Rutland Pride August 2016

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For such a small county, there’s a terrific concentration of talent in Rutland and Stamford. This month’s I found myself incredibly excited to meet Sophie Allport, the homeware designer responsible for festooning our homes with pheasants, chickens, and other characters.

JULIAN WILKINSON MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

Her china, linens and other products are de rigeur in the area’s finest country homes, and we were delighted to hear all about how Sophie went from unknown artist to a designer who has beautifully articulated the countryinspired look we all want for our homes.

Speaking of achieving the look you want, we’ll also meet Emma Brown in this edition. A fan of shooting, Emma found it difficult to find technical clothing that was also feminine, and so took up the mantle of creating her own line. It launched at this year’s Rutland Show, and in this edition, we’ll find out the story behind her new collection.

Elsewhere, we’ll discover the history of Normanton Church, we find out about Rutland’s well-established polo community and we find time to pop into Clipsham’s Olive Branch and Stamford’s Crown Hotel for a well-deserved spot of lunch.

ROB DAVIS, EDITOR 01529 469977, editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

With all this, plus news and events from across the area, we hope there’s plenty for you to enjoy in this edition.

Rob Davis, Editor.

RutlandPride

AUG 2016

THE HISTORY OF NORMANTON CHURCH

STAMFORD DESIGNER SOPHIE ALLPORT

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3.70

The country clothing brand created in Rutland FASHION

Eating Out in August

The Olive Branch & The Crown Hotel...

Page 58

POLO IN RUTLAND Enjoying a chukka or two...

Page 28

A Stunning View GARDENS

Enjoying the vast sunny parterres of Deene Park

This Month: The Cottesmore Hunt’s Farmers’ Ball - exclusive pictures...

COVER PHOTO

We’re always looking for great covers - if you’re a budding photographer, send your pictures of local landscapes, animals or county scenes to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

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RutlandPride

AUG 2016

THE HISTORY OF NORMANTON CHURCH

STAMFORD DESIGNER SOPHIE ALLPORT

COVERING STAMFORD & THE WHOLE OF RUTLAND

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3.70

The country clothing brand created in Rutland FASHION

Eating Out in August

The Olive Branch & The Crown Hotel...

Page 58

POLO IN RUTLAND Enjoying a chukka or two...

Page 28

A Stunning View GARDENS

Enjoying the vast sunny parterres of Deene Park

This Month: The Cottesmore Hunt’s Farmers’ Ball - exclusive pictures...

With best wishes from the Rutland Pride team Managing Director and Publisher: Julian Wilkinson.

General Manager: Ian Bagley.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Features Editor: Tilly Wilkinson.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray. Distribution: Joe Proctor.

Office Manager: Sue Bannister.

Account Manager: Lauren Chambers.

National Sales Manager: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Manager: Roberta Hall.

Sales Executives: Sian Jarratt, Emily Brown, Carissa Clay, Hayley Scott, Jessica Cobbold, Sarah Allen, Yvette Coates, Aileen Perolio-Jones and Cassy Ayton.

www.facebook.com/rutlandpride Why not follow us on Facebook? You can keep up to date with any news we may have for our lovely magazine!

twitter.com/@RutlandPride Follow us on Twitter so you can read our tweets. We’ll let you know what’s going on and keep you well informed!

By supplying editorial or adverts to Rutland Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion.

This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

Enjoy Rutland Pride, read it cover to cover.

Pick it up, put it down and when you have finished with it pass it on. When everyone has had a good read, pop it in the recycle bin!

Pride Magazines Elm Grange Studios East Heckington, Boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

www.pridemagazines.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

Contents

06 16 20 28 36 58 76 128

Page 20: Homeware Designer Sophie Allport.

August 2016

Each month we’re happy to provide good news from across Rutland and a comprehensive guide to WHAT’S ON this month.

Enjoy this month’s SOCIETY EVENTS, with the Cottesmore Hunt’s Farmer’s Ball and images from The Readyfield Pack’s end of season ball.

Stamford’s SOPHIE ALLPORT this month introduces her signature style to a whole new range of beautiful homeware.

Enjoy a chukka or two with Rutland’s keen contingent of POLO players - this month we’ll discover more about the ‘sport of kings.’

It’s one of the county’s most recognisable landmarks, but how much do you know about the history of NORMANTON CHURCH? Our FOOD AND DRINK pages this month see us paying a visit to Clipsham’s Olive Branch and to Stamford’s Crown Hotel.

This month’s HOMES AND GARDENS pages see us visiting a beautiful barn conversion and discovering on-trend blue furnishings.

Discover how shooting fanatic Emma Brown has turned FASHION DESIGNER in a bid to create beautiful country clothing for women.

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County News Rutland Water hosts open water swim competition...

Competitors are preparing for the annual SwimRutland competition this month which sees participants brave the reservoir’s chilly water for a 2km or 4km swim

Rutland Water will this month see thousands of participants compete in a 2km and 4km open water swim at the reservoir.

SwimRutland is back again for 2016 on the 14th August, following the success of the 2015 event.

“The same teams are excited to offer the opportunity to compete in this iconic swim for a second time,” a spokesperson for the event said.

“This is a really great, unique opportunity to swim across one of the countries most recognisable landmarks.”

In 2016 organisers are offering the chance to swim double the distance with a 4km option, something that wasn’t available for competitors last year.

Stamford celebrates local food & drink on The Meadows...

The Stamford Food and Drink Festival showcased the best produce from local suppliers last month on The Meadows.

Paul Kennedy is director of event organiser company Market Square Group.

“We wanted to provide a true celebration of food and drink with local producers at the heart of it, all while offering a place for people to relax with family and friends and listen to some live music,” said Paul.

“We are happy to have laid the foundations in our inaugural year and hope to return with a greater offer in 2017.”

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Belvoir Castle plans a Rural Retail Village...

The Duchess of Rutland has plans to bring a rural ‘retail village’ to the grounds of Belvoir Castle, an exciting opportunity for businesses

Safety is covered throughout the event with a number of kayaks, powerboats and stand up paddle boarders. With the Red Cross also on hand, organisers have teamed up to ensure participants’ safety is their number one priority.

The SwimRutland course cuts straight across the main body of the lake from south to north shore, or Normanton Church to windsurf beach.

With such a well-regarded venue, participants enjoy stunning scenery during a challenging swim, and may even be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the ospreys. If you’re not part of the challenge, head down to Rutland Water on 14th August to see the competition in action.

Belvoir Castle is the site of a planned development as the Duchess of Rutland aims to transform the empty workshops and offices in the Engine Yard at the estate into units for around 12 rural businesses.

Emma Manners believes the village would be a magnet for tourists providing the best British produce and wares and generating income for the Belvoir estate.

The village will offer a farm shop, restaurant, plant centre, bicycle hire shop and a health and beauty spa.

It is hoped the new village will be open ready for Easter, so the Belvoir estate is already on the lookout for suitable businesses to move into the village. n For more information, visit the Hidden England estate’s website www.belvoircastle.com.

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Send your press releases and county news to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Market Overton’s Feast Weekend is a success

Queensgate Sky of Poppies artwork now on display...

The feast weekend, held at Market Overton was a great success last month with family entertainment, street food, and of course, its scarecrows....

Charron Pugsley-Hill reveals art installation, which will remain in place until November. Each poppy represents 1,000 men who gave their lives in WWI

Market Overton’s Feast Weekend was a tremendous success last month, and an event that is said to have been out of this world...

The village’s Main Street closed last month to allow visitors and villagers alike to enjoy walking around the large number of stalls and fun festivities.

Everyone enjoyed the range of activities for all the family, n Bourne’s petanque club hosted a fantastic open day last month, welcoming guests to try the social sport. The group plays at 2pm every Wednesday and Sunday on Abbey Lawn.

n Rutland Water hosts Birdfair this month, a popular international event which encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry, whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation. This event will be on 19th - 21st August.

n Burghley’s film festival comes to a close as Pride is released in shops at the end of July. This year’s event showed a huge turnout of people to see movies like Star Wars and Harry Potter to musicals like Hairspray and Mamma Mia on the big open air screen.

from a street fair, to a food festival, children’s entertainment and a classic car display.

This year, there was also a mini festival held on the green with live music on throughout the day.

As the village does every year, the famous scarecrows were also dotted all around Market Overton and this year, astronaut Tim Peake made a special appearance! n Easton’s Lucy Rose recently braved the chop with a £500 sponsored haircut to raise money for Marie Curie.

The 14 year old Casterton College student lost her locks in memory of her father Michael Rose who died in 2009 after battling cancer.

n Peterborough, Rutland, Fenland, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk’s Skills Service won gold at an international awards ceremony for the second year running, after being praised for inspiring young people to choose science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

n North Luffenham army medics reach out to some of the most remote and inaccessible areas of Kenya.

They are currently working with the Kenyan government to deliver and teach healthcare to improve thousands of lives.

Peterborough’s Queensgate has revealed its three-month long Sky of Poppies art installation which will remain on display until November and has been created

by Charron Pugsley-Hill in commemoration of the fallen soldiers of WWI. The opening ceremony as Pride goes to press included a welcome from Queensgate’s Director, Mark Broadhead followed by a speech from the artist and poem from the Poet Laureate Keely Mills.

As a mark of respect for each of the 131 Peterborough soldiers that lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme, each name will also be read out and displayed on the bal-

cony above the Sky of Poppies installation. Since the project started in March this year, individual felted poppies have been hand made by hundreds of volunteers, local schools and businesses.

Now they will finally come together to create a stunning cascade of red felt from the ceilings of Queensgate in North Square and will be in place a week after the 100-year anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme.

“To finally see the installation come to life will be quite spectacular,” says Mark. n To see the process and creation of the Queensgate Sky of Poppies, visit www.facebook.co.uk/queensgate.

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County News Oakham Castle celebrates with series of Summer events Newly reopened castle celebrates the summer with a series of drop-in activities and workshops...

Oakham Castle is now reopened and to celebrate the completion of its works, the building is hosting a series of events taking place on Mondays throughout July and August.

A series of medieval skills and workshops, faithful to life in 1180,

will take place, aimed at giving both adults and children a taste of medieval life. Activities include archery, falconry, weaving and Norman coin striking.

Events are free and takes place from 11am-4pm on Mondays. n Call 01572 757578 for details.

First Aid training in Rutland, as schools learn to save lives Every school in Rutland is due to receive first aid training thanks to a life-saving initiative being supported by the county’s High Sheriff...

Uppingham Community College has been one of the first schools to benefit from first aid training thanks to the county’s High Sheriff, Dr Sarah Furness.

Sarah wants all Year 10 pupils in Rutland to receive training in how to administer CPR, how to use a defibrillator, what to do when a casualty is unconscious through drink and how to help someone who has been pulled from the water after a drowning emergency.

Training is being delivered by cardiologists Dr Doug Skehan and Dr William Toft. In Norway, all pupils receive training in CPR, and benefit from a 40-50% survival rate; in Britain, the survival rate is just 10%.

“During the training sessions participants are equipped with essential skills which will stay with them for life,” says Sarah.

Oakham, Uppingham and Harrington Schools have all been invited to participate.

THE VOTE TO LEAVE See what the area’s MPs said on last month’s final referendum decision to leave the European Union...

Last month, the country was divided by the decision to leave or remain in the EU.

After the final decision to leave was declared in the early hours on 24th June, MPs across the area discussed the effects of leaving the European Union.

Leicestershire has somewhat overwhelmingly backed the Leave campaign throughout the EU referendum.

Rutland’s turnout was 78.1% in the end with 50.6% of the 22,984 voters deciding to leave and 49.4% voting to remain part of the EU.

Sir Alan Duncan, MP for Rutland & Melton Mowbray

Sir Alan Duncan voted to remain in the European Union.

“Over the next two years, we’re likely to see extraordinarily difficult negotiations. None of the Brexiteers yet know what they’ll want or need to negotiate.”

“The vote for Brexit was just a vote to leave in principal which then triggers negotiation.”

John Hayes, MP for South Holland and the Deepings Mr Hayes was in favour of leaving the EU. “I’m rather disappointed that the Prime Minister has stepped down as I’m a great admirer of his.”

“Perhaps if the referendum campaign had been different or the result had gone differently, he would have stayed.”

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The city of Leicester voted to Remain, while Oadby and Wigston, North West Leicestershire, Charnwood, Melton, Blaby, Hinckley and Bosworth, Harborough and Rutland all voted to leave.

Keith Vaz, MP for East Leicestershire Across Leicestershire and Rutland, only the city came out in favour of remaining in the union with the county following national trends.

“It was a terrible day for Britain and a terrible day for the EU,” said Mr Vaz.

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NE

W

HARRINGWORTH, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

£1,650,000

HISTORIC VILLAGE FARMHOUSE WITH COUNTRY VIEWS SET IN APPROXIMATELY FIVE ACRES WITH EXTENSIVE OUTBUILDINGS 5

5

3

Fine & Country 2 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DE Telephone: (01780) 750200 Email: stamford@fineandcounty.com www.fineandcountry.com

EPC Rating: Exempt

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TOWER HILL FARM, STAINBY

A sensational house for buyers wanting to enjoy one of the finest houses in the region, a wonderful entertaining house with 15,000 Sq. Ft of living accommodation with two guest suites, indoor swimming pool, a state of the art gymnasium, tennis court, secluded private grounds, excellent communications by road and rail.

GUIDE PRICE £2,700,000

• Approx. 4 acres plot • Five reception rooms • Eight bedrooms • Five bathrooms • Annexe with two reception rooms, kitchen, three bedrooms and three bathrooms

• Further annexe with sitting room and kitchen • Secluded and private location • EPC-D

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34-38 The Square Market Harborough LE16 7PA

01858 433123

marketharborough@struttandparker.com

www.struttandparker.com

Langham | Rutland

Guide Price £695,000 A charming thatched cottage, listed Grade II, with beautiful views to St Peter & St Paul church, in a much sought after Rutland village.

4 Reception Rooms | 5 Bedrooms | Bathroom & Shower Room | Double Garage | Summer House | Picturesque Gardens

Withcote | Rutland

Guide Price

£1,600,000

A striking farmhouse, listed Grade II with gardens, stabling and paddocks.

3 Reception Rooms | Kitchen Breakfast Room | 2 Office Areas | 8 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 9 Stables & Manege | Tennis Court 17.59 Acres

Strutt & Parker estate agents and property consultants work in partnership with clients to deliver their goals – whether their interests are in residential, commercial, rural or development property.

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H IT D W AN L

CAREBY Guide Price £1.49million A beautifully presented and substantial family residence, set within gardens and grounds of over 2.0 acres located in a delightful secluded riverside setting. Accommodation comprises: Reception Hall, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Family Room, large Living Kitchen, Study, Master Bedroom Suite, 4 further Bedrooms (3 ensuite). The property offers equestrian facilities to include grass paddock, detached building with 2 purpose built stables, further outbuildings and a 3 bay barn. Energy Rating: D.

EDITH WESTON Guide Price £1.40million A Grade II listed Jacobean Rectory dating back to the early 17th century, situated in the heart of one of the county’s most sought after Rutland Water villages. Accommodation boasts a wealth of charm and character and comprises Large Living Room, Dining Room, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Master Bedroom Suite, 4 further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, separate Shower Room, 2 Attic Rooms. The property stands in mature gardens and grounds and includes a detached Guest Cottage and detached double Garage. EPC Exempt.

W E N

PILSGATE

£950,000

Spacious and immaculately presented 1950's Country Residence set on a plot of approx. 1.0 A with beautiful south-facing gardens enjoying spectacular panoramic rural views. The property offers a generously proportioned and beautifully appointed accommodation which features an array of high quality fixtures and fittings. 2 Reception Rooms, superb Breakfast Kitchen, 5 dbl Bedrooms, Dressing Room, en-suite Bathroom, Shower Room; dbl Garage, ample parking. Energy Rating: E.

WING

£670,000

Charming detached house dating back from 1893 situated in one of Rutland’s prettiest villages and providing well-proportioned accommodation with 4 dle bedrooms. The self-contained 1-bedroom Annex is highly adaptable, with potential for an office, guest house, granny flat or childrens/teen play area. The large private garden is beautifully stocked and tended enjoying open countryside views. Energy Rating: F

P M CASITE

SOMERBY

£525,000

Substantial stone-built period house situated a short distance from the village church and providing spacious four-double-bedroom accommodation set over three levels with a wealth of character features.

3 Reception Rooms, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, Cloakroom/WC, Workshop, Cellar, 4 dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Games Room. Single Garage, parking, gardens. Energy Rating: F

WHISSENDINE Guide Pride £495,000 Fully licensed and established TOURING CARAVAN PARK with superb facilities and the benefit of a modern well presented 4-bedroomed house, all set in a beautiful rural location, surrounded by farmland, just 0.5 mile outside Whissendine. Greendale is a multi-award winning Caravan & Camping Park having consent for 16 summer pitches and 5 pitches during the winter months. Accompanying facilities: Shower Block, Shop, outdoor Swimming Pool. Energy Rating: TBC.

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Guide Price £350,000

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

The Farmer’s Ball With The Cottesmore Hunt Farmer’s Ball Committee...

A great big thank-you. That’s what the Cottesmore Hunt said to farmers recently, with two events. A Farmer’s Ball for 350 raised money to pay for a Farmer’s Party to say thank you to the 400 local landowners who allow the hunt to cross onto their land. A six-strong organising committee was led by Jo Walker of the CHSC and her team. The event was held in the members’ marquee of the Rutland County Showground, with the ball taking place on the Friday evening before the Rutland Show, and the Farmers’ Party itself on the Monday evening following the show. Catering was by Robert Reid of Toft House, dancing was to local disco Scampi and over £650 was raised for the Air Ambulance via a ‘Heads & Tails’ game. n Images by Andy Howe, Rutland Photographic, 01572 868485, www.rutlandphotographic.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Feature your event in our magazine.

18

Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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- SOPHIE ALLPORT -

For The Love of Creating

Designer Sophie Allport’s style is absolutely adored in our part of the country, attuned as it is to the county’s rural aesthetic. Almost every country kitchen we see has something designed by the Stamford mum of three, and there are more ranges and more products to come, as we found out recently...

It’s rather amusing. In an artisan bakery, in the centre of Stamford, two local women are queuing for their sourdough. One turns to the other, and admires her shoulder bag, with its hare motif, “I do like your bag,” she remarked, as the other politely acknowledges the compliment then puts away her purse.

The two pack their bread away, nod politely then go their separate ways.

show. I sold a few prints and cards, and eventually they were selling before they were finished. In between I was picking up some work in advertising.”

At that time, Sophie probably thought that being asked to paint a window display for Harrods was to be her ‘big break’ but, in fact, that was nothing compared to what was about to follow.

Would you have known that the person paying you the compliment was, in fact, the designer, Sophie Allport, herself ?

Sophie is not in it for the fame, to say the least, but for the pleasure of creating... and her creativity hasn’t abated in recent years with no fewer than five new lines including one that’s being lined up for a Christmas launch, but for now remains top secret.

During the course of our work, we explore some smart country properties, and invariably there’s something of Sophie’s in the kitchen, from an oven glove hanging on the rail of the Aga, to a teatowel or set of mugs.

So attuned is the designer to the area’s country aesthetic that there can’t possibly be a single person in the area who doesn’t recognise Sophie’s signature style of white or linen-coloured bone china, oven gloves and teatowels with watercolour motifs of chickens, pheasants, horses, cats and dogs.

And yet, Sophie takes great delight in her relative anonymity, prefering to simply look on as, up and down the UK, millions of her products are purchased each year by those who are fanatical about her products.

Raised in the village of Potterhanworth in Lincolnshire, Sophie attended what is now Lincoln Minster School. “I always loved art and I had a really wonderful teacher,” she says. “I left school and moved to Leeds to pursue a degree in Graphic Arts & Design,

“I began to exhibit at trade shows and started to make a name for myself still selling cards and prints, using my family’s Potterhanworth garage as a base. I’d created a few designs for homeware companies, but for royalties, rather than under my name.”

“SOPHIE THOUGHT BEING ASKED TO PAINT A WINDOW DISPLAY FOR HARRODS WAS TO BE HER ‘BIG BREAK...’” and upon leaving in 1994, moved to London where I met my husband, Chris.”

