Rutland Living March 2012

HELPING YOU TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING LOCALLY

RUTLAND LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH & BEAUTY/HOME & GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

DESIGN Kitchen Heaven PERSPECTIVES Local Authors FA S H I O N Spring Fever £1.50 MARCH 2012

@LocalLivingUK

WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK

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Oak House Residential Care Home for the Elderly

WELLAND FLOORING LTD

Before you choose your wool-rich carpet, choose your experts Lisa and Edmund, Carpet Foundation Members

• Care home providing high quality care in comfortable ‘home from home’ surroundings • Dedicated ground floor respite care room/trial visit room, with en-suite available now, rate £575.00 per week.

• Oak House prides itself on offering high quality care in a pleasant friendly home environment • Room rates from £525 per week To request a brochure or for more information

please telephone us on 01572 812647 or e-mail us on dcw@oakhouse28.fsnet.co.uk

www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk Pond Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7NW

The Carpet Foundation has 900 independent carpet retailers with exclusive use of an Office of Fair Trading Approved Code of Practice supported by these leading UK based wool-rich carpet manufacturers: Axminster, Brintons, Causeway, Cavalier, Pownall, Ryalux, Ulster, Victoria, Westex, Woodward Grosvenor.

www.carpetfoundation.com

• FREE ESTIMATING AND PLANNING • EXPERT ADVICE AND FITTING • ALL ASPECTS OF FLOORING UNDERTAKEN • NOW INCORPORATING WELLAND INTERIORS. • DESIGNERS GUILD • FABRICS, PAINTS, WALLPAPERS, RUGS. • UPHOLSTERY AND CURTAIN MAKING SERVICE.

WELDON ROAD, CORBY, NORTHANTS, NN17 1UZ

TEL: 01536 265195 www.wellandflooring.co.uk

Oakham’s Family Law Specialists 01572 724900

RuTLand FamiLy Law aSSOciaTeS

78 High Street, Oakham

Tel, 01572 724900 - Fax 01572 720815,

www.rutlandfamilylaw.co.uk - email - admin1@rutlandfamilylaw.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

MARCH CONTENTS

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hanks to Alan Oliver for the front cover on the Rutland edition this month. Alan, a well established local painter will once again be offering a series of painting workshops at Egleton Bird Watching Centre on a monthly basis on a Wednesday morning from 10am to 1pm (March – November). The cost is £30 per day (plus £10 for the initial tools). Please logon to www.alan-oliver. co.uk for further details. And what a great way to surprise mum this March with an original painting, or if art’s not your thing then you could buy one at an art exhibition at the Victoria Hall, Oakham (to the 4th March) where Alan will be exhibiting alongside other ‘Art in Lyddington’ Prize Winners 2011: Robert Goodwin, Rob Bibby, Richard Clarke and Victoria George.

If you’re feeling very generous, Loïc Gesnouin and Julie Needham will also be exhibiting their ‘New Works’ until 3rd March with Woodbine Contemporary Arts at the Falcon Hotel Courtyard, Market Place, Uppingham. See page 6 for further details and other suggestions for gifts and treats this Mothering Sunday.

Abigail Late in • Barnsdale Hall are offering a Mother’s Day Carvery Lunch 3 course £19.95 with each mum receiving a £5 Spa voucher; Tel: 01572 757901 to book.

• The annual Rutland Macmillan Clothing Sale will take place on Friday 2nd March 5.00pm – 8.30pm (£15 inc champagne and canapés) and Saturday 3rd March 8.30am-1.30pm (£5) at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel.

Contact Trish Ruddle on Tel: 01572 724400.

• Wednesday 21st March 7.30pm Cavells Fashion Show - the new spring / summer collections. Drinks and canapés. Tickets £15. Tel: 01572 770372

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Editor’s Choice – Mother’s Day suggestions including flowers, treats and more

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Up Front – Rutland Water Fly Fishing, Safe Driving in Rutland, New bathroom showroom in Uppingham, Oak House Residential Care, Garden Design, Easter Courses at Uppingham and more

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Market Harborough News - Natur House, Marzena’s Room, Fitzone Gym and Foxton Locks Lodges

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Design solutions - Practical Kitchens for a new spring look

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Shops and services - Let it Shine… Spik and Span for spring

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Health and beauty - Spring clean your beauty routine!

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Fashion – Spring Fashion for him and her

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Eating Out – The Lord Nelson, Oakham and The Nevill Arms, Medbourne

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Eating Out – Mem-Saab, Fine Indian Dining in Leicester

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Perspectives - Making money from your property

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Perspectives - Rutland Lions, the Pride of the County

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Education - News from some Local Independent Schools

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Motoring - Choosing a car colour; what it says about you

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Writer’s Corner – Dear Jim, Part Two

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What’s on in our region this month

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Travel – Look for the real Greece this summer and skiing at Easter

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Local people - Successful Authors in our midst

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

Subscribe to Rutland & Market Harborough Living

Rutland Cover Artist: Alan Oliver

Market Harborough Cover Photographer: Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Subscriptions – annual rate £20 (UK only).

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

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living MARCH 2012

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Editor’s selection Mother’s Day Treats and Gifts

Sarah Harding Interiors New Wild Flowers Range from Emma Bridgewater. Available in Scarlet Pimpernel, Scabious and Birds Foot Trefoil. Priced at £19.95 each 27 High Street East, Uppingham , Rutland LE15 9PY Tel: 01572 823389

Stapleford Park Mother’s Day Lunch Delight your Mother this March with a luxurious 3 course Sunday lunch dining experience and a £30 spa voucher at Stapleford Park Hotel and all for the price of £35.00 per person. To book, email reservations@stapleford.co.uk or call Tel: 01572 787019.

Jussi Perhaps she needs an excuse to unwind and luxuriate in a bit of me time? Try these Connock bath and body products priced from £18.50 at Jussi.

Contact: 9 Adam & Eve St Market Harborough LE16 7LT, Tel: 01858 411041

Pollen Say it with flowers!

42 High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AL Tel: 01572 724404

Wish, Uppingham For a smaller budget, then head to Wish in Uppingham. Here a freshwater pearl necklace with silver heart pendant (£32), pink pastel scarf (£16), flavoured soaps and tin candles from the ‘Wild Olive’ range from under £3 to £10 Wish, High Street, Uppingham Tel: 01572 823510

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Barnsdale Hall “Treat your Mother this March” is a spa day offer at Barnsdale Hall where your loved one will receive a luxurious back, neck, shoulder massage, use of the leisure facilities, a light lunch and a blow dry in the hair salon. Offer available throughout March at the bargain price of £45.00! Tel: 01572 757901 to book

Woodbine Contemporary Arts Are you feeling flush? Well this Loïc Gesnouin Opus 7 oil on linen would not only be a stunning gift but an investment to boot. £1,050 Loïc Gesnouin New Works’ exhibition to the 3rd March at the Falcon Hotel, Uppingham.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING MARCH 2012

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SPRING IS IN THE AIR...

ELIZABETH STANHOPE INTERIORS

SHOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE – LOTS OF GIFT IDEAS IN STORE FOR MOTHER’S DAY - 18TH MARCH

Fords of Oakham

NEW COLLECTIONS

8 Church Street, Oakham, Rutland Tel: 01572 722654 - www.fordsofoakham.co.uk

Including Cath Kidston, Designers Guild, Pip Studio, Lexington, Mulberry, Christian Lacroix, Voyage, Zoffany…

Wild Strawberry Picking

10% off all carpet and rug orders Offer ends Monday 30 April 2012

Chic Vintage & Bespoke Items • Furniture NEW SHOP • Local Rutland Honey NOW • Girl’s dresses, coats OPEN & handmade items • Unique handmade lampshades

www.wildstrawberrypicking.co.uk

40 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AY Tel: 01572 757118 or 07970 770229

Clock & Watch Restoration and Repair

ES Charity Lecture 2012 Eastern Influences: A journey along the silk route with Alex McKenzie of Mark Alexander THuRSDAy 31 MAy AT 5.30PM

Robert Loomes MBHI FRSA 4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319

Member of The British Watch and Clock Maker’s Guild (Founded 1907)

www.clockrepairer.co.uk

Member of The British Horological Institute (Founded 1858)

House visits, all domestic clocks repaired, high grade repairs to all makes of watches.

Insured, qualified, guaranteed

27 Mill Street & 1 South Street Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA Telephone 01572 722345 Email: showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk 7

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Bespoke Bathrooms & Wet Rooms • Plumbing & Heating

FOR BEAUTIFUL MODERN & TRADITIONAL BATHROOMS & WET ROOMS…

As i n divid u a l a s you New showroom now open: Unit 8 Fernie Court,Station Road, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9US - Open 9.30am – 5pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-1pm Sat, Closed Thursday

Tel: 01572 824004 or 0770 229 3455 - www.allwaterplumbingco.co.uk

All work fully insured & guaranteed

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

Oak House Residential Care Are you in the middle of an endless quandary about Residential Care for yourself or a relative – or just at the start?

It’s a daunting, fearful and guilt-ridden decision for everyone to find your loved one a safe, secure and settled “home from home,” somewhere they’ll be content.

Says Linda Ellis, manager, “Oak House provides every facility you should expect and we comply with every demanding regulation. But as a family run home for over 20 years, there’s so much more. With full, rule-free visitor access and an ethos that allows residents and relatives full involvement in running the home we might even describe ourselves as ‘anti-institutional’! Our staff deals with individuals’ needs (medical, dietary or social) with loving care and compassion.

One daughter wrote: “The kindness shown at Oak House helped something of mother’s former personality to show through”. Anther comment from a relative: “At a time when such places are under constant criticism and scrutiny, it’s a delight and SO reassuring that there are residential homes at the other end of the scale”. Most importantly, we can help to sift the confusions which will be testing you all – from occasional respite through to consideration of long term care and all its implications.”

• Contact: Oak House Residential Home, Pond Lane, Greetham, Rutland, LE15 7NW, Tel: 01572 812647, www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk

Garden Inspiration Let your imagination run free…whatever the style, size or character of your garden, William Lloyd can bring it alive with a bespoke creation. A well-considered structure will not only enhance your garden, but provide a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of everyday life. Specialising in the design and construction of bespoke garden buildings, ranging from tree seats to classical reading rooms and large summer houses, William Lloyd produces beautifully crafted designs in stone, wood and reclaimed materials to provide the perfect focal point for your garden.

The company can either take your own idea, or suggest a concept to you. Designer Stephen Roe will design and sketch a proposal, liaising with you at every stage, and he can even make a scale model prior to the build.

Producing structures that complement quaint cottage gardens, landscaped parkland and private estates, William Lloyd has developed a wide client base, which includes garden designer and Gardeners Question Time regular Bunny Guinness.

• For more details, or a free consultation, contact www.williamlloyd.co.uk or Tel: 07974 071551

Winning Designs

We’re pleased to have caught up with Denise Beresford this month, the winner of last year’s competition to win a design consultation with local interior and garden designer Alison Hutchinson Says Denise, “Our master bedroom was the first room I thought of when I entered the completion. We’ve been here 7 years and, although the house is a new build, I wanted it to have a feeling of age so I incorporated some antiques but the bedroom now feels a little dated”.

As part of the free consultation Alison looked at the room and took some measurements in order to restyle where necessary. She then presented colour samples and fabric swatches. “Alison came up with a simple but subtle scheme which really has the wow factor. I wanted a neutral cream scheme and Alison has worked with this but added her own touches. I particularly love the look and feel of the curtains. Her design has totally transformed the space and I’m delighted with it”, explains Denise.

• If you have a project in mind contact Alison on Tel: 01572 747318 or see examples of Alison’s work at www.alisonhutchinsondesign.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING march 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

ready for the fishing season

Upfront

Natural Structures Passionate about hand making bespoke Oak buildings Natural Structures pride themselves on hand making Oak buildings and, for over twenty years, have helped lead the revival of Oak framing throughout the UK. The team use techniques that have evolved over ten centuries combined with up to date materials and technologies to design and build structures for twenty first century use.

