Rutland Pride March 2015

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STAMFORD AND RUTLAND RutlandPride

RutlandPride THE

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 £3.70

Spring Homes and Gardens in Stamford and Rutland

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

MARCH 2015

Spring Homes and Gardens Celebrating Mother’s Day in Rutland SPRiNG DiNiNG - FASHiON - FOOD & wiNe - weDDiNGS - MOTORiNG

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Spring is so near, and yet, at the time of writing, so far. As I look out of my office window, delicate flakes of snow are falling and we can only dream of blue skies and the first signs of colour in the garden.

ROB davis Editor, PridE magazinEs editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

When the better weather does emerge, I’m looking forward to spending lots of time around Rutland Water, whose spring events aim to reconnect families and nature lovers alike with the abundance of wildlife around the reservoir.

See www.rutlandwater.org.uk and don’t overlook what a wonderful resource we have on our doorstep.

This month we feature a few ideas for spring homes, and we take a look around a pretty cottage restored by the county’s Gary Homewood.

Elsewhere, we find out what’s happening in the area’s stately homes and historic attractions on our new Hidden England pages, we celebrate Mother’s Day, and we’ve fashions from Marc Cain.

RutlandPride STAMFORD AND RUTLAND

THE

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 £3.70

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

Spring Homes and Gardens Celebrating Mother’s Day in Rutland

SPRING DINING - FASHION - FOOD & WINE - WEDDINGS - MOTORING

This Month’s Cover: Thanks to reader Ken Hircock who submitted this month’s cover image of Exton.

If you’ve a stunning photograph of Rutland which you think would make a great front page, email it to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

If all that works up an appetite, we’ve another Eating Out recommendation, we enjoy Lunch for Less in restaurants across the county and we’ve wine recommendations from Oakham’s Haresh Khanderia.

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RutlandPride STAMFORD AND RUTLAND

RutlandPride

THE

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 £3.70

Spring Homes and Gardens in Stamford and Rutland

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

MARCH 2015

Spring Homes and Gardens Celebrating Mother’s Day in Rutland

SPRING DINING - FASHION - FOOD & WINE - WEDDINGS - MOTORING

With best wishes from the Rutland Pride team managing director and Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. general manager: ian Bagley. Executive Editor: rob davis. graphic designer and Customer Care: mandy Bray. it: Joe Proctor. accounts manager: sue Bannister. sales managers: zoie Wilkinson, Jayne Broughton. sales Executives: Liz King, roberta Hall, abigail Colley, Carissa Clay, Emily Brown, sami millard, Lauren Chambers, Emma Barrett, Hayley scott, Emily maplethorpe and amy Whiley. distribution manager: Paul dixon.

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.

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 30 42 83 98 116 122

march 2015

A round-up of News and events on our whaT’s ON pages, with information from around Rutland and Stamford.

What’s happening in hiddeN eNglaNd this month? Find out in a new feature with a roundup from our stately homes.

This month’s fOOd & dRiNk pages features dining out, an opportunity to lunch for less and wine recommendations from Oakham Wines.

Our hOMes section this month features Gary Homewood’s recently restored property, new kitchens and garden rooms for spring.

This month’s gaRdeNiNg pages see a visit to a beautiful spring garden to celebrate tulips, aconites and narcissus.

Marc Cain’s spring collection will prove a key part of your wardrobe, as we demonstrate on this month’s fashiON pages.

If you’re looking to ‘get away from it all’ this year, we’ve suggestions from a new independent TRavel agency in Uppingham.

Finally this month, we’ve a roundup of the area’s best schools and colleges on our eduCaTiON pages.

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County News

send your press releases and county news to: Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

rutland house prices ‘growing more rapidly than in London’ Price rises in the area surpass London’s, with good schooling and attractive properties just two reasons for the popularity of England’s smallest county..

Rutland’s property prices beat those of London last year with unprecedented growth of 19% reported in the national press.

Whilst average house prices are £279,000 nationally, the average price for a home in Rutland has reached £305,000, pipping London’s growth figure by a whole percentage point.

“Rutland is a very quaint county with pretty villages and towns, a nature reserve and great schools,” says Cheryl Farrow, of Murray Estate Agents in Oakham. “We do get a lot of people from the south

stamford travel firm is really going places with second branch in Uppingham... uppingham has a new independent travel specialist, with the opening of More Than Travel’s new branch in Uppingham last month.

Helen Dooley will head up the new branch for the company, which she and husband Richard began in 2010.

Both have held many senior roles in the travel industry before and say they love to see the world.

Later in this edition we’ve asked Helen to recommend her favourite destinations for 2015.

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stamford says Je suis Charlie in support of freedom of speech over 60 supporters demonstrate near stamford’s Eleanor Cross to ally themselves with national and international support for religious tolerance

moving here and either commuting to London or retiring here.”

“The area’s older properties are good-looking houses and they’re highly sought-after, so when one does come on the market, they usually sell very well and for a premium.”

Rutland’s good standard of living, proximity to the capital, good links to the A1 and excellent schooling have all been cited as reasons the county is held in such high regard. Stamford was also voted the UK’s best place to live

by The Sunday Times back in 2013.

stamford is not, typically, a site of demonstration and protest, but over 60 people last month gathered near the town’s Eleanor Cross to demonstrate their support for freedom of speech following terrorist attacks in France.

The silent protest was organised by the town’s Annie Hall, of the Stamford French Group, opposite the former offices of the Stamford Mercury - reputedly the oldest newspaper in the UK. Attendees held placards, left flowers in memory of those killed in the atrocities, and of course, declared Je Suis Charlie, whilst 1.5m French supporters and heads of state, including PM David Cameron, attended a concurrent event in Paris.

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County News

send your press releases and county news to: Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

new book to celebrate the history of oakham Castle... occasional Publications book published by the rutland Local History & record society now available from rutland County museum Oakham Castle’s archaeology is the subject of a new book with contributions from John Barber, edited by Elaine Jones and Robert Ovens.

a successful start to sacrewell’s next 50 years with record breaking visits...

Peterborough’s Sacrewell Farm - the William Scott Trust - begins its 50th year by celebrating record visitor numbers in 2014. Totting up visitor numbers, the charity discovered that over 90,000 visitors enjoyed spending time at the working farm, with its Grade II* listed watermill and activity centre.

The centre has been run as a charity since 1964 and covers 50 acres.

For more information see www.sacrewell.org.uk.

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the site’s history, but several problems ensured that the research could not be published until now.

The Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle have provided a grant which has enabled the publication of the new book, which contains material gathered by John Barber over 60 years ago.

The site is soon to be the subject of a £2m refurbishment, so it’s a fitting time for renewed interest in the Castle and the Great Hall, a fortified medieval manor house which is Grade I listed and was created between 1180 and 1190.

A keen archeologist, Barber was then master of Oakham School and carried out groundworks to create a detailed canon of research into

The new book, presented in full colour, is available for £8 from local bookshops, and from www.genfair.co.uk as well as Rutland County Museum.

17-year old Crawford celebrates four years in education business Creation of study aids four year ago has seen sales over five continents, helping others to cram for exams...

Oundle School’s Crawford Johnston, aged just 17, enters his fourth year in business this month, helping young people to score top marks in English exams. “It’s been an exhilarating journey so far.” he says.

Invited to present a workshop at the UK’s largest home education HESFES festival, Crawford’s Creative Writing Magic Money Cards attracted crowds of interest.

Recently, Mike Greene, star of Channel 4 television’s Secret Millionaire programme, meeting the schoolboy for a second time and listening to Crawford present on his progress declared, “I am increasingly impressed with your focus and business aims.”

Find out about Crawford’s study aids www.creativewritingmmc.co.uk.

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What’s On

Top: Scott Maley as ‘Freddie.’

Above: Being Boycie - actor John Challis in Stamford this month.

Top/Right: Simple Minds at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall.

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suPReMe queeN

siMPle MiNds

Performing at Peterborough’s Key Theatre on 27th February from 7.30pm, Supreme Queen have been paying homage to the world’s most theatrical and dramatic rock band, Queen, since 1995 and in that time they have had a huge impact on audiences across the UK, Europe and Asia.

Front man, Scott Maley plays an uncannily realistic ‘Freddie’ with just the right look, stage persona and, most importantly of all, the most incredibly powerful voice.

Scott is joined on stage by an enormously talented band including Nathan Mathers who brings all the electric guitar virtuosity required to play a very convincing Brian May. Their attention to detail is truly impressive and extends to their use of the exact same equipment used by Queen on stage in their heyday. Tickets £19.50.

Fresh from their renaissance and rightful reappraisal, Simple Minds released Big Music, their first album of new material in five years, last month. The group will also be embarking on a major multiple date UK tour in 2015, including a visit to Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on 31st March from 8pm.

www.supremequeen.co.uk 01733 207 239

www.demontforthall.co.uk 0116 233 3111

Jim Kerr’s 1980s supergroup will keep you Alive and Kicking with hits, including Don’t You (Forget About Me), and their 1980s Breakfast Club soundtrack, If You Leave. Tickets are £39.50-£49.50.

Also at De Montfort Hall this month is Anton and Erin with their Strictly-inspired dance show on 26th March. Tickets for the live dance show, with cameos from other Strictly Come Dancing stars, are priced from £22.50-£42.50.

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- WHat’s on -

iNTeRiOR desigN wORkshOP Based at Stamford Arts Centre on Sunday 8th March from 10am-4pm.

This fun and inspiring workshop will help you understand interior design and give you the tools you need to transform your home. Tutor Angelique Wisse provides the expertise, not to mention the course materials and refreshments. Tickets £55. www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk 01780 763203

COCkTails, CaNaPés aNd CaBaReT Enjoy Canapés and Cocktails whilst the Uppingham School Jazz Orchestra entertains you at Memorial Hall with the Big Band sounds of the swing era.

Directed by Gareth Lumbers and Andrew Webster. Tickets £15. www.uppthearts.co.uk 01572 820705.

aN eveNiNg wiTh jOhN Challis

Below: Anton and Erin Above: Big Band at Uppingham School.

Best known as Only Fools & Horses’s Boycie, John Challis visits Stamford’s Corn Exchange from 7.30pm on Saturday 14th March where he will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. Having worked with some of the biggest names in show business, he’ll be spilling the beans about Only Fools and Horses co-stars like Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst plus his friends, and fellow performers like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Oliver Reed and George Best. Tickets £15.

Also at the centre this month, Saturday Night Bee Gees, a tribute act paying homage to the 1970s and 1980s group with hits like Night Fever and Stayin’ Alive faithfully recreated. Tickets £18.50. www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk 01780 766455

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- HiddEn EngLand -

Enjoy spring in

Hidden England a new monthly feature in Pride this month champions the area’s stately homes and visitor attractions, who work together as the Hidden England group...

This spring is the ideal time to explore the area’s consortium of visitor attractions historic houses and gardens.

The group includes Belvoir Castle, Burghley House, Doddington Hall, Easton’s Walled Gardens, Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, plus Deene Park and Rockingham Castle.

“We’re working together because we believe it’s really important that we preserve and promote the area’s best attractions both for our own generation and for future generations to enjoy.” says the group’s Ray Biggs.

“Highlights this month include the stunning spring displays of Easton Walled Gardens and the grounds of the group’s historic properties, which are all wonderful venues for a spring walk.”

“Easter will see Belvoir Castle and its gardens reopen to visitors, whilst Burghley House opens its house and Gardens of Surprise from 14th March.”

“Lincoln Castle begins its Magna Carta 800th anniversary celebrations, in partnership with the adjacent castle, whilst Doddington Hall’s gardens will

open from February every Sunday from 11am-4pm.”

“There really is so much happening at all of the Hidden England partners, so every month in Pride, we’ll be reporting on events and attractions at each and meeting some of the people who help to keep the historic properties running.”

SpRing FoRwARd A trio of gardens in the Hidden England group are all celebrating the arrival of spring with a series of events for keen gardeners and novices alike... spring presents a magnificent opportunity to cure your cabin fever and cast off winter with a day out. it also represents the chance to see snowdrops, aconites and crocus in the gardens of Hidden England: n at a time when most gardens look sad, easton walled gardens, just off the a1 at grantham, looks magnificent in february and March with breathtaking displays of snowdrops. snowdrop week takes place as this issue of Pride goes on sale, whilst the beautifully restored 12 acre garden opens to the public for the 2015 season on sunday 1st March.

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n lincoln’s doddington hall opens on sundays from the middle of february until easter from 11am-4pm.

The hall’s wild gardens look especially wonderful, with drifts of lent lilies and heritage daffodils. n easter also marks the opening of Northamptonshire based deene Park’s gardens, with snowdrop week from sunday 22nd february to 1st March. its south and east facing gardens and Tudor parterre are especially impressive.

Above: Burghley House’s Gardens of Surprise open later this month.

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whaT’s ON

iN hiddeN

eNglaNd March and april sees most of the properties and gardens in the Hidden England group opening for business once again, and they’ve organised plenty to keep visitors busy this season...

How doES youR gARdEn gRow? if you’re seeking a glorious display of colour in your home and garden this month, an event hosted by florist Rachel petheram will help... a cutting garden will ensure you have a beautiful looking garden display but also an ample supply of fresh flowers to enjoy in your home all summer long.

Creating a cutting garden is easier than you’d think, according to the county’s Rachel Petheram who this month hosts her How to grow a Cutting garden course on Thursday 19th March at Doddington Hall, Lincoln.

The event will tell you everything you need to know to create a cutting garden of your own like a Victorian pickery - whether you’re a complete novice or a more seasoned gardener.

Notes and a tray of seeds are provided, as is tea & coffee, and lunch in Doddington’s restaurant.

Lecturer Dr Rachel Petheram is a tutor at RHS Harlow Carr, and was voted one of the top 50 florists in the UK according to The Independent newspaper.

The wedding florist grows all of her own flowers, she has featured on the BBC2 show Great British Garden Revival and has been growing cut flowers for over 12 years.

The course runs from 10am-4pm and costs £79/person. Call Rachel on 07758 730462 for more information or see www.doddingtonhall.co.uk.

BOOkiNg eaRly fOR BuRghley Tickets now on sale for Battle Proms - book your place in time for July event spring may have only just sprung, but already our thoughts are on summer, and one highlight of summer, in particular; Burghley House’s Battle Proms.

Tickets for the event have just gone on sale, even though this year’s event is not taking place until Saturday 4th July.

Going with a Bang: Tickets are on sale this month for Burghley House’s Battle Proms, which takes place every year in July.

This year’s programme will feature Napoleonic cavalry displays, a musical programme compèred by Pam Rhodes, and a rousing firework finale with a full complement of 193 cannons. Tickets are available from www.battleproms.com for £29.50/adults.

n sunday 22nd february doddington hall & gardens Just as Pride appears in shops, doddington Hall and save the date Events hosts a wedding fair at the civil licensed house, providing an opportunity to meet local wedding suppliers and have a look at doddington. n Tuesday 24th March lincoln Cathedral Professor nicholas Vincent visits Lincoln Cathedral this month to deliver a lecture entitled Who Wrote magna Carta. it’s the document’s 800th anniversary this month, find out more later in this edition. n sunday 5th april doddington hall & gardens Easter Crafts at doddington Hall, with 35 local craftspeople providing a great day out from 10am-4.30pm. n sunday 5th april Burghley easter egg hunt Follow a treasure hunt around Burghley House’s gardens of surprise, and collect your full size chocolate egg from the Easter Bunny. n Thursday 30th april Belvoir Castle Charity shoot 30 teams of four guns are sought to embark on a charity clay shoot, replicating a real day’s pheasant and grouse drive. includes champagne reception and late lunch.

