Rutland Living April 2025

RUTLAND LIVING

Le Blanc Fine Art: Workshops, Open Days, Exhibitions

Fashionable Headwear: Oakham’s Rebecca Couture Millinery

Food Review: The Lake Isle, Uppingham

HELLO APRIL 2025

As the trees start to come into leaf and the birdsong gets ever louder, it’s time to look around and explore the beauty of nature. Why not consider joining a local branch of a nature society. Just a few that come to mind and that we belong to:

• Rutland Natural History Society (www.rnhs.org.uk)

Excellent for recording, talks and field trips.

• e county branch of the British Butter y Conservation Society (butter y-conservation.org). Great for rst sightings and eld trips.

• Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust (www.lrwt.org.uk) Some very impressive nature reserves around the region.

Or, if you just want to be out enjoying the countryside, we suggest you download these (generally free) apps:

• Birdsong – ‘Merlin’ will amaze you

• Butterflies – ‘I Record Butterflies’

• Trees – the Woodland Trust’s ‘Tree ID’

• Wildflowers – ‘Pl@ntNet’

Happy nature-exploring!

Editors, Nicholas & Clare

Website: www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

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THE TEAM

This magazine has been created by the team at Local Living, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Nicholas Rudd-Jones | 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk

EDITOR & EDITORIAL DESIGN

Clare Rudd-Jones

ADVERTISEMENT SALES

Rutland & Market Harborough

Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 | tracy@bestlocalliving.co.uk

Stamford Claudia Bayley 07876 171063 | claudia.bayley@btinternet.com

ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION

Ad Copy Manager: Rachel Beecroft Ad Designer: Sarah Patterson

Please note that this magazine now also incorporates Nene Valley Living & Market Harborough Living.

This magazine has been printed by our local printers, Warners of Bourne, on FSC® certified paper from sustainable and other controlled sources.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Annual rate £45 (UK only) for 12 issues. Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, with £45 cheque payable to Local Living or go online to buy your subscription at www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

COVER

Stamford Living: Graphic Rewilding at Burghley House (see p36). Rutland Living: the garden at Le Blanc Fine Art (see p32); photo: James Millar.

In-Store Consultations available Home Design Service, by Appointment

Wide range of accessories to complete your chosen look!

Visit our website www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk Professional Design Service

6 MARKET PLACE UPPINGHAM RUTLAND LE15 9QH 01572 823389 info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk • www.facebook.com/sarahhardinginteriorsltd

@sarahhardinginteriorsltd

5 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA T: 01572 722666 E: heidi@heidikjeldsen.co.uk

Image courtesy of William Yeoward

THE APRIL LANDSCAPE

Around Langar Hall

LANGAR HALL is one of those hotels where nature seems to lap up to the front door. This picture was taken as we sat on a bench in front of the hotel. At Langar we love walking in the woodland area and strolling round the old network of moats that were once carp ponds, maybe having a quick go on the swing that hangs from a beech tree overlooking a cornfield. As with the hotel itself, there is an effortless shabby chic, which is the magic of the place. You get the sense this place was shabby chic long before the term was ever invented. Langar Hall is a Sanskrit term for a place where pilgrims receive rest and nourishment.

langarhall.com

photography: nicholas rudd-jones

A truly bespoke service with our in-house design team. Manufacturing custom cabinetry, crafted in our Rutland workshops.

Developer: Robelia Location: Chelsea, London

THIS MONTH WE LOVE…

NEW BOOK BY ADAM FROST

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost, who is based in our region, has a new book out. ‘For the Love of Plants’ (£22, DK) takes a tour through his garden as he reflects on the plants that have shaped his life. Buy your copy from local booksellers, including Walkers of Oakham and Stamford, and from Rutland Nursery.

THE COURTYARD AT EASTON WALL GARDENS

For cult stationery, books, art materials, homewares, stylish gardening kit, plants and great coffee/cakes, The Courtyard at Easton Walled Garden (EWG) calls! Shop Traveler’s Notebook products (passport-size notebook, shown, £49.95) at Gri n of Easton and buy EWG’s autumn-planted sweet peas at the Courtyard Shop adjacent. Visitors to The Courtyard do not need to pay the Gardens admission fee. visiteaston.co.uk

STAMFORD’S MID-LENT FAIR

An intoxicating blend of fun and tradition, the fair remains a highlight of the town’s calendar. From Monday 31 March until Saturday 5 April.

WHITE GOOSE FLOWER FARM

Just over the Leicestershire border, at Little Dalby, is White Goose Flower Farm, where the team share a passion for growing gorgeous, seasonal British flowers using sustainable methods. The exciting news is that they reopen to visitors this April and will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as by appointment). Go and pick your own or order in advance and collect from the farm. whitegooseflowers.com

WHAT’S ON IN APRIL

A SELECTION OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE ACROSS OUR BEAUTIFUL REGION THIS MONTH

3

CINEMA

Cinema for Rutland at Rutland County Museum

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm showing, £7.50

This month’s film from Cinema for Rutland is ‘The Apprentice’, inspired by the life of Donald Trump. A young man takes over his father’s real-estate business in 1970s’ New York and gets the helping hand of an infamous lawyer who helps turn him into a legend. The film is directed by Ali Abassi and stars Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Martin Donovan and Maria Bakalova.

5

EXHIBITION

The Oundle Art Group at The Yarrow Gallery Daily 10am–4pm until 10 April, free admission

The Oundle Art Group is holding it’s ‘Annual Exhibition’ at the Yarrow Gallery in Oundle this month. Many of the paintings were completed out on summer painting days when the group met up at beautiful locations in the area. During the winter the indoor sessions cover a variety of subjects and media. The exhibition will contain many different media, oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and

charcoal, with the artists all having their favourites. The subjects are equally varied, from traditional landscapes to contemporary abstracts and from still life to portraits.

LIVE MUSIC

Ivo Neame Trio – Orpheus Arts at Stamford Methodist Church 7.30pm, £18 (£15, £10 conc)

Suitable for ages 11+

British pianist Ivo Neame has already graced our stage as pianist for the wonderful Emma Rawicz earlier this year and he will be returning this April with his piano trio as part of Orpheus Arts’ 2025 season. Ivo will be joined by Conor Chaplin on bass and Marc Michel on drums. Book tickets via Stamford Arts Centre. Find out more about Ivo Neame & Orpheus Arts at www.steveandrewsmusic.co.uk

OPPOSITE: ‘Rustic Innocence’

by Andrea Naylor, The Welland Valley Art Society

11

EVENING EVENT

Eats + Beats at Rutland Nursery 7–11pm, £35pp (booking essential), over 18s only

Rutland Nursery’s doors are opening for the first Eats + Beats of the year on 11 April with drinks, food and dancing to the sounds of DJ Hey Mr Wilson. It’s £35 per person and includes a welcome gin cocktail or mocktail per person and a delicious fixed menu of Indian dishes. Dancing from approximately 9pm. Last dance at 10.45pm. Carriages at 11pm.

12

WELLNESS EVENT

Yoga in the White Space Garden at Easton Walled Gardens

9.30am (meet at 9.15am), £15pp per session. Dates: 12 April, 26 April, 10 May & 26 May

Start your morning with a gentle, uplifting 1-hour yoga session in the White Space Garden with Laura Jekyll on alternating Saturday mornings at 9.30am. Surrounded by nature, this outdoor class is the perfect way to welcome the season, slow down, and reconnect. Bring your own mat, wear something comfortable and enjoy a calming start to the day. Spaces are limited – book your spot now and flow into spring!

LIVE MUSIC

Pascal Rogé & Elena Font at Stamford Arts Centre 7.30pm, £26 (£24 conc)

Pascal Rogé exemplifies the finest in French pianism. Born in Paris, he was a student of the Paris Conservatory and was also mentored by Julius Katchen and the great Nadia Boulanger. Winner of Georges Enesco piano competition and 1st prize of the

Marguerite Long Piano competition, he became an exclusive Decca recording artist at the age of 17. His playing of Poulenc, Satie, Fauré, Saint-Saëns and especially Ravel and Debussy is characterised by its elegance, beauty and stylistically perfect phrasing. Rogé has performed in almost every major concert hall in the world and with every major orchestra across the globe and has collaborated with the most distinguished conductors in history. This concert also features Elena Font. In recent years, Elena has performed widely across Europe, captivating audiences with her expressive interpretations and the personal vision of her repertoire.

13

WORKSHOP

Spring Wreath Work at Rutland Nursery

Two sessions available: 10am–12pm & 2–4pm; £55pp (one session), includes all materials and refreshments

Escape for either a morning or afternoon of creativity and relaxation at The Loft for a spring wreathmaking workshop. Whether you’re experienced or a complete beginner, this workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to explore your creativity. Led by Charlotte Cotterill, Rutland Nursery’s talented in-house florist, you’ll create a beautiful spring wreath using natural materials such as moss, seasonal foliage, and spring bulbs. A peaceful and inspiring session.

LIVE MUSIC

Goldmark Front Room

Doors open 7pm, performance at 7.30pm, £30

The next performance in the Goldmark Front Room will feature Huw Warren on piano and Iain Ballamy on saxophone. Ballamy and Warren have been at the forefront of the UK jazz scene since the late 1980s. Their duo performances are characterised by a near telepathic sense of interaction and a shared love of melodic and harmonic beauty. They have both won the BBC Jazz Award for Innovation and their work transcends stereotypes of genre and style. There are 60 seats only, so book now!

14

EXHIBITION

The Welland Valley Art Society at Stamford Arts Centre Runs daily (except Sundays and Easter Monday), until 3 May, free entrance

The Welland Valley Art Society’s Spring Exhibition at Stamford Arts Centre opens on 14 April, celebrating its 80th anniversary with a diverse display of paintings, prints, and sculptures. Featuring both new and established artists, including Andrea Naylor, known for her pastel wildlife portraits, the exhibition ensures high standards with a selection panel headed by Kate Boyce. Visitors can meet artists, discuss the works, and vote for their favourites. www.wellandvalleyartsociety.co.uk

CULTURE, EVENTS, WORKSHOPS

VENUES

• Burghley House Stamford PE9 3JY, 01780 752451, burghley.co.uk

• Easton Walled Gardens Grantham, NG33 5AP, 01476 530063, visiteaston.co.uk

• Goldmark Gallery 14 Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ, 01572 821424, goldmarkart.com

• The Grainstore Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6RE 01572 770065 grainstorebrewery.com

• Peterborough Cathedral Peterborough PE1 1XS, 01733 355315, peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

• Rutland County Museum Catmos Street, Oakham LE15 6HW, 01572 758440, rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk

• Rutland Nursery Lyndon Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8RN, 01572 498720, rutlandnursery.co.uk

• Stamford Arts Centre 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DL, 01780 763203, stamfordartscentre.com

• Stamford Methodist Church 11 Barn Hill, Stamford PE9 2AE, stamfordmethodistchurch.org.uk

• The Talbot Hotel New Street, Oundle PE8 4EA, talbothotel.co.uk

• Victoria Hall 39b High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH, 01572 722496, victoriahall.org

• Yarrow Gallery 2 Glapthorn Road, Oundle PE8 4JF, oundleschool.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN APRIL

15

OPEN GARDENS

Burghley House: South Gardens

Spring Opening

Until 21 April (except 11 April), 10am–5pm, from £10 adults, £8 children

Enjoy the magnificent seasonal displays in Burghley’s South Gardens, as the spring blooms give an injection of colour into the beautiful 28-acre garden. These historic gardens will be transformed with an installation from artistic duo Graphic Rewilding; featuring striking botanical flags inspired by Burghley’s landscape and collections, the exhibition celebrates the harmony between art, nature, and history, bringing a bold new vision to Burghley’s stunning grounds.

The installation with remain in the South Gardens until 21 April, then from 26 April it will move to the Sculpture Garden for the summer.

See also our feature on p36

17

FESTIVAL

Easter Beer Festival 2025 at The Grainstore

Thursday 17 April to Monday 21 April

Join The Grainstore in Oakham this Easter for its ‘Locale’ Festival, featuring beers from local breweries. Five days celebrating all things real ale, with live music and great food served all weekend. There will be 24 craft beers from the finest breweries in the area. On Friday, local favourite The Hashtags will be playing from 8.30pm.

22

EXHIBITION

Studio Potter Akiko Hirai at Goldmark Gallery

Through April, free entry Akiko Hirai never dreamed of becoming a potter, yet in recent

LEFT: Health Coach Viv Middlebrook of Lifted will be leading a Thrive + Bloom session at Rutland Nursery this month

years, she has found herself one of the most sought-after makers of her generation. After relinquishing her post as Head of Ceramics at Kensington and Chelsea college in 2015 to tackle the demand for her work, she has enjoyed knockout shows throughout the UK. Her latest is this landmark exhibition at the Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham.

24

WELLNESS EVENT

Lifted | Thrive + Bloom at Rutland Nursery

2pm, free (booking essential)

In the crazy world we live in, how often do you feel that life just takes over and gets in the way of you taking care of yourself? Whether it’s work or family pressures, feeling stressed, too tired to exercise, no time to plan and cook healthy foods – or all the above. You’re not alone!

In this engaging session centred around the five essential pillars of health, Certified Health Coach, Viv Middlebrook, will show you how it is possible to take back control of your health. How adopting small lifestyle changes one step at a time leads to huge, positive benefits to your physical, mental, and emotional health over time.

You’ll leave with a much greater understanding of the practical things you can do for yourself and feel empowered with a new level of confidence to take control of your life, health, and happiness.

For background about Viv, her health coaching practice, and to read testimonials of how her clients are benefitting, take a look at her website: www.liftedhealthcoaching.com

WHAT’S ON IN APRIL

guitar duo Ahmed Dickinson and Eduardo Martín will be performing at Stamford Arts Centre this April

24

TALK

Wendy Joseph KC – Rough Justice: Do We have the Law We Deserve (Authors in Oundle)

The Whitwell Room at The Talbot Hotel 7.15–8.15pm, £9 (£8 conc)

What is justice? Do our legal courts dispense it? Has our judicial process improved, for the victims, the accused and for society?

Wendy Joseph KC examines four gripping trials she presided over and excavates matching historical cases of murder and intrigue. But, as she compares these modern courtroom tales with eerily similar cases and miscarriages of justice from years ago, might the most chilling story of all be that the lessons of the past have yet to be learned?

Until March 2022, Joseph was a judge at the Old Bailey, sitting on criminal cases, trying mainly allegations of murder and other homicide. Her first book, Unlawful Killings, won the Crime Writer’s Association ‘Gold Dagger’ for non-fiction and was a Sunday Times bestseller. www.authorsinoundle.co.uk

TALK

The Arts Society Oakham Lecture – Ian Cockburn on ‘Moorish Architecture: the Legacy of a Vanished Kingdom’ Victoria Hall, 11am, £5 for guests

The Alhambra of Granada, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the Alcazar of Seville are the three most impressive monuments to the architectural creativity of the Moors in Spain. The classical origins that influenced the Moorish style are less well-known but fascinating to explore, as is the unique interior decorative style developed to give the architecture its beauty and exotic appeal. This lecture provides a

comprehensive introduction to the peninsula’s Moorish architecture. The talk will be given by Ian Cockburn, an art historian who has specialised in medieval Spanish art history at Birkbeck College and the Courtauld Institute of Art. www.theartssocietyoakham.org.uk

25

LIVE MUSIC

The Bridge – Eduardo Martín and Ahmed Dickinson – at Stamford Arts Centre 7.30pm, £20 (£18 conc)

The Bridge showcases the talent of Cuba’s most internationally acclaimed guitar duo. They met as student and teacher in Havana, where the venerable musician and composer Martín instantly recognised in Dickinson a young man who knew the musical path he wanted to travel. Martín keenly followed Dickinson’s career over the years and developed a solid musical friendship.

The pair first began playing together in 2014, when Dickinson invited Martín to perform at London’s Bolivar Hall. Since that performance, their partnership has flourished, pausing only during the pandemic. Both artists are hugely in demand as solo performers, so to see them perform together is not to be missed.

The Bridge is a compilation of the most alluring works for two guitars by Martín. Here, classical styles and rock merge with son montunos; old Yoruba chants, feel-good rumbas, funk boleros, New Age tunes and cinematic pieces sit alongside Cuban tumbaos with slap bass.

LIVE MUSIC

Heather Small at Peterborough Cathedral Doors open 7pm, see website for ticket prices and booking details; tickets are standing only British Soul Singer Heather Small (the Voice of M People) will be performing live inside the Peterborough Cathedral with a full band.

COMEDY

Mark Steel: The Leopard in My House, Stamford Corn Exchange 7.30pm, £19.50

Join multi award-winning, BAFTAnominated writer and comedian Mark Steel for his new tour ‘The Leopard in My House’. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning (thankfully) and out of which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show. Cancer has done nothing to dull Mark’s political observations or quash his energy. You will laugh, you will cry, then laugh again.

RIGHT:

into Better Sleep

Stamford International Music Festival 2025

SOUNDS OF SPAIN

Stamford International Music Festival (SIMFestival) returns next month, and it is set to be more fabulous than ever. This year’s concerts, which embrace the ‘Sounds of Spain’, celebrating the rich colours and rhythms of Joaquín Turina, Mañuel de Falla and Enrique Granados, among others, run over three days, from Thursday 15 May to Saturday 17 May. Editor Clare Rudd-Jones caught up with Festival Director and international violinist Freya Goldmark to find out more

STAMFORD INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL is a vibrant annual celebration of chamber music, which brings together exceptional musicians for an intimate and dynamic series of performances each year. The 2025 festival embraces the ‘Sounds of Spain’, showcasing works by Bizet, Turina, de Falla, Boccherini and Granados, alongside beloved masterpieces by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Bach and Haydn. With large ensemble pieces, solo recitals, a world premiere and a dedicated children’s concert, this year’s festival offers a chance to hear an astonishing curation of chamber music, and it is all exquisitely performed in two beautiful, historic venues in Stamford, right here on our doorstep.

I met Freya at Stamford Arts Centre to chat in more detail about this year’s programme and performers, as well as to catch up with news of her own extraordinarily exciting year. Not only is she now well established as the leader of the dynamic, innovative Ligeti Quartet, a position that sees her performing across the globe, she is also in increasing demand as a soloist at some of the world’s most prestigious venues. Freya’s career highlights in 2024 include making her solo debut with the BBC Philharmonic and her Barbican Centre concerto debut, performing the world premiere of Scottish composer Erland Cooper’s ‘Carve the Runes’. And, refusing to be defined by genre, she even toured in 2024 with Pulp!

This year, things look equally impressive, and in March 2025 Freya was chosen by Classic FM as one its ‘30 Under 30’ rising stars: 30 incredible musicians aged under 30 that it is celebrating in 2025. It’s a phenomenal time in her career, and it really strikes me how fortunate we are to have someone of her musical calibre and stature investing her time, passion and professional connections in championing the arts here.

‘With large ensemble pieces, solo recitals, a world premiere and a dedicated children’s concert, this year’s festival offers a chance to hear an astonishing curation of chamber music’

As a Hispanophile, I’m thrilled that Spain is the inspiration for this year’s festival, but I ask Freya why this particular theme. She explains: ‘I think the idea came to me about the time of last year’s festival. There’s a real lightness and fun to Spanish music, and the country and its culture were so inspirational beyond its borders. In addition to Spanishborn composers, we’ve included in the programme composers who weren’t Spanish but who lived in Spain, such as Boccherini and Scarlatti, or composers who were influenced by Spanish themes, such as Chabrier, and also Debussy – his Cello Sonata in D minor, which we’ll be performing at the Friday lunchtime concert, showcases this wonderfully.’

