Rutland Living September 2011

PEOPLE • SHOPPING • FOOD & DRINK • ACTIVITIES

RUTLAND Living

& MARKET HARBOROUGH

M otoring Eco cars debate A ll A b o u t Y o u Have your say D iscover R u tland Our heritage W hat ’ s O n Local events for your diary

Food&Drink

Where to eat, recipes to enjoy and planning a party

£1.50 September 2011

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www.fordsofoakham.co.uk

Exciting new Autumn collectionsd Showcasing Joules Men

Early Winter Warmers Weekend

17th & 18th Sept Get ready for the Winter with our great offer weekend.

Treat yourself with a

MASSIVE TREBLE STAMPS

On ‘Winter’ goods on our Horse Treat Card.

Winter rugs, gloves, coats, Muck Boots and more included*

Be early – while stocks last

*all items included in the offer will be clearly marked. Ask in store for more details.

Monday-SaTurday 9aM-5pM, Sunday & Bank holidayS 10aM-4pM

01572 756366 rutland Village | ashwell road | oakham | rutland | lE15 7Qn

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

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am delighted to launch our new look Rutland and Market Harborough Living and to introduce you to some new features which include: a column about what’s new in Market Harborough and Kibworth, a regular travel feature and ‘All About You’, a page of reader offers, advice etc. This month we have a photography competition with a fabulous first prize courtesy of Dom at The Blue Ball in Braunston (page 49). Also welcome to David Corfield, our new ‘boys toys’ contributor, and welcome back to Sarah Lyon, food guru, and Dave Phillips, photography expert, both of whom will be making more regular contributions as I lure them from our sister magazines.

And I would like to thank the amazing team who make this cottage industry so professional – so many thanks to Steve Handley, our design director, particularly for all of his inspirational work recently, to Amander Meade without whom this magazine would not survive, and please continue to send your What’s On events information to her at amander@rutlandliving. com, to Catherine Batkin whose expertise in the health and beauty industry must now be second to non as is her writing. To Caroline Aston for adding the much needed pizzazz and to three relative newcomers, Sosennah Every, our dedicated Market Harborough reporter, Vanessa Hollander, who has transformed the fashion pages and Elli Dean for her amazing photography on the shoots. And finally to Tracy Watkinson who continues to accommodate clients so well that I now have plenty of editorial pages to play with!

Please do continue to send in your views.

Abigail

@RutlandLiving Editor Abigail Richardson 01572 756733 Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY rutlandliving@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Leicestershire Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warner’s of Bourne

Subscribe to Rutland & Market Harborough Living

6 NEW SERIES! Editor’s choice of the month including Bat and Bottle

wine and a school organiser from Hirst and Hirst 8 Up front – architect Angus McLeish, Leicester High School for Girls,

Natural Structures and more 11 Market Harborough happenings – New cafes and Curtains by Katrise 12 Out and about – Butterflies in September 17 Health and beauty – Colour Specialist Salons 20 Fashion – Children’s Fashion 23 Food and drink – Bread making at home 25 Eating out – L’Olivetti on the Water and The Berkeley Arms,

Wymondham 26 Recipe – A shellfish state of mind 29 Shops and services – Let us entertain you, party planning ideas 33 Activities – Rutland Day at Rutland Water 35 NEW SERIES! Travel – October half term at Kew Gardens, Cruising,

Skiing and a spotlight on Marrakech 38 NEW SERIES! Discover Rutland – Whissendine Windmill 40 Perspectives – Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants of Leicestershire

and Rutland 42 Education – Life skills at our local independent schools 46 Perspectives – On the Trail of Robin Hood 49 NEW SERIES! All About You – Win a design consultation with Alison

Hutchinson, Photography Competition and more 50 NEW SERIES! Motoring – Road Test: Peugeot RCZ 53 Motoring – Electric and Hybrid cars 54 Days Out – Fineshade Woods 57 Country File – Potatoes: Tuber to chip 58 NEW LOOK! What’s on in our region this month 61 Profile – Caz Dolby of Wild Cats Rutland Cover: Photo by Dave Phillips

Market Harborough Cover: Photo by David Corfield

Subscriptions – annual rate £20 in the UK, £30 overseas surface mail (including postage).

Please write to The Editor, enclosing cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd Or subscribe online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Editor’s choice Things to do and buy this September

Vanessa Hollander Fashion Editor Abigail Editor

My friend had a pair of these sandals on and I rarely get shoe envy but I had to find them – for that late summer we usually (hopefully) enjoy in September Paul Smith – Dingani Sandal now in the sale at Cavells, Mill Street, Oakham

This gorgeous little Anya Hindmarch Music Pouch for your chosen music player is a beautiful and stylish addition to any handbag. It also makes a special and perfect gift, or perhaps just a post-Summer treat – I definitely covet one! Available: Cavells, Oakham. £75

This school memories organiser is a perfect gift as the kids head back to school, or start a new school, like my daughter, who loves keepsakes and note books.

K Two School Memories File £16.50 Hirst and Hirst, Church Street, Oakham

Visit new shop, Mint, which specialises in wooden toys for ages 3 upwards mainly by Orange Tree Toys and Le Toy Van as well as good selection of more accessible pocket money toys. There is also a vast range of traditional sweets as well as luxury chocolates by Hope & Greenwood.

Mint, Northgate, Oakham, Tel: 01572 720251 Reader

Catherine Batkin Health and Beauty Editor

For me it’s the £5 file and polish at Pomegranate, Mill Street, Oakham.

Although only a quick 10 minute treatment, the polish lasted easily as long as it would have done, had I had a far more expensive manicure. (Tracy’s also lasted 2 weeks) No appointment needed and a fab choice of colours - I got loads of compliments on my hot pink nail colour - and am sure you can’t get it cheaper anywhere! (Thanks to Tasha Meade for modelling.)

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offer 10% off

My favourite white wine: Colli di Serrapetrona. Serrabianca 2009 £12.00 at Bat and Bottle, Pilling’s Road open Saturdays and at Ben’s Wine Shop on Northgate, Oakham open Fridays and Saturdays or order online at www.batwine. co.uk Says Ben, “Local Pecorino meets Sauvignon and I love the resultant wine, which combines a modern freshness with an amalgam of fascinating flavours.”

10% off when quoting “Local Living” at either outlet.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Sarah Harding Interiors Ltd

• Professional Interior Design Service • • Re-upholstery and Soft Furnishings • • Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston Stockists • Furniture •

info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk 27 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY Tel: 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk 7

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

Natural Structures – design, planning and beautiful buildings Market Harborough based design and building company Natural Structures are dedicated to excellence on every project they undertake.

Owner Simon Lewington and his team are passionate about building in fresh sawn green oak. “The best part of the work we do is taking a grain of an idea in a client’s head and working through the design, the architectural planning, liaising with other contractors through the build to create something unique with that client’s particular style and taste incorporated all the way through. Our work portrays both modern and traditional design detailing, creating beautiful bespoke oak structures for our clients to enjoy.”

Julia Burns, Head of Leicester High School for Girls, an Independent Day School for girls aged 3-18, explains what is unique about Leicester High

Self Build? Natural Structures are happy to help “We can help self build clients to enjoy the process of installing the frames that will become the very heart of the home. Keen to take the challenge out of working in oak, Simon recommends early dialogue whether you are considering a complete home build or wishing to extend the space in your existing property. “If you are considering building your own home, oak could not be a better structural frame to choose. Erected quickly it allows you to get roofed in and begin the exciting fit-out straight away. For larger projects on more rural locations, our site crew can be self sufficient and have even been known to use a motorhome for on-site accommodation.

Used in contemporary design, oak framing can be a viable alternative to steel with time on site often reduced and with stunning results.

“Oak is such a tactile material – fitting the joints together can be a very rewarding experience for the self builder and we are happy to advise at any stage of the process. Phone us for a chat, we’re always pleased to help.”

1. Girls shine at Leicester High. We are not a huge impersonal institution, nor so small that we can’t field sports teams that win either. Everyone is someone and it is the small girls’ school where there is a unique blend of challenge, academic focus and confidence building.

2. Small class sizes means small. Small classes aid learning. At Leicester High classes are no bigger than 20. Everyone can be heard, and progress and understanding are closely monitored.

3. Care of the girls is a priority. Our pastoral care is outstanding. How a girl feels at school in terms of happiness, security and self-esteem is the foundation of her academic performance.

4. We top the GCSE league tables in Leicestershire, (Daily Telegraph 2010).

5. Clubs and activities to stretch and inspire. Academic performance is important, but it is not everything. Being challenged, getting involved in new experiences and having opportunities for leadership are all part of the Leicester High experience. No one is off the radar here, and everyone is encouraged to join in.

6. Communication with parents. Let’s be clear about this, parents pay for their daughter’s education here, and in return for that they expect certain standards. It is particularly important to them to feel that we know their daughter well and provide feedback about her progress and wellbeing. This is something we prioritise here and are always seeking to improve.

• Open Day, 9.30am-12.30pm 8th October, www.leicesterhigh.co.uk

Need to work from home? Garden Office Solution “Garden offices are more popular than ever,” Simon agrees, “They create an inspiring environment whilst keeping that all important demarquation line between home and work.

Garden offices are built for the purpose and specified to meet today’s standards of comfort and technology. We work very closely with each client to provide just exactly the right size and style of workspace fitted to their specific needs. Garden offices have certainly moved on from the glorified sheds of fifteen years ago to beautiful, stylish rooms which always add value to your home.”

• Contact: Natural Structures Tel: 01858 445401, www.naturalstructures.co.uk

Leicester High School for Girls - 6 reasons why your daughter will thrive

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LeicesterHigh Open Day

SCHOOL FO R GIRLS

Early Years, Junior, Senior and Sixth Form

3 -18 YEARS

Saturday 8 October 2011 9.30am-12.30pm Talk by Headmistress at 11.45am followed by refreshments

• • • • •

Excellent academic results Girls flourish in small classes Extensive range of activities Expertise in developing confident girls A supportive and caring school

For further details, or if you would like to visit the school, please contact The Registrar Leicester High School 454 London Road Leicester LE2 2PP Tel (0116) 2705338 enquiries@leicesterhigh.co.uk

www.leicesterhigh.co.uk Leicester High School for Girls is a member of the GSA

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• garages • garden rooms • orangeries • home offices • conservatories • barns • stables • houses

Design is crucial in everything we do, be it structural calculations or aesthetic detailing, you can rely on us giving you expert advice. Our projects have covered everything from complete house framing to simple outbuildings, from cladding, floors, fixtures and fittings and porches, even simple replacement beams in listed buildings - nearly every one of our projects is unique.

Oak is a natural material ever changing in texture and colour adding life and atmosphere wherever it’s used.

Let us help you be convinced that an oak structure is the best investment you can make for both your home and your lifestyle.

Simply call us or visit our website for further details.

ANGUS McLEISH ARCHITECT

extensions and alterations refurbishment and conversion interior design and space planning single houses and small developments planning and listed building permission construction drawings and building regulations contract management and site supervision

Angus McLeish RIBA 96 High Street, Gretton, Northants NN17 3DF Tel: 01536 772466 Mbl: 07773 281020 email: mcleisharchitect@ndo.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS

New cafés:

Simply Simon’s Delicatessen and Bistro Café The deli here has a range of mouth-watering colds meats and cheeses as well as home made breads and cakes. A seasonal menu of hot food is served or make up your own sandwich combination from the choice at the deli counter. Located opposite the library, why not bring your book and relax over lunch or a coffee?

• 23 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT. Tel: 01858 440964

Upfront

Windmill Wheels

If you have a passion for pedalling then head straight for Windmill Wheels, the new cycle centre based at the Wymondham Windmill. Run by cycling experts, the centre offers a full range of Kuota bikes, custom built British Enigma bikes and Shutt VR clothing as well as high quality accessories.

Jack Frisby is the head mechanic and has many years of experience in everything from the highest level groupsets to the humble puncture plus repairs and servicing on all kinds of bikes. Friend and business partner Alistair Dickson is a SICI certified fitter and thanks to his ‘other job’ as a physiotherapist, he is qualified to carry out anatomical bike fitting as well as consultations on cycling fitness, race preparation and sports injury.

Jack and Alistair are both members of the Rutland Velo Club where they first conceived the idea of owning a cycling business. Trish Hudson completes the team dealing with sales and administration.

Alistair told us, “This is a dream come true for us and the support we have received so far from the cycling community has been overwhelming. The Windmill is a key rest stop location for cyclists who gather here for refreshment at the tea rooms after enjoying the great cycling routes in the region.”

The shop is stocked with cycles galore from entry level bikes right up to grand tour super bikes.

Trish adds, “We want to appeal to all kinds of cyclist from parents cycling locally with children to those involved in competition. We are delighted to offer a discount to cycle club members and will be offering lots of great promotions as well as holding family friendly cycling events, so watch this space.”

Windmill Wheels is open seven days a week and until 8pm each Monday.

• Contact: Windmill Wheels, Unit 6, Wymondham Windmill, Butt Lane, Wymondham, LE14 2BU Tel: 01572 787720, www.windmillwheels.co.uk

Acclaimed architect sets up practice locally RIBA architect Angus McLeish has set up a new practice on Northamptonshire/Rutland borders after 25 years operating mainly in London. Since qualifying in 1975, he has seen through projects involving individual houses, blocks of flats, large residential developments and commercial properties from inception to completion, and has received design awards for a number of his housing developments.

Comfortable working in both rural and urban settings, Angus specialises in coming up with innovative solutions to everyday problems experienced with space and functionality.

“One of the most important attributes of a good architect is the ability to listen to the client,” says Angus. “It’s critical to understand how they want to live in their house or use their space, it’s much more than just responding to the immediate requirements” “A look through the building in question can often flag up under-utilised space or other awkward areas that can be remodelled in a new design. Much more can be achieved beyond just adding an extension to the building. A few simple tweaks to the layout inside may free up huge amounts of space and ultimately reduce building costs.”

