Rutland Pride April 2015

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STAMFORD AND RUTLAND RutlandPride

RutlandPride THE

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Dine Out in Rutland with our Spring Restaurants...

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

The History of Oakham Castle april 2015

Take a Tour Around Local Mansion Cotterstock Hall A NigHT TO ReMeMbeR iN OAkHAM - DAyS OUT THiS eASTeR - SPRiNg HOMeS

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Our historic buildings are like easter eggs. They’re filled with lots of lovely goodies, but they’re also very delicate, and like easter eggs; once they’re gone, they’re gone.

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

This month sees the beginning of £2.2m investment in the castle, so we’ve spoken to Rutland County Council’s Robert Clayton to find out exactly how the money will be spent.

There’s still plenty we don’t know about the building, so an investment not just in the fabric of the building but in discovering more about its heritage is, in our opinion, something that should be warmly welcomed.

Elsewhere in this edition we’ve ideas for how to spend time in Rutland this spring, we’ve two absolutely wonderful quality pub restaurants and we look around the area’s Cotterstock Hall, a mansion on the market after its appearance in the film Woman in Black which starred Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe.

Finally, congratulations to the organisers of A Night To Remember.

The recent black tie event at Victoria Hall raised vital funds for no fewer than three local charities. See our exclusive images in this edition and please don’t forget to invite our photographers along to any charity events you happen to be organising.

RutlandPride STAMFORD AND RUTLAND

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The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

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The History of Oakham Castle Take a Tour around Rutland’s Cotterstock Hall

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER IN OAKHAM - DAYS OUT THIS EASTER - SPRING HOMES

This Month’s Cover: Cotterstock Hall is a Grade I listed mansion now on the market with Stamford’s King West.

It was the star of the Daniel Radcliffe film Woman in Black. Find out more about the property in this edition.

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RutlandPride STAMFORD AND RUTLAND

RutlandPride

THE

A P R I L 2 0 1 5 £3.70

Dine Out in Rutland with our Spring Restaurants...

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

APRIL 2015

The History of Oakham Castle Take a Tour around Rutland’s Cotterstock Hall

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER IN OAKHAM - DAYS OUT THIS EASTER - SPRING HOMES

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

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

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Contents

06 26 32 34 60 93 100 112

april 2015

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

Oakham Castle this month sees the beginning of a £2.2m project aimed at repairing its fabric. Our hisTORy pages explain all.

Meet the Rutland ladies with a passion for fashiON this month as we go behind the scenes at the county’s annual Good and New sale.

This month’s fOOd & dRiNk pages feature The Marquess of Exeter, Greetham’s Plough and recommendations from Oakham Wines.

Our hOMes section this month looks around the Grade I listed Cotterstock Hall, a mansion with literary and cinematic provenance.

This month’s GaRdeNiNG pages see a visit to Brook Cottage, home to John and Corrinne Layton.

For equine enthusiasts, we this month review the exciting BelTON hORse TRials, with an exclusive interview with Mark Todd.

Create your spring wardrobe with Betty Barclay and discover versatile ways to look good this season on our fashiON pages.

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We’ve everything you need for your spring gardening projects...

Seeds & Plants • Pots, Containers & Stoneware Barbecues & Garden Furniture • Water Features NB: We will be closed on Easter Sunday

Gates Nurseries

& Garden Centre Somerby Road, Cold Overton, LE15 7QB 01664 454309 | www.gatesnurseries.co.uk

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County News

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

out of the world experience for rutland law graduate... oakham’s alexandra doyle shortlisted for 2024 one way trip to mars as part of $6bn project.

100 people from Earth will colonise red planet Oakham’s Alexandra Doyle is one of the few people shortlisted to be part of a Mars colony in 2024.

their ability to work and live together under difficult circumstances, then just four will be selected to got to Mars.

Over 200,000 first applied to be part of the mission, which will see a team of 50 men and 50 women establish a permanent settlement on the planet.

29 people of the eventual colony will come from America, 31 from Europe, 16 from Asia and seven each will come from Africa and Oceania.

The 29 year old law graduate currently works at Catmose Sports College and Tesco in Oakham.

The 100 astronauts will be isolated from Earth with communications in real time not yet possible. Even ‘instant’ communication like text messages will take six minutes to transmit via satellites. The base will be solar powered and include a hydroponic ‘farm.’

The next stage of the process in the $6bn project will see 100 candidates become just 24 applicants. They will live together in groups of four as a test of

stamford inventor Emma is seeking to transform kitchens with ‘freezerwave’ stamford’s Emma Maskery is seeking to revolutionise the kitchen with her invention the freezerwave.

The 23-year old entered the Odd Invention Challenge with a microwave sized appliance which will instantly freeze or chill food and drink in the same short time as a microwave.

TV inventor Colin Furze has created a prototype of the machine, which uses carbon dioxide to freeze food. There are no plans as yet to put the freezerwave into production.

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rutland Water voted UK’s favourite wildlife haven...

Rutland water has been voted the UK’s favourite haven for wildlife by readers of LandLove magazine.

LandLove magazine’s 25,000 readers vote Leicestershire & rutland Wildlife trust site the best in the UK for enjoying nature

The county’s osprey population - fostered by Tim Mackrill and Tim Appleton at the site - is a real highlight. The reservoir based reserve, run as a partnership between the LRWT and Anglian Water, is a haven for walkers and birdwatchers.

“We’re delighted to have received this recognition,” says Tim Mackrill. “We’re constantly striving to make Rutland Water a better nature reserve for wildlife and people.”

The site was also featured on BBC’s Countryfile in February, with Tim showing Matt Baker how to ring ducks.

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County News

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

stilton Cheese Classic Vehicle run takes place this month april classic car run established on the back of former horse and cart route. 39 mile route coincides with British Historic Vehicle Club’s drive it day...

Uppingham will once again be the starting point for the annual Stilton Cheese Classic Vehicle Run on April 26th.

The charity event sees owners of classic vehicles encouraged to take to the road to retrace a route that was created to deliver Stilton Cheese around the villages, which was one of the longest commercial carriage rides back in the 1700s.

“The Cheese Run is organised to coincide with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Club’s annual ‘Drive it Day’ where owners of classic vehicles are encouraged to take to the road.” say organisers.

rutland mP sir alan duncan knighted in ceremony at Buckingham Palace Rutland & Melton’s Member of Parliament Sir Alan Duncan has been knighted by The Prince of Wales at a ceremony which took place at Buckingham Palace recently.

The Tory frontbencher’s father, Wing Commander James Duncan, received his OBE for services to the RAF 50 years ago with Sir Alan in attendance.

“To follow in my father’s footsteps by being recognised in this way is humbling and I am extremely grateful.” he said.

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Visitors can enjoy seeing around 300 competitors lined up in Uppingham’s Market Place, with vintage models as well as more modern classics from the 1960s and 1970s.

The original route of 39 miles was by horse drawn carriage stopping off to make deliveries of cheeses at the various villages and towns along the route including Billesdon, Skeffington, East Norton, Allexton, Wardley, Uppingham, Seaton, Harringworth, Bulwick (where they changed horses at New Lodge Farm), Southwick, Oundle and Lutton.

See www.stiltoncheeserun.webs.com.

image: dave Cram.

rutland charity Water aid seeks daredevils for charity skydive Experience offered to members of the public to help charity that has already raised £138,500 to provide clean drinking water in the developing world

Rutland’s Water Aid is seeking daredevils to enjoy an incredible sponsored skydive to raise money for World Water Day this month.

Working in conjunction with Skydive Zone at Peterborough’s Sibson Airfield, the charity wants to sign participants up for a tandem jump strapped to an instructor.

Skydivers usually jump from around 15,000ft and fall at 125mph before deploying parachutes.

Water Aid enables some of the world’s poorest people to gain access to clean water and safe sanitation. Currently, all the Rutland group’s funds are dedicated to projects in Mali.

Email the charity for details via wateraidrutlandgroup@gmail.com.

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What’s On

Top: Patrick Monahan in Uppingham.

Above: Getting straight to the point-to-point at Dingley.

Top/Right: Madama Butterfly at DeMontfort Hall.

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CavalleRia RUsTiCaNa

The viCaR Of diBley

Double trouble with a couple of the world’s most famous opera tragedies at Stamford Arts Centre on Saturday 25th April. Live double-feature satellite screening of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, beamed from The Met. Tickets £20/adults.

Also at the Arts Centre this month, don’t miss the Welland Valley Arts Society’s spring exhibition, with artists from the surrounding five counties showcasing art from amateurs and professionals from 27th April-9th May, from 10am-4pm.

The Stamford Arts Centre Box Office is now open for performances at Stamford’s Tolethorpe Theatre too. This year Henry V, Romeo & Juliet and Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones will all be performed by the Stamford Shakespeare Company.

No no, no no, no no, no way you want to miss meeting the colourful characters of Dibley on Stamford at the town’s Corn Exchange, as the Corn Exchange Theatre Players bring TV’s popular sitcom to the stage. The performance has been licensed to independent theatres to raise money for Comic Relief. 23rd to 26th April, ticket £9.50/adults, £8.50/conc.

Also at the Corn Exchange, The Cambridge Touring Theatre Company brings Wind in the Willows to the theatre on 9th April, with tickets from £9/adults, £8/children.

Musically, don’t miss The ELO Experience on 11th April performing hits like Mr Blue Sky, and Diana Ross: The Soul & Motown Review Show with hits from Diana, Martha Reeves, Lionel Richie, Jackie Wilson and more on 1st May.

www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk, www.stamfordartscentre.com, 01780 763203

www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk 01780 766455

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- WHat’s on -

PaTRiCk MONahaN Standup comedy from the family friendly comedian whose work is suitable for all audiences. Seen on ITV’s Splash, Fake Reaction, Show Me The Funny and Celebrity Squares, Patrick is the Irish-Iranian Teessider currently touring with his energetic witty show. He appears at Uppingham Theatre from 7.30pm, with tickets £12/adults, £10.50/conc. www.uppthearts.co.uk 01572 820820

diNGley RaCes A trio of events at one of the area’s best point-to-point venues, visit the venue on Easter Sunday - 4th April - and on 3rd and 16th May too. Gates open at 11am with the first race at 1.30pm. Situated at Dingley, off the A426 near Market Harborough. www.dingleyraces.com 07887 838231

RiGOleTTO aNd MadaMa BUTTeRfly A duo of opera at Leicester’s DeMontfort Hall, with Vladimir Dragos as the eponymous court jester, whose master’s daughter has her heart stolen by a charming but unreliable ruler. An Ellen Kent production with the Chisnau National Philharmonic Orchestra on 29th April with tickets from £18-£35.

Later in the month, the same company presents Madama Butterfly, with Korean soprano Elena Dee taking the titular role.

Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet. Tickets are £18-£35 for the performance on 30th April from 7.30pm. Both operas are sung in Italian with English surtitles. www.demontforthall.co.uk 0116 233 3111

Above: Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci - live from The Met. Below: Diana Ross - see a homage to Motown’s finest in Stamford this month.

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- EastEr oUt & aBoUt -

Grand Days out in

RUTLAND there’s lots to do, in and around the county this month, whether you’re a thrill seeker wanting exhilaration or you’re looking for more sedate activities... Words: Tilly Wilkinson. action-packed activities at Rutland water at Rutland water all of the family can enjoy a bike ride with the obligatory ice cream stop en-route. Twenty-three miles of beautiful traffic free waterside tracks makes a day here a real countryside delight.

Rutland Cycling can offer bikes for hire and sale for the whole family, available at the Whitwell car park. RockBlok can also be found at Whitwell, which is an outdoor adventure centre with rock climbing and tree-top high ropes providing an aerial challenge to test your nerves.

A cruise aboard the Rutland Belle allows you to enjoy the stunning sights of Rutland Water whilst listening to commentary highlighting points of interest. This is available every day throughout the Easter holidays and is a wheelchair friendly activity. Meanwhile, Rutland Water Sports Centre provides days of watersport fun, from canoeing and sailing ro windsurfing and is also a great place to enrol in events,

courses, activity days, corporate days or enjoy a bit of retail therapy throughout the Easter holidays. If all of that isn’t enough, you can enjoy an afternoon learning how to fly fish with the county’s Rob Waddington of Rutland Flyfishing. n The Rutland Belle offers a price of £8/adult and £5/child.

Fly fishing prices start at £75 per person. All day bike hire is £15.99 per person at Rutland Cycling. Prices vary at RockBlok due the vast range of activities on offer.

Golf at Greetham valley and stapleford Park These incredible locations both offer Rutland golfers a real treat during the Easter holiday. If you’re seeking a day of golf, Stapleford Park can offer you The Championship Golf Course, famous for hosting the Handa Senior Masters, whilst Greetham Valley provides 276 acres of picturesque countryside, with three diverse golf courses, just a few minutes drive from Rutland Water. Greetham Valley can also offer leisure activities like the gym, its outdoors bowls green, the petanque court and more. n Golf Days: £85 per person at Greetham Valley (this includes one night’s accommodation a three course evening meal, full English breakfast and unlimited golf) £25 for a minimum of 12 people at Stapleford Park (tea or coffee and bacon rolls on arrival and 18 holes of golf). shakespeare and stamford arts Centre Throughout the Easter holidays, there’s always a packed programme of events for the family at Stamford Arts Centre

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FIVE IDEAS FOR Trips Out

This Easter Our five suggestions for spending an afternoon that’s not too far from home...

Pigeon’s farm, Peterborough

Garden inspiration, near Uppingham

spring is the ideal time to get the family out into the countryside again and there’s nowhere better than Pigeons Farm at thorney.

Find garden inspiration at Welland Vale nurseries, situated on the east side of Uppingham just off the a47.

Browse through everything from herbs and alpines to 200 litre specimen plants.

the friendly, family run farm has a large range of farm animals to meet, and spring means baby lambs, piglets, chicks, calves and rabbits and guinea pig babies.

but something that’s a particular highlight this season is The Shakespeare Company, who work with the Arts Centre and present performances at Tolethorpe Hall to provide the best al fresco Shakespearean experience in the country.

