Rutland Pride February 2018

PRIDE

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RUTLAND

RUTLAND’S FINEST MAGAZINE

£4.50

Rutland’s Badger Walks

2018’s badger watches around Rutland Water

Expert Advice for Valentine’s Day at Home

Hambleton Hall’s sommelier suggests wines and Loch Fyne serves lobster

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- FEBRUARY 2018 -

welcome letter Julian Wilkinson

Managing Director

Ian Bagley

Production Director

Love is certainly in the air in our February edition as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with all the lovely treats for two in Rutland.

Treat your Valentine with our provision of luxury jewellery later on in this edition, but before we get to that, we have suggestions for what you can both enjoy on this day of love.

First of all, Dominique Baduel, Hambleton Hall’s very own sommelier, suggests the ideal pairings and wines for a very romantic Valentine’s Day, and we discover what it takes to be a sommelier for a Michelin starred restaurant. This is before our dining out feature on Farndon Boathouse.

The restaurant in Newark is a little over the border but we feel it’s worth the journey with an exceptional head chef and brand new dining area.

If you’re looking at doing Valentine’s Day from home this year, lobster connoisseur David Keenan from Loch Fyne Seafood Restaurant and Grill in Elton shows us how it’s done, from preparation to serving.

Zoie Wilkinson

Advertising Director

Emily Brown

Sales Director

Perhaps you’re planning to propose in 2018. Our jewellery feature has the very best in engagement rings from top jewellery designers. Barton Hall in Kettering is also an ideal venue to tie the knot and we have a focus on it this month.

Our featured wedding is Anna and Lukas Vanterpool’s at Normanton Church.

Our best wishes for a wonderful month,

Rob Davis,

Executive Editor 3

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CONTENTS FEATURES

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HOMES & GARDENS

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NEWS Good news from Rutland and Stamford each month.

SOMMELIER We speak to the sommelier of Hambleton Hall Dominique Baduel for the perfect pairings on Valentine’s Day.

WHAT’S ON A roundup of events to

see and do in February.

SKIING Discover a new sport and a new destination for your winter holiday.

122 HIGH SOCIETY Uppingham in Bloom Ball at the Falcon Hotel.

FOOD & DRINK 42 48

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DINING OUT Go a little further out of the county this month as we suggest Farndon Boathouse in Newark.

LOBSTER Alternatively, go south to

Elton to Loch Fyne for superb lobster.

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PANCAKES Pancake Day is coming up so we have the best pancake recipe and ideal filling suggestions.

HOMES A visit around contemporary Cornell House, Wothorpe.

MOIR WADE Absolutely stunning

kitchens from the bespoke cabinetry makers Moir Wade.

NATURE What to look out for in February and a cover story on the numerous badgers in Rutland.

FASHION & BEAUTY 96

WEDDINGS We have a beautiful wedding at Normanton Church and a focus on the stunning venue Barton Hall.

107 FASHION Are you Red Carpet Ready?

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Balls for 2018’s season.

JEWELLERY Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. A selection of the best jewellery from the very best designers.

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THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN RUTLAND READ RUTLAND PRIDE Rutland Pride magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county.

Our circulation is to properties in the top three council tax bands - homes which are predominantly worth over ÂŁ300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content. In addition the magazine is also sold in over 200 supermarkets and newsagents including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, WHSmith Tesco, Asda, Co-Op and Morrisons.

Our in-house distribution team also works hard to hand-deliver the magazine to selected hotels and restaurants, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs.

This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across the county.

The magazine also has more social media fans than any other Rutland magazine, and we are available to read free of charge, online on your tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

If your business would benefit from being showcased to the wealthiest people in Rutland, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977.

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

In print, and to view on your computer, tablet or mobile device from www.pridemagazines.co.uk

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

By supplying editorial or advertising copy to Rutland Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at pridemagazines.co.uk.

In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion.

This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available.

Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

Pride Magazines Ltd., Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QF

THE PRIDE TEAM

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Director: Emily Brown.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Features Editors: Tilly Wilkinson and Hannah Vickers.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Distribution: Joe Proctor. IT: Ryan Potter.

Office Manager: Sue Bannister.

Account Manager: Lauren Chambers.

Sales Executives: Hannah Boyle, Tamer Hodgson, Yvette Coates, Carissa Clay, Hayley Scott and Cassy Ayton.

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

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

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NEWS

The Hereward Harmony Group

THE MALE SINGING BARBERSHOP CHORUS IS LOOKING FOR NEW RECRUITS PETERBOROUGH There are many men who would love to sing.

Most never get around to it, don’t have the opportunity, or may be too self-conscious to give it a go.

Hereward Harmony is a w ell-established Barbershop Close Harmony Chorus.

To celebrate their 30th Anniversary they are running a ‘Learn to Sing’ Course at the Orton Wistow Community Centre.

They are a male chorus who sing in traditional four part close harmony. Consisting of bass, baritone, lead and tenor, anyone can find a part to suit their voice.

They normally sing a wide range of numbers but during the course they will concentrate on a few songs to achieve good progress.

The course will be each Thursday from 7.30pm to 10.00pm on the 8th February to the 15th March 2018.

You do not have to read music and will sing a part alongside at least one of their experienced singers who will help and encourage you. Their talented young musical director will

Oundle School Take a Trip to Thailand OUNDLE PUPILS HAVE RECENTLY WORKED WITH CHRISTIAN CARE FOUNDATION IN THAILAND...

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also help with each individual part in addition to ensuring that the overall timing, pitch and musicality reach a high standard. They are a friendly and sociable chorus and can OUNDLE During the October half-term, a group of eight Oundle School Sixth formers travelled to Thailand to work with disabled children and their families under the guidance of the Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities (CCD) in Thailand.

Founded in 1986, CCD oversees a variety of projects to help local children and young adults with disabilities in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok.

The organisation runs four day care centres aimed at providing care for children

promise that you will enjoy the experience. n Reserve your place now by ringing Alan Lund on 07850 007057 or visit www.herewardharmony.com. from government care homes for disabled children.

CCD also oversees Rainbow House, providing residential care and physical therapy to disabled children to give them a chance to live somewhat independently in group housing owned by CCD. The organisation works directly with families of disabled children through community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centres to raise awareness of disabled children, create parent support groups, and to teach their families to provide physical therapy for their children. n

Skydiving Pensioner

CAROLINE FLIES TANDEM FOR CHARITY

Painting Robot Designed by Rutland Teens

OAKHAM Look out for robots in

managed to skydive from 13,000ft at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire on September 17th 2017 - and raised almost £4,000!

“I DID it!” says Caroline.

“The weather held and with my fantastic instructor Mikey we jumped from 13,000ft above the clouds and over the Wiltshire skies. It was quite an experience but I can safely say, once was enough!”

New Addition to Bugtopia

MEET THE NEW MEMBER OF BUGTOPIA, AN AZARA AGOUTI

RUTLAND Keepers at Rutland Water’s Bugtopia Zoo have welcomed a brand new addition; a baby azara agouti.

A species of rodent found in South America, little is known about the azara agouti.

The baby’s parents, Fabio and Marie, have only been living in the jungle at Rutland Water’s Bugtopia Zoo for six months, and so the new addition was a welcome surprise.

The first-time parents are adapting well to life with their new family member, who was born in November. n Please visit the website www.bugtopia.co.uk for more information about the new baby.

£3,500,000

BELTON-IN-RUTLAND Caroline MacKinnon, a 78-year-old pensioner from Belton-in-Rutland, took part in a tandem skydive in September to raise money for Rutland Sailability.

Rutland Sailability, based at Rutland Sailing Club, supports people with disabilities to experience the thrill of sailing.

Despite a self-confessed nervous disposition, Caroline

the future that will be able to paint your front room while you put you feet up; they’re just around the corner.

Harry Smith and Jack Cornes, friends from Oakham School, are currently working on a working machine that can be plugged in, turned on and left to get on with a very mundane DIY job at home.

Harry is a self-confessed mad inventor who bought a 1970s Land Rover when he was 13, pulled it apart and put it back together again. He came up with the idea whilst painting a wall at home.

The two 19-year-old friends have just scooped £20,000 to help take their HausBot system to the next level. The £20,000 prize came from winning the Baldwins Accountants’ Kickstart Young Entrepreneurs Award, where they impressed 450 business people with their plans.

This is comprised of £10,000 in cash for their business and £10,000 in mentoring and accounting advice from Baldwins.

This will allow then to move their designs to the next stage.

A STATE-OF-THE-ART science block costing £3,500,000 has been completed at Bourne Grammar School. The two-storey building will provide 15 purpose-build laboratories, a large entrance lobby, three preparation rooms and student and staff toilet facilities. The new science block comes as part of an expansion project to create 600 school places at Bourne Grammar School. n

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LOCAL

NEWS In Brief KETTON

COACH WINS AWARD Justin Hattee, Ketton Panthers Junior Triathlon Academy coach, has won the prestigious award of East Midlands Children’s Coach of the Year. It follows the Ketton Panthers being named Club of the Year for the second time at the Active Rutland awards in Greetham Valley. n RUTLAND

TROOPS TAKE ON TOUGHEST CHALLENGE Soldiers from the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment ran and walked almost 19 miles around Rutland Water Reservoir in December recently to raise cash for the SSAFA which is the Armed Forces Charity, that is dedicated to helping serving troops and veterans of the Army. n EXTON

91-YEAR-OLD PENS DEBUT NOVEL Fay Howison from Exton has written her debut novel, ‘The Rose Girl’ at the grand old age of 91. n

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NEWS

New Child Safe Scheme Launched

QUEENSGATE SHOPPING CENTRE LAUNCHES SAFETY SCHEME FOR CHILDREN PETERBOROUGH In December 2017, Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough launched a pioneering safety scheme to assist children, parents and guardians when out and about shopping.

The Child Safe Shopping scheme works by offering a hotline number for parents and guardians to ring if they are ever separated from their children whilst shopping at the centre.

By calling the number, shoppers will be put in touch with the security team at the centre, who will use CCTV to help reunite parent and child.

The scheme first launched in shopping centres around the country in 2003, and since then has been successfully introduced in over 120 shopping centres in both the UK and Ireland.

The Child Safe Shopping scheme also provides children with free wristbands with their parents’ or guardians’ contact

RUTLAND NEWS In Brief

AWARD FOR CARE HOME MANAGER

The manager of a care home in Bourne has won a lifetime achievement award.

Helen Brewster, who manages the The Cedars Care Home, was selected by judges as an exceptional person who has commited a significant portion of their life to working in a care home, and has made a substantial difference to the quality of life of the people they have worked with. n

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numbers on, so that they can be easily contacted in the event that they are ever separated.

The wristbands will be available free of charge from the Customer Information Desk in

Queensgate Shopping Centre.

The Child Safe helpline number (0844 619 1202) will also be displayed on posters around the Centre.

Richard Manfield, Director

Sturgess Celebrates in Style STURGESS MOTOR GROUP RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS 120th ANNIVERSARY AT THE ATHENA IN LEICESTER WHICH SAW OVER 500 PEOPLE ATTEND THE EVENT...

and co-founder of Child Safe said: “We are thrilled to launch the Child Safe scheme in Queensgate, Peterborough, who have been very supportive in coordinating the scheme.” n LEICESTER Recently, Sturgess Motor Group celebrated in style with over 500 current and past employees as well as three generations of the Sturgess family attending and celebrating the very special occasion.

“Chris and I felt it was important to take the opportunity to celebrate what is a significant milestone in our company’s history, and to do so with both past and present members of the Sturgess team,” says Managing Director Barney Sturgess.

“The evening not only celebrated 120 years of the business but also the invaluable contribution of our team to it’s past, current and future successes.”

The evening celebrated 120 years of the business but also the invaluable contribution of the very big team.

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

Rutland Calendar

Burns Night Supper at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, Exton

A Roundup of Events

Over the past year, we’ve attended many balls and events and in this edition, we present a roundup and a look back at some of the highlights of Rutland’s 2017 calendar.

Something that we will attend soon is the annual Burns Night Supper at Barnsdale

Lodge where attendees dress in tartan and feast on haggis.

Multiple charity balls and events we were able to attend were also a great success like the Stamford Junior School Charity Ball and the Anna’s Hope Ball.

The Quorn Hunt Ball was also a tremendous success in 2017 as was Oakham’s School Ball.

We would like to thank everyone for inviting us and we hope to see you all again soon in the county’s upcoming 2018 ball calendar. n Photos available at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Roger Begy Memorial Trust Charity Launch

Stamford Junior School Charity Ball at the Grange in Wittering

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Anna’s Hope Ball

Quorn Hunt Ball at Pretswold Hall

The Oakham School Leavers’ Ball

Champagne Tattinger A Celebratory Supper at The George of Stamford

The Willberry Ball at

Normanton Park Hotel

View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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

Stamford Junior School Charity Ball at the Grange in Wittering

The Willberry Ball at

Normanton Park Hotel

A Night at the Opera at Nevill Holt Hall

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

Anna’s Hope Ball

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Quorn Hunt Ball at Pretswold Hall

The Oakham School Leavers’ Ball

Roger Begy Memorial Trust Charity Launch

View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Yule House, Oakham

An iconic Grade II* Listed Townhouse situated in a half acre plot within the heart of Oakham.

Guide Price £1,395,000

ENTRANCE HALL | SITTING ROOM | DINING ROOM 2 KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOMS | LIVING ROOM OFFICE | UTILITY | CELLAR 6 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS 6 2ND FLOOR ATTIC ROOMS

Edward Brassey 01858 433 123

Edward.brassey@struttandparker.com

DOUBLE GARAGE | DOVECOTE | BARN GARDENS OF CIRCA 0.52 ACRES

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4 E TH TTAG I W O C D BE

ASHWELL

W E N

Guide Pride £1,700,000

A very fine, substantial Grade II Listed Georgian Country House with 2.2. A gardens and grounds and detached 3-bedroom Bungalow set on the edge of the village. Elegantly proportioned accommodation has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme but retains a wealth of original features. 4 Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Utility, Cellars, 7 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Playroom, Store Room. Outside: Coach House with Stables, Tack Room, Garaging, Summer House, heated Swimming Pool. EPC Exempt.

HAMBLETON

Guide Price £850,000

A spacious detached home with separate guest apartment set within mature gardens and grounds of approx. 1/3 A and located in the heart of a highly desirable Rutland Water village.

The accommodation currently offers the flexibility of a large house with a guest apartment (let out in the past). The property requires a degree of updating and could be converted into a substantial family home. 4 Rec. Rooms, Dining Kitchen, Utility, Clkrm, 4 dbl Bedrooms, 2 Btrms. GUEST APARTMENT: Rec. Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Btrm. Energy Rating: TBC.

W E N

EDITH WESTON

£795,000

Superb, spacious character property set on a good sized plot with garaging, ample parking and extensive gardens in a sought after Rutland Water village. The property comprises 2 interlinked Cottages (one of them Grade II listed) providing a flexible layout such that it could be used either as a single dwelling, or as a lovely 4-bedroom home with an independent Annexe/ Holiday Cottage. 3 Reception Rooms, Living Kitchen, 6 Bedrooms, 3 Btrms. Energy Rating: TBC.

