Julian Wilkinson, CEO & Publisher, Pride Magazines
WELCOME TO PRIDE
There’s a bit of a theme to this month’s magazine; ‘going on a journey.’ A more literal example is the story of Paula and Martin Brunt, the Oakham couple who have just returned from a 2,400 mile fundraising adventure, travelling down the West Coast of America from Vancouver to the border of the US and Mexico.
In any other month, that would quite easily qualify as the longest journey in a given edition of Pride, but in this magazine we’ll also profile the rather longer trip that the four astronauts on board Artemis II are due to take as we go to press.
The return to lunar orbit coincides with the 25th birthday of Leicester’s National Space Centre, whose space expert, Dhara Patel, will be telling
us why she believes the local attraction really is out of this world, and why space travel is crucial to for future generations.
Speaking of stars, Jason Donovan is certainly one hearthrob who’s ageing like fine wine, and this month you can meet him in person as he reaches our part of the world as part of his Doin’ Fine Encore UK tour. We enjoyed a chat with Jason to discover why everybody (still) needs good neighbours.
Also this month we’re introducing Mark Lane, our new gardening writer, who will be offering all the advice needed to ensure our gardens spring into bloom again. We’ve spring dining, too, courtesy of The Lake Isle, in Uppingham, offering two AA-rosette dining.
Our very best wishes for a wonderful month!
MARCH 2026
LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
FOOD & DRINK
20 DINING OUT Celebrating 25 years of excellence as Uppingham’s Richard & Janine Burton toast The Lake Isle’s success.
26LOCAL RESTAURANT LISTINGS
TO TRAVEL Few adventures can compare to the epic 2,400 mile trip from which Rutland couple Paula and Martin Brunt have recently returned.
41 THE GUIDE Live events during March from Turner & Constable in Stamford to Jason Donovan’s live appearances.
56 SPACE CENTRE As Artemis II blasts off, Leicester’s Space Centre launches into its 25th anniversary year.
Rutland & Stamford’s comprehensive guide to the best local restaurants, cafés, bistros food and drink producers.
30 RECIPE A brand new recipe book by Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain promising Quick Comforts. This month we’ve a brace of delicious teatime treats!
33WINE March recommendations.
90118
& GARDENS
PORTFOLIO
118 PROFILE Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder of luxury clothing and lifestyle brand Fairfax & Favor.
122FASHION Rose tinted style for spring.
130MOTORS Omoda’s large SUV.
138TRAVEL The beaches of Barbados.
144 BUSINESS Building new communities.
154 MISSION POSSIBLE Saving lives and providing emergency care in the air with the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
LUXURY HOMES Executive and rural homes across Rutland &
160ALMANAC Trivia and fiction.
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Local News
Stamford seeks Poet Laureate for 2026
Time for budding writers to get creative! Stamford’s annual task of appointing its Poet Laureate begins next month with the annual position providing words of wisdom, celebration or commemoration for a number of civic occasions.
First held in 2012, the role is currently held by Ross Ayres, who will be part of the panel choosing the next Laureate.
From 1st April, interested parties can submit a sample poem no longer than four minutes in duration, to Karen Burrows at South Kesteven District council.
Poets will also need to submit a short plan of what they intend to do in the role throughout the year, with finalists called to perform live at the Verse Festival on Wednesday 29th April, which will also see John Hegley, Roger McGough, and Luke Wright perform their work live at Stamford Arts Centre.
For more information see stamfordartscentre.com. or email your poetry to karen.burrows@ southkesteven.gov.uk.
Celebrating Stamford Library’s 120th Anniversary
Stamford Library last month celebrated its 120th birthday.
The site was originally home to the White Lion Inn before becoming a bustling butchery market in the early 19th century.
Between 1804 and 1808, the distinctive Portico was built to house more than 50 butchery stalls, alongside a fish and butter market, as well as facilities for the town’s fire engine and a watchhouse that later became a police station. In 1903, plans were put forward to transform the Portico into a free public lending library, made possible by a grant from Scottish-born businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
His donation, which eventually totalled £2,500, helped to convert the historic market building into a library, on the condition that the Borough Council committed to maintaining it for future generations.
The library officially opened on 25 January 1906, following a grand civic procession through the town.
Gates presents charity trio with £3,000
Fundraising initiative by Gates Garden Centres has delivered vital financial support to three life-changing charities
GatesGarden Centres has celebrated the success of its Christmas Charity Jingle Bells campaign, with cheques presented to three outstanding charities supporting emergency medicine, spinal injury research and life-changing rehabilitation.
On 22nd January, Nigel Gates formally presented donations raised throughout the festive season at Gates Garden Centres in Oakham and Hinckley, where customers generously purchased Charity Jingle Bells in support of local causes.
The initiative proved a huge success, with funds helping to sustain vital services that make a real dif-
ference to lives across the region. The charities benefiting from the campaign include EMICS – East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme, a team of volunteer doctors and specialist paramedics who work alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene of life-threatening incidents. Their rapid intervention provides critical care when it is needed most.
Also supported was The Matt Hampson Foundation, which helps young people who have sustained serious sporting injuries to rebuild their lives. Through all of its physiotherapy, mentoring, personal training and
advice, the foundation supports individuals and families adjusting to life-changing injuries.
The third beneficiary was The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation, represented by campaigner and fundraiser Claire Lomas MBE.
The foundation is dedicated to funding pioneering research into curing spinal cord injury, with Claire’s tireless fundraising con-
tinuing to raise awareness and vital investment in this important work.
Gates Garden Centres would like to thank every customer who contributed to the Charity Jingle Bells initiative, helping to ensure these remarkable organisations can continue their invaluable work within our communities.
www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk
New Station Commander
Joan joined the Royal Air Force in 2003 and is an experienced People Operations Officer
Wing Commander Joan Ochuodho has assumed the role of Station Commander at RAF Wittering, taking over from Wing Commander Nikki Duncan. Under the leadership of Wing Commander Duncan, RAF Wittering has experienced an extraordinary period of progress marked by major infrastructure
improvements across the Station and many strengthened community partnerships.
Wing Commander Duncan said: “My time at RAF Wittering has been nothing short of amazing. It has always been about the people — our talented, committed personnel and the incredible support from the community!”
Send your local news stories or press releases to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
The sun rises in Peterborough Cathedral
If you’ve missed the sun during the colder months, sculptor Luke Jerram has a new exhibit to warm your heart. The artist is famous for his large-scale replica planets, and has already presented Museum of the Moon and Gaia (Earth) at Peterborough Cathedral... now it’s the sun’s turn to be in the spotlight. Helios has been co-commissioned by the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old
Royal Naval College and University College London, marking a major collaborative investment in accessible, science-inspired public art. Using 72dpi imagery based on high-resolution photographs from astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green (2018–2024) and observations from NASA, Helios reproduces the Sun at a scale of approximately 1:200 million, with every centimetre on the sculpture representing 2,000km of the Sun’s surface. This remarkable accuracy allows audiences to safely explore features such as sunspots, spicules, filaments, and even the solar flare source regions linked to the dramatic Northern Lights visible across the UK in May 2024.
Helios is at Peterborough Cathedral now: 01733 355315 or see peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
CELEBRATING BURNS NIGHT
What better way to celebrate the end of mock exams than with neeps and tatties, and an address to the haggis? Nothing has gang aft agley for the Year 13 students of Oakham School following their Burns Night supper last month!
Images: Ady Kerry, 07973 286863, www.adykerry.com.
Year 13 students at Oakham School celebrated the end of their mock exams in true Scottish style with a vibrant Burns Night celebration. The evening brought all the tradition and ceremony of a classic Burns Supper. A piper led the procession as the haggis was carried into the School’s main dining hall, before Robert Burns’s famous ‘Address to a Haggis’ to enthusiastic applause. Students then enjoyed a lively ceilidh, complete with a live band and plenty of energetic Scottish dancing, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere to mark the end of a demanding exam period. The celebration offered a perfect blend of culture, camaraderie and well-earned fun.
A really enjoyable evening for Oakham Rugby Club as over 150 guests attended a Burns Night Supper to raise funds for its Junior and Minis tour which takes place in May
Images:Rob Davis.
The best laid plans of Oakham RFC went very well indeed last month as 150 guests attended a Burns Night Supper which was held in order to raise money for the club’s Junior & Minis tour which takes place in May. The teams will be travelling to Kent this summer to take part in team building activities followed by a rugby tournament. Organisers would like to say a huge thanks to a number of very generous sponsors and to whose who attended, enjoying dinner, a toast to the haggis and the event’s silent auction and raffle. See www.oakhamrfc.com
THE LAKE ISLE CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT
This month we’re celebrating 25 years of consistency, exceptional dishes and the warmest welcome every single time. Richard and Janine Burton welcome us to The Lake Isle in Uppingham
Words: Rob Davis.
There’s certainly cause for celebration at The Lake Isle right now. The Uppingham restaurant with rooms is marking 25 years under the tenure of Richard and Janine Burton. And the couple themselves are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, as well.
“We’re both from Leicestershire and we would visit The Lake Isle when it was owned by its previous owners, David and Claire Whitfield, we came to know them very well and we really enjoyed their style of food.”
“When they retired, we were delighted to take over the business. We had just got married and returned from our honeymoon to pack up the house and open the business in January that year.”
Richard enjoys working front of house. Janine is happiest in the kitchen, where Head Chef Stuart Mead has also worked for 27 years.
At the front of house is Ricky Burt who is another longtermer, beloved by The Lake Isle’s regular diners, who are also getting to know Richard and Janine’s sons, Christian and Kieran as they contribute to the success of the business.
The Lake Isle’s namesake is the 1888 poem by W B Yeats, who remembers his happy place as a child, an uninhabited island in Ireland’s County Leitrim province. The poem references somewhere that Yeats remembered he would ‘have some peace.’
The restaurant is also held in great affection by its regular visitors who recognise not just the talent but the consistency that the team invest in ensuring The Lake Isle is one of the most beautifully presented restaurants in or around the town of Uppingham, offering neat-looking and fundamentally delicious dishes.
Dating back to the 17th century and commanding a Grade II listing, there’s a main restaurant for 35 diners on the ground floor, a bar and reception area beyond that, and over the next couple of floors there are 10 bedrooms that are contemporary in their style and are refreshed as part of a rolling programme of refurbishment.
The latest ones are impeccably appointed and have been created by consolidating a couple of rooms to create larger suites. Janine is in charge of interior design and she has done a stunning job; it’s all very pretty and tasteful.>>
Opposite: Assiette of pork, sage and onion rösti and apple ketchup. Above: North Sea cod, leeks, wild mushrooms and truffle. Beetrootcured salmon with horseradish ice cream.
Treacle cured Haunch of Venison, cavolo nero, pan haggerty potatoes, black pudding, sweet and sour blackberries, £32.
Duo of Scottish Beef, fillet and 8hour braised blade, peppercorn and stilton rarebit glazed field mushroom, charred greens, duck fat fondant potatoes, £41.50.
Burnt honey crème caramel with rhubarb sorbet and ginger snaps, £12.50.
Selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets, £10.
Platter of cheeses, crackers and chutney, £15.
NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.
>> Also on the first floor are three private dining areas, created last year, and seating six, eight and in the case of the front room overlooking High Street East, up to 14 diners.
The Lake Isle is open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunchtime service from noon until 2pm, and then again for evening service from 6.30pm to around 9pm.
There’s a lovely mix of customers from regular diners, and couples enjoying dinner for two, to families who request the first floor snug so the kids can sit and play at the table without disturbing other diners.
During our visit in January, their ‘Dining for Less’ promotion was in full swing; 3 courses for £29, available at both lunchtimes and evenings... fantastic value after the expense of Christmas!
From the end of February, normal service will resume which means a monthly changing set lunchtime menu offering a choice of two starters, two main courses and two desserts
for £26 for two course or three courses for £29.50. An à la carte menu is also available, served during both lunchtime and evening service, usually with six options per course.
The place has two AA rosettes, recognising the quality of its food, as well as an AA Breakfast Award and as of last year, a five star AA rating for the quality of its accommodation. In addition, The Lake Isle features in Hardens, The Good Food and The Good Hotel Guides.
Menus evolve gradually throughout the season and whilst there are a number of local suppliers, Janine says The Lake Isle is not afraid to look a little further for suppliers when quality and consistency necessitate.