Freya Goldmark at last year’s festival

SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL

• Become a Friend

• Sponsor a Concert

• Become a Patron

• Host an Artist

There are many ways, big and small, in which you can support the Festival, in addition to going to the concerts. You can email Freya directly at freya@simfestival.com to discuss sponsorship or hosting, and you can find out more at www.simfestival.com/support/

And what’s new this year? Freya continues: ‘There are lots of wonderful new things for 2025. We’ve got several new players on instruments that haven’t yet featured at the festival, including a trumpeter and a new clarinettist. We’ve got a world premiere of a new commission from pianist and composer Joseph Havlat, who has played at previous festivals and is a huge talent. He’s created an arrangement of Mañuel de Falla’s TheThree Cornered Hat ballet suite, arranged specifically for our ensemble of performers. This really is a first for the festival. And there might even be castanets!’

She continues: ‘Then there’s an arrangement of Rossini’s opera, “The Barber of Seville”, for two pianos (four hands!), which should be great fun, as well as a children’s concert, “The Kitchen Drama Dance” by Bohuslav Martinů. Lots of our musicians have extensive experience of working with children, so it is extremely exciting to be able to incorporate that into the festival this year too. Martinů’s piece is brilliant, introducing the instruments of the orchestra to the audience. It’s fairly short, which makes it ideal for children, and, it’s inspired by dance styles, so it should be extra engaging. Incidentally, we’ll be performing the same piece for adults at the festival finale, so we’ll be able to see how our two distinct audiences react!’

We discuss how quite a number of the musicians are now regulars at the festival, and Freya tells me: ‘That really is a wonderful part of it. The musicians feel a sense of ownership over the festival now, and many of them been coming for several years. They love coming – they enjoy the cameraderie, they adore Stamford and, I have to say, they really love my mum’s cooking!’ (Freya’s mum, Fiona, was credited in last year’s programme as the official festival chef!) For all of us who love going to the festival, this annual appeal to its performers is incredibly fortunate, since these talented young musicians just get better and better year on year, and the already high standard of the festival likewise.

Freya notes: ‘It is an enduring privilege to explore such incredible pieces of music and to be able to perform them to open and appreciative audiences in a place that I love, the town where my musical education began. I can’t wait to welcome festival-goers again in 2025.’

tickets for all concerts are available from stamford arts centre box office on 01780 763203 & online from www.stamfordartscentre.com

for all concerts except the children’s concert, admission is free for under 17s with a paying adult.

a festival pass, which gives access to all seven concerts with a 10% saving, costs £120. buy this & find out more at www.simfestival.com | @sim_festival

THE CONCERTS

Sounds of Spain: 2025 Festival Opening

thursday 15 may, 7.3opm, £24

stamford arts centre

A vibrant celebration of Spanish colours and rhythms, from the fiery passion of Bizet’s Carmen to the rich Andalusian landscapes of Turina.

Lunchtime Solos & Duos

friday 16 may, 1pm, £16

stamford arts centre

From Scarlatti’s Baroque brilliance to Sarasate’s Romantic flair, a showcase of Spain’s influence on European music.

Mendelssohn Octet

friday 16 may, 7pm, £24

stamford arts centre

Mendelssohn’s Octet balances symphonic sweep with chamber intimacy.

Sacred Contemplations: Seven Last Words

friday 16 may, 9.3opm, £16

st martin’s church, stamford

Haydn’s Seven Last Words, inspired by Christ’s final words on the cross, offers an evening of reflection.

Goldberg Variations

saturday 17 may, 11.30am, £18

st martin’s church, stamford

In this unique arrangement of Bach’s masterpiece in counterpoint, expect intricate interplay between the strings.

Children’s Concert:

The Kitchen Drama Dance

saturday 17 may, 3pm, £8

stamford arts centre

Step into a world where the kitchen comes to life through music and storytelling with Czech composer Martinů.

2025 Grand Finale: Music from the Stage

saturday 17 may, 7.30pm, £28

stamford arts centre

The largest ensemble of the Festival, with 14 musicians, including trumpet, bassoon, clarinet, piano, strings – and perhaps even castanets!

backstage at the Arts Centre at last year’s festival

Musicians

Gladwell & Patterson bringing art to life

A beautiful work of art is the key ingredient in bringing personality and life to living spaces. What we choose to hang on our walls and why we choose it says so much about us. People often search for years for the perfect painting or sculpture. In Stamford, we are incredibly blessed to have the remarkable gallery of fine art dealers, Gladwell & Patterson, which provides an unparallelled experience for art lovers. This historic building, so thoughtfully restored and reimagined, is here for visitors to step through the doors and discover a series of beautifully designed rooms, over four surprising floors, and connect with the artwork they love. We take a look at several artists, working in different genres, whose work you can see at the gallery

PAUL STONE CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE

Paul’s beautifully pared-back compositions and carefully considered brush strokes elevate the study of the everyday. He uses the traditional conventions of the still life painter to create a warm intimacy that resonates with contemporary collectors. Through the luscious sheen on a humble citrus fruit, the rich waxy depth of colour on a berry or the cold reflection on silver of ceramic, he infuses the everyday with the desirability that it deserves.

LEFT: Paul Stone’s ‘Spring Lemons’ (Oil on canvas board, 45 x 51cm, £3,250)

gladwell & patterson, 1 high street, stamford pe9 2al 01780 917567 | @gladwellsart www.gladwellpatterson.com

GEORGINA POTTER CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE

Georgina is an artist whose spirited style brings a fresh and modern energy to landscape painting, blending vivid detail with expressive, free-flowing brush work. Her passion is for immersing herself in the landscape and catching the fleeting interplay of light, colour and texture that she sees in the moment as she sites herself standing high on a rolling hillside or sheltering from the bluster of a beach cove. She imbues her paintings with an excitement and vitality that leaps from the canvas.

ABOVE: Georgina Potter’s ‘Chasing Clouds’ (Oil on Canvas, 110 x 220cm, £15,000)

LEFT: Paintings by Peter Van Breda lead visitors up the gallery staircase. The hare sculpture is by James Doran-Webb.

‘It is not just about exhibiting works of art; it’s about creating room settings in which the works can live and breathe, and that will inspire clients to see exactly how a work of art might delight them in their own setting’

Cory Fuller, Co-Owner, Gladwell & Patterson

LUCY BOYDELL MODERN WILDLIFE

Lucy strips away the distraction of colour to allow light, shadow and texture to take centre stage. She captures her subjects in a moment of serenity whilst conveying their potential for movement and energy. The result is an intimate and powerful exploration of beautiful creatures rendered in perfection.

RIGHT: Lucy Boydell’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ (Charcoal and Chalk, 65 x 50cm, £4,500)

The island in this kitchen in Belton in Rutland brings the party to the kitchen! With a bespoke 3.6m timber and stainless-steel worktop, there’s space for eight to wine, dine and have a good time

The Brief

The kitchen has long been known as the heart of the home, but today, it serves so much more than just a place to cook. It’s where we eat, celebrate and even work. This kitchen has to function as a kitchen, dining, social and office space. The brief was for a classic design using warm natural colours and materials. It needed to be multi-functional and practical whilst being sympathetic to the period features of this listed property.

The Concept

The island was to take centre stage, hard not to at 3.6m long! The timber worktop adds character whilst its waisted shape and waterfall end softens the space. Complementary floating shelves either side of a bespoke canopy above the range blend with the unique features of the room. Creating a separate area for tea and coffee making keeps it away from the cooking area and looks super stylish too.

Spaces by Design

Home Design Studio

Designing spaces better

The Visualisation

Sometimes clients find it hard to fully experience a design from a 3D visual, especially, as with this design, there was so much to explore. Our virtual reality experience is incredibly immersive and allows you to walk around the kitchen, open doors, stand at the sink and even look through the windows.

The Outcome

This kitchen is truly unique, full of interest, practical to use and tactile to touch. The new stone tiled floor pairs beautifully with the Woodland Green and Fossil units, but it is the island that is the star of the show. So, whether you’re in full Delia cooking mode, entertaining like Nigella, or just chilling on a Sunday morning, this kitchen has it covered!

01780 481850

stepinside@spacesbydesign.co.uk

22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ www.spacesbydesign.co.uk

Le Blanc Fine Art

Foundry & Sculpture Garden

celebrating 50 years in 2025

LE BLANC FINE ART was founded by resident artists Lloyd LeBlanc and his late partner Judith Holmes Drewry. Their home is situated in a manor house nestled in a small village with views over the beautiful Leicestershire countryside. The extensive Sculpture Garden and the Gallery looking onto the garden were created to display their art in a natural environment while also celebrating the process of bronze casting. What began in 1975 has evolved, from making jewellery in the early days to developing a working bronze foundry using the lost wax process. This exquisite place provides a unique destination in our region for art lovers, blending art, nature and craftsmanship.

A VISION REALISED

The sculptures displayed around the garden include life-size figures, water features with dramatic flights of birds, and smaller life-size animals and birds placed in this natural setting. All the bronze sculptures are of a small, limited edition and are cast in their own bronze foundry in Leicestershire. Over the years Lloyd and Judith

created many original bronze sculptures, which are found in private, corporate and public collections worldwide. Their clients have requested an array of pieces from personal portraits of themselves and family, to a very memorable ‘life-size’ bronze dragon an impressive 4 metres long!

‘The extensive Sculpture Garden and the Gallery were created to display their art in a natural environment while also celebrating the process of bronze casting’

Lloyd Le Blanc: Lloyd Le Blanc has been making bronzes for a long time! After a scholarship to Yale in 1965 to study sculpture, he has not looked back. Apart, that is, for a temporary blip working on an oil rig due to his meeting his English wife, Judith. Lloyd is usually to be found in the workshops, either modelling clay or overseeing work in the foundry. The foundry at Saxby was created in 1975 in converted farm buildings and it is the fifth that Lloyd has built, having already established foundries in New England, California and Falmouth.

photo: james millar

Judith Holmes Drewry: Judith was studying fine art in America on a scholarship when she first met Lloyd. Shortly before getting married, they were back in the UK to break the news to family and friends before throwing a dart in a board to see where to go next! Of all the places for a dart to land in 1970, Jude hit the bullseye with California, where she then studied at the San Francisco Art Institute. The couple spent the next three years building foundries and working together. After this, they returned to the UK and settled into life together there, making jewellery and later, children, and lastly setting up the new foundry in Saxby at the farmhouse where Judith was born. Judith’s main interest was in the human figure, mainly of young women and children. These figures are often observed in private, reflective moments.

AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP

A key to Le Blanc Fine Art’s success has been its long-standing collaboration with celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, whose passion for art and fine food has greatly influenced the growth of both his gardens at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons in Oxfordshire and the Le Blanc sculpture garden. Blanc shared, ‘Great food, like art, has the power to transcend the ordinary and bring people together. Our sculpture garden has become a space where guests can not only experience art in all its forms but also enjoy a sensory journey through food… I’ve collected sculptures by Lloyd and Judith for many years because I love their grace and beauty. Their pieces are placed all around the gardens of Le Manoir and I hope our guests enjoy them as much as I do myself every day.’

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As Le Blanc Fine Art enters its next chapter, plans include expanding its collection, fostering greater community engagement through education, and continuing to build on the fusion of art, nature and food. Exciting projects ahead will involve collaborations with more artists and chefs to ensure the space remains an everevolving hub of creativity, support and enjoyment.

LE BLANC FINE ART: 2025 EVENTS DIARY

Visitors are invited by appointment and for special events, exhibitions and workshops through the year, as follows:

Spring Group Exhibition & Art Tour

15, 16 & 17 May, 10am–1pm

An exciting exhibition featuring sculptures, photographs, prints and paintings from diverse artists. Guided tours available on the hour.

Summer & Autumn Exhibitions

6 & 7 June, 10am –1pm | 26 & 27 September, 10am–1pm

A large collection of sculptures by resident artists and live demonstrations of the foundry process. Guided tours are available, and visitors can enjoy coffee, tea and cake in the gallery and sculpture garden.

Sculpture Workshops

These workshops cater to all skill levels, offering personalised instruction in small groups (max. 7 participants). As an option, participants can choose to have their work cast into bronze or plaster of Paris by the foundry.

Sculpt a Clay Portrait Head from a Life Model with Guest Tutor Tristan MacDougall. 11, 12 & 13 April, 10am–4pm, £450 (includes all materials, refreshments and lunch)

Sculpt a Clay Female Torso from a Life Model with Guest Tutor Tristan MacDougall.15–18 August, 10am–4pm, £650 (includes all materials, refreshments and lunch)

Tintype Photography Workshop

Discover this 19th-century photography technique with Saxby photographer James Millar. 12 April, 10am–4pm, £150 (includes lunch)

for more details, contact faye le blanc on 01572 787503 or via email at faye@leblancfineart.com also visit the website: leblancfineart.com

photos: clive nichols

OPPOSITE, BELOW & RIGHT: the exquisite gardens at Le Blanc Fine Art have incredible views and are dotted with sculptures including The Reader by Judith Holmes Drewry, below, and Maman Blanc, Raymond Blanc’s mother, shown right, by Lloyd Le Blanc.

Botanic Tapestry

Graphic Rewilding at Burghley

House

A bold new outdoor art installation is coming to Burghley this month. Clare & Nicholas Rudd-Jones met with artist Catherine Borowski from Graphic Rewilding to discuss their inspiration and work

THE HISTORIC GARDENS of Burghley House are set to be transformed this spring and summer by ‘Botanic Tapestry’, an exciting outdoor art installation created by Graphic Rewilding. This innovative exhibition features a series of large-scale botanical flags that celebrate the harmony between art, nature and history, bringing a bold new vision to Burghley’s stunning grounds.

Each design draws inspiration from the beauty of Burghley’s gardens as well as the intricate floral depictions found in the still lifes, marquetry, ceramics and textiles in Burghley’s Collections. Graphic Rewilding have offered their own artistic interpretation, weaving nature’s beauty into contemporary art. Flowers, insects,

butterflies and foliage come to life, with dynamic patterns and colours reflecting the elegance and energy of Burghley’s thriving landscape and rich artistic heritage. More than just a visual statement, Botanic Tapestry highlights the deep connection between nature and wellbeing. This unique art experience invites you to pause, reflect and immerse yourself in the landscape, fostering a renewed appreciation for the natural world around us.

Graphic Rewilding’s co-founders Lee Baker and Catherine Borowski are on a mission to reconnect people to the natural world through art to foster positive mental wellbeing. We caught up with Catherine Borowski a fortnight or so before the installation opened, and put a series of questions to her. 8

‘This unique art experience invites you to pause, reflect and immerse yourself in the landscape, fostering a renewed appreciation for the natural world around us’

How did the collaboration with Burghley come about?

‘We were approached by Marc Beattie, who has recently taken over as Curator of the Burghley Sculpture Garden, and he invited us to throw our hat into the ring. Up until now we have worked mostly on urban projects, bringing nature back into city dwellers’ everyday lives through art. Burghley represented something of a new challenge for us, to interpret the nature that is all around but also the decorative art in the House itself.

‘My creative partner Lee is something of a history of art buff, and he revelled in exploring the House collections to find motifs that could work outdoors, notably the Rembrandt tulip and lotus flowers. But also, our art allows us to represent nature in different ways – we can depict plants that can only be seen for one brief period each year, eg bluebells, or show details in plants that might not be noticed by the naked eye. And we like to mix the exotic, for example, a lotus flower, with the everyday, such as a buttercup.’

What is the material and creation process?

‘We find that weave fabric allows great colour saturation to create the brightest of images. We work with a flag company based in the West Country. Once the flags are installed, we love the way they react to weather, rippling in the breeze and creating a form of visual meditation.’

What do you hope people will take out of it?

‘We hope it will allow people to reconnect with nature on an individual scale, making it feel more present in their lives. And with some of the motifs there is the link with the House, so there is the chance to make connections and look at things in fresh ways.’

Did you enjoy your trip to Burghley and Stamford to plan the work?

‘Very much so. We stayed at the Bull & Swan in St Martin’s for a few days and did as much research as we could on all aspects of Burghley House and its gardens. Our installations tend to be very site specific, so this step is vital.

‘From the lush wild flower meadows and diverse ecosystems to the intricate still life paintings, textiles and Chinese enamelled porcelain housed in the Burghley Collections, the extraordinary beauty of the art, nature and heritage was an endless source of inspiration for us. We fell in love with the place. And felt that we were penning a love letter to it.

‘And, of course, we had a chance to look around Stamford too, and we hugely admired the heritage of the buildings.’

Timing & Location

Botanic Tapestry will unfold in two stages, offering visitors fresh perspectives throughout the year. From 15 March to 21 April, the flags will form a grand processional route through Burghley’s South Gardens set against the south façade of Burghley House.

With the South Gardens open for just a few weeks each year, this exhibition presents a rare opportunity to explore this exclusive setting while engaging with art in nature.

The installation will then transition to Burghley’s Sculpture Garden for the summer season, running from 26 April to 31 August. Here, it will be reimagined along the picturesque banks of Burghley’s Lake, and Graphic Rewilding will expand the exhibition with additional artworks.

botanic tapestry: need to know

• entry to the botanic tapestry exhibition is included with any admission ticket or annual pass.

• gardens & adventure play tickets booked online in advance cost £10 adult, £8 child (3–15 years), £32 family (2 adults, 3 children). house, gardens & adventure play tickets cost £20 adult, £9 child (3–15 years), £52 family (2 adults, 3 children); annual passes offering unlimited visits start at £26 for a child annual pass.

• additional details, including full opening times and ticket information can be found at burghley.co.uk

• to find out more about graphic rewilding visit www.graphicrewilding.com | @graphic_rewilding

BotanicTapestry

Botanic Tapestry

Anartisticbridgetonature byGraphicRewilding

An artistic bridge to nature by Graphic Rewilding

15Marchto21April2025,SouthGardens From26April2025,SculptureGarden

15 March to 21 April 2025, South Garde From 26 April 2025, Sculpture Garden

Explore an exciting outdoor art installation in Burghley’s Gardens that celebrates the harmony between, art, nature and history

Exploreanexcitingoutdoorartinstallation inBurghley’sGardensthatcelebratesthe harmonybetween,art,natureandhistory.

Admission included with a Day Ticket or Annual Pass.

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Book tickets online

Bookticketsonline.

Reopening Burghley House

Melinda Hey, Director of The Landi Company Textile Conservation, describes the important work they do at Burghley House to get it ready for the season

THE LANDI COMPANY is a well-established, private practice studio based at Burghley House in Stamford. In 2022 the company was taken on by Louise Shewry, Kelly Grimshaw and Melinda Hey, all of whom are trained textile conservators. The Landi Company is responsible for the care of Burghley’s extensive textile collection as well as providing both interventive and preventive conservation services for private clients, museums and historic houses across the country. The studio conserves all manner of textiles of varying ages, styles and sizes, anything from huge tapestries to costume and samplers. Projects are diverse, ranging from a much-loved 1980s’ Zandra Rhodes dress to creating custom storage solutions and delivering textile tours at Burghley.

One of The Landi Company’s main tasks for Burghley is housekeeping, which is carried out twice annually. Winter housekeeping sees the textiles ‘Put to Bed’ across the State Rooms, which entails cleaning and covering them for the closed season. In spring, the textiles are uncovered and the rooms prepared and styled to ensure they look their best in readiness for the new season.

Housekeeping takes approximately two weeks to complete in both winter and spring. Every piece of textile has a bespoke case cover made from either Tyvek® or downproof cotton. Each cover is labelled and has a designated storage space, and all are pleasingly colour coded by room. These covers protect the textiles from light and dust during the winter months. Once everything is covered, the State Rooms take on an entirely different appearance.

Burghley is home to five state beds, four of which are on display to visitors. A state bed describes an elaborately decorated bed hung with rich textiles. State beds were a status symbol in aristocratic households and often used for royal visits. The care of the state beds is part of the housekeeping regime. The beds are covered in the winter to shield them from light and dust in the closed season.