2015 is the 600th anniversary of Agincourt and they will be commemorating Henry V with the bard’s play in 2015.

Also this season, see the family feud between the Montagues & Capulets in Romeo and Juliet, and step back in time to the fun-loving world of the 1700s with the hilarious romantic comedy of Henry Fielding’s masterpiece, Tom Jones. n Matinée - 1:30pm start - seat prices are £13/adult and £7.50/child. Evening performance; 7.45pm start, seat prices vary but on Saturdays, tickets cost £18.

Rutland walking and Cycling festival active Rutland leads this spectacular event and it will include family, inclusive and senior cycle rides plus two great launch events. The popular festival is a fun packed celebration of Rutland and its glorious countryside. The Walking and Cycling Festival will host led walks and cycle rides to suit all ages and abilities, perfect for a family day out. The festival will take place from 18th May to 31st May, so a little after the Easter Break, but it’s an opportunity not to be missed nonetheless. n Make sure to get a festival programme on the website www.activerutland.org.uk. The festival is free of charge and open for everyone. For The Rutland Round (25th-31st May; a 65 mile walk over seven days) a fee of £2 per day is charged, booking is essential.

in addition there’s a wide range of pots and gardening sundries to browse.

Children are able to hold the rabbits and guinea pigs and help bottle feed the lambs.

Just arrived from italy is our new stock of topiary and specimen plants, including magnificent olives, beautiful acers and other special treats to create instant impact.

there are both indoor and outdoor play pedal tractors & trailers and trailer rides, plus a comfortable restaurant serving quality home cooked lunches.

the next exciting project open this spring is the orchard Café. the former potting shed assures visitors of a warm welcome and attentive service.

Wisbech Road, Peterborough, PE6 0TD Tel: 01733 271020.

Glaston Road, Uppingham LE15 9EU Tel: 01572 824933

Painting eggs at Barnsdale Gardens

Big Bunny hunt at sacrewell farm

an easter Meal at The Jackson stops

this month, everyone can paint an egg to help decorate Barnsdale gardens’s special Easter tree in the woodland garden. Youngsters can have a ‘cracking’ good time hunting for tokens to swap for treats.

this is the perfect Easter Egg Hunt for the children. search for eggs hidden all over sacrewell Farm and meet the real Easter Bunny. the children are guaranteed a chocolate reward at the end... parents too, if you’re lucky!

great fun can be enjoyed, all for the price of garden admission: £7.50/adults £3.50/children and £21/families of up to 5.

more details will be available closer to the date but the event dates are saturday 28th march 9am and monday 13th april 5pm.

Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 813200 or see barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Peterborough PE8 6HJ Tel: 01780 782254 or see www.sacrewell.org.uk

rob and mandy Knowles have been head chef and manager of stretton’s Jackson stops pub restaurant five years ago, and took on the business themselves in november 2014, along with son richard.

“We look forward to seeing you for our spring/early summer promotions; ‘lunch for less’ and enjoy two courses for £12.95. dine for less in the evening, with two courses for £15.95.”

Stretton, Rutland LE15 7RA Tel: 01780 410237 or see thejacksonstops.com.

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Bourne, Lincolnshire

£595,000

Thorney, Cambridgeshire

£695,000

This stone-built house is located in an impressive private development, has six bedrooms and has been fitted to a high standard with features including Italian tiled flooring and a 4-oven AGA. The house is just a few minutes walk from the town centre with its extensive shops and leisure facilities, as well as being close to the renowned Bourne Grammar School. EPC Rating: C.

Surrounded by open countryside, this six bedroom country residence is set in around four acres of private grounds and also has easy access to the centre of Peterborough. The house has extensive accommodation including family space, large Kitchen & Breakfast room and a sunny Conservatory whilst the secluded gardens include a large pony paddock and stable block. EPC Rating: C.

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

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ÂŁ2,350,000

Wothorpe, Nr Stamford, Cambridgeshire

An outstanding period residence with stunning architectural features, elegant reception rooms, sunny south-facing grounds, seven bedrooms, and further potential to create a one-bedroom Annexe. This is a magnificent property in a prime location just minutes from Stamford, and with easy access to Peterborough. EPC Rating: Exempt.

U OFNDER FE R

Stamford, Lincolnshire

ÂŁ775,000

Set back from a leafy residential road in the heart of Stamford, this impressive property has elegant and extensive living space and a large garden. Run until recently as a successful B&B it has unique potential to create a large family home with the further benefit of a selfcontained Annexe in the converted Coach House. EPC Rating: C.

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HOLLYGATE HOUSE, RIDLINGTON

An extremely spacious family house in a peaceful village location on the edge of open countryside.

GUIDE PRICE £795,000

• Sitting room with wood burner • Dining room • Snug and study • Kitchen breakfast room • Utility room and cloakroom • Master suite

• Five further bedrooms • Family bathroom • Indoor swimming pool • Gym and cinema room • Extensive gardens • EPC C

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The Coach House, North Luffenham The Coach House has been fully refurbished to a high specification.

Constructed of stone with a Collyweston/blue slate roof the spacious accommodation is laid out over two floors with delightful views over the garden towards the church and open countryside.

GUIDE

£565,000

• 3 Reception Rooms • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Bath/Shower Rooms • Gardens, Summer House • Parking

ms

ool om

The Paddock, Clipsham The Paddock is a stone built family house in fantastic gardens with swimming pool, paddock and double garage, set in approximately 0.85 Acre.

GUIDE

£850,000

• Reception Hall, Drawing Room • Dining Room, Kitchen,Utility, Study • Principal Bedroom, En Suite Bathroom • 3 Further Bedrooms, Shower Room • Outside Swimming Pool

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SOMERBY

Asking Price £595,000 A substantial family home set on a good size plot with mature wrap-around gardens and dbl Garage in a picturesque village. The property features a number of good quality fixtures and fitting with accommodation comprising: GROUND FLOOR: Entrance Hall, WC, Lounge, Family Room, Kitchen/Diner, Dining Room, Study, Utility Room; FIRST FLOOR: 4 dbl Bedrooms (2 en-suite), Bathroom.

WEST DEEPING

EXTON

Asking Price £425,000 Charming Grade II listed cottage offering characterful accommodation presented in immaculate condition throughout and comprising: GROUND FLOOR: Reception Hall, WC, Sitting Room, Living/ Dining Room, country Breakfast Kitchen, Utility Room, Larder/Store; FIRST FLOOR: 3 dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom. OUTSIDE there is a stone outbuilding, parking and gardens.

NORTH LUFFENHAM

WYMONDHAM

UFFINGTON Asking Price £760,000 A superb and immaculately presented substantial detached family home with Annexe, dbl Garage and ample off-road parking enjoying uninterrupted views over local parkland situated close to Stamford.

MAIN HOUSE: GROUND FLOOR: Reception Hall, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Diner, Family Room, WC; FIRST FLOOR: 4 dbl Bedrooms, Bathroom. ANNEXE: Boot Room, Kitchenette, dbl Bedroom, WC.

Asking Price £435,000 Delightful and beautifully maintained period cottage with Annexe standing in good–sized private gardens overlooking village Church. The property offers potential for expansion STPP. HOUSE: GROUND FLOOR: Entrance Hall/Boot Room, Kitchen, Utility Room, Dining Room, Living Room, Study, WC; FIRST FLOOR: 3 Bedrooms, Bathroom. ANNEXE: Living Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom.

Asking Price £1,250,000 A unique, beautiful Grade II* Listed property within approx. 12 acres of magnificent gardens and grounds, with 3 Reception Rooms, 5 Bedrooms (one en-suite), a superb range of outbuildings and ancillary accommodation including: Work Shop with Green House and First Floor Gym/Store Room, Triple Garaging, Orangery, Stables, Wine Store.

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

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HILL FARM, GREETHAM

GUIDE PRICE £850,000

Substantial stone farmhouse with two paddocks totalling seven acres, stable block, tack room, hay store/barn and ménage horse walker. The property has private grounds with walled garden area. The accommodation consists; entrance hall with attractive staircase, large sitting room with open fire, dining room with wood burner, breakfast kitchen with Aga, boot room, cellar. The property provides five/seven bedrooms with two bathrooms. Accommodation is flexible due to first floor rooms currently forming what could be a self contained annexe - currently used for business purposes but has separate access, WC and kitchenette.

THE OLD VICARAGE, MARTIN

GUIDE PRICE £775,000

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

CAN’T SEE THE RIGHT HOME IN THE RIGHT AREA? We can discreetly approach specific homes / roads & let the owners know that we have interest in their home.

We may then be able to introduce buyers to you in the same way.

Approxmately 40% of our sales are agreed this way without the need for a board and internet advertising!

For more information about this service please call a member of the Moores Country & Equestrian team on 01572 757979 5 1. ES R AC

THE GRANGE, LANGHAM

OFFERS IN REGION OF £1,000,000

An attractive character property situated centrally to the village with south facing stone walled gardens and a separate two bedroom cottage. There is a large driveway with a courtyard, detached two bedroom stone cottage, triple bay garaging, workshop, six stables and a good sized barn, all of which could be converted into further accommodation STPP. There is a small paddock area to the rear and a further five acres situated just outside of the village which is available to purchase by separate negotiation. The main residents comprises of: sitting room, dining room, farmhouse kitchen, study / snug, large utility / boot room and downstairs cloakroom. To the first floor are three double bedrooms, master with en-suite plus a family bathroom. To the second floor are two further bedrooms.

PADDOCK HOUSE, COLD OVERTON

OFFERS OVER £1,000,000

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

OAKHAM 36 High Street, Rutland LE15 6AL

UPPINGHAM 2 Orange Street, Rutland LE15 9SQ

STAMFORD 1 Sheep Market, Lincolnshire PE9 2RB

MELTON MOWBRAY 18 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1NW

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- HistorY -

Digging up Oakham’s

HISTORy

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a £2.2m pound Heritage Lottery funded restoration of oakham Castle is due to start this spring, whilst a new book explores the castle’s architecture. this month we explore the building which will be improved in 2015 to provide even more facilities for locals and visitors to oakham alike to enjoy...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

Images: Rob Davis, Oakham School, Rutland Museum.

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- HistorY -

Oakham Castle is one of the most popular attractions in Rutland, visited by over 33,000 last year. It really illustrates the heritage and history of Rutland and is, across the UK, one of the finest examples of late 12th century domestic architecture.

This year, the history of the Great Hall will be further celebrated following a bid for £2,200,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding by Rutland County Council - which was accepted just last month. It is designed to facilitate extensive restoration work and a brand new programme of events.

Also this month, a new book on the castle’s architecture, published by the Rutland Local History and Record Society, as part of its Occasional Publication series, puts the

“The combination of a £2.2m Heritage Lottery restoration project this month and a new book on the building’s archaeology will put the castle in the spotlight this year...”

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history of the building in the spotlight, where it will doubtless remain throughout 2015.

Especially well known for its collection of 230 horseshoes, the castle is a unique heritage site adjacent to Cutt’s Close and All Saints’ Church, in the centre of Oakham. It’s the best-preserved Norman Great Hall in England and was used right up until 1970 as the local court. Occasionally, civil ceremonies, crown court sessions and coroner’s inquests still take place in the castle.

Although named Oakham Castle, its lack of defences and position on flat, rather than elevated, grounds mean it has never been considered a true fortified stronghold, but more of a manor house, with a lost wing between the castle and All Saints’ Church discovered in 2012 by Channel Four’s Time Team. The site’s gatehouse, moat and towers have also long since disappeared.

This lottery project will help to restore the fabric of the Grade I listed building, created in 1180, but will also fund exciting new events such as an annual community archaeological dig and a regular programme of re-enactments and living history projects.

The first action will be to carry out urgent repair and consolidation work on the castle walls, motte, postern gate and towers including some reconstruction work to make these

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a TiMeliNe Of

OakhaM

CasTle n 1180 Oakham Castle is Built the great Hall was built by Walkelin de Ferrers, a norman baron. the remains of other parts of this fortified residence are beneath the grass of the inner bailey. n 1206 king John visits one of the more controversial monarchs to visit oakham Castle; the first monarch to ever visit the great Hall followed closely by Henry iii, who visited at least seven times. n 1264 Great fire at The Castle the great Hall is damaged by a fire in the Barons’ War during richard Earl of Cornwall’s tenure of oakham. a garden, a fishpond, windmill, watermill and deer parks are built following the death of the Earl. n 1323 horseshoe Custom established Edward ii, the third monarch to visit the castle offers a horseshoe, for reasons unknown, after issuing a general order to fortify all castles, including oakham. n 1361 Country is in despair the great Hall is now nearly 200 years old and the country is suffering from the plague, famine and loss of man power. this is followed by Edward iii and richard ii visiting oakham. n 1521 Collapse Of The Great hall By this time, everything was in a state of collapse, never to be resurrected. By the early 16th century, the Hall probably ceased to be used for any domestic purpose. as Burley on the Hill became the residence of the Lord of the manor, the great Hall was kept largely to be used as a court. n 1911 Restoration the great Hall is finally restored in memory of the rt Hon g H Finch, mP for rutland for 40 years, with extensive repairs to the east wall and the stone flagged floor. a bust of Finch can be seen in the castle today. n 2012 Time Team visit Channel 4’s time team carries out excavations in the Castle grounds, following the work of many other archaeologists including John Barber. n 1999 - 2013 More Royal visits HrH the Princess royal visits the Castle to hang her horseshoe in the hall along with HrH the Prince of Wales, HrH Princess alexandra and more recently, the duchess of Cornwall in 2014.

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- HistorY -

elements more visible and replace the existing external fencing. The funding will also create better wheelchair and pushchair accessibility and see the creation of new interpretation, toilet blocks and storage facilities, as well as new drainage and heating and a timber stepped access route to reduce informal climbing on the walls.

The project will better promote both the history and heritage of the castle, and of Oakham & Rutland in a broader sense, and will increase both community and educational activities, with a new programme of community events implemented too.

Vanessa Harbar, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands says: “Oakham Castle is, without doubt, one of Rutland’s finest heritage treasures. The stunning Great Hall is home to the county’s unique collection of horseshoes, some dating from the 12th century, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.”