• For more information contact Angus on Tel: 01536 772466 or through his website on www.mcleisharchitect.co.uk

Milo’s Named after the owner’s Labrador, Milo’s is a quaint little coffee shop offering delicious thick sliced sandwiches, Panini’s and salads.

Natalie’s ranges of home made cakes are a big hit and regulars can get their ninth coffee free with a loyalty card. It is beautifully decorated in fresh blue and pink tones and the basket of toys, to keep little ones occupied, is a nice touch.

• The Courtyard at Bennett’s Place, 3031 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7NL. Tel: 01858 434636

Farm Shop opens: Langton Farm Shop The Langton Farm Shop has an eclectic range of local food and drinks where you can find local meats and cheeses, soft fruits, milk and ice creams, chutneys, Welland Valley Rapeseed oil and balsamic vinegars, cider and even white, sparkling and red wines from East Farndon. Not to mention Fiona Cairn’s cakes.

Teas, coffees and homemade goodies are also served with seating outdoors. The Farm Shop is part of The Langton Stone Company and next to the Glen Stuart plant nursery.

• Open seven days a week. Melton Road (off the MacDonald’s Roundabout), East Langton, LE16 7TH Tel: 01858 545819

Curtains by Katrise If you are looking to update your curtains or blinds, then pop into the new shop on Abbey Street where Karen and Teresa would only be too happy to help. Stocking a large range of curtain fabrics from brands such as Blendworth, Bill Beaumont and Swatchbox and blind fabrics from Colourway, Decora and Clarke & Clarke, you are sure to find something to match your colour scheme or get some inspiration for an entirely new look.

They offer a full made to measure service on curtains, pelmets, blinds, voiles and valances and can also make up head boards, cushions and pin boards with your chosen fabric to help complete the look of the room.

The showroom even has an open workshop as a testament to customers that everything is made in house.

• Curtains by Katrise, 19 Abbey Street, Market Harborough LE16 9AA, Tel: 01858 466817, www.curtainsbykatrise.com

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OUT & ABOUT

BRIGHT WINGS

Butterflies are Britain’s most colourful and accessible wildlife – and favourites with children. Dave Phillips explains what to look for…

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othing is more suggestive of summer than the colourful butterflies that grace our gardens, hedgerows, meadows and woods.

And you can still find many in September, as our summer seems to be extending. Indeed September can be warmer than August. Britain has 59 species of butterflies, many of which are to be found in our area.

From the Cabbage Whites, Peacocks and Red Admirals of our gardens through to the secretive and elusive Purple Emperors and White Admirals of our woodlands, there are always butterflies to be found.

There’s a lot to be said for butterfly watching.

Besides being beautiful on the eye, they are easier to identify than most birds. While there are scores of little brown birds that look much the same, to the frustration of the budding bird watcher, most butterflies are unmistakable.

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Butterfly spotting is ideal for youngsters. Give them a simple guide book, like the Collins Gem Guide to Butterflies, and let them loose to see how many they can identify. Don’t encourage them to catch them, though – butterflies are declining and we should do everything we can to preserve them.

Here’s just a few of what you’re likely to find (and where): GARDENS Butterflies aren’t shy. They love human company, especially when we grow insectfriendly plants like Buddleia, Verbena, Lavender and Marjoram, in our gardens, where they can feast on the rich nectar. You’re bound to get plenty of Peacocks and Red Admirals, as well as Small Tortoiseshells (although the latter are in worrying decline in the UK). Sometimes great

swarms of Painted Ladies migrate to the UK from northern Africa and Spain and these big, beautiful butterflies will jostle with the natives for a space on the Buddleia blooms!

You’ll also get Commas, Cabbage Whites, Small Whites and Brimstones, as well as a few rarer visitors.

MEADOWS Grassland attracts its own selection of butterflies. Ancient meadows that have not been “improved” with pesticides and fertilisers are best – and the more wild flowers the better.

Expect to find a host of brown butterflies – Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet – as well as Common Blues and, if you’re lucky, the occasional Brown Argus (a member of the blue family, even though it isn’t blue!). Also commonplace are the skippers – the Large

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Skipper, Common Skipper and Essex Skipper – with the occasional Dingy Skipper putting in an appearance. If you’re really lucky, you might spot a Marbled White, especially on rough grassland on limestone.

WOODLAND This is the place to find some of our most beautiful and rare butterflies. The woodlands of the east midlands are the stronghold of some scarce butterflies that have died out in much of the country – like the Purple Emperor and the Black Hairstreak.

Regarded by many enthusiasts as the most prized of all British butterflies, the big, dazzling Purple Emperor prefers damp woodlands with lots of sallow bushes, on which its caterpillars feed, as well as tall trees like oak and ash where the males can roost between mating. Luckily

they come down to the ground occasionally on sunny days, where the purple iridescence of their wings can be seen at certain angles.

The Black Hairstreak is another local speciality, which feeds on blackthorn and, again, spends most of its life high in the canopies of oak trees.

It is even rarer than the Purple Emperor.

Common butterflies of the woods include the Speckled Wood and, in the sunny clearings, you’ll find many of the species associated with gardens and meadows… as well as the Green Veined White, which is very similar to the Small White although in this case happily it does not eat your garden cabbages!

Rarer, yet still found in reasonable numbers in our local woods, are the White Admiral, Silver Washed Fritillary and, if you’re really lucky, the Wood White.

HOW TO HELP BUTTERFLIES According to Butterfly Conservation, more than 70 per cent of our butterflies are in decline, with almost half under threat of extinction. Even the once commonplace Small Tortoiseshell’s number has fallen 68 per cent in the last decade.

Butterflies are seen as important indicators of the health of our countryside – plentiful butterflies means the environment is in good shape.

Sir David Attenborough, president of Butterfly Conservation, says: “These declines can be reversed. If you change the environment to help butterflies, all sorts of other wildlife benefits too. Nature comes back to life.”

That means growing butterfly-friendly plants in our garden and encouraging owners of woodland to create and maintain good butterfly habitats. For more details, visit Butterfly Conservation at www.butterflyconservation.org

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A fun introduction to ballet for 2-4 year olds NEW classes opening in September at Brooke Priory School, Oakham - All Welcome!

Visit www.twinkletotsdance.com for details of all classes we offer.

Tel: 07828 857061 to book a trial class for September or email: info@twinkletotsdance.com

Learn to dance this autumn Absolute Beginners’ Ballroom and Latin Dance Class Starting Monday, 26th September - 7.15 – 9.15pm At Cottesmore Village Hall (behind the Sun Inn)

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HAIR & BEAUTY

Colour Specialist Salons If you’re thinking of trying a new look for autumn, don’t risk a home-dye disaster. Catherine Batkin talks to the salon directors who specialise in colour makeovers to ensure you achieve the perfect look SIMON CAWTHORNE, OAKHAM “Professionally-applied, creative colour is equally as important as a good cut - it’s more than just the finishing touch - it’s an integral part of the overall look,” says Simon Cawthorne, owner of Oakham-based Simon Cawthorne salon. “That’s why we have a dedicated team of experienced colour technicians and why we invest in training to continuously increase their artistic prowess.”

Colour Technical Directors Jo Pilmore and Rachel Altoft have recently been awarded The Spectrum Award; the highest accolade a colour technician can attain, following an intense six-month-long course at the TIGI Manchester Creative Academy.

Jo and Rachel offer their predictions for this season’s hot looks: “Through the use of clever colour techniques with lots of sectional tinting, we will see autumnal shades of coppers, chestnuts, golds and flat browns, seamlessly

Creme merging to emphasis the wave and movement that mark all good cuts. The DIY look, achieved with splashes of crazy fashion colours including pinks and blues, will be de rigueur for the adventurous amongst us.”

Simon Cawthorne

ANDREW MINARIK, KIBWORTH Andrew Minarik in Kibworth is justly proud of his strong team of colour technicians, all trained to the highest standards. Between them they offer a variety of colour services including permanent colour with Clynol products as well as the new ammonia free range which offers a gentler, more moisturising approach without the usual strong odour associated with permanent dyes.

For clients who prefer their products to be completely natural, Minarik also offer the Schwarzkopf Essensity organic hair colour system. This gives the same high quality coverage of regular ranges, without the use of artificial fragrances, mineral oils, silicones and parabens.

Andrew told me about an exciting new development coming soon: “We are looking forward to our great new product range, Scruples, which will enable us to be even more creative and innovate in the way we colour hair. The demi permanent and permanent shades are very versatile and can be intermixed and blended in many different ways to create a truly unique look.”

GREAT WAYS TO WEAR IT: Once you’ve got the colour of your dreams, don’t stop there. Take advice on this season’s latest trends from Chris Gunby at Creme Hair and Beauty in Oakham and you’ll soon be looking your very best: “The top knot is the easy way to look super chic and achieving this ultra feminine style is simple; pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure with a band, take a hair doughnut: slip it over your ponytail and wrap your hair around it and pin into place. Finally spray with Finish Uphold Strong Hairspray (£6.90 300ml) from Clynol’s new Style range.

Alternatively, plaits are big news on the catwalks this season and have the added advantage of showing off highlights and blended colours to their full advantage. For the most modern way to wear it, go for a simple side plait or a French style fringe plait: secure with a band and then pin into place making sure that the ends are covered by the rest of your hair. You’ll go from drab to fab in minutes!”

Directory: Simon Cawthorne, 23a Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel: 01575 722774, http:// simoncawthorne.com/ Minarik Hair and Beauty, 15 Harcourt Estate, Kibworth, Leicester, LE8 0NE, Tel: 0116 279 2529, http://www.minarik.co.uk/ Creme Hair and Beauty, The Old Church, 8 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel: 01572 723823, http://www.cremehairandbeauty.co.uk/

Creme

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Be Inspired!

Be Inspired!

2011 edition out now!

Order online at: www.best www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

Visit us Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, 8 St Mary’s Hill Stamford Lincs PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 767878

Visit us www.siriusjewellery.co.uk Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, 8 St Mary’s Hill Stamford Lincs PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 767878 www.siriusjewellery.co.uk

ONLY

£3

or write to Essential Living, Local Living, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY enclosing a cheque made payable to Local Living for £3.00

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Autumn/Winter Stock Now In www.energy-clothing.com 9 Ironmonger St. Stamford - Tel 01780 765633 Mon – Sat 9.30-5.30 Sun 11.00-4.00

GorGeous Footwear & Bags

Join us on Saturday 17th September To celebrate

5 years of GorGeous Discounts, special offers and gifts on the day.

Mens Replay • Converse Fly London Womens Fly London Replay • Emu Converse • FitFlop Paul Green

10 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DU Tel: 01858 465118. Open: 9.30 - 5.15 Mon to Sat

www.gorgeous-online.com

In Style by InWear!

Introducing this seasons new labels at Jacks....

• Esprit - one of Europe's major fashion collections • Ya Ya - for a total layered look • B.yu - soft, chunky knits from Italy • Eliane et Lena - French jersey wear with a twist • Creenstone - Stylish and luxurious coats

16 Church Street, 20 Market Place, Market Harborough Oundle Tel: 01858 431396 Tel: 01832 270033 19

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FASHION

BROTHERS AND SISTERS! This month Vanessa Hollander ignored all advice about working with children (!), and used three sets of siblings for this month’s photo shoot – Max and Sam, Isabelle and Tilly, Emma and Lucy.

She also found some amazing children’s clothes right here on our doorstep Scarlet Sky This fabulous little boutique is full of everything the fashion conscious child (and parent) could ever need. It caters for all ages from 0 to 16, and stocks brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Catamini, Hackett and Joules. I was surprised at how reasonably priced and lovely their clothes are, plus you get the best in customer service!

Baubles & Bangles Not only does this shop sell pretty much every accessory imaginable, but it is becoming somewhat of a teenage fashion hotspot in Oakham! Here you can buy very reasonably priced, high fashion dresses and separates to keep any teenager happy.

