Stamford Living September 2018

Stamford

September 2018 £1.50

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Friends for life As children head back to school in the next few days, so I am reminded of a reunion I had recently with some old school friends.

We were reflecting on what it was that had all kept us such good friends? A common sense of humour perhaps, or a similar curiosity about life or adventure, or some obscure ‘natural fit’.

Then one member of the group reminded us of our surnames; Quick, Rudd-Jones, Shepherd & Stewart – we had been arranged in class alphabetically to make our teacher’s life easier, and from that simple action stemmed a life time of friendships. I wonder if Williams, Young and Zervos are still good buddies too?!

Whatever clicks, the bond of friendships that start at school are very powerful.

Nicholas Rudd Jones Editor

Stamford LIVING

September 2018 £1.50

Contents September 2018 FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 10 New Season, New Look 24 The Power of Plants

HOME & GARDEN, SHOPPING, MOTORING 6

14 18 22 30 40 46 50 52 65

Burghley Horse Trials: selection of stands from local businesses Interior Design: Buster + Punch Step Inside - Team Building A QKS project The Land Rover Experience Outdoor Living Newton Fallowell All Things House Goodwins Property Less is More

56 Wild Spirits 59 Food News 61 Barnsdale Hall 30th anniversary celebrations

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, LEARNING & BUSINESS

Pets Page Little Living The Best of Local Business Country Rambles: Oundle, Cotterstock & the River Nene 74 The History of Wicksteed Park 85 What’s On

PEOPLE & PLACES 32 36 66 90

BE INSPIRED BY WHERE YOU LIVE 14/08/2018 16:18

Cover art this month: ‘I’d rather be at Burghley’ artwork by Katie Cardew Design www.kcillustrations. co.uk. Katie Cardew has a stand at the Burghley Horse Trials in the Rural Crafts tent.

www.stamfordliving.co.uk @StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living

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FOOD & DRINK, HOSPITALITY, HOLIDAYS

36 43 45 70

SL COVER SEPT 2018 G-FOLD.indd 1

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Willa Newton, local eventer Victoria’s Page Ask Leo – Sam Marshall Stamford People: Sarah Piggott

NEWS & NOTES

77 Rutland Cookery School, Stamford Dog Show 78 Easton Peace Garden, Evergreen Care 81 Fertili-ty tea event, Healthy Hearing opening, UPP Property 82 Priestgate Dental Clinic, Smarthaus Kitchen, Fotheringhay Furnishings

Care, Evergreen’s personal care service Award Florence helping you stay independent in your own home. winning Florence Carers are fully trained, experienced, trustworthy personnel. local and Care Trust 1 Barnack Road, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2NA Tel: 01780 765900 www.evergreencare.org.uk charity Evergreen

56 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 Designer (Editorial) Calum Handley Designer (Advertising) Sarah Patterson inkdesign@virginmedia.com, Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne 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

CIO No. 1158271

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Thursday 30 August to Sunday 2 September 2018 Antonia Scott celebrates Stamford’s equestrian highlight of the year

T

HE Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials encompasses a vast area of Stamford’s famous Burghley estate parkland. This annual international equestrian event now welcomes over 80 global competitors and an incredible 160,000 visitors, who come from all corners of the globe to enjoy the prestigious four-day event, covering the three disciplines of dressage (Thursday/Friday), cross country (Saturday) and showjumping (Sunday). There are over 600 trade exhibitors for shoppers to enjoy, all showcasing a vast array of country living home wares and the mouth-watering “Food Walk” to tempt your taste buds.

Stamford and the surrounding area have a multitude of local businesses exhibiting their products to an ever-growing international audience, offering shoppers the Best of British. For full details of exhibitors, visit burghley-horse.co.uk.

Butler Stewart Butler Stewart is an exclusive brand specialising in tailoring and tweed, creating understated British elegance for men and women. All garments are designed in-house using the finest British fabric, creating timeless, luxurious styles. “Our ready-towear collections and made-to-order service are available through our website, at shows and home or office visits. Our popular made-to-order-service allows customers to design a unique garment tailored to their individual tastes, choosing from hundreds of British fabrics and stunning trimmings. Visit our stand in the Lifestyle Pavilion near the celebrity chat zone.”

07941 513650, butlerstewart.co.uk

Fitted Furniture Company “Every piece of furniture is individually designed to the client’s own ideas and specific requirements. Our furniture is built to last using traditional methods of construction in conjunction with modern furniture technology such as soft-close drawer runners, low-voltage LED lighting systems and energy-efficient appliances. We take great pride in delivering a truly personal service, working closely with each client to exceed expectations, presenting and inspiring new ideas to achieve superb results.

01780 480080, thefittedfurniturecompany.com

Gillian Durno

Gillian Durno is a Rutland-based artist who exhibits in galleries locally and nationally in Cambridge and London. She will be exhibiting her new collection of original paintings, alongside a range of limitededition prints and cards. Framed prints of Rutland and Norfolk will also feature, as will some vibrant new original paintings of poppies. Gillian’s work has gained a loyal following, and this will be her second year at Burghley after her huge success last year. gilliandurno.co.uk

Country Traditionals “Burghley Horse Trials is a show we have been exhibiting at for many years now, and we have the same stand within the Rural Crafts Association Pavilion. It always feels like the start of our busy build up to the coming Christmas period. We have many customers who come back to us year on year to buy our wonderful Polish stoneware – they love the fact it is oven/Aga to table and microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe.

As we give customers such a massive selection from which to choose, they always end up buying a mix of items from mugs through to larger baking dishes and more. Our stand is just like a pop-up version of our Stamford and Cambridge shops!”

01780 755409, countrytraditionals.co.uk

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Heatsource

The Food Walk

Heatsource is a nationwide retailer and installer of beautiful wood-burners, stunning fireplaces and renewable heating solutions. “We will be bringing the Arc stove designed and made by Charnwood exclusive at Heatsource of Uppingham, as well as a complete new range of basketwares to the show.”

01572 829953, heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

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Hunters Interiors Hill Farm Furniture Hill Farm Furniture is a family-run business that specialises in creating bespoke, handcrafted kitchens and freestanding furniture to fit your home and your unique character. Prices start at £25,000 plus VAT. “We display a mobile showroom full of handcrafted furniture, bespoke kitchens and Victorian glasshouses.”

01636 626063, hillfarmfurniture.co.uk

“This is only our second year at Burghley and we are very excited to be at one of the country’s most prestigious horse and shopping events. We will be displaying a selection of what we can supply – sofas, chairs, occasional furniture, lighting, mirrors and decorative accessories, plus the latest ranges of fabrics, wallpapers and paints. We welcome people to come on to what will be a very comfortable stand to chat over their interior projects with us and see where we may be of help.”

01780 757946, huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

Katie Cardew Bursting with Burghley treats, the Katie Cardew Illustrations stand – located within the Rural Crafts Association Pavilion – is a mustsee at Burghley Horse Trials. Especially appropriate to the event is local artist Katie’s popular “I’d Rather Be At Burghley” range, shown left and including prints, mugs, tea towels and notebooks. Her other designs include flamingos, Stamford maps, game birds and exotic animals and are available on a host of lovely products from chopping boards and coasters to notebooks and cosmetic bags as well as in the form of fine prints (framed and unframed).

01780 662800, kcillustrations.co.uk

Oakham Rugs “Burghley is a wonderful event for us. We love meeting customers old and new and showing them the latest collections in quality hand-knotted rugs.

We have lots of interesting pieces, both contemporary and traditional, all with our money-back guarantee.”

01572 724441, oakhamrugs.co.uk

Robinsons of Stamford

“We believe in supplying high-quality items at reasonable prices with a fantastic customer service. We’ll have the latest Country Clothing ranges from brands such as Barbour, Alan Paine and Aigle at Burghley, as well as a fabulous selection of footwear from Le Chameau and Barbour, alongside a wide range of gifts, handbags and leather goods.”

01780 755378, robinsonsofstamford.com

F after all that shopping your feet are weary and your tummy is rumbling, take a well-deserved seat and enjoy a veritable feast at the many food and drink stalls on the celebrated “Food Walk”. Two of my favourites are listed below, but there are plenty more goodies to sample, including from local firms The Brownie Company, Dickinson & Morris, Fen Farm Venison, The Gourmet Pie Company, Grasmere Farm and The Whiskymouse.

Peachy Belts

“I love Burghley, as it is the one local event where we see all of our local customers and we launch our new autumn/ winter range. I am most excited about this year’s range, as we have some fantastic new colours including luscious purple and green suede and orange and gold ostrich plus some really pretty new pearl buckles – a great way to dress up your belt. We also have our end-of-season sale, where seasonal colours are much reduced and you can grab a bargain! We are in the Country Living marquee, up by the scoreboard.”

01664 454994, peachybelts.co.uk

The Rutland Bookshop

“We stock a unique and wideranging selection of books relating to equestrianism, including first editions and fine illustrations alongside practical manuals and personal reminiscences.” therutlandbookshop.com

The Marquess of Exeter This Lyddington-based pub is famed throughout Rutland for its wide selection of locally sourced meat and fresh, organic produce. Head Chef and proprietor, Brian Baker, enjoys cooking a broad range of treats for visitors to Burghley, such as burgers, sausages (with meat from Launde Farm Foods) and an enormous paella dish – its delicious aroma draws in the crowds.

01572 822477, marquessexeter.co.uk

Two Birds Spirits “This is by far the best show event of the year. Visitors come ready to spend their money and start their Christmas shopping.

We will have five full-time staff on for the whole four days to meet customer demand.

Shoppers can taste our complete range of spirits before they buy.

We offer a ‘Picnic Pack’, containing a small bottle of gin, chilled tonic and two glasses. Shoppers can choose from any of our seven gins, including our new Rhubarb Gin and our Strawberry and Vanilla Gin. We also have a chilled Countryside Cocktail in a 20cl bottle with a straw.”

01858 463758, twobirdsspirits.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Scotts of Thrapston “We exhibit at many shows throughout the year, yet Burghley is our favourite and the one show that all three generations of the Scotts family come together for. We love meeting new customers, but Burghley is also the place that keeps us in touch with our previous clients – where we have time to catch up with families and businesses to find out what life is like once their dream stables have been built. Our in-house architectural team, led by Bryn Lee, has produced a stunning display showcasing the quality of build you can expect from Scotts stables. The bespoke equestrian building, on display at BHT 2018, incorporates a 12m2 loose box, secure tack room and wash-down area. Our stables will complement any home, whether a period property or new build. We will also have a 3.9m Sun Ray Garden Room, a Newhaven Corner Summerhouse and a Burghley Summerhouse to view, so that your garden doesn’t feel left out.”

01832 732366, scottsofthrapston.co.uk

Sophie Allport Homewares “We are a Stamford-based business, so Burghley is always very special, as it’s on ‘home turf’! Our offices are just up the road, our first high-street shop is on Stamford High Street, and we love seeing all our local customers and those from further afield at this annual event. We are launching six new collections, including Cheetah, Elephant, Baking, ‘Woodland’ (with The National Trust) and two new festive designs. There will also be a wide range of new products on display including new home fragrances, bags, pet products, additions to the children’s collections and gorgeous new room sprays, soaps and hand creams.”

01778 560256, sophieallport.com

The Stamford Notebook Co. “We make simply beautiful, elegant notebooks, journals and diaries using British paper and traditional craft bookbinding skills and equipment. Our stunning array of textures and colours means that there really is something for everyone. Do come and see our new range of leather accessories as well as our new home and occasion books. We are offering on-site personalisation for all items purchased from us. We will have a full range of 2019 diaries – including academic year diaries. You will find us in The Lifestyle Pavilion near the Celebrity Talk area.”

01780 762550, stamfordnotebooks.co.uk

Woolroom Sinclairs of Stamford “Sinclairs has been a family-run business for over 40 years, offering an unrivalled level of customer service. We are a major stockist of Hunter Boots, Barbour, Longchamp, Michael Kors, Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Worcester and Beswick with up to 40 per cent off the RRP.” 01780 765421, sinclairsonline.co.uk

Snuggle Sacs “Our products are unique, distinctive, high quality, fun, practical and utterly desirable, from toddlers through to adults. There are now eight different adult-size “Sacs”, one of which has a horse-print lining!”

01603 881705, snugglesac.com

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

“The past 12 months have been hugely exciting at Woolroom, and we’re excited to be able to display a host of new products this year. On our stand, we’ll be proudly boasting our allnew Babywool brand, which includes a range of natural baby sleeping bags and mattresses.

In addition to this, visitors will be able to experience our new and improved machine washable bedding range – now complete with a beautiful, organic cotton outer!”

01780 461217, thewoolroom.com

The SEIB Burghley Sponsored Ride On the final day of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials - Sunday 2 September 2018 – there will be a 10–12km sponsored ride and a 3–3.5km horseless run to offer families the opportunity to get up close to fences, including the huge Cottesmore Leap plus the chance to splash around in the Trout Hatchery. burghleysponsoredride.co.uk

New fabric and wallpaper collections now in store

Coming soon our new Elizabeth Stanhope Furniture and Lifestyle store

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 17a and 27 Mill St Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA Telephone: 01572 722 345

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New Season, New Look A U T U M N

FA S H I O N

Sally Stillingfleet has been asking local independent boutiques what their take is on the forthcoming season.

Autumn is just around the corner but already new styles are coming in and there’s lots to get excited about!

ENERGY

“We love Autumn Winter as a lot of our brands are layering brands like postcard from Brighton,” Sarah explained. “It’s very easy to layer up finer knits with slouchy tops to create a cool look.”

Denim is dark and the shapes are wide, but with the best selection and all fits you are bound to find your best jeans here, including Joes jeans.

There is lots of lurex and sparkly ‘disco’ tops and dresses, which I look forward to seeing on Energy’s Instagram feed @energyclothingstamford There are colourful vibrant accessories and stripe details on trousers and denims pieces. “Rainbow designs on cashmere jumpers too. The coats we have coming in are amazing! Red sheepskin, faux fur as well as classics shapes from uber cool brand YaYa.” The unique mix of brands for mens’ and ladies, offering super cool looks from new brand Sofie Schnoor, alongside classics such as Maison Scotch, Levi’s and French Connection.

Alexandra Wallace Photography

Gagliardi “Our AW 18 collection is crafted with a sense of style and refinement that instantly transports you to one of the most beautiful places.... Milan. For the gentleman who needs to move effortlessly between cities, the collection is developed around performance in breathable, crease recovery and water resistant fabrics,” Richard explained.

Gagliardi continues to raise the bar by infusing this expertise into wool and tailoring fabrics, so is the perfect destination when you need expertise and guidance when choosing tailoring.

Arch Label Agency 23/Seven

“We are really excited about autumn/Winter18,” Jonno enthused. “The shop comes into its own with the inclusion of knitwear and outerwear. For guys and girls, greens will feature heavily, and a lovely rusty orange shade is back, perfect for Autumn; but as always there will be a wider range of colours and styles on offer.” New brands include Bellfield and the return of Lyle & Scott for men. For women there are two collections from Fred Perry and some exciting collections from Ichi, Sugarhill Brighton, Louche and goldkid London.”

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Photo: AW18

At Arch Label agency, Susie has premium Designer fashion and accessories coming into her shop regularly. The serendipity of which is a constant joy! With a keen eye on all the latest trends, Susie showed me some more unusual pieces. Proving fashion is a constantly evolving circle she showed me some Moschino polka dot trousers and a classic black Ben de Lisi maxi skirt, which should be a wardrobe staple. There are always delights in here, most of which is new it seems and with the original tags. Throw caution to the wind - you are bound to find a gem or two and something, which will be ‘your personal style’.

Attic

“ We are seeing the emergence of activewear for everyday with ‘athleisure’ evolving into mainstream clothing,” Marion explained. New technical innovation in fabric with vintage styling gives casual wear a more sporty edge.

Esprit showed slim casual trousers in jersey knit with side seam details and drawstring waists.

Seam details continued onto jeans with contrast tape trim and dress trousers with military style piping. “Trainers are worn with everything from suits to skirts, leggings to dresses and the M. Moustache new brand has some fantastic styles.”

“Overall this season a 1970s feel prevails.

Colours across all collections are burnished and autumnal – copper, gold and bronze. Sunset colours of pink, red and purple for daytime looked strong and fresh. Floral prints have given way to more graphic/geometric prints for Autumn.”

Anna Couture

You are sure to find perfect accessories and gorgeous clutch bags and jewellery in Anna’s tiny shop. The daywear dresses on offer continue to expand, so you are sure to find something which is on trend.

Ewe

Marcia May Shoes

Manager Sharon Love explained all the latest looks in shoes and boots reflect the fashion trends, with the longer boots and retro inspired Lisa K brogues and HB Shoes new loafers. With the trend for boots, wider calves are catered for in many styles – perfect for all those 70s inspired looks on the horizon!

