Stamford Living July 2013 by Best Local Living

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LO C A LLY

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AT I N G THE BE ST PLACE TO LIVE IN B

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5th Gold for Adam Frost

Chelsea Flower Show success

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9 771478 377017

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ÂŁ1.50 JULY 2013

@LocalLivingUK 20/6/13 17:09:36

Priory Road, Stamford

£1250 PCM

An established detached bungalow set within private walled gardens and close to the town centre and Stamford Schools. Fully refurbished 12 months ago to a high standard. Entrance hall, lounge, kitchen diner, with pantry, three bedrooms, bathroom and separate WC. Large study to the first floor accessed via ladder. The property is approached through a five bar gate. Available 1st August 2013.

Tickencote

£295,00

Grade II listed thatched cottage in an idylic hamlet location close to Stamford and Rutland Water. Greatly improved by current owner including a new kitchen and featuring inglenook fireplace and beams. Superb courtyard area as well as lawned garden with flower borders and off street parking.

Wharf road, Stamford

£1600 PCM

A beautifully presented town house located close to Burghley Park and the Town centre. Hall, large lounge with French doors to an elevated terrace. Double bedroom with en-suite. Lower ground floor with extremely well equipped kitchen diner with French doors to a small terrace. First floor with master bedroom with en-suite and walk in wardrobe , double bedroom and family bathroom. Allocated parking for two cars. Available 2nd August 2013.

Ufford

£525,000

A spacious period family home, situated on the edge of this much sought after village, equidistant from Stamford and Peterborough, enjoying the benefit of good sized gardens which back onto paddock land with lovely far reaching views to the west. Reception hall, four reception rooms, including large office or studio, large kitchen, four bedrooms including large master suite with dressing area and en-suite, double garage.

Call us now for more information

3 Red Lion Street, Stamford PE9 1PA

01780 765060

email: mailroom@knightpartnership.com

www.knightpartnership.com

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S TA M FOR D LIVING

JUly CONTENTS W W W . B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials ticket giveaway Preparations are in full swing for The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials held at Burghley Estate on 5th-8th September. Its status attracts the best riders and horses from all over the world, and the winner will take home The Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy and its £60,000 first prize. As well as the main competition there is the chance to watch the Burghley Pony Club Team Jumping show jumping competition, and the cream of the country’s prospective event horses in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final which takes place on Friday 6 September, and also enjoy the array of over 600 quality and bespoke trade stands. To keep abreast of all the news become a fan of The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and follow the event on the official Facebook page - the Box Office is open for advanced tickets and for further information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is giving away a pair of Season tickets with parking for two to one of our lucky readers. All you have to do is answer this simple question: ‘What is the amount of the first prize?’ In case of a tie, please state in no more than 20 words what you like most about visiting The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Email your replies to stamfordliving@btopenworld. com with your name, address and a mobile number (none of which will be used for other purposes). Closing date for entries is the end of July 2013. The winner will be announced on Twitter.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

@LocalLivingUK Editor 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 480409 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertisement Director Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

UPDATES, SHOPPING 8 27 30 44

Updates: Active Camping, Stamford Masters Cricket, Stamford Personal Fitness Updates: Stamford Swim Club, Rutland Cycling, Evergreen & The Knight Partnership Updates: Wedding marquee at the Royal Oak, Asembo wet shaves, John Lewis Gift Guide, You & Beyond Updates: The Children’s Garden, Bourne Grammar School, Advice for first-time Employers, William Lloyd 4 colourful fashion Story Teller’s chair

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 4 10 12

Fashion: Choir confidence Make-up Masterclass Health & Beauty: Browns and Flawless Faces

HOME, GARDEN, MOTORING AND TRAVEL 23 29 32 42 51

Interiors: Jeff Stone Designs Interiors: Delcor by Design Interiors: Brilliant Kitchens! Through the Keyhole: Woodhall Manor Travel: Boutique Turkey with Oundle Travel

FOOD & DRINK 17 48 51 52

Eating Out: Eating Out (doors)! Food & Drink: Stamford Cupcake Company Eating Out: Wicked Witch Sunday lunch Food & Drink: King of the Porkers

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS 36 Art: Using Colour in Art 39 Learning: Bourne Academy 57 What’s On

Helping

23 JEFF STONE DESIGNS

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24 Ask Leo Special: Country House Survivals 62 Stamford People: John Clare

18 St. Maryʼs Street, Stamford

Cover Photo: Adam Frost from Stamford achieved an incredible fifth Gold medal at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. His garden, sponsored by Homebase, in association with Alzheimer’s Society was entitled “Sowing the seeds of Change”; and was partly inspired by 5th Gold for gardening Adam Frost great, Geoff Chelsea Flower Show success Hamilton’s ornamental kitchen garden at Barnsdale Garden where Adam has worked since 1991. Adam’s vision was a garden for a small family to connect with their food with edible shrubs and vegetables, and nature with dipping ponds, a bee hive and even a toad house! To find out more visit www.adamfrost. co.uk or call 01572 812186 • The top picture and picture of Adam were both taken on behalf of Homebase. The bottom right image was taken by Tatsuya Shirai. tHe

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THE VACUUM STORE

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9 771478 377017

£1.50 JUlY 2013

@locallivinguk

We wonʼt be beaten on price!

TEL: 01780 482935

www.vacuum-store.co.uk Exciting NEW Vacuum Store re-launch in August STAMFORD Living JULY 2013

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FASHION

Choir confidence

Sally Stillingfleet has been helping style a few of the Handful of Harmonies’ (AHOH) choir members, along with the inspiring Choir Master, Andrew Clingo. With the generous help of The Salon 3’s stylists, re-styling their hair for this make-over story was a lot of fun. Words: Sally Stillingfleet Pictures: Elli Dean

have always been anti the generic uniforms of things like polo shirts and, although I can appreciate their cohesive ‘gluing together properties’ for groups like choirs and schools, I believe far more in the power that clothes can have and their ability to express individuality. Being able to try new styles and having confidence in clothes will give everyone new stage presence and a rest from the polo shirt!

Group left to right (Debbie Howard, Debbie Harbour, Hilary Pearce, Andrew Clingo, Suzi Parfrement, Sue Casson)

CONEYS – Andrew Clingo Since starting A Handful of Harmonies in Langtoft two years ago, Andrew has grown the groups meeting up to seven across the region (with a new group recently forming in Oundle). With choirs meeting up for 90 minutes each session, this once small vocal group has ballooned and aims to give women of all ages some ‘me time’. As you can see, all the ladies adore Andrew - his immense talent and infectious enthusiasm for singing and performing is truly astonishing. One thing they are also unanimous about though is that his “baggy jeans and T shirt image have to go!” Coneys fitted Andrew out with Tommy Hilfiger chinos £85, Thirty Ten jacket £200 and pink shirt (AHOH signature colour) £70. Shoes £109, from Marcia May Shoes. Neil styled Andrew’s hair with a bit more of a quiff.

ENERGY - Debbie Howard Debbie’s petite frame has not always been so. Debbie has recently lost a staggering amount of weight and was determined to get into some jeans after spending many years in “jogging bottoms and baggy tops!” Debbie, who was a founder member of the Langtoft choir two years ago this month, is a proud grandma (who would believe it?) She was amazed at the selection of jeans at Energy and very pleased with her new ‘Rock Chick’ look with Levis Demi Curve skinnies £85 and a striped sleeveless blouse £60, teamed with a fitted black cotton Esprit Blazer from Attic. Black Gabor sling-backs £85 from Marcia May Shoes. Coach new and unused clutch bag £120 from Arch Label Agency. Debbie’s hair is fine, cut into a bob, so Sophie added volume with soft curls around her face, complementing her new youthful outfit.

STAMFORD Living JULY 2013

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ARCH LABEL AGENCY – Sue Casson Sue describes how she aspires to emulate the dress sense of Helen Bonham-Carter, so at Arch Label Agency Susie chose her a Gianni Versace dress £120 with an eclectic romantic summer print but with some wicked silver wedges by Prada £80 Having moved from York recently, Sue joined AHOH (Stamford) to meet people and has loved being part of this sociable group. Having naturally curly long hair Sophie relaxed the curls and made them more defined with large rollers to add volume and height.

CAVELLS AND ARCH LABEL AGENCY – Debbie Harbour Debbie had lost sight of her good looks, choosing to wear black loose styles for her work as a Mobile Hairdresser. She was shocked when she saw the dress I coaxed her into wearing, from Cavells. Debbie is also a Grandma (I was staggered when she said she has a 30 year old daughter!) She really enjoys being a part of the Stamford choir. The new Tucker dresses from £315.00 and shirt shapes suit all sizes, and belted define Debbie’s waist and emphasise her stunning figure. Beautiful long, naturally curly hair is re-defined using larger rollers for the Marylyn Monroe look by Sophie, perfectly in tune with the dress and red lipstick. Delicate statement earrings £450 from Paradise Found really complete the outfit with Russell and Bromley heels £80 and a Coach clutch £100 from Arch Label Agency.

ATTIC – Hilary Pearce Hilary tends to wear more subtle, darker colours, so we have deliberately not chosen brown! Instead we steered her towards cobalt blue and white highlighted with a striped Tommy Hilfiger scarf £45 Hilary admits she plays safe with her clothes, but shopping with her daughter has encouraged her to be more daring, showing off her height and long legs. Esprit blue jeans £45, Penny Black linen jacket £150, with American Vintage vest £35 underneath. Blue peep-toe shoes £80 from Marcia May Shoes. The most striking transformation came at the salon where Neil cleverly wove in three warm shades to highlight her hair, finally shaping and straightening her naturally very unruly thick hair into a slick, contemporary blunter shape.

CAVELLS – Suzi Parfrement Rosie at Cavells spent a lot of time with Suzi getting her outfit together as Suzi had very definite ideas about her personal style. Being tall, Rosie put her in an amazing snakeskin print Joseph top £295.00 and Part Two jeans £74.95 with Toni Pons wedges £80.00. Gorgeous Azuni cuff from Paradise Found £69. Suzi’s hair benefited from Neil’s straighteners, defining her blonde hair around the face, complementing perfectly the asymmetric hemline.

Stockists Coneys (New!) – 3 Ironmonger St. Tel. 01780 481298 Arch Label Agency – 43 St. Paul’s St. (New!) Tel. 01780 764746 Attic – 33 St. Mary’s Street. Tel.01780 766667 Paradise Found – 34 St. Mary’s St. 01780 764439 Energy – Ironmonger Street. Tel. 01780 765633 Marcia May Shoes – 41 St. Mary’s St. Tel. 01780 766608 Cavells – 16 Mill Street, Oakham. Tel. 01572 770372 • Why not book an opportunity to see the Cavells team in action and find out for yourself how you can put together Autumn’s new looks. The fashion morning is themed “Fall into Autumn”, a morning showcasing transitional pieces, with hair and beauty for the new season. Thursday September 19th start time 10.00 am in Cavells then lunch at Hambleton, ticket price £38.00. • A big thank you to Jess Nurse (07814 202641) for doing the gorgeous natural but glamorous make-up and Amy for the amazing nails. (07932 153729) • The Salon 3’s transformational work. Allowing us to use not only talented stylists but also the salon as a backdrop – causing chaos! Many thanks. Tel. 01780 765505 • Photography by www. ellideanphotography.co.uk STAMFORD Living JULY 2013

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20/6/13 17:26:31

RHINOS GYMNASIUM

Elite Sports & Conditioning

CONEYS Men’s Fashion

NEW in Stamford!

THE WIDEST AND MOST DIVERSE GYMNASIUM. 10,000SQ FT FACILITY, INCORPORATING:• Cardio • Resistance • Functional Rig • TRX kits • Strength & Cross-Fit Equipment (including a Sprint Track) WIDE RANGE OF STUDIO CLASSES INCLUDING:• Zumba • Forest Yoga • Kettlebells • Bokwa • Martial Arts • Taekwondo • HIT Training • Military Style Boot Camps • Boxercise • Aerobics • Total Body Burnouts • Three Resident Personal Trainers & Resident Sports Massage Therapist • • Solarium • • Full range of pre, intra and post work out supplements •

NO JOINING FEE, NO CONTRACT, NO PEAK OR OFF PEAK TIMES £4 a session, £12 a week, £28 a month (£26 standing order) £150 for 6 months or £290 annually.

FREE ON-SITE PARKING

AT ThE hEArT OF FAShION, SMArT ANd CASuAL

www.facebook.com/RhinosGymnasium www.rhinosgymnasium.co.uk www.twitter.com/rhinosgymnasium rhinosgymnasium@live.com

OPEN FROM

06:30am - 21:30pm Mon to Fri , 07:00am - 20:00pm Sat & Sun

Coneys, 3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL

Find us on Ryhall Road Industrial Estate opposite Jewsons.