Says Simon Lewington, manager, “Our work demonstrates both modern and traditional detailing creating beautiful bespoke Oak structures to last and for our clients to enjoy.

Find out more by exploring our website or simply call us. We will be pleased to meet you and discuss your ideas.”

• Contact: Natural Structures, 2 Fir Tree Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 7AE, Tel: 07970 557992, www.natural-structures.co.uk

New Bathroom and Bespoke Wet Room Showroom in Uppingham Husband and wife team Darron and Lisa Evans plan to offer the complete solution for bathrooms, showers and wet rooms from supply only to undertaking the design and full project-managed installation.

All disciplines are covered from plumbing, heating, gas servicing, carpentry and bespoke joinery, electrical works, tiling, building works and all decorative finishes including floor coverings.

Registered Plumbing and Heating Engineer Darron has over 25 years experience within the industry and is an Institute of Plumbing Award Winning Installer, as well as Gas Safe Registered and an Anglian Water approved Plumber.

Lisa has worked within the bathroom showroom industry for many years at managerial level and her aim is to promote the new business with an emphasis on quality, knowledgeable service and after sales care.

The showroom will also sell natural stone wall and flooring, from granite, limestone, travertine, basalt, marble to mosaics and borders as well as ceramic and porcelain tiles. Also in store will be bathroom lighting, designer accessories and bathing/showering products.

“Our speciality will be on the bespoke bathroom and wet room market as we have undertaken various installations on Grade

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II listed buildings locally and nationwide as we appreciate the understated sympathetic approach to conservation works and how to achieve the right finish. Our new showroom will be an extension of our skills honed over many years of trading, offering a truly professional and guaranteed service”, explained Darron.

• For further information visit www. allwaterplumbingco.co.uk or contact Darron and Lisa Evans on Tel: 0770 2293455 or visit Bespoke Bathrooms & Wet Rooms, Unit 8, Fernie Court, Station Road, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9US. Tel: 01572 824004

The fly fishing starts next month and expert tutor Rob Waddington suggests this should be the year you sample the sport – “Fly fishing combines mental and physical elements and there are no age or gender barriers to enjoying everything it offers”. If you think of fishing and picture a quiet riverbank and hours of solitude – think again. Rob operates Rutland Fly Fishing Adventures and says that Rutland Water offers the best still water fly fishing in Europe and plenty of challenges – and he should know as he’s fished all over the world. As well as accompanying parties and individuals himself, Rob employs a team of expert anglers specially trained as guides on Rutland Water. “Even experienced, local fishermen who know the water well discover how to fish more effectively after a day out with a guide – it’s our job to help you get the most out of the water and improve your sport.” If you are arranging a team building day or corporate hospitality, consider a day’s fishing tuition. Typically, Rob welcomes visitors to his lakeside lodge over coffee before a couple of hours on land taking in some theory plus casting practice. After a light lunch it’s all aboard the motorboats and out on the water for the rest of the day. • Rob can also offer four star bed and breakfast accommodation including family rooms. Find out more about gifts, corporate and team building days or personal tuition on Tel: 01572 722422 or visit www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk

Safer Driving in Rutland in 2012

Rutland County Council organise a number of initiatives to promote safer driving in our county. There is a Greener, Safer Driving theory course organised for anyone wanting to update their highway code knowledge and learn how to save on fuel costs. Once you have taken this course there is also an option to take part in a practical refresher lesson at a future date.

This course has been organised for Friday 30th March at the Council offices in Oakham and is free for local residents but will be limited to the first 20 who apply. A skid car has been booked to come to Rutland on the 27th March to educate drivers about how to control a car in adverse weather conditions. Pass Plus aimed at young drivers aged 17-25 who have just passed their test has been promoted by the Council since 2008 and to date, 768 have completed the 6 extra hours of tuition that this course provides. The modules cover motorway driving, night driving and city driving. Statistics show that young drivers are more likely to be involved in road collisions than any other age group and that the main causation factor is driver error due to inexperience. This course is completely free for all Rutland residents who are under 21 and is subsidised for 21-25 year old residents as well as students who attend schools in Rutland, but live outside the county.

More details can be found at www.rutland.gov. uk under the Pass Plus subsidy pages.

• Contact: enquiries@rutland.gov.uk for more information or Tel: 01572 722577

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING march 2012

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www.naturalstructures.co.uk 07970 557 992

We’ve been busy, not just making beautiful oak buildings... we’ve also made some great galleries in our new website.

naturalstructures specialist oak buildings

Simply call us or visit our new website for further details QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be

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

Window Repair

Why replace your timber windows when you can restore? Traditional Restoration offers a cost-saving alternative to window replacement. Also: • Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught proofing • Reglazing and reputtying

Before

After

Before

After

Exterior joinery repair

For a free, no obligation estimate please call James on:

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

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk

Rutland Shutters

Made to measure Plantation Shutters For a free brochure or quotation contact

Tel. 01664 474013 Mob. 07768 695236

mail mail@rutlandshutters.co.uk web www.rutlandshutters .co.uk

KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS POORLY GARDEN? Garden in despair, Planting needing care.

Patio shaky, weak and tired A re-design may be required.

A cure is possible Ring 01780 481624 for help www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN AGED FROM 4 - 14 BASED AT THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL EASTER 2 – 5 APRIL AND 10 – 13 APRIL SUMMER 9 - 13 JULY 16 - 20 JULY 23 - 27 JULY 30 JULY -3 AUGUST 6 – 10 AUGUST 13 – 17 AUGUST BASED AT STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL EASTER 2 – 5 APRIL SUMMER 30 JULY -3 AUGUST 6 – 10 AUGUST 13 – 17 AUGUST 20 – 24 AUGUST BASED AT BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL,OAKHAM SUMMER 23 – 27 JULY AND 30 JULY – 3 AUGUST 9.30 am – 4.30 pm EARLY and LATE CARE AVAILABLE FROM 8am – 6pm Bouncy castles Quad bikes MegaBall pond Arts and Crafts Curling Fencing Snooker Badge making Bread making Kwik cricket Archery Shooting Football Bouncy slide Crossbows Tennis Swimming Orienteering Computer games Disco Air hockey Clay Uni-hoc Adventure playground Bodyrock Baking Fun quiz Fancy dress Ball games Golf …AND MORE!

For further information or to make a booking Telephone: 01780 753461 Email:info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

Easter Extravaganza at Uppingham!

There really is no reason to hear the words ‘I’m bored!’ this Easter holiday. With more courses than ever before at Uppingham this Easter, there is plenty on offer to keep everyone busy and occupied, whatever their age or interest.

For those who enjoy arts and crafts, there are two brand new courses. Using a few bits of felt and some simple embroidery stitches, children can make lots of Easter decorations, Easter cards and gifts in Stitch & Sew. Or there is the chance to learn how to make paper and other fun things with Fantastic Plastic, experiment with collage, painting, transfers and stickers, and put them all together in Making a Memory Book.

Children who like cooking will love Easter Baking for Kids. They will be busy in the kitchen making delicious things like hot cross buns, cookies, cupcakes and all sorts of yummy chocolatey goodies, and everything gets taken home afterwards… assuming there is anything left!

For sporty children, as well as the ever popular Cricket coaching courses run by former Kent and England professional Trevor Ward, there are 3 day Tennis, Rugby and Hockey coaching courses. These need to be booked early because they always sell out!

Adults have the opportunity to get creative too. Make gorgeous retro aprons, beautiful bags and cute corsages in the Heartstitch Needlework Workshops, or learn how to put together stunning Easter floral creations in a Flower Arranging demonstration and workshop. By popular demand, local artist Mark Wilde is running a series of Drawing Workshops, and there is also Upholstery and Bridge on offer.

If you are looking for something fun to do over the Easter holidays check out Uppingham Summer School. Further details of all the courses can be found on www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk or by phoning Tel: 01572 820800.

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS Sosennah Every

Natur House

Fitzone Gym

Anyone who feels they need extra guidance to lose weight or just to improve their diet should speak to the nutritionists at Natur House.

On your first visit you will have a consultation where a full history of your diet, eating habits and body fat measurements are taken. They would then recommend a tailored and specific mix of supplements, teas and phials of concentrated plant extracts to drink as part of a healthy eating plan. Your first and any follow up consultations are free. People with digestive problems or those looking to gain weight can also benefit.

Contact: 34-38 The Square, Market Harborough, LE16 7PA, Tel: 01858 439977

Marzena’s Room Tucked away on Talbot Yard (next to the Nationwide Building Society) is a new Gyrotonic, Swedish massage and hot stone therapy centre. Run by Marzena who is a qualified physiotherapist and Gyrotonic / Gyrokinesis personal trainer, she promises to improve flexibility and help strengthen muscles. The Gyrotonic machine is specially designed to allow greater freedom of circular movements and is suitable for the very fit and the unfit!

It is ideal for those stuck in a rut with an old injury and unable to get better, as well as anybody who suffers from stiff joints and lower back pain. Hot stone therapy and Swedish massage can relax tissues and muscles and improve circulation problems, fatigue and stress.

Contact: The Coach House Office 3, Talbot Yard, Market Harborough, LE16 , Tel: 07967 292377 www.marzenasroom.co.uk

With the latest equipment and a range of fitness and dance classes available, you have no excuse but to pop down to the new gym in Harborough. Personal trainers are available.

Contact: Riverside Industrial Estate, Market Harborough, LE16 7PT, Tel: 01858 461029, www.fitzonegym.co.uk

Foxton Locks Lodges Opening on Easter weekend is the Foxton Locks lodges, two beautiful log cabins that are available to rent for week long stays or long weekends. ‘Fox’s Den’ is a two-bed lodge (sleeps six) perfect for families or friends sharing and ‘Badger’s Set’ is a one-bed cabin ideal for romantic retreats.

Both cabins are fully self catering and luxuriously appointed with hot tubs and the latest TV and music systems installed. The owners will provide breakfast baskets, hampers and bikes are available to hire. They will even accept your online food order for the cabins and unpack it too! Located near Foxton Locks, the lodges have beautiful views over the Leicestershire countryside. At the time of writing, the lodges were not quite finished, so this picture is an example of how they will look from April.

Contact: North Lane, Foxton, LE16 7RF, Tel: 07859 924395 www.foxtonlockslodges.com RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING MARCH 2011

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DESIGN INTERIORS

PRACTICAL KITCHENS When thinking about a new kitchen or updating an existing one, space and practicality are top of the list of things to consider. A kitchen has many functions and has to work well for your family needs. Michelle Hansel searches out some of the solutions from local kitchen specialists

Natural Structures

Create a dream kitchen

Realise a lifestyle

With Theodore Ross you can create your dream kitchen, whether it’s the SieMatic ultra-contemporary or Hand-Made traditional and rustic...hand painted or solid timber, or Concrete and CarbonFibre, your ideal can be realised. Using the latest CAD software they produce an exact representation of the room and the layout of your new kitchen down to the nearest millimetre. From simple replacement kitchens to alterations and extensions, if you wish they can execute and oversee every aspect of your project. Theodore Ross are firm believers that design is a fluid process, from the first brief outline to the final draft, many avenues can be explored to arrive at the perfect finished product.

Families need space and in these modern times many families like to live, eat, dine, work and play in one open plan space designed with a particular lifestyle in mind. Natural Structures can create these light, airy spaces by extending your home using techniques that have evolved over ten centuries combined with up to date materials and technologies to design and build structures for twenty first century use.

Effective planning A successful kitchen design starts from the inside out. Too often the kitchen plan considers the position of the sink, cooker and refrigerator but overlooks the location of the utensils, small appliances and packed goods. Avoid endless frustration by visiting Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver where experience in kitchen planning ensures your storage is easily accessible and sufficient for all your needs and when it comes to achieving maximum potential out of the space in your kitchen they are past masters. Whether it’s corner storage, drawer storage or pullout larders many of their products hold Europe’s top awards for design and innovation and you can be confident of a lifetime of trouble-free service. At Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver they know how important it is to have plenty of useful storage space in your kitchen, keeping your work areas clutterfree. Their clever storage systems will provide the perfect home for your foodstuffs, pots and pans and all those items you need to keep close at hand.