“As such, we felt it was timely to support essential restoration work to the site. Once the project is completed, we’re confident the castle and the town will both continue to draw in both established, as well as new, visitors to Oakham.”

“Barber would have been fascinated by the recent research completed the castle, from 2011’s terrestrial laser scan to the Time Team excavations...”

Along with the £2,200,000 restoration, a new publication was last month published by the Rutland Local History & Record Society as part of its Occasional Publications series.

2011’s terrestrial laser scan and the Time Team excavations, to 2013’s survey by Nick Hill of English Heritage.”

John Barber’s 1950s study of the Castle and its grounds saw the keen archeologist and Oakham School Master complete a detailed study of the building, carrying out excavations adjacent to the Great Hall with the assistance of Oakham School students.

“In October 1994, nearly three years before his death, John Barber made his research available,” say Elaine Jones and Robert Ovens, who have edited the book.

“He would have been fascinated by the recent research completed on the castle, by

Though circumstances conspired against Barber being able to publish his research, copies of the book are now available, and it makes for a fascinating read.

With the renovation project about to begin, 2015 will be a new era for the castle and it will play a greater part in Oakham both for visitors to the town and locals alike.

The forgotten secrets of the castle will all be revealed this year and, in addition, Oakham’s most famous landmark will be restored and protected for future generations to enjoy.

John Barber’s Oakham Castle & its archaeology the rutland Local History and record society has released John Barber’s 1950s study of the castle in an a4, 72 page, full colour book as part of its occasional Publications series. the book is now on sale for £8 + £1.50 P&P, or from oakham Castle, as well as good local bookshops.

To purchase of a copy of the book, call 01572 758440 or see www.genfair.co.uk.

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The History of Oakham’s Horseshoes...

When you walk through the wrought iron gates that separate the castle grounds from the town to the south, you will see an upside-down horseshoe incorporated into the design of the gates.

The horseshoe is there to remind visitors to the castle of the historical custom that they must present a horseshoe to the Lord of the Manor of Oakham on their first visit. This has been associated with the castle for well over 500 years.

These horseshoes are hung upon the walls of the great hall; there are so many horseshoes that they take up almost all available wall space.

These horseshoes aren’t small iron shoes about the size of a man’s hand; Oakham horseshoes were huge and were meant to be impressive to reflect the status of the giver.

Above: Barber pictured in 1956.

Image: Oakham School Archives.

Main: Barber overseeing work in one of the trenches the dig created.

Image: J L Barber Archive, Rutland County Museum.

The origins of this particular customer go back to the De Ferrers family, one of whom built the Great Hall we can see today. The Ferrers name has its roots in the French word for farrier, and this particular family have used the symbol of a horseshoe as their coat of arms since 1066.

No one knows for certain why it became such a tradition to present a horseshoe but it seems likely that the Ferrers demanded that visitors present a horseshoe as a form of tribute or, perhaps, visitors thought it prudent to do so, to have the favour of the Lord.

Two huge horseshoes were donated by the future Queen Victoria and her mother, Alexandra. These two ornate horseshoes are the only ones that are touching and all the other horseshoes are carefully placed to make sure that none of them touch each other.

The horseshoes weren’t originally on display inside the castle. They were hung upon the wooden gates which stood where the Georgian stone gateway to the castle grounds now stands. Unfortunately, the horseshoes on public display had a habit of ‘disappearing’ so they were eventually moved inside.

There is also a large gap in the years represented by the horseshoe display.

This is because a great number of them were melted down as scrap metal to help the war effort during WWI. As a result, there are almost no Elizabethan horseshoes.

“Several horseshoes were treated as scrap and melted down during the war years...”

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to view and purchase photographs from the Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

The Good & New Sale Organised by For Rutland, In Rutland...

Rutland recently hosted its Good & New Sale at Barnsdale Lodge, organised by the charity For Rutland, In Rutland.

The event saw thousands of new and nearly new designer clothes and accessories, with shoes from Manolo Blahnik and Laboutin to items from ySL, Dior and Chanel, all sold to raise money for the charity.

For Rutland In Rutland was established in 2014 is order to raise funds on behalf of the Rutland Citizens Advice Bureau.

Those funds - every penny of which is spent In Rutland - are used specifically to provide, through an adviser at the RCAB, advice on Cancer, Dementia and other long-term illnesses and allows those living with these illnesses, and their carers, the non-medical support they need within the county rather than them having to leave the area for this service.

For more information on the charity, see www.forrutlandinrutland.org.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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The Heart of the

VILLAGE

Quality dining in a pub restaurant environment has to be the most satisfying juxtapositions and one of the best examples of this is at The Marquess of exeter, the zenith of chef patron Brian Baker’s illustrious CV. this month we find out what spring diners can expect from one of rutland’s best dining experiences... if any doubt remains that pub restaurant food can equal the quality of a fine dining experience, a visit to The Marquess of Exeter will soon quash any such skepticism.

The Grade II listed building dates back to the 1600s and is constructed in the same honey-coloured stone as the rest of the village where the pub restaurant is situated.

It’s home to famous foodie Brian Baker, whose CV features everything from masscatering for 12,000 to serving as the personal chef to fashion and pop celebrities to experience in the Michelin-starred environs of The Criterion and Hambleton Hall.

More recently, he’s created and run Knossington’s gastropub The Fox & Hounds (from 2003-2009) and Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter from 2009 to the present day.

What Brian hasn’t cooked, you don’t need to eat. His technical talent is unsurpassed, but his creativity is equally impressive and his team well-motivated by Brian’s warmth and his obvious passion for food.

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Main: Roasted fillet of gurnard with sauté potatoes and a red onion, black olive and salsa verde.

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Left/Below: The pub restaurant is home to Brian Baker, who will host cooking demonstrations both at The Marquess of Exeter and at county shows throughout the summer.

“Brian and Lyddington’s Marquess of Exeter team provides diners with ‘fine dining’ quality food but also a really relaxed and welcoming village pub environment where the customer comes first...”

Whether you dine in the 20 cover bar or the 85 cover restaurant, at lunchtime or in the evening, you’ll enjoy a daily-changing menu and plenty of local ingredients.

Not only is the dining experience superb, it’s also exceptional value, with two or three courses at lunchtime for £12.95 or £15.95 per head and a choice of three starters, three main courses and three desserts.

During evening service, there’s a similar set dining menu at £14.95 and £17.95 per head for two or three courses. Opt for the à la carte menu though and there’s choice of eight starters, eight main courses, a couple of sharing dishes for two - a grilled rib of Derbyshire beef or half shoulder of lamb - and five desserts to round off your meal.

Below: Duck breast with soya and ginger dressing, served with honey roasted parsnips and shallots.

What that means, for diners, is quality dining but a really relaxed and welcoming village pub environment where the customer comes first.

This is also evidenced by Brian’s new deli part butchery; part fromagerie; part greengrocer; part village shop - which came into existence following requests from locals for Brian to provide them with the odd pint of milk, dinner party dessert or Sunday morning croissant... requests which the chef has always honoured, resulting in the pub becoming a real hub for villagers.

That’s not to say that Rutlanders from a little further afield aren’t equally welcome at the Marquess though. Dining takes place from noon to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 9.30pm Monday to Saturday with Sunday lunch service from noon to 3pm and evening service from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Outside of those hours the Marquess also has a roaring pub trade and 17 letting bedrooms.

In addition to local suppliers like Launde Farm and Richard Taylor, the restaurant has a kitchen garden with chickens and pigs.

There are daily deliveries of fresh fish too, and on our visits to the Marquess, Brian has always used this seafood to best effect; we’ve photographed his salt and chilli squid salad and a bouillabaisse before, and on this occasion the precedent of quality was maintained with an assiette of seafood.

This sharing platter included crab mousse, red wine smoked salmon, salt & pepper cod cheeks and tempura king prawns, served with red pepper and chilli salsa and wasabi aoili.

Also on a fishy theme was our main course of roasted fillet of gurnard, which was served with sauté potatoes and a red onion, black olive & salsa verde.

If you’re not of pescetarian persuasion, don’t be put off; with chicken, duck and vegetarian options available during our visit, plus a lovely 8oz fillet of beef, even the

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Sharing Platter: Salt and pepper cod cheeks, tempura king prawns and red wine smoked salmon with red pepper and chilli salsa and wasabi aoili

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- Food -

“The service at the Marquess is always excellent and the food is both creative and technically brilliant in equal measure...” and an orange salad. It was rich, gooey, warm and delicious... absolutely lovely.

To accompany, Brian and the team keep a cellar of 12 white and 10 red options, plus a rosé and a choice of three sparkling options, and three champagnes. Wines are from less than £15 a bottle to no more than £35 for a high end Chablis or grand cru Margaux.

Through the summer, The Marquess of Exeter allows bar patrons and diners to sit outdoors, whilst Brian himself will host a series of cooking demonstrations at the pub - including a barbecue masterclass aimed at educating men in the dark art of al fresco cooking. All of the details of Brian’s popular demos are on the Marquess’s website, and he’ll also be demonstrating at county shows through the summer and at Rutland Day’s Food & Drink Festival in September, too. fussiest diner with find something appealing.

There’s also a choice of four ace side dishes including fat chips - hand-cooked and floury - to accompany.

Desserts are equally spectacular at The Marquess of Exeter. Like the restaurant’s ice creams, bread and petit fours, they’re all made in-house, and include both fruity and chocolate options, as well as an additional local cheese option.

Our chosen option was a chocolate fondant with caramel ice cream, chocolate ganache 38

The service and welcome at the Marquess is always excellent, the place itself absolutely beautiful, and the food creative and technically brilliant in equal measure.

If anyone still labours under the misguided belief that pub restaurant food is inferior to a formal fine dining restaurant, the Marquess of Exeter is the venue to challenge that prejudice. It’s a great experience, all the better for being relaxed and welcoming, rather than stuffy or formal. It’s a definite recommendation for readers seeking a really enjoyable spring dining experience.

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Sample Dishes startErs squid

£8.50

Salt & chilli squid, Thai salad and sweet chilli dressing Parfait

£6.95

Chicken liver parfait, with fig chutney and grilled bread. soufflé

£6.95

Twice baked Lincolnshire Poacher cheese soufflé.

main CoUrsEs Chicken

£13.95

Breast of chicken stuffed with ricotta and spinach, wrapped in Parma ham, with figs and wild rice. steak

£16.50

8oz flat iron steak with Café de Paris butter, pommes frites and green salad.

Lamb sharing dish

£38/serves two

Half shoulder of local lamb, slow-roasted with Lyonnaise potatoes and seasonal vegetables, mint sauce and redcurrant jelly.

Beef sharing dish

£48.50/serves two

Grilled rib of Derbyshire beef with pommes frites and Béarnaise sauce.

dEssErts almond Loaf

£6.25

Chocolate Fondant

£6.25

Toasted almond loaf with Amaretto poached plums and white chocolate ice cream.

Warm chocolate fondant with berry compote and caramel ice cream.

Cheese option

£8.25

Selection of local farmhouse cheeses, biscuits and chutney.

Find out more: The Marquess of exeter, 52 Main street, lyddington, nr Uppingham Rutland le15 9lT Telephone: 01572 822 477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk 39

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NEW LUNCH MENU Bring this advert in with you to receive

20% OFF your lunchtime food bill Excludes Sundays. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Valid for the months of March/April 2015.

TUESDAY NIGHT IN MARCH ARE CURRY NIGHTS Choose from a selection of curries, all served with rice, chips, poppadom’s and mango chutney. ONLY £9.95.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN MARCH ARE STEAK NIGHTS 9oz sirloin steak, cooked to your liking and served with onion rings, chips and garden peas. ONLY £10.95.

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Long live the

Village Pub this month there could be nothing better than a visit to a true village pub offering high quality casual dining and fine dining-inspired traditional english cuisine. Karen mason and mark Hines, have created just the place; the godfather of Rutland pub restaurant talent is affectionately known to locals as ‘Beanie...’ villagers in Greetham seem to love their landlord, and it’s easy to see why. Heading up The Plough since 2000, Mark Hines who is affectionately known as Beanie by locals - and partner Karen Mason have created a determinedly traditional village pub offering a warm welcome both to locals, and to Rutlanders from further afield seeking high quality pub restaurant dining.

A decade or two ago it would have been easy to snobbishly dismiss pub dining, but as many Rutland pubs like The Olive Branch and The Marquess of Exeter have proven, the combination of high quality food in a more relaxed environment is a compelling one.

Main: Our starter of pork belly was accompanied by a barbecue sauce, sauté carrots and new potatoes.

That’s especially true in Greetham, because Mark has worked in London’s Michelin starred establishments like the IHG group’s Hyde Park flagship hotel, and in myriad gentlemen’s clubs on Mayfair, yielding the best technical ability. Today though, that ability is combined with a desire to produce a high quality down to earth dining experience.

Words: Rob Davis.

Chefs don’t come more experienced or more talented than Mark, but he’s done chasing Michelin stars. Now, all he’s chasing is customer satisfaction.

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Left: The pub restaurant’s freshly baked bread.

Below: Deep fried Brie with homemade chutney.

Bottom: Haddock and chorizo provençal.

“Our arrival in early February on a frosty Monday morning interrupted Mark making bread.

Like the restaurant’s sauces, chutneys, desserts, ice creams and petit fours, all bread at The Plough is freshly made in house...”

covers, ensuring his time is not diluted by lots of tables, and that your meal gets plenty of attention.

Red pantiles, an open fire dividing restaurant and dining room, and a refurbishment of soft furnishings - which is due to be completed as Pride goes to press - ensure a traditional, pretty place to dine with a warm welcome and no pretentiousness.

Open seven days a week from noon to 2.30pm and from 6pm-9pm, there’s a single menu which offers seven starters, or light bites, then nine main courses and seven desserts. The menu is also supplemented by six specials - starters and main courses - too.

“I was lucky to grow up in the hospitality industry.” says Mark. “It gave me a really good grounding in the trade. I said I’d never own a pub because of the long hours but I’ve now owned four. It’s like that line in The Godfather; just when you think you’re out, the industry drags you straight back in again!”