Sophie simply loved to paint, and to fund her way through University, then to earn her keep in the city, she would take on commissions. She loved to paint and in between trying to get her portfolio seen by illustrative agents and publishing companies, would sit on pavements in London sketching and selling the odd piece to tourists who would look over her shoulder and admire her work.

“I had a friend who worked at the Country Living Show,” she says. “And in spring 1996, she asked me to demonstrate my work at the Opposite: Sophie in one of her own designs - a taupe and coral alpaca shawl, 70cm x 200cm £79. Above: £1 from every ‘Balls’ mug will go to #teamgeorge, the charity set up to help the Stamford teen injured during a rugby match.

“A little later on, in 2004, our father suffered a severe stroke, we’re a close family and it felt like our world came tumbling down.”

“He was left paralysed down one side and died four years later, which was an awful time but it also acted as a catalyst. My brother Jem and I realised that you only live once, and rather than producing homeware for others, we reasoned that we could do it for ourselves.”

“He joined the business in 2007, and as both he and I had babies at the time, it was a really hectic time in our lives, but it was about to become even busier. The world... exploded.”

To say Sophie’s ranges took off is rather an understatement, but Sophie and Jem, co-directors in the business, have a wonderful working relationship with Sophie describing herself as the ‘slightly fuzzy creative,’ and Jem, an accountant by profession, more involved with the company’s finances.

Sophie’s most popular products are her mugs, and her tea towels and oven gloves.

This year though, Sophie has diversified >> 21

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- SOPHIE ALLPORT -

more than ever with new products like candles and reed diffusers, children’s bags and throws and scarves.

“We’ve always been pretty much in the kitchen, so we’re trying to go into other rooms living rooms and bedrooms,” she says.

It’s been nearly 20 years since Sophie and Jem created the first ranges to bear the designer’s name, and right now there are no fewer than 19 ranges, each with between 20 and 40 products within them.

Sophie is a prolific designer and can’t resist coming up with new ideas. A new Christmas range has been finalised and is available for the UK’s homes and giftware retailers to order.

Earlier this year, Sophie released no fewer than three new ranges, Horses, with its jumping and trotting equines, Balls, which was launched just in time for father’s day, with its cricket, rugby and football motifs and What a Catch, a nautical range inspired with fish, lobsters and crabs inspired by the family’s love of the Norfolk coast.

Balls is of particular significance to Sophie and the team, as the company is donating >>

Above/Below Left: Sophie has recently expanded her boutique at the company’s premises at Langtoft, between Bourne and Stamford.

Below: Sophie’s new range, Horses, launched earlier this year. Sophie with son Arthur, age six. The designer works from home.

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- SOPHIE ALLPORT -

>> £1 from each mug sold to The George Robinson Trust, namesake of a Stamford teenager injured during a bad rugby tackle whilst in South Africa.

Inspiration for her new ranges, Sophie says, comes from all around her home, near Stamford. Having just moved to a Georgian house close to the company’s HQ at Langtoft, Sophie can work from home, producing ideas for new ranges from her kitchen and dining room accompanied by a cup of tea, the warmth of the Aga and her vice of dark chocolate.

“I’ll come into the office feeling inspired and just say ‘that’s it, I’m going home to paint!’ well, it’s not that flippant, but I’m lucky to have an absolutely brilliant team here, and because we’ve never lost that ‘family’ culture even with 30 employees, I can concentrate on the bit of the job I love the most, which is creating.”

“If anything, I try not to think about the commercial aspect and just be true to myself and what I like. I don’t paint to try to satisfy 24

a market, I just use what I like as a barometer, and gauge the team’s opinion from a few designs that might make it into a new collection.”

Whilst the designer’s products are mostly sold directly to home and giftware retailers, and direct to the trade, Sophie’s also lucky to have a sufficiently large premises to allow her to create a shop, open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Saturdays from October to December. For anyone who goes weak at the knees at the sight of a pair of Sophie Allport oven gloves, it’s a heavenly place to spend time, with a huge range of products from all of the designer’s collections.

“It’s lovely that so many people love our products, but I’m quite glad to remain anonymous - I’d find it a little daunting if I was recognised everywhere,” says Sophie.

“Still, when we were looking at houses a couple of years ago and saw our products in photographs of homes we were looking at, I must admit to feeling a little frisson of pride!” n

“£1 FROM EACH ‘BALLS’ MUG SOLD THROUGHOUT 2016 GOES TO THE GEORGE ROBINSON TRUST, NAMESAKE OF A STAMFORD TEENAGER INJURED DURING A BAD RUGBY TACKLE WHILST IN SOUTH AFRICA...”

Above: Sophie’s new What a Catch range.

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2.

for you & your home

Sophie’s Style

1.

3.

1. Book bag from Hares collection £22. A5 notebook £8.

2. Picnic cool bag from Chickens range £32; picnic blanket £35; cotton napkins £13/four.

3. Cushion from What a Catch range £25.

4. Chicken teapot £25; side plates £11.

5. Hare collection mugs £10; jug £11.50.

6. Horses kid’s rucksack £26.

7. Chicken gift wrap £2; mug £10; plate £11.

8. Hold your Horses mug £10; tea towel £7.

n Sophie Allport products can be ordered online at www.sophieallport.com, or from the firm’s Langtoft shop; 01778 560 256; PE6 9NF. Pride readers quoting PRIDE16 will enjoy a 10% discount on all website purchases and in the Langtoft shop.

Valid from 15th July – 30th August.

8 7.

6.

4.

5.

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We’re investing in Stamford. Come and join us.

Our beautiful new Stamford office opens on Ironmonger Street in August and we’d like you to celebrate with us.

We would be delighted if you could come along and join us for a glass of bubbly and nibbles from 7pm on the 23rd September for our open evening – please let us know you are coming by emailing lisa.smith@sjpp.co.uk

Oliver Smith Dip PFS Director

Simone Harley CeMap Mortgage Manager

George Firmin Dip PFS Adviser

Stephen Smith Dip PFS Director

Caroline Sowter Relationship Manager

Lisa Smith Dip PFS Practice Manager

Victoria King CeMap CEFA Para Planner

Jane Van De Vloet Executive

. Investment Planning . Retirement Planning . Inheritance Tax Planning . Mortgages . Protection .

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Smith Eliot Financial Management Limited

35 Market Place, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6DT 01572 759759 www.smitheliotfm.co.uk lisa.smith@sjpp.co.uk The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more of which are available on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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POLO

- RUTLAND POLO -

The Sport of Kings

“The Rutland Polo Club hosts its 45th anniversary this year and Edwin de Lisle, co-founder of the club, will celebrate in style.

The ‘Sport of Kings’ brought to the county by a group of riders as something fun to do outside of the hunting season, now sometimes proves to be better than the winter hunts, and 2016 is no exception...”

The equine population in our area exceeds that of most counties in the UK. In addition to hosting The Burghley Horse Trials every year, the area is also the territory for the Cottesmore Hunt, one of the oldest foxhound packs in Britain. On top of these proud boasts, Rutland has its own Polo Club, home to some of Britain’s best players and has welcomed royals for a game.

Polo is a team sport played on horseback.

The objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Players score by driving a small white wooden ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled mallet.

Each polo team consists of four riders and their mounts. The game is played professionally in 16 countries and it was formerly an Olympic sport.

It was brought to Rutland in 1971 by eight friends and founders of the club. They were all keen riders and were looking for a spot of entertainment outside of the hunting season. Edwin de Lisle is the club’s only remaining founder.

“We were all mad on hunting,” says Edwin.

“The problem was, the hunting season only lasted from October to March. We needed something to keep us entertained during the summer months, so we decided on polo.”

“The nearest club to Rutland was at Melton Mowbray in 1909, having been raised by

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Col EH Baldock. He had commanded The City of London Yeomanry ‘Sharp Shooters.’

They first played near Sysonby Lodge and later at Brentingby.”

“After the First World War, polo was played but the Club ceased to function in the 1930s.

In 1971 Colonel Tony Gilks, Major Charlie Humfrey, Mike Seckington, other local enthusiasts and myself started up the present Club which was recognised by the Hurlingham Polo Association in 1972.”

“Play was originally at Luffenham Airfield and then moved to Cream Gorse and the Oakham Showground,” says Edwin.

“In 1993 we gave up renting the Rutland Showground and made a second polo ground at Langham.”

Rutland’s tournaments have become very popular and many teams come from across the country to compete.

“Many former Rutland Polo Club members are now medium and high goal players in top polo competitions across the country,” says Edwin. “His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has played at the Club and more recently, in May 2002, Prince Harry played at Rutland in the Eton vs Uppingham schools match.”

Above: The Cani team vs the Strategic team in the Assam Cup Final in 2015.

Words: Tilly Wilkinson. Photography: Nico Morgan.

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- RUTLAND POLO -

The mounts used are called polo ponies, although the term pony is purely traditional and the mount is actually a full-sized horse.

They range from 14.2 to 16 hands, and the polo pony is selected carefully for quick bursts of speed, stamina, agility and manoeuvrability. Temperament is critical; the horse must remain responsive under pressure and not become excited or difficult to control.

Many are Thoroughbreds or Thoroughbred crosses. They are trained to be handled with one hand on the reins, and to respond to the rider’s leg and weight cues for moving forward, turning and stopping. A well trained horse carries its rider smoothly and swiftly to the ball and can account for 60 to 75 per cent of the player’s skill and net worth to his team.

“There are four players per team and when we used to play, you would pick your three closest friends to join you,” says Edwin.

“Nowadays, the sport is more competitive and participants hire people in to play for them with big cash prizes if they win.”

Shortly after the formation of the club, the first trophy now known as the Assam Cup Below: A member of the winning team celebrating with plenty of champagne at the Assam Tournament prizegiving ceremony last year.

Left: A member of the Rathbeags team is competing with a member of the Print On Demand team for the Assam Cup in 2015.

Above: For the Assam Tournament’s prizegiving ceremony, winners are presented with a bottle of the finest Pol Roger champagne.

was presented. The cup was a large and splendid example of Victorian silver, originally commissioned as a challenge cup by a club located in the Assam area of India.

“When polo ceased in India, a man named Leetham returned to the UK and brought the cup with him, offering it to the Hurlingham Polo Association. As Rutland had been formed only recently, it was suggested that we might have the cup.”

The Westerby Group Assam Cup sponsored

by Westerby Investment Management is to be played this year. Winners receive the cup and magnum bottles of Pol Roger champagne, one of the finest champagnes in the world.

Other cups at the club include the Rutland Cup, the Flindlay Cup, the Ruddles Cup and the Whitbread Cup, all for their own individual tournaments played throughout the year.

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- RUTLAND POLO -

In August, there’s the Whitbread trophy, Ruddles Cup and the Wilkinson Sword to play for.

If you’re a rider and you want to compete or learn to play polo, speak to a qualified instructor that is registered for polo training.

“Polo ponies are extremely sensitive and highly tuned,” says Edwin. “Any small shake or movement may take the horse off in a different direction to where you want them to go. It’s a difficult sport and its great entertainment to watch them play to such a high level of skill.”

The ponies at Rutland are from Argentina, South America, New Zealand and Australia.

The game is played in chukkas; a division in a game of polo. The game consists of four seven and a half minute chukkas, between 32

or during which players change mounts.

Players need more than one horse to play, as it’s a very tiring sport for the animals.

At the end of each seven minute chukka, play continues for an additional 30 seconds or until a stoppage in play, whichever comes first. There is a three minute interval between chukkas and a five minute halftime.

“THERE IS NO FEE TO WATCH A GAME OF POLO IN RUTLAND, AND YOU CAN BOOK LUNCH WHICH IS JUST £25 EACH FOR ANY NON-MEMBERS...”

Above: There is always a referee during a match of polo, also on horseback.

Opposite/Top: Edwin de Lisle, founder of the club.

Opposite: A large crowd of people watching the match from the side line, and Bob Music vs Las Pulgas for the Assam Cup last year.

Play is continuous and is only stopped for penalties, broken tack or injury to horse or player. The object is to score goals by hitting the ball between the goal posts, no matter how high in the air. If the ball goes wide of the goal, the defending team is allowed a free knock-in from the place where the ball crossed the goal line, thus getting the ball back into play.

Each position assigned to a player has certain responsibilities. Number One is the most offence-oriented position on the field.

The Number One position generally covers the opposing team’s Number Four.

Number Two has an important role in offence, either running through and scoring themselves, or passing to the Number One and getting in behind them. Defensively, they will cover the opposing team’s Number

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Three, generally the other team’s best player.

Given the difficulty of this position, it is not uncommon for the best player on the team to play Number Two so long as another strong player is available to play Three.

Number Three is the tactical leader and must be a long, powerful hitter to feed balls to Number Two and Number One as well as maintaining a solid defence.

The best player on the team is usually the Number Three player, usually wielding the highest handicap. The best players in the world will have a handicap of 10, and all beginners will start with a handicap of -2.

Number Four is the primary defence player.

They can move anywhere on the field, but they usually try to prevent scoring. The emphasis on defence by the Number Four

allows the Number Three to attempt more offensive plays, since they know that they will be covered if they lose the ball.

Interestingly, polo must only be played right-handed; you can’t play the sport if you’re left handed.

“Once a year, we host an event for charity.

The chosen charity for 2017 is LOROS and we hope to raise an incredible sum of £25,000. This year we won’t be hosting a charity event but in 2018, we will be supporting an armed forces charity in line with WWI centenary events.”

If you would like to see a game in action, visit the club’s website to see what events are coming up on the calendar and simply turn up to watch. There is no fee to watch, but you can book lunch which is £25 for non-members.

THE CLUB Calendar The Whitbread Trophy, 17th August It’s a HPA competition held at Rutland that aims to introduce young players to polo which is why there is an age limit on at least three members of each team.

The Ruddles Cup, 27th - 28th August The club runs a low goal tournament towards the end of each season, called the Ruddles Tournament, kindly sponsored by Ruddles Brewery.

The Wilkinson Sword, 27th - 28th August Messrs. Wilkinson presented the Rutland Polo Club with a Ceremonial Sword to be a challenge trophy.

n For more information, please call 07870 212902 or visit the club’s website at www.rutlandpoloclub.co.uk.

Photos used throughout this feature are by Nico Morgan.

Visit www.nicomorgan.com or call 07515 029261.

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MIRACLE

The B lessed

Normanton Church isn’t just Rutland’s most iconic church but the county’s most prominent landmark too, creating a beautiful outline on Rutland Water’s horizon. Its location on the reservoir and well maintained structure makes it an enviable location for weddings and formal events. But was the fight for its existence worth it?

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

Rutland Water, like most lakes, is picturesque amongst the rolling hills and fields surrounding it. However, what sets it apart from most bodies of water, is its church situated on the south east shore.

Its peculiar location isn’t the only reason you would take a second glance at Normanton Church. Its modernity seems to defy the local tradition of rich brown rugged marlstone. At further inspection, you may also notice the absence of a churchyard, ringing bell, and surrounding village.

The reason behind all of this peculiarity, is what lies below the water. Rutland Water, created in the 70s, is the largest manmade reservoir in England.

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Anglian Water needed a reserve supply of water for the driest and most densely populated quarter of the UK and Rutland seemed like the best location, with such a low population and therefore such a small number of villages and buildings to flood.

The hamlets Nether and Middle Hambleton were flooded and Upper Hambleton, the peninsula, survived. There were campaigns against the construction of the dam from the few locals, but the only campaign that succeeded was to preserve the church.

The lower part of the church was supported against water damage so that its upper part could be used to present the story of the construction of the reservoir to the public.

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The Tale of Two

SISTERS Not everyone was happy with the plans to flood part of Rutland. Ivydene was the family homes of Frank Sharp. Frank lived with his sisters, Ivy and Mary.

In 1968 on hearing of the reservoir proposal, which would swallow up their farm, Ivy informed the local newspaper that she was stunned by the news.

“It’s been our life living here, and it will be dreadful if it happens,” says Ivy. “It’s heartbreaking,” said her brother Noel local. “I was born on the farm and my father was here before me. I don’t know where I shall go.”

It was not easy adjusting to the possibility of losing their homes and livelihoods.

Noel took a very active part in the campaign to oppose the flooding scheme but it wasn’t successful.

By 1975, both farmhouses and their adjacent farm buildings, including a cowshed, milking parlour, implement shed, stables, a dutch barn and a huge grain dryer, had been demolished.

Column: The two Sharp sisters at their home Ivydene in the hamlet that was flooded. Ivy, on the left, was housekeeper and looked after the poultry.

Mary on the right worked on the family farm.

Centre: The inside of the church is very modern and beautiful when decorated for a wedding ceremony.

Left: The church isn’t just beautiful inside for weddings. It makes a perfect backdrop to wedding photos too.

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“WE HIRE THE CHURCH OUT FOR WEDDINGS. THERE’S AROUND 200 WEDDINGS A YEAR AND WE CAN HAVE AS MANY AS THREE WEDDINGS A DAY...”

So Normanton Church was deconsecrated by the Bishop of Peterborough in 1970 when the decision to build the dam was final. The contents of both vaults were removed and the monuments taken to neighbouring churches. The remains of the 107 bodies in the churchyard were exhumed and cremated after consultation with all traceable relatives.

After the campaign to maintain it succeeded, it turned into the museum telling the story of the reservoir, and Normanton Hall, the estate to which the church belonged, was deconstructed and the stone was spread throughout villages across Leicestershire.

The stable block of the estate is the only other part still standing.

It has now been turned into the Best Western Normanton Park Hotel, not far from the church.

Little is known about the church before the reservoir was built. It’s believed to have been rebuilt in the early 20th century which explains the modern stonework.

The church has been a museum ever since the reservoir was built until around five years ago. The council decided to hire it out for private events and put the money back into renovation work and general maintenance of the church. All artefacts from the museum are now displayed at the Visitor’s Centre.

We spoke to the weddings and visitor services team leader, Jonathan Young, to discover more about the church today.

“We hire the church out for private events, mainly weddings,” says Jonathan. “There’s around 200 weddings a year and we can have as many as three weddings a day, especially in summer.”

Above: A panoramic view of the church on the shore of Rutland Water.

“We often open for private dinners, canapé parties and talks. Sometimes we hold meetings here if the host wants to hold it at somewhere with a bit of character or theme.”

“Whatever the occasion, the church is used on almost a daily basis for all kinds of events.”

Find Out MORE If you want to know more about the church’s events or you would like to hold an event there yourself, or perhaps you’re interested in getting married at Normanton Church please visit the below website or call Jonathan and the team.

Contact: Jonathan Young.

Website: www.anglianwater.co.uk.

Number: 01780 686800.

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- LOCAL PEOPLE -

Sir Charles Vernon Boys

THE INGENIOUS

INVENTOR

SIR CHARLES VERNON BOYS WAS A BRITISH PHYSICIST, BROUGHT UP BY THE REVEREND CHARLES BOYS, THE ANGLICAN VICAR OF WING. FROM A YOUNG AGE, BOYS SHOWED A KEEN INTEREST IN PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS WHICH PROPELLED HIM INTO AN INCREDIBLE CAREER...

Another Raddleman who seemed to take off from a young age; C.V. Boys, born in 1855, was born in the village of Wing, just south of Rutland Water, and learned of his passion for physics and maths during his early school years.

Boys was the eighth child of the Reverend Charles Boys, the Anglican vicar of Wing.

He was educated at Marlborough College and the Royal School of Mines, where he learned physics from Frederick Guthrie and decided to teach himself higher mathematics while completing a degree in mining and metallurgy.

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

a quartz rod to a crossbow quarrel, heating the rod to the point of melting, and firing the crossbow. With this, he produced fibre so thin that it couldn’t be resolved with an optical microscope.

He used this fantastic invention to build a radiomicrometer capable of responding to the light of a single candle more than one mile away, and used that device for astronomical observations.

He was a critic of the solar design of Frank Shuman, so Shuman hired him, and together they patented a sun-boiler, similar to modern day parabolic trough solar power plants.

As heating grew to become the principal use of coal gas, Boys undertook fundamental work on calorimetry to measure the heat content of gas, achieving a substantial increase in precision of measurement. At this time the national gas bill was £50,000,000, so a 1% correction represented a very significant amount of money.