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Handcrafted Quality For handcrafted quality kitchens that will stand up to the needs of a growing family then invest in a kitchen by Mark Goodacre. He has been creating bespoke kitchens and handmade furniture for over 25 years. Based near Stamford and Grantham in the heart of Lincolnshire, he offers a complete service from kitchen design and building to fitting and finishing. There is also an extensive range of high quality ready-made kitchens available.

Go Bespoke If you are looking for a joiner locally who can tailor your kitchen to your specific needs then call on Roger Kendrick Joinery. With over 36 years experience within the trade their reputation is based around high quality workmanship and affordable pricing.

Embrace traditional methods Brown and Jones specialise in traditionally designed bespoke building work from acquiring land, creating plans, artist impressions through to the final build. For something truly befitting your lifestyle and your family a project might be the answer and Brown and Jones can help you achieve your aspirations and make them a reality.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING MARCH 2012

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Theodore Ross

Use Innovative products

Directory:

Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver, Glebe Works, Braunston Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8UH, Tel: 01572 722636, www.kitchensbynathanieloliver.co.uk Martins of Harborough, 6 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HE, Tel: 01858 468683, www.martinsofharborough.co.uk The Kitchen Range Cookshop, 5 & 22 Church Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. LE16 7AA, Tel: 01858 433533 and 01858 461158, info@ kitchenrangecookshop.com And 45 High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AJ, Tel: 01572 723421, Mark Goodacre Ltd, Osgodby Farm, Osgodby, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG33 4JH, Tel. 01476 586159 Fordham Kitchens, Ryhall, Stamford, PE9 4HL, Tel : 01780 482892 Delmari Bathrooms, Kitchens & Bedrooms, Cockerell Road (off Phoenix Parkway) Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 5DU, Tel: 01536 206325, Email: enquiries@ delmari.co.uk The Real Kitchen Company, 29a High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY. Tel: 01572 823187.

Web: www.realkitchencompany.co.uk Roger Kendrick Joinery, Unit D, Gaydon House, Trevithick Road, Willowbrook East Industrial Estate, Corby, NN17 5XY, Tel: 01536 400095 Brown and Jones Ltd, The Old School House, Manton Road, Edith Weston, Rutland, LE15 8HB, Tel: 01780 729027 Natural Structures, 2 Fir Tree Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 7AE, Tel: 01858 465089, simonlew@ naturalstructures.co.uk, www.natural-structures.co.uk Theodore Ross, 15 Gaol Street, Oakham, LE15 6AQ, Tel: 01572 755444 Rutland Shutters, Mobile Tel: 07768 695236, Office Tel: 01664 474013

Go for easy clean

The Real Kitchen Company has a range of MDF shutters are a great solution for stylish stylish and innovative products that can really but practical kitchens as they can be cleaned enhance the design of your kitchen. What easily with a damp cloth. A totally waterproof about a bin with a shelf above to store bin shutter is also available in five white/cream bags – practical and clever plus it keeps your colours. For bespoke plantation shutters kitchen tidy! The Tall Larder is a key Rutland Shutters can provide a service feature for any kitchen - it’s that covers the whole of the East all you will ever need for Midlands and beyond providing keeping all your food and shutters for every room in the ingredients in one easy house. to access place. With the featured pan Update your drawers there will be accessories no longer a need for scrambling at the At Delmari why not back of inaccessible take a look at their full cupboards, these range of kitchens in their drawers are ideal for showroom in Corby where pots, pans, plates and you will find something jars. Finally, no kitchen to suit everyone from Martins of would be complete without traditional to contemporary. If Harborough the perfect storage baskets; a new kitchen is needed but you these are great for keeping fresh don’t have the budget for it why not fruit and vegetables to hand. add some carefully chosen accessories or replacement doors instead.

Utilise tricky spaces Martins of Harborough offer a range of kitchen storage solutions, including the Le Mans Arena Style. Le Mans corner storage solutions are used in blind corner base units, whereby the shelves slide out to you when the door is opened in a perfectly controlled and effortless sequence of movements. Suitable for both highline and drawerline units, the ‘Arena Style’ anti-slip chrome shelves are ideal for all of your pots and pans as the load capacity is 20kg on each shelf. They come complete with an integrated soft close and can be used with 45cm, 50cm and 60cm Doors. The Arena Style 3/4 carousel is for installation into L shaped corner base units the ¾ galleried shelves give optimum storage with consummate ease of access to its contents.

With a load capacity of 20kg per shelf they are equally as useful for food or heavier items.

Ergonomic design Visit Fordham Kitchens showroom now displaying a new range, DYNAMIC SPACE. These amazing kitchens allow for sufficient storage space, better ergonomics, optimal work flows and optimal access. Seeing is believing!

The Finishing Touches For a diverse array of kitchen essentials to make life that bit easier and more stylish check out The Kitchen Range Cookshop for inspiration. Choose from cookware, glassware, knives, electricals, cutlery and tableware for the perfect finishing touch.

Top picks are the Joseph Index plus at £68.00 – a stylish and space saving gadget containing four coloured boards and four high quality knives to reduce the risk of cross contamination in the kitchen.

Also the Nespresso Pixie coffee machine at £139.00 is small and stylish and makes the perfect cup of coffee with the touch of a button.

Kitchen Range Cookshop

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SALE up to 50% off

Stocking Emma Bridgewater, Orla Kiely, Le Creuset, KitchenAid, Dualit And Lots More

5 & 22 Church Street Market Harborough 01858 433 533 10 Mill Street Oakham 01572 723 421 16

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SHOPS & SERVICES

Let it

Shine Sweep away that winter gloom and prepare for sunnier days! Spring Cleaning can be a pleasure – especially if you get a little help from the local professionals. Amander Meade Starting from the very top…

Brush up your chimney with Avondale Sweeps. Russell Peace’s regional team hold fully up to date certificates and all sweeps are qualified to a high standard – guaranteed no mess, no fuss.

oriental rugs plus advice on stain protective treatments for your carpets and upholstery.”

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES… Home Straight is a popular independent cleaning company. Owner Georgie Tyers told us that as well as traditional housekeeping services, many of her elderly clients enjoy a little companionship such as an accompanied trip to the shops or garden centre. “Being invited to work in someone’s home is a privilege and one we take very seriously.”

Nick and Mandy Beaumont operate under the banner of Merry Maids of Rutland and have over two hundred and fifty satisfied customers. “Each client has a set of different needs and our teams offer customised regular cleaning, weekly, bi weekly, four weekly or oneoff specials. Each home is custom priced in the presence of the homeowner and costs are dependent on location, size and condition of home, and frequency of cleaning schedule.”

In Market Harborough, Susan Garon operates a team on behalf of Molly Maid.

“We provide a uniformed, fully insured, two member team plus all our own equipment and supplies to clean your home. We offer a no obligation estimate in your home and quote according to your personal specification.”

A typical clean might include washing/ vacuuming of all floors, dusting and wiping all skirting boards, pictures, lampshades, ornaments, window sills, furniture, and light fittings. Kitchen work surfaces, appliances and cupboard fronts are cleaned as well as a thorough clean of sinks, baths, lavatories and counter tops in bathrooms.

A professional clean will work wonders for your carpets and upholstery. Steve and Annie Pitts run All Seasons Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning and have invested in a top of the range truck-mounted cleaning machine providing a fully insured, superior service with the minimum of disruption. “We are a family run business offering free on site quotations for carpet and upholstery cleaning including

a little Sparkle…

Even the keenest housekeepers baulk at a full oven clean so draft in Eddie Lowe from Sparkle Oven Cleaners to take the strain. “A professional clean once or twice a year makes a huge difference to the performance and longevity of your oven,” says Eddie. “We clean all kinds of cookers, commercial and domestic, including Agas, Ranges, ovens, hobs, microwaves and extractors.

We supply and replace oven bulbs, door seals, filters and other cooker parts leaving the appliance gleaming.”

Local firm C More Clear provides window and UPVC cleaning, patio pressure washing, roof, walls and gutter cleaning in the Rutland and Stamford area.

Lloyd Halliday takes extra care to make sure the sills and trims of the window are included in the cleaning process. Around £18 for a four bed roomed, detached home.

Storage Solution…

After a good de-clutter what can you do with items you don’t want on display permanently but can’t bear to part with either? Rob Mills at Rutland Self Store has the solution with secure storage areas, 24 hour access and simple, straightforward contracts from a week to longer term. “We have storage spaces from 10 by 8 feet upwards. We don’t charge VAT or rates but aim to offer a simple storage facility for domestic and commercial customers.” A great idea to simplify a house move or to keep your sentimental pieces safe for posterity.

Directory: All Seasons Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Tel : 01572 737238 Avondale Sweeps Tel: 01536 510865 www.chimneysweepnorthants.co.uk C More Clear Window Cleaner Tel: 01780 489339 Home Straight Tel: 01572 722590 www.home-straight.co.uk Merry Maids of Rutland, Nick and Amanda Beaumont Tel: 08000 855632 www.merrymaids.co.uk Molly Maid of Market Harborough Tel: 01858 439925 www.mollymaid.co.uk Rutland Self Store Tel: 01780 460465 www.rutlandselfstore.co.uk Sparkle Oven Cleaners Tel: 01536 760268/07971 825745 www.sparkleovencleaning.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Spring clean your beauty routine!

Catherine Batkin looks at the best local offers to give your beauty routine an overhaul in time for the warmer weather

Lalique, South Street, Oakham Julianne, the manager of new Oakham salon, Lalique, has been running some fantastic promotions since opening in recent months and March is no different. This time, clients can indulge in a Decleor facial for the amazing price of just £10! Whilst you’re there, treat your winter ravaged skin to a healthy golden glow with a natural fake tan. Julianne uses my favourite tanning range – Vita Liberata, which is organic and paraben free, offering a range of golden hues to leave you looking healthy and radiant. Tel: 01572 723950 The Beauty Room, South Street, Oakham Hot off the press! Manager Kimberley Ingram has recently introduced a new range of Leighton Denny nail products, which she incorporates into her luxury manicures and pedicures. Leighton Denny is a leading nail product range with a host of awards to its name and has a solution for all problems - whether you have thin, brittle nails or simply can’t help biting them! The products are deliciously fragranced and the polishes come in a range of up-to-the-minute colours, ensuring your hands and feet will look fabulous this spring.

Tel: 01572 755389 Judith Ewing Fitness Instructor New for 2012, Judith is pleased to announce the arrival of the THE BOLLYWOOD DANCE WORKOUT! Inspired by the Indian film tradition of expressive music and dance, comes a sexy, saucy, calorie-burning, full body workout.

Judith will lead you with traditional moves that will tone you head to toe while unleashing waves of energy. The movements are simple - no exercise or dance experience required but the results are big! You will get a cardio, sculpting and stretching workout whilst having fun. Just let yourself go and move to the Bollywood beat! Classes are every Tuesday evening at 7 pm at Barnsdale Hall Hotel, £5. No need to book - just come along! All enquiries phone Judith on Tel: 07771 866123 or visit her website at www.judithewingfitness.com The Woodland Hospital, Kettering If you like the idea of going into summer with silky-smooth skin, then now is a good time to think about hair removal options. Creams, waxes and razors are great quick fixes, but if you are after something more permanent, then the The Woodland Hospital in Kettering can help. They use the Soprano XL hair removal laser – a medical gold standard laser treatment that has revolutionised hair removal

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as it is virtually pain free and is able to treat most skin colours. The Soprano produces a light energy which will destroy the hair shaft and neighbouring cells responsible for hair regrowth, without affecting surrounding areas. A free consulation will be carried out beforehand so you will be able to get an idea of how long it will take to dramatically reduce the hair in a certain area – and look forward to baring beautiful skin on the beach this year! Tel: 01536 414515 or visit www.woodlandhospital. co.uk Relax and de-stress with an intensive massage Georgina Gibson is a Deep Tissue, Sports and Aromatherapy Massage Therapist, specialising in deep tissue massage combined with trigger point therapy: “I tailor all oil blends to the needs of the client and can offer treatments from 45 mins for a back, neck and shoulder massage up to an hour and a half for a full body massage.

