Stamford Living November 2017

Stamford LIVING November 2017 £1.50

Be inspired by where you live

Talk of the town ENERGY CLOTHING TURNS 21!

IN THIS ISSUE

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Contents November

Stamford LIVING November 2017 £1.50

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Winter coats Scandi style The Stamford Fashion Show Health & Beauty – Autumn/Winter SOS! Health & Beauty News – Serene Massage, Duncan Ford Acupuncture, Cosmetic Surgery at The Fitzwilliam 30 Health & Beauty News – Equilibrium, Laura Mackey at Garie Nigel’s, In Step Foot Clinic, Paul Short Hairdressing in Hampton 45 Wright Care at Home 60 Evergreen Christmas competition – fabulous prizes to be won, whilst supporting a great cause

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Be inspired by where you live

Talk of the town ENERGY CLOTHING TURNS 21!

1 SL COVER NOV.indd 10

18/10/2017 16:57

Cover photo this month: The Energy team, Sarah & Clare, in Ironmonger St. Photo by Alexandra Wallace www.alexandrawallace.co.uk

www.stamfordliving.co.uk @StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living

HOME & GARDEN, SHOPPING 16 Up-cycling – thinking outside the box 20 Through the keyhole – Meadow View, Stamford 32 The story of Olympic Marble in Peterborough 38 Victoria’s page – A mix of culture, gastronomy and bon vivant!

40 Chameleon’s 15th anniversary 42 The Wool Room 48 Christmas Gifts feature 56 Ask Leo – What was it like shopping in St Mary’s 6o years ago?

87 Stamford in Bloom plans

Editor and Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Stamford Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.bestlocallivingliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Claudia Bayley 01780 482828 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designers Sarah Compton inkdesign@virginmedia.com, Calum Handley Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

FOOD & DRINK

64 Great Food Club Annual Awards 68 Putting vegetables to good use 71 Food & Drink News

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, LEARNING & BUSINESS

35 Little Living – A little doing, a little whizz bang, a little eating, a little shopping 36 Pets – keeping that fur clean 46 Stamford Twinning 74 New College Stamford celebrates its 50th in great health 77 Experiencing Stageworks in St Neots 88 Out & About

PEOPLE & PLACES

63 The Feather Company of Stamford 94 Chris Isaac, Stamford Garden Centre

NEWS & NOTES

78 UPP Property, 100%Proof! The Why of Maths, The Burghley Christmas Fair, Charity Santa Ride with Rutland Cycling 81 Making a Will, The Little Lane Nursery Millie’s Mark accreditation, Big Bike-a-thon for Tallington Lodge Care Home staff!

83 Chocolate Festival and Craft Fair, Stamford Flower Club, 60 Years Young, Burghley Park Santa Fun Run, You & Beyond reopens it’s Stamford store following refurbishment 84 Witham School, Willow Brook Farm Shop, Avicenna Clinic

Subscriptions; annual rate £25 (UK only). Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, with £25 cheque payable to Local Living, or go online to www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

STAMFORD’S PREMIER SALON JUST GOT EVEN BETTER!!

EST. 2005

EQUILIBRIUM BE AUT Y

INDULGE

PAMPER

RELAX

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Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk f equilibriumstamford t equilibriumspa

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Picture of the month Harringworh Viaduct, opened in 1878, only took sixteen months to build. Pretty quick really, considering it’s the longest masonry structure across a valley in Britain, has 82 arches and comprises 30 million bricks!

Maybe the speed had something to do with the size of the workforce – 400 - and the fact that they got paid overtime for working through the night. Plus, it helped that they were ‘on-site’, housed in 12 huts on Gretton Hill and 40 huts at the Seaton end. Mind you, you would have thought the supply of beer would have slowed them down, calculated to be 30 gallons per hut per week!

Today the line is occasionally used for steam trains (great excitement) and as an alternative route when there are engineering works on a nearby line.

To me the viaduct always conjures up walking, because so many of the best hikes in this region beetle up and down the valley sides or along the river – the viaduct provides the ultimate landmark! And the walk often ends with a beer (only an 1/8th of a gallon I hasten to add…) in the White Swan at Harringworth.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones, Editor Photo by Richard Brown.

His photographs can be viewed at flickr.com/photos/rjbrown…

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 6

Queensgate Q PETERBOROUGH

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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Share their new-season favourites and hottest trends

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Winter Fashion

Scandinavian Style Anna Stone Design’s little black Interior Design Studio at the Stamford Garden Centre has all the hallmarks of everything that is inspiring about Scandinavian style: pared-back simplicity mixed with upcycled furniture, blonde-wood flooring and stunning vintage chandeliers for sale. It’s the best backdrop for winter coats to snuggle up in. Business owner Rannveig Stone, fellow Stamford Living contributor, agreed to model winter coats from Stamford and Oakham with her assistant Sarah.

FASHION: NIKKI BEATTY AND SALLY STILLINGFLEET PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

Rannveig wears Dolce and Gabbana shearling bomber, £350, Arch, with Maison Scotch reversible scarf, £80, Energy

➧ STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Sarah wears grey Bellfield parka, now £60, from 23/Seven

Rannveig wears Preen checked coat, £450, Arch, with long-sleeved wool top, £63.99, from Duo. Jeans throughout from Energy and 23/Seven

Scandinavian Style Sarah wears Parka, £60, from 23/Seven. Rannveig wears Dolce and Gabbana shearling bomber jacket, £350, Arch

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Sarah wears brown leopard print coat, £300, Attic

Sarah wears white Harris Wilson shirt, £80, Attic, under Michael Kors navy jacket, £250, Arch

Rannveig wears long navy Joseph coat, £250, Arch, boots, £210, CoCo, and navy polo-neck, £75, Attic

Many thanks to Rannveig and Sarah of Anna Stone Design (Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, 07900 883117, www.annastonedesign.com) for modelling.

Thanks to Rebecca Chantrell for the beautiful make-up and hair. 07841 622366, info@makeupbybecca.co.uk Photography by Elli Dean, 07932 055548, www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Sarah wears Woolrich parka, £755, and Mads Norgaard top, £59, both from Cavells. Rannveig wears Oakwood leather bomber, £355, and Mads Norgaard top, £150, both from Cavells

23/Seven – 3 Stamford Walk, Stamford, 01780 238008 Arch Label Agency – 43 St Peter’s Street, Stamford, 01780 764746 Attic – 33 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, 01780 766667 Energy – 9 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, 01780 765633 Cavells – 16 Mill Street, Oakham, 01572 770372 CoCo – 29 High Street, Oakham, 01572 757646 Duo Boutique – 29A High Street, Oakham, 01572 722116 STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Sally Stillingfleet was inspired by the photoshoot she did last year at the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough to raise more funds for the hospice by putting on Stamford’s very own Fashion Show, which took place on October 10th in the Arts Centre

Catwalk Community I

ALWAYS knew there was the potential to raise more funds, when we saw and experienced the fantastic work done there by all the amazing staff and volunteers at the hospice.

The doctors and nurses said they would be keen to model again (they got a real taste for it!) and so an idea was born. To help raise awareness of the much-needed funds to run Thorpe Hall and promote the unique Independent shops we are lucky to have in Stamford, everyone came together with a common goal to support each other and to celebrate life.

As the Fashion Editor alongside my friend Mel and her husband Jamie we loved every minute of piecing it all together and have relied on the relationships with our local shops and everyone who has donated a raffle prize. Fashion can be a powerful tool to empower and give confidence, but we could not have done it without all the models, local friends and familiar faces around town.

Thanks too to all the shops that took part helping us put outfits and shoes together Arch Label Agency, Attic, Energy, Gagliardi and Marcia May Shoes. Thank you to TGS Live Events, The Fine Food Store, Jan at Adnams, Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford Beauty, Gerards Hair and Beauty, Oliver Lee, Fiona at Creative and The Stamford Wine Bar. PHOTOGRAPHY: Natalie Thurlow Photography.

More photos of the evening can be found on Facebook @nataliethurlowphotography

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

L i ve B e a u t i f u l l y

CHRISTMAS

AT T H E L I T T L E R E D G A L L E R Y N O W AT 8 S T M A RY ' S H I L L , S TA M F O R D

Get into the Christmas spirit with the big names here at Little Red. Get in touch to order that special someone a special something! Now showing Bob Barker, Lawrence Coulson, Paul Corfield, Jeff Rowland, Peter Smith and Richard Rowan.

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 27 Mill St, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA 8 St Mary's Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP, 01780 762288 stamford@thelittleredgallery.co.uk 8 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AE, 01522 589134 art@thelittleredgallery.co.uk

WWW.THELITTLEREDGALLERY.CO.UK

01572 722 345

CELEBRATING OUR 50 YEAR HERITAGE SOFAS | BEDS | MATTRESSES Visit our Stamford showroom on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 14

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D E SIGN TO SU IT YO U R TA S T E INSP IRATIO NAL, I N N OVAT I V E & UN I QUE

INTERIORS ARE FOR LIVING, LOVING AND INSPIRING – LET YOUR HOME TELL YOUR STORY. SUPPLIERS OF Paint | Wallpaper | Lighting | Home Accessories | Furniture | Curtains & Blinds | Flooring | Interior Design NOW WITH ONLINE SHOP Visit our showroom six days a week including Saturdays:

A16 Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone: 01780 757 946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk 15

Give your home a unique personality UPCYCLING: IT’S

EASIER THAN YOU THINK

With home makeover TV shows and programmes like BBC1’s ‘Money for Nothing’, ‘upcycling’ is becoming more and more popular. As well as being costeffective, re-purposing an existing piece of furniture is much more environmentally friendly than buying something brand new; it reduces landfill and the carbon footprint used to source materials like wood, glass and metal.

Whatever your style and budget, upcycling can give your home a really stylish and unique look.

The key is to think creatively, be imaginative and above all, have fun! Rannveig Stone

R

EAD on to discover how tired, run-ofthe-mill furniture can be transformed into outstanding pieces that can give your home more personality.

Fabulous results with fabric

Transform the look a tired piece of furniture by re-upholstering it in a luxurious and stylish new fabric.

Sourcing furniture You can source items to upcycle using websites like eBay, Preloved and Schpock. If you prefer to see and feel what you’re buying before parting with your cash, you could go to one of the local auction houses, like Bateman’s. Browse around St Martin’s Antiques, where you might discover the perfect addition to your home. There are some great local second-hand dealers – like Second To None –with 1000s of items in stock for you to explore online.

With over 1,500 pieces at any one time, the sheer volume of stock we carry means that we can’t operate as a ‘walk around’ shop. Everything is listed on our website, so you can browse and reserve anything that takes your fancy online, before arranging a viewing at our premises at Stamford Garden Centre.

Neil Scholes, Second To None

LONG VICTORIAN CHURCH PEW £95.00, SECOND TO NONE Upcycling this church pew would make a stunning addition to any home. It’s solid pine, so very strong and sturdy, and would look great repainted in a contemporary colour.

Chalk painting: luxurious looks for less VINTAGE CHAISE LONGUE £50.00 This would make a great re-upholstery project; the frame is sturdy, the seat lifts up and there’s a lot of storage space inside.

There are courses available for people wanting to learn the art of upholstery, but the quickest and simplest option would be to commission an expert to do it for you. Local upholstery specialists Jonathan Harvey and Mark Milner are based in Foundry Lane, Stamford.

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

CHALK INTERIORS

If you’re not in the market for a really expensive piano, pick one up cheap and give it a bold new makeover. Annie Sloan chalk paint is great for upcycling projects like this, as you can paint it straight on.

PHOTO: MAGPIE VINTAGE

GET THE LOOK!

If you love the style but don’t have the time to makeover your own furniture, you could commission a furniture upcycler like Mandy Wright from Knobs & Knotts to do the hard work for you:

PHOTOS: CHALK INTERIORS

BEFORE

AFTER

Kate Higginson, Chalk Interiors Kate explains; “Annie Sloan is very particular about where she sells her paint; when you apply to become a stockist, you actually speak to Annie herself. She does all of the training at her headquarters in Oxford and will only train the shop owners.

“We’re the only stockist in this area authorised to teach the techniques used with Chalk Paint™

by Annie Sloan. We run two Annie Sloan workshops to help people gain some core skills and build confidence.

“Our workshops are always small, as we like to be able to give people one-to-one attention where needed. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move onto the more decorative techniques, using decoupage, image transfer and gold leaf.”

“Our Chair Workshop combines painting and upholstery; we provide you with a chair to transform with Chalk Paint™ along with some of Annie Sloan’s gorgeous range of fabrics to upholster the seat. You then go home with a finished chair in a colour and fabric of your choice that is ready to take pride of place in your home!”

C

HECK out Smithers of Stamford; this online vintage, industrial, retro furniture and lighting store has featured on BBC’s ‘Money for Nothing’ and takes pride in sourcing really stylish pieces of impeccable quality.

Nick Smith told us: “We’re big believers in the reclaimed, upcycling and salvaging of items destined for the scrap yard and breathing new life into them. Upcycling is ecofriendly and will add something truly retro to your living space. If you spot something you like on our website, we can arrange a ‘no obligation’ viewing. Alternatively, people who prefer to browse can come along to one of our regular barn sales in Etton.”

Vintage style ‘WooWoo’ Cocktail Chairs, similar to those featured on BBC1’s Money for Nothing.

WOOWOO COCKTAIL CHAIR £ 1,450.00

These Vespa Pendant Lights will add a flash of Italian magic to any room, while the adjustable Tractor Stools could be a quirky addition to your breakfast bar.

VESPA PENDANT LIGHTS £96.00 TRACTOR STOOL £300.00

Other sources of second hand furniture Ketton car boot Van Hague car boot Charity shops – Sue Ryder, Age concern STAMFORD VINTAGE FAIR – Saturday, 2 November 2013 at 11:00–16:00 at Stamford Arts Centre Don’t worry if you missed this, check out https://www.fielddogfairs.com/ Field Dog Fairs organises some of the Midlands most popular antiques, collectables and vintage fairs, both for stallholders, overseas trade and visitors alike.

“Customers email me photos of the furniture they’d like me to paint, so I can provide a ballpark quote for the work involved. We then arrange a home visit for me to view the piece and discuss finishes.

“If you want to have a go at upcycling furniture yourself, my top tip is to only use the very best paint; you get what you pay for. I really love the Annie Sloan chalk paint; it gives a beautiful finish.”

Dark brown Sleigh Bed upcycled by ASD & Knob & Knots

SUPPLIERS/CONTACTS: Bateman’s Auctioneers & Valuers, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1XF; 01780 766466; info@batemans.com; www.batemans.com Chalk Interiors; Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 4BB; 01780 752414; sales@chalkinteriors.com; www.chalkinteriors.com Jonathan Harvey Upholstery; 3 Foundry Lane, Stamford PE9 2PW; 01780 764710 Mark Milner Upholstery Specialist; 1 Foundry Lane, Stamford PE9 2PW; 01780 769150; info@markmilner.co.uk Knobs & Knotts – Mandy Wright; 07503 210333; knobbsandknotts@hotmail.com; Second To None, www.SecondToNoneStamford.com; 07989 133362; neil@secondtononestamford.com Please note: Viewings & collection by prior appointment only, Stamford Garden Centre, Road End Farm, Great Casterton Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 4BB Smithers of Stamford, www.smithersofstamford.com; 01780 435060; info@smithersofstamford.com Please note: Viewings & collection by prior appointment only, Stamford Etton, Cambridgeshire, PE6 7DA St Martin’s Antiques Centre, 23a High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF; 01780 48115; info@st-martins-antiques.co.uk; www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk Magpie Vintage Crockery Hire, www.magpiecrockery.co.uk 07775 708900 Rannveig Stone is Director of interior design firm Anna Stone Design Ltd, based at the Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, PE9 4BB. www.annastonedesign.com; 07900 883117.

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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UPPINGHAM & LONDON

Sales

Cleaning

Restoration

Bespoke

Emma Cutmore Gifts & Home 4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford, PE9 2HG 01780 482870 www.emmacutmore.co.uk

& Upstairs

The Dress Agency Pre-owned Fashion Nov 1st & 8th, 1 - 6pm Open W arehou se, Lon don — An�qu e Triba l Rug Ex hibi�on at The Rug Stu Uppingh dio, a m Sat 11th - Sat 25 th Nov 2017

The Rug Studio Shop: 2 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PZ The Rug Studio - Workshop/Warehouse: Unit 8, 3 Walmgate Rd, Perivale, London, UB6 7LH Tel: 01572 829927 Email: info@therugstudio.co.uk www.therugstudio.co.uk Opening Hours: Shop:- Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm Warehouse:- By Appointment

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COME & VISIT OUR SHOP IN STAMFORD:

26 –27 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2AY (Nex t to the Librar y)

OPENING TIMES:

Monday – Saturday: 9am–5.30pm Sunday: 10 – 4pm Open until 8pm ever y Thursday from 23rd November – 21st December

www.sophieallport.com

01778 560256 19

STEP

INSIDE

Extending a Welcome Extending on both sides transformed a neglected Stamford relic into a hospitable family home FEATURE: AMANDER MEADE PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

“I

WAS looking for a suitable renovation project in Stamford when I spotted the ‘For Sale’ sign outside Meadow View,” remembers property entrepreneur, Mark. “The house was central to the town with plenty of parking and seemed too good to be true.” On viewing, the house proved to be almost derelict but Mark was not put off and as soon as the purchase was complete, along with his partner Miles Dibsdall, he had plans drawn up for a double extension, enlisting the services of a trusted local builder.

The project offered the opportunity to completely open up the interior downstairs, knocking through the kitchen and dining room to make one, much more useable space, as well as adding a sizeable extension which would transform the house from two bedrooms to four. A two storey extension was added to one side and a single storey bedroom and bathroom on the other. “The plan was to create a spacious, desirable home where our family and friends would feel welcome.”

Mark spent months on site daily, working alongside the building team removing rubble, clearing the overgrown garden, painting to first fix standard and generally project managing the build. “I really enjoy the transformation process,” he admits, “we had to remove every trace of the 1970s as nothing had been touched since the original build. Key elements were to reconfigure the upstairs to create four comfortable bedrooms and to create an open plan kitchen/living space downstairs. “Being on site made decisions about interior doors, flooring and architrave very straightforward.”

When it came to decoration and furnishing the house, Mark deliberately chose a subtle grey on beige palette to provide a neutral backdrop throughout. “Our taste in design is so colourful and eclectic with only one rule which is to buy what we love. We used pieces handed down through the family as well as art and accessories we have picked up on our travels. I do

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

try to support businesses close to home and am a regular at Stamford’s sale rooms where I have found many fantastic bargains over the years.

I am also a great fan of revamping rooms with great fabric and have a wonderful soft furnishings expert in Lyn Venables who runs Strawberry Fields Fine Fabrics and makes all my blinds and curtains.” (A range of Lyn’s fabric can also be found on Stamford Market each Friday.)

“Chairs and sofas are brilliant candidates for pulling together a room scheme and older models like my favourite wing chair, can be completely reinvented with fresh upholstery. The sitting rooms at Meadow View are full of well-chosen antiques rubbing shoulders with brightly coloured sofas dressed with cushions and throws from the High Street. The kitchen has traditional cabinetry topped with granite surfaces and a useful central island around which guests can gather for drinks. “When it’s just the two of us, we tend to eat at the island,” adds Mark. Upstairs each bedroom boasts a gorgeous bed dressed in luxurious linens with plenty more cosy cushions creating a restful, relaxing feeling throughout the house.

Mark has used the light in the house to best advantage including installing a contemporary oak staircase with glass panels to make the most of the natural light in the central hallway.

When the renovation was complete, another plan emerged. ‘With four bedrooms and plenty of space, a friend suggested I offer bed and breakfast – something which I had never considered – and which I now love doing. The house lends itself perfectly to regular hospitality although we are currently working on a new renovation project locally, we will have plenty of happy memories to take with us when we move.”

To book Meadow View Guest House Tel: 01780 762133.

The property is currently for sale through Strutt & Parker of Stamford, Tel: 01780 408543 struttandparker.com

DESIGN ADVICE:

“Take inspiration from interiors magazines and websites but be warned against trying too hard to create a particular format. Let your décor reflect your personality - a minimalist, monochrome scheme would never do for me.”

FAVOURITE ROOM:

“The garden room is where we relax and love to watch the seasons change outside. It’s always bright and cheerful in here - sunny in the summer and cosy in the winter.”

DECORATING TIP:

“Unless you are an expert in painting and decorating use the professionals. If you find good tradesmen the finish to their work is far superior to anything an amateur could achieve and is always money well spent.”

MASTER ENSUITE BATHROOM High quality space saving fittings with plenty of storage are a good investment in a small bathroom. Tiles by Homebase. Victoria tall unit £178, vanity unit with basin £248 and mirror £46.69 all by Roca.