Sam (left) Favourite way of spending a day – playing with his racing cars Joules Jnr Bang T-Shirt Was £18.95 Now £9.48 Tommy Hilfiger Jeans Was £42 Now £24 - All Scarlet Sky

Tilly (left) - Favourite way of spending a day with her mummy Cakewalk Grey Floral Dress £48 - Scarlet Sky Isabelle (right) Favourite way of spending a day – colouring Cakewalk Grey & Pink Spotted Cardigan £44 Cakewalk Pink Rosette T-Shirt £22 Cakewalk Floral Print Skirt £49 All Scarlet Sky

Max (right) Favourite way of spending a day – playing football Jean Bourget Blue & White Stripy T-Shirt - Was £34 Now £17 Jean Bourget Brown Cargo Trousers - Was £49 Now £24.50 All Scarlet Sky

Tilly (left) - Favourite thing – my dolls Pampolina Blue knitted Dress £54, Pampolina Knitted Scarf £29 Pampoina knitted beret £23 - At Scarlet Sky Lucy (middle) - Favourite thing - books Barbara Farber Navy Blue Swishy Skirt Was £64 Now £32.00 Barbara Farber Silver T-shirt Was £29 Now £14.50 - At Scarlet Sky Emma (right) Favourite thing - Facebook Yumi Dress, £35 At Baubles & Bangles

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Isabelle (left) aged 6 - Wants to be an artist when she grows up Catimini Spirit Purple and Pink Skirt Was £59 Now £29.50 Catimini Spirit White Strappy top Was £32 Now £16 - All Scarlet Sky Tilly (right) aged 4 - Wants to be a princess when she grows up Catimini Spirit Purple Sun Dress Was £74 Now £37 - Scarlet Sky

Lucy (left) aged 9 - Wants to be a make up artist when she grows up Tommy Hilfiger Carola Sleeveless Dress Was £46 Now £23 - At Scarlet Sky Emma (right) aged 13 - Wants to work in theatre production when she grows up - Dress, £30 - At Baubles & Bangles

Lucy (left) - Favourite way of spending a day – chilling out at home Tommy Hilfiger Girls Eleanor Flower Tank top Was £38 Now £19 Tommy Hilfiger Girls Sam Capri Jeans Was £48 Now £24 At Scarlet Sky Emma (right) - Favourite way of spending a day – shopping Tommy Hilfiger Woven Denim Shorts Jolly Was £44 Now £22 Tommy Hilfiger Pink Top Was £34 Now £17 Tommy Hilfiger Grey Beatrice Hooded Top Was £47 Now £23.50 At Scarlet Sky

STOCKISTS Scarlet Sky, Oakham, Tel: 01572 724 133, www.scarletsky.co.uk Baubles & Bangles, Oakham, Tel: 01572 724 177 www.baublesandbangles.co.uk Pictures: By Elli Dean Photography Studio, www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Max (left) aged 6 - Wants to be an Arsenal Football player when he grows up Hackett Boys Quilted Beach Rugby Shirt - Was £55 Now £27.50 Joules Jnr Alton Jeans Steel Was £28 Now £14 - All Scarlet Sky Sam (right) aged 5 Wants to be a racing car driver when he grows up Sam Tommy Hilfiger Boys Eli Classic White T-Shirt Was £25 Now £12.50 Tommy Hilfiger Denim Jeans Rogar Vintage Finish Was £50 Now £25 All Scarlet Sky RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Room to Live

Image of Local installation by QKS

Showroom Cherryholt Road, Stamford, PE9 2EQ

Creators of finest quality bespoke Orangeries & Conservatories

Tel: 01780 756666

Orangeries Lanter n Rooms Conservatories

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm,

Windows Doors Folding Sliding Door Systems

Sat 10am-3pm

Vertical Sliding Windows Roofline Products Porches

www.qks-ltd.co.uk

Heritage Secondary Glazing

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Food & Drink

“Give us this day our daily (loaf of) bread…”

Sarah Lyon discovers that Marriages Flour can give you that extra incentive to get baking yourself as it helps produce such brilliant results

M

arriage’s, The Master Millers of Chelmsford, produce a consistent, reliable flour.

Hannah Marriage joined the family business in 2009 and is working alongside her father, George. “The story starts in 1824,” says Hannah.

“I am the 6th generation of the family to become involved in the business. My great, great grandfather William and his twin brother Henry founded W & H Marriage & Sons Ltd in 1824. The Marriage family had been farmers and millers in Essex since about 1650. The boys’ father died when they were only 17 years old; however he wanted them to continue the family farming and milling tradition. In 1836 the brothers had the foresight to introduce steam power into the milling process – up until then the stones could turn only at the whim of wind and water, whereas steam gave a steady production in all weathers, so it really was a big innovation.” Hannah adds, “I love to make bread at home – I find it really relaxing and you can’t beat the taste and smell of freshly baked bread!”

Ian Whymark from Marriage’s flour is extremely passionate about the ethos and history of the family business and explains, “Marriage’s produce a premium quality wheat flour in 1.5kg bags, as well as supplying traditional independent artisan and craft bakers.

Marriage’s mill a broad range of white brown and wholemeal flours; stoneground wholemeal flour is a speciality. Modern machinery produces the majority of the flour but they still mill stoneground wholemeal flour using traditional, horizontal French burr stones.”

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall of River Cottage fame and new cookbook River Cottage, Everyday endorses this method of production and comments on the nutty flavour and special texture of the flour and the bread it produces.

Long before organic farming was high profile, Sampson David Marriage (Hannah’s grandfather) became interested in organic production and his son George was instrumental in introducing organically certified flour varieties for Marriage’s in 1986. Ian sent me away with Marriage’s Strong Organic White and Organic Strong Wholemeal. Full of fibre, protein

and the nutrition of the wheat grain these flours make a soft, light and fluffy loaf of bread.

“I have had the marvellous opportunity of living in a number of countries, all of which have their own special breads,” says Linda Hewett. “Probably, my biggest influence has come from growing up in the Isle of Man and more recently living in Norway. Before moving to Lincolnshire I lived in Suffolk for three years, bordering Essex, and knew of Marriage’s Flours before taking up serious baking. Since becoming a committed bread-head I have used and encouraged others to use Marriage’s flours: Finest Strong White, Organic Strong Stoneground Wholemeal and Canadian Very Strong White (makes the best croissants). The reason I like Marriage’s flour is simple; it’s because of its guaranteed quality. It is milled with great integrity, has a wholesome creamy colour to indicate the lack of bleaching agents and is carefully graded to maintain a high protein content.”

“My passion is to teach people how to make bread, in such a way as to ensure success in their own home. Good flour is the most important ingredient to achieving amazing bread. Whilst there are some delicious and exciting flours being milled by local windmills – and I highly recommend all bread bakers to try all that they can – using Marriage’s for everyday bread does ensure success and it is readily available. From a practical and domestic point of view this makes home bread making more accessible and more likely to become a regular habit.”

Contacts W & H Marriage & Sons Ltd, Chelmer Mills, New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1PN – Tel: 01245 354455, floursales@marriagesmillers. co.uk, http://www.flour.co.uk/ Local Suppliers of Marriage’s Flours for home baking and bread making: T&J Fine Foods Ltd, Stamford – Tel: 01780 767777, http://www.tandjfinefoods.com/ Silver Lane Whole Foods, 2 Silver Lane, Stamford, PE9 2BT Askers Bakers, 5a Red Lion Street, Stamford, PE9 1RP Yeast available to buy from Askers, Mill Lane, Stamford Marriage’s Flour, Online from http://www. ocado.com/ Stamford Cookery School & Bread making with Linda Hewett Wednesday, Oct 12 – 6pm -9pm and Wednesday, Nov 2 – 6pm -9pm To book contact Stamford Cookery School, Tel: 01780 752172 http://www. stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk/

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living September 2011

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A fabulous place to eat ...

A fabulous place to eat

The Noel @ Whitwell

A fabulous place to eat…..

We do light lunches and quick bites through to long relaxed dinners… there’s something for everyone.

Sunday @ The Noel Join us for our set Sunday roast, one, two or three courses.

Full lunch menu also available – there’s lots to choose from

Weddings @ The Noel Tailor made civil ceremony and reception - talk to us about your requirements

A fabulous place to eat ...

Stay @ The Noel Eight en-suite bedrooms, ideal for short breaks or for staying over after a long evening with friends.

Main Street, Whitwell, Rutland, LE15 8BW T: 01780 460347 - E: info@thenoel.co.uk - www.thenoel.co.uk

Simon & Charlotte and the whole village of Apethorpe, are proud to announce that The Kings Head is reopening, better than ever.

Scrummy, Scrumptious Summer delights on a plate... ...But time is running out for you to enjoy them, so book a table and grab a final taste of the Summer menus at Firenze & Boboli.

NEW OPENING TIMES SEE WEBSITES FOR DETAILS Firenze 0116 279 6260 firenze.co.uk Boboli 0116 279 3303 bobolirestaurant.co.uk

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EATING OUT

L’Oliveto on the Water

A taste of Italy from Oakham to Normanton. Abigail Richardson Having enjoyed great success in Oakham for the past year, (I can vouch for the restaurant being crowded most evenings) the Italian family have recently opened a branch at Normanton. About time we had a decent place to eat with fabulous views.

I am aware that there have been mixed reviews for L’Oliveto but I always receive excellent service and find the Italian waiters/owners fabulously understanding and entertaining when I go with my rampaging 5 year old. We went for my birthday this year and it was a truly pleasurable experience. Pete is still talking about the King Prawns, which were the size of Lobsters. But I admit I know what to order. I find if you stay with the pasta and pizza then it is authentic and great value for money. Since I don’t care for creamy sauces, when I order the Risotto – always perfectly al dente – I ask for little cream and the same for the Linginine Con Vongole Gamberoni (Pasta with clams and prawns), my favourite dish.

This summer I took the family to L’Oliveto’s new location on the shores of Rutland Water and we decided to stray from our usual. I ordered a special of Ravioli (beautifully cooked homemade pasta) with scallops and lobster, in very generous abundance but I forgot to ask for less cream. Pete had Lasagne and I’m sure, for some, the decadence of the rich cheese sauce would be appreciated but my husband likes his meat and there was little of it. The kids’ pizza was wonderful and, as always, the service exemplary. The waiters accommodated Luc beautifully, allowing him to fetch and carry. My Insalaté of Rocket, cherry tomatoes and parmesan was drenched in olive oil, again too rich for me, which is a shame as I’m sure all of this is very costly. Perhaps they are trying too hard?

The views were spectacular and the waiters are so pleasant and attentive. I encourage you to give it a whirl. The house wine is particularly good!

• L’Oliveto 14 Church St, Oakham, Tel: 01572 759 656, and on the shores of Rutland Water in Normanton: Tel: 1780 721599. www.loliveto.co.uk

Berkeley Arms, Wymondham Providing fresh, locally sourced, exquisite food. Abigail Richardson

I had been meaning to visit the Berkeley Arms for some time as it has a fine reputation, so I took my mother for lunch. What a treat!

We didn’t sample much of the menu so I can’t wait to go back. The pub itself is beautiful; cosy and intimate with scrubbed pine tables, an open fire and comfy sofas inviting you to linger – I wish I could! It’s just the kind of pub I like with plenty of wine by the glass choices on a blackboard as well as fine wines and elegant nibbles: olive, cashew nuts etc. (Dare I say I was reminded of The Olive Branch). Superb atmosphere too with a mixture of locals and gourmands.

So, Mum had fish and chips - no that doesn’t do it justice; it was Beer battered haddock, a lattice of chunky chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce, an ingeniously presented newspaper dish with Michelin panache. It didn’t disappoint either, other than it was too huge to finish. I had a main size portion of Caramelised goat’s cheese with beetroot salad and hazelnut dressing. The chef had taken sugar and a torch to the goat’s cheese – really unusual and divine. But I couldn’t sample anything else as the basket of warm Hambleton bakery bread had been too tempting.

The à la carte menu changes regularly and looks skilled; the prices match. There is a lunch menu of 2 courses for £14.95 or 3 for £17.95, which would be great value for money. And there are sandwiches and ploughman’s lunches too. So something for any budget.

• Contact: The Berkeley Arms, 59 Main Street, Wymondham, Leicestershire LE14 2AG, Tel: 01572 787587. www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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SEAN’S KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

A shellfish state of mind Sean’s quickfire recipe

T h a i- st yle cl a m s or m u ss els w it h fres h cra b

This is a Thai-style varia tion on moules mariniere Serves 4 • 1/2 stick lemon grass – roughly chopped • 5 gm fresh root ginger – roughly chopped • 1 small tin coconut mil k • 1 red chilli – seeds rem oved, roughly chopped • 1 lime – zest /juice • 1/2 glass dry white win e • 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce – optional • 1kg fresh clams or mu ssels • 200g fresh crab

Plump and juicy – ideal fare for an Indian summer

I

must admit to being on a bit of a seafood roll at the moment. Last month I focused on crab; this issue I’ve chosen clams and mussels as my star ingredients. These shellfish are at their best in the UK from around September until mid-winter, and are harvested in the northeast Atlantic, with the Cornish coast being particularly fertile territory.

I like to cook with pallourde clams at the Olive Branch, a variety that is generally thought to have the finest flavour and texture. I have to agree – they’re plump, juicy and perfect with zingy ingredients like chilli, lemon juice and dill.

Despite people often being a bit worried about cooking with clams and mussels, they are in fact easy to prepare and, as part of a simple soup or stew, make a very nice dish to eat in sunshine during an Indian summer. Let’s hope we have one!

1. In a food processor, add the lemon grass, ginger , chilli, lime, coconut milk and fish sauce.

2. Blend until very smoot h.

3. Mix in a large bowl wit h the fresh shellfish.

4. Place a large saucep an on the heat and add a drizzle of rapeseed oil 5. Very quickly add the shellfish mix into the hot saucepan, cover and shake well 6. Steam the shellfish for approximately 5-7 minute s (until all the clams / mussels have opened 7. Remove the lid and dis card any shellfish that hav e not opened 8. Ladle into large soup bowls evenly and serve with a wedge of lime 9. Sprinkle with fresh cho pped coriander or sweet basil 10. Accompany with hot crusty bread

Sean’s kitchen essentials This month, I have chosen the ideal receptacle for my quickfire recipe – a Staub ironware casserole dish (23cm), which will set you back around £115.00. Granted, they’re not the cheapest but they will last you a lifetime and beyond. They are truly versatile, look great, and also ideal for creating those great classic stews in the winter.

Here are some flavour combinations to try with clams and mussels at home. As usual, I recommend that you play around with ingredients and make your own dishes.

• With coriander • With basil • With chilli • With dill • With garlic • With lime

• With lemon • With parsley • With saffron • With vanilla • With wild mushrooms

Sean’s seasonal must-buys for September What Sean will be cooking with at the Olive Branch Meat – beef and wild rabbit Fish – mussels and clams Veg – beetroot and courgettes Fruit – blackberries and Victoria plums

8 NENE 26 RUTLAND VALLEY & MARKET LIVING July HARBOROUGH 2008 LIVING September 2011

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E x p e r i e n c e

t h e

d i f f e r e n c e

a t

OTTERS SMOKEHOUSE & DELI Select for yourself from the freshest Mediterranean olives and delicious antipasti dishes.