“I’m lucky here though. There’s a really good local trade as well as an ability to draw people in from all over Rutland and from Greetham’s caravan and camping site which increases the village’s population by at least a third in the summer - as well as its local golf club.”

Our arrival in early February on a frosty Monday morning interrupted Mark making bread. Like the restaurant’s sauces, chutneys, desserts, ice creams and petit fours, all bread at The Plough is freshly made in house.

Mark goes to enormous effort to ensure that decades of Michelin-standard chefcraft can be distilled into a dining room for around 25

Also on the menu is an Italian Corner.

Mark’s Christmas present to himself, last year, was an authentic stone pizza oven.

There are many secrets, Mark says, to producing the perfect pizza, and with his examples commanding less than £7, plus a choice of toppings to create your own bespoke hand-made stone-baked example, you can create a really good example tailored to your tastes. With Italian staples such as lasagne, carbonara and spaghetti on offer too, Mark and Karen have created a kind of pop-up Italian restaurant within the pub restaurant itself.

In terms of local ingredients, suppliers include Grasmere Farms and Lincolnshire butcher Mel Ward, as well as M&J Seafood who provide fresh fish deliveries daily.

Vegetables are sourced locally, and Mark also receives venison and game from local shoots and trout from Rutland Water.

There’s also an allotment just beyond the restaurant on which Mark grows his own salads, vegetables and soft fruits in the summer months.

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Main: CrayďŹ sh and smoked salmon cocktail.

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- food -

“Mark’s talent is unquestionable, and nice touches like his home made bread & ice creams, supplement a traditional village pub welcome...” belly dish with barbecue sauce and sauté carrots & new potatoes. We also tried a haddock and chorizo provençal with green beans and potato wedges.

Desserts were a treat with Mark’s own homemade lemon meringue ice cream adding some zestiness to his Eton mess, whilst a chocolate fondant - a gastropub favourite - was crammed with rich cocoa flavour and served with a rather nice, and again homemade, Bailey’s ice cream and tuille biscuit.

To accompany, there’s also a choice of five red wines, six whites, a couple of sparkling wines and rosé each, plus dessert wines and champagnes, with even a good French Fleurie - our preferred light fruity red available under the £25 mark.

Our two starters were a crayfish and smoked salmon cocktail and a deep fried Brie with homemade chutney. Our star main course, featured on our opening spread, was a pork 46

If there’s any lingering prejudice favouring restaurant dining over pub dining, The Plough will easily counter that.

The Godfather of pub restaurant dining in Rutland, Mark’s talent is unquestionable.

The effort he puts into each dish is obvious and nice touches like his home made bread, and ice creams, supplement a traditional village pub welcome.

It would be easy to recommend the place on the basis of the food, or the welcome, or the menu’s sense of value for money. The fact that we’re able to recommend it on all three counts, simultaneously, only serves to make our recommendation stronger still. In short, an invitation to dine at The Plough this month is an offer you can’t refuse.

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Sample Dishes startErs Pâté

£5.95

Chicken liver pâté with homemade red onion marmalade. smoked salmon

£6.50

Crayfish and smoked salmon cocktail. deep Fried Brie

£5.50

Deep fried Brie with homemade red onion chutney.

Whitebait

£5.50

Crispy whitebait with tartar sauce and lemon.

main CoUrsEs Belly Pork

£12.95

Slow cooked belly pork with barbecue sauce and sauté carrots & new potatoes. steak

£12.95

Pizza

From £6.95

8oz rump steak served with chips, tomato, mushrooms and onion rings.

Homemade stonebaked pizza with choice of toppings from 72p-£2.50/ea.

Lasagne

£8.50

Homemade lasagne from the pub’s Italian Corner.

Fish & Chips

£9.95

Beer battered haddock, chips and mushy peas.

dEssErts Crème Brülée

£5.95

Chocolate Fondant

£5.95

Eton mess

£5.95

Cheese Board

£6.95

Homemade crème brülée with homemade tuille biscuit.

Rich chocolate fondant with homemade Bailey’s ice cream.

Created with lemon meringue ice cream and homemade tuille biscuit.

Selection of cheese with biscuits, celery and homemade chutney.

Find out more: The Plough, 23 Main street, Greetham, Oakham le15 7NJ Tel: 01572 813613 www.the-plough-greetham.co.uk 47

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR HIGH QUALITY PUB RESTAURANT DINING Main Street, Great Bowden LE16 7HB

Easter

For table reservations call 01858 463571 www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk

Sunday

Lunch

at Greetham Valley 5th April 12 noon-3pm

Two /Three Courses

£14.95/£17.95

Greetham Valley Hotel, Golf & Conference Centre

Half price for ages 5-11, under 5s eat free, plus: free Easter egg for every child. Booking essential.

Greetham, Rutland LE15 7SN

Tel: 01780 460444

www.greethamvalley.co.uk

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- rECiPEs -

Making Catering

EASIER The Rutland Gourmet caters for weddings, buffets and other functions. she’s an unflappable expert specialising in the creation of restaurant quality dining for anywhere from 10 to 1,000 diners. Here, we ask sarah Rivett for her outside catering-inspired advice on how to create wonderful suppers for your spring dinner parties...

Words: Sarah Rivett. imagine catering for 1,000 people. If the thought is enough to make you panic, you’ll understand the enormous admiration we have for The Rutland Gourmet, Sarah Rivett.

Not only does she prepare exceptional fine dining meals for her clients - as well as canapés, buffets and hog roasts - she does so for anything up to 1,000 covers and using her outside catering equipment often finds herself working, quite literally, in the field.

“It seems daunting to many people but I do it, and I love it.” says Sarah. “I’d never say it’s easy, but I’m organised enough and calm enough to enjoy it, and I’ve the equipment and experience to make life as easy as possible.”

Sarah usually caters for weddings, working with a bride and groom to tailor a menu to their exact requirements, even holding menu tastings in a dedicated room at the back of her commercial kitchen, adjacent to her home near Morcott.

“We’ve asked Sarah for her top recipes to ensure you spend more time with your guests, and less time in the kitchen...”

Sarah can cater for anywhere from 10 diners, creating dinner party food to enjoy in your own home, and though 150 covers for a wedding or black tie is typical, events like the hunt balls Sarah caters for each year see her catering for up to 1,000 covers at a time.

“There’s lots of prep work that goes on in advance, and we’ve our own dedicated outdoor equipment with refrigerated trailers and so on.”

“My husband Johnny is a sort of logistics officer. He’s a huge help and together we produce around 30,000 plates a year.”

“I can cook almost anything my clients request, although, some dishes work better than others; main courses like rump of lamb or seared duck breast work well.”

Not withstanding the fact that Sarah is a useful contact for anyone seeking high quality dining for weddings and other functions, the chef also has some really useful tips for helping your dinner parties to run smoothly too. Over the following pages we’ve asked Sarah for her top recipes that not only look good and taste wonderful, but are also fine-tuned to be as logistically quick and easy as possible, ensuring you spend more time with your guests, and less time in the kitchen.

For more information on Sarah Rivett, the Rutland Gourmet, call 01572 747909 or 07970 576882 or see www.rutlandgourmet.co.uk.

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Goat’s Cheese Tartlets with Beetroot and Caramelised Onions For the Shortcrust Pastry 175g plain flour 125g butter 65ml cold water For the Caramelised Onions 3 onions, finely sliced 1 tbsp butter dashes of olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp brown sugar a little thyme 65ml red wine For the Topping 30 baby beetroot, (about five per tart depending on size), washed 400g log goats cheese, sliced into six rounds caster sugar, to brulée For the Salad 20g baby wild rocket 20g watercress handful chopped walnuts rapeseed oil balsamic vinegar

“This is a superb dish in that it can be created in advance and assembled in just a few minutes.

Ideal for the functions we cater for, but equally, for dinner parties, too...”

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a beautiful, vibrant starter featuring the best spring ingredients, these little tartlets will make it look like you’ve gone to lots of effort, but in fact, they’re a cinch. The recipe can be modified to create other variations, and best of all, you can cut corners even further by using ready-made pastry.

If you’re making the pastry beforehand, a food processor will help things along nicely use the pulse button to combine the flour and butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the water, making sure it’s chilled, then pulse it a little more and shape it into a log using your hands. Wrap in cling film and rest in the fridge for about half an hour.

At this point, preheat the oven to 180°c slightly lower for a fan assisted oven - this is gas four; or a slow Aga. you can, of course, purchase pre-made tartlet cases to simplify things further purchase about six shortcrust cases and ensure they’re around eight centimetres wide and about three millimeters thick to prevent their bottoms becoming soggy.

If you’ve prepared your own pastry, remove it from the fridge, roll it out and press out six cases. After resting for a quarter of an hour, bake for around 15 minutes until you achieve a nice golden brown colour. These will store well in an airtight container for a day or two at room temperature.

To create the caramelised onion and beetroot topping, put all the ingredients in a thick bottomed saucepan along with some salt and pepper and cook on a high heat, sweating down whilst stirring regularly. The liquid should evaporate, allowing you to

Creates six tartlets

simmer the contents until the onions are shiny and cooked through. At this point, season with salt, sugar and balsamic vinegar according to your tastes.

Meanwhile, steam your beetroot for around 20-30mins; 30 baby ones or five full-sized ones, if you’re using cooked and processed beetroot. you’ll know they’re ready when you can pierce them easily with a fork. If you’re not using processed beetroot, rub off the skins under cold water. Slice each one finely or pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped.

Now divide the onion mixture between the pastry cases, cover with beetroot and top with a slice of goat’s cheese.

They’ll need to cook before serving for around 10 minutes - just enough to begin to melt the goat’s cheese. For a really professional finish, covering the goat’s cheese with caster sugar then grilling or using a blow torch will achieve a beautiful golden brown top. Rinse and dry your salad - rocket works especially well - then blitz the nuts roughly and dress with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or rapeseed oil, then use to decorate.

If you don’t have time to make everything in one go, you can make the pastry in advance.

Store in the fridge and then bring up to room temperature before rolling out.

The filling can be created in advance and assembled just before serving, as long as it’s not added to the pastry cases, which will go soggy. Once you’re confident, experiment with flavour variations, and you’ll have the template for an adaptable starter which can be prepared in advance, leaving you free to spend time with guests.

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Grilled Chicken with Pea Purée and Fondant Potatoes six chicken breasts with skins on Coarsely ground salt and pepper 1 clove garlic 50g butter 1 red pepper, de-cored, sliced into strips Handful of basil (optional) glass of white wine (optional) Fried pancetta For the Pea Purée 500g peas - frozen or fresh 1 garlic clove 1tbsp water For the Fondant Potatoes Four white potatoes, e.g.: maris Piper 75ml vegetable or chicken stock 150g butter 2 cloves garlic salt and pepper to taste

Once again, this recipe is ideal for dinner parties, with chicken that can be grilled in advance then baked for around 30 minutes whilst you’re enjoying your first course.

Good quality ingredients are a prerequisite for successful cooking, so opt for good quality locally sourced free range chicken breasts rather than cheaper chicken with added water. Even when we’re catering en masse, we never scrimp on ingredients, there’s simply no excuse.

Leaving the skins on the chicken breasts, season them well with coarsely ground salt and pepper.

Fry the garlic in a pan with 50g butter and when hot, brown the chicken breasts for around three minutes - a ridged griddle pan will create attractive lines in each chicken breast.

If you’re dining al fresco this summer you can always begin cooking your chicken on the barbecue before transferring to the oven.

Once your chicken has vacated the pan, frying a few strips of pepper will provide decoration with a shock of colour, contrasting well with the pea purée.

“Ideal for dinner parties, you can cook the chicken, when leave it in a warm oven ready to assemble just before serving.

Another ‘quick-win’ dish for when you’ve guests...”

Bake for around 30 minutes at 220°c, 200°c for fan ovens, gas four or a medium Aga. To add extra flavour, you can also place a glass of white wine and scrunched up basil into your baking tray.

For six People

from decent cookshops. Heat 150g of butter in a pan. When it begins to foam, fry the potatoes until golden brown - be careful, as the fat will spit - this should take around five minutes each side on a medium heat.

It’s best not to move the potatoes in the pan as they cook.

Pour in the stock and add the garlic gloves, then season to taste. Cover the pan and simmer until the stock is reduced.

If you’re serving your poached pear dessert (see over) with saffron, you can substitute the garlic cloves and create saffron flavoured fondant potatoes instead.

Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside, reheating in the oven for ten minutes or so before serving.

The pea purée can be made well in advance, with around 500g of peas cooked for three or four minutes in a over a medium to high heat. Season to taste, then purée in a blender or food processor.

When you come to serve the dish, use a set of plate rings to create a neat, shallow timbale. These rings are readily available from places like Lakeland and are invaluable for creating professional looking dishes.

Slice each chicken breast in two and sit one on top of the pea purée, then decorate each plate with fondant potatoes, reheating them in the oven for ten minutes.

For embellishment, use pea shoots and add a little fried crispy pancetta.

Fondant potatoes are a neat, professional looking accompaniment. Simply cube your potatoes or use a square ‘cookie cutter’; a set of three metal ones can be purchased 55

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Poached Pears

with Mango Coulis and Saffron Ice Cream For the Poached Pears saffron, generous pinch 6tbsp warm water 150g caster sugar 200ml water 100ml ginger wine 1 star anise 1 strip orange peel, pared with a peeler 6 medium pears, e.g.: Conference or Comice, peeled with stalks left on mascarpone or ice cream to serve For the Mango Coulis 3 ripe mangoes Lime juice to taste (optional) 1tbs caster sugar For the Ice Cream 100g granulated sugar Four egg yolks 250ml full cream milk 250ml double cream (or whipping cream) 1tsp saffron (optional) 1tsp good quality vanilla essence For the Spun Sugar Lattice 100ml cold water 200g caster sugar

“This is a fundamentally simple dessert, easy to prepare in advance, but it can be embellished beautifully... we’ve provided a few ideas here that can be used for other desserts, too...

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Many restaurants serve puddings that can easily be prepared in advance, and for wedding receptions or the other events we cater for, making life as easy as possible, by completing as much of the prep work in advance, is always a good idea. you can involve yourself in this deceptively simple dish as much or as little as you wish, cutting corners as time allows by, for example, buying good quality ice cream instead of making your own or purchasing coulis rather than making it.

