

Location: Just west of West Rudham, off the A148 (PE31 6TY) Opening times: Wed, Thu, Sun and Bank Holiday Mon. Also, Norfolk Day (Friday 27 July) Contact: 01485 528569, houghtonhall.com

Damien Hirst at Houghton Hall RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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18North Norfolk ideas for the summer of ’18

BY FOOT OR BY BOAT 13. A trip to Scolt Head island

Now this is fun if you like to engage in mini-adventures.

Step 1: Make sure you work out the tides. This walk is best started four hours after high water.

Return four hours before the next high water.

Get local advice.

Step 2: Be prepared for a paddle and getting muddy in places.

Step 3: Ford Overy Creek at the car park and pick up the Cockle Path on the other side, which, via a lightly winding path, will get you to Overy Cockle Strand and then your destination, the Dunes at the east end of Scolt head Island (about a mile in all).

Caution: You need to be familiar with tides because you would not be able to cross back at high tide. If you find the tide has beaten you, stay on high ground and call the coastguard on 999.

Do not try to cross. There is also a ferry in the summer, which runs from approximately 1.5 hours before high water to 1.5 hours after high water: 07836 523396.

14. Burnham Overy Staithe to Holkham

This is the ultimate North Norfolk walk, covering 4.5 miles. You can find it described in the autumn 2016 issue of North Norfolk Living: issuu.com/ bestlocalliving/docs/nnl_autumn-2016 (p48–49).

You can reach the start of the walk Reflections – Burnham Overy © www.pebblesphotography.co.uk using the brilliant Coasthopper bus (with new operators Lynx and Sanders this year), which plies the coast road at half hourly intervals in both directions during the summer months and is known for being extremely friendly.

15. Coastal Exploration Company

Based in Wells-next-the-Sea, the Coastal Exploration Company creates fun, relaxing, sometimes challenging but undoubtedly life-enriching adventures on traditional wooden sailing boats. A small, local team of professional adventurers, skippers and hosts trips, ranging from four hours to three days, through creeks, marshes and open sea. Get involved with the sailing and cooking or sit back and connect with nature - the pace is yours to choose.

07970 276397, coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk

The Lifeboat Inn

PLACES TO STAY 16. The Lifeboat Inn in Thornham

Waking up to the sound of the waves and to fresh, salty air, then enjoying long hours on the beach and unhurried alfresco lunches and dinners, are the main ingredients of summer at The Lifeboat Inn. It offers 13 wellsized double bedrooms featuring stylish furniture contrasted with neutral colours reflecting North Norfolk’s landscape. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, king-size wooden beds with crisp white linen, duck-down duvets and pocket sprung mattresses.

Ship Lane, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LT 01485 512236, lifeboatinnthornham.com

The White House

18. The White House, ‘twixt Brancaster and Burnham

Tucked away in a farm valley between Brancaster Beach and Burnham Market is The White House, an impeccably stylish retreat with 12 bedrooms. When the Georgian house is not booked in its entirety, it operates as a B&B (scrumptious breakfasts), so whether you book a room for the night or the whole beautiful place for a bespoke house party, the luxuriously elegant interior and blissful gardens are yours to enjoy. Fling open the doors to the walled garden, pour yourself a drink, put your feet up and relax. A hidden gem.

The White House, Sussex Farm, Burnham Market, PE31 8JY 07785 439727, stayatthewhitehouse.co.uk

17. Burnham Deepdale Camping

This campsite is perfectly situated right by the North Norfolk Coast Path, has glamping options, often has live music and has a good café for those of us who find the Trangia routine just a little too trying. For a great view onto the marshes, walk up to nearby Barrow Common (see early summer 2018 issue of northnorfolkliving.co.uk p.39).

The Deepdale Festival, on from 28–30 Sept, is a vibrant time to visit.

1 Deepdale Granary, Burnham Deepdale, PE31 8DD 01485 210256, deepdalebackpackers.co.uk 22

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

The view from Barrow Common © www.tsteelephoto.com

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Are you baffled by the idea of financial planning for the future? If so, the team at Efficient Portfolio can help.

Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner Charlie Reading has recently moved the company into beautifully renovated offices in the heart of Oakham. Here he explains the importance of truly independent advice.

Efficient Portfolio – truly independent financial planning WORDS: AMANDER MEADE

Efficient Portfolio Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Charlie Reading

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

Is it ever too late to start planning?

We can help young professionals, those in full-time work as well as pre- and postretirement planning.

The Efficient Portfolio team in the reception at Portfolian House, Oakham

What exactly does Efficient Portfolio do?

We are a team of financial planners who help individuals to realise their dreams and goals using our uniquely developed Efficient Wealth Management Process. We are not interested in simply offering financial advice based around selling products or packages. We prefer to take a much more holistic approach – really getting under the skin of our clients’ aspirations and lifestyle. The more we know about a client, the better we can help them to plan the financial future they hope for. Only after meticulous planning do we begin to offer any practical financial advice.

Do you have to be wealthy already to use a Financial Planner?

Financial planning is often mistakenly regarded as the preserve of a certain demographic: the wealthy, socially elite, privately educated and those aged over 50. This view is grossly erroneous and also incredibly damaging, as it puts an invisible barrier between the benefits of financial planning and those who would actually gain the most from it. The truth is, financial planning is for everyone, and the sooner you embrace it, the more you can benefit.

The former White Lion pub has been transformed into bright, contemporary office space and renamed Portfolian House

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

What is the biggest misconception about financial planning?

People often think “I can’t afford it.” We have a range of options with different solutions for different situations. If a client has a relatively small amount to invest, we are happy to help, and there are lots of useful resources available free on our website. The industry also suffers from an outmoded memory of 1980s-style unscrupulous operators who were usually incentivised to sell products on behalf of others. We are truly independent, which means we have a standardised fee structure and don’t gain or lose by recommending particular products or packages. This means our advice remains impartial at all times, with the client’s interests the priority.

Tell us about the recent move into Oakham.

Due to expansion, our base has transferred into the heart of Oakham. We have renovated the building formerly occupied by the White Lion pub and renamed it Portfolian House. The building is now a bright, light, contemporary work space with plenty of parking at the rear for clients’ convenience.

I am a Rutlander through and through, so it is great to be in the centre of the town again and be part of the commercial community here.

We are looking forward to welcoming clients old and new to Portfolian House, and Rutland & Market Harborough Living readers are welcome to pop in and see how the building has been transformed.

• Charlie is the author of two books, “The Dream Retirement”, which is available free via Efficient Portfolio’s website, and “Smart Money”, co-authored with his colleague Charlotte Colton.

• Efficient Portfolio offers a free 15-minute consultation for new clients either over the phone or in person to ascertain the best way forward for each individual. Contact the team by calling 01572 898060, emailing hello@ efficientportfolio.co.uk or browsing the easy-to-navigate website at efficientportfolio.co.uk.

• The Head Office is at Portfolian House, 30 Melton Road, Oakham LE15 6AY.

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MORTGAGE CLINICS THAT COULD SAVE YOU MONEY You may have heard the expression ‘living for the weekend’willing the working week away, so that you can spend two precious days with your loved ones, enjoying all of your favourite things. Sadly, it often becomes interspersed with ‘domestic admin’, like DIY and cleaning. That’s why so many of us outsource these tasks: leaking pipes are swiftly dealt with by a plumber; the new extension is expertly constructed by builders; and gardeners break a sweat on our behalf. So why would you happily offload these tasks but not the hassle of your mortgage?

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urchasing a new home, remortaging, or buying a commercial property, can be incredibly time-intensive; it can also incur many unforeseen costs, and prove to be complex beyond belief! Yet, time and time again, most of us opt to go it alone and try to source a mortgage ourselves, mainly because it’s seen to be the ‘cheaper option’.

are not able to tell you that there’s a better deal at their rival company. An independent Mortgage Broker can. They are able to look for the best mortgage for you from the whole of the market. They aren’t on the lender’s side, they’re on yours, and are able to offer a far wider range of opportunities and choice than if you went direct.

The truth is that using an expert can be invaluable. Mortgages can be far more complicated than you may first think and there are many layers to mortgage planning, which can be overlooked. In addition, going it alone can actually cost you more in both money and time, so using a broker can be beneficial all round.

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Going to your local bank to secure a mortgage may seem like the most obvious choice, but can they give you exactly what you need? If the explosive rise of internet shopping has taught us all one thing, it’s to shop around! Your local bank may be friendly, but they could be expensive, not provide you with everything you need and may not be able to provide the aftercare you deserve. They can also only provide their products and

Over the last few years, the rules governing mortgages have also significantly tightened: Affordability is scrutinised, background checks are far more in-depth and rate increases are now reviewed. Understanding these changes, and how they work in practice, means that a Mortgage Adviser can ensure that you are getting the best possible deal for your circumstances, in the quickest and most-cost effective way. They will also provide you with ongoing reviews, as and when your circumstances change.

The Bigger Picture

Like all aspects of financial planning, it is important to look at the bigger picture, and ensure that all everything is working together to help you achieve your goals.

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contrast, our mortgage solution integrates all elements of your plan. We can also look at any related life insurance, payment protection and even buildings and contents insurance you have to make sure that you have the most suitable protection in place. Having a safety net should be the cornerstone of your financial planning, so why risk your most valuable asset?

This August we are launching our drop-in Mortgage Clinic, where you can meet with one of our expert Mortgage Advisers to discuss your requirements. These clinics will run on the first Saturday of every month and are free of charge. If you, or someone you know would like to pop in and see us, please book your slot by calling 01572 898060 or email charlotte@efficientportfolio.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you, email hello@effic ientportfolio.co. uk or call 01572 8980 60.

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Sue Dobson discovers how the spark of an idea in Oundle launched a major international music project

The Big Bach Walk A

GENTLE stroll between two villages with musical interludes along the way, the Bach Walk is a popular annual event during the Oundle International Festival. It commemorates J.S. Bach’s legendary 250-mile trek from Arnstadt to Lübeck in 1705 to meet and learn from the renowned organist and composer Dieterich Buxtehude.

This year, however, something special is happening: The Big Bach Walk. Starting in Towcester on 4 July and ending at Peterborough Cathedral on 13 July, it celebrates the completion of Bach’s Orgelbüchlein (Little Organ Book). Across 10 days and a distance of over 50 miles, the curator of the Orgelbüchlein Project, celebrated organist William Whitehead, will walk along the Nene Valley, stopping at churches en route to play 45-minute concerts, where he’ll be joined by local musicians.

“It will be a wonderful way to spend time thinking, talking about and playing music, to get under the skin of Bach and, very importantly, to involve the local community,” says William, who likes to take long walks “with a purpose”.

“Northamptonshire Best Surprise, a marketing campaign to promote tourism, has designated 2018 as The Year of Northamptonshire Churches, so the Walk ties in neatly with that, as well as expanding Festival’s reach across the whole county,” explains Kenneth Richardson, the Festival’s Artistic Director. “We’re inviting people to join William on all or part of his journey or simply come along to the free concerts.”

