Dales Life Spring 2013

FREE Spring 2013

ANTIQUES

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WILDLIFE

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FOOD |

SMALL WONDERS

Splendid spring bulbs

Spring to Life Out and about in the countryside

INTERIORS

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GARDENING

GOOD EGG

The joys of keeping chickens

Wild Angle The elusive Black Grouse

What’s Cooking The Dales Life team goes back to school

COUNTY KITCHENS

(Leyburn) Ltd

Exquisite new range of handmade kitchens now in stock.

Please ask for our complimentary brochure Telephone: 01969 624274 Visit our website: www.yorkshire-kitchens.co.uk Open: Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm and Saturday 10am-1pm

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Showroom: Belle Vue Offices, Market Place, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 5AW

From the editor

After the dark, drab days of winter it’s a joy to see the countryside bursting into life as spring approaches – and it’s lovely to have some bright colours popping up in the garden too. For an even better show next year, why not plant some of the gorgeous spring bulbs recommended by Ambra Edwards on p.26? Their flowers may be small but each one is a miniature work of art.

Looking forward to summer, sweet peas, with their amazing scent, are one of my very favourite flowers. If you want a great display – and masses of cut flowers – then now is the time to get started. Adam Appleyard’s feature on p.32 is packed with helpful tips on growing them.

When my son was at school his hobby was keeping chickens, and it really was tremendous fun. Chickens are fascinating and often beautiful birds – and, of course, they provide you with lots of fabulous fresh eggs. If you’re interested in joining the backyard chicken revival then turn to Ian Henry’s article on p.40 to find out how to get started.

Spring’s a great time get out and about and explore what our region has to offer, and the Dales Life team had a terrific time recently at Swinton Park Cookery School, finding out how to make Italian food. It was all far easier than I had expected, and the results were truly delicious. You can read a report of our day on p.63.

I hope you enjoy our packed spring issue. We’ll be back again soon – by which time, hopefully, the days will be even longer and warmer!

Sue Gillman Editor

Keep up with Dales Life Guaranteed Delivery Take out a subscription and never miss another issue!

For details visit daleslife.com or call 01904 629295.

Short and Tweet The Dales Life team is now on Twitter! For the latest news and views follow @Dales_Life

Not Just a Magazine Read our latest issue – plus exclusive extras that we couldn’t fit into the magazine – online at daleslife.com

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Beautiful handmade kitchens designed and made to order

BESPOKE DOORS P ERI O D F I REP LAC ES

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OAK FLOORING WOOD STOVES

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e Period House Store, Unit 3-7 Simpson Buildings, Borough Road, Gallow elds Trading Estate, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4SX 4

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DalesLife Spring Iss1-2013 CS6 FINAL.indd 4

28/02/2013 15:48

Contents Spring 2013

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18 Subscribe to Dales Life

Go to www.daleslife.com for further details

Features 9 Emporium Inspiring ideas for your home and garden.

13 Making It A new series showcasing regional talent.

16 Wild Angle

Celebrating nature in the Yorkshire Dales.

18 Spring to Life

Professor Chris Baines celebrates the first signs of spring.

Cover photo ©FLPA

26 Little Wonders

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to spring bulbs says Ambra Edwards.

32 Pretty Peas

Sweet peas are gorgeous, plant them now for summer colour, says Adam Appleyard.

40 Good Egg The joys of keeping your own chickens,

by Ian Henry.

49 In Season It’s rhubarb time and now is the perfect time to enjoy it.

53 Simply Asparagus The British asparagus season is almost here.

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Contents Spring 2013

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63

Features To advertise in Dales Life contact Sue on 01904 629295 or 07970 739119 sue@daleslife.com www.daleslife.com Editor: Sue Gillman Deputy Editor: Brian Pike Production: Claudia Blake Advertising: Sue Gillman Art Editor: Stefan Suchomski Fashion Editor: Chloe Smith Proofreader: Helen Stevens Contributors: Adam Appleyard, Ambra Edwards, Brian Pike, Chris Baines, Claudia Blake, Ian Henry, Laurie Campbell Proprietor: Sue Gillman T: 01904 629295 M: 07970 739119 E: sue@daleslife.com www.daleslife.com

Dales Life, 8a Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA 6

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56 The Discerning Diner

Claudia Blake visits The Hack & Spade at Whashton.

63 What’s Cooking The Dales Life team spends a day at Swinton Park Cookery School.

66 Make it Simple Three recipes from Katie Quinn Davies’ new collection.

72 A Taste of Spring

Luscious recipes for an unforgettable dinner party.

78 On the Grapevine

Spring is the season for lighter, fresher red wines.

83 Inside Story A unique Dales cottage gets a new look.

87 Hall Right Now Kiplin Hall is a hidden gem, and that’s official.

91 The Reel Deal Even modest items of old fishing equipment can prove surprisingly valuable says Nick Lambert.

97 Notebook Out and about in the Yorkshire Dales.

103 Dales Diary A guide to local events compiled by Helen Stevens.

128 To Dine For Great places to eat in the Yorkshire Dales.

All rights reserved. Permission for reproduction must be sought from the publisher. Freelance contributions welcomed. The views and opinions expressed in Dales Life are not necessarily those of the publishers or their employees.

PepperCorn House Fine Furniture & Interiors

Beautiful soft furnishings, upholstery and fine furniture.

Introducing our new soft furnishing service.

We offer a beautiful range of soft furnishings, including handmade curtains, blinds, headboards, upholstery and cushions. A perfect complement to our stunning furniture, lovingly hand painted in our own workshop. Commissions undertaken.

Our extensive showroom offers an eclectic mix of individual pieces to make your house a home.

01325 401778 or 07961 967070 www.peppercornhouse.com Hurworth Grange, 41 Hurworth Road, Hurworth Place, Darlington DL2 2BN SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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B E A R C OT TAG E I N T E R I O R S Period & Contemporary Country Design Bespoke design service ranging from a single cushion cover to a complete home design package

Curtains & Blinds, Fabric, Furniture, Lamps, Mirrors, Gifts.

The Cattle Market, Market Place, Hawes, DL8 3RD Tel 01969 666077

www.bearcottageinteriors.co.uk

Looking for colour and inspiration?

We can help you!

We stock the Dulux Tailor Made Colour Collection, offering over 1200 colours which can be mixed in any finish you want

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INTERIOR DECORATING SUPPLIERS High Street, Leyburn | Tel: 01969 623143 8

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Emporium

Inspiring ideas‌ 1

for your home

2 3 1 Jaunty striped fabrics from the Clarke & Clarke New England collection, Bear Cottage Interiors, Hawes, 01969 666077. 2 Beautiful beech lamp with shade from Voyage Country Prints spring collection, CB Furnishings, Northallerton, 01609 772916. 3 Dresser made from reclaimed pine, available in a rustic or painted finish, The Period House Store, 01748 821500. 4 Chair upholstered in Roses, a classic from the Kate Forman collection, Peppercorn House, Hurworth, 01325 401778.

5 Beautiful Balloons is a colourful new collection launched this spring by Sanderson, Milners of Leyburn, 01969 622208.

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Love Quality Love Dave Hudspeth Carpets

davehudspethcarpets.co.uk Unit 2, Station Road Brompton on Swale Richmond DL10 7SN 01748 835111 Unit 7, Badger Court Harmby Road, Leyburn DL8 5BF 01969 625111

Image © Crucial Trading

Welcome to our new Gift Shop, Deli, Bakery and Tea Room.

Honest, fresh, and satisfying food prepared in our village kitchen.

Fresh bread cakes, pies and pasties baked on the premises.

Delicious bistro meals to take home.

Pop into our Tea Room for breakfast, light lunches or afternoon tea.

Take a look at our shop

NEXT DOOR Greetings cards, postcards and a fantastic range of gifts.

Market Place, Askrigg ∙ www.askriggvillagekitchen.co.uk ∙ 01969 650076 10

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Emporium

Inspiring ideas…

for your home and garden

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1 Relax in the garden in this gorgeous gazebo, now in stock at The Period Garden Store, 01748 821500. 2 Cute watering can from The Bramble Range, Askrigg Village Kitchen, 01969 650076.

3 Bronze of Huey the Hare, one of a selection of stunning sculptures now in stock at Dovetail Interiors, Bedale, 01677 426464. 4 A delightful pair of plant pot holders – perfect for spring – Askrigg Village Kitchen, 01969 650076. 5 This hand-painted, life-size merino sheep would make a statement in any garden, Dovetail Interiors, Bedale, 01677 426464.

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Full of fresh ideas for your home

At CB Furnishings we have an inspiring selection of beautiful designer fabrics, furniture, lighting and home accessories. Whether you are considering a complete make-over, or looking for some inspiration, we have everything you need.

We also offer a home consultation and fitting service. Why not use our knowledge and expertise to create your dream home.

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Standard Way, Northallerton DL6 2XA 01609 772916 8 Castlegate, Thirsk, YO7 1HL 01845 525575 www.cbfurnishings.co.uk

MAKING IT Strikingly contemporary, Emma Sedman’s exquisite handmade jewellery is a cool, clever combination of silver, enamel and precious metal leaf. And her new gallery on Leyburn High Street provides an ideal setting in which to enjoy it – along with a selection of work from some of the UK’s most interesting and intriguing jewellers.

Originally inspired by sea life, Emma’s work – although abstract – still retains a distinctly marine flavour. Many of her pieces feature luscious aquamarines, deep blues or subtle greens, often set off by textured bands of gold and silver that bring to mind sunlit tropical beaches.

Emma’s passion for colour and form, and her immaculate workmanship, have won her an enviable reputation, and her jewellery has been exhibited throughout the UK and as far afield as New York.

Emma Sedman Jewellery

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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As well as her gorgeous necklaces, pendants, brooches, earrings and cufflinks – each item unique – Emma also customdesigns engagement rings and wedding rings.

Ten or so other jewellers are currently displaying their work alongside Emma’s in her new gallery. They include Mari Thomas from Carmarthenshire, whose silverwork reflects the landscape, language and rich cultural heritage of Wales. And for something entirely different – this time from a Scottish maker – don’t miss Natalie Vardey’s beautiful and intricate jewellery, which is knitted, crocheted and woven from delicate silver thread.

By the way, it’s not just jewellery that’s available to browse; Emma’s gallery also carries a variety of attractive and unusual accessories, ranging from stylish scarves to cosy cashmere wraps. Well worth a visit!

Emma’s gallery also carries a variety of attractive and unusual accessories

Emma Sedman Jewellery, Newsteads, High Street, Leyburn DL8 5AQ tel. 01969 368006 Open Monday 10am to 4:30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 5pm www.emmasedman.co.uk 14

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MILNERS of Leyburn Style for you and your home

Carpets • Rugs • Curtains • Blinds • Upholstery • Bedding Ladies & Gents Fashion and Accessories 6 Market Place, Leyburn DL8 5BJ t 01969 622208 e sales@milnersofleyburn.co.uk w www.milnersofleyburn.co.uk

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Wild Angle Photographers celebrate nature in the Yorkshire Dales

the black grouse

by Andrew Parkinson The Black Grouse is an elusive – and endangered – bird found in habitats that combine open moorland with a scattering of tree cover. In England the Black Grouse’s main stronghold is in the North Pennines, where there are encouraging signs that the number of birds may be gradually creeping upwards.

The high, winding road across Grinton Moor between Redmire and Grinton is a good place to see them. They will often appear close to the road – in fact you’re

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more likely to get a good view of them by staying inside the car rather than leaving it.

Black Grouse females are a rather undistinguished dark grey-brown, but the males are strikingly handsome: predominantly blue-black with touches of white, and with a bright red wattle. Early on spring mornings they gather at special courtship areas, known as ‘leks’, to display their finery and compete for female attention – a sight not soon forgotten by anyone lucky enough to observe it.

Andrew Parkinson is a multi-award-winning professional wildlife photographer with a passion for Britain’s wild places. You can find out more about him – and enjoy a selection of his stunning images – at www.andrewparkinson.com

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Spring toLife

Professor Chris Baines celebrates the first signs of spring.

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LEFT Wood Anemone, BELOW Wren, Common Toad

The seasonal patterns may be blurring at the edges – I saw my first primrose last November – but the ancient rhythms still continue, and there are plenty of signs that spring is on its way.

A

s far as mammals are concerned, the first sign of spring I see is usually the new generation of young grey squirrels being taught to dismantle bird feeders by their all-tooexperienced parents.

Out in the wider countryside I make a point of seeking out the spectacle of mad March hares as they box and parry through their prenuptial rituals. Sadly these wonderful animals have become rare in recent years, but they do still survive where farmland includes sufficient rough pasture to afford them shelter.

The dawn chorus starts to build in January, with robins generally in the vanguard. Once territorial claims begin in earnest, the early morning performance explodes, both in variety and volume. In my garden the song thrush is amongst the first serious singers of the year, but I know that the nesting season is well and truly under way when the piercing trill of the wren and the relentlessly repetitive ‘teacher teacher teacher’ of the great tits begin to dominate. The songbird that finally confirms the arrival of spring is the chiffchaff. Its call is unmistakeable, and when this modestlooking little warbler announces its arrival from Africa I feel I can relax for another year.

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You should be able to spot a dozen or more species of spring wildflowers Most of our garden songbirds are woodland species, and you can hear the same familiar cocktail of robin, blackbird, song thrush, tits and warblers if you visit a well-treed park or woodland nature reserve. The calling continues after dark, too, with tawny owls starting the season with mating and territorial screeches that develop into reassuring calls to their fledgling owlets as the season progresses.

Many woodland wildflowers are also most obvious in early spring. They have to flower early in the year to attract pollinating insects before the trees spread their leaves and block out the sun. Although the odd primrose may have extended its flowering season, the great majority of woodland wildflowers bloom in March and April. One particular favourite of mine is the wood sorrel, with its lime-green leaves and bright white flowers. In a good wood you should be able to spot a dozen or more species of spring wildflowers, in pastel shades ranging from the yellow of yellow archangel to the violet of violets, and from the dusky pink of foxgloves and campion to the unforgettable spectacle of a carpet of bluebells.

Wildflowers are not the only colourful contributors to spring. As the weather warms up, butterflies that have survived their winter hibernation begin to reappear.

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The red admiral, peacock, comma and small tortoiseshell are all breathtakingly beautiful, and if you are lucky you may well see them sipping nectar from spring flowers in your garden. I always make sure I have grape hyacinths in abundance, and these never fail to capture the attention of emerging butterflies.

Not all the springtime spectacle is beautiful. Toads could hardly be described as ‘lookers’, but nevertheless they thrill me every year. I usually hear the gentle purring song of the males before I see them, but the gentility soon gives way to a thrashing orgy as the males dive into a spawning scrum with any female toad that dares to dip a toe in the water. If I am lucky there will also be frogs, leaving great blobs of ‘school tapioca’ frog spawn at the edge of my pond, and newts depositing scores of single eggs on individual submerged leaves.

But it is the toads that prove the most thrilling, with their long strings of spawn draped like monochrome Christmas decorations among the stems of the water plants.

Part of the toad’s appeal lies in the way this creature follows ancient migration routes each year, and suddenly appears at its ancestral pond as if by magic. All over the country there are groups of toad lovers, armed with torches and buckets, helping to maintain this mass-

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW Tawny Owl, Wood Sorrel, Curlew, Wood Anemone, Brown Hare OPPOSITE Grape Hyacinth

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Throughout harsh winter months the coastal creeks and mudflats are lifesavers

movement as toads are confronted by busy roads and other manmade obstacles. Frogs and newts also return to their breeding ponds from their winter hiding places in early spring, but only the common toad has the power to stop the traffic.

Migration is a key feature of early spring, and as well as the very local journeys of amphibians, and the global travels of African songbirds, there are important journeys taking place on a countywide scale.

Throughout the harsh winter months the coastal creeks and mudflats are lifesavers for a range of birds that need to catch prey every day. Kingfishers struggle to survive when inland rivers and canals freeze over, so many of them migrate to the salty coastal waters for a better chance of avoiding the ice. As spring arrives they migrate back upstream to breed in more familiar stream-side surroundings.

Some wading birds follow a similar pattern.

Most iconic amongst them, particularly in the Dales, is the curlew. This large, brindled bird can be seen all winter long, probing the soft mud of tidal estuaries with its long curved beak, alongside redshank, oystercatcher, golden plover and a host of other waders.