Photo: Second Female

Owner Sam Drewery

Photo: Second Female

Rachel is very excited about new yarns coming in and Ewe is the best place to get ideas, make something unique and embrace the trend for lovely hand-knitted garments. “The Autumn/ Winter sees lots of textured knits along with classic Fair Isle. We are really excited about the new Rowan yarns. Cosy merino yarns in soft muted colours which have a free pattern with every yarn purchase and Alpaca classic which is a light weight fluffy yarn and has an extensive colour range.” As a Rowan flagship store, Ewe will be celebrating 40 years of Rowan yarn on October 13th - see website for details http:// www.i-love-ewe.com

CONTACTS: Anna Couture Boutique 17C St. Mary’s St. / Cheyne Lane 01780 765174 Arch Label Agency St. Paul’s St 01780 764746 www.archlabelagency.co.uk Attic 33 St. Mary’s St 01780 766667 www.atticofstamford.co.uk Energy 9 Ironmonger St 01780 765633 www.energy-clothing.com @wearetheenergygirls Energyclothingstamford Gagliardi - 34 St. Mary’s Street 07850 178028 Marcia May Shoes - 36 St. Mary’s St 01780 762699 Ewe – 4 Stamford Walk, 01780 763838 www.i-love-ewe.com Learn to knit and crochet courses are held in the winter months. (Booking is essential) 23seven Clothing – 3 Stamford Walk Tel 01780 238008 www.23seven.co.uk Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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Small or large projects

Shop & Showroom The Dairy, Copthill Farm, Uffington, PE9 4TD

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INSPIRED

Book an appointment 01780 757946 Visit our online shop at

www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk 12

M O RO TOLIC W O EN UB SH OP E P TH

Design advice & inspiration

Fabric Paint Wallpaper Flooring Lighting Accessories

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL C

Attention to detail is what really propels a kitchen design into a further dimension. In the fourth of this series of articles, kitchen expert, Alan Ramm, Bakehouse Kitchens, Stamford, explains why the tiniest of touches can make such a stratospheric difference.

ontinuity in materials and finishes shows the whole design concept has been considered and not just cobbled together. We consider every last detail and finishing touch - matching light fittings to handles, hinges to taps and pack your kitchen with exquisite features,” says Alan.

“It’s not only door knobs and hinges I would think about matching, but also light fittings and electrical sockets. The textures, materials and colours used are pivotal to the overall look and feel of your new space. At Bakehouse, we are experts at managing your project in bite-sized pieces, so that you can be confident that time and consideration is given to every single aspect. Whether it is joinery, fittings, metal works, electrics or stone masonry, we completely customise your space to make it work harmoniously with your lifestyle.”

is designed to reflect the client’s wishes and to complement the style of the property.

Matching the materials used for the smaller items adds another dimension to a design.”

“It is also worth taking the time to consider the style of each item - take cupboard handles for example, you will need to decide on what shape to choose ie. knobs, cup handles, bars or even no handles at all! We have even been known to source specially-made quirky leather kitchen cabinet handles (supplied by our next door neighbours, leather specialists, Robinson’s) for one of our clients.”

“Favourite suppliers of ours regarding the smaller details includes a London-based outfit, Forbes & Lomax. This business launched The Invisible Lightswitch®, a simple, sleek and transparent acrylic plate “Often we like to complement existing which allows the wallpaper or paint to show architectural ironmongery, so using for example, through, with a stylish metal toggle switch burnished brass or polished nickel to tie in with in the centre.” existing materials used in your home. However we can source or create almost any type of finish. “By taking themes throughout the kitchen We can colour match fixtures and fittings to any design (and beyond if required) Bakehouse palette and use many paint suppliers such as: kitchens appear sleek, seamless and The Paint Library, Farrow & Ball, The Little Greene sophisticated. “There really is no limit to what Company, Zoffany and so on.” we can do in order to turn your dream kitchen into a super stylish and functional space that “In addition to heritage and contemporary fits all your requirements. We can source designs, we also love creating artisan and materials worldwide and have even imported quirky spaces. The overall scheme will be Italian marble from which we have created unique - everything we do is individual and luxurious working units and surfaces.”

Top Tips: • Consider all the smaller finishing

details from taps to light switches and so on - not only finishes but also design styles too.

• Use existing ironmongery in addition to the style of your home, your lifestyle and the personalities living under the same roof to help dictate the style of your new kitchen.

• Use colour carefully to create the overall tone of the room.

• Don’t always go for the obvious - quirky and bespoke can really add impact.

• Make sure you’ve assessed all the options - you want to ensure your investment still feels as good to you in five years time as it does at the point of installation.

If you’re passing, po p in to the Bakeho use Kitchens showroom : 5 St Mary’s Stree t and be inspired. Open ing times: Monday Sa turday 10am - 5pm. Bakeho use Kitchens: t: 01 78 0 767 928; e: hello@bakehou sekitchens.co.uk 13

Interior Design

Take a walk on the wild side with Buster + Punch We had so much fun researching last month’s ‘quirky finds’ article, we decided to take a walk on the wild side with Massimo Minale, founder of Buster + Punch; a London-born home fashion label, which has since made its home in St Peter’s Street in Stamford. The company has grown into a truly international concern, but for Massimo, the real joy still lies in collaborating with street artists, bike builders, musicians and fashion designers, to inject attitude into their crafted products. Over the past few years, the design label has honed their unexpected and elegant interior products into pieces of cutting-edge design. We caught up with Massimo to find out more about what makes him tick. Rannveig Stone

What inspired you to start up your company? What inspired its name?

Buster + Punch was founded in 2012 in a small garage in East London. I was an architect at the time and becoming increasingly frustrated with the slow nature of the industry, so by night I started to make custom motorbikes for London’s Rockstars and fashion designers.

The same clients started to ask me to make things for their homes and that was my spark to quit the day job and start Buster + Punch.

There is no magic behind the name; ‘Buster’ is my middle name and ‘Punch’ is my brother’s (although he’s not involved in the company) – I guess we had fun parents that liked a drink!

How would you describe your signature style?

As an architect who also builds custom motorbikes, I think my style is the love child of these two passions. My style is both engineered and anarchic in equal measure!

What continues to inspire you in your work?

I think originality and authenticity are the most important traits a brand or designer can aspire to achieve. I have always drawn my originality from London’s sub-cultures scene – fashion, music, street art etc. and my authenticity from my home town of London and the buildings I have built to help shape the city.

What style of decor or interior is best suited to your products?

Although Buster + Punch products are constantly associated with our aspirational lifestyle of motorbikes, Rockstars and the fashion forward, in the cold light of day, they are solid metal, engineered and elegant.

Metals sit well in pretty much all interiors, but in my personal opinion I think they sing when they sit in period properties with contrasting colour palettes i.e. if you have a light grey colour scheme, use our darker finishes (smoked bronze or black) and if you have a dark green colour scheme use our lighter finishes (brass or steel).

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since setting up your business?

When I started Buster + Punch, we were essentially a bunch of creative people who loved making products. We didn’t own calculators and baulked at the site of a spreadsheet; we just wanted to make beautiful things and hoped people would buy them. This ethos served us well and our customers loved the products with demand growing every day.

With any new love story, if you want it to last and prosper you need to ‘get real’ and commit.

For us, this was bringing in a management team with real business acumen and putting in the infrastructure to make sure our customers are served the way they deserve to be. This has been the hardest challenge for me, growing from a small company living day-to-day into a medium-sized company with an exciting future.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have always shunned awards as they don’t represent the opinion of the people who mean the most – the public. That’s why I would have to say that my biggest highlight was when we first launched our ELECTRICITY range in our Stockholm store. To date, light switches had always been an afterthought, usually made from cheap plastic. We risked everything to try and change people’s perception of them, by reinventing the way they looked, felt and could be desired.

The morning of the launch, I remember riding my motorbike to our small shop in the centre of town and noticed a huge queue which went all the way around the block. I was convinced it was a sale at H&M or Zara, only to find out that our store was at the end of the line. That was when I first felt – ‘this feels special’.

Where do you see the company in 5 years’ time?

We are going to continue to do what we do best; which is to take ordinary home fittings and reinvent them to make them look and feel extraordinary. In five years’ time I hope our hard work is recognised and our home details are considered the most desirable in the world. I also hope that we keep challenging the industry and don’t censor our ‘wild side’.

MASSIMO’S TOP TIPS Are there any tips you can give to people who are on a low budget, who are seeking to emulate your style?

First off, paint walls and ceilings the same colour (never paint ceilings white!); this is a trick of the trade that makes everything feel expensive. Then make sure you spend any money you have on the most important parts of your home – the details. The door handles, light switches, brassware and cabinet pulls that you touch every day. These things make a massive difference to the ‘quality’ of your home and how you interact with it. Furniture can come and go, but home fittings usually stick around for life.

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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be inspired... the heart of your home The kitchen has evolved in style, look and technology, but it remains the heart of the home.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM VVI SI SI ITT OOUURR SS H H OOW WRROOOOMM visit our showroom

Like all our services, a Classic Kitchen will be supplied and installed with a level of care and expertise that matches your expectations.

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12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

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STEP

INSIDE

Team Building

When their elder son George became a wheelchair user after a rugby accident, Gill and Simon Robinson faced the challenge of finding a safe and appropriate family home. Plenty of local goodwill and a self-built bungalow provided the answer and has proved life enhancing for George, his parents and his brother Eddie.

FEATURE: AMANDER MEADE PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN The living area combines zoned areas for relaxing, watching TV and dining. The house was football central for George, Eddie and their friends during the World Cup last summer. The sofa is by Marks & Spencer. The dining table is by Multiyork and the chairs were reupholstered by Lynne Venables at Strawberry Fields. Light fittings are by Castlegate Lighting. The blinds throughout the house were supplied and fitted by J&L Ball.

George has a superb view of the countryside beyond from his light filled bedroom.

The master bedroom is a sanctuary of calm and peace for Gill and Simon.

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Clean lines and a large central island make this family friendly kitchen diner feel simultaneously contemporary and informal. Gill says that Suzy Heffernan at Buildbase in Stamford offered superb advice when it came to design and installation of the kitchen.

Plenty of storage makes sure the bathroom space feels tidy and uncluttered. Flooring throughout the house is by Porcelanosa. Porcelain tiles are durable, non-slip making them ideal for use with a wheelchair. They also have a timeless elegance. Bathrooms were by Turnbull & Co of Sleaford

D

URING the period immediately after George’s release from hospital, the Robinsons were living in a town house in the centre of Stamford – a property on three levels which could not have been less appropriate for wheelchair use according to George’s mum Gill.

“George could only access two very small rooms with limited natural light and we immediately began to search for a property we could adapt,” she explains.

Finding nothing suitable, a stroke of luck occurred when a family friend heard of a plot of land for sale. “Zoe (Noyes) was in the property business and suggested we consider the plot for a self-build. Planning for a larger house on the site had already been refused but we tried again, this time proposing a purpose built bungalow to accommodate George’s mobility requirements.

Gaining planning permission was a lengthy and difficult process but with the full support of our brilliant neighbours we succeeded in the end.”

Collaborating with architects Wythe Holland and builder John Gibbison of Hereward Homes, Gill put forward her ideas for the bungalow. Her wish list contained an absence of steps, a flat roof with high ceilings, lots of light and well thought out accessibility for a wheelchair of course. “The avoidance of steps and stairs presented the biggest challenge to the builders as the land slopes but we found solutions even though it was the first time the team had built anything like this.” Gill and John’s team worked closely together to ensure the property not only met George’s needs but would work well as a family home.

After George’s accident, the teamgeorge Trust was set up to help with George’s long term day to day life. The family were able to apply to the trustees for assistance with equipping his bedroom and bathroom. “George has a special bed and a tracking hoist in his room and his bathroom has been adapted to allow his privacy and independence. The most important thing was for George to be able to access the whole property including the garden. After living in two rooms for two years it was such a joy to come here and see his independence blossom.”

With the adaptations made integrated with as much subtlety as possible in order to meet the specification, the Robinson family now have a light, bright, open plan space for living with the landscaping next on the list and a work in

progress. Gill explains that the open plan design means that there is plenty of room for the boys to have their friends over but equally, if anyone needs quiet time, a peaceful corner can always be found. Karl Breeze and the team at Orange House Renewables have made the house ‘intelligent’ allowing the automatic opening of doors, switching on and off of lights and adjusting blinds and heating which helps keep running costs down.

“George summed it up beautifully when he said ‘We share the space without invading each other’s space’. We have been made very welcome by the local community and are so grateful for their ongoing support. Moving here has felt like a weight has been lifted and we can be a proper family again. George is able to plan for this house to be his forever home and the difference it has made to us all has been incredible.”

• To find out more about George’s story and how the trust operates, visit teamgeorge.org.uk SUPPLIER LIST: Buildbase of Stamford 01780 764782 buildbase.co.uk Carpentry

by Essential Carpentry 07718 132633 Castlegate Lighting 01642 714444 castlegatelighting.co.uk J & L Ball Interiors 01780 481416 jlball.co.uk Plumbing by Justin Wilson Plumbing and Heating 01780 766138 jwilson.co.uk Electrics by Pollard Electrical 01780 729421 Strawberry Fields Fabrics and Interiors 07961 154948 strawberryfieldsfabrics.co.uk Turnbull & Co Ltd 01529 304747 turnbullsonline.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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01780 756666 enquiries@qks-ltd.co.uk qks-ltd.co.uk 21

STEP

INSIDE

Let There Be Light

The Martin’s handsome orangery designed and built by QKS

When Sarah and Jason Martin embarked on an ambitious project to enhance their family home, they turned to local company, QKS for design and construction expertise.

WORDS: AMANDER MEADE

Light floods in through the lantern roof illuminating the kitchen diner

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

The doors to the garden are opened up in the warmer weather

The lantern roof looks equally attractive from the exterior

S

ARAH and Jason Martin plus their three boys have lived in Barnack for three years and had already renovated the first floor of their family home. “We had considerable work done, replacing bathrooms and knocking walls about upstairs and last summer we decided it was time to tackle the ground floor,” remembers Jason. The living space was already adequate in terms of space but the kitchen was poorly sited and the couple wanted to upgrade to a more contemporary look. “We had various ideas and visited several showrooms but were impressed by the professionalism of Nick Clipston and Ashley Woodman from QKS. We had an instant rapport with them as they had great vision and were able to show us not only how a newly sited kitchen would look but suggested an orangery to really enhance the space and add value to our home at the same time. Also crucial was the way QKS would manage all the trades which took so much of the stress out of the project for us.”

The final plans included the replacement of all windows and doors, a new dining kitchen and an orangery with room for more formal dining and plenty of living space. Although QKS were responsible for the planning, design and structural project management, the kitchen cabinetry was supplied by Bakehouse Kitchen Studio Ltd and the couple were grateful for the highly professional liaison between the two companies. “It was vital that QKS and Bakehouse co-ordinated their timings when it was time for the kitchen to be fitted and Ashley made sure it was a seamless collaboration meaning all the deadlines were met,” says Jason.

The whole project took around sixteen weeks from start to finish with the family remaining living on site throughout. “This was a major build and was not without its challenges but the effort and commitment of the team were never in doubt. They worked so hard and were courteous and considerate throughout. We did hire a temporary kitchen which operated out of a trailer on our driveway which saved our sanity.” The result is a beautifully light, bright space which Jason says suits the family dynamic perfectly. “The boys have lots of friends over all the time and we like to entertain too and now there is room for everyone. We have dual access points leading from the orangery to both the patio and the garden and during the warm weather we just open up the doors and the boundary between inside and outside becomes seamless. Thanks to the lantern roof the room is filled with light all year round and the design means we can enjoy views of the garden through the seasons. The project was completed last November and we were able to enjoy our Christmas lunch together in our new orangery which is a very special memory. We couldn’t be happier with the new layout – it’s perfect for the way we live and we spend all our time in here.”

A word from Nick Clipston, Managing Director of QKS… “The key to good design is to get the balance right and in the case of Sarah and Jason’s home, there was no potential to improve the existing kitchen so re-siting it and opening up the space with an orangery provided a great overall solution and improved the flow of the ground floor enormously. Lighting too was important with such a large living space and the lantern roof not only looks attractive externally and internally, but allows a huge amount of natural light to flood in. The space has to work all year round so thermal efficiency as well as light is vital. The QKS team provided and co-ordinated the construction team, the plumbing, electrics and flooring and we are thrilled with the results – as are the family. Our strength is in our expertise from design to completion and our happy customers will confirm that.”

About QKS… In addition to the traditional styling associated with older buildings the QKS Home Improvements team also offer exciting possibilities for more contemporary projects, whether as an extension or orangery like the Martin’s or as part of a new build. With over ten thousand projects completed in the region since the firm began almost forty years ago, QKS are extremely proud of their unrivalled reputation for customer service. QKS can take your project through from vision to completion in one seamless step.

QKS Home Improvements 01780 756666 www.qks-ltd.co.uk Unit 4, Priory Industries, Cherryholt La, Stamford, PE9 2EQ

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

23

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Power of Plants This month we go back to basics by taking a look at how the power of plants can treat the skin, enhance skin functions and support body functions. Rebecca Chantrell talks to 3 local experts.

Fenton’s Herbology workshop Nicola Fenton began her “official” herbal path in 2010 when she undertook a degree in Herbal Medicine; learning all about plant chemistry, biochemistry, clinical diagnostics and pathophysiology at Lincoln University.

Nicola’s no 1 passion is to bring plant medicine to the masses – inspiring you to use the plants in your garden and neighbourhood.