“Boys undertook fundamental work on calorimetry to measure the heat content of gas, achieving a substantial increase in precision of measurement...”

As a student at the School of Mines he invented a mechanical device which he referred to as the integraph, for plotting the integral of a function. He worked briefly in the coal industry before accepting Guthrie’s offer of a position as Demonstrator. His career in invention flew from here.

Boys achieved recognition as a scientist for his invention of the fused quartz fibre torsion balance, which allowed him to measure extremely small forces. He made the fused quartz fibres for his instrument by attaching

In 1895, now at the age of 40, Boys published a measurement of the gravitational constant G that improved upon the accuracy achieved by Cavendish.

Boys’s method relied on the same theory as Cavendish’s, but used two masses suspended at one height and two nearby masses suspended at a different height, to minimize the unwanted interaction between opposite masses.

His long list of achievements included becoming an assistant professor at Imperial College London from 1889 to 1897, and examiner at the University of London, in 1899 presenting the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, elected to the Royal Society in 1888 and knighted in 1935, awarded the Royal Medal in 1896, the Rumford Medal in 1924 and the Elliott Cresson in 1939.

He married Marion Pollock in 1892, but she had an affair with mathematician Andrew Forsyth. Boys divorced Marion in 1910 and she later married Forsyth. He died in Hampshire in 1944 at the age of 89.n

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- HISTORY -

RUTLAND’S From Ashwell to Africa

AVIATION PIONEER BORN IN ASHWELL, BERYL MARKHAM HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN, NOT ONLY IN AVIATION, BUT IN EQUINE SPORTSMANSHIP AND LITERATURE. SHE WAS THE FIRST WOMAN TO CROSS THE ATLANTIC FROM EAST TO WEST, ONE OF THE BEST RACEHORSE TRAINERS IN KENYA, AND HER BOOK ‘WEST WITH THE NIGHT’ WAS A BESTSELLER. THIS ADVENTUROUS AND BEAUTIFUL WOMAN HAD NUMEROUS ADMIRERS, AND HER STORY IS AN INCREDIBLE ONE...

Beryl Markham was a great woman, with so many incredible achievements during her lifetime. She was the first woman to travel across the Atlantic from east to west, and her adventures leading up to this pinnacle in her life were just as exciting.

Markham was born Beryl Clutterbuck in the village of Ashwell, the daughter of Charles Baldwin Clutterbuck, an accomplished horse trainer.

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

Later, after both women had spent some time in England, Beryl and her mother, now called Kirkpatrick, found themselves again in Kenya, living near each other.

Beryl would greet her two new half-brothers, but never quite forgave her mother for leaving the family and starting a new one.

noted non-conformist, even in a colony known for its colourful eccentrics. She was married three times, taking the name Markham from her second husband, the wealthy Mansfield Markham, with whom she had a son, Gervase.

She is believed to have had an openly public and unconcealed affair in 1929 with Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the son of George V, but the Windsors allegedly cut the romance short.

“When she was four years old, her father moved the family to Kenya, which was then colonial British East Africa...”

She had an older brother, Richard Alexander ‘Dickie’ Clutterbuck. When she was four years old, her father moved the family to Kenya, which was then colonial British East Africa.

He purchased a farm in Njoro near the Great Rift Valley, and worked for Hugh Cholmondeley. Although her mother disliked the isolation in Africa and promptly returned to England, she stayed in Kenya with her father, where she spent an adventurous childhood learning, playing, and hunting with the local children.

On her family’s farm, Beryl developed her knowledge and love for horses. Barely an adult, she became the first licensed female racehorse trainer in Kenya and rapidly became a successful and renowned figure amongst the racing community across Kenya.

Impetuous, single-minded and beautiful, Markham was admired and described as a

She befriended the Danish writer Karen Blixen during the years that Baroness Blixen was managing her family’s coffee farm in the Ngong hills outside Nairobi.

When Blixen’s romantic connection with the hunter and pilot Denys Finch Hatton was winding down, Markham started her own affair with him but he died after an ill-fated flight. Sara Wheeler, in her biography of Finch Hatton, notes that she believes the stories that Markham was pregnant by him at the time of his fatal plane crash.

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- HISTORY -

Largely inspired by Tom Campbell Black, with whom she had a long-term affair, Markham had taken up flying. She worked for some time as a bush pilot, spotting game animals from the air and signalling their locations to safaris on the ground. She also mingled with the notorious Happy Valley set.

Beryl Markham was the first woman to successfully fly across the Atlantic from east to west.

She is often incorrectly described as the first person to fly the Atlantic east to west in a solo non-stop flight, but that record belongs to Scottish pilot Jim Mollison, who tried to fly from Dublin to New York City in 1932. Low visibility forced Mollison to land in Canada, but he still could claim the first solo Atlantic east-to-west record.

When Markham decided to take on the Atlantic crossing, no pilot had yet flown non-stop from Europe to New York, and no woman had made the westward flight solo, though several had died trying. Markham hoped to claim both records. In 1936, she took off from Abingdon.

After a 20 hour flight, her Vega Gull, The Messenger, suffered fuel starvation due to icing of the fuel tank vents, and she crash-landed on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia - her flight was, in all likelihood, almost identical in length to Mollison’s. In spite of falling short of her

“AFTER A 20 HOUR FLIGHT, HER VEGA GULL, THE MESSENGER, SUFFERED FUEL STARVATION DUE TO ICING OF THE FUEL TANK VENTS, AND SHE CRASHLANDED ON CAPE BRETON ISLAND IN NOVA SCOTIA... goal, Markham had become the first woman to cross the Atlantic east-to-west solo, and the first person to make it from England to North America non-stop from east to west.

She was celebrated as an aviation pioneer from this moment forward.

Markham chronicled her many adventures in her memoir, West with the Night, published in 1942. Despite strong reviews in the press, the book sold modestly, and then quickly went out of print.

After living for many years in the United States, Markham moved back to Kenya in 1952, becoming for a time the most successful horse trainer in the country.

Markham’s memoir lingered in obscurity until 1982, when a man named George Gutekunst found a collection of Ernest

Hemingway’s letters, including one in which Hemingway lavishly praised Markham:

“Did you read Beryl Markham’s book, West with the Night? She has written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer.

I felt that I was simply a carpenter with words, picking up whatever was furnished on the job and nailing them together and sometimes making an okay pig pen.

But this girl, who is to my knowledge very unpleasant and we might even say a high-grade bitch, can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers... it really is a bloody wonderful book.”

Intrigued, Gutekunst read West with the Night and became so enamored of her prose that he helped persuade a California publisher to re-issue the book in 1983. The re-release of the book launched a remarkable final chapter in the life of the 80 year old

SARAH OUTEN Sarah Outen MBE is a British athlete and adventurer from Oakham. She’s also an inspirational to women, following in the adventurous footsteps of other Rutlander, Beryl. Sarah, in addition to being an athlete and adventurer, is a motivational speaker in the UK and internationally.

Sarah was the first woman and the youngest person in the world to row solo across the Indian Ocean and also the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Alaska ever. She completed a round-the-world journey in November last year, under her own power, by rowing boat, bicycle and kayak.

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Markham, who was lauded for her three final years as a great author as well as flyer.

When found in Kenya by AP East Africa correspondent Barry Shlachter, Markham was living in poverty. She had recently been badly beaten during a burglary at her house near the Nairobi racetrack, where she still trained thoroughbreds.

The success of the re-issue of West with the Night provided enough income for Markham to finish her life in relative comfort. Earlier, she had been supported by a circle of friends and owners of racehorses she trained into her 80s.

The book became a surprising bestseller, spurred by the 1986 broadcast of a public television documentary about Markham’s life, World Without Walls: Beryl Markham’s African Memoir.

Markham died in Nairobi in 1986. Her short stories were posthumously collected in The Splendid Outcast. A tale from West with the Night was excerpted and illustrated by Don Brown as a children’s book, The Good Lion. In 1988, CBS aired the biographical miniseries, Beryl Markham: A Shadow on the Sun, with Stefanie Powers in the title role.

Her life, started in the humble county of Rutland, was absolutely remarkable, and remembered this way. n

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What’s On...

KENNEL CLUB AGILITY FESTIVAL

Find out What’s On this month with events taking place in different venues across the county. Summer is a great time to experience Rutland’s incredible live performances and outdoor events...

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Saturday 30th July Visit Sacrewell Farm on 30th July to be taken on an adventure over the rainbow to the wonderful land of Oz where you’ll join Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Toto on their quest to see the wizard.

01780 782254, www.sacrewell.org.uk

CINEMA FOR RUTLAND

Thursday 4th August Celebrate films monthly with Cinema for Rutland at Rutland County Museum from now on, offering a film on the first Thursday of the month. This month see Dad’s Army.

01572 758440, www.rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk

BRYAN ADAMS

Friday 5th August Bryan Adams will perform outdoors at The Embankment in Peterborough as part of his Get Up Tour of the UK. His show along the Embankment at Peterborough is one of a number of outdoor shows the rocker will perform in 2016 across the UK.

01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

ROALD DAHL WORKSHOP

Tuesday 9th August Get inspired by the wonderful world of Roald Dahl in this fun filled workshop bursting at the brim with creativity. Recreate your favourite characters, make up some of your own and let your imagination run riot with tales of fantastic foxes and marvellous medicines.

01733 864663, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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Thursday 11th - 14th August Bring your dog to Rockingham Castle and experience the top competition for agility enthusiasts. Take part in the have-a-go ring where you can try this exciting sport or the Companion Dog Show or Scruffts competitions for a fun day out for all the family.

- SUMMER SCHOOL -

08444 633980, www.thekennelclub.org.uk

Uppingham Summer School has been running a programme of residential and day courses in the holidays for over 15 years.

This year’s highlights include an Uppingham Solo Singing Weekend.

Aimed at singers between 14 and 21 who wish to develop their skills, or might be considering pursuing singing at a higher level, two days of intensive vocal coaching will be provided.

Write Away is a new creative writing course aimed at children. They will spend time working on their own ideas as well as working collaboratively to develop a story.

There are two tech courses; Junior Code Academy and Raspberry Pi-oneers will allow children to learn the basics of programming and use Raspberry Pi computers.

In sport, there is a new football course, and a multi-sport week.

Adults can be a part of a brand new course too; the Uppingham Orchestra Course. n For more information, call 01572 820802 or visit the website www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk.

1940s Weekend...

SPALDING 1940S WEEKEND

Saturday 13th - 14th August Ayscoughfee Hall Museum in Spalding will be hosting a 1940s weekend to celebrate all things 40s with displays, entertainers, vehicles and much more.

01775 764555, www.sholland.gov.uk

PETERBOROUGH GREEN FESTIVAL

Saturday 13th August Bringing together attractions, community groups, charities and businesses, the Green Festival celebrates everything ‘green’ in Peterborough with a wide variety of events and activities running, offering plenty of free fun for the whole family. The main goal of the project is to promote increased walking, cycling and other low carbon travel by Peterborough city residents. The Festival encourages visitors to discover how to live more sustainably and to develop long-term behaviour change.

01733 568408, www.pect.org.uk

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Send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Rockingham Castle’s Viking Reenactment...

SwimRutland...

SWIMRUTLAND

Sunday 14th August SwimRutland is back again for 2016, following the success of SwimRutland in 2015. The same team are excited to offer the opportunity to compete in this iconic swim for a second time. The organisers offer a really unique opportunity to swim across one of the countries most recognisable landmarks. In 2016 they are offering the chance to swim double the distance with a 4km option.

Kayaks, powerboats and stand up paddle boarders cover safety, with the Red Cross also on hand.

07904 560788, www.therutlandmarathon.co.uk

WALKING WITH CAPABILITY BROWN Tuesday 16th August This is a gentle stroll with a guide through the landscaped and extensive parkland At Grimsthorpe to hear stories of the 18th century designers and gardeners like Capability Brown.

01778 591205, www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

BIRDFAIR

Friday 19th - 21st August A popular international event that encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry, whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation. This is the event of the year if you’re into birds and wildlife.

There are hundreds of stands selling the latest products for wildlife enthusiasts.

01572 720049, www.birdfair.org.uk

- HIDDEN ENGLAND -

PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL

Peterborough twins Hannah and Naomi Moxon, who won widespread acclaim for their appearance on TV show The Voice, will present a programme of classical light operatic music on 3rd August.

01733 355315, www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

ROCKINGHAM CASTLE

Be prepared for battles, horses, pageant, living history camp and much more.

The Vikings Of Middle England bring exciting and entertaining battle displays on the August bank holiday. Off the battlefield, life in the tents goes on with tradesmen displaying their skills, making weapons and coins, weaving nets and brewing medicines. Have a go at archery and story tellers wow the crowds.

BURGHLEY HOUSE

There are special painting days at Burghley that are always informal and friendly, with plenty of opportunity to watch and ask questions. Sandra Peck will show you her own wet-into-wet watercolour techniques on the 17th August and you will have ample time to put these into practise, with help and encouragement throughout the day. At lunchtime visit the Orangery Restaurant, or bring a picnic.

01780 761996, www.burghley.co.uk

01536 770240, www.rockinghamcastle.com

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What’s On...

- NGS OPEN GARDENS -

UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN

Oadby LE2 2LD Sunday 7th August 16 acre garden with formal planting centres around a restored Edwardian garden. Plantings originate from around the world and include an arboretum, a herb garden, woodland and borders, rock gardens, a water garden, special collections of skimmia, aubretia and hardy fuchsia, and a series of glasshouses displaying temperate and tropical plants, alpines and succulents.

BRAUNSTON GARDENS

Braunston LE15 8QS Sunday 14th August Two large gardens belonging to keen gardening friends with different styles.

Hill Top Farm has fabulous views of the surrounding countryside from this aptly named property. The terrace surrounding the house is host to containers and beds packed with sun loving plants. Quaintree Hall is an established garden surrounding the medieval hall house including a formal box parterre to the front of the house, a woodland walk, formal walled garden with yew hedges, a small picking garden and a terraced courtyard garden with conservatory.

Ashcroft House...

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See Bugsy Malone at the Curve...

ASHCROFT HOUSE

Grantham NG33 5NP Sunday 21st August There’s a great story about the construction of this garden. It was created from part of a pony paddock on a filled in ironstone quarry. The sloping ground necessitated terracing and having natural springs running down one side, and the boggy ground in deep shade at the bottom of the plot meant that this small garden needed careful planning.

TRESILIAN HOUSE

Melton Mowbray LE13 0BQ Sunday 28th August Beautiful blue cedar trees and an excellent specimen tulip tree feature in this garden. Parts of the garden is original, others are reinstated with a variety of plants and bushes. There’s an original bog garden and natural pond reinstated in 2015. Koi pond added and vegetable plot. Parts left uncultivated with wild cowslips and grasses. Referred to by the owner as a quiet oasis. Ploughman’s lunches are available and soup is offered on cold days. Stew and dumplings are offered on the opening in October as this garden opens at times throughout the year.

BUGSY MALONE

Friday 19th - 28th August Dust off your splurge guns and be transported back to the jazz age, as Alan Parker’s much-loved musical Bugsy Malone is brought to life in Curve’s brand new production in Leicester.

01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

MYTHS AND MINIBEASTS

Saturday 20th - 21st August A wonderful family friendly weekend which blends the magical and the natural at Thorpe Meadows in Peterborough. Come and be bewitched by storytellers, enchanted by fairies and captivated by the wonders of nature. There will be storytellers, sculptures, music and lots of fairy and beasty shenanigans including the magic dust disco, mini beast quests, den building, plus plenty of other interactive workshops.

01733 207239, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

BURNING DOORS

Tuesday 23rd - 27th August In this blazingly contemporary new work, Belarus Free Theatre combine forces with Maria Alyokhina to share stories of persecuted artists, living under dictatorship, who will not be silenced. This brand new production blends sensuous theatricality and vigorous physicality to shine a light on total suppression of artistic freedoms at the Curve in Leicester.

01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

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Send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Burghley Horse Trials...

Wednesday 24th - 27th August Little Shop of Horrors is a delectable sci-fi horror musical that is coming to Key Theatre in Peterborough. This is one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows of all time, and it’s an affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies.

01733 864663, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

FOOTLOOSE

Monday 29th August - 3rd September Kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose as the explosive rock ‘n’ roll musical sensation Footloose bursts onto the UK stage in a remastered show sure to get your toes tapping. Based on the 1980s hit film that took the world by storm, and starring Gareth Gates, Footloose the musical sizzles with the same spirit of youth, rebellion and romance at the Curve in Leicester.

01162 423560, www.curveonline.co.uk

1940s Day...

- REAL ALE FESTIVALS -

PETERBOROUGH BEER FESTIVAL

BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS

Thursday 1st - 4th September The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is a very popular social event in the sporting calendar. Set in the stunning parkland of Burghley House, the Horse Trials is an unforgettable event for all to enjoy. Visitors can simply shop or watch the sporting events.

01780 752131, www.burghley-horse.co.uk

KEY FESTE

Saturday 3rd - 4th September Vivacity Arts is hosting a jam-packed family weekend of free entertainment on the River Embankment and inside the Key Theatre, with live music, dance acts, and performance art. With playful comedic street performances from Plunge Boom, circus performer and master of balance Stefano Di Renzo, Southpaw Dance Company with a lively physical theatre and 2Faced, who will be bringing in the augural Superhero Games, the weekend is set to be thrilling.

01733 864663, www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Tuesday 23rd - 27th August The Peterborough Beer Festival is a CAMRA sponsored beer festival now in its 39th year. It brings beers from all over the country to taste and try, and is held at the Embankment in Peterborough.

01733 560453, www.peterborough-camra.org.uk

OAKHAM VILLAGE FESTIVAL

Tuesday 23rd - 29th August Charters Bar invite you to join them at the Oakham Village, a week long festival, showcasing Charters Oakham Ales, Village Tasting Notes A5, up to eight Ales from Oakham, a keg bar, ciders, a gin bar offering an array of gins, a wine bar and not forgetting cocktails. Entertainment will be on daily too.

01733 315700, www.charters-bar.com

RUTLAND BEER FESTIVAL

Thursday 25th - 29th August The Rutland Beer Festival held at The Grainstore Brewery, brings together a wide range of real ales from around Britain. Featuring over 70 Real Ales, they also offer a wide selection of traditional ciders.

01572 770065, www.grainstorebrewery.com

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- NATURE -

BIRDFAIR The Birdwatcher’s Glastonbury

EVERY YEAR, THE SMALLEST COUNTY IN BRITAIN HOSTS THE BIGGEST BIRDWATCHING EVENT IN THE WORLD. THE BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR SEES THOUSANDS OF ENTHUSIASTS VISITING RUTLAND WATER, TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE, SHOP FOR THE LATEST EQUIPMENT, AND MEET THE EXPERTS, WHILE ENJOYING THE NATURE HAVEN THAT IS RUTLAND’S RESERVOIR... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

What is Birdfair?

The British Birdwatching Fair encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation.

This is the event of the year if you’re into birds and wildlife, often referred to as ‘The Birdwatcher’s Glastonbury.’

A wide range of fantastic conservation projects have been supported by Birdfair.

Saving the World’s Species...

Every year, Birdfair chooses a cause to raise money for.

2016’s cause is about saving Madagascar’s forests.

There are hundreds of stands selling the latest products for wildlife enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from scopes to sculptures, binoculars to bird food, eGuides to eco-holidays!

This year the organisers have a long list of events and lectures, hosted by Birdfair regulars Chris Packham, Simon King, Mike Dilger, Nick Baker (pictured) and more.

With six event locations, all running full programmes throughout the fair’s duration, there is something for everyone to get excited about.

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Thirteen years ago, Birdfair supported BirdLife’s wetland conservation programme in Madagascar.

Some places are so rich in natural wonders, so extraordinary, so different from any other, so important for people, and yet so threatened, that we must pull out all the stops to save them.

Madagascar is an example of this, well over twice the size of the UK, with wildlife so unlike even nearby Africa, that it can hardly be bracketed with it, or any other region of the world.

Birdfair support will allow Madagascar and local communities to carry out long-term conservation plans for the Tsitongambarika

forest. It will strengthen their ability to conserve the forest while improving their livelihoods outside the forest, providing them with opportunities.

Back then, the ability of national (Malagasy) organisations to conserve big sites was minimal, and the country’s wetlands were on hardly anyone’s agenda.