I’m offering £5 off a single treatment booked in Uppingham at The Healing Rooms or in

Leicester at The Ashleigh Physiotherapy Clinic during March. Please Tel: 07984 629337 for further details and to book an appointment. Gift Vouchers are also available.”

Stapleford Park Spa Throughout March, Stapleford Park Spa have a fantastic offer on Shellac manicures and pedicures. A revolutionary nail product, Shellac lasts for at least 14 days without chipping, scratching, or smudging. But long-lasting colour is not its only benefit - many women have noticed that their nails are stronger and healthier after using shellac. Not only does it not damage your nail but it improves nail health too. Once the base coat and colour are applied, the nails are cured under a UV lamp so you are ready to leave almost instantly without the fear of smudged nails – perfect for ladies on the go!

Treat yourself in March when the 60min Shellac manicures and pedicures are £45 instead of the usual £60. Tel: 01572 787057, www.staplefordpark.com

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Barnsdale Hall Hotel

the

SPA experience

Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan Truter

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

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

01780 758556

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

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FASHION

SPRING FEVER! As the song says, ‘It may be winter outside, but in my heart it’s spring’!

The nights are getting lighter and there is the feeling (or is that, hoping?!) that spring is finally in the air. With this in mind Vanessa Hollander went out to some of our local boutiques to find out what we might be buying this spring CAVELLS Brights and block colour will be huge this spring. Be bold and embrace colour!

Mens Edwin Jeans, £130 Gant Breton Stripe Rugby Polo £70 Gant Albany Shoes £135 Gant Navy Parka £235 Ladies Equipment Silk Shirt £225 7 for All Mankind Jeans £199 Paul Smith Foxglove Wedges £180 Mulberry Bayswater Bag, £795

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Above: ATTIC Retro styling is back - a forties Tea dress is perfect to update your spring look!

Dress by French Connection £90 Black and white leather brogues £114.99 – Marcia May, Stamford

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Above: BAUBLES & BANGLES Coloured jeans are big news for spring. Team with this gorgeous cape for a simple, yet stylish look.

Rust floral cape £23 Rust coloured jeggings £30 (worn with mustard American Vintage vest from Attic, Stamford £35)

Left: FORDS Festival chic for the ladies and classic casual for men! Loving the pink wellies!

Mens Joules Jeans £59.95 Joules Wilby Shirt £59.95 Joules Qulited Halston Jacket, £119 Ladies Joules Striped Remy Dress, £49.95 Joules Pink Wellies, £49.95

Right: VANILLA Skinny jeans and a beautiful knit jumper, bring style to this casual look.

Mac Skinny Stretch Jeans £79 Bitte Kai Rand Lilac Short Sleeve T-Shirt, £49 Hunky Dory Sweater, £140 Pearl Necklace £28 Modalu Brown Leather Bag £195 Red suede moccasins with nautical detail £84.99 from Marcia May, Stamford

Photographer – Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living MARCH 2012

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FASHION

BLESSED Boho chic but with subtle sophistication! A stunning maxi dress teamed with the softest leather jacket – yummy!

Maxi Dress, Twenty8Twelve, £325 Nude Leather Jacket, Hoss, £245 Necklace, Stills, £55

Above: JACKS Casual chic is the key for spring.

Chinos and denim all the way!

Mens Esprit Groove Jeans £45 Esprit Denim Shirt £39 Esprit Jumper £39 Esprit Belt £29 Ladies Elisa Cavaletti, Blue Shirt £175 Elisa Cavaletti White Waistcoat £139 Passport Chinos £95 Caprice Pumps £75

STOCKISTS

Attic, Oakham, Tel: 01572 759000, www.atticfashion.co.uk Baubles & Bangles, Tel: 01572 724177, www.baublesandbangles.co.uk Blessed, Oakham, Tel: 01636 703052 Cavells, Oakham, Tel: 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk Fords of Oakham, Tel: 01572 722654, www.fordsofoakham.co.uk Jacks, Market Harborough, Tel: 01858 468876 Vanilla, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757577

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23B Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel 01572 757577

SPECIALIST FITTING SERVICE TOP BRANDED LINGERIE & SWIMWEAR Stockists of

• • • • • •

4 ADAM & EVE STREET, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LE16 7LT

TEL: 01858 465592

Stills Katherine Hooker MAC Jeans In Wear Bitte Kai Rand Extensive handbag, jewellery & Gift Range

FASHION SHOW

preview the new spring / summer collections

We d n e s d a y 2 1 s t M a r c h 2 0 1 2 Drinks and canapés will be served Do o rs o pen at 7 .3 0 pm Cavells, 16 Mill Street, Oakham

Tickets £15 - call 01572 770372 Hair by Make up by

pomegranate

holds the gems of natural beauty

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Image of Local installation by QKS

Showroom Cherryholt Road, Stamford, PE9 2EQ

Room to Live

Creators of finest quality bespoke Orangeries & Conservatories

Tel: 01780 756666

Orangeries Lanter n Rooms Conservatories

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Windows Doors Folding Sliding Door Systems

www.qks-ltd.co.uk

Vertical Sliding Windows Roofline Products Porches Heritage Secondary Glazing

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Advertisement Feature

Ladies fashion in Oakham and Stamford

W

e spoke to Kathryn White and Marion Lindley, owners of Attic to get their tips on how to survive in this difficult retail climate.

Q. What are you doing to combat the recession?

Every week we update the windows and introduce new stock so there is always something different for our customers to see.

Q Is customer feedback important to you?

A Yes very, we talk to our customers all the time either personally, via our staff , or online, but most importantly we LISTEN to what they have to say.

Q What is the key to your success?

A We offer a range of clothes for a range of budgets so for instance we have a casual white shirt at £40, contemporary jeans from £50, a jersey dress from £25. Then at the other end of the scale we have special pieces such as a lovely lace shift dress £160.

• You can find Attic at 38 High Street, Oakham.

Tel: 01572 759000 or 33 St Mary’s Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 766667 www.atticfashion.co.uk

OAKHAM ANNIVERSARY WEEK – 24 Feb – 2 March As it’s our 2nd birthday in Oakham we’ve organised a week of celebrations starting on Friday 24th February when we’ll be giving away a lovely summer scarf to the first 20 customers through the door.

DISCOUNT ALL WEEK – 10% off all purchases plus an extra 5% if you bring the coupon below.

• A ladies shopping evening on Wednesday 29 Feb – we will stay open until 7.30pm – so call in for a glass of fizz, fashion advice, a spot prize and goody bags.

We’ve introduced French Connectio n to both our stores, this po pular UK brand has a great following - the clothes are up to the minute, unique , and top quality. W e have selected dresses, chinos, an d blouses in this season’s brig ht colours and quirky designs that we think will appeal to our customers.

g Fashion Evenin 15th March 2012

6.30pm to 10.00pm

£20

of Raising funds in aid

Follow us at Twitter - Attic_News and be our friend on facebook - Attic Shops

ATTIC FASHION SHOW Our spring fashion show is on Thursday 15 March at the William Cecil Hotel in Stamford. Included in the ticket price of £20 will be a glass of bucks fizz on arrival, two course meal with a glass of wine, plus a discount of 10% off all puchases on the night. Tickets on sale now in both of the Attic shops.

OFFER

Take this coupon into our Oakham store between 24th February – 4th March

15% off

with all purchases

(available in Oakham only)

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EATING OUT

Nevill Arms, Medbourne Nicholas Rudd-Jones…

T

he Nevill Arms has everything you want from a village pub – an exquisite setting by the side of a stream with a wooden footbridge in a delightful village, a warm welcome from the friendly barman, a roaring log fire and great pub food. You could travel many, many miles without finding a better establishment, lovingly looked after by its proprietor Marc Kempe.

The Nevill Arms is many things – a pub, a restaurant, a place to stay (eight bedrooms with two more soon to follow) and a delightful café out the back which would be a great place to while away a spring’s day.

Marc Kempe describes what he is aiming at is to be seen as a pub food ‘destination’ offering consistent, good quality and value for money.

The very accomplished menu is put together by head Chef Olivier Delavaloire which, as you would expect from a French-trained chef (stints at both the Ritz and Laserre in Paris) means accurate and assured cooking.

I tried out the food with my business partner Helen, and the day we went the sun was shining brightly, it was cold outside and the warm, friendly pub was the place to be.

We both tried the black pudding for starters, Helen’s accompanied with a poached egg and

mine with delicious, succulent scallops – we both agreed a great way to start the meal. The black pudding comes all the way from Charles Macleod family butchers, Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, which is a good indicator of how seriously this establishment takes the sourcing of its ingredients.

For the mains we went in different directions – I went for the classic Cumberland sausage and mash (delicious, warming, filling); Helen for the more complex Panfried Sea bream with Spiced Couscous and a base of summer vegetables. And this is one of the pub’s great strengths – you can choose from the sophisticated to the straightforward (there is also a lite bites menu, including the very appealing seafood and tapas platters to share) and no-one will blink an eyelid. You are made to feel welcome whatever you want.

For dessert we shared a filling and delicious cheesecake. The whole experience certainly delivered against the goals that Marc has set.

Lunch and dinner every day, café open 8-4 in winter, 8-5 in summer. www.thenevillarms.net.

Extensive wine list.

Contact: The Nevill Arms, 12 Waterfall Way, Medbourne, LE16 8EE Tel: 01858 565288

The Lord Nelson, Oakham

Abigail Richardson

D

ecember saw the re-opening of the Lord Nelson in Oakham’s Market Place. The building has been lovingly restored, the bedrooms of the former hotel turned into drinking and eating rooms and the restaurant changed into a bar area with open fireplace and original features. And I think I must be the last adult in Oakham to actually try it out – blame the kids!

I took my contributors for a well earned lunch and we opted for a variety of the offerings on the food menu served at lunchtime (Monday-Sunday 12pm-2.30pm) and in the evening (Monday-Saturday 6pm-9pm).

Between us we chose the Antipasto Verdura:stuffed bell peppers, marinated olives, baked goats’ cheese, crusty ciabatta bread and sun blushed tomatoes. (£10.95), the Antipasto Carne: chorizo, salchica, lomo, goats’ cheese al forno, basil pesto and crusty ciabatta (£11.95), the Seabass Niçoise: oven baked seabass topped with sesame seeds served on a salad of quail’s egg, green beans, chicory, cherry vine tomatoes, garden potatoes and finished with a lime-chilli dressing (£12.95), the Warm Goats’ Cheese and Beetroot Salad: roasted goats’ cheese and beetroot served with braised chicory and a balsamic-blueberry dressing (£10.95) and one of the famous stone baked pizzas. The menu also has a choice of antipasto, snacks, more substantial manly-type mains (eg: burgers and meatballs), seasonal specials and an extensive list of puddings, all using locally sourced ingredients.

We came away very satisfied with just one course but felt that the menu was rather rich for lunch time dining! I love goats’ cheese and there was plenty of it, particularly on the salad, which, for me, needed a side of carbs – extra at £3.95 but well worth it as the delicious mozzarella, garlic and rosemary hand stretched bread was huge.

What else? Well there’s a fine range of real ales - two pumps dedicated to Ufford Ales and two to guest beers. There’s also an impressive wine list featuring old and new world wines. Next time!

Contact: The Lord Nelson, 11 Market Place, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DT, Tel: 01572 868340, www.thelordnelsonoakham.com

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News from Oundle Mill

Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 18th March

To see the menu go to www.oundlemill.co.uk Robert and Julia Reid, along with Dave and Laura, welcome you to the Jackson Stops, the ideal place to meet friends and family and enjoy fabulous food which is all locally sourced.

2 courses £25.00 - 3 courses £30.00

Mothering Sunday Luncheon

3 courses - £25.00pp with a special gift for Mum - booking essential (Under 12’s £13.00) THE J

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Easter Sunday Luncheon

2 courses for £18.50pp includes Chocolate Easter Bunny!

