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RUTLAND & STAMFORD

PRIDE THE AREA’S FINEST MAGAZINE

164 PAGES THE AREA’S LARGEST MAGAZINE

Going Wild in Rutland Nature-inspired tourism with Wild Rutland

COOKERY MASTERCLASSES AT THE OLIVE BRANCH, CLIPSHAM STAMFORD MUSICIAN JONNY KERRY’S NEW ALBUM OF SELF-PENNED SONGS TALKING SHOP WITH UPPINGHAM GALLERY OWNER MIKE GOLDMARK PLUS: THE FINEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN RUTLAND & STAMFORD APRIL 2026 £7.99

Julian Wilkinson, CEO & Publisher, Pride Magazines

WELCOME TO PRIDE

here are exciting times ahead. This year

Hugh Vere Nicoll talks us through the project

marks 50 years since the creation of

and explains why he believes Wild Rutland will

Rutland Water Nature Reserve, which

be truly transformative for the county.

has been transformative for conservation in Rutland. Half a century on, something just as important is imminent. Wild Rutland aims to combine a one-of-a-kind

Elsewhere in this month’s magazine, we’re meeting Uppingham gallery owner Mike Goldmark and the talented Jonny Kerry, the Stamford musician who has just released his

conservation project with an unprecedented

first album of self-penned music.

visitor experience. The site will comprise over

We always love to champion good food in Pride

1,000 acres of land near Oakham, which will be

too, so this month we also visit Ufford’s White

managed for conservation purposes, as well as

Hart, where Head Chef Ben and the team are

offering visitors various attractions and the

creating

opportunity to learn about the natural world.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to cook at home,

A full planning application has now been submitted to Rutland County Council and, with estimates of 335,000 annual visits bringing £12m worth of tourism revenue into the area, we can’t wait to see the project come to fruition.

some

really

splendid

dishes.

The Olive Branch’s Head Chef Dean Carroll’s monthly masterclasses will help to sharpen your cooking skills... we’ll find out more about them in this edition too. Our very best wishes for a wonderful month!

APRIL 2026

LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

FOOD & DRINK

DINING OUT Quality pub restaurant dining in Ufford as we enjoy a visit to The White Hart.

LOCAL RESTAURANT LISTINGS Rutland & Stamford’s comprehensive guide to the best local restaurants, cafés, bistros food and drink producers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Enjoy some cooking tuition from Dean Carroll at The Olive Branch in Clipsham.

WINE April recommendations.

100

LOCAL NEWS Our round-up of ‘good news’ stories in Rutland & Stamford, including the return this month of the Stilton Classic Car Run. THE GUIDE The best live events, theatre and other events taking place across Rutland and Stamford in April, including a brand new album from local musician Jonny Kerry. GOING WILD Hugh Vere Nicoll, CEO of Wild Rutland, on the most ambitious conservation project in Rutland for 50 years. WEDDINGS Claire and Glen host their joyful wedding at Normanton Church.

140

HOMES & GARDENS

PORTFOLIO

WELCOME HOME Look around this month’s feature property, where careful restoration meets contemporary design near Stamford.

118

PROFILE Five decades of art plus the finest names in 20th-century design, in a gallery like no other.

HOMES & GARDENS A spring reset with ideas for outdoor living and furniture from Gates Garden Centre.

126

FASHION Reinventing denim, plus our bright and beautiful fashion ideas for spring and summer.

BRIGHT IDEAS Broughtons lighting.

136

STYLE FOR MEN Style with Sunspel.

SITTING IN THE SUN Luxury outdoor living from Gates Garden Centre.

140

TRAVEL Beautiful balmy Bali.

LUXURY HOMES Executive and rural homes across Rutland & Stamford.

146

MOTORS Mazda’s MX-5 Convertible.

160

ALMANAC Trivia and fiction.

READ FREE ONLINE: visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk/rutland TO SUBSCRIBE: visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk/rutland/subscribe

RUTLAND & STAMFORD

PRIDE THE AREA’S FINEST MAGAZINE

164 PAGES

Professionally delivered to the region’s wealthiest households

THE AREA’S LARGEST MAGAZINE

Pride Magazines engage with over 60,000 readers across print and digital. Each edition is delivered free of charge via Royal Mail directly to the wealthiest households — exclusively those in council tax bands F, G and H, typically valued at £500,000+. Going Wild in Rutland Nature-inspired tourism with Wild Rutland

This month’s cover shows a pretty cottage on Orchard Close, Egleton, taken by Julian Wilkinson. We’re always looking for outstanding images that show oﬀ the area in which we live. To submit your photograph for possible use on our cover, email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk. CEO & Publisher of Pride Magazines: Julian Wilkinson. Managing Director: Matthew Deere. Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson. Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray. Sales Executives: Aisha Joyce, Miranda Harness, Chelsea Zealand, Eboni Canham, Grace Trotter, Hermione John. Finance: Margarita Pavlesevica. Accounts: Mia Garner, Craig Relton. IT Manager: Ian Bagley. Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

We are the only local magazine delivered by Royal Mail directly to letterboxes. We never rely on paperboys or bulk drops. Every copy is placed with precision, ensuring your brand reaches a discerning, aﬄuent audience. Our circulation is further extended through carefully selected placements in premium venues including luxury dealerships, private hospitals, golf clubs, fine dining restaurants, and boutique hotels – keeping Pride highly visible across the region’s most influential spaces. Alongside this unrivalled distribution, Pride also leads the way online, with over 36,000 discerning social media followers – more than any other local magazine. Our editions are also available via our website, app, and on Readly and Issuu, allowing readers to enjoy every issue online. Each issue blends engaging editorial, striking design, and features that celebrate luxury living – the perfect setting to showcase the region’s finest businesses. To promote your business in Pride, call 01529 469977, email sales@pridemagazines.co.uk, or download our media pack at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Pride Magazines Boston Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Way, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7TW. Telephone: 01529 469977. Web: www.pridemagazines.co.uk. Email: sales@pridemagazines.co.uk

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Legal Disclaimer By supplying editorial or advertising copy to Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

You can enjoy all of our Pride magazines free each month on your tablet. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk to start reading, or visit Readly, the online newsstand. Readly is a downloadable app for your phone and tablet enabling you to view all of the pages in over 8,000 magazines, with all back issues of magazines available to view too. Magazines appear in high resolution, you can zoom in or view in reader mode. You can also receive notifications when a new edition is published so you’ll never miss an edition! See gb.readly.com to begin your free one month trial.

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• Interior Design • Curtains & Blinds • Upholstery • Lighting • Decorative H-Works, 33 St. Mary's Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS 01780 754605 www.hworksdesign.co.uk

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Local News

‘Consistent and courageous’ MP Alicia recognised Pioneering 3D printed houses

Colin reassures neighbours

Plans to create low-carbon, 3D-printed homes using natural materials are gathering pace just outside Stamford. The Earth Build Project, based on trials at Pilsgate on the Estate, is developing a system that uses earth, waste fibres and timber instead of carbonintensive concrete and steel. A large-scale 3D printing robot is being used to layer the material to form walls. Founder Gayle Parsons is now seeking to raise £50,000 through crowdfunding to support the next phase of research. The team hopes to meet UK Building Standards by 2027 and licence the technology soon after.

Stamford’s Colin Furze has reassured neighbours that his extraordinary underground project is being built with care and consideration. The YouTube star, followed by more than 13 million subscribers, has spent over a decade creating a vast bunker beneath the garden of his semi-detached home, linking it to his workshop and a concealed garage through a series of tunnels. Furze says he has taken steps to minimise disruption, even designing quieter tools to reduce noise. The concretelined space, accessed via a hidden hatch, doubles as a leisure retreat complete with entertainment features. He has also upgraded neighbouring fences and promised improvements to driveways as thanks for their patience.

£3,200 for First Responders Golfers at Woolfox Golf Club, near Stamford, have donated £3,200 to Melton Community First Responders. Funds were raised through events including Captain’s Day, a 72hole challenge and online donations. The charity supports EMAS, providing rapid emergency response and life-saving assistance.

President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has presented Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns with the Presidential Medal of Merit

utland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns has been awarded one of Kosovo’s highest honours, receiving the Presidential Medal of Merit from the country’s President, Vjosa Osmani. The medal was presented last month at the President’s Office in Pristina as part of Kosovo’s 18th Independence Day celebrations, recognising Alicia’s long-standing support for Kosovo’s sovereignty and her commitment to democracy, peace and international stability. During the ceremony, President Osmani praised Alicia for her willingness to speak out when others remained silent, describing

her as “a great friend of Kosovo” and a “consistent and courageous voice” on the international stage. She said Alicia had stood for “truth, accountability and the rights of all our citizens”, and that Kosovo was stronger because of allies who supported the country ‘with conviction.’ Alicia has previously spoken in Parliament about rising tensions in the region. In 2023, she warned NATO and European leaders about the risk of conflict, raising concerns over the alleged movement and storage of weapons by hostile groups. At the time her comments were criticised, including by Serbian auth-

Send your Rutland & Stamford news stories or press releases to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

Stilton classic car run returns to Uppingham for a morning assembly before setting off along the traditional route, said to echo the historic journey once taken by horse drawn carriages delivering cheese.

Local News

ppingham’s very popular Stilton Cheese Classic

Car Run is set to return on

orities. However, months later an armed attack took place in northern Kosovo, with reports suggesting weapons had been hidden across the area. Following the incident, Alicia travelled to Kosovo to meet the family of a police officer who was killed during the attack. Speaking after receiving the award, Alicia said she was “truly

humbled and honoured” and reaffirmed her support for Kosovo, adding that many local veterans had served there and she was determined their service ‘should not be in vain.’ She also described the bond between the UK and Kosovo as being built on shared values including freedom, accountability and the rule of law.

Sunday 26th April, promising an even bigger event for motorists and spectators alike. Organised by Uppingham First, the run will once again bring together classic car owners,

families

and

motoring enthusiasts for a nostalgic journey through the Rutland countryside. Participants will gather at the Falcon Hotel in Uppingham

A key highlight of the day will be the much anticipated stop at New Lodge Farm, Bulwick, where drivers and visitors can rest, recharge and socialise, with food and drink available. Organisers say the event welcomes both vintage vehicle owners and those who simply enjoy seeing classic cars on the road, combining scenery, community spirit and motoring heritage. Entry is now open and car owners are encouraged to register early. Spectators are also invited to attend. See www.stiltoncheeserun.uk.

Wild Rutland plans go in Planning permission has been submitted for the creation of a 1,000-acre rewilding project

ull planning application has been submitted for Wild Rutland, a new landmark destination stretching from Burley Wood to the Oakham bypass in Rutland, encompassing 1,000 acres of historic parkland and woodland. The project plans to restore and enhance the heritage landscape by bringing back lost features and

improving habitats for wildlife. It will feature accessible walking safari routes, an education and exhibition centre, secure enclosures for a range of native UK species, a nature-inspired visitor zone, self-catering overnight accommodation and a bespokedesigned adventure playground with high-ropes course.

The Stilton Classic Car Run returns to Uppingham this month, recreating a route dating back to the 1700s.

Proud to be part of St orrd’’ss hospitality S amffo and tourism community

R ess t or i n g S t am f or d ’s h i s t or ic p as t f or o t he enj o y m en t o f t o ur i s t s an d l o c a l s a l i k e , f or gene er a t i on s t o c om e.

kneadpubs.co.uk |

DINING OUT

Quality pub restaurant dining in Uﬀord at

THE WHITE HART

A great setting, a genuinely warm welcome and really nice quality pub restaurant dining are the hallmarks of The White Hart at Ufford, a sincere recommendation for spring dining this month! Words & Images: Rob Davis.

You can spot it a mile oﬀ. The difference between a pub or a restaurant that’s going through the motions, and one that is genuinely invested in being the best it can, keen to offer its customers a really enjoyable experience. We’re happy to report that The White Hart in Ufford is in the latter camp. There’s a profound pleasure in visiting a really good pub, a fact not lost on Mark, Kevin, Andy and Andy (The Boys). The four locals were dismayed at the prospect of losing their village pub back in 2021. And so, they banded together and purchased the place. Pooling many years of experience (albeit from their preferred side of the bar), they were determined to rescue the place from closure despite having no operational experience in the profession. That was four years ago in January. And since then, the place has not just survived, it has thrived and has gone from strength to strength, offering a convivial and friendly pub environment, excellent restaurant dining and some beautifully refurbished rooms, welcoming not just locals but guests from much further afield too.

For three of those years, the place has also greatly benefitted from the presence of General Manager Dan Wade, who comes from Stamford and definitely understands what customers want from their local pub restaurant. The building dates back to the 17th century and it’s Grade II listed. It has been a pub for about 120 years, and a significant refurbishment, when the four local men took the place over, has seen the place transformed with considerable input from interior designer Annie Alison. Barnack limestone walls, flagstones in the bar, open fires, beams, and twinkling fairy lights are all present and correct. There’s a really traditional looking bar, a lounge area, then a smaller restaurant plus a large, light orangery. In total the place can accommodate about 85 diners plus an additional 25 in the bar. There is also a space for private dining or functions, named The Stag, and there are 12 bedrooms too, some in the main building, some in the adjacent stable block and brewery, each of which has been subject to recent refurbishment as part of a rolling programme of works.

Opposite: Poisson Du Jour with Crevette bouillabaisse velouté, buttered kale, sautéed new potatoes, £25. Above: Ham hock terrine, with fig relish, globe artichoke salad, piccalilli and homemade bread, £11. Roasted beetroot and mozzarella di Campania, with plum tomatoes, pesto, rocket salad, £11.

DINING OUT

ON THE MENU

THE WHITE HART Uﬀord, near Stamford STARTERS Ham hock terrine, with fig relish, globe artichoke salad, piccalilli and homemade bread, £11. Roasted beetroot and mozzarella di Campana, with plum tomatoes, pesto, rocket salad, £11. Mediterranean warm partridge Salad with Broad beans, French beans, baby gem lettuce, honey mustard dressing, £12. À LA CARTE Roasted Gressingham guineafowl, with breast and leg, creamy mash potatoes, braised red cabbage glazed carrots, red wine jus, £27.50. Braised Jacob’s Ladder beef ribs, with pancetta, garlic mash, honey glazed carrots, mushroom ragout, red wine jus, £25. Maple glazed slow-roasted rolled pork belly with pommes purée, pak choi, Vichy carrots, crispy bacon, cider jus, £26. PUB CLASSICS Pie of the Day with creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and gravy, £19.50. Fish & chips, with beer-battered cod, chips, tartare sauce, crushed peas and lemon, £21. The White Hart beef burger with tomato relish, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, with fries, and coleslaw, £19.50. DESSERTS Cafe Gourmand, comprising homemade apple and cinnamon pie, chocolate mousse with berry compote, chocolate coated ginger shortbread, £10. Chocolate bread and butter pudding, crème anglaise, £10. NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.

The White Hart is set in a plot of over three and a half acres, which includes a couple of terraces and garden areas with seating, arranged over a few different levels, as well as a decent-sized paddock.

The mainstay of the restaurant, though, is its à la carte menu which is available during both lunch and evening service with tapas-inspired nibbles, six starters, five pub classics, six à la carte mains and five desserts.

In the warmer months that means children can enjoy a run around outdoors (there’s a park and playground next door to the garden). Likewise, dogs also have somewhere to stretch their legs... and the bar is dog friendly with water, treats and doggy ice cream all available. As for the grown-ups, you’re equally well accommodated with a range of menus and the choice of dining in the bar, restaurant or the orangery.

The White Hart has more menus than some restaurants have main courses, and we haven’t even mentioned the courtyard menu with its nibbles and wood-fired pizzas, or the sandwiches and salads menu available at the bar... or the dedicated children’s menu.

The White Hart is open seven days a week and for midweek lunchtime diners there’s a permanent Lunch for Less menu which offers one, two or three courses for £12, £17.50 and £23 respectively. There are two or three choices per course, and then on Sunday, a dedicated lunch menu with a choice of roasts served with all the trimmings.

Suffice to say you’re never stuck for choice and nor does that choice come at the expense of having your food cooked freshly to order, because, commendably, the team of five chefs make everything in-house. Bread, pasta, desserts, ice creams and sorbets are all made in the kitchen by Head Chef Benaissa (Ben) El Akil who in a previous life was a personal chef to Saudi royalty, bringing all of his expertise to bear, with dishes fit for a Crown Prince, right across the menus.

The effort that the kitchen goes to is extensive, right down to making the homemade flapjacks served with coffee after your meal. Peterborough-based butchers R&P Meats provide matured beef sirloin, lamb, pork and local poultry. Kale & Damson provide fresh ingredients including fruit and veg. The restaurant has daily deliveries of fresh fish – everything from cod to clams, seabass to scallop – courtesy of Fish Rich.

It was really quite a brave move for The Boys to take on The White Hart, having no previous expertise in hospitality beyond consumption. And the place isn’t exactly modest in size. There are plenty of covers, rooms, it’s popular for events and private dining, and during Christmas week, no fewer than 1,400 diners kept the team extremely busy.

Regular evenings planned throughout 2026 include curry nights, pie nights and quiz nights, whilst there are three key events in The White Hart’s calendar: a summer solstice in June, a dog show and cider festival in August and Bonfire Night too.

It’s especially commendable, then, that the place isn’t just successful, it’s absolutely exceeding expectations in terms of providing a warm welcome. You can enjoy consistent service, there’s no end of choice for diners and dishes are made with plenty of skill and beautifully presented in house. The whole team, including Head Chef Ben and General Manager Dan are all doing a fantastic job.

Above: Braised Jacob's Ladder beef ribs, with pancetta, garlic mash, honey glazed carrots, mushroom ragout, red wine jus, £25. Assiette of desserts in miniature, £10.

A visit is highly recommended, not just because of the superb food and great surroundings, but because of the warm welcome you’ll receive from a team that genuinely deserves to enjoy much success.

THE WHITE HART Uﬀord, near Stamford

The Pitch: “With a long and well thought of reputation The White Hart aims to provide great food, wellkept beer and fantastic service. The White Hart has once again been set on a course to forge her own place as a destination eatery and place to stay and you are invited to come along.” Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am–11pm, Sunday 8am–9pm. Breakfast 8am10.30am; lunch 12pm–3pm; dinner 6pm–9pm. Sunday lunch 12pm–6pm. The White Hart: Uﬀord, Stamford, PE9 3BH. Call 01780 740250 or see www.whitehartuﬀord.co.uk. 21

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Drawing Uphill Lincoln

Going Wild in Rutland

Artist Matthew Wright’s year-long labour of love

Nature-inspired tourism with Wild Rutland

DELICIOUS DINING OUT AT RESTAURANT JERICHO

COOKERY MASTERCLASSES AT THE OLIVE BRANCH, CLIPSHAM

THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF COUNTRYSIDE LINCS, LINCOLNSHIRE’S HERITAGE RAILWAYS, EXCLUSIVE IMAGES OF LINCOLNSHIRE’S YOUNG FARMERS’ COUNTY BALL, PLUS: THE FINEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN AND AROUND LINCOLNSHIRE

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APRIL 2026 £7.99

HOW TO ENTER: Follow Rutland and Stamford Pride Magazines on Facebook and Instagram, and you could be dining out on us! Each month, we’re giving away a meal for four (drinks not included) at one of the fabulous local restaurants we feature in our magazine. Simply follow us, share the love, and you’re in with a chance! We’ll randomly select a lucky follower on either platform, and that winner could be you! It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our community: let us treat you to an unforgettable meal!

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THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE

OUR GOOD FOOD AWARDS WINNERS

RESTAURANTS THE BARNSDALE BRASSERIE – 1760

Set in a beautifully restored 17thcentury building, The Barnsdale provides a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. The Barnsdale, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH. Call 01572 724678 or see barnsdalerutland.com.

BLOSSOMS RESTAURANT AT RUTLAND HALL

A contemporary restaurant serving a seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients, with a beautiful lakeside setting overlooking Rutland Water. The hotel also has a new spa and wellness facility, the Four Roots Experience. Rutland Hall Hotel, Barnsdale, LE15 8AB. Call 01572 757901 or see www.rutlandhall.co.uk. BEST INTERNATIONAL DINING RESTAURANT 2025

CLOISTERS

Each year we ask our readers to vote for their favourite restaurants, coﬀee shops and food producers. We reveal our winners in our January editions. We’ve highlighted our winners in gold to make sure they’re easy to see!

Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month! Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk to find out more. Help us keep Rutland & Stamford Pride up to date: If you notice a change to any restaurant, pub or café featured, we’d love your help to ensure our listings are comprehensive and up to date... email any updates to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk 24

Cosy Italian bistro serving fresh pasta, authentic pizzas, and a variety of traditional Italian dishes. St Mary's St, Stamford PE9 2DE. Call 01780 755162 or see www.cloistersbistro.com.

THE CROWN HOTEL

A lively pub, restaurant, and hotel in the heart of Stamford, serving a seasonal menu with local ingredients. All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

THE FINCH’S ARMS

An 18thcentury pub situated on the very pretty Hambleton Peninsula, providing stunning views over Rutland Water. Hambleton, LE15 8TL. Call 01572 756575 or see www.finchsarms.co.uk.