Above: Madagascar.

Right: Tim Appleton, organiser, handing over a cheque to BirdLife last year.

With Birdfair’s help, Madagascar has grown into a proficient protected area for conservation, and organisers have secured protection for both the huge wetland sites that Birdfair discussed back then; no wetland species has been lost from the sites.

BIRDFAIR in

numbers

Conservation work there continues as it will always have to, but so much has been achieved that it is time to look again at the forests. Birdfair is also raising money for the next generation of conservationists this year.

The event aims to support and train young people in the countries where Birdfair funds conservation projects; this year, African students will receive financial support.

The amount raised in 2015 was £320,000, a record amount; this is the most Birdfair has ever raised for charity.

£320,000: The amount of money raised last year for BirdLife International.

28: The British Birdwatching Fair is now in its 28th year at Rutland Water.

13: The number of conservation experts and musicians improving your experience of Birdfair. £15: Tickets are £15 for a single day at the door and £35 for all three days.

14: This is how many marquees there will be there to explore, including arts, events and lecture marquees.

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The Lineup

A number of nature presenters, authors and directors will be supporting Birdfair this year...

Chris Packham (pictured) began with the award winning Really Wild Show in 1996. Recently he became presenter on Springwatch.

Chris has the honour of being a pre-active president, vice president and patron of some notable conservation charities. He is the Vice President of the RSPB and considered this a great honour as the charity is a formidable force in conservation in the UK and globally.

Helen Meech is the director of Rewilding Britain.

She has worked in the natural environment policy and campaigns sector for the last 10 years, most recently leading the National Trust’s public engagement on nature.

Nick Baker is a naturalist and TV presenter.

In addition to presenting Springwatch, he’s presented many TV programmes solo including Nick Baker’s Beautiful Freaks, a 3D special, Nick Baker Down Under, and Nick’s Quest: Cuban Crocodile.

Derek Gow has worked on the release of thousands of captive bred water voles at sites across the UK. Derek is the principal ecologist at the Derek Gow Consultancy.

Mike Dilger is a regular face on The One Show and he’s also the co-presenter on Nature’s Top 40. He has been a presenter on CBeebies Autumnwatch and Springwatch and is one of BBC1’s Inside Out presenting team.

Simon King presented Springwatch and Autumnwatch with Bill Oddie and later with Chris Packham, and now Wildlife Whisperer.

Simon has travelled to every continent and lived in extreme conditions from the remote desert to the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness.

Many more authors, presenters and naturalists will be at Birdfair to discuss different topics, provide lectures, and be a part of some of the main events held at Rutland Water.

>>

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- NATURE -

Art & Photography...

There will be a wealth of art and photography exhibitors at the event this year, with a purpose art marquee set up.

Sculptors, carpenters, potters, illustrators, artists, stonemasons, glassmakers and a multitude of nature photographers will present their work in this tent for you to buy, or simply browse and admire.

Sculptor - Champagne Birds is a company that specialises in 3D bird portraits, each one beginning with the wire that keeps the sparkle in champagne.

Glassmaker - D Smith Glasscraft will be exhibiting their glass wildlife figures. They are handcrafted birds and animals made from coloured glass worked hot in a flame then mounted.

Illustrator - Shelley Perkins specialises in beautiful nature and location illustrations.

Wood Carver - The British Decoy Wildfowl Carvers Association specialises in bird carving and has a selection of wooden ducks, owls and other birds.

Fine Art - John Palmer will exhibit his fine art wildlife and designs. Buy greeting cards or paintings from John.

Photographer - Margaret Welby Photography will be one of the many photographers exhibiting their work at the show. She will show perfectly captured wildlife.

Metalsmiths - Claudia Petley and Paul Shepherd will exhibit their beautiful nature-inspired metal creations from their forge.

Printmaker - Lisa Hooper from Hoopoe Prints will be displaying her creative cards and prints.

Cartoonist - Birds in Hats have quirky bird paintings that will bring a smile to your face.

“THE ART MARQUEE FEATURES SCULPTORS, CARPENTERS, ILLUSTRATORS, ARTISTS, GLASSMAKERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS...”

The Latest in Tech...

Technology is there to make our lives a great deal easier, and there’s a lot of it in the birder world, especially at the marquees at Birdfair. It’s not just there to make your life easier either - birdwatching equipment is a lot of fun too...

Rare Bird Alert - Sign up for a subscription to Rare Bird Alert.

Their team of dedicated birders check and send reports as soon as they break, via phone, pager or online.

One Stop Nature Shop - These exhibitors have every new bit of tech needed in birding. They have trail cameras, binoculars, microscopes, field equipment, telescopes and everything else you need for a trip into the outdoors.

Gardenature Gardenature also offer

a large variety of tech but specialise in birdbox cameras, bat detectors, and general technology you can use in the garden at home. iGoTerra - This is sort of social media for birdwatchers. Sign up to upload your wildlife memories, keep track of your observations, and share information with friends.

Right: One of the ospreys you’ll see at the reservoir.

Below: Tim Appleton MBE giving a lecture in 2015’s fair.

Roundels: Art exhibitors and tech at 2015’s fair...

What to Wear?

Art & Tech come together, with some marquees offering clothing that’s a fusion of both...

TechClothing - They offer insulated jackets, system jackets and technical outerwear, completely waterproof.

Roar Threads - Find them at the fair for t-shirts with fantastic nature-inspired designs.

Outdoor Photography Gear - This is your go-to exhibitor for camouflage clothing and equipment.

Anatom Footwear - High quality walking boots and footwear for when you’re out exploring nature.

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EVENT SCHEDULE Friday 19th August

9.30am - The opening reception and a warm welcome to the 28th Birdfair.

11am - Tim Mackrill discusses the Rutland Osprey Project.

12.15pm - Moth Trapping live on the big screen with artists and experts.

1pm - Charlie Moores, Dominic Dyer and Mike Dilger discuss wildlife crime and badger culling.

2pm - Simon King hosts a talk called Enough; knowing the difference between what you need and what you want.

If you prefer to know about the species a little closer to home rather than on the other side of the world, there are a number of exhibitors that provide exciting bits of tech, birdfood and birdfeeders for the backyard.

Out of the Woodwork is a particularly clever exhibitor, showcasing their extremely clever themed wooden birdboxes.

From flat wooden tyres with a hole in for birds, to oversized garden tools with holes in the handles, to binoculars, they think outside of the bird box.

CJ Wildlife is a company that is dedicated to bringing wildlife into the garden with insect boxes, nest boxes, and other products to bring hedgehogs and squirrels into the garden.

Birdfair doesn’t just support birder’s travels across the country discovering rare breeds of birds. There will be marquees everywhere in many of the marquees promoting travel across the world.

Hundreds of exhibitors will show you what it’s like to birdwatch in countries like Cyprus, Spain, Portugal and other countries in the Mediterranean, while others travel a little further afield to places like Asia, Africa and America.

Birdfair is definitely the right place to go if you’re wanting the top specialists in travelling for birdwatchers. Because it’s such a specific niche area, Birdfair offers such a large selection of travel companies to choose from, helping you to compare services and prices.

Some of the companies exhibiting offer specialised tours for birdwatchers around the most beautiful and interesting places in the world. Ecotour companies will also be there, helping to minimise damage to the environment.

5pm - Jonathan and Angela Scott’s lecture on ‘Sacred Nature: Life’s Eternal Dance.’

6pm - The Song Approach identify songs, calls and sounds of waders.

7.30pm - An evening of music with Craig Ogden, Gary Ryan and Milos Milivojevic.

Sunday 21st August

9.15am - The Sunday starts with a Christian Service with A Rocha.

3pm - The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and Mike Dilger discuss 70 years of innovative conservationism.

10am - Nigel Marven discusses the connection between dinosaurs and their feathered descendants.

4pm - Simon King presents the British Bird Photography Awards.

11am - Mike Dilger hosts ‘Ask the Experts.’

4.45pm - A debate on whether grouse shooting should be banned.

Home & Away...

4.15pm - Chris Packham presents the Bird Photographer of the Year Awards.

6pm - Frontiers of Migration lecture celebrating the life of Martin Garner.

7.30pm - Chris Packham interviews a panel of experts including Helen Meech, Derek Gow and Simon Barnes.

Saturday 20th August

10am - Mike Dilger explains why feather trumps fur.

11am - Georgia Locock interviews Chris Packham.

12pm - Nigel Marven’s lecture on cruising with birds.

2pm - Simon King’s lecture, ‘Enough.’

3pm - Bird Brain of Britain chaired by Stephen Moss, quizzing four enthusiastic birding experts.

12pm - Birdless Pointbrain (Pointless) chaired by Nigel Redman and Neil Glenn.

1pm - Nick Baker’s lecture called ‘Building a Naturalist.’

2pm - Simon King’s lecture, ‘Enough.’

3pm - Jess French’s lecture, ‘The Little Things in Life.’

4pm - Join Mike Dilger, Nick Baker, Jess French, Stephen Moss, Rob Lambert plus special guests, will finish the weekend with an entertaining twist on the Jungle Book.

Mike Dilger.

n For more information on Birdfair, visit www.birdfair.org.uk. £15/single day, £35/three days on the gate. Book in advance for a reduced price. Children free.

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OLIVE Extending an

BRANCH

It’s one of Rutland’s most popular restaurants, Michelin lauded, despite its apparent casual style. And now, owners Sean Hope and Ben Jones are ‘extending an Olive Branch’ to diners, with an ever greater provision of locally sourced ingredients...

Images: Clive Doyle.

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- EATING OUT -

learn from the best at THE OLIVE BRANCH Do you remember life before gastropubs?

These days, the ‘G’-word is really naff, but to give the revolution its due, it transformed our expectation of what we expected by way of food provision down our local pub.

Gone was soggy scampi and microwaved lasagne, replaced by fine dining-oriented food. We demanded better pub food, and a new generation of pubs delivered, forcing fine dining restaurants to up their game too amid this new competition.

The pub that they all aspired to be was The Olive Branch, but to describe the Michelin-lauded pub as just a gastropub is to do it a great disservice.

The Olive Branch is probably the best pub in the UK, having been in Michelin’s Red

“SEAN AND BEN ENSURE THE OLIVE BRANCH IS NOT ONLY ONE OF THE FINEST DINING EXPERIENCES IN THE UK, BUT ONE OF THE MOST RELAXED, TOO...”

6th September - Sean’s Cookery Demonstrations: Enlightening two hour demonstration, followed by a three course lunch, £45/head.

Also on 8th November and 6th December.

Guide since 2002, Pub of the Year in 2014, and Leicestershire & Rutland Pub of the year from 2003-2014. It’s been a Restaurant with Rooms since 2005 following the addition of Beech House and its six en suite rooms.

Call for Dates - Masterclass: Lamb, Pork, Fish: Butchery or fishmongery meets cooking in these relaxed but knowledgeable masterclasses with various dates through Autumn and Winter, £150/inc lunch and ingredients. n

Owners Sean Hope and Ben Jones spare no expense, no effort and no amount of time making sure that the dining experience at The Olive Branch is not only one of the finest in the UK, but also, one of the most relaxed.

Pantiles, stripped pine tables and pretty gardens, rather than finicky fine dining trappings, characterise a really enjoyable experience.

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>> Dining is seven days a week. In the daytime, there’s a choice of a set lunch menu via a blackboard, providing two starters, main courses and puddings for £18.50/two courses, £22.50/three courses. There’s also a lunch menu with ‘nibbles,’ sandwiches & snacks and seven starters and nine main courses. During evening service, there’s a menu of more complex dishes with nibbles, snacks, seven starters and nine main courses, plus a separate dessert menu. Finally, there’s a five course gourmet tasting menu for £32.50.

It’s you’re sweet of tooth, you’ll find yourself in heaven, with five main desserts, plus three

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch Monday to Friday noon to 2pm.

Dinner Monday to Friday, 6.30pm to 9pm.

Saturday 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Sunday Lunch from noon to 3pm.

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU À LA CARTE MENU,

Starters

Pea panna cotta, Serrano ham, scorched lardo, garden salad £7.95.

Pan seared scallops, cucumber, compressed Rutland Water strawberry £12.50.

Main Courses

Chargrilled breast of chicken, scorched gem lettuce, pine nuts, nectarine, warm curry mayonnaise £17.50.

Slow roast pork belly, black pudding bubble & squeak, hispi cabbage, apple sauce £17.95

ice cream and sorbet options, five further ‘mini desserts’ and two cheese options, plus no fewer than 13 pudding drinks from the ubiquitous Muscat and Tokaji to fruity local beers and ancient ports.

Sean and Ben were also custodians of the Red Lion, until earlier this year when they sold that place to concentrate not only on the Olive Branch itself, but their new projects.

Sean’s really excited by the prospect of ensuring the Olive Branch is more sustainable this year. A new kitchen garden adjacent to Beech House will see the team grow its own potatoes, tomatoes, herbs, sweetcorn - even the cucumbers for its summer-long provision of Pimm’s - as well as orchard fruit and Morello cherries.

These ingredients will be supplemented by eggs from the Olive Branch’s own flock of rare breed hens and ducks, and from fish supplied by M&J Seafood and meat from Grasmere Farm and Stilton Butchers, the latter of which supplies sirloin of beef on the bone and salt marsh lamb.

Suffice to say that everything which leaves the kitchen, from desserts to ice creams and sorbets to bread to petit fours are all made in house in what must be a Willy Wonka-esque kitchen dripping in talent and passion.

A mention, too, for the Olive Branch’s Pub Shop, which sells not only wine and craft beers but the restaurants’ own chutneys, mayo, pesto and soups, plus a range of cheese sourced from the restaurant’s cheese supplier, The Melton Cheeseboard.

With locally produced art, Clipsham stone homewares created from the village’s quarry and other items like handmade walking sticks, it’s a real representation of local talent.

One final piece of advice - other than the obvious recommendation to revisit one of the UK’s best pub restaurants - is to keep an eye on The Olive Branch’s calendar of events.

Sean frequently hosts cooking demonstrations, plus master classes in lamb, beef and fish preparation. They’re a great way to take a little of the brigade’s talent home with you!

Roast leg & braised shoulder of lamb, sweet potato rösti, French style peas £19.50.

Desserts

Champagne & elderflower jelly, lemon & thyme sorbet, strawberry & black pepper meringue £6.95.

Iced triple chocolate parfait, chocolate textures £6.95.

Cheese

Eccles cake, earl grey tea cream, crumbled Cropwell Bishop Stilton £6.95.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n The Olive Branch Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland, LE15 7SH. Call 01780 410355 or see www.theolibevranchpub.com.

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- RECIPE -

Venison Wellington with Duxelles & Spinach Leaves...

Serves: Four.

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp of vegetable oil salt and pepper 500g of loin of venison, cleaned with sinew removed butter 250g of button mushrooms shallots, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 100ml of Madeira 4 tbsp of double cream 150g of plain flour 3 eggs 145ml of milk 8 large spinach leaves 400g of puff pastry

With a robust and gamey flavour, venison loin is the perfect alternative to beef in a classic Wellington, and stands up well to the rich mushroom duxelle and buttery puff pastry layers.

Start by searing the venison. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, season the loin with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Turn every minute or two to colour the loin on all sides, until it is evenly browned and rare in the centre. Remove from the pan and refrigerate.

For the duxelles, melt the butter in the same pan, add the chopped button mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Remove from the pan and keep to one side.

Add the shallots and chopped garlic to the pan.

Cook until soft then add the mushrooms again and cook quickly until the liquid evaporates.

Add the Madeira and boil until reduced by half.

Add the cream and cook until the mixture is thick and beginning to darken. Season with salt and pepper and leave to one side.

Whisk together the flour, eggs and milk to make a smooth batter. Heat a frying pan and add a drop of oil. Once the oil is hot, pour in a small amount of batter to cover the base in a very thin layer and cook until golden on the underside.

“Andy takes the field to fork ethos seriously, hunting and butchering his own local game to reinforce his ‘field to fork’ philosophy...

Recipe: Andy McLeish, www.greatbritishchefs.com, www.rutlandorganics.co.uk.

Flip the ‘pancake’ over and cook the other side.

Repeat the process again until all of the mixture is used up, keeping the cooked pancakes to one side.

Quickly blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water and then cool in iced water. Dry the leaves well. Lay a sheet of cling film on a board and lay three pancakes onto it, overlapping so that they cover the cling film. Lay the spinach leaves on top in a single layer.

Spread the mushroom duxelle over the spinach in another even layer and place the venison on top.

Roll the pancakes, spinach and mushroom mix around the venison, using the cling film to wrap it tightly. Leave to cool in the fridge, preferably

overnight. Roll out the puff pastry into a thin sheet around 1/4 cm thick - if it is pre-rolled it will need to be rolled thinner. Remove the Wellington from the cling film and lay onto the pastry. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash and roll up, sealing the edges with egg wash, too. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

Preheat the oven to 180°c/gas mark 4, and place the Wellington into the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. To tell if it is cooked, place a thin metal skewer in the centre of the venison, it should be slightly warm (which means the internal temperature is about 49-52°c).

Remove the Wellington from the oven, rest for at least 10 minutes in a warm place. Slice and serve up onto plates. n Andy McLeish is a ‘Great British Chef ’ - one of a group of elite chefs who contribute their recipes at www.greatbritishchefs.com. Purchase local venison from Cuckoo Farm, Stamford - 01780 722009, www.rutlandorganics.co.uk

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Crowning

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GLORY

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This month we’re recommending a visit to Stamford’s Crown Hotel, on the town’s All Saints’ Place.

It’s a stunning place to find relaxed dining, with a warm welcome, excellent food and a real sense of fun too...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- EATING OUT -

Quirky and stylish. Those are the first impressions of a hotel with its own identity, underpinned with a real sense of quality.

We’re at Stamford’s Crown Hotel, where blue skies and sunshine filled the hotel’s terrace to capacity. It’s Friday, towards the end of lunchtime service, and despite being rushed off their feet, all of the staff at The Crown have a smile on their face... as do their very satisfied diners.

The Crown is the only hotel in the Knead Pubs group, formerly known as the Thurlby group, which still counts the town’s Tobie Norris and Oakham’s Lord Nelson among its siblings.

Rebuilt in the 19th century with a third storey added, The Crown is unique in offering accommodation, in the form of 28 bedrooms and letting rooms in two adjacent cottages. All of the other premises in the group offer only food and drink.

The Crown’s rooms are currently undergoing a refurbishment - having acquired the building in July two years ago, they’re about three quarters of the way around the hotel - but the rest of the business has already been the subject of a heavy makeover, and looks superb. Stripping away plaster to expose the local limestone, and using stripped pine tables and leather, has created a place of unmatched friendliness - rustic and relaxed without looking tired.

There’s quirky decoration, bespoke soft furnishings, a jukebox and several areas in which to dine, from secular tables to a large

meet the CHEF KARL MOONEY, HEAD CHEF AT THE CROWN HOTEL

Food Experience: “I worked in Cambridgeshire before arriving in Stamford five years ago.

I love the architecture, the respect that locals have for their food and the wealth of ingredients available locally.”

room to the rear which is ideal for functions, even though it’s not specifically marketed as such.

The Crown is slightly more formal in its provision of dining compared to the group’s other pubs - but that means table service and an afternoon tea option, rather than a sense of formality per se. There are no tablecloths, and the team are aiming to offering quality dining, rather than ‘fine’ dining.

With a total of 120 covers indoors plus a further 60 covers outside, you can opt to dine during the daytime or in the evening, >>

Food Wisdom: “It’s our job to look after diners, so we’re really lucky to have a good front of house team to back us up!”

Food Heaven: “I really like lamb; it’s my favourite meat, and our own herd of Texel Tups enable us to create absolutely delicious dishes like our Harissa spiced chops.”

Food Hell: “I’m not keen on celery or crudités... ”

Top: Crab and chilli croquettes with lemon aïoli and dressed leaves. Above: Slow cooked braised Lincoln Red beef with honey glazed carrots and parsnip crisps.

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- EATING OUT -

>> seven days, with a single menu providing a choice of 11 starters and 10 main course options, a couple of steaks and eight puddings. A dedicated Sunday lunch menu is available too, as is a sandwich menu for lunchtime dining, and on Friday and Saturday there are ‘specials’ - which were asparagus themed, during our visit.