When spring arrives, however, curlews fly inland to mate in the heather uplands and to haunt the bluffs and becks with the most memorable of rippling calls – the very essence of the hills in summer.

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ABOVE Red Campion

Fact file HARES The hare is the fastest land mammal in the UK, known to reach speeds of 45mph. They don’t dig burrows, but spend their whole lives above ground, relying on camouflage and speed to escape predators. Most leverets are born between March and September - keep an eye out!

TOADS Toads can live up to 40 years - if they can avoid their main predator, the grass snake. A toad’s skin is usually rough, dry and bumpy. Its colour varies according to the colour of the soil in its habitat.

WOOD ANEMONE In Ancient Greece, wood anemones were believed to herald the coming of the wind god, Anemos, in time for Spring.

WREN The wren we’re familiar with in the UK is in fact only one of around 80 species of wren, and the only one to be found outside of America.

Wrens have one of the most complex (and loud!) songs of any bird, lasting about 5 seconds and ending in a trill. Listen closely!

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The Dales hard landscape specialists.

High quality workmanship by an experienced and friendly team eam

Why have a concrete block-paved drive or path when you can have a beautiful and durable natural sandstone one for the same price?

Call us and see what we can do!

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Fine fare for creatures great and small Jamesons Country Store is the perfect place to shop for all your pets favourite foods. We carry all the major brands of horse & pet foods along with our own range of feeds for pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry.

Gardens, clothes and gifts We also stock all your gardening essentials from seeds to fertilizer, hosepipes to wheel barrows, and a wide range of country clothing, kids outdoor clothing and footwear and aordable workwear. You'll also find country themed gifts, cards and wrapping paper for that special occasion.

It’s all at Jamesons Country Store Foxholme Lane Mill, Masham, North Yorkshire HG4 4EL Telephone 01765 680215 24

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Tulip Festival 4th - 6th May 2013

Sponsored by "BLOMS BULBS" CHELSEA AWARD WINNING NURSERY Explore a festival of tulips amongst the romantic gardens.

6,500 tulips planted annually to give a dazzling display of colours and forms.

Garden opening times 2013

Refreshments

Saturday 16th March to Sunday 22nd September 2013 9am - 6pm Tulip Festival 2013 Saturday 4th May - Monday 6th May

Admission charges Adults £4.00, Senior Citizens £3.00, Children free

For further details telephone 01677 450428 www.constableburton.com

To book space in the May/June issue contact Sue Gillman Telephone: 01904 629295 Mobile: 07970 739119 email: sue@daleslife.com www.daleslife.com

DROINTON NURSERIES PRIMULA AURICULA SPECIALISTS Why not visit us on our Open Days this spring (see Diary pages) or online.

To receive a copy of our 2013 catalogue please send 4 x first class stamps to us at the address below.

Drointon Nurseries, Plaster Pitts, Ripon HG4 5EF Tel: 01765 641849 www.auricula-plants.co.uk SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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little WONDERS Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to spring bulbs, says Ambra Edwards.

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Narcissi …are well worth risking chilly hands and muddy knees to admire at close quarters too

S

pring bulbs celebrate the end of winter with a welcome splash of colour, keeping us cheerful until the rest of the garden gets into full stride.

Daffodils are the spring bulb par excellence, but I have to say I’m not keen on those big, loud ones with flaring trumpets. Dainty little Narcissi like ‘Jenny’, ‘Thalia’ or the diminutive ‘Hawera’ are another matter entirely.

In fact it’s the smaller bulb plants, rather than their larger cousins, that I most look forward to as the days lengthen. Tiny and gemlike, their delicate blooms look splendid lapping round the bases of deciduous shrubs or trees. They are well worth risking chilly hands and muddy knees to admire at close quarters too.

So here are some of my favourite small spring bulbs. By the way, I’m including corms and rhizomes under the general heading of ‘bulbs’. Let’s face it, though, most people don’t know the difference, and all of them are gorgeous spring treats!

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Iris One of the earliest, and loveliest, of spring bulbs is the dwarf hybrid iris ‘Katharine Hodgkin’, which can start flowering as early as February, and which gives a long and glorious show, especially if protected with a mulch of grit. Most things that are short and squat with big blooms are horrid, but this is an exception.

Just 10cm high, it has large, milky, ice-blue, extravagantly marked flowers. It prefers a gritty, neutral soil and an open, sunny aspect, and will multiply in these conditions. Even if you can’t offer perfect rock garden quarters, grow it anyway, and top up your stock with a few additional bulbs each year.

Scilla The squills are the most easygoing of bulbs, spreading freely among deciduous trees and shrubs, and also in open grass, provided it is not too dense. Bright blue S. siberica is the most widely grown, and with good reason. But perhaps even better is the softer, paler S. mischtschenkoana (12cm, and far easier to grow than to pronounce), which has larger, more

delicate, subtly striped flowers. S. bifolia, by contrast, is a rich, shiny purple-blue, with up to 20 tiny flowers on each spike.

These will offer a succession of flowers from early February through to April.

Anemone If they weren’t so invasive in the garden we would all love buttercups, with their wild, golden grace. So three cheers for Anemone ranunculoides, with its tiny buttercup flowers and bright, finely dissected foliage, which will light up any gloomy corner like a pool of spring sunshine. Standing 10 to 15cm high, this cheery little wood anemone prefers a moist, humus-rich soil and shady conditions, given which it will provide a show all through March and April.

Muscari Grape hyacinths can be utterly charmless – fat, coarse, and liable to flop, with far too much foliage for the flowers. They also spread like wildfire, so are best banished to the wilder corners of the garden. There are,

however, exceptions, such as the ladylike M. armeniacum ‘Valerie Finnis’, with its slender spike of powder-blue blooms (March, 17cm), and chirpy, sweet-smelling little M. armeniacum ‘Peppermint’, which has chunky two-tone flower spikes in white and cornflower blue (April, 10cm).

Ipheion The gleaming starry flowers of Ipheion make them irresistible, but they are probably best grown in a pot, because they are not reliably hardy, and need a sheltered spot with perfect drainage. Old favourite I. uniflorum ‘Wisley Blue’ is perhaps more violet than blue, but ‘Rolf Fiedler’ is as blue as Mediterranean skies, whilst ‘Alberto Castillo’ has sparkling white flowers and glaucous foliage (March-April, 18cm).

Erythronium Any garden with a spot of dampish shade is crying out for some dog’s-tooth violets. The leaves are glossy and often highly patterned, the flowers are refined and long lasting, SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Leucojum …the Spring Snowflake, is a taller, later-flowering cousin to the snowdrop

and they seem proof against rabbits, deer and many of the other woes that gardeners are heir to. Popular forms include reliable, yellow-flowered ‘Pagoda’ and lily-flowered E. californicum ‘White Beauty’, with its swept-back white petals and yellow throat.

Subtler tastes may find more delight in the demure nodding blooms of E. dens-canis ‘Snowflake’, which is pure white with long maroon anthers, or the tousled white flowers of E. albidum from the forests of North America (April, 30cm).

Leucojum

Sanguinaria

Fritillaria

The RHS has given the delightful little woodlander Sanguinaria canadensis f. multiplex ‘Plena’ (April, 20cm) an Award of Garden Merit, which implies that it is straightforward to grow – in fact they even warn that it can become invasive. I confess I have never been able to keep it, despite offering the moist, fertile soil and dappled shade that it enjoys. But it is such a pretty thing, with its pompom-like, white double flowers and shapely scalloped leaves, that I would strongly urge more experienced gardeners to try it. The common name of Bloodroot derives from its poisonous red sap, which can cause irritation to the skin.

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Leucojum vernum, the Spring Snowflake, is a taller (30cm), later-flowering cousin to the snowdrop. In a very grand garden near me it grows in drifts around a lake amongst Yellow Skunk Cabbage – a real Beauty-and-the-Beast combination. The nodding white flowers, tipped with green (there is also a yellow version, L. vernum var. carpathicum) stand up well to the worst of April showers, and bring movement and grace to any sunny and moist (but not boggy) open position.

The fritillaries are the prima ballerinas of the spring bulbs – incomparably graceful and frequently temperamental. Peerless Fritillaria acmopetala is, thankfully, a little more accommodating, and has fine grassy foliage and heavy green and burgundy bells hanging from impossibly slender stalks. However, it hails from the Eastern Mediterranean and will not endure a soggy summer, so perfect drainage is vital. In moister situations it’s hard to beat our native Snakeshead Fritillary, which thrives in damp meadows and along woodland edges. The white version, F. meleagris var. unicolor subvar. alba, is especially beautiful. Both stand 30cm high and flower from April into May.

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SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Pretty

Peas They look gorgeous and smell heavenly – no wonder sweet peas are so popular. Plant them now for long-lasting summer colour, says Adam Appleyard.

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“Be bold, and let them tumble through hedges or sturdier neighbours”

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ith beautiful blooms, a lengthy flowering season and a truly exquisite scent, the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is the cottage garden flower par excellence. Available in a marvellous colour palette that ranges from ethereal whites and creams through punchy pinks and mauves to darkly smouldering purple-blacks, they make delightful cut flowers.

Sweet peas are sprawling, scrambling plants, and all except the dwarf varieties will require some form of support. Pea-sticks or cane wigwams are easy to set up, but sweet peas can also be grown on trellises, arches, wires or netting to add blocks of colour and structure to your garden – or distract attention from unsightly corners.

Alternatively, be bold and let your sweet peas tumble through hedges or sturdier neighbours in your vegetable plot, where they will bring a dash of good cheer to otherwise utilitarian plantings – and, as an added bonus, attract bees and other vital pollinators.

Just one note of warning: don’t try eating them. They may look very similar to garden

peas, but they are considered to be mildly toxic. A feast for the eyes and nose, then, but not for the plate!

Variations on a Theme Sweet peas are available in a bewildering range of different cultivars. Here are three of the major groups – along with a close relative.

Spencer cultivars are the modern form of the plant. Their large blooms, available in a wide range of vivid colours, make them especially popular with gardeners and cut flower enthusiasts.

Grandiflora types are an old-fashioned version, with smaller, and often more muted, flowers. Despite this, Grandifloras are currently making a comeback because their scent is so much better than the Spencer cultivars.

Dwarf varieties of sweet pea are perfect for growing in containers or to fill in small spaces in the garden. They generally peak at around 45cm high, in contrast to the two metres or more that you can expect from their full-size cousins. Not strictly one of the sweet peas – although frequently confused with them – SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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“Under no circumstances plant your seeds in short, stubby pots”

the Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius) has showy white or pink flowers, but no scent.

It’s justifiably popular, though, thanks to its impressively long flowering season and the fact that it is a vigorous, winter-hardy perennial that will come back to delight you year after year. All the true sweet peas are, unfortunately, annuals.

Let’s Grow If you have a greenhouse or a cold frame then you can sow sweet peas in the autumn, although here in the North you’re probably better off waiting until late winter or early spring.

The crucial thing to remember is that sweet peas have deep-growing roots that don’t like being disturbed, so under no circumstances plant your seeds in short, stubby pots. You can buy biodegradable sweet pea tubes to help you avoid root disturbance, or you can make your own sweet pea tubes with rolled up sheets of newspaper. Personally I just plant 6 to 8 seeds one centimetre deep in a tall pot (15cm plus) – and make a mental note to be careful with the roots when the time comes to plant them out. A sunny windowsill is an ideal spot to germinate your peas, but make

sure that you move them somewhere cooler as soon as they start to sprout, otherwise they will grow leggy and weak. A well-ventilated cold frame is probably the best place to harden off your seedlings, but make sure you wrap everything up well with horticultural fleece if severe frosts are forecast.

A Place in the Sun Sweet peas are remarkably tolerant, but for the best chance of success choose a sunny site on rich, well-drained soil. If you really want to give them a boost, dig well-rotted manure into your chosen site well in advance.

Plant the young sweet peas out in late spring, making sure that you dig deep enough to accommodate the full length of the roots.

Most types will grow fairly bushy, so don’t crowd them. Gently tie young plants to your chosen support with plastic ties or garden twine. Do this at an early stage, or an unexpected blustery day could flatten the lot.

Keep your sweet peas well-watered, if the British summer weather isn’t already doing it for you. Watering is especially important when your plants come into flower. Reward them for doing so with fortnightly doses of liquid feed.

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Rich Pickings

Garden Netting

Your sweet peas should bloom from mid June onwards – and, with a bit of luck, could last right through into October.

One of the things that makes sweet peas so rewarding for the gardener is that the more you pick them, the more enthusiastically they will grow.

So don’t hesitate to snip off generous swathes to decorate your house, because plenty more blooms will surely follow.

If you’re not cutting your sweet peas regularly, then do make an effort to stay on top of the deadheading to keep your show going as long as possible.

If you let them go to seed – even just a pod or two here and there – they will rapidly lose their vigour.

There’s plenty of information available on the internet to help you choose interesting and colourful varieties of sweet pea. The National Sweet Pea Society (www.sweetpeas.org.uk) is a good place to start, and it has a useful selection of links to specialist nurseries and local societies.

| Dales Life | SPRING 2013

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WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE Our new weekly housekeeping service for homes and holiday cottages

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| Dales Life | SPRING 2013

Newly refurbished and extended salon  PediSpa room (relax in our massage chairs while we work some magic on your feet)  HD Brow and lash bar  Gorgeous treatment rooms  Deluxe bathroom and shower facilities  Gerard’s Italian luxury skincare and body treatments  Free ample car parking

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Exciting new collections for spring, including hats and fascinators

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Unique gifts you can’t find elsewhere West Burton 01969 663 887 @WoolnWeave fabricofthefield@btinternet.com www.fabricofthefield.co.uk SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Good Egg Fresh eggs every morning – just one of the joys of keeping your own chickens.

And it couldn’t be easier, says Ian Henry.

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A

generation or two ago it was commonplace to have a hen or two in your backyard – and in many parts of the world it still is. Quite why we got out of the habit is something of a mystery.

Keeping chickens is easy, and a lot of fun.

A genuinely fresh egg is a dining experience a world apart from the eggs you’ll find on the supermarket shelves – which can be weeks old – and you can be sure that it was laid by a happy, healthy bird. Tempted? Let’s start by looking at the pros and cons.

For and Eggainst To be honest, farming your own eggs, like growing your own fruit and veg, is unlikely to save you money in the short term. Where you will benefit is in having a premium product – organic if you wish – along with the warm glow of satisfaction that comes with knowing it was ethically produced.

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What’s more, chickens really are charming and entertaining little creatures. They each have their own personal eccentricities, and you will quickly fall in love with them. Unless you have a heart of stone, they will end up as treasured family pets rather than little eggmaking machines.

Apart from the initial start-up costs – not insubstantial – the other factor to bear in mind is that you have to be prepared to don your waterproofs and attend to their needs in the worst of weathers. You will also need an equally hardy friend or neighbour look after them when you are away.

In the Henhouse You don’t need a huge amount of room to keep chickens – they’ll be perfectly happy in a modest back garden. Once you’ve identified a suitable space, the number one priority is secure, weatherproof accommodation.

Good Breeding There is a vast range of different breeds of chicken to choose from, but for hardiness and consistent egg production, hybrids rather than pure breeds are a good option. But whilst pure breeds may not provide you with so many eggs, they can be found in a wonderful array of shapes and colours. Why not opt for a mixture of layers and lookers and get the best of both worlds?

Good choices amongst the hybrids include the Speckledy, a compact, rounded chicken with a cheerful personality and a mottled black and white coat, and the Black Rock, a strikingly handsome iridescent black and copper bird. The White Star, as the name suggests, has white plumage, and it is another very reliable layer.

Well-known pure breeds include the Silkie, which comes in both black and white forms, and is an endearing powder-puff bundle of fluffy feathers.

The Orpington is a big, bulky, placid bird that comes in shades of white, black and buff. The Rhode Island Red is a hefty, foursquare bird with rich, dark brown plumage, and it lays attractive brown-shelled eggs.

This can be a converted shed or a purpose-made, stand-alone poultry house. Wooden poultry houses are the traditional choice, but colourful, modern alternatives like the Eglu (www.omlet.co.uk) are also worth considering. If you’re an experienced DIY-er you can easily build your own wooden coop. If not, start by looking at what your local farm supplier has to offer.