The head and foot curtains are released from their tie backs in the winter to allow them to relax. Each bed has its own individual case cover and hanging system due to the distinctive style of each bed; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

The height of the beds means scaffolding is required to reach the top. The Landi Company team all undertook a PASMA qualification to be able to use and build the scaffolding safely. Not many jobs involve scaffolding, hard hats and hand stitching!

As well as being used for cleaning and covering the beds, scaffolding is used to reach the top of the tapestries for condition checking and vacuuming. The tapestry collection at Burghley contains examples by the finest tapestry weavers from the 16th and 17th centuries. All vacuuming is done using specialist conservation back-pack vacuum cleaners, which are easier to use when working at height or in confined spaces.

Alongside housekeeping The Landi Company monitors pest activity in the house, such as moths that might enjoy feasting on the sumptuous textiles on display. Often the team can be spotted crawling on the floor and underneath the state beds, getting up close and personal with the pests and larvae, so head torches are a must! Maps are created to log all findings, and spot readings of environmental conditions taken across each room are recorded.

Housekeeping is a highlight within The Landi Company’s year, and it is a privilege getting to know the collection so personally. After each housekeeping the team are always eager to get back again.

• The Landi Company Textile Conservation Ltd, The Stable Yard, Burghley House, Stamford, PE9 3JY 01780 480188.

• Burghley House is now open again for the season. Visting times can be found at burghley.co.uk

The Arts Society Stamford

celebrating 35 years of enriching local lives

As a local resident for over half a century, I never stop appreciating the rich history that surrounds us, writes Kate Cadman . Stamford, in particular, is a haven for arts, culture and creativity, and this year one of its prominent advocates, The Arts Society Stamford (formerly known as Stamford Decorative and Fine Arts Society), is celebrating its 35th anniversary. It seems timely to shine a spotlight on this thriving local society that has been dedicated to delivering some of the best global and national culture to our local community for decades

FOUNDED IN 1990, The Arts Society Stamford has evolved to reflect the ever-expanding world of art. It was originally focused on decorative and fine arts, but its transformation into The Arts Society Stamford under the umbrella of the national organisation based in London has broadened its scope to include something for everyone – from painting and sculpture to jewellery, architecture and even street art. Its ethos is that ‘the arts have the potential to enrich peoples’ lives,’ and, through volunteering and grants, it aims to preserve and contribute to the local artistic heritage.

‘Membership is so popular that there’s currently a waiting list, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out,’ explains the Society’s Helena Lewis. ‘Guests are warmly welcomed at the society’s 10 annual lectures, where, for just £10 a session, you can immerse yourself in fascinating talks by expert speakers. An extraordinary range of artistic subjects are covered, including a recent talk on the subject of music in art,’ explains Helena. ‘Who knew, for example, that very early bagpipes were used in paintings to depict gluttony. As we left this lecture, I felt the audience were all the richer for the knowledge shared.’

So, whether you’re a lifelong art aficionado or simply curious about the creative world, these local society events offer a diverse and broad aspect of art history. In addition to regular events and lectures, The Arts Society Stamford also organises eagerly anticipated away days and holidays, offering its members the opportunity to explore art and culture further afield.

A recent initiative that truly showcases the Society’s commitment to nurturing young talent has been an exciting collaboration with Stamford College arts students. A renowned freelance filmmaker and blogger specialising in street art and graffiti culture, Doug Gillen, led an inspiring workshop that saw students create their own urban-style artwork as part of their coursework. The Arts Society Stamford was proud to provide financial support for this workshop, demonstrating its dedication to engaging the next generation in artistic discovery.

‘It aims to preserve and contribute to the local artistic heritage’

‘What is so incredible about our local society is its ability to connect our community with the wider art world through top-class lectures and events and its “broad brush” approach to art,’ adds Helena with a large grin.

And so, with a thriving membership, The Arts Society Stamford grows stronger and more vibrant; consistently expanding its artistic horizons and enriching our fabulous local community.

• For more information, including details of lectures, visit: theartssocietystamford.org.uk

• For information on The Arts Society Rutland, see also: theartssocietyrutland.co.uk

The Art of Millinery with Rebecca Couture

From the Princess of Wales to Hollywood royalty, many famous faces are known for wearing a hat or two, from classic styles to outrageous designs. But what goes into designing a headpiece? As we head into the season for races, regattas and weddings, Louise Goss learns more about the art of millinery from the owner of Rebecca Couture Millinery in Oakham

THINK ABOUT Royal Ascot, weddings, garden parties and celebrity fashion events such as the Met Gala, and hats may well be an image that springs to mind. Hats alone can make (or break) an outfit with standout headpieces often making their own headlines.

While hats and headwear have been around since the Middle Ages, millinery as a profession rose to prominence during the 18th century. The word stems from Milan, the Italian city that was the hub for textiles and fashion at the time. It was a job primarily crafting trims for women’s hats, while a person making men’s hats is known as a hatter. Today, millinery is a traditional craft as well as an art form, with famous designers such as Philip Treacy creating sculptural pieces of art that can become as iconic as the people wearing them. Milliners tend to specialise in occasion wear, haute couture or even theatrical hats.

Rebecca McGeough, owner of Rebecca Couture Millinery in Oakham, is no stranger to a hat making headlines. She was once commissioned to make a dartboard hat for a lady darts player for

Royal Ascot, which ended up in the papers. ‘It was really hard to make and took some time. I used feathers for the darts… That’s the craziest one I’ve had to make.’

Rebecca is known for making stylish occasion hats for weddings, mothers of the bride and race days. Her Crown Walk shop in Oakham is full of beautiful creations of all different colours, sizes and styles. However, incredibly, Rebecca is entirely self taught. Her journey into millinery began when she attempted to replicate a hat her mother had seen in Harrods and really loved. ‘The hat from Harrods was by Rachel Trevor-Morgan, who was the Queen’s milliner, so the one I made was nothing like it!’ laughs Rebecca. However, by researching online and getting advice from a materials supplier, she managed to craft a hat that gained plenty of compliments from friends and resulted in her getting requests to make more.

‘The designs that I do are very different to other people’s and possibly, because I haven’t been taught by others, I don’t go down the same road as everyone else, I just do what I feel works.’

‘Anyone can wear a hat, it is just about finding the right shape’

It means she often has a unique take on different designs. ‘I might use materials some people wouldn’t usually use. I have used all sorts that I think would look good on a hat… I never really worry too much about what other people are doing either.’

While she may not have followed a traditional route into millinery, she knows her craft and has a workshop brimming with materials, cottons, flowers and trims that come together to make some creative headwear from the traditional pillbox and buttonbase hats to larger brimmed hats, headbands and fascinators. She still uses the supplier who originally helped her make that first ever hat for her mother.

Crafting a Hat

Rebecca’s popular button-base hats all start the same way: as a piece of material moulded around a wooden block. This is known as the blocking process. To form the base of the hat, there are different materials, such as buckram, felt, crinoline or, commonly, sinamay, a natural straw fabric.

Blocking begins with covering the block in clingfilm to protect it from any steam or stiffening solution, which is applied to the sinamay before it is folded tightly around the block and pinned in place. This requires a good amount of patience and skill to get it completely free of creases. The fabric is then left to dry before being removed from the block, trimmed, and then the edge is wired and bound.

Once the base is complete, Rebecca adds all the decorative elements. ‘There are so many different bits you can put on: flowers, feathers, quills…’ she says. Sinamay itself is a versatile fabric that can be dyed and shaped to make adornments such as bows, loops and twists. ‘The trims are what really take the time,’ says Rebecca, who is stitching quills on to a hat as we talk. There is a lot of sewing involved, and she hand stitches all her pieces.

There is also a lot of creative decision making as part of the process. ‘I can go into the workshop, walk out thinking it isn’t right,

take it all apart and leave it. The next day I can walk back in and know what will look good.’

Trends & Styles

Rebecca is happy to offer her style advice to help people choose a hat to suit them and their needs. Over the years she has learnt what styles suit different face shapes and she often has bespoke orders that she tailors to match an outfit or theme.

‘A lot of people like those well-known, traditional, button-base hats. They are small enough and everyone can wear them. Having said that, the mothers of the brides do quite like a big hat still. I think they are changing and looking to be more modern, and moving away from the traditional styles. However, with a big brim, I do warn people that when you’re having pictures taken, you can’t see the face. My advice is always to have the smaller one because you can meet and greet people and there is nothing in the way.’

Rebecca says the most popular styles are the medium saucer hats and fascinators on a headband, styles which she believes have become more popular since Catherine, Princess of Wales, wears them a lot. ‘They go with lots of things and they’re not overpowering,’ she says explains.

When it comes to what styles suit a person, whether it is a button shape or a larger brimmed hat, Rebecca says: ‘We can tell instantly when people try them on. I get lots of people saying: hats just don’t suit me. Anyone can wear a hat, it is just about finding the right shape.’

rebecca couture millinery

8 crown walk, high street, oakham le15 6bz 01572 490432 | 07977 703367

www.rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk @rebecca_couture_millinery

Handmade Bespoke Headpieces and Occasion Wear

Custom made to complement your outfit or choose from a range of ready to wear pieces

8 Crown Walk, Oakham, LE15 6BZ T: 01572 490432

E: info@rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk

Open: Mon & Tues 10am-3pm Thur, Fri, Sat 10am-3pm www.rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk

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Interiors Spring Refresh

WORDS: ALLY JOHNSON OF ALEXANDRA JOHNSON INTERIOR DESIGN

SPRING has officially sprung! And for me that brings the irresistible urge to refresh and reset, in more ways than one – clearing out not only the physical dust that’s settled in my home after months of log fires and hibernation, but also the mental cobwebs of winter’s various procrastinations. This is the season of rejuvenation, a time to swap sluggishness for energy, clutter for clarity, cheese and biscuits for chicken and rice, and wine for green smoothies! Okay, maybe that’s one step too far…

But, let’s face it, whilst surviving on a steady diet of prosecco and left-over Quality Streets felt entirely necessary when the days were barely distinguishable from the nights, as the evenings stretch longer, there’s the sudden realisation that summer is but a whisker away. And while I long for the scent of freshly cut grass and the gentle warmth of sun on my skin, I’m also painfully aware that I’ve spent the last four months hermit-crabbing –swaddled in oversized knits and eating my weight in comfort food, whilst the extraneous clutter of winter has piled up around me: little termite mounds of lost socks, mystery cables and half-finished projects.

As I attempt to resurrect my dormant limbs with a bit of exercise (or at least consider it whilst raiding the kids’ easter eggs), I feel the need to surround myself with uplifting cheerfulness to jolly me along – to give my house a good spring shake-out, throw open the windows and let the light flood in. This month, come on a journey with me to do just that, whilst embracing invigorating, saturated pastels and pretty florals, to bring all the joys of spring and Easter into your home this April!

‘I feel the need to give my house a good spring shake-out, throw open the windows and let the light flood in’

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN

It is no secret that beautiful textiles are one of my weaknesses – whether it’s delicate ditsy florals, bold large-scale botanicals, abstract watercolours, rich embroideries, intricate crewelwork or whimsical toile de jouy prints, if I fall in love with a fabric, I simply need it in my life.

Florals, in particular, have long been a staple in interiors, making them a solid design choice that never goes out of style. Effortlessly bridging the gap between nature and home, florals have an ageless appeal that brings enduring elegance while infusing spaces with tranquillity and artistic balance. For me, florals evoke nostalgia and an effortless sense of free-flowing creativity and charm. Introducing them into your home lets you capture that fresh, uplifting energy all year round.

Spring is nature’s cue to nest: declutter, refresh and bask in the deeply satisfying smugness of a well-organised home. It’s true: giving everything a rightful place really does add a touch of Mary Poppins magic to everyday life. (Bonus points if you sing ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ at full Disney volume while you do it!) And while I can’t claim to be ‘practically perfect in every way’ (my home harbours its fair share of ‘disaster’ drawers), the sheer sense

left: in this coastal sitting room project, ally has used two matching tall cabinets to frame the picture window and provide a place to hide less ‘artistic’ clutter. the decorative fretwork detail on the glass adds another layer of geometric pattern that contrasts against the botanical and floral fabrics on the cushions.

of wellbeing that comes from sorting just one storage dilemma is fully worth it – and, dare I say it, addictive. So, what better time to tackle some practical (yet effortlessly stylish) storage solutions? Whether it is bespoke joinery, characterful standalone pieces of furniture like the cabinets shown above, or more creative small hideaways for clutter, give everything a home and inner peace is sure to follow!

ORGANISE WITH STYLE

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Chests and trunks are my secret weapon for fun, versatile storage, and we’ve amassed quite the collection at home – perfect for stashing toys (if your house, like mine, often resembles Toys R Us post-earthquake!), board games, extra bedding, or even hats and scarves. They are stackable, easy to move and bursting with nostalgic charm. Larger ones double as side or coffee tables, while smaller ones make perfect catch-alls for keys, spare change and all the mysterious bric-a-brac that inevitably piles up on the side. For a sustainable, characterful find, check out the local antiques and vintage shops – St Martin’s Antiques Centre in Stamford and Rutland Antiques & Art Centre in Uppingham are great places to start!

AT HOME

In the spirit of repurposing, I was thrilled to recently rediscover a pair of beautiful chintzy floral curtains that had been tucked away in my attic for years. A long-forgotten hand-me-down from my mum, they once hung in my beloved childhood home – I can still picture 8-year-old me hiding behind them during a game of hide-andseek! Their timeless, cheerful botanical print turned out to be the perfect replacement for my cheap, broken sitting room curtains, making this ‘attic find of the century’ a welcome addition to the space. Now they sit contentedly alongside my previously reupholstered chair and footstool like old friends, embodying everything I love about interiors – preserving the beauty of well-made past pieces and the memories woven into them. Upholstery is another way you can achieve this. This little occasional chair adopted a bold new personality with a colourful, botanical velvet, while the old footstool was given new life with a gorgeous monochrome weave (both fabrics by Linwood and upholstered by DG Design at Sew Now Stamford).

‘Now they sit contentedly alongside my previously reupholstered chair and footstool like old friends, embodying everything I love about interiors –preserving the beauty of well-made past pieces and the memories woven into them’

FLOOR RESTORATION

Reviving the old and tired in your home doesn’t have to be confined to furnishings. This spring, our latest home project is restoring the original Edwardian wood floors that stretch across nearly our entire ground floor. Various plumbing and electrical updates over the years, not to mention the gradual grime accumulation from our two mini muck magnets, have left the poor floor looking shamefully shabby and definitely not at all chic. There is only so much covering with rugs you can do, so my other half, Andy, has been tirelessly scouring local junk and reclamation yards for the perfect replacement reclaimed boards with a view to lovingly restoring the floor back to its former glory.

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Easter Styling

This Easter season, why not create a display the Easter Bunny would be proud of? A few thoughtful touches is all you need to add a pinch of Easter charm to your home.

CREATE AN EASTER TREE: Make sure you remember a pair of secateurs on your next woodland wander! A few artfully arranged branches or some delicate catkins bring a touch of spring indoors, ready to be adorned with pastel eggs and charming little ornaments, such as these adorable felt animals (above) by Sophie Allport (sophieallport.com)

DECORATE WITH A SPRING WREATH: Create a natural base for your wreath using young willow branches wound into a circle. Add in fresh greenery to cover the twiggy base, then weave in seasonal element such as spring bulbs(mini daffodils, crocus, muscari, tulips); you can keep the bulb attached, so that you can plant them afterwards. Tuck in found objects such as feathers and dried seedheads for extra interest. Alternatively, treat yourself to a ready-made spring wreath at florists including Ode to Joy in Stamford.

INVEST IN NEW TABLEWARE: Give your Easter Sunday tablescape a makeover this month.Check out the beautiful selection of Italian ceramics at Rutland Nursery in Manton (rutlandnursery.co.uk) – sure to brighten up your Easter Sunday lunch.

STUNNING GARDEN CENTRES IN RURAL LOCATIONS

There is always something special to enjoy at Gates for you, your home and your garden. Stylish brands, locally sourced meat and produce in our farm shops and gorgeous plants, shrubs and trees to make your garden picture perfect this Spring, Summer and beyond.

How to Design Your Garden

This

month, our regular

columnist,

BBC

Gardeners’ World presenter Nick Bailey , who is based in our region, shares his expert insight into how to create the garden of your dreams

HAVE YOU EVER considered designing or redesigning your garden? It’s a fascinating process embracing the disciplines of art, craft, science, horticulture and ecology. It’s a way of curating your outdoor space to be exactly what you want. After a tropical looking jungle? It’s possible. Looking to create a dreamy cottage garden packed with pastels? That’s achievable. Dreaming of an ultra-modern sleek space with pristine paving and tightly trimmed topiary? It can be done. Irrespective of garden style there are a few basic steps that will get you there. But, if it all feels a bit overwhelming, you can always call on a garden designer, such as me!

MOOD BOARD

Putting together a series of images cut from magazines, flyers, product catalogues and plant brochures is a great way to establish the feel you’d like from your garden. Get back to school days and craft your cuttings into a quilt of ideas on a sheet of A2. Alternatively, simply screen-grab images online and compile them onto a document, or just use the collage option in a phone gallery to compose a selection of images. Either way you can start to get a sense of what the garden could feel like with your selected palette of plants and materials. Keep an open mind and move images of plants and materials in and out of the composition to see the effect.

LAYOUT & FEATURES

To get the layout of the garden right for you, first think about your key functional elements. These might be patio, shed, glasshouse, pergola, pond, etc. Now consider the best spots for these elements. Full sun for the patio? Part shade for the pond. Shed tucked away in a corner? With these elements roughly placed, consider the desire lines – these are the routes you would naturally take around a garden between the elements you’ve just slotted in. Also consider at this stage the views in and out of the garden. What do you want to enhance and what do you want to screen or disguise?

Having considered the layout and placed key elements, a unified design may be starting to emerge. Or can you tweak some of the elements to fit into, let’s say, an even grid, a series of overlapping squares, a square pattern that sits at 45 degrees to the garden, a series of interlinked circles, or soft, flowing organic lines. The options are endless.

‘Putting together a series of images cut from magazines, flyers, product catalogues and plant brochures is a great way to establish the feel you’d like from your garden’

ABOVE: the best gardens reflect their owners’ aspirations and vision while working in harmony with nature and the surrounding environment. This garden, designed by Nick Bailey for a city town house, won Silver-Gilt at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

DIVIDE & FOCUS

With the layout beginning to resolve consider where your key focal points and/or features might occur in the garden. Can you divide the space with trellis, arches or other structures to make it feel bigger and create allure? Can you place an ornament or urn to lead your eye through the garden? Is it worth leaving a gap in the boundary to ‘borrow’ the view of a tree, landscape or church spire in the distance?

MATERIALS & PLANTS

Your mood board ought to have had a few materials you’d like to use, but at this stage it is worth getting samples of timber, stone, cladding, fencing, etc, in order to try them out as a palette. In terms of plants, I’m not going to pretend that designing planting is easy, but there are a few ‘cheats’ I can share to help you on your way. Firstly, aim to have around one third evergreen to ensure year-round structure and colour. These make take the form of trees, shrubs or even evergreen perennials. Now have a think about the feel or spirit you are after. And start to build up a palette of plants to suit the various cultural conditions in your garden. Several of the larger online nurseries have plant-finder options on their sites, meaning you can filter for height, colour, form, texture, location, flowering month, etc, all of which means you can select the ideal plants to suit you and your plot. But, as I said earlier, if it all seems a bit much, do drop me a line!

ABOVE: this design by Nick Bailey showcases the complex balancing act of how to combine new and established features in a garden plan.