THE BACH STORY J.S. Bach’s intention was for the Orgelbüchlein (Little Organ Book) to be a compendium of short chorale preludes for the whole church year. He wrote down the title of each of the 164 chorales he planned to include, but only completed 46 of the settings, leaving 118 pages blank except for a title. Why he left the manuscript incomplete remains a mystery.

William’s idea for the Orgelbüchlein Project, a major international composition project to complete Bach’s intended work, was “a lightbulb moment” during an Oundle for Organists Summer School about 10 years ago.

“A young organist played his own composition at a platform concert – a chorale prelude in perfect Orgelbüchlein style. It was very beautiful, and I thought, if a teenager could do it, why can’t we pull together and complete it? I was surprised no one had thought of that before. I wanted to gather contributions of many different styles that would reflect the ethos of Bach’s work for the modern age.”

Based on Bach’s intended melody, new pieces to fill those missing pages have been commissioned from contemporary composers worldwide, among them Robert Quinney, a former Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral.

William has played many of the world premieres of project works in concerts across England, in France and Norway, at the BBC Proms and in the Royal Festival Hall. During The Big Bach Walk he will be playing a selection of the new pieces, including three world premieres that have been commissioned by the Oundle International Festival.

For the Festival’s annual Bach Walk, this year between Oundle and Cotterstock on 10 July, William will be joined in concert by the distinguished British tenor John Mark Ainsley. Students from the Oundle for Organists courses will sing some of the chorales that inspired Bach at a late-night candlelit concert in Oundle School Chapel.

Details of this and The Big Bach Walk are available from the Oundle Festival Office, 4 New Street, Oundle PE8 4EA; 01832 274734. oundlefestival.org.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

WILLIAM WHITEHEAD

William is an internationally lauded, multi-award-winning organist and recording artist with a busy concert diary across the UK, Europe and the United States. His compositions have been sung by college and cathedral choirs and on the BBC, and he’s held teaching posts at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College, London. He teaches organ students at Oxford and Cambridge universities and the Royal College of Organists and is a popular tutor on the Oundle for Organists courses, which run in parallel with the Oundle International Festival.

July concert dates for The Big Bach Walk Wednesday 4th at 1pm St Lawrence Church, Chantry Lane, Towcester NN12 6YY Thursday 5th at 1.10pm All Saints’ Church, George Row, Northampton NN1 1DF Saturday 7th at 4pm St Mary’s Church, Church Hill, Finedon NN9 5NR Monday 9th at 4pm St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Titchmarsh NN14 3DB Tuesday 10th The Festival’s annual Bach Walk (St Andrew’s Church, Cotterstock/Oundle School Chapel) Wednesday 11th at 4pm St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Warmington PE8 6TE Friday 13th at 3pm Peterborough Cathedral, PE1 1XS

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HEALTH & Feel the heat With the summer holidays just around the corner, it’s important to protect delicate skin and hair in the heat.

Catherine Varney discovers this season’s hottest buys for keeping you cool in the sunshine…

Protect those peepers Exposure to sunlight can cause long-term ocular damage, so it’s especially important to invest in a pair of decent sunnies. But “decent” doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag – anything with 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection will do the job nicely. Check out our favourite local opticians who have got some fabulous, fashionable styles available:

Simmons Optometrists

If it’s big-name brands you’re after, then Simmons is the place to go. Boasting collections from Tom Ford, Gucci, Ted Baker, Armani, Police and Jimmy Choo to name just a few, there’s a huge choice of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for men and women to suit all budgets. For glasses with a touch of high-tech spec, try the Maui Jim range featuring patented PolarizedPlus2 technology for exceptional colour and clarity.

Langrick & Coe

Wraparound sunglasses are perfect for any hay-fever sufferers out there, as they’re the best option for keeping pesky pollen out. Try the specialist sports eyewear range at Langrick & Coe in Oakham – it includes Alpina wraparound cycling specs and über-cool Adidas wraps that are as fashionable as they are functional.

Heavenly hair The sun is your hair’s worst enemy – the UV rays break down hair proteins causing hair to become dull and weak and also affect the pigment, so that lovely new colour you paid for could end up looking jaded if you don’t take care of it. Thick, dark hair naturally has more resilience, whereas highlighted and chemically treated hair is especially prone to breakage.

Follow these top tips to ensure your crowning glory remains soft and glossy all summer long: Invest in a sun hat – this is the best way to protect your hair at all times. Now, I’m not suggesting you need to pop it on for trips to the shops, but if you’re exposed to the sun for long periods of time (whilst on the beach for example), then it will be a great investment.

A wide-brimmed straw hat not only looks elegant, it will have the added bonus of offering some protection to the delicate skin on your face too.

Anti-chlorine shampoo – if you’re a water baby then you’ll know just how much damage chlorine can do to your tresses. Step forward Paul Mitchell products (stocked at the Browns Hairdressing Group in Market Harborough). The Clarifying Shampoo Three not

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

& BEAUTY Davis Optometrists For a pair of bespoke specs, head to Davis Optometrists in Market Harborough. Here you can pick any frame from the vast selection on offer, and they’ll add dark, tinted lenses for a pair of sunglasses unique to you. For even greater flexibility, opt for photochromic lenses, which react to UV light, so they go dark in the sun but remain clear when indoors – picture perfect.

Stamford Eye Clinic

Sunwear brands at this Stamford opticians include Bolle, Maui Jim, Shauns and Zeal Optics, so there will be a style to suit whatever your look of choice. Zeal Optics use plant-based materials in all their sunglasses frames and lenses, meaning that while they are helping you to see the world around you more clearly, they are also protecting the views that inspire us for generations to come.

Skincare – sorted!

If your skin looks dry and crêpey, it’s likely down to dehydration and over-exposure to the sun.

Prickly heat and other minor irritations can also make your skin more sensitive in the summer months, so it will need handling with TLC. The Espa Salt & Oil Body Scrub (£35) is a wonderful treat for tired-looking skin at Barnsdale Hall Spa. Using a soothing blend of natural sea salt and essential oils, this exfoliating treatment gently sloughs away dead skin cells to leave skin glowing, smooth and nourished (always seek professional advice before exfoliating sun-damaged skin).

Post-exfoliation, it’s essential to restore as much moisture into parched skin as possible. I love the Katherine Daniels range of products, as they’re packed full of natural ingredients, are tailored to treat various skin types and conditions, and are also formulated to consider the UK climate. The Nourishing Hydrating Balm has a rich, buttery texture that feels wonderful on stressed-out skin.

Proven to increase skin hydration by 39 per cent in the first 2 hours, it contains brown seaweed osmolyte, shea butter and vitamin E and absorbs instantly, keeping skin hydrated all day (available from Langham Body and Beauty Studio).

The magic of make-up

If you find your make-up starts sliding off your skin in the summer months, then the product you’re using is probably too heavy or oily for your skin. Hot and humid weather calls for something that allows your skin to breathe, which is why I love the Mii cosmetics range available from Creme Hair and Beauty in Oakham. Made from a natural mineral formulation, the products won’t clog pores or feel cakey, and The Absolute Face Base foundation is the ultimate first layer for your skin. Offering a flawless and long-lasting finish, it also contains SPF30, which will give you extra anti-ageing protection against the elements.

Holiday-ready lashes

If you love looking your best around the pool but hate the panda-eyes you get from wearing mascara, an LVL lash lift will be your best holiday buy this year. Available from Ellique in Oakham, this popular treatment works by making the most of your natural lashes – straightening them at the root and then tinting them, so that they appear longer, thicker and darker with no need for mascara. And the best part is that they last 6–8 weeks, so they’ll still be going strong long after your tan has faded!

Semi-permanent make-up only removes chlorine to combat the dreaded “green hair” effect, it removes product buildup, prevents future build-up, is vegan friendly and free from parabens too – stock up now!

Leave-in conditioner – this is a must-have for any holiday and is one of the best ways to reverse the effects of UV damage.

My favourite is the Thomas Damage Repair Treatment (£10), available from Thomas Hairdressing salons. This is applied to wet hair and combed through; after 10–15 minutes, hair will be touch dry and “pillow proof”, which allows you to leave the treatment in overnight.

Wash it out in the morning to reveal glossy hair with a new lease of life.

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For a more long-term answer to your make-up woes, consider getting a semi-permanent treatment from Natalie Godefroy at Beauty Defined in Market Harborough. From perfect micro-bladed brows and elegant eyeliner to a lush new lip colour, Natalie offers a variety of treatments to enhance your natural beauty that won’t result in you looking over-done or “fake”. They use the highest pharmaceutical grade and hypo-allergenic pigments, and results can last for anything up to 3 years with a recommended colour boost between 12 and 24 months.

DIRECTORY Barnsdale Spa Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Oakham, Rutland, 01572 771313, barnsdalehotel.co.uk Beauty Defined Settling Rooms, Springfield Street, Market Harborough, 01858 288242, beauty-defined.co.uk Browns Hairdressing Group Manor House, High Street, Market Harborough, 01858 451816, browns-hair.co.uk Creme Hair and Beauty The Old Church, 8 Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 723823, cremehairandbeauty.co.uk Davis Optometrists 12 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, 01858 462061, davisopticians.co.uk Ellique 55 South Street, Oakham, 01572 723950 Langham Body and Beauty Studio 12 Cold Overton Road, Langham, 07917 672815, body-and-beauty.co.uk Langrick & Coe Opticians 16 High Street, Oakham, 01572 724407, opticians-oakham-meltonmowbray.co.uk Simmons Optometrists 23 Burley Road, Oakham, 01572 756434, simmonsoptometrists.co.uk Stamford Eye Clinic 32 St Peter’s Street, Stamford PE9 2PF, 01780 767403, thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk Thomas Hairdressing The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 756561, thomashairdressing.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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Your home, your life, your care

WHAT DOES BLUEBIRD CARE DO? In a nutshell Bluebird enable people to have choice and peace of mind.

The choice to remain at home, with the peace of mind for an individual to retain their independence and control when, previously, choices would be limited. Bluebird help people retain their dignity, to stay in their own home, to remain active in their community, to be released from hospital, to combat loneliness and, in some cases, to die at home. Bluebird look after people who need everything from simply companionship, including company to attend appointments or to get to the supermarket, right through to dementia support, stroke care, personal care, medication support, end of life care and much, much more. Bluebird tailor each customer’s care to suit the individual not just providing what they need but also what and how they want it. It is a totally holistic approach. Bluebird pride themselves in always going above and beyond to make sure every need is met.

WHO DO BLUEBIRD CARE PROVIDE SUPPORT TO? People come to Bluebird Care from all sorts of backgrounds, of all ages and at all stages of life. The youngest person Bluebird care for at the moment is 22-years-old, the oldest over 100! They can support any adult, from 18-years-old upwards. For many the support is enough to help them to start their day on the right foot, support with getting dressed, etc. For others the care can be more complex, often supporting individuals and their families as they face terminal illness. Bluebird take pride in making sure the service they provide is exactly what is required. For some a quiet chat and some companionship makes all the difference while other people need more specialist, complex care.