Over the past year or two Richard has also discovered the joy of the kitchen garden, and now grows his own herbs, and leafy crops like kale, spinach and his own beetroot as well as soft fruit like raspberries and strawberries in the summer months.
The team also bakes their own bread fresh each day, and they make their own pickles and preserves, and their own ice creams and sorbets in house too, as well as producing their own petit fours (Northamptonshire rum truffles and coffee and walnut fudge at the moment), serving them with coffee as diners conclude their meal.
Richard enjoys offering his diners really good wine and has curated an impressive cellar, with over 160 bins and prices from under £30 for some thoughtfully chosen examples sourced from at least three regular suppliers.
If you enjoy concluding your meal with cheese, this will also be a joy. Carron Lodge farm supplies English artisan cheese including the producer’s own Inglewhite Buffalo which recently took Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards.
“We’re really lucky to have a great team and really lovely customers and suppliers,” says Janine. We disagree. It’s not luck but in fact a case of retaining the team members and diners who recognise the hard work and high standards that the whole family invests in the business.
Both Richard and Janine are instantly likable, and The Lake Isle has a lovely warm feel that evokes the sense that the place will go above and beyond to ensure that diners have a great experience.
The Lake Isle is hospitality done properly. It’s all attentive without being overbearing, polished without being pretentious, and just down-to-earth, friendly and welcoming.
It’s easy to see why the business enjoys a reputation as one of the most established and respected restaurants in Rutland. We’re very happy indeed to this month recommend The Lake Isle as a happy place designed to remind you just how enjoyable dining out can be.
THE LAKE ISLE Uppingham
The Pitch: “The Lake Isle offers you a contemporary, intimate setting and friendly, attentive service. It’s the perfect place to switch off from everyday life and enjoy some wellearned downtime.”
Opening Hours:
Lunchtime service from 12 noon to 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Evening service from 6.30pm to 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
The Lake Isle High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PZ. Call 01572 822 951 or see www.lakeisle.co.uk.
Opposite: East Anglian duck with celeriac, blackberry, hazelnut crumble. Above: Chocolate and Adnams ale cake with malt ice cream. Lemon posset.
THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE
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
HAMBLETON HALL
OUR GOOD FOOD AWARDS WINNERS
Each year we ask our readers to vote for their favourite restaurants, coffee shops and food producers, revealing 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
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
Cosy Mediterranean restaurant serving fresh a variety of modern European 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 17th century coaching inn situated in the centre of Oakham previously known as the WhipperIn. Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT. Call 01572 756971 thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk.
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
A multi award winning restaurant in the heart of Oakham. Hitchen's Barn serves Modern British & locally sourced food. Featured in The Good Food Guide book of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2023, 2024 & 2025. Holders of two AArosettes 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 MARQUESS OF EXETER, LYDDINGTON
A standout pub in Lyddington offering a menu that blends classic pub fare with modern Indian cuisine, all in a cosy, welcoming setting. Main Street, Lyddington, LE15 9LT. Call 01572 822477 or see marquessofexeter.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.
BRANCH
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2025 THE OLIVE
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 or theolivebranchpub.com.
PATEN & CO
Located in a historic 18thcentury 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 16th century 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 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.
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 longstanding chef Richard Page providing great value freshlyprepared 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 13th century 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.
The Slanted Door, Stamford.
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.
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. With a passion for great food and service, Lamberts is a fresh food business and works with the seasons to offer a changing fresh menu. 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.
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.
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.
FOOD & DRINK PRODUCERS
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.
FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2025
HAMBLETON BAKERY
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.
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.
2 medium green apples, peeled and diced into 1cm cubes
50g caster sugar
For the Butter Topping:
60g unsalted butter, melted 60g caster sugar, a pinch of salt, icing sugar, to dust
To Serve: Clotted cream
n This is one of the first cakes I ever made. I don’t remember where I saw the recipe, an old cookery book perhaps, or a magazine cutting, but I’ve wanted to recreate it for years and so I finally did. I love the apples in this cake, and the buttery, sugary crust that sits on top at the end. Totally moreish.
n Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Grease the base and sides of a 23cm cake tin and line with baking paper.
n Put the soft butter into a mixing bowl with the caster sugar, eggs, flour and nutmeg. Mix everything on a high speed for 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
n Pour the mixture into the tin and level off the top. Sprinkle on the apple cubes, sprinkle over the sugar, and bake for 25 minutes.
n To make the butter topping, put the melted unsalted butter and caster sugar into a bowl with the salt, and mix really well.
n After the cake has had 25 minutes in the oven, take it out, drizzle over the buttersugar mixture and bake for a further 10–15 minutes.
n Leave to cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then remove and leave to cool on a rack. Dust with icing sugar and serve with clotted cream.
CROISSANT BERRY PUDDING SLICES
ON SALE NOW
Nadiya’s Quick Comforts is published by Penguin Michael Joseph on 12th February 2026, £28 Hardback,
SERVES 8
PREPARATION TIME: 8 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 45 MINUTES
4 large croissants
3 medium eggs
300ml double cream
100ml whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp caster sugar
100g fresh raspberries
50g white chocolate, chopped icing sugar, to dust
To Serve: Clotted cream
n This is like a breadandbutter pudding but – simply put –better. It’s made with an easy vanilla custard, which is baked around chunks of buttery croissant, laced with raspberries and white chocolate. It’s comforting, warm and really hits the spot.
n Preheat the oven to 160°C fan. Grease the inside of a 23cm cake tin. Take a sheet of baking paper, large enough to cover the base and sides of the tin, scrunch it into a ball, then unscrunch the paper, flatten it out, and fit it into the tin. Grease the inside of the paper.
n Rip the croissants into small shreds and put them into the tin.
n Put the eggs into a bowl and whisk until broken up. Add the double cream, whole milk, vanilla and caster sugar, and mix until really well combined.
n Get a sieve, and strain the custard mix through the sieve, straight on to the croissants.
n Put the fresh raspberries on top, sprinkle over the white chocolate, and bake for 35 minutes.
n Remove from the oven and leave to cool, then chill in the fridge. Dust with icing sugar and serve cut into wedges, with clotted cream.
CRISP SPIRIT FOR BRIGHT EVENINGS
Sipsmith London Dry Gin, £25, 70cl, 41.6% ABV www.sipsmith.com
A refined Londondry classic: juniperforward but balanced with citrus and spice. It’s wonderfully versatile, giving you a clean, confident G&T, yet elegant enough for Martinis. Perfect as evenings lighten in March and you’re ready for something crisp, bright and beautifully made.
Wine & Spirits
A refined selection of spirits, wines and alcoholfree serves for spring dining, longer evenings and smart entertaining, plus a catchup with Zoe and Tim Beaver over at The Rutland Vineyard in Ketton
Three Wines to Suit Early Spring Meals
Heard it through the
Our monthly digest from Ketton’s Rutland Vineyard with Zoe & Tim Beaver
Please excuse the complete indulgence but as we enter the fifth year of the vineyard it gives us a chance to look at how far this silly idea of planting vines has gone. Back in 2021 we took the risk and planted 13,100 vines in the pure hope that one day it may result in something passable. We could never have imagined how all this would come together with the added bonus of the hottest ever summers and weather patterns in 2022, 2023 and 2025!
Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso has red fruit and a peppery finish, pairs beautifully with slowroast lamb or game, £15.50, 75cl, 14 % ABV.
South African Chenin Blanc crisp acidity and orchard fruit lovely with fresh fish or creamy vegetarian dishes, £14.95, 75cl, 13% ABV.
Cala Provençal Rosé is a delicate strawberry and citrus notes, perfect for light starters or daytime sipping, £13.50, 75cl, 13% ABV.
This spring will see the launch of our first ever still rose, which will mean all the still wine now comes from our vines, which will be a proud moment for us! This winter we have also launched our first ever Rutland Vineyard traditional sparkles made in the champagne method, and already picked up several Silver national wine awards. We have also been lucky enough to partner with The Rutland Chef, The Stamford Coffee Company, Mee Blueberries and Rennet and Rind. However, all this would be nothing with our guests. The warmth, support and positivity has meant it’s a fun place to work away as well as visit. Thank you for helping us and hopefully see you in the tasting barn in 2026!
Visit The Rutland Vineyard’s tasting barn, Ketton, from Wed-Sat, www.therutlandvineyard.com.
Better to TRAVEL
According to the old saying, it’s better to travel than to arrive. In fact, sometimes the journey – rather than the destination – is the whole point. This month we meet Paula and Martin Brunt who have recently returned from an epic adventure, cycling down the west coast of America to raise money for their chosen charity, Motor Neurone Disease Association
Words: Rob Davis.
For some people, when retirement beckons it means more time with children and grandchildren, time pursuing hobbies, giving the garden some attention, or socialising... perhaps having the chance to travel, too. For very few people does it involve something as ambitious as an epic cycle ride down the west coast of America; a journey of over 2,400 miles.
However, Paula and Martin Brunt are a bit more adventurous than most, and just before Christmas, the couple returned from a oncein-a-lifetime trip to raise money for charity.
The couple are now based in Oakham, but neither of them originally comes from Rutland. Martin grew up just outside Manchester before going to university and then travelling, eventually landing what he calls his first ‘proper job’ in Milton Keynes, working for a defence company.
Paula grew up in the Republic of Ireland and was also working in Milton Keynes, employed by Unilever in the food industry.
It was there that the couple met, through the Milton Keynes Mountaineering Club, which says a great deal about the sort of people they were even then. As Martin puts it, “we were always pretty active,” with cycling, hill walking and trekking forming a big part of their lives long before any major adventures were planned.
Paula moved to the area in the mid-1990s after getting a job in Spalding, initially living on the Stamford side of Rutland, with Martin joining her a couple of years later.
They lived in Ryhall for around fifteen years before moving to Oakham when their boys reached secondary school age, a decision made largely to avoid a long school run.
Both sons, Greg and Ollie, have grown up surrounded by this culture of activity and independence, something that would later play a surprisingly important role in Paula and Martin’s own journey.
Earlier this year, in February, Paula and Martin took the decision to retire early. “We said we’d had enough of the corporate world,” Paula explains. “We decided we wanted to travel quite a bit and do other things with our lives.”
Almost immediately, that intention turned into action. They had a VW camper van converted for them, which they bought in January, retired in February, and by early March were already on the road.
They spent three months touring Europe in the van, returning to the UK in early July. After only five or six weeks at home, they left again, this time for something altogether more ambitious.
The idea of cycling in America had been on their bucket list for years. “We’d always said
we’d cycle across America,” Paula says, but the idea crystallised two years ago when Greg bought her a guidebook on cycling the west coast of the United States.
Greg, then just 21, had already completed a year-long solo cycle around the world in 2023, leaving home on his bike and returning 366 days later, having covered nearly 29,000 kilometres. “Our little trip pales into insignificance compared to that!” Martin says.
Seeing what their son had achieved undoubtedly removed some of the mental barriers. As Paula reflects, “He did it on his own, across dozens of countries, different languages, currencies and borders.”
“We were only going to be in one country where everyone spoke English.” The final push to turn a long-held idea into a real plan came with the diagnosis of a close friend.
Roddy Grant, a friend from their Milton Keynes days and a keen cyclist himself, was diagnosed in February with motor neurone disease, specifically flail arm syndrome.
By July he had already lost much of the use of his hands and could no longer cycle. “That was when we said, let’s do this for Roddy,” Paula explains. “He can’t do it anymore, so we will.” >>
Timing was important. They wanted to start in the north in late summer and head south with the seasons, taking advantage of warmer weather and prevailing winds...
>> They began planning the trip seriously during 2024, even booking flights while they were still travelling around Europe in their camper van.
Timing was important. They wanted to start in the north in late summer and head south with the seasons, taking advantage of warmer weather and prevailing winds.
On 21st August, they flew from Gatwick to Vancouver, taking their own touring bikes with them, packed into large cardboard bike boxes. A relative of a neighbour kindly collected them from the airport with a trailer, allowing them to assemble the bikes at leisure rather than on the airport concourse.
From the outset, this was a fully selfsupported ride. There were no electric bikes and no support vehicle. Everything was carried on the bikes themselves: tent, sleeping bags, mats, camping stove, fuel, food and clothes.
“We had one pair of shoes each,” Martin says, “and flip-flops.” Paula adds, “You can bring what you like, but you have to carry it, so you travel light!”