Tel: 01780 481298

Rhino’s Gymnasium, Unit 22, Gwash Way Industrial Estate, Ryhall Road, Stamford Lincs. PE9 1XP

Tel: 07554 219400

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UPD ATES

Active Camping gets you all sorted to enjoy the outdoors Weather forecast looking good….fancy a spot of camping and camaraderie with family or friends…but aaah, what exactly is needed equipment-wise to have a great time?! The answer is simple. Just visit Active Camping at Barnack Country Clothes and they will sort you out with everything you need (from festival frolics to a family camping holiday) at very affordable prices. The basic four core items you need are - a tent, a sleep mat, sleeping bag and a lantern. Pop-up tents, ideal for festivals begin at £29.99; and big family tents with plenty of space start at £220 or so. You can view all the tents (15 or so) erected in the barns next to the showroom – so you can see exactly how they look, how much space they have and how simple they are to erect. In the showroom you will ﬁnd a range of sleeping bags, starting from £15.99, lanterns, sleep mats and all the other paraphernalia you might need for a camping trip, including a wide range of cooking options. Active Camping especially understand the needs of families and camping novices. They are on hand to give expert advice and never to rush you in your selection. So by the time you drive away, you will have everything you need to have a fabulous time – and it won’t have broken the bank. • Active Camping @ Barnack Country Clothes, Barnack, Stamford, PE9 3DY Tel: 01780 740115 www.activecamping.com

To help you get started, Active Camping is offering 20% off on all camping equipment purchased in store before Aug 10th 2013, on production of this voucher (not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, nor online)

OFF

Thriving Local Fitness Facility Founded in 2009, Stamford Personal Fitness has become firmly established as one of the area’s premier fitness facilities. Inspired by the popular TV series ‘Biggest Loser’, proprietor and head trainer Rob Dulieu first started training clients at their homes in Stamford and the outlying villages. In 2010 he launched Stamford Boot Camp and things really took off. “My philosophy was to create a unique style of Boot Camp training that is both challenging and fun – the polar opposite of the boring, stereotypical exercise classes people love to hate. Before long I was being inundated with enquiries to join Boot Camp and such was the demand that I couldn’t accommodate everyone.” As a result Rob moved his business into the former Language Centre on St Peter’s Hill and expanded his session schedule and now runs eleven groups, providing both indoor and outdoor Boot Camp training. Since moving to the studio, demand for Personal Training has also increased to the point where Rob now employs two associate trainers. Stamford Personal Fitness offers a broad range of services including weight loss coaching, nutritional advice, rehab from injury, pre and post natal exercise, exercise for lower back pain management and functional training in preparation for endurance events such as the Race for Life, The Rat Race, The Three Peaks Challenge and Marathons. • Call Rob on 07846 457959 or e-mail him at info@stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk for more details.

Stamford Masters Cricket Fri 26 July Stamford School Cricket ground

For the second year, Stamford will host the Stamford Masters 20/20 cricket match between the England Masters’ XI and All Star Masters’ XI. Both teams, made up of former international cricketers, are currently being assembled by DCR Events Limited, organisers of this year’s event, with the guidance of ex-England player, Dean Headley, and the Professional Cricketers’ Association. They have already secured the services of Mark Ramprakash, Gladstone Small, Corey Collymore, Derek Randall, Paul Nixon, Ashwell Prince, Andre Adams, Phil Defrietas and Neil Fairbrother, with further big names to follow. The game will be held on the Stamford School cricket ground, and with entertainment provided for the whole family, is an event that the entire community can share in. Leicester Tigers’ ‘the Maul’ and the ECB Cricket Factory road shows will be present on the day, running exciting activities and attractions - such as inﬂatables – to keep children entertained. For the adults, local companies will be providing refreshment facilities, with Bateman’s and Grasmere Farm again in attendance. There will also be a display of ﬁve ‘supercars’ from the Sytner Group. The day will start with the Chesterton Humberts Under 10s Cup, which will involve twelve local teams in a Kwik Cricket competition. Dean Headley, Cricket Professional at Stamford School, commented: ”The Stamford Masters match will be fantastic, and I am looking forward to welcoming back many of my former team mates and welcoming other big cricket stars to Stamford.” • To buy tickets, visit www.stamfordenglandmasters.co.uk Ashwell Prince Copyright Getty Images

STAMFORD LIVING JULY 2013

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SALE NOW ON 30% OFF UP TO

Mill Street & South Street, Oakham

www.activecamping.com

The camping season is here...

l l

Tents Sleeping bags Sleep mats Cookware l

Waterproofs Wellieboots for all the family l

Visit our tent display area Active Camping at Barnack Country Clothes & Wellieboots.com Barnack, Stamford. PE9 3DY

tel: 01780 740115

2 miles from Burghley House

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am -4pm 9

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HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

See the light

Genevieve Potter investigates how skilfully applied make-up can literally light up your face with colour

The strong lip

Although they have never really gone out of fashion, forties style lips are at the forefront of style and I visited Neeta at Flawless Faces with model Laura to see exactly how to create the perfect strong lip. Neeta stressed that the key to the success of this look is to create perfect, glowing skin as a “blank canvas” and importantly, to use neutral matt, rather than sparkly colours on the eyes. She applied MAC strobe cream to illuminate and contour Laura’s cheekbones and features, then applied MAC face and body foundation, using a foundation brush, which she described as being like “skin on skin” – it has a wonderfully light, blendable texture. Laura’s eyes were emphasised with very neutral colours and then for a truly classic, eye-opening look, Neeta expertly applied false lashes. A little-known trick for applying the perfect strong lip colour is to first conceal all the way around the mouth beforehand, using a brush to really buff the concealer in to the skin. This not only provides a clean, neutral canvas, but ensures that the lip colour lasts all day. Neeta used a lip liner called brick, blending as she went along the mouth, then the grand finale; a two stage colour appropriately called “lasting lust”, which is a lip colour then gloss. Neeta used a cotton bud around the lips to ensure a completely clean and precise line. The verdict? A truly sophisticated, film-star look. Expert make-up tuition and application with Neeta costs from £25 Flawless Faces, 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford PE9 2AJ Tel: 0844 999 3365 www.flawlessfaces.co.uk

Neeta’s top tip

“Before applying false eyelashes, gently shape them in to a bridge-shaped curve, which will ensure you don’t have to fiddle around with them too much to get them in to place.”

STAMFORD Living JULY 2013

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The perfect base

Before you even think about eye or lip colours, it’s essential to achieve a perfect base with a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly and has a long-lasting finish. Equilibrium are experts in Airbase make-up, which was designed by an Oscar-nominated make-up artist and can only be applied by a trained make-up artist, making it perfect for weddings or other special occasions. Airbase foundation can be totally customised to the precise colour of your skin; it contains silicone which gives fantastic coverage and longevity with its water resistant properties (if it sounds slightly alarming, fear not, because it does allow the skin to breathe, whilst giving the skin a soft, velvety feel). It’s also packed with vitamin A to reduce the appearance of fine lines, vitamin E to moisturise and light diffusing particles to give the skin a beautiful glow. Abby from Equilibrium applied a light primer to Laura’s already perfect skin and then began to gently spray the Airbase foundation which had been matched to her skin, in a light downward motion, covering her face, neck and décolleté. Abby explained that the particles are so tiny that coverage can be built in stages; disguising any blemishes or discolouration perfectly. A natural pinky Airbase blush was then also gently sprayed on to contour Laura’s cheekbones, before Abby set the finish and made it slightly less matt with an illuminating powder and a light dusting of mineral bronzer from Equilibrium’s Art Deco mineral range. A cream eye base was applied to Laura’s eyes before three sheer mineral Art Deco eye colours were applied; one colour all over the eye area, one colour in the lid and one colour to line the top lid and taken to the corner of the eye. Abby used a liquid eyeliner, which she applied in feathery strokes along the top lash line and very gently along the lower lash line, before mascara was expertly applied. Laura’s makeup was completed with a very natural lip liner and lipstick, blended to avoid any lines, which are a no-no for this look and topped off with gloss. The verdict? A polished, pretty, totally natural look that would definitely last all day and night. Make-up consultations at Equilibrium cost from £20 for 30 minutes (£40 for 60 minutes) and wedding day make up costs £25 per person plus a £30 call-out charge if a location visit is required.

SPECIAL

OFFER if you need help in ﬁnding the perfect base, book in at Equilibrium for a free colour-match appointment and with every Art Deco Mineral Foundation purchased during July 2013, you’ll also receive a complimentary lip or eye-liner of your choice.

Equilibrium 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk www.facebook.com/equilibriumstamford

Abby’s Top tip

“When applying your mascara, ﬁrst start by looking slightly down and brush on to the top of your lashes to create volume, then open your eyes and apply in a zigzag motion from the roots to the tips – your lashes will look beautifully thick and full.” Model – Laura Holdup Photographer – Elli Dean www. ellideanphotography.co.uk Mob: 07932 055548 STAMFORD LIVING JULY 2013

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HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

Beauty Focus: Browns and Flawless Faces

Genevieve Potter discovers a thriving and modern salon nestled in the heart of Stamford’s Red Lion Square

Sam, Browns salon manager

Browns Flawless Faces

a completely different texture and consistency and actually clings to the hair and root rather than the skin and Jade (L) and Neeta (R) at Flawless Faces is quickly peeled off. I’m a huge fan as it is far less painful than traditional waxing and eeta M recently opened Flawless Faces leaves the skin really smooth, without any tellabove Browns in Red Lion Square. The tale red irritation. salon itself is modern but welcoming, with a The salon is open until 9 pm from Tuesday New York inspired brow bar where Neeta also to Friday, making it ideal for busy professionals offers professional make-up artistry using MAC who need a bit of grooming or pampering and products, a tranquil treatment room for facials there are also some great packages for both and massage, a beach-inspired spray tanning men and women, like the “man in Manhattan”; room and a coffee bar for clients. comprising eyebrow threading, fake bake spray Neeta is a self-confessed “brow geek”; tan and express nail tidy (£40 for 60 minutes). studying all of the latest techniques and taking As well as famous salon brands like Jessica the best elements to create perfect brows for nails and Fake Bake tanning, Flawless Faces her clients. She uses the authentic method of is also a Décleor salon; offering a range of threading (which is done by holding the threads luxurious treatments like the signature Aroma from the mouth), which is much less painful Massage Facial (£43 for 60 minutes). You can than common threading techniques and works also buy the full range of Décleor products from to create a more natural look, on trend with the salon including their renowned Soleil range the move away from overly heavy, fake-looking of sun care, which actually works with the skin, brows. Threading starts from only £10. Neeta is resulting in a safe but deep sun tan. also a lash expert, offering Lash Emporium lash One floor down is Browns Hairdressing. extensions, which are applied individually; either Manager Sam and the team have created as a full set or even just the corners of the eyes a truly friendly and welcoming, yet highly – perfect for a mascara-less holiday. professional salon in the heart of Stamford, Neeta trained as a MAC make-up professional where they have developed a reputation for and can offer lessons, which make a great the best blow dries in town. This summer, the present, particularly for teenage girls just team are delighted to launch the new range of starting to wear make-up, or professional makeup application for weddings, proms or any other Kérastase couture styling products, which are designed to give long-lasting hold with absolute special occasion where you’d like to look your freedom of movement. One of the key products glamorous best. in the range is Lift Vertige; billed as the stiletto Neeta’s colleague Jade specialises in for hair, it elevates the roots without any Lycon waxing – this wax is far less irritating stiffness to create long lasting hold and body. than traditional “paint on, rip off” wax, it is

Spray à porter gives a tousled, “ocean spray” style, without any stickiness at all. In addition, there is a range of “perfector” finishing products, including the The Browns must-have Laque team Couture hairspray, which gives a free-flowing, vibrant finish to the hair, Gloss Appeal instant shine top coat and Touché Finale, a miraculous shine polishing serum which illuminates the lengths of the hair. If you’re worried about the condition of your hair going in to the summer months; or you’ve returned from holiday and your hair has suffered in the elements, Browns have the solution. As well as the excellent Kérastase Soleil range to bathe, treat and protect sunexposed hair, with rich nutrients and UV filters, Browns can offer a totally personalised treatment for your hair. Using a “salon cocktail” system, you have your hair analysed and tested to identify specific concerns; such as lack of protein or volume, and then a cocktail of concentrated ingredients is used as an intense conditioning treatment for the hair, with the effects lasting around six washes. The treatment costs just £10 in addition to styling/ cutting costs. • Browns Hairdressing and Flawless Faces 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford PE9 2AJ For appointments please call 0844 999 3365 www.flawlessfaces.co.uk www.browns-hair.co.uk

STAMFORD Living july 2013

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Something Dif f er ent • Exclusive Designer Jewellery Davina Combe Azuni Alex Monroe Daisy Knights Missoma Rodgers & Rodgers and many more • Original Gift Ideas • Bespoke Wedding Jewellery

WWW.PARADISEONLINE.CO.UK

Cut & Finish from £17.00 Colour, Cut & Finish from £60.00 with Selected Stylists.

e are offering complimentary take home Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner with every Perfect Restore booked in July.

PRICE AFTER CONSULTATION

Call 0844 999 3365 and book your consultation today. Not available with any other offer. Terms & Conditions apply

Book online at www.browns-hair.co.uk Email appointment@browns-hair.co.uk Call: 0844 999 3365 - 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford. PE9 2AJ 13

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Health & Beauty Therapy 2 MALLORY LANE, STAMFORD TEL. 01780 763768

All aspects of beauty therapy available Specialists in IPL hair removal, electrolysis, microdermabrasion, Hi-tech facial treatments & cosmeceuticals.

NEW. NO NEEDLE MESOTHERAPY NOW AVAILABLE

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Book in for highlights or a colour with Jess and receive a wet cut free of charge* *Free wet cut when booked in conjunction with the above offer.

Like our Facebook page for current offers.