THE J

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Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s day gift?

Why not choose a gift voucher for a fabulous meal, afternoon tea, or for a truly exceptional gift, dinner followed by a night in one of our stunning bedrooms. We offer two types of voucher, one with the monetary value shown, and one with a ‘fixed price experience’

• Please call us on 01832 272621 or email info@oundlemill.co.uk for further information

Dine for 1/2 price On Thursdays in March and April, for lunch or dinner, you can experience our award-winning menus for half price.

Call 01832 272621 to book a table

OUNDLE MILL. A PERFECT PLACE TO EAT, MEET OR SIMPLY RETREAT

Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB Tel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk 27

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IT’S PREZZO FISSO TIME AT FIRENZE OUR BRAND NEW FIXED PRICE MENU Choose 3 delicious courses from our main a la carte menu for the amazing fixed price of just £32.50. Very tasty.

Open for Lunch & Dinner Tuesday to Saturday Tel 0116 279 6260 firenze.co.uk

Pregnant? Need to talk?

alternatives

‘a safe place to talk’

• Free pregnancy testing • Free unbiased advice for unplanned pregnancy

• Free post-abortion counselling • Free leaflets on sexual health, contraception

STAMFORD PREGNANCY ADVICE CENTRE Partners Welcome

Telephone: 01780 765853 or 07913 052159 Email: alternativesstamford@btconnect.com Address: Stamford Hospital site, Ryhall Road, Stamford, PE9 1YA

S

ituated in the picturesque village of Bulwick, a short distance from Oundle and Stamford, the Queens Head is a traditional village pub offering a warm welcome to everyone

W

hether you’re looking for a quick pint or a tasty bite to sustain you on your way, The Queens Head is immediately welcoming and is rooted firmly in the country pub tradition. A happy mix of locals and visitors can relax by a roaring open fire whilst enjoying real ales from a well-chosen and ever-changing CAMRA Award-winning selection of brews, while the bar meal menu features classic pub fayre with a personal touch. A fine selection of wines is also available.

For a slightly more formal lunch or dinner, the A la Carte menu offers a selection of thoughtfully planned dishes, using the finest seasonal and local produce, all designed to make your meal just that bit special. The intimate restaurant spreads across three very different rooms: the Shaker style main area at the front adjoins a secluded dining room for large parties or special occasions, which in turn leads on to a cosy, traditionally styled area.

EARLY DOORS MARCH OFFER TUES - THURS 6PM – 7.30PM SPECIALLY SELECTED MENU

Motherin Sunday Lunchgeo

2 COURSES £12, 3 COURSES £15 Visit our website

18th March with a gift for Mum

n

www.thequeensheadbulwick.co.uk for details of our special offers, menus and opening times.

The Queens Head Main Street Bulwick Northamptonshire NN17 3DY Tel: 01780 450272 28

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EATING OUT

Mem-Saab – Fine Dining Indian Cuisine IN Leicester Abigail Richardson

I

adore Indian food and we are very lucky with the offerings in Rutland and Market Harborough, so it has never seemed necessary to travel further afield. But if you eat out only once this year, let it be at Mem-Saab!

It was a Friday evening as four of us walked into the champagne/piano bar directly opposite Cinema de Lux, and I thought I was in London, no New York. Perched on high bar stools, we sipped cocktails and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, which included a talented pianist at the imposing grand piano. I noticed we were a little older than the other clientele, although, not so when we went upstairs to the contemporary, loft-style, open plan restaurant.

Amin was to wait on us and, knowing his expertise in Indian gastronomy, I suggested he surprise us. So, whilst perusing the wine list, the feast began as we were served with Pappadums and chutneys –including an atypical apple and mint chutney with onion coriander – sublime.

Then, as if by magic, an entertainer appeared!

Yes, for the next 10 minutes we were captivated

by Mr Vegas as he displayed unbelievable slight of hand with several incredible card tricks.

Apparently there is also a hypnotist on most Fridays and Saturdays– this I have to see… another time as a selection of starters claimed our attention.

Their Michelin-style presentation was not to conceal the taste sensation we were about to experience. We had: Samosa Duo, served with curried chickpeas and tamarind chutney.

Butterfly King Prawns, which were marinated and slow roasted in a clay oven and enhanced with an accompaniment of coconut chutney (perfection on a plate), Lamb Boti, Paneer Pakora. By now it was transparent that it’s all in the detail at this award winning restaurant (Best Newcomer 2010)… and then we were served with a palate cleanser, a Champagne sorbet!

Class!

Of the main courses, Pete’s Lamb Shank in an authentic Rogan sauce was the star of the show but all four dishes were incredible, again both in flavour and appearance. A special mention for the Malai Kofta- dumplings of paneer and potatoes served in fresh cream with tomatoes and onions. I would never have chosen this but it was possibly the nicest thing I have ever eaten! We were also delighted by the Chicken Makhani, which was light and creamy, the Daal Makani - mixed lentils and kidney beans, and apparently a truly authentic Deli dish. All served with sides of light and fluffy peswari and garlic and corianda naan and a portion of Pilau rice.

Can you believe we had room for dessert, which I never eat but the Gajar Halwa, a warm

carrot and cardamom pudding served with ice cream and crushed pistachio, had me sold. The others shared the Baileys’ Cheese Cake, Glab Jmun, and the Rich Chocolate Brownie-served with ice cream and raspberry coulis. Not all typically Indian but a grand finale to a truly 5 star meal.

There are also options for private dining or, the absolute must have for a special occasion, you can dine at the chef’s table where guests witness the drama, or actually in this case the dance, of the kitchen - no Lenny Henry style chefs in this establishment! Indeed, Head Chef Balveer Singh has an impressive pedigree with much experience in India including the 5 star Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.

I cannot recommend Mem-Saab more highly and I haven’t even spoken about the service or the ambiance! Imagine the usual courtesy of an Indian restaurant (without the formality) and combine with the luxuriously elegant surroundings and an evident respect for Indian culture, and you will feel…well, transported.

Contact: Mem-Saab, 59 High Cross Street, Leicester, LE1 4PG, Tel: 0116 253 0243 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:30am-4:30pm and 6pm-11pm, Sunday: 6pm-10:30pm

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17/2/12 12:26:40

HOME & GARDENS

Make money from your property A growing number of property owners are opting to let their houses, rather than sell in an uncertain housing market.

Kally Singh of Hegarty LLP, offers advice on avoiding some common pitfalls

Q

I’ve decided to let my property privately, do I need to have it inspected before I advertise it? What other legal steps should I take?

property at the outset of the tenancy and at the end. Agents will charge between 10 -15% of the rent, but you may consider this worthwhile for peace of mind.

A

Q

If you decide to rent out your property, you must ensure all gas appliances including fires, cooker and boilers are tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer (this will need to be done annually). You will need a certificate for this, which you must supply to your tenant. If you are leaving furniture as part of the tenancy, then the upholstery must be fire proof. Smoke alarms and extractor fans should be fitted. You’re also required to have an energy performance certificate (this is valid for 10 years). You will also need to ensure that your wiring has been checked by a qualified electrician. In addition, tell your insurance company that you’re letting your property, and get permission from your mortgage company (if you have a mortgage). Finally, inform the Council Tax department of your intentions, and your utility suppliers.

Q

Are there any legal advantages or safeguards in renting my house out through a lettings agency?

A

There are many advantages to using a letting agency. They will vet tenants, obtain references and do credit checks. The agency will ensure you comply with current legislation and will liaise with your tenant. They are also responsible for collecting rent and dealing with any day to day problems. Good agencies will make a video inventory of the condition of the

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What do I do if I have a troublesome tenant - am I responsible for their actions?

A

As a landlord, you are not usually responsible for the tenant’s behaviour.

However, if it leads to serious complaints, you may have to take action to evict them. In the first instance, if a tenant is troublesome, you may ask him to leave voluntarily. If this is unsuccessful, you will have to take action through the courts to evict the tenant.

Q

What if my tenant won’t leave at the end of the six months agreement could I evict them?

A

If your tenant does not leave after six months, provided you have given the correct form of notice (which is a common problem with landlords who do not appreciate the complexities of the housing legislation), you are able to issue court proceedings to recover possession of your property. Court proceedings, depending on whether you are claiming solely possession or rent arrears and possession, can take between four to eight weeks to get the order. If you have an order and the tenant fails to leave you will have to instruct the county court bailiff to carry out the eviction (this can lead to a further delay of up to six weeks). A court fee will be payable when instructing a

bailiff to enforce the warrant of possession. You should never ‘throw your tenants out’ if they do not go voluntarily, as this could be deemed to be an unlawful eviction and you could be liable to prosecution as well as being ordered to pay damages to your tenant.

Q

My departing tenant and I have a dispute over his deposit. I believe I should keep it to cover damage to the bathroom, but he says he is not responsible for it. How should I proceed?

A

Since 6th April 2007, all rent deposits should be protected in an approved deposit scheme where the tenancy is an assured short hold tenancy. There are three different operators who all run free schemes to assist in resolution of disputes about the return of deposit. I would suggest that you have photographic / video evidence to show the condition of the bathroom when the tenant moved in and out. This will help the arbitrator formulate a decision about the amount of deposit, if any, to be returned. A report from a plumber or other appropriate professionals may also help if it can explain the cause of the damage. If you re-let your property, make sure you compile a video inventory of the interior, as this can be invaluable when resolving disputes over deposits.

• Kally Singh is a partner and solicitor at Hegarty LLP specialising in housing matters.

If you have any landlord-tenant queries contact him on 01733 295642 or at kally. singh@hegarty.co.uk

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ESSENTIAL LIVING will help you win new customers Essential Living, our annual publication, will pack an even bigger punch this year, with a truly upmarket and aspirational feel about it. It’s the magazine that everyone will want to have a copy of and keep because of its ‘national magazine’ production values.

ESSENTIA L LIVING

2 012

This year we are making some big new investments to give you even better value: • Distributing 10,000 (an extra 25%) copies; so as well as going door to door across all the ultra upmarket addresses in the region, we will be distributing to gyms, golf clubs, beauty salons, top hotels and upmarket food outlets in the region • Providing much stronger marketing support, through Twitter, Facebook and local radio • Investing still more in photography and design to make it the stand-out publication in the region – glossy, desirable, highly aspirational - a source book for all the products and services that a discerning customer needs or desires

food/fash ion/health & beauty/ home & g S TA m F ORD arden/life RUTLAN style D OU NDL E

NENE

VA L L E Y

PETERB

OROU

GH

mARkE

T HAR BO

ROUG

H

YOUR

GUIDE T O T HE VER Y BEST THE RE GION

What others have said • Read from cover to cover: “The magazine has been our ‘bible’ since moving here at the end of October last year. An invaluable read for all of us, so many thanks for that!”

• Gets a great response: “I would like the ad to look the same as last year, as it was very eye catching and we did get a huge amount of business from it.”

ESSENTIA LIVING L

HAS TO OFFER

The details: • Distribution: 10,000 controlled distribution and retail sales Publishing date: late May • Categories covered: Local Food, Eating Out, Fashion, Health & Beauty, Indoor Living, Art & Gifts, Outdoor Living, Get Active and Learning • Rates: Double page spread £1,200, Full page £750, Half page £395.

Quarter page £240, Eighth page £140 (all exc VAT).

• Geographic region: Stamford, Rutland, Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough, Stoneygate, Oundle, Peterborough, the Deepings, Bourne EL2011C

OVER cop

y.indd 1

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12:05:41

Contact your local advertising manager for more information or email the editor at nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk

EL2012 AD.indd 1

16/2/12 15:50:21

Advertisement Feature

James Brewer Gardens

James Brewer has been designing gardens in our region for over 15 years. He recently re-visited a garden in Hambleton that he designed a couple of years back, to see how it has evolved into the stunning look it has today.

The pictures on this page show the results.