UPPINGHAM

Guide Price £760,000

Substantial detached family home situated centrally on a large plot of approximately 1.0 A on the town outskirts. The property provides spacious and flexible accommodation appointed to good quality throughout. The main house provides superb 3/4-bedroom accommodation, and this is supplemented by a self-contained 2-bedroom Annexe. Large Gardens, Dbl Garage, Outbuildings. Energy Rating: D.

W E N

MANTON

£595,000

A substantial detached family home in need of some routine updating set on a good sized plot on a small development of similar properties situated on the edge of the sought after village close to Rutland Water. 3 Reception Rooms, Kitchen/Diner, Utility, Cloakroom, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bath/Shower Rooms; dbl Garage, landscaped Gardens. Energy Rating: D.

UPPINGHAM

£550,000

Elegant period five bedroom townhouse with double bay frontage appointed to a high standard throughout and situated within walking distance of the centre of the town centre.

The property offers spacious and beautifully presented character accommodation with 3 Reception Rooms, Kitchen/Diner, Utility, Cloakroom, 5 double Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms.

Garage, enclosed Garden. Energy Rating: E.

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Barleythorpe Hall Near Oakham, Rutland

Guide Price £1,850,000

An outstanding refurbishment of a prestigious country house, set in gardens and grounds with an orchard, set in some 2.4 acres, with newly built coach house with storage over • 6 Bedrooms • 4 Ensuite Bathrooms • Coach House • Private Drive off Manor Lane St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DE

Tel: 01780 484520 Email: stamford@kingwest.co.uk

• Electric Gates • 8,722 sq ft, 2.4 Acres • Stunning South facing Gardens • Orchard

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www.mountandminster.co.uk

Caythorpe, Grantham A truly one-of-a-kind, architect and owner designed dwelling situated in the heart of a highly desirable Cliff Village with immaculate and well thought-out living accommodation and beautiful landscaped gardens. Accommodation briefly includes three reception rooms, three bedrooms, four bathrooms, open plan kitchen and outbuildings. This unique property is full of state-of-the-art technologies including an air source heat recovery system, centralised vacuum system and underfloor heating throughout. EPC: B. Guide Price: £675,000

Allington, Grantham A charming cottage situated in an enviable location opposite The Green in an equally desirable and sought after village. This superb bungalow offers the new owners the opportunity to acquire a manageable dwelling at an affordable price. The well kept and pretty gardens will undoubtedly be a huge attraction to anyone looking for well proportioned outside space. Accommodation briefly includes two reception room, a sun room, 2 double bedroom, kitchen and formal gardens. EPC: E. Guide Price: £265,000

Lincoln – 01522 716204 Grantham – 01476 515329 London – 020 7839 0888 Ralph WyrleyBirch

James Ward

Bob Bickersteth

Milly English

Amy Merrigan

Paul Baxter

Ann Gwyther

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COVER STORY

Cover Story: The Badger

WATCH

BADGER WATCHING IS A LOT MORE POPULAR IN OUR COUNTY THAN YOU MIGHT IMAGINE. THIS MONTH, WE TAKE A LOOK INTO WHAT MAKES RUTLAND A HOTSPOT FOR THE ANIMALS, AND WHAT RUTLAND IS DOING FOR BADGERS...

I can’t say that I had any special knowledge in badgers before researching them a little more and speaking to the county’s badger experts.

I did, however, have a degree of affection for these fascinating creatures which are right on our doorstep, just waiting for us to enjoy their elusive company.

Rutland badgers are in abundance, as any farmers out there will, we’re sure, be aware.

In fact, the UK has the highest density of badgers in the world, which is down to our vast areas of farmland and wealth of unlucky earthworms. A boar (male badger) can eat up to 200 earthworms in just one day and can weigh around 30kgs. So why are there so many badgers in Rutland?

Words: Tilly Wilkinson

I spoke to Dale Martin, Trainee Reserve Officer at Rutland Water Nature Reserve to understand a little more about the size of the population in Rutland and what they were doing to actually encourage the growth in numbers.

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“In our county, we take a different approach to the spread of disease in dairy cattle created by badgers; we vaccinate the badgers rather than cull them...”

Right: The badger hut for you to see badgers at Rutland Water.

“It’s the way we treat the badgers compared to other counties,” explained Dale. “Badgers aren’t exactly favoured across the country due to them catching and spreading tuberculosis very easily to livestock such as cows.”

Because of this - and that they’re in such high density across the country - lots of people in other counties are trying to make the culling of badgers legal. In our county, we take a different approach which allows the badgers and livestock to live. This is simply vaccinating all of the badgers against TB. By doing this, we would be able to appreciate the company of the badger and allow Rutlanders to watch them in their natural habitat whilst saving livestock from the disease.”

To encourage Rutlanders to find out more about badgers and see them in their local habitat, Rutland Water Nature Reserve puts on badger watches around four times a month. By getting the community involved, hopefully other counties will adopt the approach of vaccinating the badgers which yields many more benefits compared with culling them.

The reserve officer organising the watch will lead you to the badger hide, which is about a five minute walk from the car park. You will then wait until it’s dark and the reserve officer will put some peanuts out for the badgers.

Other than 200 earthworms a day, badgers will eat pretty much anything but they especially like peanuts and golden syrup.

The badgers will start appearing after the nuts are put out for them. At the very end of April and the start of May, the cubs will have started to come up so there’s a good chance of seeing baby cubs. Anywhere from five to seven badgers will come out at this time of year.

Dale also explained to me that, sometimes, you’re able to see more than just badgers.

Barn owls, tawny owls, muntjac deer, foxes and bats have also been known to join the badger watch.

Due to the badger’s love of golden syrup, Rutland Water Nature Reserve have started to put it in the crevices of big logs and trees to attract more badgers to the area so when you go on a badger watch in Rutland, expect to see some really sweet-toothed creatures!

There’s also been a hut built specifically for badger watching as it’s the perfect place to catch them in their natural habitat.

In June, the cubs will be a lot bigger and a lot more playful, perhaps not as shy. I wanted to know the facts about badgers and there are, in fact, quite a lot of quirky, interesting ones which, I’m sure, you’ll hear about on the badger walks... but here are a few Dale mentioned.

Badgers live in big social groups - families - and their complex underground setts are dug out together as a team effort.

They’re incredibly clean creatures and will not defecate in their setts; they have special latrines comprising of shallow pits placed away from the setts on the edge of their territory.

They will not bring food into the sett either.

The sett is also split up into chambers to sleep in and chambers to give birth in which is where the sow (female badgers) will be this month in Rutland as the new cubs appear.

Badgers have been present in the British Isles for at least 300,000 - 400,000 years. Because

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- COVER STORY -

“Rutland’s wildlife groups are trying to keep badgers alive and ensure community is involved in protecting them...” they have very thick skin and long claws, they are one of the few species that can kill and eat hedgehogs.

These long claws a very powerful, particularly on the front feet, and, unlike dogs and foxes, they have five toes. Badgers are protected in the UK by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

This is why other counties are finding difficulties in culling the badgers, although, badgers are still under threat of being killed in large numbers in misguided attempts to control the TB in dairy cattle and they can be caught in indiscriminate snares.

This is why Rutland’s wildlife groups are trying hard to keep them alive and are making sure the whole community is getting involved in protecting badgers. There is actually a Leicestershire and Rutland Badger Group involved in protecting badgers.

You can see the fascinating creatures for yourself at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, with a regular groups meeting to study the animals.

Remember to book early as there are only six places for each event, so they get booked up very quickly, especially on Saturdays.

n Rutland Water’s Badger Watch group meets regularly throughout the year starting in April, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The group meets at the reserve at Egleton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8BT. Call 01572 770651 or see www.rutlandwater.org.uk.

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RELAX AND UNWIND AT REDWINGS LODGE RUTLAND

As a small chain of privately owned hotels, we understand what's important when looking for overnight accommodation, with wellappointed rooms, good facilities and friendly service. Redwings Lodge caters for the business traveller, families and visitors to the area. Located halfway between Leicester and Peterborough; Redwings Lodge Rutland boasts stunning views of historic Rutland, an area of outstanding beauty.

Combining convenience, comfort and value for money, our Lodge is the perfect place to stay whether your travelling for business or pleasure.

• Free WiFi • Free Self Service Light Breakfast • Free Parking • Dog Friendly

• 24 Hours • TV's with Free view • Family Rooms • Accessible Room • Non Smoking Rooms

• Tea/Coffee Making Facilities in Rooms • Cots/Hair-dryers available on Request

REDWINGS LODGE A47 Glaston Road, Morcott, Uppingham LE15 9DL 01572 748787 www.redwingslodge.co.uk

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Main: The only existing illustration of Queen Henrietta Maria with her beloved pet, Sir Jeffrey Hudson, and another one of her amusing pets resting on Jeffrey’s arm - a monkey named Pug.

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HISTORY

MINIMUS The tall story of

OAKHAM’S LORD

THE TALL STORY OF SIR JEFFREY HUDSON FROM OAKHAM IS TRULY INCREDIBLE. IN SHORT, HIS LIFE HAS BEEN A ROLLERCOASTER OF GLAMOUR, EXCITEMENT, MISFORTUNE, DANGER AND DIFFICULTY; A PANTOMIME OF THE 17TH CENTURY. HE MAY HAVE ONLY BEEN A FEW FEET TALL, BUT HIS STORY IS CERTAINLY LARGER THAN LIFE...

The Stuart era was the transition period between Tudor Britain and Georgian Britain. That’s not to say it wasn’t a major age of change. So much happened between 1603 and 1714 like the English Civil War and the Revolution of 1688.

The Stuart era was also a time when Sir Jeffrey Hudson was born in Oakham. He was considered one of the ‘wonders of the age,’ also referred to as a lord and authors have written books about the man.

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

But Sir Jeffrey’s tall story started in Oakham, baptised on 14th June 1619. He had normal sized parents and four normal sized siblings - three brothers and a half-sister.

for providing the bulls and the dogs for bull baiting, a popular form of entertainment at the time.

Many theories existed about why he was so short, including his mother choking on a gherkin whilst pregnant. We now know the

This visit however was not for John, nor the Duke. The Duchess had summoned John and Jeffrey, as she wished to inspect him upon hearing of his short stature.

real reason for Jeffrey’s smallness was a growth hormone deficiency caused by a misfiring pituitary gland.

Jeffrey had gone from living in a crowded one-roomed home with his family of seven to a new world of painted ceilings, lavish tapestries and a collection of very fine art - at seven years old.

“Jeffrey had gone from living in a crowded one-roomed home with his family of seven to a new world of lavish tapestries and a collection of very fine art...”

So was he a knight who fought in the civil war, simply a man of extreme wealth and fortune who lived an incredible life, or maybe a revolutionary in 1688?

In short, he was a court dwarf. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, court dwarves were some of the first dwarves to have their history recorded, not necessarily in a positive light. They were owned, exploited and traded between people of the court and often delivered as gifts to kings and queens.

John Hudson, Jeffrey’s father, was a butcher by trade and was often described as a ‘lusty man.’ John took seven year old Jeffrey to the country retreat of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham - Burghley House. John was also one of the Duke’s bullwards, responsible

At seven years old, Jeffrey was just 18 inches in height with no signs of growing. He was also perfectly formed with his limbs, head and body all in proportion.

The Duchess had a mind to take him into the household.

George Villiers wasn’t just an avid collector of fine paintings, he was also known for being a superb showman and host. He planned a magnificent feast for King Charles and his young French wife Queen Henrietta Maria in London.

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- HISTORY -

The climax of the evening was presenting Jeffrey to the Queen - in the strangest way imaginable.

The boy was fitted with a sky-blue masking suit, miniature helmet and breastplate. He was then placed inside an enormous pie crust, and carried to the banqueting table.

The musicians sounded trumpets as the pie was presented, and the Queen was handed a ceremonial knife. As she was about to pierce the pie, the crust lifted by itself, revealing a tiny hand. Jeffrey’s small face then peered out, as he stepped out of the pie and bowed. A tiny 45cm child was considered the perfect pet for a lonely Queen apparently, as the Queen was delighted with the amusing gift.

Now, Jeffrey was the Queen’s dwarf, much loved and mothered by her. He was in turn, devotedly loyal to Queen Henrietta Maria. He soon became a Catholic and learned to read and write. For the next 20 years, he was to be an important member of the household, even though he was still viewed as a pet.

He was a pet alongside a giant, two disproportionate dwarves, and a monkey called Pug. Jeffrey was uniquely famous for being in proportion and extremely small, not changing in height between the ages of seven and 30. Even though he was the butt of laughter for the other courtiers, he became an expert in shooting and a fearless horseman. He also learned to entertain people with his wit in addition to his appearance.

Despite his wit and intelligence, if he had been of normal height, it’s believed that Sir Jeffrey Hudson would’ve had no place at the court. He was celebrated in many poems and narratives of the day, but in one of several adulatory poems, it’s acknowledged that he was most prized on his height and he wouldn’t have been where he was if it hadn’t have been for his short stature.

“Jeffrey was fitted with armour, a miniature helmet and a breastplate. He was placed inside an enormous pie crust, and carried to the banqueting table. A tiny child was considered the perfect pet for a lonely queen during the time of the Stuarts...”

While Jeffrey’s life was improving, his beloved owner’s life was starting to become threatened. As she was French and a Roman Catholic, the Queen was a source of tension even though the value of the marriage was important for keeping a friendly relationship with France. Many of the people in Stuart Britain were against the religion, the size of her court and growing number of priests.

Henrietta and Charles’s relationship strengthened which made the relationship between Charles and most of England worsen.

Plots and attempted arrests started to arise when the relationship between Parliament and King Charles started to completely deteriorate. Armed conflict soon broke out in 1642 between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists.

As Charles led the Royalist army, the Queen travelled to the Netherlands with a small group of her retinue including Jeffrey, to sell 32

articles from her palace, raising money for support. However, the Protestant Dutch government refused to officially support the King, so the Queen and her party returned to Britain, to find themselves in the middle of a civil war.

suffer the cruel jokes and insults he would consistently receive from courtiers. Though miniature, he was a man and felt he should be accorded the dignity of a man. This is the first record in Jeffrey’s life you can see him feeling embarrassed with his height, after embracing it and being appointed grand roles in the monarchy and the court.

William Crofts was one of the courtiers with the Queen in France. After Jeffrey had announced that he would no longer be made a mockery, he challenged anyone who offended him to a duel. Crofts just so happened to be one of the offenders.

Duelling was punishable by imprisonment and fines in France but nevertheless, the two met. William arrived brandishing a water pistol, to mock Jeffrey further. His flippancy soon led to his death with Jeffrey being a much better shot in the duel, hitting him in the centre of his forehead, and killing him instantly.

The Queen was absolutely mortified.

William was a powerful figure as the Queen’s Master of Horse, and duelling was outlawed in France.

Jeffrey was initially sentenced to death, but the Queen commuted this to exile, and he was sent back to England. The duel still cost Jeffrey his position with the Queen, and proved to be the second turning point in his life.