HOW DOES IT WORK? When Bluebird Care get an inquiry they make a thorough, initial assessment to understand what a person is looking for. They want to know what practical support they need but also what is important to them and often what is important to their loved ones and family. Bluebird often take care of couples or support one of the couple while allowing the other partner to rest as their main carer. They will be assigned an individual carer or a care team who fully understand what is expected of them and have been through rigorous and continuous training at Bluebird Care. Bluebird work with GPs, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers.

SERVICES OFFERED Companionship & support • Washing and dressing, personal care • Domestic support, help with housework or shopping • Companionship, assistance to appointments or trips out • Support with medication 24-HOUR LIVE IN CARE • Round the clock care and support in your own home • Rehabilitation care • Respite care

NIGHT CARE • Peace of mind through the night hours • Waking night care • Sleep-in night care SPECIALIST CARE Short or long-term care for: • Dementia, Parkinson’s or Stroke • End of life care • Respite and recovery care

If you or a relative would like to talk more about care and support, simply call 01780 480881, visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/peterborough-rutland or email peterborough@bluebirdcare.co.uk

“It took a while to find Bluebird Care and I can assure you that the service my father has received was far better and more reliable than other care companies we have used previously. I have no hesitation in recommending Bluebird Care to those who ask us about care arrangements.”

Mr T Richards, Peterborough, June 2018 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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Cocktails from the garden!

It’s so easy to use the fresh flavours of herbs and flowers to make delicious drinks. No complicated growing is needed: some of the best flavours come from the simplest-to-carefor plants, such as thyme, lemon verbena and rosemary.

To make a simple herbal syrup to add to cocktails, snip a small bunch of herbs, and boil with equal parts of water and sugar until dissolved. Cool and strain, then keep in the fridge until you’re ready to use. Try different pairings to find a flavour you like: gin goes well with rosemary syrup, for example and Prosecco pairs well with thyme. Or try this recipe for Basil and Gin Crush.

We Love!

You will need: • 60ml gin • 60ml sugar syrup (sugar dissolved in equal parts of boiling water, then slightly reduced) • 30ml fresh lemon juice • A small handful of basil leaves Lightly crush the basil leaves and stir into the gin. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, combine the syrup, lemon juice and gin, with some ice. Shake it well. Pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with pretty edible flowers such as snapdragon or a dianthus.

These practical, sturdy and beautiful “Sow, Grow, Enjoy” seed storage boxes are designed and made in Peterborough by local company Chester & Cooke, run by husband and wife team Simon and Liz Cooke. The materials are sourced from the UK, and the wood is from sustainable sources. The seed box costs £79.99 at chesterandcooke.co.uk or visit Liz’s stand at Castor fête on 7 July to see these and more from the range.

OutDoOr LIviNg WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

Days out for gardeners

Whether you’re looking for inspiration on the doorstep or a little further afield, these are our recommendations: Garden Day at Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne.

15 July.

An event to celebrate all things gardening in the castle’s park and grounds, which were landscaped by Capability Brown. Sample food that includes ingredients from the kitchen garden, listen to live music and storytelling, take a garden quiz, and meet Grantham beekeepers who will be on site with garden experts, happy to share their knowledge. £7 for adults, £3, children. grimsthorpe.co.uk Temperate House, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew It’s worth a day trip to London to see the newly restored Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, designed by architect Decimus Burton and first opened in 1863.

There are 10,000 plants in this awe-inspiring structure, three of which are extinct in the wild. An absolute must for plant lovers. Adult tickets cost £18.75 on the gate, children up to 16, £5. kew.org Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire Manageable in size, and utterly captivating, Kelmarsh’s grounds include a sunken garden, a 60m-long border and a triangular walled garden with fruit, vegetables and a restored vinery. In July, the highlights are cottage garden perennials and masses of sweet peas. Light lunches and wonderful cakes, often using homegrown produce, are served in the tea room.

Open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays. £6 for adults (gardens only) and £3.50 for children. Check ahead to make sure they are not closed for a private function. kelmarsh.org

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Growing in my garden now: Lavender

Not just a cottage garden staple, lavender can look great in a contemporary style garden, too. Put it in pots or plant a lavender hedge along the edge of a sunny path. It will only take a season or two to fill out, and there’s nothing better than brushing past a prettily fragranced border releasing the floral scent as you go.

Prune English lavender twice a year to keep the foliage compact: once in the late summer or early autumn after flowering, and again in late February. For a fresh look, try a white lavender, such as “Arctic Snow”, which looks stylish planted in grey zinc tubs and containers.

Lavender is widely available from garden centres now: try Welland Valley Garden Inspirations, near Uppingham, The Barn Garden Centre, Oundle and The Barn by Cherry Lane, Peterborough.

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33

Gardening at the edge of the wild Easton Walled Gardens has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last 17 years, thanks to the efforts of its custodian Lady Ursula Cholmeley and her dedicated team WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH. PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED CHOLMELEY

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S

TROLLING through Easton Walled Gardens in the late spring with its blossombedecked trees and elegant terraces, the spring bulbs pushing through in the borders, and an immaculate vegetable plot and cutting garden, it’s hard to believe that not so long ago it had come close to total collapse. “When we started to reclaim it in 2001, we had about five years left to act,” recalls owner Lady Ursula Cholmeley. Old stone walls were crumbling, trees grew from the tops of tumbledown buildings, and brambles had overtaken the footings. A vine house and a peach house were lost, as were the walls around a second walled garden. All the remaining buildings were on the National At Risk register. Yet beneath the unpromising scrubland lay walls and elegant walks dating back to Tudor times, when Sir Henry Cholmeley first bought the manor of Easton and created a garden some 400 years ago.

Over the centuries, Easton Hall and its gardens were famous, photographed for Country Life in 1900 and enchanting the future US president, Franklin Roosevelt, who fell in love with the place on a visit to the area. When World War II began, the Hall was requisitioned, becoming home to units of the Royal Artillery and the Parachute Regiment. It suffered considerable damage, and in 1951 it was demolished. Nature ran wild over the site, but, underneath, the garden’s structure had remained.

It was 2001 when Lady Cholmeley decided to reclaim her horticultural heritage, encouraged by her mother, who had passed on her own love of gardening. “I had no idea if we could make a permanent difference, but blind optimism always helps me through challenges, and with every project in the garden, it’s often a case of just keeping at it and never giving up.”

FIRST STEPS Plans were hampered by lack of budget, and in the early days friends and family were persuaded to help out, hacking away by hand at the undergrowth to reveal the ancient paths. A 24-tonne excavator borrowed for a week revealed the limestone terraces. “Over the next few years, it became possible to draw up lists and make a plan. By the mid-2000s we had planning permission to create a tourist attraction. The first visitors

followed, and the chaos has been replaced by our meadows, sweet peas, roses, vegetables, cut flowers and stunning parkland setting.”

THE GARDENS TODAY Horticulture is the main focus of Easton Walled Gardens, and planning behind the scenes ensures colour for nine months of the year. But diversification, in the form of a lively programme of events, workshops, a thriving café and shop, a Coach House, which is available for event hire, two holiday cottages, and, new for 2018, three luxury loft apartments overlooking the Victorian stable yard help to make it all viable.

“Horticulture is so labour intensive that you have to find ways to fund a garden of this scale,” says Lady Cholmeley.

A well-established autumn country market attracts local artisans and food producers (60 stalls are planned for this year), and the Sweet Pea Week, open daily from 1–8 July 2018, is nationally renowned. This year, however, the sweet peas have been moved from the cutting garden to the vegetable patch after a fungal infection. “It’s a reminder that Nature is in control, and you can only guide it,” says Lady Cholmeley philosophically.

She’s hands-on, working with senior gardener Ollie Ryan-Moore and a team of permanent and casual staff. Further progress is made every year: a new development for 2018 includes some re-landscaping, which brings visitors into the garden the way they would have approached if the Hall were still standing. Some larger beds have also been made “to create a feeling of total immersion”. Despite the never-ending hard work that lies behind the project, Lady Cholmeley still appreciates the beauty, and especially loves the meadows and the terraces in high summer.

“I like walking round in the evening when the light is low and slanting and the visitors have gone for the day. We have so much wildlife here, including 14 species of butterfly, and birds such as ravens, red kites, gold crests and grey wagtails. For me, the movement and sound is part of the joy of being in the garden.”

Open until 28 October 2018, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun and Bank Hol Mon (NB: closed Sat), 11am–4pm. In Sweet Pea Week, open daily 11am– 4pm. Adults £7.50, children £3.50. 01476 530063, visiteaston.co.uk.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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Buy-to-let still offers a healthy return on investment and can be a great way to save for the future, as Jill Griffiths, Head of Lettings at Andrew Granger & Co in Market Harborough explains

Is becoming a landlord the best way to save for retirement?

D

ESPITE the changes in legislation around buy-to-let and renting out properties, being a landlord is still a great way of generating an income. Buying a property is the most popular way to save for retirement in the UK, according to the ONS wealth and assets survey, followed by investing in a pension scheme.

So, is becoming a landlord still the best way to ensure a financially comfortable retirement?

The advantages of buy-to-let While there are significant initial costs when purchasing a property (unless you have accessible funds from an inheritance, for example), an investment in property is tangible and simple to measure.

Furthermore, if you select and manage the property well, renting it out will provide a significant monthly income as well as accruing in value.

How do pensions measure up?

Of course, pensions do have their advantages. Setting up a pension scheme is a simpler process than buying a second property and has the added benefit of requiring a smaller initial outlay. Once set up, you can add to it as you wish. You can also benefit from tax relief.

Local demand While the property market has had its ups and downs over the last decade, it is still one of the most reliable ways to grow an investment, particularly in Leicestershire, which experiences high levels of demand for both sales and rental.

In terms of rental growth, Leicester saw the second-highest rentalprice increase (5.3%) in the UK, second only to Manchester at 5.76% last year, according to LendInvest’s buy-to-let index research. Landbay

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

Rental index expects this upwards trajectory to continue. And with demand for local rental properties so high, this is great news for local landlords.

Reasons for renting Many people in the UK choose to rent because of the flexibility it gives to move around to different locations or to up or downsize with relatively little hassle. Young people aged between 25 and 34 are especially likely to rent rather than buy a property. Property website Zoopla states that, in fact, only 37% of people within this age bracket live in a property they own. This means that landlords are likely to have tenants with a longer lifetime value than in previous years.

Choose the right letting agent Of course, the key to making money on your property is to ensure it is let all year round, ideally to reliable long-term tenants. Choosing the right letting agent to manage your property will help you achieve that.

With almost 30 years’ experience in the local rental market, Andrew Granger & Co is an independent company with great local knowledge.

Managing over 1,500 rental properties across three offices in Market Harborough, Loughborough and Leicester, Andrew Granger & Co was rated number one for lettings in the Harborough area throughout 2017 and have continued this trend in 2018.