Traditionally smoked fish and meats, free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives

The finest English and Continental cheeses, many award-winning

New to Mill Street, Oakham, providing naturally smoked fish and meat, traditional and artisan cheeses, plus a wide range of individually sourced, quality charcuterie and deli products.

NOW OPEN! 3a Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 756481 Email: info@ottersdeli.co.uk www.ottersdeli.co.uk

THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE TASTE!

accoMMoDation, restaurant & Private Dining an historic venue With a contemPorary style, for sPecial occasions, events & conferences

Marquess set Lunch 2 course £11.00, 3 course £14.00 monday-saturday lunch times Wine Dinner - PLease caLL for DetaiLs Planeta Wine dinner, siciliy - £55PP including canaPés, 4 course dinner and Planeta Wines

cookery DeMonstrations by brian baker £35 PP includes 2 course lunch With glass of Wine.

15th nov – getting festive our christmas & neW years eve brochure is noW available Please contact us for your coPy

Serving Food, Lunch & dinner, 7 dayS a week

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Bespoke Catering...

For advice and further information please contact M 07778 227 734 E info@saramcallister.co.uk www.saramcallister.co.uk

saramcallister

PROFESSIONAL CATERING

Traditional Restoration Timber Renovation Specialists Old sash & casement windows, exterior doors & joinery

Why replace your timber windows when you can restore? Traditional Restoration offers a cost-saving alternative to window replacement. Also: • Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught proofing • Reglazing and reputtying For a free, no obligation estimate please call James on:

Window Repair

Before

After

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After

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01572 720524 or 07841 527855 tradrest@hotmail.co.uk

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Let us entertain you!

Whether you’re thinking of hosting a big bash or an intimate soiree, let the professionals take care of the hard work while you relax and enjoy the party. Catherine Batkin looks at some new ideas to make your event truly special

SPICE UP YOUR EVENING

MARQUEES AND MORE

If you’re hoping to host a party at home but the changeable British weather makes you nervous, then a marquee is an ideal option.

Adrian Forrest has run the Stamford Marquee Company for the last 13 months and told me: “As a young company, all of our equipment is really new and whilst our core business is weddings, we have also catered for private parties, dinner parties and large corporate functions. We believe the key is our great service and attention to detail as we like to get personally involved with each client.” The company can provide different coloured linings for the marquee to match your chosen theme as well as swags and valances and different styles of table and chairs.

If you are planning a celebration and are looking for a little help then why not contact husband and wife team, Tom and Hannah Dodson, at The Rutland Marquee Company Limited, who have years of experience at helping their clients organise gatherings of almost every kind, from Christenings to corporate functions. As well as being able to provide marquees, they can also help you transform simple spaces, such as village halls and barns, into beautiful venues, and have a wide variety of items available for hire.

From the venue or marquee, right down to

the napkins, The Rutland Marquee Company can provide a range of services and advice to make everything much simpler. Says Tom, “We want our clients to be able to relax and enjoy celebrating with family and friends, knowing that all of the little details are taken care of. We understand first hand how much goes into organising any event, especially if it is for a wedding, and we realize how daunting the planning process may seem at the beginning, but please don’t panic. We work closely with each customer to ensure that his or her requirements can be met.”

Over the years The Rutland Marquee Company has worked with a huge range of local suppliers and are therefore able to point you in the right direction for everything your event could ever need, including discos, photographers, live music, caterers and catering supplies, florists and fully stocked and staffed bars.

So whether your event is in its early planning stages and you don’t know where to start or you simply need a helping hand pulling together some of the final details, Tom and Hannah will be glad to help.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Continued on page 30 ▲

Brush up your cooking skills with a cookery demonstration party courtesy of Veronica Hewins, who specialises in authentic Indian cookery. Born and brought up in Bangalore in Southern India, Veronica is an amazing cook with some exclusive recipes for Indian favourites such as coconut rice, lamb samosas, chilli prawns and speciality chicken curry (a world away from what you get in a take-away!)

For foodies who would rather sit back and relax in the evening, Veronica will cater for a dinner party from £20 per person for a 3 course meal (8 people minimum), and even provides Bollywood style music to get everyone in the mood. But anyone preferring to get a little more hands-on will love the teaching and tasting sessions at just £10 per head (minimum of 10 people) in which you get to try your hand at creating some authentic dishes, learn new skills and taste the results – heaven!

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SHOPS & SERVICES

TASTY TREATS: OUR PICK OF THE BEST LOCAL CATERERS Rutland Gourmet – Renowned for her use of quality ingredients and innovative menus, Sarah Rivett has been running Rutland Gourmet for more than 7 years. Whether for a function big or small, Sarah’s menus are sure to have something to suit even the fussiest of eaters! Tel: 01572 747909, Mob: 07970 576882, http://www.rutlandgourmet. co.uk/ Sara McAllister – Professional caterers with 20 years experience in the industry, Sara McAllister can provide a diverse range of food for all occasions with the themed buffets being particularly popular for larger social events. Tel http://www.saramcallister. co.uk/

EVENT PLANNERS

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to organising a special event, then a call to an event organiser is a must! Justine Harrison is a theatre designer by trade and runs Koru Events, specialising in transforming a venue with creative themes and something “really quite different”. After an initial consultation with the client, Justine provides a mood board of ideas and can work with caterers, florists, lighting suppliers and more to achieve the overall theme: “One of my favourite projects was an autumnal wedding in which we decorated with tree branches lit with fairy lights, toadstools and pumpkins to give it a woodland feel – absolutely magical.”

In Market Harborough, CW Entertaiments is run by Wayne Davis who told me about the services they provide: “Over 80% of our services are in house which enables us to offer very competitive prices and have complete control of what we are providing. We have our own chef who is excellent at party buffets and hog roasts or can recommend alternative caterers if required and also act in an agent capacity for entertainers such as clowns, magicians, mobile discos and more.”

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

If you associate discos with loud banging music and trying to shout to make yourself heard, think again – silent discos are fast becoming the essential way to party! Simon Jobson runs Hedfone Party, a national company which provides music for events and told me how it works: “The headphones are worn by all partygoers who will be listening to music played

30

either by DJs, on an ipod, MP3 player or laptop through a wireless transmitter. There are two different channels so people can be listening to different styles of music – it is quite surreal to see them all dancing!” Simon can send out just the headphones to a venue who have their own music source sorted – or provide the whole service with DJs, lighting and even a truck which acts as a stage at large scale events.

PAMPER PARTIES

If you prefer a more intimate get-together, then a pamper party is an ideal choice, offering a chance for a relaxing evening with your nearest and dearest. The Little Therapy Centre in Oakham caters for ladies of all ages, including Little Princess parties for children of 6 years and upwards. For a great girls night in, the salon can tailor bespoke packages with taster treatments of fish pedicures, massages and manicures, all accompanied by sparkling wine and nibbles; large enough groups guarantee exclusive use of the salon.

Directory: Veronica Hewins, Indian Cookery, Mob: 07805 667804 Rutland Marquee Co, Tel: 01780 729201, Mob: 07971 867069, http://www.rutlandmarquees.co.uk/ Stamford Marquee Co, Adrian Forrest, Mob: 07964 871308, http://www.stamfordmarquees.co.uk/ CW Entertainments, Tel: 01858 456444, http://www.cwentertainments.co.uk/ Koru Events, Justine Harrison, Tel: 07957 134536 Hedfone Party, Tel: 0118 977 4358, http://www.hedfoneparty.com/ Little Therapy Centre, 9 High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AH, Tel: 01572 723650, http://www.littletherapycentre.com/

Delizioso – Alison Atherton and Danilo Trozzi of Delizioso are based in Market Harobough and offer authentic Italian food to parties and functions across the UK. Some of the most popular dishes include the lamb shank, risotto, slow roasted belly of pork, with seafood dishes being a particular specialty. Tel: 01858 433570, http://www. deliziosocaterers.co.uk/ Just Delicious – Helen Blackwell was previously a chef at Nicks Restaurant in Oakham and now offers beautifully presented meals for private hospitality.

Prices from £35 per head for parties of 8 and above. Tel: 07747 020502

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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For further info call Sarah Rivett on

01572 747909 or 07970 576882

The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ email sarah.rivett@virgin.net

Clear span marquees for all occasions Chairs, tables, bars, dance floors and lighting Ivory and black star cloth linings • Lining of local village halls Venue dressing and event co-ordination Free home or on site consultations

info@rutlandmarquees.co.uk www.rutlandmarquees.co.uk 07971 867069 - 01780 729201

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OUT & ABOUT

Rutland Day and Food Festival The Anglian Water team are the hosts, and the shores of beautiful Rutland Water are the venue for one of the most eagerly awaited events in the local calendar – Rutland Day and Food Festival. Amander Meade finds out what visitors can expect this year

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ast year thousands of local families attended the event which joint organiser Lucy Buckby describes as a ‘fantastic family day out for everyone.’ This year visitors can look forward to even more entertainment and a bigger, better Food Festival too. Lucy and the team were delighted by last year’s success and promised, “With sponsorship support from Lands’ End, this year there will be even more stalls, attractions and more fantastic live music to keep the family entertained all day. All the organising team feel very strongly that this day is about putting something back into the local community which is why we don’t charge for admission and try to keep the majority of children’s activities free. There are lots of families who live locally but are so busy they don’t visit the Water as often as they would like so Rutland Day is a chance to have a great time together and a reminder of what a beautiful place Rutland Water is.”

The opening act this year will be the winners of the Rutland Radio Battle of the Bands competition followed by The Hound Dogs, the Big 10 Ska Band plus Rutland’s own Concert Band and all kinds of stalls, competitions, children’s entertainment, demonstrations by the local Fire and St John ’s Ambulance Services and much more.

The Tourism Team at Rutland County Council were thrilled at the response to the Food Festival they organised as part of last year’s celebrations so this year we can expect “More.... of everything! We are so lucky in this region to have wonderful food providers including superb family run farm shops, traditional bakeries and award winning butchers as well as excellent wines, beers and cider. The Festival is a chance for local people to celebrate and sample the

best of what is grown and produced in their county.”

Rutland’s own Food Ambassador and Michelin Starred Chef Sean Hope will lead a team of other acclaimed food experts in the Demonstration Tent as they share their expertise. All kinds of local producers will be serving up their wares from rare breed burgers to sumptuous cupcakes as well as thirst quenching local ciders and beers and a licensed bar run by the Grainstore.

“Last year’s event was very much like a return to the old days of proper food festivals ten or more years ago,” says local producer Jan McCourt of Northfield Farm. Jan adds, “Those doing demonstrations are all in one sense competitors but we all get together at this and other events in a way which benefits the area the festival and its visitors. It is a great showcase for the many largely unsung heroes of the Artisan Food Revolution which is at its best in the Rutland and Leicestershire area.”

Another large Food Marquee will showcase and celebrate local producers from in and around the region. There will be lotsa hot food and drink to sample alongside jams, chutneys from Jamalade; cheeses from the Melton Cheeseboard; Little Cakes of Rutland; Groovy Foods and much more to purchase and take home.

One local parent described Rutland Day as, “A really superb family day out – lots to do and see without spending a fortune. We stayed for the whole day and the adults loved it as much as the kids!”

• Rutland Day & Food Festival takes place on Saturday 17 September from 11am to 6pm at Rutland Water, Sykes Lane, Empingham.

Entry is free, a small parking charge applies.

“Rutland’s own Food Ambassador and Michelin Starred Chef Sean Hope will lead a team of other acclaimed food experts in the Demonstration Tent as they share their expertise.”

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Ceramics, mosaics, glass, porcelain orcelain and natural stone Karndean floor coveringss Underfloor heating Bespoke glass splashbacks Complete omplete design & tiling service

Creative, practical solutions to suit individual homes and gardens.

All aspects of interior and garden design including planting schemes, courtyards and garden lighting, soft furnishings, curtain design & make-up and re-upholstery.

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Open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RA

Tel 01572 722500 | info@rutlandtilegallery.co.uk

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12 Willoughby Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DY Tel: 01572 747318 Mobile: 07973843020 alison@alisonhutchinsondesign.co.uk www.alisonhutchinsondesign.co.uk

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NEW SERIES

TRAVEL T

he Red City at the foot of the High Atlas has captivated generations of Europeans.

Vibrant, exciting, colourful; Marrakech is brimming with the mysteries of Arabia, and perfect for a break with a difference during the early Autumn months.

Marrakech used to be the retreat for rock stars and fashion designers back in the Sixties.

These days a plethora of the medieval walled ancient merchants’ houses or ‘Riads’ have been converted into boutique hotels to suit every taste from traditional to high design.

One of the greatest pleasures of Marrakech is to stroll through the souks, bargaining and people watching. The Medina and the Djemaa el Fna change throughout the day so it’s worth passing through at different times. Stalls in the souks offer fabulous treasures and are overflowing with fantastic gifts from carpets to lamps, slippers, pottery, jewellery and leather goods at a fraction of the cost in the UK. Brightly coloured Tagine pots are a particularly good buy. In the early evening the city’s main square comes alive with snake charmers, street entertainers and food stalls. Enjoy a cocktail in the bar of the stunning Mamounia Hotel; this Art Deco Palace was a favourite of Winston Churchill.

Moroccan cuisine is celebrated as some of the best in the world and Marrakech has numerous fine restaurants to choose from.

Start with a bowl of steaming, spicy Harira soup or Bastilla, a semi sweet pigeon pie made with layers of filo pastry. For your main

Spotlight on Marrakech

course a Lamb Tagine with couscous is a must, accompanied by one of the very acceptable local wines, the best of which are red.

City Tours are available from £26.00 per person for half a day or for a full day with your own private driver from £98.00 per person passing through the Atlas Mountains to Quarzazate, where the beautiful landscapes meet lush green valleys.