They planned only two or three days ahead at any time, keeping their itinerary deliberately flexible in case of bad weather, fatigue or mechanical issues, though in the end they suffered no punctures, no breakdowns and no injuries across the entire 2,400-mile route.
After flying into Vancouver, they took a ferry across to Vancouver Island and began cycling south. Their initial daily distances were around 50 to 60 miles, with their longest day coming in at about 65 miles with significant climbing.
As the first few weeks passed and they realised they were ahead of schedule, the couple deliberately slowed down, reducing daily distances to 35 or 40 miles to allow more time for sightseeing... and rest.
“We realised we had lots of spare time,” Martin explains. “So we wound it down and just enjoyed it more.”
Accommodation was a mixture of camping and something they had not encountered before planning the trip, the website www.warmshowers.org.
Warm Showers is a global network where cyclists host other cyclists, offering at minimum a shower and a place to sleep.
“It’s like sofa surfing, but you have to turn up on a bike,” Paula explains. Over the course of 83 nights away, they camped around 35 times, stayed with Warm Showers hosts on roughly 45 nights, and used hotels just three times.
State park campgrounds proved especially welcoming, with designated hiker-biker areas where cyclists could always be accommodated without advance booking for a modest fee. The Warm Showers experience became one of the defining features of the journey. Hosts were often cyclists themselves and instinctively understood what was needed on arrival.
“First thing you do, you get a shower, you get changed, you get fed, you get a couple of drinks, and you do your laundry,” Martin says. Paula adds that hosts were generous not because they were supporting a charity ride, but simply because that was the culture.
“The world is full of really good people,” she says. “We’ve found that the vast majority of people are genuine and want to help.”
They crossed from Canada into Washington State, then Oregon, and finally California, which alone accounted for roughly half the total distance.
Along the way they encountered landscapes of extraordinary variety, from the rugged Oregon coast to the towering redwood forests of northern California.
“You don’t really understand the scale of the redwoods until you’re cycling through them,” Paula says. “They’re absolutely huge.”
Wildlife sightings were frequent, including seals, elephant seals and whales visible directly from the coast without the need for boat trips. Although the journey followed the Pacific Coast Bike Route, published by the Adventure Cycling Association, they
frequently deviated from the official route where it made sense to do so.
Cycling infrastructure in the United States is inconsistent, and there were moments that required careful judgement.
They chose not to cross the Astoria–Megler Bridge, a five-mile crossing over the Columbia River with no hard shoulder, instead hitchhiking with a man who went miles out of his way to help them.
“He took us and our bikes across the bridge and dropped us outside the police station,” Paula recalls. “The kindness of strangers was incredible.”
In southern California they faced a compulsory stretch along the hard shoulder of a major interstate highway near Camp Pendleton, the equivalent, as Martin puts it, of cycling along the M25. “There was no alternative,” he says. >>
>>“Roadworks took up the entire hard shoulder in places, so you had to pull out into the carriageway to get past the signs.” These moments were uncomfortable but brief, and outweighed by countless highlights. They made several detours by car to visit national parks that were impractical to reach by bike, including Crater Lake in Oregon, Yosemite in California, and later Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego in the desert near Los Angeles.
Warm Showers hosts stored their bikes while they explored, sometimes staying multiple nights to allow time for hiking and sightseeing. In Los Angeles, one host even secured them free tickets to Disneyland. They also witnessed a SpaceX rocket launch near Vandenberg Space Force Base, an unexpectedly low-key event with only a few dozen spectators. “There’s a launch every two or three days,” Martin says. “It’s just normal there.”
The physical demands of the ride were considerable. Over the full distance, they climbed around 120,000 feet in total; roughly equivalent to cycling up Everest four times. Daily energy burn was estimated at around 4,000 calories, and Martin lost about ten kilos over the course of the year.
Surprisingly, muscle pain was not the main issue once they were cycling fit. “It was more our hands and shoulders, because you’re holding the same position all day.”
Weather was generally kind, with one day of torrential rain memorable mainly for the evening spent in a motel drying shoes with a hairdryer. They reached the Mexican border near Tijuana before turning back north for a couple of days to San Diego, where they flew home in late November.
Along the way they raised around £4,400 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, rising to over £5,000 with Gift Aid.
Donations came not only from friends and family in the UK, but also from people they met along the route, including fellow cyclists and complete strangers who were moved by their story.
Looking back, neither of them expresses regret or doubt. “We absolutely loved it,” Paula says simply. They would not repeat the same route, partly because there are so many other places around the world still to see.
Already they are planning further travel by camper van in Spain and Portugal, and a cycling trip in Patagonia with their sons.
As Martin reflects, there was a brief moment of apprehension as their plane descended into Vancouver, but it quickly passed. “We thought, Greg did it on his own around the world. We can do this.” And.. they did.
You can still donate to Paula and Martin’s fundraising via www.justgiving.com, search for Paula & Martin’s Pacific Coast challenge.
Paula & Martin’s Route
From the moment they rolled their bikes onto the ferry to Vancouver Island, Martin and Paula Brunt knew this would be no ordinary cycling trip. Their route followed the legendary Pacific Coast, largely along Highways 1 and 101, tracing the edge of a continent for more than 2,400 miles, from Canada to Mexico.
Vancouver Island provided a gentle but atmospheric beginning. Quiet coastal roads wound through forests of cedar and fir, past small towns and fishing harbours, with regular glimpses of the Pacific. After rejoining the mainland and crossing the US border into Washington State, the scale of America began to reveal itself. Long, open roads led them through Olympic Peninsula landscapes, where dense temperate rainforest meets wild, driftwoodstrewn beaches. The Olympic National Park area, though not always directly on the cycling route, loomed constantly nearby, its snowcapped peaks visible on clear days.
Oregon marked a shift in both scenery and rhythm. The coast here is dramatic and unrelenting: rugged headlands, steep climbs, and sudden descents to sheltered bays. They passed through characterful coastal towns such as Astoria, Newport and Florence, each shaped by the ocean and maritime history. The route offered nearconstant views of the Pacific, with seals and sea lions hauled out on rocks below, and the occasional whale spout visible offshore. Inland detours allowed them to visit Crater Lake National Park, where impossibly blue water fills the remains of an ancient volcano.
Crossing into California felt momentous. Northern California brought one of the most aweinspiring sections of the entire journey: the redwood forests. Cycling beneath trees that tower higher than cathedrals, some more than 2,000 years old, was a humbling experience. Towns like Eureka and Mendocino provided welcome stops, combining smalltown charm with dramatic coastal settings.
Further south, the landscape opened out again. The Big Sur coastline delivered some of the most photographed road views in the
world, with Highway 1 clinging to cliffs high above the ocean. Inland, they made carbased excursions to Yosemite National Park, trading sea air for granite cliffs, waterfalls and alpine meadows. As they approached Southern California, the riding became busier, with stretches of urban sprawl and, near Camp Pendleton, unavoidable riding alongside major highways.
Even here, highlights continued. A detour east took them into the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree and AnzaBorrego, where rock formations and vast skies offered a
2,400 miles, 83 nights
stark contrast to the coast. Near Vandenberg, they witnessed a SpaceX rocket launch — a reminder of how modern America sits alongside ancient landscapes.
Their journey ended close to the Mexican border near Tijuana, before a final short ride north to San Diego. After 83 nights, countless climbs, and a lifetime’s worth of scenery, Martin and Paula had traced one of the world’s great coastal routes — not in a hurry, but with curiosity, resilience and a deep appreciation for the extraordinary diversity of the American West.
FINE He’s Doin’
He’s the Aussie hearthrob who’s ageing like fine wine... from a starring role in sunny soaps to a pop career and a list of theatrical performances in some of the world’s most popular musicals, Jason Donovan is doin’ fine, as you can see for yourself this month
Words: Rob Davis
Jason Donovan is a performer whose career has unfolded in chapters, each one distinct yet clearly connected. For many, his name still evokes the pop anthems and television moments that defined a generation.
For others, it brings to mind a long and respected career in musical theatre, built on discipline, adaptability and a genuine love of live performance. As he returns to the stage with the Doin’ Fine Encore tour, Jason is reflective, grounded and very much focused on the present rather than the past.
Now permanently based in Britain, Jason has lived here for more than three decades. “I’ve been based in Britain for many, many years now,” he says. “Probably since around 1990 or 1991. It was mostly work-orientated. I had a wonderful, burgeoning career that was really enticing me to this part of the world.” With an English father and deep professional roots in the UK, the move felt natural. “It’s been a good country to me. The people have been good. My children are educated here, my wife’s from the UK, so it’s home.”
Born in Melbourne in 1968 into a family already immersed in performance, Jason’s path into entertainment began early. He was acting professionally by the age of nine, learning his craft long before fame arrived. That grounding would later prove invaluable when his career accelerated at extraordinary speed following his casting as Scott Robinson in Neighbours. The show’s arrival on British television turned Jason into an international star almost overnight,
with his on-screen partnership with Kylie Minogue becoming one of the most iconic storylines in soap history.
Music followed swiftly. Signed by Stock Aitken Waterman, Jason’s debut album Ten Good Reasons became the biggest-selling album in the UK in 1989, producing a string of hit singles and cementing his place in pop history.
Yet he has always been candid about that period. “I didn’t get into this business to be famous,” he says. “Fame was a by-product of what I did.” It was an intense time, but also one of immense opportunity, leading directly to his first live tour in 1990, the moment that inspired the title of his current show.
“Doin’ Fine was the title of my first ever live tour,” he explains. “At that time I went from being in a TV show to having hits all around the world, and suddenly I was touring big venues. Doin’ Fine felt positive then, and it still does now.” The Doin’ Fine Encore tour marks 35 years since that transition. “This tour is really about celebrating 35 years of live work,” he says, a milestone that reflects both longevity and evolution.
As musical trends shifted in the early 1990s, Jason made a decisive move away from pop stardom and back towards acting and theatre. His casting in the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium became a turning point. The production ran for 18 months, earned him an Olivier Award nomination and redefined his public image.
>> Theatre, rather than chart success, became the foundation of his working life. Over the years, Jason has built an impressive stage career, appearing in productions including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Annie Get Your Gun, The Sound of Music, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Chicago.
More recently, his portrayal of Dr Frank‘n’Furter in The Rocky Horror Show has allowed him to surprise audiences once again. “Frank is the complete antithesis of what people think I am,” he says.
“That’s acting. I get to reinvent myself, and sometimes people say they didn’t even realise it was me on stage.” The role, he admits, holds a special appeal. “I get to be a rock star every night. It’s a wonderful role to play.”
Despite his success across multiple disciplines, Jason remains refreshingly pragmatic about work. “I’ve kept busy,” he says. “I think I’ve got a good work ethic, and I genuinely like what I do.” That sense of enjoyment is crucial. “It’s a wonderful thing in life to build on something you enjoy and to keep being challenged.”
Now approaching his late fifties, he shows no desire to slow down completely. “You might think I’d be taking things a little slower,” he says, “but it’s all about work-life balance.”
Family life is central to that balance. Jason speaks with pride about his children and their emerging careers, but is careful not to impose expectations.
“We educate our kids to make their own choices,” he says. “As long as they’re passionate, that’s the most important thing.”
Jason Donovan:40 Years of Fame
1968: Born in Malvern, Victoria, Australia, into a theatrical family.
1986: Cast as Scott Robinson in Australian soap Neighbours.
1988: Launches music career; debut album Ten Good Reasons tops UK charts. Becomes one of the biggestselling albums of the year.
1989: Too Many Broken Hearts and Sealed with a Kiss released.
1991: Steps away from music to focus on acting and stage work.
1998: Stage debut in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
1999: Marries Angela Malloch; the couple later have three children.
2006: Returns to television, performing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
2010: Appears on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
2018: Reunites with Kylie for Especially for You (Reimagined).
2021/2022: Even More Good Reasons tour with pop and storytelling.
2023–2025: Performs at theatres and arts centres nationwide with Doin’ Fine Encore, celebrating over four decades in entertainment.
His own experience has shaped that philosophy. “It’s a competitive, up-and-down industry, but if you keep your eye on the craft and you care about what you’re doing, then why not?”
The Doin’ Fine Encore tour reflects that same ethos. The show is music-driven rather than conversational, designed to flow naturally rather than follow a strict chronology. “It’s a biographical celebration of 35 years of live work,” Jason explains. “It just evolves. We work out what songs segue the best, and I might punctuate moments with the odd story or anecdote, but it’s always about the music.”