Wella salon

1A Iron Mongers St. Stamford, PE9 2PL T: 01780 757070

£10 OFF

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GET YOURSELF READY FOR SUMMER WITH OUR HOLIDAY PACKAGES • Hair Cut and Coloured (Full Head Tint or H/H Highlights) File & Geleration on Toes/Fingers and a Spray Tan for only £100 • Book a File and Geleration on Fingers with either a Minx or Geleration Pedicure for only £55

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Eating Out

The Best Spots for Eating Out(side)! There will be lovely days this summer (promise) when you feel like going out and having fun. So where are the best spots round us for great food and a great outdoors space to enjoy it in? Nicholas Rudd-Jones took on the onerous task of investigation IN STAMFORD

The George Hotel, Stamford 71 High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 750750 www.georgehotelofstamford.com “Eating in the Courtyard on a summer’s day with good companions is just about the closest you can get to heaven on earth”. A satisfied courtyarder.

The Bull & Swan at Burghley High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk Food here gets the thumbs up and there’s also an outdoor space out the back for those hot balmy evenings that we’re all looking forward to. This pub has a real ‘pubby’ feel and is one of my Stamford favourites. Dogs are welcome too.

The Crown Hotel, Stamford All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk The view from the Crown Courtyard is amongst the best in Stamford, looking towards All Saints’ Church and the brick chimney of the old brewery. Good food, great ambience and outstanding beer in the heart of Stamford, Britain’s Best Place to Live. How much better could it get?!

The Fat Turk 8/9 St. Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 238001 www.thefatturkstamford.co.uk The Fat Turk is very much a family affair, and the food is fresh, well-cooked and authentic, with all the meat cooked on a charcoal fire and good vegetarian choices. They have a lovely garden space out the back; close your eyes and you could just about imagine you are in an olive grove alongside the Mediterranean on a balmy summer’s night.

Fine Food Café & Restaurant 37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 754222 www.thefinefoodstore.com The ‘secret garden’ is in its sixth year now, and is well established. Order at the counter and head down to the garden, where you feel totally secluded from the hustle and bustle of St Mary’s. Plus it’s a sun-trap.

Jim’s Yard, Stamford 3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Opening times: Tue-Sat lunch and dinner Tel: 01780 756080 www.jimsyard.biz Service is abundant but informal, the food is simple and exquisite, and the very good value set lunch in the courtyard on a sunny day is perfection. Our top pick for a town centre lunch.

The Garden Kitchen Stamford Garden Centre, Casterton Road Tel: 01780 765656 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk The new Orangery is a delight when the sun is streaming in, and the quality of the food is very impressive, with most produce locally sourced and an on-site butcher ensuring the best cuts. There’s also a patio in front of the conservatory. STAMFORD LIVING JUly 2013

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Eating Out Tobie Norris, Stamford 12 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 753800 www.tobienorris.com The Tobie Norris has a charming outside area and conservatory that is lovingly looked after, and the best place to really appreciate the medieval qualities of the building. The menu is inventive, fun, ‘comfort’ style food that will delight in an informal setting, eaten at pub tables not in a dining style. ‘Tuscan Sausage and Chick Pea Cassoulet’ is a typical example. William Cecil Hotel St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070www. thewilliamcecil.co.uk Head Chef Phil Kent has stamped his quality and originality on the kitchen since his arrival from the Bull & Swan last year On a fine day, the terrace is a delightful spot, immaculately presented and full of sunshine. A stroll through the garden is also a pleasure.

AROUND STAMFORD, NONE MORE THAN 10 MILES Barnsdale Hall Hotel North Shore, Rutland Water, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757901 www. barnsdalehotel.co.uk Barnsdale Hall Hotel boasts some of the most beautiful views of Rutland Water and the surrounding countryside. Everyone is welcome to use the Brasserie, not just the members, and it offers a sanctuary from the bustle of the outside world.

produce at affordable prices. Sit out on the tables outside at the front, with the delightful backdrop of the mellow yellow stone of the pub, and watch the village life go by. Crown Inn, Elton 8 Duck St, Elton, PE8 6RQ Tel: 01832 280232 www. thecrowninn.org Beautifully situated overlooking the green in Elton, The Crown Inn is run by chef owner Marcus Lamb, and was extensively refurbished last year to incorporate bespoke hand made furniture, antiques and a fresh new look. Food is honest and delicious, ranging from fresh Cromer crab with cucumber and garden herb salsa and rocket pesto to free range pork tenderloin with local asparagus and crushed garden peas served on a smoked bacon potato cake drizzled with a Calvados jus. The Crown likes its music, hosting regular events; and every third Monday in the month there is an ‘open mic’ session starting at 8pm, with a good local crowd. Exeter Arms, Easton-on-the Hill 21 Stamford Road, Easton-on-the Hill, PE9 3NS Tel: 01780 756321 www.theexeterarms.net There is a stunning conservatory area and huge courtyard out the back to enjoy the fine weather. Jackson Stops Inn, Stretton Rookery Lane, Stretton, LE15 7RN Tel: 01780 410237 www.thejacksonstops.com A delightful spot to eat outside in the front garden, so tranquil and inviting. Robert Knowles, Head Chef for many years, has a very straightforward cooking philosophy: “Good, well-produced food that looks lovely and tastes delicious…but nothing too fussy or complicated.” Set lunches are currently exceptional value at £13.95 for two courses.

Berkeley Arms, Wymondham. 59 Main St, Wymondham, Leics, LE14 2AG. Tel: 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk The Berkeley Arms is an award-winning pub with back to back Bib Gourmand Awards in the 2012 & 2013 Michelin Guides, offering seasonal

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Oundle Mill Barnwell Rd, Oundle, PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk The food and setting of Oundle Mill are both exquisite, nestled by the side of Barnwell Lock with the mill race running straight under the hotel and visible through the glass floor. Steps out the back lead down to a promontory between river and mill race, and this is a truly delightful spot for a drink or a meal.

Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington 52 Main St, Lyddington, LE15 9LT Tel: 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk You always get great food at the Marquess and a warm welcome from Brian Baker and his family. The last Sunday of every month over the summer they have a themed evening of food and entertainment in the outdoor space at the back. The Caribbean evening was a recent success, with King Don (www. kingdonsteeldrums.co.uk ) playing Caribbean vibes. The next dates will be Sun June 30 (Indian night) and Sun July 28 (tbc), starting at 6.30pm The Olive Branch, Clipsham Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH Tel: 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com Tapas on the Terrace is popular throughout spring and summer, where diners can enjoy fine wine and delicious small plates amidst the colourful haven on the terrace. Tapas on the Terrace is £18.50 per person, and contains the likes of whitebait, ham hock terrine and vegetable tartlet plus a selection of mini puddings and a glass of rosé or Estrella lager.

The White Horse, Empingham The White Horse, Main Street, Empingham, LE15 8PS Tel: 01780 460221 www.whitehorserutland.co.uk The White Horse at Empingham has plenty of outside space to enjoy this summer - with ten wooden benches in their beer garden and lots more seating outside the front of the pub, it’s a popular venue for locals and tourists alike. Steve and Claire Glencross, the new owners, have totally revamped the outside space and created a bijou “Sunny Day Summer House” in the beer garden, selling ice cream, strawberries and cream, crisps and cold drinks. Weather permitting on sunny Fridays the new BBQ area will be serving White Horse burgers, sausages and salads from 5pm till late.

Toft House Hotel Toft, Lincs, PE10 0JT Tel: 01778 590614 www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk 18 rounds of gold on glorious fairways with views of the surrounding countryside, followed by great food and a drink in their glorious outdoor space enjoying the sunshine.

White Hart, Ufford Main St, Ufford, PE9 3BH Tel: 01789 740250 The White Hart is popular, and deservedly so, for it offers top quality, friendly service and very good value. The outside area is extensive and delightful, and many years ago on a weekend up from London was the reason I fell in love with this region

Wicked Witch Bridge Street, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649 www.ryhallwitch.co.uk Brilliant Head Chef Dameon Clarke has increasingly found the balance between clever, complex recipes and simple, robust pleasurable fare. Many people are voting this their favourite place to eat at the moment anywhere in the region. See our full food review on Page 51. The garden has a view to die for over Ryhall Meadows, and is just being planted up to make it a really charming spot.

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Love food? Love The William Cecil Open for lunch & dinner every day.

NEW! Small Plates menu... perfect for al fresco dining!

The William Cecil High St, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ. 0844 5761490 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk Calls cost 5 pence per minute from a standard BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobiles may vary.

A truly Authentic tAste of turkey

01780 238 001 8/9 st Paul's street, stamford. Pe9 2Be

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John Lewis Peterborough wedding event Saturday 20 July 10am - 4pm You are exclusively invited to a wedding event at John Lewis Peterborough. Our advisors will be on hand to help with everything from wedding favours to beauty tips. Visit johnlewis.com/our-shops/peterborough for details.

Our commitment to value means that we match the prices of the high street competitors (this excludes online-only or mail order businesses). Service conditions must be comparable. See our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ leaflet 21 in our shops or online for details.

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HOM E INT E R IOR S

Jeffrey Stone Design celebrates 25 years

Jeffrey Stone Designs celebrates 25 years in business this year. As well as being technically proficient and well planned, Jeff is an artist and a perfectionist, and it is these attributes that makes him so often the person that people turn to when they are looking for a really creative and top quality solution.

eff builds kitchens (and bedrooms, studies, home libraries etc.) at the upper end of the market, whilst always offering good value in everything he does, constructing everything inhouse and managing his own close knit team. He has got almost all his business over the years by word of mouth. And once clients find him, he almost always becomes their designer and builder of choice. “Once I have met a client, seen the space and discussed their needs I personally draw up four different designs to give them a complete picture of the opportunities that exist and to fine-tune towards the optimal result. It is only once the

client is able to envisage fully what is possible that I proceed to a quote.” Jeff builds in a variety of styles, according to the style of house and the wishes of the client. He personally oversees the job from start to finish, and goes back to every job after six months to make sure that everything is working exactly as it should be. “Service is the No. 1 thing,” in his view. The kitchen featured is a recent commission that Jeff completed for a client in Wothorpe – it was designed with family living in mind, and is a stunning example of an English Classic design with a strong modern twist. The owner

was naturally delighted with the result, and described a design and building process that was expertly managed whilst allowing for flexibility, so that the all the details were spoton. The cupboard door handles, for example, were re-plated with a nickel coating from their original brass colour; and after testing Carrera Marble for a while, the client decided to switch to a Silestone quartz that proved much more resilient to everyday use whilst looking just as good. • To find out more about how you could transform your kitchen, contact Jeffrey Stone Design on 07949 861753 STAMFORD LIVING JUly 2013

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A S K LEO SPE CIAL

Country House Survivals Britain has a wealth of country houses many of which have been adapted to post-war life by opening to the public. Some, however, have survived by taking on new uses. Jean Orpin and Sue Lee describe some local examples of these survivals

EDUCATIONAL

HOSPITALITY

Harlaxton Manor Harlaxton is an amazing 19th century country house completed in 1837. Gregory Gregory, a Nottinghamshire businessman, travelled the country to enable him to incorporate different features into his house which is a blend of Baroque, Gothic and Jacobean. He chose Anthony Salvin to design it but after a disagreement, Salvin departed and he employed William Burn to design the interior. The Gregory family owned it from its completion in 1837 to the death of Pearson Gregory in 1935. Violet Van der Elst, a larger than life American businesswoman, bought it in 1937 saving it from demolition. She lived there until 1948, but was devastated when 90 acres of parkland were ploughed up on orders of the War Agricultural Committee. She sold it to the Jesuits in 1948, who only occupied it for brief periods and sold it to Stanford, a Californian university. It is now owned by the University of Evansville, Indiana, and is known as Harlaxton College. It is listed as one of Simon Jenkins’ ‘Best Country Houses’. Group tours can be arranged, call Tel: 01476 403024

Stapleford Park Stapleford was home to the Sherards (who became Earls of Harborough in 1719) for nearly 500 years. The earliest part of the present house was built about 1500 by Thomas Sherard and it was remodelled and extended several times by his descendants. The main H-plan building dates from the 1670s. In 1894 the estate was bought by John Gretton, a brewer. Typical of ‘new money’, he added substantial Jacobean-style extensions suitable for Edwardian house-parties but less useful as time went by. Stapleford Park was opened to the public in 1953 and over the next 30 years a miniature railway, lake cruises and a lion reserve attracted visitors. However, when the second Lord Gretton died in 1982, his heir felt the house was too big for modern life and put it on the market. It was bought by Bob Payton, an Anglophile, American fastfood entrepreneur. He gave the house a new lease of life as a sumptuous Country House Hotel and so it continues, now with a Spa and Fitness Centre and its own golf course too.

Witham Hall It is surely appropriate that Witham Hall, built by descendants of Robert Johnson, founder of Uppingham and Oakham Schools, should now be a Preparatory School. The Rev’d Woolsey Johnson built the house in the mid 18C although the present house owes much to alterations made in the early 20C by the next owners, the Fenwicks. Witham was the epitome of country house life when Noel Coward visited in 1919. Twice the house has been faced with demolition: firstly during the 1930s Depression and again in 1959. The first time it was purchased by Colonel Maitland whose musical family made good use of it. When he died Bill Banks stepped in to save it again, deciding that use as a school would ensure its future. The school opened in 1959 with 6 boys and fifty-four years later it is a highly regarded school with 230 boys and girls aged from 4yrs to 13yrs. The Ballroom used by the Fenwicks for fashionable parties, by the Maitlands for concerts, is now the Library.