For their own safety, you’ll need to lock your birds up in the henhouse overnight, but during the day they will love being out and about, scratching for insects and sunbathing. In theory you could – providing you secure the perimeter – let them roam free in your garden. They will, however, quickly root up your bulbs and trash your favourite plants, so it is best to confine them to a designated area by providing them with a predatorproof run.

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Potential predators don’t just include foxes, but also local cats and dogs, along with stoats, weasels, badgers and mink. Ideally predator-proof fencing needs to be made of a thick wire mesh on stout wooden uprights, 2-3 metres high and buried half a metre below the ground surface.

Consult a fencing expert unless you’re confident that you know what you’re doing.

“they’ll be perfectly happy in a modest back garden” Finding Your Flock If you’re new to keeping chickens it’s probably best to start with a modest number of birds – four or five perhaps. For a variety of reasons it’s best not to mix birds of different ages.

Your first choice for sourcing your birds should be a reliable local breeder.

You could, of course, start your flock by buying eggs or day-old chicks, but as a poultry newbie you’re probably better off opting for either ‘growers’ or birds that are ‘point of lay’.

‘Growers’ are immature chickens aged from 6 weeks old and upwards. ‘Point of lay’ birds are likely to be 16 weeks or more old, and getting towards the age (22 44

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to 24 weeks) where they will start producing eggs.

Growers are cheaper to buy, but you’ll need to feed them for a few months before they start paying for their keep.

Growers and layers have different dietary requirements, and before they arrive you’ll need to source either growers’ or layers’ pellets from your farm supplier. While you’re there, buy a bag of ‘mixed grit’; it’s a combination of flint grit, which your birds will need to swallow to digest their food, and oyster shell grit, which will help them avoid calcium deficiencies.

Providing your garden is secure, it’s fun to sit out with your little flock on a summer evening, watching them poke around in search of bugs and other tasty treats. You’ll need to keep an eye on them, though, and be prepared to shoo them away from valued plants before they cause too much havoc.

Do Your Research There’s a lot that you’ll need to know as a novice poultry keeper, so it makes sense to invest in a decent reference book such as the Haynes Chicken Manual (J H Haynes & Co Ltd, hardback, RRP £21.99). Study it thoroughly before you start. You’ll also find plenty of useful resources on the Internet – a good site to start with is poultrykeeper.com.

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Take advantage of greater energy savings, security and style. From contemporary to traditional, we offer a bespoke range of top quality window and conservatory designs and bespoke solutions in a colour and style to suit you.

Visit our showrooms at: Lifetime Home Improvements Plews Way, Leeming Bar Ind. Estate Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 9UL T: 01677 424381 W: www.lifetimeltd.com SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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66645 - Wensleydale Heifer advert 132x92.5mm_Layout 1 25/02/2013 17:16 Page 1

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| Dales Life | SPRING 2013

A684 Leeming to Northallerton Road Scruton, Northallerton DL7 9LG Tel 01677 422212 www.springhousefarmshop.com

Thorp Perrow~ The secret to your fairytale wedding] MALINGS LTD Best known for its stunning Arboretum, Thorp Perrow is now also the ideal setting for your dream wedding. With its elegant rooms, spectacular grounds and ornamental lakes, this stunning stately home is no longer Yorkshire’s best kept secret.

With exquisite menus to choose from, whether it’s for an informal buffet or full silver service, we will work with you every step of the way to make sure your day is truly unforgettable.

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Stone House Hotel Relax and unwind in our classic country house overlooking Wensleydale Open daily for:

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The Village Inn 88 Water End, Brompton, Northallerton DL6 2RL 01609 771040 villageinnbrompton@hotmail.co.uk www.villageinnnorthallerton.co.uk SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Step into Swaledale. Stay, Relax, Explore.

The warmest of welcomes now extends to Sunday lunches on the 1st of every month or, better still, stay for a while in this little place of luxury amid the stunning features of Swaledale.

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‘Rhubarb Rhubarb’ The spring menu worth talking about!

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www.theburgoyne.co.uk

Our new menus are based around tasty local and seasonal produce.

Set in the picturesque surroundings of Fingall, The Queens Head is the perfect venue for weddings, christenings and private parties.

Tailor made menus created for every occasion.

The Queens Head Finghall North Yorkshire 01677 450259 enquiries@queensfinghall.co.uk www.queensfinghall.co.uk

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In season It’s rhubarb time – and Yorkshire rhubarb is the best! This simple but delicious recipe from Clive Wilkinson is the perfect way to enjoy it.

With its bright, tangy acidic flavour and crisp texture, rhubarb is a refreshing and invigorating taste of spring. Yorkshire’s ‘Rhubarb Triangle’ between Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford is world famous for its delicate stalks of forced rhubarb, grown in dark sheds and harvested by candlelight.

Rhubarb is rich in vitamins A and C, and it is easy to prepare. Simply trim off the roots and leaves (these are toxic), cut the stalks into chunks and either bake or gently simmer. Rhubarb sweetens as it cooks, so don’t be tempted to add too much sugar at an early stage.

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“Rhubarb is a refreshing and invigorating taste of spring” Rhubarb and Lemon Tart Ingredients 1 quantity of sweet pastry, or a 28 cm readymade tart case For the rhubarb filling 400g rhubarb, washed, peeled and chopped into 2 cm pieces 115g sugar 200ml water For the lemon filling 2 egg yolks 60g sugar 80ml double cream zest of half lemon

Method Bring the water and sugar to the boil and add the chopped rhubarb. Simmer for one minute, strain and set to one side.

Put the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and beat for 10 minutes until tripled in volume. Mix in the double cream and lemon zest.

Cover the tart base with the cooked rhubarb and pour over the lemon mix.

Cook for 25-30 minutes, gas mark 5, 190°C. Cool and serve.

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About Clive Clive Wilkinson is the founder of CWC Malings, a bespoke catering company based in Catterick. He and his dedicated team provide high quality catering services for private celebrations and corporate events – everything from an informal buffet lunch to a full silver service meal – offering exceptional levels of service and attention to detail.

For more information visit www.cwcevents.co.uk or call 01748 831100.

t h e �ravel lounge

�t’s not just a holiday, it’s your holiday

The Travel Lounge in conjunction with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines warmly welcomes you to a cruise event at Tallulah’s Wine Bar, Bedale Thursday 4th April at 7pm

Cruising Fred.Olsen Style When you choose to sail with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, you join a discerning group of people who appreciate seeing the world in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. While other cruise companies are promoting cruising on a gigantic scale, Fred.Olsen is proud to offer a warmer, more intimate style, where guests can enjoy the company of like minded people and a more personal style of service. It’s because of these principles that we find ourselves welcoming back guests time after time!

Isn’t it time for you to experience cruising Fred.Olsen style?

Places limited,to toreserve reserve your ticket Places areare limited, your ticket please call Linda or Morgan on please call Linda or Morgan on 01677427358 427358 or 01677 or email: sales@thetravellounge.co.uk email: sales@thetravellounge.co.uk SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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simply

asparagus With asparagus, it’s the fresher the better – which is why British asparagus is so much nicer than foreign imports.

Make the most of it with this mouthwatering recipe from The Wensleydale Creamery.

Low in calories but packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre, fresh, local asparagus is a delicious and healthy treat.

It has a short growing season, so make sure you indulge yourself while you can.

Break off the tough stem bases before you lightly simmer, steam or grill your asparagus stalks. You can serve them very simply, by just adding a grinding of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, but asparagus has a particular affinity with rich sauces such as Hollandaise – or, as in the recipe below, a sensuously melting fondue.

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British Asparagus with Wensleydale Blue Cheese and Cider Fondue Serves 4 Ingredients For dipping 1 bunch British asparagus spears 250g new potatoes For the fondue 25g butter 2 tbsp flour 250ml dry cider 3 fresh sage leaves 200g Wensleydale Blue cheese 200g Brie 1 tsp English mustard salt and freshly ground black pepper Method Put the potatoes into a pan with cold water, bring to the boil and cook until tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and add the flour to form a roux. Cook for a minute over a low heat, being careful not to let the roux burn.

Pour in the cider, whisking vigorously until you have a smooth, thickened sauce. Simmer for a couple of minutes and add the sage leaves and mustard, then reduce the heat to a minimum.

Cut the cheese into small cubes. Gradually add them to the hot cider sauce, stirring well and making sure the cheese is fully melted before you add more. Once all the cheese is incorporated, season to taste.

Cook the asparagus in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and arrange on a platter with the cooked potatoes.

Transfer the fondue to a fondue bowl or eat straight from the pan, dipping in the asparagus and potatoes.

About The Wensleydale Creamery The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is famous the world over as the home of genuine Wensleydale cheese, continuing a tradition of cheese-making in Wensleydale that dates back nearly a thousand years. Their luscious cheeses are handmade, using milk from cows that graze the Dale’s flower-rich pastures.

For more information about The Wensleydale Creamery – and more inspirational cheese recipes – visit www.wensleydale.co.uk.

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Your home, your floor, your way.

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We offer a home sampling service, free advice and quotations and we are proud to offer a F.I.T.A trained carpet fiing service.

nh flooring Unit 6 Borough Court, Borough Rd, Gallowfields Trading Estate, Richmond, DL10 4SX Telephone Nick Hodges to make an appointment

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Trust us to turn your house into a home or your office into a beer place.

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E info@deansburykitchens.co.uk SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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The

Discerning Diner Claudia Blake visits The Hack & Spade at Whashton

For a place that’s just two or three miles as the crow flies from Scotch Corner, the village of Whashton feels surprisingly secluded. Access is by way of a narrow, single-track lane that branches off from the Ravensworth end of the Richmond to Ravensworth road. The only alternative is to follow an even tinier, muddier and more claustrophobic lane that bumbles up the valley from Gilling West.

Whashton is a small, neat place, consisting of little more than a couple of farms and a handful of foursquare cottages, most of which are set around a sloping village green.

Facilities are pretty much limited to The Hack & Spade, a modest, stone-built inn with a vaguely Georgian look to it. I imagine the villagers were delighted when it reopened last year, after two years or more of being closed for refurbishment.

The Hack & Spade’s internal layout has been completely rethought – tastefully, and with evident attention to detail. To the left, as you enter, there’s a cosy seating area and a wood-burning stove. To the right is a compact dining room (space for just twenty or so covers) with cool green walls and fishingthemed decorative touches. It’s a succession of light, fresh, well-organised spaces that

feel modern and efficient while still making the right kinds of nods – chunky exposed masonry, wooden settles and suchlike – to the original village hostelry.

There’s a chalkboard menu which, in line with the scale of the operation, sensibly restricts itself to a modest handful of choices.

The wine list is equally compact, and why not? It’s always so much easier to chose from a short, sensible list than an overblown, rambling one.

First thing to arrive on our table was a selection of splendid homemade breads, along with olives, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, all presented – a nice touch, this – on an oldfashioned round wooden breadboard. Our starters followed shortly afterwards; I get the feeling the kitchen runs like clockwork.

I had ordered ‘Portobello mushroom rarebit’, which I vaguely assumed would be a rarebit with mushroom mixed into it, but which turned out to be a rarebit on top of a large mushroom. Very pleasant it was too, the soft, fluffy rarebit mixture contrasting nicely with the firmer texture of the meaty mushroom. Served on a rocket salad, it made a nice light opener – much better to start a meal this way than with some stonking big SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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“…the kind of caramel sauce you would be happy to drown in” plateful that makes you worry whether you’ll be able to fit in your main.

Piers had chosen black pudding with grilled goat’s cheese and an onion relish, which was also served on a bed of rocket leaves. The black pudding, billed as local and award-winning, was packed with all those darkly brooding flavours you would hope for. Equally loveable, in its own way, was the roundel of softly melting goat’s cheese. But could two such rich, heavy, densely textured foodstuffs hit it off together on the same plate? I wasn’t entirely convinced, and I wondered whether the rather muted onion relish was a missed opportunity to bring a refreshing blast of sour-sweet into the mix.

On to mains, where Piers opted, as men do, for that old pub favourite, steak and ale pie.

Once it had cooled to a negotiable temperature it proved to be generously packed with meat, with a gravy that proudly showcased the bitter savour of fine ale – not always detectable in lesser offerings. A crisp lid of shortcut pastry and a side of veg provided the requisite crunch.

For me, it was a lamb tagine with couscous.

Lovely soft, flaking lamb and, once again, plenty of it. It all slipped down nicely, but I would think twice about recommending it to expatriate Moroccans pining for a taste of home. Whilst the spicing contributed a pleasant background warmth, I would have welcomed something with a bit more aromatic oomph. Maybe Chef is playing it safe to avoid offending local sensibilities.

No reservations about desserts, though, which were an unquestioned tour de force. The sticky toffee pudding that Piers gobbled down was textbook perfect, a divine combination of rich, lightly textured sponge 58

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and the kind of caramel sauce you would be happy to drown in. There were compelling textures of a different kind in my lemon syllabub with meringue, which aptly balanced creaminess, the vibrant tang of citrus and the soft crunch of reluctantly yielding meringue.

Tempted though I was to order a second set of desserts, it was time to call it a night – though The Hack & Spade has elegantly appointed rooms for those who want to stay over. So it was back along the narrow lane with some very positive memories: a warm welcome, unstuffy service, and wholesome food presented simply but elegantly.

Delighted to see Whashton back on the dining map again.

For further information about The Hack & Spade call 01748 823721 or visit www.hackandspade.com.

What to expect Cosy dining in a smartened-up Dales inn that’s not lost sight of its original charm.

Ambience Calm, relaxing and understated, with a welcome absence of background music and other distractions.

The bottom line For three courses, excluding drinks, we paid around £24 per head.

Value for money 8/10 High points A warm welcome and some knock-yoursocks-off desserts.

Ideal for Romantic dinner dates or anniversary celebrations.

Early bird menu available 6 – 7 pm.

Look out for our special supper nights – please contact us for information.

Please contact us for menu details.

the perfect place for your celebrations

The White Swan Hotel and Restaurant.

Middleham, North Yorkshire DL8 4PE www.whiteswanhotel.co.uk

01969 622093 THE BLUE LION

EAST WITTON Set price dinner menu now available 2 courses £23.50 or 3 courses £28.50 Please contact us for menu details.

Fixed price lunch £15.50 and £18.50 also available Monday – Saturday

Tel: 01969 624273 www.thebluelion.co.uk

Tucked away on the banks of Bishopdale Beck and surrounded by rolling countryside, Hendersons is the perfect retreat for weddings, christenings, private parties, corporate events and celebrations.

The restaurant and bar have recently been refurbished, and the splendid lodges are luxurious and finished to the highest standards.

Whatever you have in mind, we can make your event a memorable experience.

Contact Scott for further details.

For bookings and enquiries tel. (01969) 663268 Hendersons Bar and Restaurant, Westholme Estate, Aysgarth, North Yorkshire DL8 3SP www.westholme-estate.co.uk SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Enjoy Roux Scholar Jonathan Harrison’s unique cuisine in the traditional surroundings of the Sandpiper Inn. Modern British food using only the finest local ingredients, beautifully prepared and presented.

Fine wines, real ales and friendly service.

Accommodation available.

Market Place, Leyburn, North Yorkshire Tel 01969 622206 www.sandpiperinn.co.uk

T

he Malt Shovel is a family-run inn nestled in a beautiful Yorkshire village. All our food is cooked to order, using local ingredients wherever possible, and we offer a superb selection of wines and hand-pulled ales. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink, a family lunch or a lingering evening meal, you will receive the warmest of welcomes at The Malt Shovel.

Open Tuesday to Saturday for Lunch 12.00-2.00 and Dinner 5.30-9.00 Sunday lunch 12.00 – 4.00

A La Carte Menu and Bar Meals available Occasional Musical Evenings Regular Sunday lunches with Jazz 10 minutes from Ripon, Harrogate and Knaresborough www.facebook.com/bleikersatthemaltshovel

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HG3 3BX t: 01423 862929 bleikers@themaltshovelbrearton.co.uk www.themaltshovelbrearton.co.uk

For the Love of Food

The White Bear Wellgarth, Masham, North Yorkshire HG4 4EN The White Bear is a 5 star inn situated in the pretty market town of Masham. We serve delicious breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, and dinners, all prepared using the finest local produce. Stay in one of our delightful rooms and experience a real taste of the Dales.