Finding Out More: For more information on any of the Hidden England attractions, see www.hiddenengland.org.

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Milking Nook, Cambridgeshire

£499,995

Stretton, Rutland

£350,000

Excellently located, this charming country cottage is set in delightful grounds bordering open countryside and yet is just a short drive to the centre of Peterborough. Combining period charm with contemporary style and modern fittings the house features period beams and a magnificent inglenook fireplace whilst the private gardens have mature trees, an orchard and are a haven for wildlife. EPC Rating: D.

An elegant, unique home set on the ground floor of Stocken Hall, an impressive Grade II mansion built in the seventeenth century. The spacious apartment features three bedrooms and bathrooms whilst the centre-piece is the stunning Drawing Room with sash windows overlooking the maintained grounds. Clipsham village with the renowned Olive Branch restaurant is just a short drive away. EPC Rating: Exempt.

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

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Whissendine, Rutland

ÂŁ700,000

Wakerley, Rutland

ÂŁ785,000

Set in an idyllic position bordering open countryside just a few minutes walk from the village, this attractive home offers extensive, flexible accommodation which includes the main five bedroom house along with a self-contained two bedroom Annexe. Surrounded by lovely private gardens, this is a practical, welcoming family home in a splendid Rutland location. EPC Rating: C.

This attractive village home built of local stone with a slate roof, has splendid views over surrounding fields and woodland. The house itself offers excellent reception space, a stunning Kitchen & Breakfast room and a sunny Conservatory opening to the pretty cottage garden, whilst there is the further benefit of a charming self-contained one bedroom cottage and a large studio office above the double garage.

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www.mooresestatagents.com/countryandequestrian 25 S 3. RE AC

5 ES R AC

GRANGE HOUSE, THISTLETON

GUIDE PRICE £715,000

Approximately 5 acres of landscaped gardens, orchard and three separate paddocks.

Briefly comprising of: The ground floor, entrance vestibule, reception hall, sitting room, dining room, study, breakfast kitchen, utility room, side lobby with boot room, WC and store. To the first floor there is a master suite with dressing room having quality Shortland furniture and an en-suite bathroom. There are three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

S R G W FA HIN VIE C IDE A RE RYS T UN CO

HATTON LODGE, BULWICK

GUIDE PRICE £775,000

Recently restored Georgian residence situated within grounds and paddock of approximately 3.25 acres. Enjoying far-reaching views across open countryside over the Lincolnshire Wolds. The Old Vicarage provides well-proportioned and beautifully presented living accommodation whilst incorporating original features. Accommodation comprises; Dining hall, study, cloakroom, sitting room, drawing room, kitchen breakfast room, utilty, pantry, five good sized bedrooms, two of which are en-suite and a family bathroom. On the second floor is a further bedroom plus an attic room.

5 1. ES R AC

OFFERS OVER £799,995

Set on its own private, substantial plot, this detached stone property boasts far reaching countryside views from all aspects. The property has been designed and furnished to a high standard combining modern and character features with working fireplace and alongside a state of the art kitchen. The accommodation comprises, entrance hall, reception hall, breakfast kitchen, utility room, two reception rooms, study, cloakroom with separate WC, master suite with ensuite and dressing room, three further bedrooms, one with ensuite, and a family bathroom. Outside the property benefits from lawned gardens with further orchard, a private driveway and an integral double garage. Hatton Lodge boasts an efficient eco-friendly air source heat pump and rain water harvesting system as well as underfloor heating throughout ground and first floor.

ES M UD O CL RO E IN BED TAG 2 COT

THE GRANGE, LANGHAM

THE OLD VICARAGE, MARTIN

PADDOCK HOUSE, COLD OVERTON

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1,000,000

Substantial six bedroom stone family home with south facing aspects over its own mature private grounds of approx. 1.5 acres. Having well proportioned and laid out accommodation with large entrance hall, drawing room and family/dining room, living kitchen. A self contained area of the house gives a further reception room/play room with its own back staircase, bedroom and bathroom. The main bedroom has both en-suite and dressing area. A further five bedrooms, two shower rooms and an additional bathroom, make this a very practical family home. Separate driveway to stable yard with five brick built loose boxes and a range of outbuildings, stores and tack rooms and garden room.

45 8. RES AC

OFFERS IN REGION OF £1,000,000

Attractive character property with south facing gardens and a separate two bedroom cottage.

There is a large driveway with a courtyard, detached two bedroom stone cottage, triple bay garaging, workshop, six stables and a good sized barn. There is a small paddock area to the rear and a further five acres available to purchase by separate negotiation. The main residents comprises of: sitting room, dining room, farmhouse kitchen, study / snug, large utility / boot room, downstairs cloakroom, five double bedrooms, master with en-suite plus a family bathroom.

LAUNDE HOUSE, LAUNDE

GUIDE PRICE £1,750,000

With idyllic views overlooking Launde Abbey’s parkland, Launde House provides substantial family accommodation. Set in its own 8.45 acres, with a separate driveway into its own stable yard this home has been sympathetically remodelled to an impeccable standard incorporating both original and bespoke features. The three storey accommodation gives a teenagers suite to the top floor, leaving the first floor to have a master suite, with dressing room and shower room, three further double bedrooms and four bathrooms. The ground floor has an impressive sitting room with panoramic views. Further large family games room, snug, dining room/study, luxuriously fitted farmhouse kitchen with aga.

OAKHAM 36 High Street, Rutland LE15 6AL

UPPINGHAM 2 Orange Street, Rutland LE15 9SQ

STAMFORD 1 Sheep Market, Lincolnshire PE9 2RB

MELTON MOWBRAY 18 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1NW

LONDON 40 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NS

Tel: 01572 757979

Tel: 01572 821935

Tel: 01780 484555

Tel: 01664 491610

Tel: 0207 8390888

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1 HALL GARDENS, UPPINGHAM

A substantial Grade II* Listed stone and slate house set in secluded and private town gardens.

GUIDE PRICE £895,000

• Entrance hall • Drawing room • Study • Dining room • Kitchen breakfast room • Utility room • Cloakroom • Five bedrooms

• Family bathroom • Ensuite bathroom • Ensuite shower room • Gardens • Double garage • Workshop • Cellar

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NORTH LUFFENHAM

Asking Price £999,000 A fine 17th Century Grade II Listed property which has been extensively refurbished and updated to present a beautifully finished country residence, offering substantial accommodation with 5 Reception Rooms, 5 Double Bedrooms (2 of them en-suite), further ancillary accommodation, great potential to convert second floor, garaging and gardens.

COLD OVERTON

CLIPSHAM

Asking Price £870,000 EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY with approximately 16.50 acres of grassland set in a stunning rural location and comprising detached four-bedroom house requiring general internal upgrading, various outbuildings, stables and barn. The property offers a rare chance to acquire a substantial stone property with land in this picturesque and convenient location.

STAMFORD

WING

WEST DEEPING

Asking Price £530,000 Detached house on a small development providing well-appointed accommodation enjoying countryside views and providing following accommodation: Reception Hall, Cloakroom, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Living Kitchen, Utility Room, Study, four Bedrooms (2 of them En-suite) and Bathroom.

Outside: double Garage and beautifully landscaped garden.

Guide Price £635,000 A 18th century property with approx. 0.50 acres of gardens and grounds offering character accommodation with 3 Reception Rooms and 5 Bedrooms (Master with En-suite). Adjoining main house is a two storey stone Workshop (previously stabling) with an independent entrance providing potential for conversion into further accommodation STPP.

Asking Price £550,000 Delightful period 17th century townhouse on one of Stamford's quaint cobbled streets, once featured in Middlemarch. With character in abundance, accommodation briefly comprises: Garden Room, Lounge/Diner, Kitchen, Utility/WC, three Bedrooms (2 of them with Dressing Rooms and En-suites). Outside: Garage and walled rear courtyard garden with outbuildings.

Asking Price £1,250,000 A unique, beautiful Grade II* Listed property within approx. 12 acres of magnificent gardens and grounds, with a superb range of outbuildings and ancillary accommodation. Accommodation briefly comprises: Entrance Hall, Kitchen, Dining Room, Shower Room, Drawing Room, Study, Master Bedroom with En-suite, four further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom.

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0

er n g

2 The Square, South Luffenham A Charming Stone Village House Set in Delightful Landscaped Gardens

GUIDE

£695,000

• 3 Reception Rooms • Breakfast Kitchen, Utility Room • 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms • Double Garage and Parking • Extensive Private Gardens

0

d s: s

0

d y m

Oundle Mill, Oundle A Fantastic Grade II Listed Limestone Mill Building Offering Opportunities for a Variety of Uses -subject to planning permission

GUIDE

£1,475,000

• Former Restaurant / Boutique hotel • Planning consent for accommodation • Existing ability to seat 90 • Existing commercial kitchen space • In all approximately 3.3 acres

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- ProPErtY -

Stamping Down

The Cost of property recent changes to stamp duty mean that purchasing a residential property is now even easier and more affordable. Julian Crowle of smith Partnership which covers stamford and Rutland the area’s leading East midlands firm, as recognised by the Legal 500, talks about the recent reduction in stamp duty and how it might help purchases of property... just in time for spring is a combination of government initiatives expected to boost the property market in 2015. Home buyers and property investors alike will be able to capitalise on lower rates of stamp duty across an estimated 98% of property transactions, whilst forthcoming changes to pension rules are designed to allow a greater flexibility for people planning for their retirement.

The recent stamp duty tax reforms move away from the much maligned ‘slab’ system whereby property purchases were subject to payment of a tax at a single rate based on the purchase price. The changes mean that a marginal system is now in place, where tax is charged only on the proportion of the property price at the relevant rates.

The new system is being hailed as fairer by many commentators.

There is still no stamp duty charged on properties costing less than £125,000, but now there is a 2% charge on the part of the purchase price between £125,000 and £250,000, and 5% on the value of the property over £250,000.

So, stamp duty on a property costing £240,000 under the new system would therefore be reduced by £100 to £2,300,

However, from April 2015, it is widely anticipated that those over the age of 55 will be able to take out as much or as little as they wish from their pension pots as cash lump sums, subject to tax. This would mean that there will no longer be a requirement for pensioners to purchase an annuity to provide an income for their retirement, leaving them free to invest their pension pots in other ways.

It’s likely that many will consider using their pension savings to purchase buyto-let properties. Investment properties can offer the potential for attractive rental income, together with the flexibility to resell or pass on the property in the future, something not always possible with annuities. It could be, therefore, that 2015 may herald the dawn of the pensioner landlord era!

“From April 2015, those over the age of 55 will be able to take out lump sums from their pension pots to invest in property...”

Previously, whilst no stamp duty was payable on properties costing less than £125,000, purchasers paid 1% tax on properties costing between £125,000 and £250,000.

Properties selling for between £250,000 and £500,000 attracted a charge of 3% of the whole purchase price. So, the tax payable on a property costing £240,000 would be £2,400, whereas the tax payable on a property costing £260,000 would jump to £7,800. Properties costing over £500,000 would be charged at 4% of the selling price.

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but a property costing £260,000 would be taxed at £2,300, a saving of some £5,500.

The 5% tax applies to properties costing up to £925,000, meaning stamp duty savings for most house purchasers, with higher rates again being charged for properties worth over £925,000.

The new pension rules are still being finalised, and you should always seek guidance from a qualified financial advisers before making any changes to your pension arrangements.

n whether you’re considering moving house, or investing in property for the future, why not contact Julian Crowle at Smith partnership solicitors to discuss matters further? unlike most call centre based conveyancing centres, Smith partnership boasts a specialist residential property team with fully qualified staff, able to offer a high quality service on a personal level. Julian specialises in prestige properties. please contact Julian on 0116 2472008 julian.crowle@smithpartnership.co.uk.

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quicker and easier conveyancing...

With 28 partners, 200 staff and eight offices, conveyancing is quicker and easier thanks to the team at smith Partnership...

The conveyancing team at Smith Partnership are based across all of the East Midlands and can be contacted at any of the eight offices that Smiths have in Leicester, Burton on Trent, Derby, Stoke and Swadlincote.

The team of dedicated conveyancers help thousands of people every year buy and sell houses across the United Kingdom.

The firm’s highly trained staff are committed to making the house buying and selling process as easy as possible and pride themselves on keeping you up to date regularly with the progress of the purchase or sale.

“The team of conveyancers understand that the process of buying and selling a property can be difficult and that the process can at times be frustrating.

Our dedication to ensuring the process is efficiently dealt with to your satisfaction is why so many of our clients return to us and recommend friends and family to use our personal and approachable conveyancing team.” says the firm’s Julian Crowle, Conveyancing Solicitor at Smith Partnership Leicester.

Call 0116 2472008 or visit www.smithpartnership.co.uk to find out more about the firm’s range of legal services.

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- motHEr’s daY -

Looking great with CoCo this spring... looking forward to a great spring & summer, Oakham’s CoCo have a carefully selected range of footwear this season.

Superbly comfortable shoe designer Paul Green, have a fantastic collection, from ankle boots & trainers to pumps & sandals. From K&S and Peter Kaiser we have a stunning selection of flats, loafers, wedges and court shoes, also a range of comfortable kitten heels with matching clutch bags available.

Wonderful woven espadrille wedges from Carmen Saiz and Pinaz and lovely, everyday flat and low heeled sandals from Esska. If you’re looking for something more dressy we have a selection of high heeled sandals from Lodi & French Connection.

To complete your spring look we have jewellery from Hultquist Copenhagen and gorgeous handbags from Abro (pictured). In a range of super soft suede and leathers in elegant neutrals and bright summer colours. why not treat your mum this Mother’s day to a CoCo gift voucher?

kilworth house hotel - the perfect place to say ‘thankyou’ to mum... kilworth house hotel is the perfect place to treat Mum to the Mother’s Day she deserves and show her how special she is.

An enchanting blend of Victorian opulence, fine food and contemporary luxury awaits, all set amid thirty-eight acres of landscaped South Leicestershire parkland.

To give mum a break from her own kitchen there could be nothing better than a wonderful Mother’s Day Champagne Afternoon Tea or Four Course Lunch. Both are served in the hotel’s stunning Grade II star-listed Victorian Orangery overlooking the parkland.

Feel free to explore the delightful gardens and woodland during your visit where there is an abundance of wildlife, or simply relax amidst the many antiques, artwork and period fabrics of the fine public rooms of Kilworth House.

For a truly relaxing experience give the Gift of Luxury and pamper Mother with one of our relaxing spa treatments.

Kilworth House features two luxurious beauty treatment rooms which are havens of peace within the tranquil surroundings of the Estate.

This is the place to enjoy a well-earned hour or two of pampering, from a soothing massage to holistic treatments such as reflexology or an Indian head massage.