DINING AREA The original tiny dining room has been transformed into a light and bright place to enjoy entertaining.

Teamed with a contemporary oak table from Delcor, these six antique chairs have had new bow tied seat cushions added for extra comfort. The wall colour is Dusted Moss by Dulux, £24.99 for 2.5 litres and the dresser was made to order by Theodore Ross.

Above: MASTER BEDROOM An unusual metallic painted sleigh bed makes a glamorous centre piece in the master bedroom.

Bed from a range of sleigh beds at And So To Bed. The antlers were found at a sale room and rewired as an ingenious light fitting. All bed linen by Sanderson at TK Maxx, curtain fabric is Russian Line by Strawberry Fields Fine Fabrics.

KITCHEN The kitchen features an unusual circular island with plenty of extra storage beneath. The bespoke oak units and island were handmade and fitted by Grant Shortland Interiors to Mark’s design; the worktops are granite. Oak flooring was laid throughout the ground floor which provides continuity through the open plan areas.

GARDEN ROOM A relaxed colour palette generates just the right atmosphere in this airy, south facing space. A vintage Habitat sofa classic has been recovered in a calming blue. Cassette wood burning stoves like this one are designed to be installed into the existing chimney breast – often without major building work. Expect to pay from £1,500.

LOCAL SUPPLIER DIRECTORY: Batemans Auctioneers Tel: 01780 766466 batemans.com Delcor 0191 237 1303 delcor.co.uk Grant Shortland Interiors 01949 861661 shortland.co.uk H Works Design Tel: 01780 754605 hworksdesign.co.uk Strawberry Fields Fine Fabrics Tel: 07961 154948 Theodore Ross 01572 755444 theodoreross.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Visit our showroom: Cherryholt Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2EQ Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 10am-3pm

bright ideas....

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The Authority in Luxury, Performance & Classic Cars 2016/16 MCLAREN 570S COUPE

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2016(66) 2,800 miles Auto £149,950

15/15 ASTON MARTIN DB9 VOLANTE ‘CARBON EDITION’ Carbon Black Metallic with Obsidian Black Hide and Electron Yellow Stitching. 13,800 miles .............................. £109,950 15/65 AUDI R8 V10 ‘PLUS’ QUATTRO S-TRONIC Suzuka Grey Metallic with Black Leather.

Sport Plus Pack. 4,500 miles .................................................................................................... £115,950 16/16 AUDI R8 V10 QUATTRO S-TRONIC Suzuka Grey Metallic with Black Diamond Fine Nappa Leather. 5,000 miles........................................................................................................£98,950 15/15 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC W12 MULLINER Cumbrian Green Metallic with Linen Hide and Cumbrian Green Stitching. 8,200 miles ............................................................. £104,950 14/14 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC V8 ‘S’ MULLINER Onyx Black Metallic with Black Hide and Pillar Box Red Stitching. 5,300 miles ........................................................................... £104,950 13/13 FERRARI 458 ITALIA Nero Daytona with Nero Leather and Giallo Stitching. 7,000 miles ................................................................................................................................................ £174,950 15/65 FERRARI CALIFORNIA T Nero Daytona with Nero Leather and Bianco Stitching.

4,300 miles ................................................................................................................................... £149,950 08/08 FERRARI F430 SPIDER F1 Blu Tour De France with Crema Leather and Blu Piping. 1 Owner. 3,000 miles .................................................................................................................... £124,950 16/16 JAGUAR ‘PROJECT 7’ 1 OF 250 CARS British Racing Green with Jet Black Quilted Leather. Delivery Mileage ......................................................................................................... £189,950

Year Mileage Transmission

2016(16) 3,000 miles Auto

PORSCHE 911 (991) CARRERA GTS COUPE 3.8 PDK GT Silver with Black Leather and Alcantara Interior GTS Pack.

Year Mileage Transmission

£119,950

2015(15) 6,500 miles Semi-Auto £99,950

16/65 LAND ROVER ‘CLASSIC TWISTED’ DEFENDER 90 – BUILD NO.11/20 Corris Grey with Black Half Leather. Delivery Miles ........................................................................ £60,792+Vat 16/16 MERCEDES-BENZ G63 AMG Obsidian Black Metallic with Designo Black Leather.

7,500 miles ................................................................................................................................... £109,950 16/66 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT S PREMIUM Special Order AMG Solarbeam Yellow with Black Nappa Leather. 1,200 miles ............................................................................................£92,950 16/66 MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG S CABRIOLET Designo Diamond White Bright with Two Tone Red Pepper and Black Nappa Leather. 6,800 miles .................................................£67,950 14/64 PORSCHE 911 (991) GT3 3.8 CLUBSPORT Black with Black Leather and Alcantara Clubsport Interior. 4,500 miles ............................................................................................... £139,950 15/15 PORSCHE 911 (991) 3.4 TARGA 4 PDK Agate Grey Metallic with Two Tone Black and Platinum Grey Leather, 9,100 miles ........................................................................................£89,950 11/11 PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER (987) 3.4 MANUAL White with Black Leather and Alcantara Interior. 19,300 miles ................................................................................................£47,950 14/14 RANGE ROVER OVERFINCH SPORT 4.4 SDV8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY DYNAMIC Fuji White with Tri-Tone Ebony, Lunar and Cirrus Leather. 24,700 miles ............................£58,950

For our most up to date stock list please visit: top555.co.uk

If you have a similar car to sell, please call us! www.top555.co.uk | TOP555 Limited, Burley Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7AA

tel: 01572 774 830 sales@top555.co.uk

23

HEALTH Autumn/Winter SOS!& Rebecca Chantrell, our new Health & Beauty correspondent, ask the experts around Stamford for their health and beauty advice this season.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

Restoring hair at Renaissance Renaissance has been trading in Stamford for a staggering 23 years. The reason? Owner Fiona’s passion and drive to give her customers the best results.

She has scrutinised and finely tuned her selection of treatments over the years. Thanks to larger premises, hair specialist Anneli is now also on board and I met with her this month…

A/W nail trends with Graffiti Beauty

If your hair is overworked and tired, a stretch test might be just the ticket. This process is used to identify the correct treatment and products for your hair condition. The test involves wetting the hair and depending on the reaction, Anneli can prescribe the perfect new hair routine to repair it.

“PowerBuild is my go to range for overprocessed, chemically damaged and heatstyled hair. Harnessing wheat proteins and vitamins to repair the structure resulting in stronger hair less prone to breakage. The range includes, shampoo, conditioner and treatments.

Prices start at £10.95” Renaissance now offer a range of services through a network of specialists including hair, but also permanent makeup, sports massage, nutrition, Reiki and counselling.

Renaissance – New Address 15 Maiden Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ 01780 763768 www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Winter hair advice from Chapel Yard Wind, rain, hats! There is a lot up against us and our hair. If you’re trying to keep your freshly curled style bouncy, or frizzy hair smooth, it is near impossible. I asked Hollie at Chapel Yard what her expert tips are for looking like you have stepped out of the salon every morning this winter.

“The cut for Autumn/Winter is definitely the bob, particularly one that hits just below the chin with or without a heavy fringe and a full head colour to make it pop.

Grown out fringes are still really popular especially with longer hair, and look great with the lob (long-bob) too.

Winter hair still needs regular cuts and lots of TLC with good quality nourishing products.

Colour wise I love autumnal shades; honey blondes, spicy reds and rich dark chocolate brunettes” Chapel Yard Hair and Beauty, No 2 Chapel Yard, North Street, 01780 489200

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Caroline at Graffiti Beauty is an artist in her own right, originally specialising in textile design. This background lends itself perfectly to the intricate and complicated designs that are on trend, gone are the days of simple French polish! I met with Caroline in her spacious beamed salon above Mojos and asked what the latest nail looks are for Autumn/Winter.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

What product and colour range did you choose to launch with at Renaissance?

“Organic Colour Systems. They are different to most brands by using more certified organic ingredients and fewer chemicals than anyone else. I’m super happy because my customers always comment on the great condition of their hair after colouring. The range is also made in Britain down in the New Forest which I really love.”

“It’s all about negative space nails (‘barely there’ nail design is the term they use in the fashion world) with guilding, abstract nail art and geometric patterns still going strong this season.

If you want to go darker and bolder, rich red tones blending into taupes and grey tones with designs look brilliant.

Marble is big - I like to give my marble designs a chrome guild effect to finish, to give it an edgier look” Caroline is launching ‘Mummy Monday’ at the salon where tired Mummies can retreat for a much needed pamper. With a relaxed atmosphere, there will be craft tables for toddlers and play pens for the babies. Luckily Caroline and her team have a large open salon which is perfect.

Stamford Living reader offer Winter Warmer and Party Night packages available. Choose 3 mini treatments for £30. Valid from November 1st to December 20th, 2017 Caroline at Graffiti Beauty. Within Mojos Hair and Beauty, 1A Ironmonger Street, Stamford, 01780 757070 www.graffitibeauty.com

& BEAUTY Preventing illnesses and increasing energy levels with Sophie Driver

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E’VE all been there, dodging family members with coughs and colds and upping our quota of Vit C. Sophie Driver, a Nutritional Therapist at Broad Street Practice gives us additional approaches on top of diet to avoiding the lurgy and maintaining energy levels this Christmas.

High-quality sleep and plenty of it: If you aren’t getting enough restorative sleep, you’ll be at increased risk for a hostile viral takeover! Your immune system is strongest when you’re not sleep-deprived.

Regular exercise: There is evidence that regular, moderate exercise can reduce your risk for respiratory illness by boosting your immune system. However, if you’re already feeling poorly, don’t overdo it.

Address your emotional Stress: Emotional stressors can also pre-dispose you to an infection while making cold symptoms worse, so look at ways of reducing your reaction to stresses in your life.

For a more personalised approach to boosting your immune system, contact Sophie Driver, Nutritional Therapist at the Broad Street Practice on 01780 480889.

Get glowing at The Ivy Lodge

Skin really suffers from the drop-in temperature and being blasted by central heating at home and work. If your skin looks lack lustre after the sun-kissed glow has worn off, then the Elemis Experts at The Ivy Lodge recommend the nutrient boosting Superfood Pro-Radiance Facial.

Superfoods are great for the skin, and this facial is crammed with the same omega-rich ingredients, so you can enjoy a facial that lets those natural nourishers work their magic.

They also pack in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium that kick start lazy skin functions. The therapists let you relax cocooned in an amino active mask that balances and restores stressed, dull skin.

The facial makes you glow, a lot! It’s fab for a pre-party treatment. £59 for a 60-minute treatment.

Readers can get 20% off ANY Elemis Facial in November when they mention Stamford Living at the time of booking.

The Ivy Lodge, Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, PE9 4BB (open 7 days a week) 01780 766583 www.theivylodge.co.uk

Getting outdoors with Jodie Baxter Jodie Baxter personal trainer and founder of Fitness in the Field is a great believer in exercising outdoors come what may!

Scientists are proving that exercising in natural environments improves mood, reduces depression and has further health benefits.

Whilst it might be tempting to snuggle up with a blanket and watch endless boxsets, Jodie has some motivating words to get you moving, and keeping it outside.

“Bootcamps are great for comradery and working as a team has an amazing positive, uplifting effect. When the weathers bad people dig in and work harder, the fresh air means

Dry skin solutions at Equilibrium Packed away your summer wardrobe and started Googling countries that are above 20c in November? Then take a trip to Equilibrium this winter.

The Indoceane is a body ritual perfect for someone who’s skin is seriously lacking moisture and is in desperate need of some time out. The treatment combines all the very best bits of beauty traditions and cultures from around the World. It starts with a relaxing Egyptian milk foot bath, followed by full body exfoliation from the Mediterranean. To stimulate circulation the massage uses old age Hindu massage techniques, finishing with a Chinese body wrap to create total relaxation.

“This treatment is the ultimate in pampering

The Elemis Superfood Facial Oil, used during the treatment is available to buy from The Ivy Lodge so you can keep up the results at home. £45 for 15ml

more oxygen in your lungs and makes you feel energized. Summer bodies are made in the winter - keep it up now and by spring and summer you will rock that look with uber confidence: • Tough conditions just make you stronger don’t think, just run.

• Its only cold if your standing still........!

• If you wait for perfect conditions...you’ll never get anything done • There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” Jodie runs Fitness in the Field at Witham on the Hill. Contact her 07999123145

and the perfect mind and body indulgence. Your skin smells wonderful and feels silky smooth afterwards; an all over relaxing experience.”

Samantha at Equilibrium £76 for a 90-minute treatment.

Equilibrium 7 St. Paul’s Street Stamford PE9 2BE 01780 757579 www. equilibriumstamford.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

25

THE STAMFORD

EYE CLINIC

Gift Vouchers Available

Saturday appointments NOW AVAILABLE Chiropody/Podiatry

ORD’S STAMF NDENT E INDEP ANS OPTICI

PROVIDING CLINICAL LEADING TECHNOLOGY SIGHT TESTING AND SPECTACLES FOR ALL AGES AND BUDGETS

• Treatment for Various Skin & Nail Conditions • Budget Toe Nail Cutting • Free Foot Care Advice • Hard Skin Removal • Painful Corns • Verruca Treatments Home • Simple & Casted Visits Available Orthotic Design • Diabetic Foot Care For further information, call Sheryl on:

FREE FREE TRANSITIONS

SECOND PAIR WHEN PURCHASING TRANSITIONS WITH CRIZAL UV LENSES

UPGRADE

WHEN PURCHASING CRIZAL UV LENSES

Terms and conditions apply.

Ask in practice for details.

Terms and conditions apply.

Ask in practice for details.

Transitions, the swirl, and Transitions Adaptive Lenses are registered trademarks of Transitions Optical, Inc., used under license by Transitions Optical Ltd. Live the Good Light is a trademark of Transitions Optical Ltd. © 2017 Transitions Optical Ltd. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure, and lens material.

We welcome other Opticians prescriptions

Opening Times Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday:

Closed 10.00am – 5.30pm Friday: 10.00am – 7.00pm Saturday: 10.00am – 5.30pm Sunday:

10.00am – 5.30pm 10.00am – 1.30pm Closed

For further information visit us at: 32 St Peters Street, Stamford, PE9 2PF (next door to the Bathroom Shop) T: 01780 767 403 E: info@thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk www.thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk

26

PROFESSIONAL FOOTCARE SPECIALIST Our Foot Treatments include: Corns Callus reduction Fungal infections of skin & nails Cracked heels Diabetic feet In-growing toe nails Thickened toe nails Management of the arthritic foot Heel pain Plantar fasciitis Splinter removal Ulcer management Veruccas General foot discomfort

Katie Sunner

S.A.C Dip. (FHP – advanced).

RFHP Registered Foot Health Practitioner

t: 01778 426000 m: 07719 154514 k at esunner@ aol .com www.b our nef oot care. com West Street, Bourne PE10 9NE (next to the Post Office) Jo Sunner, BSc(Ost).DO.MMSM. Principal

F L A W L E S S B O DY LASER & AESTHETICS CLINIC

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FIRST COME FIRST SERVED Call 01780 660302 or book online www.flawlessbody.co.uk for a no obligation consultation Flawless Body . 18a Scotgate . Stamford . PE9 2YQ 27

HEALTH & BEAUTY

News & Notes

Serene Massage - your new relaxing haven

A

NDREW Robinson has recently opened Serene Massage in a quiet and leafy part of Stamford, providing a haven to unwind and improve overall well-being. The treatment room is contemporary yet relaxing. Andrew’s philosophy is to give a professional service that’s “holistically tailored to you” – this even extends to letting you choose the music! All massages are adapted to the individual after completing a consultation, where he learns more about their health, work, diet, exercise and stress levels.

Gender-neutral packages are “Rushed off your feet” (30mins),

Duncan Ford Acupuncture

A

CUPUNCTURE is a tried and tested system of traditional medicine, which has been used in China and other eastern cultures for thousands of years to restore, promote and maintain good health. Its benefits are now widely acknowledged all over the world and in the past decade traditional acupuncture has begun to feature more prominently in mainstream healthcare in the UK. In conjunction with needling, the practitioner may use techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, massage or electroacupuncture. They may also suggest dietary or lifestyle changes.

One particular area that acupuncture can make a difference is migraines. Migraine is a common disorder; a UK study found the migraine incidence rate to be 3.69 cases per 1,000 person-years, and to be around 2.5 times higher in women than men. There have now been many controlled trials of acupuncture for migraine, with some large, highquality ones in recent years. The results of the latest reviews are quite consistent: acupuncture is significantly better than no treatment/basic care for managing migraine, and appears to be at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy, with few contraindications or unpleasant side effects If you are having acupuncture, make sure they are a full member of the British Acupuncture Council. BAcC acupuncturists have degree level qualifications and adhere to codes of safe practice and professional conduct in order to be registered and insured by the British Acupuncture Council.

Duncan Ford is a full Member of the British Acupuncture Council, to talk to Duncan about acupuncture and what it can do for you call him on 07714575720, or to book an appointment call 01780 480889 or drop into the Broad Street Practice in Stamford.

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

“Everyone deserves a break” (50mins), “Take care of yourself” (70mins) and “A mini holiday” (90mins). Clients can choose from a wide variety of treatment areas: head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, abdomen, legs and feet. The benefits of a massage include not only releasing muscular tension and boosting self-esteem, but also assists the body’s immune system (stimulating circulation) and integumentary system (improving skin condition, texture and tone).

Andrew holds a Distinction in ITEC Holistic Massage Diploma at Richdales Institute. He’s long held a fascination for massage and completed courses, such as Indian Head massage, but interestingly it was a 12-month sabbatical in Italy that gave him the courage to pursue a new career as a Massage Therapist after a career in utilities. He came to realise that massage was his vocation: “It’s intuitive, and suits my caring character and soft, gentle voice.”

Email andrew@serene-massage.com or go to the Facebook page @ Serene2017Massage for pricing, gift vouchers, flexible payments and how to book your tranquillity.

Cosmetic Surgery at The Fitzwilliam Mr Anthony Barabas, Plastic Surgeon at the Fitzwilliam, talks about the latest trends and in his discipline

T

HE buzz word going into 2018 is to look “natural”. Breast augmentation requests are generally for smaller breast implants.

More ladies are asking for implants to be placed under the muscles (dual-plane) to disguise the upper edge of the implant.

The trend for a more natural appearance started a number of years back with facial cosmetic surgery. The original windswept Hollywood facelifts of the 80s (where the face was pulled back towards the ears) has been replaced with techniques that lift the facial tissues upward, reversing the natural descent of facial and neck tissues that occurs with age.

In eyelid surgery there has been a shift away from removal of fat from around the eye, which often gave a sunken, hollowed out, skeletal appearance to the eye. Instead fat is sculpted, repositioned or even added at the same time as removing excess eyelid skin and tightening the eyelids.

Body contouring procedures are possibly the exception to the “less is more” trend. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is now frequently combined with liposuction to the flanks and other areas. In fact, the increasingly popular Brazilian tummy tuck puts an emphasis on recontouring the whole abdomen through liposuction before then removing excess tissue and skin tightening. Liposuction alone still remains a popular procedure, but with improvements in techniques, and post-operative compression garments, I have seen an increase in requests for multiple areas to be treated in one session.

To find out more, contact the Fitzwilliam Hospital on 01733 261717 or visit www.fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk

Chapel Yard Hair & Beauty 01780 489200

WE’D LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO OUR PROSECCO AND NIBBLES EVENING ON FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER to celebrate our 3rd year of success, and to meet our new team of talented, friendly stylists and therapists.

We’ll be offering an array of treats and freebies for hair and body as well as vouchers for 2018, goodie bags to take home, a glass of bubbles and canapés.

6:30pm - 9:00pm at Chapel Yard Hair & Beauty North Street (beside the car park) PE9 1EH.

chapel yard hair & beauty North St. Stamford, pe9 1eh Tel 01780 489200

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS Specialising in treating: • Low self-esteem and loss of confidence • Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking • Anxieties, phobias, obsessions

and ruminations • Significant life events, trauma,

nightmares, flashbacks • Attachment and relationship difficulties • Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) • Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556 www.psychologistuk.co.uk Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE Church Street Practice, Melton Mowbray LE13 0PN 29

HEALTH & BEAUTY

News & Notes

Hair style by Laura Mackey

Hair in the future

S

Sam Hiseman (right) and Selena Bailey

Equilibrium makeover

The Retreat

E

QUILIBRIUM has recently given itself a top to toe refurbishment and the results are simply stunning.

Equilibrium has been running for nine years at their St Paul’s St location, and Sam Hiseman felt it was time for a business makeover, refreshing the brand and the premises. At the same time, she has also joined forces with Selena Bailey, a long-time client and business entrepreneur, to take the business to its next phase of growth as it offers more spa-based services.