01765 689319 | info@ thewhitebearhotel.co.uk | thewhitebearhotel.co.uk

The Countryman’s Inn H U N T O N

The Countryman’s is a charming traditional Inn, offering friendly service and a warm welcome.

Our AA award winning restaurant offers a tempting menu, using a variety of fresh local produce, much of which is home grown.

Our 3 Star Inn, rated 4.5/5.0 on TripAdvisor for both 2012 and 2013, has four modern en suite rooms, all refurbished which make an ideal base to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

We serve Cask Marque CAMRA LocAles The Countryman’s Inn, Hunton, Near Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 1PY 01677 450554

www.countrymansinn.co.uk SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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Dales Countryside Museum Sharing the stories of the people and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales Hawes 01969 666 210 Open daily 10am-5pm

www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/dcm

Celebrate at Bedale Hall Bedale Hall is the perfect venue for any celebration. Wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and charity balls, all have that extra something special, when celebrated here!

We are licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies and we are able to seat up to 120 guests. A wedding at Bedale Hall can be tailored to meet your requirements and budget.

Our facilities also provide the ideal venue for business seminars and conferences.

Bedale Hall, Northend, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 1AA Please call Hall manager Sally Reed Tel: 01677 423797 sally@bedalehall.org.uk www.bedalehall.org.uk

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COOKING The Dales Life team spends a day at Swinton Park Cookery School

A day course in Italian cookery? Just how much can you realistically expect to learn in just one day?

The answer is: a good deal more than you might expect, especially if your tutor is Stephen Bulmer. Steve spent ten years as Chef Director at Raymond Blanc’s Cookery School, and has now taken charge of the Cookery School at Swinton Park, the luxurious country house hotel near Masham. He’s a man on a mission, bristling with ideas and enthusiasm, and fiercely determined to make his mark on the Yorkshire food scene.

He has a splendid setting to work in too: a light, airy converted Georgian stable block overlooking Swinton’s castellated turret. The morning sun was streaming in on the day of our course, highlighting row upon row of

gleaming kitchen utensils. With our crisp, white aprons neatly tied we immediately felt just that little bit more professional.

Steve certainly isn’t the shy, retiring type, and the day was a constant stream of tips, anecdotes, jokes and informative digressions.

With more than twenty years’ experience at Michelin-starred restaurants – plus numerous TV appearances – and having worked with cuisines as diverse as Italian (at Zafferano), Thai (at Nahm) and Japanese (at Nobu), he certainly has plenty of stories to share.

Flour Power The day was destined to be a busy one, but the plan was simple: to make a variety of dishes that we could share, in tapas-size portions, as a late lunch. First priority was to start off our SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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“I’ve never been particularly enthusiastic about gnocchi, but the ones we made under Steve’s direction were a revelation”

bread, a classic focaccia dough that, proved and baked, would end up as smart, crispcrusted, herb-studded roundels. We also turned some of the same dough into slightly wobbly hand-rolled grissini.

Next came pasta, both conventional egg pasta and a rather more unusual chestnut flour pasta too. In what seemed like the twinkling of an eye we were guiding ever-increasing lengths of dough through our pasta machines and cutting them into professional-looking strings of tagliatelle. Come lunch time, the chestnut tagliatelle slipped down very nicely with a simple but tasty mushroom and white wine sauce.

Stirring It I’ve never been particularly enthusiastic about gnocchi, but the ones we made under Steve’s direction were a revelation. We rolled our little balls of potato, egg and flour using proper wooden gnocchi paddles, and cooked them 64

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in lightly salted boiling water. Soft, delicate and scented with nutmeg, they were delicious served with a creamy goat’s cheese and black pepper sauce.

Risotto is a deceptively simple dish.

The difference between a good one and an indifferent one is all down to fine details, starting with the preparation of the soffrito: a base of finely diced, gently sweated vegetables such as onion, carrot and celery.

Having learned how to make the soffrito (along with the proper ‘cheffy’ way to chop onions) it was time to start adding the stock to the rice. The textbooks will tell you that you must stir your pan constantly – which is seldom convenient – but Steve taught us how to manage it with only the occasional stir, then bring it all together at the end.

Super Fry No time to pause and congratulate ourselves, because it was straight on to pan-fried sea

bass with lentils and salsa verde. Once more Steve had masses of practical tips, including how to ensure the skin was super-crispy, and how to stop and resume the cooking of the fish to work on the other components of the dish.

After scoffing all the above, albeit in miniature portions, it was a relief to know that dessert was a light one: caramelised fruit with zabaglione. Add to that a good strong cup of coffee and a couple of the cantuccini biscuits we had rustled up earlier and we were full to bursting. Time to review the ground we had covered, scribble our final notes in our folders, and taste some of the rare and expensive goodies that Steve has squirrelled away in his securely locked store cupboard.

Well, what a day! We had picked up a vast amount of useful tips – and with dozens more courses on offer at Swinton throughout the year, we would definitely be

tempted to sign up for more. Meanwhile we can’t wait to dazzle friends and relatives with what we’ve learned so far!

For more information about Swinton Park and The Swinton Park Cookery School visit www.swintonpark.com or call 01765 680900.

A Pesto for all Seasons Steve’s a great believer in using what’s local and seasonal, and there are always plenty of fresh greens on hand in the Swinton estate.

Pesto is traditionally made by blending basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and Parmesan cheese, but why not change the ingredients according to the time of year? Here are Steve’s recommendations.

Spring wild garlic; nettle shoots Summer home-grown basil; rocket Autumn and Winter parsley; watercress SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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make it

SIMPLE

These three stylish recipes from Katie Quinn Davies’ new collection would make a splendid spring supper.

Irish Brown Bread with Smoked Salmon 240g crème fraîche

Preheat the oven to 200˚C (fan), 220˚C, gas mark 7.

1½ teaspoons wasabi paste

To make the bread, sift the plain flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl, then add the wholemeal flour and wheatgerm and stir together thoroughly to combine. Make a well in the centre, then pour in the buttermilk, mixing until a dough forms – the texture should be soft but still a little sticky.

Unsalted butter, for spreading 12 slices good-quality smoked salmon Freshly ground black pepper Dill sprigs and lemon wedges, to serve -----------------------------Soda bread

Turn out onto a well-floured work surface. Gather the dough together and very gently knead just a little in the flour to counteract the stickiness. Shape the dough into a round flat loaf (approximately 15–18 cm in diameter) and transfer to a floured baking tray. Dip a sharp knife in flour and score a cross about 1 cm deep right the way across the top of the loaf.

1 teaspoon fine salt

Bake for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the base sounds hollow when tapped in the centre. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Place the crème fraîche and wasabi in a small bowl and mix together well.

125g plain flour

350g wholemeal plain flour 15g wheatgerm 400ml buttermilk

Cut the bread into thick slices and spread lightly with butter, then add a thick layer of wasabi cream. Top with salmon and season with pepper. Cut the slices in half and serve with some sprigs of dill, lemon wedges and the remaining wasabi cream.

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Roast Chicken with Lemon Gravy 1 x 1.5kg free-range chicken (organic, if possible) 3 large knobs of butter, at room temperature Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 lemons, cut in halves or quarters 2 pieces preserved lemon 3 garlic bulbs, 1 separated into cloves, 2 cut in half lengthways 4 rosemary sprigs Olive or vegetable oil, for drizzling 500ml chicken stock 250ml cream Juice of ½ lemon Serves 4

Preheat the oven to 180ËšC (fan), 200ËšC, gas mark 6.

Place the chicken on a clean work surface and, using your hands, gently loosen the skin from the breast, creating a gap between the skin and meat. Take two large knobs of softened butter and gently push it between the skin and meat, rubbing it into the meat.

Take the remaining butter and massage it all over the chicken skin. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper and transfer to a large flameproof roasting tin.

Place four lemon halves or quarters into the cavity, along with the preserved lemon, half the unpeeled garlic cloves and one or two sprigs of rosemary. Scatter the remaining lemon halves or quarters, unpeeled garlic cloves and the halved garlic bulbs around the bird and toss the leaves from the remaining rosemary sprigs all over the bird. Season again with salt and pepper and drizzle with a good glug of olive or vegetable oil.

Transfer the roasting tin to the oven and roast for 30 minutes, then, using a pair of tongs, squeeze the juice from the roasted lemons in the tin all over the chicken. Roast for a further 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked (to test this, pierce the thigh part with a skewer and press the juices out onto a spoon: if they are clear, the chicken is ready). Remove from the oven, then transfer the chicken to a serving platter, loosely cover with foil and leave it to rest for 10 minutes while you make the gravy.

Place the roasting tin on the hob over a low heat, add the chicken stock and bring to a low simmer. Using a balloon whisk, incorporate the roasting juices into the stock, scraping up all the bits stuck to the bottom of the tin as you go (these will add loads of great flavour to your gravy).

Stirring constantly, add the cream and lemon juice, then season to taste with salt and pepper. If you like a smooth, silky gravy, pass it through a fine sieve, then serve piping hot poured over the carved chicken.

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Easy Chocolate Cake 6 small savoiardi biscuits, crushed 300g good-quality dark chocolate, broken into small pieces 150g unsalted butter, softened 165g caster sugar 4 free-range eggs 155g ground almonds 150g mascarpone 3 tablespoons Frangelico Icing sugar, shaved chocolate and double cream, to serve Serves 8–10

Preheat the oven to 180˚C (fan), 200˚C, gas mark 6.

Grease and line a 22 cm round springform tin. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of crushed savoiardi biscuits, just to coat the base of the tin.

Bring a small saucepan of water to a gentle simmer and melt the chocolate in a small heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the pan without touching the water, stirring occasionally.

Carefully remove from the heat and set aside.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating between each addition – don’t panic if the mixture resembles scrambled eggs at this stage. Stir in the remaining crushed savoiardi biscuits, the ground almonds, melted chocolate, mascarpone and Frangelico. Mix until combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 55–65 minutes until the cake has a crust on top and is firm around the edges – a skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean. Be careful not to overcook, as the centre of the cake should remain a little moist.

Dust the cooled cake with icing sugar and sprinkle with chocolate shavings before slicing and serving with a generous dollop of cream.

Recipes and photographs are from What Katie Ate: Recipes and Other Bits and Bobs by Katie Quinn Davies, published in hardback by Harper Collins and available from all good booksellers, RRP £25.

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SPRING These luscious recipes from Lucy Boyd’s Kitchen Memories should guarantee an unforgettable dinner party Langoustines with Miner's Lettuce For 4 1 very fresh best quality large egg yolk 200-250ml extra virgin olive oil 2 lemons 24 fat live langoustines, kept in the bottom of the fridge, covered with some damp newspaper until you are ready to cook 100g purslane or lamb’s lettuce 1 handful of fresh sweet marjoram leaves and buds picked from their stems, washed and dried Salt and black pepper

To make the mayonnaise, put the egg yolk in a pestle and mortar or mixer, then very slowly start adding the olive oil drop by drop at first, stirring all the time until the mixture is thick, sticky and gloopy. (If it’s thin and the oil has separated from the egg, it means it has split, in which case start again by putting another yolk into the bowl and then adding, drop by drop, the split mixture.) As the mixture starts to thicken, about 10 minutes, add a small squeeze of lemon juice to loosen it a bit, then continue to add the oil a little at a time, checking the mixture hasn’t separated. When all the oil has been used, taste and add more lemon juice if required – the juice of a whole lemon should be enough. Season with salt and pepper and keep cool.

Plunge the langoustines into a pan of boiling, salted water and poach for 3 minutes, then remove, or drain, and leave to cool for a few minutes.

Put the purslane or lamb’s lettuce in a bowl and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over with a little extra oil and some salt and pepper.

Place each langoustine, belly-side up, on a chopping board.

Using a sharp knife, slice the langoustine in half lengthways and remove the flesh. Distribute on the plates, gently scatter the dressed leaves here and there – but not too many as to overwhelm the flavour of the shellfish – then lightly spoon trailing pools of the mayonnaise over.

Very crudely chop the marjoram – just one or two chops will be fine – and scatter it over the top.

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Slow Roasted Shoulder of Lamb with Peas and Broad Beans For 4 One shoulder of new season lamb (it should be quite small – about 2kg) Or ½ shoulder small lamb 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled and cut into fine slivers 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves picked from the stems, washed and dried 300ml red wine 1kg peas in the pod 1kg broad beans in the pod 2tsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 sprig fresh garden mint, washed and dried Salt and black pepper

Preheat the oven to 220°C, Gas 7. Using a small, sharp knife, make little slits about 5mm deep into the lamb shoulder, about 5cm apart. Put a sliver of garlic (reserving some for the peas and beans) and a couple of rosemary leaves into each slit and season well with salt and pepper. Put the rest of the garlic to one side. Put the lamb in a flameproof roasting tin, cover with foil and put in the oven for 40 minutes, then remove the foil, turn the oven down to 200°C, Gas 6 and cook for a further 2-3 hours, adding a slosh of wine every now and again. How long depends on the size of your shoulder, so check after one hour of cooking. About 20 minutes before you need to take the lamb out, pour a final generous glass of wine into the bottom of the roasting tin. Transfer the lamb to a warm dish, cover with a sheet of silver foil and let it rest for 20 minutes.

While the lamb is cooking pod the peas and broad beans and put in separate bowls. Put a pan of water on to the boil with a pinch of salt and blanch the peas for 5 minutes, then drain.

Blanch the broad beans in a separate pan of boiling, unsalted water for 4-5 minutes, then drain.

Heat a good drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil in a pan and add the reserved garlic slivers. As they become sticky and start to colour, add the broad beans and peas and toss together, then season with salt and pepper. I add a whole sprig of fresh mint, which I remove when I am ready to serve, as it blackens with the heat from the beans and peas.

Skim off any fat from the juices in the roasting tin and add more wine, if needed. Put on the hob and let it bubble and reduce, then pour into a bowl or small pan to keep it hot.

Pull the meat away from the bone in pieces and serve with the peas and broad beans and the juices from the pan.

Serve with piping hot potato gratin, which is very simple and quick to make.

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Raspberry and Hazelnut Meringue Cake For 6 For the hazelnut meringue Oil, for greasing 20g softened butter 3 large egg whites 110g caster sugar 100g shelled whole hazelnuts, skinned and finely ground in the food processor on pulse 20g butter, melted and cooled 35g plain flour, sifted

For the filling and top 500ml double cream 1 vanilla pod 75g icing sugar, plus extra to serve 750g raspberries

Preheat the oven to 170°C, Gas 3. Grease three flat baking trays with oil and cover with baking parchment. Grease the parchment well with softened butter to prevent the meringues from sticking. (For more of a perfect round cake, draw a 20cm circle in pencil on each sheet of paper, turn it over and put on greased trays, then grease the circles.)

Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, adding half the caster sugar a little at a time, then add the hazelnuts and the rest of the sugar. Gently fold in the cooled, melted butter and the flour and stir to combine. The mixture will become quite loose at this point.

Divide the mixture evenly between the baking trays and spread out to a thickness of about 1cm, trying to get them all roughly the same shape and size. Put in the oven for about 45 minutes or until they are just cooked. Take out and remove from the parchment paper immediately (or it will be murder to get off once it has cooled even a little.) If the meringue is still soft in the middle put back in the oven, upside down on the parchment, then leave to cool on racks. If you are not ready to assemble and serve the cake straight away, I would suggest storing the meringues in sealed containers with some parchment paper between each one to prevent them from losing crispness.

Half an hour or so before you are ready to serve (so that the raspberries do not bleed too much into the cream if the cake is sitting around for too long), pour the cream into a bowl. Cut the vanilla pod in half lengthways and, using a spoon, scrape the seeds into the bowl, then sift in the icing sugar. Whip the cream to form soft peaks.

Lay the bottom meringue on a flat cake plate and spoon over a third of the cream, then carefully place a third of the raspberries on top. Place the next layer of meringue over, follow with the cream and raspberries and repeat with the final layer. Sift a little icing sugar over the top to serve.

Recipes and photographs are from Kitchen Memories by Lucy Boyd, published in hardback by Harper Collins and available from all good booksellers, RRP ÂŁ20.

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On The

Grapevine Spring is the season for lighter, fresher reds – and our local independent retailers have some splendid ones in stock.