Audiences can expect a blend of chart hits and musical theatre favourites, from Too Many Broken Hearts and Especially For You to songs from Joseph and Rocky Horror. While nostalgia plays its part, Jason is keen not to dwell solely on the past.
“I respect the foundations,” he says. “Neighbours, Joseph, those things are important. But I like to look forward.” Life, he insists, is not just about work. “I’ve got a family. I enjoy mowing my lawn, painting my house, doing normal things. That matters to me.”
Jason is realistic about his audience, acknowledging that many fans have followed him for decades. “Most of my core audience is probably 40-plus,” he says. “But I don’t really concentrate on that. I just get out there and do it.” What matters most is authenticity. “I enjoy the process, and hopefully people see that.”
Live performance, he admits, remains demanding. “It’s exhausting,” he says. “I still get anxious, which probably means I still care.” Singing, travelling and being away from home takes its toll, but the rewards are undeniable. “Most artists have to get on the road and sell what they do. That’s what I’ve been doing for a long time now. I love it, but I also love being at home.”
As the Doin’ Fine Encore tour reaches venues across the UK, including dates close to home for readers in Lincolnshire, Rutland and Stamford, it offers a chance to see a performer who has navigated fame with honesty and resilience. Jason Donovan’s career is not defined by a single role or era, but by a willingness to adapt and keep moving forward. “I still believe there’s creative fuel left in the tank,” he says. For audiences, that confidence is unmistakable, and it is exactly what makes this latest chapter such a compelling one.
Jason will appear in our area as part of his Doin’ Fine Encore tour: Friday 13th March, New Theatre, Peterborough
Saturday 14th March, Embassy Centre, Skegness
Sunday 15th March, Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Wednesday 18th March, De Montfort Hall, Leicester For ticket availability and prices, VIP ‘meet ‘n’ greet’ opportunities and other details, see www.jasondonovan.com.
FIERCE RIVALRY
This month Stamford Arts Centre tells the incredible story of two of Britain’s greatest landscape artists and their fierce rivalry. In collaboration with Tate Britain we celebrate the 250th anniversary of artists Turner and Constable...
Produced in collaboration with Tate Britain, this special exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of the births of Turner and Constable – two artists who transformed landscape painting and whose fierce competition shaped their greatest works...
This month Stamford Arts Centre invites audiences to experience one of the most compelling rivalries in British art history, brought vividly to life on the big screen. Produced in close collaboration with Tate Britain, this special video exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of the births of JMW Turner and John Constable – two artists who transformed landscape painting and whose fierce competition shaped their greatest works.
Turner and Constable were born within a year of one another, yet their backgrounds, personalities and artistic approaches could hardly have been more different. Turner, born in London’s bustling Covent Garden, was a prodigious talent and shrewd selfpromoter, exhibiting at the Royal Academy from the age of just 15. Constable, by contrast, grew up amid the rural calm of Suffolk, was largely self-taught and developed his art slowly and meticulously, drawing deeply on the landscapes of his childhood.
Despite these differences, both artists were responding to a rapidly changing Britain. Industrialisation, urban growth and shifting attitudes to nature all found expression in their work. Turner’s paintings dazzled with blazing light, turbulent seas and dramatic skies inspired by his travels across Britain and Europe. Constable, meanwhile, returned again and again to the rivers, meadows and skies of Dedham Vale, capturing the familiar English countryside with an emotional intensity that was entirely new.
Contemporary critics revelled in comparing them. Turner’s work was described as
elemental and fiery; Constable’s as cool, truthful and steeped in atmosphere. One reviewer famously likened them to ‘fire and water’. The rivalry was not merely imposed from outside: Constable himself encouraged it, most notably in 1831 when he hung his Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows alongside Turner’s Caligula’s Palace at the Royal Academy, inviting direct comparison between their visions.
This beautifully crafted documentary, part of the Exhibition on Screen series, offers privileged access to Tate Britain’s landmark exhibition Turner and Constable: Rivals and Originals, opening in London later this year. Featuring over 190 works, the Tate exhibition places the artists side by side as never before, tracing their careers in parallel and revealing how competition pushed both men towards ever bolder and more original artistic breakthroughs.
Audiences in Stamford will enjoy an intimate view of the artists’ worlds, from sketchbooks and personal belongings to rarely seen masterpieces, accompanied by insights from leading art historians. The film also explores the enduring influence of Turner and Constable, with contemporary artists reflecting on how their radical approaches to landscape continue to resonate today.
For anyone with an interest in British art, history or the power of creative rivalry, this one-night screening promises a rich and rewarding evening. It is a rare chance to see Turner and Constable reunited, as they so often were in life, and to appreciate how two competing visions together changed the course of art forever.
Top: JMW Turner, Self Portrait, 1799. Above: John Constable by Ramsay Richard Reinagle c. 1799. NPG, London.
John Constable. The Wheatfield. 1816. Image courtesy Clark Art Institute.
What’s On March
11th Feb to midMarch
Snowdrop Season at Easton Walled Gardens
From February into March, Easton Walled Gardens are covered in drifts of this delicate flower, which emerges from a bulb formed the previous March after sitting in wait for almost a year. Visit Easton Walled Gardens as the first new growth of the year emerges and snowdrops open up across the Gardens. The Courtyard Shop will be open and hot drinks, savoury snacks and cake will be available from The Applestore or The Coffee Room. Runs until midMarch. Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am to 4pm, £13/adults, see www.visiteaston.co.uk.
3rd March Kinky Boots
The multiawardwinning musical Kinky Boots with Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe is strutting back to Curve in 2026. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and based on an uplifting true story and muchloved movie, Kinky Boots features Tony and Grammy Awardwinning music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper. When Charlie Price inherits his family’s failing shoe factory, saving the company (and his love life) feels like an impossibly tall order. Until, that is, he meets Lola, the sparkling, largerthanlife drag queen with the unlikeliest of answers.
Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 7th March, 7.30pm, Curve Theatre Leicester, call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.
6th March
String Faculty Concert
Pupils from Uppingham School’s String Faculty perform solo and small ensemble works in a showcase of their hard work and achievements over the past academic year. From 7.30pm, Uppingham Theatre, call 01572 822216, or see www.uppingham.co.uk.
9th March
Behind the Seams
Stamford WI is delighted to host a truly captivating afternoon with DSI London — one of the UK’s leading producers of worldclass dance performance wear. Step behind the scenes and discover how the dazzling garments as seen on Strictly Come Dancing and other major stage productions are conceived, tailored, and embellished to perfection. This promises to be a night full of creativity, craftsmanship, and glamour, celebrating the artistry that brings dance to life. 75% of all ticket sales will go to support Peterborough Women’s Aid.
Monday 9th March, £25, Stamford Corn Exchange, call 01780 766455 or see stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.
13th March
Cold Feet & Fatal
Vows: Murder
Mystery Evening
An unforgettable evening of murder, mystery, and matrimony gone wrong, three course dinner plus entertainment, £55/person. The Barnsdale, Exton. Friday 13th March, booking essential, 01572 724678.
12th March
The History of Rockingham Castle
Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle AGM followed by a talk: ‘The History of Rockingham Castle’ presented by Mike Burton. Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, LE15 6HW. Call 01572 758440 or see rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk.
14th March
Rutland Sinfonia
Dinosaurs, space, pirates, wizards, beauties and beasts! What’s not to love about Rutland Sinfonia’s ever popular Hollywood themed concert? With music from Jurassic Park, to Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean, plus a Star Wars finalé, this concert is usually a sell out, and is for everyone of any age, so get tickets early.
Saturday 14th March, 7.30pm, Oakham School Chapel, tickets £16/adults from Oakham Wines, call 01572 758500 or see discover-rutland.co.uk.
Kinky Boots.
22nd March
Rutland Food & Drink Festival
The Rutland Food & Drink Festival is a familyfriendly event held in the centre of Oakham against the majestic backdrop of Oakham Castle, offering a variety of food, drink, and craft stalls. Spend a few hours exploring why Rutland is known as ‘the county of good taste.’ From 11am, free entry, see www.discover-rutland.co.uk.
22nd March
The Magic of the Beatles
Come together, right now –it’s time to shake it up baby with the concert show of the year. Enjoy She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, I Feel Fine, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Jude, Here Comes the Sun, Get Back and many more.
Visit Curve to enjoy the ultimate feelgood factor at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smashhit musical!Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical in Leicester.
Tuesday 24th to Sunday 29th March, performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Curve Theatre, call 0116 242 3595, www.curveonline.co.uk.
27th March
For Rutland Good & New Clothing Sale
Nigel Kennedy.
Funding For Rutland’s specialists advisors, the Good & New Clothing Sale returns offering an impressive range of topnotch fashions and accessories. Book early for Friday 27th’s VIP evening (£30/ticket) featuring ‘first dibs’ as well as a glass of Champagne and canapés courtesy of Hambleton Hall. See www.forrutland.org.uk.
31st March
Nigel Kennedy
Virtuoso violinist Nigel Kennedy returns for his first –and biggest UK tour in over ten years. The world’s bestselling violinist will be celebrating his 70th birthday in 2026 and is as fresh and entertaining as ever.
DeMontfort Hall, 7.30pm, see www.demontforthall.co.uk.
NEW BOOK RELEASES
British Gardens
Monty Don
The TV gardener journeys from the northern tip of Scotland to the Cornish coast, seeking to understand what our gardens tell us about ourselves as a nation. Encompassing everything from historical gardens to community plots, from Northumbria’s Alnwick Gardens and Beatrix Potter’s Lake District farmhouse to the story of Britain’s first garden gnome, Monty’s account brings in an astonishing range of British experience. 456 pages, hardback, Penguin/BBC Books, £35.
Clean Magic
Nancy Birtwhistle
Former Great British BakeOff winner and advocate for sustainability Nancy Birtwhistle keeps it clean, thins out the number of products you have to have in your cupboards, and ensures a sparkling home with fewer chemicals and less expense. “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. I can, in my little house, do something,” she says, and we can’t help but applaud that.
End Feb, published by One Boat, 304 pages, £12.99/hardback.
CINEMA RELEASES IN MARCH MUSIC
March sees the release of a childhood favourite by Enid Blyton, in the form of a bigscreen adaptation of The Magic Faraway Tree, with Joe, Beth and a now renamed Fran escaping up the Faraway Tree to acquaint themselves with Moonface, Silky et al. Starring Nicola Coughlan as Silky, Jennifer Saunders, Mark Heap, Lenny Henry and Michael Palin. Also this month, a 30th anniversary rerelease of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet starring the ridiculously fanciable Claire Danes and Leo DiCaprio, plus a 25th anniversary rerelease of Moulin Rouge, also by Luhrmann, 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
ADeath on Location
Revd., Richard Coles
It's spring 1990, and in Champton the whole village is aflutter as a glamorous Hollywood movie has taken over Lord de Floures' Champton House as its set location. As the actors and extras hired from the village don their farthingales, gowns and crowns for a masque set in the 1600s, a murder interrupts filming on set. As murders go, it's an ingenious one... but no match for Canon Daniel Clement, Rev’s crimefighting ‘altar’ ego (pun intended!). £11, 416 pages, W&N, late Feb.
The Gothic Havergal Brian
Heritage Records releases a sensitivelyremastered version of Havergal Brian: Symphony No. 1 'the Gothic.’ The release marks the 150th anniversary of Brian's legendary 'Gothic' symphony, composed over a period of eight years in 1927. A total of some 718 performers including an orchestra of 158 players participated in this performance from the Royal Albert Hall. Danish conductor Ole Schmidt and his forces generated an epic sweep of sound over a period of an hour and threequarters. First CD release with extensive notes by John Pickard. £21.99/two CD.
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LEICESTER SPACE CENTRE
RETURNING TO THE FINAL
FRONTIER
This year represents two milestones in space exploration, one of which is 384,400 km away, one is somewhat closer to home. As Pride goes to press, Artemis II was due to blast off, returning humans to lunar orbit for the first time since 1972, whilst Leicester’s National Space Centre celebrates its 25th birthday as Britain’s most out of the world attraction
Words: Rob Davis.
In 2026, the National Space Centre in Leicester celebrates its 25th birthday — a milestone that arrives at a moment when space exploration is once again capturing public attention.
As NASA’s Artemis II mission prepares to carry astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than half a century, the reasons for continuing to explore space feel newly relevant.