They joined Royalist forces in Oxford, and the Queen appointed Jeffrey as a Captain of Horse. It’s not known whether he commanded troops, but he considered it an honour rather than a joke.

At the age of 25, Jeffrey went to the west coast of France, leaving behind the life he had known since the age of eight. He boarded a ship and whilst sailing home, the ship was captured, this time by Barbary pirates. The main purpose of Barbary pirate attacks was to capture Christian slaves for the Ottoman slave trade and the general Arabic market in North Africa and the Middle East.

Royalist courtiers collected around the Queen, but Jeffrey had no interest in continuing his role as her pet and decided that he wouldn’t

Jeffrey’s family were far too poor to pay a ransom fee and it seems the Queen knew nothing of Jeffrey being captured. This would most probably have been the case with the Queen suffering from other terrible

It soon became apparent that the war was growing rather than finishing so in 1643, the Queen fled to France with her courtiers, and she was provided with space at the Louvre palace. Although, the Queen started to suffer from a difficult delivery and was soon moved to the spa at Nevers to recover.

Jeffrey was taken to North Africa as a slave for the next 25 years of his life. We know very little about this time of his life, but we know that Barbary pirates took slaves in order to be exchanged for a ransom fee.

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griefs - King Charles was beheaded by the government of the Commonwealth around this time.

Jeffrey would’ve been forced to do the very hardest physical labours during his time as a slave. No details of his captivity were recorded apart from one fact.

He had grown to 3 foot 9 inches while he was enslaved, doubling in height after 30 years of age. He attributed this to the buggery he had regularly suffered at the hands of his captors.

He was no longer the impossibly miniature man beloved by the Queen nor the tiny knight stepping out of an enormous pie and bowing before her - just a very short man.

The date and the circumstances of his rescue are not known but in the 1660’s, several missions were sent from England to Algeria and Tunis. His first documented presence back in England was in 1669.

Jeffrey decided to move back to Oakham to live with the one brother that was still alive.

He didn’t return to the Queen’s court but he did receive numerous grants from the new King and the Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, the man who first introduced Jeffrey to the royal life of a court dwarf.

During Jeffrey’s time as a slave the royal Restoration happened in 1660 and the Queen returned from France after invitation from her son, Charles II. She resided in London for the next five years before fleeing to France a second time during the London plague of 1665. The Queen died in France upon Jeffrey’s return to Britain in 1669.

After spending several years with his brother in Rutland, Jeffrey returned to London, probably to seek a pension from the royal court. It seemed his luck he’d experienced earlier in life had completely ran out. He was imprisoned again for two years at the Gatehouse prison, arriving in London at a time of turbulent anti-Catholic activity. The fear of Catholics was ignited by malicious lies spread by another man from Oakham, Titus Oates, with his Popish Plot.

Jeffrey Hudson died sometime in 1681, with no records of when, where or how - a sad end to the extraordinary life of Lord Minimus, a life of glamour, excitement, danger and difficulties - and the friendship of a Queen.

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SOMMELIERS

PAIRING

The Perfect

Admit it. It’s a profession to envy and one most of us fancy ourselves experts in already. However, Dominique Baduel, the sommelier of Hambleton Hall proves it’s a little trickier than pairing Bordeaux with beef or Sauvignon Blanc with seafood.

Dominique was born and bred in a very small town called Figeac, a similar size to Oakham with a residence of around 10,000 with a similar character to it too.

“It was a beautiful town to grow up in,” says Dominique. “My father’s business was to buy cheese from central France and sell it to smaller épiceries across the country. I also had a job harvesting grapes in Cahors.”

“As Figeac was quite isolated, I had to do seasonal work; I was a waiter in the summer in a local restaurant and in the winter, I travelled to the French Alps in Chamonix to work in restaurants there.”

“Whilst in Chamonix, the head waiter who was English invited me back to

You’re sure to enjoy a glass or two with your loved one on Valentine’s Day, so why not make it special?

Hambleton Hall’s sommelier Dominique Baduel shares his story to becoming an expert in wine...

work in London to further my career in catering.

My first placement was at the Stafford Hotel between Hyde Park and St James’s Park. There was an underground wine cellar used for functions and a head sommelier, Gino Nordella.”

“I was intrigued by his uniform, how much he was respected, how much knowledge and passion he had for wine.”

Dominique’s second job was at Frederick’s in Islington. As he became >>

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- SOMMELIERS -

>> more and more passionate about the subject of wine and the role of a sommelier, his employer spotted him and called him into his office.

“My boss told me he wanted me to be the sommelier for the restaurant from now on.

I explained that I may not know enough about the subject so he funded the next four years studying for a diploma in wine and spirits.”

“I learnt about grape variety, different climates, regions, soils, geology and everything there is to know about viticulture. My childhood, catering career and passion for wine meant I didn’t find it too difficult; the hardest part was vinification, the chemistry behind wine.”

Dominique returned to the restaurant with a distinction and diploma, and worked there until he was offered a job at another hotel in London with an extensive wine list of over 1,000 varieties.

“I was working for the Lanesborough Hotel which was a very beautiful and grand hotel but a nightmare for me! It was enormous and I didn’t feel very important; I felt like a small fish in a big pond.”

“I met Mr Hart at a penthouse apartment in Belgravia for an interview. I was reluctant at first; I enjoyed the excitement of London and the big city lights. However, he convinced me to visit the hotel for a weekend to see how I felt and if he could change my mind.”

“Needless to say, I fell in love with the charm of Rutland and the countryside and its similarities to my hometown in France. I also fell in love with Hambleton Hall, its history, concept and purpose. I visited in 1999 and have been here ever since.”

“I fell in love with the charm of Rutland and its similarities to my hometown in France...”

“I’ve followed a rather unusual route into my profession,” says Dominique. “Most French sommeliers will study in France before coming to work in London’s restaurants.

However, I’m pleased I studied in the UK.”

“If I studied in Bordeaux for example, 80% of the wines I would’ve studied about would be from the region. England is much more open so I know more about Australian, South African and other European wines too and not just French. London is also the wine capital of the world for imports although Hong Kong is becoming a hotspot for wine too.”

In 1999, Dominique was working for a big hotel near St James’s Park when he received a call from Tim Hart at Hambleton Hall.

If you’ve ever visited Hambleton Hall, you’re sure to have come across Dominique, but if you haven’t had the pleasure yet, here are his rule of thumb wine suggestions.

“Tastes change as you grow older,” says Dominique. “Younger wine tasters will enjoy a characterful wine while an older diner will prefer a more sophisticated, elegant glass. At this time of year, while there are various shooting parties and hunts, and dishes of game and venison, an old style Burgundy Bordeaux will be enjoyed more.”

“There are really two types of white and red. For white, there are lighter, crisp and citrus white wines like a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling ideally paired with a starter of scallops or shellfish. The white alternative would be a more serious Chardonnay paired with a main course of fish.”

“With red, I would pair a lighter fruitier Beaujolais with a terrine of pheasant or game starter. The red alternative would be serious Bordeaux vintage or Rhône for your main beef dish.”

It’s clear Dominique knows his profession and is passionate about it too. Hambleton’s ‘Wines of the Moment’ should give you plenty of inspiration for Valentine’s Day.

Dominique’s WINE LIST

HAMBLETON HALL’S ‘WINES OF THE MOMENT’ CHANGES REGULARLY...

Red

Pueche Haut La Closerie Du Puy Pic Sant Loup black olives, plum fruits and spices are the key caractéristiques for this juicy approachable Pic Saint Loup, £48, 2015.

White

Ventolera Litoral Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley, Chile - subtle, leafy and smoky aromas give way to confident, zesty palate.

Zingy herbs citrus fruit and saline flavours are complex and textural, £30, 2016.

Rosé

Domaine Montrose Prestige Rosé, IGP Côtes de Thongue - nice pale colour, complex nose of ripe citrus fruits, mandarin, spices. Full and long mouth, very delicate and elegant, £29, 2016.

Sparkling

Charles Heidsieck, which can be enjoyed at Hambleton Hall.

n For more information please visit the website www.hambletonhall.com or call 01572 756991 to speak to Dominique Baduel, personal sommelier for the hotel.

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WHAT’S ON

What’s On...

COTTESMORE

TUESDAY 20th FEBRUARY

OAKHAM

QUILTER AND THE GHOST

SUNDAY 11th FEBRUARY

WEDDING FAYRE AT THE RUTLAND SHOWGROUND

Theatre in Rutland! This is a warm, nostalgic musical theatre production of a reclusive hoarder and her very strange but sweet ghost.

Together in their ramshackle home, the two go around and collect real stories of strong and inspiring women lest they be lost to history. With some beautiful and emotive folk songs and well-crafted storytelling, this is an extraordinary, comic and compelling modern fairy-tale and a rare theatre production in Cottesmore Village Hall.

If you or perhaps a relative is planning their wedding, in February head over to the Rutland Showground.

There are some fantastic suppliers here to help you get ideas and plans for the big day and book some of your suppliers too.

This includes venue dressers, bridal dresses, florists, wedding cakes, entertainment, toast masters, stationery, photographers, and loads loads more.

n Call 01572 812350 or visit www.a4r.org.uk for more info.

RUTLAND

On top of all of that, admission to the wedding fayre is completely free!

FRIDAY 23rd FEBRUARY

BIRDWATCHING WALKS WITH TERRY

n Call 01572 755882 or visit the organisers’ website for more info www.brightstarsevents.co.uk.

Hedgelaying Weekend for Beginners at Rutland Water

GET OUT AND ABOUT AND ENJOY A TWO DAY COURSE LEARNING A NEW CRAFT AND ANCIENT ART IN FEBRUARY...

RUTLAND

SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY

2-DAY HEDGELAYING COURSE IN RUTLAND

On this two day course you will have a brief introduction to this ancient art, learn what it involves, when to hedgelay and how. You will lay your own section of hedge.

The course is run by experienced hedge layer John Shone. You will learn the old language associated with this art. You will use hand tools such as axes and bill-hooks though some modern tools such as bow saws and loppers.

This is a very practical course.

Bring your own refreshments including plenty of water to drink. n £80/ticket, call 01572 770651 or visit www.rutlandwater.org.uk.

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These three hour walks are led

by Terry Mitcham, the bird recorder of Rutland Natural History Society, and a very experienced birdwatcher.

He regularly runs bird identification courses and has written several books. This one in February will show you the best birdsong birds, but you’ll have to wait until March to see Rutland’s ospreys.

n £10/ticket, call 01572 770651 or visit www.rutlandwater.org.uk.

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

BARNSDALE

THURSDAY 25th JANUARY

Come and explore Barnsdale Gardens at this exciting time of year as everything starts to burst into life; along with all the fresh new foliage and drifts of spring flowers throughout the Gardens you will be able to enjoy the new Geoff Hamilton Winter Border at its very best.

Hambleton Hall has prevailed upon some of Nevill Holt opera’s young artists to provide diners with a taste of some of the productions. This will hopefully persuade you to enjoy the full length operas at Nevill Holt Opera’s stunning house and gardens throughout 2018.

SPRING FLOWER FORTNIGHT

RUTLAND

WEDNESDAY 14th FEBRUARY

THE WILDLIFE BOOK CLUB

If you love reading and wildlife, Rutland Water Nature Reserve’s Wildlife Book Club is the perfect event for you.

They meet once a month to share thoughts and comments on current popular natural history reads. They choose a title or two to discuss each

month and get together to share opinions on the books and end up chatting about all sorts of related topics too.

At the February meeting the group will be discussing both Matt Merritt’s A Sky Full of Birds and John Bartram’s Park Life: The Memoirs of a Royal Parks Gamekeeper.

n If you think this book club is for you, please speak to Holly on 01572 720049 or visit the website www.rutlandwater.org.uk.

Lunch for Even Less with Eight Local Top Restaurants

ENJOY DINING OUT AT IN SOME OF THE COUNTY’S VERY BEST RESTAURANTS FOR MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE PRICES THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

HAMBLETON

TUESDAY 6th FEBRUARY

Then visit the tea room for a warming drink and slice of cake, lunch or afternoon tea, or browse the plant nursery and shop for great gardening gifts and treats.

The tea room will be serving warming drinks, light meals and afternoon teas daily and the nursery is open every day for sales of plants. n Please visit the website www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk or call 01572 813200 for more information on this event and other events at the gardens.

RUTLAND

FEBRUARY - MARCH

LUNCH FOR EVEN LESS 2018

To make your reservation, please call and quote the ‘Lunch for Even Less’ offer.

The Berkeley Arms - two courses for £14.95. Offer valid 19th January to 31st March.

The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington - two courses for £14.50. Offer valid 15th January to 24th March.

Hambleton Hall - two courses for £28.00.

Offer valid Monday 15th January to Friday 2nd March.

NEVILL HOLT OPERA AT HAMBLETON

n Tickets are £110. Call 01572 756991 for more information.

UPPINGHAM

EASTER 2018

UPPINGHAM SUMMER SCHOOL

There’s a full programme in Easter at the Uppingham Summer School for children to enjoy sport and creative arts.

Enjoy cricket, tennis, story writing and art from 3rd April to the 13th April. n For more info please visit uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk.

Olive Branch, Clipsham two courses for £16.50.

Offer valid 15th January to 24th March.

Hart’s, Nottingham - two courses for £19. Offer valid 8th January to 2nd March.

The Wicked Witch, Ryhall two courses for £14.95. Offer valid 15th January to 28th April.

Langar Hall - two courses for £18.50. Offer valid 15th January to 29th March.

Wheatsheaf, Greetham two courses for £14.50. Offer valid Wednesday 17th January to Saturday, 31st March.

n Visit each restaurant’s website or call them for more information.

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EATING OUT

The Boathouse at

FARNDON

There’s more than one reason to celebrate at Farndon Boathouse this month as we revisit one of our favourite restaurants, an exciting and contemporary dining room with plenty going on throughout 2018...

Hibernation is overrated. This month, one restaurant is keen to show that there’s as much merit in winter as there is in the summer months. Farndon Boathouse is a little bit of a journey north along the A1 but we assure you it is well worth the trip as they prove in this edition.

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

LUKE McGOWAN, FARNDON BOATHOUSE

Any visit to Farndon Boathouse is a treat.

For the uninitiated, the place was created in 2008, with co-founder of the restaurant Dan Garner taking full ownership in April 2016.

New for February, though, the restaurant will split into two distinct areas. The former boathouse itself will retain the à la carte menu whilst the second dining room, adjacent to the kitchen, will have a brand new menu based on a steakhouse concept and offering homemade pastas, a ‘catch of the day’ option plus an array of grill dishes.

The restaurant closed between 2nd and 4th of January while a team gave the new grill dining room a makeover, and the new menu began soon after.

“ORDINARILY, WE’LL PRAISE FARNDON’S SUMMER DINING, BUT THE TEAM ARE ENSURING THERE’S PLENTY HAPPENING DURING WINTER TOO...”

meet the CHEF

If you’ve never been to Farndon Boathouse, it’s well worth the journey from Rutland to Newark, now more than ever with its brand new look and menu.

Traditionally, Farndon Boathouse has been a place diners have in mind during the summer months. Outdoor dining takes place against a soundtrack of the live music acts the restaurant hosts for diners, especially on Sunday evenings. The restaurant also hosts its garden party in June too.