Time to Rethink Your Garden?

NICK BAILEY’S GARDEN DESIGN & CONSULTANCY SERVICE offers affordable bespoke design solutions across the UK. From compact plots to private estates, Nick’s design expertise and plantsmanship, backed by 35 years of experience, delivers beautiful gardens in tune with nature and each client’s needs. Enquire about an initial consultation at www.nickbailey365.com

Hannah Dale’s A Wilding Year

bringing life back to the land

In late 2024 Editor Clare Rudd-Jones had the pleasure of meeting Hannah Dale, the creative force behind Wrendale Designs, during a nature day at Thetford Farm Barn. Hannah is known for her exquisite illustrations of British wildlife that feature on Wrendale’s stationery, ceramics, textiles, etc – products that are beloved across our region and beyond. Hannah is also the author of several books, and in March 2025 she released her latest title, the impassioned, highly personal A Wilding Year (Batsford, £14.99), in which she shares the story of life on Low Farm, the 300-acre North Lincolnshire farm that she and her husband Jack have been rewilding since 2019. Editors Clare and Nicholas visited Hannah at the farm to delve deeper into her rewilding journey

AFTER inheriting Low Farm in North Lincolnshire in 2015 from Jack’s father, and going through four years of unproductive arable farming due to poor soil, Hannah and Jack came to the conclusion that it was the perfect candidate for rewilding – to restore ecosystems to the point that nature can take care of itself. In the summer of 2019 they took their final harvest, and that autumn they stood back to let the land do what it wanted to and watch what happened. They were looking for the land to express its own character and start the process of healing itself.

In A Wilding Year, Hannah recounts month by month the remarkable and exciting changes, together with the struggles, the farm undergoes as natural processes are allowed to return, creating a mosaic of opportunities for wildlife. The abundance of flora and fauna are captured by Hannah’s enchanting sketches and illustrations of skylarks, hobbies, short-eared owls, goldcrests, hedgehogs, polecats, hares, meadow brown butterflies, emperor dragonflies, hawk moths, bats, roe deer, woodcock, snipe, marsh orchids, and ink cap and beef steak fungi, spectacularly bringing to life the beauty and power of nature in every season.

‘My artwork has always been inspired by nature, interwoven with a dose of imagination for good measure, and this book is a journal and a sketchbook, capturing glimpses of the characters that have joined us at Low Farm over the course of a year,’ writes Hannah

in the introduction. ‘I hope that bringing them to life in both words and art encourages more people to see beauty in an untidy landscape and to embrace a little more wildness in their lives.’

Our Visit to Low Farm

As we tour the farm with Hannah on a crisp, bright March morning, we feel hugely privileged to be able to witness the rewilding process for ourselves. Several years in, it’s early days still, and it isn’t about a target day – more about the ‘journey’, Hannah explains, ‘allowing nature to have space and take the lead.’ Although rewilding is on a large scale here on the farm, it is certainly, she notes, something that we can all do – even with the smallest rewilded window box to pull in bees and butterflies, or a water tub to attract birds and dragonflies.

Introducing water is always one of the first things that is recommended to attract more wildlife in, and Hannah takes us to see newly created ponds and waterways that are all making Low Farm an increasingly nature-friendly habitat. A highlight of the visit is hearing about the intricate process of reintroducing beavers – a keystone species and once native to the UK – to the land here. It’s an ecological initiative that is not without controversy, as you can read in the book, but the results of the beavers’ dam-building and tree-felling on Low Farm are plain to see, and it is truly remarkable.

ABOUT HANNAH: Hannah Dale runs Wrendale Designs, a stationery and gift design company that specialises in endearing illustrations depicting British wildlife and which she founded in 2012. Hannah grew up in the countryside of rural Lincolnshire which has always inspired her watercolour illustrations. Studying art at school before reading zoology at Cambridge, she went on to work as a stockbroker in London for four years before returning to Lincolnshire to find an outlet for her artistic roots and passion for ecology and conservation. She and her husband, Jack, embarked on their rewilding project of their farm in Lincolnshire in 2019. Hannah’s previous books for Batsford include ‘A Dog’s Life’, ‘The Farmyard Set’, ‘Born to be Wild’, ‘The Young Ones’ and ‘Flying the Nest’.

‘A marvel. Participating in the restoration of nature is about the most joyful thing a person can do, and this book radiates that joy’ Ben Goldsmith

‘Inspirational for rewilders large and small – that should be all of us!’

Patrick Barkham

We meet the special-breed pigs that Hannah and Jack have brought to the farm, and we watch, impressed, as the pigs turn over the ground with their snouts in search of food, providing aeration and fertlisation to the soil in the process – natural rototillers. We admire Hannah’s three miniature Hereford cows, known for their friendly nature and ease of handling, that have been introduced here as native breeds and will play their part in repairing the ecosystem. And all the while there is birdsong and activity in the air. The whole place seems to be breathing a sigh of relief, and I can only imagine how teeming with life it will be as the year unfolds. As we take in the sights and sounds of the farm, Hannah shares compelling statistics that demonstrate the land’s remarkable revival under the rewilding. Nicholas, a lifelong lepidopterist, is amazed to hear how quickly the numbers of butterflies and moths have responded to the easing of manmade pressures on the farm, which look to make it one of the very best sites in Lincolnshire for grassland species. It is early days in the farm’s journey, but so much has changed already for the benefit of the natural world here. This brave undertaking is beautifully documented in Hannah’s new book, which is an inspiring and important plea for us all to see and embrace the beauty in wildness and allow it into our outside spaces to help protect the natural world around us that we are so in danger of losing. It’s a beautifully produced book and a powerful, important, engaging read.

www.wildwrendale.co.uk

THE EASTER EDIT

inspiration for the festive season

RUTLAND NURSERY’S EGG-PAINTING WORKSHOP

HAMBLETON BAKERY’S EASTER BUNNIES

Hambleton Bakery’s Easter range, which launched on 26 March in shops across the region and online, includes new seasonal treats such as these super-cute, delicious-looking new Easter Bunny shortbreads with fluffy tails. Also in the Easter selection are hot cross buns, Simnel cakes and Simnel squares. hambletonbakery.co.uk

SPRING AT BUMBLE & TWIG

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a ceramic egg painting workshop on 12 April (10am–12pm), led by Melton Mowbray-based artist and illustrator Catherine Shaw. Catherine will guide you through painting three ceramic eggs, sharing ideas for colours, patterns, and designs inspired by her love of nature and the changing seasons. £45pp. rutlandnursery.co.uk

photo: catherine shaw

Spring into spring with children’s boutique, Bumble & Twig of Oundle. There’s an irresistible Easter range, including these beautiful Maileg tin eggs (£13 each, several colours), which can be filled with dinky treats or perhaps a sweet little Maileg bunny (£11 each, also available in a range of colours). See the full range at bumbleandtwig.co.uk

FARNDON FIELDS AT EASTER

The Easter offering at Farndon Fields features a variety of scrumptious treats, including indulgent, freshly baked hot cross buns, perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends. With meat, vegetables, drinks, sweets and more, the Farm Shop stocks everything you need for your Easter lunch, plus there’s a delightful cafe and homewares and gifts, not to mention plants! farndonfields.co.uk

Also check out what’s on this Easter at Nene Park (see p106) and at Burghley House, where there are lots of brilliant activities for kids and adults this holiday (see also p36 for Graphic Rewilding at Burghley.)

Spotlight on brows

This month, makeup artist Rebecca Chantrell shares her tips on how to achieve the

brows of your dreams

Eyebrow trends within the fashion and beauty world come and go pretty regularly. Over the last few years we have seen eyebrows become front and centre again, quite literally dominating with the bushy ‘boyfriend’ brow. The start of 2025 has seen a playeddown version of this: a fuller brow, favouring a natural growth pattern that is less ‘brushed up’ and softer. With many people suffering the aftermath of the 1990s’ thin, overplucked brow, we are looking to restore them to their former glory. Alongside overplucking, health complications such as thyroid conditions and cancer treatments can lead to thinning brows.

I’m a huge brow fan, I think they are a brilliant feature. They frame the eyes and face and, when done correctly, can completely change your look. In this guide I explain eyebrow-shaping techniques: some are semi-permanent, while others you simply wipe off at the end of the day.

MAKEUP

My favourite method is to emphasise the natural brow shape by brushing through, then, with pencil, lightly drawing hair strokes in the direction of growth, softly at the start of the brow and bolder at the tail (thin end). I then brush through and set in place with a brow gel or soap brow product.

BROW LAMINATION

This involves perming – relaxing the hair and setting the brows in place. Normally, they are positioned up a little to create a fuller-looking brow. It’s great for achieving a made-up look all the time (lasting 4–6 weeks). Minimal effort is needed day to day.

SHAPING: THREADING/WAXING

Threading uses a cotton thread and amazing skill to pull out unwanted hair individually. It can create a

lovely shape and finish by removing even the smallest of hairs. Waxing uses wax to remove excess hair around the eyebrows. Both are great for people with very full, heavy brows or eyebrows that require more shape and definition.

EYEBROW TINTING

Eyebrow tinting uses semi-permanent dye to colour the existing eyebrow hairs. The HD Brow technique dyes both the hairs and the skin underneath creating a fantastic shape and bolder finish. It’s good for naturally light-coloured eyebrows that require darkening for definition.

PERMANENT MAKEUP

Highly skilled artists rebuild eyebrows, creating tiny hair strokes or shading by inserting medical-grade pigment into the skin with either a handheld tool or machine. There are many variations of permanent brow styles, depending on your desired finish. The process is more of an investment and longer lasting (1–3 years), but it’s perfect for anyone who has lost definition, has sparse, thinning brows or just likes a fuller shape with minimal to no upkeep. It’s great for anyone wanting to have a low-maintenance, more permanent solution to their eyebrow shape.

LR PRO BROWS

I asked award-winning Lucy of LR PRO Brows to help to bust some myths regarding permanent makeup.

‘The permanent makeup industry has to work the hardest to change people’s views and misconceptions on brows. We all appreciate that different hairdressers, tattoo artists and nail techs can create a wide variety of looks, but when it comes to permanent brows, everyone assumes there is only one look – the infamous “slug brow”/ “block brow”,’ says Lucy.

‘It is possible to have permanent makeup brows that don’t walk into the room before you! I specialise in natural brows, tailoring them to your facial anatomy and style.

‘Like all creative industries, we have evolved, so it’s best to find an artist whose work style resonates with you.’

Lucy offers a full no-obligation consultation to discover the process work and answer any questions you might have. She also offers laser removal if you have old eyebrow tattooing you no longer like – before rebuilding your new brows with her.

Contact Lucy on lrprostudio@outlook.com

Rebecca Chantrell makeupbybecca.co.uk @rebeccachantrellmakeup

Recover | Prevent | Perform

The Chiropractic Hub, Stamford Garden Centre, PE9 4BB info@thechiropractichub.co.uk | 01780 769 459 www.thechiropractichub.co.uk

Life Rituals

a holistic practice for all the family

LIFE RITUALS is a familycentred clinic offering a range of holistic therapies for individuals of all ages, from babies to adults. I caught up with founder, Jo George, to find out more about how the clinic can support the youngest members of our families, including children and teens – groups often overlooked in traditional medicine.

The range of natural therapies at Life Rituals can be used to treat a wide range of concerns that typically make life extra challenging early in life, from colic and reflux to acne, school stress, anxiety and period pains, to mention but a few.

For parents and carers, there is the relief, too – of knowing that you are being proactive in your pursuit of professional support for your child. And, by being introduced to these complementary therapies early in life, children can carry them into adulthood, promoting overall health and wellbeing.

Collaborative Family Practice

A key strength of Life Rituals is its collaborative approach. Practitioners work closely together to provide the most appropriate care for each client. For families unsure of which therapy to choose, Jo can advise in order to guide them in selecting the right practitioner. The collaborative environment allows practitioners to refer clients to one another, ensuring comprehensive care that is both professional and supportive.

Key Areas of Care

Life Rituals offers therapies for a broad range of conditions for babies, children and teens, helping families to avoid stronger interventions. These include: Anxiety: The clinic helps children and teens with anxiety, including exam stress, school refusal and emotional challenges.

Digestive Health: From reflux to gut intolerance problems to healthy nutrition, a wealth of issues can be addressed at the clinic.

Hay Fever: The team can provide long-term natural solutions to treat hay fever, avoiding harsh medications and giving relief.

Skin Conditions: Life Rituals offers natural treatments for conditions such as acne and eczema, providing alternatives to aggressive pharmaceutical treatments.

Menstrual Conditions: Natural therapies are offered to manage menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalances without relying on medications such as the pill.

Meet the Team

Life Rituals has a team of 16 highly trained, skilled practitioners, many of whom treat babies, children and teens as well as adults. If your baby or child need support, practitioners who can help include: Ginny Kemp (Registered Medical Herbalist): Ginny has nearly 20 years of experience and uses herbal medicine to treat a wealth of conditions, including digestive issues, hay fever and anxiety.

Aelish Anderson (Acupuncturist): Aelish uses acupuncture to address physical, emotional and mental health issues and specialises in treating neurodiverse teens. Acupuncture can help with skin conditions, anxiety and menstrual problems and is also renowned for being able to give relief to babies with colic.

Jane Knight (Reflexologist): Jane offers a calming, holistic approach to support children’s physical and emotional health. Holly Penfold (Nutritionist): Holly helps parents to navigate childhood nutrition, focusing on picky eaters and supporting the feeding process from birth to adolescence.

Sarah Clayton-Fish (Kinesiologist): Sarah treats children aged 7 and upwards, using kinesiology to promote wellbeing and balance. Kinesiology can also help with hay fever.

Stacey Jackson (Humans Givens Psychotherapist): Stacey works with children aged 7 and above, addressing anxiety, depression, school stress and more. Aishling Doyle (CBT Hypnotherapist): Aishling helps children and teens manage anxiety, exam stress, and issues including school refusal, particularly for neurodiverse children.

Life Rituals is more than just a clinic; it is a supportive community of practitioners dedicated to helping families thrive through natural therapies. Whether seeking relief from hay fever, anxiety or digestive issues, or looking for gentle alternatives for children and teens, Life Rituals offers a variety of options to meet their health and wellbeing needs.

life rituals, 24 mill street, oakham le15 6ea | 01572 868579

info@liferituals.co.uk liferituals.co.uk | @liferituals

LIFE RITUALS HEALTH CLINIC

WE

Sarah Kinesiologist

Kinesiology is a relaxing, noninvasive holistic therapy that encourages well-being. As such, it may be helpful to those seeking relief from a range of symptoms. Sarah will work with the client to explore the root cause of your problem and how to bring the body back into balance using light pressure muscle testing.

sarah@liferituals.co.uk

Jane Reflexology

A member of the Association of Reflexologists, Jane has a depth of knowledge informed by an earlier career in nursing in Neurology, spinal health and oncology. Offering feet & facial Reflexology, Zoneface lift (alternate to Botox and fillers) Soul Facials, Reiki, Indian head massage, Myofascial cupping and Breathwork. Treating all health conditions. jane@liferituals.co.uk

Ginny Medical Herbalist

Experienced Registered Western Medical Herbalist with a degree in medical science. Ginny uses her combined knowledge to offer an integrated approach to health. Bespoke herbal medicines are made following a full consultation for the patient’s individual health needs, to address the root of the problem, ease symptoms and optimise health.

ginny@liferituals.co.uk

Holly Nutritionist

Holly works with both adults and children to help them feed themselves with confidence and trust. She helps individuals learn how to listen and tend to their body with compassion and care. Holly is passionate about empowering those she works with to feel more in line with their needs; from the food they eat to a deeper relationship with themselves.

holly@liferituals.co.uk

Kerry Acupuncture

Doing what is best for you and your health: With care & compassion, Kerry will consider your immediate symptoms as well as address wider issues. Aiming to identify the root cause of your imbalance (illness). Using very fine needles acupuncture is virtually painless and many patients find the treatments extremely relaxing and effective.

kerry@liferituals.co.uk

Stacey Psychotherapist

Stacey is a qualified and accredited Human Givens Psychotherapist. This is a practical, people-centred, talking issues, including Anxiety, Depression, Exam Stress, School Refusal, Sleep Problems, PTSD, Addictions, Anger, Phobias and Trauma, amongst others. Psychotherapy is available both face-to-face and online.

stacey@liferituals.co.uk

Aishling Hypnotherapist

Aishling is a CBT hypnotherapist specialising in transforming stress and anxiety. Using a powerful blend of cognitive behavioural techniques, mindfulness, breathing exercises and hypnosis, she helps clients break free from overwhelm, regain control and cultivate lasting emotional well-being. Aishling supports individuals with a range of challenges, from phobias and habits to depression and anxiety. ashling@liferituals.co.uk

Jonathan Counsellor

An accredited Counsellor offering adult clients over 10 years of experience. Jonathan blends Person-Centred, Relational, and Psychoanalytic approaches in a confidential and supportive space; inviting creative ways, such as imagery and mindfulness, to express complex emotions and support healing.

jonathan@liferituals.co.uk

WELLNESS

BEAUTY

Q&A with Daniel Sandler

MEN’S GROOMING

Each month, the international makeup artist and founder of Daniel Sandler Cosmetics, who is based in our region, answers your beauty and skincare questions. This month, he focuses on men’s grooming

Why does washing my face always leave it feeling dry and tight? It’s really uncomfortable and sore.

• It sounds like your cleanser is harsh and stripping away the natural oils in your skin, hence why you’re suffering with negative results. Wash your face, ideally morning and night, with a gentle hydrating cleanser.

• Look for a cleanser that suits your skin type, whether oily, dry or sensitive. I love CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, as my skin is always dry and I find it’s gentle yet effective plus it suits most skin types.

• Top Tip: Wet your face with warm, not hot, water then gently rub the cleanser over face and neck with fingers using circular motions. This technique will do a better job of cleansing plus it’ll improve circulation. Using a damp muslin cloth to remove the cleanser will gently exfoliate too and help you feel really clean.

Help! Overall my skin is pretty good, but I get these flakey, rough patches that come and go. I moisturise daily, but it’s not helping much. Please advise! I’m delighted to hear you’re nourishing skin during the day, but try applying some moisturiser at bedtime followed by a lightweight face oil that contains seriously nourishing ingredients. So what I want you to do is apply a small amount of the oil specifically on the dry/flaky areas and gently rub it in. If you do this every night, you’ll see a marked improvement within a week, if not before. When I get dry patches, I use the Face Night Oil from Marie Reynolds London (www.mariereynoldslondon.com). Marie is a superior facialist to the stars and has created an easy-to-use skincare range along with skin supplements.

• Top Tip: Try mixing this Face Night Oil with your skin nourisher/moisturiser to create a more effective result for your overall complexion.

I’m in my 50s and still get hideous blackheads on my nose. I’ve regularly exfoliated for years but still get these horrible black dots. How can I get rid of them? Exfoliating with a face scrub is good to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter skin, but perhaps you’re overdoing it with those tiny gritty particles, which then stimulate the sebaceous

glands to produce more sebum, the oil that oxidises and creates the black congested areas. So go easy when exfoliating and apply a lightweight oil-free moisturiser on your nose.

• Instead of a traditional face scrub (a physical exfoliant), you could try an AHA/BHA exfoliating serum (a chemical exfoliant). The serum will keep pores clear and more refined but choose a low percentage formula, say 2%, as they can irritate, especially if you’ve got sensitive skin. You’ll have to apply a daily oil-free SPF as well.