I was invited along to a workshop at the Tobie Norris that Nicola hosts once a month for an insight into Herbology. Each workshop covers a different topic from relieving stress, aiding sleep and even how to tune into your menstrual cycle, all using herbology. Her lively, passionate and naturally caring nature made the session fun and informative. As a complete newbie I had only ever used herbs in cooking and flower arranging.

Nicola says: “The workshops aim to give people the knowledge, understanding and confidence to start using plants as food and medicine. As part of the workshops I want to introduce people to their own bodies! The human body is amazing, we have a responsibility to understand our own body and how it works. There are so many plants out there that can benefit us, many of which we know or have heard of, we might even have them growing in our gardens, but we just don’t realise their potential!

“Herbal Teas are such an easy and pleasant way to treat and prevent the ailments that can bother us! The Tobie Norris will be serving the teas, and should you fall madly in love with them and want to consume them on a daily basis, you’ll also be able to purchase bags to take home with you from there.

“If people would like one-to-one advice on how they can use herbs to support their health and wellbeing, they can see me for a consultation. It takes 1hr and we go through your complete medical history and I’ll take your pulse and blood pressure.

We’ll also discuss your diet and lifestyle. I’ll prepare you a personalised prescription usually in the form of a tea or tincture which will aim to provide not only symptomatic relief but attempt to address any imbalances within the body that is the cause.”

Nicola’s Top 5 herbs to grow

“Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) – chamomile is one of my favourite herbs. Use for digestive upsets, particularly if it’s stress related. Use as a warm tea for fevers and infections, as an antihistamine for allergies, and as a pain-reliever (try a cup of strong chamomile tea before reaching for the nurofen!).

Because it has antiseptic properties, if you have any water infections, a cup of chamomile tea will pass straight through to the urinary tract.

“Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) to me is another wonder herb. Traditionally for remembrance, studies confirm its ability to improve concentration and memory (keep in mind for the next exam season!). It also calms you down and is great if you are suffering from exhaustion, it’s really rejuvenating; infuse a couple of sprigs of rosemary in boiling water, allow to cool and sip away! Because of its affinity with the head, use it for headaches, particularly tension headaches. Whenever you have respiratory infections the volatile oils of rosemary are great for combating infection so great for colds and flu and enhance your immunity.

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

“Marigolds (Calendula officinalis) can be added to salads to give them the wow factor, not only in looks but for your health!

Marigolds have slightly bitter properties which stimulate your liver and digestion and support with absorption. They have anti-viral and antibacterial actions, so a cup of marigold tea is the bee’s knees if you have the flu. They are super fab for balancing female hormones – therefore great for PMS or menopausal symptoms.”

You can forage for – “Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) – you can eat the flowers, just two leaves of a dandelion provide more than your RDA of Vitamin C! The roots have a tonic effect on your body and are great for your liver – substitute your daily cup of coffee for a dandelion coffee!”

“Nettle (Urtica dioica) – Another nutritional powerhouse that packs a punch (or sting!).

Nettle leaves are full of vitamins and minerals, they contain more iron than spinach! Make a soup, or simply steam them as you would spinach, or make a tea – particularly good if you are anaemic.”

Contact Nicola on fentonsherbology@ hotmail.com or visit her Facebook page.

NEXT WORKSHOPS – Back to School, Calm and Digestive health

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Lisa Armitage

Lisa Armitage is a local skincare expert and founder of Lisa Armitage skincare brand. She lives in Barnack with her family.

Shocked by so called natural brands’ inclusion of unnecessary chemicals, Lisa went about making her very own products for her son’s eczema-prone skin. She drew on her repertoire of superfoods with antioxidant properties and other natural ingredients that benefit the skin. Lisa’s background as a professional chef for 22 years and her extensive knowledge in nutrition gave her the confidence to change career, drawing on everything she had learnt over the years. Lisa’s mission was to develop a line of cosmetics that treated the skin using all-natural ingredients, each chosen for a specific purpose (no fillers or bulk ingredients here). Her philosophy is very much “if it doesn’t do something don’t put it in”. Starting off for friends and family her products soon became too popular for her to continue making small batches. Lisa Armitage skincare as we know it was born in 2013!

Why do you think using natural products is important?

The average person uses at least 10 personal/ beauty products per day. If all of those products contain synthetic, toxic chemical ingredients then you are likely to be smothering 100s of chemicals all over your body twice a day.

Your body absorbs 60% of what you put on it.

Chemical-based beauty products may enhance the way you look through silicones, but this just sits on the surface of the skin and is not beneficial for the skin or your health.

How do you ensure longevity and efficacy of your products with no parabens or preservatives?

They contain natural preservatives such as Rosemary CO2 extract and I use new technology airless bottles which means the products don’t oxidise.

How do you feel about the term anti-ageing?

Anti-ageing has gone out of fashion. People now at any age, whether young or old, just want to look healthy. A healthy skin is a beautiful skin. I think we should try and look the best we can with food and natural skincare. How do you keep up with procedures? - you can’t!

What’s in the range?

Oils, moisturisers, serum and the range is growing….

What’s next?

Lisa has just finished developing a cleansing balm that is in product development. It will be used with a hot cloth and sounds divine.

Where can people buy your products?

Her products are available at https:// lisaarmitage.com/ and locally in Purely You Stamford. She has expansion plans to sell her products worldwide.

With your foodie hat on, what would you eat to give your skin the best chance?

Superfoods such as dark green veg and berries are brilliant, they contain powerful antioxidant properties.

What to eat, with Nutritionist Sophie Driver Hair growth (and fallout), nails and skin collagen production are all tied to what we choose to eat. Sophie Driver gives us some top tips on everyday items to introduce to your diet to enhance skin, hair and nails from the inside.

• Red Peppers and green veg such as kale, spring greens, collard greens and broccoli are fantastic at preventing wrinkles and pigmentation.

• Pineapple is amazing for keeping skin clear and treating acne. It can also help the body synthesize collagen, which supports skin structure.

• Coconut water is the perfect natural hydration aid and contains potassium; an electrolyte that helps move nutrients into our cells. It also boosts hair growth and shine by moisturising the scalp.

• Garlic helps prevent breakouts and maintain clear skin.

For more information into how nutrition can help your skin, hair and nails contact Sophie @ www. thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk or call on 01780 48088

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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Jess Lamb takes the Land rover through its paces and meets some famous horse riders

The Land Rover Experience, with Mark & Harry

I

T’S 11am on a Wednesday morning in early August, and I am behind the wheel of a brand-new Land Rover Discovery Sport. This is good.

In the back seat is Mark Todd, one of the best event riders in the world. This is also good. We’re driving through something signposted the ‘Axle Grinder’ and the front right wheel of the car is about four feet in the air, meaning that we’re tipping sideways at quite an impressive angle. This is terrifying!

As I’m carefully inching the car forward, we tip so that the back wheel is now four feet in the air. Mark leans forward and politely mentions that he’s got a pretty big event coming up in a few weeks’ time and would like to remain in one piece if at all possible. Fair request … but surely this is nothing compared to the adrenaline rush of the cross-country course?

‘Yes,’ he laughs, ‘but I’m the one in control when that’s happening!’

The event he’s referring to is of course the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, the biggest and best weekend in the both the British eventing calendar and Stamford’s social schedule! For four days at the start of September, serene Stamford becomes the ultimate destination for lovers of horses, the countryside and a good day out alike as the world’s premier equestrian talents compete to lift the Burghley Challenge Cup. I spent a morning just before the trials at the Land Rover Experience site near Corby with Sir Mark Todd (who remained in one piece, don’t worry) and Harry Meade, two of the hopefuls due to compete in this ultimate test of horsemanship in just a few short weeks. It was very clear that both riders have got their eyes fixed firmly on the prize!

SIR MARK TODD New Zealander Mark is a living legend of the sport and has already been victorious at Burghley five times. He also has four Badminton Horse Trials wins and a couple of Olympic gold medals under his belt, as you do! A win in 2018 would be his sixth Burghley title to add to the trophy cabinet and would place him alongside English rider William Fox-Pitt on the list of all-time Burghley greats. Fox-Pitt is currently the only rider ever to achieve that rather mind-blowing six wins.

You’d think that with these impressive credentials, Mark would be

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

content to put his feet up – what is it that keeps him coming back to Burghley year after year?

‘For me, it’s been a love affair with Burghley House and the trials ever since I first rode here in 1987,’ he tells me. ‘In those days, we had nothing like the huge live-in horse lorries that we have now and so the international riders would get put up in the George, which was great!

Now, everyone sleeps on-site but each year we try and get down into Stamford at least one night over the weekend. They’re not quite the big nights out that we used to have now eventing has become such a professional sport (Mark is well known for enjoying a beer or two and it’s clear he’d be good company in the pub!) but it’s always a great visit’.

HARRY MEADE Harry Meade, meanwhile, has yet to clinch the top spot at Burghley but is working hard to make the dream a reality. He comes from impressive equestrian stock (his father, the late Richard Meade, won Burghley in 1964) and has always viewed a win at Burghley as the ultimate goal, alongside a Badminton victory and of course an Olympic medal. ‘I love the sense of occasion that you feel each year at Burghley. It’s an incredibly welcoming and well-organised event, and as a rider you are really made to feel that the whole of Stamford has been waiting all year just for you’ he tells me as we try and decipher some impressive new towing technology on the Discovery, a subject on which I’m still none the wiser.

After some strong past performances, does Harry think 2018 could be his year at the trials? ‘I’m hoping for good things, of course. Burghley only comes around once a year and twelve months is a long time to wait if something doesn’t go as planned. I always thrive on the atmosphere, and when you have been somewhere so many times it really does start to feel like home. I’m so familiar now with every inch of Burghley Park and it’s a great environment to compete in, so I always aim to enjoy it and do my best!’

Mark Todd and Harry Meade are Land Rover ambassadors and will be competing at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (30 Aug – 2 Sept).

Land Rover has been at the heart of equestrian sport for over 30 years.

For more information visit www.landrover.co.uk

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Willa Newton

Antonia Scott spoke with Willa Newton – local Leicestershire resident – to see how she is best preparing herself and her horse for the infamous Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials that dominate Stamford over four days from Thursday 30 August to Sunday 2 September

PHOTO: NICO MORGAN MEDIA

I

T was surely a foregone conclusion that Willa Newton would end up in the equestrian world, having grown up with parents who both hunted and were involved in point to points and eventing. Unsurprisingly, her love of riding started young, and she flourished at the Belvoir Hunt Pony Club, visiting Burghley Horse Trials (BHT) every year as a little girl, only dreaming that one day she would compete there.

Whilst at school at Tudor Hall, PHOTO: NIXON PHOTO Willa was supported by both her school and family in her determination to rise to the top level of eventing and returned regularly to her parent’s yard near Melton Mowbray to train and compete. After Willa left school, her dream of riding professionally was enabled by the supportive, loyal team around her – including her elder sister, Chloe, who also evented and competed at Burghley herself, encouraging Willa to follow in her footsteps.

In 2006 Willa acquired a horse called “Neelix” from Andrew Heffernan, and her eventing began to take off. Neelix took Willa from the Pony Club Championships to her first four-star event, and she then went on to win Team Gold at the Junior Europeans in 2008 and also represented Great Britain at three consecutive Young Rider European Championships, winning Team Gold and Individual Silver at Blair Castle in 2011. Willa’s career has gone from strength to strength, and, since finishing university in 2012, she has focused solely on eventing. Last July, she was announced as one of 13 riders to be longlisted for the British Team to compete at the European Eventing Championships.

This year will be Willa’s fourth time at Burghley Horse Trials, and she hopes that her ride, 16-year-old “Chance Remark” – a stunning 17.1 Bay – will perform to the best of his ability and carry her safely round the notorious cross-country course.

What makes BHT so special?

“It is without doubt the most testing four-star event in the world. The design and terrain of the cross-country course covering vast areas of Burghley Park is a challenge to both horse and rider. You need to be 100 per cent focused for each fence and gallop. The new combination of fences each year keeps it fresh, and Captain Mark Phillips, the course designer, definitely rewards riders when they get it right. However, make a tiny mistake, and it can be game over.”

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

What qualities do you look for in an event horse?

“Most importantly for me is their brain, that they really want to engage with you and train to do the job in hand. For an event like Burghley I look for a horse with thoroughbred, natural speed and stamina. ‘Chance Remark’ is a thoroughbred whom I hope should suit Burghley – he has competed there before, but I hope this year, having done a bit more with him, he will find the trip easier.”

What makes someone a good Three-Day Event rider?

“Determination, commitment, passion and drive.

You also have to be physically fit to have the strength and stamina to compete at this international level.”

Which of the three disciplines do you look forward to the most – dressage, cross country or showjumping?

“I love the adrenalin buzz of the cross country, as well as the skill and accuracy of the other two phases. However, there is no better feeling when you have come home clear and fast at the end of the cross country.”

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not riding?

“I’m really sporty and love swimming, biking and skiing when I have the time. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family when it is possible!”

Do you have a favourite place in and around this area?

“I love going to The Olive Branch in Clipsham – the food and surroundings are just wonderful. I love returning to Burghley Horse Trials each year, and Stamford provides such an impressive backdrop to this international event. I really enjoy all the people-watching – there’s always someone I know around every corner!”

What’s next?

With so much experience under her belt already, it’s hard to remember that Willa is just 28 years old and currently only in her sixth year as a professional event rider. At the start of 2018, Willa was the youngest British female rider in the World’s Top 35 Event Riders and she has her sights set firmly on Tokyo 2020 – watch this space!

Find out more about Willa at willanewtoneventing.co.uk

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Hand rearing a kitten WORDS: ZOE NOYES PHOTOGRAPHY: REBECCA CHANTRELL

I

RECENTLY met up with one of my fellow colleagues at Stamford Living who told me she had been hand rearing a kitten and I was immediately intent on finding out how she was doing this. Rebecca had grown up with cats and their subsequently born kittens so when she heard of some kittens being abandoned, it was not a surprise that she took it upon herself and another friend to give a new home to these two little feline friends who had been left behind by their mother and were no bigger than 10 cms in length.

It’s at this point that although Rebecca had previous experience of raising kittens, she also had a young daughter of her own and therefore to be on night feeds again was no big deal. However she told me of how during the first three weeks she had to feed this little kitten every two hours from a miniature bottle using a special powdered milk formula and had to massage his delicate areas to teach him when he needed to take his regular toilet breaks. As an owner she seems to have taken this in her stride and with much advice through various helpful websites, she has had to play the role of mother cat which would have been done by the kitten’s feline mother cat. cats. org, icatcare.org and vetsend.co.uk So life started to revolve around ‘Tui’ as he was aptly named due to be being small and black and reminding them of a New Zealand bird called a Tui. What is also quite interesting is that this native bird of NZ is also described as boisterous which when I met Tui at eight weeks old he was going through his hectic kitten phase and so climbing up the chimney breast in the lounge or diving in and out of the kitchen chair legs and biting the straps of my sandals was all in a day’s activities. Not to mention his love of using his claws and teeth; but as I say this is typical kitten behaviour and much like puppies who use their teeth a lot when growing up, it is all part of the journey and doesn’t last forever.

The process of weaning has also been taking place whereby Tui has been ‘weaned’ off his powdered milk formula and introduced to kibble (which had to be ground in a food processor and mixed with the formula to start with) and now he is fully into his grown up food of kibble and cat milk - both of which are giving him plenty of zest for life and he is settling well into his pattern of life and living with humans. I think even the odd sleepy cuddle on the sofa isn’t going amiss either!

Seeing the progress that this little black bundle of fluff has made has been very rewarding for Rebecca and her family, and the night feeds were just par for the course for her when getting up every two hours. She has seen all the stages of when his eyes started opening and ears were pricking up to all the new sights and sounds as well as him learning where his litter tray was for toilet training and being more responsive to them as humans.

So whilst it’s no mean feat to hand rear a kitten, between the knowledge that Rebecca had and the access to informative websites and great support from her local veterinary practice, Tui looks like he will grow into an independent feline in a loving home and with lots of adventures ahead of him.

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

If you have any particular pet stories or would like to get in touch about the animals that you own and care for then please get in touch (zoe@zoenoyesphotography.co.uk) and we may be able to feature you and yours in a forthcoming edition of Stamford Living.

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A mix of culture, gastronomy and bon vivant!

Victoria’s Social Scene S TAMFORD is brimming with fascinating people and ways to spend time and I have been enjoying just a sample of what our town has to offer.

Over lunch at Lambert’s, I caught up with Darren Grigas. Darren and his business partner Murphy Hill are another fabulous success story from the Progressive Property training, founded by property gurus Mark Homer and Rob Moore. Darren and Murphy are the brains behind the stunning Riverside apartments on Wharf Road, offering luxury comfort in historic charm. With reviews such as ‘LOVED everything’ and ‘location was awesome!’ it is easy to see why the apartments are considered THE place to stay. You can learn more about renting one of these charming, grade 2 listed lodges at www.riverside-apartments-stamford. co.uk and can follow on Instagram at @riverside_stamford Darren is a great example of what can be achieved when one sets oneself a challenge. With only one half marathon Photo by under his belt, Darren Ian Corless signed up for the gruelling Marathon Des Sables; 6 days to cover 156 miles in desert heat! Darren embarked on a 46 week training schedule running 80 miles a week plus 4 gym sessions. When asked what kept him motivated during this time, Darren says, ‘Once I had confirmation of my registration I felt accountable and decided to use the experience to raise funds for local charity Anna’s Hope’. The marathon brought about friendships too, as Darren camped with fellow adventurer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, even sharing Easter eggs together! How did Darren top that experience? He completed the Mongol 100 in January this year! Travelling across a frozen lake in Mongolia with the warmest temperature at -35 degrees and packs of wolves at close proximity, this experience is not for the fainthearted.