For further information or to book, please call the Hotel on 01858 880058 www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

Mums will enjoy free admission to sacrewell farm on Mother’s day... if you’re looking for a way to treat your mum or grandmother to a day out without breaking the bank this mother’s day, look no further than sacrewell. on march 15th the farm and activity centre near Peterborough is letting mums and grandmothers in for free. the event coincides with the charity’s lamb feeding shows which take place every day. Come along and meet the latest arrivals including piglets, lambs and kids. if you’re very lucky you might even witness a live birth. our café, origin8 @ sacrewell will be serving hot and cold meals throughout the day and the new Playbarn offers hours of entertainment for younger family members, whatever the weather.

Sacrewell is open from 9.30am to 5pm every day; under twos can visit for free. Visit Sacrewell.org.uk.

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Outdoor living and hundreds of fabulous ways to say “thankyou” to mum this month...

Hundreds of superb Mother’s Day give ideas from names like Cath Kidston and Sophie Allport.

Garden furniture, barbecues and everything you need for comfortable outdoor living.

Brand new restaurant - see our feature in this edition of Rutland Pride.

Gates Nurseries

G A RD EN C EN T RE

Somerby Road, Cold Overton Oakham LE15 7QB 01664 454309 | www.gatesnurseries.co.uk Open Seven Days a Week

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- Food -

Quality Casual

Dining For those occasions when you’re seeking relaxed daytime dining, there’s now a great new option in the form of The garden Restaurant at Cold Overton’s gates nurseries. the new restaurant aims to provide the highest quality brunch, lunches and afternoon teas... whilst fine dining is all well and good, there are occasions when we seek a relaxed afternoon tea with friends, a bite to eat after a trip out on a Sunday afternoon or a family friendly lunch after a spring walk in the Rutland countryside.

There’s now a new option in Rutland suitable for all of the above; The Garden Restaurant, based in Cold Overton’s Gates Nurseries.

Don’t dismiss its provision of ‘gourmet’ burgers, fish & chips, amazing full English breakfasts and main courses as café food the new restaurant punches way above its weight by offering very high quality casual dining, with the best local ingredients and a robust menu of delicious favourites.

The garden centre was established in 1948 when Fred Gates - having worked as a gardener at the Rothschilds’ Waddesdon Manor, Sandringham House, then 30

Words: Rob Davis.

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Main: The new restaurant opened in early November and seats over 350.

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Left: One of The Garden restaurant’s most popular items on the new menu is its signature ‘gourmet’ burger.

Below: Crispy beer-battered cod fillet with chunky chips and garden peas.

“Customers of the new restaurant will expect food to be provided to the standard of the very best pub restaurants, with favourites like fish & chips that, if prepared well, can prove really satisfying...”

and especially during bank holidays.

The Garden restaurant has a capacity of over 350 but we were still completely full over the festive season.”

The new restaurant is located in the centre, on an escarpment overlooking countryside surrounding Knossington and Oakham.

Huge windows and a spacious balcony provide plenty of light, and the ability to dine outdoors in the warmer months.

This month though, a couple of huge wood burners, chunky reclaimed oak beams, Lloyd Loom chairs and oak furniture provide a rather more cosy environment in which to dine. There’s a dedicated function room, and an indoor play area for children, too.

Below: All of The Garden Restaurant’s cakes are made in house by the team.

Knossington Grange - purchased Cold Overton Hall’s walled gardens to set up his new plant nursery.

The nursery continued to thrive and expanded under Brian Gates and his son, Nigel Gates, the current owner, whose wife Kathy helped lead the team who have created the new Garden Restaurant.

It was more than 22 years ago that the garden centre built and opened its first tearoom in the grounds of the old kitchen garden. Back then, a garden centre restaurant’s remit was to provide a cup of tea. Kathy says she recalls how Nigel and his father remarked how they ‘hoped they could serve enough cups of tea’ to ensure they could justify the investment. They outgrew the initial tearoom and expanded five years or so later, before once again needing to increase the size of the restaurant.

“We wanted to replace the old 150-seater restaurant.” says Kathy. “It was so busy during spring and summer weekends,

Ultimately though, customers of the new restaurant will expect food to be provided to the standard of the very best pub restaurants, from ‘gourmet’ burgers to fish & chips - these are firm favourites, and ones that, if poor; disappoint, but if prepared well, will prove really satisfying. The good news is that customers of The Garden Restaurant definitely won’t be disappointed.

The new restaurant has enabled Kathy to work with Manager Gillie Thornton and chef Helen to improve the provision of food and make sure they can provide dishes which exceed the quality of many dedicated pubs and restaurants. On top of that, though, The Garden restaurant enables visitors to enjoy 32 acres of gifts, items for the home, country clothing, its cookshop and all of the items you’re likely to need for spring gardening projects, either before or after your meal.

Dining is by way of a single menu that offers a range of breakfasts, favourites like ‘gourmet’ burger, cottage pie, pie of the day, fish & chips and gammon steak, as well as

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Main: Another one of The Garden restaurant’s most popular items on the new menu is the Ploughman’s cheese platter.

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- Food -

“We’ve received so much positive feedback about the quality of the food, and the popularity of our afternoon teas has really surprised us...”

Also popular at the restaurant is a range of home made cakes and the restaurant’s afternoon tea - a tiered stand with home made mini-Victoria sponges, caramel & pecan cake and raspberry brülée cakes, plus scones and sandwiches.

“We’ve received so much positive feedback about the quality of the food, but it’s the popularity of our afternoon teas that has really surprised us.” says Kathy.

“They’re not too heavy, providing light, enjoyable dining and the chance to spend a couple of hours with a friend. There’s something really enjoyable about being able to sample lots of different bite-sized cakes too.”

lunchtime options from jacket potatoes, ploughmans platters, sandwiches and paninis. Local suppliers ensure the team is able to keep quality high, with Oakham’s Nelsons butchers providing meat, vegetables sourced locally and fresh free range eggs sourced from a local farm.

Being licensed, you’re also able to enjoy a glass of wine or bottled beers & ciders, or one of Belvoir Fruit Farms’s pressés.

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The Garden Room goes way beyond the remit of a garden centre restaurant, providing the same quality of food you’ll find anywhere else in Rutland, whether you’re seeking an afternoon tea, lunchtime dining or Sunday lunch - via a dedicated menu due to launch as Pride goes to press.

“We’ve worked hard to open the restaurant but we’re all delighted with the feedback we’ve had.” says Kathy. “It’s really rewarding to be able to welcome customers in and provide them with the kind of high quality food they’d expect from the county’s best pub restaurants.”

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Sample Dishes main CoUrsEs sausage & mash

£7.50

Trio of traditional Nelson’s Lincolnshire sausages, creamy mash, onion gravy and fresh vegetables.

Fish & Chips

£7.95

Burger

£7.95

Crispy beer-battered cod fillet with chunky chips, garden or mushy peas.

Own recipe home made burger, glazed with mature cheddar cheese, served with home made onion rings, chips and salad.

Ploughman’s Platter

£6.95

Choice of Stilton, ham or prawn platters with salad, coleslaw, and home made potting shed chutney.

aFtErnoon tEa tea for two

£17.95

Afternoon tea for two with finger sandwiches, fruit and plain scones, Cornish clotted cream and preserve, cakes and large pot of tea.

Find out more: The garden Restaurant, gates Nurseries garden Centre, somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham le15 7qB Tel: 01664 454309 www.gatesnurseries.co.uk Open 7 days a week 9.30am – 4.30pm.

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR HIGH QUALITY PUB RESTAURANT DINING Main Street, Great Bowden LE16 7HB For table reservations call 01858 463571 www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk

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Top: Chicken and sage at The Red Lion Inn. Above: Hambleton Hall.

Right: Ham Hock Terrine at The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham.

Lunch for Even Less and enjoy

diNiNg iN RuTlaNd Lunch for Less in rutland in march. some of the county’s most well-regarded restaurants have teamed up to offer great value dining this month...

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Rutland has some of the finest restaurants you’re likely to come across, from Michelin starred hotels to gastropubs and country inns, as the county-wide Lunch for Even Less promotion intends to prove this month.

This month, you can enjoy not only top quality dining but the taste of good value too, as eight restaurants partner with one another to offer a fine lunch at especially low prices, with a view to cheering up your spring and reminding you of what sterling dining opportunities exist in Rutland.

Lunchtime dining is offered by the eight restaurants, with two courses from £12.95 and a third course from £2.50.

The offer is valid Monday to Saturday with certain exclusions; just quote Lunch for Even Less when you book and enjoy exploring some of the county’s finest restaurants.

Brian Baker, chef patron of one of the featured restaurants, Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter, acknowledges that it’s a great opportunity for diners to reacquaint themselves with the county’s best restaurants, and also its finest pubs, those offering high quality food in a more relaxed environment.

“When diners visit the Marquess of Exeter, they want a more casual, relaxed experience; to be able to relax and enjoy a slower, more informal pace of dining, whilst still enjoying great food. That’s what we’re all about!” he says.

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- LUnCH For LEss -

where & when to Lunch for Even Less... n Hambleton Hall, Hambleton offering two courses for £24.50, third course for £7 until 27th February, excluding saturdays.

Call 01572 756991 or see www.hambletonhall.com. n Harts, nottingham out of the area, but a great venue if you combine lunch with a shopping trip or a visit to the theatre. two courses for £15.50, third course for £4, until 27th February.

Call 0115 9881900 or see www.hartsnottingham.co.uk. n Berkeley arms, Wymondham offering two courses for £12.95 or a third course for £4 until 31st march. Call 01572 787587 or see www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk. n Langar Hall, Langar offering two courses for £16.50, third course for £5 until 28th march. Call 01949 860559 or see www.langarhall.co.uk. n marquess of Exeter, Lyddington Brian Baker’s sublime pub restaurant serving two courses for £12.95, a third for £3 until 28th march. Call 01572 822477 or see www.marquessexeter.co.uk. n the olive Branch, Clipsham two courses at sean Hope’s michelin starred pub restaurant for £15.50; add a third course for £4 until 21st march; 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com. n the red Lion, stathern sister pub to the above, with two courses for £13.50 and a third for £2.50 until 28th march.

Call 01949 860868 or see www.theredlioninn.co.uk. n the Wicked Witch, ryhall two courses for £14.95, a third for £3 until 31st march.

Call 01780 763649 or see www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk.

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TheWineCellar Keep mum this month with a selection of perfect Mother’s day wines which will make perfect gifts, or exceptional accompaniments for a spring sunday lunch of roast lamb. the exceptionally knowledgeable harish khanderia of Oakham wines presents his recommendations...

Our Gift Subscriptions last a whole year

Remolinos vineyard Malbec, argentina, £12.95

The little Rascal arneis, New Zealand, £14.95

Pascal gitton, sancerre Rosé, france £16.49

jean-Marc Brocard Chablis, france £15.95

Reserve du Couvent, Château ksara, lebanon £11.95

A remarkable single-vineyard estate, this winery is state-of-the-art, having been equipped for the debut 2006 vintage, a wine of elegance and sophistication; seductively textured and freshly aromatic. Intense violet aromas and purity of raspberry and red fruit flavours.

Coopers Creek was established in 1980 with the aim of reflecting New Zealand’s outstanding cool climate viticultural conditions. A mixture of lemons, grapefruit, marmalade, peach and feijoa on the nose.

The palate is rich and textural with stone fruit character and good length.

Established in 1945 by Marcel Gitton, this domaine today covers around 27 hectares in the region’s best areas.

Each vineyard is vinified without the use of artificial yeast or enzymes.

Pale pink, crisp and refreshing, combining the berry fruit of Pinot Noir with Sancerre elegance.

80 of Domaine JeanMarc Brocard’s 200 hectares are biodynamic.

The approach is one of minimal intervention; cultivation is practically organic throughout.

The results are pure, unadorned expressions of the great chalk slopes of Chablis. Structured, crisp and delicious.

Château Ksara is Lebanon's oldest and now its largest winery. A blend of Syrah, and Cab Sav, this flagship wine has a complex aroma of cloves, vanilla and mulberry.

On the palate it shows an abundance of blueberry fruit with supple tannins.

Ideal with Red Meat & Game.

every single month in 2014!

Each of our wines have been recommended by Harish Khanderia of oakham wines - visit Harish on High Street, oakham LE15 6AH. Call 01572 757124 or visit www.oakhamwines.co.uk to have high quality wines from Rutland’s leading independent retailer delivered right to your door or to a recipient anywhere in the uK. 41

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- HomEs -

A Farmhouse Space

Odyssey a pretty farm house on the border of stamford is a real space odyssey, with plenty of room for growing families. this month, gary and Karen Homewood reveal the results of a renovation that’s been 16 years in the making...

Words: Rob Davis 43

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- HomEs -

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when the children grow up, most couples downsize, opting for a property that’s a little more manageable. Not so with Gary and Karen Homewood. They’re beginning a new life as hoteliers in one of the UK’s most iconic country house hotels, Glewstone Court. As the last of their belongings were carefully loaded into the removals lorry, the couple contemplated leaving the house they have lovingly renovated and styled for the past 16 years.

“It was owned by a farmer and was sound, but needed lots of TLC to create a family home with a warm welcoming feel...”

“I’m originally from Kent, but worked in the food industry for a number of years, travelling all over the UK.” says Gary.

“I’d visited Stamford & Rutland and thought what a lovely area it was. I moved here to be based centrally and to take advantage of the excellent schools.”

set in around a third of an acre of grounds.

The family found their pretty 17th century Grade II listed former farmhouse and moved to the area, renovating it and maintaining its look and feel ever since. It’s now a beautifully modern family home with five bedrooms and three reception rooms, Above/Main: The couple renovated an inglenook fireplace in the main drawing room, and the flagstones and open fireplaces in the other rooms.

“We replaced the wiring, plumbing and heating system when we moved here, so it’s like a modern house, but with beautiful traditional features.” says Gary.

The couple have one son and two daughters, aged between 13 and 26 and wanted a home that was functional and modern with plenty of space, but also lots of character.

“It was owned by a farmer and was structurally sound, but needed lots of TLC. We wanted to create somewhere with a warm, homely feeling.”

They’ve helped to retain and introduce more period features with the refurbishment of oak beams and solid oak panelling in the 45

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- HomEs -

house and the renovation of an inglenook fireplace in the main drawing room, as well as a new farmhouse kitchen created by Stamford firm Knotbox.

The property has a large entrance hall with a beautifully restored settle painted in an arsenic green colour, and a spiral staircase down to a cloakroom.

A dining room and drawing room is divided into two separate areas with flagstones, a spiral staircase to the master bedroom suite hidden away in the corner.

A family room just off the breakfast kitchen is slightly more modern and features a cream and lilac colour scheme, with bespoke media centre and bookshelves.

Everywhere, bespoke window dressings by Hunters Interiors of Stamford and furniture from Homes of Elegance and Laura Ashley create the kind of comfy, family feel that you’d expect from a house of such character.

Above: The property’s farmhouse kitchen features bespoke cabinetry, granite toppers, an Aga with electric companion module, butler sink and concealed appliances.

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“A family room just off the breakfast kitchen is slightly more modern and features a cream and lilac colour scheme...”