We had a chance to look round on their welcome week last month, and found treatment and relaxing areas that combined ancient beams with a modern look, really creating a feelgood factor! In fact, it feels like your favourite boutique hotel.

The second premises just across the way is called “The Retreat” at Equilibrium, and is perfect for Corporate and Private functions, Christmas parties, girlie get togethers and team building events.

But, of course, Equilibrium’s special strength is it highly committed team, eight in total, with an impressive range of skills and experience. If you’re not already a regular, pop in and take a look.

Equilibrium, 7 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk

Paul Short Hairdressing in Hampton

B

RIDGET Steele writes: “Paul Short Hairdressing opened in Hampton Vale in Peterborough during October. Paul has over 22 years of hairdressing experience and has worked in Peterborough, London and Stamford. He told SL: “I’m passionate about hairdressing and have wanted my own salon for some time, so when this location became available it ticked all the boxes, with plenty of parking, a bright modern interior and within the growing vibrant area of Hampton”. Paul and his team specialise in Wella products and also promote the Olaplex Strengthening system that is a long-lasting conditioning treatment for coloured hair. The salon also has its own training academy and staff are encouraged to keep learning and perfecting skills.

“Paul has a strong local following and clearly his clients travel from afar for the bespoke service he offers. I was lucky enough to have a consultation with him and he was quick to offer suggestions on the cut, colour and style having understood what time and effort that I could invest into looking after my hair. The first thing Paul did was to tone down the existing colour before emulsifying a softer shade through to the ends, he then cut away the blunt edges and cut a slight graduated effect. After a smooth blowdry finish I was then given some very up to the date curls which I love, and walked out of the salon feeling on top of the world!”

For more information and appointments contact: - Paul Short Hairdressing, 110 Four Chimneys Crescent, Peterborough PE7 8FH 01733 247848

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

ALLY Stillingfleet writes: “I met hairstylist Laura Mackey at Garie Nigel’s. She has just had a fantastic result in a National Hair Awards competition in a new section called ‘Runway’. A difficult category in that you are looking ahead predicting hair trends and executing your best style on the day with a time-pressure slot into the mix, alongside the make-up she designed and the fashion too. I think it’s great that salons encourage and support new burgeoning talent and recognise that inner confidence comes from putting yourself up against your peers internationally in recognised awards such as this for Wella. She is thrilled to have got this far! And although she admitted she felt as if she was on autopilot she didn’t lose her cool. It also helps that her Garie Nigel family all went to Nottingham to support her, further emphasising her ability and new determination to make her mark on the hair world.” Follow Laura’s work on Instagram – By Laura Jade

In Step Foot Clinic

I

F you are embarrassed by your nails, In Step Foot Clinic has the perfect solution. As Sue Arnold, principal podiatrist explains “lots of people have unsightly nails because of an accident, fungal nail infection or a sports injury. In the past we would remove as much of the nail as we could and clients would have to wait up to a year for the nail to regrow. Now the waiting is over. We can reconstruct your nail using LCN Wilde Pedique giving an instant cosmetic solution to a medical problem.

People no longer need to wear full shoes or paint the nails to disguise the problem.”

Sue is highly skilled at creating a bespoke cosmetically reconstructive nail that will look so natural only you will know it is not real. A choice of neutral shades is available to make your new nails look as natural as possible or it can be finished with the Dr’s Remedy polish of your choice. The treatment, which should last between six and 12 weeks, is suitable for men and women and costs from £25 for a single nail through to £85 for a full set of nails.

Available from InStep Foot Clinic, Elton Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD 01780 783982 or wansfordinstep@gmail.com

Francesca Alexander hair and beauty

Book now for your Christmas Hair and Beauty Treatments

The latest laser and injectable cosmetic procedures performed by fully qualified GP or Nurse Practitioner Laser Treatments Include:

• Laser tattoo removal • IPL photo-rejuvenation asses • Hair removal consu sment • Rosacea & facial redness ltation • Facial & leg veins & vascular lesions • Pigmented skin lesions & sun damage

FREE

All in addition to our usual range of Medical Aesthetic Treatments:

• Muscle relaxing injections for lines & wrinkles • 8 point non-surgical face lift • Non-surgical 15 minute Rhinoplasty • Volite & Restylane Vital skin rejuvenation • Juvederm & Restylane dermal fillers • Silhouette Soft Thread lifts • Treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) • Minor surgical procedures including mole removal & non-scalpel vasectomy

www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk 01476 550056

The Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Lincs NG33 4BB

All new clients receive 20% off on your first visit and our existing clients receive our on going loyalty card with 10% OFF Dermalogica & Bumble and Bumble Christmas gift sets on sale NOW Limited stock available!

We also sell gift vouchers, the perfect stocking filler Francesca Alexander Hair and Beauty. Tel: 01780 482 888 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL info@francescaalexander.co.uk www.francescaalexander.co.uk francescaalexanderhairandbeauty falexanderhair

NEW CLIENT OFFER DURING NOVEMBER 2017

25% OFF CUTTING SERVICES TO BOOK CALL 01733 247848

110 FOUR CHIMNEYS CRESCENT | HAMPTON | PETERBOROUGH PE7 8FH Available with selected stylists only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers. T&C’s apply.

31

Olympic Marble is a family business in every sense. Here, John Polychronidis tells Rannveig Stone about the origins of the Peterborough-based company and the secrets of its success

Olympic Marble

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

You’ve built up a very successful business here, where did it all start?

Marble has been the family business for three generations back in Greece, where Olympic Marble has its origins. My cousin Van Mavrogenis has worked with marble all his life; it’s in his blood. When the downturn hit the Greek economy, Van and his wife Bev established Olympic Marble 12 years ago and helped me to get the business off the ground.

We gave the craftsmen from Van’s marble business back in Greece another start here in the UK. All of our craftsmen came over from Greece; even the Polish guys came over from Greece!

They’re incredibly experienced, having done lots of work on the Olympics and on the Presidential Suite at the Hilton in Athens. All of them know their craft and take huge pride in it. At the start, the language barrier was a problem for them, so we helped with practical things like finding them places to live; we’re only a small team of 11 here, so we look after each other like family. We started off very small, but have grown so much that we had to move to much larger premises.

How do you explain the universal appeal of marble?

People have loved marble since Greek and Roman times, it will never go out of style. At the moment, our customers are very keen on marble bathrooms; they appreciate the opulence and luxury it brings to the room. You can’t find light colours in granite – which is far too slippery when polished to use on floors. Marble is very practical; unlike porcelain, you can sand and polish out cracks.

We do a lot of granite kitchens, but the amount of marble kitchens we’re installing these days is growing too.

What is the secret of your success?

The guys we have, our stonemasons, they are artists; they could carve statues if they wanted to. No-one else can do what they do; they are masters of their craft. The guys who go out on the project jobs, doing the installations and fittings, they’re craftsmen too. Through years of experience and hard work, they know exactly what they’re doing!

Reputation goes a very long way. Our customers know that we use the very best materials and techniques to achieve the best possible results. You can’t cut corners with this kind of work – even when it comes to the things that nobody else sees; you should use the very best. For example, the adhesive we use is very expensive but we know that it’s the best. It’s like anything in life; you get what you pay for.

Where do you get your marble and granite?

We go out to Italy four or five times a year to see 32

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

“The guys we have, our stonemasons, they are artists; they could carve statues if they wanted to. No-one else can do what they do; they are masters of their craft.” our suppliers and also attend the Verona stone show, where you can see stones from all over the world.

Over many years, we’ve built up a great relationship with our suppliers in Italy, which means that we can get materials that no-one else can. Sometimes, we’ll take a client and their architect to Italy or Greece, so that they can select the slab of marble they want to use in their home.

How do you attract new business?

We get a lot of repeat business from architects, who know that we can achieve breathtaking results with marble – techniques like ‘bookmarking’ for instance. We’ve built up a reputation for outstanding artistry and impeccable craftsmanship. We’re also very flexible, our attitude is ‘Nothing is a problem – we’ll find a solution’.

We always welcome customers to our

showroom to see our extensive range of stock and guide them through the selection process.

We’re here to advise and guide them throughout the process, from start to finish and pride ourselves on an unbeatable level of after-sales service.

We really look after our customers, which is why I think a lot of our business comes through word of mouth; for example, a lady phoned in a panic, because she’d dropped a bottle of olive oil and chipped the sink we’d installed in her kitchen six years ago. Our guys went over to her house and sorted it out at no charge. She couldn’t believe it and must have told all her friends how well we looked after her, because we got three new customers through her!

Olympic Marble, 15 Wainman Rd, Peterborough PE2 7BU 01733 687414 www.olympic-marble.co.uk

LOCAL RESTORATIONS COMPANY For casement and sash windows

Stamford 01780 660822 Market Deeping 01778 758068

• Spring balance repairs • Cord repairs • Box frame repairs • Addition of new lifts, locks or sills • Rebalancing of sashes • Levelling sashes to meeting bar • New primed staff and parting bead as required • Replacement of old and flaking putty • New sash fasteners as required • Fitting security locks • Fitting sash lifts and pulls • Addition or replacement of weights for new or replacement sashes • Draft Proofing

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We have a team of 10 fully qualified carpenters, two of which are ladies. All repairs are done on site and a toilet is provided for our team, for minimum disruption to client.

Specialist in the manufacture, installation and care of natural stone.

With our experience in materials such as Marble, Granite, Neolith and Quartz, we are able to create stunning kitchen worktops, bath surrounds, vanity units, staircases, fireplaces, flooring and wall coverings.

We offer a personal and knowledgeable service with highly skilled craftsmen and pride ourselves on the quality of service, the quality of materials used and the workmanship of your finished product.

We offer a full supply, template, manufacture and installation service Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday 8am – 3pm Unit 14-15 Wainman Road, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 7BU Tel: 01733 687414 or 01733 370941 sales@olympic-marble.co.uk www.olympic-marble.co.uk 33

CONSERVATORY TOO HOT IN THE SUMMER AND TOO COLD IN WINTER?

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OPEN DAYS Tuesday 7th November Thursday 9th November Tuesday 21st November

Wednesday 22nd November Wednesday 6th December Thursday 7th December

From 1.30-3.30pm.

All tours conducted by the Headteacher Bookings made by contacting the office on 01780 762447 Ryhall CE Academy, Church Street, Ryhall, Stamford, PE9 4HR www.ryhallceacademy.co.uk

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Pirrie Optometrists | 7-8 Maiden Lane | Stamford PE9 2AZ t 01780 753488 | www.pirrieoptometrists.co.uk

A liTtlE wHizZ bAng One of the loudest dates of the year gets the biggest of kids excited so here are some of the best small town and village bonfire events in the area with some earlier starts, perfect for young ones. Get ready to oooh and ayah to your heart’s content.

Friday 3 November • Deepings Rugby Club in Deeping St. James has its firework extravaganza from 6pm.

Saturday 4 November • Stamford Kiwanis host their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular at Stamford Welland Academy. Gates open at 5pm with fun fair rides, hot food and mulled wine available.

• There’s a bonfire, live music, food stalls and fair rides at Bourne Abbey Primary Academy. Gates open from 4pm at Manning Road Field with quieter children’s fireworks around 5.15pm before the main display at 6.30pm.

• Come and toast marshmallows at the traditional bonfire party at Carlby playing fields.

Starting at 4.30pm there is a guy competition, mulled wine, refreshments and sparklers.

Sunday 5 November • Cottesmore village have their bonfire and fireworks at the community centre starting from 4pm with the display around 6pm. Children’s roundabout and refreshments available.

• There are fireworks and a bonfire at North Luffenham village oval from 6pm with hot food and drinks available.

A liTtlE SHopPing We have been getting puddle-ready in our house and looking for the best wellies to keep feet dry and children happy. This fun array of boots by Cotswold (£19.99) have easy, pull-on handles and the fleecylined Startrite MudBuster boots (from £24.99) will keep their toes snug in the cold weather too. All available at North Shoes, Red Lion Square. northshoes.co.uk, 01780 755400

LIttLe livIng Indoor fun for a rainy day and a crackling bonfire are on the wish list for Louise Goss and her mini fun-seekers this November

A liTtlE DOing If my children can get creative, make a mess and have a lot of fun, whilst still keeping my own carpets pristine, then I’m all for it. Welcome, The Artful Splodger – the messy play centre in West Street’s business park. Children of any age can explore and create with activities based around a weekly theme. Let them get stuck into the sand, paint, glitter and glue in this bright, light and colourful space.

Toby and Freya had a fantastic time sponge-painting dinosaurs and digging for bones in the sandpit.

They also loved that the sessions end with a drink and biscuit and of course a new addition for the fridge art gallery!

Drop in during the morning (9.30am - 12pm) or afternoon (1pm - 3.30pm) Monday to Thursday through term time and school holidays for £5 a child.

Check out the Facebook page for more information: facebook.com/MASStamford The Spinney in Little Bytham is a favourite place for my two to have fun. This wonderful woodland playground hosts its annual Tree Dressing Day on Saturday November 25th between 11am - 3pm.

All the family can get involved in making and hanging decorations on the trees. Free to attend and materials provided plus there will be a campfire and refreshments. bythamspinney.co.uk Nothing will start getting the children into the festive spirit better than a visit to experience Christmas at Rockingham Castle near Corby. From carollers in the courtyard to letter writing to Santa, a Christmas quiz and even their own reindeer food to take home, it’s an experience all ages can enjoy. Inside the castle, they can see a traditional Victorian Christmas being celebrated and outside, there may be the odd snowman or elf to bring some festive cheer. Christmas food and drink will be on offer including a traditional dinner and mince pies. A lovely way to kick off the festive season.

Tickets available online or at the gate. Runs from Monday 20 to Friday 24 November. rockinghamcastle.com, 01536 770240

A liTtlE EAtiNg Healthy, affordable food that gives you time off from the kitchen has to be a win and Aloha Foods Co on St John’s Street manages to combine fun and nutrition in a simple takeaway box. Children will love the novelty of choosing base ingredients such as sweet potato and couscous along with protein and side options to make up their meal. “Guilt-free treats” and burritos are also on the menu. Freya devoured the berry-topped pancakes and Toby was very partial to the fresh fruit smoothie. Knowing it is all free of refined sugars and freshly made on the premises is a real bonus. alohafoodsco.com, 01780 238813 STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Coming into the autumnal part of the year when the ground is wetter, the grass is longer, there are lots of dead leaves and seeds of all descriptions around, our four-legged friends have some messy situations to deal with.

Regular grooming is essential, so a trip to your local dog groomer is worth the money. Editorial and images by Zoe at zoenoyesphotography.co.uk

Groomin’ Lovely W

E use Posh Paws in Maxey which is an easy place to get to from the east side of Stamford, but others that come highly recommended to us are Clippers, Bainton and Styleash, Bourne.

I take our cocker spaniel, Nutmeg, regularly to Hills & Holes in Barnack. There are lots of wide open spaces for her to run around offlead and lots of ‘hills & holes’ for her to venture around. It’s fenced off from the busy main road and gives both human and dog lots of pleasure. At this time of year, we need to be extra vigilant for nasty grass seeds that can get caught in her long ears or stuck into the pads on her paws (yes, we have suffered from this once before and have been super vigilant since; during and after her walks) but there are also the sticky and spikey burrs which have no sooner spotted her fluffy legs than matted themselves amongst that fluff. And trust me it is no mean feat to get them out!

Whether your four-legged friend has short or long hair, their paws are pretty much the same make-up but different in size and all need wiping and taking care of - they are of course the contact point for all activities, unless of course there is fox poo involved and then we find in Nutmeg’s case that it tends to be the right ear that goes down first! We got into a routine from when she arrived at our house at 10 weeks old, that the paws would be wiped every time she came in from outside and now four and a half years later she always puts one up at a time to get them wiped on the command of ‘paws please’!

This has certainly saved our carpets, rugs and

not to mention the sofa.

Whilst Nutmeg was bred from a ‘show’ breed of Cocker Spaniel, she shows little grace and decorum for being able to trot around a show ring, but that doesn’t mean to say that she shouldn’t be regularly brushed (when she will let me near her with a brush instead of chewing it), have her coat, ears, paws and teeth checked and be kept clean, for her sake as well as ours. We never wanted a house that smelt of ‘wet dog’ and to date we seem to have kept it that way.

If she is a little muddy when coming in from a nice big walk, then it’s either straight up to the bathroom and the tub is all hers for as long as I can keep her in there, or a rather fun laundry basket which she fits into a treat

“I take our cocker spaniel, Nutmeg, regularly to Hills & Holes in Barnack. There are lots of wide open spaces for her to run around off-lead and lots of ‘hills & holes’ for her to venture around.” for paw washing on more regular occasions.

Needless to say, either scenario creates an element of soaking for you as the human - but it’s a job worth doing and doesn’t need to take long. With larger dogs, it is easier to take to the hose in the garden and wash your dog down.

I remember a lady telling me once, that her new house was being built with a mixer tap on the outside so that she could wash her dogs down in warm water - quite considerate really and think about it - who likes a freezing cold shower? You wouldn’t, so why would your dog?

32 Main Street, Great Casterton, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 4AA

A VETERINARY PRACTICE WITH A DIFFERENCE Tel: 01780 763180 www.stamfordvets.co.uk 36

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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A mix of culture, gastronomy and bon vivant!

Victoria’s Top Table

S

T MARY’S has been given a new lease of life recently with established businesses taking on additional premises. The walk into town has never been so pretty and engaging as each boutique offers a warm welcome, and sometimes a glass of prosecco!

Leaving the George Hotel, taking in the stunning views across the Meadows and River Welland, it is not long before your head is turned in the direction of The Little Red Gallery. The sister gallery with the same name in Lincoln, it boasts the most fabulous variety of work, ranging from traditional to contemporary.

Recently displaying stunning pieces from Grimsby artist, Carl Paul www.carlpaulfinearts.co.uk.

Art enthusiasts are indulged with enticing new window displays making it impossible to walk by. To keep up to date with upcoming news visit www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk Step only a few paces further to St Mary’s Bookstore and you could lose yourself for hours! Marcus and his team have created the perfect retreat to while away some literary hours.

Shelf upon shelf, one can take in many a first edition, my favourite being that of Pride and Prejudice (I’ll let you visit the website to see the purchase price! www. stmarysbooks.com) or don a pair of white gloves to examine up close a desirable coffee table book of Hockney or Testino. Nothing beats the aroma of St Mary’s Bookshop and mixed with the November bonfire scents it is a sensory experience of smell as well as sight.

For a weekend breakfast, lunch or a speciality evening with a twist, Just So Italian is the perfect place! The bustling deli is ideal for lively group meet ups or a quiet moment with a newspaper and delicious flat white. Italian chefs, Danilo and Alison Trozzi, have created a menu which sees customers returning time and time again. My favourite breakfast in Stamford is their sourdough 38

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

toast and marmalade…definitely on par with that of Fortnum and Mason’s Sir Nigel’s! There is so much to tempt the peckish diner as Matthew Warrener recently tweeted ‘I was in Stamford today, having THE most perfect lunch @JustSoItalian ...the truffle ice cream with espresso was magnificent. Perfection.’ If that wasn’t enough the deli opens for speciality events such as Parmigiano and Wine Tasting evenings…if the photos are anything to go by they are certainly one for the diary! www.justsoitalian.co.uk It would be sacrilege to go home empty handed, so why not discover the luxurious Autumn/Winter collection at Gagliardi (www. gagliardi.eu). I have yet to see a visitor leave empty handed!

Richard and Gayle Wailes are the epitome of style and translate the catwalk to the high street with ease and taste, introducing elegant ensembles time and time again. I have noticed some rather fabulous stocking fillers that would delight any stylish gentleman in your life.

I am delighted that Molly Clegg has brought her exquisite Murano Silver to St Mary’s. Her extensive collection of designers means that every taste is catered for. The fabulous boxed sets from Amity & Grace are the perfect size for posting, I may have already earmarked a few! After a hugely successful launch recently (4 years to the day that Molly opened her Market Deeping store), the boutique is a must for anyone looking for something special. Follow on Instagram @murano_silver

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This month is the 15th anniversary of one of the town’s most successful lingerie retailers. Kate Cadman pops in to the independent outlet, Chameleon, based on St Mary’s Hill, to catch up

Congratulations Chameleon!

BUST THE MYTH - EXPERT BOOB ADVICE:

Good fitting bras are not a luxury, they are essential. Lingerie retailer, Giselle Brannan explains: • Many women don’t realise that they can change cup sizes during the month and need to wear different sized bras at different times of their cycle.

• Lots of women are not properly fitted and are wearing the wrong size bra.

• A properly fitting bra will give the wearer the feeling of comfort.

• Most women feel better if their bra is supporting them properly.

• Back pain can be eliminated with proper support.