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Darren’s incredible spirit has been recognised by many, resulting in him giving talks for The Prince’s Trust and this year was invited by HRH Prince Edward to co-present the annual Duke of Edinburgh awards with him at Buckingham Palace. I am already excited to see what Darren does next!

If you haven’t yet visited the Bull & Swan for their Garden Cinema screenings, you still have time in September. There is no prettier place to enjoy a delicious, freshly cooked, stone baked pizza and watch a movie,outdoors on comfy sofas. With fairy lights and the backdrop of the extensive herb garden, the Bull & Swan host the most wonderful evenings. As a family we enjoyed watching the 1978 classic ‘Grease’ and listening to the legendary soundtrack. We have visited many times over the summer months and can highly recommend it, although do arrive in good time as the evenings are very popular and seats go quickly!

If you are looking for something a little different to do over lunchtime, you could attend one of Chris Hunt’s workshops at Stamford Library and explore the British Newspaper Archives.

Booking is essential on 01780 482138 as the events are set to be very interesting indeed.

If you are looking for a spot of lunch away from the High Street, why not try the welcoming Well Café on Barn Hill on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. The friendly volunteers, Karen, Anne, Pat and Philip host a cosy place to enjoy a toastie, bowl of soup or a jacket potato and all proceeds go towards Mission Projects including Dementia Support and Youth Outreach work. There is also a Fairtrade shop in the café, run by Jan Hetherington, where you can purchase clothes, food supplies, jewellery and cards.

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Bosworth’s Garden Centre September is the month to start planning and planting spring bulbs and thinking about your garden for 2019. Bosworth’s, a family-run company that opened a new branch at Elton this summer, grows over a million plants a year in its own nurseries at Burton Latimer, near Kettering, so you’re guaranteed to find fresh, healthy stock attractively displayed to help you make your decisions. If the choice overwhelms you, take advantage of the Garden Advice Service. For a one-off fee of £99, you get a home visit and a two-hour consultation to help you to decide what to plant where. For an extra charge, you can order specific plants and have them planted for you. A full hard-landscaping service is also available.

The pretty walled setting in the grounds of Elton Hall also features The Mulberry Cafe, offering a menu of breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon tea, with appetising choices such as savoury tarts, paninis, scones and cakes. The Secret Garden, an historic walled garden area, is also being brought back to life by a team of volunteers led by staff member Diane Ray. • Bosworth’s Garden Centre, Finedon Road, Burton Latimer, Northants NN15 5QA and at Elton Walled Garden, Elton, Peterborough PE8 6SH, bosworthsgc.co.uk

OutDoOr LIviNg WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

Encouraging hedgehogs

Growing in my garden now

Dahlias

They come in so many shades, from show-stopping pinks to the deepest, richest purple petals, with neat pom-pom heads to the shaggiest mops. Dahlias have long ditched their reputation as old-fashioned flower show favourites and have been reinvented as a brilliant way to beef up autumn borders, creating a show until the first frosts, when they can either be lifted or left in the ground over the winter. Lovers of light colours could try creamy Café au Lait. If you want to be bolder, “Black Jack” is a deep maroon, while “Mel’s Orange Marmalade” is a rich, spicy orange with spiky petals.

Plant in blocks of one colour for impact.

Try Welland Vale Garden Inspirations for ready-grown dahlias to plant into borders. Glaston Road, Uppingham LE15 1EU

ILLUSTRATION: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

Inspired by the outdoors As your garden transitions from summer to autumn, keep an eye out for attractive seedheads that you can dry and keep for autumn arrangements, or even squirrel away for Christmas decorations.

Poppy seedheads, alliums, nigella and some grasses look beautiful bunched together and left as they are, or spray them white (Colemans in Oakham, Oundle or Stamford stocks a selection of craft colours that are easy to apply).

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

The more hedgehogs we have in our gardens, the fewer slugs there will be to munch our plants. Yet the numbers of these much-loved mammals are in steep decline. Anna Wood, a biology student at Nottingham University, has become so concerned about their plight that she has started a campaign on her home turf (Castor and Ailsworth) to encourage people to take action to preserve them.

Here are Anna’s tips: • Put out food and water. Use shallow dishes and offer cat or dog food.

Never feed hedgehogs with bread and milk.

• Choose non-toxic alternatives for slug pellets, rat poison and pesticides.

Slug pellets are particularly dangerous for hedgehogs – and for garden birds.

• Join a hedgehog highway. Linking gardens increases the area where hedgehogs can roam. Cut a 13cm by 13cm hole in fences. Ask your neighbours to do the same, and work together.

• Build a wild corner. Let nature take over and remove hazards such as netting.

• Make ponds safe. The creatures can drown in steep- or smooth-sided ponds.

Add a ramp to make an exit.

For more of Anna’s tips, visit hedgehogstreet.org

Picks for plant lovers 14–16 September Stamford Flower Show A three-day festival at St John’s Church, with glorious arrangements celebrating Stamford’s history, heritage and culture. £3 entry. stamfordflowerclub.org.uk John Clare’s Calendar: A View Through the Lens Photographs taken by Tracy Louise Photography are a selection of images from John Clare’s garden and the surrounding countryside near Helpston.

The exhibition is based on Clare’s work published in “The Shepherd’s Calendar”.

More information at tracylouisephotography.co.uk The pictures will be on display in the Dovecote at John Clare Cottage until the end of September. You can also see artist Marianna Kneller’s wild-flower paintings, also inspired by the works of John Clare.

John Clare Cottage is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays (11am–4pm April–Sept and 11am–3pm Oct–Mar); more details at: clarecottage.org

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A liTtlE DOinG If you weren’t aware, it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day in September and in honour of this, there will be a special Pirate Day at Stamford Corn Exchange Shopping Arcade on Saturday 22 September.

Grab your eye patch and get solving the clues as part of the treasure hunt where X marks the spot.

A free drink for the little ones and a little loot bag at the end. All for free, all day, and all for a bit of fun. Prizes for fancy dress too!

Stamford Corn Exchange Shopping Arcade, Broad Street, Stamford There is loads going on for children and families up in Grantham for the Gravity Fields Festival.

Science takes centre stage in honour of Grantham-born Isaac Newton with events in and around the town including at the Guildhall Arts Centre, museum, park and Woolsthorpe Manor.

Ticketed events such as the Magick and Alchemy Show and the Moon & Me interactive theatre show will entertain youngsters along with the free family science fair and floral displays at the Boating Lake in Wyndham Park.

And don’t miss The Hogwallops circus show for heart-in-your-mouth acrobatics, clowning, comedy, and story-telling about a chaotic family of misfits.

The festival runs Wed 26 - Sun 30 September For info, bookings and tickets: gravityfields.co.uk Box Office: 01476 406158

A liTtlE EAtiNg

If you’re at Fineshade Woods then make the most of Grounds Café on site. It’s great for a baguette or sandwich and there are some good snacking options as well as cordial and water for little ones. High chairs are available, and outside there are picnic tables if the weather is good - right next to the fab playground, which was a big hit. And if you’re after a treat, the ice creams are good! www.aecatering.co.uk/grounds-fineshade

LIttLe livIng

We’re in the woods, on the seas and exploring space when Louise Goss goes in search of family fun with her little helpers, Toby and Freya.

A liTtlE BUshCraFt

A liTtlE BOogIe

There’s nothing better than getting the kids outdoors to play and better still when they learn something and have fun at the same time. This is why my two adore the Baby Bushcraft sessions run by Tindersticks at Fineshade Woods. The sessions encourage confidence in the outdoors and they learn all sorts from naming bugs and plants to appreciating nature and the woodland environment. Each session involves lots of different tasks, craft activities, games and story time.

Tindersticks, in partnership with the Forestry Commission, hold regular bushcraft sessions during Autumn and Spring for pre-school age children. They book out fast!

Upcoming sessions: 14 September, 21 September, 5 October, 19 October babybushcraftautumn.eventbrite.co.uk

Term time fun kicks off at The Yard in Stamford again this month with their fabulously fun Hello Molly sessions. While the big kids are back at school, the smaller ones can Boogie n Bounce every Tuesday from 2.15pm.

Here they can dance, play, shout out loud and burn off all that energy before letting loose on the soft play.

On a Thursday from 10.30-11am children can let their imagination run wild in the Scribble n Dribble story time and craft sessions.

A little more relaxed but just as entertaining.

All drop-in sessions for children from 2 years up.

The Yard, West Street, Stamford, www.theyardstamford.co.uk

A liTtlE PArtY Is it just me or have the party invites really started to flow? There seem to be a huge number of birthdays at this time of year, in fact Toby has one of them.

If you’re stuck for ideas, want to add a bit of a festivalvibe or something a little different to entertain the kids, then Graffiti Faces offers up wonderful face-painting skills to transform your little ones into any kind of creature or super hero their imaginations dream up.

Get in touch with Elle for bookings and enquiries. www.facebook.com/graffitifaces STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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44

Jess Lamb investigates the exciting goings-on at some of the best businesses in our area.

The Best of Local Business!

The George and Dragon, Seaton – One Year On! It’s almost a year to the day when Ralph Offer collected the keys to his new business, the George and Dragon pub in the idyllic village of Seaton.

‘It’s been a steep learning curve, to say the least’ laughs Ralph, ‘I don’t think you realise how much you don’t know until you take on your own business!’ It certainly was no small challenge; Ralph, with the help of family and friends, spent the first four months transforming the building inside and out, opening the doors for the first time in November last year.

Since then, he’s spent nine months building a reputation for outstanding seasonal food and a rather unbeatable wine list (I can confirm this after extensive sampling … all in the name of good journalism of course!) and it’s clear that the hard work is paying off.

The great feedback keeps rolling in – you only have to scroll through the plethora of enthusiastic reviews on Tripadvisor to confirm that something is definitely going right! – and Ralph seems confident, determined and utterly in his element as he oversees preparation for a busy evening service.

However, Ralph is certainly not content to sit back and relax.

July saw the opening of a truly beautiful garden after months

more hard work, and he is constantly planning his next moves. ‘Now that everything’s settled, we want to work on fine tuning everything to make sure it’s absolutely perfect’ says Ralph. With a full year under his belt, would he have done anything differently? ‘Not too much … but I’d definitely read a book or two on business management. P&L blows my mind!’ (We can all relate to that) If you’ve not yet ventured out to gorgeous Seaton, make sure it’s next on your list of dinner destinations. A warm welcome is guaranteed! www.thegeorgeanddragonseaton.com 01572 747418

New Direction for the Stamford Deli Popping into the Stamford Deli for a sandwich, a coffee and a chat with Kelly from the Deli has become something of a Stamford rite of passage over the last few years – so when Kelly announced recently that the Deli would be closing their premises on the High Street, it certainly felt like the end of an era.

However, the Deli is definitely not disappearing! Kelly is merging with baker friend Sarah at the Pink Kitchen to create the Deli Kitchen, an exciting new commercial venture focusing on catering and events. ‘I wanted to focus more on commercial catering, and sadly our high street space just didn’t have the square footage for the kitchen we needed,’ Kelly tells me, ‘it would have been inefficient to split across two sites, so the solution was to upgrade to a bigger space out of town’. Kelly also hopes to use her new kitchen as a resource for other cooks in the area when everything is up and running, allowing others to rent space for their own culinary efforts!

‘I will definitely miss my customers. I’ve always loved meeting new people and we’ve got great relationships with a hugely loyal customer base who have all been so supportive of this step,’ Kelly says. ‘I hope that one day the Deli will be back on the High Street in one form or another!’

You can follow Kelly and the Deli Kitchen on Instagram to keep up to date with all the delicious goings-on in the new kitchen next on the calendar is the Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament (the UK’s largest tennis tournament, no less!) where the Kitchen will be catering for almost four thousand people across six days of play in beautiful North Norfolk.

07872 072968 Instagram: @thestamforddeli

Shakespeare at Tolethorpe Now, it’s not my usual style of local business but I couldn’t finish this month without mentioning the fabulous Shakespeare at Tolethorpe. Despite being a long-term Stamford resident and having spent most of my time at university immersed in one Shakespeare play or another, this summer was the first time I’ve headed to Tolethorpe to see what the fuss is about.

My conclusion? Outstanding amateur theatre in a gorgeous outdoor location that reminded me of New York’s Shakespeare in the Park. However, make no mistake - from an entrepreneurial point of view, this theatre company is no joke either!

From their inception in 1968, the company performed at the George for almost a decade until the hotel could no longer accommodate them.

This might have spelled the end for some, but in fine self-starting style the company rose to the challenge, finding a new home in the form of nearderelict Tolethorpe Hall. This represented a significant challenge, with the whole site requiring total refurbishment – but the Stamford company got to work and delivered in fine style. Now, they’re celebrating their 50-year anniversary, and it’s easy to see why Stamford Shakespeare has thrived. I can safely say the outdoor stage is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric theatre settings I’ve seen, and a true testament to the power of pursuing a dream!

Productions for the 2019 season include As You Like It and Julius Caesar.

Keep an eye on the website for further information! www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

45

Meet Jason Treadwell… ng D irect or of N ewton F allo well Man agi nal ist for 20 18 Bu sin ess P erso n o f the Year and Fi

Hav Having aving been an estat av estate ate age at agent gee nt fo g fforr most of my working life, I joined the Newton Fallowell Group in 2007 based at our head office in Grantham.

I’ve always had a passion for architecture and love meeting new people so when I became an estate agent, the transition to selling a product I had a genuine passion for was quite organic.

I have worked for large corporate companies and two wellknown independents giving me a full range of the industry and how to deliver an exceptional service to our valued clients. I am an Associate Member of The National Association of Estate Agents and a member of The National Approved Lettings Scheme.

In 2014, I opened the Stamford office from a cold start and through delivering an unrivalled level of service, lead it to becoming the top selling estate agent in Stamford within only 6 months. I’m pleased to see we have remained at the top spot and have been confirmed by Rightmove & Zoopla as having sold more than double the number of homes compared to any other agent each year.

In 2016 I opened the Oakham office, filling the gap nicely between our offices in Melton Mowbray, Grantham & Stamford and in 2017, it too was confirmed by Rightmove & Zoopla as the No.1 sales office in the county of Rutland covering the Market Towns of Oakham & Uppingham.

As Stamford & Rutland’s market leading estate agent, I am proud to be leading the way in results and delivering a service our clients will recommend. With a team of driven individuals, I’m certain we can make your move happen, whatever it may be.

When iliffe publishing contacted me regarding the nomination, I was both overwhelmed and shocked. How could an estate agent be nominated for such an award? I suppose it goes to show recognition in what the team and I have forged to create, and deliver has been noticed.

If you are considering moving, or just like to know more about the Sales & Lettings Market within our area, please feel free to contact one of our experts in the field at your local Branch who will be more than happy to help. Our Offices are open from 8:45am until 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am until 4pm on Saturdays.

My team and I look forward to assisting you on your journey.

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49

Moving House doesn’t need to be so stressful I

T is often said that moving house is one of the most stressful times of your life, but for Emma Taylor, founder of All Things House, this is quite the opposite. After nearly 20 years working in investment banking in the City, Emma had an idea that would lead to the conception of a unique business plan. Emma has moved house around 30 times and rather than finding it a stressful experience, she relishes in new beginnings and having a fresh canvas. Her friends and family would often come to her for advice when moving or renovating, and this sparked the inspiration for All Things House.

“The idea was born a couple of years ago, after friends had already sought my advice about their own homes. I’ve always seen the potential in my own homes, and I’ve loved redesigning and renovating every one of them. I love breathing new life into properties and I’ve moved so many times that actually, I’ve become great at doing so without any major stress. My current home is a 400 year old cottage, which is now an amazing space, although I’m always watching what comes to market.”

When it comes to renovation and interior design, every home has the potential to be improved, whether it’s only a few years, or hundreds of years old. Your home should be the place where you are most happy - it’s the place you relax in and retreat to. If you don’t feel settled and at ease, it’s definitely time to make a change.

Whilst some older properties may come with a listing, this doesn’t mean changes can’t be made. The key here is to work with the local council’s Planning and Conservation teams from the outset.