Oundle Travel suggests a stay at The Angsana Riad Blanc, offering traditional Moroccan hospitality; each room is an oasis of comfort and fully air-conditioned. The hotel has an expansive tented rooftop terrace,

which is perfect for basking in the warm spring sunshine. The hotel also has two restaurants featuring both Moroccan and Thai cuisine – 5 nights priced from £859.00 per person including return scheduled flights from London Gatwick - extra nights are available from £90 per person per night. For absolute opulence Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot, in the Atlas Mountains, offers complete luxury and relaxation in breath-taking surroundings from £1075.00 per person staying 4 nights.

• For more information and recommendations contact Oundle Travel on Tel: 01832 273600, www.oundletravel.co.uk

To cruise or not to cruise Whatever age, size or shape. Whether single, married with children or a couple, there is a cruise out there to suit you. Getting the right operator, ship, cabin and itinerary is the key.

American companies such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity operate large modern ships, like floating cities, with amazing facilities including casinos, cinemas, climbing walls, ice rinks, theatres, jogging tracks, fitness spas, gyms, swimming pools, mini golf, surfing pools and more. P&O Cruises offer similar style, smaller ships with the benefit of departures from UK ports. These ships also offer unbeatable childcare facilities for children from 6 months to 17 years, with fully qualified nannies and play leaders for the older junior cruisers. They offer day and evening childcare leaving you free (if you choose) to have an adults only evening.

Fred Olsen offer intimate smaller ships, excellent for couples and the more mature cruiser; these can navigate shallower water, into smaller ports and offer different destinations to the larger operators; the Norwegian fjords for example.

For cruisers wanting a more traditional and distinguished feel, Cunard offer travellers the

height of style and luxury 5 star opulence in beautiful new liners with unequalled attention to detail.

There is now a wide range of river cruises available world wide, which offer a chance to see the many beautiful and intriguing sights that bigger vessels just can’t navigate.

In essence a cruise can offer excellent value for money as the price you pay usually includes all food on board; you’re only left with

the bar bill. The choice of ship, destinations, excursions and cabin types is almost endless, therefore professional assistance from an experienced travel agent will help you get your choice right.

• For more information contact Jacki Brand or Julie Northage at Meadows World Travel, Oakham on Tel: 01572 770330 or email: mwt@rutnet.co.uk.

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PHOTOS: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

TRAVEL

Try a Kew Gardens Family Package this October half-term C

hiswick Moran Hotel teams up with neighbouring Kew Gardens to offer a foliage-filled October half-term.

As the nights draw in and the winter coats get their first airing, parents looking for familyfriendly half-term ideas need look no further than the Chiswick Moran Hotel. The retro-chic, West London hotel, bar and restaurant has teamed up with neighbouring Kew Gardens to create a family package that will bring out the budding botanist in children and grown-ups alike. The “Kew Family Package” gives visitors to London the opportunity to enjoy the stylish

accommodation and friendly service of the four-star, deluxe Chiswick Moran Hotel whilst experiencing the world’s most famous garden as the leaves turn red, gold and russet.

Kew Gardens, which can be reached in under a minute by car and just 15 minutes on foot from the Chiswick Moran Hotel, is one of London’s most popular attractions. Families can explore glasshouses of exotic plants, take on a jungle of swaying bamboo, see the first of the season’s holly berries and kick through piles of fallen leaves.

Prices for the “Kew Family Package,” which is

available from 22 – 30 October 2011, start from £299 for a family of four. The price includes a two-night stay in an Executive Family Room on a bed and breakfast basis, free in-room movies throughout the visit to keep the whole family entertained, a two-course dinner in the hotel’s stylish Napa restaurant on one of the evenings and entry to Kew Gardens.

• For reservations go to www.moranhotels. com, call Tel: 0208 996 5200 or email chiswickres@moranhotels.com, and quote the “Kew Family Package.”

WINTER FUN: OBERGURGL – THE DIAMOND OF THE ALPS N

estled at the top of the Oetz valley in Austria lies the winter-sports haven of Obergurgl, a high and snow-sure resort that boasts excellent ski conditions from early December through to May. Whilst the resort is great for families and couples alike, some hardened skiers may regard the110 kms of piste on offer as a little too small for a full week - but they would be wrong to dismiss this resort on size alone. The fact is that around only 6000 skiers will grace the pistes at any one time meaning that lift queues are non-existent and the superb off-piste does not get tracked out as quickly as many of the large “premier league” resorts do. Less queuing means more skiing and that can only be a good thing in a resort that exudes tranquillity, quality, style, and above all a typical Austrian warm welcome.

Perched at the foot of the slopes is the luxurious 4 star Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl, complete with its excellent spa facilities, superb lounges and fantastic cuisine in its bright but relaxing dining rooms. A diamond within a diamond, this is truly a winter retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of modern day life.

If you want to retreat to a winter wonderland then Obergurgl is the place to be. After all, if it’s good enough for Roman Abramovich…

• Contact: Snow Finders, Aspen House, 12 Kings Head Place Market Harborough Tel: 01858 466888, www.snowfinders.co.uk

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A Night at e

Musicl Satrday 8h Octob at 7:30pm

Trinity Methodist Church Barn Hill, Stamford

A fun evening presenting a variety of musical talent in aid of charity Donations at the door

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NEW SERIES

DISCOVER

RUTLAND With Caroline Aston

‘Behold a giant am I, Aloft here in my tower, With my granite jaws I devour The maize and the wheat and the rye, And grind them into flour’

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Painting By Clinton Croson

There is nothing more majestic that a windmill silhouetted against the sky’s blue backdrop. Indeed, our language is peppered with sayings that derive from the vocabulary of milling: you can ‘grind to a halt’, have a millstone round your neck and that phrase ‘rule of thumb’ comes from the miller’s habit of testing the quality of ground grain between thumb and finger to assess the grade of flour produced.

Hundreds of mills have disappeared, victims of cheap grain imports and industrialised milling techniques. Some of the survivors have morphed into unusual dwellings but there are a healthy number still being used for their original purpose. Here in Rutland we don’t have to look further than our own Whissendine for an example.

This windmill was built by the Earls of Harborough in 1809 who lived nearby at Stapleford Park and owned the village. The 6th Earl died heirless in 1860 and the village and its mill were sold on. Eventually, after a couple of changes of ownership, Whissendine windmill became the property of the Kitchen family who ran it till 1922 when gale force winds forced its closure. And that was it until 74 years later when Nigel Moon arrived on the scene, paid out £50,000 and set the sails moving again. True, the whole top structure had to be rebuilt and major gearing replaced but all the internal workings were intact and just needed an electric motor installing to get things grinding. Nigel had plenty of experience , having spent 20 years running a mill at Ely in Cambridgeshire and today his investment is producing around 2 tonnes of high grade flour a week, stoneground to avoid overheating the grain and affecting flour flavour. As he says, what started out as a souvenir bag of flour bought after a windmill visit has blossomed into serious supplies as local bakers, domestic and commercial, buy the best flour they can to produce the tastiest breads.

With branches in Oakham, Oundle and Stamford, Hambleton Bakery uses Nigel’s flour, among others, to produce a fantastic range of artisan breads, croissants, muffins and pasta. Headed up by master baker Julian Carter the bakery sits in a woodland setting on the edge of Exton Park with a small shop adjoining. Breadlovers in search of what bread USED to taste like, view it almost as a shrine, a shrine where a massive wood-fired oven holds over 70 fragrantly baking loaves, the dough mixed by a huge 1960s Artifax machine that perfectly simulates hand kneading. The Carter family once held the patent on the famous Bath Oliver biscuit and Julian came back into baking after a spell in the RAF and, impressively, as chef to John and Norma Major at 10 Downing Street. Souschef to the famed Aaron Patterson at Hambleton Hall he was delighted to get back to his baking roots at the newly converted old ironstone quarry power station housing the Hambleton shop and bakery. The Grain Store brewery in Oakham provides beer barm, the yeasty froth from fermenting ale, that gives the popular Hambleton Local loaf its warmly hoppy flavour. Heaven on our plates – and all produced in the heart of Rutland.

Maybe the poet Longfellow should have the last words, taken from his poem ‘The Windmill’

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PERSPECTIVES

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants of Leicestershire and Rutland Lady Gretton and Dr Howard take some time out of their busy schedules to talk to Sosennah Every about what this role means to them

T

he office of the Lord-Lieutenant for the county or counties dates back to 1547 when the military functions of the Sheriff were transferred to the Lieutenancy and to this day there is a link with the armed forces and the Cadet Association. The Lord-Lieutenant is The Queen’s personal representative in the county and as such are the highest ranking official in the county. Dr Howard describes the two counties as “linked by an umbilical cord” which is a lovely way of saying how interwoven our civic services are and how closely Lady Gretton and Dr Howard work together to promote the good of both counties.

“This is the most varied and interesting job you can encounter”, exclaims Lady Gretton, who was appointed in 2003 as Lord-Lieutenant for the County and City of Leicester. She hasn’t got a typical week but says that the role, which is entirely voluntary, has given her a wonderful opportunity to get to know our very diverse county, from its most rural parts to its big cities with its mix of communities and religions.

For Dr Howard, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland since 2003, there may not be such a huge population diversity but there are big differences in the rural community, not just financial but also social. He is very aware of the changing social aspects of rural life with the closing of many village shops and pubs meaning villagers are much more socially poor than they used to be.

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As President and Vice-President of the Rural Community Council, Lady Gretton and Dr Howard are very keen to support village life. They want to encourage as many people as possible to work together on a Parish Plan that sets out what improvements the villagers themselves would like and how they can go about fundraising to get those changes to happen.

Much of their work is as President or Patron of voluntary organisations and charities and luckily they both say they go to more openings than closures! After our meeting Dr Howard was very much looking forward to opening the Rutland beer festival and Lady Gretton had an afternoon on a barge operated by a charity organisation. Invitations come from far and wide and their only advice is to get invitations sent to their offices months in advance. Lady Gretton already had two invitations for carol services in December that were received in June!

However, there are some sad and moving appointments in their diaries, most notably the funerals of soldiers killed in action. The LordLieutenants are also tasked with presenting The Elizabeth Cross to families, in recognition of Armed Forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism since the Second World War. Lady Gretton says, “It is a sense of closure for many families and wonderful that at last their loved ones have

been recognised”.

Of course any Royal visit to the county is a highlight and it is always an honour to escort Princess Anne who comes to Leicestershire on many occasions to visit groups involved with Riding for the Disabled or many other organisations. For Dr Howard, Princess Alexandra is his most regular visitor as she is Honorary Air Commodore for RAF Cottesmore.

They are both in awe of how hard working the Royal Family are and, in particular, The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Lady Gretton said she was struggling to keep pace with the Duke on his most recent visit just before his ninetieth birthday!

One particular perk of the job was an unexpected invitation to the Royal Wedding.

They both enthused about what a joyous occasion it was and how very privileged they felt to be invited. Lady Gretton said it was, “Such a happy occasion both inside and outside the Abbey”, and quoted a police constable who had told them both “how wonderful it was to be liked by everyone for a whole day!”

The big event for 2012 is the Diamond Jubilee celebration and, although it is too early to divulge any plans, they are both encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in The Big Lunch on Sunday 3rd June 2012 – http:// www.thebiglunch.com/ , by holding a street party or community BBQ to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

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weddings

ESSENTIAL

at Burghley

The stunning and exquisite Regional Wedding Show returns to Burghley House

Sunday 6th November 2011 - 10am - 4.30pm Tickets: £5 in advance, Group Booking discounts in advance, or £6 on the day

Online at: www.essentialmediaevents.co.uk

or call: 01780 766543

The 1st 400 registered brides to receive a stunning goody bag See the region’s finest wedding exhibitors within the full splendour of Burghley House Sparkling drinks reception and canapés, courtesy of Amps Fine Wines - Oundle, & Chefs Thyme - Peterborough

A beautiful Catwalk Show featuring the UK’s top wedding designers A grand musical firework finale to close the show - Courtesy of Komodo Fireworks

For further information call 01780 766543 email: sonja@theessentialweddingsshow.co.uk The Essential Wedding Show is part of the Essential Media Events Ltd and Local Living Magazines 41

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OUT & ABOUT PERSPECTIVES

Community Projects and Life Skills Abigail Richardson investigates how private schools contribute to their community and help students develop skills for life

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undreds of pupils at Oakham School take part in an extensive ‘Voluntary Action’ programme, helping to give something back to the local community.

Each week boys and girls are out and about doing voluntary work in local primary schools, working with the elderly, volunteering in charity shops, even going into a local prison and helping groups like Riding for the Disabled. “The list of activities is really wide ranging and it has come about because we have very well-established relationships with so many local organisations”, explains Oakham School’s Head of Voluntary Action, Mr Cameron Pauls. “It also benefits our pupils in many different ways. Taking part in the Voluntary Action programme allows students to give something back to the local community and, in doing so, to gain experience and become a more responsible and compassionate person.”

Twice each year the Oakham School pupils who join Voluntary Action take part in special ‘Service Weekends’. The highlights include spring and autumn parties for the elderly, revamping a children’s playground, creating an eco-friendly garden at a local primary school and carrying out renovations at The Rutland Railway Museum.

“Our pupils also help out in local nursery schools for pre-school age children and at The Parks School for Children with Special Needs; they help with swimming and work as classroom assistants. Other pupils get special training to become hospital visitors and they go into the Rutland Memorial Hospital Day Centre.”

Sixth Form pupils run a visitors’ café at Stocken Prison whilst other groups work outdoors helping with gardening and conservation projects or helping those with physical disabilities learn to sail on Rutland Water. “For our pupils the benefits are considerable. They learn a lot about themselves and they often experience situations which help shape what they want to do once they leave school. It’s life changing in lots of ways.”