The kitchen’s bespoke cream cabinetry and granite toppers disguise the usual suite of built-in appliances, whilst a four oven Aga is supplemented by an electric companion module, whilst a separate utility kitchen hides the nasty white goods away and gives plenty of room for a farmhouse dining table around which the Homewoods can enjoy less formal family meals.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom suite features an en suite with reclaimed oak floorboards the size of railway sleepers and newly renovated roll top bath. There are two other en suites and two further bedrooms, whilst the second floor also has three attic rooms which could provide even more space for the farmhouse’s next owners. The master bedroom is especially impressive with wood

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- HomEs -

panels and mullion windows that have leaded panels, tinted to provide streams of sunlight imbued with gentle colour in the brighter months.

On the subject of space, a separate barn annexe provides a kitchenette and shower room. With underfloor heating it has proven handy in the past for accommodating teenage sleepovers and visitors over the festive season.

“There’s loads of room for the family which has been handy as they’ve all grown up.” says Gary. “It’s not just inside, either.

The plot the house is situated on has allowed us to create a walled garden with plenty of lawn for the children to play on and a terrace for family barbecues.”

“Later on, the space at the front of the house has provided plenty of parking for the

Above: The former farmhouse is set in around an acre and has gradually been extended over the past four centuries.

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children and their friends’ cars with space for seven or eight cars quite comfortably.”

The gardens are fairly low maintenance but still manage to provide a walled garden with Victorian planting scheme, lawn and an area for chickens or a kitchen garden.

With masses of space, a sympathetic renovation and the ability to create further bedrooms in the cottage too, the family say they’ve loved Wellington House, but they’re looking forward to beginning a new life down in Ross on Wye where they have purchased and renovated their hotel.

“We’re really going to miss the place.

We certainly wouldn’t have left the house unless our new business necessitated it.” says Gary. “On the other hand, we’re glad, too, that another family has the opportunity to put their stamp on it. It shouldn’t stand idle, and knowing what memories we’ve had here, we at least feel glad that a new family will have the opportunity to make similar memories, here too.”

Wellington House, Kings Cliffe, stamford Location: Six miles from Stamford, 12 miles from Peterborough and Uppingham.

Style: C17th Grade II listed cottage with C18th/C19th/C20th additions.

Receptions: Three, currently arranged as drawing room, dining room and family room.

Beds: Five with three en suites.

Other Features: Study, self-contained annexe.

Guide Price: £995,000

Find out more: Estate Agency: King West, St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 484520.

Web: www.kingwest.co.uk.

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- HomEs -

Cooking Up

The perfect Family Kitchen

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When tamzin Keenlyside and her family came to extend their village home, at the top of her wishlist came a stylish but hard-wearing kitchen that could withstand the rigours of family life, children and animals...

for a busy family, the kitchen is the nucleus of the home, and the Keenlyside family have been busier than most.

“We’ve spent seven months extending the house, beginning when my husband was out of the country on a tour with the military.” says Tamzin Keenlyside.

The family’s 1950s house on the Lincolnshire and Rutland border has later additions created in the 1980s, but this project was a chance to enlarge their home and replace the kitchen that had been the source of much dissatisfaction.

“We spoke to Intone Designs in Bourne, and instantly they were fantastic to deal with.”

“Laura just listened to us, and understood what we needed.

There was no hardsell, just good service.”

“The round solid oak breakfast bar she created is used much more than we expected...”

“It’s amazing how a good kitchen designer can introduce, or keep an eye on, so many little details in your room. There was lots of symmetry in her design when she created the first draft of her layout. Laura created a focal point on the island that we wanted, in just the right place to stand at the hob and see into the family room and the dining room, so it’s really sociable.”

“We wanted a small breakfast bar to sit at, but the large round solid oak place she created is used much more than we expected.”

“It contrasts well with Clamshell Corian surfaces which Laura recommended, which always look clean. We wanted a shaker kitchen, and were sold on the finish of the doors - there are no joins or gaps for dust to accumulate in - the whole room is really easy to keep clean and very practical.”

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- HomEs -

“We’re really amazed with how well it works practically, but we’re also so pleased with the way it looks!” says Tamzin.

The kitchen also integrates lots of thoughtful technology, from a steam oven which Tamzin says is great for baking, to a boiling water tap, a recommendation of Laura’s which is proving a very popular indeed.

“We’re really amazed with how well it works practically, but we’re also so pleased with the way it looks.” says Tamzin.

“The neutral surfaces work so well against the Oxford Stone and London Stone Farrow & Ball painted units, and the glazed dresser breaks up the number of cabinets we have.”

The kitchen is working well for the family and has already been tested to its limits, with the family entertaining over the festive season, and with her father’s 70th birthday.

“It’s also popular when I have friends around for a glass of wine. They were really envious of the built-in wine chiller and the breakfast bar which has now been renamed ‘the wine bar’ in honour!”

Opposite: Laura runs Intone Design, the Bournebased kitchen studio which manufactures its own cabinetry and hand-finishes its doors to create a truly bespoke kitchen. Opposite, we’ve shown a few more of the company’s projects.

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five kitchen ideas: designs from the family firm with 30 years experience and an eye for practical design...

30 years experience, a factory which fabricates all of its cabinetry and the keen design eye of Laura deaton means intone design, based in Bourne, can create a stylish, practical kitchen that will last for years. the firm offers full project management, co-ordinating all of the tradespeople you need to take away the stress of creating your new kitchen. Here, Laura looks at a few trends proving popular in Lincolnshire and rutland.

1. high gloss style: Providing both traditional and contemporary kitchens, intone created this cheerful bright red high gloss kitchen (left) in a modern property with contrasting glossy macassar wood finish and integrated plinth lighting.

2. Contemporary grey: the local family who commissioned this kitchen (top) with its silestone worktops were seeking an easy-to-clean handleless design that would provide as much storage space as possible, which Laura achieved with floor-to-ceiling slideaway cupboards.

3. farmhouse style: solid cabinetry, rounded doors, a mix of timber and granite worktops and integrated appliances bring this painted inframe kitchen, painted in farrow & Ball Tallow, (above/left) up to date, whilst a range cooker, wall-mounted plate rack and pull-out wicker baskets ensures plenty of storage.

4. shaker Kitchen: removing a wall between the old kitchen and dining room enabled Laura to create a stylish, modern kitchen, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath, with shaker doors (top/right). Corian surfaces and splashback and a butler sink ensure a premium feel, and there’s plenty of storage space with double-width pan drawers next to the hob and cooker.

5. a splash of Colour: This family created a larger kitchen by removing two walls to accommodate an island. They also wanted to inject a dash of colour into the room. This island, with rounded doors and its contrasting timber surface, is finished in red, matched to a shade the family had seen in a london restaurant - laura called them for a swatch to match it! it’s a dramatic contrast to the rest of the kitchen’s stone coloured cabinetry and timber splashbacks.

“A combination of style and practicality will ensure your kitchen is a great place to spend time...

find Out More: Intone Design is based on Cherry Holt Road, Britannia Industrial Estate, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9LA. Call 01778 393160 or see www.intonedesign.co.uk.

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A solution to every problem?

Finding your dream home and having your offer accepted is an exciting time for any homebuyer, but the road to exchanging contracts and completion can be long and difficult. Local property expert Kate Vincent discusses some of the challenges that buyers can face and how best overcome them.

Many home buyers believe that finding the right property to buy, and negotiating an acceptable price is the difficult part of the purchasing process, but for many this can be when the challenge really begins. As a property transaction progresses, legal enquires are made and surveys are conducted and a wide range of unexpected hurdles can materialise which stand between you finding the perfect property and securing it with legal certainty.

presence of these protected species can jeopardise a deal, as the legal provisions are not be taken lightly. However, do not despair if these creatures are found at your dream home or within its gardens. Specific measures can be undertaken by employing the services of professionals, such as a specialist surveyor who will survey the property and make recommendations of how to mitigate the impact of your plans.

listed properties

It is not unusual for older properties to have some of their historical documentation missing.

In these situations, it’s essential to take expert advice from your solicitor. Despite such circumstances often looking like ‘deal breakers’ there are certainly ways to protect yourself against any nasty surprises at a later date. Always be very clear with your solicitor if you have any plans to develop the property you are buying as this may affect their advice to you.

Acquiring a listed property offers both challenges and attractions. The existence of a listing concerns some buyers, who are fearful that this will add significant restrictions and bureaucracy to any plans that they have to change a property. Of course, if you are looking to buy a listed building you need to appreciate that the restriction was put in place to protect the look and structure of the building so this needs to be respected.

However, by taking time to understand how English Heritage work, by planning sympathetically and liaising closely with local conservation officers, modern and innovative improvements can built into the oldest of buildings.

Protected species The presence of a protected species of wildlife can be an unexpected challenge, particularly if you have plans to renovate. In some cases, the

historical paperwork

Overage Clause Some sellers like to build in an ‘Overage Clause.’

This is a means of clawing back some of the financial gains a future owner will generate, from developing part or all of the property or plot. It is therefore critical to gain a good understanding of the parameters of any such clauses early on, in order to avoid unwelcome surprises at a later stage. Where possible, negotiate these out of the contract at offer stage.

Kate Vincent

and finally… too much emotion Whilst buying and selling a property is essentially a business transaction, it is not only a major financial commitment, but also intensely personal. Emotions and personalities often come into play. Do remember that whilst your future home is a long term commitment, the relationship with the seller is not. You are not buying a new best friend!

If you are considering buying a property and would value support overcoming the inevitable challenges associated with finding, negotiating and completing a purchase, contact Kate Vincent for a commitment free meeting.

Garrington work on behalf of clients who wish to buy, rent or invest in property throughout the UK. They also provide a Negotiation Only and Overseeing of Sale service.

For further information or to arrange a commitment free meeting contact Kate Vincent at Garrington’s Stamford office on 01780 408 377 or email info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk 59

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Main: Manuel Canovas’s spring 2015 collection includes our featured curtain fabric, Coutras in indigo colourway; footstool fabric Marsanne in ciel; scatter cushion fabrics Grimaud, Duras, Nimes and Marmande; sofa in Royan, linen colourway.

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- HomEs -

BLUE many of the UK’s premium fabric houses have introduced indigo into their spring collections, and a few have paired the shade with lighter blues or ombre. Here, we provide some visual inspiration and advice on how to get the most from the county’s leading independent soft furnishing houses and interior designers...

Words: Rob Davis.

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alberesque and marlena are the newest ranges from designer’s guild shown here are chairs in melika chairs in ink, Pierretti curtains and sofa in Latea indigo...

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- HomEs -

winter may be on its way out, and spring just around the corner but blue shades are still featuring in many of the leading fabric houses’ spring 2015 collections.

This is traditionally the time that fabric houses like Colefax & Fowler, Sanderson, JAB, O&L and Designer’s Guild present cohesive collections designed to work together to create fabric and wallcoverings you can employ on walls, in window treatments, bespoke chairs, for sofas, footstools and on headboards and scatter cushions.

Rooms created ‘off the peg’ will never look as good as those created by professional interior designers utilising their skills to create furnishings to suit the scale of your space.

Whilst a professional designer will create a cohesive room design utilising the fabrics shown here, trends this season influenced by fabric houses include geometric designs and eastern-inspired designs.

“Paisley swirls, metallic fabrics and an injection of fuchsia, purple, gold and olive can be seen in vibrant fabrics from JAB and in the spring 2015 fabrics of Colefax & Fowler...”

Bold geometric prints are evident in Designer’s Guild’s Alberesque, Jane Churchill’s Patino & Odissa, and Colefax & Fowler’s Jerome fabrics.

Paisley swirls, metallic fabrics and an injection of fuchsia, purple, gold and olive can be seen in vibrant fabrics from JAB and in the spring 2015 range of fabrics from Colefax & Fowler.

Ombre - the blending of one colour into another, or a graduated tint of one colour into a neutral background - is another trend evident in some collections.

Fun designs and trompe l’oeil is also on trend, with Cole & Son’s Whimsical and New Contemporary ranges especially suited to old homes or those with high ceilings, as they utilise large prints and bold designs.

Cole & Son also have a collection of murals, with digital printing technology also

Top: Rialto Collection from JAB, combining petrol blue and olive green.

Above: Curtain and cushion trim in denim and créme ombre Woodsford from Osborne and Little.

Left: Chairs in Colefax & Fowler’s Jerome fabric, blue colourway.

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- HomEs -

introducing the ability to create a bespoke scene to suit the size of your walls. We’ve already seen trompe l’oeil wood panelling and shelves of leather bound library books.

Employing these may be somewhat intimidating for the average householder, but a professional designer, who is more confident using bolder patterns, can really make the most of more dramatic wallcoverings.

Cole & Son’s Woods & Stars is a good example of the kind of bolder looking papers emerging, its enchanted woodinspired look suits smaller rooms into which you’d like to inject a little fun - cloakrooms, for example.

Naturally there will always be more subtle employment of blue and white, such as Colefax & Fowler’s Eaton Check curtains and Simone chair fabric shown opposite.

Against a palette of neutrals fabrics, like heavy linens, blue can still look fresh without seeming too dark and oppressive.

“Employing trompe l’oeil or bolder wallpapers may sound intimidating but for a bold professional interior designer, they can look impressive...

Above: Colefax and Fowler’s spring 2015 collection includes the fabric used to cover this sofa, Patara, and footstool, Konya.

Right: Casa Collection from JAB. Far Right: Woods & Stars from Cole & Son’s whimsical collection.

Rutland Suppliers: Elizabeth Stanhope: Mill St, Oakham, Leicestershire LE15 6EA, 01572 722345, www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk.

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

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

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

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Main: Sofa in Colefax & Fowler’s Eaton.

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Home, Garden, Gifts, Vintage and Retro Finds at Elizabeth & Stevens

Elizabeth and Stevens has a unique, stylish and unusual collection of ideas for your home & garden.

Our showroom is an emporium of the unexpected.

We would love to see you!

A 1 Markham Moor (also signed to Lincoln A 57) then take the turning to Retford A 638.

Near McDonalds and Markham Moor Hotel.

The Showrooms, Great North Road Markham Moor, Retford DN22 0QU Telephone: 01636 822000 www.elizabethandstevens.com

Open from Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, with free parking.

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THE LARGEST RANGE OF RECLINERS IN THE AREA Riser Recliners

from only Three Piece Suites

Care Recliners

Fireside Chairs

ÂŁ349 VAT Exempt*

PETERBOROUGH RECLINER CENTRE LTD www.peterboroughreclinercentre.co.uk T: 01733 325566

1B Mancetter Square, Lincoln Rd, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6BX Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 11am-4pm

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 25 MILES

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Top: A sage coloured timber-framed design from Auburn Hill.

Above: This Evolution extension with bi-fold doors was designed and installed by Stamford’s Orchard.

Right: Living kitchen interior

by Vale Garden Houses.

grow your home with a quality

gaRdeN ROOM Forget drafty conservatories - a luxurious, professionally designed and spacious garden room orangery will help you to extend your home, without spoiling a period property...

space is one of the most valuable commodities for most families. Adding a garden room or orangery to your home is the best way to add a comfortable room in which to enjoy the summer, or to create a purpose-built space for a new kitchen, perhaps one with a sitting area and dining room, without having to work around the layout and proportions of an older house.

Forget drafty conservatories of old; our local suppliers work predominantly in hardwood or aluminium to create warm, robust

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structures that don’t look out of place when installed adjacent to a period home. Timber framed installations can also be painted after a few years, and finished in a colour to suit your home.