Happily, ingredients are all important to Operations Manager Ross Dykes and Executive Chef Nick Buttress who work closely with chefs Tim Hitchcox and Karl Mooney.

In fact, the group has its own farm near Tallington where it raises 40 heads of Lincoln Red and 200 Texel Tups lambs.

These typically feature in the hotel’s burgers and provision of steaks. Elsewhere, Stamford’s Askers bakery provides bread, and fresh fish landed at Grimsby is delivered daily.

Local drinks are given as much provenance, with real ale suppliers, including Market Deeping’s Hopshackle, Nene Valley Brewery

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch Monday to Friday 12 noon to 2.30pm (all day Sat).

Dinner Monday to Saturday 6pm to 9pm (9.30pm Sat).

Sunday Sunday 12 noon to 9pm.

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and Oakham Ales. There’s also a dedicated gin menu and a wine menu curated by Ross in association with Enotria.

Our recommendations include the chargrilled Harissa spiced lamb chops which feature on our opening spread, a weekly changing pie, and our slow-cooked braised Lincoln Red beef dish, served with horseradish mash.

The dining experience is relaxed, warm, and the food is of a superb standard, both technically and creatively. It’s very ‘Stamford’ - offering a mix of vibrancy and quality.

Just next door, Ross showed us the former Periwig Pub, which the group are in the process of refurbishing. In keeping with the original sign found on the front of the building when the old Periwig signs were removed, Knead Pubs will be launching it as ‘Patens Bar and Kitchen’ using it as an extension of The Crown Hotel.

A great venue for summer the hotel provides a smarter, slightly funkier (younger?) alternative to The George of Stamford’s Garden Room restaurant. In fact, I think it’s preferable.

“THE CROWN IS VERY ‘STAMFORD’ OFFERING A MIX OF VIBRANCY AND QUALITY, WITH VERSATILE DINING BOTH INDOORS AND AL FRESCO...”

Above/Left: Afternoon tea at the hotel is £12.95/head, and can be paired with a Tattinger champagne for £8.50/glass.

Right: Passionfruit cheesecake with mango sorbet and vanilla tuille.

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on the MENU FROM THE CROWN À LA CARTE MENU

Starters

Crab & Chilli Croquettes, £7.95/£13.95 as main.

Beetroot Cured Salmon, £7.95/£14.95 as main.

Main Courses

Slow Cooked Braised Lincoln Red Beef £16.95.

Lincolnshire Poacher Cheddar Burger £14.94.

Harissa Spiced Lamb Chops £16.95.

Desserts

Millionaire Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart £6.95.

Passion Fruit Cheesecake £7.95.

The Crown Cheese Board; Cornish Yarg, Cropwell Bishop Stilton, Sharpham Farmhouse Brie £9.95/selection with biscuits, grape and chutney.

Sunday Lunch

Roast Sirloin of Lincoln Red Beef, or Roast Leg of Tallington Lamb with Yorkshire Puddings £13.95.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n Visit The Crown Hotel, All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk 69

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La Fromagerie

FROM BLUE TO BRIE, RUTLAND’S CHEFS OFTEN ADD A TOUCH OF CHEESE TO SOME OF THEIR DELICIOUS DISHES. WE LOOK AT THE BEST EXAMPLES AT SOME OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE COUNTY...

A CRISPY CONTRAST

The Plough at Greetham served potted garlic mushrooms with a homemade Parmesan tuille, adding a cheesy crisp to this creamy starter, and creating a contrast between the two textures.

01572 813613, www.the-plough-greetham.co.uk

n Rutland Water Golf Course has recently created a menu of pizza options for summer making good use of the new outdoor pizza oven. On our visit for the May edition of Rutland Pride, head chef

n The Marquess of Exeter served a delicious Arancini Scotch egg on a bed of asparagus, wild mushrooms and feta cheese.

The Marquess never disappoints, also offering other cheesy dishes like a selection of farmhouse cheeses with chutney and biscuits after your main course. Their cheese is sourced locally.

01572 822477, www.marquess exeter.co.uk.

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Dan showed us around the domed pizza oven with a prosciutto, olive, rocket and pepper pizza covered in gooey cheese.

01572 737525, www.rutlandwatergolfcourse.co.uk

n KILWORTH HOUSE serves their fillet of turbot, with a tasty Parmesan crust, alongside curried cauliflower, chick pea and lime.

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- SAMPLE DISHES -

presented beautifully

Rushton Hall served seared loin of lamb with barbecue shoulder, sweetbread, caponata, tenderstem broccoli and Parmesan gnocchi.

01536 713001, www.rushtonhall.com

DELICIOUSLY CREAMY

The Horse & Jockey’s starter is an individual salmon and cream cheese terrine with French toast.

01572 737335, www.horseandjockeyrutland.co.uk

Barnsdale Lodge’s baked camembert is a beautiful cheese perfect for a shared starter.

The garlic and cheese blends seamlessly with the chutneys and the crispness of the toast is a delicious contrast to the gooey melted texture of the cheese.

01572 724678, www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

01858 880058, www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

n Featured dishes are representative examples of our featured chefs’ skills... the menus of our featured restaurants change frequently so dishes are subject to availability. Check each restaurant’s website prior to your visit for an up-to-date menu.

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- WINE -

SUNSHINE f o e t s a T A Wine of The

MONTH A WEIGHTY FRENCH FANCY PERFECT FOR SOME MID-SUMMER MADNESS

Chiroubles, France, £14.95

Region: Beaujolais.

Vintage: 2012.

Grapes: 100% Gamay.

Alcohol: 13%.

Bright aromas of red berry fruit, especially blackcurrant and red grapes, are followed by a mellow, medium-bodied palate with typical delicacy and floral notes. This three-hectare domain is owned by the Meziat family, and has been handed down from father to son since 1889.

Chiroubles is the highest cru in Beaujolais.

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STUNNING REDS...

Mercurey 1er Cru Les Naugues, 2012, Burgundy, £24.99

A lovely intensely fruity wine for summer, virtually serving as an A-Z of a country hedgerow, with both red and black berry aromas, and a hint of liquorice. The palate is bright, medium-bodied, and full of youthful Pinot fruit. A vivacious wine for barbecue parties.

WINNING WHITES...

Auxey Duresses, Burgundy, France £29.95

Combining the influences of cool vineyard and warm vintage, this wine offers a winning blend of bright herbal/green apple aromas with nutty richness and dept.

Henri de Villamont is a medium-sized producer with an enviable domaine.

Comte De Sénéjac, Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, £19.99

Very deep colour with an expressive nose of black fruits and spices. Sénéjac is powerful and intense, while remaining smooth, thanks to the finesse of its tannins. This can be drunk young, when its fruity aromas are most enjoyable, or, after ageing to discover the elegance and the richness of its terroir.

Castel Firmian, Pinot Grigio, Italy £11.49

Very clean, nicely balanced Pinot Grigio, with a gentle floral aroma, good medium weight in the mouth, and a refreshing finish.

Mezzacorona is a state-of-the-art winery producing crisp and expressive Italian wines.

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No matter what you’ve planned for high summer, wine merchant Harish Khanderia has hand-picked this selection of wines and spirits which seem to have bottled the sun. Our feel-good wines are eminently suitable for enjoying all summer long, and we’ve included a trio of artisan gins that should definitely prove a ‘tonic,’ too...!

Words: Harish Khanderia.

REMARKABLE ROSÉS...

Noire, Cotes de Provence, £12.95

Very refined dry rosé, with an attractive floral aroma, redcurrant fruit, and excellent length in the mouth. A group of vineyard owners from the Saint-Tropez peninsula set up this organisation in 1964, and have since gained a reputation as leading producers in the Provence region.

FIZZ WITH FINESSE...

Champagne Deutz Brut Classic, France, £34.95

Beautifully pure, elegant wine, with a refreshing lemony aroma and a delicate mousse. Founded in 1838, the House is situated not in conspicuously commercial centres of Eperny, but amongst the vineyards of one of the region’s greatest Villages Ay-Champagne.

Chateau Pampelonne, Provence, £17.50

A medium wine with dark berry fruit, well-structured, medium tannins and a beautiful balance. The wine is made in a classic, traditional style with a good balance between oak and fruit. Enjoy with carpaccio, venison and richly flavoured meat dishes.

Champagne Deutz, Rose NV, France £44.95

Delicate mid-pink in colour, with aromas of strawberry and redcurrant, this delicious rosé showcases the fruit and finesse of Pinot Noir in Champagne.

This wine sums up Deutz’s approach, in which style is always matched by substance!

A Trio of

GINS

A TRIO OF TIPPLES FOR YOUR SUMMER BARBECUES

Sacred Cardamom Gin, England, £37.95

Green fragrant Guatemalan Cardamom pods steeped in English grain spirit and distilled to enhance the exotic spice in any gin based cocktail. A little Juniper and a lot of Cardamom!

Pickering’s Lowland Limited Edition Oaked Gin, Scotland £39.95

Only 200 bottles produced.

A softer landscape is reflected in the lighter colour and character of its whiskies. Fresh, with a citric top-note. Sweet, but not cloying.

Picnic Gin, England, £34.95

A limited edition gin with strawberry and cream infusion.

If you ever follow one of our recommendations, make it this one, and enjoy it with elderflower tonic and ice!

n Our featured wines are available from Oakham Wines, High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH.

Call 01572 757124 or visit www.oakhamwines.co.uk.

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Love at First

SIGHT Words: Rob Davis.

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

Do you believe in love at first sight? Angela and Mark certainly do, because the moment they set eyes on their Market Deeping barn conversion, they knew it was the property for them...

The perfect property doesn’t just turn your head - it stirs your heart, too. That was certainly the case when Angela and Mark Martin first encountered their property in Market Deeping’s Towngate.

It’s a barn conversion so pretty it could stop traffic - and in fact, it did. “We moved to the area 22 years ago, and when I drove past the place, it looked so lovely I actually stopped the car and got out to take a look.”

“There was a builder there and I asked if they were renovating it to sell on or to keep.

I was disappointed when the builder said he and his wife were renovating it as their family home, but when I bumped into him in the village pub a couple of years later, I was thrilled to discover it had become available again,” says Angela.

“The conversion was structurally complete, so we were able to take the project on as a blank canvas, and make the changes that suited our lifestyle. Instead of a double garage we created a home gym, we added a couple of home offices for my husband’s consultancy business, and a cinema room too.”

The property is arranged over two floors, with five reception rooms currently arranged as a family room, snug, games room, cinema and dining room. The ground floor also has a spacious living kitchen, now ubiquitous in barn conversions, providing a good-sized kitchen, a separate

Main: The barn conversion’s living kitchen, incorporating dining and lounge areas, is its star feature, with underfloor heating, pantry and utility. Elsewhere there are five reception rooms and three bedrooms with three en suites.

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pantry, dining area and a sunny seating area with a couple of sofas overlooking the U-shaped property’s courtyard.

Built in 1778 - according to the property’s date stone, which names R Figg as the builder - and extended in 1864 by builder J Gooddale for its then owner J S Timpson, the property remained a working barn which used to house livestock before it was converted.

“IT’S A REALLY LIGHT PROPERTY, BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE THE GLARE NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BARN CONVERSIONS,” SAYS ANGELA. 78

The grandson of a local farm worker told Angela and Mark how, as a child, he would watch his grandfather light a fire in the barn and throw bales of hay around during the course of his work. It’s hard to imagine now, given the comfortable accommodation and upper floor created to accommodate the property’s three good-sized bedrooms, each with their own en suite.

“It’s a really light property, but it doesn’t have the glare normally associated with barn conversions,” says Angela. “All of the windows open onto the central courtyard which means lovely views from any of the windows onto a space with plenty of scope for creativity, with raised beds, but also decking and hard-landscaping to minimise the amount of work its upkeep necessitates.”

“The arrangement also ensures plenty of natural light floods each room in the house - there’s not one aspect which is sunnier than any of the others, so it’s consistently light throughout the day.”

Bespoke timber by local joiner Acorn, who created the bespoke kitchen, the staircase and installed the bathrooms, and a blend of modern and traditional features, from Inglenook fireplaces to en suites, to cinemas, Towngate West provides all of the space, features and style a family could want.

For the family, selling the property is an exercise in downsizing, with a move closer to Angela’s daughter in anticipation of the pitter patter of grandchildren. For the next owners though, Angela and Mark are hoping it’ll be love at first sight, all over again. n

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

TOWNGATE WEST near STAMFORD Location: Stamford 8 miles, Peterborough 9 miles.

Bedrooms: Three with three en suites.

Receptions: Five - family room, games room, snug, dining room and cinema.

Agent: Fine & Country, St Marys Street, Stamford, PE9 2DE, 01780 750200, www.fineandcountry.com Guide Price £775,000

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Limes

FARM Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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- HOMES -

This month’s featured home seamlessly blends practicality with period style. Limes Farm is a converted property with an interesting centrepiece; one of the largest oak framed orangeries we’ve seen, providing an open plan living area...

Built of local stone in 1661, Limes Farm is one of the oldest and most significant properties in the village of Harringworth just south of Rutland. It is an imposing country residence and with its extensive range of converted outbuildings, offers flexible options for accommodation or perhaps those running a business.

The Grade II listed property retains much of its heritage features such as inglenook fireplaces, stone mullioned windows, latch-handled solid wood doors and ancient timberwork. Modern additions include the stunning oak framed orangery providing an open plan living area, kitchen and dining area, double glazed windows throughout and refitted bathrooms, whilst the conversion of the old stables into a self-contained annexe, and a barn into offices, have developed the size and potential of the property.

Limes Farm sits in approximately five acres of grounds with a courtyard garden at its heart, plus sheltered areas of lawn, a small orchard stocked with a variety of apple trees, a vegetable garden with raised beds and a Gabriel Ash greenhouse, plus a lightly wooded meadow with tailored pathways for peaceful strolls, bristling with nature.

Main: The oak-framed orangery looks over the south-facing gardens and patio area, and introduces a modern touch to a traditional home. Inset: The entrance to Limes Farm.

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The property is one of the best examples of period interest combined with the flexible accommodation suited to family and working life we’ve seen in the area.

“Both my wife and I love the village of Harringworth,” says Sean, owner of Limes Farm. “It lies in the valley of the River Welland and is overlooked by the beautiful brick-built viaduct.”

“When we first came across Limes Farm, which sits in a gorgeous location on the edge of the village, it consisted of a relatively small farmhouse and two converted pig barns, but the property as a whole didn’t make sense. We decided to buy it and take it on as a project.”

“The work eventually took around a year to complete, and during that time we joined the main house to the two barns and added a beautiful oak-built orangery, which overlooks the garden.”

“We took out almost all of the internal walls from one of the barns to create a large kitchen and dining area, which has been specifically designed to exploit the views across the valley, and the second barn became a spacious annexe area for my mother-in-law.”

“It’s now a really wonderful family home that blends the more contemporary, wide open space of the kitchen and dining area with the richness and heritage of the older part of the house seamlessly. There’s space for us to come together to cook, eat and chat, or retreat to a quieter room, sit in front of a roaring log fire and read a good book.”

“The formal gardens are beautiful and extend to around an acre,” says Sean. “The remaining four acres consist of meadowland.

We’ve been pruning out some of the trees to create pathways so the grounds can be explored, and it’s now a really magical place for peaceful walks, games of hide-and-seek with the children and summer picnics with family and friends.”

“THE OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN, DINING AND ORANGERY AREA IS MOST DEFINITELY THE HUB OF OUR HOME. IT’S A FABULOUS FAMILY SPACE...”

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“The village is a wonderful place to live.

It has a fantastic atmosphere and a really vibrant community that is always coming together to raise money for good causes.

It’s peaceful and very beautiful, and it’s surrounded by a number of well-served towns and villages.”

“The open-plan kitchen and dining area which flows straight into the orangery is most definitely the hub of our home. It’s a fabulous family space and it’s where we do most of our entertaining. It’s perfect for parties but also for everyday use.”

“The orangery has huge bifold doors that open out onto the patio so during the warmer months, parties spill out into the beautiful garden beyond.”

“We currently have a 17th century barn for which we have secured planning to be

converted into a dwelling, but we also have another we’ve recently transformed into a home office. I run my company from home, so I wanted a space with a ‘wow’ factor, and that’s exactly what we have created.”

“After transforming Limes Farm with my family, I can now see why people have such a passion for properties and for renovation,” says Sean. “It’s great to be able to work on a project and create something so beautiful and so useful too.”

“This is a stunning family home that perfectly blends modern living with the character of a gorgeous period farmhouse, and I’ll be very sad to leave it.” n Limes Farm is being marketed by Fine & Country. Call their Stamford office for more information on 01780 750200, or visit their website www.fineandcountry.com.

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- HOMES -

LIMES FARM

in HARRINGWORTH Location: Uppingham four miles, Rutland Water eight miles.

Style: Period property with contemporary features.

Bedrooms: Five, including the annexe.

Receptions: Sitting room, orangery, dining room, music room, study and TV room.

Estate Agents: Fine & Country, 01780 750200.

Price: £1,650,000.

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BLUES Call it the

THIS MONTH WE’VE THE LATEST COLLECTIONS FROM THE COUNTY’S LEADING INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIOS AND RETAILERS IN ON-TREND INDIGO AND BLUE...

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- HOMES -

B

espoke furnishings create a more cohesive looking home.

They better suit the scale and size of your living spaces, and ensure your home looks ‘designed’ rather than just ‘furnished.’ Stamford and Rutland’s interior designers offer all of the advice, support and products you need to create a totally unique look for any room in your home.

Create a better look when redesigning your home by introducing elements of bespoke furnishings - not simply a simple window treatment using bespoke fabrics for pelmets, but unique sofas with hand-made frames, for example.

These enable you to choose the size, shape and filling of your sofa, the contrast piping and studding. Opt for accent cushions which contrast either in terms of colour or in terms of the ‘busy-ness’ of the print.

Next, add a statement chair, perhaps a wing chair design upholstered in complementary fabric - because such chairs are less imposing than a larger sofa, you can afford to be a little bolder with your design.

The county’s interior designer studios can also source or commission bespoke furniture, from tables and bookcases - either freestanding or built-in. They also have access to items you won’t necessarily find on the High Street.

They’ve accessories from lighting, to ornaments to mirrors and other items to ensure you can achieve a look that’s totally unique, and suits the style, size and age of your home.

Finally, as stockists of paints from names like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, use a local interiors firm to help you choose a totally unique paint shade to suit your home and choose from a range of different finishes like flatter distempers or oil eggshell paints to suit period properties.

Over the next few pages we’ve included a few ideas from this year’s on trend colour, indigo, and from fabric companies’ latest collections - the newest fabric books of which are in studios now.

>>

Window treatments can include curtains with pelmets and tie-backs, roman blinds and shutters, and bespoke fabrication has the extra benefit of being able to accommodate older properties with unusually shaped windows mullion windows or bay windows for example.

Choosing bespoke furnishings doesn’t end there. Even carpets and rugs can be designed to your chosen size, with fabric or leather borders. If you’re creating your hallway, consider stair runners in iron, brass or black powder coated metal, ideal for adding an extra dimension to staircases in period properties.

Left: Edo from Zoffany’s Carousel collection, ‘inspired by Japanese design ethos and culture, the ‘Edo’ collection is a breathtaking interpretation of the natural world around us.

Right: Les Toits Paris Tromp L’oeil wallpaper by Manuel Canovas.

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- HOMES -

“ADD A STATEMENT CHAIR, UPHOLSTERED IN COMPLEMENTARY FABRIC, BECAUSE SUCH CHAIRS ARE LESS IMPOSING THAN A LARGER SOFA, YOU CAN AFFORD TO BE A LITTLE BOLDER WITH YOUR DESIGN...”

Top: Jane Churchill Below: Cushions chair in Linhope Stripe, created in Nestfield and Birch navy sofa.

by Liberty.

>>

Right: Colefax and Fowler has created this sofa in Theo, dark aqua.

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This Page: Farrow & Ball’s Amime wallpaper in blue. White paintwork in Wimbourne White, Yellow Ground accent chair.