• Unsupported breasts allow the Cooper’s ligaments (the connective tissue in the breast that help maintain structural integrity) to stretch, resulting in saggy boobs.

• Gravity and sporting activities (anything which makes your boobs bounce) need to be counteracted with a good support bra.

• Breast tissue is very sensitive and should be protected at all times.

W

HEN Chameleon Boutique first opened its doors in Stamford, there was simply nowhere else locally to shop for underwear for the ample-bosomed lady. Owner, Giselle Brannan, had herself become frustrated trying to buy larger cup-sized lingerie, citing lack of proper fitting help and the scant, fuddy, duddy offerings of the larger retailers as the main source of her irritations.

That was over 15 years ago now and since that time women of all sizes are now very well catered for in the lingerie and swimwear department

by Chameleon. The shop offers a wide range of gorgeous underwear combined with a full measuring and fitting service. In addition, Chameleon stocks many other products designed to ‘enhance women’ including nightwear, hosiery, fragrance, natural beauty products, funky jewellery and gifts. “It’s almost like a mini department store for women,” explains Giselle.

In order to celebrate 15 years of successful trading, Giselle is throwing open her shop doors on Thursday 16th November and offering her customers a variety of celebratory discount offers and free gifts and a chance to view some of the new autumn and winter ranges.

“Over the years I have gradually broadened my offering and constantly changed and evolved with the times, expanding my vision on the way,” says Giselle. “The technology behind the textiles and swimwear has improved dramatically; it is all 40

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

so much better than it was. When I first started, shapewear wasn’t around, and the styling and fabrics were much less advanced. Lace wasn’t used like it is today, simply because it didn’t work with the older style fabrics.”

Chameleon also caters for men too, offering a range of unisex fragrances and men’s boxers and swim shorts. “Our products never stand still and we are constantly evolving our beauty offering to reflect the ever-changing requirements of our customers.”

STAMFORD RETAIL SCENE

This independent, evolving, niche business style is exactly the kind of offering that property consultant, Gavin Hynes, views as vital for attracting visitors to Stamford.

“Stamford has a population of 20,000 and there are approximately 297 shops in the town centre which is more than you would normally have for this size of town. However, the large number of shops, which are all fully let, reflects the huge numbers of visitors they attract - so the equilibrium is achieved,” says Gavin, Director of property management agency, Budworth Hardcastle.

In addition to the huge support retailers get from the residents of the town, Gavin explains: “One of the reasons that the vast majority of independent retail spaces are occupied and successful is because of the non-residents that come in from the wider area (usually within a

“Our products never stand still and we are constantly evolving our beauty offering to reflect the everchanging requirements of our customers.”

45-minute drive time) to visit the independent shops.”

“The historic reason why the independent retailers want to be in Stamford is because of the diverse mix of these smaller [owner-run] businesses; the more shops like this there are in the town, the more visitors they attract and the more visitors that buy in our town’s shops, the demand for shop space grows.”

“There’s always going to be a natural churn of retailers moving in and moving out of the town and this is driven by changing shopping patterns or retirement of business owners. Natural market forces dictate what happens in our town; I think some shops may be turned back into residential dwellings over the course of time, but there will always be an interesting clutch of retailers here.”

“I think Stamford is holding its own against online retailing better than most,” adds Gavin.

However, in order to ensure this balance doesn’t change, ongoing support is key; protecting and preserving our eclectic mix of local shops and businesses is paramount, so, whenever possible, ditch your keyboard and take a trip to the shops!

TheThe pathpath to atosuccessful move a successful move this Autumn‌ this Autumn‌

Contact Richardson today to arrange your FREE market appraisal.

Sheep Market House, Stamford, PE9 2RB 01780 762433 / richardsonsurveyors.co.uk

www.richardsonsurveyors.co.uk Terms and Conditions apply.

Take a minute to think about what makes you happy? It could be spending time with loved ones, reading a good book or it could be getting the best night’s sleep possible. Kirstie Mitchell talks to Chris Tattersall, Managing Director of woolroom, about the company’s exciting new brand campaign.

This is what happy feels like…

D

ID you know that we spend on average 27 years of our lives sleeping?

It has been well documented in health publications that it is important to our health and well-being to ensure we get the right amount of quality sleep.

“The [woolroom] firm’s dream was to use the finest British wool to make something wonderful and to create a natural, healthy, handcrafted range to let you feel the way you always dreamed of feeling.”

L

OCATED in a converted farm outbuilding on the outskirts of Empingham in the heart of the beautiful Rutland countryside is the head office of woolroom. The firm was created in 2008 to bring healthy, natural, affordable wool products to everyone. The local store in Stamford displays their beautiful, luxurious wool bedding and accessory products, from beds and mattresses to duvets and even bedding for babies.

There was an animated buzz in the office on my visit to meet Chris – this fast-growing, local company is embarking on an enthralling journey. Back in 2012, with just three staff, Chris wanted to push the boundaries and widen the scope for the business. He set to work developing new, sustainable, innovative wool products that no other company was offering. Take that outdated image out of your head of infuriatingly scratchy, itchy wool jumpers, and think instead of natural wool that is free of chemicals, luxurious, sustainable, tactile and washable.

Chris brings 16 years of business experience in textiles and homeware to woolroom and he exudes energy and passion, bringing to the table an exciting wealth of knowledge, aspiration 42

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

and leadership. He has been responsible for the rollout this October of a new campaign strategy to encourage consumers to discover the benefits that wool can bring in the modern world.

The head office of woolroom has expanded with nine staff plus 22 in their five stores in the UK. Along with the rebrand of the company, the firm has also launched a new US and Canadian website to cater to the increased demand for British natural, sustainable, luxurious wool bedding products overseas.

Stamford was an important wool-trading hub in the Norman era, so, with this in mind and a desire to keep things local, Stamford-based creative design agency Strawman was chosen to create and implement a complete rebrand of the woolroom business, with brand design, a social media campaign and web development.

Building on woolroom’s existing brand values, Strawman designed and produced a new vision for the firm. “This is what happy feels like” is the brand’s new mission statement, reflecting the end goal for woolroom – to help people feel happy by experiencing the touch of its beautiful, high-quality natural wool products as well as by enjoying the improved quality of sleep they offer.

Bedding from woolroom is: • proven to facilitate 25% better sleep • cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cool • hypoallergenic • renewable and sustainable • machine washable • naturally fire retardant – no chemicals • naturally absorbent • durable • naturally resistant to mildew and mould • supportive of British farmers The firm continues to develop its product range, scouring the UK for the finest wool fibres. Chris explains: “Our consumers want chemically free, natural, healthier products for the modern home. We can provide a whole range of innovative, yet luxurious, wool products that are affordable – although when we spend a third of our lives asleep, you can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep!”

It is important to mention that half of the wool used for all of the company’s bedding products is sourced from in and around Leicestershire and Rutland, helping our local sheep farmers stay in business. The firm also believes that its work educating customers about wool is essential and will continue to work alongside Prince Charles and The Campaign for Wool in support of this.

The future is certainly looking bright for woolroom, with new products being launched this season including organic bedding and naturally upholstered wool bedsteads. Chris says: “Beautiful doesn’t mean sacrificing healthy, and quality is definitely within your reach.”

For more details, contact woolroom Stamford at 8 Star Lane, Stamford PE9 1PH, 01780 767927, www.thewoolroom.com

Natural wool bedding Sourced from British farms For cosiness throughout the seasons

LET YOUR BODY BREATHE 8 Star Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PH www.thewoolroom.com 01780 767 927

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Companionship Matters As the cold days and dark nights draw in it can be a time where we feel staying indoors is the only option.

We can create a care package that is tailored to your needs.

Would you like to be able to access the community still?

Visit the local shops?

Go out for the day?

Visit a favourite place?

Go for a walk?

Out for coffee or for a pub lunch?

Finish that favourite jigsaw?

Enjoy a cup of tea?

Or even just have some company in the comfort of your own home?

Our team not only support with Personal care, meal preparation, medication needs and domestic chores but with companionship too.

Call us on 01780 489227 Email: info@wrightcareathome.com www.wrightcareathome.com The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford. Lincolnshire PE9 1PG

We are now looking for ‘Brilliant new Care Support Workers’ to join our team. Interested?

Send your CV with a covering letter to info@wrightcareathome.com 44

Wright Care at Home were recently awarded ‘Good’ overall in their recent first Inspection, with an ‘Outstanding’ awarded for Well-led

Home Care Provider goes above and beyond for its Customers…

T

HE full report was published by the ‘Care Quality Commission’ following their first comprehensive inspection of their services, and can be read at: http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/12404387773#accordion-1 Samantha Wright, the owner, commented: “The report shows a full overview of the service we provide and was a credit to the Care Team and Office team who work so hard to ensure we are delivering a high standard of care.”

CQC rate services by looking at 5 areas. These are known as ‘Key Lines of enquiry.’ The five areas they rate are: Is the service Safe?

Is the service Effective?

Is the service Caring?

Is the service Responsive?

Is the service Well-Led? Wright Care at Home were shown to put heart in the care of the service they provide in the community which follows their Family ethos. They began delivering a service to those in Stamford and the surrounding villages in April 2016. In this time, they have provided 62 individuals with care to a high standard.

They have been key players in the community by getting involved with local charities and working as a team to give something back to the conditions they work closely with. For instance, they recently completed the Great Eastern Half Marathon. Raising £800 for The Stroke Association.

They were rated ‘Outstanding’ for their leadership of the service they provide. Ensuring Carers were skilled and trained to provide a high-quality service. A CQC lead inspector sai: ‘Our inspectors were impressed with what they found when they visited Wright Care at Home in Stamford, we found that people were at the heart of the service. The leadership and staff are to be congratulated for the work they do for the people in their care.’ – Rob Assall-Marsden – CQC Head of inspection for Adult social care in the central region.

The CQC report indicated that the provider went above and beyond usual homecare services in a number of different ways. Events were organised to give people a chance to meet each other socially.

Staff encouraged and supported people to retain an active presence in their local community and to maintain personal interests and hobbies. The registered manager was known personally to everyone who used the service and provided staff with strong leadership. Staff worked together in a friendly and supportive way. They were proud to work for the service and provide a quality service. Staff felt listened to by the registered manager and provider.

(Wright Care at Home were awarded Outstanding in their latest first inspection 21st September 2017)

The Care Manager arranged a team meeting with a twist this month, she wanted to show the team her appreciation and gratitude for all their hard work. A meeting was arranged at ‘Burghley House.’

QUOTE FROM FOUNDER AND MANAGER SAMANTHA WRIGHT “My team are at the heart of the service and from day one I have always said, if I have a happy team I will have happy customers. We have consistently approached our service by keeping compassion at the heart of everything we do. I have been a care worker and worked my way up till now. Often there is a mis-conception that carers are not skilled and I often feel they are not recognised for the incredible determination and love that goes into what they do.

I have an amazing team who all have many different personalities. They have a strong team work ethic and always support each other. Their loyalty always goes above and beyond and this is never a job to them. They have passion and love for what they do and this is always seen in the overwhelming feedback I often receive on a daily basis from the customers themselves. They work around the clock every day of the year and so this was my way of saying thank you for all their hard work. This CQC rating recognises my team’s efforts and we are truly proud of them.’

To enquire about their services or to join the team please contact them on 01780 489227 info@wrigthcareathome.com www.wrightcareathome.com STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Two Kind OF A

Stamford is twinned with Vence in France and Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic … but what is twinning and how has it changed over the years

By Rebecca Chatterton

S

TAMFORD does a ‘Welcome to town’ sign better than most. You would think that coming into town from the south, past the beautiful gates of Burghley would be a great enough hint at the history and architecture waiting ahead. Just in case this first taste of Stamford isn’t enough the powers that be have put up a bold sign which declares ‘Welcome to Stamford. Stay awhile amidst its ancient charms’. Hopefully, no visitor has ever been disappointed.

Look underneath and in more subtle lettering the sign also reads .... ‘twinned with Vence and Kutna Hora’. Stamford, like so many the other towns across the country, has a twin and more than one at that. But does anyone notice briefly, if at all, as they drive past? What is twinning and where are Vence and Kutna Hora, and does a relationship with a European town still matter in 2017?

Twinning was conceived following the ravages of the Second World War as a way to rebuild relationships across Europe. What could be more symbolic than one of the first twinnings between heavily bombed Coventry and the destroyed cities of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) and later Dresden? As the decades moved on, forging friendships across cultural divides morphed into the desire to form trade arrangements with a new wave of twinning in the 80s and in the 90s as the Eastern Block disintegrated. There are now over 40,000 twinning arrangements across Europe. Big cities claim many twins but even small places are ambitious. Our neighbouring Rutland village of Whitwell is twinned with Paris. In 1980 villagers fortifying themselves in the Noel Arms decided write to the mayor of Paris suggesting that they twin and that residents would take a lack of response from Parisians as their tacit acceptance of this suggestion. Look out for the sign when you next pass through the village next.

Stamford partnered with Vence in the south of France in 1978 and with Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic in 2001. The Stamford Twinning Association is still working hard to keep relationships alive. Led entirely by volunteers and self funded, they have 10 social and

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Above: Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic Left: Vence in France

fundraising activities throughout the year to cover the cost of their Home and Away scheme.

This year they visited Vence in April and hosted their Kutna Hora brothers and sisters in July.

President John Polkinhorne was there at the beginning of the friendship with the Czechs.

When he first visited Kutna Hora he says it was a ‘depleted place’ still emerging from grey stagnation as a former Eastern Block country.

Each time he returns he sees the town grow and thrive as it once did for hundreds of years as a silver mining town. He argues that visiting regularly and staying with partnered families has enabled Stamford residents to break through cultural clichés and become part of the real lives of locals in a way that mere tourism doesn’t allow. “We‘ve got to know our partners over there so well – they’re like family,” he says.

The Czechs are notorious for their hospitality and he says that their hosts in Vence never run out of new places to show them. In return, Stamford spends the year fundraising for and carefully preparing to show off their own local places and traditions.

Our age of cheap air travel, google maps and Airbnb has shrunk Europe and made it affordable and accessible. I’ve never been to Kutna Hora but I can tell you from a quick look at TripAdvisor that the restaurant Pivnice Dacicky has a wild boar goulash that is apparently very good and that the town boasts a church decorated with thousands of human bones. Social media might have put

these places in our pockets but maybe the old fashioned things are still best. A shared meal, language barriers overcome and a common interest discovered. For the members of The Stamford Twinning Association, the original inspiration behind these partnerships is still as relevant today – a bit more humanity - and that’s what really makes the world a smaller, warmer place.

Twins who shouldn’t be related:

Swindon and Walt Disney World Birmingham and Milan Glasgow and Havana

And those who were separated at birth: Dull in Scotland, Boring in Australia and Bland in the USA

The Stamford Twinning Association is open to all and welcomes new members. If you want to find out more contact John & Eileen Polkinghorne stamfordtwinning@gmail.com

Windows • Warm Roof • Bi-Folding Doors • Garage Doors If you are considering any home improvements please contact us for advice and for a competitive quote JUST A SMALL TASTER OF WHAT IS ON DISPLAY IN OUR STAMFORD SHOWROOM • 7 Display Kitchens’ • 15 Composite Front/Back Doors • French Doors/Patio Doors/Bi-Folding Doors • 1 Working Display Model of Electric Roller Garage Door • Windows in Cream, Black, Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Rosewood, White & Grey • English Heritage Approved Sliding Sash Window • Large Rubber Covered Flat Roofing Display Model • Full size roof corner showing Fascia’s Soffits and Guttering • White and coloured Cladding • Warm Roof with Velux

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 www.classicstamford.co.uk Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 47

Stamford Christmas Gift Guide Stamford’s high-street is ready for Christmas and our many independent shops are well stocked with gift ideas for everyone. It’s always hard to choose what gifts to include in this guide as the choice is absolutely huge, but we do encourage you to go out, explore our great shops and shop local - you will not be disappointed! Words & pictures: www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Country Traditionals Decorative elephant £9.95 Candle in a mug £12.95

Gifts for home

Sophie Allport Oven Gloves £18

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Ewe Garter stitch mug £9.99

The Woolroom Cuddle Bear £37.99

Delcor Decorative jars from £65

Revealed @ The Corn Exchange Sheepskin rug / throw £45

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Murano Silver Beautiful handmade silver pendant £65

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Anna Couture Handmade purse £35

Marcia May Shoes Sheepskin slippers

by Swedish company Shepherd £56.99

Chameleon Claudalîe gift set £26

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Gifts for her

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Energy Beck Sondergaard sparkly socks £6.50

Revealed @ The Corn Exchange Ladies’ belt £15.99

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Arch Label Agency Chanel Camelia Brooch £150

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Attic One Hundred Stars scarf £30

Rutland Cycling Frog Bikes 24 Inch Kids Bike Red £330

You Living & Giving BB Korn Racing car £470

 STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Artists’ Gift Sets From: £9.99

Organisers In stock or to order

Each: £47.50 Special Edition!

In 4 Colours

• SAVE 30%!

Brother MultiFunction A4 Printer, Scanner, & Copier £29.99

Prestige Pens

Jigsaw Puzzles

From Parker, Cross, Waterman & Sheaffer

• SAVE 20%!

Racing Chair Children’s £129.99 Science Kits

FREE DELIVERY!

Lx Fountain Pens

From: To: £10.99 £24.99

Osco Deskware From: £3.99 To: £21.99

From: To: £6.99 £17.99

•Stamford -1-2 St Paul’s Street & 39 High Street •Oakham - 46 High Street •Oundle - 10 New Street Please see www.colemans-online.co.uk for full branch details NOW OPEN AT 1-2 Church Square MARKET HARBOROUGH

The

STAMFORD G A R D E N

C E N T R E

&

C A F E

Now stocking performance wear

by Harkila

Casterton Road, Stamford, PE9 4BB

Tel: 01780 765656 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk 50

Country Traditionals Traditionals Country Country Traditionals Country Traditionals

To celebrate the launch of our website

www.stamfordbears.com

We are offering 10% off our website between 1st - 15th November 2017 using voucher code STAMFORDBEARS

(one voucher per customer)

28 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2BB. Tel: 01780 767688 www.stamfordbears.com Email: stamfordbears@gmail.com

• Customized Sizes • Any Belt with Any Buckle • Each Belt Made from 1 Piece of Genuine Top Quality Naturally Tanned Cow Hide • Free & Unlimited After-Sales Service • + Other Superior Leather Products • Wholesale Available Call: 07455 892092 Email: shop@revealed-shop.com www.revealed-shop.com Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm Unit 1, Corn Exchange Shopping Arcade, Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PX

Visitour ourshop shop Visit Visit our shop Visit our shop MaidenLane, Lane,Stamford Stamford Maiden Maiden Lane, Stamford opptourist tourist info&&arts artscentre centre opp info Maiden Lane, Stamford opp tourist info & arts centre opp tourist info & arts centre OpenMon Mon---Sat Sat10am 10am---5pm 5pm Open Open Mon Sat 10am 5pm OpenTel: Mon Sat 10am 5pm Tel:01780 01780755 755409 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

Oven/Aga/microwave/dishwasher/freezer proof

Visit our shop - Maiden Lane, Stamford Lane opposite Tourist Info & Arts Centre

Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Tel: 01780 755 409

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Open Sunday’s from 26th November - Christmas 11am-4pm.

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Stamford Christmas Gift Guide

Trent Gallery, Oakham ‘Man’s Best Friend’ by Doug Hyde £295 (at Trent Gallery). ‘Cornish Harbour’ signed by the artist, Joan Gillchrest, £3,950 (at Samuel Robson Fine Art)

Gifts for him

23 Seven Fred Perry t-shirt £40

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Revealed @ The Corn Exchange Men’s belt £15.99

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Anand Shoes Scott Nichol socks a great selection in store £10.50

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Robert Loomes Branded umbrella £65

Gagliardi Wool scarf from a wide selection in store £35

Gifts for kids The Woolroom Cuddle Bear £28.99

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You Living & Giving Children blanket / throw £17.99

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Elizabeth Stanhope Benedict candelabra (£79) with column turquoise candles (£3 each)

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Anand Shoes Steiff children keyring £12.99

Denhams Bee necklace from London-based designer, Alex Monroe, selection. Jewellery inspired by nature and British eccentricity, handmade in England. Prices from £114

Colemans Art First Sewing Kit £9.99

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Colemans Art Horrible Science Really Rotten Experiments £17.99

You & Beyond Daisy London Chakra Sparkle Bracelet £65

You & Beyond Links of London Treasured Blue Diamonds Necklace £250

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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IMAGINE THE DIFFERENCE CLADDING COULD MAKE... "making you feel warm inside" Alfred Poppins is a family run business based in Stamford specialising in the supply and fitting of Wood Burning Stoves, Multi Fuel Stoves and Fireside Accessories.

We have many stoves in our shop on live display.