If you are interested in making an investment in property, contact Andrew Granger’s specialist lettings department for no-obligation support and advice.

Andrew Granger, 52 High Street, Market Harborough LE16 7AF, 01858 439 096. Email: jill.griffiths@andrewgranger.co.uk or visit andrewgranger.co.uk.

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Deborah Pennell s n champiose the cau

LET’S BE MORE

ECO FRIENDLY

IN OUR AREA I N January this year Theresa May vowed to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste in the UK by 2042 as part of this Government’s environmental plan for the next 25 years. Under the pledge, waste such as carrier bags, plastic food packaging and plastic straws would all be targeted and abolished.

Since this time, and in the wake of an avalanche of negative press from environmentally friendly groups, the UK seems to have woken up and realised the urgency for us to take responsibility for this problem; businesses and consumers alike appear to be marching into war against excessive overuse of plastic in our everyday lives. I do not know about you, but these days I feel guilty looking at a plastic straw, and I tend to always have a reusable coffee flask in my bag to negate the need to use

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

a non-biodegradable takeaway cup should I pop into one of our local coffee shops for a caffeine fix – it saves landfill. Some businesses even incentivise you to bring your own drinking receptacle, on the promise of money off, or a free biscuit to go with your hot beverage. It’s a clever but sensible approach to reducing waste.

Plastic-free areas, in which all food is loose, will become a popular sight in shops around the country before too long, and who is to grumble? We have after all very quickly got used to carrying our own re-useable bags, and that was in most part down to the fact we were suddenly confronted with a 5p-per-bag charge! These new ways of addressing the problem of non-recyclable plastic focus on an important environmental issue and one that we all need to accept and try to do something about.

S

O how do we hold up in this area when it comes to being environmentally friendly?

It would appear we still have a long way to go to tackle the long-term problem, but it is encouraging to see we have risen to the immediate eco challenge, as many businesses now have eco-friendly strategies in place, and most say they will make more effort to reduce their burden on landfill by increasing their recycling. Simple changes such as providing wooden cutlery instead of plastic for takeaway meals, wooden stirrers for hot drinks, paper straws, and recyclable cardboard food boxes rather than Styrofoam ones, can be seen at so many of our local cafés and delis.

These small changes will have a massive impact for the future.

A

ND it’s not only plastic and other non-recyclable packaging products that we need to look at – there is also the huge issue of food waste too!

The store at Second Helpings, based below Trinity Methodist Church in Barn Hill, Stamford, is often groaning with “food waste”. The store manager, Paul says, “each week we make collections from most of the town’s supermarkets and we are always staggered by the sheer quantity of food that we are able to collect – food that would otherwise have gone into the bin.”

George Hetherington, Project Co-Ordinator for Second Helpings, offered some eye-opening figures: since 2015 up to the end of April 2018 the project had intercepted a staggering 30,625kg of food destined for the bin, and the Saturday café has fed some 9,609 people.

The “waste” food is used by the hardworking volunteers to create a delicious three-course meal for the weekly Saturday lunch, with the café regularly feeding well over 100 people. The chefs create the menu using the donated food, with all surplus produce being sold at the “Food

All around the area there are examples of businesses that have taken up the eco fight.

Here are just a few of them: Fika, in Oakham, has changed to aluminium straws, which can be re-used once sterilised and washed through with a special pipe cleaner. Fika now only supplies drinks packaged in glass bottles.

Harrison and Dunn, in Stamford, offers a huge array of ethical and sustainable products, from compostable baking cases and sandwich wraps, to biodegradable washing-up gloves, paper straws and food waste bags. The Bee’s Wrap range (see left) is likely to be a popular purchase.

Just so Italian (Market Harborough and Stamford) – buy a Just so Italian takeaway cup, and your first coffee is free.

The Knead Group, including The Crown Hotel, Paten & Co and the Tobie Norris in Stamford, and The Lord Nelson in Oakham Since 1 May 2018 Knead pubs no longer use plastic straws.

The Lean Pantry, Stamford and Oakham, is offering customers drinks in their own cups and uses paper bags not plastic.

They have moved to paper straws, use cardboard boxes for cakes and have plans to offer customers flasks to purchase instead of having a takeaway cup, until such time when recyclable cups for hot beverages are more widely available.

Refill Revolution is opening up as a pop-up shop in Nature’s Pantry, Market Harborough, on 30 June. You can bring empty containers to be filled with products from porridge to shampoo, helping you to reduce your plastic footprint.

Eco-friendly products will also be on sale.

PHOTO: ELLI DEAN

These versatile sheets of beeswax come in a range of different sizes with pretty designs; use the warmth of your hands to form a cover over a bowl, around a piece of cheese or half an onion.

The wrap will hold its shape when it cools. They are reusable for over a year – the perfect plasticfree alternative to clingfilm.

These wraps are washable, reusable and biodegradable, and the natural antibacterial properties of beeswax will help keep foods fresh. They are, however, not suitable for the microwave or for use with raw meat or fish.

To clean: wipe the wrap down with a sponge or cloth using warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse off and leave to dry. It is also simple to revive the wax wraps if they are getting used lots and looking crumpled – preheat the oven to 150°C and lay wrap flat on a baking parchment-lined tray. Heat for 2–3 minutes. Once the wax on the wrap has melted, carefully take the wrap by its corner and hang it up – once cool it looks like new. When they come to the end of their life, they are biodegradable, so can just be popped into the compost bin. To me these are just genius and the ultimate eco-friendly essential.

Local stockists: Harrison and Dunn (3 All Saints’ Street, Stamford, PE9 2PA) offers a good selection in varying sizes.

PHOTO: ELLI DEAN

My favourite eco-friendly range: Bee’s Wrap

Bunker”, which now opens on Thursdays and Friday from 11am–1pm and on Saturdays from noon until the lunch sitting is over. Both the café and Food Bunker offer a “Pay as you Feel” system, with all donations going toward church projects and back into the community. For more information, visit second-helpings.org.uk.

Second Helpings: With the motto “Feeding Bellies not Bins”, it offers a Saturday café and Food Bunker using and distributing “waste food”.

Silver Lane Whole Foods, Stamford, offers an EcoCover liquid refill station, which saves throwing away plastic bottles after only one use.

The Stamford Deli donates a biscotti if you bring your own coffee flask.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

39

Compiled by Clare Peel

Food News & Reviews

Tapas on the Terrace at The Olive Branch

F

OR once the late May bank holiday this year offered glorious weather in Rutland, making it the perfect occasion to road-test the Tapas on the Terrace at The Olive Branch. After a very warm welcome in the bar from co-proprietor Ben, we took our seats in an agreeably shaded spot on the terrace. There were cushion pads and blankets for comfort and warmth, as required, plus inviting touches such as complimentary homemade strawberry and mint water. It all creates a great feeling of laid-back hospitality that sets this place apart.

The menu is super-straightforward – you don’t need to choose… you simply receive the chef’s selection. (Perfect for indecisive or distracted diners!) First up was the “board of tapas dishes”, a wooden platter as long as the table was wide, with nine different things to try. You can take it in any order you like, of course, but we started in classic style with the appetising olives, then several slurps of the mini cups of creamy but light, chilled gazpacho. I then plumped for the cockles – wonderfully evocative of childhood trips to the seaside but far more refined, of course, than the vinegar-soaked version of yesteryear.

Next it was time for some chorizo cooked in cider, then delicately devilled whitebait served with lemon mayonnaise. There was also a prettily presented pan-fried trout with light, frothy French-style summer pea sauce, black garlic potato croquettes – all crunchy exterior and silky-smooth interior – plus a cold-pressed chicken and ham terrine, and a little bowl of succulent ribeye with a pepper coulis. “It hits the spot completely,” my lunch partner declared.

This was followed by a second board – this time for what they called “pub puds”. This platter seemed extremely generous in size, making the tapas menu perfect, in fact, for anyone with a sweet tooth. Standout for

New delights at The Old Plough in Braunston-in-Rutland

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FTER a busy few weeks working on Local Living’s annual guide, Essential Living (out now), photographer Elli and I took time out for lunch at Braunston-in-Rutland’s The Old Plough pub, located a couple of miles southwest of Oakham. While the pub is historic (it dates to the 18th century), the management and chef are new, making it an excellent time to try out the fresh offering here.

Chef Karl – previously head chef at an awardwinning pub in a neighbouring county – is a local boy, who is putting his foodie focus on all things local. Meat is from Willow Brook Farm, and fruit and vegetables are fresh from local suppliers as far as possible too.

His menu offers a nice range in terms of both of style and price, from the more formal dishes that we tried to pub classics to sandwiches. On the menu our choices sounded ambitious, but, when the food arrived, we were both bowled over by the presentation and by how clearly Karl’s offering (with food all lovingly prepared in house) is a definite cut above your average pub grub.

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me among this collection of pretty puddings was a vanilla pannacotta with cinnamon-flavoured churros and a pleasantly tart compôte of redcurrants, blackcurrants and wild strawberries. There were also two dinky portions of peach Melba Eton mess, two duck egg custard tarts, plus a little dish each of the melt-in-the-mouth house ice cream (strawberry) and The Olive Branch’s own sorbet.

It’s £25 per person or £28.50 including a small – but delicious – glass of Txakoli (a dry, very slightly sparkling white wine from San Sebastián, typically served with tapas), sherry or a beer. A wonderfully summery delight that seems fairly easy on the waistline and is lots of fun.

Highly recommended.

The Olive Branch, Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland LE15 7SH, 01780 410355, theolivebranchpub.com

Elli’s starter of marinated goat’s cheese with honey-glazed roasted beetroot and an orange and walnut salad (£5.95) was stunning. My starter, which was maple-spiced pear with a blue cheese mousse and Parma ham shards (£6.55), was equally yummy, with the freshness of the pear combining impressively with the creaminess of the light blue cheese mousse.

For the main course, Elli chose the panseared haddock with Parmentier potatoes, samphire and a crayfish and caper beurre noisette (£13.95). It looked beautiful (photo right) and had a taste to match. My main was a buffalo chickpea burger, with fire-roasted bell pepper, guacamole and a Louisiana hot sauce (£11.95). Not an easy dish to prepare and keep light, but it was flavoursome, with great textures. Desserts included summer fruit pudding with ice cream, rhubarb fool with a crumble top and sticky toffee pudding (all £5.95). Sunday lunch, served from 12pm to 3pm, is popular (booking recommended).

The new team at The Old Plough is clearly already into its stride, offering wonderfully warm hospitality and eye-catching food at very fair prices – a great addition to Braunston. If you need to stay, there are ensuite rooms, too.

The Old Plough, 01572 722714, oldploughnearoakham.co.uk

16 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PZ

M NEW EN U!

01572 822951 www.lakeisle.co.uk

Lorraine Roxburgh, new General Manger of The Old Plough at Braunston-in-Rutland near Oakham, and new Head Chef Karl Johnstone (previously of an award-winning inn) are putting this historic pub back on the map, making it a destination for food lovers.