Initial consultation “The Hambleton clients had lived in the house for a while, and had left the garden as it was from the previous owners; it was not neglected, but it wasn’t ‘their own’. They suggested a few ideas to me, but above all were keen that the garden should immediately look ‘aged and natural’, blending sympathetically with the Rutland countryside.

“I designed the garden as I like to do, for the most part steering away from complex design. I am more practical, showing how the gardens will look from an eye-line perspective. This is such a good way of visualising exactly how it will look, not just now but 20+ years ahead. Aerial plans are too limiting in some cases.

“I honed in on my ideas, and then my clients gave me theirs. And that was the really exciting bit – we ended up codesigning the garden together, which I really love!! The result is a garden that really works and is really personal.”

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Getting the infrastructure right “Once the plan is agreed, the next stage is getting the infrastructure right – the soil type, hard-landscaping i.e. all construction, structures, walls & paths. Throughout the process of construction there were modifications to the overall ideas and this was encouraged, the garden has to be right for my clients so it’s no good being stuck in stone. The ‘aged’ effect was created through sourcing Reclaimed York Stone and Limestone Walling that already had moss and lichens attached to it.”

Planting “Then comes the planting. I used a mix of standard and semi-mature Trees, Shrubs and Perennials to create a far better idea of naturalisation, and to ensure that the garden is appealing right from the start and most importantly looks as natural as possible.

The results spoke for themselves. James Brewer was featured on Radio Leicester (you can hear it on his website), and was invited

to join the BBC Radio Leicester Gardeners’ Question Time Panel. This lead to working with Springwatch installing wildlife nature areas.

He is also appearing in the near future on Channel 4.

The principles are the same for every garden…

“Just as every home is unique so are the gardens, they all have a personality and feel that contribute to its design. Every garden has its own theme, it’s just a matter of listening to it and the ideas start flowing.” James can design in a range to suit all styles and budgets.

“The one factor in common with all my garden design is that I put every ounce of myself into the project to make sure of getting the best result possible for my client. The garden is going to be there a long time after I’ve gone, so it has to be right.”

• James would be delighted to meet you for an initial consultation, which is free. Give him a call on 07775 614 676 or visit his website at www.jamesbrewergardens.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING march 2012

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PERSPECTIVES

Rutland Lions the Pride of the County Best known for their annual Firework Display and Santa’s Sleigh Charity collections, The Rutland Lions’ President, Nigel Campion is determined to maintain their values of ‘service and fellowship’ during his term of office. He tells Amander Meade a little more about their heritage and plans for the future

Lions Worldwide...

Nigel reveals that the Lions are an international organisation – surprisingly the largest service organisation in the world with 45,000 clubs and 1.35 million members.

“At the end of the War, some Canadian servicemen had raised money for the victims of the bombing and sought out UK Lions branches to distribute funds to the needy. On discovering no branches existed, they set about promoting the work of the Lions – something I am hoping to do with the help of my colleagues during the next twelve months.”

Tell us a little about what you aim to achieve...

Rutland Lion, Allan Grey explains, “We have two main objectives; the first is to volunteer within our community. We are available for marshalling, car park duties, ticket collecting and all kinds of other activities at functions where extra pairs of hands are required. A particular speciality is our ‘catering division’ which is available to provide hot food at events and is completely self sufficient with equipment and a team of food hygiene credited members.

The second objective is to actively fundraise for local charities and deserving causes.

By the end of 2011, Rutland Lions will have raised and dispersed around £35,000 over a four year period. Last year was a record breaker with Community Service donations totalling £15,250, a significant increase on

previous years. On top of this Christmas food items worth around £7,500 were collected and distributed locally to elderly and other residents in need.

So who exactly has benefitted?

“Now in their 35th year, Rutland Lions are required to contribute just over ten per cent of their revenue to national and worldwide appeals; the Japan Earthquake Appeal is just one example this year. Rutland Lions have also supported regional charities including the Air Ambulance, Age Concern, Make-a-Wish, Rainbow Hospice, Family Support, and the Woodland Trust.

The largest element of donations goes to support local disabled children and adults in a variety of ways - equipment to help mobility, hosting local disadvantaged people for a Christmas meal and a visit to the pantomime, support for visually impaired people via VISTA and support to Rutland Gateway are some of the ways that Rutland Lions have helped.

What has been the most memorable moment of the last year?

“One specific area where Rutland Lions are able to respond directly is to ‘Heartfelt Requests’ from individuals in Rutland which can be made privately and in confidence. Recently, we provided custom built wheelchairs to a Rutland family caring for two young disabled siblings, radically improving their comfort, mobility and

quality of life – they were thrilled with the chairs and we were all moved by their joy.”

What does the future hold?

In 2012, Rutland Lions will be working with Rutland County Council and the Local Sports Alliance to invite junior sports clubs to bid for a donation toward kit, equipment or coaching to ensure they continue to attract and retain young people in sport. “A great example was the donation of £1,000 to Uppingham Town Junior Cricket Club towards new nets – a relatively small need that will have a major effect for the hundred and fifty youngsters that play there.”

New members welcome In order to continue their good work in our community, the Lions need new members along with ideas and initiatives to maximise fundraising efforts and secure the future of the branch. “The only qualification is a love for this county and its people – we are a friendly group and welcome approaches from anyone with fresh ideas or a little time to spare.”

Contact

To enquire about funding bids or volunteering, visit http://www.e-lubhouse.org/sites/rutlanduk/ contact.php Alternatively, call Nigel Campion Tel: 01572 759374 or Allan Grey Tel: 01572 755863

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17/2/12 12:28:50

EDUCATION

WHAT MAKES A SCHOOL

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?

There is so much more to education than the three R’s and increasingly parents are looking for added value when they choose a school for their son or daughter.

O

f course, academic excellence is vital and we are extremely lucky in Rutland to have many good schools on our door step. So, what really sets one apart from another?

Extra-curricular activities can be a reasonable measure. They give pupils the opportunity to experience a wide variety of different topics and most schools will offer a fair selection of after school clubs. In some circumstances the children just scratch the surface without developing any real skill in the area, but, in other cases pupils have the chance to immerse themselves in the subject on an on-going basis.

One school that has set itself apart from the crowd is Brooke Priory in Oakham. They have raised the bar on the creative arts by building a fabulous new theatre, D.T. and Art studios and music practice rooms. Every child treads the boards at least once a year and drama lessons are an integral part of the curriculum from Years 3-6.

Music is a thread that runs throughout the school, from a first introduction to the violin in Year 1 through to an extremely accomplished senior Ensemble. The boys and girls are encouraged to take up an instrument and the school has a range that they can borrow, allowing them to try before they buy.

Headmistress, Elizabeth Bell, believes that ‘the creative arts give children the opportunity to explore the world from a different angle, allowing them to express themselves in a multitude of ways.’ She comments that ‘As a result, our boys and girls develop into confident, well-rounded young people.’

The school believes that it is never too early to begin and has a pre-school programme, which includes a music group, ‘Carried Along

Brooke Priory School

34

with Music and Song’ and ‘Twinkletots’ ballet for 2 and 3 year olds. These sessions are available to anyone on a first come first served basis and parents should initially contact Wendy Bromwich on Tel: 01572 724778 for further details.

PITSFORD SCHOOL Pitsford School’s Junior pupils moved into their new building on Monday 20 February. The £2 million, purpose built, state-of-the-art school is nestled into the beautiful grounds of Pitsford Hall, surrounded by 26 acres of park land.

With small class sizes pupils often comment that they ‘feel like part of a family’. Every child is given individual attention which allows them to reach their maximum potential academically, morally and socially. Pitsford School offers a tranquil, yet fun, environment to learn and Junior pupils take full advantage of their beautiful surroundings, learning through play, indoors and outdoors no matter what the weather!

The Junior School Open Morning will be held on Saturday 24 March, between 10am and 12 noon. Pupils, parents and teachers will be available to answer any questions.

• For more information, or for a prospectus pack, call Karen Cannon on Tel: 01604 880306 or email kcannon@pitsfordschool.com.

OAKHAM SCHOOL IN LAST SIX OF BBC SCHOOL CHOIR OF THE YEAR Oakham School’s talented young musicians are preparing to take part in the TV semi-finals of the popular BBC Songs of Praise ‘School Choir of the Year 2012’ competition. Just six senior

Brooke Priory School

CHAMBER CHOIR : Oakham School’s Chamber Choir with Director of Music Peter Davis (left) and BBC TV producer Matthew Napier (right).

school choirs have been chosen to compete in the final stages of the competition. Aled Jones will present the programmes which will air on BBC One in mid April.

Oakham School’s Chamber Choir has been selected on the strength of their preliminary recorded entry, and will now go head to head with school choirs from Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Wales and Wiltshire.

The school’s Director of Music, Peter Davis, is delighted with the pupils’ achievement “After recently winning the youth choir section of the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition, this is another great accolade for our very talented and hard-working young singers. It is wonderful that the strength of Oakham School’s music is being recognised nationally, and we are all hugely excited about appearing on BBC One.” The competition’s producer, Matthew Napier, has visited Oakham School to film the choir and to interview Peter Davis, soloist Lucy Johnson and music scholar Angus Bower-Brown. This filming will be used as an introduction to the choir’s BBC One TV performances.

Brooke Priory School

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www.pitsfordschool.com 01604 880306

office@pitsfordschool.com

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• RL March ADS.indd 35

15/2/12 12:55:13

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

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

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Marshall Volvo Of Peterborough 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 0844 411 9751 36

• RL March ADS.indd 36

15/2/12 12:55:26

MOTORING

“Psychologists believe that the colour of car is a clear reflection of an owner’s personality”

WHAT colour Car? What does your car colour say about you? Ashley Martin reflects

I

s the colour of car we chose to drive haphazard or does it have a deeper meaning possibly reflecting fascinating details about the individual owner?

Additionally, can selecting one colour of car over another aid road safety and improve the value of vehicle at resale time?

Psychologists believe that the colour of car is a clear reflection of an owner’s personality, while safety can be improved and cash saved if simple rules around colour selection are followed.

According to figures obtained from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the most popular new car colour last year was black, which accounted for 460,975 models sold. It was followed by silver (368,177), white (296,818), grey (279,929), blue (263,113) and red (185,104). Those six colours were comfortably more popular than the remaining four colours in the top 10 list: brown (21,629), green (19,464), beige (12,560) and bronze (8,185).

Although black and silver maintained the two top positions in the new car colour chart last year, there was a surge in the popularity of white cars with over 100,000 more sold than in 2010, according to the SMMT’s figures, while bronze models crept into the list at the expense of yellow vehicles.

Research suggests that, for example, a black car reflects traits such as power and authority while also revealing the owner to be self-assured and in control, but also wanting to display a touch of elegance.

A silver car is supposed to reflect prestige, wealth and luxury - or it could be that owners just don’t like cleaning their car as silver models are supposed to show the least dirt.

Keeping to the dirt theme and a clean white car is a reflection of an individual who pays attention to detail, while a dirty white car makes the owner look sloppy and indifferent.

Other colours that reflect individual characteristics include grey - stability and selfreliant; blue - loyal, dependable and calm and someone who values friendships; red - perhaps not surprisingly a passionate person but an owner who is also likely to be wealthy and full of life; brown - reliable and responsible and not a show off; and the owner of a green car is likely to be conscientious.

Meanwhile, studies in Australia, New Zealand and Sweden that have linked vehicle safety to car colours suggest that black cars are involved in the most crashes.

The Swedish study highlighted that pink cars were involved in the fewest road crashes, while the New Zealand research found that there was a significantly lower rate of serious injury in silver cars; with higher rates in brown and green cars as well as black.

A vehicle colour study, conducted by the Accident Research Centre at Monash University in Australia analysed crash risk by light condition. It found that in daylight black cars were 12% more likely than white to be involved in an accident, followed by grey cars at 11%, silver cars at 10%, and red and blue cars at 7%, with no other colours found to be significantly

more or less risky than white. At dawn or dusk the risk ratio for black cars jumped to 47% more likely than white, and that for silver cars to 15%. In the hours of darkness only red and silver cars were found to be significantly more risky than white, by 10% and 8% respectively.