THE GEORGE INN OAKHAM

A charming 17thcentury coaching inn situated in the centre of Oakham previously known as the WhipperIn. Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT. Call 01572 756971, see thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk.

HAMBLETON HALL

Hambleton Hall hotel and restaurant is situated on the peninsula above Rutland Water. Renowned for impeccable service thanks to over four decades of ownership under Tim & Stefa Hart. Michelinstarred restaurant with seasonal menus in a luxurious country house setting. Created in 1979 and opening soon after, the kitchen is headed up by Aaron Patterson who has ensured the restaurant has retained its Michelin Star longer than any other dining room in Britain. Hambleton, Oakham, LE15 8TH. Call 01572 756991 or see www.hambletonhall.com.

HITCHENS BARN

Featured in The Good Food Guide book of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2023, 2024 & 2025. Holders of two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Burley Road, Oakham LE15 6DH. Call 01572 722255 or see www.hitchensbarn.co.uk.

JASHIR INDIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

A culinary destination that oﬀers unforgettable Indian dishes made with the finest ingredients and spices. 51-53 High Street, Oakham LE15 6AJ. Call 01572 368282 or see www.jashir.co.uk

THE LAKE ISLE

Oﬀering a contemporary, intimate setting and friendly, attentive service, alongside exquisite flavour combinations via à la carte and set menus. High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ. Call 01572 822951 or see www.lakeisle.co.uk.

THE GURKHAS

Vibrant and authentic Nepalese and Indian culinary experience. One of the town’s standout dining destinations, known for rich, aromatic & classic dishes inspired by Himalayan and Gurkha traditions, served with genuine warmth and hospitality. Open for lunch, dinner and takeaway. 11 Broad St, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Call 01780 917598 or 07414 185679, www.thegurkhasstamford.com.

MILLY’S BISTRO AT THE WILLIAM CECIL

Located at The William Cecil, Milly’s Bistro is a relaxed yet refined addition to the Stamford dining scene, serving dishes using local ingredients. St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Call 01780 750085 or see www.millysbistro.co.uk.

NO.23 UPPINGHAM

A Mediterraneaninspired restaurant featuring a range of wines and cocktails. High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PY. Call 01572 303023, www.23uppingham.co.uk. RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS 2025

THE GEORGE OF STAMFORD

Refined fine dining featuring modern British cuisine. Highlights of the menu include Dover sole and sirloin of beef. George Hotel, High Street, Stamford, PE9 2LB. Call 01780 750750 or see georgehotelofstamford.com. RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2025

THE OLIVE BRANCH

An awardwinning gastropub oﬀering seasonal British cuisine in a gorgeous setting. Having celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, the restaurant’s kitchen garden provides fresh herbs, fruit and veg, and local producers are really well represented. Clipsham, Rutland, LE15 7SH. Call 01780 410355 see theolivebranchpub.com.

PATEN & CO

Located in a historic 18th century pub, Paten & Co serves a variety of small plates and larger dishes, with a special focus on its charcoal oven. All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 408647 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

SARPECH INDIAN RESTAURANT

Oﬀering a contemporary dining experience with a focus on topquality Indian cuisine and excellent service. Burley Corner, Oakham, LE15 6DU. Call 01572 842888 or see www.sarpech.co.uk.

THE SLANTED DOOR

Lovely 16thcentury building with a modern bar, selling cocktails, an extensive fine wine list, draught beers and delicious small plates. Dine upstairs in the intimate restaurant with outstanding food. Large vegan menu. St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DS. Call 01780 757773 or see theslanteddoor.co.uk.

THE SIX BELLS

Village pub with bedrooms serving locally sourced, seasonal dishes seven days a week. Founded by Jim & Sharon Trevor, formerly of Jim’s Yard and now coowned by son and daughter Lauren & James. Awarded the coveted Bib Gourmand from Michelin Guide, look out for stunning value auberge menu on selected Monday evenings. Witham on the Hill, Bourne PE10 0JH. Call 01778 590360 or see www.sixbellswitham.co.uk.

ZADA

A beautiful Turkish restaurant in one of Stamford’s old stone buildings, oﬀering a menu packed with authentic Turkish dishes like kofte and baklava. St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP. Call 01780 766848 or see zadarestaurant.co.uk.

DINING PUBS THE BERTIE ARMS

Gorgeous C17th thatched pub in Uﬃngton run by Katie and James Genever. Simple pub classics and à la carte dishes. Uﬃngton, PE9 4SZ. Call 01780 766400 or see www.thebertiearms.co.uk.

THE CROWN

16thcentury coaching inn serving light lunch, comforting pub classic, hand stretched stonebaked pizza. High St E, Uppingham, LE15 9PY, 01572 822302 or see www.crownuppingham.co.uk.

THE COSY CLUB

Quirky decor, oﬀering relaxed dining and drinking menus. The Old Delivery Oﬃce, Stamford PE9 2RB. Call 01780 767710, www.cosyclub.co.uk.

THE FALCON HOTEL

Historic hotel and pub oﬀering a variety of hearty British dishes and Sunday roasts. High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PY. Call 01572 823535 or see www.falcon-hotel.co.uk.

THE FOX

Cosy pub serving a mix of traditional British and international dishes. Founded by Jason Allen with long standing chef Richard Page providing great value freshly prepared dishes. Pinfold Lane, North Luﬀenham, LE15 8LE. Call 01780 720991 or see thefoxrutland.co.uk.

THE HORSE & JOCKEY

Traditional pub located near Rutland Water, oﬀering pub classics and local ales. St Mary’s Road, Manton, LE15 8SU. Call 01572 737335 or see horseandjockeyrutland.co.uk.

THE KING’S HEAD

A quaint pub in the heart of Stamford, oﬀering hearty pub meals. Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ. Call 01780 753510 or see www.kingsheadstamford.co.uk.

THE LONDON INN

Oldworld pub oﬀering traditional dishes, including brunch and grill options. St John's Street, Stamford, PE9 2DB. Call 01780 754919.

THE LORD BURGHLEY

A traditional British pub with a suntrap garden, serving a variety of pub classics. Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Call 01780 763426.

THE NOEL AT WHITWELL

Country pub with a recently refurbished interior, oﬀering a wide range of beers, wines, and homecooked food. Whitwell Road, Whitwell, Oakham LE15 8BW. Call 01572 510137 or see www.noelatwhitwell.com.

THE SUN INN, COTTESMORE

A beautiful thatchedroof country pub oﬀering a varied menu made with locally sourced seasonal produce. Main Street, Cottesmore, Oakham, LE15 7DH. Call 01572 812321 or see www.suninncottesmore.co.uk.

THE TOBIE NORRIS

A historic 13thcentury pub with a cosy atmosphere, oﬀering traditional British dishes, woodfired pizzas, and a variety of local ales. Part of the Knead Pubs group alongside Paten & Co and The Crown Hotel. St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE. Call 01780 753800 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

THE WHEATSHEAF

Weekly changing menu of modern British dishes, featuring in the Michelin guide as one of the area’s top gastropubs, set in a Grade II listed building with Carol and Scott at the helm since 2008. Greetham, Oakham LE15 7NP. Call 01572 812325 or see wheatsheaf-greetham.co.uk.

DAYTIME DINING THE BLONDE BEET

A plantbased restaurant with a creative menu that highlights seasonal ingredients, The Blonde Beet is run by Jo Kemp, who has brought her passion for vegan cuisine to the heart of Stamford. Expect inventive dishes that are both healthy and packed with flavour. St Paul's Street, Stamford PE9 2BE. Call 01780 766464 or see www.blondebeet.co.uk.

Cloisters of Stamford.

THE BLUE BALL AT BRAUNSTON

Cosy country pub with a focus on local produce, oﬀering traditional British dishes. Cedar Street, Braunston, LE15 8QS. Call 01572 722135 theblueballbraunston.co.uk.

THE BULL AND SWAN

A quirky pub oﬀering classic British dishes in a stylish, historic setting. Lovely kitchen garden and great setting. Sister venue to William Cecil. High Street St Martin's, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 766412 or see www.thebullandswan.co.uk.

DON PADDY’S

Familyrun business since 2001 and somewhere to meet for brunch, lunch and dinner daily, or cocktails. Serving delicious, high quality food with local produce in a friendly, local space. Recently refurbished with brand new menu, sister venue of Uppingham’s Falcon Hotel. Market Place, Uppingham LE15 9QH. Call 01572 822255 or see www.donpaddys.co.uk.

FOOD & DRINK PRODUCERS

Fika, Stamford

DERWENT & DUNNE

Exceptional coﬀees & teas using growers of quality, Call 01780 723826 or visit www.derwentanddunne.co.uk.

GATES FARM SHOP

Farm shop with 12,000sq ft retail space incorporating Hambleton Farms butchery. Cold Overton, LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

FIKA STAMFORD

Opened by brother and sister duo Tia and Ivo, Fika Stamford offers a ‘vibey brunch café’ experience. With a warm atmosphere, good music, and friendly staff, it’s perfect for those seeking a stylish spot for brunch, lunch, or a relaxed coffee break. High Street, Stamford PE9 2BB. Call 01780 723514 or see www.fikacafe.co.uk.

GARDEN RESTAURANT

GATES GARDEN CENTRE The perfect place to eat and drink. Large 350seater restaurant within Gates Garden Centre, which also benefits from having an exceptional farm shop on site. Outdoor verandah for summer months and log burners for the cooler months. Cold Overton, LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

LAMBERT’S BISTRO

Welcoming and comfortable environment in which to enjoy good coﬀee, brunch or lunch. Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX. Call 01780 767063 or see www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk.

‘THE VIEW’ AT RUTLAND NURSERY

A popular spot with stunning views of Rutland Water, oﬀering a range of light lunches and homemade desserts in a serene setting. Manton, LE15 8RN. Call 01572 498720 or see rutlandnursery.co.uk.

FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2025

HAMBLETON BAKERY

CAFÉS AND TEA ROOMS

BARNSDALE GARDENS A delightful spot within Barnsdale Gardens, known for serving freshly made dishes. The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, LE15 8AH. Call 01572 813200 or see www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk.

THE DAIRY BARN CAFE Delightful tearoom with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and teas. Located on a dairy farm at Leesthorpe between Oakham and Melton, with 200 cows and its own ice cream parlour producing luxury ice cream from cow to cone. Whissendine Rd, Leesthorpe, Melton Mowbray LE14 2XJ. Call 01664 474461 or see www.ferneleysicecream.co.uk.

FROTHYS COFFEE SHOP, STAMFORD

A family run independent business oﬀering breakfast, brunch, light lunches, plus savouries, cakes & beverages. Welcoming and friendly. Menu is creative and imaginative with locally sourced produce where possible. Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL. Call 01780 751110 or see www.frothyscoﬀeeshop.com.

Handmade artisan bread and cakes free of additives available from seven shops including those in Exton, Stamford, and Oakham. Oakham LE15 8AN. Call 01572 812995 or see hambletonbakery.co.uk.

HAMBLETON BAKERY

Artisan bakery oﬀering a range of breads, pastries, and sweet treats created by Julian Carter and his team. Cottesmore Road, LE15 8AN. Call 01572 812995 or see www.hambletonbakery.co.uk. COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR 2025

THE HAYLOFT AT HUNTERS

A stylish and inviting coﬀee shop with an adjacent interior design studio for inspiration. Excellent coﬀee, delicious homemade cakes, Hambleton Bakery bread and light lunches. Copthill Farm, Stamford PE9 4TD. Call 01780 753351 or see www.huntersinteriors ofstamford.co.uk.

MULBERRY CAFÉ AT BOSWORTHS GARDEN CENTRE

Mulberry café, with its airy orangery and views across the plant area, serves up a fresh, seasonally inspired menu featuring produce straight from the onsite kitchen garden. Elton Walled Garden, Peterborough PE8 6SH Call 01832 343104 or see www.bosworthsgc.co.uk.

RENNET & RIND

Stamford’s goto destination for artisan British cheese. High St, Stamford PE9 2AL. Call 01480 831112 or see www.rennetandrind.co.uk. DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2025

RUTLAND VINEYARD

Beautiful vineyard in Rutland producing stunning wines on Jurassic limestone soil. Tasting Barn, Barrowden Rd, Ketton, PE9 3RJ. See therutlandvineyard.com.

TIPPLEMILL GIN

Producers of Tipplemill London Dry Gin, with a flavoursome cameo of bittersweet citrus and elderflower, £44/70cl. See www.tipplemill.com.

TWO CHIMPS COFFEE

Fun, friendly coffee roastery providing single origin coffee, loose leaf tea, hot chocolate and coffee roasting experiences. Oakham, call 01572 774389 or see twochimpscoffee.com.

Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month! Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Tipplemill London Dry With quality and provenance from field to glass, it’s the perfect drink for spring and summer...

A premium, sustainable and refreshing London Dry Gin, with Lincolnshire grains, plus elderflower and sweet fennel botanicals and juniper, sundried grapefruit, orange and bay. £44/70cl, inc free UK delivery, use the code ‘PRIDE’ when purchasing online for free gift-wrapping too

Order online at www.tipplemill.com For trade/wholesale enquiries contact lily@tipplemill.com

FOOD EXPERIENCES AT THE OLIVE BRANCH

FOOD

FOR THOUGHT If you’re looking to sharpen your skills in the kitchen, who better to inspire and instruct than Dean Carroll, Head Chef of The Olive Branch at Clipsham... here’s some food for thought! Words: Rob Davis.

ou’d have to be living both a fairly sheltered and a gastronomically unfulfilled life to be unaware of the magnificent Olive Branch at Clipsham. The place happily self-identifies as a pub, rather than a restaurant... although that term downplays the impressive attention to detail and creativity invested in the restaurant’s dining experience. You can visit much more formal and expensive restaurants and still not come close to the satisfying dining experience that The Olive Branch provides. The place possesses two AA-rosettes, and is lauded by The Good Food Guide, Michelin, Sawdays and Hardens, nobody ever leaves The Olive Branch hungry, or unimpressed. However, they can leave with at least a bit of the skill that the team, under Head Chef Dean Carroll, possesses, thanks to the pub’s regular masterclasses and cookery demonstrations. These are available to anyone who fancies sharpening their culinary skills and learning from the best, in a relaxed environment. Bread Making Masterclasses Wondering why your bread isn’t rising to your expectations? No problem... use your loaf and consider spending a morning on one of

The Olive Branch’s Bread Masterclasses... which are the best thing since sliced bread. The mornings are structured, friendly sessions where guests learn the foundations of bread making, from understanding flour types and yeast to kneading, proving and shaping. Expect to work through core doughs and techniques, with clear guidance on timing, temperature and troubleshooting. There is also a focus on the sort of breads that suit home cooking, including simple everyday loaves and rolls that can be reproduced in your kitchen without specialist equipment. From £95/person, incl light lunch. Pasta Making Masterclasses Fresh pasta is one of those skills that looks impressive but is surprisingly achievable once you have been shown the right method. The Pasta Making Masterclass at The Olive Branch is designed to demystify it, covering dough making, rolling and shaping, plus tips on storage and cooking. Guests can expect to create several pasta styles, such as tagliatelle and filled pasta, while learning how small changes in hydration and kneading affect the final result. From £95/person, incl light lunch. >>

FOOD EXPERIENCES AT THE OLIVE BRANCH

Butchery & Fish Masterclasses These specialist masterclasses go a step further, aimed at those who want to broaden their skills and become more confident handling ingredients that can feel daunting. These sessions vary by theme but often include butchery, fish preparation and the building blocks of professional kitchen practice. A butchery-focused class might cover jointing poultry, trimming cuts properly, and making the most of the whole animal with stocks and sauces. Fish sessions can include filleting, pin boning and learning how to judge freshness, plus cooking methods that protect delicate flavour and texture. These are particularly valuable for keen home cooks who want to reduce waste, buy better produce and understand value beyond the supermarket tray. From £210/person, incl lunch.

Dates for your Diary Bread Making Masterclass Thursday 21st May Thursday 24th September Pasta Making Masterclass Thursday 30th April Thursday 16th July Butchery/Fish Masterclass Thursday 11th June Thursday 15th October Cookery Demonstrations Thursday 16th April: Great British Cookery Thursday 25th June: Summer Cookery Thursday 17th September: Autumn Cookery Thursday 19th November: Festive Cookery Thursday 10th December: Festive Cookery Thursday 26th December: Christmas Canapés Wine Dinners Thursday 21st May Thursday 30th July Thursday 20th August Thursday 29th October

Cookery Demonstrations For those who would rather watch and learn, Cookery Demonstrations offer a relaxed and informative approach. Themes may include seasonal menus, game, fish or shellfish, or a masterclass in pub favourites done properly. From £80/person incl lunch. Wine Dinners These are among the most popular events in The Olive Branch calendar, and for good reason. They combine what the pub does best, a beautifully judged menu, with wines selected to match each course.

The Olive Branch’s Wine Dinners combine what the pub does best, providing a beautifully judged menu, with wines selected to match each course...

These evenings often include a visiting winemaker or expert host, adding context and stories to the bottles being poured. It’s a chance to try wines they might not otherwise order, understand pairing logic, and enjoy a social evening where the pacing and atmosphere feel special. From £110/person incl six-course dinner. Foodie Breaks If you want the full Olive Branch experience, the Foodie Break is the most immersive option. These packages combine a morning of tuition with evening dining courtesy of the Olive Branch’s Tasting Menus, and an overnight stay at the adjacent Beech House. From £905/couple.

Above: Foodie breaks include accommodation in The Olive Branch’s adjacent Beech House.

Gift Vouchers and the Pub Shop Not everyone can commit to a set date, which is why The Olive Branch gift vouchers are a smart option. These can be purchased for meals, experiences and overnight stays, making them an easy and well-received gift for food lovers. And finally, remember The Olive Branch’s pub shop, where you can buy pub made items such as olive and herb butter, pickles and preserves, alongside house wines and a selection of locally sourced produce. The pub shop is a nice way to take a little of The Olive Branch home, or to build a thoughtful food gift without fuss.

The Olive Branch oﬀers lunchtime and evening dining as well as masterclasses and demonstrations. Foodie breaks are also available throughout the year, booking essential. The Olive Branch, Clipsham LE15 7SH. Call 01780 410 355 or see www.theolivebranchpub.com to book.

Enjoy a Vineyard Tour and Food Experience Tickets now on sale, dates from May-September WINE, COFFEE, FOOD AND HOMEMADE CAKE ALWAYS AVAILABLE IN OUR TASTING BARN, OPEN WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY

Barrowden Road, Ketton PE9 3RJ www.therutlandvineyard.com Tasting barn open Wednesday - Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday 11am-6pm.

Heard it through the

GRAPEVINE

THE SPIRIT OF ENGLAND

Our monthly digest from Ketton’s Rutland Vineyard with Zoe & Tim Beaver

Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka £33.25, 70cl, 40% ABV www.ramsbury.com

There’s something truly special about tasting our wines down at the winery. Each year tells a story — of long days in the vineyard, careful harvest decisions, and months of patient nurturing in the tanks and barrels. Sitting down to taste them, swirling the glass and taking in those first aromas, is when last year’s hard work really comes to life.

An exceptionally smooth English vodka which comes from Ramsbury Estate in Wiltshire, distilled entirely from homegrown wheat and filtered through chalk water. Bright, elegant and silky, smooth with notes of dried fruits, cocoa and caramel. It’s a lovely choice for a crisp Martini or served over ice with citrus zest.

Wine & Spirits From crisp English vodka to fine Champagne, expressive spring wines and elegant alcoholfree spirits, discover beautifully balanced bottles designed for lighter dishes, longer evenings, garden tables and seasonal entertaining.

Elegant Single Bottles to Savour This Spring Whispering Angel Rosé is an iconic rosé, with delicate aromas of grapefruit, red berries and citrus, £22.50, 75cl, 13% ABV.

Bollinger Special Cuvée, classic grower Champagne with fine mousse, brioche complexity and citrus, £56, 75cl, 12% ABV.

Aldo Conterno Bussia Barolo is a structured red for spring. Cherry, and spices, ideal for Easter roasts, £124, 75cl, 14% ABV.

Our white is showing beautiful freshness this season, with English pear and delicate floral notes leading the charge. The red is developing lovely depth — ripe berries, subtle spice and soft, rounded tannins that speak of a warm growing season and careful ageing. As we talk through the flavour profiles together, it’s wonderful to see how each vintage carries its own personality while still reflecting the character of our land. This year feels especially exciting. In spring, we’ll be introducing our very first rosé — a vibrant, fruit-forward wine with fresh strawberry notes and a refreshing sherbet finish that we can’t wait to share with you. May will mark our 5th birthday, a milestone we’re incredibly proud of and grateful to celebrate with our supporters. We can’t wait to welcome you down to the vineyard too! Visit The Rutland Vineyard’s tasting barn, Ketton, from Wed-Sat, www.therutlandvineyard.com.

What’s On

The Guide APRIL 2026

LIVE EVENTS | MUSIC |THEATRE | CINEMA | BOOKS

36 Jonny Kerry Stamford jazz musician new album of exclusive material

42 What’s On Live music and theatre, in and around Rutland and Stamford.

JONNY KERRY

MOVING

ON Local jazz and pop singer/songwriter Jonny Kerry presents his latest album, Moving On... nostalgic, timeless and utterly heartfelt, it’s rich in talent and made in Stamford

Words: Rob Davis.

onny Kerry has never been short of musical direction, but with his latest album, Moving On, the Stamford-based musician has given himself permission to change course.