When it comes to orangeries and garden rooms, the place where innovation is least recognisable but most important is in the new types of glass used. Solar protection, heat retaining and dirt-resistant properties all mean that your room will be more comfortable during the hottest summer months, but still warm in the winter.

Local experts such as the ones featured in this edition are also able to advise on the policies of local planning officers, especially when your property is listed, or with regard to whether your home is located in a conservation area.

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- orangEriEs and gardEn rooms -

Choosing your orangery or garden Room... n Pay attention to where and when the sunlight falls on your home.

How and when you intend to use your room will determine what light levels you need. n Will you need planning permission? modest installations may not, but usually planning permission must be sought for larger rooms. it’s especially important to source an installer who can advise specifically on the area you live in. n Ensure you have a good idea not just of your new room’s external dimensions but its internal ones too, to make sure it’s large enough for your intended furnishings. n if you’re seeking additional space as part of a larger renovation, consider the trend of living kitchens. When installed next to an older property, an orangery extension is a cost effective way to create a new kitchen with completely customisable layout, plus living and dining spaces with a further space outdoors for dining terrace. doing this will also preserve the reception rooms in the original part of your home. n don’t just consider the exterior of your room, but its internal features too - limestone flooring with underfloor heating, bi-fold doors and roof vents for instance. n Finally, when furnishing the interior of your room, used large mirrors on either side to reflect more light into the room and give the illusion that the room is larger.

Top Left: Georgian style orangery designed and created by Auburn Hill.

Bottom Left: Vale Garden Houses period orangery.

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- orangEriEs and gardEn rooms -

making your conservatory a cool place to spend the summer months...

Letting the light in, without uncomfortable glare or heat - J&L Ball has plenty of advice for getting the most from your conservatory stamford’s j&l Ball can really enhance your garden room or orangery with blinds and shutters to ensure your comfort during even the hottest months.

Each of J&L Ball’s solutions are tailored to suit your conservatory or orangery perfectly, installed by a professional firm with over eight years experience in Stamford.

Ambience interiors “don’t settle for second best!” says paul Cushing... “don’t settle for second best,” says Paul Cushing of Ambience Interiors, giving his advice on shopping for conservatories.

“Cheaper designs that are downgraded just to make the price appealing. It’s easy to give you a conservatory with a low price which you will find extremely cold in winter and too hot to use in the height of summer.”

“By looking for alternative ways to make your conservatory usable all year round, Ambiance can design and build a room that will really create a living space that you will enjoy 12 months of the year.

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for a cheaper installation but we do build up to a quality.”

“Being a TrustMark approved registered company which endorses Government Standards that really does count in everything we do and the service we offer. We have expert installers who take pride in their work and look after your installation like it was for them.”

“We are small enough to care with a personal service, but large enough for any project.

All of our conservatories are made to measure and designed in the home to the customer’s requirements and with our standards at the forefront make them a room for all seasons.”

All building work and electrics relating to your conservatory are undertaken and fully guaranteed with insurance backing for peace of mind.

All work fully guaranteed for 10 years for your added peace of mind.

For more information call 01780 483969 or see www.ambiancehi.co.uk

luxaflex: A conservatory is an attractive way to extend your home, serving as a light and airy link in style between house and garden, but high quality blinds are an essential requirement for them, helping to keep your conservatory cool by reflecting heat and reducing glare in summer, whilst maintaining warmth and comfort in winter.

Installing Luxaflex blinds, J&L Ball aim to provide the highest possible standards of service,

fitting and after sales support.

All our conservatory blinds are backed with a five year guarantee. inshade: Alternatively, InShade sails are elegant, eye pleasing and natural complement to both traditional and modern tastes.

They are an excellent alternative to fitted blinds for lanterns, roof lights and conservatory roofs; sails made from an advanced stretch fabric that is easy to install or remove and that can be cleaned in your washing machine.

Multiple overlapping sails generate combinations of direct and diffuse light and on sunny days this creates wonderful pools of light and shadow that move with the sun to create a very natural, outdoor feel.

See www.jandlballinteriors.co.uk or call 01780 481416.

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auburn Hill creates the perfect space, with interiors to match... auburn Hill specialises in the design & build of luxury orangeries and conservatories in hardwood, aluminium, and PVCu...

Five day Blinds...

Creating bespoke blinds, in just five days!

shade sails are the exciting new option for effectively shading your conservatory roof, orangery, atrium or glazed space. Manufactured from an exclusive high performance fabric, InShade sails keep your conservatory cool and comfortable.

in the village of ketton, a few miles west of Stamford, you will find the Design House showroom for Auburn Hill, probably the finest showrooms in the UK for orangeries, Conservatories, Windows & Doors and Verandas.

After a few minutes in the Auburn Hill showroom you will know there is a company that offer something very different from your average conservatory installer.

You will be able to view on display some of the finest orangeries and conservatories and windows & doors built from you choice of materials whether it is hardwood,

aluminium or PVCu. The showroom and design centre is where the Auburn Hill designers focus on your design aspirations for your dream extension.

Whether it is a traditional design or something more contemporary in design they can help. A free design and quotation service is available seven days a week and distance is no object as they work nationally as well as local.

There is whole team of in house additional services including interior design by Hunters Interiors and also on view in the showroom is a Home Cinema Room by Creative Audio Visual.

The team at Auburn Hill have vast experience in all aspects of design and build projects which includes working closely with architects, developers and many commercial projects as well as domestic projects.

Project guide prices start from around ÂŁ25,000, for the main structure. Included in your design package are architectural drawings and high definition computer generated images, so as you can see how your chosen design could look when installed before you buy.

Call them on 01780 400 500 for a free design consultation or just pop in. www.ahorangeries.co.uk

They protect you from harmful UV rays and eliminate irritating sun glare and maintain natural light levels. InShade sails are also machine washable for simple maintenance, making dust and insect stains a problem of the past! Whether you prefer classic white, neutral shades or a splash of vibrant colour, 5 Day Blinds can design and install a bespoke InShade sail arrangement to suit you.

We can survey, supply & install your in shade sails or self survey and self fit options are available.

From a single sail to a full roof visit our website at www.5dayblinds.co.uk for further product information, or contact us at 5 Day Blinds on 01572 759176 and we will be delighted to discuss your design requirements.

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- orangEriEs and gardEn rooms -

30 years of excellence...

Create a room to enjoy your garden with eas windows of Oadby... garden rooms, sunrooms, conservatories, orangeries and loggias. Uniquely different structures that mean all things to all people and probably nothing to many others.

Celebrating 30 years in business, with a huge selection of British and European Tiles on display, Super Ceramic Services has a depth of knowledge, and a great range.

We are able to provide good advice and help plan and design your new project.

Our Uppingham-based firm works on many private refurbishments for the public, including new wall and floor designs for conservatories and kitchens, with optional underfloor heating etc.

The showroom stocks a large range of ceramic, porcelain, limestone marble, glass and mosaic tiles; all you need to create a beautiful, individual design or your home.

The company was formed in 1984 by Roy Hathaway and following Roy’s retirement a few years ago the company is now managed by his son Jon. The biggest change during the last 30 years is a huge increase in tiled floors not only bathrooms - now heated with modern underfloor heating systems - but other rooms such as conservatories and other reception rooms.

See www.superceramicservices.com or call 01572 821119 for more information.

Whilst these are modern idioms for what is fundamentally another room, it is palpable that your personal needs for an extra room will determine which type of structure suits you best.

If your need is a warm place to sit and enjoy your garden when perhaps the weather is slightly inclement and not conducive to using your terrace, then a contemporary conservatory is for you. After all, your garden has much to see and enjoy during that ‘shoulder’ period to the summer of March and September, even though the air may be a trifle chilly.

On the other hand, if your need is for a dining room or another lounge - but with a Mediterranean feel to it, then perhaps an

orangery would be more to your taste. And if the latest innovations capture your attention, then why not look beyond the loggia?

One couple in Kibworth, Leicestershire, had quite a unique need. Keen gardeners, their greenhouse had seen better days. A friend suggested

that they purchase a freestanding conservatory instead.

“Not only will it be more affordable, when you’re no longer able to garden, at least you will have a sunroom in which to snooze!”

Call EAS windows of oadby, 0116 271 0120 or see www.easwindows.co.uk

Clean and preserve your natural stone floor to ensure it will last a lifetime... a beautiful natural stone or ceramic tiled floor in your conservatory or house is a considerable investment but one that cared for properly will last a lifetime.

Having chosen your floor, whether marble, granite, travertine, slate, limestone, sandstone terracotta ceramic or porcelain, its important to get it sealed before its used. the seal is vital to protect the finish from dirt and spills. once installed, the flooring will need regular cleaning with an appropriate cleaner for the surface as the wrong cleaner can damage the sealer and even the surface of the stone. over time, even with good maintenance, the stone and grout lines will

gather ingrained dirt and the floor will lose its original surface finish. this is where a specialist stone floor restoration company can help. Using a variety of methods the floor can be stripped and cleaned and its surface returned to its original finish, including diamond polishing if required. the floor can then be sealed using an appropriate sealer for each stone type.

Your floor will be returned to as new condition, giving years of pleasure. “at the rutland Cleaning Company we offer a free consultation to discuss your needs and will undertake a test of your stone to show you the results you can expect.” says david Lissaman.

Left and Below: Before and after a professional restoration of your stone floors.

Call 01572 503123 or see www.rutland cleaning.co.uk.

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- ProPErtY -

An Investment in

Your Future as the politicians scratch their heads over how to house the nation, rutland Pride talks to richard Watson of watson Mitchell, to look at how property professionals are delivering a functioning rental market with long-term investment prospects... as we close in on this year’s General Election, Britain’s homes are under scrutiny.

Political parties can win or lose elections on their housing policy alone. With the UK in the grip of a serious housing crisis, 2015 could be one such election.

Richard Watson, managing director of Rutland’s largest residential lettings company Watson Mitchell, says: “There’s a shortage of some one million homes in the UK. Its impact affects would-be buyers, renters, homeowners, young families, investors, banks, local authorities, the labour market and the entire house-building industry.”

“With far-reaching impact, it stands to reason that the right housing policy can put you in the seat of power.”

The latest offerings by commentators prove just how contentious an issue housing is during the 2015 hustings.

CPRE chief executive Shaun Spiers objected to its caricature as a crude anti-development lobby; arguing that land supply and planning are not the main problems but rather failure to tax capital gains on main residences, fund social housing and the domination of house builders who have ‘no interest’ in meeting need nor in delivering quality places.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph columnist and entrepreneur, Alex Pound, demands that we: “Create a rental market fit for a generation of people consigned to renting for decades now that the Thatcherite dream of home ownership has gone into reverse.”

“There is a long-term opportunity to deliver a quality supply of housing for the rental market,” says Richard Watson.

Financial Times chief economist Martin Wolf has sparked a public spat with the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, after accusing the pressure group of seeking to stymie housing supply.

The consequences, he argues, are potentially catastrophic as they “undermine the ability of young people to afford housing and form families.”

Richard Watson contends that at a grassroots level, there’s another story: one of people making an informed choice to rent rather than jumping on the home ownership bandwagon.

“While national housing policies fail to provide successful routes to a healthy market, it’s down to the industry to deliver solutions here and now.”

“We’re working with investors to deliver what the local rental market wants. The more investors come forward, the better we can respond. Unprecedented demand shows little sign of abating.”

“House prices are now five times earnings keeping purchase out of reach for many. UK home ownership has been in decline since 2005. People have changed their view of renting. It helps them to chase job opportunities and keep their capital liquid.”

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“People come through our doors from all walks of life: not just young professionals, key workers or single salaried people but families, pensioners and divorcees. People want a good choice of quality rentals, from good landlords, with professionally-administered tenancies. Long gone is the murky rental era of ‘Rising Damp’ when digs were marginally more comfortable than slumming it.”

“Today’s market is not a get-rich-quick scheme but a long-term investment delivering a quality supply of rentals. Using qualified, professional management agencies, buy-to-let can provide low-risk, steady yields and long-term capital growth.”

“Despite all the hot air on housing this spring, a clear-cut solution to get house building moving remains a distant vision. While half the required homes were built last year the current Government is not alone in its struggle. We’ve seen a 30-year trend of persistent undersupply.”

“The steady work of the property industry is the only solution producing results and property investors are investing in more than just their own futures.”

Contact Richard watson to discuss Buy-to-Let properties on 01780 765100 or see www.wmlet.com.

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- LaW -

Lasting

Peace of Mind this month Jo Wild of hegarty solicitors provides advice on lasting powers of attorney. it’s a subject that few of us are comfortable talking about, but one that could make a huge difference to your quality of life with the security of knowing it provides peace of mind for your loved ones... some of us are now aware of Lasting Powers of Attorney and how useful they can be, particularly in connection with financial matters, where a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney agreement allows you to appoint an attorney to deal with your financial matters, either because you are no longer able to or because you wish them to.

You should also be aware that it is possible to have a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare, which operates on a similar basis but in relation to your personal welfare. The significant difference between this and the Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney however is that the Health and Welfare power can only be used if you have lost your mental capacity.

Consenting to or refusing medical treatment and examinations on your behalf. l

With regard to the ability to consent or refuse medical treatment on your behalf, you will have to make a choice in the Lasting Power of Attorney yourself as to whether you want your attorney/s to have the ability to make ‘life sustaining decisions.’

Because of the seriousness of these decisions there is a separate section in the Power dealing with this which you will have to consider when you are completing it.

More often than not my clients will give their attorney/s the ability to make life sustaining decisions on their behalf as they see this as one of the most important aspects of the Power.

your medical team, but if a time should come when you are unable to do so, then an Advanced Decision, (a decision to refuse treatment) or an Advanced Statement (any other decision on how you would like to be treated) may assist. An Advanced Statement is a general statement of your preferences and wishes concerning treatment and should be considered by your medical team, although it will not legally bind them.

An Advance Decision to refuse treatment however can be legally binding if it meets the necessary legal requirements, and should you wish to make one refusing life sustaining treatment the requirements are set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

You should bear in mind that if you made an advance decision refusing treatment and then later you appoint a Health and Welfare Attorney giving them power to refuse medical treatment on your behalf then the Advance Decision will be invalid.

“Lasting power of attorney will give you the peace of mind that someone you trust will be able to make decisions on your behalf.”

In other words you are unable to delegate the decision making concerning your health and welfare if you are able to make the decision for yourself. Under a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney your chosen attorney or attorneys is given authority by you to deal with a variety of matters on your behalf, to include: Deciding where you should live and who you should live with, which might involve deciding whether you should move into residential or nursing care, and if so; which home. l

Making day to day care decisions, for instance, your diet and dress. l

l Making arrangements for your medical, dental or optical appointments.

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By creating a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare you will be able to make sure that a person you trust has the ability to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you are no longer able to for yourself.

This might be very relevant to you if you suffer with any form of progressive illness.

As far as medical decisions are concerned you may also have heard of Advanced Decisions or Advanced Statements. These are both names given to different types of Living Will. You will hopefully have the chance to discuss any treatment options with

In contrast with an Attorney for Health and Welfare, an Advance Decision or Advanced Statement relies on you anticipating a particular situation and expressing your wishes, whereas your Attorney can make decisions for you based on the actual facts and situation at the time.

If the time should come when you are not able to make decisions relating to your health and welfare then a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare will give you the peace of mind that you have someone you trust and someone who knows your wishes to be able to make those decisions on your behalf.