Hambleton Hall In the late nineteenth century the rich were attracted to Rutland to mix with landed gentry and enjoy hunting with the Cottesmore Hunt. Walter Marshall, a millionaire, who had made a fortune in brewing, built a mansion at Hambleton as a hunting lodge in 1881. Hambleton Hall was designed by Leicester-based architect, Isaac Barradale, who also designed Barnsdale Hall. He was described by Pevsner as “arguably the finest architect of the Arts and Crafts movement in the country”. He entertained there and hunted not only with Cottesmore but also with the famous Leicestershire hunts. He was a bachelor and left his house to his sister Evaline Astley Paston Cooper who continued the tradition by entertaining the rich and famous at house parties. Guests included Malcolm Sargent and Noel Coward. After her death in 1950 the house was bought by Lord Trent, the son of Jesse Boot who had founded Boots Chemists. Major Robert Hoare bought the house in 1956 and continued the hunting link becoming Master of the Cottesmore Hunt. After his death in 1977, his wife decided to sell the house and Tim and Stefa Hart, attracted by its position overlooking the newly created Rutland Water bought the house and converted it into a prestigious luxury hotel and restaurant.

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CARE

Laxton Hall Laxton Hall, a 17th Century Grade II* listed building, is situated between Laxton and Corby in Northamptonshire. It has been converted into a residential care home whilst keeping the integrity of the original architecture intact. The Hall, set in 97 acres of land has beautiful gardens and was probably built for George, 3rd Baron Carbery who died in 1793. On the death of 4th Baron Carbery in 1804 his widow married her husband’s cousin George Freke Evans. He enlisted the services of Humphrey Repton to enlarge the house and remodel the park. He also rebuilt the cottages in the village to create a model estate village. From 1924 to 1968 the Hall was Blackfriars Boarding School, a Catholic foundation, which was run by the Dominican Friars. In 1968 the Polish Benevolent Fund Housing Association, a Registered Social Landlord, bought the Home. It is staffed by the Polish Sisters of Mary Immaculate, an order long recognised for their humanity, compassion and specialised care for Polish community groups, the vulnerable and dispossessed.

COUNTRY LIVING

Burley On The Hill Daniel Finch, second Earl of Nottingham, bought this estate from the 2nd Duke of Buckingham in 1694 and built the house. In 1826 the estate passed to the Finch family and it was inherited by J.R. Hanbury in 1939. The house was requisitioned as a hospital in the 2nd war. The family moved back into the house in 1955 but after Joss Hanbury inherited in 1971, the house was unoccupied. He sold the house and parkland in 1989 to Asil Nadir, the Cypriot businessman, who intended to build a golf course and leisure centre. When the Polly Peck empire crashed Joss Hanbury in partnership with Kit Martin bought the house back for a much reduced sum. The house was saved by the innovative plan Kit Martin had for converting the house vertically instead of horizontally and preserving the gardens. There are now five vertical houses in the mansion, using the main hall as the entrance to three of them and the owners have access to 67 acres of parkland.

CULTURE

Tolethorpe Hall Tolethorpe was occupied for two hundred years by the Burtons who represented Rutland in Parliament in the 14C, followed by the Brownes, a very important family in Stamford history who lived there for the next three hundred years. In the 19C, the house was owned by the Eatons who were part of a Stamford Banking business. When they sold the house it belonged to a Cambridgeshire farmer for a short time before it was purchased in 1977 by the Stamford Shakespeare Company. There is a natural amphitheatre where the Company have staged outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays every year since they bought it. The Hall was nearly derelict but over the years they have expended a great deal of effort in preserving and enhancing the buildings as well as the grounds. They have discovered medieval features and cared for the Elizabethan and Jacobean stone work, 17th century Delft tiles, 19th Century coved ceilings and early 20th century radiators. Most recently the building has been re-roofed and its future is assured for a long time to come.

Thorpe Hall Thorpe Hall has been through many vicissitudes, but its superb early Classical exterior has changed little since it was built in 1653. Original plaster ceilings and fireplaces also remain in the reception rooms. Few large houses of note were built during the Commonwealth and the diarist John Evelyn described it as ‘a stately palace’. Built for Oliver St John, Cromwell’s Chief Justice, the house remained in the family until 1789. Since then it has had various owners and occupiers. It became a school in the early 19C then stood empty for 20 years and might have disappeared if it hadn’t been rescued by Rev’d William Strong in 1850. Rather surprisingly its present survival is partly due to its wartime requisition as a hospital, because post-war it remained in use as a maternity hospital before being acquired by Lady Ryder in 1986 for a Sue Ryder Home. Today it is a 22 bed hospice for palliative care, mainly of cancer sufferers. There is also a day centre for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease sufferers. STAMFORD LIVING july 2013

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Designer, Contemporary & Traditional Kitchens Fabulous New Showroom Just opened in St Mary’s Street, Stamford Call us today or pop into the showroom where we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5.00 Style Interiors, 39 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS Tel 01780 756050 | www.stylek.co.uk

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Upd ates

GET ACTIVE Stamford Swim School opens in September

From September 2013, the Stamford Endowed Schools will be launching their own swim school at Stamford Junior School Pool. The Stamford Swim School will be open to all members of the public and will offer lessons to children – from aged four - and adults, following the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Learn to Swim Framework. Lessons will run in the evenings on weekdays and at weekends, throughout the year. The Swim School is also able to offer members more specialised disciplines - such as water polo, competitive swimming and diving, and synchronised swimming - in the upper levels of the Learn to Swim Framework. This will give experienced swimmers the opportunity to develop their ability in the pool even further, as well as providing the enjoyment of learning a new skill. Chris Finch, Sports Centre Manager, said “Stamford Swim School will offer people of all ages the chance to enjoy swimming, either at the beginner or advanced and competitive level. Our fully qualified instructors will provide expert tuition to small groups, allowing members to develop quickly and confidently. Badges and certificates will be awarded to motivate the children and reward their achievements. And for the advanced classes, the chance to learn water polo, synchronised swimming, and competitive swimming and diving will keep the lessons interesting and exciting. “It is important to get children in the pool from a young age so that they will be able to enjoy swimming and be safe in the water for the rest of their lives. Swimming is also an excellent way to stay fit and healthy. “We will be holding open days on Saturday 10th and Sunday 18th August (4pm-6.30pm), which will give everyone the chance to be assessed by a qualified teacher and enrolled at the correct levels. There will also be the chance to try out our new 15 metre pool inflatable.” Lessons will take place at Stamford Junior School’s indoor pool off Kettering Road, Stamford. Free parking is available to members. • A special promotion of one free week with a booking of 10 is available for the September launch. For details of this and the competitive pricing structure, please call 01780 750050 or email sportscentre@ses.lincs.sch.uk.

Rutland Cycling Rutland Cycling is partnering up once again with the Wildlife Trust to offer nature loving cyclists the opportunity to come and ride whilst learning about our fascinating natural world at Rutland Water. Cyclists will be able to see and hear about the wonderful work done on the nature reserve at Rutland Water as well as check out the video footage of the Ospreys and discover about the other types of wildlife to be found in Rutland. The dates for the rides are Tue 16 July and Mon 5 Aug. Each ride will start at 10am, from the Giant Store in Normanton, including an hour and a half stop at Lyndon reserve before a gentle trundle back to Normanton in time for lunch. (10am-1pm approx.) Bike hire will be available at a discounted rate, although you are free to bring your own bike. • Book via rides@rutlandcycling.co.uk

Knight Partnership celebrates their 30-year anniversary by working with Stamford’s Evergreen Care Trust

Partners John Steward and Mike Ingrey have over 60 years of experience of the estate agency business between them, specialising in selling properties in Stamford and the surrounding areas. Longevity, personalised customer care and local detailed knowledge are their speciality and it’s through this that they have become the well-known business they are today. Mike and John liked the idea of trying to share their success by “putting something back” into the town and community, where others could directly benefit from a working partnership. The Evergreen Care Trust is a local charity that was founded by Louise Marsh, its Chief Executive Officer and former member of the Stamford Older Persons Team at Social Services. Evergreen supports the local people in the Stamford area by providing volunteer support with Advocacy (form filling and personal admin, etc.) Befriending, Clean Team (blitz, deep cleaning), Furniture Store, and Hospital to Home Support, without a charge to the client. Evergreen Community Lunches, Hot & Wholesome delivery and Home Support are paid for services. An extensive network of over 250 dedicated volunteers serve the community through Evergreen, but more volunteers are needed as the demand on their services increases. With this growth there is also a need for more a major increase in financial resources. To support the charity Knight Partnership are donating a percentage of the income generated from every house sale made to Evergreen to help celebrate the trade the town has given them over the years. Partner Mike Ingrey comments: “To achieve what Louise has with her team of staff and volunteers in the past few years is unbelievable – we’d like to think we can help the Trust to grow in their future work and to help promote them via our media to everyone’s benefit.“ To support Evergreen through their “Friends - £1 a month Scheme” or to enquire about becoming a volunteer please contact them on 01780 765900 or go to their website www.evergreencaretrust.org.uk for more information about their work.

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delcor.co.uk

Summer Sale, Now on, 25%* off ‘Made to Order’ prices You want it longer, shorter, taller, wider. You want floral for the sofa, tartan for the chairs. You want square legs, not turned. You want your sofa put together in the lounge because you won’t get it in without taking the windows out. The answer is yes. It’s what we mean by ‘Live bespoke’. Sofas and chairs handmade to perfection. *

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Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer or promotion.

Live bespoke.

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HOM E INT E R IOR S

Delcor celebrates its first anniversary in Stamford in style Nicholas Rudd-Jones went along to find out how Delcor had got on in its first year in Stamford

he first thing that strikes me visiting Delcor at the end of Bath Row is not the sheer scale of the place, nor even the quality of the sofas on display, but the friendliness and knowledge of the team that works there. I was greeted by Kathleen Wilkinson and Leanne Mawer, who are based there full-time; and by Rick Petini, the overall MD of the business, who regularly works in each of his shops around the country to understand exactly what is on customers’ minds and how to meet their needs. And that attention to the customer says a lot about the whole approach of the business. Whilst most other furniture companies long ago switched manufacturing abroad to keep costs down, Delcor held to its belief that affordable quality was the key, and continued to manufacture in Northumberland, where it has been based since 1967. Everything is 100% British, hand-crafted, made-to-measure, solid wood and upholstered. Keeping everything in Britain enables

Delcor to stay close to the market and to tailor products exactly to individual needs. It also means that when you buy a Delcor piece of furniture you know it is of the very best quality. The first year In Kathleen’s words, the first year has been “very positive; people want quality and that’s what they find at Delcor; and we have already had many returning customers.” “We are very positive about Stamford,” Rick told me, “It is getting more and more popular as a town and the White Company coming in recently is further proof that it is becoming a shopping destination.” What makes the Delcor difference? “First and last,” Rick told me, “it is about beautiful furniture and beautiful fabrics. “We always aim to be at the leading edge of design. As well as many of the loved classics, you will find in store sofas upholstered in wool

and others in velvet – these are fashionable textiles at the moment, and we were amongst the first to stock them. “We take a classic design, such as a Chesterfield, and add modern twists to it – an ebony leg, for example, and chrome castors.” Rick began his career as an upholsterer, and has a strong creative streak; it is he that sets the design values of the company and, as a result, the fabric wholesalers often come to Delcor first to try out new ideas. “We always lead with the latest in fabrics.” Buying a Delcor product Once you have decided on a style and a fabric, Delcor will make a sofa up in exactly the size you want; and it comes with a 20-year guarantee. As well as sofas, Delcor offer chairs, beds and accessories. • Delcor, 30 Bath Row, Stamford, PE9 2QX Tel: 01780 762579 www.delcor.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING JULY 2013

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Upd ates

Experience a wet shave at Asembo

Asembo invited Nicholas Rudd-Jones to be a ‘model’ for their new wet shave treatment for men, and he was delighted with the whole experience Key members of the team have been trained up by the ebullient Sid Sottung, originally from New York but now heading up the Shave Master Academy in Nottingham. I was looked after by Jamie, part of the Asembo team, who was highly proficient throughout the treatment. What I realised straight away is that this is much much more than just a shave. Treatment began with a pre-shave cream to soften the hair, followed by a scrub and facial wash. Then a hot towel (incredibly soothing) and the first shave with traditional razor. The shave itself is agreeable and smooth, and after a second shave my face was so much neater than it has been in living memory. The treatment finishes with a cold towel (refreshing) and moisturiser. It’s a cliché I know, but I felt like a changed man! I would like to go back as often as possible, but even once a month would be useful, because it will make it easier to shave at home. Plus it’s an incredibly relaxing and soothing experience. • Asembo, 20 St Leonard’s St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2HN 01780 765337 www.asembo.co.uk

A fabulous new party venue with stunning views over the Welland Valley The Royal Oak is a traditional family run country hotel in Duddington, owned by dedicated husband and wife team Allen and Julia Freeman and also their son Bradley Freeman This year they have created a superb new dedicated party venue with its own brand new marquee (with chandeliers!), toilet facilities, bar and kitchen, that can seat up to 150. There are also six recently renovated bedrooms available in the hotel, including a honeymoon suite. What sets this venue totally apart is the stunning views over the Welland Valley, with the river meandering across the meadows and the sheep grazing. It is a perfect spot for a wedding, party, ball or summer event, and is very competitively priced.