Ordinarily, we too will wax lyrical about summer dining, but the changes Dan and the team are aimed at ensuring there’s just as much happening during the winter months too. In addition to the new restaurant and a January sale, there was a Christmas Market with boutique stalls, live music and mulled wine.

Background: “Born and raised in Nottingham, worked with owner Dan Garner for four years after stints in numerous Michelin-commended restaurants around the city.

Philosophy: “All ingredients have their merits as long as they’re fresh, simply used and if a dish has been well executed.”

Food Heaven: “I love freshly caught fish and freshly shot game...”

Food Hell: “Anything that’s been frozen, prepared carelessly or that has been overcomplicated.”

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>> Diners most recently celebrated the arrival of 2018 at the restaurant with New Year’s Eve dining for £75/head including a Champagne reception, and New Year’s Day dining at £25/head.

Otherwise, Farndon Boathouse remains the place we know and love. The restaurant was proud to achieve its second AA restaurant last year, and well deserved it was too.

The place is entirely contemporary in design, with two open plan dining areas, and vast expanses of glass creating a light and airy dining space, with two contemporary open fireplaces to take the chill off winter dining.

Polished concrete floors, timber, exposed ducting, contemporary artwork by local artists and photographers, all ensure the place is very trendy looking. We’re really excited to see the new look as Pride goes to press.

OPEN FOR FOOD Kitchen: Monday to Friday 12-2.30pm; 6pm-9.30pm.

Saturday & Sunday: 12-3.00pm; 6pm-9.30pm.

Bar: Monday-Sunday 10am-Midnight.

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU FARNDON BOATHOUSE’S À LA CARTE MENU

Starters

Bird liver pâté (chicken, duck and goose) with fig & apple relish and toasted sourdough £7.95.

Hand dived scallops, with crispy chicken wings, sweetcorn, pickled cauliflower and raisins £12.95.

Main Courses

Pan roasted duck breast with rösti potato, spiced honey, squash and pak choi £18.50.

Beauty is more than skin deep too, because the food that the brigade produces is always very special.

A single à la carte menu provides a choice of eight starters, two sharing boards, 10 main courses and seven grill options, then seven desserts.

That might sound like an extensive menu but each dish is well-practised, beautifully presented but executed with flawless technical ability too. The team are as proficient and as creative a brigade as it’s possible to curate.

What’s more, the place is decent value too; it’s not the cheapest, but it is very reasonable given the quality of dining, the overhead cost of ingredients and labour expended in their use.

There’s an Early Bird option for lunchtime or pre-7pm evening patrons, affording two or three courses for a reasonable £16.95/£19.95, with four or five options per course.

Local suppliers includes West Bridgeford’s Fruit Basket which grows and sells much of its produce, and there’s seafood from the village’s Paolos, too.

Meat is provided by Owen Taylor, whilst game is sourced from local shoots. Naturally, bread, ice creams and petit fours are

homemade, and dishes are beautifully presented and embellished.

Also homemade are the ‘gourmet’ pizzas which, in the summer months, are cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven adjacent to the kitchen.

Since opening Farndon Boathouse, Dan has gone on to open a further restaurant; Dry Doddington’s Wheatsheaf - a rustic pub in the village in which the restauranteur grew up - and establish an outsider catering element to the business too.

Both are compelling dining options, with the same quality of food emerging from their kitchens, and the same level of service.

But for its character, its brisk programme of live music and events, our favourite remains Farndon Boathouse.

It’s a trendy place, different from the typical ‘Farrow-and-Balled’ village pubs, with a premium experience and a contemporary feel.

We absolutely love the place in summer, but Dan and the team appear to be going out of their way to prove the restaurant’s merits during the cooler months too... and we’re absolutely certain that he and the team will succeed in doing so!

Pressed belly pork with fondant potato, baked apple purée, apricot stuffing and crispy kale £15.95.

Thai fish bowl, white fish, salmon, mussels, prawns with rice noodles in Thai spiced coconut broth £16.95.

From the Grill

Gourmet burger with grilled rump steak patty, farmhouse cheddar, bacon, gherkin, tomato and toasted brioche bun with fries and sweetcorn relish £13.95.

Butcher’s Block 20oz T-bone steak - sirloin on one side; fillet on the other £28.

Desserts

Chocolate marquise with black forest garnish £6.95.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n Farndon Boathouse is based off Wyke Lane, Farndon, Newark, Notts, NG24 3SX. Tel: 01636 676578, or see www.farndonboathouse.co.uk.

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VALENTINE’S DAY

The Loch Fyne

LOBSTER

The Loch Ness Monster is a little less appealing on Valentine’s Day to our featured dish of Loch Fyne Lobster at Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill in Elton this month. If you’re doing it from home, our lobster connoisseur will show you how...

Roses are red, and so are lobsters. For a romantic Valentine’s night in, our suggested dish would be lobster, the pinnacle of luxury food and the highest priced item on any menu.

Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson.

Impress your loved one this year with a delicious dish that isn’t too tricky to create.

Lobster is a dish in which the main ingredient speaks for itself.

If you don’t believe me and feel lobster is a mighty task to undertake for a dish on Valentine’s Day, I’ll hand you over to our lobster expert.

To get more of an understanding on how to cook lobster - and also how to eat it! - we visited David Keenan, the area chef at Loch Fyne Restaurants across the UK.

“To remove the meat from claws, score the underside and move the shell back and forth...”

meet the EXPERT DAVID KEENAN, THE LOBSTER CONNOISSEUR

David has been working for Loch Fyne since August 1999 with a background in fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants.

“If you’re planning on cooking lobster for a loved one this Valentine’s, we sell them at Loch Fyne,” says David. “Alternatively, try your local fishmonger.”

The lobsters are bought in live and always served fresh in the restaurant, but all Loch Fyne restaurants sell lobster from their fishmongers for those looking to cook at home.

“First of all, check your lobster is healthy.

It should look shiny and if it feels chalky, it’s a bit too old. We will always kill the lobster humanely before it’s boiled; the meat can get

Background: “I’ve worked in Michelin-starred restaurants before but I’ve been at Loch Fyne for the past 18 years so I know everything there is to know about cooking seafood to a very high standard.”

David is the area chef for Loch Fyne and visits all the Loch Fyne restaurants to ensure the quality is kept high.

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- VALENTINE’S DAY -

stressed and tough if you try to boil a lobster alive. Boil it in water with a pinch of salt and black peppercorns, a squeeze of a couple of lemons and a few bay leaves.”

“Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before you put the lobster in. Cook it for eight to ten minutes depending on its size.

Take it out and cool it down to stop it cooking quickly. Now you need to get the meat out of the lobster.

“It’s important you use a sharp knife. Cut a line down the centre of the body. For the tail, follow the same line although it’s a little bit more of an effort. Open the lobster and clean out the main body where the brain and the grain sack sits.”

“Now move on to the claws. You may want to leave this part to your guests or guest as it can be quite fun, but if you want to get the meat out of the claws, carefully crack between the knuckle and claw.

Make a score on the underside of the claw and very gently move the shell back and forth until the meat comes out.”

“I also usually remove the tail meat and turn it upside down so you see the red colouring.

You can also get meat out of the legs by squeezing them like toothpaste.”

“You can grill your lobster in garlic butter, or alternatively it’s nice with brandy and gruyere cheese or in a paprika and rosemary sauce...”

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“Now grill for around three minutes depending on the size with garlic butter, or paprika and rosemary sauce is nice with lobster, or perhapes gruyere cheese and brandy.”

If you’re planning on treating your loved one with lobster, make sure you buy fresh Canadian lobster from Loch Fyne in Elton for the very best in quality in the area.

However, if you would like to leave it to the professionals, do visit this exceptional seafood restaurant for an unforgettable and romantic evening.

Right: The lobster you should expect from Loch Fyne in Elton served in a delicious garlic butter sauce with salad and fries.

Below: Loch Fyne in Scotland is where most of the seafood is caught. Lobsters are Canadian but the restaurant’s famous oysters are from here.

LOCH FYNE If you want to leave lobster preparation to the experts this year, visit Loch Fyne for your romantic Valentine’s meal.

Loch Fyne is a loch in Scotland which is where most of the fresh seafood served in Loch Fyne restaurants across the country is sourced. One of the first restaurants to open under the name was Elton’s.

It’s more famous for its oysters and the first Loch Fyne oyster farm to open was in 1978. Loch Fyne Restaurants credit its exceptional oysters that are full of flavour to the fresh water that tumbles down from the hilltops into the loch.

The lobster you can enjoy at Loch Fyne is actually sourced from Canada as the loch doesn’t produce enough lobsters to supply the restaurants. n For more information and to book a table, please visit www.lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk or call 01832 280298.

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Un'autentica Esperienza

Italiana...

(An authentic Italian experience!)

SUNDAY LUNCHES @ COUNTRY LOUNGE are renowned for pleasing everyone.

Classic roasts, Pizzas & alternative menu available

Glaston Road, Morcott, LE15 9DL call 01572

748731 or see

www.countrylounge.co.uk

Open Morning, Lunchtime & Evening. For breakfast, coffee, lunches and for Ă la carte dining

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Perfect Pancakes

ON THE 13TH FEBRUARY, WE WILL BE CELEBRATING SHROVE TUESDAY BY TUCKING INTO DELICIOUS PANCAKES. HERE WE HAVE OUR IDEAL RECIPE AND TOPPING SUGGESTIONS...

A SAVOURY CHOICE

Makes: 8. Preparation Time: 15-20 Minutes. Cooking Time: 10-15 Minutes.

INGREDIENTS: THREE LARGE FREE RANGE EGGS • 125g OF PLAIN FLOUR • 250ml MILK • UNSALTED BUTTER • PINCH OF SEA SALT RECIPE: Crack all three eggs into

a blender, then slowly add the flour, followed by the milk and one small pinch of sea salt. Blitz until smooth.

Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and leave to stand for 15 minutes.

Melt the unsalted butter, or a drizzle of oil if you’re trying to be a bit healthier, in a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat, then tilt the pan so the butter coats the entire surface.

Pour in one ladle of the egg and flour mixture and tilt again, so that the batter spreads all over the base.

Then cook for one to two minutes, or until the mixture starts to lift and come away from the sides.

Once the pancake is golden underneath, flip the pancake over and cook for one further minute, 54

or until its entirely cooked through.

Serve straight away with your favourite topping.

Savoury pancakes aren’t for everyone, but those wanting to try a savoury style this year, we recommend going for English pancakes with a creamy and mushroom sauce. Fill your pancakes with the sauce and drizzle too.

TIP: It’s sometimes a good idea to

mix it up and swap 75g of plain flour for wholemeal to give your pancakes lovely texture and flavour, and make them a little healthier.

To make more American-style pancakes, swap the plain flour for self-raising, dolloping ladlefuls of batter into the pan without spreading it around the base.

HOW TO FLIP: Tip the pancake to the edge of the pan and three, two, one… flip.

Remember to apply the same action as you would use when making a stir-fry with a wok; it’s just about employing a confident flick of the wrist. Cook it on the other side and flip again if you like.

And finally, toppings. We have six great suggestions for sweet and savoury pancakes for you to try on Shrove Tuesday. n

n If you have more of a sweet tooth, go for chocolate pancakes with bananas, nuts and chocolate sauce. Just add cocoa to your mix.

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- SHROVE TUESDAY -

American-Style

Ricotta Pancakes are popular in America. To make fluffy ricotta pancakes, add ricotta cheese, baking powder, sugar and vanilla extract. Add blueberries too!

If you prefer the traditional mix, another good filling is a variety of berries.

TIMELESS CLASSIC

Of course, Pancake Day would not be Pancake Day without the suggestion of lemon and sugar. Cut wedges of fresh lemon and serve on your pancakes with a sprinkle of sugar.

You can use Jif, but fresh lemon is best. Mix it up by using orange juice and orange wedges!

Another savoury option; why not try baked vegetable pancakes? Use the usual mix but add pumpkin, courgettes, and garlic and serve a with sour cream dip.

Great as a shared dish with the family round.

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THE FOOD OF LOVE

IN THE HEART OF LINCOLNSHIRE

JANUARY & FEBRUARY SPECIAL OFFERS

Our Valentine’s Day menus are now available and with the best ingredients, a cosy dining room and lots of choice, we’re the ideal venue for a romantic meal for two...

Located on the A17, Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU

Call 01529 305743 www.thequeensheadinn.com

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"LUNCH FOR LESS" 2 Main Courses For £15 Mon – Fri, 12 - 2.15pm

The Queen’s Head Q U A L I T Y P U B R E S TA U R A N T

"SUPPER SAVERS" 2 Main Courses For £15 Mon – Thur, 6-9pm

T&Cs apply - subject to availability

TOFT COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF CLUB, Toft, Bourne, Lincs PE10 0JT 01778 590614 | www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk

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Wine of the Month

Think Pink!

For February Fizz...

Rosé champagne is sometimes seen as a poor relation to ‘proper’ champagne, but it’s no less authentic than its pure white grape stablemate.

Château Belingard Reserve, Monbazillac, France £14.75 / 70% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon and 15% Muscadelle 12.5% ABV.

Rosé champagnes are created using the traditional méthode champenoise - the inclusion of a second stage of fermentation, which takes place in the bottle - but with the addition of red grapes, typically pinot noir, the skins of which provide the blush colour.

Harish’s recommendation for a pink champagne of exceptional quality is this Ruinart example. Subtle and fresh with berry fruit, £69.95/75cl set with flutes.

The Wine Cellar ENJOY BURNS’ NIGHT AT THE END OF JANUARY WITH A SINGLE MALT WHISKY OR A SELECTION OF WINES SUGGESTED

BY HARISH KHANDERIA, RUTLAND PRIDE’S WINE EXPERT...

THREE OF A KIND: A RED, WHITE AND ROSÉ TO ENJOY IN 2018...

1. Bursting with Viognier character combining the flavours from apricots, peaches and preserved citrus fruit.

The palate is smooth and fresh, with hints of spice.

A wine from the producer Delas. £12.49 / 70cl / 12.5% ABV. 2. Cahors by Château Haut-Monplaisir is a wine that shows the classic Malbec characteristics; deep plum and berry aromas, with some leafy brightness, and a rich, appetising palate that blends fruit with mineral and tobacco notes. £15.69 / 70cl / 13% ABV.

3. Finally, we’re in Provence, for Rock Angle. A pale pink but with structure to accompany food. Offers apple, grapefruit and rosehip notes and a nice bit of grip on the palate. £32.99 / 70cl / 14% ABV.

“A full nose with honey, candied fruits, quince and the characteristic smells of botrytis.”

“Wine is rich and sweet supported by a very fresh acidity which gives the lightness, and the mineral balance to this special dessert wine.

Ideally paired with light desserts with red fruits, fruit salads, lemon pies, apple pies, tart tatins and light puddings.” n

Burns Single Malt A wee dram that’s fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face!

If you’re planning to celebrate the great Scottish poet this month, you can do worse than a wee dram of this, his eponymous drop.