Known nationally for his jazz accordion work and internationally for performances that have taken him from BBC productions to royal and celebrity events, Jonny’s new release is both a personal statement and a quiet recalibration of how he wants to be heard. Although Jonny plays the piano on the new album, many will still associate him primarily with the accordion, Jonny insists it will always be part of who he is. “I’m still playing the accordion. I don’t think I’ll ever stop playing that,” he says, describing the instrument as something that has shaped not only his sound but his entire career. Its relative rarity has opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed, leading to major professional highlights including his appearance in Peaky Blinders and performances for high profile clients.

But with Moving On, Jonny has taken a bold step towards redefining how audiences see him. “With this new album, I’ve gone more back to the piano,” he explains. “It’s my first project where it’s been all songs that I’ve written.” Recorded in his home studio, the album is a complete collection of original material, with nine tracks blending jazz, soul, blues and pop influences. For Jonny, the move was not about leaving the accordion behind, but about escaping a genre box that had become restrictive. “You can get so sucked into a certain genre,” he says. “I’ve been in this gypsy jazz, jazz swing world that’s very drawn to the accordion and that Parisian Italian sound. I wanted to just move on and do something that was completely free of genre.” He admits that audience expectations can sometimes be limiting, especially when an instrument carries such a strong cultural identity. >>

JONNY KERRY

“As soon as you play an accordion, it’s French or Italian,” he says. “The piano is a lot more versatile.” In the past, he found himself facing disappointment from listeners who arrived expecting one thing.

“I wanted people to take their own kind of meaning and relate to it,” he explains, describing the album as honest, raw and intentionally without boundaries. “I didn’t want to overthink anything on it.”

“People that came to see me and I played piano were sort of disappointed, saying, ‘Oh, I thought you were going to be on the accordion.’”

Music has been part of Jonny’s life from the very beginning. Born in Grantham, he grew up in a family where music was not a hobby but a way of life.

That frustration became part of the motivation behind Moving On, a title that reflects not just musical transition but personal resilience.

His grandmother was a concert pianist, while his parents toured in a country and western band, even sharing stages with Chet Atkins.

Jonny describes the title track as a response to the self doubt many artists battle with. “It’s moving on through your own doubts,” he says. “‘I’m not good enough to do this,’ or ‘Why would anyone want to listen to this?’”

“My family home had a recording studio in it,” he recalls, and he remembers falling asleep to the sound of rehearsals drifting upstairs. “My memory has always been of music and hearing the family band practising while I was getting to sleep.”

While the title song carries an obvious theme, he intentionally avoids spelling out the meaning of every track.

As a child, he was exposed to a wide range of influences, and still vividly remembers the thrill of one particular song.

Above: Not content with simply being a talented musician, singer and songwriter, Jonny is also a brilliant artist and creates watercolours of Stamford.

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia was one,” he laughs. “That’s always been one of them that I always remember.” At school, the piano became his escape. “I used to spend a lot of my lunch breaks playing on the piano in the music room,” he says. “It was always my escape. Music was always my place that I could just go to and play for hours.” Although he had classical training early on, he quickly gravitated towards playing by ear. “I soon realised that reading music wasn’t for me,” he admits. “I found that I could play quicker using my ear.” By the age of 17 he was already performing semi-professionally, joining the family group to play weddings and events, before moving on to a gypsy jazz band in Nottingham and building the foundations of a career that would later take off. Even now, he still maintains a link to the family business, helping out at Goldholme Stone at Ancaster Quarry around one day a week.

“My family home had a recording studio in it. My fondest memories of childhood including us all making music at home and hearing the family band practising while I was getting to sleep...” Alongside his career, Jonny’s life has changed dramatically at home. He is now father to sixyear-old Willow and a new baby son, Jasper, just three months old. While public performances are currently limited, his calendar is still packed with private bookings, especially during the warmer months. “I’ve got a busy year coming up with gigs anyway,” he says, adding that he often plays around 60 events a year, with the season building from April onwards. Jonny is also embracing new ways of teaching, offering downloadable accordion courses online. “When I started, I just had nowhere to learn from,” he says. Now his courses are reaching musicians worldwide, with buyers in Japan, America, Canada and across Europe. Yet despite modern technology offering global reach, he remains cautious about the future of music in an era increasingly shaped by streaming and artificial intelligence. “The music industry is going very strange at the

moment with AI,” he warns. “Spotify is absolutely getting bombarded with AI music.” While he acknowledges Spotify’s value as a platform for awareness, he is clear that it is not financially rewarding for working musicians. “I don’t think most musicians are making much money from that,” he says. “It’s brilliant for exposure, but it is harder for musicians now.” That is partly why Jonny has chosen to release Moving On in physical formats too, including a limited run of 100 gold vinyl records. “They’re gold vinyl, so they look really nice,” he says, admitting he still takes genuine pleasure in holding the finished product. “I’m smiling as I look at it now.” For Jonny, physical releases represent something streaming cannot. “What I like about vinyl is there’s not going to be any,” he says, pausing before adding that vinyl tends to reflect quality and care. “People put a lot of care and attention and effort into producing it.”

In a fast moving digital world, he still believes in the album as an art form. With Moving On, Jonny Kerry is not abandoning the accordion that made his name, but proving he is far more than a single sound. It is a confident, heartfelt album from an artist who is determined to be known not just as a specialist, but as a songwriter, pianist and performer in full. And as he navigates family life, busy seasons of live work and the shifting landscape of the modern music industry, he remains focused on what matters most: staying true to himself. To find out more about Jonny Kerry search for the artist on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, or see www.jonnykerry.com.

What’s On

April

8th April

Dawn Chorus

Explore the dawn chorus of Burley Wood, the largest Ancient woodland in Leicestershire and Rutland. Join Tim Appleton and the Wild Rutland team for a guided walk in Burley Woods, the safaris are a semistrenuous walk with regular pauses including a light breakfast stop. You'll need a reasonable level of fitness and be able to cope with uneven, wet and often slippy ground. On wet days, wellies are a necessity. £35/person, Wednesday 8th April, 5am-9am, see www.wildrutland.com.

11th April

Casino Royalty Free

28th March

6th April

Eggciting Easter fun at Boughton! Starting Saturday 28th March to Thursday 9th April, embark on a funfilled spring day out for all the family. Enjoy games and a special spring trail around the estate’s stunning gardens, as well as the new spring lambs! www.boughtonhouse.co.uk.

Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids–Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr FranknFurter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with camp fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity, not toe mention timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp. From Monday 6th to Saturday 11th April, Curve Theatre, Leicester, call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.

Easter at Boughton House

5th April Easter at Rockingham Castle Celebrate the Easter Bank Holiday with family fun at Rockingham Castle and Gardens. Embark on the estate’s exciting Easter Trail through the beautiful gardens, collecting clues to complete your activity booklet. www.rockinghamcastle.com.

The Rocky Horror Show

Three actors. Dozens of characters. Zero actual spy training. London, 1951. Gideon Slate, Britain’s most ‘competent-ish’ secret agent, is armed with a gun, a tux from the charity shop, and no emotional regulation whatsoever. His mission? To outwit shady villains, survive questionable disguises, and maybe make it to the interval without getting shot. A tale of espionage, love and betrayal; think James Bond meets Monty Python. Stamford Theatre, Saturday 11th April, 7.30pm, see www.stamfordartscentre.com

17th April

28th April

The Ronnie Scott’s Story

The Ronnie Scott's All Stars are the 'house' band at Ronnie Scott's and have been playing at the club since 2007. The quintet features a vocalist and a saxophonist alongside a trio comprising of Piano, Bass and Drums. This show is a history of the club from its origins through to the present day and is a mix of live jazz, narration, rare archive photos and video footage. It features classic music from the jazz greats who have performed at the club over its incredible 60+ year history such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Buddy Rich. Friday 17th April, £29.50. Uppingham Theatre, 7.30pm, call 01572 822216 or see www.uppingham.co.uk.

18th April

The Sixteen Choral Pilgrimage Lead, Kindly Light is Peterborough Cathedral’s latest Choral Pilgrimage. The event features Spain’s Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, which gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. Also features Kerensa Briggs’ Lead, Kindly Light. Tickets from £15-£30, Peterborough Cathedral, call 01733 355315 or see peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

The Great British Bake Oﬀ Musical

21st April Sunny Afternoon Sunny Afternoon depicts the rise to stardom of The Kinks. Set against the backdrop of a Britain caught midswing between the conservative 50s and riotous 60s, this production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most iconic bands. Developed over the course of four years, and spearheaded by music legend Ray Davies, Australian born

Joe Penhall and West End impresario Sonia Friedman, the show has earned four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music for Ray Davies, during its spectacular life. Includes hits like Lola, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Waterloo Sunset, Days, All Day and All of the Night and of course, Sunny Afternoon. From Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th April, Curve Theatre, Leicester, call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.

Step into the iconic tent and experience The Great British Bake Oﬀ Musical — a feelgood, laughoutloud celebration of baking, bravery, and finding your place. Westwood Musical Society Peterborough presents a show that’s bursting with British wit, irresistible charm, and toe tapping songs, this joyful musical serves up all the warmth and humour fans love, with a theatrical twist. Meet a group of hopeful bakers as they face signature bakes, nailbiting technicals, and dazzling showstoppers, all while navigating nerves, new friendships, and the pressure of the clock. Watched closely by familiarstyle judges and presenters, their journey is filled with triumphs, disasters, and plenty of soggy bottoms. With an original score that captures every whisk, wobble, and winning bake Tuesday 28th April to Sunday 3rd May, Stamford Corn Exchange, 1pm, 2pm, 7.30pm, tickets £20, call 01780 766455, stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

29th April Stamford Poet Laureate Final

Could you be the next Stamford Poet Laureate? Entries are now being accepted for the position of the town’s oﬃcial poet in 2025 and 2026. The winner will be announced after a grand final, to be held at Stamford Arts Centre’s monthly open mic night, Pint Of Poetry, on Wednesday 29th April at 7.30pm. www.stamfordartscentre.com.

THE GUIDE

MUSIC

NEW BOOK RELEASES

High Noon Blondie

A Hymn To Life Gisèle Pelicot By no means a comfortable read but an important one. The extraordinarily powerful memoir by a heroine of our times, whose story inspires change, compassion and courage. After suﬀering decades of abuse at the hands of her husband, Gisèle not only had the courage to stand up against violence perpetrated against women, but also waive her right to anonymity in the court to encourage more women to find their voice too. £22, 256 pages, released as Pride goes to press.

The Age of Diagnosis

Talking Classics

Suzanne O'Sullivan

Mary Beard

From autism to allergies, ADHD to long Covid, more people are being labelled with medical conditions than ever before. But can a diagnosis do us more harm than good? Drawing on the stories of real people, as well as decades of clinical practice and the latest medical research, Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan overturns long held assumptions and reframes how we think about illness and health. 320 pages, released on 19th March, published by Hodder & Stoughton, £10.99.

Our favourite description of historian Mary Beard is by the Financial Times: ‘rock star scholar of Ancient Rome.’ In this new book, the academic and broadcaster points to the surprising connections between antiquity and the present. After half a century teaching and studying classics, she fills the book with lively stories, curious facts and some good gossip. It's not compulsory, she argues to be excited by antiquity, but it's a shame not to be. £16.99, published on 1st May.

CINEMA RELEASES IN APRIL April brings a varied mix of new cinema releases. Michael, the longawaited biopic of Michael Jackson, arrives on 24th April, charting the rise of the King of Pop. British thriller Fuze, 3rd April, centres on the discovery of an unexploded bomb in London, delivering tense, highstakes drama. For romantics, You, Me and Tuscany, 10th April, oﬀers sundrenched escapism and heartfelt emotion. And if you’re entertaining children or grandchildren, 1st April brings The Super Mario Bros Movie promises colourful, family friendly fun. Stamford Arts Centre, 01780 763 203, www.stamfordartscentre.com. Cinema for Rutland, 01572 758440, rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk. Odeon Peterborough, 0333 014 4501, www.odeon.co.uk.

Blondie return in spring 2026 with High Noon, their twelfth studio album and first since 2017’s Pollinator, promising a record that stays true to the band’s eclectic, genre blending roots. Frontwoman Debbie Harry has described High Noon as “very traditional Blondie,” reflecting the group’s knack for mixing rock, pop and danceinfused moods. The project also features the final recorded performances of late drummer Clem Burke, adding emotional weight to this highly anticipated release. Longtime fans can expect a sharp, witty celebration of Blondie’s enduring legacy. Price and release TBC.

HALL Open every Wednesday and Thursday, April–September, plus Bank Holiday Mondays. Enjoy guided tours or explore at your own pace.

GARDENS Open Wednesday–Friday, April–September.

FACILITIES & HIGHLIGHTS: • Café serving hot and cold drinks, cakes, handmade savoury snacks, and light lunches • Gift shop with unique treasures • Free parking • Dogs on leads welcome SPECIAL OFFERS: Historic Houses members visit for free. Gardener’s World 2-for-1 vouchers accepted. Lamport | Northamptonshire | NN6 9HD 01604 686 272 | www.lamporthall.co.uk | engagement@lamporthall.co.uk

WILD

GOING

A full planning application has been submitted for the creation of an ambitious natureinspired tourism destination covering 1,000 acres. Wild Rutland is expected to attract over 335,000 visits each year, and bring £12m of revenue into the county. A likely timescale for completion is two to three years, and Wild Rutland will, say its founders, combine a oneofakind conservation project with an unprecedented visitor experience. CEO Hugh Vere Nicoll, explains more... Words: Rob Davis. Image: James Hanbury with Hugh Vere Nicoll and Joss Hanbury.

Planning permission has been submitted for Wild Rutland, a project that aims to benefit both nature and visitors on a scale unprecedented since the creation of Rutland Water. It’s the vision of the Hanbury family, and will see the creation of a conservation and wildlife led visitor attraction covering 1,000 acres of historic parkland and woodland stretching from Burley Wood to the Oakham bypass. At its heart, Wild Rutland aims to restore and enhance a remarkable heritage landscape, bringing back lost features and improving habitats for indigenous wildlife while conserving the land for future generations. “Wild Rutland aspires to be an exemplar model of conservation-led ecological tourism,” says CEO Hugh Vere Nicoll. “One that restores heritage landscapes, reconnects people with nature and sets a benchmark for sustainable land management in the UK.” A major milestone The plans have now reached a major milestone, with a full planning application submitted. Hugh describes the submission as “a very exciting moment” and the result of years of consultation, surveys and careful design. The hope is that planning approval, or at least clear feedback on any adjustments required, will be secured by the end of the year. As he acknowledges, “It’s an unprecedented scheme at this scale, so it is right that it is examined thoroughly.” If approved, the build programme is expected to take two to three years from the point construction begins; despite the fact that the site spans 1,000 acres, only a relatively small proportion of it requires construction. The story of Wild Rutland is also the story of Hugh himself. Originally from the South West, he built a career in land and estate consultancy, with a particular focus on tourism and nature-based enterprises. As a former land agent, Hugh worked within a specialist team advising landowners on diversification, helping estates develop projects ranging from farm shops and holiday accommodation to visitor attractions and wildlife ventures.

Wild Rutland: In Brief n A proposed nature and wildlife led visitor attraction covering 1,000 acres of historic parkland and woodland between Burley Wood and the Oakham bypass. n A full planning application has now been submitted to Rutland County Council, with a decision or feedback expected later this year n Wild Rutland is estimated to attract around 335,000 visits per year once fully established. It is forecast to create 75 full time equivalent jobs directly and it is predicted to bring around £12 million annually into the local economy through visitor spending and wider tourism benefits. n Planned facilities include a visitor village with café and restaurant spaces, exhibition areas, a shop and education and classroom facilities plus 30 selfcatering woodland lodges. n Construction is expected to take two to three years once planning approval is granted.

The Hanbury family approached a land management consultant about the project in 2001. One of their consultants, Hugh, became involved during the early feasibility stages. Having worked on conservation and nature tourism projects previously, including substantial schemes overseas, he quickly recognised that Wild Rutland was on a scale and with ambition unlike anything else he’d experienced. “There’s nothing similar” “There isn’t really anything similar to Wild Rutland,” he says. “It is enormous in scale as a conservation nature project and that is what makes it so exciting. It’s about linking everything together in a balanced and sensitive way, suitable for the heritage and true to conservation.” Recognising both the scale and the long term potential, Hugh made a significant decision. In 2023, he left his role to join Wild Rutland full time as CEO. “My job is to design it, get planning for it, build it, open it and run it,” he says. “This is such an exciting project. It’s great to be involved with.” One of the most compelling aspects of Wild Rutland is the decision by the Hanbury family to pursue this path at all. A local plan had allocated a significant number of houses on part of the site, directly on the edge of the historic parkland. Instead of opting for residential development, the family chose to explore a future centred on conservation and public engagement with nature. A very special place “If you were simply looking to make as much money as possible with the least risk or effort, housing would of course be the option,” Hugh says candidly. “But this is a very special place to the family. Burley Wood and the land around it are deeply important to them, and this enables a way to carry on with that.” Currently, there is no public access to either the historic park and garden or Burley Wood, which Hugh describes as the largest piece of ancient woodland in Leicestershire and Rutland. There are no public rights of way through it. Wild Rutland would change that, opening up carefully managed access so visitors can experience the landscape.

WILD RUTLAND

Restoration and preservation “It’s about restoration and preservation of nature and history on this site,” he explains. “Managing woodland and historic landscape properly is an expensive undertaking. This is about stepping up the level of management and at the same time enabling people to have the right sort of access.”

Economically, the impact could be transformative. At maturity, Wild Rutland is projected to attract 335,000 visits per year. It is expected to create 75 direct fulltime equivalent jobs and bring an estimated £12 million annually into the local economy...

The plans include a visitor village at the western end of the site with restaurant and café facilities, education classrooms and lecture spaces, a reception building, exhibition areas and a shop. There will be nature themed indoor play connected to outdoor woodland play, with a high ropes course woven into the existing tree canopy. Beyond the central hub, a three kilometre walking route will take visitors through meadows and large herbivore enclosures and into parts of Burley Wood itself, with an existing barn converted into a café along the route. Historic native species A close encounters area will allow visitors to see and understand smaller native species, including those involved in breeding and release programmes. Meanwhile, the project also plans secure enclosures for larger native and historically present species including deer, European bison and equines. Provision is also made for wolf, bear and lynx, which have attracted understandable public attention. Hugh is clear about the reality. “All of these are kept under a Zoo Licence. This is not about releasing wolves into the English countryside. It is about providing appropriate, secure habitats and facilitating education and conservation discussions.” Heritage and economic benefits Heritage is another unexpected dimension. During archaeological investigations, a Roman villa was discovered on the site. Initial excavations have taken place and further work is planned over time. Economically, the impact could be transformative. At maturity, Wild Rutland is projected to attract 335,000 visits per year.

Over the page, we’re taking a guided tour of Wild Rutland and its facilities...

Wild Rutland

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Car parking and Round House Close Encounters, a walkthrough wildlife experience with small animals, immersive and educational encounters, including hides and outdoor classroom, indoor displays for bees, amphibians and reptiles. Visitor Village, exhibition spaces, education centre, cafe, souvenir shop, high ropes and adventure play barn, visitor services. High ropes and adventure play area. Entrance from A606/A6003. Padel and tennis courts. Selfcatering lodges (approx 30). Herbivore enclosures. Oakham and Rutland Water viewpoint (elevated). Small mammal areas. Wolf enclosure (elevated walkway). Bear enclosure (elevated walkway). Lynx enclosure. Elk enclosure Burley Wood. Tree avenue restoration. Field Barn Cafe and boardwalk.

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It is expected to create 75 direct fulltime equivalent jobs and bring an estimated £12 million annually into the local economy through visitor spending and wider knock-on effects for Oakham and Rutland. With planning now submitted, the statutory consultation process is underway. As Hugh notes, “There will always be questions on a scheme of this scale. That is right and proper. We have worked very hard to provide the information needed so that the council can assess it fairly.”

If approval is granted and construction proceeds over the following two to three years, Wild Rutland would emerge as something unique in Britain. Part historic landscape restoration, part conservation initiative, part immersive wildlife experience, it would represent a deliberate choice for biodiversity over urban sprawl.

For Rutland, it could prove to be one of the most defining decisions of the decade. As Hugh puts it, “This is about creating something genuinely new, inspired by the remarkable conservation work already happening across the county. We want to create a place where landscapes, wildlife and people can coexist and thrive.”

Detailed plans are available to view now at www.rutland.gov.uk, with artists’ impressions of buildings, floorplans and details on materials and facilities. Alternatively, see www.wildrutland.com.