The first step when considering redesign is what works for the specific lifestyle of the occupiers. Design must be aesthetically pleasing, but most of all it should be practical for the people who live there. A common mistake is hanging on to clutter or overdressing rooms – it’s a cliché but less is usually much more. Space is often underestimated! And design schemes can be planned around any cherished item no matter how small. It doesn’t necessarily mean everything has to go; it’s a scale from adaptation to total renovation Emma offers a variety of services that encompass everything involved with making a house a home, from an interior design overhaul to a complete renovation. Emma also specialises in property finding for those looking to move house. She will help to declutter your current property, and dress it to go on the market whilst finding your new home. After negotiating the sale, Emma can organise the movers and unpack your belongings. If your new home needs to be redesigned to your interior tastes then she can refresh the look or implement a complete refurbishment. She can even offer Feng Shui consultancy - Feng Shui can create the most beneficial environment to help maximise positive opportunities, minimise negative situations, and enhance overall quality of life Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into your current property, or need an interior update for your next one, Emma will work alongside you to achieve your dream home The full list of services offered by All Things House is listed below. Further details of these, more about Emma, and examples of work can be found on the All Things House website • Property Finding • Home Staging • Interior Design • Refurbishment Management • Relocation Management • Unpacking Services • Feng Shui Consultancy All services can be undertaken as individual elements of work, or as an end-to-end solution to fit clients’ needs. To discuss your requirements, please use the contact details below: www.allthingshouse.co.uk info@allthingshouse.co.uk 0333 210 7288

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Emma Taylor

51

Jess Lamb interviews Simon Burton, Director of Goodwin Property Services, on the current state of the Stamford property market

Goodwin Property Services

W

E all know that Stamford is one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Everyone within a ten-mile radius of the High Street (and beyond) is familiar with that legendary Sunday Times ‘Best Place to Live in the UK’ award in 2013 which placed the town firmly on the map, and you only have to stroll over to Burghley House or wander through the Meadows to appreciate the beauty that Stamford has to offer.

This national publicity creates an unusual and ever-changing housing market, and we asked Simon Burton at Goodwin Property Services to give us his thoughts on why Stamford property is such a great investment and what’s next for the market. When I mention the Sunday Times award, he smiles. ‘We had no idea what was happening … I remember having to go to the library to get a copy of the newspaper to work out what everyone was going on about!’

So why does the Stamford housing market continue to be so buoyant? ‘It’s all the George’s fault,’ laughs Simon, ‘where do you meet someone who hasn’t heard of the George of Stamford!?’ Joking aside, it’s an intriguing time for the industry. ‘When Goodwins was first set up over forty years ago, we were one of two estate agents in the town. Now, there are twenty-three agents for a stock of only about 10,000 houses, which shows just how much people want to buy. There are all kinds of factors involved, from the beautiful conserved buildings to the great transport links to London … there aren’t many places that have the beauty of Stamford alongside such great amenities,’ Simon tells me. ‘A few years ago, you could count the number of million-pound properties here on one hand, and now there must be upwards of a hundred which shows just how much the value of property has increased exponentially in comparison to surrounding market towns in the area’.

Added to this mix is the rise of internet estate agents, who provide relatively cheap property services by removing a physical presence and remodelling the way fees are charged, often asking clients to pay before a job is done. ‘There is creeping speculation that the internet will gain a foothold and become more common commodity-fuelled by those businesses themselves, but I really don’t think it’s the way forward for

52

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

selling houses. I believe that selling houses is about the people rather than being about the buildings themselves, and high street agents will always have their place,’ says Simon. ‘House buying is a highly emotional process and a huge part of our role is to be the safe pair of hands that guides everyone through a complicated process.

This is great news for Stamford homeowners, but Simon warns that there are still challenges ahead. ‘It’s going to become harder for the casual investor to buy, not only here but all around the country. There are changes in the tax laws for those landlords with mortgages meaning that those investors will no longer be eligible for any tax relief on mortgage interest in a couple of years. Possible changes to the lettings industry such as an HMO licencing changes, mandatory electrical checks and the impending tenant fee ban all shape the future for landlords.’

When I ask what Simon’s personal feelings are towards Stamford, he smiles again. ‘It’s pretty simple … nobody leaves Stamford and there’s a reason for that! I walk to work past the George every morning and I try to always take a moment to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings’.

It’s also an increasingly engaged market, particularly when it comes to buyers who often have to register an early interest in properties to buy. Potential buyers consume information incredibly quickly through platforms such as Rightmove and Zoopla’ (And let’s face it, who hasn’t had a sneaky peek online to see what the house around the corner looks like inside …)

One thing is absolutely clear – property in Stamford is property worth having. It’s an interesting, dynamic and upwardly mobile market with values that seem set to increase even further, and it’s clear that Simon loves the challenges that this brings. ‘We become a very important part of people’s lives for a period of time, and it’s great to see so many happy conclusions.’ And his top tip for the average Stamford property buyer?

‘See as many as you can physically … if you don’t walk through the door of a house you can’t appreciate what it has to offer. There might be a little gem waiting for you that you never expected!’ www.goodwinproperty.co.uk info@goodwinproperty.co.uk 01780 750 000

53

Christmas Parties 2018

‘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, £70.00 per person for 3 courses. (£90 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.

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 £245.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

Pan fried fillet of Seabass with a bouillabaisse jus Terrine of Carrot with star anise ice cream Wild Mushroom raviolo with grappa ***

Best fish catch of the day *** Poached fillet of Turbot with leek, potato and watercress Roast Guinea Fowl with artichoke and sweet corn Madeira jus Jacob’s Ladder, smoked potato, horseradish, red wine jus *** Tiramisu Almond soufflé with quince ice cream Terrine of Pear and Blackberry Caramel ice cream *** Coffee and 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

WE OFFER

A Warm Welcome I Selection of Real Ales Premium Lagers & Quality Wines I Seasonal & Varied Menu Roaring Log Fire I Large Garden I Parties & Functions Accommodation I Children & Dogs Welcome

LUNCH SPECIAL OFFER Wednesday to Friday Two Courses for £13.50 TAKE OUT TUESDAY Fish & Chips £8.95 per portion WICKED WEDNESDAY Two Steaks (Ribeye, Fish or Gammon) & two glasses of house wine £30 THIRSTY THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR £3 a pint or 175ml glass of house wine between 6pm and 7pm FAMILY FRIDAY Children’s meals half price whilst you enjoy a drink between 6pm and 7pm

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Tue: 6pm - 10.30pm Wed & Thur: 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 10.30pm Fri & Sat: 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm Sun: 12 noon - 6pm Mon: closed.

More information and our current menu on our website

www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk 54

QUIZ NIGHT 1st Thursday of the month £5 per team of four. Prize for the winning team. 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.

T: 01572 747365

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Executive Chef Dani and Centrals professional service and barista team ensure that nothing but the finest ingredients are sourced and always freshly prepared to the highest standards. We are also dairy and gluten free friendly.

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55

Wild spirit WORDS: DEBORAH PENNELL

I

AM a massive fan of sloe gin and make gallons of it each year, but there are so many delicious liqueurs to be created from the fruit found in our hedgerows. In my world, September is the month to start restocking the store cupboards for the winter ahead, and, I am afraid to say, alcohol plays a very important part in this plan. We are not talking a boring bottle of claret here – this is serious alcohol… home produced, using a basic spirit such as vodka, gin, whisky or brandy, which is converted into a delicious liqueur, to warm the cockles and see you through even the coldest winter days.

September is a month of plenty. In the hedgerows there is an abundance of fruit that is ripe and ready to be foraged, and, for me, my favourite quince tree is normally drooping under the weight of its enormous pear-shaped fruit.

The children heading back to school after a wonderfully long summer break is a catalyst. I have time on my hands to pick, preserve and restock our dwindling supplies of chutney and pickles, and, most importantly, to create some much-needed winter warmers. In September the hedgerows are stuffed with wild sloes, and, if you are lucky, you will find damsons, bullaces (wild plums) and crab apples too. All of these fruit are free to forage, and, when mixed with a basic spirit such as gin, vodka, whisky or brandy, create a fine tipple. Finished liqueurs can be mixed into cocktails with Prosecco or Champagne, drunk as a refreshing long drink topped up with tonic or soda, or for the hardcore (and I come into this category), just drunk neat, as a shot!

When picking foraged fruit, my advice would be to never take more than you need, and make sure you leave some fruit for the birds, as all these fruits are an important part of their winter diet.

Ask the expert: Tiffany Gwinnett

For help and advice on producing the best homemade liqueurs, I always head to my “Wild Spirit” guru, Tiffany Gwinnett. Tiffany, grew up helping her father to make sloe gin and elderberry wine, and also has a brother who professionally brews beer in Sweden, so she always seems to have the answer to my questions.

Continuing her father’s legacy, Tiffany makes sloe gin that is renowned and much enjoyed by friends, family and teachers lucky enough to have been given a bottle as a present. Tiffany says, “I began to make my own sloe gin years ago and more recently have experimented using other varieties of spirit and fruit. All the liqueurs I make create lovely presents for people, and we always take a bottle with us when we are out for dinner, as a house present. They also go down well at school as teachers’ presents.”

I asked Tiffany for a few tips: Where do you source your base spirits?

I have done some research into the base spirits in the past and I am not convinced a more expensive base spirit bears any reflection on the end product once the fruit and sugar have been added and it has steeped for several months. So, I tend to buy one of the cheaper spirits.

How long does it take to make a liqueur?

A minimum of two months, but preferably longer – certainly quince brandy needs at least four months steeping to fully develop the flavour. I would generally say, the longer left the better.

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

How many different liqueurs do you make?

I make about 15 types, from both home-grown and foraged fruit, but only a few bottles of each, although I always make masses of sloe gin.

Last year I had fun perfecting the recipe for a new addition to my repertoire: elderflower and blackberry gin.

What would be your favourite fruit?

It has to be the vermillion-coloured crab apples I scrump from a friend’s tree – the crab apple brandy I make from this fruit is a stunning colour, and the taste is sublime. My favourite tipple has to be crab apple brandy.

Where are you most likely to find the fruit you need?

I grow a lot of my own fruit – cherries, apples, blackcurrants, rhubarb and more – but in my free time I am always out in the countryside foraging and picking from the hedgerows.

Do you ever experiment with new combinations?

I find myself experimenting all the time. I add botanicals such as cinnamon, nutmeg and others to marry up flavours and impart a slightly original twist. I have never followed a recipe to the letter, but instead have adapted several recipes to create my own.

If you had any advice to offer about making wild spirits, what would it be?

I would encourage people to start by making sloe gin, as it is easy to make, and it does not matter if you add too much sugar. In most other recipes the balance of fruit to sugar is key. And do not rush the steeping process – the spirits need time to develop flavour, so a minimum of two months (preferably a lot longer) is necessary.

Sloeberry Spirits I also paid a visit to local business, Sloeberry Spirits, who produce a plentiful range of liqueurs and some of the most delicious sloe truffles. Their beautiful products make excellent gifts (lovely for Christmas).

Owner Andy Hoyle took over the running of Sloeberry Spirits in 2011 and has spent the last seven years adding new lines and expanding production.

After leaving education at 18 years old, Andy worked in the dairy industry for most of his career, with a short period of time doing data collection in property conveyancing, before acquiring Sloeberry Spirits.

Where are Sloeberry Spirits produced?

All our liqueurs are produced from a small unit at Northfield Farm, just north of Oakham. Here on the farm I gather sloes and wild damsons from the hedgerows.

F

RUITS to forage, which can all be added to a base spirit with sugar and botanicals to create wonderful winter warmers:

Sloes

Damsons

Was there a gap in the market for this type of product?

There has always been an interest from people in local and homemade. With Sloeberry Spirits you are buying an original product, which has its own identity, and this appeals to people.

What liqueurs does Sloeberry Spirits make?

Our range of products includes our popular sloe gin, as well as whisky and wild damson, vodka and blackberry, gin and damson, gin and raspberry, and vodka and elderflower, plus others, and some amazing sloe gin truffles.

Bullaces (wild plums)

Where do you source your ingredients?

I find some of the fruit in the hedgerows on the farm itself and other fruits I source locally.

Where are Sloeberry Spirits sold?

Several farm shops in the area stock our products, and we have a good website for online sales. We also attend Food & Drink Fairs around the region and can be found at the Christmas Markets in Oakham, Oundle and Stamford.

Crab apples

What is your most popular product?

By volume, the sloe gin wins hands down, but, for popularity, the gin and raspberry would take the top spot.

Can you suggest a great drink using a Sloeberry product?

Our vodka and strawberry added to cream soda is a great drink. It is sweet, and, for me, the flavour brings many childhood memories flooding back. Any of our products can be used to make delicious cocktails.

And, finally, a random statistic…

It will take Andy 48 dry days to pick all the sloes required to make a year’s worth of sloe gin.

Quinces

For more information about the great range of Sloeberry Spirit products, visit their website at sloeberryspirits.co.uk

Crab apple brandy Deliciously tart crab apples turn a very average bottle of brandy into a luxury tipple using this great recipe: • 500g crab apples • 70cl bottle of brandy • Juice of half a lemon • 50g sugar 1. Wash the crab apples, remove the stalks and cut them into half. Put them into a large bottle or jar with a well-fitting lid. Add the brandy, lemon juice and sugar. Swirl the ingredients around to dissolve the sugar and leave in a dark place for a month. Once a week give the brandy a gentle shake to help extract the flavour from the fruit. After a month, taste it to check for flavour and sweetness.

Blackberries Elderberries

2. The flavour of the crab apple brandy will vary from year to year, as the fruit flavour is swayed by so many natural factors. You can easily sweeten the liqueur by stirring in some extra caster sugar. Likewise, if there is not enough apple flavour, add some extra apples and leave for another week or two. When you are ready to bottle the brandy, remove the fruit and strain through a very fine mesh sieve or muslin. The crab apple brandy will improve with keeping.

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

57

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Compiled by Deborah Pennell

Food & Drink News

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Food Walk If you manage to attend the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, 30th August – 2nd September 2018, I would highly recommend a stroll down the Food Walk.

With a number of local businesses such as Dickinson & Morris, Fen Farm Venison, Two Birds Spirits, and The Brownie Company continuing to feature, you will be astounded at the wide variety of foods on offer.

Whether you need to find interesting foodie gifts for friends, top up your picnic hamper or take a special treat home for dinner, you are guaranteed to find something delicious to buy.

A stand certain to bring a buzz to the Food Walk, is specialist honey supplier Necta & Hive.

Premium honey brand Necta & Hive are delighted to be launching their collection of rare, 100% unpasteurised, active honeys this year at Burghley. These carefully selected fine honeys with active properties to delight your taste buds, improve your well-being, and soothe your soul, should be high on your shopping list. Necta & Hive’s rare unpasteurised honeys have preventative, restorative and healing properties, and can be used as a great alternative to sugar, being naturally sweet. Use in smoothies, marinades and dressings.

The numerical rating (Total Activity (TA) of active honey indicates the strength of the antimicrobial potency of the honey.

New Lodge Farm

As former National Finalists in the Countryside Alliance Rural Oscars, and Winners of the Carlsberg Farm Diversification Award 2016, Bulwick based New Lodge Farm, have plenty to shout about. Simon and Sarah Singlehurst work extremely hard, and like most farmers have diversified to create further revenue for the farm. They have long been known for providing excellent outside catering in the form of hog roasts, lamb roasts and their increasingly popular beef roast, and have more recently developed part of the farm into an eco friendly campsite, converting some of the old farm barns into onsite guest facilities, including high spec toilets and showers. Based adjacent to the thriving New Lodge Farm Shop, and Dome Café, the campsite has around 60 pitches and all are well serviced with essential supplies, a picnic area and a designated dog walking area.

The higher the TA rating, the more powerful the healing properties of the honey. Necta and Hive’s unpasteurised honey is cold pressed so it retains the enzymes and nutritional benefits, meaning every spoonful boosts your health and immunity.

10+ TA - medium antimicrobial activity; healing properties to maintain good health.

22+ TA - high antimicrobial activity; good healing properties 30+ TA - very high antimicrobial activity; superior healing properties Necta & Hive’s range includes an Australian Active Jarrah Honey 22+ TA; a delicious dark, syrupy honey with a caramel taste. It is not as sweet as other honeys due to its low glucose and high fructose levels.

The antimicrobial strength of Jarrah honey can help to inhibit bacterial growth and enhance healing.

Their Australian Active Red Gum Honey 10+ TA has a mild flavour with a smooth finish. A naturally powerful antioxidant, it is known for its anti-inflammatory health benefits.

And if you’re a purest, the Australian Active Red Gum Comb Honey 30+TA is a truly unique and healthy natural product, with the honeycomb harvested straight from the hives.

Find their eye-catching stand on the Food Walk, or contact Necta & Hive on www.nectahive.com

In the Farm Shop expect to find shelves groaning with local produce; honey, eggs, cheese, vegetables, alongside home reared, pedigree beef, lamb and locally produced pork.

Enticing cake displays make leaving empty handed incredibly difficult. And for those keen to stop for some sustenance The Dome Café comes highly recommended and offers Full English Breakfasts and Bistro style food.

A recent addition to their enterprise is the extremely popular Friday night supper. This is home dining in a casual atmosphere and their signature Steak on a Rock allows you the opportunity to sample their excellent Aberdeen Angus beef. Choose a steak and cook it to your preference on a Hot Rock, at your table. This is a great interactive eating experience, and you only have yourself to blame if your steak is not cooked to your liking!