• Top Tip: If you’re willing, a professional deep-cleansing pore facial will definitely unclog pores and kickstart your skin to look clean and blackhead free. I can highly recommend the Deep Cleanse & Extraction Facial with Christine at Flawless Body in Stamford. It’s not a one- time fix, so visit every 6 weeks if you can, but also follow through with an appropriate home-cleansing regime. Other facials I can recommend include the Nu-U Skin Custom Facial at Nu-U Skin as it’s tailor made to address your specific concerns.

www.danielsandler.com | @danielsandlermakeup

If you have a beauty or skincare question for Daniel, he’d love to hear from you. Just email your question to us at nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk. Our favourite question each month wins one of Daniel’s fabulous multi-award-winning products.

ed’s note: huge congratulations to daniel on the amazing review of his products in the sunday times’ style magazine on 16 march 2025 by columnist india knight. india writes: ‘this £11 waterproof eyeliner is my dream product.’ check it out now at www.danielsandler.com

photo: tim steele

ELYSIA SKIN: BODY: LASER

Empowering you to take a positive and proactive approach to your skin, health and wellness. We can help you achieve radiant, healthy and fabulous skin

For over two decades, we have been at the forefront of a unique and forward-thinking approach to skin health and overall wellbeing. With a deep-rooted passion for blending advanced aesthetics with whole-body health, the philosophy at Elysia is simple — glowing, youthful skin starts from within. Nestled in a private and discreet setting, complete with convenient onsite parking, the clinic provides a haven for those seeking personalised, results-driven treatments.

ADVANCED, NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

To bring our philosophy to life we have invested in the most advanced technologies available. Many of these are not available unless you travel to London. With a comprehensive treatment menu designed to address a variety of skin, muscle, and textural concerns, clients have access to industry-leading solutions that deliver natural, noticeable results.

A personal favourite is MORPHEUS8 — the gold standard in needling combined with radio frequency. This powerful treatment works by tightening and lifting the skin while significantly improving overall texture and tone. MORPHEUS8 BODY tackles skin laxity, scarring, stretch marks, and even hand rejuvenation. The results are natural and transformative, restoring youthful firmness without the need for surgery.

Another innovative treatment taking the industry by storm is EMFACE — a ground-breaking technology designed to improve muscle tone and strength in the face and neck. While we often focus on toning our bodies, the importance of facial muscle strength has often been overlooked — until now. EMFACE works by simultaneously tightening the skin and

At ELYSIA we treat the person as a whole — not just the skin but the underlying factors that contribute to ageing, skin conditions, and overall wellness. We connect the dots between gut health, nutrition, and skin health, ensuring that results are not just skin-deep but deeply restorative. Whether you’re seeking solutions for acne, rosacea, pigmentation, or simply wish to maintain radiant, youthful skin, we are passionate about working with you to achieve your personal skin goals.

strengthening the muscles underneath, providing a natural lift and rejuvenation that enhances the overall facial structure. The latest advancement, EMFACE Eyes, now allows for targeted lifting around the eyes, addressing drooping brows, hollow under-eyes, and sagging eyelids — without needles or downtime.

Why Muscle Strength is the Missing Piece in Facial Rejuvenation

Traditionally, most anti-ageing treatments have focused on the skin — smoothing, plumping, and resurfacing. However, true, long-lasting facial rejuvenation lies deeper within the muscle structure. As we age, we naturally lose volume and tone in muscles. This muscle atrophy can lead to sagging skin, hollow under-eyes, and a tired, drawn appearance.

EMFACE addresses the root cause of these common concerns — muscle deterioration. By stimulating and strengthening the facial muscles, the treatment helps restore natural volume, firmness, and lift. This not only reduces fine lines, eye-bags, and sagging but also ensures long-lasting, youthful results. Combined with improvements in skin tone and texture, EMFACE is truly revolutionising non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Yasmin and Lisa

LOOKING BEYOND THE FACE: POWERFUL BODY TREATMENTS

Ageing and skin laxity are not limited to the face — they affect the body too. Whether it’s the dreaded “bingo wings” for upper arms, loose skin on the tummy, or wobbly knees when you walk, noninvasive body treatments offer powerful solutions to restore confidence.

Treatments like LIPOFIRM PRO and EXION BODY target common body concerns such as loose skin, cellulite and fat reduction. Perfect for anyone wanting to feel more comfortable in sleeveless tops, shorts, or swimwear.

We’ve gone completely back to our roots with the addition of this. Elysia truly believe it’s the perfect addition to complement our high-tech treatments. The Natural Facelift – a one-and-a-halfhour treatment combining the principals of Buccal and Gua Sha massage, physiotherapy, osteopathy, yoga and facial massage to lift, sculpt, and rejuvenate the face naturally.

Using fully hands-on techniques that stimulate circulation, release tension, and boost muscle tone, the Natural Facelift is a deeply restorative experience that leaves

FUTURE-PROOFING INTIMATE HEALTH – TAKE CONTROL!

We don’t stop at skin care. We offer solutions to improve intimate health for men and women. Ground-breaking treatments that improve intimate health and pelvic floor strength, empowering both men and women to feel confident and comfortable.

The EMSELLA chair provides a non-invasive solution to strengthen the pelvic floor and core muscles. Whether you’re struggling with post-childbirth recovery, incontinence, prolapse, or even back pain, EMSELLA has provided life-changing results — without discomfort or downtime. Strengthening the pelvic floor doesn’t just improve intimate health; it also supports overall physical function, preventing future issues. It’s a proactive approach to long-term health and wellbeing that everyone can benefit from.

ELYSIA was awarded CLINIC OF EXCELLENCE and BRAND AMBASSADOR in December 2024.

A testament to the outstanding client care and dedication to providing outstanding results and client care.

To bring our philosophy to life, we have invested in the best technologies on the market. Many of these are not available unless you travel to London.

Discover how science, wellbeing, and skin health come together – transforming not just your appearance, but the way you feel in the world.

clients feeling refreshed, glowing, and visibly lifted. By addressing tension held in the jaw, forehead, scalp and neck— this treatment not only improves skin and muscle but also promotes better sleep, reduced stress, tension, and overall wellbeing.

It’s a full-circle approach that perfectly aligns with Elysia’s core belief: it all starts from within.

And perhaps that’s the secret – not chasing perfection, but restoring the very best version of yourself, naturally.

For more information about Elysia, check out our website and social media (Facebook/ Instagram @elysiaskinbodylaser).

ELYSIA Skin:Body:Laser:Aesthetics, Fotheringham Road, Tansor, Oundle PE8 5HP 01832 226328 / 07879 620196 lisa@elysiaskinbodylaser.co.uk www.elysiaskinbodylaser.co.uk

Health, Beauty, Wellness

This month, we chat to two local beauty businesses to find out more

Q&A with Haley Marie, Makeup Artist

Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to become a makeup artist, and how did you get started in the industry?

I have a glamorous grandma who passed down makeup to me and was a huge influence. Her smile when she applied lipstick was so infectious. I guess it all stemmed from there! I started in beauty cosmetics at department stores, working in makeup application and sales. Later, I joined Dior Beauty as a colour specialist, which gave me top-tier training. Eventually, I went freelance, focusing on weddings.

Tell us a little bit about the services you offer?

I specialise in bridal makeup. I also teach makeup, helping clients achieve looks from everyday to glamorous. I offer occasion makeup, commercial work for brands, and brow and lash treatments.

Walk us through your process when working with clients. All bridal enquiries are via my website, where there’s a contact form. Once a booking is confirmed,we schedule a bridal preview to discuss the vision and create a personalised look for the big day. I recommend booking 18 months in advance for Saturdays and 6 months for winter or midweek weddings.

Any tips for brides on how to get that bridal glow?

Definitely invest in your skincare routine – healthy skin is the best base for makeup, so focusing on skincare makes a big difference.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

The moment the bride sees herself for the first time in the mirror –it’s priceless.

Must-have makeup products or tools?

• NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: great coverage and stunning glow.

• Dior Rosy Glow Blush: it creates the perfect bridal flush.

• Hourglass Veil Setting Powder: it’s super finely milled, so it sets but doesn’t cake or go too dry.

• Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick: the pigment is just amazing!

What’s next for you?

I’m excited to offer personal makeup lessons and group masterclasses. I’ll also be introducing pre-wedding treatments to complement my luxury bridal packages. Stay tuned!

078521 33546 | haleymariemakeupartist@gmail.com www.haleymariemakeupartist.co.uk

Q&A with No Filter Aesthetics (NFA)

Specialising in natural aesthetics that enhance and restore what you already have, No Filter Aesthetics is run by Advanced Aesthetics Practitioner Jo Ollershaw, who has clinics at Natalie Dams Beauty in Stamford and Glow in Oakham.

Jo, tell us about yourself and how you got started I studied hair and beauty in college, but I initially pursued a career in recruitment. A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to get back into the beauty industry, working for myself, so I underwent intensive training in aesthetics, including at A-Training in Grantham. The industry is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to learn, which is so stimulating. I absolutely love what I do now – it never really feels like work!

What treatments do you offer?

I offer anti-wrinkle injections (Botox), dermal fillers, skin boosters (Profhilo, Seventy Hyal and the extremely competitively priced yet excellent LumiPro), polynucleotides (used for their regenerative properties, helping to promote skin healing, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture), contour packages, fat dissolving and skin-rejuvenation treatments such as microneedling and Clinicare medical-grade chemical skin peels. You can see the full list on Fresha.

And where are you based – and on which days?

In Stamford, I’m based at Natalie Dams’ beautiful salon, at 13b St Paul’s Street (PE9 4BY), on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. In Oakham you can find me at Glow (also a gorgeous salon), at 34 High Street (LE15 6AL), on Fridays. I appreciate that clients can be busy, so I do also offer treatments around these times by appointment.

How can clients book?

Clients can book treatments by visiting Fresha, by messaging on Instagram and by calling or emailing me directly (details below).

Do you currently have any offers

Yes, I’m offering readers 10% off treatments booked in April 2025. Please quote Stamford & Rutland Living for this offer.

07841 916384 | jo@nfaclinic.com| @nofilteraestheticsclinic

parkrun

Louise Goss chats to the organisers of Rutland Water parkrun, who have recently celebrated their 400th event and 10 years since it started

POP DOWN to Normanton Church, Rutland Water, on a Saturday morning and you’ll see a large group of people of all ages, getting ready to run. Some are going for a personal best (PB) time. Some are chatting to a friend as they jog. There are parents with pushchairs; those wanting some fresh air and exercise; those challenging themselves to complete the 5km distance in a set time.

Everyone has their reasons for being there, from a personal challenge, to pure fun and enjoyment. It is what makes parkrun so unique and inclusive. There are no specific entry requirements other than to show up and hopefully finish the 5km course from the church, to halfway over the dam and back. ‘People are there to train, to socialise, to just have that appointment in their diary to get out and do something and meet up with people,’ says Calli Robertson, the Rutland Water parkrun co-event director.

There are more than 1,300 parkruns all over the country, ever since its inception in 2004, when 13 runners got together in Bushy, Teddington. It has now spread to include more than 10 million registered park runners at events around the world. The premise remains the same: weekly, free, for everyone, forever.

This positive and inclusive message is apparent at our local parkruns, including at Rutland Water, where they recently celebrated their 400th run since it launched there 10 years ago. More than 300 people turned up to run, and Calli says there are regularly 250 to 350 runners each week.

‘The premise remains the same: weekly, free, for everyone, forever’

What she is keen to stress is that: ‘It is a run, not a race.’ There is no time limit for parkrun. ‘Of course, you do get some very fast people. We have people who have run it in under 15 minutes… We are known for being quite flat and fast, so you do get quite a few PBs,’ she says. ‘But for me the most impressive are the older people who keep going and cross the finish line after an hour. We had one lady in her 80s, who recently ran it in 27 minutes. Why is that any less important than the person running it in record times?’

OPPOSITE & RIGHT: scenes from Rutland Water’s parkrun, for adults and juniors

The variety of people who run each week ranges from athletes, to parents, to those with disabilities. They have guides who can also offer support for runners who are visually impaired. ‘You just have all sorts of people with all sorts going on in their lives,’ says Calli. ‘You get to hear their stories… We have had people running on their wedding day. We have people who are pregnant who then come back with the pushchairs. We have people running with cancer. We had one person with dementia. Eventually, he had someone push him in a wheelchair… We have a woman and her little girl, who come and walk it.’

What most people agree on is that we are extremely lucky to have Rutland Water as a backdrop for one of our local parkruns. ‘It’s a stunning spot,’ says Calli. It is a run that attracts a few tourists who like to attend while visiting the area. ‘We get people from all over the world. We have had runners from Australia and South Africa.’ Calli herself has done a bit of parkrun tourism, having run in France, Sweden and Italy.

‘We have a good course, parking, coffee, good toilet facilities; these are all the key parkrun ingredients,’ she says. ‘We are also known for sheep poo and wind!’ Anyone who has enjoyed a Rutland Water parkrun will know how blowy it can get and be familiar with trying to dodge the sheep poo on the course.

One of the most special things about parkrun is that it is completely volunteer led. ‘The volunteers are brilliant and necessary,’ says Calli. ‘We are always in need of more volunteers. We have some DofE students who come along and help.’ These loyal groups of helpers are needed to support with jobs such as set up and marshalling.

JUNIOR PARKRUN

It is the same for the Sunday Junior parkrun, a 2km event for 4- to 14-year-old runners that relies on around 25 volunteers each week. ‘The 5k event for the older runners was such a good thing that it made sense to create something for the juniors because there was so much demand for it,’ says Aidan Haylock, co-event director of the Rutland Water Junior parkrun.

‘It’s a great introduction to running and sport, which is so important. For headspace it’s such a great thing, even for the parents who go and take the kids. The atmosphere is lovely and everyone is there to make sure the kids have a good run.’

Again, the focus is on the run not the race, but inevitably some competitive spirits emerge with runners trying to beat their own times. ‘We’ve got some great runners who are in athletic clubs and they come and do parkrun as a bit of training,’ Aidan says. ‘We get such a broad spectrum of runners or walkers.’

There are regularly more than 70 or 80 junior runners who turn up in all weathers. ‘We get fresh faces coming up and runners from other areas…We get lots of younger runners too.’ They particularly enjoy celebrating their achievements, getting to ring the ‘Happy Bell’ once they have completed the distance. Throughout the year, they also do some fun events such as dressing up days and themed runs such as for World Book Day or at Christmas.

They start off when they are four, then they progress into older children and then graduate out of juniors. Aidan says seeing that journey is really rewarding. ‘It is more than just physical ability or putting a fast run in, it is a good healthy thing to do, meeting new friends, it becomes a good healthy habit… I have met some really amazing people, you get to meet and talk to people who you

time is quite amazing really. I love getting up there at 9am on a Sunday morning.’

He ends our conversation by saying: ‘Parkrun is a run, not a race with a smile on your face.’

The events are always in need of volunteers, so if you are able to help out, please get in touch with your local parkrun.

LOCAL PARKRUNS

Belton House: Belton House, Belton, Grantham NG32 2LS

Belvoir: Belvoir Castle, Visitor Car Park, Near Grantham NG32 1PE

Market Harborough: Welland Park, Market Harborough LE16 9DW

Melton Mowbray: Melton Country Park, Wymondham Way, Melton Mowbray LE13 1HX

Peterborough: Ferry Meadows Country Park, Ham Lane, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 5UU

Rutland Water: Rutland Water Reservoir, Normanton Road, Edith Weston, Oakham LE15 8HD

Snowden Field: Snowden Field, Thorney Road, Crowland PE6 0AL

RUNNING CLUBS

If you want to keep up your running practise or get training for a parkrun, there are running clubs in the area that often have beginner and junior sections.

Bourne Harriers | www.bournetownharriers.org

Grantham Running Club | granthamrunningclub.co.uk

Harborough Athletic Club | harboroughac.co.uk

Melton Mowbray | www.stiltonstriders.co.uk

Oundle Chatter Runners | www.facebook.com/groups/388043711958472

Peterborough and Nene Valley Athletics Club | www.nvh.org.uk

Rutland Running and Triathlon Club | www.rutlandrunandtri.co.uk

Stamford Striders | www.stamfordstriders.org

A New Pet Blood Bank for the Region

In a brand new initiative for the region, a Pet Blood Bank has been set up by the charity of the same name to support vets by providing a blood service for pets, just like the one available to humans. The charity runs donation sessions to which owners bring their beloved companions to give blood. Amander Meade speaks to Adrian Hadjopoulos of Pet Blood Bank UK to find out more

How does the blood bank system work?

Pet Blood Bank operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure blood is always available for pets in need. Every unit of donated blood can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs. Donated blood is taken to Pet Blood Bank’s processing centre in Loughborough, where it is sorted into different products and safely stored. The blood is then sent out to vets when it is needed.

Do different dogs have different blood types? Could a spaniel take a donation by a labrador?

Just like people, dogs have different blood types and when they need a transfusion, a unit of the same blood type should be given. In the UK, dogs are type DEA 1, and they can either be DEA 1 positive or DEA 1 negative. Most dogs in the UK have positive blood type, and only 30% of dogs eligible to donate in the UK have negative blood type. Demand for this blood type is also very high because it can be given to any dog in an emergency.

Dog breeds more likely to have negative blood type are Airedale Terrier, American Bulldog, Basset Hound, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, Boxer, Curly Coated Retriever, Doberman, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Bull Terrier, Flat Coated Retriever, German Shepherd, Greyhound, Lurcher, Saluki, Old English Sheepdog and Weimaraner. We would love to encourage owners of these breeds in particular to consider donation.

What kind of circumstances require donated blood?

Just like humans, dogs need blood both in accident and emergency situations as well as illnesses.

What is the procedure and is it safe for the donor animal?

The welfare of our donors is at the heart of what we do at every step of the process. Owners and donor dogs will be welcomed on arrival, and owners can stay with their pet throughout. First, dogs receive a

pre-donation physical health check and health history review from our vet, followed by a small blood sample and some tests. Next, for the donation, your dog will be lifted onto a table and asked to lie on their side. The donation is approximately 450ml of blood and takes between 5 and 10 minutes. While donating, your dog gets a lovely tummy rub from our team. If a dog shows any discomfort at any time, we stop. After their donation, dogs get a drink of water and a snack. We give you a goody bag to take home, and this contains a toy and some treats.

Are there any restrictions by age or size or breed of dog?

Blood donor dogs must be between 1 and 8 years old, fit and healthy, weigh more than 25kg, have a good temperament, never have travelled outside of the UK and Ireland and not be on any medication.

Why should owners consider donating via their dog?

Every unit of blood can help to save up to four lives, so it goes an incredibly long way in helping poorly dogs.

Is this service available to other pets?

We are hoping to expand our service to include a blood bank for cats in the UK, but we don’t currently have one set up. We are very pleased to support the alpaca community by offering a collection kit and blood-processing service for alpaca vets.

How should readers get in touch?

We currently run sessions at Oakham Veterinary Hospital, Vets4Pets Northampton and Amical Veterinary Centre in Cambridgeshire with all other locations listed on our website. Please visit our page at www.petbloodbankuk.org – all the details can be found there. Readers can also register their dog on this website, and our team will get in touch to follow up.

Hermitage House

Every other Wednesday 10am - 12noon

*Starting from 15th January 2025

We warmly welcome our local community to enjoy a complimentary selection of teas, coffees, and homemade cakes. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet new friends and share good company.

No need to book - just pop in on the day! To learn more or to reserve a table, please contact Jess, our Customer Relations Manager on 01832 430 084.

Why families chose Oat Hill Mews care home

There are many reasons why families choose our new luxury care home in Market Harborough besides our expert care, our established leadership team and our exceptional 10 out of 10 score on carehome.co.uk

We are known in the area for providing expert dementia care with our state-of-the-art dementia friendly designs and technology, an award-winning dining with dignity approach and namaste care.

Dementia care community hub

Oat Hill Mews is also recognised for offering an invaluable dementia hub to the community, to those needing guidance and a listening ear in a supportive and friendly environment.