Our range of stoves include...

Woodwarm, Town & Country, Parkray, Cleanburn, Hunter and more...

FASCIAS, SOFFITS AND GUTTERING

• • • • •

Full replacement (no over cladding) Full underfelt eaves tray (no flimsy DCP) Bird guard protection at all eaves All soffit at eaves - fully ventilated 50 year manufacturers guarantee

CLASSIC ROOFLINE

12 St Leonards Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk Tel 01780 654321 • www.classicstamford.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

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Unit 4 West Street Business Park Stamford I Lincolnshire I PE9 2PL 01780 753979 I 07871 322780 I 07581 322069

www.alfredpoppins.co.uk

SAMUEL ROBSON FINE ART LTD

Stockist of high quality leather footwear A LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

MIXED WINTER EXHIBITION

28 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2BB T: 01780 767688 E: anandshoesofstamford@gmail.com www.anandofstamford.com

Joan Gillchrest, Cornish Harbour, oil on card

CHAMPAGNE OPENING ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of Yarns in many different fibre types.

VISIT

30 North Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9QL 01572 823747 ONLINE SHOP www.wools.co.uk

Saturday 2nd December and

Sunday 3rd December 2017 12pm – 4pm and by appointment thereafter

44a Main Street, Empingham, Rutland LE15 8PS 07894 086836 email: sam@samuelrobsonfineart.com www.samuelrobsonfineart.com 55

Ask Leo

Shopping on St Mary’s Street 1957 Jean Orpin and Sue Lee take you back sixty years to explore the shops on St Mary’s Street

Setting the Scene Jean’s niece is getting married - not only does she have to dress appropriately, but she is also helping with the catering and icing the wedding cake.

There is her present to buy and she is making the most of her day in by meeting her friend Susan.

She catches the United Counties bus from Market Harborough at Ketton and alights at Red Lion Square. Here is her shopping list – she will be able to get everything she wants on St Mary’s St.

Shoppi ng list Weddi ng outf it fitti ng David’s Pre sent Hat Perfu me Photo fra me Order pies Han dbag Weddi ng present Ta la icing set Dog Biscu its Lemons Fa ncy ca ke s for tea Sherry & icing su ga r

42 (Orchid Thai)

Next door is Bartons where Jean stops in to order some fancy cakes for tea. Bartons are ‘High Class Bakers & Confectioners’ so have an excellent selection. She will collect them when she calls in at their Olde Barn Restaurant for lunch.

41 (Vacant)

She has arranged to meet Susan in this popular Snack Bar. This is a favourite place to have a cup of tea and is open from 9am to midnight every day.

42 Miss Elsie Dudley (Marcia May) The friends call in at the hat shop next door to choose a hat. Jean can’t decide between a ‘flying saucer’ - very fashionable in 1957 - or a pill box. Miss Dudley, a well-established ‘millinery specialist’, had a good selection.

Walking down from the bus, Jean’s attention is attracted by Hawley’s attractive window display.

Hawleys specialised in bicycles but was beginning to move into toys like Hornby trains and Meccano and Jean thinks a train would make a suitable gift for David, the pageboy. (The shop later moved across the road to No 40.)

44 Mrs E Miles (Paul Richman)

Jean crosses the road to pop into Mrs Miles, the fruiterers. She needs some lemons for the cake icing. Mrs Miles stocked fruit in season and carried imports like oranges, lemons and bananas (but not the exotic fruits available today).

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Next a quick stop into the ‘Dry Salters’ to get some dog biscuits. This wonderful emporium stocked everything from salt to paint, from pet food to seed potatoes.

11 & 12 (Sinclairs)

An important stop to check on the alterations being made to Jean’s wedding outfit chosen a while ago. This Drapery was established by Samuel Seccombe in the 19thC. In 1957, it carried a ’Large & Exclusive Collection’ from the ‘Leading Fashion Houses’.

33 (Attic)

Crossing back to the south side of the street Jean calls into the butchers to order pies for the wedding feast. Mr Fancourt sells excellent pork and game pies which will be delivered on the day.

39 (Baubles & Bangles)

1 & 2 (Fine & Country)

10 (Level 7)

Her sister has booked Mr Turnill to take a wedding photograph so Jean calls into Hare’s, the stationers, to purchase a frame for her copy of the photograph. While she is there she can’t resist buying a copy of her favourite magazine, ‘The Lady’.

8 (Denhams Jewellers)

Across the street, Jean chooses a tea service as her wedding present. It will be packed and delivered to the bride. This store was bought by J.S Stapling after WWII, possibly from Francis Jackson Lamb, a seller of china, glass and earthenware whose name he kept.

32 A E O Parker (Murano Jewellery)

Jean calls in to choose her handbag. Several generations of Parkers were saddlers here until the death of Thomas King Parker in 1914 (aged 92). It remained as a saddler’s and by 1957 Arthur Edward Osborn Parker (possibly a distant cousin) was in charge.

31 F K Parker (The Bridal Shop)

Instead of taking over the saddlery, F K Parker moved next door to his father to run a successful grocery shop. By 1957 it retained his name but was run by his son, Eustace, and his grandson, another F K Parker. Here Jean bought her icing sugar and ordered the sherry for the wedding.

Grimes outside

Chemist 13 St Mary’s

13 and 14 St Mary’s Street

These shops were built in 1843 on the site of the George and Angel Inn by the owner of the Stamford Mercury, Richard Newcomb, as part of his plan to eliminate the difficult corner into St John’s Street by cutting through to the High Street.

He died so the scheme was never completed but these two fine shopfronts remained. Both buildings were used by the same trades, an ironmonger and a chemist for many years.

14 S.J.Grimes (You)

Jean needs to buy a new icing set and she is pleased to see that Grimes has the latest Tala set which is just what she wants. Meanwhile Susan looks at the cutlery that the bride has chosen and contributes one setting.

Number 14 was Willocks’ ironmonger’s shop in 1900 then owned by Allens. In 1911 Sydney James Grimes aged 17 was an ironmonger’s assistant, living in Cecil Terrace. Did he work here? Sydney certainly owned this ironmongers’ business in the 1930s, living over the shop in the early days. The shop served the building trade and had an enormous variety of hardware and general household equipment including Taylor’s bee equipment cutlery and garden tools. He also installed boilers and sold calor gas and paraffin which he delivered. The nails and screws and small items were in little drawers. His wife Jane helped in the shop. He retired in the 1960s when he was seventy.

Sydney was a member of the volunteer fire brigade and a special constable. His medals are in the Town Hall. He was also a Deacon of the congregational chapel in Star Lane.

13 Philadelphus Jeyes (King West)

Above: Grimes inside. Above left: Tala Icing set

Jean’s final visit of the day is to the chemists where she treats herself to some expensive perfume.

Number 13 was Dickenson’s chemist’s shop as early as 1900, then Farndells pharmacy and then Philadelphus Jeyes. Philadelphus Jeyes was an old established pharmacy business dating back over 200 years.

The first Philadelphus Jeyes started his business in 1780 in Northampton. Each generation expanded the business and introduced more preparations. They excelled at inventing disinfectants and animal medicines.

John Jeyes, who died in 1892, invented Jeyes fluid which became a household name. It was an invaluable disinfectant used the world over.

His brother Philadelphus Jeyes developed the retail business opening shops in Rugby, Market Harborough, Towcester, Biggleswade, Kettering, Spalding as well as Northampton.

The shop in Stamford was opened in 1952 and sold in 1959. Although they were originally listed as agricultural and veterinary chemists, by the 1950s they were also selling cosmetics and had a photographic department. David Jeyes carried on the tradition until his retirement recently.

Then and Now Jean says goodbye to her friend and makes her way back to the bus stop. She has everything on her list and her bags are full but fortunately many of her purchases will be delivered for her.

In St Mary’s street today, you could still buy a wedding outfit and a handbag and now a pair of shoes. You could buy the gifts of china and cutlery. There are even more coffee, teashops and restaurants in the street as people are more likely to meet their friends in town than entertain in their homes.

The change today is the lack of individual food shops along the street - no butcher or baker, no grocer. There are only two bakers, two butchers and no greengrocer in the whole town (although a very good near-daily stall in the High St). Food items are now usually bought at the supermarkets.

Jeyes of Earls Barton Visitor centre, museum, excellent gift shop and awardwinning teashop. Well worth a visit.

Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-5pm info@jeyesofearlsbarton.co.uk 01604 810289

Ask Leo would like to hear from you. Email them at askleo@btinternet.com STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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RenaissanceHealth Hair, & Health andTherapy Beauty Therapy Beauty Health & Beauty Therapy 15 MaIden lane, StaMford.

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With only 8 weeks to Christmas, Elysia Health & Beauty can get you all set to sparkle for the festive season.

Set in the beautiful village of Tansor (only 2 miles from Oundle and 11 miles from Stamford) aesthetician Lisa Claypole offers an impressive range of treatments guaranteed to get you looking and feeling fabulous. The salon is very private and discreet so no matter what you’ve had done, you can walk out and get straight into your car without the worry of a busy town or parking.

The majority of treatments are non-invasive with no downtime and Elysia are passionate about giving clients the best results. Keeping up to date with the latest developments in the industry, all the treatments give outstanding results. As they have many different technologies available, Lisa believes in a bespoke treatment as everyone’s skin is different and combination therapy is so important.

CACI Lisa has worked with CACI for over 10 years. CACI have decades of industry expertise and is famous for the non-surgical facelift. It started as a medical treatment restoring loss of muscle tone and has crossed into the aesthetic market as a favourite anti-ageing treatment. “I always describe to clients that it’s like a gym workout on your face and neck” says Lisa. It has lots of loyal celebrity followers too, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Jennifer Aniston to name a few. Whether it’s just the lifting and toning you want or the ULTIMATE, which covers the latest orbital microdermabrasion, wrinkle comb and ultrasonic peeling, light therapy, hydratone collagen mask, CACI EYE treatment and lymphatic drainage, Lisa can make the treatment bespoke.

“TO REALLY CUSTOMISE IT TO “YOU” WE HAVE MANY CLIENTS WHO ADD IN A STIMULATOR PEEL OR RADIO FREQUENCY. IT’S THE ULTIMATE MUSCLE AND SKIN WORKOUT.”

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Evergreen is putting the sparkle into Christmas with a fantastic prize draw with 25 top value prizes to be won!

The ultimate Christmas Cracker C HRISTMAS can be a lonely time for the many older people who have no family festive meal or presents to look forward to.

This year Evergreen will be setting out to show that Stamford’s community cares enough to buy them a gift — and everyone can get involved with a chance to win fantastic prizes!

The Evergreen Christmas Cracker will run every day throughout December. Prizes include a week’s holiday for two in Cyprus, a driving experience at Silverstone, and an interior design consultation. There really is something for everyone in this fantastic prize selection - from hair and beauty vouchers at local salons to a fast food voucher, and family gym membership!

A winning raffle ticket will be drawn each morning in December with the biggest prize - the holiday - on Christmas Day. As every winning ticket is returned to the draw, supporters have the chance to win numerous times!

“Our aim is for this festive campaign to raise money to treat around 200 lonely elderly people in our community to a thoughtful gift,” explains Rosie Maclennan, Evergreen’s Marketing Manager. “What’s more, in reaching out to them, Evergreen can ensure they benefit from the charity’s caring services that will improve welfare and wellbeing.

“Evergreen is aiming to raise the general consciousness about older people, encouraging every family to think about relatives, friends and neighbours who might feel isolated at this time of year.”

Evergreen has secured the support of three key local businesses to help facilitate this exciting project. They are Sowden Wallis Estate Agents, Barchester Healthcare – Tixover House and Warners (Midland) PLC. Tickets are priced at £5 each from www.stamfordchristmascracker.co.uk and Evergreen’s headquarters on Barnack Road.

25 DAYS OF EXCITING PRIZES Local businesses have been generous in providing some highly desirable vouchers and prizes. Here’s what you can win from 1 to 25 December.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

The Wine Bar — £75 voucher Robinson’s of Stamford — £100 voucher Stamford Yoga — a one month membership worth £90 Equilibrium — a goody bag worth £100 New College Stamford — Gallery Restaurant 5 course dinner for two worth £80 Hegarty Solicitors — Energy Clothing voucher worth £100 Anvils Interiors —£100 voucher Natalie Dams Beauty — £100 voucher Trecher’s Fashions — £100 voucher Stamford Eye Clinic — voucher worth £110 (Guess Sunglasses) Cell Regeneration — full course of musculoskeletal technology (MBST) & physio care worth £1,000 Sowden Wallis Estate Agents — locally sourced hamper worth £100 Charles & Dean — an Aston Martin driving experience at Silverstone worth £99 Classic Stamford — £100 John Lewis voucher McDonald’s — £100 voucher Barchester — a Christmas floral arrangement worth £75 Pickworth Lamb — a half lamb worth £75 Waitrose — Christmas hamper worth £75 The Broad Street Practice — £100 voucher New College Stamford — pamper day and lunch for 2 in the Gallery Restaurant worth £120 The Crown Hotel — Sunday night B&B worth £120 Hunters Interiors — 2 hour design consultation worth £180 Oliver Lee Salon — £150 voucher, plus products & accessories Stamford Endowed Schools — Sports Centre & Memorial Pool Gold Annual Family Membership worth £720 Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows, Larnaca, Cyprus — 7 nights B&B for 2 people worth £870.

For more information on Evergreen’s Christmas Cracker draw, head to the website www.evergreencare.org.uk

Christmas Day’s big prize is a week’s break for two to a luxurious newly refurbished four-star hotel on the southern coast of Cyprus at Larnaca. The Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows has an attractive garden setting with its own private beach, a gym and health club, tennis courts, and swimming pools. There’s a restaurant, coffee bar, tavern and a new outdoor restaurant, as well as an attractive lounge and a choice of bars.

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

STAMFORD CHRISTMAS CRACKER Evergreen are so excited to be putting the sparkle back into Christmas with a fantastic prize draw, which gives you the change to win 25 amazing prizes worth a total of over £5000. WOW I hear you say!!

Treat yourself to a ticket and you could win 25 amazing prizes including a week’s accommodation in Cyprus, the chance to drive an Aston Martin at Silverstone, an interior design consultation and so many more fantastic prizes.

There really is something for everyone in this fantastic prize selection — from hair and beauty vouchers at local salons to a fast food voucher worth £100! Plus, the money for each ticket you treat yourself helps towards treating an elderly member in our community to a gift this Christmas. The winning ticket will be drawn each day in our office.

Tickets are available from our offices in Stamford, however anybody who books a valuation In November will receive one for FREE! Tickets are priced at just £5 each. As from 29 November, ahead of the start of the Christmas Cracker draw, tickets will only be on sale in one selected venue in Stamford as well as at the Evergreen HQ.

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER SPECIAL OFFERS £5 OFF ALL CAT VACCINES

DENTAL OFFER (Formerly Alder Veterinary Practice)

The only thing that has changed is our name.

Same ownership-we remain an independent family run practice Our values remain the same providing the best level of Veterinary Care at a sensible price. The same trusted familiar faces will deliver the personal service and excellent standard of care we are recognised for.

Stockists of

Cat scale and polish Cat dental up to 5 teeth removed Cat dental more than 5 teeth removed Dog scale and polish Dog dental up to 5 teeth removed Dog dental more than 5 teeth removed

£70.00 £105.00 £140.00 £85.00 £155.00 £190.00

£10 OFF ALL DOG VACCINES (first courses and booster)

Usual Cost £10 off 1st Vacc Course Standard* £39.00 £29.00 Boosters £27.00 £17.00

*please ring for L4 vaccine costs and savings

(first courses and booster)

Usual Cost £5 off 1st Vacc Course Standard** £30.70 £25.70 Boosters £24.00 £19.00

**please ring for Leukaemia costs and savings

Introducing our new

‘Health Care For Life’

all professional fees are FREE and medication discounted for LIFE! For a full range of benefits and to discuss joining the plan please call the practice on 01780 322333.

*offer ends 31st Dec 2017

at low prices

Uffington Road, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2BF Tel: 01780 322333 Email: prioryvetnurses@gmail.com

www.prioryvetsstamford.co.uk

t Es

Loc

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al Comp

an

1981 - 36 Years

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!

25 large room settings in our extensive showroom

• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens • Affordable, quality kitchens and the latest designs on display • Over 60 appliances on show The best quality, best value & best service from a company fitting kitchens since 1981

Your local appointed Sheraton dealer.

Additional Kitchen Designer required. Apply in writing.

T H E A R E A’ S L A R G E S T I N D E P E N D E N T K I T C H E N S H O W R O O M The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk www.qksstamford.co.uk 62

Georgie Fenn finds out more about a most unusual business

The Ostrich Feather Company

I

F you shop at Waitrose, drink at The Jolly Brewer, perhaps frequent Westside Gym, or have your furniture upholstered every now and then, you may have spotted The Ostrich Feather Company on Foundry Road in Stamford and gone as far to ponder who they are and what they do. Maybe the name gives it away, but I can tell you that Jonathan and Philip Powell, the brothers behind the brand, are both tremendously passionate and knowledgeable when it comes to all things feathers.

The Ostrich Feather Company has been in Stamford for around three years now and prior to the move (to be closer to the family home), the Powells were situated on Old Street in London for almost 100 years. It’s very much a family affair, founded by their Great Grandfather and still thriving four generations later. Jonathan tells me that when the company was first established in London, there would have been plenty of similar companies, “When we established ourselves in London, there may have been around 200 feather merchants,” he says. These days there aren’t so many, and Jonathan puts their survival down to maintaining impeccable quality to the highest standards.

The feathers are sourced from the very best suppliers including ostrich feathers imported from South Africa and Guinea Fowl, Pheasant and Goose mostly sourced here in the UK. All of the feathers are traditionally dyed and treated by The Ostrich Feather Company themselves and their experienced team.

“If our dyer hasn’t used a technique, it’s because he hasn’t invented it yet,” says Jonathan who describes their 25-year-experienced dyer as you would a genius, and rightly so because the feathers are extraordinary.

The Ostrich Feather Company deal predominantly with the fashion industry, most recently London Fashion Week (look out for the ostrich feather detail on Topshop’s dresses this year.) However, they are also popular with florists, decorators and their feather boas will last you a lifetime. What they don’t deal in is furniture or bedding, a common question from passers-by who want feathers to stuff into the likes of cushions.

With Christmas around the corner it’s a busy time of year for The Ostrich Feather Company. Why not make the most of having this local business and incorporate some feathers into your decorations this year? A Christmas wreath can be transformed with the addition of a few pheasant feathers.

Likewise, adding ostrich to anything converts it from ordinary to glamorous. There are no minimum orders, you can buy whatever you like by visiting the website at www. ostrichfeather.co.uk or simply giving them a call on 01780 767895.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS: Your favourite feather?

I would have to say Egret. They’re protected now so the only feathers that you can use, you must already have in stock! Their beautiful undyed delicate feathers which means we have to keep them wrapped up away from the moths!

Most beautiful project you’ve worked on?

They’re all interesting to me whether it’s a smaller show in Stamford or a big production in London, I’ve been doing it for 44 years. Although some exciting moments have included supplying someone with ostrich feathers to make Freddie Mercury a duvet and similarly supplying feathers for Elton John’s cloak he wore to a party in Hammersmith.

Finest quality designer in your opinion?

Philip Treacy’s hats are outstanding. I also love Steven Jones, there are some lovely milliners out there these days. It’s always interesting seeing the new ideas they come up with.

Favourite place to eat in Stamford?

I would have to say The George, although the menu doesn’t change that often they are always so friendly and helpful. It’s lovely to sit out in the courtyard too. A favourite evening is eating at The George then going to Tolethorpe to watch a play at the outdoor theatre.

What can’t you live without?

I don’t want to sound corny but health and happiness. I’ve always said that everyone gets given opportunities, it’s whether you take it. But health and happiness you can’t live without!

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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The judging is over. Here are the winners!

Results of the Great Food Club Awards 2017/18 PRODUCER CATEGORY

T

HE large but pleasurable task of judging the shortlisted businesses in the 2017/18 Great Food Club Awards is complete. The Awards shortlist was created by online vote throughout summer 2017. Votes were cast mainly by Great Food Club members (they could vote for any independent food/drink business they liked) and well over one thousand people took part. Voters were presented with five categories – Producer, Pub/Restaurant/ Cafe, Shop, Street-Food and Food-and-Drink Experience. The top five vote winners in each category made the shortlist. Multiple votes from single IP addresses were discarded.

From there, with 25 businesses on the shortlist, it was over to the Great Food Club writing team. We visited and spoke to each business and judged them to the best of our ability. We scored each out of 5, 10 or 20 in several areas (such as service, setting and food quality), and the business with the highest final score won. We were hugely impressed by the quality and passion demonstrated by all of the contenders.