Please note: Booking for Friday night supper is essential - telephone 01780 450493 The Farm Shop and The Dome Café are open on Saturdays from 8.30am – 4.30pm and Sundays from 9.00am – 4.30pm March to December.

The Campsite is open from March to October and is Adults only.

For camping, outside catering and all other enquiries visit the website at www.newlodgefarm.com

Beautiful Bottles Harrison & Dunn offer a wide range of glass bottles and ornate storage vessels in many sizes. Perfect for decanting homemade spirits and cordials.

Visit the Stamford Shop at 3 All Saints’ Street, PE9 2PA

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

59

FREE HOUSE

THE SUNDAY CARVERY

Choice of meats with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, unlimited vegetables & gravy.

Other dish choices also available from our carvery station.

One course £10 for adults/£5.95 children Two courses £13 I Three courses £16 Starter and dessert choices on the day.

Served between 12 noon & 4pm every Sunday. Book to secure your table.

• Food menu available Monday – Sunday from 12-9pm • Curry Banquet Night: Tuesday 6-9pm • Steak Night on Wednesday: Two steaks and bottle of wine £30 • Real Ales alternating each week • Bottomless Breakfast/Brunch with Prosecco served Fridays, Saturday & Sunday from 11am – 1pm

Ian and his team look forward to welcoming you 2 West Street, Kings Cliffe, Peterborough, PE8 6XA Tel 01780 470276 to book a table Like us for news and events

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There are few such beautiful settings as the one enjoyed by Barnsdale Hall Hotel, right up on Barnsdale Hill, with glorious views over Rutland Water and across to the Hambleton Peninsula. The view is not the only reason for celebration - this year the hotel is marking its 30th anniversary. We went to find out more about the hotel past, present and future…

Barnsdale Hall Hotel: 30 Years WORDS: CLARE PEEL

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

I

N 1890 an imposing hunting lodge was built for the 6th Earl Fitzwilliam on the south-facing slopes of the Vale of Catmose and the Gwash Valley to designs by Edward John May. (At the time, Rutland’s reputation as excellent hunting country was fiercely strong, due to hunts including the Belvoir, Cottesmore and Quorn.) The hall attracted some of the most glamorous aristocratic names of the day, such as Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Wallis Simpson.

In the post-war years, the hall fell into disrepair, passing through the hands of several owners.

During the 1970s, when the valley was flooded to create Rutland Water, the old hall had front-row seats, and its new waterfront location presumably played a not-insignificant role in attracting investment. Fast forward to 1986, when the hall, complete with grounds and stable block, was purchased by Derek Penman, whose family still own the hotel. Renovation of the main building ensued, including the laying out of roads and sewers. A number of Swiss-style lodges (now known as “retreats”) were erected, and in August 1988 the hotel opened. In 1989 a leisure centre/spa was added, with more apartment blocks and a conference suite built over the next decade.

The hotel today The complex is impressively extensive, spreading across the hillside, with superbly landscaped gardens and a network of sheltered paths meandering through it. The hotel’s offering is equally huge, ranging from rooms in the old hall and two additional hotel accommodation blocks (with 66 rooms) to stays in one of the retreats (there are now 49 of these, offered on a stay-per-night rental basis as well as on a longer-term timeshare ownership) to corporate breaks, which combine fantastically well with the wide range of activities such as cycling and WELL-BEING DAYS water sports available at Rutland Water. It’s an extremely popular venue for weddings, too, with two licensed rooms inside the hotel, a 18 September licensed venue in the grounds, taking full advantage of the gorgeous 10.30am Arrival 10.30–11.30am Welcome views, and lots of room to house guests. There’s an on-site spa and Presentation – Herbal teas, beauty salon – perfect for all wedding hair and make-up needs. Then teas and coffees (book in there are conferences, spa breaks, dining options and special events. beauty treatments for the The hotel’s leisure facilities include a pool, crazy golf, pitch and putt, following day) tennis, squash, fitness classes and a well-equipped gym. Many locals 11.30am–12.30pm Yoga – inside have membership of the leisure centre as part of a five-year retreat or outside, depending on the weather package. This enables you to enjoy one week per year in one of hotel’s 12.45–2pm Lunch retreats – or, as the hotel is part of the RCI group, at an equivalent 2–3.30pm Check in and RCI destination – in addition to year-round membership of the leisure free time centre. Lots of excellent options…

3.30–5pm Nutrition talk 5–6.30pm Free time 6.30–9.30pm Dinner at 6.30pm, talks on yoga, nutrition, health, fashion, etc, from 7.30/8pm

19 September 7.30am Early morning walk 8.30–9.30am Breakfast 9.45–10.15am Check out 10.30–11.30am Pilates 11.45am–1pm Pool, leisure time 1.30–2.30pm Lunch 2.30pm Beauty treatments 4.30pm End of session

Birthday celebrations So, 30 years on, the hotel is celebrating its big birthday with a number of special events, including Bread and Wine nights in conjunction with Hambleton Bakery, themed dining evenings, well-being days, a gin evening on 27 September and, at New Year, a glamorous 1920s’ ball – further details are given in the boxes (left and right). It only remains for us to wish Barnsdale Hall Hotel very many happy returns!

Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Near Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AB For more information on any of the anniversary events or to book dinner, a room or a retreat, tel 01572 757901 or visit the hotel’s website: barnsdalehotel.co.uk

DATES FOR THE DIARY Throughout August: Barnsdale Hall Hotel is running a competition throughout the month to win a seven-day self-catering holiday in any of the RCI exchange holiday destinations throughout the world. See the hotel’s website and social media for details.

18–19 September Well-being days with yoga, pilates, an overnight stay and healthy-eating dining options (see box opposite for fuller details) 27 September Gin Evening, hosted by Rutland Radio’s Lydia Meredith and with canapés and charcuterie 26–28 October Long Halloween Weekend 28 October Wedding Fair, 10.30am–3pm December Christmas festivities plus glamorous New Year’s Eve 1920s-themed ball

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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Grove Crescent, Stamford £649,995

This spacious detached family home is presented to a high standard and offers a superb level of versatile accommodation.

The breakfast kitchen is the hub of the house that comes with a generous central island, plenty of storage and patio doors to the back garden.

The ample accommodation comprises of: Entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, breakfast kitchen with large central island and patio doors to the rear garden, utility room, dining room and office To the first floor Master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite, four further bedrooms, a Jack & Jill en-suite and a family bathroom.

To the rear is a south facing patio and lawn garden, whilst to the side is off street parking for two cars and a double garage.

There is easy access to the town centre, A1 and local countryside.

Aunby, Nr Stamford £435,000

Set in a rural location with open country views, this extended stone family home offers spacious accommodation with larger than average rooms.

A sizable kitchen diner opens onto the south facing patio & lawn garden to the side of the property, whilst feature fireplaces can be found in both of the generous reception rooms.

The accommodation comprises of an entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen diner with pantry, snug, utility, landing, Master bedroom with en-suite, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

To one side of the property is a gated driveway that provides ample off street parking and leads to a double garage, whilst to the other side of the property is a well presented south facing patio and lawn garden.

Stamford can be found approximately five and half miles to the south, with Bourne eight miles to the north.

3 star lane, stamford, lincolnshire, pe9 1ph | 01780 754737 | www.sowdenwallis.co.uk | info@sowdenwallis.co.uk @sowdenwallis

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RDV I furniture

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RDV Furniture Ltd 5-7 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2RJ Office 0044 1733564723 I Mobile 0044 7999713654 www.rdvfurniture.com 64

Photo: Next

Select a showstopper Limit the number of accessories you have on display, and choose items which make an impact.

This bowl, £30 from John Lewis’s Croft Collection at the Queensgate Centre, Peterborough, works well.

Craft chic Artisan style jugs make great accessories for the modern country look. These come from a selection at Catesbys (www.catesbys.co.uk), based in Rutland. The Catesbys Autumn Brocante on September 8, 10am -5pm, showcases a selection of hand-picked dealers selling French style, old and new.

Neil and Jonothan’s on-site showroom will be open and you can savour the flavours of autumn with delicious refreshments. Yew Tree House, Exton Park. Free entry and parking.

Less is More Clear the clutter and create a calm home with pared-back style COMPILED BY: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

Light up Opt for lamps, rather than overhead lights, to create atmosphere. This charcoal grey spiral lamp and shade costs £99 from www.catesbys.co.uk

Rustic luxury

Industrial style accessories, like these metal work shelves add texture and interest. They cost £60 from Hilly Horton Home in Thrapston. www.hillyhorton.co.uk

Pick up a pitcher

Contemporary designs and shapes on ceramics bring character to your interior.

Group together for added impact. These cost from £6.50 and are from a selection at The Rounded House, Oundle, details as before.

Simple living

A patterned throw in wool or cotton and some new cushions add layers to a room.

This throw, £19.50, is from a selection at The Rounded House, Oundle (www. theroundedhouse.com)

3 of the best Annie Sloan chalk paints Choose serene Paris Grey, Original, or Paloma, a flushed pink for a soft backdrop.

Asha’s of Oundle stocks a full range of Annie Sloan paints.

Paris Grey

Add botanicals Collect some easy care succulents to bring your room to life. The structural shapes and patterns complement uncluttered spaces.

Similar plants are available at The Barn Garden Centre, Oundle, Bosworth’s Garden Centre at Elton and Foxtail Lilly, Oundle.

Original

Paloma

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Ask Leo

Sam Marshall: Artist, Teacher and Printmaker Jean Orpin and Sue Lee have both purchased Sam Marshall’s work and enjoyed talking to her at her studio in Laxton.

Influences

Sam grew up near Spalding where her father was a farmer. She is an only child and like most teenagers, resented being stranded ‘in the middle of nowhere’ however she is now quick to acknowledge her debt to her rural surrounding. Nature and the landscape provide her inspiration as you can see from the pictures on this page.

She is also indebted to her art tutors at Boston High School. She says she owes everything to their belief in her abilities and their encouragement to pursue her studies in London. Their supportive teaching methods were also influential when Sam herself became a teacher.

Early Career

Sam was fortunate to study at three of the country’s leading art colleges.

She first gained a place for a Foundation Course at Central St Martin’s then went onto the Slade School of Fine Art for her degree. At this stage she concentrated on performance arts and her career began in the media assisting in the making of short films.

Becoming somewhat disillusioned with the emphasis on moneymaking, Sam took a pay cut and followed another interest enjoying a career as a nutritionist. This gave her the time and impetus to start drawing again. She then returned to art school and gained an MA Level diploma in drawing at the Royal Drawing School.

Teaching

The Royal Drawing School encourages alumni students to share their skills by running after-school clubs and here Sam discovered her love of teaching. She went on to gain a Post Graduate Certificate in Education enabling her to become a professional teacher in several art schools while she continued developing her own artistic career. She is now back at the Royal Drawing School as a member of the Faculty. She admires the work of the school and gets great satisfaction from the appreciation she receives from her students.

Laxton

But Sam has another life too - for the last 3 years she has had her own printmaking studio just a few miles down the A43 from Stamford. She spent 20 years based in London, enjoyed her life and had a varied career but it was never quite ‘home’. She missed the plants, animals and particularly the landscape of the countryside.

She has settled in an idyllic spot on the edge of Laxton with fields beyond her gate and a beautiful garden she has created inside it. This is shared by Miss Marple, a dachshund who is confident of her place always at the heart of things!

Sam constantly tells you how lucky she has been. Her teaching means that she is not dependent on her art, so she can keep her work affordable while she is free to pursue her own directions.

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Creating a Print

Sam draws constantly, wherever she goes, and these drawings are her starting points.

Each composition contains a story - the slugs and snails in her garden; a deer, a fox or a badger that has crossed her path; a building that might be a hut, a historic ruin, a cottage or a studio. For Christmas 2017, she gave up alcohol for a month so her most recent print (one of a series of 4) includes the wine bottle and glasses on her mind at the time. Once you are familiar with Sam’s work you will quickly recognise the little creature with pointed ears that is Sam herself.

The process of selecting the drawings, putting them together, creating a lino-cut, deciding on the colours which will add not detract from the picture takes patience.

There are many, many discarded attempts before she is satisfied and prints the final run.

Workshops

Since 2016, Sam has held workshops for just 3 or 4 people at a time at her studio in Laxton. The basic course introduces tools and processes in the morning then students carve and print their own design in the afternoon. More advanced workshops offer Reduction Lino-cutting and Drypoint. A ‘kit-list’ is included with an opportunity to purchase equipment necessary to carry on at home. Her students have been keen to share their experiences.

cutting and using different colours to produce another set of lovely prints by the end of the day!

The venue was wonderful: Sam’s own studio in her lovely cottage garden set in a pretty rural village. Sam was most welcoming, and her little dog Miss Marple was charming and kept an eye on the students and their work throughout the day too! The atmosphere was relaxed and informal and much tea, coffee and homemade cakes were supplied by Sam throughout the day!

Mark was attracted by Sam’s print of a badger and signed up for an introduction to lino cutting.

“Sam’s studio is a bright and airy cabin full of inspiration and Sam’s finely detailed work decorates the walls. Shelves are filled with books and a selection of cutting tools and inks surround the working area. During the day Sam taught the four of us through the basics all the way to creating a set of final prints. All this was carried out under the watchful eye of Miss Marple the dachshund. We completely lost ourselves cutting lines into the lino, inking up our designs and making prints on various papers, wonderfully isolated from the usual interruptions of daily life. Learning new skills and making new friends made it a very enjoyable day.

Six months later I was back for more home-made cake and the reduction lino cut day. …. One thing is for sure, time passes unnoticed. Leaving a print for Sam’s album I came away with plenty enough to make into Christmas cards and two were framed as a lasting memento, one of which now hangs opposite the badger print.”

Anne has also attended two workshops. She had begun making linocuts but felt she needed, “a better insight into the tools and techniques involved”. She was pleased with Sam’s instructions explaining what the day would include and her guidance in preparing ideas for the day.

“On the day, Sam was excellent … and assisted all participants from their initial ideas and helped them achieve several prints to take home. The workshop size was just right to give everyone individual attention and help and Sam passed on her knowledge of techniques as well as information on tools, suppliers, inks and different paper types throughout the day.

We used different types of presses and papers to see the difference these made. I was really happy to take home a series of prints all completed within the day and felt I had gained new insights and skills to improve my work in the future.

The second course built upon the first and explored the techniques of reduction Lino

AUTUMN WORKSHOPS Introduction to Linocut Saturday 15th Sept Sunday 30th Sept Sunday 21st October Saturday 24th November Reduction Linocut Sunday 11th November

Details: 10am-4pm; £50 all materials included Tea and cake provided throughout the day - please bring your own lunch.

Contact: sammarshallart@gmail.com

Ask Leo would like to hear from you. Email them at askleo@btinternet.com STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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RURAL

RAMBLES

Oundle & Cotterstock Riverside Walk The Nene is an exquisite river, teeming with wildlife and beauty throughout this stretch. Throw in the historic town of Oundle and the delightful village of Cotterstock and you have a walk pretty close to perfection.

THE ROUTE

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From the east end of Market Place, walk down St Osyth’s Lane past the Co-op (toilets) until it curves right, then go straight on into Bassett Ford Road. Where this bends left into Riverside Close go ahead to the gate at the end. There are two riverside walks indicated - make sure to go half left across the field and follow the bank downstream (not over the footbridge ahead).

For the next two miles or so the route follows the bank of the Nene as it completes a giant loop. Go underneath the A605 and out by open meadows.

Eventually, beyond a weir, you reach a long, high footbridge where you could cross the river for a visit to the picturesque village of Ashton, a round trip of ¾ mile. Otherwise continue straight ahead and back under the bypass to reach the old bridge.

Cross over the road and turn right. On the far side of the river turn left at the Riverside Walk sign, past the boat sheds, and strike out along the flat eastern bank of the Nene via two weirs.

Cross the river via the ‘guillotine’ lock and continue to the lane at the far end by a converted corn mill. Turn left and walk through the pretty village of Cotterstock, and after 500 yards or so turn left before a red telephone box onto a narrow path between a fence and hedge.

This heads out along the left-hand side of an open field (great views), then beside a narrow plantation with the river on the far side.

Continue past a small sewage works and directly down through two more fields before reaching a playing field.

Half-way along the pitch turn left onto a boardwalk out to the Nene - this is a permissive route through Snipe Meadow nature reserve. Turn right and walk along the river bank until just before the bridge, then head right. Go through a field beside the buildings to reach New Road.

Turn left and walk to the end, then right into Station Road/North Street to return to the town centre.

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KEY DATA

Distance: 10kms (6.25 miles) Typical time: 21⁄2 hours OS map: Landranger 141, 142 Start & finish: Market Place, Oundle (PE8 4BQ) Terrain: small gradients, muddy at times Stiles: 6

PIT STOPS

Oundle Market in the Market Place, every Thursday – great local foods Brewbabu, charming eclectic café - 6 West St, Oundle, PE8 4EF (01832 273909) Tap and Kitchen at Oundle Wharf, if you want something more substantial.

Tables overlooking the river - Station Rd, Oundle, PE8 4DE (01832 275069, tapandkitchen.com) Hambleton Bakery, also on the wharf, is another great place to stock up on picnic goodies - 7 Station Rd, Oundle, PE8 4DE (01832 358529). Open every day except Sunday.