Car colour, according to experts at leading new and used car information providers CAP, is the single most important factor in adding or destroying value to a car. Colour, according to CAP chief editor Chris Crow, has a greater impact than any other accessory in helping a car to stand out on a forecourt or in a showroom. Car owners wishing to minimise their exposure to changing fashions are advised to stick to black, silver or grey coloured cars by CAP. Latest vehicle disposal data from the organisation suggests that in the first weeks of 2012 white cars achieved on average 6% more than blue cars at auction, while pink and purple cars also out performed the market but orange cars proved less attractive.

As Mr Crow says the cyclical nature of the popularity of car colours - white being the best example capturing over 15% of new car sales in 2011, up from 2% in 2007 – is replicated in the used market.

Could it be, as reported by high street car parts and car servicing operator Halfords quoting design experts, that the rebirth of white resulting in it being the fastest growing new car colour is due to computer giant Apple, whose ‘must have’ sleek, white iPods and iPads have made the colour trendy again?

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17/2/12 12:31:21

WRITER’S CORNER

A LETTER HOME Jeremy Beswick explores the benefits of living in Rutland

Dear Jim,

IELD.COM PHOTO: DAVIDCORF

e multis no doubt and th rd to the Olympic wa for nce of the ing gla a ok t Lo ge u? ll with yo in Rutland we do re He y. om Trust all’s been we on . ec ee y nising committ t to London’s need ton-dwelling orga ing billion pound boos Isl one’s e me th so of s us ar ro e in twenty ye e. Very gene torch, which is nic uld be the first tim med co ar – y by ge ed rin rsu Ha pu es o includ without being I see the route als gold piece of bling iners or flat street carrying a h hig home with any tra e th me co wn r do nio n Ju ru Jim d Di ts. rio since the der police. Particularly kdown in social or ? all at ’s TV in Rutland. No brea re out he ab screen s ign ne re to to ed es sh ace continu k in shocked, hu tal ll sti ey th t Needless to say, pe fac rt. In I’m pleased to repo e seems imminent, . ’83 of l the explorations I’v da an me tell you about let w the great graffiti sc no for t bu , ws to follow missionary.

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38

Yours idyllically

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING MARCH 2012

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Family Breakdown-

Children and Grandparents What about the Children’s right of a continuing relationship with their Grandparents?

A grandparent plays a very important role in a child’s life and it has long been recognised that regular contact with grandparents is beneficial to a child in numerous ways, including assistance with childcare.

Bina Modi

Sadly, when parents separate, often grandparents lose contact with their grandchildren, attributed in part by grandparents being unaware of the legal options or deterred by legal hurdles that they think they may face.

Unlike parents, grandparents do not have an automatic right to apply to the Court for a Contact Order and first have to apply for leave (permission) to make that application. To be successful in obtaining leave, it is necessary to prove to the Court that the grandparent has a meaningful relationship and connection to the child that should be sustained.

Last November, the Family Justice Review provided a golden opportunity to review and recommend changes to the existing law. However, the review panel ruled against giving grandparents any automatic legal rights. However, it has recently been announced that there is to be a review of the Children Act 1989 which is likely to re-examine whether grandparents should have automatic rights to see their grandchildren – a change that would be welcomed by many.

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

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Come join us at Dingley Races

A day out for everyone; watch the races from your car, the track or bar A leading point to point course r Back fo h t r its fou ! !! r a ye

sock 24-25 March 2012 Entrance is FREE

10am to 4pm

and excellent racing Tote, Trade Stands and Refreshments on site

Easter Saturday 7th April Early May Meeting Sunday 6th May Late May Meeting Saturday 19th May

oooo

A celebration of quality Artists and Makers o An arts and Crafts Purchase and Commission Fair o

Admission on day: £15.00 per car & driver - £5.00 per passenger 1st Race 2.00pm Dingley Racecourse, Dingley, Market Harborough

For more info visit www.dingleyraces.com

Over 35 pre-selected Artists and Makers showcasing and selling a diverse range of work including Visual Arts, Textiles, Ceramics, Jewellery, Homewares, and Photography.

For more information and details of exhibitors please see the town hall website: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/sock Sunday 25 March

FREE craft workshop for 4 - 16 year olds

Su p po rting h ti sh at B ri tis G re at Ar Arttss & Crafts

Follow us on

Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3EB

www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/sock with support from

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DIARY DATES

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

Saturday 3 March, 7.30pm EVENT: Rutland Concert Band London 2012 Olympiad Event Rutland’s motto is ‘Multum In Parvo’, meaning ‘much in little’ which forms the inspiration for the story of Rutland, as told by local children.

Choirs from local schools will sing celebratory works and dance groups will interpret key moments in Rutland’s history accompanied by the Rutland Concert Band. The evening will take the audience on a magical tour of Rutland, giving glimpses into past and present events that have helped to shape Rutland into the unique county that exists today. The main focus is the premiere of a specially composed musical work based on poems entitled ‘Multum In Parvo’ that have been written by local school children.

• Rutland County Museum Tickets £6 from the Museum Box Office Tel: 01572 758440 or www.rutland.gov.uk/ museum

Tuesday 6 March, 10.30pm-3.30pm COURSE: Introduction to Organic Vegetable Growing This one-day course is led by Nick Hamilton and aimed at both gardening novices and those who want to know more about growing and ‘pest-proofing’ their vegetables organically. Topics covered include organic principles, soil types, nutrients and organic fertilisers plus disease problems and how to cope with them organically. The course combines classroom learning with practical, ‘on the vegetable plot’ discussions with a full set of information handouts included.

Price £60, including buffet lunch.

• Booking essential Tel: 01572 813200 For details of all the courses at Barnsdale this month including Rose Pruning, Vegetables All The Year Round, Plant Propagation and lots more, visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Saturday 10 March to Sunday 15 April (matinees available) MUSICAL THEATRE: Gypsy

Saturday 10 March, 11am and 2pm CHILDREN’S THEATRE: The Owl & The Pussycat A piggy wig with a twinkle in his eye, an evangelical turkey and the strangest tree you’ll ever see are just some of the intriguing characters you’ll meet in this retelling of Edward Lear’s classic poem. Expect an array of enchanting puppets, live music, silly songs and magical storytelling. Suitable for children aged three to seven years and their families.

• The Core Theatre, Corby Tickets are priced £5.50 Tel: 01536 470 470 or www.thecorecorby.com

This jewel of American musical theatre inspired by the memoirs of the famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee charts the story of her mother, the infamous Mama Rose, and her determination to live out her own dreams of stardom through her two daughters. Featuring many well-loved numbers from the legendary Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, including ‘Everything’s Coming up Roses’, ‘You Gotta Have a Gimmick’, ‘Some People’ and ‘Rose’s Turn’- Gypsy is a musical spectacular and stars the incredible Caroline O’Connor. An absolute must see for any fan of musical theatre.

• Curve Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £10 Tel: 0116 2423595 www. curveonline.co.uk

Wednesday 14 March, 6.30pm for 7.15pm start POETRY: Ian McMillan, Talking Myself Home Ian presents The Verb every week on BBC R3 and is a regular on Pick of the Week, The Arts Show, You and Yours and Have I Got News For You? He was recently cast away on Desert Island Discs and featured with his orchestra on The South Bank Show. His rip-roaring poetry

shows are legendary. “World class – one of today’s greatest poetry performers” – Carol Ann Duffy.

• Uppingham Theatre. Tickets £10.50/£9 Tel: 01572 820820 www.uppthearts.co.uk

Wednesday 14 March, 7.30pm for 8pm EVENT: Ashley Film Night – Brighton Rock A re-make of the film based on Graham Greene’s book starring Helen Mirren and Sam Riley. • Ashley Village Hall Tickets £5 Tel; 01858 565410

Saturday 17 March, 7.30pm MUSIC: The Fitzwilliam String Quartet Music In Lyddington welcome the quartet to open the 2012 season playing quartets

by Mozart, Delius, Grainger and Grieg. The Fitzwilliam Quartet’s dynamic leader Lucy Russell has taken the Quartet across the world.

In recent years however, they have returned as Quartet in Residence at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

• St Andrews Church, Lyddington Tickets £14 (Students £2) from Uppingham Sports & Books or Music & More in Oakham or see www.musicinlyddington.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING MARCH 2012

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DIARY DATES

Monday 19 March 7pm and Tuesday 20 March, 1.30pm STAGE EVENT: Science Museum on Tour

Unleash your inner Einstein – explosive science for all the family.

Experience spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments as the Science Museum takes to the stage with a fantastic live show to blow your mind and challenge your brain. Fast, furious and frenetically fun, Science Museum Live on Tour will entertain, inform and inspire. Suitable for all ages 7 years and above.

• De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets £14.50/£12.50 Family ticket £48 Tel: 0116 2333 111 or www.demontforthall.co.uk

Friday 23 March, 7.30pm EVENT: Illustrated talk on ‘Great Finds of the Antiques Roadshow’ This fascinating talk is by former Executive Producer, Christopher Lewis. Refreshments will be served including ‘posh’ sausage and mash.

Proceeds to church funds.

• Stenning Hall, Hallaton Tickets £10 each from Hallaton Post Office or Denis Kenyon Tel: 01858 555602

Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 March, 7.30pm (Saturday matinee at 2.30pm) THEATRE: The Pirates of Penzance Market Harborough Musical Theatre is presenting The Pirates of Penzance in tribute to Gerald Heighton, a founder member and past President of the Society, who entertained audiences in and around Market Harborough and Kettering for sixty five years.

• Octagonal Theatre, Welland Park College, Welland Park Road, Market Harborough Tickets from £8 Tel: 07967 252 823 or tickets.mhmt@yahoo.co.uk

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Tuesday 27 March to Saturday 7 April MUSICAL THEATRE: Legally Blonde Winner of the 2011 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, this West End and Broadway sensation is based on the hit movie and stars Les Dennis, Ray Quinn and Niki Evans. College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. This is an all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy.

• De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets from £16 Tel: 0116 2333 111 or www.demontforthall.co.uk

Thursday 29 March, 7pm for 7.30pm start THEATRE NIGHT: Some Like it Hotter by the Oxfordshire Theatre Company Fantasy musical based on Some Like it Hot. Gangsters and guys dressed up as girls with live music and show stopping musical numbers.

Daring dialogue and wisecracks combine with red hot jazz as 1920s Prohibition America takes to the stage. • Ashley Village Hall Tickets £8 /£6 Tel: 01858 565255 or 01858 565410.

Thursday 22 March, 7.30pm DANCE: Shobana Jeyasingh presents Classic Cut To celebrate her dance company’s 25th anniversary, Shobana revisits her seminal 1988 collaboration with composer, Michael Nyman with a new work to a commissioned score by Niraj Chag. The original ‘Configurations’ was widely celebrated for its brave use of speed and stunning detail. Revisiting and reimagining it, Jeyasingh gives a glimpse into the beginning of her company’s life and an insight into an inspirational collaboration between choreographer and composer.

• The Core, Corby Tickets from £8 Tel: 01536 470470 or www.thecorecorby.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

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Adam Frost Design ‘Passionate about Gardens’

Design Landscaping Planting Maintenance The Studio, Barnsdale Gardens, Exton, Rutland, LE15 8AH +44(0)1780 762748 www.adamfrost.co.uk info@adamfrost.co.uk

Gold Medal Winner and Best in Show, RHS Chelsea Flower Show

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TRAVEL

If you want to escape this summer to the Real Greece look no further…

D

espite Greece’s current economic difficulties, the fundamentals of a perfect holiday still remain unchanged: warm sun, crystal clear waters, stunning scenery, good food and some of the friendliest locals you could wish to meet. Tourism is essential to Greece’s future growth and you can rest assured everyone involved in your holiday will do their very best to ensure the best possible memories of Greece. Oundle Travel offer a selection of holidays to Greece that are an attractive alternative to the mass market holiday companies, favouring areas more off the tourist beaten track. Here are three of their favourites for Summer 2012…

Symi Symi boasts one of the most atmospheric small harbour towns in the Aegean. Grand neoclassical houses and mansions, many once owned by wealthy sea captains line the horseshoe shaped bay. The array of shops and tavernas is plentiful and come to life in the evenings after sunset. Beaches are small and pebbly, lapped by the clearest of seas. Symi may be combined with other islands for a two week trip and Oundle Travel can offer an ‘Island Hopping’ tailor made holiday to suit your budget.