You & Beyond

You & Beyond Jewellery celebrate their 3rd year anniversary on Sat 6th July from 9.30am to 5.00pm. They will be overflowing with £3,000 worth of Pandora jewellery gifts, cupcakes and drinks as the store is transformed into a summer spectacular. Spend £65 and win a beautiful piece of Pandora jewellery and have the chance to enter a competition to win a Pandora cherry blossom necklace worth £80. Pandora’s charm bracelets are the ultimate fashion accessory and with thousands of intricately handcrafted 14 carat gold and Sterling Silver charms there are endless possibilities to create your own style making your bracelet completely unique. • You & Beyond, 14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 755996

John Lewis Gift List service

When you decide to spend the rest of your life together, it’s such a wonderful time. Most of your friends and family will want to mark the occasion by buying you a really special gift, so why not set up a gift list and take the guesswork out of the whole thing, ensuring you get something you love while making it easy for others to shop? It’s easy to set up and use, whether online, by phone or in any one of their shops. To find out more about the Gift List service why not come along to the John Lewis Wedding Showcase on Sat 20 July from 10am - 4pm. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and canapés and talk to the experts on hand. To book your place either call 0844 693 1752 extension 5880 or email CustomerSupport_peterborough@johnlewis.co.uk

Wedding Day Sample Menu: £35, including drink on arrival and tea/coffee. Main course, choose from: • Breast of chicken with a wild mushroom and smoked bacon sauce • Fillet of Seabass with prawn and dill sauce • Roast loin of Pork with apricot and herb stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and pan gravy • Aubergine filled with a Risotto of spinach, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and topped with buffalo mozzarella cheese Dessert: Trio of hand made desserts

Come to the Wedding Show here on Sun July 14th 11am-4pm and see for yourself. There will be a dozen or so local wedding suppliers present on the day, so you will also be able to start planning.

The Royal Oak, Duddington, PE9 3QE Tel: 01780 444267 www.theroyaloakduddington.com For enquiries call Diane Ross, Events Planner, on 07711 720780

STAMFORD LIVING JULY 2013

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You & Beyond Jewellery invites you to our 3rd Birthday on

SATURDAY 6 TH JULY 9:30am - 5:00pm

For or one day y only, the ﬁrst 100 customers that make a purchase pu over er £65 on PANDORA jewellery in the You Y & Beyond Beyond ond Jewellery ewellery store will receive rece e a PANDORA gift from £3,000 worth of jewellery*.

*One prize per customer.

Y&B

You & Beyond JEWELLERY

14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF, 01780 755996 www.youandbeyond.co.uk 31

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DES IGN INT E R IOR S

Kitchens: all things bright and beautiful! It has often been said that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, so all you should need for family harmony, is a well designed, colourful kitchen to create gastronomic feasts in. Antonia Scott takes a look at the rainbow collections on offer throughout Stamford and beyond.

he idea of living without colour is unthinkable - it plays with our emotions, and each spectrum can have a profound and differing effect on us. By combining a variety of materials and colours, modern kitchen planning can recreate your wildest dreams. Long gone are the days when a kitchen’s sole purpose was merely a practical food preparation area, today’s kitchen has developed into a focal part of our lives; where families gather around the breakfast bar in the morning or where couples and friends share a bottle of wine over dinner in the evening. The modern kitchen has become a place where we feel comfortable and want to enjoy life and with so much choice, you can blend styles to reflect your personality and have some fun with a wide range of colour schemes! So, what makes a good kitchen? What style best reflects you and your family’s needs? What budget do you have, to get the finished look you desire? With so many styles to choose from, it’s practical and often easier to make a “Wish List” and your “Must Haves” as a starting point and build up from there. Styles can encompass a vast spectrum, from the classic, traditional shaker or wooden kitchen, to a sleek chrome minimalist finish; a retro kitchen with vintage appliances, or even an increasingly popular “Bar Kitchen”, with curved work surfaces or a round island for a unique look and limited space. Other possibilities include the concept of an “Open-Air Kitchen” which doesn’t have to be outdoors, but with the use of high ceilings, glass walls and large windows with lots of greenery, it can feel more like a colourful Orangery than a straightforward kitchen. Alternatively, a previously considered faux pas is now deemed a luxury – a “Carpeted Kitchen” allows your living/dining area to extend into your cooking area and stay warm underfoot! Colour palettes have also hugely widened and often a traditional wooden kitchen is brought to life with a splash of colour in a modern worktop which can be used for entire, or more usually, accents within the kitchen. NGI Designs of Stamford stock a range of cabinets in vibrant glossy lacquer colours which,

John Lewis has recently updated their fitted kitchen assortment, offering a great choice of materials, finishes and colours to achieve a range of effects. The contemporary Continental Collection, allows customers to create a customised kitchen of their dreams. The design features a ‘Felisa’ handle-less door in high gloss black and white with John Lewis bamboo and Corian worktops, a John Lewis artisan glass splash-back, complete with a Franke sink and tap. Also very popular is the ‘Windsor’ from the Classic Collection, a shaker style kitchen with a handmade feel. You can create a variety of different looks with this kitchen range, from a stylish contemporary feel to a more traditional period kitchen. Available in natural oak, 18 painted finishes and ready to paint doors, you can choose to have one colour throughout your kitchen design or use different colours to highlight key features for a more hand-finished look. The kitchen is also available with a choice of 13 different handle designs. Tel: 0844 693 1752 Pantone Universe kitchenware at Sinclairs

when set against aged oak, provide a wonderful contrast of both texture and colour. Their tile showroom has also recently opened, with a vibrant range of tiles including many from Grespania (Spanish) and Marazzi (Italian). Tel: 01780 766899 Many young households on a budget are experimenting with a simple range of individually painted colourful cupboard doors, which immediately brings a splash of fun to daily meal preparations. QKS Kitchens in Stamford have been recommending the heritage painted Chippendale range for 32 years. Its longevity lies in the traditional styled, solid ash frame and raised veneered centre panel which is available in eight subtle colours: Ivory, Blue, White, Green, Sage Grey, Oyster, Taupe & Light Grey. Tel: 01780 755855 Fordham Kitchens, based in Ryhall have 11 years experience in providing expertise and advice to create your dream Crown Imperial Kitchen. The most popular finish is cream painted oak with a corian work surface, but there are plenty more to choose from in Mark Fordham’s Ryhall showroom. Tel: 01780 484892

Snow Designs and Interiors stock a wide range of kitchen accessories to complement even the most colourful of kitchens, like these Medina glasses. Tel:01780 751 551 Sinclairs on St Mary’s Street stock a wide range of amazingly colourful products from traditional Le Creuset dishes to more contemporary Alessi and Pantone Universe kitchenware. Tel: 01780 765421

Mark Goodacre’s Showroom is based in Osgodby, Grantham where you can view classic English kitchens and choose from a wide range of timbers such as English character oak, maple or tulip. There is also an extensive choice of high quality work surfaces, in granite, wood, corian or engineered stone. Tel: 01476 586159

Trends and fashions come and go but a well designed kitchen stands the test of time. It needs to be simple, convenient and with everything within arm’s reach so that it will work for any home and any level of cook. So, if Music be the food of Love, play on ...... and plan a heavenly kitchen!

Style Kitchens opened a new store on St Mary’s Street, Stamford after many years experience in the business. They firmly believe Style Kitchens can help you achieve the harmony between functionality and comfort where your kitchen is the heart of your home. Tel: 01780 756050

Other Kitchen Stockists: Orchard Kitchens: Tel: 01780 481132 Jeffrey Stone Design are based in Uffington Tel: 01780 762505 Fitted Furniture Company: Tel: 01780 480080 Hunters Interiors: Tel: 01780 753351

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Cre ativity

Bright ideas

Alysia Anderson canvasses the views of local artists on the use of colour in art

The science of colour

We often think of art and science as opposites, yet it was Lincolnshire lad Sir Isaac Newton who first revealed how colour stems from light. Using a prism, he split a ray of light into the spectrum of rainbow hues that he later illustrated as a circular diagram. This colour circle, or wheel, was adopted by painters and has since become traditional in the field of art. The circle begins with the primary colours of red, yellow and blue from which all other colours are formed. Secondary colours, such as green, orange and purple, are made where two primary colours mix and sit between them on the circle. Continuing this effect, tertiary colours are a blend of a primary and secondary colour, resulting in shades such as blue-green. The circular arrangement allows colours to sit opposite their complementary colours, such as red opposite green, demonstrating how they contrast optically. The way colours are juxtaposed in a work of art affects the way our brain perceives them, providing the artist with an immensely creative tool.

Sand Dunes - Catherine Headley

Art and emotion Even if it is rooted in science, there is no denying the almost magical effect colour has on our mood, particularly when we gaze upon a work of art. The French painter Henri Matisse, famous for his experimental use of colour, said, “My choice of colours does not rest on any scientific theory. It is based Fenella Beauchamp - Rooster Blue on observation, on feeling, on the very nature of each experience.” As this is true for the artist, so it is also true for the viewer. Mark Rothko, noted for his huge, bold canvases, encouraged people to stand close to his paintings so they could immerse themselves in the colour experience. Colour can have a powerful symbolic or emotional

impact, for example, red representing anger, danger or passion through its association with fire, blood or the heart. Green may convey the essence of nature or the emotion of envy. In different cultures, the symbolic meaning may change: for example, in China, red implies good fortune whereas white is associated with death. In Western culture, we usually see white as a symbol of purity and black as dark and forbidding. Picasso often painted in monochrome to heighten the emotional impact of his art. In works featuring oppression and death, such as Guernica and The Charnel House, he favoured grey tones. Van Gogh’s Sunflowers is part of a series he painted to welcome Paul Gauguin to the Yellow House in Arles; the yellow tones convey both the warmth of the sun and of friendship. Gauguin described another way colour affects us. “Think also of the musical part which colour will play in paint. Colour is vibration like music”. Like music, colours can be rich in tone or light and ethereal. They may be warm or cool, intense or neutral.

Local colour

Claire Daniel

“Colour is my starting point, intuitive colours or those I have seen,” said Catherine Headley, who lives in Rutland with her partner Trevor Tanser, also an accomplished artist and who suggested the quotations above. “Sometimes just placing one colour next to another is pure joy,” explained Catherine. “Paint an intense turquoise blue and juxtapose an orange. Add a little white to a cool blue, then tint with Indian red and black and you have that lovely faded grey-blue so often seen on peeling woodwork, on sheds or beach huts by the sea. Faded peeling paintwork of any colour is always lovely, look at Venice...” Much of Catherine’s work is inspired by the landscapes of Cornwall

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and Ireland. “I might be on a cliff path Fenella Beauchamp on the west coast of Ireland. There are magnificent views across the sea to islands in the mist. Conventional views will not capture the essence of the place. It is the stones at my feet that catch my eye: purple-grey, blue-grey, green-grey. I collect some and take them back to the studio and mix the exact colours of the stones when they are dry and then wet when the colour is richer. Fuchsias grow wild in Ireland. I pick one: pale pink, magenta, crimson and green. I do not paint the fuchsia, I paint the colours. In St Ives in Cornwall, the rooftops are covered in magnificent lichen, acid green in spring, rusty orange in summer. That same lichen appears on the granite rocks of the cliffs on the Atlantic coast. Take cadmium yellow deep and add a smidgen of black and there you have it. Add black to cadmium yellow pale and you have the colour of moss and fern; magenta for the heathers. Today I picked up a dead twig in Burghley Park. It was covered in lichen. I think…cadmium yellow pale and blue-green, cadmium orange and lemon.”

Sixties and beyond. I could write thousands of words and still not cover everything there is to say about colour.” Another local artist, Eva Aldbrook, has used colour throughout her long career in everything from stage sets to fashion drawings. She now loves to paint the blooms in her beautiful garden in Stamford. “It has been my experience that the achievement of depth in flowers such as peonies or magnolias requires the use of several unrelated colours. It is the combination of these which can provide the three-dimensional effect one aims for,” explained Eva.