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Find out more: Jo Wild is a solicitor in the Wills & Trusts department. of Hegarty Solicitors, which offers a wide range of legal services, with offices in Peterborough and Stamford.

Tel: 01780 752066.

Web: www.hegarty.co.uk

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- gardEning -

Tiptoe through the

Tulips

summer will soon be here, but for a generous spread of spring colour, lin and derek walker are fans of spring-owering bulbs, especially tulips and narcissi. Little wonder, then, that in march their half-acre plot is a riot of cheerful colour and thick foliage...

Words & Images: Nicola Stocken.

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- gardEns -

There is an entire bed devoted to growing daffodils and tulips for cutting. “We choose the daffodils for their long stems,” says Lin. flowers. “Several years ago, temperatures plummeted and we lost plants such as Clematis armandii, some pittosporums and elaeagnus,” recalls Derek. “And whereas the cocoon of woodland protects the garden from the worst of any strong winds, occasionally mini whirlwinds appear from nowhere, sending plants swirling in their path.”

There's no better clue to the arrival of spring than Lin Walker’s garden. The glistening hues of spring-flowering bulbs, form a multi-faceted jewel in a living setting of sombre woodland. A thatched cottage sits off-centre in the couple’s rural garden, with colour-themed beds of tulips and bedding plants swelling outwards in undulating waves of colour over their sloping plot.

Main: Lin Walker and husband Derek were in the tulip industry for 45 years.

“After a long, cold winter, tulips bring a welcoming blaze of colour in a way that no other early-flowering bulbs do - whilst snowdrops or cyclamen are lovely they don’t have anything like the visual impact.” say Derek and Lin Walker who for some years masterminded this remarkable display in their half-acre garden, planting thousands of bulbs interspersed with bedding plants such as pansies, forget-me-nots, bellis daisies and polyanthus.

The plot is not without its challenges during winter though, and last winter’s prolonged cold spells deferred the arrival of spring’s

It’s a decade or so since the Walkers moved to the plot, relieved at last to find a thatched cottage with views and a garden to develop after their retirement from the garden centre business. They soon discovered that the soil was poor, so dug up the struggling lawn, excavating hundreds of tons of clay and replacing it with a good top soil to sustain the many shrubs and perennials to follow. Workable soil also makes it easier to plant thousands of bulbs each autumn, a mammoth task that takes a few weeks.

“I concentrate on preparing the ground, digging in loads of compost with the help of a part-time gardener, whilst Lin designs the different areas,” explains Derek.

A tour of the garden starts at the cottage’s front door which is flanked in pots of Buxus sempervirens, and tulips - pink ‘Angelique,’ white ‘Mount Tacoma’ and the miniatures ‘Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Lucky Stripe.’ Even the hanging basket features the pretty little golden Tulipa batalinii ‘Apricot Jewel’ intermingling with pansies and ivy.

A path leads down from the gravel garden beyond to the lowest corner where there is a greenhouse - essential for growing the many bedding plants used in both spring and summer displays - and a kitchen garden with vegetables and cut flowers.

There is an entire bed devoted to growing daffodils and tulips for cutting. “We choose the daffodils for their long stems,” adds Lin. “They include the white trumpet Narcissus ‘Mount Hood,’ the pink-cupped ‘Salome’ 85

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- gardEns -

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and fragrant, multi-flowered ‘Geranium.’

Lin’s favourite tulips for cutting include the lovely Viridiflora tulip ‘Greenland,’ ‘White Bouquet’ and the golden, fringed ‘Hamilton,’ all standing around 45cm tall.

There is no shortage of foliage, with evergreen Pittosporum tenuifolium, Eucalyptus gunnii, Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Limelight’ and Euonymus fortunei available all year round, whilst asparagus fern comes into its own when the summer cutting garden is peaking with gladioli, dahlias, asters, sweet peas and larkspur.

It is Lin who has designed the new planting schemes, combining new tulip varieties with old favourites. “I need to balance the different heights and colours of each variety against their flowering times, to ensure each area peaks at a similar time,” she points out.

She works with a broad palette of colour, based on some 110 different varieties of tulips and 50 of narcissi.

Unfortunately, it is not only visitors who are attracted to tulips - so too are the scores of squirrels living in the three-acre woodland behind the Walkers’ cottage, raiding many of the pots of tulips that are planted up to slot in wherever gaps appear. “I checked a couple of pots last autumn, and found only two out of 14 bulbs remained, so now we’ve put netting over them,” says Derek.

It’s impossible to imagine Derek in a garden without tulips, having established his first nursery at the age of 17, and spent the next 43 years in the business. “As you can imagine, I’ve grown and sold millions of tulips over the years, and have become very fond of them.”

Derek spent 45 years in the tulip business; “I’ve grown and sold millions of tulips over the years, and have become very fond of them!”

Bedding displays, too, are in Derek’s blood, with one planned for spring and another for summer. “Bedding plants never lose their ‘wow’ factor, and we know from previous years’ feedback, when we’ve opened the garden as part of the National Gardens Scheme, that they appeal to all ages.” insists Derek. “We’re looking forward to the warmer months. We love having friends over. It’s a time when all the hard work is over, and we can sit and relax, chatting over a cup of tea, just enjoying the garden.”

Top: A path leads down from the gravel garden to the lowest corner with a greenhouse and a sloping kitchen garden with vegetables and cut flowers.

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- Nature -

A Snake in the Grass in the

Natural World...

this month, you may find ophidian interest rustling through your garden - the proverbial snake in the grass. this month, our nature writer, Richard Owens, reveals why March is the month to see a creature that is intriguing and unsettling in equal measure...

March is a favourite month of mine in the wildlife calendar. Why, you may ask? Well it signals the re-emergence of a particular family of creatures that I’m really passionate about. Some love them, some loathe them, many just misunderstand them, I am of course talking about snakes, and March is a great month to see them.

Two of our native snakes, The Adder and the Grass Snake can be found throughout the UK, so why is March such a good month to see them?

Snakes are cold-blooded and during the cooler winter months they will hibernate beneath logs, down old rabbit burrows, in fact much anywhere they can keep warm and safe from predators.

Adders are the smallest of our snakes, usually around 70cm in length and recognisable by the ‘Zig-Zag’ pattern along their backs. I’ve had some fantastic views of adders in the past, particularly on heathland sites which seem to be their habitat of choice, although they can be seen elsewhere.

“Two of our native snakes, can be found throughout the UK, so why is March a good month to see them?”

On emergence from their hibernation sites in March, a snake’s metabolism is still quite slow. Therefore they need to warm their bodies up to become more active. To do this they need to absorb the heat from the sun and will lay out in the open often on pathways to do this, making them easier to see. The process makes them much slower in early spring making them less responsive, unlike in summer when the 88

simple snap of a twig will send them slithering into cover.

One of my most memorable wildlife experiences was seeing a group of eight basking together in the sun just after emergence, prior to pairing off to mate.

Adders give birth to live young later in the summer.

Their prey usually consists of small rodents, other reptiles and they will also take small fledgling birds.

Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake and will use it to kill their prey, and although unlikely to be harmful to humans, it’s always advisable to wear stout boots if you know they are present in the area you may be walking.

The harmless Grass Snake is our most common species, regularly reaching over a metre in length, and usually found not too far from water, the home of their favoured diet of amphibians and sometimes fish.

Olive green in colour with a distinct yellow collar the Grass Snake is non-venomous and will kill its prey by constriction. Unlike the Adder, the Grass Snake lays eggs, often in compost heaps from June to September, so please take care if turning yours over, ideally just don’t do it.

If you do go to photograph or simply admire snakes, or indeed any other wildlife at any of our fantastic nature reserves, always stick to the pathways as the welfare and protection of these beautiful creatures and their habitat must come first - all Reptiles are protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Remember if you do see a snake, don’t be afraid, be in awe!

Richard has spent his career promoting bio diversity within the world of turf and is currently the UK's Golf Course Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year.

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Nature in March: Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake

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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

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by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

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FĂŞte Accompli - WEddings -

sophie and matthew Lennie married near stamford recently in a wedding styled around the idea of a village fĂŞte with lots of flowers, lots of fun and lots of family & friends. incredibly, the whole event took less than six months to plan!

Images: Paul Massey Photography, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

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wedding bells chimed recently for Stamford couple Sophie Wilson and Matthew Lennie.

The two had known each other since primary school, growing up together in the town. Sophie left to study fashion at Nottingham Trent University whilst Matthew studied towards his International Tourism Management degree in Leeds, but the pair would often return to the town to see family and friends.

“Stamford’s a lovely place to live and we’ve a great circle of friends here. There’s a friendly atmosphere in the town and we’d come back from uni and enjoy nights out.

So really, Matthew and I would see each other all the time.”

The two friends began dating in 2009 and moved in together in April 2013.

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Sophie wasn’t expecting a proposal but when her parents were away travelling in Australia at the end of 2013, she and Matthew decided to join them for New Year.

“I really wasn’t expecting him to propose, it came completely out of the blue, but I was delighted. I didn’t realise but he’d asked my father’s permission beforehand and, more than that, asked him where in Sydney he could propose. Matthew chose a spot under the Harbour Bridge overlooking the Opera House, it was stunning!”

Following the January proposal, the couple would marry in September, giving them little over six months to plan their wedding, when they started to organise it in spring.

“Matthew chose a spot under Sydney’s Harbour Bridge overlooking the Opera House, it was stunning!”

Images: Paul Massey Photography, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

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- weddings -

Above: Sophie and Matthew’s mum designed the bridesmaids’ dresses themselves. Even Matthew flexed his creative talents by working with graphic artist Frances Beale designing invites to match his groomsmens’ ties.

Right: The couple married in Stamford’s All Saints’ Church, and enjoyed a reception at Grange Farm in Wittering.

They also hired an old Routemaster bus from A1 Bus near Peterborough.

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- WEddings -

Far Left: The Rutland Gourmet, Sarah Rivett, provided canapés, the wedding breakfast, a vintage cake table and a hog roast for the evening.

Left: Matthew themed each table according the couple’s favourite films and TV shows. Each table had different floral arrangements with quirky vases, kilner jars or vintage cups and saucers.

Images by: paul Massey photography, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

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“Planning a wedding in that short space of time was pretty stressful, but we managed it.” says Sophie. “We knew we wanted to marry in the town’s All Saints Church as it’s really pretty, and when we found Grange Farm near Wittering we were really happy.”

As the wedding and reception were held a short drive from each other, Sophie and Matthew hired a Routemaster bus to transport their guests to Grange Farm.

“We wanted a marquee wedding but Grange Farm proved a really good compromise as it had all of the facilities there already, but would still let us have the village fête-style wedding we set our hearts on.”

“Originally we were going to travel separately but we thought we’d be missing out, so we all rode in the bus together and had a great time. It was lovely to have a glass of champagne and travel with family rather than leaving them whilst we had our photographs taken.”

Sophie then worked with her friend from university, Kirsty Cross, who owns Couture Mango in Nottingham, to design her couture wedding dress and worked with Matthew’s mum to create bespoke bridesmaids’ dresses from some floral fabric she’d fallen in love with.

The couple did defer to the expertise of Rutland Gourmet - Sarah Rivett - to create canapés for guests, to provide a three course wedding breakfast, a vintage wedding cake table and a hog roast in the evening.

Meanwhile, photographer Paul Massey captured the day.

The couple’s creativity didn’t stop there either - Matthew was charged with the responsibility of making a table plan based on themes of favourite TV programmes and films, whilst Sophie and her father created all of the floral arrangements for the venue themselves.

“Paul was absolutely brilliant!” says Sophie.

“He was really professional, and we couldn’t have imagined better photographs.”

“The whole day was just so nice from start to finish.” says Sophie. “It was exactly what we wanted; a fantastic fun day with everyone included and everyone having lots of fun.”

sophie and matthew’s stamford Wedding: Reception held at: Grange Farm, Wittering www.grange-farm.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Couture Mango, 07878 825768, www.couturemango.co.uk.

Wedding Breakfast and Cakes: Rutland Gourmet, 01572 747909, www.rutlandgourmet.co.uk.

Photographer: Paul Massey, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

Vintage Bus: A1 Bus Hire, 01733 890816, www.a1bus.co.uk.

Toastmaster: Ian Hall, theexecutiveguildoftoastmasters.co.uk.

Flowers: Mandy Taylor, 07816 637161.

Stationery: Frances Beale www.francesbealestudio.tumblr.com.

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- WEddings -

where to say “i do!” in Rutland...

A Wedding Venue ‘Par’ Excellence...

Each year many brides say ‘i do!’ at one of Rutland’s most popular and versatile venues. this month, speak to Mitch Bardwell and begin planning your wedding at greetham Valley Hotel and golf Club...

Rutland is blessed with some pretty beautiful countryside, but even Greetham Valley’s views manage to impress, so it’s little surprise that Greetham Valley Hotel and Golf Club is one of the county’s most popular wedding venues.

wedding breakfast, drinks package, master of ceremonies and red carpet all included.

“We’ve two superb looking golf courses, and our hotel, restaurants and function suites overlook them, providing brides and grooms with wonderful views over the county.” says Mitch Bardwell, who plans Rutland weddings for around 50 brides each year.

“The way we work provides the best of both worlds,” says Mitch. “The ability to budget properly, but then for couples to personalise what they want to suit their unique preferences, too.”

“The venue is set in over 275 acres of grounds and has been a successful golf complex since 1992.”

From there, couples can tailor the day to their tastes, with a range of sample menus and options for barbecues and hog roasts during the summer months.

“We’ve around 40 bespoke weddings booked in for 2015 already, and we’re receiving bookings for 2016 and 2017, too.”

“We’re also able to offer the care and attention every bride should enjoy on her special day...”

“We added the hotel to the site in 2006 to provide people with the chance to enjoy the environment we’ve created after their round of golf, and we soon became popular with brides and grooms, gaining our civil licence.”

In addition to 35 bedrooms, eight lodges and a cottage, Greetham Valley also has the largest function suite in the county, The Rutland Suite, which can easily accommodate weddings for up to 220 guests.

“The room adjoins The Lakeview Suite, providing separate rooms for both the ceremony and wedding reception - something which really appeals to brides and grooms.”

Greetham Valley offers wedding packages from just £65/person, with venue hire,

To provide brides with a chance to see what Greetham Valley has to offer brides and grooms, the hotel is hosting a Spring Wedding Fair in late February, but Mitch also enjoys showing couples around individually, by appointment too.

“We think we’ve one of the best wedding venues in the area,” he says. “We’re large enough to cope with big weddings, but with a dedicated wedding planner and master of ceremonies on the day we’re also able to offer the care and attention that every bride should expect for her special day.”

For more information on greetham Valley weddings, call Mitch Bardwell on 01780 460444 or see www.greethamvalley.co.uk

say ‘i do’ to greetham valley’s wedding fair greetham Valley will welcome over 100 brides to its Wedding Fair on 22nd February from 10am-3pm...

Over a hundred couples will bustle through Greetham Valley’s doors on February 22nd, with the Wedding Fair giving local brides the chance to meet over 30 wedding related businesses.

“It’s a chance to see the venue at its full potential, with tables styled, complimentary refreshments and some of the county’s best wedding suppliers ready to show off their skills.” says Mitch Bardwell.