WELCOME HOME

Carefully Restored Fountain Court, Ufford Once part of the stable yard to Ufford Hall, Fountain Court is a Grade II* listed home where careful restoration and contemporary design sit comfortably within an elegant eighteenth-century setting Set within the former stable yard of Uﬀord Hall, 4 Fountain Court is a Grade II* listed conversion that balances architectural heritage with a level of finish more often associated with a contemporary new build. The property occupies a corner position within the courtyard, its ashlar stone façade forming part of an elegant late eighteenth-century composition that still retains a strong sense of symmetry and order. Approached over cobbles, the house announces itself quietly, with white wisteria framing the front door and the proportions of the original structure left intact. The current owners undertook a comprehensive renovation of what was once a derelict building, creating a home that feels both resolved and thoughtfully modern. Underfloor heating runs throughout, yet original features are not treated as museum pieces. Instead, they are allowed to sit comfortably alongside bespoke joinery, carefully chosen finishes and a layout that suits contemporary living without forcing it. Words: Rob Davis.

WELCOME HOME

The entrance hall sets the tone. Flagstone

storage. The island anchors the space and

The principal bedroom is dual aspect and

flooring, high ceilings and traditional cornicing

provides both preparation area and informal

generous, with parquet flooring echoing that

establish a sense of scale, while natural light

seating, while allowing the room to remain

of the sitting room below.

filters through the fanlight above the door and

open and sociable. There is space for a large

from the glazed rear elevation. Storage has

dining table and a relaxed seating area,

Built in wardrobes by the Fitted Furniture

been built in with restraint, including a fitted

making this a room designed for long

coat rack and seating that feels more like

stretches of the day rather than a single

furniture than utility. A cloakroom is neatly

purpose. Dual aspect windows with deep sills,

tucked beneath the stairs, making efficient use

some adapted as window seats, reinforce the

of space without compromise.

connection to the courtyard garden beyond.

The sitting room is dual aspect and quietly

A separate utility room continues the theme

confident. A stone fireplace with log burner

of discreet practicality, with built in

provides a focal point, but it is the detailing

appliances, additional storage and a side door

that lingers, from the reclaimed parquet

opening back into the stable yard. From here,

flooring underfoot to the working shutters set

the house flows naturally without the sense of

deep within the stone reveals. The room feels

back of house spaces being an afterthought.

private and settled, equally suited to evening

The first floor landing is broad enough to serve

use or daytime retreat.

as a working area, currently fitted with bespoke

Company provide ample storage without overwhelming

the

space.

The

ensuite

bathroom, designed by Olympic Marble, includes a freestanding bath, walk-in shower and tailored vanity units, with a separate dressing room beyond, also fully fitted. Two further double bedrooms each benefit from their own ensuite shower rooms, finished to the same standard, making the layout particularly well suited to guests or multi-generational living. The accommodation feels balanced and practical, with no sense of secondary spaces being compromised. Outside, the walled garden has been

At the heart of the house is the open-plan

cabinetry to create a home office. Original stone

kitchen, dining and living space, designed by

sills, shutters and cast iron radiators are

Style Kitchen and Interiors. Shaker-style

consistent across the floor, reinforcing the

rather than a single formal plot.

cabinetry wraps the room, housing a full suite

sense that the renovation has been approached

Stone steps lead down to a gravel seating

of integrated appliances and generous

as a whole rather than room by room.

space edged by lavender beds, while upper

landscaped to create a series of usable areas

levels accommodate shrubs and structured planting. A pergola softened with climbing plants creates a further seating area, and a potting shed with herb garden adds an informal, productive element. Double gates open directly onto Main Street, an unusual and useful feature for a property of this type. Parking for two vehicles is provided within the courtyard, along with an electric charging point, reflecting the practical considerations of modern ownership within a historic setting. Throughout, 4 Fountain Court feels like a home where decisions have been made carefully and with confidence. The current owners will miss the house terribly, having poured time, care and thought into every stage of its transformation. They are, however, pleased to be passing custodianship to the next family, who will doubtless come to love it as much as they have.

Fountain Court Main Street, Uﬀord

Location: Main Street, Uﬀord. Stamford five miles, P’boro 8.5 miles. Oakham 17 miles. Rooms: Two reception rooms current arranged as a dining kitchen with sitting area and formal drawing room. Three bedrooms with three en suites and dressing room to principal bedroom. Guide Price £925,000 Find Out More: King West, Stamford, call 01780 510237 or see www.kingwest.co.uk.

WELCOME HOME

Fit for the Future Springhill, Glaston Fifty years old and looking remarkably good for its age, this month we’re enjoying a trip to Glaston to see a country retreat that is perfectly suited to life in the 21st century. Springhill is set within two acres and offers generous space along with wonderful views across open countryside

Words: Rob Davis.

he world has changed dramatically since the mid 1970s. Back then, computers were the size of rooms, the internet was nothing but the stuff of science fiction, electric cars were little more than experimental curiosities and fashion, well, 1970s fashion is perhaps best left in the past. Yet while technology, taste and lifestyle have evolved at remarkable speed, few transformations are as striking as that of Springhill in Glaston. Built almost fifty years ago, this country retreat is now thoroughly 21st centurycompatible in its performance and outlook, a home that feels contemporary in every sense whilst also offering a traditional rural location. Set within an idyllic sweep of rolling countryside beneath wide Rutland skies, Springhill occupies around two acres of gardens and grounds, complete with its own spring-fed lake. When the vendors first viewed the property, they recognised not simply a typical 1970s build but an opportunity.

Rather than altering its footprint or reshaping its well balanced form, they chose to elevate it through careful design and intelligent intervention, stripping it back and rebuilding it with precision and purpose. The renovation has been comprehensive. The house was completely rewired and replumbed, with new windows, doors and external finishes throughout. Aluminium triple glazed frames now maximise natural light and frame uninterrupted views across the surrounding landscape. Two sets of sliding doors and a bifold door open the principal living spaces to the garden, while a Corten finish aluminium front door creates a confident architectural statement on arrival. An old sun lounge was removed and reimagined as a sheltered Mediterranean inspired courtyard, introducing a private and tranquil outdoor room that is perfect for summer evenings. The lake is central to the character of Springhill. Fed by an underground spring and flowing gently onward into neighbouring water, it maintains a consistent level throughout the seasons.

WELCOME HOME

“An electric car charger is already installed, as is ultrafast fibre broadband to the premises... now that science fiction has become everyday life...” The surrounding gardens are largely laid to lawn, offering the sense of space that acreage provides without excessive maintenance. Mowing takes around an hour on a ride-on mower, leaving time to enjoy the raised vegetable beds and productive raspberry patch rather than labouring endlessly over borders.

The principal suite has been thoughtfully configured to include two dressing rooms and two bathrooms, offering a sense of balance and personal space that is rare in a home of this scale.

Internally, the house offers generous singlestorey living that feels far removed from any conventional bungalow. A wide and welcoming entrance hall leads to the principal reception rooms, with a sitting room or library positioned to one side.

Modern living demands more than attractive interiors, and Springhill delivers on every front. Two air source heat pumps power underfloor heating across the house, supported by a substantial solar panel installation with battery storage. A threephase electricity supply allows simultaneous high demand usage, vehicle charging and energy export to the grid.

Here, contemporary design meets comfort, with a wood-burning stove set on a York stone hearth and flanked by floor-to-ceiling bookcases. It is a calm and inviting space, equally suited to winter evenings by the fire or quiet afternoons with a book. The kitchen was designed with equal care. Installed by Huws Gray of Stamford, it combines integrated NEFF appliances including an induction hob, slide and hide oven, plate warmer and dishwasher with generous Hannex solid surface worktops and a Quooker tap. The palette is restrained and modern, with ample storage and a natural flow between preparation and entertaining spaces. The result is both highly functional and visually composed, a space that works effortlessly for everyday life and for hosting family and friends. The accommodation comprises four bedrooms arranged within a separate wing, ensuring privacy from the main living areas.

Two further bathrooms have been entirely redesigned, bringing contemporary finishes and comfort throughout.

An electric car charger is already installed, while fibre to the premises and full internal data wiring ensure seamless connectivity for home working or streaming at speed, now that science fiction has become everyday life. External security lighting and new electric gate controls add further convenience and reassurance. The garage and workshop space has also been upgraded, fully insulated and equipped with power and heating, providing flexibility for cars, hobbies or creative pursuits. With a relocation imminent, the vendors say they will miss the house enormously, but they can take comfort in the knowledge that another family will soon be enjoying Springhill, a country retreat that is in every respect perfectly suited to life in the twenty first century.

Springhill

Glaston, Rutland Location: Glaston, Uppingham 2.2 miles, Oakham 6.2 miles, Stamford 10.1 miles. Rooms: Three reception rooms currently arranged as openplan living kitchen, living room and dining room. Four bedrooms and two en suites. Garages and workshops. Guide Price £1,200,000. Find Out More: Currently on the market with Fine & Country, Rutland. Call 01780 750 200 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk.

HOMES & INTERIORS

Spring Reset Indoors & Out Thoughtful home and garden updates designed to welcome lighter days and outdoor living

ARECA OUTDOOR CUSHION Plush outdoor cushion in putting‑green, vibrant comfort for spring lounging, £95, www.oka.com.

ELEGANT TEAK LOUNGER

WHITE TRELLIS WINDOW

FIREBOWL TABLE

Handcrafted reclaimed teak lounger, outdoor comfort with natural charm, £995, www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk.

Decorative white trellis window, adds charm and structure to walls, £350, www.coxandcox.co.uk.

Stylish firebowl table, oﬀering cosy warmth and ambience for outdoor evenings, £595, www.kadai.co.uk.

SLATTED WALL GAZEBO

SIENA GREEN RUG

VINTAGE GREEN CAN

Spacious slatted gazebo with sides, stylish shelter for outdoor living, £3,914, www.dunsterhouse.co.uk.

Indoor or outdoor green rug, bold pattern for stylish spring patios, £419, www.benuta.co.uk.

Stylish vintage‑inspired watering can, practical garden tool with character, £60, www.coxandcox.co.uk.

GRADIENT PLANTER DUO

PREMIUM HOT TUB

BRONZE BIRD SCULPTURE

Modern round planters with gradient glaze, perfect for indoor greenery, £417, www.getpotted.com.

Luxury spa hot tub package, ultimate relaxation and wellness, £9,995, www.urbancedarhottubs.co.uk.

Elegant bronze birdbath‑feeder, artistic garden accent with timeless charm, £789, www.avantgardenbronzes.com.

PEMBREY TEAK TABLE

SOLAR FLOOR LAMP

ICARIA HANGING CHAIR

Solid teak table with clean lines, timeless outdoor dining essential, £2,050, www.neptune.com.

Sleek outdoor solar lamp, ambient lighting for patios and gardens, £319, www.neutralighting.co.uk.

Double hanging chair, relaxed, seating for stylish outdoor comfort, £795, www.coxandcox.co.uk.

SUZANI GARDEN THROW

KAMADO GRILL COOKER

TIMELESS TRAVERTINE

Vibrant green‑blue Suzani throw, cosy, decorative and stylishly layered, £295, www.birdiefortescue.co.uk.

Versatile kamado BBQ, perfect for grilling, smoking and outdoor feasts, £1,170, www.kokko.net.

Calming travertine side table, refined texture for timeless indoor‑outdoor style, £279, www.atkinandthyme.co.uk.

Circus Table Lamp

Blue and white ceramic, with shade, 58cm tall, £152.

Ferroluce Ceiling Lamp

Available in 10 diﬀerent colours, handdipped ceramic, 35cm2, £338.

Archer Gold Leaf Lamp Elegant curved leaf lamp with shade, £53cm, £95.

THE BEST POSSIBLE

LIGHT 18 Light Pendant

By David Hunt in chrome and Arctic White, 83cm diameter, £2,252.

Tidal Blue Lamp

Amalfi blue ribbed ceramic, with optional tapered drum, £41cm, £377.

Lighting and ironmongery specialists Broughtons present a range of elegant lighting for your home in red, white and blue

Knighton Three Light Pendant

Words: Rob Davis.

Gold leaf and ivory cotton, 60cm diameter, 90cm2.1m drop, £425.

Ferroluce Pendant Light

Lorelai Ceramic Lamp

Available in 10 diﬀerent colours, handdipped ceramic, 20cm dia, £918.

Deep blue glaze, with shade, 61cm, £90.

Products featured here are all available from Broughtons, established in 1888. Call 0116 2341888, see www.broughtons.com or visit the firm’s flagship showroom at Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BP.

OUTDOOR LIVING

Outdoor Comfort

Unwind in comfort and style with a roundup of the best new products to ensure you’re comfortable in the garden all summer long... Gates Garden Centre presents their pick of the products that will see you enjoying unprecedented comfort this season Image: Kettler’s Cora Rope corner set, table 150cm x 90cm, £1,899.

OUTDOOR LIVING

This season, Gates Garden Centre’s 14,000 sq ft outdoor living area features the latest products from the best brands, designed to ensure you’re comfortable all summer long...

At Gates Garden Centre in Cold Overton, outdoor living is all about comfort, quality and making the most of every sunny moment.

With weather ready materials and timeless design, these pieces are made to be enjoyed year after year.

Whether you’re planning long, lazy lunches or simply want a peaceful spot to unwind with a morning coffee, the 2026 collection of outdoor furniture brings style and relaxation together beautifully.

Of course, no summer setting is complete without great food. Gates also stocks premium barbecues from Weber, perfect for effortless grilling, alongside Gozney pizza ovens that turn al fresco entertaining into something truly special. From quick family meals to impressive weekend gatherings, it is all here.

This season, the centre’s 14,000 sq ft outdoor living area will showcase stunning ranges from trusted names such as Bramblecrest and Kettler, offering everything from elegant dining sets to luxurious lounging options designed to transform patios, terraces and garden corners into inviting outdoor rooms.

Even better, Gates Garden Centre provides UK delivery and assembly, meaning your garden can be summer ready without the stress. Start the season as you mean to go on, relaxed, comfortable and enjoying the outdoors in style.

Opposite: Bramblecrest Somerford sandstone rattan sun lounger with side table, £599. Weber Genesis E335W gas barbecue with triple grill burners and side burner, £1,299. Richmond sixseat wooden dining set with 180cm oval table, parasol & base, £1,199. Bramblecrest Somerford triple hanging cocoon chair in sandstone weave, £799. Gozney Dome S1 gas pizza oven, cooks 16” pizzas in under 60 seconds, £1,399. Prague sofa set in latte with rectangular heightadjustable table, seats seven, £2,399. Above: Bramblecrest Chedworth twoseat recliner set in sandstone rattan, £999. Featured products available at Gates Garden Centre, see over for contact details.

OUTDOOR LIVING

Bramblecrest’s Wentworth double hanging cocoon in pewter rattan, £699. Find Out More: Gates Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB. Tel: 01664 454309, email: info@gatesgardencentre.co.uk or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm, Bank Holidays 9am to 5pm.

G A R D E N C E N T R E | H O M E & L I F E ST Y L E | D I N I N G | F A R M S H O P | F A R M I N G

STU N N I NG GA R D E N C ENT RES IN R U R AL LOC AT IONS

There’s always something special to enjoy at Gates. Enjoy our Garden Restaurant or unwind in our Courtyard Coffee Shop. Discover stylish brands, locally sourced meat and produce in our farm shops, and gorgeous plants to make your garden picture-perfect this spring, summer and beyond.

GAT E S OA K H A M C O L D O V E R T O N , O A K H A M L E 15 7 Q B

GAT E S W O O D L A N D S H I N C K L E Y STA P L E T O N , H I N C K L E Y L E 9 8 J E

G AT E S G A R D E N C E N T R E . C O . U K

Image courtesy of Manuel Canovas

Professional Interior Design Service Re-Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

6 MARKET PLACE · UPPINGHAM · RUTLAND · LE15 9QH 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk • info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

Sarah Harding Interiors (@sarahhardinginteriorsltd)

APRIL IN THE GARDEN WITH MARK LANE

GARDENING with MARK LANE

With spring gathering pace, April is the month to nurture, tidy and plan ahead. Pride’s gardening writer Mark Lane reveals the simple tasks that will keep your garden looking its best all year Words & Images: Mark Lane.

woodland species along shady paths and country walks around Stamford and the Welland Valley.

love April for its sunshine and showers. With the clocks going back, there’s an extra hour or so of daylight, which makes all the difference; soils begin to warm, and growth suddenly feels urgent. It’s a time of promise, but also one that rewards restraint. Do too much too early and a late frost can undo your good intentions; do too little and the season can run away from you. April gardening is, therefore, about pace, observation and putting foundations in place for the months ahead. Before diving into jobs, take time to look. April weather can be wildly variable, and microclimates within a garden become obvious now. South-facing borders may already be bursting, while shaded areas lag behind. Notice where soil dries fastest, where frost lingers, and where new growth is most advanced. This awareness helps you prioritise and prevents unnecessary losses. If March was about preparation, April is about improvement. As long as the soil isn’t waterlogged, it’s a good time to incorporate organic matter such as well-rotted compost or leaf mould into borders and vegetable beds. Either apply as a 5cm mulch or gently work it into the soil, keeping mulch clear of plant stems. This improves structure, boosts microbial life and helps regulate moisture later in the year. Avoid excessive digging, however; where possible, work from the

As temperatures rise, indoor-sown plants can be moved outdoors, and you can begin sowing directly outside. Keep an eye on frost in your area, though. Hardy annuals such as calendula, cornflowers and nigella can be sown outdoors, but half-hardy plants such as cosmos and zinnias are better started under cover.

surface down, letting worms and roots do the rest. Mulching now, before weeds fully wake up, can save hours later. As a gardener and garden designer who wants to create a garden that’s climate and carbon positive, I’ve been looking closely at the wider Rutland and Stamford landscape to see what thrives in hedgerows and fields, then selecting cultivated plants or wild species that can be used at home. For inspiration, you can find carpets of cowslips in local meadows and nature reserves around Rutland; abundant bluebells and primroses in the area’s ancient woodlands; and dog-violets and other

April lawns often look tired after winter, but aggressive treatments now can do more harm than good. Begin with a light rake to remove moss and debris. If necessary, apply a spring feed once grass is actively growing, but avoid high-nitrogen products too early. Overseeding bare patches works well now, too, as soil moisture and temperature are more favourable. Keep newly sown areas damp and avoid mowing too low. Many shrubs respond well to April pruning, but timing is critical. Shrubs that flower on new wood, such as Buddleia or Hydrangea paniculata, can be pruned now to encourage strong flowering later. Spring-flowering shrubs, however, should be left until after they bloom. If you want to see great hydrangea displays later in the year, there are several beautiful gardens open seasonally across Rutland and the Stamford area that provide plenty of inspiration.

Above: Mark Lane is a horticulturalist, garden designer, TV presenter, author of The Thrifty Gardener, Royal Gardens of the World and the Future of Gardens.

APRIL IN THE GARDEN WITH MARK LANE

If not already done, roses benefit from a final tidy. Remove dead or crossing stems and aim for an open goblet shape to improve airflow. Always cut to an outward-facing bud, using clean, sharp tools. Herbaceous perennials will be pushing through old growth. Resist the urge to clear everything too early, dead stems still provide shelter for insects and can protect new growth from late frosts. Cut back gradually, leaving some areas undisturbed. And although you’ll be marvelling at daffodil displays and perhaps deadheading faded blooms or cutting a few for vases indoors, leave the foliage intact so the plant can photosynthesise and feed the bulb for next year. Containers really come into their own this month. Refresh compost in existing pots, topdress with a slow-release fertiliser, and begin planting with frost-hardy choices such as violas, primulas and small bulbs. I also love growing summer bulbs, corms and rhizomes in containers: oriental lilies, towering Eucomis

pole-evansii (the giant pineapple lily), ranunculus in rich colours, dahlias in all shapes and sizes, Iris sibirica for elegance, and crocosmia or canna for warm, exotic touches. These can fill gaps in borders or add colour to a terrace, balcony, patio or window box, as long as the ground isn’t frozen and frosts have passed in your area. Whether you’re a keen gardener, a beginner or a true ‘plantaholic’, remember we are always planning ahead. If you’re aiming for summer displays, start assembling plants now in a sheltered spot so roots establish before warmer weather. Ensure containers have adequate drainage, too, April rain can be heavy and persistent. You can also make new plants from existing herbaceous perennials this month, plants for free. Dividing and replanting hostas, asters and daylilies reinvigorates mature clumps. With hostas, ideally divide before they come into leaf, although it can be difficult to remember where some perennials are still

below ground. This is why it helps to label plants, keep a plant diary and take photographs. If dividing feels daunting, dig up the entire clump and separate it according to the root type: cut through with a spade or knife, pull apart with your hands, or use two forks backto-back to tease roots apart. As long as each division has shoots or buds and a good root system, and is replanted at the same depth, watered in well and kept moist, it will grow away happily. As growth accelerates, so do pests. Aphids often appear first, but resist immediate chemical intervention. Encourage predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies by planting nectar-rich flowers and avoiding broadspectrum sprays. Check for slug damage, especially on young seedlings; barriers, hand removal and habitat management are all effective. Healthy soil and strong plants are your best defence!

April in the Garden n Clean and service garden tools now, sharpening blades and oiling moving parts, so summer maintenance is eﬃcient, safe and far less physically demanding. n Install plant supports early for tall perennials and climbers, allow ing stems to grow naturally through them without later disturbance or breakage. n Harden oﬀ young plants gradually by increasing outdoor exposure daily, reducing shock and improving survival rates once planting out. n Check irrigation systems, hoses and water butts for leaks or blockages, ensuring a reliable water supply before prolonged dry spells arrive. n Divide overcrowded clumps of summerflowering bulbs, such as agapanthus, in containers, to maintain vigour and prevent dis appointing flowering later. n Begin regular greenhouse ventilation on mild days, improving air circulation, reducing fungal problems and encouraging sturdier, less leggy plant growth. n Thin seedlings promptly to recommended spacings, reducing competition for light and nutrients and producing stronger, healthier plants long term.