Colour ways

Of course, not all art is painting. Sculpture, printmaking and photography all use colour in intriguing ways. Jane Hindmarch, another Attic Artist at Stamford Arts Centre, displayed striking Perspex and acrylic shapes at her recent summer exhibition. Cut, stencilled and sprayed in vivid hues, they were hung to allow the natural play of light through the medium to enhance their impact. Another exhibitor, Nisha Keshav, focused on the browns of furrowed earth and the intense blue of the skies in her photographs of Holme Fen. Bourne-based artist Fenella Beauchamp specialises in screen printing and her bold images of animals and birds use colour to particularly vibrant effect. Her pictures Claire Daniel, who works alongside Catherine Headley in often catch my eye as I pass the window of Gallery Stamford their respective studios at Stamford Arts Centre, described in Maiden Lane. In the Spencer Coleman gallery by The her own relationship with colour and the artists who have George Hotel, Althea Braithwaite’s stained glass plates feature inspired her: “I use colour as a subjective expressive tool abstract patterns in all the colours of the rainbow. So whether that enables me to emotionally charge a picture. I either Fenella Beauchamp the sun shines or not this summer, let’s all be cheered by the pacify or intensify the mood within a scene, pushing riot of artistic colour in our midst. In the words of the English abstract figures together or pulling them apart; creating space for an internal painter Sir Terry Frost: “Just to think in terms of colour is to set the soul narrative to take place. Like the Impressionists, I block out the canvas by alight”. carving pure colour upon and into each other with the use of my palette knife. Colour is an essential element to any piece of artwork, alongside line, tone Summer Night - Catherine Headley and composition, forming the basis of modern teaching practices. Arguably, for the Impressionists, the Scottish Colourists, Abstract expressionists and the likes of Turner, to name a few, it has been the single most important element. Turner was obsessed by light, painting ‘fat over lean’, layering colour upon colour to ask the background to light up and the viewer to take notice. The Impressionists’ main aim was to capture light in the moment, striking the canvas with bright pigments. Fauvism/ Expressionism used colour to offset and unsettle the viewer, to capture the heat and intensity of new ground. Pop Art uses colour like a slick sales technique, referencing the advertising world of everyday objects in the

History of art

Ava Aldbrook

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LE AR NING

Bourne Academy We continue our series on local schools as Nicholas Rudd-Jones visits Bourne Academy (formally the Robert Manning Technology College before converting to Academy status in 2011) in Bourne

s the choice for Stamford parents continues to expand both for secondary education and sixth form, it is worth remembering that the Bourne Academy is only a bus ride away, and as a non-selective state school with a strong ethos and principles it is certainly worth adding to your list of possible candidate schools for either Year 7 or the sixth form. This September more than 10 students are expected into Year 7 from the Stamford area; and last year 14 students from the Stamford area enrolled into the sixth form. Numbers from the Stamford catchment have grown in recent years. So what is it that makes Bourne Academy an attractive choice for Stamford students? Raising standards Bourne Academy was the top Lincolnshire school of its type, classified as Secondary Modern, in 2012 taking into account the average performance of its students over eight GCSEs, also outperforming some outstanding local schools in terms of this key indicator. The school is constantly seeking to raise standards and is predicting its best ever set of GCSE results this summer, with more than 60% of students expected to achieve 5 A*-C GCSEs in this summer’s GCSE examinations. Having already entered all of its Year 11 students for GCSE mathematics in February, the school is currently on 67% A*-C which is set to increase to well over 70% after the summer GCSE examinations. English is already a strength of the school, with 80% of students achieving A*-C in 2012. Facilities The school has used the extra funding that it has received since converting to an academy to upgrade its facilities. The school upgraded its computer system in the summer of 2012, with new powerful servers and around 300 new computers and monitors are being introduced throughout the school. Recognising the importance of a pleasant learning environment for its students, the school has invested in modular buildings in Science – with two new Science labs/

Pastoral Support classrooms, a new four classroom Humanities The level of pastoral support is second to block – ready for September 2013 and new PE none at Bourne Academy. The school is now changing rooms. organised into 54 tutor groups each consisting The school will be able to offer A Level Food Technology from September 2013, as it will have of a small number of students from Year 7 right through to Year 13, which has transformed a completely refurbished Food room with statethe links between the year of-the-art facilities, including groups a rapid food cooler as well as This is enhanced through industry standard packaging the House system, with sixth to give food prepared by form leaders. The Houses students a professional provide a forum for students finish. to give their opinion about Numerous other projects school life, with their findings have taken place within the being fed through to the past two years including Art Academy Council on which & Media rooms with Apple all Houses are represented. Macs, sixth form common room and work area OPEN EVENING My impressions refurbishment, as well as a Come and find out more about With the many facets new reception area. the school for yourself at the to school life at Bourne Open Evening, 6pm till 8pm on Academy, it’s easy to see Extra Curricular Thursday 11th July. why parents and students Activities To find out more details visit provided such positive This is an important aspect www.robertmanning.org.uk feedback to the school in of school life. The school has its recent Kirkland Rowell been traditionally strong survey, the results of which in sports, particularly team are available on the school’s website. sports such as rugby, football, hockey and I was very impressed in my walk around netball, with athletics and cross-country also the school, particularly meeting a group of forming an important part of the offer. The students in the sixth form who were natural Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was also communicators, naturally ambitious and introduced a couple of years ago. very practically-orientated, taking a range of The Arts have an important place in the life subjects especially attuned to their career of the school. The Creative Art Faculty offer the plans. There was a spirit of enquiry, adventure Arts Award to students on an annual basis, with students able to receive accreditation in an area and determination about this group that was impressive. of their choice. STAMFORD Living juLY 2013

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TH R OUGH THE KE Y HOLE

WOODHALL MANOR Harjit Gammon is to the manor borne

n a relentlessly drizzly morning, hot on the heels of a gloriously sunny bank holiday I found myself driving to Helpston to chat to Stewart & Catharine Davies about their home. Dropping into the village shop I casually asked for directions to Woodhall Manor. Intriguingly no one seemed to know its whereabouts with certainty. Pressing on I began to discover why. The manor is all but invisible from the road, under its spring cloak of greenery. Sitting on the corner of two roads, at what was once the end of the village, a nameplate on a tall stone wall is the only indicator of its presence. This probably accounts for its non registration, even by locals in the village shop. Crunching up the freshly gravelled drive past mature trees, of which more later, I note pleasingly, freshly groomed beds and

recently landscaped areas. Turning a gentle bend I see the house. A refurbished stone property, which Catharine later tells me is on the site of a dwelling place from c. 1146, and to which the property owes its Grade II listing. It is however, as Catharine says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a practical, functional family house not an ancient monumentâ&#x20AC;?. Stewart appears from the side of the house and greets me as I park and leads me round to the front door, past a bed of lavender centred by an olive tree, and into a room warmed by a log burning stove set into a large inglenook fireplace. My eye however is drawn to the view through the French doors and windows flanking them, of a lawn and garden beyond, which I later discover wraps around the house.

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Luminously green as only spring grass is, after persistent showers (of which luckily for them we have had many this year) and, striped by the Davies’ children Jemima and Leo - the lawn mowers - the garden is the star of the show. Aside from the lawn there are the trees; a horse chestnut, black walnut and a hazel (the site of much frenzied activity in autumn as the two trees become a spaghetti junction of squirrels racing back and forth to collect nuts to store for the winter months), a pond, a functioning well (fitted with a submersible pump) and that 21st century staple these days a vegetable plot. There are glimpses too from the inside of a hard tennis court, as we do the house tour. Starting with an examination of the oldest part of the house in the west ‘wing’, now a music room for the couple’s five children, of whom just the twins remain at home, Stewart points out the inglenook and the remains of what was reputedly once a bread oven. Also in this ‘wing’ on a half landing is a characterful crooked window with rippled glass, and the filled in remains of a long disused old doorway. As we progress through the study (where Jemima pores over her A level revision when not distracted by the view), up to a master bedroom suite with a lovely deep tub and onto several bedrooms (ample for a big family and/or guests) and a family bathroom; variously the preserve of the children, I am struck repeatedly by the glimpses of the garden. Indeed, some of the rooms have several windows each onto the garden. Returning to the ground floor and the compact, bespoke kitchen and cosy open plan dining room, via the second staircase (perfect for games of hide and seek), our circular tour of this practical and functional family home, in its lovely garden is complete. As I collect my bag from the living room I glance again at the sturdy ceiling beams and recall their role in bearing the ammunitions’ load stored in the bedroom above during the War by the local Home Front ‘Dad’s Army’. The house sits not only well located within its garden, but within a village with a vibrant and thriving community. Boasting around 450 homes (Catharine has apparently leafleted them all for village events, so is quite precise!) plus a new development near the level crossing, the village has a primary school, a local pub, garden centre, Rainbows, Scouts and Guides groups, a tennis club, book club and WI, not to mention the fact that it was, of course, home to the renowned poet John Clare. Thirteen and a half years later the Davies’ are onto pastures new, another chapter complete in the history of Woodhall Manor. • Woodhall Manor is for sale through Norton Rickett Estate Agents T: 01780 782 999 W: www.wnortonrickett.co.uk Wittering Grange Cottage, Old Oundle Road, Wansford, PE8 6NR STAMFORD Living JUly 2013

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Upd ates

Children’s Garden re-locates As a Montessori teacher, Claire Kenyon has always understood the importance of the child’s daily environment. Her own children have cemented her belief that children are happiest letting their imagination lead them on their learning paths, and especially outside. This conviction led Claire, her husband Ed and their three children on their own incredible outdoor journey. They spent seven months on the other side of the world, researching and learning about the fantastic opportunities available in nature. As part of their adventure, the children attended Green School (www.greenschool.org) on the Indonesian Island of Bali. This incredible off-the-grid school is in a bamboo structure in the middle of the jungle. The classrooms have no walls, the food is grown on site (all organic!) and the children have a mud pit to play in. The education is all experience-based (the basis of Maria Montessori’s theories) and like nothing else on earth! Ed (who spent many years working on TRAIL, an outdoors magazine, and is training to be a bushcraft leader) and Claire were so inspired that they headed back to Green School recently to attend the Green

Selecting a Secondary School

Educator course. They are bringing all of this knowledge back to their nursery, The Children’s Garden, which is relocating to fabulous new premises this month. The new nursery, which is on Broad Street, has a large walled garden, and children are already planting seeds to fill it with plants - including their own vegetables. There will also be space for the family’s chickens. The children will also have the benefit of the most unusual outdoor classroom - a yurt! They will be able to use this warm space all year round - after playing and digging in their very own mud pit! • To find out more, contact them on 01780 752094

Story Time Woodnewton based company, William Lloyd have designed and built a new Story Teller’s chair for Nassington Primary School. The chair, built from oak and larch has been donated by Stephen Roe in support of the school’s fund raising. The chair features in the newly refurbished playground and has already become popular with teachers and pupils alike. It was also used recently as the May Queen’s throne at the school’s May Fair celebrations. • William Lloyd specialise in bespoke garden structures and garden landscaping. For further information please visit www.williamlloyd.co.uk

Are you about to become a first-time employer? Kerry Hilliard of accountancy firm Stephenson Smart & Co offers the following advice: Once you’ve found the right person to employ then you must check that they have a right to work in the UK; you might also have to do other checks depending on the job role that you are looking to fill. If you are employing someone for a month or more, then you will need to give them a written statement of employment within the first two

Deciding on a secondary school for a child is one of the most important steps that parents have to make. Bourne Grammar School, one of the top-performing schools in Lincolnshire, offers the following advice: • Narrow down the possible list of secondary schools by checking each school’s admissions criteria to make sure you qualify. • Attend open evenings or arrange a visit, so you can find out if the atmosphere and school culture will suit your child. At these events talk to current students and find out what school life is really like. • Check the school’s record for education quality and academic results • Does the school provide a broad range of specialist or extra-curricular opportunities to develop your child’s interests and talents? Every year Bourne Grammar School welcomes applicants from over 40 primary schools from a cross-boundary catchment area that includes Bourne, Stamford, The Deepings and Peterborough. The school has recently expanded to accommodate more students who achieve the qualifying score in the 11+ admissions test, which is taken in early September of Year 6 for entry the following September. From September 2014 the number of Year 7 places at the School will be increasing to 224. Headteacher Jonathan Maddox told us “This is an exciting development for the School and we look forward to welcoming more students from more primary schools into our expanded Year 7. We aim to give our students the best possible chance to become well-qualified and well-rounded individuals with the skills, experience and confidence they need for a successful future.” • For more information on Bourne Grammar School Admissions and registering for the 11+ tests visit www. bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk or email admissions@bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk.

months. Amongst other things, this should include their job description, salary (by law you must pay your employees the National Minimum Wage), hours, notice period and holiday entitlement. Before you pay your employee you will need to register as an employer with HM Revenue & Customs and set up a PAYE scheme. You are responsible for calculating and deducting PAYE and National Insurance Contributions and paying them over to HMRC on behalf of the employee. Employers are also now responsible for reporting PAYE information to HMRC in real time. As an employer there are other requirements that you will need to comply with such as health and safety, maternity and paternity leave, working hours, sick pay and disciplinary procedures. Most employers will also need to ensure that they have employers’ liability insurance. • For more information on payroll services contact Stephenson Smart & Co Tel: 01733 343275 or visit www.stephensonsmart.com

STAMFORD LIVING JULY 2013

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Chiropodist / Podiatrist Mrs Susan Lester is fully qualified and registered with the Health Care Professions Council (formally HPC) with a 3 year degree in podiatric medicine and based at Premiere Podiatry Clinic, Carlby, Stamford, Lincs. Our aim is to treat any painful condition with an empathic gentle touch. Its all about keeping you on your feet, and keeping you mobile, active and happy.