“Dementia care is a challenge for everyone involved and it’s clear that being able to talk face to face with ‘specialist’ support people is both reassuring and constructive”, David

Five-star food and dining

When residents and relatives are asked what’s so remarkable about living at Oat Hill Mews, the home’s cuisine and dining experience is always top on their list.

Our Head Chef Harry Underwood strives to create only the very best food for residents. He says, “It’s my passion to create wellbalanced dishes that not only taste delicious but look beautiful and appetising - as good as any fine dining restaurant. It’s the greatest feeling to put smiles on their faces.

“I enjoy the food here. Living by the sea I was used to fresh fish and my family grew their own vegetables, so I have always appreciated fresh food”. Hannah, resident

How our expert dementia team help the community:

• Expert-led informative dementia events and dementia support groups offering a range of themes from adjusting to an initial diagnosis to supporting someone with advanced dementia.

• Hand massage taster sessions part of our Namaste care - an approach which brings comfort and calm to those living with

For more information about Oat Hill Mews call 01858 390 356 or scan the QR code.

advanced dementia

• Our highly trained Dementia Care Coach is always on-hand with advice and guidance

• Our weekly Carer’s support café offers emotional and practical support, while your loved one joins in reminiscence activities with our dementia care team. Starting Friday 2nd May.

Oat Hill Mews care home Leicester Road, Market Harborough LE16 7BN careuk.com/oat-hill-mews

Simon Pollendine Private Chef/Event Caterer

Ingredients:

1kg/2lb English beef fillet (sinew removed)

3 tbsp olive oil

250g/9oz chestnut mushrooms

50g/2oz butter

1 large sprig fresh thyme

100ml/3.5 fl oz dry white wine

12 slices prosciutto

For ease, 500g/1lb 2oz pack puff pastry

A little flour for dusting

2 egg yolks

Method:

1. Heat the oven to 220ºC/fan 200ºC/gas 7.

2. Sit the beef fillet on a roasting tray, brush with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with pepper, then roast for 15 mins for medium-rare or 20 mins for medium. When the beef is cooked, chill it in the fridge for about 20 mins.

3. Meanwhile, chop the mushrooms finely, so they have the texture of coarse breadcrumbs.

4. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil with all the butter in a large pan and fry the mushrooms on a medium heat, with 1 large sprig of fresh

Q&A with Simon

Tell us about your background

I began my career at 13, washing up in a pub in the Dorset countryside. The landlord was a great shot and a great chef, so there was a lot of wild game – pheasants, rabbits, deer – and lots of local produce, and this inspired me to cook. In my career I have worked with some fantastic chefs at high-level 3 rosette, 5-star hotels all over the country. By the age of 40 I decided I needed to do something for myself, so I created my own business as a private chef.

How would you describe your style of cooking?

Fine dining using traditional skills and methods, but also keeping up with the new food trends of home-smoked food and street-food fusion.

A favourite dish currently on the menu

Pan-roasted Gressingham duck breast with confit duck leg, hash brown, sauté duck liver, creamed savoy cabbage, honey-glazed baby carrot, duck crackling and rich duck and port sauce. I’m a true believer in nose-to-tail approach using all parts of the animal, even roasting the bones for the duck gravy.

A favourite ingredient?

I love working with the very best that our region has to offer, from game during the winter months to wild garlic in spring, and the fabulous fruit and berries from around Rutland Water through spring and summer.

A cooking ‘trick’ to share with readers

If you love meringue but can’t eat eggs, use the liquid from tinned chickpeas and treat it as if you were making meringue.

A bit about you

I am a private chef based in Market Deeping. My team and I try to support and use as many local suppliers and farmers as possible. This helps to ensure we keep our carbon footprint down and to ensure we use products of the highest quality. We don’t have set menus; we love to work with our clients to create bespoke menus with their ideas and food that they love. This way, their event is unique to them.

thyme, for about 10 mins; stirring often, until you have a softened mixture.

5. Season the mushrooms. Add the wine and cook (about 10 mins) until it has been absorbed, and the mixture holds its shape when stirred.

6. Remove the mushroom duxelles from the pan to cool and discard the thyme.

7. Overlap two pieces of cling film over a large chopping board. Lay the prosciutto on the cling film, slightly overlapping, in a double row.

8. Spread half the duxelles over the prosciutto, then sit the fillet on it and spread the remaining duxelles over.

9. Use the cling film’s edges to draw the prosciutto around the fillet, then roll it into a sausage shape, twisting the ends of cling film to tighten it as you go.

10. Chill the fillet while you roll the pastry.

11. Dust your work surface with a little flour. Roll out a third of the puff pastry to a 18 x 30cm strip. Place on a non-stick baking sheet.

12. Roll rest of pastry to about 28 x 36cm.

13. Unravel the fillet from the cling film and sit it in the centre of the smaller pastry strip.

14. Beat the egg yolks with 1tsp water and brush the pastry’s edges as well as the top and sides of the wrapped fillet.

15. Using a rolling pin, lift and drape the larger piece of pastry over the fillet, pressing well into the sides. Trim the joins to about a 4cm rim. Seal rim with the edge of a fork.

16. Glaze all over with more egg yolk and, using the back of a knife, mark the Wellington with long diagonal lines, taking care not to cut into the pastry.

17. Chill for at least 30 mins and up to 24 hrs. Heat oven to 200ºC/fan 180ºC/gas 6.

18. Brush the Wellington with egg yolk and cook until golden and crisp (20–25 mins for medium-rare; 30 mins for medium). Allow to stand for 10 mins before serving thickly sliced.

simon pollendine, chef/director of simonpollendine – private chef & catering company (events, weddings) 07545 976882 | simnshell28@aol.com www.simonpollendinesprivatechef.com @simonpollendineprivatechef

Simon’s Recipe: Beef Wellington (Serves 6)

Simonpollendine

The Sun Inn Great Easton

Nicholas Rudd-Jones enjoyed a delightful lunch in this quintessential but contemporary village pub on an early spring day

IF you live in a delightful village in need of a new owner to take over and cherish your local boozer then it would be hard to imagine anything better than the transformation that the locally based Three Goats Group has brought to The Sun Inn over the last few years – a complete but sensitive reworking of the indoor and outdoor space, an elevated menu, a focus on local ingredients and sourcing, an eye out always for the local community (including £6 community meals on Mondays), a bar area that still looks like a proper pub and a service second to none. This place feels like a dream come true of what a modern-day village pub should offer.

‘This

place feels like a dream come true of what a modern-day village pub should offer’

And the proof is in the pudding – we visited on a midweek lunch, and it was full. To build up an appetite we first of all had a quick walk around the village, past the new café (The Great) and up to the church, alongside which Eyebrook Wild Bird Feeds are based. Then we walked back alongside the Great Easton Brook and soaked in the beauty and tranquillity of the village. There are also many good longer walk opportunities from here, including up the hill to Nevill Holt.

PRIVATE DINING AT THE SUN INN

THE WINE ROOM

This room can seat up to 12 and is ideal for get-togethers. It’s decorated with antique furniture and unique artworks, including a striking Rembrandt Rock Band painting by French artist Thierry Bruet. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate celebration.

THE GARDEN ROOM

If you’re looking for more of an alfresco experience, The Garden Room is a great option overlooking the beautiful Olive Garden. It can seat up to 20 people, making it a lovely space for celebrations ranging from birthdays and baby showers to engagements and wedding receptions.

OPPOSITE & ABOVE: The Sun Inn – its quaint exterior, inviting interior and delicious food, which includes meat from the pub’s own farm

Our Lunch

We were warmly greeted on our arrival and looked after well throughout the meal. There is a good vibe here, with plenty of laughter and good conversation. For starters, I chose the burrata with roquito salsa and crispy cavolo nero with toasted pumpkin seeds. The creaminess of the burrata contrasted beautifully with the scrunchiness of the cavolo nero and pumpkin seeds. For his starter, my friend Peter had the soup of the day (butternut squash with pumpkin seeds), with toasted sourdough. He declared it to be very satisfying and warming on this very sunny but distinctly chilly day.

For the main course, Peter chose Thai monkfish and king prawn curry, with crispy chilli squid, spiced cashew crumb and basmati rice. It was a delightful cacophony of flavours. Meanwhile, I had the 8oz rump steak, which came with hand-cut chips, roasted garlic mushroom and watercress salad, and mushroom sauce. I am very aware of the quality of a steak, as I regularly indulge in cooking steaks at home, and this was undoubtedly one of the best.

I learnt from our hosts that top-quality, local meat is at the heart of many of the dishes here – they use beef, lamb and pork from their own farm just outside the village. It’s about 200 acres and has a herd of Belted Galloway cattle – a traditional breed that produces very flavoursome meat. You might even spot them grazing the lush pastures surrounding the village when you visit – they’re recognisable by their distinctive stripe! The cattle are reared slowly and are entirely grass-fed, so the beef tastes amazing. ‘Belties’ are a self-sufficient and hardy breed – and the kitchen team love working with the meat as it’s so flavoursome The farm also has a flock of Suffolk-cross and Cheviot sheep and some Oxford Sandy and Black pigs.

We were too full for dessert, but we could see from other tables just how much they were being appreciated. The sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and salted caramel ice cream looked especially good.

The Sun Inn has everything you could wish for and more as the modern incarnation of a great local pub.

the sun inn, 6 cross bank, great easton le16 8sr 01536 772182

www.thesuninnge.com | @thesuninnge

THE OLIVE GARDEN

With the help of a talented team of florists and gardeners, a once-neglected area has been turned into a tranquil spot where friends and families can eat, drink and relax. With an ancient olive tree as its centrepiece, an eclectic mix of plants and flowers in pots and troughs, this has the feel of a Mediterranean garden. With plenty of sunny spaces – and a few shady spots when temperatures really soar, The Olive Garden is the perfect place to enjoy a pizza cooked on the wood-fired Gozney pizza oven.

THE WEDDING VENUE: CASTLE VIEW

This is five minutes’ walk from The Sun Inn. It has a real rustic appeal – allowing you to create a less formal atmosphere than a hotel or stately home. It therefore perfectly suits couples looking for a celebration or get-together rather than a formal sit-down meal. It has character and charm – and the view across to Rockingham Castle is amazing!

THE COTTAGE – 1 BARNSDALE

Just 100 yards from the pub, 1 Barnsdale makes a great base from which to explore this unspoilt area. With four double bedrooms, a large kitchen, ample living and outdoor space, and a self-contained double-bedroom annex, it is an ideal spot for a group of up to 12 guests. It makes the perfect spot for a holiday or short break – especially popular with groups coming together to celebrate special occasions, But it’s also popular with couples and families. If you stay here, the pub’s talented team of chefs can prepare something special for you to eat in the house.

Flowers Old School House

With the season for sitting in pub gardens almost upon us, have you ever wondered how such places are kept full of beautiful flowers? Tim Relf chats to leading local floral designer, Helen Tonner, of Flowers at the Old School House

EVERYBODY IS CREATIVE,’ but sometimes people need a bit of guidance to help them tap into their particular type of creativity,’ says Helen Tonner. Helen, who runs the Rutlandbased Flowers at the Old School House – located in the picturesque Rutland countryside, near Launde Abbey – is frequently reminded of this when running courses. ‘Men and women sometimes arrive and say “I’m not at all creative, so I’ll be rubbish at this,” but some of the best work comes from those who claim they’re not creative.’

Helen’s discovery of her own talent for floral design came a decade ago when her eldest daughter signed her up to a two-year course at Covent Garden Academy of Flowers. ‘I’d always loved flowers and anything creative, so the course really was life-changing,’ she recalls. It led her to launch the business, which, alongside workshops, provides vase arrangements for parties and events, as well as supplying weekly flowers for shops, pubs and restaurants.

‘My floral style is natural, loose and light, with attention to shape, texture and fragrance,’ she explains. ‘It’s always important to look at the size of a venue, though, and understand the likes and dislikes of the person who’s commissioned you. My style is garden-like, seasonal and natural – and my philosophy is always to make indoor flowers look as much like they’re growing in their natural habitat as possible.’ In outdoor spaces, meanwhile, this translates into loose, verdant forms. ‘I don’t like anything that looks “mean”,’ says Helen. ‘I love abundance!’

One pub where Helen’s beautiful work can be seen is The Sun Inn at Great Easton (see p88), where she provides table flowers, looks after the outside spaces and was even involved in the original garden design when this historic village pub was renovated. ‘The brief was for it to feel like an English country garden, rather than a typical pub garden. An ancient olive tree is the focal point, so in

some ways we created it around that, but there are gorgeous stone and brick outbuildings, too, so we were mindful of the colours and textures of those. I’m always looking for something unusual, so I spent many hours searching for interesting specimens.’

Nowadays, outside drinkers and diners at this popular pub can enjoy topiary specimens, fragrant jasmine and honeysuckle, old roses and lots of herbs that are destined for the kitchen.

‘Troughs and pots are really important. We were lucky because we had a good budget, and it’s always worth buying the best-quality pots and troughs you can, as they will last forever. The key to gorgeous container planting is that it has to be full, plentiful and rich.’

Creating a magical space can actually be quite simple, points out Helen. ‘Too much complexity can be counterproductive, so you don’t need lots of different species, and too many colours can just end up clashing. If you want, for example, to encourage bees, focus initially on purples, blues and violets, such as by using lavender, and then maybe go for a simple green-and-white colour palette to complement it. Think about patterns and repetition, and, whether it’s for a garden or a vase, aim for different shapes, sizes and textures. I often include twigs and foliage from my garden or that I’ve foraged as that always gives texture.

‘I particularly love dressing the private dining room, The Wine Room, at The Sun Inn,’ she adds. ‘It’s an atmospheric, moody room so it works well to put colour in there. When choosing flowers, I take inspiration from the huge piece of artwork on the wall and aim for a colour palette that will work with that. A large urn of mimosa sitting next to it looks amazing at this time of year.’

www.flowersattheoldschoolhouse.com

A treat without the travel

Why battle with traffic or trains when there’s a beautiful spot for a break within easy reach? The Nevill Arms at Medbourne is in the heart of the Welland Valley – and makes the perfect place to eat or stay if you’re visiting Nevill Holt Festival this summer. It’s no surprise ever-more people from Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire are choosing our country hotel and pub for a ‘local getaway’.

Easter Fun at The White Hart

We have a jam-packed Easter Weekend!

On Good Friday kids will eat free from our pizza menu all day! (T&Cs apply)

On Easter Sunday we will have our annual Easter Egg Hunt - and go on….why not stay for a Sunday lunch afterwards.

On Easter Monday we will be hosting our first Kid’s Cookery Party: “The Easter Cookie”. £18 per child for children 5-10 years Get ready for a deliciously fun day! From 10.30am – 11.30am each child will get a cook along demonstration to make their own Easter cookie, then while the cookies bake, we’ll serve a tasty buffet lunch for them. Once the cookies are baked and cooled, each child will get to take home their fresh homemade cookie. Places are limited to 30 so please call direct on 01780 740250 to book your child onto this event. (Payment required in advance for all bookings).

We hope you can enjoy this Easter with us here at The White Hart.

The White Hart, Main Street, Ufford, PE9 3BH 01780 740250 info@whitehartufford.co.uk www.whitehartufford.co.uk

Feather blade of beef, spring greens, champ potato, stilton rarebit glazed mushroom

Black carrot bolognese, crispy Wensleydale cheese polenta, braised celery, carrot top pesto, hazelnut and watercress salad(V)

Dessert

Lemon mousse, passion fruit, meringue, pistachio cookies

Chocolate sticky toffee pudding, caramelised white chocolate ice cream

Please book your table online at www.lakeisle.co.uk or call 01572 822951 for any Tuesday to Saturday lunchtime (1st April to 3rd May)

The Lake Isle

25 Years & Still Getting Better

The Lake Isle in Uppingham is such a favourite spot for us. It always hits the mark in terms of deliciousness and with its set lunch menu it offers exceptional value, too, writes Nicholas Rudd-Jones

IMAGINE the scene: a bright, early spring Saturday, with Uppingham looking quaint and pretty, its streets busy with shoppers and visitors, and once again a full house at The Lake Isle. We comprised a family group of four, getting together for the first time since Christmas, and the weather and the town and the ambience of The Lake Isle put us in the mood to be merry from the get-go.

OUR MEAL

We sat at a large table that gave ample room for spreading out and was well spaced out to the next tables. Original paintings adorn the walls, a clue to the spirit of independence of this place. And every table was booked, creating a great vibe; rest assured, however – even with a full house, the service was immaculate and timely throughout; we wanted and waited for nothing.

We chose from the set lunch menu of the day, which represented incredible value at £28.50 for three courses the day we went. There is also a very inviting à la carte menu.

For starters, Clare chose the Moroccan-style crispy feta pastries with pomegranate, sweet and sour beetroot, and sumac onions with watercress. Elaine and Michael each had the smoked and cured salmon and trout, served with preserved lemon and mascarpone cheesecake, with trout caviar, cucumber, capers and poppy seed; while Nicholas tried the venison and haggis bon bons, with peppered neeps, whisky barley and pickled red cabbage. The presentation was exemplary across the board, but above all every dish tasted delicious and often had unusual but successful flavour combinations. Michael commented: ‘There is lots of care in every detail, and I feel I can taste each ingredient perfectly.’ Nicholas found his dish distinctive and original, just that little bit different and more exciting than the norm for starters.

For the mains, Elaine and Michael once again went for the same dish, the Featherblade of beef, served with stout-braised carrot, celery and blue cheese fritter, with curly kale colcannon. Michael was struck by the tenderness of the beef – in his words: ‘I have never come across beef so tender’ (and he’s eaten in a fair

‘The Lake Isle is quite simply the best – inventive cooking, every dish spot on, superb value’

FROM THE LATEST GOOD FOOD GUIDE:

‘It’s an affable and personable retreat. Standout dishes are many and varied, from crispy panko scallops with chorizo, ‘seasoned squid’ and black vinegar aïoli to pork fillet with a wild boar pie. The kitchen likes to mix and match globetrotting flavours, as in grilled sea bass with samphire pakora, toasted cucumber, mussels and sorrel raita, although the results are always on-point with ‘consistently high standards’ across the board. Warm, helpful service always gets the nod, and there are some ‘high-quality’ offerings on the ever-growing list of around 200 wines.’

few Michelin restaurants). Clare opted for the English herb and miso roast aubergine, which came with a green lentil dhal and jalapeño coconut yoghurt, with fava bean and halloumi bhajis. She was absolutely bowled over by it – ‘delicious and very on trend’, in her words. Nicholas enjoyed the parsley-crusted supreme of cod, with leek and horseradish risotto, and wild mushrooms with piccolo parsnips. He (probably without foundation) professes himself to be an expert on risottos – frequently cooking them at home – and declared this to be a very fine one, with a subtle hint of horseradish and a perfect al dente texture. The mushrooms were remarkable too.

There was none of that usual lunchtime mumbling about should we have desserts; they were being had and, boy, they didn’t disappoint. Sweet, delicious, multi-textured, great ingredients – we would have enjoyed any of them. For the record, Clare and Elaine had the chocolate panna cotta with blood orange sorbet, honeycomb and spiced almond shortbread; whilst Michael and Nicholas had the toffee plate: sticky toffee pudding, butterscotch delice, and treacle and somerset apple brandy tart with smoked sea salt caramel ice cream. This tasted as delicious as it sounds!

We all left very content after a good family get-together. None of us had any space for dinner that evening…

What has been the secret to the establishment’s success?

We were left to wonder, what is it that still makes The Lake Isle so good after 25 years, and how on earth do they maintain the freshness and originality of the offering?