Using an abundance of fresh produce – much sourced from local farmers – they aim to provide sophisticated comfort in an inviting, friendly-family environment. The food is all lovingly and freshly prepared in house, and there’s a great selection of beverages, including local beers, to complement it.

In addition to the classic, cosy bar, there’s an attractive 40-seater glass conservatory and a relaxing, generously sized beer garden, plus five recently renovated rooms if you’re staying overnight or longer.

Lorraine and Karl look forward to welcoming you soon!

Bar Mon - Sun, 12noon - 11pm Food Mon - Sat, 12noon - 2pm, 6pm - 9pm Food Sunday, 12noon - 3pm Breakfast Mon - Sun, 8am - 10am Happy Hour Mon - Thurs, 3pm - 7pm - £3.90 Draught Beer, £6.75 250ml House Wine

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

The Old Plough 2 Church Street Braunston Near Oakham Rutland LE15 8QT

Tel 01572 722 714 www.oldploughnearoakham.co.uk

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LOCAL WALK

Fotheringhay, Elton and the River Nene This walk takes you through an area steeped in history and along lovely stretches of the River Nene

THE ROUTE

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After parking on Main Street ,walk past The Falcon pub west and you will soon see a footpath taking off on the right (north) just before a phone box. Follow this until it reaches Willow Brook, cross the bridge and then follow the field round to the left alongside the brook until you join the Nene Way Follow the Nene Way a couple of hundred yards, and then take the footpath bearing off to the right across the field towards the right edge of the small coppice (take the left field boundary if too muddy). Here you will re-join the path as you pass a little pond, then head towards the farm and pass straight through its yard On the other side of the farm, cross into a field rather than following the drive. Cross the road and then follow the track all the way to the River Nene. After crossing at the lock, walk past the old Elton Mill to join a metalled track and go via a gate into the village of Elton.

At the road, turn right towards the Wesleyan Chapel and then right into Chapel Lane.

Ignore first footpath sign and continue along the lane to join a bridleway; on the left is Elton Park.

After just over a mile you will approach the A605. Follow alongside it on this side, past the Warmington Gravel Pit, until you reach Warmington Mill. Pass in front of the mill to the right, and then turn left.

From here follow the Nene Way back to Fotheringhay, crossing a footbridge that appears in the middle of the field, then crossing Warmington Lock. Fotheringhay Church can be seen in the distance. After the lock aim for the gap in the hedge to the left of the church.

As you drop down into Fotheringhay you will see on your left a mound that is worth the climb for the views .This is all that is left of Fotheringhay Castle.

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Fotheringhay Church

KEY DATA

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) Typical Time: 2 to 2.5 hours OS Map: Explorer 227 or Landranger 142 Start and Finish: Fotheringhay Main Street, PE8 5HZ Terrain: Fairly flat, well used, across field paths and tracks Stiles: 5, with 2 of these next to gates Getting there: Leave A1 at Yarwell, then minor road via Yarwell and Nassington

PIT STOPS

The Falcon, Fotheringhay, PE8 5HZ. Tel: 01832 226254. Excellent pub and restaurant food, charming garden looking towards the church Elton Post Office Stores, 7 Middle Street, PE8 6RA Crown Inn, Duck Street, Elton, PE8 6RQ (turn left on reaching village) Tel: 01832 280232 44

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

Fotheringhay Church

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© Crown copyright 2018 Ordnance Survey.

Media 020/18

POINTS OF INTEREST

Fotheringhay Richard III was born at Fotheringhay Castle in 1452. Mary Stuart was brought here in September 1586 after 18 years in captivity. Her trial took place in the Great Hall of the castle on 14 and 15 October, and she was beheaded on 8 February 1587.

The castle fell into disrepair after Mary’s death, and the stones have been used to build many cottages and walls around the village.

Fotheringhay Church is described by Simon Jenkins as “floating on its hill above the River Nene, a galleon of Perpendicular on a sea of corn”.

It dates back to 1430 and is noted for containing a mausoleum to leading members of the Yorkist dynasty of the Wars of the Roses. It is currently undergoing a £1.5 million restoration project.

Elton Hall This magnificent hall dates from the 16th century, with wonderful Victorian Gothic re-working. It has notable furniture and paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds and Constable. Limited opening times – visit eltonhall.com for more details.

Elton Hall RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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CAdbUry’s worLd

CLosEr To HomE

If you are looking for something a shorter distance away, then there is plenty to do in the neighbouring towns and counties. Fun Climb, in Leicester, has 30 individually themed climbing walls that children and adults can clip onto, each with a different style and ability range. It is suitable for anyone over the age of five and costs £9.95 per person, although discounts can be found on voucher websites such as Groupon. And if a traditional theme park in beautiful grounds is more your style then Wicksteed Park in Kettering is definitely worth a trip. There is a range of rides, an excellent playground, plus meerkats and farm animals and even the option to camp overnight. Entry is free, and you buy tokens to pay for the rides and pay for parking. It is easy to have a great day out here with a family of four for less than £30. More information at funclimb.co.uk and wicksteedpark.org.

Sunshine and chocolate might not sound like a great combination, but Cadbury’s World in Bourneville is a great place to escape from the heat of the day. A little over an hour’s drive away from where I am in Market Harborough, this fascinating museum brings the history of chocolate to life through a series of interactive experiences. Take a trip through the Aztec rainforest, learn how cocoa beans are manufactured in the 4D cinema and watch employees moulding bespoke chocolate teapots all within the walls of the original factory. Visitors receive LOADS of free chocolate, but little ones can run off all of that sugary energy in the large playground outside; adults, incidentally, will enjoy learning about the history of the area in the Bournville Experience exhibition. My two particularly enjoyed the entertainer in the outside marquee who had them in stiches. Children under four go free and a family of four ticket is £51. For slightly cheaper prices online visit cadburyworld.digitickets.co.uk/tickets.

LIttLe livIng

Looking for something new to do with the kids this summer holiday? Lily Canter recommends these day trips, which she has tried and tested with her two young boys Byron and Ivor

BIrmIngHam seAliFe A new Squid Invaders room has opened at Birmingham SeaLife, to add to the array of colourful creatures on display. The playful penguins are a popular attraction, and you can watch them diving and jumping from above or below the water. The walk-through attraction has a series of different chambers featuring fish, octopi, sea horses, sea snakes, star fish, rays and even otters. There is a 4D cinema experience, which made my two (aged two and five) giggle but might be a little scary for even younger children. The highlight of the centre is the large aquarium at the end, where you can watch the giant, graceful turtle muscle snoozing sharks out of the way or enter the glass tunnel to get a 360-degree view of the majestic sea creatures. There is a small picnic room in the middle of the attraction or a range of restaurants outside. Since it is situated in the centre of Birmingham, parking is a few minutes’ walk away and quite pricy. To guarantee entry to the centre you need to pre-book tickets online – these start from £13, at visitsealife.com/birmingham.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

DUxfOrd imPerIal WAr musEum This was a hit with all the family and is an excellent wet and dry weather day out.

Situated south of Cambridge, Duxford is simple to reach along the A14 and M11 in about 75 minutes. There is so much to see here with endless hangars full of European and American aircraft from commercial planes to fighter jets, plus military vehicles including fire engines and tanks. Visitors can climb aboard the Concorde and get up close to famous World War II classics, including the Spitfire, Lancaster and Tiger Moth, or stare up into the guts of the Vulcan bomber. There is also an aircraft-inspired playground and an abundance of grassy open space for picnics, etc. Due to the size of the venue, it never feels crowded, even on a rainy day. Throughout the year there are also various series of air shows including the Flying Legends on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July. A family of four ticket is around £40 and can be booked online at iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford.

FUN DAY

Saturday 14th July between 10am to 2pm

• Purpose built pre-school with garden and outside teaching area • 3 Outside Play areas • Separate baby unit • Home-cooked meals • High quality childcare from specialist staff

Day Nursery and Pre-School

Open 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday Overton House, 42 Cold Overton Rd, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6NT

01572 723 810 www.scallywagsoakham.co.uk 47

Greetham Valley Golf Club

Junior Golf Forget the Pringle jumpers and plusfours. Local golf clubs are attracting a new, young generation of golfers, discovers Alysia Anderson

12-year-old Teddy Crooke at Burghley Golf Club

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T’S said that Tiger Woods started imitating his father’s golf swing as an infant when he watched his dad hitting balls. Certainly, learning the game as a child led to global success for Tiger. Here, there are thriving junior sections at Burghley Park, Greetham Valley and Rutland Water golf clubs. Requiring minimal strength and fitness, golf is suitable for all ages, genders and skill levels, making it perfect for families. Moreover, the handicap system means less proficient players still have a chance of winning.

Stamford resident Liz Haughton is Junior Organiser at Greetham Valley, where she and her family are keen players. Liz said: “Some of the best reasons to get your son or daughter involved with golf are that they’ll learn new skills, both mental and physical, and make new friends. For our family, golf has been quality bonding time and proud moments watching our daughters excel in a sport they love, whilst also teaching them integrity, social skills, discipline and respect.”

The club offers juniors the chance to take part in club, local and county competitions such as the Lincolnshire Junior League. Several players represent the club at county and national level.

Ellie Haughton, 18, is Lincolnshire Junior Girls County Captain and a member of the England U18 training squad. With a handicap of just three, Ellie plans to spend her gap year travelling and playing the amateur golf circuit. She said, “Golf is a huge part of my life. I’ve always enjoyed the competitive aspect and am very proud of my achievements.

There are so many opportunities for juniors in golf. After working really hard on my game and my studies, I’m looking forward to taking up a US university golf scholarship in 2019.” Her sister Izzy, 15, hopes to do the same and enjoys practising golf as a break from schoolwork.

Greetham Valley has two 18-hole courses, a nine-hole par-three academy course, chipping and putting practice areas and a floodlit driving range. Coaching sessions for children aged seven upwards are held on Wednesdays at 5pm, at £5 per hour. Juniors then progress to playing the academy course on Sundays at 3pm, with occasional forays on to the Lakes course.

They then receive a two-month free trial of the academy course and can join for £40 a year.

Later, comes full membership (half price if a family adult is already a member) and the chance to gain an official handicap and join the junior squad. The club runs holiday camps – the summer junior camp is £60 for three days and is running from 14 to 16 August. It also puts on family competitions, such as the popular Junior and Adult Pairs Betterball Open, offering a chance to trounce Mum and Dad on the fairway!

Burghley Park Golf Club Rutland Water Golf Course Established by the Marquess of Exeter in 1890, Burghley today has 50 members in its busy junior section. These include 12-year-old Teddy Crooke, who, in just two years, has improved his handicap from 15 to six and plays for the Lincolnshire U16s. His parents said, “The club is very supportive of juniors. Golf teaches manners and etiquette, as well as being good outdoors exercise, and it’s not costly.

Unlike other sports, you can be flexible when you play to fit round family and school commitments, and you can play with anyone of any age. Teddy often plays with his grandparents.”