Treatments available: • Verruca, nail and skin infections, including athletes foot • Cracked Heels • Routine nail cutting, corns and hard skin removal • Ingrowing toe nails (many can be managed conservatively) • Nail surgery with local anaesthetic, only performed after an initial assessment (partial or full removal of nail) • Thick difficult or fungal nails • Diabetic foot care and education • Foot or heel pain • Children’s feet • Arthritic feet • Biomechanical assessment and gait analysis • Orthotics (corrective insoles)

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For more information on other courses or to make a booking please email info@dslrlearning.co.uk www.dslrlearning.co.uk - Facebook: DSLR Learning

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Food & Drink

“Mum knows best”

Sarah Lyon gets a taste for Barbara Farrow’s very successful ‘Stamford Cupcake Company

“I

grew up baking with my Nan and mum”, says Barbara. “Like three peas in a pod?” I jest. “Yes, I like that,” Barbara smiles. The thought evokes some very happy memories for Barbara as we sit and chat about her love for foraging fruits and baking. “People want proper home cooking from someone like me,” says Barbara. Barbara certainly has the credentials for home cooking and baking, having been richly influenced by the homespun skills of her Nan and mum. “We would make rock cakes and bread pudding together when I was a child. I now make the bread pudding using Nan’s recipe and it is a favourite on Stamford Market.” “None of this was planned. Mum and I were walking around Stamford Market one day, four years ago now, and quite simply wanted a nice cake to enjoy. Mum joked when we couldn’t find anything, ‘You should bake some cakes and have a market stall Barbara.’ ‘From day one mum was with me. The first day it poured with rain, we took 50 cupcakes to sell and we sold out. We kept going back and we kept selling out.” Barbara tells me that they are selling a whopping 40,000 cupcakes a year. Barbara reflects, “As kids we used to go out to play and bring back apples; and the next day mum would make them into something delicious. I think this is the inspiration for the way I do things now.” Barbara grows her own fruit these days and adds, “I wanted to do it as I had done as a child.” “Not long after starting up The Stamford Cupcake Company, we went to the Burghley Garden of Surprises and had a little picnic. I saw what looked like a red blackberry

bush. I couldn’t help myself but pick one and taste it. The berry had a sticky residue on it that I learned later was for keeping the birds away. It really was the sweetest, most gorgeous taste ever,” enthuses Barbara. “I discovered that the fruit was a Japanese wine berry. When I approached the gardener at Burghley he very kindly gave me a cutting which is now in my garden. The fruit holds its shape well, is dainty and ideal for adorning our Pimm’s Cupcake.” The Pimm’s Cupcake is very summery and very popular for folks having a BBQ or summer party. “I get orders especially for Burghley when people are planning their picnic.” I ask Barbara why she calls herself the ‘Stamford Cupcake Company’. She says it’s because, quite simply she loves Stamford. ‘I love living here and if Stamford wasn’t in the company name our cupcakes could be from anywhere. I use local Stamford fruit either grown in my own garden, foraged or fruit that comes to me as part of a swap shop I advertise on my market stall.” Barbara got the inspiration for the swap shop when she was driving along Wharf Road one day and saw a plethora of windfall fruit, pears and apples, ‘splattered all over the road’. “I thought to myself, what a waste. So the following week I offered a swap shop on the market. Clients bring windfall fruit and handpicked berries and swap them for cupcakes. I had so much fruit that I made jam and cupcakes from it. Sometimes people would wait until the following week to pick up their swapped cupcakes when their fruit was in them. Barbara asks, “Who wants to go to the supermarket for fruit that is often shipped in from abroad when

we have so much here to use?” The business has up until now been run from Barbara’s home. But in the last month she and her ‘two Sams’, that work alongside her, moved to a purpose-built studio and kitchen. “Both Sam Lines and Samantha Jose have a natural flair. We make a brilliant team,” says Barbara. “Three peas in a pod?” I ask. “Yes”, answers Barbara, “we are like a little family.”

THE BAKING STUDIO The Baking Studio comes as a natural progression for Barbara as she looks ahead and expands her business. “In a way,” says Barbara, “It is in honour of and a tribute to my mum who passed away earlier this year.” With a solid client base and following, Barbara is aiming to bring the popularity of home baking to the public. The Baking Studio is ten steps from Barbara’s front door. A farm building that has been converted into a baking kitchen, teaching classroom and workroom. Barbara plans to run jam, curd making, cookie and cupcake decorating and cake baking classes. For kids’ parties there will be an option to make cake pops, cookies and cupcakes too. Initially cupcake decorating classes will run from 2 1/2 3 hour courses where cupcakes are made and clients learn to decorate the cakes themselves. Visit Barbara’s Facebook page to find out more about her Facebook competition ‘Like and Share’ page to win a place on one of Barbara’s cupcake decorating classes. Facebook LIKE: stamfordcupcakecompany

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Stamford Cupcake Company

Cupcake Classes & Workshop FROM COMPLETE BEGINNER TO BRUSHING UP ON YOUR EXISTING SKILLS Whether you are a complete beginner, looking to improve your baking and cake decorating skills or want to learn a new hobby. Come to one of our classes or workshops in our brand new purpose built bakery. • Cupcake Decorating • Cake Baking Workshops • Learn to Create Cake Toppers • Introduction to Sugar Flower Workshops Children’s Parties, Ladies Days & Hen Parties

Gift Vouchers Available George Farm, London Road, Stamford, PE9 3JP | Telephone: 01780 489364 or 07825 153003 www.stamfordcupcakecompany.co.uk •

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WINE TASTING Restoring faith in German wine!

ur inaugural wine tasting event in the gallery at the Stamford Arts Centre will take place on Thursday the 18th of July at 7pm. We will be focussing on the wonderful wines of Germany, and proving (hopefully) that the unfortunate reputation suﬀered by this excellent wine producing country is unjust. Please contact the shop directly to book tickets, which are priced at £10 per head. Numbers are limited to 30 so please book early to avoid missing out.

17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 489269 www.thestamfordwinecompany.com @StamfordWineCo www.facebook.com/TheStamfordWineCompany

The Bull & Swan Open for lunch & dinner every day.

Enjoy sunny days & warm evenings in our beer garden.

The Bull & Swan High St, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ. 0844 5766180 www.thebullandswan.co.uk Calls cost 5 pence per minute from a standard BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobiles may vary.

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EATING OUT

A moment’s perfection at the Wicked Witch Just once every blue moon everything comes together with a dining experience – perfect hospitality, perfect weather, perfect food, engaging conversation – and just such a lucky experience happened to us on our Sunday lunch trip to the Wicked Witch in Ryhall. Words: Nicholas Rudd-Jones

e were greeted warmly by Dom and his team, and the service was immaculate and informal throughout our meal. We chose a sunny spot in the garden with a view over the Ryhall Water Meadows and got chatting about our plans to visit the West Coast of America over the summer. In no time at all our starters came and they were …simply amazing. The starters were very inventive – David’s perhaps being the most notable of all – a chicken liver & Foie Gras parfait, with pickled white raisins, orange marmalade and ginger bread. Dom suggested a dessert wine to go with it, which complemented it perfectly. David’s straightforward analysis – “The best pâté I have ever tasted.” The bread is from the Hambleton Bakery and butter from the Lincolnshire Poacher dairy – they get all the little details right too. The mains have all the characteristics you want from a Sunday lunch… chunky bits of meat, crackling, perfectly roasted potatoes…but somehow they are also much more than that, with delicate touches that make them exquisite as well as homely. Sammy had slow roast sirloin of beef, with (a very large) Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and red wine gravy. I had the roast local pork loin with crackling and apple sauce; whilst David took another direction, really

enjoying a roast wild char with scallops, mussels and king prawns. This included samphire cress, another example of the interesting and different ingredients that Dameon Clarke, the chef, uses. The dishes were accompanied by excellent vegetables. You really only need two courses…at an incredibly good value £18.95 for lunch (or £22.95 for 3 courses), But Dom ‘forced out hands’ and we had to try what he described as ‘the best dessert you will ever experience in the world’ – a white chocolate and passion fruit Delice with pistachio ice cream - so three forks, one dessert and I think it took us less than a minute until all evidence of dessert had been expunged. A perfect moment. All in all, pub prices, Michelin-style cooking. Hard to beat. • Wicked Witch, Bridge Street, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649 www.ryhallwitch.co.uk

T R AVE L

Boutique Turkey If you are fed up with grey skies and have not yet booked your summer holiday, why not take a break in September or October to Turkey…

ne the most highly recommended destinations for Summer 2013 and a firm favourite with Oundle Travel, offering superb boutique hotel and villa accommodation, are the resorts of Kalkan and Kas. Kas is a harbour village set in the heart of the old Lycian region - it enjoys a cosmopolitan atmosphere with superb restaurants, colourful shops and winding, cobbled streets. The village has been carefully preserved and we are genuinely optimistic that it will retain its special charm and ambience for many years to come. The roof terraces are a highlight of the evenings, a time when Kas is at its best, where you can dine and enjoy the magical views across the tiled rooftops to the harbour and out to the ocean. The town has managed to retain that most elusive of mixtures - an authentic ambience with relative sophistication that makes it an unusual, picturesque and uniquely welcoming destination. It is a million miles away from the over commercialised resorts further along the coast. The Peninsular Gardens is a stylish and

intimate hotel with a well deserved reputation of being the best in the area. Many rooms have private plunge pools and it was voted ‘Best of the Best’ in the Sunday Times ‘Top Ten Mediterranean Hotels’. The hotel operates a complimentary minibus transfer to the town which is a 10 minute’s drive away. Departures for August and September dates lead in at £1300.00 pp for 7 nights including flights from London Gatwick or Birmingham, luggage and private transfers. Temperatures in the region stay at a balmy 30 degrees with clear blue skies well into mid-October, so perfect for that late summer break. A complimentary Gulet Sailing trip is available with all holidays booked through Oundle Travel for Summer 2013. Spend a long lazy day on board as the gulet slowly explores the local bays; a BBQ lunch is also included. • For more information on The Peninsular Gardens and our stunning individual villas please contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600. www.oundletravel.co.uk

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B R I N G I N G L OCA L FOOD T O LIFE

King of the porkers Rare-breed mangalitza pork is being produced to perfection on beautiful Chater Valley Farm in Rutland

utland. Known for its fox hunting, real ale, country pubs, trout fishing in the reservoir and now… spectacular rare-breed pork from Hungarian pigs. Big fat hairy ones that laze around all day in woods next to the River Chater, not far from the village of Wing. These curly-coated pigs – called mangalitzas – can’t believe their luck. They roam in lush wooded areas, enjoy good amounts of space, regular hearty meals and top-notch shelter. As a result, the pork they provide is second to none. The mangalitzas’ home is 40-acre Chater Valley Farm in Pilton, which Malcolm and Lesley Gough took on in August 2009. Before that the couple were living near Fineshade Wood, part of Rockingham Forest, with dreams of keeping pigs on a smallholding. “We were looking for around two acres but ended up with 40,” says Lesley. “We fell in love with Chater Valley Farm and that was that.” Passionate rare-breed pig fans, they decided to keep mangalitzas and British saddlebacks after attending a course run by Tony York at Pig Paradise Farm in Wiltshire (www.pigparadise.com). “I bought Malcolm a place on the course for Valentine’s Day,” says Lesley. Mangalitzas are very similar to Lincolnshire curly coats, a breed that became extinct in 1972. Like that old English pig, these Hungarians are hardy and capable of thriving in harsh winters. They also produce fantastic meat. The story  goes that mangalitza meat was once in such high demand it was traded on Vienna’s Stock Exchange. “Their meat is amazing,” says James Goss, head chef of King’s Arms in nearby Wing (part of the Great Food Club network), who regularly cooks with mangalitza pork raised on Chater Valley Farm. “The animals are matured slowly and have a large amount of fat.” However, far from being a bad thing, About the writer the extra lard is great news because it gives Matt Wright the meat succulence and huge flavour. It is also founded and runs said to be a ‘lighter’ fat, with more unsaturated Greatfoodmag.co.uk and content. “It’s the pig equivalent of kobe beef,” Greatfoodclub.co.uk, says James – high praise indeed. Mangalitza fat two Leicestershirecan be whipped up like cream, and chefs at top based websites that celebrate and promote restaurants like New York’s French Laundry – local food and drink. having rediscovered this old breed – are doing just that and using it in their cooking. About the For Malcolm, who combines pig farming with photographer his role as deputy chief executive officer for Andrew Brackenbury London-based media and digital information from Rhyall is a company Top Right Group, it’s been a steep corporate and editorial but enjoyable learning curve. “It’s been an photographer who loves interesting challenge to say the least – there’s to tell stories about people, businesses so much to learn.” But learnt he has, and so and events through successfully that Stamford College now uses his work. See more his farm as a training ground for its agricultural of his photos at www. students. Lesley, a trained psychotherapist, is abrackenbury.com also loving her life at Chater Valley Farm, and

her long-term vision is to combine farming with her medical skills. “Eventually, I’d like to use the farm and its animals to help people affected by conditions such as autism,” she says. “Animals can be used in therapy and have the potential to act as a very effective communication medium.” Seeing the wooded areas of Chater Valley Farm, where the pigs roam in Chater valley, there is a real feeling of tranquility, and it’s easy to imagine therapy taking place here. Another string to Chater Valley Farm’s bow is its herd of miniature Hereford cattle, which as well as producing fine meat are known for their good temperament. “Because we live in Britain’s smallest county, we thought it’d be a good idea to keep tiny Herefords,” says Lesley. There are good economic reasons, too: miniature Herefords eat around 40% of the food that their full-sized counterparts consume, and produce 50% as much meat. But it’s the curious-looking mangalitzas that will be remembered by those who visit Chater Valley Farm, possibly to buy the pork it produces. Lesley and Malcolm can supply half and whole pigs, butchered, packed and labelled, and also produce sausages. But please don’t just turn up at the farm – call to arrange your purchase on 01780 720660. Alternatively, if you want to try the meat, brilliantly prepared, book a table at The King’s Arms in Wing, where you will more often than not find it on the menu. For more information visit www.chatervalley.co.uk.

Rent-a-Porker! Chater Valley Farm also runs a Rent-a-Porker scheme. If you’d like to keep a pig but don’t have the land to do it yourself, you can rent one from the farm. You’ll get a certificate, the chance to name your porker, and can visit the farm to feed and pet the little swine.