When Uppingham School’s new multi-million pound sports centre opened to the general public this year, it became the latest facility of the school that can be enjoyed by local people and created an opportunity for the school to contribute to its community.

Other community activities which develop life skills include pupils helping in the town’s Age Concern shop, taking part in litter collections, assisting Riding for the Disabled

Uppingham School Sports Centre

and at Sunday schools, by giving lunchtime recitals at the parish church and by helping run some of the local Brownies, Guides, Beavers and Cubs units.

As part of the School’s provision of an ‘all-round education’ for its pupils, life skills are regarded as most important within the curriculum. Topics explored include road safety and safe driving, careers and interview techniques, fund-raising and organisation management. In the summer pupils in the Lower Sixth form will take part in a skills’ week programme after their AS-level exams. Within this programme they will have the opportunity to take part in courses on mediation, financial management, living and cooking on a budget, and basic car maintenance amongst other things.

Leicester High School for Girls has always supported local and national charities and the Junior Department alone has raised over £3,200 this year, which equates to £30 per pupil. Laura Fowler, the new Head of the Junior Department explains, “It is vital for the girls’ development as citizens to have an understanding of the different people in the world and the distinct needs they have.”

The girls support local charities such as Rainbows Hospice; visitors from these charities visit the school and regularly give talks in assemblies to enhance the link. The girls then begin truly to recognise the work of different charities and how they are indispensable to many families.

There is also a growing awareness of national charities such as the NSPCC and The Poppy Appeal which support people across the UK, and international charities. In 2010-11 the girls continued their support of ACET (African Children’s Education Trust) and responded to the Pakistan Flood Disaster by supporting the work of UNICEF. The school believes that it empowers the girls to know that their fundraising efforts can make a difference in the world and

that their ideas for supporting new charities will always be considered.

Pupils at Oundle School follow a full Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) curriculum to help them to make healthy, informed and considered choices as they grow up. As well as important personal, social and health topics for a growing adolescent, such as puberty, sex and relationships, alcohol and drugs, the programme also focuses on areas that enhance life skills, and ensure a proper balance in life.

Pupils follow a range of topics including the subject of community relations, work/ life balance, safe and sensible use of the internet and money management as well as discussing discrimination, workload management and prioritising skills, safe driving and how to deal with common health issues. This course enhances the quality of an all-round Oundle education and provides the opportunities for emerging adults to address issues of greater significance in their lives.

The programme evolves and develops every year. Plans for next year include introducing aspects of dealing with depression in the family, stress-relieving strategies, and listening skills for older pupils. Current Prefects feel that this programme creates an open and comfortable environment in which to ‘break the ice’ on bigger issues.

Change of name for Northamptonshire Grammar School From 1 September 2011 Northamptonshire Grammar School will become Pitsford School. The new name comes from the school’s base at Pitsford Hall, once home to the Drummond family. Also past pupils have always been known as Old Pitsfordians. The change has been timed to coincide with the building of a £2,000,000, purpose built, state-of-the-art Junior School, a significant feeder for the Senior School. With building work already well under way the new Junior School is due to open in February 2012.

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OPEN MORNING Saturday 17th September 2011 9.00am - 11.00am

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Oakham Boarding and day school for boys and girls 10 to 18 offering A Levels and the IB oakham.rutland.sch.uk 01572 758758

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PERSPECTIVES

On the trail of Robin Hood Did you know that Britain’s most famous outlaw once roamed Rutland and Rockingham Forest? Dave Phillips tells the story and gives you the directions to follow in his footsteps…

R

obin Hood was – and still is – the quintessential English hero. For 700 years we have loved the timeless tales of the one man who could deliver us from our wicked and greedy ruling classes.

After all, Robin Hood robbed the greedy rich to feed the oppressed poor; an outlaw from a cruel regime who, along with his band of merry man, roamed the forests that covered much of the east midlands in the Middle Ages.

But did you know that this legendary man of the wildwood was a frequent visitor to this neck of the woods, too? For although the history books will tell you that Robin Hood lived in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, there’s compelling evidence that he was a frequent visitor to this area.

Robin Hood was supposed to have lived somewhere between the 12th and 14th centuries, when Rockingham Forest was a royal Bocase hunting ground that covered 200 Stone square miles, extending from Market Harborough in the northwest, east through Rutland to Stamford and south-west to Northampton, with the River Nene forming its southern boundary.

Only 30 miles or so from Sherwood,

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Rockingham Forest would have been an obvious retreat for the most wanted man in the kingdom.

Back then, two of the most important places in the forest were Rockingham Brigstock’s Castle and the village of Brigstock.

Saxon And it was in Brigstock’s famous church Saxon church that Robin Hood and his men attended Mass on Lady Day (March 25), the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin.

Local legend has it that Robin and his men were betrayed by a treacherous priest and, as they left the church, they were ambushed by a posse of armed men led by Sir Ralph de Hanville, an officer of the crown. Arrows flew in all directions and, among the casualties, were Sir Ralph and the treacherous priest, both fatally injured.

With blood on their hands, the outlaws rode off in haste and, a mile or so outside the village, Robin and his men got rid of the evidence by throwing their bows and arrows into an old, hollow oak tree before disappearing into the forest and posing as peasants.

The tree soon became known as the Bowcase

Tree (later shortened to Bocase Tree) and became a meeting place for important forest courts. Eventually the old tree died and a stone was erected to mark the position. Today, the Bocase Stone still stands in the spot, with the

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inscription “In this plaes grew Bocase Tree”… and a new oak sapling has been planted nearby to perpetuate the legend.

After the Brigstock incident, Robin Hood and company then apparently went on a hunting spree in the forest, poaching the king’s deer. For a while they got away with it, but eventually the notorious outlaw was caught red-handed and thrown into the dungeon at Rockingham Castle to await trial. Records at the castle do indeed reveal that a “Robyn Hode” was imprisoned there in 1354 for “trespass of vert and venison in the forest”, but unfortunately there is no record of his eventual trial and punishment.

What other evidence of Robin Hood is there in this area? Well, there is the little matter of his early home. He is said to have lived in Barnsdale before he became an outlaw and most historians have assumed that was Barnsdale in South Yorkshire. But Barnsdale on the northern shore of Rutland Water has a decent claim, especially considering that nearby place names include Robin Hood’s Cave on the road to Oakham and Robin Hood’s Field, at Whitwell. Also, to the north at Castle Bytham, is Robin Hood’s Cross.

Meanwhile, at Gunwade Ferry near Castor, on the outskirts of Peterborough, there are two standing stones, known locally as Robin Hood and Little John.

The true origins of the Robin Hood legend

have, of course, been lost in the mists of time.

The original tales and ballads of his exploits were passed down in the oral tradition and it was much later before they were written down and, no doubt, considerably embellished.

But I’d still like to think that Robin Hood and his outlaws roamed our local woods, stealing form the rich to give to the poor. And I do wish he was around today, in 2011, to sort out those greedy, self-serving bankers and politicians…

Following in Robin’s footsteps You can get on the trail of Robin Hood by enjoying this four-mile walk which takes in Brigstock Church, the Bocase Stone and some lovely parts of Rockingham Forest. It is easy going and should take no more than two hours (Ordnance Survey references supplied) Start at Brigstock Church (SP946851) – note the 10th century round Saxon tower – then head north and through the old market place, bearing left then right (SP945856) down lane. After 300 yards, take care crossing the main A6116, then continue down lane for just over one mile, with Harry’s woodland to the left and the open Park Wood parkland of Fermyn Woods Hall to the right. After Bocase Farm on the right, you’ll find the Bocase Stone on the left (SP951877). After about 200 BOCASE yards (SP949881), turn left down STONE path through Harry’s Park Wood for about a quarter of a mile, then turn left (SP944881) and head south through the woods for about a mile.

When the main forest ride bears left (SP944867) continue straight on along a smaller path. After about 100 yards follow footpath across fields and carefully cross main road, continuing along path into village and turning left on main street to walk back to church.

BRIGSTOCK Brigstock CHURCH 

START & FINISH

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Family BreakdownWhat happens next?

So who should decide who gets the house, what is to happen to the children, how much maintenance will be payable or how are family possessions to be divided in the event of a family breakdown?

Asking the Court to decide can be risky, time consuming and expensive. New rules make it Bina Modi compulsory for couples to try and resolve issues between themselves before racing to Court. The Court now expects all couples to try to agree issues between themselves before applying to Court. These attempts at agreement can be made through Mediation or by using a Collaborative Law process.

Mediation involves a joint meeting with an independent mediator assisting couples to reach agreed and informed decisions. Taking legal advice alongside mediation is always useful as your solicitor can talk through your rights and options before any final agreement.

Collaborative Law involves a series of round table meetings between couples and their respective collaboratively trained solicitors. Couples agree not to go to Court but to instead work out solutions in open and transparent meetings, thus avoiding the acrimony and uncertainty of the Court process.

Both Mediation and Collaborative Law are solutions to family breakdown which often cost much less than Court action.

For further information contact Bina Modi (Associate Partner and Collaborative Lawyer) bina.modi@smithpartnership.co.uk or call 0116 247 2016

0116 247 2000 smithpartnership.co.uk

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NEW SERIES

All About You Have your say... e-mail your reader offers to abigail@bestlocalliving.co.uk

WIN A DESIGN CONSULTATION WITH DESIGNER ALISON HUTCHINSON Local Interior and Garden Designer Alison Hutchinson moved into Rutland last September bringing 10 years of design expertise to clients in and around the area. To celebrate her move she is offering a free interior or garden design consultation to one lucky reader.

Alison trained as a garden designer before running a successful interior and garden business near Grantham. She now offers a complete service for the home and garden.

Her interior style is a mix of traditional styling with contemporary touches and she loves to mix antiques with contemporary furniture and lighting. She employs a similar style in her gardens offering clients low maintenance gardens with a touch of contemporary styling in the hard landscaping materials she uses. Her work ranges from single window treatments or garden borders, kitchen and bathroom design and installation and total makeovers for the whole home and garden.

To enter the competition simply answer the question below: How long has Alison been designing homes and gardens.  1 year  5 years  10 years (tick box)

‘FOOTLOOSE’ WITH RUTLAND MUSICAL THEATRE If you would like to perform on stage, help backstage, build sets, work with lighting and sound, costumes, make-up, front of house or anything else RMT would love to hear from you. New member auditions are on Tuesday 6th September at Manton Village Hall. The next production is ‘Footloose’ in April 2012 at Uppingham Theatre. For more information visit www.rutlandmusicaltheatre.co.uk

LEARN FRENCH WITH LAETITIA WHILE YOU HAVE A CROISSANT Having enjoyed success bringing French classes to Beans cafe in Stamford on Wednesdays (10.30 am-11.30am), Laetitia has decided to bring the concept to Oakham at Castle Cottage Café on Mondays. So, if you would like to talk about the French culture and news, informally, with a cup of coffee and a croissant contact Laetitia at e-mail: laetitiavincentdelacroix@gmail.com or call Tel: 0784 0524988 Mondays, 9 am-10 am: French lessons for new learners. £15pp, including the price of a coffee and a pastry (French textbook not included) 10.30am-11.30am: French conversation. £10 pounds per person, including the price of a coffee and a pastry.

Photography Competition – Win a meal at The Blue Ball Entries to rutlandliving@gmail.com until end of October 1st prize: Three course meal for two including a bottle of house wine at The Blue Ball, Braunston, Rutland 2nd Prize: A copy of photography book ‘Our Rutland’ 3rd prize: £5 gift voucher for Buy The Book, Oakham Rules • Pictures must be vertical/portrait. • They must have minimum resolution of 1MB • They must be of Rutland or Market Harborough or the nearby surrounding countryside • Rutland Living will print the winning pictures in the magazine, potentially on the front cover. • If the picture is published, your name will be included alongside it.

• The competition is open until the end of OCTOBER 2011 • Electronic entries only accepted. • Please send your pic (max of 3 per person) to rutlandliving@gmail.com with your contact details on the email

Name: Address:

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR RUTLAND AND BEYOND

Tel:

4Networking is a dynamic business networking group that meets at the Admiral Hornblower in Oakham every other week on Friday mornings, 8am-10am. It’s an informal breakfast meeting that enables local professionals and business owners the opportunity to find customers and suppliers.

Small and large businesses benefit from belonging – remember it’s not always what you know, but who you know!

The organisation has 300 groups nationwide; other local meetings take place in Peterborough, Leicester, Bourne and Grantham on different days of the week. Unlike other networks, the members are encouraged to attend as many groups as they can – this offers businesses the chance to network across a wide area.

The Oakham group is particularly keen to enlist new members in the following fields - printing, photography, manufacturing and publishing. But everyone’s welcome to come along for a free trial visit - you just pay £10 for a hearty breakfast! The next meetings in Oakham are 2nd, 16th & 30th Sept, 14th and 28th Oct, 11th and 25th Nov. • Book your place by calling the group’s Marketing Co-ordinator, Deborah King (Mrs Marketing) on Tel: 07973 508547 or by email: deb@mrs-marketing.co.uk.

Email: Preferred consultation:  Home  Garden (tick box) Send your entry to: Local Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY. Marking your envelope: Design Competition The editor’s decision is final.



• To contact Alison Tel: 01572 747318 or see examples of Alison’s work at http://www.alisonhutchinsondesign.co.uk/

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MOTORING

ROAD TEST: PEUGEOT RCZ

The RCZ has rekindled interest in Peugeot as a purveyor of fine sporty cars. If the RCZ is anything to go by, we’re in for an exciting time! Words and photo: David Corfield

S

O, here we are then: the first sporty Peugeot in almost a decade. And quite an achievement the RCZ is, too, going from concept car in 2007 to full-on production model three years later. That, in itself, is nothing short of remarkable.