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- HOMES -

Above: Liberty’s Nestfield fabric collection, at Furley’s of Oakham.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IN RUTLAND and STAMFORD Elizabeth Stanhope 27 Mill St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA, 01572 722345, www.elizabeth stanhope.co.uk.

Left: Kitchen cabinetry painted by Little Greene’s Hicks Blue.

Above: New for 2016, Manuel Canovas’s Fabrics: Marzac, noir, Ambria, glacier Marzac, ciel, Kadi, ciel, Romane, ciel, Bassano, indigo, Claudia, indigo, Eva, marine and Sarila, glacier and ciel.

Right: Harlequin Palmetto Demoiselle at J&L Ball, Stamford.

Furleys 7 High St, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AH, 01572 755539, www.furleys.co.uk.

J&L Ball 16 North St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1EH, 01780 481416, www.jandlball.co.uk.

Sarah Harding Interiors 6 Market St, Uppingham, LE15 9QH, 01572 823389, www.sarahharding interiors.co.uk.

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- KITCHENS -

SHAKER Rattle & Roll

Oliver’s Kitchens: This kitchen has a clean, sharp feel but retains the shaker style doors.

The shades of blue colour scheme maintains a crisp light and airy feel to this open plan kitchen/dining room, 01604 372039, or see www.oliverskitchens.co.uk.

IT’S THE KITCHEN STYLE THAT’S MOST ON-TREND, PERFECT FOR RUTLAND HOMES. THIS MONTH WE LOOK AT SHAKER STYLE KITCHENS...

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back to BLACK

PDA Kitchens of Peterborough (01733 894422, www.pda kitchens.co.uk) present this 1909 Shaker kitchen in black with this marble and timber surfaces.

Perfect for Edwardian properties.

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- KITCHENS -

the look

GETTING

Right: Joseph Joseph Nest 9 bowls, sieve and colander, £45.

These nest together for easy, hygienic storage. www.joseph joseph.com.

Below: Stellar Eazistore nesting saucepans £99.95, and bakeware £49.95, 01179 400 000.

Below: Sophie Allport pheasant bone china. Cereal bowl shown, £14/ea, www.sophieallport.com.

Above: Five oven Aga in duck egg blue with Total Control electrical power, from £13,095.

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>> Shaker kitchens suit Stamford and Rutland’s ‘domestic vernacular’ beautifully, with a simple, fuss-free style that’s family friendly and looks great in rural properties, modern properties and those which have been sympathetically renovated to incorporate modern features into traditional buildings.

The area’s kitchen specialists can provide anything from supplied cabinetry and doors to fully bespoke kitchens incorporating shaker style.

By definition, a shaker kitchen is characterised by a square framed design with an inset flat centre panel. They are usually designed to be ‘in-frame’ - with doors inset into the frame.

Because a shaker kitchen is so simple, there’s plenty of scope for you to design elements of your room around the style.

Properties around the county today usually employ an island to break up monolithic spaces, and if you’ve opted for hand-painted units, a slightly more daring colour for your island works really well.

In recent months we’ve seen dark grey, black, duck egg and sage painted islands set against shaker cabinetry painted in white or cream, and if you’re employing a contrast of colour, why not contrast materials too and have a timber island, with granite work surfaces elsewhere, or combine two materials on one single island.

In the rest of your kitchen, employ butler sinks in white ceramic and retro appliances like Smeg fridges, new electrically powered Aga cookers, boiling water taps, then integrate appliances to maintain the illusion of a traditional kitchen. Consult as many different kitchen designers possible to obtain as many design ideas as possible. n

“SHAKER KITCHENS HAVE A SIMPLE, FUSS-FREE STYLE THAT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY AND LOOKS GREAT IN STAMFORD AND RUTLAND’S RURAL PROPERTIES...”

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Main Image: Contemporary shaker with white and grey colour scheme to maintain a crisp, light feel. From Oliver’s Kitchens 01604 372039, oliverskitchens.co.uk.

Far Left: Bespoke installation in distressed blue/green and cream

by The Fitted Furniture Company (01780 480080, www.thefitted furniturecompany.com.

Centre: Main Image: Cream shaker kitchen created by Intone Design, 01778 393160, www.intonedesign.co.uk.

Left: Modern in-frame shaker which can be painted to any colour, presented by QKS Kitchens, 01780 756514, www.qksstamford.co.uk.

Below: Grey shaker from Jackson Buildbase, Stamford, 01780 764782 www.buildbase.co.uk.

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- BATHROOMS -

Bathed in Style...

LOOK TO THE COUNTY’S LOCAL BATHROOM SPECIALISTS TO CREATE A ROOM TO REALLY RELAX IN - A PLACE OF WELLNESS, BATHED IN STYLE...

SHOWER IN LUXURY Shower in luxury with a large, waterfall style shower head. This example has LED lighting and spray mist swirl function built in.

CLOAKROOMS

Vanity Hall is now available exclusively in our area at Stamford’s Jackson Buildbase.

This example features matte macassar wood for a modern look, with handleless cabinetry and plenty of practical storage.

From non-slip surfaces to grab handles, through to features like bath lifts and walk-in baths & showers, AHM Installation specialise in accessible kitchens and bathrooms, and created this example to make life easier for those with mobility issues. n AHM Installations, Old Great North Road, Sutton-onTrent, Newark, NG23 6QS. For more information call 01636 821443 or see www.ahminstallations.co.uk.

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n Jackson Buildbase is based on Radcliffe Rd, Stamford PE9 1AP Call 01780 764782 for an appointment or see www.buildbase.co.uk.

Don’t forget your cloakroom even the smallest room in the house can benefit from a compact unit with plenty of storage and a fog-free LED illuminated vanity mirror. Devonports, 01778 346415 devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk.

n Need a recommendation for a plumbing and heating specialist in Rutland? One who can create your new bathroom? We recommend Olive & Umber; 01572 495 099, www.olive-umber.co.uk.

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LISHED TAB ES

EST

LOCAL CO

MP AN

Y

Bespoke and Handmade Kitchens

1981 5 YEARS -3

• Over 30 room settings on display including the latest finishes...

• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens...

• Special discounts and unrivalled service...

The Area’s Largest Independent Kitchen Showroom

The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford PE9 2NA

T: 01780 755855

E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk

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What has been happening in the Rutland property market over the last 12 months?

“Ever since the Sunday Times named Stamford as the best place to live in Britain and Halifax marked Rutland as the best rural location in the UK, the number of people considering moving to our lovely area has increased significantly. Adding to this, The Times recently endorsed Rutland as a favourite place for retirees and this trend is likely to grow and snowball.”

“The increasing popularity of Rutland and the surrounding area, means demand for quality rural properties and central townhouses has outstripped availability and this appears to be an ongoing pattern as of late.”

MOVE

Making The Right Rutland Pride met with regular property columnist Kate Vincent last summer to give an exclusive insight in to how she helps clients find their dream home in the local area. Some 12 months on we recently met with Kate again, to find out exactly what’s been happening in the Rutland property market...

Words: Rob Davis.

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So have house prices gone up significantly?

“Interestingly, according to the most recent Land Registry data, prices in Rutland have risen at a slower rate (7.1%) than the UK as a whole (9.1%). However, my view is that these ‘headline figures’ paint a different picture to what we are seeing on the ground.

Although Rutland is only a tiny county, it contains a surprising number of micro markets; prices and demand varying significantly depending on popularity and fashion. This also applies to the villages and towns that border the county, whereas a character property in Empingham can get snapped up before even hitting the market, an over ambitiously priced property overlooking Rutland Water can go unsold for many months.”

“The positive news from all this is that Rutland and the wider area can still offer good value for money and certainly, more affordability than many other parts of the UK such as the Cotswolds and Cambridge, but buyers need to tread carefully and prudently.”

What sort of clients do you work with?

“Most people think that Property Finders only help people who are moving from outside the area, however, this perception is a long way from reality. In the past year, over half of our clients already live locally. Some contacted Garrington because they are short of time or do not have the expertise to source, negotiate and oversee the tricky process involved in buying property. Others are frustrated by the lack of certain types of housing stock (particularly large country properties with a few acres of land or building plots) and are keen to explore off-market opportunities with a well-connected independent property

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- PROPERTY -

professional. We help clients across a variety of price budgets and assist with a broad range of searches beyond main homes, including investment properties, holiday homes and clients buying for children.”

How do you assist your clients?

“With a shortage of premium properties available for sale, giving clients access to off-market opportunities is seen by many buyers as a major benefit of working with a Property Finder. We either come across these through the relationships we have with agents and local business contacts who trust us to handle the information discretely and only share with suitable pre-screened buyers, or directly with homeowners looking to sell their home away from the public eye.”

“Other clients value our expertise with regard to pricing as the shortage of sales stock has made some estate agents (and sellers) more bullish with their valuations. All of our property offers (made on behalf of clients) are supported with a detailed analysis of comparable properties and local knowledge so buyers can be confident that they are paying a price which is sensible in view of market conditions.”

Can’t people just do this themselves?

“Yes of course, people can and do buy property for themselves. However, a good analogy is using an accountant to complete your tax return – this is something most of us are capable of doing, but it takes an awful long time and using an expert can provide financial benefits that far outweigh the fees.

Using a Property Finder can be very similar.

Buying property is something Garrington do every day, we have got the contacts and tend to look at property in a much more objective, practical and unemotional manner than many buyers. All this is essential when weighing up the relative merits of a property, handling the negotiations and navigating the difficult and often tense period during conveyancing.”

Do you just find property or are there other services you offer?

“Garrington’s expertise covers all aspects of buying and selling residential property for private and investment reasons. From our humble beginnings 20 years ago when Phil Spencer from ‘Location, Location, Location’ set up the firm before TV fame, the company has grown to become a national

“OUR EXPERTISE COVERS ALL ASPECTS OF BUYING AND SELLING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FOR PRIVATE & INVESTMENT REASONS...” provider offering residential property advice to both buyers and sellers alike. Having historically helped just buyers our role has evolved to ‘trusted advisor’ which frequently encompasses all elements of a property move and indeed onward home ownership, akin to other professionals like solicitors or financial advisors who can help with a multitude of matters related to their specialist sector.”

“Whilst this doesn’t mean we sell property (we don’t), we are able to advise homeowners on the best strategy to sell their home, whether it be through an agent where we assist in the selection and formation of the sales strategy as well as overseeing the whole sales cycle or selling privately through an off-market approach.”

What’s the benefit of people using your service?

“The short answer is ‘it depends’ and will always be reliant upon market conditions and what a client is looking to achieve.

A common theme for most clients is that they wish to save time and money, and like the fact that they have somebody looking after their best interests who is not

conflicted by trying to sell them anything.”

“The nature of how we work with clients locally, and indeed across the UK, is that we take time to fully understand a client’s needs and recommend solutions and properties based on a sound logic and research. Whilst the internet has helped house-hunters in various ways, clients express how they feel they are ‘drowning in information’ and are seeking some wisdom from somebody experienced to help filter options and guide them.”

What’s your prediction for the future of the Rutland market?

“The shock referendum result for Britain to leave the EU is likely to affect the property market in the short term due to the associated uncertainty that the decision brings, which may trigger some people to place their property plans on hold. This will be most acute in London, and whilst this region is not immune from any changes in national market conditions, the difference will be less noticeable. For many people, life will continue and if there is a need to move home or desire to purchase property these plans are likely to continue, albeit with a healthy dose of caution, which further underlines the absolute need to seek expert and objective advice.” n If you are considering your property options and would like information on how Garrington can save you money making the right decisions, contact Kate Vincent to arrange a no obligation meeting; 01780 408377 www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk.

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The Best of British

Vintage & retro products for your home, garden or to give as a gift.

We’ve vintage postboxes, bronzes and inspirational gifts... and see us!

Come E+S xxx

ELIZABETH & STEVENS The Showrooms, Great North Road, Markham Moor, Retford DN22 0QU

Telephone: 01636 822000 | www.elizabethandstevens.com

Open daily Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Just off the A1.

Free parking. Please call us if you are making a special journey.

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NOTE Chiming the Right

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Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

Bell House is a property that promises space, grandeur and a close community on the Burley estate. Its next owner can use the magnificent ballroom at the Mansion House reserved for residents. In addition to all of this, previous owner Penny Woolner has recently renovated the property, making it warm, comfortable and welcoming...

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Being part of an estate is like being part of a community. The Burley estate just above Rutland Water is no exception.

Residents on the estate enjoy use of some of the rooms at the Mansion House including the lavish ballroom and attend events throughout the year on the estate.

Penny Woolner has been a resident here for two years now, moving from south Devon to be closer to her family, and in that short amount of time she’s turned it into a gracious and versatile living space.

“I spent the first summer of my time at Bell House transforming it into a warmer family home,” says Penny. “Before, everything was stark white, and a little too modern for the grandeur and period style the property naturally evokes.”

Penny has created a home that is more accustomed to the grand estate it sits on. It’s much more of a welcoming and warm home with country-style interiors.

A major element of the renovation was the kitchen, which has gone from a dark, black granite smothered room to a stunning, bright and bespoke area with just the right amount of pastel colour on the Aga and the island.

“There’s a drawing room I use for formal entertaining, a snug - slightly more cosy and relaxed - and a conservatory, quite a smart area for dining.”

“A large office with three stations and a great deal of storage is the fourth reception room and there’s also an annexe that’s self-contained but can be entered from the house.”

Over the course of the summer in 2014, the year she moved into Bell House, Penny didn’t just transform the kitchen. She completely

“PENNY HAS CREATED A HOME THAT IS MUCH MORE ACCUSTOMED TO ITS WALLS AND THE GRAND ESTATE IT’S FORTUNATE TO SIT ON...”

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redecorated every room in the home changing everything from carpets to curtains.

that option I enjoyed the most while living here, and such a welcoming community too.”

Penny spends most of her time in the garden which she has also transformed from a plainer plot, introducing lawns, herbaceous borders and a spectrum of different flowers.

“It is with regret that I’m leaving the property as I spend a great amount of my time in America and have many friends there, so I need to downsize to travel more frequently, but I am staying in the county.”

“I hope the next owners can enjoy the home and the community just as much as I have, especially the versatile kitchen and the snug, a very cosy and homely place to be.”

“There was a spiral staircase in the snug, but it seemed rather dangerous, so I replaced this with a normal staircase. I had two of the bathrooms renovated too.”

“What I enjoy about living here the most is that the Burley estate is like a community and if you want to, you can spend time with neighbours and enjoy the Mansion House.”

“But at the same time, if you would like to be a little more private, you can just shut the gates and enjoy your own space. It’s having

When Penny first moved in, there was a concert with professional musicians at the Mansion House for residents to enjoy with a picnic in the grand courtyard.

n This home is on the market with Country and Equestrian. Visit www.countryequestrianhomes.com or call 01780 433000 for more information.

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- RUTLAND HOMES -

THE BELL HOUSE at BURLEY Location: Oakham 1.7 miles, Rutland Water 2.6 miles.

Style: A period property with country-style interiors.

Bedrooms: Five bedrooms some with bespoke cabinetry.

Receptions: Four, currently arranged as drawing room, snug, conservatory and office.

Guide Price £1,375,000

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Main: A photograph of Pat during the World War. Inset: The beach Pat landed on, on D-Day.

A MUTUAL

UNDERSTANDING

AS PROVIDERS OF CAR, COMMERCIAL AND HOME INSURANCE, AS WELL AS FINANCIAL PLANNING PRODUCTS INCLUDING PENSIONS AND INVESTMENTS, NFU MUTUAL IS NOT JUST FOR FARMERS. WITH ETHICS, CONTINUITY AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AS THEIR CORE VALUES, THEY’RE THE PEOPLE YOU CAN COUNT ON IF THE WORST SHOULD HAPPEN...

Words: Rob Davis.

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- ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE -

“This is what we’re all about.” says Ashley Oxer, of NFU Mutual’s Stamford office.

He presents me with a tatty looking cardboard box and pulls out an equally tatty anachronism in the form of a paper-based paying in book.

“That’s from 1948,” he says. “I came across it clearing up after the Rutland Show, and instantly recognised the customer’s details.

They’re still with us, nearly 70 years later!”

“That’s because we’re a mutual, so our aim is to keep our stakeholders - our customers happy. We build long-term relationships with them and focus on providing a range of financial services to suit their changing needs.”

Serving Stamford and Rutland, the NFU Mutual’s Stamford branch is one of over 300 agency offices operating across the UK.

More and more customers are discovering the company’s car insurance, commercial

“Site visits to home, businesses and farms are common so we can advise on the type of things underwriters pick up on.”

“It’s worrying how many people are underinsured, and how many haven’t considered a type of risk to which their business is vulnerable. Our skill is being able to visit customers, to use local knowledge and really work with them to ensure that, when

“OUR SKILL IS BEING ABLE TO VISIT CUSTOMERS, TO USE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND REALLY WORK WITH CUSTOMERS TO ENSURE THAT, WHEN THEY NEED TO MAKE A CLAIM, THERE ARE NO NASTY SURPRISES, AS CAN BE THE CASE WITH GENERIC POLICIES...” policies and home insurance products, thanks to a change of rules in the early 1990s which opened up NFU Mutual’s products not just to NFU members, but to the wider public as well.

In doing so, many more have been able to see for themselves the difference in the way the company works compared to other insurance firms.

“Our products are not available to insurance brokers, and there’s a reason for that,” says Ashley. “They can’t be, because we don’t just work from computer screens, our service goes beyond that in order that we can really understand our customers.”

they need to make a claim, there are no nasty surprises, as can be the case with more generic policies. Unfortunately, when you choose your insurance policies, you’re just buying a piece of paper until the unexpected happens, and only when it does do you find out whether the service you’ve been paying for is really worthwhile.”

“Many of our general insurance products including home and car insurance have received the maximum 5 Star Rating from Defaqto, an independent researcher of financial products, demonstrating a comprehensive level of features and benefits.

We also won the award for Moneywise Most Trusted Home Insurance Provider 2016.” n

“WE’RE NOT JUST HERE FOR FARMERS!” The National Farmers’ Union was founded in 1908 as the voice of British farming.

Championing British farming and providing professional representation for the industry, it has 55,000 members with 83,000 farm holdings greater than 50 acres of land belonging to full time members, many of whom have more than one holding.

Around 70% of full time farmers are NFU members.

NFU Mutual is a separate company, established in 1910, whose financial products and services were only available to farmers until the late 1990s whereupon non-NFU members were invited to take advantage of the NFU Mutual’s insurance, life cover, investments, retirement and financial planning products. n

For more information on NFU Mutual call in at 14 Sheep Market, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2RB. Call 01780 427018 or see www.nfumutual.co.uk.

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TOPIARY f o n o i t a r b e l e C A

With some of the finest examples of beautifully maintained topiary in the area, Deene Park is a celebration of the craft, and a stunning garden at any time of the year.

There’s something about high summer at the ancestral home of the Brudenell family, however, that makes it an especially compelling recommendation.

This month, we’ve sent along Tilly Wilkinson to find out just what that quality is...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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- GARDENS -

Proverbially, an Englishman’s home is his castle. It certainly appears to be the case for Robert Brudenell who lives at Deene Park, on the border of Northamptonshire, with his wife Charlotte and their son William.

The crenellations of Deene Park certainly evoke that feeling, though the house has evolved through successive remodelling during medieval, Tudor and Georgian periods. It is a property which has evolved over time, as indeed have the gardens, which is a labour of love currently under the stewardship of just two gardeners.

Andrew Jones has been Head Gardener at Deene Park for 15 years, having previously studied horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and working across the country at some beautiful English country gardens.

A walk down his path leads him straight to the office, living in the centre of Deene Park’s grounds in ‘The Gardener’s Cottage.’

Andrew loves his job and loves the country house that he lives and works in.

“It’s a traditional English country garden with a very large formal area to the south and more relaxed, informal planting as you move further away from the house,” says Andrew.

“There are a couple of themed gardens we’ve created like the Golden Garden and the White Garden, there are a lot of woodland areas and wildflower meadows, and long herbaceous informal borders around the garden.”

Andrew provides tours of the garden which is open everyday except Saturday and Monday until September. Deene Park host garden events too throughout the summer.

“The garden is driven by the seasons and it’s a constant job simply keeping on top of it.

There are new projects we sometimes work on and introduce like the themed gardens, but most of what I do is general maintenance... which is a big job when you consider the acreage of Deene Park. Currently we’re in the process of deadheading all of the flowers.”