Join Matt’s food club – Great Food Club – free of charge and discover the very best local food and drink. Members can enjoy special offers at over 80 handpicked independent pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

STAMFORD Living JULY 2013

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STAMFORD Living JULY 2013

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KEN RAWSON

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Clock & Watch Restoration and Repair Robert Loomes MBHI FRSA 4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319

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D IA RY DAT E S

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Sunday 30 June to Sunday 7 July, 11am to 4pm EVENT: Sweet Pea Week Spotlight on the sweet peas this week at this most beautiful and welcoming restored garden. Visitors can expect to see over sixty varieties of sweet peas in full flower all raised from seed in the gardens’ greenhouses. Displays will be in the pickery, vegetable and cottage gardens and in the wider gardens the new plantings of roses rise up through the long meadow grasses. A magical place to visit. Easton Walled Gardens. Further information Tel: 01476 530063 www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July EVENT: Little Bytham Festival Music and Beer Festival with a gentle laid back feel. Music in the pub garden at the Willoughby Arms featuring local bands plus guest ales, BBQ, afternoon teas and a mini record fair. All weather marquee so everyone will have a great time come rain or shine. Helpers most welcome – get in touch through www.bythamsmusic.org.uk or Tel: 07876 806646 Saturday 6 July, 7.30pm CONCERT: Summer Sounds from Stamford Brass A summer music sensation performed by Stamford Brass. A mix of contemporary and familiar songs with sparkling arrangements. A sizzling summer concert showcasing Stamford’s newest young talent suitable for audiences of all ages. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. Tickets £10 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamfordcornexchangetheatre.co.uk Saturday 6 July, 8pm SUMMER CONCERT: Stamford Chamber Orchestra Brilliant young horn-player Katy Woolley, recently promoted to Principal Horn of the Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of only twenty two, gives a programme including Mozart, Haydn and Mendelssohn. Ben Palmer conducts. Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets £12/£10/£5 Tel: 01780 763203 www. stamfordartscentre.com Saturday 6 July EVENT: Battle Proms One of the UK’s premier picnic proms events with an evening of soul stirring music, featuring the world renowned Blades Aerobatic Team, Spitfire display, cannons, cavalry and fireworks. This is an unforgettable experience with all the pomp and patriotic fervor to rouse the spirits. Burghley House, Stamford. Tickets £34 adult, £16 child. Booking at www.battleproms.com Sunday 7 July, 11am to 3.30pm EVENT: Children’s Day Summer Sundays are back at Barnsdale every weekend during the school holidays with free family events included in the price of garden entry. Brand new events for this year include Children’s Day when kids visit free to enjoy circus skills, face painting, animal sculpture and a quiz. Look out for other Sunday themes such as ‘Bees, Bugs and Butterflies’ as well as the Vintage Croquet Tournament where players will be decked out 1920s style and afternoon tea with Pimms will be served. (Sunday 21 July). Check the website for more events being added all the time.

Garden admission £6.50/£5.50/£2.50 family (up to 5) £16. For more details, call 01572 813200 or visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk Sunday 7 July, 4pm CONCERT: Peterborough Opera The singers of Peterborough Opera are presenting a summer concert with a programme including popular choral and solo items by Verdi, Wagner and Britten. Funds raised will go to the Church. All Saints Church, Easton-On-The-Hill Tickets £10 from the Blue Bell Pub, the Village Shop or Tel: 01832 272738. Admission price includes a glass of wine. Friday 12 and Saturday 13 July 7.30pm (2.30 matinee on Saturday) THEATRE: The Miracle In a town somewhere in the British Isles, something strange has happened. The rain pelted down, the canal broke its banks, a lot of debris got shifted… and a holy statue burst up through the floor of twelve year old Veronica Sheehan’s bedroom. Though no one is more surprised than Veronica, she soon sets about using her new found spiritual skills to help her ailing community. Mystical and mesmerising, this latest offering from the fantastic Stamford Senior Youth Theatre is not to be missed. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £8 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Witchley Warren Festival Northwick Arms, High Street, Ketton - Sunday 14 July - 1-6pm Witchley Warren Festival, in its launch year, is a community music, arts and crafts festival featuring live folk, jazz, blues, world music with the opportunity to perform and take part in workshops. Bands appearing include Paspatou and Govannen. The festival combines an open air stage occupying a small field at the rear of the Northwick Arms, with an indoor arena, a beer and cider festival, a busker’s stage as well as stalls and kids’ entertainments. Witchley Warren Festival is a charity event raising money for providing opportunities for the children at Ketton School. Please give generously. There will be donation buckets at the entrance and around the site. Yamaha to Partner Oundle International Festival Fri 12 July – Sun 21 July Yamaha UK have just confirmed that they will be supplying a superb Yamaha S6 Grand Piano to the Festival This magnificent hand crafted instrument, was built at Yamaha’s own workshops and is one of the finest examples of modern piano technology and has been endorsed by Artists such as Jamie Cullum and Alberto Nosé. During the Festival, featured artists from the Dominic Alldis Trio (Monday 15 July) to classical pianists, Young-Chon Park (Sunday 14 July), Cheng Meng (Monday 15 July) and Virginia Black (Wednesday 17 July) are all looking forward to the opportunity to play such an instrument to demonstrate their talents. In a remarkable event, Piano 4 Hands will utilise the piano to give a performance of Stravinsky’s ‘Rite of Spring’, which is in its centenary year. To book tickets visit www.oundlefestival.org.uk or call 01832 274734

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D IA RY DAT E S Saturday 20 July, 2.30pm FAMILY SHOW: My Brother, the Robot Bobbie lives with her inventor dad in a house filled with technology. Bobbie and her dad have everything they need – until one day, Bobbie announces that she’s lonely and she wishes she had a little brother. Tall Stories (the company that brought you The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale) presents its brand new show, combining humour, music and storytelling for everyone aged 4 and up. Stamford Theatre Tickets £7.50/£26 family of four Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Saturday 20 July, 8.30am to 4.30pm EVENT: Oundle Food Festival A huge range of food and food related goods on offer in the historic market place. Timed to coincide with the Oundle International Festival, all kinds of events are taking place in the town and surrounding villages - cookery demonstrations, workshops, tastings and talks, children’s activities at Barnwell Park. Keep an eye on the Festival’s website for details as they become available. www.oundlefoodfestival.co.uk Sunday 21 July 7.30pm EVENT: Sunny Ormonde – A night with Lillian from The Archers Sunny has been playing the outrageous and raunchy Lillian Bellamy in Radio 4’s The Archers for the past twelve years and has become one of the listeners’ favourite characters. In this show Sunny will tell behind the scenes stories about the world’s longest running soap opera - an evening of anecdotes and banter plus a question and answer session with a prize for the best Archers question. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £14 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Book a place early for summer holiday fun… Monday 12 to Friday 23 August EVENT: Musical Theatre Holiday Workshops A selection of workshops you can book for just a day or the whole week. Themes include Harry Potter, Disney, Angelina Ballerina, Street Dance, Pirates and Fairies. Suitable for children aged from six to sixteen. Various venues including Stamford and Peterborough Prices, booking and further information Tel: 01780 762000 or www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk

Anna’s Hope - The Big Fairy Picnic in the Park Sunday 18th August Anna’s Hope invites all fairies to put on their fairy dresses, bring a picnic and come to ‘The Big Fairy Picnic in the Park’ in the grounds of Burghley Park. Elves and the whole family can come too. The picnic will take place between 1200 and 1600 and there will be lots of fun and games plus a Fairy Treasure Trail, Story Telling, Ponies and Face painting. There will also be a best-dressed Teddy Bear competition, so don’t forget to bring your teddy in their best outfit. It will also be the anniversary of last year’s successful Guinness World record attempt for the largest number of people dressed as fairies and Anna’s Hope would love to see all the record breakers again. Twenty Five Years of Birdfair The event is free and for anyone The world famous Bird Fair takes place during Friday 16, Saturday 17 dressed as a fairy or elf they will and Sunday 18 August 2013 and is the largest event of its kind in the get half price admission to the world, this year celebrating is twenty fifth anniversary. Attracting over Garden of Surprises. 20,000 visitors a year Bird Fair raises money for conservation projects • For those who want to help and in all parts of the world. Chock full of celebrity guest speakers such as give hope to children with brain Bill Oddie, Johnny Kingdom and Chris Packham plus a huge exhibition tumours you can donate at the with everything from binoculars to art workshops on offer, this is the picnic or by visiting the Anna’s ideal opportunity for every one with an interest in wildlife to indulge Hope stand or visit the charity’s their passion. website www.annashope.co.uk Enthusiastic volunteers are always needed for marshalling – contact Bird Fair at www.birdfair.org.uk

Throughout July and August EVENT: Shakespeare at Tolethorpe Another selection of plays to be enjoyed in Tolethorpe’s unique atmosphere. This year visitors can choose from The Comedy of Errors or A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare or something a little more contemporary with the reuniting of the Dad’s Army cast in ‘The Lost Episodes’ for the 2013 season. A spectacular setting and all weather stage plus pre-ordered picnics or supper to make it a really special occasion. For further information and booking Tel: 01780 756133 or visit www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk Looking ahead to August… Film Festival al fresco at Burghley Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 August Four days of fabulous films al fresco. With Bond, The King’s Speech, the Duchess and children’s’ classics like Aladdin and Toy Story, there is something for everyone. Book day or evening sessions or see a double bill. For Tickets or information on screening times visit www.burghley.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING july 2013

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STA M FOR D PE OPLE

John Clare (1793-1864) Victoria Bullimore imagines travelling back in time to the local childhood home of the great nature poet It’s 1823. I’m in a humble rented cottage in the village of Helpston, home to the poet John Clare and his wife Martha (known as Patty) and their two little girls. The Clare family at this time share four small rooms on two floors with John’s parents and his sister Sophie. You might think this is a bit crowded, but I know, as a curious visitor from 2013, that there are more children to come for John and Patty (they had nine altogether, two of which died in infancy). John is thirty years old. He is a diminutive five-foot tall, with an impressive forehead and hooked nose, described by Edward Drury, a bookseller from Stamford, as “low in stature, long visage, light hair, coarse features, ungaitly, awkward…” He is the son of Parker, a farm labourer, and Ann, who, though uneducated themselves, have both supported John in his literary ambitions from the start. I ask John about his childhood, and he tells me he went to Mrs Bullimore’s Dame school in the village (a thrill of recognition at the name, I feel sure we must be related!) and then to a vestry school in Glinton until he was thirteen. He was a studious boy, reading and writing constantly and learning vast tracts of the Bible, but what he enjoyed the most, he tells me, was being outside and alone. “I had plenty of leisure,” he says, “but it was the leisure of solitude.” He went on, “I loved to employ leisure when a boy in wandering about the fields watching the habits of birds…such amusements gave me the greatest of pleasures but I could not account for the reason why they did so.” I get the impression he was also a stubborn boy who wasn’t too keen on leaving home. Having refused for various reasons to take up a cobbler’s apprenticeship, he went to work instead at Woodcroft Castle but gave that up after a month because he didn’t like getting his feet wet every time the causeway flooded. He worked for a while as a general helper at The Blue Bell pub in Helpston, and recalls, “I lived at this place a year and left with the restless hope of being something better than a plough boy, my little ambitions kept burning about me every now and then to make a better figure in the world and I knew not what to be at.” In 1807, aged fourteen, he took a job as a gardener’s assistant at Burghley House and remembers the nightlife in Stamford. “Our place of rendezvous was a public house called The Hole in the Wall,” he tells me, “famous for strong ale and midnight merriment…a favourite place with Burghley servants.” It was while he was working as a lime burner in Great Casterton and Pickworth that John met his wife Patty. Despite her father’s initial misgivings they were married in the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Great Casterton, in 1820. In the last three years John has had two anthologies published to great

literary acclaim. His first in 1820, entitled “Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery”, ran to four editions in two years, then came “The Village Minstrel” in 1821, which was also positively received. He had the same publishers as Keats (Taylor and Hessey of London), and was quickly introduced to the London literary scene, socialising with the likes of William Hazlitt and Charles Lamb. What did he think of London? John replies with an account of his first impression of the river Thames. “I had heard large wonders about its width of water but when I saw it I was disappointed thinking I should have a fresh water sea and … twas less in my eye than Whittlesea Mere.” I can’t help but wonder how fame and recognition have changed a life that was once full of simple pleasures, privacy and solitude. Fame is clearly a double edged sword for the Clare family, as he explains, “the first publication of my poems brought many visitors to my house out of a mere curiosity… to know whether I really was the son of a thresher and a labouring rustic…on finding me a vulgar fellow…they soon turned to the door…and departed.” I take this as a hint and wrap up the interview with a few quick questions. What’s your favourite book? “In novels my taste is very limited, Tom Jones, Robinson Crusoe and The Vicar of Wakefield are all that I’m acquainted with.” Do you have a middle name? No. What’s your favourite drink? Ale. Do you play a musical instrument? He tells me yes, he plays the violin. (And I understand he’s pretty good.) In 1823 John Clare was not to know that he would eventually publish over three and half thousand powerful, beautiful, ground-breaking poems or that he would suffer in later life from mental health problems that would hospitalise him in Northampton until his death in 1864. There is not enough room here to do him justice. So pay a visit to Clare Cottage yourself. Maybe you too will see him there. Many thanks to David Dykes and all at Clare Cottage. All John Clare quotes are taken from the book “John Clare, by Himself”, ed. Eric Robinson and David Powell. The statue of John Clare is by Peter Edwards. • The John Clare festival is taking place on July 12-14. Find out more at their website www.clarecottage.org under What’s On

STAMFORD Living JULY 2013

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