Shortlisted businesses • Freshly Spiced, Nottingham • Hambleton Bakery, Exton, Rutland • Harker’s Farm Shop, Clipston on the Wolds, Notts • Redhill Farm Free Range Pork, Gainsborough, Lincs • Yorkshire Dama Cheese, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire

WINNER: REDHILL FARM FREE RANGE PORK, GAINSBOROUGH, LINCS

Redhill Farm Free Range Pork takes its pigs from birth to table. The animals are free range and lead fabulously natural lives amongst the farm’s trees and pastures. Redhill Farm demonstrably takes huge care to reduce stress in its animals’ lives, including at the point of slaughter. It does all its own butchery, plus smoking, pie-making, bacon curing and more at its well-equipped, modern production unit on the farm.

As a result of all this, Redhill Farm Free Range pork is, in our opinion, the best-quality pork you will find anywhere. Moreover, rather than chasing commercial success at the expense of animal welfare, this producer has kept its integrity. It has also shown commitment to “local” over many years, selling mainly to Lincolnshire farmers’ markets. Its new butchers shop on Bailgate in Lincoln is a fantastic addition to the city.

RESTAURANT/PUB/CAFE CATEGORY Shortlisted businesses • The Bewicke Arms, Hallaton, Leics • Hambleton Hall, Hambleton, Rutland • Kavanagh’s Tea Room, Oakham, Rutland • Nourish at No 44, Belper, Derbys • The Royal Oak, Evesham, Worcs

WINNER: NOURISH AT NO 44, BELPER, DERBYS

This was a fiendish category to judge, with just two-and-a-half points separating all five contenders. Shading it, however, is this cafe/bistro in the market town of Belper, Derbyshire. The team here show just how much can be achieved by hard work, passion, an eye for detail and a love for well-cooked, locally sourced food. Nourish at No 44 works incredibly hard to beat gravity and rise above the status of generic town centre cafe to become something far classier. And it’s this heroic effort to do something special, and to do it with pride, that convinced us that it should win against some truly brilliant opposition. By day Nourish at No 44 is a pleasant cafe, but it’s on weekend evenings that it really shows its quality through local sourcing, impressive cooking, excellent service and a wonderful dining atmosphere.

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Get the 2017 Handbook SHOP CATEGORY Shortlisted businesses • Bulwick Village Shop, Bulwick, Northants • Christopher James Deli, Leicester • Farndon Fields Farm Shop, Market Harborough, Leics • Waterloo Cottage Farm, Great Oxendon, Northants • Welbeck Farm Shop, Welbeck Estate, Notts

The Great Food Club Handbook 2017 is out now.

With over 100 pages, the new Handbook is a handbag- or glovebox-sized publication with one simple aim: to guide you to some of the best independent restaurants, pubs, farm shops, breweries, food producers, delis and cafes. It is available to buy now for £4.95 including postage.

Go to www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click “Buy the Handbook”.

WINNER: BULWICK VILLAGE SHOP, BULWICK, NORTHANTS

In many ways, this is the perfect village food store, offering high-quality produce, welcoming staff and tasty surprises. The birthplace of The Pickled Village’s award-winning pickles and preserves, it’s enticing from the minute you see the front door and it stays that way all the way to the back of the shop. Alongside more exotic treats are staples such as milk, tea, bread, cheese and sweets. Amid the decline of so many village stores, this one shows just what’s possible, which is why it wins our award. It’s an example that proves there’s life in the village shop yet!

STREET-FOOD CATEGORY Shortlisted businesses • The Garage Bakehouse, Market Harborough, Leics • Homeboys, Nottingham • Nanna Mexico, Cambridge • Steak & Honour, Cambridge • Vivia Crump, Rutland

WINNER: STEAK & HONOUR, CAMBRIDGE

This category was also a challenge to judge, with each shortlisted business impressing. In the end, though, Steak & Honour won through thanks to doing what it does to near perfection and with a flourish. This minimalistic burger restaurant (it has vans, too) in central Cambridge takes the humble burger and hones it, hones it again, and then delivers something close to the ultimate meat-in-a-bun experience. On our visit, we wolfed down a perfectly cooked medium-rare burger (beef sourced from The Art of Meat in Cambridge). It was topped with jalapeño peppers and other good stuff, and placed between a halved brioche bun (baked by Dovecote Bakery in Cambridge). Unlike some brioche we’ve tried, the bun was not too sweet. We loved the carefully chosen range of canned craft beers on sale, too. With Steak & Honour, less is more: it is simple but devastatingly effective!

FOOD-AND-DRINK EXPERIENCE CATEGORY Shortlisted businesses • 45 West Gin School, Nanpantan, Leics • The Bristol Food Tour, Bristol • Hobby Cooks, Northampton • The School of Artisan Food, Welbeck, Notts • Seasoned Cookery School, Catton Hall, Derbyshire

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

WINNER: THE SCHOOL OF ARTISAN FOOD, WELBECK, NOTTS The sheer quality of teaching and equipment, alongside the passion and skill of the tutors, are the major reasons behind our decision to award the School of Artisan Food this title. Students are able to visit The School and leave with a deep knowledge of and appreciation for their chosen subject, whether that is baking, cheese making, butchery or one of the less hands-on courses. The School of Artisan Food is a beacon for the transmission and continuation of valuable food skills and provides a satisfying, educational experience for those who attend.

About the writer Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodclub.co.uk, a Leicestershire-based website that celebrates and promotes local food and drink. His Great Food Club Handbook 2017 is out now.

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Christmas Parties 2017

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s fabulous private dining rooms is perfect for Christmas parties of 6 to 16 guests. We are offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, £65.00 per person for 3 courses. (£80 per person for 4 courses) Hambleton Hall is one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water the hotel provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party.

Terrine of Sea Bass & Artichoke Foie Gras Chicken Liver Parfait with Fig Wild Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan & Tarragon

Log fires, a beautiful Christmas tree, sensational Christmas

decorations and lovely bedrooms to rest your weary head.

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

If you would like to stay after your Christmas Party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, we are offering a special rate of £240.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

***

Middle Course Offer - the best fish catch of the day *** Fillet of Turbot, Cockle, Clams & Cucumber Merryfield Duck, Caramelised Endive, Cucumber & Plum Jacobs Ladder, Smoked Potato, Horseradish & Red Wine Jus *** Prune & Armagnac Soufflé Golden Chocolate, Passion Fruit Sorbet Lime Meringue Pie & Lime Leaf Ice Cream *** Coffee, Chocolates All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5%

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

LUNCH SPECIAL OFFER Wednesday to Friday.

Two Courses for £12.50 STEAK NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY Two Steaks (Ribeye, Fish or Gammon) & Two glasses of house wine for £30

OUR FESTIVE MENU WILL BE AVAILABLE LUNCHTIME AND EVENING THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

For pre-booked groups of eight or more we are also offering a Christmas Party Menu 2 courses £17.95 / 3 courses £19.95 Book now to celebrate New Year’s Eve with us and enjoy a delicious five course Gala Dinner including prosecco on arrival for just £45.00 per person WE OFFER

www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk 66

All funds from ticket sales go to the Rutland Air Ambulance.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 3rd Thursday of the month.

Talented local musicians playing Live Music from 8pm

OPENING HOURS

A Warm Welcome I A Selection of Real Ales I Premium Lagers and Quality Wines Seasonal and Varied Menu I Parties and Functions Overnight Accommodation I Children and Dogs Welcome

More information and our current menu on our website

QUIZ NIGHT First Thursday of the month £5 per team of four.

Prize for the winning team.

Tuesday - Thursday 12noon - 3pm & 6pm - 10.30pm Friday 12noon - 3pm & 5pm - 11pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm & 6pm - 11pm Sunday 12noon - 6pm Monday Closed

T: 01572 747365 E: info@exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk

December Lunch Specials

1 Course £14.95 / 2 Courses £17.95 / 3 Courses £21.50 Served from 12pm until 2.30pm Tuesday – Friday

December Dinner Menu

2 Courses £24.50 / 3 Courses £29.50 Served from 7pm until 9pm, Thursday & Friday Booking is essential Lunch, dinner or private hire, we can cater for you with a great selection of freshly prepared food and a well stocked bar.

Email Steve on manager@lamberts-stamford.co.uk or call 01780 767063

5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX 01780 767063 - www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk

Explore the exotic flavours of the Far East

Neil & Louise Hitchen welcome you to

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S EVE

Award Winning Country Pub

TICKETS ON SALE

NOW

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Tickets £10 in advance SUNDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2017 £15 on the door (subject to availability) DOORS OPEN

FROM 7PM

Find us in the latest editions of The Michelin Guide, Hardens Food Guide, Waitrose Good Food Guide and Alistair Sawdays Pubs & Inns.

The

GANGSTERS

The Big Sound of Original – Classic – 2 Tone – SKA

Sunday Buffet All you can eat for

£12.95

Served from 12-3:30pm

Bar & Garden menu served daily at lunchtime from £6.95

01733 315702

Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

www.east-restaurant.co.uk

59 Main Street, Wymondham, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2AG www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk 01572 787587 67

Norman Williams and grandson Rafferty

Going Back To Your Roots This month, Deborah Pennell muses over the array of root vegetables it is possible to grow in our Great British climate, and chats to one or two locals who have got the production of these wonderful fleshy offerings off to a tee

S

O, we have had a frost or two, the vegetable patch is definitely looking ready for winter, and summer barbeques are just a distant memory. But always look on the positive side.

This means it is time to light the fire, cook up a good Sunday roast and harvest the final few root vegetables before the ground freezes so solid you are unable to extract them without the use of a pick axe!

Whether you have a big garden, rent an allotment or just grow vegetables in tubs, root vegetables provide a staple part of so many growers’ patches. Potatoes, carrots, parsnips and swede are all commonly found on our plates when we tuck into that customary Sunday roast, but the endless variety of roots available does not have to stop there. These days we grow celeriac, salsify, horseradish and kohlrabi alongside trendy purple carrots and candied beetroot.

I met up with a few growers who helped me establish the dos and don’ts of root vegetable growing.

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Norman Williams is a retired Rheumatologist from Peterborough City Hospital who loves his garden but especially his substantial and immaculate vegetable patch.

As a medical man he is a huge advocate of ‘you are what you eat,’ and has grown vegetables to put on the family table for all his married life. It is rare that any vegetable is bought into the Williams household. Even today any excess vegetables are distributed amongst his children, and their growing families.

Everything Norman grows, comes from seed and is nurtured throughout its life in the vegetable garden. He has great tips to impart too: He says, “it is so important to make sure the soil has warmed up before you plant out seedlings such as parsnip. I find covering the area with cloches helps generate warmth in the ground beneath, which means the soil is warm and ready to plant out. All seeds will catch up eventually. I never plant my carrots before April and the beetroot and parsnips generally in May.” Norman grows new potatoes, carrots, beetroots, parsnips, onions and radish to name a few, but says he is completely guided by the weather. The soil in his vegetable garden has a good covering of manure in November once the last of the produce is lifted, and this is allowed to break down over the winter and to leach into the soil.

If Norman had a piece of advice for anyone, it would be to have patience, and do not plant out seedlings too soon. And eat all your vegetables the same day you pick them – they are so much sweeter and bigger in flavour than pre-picked and stored vegetables. He is now encouraging his family, and his grandchildren, to follow in his muddy footsteps.

Retired couple, Lesley and Ray Chacksfield have rented their allotment at Easton on the Hill for the last seven years. They say that they are by no means experts in the field of vegetable growing but enjoy being outdoors and creating food for their table. Despite their claim to be amateurs, the half plot they tend, still has rows of healthy produce this late into the season.

Potatoes, parsnips, carrots and radish have all been harvested with beetroot and leeks remaining to be picked, as we head into the last months of the year.

All their root vegetables are grown from seed and seed potatoes are chitted, ready to plant once the weather improves, in April/May. Ray says, “we like to trial different varieties of each vegetable.

Some are successful and others not so, in which case we revert to growing the better variety. Sometimes it may be down to the flavour in the end, and sometimes the yield. We tend to use all the vegetables we grow ourselves and any excesses are given to our neighbours.”

Lesley claims not to be an adventurous cook, so roasts most of their root vegetable crop with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs, salt and pepper. The couple’s favourite vegetable being beetroot, roasted, or simply boiled, cooled and served sliced in summer salads. They grow Chard although Lesley is not a fan, but does realise its healthy properties. She says, “I have found a way to disguise it by adding it to our mashed delicious mashed potatoes.” Another use of their plentiful potato crop is to cut them into wedges, season them with salt, pepper and paprika and bake them. All in all, The Chacksfields seem to be getting the best out of their allotment, and their wonderful root produce.

Katherine Ayton is Treasurer of The Rhyall Allotment Association, and has had her allotment for just over 10 years.

Katherine grows, a huge variety of vegetables and fruit, with new potatoes, carrots and parsnips already harvested, I have come to discuss with her a complete favourite of mine, but a root vegetable that so many shy away from, Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes).

Related to the sunflower family and hence the reason for the alternative name of Sunchokes, they are a highly nutritious, fleshy tuber high in potassium and iron and known to help lower blood pressure and decrease blood cholesterol. However, they have a reputation for creating an unfortunate side effect, and they can be fiddly to prepare as they form in rather knobbly small tubers.

Katherine says, “I can only cope with serving up small quantities of Jerusalem Artichokes, but one of the reasons I like having them on the allotment is because they grow like a weed, and are really low maintenance. I chop them down to the base of the foliage each winter, and thin them out toward the end of the growing season, and they just sprout again the following year. Harvesting is from late September until the ground is so hard to dig you cannot get a fork in the soil to get them out!”

Top tip for Jerusalem Artichokes: Katherine suggests that if you wait until there has been a good frost you may not suffer quite such bad side effects, as the frost will breakdown the problematic, inulin, to fructose, which is more easily absorbed in the small intestine.

Therefore, digging up the artichokes after a few frosts will yield sweeter, more digestible tubers.

Katherine’s delicious recipe for Jerusalem Artichokes - serve to accompany roast meats or eat on its own with lots of wonderful green vegetables.

Bella Craven is a Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire County Coach for Riding for the Disabled, and has always grown her own vegetables. She sets aside a small area next to her house with raised beds and tubs, which are easy to maintain.

Bella grows one of my favourite root vegetables, celeriac. Bought as seedlings from nearby Helpston Garden Centre they are simply plugged out into the preprepared beds when the weather is starting to improve, and the risk of a frost is no longer, generally May/June. Celeriac thrives in the vegetable garden here, as Bella adds lots of well-rotted manure from her home muck heap.

A tip she shares: make sure when you are harvesting your produce to take out a good amount of soil with the vegetables – this can then be replaced with fresh soil and manure, which adds nutrients to the empty vegetable beds over the winter period. And rotate the beds, do not always grow your vegetables in the same bed; this will help avoid diseases getting into the crops and taking hold.

Bella says, “I tend to grow vegetables which the family want to eat, so lots of spinach, chard, new potatoes, carrots and leeks. Celeriac we love, just roasted or served with a white sauce. I do not tend to store many of the vegetables I grow, we seem to pick them and eat them the same day. It is a wonderfully self sufficient way of life.”

100g butter, plus extra for greasing the oven dish 2 red onions, peeled and finely sliced 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and mashed 500g Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and cut into 3mm thick rounds 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 100ml double cream 200ml vegetable stock For the top 50g hard cheese, grated Oven 190°C/375°F Lightly butter an ovenproof dish.

Heat the butter in a large frying pan, add the onions and garlic, and cook gently until soft. Add the artichokes and thyme. Season generously and cook for 5 minutes, carefully stirring from time to time. Add the cream and the stock, and simmer gently until the liquid has reduced a little. Transfer to the buttered ovenproof dish. Sprinkle over cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

FOR SEEDS AND SEED POTATOES VISIT: Wothorpe Nurseries, 6 Wothorpe Hill, PE9 3JG Stamford Garden Centre, Casterton Road, PE9 4BB STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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FESTIVE PARTY NIGHTS WITH DINNER & DISCO IN THE BARN A selection of dates are available throughout December ~ 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 20th • Sun-Thurs £28.50 pp / Fri-Sat £30.00 pp • Private parties can be arranged, subject to availability • All festive & private parties require a pre-order

Menu Cream of cauliflower soup V

The Mad Turk

Reservations – 01780 238001 Takeaways 01780 238282

8/9 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE www.themadturk.co.uk

Pressed ham hock terrine & Piccalilli salad Gravlax of salmon, pickled cucumber & new potato salad G *** Roast Norfolk turkey served with all the trimmings Seared fillet of seabass, crushed new potatoes with a dill & lemon butter sauce G Wild mushroom & tarragon pithivier with tenderstem broccoli V *** Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy V Dark chocolate delice, gratin cherries & white chocolate ice cream V Colston Basset stilton & English farmhouse cheddar, served with; celery, grapes, chutney & Jacobs crackers V

AWARD WINNING

MEAL DEALS HHHHH

A. Small Cod B. Small Haddock C. Any Pukka Pie served with our rich gravy

Monday to Thursday

D. Burger

served with salad, relish and onion rings

(Meal Deals include Chips and Tea or Coffee)

£5.00

Please ask for Meal Deals when ordering

3 Gooch’s Court • 01780 766698

The Avenue, Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH tel: 01572 724678 enquiries@barnsdalelodge.co.uk

www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk 70

8

Deborah Pennell takes a look at what’s new and what’s worth a closer look

Food & Drink News

New Bar in Town

Due to open its doors in early November, Paten & Co is local landlord Mick Thurlby’s latest addition to the town’s pub scene. With an industrial loft style feel and a run of craft beers on tap, this new drinking establishment is sure to be another success, for the man with the Midas touch. Based on the site of the former Periwig, expect to find a modern bar with a vibrant atmosphere.

Paten & Co, 7 All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG

Recipe of the month

Sloe down for Autumn

As we head into the colder months it is time to get out the winter warmers. Adnams Sloe Gin, created in their distillery in Southwold, is a great buy. Made with their own label Copper House Gin, and packed full of delicious sloe flavour, this deep cherry coloured sticky is guaranteed to warm the cockles. Drink it on its own, or added to Champagne or Prosecco, to create a cool winter cocktail. Adnams also stock some elegant liqueur glasses: £5.49 each or £30 for 6 – a perfect addition to your drinks cupboard, or a great present idea.

Adnams, Stamford, Bath Row Warehouse, Stamford, PE9 2BT

Feeling under the weather?

The Silver Lane Health Food Store recommends we take Nature’s Aid super Strength Pro 30 Max to promote a healthy gut. This powerful probiotic will help fight off those winter colds and flu.

Did you know that the well being of your digestive tract has a great impact on your overall health, and ability to fight off illness? Antibiotics, viruses and the food we eat will all affect the bacteria in our gut, and the well-being of the digestive tract has a huge impact on our overall health. As well as Nature’s Aid products, the Silver Lane Health Food Store also stocks herbal products from Lifeplan, Sugar and Viridian.

Silver Lane Whole Foods, 2 Silver Lane, Stamford, PE9 2BT

BONFIRE TOFFEE (A recipe guaranteed to keep all the local dentists in business) • oil, for greasing • 450g dark soft brown sugar • 125ml hot water • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar • 115g black treacle • 115g golden syrup • Line a deep 30cm x 20cm tin, with non-stick baking paper and grease really well.

• Put the sugar and hot water in a heavy bottomed pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved – DO NOT STIR the mixture at any point. Instead swirl the pan once or twice to move the sugar around.

• Add the black treacle, golden syrup and cream of tartar and then place a sugar thermometer in the pan. Bring to the boil and boil until the mixture reaches soft crack on the thermometer (270°F/140°C). This may take quite a long time, so it is important to be patient. The minute the toffee reaches the required temperature tip it into the tin and leave to cool.

• Once cool, remove it from the tin and use a rolling pin or toffee hammer to break it up.

• Store in an airtight container, or divide it up and place in cellophane bags, as a bonfire night treat.

Calling all Chocoholics

Slightly further afield, but definitely worth a visit: The Melton Mowbray Choc Fest will take place on 18th & 19th November from 10am-4pm at the Livestock Market, LE13 1JY (entrance on Scalford Road). Book to take part in workshops, tastings and demonstrations.

Plenty of stalls selling chocolate and associated products. www.goleicestershire.com/events/chocfest

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Seize The Moment Don’t Seize Up Ease those aches and pains with Hip and Knee Surgery at Fitzwilliam Hospital in Peterborough • • • • •

Get the surgery you require Fast access to first class care Less waiting times for surgery Pay for your own treatment Highly experienced and dedicated orthopaedic surgeons

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Call us on 01733 842 304 to book an appointment now. fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk 72 Public Information

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Day Spa Packages

Want to live life feeling lighter and brighter? Homefield’s day spa packages offer more than just a pamper – they’re designed to offer the perfect kick start to better ways of eating, thinking and living. Running every day, seven days per week from 10am to 2pm, just a few hours at our discreet and stylish boutique spa venue will help you feel relaxed, recharged and rejuvenated – ready to take on your world.