“We are very excited to see the return of many of our most popular exhibitors along with a good mix of new faces who have recently discovered Greetham Valley.”

Local businesses include photographers like Oakham’s Dean’s Street, and Paul Massey, florists such as Purely Flowers, stationery from Stamford’s Spiegl Printers and cakes from Crowland Cake Creations.

“Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for all our couples to find what they want for their wedding. If you are still in the process of choosing a venue this is a great opportunity to see and speak with us as well as all our suppliers and to get a feel for how we work. See for yourself why we are one of the most popular wedding venues in Rutland!” says Mitch.

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Main: Fitted bouclé jacket £459, and flowing skirt £135, in white and crème.

Short sleeved silk blouse £165, jacket with woven texture £239, trousers with glitter effect £175.

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- FasHion -

Light &

Breezy spring will shortly be cheering up the county with the first flourishes of colour in our gardens, brighter days, sunnier skies and the first spring and summer fashions of the season.

Here, we’ve picked a selection of the lightest, breeziest fashions to banish the winter blues... light and breezy: as spring comes along, Rutland fashion expert Christabel Paul says we should expect lots of whites and neutrals in high summer, mitigated by enthusiastic pops of colour in the spring months.

“There’s a definite 70s theme to most collections this season.

Expect many brands to feature wide leg trousers, and skinny denim jeans, with linen in high summer and lots of textures,

punctuated by pops of neon colours, to reflect a resurgence of the 1970s trends - garish geometric prints and gypsy prints.”

“Nude will be a big trend in high summer with floppy hats and big beach bags, wedges and 1970s style pumps on trend.”

“Opt for lighter white and cream outfits early in the season, then be bold in the summer months with splashes of colours and a mix of retro prints.”

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- FasHion -

Opposite: White cotton voile top £165, stone pants £175.

Left: Marc Cain white cotton dress £399.

White cotton top £195, and white trousers £219.

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- FasHion -

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Opposite: Marc Cain denim jacket £315, and skirt £125.

Left: Silk printed chiffon oversized shirt £355, turquoise cotton shorts £219.

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- FasHion -

Right: Indigo cotton top £115, and silk print skirt £239.

Marc Cain silk print dress £289.

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Left: Flowing blouse with snakeskin print £239, and snakeskin trousers £239.

Marc Cain cardigan coat in pastel blue £315, 7/8 trousers £185, and triple link chain £85.

stockists across stamford & rutland: Cavells Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 770372 www.cavells.co.uk Jane Young Chain Lane, Market Place, Newark-on-Trent, Notts NG24 1AU Tel: 01636 703511 www.jane-young.co.uk

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- WatCHEs -

time FLIES

1.

This month we ask sam Michael of Newark’s andrew Michael jewellers to select the finest watches for spring and summer 2015...

1. Romain jerome Moon invader – £15,950 the technically complex case of romain Jerome’s moon invader has a few grams of actual moon dust injected into the case.

2. hublot Big Bang 38mm – £7,600 the instantly recognisable Hublot Big Bang ‘Fusion’ case is now available for the ladies. Here the bezel is fully set with high grade diamonds.

3. graham Chronofighter Oversize - £4,150 the patented trigger mechanism of graham’s Chronofighter is unique, practical and aesthetically distinguished. the case is diamond Like Carbon and the bezel is Ceramic.

4. Breitling Transocean Chronograph limited edition - £7,060 the Breitling transocean Chronograph is based on a classic design from the 1960s. this Limited Edition example has a hinged caseback for personal engraving.

5. Breitling 41 airborne – £6,760 Breitling’s airbourne is a return to the classic style of the original 1964 flagship model for which this model commemorates.

6. hublot Big Bang 44mm - £14,400 Hublot’s Big Bang is fast becoming

an all-time classic design. this example has a bezel fully set with high grade diamonds.

7. Rolex daytona - £14,400 the rolex daytona is the most desirable sports watch on the market... hence the waiting list that runs into years.

8. hublot king Power ferrari limited edition – £19,600 this Limited Edition Hublot King Power Ferrari, with skeleton dial, is a perfect amalgamation of luxury cars and luxury watches.

9. Romain jerome Batman - £12,500 the Caped Crusader would be proud to wear romain Jerome’s Batman Limited Edition. it has been released to commemorate the super hero’s 75th anniversary.

10. Rolex datejust 36mm - £13,100 the rolex datejust continues to be the most recognisable watch on the market. Presented here with diamond Bezel and mother of Pearl and diamond dial.

for more information on any of our featured watches visit andrew Michaels jewellers, 38-39 stodman street, Newark Ng24 1aw.

Tel: 01636 679638. www.amjwatches.co.uk.

NB: all prices are subject to change

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- BEaUtY -

Looking Great in Time For Summer gill leeden is the UK’s longest-standing provider of laser hair Removal. she was the first nurse to import her type of laser into the UK 16 years ago, and here, the Registered general Nurse from Tugby explains why hair removal using a medical laser will ensure an end to painful waxing and irritating shaving... looking great for this summer and every one after shouldn’t be a painful ongoing chore. That’s the philosophy of Gill Leeden, a Registered General Nurse for over 20 years, and a pioneer of Laser Hair Removal in the UK at Tugby’s The Granary.

Gill was the first nurse to bring Laser Hair Removal into the UK, starting out in 1998 and growing her network of Laser Hair Removal Clinics to five by 2004, in Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Bloomsbury and City of London, and in Canary Wharf in 2011. No-one in the UK has been carrying out Laser Hair Removal treatments longer than Gill.

standard for hair removal: “As hairs grow in cycles, just like the seasons, you will need repeated treatments to treat all the various hair stages.”

“We ask clients to budget for six treatments but around 80% of clients only have four.

It’s a little more tricky to predict facial hair regrowth, as hormones have an effect and of course these change during pregnancy and the menopause, but hair removal is 100% on legs, bikini areas and underarm hair and we do offer a money back guarantee.”

Our laser is most suited to the purpose, and our medical background means we’ve had the necessary training and have the knowledge to ensure its safe use.”

“We offer a free half-hour consultation and will perform a test area to make sure clients are suitable for treatment.

“We insist on at least a week-long gap before you commit to your first session too, so you can be sure there are no side effects and you don’t feel ‘put on the spot’ or pressured to book. We don’t block-book sessions either, preferring a policy of ‘pay as you go.’”

Regulation of the industry ceased in 2010 when the cost of regulation became prohibitively expensive to the CQC, but Gill still maintains the procedures that regulation required - taking out insurance and having regular ‘audits’ from a Physicist at Guys Hospital, for example.

“Ensuring a safe, successful treatment is what matters to us most,” says Gill.

“We can offer a very effective treatment, remove the need to endure painful waxing and shaving, and most importantly, really give our clients the confidence to enjoy this and every summer.”

“We offer a free half-hour consultation and use the laser on a test-area so you know how it will feel before you book a treatment...”

Whilst some laser skincare centres offer multi-purpose IPL machines which have various medical applications, Gill concentrates solely on hair removal and has, instead, an Alexandrite laser made by Candela.

“It’s dedicated to hair removal and is much more effective for the one purpose we use it for; removing hair,” says Gill. “It’s incredibly effective at ensuring the permanent removal of hair and works by emitting a beam of light which passes through the hair follicle and disables the blood supply to the hair, rendering it unable to grow.”

With a coherent, collimated beam, unlike IPL’s, the Gentlelase Laser is the gold 110

Treatment is virtually pain-free as the ‘wand’ on Gill’s laser releases a burst of coolant spray, just milliseconds before the laser fires. It’s the only machine on the market featuring this system and is also the quickest.

There are very few side effects and treatment takes as little as five minutes for small areas and barely an hour for larger areas.

“We’re different from other laser clinics because we specialise in just hair removal.

For more information on The granary, Tugby’s Laser Hair Removal clinic, see www.thegranary.uk.com or call gill on 07774 205234.

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- BEaUtY -

Three steps to sustainable weight loss in Rutland...

Forget yo-yo diets and opt for sustainable weight loss with Whissendine’s Kim thomas stay slim for life; see yourself slim; think yourself slim; eat yourself slim. Whissendine practitioner Kim Thomas’s three step programme using hypnosis to completely maximise your weight loss success.

“There is no denying it; trying to lose weight can be a long challenging and often-frustrating journey.” says Kim. “If you have ever tried and failed to lose weight before, then you probably know just how frustrating it can be, especially when feelings like anxiety, low self-esteem, unhappiness, and boredom are around.”

“Dieting for most is a vicious cycle of starving, feeling deprived, overeating, feeling guilty, and dieting again. It’s known as ‘yo-yo dieting,’ which makes weight-loss almost imposable to sustain.”

“Fad diets focus on what you put in your mouth how much and how often, hypnotherapy takes away that focus and changes the way you feel about food. For instance, on a diet you might eat a carrot and wish you were eating a carrot cake, with hypnotherapy you can learn to enjoy the carrot and not even think about cake.”

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NB: File photo.

“It might be hard to imagine a life where you would happily turn down your favourite ‘naughty’ food for something healthy, however with the Think Thin programme it is possible to change your thinking patterns and take control over food in ways that will not leave you feeling deprived or depressed.”

“The Whissendine practitioner uses hypnosis to maximize weight loss success...”

“By targeting the unconscious mind with powerful suggestion techniques, I will help you develop a new, positive relationship with food and exercise.”

“This year instead of treating mum to the usual flowers, chocolates... give mum a real treat the Think Thin programme the perfect Mother’s Day gift go she is worth it.

Think Thin and stay slim for life.”

“The aim is to make you feel confident about your body, change any negative thoughts about eating, and help you lose weight healthily and responsibly without affecting your emotional wellbeing.”

Kim is based at 3 Ashwell Road, whissendine, Rutland, LE15 7En. Call 01664 474966 or 07944 268368, or see www.anewyoutherapy.co.uk.

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The best of

both worlds T

he only private hospital facility in Lincolnshire, where profits are returned to the NHS for the benefit of all local NHS patients. Patients enjoy privacy and individual attention whilst having the reassurance that The Bostonian is adjacent to the sophisticated services of The Pilgrim Hospital, with its expert diagnostic and emergency medical and surgical facilities.

H Award Winning Sleep Apnoea Service Please visit our website to view the full range of services we offer

www.the-bostonian.co.uk Comfort & Peace of Mind The Bostonian is the private wing of Pilgrim Hospital and is set in its own grounds and gardens. There are 19 en-suite single rooms with digital TVs and telephone. Our dedicated housekeeping team ensure continually high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Professional Expertise Almost any condition can be treated at The Bostonian by our dedicated team of professionals – most of our Consultants live only minutes away.

We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.

Range of Payment Options Available We deal with all the major insurance companies and also offer Fixed Price packages for the uninsured.

The Bostonian Private Wing, Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 360606 / Facsimile: 01205 311442 www.the-bostonian.co.uk • ISO 9001:2008 accredited

Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing

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- traVEL -

The Holiday of a

LIFETIME Uppingham has a brand new independent travel specialist, more than travel. it’s your gateway to the world, offering completely independent advice with over 50 years of experience, plus the widest range of operators and the most competitive prices...

Words: Helen Dooley.

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get away from it all with a travel adventure that starts in Uppingham. Last month, Stamford’s own More than Travel opened a second travel lounge on High Street East, Uppingham.

More Than Travel has been trading successfully on Stamford’s St Georges Street for three years now and owner Helen Dooley says it was time to spread their wings into Rutland.

“Stamford and Rutland both provide such a wonderful customer base for us,” says Helen.

“People here value independent business and treasure their high streets; in return we offer an unrivalled level of expertise and service as well as good value and a huge range.”

Top: On safari in Mitswari, and traditional fishermen in Sri Lanka.

Above: Ricerafting in Jamaica, Oman’s Wadi Shab.

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further afield: Long haul destinations for dream holidays... south africa: This amazing country has so much diversity to offer its visitors; breath-taking mountain scenery, vast wine estates, cosmopolitan cities, Indian Ocean beaches, history and culture, delicious food and wine and an amazing breadth of marine and animal life. guide price: Four nights Cape Cadogan, Cape Town, two night Lanzerac StellenBosch, three nights Motswari private Reserve all inclusive £2897 per person Oman: If you find yourself somehow turned off by Dubai’s fast pace, high rise style, but are attracted to the year round great weather and proximity of travel then Oman could be just the place you’re looking for. Beautiful beaches and five star hotels sit to the side of Muscat, the capital, where you will still find souks, mosques and a

traditional way of life intertwined with modern advancements. guide price: Seven nights based on departure 23rd June, at the five star Ritz Carlton Al Bhustan palace £935 with breakfast. sri lanka: This compact island nation can offer a huge variety of cultural and scenic experiences; ancient Buddhist sites, crumbling colonial cities, national parks with elephants a plenty and pure white sand Indian Ocean beaches, flanked with jungle and reef. guide price: £1,897 per person, based September departure 10 nights four/five star hotels, and a private driver.

California: For a real adventure US style, California has it all! Driving is the best way to explore the Golden State; cruising through the splendid Yosemite National Park, alpine and

mountainous, scenery which eventually gives way to desert and canyons. Take in the coastal views and pretty seaside towns of Carmel and Monterey before finding the end of Route 66 at the end of Santa Monica Pier. guide price: £2,500 for a good 14 night itinerary, flying economy, outside holidays. jamaica: Powder white sand beaches, amongst the best the Caribbean has to offer, coupled with rainforests and rivers, waterfalls and rum shacks!

A new wave of quirky boutique style hotels has opened here that feel like the essence of the Caribbean has been captured. Laid back, cheerful, cool and colourful, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the new Jamaica! guide price: £1,525 per person: seven nights, staying at the five star Jamaica inn in a Superior Balcony Suite inc flights & transfers.

Above: The spectacular scenery of California’s Yosemite National Park.

Over the page: five destinations slightly closer to home, yet off the beaten track...

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1. The stunning landscape of Croatia reveals a few natural surprises.

2. Valle dei Templar - heritage in Sicily.

3. The Algarve’s Lagos Beach.

4. Kasbah Rabat in Morocco.

5. Camel trekking in Morocco.

6. Dubrovnik harbour, Croatia.

7. Taormina in Sicily.

8. Discovering Marrakech’s souks.

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- traVEL -

Closer to home: nearer to us, yet far away: Puglia: Also known as the boot of Italy, Puglia stretches from the south of Gargano right down to the heel of the boot!

The region boasts beautiful vistas, golden sandy beaches, and undulating unspoiled acres of countryside with olive and almond groves, vineyards and forests. This really is Italy untouched! What’s really fun here is the accommodation; traditional Masserias - grand resorted country houses - offer visitors something really different. guide price: £545 per person (based on 20th September travel for four night, including flights, luggage and car hire).

Morocco: With just a four hour flight and a super long summer; average temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees, but reaches heights over 25 degrees from early April right through to October. Morocco is perfect for those of you that want a cultural experience without having to fly long haul.

Marrakech is home to an ancient medina full of traditional souks, belly dancers, storytellers and hawkers. A good tour guide, available from as little as £10 for the day, will bring alive the ancient city and explain the ancient way of life and trade that is still very evident today. guide price: £530 per person for seven nights departing 12th october staying at the five star traditional Angsana Riad Si Said with flights, breakfast and transfers.