We’ve included coulis, ice cream and spun sugar recipes here so you can spend as much time as you wish on your final course!

Saffron is a luxurious ingredient so despite the simplicity of the recipe, it will always raise an eyebrow. Soak it well in the warm water for an hour in a saucepan, then, dissolve the caster sugar in the infused water and add the ginger wine. Boil for around three minutes, then add the star anise and orange peel.

For six People

To create your own coulis, peel each mango and cut into chunks, puréeing with a hand blender or food processor before running through a fine sieve. This can be done a couple of days in advance.

Creating your own ice cream is equally easy, and versatile too, since there are practically limitless ways to flavour a basic vanilla ice cream recipe. Beat together your egg yolks and sugar and place into a saucepan. Heat the milk until it reaches near boiling point adding half of the crushed saffron, then pour into the egg and sugar mixture, ensuring you whisk it continuously. It’s at this point that you can add any flavouring you like; crushed lemon meringues or honeycomb, coulis, puréed berries etc. Add the remaining saffron, and add the cream, then continue to warm until thickened, making sure it doesn’t burn.

It’s at this point you can add the mixture to an ice cream maker, or simply take the mixture off the heat and leave it to cool.

Transferring it into a tub and sitting the tub in a bath of iced water will help.

Peel the pears, leaving the stalks on, and add them to the pan, then simmer for around 30 minutes ensuring you use a low heat poaching is distinguished from boiling because your ingredients are not necessarily submerged, and the heat is much lower.

When cool, transfer to the freezer for three hours, then remove, whisk to disperse the ice crystals and ensure a smooth texture, then return to the freezer until solid - overnight for example. Use two tablespoons to create neat quenelles, when you serve.

Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl, then strain the liquid into a jug, retaining a few strands of saffron to decorate. Pour the syrup over the pears, cover and chill for 24 hours.

Finally, for a really polished look, create spun sugar latticework by dissolving the sugar in the water in a small saucepan. Boil to a dark caramel, then remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken. On greaseproof paper, drizzle a spoonful of mixture back and forth, creating a lattice shape. Leave to set then carefully remove, placing on your poached pears immediately before serving.

To serve, place each pear on a plate or a slate, drizzle over a little syrup. Serve with dollops of mascarpone, or some coulis or ice cream.

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Find Our More: Our recipes come from Rutland’s Sarah Rivett, who can cater for dinner parties, weddings and other events from 10 to 1,000 covers.

For more information on Sarah Rivett, the Rutland Gourmet, call 01572 747909 or 07970 576882 or see www.rutlandgourmet.co.uk.

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Special The perfect venue for

Occasions is Greetham Valley catering for 25-250, menus from ÂŁ10pp

includes dedicated co-ordinator to oversee your event

Greetham Valley Hotel, Golf & Conference Centre

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birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, reunions, charity balls, end of season dinners and awards evenings...

Greetham, Rutland LE15 7SN

Tel: 01780 460444

www.greethamvalley.co.uk

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TheWineCellar a quintet of Chardonnay this month, as we celebrate a grape which yields wines which are perfect accompaniment to your spring roast lamb dish. this month the exceptionally knowledgeable harish khanderia of Oakham wines presents his recommendations...

Our Gift Subscriptions last a whole year

saintsbury’s Carneros, Usa Chardonnay £23.95

Meursault vieilles vignes, Burgundy, france £34.50

Chateau ste Michelle, Usa Chardonnay £13.95

Puligny-Montrachet les enseignères, france £44.95

Cuvée alexandre Organic Chardonnay, Chile £14.99

One of the USA’s most respected producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Saintsbury has been championing an elegant, more European style for over twenty-five years.

A restrained style of Chardonnay, with pear and citrus fruit, backed up with the slightest hint of barrel-derived spice.

This dynamic growerturned-négociant moved from Santenay to large premises in Meursault a few years ago, and quality has moved up a gear with him. Flora, buttery, toasty notes and touches of ripeness, with the palate lifted by a minerality that brings purity and freshness.

Chateau Ste Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington State, with some of the most mature vineyards in the Columbia Valley - an ideal climate for growing world-class wine grapes.

A fresh, soft Chardonnay with bright, sweet citrus fruit character and subtle spice and oak nuances.

Moving towards a biodynamic growing approach, this wine is a generous offering from a famous vineyard, offering succulent peach and summer flower aromas, albeit balanced by mineral tautness.

Nicely tuned, with understated oak and a long citrus finish.

Lapostolle is owned by the Marnier-Lapostolle family of Grand Marnier fame. Intense fruit aromas of sweet citrus fruit, white flowers, fresh tropical fruits and sweet spices. Elegant and concentrated in the mouth, with a creamy texture balanced by a crisp citrussy edge.

every single month in 2014!

Each of our wines have been recommended by Harish Khanderia of Oakham Wines - visit Harish on High Street, Oakham LE15 6AH. Call 01572 757124 or visit www.oakhamwines.co.uk.

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The Area’s Star of the

SILVER

SCREEN movie buffs may recognise Cotterstock Hall, the grade i listed mansion near stamford. that’s because it was the location for filming of the 2012 film the Woman in Black, starring Harry Potter’s daniel radcliffe. in reality the property is neither spooky nor grim, which should come as quite a relief to the next owners of the property, which is currently on the market for around £2m...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Haakon Dewing.

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Many old homes have character, but few have quite the character of Cotterstock Hall.

If you’re a film buff and the property looks familiar, you may already have recognised it from the 2012 film, The Woman in Black, starring Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe.

The film is a ghost story set in a fictitious village in Victorian England, and whilst Director James Watkin sent location scouts the length and breadth of the country seeking a tangible representation of the film’s central location, Eel Marsh House they immediately fell for the charms of Cotterstock Hall upon seeing it.

“It had a real vibe about it.” says James.

“The problem was, it was kept in too good a state by its owners. We had to put weeds all over the immaculate lawn and cover the front of the house in ivy, fake cobwebs things like that!”

Cotterstock Hall was transformed into a creepy house in just one week, with shooting

Above/Main: The piano nobile floor includes the principal drawing room, with an adjacent ladies boudoir. The floor also has a principal bedroom suite and two further bedrooms.

“I’d love to say that the place is as creepy as it appeared in the film, but it’s not; that’s just Hollywood, with its smoke and mirrors!” for the whole film taking just nine weeks and three days spent working at the property.

Victorian props were borrowed from antique dealers, and the crew transformed around 100ft of the gardens to the front of the house with overgrown benches covered in ivy. The film crew also recreated the house back at Pinewood Studios for additional shots, mostly the interior scenes.

“It’s a remarkable building, simply bursting with grandeur.” said Daniel, star of the film, which grossed nearly $130m at the box office, during filming in summer 2010.

The house is currently on the market with estate agency King West of Stamford, and having looked around the place, Jonathan 63

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O’Shea agrees. “I’d love to say that the place is as creepy and atmospheric as it appears in the film, but that’s just Hollywood, with its smoke and mirrors. In fact, it’s a graceful country estate, with a Grade I listed manor house set in the heart of just over four acres.”

Built on the grounds of a previous property in local limestone and crowned with a Collyweston roof, the house has a formal ‘E’ shaped frontage, Cromwellian in age with a Renaissance style and Flemish influences.

Arranged over three floors, Cotterstock Hall’s ground floor has a large reception hall leading to a library or gentleman’s sitting room, a morning room for ladies and a formal dining room, as well as a study and kitchen with separate utility room.

On the piano nobile is the principal drawing room, with boudoir and the principal 64

bedroom suite with its en suite plus two further bedrooms and family bathroom.

The property’s second floor comprises four further bedrooms and a balcony. The property is closely associated with the former poet laureate Dryden, born near Thrapston, educated at Titchmarsh, who had a close relationship to Elmes Stewart’s family.

The property was built around 1656 by John Norton, who was responsible for collecting the country’s taxes. He sold the house to Elmes Stewart around 1693. Elmes’s wife Elizabeth was Dryden’s cousin and in 16981699 the elderly poet spent a number of weeks in the second floor room before his death a year later.

Dryden would have finished his ambitious translations of Virgil at the property, in addition to working on translations of Homer, Ovid, Chaucer and Boccaccio in

Above: The C17th poet Dryden spent a good deal of time at the property working on translations of Homer, Ovid and Chaucer.

Right: Mechanisms for the old bell call system are still in tact in the kitchen.

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the attic room, which still today features the early C17th wainscoted panelling and the mullion window through which the 11th century Church of St Andrew can be seen.

“Its literary and cinematic references aside, it is a really imposing and very beautiful house with outstanding architecture and beautiful grounds.” says Jonathan.

With the current owners seeking a new custodian for the property, and an asking price of just under £2m, the property’s four acres remain manageable, in good order throughout. There are plenty of outbuildings and impressive cellars add to the main house’s 8,000sq ft of accommodation.

Above: The property has over 8,000sq ft of living space, plus literary and cinematic associations.

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“On the estate is a private woodland area with a pond as well as a folly, known as the Shepherd’s Hut.” says Jonathan.

“The grounds also have mature specimen trees imported several hundred years ago by a previous owner.”

Cotterstock Hall’s appearance in The Woman in Black may have been as alarming as Dryden’s poetry was metaphysical, several hundred years earlier. Still, in the 21st century, the country house is architecturally grand, a light and optimistic contrast to its darker big-screen portrayal.

With the current owner seeking to downsize, it is now on the market, seeking new custodians. We haven’t seen a property as grand, with as much history, or with such beautiful grounds for a very long time.

Whoever takes on the property can add their own style to the Hall, and in doing so, will doubtless create the finest Grade I mansions anywhere in the area.

Cotterstock Hall, northamptonshire Location: Oundle two miles; Stamford 15 miles; P’borough 15 miles.

Style: Grade I listed Cromwellian era property set in over four acres.

Receptions: Five, currently arranged as dining room, morning room and library. Piano nobile drawing room and boudoir.

Beds: Seven with two en suites.

Other Features: Study, cellar with five rooms and wine bins. Associations with Dryden and The Woman in Black.

Guide Price: £1,995,000

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

Web: www.kingwest.co.uk.

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The New Home of One Off

Furniture

antiques dealer and provider of One Off Chairs, Claire Langley’s beautiful converted barn in harringworth is the new home of bespoke and antique furniture and beautiful items for your home...

Beautiful homes deserve quality furnishings, especially antique pieces and one-off chairs.

So, it’s good fortune, for Rutland’s best homes, that antiques specialist Claire Langley has relocated from her Stamford antiques shop to beautifully converted barns, on the border of Rutland in Harringworth.

Claire provides antique refectory tables, armoires and console tables plus lamps, mirrors and vases. “I’ve discovered that the secret to creating the best selection of antiques possible is to only buy what I love,” says Claire. “I really won’t hold stock that doesn’t excite me.”

“We source and sell antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century bespoke items. We also undertake restoration work.”

“Not withstanding the obvious benefits of being able to customise the look, feel and dimensions of each chair, they all have an intrinsic value.”

“Hand-finished bespoke items that offer old-world value for new-world homes have a real value, unlike new items from multinational retailers which are essentially mass produced.”

“Claire’s clients see a chair in its stripped out form, then work with her to create a totally bespoke product.”

The business outgrew Claire’s Stamford premises partly because of the success of the antiques company’s sister firm, The One Off Chair Company. As its name suggests, clients can commission bespoke restoration projects for the chair frames Claire buys, determining the height, width, stuffing density and material, the piping, and of course, the fabric each chair is covered in.

“I saw a gap in the market for such a service,” says Claire. “It offers clients the best of both worlds; the provenance of an antique, a professionally restored item, but with the ability to completely customise the look and feel of each chair.”

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Claire purchases and restores each stripped out chair so clients can see the hessian covered frame and its construction. Claire’s accounts with a number of fabric houses provides access to the latest ranges, with completed chairs delivered with a four to six week lead time and prices of each finished chair ranging from £800-£2000.

Having grown up around Stamford, before moving to Brighton to train as a restorer, Claire worked on London’s Portobello Road and in Cambridge before moving back to the county in the mid-1990s, opening in Stamford in 1994.

With space at a premium, though, the move from Stamford to the Harringworth barns in autumn of 2014 afforded Claire the luxury of space and the opportunity to present even more of the products for which she has a true passion.

“I really do absolutely love the business, customers are welcome by appointment seven days a week to view our furniture and to discuss what we can do for them... the kettle’s always on!” says Claire.

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Find Out More: Claire Langley provides bespoke ‘one off’ chairs created from stripped-down antique chairs as well as quality antiques from Seaton Road, Harringworth NN17 3AF. Call for more information on 01572 747316 or see www.clairelangleyantiques.co.uk or www.theoneoffchaircompany.com

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THE LARGEST RANGE OF RECLINERS IN THE AREA Riser Recliners

from only Three Piece Suites

Care Recliners

Fireside Chairs

ÂŁ349 VAT Exempt*

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

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

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 25 MILES

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Investing for your future With pension reforms in April giving retirees much greater access to their pension, local property expert Kate Vincent discusses some of the key considerations if you are looking to property as an investment opportunity.

The previous rise in popularity of buy-to-let was arguably driven by readily available finance requiring low deposits. Investors were re-financing existing homes and typically investing for quick returns from an overheating market. Now, the profile and motivations of the average property investor has changed dramatically. Today’s property investor is typically motivated by income potential, steady growth and considers their investment to be a long term one.

Demand for rental property is increasing as the shortage of affordable housing stock, tighter borrowing rules and increases in population numbers, in cities such as Peterborough, have shifted the focus onto the rental sector. Couple this with potential first time buyers needing to rent longer whilst they save a deposit for their first home, and you have a buoyant market demanding a constant supply of quality properties.

Rental Demands

those already in the investment market. With a swing in social attitudes specifically towards renting, many in the 25-34 year old age groups rent for longer-spans of time; some to allow for lifestyle flexibility whereas others bide their time whilst they save for a deposit.