Our friendly co-ordinators will be happy to help you make the right choice for you, ring us on 01536 712219, Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm daily.

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The ‘DETOX ME’ package

Get yourself a brand new body and try out our ‘DETOX ME’ package with two hours of detoxing therapies: full body brush, back scrub, G5 lymphatic massage and a wonderful Decleor Aromatherapy massage, which will leave you feeling clean, inside and out.

Why not get a head start with better ways of

eating with our 2 course detox lunch and take a break from the caffeine, sugar and alcohol?

Use our gym, infra red sauna, enjoy our beautiful countryside venue and chill out for a few hours.

Enjoy unlimited herbal teas, purified water, curl up in your fluffy gown and take time to remember what’s important in life – you!

The ‘TREAT ME’ package And exhale… How about some precious “me time” that helps you refocus on yourself and your body.

Enjoy a few hours of a ‘temptation free’ day that offers the perfect kick start to putting yourself first for a change.

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Plus a super cleansing two course lunch, infra red sauna, herbal teas, purified water, curl up and snooze in a fluffy dressing gown and slippers…

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Kick start your weight loss regime with some weight loss included treatments, including a G5 Lymphatic Cellulite treatment, a massage to improved toxin removal and an intolerance test to identify what foods may be holding you back from weight loss.

Use our gym if you like, or simply chill out, (lowering stress levels helps the body lose weight faster).

Use of dressing gowns, 2 course lunch, slippers, towels, toiletries, hairdryers all provided.

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New College Stamford

Celebrates 50 Years of Further Education

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Deborah Pennell digs through the archives of New College Stamford, and discovers a college providing Stamford and our outlying community with an abundance of courses and amazing educational opportunities for all.

N 2017, Ofsted recognised the important role this excellent college plays in the local community, crediting it with “a well established culture of higher education.”

New College Stamford’s origins go back a lot further than the 50 years we celebrate today. In 1895, The Stamford Technical Instruction Committee opened a Technical School on Broad Street; this was to become Stamford College of Further Education, when it moved to its present site on Drift Road in 1967. More recently in 2016, the Department for Education and Skills authorised the college name to be changed to its present, New College Stamford.

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

In a brief timeline we see how the College has evolved over the past 50 years: A few statistics show the heights our local Further Education College has reached over the last 50 years: • In the 1960’s the College campus was around 4,500 square metres. Today it can boast a massive 15,734 square metres of facilities.

1966

1986

2004

The first students from the engineering department start work at the College with the remaining students and staff transferring from Broad Street to the new college in January 1967.

A new Sports Hall and further teaching block was opened by Olympic Shot putter and former World’s Strongest Man, Geoff Capes.

By 1987 the number of students at the college had risen by 57% in two years, with 635 students attending full time courses.

The 90’s saw significant developments to the College facilities: a number of new buildings were constructed, changing the layout of the college to that we are familiar with today.

The bus lane was added, and a car park to cater for the increased number of cars being used as transport to the college.

The Colleges first dedicated Sixth Form Centre officially opened.

1990

2014

700 full time and 3,000 part time students enrolled at New College, with additional courses such as A levels in Performing Arts and European Studies being added to the curriculum.

On September 10th the fifth floor Computer Suite opened its doors with the addition of 120 new computers.

The College, in conjunction with other parties such as The Burghley House Preservation Trust and Stamford AFC bring to fruition a state of the art sports facility, the Borderville Sports Centre. Costing over £5.5 million, this area provides more facilities for Sport, Football Development and Public Service Students. A former Chairman of the FA described the set up as ”the best training facility I’ve seen.”

Construction work began on a £1.5million extension to the West Block. This was to become the new home of Catering, Science and Creative Media.

1995

2015

The new student refectory opened, the fitness suite was upgraded and the all-weather pitches were re-surfaced.

Current Principal and Chief Executive, Janet Meenaghan joins the college to build on its strengths and high standards.

1985

1997

2016

The College Restaurant, The Gallery Kitchen opened, offering a three course lunch for £1.75!

The Cadet Block opened, making New College Stamford the first college in the East Midlands to establish an Army Cadet Force.

Further improvements were made to the main campus to support students’ successes into employment and University, as well as for the benefit of the local community. A £3.7 million Construction and Automotive Skills Centre was completed and officially opened by Government Minister and MP for Stamford, Nick Boles. The Library also benefitted from a £210,000 makeover.

In 2017, Stamford New College continues to grow and look to the future. A £250,000 renovation of the Refectory has just been completed and officially opened in October. Not only does this modern facility cater for around 2,000 students a day, providing appetizing homemade hot and cold lunches, it is also used by a number of the catering students to gain valuable work experience.

1967 On Friday 13th October Stamford College of Further Education officially opened.

1973 In the early days part-time courses included Church Embroidery, Japanese Flower Arranging and Crochet.

1979 Computing courses began, following the purchase of two computers at a cost of £5,000 each.

1982 Courses expanded to include Banking, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, HM Forces, Travel and Tourism and Childcare.

By 1983 the College Computing department had grown with the addition of 26 microcomputers.

1984

1993

1999 The newly constructed Visual Arts Block officially opened.

2000 The College campus continued to grow with the addition of The Stamford Skills Centre, being formally opened by The Mayor and Mayoress of Stamford.

2001 Saw investment in new sports facilities, including a fitness suite.

2002 The Megabite Café opened, and the refectory and library were extended.

2009 An offsite construction Centre opened its doors in mid January.

Later this year the College was awarded an Ofsted Beacon Award for its standard of education and high achievements.

2012 An in house Hair salon, Inspire Hair and Beauty Salon opened and a programme of building works came to an end resulting in a new extension; to include, a brand new Reception area, Bistro and Conference Centre.

• For the 2017/18 year the College has around 4,500 students enrolled on full time and part time courses.

• The College offers a 128 full time courses, as diverse as Sport and Public Services, Theatrical Special Effects Hair and Media Makeup, Motorsport Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Bricklaying and Animal Care. An additional 22 Degree level courses are on offer at the University Centre, as well as an array of part time courses, A level courses and apprenticeships; with additional evening classes for adults throughout the year.

• In 2017 the IT department houses more than 1,500 computers and 200 Mac computers, with homework often being completed and filed on ipads.

• The College is by far the biggest single employer in Stamford.

• And let’s not forget it is also home to 11 Meerkats, a Python and the rarest of frogs, as well as many more species; all part of the Animal Department.

• I might sum up by saying …we are so lucky to have such a wonderfully individual, high achieving college in the town, and long may it continue to thrive.

For more course information go to: www.stamford.ac.uk

And what does the future hold?

Current Principal, Janet Meenaghan has a clear vision, “the College has a great reputation and so much potential. My job is to harness that potential and to take the College onto even greater things – securing the College as an outstanding provider of education in Lincolnshire.”

Laura Wells, Marketing Co-ordinator said, “the College will continue to improve the campus and add new resources where necessary. We have an ever evolving project on our hands.”

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Sc NE s fo e ie W r o nc £4 u r e Bl m oc k

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Thursday 9 November 2017 6:00pm - 9:00pm

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Best atmosphere … Best support … Best results

16-year-old Stamfordian and self-confessed Shakespeare nerd, Harriet Cadman, shares her experiences as she begins a new life at a local performing arts college. She attributes her own success to the town’s abundance of performing arts outlets.

Stepping stone to the stars

Harriet Cadman

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RIVING through the drizzle of April rain, still recovering from a day’s worth of butterflies, I had no idea how much the audition I had just attended would change my life. The lifestyle I had briefly glimpsed during my few hours at Stageworks College that day seemed worlds away and brimming with myriad opportunity.

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts, specifically acting. I can recall many birthdays that were spent in the Stamford Arts Centre rehearsing for performances with Wildcats Theatre School, Zest Theatre company and plenty more!

So, naturally, I have always dreamed of being in full-time training and the opportunity to best develop my skills.

Thankfully, after years of fantasising about drama school, I was accepted onto Stageworks’ two-year Musical Theatre course.

Suddenly, my life was consumed by thoughts of living away from home, desperately trying (and failing) to learn to cook and buying an extortionate number of tights! Needless to say, there were plenty of ‘pinch me’ moments.

Nestled in central St Neots, Stageworks College offers a twoyear Foundation Course in Musical Theatre or Acting (Level 3 BTEC qualification), as well as a three-year Professional Performance Diploma in Musical Theatre. The college purposely limits student numbers in each year group which makes the courses especially personable and boasts an impressive 100% graduate success rate.

All the teachers are working industry professionals - one of them is currently touring the UK as Resident Director of Legally Blonde the Musical! The college’s ethos is to take young talent, nurture and train and, more importantly, to teach students how to market their strengths to the industry and prepare for auditions. The audition prep is what really excited me; pragmatic training to prepare mentally and physically to work in an industry that has a reputation for being incredibly harsh.

The daily timetable covers several dance genres (ballet, jazz and tap amongst others), academic BTEC work, group and individual singing lessons, acting classes and fitness sessions. We also get the opportunity to perform in multiple shows throughout the year and will soon start work on a musical that we will perform in February in front of a live orchestra and with a West End style set over several nights. It’s like a

non-stop workshop, which hopefully, will one day guide me to the giddy heights of the West End. Now that I am back to practicing my plies on a daily basis, I cast my mind back fondly to the many years spent in the beautiful, mirrored studios of the Welland School of Dancing. Within the decade or so I spent attending weekly classes, my love for, and appreciation of, ballet was born and nurtured under the watchful eyes of my ballet teachers Anne Desbruslais and, later, Maggie Purr. After countless Friday nights, a ton of different coloured leotards and hundreds of hours of invaluable teaching, I truly feel my time at the Welland has prepared me perfectly for the challenges that lie ahead.

Stamford is a truly fantastic place to grow up if you are interested in the performing arts. From a young age I became involved with Wildcats Theatre School taking part in fantastic summer courses that incorporated singing, dancing and acting. Often, we would be casting, rehearsing and performing a show in the space of only a week or two. Amazingly, by the end of these short periods, the dedicated staff members always managed to organise the hordes of eager youngsters who arrived on day one to produce a real spectacle of a performance.

Another key influencer for me has been the wealth of performances available at Stamford Arts Centre; it is here I have spent innumerable evenings of entertainment in the form of talks, performances by local theatre companies, ballets and more. A recent favourite was a performance of Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, executed superbly by the Ballet Cymru.

I’m also a huge Shakespeare nerd and this passion has been massively inspired by watching the dazzling, open-air performances of the Stamford Shakespeare Company at Tolethorpe Hall over the years.

I am so excited by what my future may hold and I am eternally grateful to Stamford and all it offers for nurturing the creative side in me. I look forward to proudly performing in my hometown again soon.

If you would like to find out more about the Stageworks College, visit www.stageworksstudio.co.uk

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News & Notes Helping you make the most of Stamford living

Charity Santa Ride with Rutland Cycling

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UTLAND Cycling will be holding their annual charity Santa Ride, in aid of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, on Sunday, 17th December.

The ride departs from Whitwell store at 10.00 am, with a gentle pedal suitable for all the family, to Giant Store Normanton for refreshments and mince pies, then back to Whitwell. Cost is £5 per family with all proceeds going to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough. Bike hire is available at a reduced rate of £5 when booked in advance. Fancy dress is optional for both participants and their bikes! Prize for the best fancy dress and best dressed bike. To book please email: rcrides@rutlandcycling.com and for more details visit www.rutlandcycling.com/rides.

Come along and join the ride and help raise money for Sue Ryder!

The Burghley Christmas Fair Nov 23-26, 9am – 5pm

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HE Burghley Christmas Fair sources talented makers and designers from across the UK and brings them together for four days of stylish shopping in the Brewhouse and Chestnut Courtyard of Burghley House. Indulge yourself, family and friends with stunning fashions and accessories, fabulous jewellery, elegant candles, colourful ceramics, Christmas decorations and quirky homewares. Over 50 stands within the courtyard alongside festive chalets, mulled wine and the renowned Burghley Christmas pop-up shop.

The Burghley Fine Food Market displays tasty treats from over 35 local suppliers in the Stable Courtyard, all this set in the magnificent parkland with refreshments from The Orangery Restaurant and free entry.

100%Proof! The Why of Maths

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ANE Hope has lived in the Stamford area for many years. With her new book ‘100%Proof! The Why of Maths’ she has created an innovative visual maths book, designed to help students and adults understand the maths that they learn(ed) at school. She aims to demystify and make Maths approachable for everyone.

It shows with clear diagrams, on individual pages per explanation, why those well-known maths formulas, like the area of a circle or the all famous Pythagoras theorem work, with simple truths. Once people can SEE the maths they are much happier using it and are more likely to remember.

Jane gained a First Class Honours Degree in Mathematics and Astronomy. She also holds a PGCE in secondary mathematics, and has taught in many types of school as well as teaching personally. Jane is passionate about showing others the beauty and simplicity of Mathematics.

The book is available on amazon - £10.99 ISBN 978-0993572227

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Number of Stamford house moves drops 16.3% in 10 years This month, our local property advisor David Crooke, owner of UPP Property Agents, reflects on the declining numbers of Stamfordians moving house and the causes behind the homeowners’ decisions

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ACK in the early 2000s, between 1m-1.3m people moved home each year, peaking at 1,349,306 in 2002. However, in 2008 the ‘credit crunch’ hit and a year later the number of house sales fell to 624,994. Since then, this has steadily recovered to a more ‘respectable’ 899,708 properties by 2016.

That’s around 450,000 fewer house sales/moves each year, but why?

50 years ago, inflation was high and to combat this the government raised interest rates. Higher interest rates delivered higher monthly mortgage payments, thereby taking a large proportion of the household budget. This wasn’t all bad news since inflation tends to erode mortgage debt in ‘real spending power terms’. Consequently, as wages grew (to keep up with inflation), this allowed homeowners to get even bigger mortgages. At the same time their mortgage debt was decreasing, therefore, allowing them to climb the property ladder quicker.

In the 1990s and 2000s, UK interest rates tumbled as inflation dropped creating ‘double digit’ growth in the value of UK property. This inevitably meant homeowner’s equity grew significantly, assisting them in scaling the property ladder - even without the effects of inflation. This continued into the mid noughties, as lending criteria slackened, further encouraging home movers to borrow more and move again.

So, now it’s 2017 and things have changed yet again…

With ultra-low interest rates at 0.25% (a 320-year low), it is feasible to think that the number of people moving would be high. However, this has not been the case. Fewer people are moving because of low wage growth of 1.1% pa, tougher mortgage rules, sporadic property price growth and high property values comparative to salaries.

In 2007, 3,258 properties sold in the South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) area, whereas in 2016 only 2,727 properties sold – a drop of 16.30%.

Of those estimated 435 annual SKDC nonmovers: 157 households a year aren’t moving due to a fall in the number of ‘mortgaged owner occupiers’ (i.e. demographics).

Another 61 households are of the older generation ‘mortgaged owner occupiers’. With maturity of age, the inclination to move is less, regardless of what is happening to the property market (i.e. lifestyle).

Approx. 26 households are ‘high equity owner occupiers’, who previously would have moved with a mortgage but now move as cash buyers (i.e. high house price growth).

Finally, there are 192 mortgaged homeowners unable to move because of the financing of the new mortgage or keeping within the new rules of mortgage affordability that came into play in 2014 (i.e. mortgage).

To read this article in full, visit: www.stamfordpropertyblog.com

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Beginners Photography One-Day Masterclass Workshop ISO settings • aperture settings • shutter speeds • white balance • camera modes • depth of field • on- board flash • light readings • file formats Sun 26th Nov & Sun 14th Jan

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News & Notes Do I need to make a will?

Jo Wild of Hegarty’s looks at the issues around making a will

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AKING a will is extremely important and ensures that your estate is distributed in accordance with your wishes should the worst happen.

It is possible to make a will yourself without instructing a solicitor but we would recommend you do consult a solicitor particularly if you have a young, step or second family. This will make sure that all the options are explained and that your wishes are followed in your will to prevent problems arising after your death.

If you choose to appoint a solicitor to make a will the following tips will help you prepare for the appointment: Make a list of assets It is advisable to prepare a list of your assets together with values, in particular any specific items you wish to include in your will. You will also need to bring with you an existing will if you already have one, or a copy. Bring the full names and addresses of the people you wish to refer to in your will.

Who will receive your assets?

In addition, please consider who you wish to receive your assets after you die e.g. your spouse, family or friends.

Think about funeral wishes It is sensible to give some thought to any funeral wishes that you may have for example burial or cremation, and bring with you any funeral Bond that you have in place.

Decide on executors and guardians It is also necessary to give some thought to who you wish to appoint to be your “Executors”, who will carry out your wishes as set out in your will. It is advisable to check with them first to make sure they are happy to take on this responsibility. Similarly, give some thought as to who you would wish to appoint as ‘Guardians’ to care for your children if you die before they become legal adults, and again check with them.

To speak to Jo Wild about making a will please call 01780 752066 or email jo.wild@ hegarty.co.uk or contact our wills team in our Peterborough office on 01733 346333.

The Little Lane Nursery Millie’s Mark accreditation

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HE Little Lane Nursery in Stamford are delighted to announce that they have achieved their Millie’s Mark accreditation, the first for the area. Millie’s Mark is an exceptional achievement for a nursery, as it shows they are going above and beyond minimum requirements in keeping children safe. In August, at their annual fun day held for the parents and carers that attend the nursery, the Millie’s Mark mascot presented the nursery with an official plaque.

The Little Lane Nursery have also raised funds to have a defibrillator installed within the nursery – further cementing their commitment to first aid, not only within the nursery but also for the local community.

The Little Lane Nursery like a challenge and will be doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk on Saturday 28th April 2018. They currently have 37 people undertaking the 24 mile within 12 hour challenge all in aid of Peterborough Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As a nursery they have met many children, including the daughter of manager Emma, that have benefited from the wonderful care provided by this department.

If you would like to pledge a donation to their challenge this can be done via this fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/little-lane-three-peaks.”

Big Bike-a-thon for Tallington Lodge Care Home staff!

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TAFF and families of Tallington Lodge Care Home recently took part in a sponsored bike ride to raise money for their residents’ comfort fund. Setting up a static bike at Rhinos Gymnasium in Stamford, staff took it in turns to cycle great distances, finishing up with a fantastic total of £300, cycling over 200 miles in just under 8 hours.

Members of Yorkshire based Construction Company, MV also joined the Tallington Team in their fundraising efforts. MV Construction were commissioned to build Tallington Lodge, and are now beginning Phase 2 of the build project, which will transform Tallington Rest Home into an adjacent luxury 30 bed facility. Country Court Care and MV Construction aim to complete this by quarter four of 2018.

Officially opened by Cllr Tony Story on 18th August, Tallington Lodge has been built next to Tallington Care Home on Main Road, Tallington and showcases how style and elegance can be incorporated in to the development of a care home, whilst remaining homely, warm and comfortable. The new Care Home is built from traditional stone, whilst incorporating state of the art design and functionality.

This new build project will be the latest Care Home to join the Country Court Care group, a national, award-winning provider of residential, dementia and nursing care. Winner of the “Residential Care Provider of the Year 2015”, Country Court Care has one simple philosophy; “Our residents and their families are at the heart of everything we do”.

Tallington Lodge Care Home is now accepting admissions. For all enquires please email Joe Wey, Customer Relations Manager on joe.wey@countrycourtcare.com, 01780 740314 or visit www.countrycourtcare.com.

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Find us here: The Groundcare Centre Milton Business Park Werrington Bridge Road Milking Nook Peterborough PE67PP 01733 907060

News & Notes Stamford Flower Club, 60 Years Young One of the oldest clubs in Stamford, founded in 1956, is still going strong

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Chocolate Festival and Craft Fair

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HOCOHOLICS are in for a treat when Chocolatier David Greenwood Haigh comes to Stamford on Saturday 25th November. David will be demonstrating his skills and knowledge at the Methodist Church in Barn Hill, at their Chocolate Festival and Craft Fair from 10am to 3pm.

Truffle making classes (£5) will be held in three sessions, 10am 12 noon and 2pm, anyone wanting to make truffles to take home should call 07557 105083 to book a place. A great opportunity to make and take home Truffles. Children can learn to make chocolate lollipops (£1.50) and all visitors will learn the history of chocolate and have tasting lessons.

The Craft Fair will have stalls selling chocolate items as well as Christmas cards, Stationery, Pictures and Books, African Artefacts, Candles, Olive Wood Crafts from Palestine, Fairtrade Crafts and Foods, with a selection of homemade cakes.