Junior Organiser Sam Beckett said, “Our academy introduces juniors to the game and helps them towards achieving a handicap, so they can play in inter-club matches and competitions.” Lessons run on Saturdays and Sundays for all age groups and abilities, from £7 a session. The club also runs junior camps in the holidays, for £35 per day including lunch.

An annual academy membership costs £50 for juniors and includes unlimited access to the par-three academy course and practice facilities. In summer, taster fun days allow new golfers to give the game a go.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

This club has 27 holes running along the southern shore between Edith Weston and Manton, and players enjoy the compensation of spectacular views as they watch their ball land in the rough. Organiser Hannah Vaughan said, “We want to increase our junior section, so we are starting group lessons on Saturdays from 10–11am, at just £3 each. We are running an inter-club junior championship and will hold a junior open on 23 August, also open to other clubs.” The club has a driving range, putting and chipping green and well-equipped clubhouse. The nine-hole course is ideal for beginners or practising your short game, while the main course offers a challenging 18 holes. Fore!

Burghley Park Golf Club Tel: 01780 753789.

Email: academy@burghleyparkgolfclub.co.uk Greetham Valley Golf Club Tel: 01780 460444.

Email: lizhaughton@yahoo.co.uk Rutland Water Golf Course Tel: 01572 737525.

Email: enquiries@rutlandwatergolfcourse.co.uk

Greetham team

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News & Notes

PHOTO: ELLI DEAN

Helping you to make the most of Rutland and Market Harborough living

State-of-the-art dental clinic opens in Peterborough

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HE newly opened Priestgate Clinic brings dental excellence to the heart of Peterborough. Run by married couple Drs Catherine and Richard Cousley, the clinic combines state-of-the-art technology with first-class skills in dentistry and orthodontics, all underpinned by traditional values of patient care.

Located in a 200-year-old Grade II-listed building in the city centre, the clinic offers a range of dental care for all ages, including specialist orthodontics, preventative and restorative dentistry and facial aesthetics. It is one of the most advanced clinics in the country in terms of embracing 3D technology.

“Thanks to our low-dose facial CT and 3D intra-oral scanner, we no longer rely on plain 2D x-rays.

Patients no longer have to endure a mouthful of putty in order to create models of their mouth, making it a much more comfortable experience,” explained Richard.

Catherine is a highly experienced dentist who believes that a dentist’s role isn’t simply to repair damage, but to use minimally invasive dentistry and to prevent future oral health problems. Richard, who was the lead consultant orthodontist at Peterborough City Hospital from 2001 to 2017, is an innovative, expert orthodontist with a reputation for achieving excellent results. His expertise means that he is able to treat every type of orthodontic problem with a bespoke treatment plan, while also applying a touch of warmth and humour to put patients at ease. The couple are joined by consultant Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon Mr Clive Moss and by Dr Suchita Vaidya, who has a special interest in dental and facial cosmetic treatments.

Catherine said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our newly completed clinic in such a beautiful and historic building. We are inviting new patients to pop in for a chat to find out how we can help them achieve their perfect smile.”

For more information or to book an appointment, contact the friendly practice team on 01733 865000 or visit priestgateclinic.co.uk.

Rockblok Summer Activity Club 2018

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UT the fun into your child’s school holiday with Rockblok Summer Activity Club, at Whitwell, Rutland Water. If you’re juggling work with summer fun, looking for one day or need to book consecutive days for your child, the Rockblok team is here to help!

For children from age 8+.

Fun-packed days will include climbing, high ropes, den and shelter building, team challenges, crafts, adventure games, soft archery and more! Make new friendships and enjoy action-packed days!

The Rockblok Team is DBS checked with the appropriate first-aid qualifications and has a wealth of experience in providing supervision and fun activities for young people.

Rockblok Summer Activity Club 2018 will run Monday to Friday from 23 July to 31 August, 8.30am–4.30pm (pick up 5pm).

The cost is £30 per day, with a discount available when booking three days or more.

Contact Rockblok for more information, on 01780 460060, or visit rockblok.com.

50 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

Barbecue Heaters from Uppingham’s Heatsource

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UTDOOR Living has just become a whole new luxurious experience with the fantastic Chesneys barbecue heater designed with the collaboration of the illustrious chef, James Martin. This new revolutionary appliance offers the unique dual functionality of cooking and heating with the efficient Chesneys clean burn technology at the heart of it all.

The appliance was launched in May at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, where James Martin demonstrated the versatility of the cooking experiences that can be achieved by anyone from the enthusiastic chef to the casual one. The culinary options are endless from baking, roasting, smoking to grilling.

Once you have finished cooking, the barbecue can be transformed into a fabulous heating appliance to enable you to prolong the time you spend outside. The key feature is that Chesneys has used their award-winning stove technology and they have created a beautiful, environmentally friendly outdoor heater that will make every night a magical experience, even with our unpredictable British climate.

The range offers four options, available in a palette of colours to suit your design needs.

The RRP starts at £2,484 with the appliances available to see at your local Chesneys retailer, Heatsource of Uppingham.

35 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY, 01572 829953, heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

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Local dentists Catherine Cousley and husband Richard Cousley (Consultant Orthodontist) are delighted to announce the opening of The Priestgate Clinic in the centre of Peterborough.

Catherine and Richard are welcoming patients to this new state-of-the-art dental clinic. They look forward to seeing patients that they have cared for over the years and new patients seeking preventive dentistry, specialist orthodontics and facial aesthetics in a relaxed and caring environment.

If you would like to book an appointment please phone

01733 865000

or find us at www.priestgateclinic.co.uk

Brooke Weston Trust presents

BRIT Kids

Saturday Courses at Corby Business Academy

Performing and Creative Arts classes for 8–15 year olds At BRIT Kids you can choose to do Performing Arts or Creative Arts and Mix and Match to do both!

What will you do in these classes? Here’s a quick breakdown….

Theatre, Dance, Singing

These three classes work well together.

They are individual classes that come together once a year to put on performances. You can choose to do one, two or all three classes.

Street Dance Specialist Street dance classes.

Music Production Making electronic music in our specialist studio.

Film Making Directing, planning, shooting and editing, students will learn it all.

Fashion and Textiles Learn to customise your clothes, stitch, heat press, applique and use a sewing machine.

Art Club

A mixed media course exploring a variety of materials, mediums and processes.

brit.croydon.sch.uk/BRITKids

01536 303120 51

News & Notes Healthy Hearing new centre in Stamford’s Red Lion Square

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EALTHY Hearing is proud to announce the opening of their new Hearing Centre right in the centre of Stamford. Healthy Hearing’s Ambassador, BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Johnnie Walker MBE (seen here), will be officially opening the new Centre at 10.30am on Wednesday 18 July 2018.

Healthy Hearing is dedicated to providing a comprehensive hearing healthcare service that improves its clients’ quality of life. Mike Stanley has been running Healthy Hearing for over 16 years. “We are very pleased to be able to offer our services right in the centre of Stamford. Our current Centre in Cliff Road, Stamford, has been providing hearing care to people in the surrounding areas for many years, and we have extensive experience fitting hearing aids to suit people’s different needs.

We also offer free trials of the latest hearing aids, so you can test them out in your day-to-day life.”

Located at 1 Red Lion Square, the new Hearing Centre will be fully equipped with cutting-edge equipment, ensuring that the most accurate hearing examinations are provided. Other services will include tinnitus counselling and ear wax removal. “We use the most up-to-date digital hearing aid technology and our team of audiologists are highly qualified and have been nationally accredited for their services. We really understand the value of listening to our customers and we guarantee you will receive the expert attention you deserve.”

Healthy Hearing would like to invite you to celebrate the official opening of the new Centre on Wednesday 18 July 2018. Their friendly team will be on hand to greet you with a glass of fizz and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, please call Healthy Hearing on 01780 759133 or visit healthyhearing.co.uk

Oakham asking prices up 19.6% in the last 12 months This month our local property market advisor David Crooke, owner of UPP Property, detects a rise in Rutland’s asking prices and considers the impact on the local housing market.

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HE average asking price of property in Oakham increased by 19.6%, or £56,259, compared to that of a year ago.

This takes the current average asking price to £346,039 from £289,780 in midsummer 2017.

The rise in asking prices is being aggravated by buyers jumping into action looking to benefit from potential stamp duty savings (especially first-time buyers) or beat impending mortgage interest-rate rises later in 2018. Of the numerous Oakham buyers having started their property hunting in the usually active spring market this year, many face paying even more than ever for the property of their dreams, although, as I mentioned a few weeks ago, there are more properties for sale in Oakham compared with 12 months ago.

Looking at the different sectors of the Oakham property market, splitting it down into property types, one can see what is happening to each sector of the market with regard to their average asking prices now compared to a year ago. The most upward average asking-price pressure is in the detached and semi-detached property type sectors.

Wistow Maze

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T’S that time of the year once again when Wistow’s wonderful maize and sunflower maze is revealed to the public. To mark the 70th Anniversary of the NHS (established on 5 July 1948 by the then Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan, who called it “the biggest single experiment that the world has ever seen undertaken”), the award-winning maze – covering 8 acres and with 3 miles of paths, with high level bridges and towers to afford stunning panoramic views – has been designed in the shape of an ambulance and has a first-aid-themed quiz trail, which will test visitors’ knowledge on first aid, including how to treat a casualty.

The maze includes an Activity Funyard with mini mazes and games for all the family. Opposite is Wistow Rural Centre with a café, garden centre, gallery, model village and shops.

The maze opens on Friday 20 July and remains open daily until Sunday 2 September; thereafter, it will be open on weekends only until Sunday 23 September. It offers a great day out for all the family.

For more information, including ticket prices and directions, visit: wistow. com or call 07884 403889. See also p60. The maze is located in Wistow, Kibworth Road, Leics LE8 0QF

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

Now, I must stress that this growth in the asking prices of Oakham property doesn’t mean that the value is going up by the same amount... nothing could be further from the truth.

Only time will tell if the current asking prices are a catch-up abnormality after a couple of months of restrained asking-price rises in the first few months of 2018, or is this an initial sign that we are in for a better 2018 in this respect than all of us were expecting at the start of the year?

I believe these asking prices must be viewed with a pinch of salt, as it will be fascinating to see whether Oakham properties actually sell at these higher prices. Just because house sellers are asking for more money, it doesn’t mean that buyers will be enthusiastic to part with their hard-earned cash.

Also, property owners wanting to sell need to be aware of progressively strained buyer mortgage affordability, and the more those sellers increase asking prices, the more buyers will hit their maximum on the amount they are able borrow on a mortgage.

However, those Oakham buyers who need a mortgage paradoxically benefit from lower mortgage payments before interest rates rise… maybe another reason for the uplift in the number of first-time buyers and landlords buying? Only time will tell!

For professional advice on buying, selling, renting and managing your homes and property investments, please call UPP Property Sales & Lettings on 01572 725825.

See also upp-property.co.uk.