They are also, as Dhara Patel, Space Expert at the National Space Centre, is keen to point out, far closer to everyday life than many people assume.
For Dhara, space has always been part of the local landscape. Growing up in Leicester, she visited the National Space Centre as a child shortly after it opened in 2001. “I would have been about ten,” she recalls. “Even before you walk through the doors, you’re already in awe.”
In December of 1972, Apollo 17 astronauts Eugene Cernan (pictured) and Harrison Schmitt spent about 75 hours on the Moon in the Taurus–Littrow valley.
“You see the Rocket Tower as you arrive, and you’re not even inside yet — but you already feel inspired, its hard not to be!”
That sense of scale is intentional. Built at a cost of £52 million following a successful Millennium Commission bid led by academics from the University of Leicester, the National Space Centre was conceived not simply as a museum, but as a living, evolving showcase for space science.
The National Space Centre occupies a site that was once disused industrial land and now welcomes around 300,000 visitors every year, including tens of thousands of schoolchildren. Leicester, Dhara explains, is a fitting home. Space research at the University of Leicester dates back to the 1960s, and since 1967 there has been at least one piece of Leicester-built instrumentation operating in space every single year.
“That’s one of my favourite facts,” she says. “It doesn’t mean something new launches every year, but it does mean that Leicester has had a continuous presence in space for nearly six decades.” Today, that legacy continues next door at Space Park Leicester, where university researchers work alongside industry partners including the UK Space Agency and Rolls-Royce, blending academic research with real-world application.
National Space Centre Events
Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd March
Brickish Weekend
Stunning Lego displays in association with The Brickish Association, both spacethemed and general displays.
Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th July
Galactic Gathering
Meet iconic Star Wars characters in person, step into the universe with real props and sets, try lightsaber training, drive a droid... plus handson STEAM workshops.
Friday 12th June
Space Lates and AstroSnores Sleepover
Come along to an evening where we celebrate 25 years of the National Space Centre with talks, handson activities, time to explore the galleries and a planetarium show. Extend your visit with a sleepover beneath spacesuits, satellites, and spacecraft with no chance of rain.
Inside the National Space Centre itself, the experience is carefully curated and surprisingly extensive. Dominating the skyline are two real rockets — an American Thor Able and the British-built Blue Streak — housed within the iconic Rocket Tower.
Inside the main building, visitors are greeted by a genuine Soyuz spacecraft suspended above the café. “It’s real, but it hasn’t flown,” Dhara explains.
“We have all three sections of the spacecraft, and its external features date it between 19671971, which means it’s the earliest and most complete Soyuz vehicle on display in the Western world.”
Elsewhere, the galleries unfold in a clear, logical sequence. The Rocket Tower charts early rocketry through to Apollo, while surrounding galleries explore human spaceflight, the wider universe, our solar system and, increasingly, our own planet.
The Home Planet gallery, one of the newest, focuses on how satellites monitor Earth’s climate, oceans and ecosystems. “It helps people realise just how interwoven space has become with everyday life,” says Dhara. “We rely on it far more than we often notice.”
“Space is one of those things that everyone can connect to,” she adds. “All you have to do is look up at the night sky. But at the same time, it’s incredibly distant. Most of us will never go there, so it’s both near and far at the same time.”
That distance, she believes, gives space its power to humble. Iconic images such as the ‘Blue Marble’ photograph helped spark modern environmental thinking by showing Earth as fragile and finite. “You suddenly realise how thin our atmosphere is,” Dhara says, “And how important that tiny layer really is to making life possible.”
Top: Dhara Patel, Space Expert.
Above: Thor Able and Blue Streak, two ‘real life’ rockets on display at the Centre.
There is also a practical case for exploration. Thousands of satellites now orbit Earth, underpinning everything from GPS and communications to weather forecasting and streaming services.
Space technology feeds back into everyday life in less obvious ways too — from medical devices to materials science.
Memory foam, for example, was originally developed to protect astronauts during launch; other innovations have found applications in healthcare and even heart devices, materials like scratch resistant lenses and temperature regulating technology like that used in goalkeeper gloves were first envisaged for use in space.
This is where Artemis II comes in. While the mission will not land on the Moon, it is a crucial step towards sustainable human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
“To do that,” Dhara explains. “We have to solve challenges around communication, materials, power and energy — and those solutions don’t just stay in space. They come back to Earth with us.”
At the National Space Centre, these ideas are translated into accessible experiences. The UK’s largest planetarium sits at the heart of the building, offering a mix of live presentations and in-house produced films.
A new show, One Step Beyond, directly ties
into the Artemis programme, charting humanity’s journey from low Earth orbit to the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
Importantly, the Centre never stands still. Space knowledge evolves rapidly, and galleries are regularly updated. A newly redeveloped outer solar system section is due to open as part of the 25th birthday celebrations, ensuring that returning visitors always find something new to discover.
“We’re not a static museum,” Dhara says. “Space is an ongoing story, and our role is to keep up with it and share it accurately.” That mission extends beyond exhibitions, through live talks, hands-on activities and
In the foyer of the Centre is the Russia 7K-OK Soyuz spacecraft
community outreach delivered by a dedicated science communication team.
As the National Space Centre looks ahead to its next 25 years and as Artemis prepares for launch, the message is clear. Space exploration is not a distraction from life on Earth, but a way of understanding it better.
For readers of Pride, too, the ongoing story of space is waiting just down the road in Leicester... not a million miles away. In fact, not even 384,400 km away.
The National Space Centre is based on Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS, open seven days, from 10am, call 116 261 0261 or see www.spacecentre.co.uk.
Artemis II and Beyond
As we write this feature Artemis II has completed its 0.82mph journey to the Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Pad 39B.
The earliest date that the rocket could blast off was 6th February, but this was delayed due to a hydrogen leak during a ‘wet test’ (i.e.: a ‘dress rehearsal’ of the launch with a fullyfuelled rocket). Other opportunities are scheduled for March and April.
The mission is referred to as Artemis II, although the rocket itself is more correctly known as the Space Launch System, or SLS. Standing 98 metres tall, the rocket comprises of two solid rocket boosters flanking the Core Stage powered by four RS25 engines, and 8ft in diameter. On the top of the SLS is the Orion spacecraft which itself consists of the Service Module, Crew Module and Launch Abort System.
The whole SLS will weigh 2,604 tonnes when fuelled, it will travel at up to 2,670 miles per hour and it will take the crew from launch to 534,564ft altitude in eight minutes.
On board the Orion module will be Nasa's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The crew’s 10 day mission will see them complete a crewed lunar flyby, which will see them travelling over 10,300km.
Artemis I launched in November 2022 and returned to Earth on 11th December. Its purpose was to test the SLS and especially the Orion module prior to a crewed mission. Artemis II will be the crewed flight which serves as a precursor for Artemis III, the mission that will is scheduled for mid2027 and will return humans to the surface of the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Artemis III will also see the crew establish a lunar base on the south polar region of the moon, with two astronauts remaining on
Artemis IIwas scheduled to blast off in early February, as Pride goes to press, but there are other launch windows in March and April.
2026 -2036
the surface of the moon for about a week, establishing the first base on the moon. Artemis IV toward the end of the decade will establish the Lunar Gateway space station which will be created in the moon’s orbit for further lunar exploration. A total of 11 Artemis missions are planned taking the project up to 2036 and paving the way for an extended human presence on the moon, perhaps even a permanent colony.
Victor Glover and Christina Koch will be the first person of colour and the first woman to travel to the moon respectively.
Luxury Lodges at
TALLINGTON LAKES
A getaway without having to go too far? A way to downsize and free up equity? A place to relax with family and friends? Whatever your reason for choosing a Goodlife Lodge at Tallington Lakes, near Stamford, you’ll be enjoying the very best that the site has to offer
Words: Simon Buchanan.
Become part of the Tallington Lakes community and enjoy lakeside living at its best in one of the company’s brand new luxury lodges, from some of the UK’s leading lodge manufacturers.
The park is centrally located between the towns of Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne and Spalding, meaning you don’t have to travel far to get away from it all and discover a little piece of heaven by the water at Tallington Lakes.
“Whether you’re looking to stay for a short while or for a longer period of time, we’ll be able to help,” says the site’s Simon Buchanan.
“Set within over 300 acres, with more than 200 acres forming our lakes, the vast majority of our stunning homes enjoy yearround lakeside views.”
“And it’s not just the scenery that makes Tallington Lakes so special. You can live here 365 days a year and, unlike many parks, you can register your home as your permanent address.”
“Perhaps the best thing of all, however, is the sense of community. In fact, over 90% of our homeowners live here all year round.”
“Tallington Lakes has become a sought-after park for a wide variety of desirable luxury lodges from several leading manufacturers, including Tingdene, Omar, Prestige and Atlas, to name just a few.”
“With prices ranging from £133,000 to almost £400,000, there really is something to suit all tastes and budgets. Ultimately, the sky is the limit for your own lodge.”
“Choosing your lodge comes down to personal choice and individual requirements. All homes come fully furnished, with integrated white goods in the kitchen and luxury bathrooms.”
“We’ll even build your decking and add a shed to your plot, all as part of the asking price. On moving day, simply unpack your clothes, fill your kitchen cupboards and settle down on your lakeside decking to enjoy the view. It really is as easy as that.”>>
The 300plus acres of Tallington Lakes know houses approximately 450 luxury lodges and is a permanent home for almost 800 people...
>> Tallington Lakes is situated on the site of a former gravel pit, which ceased commercial operations in the 1970s before being redeveloped as a leisure facility.
Spring-fed lakes were created across the rewilded site, and in 1987 a dry ski slope was added, which now boasts one of the most sophisticated and realistic surfaces in the country. Further leisure activities were introduced over time, including a climbing tower.
“At the heart of the leisure facilities are the lakes themselves, offering water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, sailing and, more recently, kayaking and paddleboarding. We even offer open water swimming sessions. All of this is made possible by the 200-plus acres of lakes,” says Simon.
Today, Tallington Lakes’ leisure activities run alongside the Goodlife Lodge Company, helping those looking for a piece of the good life to settle around the edges of the lakes.
“The 300-plus acres of Tallington Lakes now house approximately 450 luxury lodges and provide a permanent home for almost 800 people. In line with our licence, you can live here 365 days a year, register your lodge as your permanent address and pay council tax directly to the local authority.”
“The vast majority of homes feature openplan living spaces with lakeside views, typically offering two bedrooms and bathrooms although three, and on occasion, four-bedroom homes, are also available.
For those keen to make their brand new lodge truly their own, we also offer a bespoke design service in conjunction with some of the UK’s leading lodge manufacturers.”
“Tallington Lakes has always been a popular destination for buyers, but over the last couple of years its appeal has increased further, with many people choosing to leave towns and cities in favour of a more rural and relaxing way of life.”
“So whether you are downsizing, looking for a UK base that allows you to travel, or searching for a relaxing family home, we are confident you will find it at Tallington Lakes.”
“Our professional, dedicated sales team offers a no-nonsense, no-pressure approach to all visitors. Our philosophy is simple: people buy a home at Tallington Lakes because it is the right place for them.”
“For those looking further afield, we have three other parks too: The Putting Green at Thorney Lakes Golf Club in Cambridgeshire, set alongside an 18-hole golf course; Great Hadham Country Club in Hertfordshire, where homes overlook the fairways; and Tanner Farm Park, in the heart of Kent.”
If you’re curious about what Tallington Lakes has to offer and what lodge life could be like, why not give the team a call on 0800 564 2266 or email info@goodlifelodge.com to book your exclusive viewing tour of the park and lodges. Our hardworking, dedicated team is on hand to help with all lodge enquiries, seven days a week, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
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The Grange at Burton Lazars Roaring Twenties
Dating back to the 1920s, The Grange at Burton Lazars has been the subject of a brilliant refurbishment courtesy of Dannielle Harvey, who has made clever use of the huge amount of space on offer
The Grange at Burton Lazars is not the sort of project one might expect to be a first renovation. Dating from the 1920s and offering more than 6,200 square feet of accommodation, it is a substantial country house with presence, history and scale.
Yet this is precisely the challenge that Dannielle Harvey took on, despite having no previous experience of a project of this magnitude. The result is a carefully considered restoration that balances period character with modern practicality, and one that now presents a rare opportunity for its next owners.
Until relatively recently, The Grange operated as a guest house. Around three years ago its previous custodians decided to retire, leaving the property ready for a new chapter.