Dr Mark Lane, is a multiawardwinning garden designer, horticulturalist and TV gardening presenter (BBC Morning Live, BBC Gardeners’ World, the RHS Flower Shows, Channel 5). Mark is the author of The Thrifty Gardener (Quarto), Royal Gardens of the World (Kyle Books) and the Future of Gardens (Melville), see www.marklanedesigns.com.

Our experienced interior designers create timeless spaces tailored just for you

The Stables, Copthill Farm, Uﬃngton, Stamford PE9 4TD

Visit our showroom 01780 757946 See our website www.huntersinteriors.co.uk

Guide Price £750,000

Guide Price £650,000

Bellﬁeld, South Luffenham

Church Close, Caldecott

Sycamore House is a ﬁve-bedroom detached home with spacious accommodation, off-road parking, a double garage and a beautifully-landscaped and south-facing rear garden, situated in a cul-de-sac location at the edge of South Luffenham.

Priests House is a Grade II listed 1600s ironstone home with four bedrooms and ﬂexible accommodation across three ﬂoors, set within mature, secluded gardens in a private village near the historic market town of Uppingham.

Offers In Excess Of £600,000

Guide Price £420,000

Stockerston Road, Uppingham

Scotgate, Stamford

Originally built in 1901, this impressive, six-bedroom character home offers expansive and ﬂexible accommodation, a private driveway, and a courtyard garden, all sitting in within a stone’s throw of Uppingham town centre.

Originally built in 1847, the Coach House is a Grade II listed, two-bedroom stable conversion offering deceptively spacious accommodation with off-road parking and a garage at the centre of the historic market town of Stamford.

There’s a real sense of momentum returning to the market this spring, with more buyers — particularly from London and the South — actively looking. In my experience, those who come to market early are best placed to take advantage of this initial demand, before competition builds later in the season.

Swallow Manor Farm HoleHouse, Farm, Saltby Burrough On The Hill

Occupying a prominent position on Main Street, Burrough On The Hill, this substantial detached residence offers an impressive 3,413 sq ft of versatile living space. Perfectly suited for multi-generational living or those seeking a signiﬁcant "work-from-home" setup, or business venture as an Air BnB or similar as capitalised on by the current owner, the property comprises a grand primary home, a large self-contained two-bedroom annexe, and expansive gardens that back onto open rolling countryside.

The Ibert, Long Clawson

Russell Hill, Thornhaugh Swallow Hole Farm, Saltby

A charming detached character property, situated in a quiet village with open country views to the rear. Updated throughout, with an extension to the rear, double garaging and outbuildings. NO ONWARD CHAIN.

High Street, Waltham on the Wolds

An impressive and substantial village home offering beautifully balanced accommodation across three ﬂoors, with generous reception spaces, six bedrooms and extensive garaging. Set on Church Lane in the heart of Long Clawson, combining character, ﬂexibility and an exceptional village setting.

SwallowPoint Turning Hole House, Farm, Saltby Pickworth, Nr. Sleaford

Turning Point House is a substantial, individually designed five-bedroom detached country home extending to just under 5,000 sq ft. Built by the current owners with a no-expense-spared, low-energy living approach, this property offers flexible accommodation across three floors and is set within extensive private grounds in a peaceful rural village location. NO CHAIN.

A beautifully reimagined 1800s stone dairy offering over 2,800 sq ft of eco-friendly living. Blending heritage charm with modern efficiency, this unique home features five double bedrooms, including an en-suite and Jack & Jill shower room, plus four versatile reception rooms.

Loves Lane Cottage, Swallow Hole Farm,Empingham Saltby

Set in the highly regarded village of Empingham, this attractive stone-built home offers around 1,037 sq ft of well-balanced accommodation, seamlessly blending characterful charm with practical, modern living.

Moores Property Hub 01572 757979 | Moores Move to the Country 020 301 11361 | Melton 01664 491610 Uppingham 01572 821935 | Stamford 01780 484555 | Grantham Meet & Greet 01476 855618 | Peterborough Meet & Greet 01733 788888 A1 Meet & Greet Stoke Rochford | office@mooresestateagents.com www.mooresestateagents.com • www.countryequestrianhomes.com

PROPERTY WITH MOORES ESTATE AGENTS

Spring Forward

An insight into the property market with Vernon & Jenny Moore, founders of Moores Estate Agents and Country & Equestrian

ernon Moore is looking out of the window as we speak, willing the weekend to arrive with a bit of sunshine. He has earmarked the weekend for the same ritual many of us fall into at this time of year: tidying the garden, and enjoying that satisfying moment when everything looks a little nicer. As the skies lighten and the temperature nudges upwards, we all seem to get out and about more and, in property terms, that lift in mood really does matter. Spring has long been a positive season for the market. The short, gloomy days are behind us, gardens begin to earn their keep and homes simply present better when trees and hedges are budding and the daffodils are out. As Vernon puts it, “When the daffodils are out, the buyers appear too.” Purchasers who have spent winter scrolling past the same old chestnuts online are ready to see something fresh, while sellers feel more confident

inviting viewings when everything looks brighter, lighter and more optimistic. At Moores Estate Agents, and within the company’s Country and Equestrian brand, that renewed energy is already translating into conversations. Increasingly, however, those conversations begin discreetly. “We’re an agent that specialises in taking properties to buyers before they go online,” Vernon explains. Their off market service allows vendors to test the water without nailing their flag to the mast on price. A handful of carefully chosen photographs, what the team call ‘sneaky pics,’ and targeted introductions can provide invaluable feedback. “We use the term litmus test,” he says. “It allows them to really get a feel for what buyers think. Sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised, sometimes disappointed, but it’s better than just trusting an agent to take a stab in the dark. Buyers are the best valuers.” Moreover, around 70% of the company’s

buyers come from outside the area, many from London and the South. Some are selling a semi in north London for £1.5 million, clearing a mortgage and arriving with flexibility to buy a substantial family house, farmhouse or equestrian property in Rutland or Lincolnshire. “Out of area buyers can often pay five to ten per cent more,” Vernon notes, “because their budgets and priorities are different.” Moores has strengthened those links through membership of The Finest Group, a network of leading independent agents including three London offices, and through regular London property clinics and roadshows where selected homes are introduced directly to southern agents. In return, the company offers a move to the country home search service for buyers looking north, creating early and often premium introductions for sellers here. While Stamford is frequently the name that appears first on a wish list, Vernon is clear that its appeal is not unique. “What appeals about Stamford are qualities that are evident elsewhere,” he says. Oakham and Uppingham, along with surrounding villages and areas stretching towards Colsterworth and Grantham, offer similar lifestyle advantages. It is also a misconception that everyone wants a village. Many buyers, are attracted to market towns for their amenities, community and ease. With hubs in Oakham, The Stamford Garden Centre and the Stoke Rochford Golf Course (A1) as well as flexible Meet and Greet locations, the company makes it easy for out of area buyers to explore a wide radius without trudging around unfamiliar high streets. Approaching Moores does not mean immediate commitment. It can simply be the start of a well informed conversation at exactly the right time of year.

Moores Estate Agents and the company’s Country & Equestrian brand provide professional, proactive property services for buyers and sellers of homes across the region. Familyowned and established in 2005, the company oﬀers free initial advice tailored to your personal circumstances, call 01572 757979 or see www.mooresestateagents.com.

COUNTRY HOMES

LAND SALES

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY

Char tered Sur veyors & Estate Agents

UPPINGHAM

Guide Price £850,000

CALDECOTT

£798,000

Attractive detached 1920s residence, beautifully positioned in a private setting on a generous plot within the historic market town of Uppingham. This elegant home is complemented by mature landscaped gardens, a single garage and ample parking. Exuding timeless character and charm, the property has been sympathetically maintained and enhanced to blend period elegance with contemporary comfort. 2 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms. Energy Rating: D

A delightful and substantial period residence, offering beautifully presented accommodation comprising 3 Reception Rooms, 6 generous Bedrooms and 2 Bath/Shower Rooms, occupying a plot of approximately 1.1 acres (in total) within a picturesque village with open rural views to the rear. Carport, secure Parking, Outbuilding with Workshop, Private Garden, Paddock. Energy Rating: F

MORCOTT

PRESTON

Guide Price £595,000

Guide Price £525,000

A much-loved family home for over 40 years, this Grade II listed former farmhouse dates back to 1686 and offers a wealth of period charm. 4 Reception Rooms, 5 Large Double Bedrooms & Loft Room, Bathroom, original Garage detached Barn, & Off-road Parking, Charming, Private Gardens. Energy Rating: D

Charming semi-detached Barn Conversion with Garage, ample off-road Parking and private Garden situated in a desirable village between historic market towns of Oakham and Uppingham and enjoying views over neighbouring paddock. 3 Reception Rooms, 4 Bedrooms, Breakfast Kitchen, 2 WCs, Bathroom. Energy Rating: D

BELTON IN RUTLAND

UPPINGHAM

OIRO £475,000

A rare opportunity has arisen to acquire a substantial, period property with 5 Reception Rooms, 4/5 spacious Double Bedrooms and 2 Bath/Shower Rooms requiring refurbishment and occupying a large plot in a desirable conservation village. The property is available with NO CHAIN. Energy Rating: F

OAKHAM 01572 755555

STAMFORD 01780 766604

£320,000

Attractive stone-built character cottage situated in the centre of the historic market town of Uppingham and providing accommodation with original features. 2 Reception Rooms, Breakfast Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Cellar, Courtyard Garden. Energy Rating: E

M U R R AY.CO.U K

UPPINGHAM 01572 822587

LETTINGS 01572 755513

Paddock House Pickworth Set just beyond the quiet lanes of Pickworth, Paddock House is a home grounded in its surroundings, built by the current owners in 1997 and settled into just under an acre of thoughtfully designed gardens, open views and gently layered planting.

Guide Price: £825,000 Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk 95

High Street East Uppingham 51-53 High Street is a beautifully presented period home being offered to the market for the for the time in over 50 years, situated in the centre of Uppingham, having been thoughtfully renovated and upgraded by the current owners. It is constructed of mellow stone elevations under a slate roof, is arranged over two storeys and offers flexible space for family living, multi-generational use, or commercial/mixed-use potential. Guide price: £1,375,000 King West 10 Church Square, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7NB Call 01858 435970 www.kingwest.co.uk 96

Rectory Lane Edith Weston Nestled within the charming village of Edith Weston, this handsome, stone-built home offers a peaceful setting, modern interiors and easy access to the unrivalled natural beauty of Rutland Water. Presented to a high standard throughout, this attractive family home occupies an elevated position within a generous plot of approximately one third of an acre, combining the benefits of modern design with a traditional aesthetic that sits comfortably among its historic surroundings. Guide Price: £1,300,000 Fine & Country The Old Jewellers, 30 High Street East Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01780 750 200 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk 97

LUXURY HOMES

High Street

Barn Owl House

Uppingham

Manton

51-53 High Street is a beautifully presented period home being offered to the market for the for the time in over 50 years, situated in the centre of Uppingham, having been thoughtfully renovated and upgraded.

Barn Owl House, originally built in the 1800s, is a beautifully converted four-bedroom barn offering spacious and versatile accommodation set within a substantial six-acre plot.

Guide Price: £1,375,000

Offers in Excess of: £1,250,000

King West 13 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DE Call 01780 484520 www.kingwest.co.uk

James Sellicks 6-8 Market Place Oakham Rutland LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com

Empingham

The Stone House

Oakham

Caldecott

Set back from the lane with a generous driveway and private garden, this charming stone-built property is full of period appeal.

The Stone House sits opposite the village green within the popular Rutland village of Caldecott. The house offers extensive accommodation and includes an indoor swimming pool and spa complex.

Offers Over: £800,000

Guide Price: £1,400,000

Moores Estate Agents Way, Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see countryequestrianhomes.com

Strutt & Parker 5 South View, Tinwell Road, Stamford PE9 2JL. Call 01780 510039 or see www.struttandparker.com

LUXURY HOMES

Birch Field House

Catmose Park Road

Belmesthorpe

Oakham

Amid the quiet lanes and quaint cottages of Belmesthorpe, architecture takes a confident turn at Birch Field House, where contemporary zinc and glass gleam against green pastures and village stone.

A beautifully-presented, four/five bedroom, detached family home with spacious and free-flowing accommodation and a spectacular plot with a mature, south-facing garden and private driveway.

Guide Price: £1,250,000

Guide Price: £900,000

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497 070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

James Sellicks 6-8 Market Place Oakham Rutland LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com

Chapel Street

Ketton House

Belton In Rutland

Aldgate

This substantial and characterful stone built Grade II listed period home dating back to the early 17th century offers a rare opportunity to own a slice of history in the sought-after village of Belton.

Ketton House is one of the principal houses of the picturesque village of Ketton. The village has its own post office, primary school, library and local shop.

£995,000

Guide Price: £3,900,000

Hurfords 38 St. Marys Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS. Call 01780 752136 or see www.hurfords.co.uk

King West 13 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DE Call 01780 484520 www.kingwest.co.uk 99

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WEDDINGS

The Happiest Day From a festive first date to a windswept proposal on Glastonbury Tor, Claire and Glen’s love story led them to a celebration at Normanton Church. Surrounded by family and friends from across the world, their Stamford wedding was, in Claire’s words, ‘the happiest wedding’ their guests had ever attended Images: Stories in Focus Photography, www.storiesinfocus.co.uk plus EllenMarie Photography, www.ellenmariephotography.co.uk.

When Claire reflects on her wedding day, it is the atmosphere that stays with her most vividly. “Glen and I had so many comments from our guests saying it was the happiest wedding they've ever been to,” she says.

Although neither Claire nor Glen grew up locally, Stamford has become firmly their home. “Glen is originally from Cumbria and I am originally from Dorset. We both found ourselves in the area for work.”

“We kept the congregation small – close friends and family – and I think there was a lot of love in the room on the day.”

When they first met, Claire was living in Stamford and Glen in Stilton. “We both now live in Stamford,” she says, making their decision to marry in the town an easy one.

With family and friends travelling from across the country and as far afield as New Zealand, “it was special to have everyone together in one place… It felt very close knit.”

“We both originally met at work and worked in the same department for a while which is where we got to know

each other,” Claire explains. Romance blossomed a little later. “We didn't get together until Christmas 2020 when Glen took me on a date to Gate’s garden centre in Oakham to look at the Christmas displays.” A magical setting of twinkling lights proved to be the perfect beginning. The proposal was every bit as thoughtful. “Glen proposed on the top of Glastonbury Tor in May 2024. He knows that Glastonbury is one of my favourite places and had organised a weekend away.”

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102

WEDDINGS

Despite the crowds at the summit, Glen found an intimate moment. “It was very crowded with people up on the Tor but he managed to find us a quiet place to sit down. We had a glass of Prosecco from a plastic cup then he got down on one knee.” When it came to planning, simplicity was key. “We knew we wanted a simple wedding in Stamford and we live a stone's throw away from the William Cecil, so it was the first venue we looked at and it was perfect.” For the ceremony, Normanton Church captured their hearts. “We also both loved how pretty Normanton Church is, and we both liked the idea of getting married in a church but not having a religious ceremony so Normanton was perfect for that.” Claire had always imagined her dress. “I knew I wanted something very simple with a classic silhouette and had an image of the dress in my mind before I started looking.”

“I ended up finding the perfect dress, unworn, on Vinted. It was a satin, cowl back gown with a court length train.” Hydrangeas in pink, green, blue and purple tied the look together. “Our flowers were by Georgia Joy flowers and she did an amazing job. They looked stunning and we had so many comments about how incredible the church and the marquee looked.” The celebrations continued with a four tier cake by Love Life Eat Cake in Oakham, acoustic guitar from Paul Martin as Claire walked down the aisle, and a Jaguar Royale from VP Princess Wedding Cars. For Claire, the experience was everything they had hoped for. “There are lots of fantastic wedding suppliers in the local area so we would suggest doing your research and following them on social media.” Thanks to the support of the William Cecil team, she says, “It was a stress free experience and the best day of our lives.”

Local Suppliers Photographer: Stories in Focus Photography, www.storiesinfocus.co.uk plus EllenMarie Photography, www.ellenmariephotography.co.uk. Ceremony: Normanton Church, Rutland, 01780 686800, www.normantonchurch.wedding. Wedding Reception Venue: The William Cecil, Stamford 01780 750070, www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk. Floristry: Georgia Joy Flowers, www.georgiajoy.co.uk. Wedding Cake: Love Life, Eat Cake, 07503 412335. Vintage Transport: VP Princess Wedding Cars, 07741 494166, www.vpprincessweddingcars.co.uk. Wedding Guitar: Paul Martin via Alive Network, 01782 740839, www.alivenetwork.com.

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SCULPT A NEW YOU AT

Call 01572 490950 or see www.calveo.co.uk Rutland Garden Village, Oakham LE15 7QN

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THREE BRIDGES PRIVATE PRACTICE

Your Health, Your Time Three Bridges Private Practice is a new and pioneering way to access primary care services, working alongside the NHS to provide prompt and convenient access to GPs. Longer consultations allow patients to feel they have been listened to and understood, enhancing the relationship between doctor and patient, whilst an outoftown location and rapid access to appointments takes the hassle out of healthcare Below: Three Bridges Private Practice. Opposite: Dr Leon Roberts and Dr Amanda Davison.

We’re in the village of Harringworth with Dr Amanda Davison and Dr Leon Roberts, the General Practitioner Partners of Three Bridges Private Practice, which is delivering private GP services to patients in a dedicated facility that opened in November 2025. Is it really a GP practice though? It doesn’t look or feel like one! There’s the offer of tea or coffee on arrival: you are not sharing the waiting room with more than a couple of other people, and the setting is lovely, surrounded by bucolic countryside, with the viaduct just a field or two away. Within easy access of Uppingham, Oakham, Stamford and Oundle, the practice is unique, with art on the wall, two large, modern and light consultation rooms, and plenty of free parking. Disabled access is adjacent to the building. “We have over 40 combined years of experience working in the NHS, and we think the organisation provides an amazing service. However, we also understand the pressures the system is under, with the high volume of patient demand and increasingly complex health needs”. Three Bridges Private Practice offers the ultimate peace of mind: knowing that if you are ill, you can pick up the phone and be seen. “The vision we had was to provide a private GP service, accessed via a membership model, enabling a smaller list size, improved continuity of care and to build trusting doctor-patient relationships. Good timely access is essential, helping to provide peace of mind that if you are unwell, you can contact us and be seen within one or two working days. Our priority is to provide high quality, holistic, personalised care to our patients, allowing improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction”. Three Bridges Private Practice also provides diagnostic services such as blood tests, ECG monitoring and microbiology tests, as well as issuing private prescriptions and facilitating referrals for further specialist care. “Private GP services are offered at some independent hospitals, but we don’t know of any other dedicated practice, in the region, offering this kind of provision”. Three Bridges Private Practice is an alternative choice for access to primary care services, but the doctors also appreciate the need to work collaboratively with the local GP surgeries and encourage patients to stay registered with their NHS GP, thus maintaining access to all care provided nationally, such as influenza immunisations and cervical screening.

The British medical association recommends that GP appointments should ideally be of 15 minutes duration. The longer consultations here, of 30 minutes, allow time for more patient led discussions and personalised care. “Already, the feedback we are hearing from patients is that prompt access to a GP led service, not feeling rushed, and the ability to choose an appointment time that is convenient for those with busy lives, is greatly appreciated. We have also been told that the continuity of care that comes from seeing the same GP is reassuring and allows consistent, familiar care”. “As professionals we are excited to have the opportunity to deliver, high quality patient focused care, having time to listen to patients concerns and understand their health needs. We have patients of all ages and can discuss issues such as prostate awareness, women’s health and strategies for staying physically and mentally active”. Whether you are seeking reassurance of being able to have an appointment when needed, a second opinion on a medical problem that is concerning you, needing help with managing a complex condition, or wanting a proactive discussion about lifestyle and health prevention, Three Bridges offers a space where you can be heard. Against the backdrop of an NHS that provides excellent care, but where demand and access are often at odds, this model will offer additional choice for patients who value reassurance, GP relationship-based care and the ability to be seen promptly, with the time to talk, to be listened to, and to leave feeling that their health has been treated as something worth protecting.

Three Bridges Private Practice provides access to private GP services including consultations, private prescriptions, diagnostic tests and referrals via NHS and private care providers. Please see www.threebridges.health for more information and if you would like to discuss membership, please call 01572 510488.

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108

SUE ARNOLD’S INSTEP FOOD CLINIC

Best Foot Forward Why suﬀer pain or compromise your mobility? Sue Arnold’s InStep Foot Clinic oﬀers a range of treatments not just for feet, but for the whole body. Alleviate discomfort and ensure you can take your best foot forward this summer, enjoy conversation again, and rid yourself of that niggling soft tissue pain — with help from Sue and the team Words: Rob Davis. Cryotherapy for Flawless Skin An additional service offered by Sue and the team is cryotherapy — the painless and localised removal of damaged tissue using extreme cold. Using a CryoPen device, Sue can treat not just feet, but any area of the body affected by issues relating to pigmentation, such as sun spots, warts, skin tags and milia. The treatment is precise, safe and versatile, ideal for lesions and skin tags which catch on clothing or cause inconvenience.