The car arrived looking suitably mean and moody. In deep Nera Black and sporting the optional 19in alloys, it certainly caught the eye.

Question is; would it inspire on the road as well as on the driveway?

Peugeot calls this the first of a new range of ‘special cars’, meant to add an edge of exclusiveness to a French marque better known for big-selling small cars.

The company, which celebrated its 200th anniversary this year, is slap-bang in the middle of a renaissance and is embarking

upon a change of styling direction – the RCZ is intended to show off these new aspirations and we should all applaud Peugeot for this. It’s been too long…

The RCZ comes in three flavours; two versions of the same 1598cc petrol turbo engine (producing 154 and 197bhp respectively), and a 1997cc turbo diesel that cranks out an impressive 161bhp.

Two model lines make up the spec choice: a mid-range Sport and a high-spec GT, both of which can be ordered with any engine. The test car sent to us had the top of the range THP engine, complete with 6-speed manual gearbox.

Prices range between £20,450 for the lowerpowered petrol Sport, to £25,050 for the GT THP200, the model on test here.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS Any good? Well, the chassis certainly delivers in fine Peugeot tradition. On the road, it’s a fun to drive car, with precise handling, plenty of grip (our car had the optional 19-inch wheels running 235/40 tyres) and nice, although light, steering. It’s not really what I’d call a car for the out and out enthusiast, although I await with interest to see what the tuners out there can do with it. It understeers like mad when pressed hard which is inevitable with a front wheel drive car, and some roll accompanies more urgent ‘pressing on’, but the engine pulls brilliantly from 2200rpm, gaining momentum (and a sportier exhaust note) as you pass the 4500 mark.

The top speed of 146mph shows good aerodynamics with the live rear spoiler rising automatically to a low, then a higher, position as speed rises. The average 0-62 mph time of 7.5 seconds, though, gives an indication of how heavy this car actually is. A featherweight this is not: it’s 1700kg or thereabouts which is nothing short of lardy.

Still, it’s an entertaining and enjoyably quick car, and although looking perhaps too much like a TT, still has a freshness about it, aided by that very cool bubble roof, and will certainly appeal to those looking for something a tad different. Don’t expect Germanic build quality, though. While not rattly, some of the plastics and fake aluminium smacks of cheap, which is a shame given the price.

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SPECIFICATION Engine: Type: 4-cylinder 16V, 1598cc Power: 200 bhp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 275 Nm @ 1770 rpm Acceleration (0-62 mph): 7.6 secs Maximum Speed: 146 mph Insurance Group: 34E VED Band: G Fuel Consumption (urban): 31.0 mpg Fuel Consumption (extra urban): 50.4 mpg Fuel Consumption (combined): 40.9 mpg CO2 Emissions: 159g/km Dimensions: Width: 2107mm Height: 1352mm Length: 4290mm Wheelbase: 2612mm Kerb Weight: 1421 kg Gross Weight: 1714 kg Contact: Peugeot UK www.peugeot.co.uk CONCLUSION So if you enjoy driving and want to impress people, the RCZ could well be for you. It looks really great from most angles and it’s certainly comfortable. A huge boot (at the expense of rear-seated passengers) makes this a great car for two people to enjoy a long weekend together. The question remains though: is a long weekend all it would take to get the RCZ out of your system? Or has Peugeot found the answer to all our prayers?

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living September 2011

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MARSHALL VOLVO OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS STANDARD. Our highly trained and skilled team looks forward to welcoming you to our state of the art dealership, where we will be on hand to look after your every need.

All our cars are handled with the utmost care and attention as we pride ourselves on offering the best deals on the latest range of New Volvo and piece of mind on quality approved used vehicles.

From the new Volvo range, to Approved used vehicles right through to service and repairs, visit Marshall Volvo and expect nothing less than a first class service as standard.

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER APP TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Volvo. For life.

MARSHALL VOLVO PETERBOROUGH 7 MALLORY ROAD, BOONGATE, PETERBOROUGH PE1 5AU. TEL: 0844 411 9751 www.marshallweb.co.uk/volvo MARSHALL MOTOR GROUP LTD. REGISTERED OFFICE:- AIRPORT HOUSE, THE AIRPORT, CAMBRIDGE CB5 8RY. ALL CALLS MAY BE RECORDED FOR TRAINING AND QUALITY PURPOSES.

THIS IS MARSHALL JAGUAR

Situated in Peterborough, our dealership is equipped to deal with all your Jaguar needs.

From the exciting new Jaguar range featuring groundbreaking technology and industry firsts, to Approved used vehicles maintained to the standards set by the engineers who built them.

Enjoy all the expertise and knowledge of our Jaguar Academy trained technicians and with a range of exhilarating accessories to enhance the feeling of owning a Jaguar, make sure that you visit Marshall Jaguar Peterborough.

MARSHALL JAGUAR PETERBOROUGH 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 0844 334 0635 www.marshall.peterborough.jaguar.co.uk

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER APP TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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YOU’VE EITHER GOT IT OR YOU HAVEN’T

ABARTH 500

1.4 16V TURBO T – JET POWER OUTPUT 135HP (99KW) AT 5,500RPM PEAK TORQUE 206NM AT 3,000RPM ACCELERATION 0 – 62 MPH 7.9 SEC TOP SPEED 127MPH Representative Example

Abarth 500 1.4 16v Turbo On the Road Price Customer Deposit Amount of Credit 47 Monthly Payments

Optional Final Payment (includes £285 fee) £5,115 £14,461.71 £1,445 £13,016.71 £215

Total Amount Payable by Customer £16,665 Duration of Contract 48 months Rate of Interest (Fixed) 5.43% Representative 6.2% APR

PLUS GREAT FINANCE DEALS ON PUNTO EVO AND 500C

Cockerell Road, Corby, NN17 5DU Tel: 01536 268 991 WWW.ABARTHCARS.CO.UK

Abarth 500 1.4 16v Turbo fuel cons mpg (l/100km): urban 33.2 (8.5) / extra-urban 52.3 (5.4) / combined 43.5 (6.5), CO2 emissions: 155g/km. Abarth 500 shown is fitted with optional extras as follows: 17” upgrade alloy wheels (£175) and Abarth side stripe and mirror kit (£160). Offer subject to availability on existing stock cars registered between July 1st and September 30th 2011. Finance subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle if the vehicle is returned at the end of the finance agreement (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example). Abarth Financial Services, PO Box 108, Leeds, LS27 0WU. Rockingham Cars, Cockerell Road, Corby, NN17 5DU. We work with a number of creditors to provide finance to our customers, including Abarth Financial Services.

Good building companies do exist, and we are one of them.

We are a well established building company, with a reputation for craftmanship, reliability, friendliness and professionalism, and a particular expertise in historic and listed buildings.

If you are considering home improvements, conservation work, alterations, extension or other building-related work, including design, planning and building control services, we can help you.

We offer free advice on all aspects of Town and Country Planning, Listed Building applications, and Conservation Area Consents. If you are considering altering or extending your home, converting buildings into living accommodation, or building a new property in your garden, we have a wealth of experience to call on.

Call us now on 01572 821 657 View all of our services and a range of previous projects online at:

www.mossbeck.com 52

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MOTORING

Electric Cars

Ashley Martin takes a closer look at electric cars and their potential for the future

P

etrol and diesel-engined cars will continue to form the bedrock of the new car market for the foreseeable future, but the Government is hoping to kick-start an electric vehicle revolution.

It is making more than £400 million available to support initiatives that include grants of up to £5,000 per vehicle to help consumers and businesses buy electric cars and the installation of electric vehicle recharging points nationwide, including 75 in Peterborough over the next two years.

Official figures show there are currently fewer than 2,500 electric cars in the UK out of a car fleet of 28 million. However, manufacturers are queuing up to bring models to UK showrooms - and some are already here.

Mitsubishi was the first mainstream car maker to launch an electric car in the UK, the i-MiEV, one of which recently joined the Environment Agency’s fleet at its Brampton office. Also on sale are the Citroen C-Zero, Peugeot iOn and the Nissan Leaf, the 2011 World Car of the Year.

They are among cars that qualify for the £5,000 grant from the Department for Transport alongside the Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera - both will launch in the first quarter of 2012 - and the Renault Fluence, slated for autumn 2012. The two-seater electric Smart car is also due to go into full production in early 2012 when, among others, a pure electric version of Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Focus, will arrive as will the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric diesel, a Volvo V60.

There are three types of electric vehicle: • Pure electric - powered solely by a battery charged from mains electricity. Cars have a range of approximately 100 miles and include the i-Miev, C-Zero, iOn, Leaf, Fluence, Focus and the Smart.

• Plug-in hybrid - a vehicle with a plug-in battery and an internal combustion engine.

Typical cars - the Toyota Prius is due to be the first to launch in early 2012 - will have a pure electric range of over 10 miles. After the electric

range is utilised, the vehicle reverts to full hybrid capability using both battery power and engine (a 1.8 litre petrol engine in the Prius).

• Extended range - such as the forthcoming Ampera and Volt - are powered by a battery with an internal combustion engine generator on board. Cars have a battery range of about 50 miles. Range is extended by the generator powering, in the case of the Ampera a 1.4 litre petrol engine, for up to 310 miles of motoring.

Vehicles are always electrically driven.

However, while the Government and manufacturers are keen to promote the zero emission benefits of electric motoring, Department for Transport figures suggest the revolution has not started with a charge.

In the first half of 2011 just 680 vehicles were purchased with the benefit of a £5,000 cash handout from the Government’s Plug-In-Car Grant scheme. That means only £3.4 million has been awarded from a £43m budget to last until March 31, 2012.

Purchase price is a major sticking point - even after taking account of grant aid. Electric cars are much more expensive than similarly-sized petrol and diesel models with, for example, the

city car sized Mitsubishi costing £23,990 and the similarly small Peugeot and Citroen each costing £28,155. The family hatchback Nissan costs £25,990 and the similarly sized Vauxhall will cost £28,995 when available.

Meanwhile, Renault is taking a different approach and claims that the Fluence will be the ‘UK’s most affordable electric car’ when it goes on sale next spring. It will cost £17,850 (after grant), but customers must then pay £75 a month to lease the battery based on a 6,000mile per year/three-year contract.

While the purchase price may be high, electric vehicle supporters point to low running costs due to a number of tax exemptions, including Vehicle Excise Duty, and the high price of petrol and diesel. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders calculates that the typical cost of electricity to charge an electric vehicle is approximately £0.0310 per mile, compared to £0.1611 per mile for a petrolengined car based on fuel costing £1.33 per litre.

However, second hand values of used electric cars remain a largely unknown factor as do long-term reliability and battery durability, although ongoing UK trials suggest battery range is not an issue for drivers.

It takes six to eight hours to charge the electric cars from a normal home mains socket but fast charge times of around 30 minutes are available at dedicated charging bays.

But, a recharging infrastructure remains in its infancy. Recharging points in Peterborough are due to be operational as part of a 1,200-strong East of England network and located in public and company car parks and at retail and leisure sites with promises that all businesses and residents will be no more than 25 miles from one. There is currently one in the city at Smith Motor Group in Sturrock Way, Bretton (see http://www.sourceeast.net/live-availability).

• An ‘Electric Car Guide’ published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is available at https://www.smmt.co.uk/shop/ electric-car-guide-2011/

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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PERSPECTIVES

Forest Fun A new facility at Fineshade Woods now attracts more than just naturalists, as Nik Ellis discovers

A

s kids have grown up through the years, each generation has had its extreme sport to go along with it – skateboarding, rollerblading, BMXing. Now mountain biking has taken a lead as the sport that makes parents worry, and teenage adrenalin surge.

Living in Lincolnshire has always been tough for the youth, due to the lack of specialised facilities. Stamford used to be lucky enough to have a skate park, but this fell into disrepair and had to be taken down. This created a void for young people in the area, left with nowhere to go, and nothing to do. Not all youngsters can pester their parents enough to force lifts to skate parks located in large towns and cities (Leicester, Corby), so a need for something closer became clear.

Out of this void a new enthusiasm in mountain biking has arisen. There is no need for ramps, rails, or skate parks; just a mound of mud, and a forest trail is more than enough to satisfy the urge for an adrenalin rush for hours on end. Very luckily a new series of ‘blue skill sections’ have been build at Fineshade Woods, located just off the A43.

So what’s a blue skill section? It’s a separate part of the current cycle trail, added to the route around Fineshade. They vary from downhill single tracks, with small jumps and berms (raised corners created to help gain speed around the sections), to a small rock garden (boulders and rocks laid out to be ridden over). All of these are not very tricky for an experienced rider, but do offer a relief from cycling around Rutland Water every weekend.

Also just over the road from Fineshade is the Red Route in Wakerley Woods. This is an unsurfaced single track route – only 6km in length – but lots of fun if ridden fast and hard.

Couple this with a new cycle centre just opened at Top Lodge, selling bikes, clothing, parts and accessories as well as a tea room, and you have a great day out. Fineshade is a great place not just for teenagers, but families as a whole.

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Fineshade Cycle centre FactFile: Fineshade Woods, Northamptonshire, Nr. Corby, NN17 3BB 01780 440 899 Mon - Fri : 09.00 -17.30 Sat/Sun : 09.00 - 18.30

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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We stock a range of hand built watches built by us in Stamford

Open Mon - Fri 9 -5 Sat 10 - 4

We have the skills, tools and expertise to repair and service all quality wristwatches 55

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Green Man

Antiques & Restoration Ltd

KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS NO PROBLEM Many designs begin with a problem to solve. Many start with lots! Be it patios, privacy, overgrown shrubs or lack of colour,

It can be solved Ring 01780 481624 to see how www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

Period antiques that complement 21st Century technology & style, Specialising in 17th – 20th Century mahogany, walnut & oak furniture Georgian and collectable silver. Free estimates given.