➧

BRING YOUR PARTY

TO A- WITH CRESCENDO LIVE MUSIC -

Spirited, lively, highly professional duo of Will on trumpet and Sam on keyboard, trained at London’s Guildhall School of Music.

We play all styles – classical, jazz, and popular tunes

Any type of occasion, including weddings Stamford or surrounding villages. Competitive rates.

Just contact Sam on rudd.jones@yahoo.co.uk to find out more and make a booking.

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54

News & Notes Magical Malaysia

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T the crossroads of South East Asia and stretching from Thailand to Singapore, the beautiful Malaysian Peninsula lies between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea and offers a culture that is just as diverse as its landscapes. A combination of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Colonial influences create a vibrant multi-cultural atmosphere. One visit to Malaysia is all it takes – you’ll be bewitched.

This beautiful country brings together all the ingredients for a perfect holiday, with lush landscapes and tropical shores, ancient temples and cutting-edge architecture, fresh waterfalls that cut through dark forests, slick city-centre hotels and boutique beach resorts.

Kuala Lumpur has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a mining town and is the fastest-growing city in the country, boasting some of South East Asia’s tallest skyscrapers, which proudly sit next to historic temples and sites of cultural significance.

Meanwhile, the stunning islands of Langkawi and Penang offer stretches of white sandy beaches and unspoilt paradise. In Malaysian Borneo, renowned for its steamy rainforests and marine national parks, the landscapes and wildlife will take your breath away, famous for its endangered orangutans and Mount Kinabalu.

Malaysia is generally hot all year round with differing rainfall patterns. The east coast of peninsular Malaysia experiences rainfall between November and January, whilst the west coast has more rainfall from August to October. Borneo has a tropical climate, with heavy rain between November and February making travel more difficult – the weather in Borneo is at its best between May and October, especially during the fruiting season, when there is more wildlife activity.

Inspired to visit this amazing country? Oundle Travel offers a wide range of holidays to Malaysia to suit every style and budget. Why not consider a multi-centre tailor-made itinerary incorporating two nights in Kuala Lumpur followed by a stay in Borneo and then a relaxing week in Langkawi at the end?

For a quote please contact the team at Oundle Travel on 01832 273600 or at sales@oundletravel.co.uk.

Leicestershire 3 Peaks Challenge

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OW is the time to sign up and start training for the Leicestershire 3 Peaks Challenge 2018 on behalf of Charity Link – the Leicestershire charity tackling poverty and changing lives. All funds raised through the event help to buy items such as food, clothing, beds and cookers for local people in desperate need. The challenge takes on the two highest peaks in Leicestershire – Beacon Hill (814ft) and Bardon Hill (912ft), along with the famous Old John Tower in Bradgate Park. Rachel Markham from Charity Link said, “Participants have loved seeing parts of the Leicestershire countryside that they never ever knew about. It is a tough 16.5-mile trek with fields, woodland and even quarries, but, with sensible training, Charity Link’s Leicestershire 3 Peaks should be suitable for most.”

The challenge begins and ends at Bradgate Park, taking in Broombriggs Farm Country Park, Beacon Hill, Charley Woods, Bardon Hill, Billa Barra Hill Nature Reserve and Hill Hole Nature Reserve. On completion each participant will receive refreshments, a medal, certificate and glass of bubbly to celebrate their achievement. Dogs that are up to the challenge are more than welcome to walk with their owners (following the country code).

Each year a number of runners take part – could you beat the current event record of 2 hours and 57 minutes?

Charity Link would also love to hear from local businesses who may be interested in supporting the challenge and from people who would like to volunteer as marshals and members of the support team.

The event takes place this year on Sunday 23 September and details for taking part or for assisting on the day can be found at charity-link.org.

Wingates Gallery Independents’ Day Celebration

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T Wingates Gallery in Market Harborough, they are fiercely proud of their independence. This means that in addition to working with a fabulous range of art publishers they also work with a fantastic number of highly skilled independent artists from around the UK and Europe.

This exclusive and unique event on Wednesday 4 July from 5–8pm sees ten of their independent artists coming to join them for an exciting evening to show their very latest collections.

With glass, ceramic and metal sculptures plus a magnificent range of wall-hanging art, including acrylic, oil, mixed media and fine metal, there will be something for every taste and budget.

From abstract to still life, from wildlife to urban figurative, you can meet the artists who will chat to you about their technique, inspiration and love for their work.

Everyone is welcome.

An event not to be missed.

Wingates Gallery, Wingates Walk, 44a St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DU, 01858 465455, wingatesgallery.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

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ESSENTIAL LIVING 2018-19

OUT NOW

Your Guide to the very best the region has to offer Essential Living is our stunning annual publication that covers Stamford, Rutland, Market Harborough, Oundle & Peterborough.

It inspires people to get the most out of the region - to explore new places, to try out new things, to shop locally, to enjoy the best.

You will find it free at high visibility footfall places across the region – hotels, cafés, health clubs, hairdressers, libraries and meeting places.

Or read it online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk It includes sections on: Shopping Discoveries Fashion, Health & Beauty Home & Garden Food & Drink Eating Out Out & About Kids’ Learning & Activities Education

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

LET THERE BE LIGHT G

Did you know that your kitchen is full of Kelvins and, apparently, these are critical when it comes to controlling the visual climate of any room. Alan Ramm, from Bakehouse Kitchens, Stamford explains...

etting the correct lighting is as important to a kitchen as the design itself. Matching the Kelvin rating - which is the temperature of the light - to give off the same glow between for example ceiling, plinth, under-cupboard and section lighting is one of the key features to any of my designs.

place the ceiling light in line with the top of your head so the open cupboard is perfectly lit. These little details make so much difference on a day-to-day level when you are using the space.

Some of the latest lighting systems we install are now totally programmable from your mobile phone which means I like to use a cool light or a daylight glow that you can change the lighting remotely. One of the systems we use is in my designs. I find the warmer lights can sometimes be a little dark, but if you called Control 4 and this system links your security, tvs, radio, itunes and allows go too low then the lighting can end up more as a blue glow. Matching the Kelvin access to all of these from your phone. ratings throughout a living space gives it You can preset mood lighting and change each aspect of your lighting to create a a continuity throughout which I like. different atmosphere. In addition, you can set your heating requirements and your When you are at the initial stages of tv or music to turn on and off at certain contemplating the design of a new kitchen, lighting should be one of the first times - all using your phone. The options aspects you think about; at the installation are immense. stage lighting becomes part of the first fix, but more importantly, it forces you to focus When we begin to work with a new customer our process is simple. First, on how you are going to use the space. we get to know you and I like to gain a full understanding of your vision of At Bakehouse we design our kitchens your dream space. The next stage is to ergonomically, this means we consider exactly how you are going to use a space go through every individual element of and then light it optimally. For example, the design with you - the kitchen finish, worktops, taps, lighting and accessories if you stand in front of a cupboard and open it, you don’t want the ceiling light - to ensure we’ve got it exactly right for right behind your head as this will cast a you. The final stage is to create your vision and turn your dream into a reality. shadow over the contents. We would

Lighting: Top tips: • Think carefully about where you locate each light source • Consider the Kelvin ratings and match these • Use mirrors and/or glass splashbacks to reflect the natural light • Use cleverly positioned lighting to highlight features in the kitchen • Don’t scrimp on lighting, be as generous as your budget allows good lighting is worth every penny!

• Use long-lasting LED lighting, not halogens “Here at Bakehouse, we pride ourselves on exceptional kitchen designs, uniquely built to each individual’s requirements, fully utilising the space available with practical solutions and breath-taking results. Our traditional designs reflect our heritage and as part of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, a true sign of quality, you can be assured of excellence in workmanship.”

If you’re passing, po p in to the Bakeho use Kitchens showroom : 5 St Mary’s Stree t and be inspired. Open ing times: Monday Sa turday 10am - 5pm. Bakeho use Kitchens: t: 01 78 0 767 928; e: hello@bakehou sekitchens.co.uk

Out & About

Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Sweet Pea Week, Easton Walled Gardens

Great Bowden Music Fest

Tuesday 26 June to Sunday 1 July Oakham Festival Oakham Festival is back with a wide-ranging programme of events to suit all ages. This year the Festival is geared towards audience participation, and bringing brand new experiences to the community. The fun begins with the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience at Oakham Castle, as well as music by Oakham School’s Chamber Choir at a lunchtime concert. Join the Castle staff for a Mischief and Misdemeanour walking tour around Oakham, a perfect outing for all the family. Thursday 28 June is a full-on musical day, featuring a lunchtime concert by local musician Anne Mortimer on clarinet and saxophone accompanied by Peter Davis on piano. In the evening, take your pick between Oakham School Big Band Concert or a Mamma Mia Singalong in Oakham Castle. The rest of the programme includes music, dancing, proms in the park, a live band in The Grainstore and a closing party in Bill’s Bar featuring funk/soul legends, the Top Banana band. Full details of all events can be found at oakhamfestival.co.uk and tickets are available at Oakham Castle, Rutland Toys & Dance or online at wegottickets.com Throughout July Wildlife Workshops There is plenty for wildlife lovers of all ages to do at Rutland Water this month with badger watches, a book club, osprey cruises, willow-weaving courses, birdwatching and butterfly events as well as special events for the school holidays. New this year is a week of Nature Detectives for 7- to 14-year-olds.

Between Monday 30 July and Friday 3 August there

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will be a week of activity days with a different wildlife theme. For those staying the whole week there’s a camp out on Thursday 2 August.

Rutland Water Nature Reserve For details or to book call 01572 653024 or visit rutlandwater.org.uk Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 July, daily Easton Walled Gardens – Sweet Pea Week Enjoy the glorious displays of sweet peas (raised lovingly from seed in the greenhouses), the flowers in the meadows, the roses and cream teas. The whole garden is filled with the sights and sounds of summer, with children most welcome. A great day out for the whole family.

Easton Walled Gardens To book tickets or for further information call 01476 530063, visiteaston.co.uk Thursday 5 July, 7.30pm Cinema for Rutland July’s screening is The Post, the true story of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep, with Tom Hanks as her editor) and her legal battle in 1971 to publish the Pentagon Papers. Wine and refreshments available.

Rutland County Museum Tickets are £5 on the door or in advance from Oakham Wines or wegottickets.com Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 July Great Bowden Music Fest A cast of international musicians will perform in a series of concerts beginning with a classical concert on Thursday evening followed by Musicals Night

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

on Friday. Saturday evening is Jazz Night, this year featuring the Rutland Big Band. The climax of the Fest will be a classical concert featuring the Great Bowden Camerata with the Harborough Singers.

St Peter and St Paul Church, Great Bowden Tickets for the concerts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings are £12 each, and Season Tickets are £40. There are also two Coffee Concerts at 12pm on Saturday and Sunday; these are free to attend. Accompanied children under 12 admitted free. Tickets available from Welton’s, Great Bowden, and Moins Chemists, Coventry Road, Market Harborough, plus at wegottickets.com. Full details of the programme can be seen on the Music Fest Facebook page or at greatbowdenmusicfest.co.uk Friday 6 July, 7.30pm Lyddington Film Night This month’s film is Paddington 2 (PG). Peru’s most famous bear sets out to buy a special gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. The present is stolen, and suspicion falls on Paddington. It is up to Paddington and the Browns to find the real culprit.