Dannielle immediately recognised its potential, not as a business but as a private family home, and set about returning it to its original purpose.
Words: Rob Davis.
What followed was a comprehensive back-tobrick renovation that addressed the fundamentals first, ensuring that the building would be future-proofed as well as beautiful. This has not been a cosmetic exercise. The scale of the house, with six reception rooms and at least six bedrooms arranged over three floors, demanded a methodical and patient approach. Roofing, plumbing and wiring have all been thoroughly dealt with, removing the hidden concerns that so often accompany older houses.
Three new boilers were installed, one serving each individual floor, providing efficient and controllable heating throughout. These are the sorts of improvements that are easily overlooked when viewing a property, yet they form the backbone of a comfortable and reliable home.
Internally, the layout offers flexibility as well as grandeur. The entrance hall sets the tone, generous in scale and light, and leads through
to the principal rooms on the ground floor. The drawing room, still awaiting its final decorative touches, is a blank canvas for new owners to furnish to their own taste, whether that be traditional or contemporary. A formal dining room provides space for entertaining, while a snug offers a more relaxed setting for everyday living.
There is also a playroom with a media wall, ideal for families, along with a study that allows for working from home without encroaching on the main living areas.
Amtico herringbone flooring runs throughout much of the ground floor, lending visual coherence but also plenty of durability while complementing the period style of the house. Every decision has been made with longevity in mind, rather than short-term fashion.
Upstairs, the accommodation continues to impress. Bedrooms are well proportioned and bathrooms have been upgraded with Burlington suites, chosen for their classic
design and quality. Built-in furniture provides generous storage for linens and toiletries, ensuring that the rooms remain uncluttered and practical.
A dedicated laundry and linen room on the first floor further enhances everyday living, removing the need to ferry washing between floors and keeping household tasks neatly contained.
The second floor adds another layer of versatility, with space that could serve as a games room, cinema room or teenage retreat, depending on the needs of the household. It is this adaptability that makes The Grange particularly appealing, capable of evolving alongside its owners over time.
While much of the hard work has been completed, the project remains just shy of the finishing line. The kitchen and drawing room are yet to be completed, offering incoming buyers the chance to put their own stamp on two of the most important spaces in the
house. For some, this will be an added attraction, allowing personal taste to shape the final outcome without the disruption and expense of major structural work.
Circumstances now mean that Dannielle is unable to complete the renovation or enjoy the home she has so carefully restored. Her need to relocate brings The Grange to the market at a moment when the heavy lifting has been done and the rewards are within easy reach.
It is a house that combines the romance of a 1920s country property with the reassurance of modern infrastructure, ready to be finished and lived in.
For buyers seeking space, character and the opportunity to add their own finishing touches, The Grange at Burton Lazars represents a compelling proposition.
It stands as a testament to bold vision and careful execution, and awaits new custodians to take it forward into its next chapter.
The Grange
Burton Lazars
Location: Burton Lazars, Melton
Mowbray 12 mins, Oakham 27 mins.
Rooms: Six reception rooms currently arranged as breakfast room, snug, dining room, living room, playroom, study/conservatory. Six bedrooms or five plus selfcontained annexe.
Offers in Excess of: £1,450,000.
Find Out More: Moores Estate Agents, Oakham LE15 7FS. Call 01572 757979 or see www.mooresestateagents.com.
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NATURAL STRUCTURES CREATING A STYLISH SPACE WITH
When Tanya Cornford was renovating her property, she recognised exactly where she needed more living space and how she could blend a timberframed extension with the existing footprint of the property. This was a job beyond conventional building techniques, but a natural fit for Natural Structures!
Words: Rob Davis.
“When did you finish?” we asked Tanya Cornford, as she shows us around her newly refurbished property. Over the last couple of days, it seems, when the corner sofa in the snug was put into place, and when the last of the festive decorations went up.
Our visit took place just before Christmas, just in time for family celebrations to begin. Unfortunately, it wasn’t so much a white Christmas as a damp December during our visit, but Tanya’s property now sports an undercover space which will extend by a significant amount the time she and the family can spend in the fresh air.
“I already had enough room downstairs and enough space to entertain,” she says. “I didn’t want an extension in the traditional sense, but I did want a new master bedroom suite and that just wasn’t possible within the current footprint of the property.”
Some parts of Tanya’s property date back to the 1600s, and it was probably originally created as a two-up, two-down, but it has been extended over the years. Tanya has owned the place since 2017 and has worked methodically through the house completing a back-to-brick renovation.
Undoubtedly a new bedroom suite would present the greatest challenge, but thankfully Tanya was aware of Natural Structures’ work and began speaking with the firm’s Simon Lewington about how to add a new master suite without having to add extra unnecessary space on the ground floor.
“The garden is a good size but there was no shelter, so by creating a first floor master bedroom extension with storage and an en suite bathroom, working with Natural Structures meant I could have a nice, light, modern bedroom, but also a space sheltered from strong sun or rain, which still allowed lots of fresh air,” she says.
“The project was completed in time for spring 2025 and we’ve made such use of the space since then, it has really extended our season. It’s sheltered from the weather, with a sofa and dining area, and it’s in keeping with the rest of the house, which has lots of old beams that I’ve had sandblasted back to life. I can use the space irrespective of the weather, and it still allows plenty of natural light into the house which wouldn’t have been the case with a conventional extension.”
Taking advantage of Natural Structures’ skills offered other advantages too. Simon and the team create bespoke structures adjacent to existing buildings and as freestanding structures, using French oak and traditional building techniques.
The buildings are likely to satisfy heritage or conservation area requirements, and best of all, much of the production is completed back in Natural Structures workshops, then brought to site for installation, which expedites work on site and results in less disruption... which was ideal given that Tanya had other elements of the property’s renovation happening at the same time.
“Simon and his colleague Rob handled everything from the initial concept sketch to formal plans and installation. I visited his workshop which was fascinating too.”
“The team all work hard even before they get to site and when they’re on site it’s all so well organised, tidy and efficient. Inevitably the project evolved, including a relatively late change to incorporate more storage space upstairs, but nothing was too much trouble.”
“Simon has a really great eye for how a newer element to the building can work against the other, and suggested changes to the fence around the property for a more cohesive look. He advised on the bathroom, glazing and he liaised with the trades so it was really well-coordinated.”
“The result is really impressive. A nice, very light bedroom on the first floor, a ground floor space that offers outdoor space sheltered from the weather and a way to get more use out of the terrace all year round. I’m really happy, it’s been a pleasure to work with him and with the whole team!”
Natural Structures specialises in extensions and freestanding structures created using traditional oak frames and building techniques. For a free, no-obligation chat about your project call 01858 545518 or see www.natural-structures.co.uk.
GARDENING with MARK LANE
This month our new gardening writer Mark Lane is thinking ahead to the warmer months, and says that a little planning will go a long way, ensuring your garden looks perfect all summer long
Words & Images: Mark Lane.
Spring is without doubt my favourite season in the garden. With brighter days, longer light and temperatures slowly beginning to rise, March marks a real turning point. The garden shakes off its winter slumber and life returns in earnest. This is the month of daffodils, crocuses, wood anemones, primroses and hellebores, all emerging through that unmistakable fresh, zesty green of new growth. When I think of March, I picture yellows, whites, purples and blues dancing together as the garden wakes up.
Early spring is also the perfect time to enjoy snowdrops and early bulbs in the wider Rutland and Stamford area. For inspirational seasonal displays, Easton Walled Gardens is a must-visit, renowned for its snowdrop drifts and early spring planting. Burghley House offers magnificent grounds with carpets of bulbs beneath ancient trees, while Deene Park provides a more intimate, romantic setting with beautiful early-season interest. These gardens perfectly capture the gentle optimism of the season.
As March progresses, blossom begins to take centre stage. Hedges glow with blackthorn before being joined by pear and plum, followed later by bird cherry, hawthorn, crab apple, sour cherry, rowan and domestic apple. Blossom continues well into April and May, filling the landscape with soft whites and pinks. Gardens such as Burghley and Deene Park are particularly rewarding at this time of year, offering breathtaking displays set against historic architecture.
March is an exciting month for gardeners and an ideal time to plan, tidy and improve pots and borders. A little effort now pays dividends later, ensuring months of flowers, fruit and vegetables.
It’s also the moment to clean and organise before the garden becomes wonderfully busy. Gardeners are always thinking ahead, so now is the time to plant summer stars such as begonia, calla lily, lily, gladioli, crocosmia and agapanthus. These make excellent gap-fillers in borders. If space allows, plant them directly into the soil; otherwise, grow them in pots and drop them into borders when in flower for instant impact.
Check overwintered dahlia tubers now, ensuring they are firm and plump. Dahlias are wonderfully versatile plants, offering colour from midsummer through to the first frosts. Prepare the soil with wellrotted manure or homemade compost. To create free plants, pot up tubers in compost and place them somewhere cool, bright and dry. When shoots reach around 10cm, remove them cleanly with a sharp knife just above where they emerge. These basal cuttings root easily and can be planted out once the soil has warmed. The same technique works well for phlox and delphiniums.
Early-flowering bulbs and winter bedding such as bellis, violas and pansies will now need feeding. Start as soon as growth appears and continue until bulbs fade or bedding finishes flowering. Bulbs in pots are easily fed with a high-potash liquid feed, while those in lawns or borders benefit from a granular feed gently forked in and watered. Avoid mowing until foliage has completely died back.
As soil temperatures rise, March is ideal for planting bare-root roses and deciduous trees, and for sowing seeds. Half-hardy annuals such as cosmos, calendula and cleome can be started indoors, while sunflowers, poppies and cornflowers can be sown directly outside. Prepare the soil carefully by removing weeds and stones and raking to a fine tilth.
Opposite: Mark Lane is a horticulturalist, garden designer, TV presenter, author of The Thrifty Gardener, Royal Gardens of the World and the Future of Gardens.
Hardy herbaceous perennials can also be planted now. Choose open, nectar-rich flowers to support wildlife and aim for a diverse mix to improve biodiversity. Ornamental grasses are invaluable additions, bringing movement and softness to planting schemes. They also act as visual buffers, blending colours and textures where plants might otherwise clash.
With lush new growth comes the inevitable return of slugs and snails. Act early. Use pet-friendly, organic pellets based on ferric phosphate or consider biological controls such as nematodes. These microscopic hunters are mixed with water and applied to the soil once temperatures reach at least 5°C. Alternatively, the hands-on approach of evening slug patrols with a torch remains effective—if not particularly glamorous.
Overwintered fuchsias now need pruning back to one or two buds per shoot. Remove fallen leaves to reduce whitefly risk and cut out dead stems. As growth strengthens, increase watering and begin weekly feeding. Pelargoniums will also be showing new shoots and should receive more water as they wake up.
For those keen to grow their own food, March is perfect for sowing sweet peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes indoors or in a greenhouse. Reuse plastic containers as pots, ensuring good drainage, and always use peat-free compost.
March in the Garden
n Plant early potatoes in pots. You’ll need a large pot with a diameter of c. 30cm. Half fill it with compost. Cover the potatoes with soil and then as shoots emerge keep covering with compost until you fill the pot. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Place it somewhere away from frosts or cover with horticultural fleece. These will then be ready to harvest early summer.
n Birds will be nesting, so hold off from trimming hedges and trees.
n Feed trees, shrubs and hedges with a slowrelease fertiliser, gently forking it into the soil. Feed roses with a special rose feed.
n Clear winter debris from borders to allow spring bulbs and perennials light and space. Take care not to damage emerging shoots.
n Sow hardy annuals such as sweet peas, calendula and cornflowers under cover. Keep tender varieties indoors until latespring.
n Prune lateflowering shrubs including buddleia and fuchsia to encourage strong new growth. Finish rose pruning this month.
n Direct sow broad beans, spinach and beetroot if soil conditions allow. Avoid working wet or compacted soil, particularly heavy clay.
n Check fruit trees and bushes and apply a balanced fertiliser around the root area. Mulch with compost or wellrotted manure.
Successional sowing is key, especially for salads—sow every two weeks for a steady supply. Winter vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cauliflowers can be started under cover, while beetroot, carrots, spinach, peas and autumn cabbages can be sown outside. Many local kitchen gardens and historic estates around Rutland and Stamford provide excellent inspiration for productive growing alongside ornamental planting.