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Cotterstock Green

POINTS OF INTEREST

Ashton was re-built in 1900 by the Rothschild family for estate workers. The village was the birthplace of Dame Miriam Rothschild, a noted natural scientist and author. Many of the cottages in the village date from this period and were designed by William Huckvale. Pevsner refers to Ashton as a model village. The cottages are Tudor style and thatched. Almost all of the buildings the village are Grade II or II* listed.

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© Crown copyright 2018 Ordnance Survey. Media 020/18

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Cotterstock was recorded in the Domesday Book as Codestoche, the name probably deriving from Old English “corther-stoc” (dairy farm). In the summer of 1736 a Romano-British villa was discovered when tesserae from a large mosaic pavement were uncovered during ploughing. The villa was subsequently located a second time by aerial photography during the extremely dry summer of 1976 when parch marks of buried walls were recorded spread across three fields.

The Church of St Andrew is located to the east of the village, adjacent to the River Nene; it dates from the late 12th century. The main period of construction was in the 13th and 14th centuries and the building was restored and extended in 1876.

Cotterstock Hall was built in 1658 with alterations in the early 18th century and a main staircase added in the 19th century. The poet and playwright John Dryden (above) was a frequent visitor and is thought to have stayed in the south-west attic room at the Hall.

The Church of St Andrew

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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The place where play was invented Wicksteed Park, Kettering, is opening the world’s first heritage playground with National Lottery funding. Dave Phillips finds out more about the fascinating history of a local landmark

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F you thought Disneyland was the world’s first theme park, think again. That famous attraction didn’t open until 1955. Donald Duck hadn’t even hatched when Wicksteed Park opened its gates in 1921 – and those gates have been open for generations of delighted children ever since.

Now, with the help of National Lottery funding, Wicksteed Park is bringing back the oldfashioned swings, roundabouts and slides and opening the world’s first heritage playground.

And that would have brought a playful smile to the face of its founder, Charles Wicksteed.

There used to be a time when children were supposed to be seen and not heard, but that probably didn’t apply to the family Charles Wicksteed was born into. He was one of 21 children and you can be sure that this was one Victorian family that had a lot of fun.

Charles grew up to become a talented engineer, who invented, among other things, the world’s first automatic gearbox. He owned a successful manufacturing company in Kettering, but he never forgot his joyful childhood, and, when the First World War ended, he celebrated by building and selling the world’s first swings and slides for children.

A hundred years ago, there were plenty of public parks, but most were formal areas, where children were warned to keep off the grass. The creation of new playgrounds built specifically for children were an instant success, and Charles set up a new factory, Wicksteed Playscapes, to manufacture more exciting new rides. Better still, he bought 147 acres of meadowland on the outskirts of town and he transformed them into a huge play space, which he bequeathed to children everywhere.

Changing tastes

Of course, play equipment has changed a lot in the last century, and many of the rides that Charles Wicksteed invented and installed in the park have disappeared. But now, the park that calls itself “The place where play was invented” has launched a global search to find the iconic top ten attractions that graced the first playgrounds.

The top ten has been drawn up by the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, which was formed to ensure Charles’s work and his park continued long after his death. They are keen for people with any heritage items of Wicksteed play equipment to get in touch. The restored pieces of play equipment will take pride of place in the world’s first Heritage 74

STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Play Area, being created at the park and featuring original Wicksteed play equipment.

The Heritage Play Area already has a replica of the park’s first wooden slide and an old playground rocking horse, which was restored to its former glory after being rescued from a ditch near Margate, where it had been abandoned and left to rust.

The top ten favourites are: 1) Wooden slide 2) Swing 3) See-saw 4) All metal slide 5) Giant stride 6) Merry-go-round 7) Metal rocking horse/boat 8) Ocean wave/Witches Hat 9) Gymnasium (with trapeze rings) 10) Plank swing/Jazz/See-saw swing

A new era

Oliver Wicksteed, great-grandson of Charles Wicksteed and chairman of the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, says: “All the exciting work we have planned for the park builds on the extraordinary legacy of Charles Wicksteed. The play equipment that he devised and created has been enjoyed by children across the world for generations - not only the slides and swings but things like the gymnasium, the merry-go-round and the ocean wave are fondly remembered by many and were the predecessors of the modern playground equipment we know today.

“Whenever you talk to people they all have fond memories of playing in playgrounds when they were younger, and the chances are the things they were playing on were made by Wicksteed.

The appeal is for any old play equipment from 40, 50 or 60 years ago or even older.

“We are going to bring them home to the park and allow families and children in particular to enjoy them once more and learn about the history of play, in what will be the only heritage playground of its kind in the world.

“Our aim is to rediscover these attractions and interpret them in a way that is exciting and challenging for children, but is also safe and educates people about the origins of modern playgrounds.”

“Of course safety is paramount, but Charles would have fought tooth and nail against any regulations that he perceived to be unnecessary and too restrictive because he wanted children to enjoy themselves.

“Old photographs of the original equipment are full of people doing things that they may not be allowed to do today, but risk is a part of life, and they were all having great fun.

“We have to be careful that modern play doesn’t become too sanitised because of the modern claims culture and over-protective parents preventing their children doing anything stimulating or exciting.”

The @Play project will showcase the park’s heritage, and enhance the enjoyment of play in line with the original vision of its founder.

The restorations are being funded by a grant of £1.89 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the majority of the remaining investment coming from the Wicksteed Charitable Trust itself, supported by smaller donations from Northamptonshire County Council and Kettering Borough Council. The park will now reach its full potential as a heritage and learning resource for the local community and the large number of visitors who use the park, and it is hoped that it will now be restored to its former glory.

Among the other exciting changes at the park, a new Activity Plan programme will build on the park’s current educational and community work; incorporating new staff posts, training, an expanded volunteer programme, enhanced archive project and further engagement of the community.

There will also be an annual Festival of Play for the local community. Volunteers will serve as Park Ambassadors to provide information on the park and its history, which will be told using traditional and digital methods of interpretation.

Charles Wicksteed

Nicky and Matthew Lyttelton and their dog

ABOUT WICKSTEED PARK

• Wicksteed Park is located two miles from the A14 (Junction 10) at Kettering.

• Open all year round, the children’s playground is the largest free facility of its kind in Europe.

• Entrance to the park and the playground is free, but you do have to pay for parking and rides such as the Rocky River Falls, Ladybird Coaster, Carousel and Paratrooper, as well as other attractions including the ever-popular Meerkats Burrows.

• There is also a retail area with a good range of restaurants and food outlets, including the legendary Wicksteed Ice Cream, which is made from goats’ milk.

• Of historical interest is the Water Chute, which was built in 1926. Having undergone major renovation in 2002, it is the oldest working ride in the UK. The Park has a narrow gauge railway, which runs around the lake.

• There are hills to roll down, a lake to paddle in and trees to climb. It is a great place for children to explore – which is just what its founder intended!

• wicksteedpark.org STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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BRING YOUR PARTY

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News & Notes Helping you make the most of Stamford living

Stamford Dog Show and Family Fun Day

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HE 13th Stamford Dog Show and Family Fun Day is on Sunday 9th September on Stamford Meadows and is one of the biggest family events in Stamford and organised by Stamford Methodist Church, Stamford Veterinary Centre and Pets Korner.

There are Pedigree and Novelty Classes. The Agility Ring is very popular and a lot of fun - have a go yourself. You can talk with a dog behavioural specialist. This year the Military Dogs Regiment from North Luffenham will also attend.

There are many different stalls selling goodies for dogs and their owners. The Reptile Tent houses many unusual creatures with experts on hand and, if you are brave enough, you may be able to handle some. Come and see the delightful alpacas. Children can enjoy the fairground rides and there’s always plenty of choice of food for lunch or afternoon tea.

Every penny the show raises will go towards: Nixon Memorial Hospital (Sierra Leone) lost nurses and members of their community to both civil war and then Ebola. The conditions are very basic, and donations help the hospital become fully functioning again.

New College Sensory Garden. This will help those students with special educational needs. Funds are being sought from local organisations to help with this project It will support students needing help in building confidence and independent living skills while working towards employment, supported internships and chosen vocational routes.

A Youth Outreach programme working with young people across Stamford in our schools and New College. A new and exciting project is the establishment of ‘The Shack’ in the Recreation Ground for youngsters aged between 11 and 16yrs. This provides them with a safe place to play with games and food on a pay as you feel basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3pm - 6pm.

Mutts Nutts Rescue is a small Stamford based charity, dedicated to helping the elderly and the terminally ill with their pets when they can no longer manage. Their services include dog walking and trips to the vet that enable elderly or seriously ill owners and their pets to stay together.

The day starts at 10.30 with an open-air church service and dog registration opens at 11.00 Come and enjoy Stamford Dog Show for the day. You don’t even need to bring a dog!

Rutland Cookery School

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UN by chef Robin Stewart, whose impressive CV features the kitchens of The Dorchester, The Connaught and JeanGeorges Vongerichten’s Vong, Rutland Cookery School is located in purpose-built kitchens within the Oakham Enterprise Park, a short drive outside of Rutland’s county town.

Opened in January 2017, it offers courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced cooks on an array of enticing subjects – these are generally either skills-based or cuisinefocused. There’s bread making, finger food, fish, knife skills, macarons and patisserie plus courses on a wide range of global cuisines (French Classics, Indian Street Food, A Taste of Italy, Middle Eastern, Spanish Tapas, to name but a few). Robin also runs Adult and Child Cookery Workshops and Tuesday Supper Club nights plus seasonal courses such as “Stress-Free Christmas Dinner (6 December 2018, 10am–4pm). Four-hour half-day courses (10am–2pm) are £66, while full-day courses (10am–4pm) are £99; this includes all ingredients, equipment, a recipe booklet to take home and, of course, tuition.

There’s a maximum of nine people on each course, and, on the day Local Living attended (on the excellent “Taste of Thailand” fullday workshop), three out of the nine had

done at least one of Robin’s courses before – something that speaks volumes in terms of how highly attendees rate the School.

You follow Robin’s demonstration (his calm, intelligent delivery is a delight to experience and very unintimidating), learning practical skills and picking up insider tips. On the full-day course Local Living attended, a highlight was tucking in to our culinary creations at lunch.

There was some to take home too – if you can resist devouring it all on the spot, that is. Local Living couldn’t recommend it highly enough, whether for yourself, with friends or perhaps

a partner, or as a gift (several members of our Thai cookery group had been gifted their day). Team-building workshops for groups of colleagues are also offered. A fantastic experience offering excellent overall value for money. We are most fortunate to have Robin and the School in Rutland.

Rutland Cookery School is at 16c (Gate 2), Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, Oakham LE15 7TU. For more details on courses, dates, prices and the School, call 07391 679208 or visit the informative website, rutlandcookeryschool.co.uk

➧ STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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News & Notes Evergreen’s Florence Care service

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VERGREEN’S long-awaited personal care service is to be launched this month providing care and support for existing Evergreen members needing a little more intervention, enabling them to live at home in confidence. Florence Care named after one of the founder, Louise Marsh’s heroes, Florence Nightingale; revisits the timeless values in good old-fashioned care in the home yet, aspiring to up-to date excellence in care provision.

Florence Carers undergo special training in addition to their Health & Social Care Level 3 qualification and are supported in providing a quality personal care service between the hours of 7am-10pm, 7 days a week.

The service launched in Stamford is intended to move into Bourne and the Deepings in the future.

Evergreen members have long been asking for this Personal Care provision further to the Trust’s ‘free to user’ volunteer led services including Advocacy, Befriending, Chaplaincy & Listening, Hand & Nail care, Friendship Lunch club and Hospital to Home service. Other paid for services include Home Support providing domestic, laundry, shopping and Pop In visits Monday to Friday. The Wellbeing Warden 7-day service is perfect for those wanting to revisit or explore their personal wellbeing goals and may need assistance with their medications, meals and fluid intake.

Florence Care offers an exciting new model of care delivery focusing on the individual service user’s needs and what really matters to them, this will be at the heart of Florence Care practice. Small teams of Florence Carers will deliver the service around agreed Care & Support plans, working with members, their families and carers. In tandem with this, Florence Carers will be developing their own skills, resilience, competence and professional confidence in this vitally important area of local Health and Social Care provision. In Britain today, 60% of the Care workforce operates in the community in people’s homes. A disturbingly high percentage of these carers are deemed inadequately trained and monitored, leaving care workers feeling undervalued, unsupported, overworked, poorly paid with a ‘rock bottom’ sense of professional esteem.

Evergreen has committed to building a care workforce that knows

their work and care is hugely important, are trained, equipped and supported well. The Trust is a National Living Wage Employer offering competitive rates, expenses and paid regular training. A sound work/ life balance is promoted through fair rostering, ‘On Call’ and alternate weekend working. Evergreen Care staff are encouraged to be the best they can be whether Home Support workers, Wellbeing Wardens or Florence Carers. Evergreen partners with New College Stamford Health & Social Care to ensure that staff at all levels can access health and social care training and qualifications as well as gaining knowledge in specialist subjects like Mental Health, End of Life Care and Dementia.

The Charity offers a wide and comprehensive range of support and care, little interventions aimed at keeping people happy, safe and independent in their own homes.

For more information on any of Evergreen’s services, free or paid for, or employment opportunities please contact the office on 01780 765 900.

Easton on the Hill Labyrinth and Peace Garden

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NEW and innovative village amenity was opened in Easton on the Hill over the summer; a Labyrinth and Peace Garden in the newly extended churchyard of All Saints’ Church.

The result of 4 years of planning and fundraising and 11 weeks of construction, this installation is intended to be a place of contemplation and reflection for everyone in the area, and will hopefully become a destination for villagers and visitors alike.

“The Labyrinth and Peace Garden came about because the churchyard needed extending and after all the effort and expense of achieving that, we felt that the space could be better enclosed and could also provide a useful amenity for the village. We know from our village survey that some older villagers, and the bereaved in particular, can feel a sense of isolation and loneliness, and we hope that by providing a peaceful, attractive seating area in the churchyard as well as a labyrinth for contemplation, we will make the churchyard more welcoming, and Easton on the Hill an even better place to live,” said Friends of the Church Chairman Robert Woodfield.

The extended churchyard area has now been enclosed by a superb new stone wall, constructed by local craftsman Butch Baker, and the Labyrinth and Peace Garden was constructed by Collyweston based firm Messenger BCR Ltd and designed by Ken Rawson, a garden designer who also lives in the village.

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Photo: Michael Moralee

The Peace Garden has at its centre a new sculpture by local artist Michael Moralee, kindly sponsored by the family of the late Sandra Watson, a muchmissed villager. This contemporary piece is called “Honouring Life” and provides a focal point for visitors to enjoy and appreciate.

Easton on the Hill is situated on the Jurassic Way, a popular long-distance path, as well as being a favourite destination for a local walk, and plans are being made to include the Labyrinth and Peace Garden on walkers’ guides and maps. Large and informative interpretation boards have been placed at the entrances to the churchyard to tell visitors more about the historic Grade 1 listed church, the conservation area in the churchyard, and the Peace Garden and Labyrinth.

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News & Notes New site for Healthy Hearing

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PPROXIMATELY 1 in every 7 people in the UK have a hearing loss (which equates to 19% of the UK’s population) and this increases to threequarters of the population of those aged over 70. In order to help address this growing statistic, Stamford-based, Healthy Hearing, a privately owned, independent hearing specialist has moved premises to a more prominent town centre location in Red Lion Square.

After being located in Stamford for almost 20 years, Healthy Hearing moved from Cliff Road into their smart new town-centre site in July. BBC Radio 2 Broadcaster and Healthy Hearing Ambassador, Johnnie Walker MBE, officially opened the venue.

The new site was chosen to offer locals easier access to help with their hearing requirements. The town centre location allows members of the public to pop in, without an appointment, and discuss any hearing needs they, or a loved one, may have.

Office Manager, Caroline James says: “We offer many services here and all our reception staff are highly trained to help with general hearing aid problems or hearing issues people might have. In addition, members of the public can drop in to take a ten-minute iPad hearing test which gives an initial assessment showing whether or not their hearing requires further testing.”

In addition to home visits, Healthy Hearing offers other services which include: comprehensive hearing tests, syringing, micro suction and fitting of noise protection moulds.

Healthy Hearing Managing Director, Mike Stanley, explains their ethos: “Our promise to our clients is our lifelong commitment to giving the best value through fantastic products and great prices supported by great service.”

If you require more information about Healthy Hearing visit: www.healthyhearing.co.uk, 01780 759133, info@healthyhearing.co.uk.

UPP Property sell lettings division to focus on property sales Are you experiencing problems conceiving or know someone who is?

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OCAL Fertility Nurse Consultant and Coach Kate Davies, along with Caroline from The Kitsch Hen and Samantha, the owner of Equilibrium Stamford, are hosting Stamford’s first Fertili-Tea charity event to raise awareness and support for Fertility Network UK. Come along to 21 St Mary’s, Stamford, PE9 2DG on Wednesday 26th September 7-9pm and join them for a cup of gorgeous fertility tea, delicious biscuits and a minitreatment. Kate will also be on hand to offer advice and support on your fertility journey.