Lyddington Village Hall Tickets £5 on the door Saturday 7 July, 2pm to 4.30pm Empingham Village Fete Fun for all the family with a talent competition, children’s games, tug of war, tombola, craft stalls, raffle and silent auction. Refreshments include a barbecue, bar, tea and cakes. Admission is £1 with no charge for children. Proceeds towards St Peter’s Church and the Empingham School running track.

Empingham Primary School

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QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL FRIENDLY CARING A FRESH APPROACH TO DOG GROOMING A FRESH NEW LOOK FOR YOUR DOG

JONNY RIGBY 07879550664 jonny@rigbyandroverdoggrooming.co.uk

WING SUMMER FEST - A full day of family fun -

Sunday 26 August 2018, 11 am - 4 pm in Wing Village, Rutland Free Entry and Free Parking

• Fun Dog Show - entries on the day from 11am show 1pm - prizes sponsored by Fish4Dogs • Wingledon Tennis • Art, Flower & Quilting Exhibitions • Gardening Events • History of Wing • Artisan & Victorian Market • Festival Evening Feast –tickets only evening event: includes aperitif and canapés, hog roast or vegan option, salads and dessert. £15.00 per head (children under 16 free of charge). Paying bar and musical entertainment

Stall holders who wish to take part in the Farmer's and Artisan Market please contact Sarah O'Boyle on banjocrafts@gmail.com. To pre-book tickets for the evening feast con tact Lindsay O'Connor on lc@bayfordgray.com.

If you wish to help out or would like to take part in any way please contact Sally Cox (mrssallycox@hotmail.com).

THE GUILD OF MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEPS Powering chimney sweeping into the 21st Century

Offering a friendly, flexible and caring service, I am fully insured and police checked with over 8 years cat sitting experience. References can be supplied if requested.

Covering Rutland, Stamford,Oakham and surrounding areas.

Phone: 07464 679090 Email: sarah@purrfect-catsitting.co.uk Web: www.purrfect-catsitting.co.uk

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www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk 59

Out & About

Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Burghley Film Festival

Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 July A Midsummer Night’s Dream In Shakespeare’s bittersweet comedy, Theseus, Duke of Athens, is about to marry Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons. Four young, star-crossed Athenian sweethearts fall in and out of love, aided (or hindered) by the mischievous sprite Puck.

Harborough Theatre Tickets £9/£11 at the theatre box office; on 0333 666 3366 or at harboroughtheatre.com Saturday 14 July, 2pm to 4.30pm Grow It, Cook It, Make It Show Empingham Garden Club’s annual produce show will showcase some beautiful fruit and vegetables and promises to be lots of fun. Classes include painting categories and a chance to dress up an onion – best outfit wins. Homemade refreshments.

Methodist Chapel, Empingham Admission 50p, with no charge for children Saturday 14 July, 7.30pm A Night at the Movies Chater Community Choir will be entertaining audiences with a concert of popular cinematic highlights in aid of the Rutland Marie Curie Fundraising group and Riding for the Disabled.

The choir has raised almost £14,000 for local and national charities and is hoping to carry on raising such wonderful amounts with the continued support of their audiences.

Uppingham Parish Church Tickets are £5 from Tracy Steward on 01780 729006 or Jenny Clarke on 01572 821197 Tuesday 17 to Sunday 22 July (various performance times) Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Four tales in one show. Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are

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woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler‘s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. This delightful production is the perfect treat for all ages.

Curve, Leicester Tickets £12/£14 0116 242 3595 curveonline.co.uk

Batman Movie and Beauty and the Beast, or the evening session featuring Top Gun, Gladiator and The Italian Job, among others.

Tickets cost £15 adults and £9 children. Parking is free. Daytime tickets give access to both screenings during the day, while evening tickets give access to both evening screenings.

For a full list of all the movies and to book online tickets, visit burghley.co.uk or tel 01780 752451

Friday 20 July to Sunday 2 September (daily), then weekends only until Sunday 23 September, 10am to 6pm Seasonal Opening of Wistow Maze To mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS, the awardwinning Wistow Maze has been designed in the shape of an ambulance this year. The giant 8-acre maize maze has a fun Quiz Trail hidden amongst its 3 miles of pathways. Visitors have to find 12 quiz boards, which will test their first-aid knowledge. See also p52.

Wistow Rural Centre Admission prices: child £5.95, adult £6.95 or family ticket (2+2) £24. More information at wistow.com or call 07884 403889

Saturday and Sunday 28 and 29 July, 10am to 5pm Harringworth Histories Festival of Archaeology On Saturday join an introductory guided tour of the historic village and landscape of Harringworth. Tour times 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. On Sunday only, there will be an expert guided tour of the Welland Viaduct discussing landscape, structure and social history; tour times that day are also 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. Visitors can see a new exhibition in the Village Hall on both days.

Refreshments available in the exhibition café.

Tour tickets £5 from Sarah Chambers on 01572 747315

Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 July Burghley Film Festival Five days and nights of fabulous film are back at the Burghley Film Festival set in the beautiful South Garden with Burghley House and parkland providing a spectacular backdrop to the big screen. For 2018 the open-air screenings of hit movies range from Saturday Night Fever to The Lion King – along with a spot of Murder on the Orient Express, as well as the acclaimed war epic Dunkirk. New for this year will be a new food market-style area, offering filmgoers a host of foodie treats alongside the real ales, the G&T bar and Pimm’s on tap. Tickets are now on sale, either for the daytime screenings featuring two family films – including Paddington 2, The Lego

Saturday and Sunday 28 and 29 July, 2pm to 6pm Cold Ashby Open Garden Weekend More than a dozen gardens around the village will be open from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, including two newly redesigned gardens that will be re-opened for the first time. An important fundraiser for St Denys Church, the weekend will see a host of traditional stalls and refreshments open throughout the village including a new arts and crafts area plus artisan food and drink. Cream teas and Pimm’s will be served, plus there’ll be a barbeque at the Black Horse Pub. Fun for all the family.

Admission is £3.50, children under 12 go free. Tickets on arrival at the village hall. Plenty of free parking.

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Fast-living Lord Tim “Show stoppingly good looking and totally unprincipled” - such was the general view of Lord Timothy Willoughby de Eresby, only son and heir of the third (and last) Earl of Ancaster, whose ancestors had built the magnificent Normanton Hall in Rutland. Caroline Aston looks into his brief but adventurous life

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ORN in 1936, the dashing “Lord Tim” was destined to live a very short life, blazing his way like a comet across the sky that was the London of the Swinging Sixties.

De Eresby’s gene pool was rich and complex: his grandmother was Nancy Astor, the first woman to take her seat as an MP in the Commons, while his extremely rich father served as MP for Rutland and Stamford from 1933 to 1950.

Eton was followed by Cambridge, and then, like some latter-day 18th-century rake, the young lord plunged into a life of total hedonism and dissipation, which brought him into contact with some of most iconic names of the Sixties.

himself the nickname “Emperor of Satire”, and in 1963 he agreed to go in with Tim and open Wips just off Leicester Square. That trust fund was drained pretty dry, as walls were upholstered with fur and tanks of piranhas imported from Brazil - but Tim loved an exotic touch! “Wips was a private members bar whose opening night was a huge success,” wrote the architect the two owners engaged. “The week following I sent Timothy the bill for my design work, but he had already left for the south of France!” Typical of Tim. But also tragic, for the handsome ne’er do well was shortly to disappear forever.

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

This was no ordinary holiday jaunt to the Riviera: Tim planned to travel across the Mediterranean from Cap Ferrat to Corsica. He’d decided to sail the 115 miles in an open 25-foot motorboat with no compass and no radio - impulsive, risky and totally in character. As the architect’s bill was landing on his doormat, Tim and an associate were sailing off to oblivion. The boat ran into sudden violent storm conditions and that was the end for the maverick lord, aged just 27.

A body was never found: the official search was abandoned, and Tim’s sister Lady Jane Willoughby (a maid of honour at the Queen’s 1953 coronation) chartered a private plane to continue it, sadly fruitlessly. With Tim died the earldom of Ancaster, as he was his father’s only son.

Wips swiftly closed but was reincarnated as the Ad Lib, one of the most famous Sixties’ nightclubs in London. The crème de la crème of the fashionable world flocked there, and the entry ticket was stardom and status. Jean Shrimpton knitted sweaters in a corner (she loathed the place), Marianne Faithful gazed out of

The year 1958 found him in the dock at Marylebone Magistrates’ Court. He was not alone: a bevy of society figures had been arraigned for participating in a then-illegal high-stakes gaming session organised by would-be casino owner John Aspinall at the Hyde Park home of his mother, Lady Osborne. The aristos had been rumbled by the police and the gossip columnists had a field day! But all this was just an hors d’oeuvre for the feast of fast living that followed.

Lord Tim rapidly became a fully paid-up member of the fascinating blend of toffs, bohemians and crooks that made up the London scene of the time, including Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon and the infamous Kray twins. However, he was never just a pack animal - he wanted to make his own distinctive mark on his heady world and he had the money and connections to do so. This young man, once described as “an incredibly rich wastrel who loved a bit of slumming”, decided to found one of the coolest nightclubs in London.

NIGHTCLUB BUSINESS

He approached a man called Michael White to go into partnership with him, but White (who later wrote about this episode in his book “The Last Impresario”) wasn’t willing to risk the huge sums being mooted. “If he had blown £50,000 on the venture (almost £1 million today), he might have been unhappy, but it would not have affected his lifestyle. I would have been wiped out.”

Tim’s approach to his next business partner, Nicholas Luard, proved more successful. Luard had a proven track record on the nightclub scene: in 1961, together with Peter Cook, he’d founded satirical Soho club The Establishment, located in a former Greek Street strip club. Drawing heavily on his trust fund, he’d gone on to buy “Private Eye” magazine, earning for 62

TRAGEDY STRIKES

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JULY 2018

the picture windows at the London skyline and the Fab Four that were the Beatles lounged at a table in what was nicknamed “Liverpool Corner”, with The Stones chilling out nearby. The music was pure black American soul and blues, and Princess Margaret sipped Scotch cheek by jowl with Julie Christie and Mary Quant. Rumour had it that The Beatles sampled LSD for the first time in the Ad Lib loos, but fame is fickle. By 1966 “The Scotch of St James” and the “Bag O’Nails” had taken over as the top venues, and John Lennon, appearing as a toilet attendant in a Peter Cook/Dudley Moore sketch, spoke of “London’s most fashionable lavatory experience - the Ad Lav Club”! How are the mighty fallen - but Tim Willoughby would have found it an absolute blast.

Lord Tim rapidly became a fully paid-up member of the fascinating blend of toffs, bohemians and crooks that made up the London scene of the time, including Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon and the infamous Kray twins.

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