The disparity between house prices and demand has led to attractive returns for many investors, with the rental yields in the local area typically achieving levels of around 5%, in line with the national average, whilst certain areas in Peterborough have been providing yields as strong as 6%+.

Other parts to consider are Corby, Leicester and Stamford, albeit the latter’s buoyant rental market has to be balanced against higher entry costs (property prices). Properties in these areas could provide a compelling investment, however finding the ideal opportunity requires a thorough understanding of both the local area and property market.

The English Housing Survey published in February revealed that the number of owner occupiers dropped in 2013/14 to its lowest level since 1985. This trend was particularly marked amongst the 25-34 year old age group where the number of those renting from private landlords has doubled over the last decade.

Changing pension prospects

Increased rental demand is leading to higher rental prices and consequently higher yields for

There is also a need to exercise caution and not rush into a decision to purchase in a particular

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A would be investor needs to decide what is driving their decision to enter the buy to let market. Is the bias towards income or is it capital growth? This will determine very quickly where they should be buying and what area of the market they should be buying in to.

Kate Vincent

area without completing your homework. If as expected, there is increased activity in the buy-tolet market due to the recently announced relaxing of the rules regarding private pensions, this could lead to an oversupply in some areas which would lead to a more competitive market for rents. This in turn will have an effect on yields which could be a problem if you have purchased the investment solely for that purpose.

With a recent increase in interest for investment properties due to a continued confidence in the buy-to-let market, buyers should remember to treat their purchase as a business transaction and therefore it is sensible to consult professional advisors before embarking on a purchase.

Garrington work on behalf of private clients who want to invest, rent or buy property in the East Midlands and throughout the UK. They also provide a negotiation only and overseeing of sales service.

For further information or to arrange a commitment free meeting, contact Kate Vincent at Garrington’s Stamford office; Tel: 01780 408377 Email: info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

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- property -

Design the Room of your Dreams...

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Mark and Amanda Gill are in the throes of a new build project which has seen them creating a Georgian style farmhouse on the grounds of a derelict building. top on the couple’s wishlist was a luxury orangery from Auburn Hill...

Building a property is costly, and expensive.

There’s just one chance to ensure everything is created just the way you want... just ask Mark and Amanda Gill.

Seeking to create their dream home, the local couple found their ideal piece of land and gained planning permission. All that stood in their way was the existing farmhouse with its serious subsidence, and the need to find quality firms to work with. Not least among these was a supplier who could create no fewer than 31 bespoke windows box sliding sash units in accordance with the conditions of planning permission - and a Georgian-style orangery in which to relax.

“We demolished the old property in March 2013, and broke ground on the new house a couple of months after that.” says Amanda.

“We’ve been so impressed with the service and organisation we’ve seen from Auburn Hill.”

“We’ve no specific date to finish by we’re living in caravans on site, and I’m project managing the build with Cameron Tolley of T and G Formwork Ltd and managing the families Property Business, whilst Mark continues to run his families Metal Recycling Business, with his father Brian and daughter Aimee.”

“It’s the first project I’ve managed but so far everything has gone smoothly - but I didn’t realise that windows, doors and the orangery would be the biggest investment.”

“They’ve proven even more costly than the brickwork, with one company even quoting £250,000.”

“We chose to work with Auburn Hill, based in Ketton, after visiting their studio. We’ve

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- property -

“We’re really looking forward to moving in, but there’s a long way to go. Next up is a new kitchen and decorating!” been really impressed with their service and their organisation, we liked their designs and their quote was a fifth of what some firms wanted to charge us, which we found incredible.” says Amanda.

“The exterior of the orangery is now complete, it now needs to be plastered, and we’ve the first fix of electrics and plumbing being installed.”

“Creating a brand new home is exciting and terrifying all at the same time, but Auburn Hill have been great - they’re a nice company to deal with and they always come when they say they will.”

“We had our own point of contact at Auburn Hill throughout. If we’ve had any enquiries - even at the weekend - he was really attentive. He worked with our architect and friend Franco of Monte Calvo Architects, and the whole process has been as painless as possible.”

“We’re really looking forward to moving in, but there’s a long way to go. Next up is choosing kitchens and decorating. I’m looking forward to being quite hand-on when it comes to finishing off, but it’s been great to have some reliable companies working with us for the more technical aspects.”

“It’s a good job the team has been so efficient.” says Amanda. “Mark has already invited the family over for Christmas dinner... at least that’s given us a deadline to work to, which should move things along!”

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Window on the World: A few window and orangery designs to suit even the oldest listed properties...

Employing only RIBA certified architects, and with familiarity of the design requirements of creating windows, doors and orangeries in Stamford and rutland’s conservation areas and with its listed buildings, it’s little wonder that customers believe that working with Auburn Hill is the secret to customer satisfaction and stress-free home improvements. the firm offers full project management, co-ordinating all of the tradespeople you need to take away the stress of creating your new room from foundation to decoration. Here, we’ve profiled a few of the jobs that have Auburn Hill the reputation it enjoys in the county.

1. Living Kitchen Extension: orangeries are a superb way of adding extra living space to a period property without having to work a modern kitchen into the floorplans of a traditional building. Services can be added at foundation stage, and you can create a completely bespoke space in terms of size, layout and relative position to your existing building.

2. The Beauty of Bespoke: Auburn Hill also specialises in the creation of bespoke windows in aluminium, timber and pVC, from modern bi-folding doors to sash windows to suit any property... that’s the beauty of bespoke products.

3. Bringing the Outdoors Indoors: A bespoke extension with bi-fold doors is an ideal way to blur the distinction between the outdoors and indoors. An additional reception room styled like this one is the easy way to create a cinema room. Since Auburn Hill partners with home automation firms supplying integrated audio/visual and climate control systems, and interior design studio Hunter’s Interiors, the firm is able to tailor a room to your exact purpose.

4. Brighten Your Room: Fill even a period property with natural light with the addition of a roof light. Whether for a new or an existing space, Auburn Hill can make your space lighter, brighter, and seemingly more spacious.

5. To Suit Your Home: As the firm is used to working in conjunction with other contractors, Auburn Hill is especially adept at creating a room to suit the exterior of your property, neatly integrating their installation into your existing or proposed landscaping.

“It’s little wonder that customers believe that working with Auburn Hill is the secret to customer satisfaction and stress-free home improvements...”

Find Out More: Auburn Hill is based at Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE. For more information call 01780 400 500 or see www.ahorangeries.co.uk.

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Furnishing your Home this month, we’ve a round-up of the best businesses all helping you furnish your home this spring...

ambiance Home improvements “don’t settle for second best,” says Paul Cushing, owner of Ambiance Home Improvements, giving his advice on shopping for conservatories.

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

“By looking for alternative ways to make your conservatory usable all year round, Ambiance can design and build a room that will really create a living space that you will enjoy 12 months of the year. We don’t lower our standards for a cheaper installation but we do build up to a quality.”

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

“We are small enough to care with a personal service, but large enough for any project. All of our conservatories are made to measure and designed in the home to the customer’s requirements and with our standards at the forefront make them a room for all seasons.”

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

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

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

trent galleries, oakham Trent Galleries on Oakham’s Mill Street welcomes you this Easter Time to visit and feel inspired by our phenomenal portfolio of original paintings and limited editions from award winning artists such as Fabian Perez, Sherree Valentine Daines and Doug Hyde.

Trent Galleries, Oakham and Newark, will be hosting a fabulous line up of Artists Events this year. The first to take place will be at Oakham's sister gallery in Chain Lane, Newark.

Trent Galleries, Newark is excited to announce that on 17th April, they will be welcoming one of Britain’s most talented and versatile oil painters John Waterhouse.

His highly acclaimed paintings reflect his passion for the beauty he sees in people, places and objects.

Trent Galleries on Mill Street in Oakham will be hosting Philip Gray, on 3rd July. Philip Gray, Winner to the Fine Art Trade Guild Best New Artist, is an outstanding landscape artist.

His extreme art, painted in unexpected, often dangerous locations, has won him the reputation as an artist and adventurer.

His powerful original paintings, pastels and collectable editions have won him an impressive range of awards, media coverage and celebrity collectors including Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Dolly Parton.

Come to Trent Galleries and meet the artists in person. If you would like to be invited to any of the events, please register your details at Trent Galleries www.trentgalleries.co.uk.

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- HomEs -

rutland Cleaning Company do you have some leather furniture? Over half of all Rutland households do. Leather looks and feels great with a texture and richness that cannot be beaten by other fabrics.

Leather also has the advantage of being hard wearing and long lasting. That being said, leather is not impervious and needs regular cleaning and maintenance to stay looking its best.

Failure to do so will lead to a build up of soiling and potential damage to the surface of the leather.

There are two main types of leather used in furnishing - aniline and pigmented. Both need to be treated differently and its important you know which type you have. Pigmented is harder

wearing and regular cleaning is all that should be needed with no need to condition it as the conditioner will not penetrate the pigment that gives the leather its colour. Aniline is more delicate and susceptible to damage and will benefit from conditioning as well as cleaning.

Damage to pigmented leather is generally repairable including ink marks, stains, scratches and scrapes and even cuts and holes. Aniline is somewhat harder to repair but its more natural appearance means that damaged areas can often be blended in.

The above photos show an aniline leather chair recently restored by us which shows what can be done to seemingly ruined leather.

Contact The Rutland Cleaning Company for a free consultation on all your leather cleaning and restoration needs call 01572 503123 www.rutlandcleaning.co.uk.

green man antiques, oundle Oundle’s Green Man is a well stocked Antique shop with a variety of antiquities, in which you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. With stock changing regularly, it’s well worth a visit. Fine silver, musical boxes, bedside cabinets and side tables sit alongside a wide selection of chairs. Georgian, some early 18th century oak furniture and some decorative French and English Victorian & Edwardian pieces are all available, all beautifully restored and polished and ready to go into your home straight away.

Midori Jewellery cabinets display a wide selection of rings, necklaces bracelets and earrings, of high quality and affordable price range.

The business also incorporates Oundle Clock Shop. This is a family business that has stood the test of time - no pun intended - running for over sixty years.

Specialising in the restoration of both mechanical work and the restoration of casework, taking care to keep as much originality as possible.

With one of the best selections of individual pieces with prices to suit most pockets. All our beautiful timepieces come with guarantees and Garry is always willing to help and advise the customers.

Longcases from Lincolnshire, plus Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, all of which come fully restored and guaranteed.

The shop also stocks vintage watches with a wide selection bought and sold, including Longines, Omega & Rolex Street parking on West Street.

Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm or by appointment. Tel: 01832 272099.

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- gardEning -

Going potty for

Pansies

a combination of being able to build their garden and a passion for pots has created the packed garden of Corinne and John Layton. the site has interest at several levels, places to ponder and enjoy breakfast, as well as myriad sculptures and farming ephemera to create a busy, traditional look...

Words & Images: Nicola Stocken.

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- gardEns -

solid clay is a gardener’s worst nightmare, so when Corinne and John Layton were faced with a garden full of the stuff, they resolved not to lose sleep over it.

“It was so heavy that we could barely dig it and nothing would grow, so the simplest solution was to bury it,” they explain from their quarter-acre country garden.

Today, tonnes of unwanted clay lie hidden beneath three broad terraces that rise behind the Laytons’ farm cottage.

“Originally, the garden was flat,” explains Corinne “But after installing a new cesspit, we had even more clay to get rid of, so the easiest thing was to hide it beneath terraces.”

To many, this might seem a complex solution, but John, a consulting engineer, easily turned his hand to bricklaying, gradually transforming a level plot into a terraced one.

“The plot’s an irregular shape, and the terracing has disguised this, making it much more interesting,” adds Corinne.

Initially, as John completed the brick retaining walls for each terrace, the clay was covered in a deep layer of topsoil and laid to grass. “Unfortunately the top lawn was on so much clay that it was terrible, and we rarely went up there,” she recalls. John’s solution was to build a deck that would ‘float’ above the unyielding ground, and a summerhouse, nicknamed the ‘Sitooterie.’

“It’s become a lovely, sunny spot to sit out, with views for miles over fields towards Maldon,” says Corinne. It can be cool on breezy evenings, so she is now considering curtaining for the northerly side.

It is yet another development in the gentle evolution of this garden. It all began over 30 years ago when the Laytons moved to the country. “Neither of us had a garden before, but visiting the Chelsea Flower Show and meeting Beth Chatto was a major turning point,” recalls Corinne, who embraces Mrs Chatto’s philosophy of only growing plants that suit a garden’s conditions. “you can waste so much time and energy trying to grow unsuitable plants, so I tend to stick to ‘right plant, right place.’”

The garden is run completely organically, so the plants are very healthy, and do not attract pests and diseases. Corinne loves growing plants from seed, especially

perennials, although one of her great favourites - perennial wallflowers - will not grow there.

“Even now, I uncover pockets of clay, and have to break it up, digging in grit, homemade compost and horse manure,” she says.

Nonetheless, many plants do thrive, and as Corinne has raised more and more from seed, the garden has filled out. Whilst the borders expanded to accommodate plants, the design evolved in tandem, but not according to any masterplan.

“On the lowest terrace, I kept eating into the lawn until it became a rather odd shape, and increasingly difficult to mow,” recalls Corinne.

At this point, she and John stood back, and reshaped the lawn, settling on a curving, oval shape edged in low, box hedges.

The final touch was a large, circular slate table-top that, minus its legs, forms a big, improvised bird feeder that is very popular.

“Wildlife is incredibly important to us, and we garden without the use of chemicals,” she points out.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the pond which is home to a grass snake, various types of newt, including the great crested newt, and a number of toads. “But there’s no frogs - we’ve tried everything to attract them, but they just won’t come.” says Corinne. When John first started digging the pond out of a dull expanse of lawn, Corinne was puzzled as to why he was making it so large. “you don’t have to mow a pond!” came his reply. Ponds do, however, require some maintenance, although now that a natural ecosystem of wildlife along with marginal and aquatic plants has developed, the water keeps beautifully clear.

Lined with butyl rubber, everything was going swimmingly until disaster struck when the pond sprung a leak. “We had to completely empty the water out, and lift the liner to find the puncture and repair it,” recalls Corinne.