Fresh and light with honey or toffee and summer fruits, it has a robust apple citrus flavour too, the absolute antithesis of heavier, peat-ey whiskies, £30, 70cl/43% ABV.

n Our featured wines are available to buy from Harish’s shop, Oakham Wines. Call 01572 757124 or visit his website www.oakhamwinesonline.co.uk.

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WELCOME HOME

Living On

THE EDGE

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Renowned local property developer Jon Gibbison has decades of experience working in the area, but still likes to roll up his sleeves and create unique, cutting edge homes.

Cornell House at First Drift is his magnum opus; a high spec executive home with plenty of light and space!

Words: Rob Davis.

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Words: Rob Davis.

Main Image: The house 59practical has a large, living/dining room with access to the kitchen.

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- WELCOME HOME -

Sir Walter Scott remarked that Stamford is one of the finest sights on the road between Edinburgh and London. Meanwhile, Celia Fiennes remarked that it’s the ‘finest stone town in the country.’

Doubtless Stamford is most renowned for its traditional homes, Georgian architecture, and for its role as the UK’s go-to backdrop for TV and cinema productions set in the era. but with its new found role as an A1 commuter town, and as the town is hardly immune to the UK-wide need for new homes, Stamford’s architectural vernacular has, and must necessarily continue to adapt.

The architectural vernacular of Stamford is no longer one-dimensional, and that’s thanks to innovative developers such as Jon Gibbison.

Having spent a few decades developing properties as diverse as multi-million pound Kensington apartments, commercial premises and hospitals, as well as larger housing developments and contemporary homes, John sold his previous business and set up his new company, Hereward Homes, in April 2000.

John’s business aims to create ‘desirable properties in prestigious locations’ - and there are few more desirable places to live

Right: There’s plenty of space Far Right: Eco credentials for open plan family living include high performance with over 4,600sq ft space. glazing and underfloor heating.

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Main Image: A beautiful modern home with well maintained grounds.

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than Stamford - whilst his magnum opus is this two-storey contemporary family home with five bedrooms and three reception rooms, located at First Drift near Stamford, alongside a few of his previous homes.

Above: The property has three reception rooms and five bedrooms.

“We pulled out all the stops to create two unique houses alongside one another that would offer a level of luxury and design features that are rarely found in most new homes,” says Jon. “The rooms in the properties were designed to benefit from high levels of natural light with interiors that provide plenty of living space; 4,616 sqft for Cornell House.”

The house could perhaps be described as an eco-home, but John has valued solidity and quality as well as its eco credentials, using

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- WELCOME HOME -

“The drawing room leads out onto a spacious terrace with a wood burning stove to ensure a cosy winter...” >> conventional masonry construction rather than steel framed skeletons or prefabricated methods.The first floor is concrete for strength, both floors employ underfloor heating, there’s super-efficient glazing and not one but two air source heat pumps to make sure the property costs very little to run.

Completed in March 2017, Cornell House is also designed to require absolutely no maintenance down the years, with a Parex render which won’t crack or discolour.

The oak on the exterior of the house, meanwhile, is not conventional cladding, which discolours over time, but a more innovative product called Trespa Meteon, which will still retain its ‘new’ look in years to come.

Inside Cornell House, there are three reception rooms currently arranged as a large family room with living and dining spaces, as well as a well-equipped kitchen with Sheraton high gloss cabinetry.

Alongside the Neff oven, steam oven and microwave there’s an integrated fridge & freezer and dishwasher, plus a wine fridge and Qooker boiling water tap.

A separate utility room and plant room ensures plenty of storage, and there’s a study, too, for those who work from home.

The main reception room leads out onto a spacious terrace with bi-fold doors for the summer months and a wood burning stove to ensure cosiness in winter too.

The house has five bedrooms in total, all equipped with en suites all with Duravit designer fittings and Porcelanosa tiles, whilst walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms feature in most rooms.

Left: The kitchen has a high gloss Sheraton kitchen and boiling water tap.

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Right: All five of the bedrooms have en suites and dressing rooms or walk-in wardrobes.

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Naturally the outdoor spaces have been designed to offer the same low maintenance qualities as the interior, with provision for low-maintenance planting, and rows of neat contemporary topiary. Approaching his properties from the ‘technical’ side of house building, over the years John has witnessed a continual improvement and sophistication of the materials and techniques he’s used, and Stamford’s Cornell House is his magnum opus.

“We think it’s a beautiful property,” he says.

“It’s aesthetically pleasing, with great living spaces. But it’s also cost effective to run, it’s environmentally sensitive, and it’s designed to go decades with little or no maintenance.

Technically and creatively, I think it’s the culmination of everything that a really good luxurious modern home should be.” n

CORNELL HOUSE FIRST DRIFT, WOTHORPE

Style: Contemporary property completed in March 2017 and offering around 4,600sq ft space.

Receptions: Three, currently arranged as formal drawing room, plus a living kitchen/living/dining room and study.

Bedrooms: Five, each with en suite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes/dressing rooms.

Other Features: Two air source heat pumps, underfloor heating.

Weatherproof render/oak façade.

Guide Price: £1,400,000.

Contact: King West, St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE. Call 01780 484520 or see kingwest.co.uk.

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Your local appointed Sheraton dealer.

• Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens

• 25 NEW large room settings in our showroom

• Affordable, quality kitchens and the latest designs on display The best quality, best value & best service from a company fitting kitchens since 1981

Come see our kitchens on display in our extensive showroom

ADDITIONAL KITCHEN DESIGNER REQUIRED We are seeking an additional kitchen designer to join our team, to apply please contact The Maltings Barnack Road, Stamford. 01780 755855

THE AREA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT KITCHEN SHOWROOM The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford PE9 2NA

T: 01780 756514 or 755855

E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk

www.qksstamford.co.uk

Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Sat, 9am-3pm, closed all day Sunday

Stamford Stoves

Unit 18a Station Road Business Park, Barnack, Stamford PE9 3DW Telephone: 01780 769274 stamfordstoves.co.uk • @stamfordstoves.co.uk

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MOIR WADE KITCHENS, LEICESTER

MOIR WADE

BESPOKE KITCHENS

IF YOU’RE SEEKING A NEW KITCHEN, LEICESTERSHIRE BASED MOIR WADE CAN CREATE LITERALLY ANYTHING YOU WISH, WITH A TRULY BESPOKE APPROACH AND A DEDICATION TO DESIGN FLAIR. THEIR WORK SPEAKS FOR ITSELF...

There’s bespoke... then, there’s bespoke.

A kitchen from Leicestershire based Moir Wade is definitely the latter.

Rather than just allowing clients to choose from a range of doors, and designing cabinetry from a pre-determined range of sizes, every single kitchen, bedroom or study the company completes is hand-designed and crafted in-house by a workshop of five professionals garnering over a century of experience between them.

“We think both in straight lines and curves,” say partners Jonathan Wade and brother-inlaw Will Moir, heading up the design team and workshop respectively.

“We specialise in creating high end interiors and pride ourselves on being able to deliver anything the client wants, subject to it being technically feasible.

Because we’ve an in-house design studio, we can complete an initial survey and visit the customer on site and get a feel for their lifestyle and their requirements before creating two or three preliminary designs.”

Main: Will Moir heads up the workshop team and ensures that each of Moir Wade’s kitchens is hand-finished, painted or veneered, with every tradesperson from builders to electrical and plumbing contractors fully co-ordinated for a turnkey service.

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“Design is, we believe, a collaborative process, so when one idea stands out to a client we’re happy to work with that and finesse it to their absolute satisfaction.”

“We work with tulip wood, oak, walnut and cherry amongst others, and we’ve an almost infinite choice of materials for work surfaces and appliances from premium manufactures.”

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- BESPOKE INTERIORS -

Above: Moir Wade’s incredible cabinetry isn’t only beautiful but practical too. We love this built in pantry, ideal for a large family who love to cook.

“Only when the client is happy do we quote for the project, and pressure-selling is a real turn-off to us - we only ever treat our customers as we ourselves would wish to be treated.”

“Because we’re determinedly bespoke we don’t have a showroom, so instead we invite our potential clients to see our workshop and to meet the team.”

Left: A stunning dressing room fit entirely by Moir Wade.

Above: Moir Wade can create bespoke furniture for your home too.

Right: Another example of Moir Wade’s work with a fitted Belfast sink.

“You can tell from the look and feel of the place and the way the team works together that we’re a great company to work with, as well as one that can deliver both the precise engineering needed for technically challenging designs, and the quality of finish that the customers we attract expect.”

“We offer a turnkey service which means that every tradesperson is managed and co-ordinated, so what the customer sees is a superb end result which boasts not only quality craftsmanship, but innovative design, too.” n For more information on Moir Wade, call 0116 269 5915 or see www.moirwade.co.uk.

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DELCOR

Making a Statement...

FOR STUNNING INTERIORS, WE SUGGEST YOU VISIT DELCOR IN STAMFORD. THE NATIONAL COMPANY HAS OVER 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FURNISHING HOMES ACROSS THE COUNTRY...

If you love beautiful things that are made to last a lifetime, you’re probably already very familiar with the family furniture business in Stamford, Delcor.

Since 1967 Delcor has been flying the flag for British Craftsmanship. Their stunning made-to-measure sofas and chairs are made in Northumberland by craftsmen and women with over 200 years’ collective experience.

Delcor are now proud to have partnered with Spink & Edgar, one of Britain’s leading mattress providers, to create a new range of Right: Delcor’s Chelsea sofa in a nude pink matching softer interiors. Below: For a contemporary look, go for Soho.

beautifully crafted beds. With exquisite design and endless comfort, you can be sure to find the bed you’ve been dreaming of.

Every single Delcor creation is the definition of masterpiece, a highly personal piece of furniture and not an ‘off-the-peg’ purchase.

If you want your chaise longue a little longer or your high back sofa a little higher, a deeper seat or a wider arm, they will make it to your every specification.

And this attention to detail is the secret to their success; not to mention their appealing 50-year guarantee on frames.

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Top/Left: For a richer bolder look, we suggest Ambassador.

Top: The Mayfair bed in monochrome.

Above: The Valentina bed with lime touches.

Left: For a very bold and brave look that will most certainly make a statement in your home, choose Duke.

n Showroom at 30 Bath Row, Rear of St Marys Hill, Stamford, PE9 2QX. Other showroom locations at King’s Road, London; Northumberland and Cheshire. You can order a brochure or request fabric samples from www.delcor.co.uk or call 01780 762579 for more information.

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DISTINCTIVE HOME

BATHROOMS

Providing Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding areas with a quality bathroom service...

We only supply top brand components and install to impeccable standards.

High quality family bathrooms, en suites, wet rooms and shower rooms, and mobility bathing solutions, all at affordable prices.

DH Bathrooms’ small team of hand picked, master craftsmen will amaze you with their ability and attention to detail...

01526 830058 07971 293682

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We provide free advice, designs and a competitive, no obligation quotation...

www.dhbathrooms.co.uk

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Top: The sofas that feature in Cavells Home showroom are bespoke and for sale.

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Above: You can buy everything from large pieces of furniture to smaller items.

Right: The new showroom is divided up into different sections of a home.

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CAVELLS HOME

Bambou Cushion

Elizabeth & Scarlett Bambou Chambray cushion £50.

Ellyphant Candle

The brand also creates candles like the Ellyphant candle Classic, £25.

Ananas Cushion

Elizabeth & Scarlett Ananas Cloud cushion £50.

CAVELLS Elizabeth & Scarlett at

Ananas Journal

Elizabeth & Scarlett also design journals.

This is the indigo Ananas journal, £30.

Jungle Leaf Cushion

Jungle Leaf Rose cushion also sold in natural white, £50.

Cavells is well known for its exceptional provision of fashion.

In line with this, Cavells has opened Cavells Home in Oakham with high quality products for the home from designers like Elizabeth & Scarlett...

Jungle Leaf Quilt

Elizabeth & Scarlett design bed linen too like this Jungle Leaf quilt, £200.

Palmier Wash Bag

The palm tree design is available in many colours. Palmier Coral wash bag, £20.

Palmier Cushion

With golden palm tree design, this Palmier cushion is in taupe, £50.

All items in this feature are available from Cavells Home, 16 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. For enquiries, please call Cavells on 01572 770372 but make sure to visit in store.

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Let it...

SNOW

There’s nothing like the thrill and exhilaration of a day spent on the slopes, but if you’ve never experienced it for yourself, there are many ways to get into the sport. This month Ski Club the sports advisory body, offers advice on how to get onto the slopes...

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SKIING

Starting any new sport can be a daunting prospect, but getting involved in skiing and snowboarding has never been easier. For a start, there are indoor real snow slopes and artificial dry slopes throughout the UK running all-inclusive courses with the winter sports advisory body, Ski Club.

progress onto. Having the right kit and equipment and knowing what to expect for your first trip to the mountains can make all the difference.

To try your hand, first visit somewhere like Tallington Lakes dry slope (01778 347000, www.tallington.com) for a taste of what the sport entails physically.

If you haven’t been skiing before, learn or practise before you go away to make the most of your time - formal tuition is a good investment both to get the best from your break and to avoid injury.

There are also independent travel advisors skilled in offering all the advice you need for your first ski holiday, advising on both affordable and luxurious ski packages with beginner friendly resorts.

If you want a more ‘real’ experience, there’s also Snozone at Castleford or Milton Keynes (www.snozonecastleford.com). That’s a bit of a journey, but with man-made snow, it’s a more authentic taste of what you’ll expect during your first skiing trip.

Like any sport, there is a learning curve, but you’ll be amazed how quickly you can improve with a bit of focused instruction. Skiers may well find the equipment awkward at first, but once you get used to the sensation of sliding around on snow and find your balance, you’ll soon master the snow plough and learn how to steer your skis to make turns.

When you can effectively control your skis and make a few turns you can start working towards parallel turns. Technique is something that even the most expert skiers still work on.

For your first ski or snowboard holiday, you’ll want to find a beginner-friendly resort with a good nursery slope area, facilities for children and suitable intermediate runs to

Head to your local independent travel specialists - not only will you find the best service, but you’ll benefit from advice and often personal experience of resorts too.

Check snow and weather forecasts, protect your eyes with proper goggles at all times and avoid too much aprés ski - you should avoid skiing when tired, and aside from anything else, alcohol - or a hangover - will decrease your performance and will usually invalidate your travel insurance.

Above/left: Zermatt in Switzerland is a popular ski resort.

Above: The more experienced you become, you could even learn to jump!

Opposite: In addition to an incredible adrenaline rush and of course aprés ski, one of the enjoyments of skiing is stunning open views across beautiful mountain ranges.

“Like any sport, there is a learning curve, but you’ll be amazed how quickly you can improve with a bit of focused instruction. It is worth training before your trip...”

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FIVE SKI DESTINATIONS

The Best European Skiing

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FRANCE: One of France’s most understated resorts is Le Grand Bornand. It’s a charming village with 60 miles of skiing and a further 80 miles at Massif des Aravis. The village actually has two areas: Le Grand Bornand - the more traditional centre, and Chinaillon at 1,300m, 6km from its neighbour. Apres ski is wide ranging with a discothèque and a large selection of eateries. Also home to a number of local food producers with several speciality cheeses, it’s great for foodies.