“Why wait?” Sue Arnold isn’t sure, but all too often she sees patients who have put up with pain for years — people who have resigned themselves to the belief that struggling with mobility is insurmountable. She has met patients who have accepted that they’re somehow just not meant to have feet they don’t feel ashamed of. Sue won’t accept any of the above. As the founder of InStep Foot Clinic, and as a podiatrist with almost 30 years of experience, her message is simple: don’t put up with it. After all, feet don’t walk into her Wansfordbased practice in isolation — they’re always attached to a person who can be helped and cared for in a way that soon makes them wonder why on earth they waited so long. A Step in the Right Direction Around three quarters of InStep’s Around three quarters of InStep’s work sees Sue and her colleagues, Simone and Charlotte, delivering pain relief, improved mobility and better confidence. Quite aside from the cosmetic benefit of nicer-looking feet, repairing cracked heels to protect against infection, and the treatment of corns, verrucas and calluses, can all have huge benefits in terms of alleviating discomfort. Meanwhile, treating fungal nail infections and trimming ingrown toenails can offer significant relief. A good foot health practitioner can also spot broader healthcare concerns such as neuropathy and poor

Sue Arnold delivering a Cryotherapy treatment. circulation to the extremities — something that is especially important for those with diabetes. “Honestly, when I see someone in pain, and when I know that pain is unnecessary — when I know it can be prevented or alleviated — it provides the motivation to ensure we deliver the best possible care for the people who come into the clinic.” “Also, being able to step into summer wearing nicer shoes, instead of feeling you have to hide your feet away, is something everyone should be able to enjoy.” “So many people are embarrassed to seek help, or too willing to declare their feet a ‘lost cause’, when, in fact, a good foot health practitioner can make an enormous difference in terms of alleviating pain and improving mobility.”

Help with Your Hearing Sue and the team also provide earwax removal for those who find themselves turning the TV up or asking loved ones to repeat themselves. Using microsuction and a high-resolution camera, a single treatment is a safe and effective way to improve hearing. Shockwave Therapy to Help with Healing Finally, Sue’s Shockwave Therapy treatment is an effective and painless way to alleviate chronic or acute soft tissue or tendon pain. Using micropulses to increase blood flow to the area, it promotes the body’s natural healing process. It is ideal for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), which can cause pain in the thigh, hip or buttocks. “Why remain in pain?” Sue wonders. “From podiatry to soft tissue pain, we offer a range of treatments that can improve patients’ lives — bringing both immediate relief and longterm benefits.”

Sue Arnold's InStep Foot Clinic is based on Elton Road, Wansford. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm for a range of treatments including podiatry (ingrown nails, routine care, diabetic foot care, calluses, verrucae etc.,) as well as CryoAesthetics for skin Lesions, Shock Wave therapy for tendon or muscle pain, as well as non-surgical facelifts and ear wax micro-suction: call 01780 782200.

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NEW

FASHION - LIFESTYLE - BUSINESS

BUSINESS

Local business round up with our brand new

Feature Spotlights STYLE FOR MEN

SUNSPEL BRITISH LUXURY SINCE 1860

APRIL 2026

TRAVEL

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BALI MOTORS

BRITAIN’S BEST SELLING CONVERTIBLE FOR SUMMER

MIKE THE BIG INTERVIEW

GOLDMARK

THE ART OF BEING A SUCCESSFUL SHOPKEEPER

116

Rob Davis, Executive Editor, Pride Magazines & Portfolio

WELCOME TO PORTFOLIO

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the time to engage in conversation, which was

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who ran a very successful fruit

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and veg shop in the market town of Boston for

This month we’re profiling the fine art retailer

three and a bit decades.

Mike Goldmark or as he insists, Mike Goldmark

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looking veg that can’t be too wonky. Back then,

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it was all proper, real produce. I was the Saturday

ceramics from the 20th and 21st century, but

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boy for a few years until a dreadful lack of

you wont find any pretentiousness at Goldmark

arithmetic necessitated a change in career, but

Art, just a warm welcome, a downtoearth

back then, the veg that came oﬀ the land just a

experience and the ability to browse without

few miles from the shop still had all of the ice

any of the stuﬃness associated with some

and soil on, it was bright and fresh, and the

galleries.

relationship we had with customers was also a million miles away from what we know today.

It’s shopkeeping, as shopkeeping should be, proving that no business, even one dealing with

We were on first name terms with many of

something as fancy as high brow art, is above

them, we had our regulars and we always took

customer service.

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GOLDMARK ART

Talking

Shop He calls himself a shopkeeper, yet over five decades Mike Goldmark has built one of Britain’s most distinctive art businesses in the heart of Uppingham. From giving away books to making award winning documentaries and hosting world-class musicians, Goldmark Art proves that generosity, integrity and slow growth can be the smartest business strategy of all

Words: Rob Davis.

ike Goldmark calls himself a shopkeeper, and he means it. When I suggest it is an almost charmingly modest way of describing a man who has built one of Britain’s most distinctive and admired art businesses, he cuts me off immediately. There is no false humility here. No performative downplaying. He is not being coy. A shopkeeper is exactly what he is, and the word matters to him. It is not a romantic label, nor a nostalgic one. It is simply the truth. And yet it is also, in its own way, the perfect opening statement for the story of Goldmark Art, because it explains everything about the place. It explains why it feels so unpretentious, why it welcomes you so warmly, and why it has quietly become a magnet for collectors, artists, musicians and art lovers from all over the world. Still, the shopkeeper label raises a rather awkward question. If you are a shopkeeper, giving things away is not generally regarded as sound business practice. Retail is about margins, about turnover, about keeping the tills ringing. It is not about generosity for generosity’s sake. And yet, Mike Goldmark has made a habit of giving things away, and not in the small token ways businesses sometimes do to appear charitable. He tells me about a customer who came into his second hand bookshop years ago and found a title he had never seen before. The man was thrilled, delighted to discover it. The price was £30, a fair amount for a specialist second hand book. But instead of paying, the customer asked for a pencil and paper so he could write down the details and search online later for a cheaper copy. >>

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GOLDMARK ART

ost shopkeepers would be insulted. Many would be angry. Some might argue. Mike did something else entirely. He gave him the book. “I’ll save you the trouble,” he told him. “You’re going to have it. Take the book. It’s a gift.” When the stunned customer protested that he could not do that, Mike’s response was brisk and final. “I can. It’s mine. It’s my book. I can do anything I like with it. Now it’s yours.” It is one of those moments that says more about a company than a polished business plan ever could. It also, in Mike’s view, marked the end of his second hand book career. He had no interest in competing with the internet, and no interest in an industry where the scholarship had been replaced by people who knew nothing about the books they were selling and cared even less. But the story does not end there. It is only the beginning. Because if giving away a book seems like a strange business decision, Goldmark Art has spent decades doing something similar, only on a much grander scale. People are invited in to browse extraordinary art and ceramics without the slightest pressure. Hundreds of beautifully produced documentary films about artists and makers are uploaded to the Goldmark website and made available free of charge. Even the quarterly Goldmark magazine, a substantial 64 page publication, is often given away. None of this is done as a calculated strategy to lure people into spending. It is simply the way Mike believes a shop should work. He wants people to feel safe and welcome. He wants them to leave feeling better than when they arrived. If that happens, he says, they will probably come back, and every now and again they will buy something. This might not sound like a blueprint for building one of the most respected specialist art businesses in Britain. And yet it has done exactly that. In fact, it is probably the whole reason for Goldmark’s success.

Mike arrived in Uppingham in 1972 after losing everything he had. He had been running a fashion tie business in London, one that had grown quickly and successfully, until the three day week brought it crashing down. He had lived opposite Regent’s Park, and his life was rooted in the capital. But with young children and a need for stability, he came to Rutland looking for somewhere he could rent a house. He was also drawn by friendship. A man he very much respected, John Tasker, lived in Uppingham. An antique dealer and a poet, Tasker was the sort of person who leaves an imprint on you, and Mike moved to the area partly to be near him. Tasker was killed a couple of years later. Mike, grieving, considered leaving, but decided he could be just as miserable anywhere else and stayed. The town became his home.

is first venture in Uppingham was not art at all, but books. He rented a shop opposite Baines in a building called Old Constable, once an old schoolhouse. There was already a bookseller in the premises, but he was not doing well. Mike became his best customer for a while, buying second hand books simply because he liked them. Eventually the bookseller offered him half the business, and Mike agreed. Two years later, he bought the shop outright. No paperwork. Just a handshake. He describes himself then, and now, as a shopkeeper. The art, he insists, was never the sole obsession but something glorious in addition. “The interest has always been in shopkeeping. That’s the thing that I like, but a parallel appreciation for art I have developed has added another dimension to the pleasure.” The word shopkeeper comes up repeatedly in our conversation, almost like a refrain. Mike sees it everywhere. Religions are shopkeepers selling belief. Schools sell education. Universities sell prestige. Magazine editors sell magazines. Everyone is a shopkeeper, he says, but many pretend they are not. And he is not remotely apologetic about it. On the contrary; he is fiercely proud.

ART IN THE UK £42bn

18%

75%

Global art sales are somewhere in the region of $57.5bn; £42bn sterling.

The UK has an 18% share of the global art market. The US has a 43% share, China 15%.

Number of working artists in the UK who are women.

40,500,000

1,860

Number of transactions in the global art market, up 3% from the previous year.

The number of commercial art galleries in the UK, employing over 7,350 people.

42,000,000

£8.23bn

56,500

2,0002,500

Art sales in the UK, the second largest market for art in the world after the US.

Number of working artists in the UK, of which 42,000 identify as ‘visual artists.’

Total museums in the UK, inc 14 ‘national’ (DCMSrun) examples. 170 are in London.

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Annual visits to Department of Culture Media & Sport’s art galleries and museums.

hen I suggest the word sounds like it underestimates what he has built, he immediately turns the argument back on me. The issue, he suggests, is not his choice of label but society’s snobbery towards the idea of shopkeeping itself. The room around us is clearly a shop, he points out. It is full of items for sale. Everything has a price on it. What else could it possibly be? This down to earth attitude is precisely what makes Goldmark feel so different from many conventional art galleries. There is no hushed reverence here, no unspoken rule that you must already understand the difference between an etching and a lithograph before you dare to enter. Mike believes the art world has often made people nervous, and he understands why. “People are very nervous of walking into art galleries,” he says. “Understandably because for too long they’ve pretended to be elitist.” He is dismissive of the self importance that can surround the industry. Words like gallerist and curator, he says, are mostly nonsense. Mike’s approach is disarmingly simple. If someone comes in, treat them well. Make them feel welcome. Let them look. Talk to them. And if they love something enough, they will buy it.

What is remarkable is that this is not a philosophy he adopted after decades of success. It is how he has always worked. Goldmark’s model is not built around chasing trends or predicting what will sell. In fact, Mike described his method as the opposite of everything he was taught working on the shop floor of Marks and Spencer or Sainsbury’s. Traditional retail wisdom, he says, is to identify winners, push them hard, and eliminate slow sellers. That is not how he operates. “The antithesis,” he explains, “is you buy what you think is real. And irrespective of whether people like it, you stick it on the walls and you talk to people that come in.”

f you have the nerve to keep going long enough, he says, you build a business. His definition of real art is equally clear. He wants craftsmanship. He wants intelligence. He wants the sense that the maker has learned their skill properly and is saying something meaningful about the world. He has little time for conceptual work that looks like a rusty filing cabinet with football boots hanging off it. That might belong in the Tate, he says, but it will not be coming into his shop. Over the years, Goldmark has built enormous stock, often buying against the market long before the rest of the world caught up.

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Chagall, Hockney, Picasso and Matisse, all on display as part of Goldmark Art’s Original Artists’ Posters exhibition.

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GOLDMARK ART

e estimates the business now holds around 100,000 items in its warehouses. This is not a small boutique operation with a few framed prints on the walls. This is a major enterprise, employing around 30 people across its gallery in Uppingham and its wider operation, including Atelier, its specialist publishing and fine art printing arm. Goldmark Atelier, based in Corby, began around 20 years ago and focuses on what Mike calls real prints: screen prints, lithographs and etchings. It works not only for Goldmark but for other clients too, producing fine art editions and even printing for Royal Academicians on occasion. Then there is the film side of the business, a venture that feels as radical as anything Goldmark has done. Mike began making art documentaries around 30 years ago after reading that the BBC would no longer make art films unless the subject already had substantial public recognition. It was, to him, an act of cultural cowardice. If the BBC was no longer interested in introducing audiences to lesser known artists, then Goldmark would do it instead. The films were initially made by independent filmmakers, but the business soon brought production in house.

Should you invest in art? Art has long been regarded as both a cultural pleasure and, occasionally, a store of value. Recordbreaking auction results at Christie’s and Sotheby’s can give the impression that art is a reliable investment, yet the reality is far more nuanced. As British art market commentator Georgina Adam has observed, the art market is ‘driven by fashion and taste,’ and those can shift quickly. What is highly soughtafter today may fall from favour tomorrow. Financial experts tend to strike an equally cautious tone. Merryn Somerset Webb, writing in the Financial Times, has repeatedly reminded readers that art should be considered a passion purchase rather than a core investment, noting that it produces no income and can be costly to insure, store and sell. Auction commissions alone can significantly reduce any apparent profit. Even seasoned collectors diversify carefully. The consensus among UK wealth managers is that art should represent only a modest proportion of an overall portfolio, if included at all. Provenance, condition, rarity and the reputation of the gallery are all crucial in underpinning longterm value — but none can guarantee appreciation. The most consistent advice from across the industry is reassuringly simple: buy what you love. Choose work that you will enjoy living with, that sparks conversation and gives lasting pleasure. If it increases in value over time, that is a welcome bonus. But art should enrich your walls before it enriches your wealth.

“Goldmark’s approach was to focus on a small number, typically no more than around a dozen worldwide. They concentrated on domestic ware, pots intended to be used, rather than purely sculptural objects...”

Today it has two full time cameramen, led by Mike’s son Jay, who has travelled all over the world making films about artists and potters. Perhaps most astonishingly, Goldmark does not sell these films. Even when the BBC has asked to buy them, Mike has refused. The films go online and are simply given away. One documentary, about Korean potter Lee Kang Hyo, has been watched over a million times and Mike says it changed the potter’s life. It is tempting to call this altruism, but Mike would likely shrug off the label. He frames it as part of the business’s broader mission to educate, to share, and to build a deeper relationship between people and the objects they might one day choose to live with. Goldmark’s ceramics operation is another example of Mike’s instinct for doing things differently. He admits he had been using, breaking and giving away pots for 50 years, but what pushed him into building a ceramics division was frustration at the way other dealers treated potters. He felt the makers took all the risk while the sellers took the profit. As Goldmark was strong enough, he decided they would sell ceramics in a completely different way. They started around 25 years ago, guided by the late Phil Rogers, a renowned Welsh potter. Goldmark’s approach was deliberately narrow. Instead of representing dozens of potters, they focused on a small number, typically no more than around a dozen worldwide. They concentrated on domestic ware, pots intended to be used, rather than purely sculptural objects. It was a strategy that helped them build a global reputation quickly.

oday, Mike says Goldmark is generally reckoned to sell more pots per show than anyone in the world. There is a blunt practicality to the way he explains it. Many ceramics sellers offer huge variety. If a customer does not like one potter, they can be shown another. That might be good for the shop, he says, but it is not good for the potter, because no single maker can earn a living when they are just one name among fifty. Goldmark’s model, by contrast, supports its artists properly and gives them the focus they need to thrive.

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GOLDMARK ART

“Mike surrounded himself with work, original prints by masters like Picasso, Chagall and Miró, pieces that were once produced in large quantities so ordinary people could own them..”

hat sense of looking after people is a theme that runs through everything Mike says. He speaks warmly about staff, about the pleasure of being able to employ more people, and about building a business that is rooted in integrity. He recalls reading EF Schumacher’s Small is Beautiful, Economics as if People Mattered, and describes it as a formative influence on his thinking. He is openly sceptical of the modern obsession with speed, with young people being told they must have ‘made it’ by the time they are 28. He has no time for it. His approach is patient. Slow growth. A long view. A belief in learning by doing. It is the same philosophy that shaped his own education in art. He insists he never set out with an artistic background or formal qualifications. Instead, he surrounded himself with work, original prints by masters like Picasso, Chagall and Miró, pieces that were once produced in large quantities so ordinary people could own them. Living with those works, seeing them daily, taught his eye more than any book could. It is also why Goldmark feels so accessible. It is not an ivory tower operation. It is a place built by learning, listening, and slowly developing taste through direct experience. Goldmark’s clientele now spans the world. Mike says people would be amazed at who shops here. At one point he mentions selling original Goya etchings to... well, someone very famous. He is happy to talk about it privately, but discretion is clearly part of the culture.

The business itself has become an ecosystem. The gallery. The publishing. The printing. The framing. The films. Even the live performances. Downstairs, the space transforms into an intimate 60 seat auditorium for live music, with musicians performing amid the art. It is a concept that sounds improbable until you see it, but it has become a beloved part of Goldmark’s identity. Mike says they host around 10 gigs a year, and that the calibre of performers can be extraordinary. It is all done with the same quiet insistence on quality and hospitality. Musicians are paid properly. They are fed properly. They are looked after. Mike is almost bewildered that anyone would do it differently. The quarterly Goldmark magazine reflects the same ethos. It is a serious art publication, produced without advertising, and Mike suggests it has been described by someone at the Arts Council as the best art publication in the country. It contains some forthcoming information, but much of it is educational, informative, and written by people within the Goldmark circle alongside established contributors.

ll of it points back to that original idea. Mike Goldmark is a shopkeeper. He is proud of the word. And he has built a business that feels like the antidote to everything people dislike about the art world. There is no snobbery here. No intimidation. No sense that art is reserved for the wealthy, the educated, or the self-consciously cultured. Goldmark is a place where you can come in knowing nothing and leave knowing a bit more. It is a place where you can look without pressure, learn without embarrassment, and perhaps, one day, buy something because it feels real. And if you do not buy anything at all, you will still have been welcomed. You might have watched a documentary for free. You might have read a magazine without adverts. You might have seen a rare print or held a pot that was made by a master. You might even have listened to world-class music in a room that, earlier in the day, was simply a gallery. For most shopkeepers, that would be madness. For Mike Goldmark, it is simply good shopkeeping. And judging by the scale of what he has built since arriving in Uppingham with nothing, it is also the smartest business decision he ever made.

Goldmark Art is based on Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ. Call 01572 821424 or see www.goldmarkart.com.

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WHAT’S ON at GOLDMARK On Now

Wednesday 15th April

Goldmark’s current exhibition celebrates the artist’s poster as a form of creative expression in its own right. These are not simply promotional pieces but original works, often created with the same visual intelligence and craftsmanship found in prints, paintings and illustration. Bringing together a striking selection of twentieth century posters, the show highlights how artists have used the format to communicate ideas with immediacy, energy and graphic impact. For visitors, it is an accessible way into the world of original works on paper, oﬀering the chance to see pieces where art and design merge seamlessly with bold typography, and cultural history.

On 15th April, Goldmark welcomes L.Y.R to the Front Room. Known for their distinctive sound and richly layered compositions, the group brings an evening of live music that fits perfectly within Goldmark’s wider cultural programme.

Original Artists’ Posters

Saturday 21st March

Charlie Collier

Goldmark’s next ceramics exhibition opens on 21st March with the work of Charlie Collier. The show presents a carefully chosen group of pots that Collier has been setting aside over recent years. His work sits comfortably between functional domestic ware and sculptural presence. These are pots designed to be used, but which also reward slow looking and appreciation of glaze, texture and subtle variation. The exhibition will be available to view both in the gallery and online.

L.Y.R

Saturday 25th April

Sid Burnard

Sid Burnard was born in Brighton in 1948 and introduced to the art of beachcombing by his Romany grandmother. He now utilises the flotsam and jetsam from the nearby sea is his only source of materials, creating driftwood pieces, usually birds, boats or mythical beasts, are full of his passion, integrity and wonderful humour.

Sid Burnard.

Sunday 23rd May

John Farrington

John Farrington’s exhibition opens on 23rd May. His paintings and drawings reflect a long engagement with place, memory and composition, brought to life through sensitive colour and careful structure. The show continues Goldmark’s commitment to thoughtful, focused exhibitions that reward attention and deepen understanding.

Sunday 12th April

Art Themen Trio Goldmark’s live music programme continues on 12th April with a performance by the Art Themen Trio. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The trio features Art Themen, a celebrated figure in British jazz for more than sixty years, joined by organist Pete Whittaker and drummer George Double. Their performances are known for musical depth, warmth and rhythmic drive, blending jazz standards with inventive interplay. The Goldmark Front Room, with its intimate sixty seat capacity, oﬀers a rare opportunity to experience musicians of this calibre at close quarters, surrounded by art.

Charlie Collier.