Deene Park was also open for the National Gardens Scheme. When we visited in June, the garden had enjoyed the open day for charity a couple of weeks before. Andrew provides tours on the day, tea and cake is served in the tea rooms, and plants are sold in the shop.

“If you were to visit the garden in August, the borders will be full of hollyhocks, salvias and verbascums, and the pots and urns look

“If you were to take up our recommendation and visit the garden in August, you’ll find the borders full of hollyhocks, salvias and verbascums...”

Above: Andrew in the formal gardens of the 10,000 acre agricultural estate.

Top: The ‘teapot topiary’ for which the stately home is justly renowned.

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- GARDENS -

their best at this time of year. The gardens look good all year round, they are just different every season.”

“In February there are acres of snowdrops, then the garden welcomes spring bulbs, hyacinths, tulips and daffodils. Later on irises start to flower, then geraniums, roses, then lavender, until you’re back round to August. Many features of the garden don’t change and yet still look good all year.”

“For example, the formal parterre at the south of the property, the best part of the garden in my opinion, looks fantastic whether it’s full of flowers or whether it’s coated in snow.”

“The parterre does require the most amount of work, but it’s definitely worth it. We have some interesting topiary in this garden like the ones shaped like teapots, and there’s a pergola in the centre.”

“The parterre area was introduced in the 1990s, and Andrew describes it very much as a 20th century country garden...”

The Property had famous gardens in the 18th and 19th century but the ravages of WWII laid most of it to grass. The gardens we see today were designed in the 60s.

The home and gardens have constantly been changed and updated from then on.

The parterre was introduced in the 90s, and Andrew describes it very much as a 20th century country garden, so it is fairly modern in comparison to the home, which evolved from the Domesday Book onwards. The Brudenell family moved into the house in 1514 and have lived there ever since, recently celebrating 500 years at Deene Park. n

Top: The Brudenell family.

Opposite Page: A view of the formal topiary garden from the second floor of the house.

Find Out More: Deene Park Garden is open Tuesday to Friday, 11am4pm. Last admission 3pm.

Admission £6/adult£3/children.

Corby Northamptonshire NN17 3EW. Call 01780 450278 or see www.deenepark.com.

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N E D R GA

S D PO AVE HEN | MAN-C | OUTDOOR KITC M | GY S LETION, ION TO COMP WRITING ROOM FROM INCEPT ITY

N AND ELECTRIC WITH INSULATIO OUND USE FOR ALL-YEAR-R

01775 712398 www.fusionhomeimprovements.co.uk

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n e d r a G e In Th FIVE JOBS FOR AUGUST AUGUST IS A GREAT MONTH TO ENJOY YOUR GARDEN, AND THERE’S STILL TIME TO IMPROVE YOUR LAWN, AND ADD COLOUR TO BORDERS...

1. On a Stake Out Harvest your fruit trees this month, and in the process, tidy up your strawberry plants, removing any old straw from the ground and checking for any nasty pests or diseases. If you have a glut of fruit, it can be frozen and enjoyed later in the year.

2. Losing Your Head This is the month to prune climbing and rambling roses, and to deadhead both bedding and perennial plants. Roses should look great this month - David Austen’s Queen of Sweden heritage variety is pictured here.

3. Salad Days

5. Transform Your Lawn

Enjoy a fresh cool salad from your garden, pinching out their tops to ensure continued growth. Feed with a product specially designed for tomato plants, and harvest other salads, watering all of your crops well throughout the long hot summer months, and cutting back herbs.

If your lawn has seen better days, there’s an easy way to transform it with specialists Lawnmaster’s Ian Stephens.

The firm went to this lawn in April, after owners declared it in need of a little TLC. Three weeks after the firm’s scarifying, top dressing and seeding, the pictured result was a thicker, greener looking lawn, which will also prove healthier in the long term.

The firm’s Regener8 service offers a simple all year sound ‘just make it look good’ service for lawns anywhere in the county.

Call 0800 326 5015 or see www.lawnmaster.co.uk.

4. Growing Wild If you’ve a wildflower meadow, this is the time to strim or mow it to spread the seeds. Seeds can be ordered now for Autumn delivery, and planted in spring next year to encourage bees and butterflies into your garden.

n Our recommended Rutland Garden Centres are Gates Nurseries, Cold Overton, 01664 454309, www.gatesnurseries.co.uk, and Downtown Garden Centre at Downtown, Gonerby Junction, Grantham 01476 590239.

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2.

COMFORT & STYLE

In The Garden

1.

3.

1. Amber 6 Seater Dining Set, RRP £2,099; was £1,449 now £1,159.

2. Water Feature Kelkay Garda Falls £359.

3. Daybed Monte Carlo Shell, £999.

4. Bay Tree Laurus Nobilis 3/4 Twisted Stem Ball, £95.99.

5. Firepit La Hacienda Alpha with Cooking Grill £299 6. Corner Set Maui Collection, £2,399.

7. Ride-On Tractor Mountfield 1636H £2,199.

8. Barbecue Napoleon Prestige Pro 665 Series gas powered, eight burners £2,995 All of our featured Items are available from Downtown Garden Centre, Grantham Gonerby Moor, A1 Grantham NG32 2AB, Tel: 01476 512333, www.oldrids.co.uk.

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Nature

NOTES

Changeable weather and an impending harvest sees a time of transition in the natural world. Which species should you watch out for in August?

August is a strange month in the natural world. We’re never quite sure what the weather will bring, and there’s a sense of a calm before the storm as one season rolls into another.

It’s a quieter time for some of our bird species, as cuckoos have gone and swifts are just leaving. Native birds tend to skulk in the undergrowth and as the breeding season comes to an end; some start to flock.

Elsewhere in the county though, the county’s feathered population is making its presence felt rather more. Take the ospreys returning to Rutland, for example, or lapwings gathering on Lincolnshire nature reserves.

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Starlings, too, can be seen from this month, gathering on telegraph wires and other similar places.

It’s a good idea to keep your binoculars handy to spot the area’s more unusual bird species. Keep them handy, too, if you’ve a garden with a decent number of wild flowers.

If you’ve been canny enough to preserve an area of your garden for wild flowers, and if the weather remains fine, you’re likely to see a large profusion of butterflies and bees in the garden, a last stand against the impending coming of autumn. Whilst we’re all hoping for high temperatures, if they should fall, expect to see a

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- NATURE -

WHAT’S ON IN THE NATURAL WORLD Osprey Family Day: 2nd August

Lyndon Visitor Centre, Rutland Water Children will get to spend the day as a Rutland Osprey, with their very own ring, and migrate through the reserve to Africa (Waderscape hide!). There will be games and activities to complete along the way.

Dawn Osprey Cruise: 7th August Whitwell Harbour, Rutland Water One of the most exciting ways of seeing Ospreys at Rutland Water is to take a guided trip with members of the project.

Plant Lover’s Day: 14th August

Barnsdale Garden, Exton A special day of informal walks and talks hosted by Radio 4’s Matthew Biggs.

Free with Garden admission: adult £8, concession £7.

Birdfair: 19th-21st August

Egleton, Rutland Regarded as the birdwatchers’ Glastonbury, see our feature in this edition.

Above: Swallows are one of the bird species heading abroad for winter this month.

Opposite: Head out on a bat walk this month and find out more about these much maligned creatures.

wide range of fungi as the warm temperatures of summer and autumn dampnesd provide a perfect storm of mycology friendly conditions. Look out for mushroom foraging courses nearby, and only ever go on guided tours with experts since many of the mushroom and toadstool species around the county are highly toxic.

Look out, too, for bats. August usually sees the county’s bat groups hosting evening walks with introductory talks about these fascinating - and much maligned creatures.

With the county show season finished and the farming industry’s Cereals event - this year held in

Cambridgeshire - now over, farmers are watching their crops turn from green to golden yellow, and soon the county’s combine harvesters will be rolling out around the county. Accordingly, many rats and mice will be fleeing newly cut fields, with their cover diminished and food sources compromised.

At the time of writing, it’s unclear how the ramifications of our exit from the EU will affect British farmers - who have historically benefited from €3.1bn (£2.4bn) worth of direct payments under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. CAP support currently makes up about 55% of the UK’s total farming income.

Batwatch: 24th August

Husbands Bosworth, Leicester Daubentons roost in the tunnel, and emerge along the canal. (It is not possible to enter the tunnel).

Vegetable Weekend: 20th August

Barnsdale Gardens, Exton The gardens open up the productive areas that are normally offlimits to visitors, with expert growers available to advise you on your own veggie production.

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A Country Wedding Photographer: Sarah Vivienne, 01604 671212, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

meet our COUPLE Anna is a solicitor and Mike owns his own structural engineering company.

They live in London. Anna and Mike met at the University of Warwick in their halls of residence; their rooms were opposite each other. They were friends within a group of friends for two years before becoming a couple. Their friends from university remain close and were involved in the wedding.

Anna grew up in Polebrook near Oundle and Mike grew up in East Sussex.

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The location of this month’s featured wedding is one of the county’s most beautiful estates. Exton Park’s manor provides a beautiful backdrop to a white marquee wedding like Mike and Anna’s.

Mike took Anna away for a romantic weekend in Paris and whilst they were there, he popped the question.

The couple knew that they wanted a summer wedding. They wanted to hold their reception in a marquee and began looking for outdoor locations. They discovered Exton Park and fell in love with it. They loved the views over the countryside from the location of the marquee and the lawn in front of the house where the drinks reception would be held.

Exton Park (www.extonpark.co.uk, 01572 812208) has a list of approved suppliers and Anna and Mike chose to use Stones Events for their

catering - they loved their food. They understood the theme of the wedding and they had lots of ideas about how the day could run. For example, they suggested a cocktail hour between dinner and dancing which turned out to be a big hit and one of the couple’s favourite parts of the day. Anna and Mike used Events and Tents for the marquee.

Anna bought her dress from Martin Charles bridal gallery in Oundle. She went shopping with her mum and sisters and had the most lovely experience with Martin who helped her pick out the dresses to try on. Anna wore the Diana dress by Raimon Bundo. She loved the floaty skirt and delicate lace which gave it a romantic feel. Anna went back to try it on several times before deciding that it was the one. Martin made sure that the dress fitted perfectly and his attention to detail is

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- WEDDINGS -

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- WEDDINGS -

>>

second to none. On the day, the bride felt so special in her dress and getting ready in the morning was a really lovely experience.

Anna has always loved pink, so she chose a summery blush pink colour theme. The bridesmaid’s dresses were from Maids to Measure and Anna had a lot of fun choosing them with her bridesmaids.

The flowers were very important to Anna and her mum. One of the reasons Anna chose a June wedding was because she could have peonies! Anna, her mum, and florist Miss Pickering created the displays.

The wedding favours were bottles of rhubarb gin, which Anna made with one of her bridesmaids and were bottled by her and Mike. They had personalised labels too.

The photographs of the day were taken

by Sarah Vivienne. She was so much fun and really easy to get along with and the photos really captured the special moments in the day and the little details.

The couple said their vows in Polebrook church. Anna’s dad walked her down the aisle, a very emotional experience for the two. Walking down the aisle to see Mike smiling at the other end was one of Anna’s favourite parts of the day. She had bought Mike a handkerchief just in case he needed it; he did! They had a string quartet playing during the ceremony and Anna walked down the aisle to Pachabel’s Canon in D.

The reception started with drinks and canapés on the lawn in the sunshine. It was a good chance for the couple to chat to guests.

After some photos in the grounds of Exton Park it was time for the wedding breakfast.

The speeches were another highlight of the day and they were in equal part emotional, funny and a little bit embarrassing for Mike!

For the honeymoon, the couple spent two weeks in the Maldives on a small island called Baros.

Anna and Mike say they had so much support and help from family and friends when planning and it couldn’t have been done without their help. Anna’s mum in particular spent so much time making the day so special.

All the suppliers did a great job and the couple were so pleased with how the day went.

Photographer: Sarah Vivienne, 01604 671212, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

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“For the honeymoon, Anna and Mike spent two weeks in the Maldives on a small island called Baros, and completed a diving course...”

Top: The marquee provided by Events and Tents in front of Exton Park.

Left: Anna and Mike cutting into their four tiered cake covered in beautiful pink flowers.

Below: The wedding favours were little bottles of rhubarb gin, made by Anna and a bridesmaid, bottled by Anna and Mike in their back garden on a summer’s afternoon.

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- SHOOTING CLOTHING -

A Fashion Shoot For Emma Brown, finding the perfect attire for shooting - warm, feminine and commensurate with the sport’s etiquette - was a real challenge.

As nothing suitable could be found on the market, the Rutland woman instead took up the challenge to design her very own range of stylish country clothing...

“I’ve waited long enough,” says Emma Brown. “I’m driven, and determined, but something has always held me back, or circumstances haven’t been right. Now though, it’s time to make it happen.”

not to people familiar with proper shooting wear. What’s more, it has none of the technical clothing characteristics that the shooting market needs.”

“That’s why, throughout my shooting, I’ve had to borrow Matt’s clothes, which are big and clumsy and unflattering... hardly feminine.”

We’re in the lounge of Emma’s recently converted country home in the village of Preston, which also doubles up as a studio in which Emma has designed a new range of clothing for women in shooting.

“I had resigned myself to the fact that aside from fashion brands that lack authenticity, and technical clothing brands which lack femininity, there was nothing that a ‘proper’ shooting woman could wear both on a shoot, when etiquette demands you look smart, or the rest of the time, for that matter.”

Tweed has been enjoying a renaissance for a couple of years now, and larger names have successfully led the way.

A lot of Rutlanders wear fashion tweed, and enjoy life in the country together with all of its trappings – the Sophie Allport oven gloves hanging over the Aga in the kitchen of a barn conversion, overlooking a kitchen garden with a Range Rover Sport sitting on the driveway.

Emma is a bona fide countrywoman, producing both fashionable country clothing, but also products designed for fieldsports. She was born in Knossington and raised in a family of guns rough shooting in the Leicestershire countryside. Her grandparents were farmers and Emma learned to shoot early, a skill which has remained with her ever since and which introduced her to husband Matt, whom she married in 2014.

Throughout her shooting life Emma has always been frustrated by a lack of clothing to suit women pursuing the sport. Sounds odd, given the recent popularisation of ‘country’ clothing, but therein lies the problem.

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“I’M SICK OF CLOTHES LABELLED ‘DESIGNED IN BRITAIN’ WHEN THEY ARE, IN FACT, DESIGNED HERE BUT MADE ABROAD...”

“I’m sick of High Street clothes and specifically of brands that profess British provenance when, in fact, they’re correctly if slightly slyly labelled ‘designed in Britain’ but are manufactured overseas. Without a more forensic examination of the description, you’re led to believe that you’re buying British, but that’s simply not the case.”

“The ‘country clothing’ of fashion brands may look the part to the untrained eye, but Above: Glorious 12th skirt with wine grouse lining and fishtail design to rear, £125, available in four tweeds.

Opposite: Waistcoat £130. Grouse scarf £49.

Dissatisfied with what was available, Emma decided that the only course of action was to design her own clothing… only slightly hindered by the fact that, by her own admission, she was terrible at textiles whilst at college.

“I left Catmose College and studied Art & Design at Rutland College, I loved the design element but wasn’t very good at textiles. It’s frustrating, because I had a strong idea of what I wanted to design.”

“Fortunately, I had a good friend who was more skilled, and she made a prototype skirt which I wore for a season of shooting in 2012. It was literally a wrap of tweed, stitched, with tails at the back.”

“It was technically suitable for the shooting season - warm and practical enough - but it looked good too, so I wore it for 2013 CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall. I had so many people approaching me and excusing >>

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- SHOOTING CLOTHING -

>> themselves for asking, but wanting to know where I got it from. I was taken aback by how much attention it received.”

“I mentioned that the skirt had received so much attention to one lady, a stallholder selling rabbit pelts, and she gave me the name of a manufacturer working in the clothes industry, suggesting I called her.”

The contact was based in Hampshire, a small studio headed up by Julie, who still works alongside two seamstresses and a pattern cutter. For obvious reasons, Emma is reluctant to give too many details away about the firm, but the company had previously manufactured for brands such as Hackett,

White Stuff and Browning before they went global and outgrew Julie’s operation.

“I plucked up the courage to call her and explain my idea. She was really supportive and served as a sort of agony aunt - she still does. If I’ve any design issues or can’t make something work, she’s always there for me.

I sent her the ‘prototype’ skirt and she ripped it to shreds, not in terms of its appearance or design, but in suggesting changes to facilitate better manufacturing, consistency and the quality of the materials.”

“Together we must have worked on six or seven further ‘prototypes’ before we achieved a design that we were happy with.

Having done my research over the course of finessing the design I came across a Yorkshire tweed weaver to replace a poorer quality material, and came up with a watercolour grouse which I had digitised and screen printed by an artisan producer, Alison Smart, onto better quality gold and wine coloured linings.”

Around 2014, Emma and Matt began creating their new home as part of Matt’s business, property developers Brown

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“I CAME ACROSS A YORKSHIRE TWEED WEAVER TO REPLACE A POORER QUALITY MATERIAL, AND HAD MY LINING DESIGNS PROFESSIONALLY PRINTED...” & Jones. Emma fell pregnant, too, with their first child together. As such, Emma’s designs, which by now had been christened The Glorious 12th, were put on hold.

“I’m not sure whether I lost confidence, or was just too busy, but what never waivered was the belief that I have some really good designs, ones that offered something really unique. If anything, the fact that I never lost a sense of fondness for the way the clothes look validates the fact that they have long term appeal, certainly for me, and I hope, for my future customers, too.”

“Julie kept in touch every few months and, encouraged me to revisit the idea, >>

Left: Emma’s range includes skirts, cravats and both fashion and ‘technical’ shooting coats. Below: Finessing a design on the mannequin. Right: One of Emma’s initial sketches.

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>> of getting them to market now that my daughter Boe is now a toddler.”

Emma debuted her range of clothing - a skirt with printed lining, skirt with lace lining, a waistcoat design and a coat soon to be available in both shorter and longer lengths at the Rutland Show.

It was the first such show she’d undertaken, and her appearance stimulated a few orders on the day and enquiries since. Between the Rutland Show and when Pride goes to press, she’s also launched her new website where women can order her products online.

“I’ve no capital and didn’t want to take out a loan, so we’re not keeping any stock for the moment. Making each item to order allows us to gain feedback on all of our new products. Our patterns facilitate sizes 8-16, with larger sizes on request as we have to tweak the pattern slightly.”

“We’ve a choice of two colours for our linings - wine and gold - and four colours of tweed, including a cloudberry green with moors maroon thread and a darker green.”

“I’ve also finished work on a shooting coat based on our existing design, but with the addition of extra waterproofing and a few secret features which allow more comfort for shooters when you’re at the peg.”

“All of our products are made from fabrics woven in the UK, they’re designed here, and they’re made here too. My mother worked in Leicester’s shoe industry, and I genuinely believe in reducing ‘clothes miles’ and supporting our own country’s textile industry.

Having them made abroad by workers who might not have our safe, ethical working conditions was definitely a big ‘no-no.’”

“I’ve received such wonderful feedback so far, and I’ve gone long enough without launching my range, so now’s the time to bring my products to the market. I’m really excited to be attending Ragley Game Fair at the end of July, and I’m taking my clothing to the Burghley Horse Trials this year too.”

“I’ve always been passionate about the countryside, and I’m confident that the ethos behind my range will reflect that.” n 132

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- SHOOTING CLOTHING -

“WE’VE A CHOICE OF TWO COLOURS FOR OUR LININGS – WINE AND GOLD, PLUS FOUR TWEED COLOURS...”

Far Left: Tweed scarf £52.

Grouse scarf £49.

Above: Shooting coat £call. Grouse scarf £49.

Top/Right: Head warmer £25.

Below: ‘Loader’ skirts with gold and wine lining available in four tweeds £125.

Not pictured is waistcoat £130.

Grouse scarf £49.

n Emma Brown is based in Preston, Rutland. Her Glorious 12th range of country clothing is now available by calling 07534 523638 or by visiting her website at www.glorious12thclothing.co.uk.