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uying wine at the supermarket can be a joyless experience Confronted by row upon row of bottles – and, most often, with nobody on hand to ask for advice – how can you possibly choose?

There are all those tempting ‘special offers’, of course, but just how ‘special’ are they?

Are ‘half price’ wines actually just bottles that were being sold too dearly in the first place? Or are they not quite up to scratch?

In the murky world of mass-market retailing it’s hard to know what to believe.

Fortunately here in the Dales we’re blessed with a marvellous selection of specialist independent retailers – and if you want value for money then that’s where you should go. They’re run and staffed by knowledgeable people who are genuinely enthusiastic about wine, and who can gently

point you in the right direction according to your budget and tastes.

Unlike the big supermarkets, wine is their sole business, so independent wine retailers can only survive by giving their customers top-notch service and searching out quality wines at decent prices. And because they’re not looking to buy huge volumes of a particular wine, they are free to source it from smaller artisan winemakers, whose products are often far more interesting than those of the big-name wine factories that supply the national chains.

So next time you’re looking to buy a bottle or two, head for your local wine shop rather the out-of-town superstore. With their expert advice you’ll end up with something that you really enjoy drinking – and you’ll be doing your bit to support the local economy too.

“Unlike the big supermarkets, wine is their sole business, so independent wine retailers can only survive by giving their customers top-notch service” Simon Woods’ Wine Recommendations As the days get longer and (hopefully) sunnier, we start to want perkier, fresher wines instead of robust winter warmers. Here are some reds that are good for drinking young, fresh and even slightly chilled.

Chilling red wines makes the tannins stand out more, and the flavours taste fresher; it can also mute some of those flavours. So what we’re looking for in a spring red wine is something with plenty of aroma and not

too much tannin. Traditional wisdom has it that red wine should be served at ‘room temperature’. However, the origins of this idea lie back in the days when rooms were probably 7-8ºC cooler than today. This hike in room temperature has not been kind to the wine. The alcohol jumps out of the glass, obliterating any subtlety and muddying the flavours. So it’s not just these five reds that would be happier for a short spell in the fridge. If they emerge on the chilly side, don’t worry – they’ll soon warm up in our centrally heated houses.

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Grant Burge Sparkling Shiraz Cabernet NV Barossa Valley, Australia £22.50, Nidderdale Fine Wines, Pateley Bridge www.southaustralianwines.com, 01423 711703 Sparkling red wines are what many Aussies turn to on Christmas morning to get the festivities going. This one offers the bold spicy blackberry and cherry flavours of a traditional Barossa red but – thanks to only spending a short period on the tannin-rich grape skins – still manages to be soft, juicy and moreish. Don’t over-chill.

Tabali Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2011 Limarí, Chile £10.95, Corks & Cases, Masham www.corksandcases.com, 01765 688810 The Limarí valley to the north of Chile’s capital, Santiago, used to be known mainly for the grapes it grew for Pisco, the national spirit. Today it is establishing a reputation for extremely classy Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir. This fresh, friendly young red, with its strawberry-scented allure, shows why.

Moulin de Gassac Merlot Pays d’Hérault 2011 Languedoc, France £8.75, Terroir Languedoc, Skipton www.terroirlanguedoc.co.uk, 01756 700512 Mas de Daumas Gassac was the estate that from the late 1970s onwards alerted many people to the vast potential for wine in southern France. This is the winery’s take on Merlot, the Bordeaux grape. Plump and plummy, but still with chewy herbal freshness, this wipes the floor with most similarly priced Bordeaux.

Ponte del Diavolo Refosco 2011 Friuli, Italy £9.50, Ake & Humphris, Harrogate www.akeandhumphris.co.uk, 01423 566009 Refosco is one of dozens of slightly obscure grapes from northeast Italy that deserve a wider audience. This wine is full in flavour, but medium in body (12.5% alcohol), and has a slightly smoky note to its sprightly bramble and cherry flavours.

Aga Navarra Tinto Roble 2011 Spain £7.15, Yorkshire Vintners, Ripon www.yorkshirevintners.co.uk, 01765 601701 Made mostly from Tempranillo (the Rioja grape) with a dollop each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Four months in oak (‘Roble’) has added a vanilla sheen, but the main event here is still that gentle berry flesh, pepped up with a light herbal character.

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Celebrate Spring

atSwinton Park Lunch and Learn

Our themed lunches provide an informative talk, award winning cuisine and a chance to stroll around the gardens.

Orchid Lunch - with John Ray Creek Sunday 14 April, £35 per person Garden Lunch - Daffodils Tuesday 16 April, £35 per person Wine Appreciation Lunch Sunday 21 April, £40 per person

Put a Spring in Your Step

Our Spa has some tempting offers to prepare your body ready for sunny days ahead.

Ytsara Taolay Uplifting Facial Book a 75 minute treatment and receive a full-size retail product £65.

Ytsara Asian Back Massage Leave your stress and worries behind with an Asian back massage, using oils chosen for your specific requirements, 30 minutes, £35.

Tantalise your Taste Buds

Laugh and learn with Stephen Bulmer, our engaging new cookery school director, who previously worked for Raymond Blanc. Spring courses include: Cooking with Chocolate – Spring Dinner Parties – Bread Making – Fish & Shellfish – Flavours of the Orient – The Ultimate Sunday Lunch – Tapas From £85 for a Half Day

Spice Up Your Life Masham, Ripon, HG4 4JH www.swintonpark.com

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Join Indian chef Prett Tejura for our regular Curry Club demonstration dinners, where you can watch a delicious Indian menu being prepared in front of you.

Western Indian & Goan Cuisine – Friday 10 April Southern Indian & Seafood – Friday 7 June £52 per person

INTERIORS

Inside Story A unique Dales cottage property gets a new look from Julie Atkinson of Bear Cottage Interiors.

“I’m passionate about all the homes that I am invited to work on,” says Julie Atkinson, “but The Old Silk Mill was one of my favourite projects. It’s a lovely building, and my clients were very approachable and open-minded – a factor which helps enormously when working on a period property!”

Julie has always loved working with fabrics.

She studied Design at Harrogate College, and five years ago she set up her own interior design business, Bear Cottage Interiors, in Hawes. The Old Silk Mill, a charming and sympathetically restored late-18th-century watermill that overlooks picturesque Semerwater, is just a short hop away.

“My design style is contemporary country with a rustic twist. I try to use tactile natural materials like wool, stone, wood and linen. I am very lucky to have a beautiful old farm house in the Yorkshire Dales, and I draw

much of my inspiration from the beautiful views and vast open spaces, the hillsides offering a tapestry of rich colours that change with the seasons. The Old Silk Mill is just the kind of project I love to work on.”

“When I started, the whole place was painted white – which provided a fantastic blank canvas – and I have kept to a mainly

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neutral palette, particularly in the kitchen.

Because it is a fairly small space it needs a light touch and a minimalist look to help stop it from feeling cramped. For the window and door blinds we’ve used a Sophie Allport fabric that has a muted blue background with a repeating design of a hen and an egg. It’s a quirky touch that my clients really liked – they’ve even got the Sophie Allport crockery to match!”

“Cool, muted blues also feature upstairs in the bedrooms. Continuing the blue theme, I’ve given the bathroom a similarly clean and tailored look with a lovely Roman blind in a Romo Burlington Cobalt herringbone check from their Bonham collection.”

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“For the living area I wanted to create a sumptuous, cosy space that would also be practical, as my clients have decided to rent out their beautiful property as a holiday home. The feature wall, which has a real ‘wow’ factor, is a luscious dark aubergine shade. It’s Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal, one of my very favourite colours.”

“To frame a stunning view of Semerwater I decided on contrast leading-edge curtains made in two gorgeous fabric collections from Linwood: Roxburgh Powrie, a lovely dark purple check and Ollaberry Barra, a gorgeous rich brown weave made from Shetland wool. I used the same fabrics for the Roman blinds in the windows on either side of the fireplace.”

“Finally, to bring those colours into the centre of the room, I made scatter cushions in these two fabrics. Each cushion is doublesided, with the brown fabric on one side and the purple on the other. They pull the room together and help to create exactly the kind of warm and welcoming ambience that would help you relax after a day’s walking in beautiful Raydale.”

“The feature wall, which has a real ‘wow’ factor, is a luscious dark aubergine shade.

It’s Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal, one of my very favourite colours”

Bear Cottage Interiors is at The Cattle Market, Market Place, Hawes, DL8 3RD. For more information call 01969 666077 or visit bearcottageinteriors.com. For information on renting The Old Silk Mill visit www.oldsilkmill.co.uk.

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Come and visit our beautiful and inspiring garden in 2013 20 acres of beautiful walks, lakes with plant nursery and sculpture exhibition by renowned artists • Open from 10am - 4pm, Sat 27th April - Sun 16th June inclusive, everyday (closed Mondays except Bank hols) • Admission £6.50 Children under 12 FREE

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times Refreshments available from our tearoom Mail order for plants available all year Very limited wheelchair access

Why not visit our website for more details www.himalayangarden.com

The Hutts | Grewelthorpe | Ripon | HG4 3DA | P: 01765 658009 | E: info@himalayangarden.com

Enjoy a refreshing spring time walk around this breathtaking World Heritage Site.

Ripon, North Yorkshire Members and under 5s go free.

Call 01765 608888 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey

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© National Trust Images. Registered Charity, Number 205846.

Fountains Abbey

Hallright now Kiplin Hall is a hidden gem — and that’s official! Ian Henry reports.

Few historic buildings can have experienced such dramatic twists of fortune as Kiplin Hall. This elegant Jacobean house came within a whisker of being demolished in the 1950s, and the National Trust – presumably hoping to avoid having to grapple with an apparently endless list of structural problems – unsympathetically declared it to be of no historic or architectural interest.

Today, thanks to decades of effort by a determined band of enthusiasts – the first of whom was the Hall’s last private owner, Miss Bridget Talbot – Kiplin couldn’t be in finer fettle. And as for the National Trust’s SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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scathing judgement? Well, last December the property was declared to be England’s ‘Hidden Gem’ in the prestigious Hudson’s Heritage Awards.

I’ve been visiting Kiplin on and off for over two decades, and it has been heartening to see it gradually blossoming from a somewhat melancholy footnote to Richmondshire history into one of the region’s premier tourist attractions. The list of things to see and do there just keeps getting longer, and with its extensive parkland and newly restored and revitalised gardens, Kiplin now makes an ideal focus for a day out with the family.

Travellers’ Treasures The Hall is so packed with sumptuous furniture, intriguing curios and fine artworks – acquired over the centuries by the four families that owned it – that it would be impossible to list everything of note. As well as all the grand old artefacts 88

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you would expect to see in a house of this age there are some especially impressive products of the Arts and Crafts movement, including lively William de Morgan tiles and some exquisitely inlaid furniture.

Newly restored for 2012, and not previously open to the public, the Traveller’s Bedroom is a room full of gorgeous finds brought back to Kiplin by some of its welltravelled former residents. In pride of place is an exuberantly carved and gilded late 18th century Italian bed, now embellished with sumptuous Arts and Crafts hangings.

Other beguiling items include two elaborately inlaid ebony chairs from Goa and eight engaging Japanese paintings of ships laden with courtiers, painted to commemorate a diplomatic mission from Korea; full of colourful period detail, they are an intriguing insight into a lost world of gorgeous costumes and elaborate ceremonial.

“The Hall is packed with sumptuous furniture, intriguing curios and fine artworks”

Old Crocks

Thanks for the Memories In another exciting development, Kiplin has just been awarded a substantial grant to explore a more recent aspect of its history. The Hall was requisitioned by the army during World War Two and became a munitions unit, supplying local airfields with bombs. Not only will the grant fund the conservation of Kiplin’s Second World War kitchen – always popular with visitors – but it will also support an important oral history project.

“We’re hoping to find people who remember the Second World War, either as RAF or ground personnel at the munitions unit at Kiplin, or on the nearby airfields at Scorton, Catterick, Croft and Middleton St George, which were supplied from Kiplin,” says Kiplin curator Dawn Webster. “I’m sure there are local people who still recall the role played by these units, the aeroplanes that crashed in the area, and so on. If anyone has a story to tell – or can lend us photographs to copy – please do get in touch.”

After enjoying everything Kiplin has to offer – or even before launching in – don’t miss the chance to enjoy some indulgent homemade cakes and pastries in the Hall’s award-winning oak-panelled tearoom.

Thanks to a recent initiative, guests are now served their food and drink on a charming mixed selection of ‘proper’ china, some of it dating back to the late 1800s, donated to Kiplin by supporters keen to see the odd bits and pieces of crockery at the backs of their cupboards put to good use. It’s a move that has drawn an enthusiastic response from visitors – most of whom probably wouldn’t dream of supping their tea from a traditional cup and saucer at home.

Kiplin Hall Factfile Where Halfway between Richmond and Northallerton on the B6271. DL10 6AT When Gardens and Tea Room: 10am–5pm (4pm February and March) every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 30th October. Also Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Hall: 2pm–5pm Good Friday and Easter Saturday, then every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 31st March until 30th October.

Find Out More Visit www.kiplinhall.co.uk or call 01748 818178.

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Bespoke

Oak Doors

EXTERIOR DOORS ◆ ◆ DOOR FRAMES ◆ ◆ INTERIOR DOORS ◆ ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE ◆

◆

From Yorkshire to London for £10,000

◆

Tel 01677 427400

www.bespokeperioddoors.com

Our Specialists are out and about around the County this month and could be available to call and provide free auction valuations.

For further information please contact.

0113 234 5755 alison.hayes@bonhams.com A pair of Arts & Crafts silver candlesticks

by Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carr, London 1914. Consigned locally and sold in our recent Fine Silver sale in London for £10,000.

International Auctioneers and Valuers bonhams.com/leeds

Values stated include buyer’s premium.

Details can be found at bonhams.com

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To book space in the May/June issue contact Sue Gillman Telephone: 01904 629295 Mobile: 07970 739119 email: sue@daleslife.com www.daleslife.com

ANTIQUES Three Hardy Bakelite fly boxes (£220) and a japanned tinplate fly cabinet by J Bernard & Son (£380), both with contents.

The

Reel Deal Even modest items of old fishing equipment can prove surprisingly valuable, says Tennants expert Nick Lambert.

“Demand for antique fishing tackle is still remarkably strong. There are plenty of wealthy collectors out there, and anything pre-war generally commands a premium.

Most collectors aren’t looking for rods, though. It’s the reels that are far and away the most sought-after items.”

Nick Lambert has been valuing fishing paraphernalia for Leyburn auction house

Tennants for the last twelve years, and he knows the market better than almost anyone. “It’s obvious when you think about it,” he explains. “You can fit dozens of reels into a display cabinet, but rods are just too big and cumbersome to display in large numbers. What’s more, most rods look pretty similar from a distance, whereas reels are far more diverse.”

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It’s a Wind-Up “With reels, as with most other items of fishing gear, the money is in the name. And the name that trumps them all is Hardy.

The firm, which started business in Alnwick in 1872, has an unrivalled reputation for quality. Hardy equipment is very popular in the American market, and this is reflected in the prices. An ordinary, unnamed brass reel might make £100; a rare Hardy ‘Perfect’ could easily fetch £5,000, or even £10,000.

“Two other big names to look out for are Allcock and Malloch. The Allcock ‘Aerial’ is deservedly sought after – it’s a beautifully engineered piece of kit. Malloch, based in Perth, also made top-quality gear. But because the Americans don’t tend to collect Allcock and Malloch pieces, the prices are generally lower than for Hardy equipment.

“One note of warning, though. Because of the high value of the originals, there are now quite a lot of fakes doing the rounds. If in doubt it’s always best to consult an expert.”

A 19th century brass salmon reel

by J Jones (£240).

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Selection of reels, including a Hardy ‘Perfect’ fly reel (front centre, £480), a Malloch brass side-casting reel (front right, £280), and an Allcock ‘Aerial’ (back right, £280).

Lured In “Second to reels, it is flies and other lures that are most popular with collectors. The flies in particular are very appealing items, beautifully coloured and often made with fur and feathers that you would no longer be allowed to use.

“Once again, a good name makes a huge difference to the price. A Hardy motherof-pearl Devon lure – the mother-of-pearl is to make it shine in the water like the scales of a real fish – can be worth several hundred pounds.