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ITALY: Madesimo is a quaint village that’s right near Italy’s Lake Como. Soaring slopes, and lower prices than other mainstream resorts. It’s perhaps better suited to more experienced skiers. Consider St Ulrich in the Dolomites too. With nature at its very best whichever way you turn, the area provides many different ski areas and 1,200km of perfectly prepared snow covered slopes with accommodation in more exclusive hotels and mountain huts.

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SWITZERLAND: Without doubt, Zermatt is the ski resort with the most gorgeous setting in the Alps.

Its centerpiece - the Matterhorn - is what

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Toblerone chocolate is modelled on. Stay in The Omnia, a glass hotel built on top of a rock. The highlight is its Cavern bar - a glass and steel space that floats on water inside a man made cave.

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NORWAY: A lesser-considered ski destination but one with family appeal; Geilo is one of the best family resorts in Scandinavia with five snowparks and is a major centre for cross-country skiing, and also one of the best places in the world for kite skiing.

Stay at the early 20th century Dr Holms spa hotel, which also has an American Diner as well as a bowling alley.

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AND FINALLY... No guide to European skiing would be complete without a mention of Klosters. 150km from Zurich, the UK’s Ski Club recommends Davos and it’s easy to see why; the small village has luxurious accommodation, gourmet cuisine and that ‘reassuringly expensive’ feel. It accesses the same ski area as Davos but runs into the village are better and it gets more snow. Four star Superior Hotel Seehof Davos is one of the most traditional hotels in the Alps. Rub shoulders with royalty at this destination.

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- SKIING -

FIVE OF THE BEST

Ski Gear Warm: Schöffel’s Leona1 Fleece Jacket made of 100% polyester.

Gloves: Montane’s Power Stretch Pro Gloves, £30.

On-Piste Skis: Better for advanced users, but great for cruising with minimal effort thanks to rockered tips and wood core/fibreglass reinforced constructions.

Dynastar Intense 10 £call.

Jacket: Schöffel’s Schladming1 ski jacket, quilted with attached hood.

Goggles: Salomon Ivy goggles, £100, salomon.com.

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Nature

NOTES

Weather dependent, February should be a time where we slowly leave winter and enter spring, with some animals waking up for the year ahead...

Black & Yellow

ROBBERS

Some bumblebees cheat when out pollinating; they collect nectar by piercing a hole in a plant without entering and pollinating the flower first.

This is often referred to as nectar robbing.

Spring usually starts in March so we should still be in the throes of winter, but spring may come early this year dependent on the weather.

February is the buildup to spring when everything starts to emerge from its winter hibernation.

The first bumblebees should be about on sunny days collecting nectar from early garden plants like crocuses.

The majority of the bees you see will be large queen bees. These have hibernated over the winter and they’re now searching for a place to start a new family.

The homes they search for often tend to be the old nests of mice.

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They like to start their homes in untidy places.

In milder spells, ladybirds will come out to sun themselves too.

Back on the ground, bluebell leaves are slowly pushing through the soil and under hedges in woodland areas. Wild arum leaves will slowly start to unfurl too.

Alder trees along rivers and streams will be surrounded by long brown and yellow catkins.

Soaring over woods on clear days, you should be able to see buzzards and sparrowhawks as they begin to mark out their territories.

Chaffinches, blackbirds, great spotted woodpeckers and song

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- NATURE -

Morning Chorus You should start to hear birdsong in February. Here are a few you will be hearing in the morning chorus...

Song Thrush These are one of the very few birds in the UK that eat snails! This is critical food in late summer.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Their first drums are heard in early January and will continue through to June.

Above: Pheasants in a frosty field.

Opposite/Top: A sparrowhawk will establish his territory at this time of year.

Opposite/Bottom: Catkins on an alder tree near rivers and streams.

Opposite/Left: A bumblebee pollinating early flowers like this crocus.

thrushes will become louder and louder as birdsong begins.

You may be able to see thousands of gulls on colder evenings. The reservoir may produce a blizzard which makes the birds fly in to roost.

You should start to see more animals in towns like Oakham and Uppingham in February.

Food is sparse in the countryside so you should be able to see more wildlife in your local park and gardens.

Help the birds out at this time of year by putting a birdfeeder out.

This will ensure you keep the beautiful birds in your garden too.

Use your house as a secret hiding place to photograph the birds too as they perch on your birdfeeder.

You’ll see a fewer pheasants in the county over February as shooting season comes to a close.

The pheasant was introduced to Britain in the 11th Century by the Normans. There are thought to be over eight million birds in the countryside during winter.

Blackbird Blackbirds typically like to sing after rain.

Chaffinch The one essential for chaffinches to thrive in gardens is plenty of trees, while oaks are their favourites.

Most of the pheasants you see are reared from chicks by gamekeepers.

Nearly half are shot and most of the others die from other causes like foxes and road incidents.

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The Edible Garden

It’s amazing just how many flowers growing in your garden are edible. A little work in the glasshouse this month will see you planting up platefuls of pleasure this spring and summer...

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Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden taste? Like Mary, you’ll be amazed just how many of the flowers we grow for decoration in your garden are actually edible.

What’s more, February is the month that you can get busy creating a bountiful crop to exploit in the spring and summer months.

A Bloomsbury salad can include nasturtium, viola, borage, and calendula, combined with young lettuce leaves, and a little olive oil and vinegar.

February and March are the ideal months to sow nasturtiums - they’ll flower from summer right through to autumn, and can be used as garnish, as well as exploiting their peppery style to add flavour and colour to salads. You can also combine them with cream cheese and use on canapés, or in a cheese and tomato sandwich.

Bellis (daisies) can be used in the same way - their small white quill-shaped petals makes a colourful garnish on desserts and in soup, and can be used in salads.

Calendula (pot marigolds) can also be sown in situ in spring, whilst cornflowers, can be sown from next month and used during the summer months in salads, omelettes, and in pasta dishes.

Pansies have a lettuce-like flavour ideal for garnishing a paté, or as a decorative addition to a salad. They also crystalise and can be used to decorate cakes and cream desserts.

Sweet William petals can add zest to ice creams, sorbets, fruit salads and dessert sauces, whilst violets and lavender add

“Cornflowers, can be sown from next month and used during the summer months in salads, omelettes, and in pasta dishes. Pansies are ideal for garnishing a paté or fish dish...”

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Main: Swedish celebrity chef Tareq Taylor is well known for using flowers in his cooking.

Right: Kitchen gardens and vegetable patches don’t have to look boring; design your foodie garden to look pretty too.

Far Right: Borage is one of the most versatile edible flowers.

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- GARDENING -

IN THE GARDEN

Jobs for February...

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Prune your fruit trees before the end of February. Later pruning can lead to loss of sap. Bear in mind that vigorous pruning will promote the growth of substantial shoots.

Wait until May before pruning trees with stoned fruits - such as cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches and apricots - because of the risk of silverleaf disease.

Check whether perennials in beds and borders have been lifted by the frost. Push them back into the soil.

Weeds may already have grown significantly, particularly annual meadow grass and other annuals.

It is best to remove them by hand as hoeing can damage the roots of your ornamental plants.

A thorough clean ensures that any surviving vermin is removed from the box so that it does not bother the new hatchlings.

This is the best time to remove trees. Leave the removal of big trees to a professional/tree surgeon/arborist. They have the right equipment and know precisely how to avoid any damage.

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- GARDENING -

flavour to desserts and biscuits. Rosemary can add fragrant flavour to biscuit dough and can also be used in your baking to create lovely focaccia - great with home-grown garlic, which can be planted now, and home-grown tomatoes, which should be sown from seed in the glasshouse this month.

Whilst it’s surprising how many of the flowers growing in your garden can be eaten safely, we should sound a few words of caution.

Daisies can cause an allergic reaction in those with hayfever, whilst pregnant women should avoid borage, as it’s a diuretic.

Lavender oil can be poisonous in an undiluted state, whilst marigold flowers and leaves, whilst citrus-ey, can be harmful in large amounts.

Pea shoots are delicious in salad, but sweet-pea flowers are toxic, and poppy seeds make great muffins and bread toppings, but poppies themselves are poisonous. Do be careful and always research after harvesting flowers you believe to be edible.

Borage and lavender are two of the most versatile edible flowers, and can be used in vegetable and fruit salads.

Both can be planted from next month, with April prime growing time.

Finally, what article on growing your own food would be complete without an honourable mention for lettuce?

Plant from seed this month then harvest from mid-summer, an enjoy an abundant supply of fresh, delicious salads throughout the season! n

Main: Dedicate a small section of your garden to edible plants like lettuces and pansies.

Right: Always have a herb garden; it’s so handy and creates so much flavour in cooking.

Above: A simple summer salad using fresh plants and flowers from the garden. You can make dishes look so colourful with edible flowers.

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WEDDINGS

Glamorously Golden

Anna and Lukas Vanterpool from Peterborough recently married at Normanton Church before heading over to Keythorpe Manor for a beautiful wedding reception with a pink and gold colour scheme. We spoke to Anna about her glamorous day...

Images: BGS Photography, 07919 927105,www.bgsweddings.co.uk.

Normanton Church is a very popular dream wedding venue with open views across the reservoir and a really unique church ceremony.

To follow this up with Keythorpe Manor makes for the perfect day and that’s just what Anna and Lukas Vanterpool had last year.

The couple have been together for 11 years but only recently decided to get hitched.

“We met in a nightclub in Huntingdon 11 years ago,” says Anna. “We’re very committed to each other with three beautiful children, a house and Lukas has his own business to run, but marriage was never something we had ever considered seriously.”

“We went away for a weekend in Sussex and Lukas popped the question in a romantic restaurant after dinner,” says Anna. “He proposed five years before our wedding so we had a long engagement, and held off wedding planning until around one year before the big day.”

“We had already decided on Normanton Church; it was the place we always said we would get married in if we ever did. It’s so beautiful.”

“Then, a friend suggested Keythorpe Manor for the reception. She had been to a wedding

The Wedding of ANNA & LUKAS VANTERPOOL

there and said how amazing it was so we went to have a look and fell in love.”

“For my dress, I did a lot of searching online and I liked al lot of Israeli bridal designers but fell in love with one dress from Stella York.”

“I rang round local stockists, and none had the dress I wanted so Gowns & Garters in Thrapston ordered the dress in. I was worried it would be the dress I’d fallen in love with but wouldn’t suit me, but it suited me perfectly and I knew it was the one.”

Anna had a lot of fun planning her wedding and the venue design and decoration. She tributes her success to various Pinterest boards and online searches!

“The internet is great for planning weddings.

I was able to buy and hire bits and bobs from people across the country and it all fell into place. My florist was superb and really helped and worked with me to design the venue and where the flowers would go.”

“She was the Country Garden Florist in Peterborough and I would thoroughly recommend her. She made my venue look incredible.”

“When it came to walking down the aisle on the actual day, I couldn’t believe how nervous I was! We’d been together for 11 years, I had 97

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- WEDDINGS -

“Normanton Church was the place we always said we would get married in if we ever decided to...” no reason to be nervous. However, once I reached the end of the aisle I calmed down and just enjoyed the moment.”

“At the reception afterwards, a big highlight for me was the speeches, they were really emotional and funny in places.”

“The DJ was also great and carried us into the early hours of the morning. I’d like to thank all of my guests who were able to attend and make the day so magical.”

For their honeymoon, Anna and Lukas jetted off to the Maldives for a relaxing week away together while Anna and Lukas’s parents looked after the children.

“I had an amazing day and I’m so happy so many people were able to help out on the day. I want to give special thanks to my maid of honour who kept me calm and helped me plan everything, my friend who’s a makeup artist who helped on the day, and a former work colleague who made our cake for us.”

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Images: BGS Photography, 07919 927105, www.bgsweddings.co.uk.

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BARTON HALL

Wedding Bells at

BARTON HALL

Choosing where to say ‘I Do!’ just became easier with fresh wedding packages for 2018 and 2019 nuptials at Kettering’s Barton Hall Hotel, with its beautiful Grade I listed orangery and picture-perfect 16th century country mansion setting...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: LATZO, 07771 394898, www.latzo.co.uk.

Your wedding day deserves a beautiful backdrop, with space to celebrate and picture-perfect surroundings.

“Hosting over 80 weddings each year, we enjoy offering somewhere special for couples to celebrate the beginning of a new life together.”

There are few places more idyllic than Barton Hall, and fewer still able to match the country house hotel’s Grade I listed 18th Century Orangery and still providing the perfect venue for your special day.

“We can host weddings of various sizes with the Orangery having a civil licence for up to 160. With its provenance and architecture, the building is a really great backdrop for weddings set in mature, leafy grounds.”

“The manor house of Barton Hall was built around the 1550’s and carries a Grade II listing,” says Barton Hall’s Ellie Merrill.

The hotel’s Vines brasserie offers 90 covers and a menu created from fresh, high quality local ingredients. There’s an extensive gin selection and superb cocktail menu, and the option to enjoy Pimm’s or Champagne on the terrace overlooking the Hall.

“The house was once owned by Charles Wicksteed, namesake of Wicksteed Park, and now has 29 bedrooms, with standard and superior grades, as well as two fourposter bedrooms.”

“As Barton Hall has been announced as the Regional winner and National Finalist for best wedding venue category in The Wedding Industry Awards, we are delighted that our hard work and our beautiful venue has been recognised.”

Opposite: Barton Hall Hotel features a 16th-century country mansion, ideal as a backdrop for photos.

The hotel offers different sized function room options for those organising weddings, from the Charles function suite, with its capacity of 150, as well as the Garden Room with its capacity of 50 for those Guests looking for more intimate smaller celebration.

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- WEDDINGS AT BARTON HALL -

“From the moment you arrive at the Grade II listed Hotel, you will be greeted by welcoming staff who will guide you to the Orangery for the Ceremony & Drinks Reception.”

From the night before the wedding to the ceremony itself and celebrations after, our guests create their own special celebrations as Barton Hall are able to offer a completely bespoke service.

“Barton Hall takes couples through all of the many different options available to them, offering a personal guided tour of the hotel, its grounds and discussing options for reception layouts plus different menus and drinks packages.”

“We only host one wedding on each day, which allows you to be the exclusive bride to the hotel, as well as ensuring our attention is focused on each couple’s wedding all day long.”

“Barton Hall offers a superb backdrop for all seasons of the Year offering a charming venue all year round, and we offer special

“Barton Hall offers an ideal backdrop for all seasons of the year offering a charming venue all year round...”

prices for winter weddings with savings of up to £1,000 and other discounts too.”

“Our bridal suites are spacious and luxuriously appointed, the ideal places in which the bridal party can get ready, and a place for exhausted couples after a reception. We’ve all of the space, luxury and period features that will make your wedding extra special.”

“We understand at Barton Hall that your wedding is the most important day of your lives so we make sure that every detail is handled with the utmost care, we invest all of the time and attention needed to ensure your wedding will definitely be a unique event, your special day!” says Ellie. n

Weddings at Barton Hall ‘Elegant’ Wedding Package: £70/person, 2018 dates.