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BODY TREATMENTS

BODY HIFU • Single Treatment for targeted fat removal

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (LIPOTRIPSY) • For cellulite

CRYOLIPOLYSIS • Fat freezing • Permanent removal of stubborn pockets of fat

CAVITATION • Ultrasound technology for treatment of deeper fat.

3D DERMOLOGY • Radio frequency skin tightening • Lymph Drainage • Cellulite

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FACIALS

• RF Skin Tightening • Hifu Facelifting Treatments • Microdermabraision • LED Treatments • Acoustic Wave Mesotherapy • Peels

PERMANENT REMOVAL • Thread veins • Skintags • Keratosis • Cherry Moles • Plus many other skin imperfections *thread vein removal is by Thermavein and not 3D-Lipo.

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This Page: Bench khaki Bomber Jacket RRP £45, our price £30.

Navy Dress RRP £30, our price £20.

DESTINATION

SHOPPING

It’s no wonder destination shopping experience Springfields attracts over 2.3 million visitors each year. With more than 50 outlet shopping stores, free entertainment for families, cafés, restaurants and beautiful gardens, there’s a grand day out waiting for you in Spalding...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- FASHION -

Over 2,300,000 visitors each year can’t be wrong! Spalding’s outlet shopping, Springfields, attracts that many visitors each year, with more than 50 retailers, discounts of up to 75% at its great value stores, plus 25 acres of beautiful Festival Gardens to explore.

There’s plenty of entertainment for families from Jurassic Golf to Miniature Railway and Land Train, to a programme of live music and free live entertainment, not forgetting the great shopping, café culture and restaurants such as the newly refurbished Noshery Restaurant, which all contribute to ensuring a great day out!

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Opposite Page, Main Image: Next White Cardigan RRP £13. Pale Pink Capped Sleeve Blouse £10. Blue Jeans £14.

Opposite Page, Inset: the newly refurbished Noshery Restaurant.

This Page, Main Image: Marks and Spencer Heather wears Per Una Kick Flare Jeans RRP £39.50, now £28. Per Una Top RRP £22.50, now £15.50. Per Una Cardigan RRP £39.50, now £28. Necklace RRP £15, now £10.50.

This Page, Top Inset: Radley Kirton Road Handbag RRP £169, our price £84.50.

This Page, Bottom Inset: Marks and Spencer Victoria Scarf RRP £22.50, now £13.50. Coat RRP £89, Now £62.50. Top RRP £15, Now £10.50. Jeans/Jeggings RRP £22.50 Now £15.

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This Page, Main: Jeff Banks Casual Shirt RRP-£50, our price £35. Chinos RRP £50, our price £35. Blazer RRP £185, our price £129. Shoes RRP £95, our price £65.

This Page, Inset: TM Lewin Williamson Blue Suit RRP £279, our price £179.

White Shirt RRP £34.95, our price £30. Ties from £15.

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- FASHION -

This Page, Main: Jacques Vert Floral Shift Dress RRP £169, our price £99. Bolero RRP £129, our price £89.

Two Tone Fascinator RRP £79, our price £55. Clutch Bag RRP £69, our price £39.

Top: Roman Turquoise Dress RRP £45, our price £30.

Above: Radley Red Church Backpack RRP £229.00, our price £114.00. Grosvenor RRP £299.00, our price £149.50.

Ariane Purse RRP £39.00, our price £20.00 from Radley £call.

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- FASHION -

This Page, Main Image: Black Leather Jacket RRP £75, our price £50. Khaki Corporation T-shirt RRP £30, our price £15. Black Slim Jeans RRP £45, our price £30.

Top: Avendita’s Adult Hunter Wellies RRP £95, our price £54. Kids Hunter Wellies RRP £49.99, our price £29.99.

Above: Radley wellington boots, RRP £45, now £29. Coin purses RRP £39, now £27.

Umbrella RRP £23, now £16; from Radley.

Local Stockists: Featured fashions are from Springfields Outlet Shopping & Festival Gardens, Camel Gate, Spalding PE12 6EU. Call 01775 760909, or visit www.springfieldsshopping.co.uk.

Open Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm (8pm Thurs), Saturday 9am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

The Fashanne Awards

VIP Reception in the Guards Room at Belvoir Castle...

The inaugural Fashanne Awards hosted by Anne Davies, TV presenter, took place at Belvoir Castle last month with Judges Susannah Constantine, Susi Henson and Daniel Hanson, along with Becky Sheeran joining sponsors Next, Office Twelve, Stuart Thexton Jewellery and With Chocolate for a magical evening. A champagne reception took place in the Guards Room and counted amongst its guests, The Rt Hon. Anna Soubry. A catwalk show allowed models to show off creations by finalists from Loughborough, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, and Northampton universities. Dinner took place in the Ballroom where over 160 guests enjoyed a five course menu with a signature dessert from two Michelin Star chef Sat Bains. Guests had the opportunity to place an estimate to win ÂŁ1,000 of jewellery with the proceeds donated to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, A bespoke chocolate bar designed for Fashanne and the event was decorated with beautiful flowers, including a life-size floral mannequin by Sophie's Flower Company. n For more details on the winning students and all the finalists, go to www.fashanne.com.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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- HEALTH -

MAKE IT A

PAIN-FREE SUMMER...

Tinwell’s MSBT reveal an awardwinning treatment for Osteoarthritis that can be provided at the independent clinic right here in Rutland...

In Tinwell lays a clinic which specialises in the treatment of the award winning, German technology, MBST (www.mbst-therapy.co.uk).

MBST is the only successful treatment that works at cellular level to re-grow cartilage non-invasively.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects your joints. The cartilage that covers the ends of the bone to allow smooth movement at the joint gradually becomes rough and thin.

When osteoarthritis develops more severely, the cartilage can become so thin that it doesn’t cover the whole of the bone. This means that the bones will rub against each other and begin to wear away.

The main symptoms are pain, stiffness, swelling, and muscles surrounding the joints may become weak.

There are a few things that you can do to help manage the pain from arthritis. First of all, strengthen the muscles around the affected joint(s). Also aerobic, light impact exercise is very important. Reducing pressure on the joints might help; your footwear can help or hinder you here. Try adapting your day-to-day routine and knee braces and back supports can be very helpful but getting expert advice to get the right one for you should be taken first.

Warmth and/or ice can help, but remember to never apply either direct to the skin and only in 10/15 minute cycles, for example, ten minutes on, 10 minutes off.

If you are overweight then losing weight will certainly help you too.

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MBST is a popular treatment because if it’s used early enough, it can prevent the need for replacement joints and surgery if your osteoarthritis gets too bad.

MBST as said above actually regenerates the cartilage. This enabling you to be pain

free and active. MBST will also enable you to stop taking any pain management medication.

n If you would like to know how MBST can be used to treat your osteoarthritis then please email liz@cell-regeneration.co.uk or call 01780 238084.

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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Andrew J Musson Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT. 39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS

Tel: (01522) 520142 info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com

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A SHOW

OF HANDS A best-seller amongst other hand creams, the original L’Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Hand Treatment soothes, heals and protects hard-working hands from cuts, skin dryness and scrapes thanks to the use of antiseptic honey and 20% pure shea butter.

Nothing beats a divine L’Occitane hand cream, and this, we think, is the brand’s best £19.00.

g a b d n a H r e Summ

ESSENTIALS

2

5

OUR BEAUTY BLOGGER, JOHN ROHNAN-WHARFF, KNOWS THAT WHILST WE ALL LOVE THE SUMMER, IT PLAYS HAVOC WITH OUR SKIN... FORTUNATELY THIS MONTH’S HANDBAG ESSENTIALS WILL HELP TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE DAMAGE HIGH SUMMER CAN CAUSE...

3

SERVICE

SUMMERTIME LIP

Rescue dry lips with Clarins HydraQuench Replenishing Lip Balm. Cactus extract protects our precious lips from losing moisture, rose wax softens, providing a beautiful but delicate scent.

Lips are restored, nourished and kissable £19.50.

A HYDRATING SPRITZ

Replenish thirsty skin with a spritz of soothing, skin quenching ingredients, Aloe water and Gotu Kola calm troubled skin suffering from dryness and discomfort £22.00.

TRIED & TRUSTED CONCEALER Never leave the house without a trusty concealer! Estée Lauder iconic Double-Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer keeps imperfections hidden for 15 hours. Achieve perfected glowy skin with a must-have concealer £22.00.

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4

IDEA

A BRIGHT

Achieve that sublime soft focus champagne glow with Benefit Watt’s Up! This is a best-selling cream-to-powder highlighter which transforms your regular makeup look to a whole new level with a single tap on the cheeks, nose bridge and cupids bow, prepare to be amazed, from around £24.50

n John Rohnan-Wharff is a beauty and makeup blogger, who reviews and rates products at www.mr-wharff.com.

All products available from good independent local stockists unless otherwise stated, prices are RRP.

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To view and purchase photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Readyfield Bloodhounds Hunt Ball at The De Vere Belton Woods Hotel...

The Readyfield Bloodhounds Pack is one of the county’s newest hunts and held its end of season ball recently at Belton Woods near Grantham. The group was founded by Peter and David Boddy in 1980 and has enjoyed the skill of Graham Smith as its master since 2014.

The ball included a three course supper, including wild mushroom soup with truffle oil, slow cooked blade of beef and sticky toffee pudding. There were table games and casino, with a band and DJ afterwards too.

The group is based around Newark, and its 50 mile radius takes in territory in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. n For more information see www.thereadyfieldbloodhounds.co.uk.

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KEEP YOUR

WHEELS TURNING

With fuels and lubricants for tractors and other farm machinery...

01949 81019

or see www.e.org/fuels

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Fuels Division E (Fuels), based in Owthorpe, Notts., Heating Oils, Lubricants and Fuel Additives...

Domestic, Farm or Commercial use...

Delivery anywhere in the county...

SUN

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- MOTORS -

READY FOUR THE

ITS THE STYLISH, BEAUTIFULLY MADE AND PRACTICAL CONVERTIBLE YOU’LL LOVE COME SUNSHINE OR RAIN! THIS SUMMER’S MOST BEAUTIFUL SOFT TOP IS THE MERCEDES C-CLASS CONVERTIBLE, REACHING SHOWROOMS THIS MONTH...

Words: Rob Davis.

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Last month, in the spirit of summer we put the top down on a Mini Convertible. It was fun, frivolous, a great second car. Though it may have had four seats, it was hardly practical, with a pokey luggage space and not a great deal of room in the cabin.

Fortunately, for those looking at a convertible as a main vehicle, or for those who want something a little more practical, there’s another soft top option, the Mercedes C-Class, which reaches showrooms this month, based on the firm’s existing coupé model.

It’s an absolutely stunning looking car.

The coupé looks great, with a tweaked body compared to the saloon and estate C-Class it’s based on. Like the coupé, the soft-top version retains a full four-seat configuration, a usable boot and model-specific seats with deep wides and integrated head restraints

The convertible adds a multi-layer fabric hood that can be raised and lowered electrically even when moving, as well as a few tweaks to make wind-in-the-hair motoring more civilised.

An interesting point at this juncture.

The UK is, per head, one of the biggest markets in the world for convertible cars.

We buy more of them than consumers in countries with better climates than ours - in fact, we’re the second largest market for convertible cars in Europe, behind Spain.

Aircap is a little spoiler, hidden away at the top of the windscreen which deploys automatically when the roof is lowered, resulting in less turbulence. Meanwhile, optional vents in the headrests blow warm air on your neck if things become a little chilly.

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That means the C-Class, in addition to offering four good-sized seats and a sensible amount of boot space (360 litres, about the same as a Ford Focus hatchback), the convertible is also a fairly practical vehicle day to day.

The C-Class convertible is from launch with a 1.6 litre engine and two 2.0 petrol engines in different states of tune, as well as two V6 petrol engines with AMG badges. However, we’ll recommend one of the smaller of two diesel engines, badged the C220d.

As well as being fast and frugal, it’s available with Mercedes’s four-wheel drive, badged 4Matic. We say stick the to two-wheel drive version and opt for Mercedes’s nine-speed automatic gearbox. Performance and fuel economy shouldn’t be too different from the saloon, the C220d version of which returns

Above: The C-Class is a full sized four seater with a decent boot, making it a practical family car as well as a treat for summer.

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68mpg, reaches 60mph in 8.3 seconds tops out on the Autobahn or a track at 145mph.

With decent economy, and no need for any performance, we don’t see the point in opting for any of the firm’s more powerful engines, even if the diesel isn’t the quietest unit on the market.

Whilst the C-Class is available in Sport and AMG trims, the latter is more about larger wheels and more aggressive styling. We’d stick to the sport model with its softer, more comfortable ride.

This trim provides front and rear parking sensors, sat-nav, parking camera, electric roof and windows, heated seats, automatic parking and cruise & climate controls - a really generous amount of standard equipment.

If your budget allows, specify your C220d Sport with the Premium Plus pack which

adds electrically adjustable memory seats, a Burmeister sound system, mood lighting and an upgraded COMAND system.

The C-Class’s cabin is one of the most beautifully design and most solidly built of any car on the market. In the convertible it transforms a saloon car into a stunning grand tourer designed for practicality and comfort.

Add the optional Airmatic air suspension and a driver’s assistance package with adaptive cruise control and you’ve one of the most easy to live with sports cars on the market.

The saloon-based C-Class is excellent, and the coupé gave the standard car a stylish extra dimension. Now, the convertible adds even more desirability to what was already one of the best executive cars on the market today.

It’s simply perfect for summer!

Mercedes C-Class C220d Convertible

Price: £33,000 (Est; C220d Sport).

Engine: 2.1 four-cylinder 16v.

Economy: 56mpg (combined).

Top Speed: 145mph, 0-60mph 8.3 secs.

Equipment: Electric windows, mirrors, seats and roof, Artico artificial leather, DAB radio, parking sensors and camera, park assist, heated seats, sat nav, Bluetooth, cruise and climate control.

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YELLOW

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PERIL - MOTORS -

THERE’S A NEW AUDI IN SHOWROOMS FROM THIS MONTH. AND IT’S YELLOW. WHILST IT’S NOT EXACTLY CLEAR HOW THE Q2 DIFFERENTIATES ITSELF FROM ITS A3 AND Q3 BRETHREN, IT’S STILL CERTAIN TO BE POPULAR WITH FANS OF THE BRAND AND UPHOLDS AUDI’S REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND BADGE KUDOS...

Words: Rob Davis.

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Once upon a time, there was an IT manager. A nice man, working in a provincial publishing company. He was a man who dealt in programmer’s code, with whiteboards of ‘to-do’ lists and computer jargon undecipherable to the layman. Not an uninteresting guy, a nice chap, just a bit... technical, practical.

So we were all a little taken aback when his new company car arrived in our car park and was, one couldn’t fail to notice, bright yellow. Bright bright yellow, like a canary or a banana. Nobody could have predicted he’d order a car in that colour, it just seemed a bit wild and youthful.

And in fact, in time, we’ve all come to quite like it. It suits the make and model, and actually looks quite cheerful, fun, a bit anarchic. It’s a paint job which wouldn’t suit a sober-faced saloon car like Audi’s A4 or A6 but as a new colour for the firm’s soon to be released small crossover, it looks really good.

Audi’s nomenclature for car naming sees the prefix of A1, A3, A4, A6 etc., for its saloon or hatchback models, and Q3, Q5, Q7 for its SUVs. It’s a bit difficult to see where the Q2 fits into the range, being halfway between an A1 and A3 in size, but smaller than the Q3 you’d probably opt for it if you were seeking a small crossover.

Out best guess is that it’s a rival for BMW’s X1 and the Mini Countryman, but it’s still very much like a hatchback rather than a 4x4, and an awful lot like the A3. It’s so similar to Audi’s other models that we’re not entirely sure if the Q2 is distinct enough from Audi’s other cars in size or shape.

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That hasn’t stopped the firm from bragging that the car is an all-new class, never mind model, or car. A cross, the firm says, between a 4x4, an SUV and a coupé.

It’s an ‘all-round vehicle youthful and provocative in its styling,’ says the press blurb.

Certainly the car is trying to attract a younger audience, with the colourful paint job and contrast bumpers.

The car will be offered with a modest 1.0 three cylinder petrol engine, as well as 1.4 and 2.0 engines. Diesel options will doubtless prove preferable with their refinement and better economy. These will displace 1.6 and 2.0 litres, and will be available with both a manual and a seven speed automatic gearbox, and the car will be available in both two and four wheel drive variants.

The sweetest configuration is likely to be a 1.6 diesel unit with the firm’s excellent

Above: Audi’s Q2 is said to be a whole new category of car.

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automatic gearbox and Quattro 4x4 drivetrain, which also brings a new ‘four link’ suspension configuration, which as its name suggests, gives independence to all four wheels giving greater autonomy to each corner of the car and providing a better ride on rough back roads and farm tracks.

For a small car, the Q2 will offer a hefty quota of technology when it’s launched this month, with adaptive cruise control and steering assistance on motorways, crosstraffic assist to help when reversing out of spaces, and city braking to prevent read-end prangs in town.

It’s also well-connected with a wi-fi hotspot, a virtual cockpit - a computer screen, rather than dials, like in the new TT - and of course, smartphone connectivity.

If all that sounds a little gimmicky then be

reassured that beyond the bells, whistles and myriad technology, Audi’s values of a beautifully built cabin and rock-solid reliability will doubtless remain.

The Q2 will be offered in SE, Sport and S-Line trim. We’d avoid the S-Line because of its firm, sporty ride and opt for the mid-range Sport. Ensure you budget plenty for Audi’s extensive options list, which gives you the opportunity to create a custom vehicle with just the features you need, and for the inevitable bespoke styling options contrast roof, black wheels etc.

If you’re seeking a small 4x4 able to negotiate the county’s backroads and rutted tracks without being too imposing in town, Q2 could be just the model for you. It’s less sober than some small SUVs, a fun car that doesn’t sacrifice quality for style or practicality.

Audi Q2

Price: £25,000 (Est; 1.4TFSi S-Line).

Engine: 1.4 petrol, seven-speed auto.

Economy: 56mpg (Est; combined).

Top Speed: 130mph, 0-60mph 8.5 secs.

Equipment: Electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, DAB radio, drive selector, CarPlay/Android Auto.

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Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS

1. Everything payable is legitimate (7) 5. Addict vetoed dodgy ecstasy (7) 9. Keen to get a point for vault (5) 10. Preparing a regiment to shoot (9) 11. The way an attorney’s team give way (5,5) 12. Opening to make a small fortune (4) 14. Girl in a mood shows uncertainty (11) 18. Dodgy dealers land in strait (11) 21. Spoil a schedule (4) 22. Body of troops in reserve (10) 25. Advocate having street confined by blockade (9) 26. In fog duck gets damp (5) 27. One forcing payment from performer (7) 28. Rodents in sleeping quarters freeze (7)

DOWN

ACROSS

5. Pantomime character in a tight spangled costume (9) 8. Prison — steal (4) 9. Forming words with letters (8) 10. Annoy continually (6) 11. Tenant with a contract (6) 13. North Atlantic islands, part of Portugal (6) 15. Priggish (6) 16. Rest (8) 18. American (4) 19. Boastfulness (9)

DOWN

1. Easy victory (8) 2. Showy (6) 3. Confess (under pressure?) (6) 4. Flour factory (4) 6. Danger to animals or the environment from living organisms (9) 7. Instances (anag) (9) 12. Area where large boats built (8) 14. Egyptian riddler? (6) 15. Overweight (6) 17. Just open (4)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. A conservative asking price for buttonhole (6) 2. Parishioner put down fiancé (6) 3. In spite of having lifted trophy Labour leader makes retraction (10) 4. Painter departs and wise man turns up (5) 5. Stunt man died? That’s a ruddy disaster! (9) 6. Mood is part of aggressive instinct (4) 7. Turkey’s sick and hanging back (8) 8. Despite that has a air with bird (4,4) 13. Amber helps reform one uttering profanities (10) 15. Royal guard initially executes exploit when in drink (9) 16. Sweet girl introduced to expert (8) 17. I report a disturbance in the capital (8) 19. A sign, for example, mounted on a car (6) 20. Girl holds shoddy item to be work of art (6) 23. Bill’s free to be bitter (5) 24. Investigate fellow found stowing away in hold (4)

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