“The other name that makes people’s ears prick up is James Gregory, who was a Birmingham jeweller. He made topquality brass lures, not all of which were marked with his name. If you can find one stamped ‘Gregory’, though, it could be worth a small fortune.”

“…a rare Hardy ‘Perfect’ could easily fetch £5,000, or even £10,000”

The Creel Deal “Some collectors like to have a creel as the centrepiece of their display, and you can pick up a decent wicker one for £150 or so. Not many people can afford pot-bellied leather creels, though. They’re pretty much the Holy Grail of fishing collecting, with probably only 30 to 50 known in the whole world.

“I’ve probably seen more of them than most people, though, because making them was something of a local cottage industry – Settle and Sedbergh were the main centres for their production. With their organic shape and rich patina, they’re stunning objects, whether or not you’re interested in angling.

“Prices have fallen over the last few years, but if you find one in good condition in your attic you can still expect it to make getting on for £2,000.”

A 19th century silver mounted fishing rod by A & G Wilson, maker to HRH Prince Albert (estimate £800-1,200).

A 19th century pot-bellied leather fishing creel (£1,900).

Spare the Rod “Although I said that rods weren’t usually hugely valued by collectors, there are always exceptions – one of which will be coming up for sale in our Sporting, Fishing, Taxidermy & Natural History Sale in May. In twelve years working at Tennants it’s the finest I’ve seen.

“It’s a presentation rod with an ebonised handle and hallmarked silver fittings made

by A & G Wilson of Edinburgh, who were makers to Prince Albert and whose work bears the Royal Warrant. Whilst it has no connection to Albert himself, it is certainly good enough quality to have been made for royalty.

“This is a fully functioning piece of equipment, with a knob that’s hinged so that two tips can be carried inside the rod, but I doubt that it has ever been used – and with good reason, because it’s far too attractive. We’re expecting lots of interest in this piece, and my auction estimate is that it will fetch between £800 and £1,200.”

For details of forthcoming auctions at Tennants visit www.tennants.co.uk or call 01969 623780.

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Discover The Forbidden Corner

A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four-acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This was the brainchild of Mr C.R. Armstrong CMG 0BE, and was originally built as a private folly but due to popular demand was subsequently opened to the public. Visit this enchanting environment or take a break in one of our four self catering accommodations. Ideal for families & groups of visitors, they are situated in beautiful Coverdale with a free day pass with all stays.

Open every day from 28th March - 3rd November & then Sundays until Christmas Mon - Sat 12 noon until 6pm Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am until 6pm

Admission is by pre-booked tickets only. To reserve your ticket telephone 01969 640638 or visit www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk Tupgill Park Estate, Coverham, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ

North of England Horticultural Society

25-28 APRIL 2013 Rated UK's best gardening event by Which? Gardening readers

GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND

A GREAT DAY OUT!

• Inspirational show gardens • Leading plant nurseries • Great garden shopping • Expert growing advice • Cookery Theatre • Floral Art • Crafts and Gifts

Book in advance and save £2.50* per ticket

www.flowershow.org.uk or phone 01423 546157

Tickets available every day on the gate Open 9.30am-5.30pm (4.30pm on Sun) *A booking administration charge applies per order Photograph by Nigel Harrison 94

| Dales Life | SPRING 2013

The world comes to Wensleydale!

PACKAGE HOLIDAYS • TAILOR-MADE ITINERARIES • CRUISES • RAIL FERRIES • FLIGHTS • FAMILY HOLIDAYS • CITY & UK BREAKS • HONEYMOONS SAFARIS • LONG-HAUL HOLIDAYS • AIRPORT HOTELS PARKING & LOUNGES • THEATRE TICKETS

Robert Sturdy, 10 Market Place, Leyburn, DL8 5BG 01969 623486 robert.sturdy@ speartravels.net www.speartravels.net/leyburn Other branches in Boroughbridge, Northallerton and Helmsley

FOR ALL YOUR TRAVEL NEEDS, HOME AND ABROAD RETAlL AGENTS FOR ATOL HOLDERS - ABTA L8041 RWS@SpearTravels and Spear Travelsare registered trading names of Jetclub Ltd. Registered in England number 1711255. Registered and accredited office: 75 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster Essex RM14 2AJ

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• Creative Design • Business Printing • Personal Notepaper & Cards • Digital Printing • Confidential Copying Service • Binding & Laminating • Large Format Poster Printing • Plan Printing in Black & Colour

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SPRING 2013 | Dales Life |

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A Glorious Family Day Out More details on these events are available at www.newbyhall.com

Newby Hall & Gardens RIPON, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Sun 31st March & Mon 1st April EASTER FUN DAYS Sun 31st March & Mon 1st April HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL PERFORMERS Sun 21st April 2 for 1 DUATHLON Gardens Sun 12th May entry SPRING PLANT FAIR FOR THE SPRING Sun 19th May PLANT FAIR 10K RUN and FUN RUN (valid Sun 12 May only)*

* Please show this advert on admission

OPEN: 29th March – 29th Sept 2013 Tues to Sun, plus bank holidays Open seven days in July & August 11am - 5.30pm (See website for House tour times)

www.newbyhall.com NEWBY HALL & GARDENS, RIPON, NORTH YORKSHIRE HG4 5AE

Kiplin Hall

Information Hotline: 0845 4504 068

JACOBEAN HOUSE

Country Seat of Founder of Maryland, USA

Gardens and Tea Room

Open 3 Feb – 30 Oct, Sun – Wed 10am – 5pm (4pm Feb and March)

Hall

Open 31 March – 30 Oct, Sun – Wed 2pm – 5pm, also Good Fri & Easter Sat

New Exhibition:

The Country House in Time of War From Civil War to Second World War

• Owned by the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters and Talbots • Now furnished as a comfortable, Victorian home • Crowded with centuries of family possessions • Extensive & important collection of paintings • Delightful gardens, woodland & lakeside walks • Home baking and lunches in the Tea Room Kiplin Hall, nr. Scorton, Richmond, DL10 6AT Tel: 01748 818178 www.kiplinhall.co.uk 96

| Dales Life | SPRING 2013

‘A complete gem - what a surprise!’

Notebook Out and about in the Yorkshire Dales

Bluebell Bonanza Bluebell woods are one of our national treasures, and atmospheric Hackfall Woods is one of the best. Bluebell flowering time varies from year to year, but this year the best guess is that it will be the first fortnight of May. A great way to enjoy the bluebells is to walk along the Ure from Masham to Hackfall. Walking leaflets are available from Masham Community office, the Hackfall car park on the Masham-Grewelthorpe road, and the Crown Inn at Grewelthorpe, or downloaded from www.hackfall.org.uk and www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/hackfall.

Alternatively there will be a guided walk on May 5th from 11am to 1pm,

meeting at the Crown Inn. It costs £4 per adult and places can be booked by calling 01423 712950 or visiting www.visitnidderdaleaonb.com. Hackfall is free to enter and open every day of the year.

Fit Right In If you vowed to get fit this year, try putting your new-found enthusiasm to the test by entering a duathlon in the beautiful surroundings of Newby Hall on April 21st at 8am. The event, run by Functional Fitness, will consist of a 5km run, a 20km bike and a 5km run. Even if you don’t fancy joining in, it’s a great sport to watch and everyone

taking part will appreciate your cheers. “It’s very spectator-friendly,” says Mark Livesey, event organiser, “and if you enter the race, your family get free entry to Newby Hall and gardens. It’s one of the best venues in the country for this kind of race.”

For more information, visit www.functionalfitnessevents.co.uk.

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Notebook Hare Today Rabbits are latecomers to our countryside – they were imported by the Romans – and the ‘Easter Bunny’ actually originates with our native hare. Reeth sculptor Stef Ottevanger is one of many artists to have

fallen under the spell of this elegant, enigmatic creature. Her long hours of patient observation are reflected in the sculptures, cast in bronzed resin, that she makes in her workshop with the help of her husband, Stephen.

“I take photos and do lots of drawings, and work from these and my own inspiration,” she says. “The sculptures capture a moment in time. You are getting a fleeting glimpse of the animal, and that’s what I want to capture.”

“The s re sculpture a captu nt mome e” in tim

Stef sculpts all sorts of other animals as well, including dogs, cats and horses, and she has recently started working in ceramics. Stef’s gallery is at the Reeth Dales Centre, Silver Street, Reeth, DL11 6SP. Call 01748 884498 or visit stefottevanger.co.uk to find out more.

Use Your Loaf Nothing can beat freshly baked bread – and making your own is simple when you know how, according to Dan McTiernan, co-founder of The Handmade Bakery in Slaithwaite.

School of Slow is the educational sister business of the bakery, and teaches people how to make slow-fermented artisan bread, patisserie and other dough-based delights.

With five minutes of preparation on Friday night and half an hour’s work Saturday

morning, says Mr McTiernan, you can have fresh bread that will last you through the rest of the week.

Various courses are on offer, from Artisan Bread Basics to Italian Baking, along with seasonal and one-off events. School of Slow also runs an online course that takes you through bread basics in the comfort of your own home. For more information visit www.schoolofslow.org and www.thehandmadebakery.coop.

“Various courses are on offer, from Artisan Bread Basics to Italian Baking” 98

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Notebook Good Breeding If this issue’s feature on keeping chickens has inspired you, you might be wondering where to buy your birds. If so, champion hen breeder Barbara Quinn should be high on your list of possibilities.

Barbara lives in Dishforth near Thirsk.

Her stock of Orpington hens is as pure as can be, and directly descended from the Queen Mother’s stock of Orpingtons, no less. Barbara has won top awards at all the major poultry shows and sold her hens to celebrities. Some of her hens have even become celebrities themselves, appearing in movies including Nanny McPhee and The Big Bang.

But what is most important to Barbara is making sure her hens find a good home. She always has a waiting list of potential buyers, and likes to keep in touch with them after making a sale. “I want to be sure people are really going to look after these chickens,” she says. She fell in love with Orpingtons due their majestic looks and friendly nature.

“They are docile and cuddly, but also elegant. They are fine in your garden, and will not destroy your borders.”

For further information call 01845 577300 or visit www.orpington-options.co.uk.

“They are docile and cuddly, but also elegant” Tree Time Treat…

Thorp Perrow’s tearoom will be back up and running from early March onwards, following a thorough winter refurbishment.

Now there’s much more room for visitors to the arboretum – near Bedale – to sit back and relax. There’s a larger covered area, new hot and cold self-service units and a brand new kitchen.

Once you’ve tucked into the tasty treats on offer, you’ll be ready to explore one of the finest private collections of trees and

shrubs in the country. In spring its 85 acres are bristling with thousands upon thousands of daffodils – some of them old and unusual varieties – along with fresh, delicate blossom and vibrant bluebells.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum is on the Bedale to Ripon road, just south of Bedale. For detailed directions or further information call 01677 425323 or visit www.thorpperrow.com.

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B. K. Webster Gunsmith Specialists in gun repair & alteration since 1984 Fitting sessions now include the use of our new Dryfire target simulator. This is proving to be a fabulous aid to improving shooting technique.

Contact us to book your session.

Whether you have had a busy game season or are preparing for competition now is the time to book your gun in for a service. www.bkwebstergunsmith.com • Tel: 01677 470505 • HG4 5JH

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ction Private instrfuor and guiding

s, hillwalking skill paddle sport and nordic walking Come and

explore with us!

You won’t believe what you can do in Masham!

From painting to photography, from blacksmithing to stained glass, jewellery making, stone carving, wood turning, ceramics, felt making and much more...

Enjoy a day out in and around the beautiful Yorkshire Dales & Moors. From guided walks, navigation classes and canoe training to our paddle & picnic.

www.rivermountainexperience.com Tel: 01677 426112

The Dales Festival of Art Leyburn May 4th-6th Free admission

www.artison.co.uk

01765 689637

W

High Burton, Masham, HG4 4BS

13 ou pro t n gr ow am ! me

Group bookings welcome Gift vouchers available.

NE

www.richmondshire.gov.uk thepopupgallery@btinternet.com

Fantastic homemade lunch with all 1 & 2 day workshops. Weekly, daytime & evening classes too.

View programme & book here:

20

Create something unique in the drop-in workshops Browse the Artists’ Market Discover hidden artworks to find and keep Follow the art-trail around Leyburn Explore the Sculpture Park

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 101

g ood.or f f o l a stiv e f s ale d in@ m : ad t c nta o C

Dales Festival of Food and Drink 4th,5th,6th May 2013 The North’s Premier Food and Drink Event including the Yorkshire Dales Real Ale Festival

At Leyburn, in the heart of Wensleydale A great family day out!

• Free cookery demonstrations • 70+ food stalls • Live music all day, and every day • Celebrity talks • “Farming for Food” area • A choice of caterers • Fairground attractions 10.00 am to 5.00 pm each day – Parking free Adults £8 - 3-day ticket £12, Accompanied under 16’s free

www.dalesfestivaloffood.org 102 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

Dales Diary

Events compiled by Helen Stevens.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal near Ripon Telephone: 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey *Normal admission charges apply

Going Digital – Photography Workshop Sunday 24 March, Sunday 5 May & Saturday 18 May, 10am – 4pm £75 per person Improve your landscape and wildlife photography skills on this one-day workshop. Booking essential (07545 962572 or visit www.goingdigital.co.uk).

Newby Hall

Newby Hall & Gardens

near Ripon Telephone: 01423 322583 opt 3 www.newbyhall.com Season opens – Friday 29 March Easter Fun Days Sunday 31 March & Monday 1 April Younger children can follow clues on the Giant Easter Egg Trail through the woods. The Easter Bunny will be handing out the prizes and riding on the train. Our fantastic face painter will be back too!

Practical Propagation Workshop Wednesday 24 April Head Gardener Mark Jackson will be joined by Head Propagator Ian Forbes as they show you how to use seeds and cuttings to fill your garden without spending a fortune. Find out which species the experts really rate and how these plants help make Newby’s gardens so special.

Spring Plant Fair Sunday 12 May Specialist nurseries from all over the North of England gather at Newby for this popular annual event. A great chance to meet the growers and pick up tips, with a programme of talks from wellrespected local experts.

Vintage Interiors & Textile Art Sale in Fountains Hall Tuesday 26 March – Tuesday 2 April, Monday 13 – Monday 20 May, 10am – 4pm A collection of decorative furnishings, textile art and artefacts for the individual home.* School Holiday Fun – Golden Egg Hunt Friday 29 March – Sunday 14 April, 11am – 4pm Track down the tiny golden egg that’s hidden on the estate, but keep its location a secret! Tell us where you saw it and we’ll enter you into a prize draw to win an eggstremely eggcellent prize.* School Holiday Fun – Animal Tracks Tuesday 2 – Sunday 14 April, 11am – 3pm Pick up a trail and track the wild animals that can be found in the estate. There will also be some wild craft activities in Swanley Grange.* Den Building Tuesday 9 & Thursday 11 April, 11am & 1pm Bring your best den-building team to create a shelter with branches and leaves. Meet at Swanley Grange. Booking essential (01765 643176).* Textile Exhibition – Vistas and Voices Saturday 27 April – Monday 6 May, 10am – 5pm An exciting new exhibition (in Fountains Hall) inspired by echoes of the past in a changing world, from Textilia, a well-established group of North Yorkshire textile artists.* SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 103

Dales Diary

Himalayan Garden

Grewelthorpe, near Ripon www.himalayangarden.com

Gardens at Kiplin Hall

Kiplin Hall

near Scorton, Richmond Telephone: 01748 818178 www.kiplinhall.co.uk

Season opens – Saturday 27 April Saturday 27 April – Sunday 16 June 10.00am – 4.00pm daily (closed Mondays except bank holidays) £6.50 (free for children under 12) These award-wining 20-acre gardens are widely considered to have the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias.

The gardens have nearly 20,000 plants and attract around 10,000 visitors a year. There are some 1,400 rhododendron varieties – 70 of which are on the current international Red List of plants threatened with extinction – along with 250 azalea varieties and 150 different magnolias.

Light refreshments are available, and there is also a nursery selling nearly 200 different varieties of rhododendron as well as many other ericaceous shrubs and perennials.

Eggcellent Easter Fun Friday 29 March – Monday 1 April Gardens 10am – 5pm, Hall 2 – 5pm Fun for families in the Hall and grounds. Easter egg hunts, mask making, colouring activities and more! Come in your Easter hat and bring a hardboiled egg to decorate – judging of hats and eggs is daily at 4pm. (Children must be with an adult.)