Nireus Hotel – Enjoying an unrivalled position on the waterfront, this pretty hotel has 36 nicely renovated rooms. The jetty to the front of the hotel acts as a lido with sun beds, perfect for that dip into the sea. From £793.00 per person including flights and all transfers.

Parga The pretty resort of Parga situated on the Greek Mainland is stunning, with perfect beaches and a characterful harbour topped by a castle. The town shelters behind a rocky headland and an array of brightly coloured cafes and restaurants line the waterfront with old narrow lanes and small shops open until late every evening. Parga attracts all nationalities but least of all, the British! It is popular with Greeks and Italians in high season and its character and charm ensure people return time after time. Visit early season when this delightful town is at its best – For the best location on the beach Oundle Travel recommends The Lichnos Beach Hotel Newly refurbished deluxe rooms from £796.00 per person travelling in June 2012 includes all flights and transfers Alonissos If you want to escape completely this summer and enjoy a quiet, unhurried holiday in natural surroundings, Alonissos is the island you should consider. 15 miles long by 4 miles wide, this stunning island is a retreat on which to swim, walk and gently explore. Oundle Travel recommend the pretty port of Patitiri, although sleepy in June and July there is plenty of waterfront activity during the evenings and

Symi Parga

Alonissos

some good tavernas and restaurants which come alive in the evenings. Fine beaches and crystal clear waters make this island perfect for diving, snorkelling and boat hire. The Yalis Hotel has just 22 rooms with wonderful sea views from £818.00 per person travelling June 2012.

SPECIAL OFFER – Are you able to travel very early or late season to Greece? – If so Oundle Travel are offering two weeks for the price of one at chosen properties on selected dates ! Call Tel: 01832 273600 for further details.

Easter Ski With the Alps having one of the best seasons for snow in over 40 years there can be no worries about skiing over Easter this year or even towards the end of April.

Most resorts received more snow this year by January than they received in the whole of last season.

Some resorts are already boasting over five meters of snow and temperatures have regularly been a lowly 20 in many places, ensuring that piste conditions have been amazing since mid December. Of course, the usual suspects (Obergurgl, St Anton, Val D’Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs, Zermatt, etc.) will be the resorts to head for to guarantee snow over the Easter period; however, if you are fortunate enough for your children to be enjoying their school holidays from March 24th then you may wish to opt for some of the slightly lower lying, traditional, and more picturesque resorts such as Megeve, Laax, Morzine, and Kitzbuhel to name but a few.

Undoubtedly, people will talk about the ski season of 2011/12 for years to come and, with some great deals out there, wouldn’t it be fantastic if you experienced the conditions first hand?

For further information: Contact: Nick Edwards, Snow Finders www.snowfinders.co.uk, Tel: 01858 466888 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING MARCH 2012

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PERSPECTIVES

The write stuff Our villages and market towns are home to several successful authors.

Alysia Anderson meets the local talent

Profile

Rob Scotton

strator, Rob Scotton created the bestselling character ‘Russell the lso be found on greetings cards, ceramics, textiles, prints, stationery nd glassware. Amander Meade finds out more

be he rawings on ys ollect f at ouraged

fully or a ollege. art, g his for his on of nic, a travel three hen you m like sed en years

had developed one of his characters whilst cycling in the beautiful Rutland countryside. “I started to see the landscape and rolling fields surrounding Rutland Water as an environment for a curious flock of sheep but was struggling with the key character’s basic expression.”

After an accident sent him flying from his bike, Rob landed face to face with a real sheep. “The look on its face at that moment was exactly what I needed and I recreated that expression for Russell.”

A chance opportunity to exhibit his work at a trade show took Rob to New York. A publisher spotted Russell and within ten days of returning home he had signed a three-book contract with the top publishing house, Harper Collins. Rob admits that what happened in the months that followed remains a bit of a blur. “It turned out that a highly respected children’s literature expert had come across the book and liked it so I was invited to do a tour of schools and bookstores along America’s East coast. It was both terrifying and hugely rewarding and I had the most amazing time,” grins Rob. “The response to Russell was overwhelming.”

A follow up tour of the West Coast secured Russell an eleven week stint on the New York Times Best Sellers List – an unprecedented achievement for a first time children’s author.

“It was completely surreal,” Rob recalls. “I was interviewed live on national US television,

I

ferried about in limousines, wined and dined.”

Two major children’s literary awards followed and by the time ‘Russell the Sheep’ was short listed for the Kate Greenaway award, the three book deal had developed into an eight book series.

Despite all the fruits of his hard work Rob is very modest and unaffected by his success, denying he is tempted to move to London to join the throngs of the children’s ‘literati’ – “Far from it, when I have spent any time in big cities away from Rutland, I am reminded of why we moved here in the first place – I do like Stamford though.”

This year will see the launch of some new characters from the Scotton stable as well as further adventures of some old favourites including Splatt the Cat – the character Rob developed on behalf of Portmeirion potteries.

Next time you are walking around Rutland Water, remember to look carefully at those sheep – one of them is an international star.

I

first met Peter Hamilton (www.peterfhamilton.co.uk) a couple of years ago when our children were at the same nursery. A local boy, he was born in Rutland and attended Witham Hall school, now a family tradition. I visited him at his Exton home and Peter showed me the barn-end office where he devises his globally popular sci fi stories. The English country garden outside his window is a far cry from the alien worlds he so skilfully creates. I asked why he began writing, expecting a story of creative impulses that simply had to be unleashed, but the answer was much more pragmatic. “My mother was unwell and I needed a job I could do from home, so I starting writing.” That humble start was back in 1987 and since then Peter has produced numerous short stories and more than a dozen epic novels; the first, Mindstar Rising, published in 1993. His fanbase is as vast as his books, stretching from Italy to Fiji, and will no doubt be delighted with Peter’s latest announcement. “I’ve just completed Great North Road which will be out this autumn, and I’m now going to start writing three children’s books (age 8-12), beginning with Queen of Dreams.

t was the view of Rutland sheep near his Oakham home that inspired Rob Scotton’s (www.robscotton.com) first picture book, f you were shopping in White Stuff before Christmas you may have find out more Russell the Sheep; an● To instant hit about withRob Scotton visit encountered Jae de Wylde (www.jaedewylde.com) signing copies of www.robscotton.com his youngsters everywhere. I recently bought it her novel The Thinking Tank, set partly in Rutland. “It’s just reached 48 Athena’ Walkers Bookshops. look for my four-year-old,Available alongatwith Rob’s other on Amazon’s Women’s fiction list!” Jae told me with delight. Currently in Books by Rob Scotton and published by t Harper Collins include: gan famous creation, Splat the Cat, both of which Bourne, Jae has lived locally since 1989 when she came to teach French Russell the Sheep hat have entranced her. The of Splat, a and German at Oakham School, where she later became Registrar. Events Russell exploits and the Lost Treasure of Russell’s illustrator, Christmas Magic cyclist, Local author and Rob Scotton created thetook bestselling character ‘Russell theblows of bereavement hairy inksplot of a moggie, have been a roaring a grave turn when she experienced the twin success on both sides of the Atlantic.

Two tales and illness, but she took what she describes as ‘life’s crappy stuff’ and LIVING January 2008 Sheep’. His work can also be found on greetings cards, ceramics, textiles, prints, stationery made the New York Times bestseller list and channelled it into a writing career. Her novel is a compelling analysis of an Amander Meade fiillnds outlifemore the original was voted one ofand Timeglassware. magazine’s woman’s and her relationship with her daughter, each contemplated 12/12/07 16:50:33 top five picture books. Although the stories during hours spent in an oxygen chamber, the ‘thinking tank’ of the title. themselves is Rob’s andeveloped one of his characters whilst Jae also finds timeabout to teach belly dancing, ferried in limousines, winedsometimes and dined.” at Stamford Arts had ob’s interest inare art, charming, he tells me,itcan be skill as Two major children’s literary cycling in the beautiful Rutland countryside.

“I a skill traced back to thedelivers day he realised he formula. illustrator that the winning Centre, she acquired when livingawards in the followed Middle East. Her thoughts and by the ‘Russellwriting the Sheep’ was started landscape rollingEurope. fields “The received more attention creating This streak runs infor the family:drawings Rob’s wife Liz is to see arethe now turning and towards novel I’mtime currently is set in short Paris and I’m also working for Thinking the Kate Greenaway surroundingon Rutland Water an same environment with aalso pencil using it as a weapon on anthan artist. another withasthe characterslisted as The Tank,” saysaward, Jae. the three

Rob Scotton I

R

book deal had developed into an eight book for a curious flock of sheep but was struggling his brother. “As a youngster I was always series. with the key character’s basic expression.” interested in art and my Mum would collect Despite all the fruits of his hard work Rob After an accident sent him flying from his bike, my pictures and proudly show them off at ver in Uppingham, another award-winning author is busy penning books for children. Michaela is very modest and unaffected by his success, Rob landed face to face with a real sheep. “The work, which I thought was great.” Encouraged Morgan (www.michaelamorgan.com) started out as a teacher then became writerdenying in residence he is tempted to move to London look on its face at that moment was exactly further by a nurturing art teacher at in prisons, as well as speaking at conferences worldwide. often that visitsexpression schools at home and to join the throngs of the children’s ‘literati’ what I needed and IShe recreated secondary school, Rob’s ambition was fully abroad, delighting fans by replying to their questions in rhyme. Her inventive works range – “Farfrom from it, when I have spent any time in for Russell.” fledged by the time he was accepted for a picture books like Never Shake a Rattlesnake! to retellings of Robin Hood forcities KS2away from Rutland, I am reminded of A chance opportunity to exhibit hisand workHerculesbig foundation course at Loughborough College. readers.

The story tackles bullying andRob refugeeism while tellswe themoved true here in the first place – I do like a trade show took to New York.

A Respect!why Far from starving in moving a garret for hisNight art, Flight at of orphan Walterduring Tull, who the firstspotted professional British a Stamfordand though.” publisher Russellblack and within tenoutfield days footballer Rob wasstory busy with commissions his became ThisWalter year will see the launch of some new of returning home he had signed a three-book teens and was much in demand locally for his unabated, war hero.

Her creativity continues with several projects on the go. These include characters contract withbook the top publishing house, Harper portraitsTull’s of pets and cars. On Scrapbook, forcompletion nine-to-13 of year olds; a picture to help toddlers cope with a new sibling;from the Scotton stable as well Collins.aRob that what“Sometimes happened in Ithe his art degree Leicester Polytechnic, a involving and afrom hip hop version of Cinderella lostadmits baseball boot. feel likeasafurther ratheradventures of some old favourites including Splatt the Cat – the character Rob months that followed remains a bit of a blur.

“It hugely successful fi nal year show put travel wobbly juggler, on a unicycle, with a desk,” says Michaela. developed on behalf of Portmeirion potteries. turned out that a highly respected children’s plans on hold when Rob was offered a three Next time you are walking around Rutland literature expert had come across the book year contract with Kingsley Cards. “When you Water, remember to look carefully at those and liked 2012 it so I was invited to do a tour of are barely twenty-one, three years seem like Living 46 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH MARCH sheep – one of them is an international star. schools and bookstores along America’s an eternity so no-one was more surprised East coast. It was both terrifying and hugely than me when I was still there seventeen years ● To find out more about Rob Scotton visit rewarding and I had the most amazing time,” later.”

46 Throughout LOCAL AUTHORS.indd 1 Rob honed his www.robscotton.com grins Rob. “The response to Russell was the eighties overwhelming.” craft designing greetings cards in the ‘Athena’

O

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