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FASHION

DENIM Reinvented Daily

From light washes to indigo, explore versatile denim dresses, jackets, jumpsuits, blouses, tops, and trousers.

enim is no longer just a wardrobe staple - it’s a canvas for creativity this spring. Designers are embracing different shades and weights of denim, offering everything from airy chambray blouses to heavyweight indigo jackets. The beauty lies in mixing textures and tones: pair a soft, stonewashed denim blouse with structured, dark indigo trousers for a balanced, modern look. Dresses in denim have evolved from casual to contemporary chic. A midweight denim dress with puffed sleeves and a cinched waist can effortlessly transition from daytime errands to evening drinks. Meanwhile, denim jumpsuits are back with a tailored twist, featuring defined waists, sleek legs, and practical pockets - a nod to functional fashion with a stylish edge. Casual denim dresses in lighter washes remain perfect for spring garden parties, while darker indigo options bring instant sophistication for more formal occasions. Layering remains key. Denim jackets, whether cropped, oversized, or embroidered, work over blouses, tops, or even jumpsuits, offering dimension and visual interest. Lighter denim tops in soft washes provide a fresh springtime palette, while deeper indigo pieces anchor outfits with sophistication. Trousers in varied weights - relaxed, flared, or widelegged - offer comfort without sacrificing style, allowing readers to mix casual with elevated elements effortlessly. For those who love playful textures, consider denim-on-denim combinations in contrasting shades for a chic, curated look. Accessories in neutral or contrasting hues complement the denim spectrum beautifully. A leather belt, structured handbag, or statement boots can transform a simple denim ensemble into a polished outfit worthy of countryside lunches or city excursions. This season, think beyond one uniform wash. Embrace layers, textures, and varying weights to craft outfits that are uniquely personal and effortlessly chic, proving denim is endlessly versatile, contemporary, and undeniably stylish. With spring upon us, it’s the perfect time to reimagine your denim wardrobe, incorporating both classic staples and statement pieces for an updated, fashion-forward look. Opposite: Gigi woolblend doublebreasted blazer in navy, £298. Solenge cotton cropped longsleeve shirt in white, £98. Liv Messy Weekend square frame sunglasses in brown, £85. Anika suede bowling bag in tan, £248. Tyla chunky chainlink bracelet in gold, £125. Talia twist bangle bracelet in gold, £110. Athena leather strapdetail lugsole loafers in burgundy, £158. Isabel slimleg midrise jeans in mid blue, £120. All available from www.reiss.com

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FASHION

Above: Midindigo crochet trim denim jacket from Mint Velvet, £135, www.mintvelvet.com. Opposite: Sahara stretch denim jacket, an essential goto for chic, laidback style, £179, Sahara, Red Lion Square, Stamford, call 01780 408 549 or see saharalondon.com.

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Above: Tona dress, £245, www.bash.com. Left: Fit & flare midi dress, £275, www.meandem.com.

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1. Indigo denim midi shirt dress, £150, www.mintvelvet.com. 2. Rappa top, £299, www.munthe.co.uk. 3. Pilcro denim sleeveless top, £88. Kayden Carpenter barrel jeans by Pilcro, £128, www.anthropologie.com. 4. Gigi denim track jacket, £328, www.veronicabeard.com. 5. Catrin jacket, £195, www.wyselondon.com. 6. Calla denim crop top and skirt, £250, www.curatedcrowd.com. Below: Danie wideleg zipthrough denim Jumpsuit, £240, www.reiss.com.

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PRINTED ELEGANCE

£349, hobbs.com

Embrace spring’s joyful spirit with colourful patterned midi dresses featuring elegant long sleeves. Perfect for garden parties or weekend brunches, these statement pieces combine playful prints with timeless, flattering silhouettes.

£1,390, suzannah.com £595, meandem.com

£625, thefoldlondon.com

£258, reiss.com £2149, coastfashion.com

£299, hollandcooper.com

GLAMOUR BAGS

Opulent, colourful clutch bags bring playful extravagance to refined wardrobes, proving accessories remain the quickest route to modern elegance with personality. £59, aftershockplc.com £300, butlerandwilson.co.uk

£3,000, aspinaloflondon.com £75, veranohill.com

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£450, selfportrait.com

£139, hobbs.com

£42, shop.kew.org

£200, artemest.com

£85, bluntumbrellas.co.uk

BRIGHT

£39, originalduck head.com

FORECAST Vivid prints and joyful colour elevate everyday umbrellas from necessity to statement piece, perfect for stylish women refusing to compromise on elegance, even in drizzle.

CHIC STEPS

Kitten heel slingbacks in playful brights and elegant neutrals oﬀer subtle height, allday comfort and a grownup way to refresh spring wardrobes. £240, essentielantwerp.com

£69, contrado.co.uk

£117, stickandcaneshop.co.uk

£169, hollandcooper.com

£319, hugoboss.com £99, dunelondon.com

£795, manoloblahnik.com

£129, karenmillen.com £740, veronicabeard.com

Pastel Power

£275, gb.marella.com

From powder blue to pale lilac, these blazers add femininity, polish and versatility to everyday outfits, day through evening.

£120, anthropologie.com

£540, store.pinko.com

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Classical pianist Hélène Grimaud is a 2024 Rolex Testimonee.

LUXURY WATCHES

Rolex LadyDatejust, oyster 28mm, white gold and diamonds, £15,450, (01482 329 449, www.hughrice.co.uk).

Nomination mother of pearl watch, £139, Rubirox, St Mary’s Street, Stamford (01780 755996, www.rubirox.co.uk).

Breitling Lady Premier Automatic 36, £4,400, for local stockists see www.breitling.com.

SPRING

TIME Spring forward this month and enjoy our selection of the latest luxury watches for ladies

Tissot Glendora Gold, 33mm, £1,525 for local stockists see www.tissotwatches.com.

Product selection: Mandy Bray.

Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori watch, stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold, £8,800, local stockists se www.bulgari.com.

Chanel J12 Calibre watch, 38mm, £6,900, for local stockists see www.chanel.com.

Omega Constellation Manhattan Steel & RoseGold Watch, Hugh Rice, £10,400, (01482 329 449, www.hughrice.co.uk).

Nomination Time Collection watch, with black dial, £375, brand stocked by Rubirox (01780 755996, www.rubirox.co.uk).

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Timeless British Wardrobe Essentials

STYLE FOR MEN >>

136

SUNSPEL remains a benchmark of refined British menswear, championing beautifully made essentials that feel as good as they look. Known for its exceptional fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and understated elegance, the brand excels in elevating everyday dressing. From impeccably cut Tshirts and polos to lightweight knitwear and eﬀortless tailoring, each piece reflects a dedication to comfort, longevity and timeless style. It’s menswear for those who value quality, restraint and quiet confidence over fleeting fashion.

1. Cotton Mesh Polo, £325. 2. Suede Loafer, £450. 3. Cashmere Half Zip Jumper, £395. 4. Textured Wool Trouser, £310. 5. Smart Suede Belt, £95. 6. Classic Boxer Shorts in Liberty Fabric, £75. 7. Wool Twill Jacket, £470. Long Sleeve Sea Island Cotton Knit Polo Shirt, £295. 8. Regular Fit Chino, £175. 9. Loopback Hoodie, £175.

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TRAVEL

Beautifully Balmy

BALI

A refined, restorative journey through Balitemples, teak, turmeric, and time very well spent

ali is not a place you simply visit; it’s somewhere you arrive.

Villas are private sanctuaries with plunge pools, oversized stone baths

The transition begins the moment you leave the damp greys

and shaded terraces made for long, quiet mornings.

of East Midlands skies behind and step into warm,

frangipani-scented air. From London Heathrow, you can fly direct or connect smoothly via Singapore or Doha.

If you prefer a split stay (highly recommended), Bali’s south coast offers a very different mood. Beach resorts here lean more glamorous, with cliff-top villas, private beach clubs and sunset

If you’re travelling in business class (Singapore Airlines and Qatar

dining. In Uluwatu, Bulgari Resort Bali delivers sleek, high-end

Airways are both excellent), the journey becomes part of the holiday:

design paired with one of the island’s finest views, the cliffs dropping

flat beds, attentive service and the kind of calm that means you land

sharply into the Indian Ocean below. Elsewhere, you’ll find

feeling ready rather than wrung out.

everything from polished family resorts to boutique hotels that focus

Ngurah Rai International Airport is busy but manageable, particularly

on wellness, privacy and style.

if you’ve arranged a fast-track arrival and a private transfer. This is

For travellers who like independence, Bali also offers exceptional

the best way to start: no haggling, no waiting, just a quiet,

private villas with staff, pools and gardens — ideal for multi-

immaculately presented driver and a chilled bottle of water as you slip

generational trips, groups of friends, or anyone who values space.

into the warmth.

What to do (and why people go)

Many first-time visitors head north towards Ubud, the island’s

Bali’s great strength is its variety. People come for the warmth and

cultural heart. The drive sets the tone. Rice terraces glow green

the beaches, of course, but they stay for the sense of balance: nature,

against the hills, villages appear in soft bursts of colour, and small

culture, rest and indulgence, all within easy reach. It’s a destination

offerings of flowers and incense sit neatly outside doorways and on

that suits many different travel styles (honeymooners, solo travellers,

pavements. It feels both everyday and ceremonial, as though the

families and friends) because you can shape it to your pace.

island is gently reminding you that beauty is part of the routine here.

Start in Ubud by doing very little at all. A sunrise walk through quiet

Where to stay

lanes reveals artists opening studios, locals heading to temple, and

Bali’s accommodation is one of the reasons it remains so popular

the island beginning its day without rush. Breakfast is best taken

with discerning travellers. The island has mastered the art of luxury

slowly: tropical fruit, strong Balinese coffee, warm pancakes, and

that doesn’t feel showy: design that blends into nature, service that

jungle views that make your phone feel irrelevant.

is warm but not intrusive, and spaces that make you breathe a little more slowly.

Ubud rewards unhurried exploration. Browse galleries showcasing wood carving, textiles and contemporary Balinese art. Dip into

In Ubud, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan remains one of the most

boutiques selling linen, jewellery and homeware you’ll insist you

memorable choices and is well worth the splurge. Suspended above the

don’t need (but will definitely take home). The Sacred Monkey Forest

Ayung River, it feels like a modern temple: flowing water, dark timber,

is a must — slightly chaotic, often funny, and a reminder to keep

open-air spaces and jungle views that soften the edges of everyday life.

sunglasses and hats firmly secured.

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TRAVEL

For a quieter, more exclusive feel, consider April, May, September or early October, when the weather remains excellent but the atmosphere is less hectic...

Top: Monkey Forest Ubud Bali Indonesia. View of Nusa Dua resort area in the vicinity of Denpasar. Above: Kelingking beach in Nusa Penida. The pond at Tirta Empul Temple in Bali, Indonesia, popular tourist attraction of Asia.

Beyond town, Bali invites you into its slower rituals. A spa treatment

many travellers, this is the sweet spot, particularly if you’re planning

inspired by local healing traditions is almost compulsory, whether

to explore beyond the resort or want reliable beach weather.

it’s a massage to the soundtrack of the river or a longer wellness

July and August are busiest — popular with European families and

programme combining movement, meditation and restorative

peak holiday travel — so prices rise and the island feels more

therapies. You can also take a private class in a local home, learning

crowded. If you prefer a quieter, more exclusive feel, consider April,

techniques and ingredients that are part of daily life here.

May, September or early October, when the weather remains

Further south, the scenery changes. A stop at Tanah Lot at sunset is

excellent but the atmosphere is less hectic.

undeniably theatrical, the temple silhouetted against sea spray and

The wet season (roughly November to March) brings heavier

black volcanic rock. Continue on towards the cliffs of Uluwatu, where

showers, often short and intense rather than constant. It can still be

Bali’s coastline becomes dramatic and its evenings become a little

a lovely time to visit, especially for spa stays, cultural exploration and

more polished.

those who enjoy the island at a softer pace; just expect humidity and

Here, time is measured in sunsets, sea views and long dinners. Bali

the occasional downpour.

is a year-round destination, but timing matters depending on what

Bali is sure to send you off quietly. No fanfare, just a lingering

you want from the trip. The dry season typically runs from April to October, bringing lower humidity, clearer skies and calmer seas. For

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sense of calm and the feeling that you’ve been somewhere very special indeed!

Attractions

Food & Drink To understand Bali properly, you need to taste it. The island’s food is rooted in ritual and community, shaped by spice, smoke and slow cooking, yet it can feel wonderfully re fined when served in the right setting.

Salads and vegetable dishes are just as important, including Lawar, a fragrant mix of vegetables, herbs and spices, and GadoGado, steamed vegetables topped with a rich peanut sauce.

A musttry is Babi Guling, Bali’s famous slowroasted suckling pig, served with crisp skin and richly seasoned meat, often along side rice and punchy sambals.

To drink, start the day with Balinese Coﬀee, dark, intense and unmistakably local, and if you’re curious after dinner, try Arak, the island’s traditional spirit, best enjoyed sparingly and well mixed.

Equally iconic is Bebek Betutu, duck rubbed with aromatic spices, wrapped and cooked for hours until meltingly tender. For something lighter but still full of flavour, order Nasi Campur, a composed plate of rice with a selection of small accompaniments, from vegetables and shredded meats to chilli heat and fragrant herbs. Seafood lovers should seek out Sate Lilit, minced fish or seafood skewers mixed with coconut, lime and spices, grilled until smoky and golden.

Bali’s attractions are wonderfully varied, moving from culture and craft to dramatic coastline and lush interior scenery. Ubud is the obvious starting point, a relaxed cultural hub where galleries, temples, markets and cafés sit among rice fields and jungle. Just outside town, the Sacred Monkey Forest oﬀers a memorable mix of nature and heritage, with ancient temple structures tucked beneath towering trees and macaques roaming freely. For Bali at its most photogenic, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces are hard to beat, especially early in the morning be fore the crowds arrive and the light turns the landscape into a wash of emerald greens. Those looking for something more spiritual can visit Tirta Empul, a holy spring temple where locals and visi tors take part in purification rituals in the cool water, a fascinating glimpse into everyday Balinese faith and tradition. On the coast, Tanah Lot Temple delivers pure theatre at sunset, a sea temple perched on black volcanic rock as waves crash below. Further south, Uluwatu Temple pairs cliﬀtop views with the chance to watch a traditional Kecak dance at dusk, an atmospheric experience even for those who don’t usually seek out performances. For a slower pace, Jimbaran Bay is ideal for relaxed beach time and easy evenings by the water. If you want a more active moment, a sunrise trek up Mount Batur rewards early risers with panoramic views, while inland escapes such as the Sidemen Valley reveal a quieter, more rural Bali with beautiful scenery and a calmer feel.

Opposite: Bebek Betutu is one of the best culinary from Bali, rich in taste and very spicy.

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Accommodation Como Uma Ubud Understated luxury A beautifully understated wellness focused retreat oﬀering calm, space and excellent service. Expect yoga, holistic treatments, and elegant rooms and suites. From £500 per night, www.comohotels.com/bali.

Alila Villas Uluwatu Modern architectural villas With private pools, a superb spa and a stylish atmosphere, with direct access to Bali’s best coastal scenery. From £650 per night. www.alilahotels.com/uluwat.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Ubud Ultra luxurious jungle retreat A serene jungle retreat above the Ayung River, known for exceptional service, beautiful private villas and a worldclass spa. Ideal for couples and anyone want ing culture, wellness and calm. From £900 per night, www.fourseasons.com/sayan.

Bulgari Resort Bali, Uluwatu Private report oﬀering ultra luxury A dramatic cliﬀtop resort with immacu late design, outstanding privacy and pan oramic Indian Ocean views. Perfect for a glamorous split stay with sunset dining. From £1,100 per night, www.bulgarihotels.com/bali.

Capella Ubud Ultra luxury rainforest camp Standout resort with tented suites that feel adventurous yet exceptionally indulgent. Expect impeccable service, and a real sense of escape in the jungle. From c£1,000 per night, www.capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud.

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TRAVEL

Travel Arrangements

Bali is straightforward to reach from the UK, with most travellers flying from London Heathrow, although Manchester and Birmingham are also popular departure points. There are occasional direct services in peak seasons, but most routes are one stop via hubs such as Singapore, Doha or Dubai. Guide prices in economy typically start from around £750 to £1,100 return from London, with regional airports often £850 to £1,250 depending on the connection and time of year. Business class fares vary widely but are generally from around £2,800 return, rising significantly in school holidays. You’ll land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), close to the southern resort areas.

Left/Above: Capella Ubud resort.

Transfers are best arranged in advance via your hotel or a reputable private driver. As a guide, allow around 30 to 45 minutes to Seminyak or Jimbaran (traﬃc dependent), around 60 to 90 minutes to Uluwatu, and roughly 90 minutes to two hours to Ubud. The main language is Bahasa Indonesia, with Balinese also spoken locally, but English is widely understood in hotels and tourist areas. The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Etiquette is relaxed but respectful: dress modestly when visiting temples, remove shoes where asked, and avoid touching anyone on the head. Loudness or public displays are frowned upon, and a polite, calm approach is always appreciated.

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MOTORS

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Words: Rob Davis.

Back in 2019, British motorists collected the keys to over 36,000 new convertible models. Last year, just over 12,000 were registered... we may well have fallen out of love with softtops, but the Mazda MX5, the UK’s bestselling droptop, is still a delight on a summer day!

Convertible cars are becoming an endangered species. In 2010 there were 60,000 such vehicles sold, but by 2019 that number had dropped to just 36,193 and last year, sales fell further with just 12,174 finding a home with British motorists. Oddly, Britain used to be the biggest market for convertibles in Europe, and the second biggest market for convertible vehicles after the US. You’d think claims of global warming would work in favour of convertible sales, but in fact, it seems that we’ve fallen out of love with windinthehair motoring. One car, however, is still fighting the good fight: Mazda’s MX5, the UK’s bestselling convertible.

MOTORS

Last year, Mercedes consolidated its C-Class and E-Class convertibles into a single model, the CLE. BMW’s 2-Series convertible, Z4 and 8-Series were axed, with only approved used models remaining on the company’s website. Peugeot’s hasn’t replaced the 207 convertible since launching its 208. There’s no longer an Audi TT roadster. Or an Audi A3 or A4 convertible. VW’s Golf Convertible? Ford’s Focus? Vauxhall’s Cascada? The odd but likeable Range Rover Evoque Convertible? All gone the way of the dodo, I’m afraid. There are still 45 convertible models on sale in the UK, although most are track-biased sports cars or high-end models, from Caterham’s 7 to Porsche’s 911, to Bentley’s Continental GT and Ferrari’s three ‘Spider’ models. Just 16 convertibles on sale in Britain cost less than £150,000, the average price of all British drop-tops on sale is £68,500, and only two models on sale in Britain cost under £30,000: the Mini Convertible and Mazda’s MX-5. That’s problematic, because having a convertible as a second car used to be a treat. But at such a high price, buyers are inevitably increasingly scarce.

Standard equipment is decent enough with a leather steering wheel and gear shift, heated seats, electric windows and mirrors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, remote locking, rear parking sensors and heated seats plus 16-inch alloy wheels.

Mazda MX5 PrimeLine 1.5

Step up to mid-tier Exclusive Line and you’ll get a Bose-branded stereo, leather seats and keyless entry. Top-spec Homura models upgrade those alloy wheels to 17-inch and provide Recaro seats. On balance we think the base model is better value. A 2.0-litre engine with 184PS on tap is available with the upper two trim levels, but the visceral driving experience of a convertible will always feel rapid, so we’d stick with the 1.5-litre.

Performance: Top speed: 127 mph, 0–60 mph: approx. 8.3 seconds.

Speaking of the driving experience, the MX-5 is here to remind you why summer days are a treat for motorists. The handling is fabulous, with a kerb weight of less than 1,000kg to the car, plus an agile chassis and a ride set up to ensure comfort rather than outright sports car performance as its aim.

Price: £28,585. Engine: 1.5litre, fourcylinder 132PS, with sixspeed gearbox, rearwheel drive.

Economy & Emissions: Combined fuel economy: approximately 45.6 mpg (WLTP) CO₂ emissions: approximately 140g/km Equipment: Electric windows, mirrors, manual roof, air conditioning, heated seats, 16inch alloy wheels. Apple CarPlay and Android auto with Bluetooth. Rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers.

The MX-5 is predictable, relaxed and fun, a nice way to turn a summer afternoon into a joyous drive that’ll put a smile on your face and remind you of what motoring is all about.