Fruit lovers should get planting now. Strawberries such as ‘Malling Centenary’ and ‘Elegance,’ apple, pear, plum and apricot trees, and rhubarb varieties all establish well when planted in March. Blueberries are brilliant ornamental edibles, offering spring flowers, autumn colour and delicious fruit—just remember they need acidic soil.
Finally, check containers on patios and balconies, watering if dry and refreshing the top 5cm of compost. Decorative stone helps suppress weeds and retain moisture. Borders benefit from a 5–10cm mulch of organic matter, but wait until frozen soil has thawed. Secure plant supports against March winds, repair fences and sheds, and clean paths and patios ready for the year ahead.
There’s nothing better than stepping confidently into March with a positive gardening mindset. The garden is warming up, stretching and preparing for the season ahead.
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.
The Limes isn’t the kind of house you forget. Built in 1858 and once part of the old Ketton Grange estate, it has the timeless appeal of a Victorian stone cottage surrounded by approximately three and a half acres of land that roll gently down to private river frontage. There is a wonderful sense of privacy here. Tucked away on the edge of Ketton, one of the most sought-after Rutland villages, the home feels completely secluded yet never cut off.
Offers in excess of £1,600,000
Built in 1974, this unique residence occupies a truly idyllic setting on the edge of the charming village of Glaston, offering both seclusion and ease of access to the surrounding countryside. With uninterrupted views across rolling Rutland fields, the house combines a sense of rural tranquillity with contemporary style and comfort.
Price £1,200,000
A distinguished and substantial, country residence discreetly positioned behind private gates, on the edge of the sought-after Rutland village of Ketton, offering grandeur, refined interiors, elegant reception rooms, and a beautifully appointed separate Coach House, all set within approximately seven acres of formal gardens, paddock and parkland.
Guide price: £3,900,000
Ketton House
Aldgate
Grand in design, graceful in detail and gracious in scope, Greytrex House brings together neo-Georgian architecture, contemporary elegance and two adaptable annexes to create a home of enduring appeal, right in the heart of Stamford. Set along a quiet, unadopted lane, behind secure electric gates and manicured lawns, Greytrex House was built in the 2000s and offers nearly 5,500 square feet of elegant living within which to roam. Greytrex House
Stamford Guide Price £2,000,000
Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk
An attractive listed period property in a fabulous, sought after setting on the shore of Rutland Water over which there are sensational views from the house, gardens, annex cottage & paddock. The Collyweston stone and slate property has 17th century origins and offers an extensive and versatile mix of well-arranged and proportioned accommodation.
Offers over £2,000,000
Orchard House Hambleton
Built in 2006, and set in a private position on the edge of the village, Scales Dyke is a striking stone and brick residence offering spacious, high quality living spaces across three floors. Constructed to an exacting standard, the property features underfloor heating to the ground and first floors, sash windows, solid oak and tiled flooring and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Guide price £2,500,000
Scales Dyke Lyddington
Offers In Excess Of £450,000
Fairfield Close, Langham
A well-presented, detached, four-bedroom family home with a south-facing garden with single garage and off-road parking, well situated in the popular village of Langham.
A well-presented four-bedroom family home with deceptively spacious accommodation, a south-facing garden, off-road parking, and garaging, all within easy walking distance of Oakham town centre.
Stanilands, Whissendine
A well-presented, three-bedroom bungalow sitting on a generous plot with off-road parking and garaging in the popular village of Whissendine.
Offers In Excess Of £375,000
A four-bedroom detached house with a garage, off-road parking, and a south-facing garden, set in a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought-after village of Whissendine.
Rees Close, Uppingham
Foxhill, Whissendine
Little Barnsdale
Oakham
Little Barnsdale is an Exceptional Oak Frame property in a Secluded Countryside Setting. Set behind a gravel driveway and nestled within established gardens.
Guide Price £1,250,000
King West 13 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DE. Call 01780 484520 www.kingwest.co.uk.
Barn Owl House
Manton
A traditional stone barn, which has been converted into a fabulous family home, with Rutland Water views over its 5.7 acres, or thereabout of garden and land, between Manton and Edith Weston.
Offers Over £1,250,000
Savills UK Ltd 9 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com.
Main Road
Barleythorpe
An elegant five-bedroom residence, constructed in brick with cladding and finished to a high specification, offering spacious open-plan living areas, private gardens, off-road parking, and garaging, set within a select development.
Guide Price £1,200,000
James Sellicks 6-8 Market Place Oakham Rutland LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com.
Drywell House
Barrowden
Blending timeless craftsmanship with natural materials and creative design, Drywell House offers a home that is as stylish as it is enduring. Set on Tippings Lane in the popular Rutland village of Barrowden.
Guide Price £2,250,000
Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk.
Oakham Road
Hambleton
An immaculately presented, reconfigured and renovated home in the heart of the Conservation village of Hambleton village, on Rutland Water’s Peninsula.
Guide price
£1,500,000
Savills UK Ltd 9 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com.
High House
Braunston
High House stands in the heart of the village, its striking ironstone façade and Collyweston roof making a distinctive impression. The property includes a charming thatched garage.
Guide price
£1,195,000
Strutt & Parker South View, Tinwell Road, Stamford PE9 2JL. Call 01780 510039 or see www.struttandparker.com.
Mount Pleasant Hill
Whissendine
A substantial three-storey, five-bedroom, four-bathroom individually designed and built home is set within its own grounds of 3 acres, with dog-proof boundaries enclosing both the paddocks and gardens.
Price £1,100,000
Moores Estate Agents Barleythorpe, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com.
Birch Field House
Belmesthorpe
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.
Guide Price £1,250,000
Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk
11: Masami Lab Diamond Pear Halo Earrings, £375, www.thediamondstore.co.uk. 12: Rosalynd rose crystal and pearl floral tiara, £135, www.ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk. 13: Angelica pink carved doublet & pearl choker, £250, www.anayahjewellery.com.
14: Harriet oyster pearl sash, £295, www.emmylondon.com.
NonInvasive Skin Regeneration at
CALVEO
Achieve a fresh and healthy look this spring by empowering your skin to do what it does best... this month we’re investigating noninvasive skin regeneration with Calveo at Oakham’s Rutland Garden Village
Words: Rob Davis.
It’s absolutely remarkable. The human body is working 24/7 keeping your health in balance, and to constantly renewing its 30-40 trillion cells. Health and beauty experts know that working with the body and helping its natural processes to achieve this rejuvenation is wise, which is why Calveo, based at Oakham’s Rutland Garden Village, invests in the latest technology to bring to clients treatments that provide lasting results.
Empowering skin rejuvenation
A great example is the clinic’s non-invasive skin rejuvenation which utilises RF Microneedling technology, provided by Cynosure’s Potenza.
“It’s a best-in-class machine and provides proven results after just three treatments,” says Lorna Hamilton Triggs.
“RF Microneedling works by empowering your skin to do what it does naturally, stimulating the production of collagen in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin). It’s most often employed on the face and neck but is safe to use elsewhere on the body too.”
“This innovative treatment combines the power of radiofrequency energy with microneedling to deliver outstanding results. If you're looking for a way to improve your skin's texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and minimise the appearance of acne scars, radiofrequency microneedling might be just what you need.”
“The result is minimal discomfort and downtime, whilst achieving a smoother, more youthful complexion with long-lasting results. Three treatments are recommended for the best long-term results, from brighter, tighter and healthier looking skin. The treatment can also help repair sun damage and it can be used on stretch marks.”
“The Potenza microneedling makeup treatment uses focused radiofrequency (RF) technology to heat the skin, triggering the body’s natural process of producing collagen and elastin. In comparison to standard microneedling, this results in enhanced skin rejuvenation.”
“With maintenance sessions every six months to a year, it’s possible for results to last for up to five years. Meanwhile, additional boosters can help to address particular concerns with pigmentation and lift serums. An eye booster serum can also be added for addressing dark circles and superficial wrinkles around the thinner and more delicate area of skin around the eyes.”
Microneedling
“We also offer the treatment without the radiofrequency constituent, using Dermapen to deliver active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or vitamins into the skin as a less intensive treatment or for areas requiring less intervention.”
Companion treatments
“We pride ourselves on a client-focused approach and only offering treatments that offer results that can be seen and felt. Our HydraFacial cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating treatments are considered the gold standard for achieving soft and radiant skin.”
“We also provide Medik8 cosmeceuticalsgrade facials and peels for the face and neck area, and body contouring utilising Emsculpt Neo to reduce fat and tone muscles. In addition we provide hair removal and the treatment of vascular concerns via IPL ‘laser.’
“A great reputation in the area means clients are keen to return regularly, so we also provide a range of massage treatments, manicures, pedicures and injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and Botoxulin.”
Don’t just take our word for it
“We recognise the value of a personal consultation, and as part of that, we have also invested in Visage Skin Pro+, a multi-spectral clinical-grade skin analyser. The device takes a multi-layer scan of the skin which is saved onto the client’s record so they can monitor their results for themselves.”
“It’s enormously helpful in ensuring that we underwrite our advice with facts and demonstrate to the client that the products and treatments in which we put our faith really are the best available range of services in the profession.”
Calveo’s health and beauty clinic is based at Rutland Garden Village, Ashwell Road, Oakham LE15 7QN.
For a free, no obligation initial discussion of the clinic’s range of treatments, call 01572 490950.
EMSCULPT
LASER
Portfoli o
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Building the communities of the future
Omoda 9 &Ferrari’s new SUV
TRAVEL
The sunny delights of Barbados
THEBIGINTERVIEW
Rob Davis, Executive Editor, Pride Magazines & Portfolio
WELCOME TO PORTFOLIO
This month there’s a bit of a theme to Portfolio, namely ‘building.’ Most literally, we’re speaking to Chloe King and Ashley King, the daughter and father team who have created Ashwood Homes. As one of the area’s most prolific property developers, the company is acutely aware that they’re not just building houses but creating communities.
The country is in desperate need of new homes, remaining woefully behind the government’s desired number of new properties to allow more people to get onto the property ladder, but securing land and creating homes is a slow process, and one that should be conducted in the most sympathetic way.
Happily, Ashwood Homes as a family business understands that fact very well.
Elsewhere we’re also talking about building a brand, and who better to speak with than one of the cofounders of Britain’s bestloved footwear & accessories brands, Fairfax & Favor.
Marcus Fairfax Fountaine talks to us this month on the fifth anniversary of the opening of the company’s bricksandmortar shops on Stamford’s High Street about the importance of offering quality products, looking after customers and building a brand.
And finally, we’re meeting the heroes behind the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Service which, incidentally, also serves Stamford and Rutland. The service flies over 1,700 missions each year, serves an area of 3,500 square miles and a population of 2.5m people. With no government or NHS funding, the service relies solely on charitable donations to operate.
‘RURAL VOGUE’ INVENTING
MARCUS FAIRFAX FOUNTAINE, CO-FOUNDER, FAIRFAX & FAVOR
From childhood friends to the creators of one of Britain’s most coveted brands. Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker practically invented ‘rural vogue’ when they established Fairfax & Favor in 2013. This month Marcus tells us why the company will never compromise on quality, and considers what the future will bring...
Words:
Rob Davis
From the outside, Fairfax & Favor looks like one of those rare overnight successes. A brand that feels fully formed, confidently positioned and instantly recognisable. The reality, as Marcus Fairfax Fountaine explains, is that the business is the product of years of thinking, refining and an almost stubborn refusal to compromise. “The principles for us are that we are not the cheapest product,” he says. “However, you will never get better value. We really believe that if you buy a good quality product, made with good construction and good quality materials, it should wear in rather than wearing out.”
That philosophy runs through everything Fairfax & Favor does. Founded in 2013 by Marcus and his lifelong friend Felix Favor Parker, the brand has become synonymous with what Marcus describes as “effortlessly elegant footwear” rooted in equestrian heritage but designed for everyday life. The two founders grew up in Norfolk, their parents living barely twenty minutes apart, and they went on to attend Stowe School in Buckinghamshire together.
After leaving school, both ended up working for a Spanish luxury footwear brand attempting to expand into the UK. “After about six months we said to each other, why don’t we just give this a go ourselves?”
“There are pictures of us around five years old at the birthday table together,” Marcus recalls. “Our parents knew each other, we were the same age, and then when we went to Stowe together that’s when our proper friendship really started.”