It transpired that an ornamental grass, Arundo donax, had sent underground runners beneath the liner, puncturing it.

Nowadays, Corinne keeps the marginal planting very simple with ferns and hostas that, thanks to the toads, thrive in the slug-free environment. A boardwalk overhangs the water, supported on sturdy

John started digging the pond out; Corinne was puzzled as to why he was making it so large.

“You don’t have to mow a pond!” came his reply...

Above: Pulmonaria saccharata Trevi Fountain, a clump forming herbaceous perennial.

Left: Terracotta pots planted with auriculas and violas.

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- gardEns -

concrete pillars built by John, and leads to the summerhouse, edged in white ‘Actaea’ daffodils and golden kingcups in spring.

“Spring is the only time of the year that I grow yellow and cream flowers,” she adds.

It’s red and gold Tulipa ‘Abu Hassan’ that edge a gravel path running up the northern side of the garden, adding splashes of colour amongst purple sage and the brown sedge, Carex comans ‘Bronze.’

“This sedge goes with everything, so I grow it from seed and simply replace clumps when they become old and the colour fades,” says Corinne. Planted along the length of this bed are a screen of five pleached limes that not only veil the leylandii boundary hedge - essential as a windbreak - but also cast dappled shade on the bed below.

“Each year, John cuts these limes back to a tracery of branches, and by next summer, they are covered in a wonderful lime green foliage that doesn’t overshadow the border beneath,” she notes.

It was 2004 when Corinne, now 65, took early retirement as a human resources officer, and at last had time to devote to gardening. “These days, I carry out a major improvement each year, I’m so lucky to have John to build things for me. I always joke that he can make anything I put my mind to!”

It was John who turned leftover lengths of wood from the ‘Sitooterie’ into an Auricula Theatre, finishing the top with a scalloped piece of roofing lead.

“Auriculas flower for such a short time, that I wanted somewhere to display them properly,” explains Corinne who is captivated by the scented flowers and wonderful, striped ‘faces’ of these picky perennials.

“They are difficult to grow and prone to vine weevil attack, so must be treated with nematodes each year.” These historic plants are also demanding, needing shade and hating the wet, yet they are unfailingly popular on the plant stall at Corinne and John’s National Gardens Scheme charity open days. “But I only let them go to good homes, and really grill people first, to make sure they will look after them properly.”

This year, there will be new projects to see a green roof, and a long bench made from gabions, metal mesh baskets that they are filling with old pots, iron and general junk.

“I carry out a major improvement each year, I’m so lucky to have John to build things for me. I always joke that he can make anything I put my mind to!”

“It’ll make a wonderful home for wildlife,” explains Corinne. It will also provide somewhere to sit, and enjoy a different view of the garden, whether in deep winter when snowdrops put in an appearance, or late summer when shocking pinks rule, and the garden teeters on the edge of ‘controlled wildness.’ Whatever the season, there is always something to see and, having spent her working life in offices, Corinne now loves to be outside.

“John and I often eat outdoors, cooking with the wood oven,” she says. Gardening, especially raising young plants, has not only become a great love, but has also brought her into contact with people she might not otherwise have met. “I’ve made a lot of friends through gardening - you meet such nice people.”

Above: Terracotta pots of auriculas on a shelf of the Auricula Theatre.

Left: Quiet seating area amidst borders of tulips, daffodils, hellebores, ragged robin, euphorbia and ferns.

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- natUrE -

The Birds and the Bees enjoying

Rutland

in Spring...

With birds, bees and butterflies all abundant in the county right now, our nature writer this month celebrates spring. Richard Owens tells us which species to look out for whilst enjoying a spring walk around Rutland... as we move into april, there should now be many signs that spring has finally sprung.

The days grow longer and hopefully a bit warmer, and by now you may well have seen large Queen Bees emerging from the slumber of their winter hibernation perhaps down a hole in the ground or in a soft exposed soil bank somewhere, before going their own way to establish a new colony.

Of course, the re-emergence has an added bonus for those of us who are partial to a jar of honey or two, as I certainly am!

These are just a few signs of spring, but the best indicator for me of warmer times ahead would always be the sighting of the year’s first butterfly.

One of the earliest that we see is also one of my favourites, the Brimstone. Taking its name from its colour, sightings of this buttery-yellow and green coloured species will be of individuals that have hibernated.

The females will lay their eggs on buckthorn or alder buckthorn and these will hatch later in the summer, leading to another emergence.

“You may well have seen your first Swallow by now, but if not, keep your eyes to the sky or along powerlines...”

Out and about in the countryside, certain wildflowers will be starting to come into their own now, particularly the majestic Bluebell, which forms an ocean of colour and provides a vital early nectar source for the aforementioned pollinators.

Also whilst out and about, particularly in open grasslands, look out for Cowslips which should be looking magnificent in their beautiful yellow bloom by now.

Trees, too, should by now be starting to unfurl their fresh green leaves as the sap begins to rise.

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Other species, such as Comma and Small Tortoiseshell, follow the same pattern.

Of course, the fact that they will be around all summer does not diminish the impact of seeing any of these colourful insects early in the season. Indeed, a sighting of any butterfly in April is something special and uniquely uplifting.

In the avian world, millions of migrant birds including Swallows and many Warbler species will be returning to the UK after

spending Winter in the warmer climates of Southern Europe and Africa, and following their quest for survival, thoughts turn to reproduction before heading on their return journey later in the year. you may well have seen your first Swallow by now, but if not, keep your eyes to the sky or along powerlines. Enjoy that first sighting and marvel over the amazing journey it has just made, most likely all the way from South Africa.

By now many of our resident birds will have been preparing their nests for a few weeks now, and you may indeed have observed Blue and Great Tits carrying nest material, usually moss into your nest boxes.

It’s possible some females may in fact already be on eggs. At this time please don’t be tempted to take a sneaky peak in the box as this may cause desertion and non-viability of the eggs.

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

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Gonepteryx rhamni, also known as the Common Brimstone butterfly.

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- THe BelTon HorSe TrialS -

Mark Todd is Jumping for Joy at

belTon

He’s an international star in the eventing world and has won The Burghley Horse Trials on no fewer than five occasions between 1987 and 1999. Still, as Sir Mark Todd tells us in an exclusive interview, he enjoys the feel and the challenge of the area’s other horse trials, which will be held at Belton House this month...

Last year’s Grantham Cup winner, Sir Mark Todd, is among the most celebrated of all new Zealand sportsmen, with two olympic gold medals and numerous other honours to his name. Mark was a pioneer of three-day eventing in new Zealand and, in 1978, was part of new Zealand’s first three-day eventing team to contest a world championship.

After an illustrious career Mark took the decision to retire from international competition following the 2000 Sydney olympics at the age of 44 and returned to live in new Zealand where he based himself in his home town of Cambridge. Mark was never too far removed from the world of eventing, acting as coach for the nZ olympic eventing team at Athens in 2004, continuing to compete at a local level and supporting the sport in general.

It was in 2008 that, as a consequence of a bet made over a glass of wine, Mark made his return to the international eventing stage with the target of competing at the beijing olympics that year! He purchased a 10-year old grey called Gandalf and very quickly qualified him at Saumar in France by putting in one of the best performances of the new Zealand team, which finished fifth, managing the second best Kiwi performance,

coming in 17th overall. In February 2009, Mark announced he was making a full return to the sport and in April that year came back to belton for the first time since 2000 with a bang, winning in the Advanced on Grass Valley cementing his place firmly back on the eventing scene. belton’s 2014 line-up of competitors read like a Who’s Who of eventing with most of the world’s top riders having at least one horse entered in the competition, including world numbers one & two William Fox-Pitt and Andrew nicholson. Fine weather along with a packed programme of equestrian action and family entertainment meant that belton’s spectator numbers were well up every day with footfall through the gate doubling on Saturday.

Demonstrating that he has no intentions of slowing down Mark recorded another win in front of the record crowds, this time in the lycett’s Grantham Cup CIC*** with his

“Mark made his return to the international eventing stage with the target of competing at the Beijing Olympics...”

partner of 5 years the 10 year old leonidas II. Training with olympic, World and european and olympic champion dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin certainly paid off on this occasion as they lead from the off, completing on their dressage score of 35.5.

The pair were one of only two combinations to complete within the optimum time, “I didn’t intend to go so fast but I knew I was in the lead so decided to ride for the win and luckily it paid off !” never finishing out of the top 15 at any event last year, Sir Mark Todd and Diane brunsden and Peter Cattell’s, leonidas II are certainly ones to watch this season. We caught up with Mark to see what he had to say about his successful 2014 lincolnshire weekend in:

What is it about Belton that keeps you coming back year after year?

Finishing in the top 10 every year since I returned to eventing certainly helps. beDe always do their best to ensure the ground is as good as it can be and had worked very hard to make the ‘old turf ’ smoother and more level which obviously paid dividends to me and my rides. The Grantham Cup is fast becoming one of the most prestigious classes in the calendar so winning it nowadays feels extra special.

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- the belton horse trials -

Belton has long been a favourite of eventers as a pre-Badminton 4* tune-up, would you agree?

Going back 25 years Belton was always a favourite as a lead up to Badminton so the event has a long history. I’m not sure anything could have prepared us for last year’s Badminton, Giuseppe’s course was certainly a testing one but my Belton runs gave me the confidence to run both Leonidas II and NZB Campino at Badminton for their first 4* of the season. I finished a respectable 14th with Leo which I was pleased with.

noseband but that still wasn’t enough – I guess it helped me get in under the optimum time though! He has improved again this year.

You were the only rider to have two horses in the Grantham Cup 3* top 5 (Leonidas II 1st and NZB Campino 4th), what was your secret?

All I can put it down to is that fact that the two horses are very similar and the result really could have gone either way. I’m afraid I don’t have a secret formula. But both are very good competitive horses.

“The Grantham Cup is fast becoming one of the most prestigious classes in the calendar..”

Top: Three star Grantham Cup Winner Sir Mark Todd pictured with second place Vittoria Pannizon and third place, Mary King.

Right: Local eventing competitor Charlotte Barber.

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You have been quoted as saying that your Grantham Cup winning ride Leonidas II came out better than ever at the beginning of last season, what makes him so special?

I’ve always thought a lot of him. Leo joined the team from Germany late in 2010 and I was very excited about him from the start. He is good looking with great movement and a fantastic jump. He is constantly improving which is all we as riders can ask of our horses. One thing I have worked on since Belton is his brakes – I rode him in a Waterford bit with a drop

As well as your 1st and 4th places in the Grantham Cup and your win with Amacuzzi in the Advanced (section M) not everything went your way at 2014’s Belton did it?

No it didn’t, St Daniel and I had a difference of opinion at the Sunken Road – I wanted us to jump it together and he didn’t so I hit the floor. I was riding him for Megan Heath as she was out with a broken collar bone. n Mark spoke exclusively to Emily Snowdon for Rutland Pride. He will appear at The Belton Horse Trials on 17th-19th April. www.belton-horse.co.uk.

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Ladies’ Day at the Belton Horse Trials a series of events on Friday 17th april make the belton’s horse trial’s ladies’ Day one of area’s spring highlights...

On Friday 17th April, the highlight of the Belton Horse Trials Social Calendar, Ladies’ Day promises to be fabulous!

Ladies’ Day tickets gain entry to the Horse Trials, with tea and coffee, an exclusive drinks reception and a three course luncheon in the hospitality marquee.

Bigger & Better than ever...

With the world’s top eventers battling it out over Captain Mark Philips’s testing Cross Country Courses, 2015’s belton international horse trials promises to be the best yet.

Whatever you want from a day out in the country, belton 2015 has it to offer; from world class riding, to stunning scenery and acres of beautiful un-spoilt Parkland to explore, with over 100 trade stands plus an array of entertainment that will excite the whole family.

the event’s reputation for offering a fantastic array of trade stands continues to grow for 2015 with more space than ever being opened up to host them. attracting a huge collection of many well-known brands and including everything from homemade jams to saddles and much more in between, belton’s wonderful trade stands will keep even the most seasoned shopper busy for hours!

“The event features showjumping, dressage and cross country on all three days...

For three days in the middle of april, the beautiful belton house estate is transformed into a hive of activity.

Whether you are looking to sample the nail biting fast and furious Pony Club Mounted Games, the trail-blazing inter-hunt relay or enter your four-legged friends in the Jerry Green Family Dog show, the belton horse trials provides more than just equine sport.

in 2014, a huge number of national trust members took the opportunity to attend the horse trials – many of whom who were new to the sport.

if this was you we would love for you to join us again this year. national trust members can also have access to the lowest priced tickets available. tickets and full details of the three-day programme are now available via the event’s website.

Tickets also include a demonstration in the afternoon by guest speaker, Doddington Hall florist Dr Rachel Petheram from BBC2 Great British Garden Revival.

Rachel is at Belton to show guests how to make hand-tied bouquet and will demonstrate the techniques involved using beautiful seasonal cut flowers and will be on hand to offer hints and tips on growing cut-flowers at home.

Belton’s trade stands always offer more than enough to keep even the most seasoned shopper busy! Ladies will have plenty of time to ‘shop ‘til they drop’!

It’s a great day out in a fab atmosphere, so gather your friends and book a table to make a saving on your tickets.

Find Out More: The Belton Horse Trials takes place from 17th – 19th April at Belton House, Grantham NG31 9SQ. Tickets are £8/adults Friday; £15/adults Saturday; £15/adults Sunday. Discounts for children and National Trust members. Ladies Lunch £55/ea, or £500/table 10. Call 01949 829 061 or see www.belton-horse.co.uk.

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to view and purchase photographs from the Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

A Night to Remember

Raising money for charity in Oakham... a Night to Remember recently took place in Rutland as Sarah Kearney, Alison Crowden, Madeline Allman, Nikki Loomes and Anya Loomes organised a fundraising event designed to benefit a trio of worthwhile charities at Oakham’s Victoria Hall.

The three charities benefiting from the event are Hope Against Cancer - the local charity which has thus far raised over ÂŁ3m in the area and funded 31 research projects; Loros - the hospice charity which serves Rutland, Leicester and Leicestershire; and Coping with Cancer - a voluntary cancer charity working with the individual, not the disease.