On Easter Sunday from 10am, North Yorkshire Vintage Machinery Society will display items from their collections.

Tea Gowns and Tea Time Saturday 11 May, 2pm and 4.30pm, £17 per person The History Wardrobe presents the well-dressed woman of the 1930s. Lucy Adlington’s sparkling, vivacious talk is followed by afternoon tea.

Booking essential.

Museums at Night – Kiplin by Candlelight Friday 17 May, 6.30 – 9.30pm, £5 per person Tour the house by candlelight. In the Library, hear extracts read from books published between 1615 and 1913, which belonged to Kiplin’s former owners. Tea room open for light suppers and goodies.

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The Himalayan Garden

Dales Diary

Dales Countryside Museum

Hawes Telephone: 01969 666210 www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/index/outandabout/ see/dcm.htm Local Food – Tea, Cakes and Recipes Wednesday 13 March, 2.30 – 4.30pm Wednesday 20 March, 6.30 – 8.30pm Bring along your favourite cake to share. Tea swilling, cake eating, recipe swapping fun. These events are part of the local food project.

Mini Meadow Magic Sunday 31 March, 2 – 4pm, £3 Help make a wildflower meadow collage and sow your own mini meadow. This event is part of the Flowers of the Dales Festival.

Local Food – Easter Cake Tasting Tuesday 2 April, 10am – 3pm Drop in to the museum to taste cakes from the museum cookbook. This event is part of the local food project.

Make Your Own Felt and Beaded Jewellery Thursday 11 April, 10am – 4pm, £2 Make your own felt and beaded jewellery.

Local Food – Pop-up Food Fair Sunday 21 April, 10am – 3pm A chance to purchase local food and produce from stall holders at the museum. This event is part of the local food project.

Dark Skies Thursday 16 May, 7 – 9pm, £4 adults, £2 children An illustrated talk on the night skies by local astronomer Jack Sutton.

Dales Festival of Art

in and around Leyburn www.richmondshire.gov.uk www.thepopupgallery.org Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May, 10am onwards A new event supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with many top-name artists participating. Browse in the Artists' Market in Leyburn Market Place, visit the Sculpture Park in Thornborough Hall's garden, create your own unique masterpiece in the drop-in workshops in Leyburn town centre, and search for hidden artworks to find and keep in the shops and cafes of Leyburn.

Harrogate Spring Flower Show Great Yorkshire Showground Telephone: 01423 546157 www.flowershow.org.uk

Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 April, 9.30am – 5.30pm (4.30pm Sunday) £14 in advance (£12 Sunday), or £16.50 on the gate (£14.50 Sunday) Rated Britain’s best gardening event by readers of Which? Gardening, Harrogate Spring Flower Show is all set to get even better in 2013 with double the number of show gardens offering ideas and inspiration for the perfect outdoor space.

It will feature fabulous displays from over 100 of the UK’s leading nurseries, offering a vast range of plants to suit every space and every growing condition.

The event also hosts Britain’s biggest floral art marquee, with more than 150 painstakingly prepared flower arrangements and floristry exhibits, together with large-scale displays from flower clubs and colleges across the country.

Children's activities include the popular Spot It show trail, plus lots of hands-on fun in Gardening with Nature. Budding gardeners can learn how to build bug hotels, wormeries, bee-friendly baskets, bird boxes and much more. Under-16s go free when accompanied by an adult.

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 105

Dales Diary

Chef’s Table Demonstration Dinners Saturday 6 April, Friday 11 April, Saturday 12 April, Friday 3 May & Saturday 4 May £60 per person (including a glass of fizz) Hang up the oven gloves, relax and enjoy watching top chef Stephen Bulmer prepare a gourmet menu for you at the cookery school demonstration table.

Wine Appreciation Lunch Sunday 21 April, £40 per person Celebrate the arrival of spring with an informative talk, award-winning cuisine and a stroll in the grounds.

Black Sheep Brewery

Masham Telephone: 01765 689227 www.blacksheepbrewery.com

Swinton Park

Swinton Park

Masham Telephone: 01765 680900 www.swintonpark.com (All events available as gift vouchers) Family Cookery Fun Saturday 23 March, Sunday 24 March & Saturday 27 April, £95 per adult, £80 per child Spend some family time together cooking delicious, seasonal recipes on a one-day course with home cooking expert Gilly Robinson.

Mum’s Day Off Sunday 31 March – Easter Sunday £75 per person (£35 for lunch only) Give Mum a relaxing morning off (spa discounts are available) while the family make a delicious Easter lunch with cookery school chef director Stephen Bulmer.

Easter Egg Trail Tuesday 2 April – Saturday 13 April £3 per person (including child’s gift) Take the children on a nature walk, follow the clues and find hidden eggs.

106 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

Black Sheep "Sheepy Shop" at Harrogate Spring Flower Show Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 April Black Sheep "Sheepy Shop" at Dales Food and Drink Festival Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May Black Sheep Firkin Challenge Saturday 18 May, £20 (with minimum of £100 sponsorship per person) Two exhilarating and challenging cycle rides to raise funds for children’s charity Wooden Spoon. Taking in the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, these circular rides offer something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or more of a weekend rider.

Both rides will be fully supported with checkpoints, support vehicles and refreshments along the way.

For more information and to register call 01765 689227 or visit the website.

Constable Burton Hall

Dales Diary

near Bedale Telephone: 01677 450428 www.constableburton.com

Tulip Festival Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May, 9am – 6pm Adults £4, senior citizens £3, children free Each year Constable Burton plays host to a magnificent tulip festival. Sponsored by Chelsea award-winning nursery Bloms Bulbs, large collections of traditional and new variant tulips are grown in the informal areas of the garden. With over 6,500 bulbs planted annually, vast expanses of flowers grace the gardens in a glorious display of colour.

ArtisOn

near Masham Telephone: 01765 689637 www.artison.co.uk Introducing Bookmaking Saturday 20 April, 10am – 4pm £65 including homemade lunch A day of diverse and fascinating bookmaking techniques including hardbound, concertina and Japanese stab binding.

Spring Flowers in Watercolour Friday 26 April, 10am – 4pm £75 including homemade lunch Learn watercolour techniques to create beautiful floral paintings.

Beginners’ Crochet Saturday 27 April, 10am – 4pm £65 including homemade lunch Discover the versatile craft of crochet.

Ceramics – Making Flowerpots Sunday 28 April, 10am – 4pm £65 including homemade lunch Make beautiful, unique terracotta plant pots for your home and garden.

Silverclay Jewellery – Inspired by Nature Friday 17 May, 10am – 4pm £85 including homemade lunch Be inspired by nature and make various pieces of silver jewellery.

Constable Burton Hall Introduction to Machine Woodturning Saturday 18 May, 9.30am – 4.30pm £140 including refreshments A great introduction to woodturning and chance to work with specialist tools and machinery.

The White Bear Hotel

Masham Telephone: 01765 689319 www.thewhitebearhotel.co.uk Wedding Fayre Sunday 13 March, 11am – 3.30pm Free entry and complimentary goodie bag.

Drointon Nurseries

Norton Conyers Telephone: 01765 641849 www.auricula-plants.co.uk Open Days Wednesday 17 April, Wednesday 1 May & Sunday 19 May, 10am – 4pm Entry is free, but donations to Plant Heritage are encouraged, particularly on 1 May, when the event is being held as part of the charity’s ’35 in 35’ anniversary celebrations. Light refreshments available.

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 107

Dales Diary

Dales Festival of Food and Drink near Leyburn (postcode DL8 5SG) www.dalesfestivaloffood.org

Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May, 10am – 5pm One-day ticket £8.00, three-day ticket £12.00, accompanied children under 16 free Food and drink fans looking for somewhere to visit over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend should head for Leyburn in Wensleydale. The three-day Dales Festival of Food and Drink has been held for the past twelve years, showcasing a wide variety of food, farming and entertainment, all with a distinctly Yorkshire flavour.

With over 80 different stands featuring only local food products, there is something for everyone to sample, from the best locally sourced meats and cheeses, to preserves and traditional baking from the region. Many small Yorkshire breweries are represented at the beer festival, held in the drinks marquee, where award-winning beers and wines are also served.

To entertain, the festival brings together live cookery demonstrations from the region's top chefs. There’s also a 'Speakers' Corner' featuring a top author each day, including the everpopular Gervase Phinn. Farming for Food offers demonstrations of traditional farming skills, and 108 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

the chance to see a range of farm animals. There are plenty of attractions for young people, plus traditional dancing and six hours of live music every day.

Since its inception, the festival has donated over £150,000 to local community causes and supports Tickets for Troops.

The event takes place on the A684 just outside Leyburn, approaching from the east. The event is well signed and offers free parking.

Enjoy the Wensleydale Experience at our Visitor Centre • Discover the Wensleydale Story • Watch the cheese being made • Indulge in our famous cheese shop • Shop till you drop in our gift shop • Restaurant and coffee shop

2 1 for

cheese-making viewing & museum ticket offer!

Quote DL03/13 for discount or bring this voucher with you on your next visit

Open all year, 7 days a week 9am-5pm Museum and Cheese-making Viewing Gallery: Monday to Sunday 10am – 4pm The best time to view our cheese-making is between 10am – 2pm.

We do not make cheese every day, so please contact us for further details Ample FREE Parking : Coach Parties and Groups welcome by prior arrangement Wensleydale Creamery & Visitor Centre, Gayle Lane, Hawes, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire DL8 3RN Tel: 01969 667664 creamery@wensleydale.co.uk

www.wensleydale.co.uk Visit us on

Facebook

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SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 109

BESPOKE JOINERY

Designers, Manufacturers and Installers of the Finest Quality Traditional & Contemporary Architectural Joinery

For a free brochure and quotation call us on: Harrogate: 01423 524470 Leyburn: 01969 623020 Moor Park, Moor Road, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 5LA e: info@bikerbespokejoinery.co.uk w: www.bikerbespokejoinery.co.uk

110 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

OUTDOOR TIMBER SOLUTIONS Oak Beams & Sleepers Oak Framed Structures – Pergolas, Gazebos & Car Ports ● Hardwood Decking ● Oak, Cedar & Larch Cladding ● Cedar Shingles ● Clear Preservative and Colour Coatings ● ●

Call us or visit our showroom for advice on how we can help you and your spring or summer project.

T

I M

B E

R

Green Lane, MeLMerby ripon HG4 5Jb 01765 640564 sales@duffieldtimber.com www.duffieldtimber.com

Beautifully designed cast iron radiators

Traditional, Contemporary, Classic or Chic.

Incorporating cast iron radiators within your design will add elegance and style to any room.

Castironrads: The largest cast iron radiator company in the UK. • • • •

Original cast iron radiators Reproduction radiators direct from our foundry A full range of period style Valves & Fittings Restoration service available

The Sawmills • West Tanfield • Ripon • North Yorkshire • HG4 5JU • Tel: 01677 470808 www.castironrads.co.uk

info@castironrads.co.uk

www.rnrpowdercoatings.co.uk

rnrcoatings@live.co.uk

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 111

Providing good honest legal advice across the Dales since 1908 Offices throughout Yorkshire and the North T: 0800 160 10 10 E: info@coles-law.co.uk W: www.coles-law.co.uk

112 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

ARE YOU PLANNING TO BUILD OR EXTEND? Whether a porch or a palace, we will work with you to steer your project through the process.

• • • • • • • •

Plans drawn Planning Applications Listed Building Applications Building Regulations Extensions, Alterations, Conversions, New-Build Building Surveys Historic Buildings Contract Administration

Visit our website for further information www.joplings.com or contact us to arrange a free initial meeting.

Tel: 01765 694804 Email: architecture@joplings.com

Property Consultants Since 1852

Chandler Payne BUILDERS of Leyburn

• Conversions • Renovations • Damp Proofing • Plastering • Attic Conversions The Complete Building Service for over 25 years

We are looking for distribution agents Positions available throughout Yorkshire. Excellent rates paid

01969 623393 or 0790 3622679

Telephone: 01904 629295 Mobile: 07970 739119 email: sue@daleslife.com www.daleslife.com SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 113

On themarket market On the

Our beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.

Ourregular regularround-up round-upofof beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.

£975,000 The Coach House, Carlton Hall, Richmond A beautifully presented Grade II Listed coach house conversion, combining modern finishes with original character, to create a unique and spacious family home. EPC (EER) C71.

Contact GSC Grays on 01748 829217 www.gscgrays.co.uk

£795,000 The Old Vicarage, East Cowton A Grade II Listed Georgian House with attractive mature gardens.

Includes an orangery and additional annexe. Many period features.

EPC (EER) D58.

Contact GSC Grays on 01748 829217 www.gscgrays.co.uk

£345,000 Hilltop, Countersett, Bainbridge Grade II Listed, 3 bed, period property with garth and 1.34 acre paddock. In need of full renovation. EPC (EER) E45.

Contact GSC Grays on 01969 600120 www.gscgrays.co.uk

£299,950 Oaklea, 1 The Mount, Leyburn End of terrace property close to the market square with 4 bedrooms and 3 reception rooms, gardens, parking and garage. EPC (EER) E51 .

Contact GSC Grays on 01969 600120 www.gscgrays.co.uk

£485,000 Tylehurst, Exelby An extended and improved, well presented, family country property with original features in approx 3/4 acre, with open countryside views. Includes self-contained annex. EPC (EER) F34.

Contact GSC Grays on 01677 422400 www.gscgrays.co.uk

£189,950 Woodman Cottage, Burneston A well-presented spacious period semi-detached cottage, convenient for Bedale and within easy access for the A1M. Has gardens, garage, drive and a large workshop office. EPC (EER) E42.

Contact GSC Grays on 01677 422400 www.gscgrays.co.uk

114 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

Your property deserves an agent who thinks differently WITH OFFICES ACROSS THE AREA CONTACT US AT BEDALE, LEYBURN OR RICHMOND FOR YOUR FREE MARKET APPRAISAL OR TO DISCUSS YOUR PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

BED ALE: 01677 422400 LE YBURN: 01969 600120 RI CH MOND: 01748 829217 Offices also at: Barnard Castle ∙ Hamsterley ∙ Stokesley

               



              SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 115

On themarket market On the

Our beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.

Ourregular regularround-up round-upofof beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.

£150,000 - £200,000 3 Pasture Drive, Patrick Brompton Detached three bedroom bungalow. In need of some refurbishment. Garaging and gardens with off street parking.

Contact Robin Jessop on 01677 425950 www.robinjessop.co.uk

£230,000 - £260,000 23 Hargill Drive, Redmire Immaculate three bedroom semi detached cottage. Garden and off street parking. Popular rural village with stunning views over countryside.

Contact Robin Jessop on 01969 622800 www.robinjessop.co.uk

£100,000 - £150,000 Mill Farm, Leeming Farmhouse and former mill with 6 acres.

In need of complete refurbishment.

Contact Robin Jessop on 01677 425950 www.robinjessop.co.uk

£300,000 - £350,000 Seata Farmhouse, Thornton Rust Detached four bedroom bungalow with 2 acres of land. Useful general purpose building. Stunning location over open countryside.

Contact Robin Jessop on 01969 622800 www.robinjessop.co.uk

£275,000 - £325,000 The Gables & Nursery, Burneston Spacious four bedroom detached house with former garden nursery and out buildings. 1.84 acres in all.

Excellent village location.

Contact Robin Jessop on 01969 622800 www.robinjessop.co.uk

OIEO £75,000 Residential Development Site An outstanding site with planning permission for 2 detached dwellings.

116 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

Contact Robin Jessop on 01969 622800 www.robinjessop.co.uk

CHARTERED SURVEYORS • LAND & ESTATE AGENTS • AUCTIONEERS • VALUERS

Your property is special, so use a specialist rural property agent With offices in Bedale and Leyburn, we specialise in selling individual rural property Contact us today for your FREE market appraisal Bedale 01677 425950 robinjessop.co.uk

Leyburn 01969 622800 SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 117

On themarket market On the

Our beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.

Ourregular regularround-up round-upofof beautiful properties for sale in Yorkshire.