There is an energy and enthusiasm throughout the team that never seems to diminish, testament to the leadership of owners Richard and Janine. It is a tight-knit team that has clocked up many years of knowledge and commitment between them.

Head chef Stuart Mead has worked in the kitchen from the start, and when he was joined by Janine, herself a qualified chef, they were able to share the tasks between them, giving headroom to innovate and, most importantly, being able to ensure consistently high standards. Janine also brought her particular flair for pastry, and the two chefs have very complementary skills.

The quality of ingredients and cooking techniques is perhaps not a surprise after years of excellence – but, more surprisingly, there is continuing inventiveness too. They never seem to be content to rest on their laurels, and we find ourselves trying quite new and original dishes every time we return.

No wonder The Lake Isle was so full. After 25 years there are many loyal customers that come back again and again, and there are also diners discovering it for the first time, such as the couple on the table next to ours, who had travelled from Market Harborough to visit Uppingham for the day and were simply delighted with their ‘voyage to Lake Isle discovery!’ The Lake Isle is quite simply the best –inventive cooking, every dish spot on, superb value.

the lake isle, 16 high street east, uppingham le15 9pz 01572 822951 | www.lakeisle.co.uk | @thelakeisle

local food & drink

Indie Food & Drink

Given Easter is a time of year associated with hope and new beginnings, it feels very fitting this month to feature two inspirational women who found the courage to re-invent their careers in a way that has brought joy to so many

words: ellie clark

THE KITSCH HEN

There is something very British and comforting about a biscuit with a cup of tea, whether you’re a dunker or not, it’s hard to imagine not having biscuits as our second national currency.

It was exactly 10 years ago that Caroline Stafford officially established herself in the biscuit business as The Kitsch Hen, with the vision of spreading a wave of sweet crumbly happiness across Rutland initially, and subsequently the whole of the UK. However, what makes her vanilla iced biscuits so incredibly special is the fact that each one is embossed with a personal message for the recipient, making them not just comforting but very meaningful.

Caroline is a great believer in the power of words, and their ability to shape our mindset and feelings when used in the right way. Her business embodies this and is all about positive thinking. However, ironically it was born out of a very personal challenge that left Caroline struggling to see any light herself for a while.

At the point in her life when she was ready and preparing to have children, mother nature seemed to have a different plan. Undeterred, Caroline and her husband went through several rounds of IVF in the hope that their dream of becoming parents would come true; however, as is the case for so many couples, their IVF attempts weren’t successful, and Caroline found herself having to accept a reality that she hadn’t anticipated.

Not being able to have children is a subject she talks and writes about with breathtaking honesty now in the hope that her story will give strength to other women. However, at the time Caroline recollects the only thing that eased her own pain was offering comfort to other people. The very first biscuits she baked and embossed with a message were for a close friend, who, like Caroline, was also undergoing IVF. Caroline recalls how desperately she wanted to let her friend know she was thinking of her, but that cards or flowers didn’t feel quite right in the circumstances. And so, the concept of ‘a hug in a biscuit’ was born.

During her IVF treatment, Caroline had set up and ran a preloved children’s clothing company. Being surrounded by mothers and young babies, however, was becoming understandably difficult, so she took the courageous decision to change direction and focus full time on establishing The Kitsch Hen.

By 2019 the business had grown to the point where Caroline’s kitchen at home was no longer big enough for production, so she acquired a unit in Oakham and expanded her team.

Roll forward to 2025, and Caroline now has over 20k Instagram followers, she sells online to customers nationally and she also has a partnership with online florists Bloom & Wild. Despite the growth in her customer base, though – particularly for corporate events and

‘And so the concept of “a hug in a biscuit” was born’

offering, with a focus on doing the little things well. All of her biscuits come beautifully wrapped in sustainable packaging with a tea bag (of course!), and she has invested recently in special edible ink printers, allowing any message and colour palette to be created so that brides can match the colour of their place card biscuits to their dress. With Easter just around the corner, why not explore Caroline’s new range and treat someone you love to a unique present that conveys exactly how much they mean to you?

www.the-kitsch-hen.co.uk | @thekitschhen

THE PICKLED SHOP

‘A small shop with a big welcome’ is what I’d been promised, but when I arrived in Bulwick to interview Camille Ortega McClean, nothing quite prepared me for just how big a welcome it would be. I think the only way to describe this retail gem is as our local baby Fortnum & Mason. Despite the shop being no larger than the average living room, Camille has managed to find a place there to display every delicacy imaginable, from her awardwinning homemade pickles, chutneys, jams, marmalades and curds, all the way through to exquisite cheeses, fine wines, English fizz, biscuits, vodka, gins, home-baked cakes and chocolates. Everything in this shop is about quality over quantity, and the owner embodies the same. Small in stature but mighty in every other way. Like the recipes to her famous preserves, her age is a closely guarded secret, which I can hardly believe when she shares it with me, but let’s just say I would be beyond happy to have her energy when I reach that age.

With a Spanish father and Italian mother, it was inevitable that Camille would have a passion for food, but what started originally as a small cottage industry when Camille lived in Scotland soon snowballed into a business that found her supplying the likes of Selfridges, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason, to name but a few. Nowadays, despite still being very much in demand nationally, Camille prefers to concentrate on her business in Bulwick, where her range of preserves changes with the seasons. In addition to her shop, she runs a small café-come-tapas bar on the beautiful terrace behind the shop – a spot adorned with bougainvillea, passion flowers, grapes and chilli plants.

If you’ve yet to sample Camille’s range of preserves, you are in for a treat. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or prefer savoury treats, there is something to cater for every palette on her shelves. Her customers’ current favourite savoury condiment is her Red Rapscallion Onion Marmalade, which she advises pairs beautifully with cheese or pâté. Made with a unique blend of red onion, redcurrant, thyme and chilli, it packs a delectable punch. Alternatively, if you like your chutneys super-hot, why not try her hot Caribbean Chilli Relish, which certainly separates the men from the boys.

And for those of you with a sweeter palette, like me, the product range is simply divine. Whilst I am not usually a fan of marmalade, Camille does not make your usual offering – all her varieties come with a unique twist (and most contain alcohol!), with the Lemon Whisky & Ginger variety and the Cuban Mojito being my favourites. The latter is so versatile, it can be spread on toast, served with cheese or even used to accompany lamb, given its mint content.

The Pickled Shop, 15 Main Street, Bulwick, Northants NN17 3DY | 01780 450774

www.thepickledshop.com | @thepickledshop

Whether you’re treating yourself to a meal from our two AA Rosette A la Carte menu, relaxing by the fire with a Falcon burger, or simply catching up with friends over a tipple or two! Madison Keys, Zak Perrin, and the team at The Falcon, warmly welcome you seven days a week!

Mondays-Thursdays:

Food served 12-2pm and 5-8pm, bar closes at 10pm

Fridays-Saturdays:

Food served 12-8pm, bar closes at 11pm Sundays:

Food served 12-3pm, bar closes at 5pm

What's on?

Darts Social nights! (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm) Complimentary snacks provided in the evening

Fish and Chip Fridays!

Enjoy our local real ale battered Haddock and chips, crushed minted peas and tarragon tartare sauce all for just £10 between 12-8pm on Fridays!

Apr

Sat 12th Apr from 10pm

our local car scene

The car scene in Stamford & Rutland is thriving, with a new wave of automotive passion reshaping the landscape. Kate Cadman caught up with self-confessed car enthusiastturned-entrepreneur, Geoff Turral, to explore what’s fuelling this evolution and why nostalgia, community and innovation are driving the region’s motoring culture forward

THE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR outside the café on the day I met local entrepreneur Geoff Turral did nothing to quell his enthusiasm for a conversation about the local car scene. Geoff has quite a pedigree from the car industry and, more recently, has established himself as someone who’s trying to change the way we all interact with our vehicles, so I was interested in finding out his thoughts on why Stamford and Rutland seem to be nurturing such a healthy and continually growing audience of petrol heads amidst today’s global push for a move to electric motoring.

Geoff’s relationship with cars has been intense throughout his life. ‘My first car-related memories are of playing with toy Matchbox cars. Then, when I was 8 years old, my aunt married a road test editor for Autocar, Michael Scarlett, and he would pick me up from my local comp in a Rolls or a Lamborghini, which didn’t make my

life easy! Those early experiences fed a love of cars, which, I think, was already there,’ says Geoff.

‘What started as a hobby subsequently became my job. I began my professional career working for Vauxhall Motors as an Economic and Market Analyst, progressing to Area Manager before moving to Toyota GB, Lexus GB and, finally, Porsche Cars GB. I spent over 11 years with Porsche as Marketing Director and then CEO.’

Today, Geoff is enthused by the increase in car events locally. ‘If you want to measure the health of the car scene here, just look at all the different events locally, such as the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club at Burghley House, the Festival of the Unexceptional, hosted at Grimsthorpe Castle and the ever-popular and always oversubscribed, Classic Car Show, organised by Stamford Round Table and held on the town’s Meadows. ‘I think as a nation we are becoming more thoughtful, sanguine and sophisticated in our

approach to older cars.’ In the past, Geoff says, we coveted old cars, but often these were inaccessible because of their prohibitive prices. Nowadays, the trend towards events such as the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional (FOTU) celebrates everyday automotive icons from 1970 to 2000. This approach of honouring the quirkiest, most charming cars is a notable change from the traditional classic car scene of old.

‘Nowadays many ’80s and ’90s models are the icons of desire –the Range Rover, VW campers, Golf GTIs. It’s less about the money and status, and more about the new generation of 40-somethings having an emotional tie with the cars they remember from their own childhood.

‘Looking back, my first car, a 1965 Fiat 500 with suicide doors [hinged at the rear, not the front], elicits lots of memories including some terrifying drives around Devon and Cornwall on the Land’s End Trial. However, my favourite is the second car I bought, for £850 at 19 years old – a 1965 Alfa Romeo that I still own. When I turned 40, I got my racing licence and converted it into a racer.

‘The car’s value is never as important as the fact that owning them allowed me to do stuff that people pay millions to do – Goodwood Revivals with James Hunt’s teammate, Jochen Mass, and former Ferrari F1 driver, Arturo Merzario. My cars, which are not considered particularly valuable, allowed me to access some great events that have provided a wealth of rich and tangible experiences.’ Another reason for the gravitational pull towards car meets today is that they are inclusive and cross generational. ‘Generally nowadays, people feel more isolated, so attending a car meet is a great way to spend the day interacting with others – they make people feel connected.’

Today, Geoff spends less time in the driving seat of his cars, and more time steering a new venture, CarCloud, which focuses on digital car management. ‘After leaving Porsche, I felt frustrated that in the 12 years prior, looking at the experience of the customer, the only thing that had got better was the coffee. Nothing else had changed. Despite an internet revolution and social revolution, the car industry hadn’t moved with the times.’ Geoff met Paul Jewell, a fellow car enthusiast,

FAR LEFT: car enthusiast-turnedentrepreneur Geoff Turral, pictured, has set up CarCloud Community with fellow car aficionado Paul Jewell.

LEFT: one of the impressive vehicles on display at the Burghley Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club car meet at Burghley House in June 2024.

and together they founded the CarCloud Community, an online platform allowing customers to oversee all their car costs and variables – insurance, finance, admin and running costs – in one place.

‘Another reason for the gravitational pull towards car meets today is that they are inclusive and cross generational’

As Stamford and Rutland’s car scene continues to thrive, it’s clear that a shift is underway – one that values nostalgia, accessibility, and community over status and exclusivity. Enthusiasts such as Geoff Turral are at the heart of this movement, embracing a fresh perspective on classic motoring while also pioneering digital innovation in car ownership. With a rich tapestry of local events celebrating everything from Rolls-Royces to the most unassuming family hatchbacks of yesteryear, the passion for cars is as much about shared experiences as it is about the vehicles themselves. And as Geoff proves, whether it’s racing a beloved Alfa Romeo or redefining how we manage our cars, the joy of motoring isn’t just about what we drive, it’s about the stories, connections, and memories we create along the way.

find out more at carcloudcommunity.co.uk

editor’s note: another car meet that we have heard good things about is ignition cars and coffee, just north of ketton (steadfold lane, pe 9 3 un), a venue for car and bike enthusiasts to meet on a monthly basis. find out more at www.ignitioncarsandcoffee.co.uk

EDITION INCLUDES: Burghley House: Graphic Rewilding’s Botanic Tapestry Freya Goldmark: SIMFestival 2025 Gladwell & Patterson: Bringing Art to

Blanc Fine Art: Workshops, Open Days, Exhibitions Fashionable Headwear: Oakham’s Rebecca Couture Millinery

Review: The Lake Isle, Uppingham

Local Briefing

News from the region this month

ACR Computer Maintenance: 40 Years

ACR Computer Maintenance celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, serving the Stamford market and surrounding areas. ACR offers a repair and maintenance service as well as selling new PCs and laptops. The team pride themselves on their friendly, non-jargony approach, underpinned by their vast experience and knowledge accumulated over the past 40 years in giving the best advice and recommendations they can.

The company was founded by Stephen Green, who first started to trade from the Scotgate address in 1985. In the early days it offered an onsite maintenance service to businesses. It used to sell some early Commodore computers, then Amstrads, then some of the first DOS-based computers, eventually moving on to Windows operating systems from Windows 1.0 all the way through to Windows 11 today.

Terry Enderson, working as an engineer for ACR, took over from Stephen Green in 1994 as Managing Director and played a big part in making the ACR brand what it is today.

Ian Jarvis started with the company in 1994 as a workshop engineer, coming first to ACR on work experience. He took over the reins from Terry as Managing Director in 2021 and runs the business today.

Ben Grindley has worked at the company for 13 years and is an integral part of ACR’s continued success. Together, Ian and Ben make up a very friendly and experienced team.

Ian told us: ‘Our success has been built on decades of passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to offering the best service and a friendly support in a welcoming manner.’ Ian is a born and bred Stamfordian and is extremely proud to be keeping the ACR brand going as it celebrates four decades in the industry.

ACR Computers, 57–58 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ 01780 753477 | www.acrcomputers.co.uk

R Morgan Electrical Services

R Morgan Electrical Services has been in the industry for 25 years. When it comes to hiring an electrician, they are a very reliable name in Rutland and the surrounding areas. They take a very thorough approach to every client’s needs and issues, to make sure they come up with a carefully thought through and effective solution. From minor to major alterations, they will gladly cover all aspects of electrical work.

Electrical Services: Do you need electrical additions or full electrical installation in your residential, commercial and industrial premises? R Morgan Electrical Services serves all these different markets with equal expertise.

Renewable Energy: The team evaluates your energy needs and property’s solar potential to develop end-to-end solutions. Recognising that every property differs, they have adopted a customised solar design approach. It ensures that every step is tailored to maximise your efficiency and savings.

They use high-quality solar panels and cutting-edge technologies to guarantee maximum energy production. Their NICEICapproved electricians also assist with permits, approvals, and connection to the grid. By choosing Morgan Electrical, you can transition to solar energy without any hassles.

Electric Car Charging: Contact them for a full design and consultation for your EV charging needs. They work with all the leading manufacturers of EV car chargers, so you can be sure they will find the one that best meets your requirements.

Testing and Inspection: Keep your electrical equipment working in good condition with regular testing and inspections by the experts. They will carry out thorough checks on your electrical systems, diagnose problem areas and advise appropriate solutions.

R Morgan Electrical Services Ltd, 10 Buckingham Road, Oakham LE15 6RX | 01572 827949, 07836 245312 rmorganelec@aol.com | rmorganelectricalservices.co.uk

Local Briefing

News from the region this month

Easter Adventures at Ferry Meadows

Hop into an action-packed Easter at Ferry Meadows! From 5 to 21 April, get ready for a fantastic line-up of outdoor adventures, wildlife workshops, holiday clubs and Easter Adventure Trail. They include:

Easter Adventure Trail: Follow the trail, solve fun questions and complete the scavenger hunt to claim your Easter egg prize. Your activity pack also includes exclusive Easter offers.

New for Easter 2025: The Big Jump Inflatable Fun Park. Get ready to jump, climb and bounce your way through an unforgettable inflatable experience! Conquer a 300-metre obstacle course, explore a massive inflatable play area and let little ones blast off in the space-themed toddler zone.

Oak Adventurers Holiday Club: An exciting multi-activity holiday club open weekdays from 7–18 April at Nene Outdoors, perfect for kids aged 8–13. Action-packed fun awaits!

Acorn Explorers Holiday Club: A nature-based holiday club at Lynch Farm, open weekdays from 7–11 April for kids aged 5–8. Non-stop activities and creative outdoor fun.

Pay & Play Watersports: Open daily, 11am–5pm, choose from dragon and swan pedalos, row boats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. Book your activities online to avoid the queues.

Daily Boat Trips: Enjoy a lake and river cruise and see what wildlife you can spot! These 45-minute trips depart daily from the Visitor Centre Jetty. Suitable for all ages, it’s £10 per person and £3 for under 4s.

Ride the Ferry Meadows Railway: Sit back and enjoy the ride! Running daily, weather permitting.

For a whole host of other activities, and to book your place, please go to www.nenepark.org.uk/easter

Need Better Access to your Loft Space? Loft Ladders can Help

Loft ladders are a practical solution that can greatly enhance the accessibility of your loft space. By providing a safe and efficient way to reach your attic, loft ladders open up valuable storage options that can help declutter your home. This added storage space allows you to free up room in downstairs areas, creating a more organised and functional living space.

Additionally, loft ladders are a cost-effective way to maximise the potential of your home without the need for expensive renovations. Whether you’re storing seasonal items, holiday decorations or rarely used belongings, having easy access to your loft can help improve both the aesthetics and functionality of your home.

Andrew Wright is a specialist in installing loft ladders with the minimum of fuss, often being able to complete the job in a single visit, and also able to offer a range of ancillary services that enables you to get a one stop shop ie hatch enlargement, loft boarding and loft insulation.

He has been in the business for more than eight years now, so is very experienced at every aspect of the work. He has worked on properties of all ages and so is very familiar with the varying quirks of different age properties. He takes a straightforward, no-nonsense approach, will quote you a price and options and then once you are settled on what you want, get the job done quickly and tidily within the day.

He generally carries a stock of folding ladders in his van but can also specify wooden loft ladders, which might be a good choice if you are using the loft space frequently and the ladder might be more on show.

For more details about loft ladders and how they can work in your home, contact Andrew Wright on 07525 705706 or by email at loftladders@btinternet.com

Local Briefing

News from the region this month

New Farm Shop for Stamford in 2026

TEALS and Burghley are hugely excited to announce a new collaboration to regenerate parts of George Farm, bringing to life a shared vision for a new food market, restaurant, food to go and gift store on the southern outskirts of Stamford.

The project combines TEALS’ expertise in innovative, experience-driven retail and hospitality and Burghley’s longstanding support of, and vision for, a thriving local economy. With community at the heart of the partnership, TEALS will champion local farmers, growers, makers and producers and help connect both local people and passers-by with the spirit of this vibrant region.

‘We are thrilled to be working with Burghley on this fantastic project,’ said Ash Sinfield, Founder and Head of Local of TEALS.

‘The collaboration is consistent with our mission and what we enjoy – bridging the gap between producers and guests whilst cultivating a shared pride and enthusiasm for the region’s heritage, the faces, stories and dedication behind the products. By sourcing from nearby farms and artisanal makers, Teals also ensures access to the freshest ingredients from the local area, benefiting guests, the local economy and the environment.

‘TEALS also serves as a community hub, bringing people together through food, adding to and complementing fantastic existing offers in and around Stamford and delivering value for locals and visitors alike.’

David Pennell, CEO, Burghley, commented: ‘We’re confident their expertise will be a positive addition to Stamford, and we’re delighted to collaborate with a partner who shares our passion for strengthening the local economy and creating something special for the community.’