‘Elite’ Wedding Package: £12,000 based on 60-80 guests, Friday to Sunday, for 2018 dates.

Winter Weddings: January to April, October to December, £5,000/2018 dates.

Barton Hall’s prices shown are Special Offer Rates for 2018 (T&C’s apply). Visit Barton Hall Hotel, Barton Seagrave, NN15 6SG, call 01536 515505 or see www.bartonhall.com.

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RED CARPET READY

READY Red Carpet

Red Carpet Ready are the UK’s largest dress specialists, based near Lincoln, stocking over 2,000 dresses for all budgets across short, midi and long styles. Their new 2018 collections have just arrived ready for all your upcoming 2018 Proms & Events...

Images: Images: David David Glover.

Glover. (Left) (Left) Available Available in in Silver/Gunmetal, Silver/Gunmetal, Gold, Gold, Wine/Gold, Wine/Gold, Navy/Gold, Navy/Gold, Black/Gold Black/Gold £455, £455, (Middle) (Middle) Gunmetal, Gunmetal, Gold, Gold, Rosegold, Rosegold, Red, Red, Navy Navy £745, £745, (Right) (Right) Silver, Silver, Navy, Navy, Wine, Wine, Blush Blush £325. £325.

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- FASHION -

Red Carpet Ready’s range of over 2,000 dresses will ensure 2018 ‘ballers’ and prom queens will find the perfect dress, with short and long styles, and many styles available in up to 27 different colourways, plus exclusive designs created for the Lincoln retailer. n

Opposite: (left) Emerald green, blush, £525, in sizes 2-28, (middle) emerald green, silver, red, navy, blush, nude, burgundy, £485, in sizes 6 - 18 (right) emerald green, navy, red, wine, deep violet £325, 2-20.

Above: Blue dress, also available in wine, red, navy, royal blue, £425, in sizes 8-14.

Top/Right: Over 2,000 styles stocked, many of which come in lots of colourways across Red Carpet Ready’s three luxury dress showrooms based in Branston, near Lincoln.

Right: Exclusive Design by Red Carpet Ready, £345, (left) silver and blush, £345, sizes 4 - 14, (middle) two piece, silver and blush, £695, sizes 4 - 16, (right), silver/nude only, £605, in sizes 2 - 28.

Left: (left) Exclusive design by Red Carpet Ready, £545, gold only, in sizes 4 - 18, (middle) two piece, gold only, £545, in sizes 2 - 18, (right) in gold and garnet, £345, in sizes 4 - 20.

Featured dresses are available from Red Carpet Ready, 40 Hall Lane, Branston near Lincoln. Open seven days a week until 9pm but please prebook on 01522 793777. All styles and prices of their entire ranges can be viewed on www.redcarpetready.co.uk. Please note Instagram page @RedCarpetReadyLincoln.

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A Girl’s Best Friend VALENTINE’S DAY

GIVE A TOKEN OF TRUE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH JEWELLERY FROM THE TOP 10 LUXURY BRANDS IN THE WORLD...

Harry Winston This is the pearshaped diamond solitaire pendant from one of the top luxury jewellery brands in the world, Harry Winston.

Available with one pear-shaped diamond starting from 0.50 carats, set in platinum.

For more than 80 years, Harry Winston has been creating fine diamond jewelry.

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Cartier Cartier is another luxury brand and these earrings sell for £12,000 although there are options for less diamonds with prices more around £2,000. They are the Trinity de Cartier earrings and this particular pair features white gold, yellow gold, pink gold and diamonds.

Van Cleef & Arpels Between the Finger rings are a new style of jewellery where the ring doesn’t wrap around the whole finger but rather sits between two fingers.

This stunning Frivole ring fron Van Cleef and Arpels is £4,850.

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Buccellati As part of the brand’s opera collection, these stunning Opera Colour Pendant earrings incorporate pink gold and onyx.

It’s in the shape of three Buccellati logos and the brand is known for detail and quality. This pair will sell for £4,600.

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Graff Graff has an Icon collection which is centred around the company’s logo.

Icon’s delicate lines and curves are inspired by the renowned Hair & Jewel coiffure, created by Laurence Graff in 1970.

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Tiffany and Co Rubies and diamonds add an elegant touch to this pendant from Tiffany & Co. The price for this necklace is £2,325. Go for the famous Tiffany heart tag pendant with the Tiffany logo for a more affordable £120. The key pendant is £3,175, while the olive leaf medallion is £525.

For the more classic garnet, you’ll pay £770.

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Mikimoto These Mikimoto pearl earrings to the left feature Akoya cultured pearls and 0.08ct of diamonds. You can purchase a pair for £1,850 or opt for a slightly more affordable pair of pearl earrings.

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Bvlgari This bracelet is part of the B.Zero1 collection from Bvlgari and features all three shades of gold in its spirals sitting on a gold chain. Treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day; this beautiful bracelet is £1,960.

Piaget For extreme luxury, go for the Extremely Piaget range at Piaget. This is the ‘Palm Tree’ bangle bracelet in 18K pink gold, set with 332 brilliant-cut diamonds (around 3.53 ct).

Of course, with that many diamonds and that stunning attention to detail and quality, there is quite a large price tag of £44,800.

Chopard The Happy Hearts bangle is set in 18-carat rose gold and the heart is made of natural motherof-the-pearl. This line of jewellery features various jewels in the hearts. This beautiful bangle will cost you £2,230.

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Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris An endearing mix of juicy top notes, sensual Datura Orchid and base notes of Patchouli and White Musk, YSL Mon Paris is an intense love affair for the senses.

50ml, EDP, £71.

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush, in Candy Blush Fall in love at first flush with these stunning blushes from Too Faced. Baked for a beautifully buildable finish, with three individual colour swatches, they achieve a multi-dimensional glow.

Available in a range of shades. £30.

PRETTY in Pink Create the perfect look for Valentine’s Day with long-lasting lip colours, swoon-worthy blushers and fragrances to fall in love with from Rutland Pride’s beauty editor, Hannah Vickers...

MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush Shown here in Fleur Powder.

Give yourself a natural pink flush that will stay put all day long with MAC’s Powder Blush. Available in a range of shades, £19.50.

Antipodes Moisture Boost Natural Lipstick, in Dragon Fruit Pin Bursting with natural ingredients including rich healthy oils, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, Antipodes’ lipsticks help to condition your lips as they colour. Available in a range of shades, £19.99.

Laura Gellar Shine Stick, shown here in Pink Dazzle This innovative 3-in-1 formula combines high pigment with the shine of a gloss and the smooth texture of a balm. Feather and transfer resistant, colour stays true to take you easily from day to night.

Available in a range of shades, £16.

Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint, in Bare Pink Sparkle A sheer, lightweight and ultra-moisturising lip stain, the Extra Lip Tint has all the benefits of a balm whilst giving a sheer wash of colour. As part of the Extra Glow collection Bobbi Brown has released this new Limited Edition shade perfect for Valentine’s Day, £25.50.

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Paco Rabanne Olympéa A luxurious blend of Salted Vanilla, Water Jasmine, Ginger Blossom, Green Mandarin and Ambregris wrapped up in a lavish envelope of cashmere, Paco Rabanne’s Olympéa is a truly enchanting scent.

80ml, EDP, £75.

Diego Dalla Palma Geisha Matt Liquid Lipstick, in Hot Coral In a velvety matte finish, this lipstick contains Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Microspheres to keep lips feeling silky soft.

It also contains Marine Flower Oil to protect lips from wind, pollution, sunlight and free radicals, which helps to fight signs of ageing. Available in a range of shades, £15.50.

Yvest Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-in-Balm, in Seduce Me Pink The 2-in-1 formula combines stunning colour with nourishing lip care that will leave your lips looking and feeling more kissable than ever.

Available in a range of shades, £28.

Bobbi Brown Highlighter, in Opal Glow Part of Bobbi Brown’s Limited Edition Extra Glow collection, the Opal Glow Highlighter is a high-impact, light-reflecting powder that delivers the perfect lit-from-within glow. In a stunning pink champagne hue, it is sure to give you the look of love, £35.50.

Nudestix Intense Matte Lip and Cheek Pencil, in Royal Give your lips and cheeks the perfect pop of colour with these multi-use lip and cheek pencils from Nudestix. Kiss-proof, waterproof and non-feathering for up to six hours, the long lasting formula will keep your lips and cheeks looking beautiful throughout the day. Available in a range of shades, £24.

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick, in Russian Red A stunningly rich red that flatters every skintone, MAC’s Russian Red offers the perfect matte Valentine’s lip. Available in a range of shades, £16.50.

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LOVE Show yourself some

IN A MID-AIR EMERGENCY, WE ARE ALWAYS TOLD TO FIT OUR OWN OXYGEN MASK FIRST. THIS IS TO ENSURE WE ARE ABLE TO HELP OUR LOVED ONES IN A CALM, CONSIDERATE AND EFFICIENT MANNER - WHILST BEING ABLE TO BREATHE OURSELVES! It may sound selfish but it is absolutely essential – and not just in a crisis situation.

If our own wellbeing isn’t being cared for, our ability to give our love to others is diminished.

One of the most undermining and debilitating issues we can face is when our mouths don’t work properly. This not only affects our ability to eat and look after ourselves properly but also how we cope in community and social environments.

If you are struggling to eat, chew, smile and socialise because an uncomfortable, troublesome mouth occupies your mind, now is a good time put yourself first.

“It isn’t overstating things to say that my implant work really has transformed my dental health and life in general. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It really is worth the investment,” Mr Hartwell Dental implants allow you to eat, drink, taste, chew, talk, laugh and smile with confidence.

When fitted properly by skilled clinicians, they are stable, comfortable and look exactly like natural teeth.

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Unsecured dentures and bridges are an old-fashioned solution for people who have lost teeth. Unfortunately, many people find having bridges or wearing dentures painful, inconvenient and awkward.

Dentures and bridges can make it difficult to bite and chew, which can stop us from eating many of the foods we once enjoyed. Wearing dentures may also affect how we pronounce words and therefore the way we speak. The knock-on effects of these issues can be immense.

Once implants have been placed, our patients say they can happily forget all about them and start living and loving their lives to the full once more.

Dental implants prove to be the most cost effective solution to replacing missing teeth and to help spread the cost, the Dental Health Centre offers payment options including 0% finance.

Speak to us about your free, 30minute, no obligation consultation with our principal implantologist, Colin Sutton.

The Dental Health Centre, 3 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TA. Tel: 01476 594480 www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk

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HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Home Instead

SENIOR CARE

There’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into building up a care business, and to get it to the height of Home Instead Senior Care is remarkable. This month, we speak to Gail Devereux-Batchelor about her success and her award-winning company...

What makes an Outstanding small business?

Gail Devereux- Batchelor opened her office November 2011, from a standing start, determined to provide the highest quality service in people’s own homes. And to be the most admired Care company.

Background aside, Gail believes in providing a strong environment for employees to not only do their best, but really enjoy being part of a like minded, outstanding workforce.

Building a successful and highly motivated team is huge fun, recognising strengths and developing individuals self confidence in what is now just under 100 employees, predominantly female.

Transactional leadership at the outset, developing into transformational coaching, resolving issues as they arise, top down, has underpinned the company culture.

“Home Instead has had three successive years in the top 10 homecare providers in the East Midlands...”

And how to ensure quality as we grow? Care is a serious business, highly regulated by the Care Quality Commission and especially by the beady eyed auditors from our national franchise office.

Gail’s background is design, intricate detail and processes. An honours degree from Leicester Polytechnic (both highly technical and glamorous Contour fashion) followed by retail buying at Next, Mothercare and then solid commercial grounding in production and marketing as MD of two Dr Marten companies has packed plenty of experience and steely grit into Gail’s business toolkit.

Daily update meetings, some around the table, some ‘standing up by the photocopier’ support a creative and change embracing mindset throughout the Key Player team at Home Instead Senior Care.

Gail points out that totally dedicated CAREGivers are our brilliant ambassadors.

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Three successive years in the Top 10 homecare providers in the East Midlands is a testament to their skills. Carefully recruited, we need many part time staff to look after our growing client list and many applicants don’t meet our strict requirements.

Award winning in house training, continuous support from the administrative team, assistant managers and the operations manager has been carefully developed.

Touch points include local coffee stops where training, policies and procedures are reinforced, where even the newest recruits are encouraged to give feedback and ideas for improvement.

Regional meetings with neighbouring franchise office teams, attendance at National and International conferences ensure that that Gail and her leadership team have the very best expertise in the business at their

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“Gail credits her high rating of Outstanding care to totally dedicated team who feel valued...” fingertips. A virtual staff room for lone workers ensures that 24 hr care for our clients can be properly backed up through a robust on call team with cloud based systems reporting anything unusual with our client schedules.

Buddy Up’s for new team members, shadowing, and detailed handovers of new CAREGivers and client introductions all add to a swift response when action is needed.

Watching the horizon is hugely important for any business leader, and although being the only Outstanding CQC rated domiciliary care provider in Rutland is a great recognition, no one is snoozing. In order to maintain and improve standards we have to think, and consider the demanding path ahead.

We record and respond to every need of our clients, some small or intensive. Gail and her team are actively involved in Community projects, providing Scam Awareness talks for instance, and providing advice to families as Dementia Champions. Time spent visiting Kings College for Dementia and Alzheimer’s research, helps Gail understand developments and consider resources to best support our aging community.

When people ask how did the business get the CQC Outstanding rating, Gail says quite honestly, through a totally dedicated team who feel valued.

In the words of one CAREGiver, ‘When I started I was made to feel part of a family.

All my feelings were taken into consideration and what I could do for Home Instead.’

Portrait by Stu Williamson.

n For more information on what Gail can do for you or one of your relatives, please visit her at Suite 14, Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, LE15 7TU, call her on 01572 898147, or alternatively visit www.homeinstead.co.uk.

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DISCOVER A NEW YOU WITH SKINTIQUE CLINIC

Committed to natural-looking results

HIGH QUALITY MEDI-SPA TREATMENTS AND NON-INVASIVE AESTHETIC TREATMENTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN...

All medical aesthetics treatments by a full-time industry leading and expert Cosmetic Doctor.

HydraFacial six stage bespoke Medi-facials for men and women.

Skintightening with Forma Plus radio frequency, IPL Photo-rejuvenation with Lumecca, Laser hair removal for all skin types and hair colours using mixed wavelength technologies from Diolaze and Duetto, Acne Clinic, Rosacea and Sun damage treatment, Cellulite reduction, Body conturing and Platelet Rich Plasma treatments.

342 Welford Rd, Leicester LE2 6EH

0116 270 0123 www.skintiqueclinic.com

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- SKINTIQUE -

Face Life, Face First

At Skintique Clinic beauty starts with healthy skin and that means HydraFacial but HydraFacial is about much more than just great looking, healthy skin...

“To get really healthy skin it often requires a professional skin treatment rather than just simple homecare. This is where Skintique’s Hydrafacial Medifacials come in,” says Dr Natalia Hancock.

“I attend many professional aesthetic conferences in European countries and there is a general agreement amongst top specialist aesthetic Doctors that in order to achieve natural aesthetic results skin quality comes before dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections.