Guide price £177,950 Reeth, Swaledale Brand new, last of 2 remaining, high quality 2 bedroom terraced house located within a small cul de sac, perfectly situated for the village centre. Built to a high standard by an established local builder. Choice of kitchen and bathroom fittings. Comprises hall, lounge, kitchen/dining room, ground floor WC, 2 bedrooms and bathroom with WC. Property also offers convenient parking space and rear garden. Ready for sale, this property is low maintenance and a good size.

Contact Austin Brooks on 01904 227992 www.austinbrooks.co.uk

Guide price £235,000 Reeth, Swaledale A traditional style 3 bedroom family home or second home.

Spacious, brand new house located in a cul de sac conveniently situated near the village centre. Built by an established local builder to a high standard. Choice of kitchen and bathroom fittings.

Comprises entrance hall, lounge, kitchen/dining room, downstairs WC, 3 bedrooms and bathroom with WC. Property also features front and rear gardens, as well as space for parking, and is immediately available.

Contact Austin Brooks on 01904 227992 www.austinbrooks.co.uk

Guide price £950,000. Low Worsall, Yarm A truly magnificent property situated within a sought after rural setting, in all about 10,000 sq ft. Tremendous space value with high specification finish. This modern, stylish, individually designed 6 bedroom family residence boasts 6 reception rooms and 5 bathrooms, a cinema room, a games room, a huge living kitchen with high specification fittings, and a garaging block for 2-3 cars. Also featuring beautiful landscaped grounds and conservatory.

Contact Austin Brooks on 01904 227992 www.austinbrooks.co.uk

Guide price £283,000 Cleasby, Darlington Attractive newly built property with choice of internal finish to a high standard. This spacious 4 bedroom semi-detached family sized house is in the popular village of Cleasby 3 miles South East of Darlington. Excellent commuting, with quick access to the A66/A1(M). Allows the buyer to choose kitchen with integrated appliances, sanitary ware for family bathroom, en-suite shower room to the master bedroom and ground cloaks/wc, as well as decoration and first floor bedroom layout.

Contact Austin Brooks on 01904 227992 www.austinbrooks.co.uk

118 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

An opportunity to live in the heart of The Dales

Open View Day Saturday 6 April 10 - 4pm Three unique 18th-century grade II listed traditional stone cottages, with river frontage and fishing rights on the River Ure. We are delighted to offer for sale these magnificent sympathetically restored cottages with no occupancy restrictions.

The properties consist of two, two bedroomed cottages and one three bedroomed cottage. Each property is offered for sale with a choice of kitchen and bathroom, oak flooring and cast iron stoves.

Located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, such properties rarely reach the market. Viewing is strongly recommended Prices start from ÂŁ225.000

8A Tower Street,York, YO1 9SA 01904 227992 sales@austinbrooks.co.uk www.austinbrooks.co.uk

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 119

NORMAN F. BROWN CH NO AI N

CH NO AI N

Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Lettings Selling and letting property since 1967

Dale Cottage, West Burton

A tastefully presented traditional end terraced cottage of character within this desirable Dales village. Lounge/dining room, kitchen, rear porch/utility room, bathroom/ WC, 2 bedrooms, outside store, rear patio, oil fired central heating, UPVC double glazing. £199,950

Dale Grange West, Askrigg

A spacious end terraced cottage with garden, garage and ample parking enjoying Dales views. Scope for some updating.

Entrance porch, hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, bathroom/WC, garage, ample parking, south facing garden. £249,950

Moorland View, Harmby

Enjoying views across Wensleydale this quiet end terraced cottage has been tastefully refurbished and is well placed for Leyburn. Entrance porch, kitchen/dining room, lounge, downstairs bathroom /WC, 3 bedrooms, south facing front patio, good size side garden, rear yard, night storage heating, UPVC double glazing. £220,000

14 Queens Road, Richmond • 01748 882473 6 Bridge Street, Bedale • 01677 422282 25 Market Place, Leyburn • 01969 622194

J.R. HOPPER

& Co. EST. 1886

“For Sales In The Dales” SALES • LETTINGS • COMMERCIAL LAND & PROPERTY SPECIALISTS • PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Residential Buying, Selling & Letting. Commercial Sales & Leases.

Holiday Property. Overseas Property. Business Transfers. Acquisitions.

Valuations. Surveys. Mortgage Advice. Inheritance Planning.

Property & Antique Auctions. Removals, Collections & Deliveries.

01729 825311 Bentham 015242 63739 Settle Hawes 01969 667744 London 02072 980305 0845 2802213 Leyburn 01969 622936 Fax

www.jrhopper.com 120 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

The Wensleydale House Doctor

EARN MONEY FROM

CLEAN AND FREE

SOLAR ENERGY

WITH SOLAR PV PANELS

Home Improvement Specialist • Interior & Exterior Painting • Interior Decorating • Tiling • Plumbing • Plastering • Flooring (including laminate) • Kitchens and bathrooms fitted

• • • •

Reduce your Electricity bill Tax free return on your investment Feed in tariff guaranteed for 20 years Protect yourself against future energy price increase

Now installing solar on agricultural/commercial buildings

No job too small BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR SPRING EXTERIOR PAINTING Established over 10 years

Tel: 01677 450810

Hunton, Bedale, North Yorkshire www.wensleydalehousedoctor.co.uk

For further information please contact

DDR Solar Ltd 01969 622 260 www.ddrsolar.co.uk

Why Choose Solar Power?

• Combat the rise in fuel prices

Why NRGs Ltd

• Achieve a rate of return on your investment of approx 10% with an average payback time of 8 Years

• MCS certified Solar PV & Thermal Installation Company

• Financial gain: Solar PV Feed in tariffs Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme for Solar Thermal

• Local company based in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

• We install high quality bespoke systems to individual needs and budgets.

• Produce FREE day time electricity

We are installing on commercial and agricultural premises now For a Free, no obligation consultation and quotation, contact: Northern Renewable Green Systems T: 01969 622939 M: 07789 373340 www.nrgs.biz

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 121

A.J.Hicks

SUBSCRIBE TO

Domestic Plumbing Services For all your domestic plumbing needs Fast, friendly, reliable service.

24hr service NO CALL OUT CHARGE Are you having difficulty finding a plumber?

Are they always too busy to deal with the little jobs?

Bathrooms fitted Tiling work Call Andy Hicks Tel: 01677 450309 Mob: 07845 936064 Email: andrew.hicks93@virgin.net

No job too small!!!

and never miss out!

We deliver thousands of free copies of Dales Life door-to-door, up and down the Dales. Unfortunately, though, we can’t guarantee to get every issue to every household.

With so many must-read features – from stunning nature photography to mouthwatering recipes from celebrity chefs – it’s a shame to miss out.

But you don’t need to. Take out a subscription, and you need never miss another copy.

A subscription to Dales Life makes a perfect gift for friends and family, near or far.

Floor tiles & FLAGS cleaned and sealed Kitchens • Conservatories • Halls

John Lord

01748 811452 • 07961 460020 john@steamcleanseal.co.uk

122 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

To find out more, visit daleslife.com/subscribe or call 01904 629295

daleslife.com

TAKE YOUR HOME TO AN ENERGY EFFICIENT FUTURE with Bedale Plumbing & Heating Ltd established in 1970

● PANASONIC ACCREDITED INSTALLERS OF AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS ● GRANT ACCREDITED INSTALLERS OF SPIRA WOOD PELLET BOILERS. ● SOLAR THERMAL & SOLAR PV INSTALLATION. ● GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION INCLUDING GROUND WORKS. ● FULL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION.

WE CAN ALSO PROVIDE: Under-floor heating systems.

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Oil boiler replacements.

Natural gas & LPG boiler replacements.

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Plumbing repairs.

Water mains replaced & repaired.

Landlords certificates.

BEDALE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD Beech Cottage, Hackforth, Bedale DL8 1PA bedaleplumbingandheatingltd@hotmail.co.uk

Bathroom Suites Design and installation including all joinery, tiling and electrical works.

01748 810786 ● 07814 036057 SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 123

Paul Rutter BSc(Hons) MC Optom

Optometrist and contact lens practitioner

We offer quality eyecare for all the family Relaxed and friendly atmosphere NHS and private patients welcome Full range of contact lenses available Extensive range of frames Home visits available Personal service Digital retinal photography now available

7 Southend, Bedale Telephone 01677 424142

Premiere Care

North East Ltd.

We are a Leyburn based agency offering high quality care services to our Clients.

Our experienced team supports the various needs of vulnerable people to remain as independent as possible in their home. We provide hourly, day/night and live-in-care.

Testimonial

’Exceedingly high quality ladies, honest, caring and totally trustworthy’ Premiere Care has been awarded by the CQC the highest possible rating on their last inspection in 2009 which confirms the quality of service that we supply.

For an information pack please contact: Premiere Care (NE) Ltd Thornborough Hall, Leyburn DL8 5AB 01969 622 499 www.premiere-care.co.uk 124 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

Hillcrest

Care Home

Dedicated to quality care • Handpicked staff • New management • New experienced owners • Totally refurbished • Value for money • Home cooked quality meals

At Hillcrest we believe in giving all our residents the quality, care and respect that they deserve. We deliver this with our team of dedicated staff that all have empathy and passion for the care they give.

Hillcrest has undergone a major refurbishment by the new owners, giving the home a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The only way to really appreciate the high level of care offered at Hillcrest is to arrange a visit for yourself.

Call Hillcrest’s manager Nicola Cooper to arrange a visit at a time to suit you on 01748 834444 or email hillcrest@sirtin.com

Hillcrest, Byng Road, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, DL9 4DW

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To Dine For

Great places to eat and stay in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

128 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

The White Swan Overlooking Middleham’s picturesque market square and boasting lovely rural views, the White Swan is now a premier town-house hotel with superb facilities. Originally a coaching inn retaining many original features, the hotel has been extended and refurbished offering 17 excellent bedrooms. The brasserie offers a range of mouth-watering meals, all freshly prepared.

T: 01969 622093 www.whiteswanhotel.co.uk

The White Bear The White Bear is situated in the beautiful market town of Masham. A team of talented chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create delicious, seasonal dishes. Enjoy your meal in the charming dining room or the traditional bar; open fires create a cosy atmosphere throughout.

An extensive wine list complements the menu. Accommodation is available in fourteen individually designed rooms all en suite.

T: 01765 689319 www.thewhitebearhotel.co.uk

The Wensleydale Heifer Situated in the heart of the Dales, the Heifer, with two AA rosettes, is renowned for fantastic seafood and locally sourced meat. The restaurant, with its leather chairs, linen table cloths and Doug Hyde artwork, is ideal for an evening out or special occasion.

The fish bar is more relaxed, and features wooden tables, rattan chairs and freshly cut flowers. When the weather’s fine, why not dine outside in the garden restaurant? Early Bird Menu 6–6.30pm, food served all day at weekends. Thirteen luxurious guest rooms.

T: 01969 622322 www.wensleydaleheifer.co.uk

The Countryman’s Inn A traditional country pub, with four wellequipped, comfortable en-suite bedrooms.

You are assured of a warm welcome, with good beer, good food and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant offers a

wide selection of locally sourced and freshly prepared food to suit all tastes and budgets.

The bar offers a selection of four caskconditioned ales, three of which are brewed within 10 miles of the pub.

T. 01677 450554 www.countrymansinn.co.uk

Swinton Park Hotel An elegant, 30 bedroom luxury castle hotel.

With four Red Stars (Inspector’s Choice) and three Rosettes awarded by the AA for excellent facilities, this is one of the most highly rated hotels in Yorkshire. Award-winning cuisine is served in the sumptuously furnished dining room, using seasonal produce sourced from the hotel’s four-acre walled garden and surrounding estate.

T: 01765 680900 www.swintonpark.com

Hendersons Bar & Restaurant Set in the idyllic riverside surroundings of Westholme Estate in Bishopdale near Aysgarth, Hendersons is a bright, stylish, relaxed bar and bistro-style restaurant with a contemporary feel. Using local and seasonal produce our talented chef creates a menu of Modern British Cuisine.

Restaurant opens Lunch Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 12-3pm & Dinner Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 5.30 – 9pm. Bar open daily 12 – 11pm (Sunday 12 – 10.30pm) T: 01969 663268 Westholme Estate, Aysgarth.

The Sandpiper Inn Enjoy Jonathan Harrison’s unique cuisine in the traditional surroundings of the Sandpiper Inn, Leyburn. Modern British food prepared using only the finest ingredients. Fine wines, real ales and friendly service. Accommodation is available.

T: 01969 622206 www.sandpiperinn.co.uk

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 129

The Malt Shovel

The Queen’s Head

The Malt Shovel in Brearton, ten minutes north of Harrogate, is a lovely old country pub with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Jürg and Jane Bleiker, founders of Bleiker’s Smokehouse and formerly of the Old Deanery in Ripon, specialise in fresh fish and home-smoked foods. The Malt Shovel holds occasional Opera with Dinner Evenings, With a comprehensive list of interesting wines and well-cared-for hand-pulled ales, The Malt Shovel is definitely worth a visit.

T: 01423 862929 www. themaltshovelbrearton.co.uk

The Queen’s Head is a charming, characteristic country inn dating from the 1700s, set in the attractive village of Finghall. near Leyburn. It offers comfortable modern accommodation and a traditional, cosy bar.

Owner and head chef Ian Vipond has devised a fresh, new menu for the restaurant, based around tasty local and seasonal produce.

Traditional bar snacks are also available. With original oak beams and a dining room that looks out over the woods, The Queen’s Head combines great food with a genuinely warm welcome.

T: 01677 450259 www.queensfinghall.co.uk

The Burgoyne Hotel Overlooking Reeth village green, The Burgoyne Hotel is a luxurious home-from-home set in an elegant Georgian mansion. It has eight spacious and beautifully appointed rooms — the panoramic views from some of them have to be seen to be believed. There’s an emphasis on friendly service and fine food, with generous breakfasts and a four-course dinner menu focusing on fresh local produce sourced from the Dales and the Yorkshire coast.

T: 01748 884292 www.theburgoyne.co.uk

Stone House Hotel Stone House Hotel is an elegant, country residence dating from 1908. It is just a short drive from the bustling market town of Hawes. With its cosy bar, library-cum-billiard room and panelled Oak Room, Stone House makes a great place to relax. Enjoy delicious, locally sourced traditional food from breakfast through to dinner, and choose from an extensive list of fine wines. There are three spacious and romantic four-poster suites, and five groundfloor conservatory bedrooms that open directly onto the lawns, popular with dog owners and guests who aren’t keen on stairs.

T: 01969 667571 www.stonehousehotel.co.uk

130 | Dales Life | SPRING 2013

The Blue Lion Regarded as one of the North’s leading country inns. The ‘candlelit restaurant’ provides a stunning setting in which to enjoy a gourmet meal. All food is freshly prepared using a variety of Yorkshire produce. There is an extensive wine list to choose from. The bar, with its open fire and flagstone floor, offers a tantalising range of bar meals, as well as a fine selection of traditional handpulled beers.

T: 01969 624273 www.thebluelion.co.uk

The Black Sheep Brewery The Black Sheep Brewery Visitor Centre – situated in Masham, is the ideal place for a great day or evening out. You can take a tour of the Brewery, have a meal in the Bistro, and taste their award-winning beers at the ‘Baa…r’. You can also buy lots of goodies from the well-stocked Sheepy Shop. It offers a ‘ewe-nique’ venue for corporate entertaining, product launches, parties and weddings.

T: 01765 680101 www.blacksheepbrewery.com

Eccles Heddon LLP Solicitors

For your legal ease For help and legal advice call Bedale 01677 422422 Ripon 01765 601717 Thirsk 01845 522324 www.eccles-heddon.co.uk

Family Law (Divorce, Family & Children) Property Law (Residential & Commercial) Business Advice Employment Law Wills, Probate and Family Trusts Estate Planning Lasting Powers of Attorney Advising the Elderly Farming & Agriculture Dispute Resolution

FAMILY LAW CLINIC We also run a family law clinic once a week at our Bedale and Ripon offices.

Please telephone Jane Midgley at Bedale or Liz Kidd at Ripon to book a FREE 30-minute consultation.

SPRING 2013 | Dales Life | 131

New bathroom showroom NOW OPEN Designing bespoke, creative and inspired kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms… …just for you

Visit our showroom: Unit 1, The Craft Yard, The Station, Bedale DL8 1AW Telephone us on: 01677 424669 or visit our website www.holmedesign.com 132