Of the Mini Convertible and Mazda’s MX-5, the latter sells in slightly higher volume, about 1,000 cars a year. It’s less customisable than a Mini, and remains a two-seater... although the Mini Convertible’s rear seats, whilst present, won’t be accommodating any basketball players. What’s more, if you want an automatic gearbox, or adaptive cruise control, or the electrical operation of your roof, or if you want to plug-in your drop-top and go electric, only a Mini will accommodate any of the above. The MX-5 does counter, though, by offering considerable value for money. It’s the cheaper of the two cars in base model form, albeit by only £500 or so. And in Prime-Line spec in its 1.5-litre 132PS form, Mazda asks just £28,585 for the MX-5.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES

HERITAGE SOCIAL Heritage Social, the hospitality group celebrated for its dedication to quality, community, and craft, has expanded once again with the opening of its fourth venue: Fletchers, which opened its doors in October in the heart of Grantham. Set within a beautifully restored Grade II listed building, Fletchers brings renewed purpose to a site rich in local history—once a wine merchant, later a pub, and home to various eateries over the decades. Its original charm has been carefully preserved while being thoughtfully reimagined for a dining experience that feels both modern and comfortingly nostalgic. Designed as a welcoming hub for locals and visitors alike, Fletchers offers high-quality, comforting food at an accessible price. The restaurant blends the timeless appeal of a traditional pub with contemporary style, featuring a relaxed interior, intimate courtyard garden, and an inviting fireplace that creates a cosy focal point during the cooler months. The menu centres on seasonal British produce, showcasing familiar favourites crafted with care, flavour, and provenance. Updated regularly to reflect the seasons, dishes highlight the best ingredients available throughout the year and are complemented by a curated drinks list featuring excellent wines, spirits, and an impressive selection of beers, including local brews. For Grantham, the opening of Fletchers represents a positive and timely addition to the town’s evolving hospitality scene. At a moment when many residents look elsewhere for memorable dining, Heritage Social aims to bring people back to the high street—championing community, quality, and warm hospitality. Chef Patron Ade Adeshina said: “We’re thrilled to bring Fletchers Public House to Grantham. With the investment happening across the town, this felt like the right time to contribute to its growth. We hope Fletchers becomes a place the community can be proud of.”

Fletchers Public House is located on Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LE www.heritagesocial.com. 152

RUTLAND & STAMFORD

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153

FLAT ROOFS? WE’VE GOT THEM COVERED

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Flixborough Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 8SH

For further information please contact 01724 850224

LOCAL BUSINESSES

CLASSIC FIREPLACES In an age of mass production, Classic Fireplaces Ltd stands as a testament to true craftsmanship. Established in 1989 by Terry Roberts and his sons, Simon and Tim and daughter Emma, the company has built an enviable reputation for designing and creating some of the region’s most distinctive bespoke fireplaces. From their base in Market Deeping, the family-run business has spent over three decades perfecting the art of fireplace design, seamlessly blending traditional masonry skills with contemporary living. Today, the company is led by brother and sister team Tim and Emma Roberts, who continue to uphold the founding principles of quality, precision and personal service. At the heart of the business lies its in-house manufacturing capability — a rarity in today’s marketplace. Skilled stonemasons handcraft each natural stone and marble

fireplace on site, allowing complete creative freedom in size, proportion and material selection. From elegant limestone surrounds to striking marble statement pieces, every commission is tailored precisely to the client’s vision and interior space. Complementing these handcrafted surrounds is an extensive choice of heating solutions, including wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, high-efficiency gas fires, electric fires and contemporary media walls — each carefully selected to combine performance with aesthetic excellence. Attention to detail extends beyond design. With their own dedicated Gas Safe and HETAS-registered installation engineers, every project is executed with meticulous care and technical expertise, ensuring both safety and flawless presentation. From the initial visit to the showroom through to the home survey, customers are supported at every stage.

The survey process is designed to help homeowners select the most suitable fireplace and appliance for their space, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and practical performance. The company attributes its enduring success to its ability to offer something increasingly rare: true bespoke manufacturing. By crafting fireplaces to any specification and offering an extensive range of natural stones and marbles, Classic Fireplaces Ltd delivers a level of individuality and refinement that homeowners value. More than 35 years after its founding, Classic Fireplaces Ltd remains a trusted name with a commitment to exceptional customer service — combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create the heart of the home.

Call 01778 347267 or see www.classicfireplaces.co.uk.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Sometimes the best ideas happen when you step away from the desk. The Lincolnshire Showground, we create experiences that help teams reconnect, recharge and rediscover their creativity. Our corporate away days are designed to break the routine and give your team something truly memorable. Set in the heart of Lincolnshire, the Lincolnshire Showground blends modern facilities with open green spaces, offering an inspiring environment for collaboration and fresh thinking. Whether you are planning a strategy session, a team-building retreat, or simply want to celebrate success, we have the flexibility to make it happen. From bright, spacious conference suites to

acres of outdoor space, every detail can be tailored to your goals.

parties like Calypso Carnival will keep the momentum going.

We work with trusted partners to deliver activities that bring people together and spark energy.

Our team takes care of everything from catering, AV support, breakout zones and activity coordination so you can focus on what matters most - your people. We also offer special rates for mid-week and off-peak bookings December-March, making it easier to plan an unforgettable experience without stretching your budget.

Quick icebreakers like Beat Box and Human Bingo set the tone, while indoor challenges such as CSI Experience and Master the Task encourage problemsolving in a fun way. Outdoors, you can take on Crystal Maze, Monopoly, or Squid Game, or try something completely different like falconry, archery or even have a go on a Segway. If you want to finish the day in style, we can provide a themed evening entertainment such as murder mystery dinners or vibrant

Call 01522 522900 or see lincolnshireshowground.co.uk. 156

The Lincolnshire Showground is more than a venue; it’s a place where ideas grow and teams thrive. If you’re ready to break out of the office and give your team a day they’ll talk about for months, call our friendly team on 01522 522900 to discuss your requirements or book a site visit.

SAN PIETRO, ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BOUTIQUE HOTEL

BROUGHTONS, LIGHTING & IRONMONGERY Broughtons of Leicester has become a beacon for those with a passion for period style and fine finishing. They curate a sumptuous collection of lighting — from lanterns to chandeliers — alongside door furniture, cabinet hardware and exquisite ironmongery, favouring designs that resonate with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Wherever your project lies — whether restoring a heritage home or dressing a sleek contemporary space with character — Broughtons delivers craftsmanship, choice and personal service. Their showroom is a treasure trove of tactile finishes and timeless details, designed for clients who demand more than the ordinary.

www.broughtons.com

San Pietro, in the heart of Scunthorpe, offers an authentic Sicilian dining experience paired with a luxurious boutique hotel. Helmed by chef-director Pietro Catalano, the restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine, with standout dishes like Lobster Ravioli, Roasted Halibut, and Vanilla Crème Brûlée. The elegant dining rooms and outdoor terrace provide a refined and intimate setting, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. San Pietro also offers 14 individually styled rooms and suites, ideal for a weekend getaway or a stay after a memorable dinner. The venue is a popular choice for weddings, private parties, and corporate events, with tailored packages and attentive service ensuring a flawless experience.

www.sanpietro.uk.com

DARKE AV, AUDIO VISUAL INSTALLATION & INTEGRATION For those seeking refined AV solutions in elegant domestic and commercial spaces, Darke AV delivers with precision and style. Whether you’re creating an immersive home cinema, a discreet multi room audio system, or a fully integrated business communications suite, their expertise lies in harmonising technology with luxury interiors. With meticulous attention to aesthetics, cabling is hidden, components are crafted into the architecture, and the user experience is seamless. Ideal for countryside homes, conversion barns or heritage settings, Darke AV ensures your space not only looks exceptional but functions flawlessly. Tailored, discreet and high end — for clients who expect nothing less.

www.darkeav.com

DEXTER & SHARPE, CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS Established in 1882, Dexter & Sharpe is a trusted firm of Chartered Certified Accountants with offices across Lincolnshire, including Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness, and Spilsby. With over 130 years of experience, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including audit and compliance, taxation, cloud accounting, business start-up support, and consultancy. Their team of 12 partners and associates brings individual specialisms to provide tailored services for clients across various sectors, such as agriculture, charities, construction, manufacturing, motor retail and repair, transport and logistics, and veterinary. Dexter & Sharpe is committed to delivering practical, jargon-free advice to help clients achieve their business objectives. www.dextersharpe.co.uk 157

Sales Executives required No weekends – No late nights No burnout culture – No pressure selling

£50,000 basic Uncapped commission (OTE £70,000) Up to 69 paid days off per year

We’re hiring

Sales Executives to join The Whitespace Group — the UK’s largest multi-media wedding network.

£50,000 basic Minimum 5 years Sales Experience

A Sales Career With Real Rewards At The Whitespace Group, we believe great salespeople should be rewarded properly — with strong earnings, genuine support, and a role that is sustainable long term. As the UK’s largest multi-media wedding network, we have spent more than two decades helping wedding businesses get seen, get enquiries and win more bookings through trusted brands including UKbride, Confetti, Confetti Magazine, UKgroom, We Still Do and Wedx App. Our role is simple: we deliver the audience, and our clients turn that visibility into bookings. The Role And What Makes It Different We are now looking for Sales Executives to join our growing team, speaking to wedding businesses across the UK in a consultative, phone-based sales role. You will introduce suppliers to our marketing platforms, explain how our network works, and help them choose the right level of exposure for their business.

69 days off per year When targets are hit. Clear targets. Clear rewards.

Earnings, Benefits And Time Back The role offers a basic salary of £50,000 (minimum five years experience in sales or telesales) with uncapped commission, bonuses and OTE of £70,000+ based on consistent performance against a monthly goal target of 24 sales. We reward quality and consistency, not pressure tactics, and the package is designed to support both performance and work-life balance, including no weekends or late evenings, a 3:30pm finish every Friday (subject to the team being on track), 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, including a two-week Christmas shutdown, modern air-conditioned offices with free

No weekend work

parking, team incentives and rewards, and clear progression opportunities.

Monday to Friday (9-5) - 3.30 Fridays

For the right people, hybrid or work-from-home options may be available. Self-employed/part time roles also available.

Available roles: Experience - Sales Executive - Circa £50,000. No Experience - Sales Representatives - Circa £30,000. Experienced - Credit Controller - Circa £30,000.

AN ME SC

More Info: www.wedhub.co.uk/advertise/suppliers MORE IN

Apply now - complete the form:

www.thewhitespacegroup.co.uk/apply

Almanac JAN

FEB

MAR

April Zodiac: Aries (21st March to 19th April) brings energy and initiative; Taurus (20th April to 20th May) oﬀers steadiness and quiet determination. Birthstone: Diamond, emblem of strength, clarity and enduring love. Notable Dates: 1st April: April Fool’s Day. 23rd April: St George’s Day. In the Garden: Tulips and narcissi are at their peak, camellias still flower, and it’s time to sow hardy annuals and early vegetables as soil begins to warm. Seasonal Table: Forced rhubarb, wild garlic, spring lamb and the first Jersey Royals appear; pair with elderflower cordial or a crisp English white. On the Farm: Lambing season continues, fields brighten with oilseed rape, and spring barley is sown across the county.

SOUND & VISION On the airwaves in history, for the month of April

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APR

MAY

Folklore: April in Britain is a month threaded with proverb, weather lore and gentle superstition. The familiar saying ‘April showers bring May flowers’ reflects an old rural faith that spring rain ensures summer abundance. Country wisdom also claims that a dry April foretells a poor harvest, while a wet one promises barns well filled.

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

IN OTHER WORDS

“Why, in 2026, are women still afraid of ageing and of living in our own selves? We are more than our appearance... we are artists, mothers, sisters, wives, nurses, teachers... the list goes on!”

April Fool’s Day on 1st April has been observed in England since at least the 18th century, traditionally ending at noon, after which the joker becomes the fool.

Sharon Stone, 67-yr old actress on societal attitudes towards ageing.

In Scotland, the mischief historically lasted two days, the second known as ‘Taily Day’, devoted to pranks involving pinned notes and practical jokes. St George’s Day on 23rd April celebrates England’s patron saint and the enduring legend of the dragon — a tale symbolising bravery, chivalry and the triumph of good over evil. Gardeners still speak of ‘blackthorn winter’, a sudden cold snap said to arrive when blackthorn blossom covers the hedgerows in white, reminding us that April’s beauty often comes with a final, fleeting chill.

WEATHER WATCH April sees daytime highs of around 12°C, overnight lows of 3–4°C, and typical rainfall of approximately 45mm across the month. By midApril, the sun rises at about 6am and sets close to 8.05pm (BST), giving just over 14 hours of daylight.

NOV

DEC

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BRITISH TAXATION It’s often said that nothing in life is certain but death and taxes, especially as the new tax year starts from 6th April. Medieval monarchs levied duties on land, trade and goods to fund wars and royal households, while the Poll Taxes of the 14th century helped spark the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381... it happened again in 1990 when Margaret Thatcher unwisely introduced her ‘Community Charge.’ By the 17th century, Parliament had asserted its authority over taxation, establishing a constitutional principle that endures today. Modern income tax was introduced in 1799 by William Pitt the Younger to finance the Napoleonic Wars. Though briefly repealed, it was reintroduced permanently in 1842. PAYE, allowing income tax to be deducted at source, began in 1944. National Insurance was created in 1911 and expanded significantly in 1948 with the foundation of the welfare state. VAT was introduced in 1973, replacing Purchase Tax.

IN THE CHARTS

ON YOUR TV

AT THE CINEMA

In April 1973, Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree by Dawn topped the UK Singles Chart. In April 1984, Lionel Richie’s Hello reached number one. In April 1998, and in April 2006 Gnarls Barkley began its long reign with Crazy.

In April 1955, Dixon of Dock Green debuted on the BBC. In April 1964, Top of the Pops was first broadcast from Manchester. In April 1981, the thriller series Bergerac premiered, and in April 2011 Game of Thrones made its debut on Sky Atlantic.

In April 1963, From Russia with Love premiered in London’s West End. In April 1983, Gandhi continued its strong run in British cinemas. In April 1997, The Full Monty opened in the UK, and in 2019 Avengers Endgame broke all box oﬃce records.

TRIVIA, FOLKLORE AND HISTORY FIND JOY IN THE ART OF LIVING WELL IN APRIL WHAT’S COMING UP

HATCHED, MATCHED & DISPATCHED Hatched: William Shakespeare was baptised in April 1564, while Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21st April 1926, a spring arrival who would define a century. Matched: On 29th April 2011, Westminster Abbey hosted the marriage of Catherine Middleton and Prince William, a modern royal fairytale watched worldwide. Dispatched: April also marks the deaths of novelist Charlotte Brontë (1855), Sir Charlie Chaplin (1977) and pop icon Dusty Springfield in 1999.

AS SURE AS EGGS IS EGGS For an indulgent Easter, Harrods oﬀers its Luxury Filled Chocolate Easter Egg at around £95, with pistachio, hazelnut and salted caramel in a generously thick shell. Fortnum and Mason’s own Decorated Easter Egg Trio at £60 features handcrafted detail and elegantly moulded milk, dark & white chocolate. Meanwhile, Hotel Chocolat’s showstopping Classic Ostrich Easter Egg, priced at about £90, is packed with pralines, caramels and truﬄes, crafted from high cocoa chocolate, beautifully boxed for gifting.

THE GRAND NATIONAL

The first London Marathon took place in 1981, inspired by the New York Marathon and founded by former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley. Fewer than 7,000 runners started that inaugural race.

ON THIS DAY APRIL IN HISTORY 21st April 1509 Henry VIII became King of England, beginning one of the most dramatic reigns in British history.

29th April 1707 The Act of Union between England & Scotland took eﬀect, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.

15th April 1912 The RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg, claiming more than 1,500 lives and prompting major reforms in maritime safety.

11th April 1953 The discovery of DNA’s double helix structure was published by Watson and Crick in Cambridge, revolutionising modern science.

12th April 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space, orbiting Earth aboard Vostok 1 and opening a new era of exploration.

1st April 1979 The United Kingdom’s first mobile phone call was made, heralding a communications revolution... it was probably answered in a restaurant or in the theatre.

17th April 2013 Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s funeral took place at St Paul’s Cathedral.

THE LONDON MARATHON

First run in 1839 at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, the Grand National remains Britain’s most famous steeplechase. The race is contested over four miles and two and a half furlongs, with 30 fences to be jumped across two circuits. Becher’s Brook, The Chair and Canal Turn are among the most recognisable obstacles in British sport. The race is run at 4pm on Grand National Saturday and is the centrepiece of a three day festival that contributes an estimated tens of millions of pounds to the regional economy each year. Up to 40 runners line up, having qualified through strict rating and safety criteria. The race attracts around 150,000 spectators across the three day meeting, with millions more watching on television in the UK and abroad. Prize money in recent years has stood at £1 million, with the winner receiving a substantial six figure sum. Notable winners include Red Rum, who triumphed three times in the 1970s, and Tiger Roll, with consecutive victories in 2018 and 2019. Nick Rockett, a 331 shot ridden by Patrick Mullins, won the race in 2025.

Today, more than 40,000 participants take part, with hundreds of thousands lining the 26.2 mile route from Greenwich to The Mall. The event has produced world records and Olympic champions, but it is equally known for its breadth of entrants, from costumed fundraisers to serving members of the armed forces running in full kit. It has become a defining fixture of the British sporting spring.

HAPPY 108th BIRTHDAY TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE The Royal Air Force was founded on 1st April 1918, becoming the world’s first independent air force by merging the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. At its creation it numbered more than 290,000 personnel and some 20,000 aircraft. Today the Royal Air Force employs around 33,000 regular personnel, supported by several thousand reservists and civilian staﬀ across 30 active stations and bases, including RAF Waddington, RAF Coningsby, and RAF Wittering in our area.

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MOMENTS THAT MATTER - FIVE MINUTE FICTION

THE LAST FROST A small gift from next door reminds Eleanor that spring isn’t just a season — it’s a quiet return to hope

he first sign that spring had truly arrived wasn’t the daffodils, or even the sudden bravery of the sunlight. It was the sound of a greenhouse door being opened. Eleanor heard it from her kitchen sink, hands in warm washing-up water, watching a thin April breeze worry at the washing line. It was a small noise — a hinge, a click, the faintest shuffle of footsteps on gravel — but it made her pause as if someone had called her name. Next door, Mr Hargreaves was back. He hadn’t been in the garden all winter. Not properly. The greenhouse had sat with its panes clouded over and its little roof vent shut tight, the whole thing looking like a forgotten promise. Eleanor had kept an eye on it in the way neighbours do, quietly, without admitting it to themselves. “Morning!” she called over the fence. There was a pause, then a head appeared above the fence line. A woolly hat. A familiar face, older than last year, but still with the same kind eyes. “Morning, Eleanor,” Mr Hargreaves said. His voice was a little rough, as if it hadn’t been used much. “I thought I heard you out there,” she said. “How are you?” He gave a small shrug, the sort that meant fine enough. “Better today. Thought I’d see if anything survived.”

“Thank you,” she said. “But why are you giving it away?” Mr Hargreaves looked down at the path, then up again. “Because,” he said quietly, “I’ve got too many. And because I remembered… she liked sweet peas.” Eleanor knew who she was. Everyone did, in the gentle, unspoken way of villages and small towns — the way news travels without ever being announced. His wife, Margaret, had died last autumn. It had been sudden. One week she was walking to the shop with her trolley; the next, the house next door was dark at six o’clock and the curtains stayed drawn. Eleanor felt her throat tighten, but she didn’t let it show. She just nodded. “I’ll put it somewhere sunny,” she said. “I’ll look after it.” Mr Hargreaves’s shoulders relaxed slightly, as if he’d been carrying something heavier than a seedling. “There’s one more thing,” he said. “Oh?” He held out a folded scrap of paper. “Planting instructions,” he said, then added, almost apologetically, “I thought it might help.” Eleanor unfolded it. Margaret’s handwriting — neat, slanted, the sort that belonged on recipe cards and Christmas labels. Pinch out the tips when it’s brave enough. Talk to it kindly. Protect it from the last frost.

Eleanor glanced towards the greenhouse. “Anything ever survive in there?!? You’ve got magic hands.” That earned her a smile.

Eleanor smiled. “She wrote this?”

“Not magic,” he said. “Just stubborn.” He disappeared again, and Eleanor went back to her own garden, though she didn’t do much. She pulled at a few weeds, straightened a pot, moved a chair into a patch of sun. Every so often she looked up, listening.

Eleanor looked up at him. “Would you like a cup of tea?” she asked. “I’ve just made a pot.” He hesitated, then nodded.

There were sounds from next door: the soft scrape of a trowel, the clink of terracotta, the occasional muttered word. The kind of sounds that meant a person was still part of the world. By late afternoon, the sky had turned the bright, rinsed blue that only April seems capable of. Eleanor was making tea when she heard a knock at the back door. Mr Hargreaves stood there holding a small plant pot like it was something precious. A seedling, no taller than Eleanor’s hand, with two determined leaves. “I wondered,” he said, and cleared his throat. “If you might… have this.” Eleanor blinked. “Oh. That’s lovely. What is it?” “Sweet pea,” he said. “A good one. Old variety. Smells like proper summer.” Eleanor accepted the pot carefully, as if it might shatter. The leaves were impossibly green.

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He nodded. “She wrote everything,” he said. “Couldn’t help herself.”

“Alright,” he said. “That’d be nice.” They sat at Eleanor’s kitchen table with the back door open, letting the April air drift in. They didn’t talk about grief, or hospitals, or the terrible quiet of winter evenings. They talked about small things: the price of compost, the stubbornness of slugs, the way the light seemed different this week. Later, as he stood to leave, Mr Hargreaves paused by the windowsill where Eleanor had placed the sweet pea. “It’ll do well,” he said, more like a hope than a statement. “It will,” Eleanor replied. “And when it flowers, I’ll cut you a bunch.” He smiled again. “Margaret would’ve liked that.”

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