“With combination treatments we can also tackle some of the most difficult of skin problems head on. Our unique combination Acne treatments incorporating regular Hydrafacials being a good example.”

When our skin looks good and feels good, we feel good too. Which is why HydraFacial is so much more than just a facial. It’s an experience. A feeling. A confidence booster.

So never settle for an ordinary facial, when you can choose a HydraFacial Medifacial at Skintique Clinic.

Technology Created to Provide Your Best Skin

HydraFacial technology is unique. And so are the amazing results it achieves. After just one treatment you look great. And feel great.

Instantly. And the more you use it, the

healthier your skin becomes, giving you a natural, glowing complexion that looks as good as you feel.

Reclaim Your Skin – Regain your confidence

HydraFacial goes deeper than skin deep.

It reaches within. And brings out your confidence through healthy, glowing skin.

When you look good, you feel good and everybody can see it.

Boost your skin health and confidence...

From your first waking moment to the last thing at night how you feel about your skin reflects how you feel about yourself.

Great looking, healthy skin boosts your self-confidence, but it is under constant attack from the effects of the environment.

Pollution, toxins, wind, and UV rays can cause gradual damage to the proper functioning

“When our skin looks good and feels good, we feel good too. Which is why HydraFacial is so much more than just a facial. It’s an experience. A feeling...”

of skin cells which leads to poor skin health and a dull or damaged complexion.

Natural ageing also plays a role in skin health and can contribute to enzyme loss, reduced collagen, and dehydration.

This combination of natural and environmental factors stops skin cells from performing at their best, ultimately leading to a decline in elasticity, resilience, tone & texture and speeds up skin health deterioration which can lead to a knock to self-confidence.

Skin Health for Life is the HydraFacial philosophy of not just improving the appearance of skin, but truly restoring youthful, healthy skin.

As the signature treatment of HydraFacial, it gives immediate results and is designed to be enjoyed as a regular monthly maintenance treatment to rebuild skin health and provide continual improvement and enhanced appearance.

The treatment consists of multiple stages which detoxify the skin, remove dead skin cells, extract debris and provide lasting hydration to protect and rebuild collagen levels as well as self-confidence. n For details of packages and a full initial taster treatment give the clinic a call on 0116 270 0123 and speak to Zara the clinic manager at Skintique.

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

Uppingham in Bloom Ball

at the Falcon Hotel in Uppingham The annual Uppingham in Bloom ball was held at the Falcon Hotel in Uppingham recently.

The event saw ball gowns and black ties in the Falcon Hotel’s Garden Room dancing to live music and enjoying a three course meal.

There was an award ceremony to follow for all the members of Uppingham in Bloom who did especially well in 2017.

This year, Uppingham in Bloom has been able to develop two raised beds at the Scout hut for the different scouting groups to grow

vegetables and flowers. The Town Council also has two areas of allotments, and these are well used by the residents of the town having 80 plots available. n For more information about Uppingham in Bloom, please visit www.uppinghaminbloom.co.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Stamford Stone Launches ‘At Home’ STAMFORD One of the UK’s leading limestone suppliers Stamford Stone has launched a brand new website to showcase its stunning range of stone products they have created for the home.

Stamford Stone At Home is the interiors branch of Stamford Stone Company, a family firm based at Swaddywell Quarry in Helpston.

The new website showcases a wide range of bespoke stone products and accessories crafted by specialist stonemasons, from stunning staircases to feature fireplaces, luxury cooker hoods to sinks, tiles and flooring.

“We are absolutely delighted with the look of the new website,” says Director Dan Wilson.

“Our business began selling stone for mainly architectural use, so we’re proud to have developed another string to our bow with interiors here at

Stamford Stone Company and now Stamford Stone At Home too.”

Natural stone is a beautiful and versatile product that enhances every property.

Masonic Cyclists raise over £11,000 for Rainbows...

AFTER A 300 MILE CYCLE, LOCAL MASONS PRESENT A BIG CHEQUE FOR £11,704...

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There’s a place for beautiful stone in every room in the house.

It’s also a great choice for gardens, especially in walls, patios and paving.

n For more information, visit the new website at www.ssathome.co.uk or call 01780 740970. Visit the quarry at Swaddywell Quarry, Stamford Road, Peterborough PE6 7EL.

LOUGHBOROUGH A number of Freemasons from Leicestershire and Rutland, who cycled 300 miles during the summer, made their last short trip from Leicester to Loughborough to present a cheque for £11,704 to Rainbows Children’s Hospice in Loughborough.

In June 2017, 23 Freemasons cycled around the Masonic centres in Leicestershire & Rutland and down to the Freemasons’ Hall in London and back, completing a total of 300 miles as part of their 300th anniversary celebrations.

A total of £23,408 was raised from Freemasons, family and

friends which was split equally between Rainbows and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

A number of the cyclists took the short ride to Rainbows Hospice at Lark Rise in Loughborough to present the cheque to David Strudley, Rainbows CEO. The Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire and Rutland, David Hagger, was also on hand to formally present the cheque.

The cyclists had a tour of the Hospice and heard first-hand about the care and support provided by Rainbows.

STAMFORD WINS OSWALD ELLIOTT CUP

STAMFORD After a successful inaugural debating event held last year at Stamford School, the second Oswald Elliott Cup debate was hosted this year by Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

A team of Stamford Endowed Schools students, Daniel White and Daisy Jowers, retained the

hotly contested Oswald Elliott Cup in their debate against a team of undergraduates from Fitzwilliam College.

The motion of this year’s impending Oswald Elliott Cup was ‘This House believes that free speech should never be restricted.’

Gastroenterologist aims to ease cancer treatment side effects DR ANDREYEV AIMS TO TREAT 43,000 CANCER SURVIVORS

Local Artist Wins Awards in Exhibitions

OAKHAM Whitwell based artist Andrea Naylor has scooped two prestigious awards. Andrea won the People’s Choice Award for the third year running at Art in Lyddington 2017 and was then awarded the Coleman's prize at the Rutland Open Art Exhibition held in Oakham.

Art in Lyddington gave visitors the chance to vote for their favourite artist. The winner was announced at the end of the exhibition.

“I’m delighted to receive the prize again this year, it gives me great encouragement and incentive to continue my work," says Andrea.

"This is the first time in the exhibition’s history that the top award has been awarded to the same artist for three consecutive years so I am extremely proud of what I have achieved."

EAST MIDLANDS Working for 17 years at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Dr Andreyev researched on the subject of post-cancer recovery. Now, he has moved his practice to BMI The Park Hospital in Nottingham and BMI The Lincoln Hospital, treating private patients alongside his research programme at Lincoln County Hospital.

Dr Andreyev uses tests to create individual care options for the patient. This may include simple interventions such as antibiotics, exercises and dietary changes to much more complex treatments.

£3,500,000...

School Wins Cup

A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART £3.5 million science block that will provide high-quality learning space for students has been completed at Bourne Grammar School. The new two-storey standalone building will provide 15 laboratories, three preparation rooms - complete with a dumb waiter - plus a large glazed entrance lobby, and student and staff toilet facilities.

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n For more information about Dr Andreyev’s research, please visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/hospitals /bmi-the-lincoln-hospital.

BUSINESS

NEWS In Brief UPPINGHAM

REVISION COURSES AT UPPINGHAM SCHOOL Following the successful launch of a new Easter Revision Course in 2017, Uppingham School is delighted to be offering an expanded range of intensive tutoring courses for students sitting their exams in 2018.

Courses offered will be IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, and new for this year will be courses in A Level Business, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.

The courses will take place during Easter holidays, from 3rd to 8th April, and are the ideal preparation for this important stage in every student’s life.

Subjects will be taught by a team of highly qualified and experienced teachers.

IGCSE students will receive 12 hours tutored revision over two days. n For more, visit www.uppingham summerschool.co.uk.

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MOTORS

SOCIAL

CLIMBING

Whether you want to climb up the side of a mountain, hike over a peat bog, crawl over rocks or wade through a metre of water all without breaking a sweat, there’s no better way to do so than in the cosseting environment of a Range Rover. What’s more, the best is set to get even better for 2018 with a wealth of new improvements to the car’s technology...

Words: Rob Davis.

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It’s hard to believe, but the Range Rover is now 48 years old. The original model - three doors only, and intended to civilise the firm’s Defender - now seems awfully basic compared to the car’s current fourth incarnation, especially the 2018 model, which debuts in its facelifted form in the area’s dealerships this month.

On the outside, it looks like a slightly nipped and tucked version of the current car, but inside, there’s a swish new cabin that borrows from the firm’s Velar to introduce a swish touch screen climate control binnacle. There’s also new seats, wider, softer, with new foam, adjusting in no fewer than 24 different ways. There are 25 different massage programmes for the driver including a hot stone massage and heated armrests, plus an air ioniser, too.

Available as a standard short wheelbase or, if you’ve a chauffeur, a longer wheelbase model, with heated and cooled seats and electrically deployable calf rests controlled from your smart phone.

“Naturally with four wheel drive and low range gearbox, the car remains absolutely peerless off-road...”

That may seem all very superfluous, but the new technology is essential for the Range Rover’s intended trajectory - away from its role as simply a driver’s car and into the realms of super-limo, hot on the heels of Rolls Royce and Bentley. There’s also a new infotainment system with gesture control, plus a 4G wi-fi hotspot for conducting business on the road; another clear indicator of the car’s market and essential if the Range Rover is to offer something more than its almost equally luxurious but cheaper Sport sibling.

Another addition to the range is a plug-in hybrid variant, with an electric powertrain mated to a 2.0 petrol engine to achieve 101mpg and an electric-only range of 31 miles. The car charges in under three hours and will cost from £87,000.

The range still comprises Vogue, Vogue SE and Autobiography versions, as well as 3.0V6, 4.4 V8, and 5.0 V8 petrol engines, with overall costs from £79,600 to £177,000.

RANGE ROVER

VOGUE 2018

Price: £93,500 (2.0 Vogue SE) Engine: 2.0 V4 (300hp) and 85kW electric motor.

Drivetrain: Eight speed automatic with four wheel drive and low range gears.

Economy: 101mpg combined.

Equipment: Heated, cooled, massaging electrically adjustable seats, sat nav. Adaptive cruise, 4G internet. Park Assist automatic parking.

Optional: Executive class rear seats, individually adjustable with deployable calf rests.

Naturally with four wheel drive and low range gearbox, the car remains peerless offroad, and offers simply the best experience on four wheels, whether you’re tearing up the side of a mountain, or doing the school run. The best has become better, and little can be said about the car other than the fact that it remains king of the road. n

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Give the Gift of Rutland

It’s easy to subscribe to the County’s Finest Magazine, either to enjoy yourself, or to be delivered to a friend or loved one as a Gift Subscription throughout 2018.

Six months for £18, 12 months for £36, both delivered by Royal Mail.

Call 01529 469977 and pay by credit or debit card, or subscribe online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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ROAD TEST

The Magnificent Seven

Here it is... finally! A sports car you can use every single day. Audi has managed to combine slippery, attractive sports car lines with a practical four seat package... there’s even space for your luggage in the A7; a performance car sans compromise!

Finally, a sports car you can use every single day. One that won’t break the bank on the way to work, one that can accommodate the whole family, and one that can swallow a week’s worth of Waitrose spoils or a golf bag.

Audi has taken DNA from its four door executive models and distilled it into this; the second generation of A7 Sportback.

You can choose from SE Executive; S-Line and Black editions, or the fire-breathing S7, but even modest models in the range offer all of the luxury, performance and usability you’d expect from Audi. Fitted as standard is a 3.0 six cylinder diesel, with or without the firm’s well-renowned Quattro four wheel drive system. Driving is a cinch thanks to an automatic gearbox, and as long as you don’t specify sporty models with their skinny tyres,

the ride should be pliant too, with body roll kept in check and plenty of feel through the steering wheel.

Price: £48,500-£69,125.

Engine: 3.0TDi Ultra, seven speed automatic.

Performance: 0-60mph 7.3 seconds; 149mph top speed.

MPG: 60.1mpg (comb).

Equipment: Heated leather seats, sat nav, four zone climate, cruise, parking sensors.

Equipment is generous, with LED lights, electric, heated leather seats, electric tailgate, four zone climate control, sat nav, parking sensors, keyless go and cruise control all standard. Naturally the options list is extensive, with air suspension, panoramic roof, adaptive cruise, automatic parking and £6,300 Bang & Olufsen stereo all available, so any driver can make the A7 their own.

Despite its lithe performance, drivers enjoy a return of 60mpg and with four full-size seats, plus a boot with 535 litres in size about the size of a Mondeo - the A7 Sportback may well be the holy grail - a sports car completely free of compromise! n

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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

9. Bury’s outstanding player shouted “Referee!” (9) 10. Tennyson’s first crude poem kept by maestro (5) 11. Took on old English, swapping parts (7) 12. See 22 down 13. Court service admitted trickery (5) 14. Plug new gold bed till thoroughly sick of it (2,7) 16. Men Only issues cover playing field, 22 down’s one of them (5,10) 19. Insurance for theatrical feats spanning river? (6,3) 21. Sage in 5 Hindu borders (5) 22. Bent front off charm (7) 23. See 22 down 24. Radio Nicosia’s dialect? (5) 25. Was very camp redcoat sacked about a quarter past five? (9)

DOWN

1. Dilemma: director in Tesco’s fiddled over- heads (5,5) 2. Such blemishes are unusual for a magistrate (8) 3. Cargo avoiding Spain for a start (6) 4,8. One of 16 useless people (8) 5. Low needs winds and time to cross Atlantic (10) 6. Begin to take drugs regularly for that dreamy feeling (8) 7. A short distance to river wall (6) 8. See 4 14. One line transformed into a complex Brechtian effect (10) 15. When queens made out in disguise? (10) 17. Cast of ten performed this in Paris foyer (8) 18. Old big-chested guys’ backstreet scraps (8) 20. Federer starts serving well opposite (6) 21. High-spirited doctor, one who 25 in hospital? (6) 22,12,23 across Lacking love, baby due to expire, Ursa involved – best known of 16? (4,7,2,1,4) 23. Last platform that’s retained by its former operating company (4)

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. Strike with something flat (6) 4. Supposedly expert judge of films, music etc (6) 8. Craze (5) 9. Old, moderately quick French dance (7) 10. Hot stuff ! (7) 11. Expel from home or country (5) 12. It’s followed by an aircraft when landing (5,4) 17. Egg cell (5) 19. Dropout (7) 21. Press (a lover?) (7) 22. Sediment (5) 23. Car accidents (6) 24. 52 times a year (6)

DOWN

1. Love apple (6) 2. Motormouth (7) 3. Form (5) 5. Mediterranean resort area (7) 6. Ethnic group in Rwanda (5) 7. Sharp and able (6) 9. Fantastically hideous (9) 13. Kind of lettuce (7) 14. Sit at any available office workstation (7) 15. Appears suddenly (4,2) 16. Cold and unfriendly (glance or reception?) (6) 18. Flap at the back of the soft palate (5) 20. (In fillms or music) group not linked to a major company (5)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

ACROSS

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