The Chocolate Festival and Craft Fair, (free admission), at The Methodist Church, Barn Hill, Stamford PE9 2AE.

TAMFORD Flower Club meets on the second Monday of every month, usually at Barn Hill Methodist Church at 7.30pm. The meetings are open to both existing members and visitors (ranging from 20yr olds – 90yr olds, both male & female.) You’ll have the chance to watch a visiting demonstrator arrange flowers into six beautiful artistic arrangements, while entertaining the audience with tales ranging from poetry, opera, musicals or their charming family life.

It’s always an enjoyable evening and the arrangements are raffled off at the end of the demonstration. If you have an interest in flowers, greenery, the art & enjoyment of floral decoration or even gardening then this club is for you. Not only will you form lasting friendships, but you will also could travel to far flung places such as Barbados for the International Flower Festival. Please have a look at the Facebook page: Stamford Flower Club, to keep up to date with news and events.

On Monday November 13th at 7.30pm you are invited to come along to the spectacular Christmas Demonstration at Stamford Corn Exchange. Tickets are just £10 and Mig Kimpton will entertain you with his interpretation of Winter Magic.

All enquiries to Catherine Tel 01780 752939 or Linda 01780 751574.

Burghley Park Santa Fun Run 10th December, 10am

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EOFF Matthews writes: “Come and join us in the 2017 Santa Fun Run. We would like you to enjoy yourselves this year whether you are taking part for fun or supporting a Good Cause.

If you are undecided on which Good Cause to support, we are making it easier to sponsor this year; The Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley are supporting three lead Good Causes for you to endorse; they are Lincolnshire & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA), Team George and Mind in Memory of Wendy (MMW).

“To support any one of the above three Good Causes, enter the event, join your selected Team and pass on donations collected to your respective team leader. Details of the Team Leader’s email address will be found on the SFR website www.stamfordsantafunrun.com on the “About Page” under “Charities”.

“Alternatively, if you wish to support all three of the lead Good Causes, enter the event, download the Individual Sponsorship form and follow the instructions to send your cheque to The Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley. The total sum raised will be equally shared. “

You & Beyond reopens its Stamford store following refurbishment

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STABLISHED Stamford Jewellery Retailer You & Beyond will officially reopen under a new name in the newly refitted store on Saturday 18th November.

Following a three-week refurbishment project, the store will feature updated Shop in Shop layouts from Pandora, Nomination and Daisy London. They will also be introducing two new brands, Alex & Ani and Ted Baker to their collection of affordable luxury Jewellery and Watch brands. After winning the PANDORA

Shop-In-Shop of the Year award in 2016, the project will build on the recognition of the customer service and under a new name, give the shop a fresh elegant design. There will also be a significant update to the look of the stores website, with the ability to buy products online.

Located at 14 St Mary’s Street, the store will have a grand re-opening on Saturday 18th November at 10am. The first five customers through the doors with receive a £50 gift voucher and the following 50 will take home

an Alex & Ani goody bag. There will be drinks and canapés on offer whilst you browse the new Winter collections and promotions.

Owner Ben Stevenson added “It’s an exciting time to reopen our doors under a new name, marking a significant investment in order to further develop the status of the store in Stamford. The team look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to our elegantly refurbished store”.

The store will close for refit on Sunday 22nd October for three weeks, for all enquiries, orders and repair information please email info@youandbeyond.co.uk.

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News & Notes Willow Brook Farm Shop

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Winter Fair at Witham Hall School (in the village of Witham on the Hill) Saturday 11th November 10am to 4pm.

Free entry Over 50 stalls providing great shopping opportunities and lots of ideas for Christmas presents.

Fashion show from Cavells at 11am. Café with soup, cakes and drinks. Craft events and face painting.

Can we put a price tag on our health?

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RECENT surge in the number of ‘selfreferred’ patients visiting private healthcare facility, Avicenna Clinic in Peterborough for MRI scans would indicate that there is a growing trend for people seeking to take better control of their own health in a timelier manner, bypassing the NHS system, to gain quicker access to peace of mind. The popularity of MRI scans as the preferred choice of investigative technology in healthcare is extraordinary, but justified.

For those not familiar with the technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans use magnets and radio waves to provide the most detailed and intricate images of the body, far superior to those produced by X-rays or CT scans. The images produced by MRI scans allow a thorough investigation and quick diagnosis of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, haemorrhages, cardiac problems and cancer assessment.

Dr Hany Elmadbouh, lead consultant and founder of private healthcare facility, Avicenna Clinic in Peterborough, says “A lot of the patients I now see are seeking greater control of their own health. Today’s society is much more aware of the opportunities to self-investigate their health issues and see the benefit in paying for the satisfaction of a quick appointment and speedy response. In

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

HE Christmas season is the busiest time of the year for Willow Brook Farm Shop and that’s no surprise. Conveniently situated between Stamford and Peterborough you’re guaranteed not only excellent produce but a friendly Farm Shop welcome. Rosemary Morton explains why people come back year after year: “Our field to fork ethic is as important at Christmas as it is at any time of the year and our customers value this. Provenance is at our heart - people want to know about what they’re buying and where it came from and our expert Butchers are always pleased to help. Our suppliers are local where possible and we’re incredibly proud of our own home-reared beef.”

Of course, being a farm shop it’s not just meat on offer - there’s seasonal vegetables, accompaniments and other artisan products too. The food hampers make great gifts and if you have a foodie in the family then there’s pork pie making evenings available as a gift package.

In the run-up to Christmas, make the most of Willow Brook’s Christmas offers. If you place your order before the 1st December, you win the chance to get it for free!

The website has the details along with other offers like the Christmas meat packs, recipes and pick up days. (www.willowbrookfarmshop.co.uk )

addition, there is also a growing trend of people who are simply looking to reassure themselves that they are well – they don’t want any nasty surprises.”

Dr Hany’s private clinic in Peterborough has the first open MRI scanner in the East of England and, as a consultant radiologist here, and for the NHS service, he regularly carries out MRI scans on a wide range of patients. He outlines that, in order to deliver the most effective MRI scan, to get the right level of detail and achieve the best results, he will spend, on average, 45 minutes per patient which allows him to factor in a ‘maximum’ of two scans per hour.

In contrast, some hospitals are regularly attempting to squeeze at least three MRI scans into the same hour. The pressure of this translates to each consultant being targeted with achieving a fully-conclusive scan outcome in roughly 20 minutes. This includes the need to obtain all images required to successfully diagnose a patient.

“Arguably”, says Dr Hany, “there is a tradeoff between the length of the scan and the quality of images produced. If only 20 minutes is allocated to carrying out an MRI scan, is it really possible for you to be guaranteed the same quality of images that you would get from a scan that is double its duration? And therefore, will the reporting and subsequent treatment planning be as correct?

“It’s a lot to take on board, particularly if you have already been waiting a substantial amount of time to have the scan in the first place. A wait which may well have caused your condition to worsen, increased your anxiety and left you wondering whether you should have skipped the queue and gone private.

“An increasing number of my patients are self-paying for their treatment and are more than satisfied that the benefits of this far outweigh the alternative of taking long-term residence in a virtual queue”.

Avicenna Clinic is an independent, consultant-led private healthcare practice conveniently located in a flagship, purposerenovated building in Peterborough city centre.

The clinic welcomes self-pay and insured patients the opportunity to receive the best, personalised healthcare at a time to suit you.

To find out more or to book an appointment, call the Avicenna Clinic on 0330 202 0597 or visit avicennaclinic.com.

Willow brook farm shop Traditional Butchers & The Granary Tea Room

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Got a foodie in the family? Our hampers are stuffed full of goodies.

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There’s a growing group of enthusiasts beavering away at our sidings, paths and walkways blazing a blooming beautiful trail of bulbs, biennials and blooms. Kate Cadman seeks out the busy bees to find out what all the buzz is about

Blooming marvellous

ILLUSTRATION: CALUM HANDLEY

O

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

There are so many ways you can get involved in Stamford in Bloom (SiB) including: • Planting bulbs • Donating pots • Volunteering to help with clearing/ planting/dead heading/watering in public spaces • Improving your home entrance, be it doorway or garden - just one small pot will make a difference • Growing seeds (provided by SiB) on a window sill • Growing on seedlings in your garden or green house

UR town is having a makeover and plans are already well underway to ensure that by next summer Stamford is looking at its best - clean and cared for and decorated with plants. The restyle is being driven by former textile designer and colour enthusiast, Ann Ellis.

“This all started after I saw some dead window boxes outside the Town Hall in January,” explains Ann. “They looked so awful I went to a meeting and suggested we enter the annual East Midlands in Bloom competition which is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.”

Once Ann had garnered the necessary support from the Town Council and South Kesteven District Council, the Stamford in Bloom project became a reality. “We are still at the early stages of needing people to get involved and that can be in a variety of ways - for example by fundraising for the event, finding corporate support, donating pots, planting bulbs, moving heavy plant containers around, taking on watering duties, sponsoring plants, tidying up their own front door and so on.”

The entry is being made into the ‘large town’ category of the national competition; the judging panel will descend on the town during July/August (with just one week’s notice) and walk a pre-determined route which will be revealed in due course!

“It’s not just about having a High Street full of hanging baskets for the judges to see,” explains Ann. “The competition is about all about work in progress. Following the big clean-up operation which has already happened, we now need to care for our own patch, be it your own front path, door or shop front. It’s also important to make people aware that they don’t need to go out and spend a fortune on plants. There’s lots of opportunity for people to grow on plants for us and help out in ways that don’t incur spending money.”

The aim of the competition is to ‘encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers including wild flowers and herbs’. In addition to this, other motivators are to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment.

With no garden of her own to distract her, Ann has been spreading the word and persuading volunteers to come on board with Stamford in Bloom. “This month (November) we have most of the bulbs planted but it’s not too late for people if they hurry up to get some planted. The best way is to plant bulbs in shallow pots and hide them away in sheltered corners around your garden and then forget about them. They will survive the winter and will pop up in the spring and surprise you,” she enthuses.

“Another essential task at this time of the year,” explains Ann, “is to plan what you are going to do for spring. It’s an ideal opportunity to get together with your neighbours and talk through your ideas.

Already local communities are coming together to work jointly on a particular piece of land. Stamford Living will be profiling some of these community groups and their progress during the coming • Storing plants months.

• Signing up as a Friend of SiB “Watering is likely to become a huge problem next year and • Sponsoring a lavender on Bath Row already residents and shops have been recruited to water the plants that will be nearest to them.”

In addition: The overall benefits of entering a community-wide • Pubs and restaurants can enter their competition which empowers residents to take on the planning gardens and management of their environment are wide-ranging and • Businesses can enter their shop fronts include: an increase in civic pride; a long-term improvement in • Schools can enter the flag designing the cleanliness and look of the environment; a boost to the local competition economy through increased tourism; stimulation of voluntary work and co-operation between community groups and a means to For more information contact: address issues such as sustainability, recycling, minimising waste stamford18bloom@gmail.com and and conservation. watch this space for regular updates So, don’t hang around, Stamford in Bloom needs you - don’t leaf on the progress of SiB. it too late to get in touch!

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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Out & About

Amander Meade selects the best entertainment in the region this month.

Peterborough Firework Fiesta

Saturday 4 November, from 5pm, bonfire and fireworks from 6pm EVENT: Fireworks Bonanza The Kiwanis’ spectacular bonfire event always draws the crowds with a truly giant sized bonfire, children’s entertainment, hot food, mulled wine and a memorable fireworks display (no sparklers though please).

Stamford Welland Academy Entrance is £5 for adults and £2 children with all proceeds distributed to local charities. Parking is free.

Saturday 4 November, Gates open at 5pm, bonfire at 6pm and fireworks at 7.30pm EVENT: Peterborough Firework Fiesta Spectacular fireworks display, live music and family entertainment. Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough, Peterborough Minster and Round Table, all proceeds are donated to local charities and good causes. The Fiesta is Peterborough’s largest charity event having raised over half a million pounds since its inception.

East of England Showground Tickets in advance £7 for adults and £3 for children under 15 years; on the gate £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Parking is free. More information at www. fireworkfiesta.co.uk Thursday 9 and Friday 10 November, 7.30pm MUSICAL THEATRE: Company Award winning Stamford Amateur Musical Society present ‘Company’ – Stephen Sondheim’s gamechanging, sophisticated and honest look at modern adult relationships.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £13.50/£12.50 Tel: 01780 766455 stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

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STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

Thursday 16 November, 7pm for 7.30pm TALK: The Civil War in Peterborough Stuart Orme gives this talk to the Stamford and district Local History Society which will include the updates on the latest archaeological discoveries.

Refreshments will be served before the talk.

Methodist Church Rooms, Barn Hill Entry for members is £3 and non-members £5.

Sunday 19 November, 10am to 2pm EVENT: Christmas Fayre Expect a host of beautiful Christmas stalls ranging from chic bags and vintage crafts to stylish gifts plus craft stalls and a Santa’s Grotto. All proceeds towards the upkeep of the Church Rooms.

Church Street Rooms, Corby Glen Sunday 19 November, 11am to 4pm EVENT: Artisan Food Fair Culinary delights and Christmas shopping are all on the menu with over 20 stalls of the finest artisan, local produce. Exhibitors will include liqueurs, puddings, pies, chocolate, meat, wines, preserves, cheese, fudge and a brewery.

Easton Walled Gardens Normal garden admission applies. For more information visit visiteaston.co.uk Thursday 23rd November to Sunday 26th November EVENT: Burghley Christmas Fair Burghley’s biggest ever Christmas Fair will offer a unique opportunity to find perfect gifts in the beautiful Elizabethan surrounding of the Chestnut Courtyard and Brewhouse. Wander amongst the stands and choose from exciting new products and indulge yourself, your family and friends with stunning fashions and accessories, dazzling jewellery from sparkly fashion to graceful diamonds, lustrous

velvet and satin scarves and luxurious soaps and skincare. During the Christmas Fair our Christmas Shop will once again pop-up offering Christmas bargains and the Christmas Fine Food Market will take place in the Stable Courtyard.

Free entry and free parking.

Burghley House, Stamford Thursday 23 November, 7.30pm TALK: Brief Encounters Renowned historian and expert on all things Stamford, Philippa Massey will talk about visitors to Stamford. If they were just passing through, their encounters were extremely short. Some stayed for a while, lived and worked there before moving on.

Stamford Theatre Tickets £5/£4.50 Tel: 01780 763203 or stamfordartscentre.com

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Out & About

Amander Meade selects the best entertainment in the region this month.

The Quo Experience

Three Festive Family Shows at Stamford Theatre….

Saturday 25 November, 7.30pm TRIBUTE BAND: The Quo Experience ‘The Quo Experience’ is an East Anglian based band with an impressively experienced line-up who have spent years studying every detail of Rossi and Parfitt’s playing styles and stage performances to make sure they are both as close to the real thing on stage as is possible. Experience the sounds and looks of Britain’s biggest singles chart band of all time.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £18 Tel: 01780 766455 stamfordcornexchange.co.uk Sunday 26 November, from 10am EVENT: Stamford Christmas Festival and Light Switch On This popular traditional festival returns to Stamford centering on Ironmonger St, High Street and Red Lion Square.

The Christmas market is the perfect opportunity to find unusual gifts plus treats and entertainment to excite and tantalize.

Sunday 26 November, 6pm FUNDRAISING CONCERT: The Corn Exchange Singers A musical extravaganza of heart-warming songs and singalong favourites. The singers will be fundraising for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall and the British Heart Foundation. Why not enjoy the Festive activities and lights switch on in the town centre before the performance.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £8 Tel: 01780 766455 Saturday 9 December, 7.30pm MUSIC: Alexander O’Neal live in concert In a music career spanning more than thirty years,

Friday 22 December, 7pm MUSICAL: Elf Jr the Musical Stamford Youth Theatre’s 7-11 age group presents this production based on the beloved holiday film.

Follow Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Buddy, a young orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

Tickets £10/£8

Alexander O’Neal Alexander O’Neal is an accomplished R&B and soul singer who came to prominence in the middle of the 1980s, releasing fourteen Top 40 singles in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s. As an added attraction the theatre will host an ‘after show Classic 80’s Soul and Funk Party’ in the Broadway Suite after the concert. Entry is free to all concert ticket holders for the chance to dance to the classic tracks from that decade until the early hours of the morning.

The Broadway Theatre, Peterborough Tickets are priced from £20 available from The Visitor Information Centre, Bridge Street, Peterborough Tel: 01733 452336, the Broadway Theatre Box Office or seetickets.com

Saturday 23 December, 2.30pm THEATRE: The Three Billy Goats Gruff The perplexing question of fairytales - what really happened between the wolf and his three porky friends? Why was Goldilocks wandering in the woods? How did the goats overcome a mighty troll? All are explored and explained by Theatre of Widdershins with the help of fun, laughter and some gorgeous puppets.

Tickets £7.50/£26 family of 4 Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 January PANTOMIME: Rapunzel – A Tangled Tale The classic story of Rapunzel and her adventures in and out of the tower. A story packed with high energy dance routines, glittering costumes, spectacular scenery and plenty of audience participation.

Tickets £13/£12 To book any of the shows, call Stamford Theatre Tel: 01780 763206 stamfordartscentre.com

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

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A champion of local businesses and creator of possibly the cosiest shopping space in town, Stamford Garden Centre owner, Chris Isaac, tells Louise Goss about bringing a bit of Scandinavia to Stamford

Chris Isaac, Stamford Garden Centre owner

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COUPLE of years ago I came across the word hygge: a Danish word defined as a quality of cosiness and feeling of well-being. A word, which instantly sprang to mind as I sat with Chris Isaac in the café of Stamford Garden Centre talking about his vision for the business.

Twenty-five years-ago Chris started selling ceramic floor tiles at the Sack Store in Boston and in that time the business has grown to include stocking wood-burning stoves, home furnishings, food and the café. It expanded into the Casterton Road site nearly four years ago.

“We bought the site with the intention of creating an environment for local independents to trade in… a green, organic environment,” Chris says as he explains how the High Street is no longer an affordable place for many smaller operators. “Garden Centres now are almost the new High Street… Our square footage is a lot cheaper so people can run businesses that aren’t just driven by profit.”

The local independents he talks of are dotted around the edge of the garden centre, complementing the offerings in the main retail space.The expansion has been a very organic process with every item and detail carefully considered. “In our range plan we try to select products that have a meaning and a relevance rather than an impulse purchase,” he says and there is a coherent link between the items on sale: from the wood-burning stoves to the fireside chairs to the rugs by the hearth.

“It’s all based around the fireplace,” Chris says of his ethos and telling me of a professor who blames not television but central heating for “breaking up the family unit.” But he sees the trend changing again: “As building construction has made it all possible for us to heat bigger areas, people are adopting a more Scandinavian and continental way of open plan living.”

Certainly the ‘Scandi’ influence looms large.

“I have family in Austria and in Sweden,” Chris says explaining why many of his decisions, from individual product lines (Härkila for quality outdoor clothing) to overall culture (green, organic and centred around wood and the stove), have Scandinavian roots. Yet, despite the adoption of some of these more Nordic ideals, the principal focus is on quality and supporting local suppliers. They have brought in 2015’s “British Butcher of the year”, Gary Simpson, for their meat offering and multi-award-winning Hambleton Bakery for their bread.

The local link continues by working in partnership with Barnack-based Gardener’s World presenter, Adam Frost. “He’s actually done an over-plan for the area design to improve the flow and plant displays,” says Chris.

Although Chris himself modestly claims not to be too “green-fingered”, he can tell me all about the useful mosquito-deterring, cholesterollowering properties of the Tulbaghia plant potted 94

STAMFORD LIVING NOVEMBER 2017

“We want to create a green, organic environment and to make it as affordable as we can.” near us. “I’m quite a fan of James Wong,” he says of the gardener who “sees all plants as giving something back,” such as shade, food or medicine.

It is clear that Chris also embraces this idea of giving back and everything having a purpose.

“Our stoves are not just decorative,” he says.

“They can heat a home; you can boil a kettle on them.” He tells me he “cooked a whole rib-eye” in one of his own stoves at home just the other week.

He says they “try to be self-sufficient” at home using their garden and chickens and be as passive on the environment as possible.

Chris is a huge advocate for using wood as an alternative to burning fossil fuels and taking

power from the grid. All his timber comes from managed woodlands and he says, “Everything has to be more sustainable.”

The centre stocks hairy pot plants, removing the need for plastic pots; some of the rugs on sale are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and he says the business heating is almost carbon neutral.

Finally, if there is one thing that hits you when you walk into the shop, it’s the warm glow of the wood-burning stoves, which makes you want to curl up in one of their Harris Tweed sofas with a good book. Chris Isaac has most certainly brought some hygge to Stamford. stamfordgardencentre.co.uk

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