Currently, there are no support groups for women and couples going through infertility in our area. Kate, Caroline and Samantha want to change this. The FertiliTea will be the launch of a much-needed regular Fertility Support Group.

You don’t need to be going through infertility yourself, to attend the event. Most people will know someone who has struggled with conceiving or whose lives have been touched by a fertility struggle. Come along and meet them, enjoy a cuppa and help end the silence of infertility and raise awareness of Fertility Network UK.

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AVID Crooke, owner of Stamford and Rutland based estate agents UPP Property, has sold the lettings division of the business to Leaders Romans Group, one of the UK’s (and Stamford’s) leading lettings and property management specialists.

Moving forward, David and his wife Lottie will continue to be proud local business owners but will now focus all of their attention in the development and growth of their sales offering to their clients.

David Crooke said: ‘It’s a very exciting and positive time for us. The Stamford and Rutland property market continues to expand as a result of our micro-property markets, local area regeneration, government ‘help to buy’ incentives, superb local education authority schools and a wealth of outstanding private day and boarding school alternatives that all contribute to energising property sales and boosting relocation figures. However, we sincerely believe that a buoyant property market shouldn’t make for marketing complacency.

In fact, with a strong market comes the need to offer homeowners more creative marketing solutions as they plan to sell their home or investments. My team and I know there is a better way to sell property and we want to offer our clients something different to what’s currently available, such as advising our clients on how to make their house stand out from its competition and suggesting practical ways to help them maximise on their home’s value.”

As UPP continue to strive forward, David and Lottie are well supported by a strong sales team with shared values, with Janet Cottis - sales manager, Lorna Bright - sales negotiator and welcome a newcomer to the team with local Rutland resident Ben Schofield as sales valuer.

We look forward in continuing to see their distinctive bright pink branding and fresh creativity. Indeed, with their passion for the local area along with their innovative marketing ideas, UPP Property should perhaps be considered as property marketing consultants rather than traditional estate agents. Moving on and moving UPP! STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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News & Notes PHOTO: ELLI DEAN

New Developments in 3D Orthodontics at the Priestgate Clinic

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NTIL recently, x-ray imaging of the teeth and jaws has been limited to two-dimensional images. However, just as the earth isn’t flat, no-one has a flat face – we’re all threedimensional (3D) objects! Fortunately, the newly opened Priestgate Clinic, a specialist dental centre in the historic heart of Peterborough, is able to offer truly amazing ultra-modern 3D imaging. This greatly aids accurate spatial diagnosis of complex orthodontic problems such as buried teeth, jaw size mismatches, facial asymmetry and narrow pharyngeal (neck) airway sizes (important in snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea diagnosis).

Consultant orthodontist, Richard Cousley explains further that the state-of-theart imaging machine now available in Peterborough, known as cone-beam computer tomography, is one of the few in the UK to take a range of images from close-ups of individual teeth through to full-face views.

The 3D x-rays are complemented by a 3D intra-oral scanner. This takes thousands of tiny photographs inside the mouth and stitches them into a virtual 3D model, without the need for mouthfuls of dental impression material. The associated software then enables sophisticated treatment planning, including the virtual movement of teeth and jaws in 3D to produce orthodontic aligners (braces) through to 3D jaw surgery guides.

For more information on the specialist orthodontics at the Priestgate Clinic, or to book a private consultation, contact the team on 01733 865000 or visit their website - www.priestgateclinic.co.uk.

Fotheringhay Furnishings ‘Open Weekend’ 10am-4pm on 20th & 21st October Fotheringhay Village Hall, PE8 5HZ

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OTHERINGHAY Furnishings writes: “We open by appointment only throughout the year at our workshop in Tansor, but twice a year we hold our ‘open weekend’ in Fotheringhay Village Hall. The idea of these days is to showcase and sell our antique and bespoke rejuvenated furniture, but we also provide advice on restoring your beloved and sentimental old pieces of furniture too. Old pieces of furniture have such lovely stories and memories to them. When restoring them, we don’t wipe out its history, we give it a new lease of life, but acknowledge it’s past at the same time for you to enjoy once again.”

Fotheringhay Furnishings is based on a working farm, so if you are unable to attend our ‘Open Weekend’ in Fotheringhay then do make an appointment if you wish to visit our workshop. Call Darren on 07947 577825, or email darren@fotheringhayfurnishings.co.uk. For more details and images of some of Darren’s recent work, see www.fotheringhayfurnishings.co.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook under Fotheringhay Furnishings

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Step into Smarthaus

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MARTHAUS of Kettering have been creating stunning contemporary German kitchens for over 20 years. Housed in the Old Print Works, a gorgeous example of Victorian architecture set over 3 floors and lovingly brought back to life in the 1990s after being left derelict, the building still features original windows and equipment from its days as a boot and shoe factory at the turn of the century.

The Smarthaus name has become synonymous with beautiful style and outstanding service. “We just love surpassing our customer’s expectations with great design. Chatting about textures and finishes, creating mood boards together and reviewing layouts over a coffee, it’s such an exciting time and it’s so great to be part of it time and again,” explains Dan Greasley, Senior Designer. “Our role is to take our customers on the journey to creating a kitchen that is truly at the heart of their home”.

“Whatever the budget or the space we welcome clients to pop in and see us. Technical knowledge, attention to detail and an eye for layout are key to delivering great projects and we have the experience having designed hundreds of kitchens for delighted customers, each one uniquely built to individual requirements” It’s this level of personal service and passion that has seen the business go from strength to strength. From local Kettering customers to clients across Northamptonshire and the surrounding villages as well as surrounding counties and into London, the Smarthaus business has been built on recommendation and word of mouth.

That includes the growing interest in Smarthaus Bathrooms leading to the official launch this month of a brand new 2nd floor showroom featuring brands such as Villeroy & Boch, Matki as well as local company Cifial.

And with plans to introduce a full range of simply stunning Italian large format tiles it’s definitely time to step into Smarthaus for your next project.

“Ultimately, we just want to help homeowners create a kitchen or bathroom that they simply love for years to come. That’s what we are good at”.

So, if you are passing by or making a special trip, pop in, the team can’t wait to see you!

For more information visit www.smarthaus.co.uk 01536 514800

ESSENTIAL LIVING 2018-19

OUT NOW

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

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

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

Smile with confidence Local dentist Catherine Cousley and Richard Cousley (Consultant Orthodontist) are delighted to announce the opening of The Priestgate Clinic in the centre of Peterborough.

Patient-focused general & specialist dentistry Friendly and relaxed environment State of the art 3D imaging facilities

Or read it online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

Accepting Denplan and private patients

It includes sections on: Shopping Discoveries Fashion, Health & Beauty Home & Garden Food & Drink Eating Out Out & About Kids’ Learning

Second opinions seen, with and without a dentist referral

If you would like to book an appointment, please call

01733 865000

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Out & About

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

Thursday 30 August to Sunday 2 September Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is the premier equestrian and social event in the international sporting calendar and a focus for the best horses and riders in the world as well as the popular shopping village of more than 600 exhibitors.

Burghley Park, Stamford For tickets and all information visit burghley-horse.co.uk Sunday 2 September, 11am to 3pm Theatre School Open Day Does your child love performing? Wildcats Theatre School is offering a free, open event for parents and prospective students to find out more about what the school offers. Meet the team, take part in workshops and find out about the exciting Wildcats projects in preparation for next season.

Wildcats Theatre School, Castle Hill, Stamford Find out more at wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk or c all 01780 762000.

considered one of his finest.

Stamford Theatre Tickets are £6.50/£6 from the box office on 01780 763203 or stamfordartscentre.com Thursday 6, Friday 7, Thursday 13 and Friday 14 September Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days 2018 The Stamford Mercury Archive Trust will be participating by opening the archive on selected days between 10am and 12 noon and 2pm and 4pm.

There will be tours of the archive on each open day.

Each tour lasts one hour (beginning 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm) and will consist of a presentation on the

history of the archive and the opportunity to view some of the newspapers which contain significant events throughout its 300 year life. There is no charge for the tour but they are limited to seven people per tour.

Booking at 07459 567643 Thursday 6 September, 7pm for 7.30pm Historical Talk Dr Maggie McKay is giving a talk to the Stamford & District Local History Society entitled ‘Rev Arthur Galton - One time Vicar of Edenham’.

Methodist Church Rooms at Barn Hill Entry for members is £3 and non members £5

Thursday 30 August to Wednesday 26 September, 10am to 4pm Mixed Media Exhibition Popular Rutland based artist Vilma Nyss will be exhibiting her latest work, together with that of Josette Carroll. Both are known for using a variety of media in their work to express their distinctive styles.

One of the artists will be in the Gallery throughout the exhibition. Most work is for sale.

Stamford Arts Centre Admission free Tuesday 4 September, 12.30pm Literature at Lunchtime This month’s book is the 1907 novel ‘The Secret Agent’ by Joseph Conrad. The author deals with highly topical subjects such as terrorism, espionage and corrupt politics. Here London is Conrad’s ‘heart of darkness’ and gradually the novel has come to be

Mixed Media Exhibition

➧ STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

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Out & About

Saturday 8 September, 10am to 5pm The Catesbys Autumn Brocante A Vintage and Antiques Fair promising a day of discovery and delights as the team bring together their favourite dealers in all things French, both old and new. The showroom will be stocked with the latest decorative finds, whilst the cafe invites you to savour the flavours of autumn with delicious food and drink.

Yew Tree House, Exton Park Free entry and ample parking Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 September, 7.45pm Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense This new play from the works of P. G. Wodehouse, by the Goodale Brothers is performed by Shoestring Theatre. Leave your troubles outside and relax into Wodehouse’s world of ridiculous problems and juvenile behaviour with the marvellous Jeeves ready to solve all at the last possible moment. Encouraged by his drinking pals, Bertie Wooster decides to embark on a one man show. His loyal man Jeeves, aware that this venture is likely to go horribly wrong, stands by to assist.

Stamford Theatre Tickets £10/£8 at the box office on 01780 763203 or stamfordartscentre.com

Friday 14 to Sunday 16 September, 9am to 5.30 (Sunday until 4.30pm) Flower Festival Stamford Flower Club will be showcasing the talents of its members as well as raising money for the Evergreen Care Trust and Churches Conservation Trust. Members will be celebrating the unique history of the town along the theme of ‘Stamford Past and Present’ in stunning floral displays. The Flower Club meet on the second Monday of each month at Barn Hill Methodist Church at 7pm, where they are entertained by a guest flower arranging demonstrator. Membership is not required to attend and a warm welcome is assured.

St John’s Church, Stamford Festival entry is £3 More details at stamfordflowerclub.org.uk Tuesday 18 September, 7.30pm Philippa Massey Talks: Butcher, Baker, Candlestick-maker Philippa examines the various occupations of the artisans and tradespeople of Stamford through the ages and investigates the raw materials and the many different skills which were used to create and manufacture goods.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £5/£4.50 on 01780 763203 or stamfordartscentre.com Saturday 22 September, 7.30pm Backlash Ballroom For fans of Strictly Come Dancing, this ballroom and Latin dance explosion is not to be missed. A dance spectacular featuring six professional dancers plus a world class singer. Choreographed by Richard Miller and Produced by Paul Irving this show features a wonderful soundtrack including some great homages to movies.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets ££21/£20 at the box office on 01780 766455 or stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

Thursday 27 September, 7.30pm From The Jam – Live and Acoustic The Jam had amazing chart success in the UK and in this show, Bruce Foxton, one of the original members of The Jam is joined by Russell Hastings on lead vocal and guitar. Together they will be performing acoustic interpretations of The Jam’s classic back catalogue.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £24.50 at the box office on 01780 766455 or stamfordcornexchange.co.uk (NB: If you had tickets for the cancelled performance on 24th May, your ticket is transferable to this new date.)

Sunday 30 September, from 10am Walk For Parkinson’s With 1, 3 and 10 mile routes to choose from, this charity walk offers something for everyone. Don’t fancy walking? Volunteers are also required.

Burghley House Further details at parkinsons.org.uk/ walkburghleyhouse or call 020 7963 3912

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Anglo Stamford Roofing Company Ltd Strawsons Farmhouse Main Street Great Casterton Stamford Lincs PE9 4AP

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Contact us on: Tel/Fax: 01780 754498 E B R AT I N Mob: 07930 529905 Hi Claudia hopefully this will all E L work for the small advert at the back of C

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the magazine Email: info@stamfordroofing.co.uk www.stamfordroofing.co.uk YE E A R Srejig Obviously your art person may T R A D things, our colours are in the logo Stamford Roofing Company Ltd, info if it can be added to the list under our logo is additional

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We are Also celebrating 40yrs of trade if your art person can thinks up something nice for the advert

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We are also on Facebook so that logo will need adding.

Looking through your latest edition I like the layout and style of the hunter Steven limited advert and the wright feet advert Craig

Darren Ellis Office: 01780 762472 Mobile: 07715 624419

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TO PLACE AN ADVERT IN NEXT MONTHS MAGAZINE PLEASE CALL CLAUDIA ON 01780 482828

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As the youngest General Manager at Nene Valley Railway, Sarah Piggott talks to Louise Goss about tea, cake and driving the Flying Scotsman.

Sarah Piggott

General Manager, Nene Valley Railway

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IFE has come full circle for Sarah Piggott, from owning a little ride-on Thomas the tank engine toy as a child, to now managing a life-size Thomas since becoming General Manager at Nene Valley Railway (NVR).

It was while having a cup of tea and flicking through the paper that Sarah spied the advert for the GM role. On a gut feeling she decided to apply, got it, and now describes the last two years as brilliant, full of challenges and a very big learning curve.

Trains were not entirely new to her. As a child she grew up with piles of steam railway magazines on the coffee table. “My dad has always been a railway enthusiast,” she says. “If we went to York as a family, I could either go into town shopping or into the railway museum and I always went into the museum with dad.”

She laughs. “Stereotypically boys like trains, girls like dolls. I had dolls and my ride-on Thomas.”

While gender equality in the workplace has been making headlines, Sarah says NVR have embraced her and her skills and laughs at the fact people calling the station for the General Manger always ask for his name.

Warned that it would be a big job, Sarah says, “I went into it with my eyes open but that said, I didn’t realise just how different everyday would be. I don’t think I could ever go back to a standard 9-5 office job because it would feel like Groundhog Day.” She has huge praise for her team’s achievements after a successful last year running several large events celebrating NVR’s 40th anniversary. She says, “I’m still in awe of the people who are volunteering in their specific departments… They have to learn an awful lot.”

They rely on close to 250 volunteers, the eldest being in their late 80s, who all give up their time throughout the year. They are constantly looking to recruit more as well as nurture a younger generation of railway enthusiasts with their special events.

“Getting to drive Flying Scotsman with my dad watching on the footplate was a real father-daughter moment.”

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STAMFORD LIVING SEPTEMBER 2018

“It’s been helped by things like Harry Potter and Hogwarts Express,” Sarah says, “and I think Thomas will always feature somewhere in a child’s development.”

So far this year they’ve already had visits from Paddington Bear and Paw Patrol. Christmas sees them hosting the hugely successful Santa Specials and they usually have Thomas the tank engine pulling rides, but Sarah tells me, “he’s been poorly but nearly recovered.”

Broken down trains and technical problems are among some of the challenges they’ve overcome this year. “I can handle a lot more than I thought I could,” Sarah says. “I’m a big advocate of talking about mental health and doing a job like this sometimes, you sit back at the end of the day and think, ‘wow all of this happened, it all went smoothly and the logistics of it were huge.’

It’s definitely been a confidence boost.”

Her motto is that sitting down with a cup of tea, cake and a chat solves everything. Cake even featured in one of her job interviews which fell on Father’s Day. Sarah brought some of the cakes she’d baked for her dad into the interview. “Cake works,” she says laughing.

It strikes me that Sarah can casually reel off the different classes of engine. “She’s a class 31,” she says pointing out a loco towards the back

of the shed. “Then there’s the 656, she’s called Tinkerbell.”

I’ve now learned all the trains have a name and number.

“I’m not an expert by any means,” says Sarah, “but I can almost tell when one of them’s going to have a little problem now… I couldn’t tell you what, but you just get to hear when they don’t sound quite right.”

There have been some big personal highlights.

“I got to drive The Flying Scotsman,” she says beaming. The famous steam locomotive was visiting Nene Valley Railway and Sarah brought her dad along for a ride. “We’d just got off and I was about to head to the office… I had a pink shirt on, skirt and heels and [the driver] went, ‘right, you’re up next, go and get some overalls on.’

“We went on the footplate and they handed me a cloth and the regulator and said, ‘away you go.’

It was brilliant… Getting to drive Flying Scotsman with my dad watching on the footplate, it was a real father-daughter moment.”

She has a close family, many still living in Stamford, which she loves, and that ride-on Thomas, she says, is still somewhere in the garage! www.nvr.org.uk

The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA Tel: 01780 752411

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In November a unique Loomes watch which has summited Everest will be auctioned by Bonhams.

Proceeds to the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Loomes & Co Extraordinary watch makers MADE IN STAMFORD

www.loomeswatches.com/auction - 01780 481319 92