Construction will begin in April 2025 with TEALS scheduled to open in spring 2026 | teals.co.uk

108 | local briefing: april 2025

Rewired Festival August 2025

Get Ready for the Ultimate Tribute Experience!

Rewired at Grimsthorpe Castle in August 2025 is set to be a spectacular celebration of music, history, and community. Held at the stunning Grimsthorpe Castle, a Grade I-listed stately home nestled in the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside, the event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy incredible live performances while surrounded by the grandeur of the castle and its expansive parkland.

The festival will showcase a vibrant lineup of tribute acts, bringing the sounds of iconic bands and artists to life. Audiences can look forward to spectacular performances by acts including Oasis Forever, Planet ABBA, Pure Queen, Gladness, Blurz, Steptastic and Mardy Bums, each expertly recreating the magic of legendary groups such as Oasis, ABBA, Queen, Madness, Blur, Steps and Arctic Monkeys.

Gates will open in the afternoon, allowing festival-goers to explore the grounds before the music begins. With performances running from 4pm to 11pm, there will be plenty of time to enjoy before and during the music. Guests can also indulge in a variety of food and drink options available throughout the event, making for a full and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Early bird discount tickets are now available for just £29.50 plus booking fee, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic celebration of music. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, or something in between, Rewired at Grimsthorpe Castle promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and the stunning beauty of one of England’s finest historic locations.

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK NOW: Secure your tickets now by booking at www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk and get ready to sing your heart out under the stars!

Local Briefing

News from the region this month

Lazy Crow Festival

Save the date: Saturday 14 June – the much-loved Lazy Crow Festival returns to Borderville Sports Complex in Stamford and it gets ever more ambitious year on year

The Lazy Crow Festival returns on Saturday 14 June at the Borderville Sports Complex on Ryhall Road in Stamford. It is now in its third year and is growing every year. As well as the two main tents featuring 13 acts, this year sees an addition of a children’s tent featuring storytellers, face painting and puppeteers. An excellent selection of drinks including real ale from local brewers Baker’s Dozen, and street food from India, Mexico and Italy.

The main stages feature bands and artist from all over the UK as well as a sprinkle of local artists. On the Marquee Stage will be favourites Dub Catalyst, Cambridge Funksters Mr Griff, London Troubadour Laurie Wright, Punk Poet Gabi Garbutt and the illuminations, Norfolk Indie Band the Lounge Lizards, local alternative band Cherry Holt and Stamford ska punk band the Detonators.

The Tipi Stage features London-based electronic band Hench Hog, Cambridge-based Sunday Driver playing their own melting pot of world music, the distinctive voice of singer-song writer Ben Ottewell (Gomez), photographed above, Scottish lyricist and musician Neev, and Stamford’s the Dancing Wuli Masters plus the wonderful Folkies Pennyless.

So, if you fancy going to a great festival right on your doorstep, visit lazycrow.co.uk for more details

Oskar illustration

Oskar illustration, the Stamford-based illustration, animation and mural studio, recently went live in Birmingham city centre with a giant mural entitled ‘Some barriers are too big to tackle alone.’ The project was for Sport England for their next phase of the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign.

New research found that only 1 in 10 women from lower incomes feel they completely belong in physical activity, revealing the systemic issues of exclusion, affordability and the lack of tailored support. And for women on lower incomes from underrepresented groups – including Black women, Asian Muslim women, pregnant women, new mothers, and older women – the challenges and feelings of exclusion are even greater. Exercise should be a human right, and the hand drawn mural helped to agitate for the change required to ensure that no woman gets left behind.

Full-length portraits of three women – Tamiah, 23, Birmingham; Maria, 24, Manchester; Christine, 63, Newcastle – were surrounded by real quotes showcasing the barriers they, and women like them, face every day. Blank space around the portraits gave passers-by and visitors a chance to show solidarity, sharing their own barriers to getting active.

The team at Oskar have previously worked with many international clients including Apple, Nike, Spotify and Uniqlo ‘but a project like this where we saw the general public at first hand positively interacting with the art and asking questions to find out more gives us the most fulfilment’ says Oskar’s founder, Oli Roberts.

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ben ottewell (gomez)

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Local Briefing

News from the region this month

Black Orchid Retirement

A shop that has been part of Stamford for 40 years will be closing when the owners retire later this year. Kate and Craig Benson first opened Black Orchid, an eclectic clothes shop that got its name from a DC Comics character back in 1985.

‘My parents lived near to Stamford at the time,’ Kate told us. We sat in the coffee shop above Sinclairs and people watched. We saw enough potential customers to think we could do it. And, although there have of course been ups and downs, we have never really faltered. Our customer base has grown steadily, and many of our customers have become friends.’

A closing date has not been set – although it will be after Easter and before June – but a retirement sale is now on in order to sell off stock. Pop in now to secure a bargain!

How has shopping changed since they started up? ‘Well,’ Kate says, ‘I think people had a more relaxed attitude about things 40 years ago. We would quite happily leave our daughter Daisy (now 37) in the pram outside a shop whilst we went in – and now and then we forgot her! She used to have a little corner in our shop where she could play, and customers would often offer to take her out for some fresh air!

‘We are not selling the business,’ Kate clarifies, ‘although we won’t be opening again as a shop. You never know you might see us popping up at the market or at a show from time to time. We will never lose our love of clothes and jewellery, nor the friendships with our customers.’

We wish them every happiness in their retirement. Kate talks about sorting the garden and redecorating. They will be much missed (we have especially fond memories of Craig walking through town whilst reading a book), having a unique style, friendliness and non-pushiness that has served them brilliantly over 40 years.

Black Orchid, 7 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE 01780 754140 | blackorchidltd.co.uk

House Dr.

Lorraine Ball, co-owner of the long-established and muchrespected J & L Ball Interiors, is now offering an advisory service for only £250 to people who are thinking of selling their home or perhaps struggling to find the right buyer.

Home staging is a powerful tool in real estate, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. It involves strategically arranging furniture, decor and accessories to highlight the best features of your property.

Lorraine can come round to your home and advise you on how you can make your home have maximum appeal in a series of practical steps/quick wins. ‘My goal with each client,’ Lorraine told us, ‘Is to make prospective purchasers instantly think “Wow, I’d really like to live here.”

‘I will be honest with my clients about where they can improve things,’ Lorraine continued, noting that the three most common issues are:

1) Curb appeal – making sure a place feels just right from the moment you set eyes on it

2) Decluttering – reducing the amount of stuff in a room will make it look a lot larger

3) Making sure a room is what it says it is – so, if the third bedroom is being used as a store area, make sure to present it as an appealing bedroom once again.

‘All in all,’ Lorraine reflected, ‘with my years of experience in interior design, I know that I can really help make a difference. It’s often the little things that can make the biggest difference.’

To find out more and get in touch, contact Lorraine by email at lorraine@house-dr.co.uk, call her on 07748 974622 or visit visit www.house-dr.co.uk

St Mary’s Street, Stamford 01780 754140 blackorchidltd.co.uk

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THE APRIL WALK

Bulwick, Deene Park & the Willow Brook

This delightful walk explores a charming stretch of the Willow Brook, has glorious views of Deene Park and passes through remote countryside with an other-worldly feel

words: nicholas rudd-jones

POINTS OF INTEREST

• The church in the village of Bulwick has 13th-century origins. There is a memorial inside to Admiral Lord Tryon, commander of the Mediterranean Fleet of 1893. His ill-fated order led to his own ship being accidentally rammed and sunk by a friendly warship.

• Deene Park, the seat of the Brudenell family since 1514, is a Grade I-listed building dating back to the 14th century. Seven of the Brudenell family were Earls of Cardigan – the most notable being the 7th Earl who led the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava (1854).

Deene Park is a great place to visit, offering tours around the house, the fabulous gardens and the Old Kitchen Tea Rooms on selected days between May and August. Find out more at deenepark.com. It is open on Easter Sunday and Monday, when child admission will include an Easter Egg activity hunt.

The gardens will also be open on Sunday 27 April 12–4pm in conjunction with the National Garden Scheme.

• The Deene Park obelisk was erected to celebrate the Millennium. A tea pot sits on top of the obelisk, celebrating the fact that tea was the late Edmund Brudenell’s favourite drink.

• Before World War II, Deenethorpe Airfield was just a patch of ground mainly used for farming. From 1943–5 it was used by the US Army Air Forces 401st Bombardment Group (Heavy). Today it is a privately owned airfield with microlights and private planes using the old main runway, and the fields have been returned to farming use. The old Nissen huts are used for lambing and remain untouched.

• The Willow Brook is a tributary of the River Nene. It rises north of Corby, where, until 1980, water was extracted for use at the Corby Steelworks. It then flows through Deene, Bulwick, Blatherwycke, King’s Cliffe and Woodnewton and joins the Nene downstream from Fotheringhay.

OPPOSITE: Our walk takes us through the parkland of Deene Park, but if you’d like to visit the gardens, they will be open as part of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 27 April, 12–4pm. Deene Park photo: Val Corbett

KEY DATA

Distance 8.3 miles

Typical time 3 hours 40 mins

Start & finish Bulwick Church (NN17 3DY)

Terrain Undulating

Cautions: You will need to cross the A47 twice, and it is usually very busy – not advisable for dogs or young children. Also, several of the paths go across fields, so very muddy in wet weather.

PIT STOPS

• The award-winning The Pickled Shop (01780 450774, www.thepickledshop.com) is just across from Bulwick Church. There is a delightful, covered terrace out the back overlooking the garden that serves drinks and food all day. We had tapas on the terrace the day we went and thoroughly enjoyed it. See also p96–7.

• Adjacent to The Pickled Shop in Bulwick is The Queen’s Head Inn (01536 645460, www.thequeensheadbulwick.co.uk). The pub is under the new ownership of Danielle Haynes and her family, who have been in the hospitality business for 30 years.

DIRECTIONS

1 Park close to Bulwick Church and set out southwest on the footpath to the right of the pub that heads close to the Willow Brook, past Bulwick Hall on your right.

2 Cross a stile into a second field, and once you come alongside the tunnel that takes the brook under the road, head down into the copse towards a rickety gate; this then leads up to the embankment of the A47.

3

Cross the road with extreme care, and turn right for a few yards, until you see a signpost on the left. Go over the barrier and follow the markers through the reeds.

4

Climb the slope towards Deene Park and you will soon reach the teapot obelisk; continue on the path to the far-left side of the field to the small road.

5

Turn right along the pavement, past some quaint estate cottages, and then bear left up past Home Farm and then left again onto the parkland, heading back towards the A47.

6

Once again cross the road with great care and take the small road up to Deenethorpe. Where the road divides into two around a tree, turn right along a No Through Road and walk to the end of it.

7

8

Turn left here and then left again at the top of the hill, walking along the old aerodrome concrete service road.

As the road twists round to the right, continue ahead straight across a field, soon crossing the road and walk alongside a field boundary.

9

Just after the next field boundary, the path takes off diagonally to the right, crossing another bridleway, then taking a bridge over a stream and eventually joining another bridleway.

10

Follow this bridleway to the right-hand edge of Bulwick Lodge, then cross the road. Head a few yards left and then sharply right to head towards Blackmore Thick Farm (the farming couple here were incredibly helpful and friendly to us the day we passed through – their ancestors have been farming in these parts since the 14th century, they told us).

11

Pass through the farmyard and then stay on this bridleway until it reaches another bridleway coming in from the left –take this one heading west until you reach a field leading down to a stream with an old building immediately on your left.

12Pass through the gate to the right of the building. take the path straight ahead across a field and then reaching a farm track that runs along the western side of two woods.

13At the end of the second wood, the path bears round to the right and then bears left through a narrow avenue of trees, eventually coming out on the road close to Blatherwycke.

14

Turn right along the road for a few yards (not left as the footpath sign seems to indicate) across a stile on the other side of the road (by the gate just to the right) and then head back across several fields on the path back to Bulwick.

©Crown copyright 2025 Ordnance Survey. Media 009/25.

Titanic Tales

At around 2.20am on 15 April 1912 RMS Titanic sank beneath the cold waters of the Atlantic: around 1,157 lives* came to a tragically premature end. Across the world newspapers reacted with a flurry of editorials, reports and banner headlines describing the last moments of the unsinkable ‘ship of dreams’, which had so failed to live up to its reputation. Interest in Titanic has never flagged since: books, articles, documentaries and blockbuster movies continue to stoke the fires of curiosity, while memorabilia attracts vast sums at auctions. But the real story of Titanic is made up of many smaller stories, stories of courage, heroism, organisational incompetency, loss and grief. Here is an account of two men connected with Rutland and the Stamford area who were there on that dreadful night and never returned

words: caroline aston

WALTER THOMAS BOOTHBY was born on 13 August 1874 at Docking in Norfolk. He was one of 10 children whose childhoods were peripatetic to say the least. John Boothby originally worked as a grocer’s shop assistant in Docking, but by 1891 he’d changed jobs and moved his family to Alconbury in Huntingdonshire. The outdoor life appealed to him, and he was employed there as a gamekeeper by Guy Fenwick.

In 1896 the family relocated again, this time to North Luffenham in Rutland. Fenwick, a close friend of opera star, Nellie Melba, had taken the lease on Luffenham Hall, and John Boothby went with him as his gardener. Walter had already left home by then and seems to have had wanderlust in his blood. After a few years in service he embarked on a career at sea, giving him the chance to see the world. By 1897 he was working as a steward for the Orient shipping line and subsequently moved to the Union Castle Line and

* Numbers vary

was in South Africa at the height of the Boer War (1899–1902).

However, there was time for romance and Walter courted a former lady’s maid called Caroline Tunnicliffe during his UK leaves: the two were married at Brooke Church near Oakham in 1904.

But Walter Boothby seemed to attract bad luck: a sailor looking at his record would have called him a ‘Jonah’ and avoided any ships he served on! Disaster followed disaster: aboard the Dunbar Castle, navigational error caused that ship to be lost for a quite a time, whilst in 1908, when Boothby was serving on the St Paul, his ship collided with the Gladiator in a heavy snowstorm off the Isle of Wight. Both ships were ripped open but St Paul stayed afloat, launching lifeboats when Gladiator sank. Twenty seven sailors lost their lives. Chillingly, he was aboard the Olympic, sister ship to Titanic which launched in 1911, when the huge, opulent vessel collided with HMS Hawke in the Solent. She was holed in her hull, causing two of her water-tight compartments (the feature was supposed to make Titanic unsinkable) to flood. She limped back to Southampton with no loss of life. Walter later learned that his brother Arthur was serving aboard Hawke!

None of this put Walter Boothby off. In 1912 he signed on as a Second Class bedroom steward aboard Titanic alongside his brotherin-law John Puzey. Both men would have been sleeping when Titanic met her iceberg nemesis at 11.40pm on 14 April. Probably the thump of that collision wouldn’t have unduly perturbed Walter in view of his previous experiences, but it was the sound of doom for him. Puzey perished with him, though his body was never recovered. Boothby’s was: coffin ship Mackay Bennett took his corpse on board and labeled it No.107. Walter was described as fair with prominent teeth, wearing a vest, uniform jacket with White Star Company belt and pyjamas. In his pocket was a pouch, a pipe, a knife and a few coins. He was buried at sea and his wife Caroline never married again. He left no children.

Bourne lies around 11 miles from Stamford and has a more tenuous link with Titanic. In 1901 Harry Bartram Faunthorpe (1880–1912) was working as a grocery assistant there, but he was ambitious, and after moving to Grimsby became a successful furniture salesman making a lot of money. In 1911 he decided that his talents needed a more cosmopolitan backdrop and settled in Manchester. Once there he met a discontented, childless married woman called Elizabeth (‘Lizzie’) Wilkinson, wife of a paper dealer. The two started an affair. Things progressed quickly and the lovers hatched a plan to run away together.

When Titanic sailed on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912, Harry and Lizzie were on board, travelling as Mr and Mrs Faunthorpe on joint Second Class ticket No.2926. It had cost £26 (over £15,000 today), and the couple told fellow passengers they were going to California on honeymoon. When Titanic foundered, Lizzie survived – having been woken by the collision, she’d run up to the boat deck, where, against her will, she’d been forced into a lifeboat by officers with drawn revolvers.

Harry didn’t make it: his body was labelled No.286, described as aged around 36, balding but with dark hair. His list of possessions was very different to Walter Boothby’s rather pathetic collection – there were six diamond and gold rings on his fingers valued at $1,000 (over $33,000 today), plenty of cash, plus gold and silver chains and watches. His clothes were a contrast too: grey jacket, white striped waistcoat, blue trousers and a purple-and-green flannel shirt. He was buried in Philadelphia, where Lizzie had gone after the disaster. She was to later sue the White Star Line for £10,000 for her ‘husband’s’ loss – an action that failed, as Lizzie had not lost the husband she was still married to at the time of the sinking!

Two very different stories about two extremely different men: divided by strict class lines in life, the passenger and the steward were united in death on that freezing night in April 1912.

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Rachael Johnson definitely on the a train

IF THERE IS such a person as a regular reader of this column, they know that I write about acts that I like. However, every now and then I come across a performer who really stands out as a gem. Kettering-based jazz pianist Rachael Johnson is one such. The daring of her musical adventure is disguised by her relaxed, joyful demeanour. Maybe that is why Rachael is in such demand. For example, she regularly plays residencies at Glastonbury Festival’s Deluxe Diner, although she had to pass on that gig in 2024 when 8 months pregnant. Rachael laughs: ‘I could not get behind the keyboard.’

I caught up with Rachael in the more restrained surroundings of Uppingham’s Falcon Hotel. Backed by Matt Carter on double bass and Neil Richards on drums, she dished up a rich menu of classics often spiced with a samba beat. The set included Duke Ellington’s The A Train, some Nina Simone, Errol Garner’s wonderful Misty and even Doris Day’s Black Coffee, the announcement of which prompted the ever-attentive Falcon staff to rush Rachael a cafetière as she played.

words: steve roberts

Rachael started playing music aged five. She later studied at Middlesex University and gained a Jazz Diploma from the London College of Music. She is most definitely a creator as well as an interpreter – Rachael’s self-penned album ‘Purple and Green’ is available now, and she is at the mastering stage of her next original music album.

The ‘standards’ on display at The Falcon are, therefore, just a fraction of Rachael’s musical expertise. Mucky Slide, another of Rachael’s trios and regulars at Thrapston’s Way Station, is described on Peggy’s Skylight website as delivering dirty funk, cool Latin vibes and smooth jazz. I certainly aim to catch up with them! She and her father, Dave, are regular performers as The Johnson Duo at The Shoulder of Mutton in Great Bowden, and Rachael is a firm favourite at The Lion at Basford.

‘Every now and then I come across a performer who really stands out as a gem. Kettering-based jazz pianist Rachael Johnson is one such’

But Rachael travels far and wide to play, listen and learn, and Glastonbury is not the most exotic port of call in her musical odyssey. She spent a year in Australia and also travelled through Southeast Asia. Apparently Arambol in Goa is ‘an amazing place to play’. So, we have jazz, funk, soul and the blues – time to complete the contemporary music set. I give you Rachael Johnson Rockschool Examiner. Rockschool equips people of all ages with the skills vital to success in today’s music scene.

The dynasty started by her father looks set to continue. Rachael’s partner plays bass, and daughter Winnie – who kept Rachael from Glastonbury last year – is being lined up as a drummer to complete another trio. I doubt Winnie will be ready for Rachael’s next Falcon gig in September, but do try to catch it anyway.

To listen to Rachael’s music, search ‘Rachael Johnson Jazz’. To book her for a public or private birthday or wedding party, email rachaeljohnsonpiano@gmail.com or catch her Facebook page. For details on Rockschool go to www.rslawards.com

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