Over 150 people attended the event.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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to view and purchase photographs from the Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Images by Mirror Imaging Photography www.mirrorimagingweddings.com

- WEddings -

Image by David Stubbs Photography www.davidstubbsphotography.co.uk

Image by Lily King Weddings of Distinction, www.lily-king.co.uk

Introducing

LILy KING Weddings of Distinction this month, we profile an event design company specialising in bespoke weddings and beautiful events across stamford and rutland Now that spring has arrived, you may be starting to plan for your wedding, summer ball or garden party or know of someone who is. Lily King is based in Stamford, Lincolnshire and have been established in the town for the past five years.

They create timeless floral designs using only premium A grade quality flowers, stunning centrepieces through to breath taking

bouquets, elegant chair covers, place settings, cutlery, crockery and all linen requirements – everything steam pressed and each sash immaculately tied.

They offer over 500 different sash colours in a variety of fabrics with an array of styles to choose from with gorgeous brooches and accessories to compliment. High end stationery with their locally renowned

Image by Dean Street Photography www.deanstreetphotographers.co.uk

calligraphy service to personalise invitations, name cards and table plans. They also offer a very extensive hire collection including candelabras, various glassware, birdcages and so much more besides for anyone who wishes to create their own designs. They have a very impressive choice and there really is something for every taste and style.

At Lily King you can immediately relax. you are invited to their showroom in Stamford to share your thoughts as it is imperative to understand each individual’s ideas and approach. By discussing your thoughts with their design consultants you can try things out in the showroom with no obligation so you can see first-hand what works with your ideas and what does not. Lily King have the expertise and experience to assist you in feeling confident, whatever your personality or style. With their imaginative approach and creative flair for bespoke design from the moment you first enquire you will be given their personal design service as standard.

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Images by Mirror Imaging Photography www.mirrorimagingweddings.com

They are all professional designers by their training, qualification and/or experience.

Advice is given freely and you are actively encouraged to discuss each and every idea.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or feel you don’t have any ideas, the designers at Lily King understand that this can be a daunting process for anybody and genuinely delight in assisting you with your own creative input.

Impressive standards for a company who only five years ago started in one small room within the building and now occupy all of it.

Lily King was set up by company owner and Creative Director Louise Clinch back in 2009 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.

Now celebrating their fifth year of business Louise says “To be part of a bride’s wedding day is always a genuine delight, to design for her is truly an honour.”

“I am very proud that each and every member of the Lily King staff feels exactly the same way as I do and that each wedding and event is truly bespoke. Good design is a balance, the right flower variety, the right setting, the right colours and the right form in which they all

take – it’s the smaller details that create the bigger picture.”

With a background in fine art, floristry, graphic design and illustration, interiors, textiles, historical design, theatre and film sets you can be rest assured that the design consultants at

“To be part of a bride’s wedding day is always a genuine delight, to design for her is truly an honour...”

Lily King will ensure your wedding is exactly that – yours. Professionally designed no matter what your taste or budget.

In celebration of their five year anniversary Lily King are holding an exclusive event to showcase not only their own beautiful designs but everything you could possible wish for to create your perfect wedding day.

From bespoke bridal wear, jewellery, photography, cakes and catering and everything in-between, you are cordially invited to browse their extended showroom marquee at their premises in Stamford every day for a full two weeks from Saturday 11th April 2015 through until Sunday 26th April 2015, 11am - 4pm daily.* Free entry, no appointment is necessary and free parking is located nearby.

Join them for their Grand Opening day on Saturday 11th April 2015 with a slightly later start of 12noon – 4pm.

For further details regarding their showcase event please feel free to contact them on either number as listed below. your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so why entrust it to anyone but the very best. It is their personal service combined with their meticulous attention to every single detail that has earned them an exceptional reputation in bespoke wedding event design. Book your free no obligation appointment and contact Lily King today. find Out More: Lily King, The Cottage, Markhams Yard, Ryhall Road, Stamford PE9 1XF. For more information call 01780 756 102 or see www.lily-king.co.uk. *Closed on Monday 13th & Monday 20th April 2015.

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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

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by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

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Andrew J Musson

Andrew J Musson

A

by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT.

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT.

CA

39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS

39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS

39

Tel: (01522) 520142 info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com

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MA

Tel: (01522) 520142 info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com

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inf ww 111

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- FasHion -

Fresh Fashions for

SPRING Will spring sunshine or april showers attend this month? there’s really no way of knowing, so here, we’re profiling practical spring fashions from Betty Barclay especially suitable for layering, which will ensure you look stylish no matter what the weather...

Main: This trench coat is a must-have in any wardrobe.

Classic trench coat elements such as the collar, sleeve tabs and tie belt with buckle make it unmistakeable; £115.

Above/Right: This open-knit oversized pullover with drop sleeves is both sporty and feminine. Combined with a simple white tank top, it makes a totally successful summer.

Outfit; £80.

This month’s featured fashion brand is one we especially recommend when the great British weather isn’t as predictable as we’d like. Betty Barclay is stocked by many retailers across the county who like the brand’s capsule approach - it’s a great way of hedging your bets climatically speaking, as they facilitate layering to allow you to wrap up warm or cast off clout accordingly.

This season sees a definite inclination towards retro 1970s styles with chunky loose knit jumpers, 7/8 crop trousers and geometric prints. A bright summer beckons but spring colours may be a little more muted with taupes, moss green and navy all making an appearance before a high summer of more vibrant hues. Whatever the weather, the collection we’ve chosen here will definitely warm up even the chilliest April.

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- FasHion -

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Opposite: Cute sequin appliqués add lovely details to comfortable basic tops, making them just perfect with skinny trousers; tops £45/ea; Trousers £105/ea.

Left: This season ‘high summer’ is synonymous with an exciting style created from non-colours. Trendy key items like the white jacket with biker elements and striking material mixed come together with graphic long blouses; blazer £190; blouse £70; trousers £90.

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- FasHion -

Opposite: This lightweight summer knitwear in a striped design looks good layered with the little white tunic; £90.

Left: Sophisticated tops and feminine dresses come in trendy khaki tones this summer, with feminine gathers skilfully showing off every silhouette; top £55, trousers £100; dress £100.

For Stamford and Rutland stockists, see www.betty barclay.com.

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The best of

both worlds T

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

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

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

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

We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.

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

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

Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing

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oakham NEW

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INTRODUCTORY OFFER

50% off any full price

cut & blow dry Offer valid until 30/08/2015

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If you think

London has the best dentists, think again “a lot of people who live around here think they need to go to London for the best care but they don’t realise what an absolute gem they have on their doorstep.”

Although I didn’t realise at the time, I had an appalling dentist previously. My dentist wasn’t interested in my teeth and would just take teeth out willy-nilly. I never once saw a hygienist, despite paying for my dental care on a monthly payment plan. I was a patient there for 30 years and they didn’t have a clue who I was. Within one month of joining The Dental Health Centre as soon as I walked in they would say ‘Good morning Mrs Welton, how are you?’. That makes you feel great.

What I love about The Dental Health Centre is that they don’t wait until you’ve got a problem; they act immediately. I’ve been a patient for three years now and they are absolutely brilliant – my teeth have been transformed.

Colin Sutton and his team at The Dental Health Centre

I have had several Cerec crowns because I had poor root canal treatment previously and I’ve had two dental implants with Mr Sutton. He is a very clever dentist and has a wealth of experience. As well as doing the implants, he also adjusted the teeth above to ensure that the bite was absolutely correct.

He has great attention to detail.

My new implants are fantastic – they feel like my own teeth. Anyone who needs implants should think first of The Dental Health Centre as I can’t recommend them highly enough.

It’s not just the dentistry that’s fantastic.

As soon as you walk in you can tell that the staff are happy to come to work, as they are delightful. The whole team, from the front

of house team, including Paula and Tracey, to the dentists, are so lovely. My hygienist Julie is wonderful too and the dental nurses are so reassuring. And it’s not just me saying this, as you hear it from everyone. I am so happy to have found them.

I would encourage anyone who wants an excellent dentist to have a look at what The Dental Health Centre has to offer. Absolutely everything is 10 out of 10!

Mrs Welton, Grantham The dental health Centre, 3 avenue Road, Grantham, lincolnshire, NG31 6Ta. Tel: 01476 594480, or see www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk

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- motors -

Reliable as a

Volkswagen? meet the car that’s a perfect compromise between a large off-roader, ideal for yomping along Rutland’s rutted back-roads and farming estates, whilst top-toeing through market towns and negotiating Waitrose’s car park. the Touareg is as reliable as, well, a volkswagen...

Words: Rob Davis.

Remember the 1987 Volkswagen advert when Paula Hamilton ditched the unreliable man but kept the car? It’s a dated advert by today’s standards - we havent seen a yuppy in these parts for nigh on 20 years - and much has changed in the motoring world since then, but one enduring legacy is Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability. Its cars are perhaps as not as wild in their styling as some rivals, but its newly facelifted Touareg is great value for money and a good compromise between a large family-friendly 4x4 and a car that remains manageable in Rutland’s market towns or Waitrose’s car park.

Introduced in 2002, the Touareg was Volkswagen’s large off-roader, and though it was once available with 6.0V12 petrol or 5.0V10 diesel engines, as well as 3.0V6 units, only the smaller engines remain - and it’s those units which make a good deal more sense.

The engine is available in two states of tune, and with a mandatory eight speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. The more modest 204ps engine achieves 43mpg combined whilst reaching 60mph in 8.7 seconds and 128mph where legal. That’s good performance for a large 4x4, only slightly behind the much smaller Discovery Sport, though the VW’s CO2s are slightly more painful, making it the more expensive company car.

The 4x4 that’s easy to live with: At £42,500 the Touareg is a lot of car for the money - five seats, a generous boot, plenty of standard equipment plus a well-considered drivetrain.

VW’s 3.0V6 engine is hushed but powerful, whilst standard four wheel drive and an excellent eight-speed DSG gearbox make driving less of a chore.

Three versions of the Touareg are available; SE, Escape and R-Line, with prices for our preferred 3.0V6 204ps introductory model around £42,500 - around the same amount of money you’ll pay for a top of the range Discovery Sport. The Volkswagen is very well equipped indeed, with heated leather seats, cruise control, climate control, sat-nav, Bluetooth, DAB radio and parking sensors.

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- motors -

“There’s no doubt in our mind that the changes to Volkswagen’s largest 4x4 make particular sense in our part of the world...”

The Escape model is predominantly about greater capability, with low-range gears, centre diff-locks, 15mm raised suspension, body and underbody protection. Meanwhile, R-Line adds a few of goodies - heated steering wheel, electric tailgate, panoramic roof and keyless entry - but it’s predominantly a styling upgrade with lowered suspension, larger wheels and body kit.

Right: Standard is a big boot and decent cabin room. There’s plenty of kit in SE models, and an Escape model with low-range gears and raised suspension, too. Our featured model is the R-Line, with some nice styling upgrades and a more road-biased specification.

Unless you’re a keen off-roader or live on a farm, or you really want the styling upgrades, we’d stick with the good-value SE model.

Volkswagen hallmarks include a slightly dour but fuss-free, ergonomically sound cabin. Whilst the Touareg lacks the Discovery Sport’s two extra seats, its boot is much larger (580 litres rather than 194 litres), and the whole cabin is created with top quality materials throughout.

Chunky styling gives way to a hushed, compliant and easy-going ride on tarmac, with Volkswagen’s excellent DSG gearbox and air suspension making every journey less of a chore. Options like adaptive cruise and 360° view cameras are worth specifying on a car that’s 4.8 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, though.

There’s no doubt that the changes to Volkswagen’s largest 4x4 make particular sense in our part of the world. It’s chunky without being overbearing, and if specified correctly, it’s easy to drive even in urban settings. If you’ve a large family and need seven seats, we’d strongly consider the Discovery Sport, otherwise the Touareg makes a great deal of sense and provides quality, style and strong specification in an easy to live with package.

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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 7. Father means to maintain steady speed (8) 9. Work on farm, beginning to take old back off (6) 10. Cannabis taken from empty house by Metropolitan Police (4) 11. Professional killer, dodgy character, seen around East End (3-7) 12. Work on farm with hotel director (6) 14. Troublesome girl and boy not starting to get home by midnight (8) 15. Leslie's crazy about the old girl (6) 17. Vagrants given transport to outskirts of Paris (6) 20. Distressed youth? He's kinda cut up (8) 22. Work on farm and gain immediate victory (6) 23. Going ahead with record production and performing (8,2) 24. British sailor comes back from Caucasian capital (4) 25. Work on farm with seven stars (6) 26. Fail to notice remaining gander (8)

dOwN 1. Napoleon, going to Madrid, oddly ignored cemetery (8) 2. Work on farm, picking some more apples (4) 3. Saint resolved to end war (6) 4. Cook may use this special shoe (8) 5. Find you have little time for artist? (6,4) 6. A small bird's behind (6) 8. In France you may be introduced to foreign currency — that's regularly repeated (6) 13. Architectural style queer mason developed (10) 16. Reportedly, I refer to the faculty (8) 18. Flower not raised somewhere on Teesside (8) 19. Slow movement of girl taking turn to embrace one (6) 21. A bird ascending? It's seen around East Indian state (6) 22. Victor and Michael, director and producer (6) 24. Work on farm, given "Bishop's Tipple" (4)

aCROss

dOwN

5. Motto of the cautious (6,5) 7. Stratagem (4) 8. Ancient city and battle (8) 9. Writes badly (7) 11. Residue after felling (5) 13. Bring together (5) 14. Of immediate importance (7) 16. (Go it) all the way (5,3) 17. Pal (4) 18. Type of bat (11)

1. Doubtful (4) 2. Apply with flecks or dabs (7) 3. Attach (5) 4. Having creative skills (8) 5. Component of all integrated circuits (7,4) 6. Device for finding length of cloth etc (4,7) 10. Horned animal (8) 12. Boy's name meaning "watcher" (7) 15. Pursuit (5) 17. Tranquil (4)

CRyPTiC aNsweRs

QUiCk aNsweRs

QUiCk CROsswORd

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