The algarve, Portugal: For many years the Algarve has been a bit out of fashion, probably because of its association with early package holidays, but we think Portugal has a lot to offer! The Algarve is home to hidden coves, sandy beaches and a sultry Mediterranean feel with African nuances. guide price: £441 per person for seven nights, departing 23rd April at the five star luxury San Rafeal Atlantico inc flights & transfers. sicily: Famous, of course, for its long association with the Mafia, Sicily is not only beautiful but interesting! Taormina to the south clings to the hillside with the magnificent backdrop of Mount Etna. Here you’ll find ancient Roman ruins, picture postcard sights and mouth-watering culinary delights! Don’t forget to try the Limoncello, it’s bellissimo! guide price: £1,104 per person for seven nights, departing 1st June from Luton including flights, transfers and an ocean view room with breakfast at the fabulous five star grand Hotel Atlantis Bay. Croatia: A brilliant way to see the best of the Dalmatian coastline, dotted with one hundred islands. Take time to discover quaint medieval towns and fishing villages and savour some fine food and wine without having to drive once!

A motorised yacht will yield 18 cabins and traditional nautical interiors, meals are cooked and served on board by the crew, whilst evenings are spent socialising on board or on the shore, sampling the local hospitality. guide price: £1,036 per person (based on departure 1st May including flights, transfers, breakfast and some meals).

NEW

and Exciting

if you’ve travelled quite extensively, and you’re seeking somewhere unusual and luxurious, we’ve five ideas for travel destinations that are new and exciting...

kaya Mawa, lake Malawi

gaya island, Borneo

an implausibly beautiful african destination offering intimate holiday lodges on the tiny island. Enjoy a wild, remote location, watersports and diving. ndomo House has a private beach, chef, butler, nanny and its own speedboat to ensure you want for nothing for the duration of your trip.

if you’re seeking the ultimate in relaxation, you’ll have to go a long way to better this spa island with its blend of mountain, forest and sea landscapes.

Lush mangroves shade a spa with sea mineral treatments, rice scrubs and all manner of exotic treats to soothe both body and soul.

We estimate around £2,000£3,000 for nine days with flights and Africa arrangements.

Budget around £2,500 for a week long stay including flights and transfers.

Boracay, The Philippines

Mukul, Nicaragua

kimberley, australia

a real ‘up and coming’ travel destination that remains, for the minute, one of our best kept secrets. a 4km island with white beaches, dotted with resorts, shops and restaurants.

Lots of activities from diving to parasailing, but there’s the luxurious shangri-La spa resort if you prefer a more sedate holiday.

spa mukul features six individual spa houses, whilst the mukul Brach, gold and spa resort is a member of the small Luxury Hotels of the World group. overlooking nicaragua’s Emerald Coast and the Pacific ocean, you can enjoy helicopter rides, trips to rum distilleries and stunning golfing facilities.

the Broome and Kimberley regions of north West australia make the spectacular scenery of the country’s coastline and wilderness more accessible than ever. the Karikini national Park has the Bungle Bungle range, best seen from the air, and the world’s only horizontal waterfall.

Budget £1,000 per couple for seven days, with flights and transfers included.

£7,500 excl flights and transfers based on two people for an Ocean Front Bohio apartment.

£1,500/person based on nine day self-drive trip excluding flights etc.

Travel Recommendations by More Than Travel... all of our travel recommendations have been provided by Helen dooley at more than travel, specialists in bespoke travel arrangements for discerning clients. Please note prices provided are for guidance only and remain subject to change.

For more information visit More Than Travel, St George’s Street, Stamford, 01780 433333, or High Street East, Uppingham, 01572 823516. Alternatively, see www.morethantravel.co.uk.

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Schools & Colleges... this month, we’ve a round-up of the best schools and colleges in the area for those seeking high quality education for children, teenagers or for adult learning opportunities...

“Oakham school is an inspirational place, where opportunities abound, talent is nurtured, and characters are formed,” says Headmaster, Nigel Lashbrook.

gaining the much-coveted national Arkwright Scholarship for Engineering and Design, to Politics students being asked to represent the UK as MEPs for the day.

As a boarding and day school, our House system is central to daily life, proving a close and supportive environment in which all our pupils can thrive both academically and emotionally.

The foundation for academic success begins with teaching our pupils how to learn, giving them the courage to question the world around them, and the confidence to be able to

We nurture academic talents.

This year’s 10 successful Oxbridge candidates are just one indication of how we nurture our students’ academic talents.

school), students also have the choice of wide range of active societies (including LitSoc, Mandarin and Law Club) and activities (including D of E, CCF and VA). Added to the plethora of trips around the world (in recent years to the Falklands, Mongolia, South Africa, India and Kenya), there is certainly a lot of choice!

“Our students really stand out from the crowd and go on to receive offers not only from Oxbridge, but also at leading universities across the world...”

By stimulating pupils’ interests to want to learn more, as well as developing their communication skills, our students really stand out from the crowd and go on to receive offers not only from Oxbridge, but also at leading universities across the world.

Our students’ academic accolades are relentless and incredibly varied! From 19 pupils

articulate those questions through great communication, conversation and debating skills.

“Opportunities are a given at Oakham,” says one current pupil. “It’s what you choose to excel in that counts.” As well as being able to choose to study A-Levels or the IB (Oakham has a worldwide reputation as a leading IB

We’re one of the UK’s most highly regarded sports schools.

Oakham is a training ground for national squads for a wide range of sports including rugby, hockey, cricket and athletics.

20 pupils currently represent the country in seven different sports.

Just this month, another four girls have been called up to team GB trials for football and three Old Oakhamians have been selected for the England and Scotland Six Nations rugby squads.

Developing a love of sport, for all pupils, is as important as nurturing our elite players.

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- EdUCation -

We encourage every student to lead an active life and to find the sport they enjoy, so that it becomes a lifelong habit.

With boundless opportunities in the arts, including exceptional facilities and teaching, pupils are able to fully realise their creative ambitions, whatever they may be!

“In the words of one pupil, ‘It’s not just about the amazing education you get at Oakham, it’s about who you are when you leave.’”

Indeed, the quality of Oakham’s art was described as “exceptional” in our latest ISI report. All aspects of education at Oakham; including teaching and learning, pastoral care and the wide range of opportunities on offer, have been highly praised in the report that came out this week.

programme of events including five major productions a year. Last term the School celebrated 30 years of show-stopping drama, where it welcomed back some of its famous alumni, including Matthew Macfadyen, Greg Hicks, Richard Hope and Miles Jupp.

Oakham is an inspiring place where creativity is a way of life.

Music thrives, with 600 music lessons taught a week and 80 concerts performed a year, along with a national reputation for pupils’ excellence in composition.

Oakham is also rightly known for its excellence in drama, with its full and eclectic

In the words of one pupil, “It’s not just about the amazing education you get at Oakham, it’s about who you are when you leave.”

To find out more about our ‘amazing education,’ visit www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk, or contact the Admissions team on 01572 758758.

Top/Left: The school’s teaching and learning was recently praised by the ISI. Above/Left: Sport plays an important part in the curriculum.

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For the future: Worksop College Prep School.

Worksop College Prep school... worksop College is a British co-educational independent school for both day and boarding pupils aged 13 to 18. It was established in 1890 in Worksop on the northern edge of Sherwood Forest and was founded by Nathaniel Woodard in 1890.

If you’re a parent and you are thinking about a new school for your child, whether that school is in the state or independent sector, the process of deciding which school is right for your child can be a daunting one.

The decision about where to send a child to school, isn’t just about bricks and mortar: it’s about the relationships amongst the pupils and also amongst the staff.

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Try to take time to look at these as a way to understand what the school community is like and whether it will suit your child.

Use the Open Morning season and visit other schools to answer your questions and build up your own knowledge at the same time as gaining a valuable insight.

Worksop College and Preparatory School, Ranby House welcome you to visit this close community and its superb facilities.

In 2013 Worksop College achieved an A*-C pass rate of 90.1% at GCSE level and 49.2% of all the grades awarded were at the A* or A grade.

We aim to ensure that academic pursuits are the priority of every pupil and teacher.

For more details about The prep School or The College, visit www.wsnl.co.uk. To arrange a tour or a taster day, please call the Admissions Team on 01909 537155. Alternatively, you can email admissions@wsnl.co.uk.

st mary & st John Primary school... st Mary & st john is a very special place. As a Church of England primary school within the Peterborough Diocese, the school has a distinctive ethos founded on Christian values.

This, coupled with being set in the most beautiful grounds, tucked away by the church in North Luffenham with stunning rural views across the Chater Valley, provides a unique and inspiring learning environment in which our children flourish.

As Headteacher, I consider myself to have the best job in the world and I am incredibly proud of our school.

What makes it the best job?

The simple answer is the children! The children are

inquisitive, creative, happy and healthy. Living by Christian values, we have created a loving family atmosphere built on mutual respect. Every child in our school is nurtured by my amazing staff team. We have the highest expectations of both behaviour and academic achievement.

Our curriculum is enriched with a host of extra learning opportunities encouraging children to discover and maximise their talents. During science week children experienced exciting practical activities from bird ringing to chemistry – creating explosions. One Year One pupil exclaimed: “It was awesome!” My aim is for children to confidently leave St Mary & St John on the next step of life’s journey having realised their full potential and having fostered a love of learning. Then, when they reflect on their primary school days they think… ‘it was awesome!’

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- motors -

A Voyage of

Discovery one of land Rover’s best-selling 4x4s, the compact Freelander, has been infused with dna from the firm’s larger seven seat off-roader to create a new model; discovery sport. the car aims to be practical for families, yet unstoppable on muddy estates and back roads...

Words: Rob Davis. downsizing is a motoring trend that’s set to be more prevalent as 2015 progresses. You’ll notice the proliferation of three, rather than four cylinder vehicles, or executive cars being offered with four, rather than six cylinders, and you’ll see a reduction in overall engine sizes.

The trend isn’t just limited to under the bonnet reductions, either. Land Rover has replaced its Freelander model with a new car, badged as the Discovery Sport. It’s a neat marketing trick aimed at ensuring its small 4x4 can trade off the name and popularity of its larger Discovery sibling. And, like its larger sibling, the Sport now offers seven seats (or rather 5+2, indicating smaller rearmost seats), which should boost the car’s appeal for family buyers of SUVs. The Discovery Sport, like the Freelander before it, offers a lot of car for its size, even if its third row of seats are more suited to children. One advantage that the Sport has over the larger Discovery is its lighter weight, yielding better traction over muddy, rutted farm tracks.

The Sport is a compromise between Range Rover Sport and the smaller Evoque in terms of styling, but its brand new body facilitates significant changes to the car’s architecture.

Monocoque construction provides better strength and stiffness, but at the same time, weight savings and better efficiency. New multi-link rear suspension also provides weight savings, greater off-road ability and less intrusion into the boot to accommodate the two extra seats and provide a larger load space. This new architecture results in a firm but composed ride, and most importantly, continued best-in-class off-road ability.

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A Sporting Chance: The Discovery Sport rises to a hefty £43,000, putting it in Discovery and Evoque territory.

Still, compact dimensions and a 5+2 seating configuration will suit family buyers. It’s just a shame that despite all new chassis architecture, the firm is using its previous-generation 2.2 190ps four cylinder engine.

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- motors -

“The Discovery Sport is a compromise between a Range Rover Sport and the smaller Evoque model in its styling...”

Right: The new model has seven seats as standard, even if the rearmost ones are designed for children. Every Discovery Sport is well-equipped but top of the range HSE Luxury models benefit from heated and cooled electric leather seats, heated steering wheel, automatic parallel and perpendicular parking plus a rear view camera. Adaptive cruise control is an omission from the options list, though.

The Discovery Sport currently relies on previous-generation engine technology, with just one unit, the current Freelander and Evoque’s 2.2 four cylinder diesel, tuned to provide 190ps of power. Four wheel drive is mandatory but a two-wheel drive model will be available later in the year alongside the firm’s new 2.0 engine which promises greater efficiency. For now, there’s at least a choice of automatic or manual gearbox, but with the nine speed automatic providing a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds and 44.8mpg, with a top speed of 117mph, that’s good enough for us.

There’s a choice of SE, SE Tech, HSE and HSE Luxury variants. SE models provide cruise and climate control, DAB radio, heated front windscreen and seats plus rear parking sensors. Our preferred SE Tech trim adds auto lights and wipers, a powered tailgate and front parking sensors, with a price tag of £35,695 in automatic form.

Cabin design is beautiful, with high quality trim and a leather covered dash. Controls are simple, and accessing the car’s massive off-road ability is easy thanks to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system which automatically primes the car’s 4x4 systems.

Prices for the Discovery Sport rise to £43,000 which encroachs on both the Discovery and Evoque. Still, there’s definitely a strong case for taking a look at the Discovery Sport. The car is spacious yet compact and easy to handle in town.

It’s well-mannered on road yet very, very capable off-road, and it’s generously equipped and very stylish... a perfectly practical premium choice for negotiating Rutland’s country roads.

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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. Important little woman's crime (6) 4. Constitutional rights finally being acknowledged in Scandinavia (6) 9. One frightened by outlandish sixties' show (6,3,6) 10. Weeping one? Gosh, sick inside! (6) 11. See 23 12. The commander, despicable person who claims divine authority? (8) 14. Bit of wire in bread? (6) 15. Fly with jet set separately (6) 18. Composer adding sort of stroke to score (8) 21. Door wife chopped up into sticks for burning? (8) 22. Artistic style of clown getting nothing right in turn at first (6) 24. Yes-man conformed, looking ridiculous in satirical presentation (6,2,7) 25. Cool cushion (6) 26. Note about cheese-maker's requirement (6)

dOwN 1. Flaw on outside of space vehicle is mistake (7) 2. Mushroom that's left below bark (5) 3. This person given exceptional award, a Nobel prizewinner (7) 5. Everton strict ultimately in relation to payments (7) 6. Moving into gear, I start (9) 7. No joke for someone on the rack! (3-4) 8. Peril that besets soldiers (6) 13. Proceeding correctly, like a gymnast? (2,3,4) 16. Extend jaunt away from home (4,3) 17. Enthusiast for conservation? One adapts to the environment (7) 18. Change in ministry problematical — half the females unwanted (6) 19. What the married woman may change certainly holds fellow up (7) 20. Around end of summer save a bit (7) 23,11. Is individual able to earn American title given to retired cleric? (5,8)

aCROss

dOwN

1. Underpass (6) 4. Calculating device (6) 8. Merchandise — ancestry (5) 9. Art of paper folding (7) 10. Distinguished (7) 11. Fruit (5) 12. Impetuous (3-6) 17. Sweetheart (5) 19. Hardwood flooring (7) 21. Find guilty (7) 22. Very pale (5) 23. Chaste (6) 24. Remained (6)

1. Methodology (6) 2. Studious (7) 3. Joint (5) 5. Highway robber (7) 6. Chew noisily (5) 7. Instep (anag) (6) 9. There and then (2,3,4) 13. Dog — reservist (7) 14. Resolute (7) 15. Thinly cut (6) 16. Doesn't (anag) — drunk (6) 18. Spite (5) 20. Retaliate (5)

CRyPTiC aNsweRs

quiCk aNsweRs

quiCk CROsswORd

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