Friendly helpful advice. Restorations and repairs

74 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EJ (opposite Oundle Clock Shop) - Tel: 01832 270970 Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 4pm (Or by appointment)

1 hour parking outside and easy access for loading/offloading

The Oundle Clock Shop specialises in local clocks and we offer advice on full restorations and repairs.

Tel: 01832 272099

R.

James Brewer Gardens Your garden is there to be enjoyed, sit in, entertain in, play, relax and use as another room of your home.

Designing your garden to best suit your requirements needn't be a daunting task.

I have over 15 years experience in designing contemporary and traditional gardens to suit all budgets. All my projects receive the same passion, professionalism and attention to detail no matter what the size.

Tel: 01858 464194 Mob: 07775 614676 www.jamesbrewergardens.co.uk

Morgan

ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD Established 1982

Protect your home against rising energy costs • Design, supply & installation of solar photovoltaic panel systems • Energy efficient lighting • Agricultural Installations • Rewires • Testing • Part P Registered

2 Baldocks Lane, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1EN Telephone: 01664 501701 Mobile: 07836 245312 Email: rmorganelec@aol.com 56

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COUNTRYFILE

Potatoes: Tuber to Chip Sue Lee and Jean Orpin have been talking to some local businesses involved in providing us with potatoes, fresh and frozen

H

ow do you buy your potatoes? At the market, the farm shop, pre-packaged from the supermarket or a bag of frozen chips?

Whichever way you choose, you are certainly likely to buy them: although consumption in the UK has fallen over the last 20yrs, the average person still consumes 73 lbs a year.

Do you ever think about the work that has gone into providing you with this part of our staple diet? Whether they are working on a small or large scale their production takes six months or more of hard work for farmers. Traditionally the half term holiday in October was for the potato harvest, now it is big business for companies that package and process them throughout the year.

Farm Gate Sales At the Hinmans’ family farm, in Rutland, they have grown 11/2 acres of potatoes from which they hope to harvest 25-27 tons. They depend on natural rainfall and will have to wait to see if the drought earlier in the year has had an effect.

As a mixed farm they are able to use farmyard manure to help prepare the soil as is collected as the potatoes are graded well as fertiliser. They have planted 2 varieties and is returned to the land. People of main crop potatoes, Desiree (red are still needed to remove skinned) and Nadine (white stones and other rubbish skinned). Desiree has as the potatoes are been grown from their graded so extra own ‘seed potatoes’ labour is taken on saved from last • Preparation of the ground and addition for the main crop year but for the harvest. At the next year they will of fertiliser moment Sackers get new seed from • Planting in April rent controlled Scotland – most • Weeding and moulding up of ridges storage but hope farmers source • First earlies’ (new potatoes) harvested to have their own seed from the north from mid-July storage facility where viral diseases on the farm soon are less common.

• Main crop harvest mainly during which will cut Machinery is used September and October whenever dry down on time and to plant and lift the • Storage in cool, dark, dry conditions costs. potatoes but the hard essential work of sorting and McCain’s grading is mainly done The original business of by hand as a small farm this global company was doesn’t warrant specialist potatoes. Andrew McCain machines. Another advantage founded a seed potato export of the mixed farm is that rejects (small, business in Florenceville, Canada in 1909. large, misshapen) can be fed to the cattle. The His son, Wallace McCain (who only died a few Hinmans store the crop from harvest until the months ago) branched out into frozen food with following May in the traditional fashion using one of his brothers in the 1950s. They made They are always experimenting to find the a straw clamp and the potatoes are sold at the their first chips in 1957. best varieties and conditions. A constant eye farm gate where some customers have been In 1969 McCain’s opened their first plant is kept on the crop and samples are taken coming for many years. in the UK in Scarborough and they now have regularly for testing. This year it looks as if the crop will be ready a couple of weeks earlier than five manufacturing sites here including one in Potato Specialists Grantham which processes much of the potato usual and while the drought may have an effect Sacker Potatoes Ltd, based near Castle Bytham, crop from this area. Each delivery of potatoes on size, like the Hinmans, they cannot be sure is also a family business but as the name gets a certificate and this means that the until harvest. suggests they specialise in potatoes. This company can tell which farmer grew your bag They use specialist equipment which lifts the year they have grown 300 acres, the majority of chips, where and when! potatoes and then passes them to a grader. Soil contracted to factories processing potatoes.

The Potato Year

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH STAMFORD LIVING LIVING September June 2011

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month

Thursday 22 September, 7.45pm EVENT: Harry Harris Sunday 4 September, 11am to 3pm EVENT: Garden History Day Talks by Garden Organic’s Neil Munro and Mike Thurlow, soap and pomander-making in the herb garden and live Elizabethan recorder music from the Beauvale Ensemble.

Barnsdale Gardens, Exton Free with garden admission £6.50 adult, Children £2.50 and family (up to 5) £16 Further information Tel: 01572 813200 or visit http://www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk/

He’s had his own show on BBC Radio 2, been resident pianist on Channel 4’s Big Breakfast, run a nine-piece band on Jonny Vaughan Tonight, appeared with a who’s who of British jazz musicians and accompanied just about everybody in the business from Charlotte Church to David Bowie.

Oakham School Chapel Tickets £10 Tel: 01572 758820 or Music & More, Oakham

Throughout September EVENT: Dine for the Lions Donate a minimum of £1 when you dine at one of the twenty five participating restaurants, and be entered into a draw for a Free Meal for Two at that restaurant. All proceeds of this event to promote youth sport in Rutland.

Details at www.discover-rutland.co.uk

Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September EVENT: Luxury Antiques Weekend

Chat to the dealers and enjoy the magnificent antiques on offer.

Exhibitors will be showcasing fine examples of town and country furniture, contemporary or antique sculpture, paintings, portraits and drawings, antique and designer jewellery, oriental carpets and The organisers rugs, arms are delighted to offer and armour readers of Rutland Living as well as 2 tickets for the price of one (£5 for two) for entry to the porcelain, fair. Simply show this page to glass and claim your discount. Standard silver. ticket price is £5 including catalogue.

Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, near Melton Mowbray Further information Tel: 01797 252030

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Ching Yun Hu

Saturday 10 September, 7.30pm CONCERT: Music in Lyddington Philip Higham, Simon Lane and Ben Baker entertain with excerpts from Bach, Prokofiev, Paganini and Franck. Philip Higham is one of the country’s most prominent young cellists. Simon Lane was awarded the Accompanists’ Prize in the 2009 Royal Overseas League Music Competition. Ben Baker dazzled the Music in Lyddington Committee with his performance of Paganini Caprices.

Next month, book early for acclaimed pianist Ching Yun Hu who performs on Saturday 1 October and has been hailed for her “...superstar quality that everybody looks for... ” St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington Tickets for both concerts in advance £12 (students £2) Tel: 01572 820017

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Don’t miss…

Harborough Artists Cluster Open Studios Saturday 3 to Sunday 18 September & Art Trail Saturday and Sunday 17-18th September If you love art, make a date in your diary to discover the artists in Harborough and South Leicestershire.

Organiser and professional artist Maxine Dodd explains, “The Harborough Artists Cluster is an informal group of professional artists who come together to open their studios annually in a village and town trail that we feel is quite unique. We have also initiated an event called ‘Art Windows’ where local shops and businesses display our art in their windows. This serves to promote the trail weekend and encourage visitors to Harborough to explore the shops through the art.”

Follow the trail from Harborough town centre through lovely countryside and villages to discover painting, drawing, photography, textile and mixed media artwork by twenty professional artists and makers in the area. Meet the artists and perhaps find a special piece that you just can’t resist plus a central exhibition at Quinns Bookshop & Art Gallery.

Admission free to all events and everyone welcome. Trail guides available from Quinn’s Bookshop & Art Gallery with full details of featured artists, events and exhibitions at http://www.hac-arts.blogspot.com/

Saturday 24 September, 10am to 3.30pm EVENT: Rutland Dyslexia Road Show Experts are on hand to give advice and offer support along with an exhibition of educational books, games, teaching resources and cutting edge assistive technology demonstrations.

For information visit http://www.dyslexia. uk.net/ or Tel: 0115 924 6888 Victoria Hall Admission is Free

Friday 30 September, 7.30pm CHARITY EVENT: An evening with Stick & Ribbon Stick & Ribbon is a personal styling service to help you look your very best, always. Find out how to manage your wardrobe, reinvent yourself or simply take the stress out of shopping.

Belton in Rutland Village Hall.

Tickets £10 to include refreshments with proceeds to St Peter’s Church, Tel: 01572 717866.

Highly anticipated exhibition…

Saturday 17 September to Saturday 15 October

Somewhat a maverick in his field, Jim Malone exhibits his new collection of pots at the Goldmark Gallery during this month and next.

Malone’s nonconformist approach to life has echoed throughout his potting career, leading him to become one of the most important and respected British potters working today. Malone was first convinced of his calling in the early 1970s after seeing an exhibition of early Korean pots and his inspiration from Far Eastern pottery continues today, producing highly accomplished work with an emphatic personal stamp all of his own. Expect to see striking combinations of Tenmoku jars and slab bottles with brilliant blue/green copper pours, elegant bottles with perfectly proportioned necks finished with a rich olive Nuka and yunomi; teabowls, ashed and incised or ridged and stamped.

Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham. Admission is free

Looking forward to...

The East Midlands Food and Drink Festival Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October The East Midlands Food and Drink Festival is returning and new this year will be a ‘Vintage Gadget Road Show’ so bring along your retro kitchen appliances and discover a little bit about their history from the experts. Visit a selection of museum pieces plus ‘Food through the Ages’ with fascinating facts and a wonderful display of fare from as far back as Mediaeval England.

Lots of hands-on activities for children of all ages, food tasting, competitions, pasta making, bread making and lots more.

Exhibition Halls, Melton Mowbray Cattle Market Tickets are £5 in advance with children under 16 free. Booking and information at the Visitors Centre in Melton Mowbray or Tel: 0844 888 5181 http://www.eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk/ RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011

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Elli Dean

www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

For full information about my rates and packages or to see more of my work, go to the website, or call/email me on 07932 055548 / yael.dean@gmail.com

www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Stunning print of classic Rutland landscape

£40.00 The Living Magazines have just published a limited edition of 10 A3 High quality prints of this beautiful Rutland landscape, signed and numbered by the photographer, David Corfield.

David Corfield is a Rutland-based editorial and advertising photographer, author of the ‘Roads With A View’ series published by the RAC and editor of Performance French Cars magazine.

Price including P&P is just £40.

Buy online at

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PROFILE

Caz Dolby

Director of Wildcats Theatre School

As the Principal of the highly successful Wildcats Theatre School, it might surprise you to know that Caz Dolby would duck drama classes at school and refused to set foot on a stage. She was, however, a gifted musician playing flute and piano to a high level. Amander Meade meets her to find out more about her journey from the wings to the West End

C

az’s ambition to teach could easily have been dashed when, during her studies at university, she discovered she was expecting her eldest daughter Rebekah. Instead of leaving her course, she continued her studies throughout her pregnancy via the Open University whilst working part time to fund her course. “There was no way I would contemplate abandoning my education so I took on several jobs to pay our way until I gained my degree and Rebekah was old enough for nursery.”

The hard work paid off and Caz became a Curriculum Specialist for Peterborough Borough Council delivering arts based education programmes in schools and meeting husband Darren along the way. The couple is now based in Stamford along with their other two children Jasmine and Ciaran and Caz has found the time to complete a second degree in Education.

“…the children loved what we did” “In January 2008, after attending a dismal children’s birthday party with Ciaran, it was Darren who casually remarked ‘You could have run that party better yourself’ – and I realized that I probably could!”, remembers Caz. Initially, I offered my services as a children’s party organiser and that led to holiday workshops which were brilliantly well received. At the time, singing and dancing were really taking off with the success of High School Musical and shows like the X Factor – the children loved what we did and the interest led to the beginning of formal classes.”

Securing a formal LAMDA accreditation, Wildcats Theatre School was launched just six months after that first party. Astonishingly Caz was still working full time as well as running the Stamford Youth Orchestra – energy and drive clearly not in any short supply.

Within just four weeks the Stamford Wildcats class was full so taking the plunge and giving up her job Caz launched classes in more venues, developed the holiday workshops and recruited Musical Theatre Teacher, Kelly-Ann Soper. “Kelly-Ann is a gifted teacher with a huge breadth of experience and boundless enthusiasm.” With over four hundred children now attending weekly classes, Wildcats operates an all inclusive policy. “We appeal to parents who appreciate our core values of professionalism, hard work and respect. We also make sure the material we teach is always age appropriate.”

West End Wildcats…

It was this philosophy that led to successful audition to take part in the ‘West End Showstoppers’ competition last December at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. “We included every child who wanted to take part and tailored our performance to accommodate all ages and abilities.” After a hectic time securing sponsorship and preparing for the big night, on a bitterly cold morning in January the team departed to compete against six other theatre schools on a professional stage in front of a thousand strong audience. The Wildcats were thrilled to be victorious in the face of stiff competition “The troupe was judged not only on their performance but how they had conducted themselves throughout the day backstage. I was so proud – their behaviour was immaculate and utterly professional.”

Ambitious for the future…

So will Caz sit back for a while and enjoy her success? Not a chance. There is a new partnership with Pineapple Dance Studios, new classes launched in Oakham plus live appearances and the launch of Wildcats Music school all happening this season Still only thirty four years old herself, and with business award nominations galore, Caz is as motivated as ever with ambitions that would probably daunt all but the bravest entrepreneur.

It seems the little girl with stage fright has overcome all her obstacles and has ended up in the spotlight after all. Break a leg Wildcats.

• For information on classes and events with Wildcats Theatre School visit www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living September 2011

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