Both were keen to start a business long before Fairfax & Favor existed. At fifteen, they even flirted with the idea of manufacturing and selling bouncy castles, “presumably posh ones,” Marcus laughs. “It never really got past the draft stage, but what we did get from it was the name Fairfax & Favor.”
Opposite: Felix Favor Parker and Marcus Fairfax Fountaine founded Fairfax & Favor in 2013, opening their Stamford shop five years ago.
Those six months proved formative. “What we really learned there was what makes a quality boot,” Marcus explains. “The parts of the leather, the construction, the tanneries, the finishing, the difference between a Goodyear welt and a Blake stitch... all the invisible things that make a difference.” The two spent time in Spain with tanneries and manufacturers, absorbing knowledge that would become central to their own brand.
“We realised there was a real gap in the UK market, especially around the country lifestyle. You either had wellies that didn’t look great, or things that looked good but weren’t practical. Nothing ticked all the boxes.” The answer was what Marcus now refers to as rural vogue; footwear that is genuinely fit for purpose but refined enough to wear beyond the field.
>> “We wanted the quality to be as if it was a functional equestrian boot, but still create something you could wear out and about,” he says. That thinking led to the Regina boot, now an icon of the brand. “It’s a distilled interpretation of a more functional Spanish riding boot, brought into everyday life.”
The Regina did not arrive fully formed. “We spent about five years tweaking it,” Marcus admits. “It didn’t always have elastic in the back, it wasn’t always fully lined, the insole wasn’t as comfortable as it is now. We added a composite leather and rubber sole because leather looks beautiful but it’s slippery. It doesn’t take many customers to fall over and tell you about it.” Today, the Regina comes in multiple heel heights, calf widths and leg lengths. “It’s pretty much bespoke to a point now.”
That attention to detail is reflected across the collection. Fairfax & Favor works primarily with European manufacturers in Spain, Portugal, Turkey and the UK. “Wherever we make something, we want to make sure it’s fit for purpose,” Marcus says.
“It allows us to quality control, to get out to the factory, to have close relationships with suppliers. That’s how we uphold standards.” Materials matter just as much. “We try not to compromise. Full grain leather rather than split leather. It’s thicker, stronger and it wears in rather than wearing out.”
Equally important is how the brand listens. Unlike many fashion houses of its scale, Fairfax & Favor remains unusually close to its customers. Marcus and Felix can regularly be found on the stand at country shows, including Burghley Horse Trials. “We spend a lot of time just listening,” Marcus says. “What do customers like, what do they want? That’s probably something we do more than others.”
It was customer feedback that led to petite boot options and refinements to fit. “I had five or six people at one event try the boots on and say they were too tall. So we fixed it.”
That closeness extends to bricks and mortar retail, something the brand continues to champion at a time when many are retreating from the high street. The Stamford store, which opened in December 2021 and has just celebrated its fifth anniversary, is a case in point. Fairfax & Favor now operates several physical shops, reinforcing its belief that luxury is as much about service and connection as product.
Behind the scenes, the business employs around 80 people across its Norfolk creative office, based in 19th century stables at Narford Hall, and its warehouse in Thetford. A ten-strong design and development team works up to eighteen months ahead, recently bolstered by the appointment of a new Chief Creative Officer. “These things take time,” Marcus says. “The tanning of the leather alone can take weeks or even months, so we’re already working on autumn winter 2027.”
The company’s values extend beyond craftsmanship. Fairfax & Favor is a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. It has raised £500,000 for Breast Cancer Care and supported Cancer Research UK through a nine-day, 700-mile cycle ride from Bedingfield to Bordeaux in 2021. “Those certifications are really important to us,” Marcus says. “Our factories have to jump through hoops to work with us, but they’re hoops worth jumping through.”
Brand ambassadors such as Zara Tindall reinforce the brand’s authentic ties to the equestrian world. “There’s a great alignment,” Marcus says simply. That alignment is helping fuel international growth, particularly in the United States, where Fairfax & Favor is now investing heavily in events and visibility. “The British heritage and equestrian links really resonate.”
Despite the scale and ambition, the original mindset remains unchanged. “We won’t compromise,” Marcus says. “We could make things cheaper, but we choose not to.”
It is a position that has earned Fairfax & Favor not just commercial success, but something rarer: loyalty. Customers return, replace, upgrade and recommend, confident that the brand will stand by its principles, just as it always has.
Fairfax & Favor was established by Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker in 2013. The company has nine retail studios including one on Stamford’s High Street: www.fairfaxandfavor.com.
ROSE REVIVAL
From blush knits to bold fuchsia tailoring, pink returns this spring with grownup confidence, irresistible charm, and a touch of playful glamour
Words & Product Selection:Mandy Bray
Pink is having a moment, again, but this season it’s less Barbiecore fantasy, more sophisticated countryside elegance. Across the area boutiques, designers are treating pink not as a novelty shade but as a wardrobe staple, proving its versatility from the palest petal tones to punchy raspberry hues.
The softest blush works beautifully for early-spring layering, especially in cashmere jumpers or fine-knit cardigans. Pair them with cream denim or a crisp white pleated skirt for a look that feels fresh, flattering and wonderfully wearable. If you favour something a little more polished, rose-pink silk blouses offer a gentle pop of colour beneath a tailored blazer, perfect for long lunches or smart days in town.
Hotter shades are equally irresistible. Fuchsia jackets, whether in boucle or structured wool, bring instant confidence to an outfit and look sensational against classic neutrals. Raspberry wrap dresses, meanwhile, flatter every skin tone and transition effortlessly from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.
For those who love pattern, pink checks and florals are everywhere this season. A candy-pink tweed skirt feels timelessly chic, especially when paired with a soft grey knit. Powder-pink trench coats also make a welcome return, offering a modern twist on a classic silhouette while brightening even the dullest March morning.
The key to wearing pink in 2026 is mixing textures and tones. Combine dusty rose with berry, or team bubblegum with blush, for a layered, tonal look that feels both contemporary and elegant. And remember: pink doesn’t have to shout. Worn well, it’s a colour that enhances rather than overwhelms, offering warmth, femininity and a welcome sense of optimism.
This spring, embrace pink in all its glorious shades... you’ll wonder how your wardrobe ever did without it.
Above: Hattie mohair knitted skirt, £145, matching top £89, www.aligne.co.
Right: Jamie linen blend blazer, pale pink, £390, www.cefinn.com.
Below: Matilda cardigan in pink, £179. www.hollandcooper.com.
£765 & £550, toryburch.com
£643 & £734, uk.camilla.com
£278, uk.rails.com
£400, swarovski.com
£345, thomassabo.com
CRAFTED DENIM
A curated celebration of spring denim in every form — from crisp shirts to patchwork skirts and embellished jackets. Versatile, flattering and endlessly wearable, these pieces redefine relaxed luxury across the new season.
veronicabe
JEWEL POP
A joyful curation of vivid statement rings in bold jewel tones and playful costume designs. From oversized shapes to shimmering stones, these vibrant pieces instantly uplift every spring look with confident, celebratory charm..
£465, dowerandhall.com
£150, mint velvet.com
£298, people.com
£220 & £445, awakemode.com
£3,500, pravins.co.uk
fableengland.com
This dazzling selection highlights handbags enriched with embroidery, jewelled accents and playful texture. Designed to stand out softly, each piece brings sophisticated charm to earlyspring.
BLUSH STEPS
Our handpicked collection of pink designer sneakers champions comfort, confidence and couture appeal. Discover the perfect pair to brighten transitional wardrobes while adding a playful, modern flourish to earlyspring dressing.
HUGO BOSS brings polished sophistication to the March season, offering sharply tailored suits, refined shirts, smartcasual layers, quality leather belts and footwear, sleek caps, and distinctive fragrances. Perfect for spring events, weekends away, or elevating everyday style, each piece blends contemporary design with timeless elegance. For the modern gentleman seeking confidence and effortless refinement, Hugo Boss delivers impeccable menswear for every moment. www.hugoboss.com 7
1. Tourmaster green dial watch with twotone bracelet, £329. 2. Waterrepellent jacket in peached fabric, £389.
3. Half boots in leather, £349. 4. Slimfit blazer in wool with cashmere, £645, slimfit shirt in cotton jersey, £179, micropatterned trousers in cotton, £229. 5. Paddy polo shirt in cotton piqué, £99.
6. Suede cap with metal logo, £82. 7. Polocollar sweater with mouliné rib, £319. 8. Leather jacket with fur collar, £1,295. Rollneck sweater in cashmere, £389. 9. Belt in Italian suede, £129.
10. Boss The Scent parfum 50ml, £72.
8
LIVES NINE
Omoda’s largest model is also its most ambitious bid to enter the mid to large SUV sector, stealing sales from established brands... it offers a lot of metal for the money and a premium feel
Words:
Too good to be true? Sometimes a bit of scepticism is healthy, but occasionally a bit of faith can prove to be justified. I’ve just spent a weekend with the Omoda 9, the largest offering from either Omoda or its slightly more off-road-focused sister brand, Jaecoo. The verdict? Really rather good!
Both brands are relatively new to the UK, with Omoda offering three crossover SUV models, the 5 and 7, as well as this larger model, with its 1.5 plug-in hybrid powertrain and a generous 90-mile electric range.
Jaecoo offers its 5 and 7 models, and has proven to be a bit more popular with UK motorists. However, despite being less wellknown to UK motorists, both brands are rewarding early adopters with great value vehicles and dealers able to offer extremely competitive finance to ensure more vehicles are seen out and about.
Jaecoo sold 26,048 cars in 2025, whilst Omoda sold 19,855. To put that into perspective, well-established brands like Citroen and Seat only shifted 20,732 and 23,015 respectively in the same period, so British motorists are really warming to the brands. Arguably Omoda’s 9 will have the hardest fight, with a price point of just under £45,000 meaning it’ll have to go head to head with vehicles from popular or premium
Rob Davis.
brands like Tesla (due to release a cheaper, entry-level Model Y later in spring), and brands like Mercedes or BMW.
The Omoda 9, though, counters with very generous standard equipment, and plenty of cabin space, not to mention a feeling of genuine quality in terms of its sturdiness and materials.
First impressions are promising. Pop out door handles and 20” alloy wheels are à la mode, whilst light bars to front and rear provide decent illumination and animations when the car locks and unlocks.
There are deep vertical strakes to the front of the car incorporating LED running lights, and LED headlights too which are very bright and effective. A standard fit rear camera with top-down view and transparent bonnet help to place the car when parking, which is good, given that the Omoda 9 is 4,775mm long and 1,920mm wide (about the same as a Range Rover Velar or a Tesla Model Y).
The centre console and beltline are quite tall, so despite the Omoda 9’s size, as a driver you still feel quite cocooned in the cabin. There’s plenty of space but all controls are within easy reach and all are nicely damped with a solid feel and pleasing ‘thunks.’
Of particular note is the very nice ‘bit-bot, bit-bot’ sound that the indicators make.>>
>> As in most modern vehicles, the Omoda 9’s touchscreen does a lot of the heavy lifting for controlling vehicle settings, navigation and infotainment. Happily it’s responsive and fast with a decent screen, plus the option to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are physical volume buttons on the steering wheel, too, and three physical dials in the centre of the console for control of the temperature and fan speed... although the middle dial controls drive mode (eco, sport, off-road, etc...) which seems like a fairly minor function to me. Elsewhere the controls have taken more than a little bit of inspiration from Mercedes, with a steering columnmounted gearchange and controls for electric seat adjustments located on the doors. Material quality is excellent, even down below, beyond the usual touchpoints. The leather seats and steering wheel feel credibly premium and there’s rather thick double glazing which helps to keep the cabin nice and quiet, especially given that the car is quiet anyway by virtue of it being a hybrid.
And then, there’s the boot. At 600 litres, it’s very usable; it’s wide, with no loading lip and folding rear seats. It’s as generous in space as the car is in terms of its standard kit, range and performance.
Body roll is virtually non-existent, and whilst the Omoda 9 is designed to be a comfortable SUV, rather than a sports car, there’s a pleasing tautness to the ride. The car copes with nasty road surfaces very well and on better surfaces it’s composed, with hardly any tyre or wind noise.
Steering is very light at parking speeds, but gets nicely heavier when you press on. No complaints about the throttle or brake response either and adaptive cruise control is standard. From a standing start the Omoda 9 feels really brisk. With a zero to 60 time of less than five seconds, it’s quick off the mark, but never savage.
There are no EV modes to adjust, and the car favours electric power, with the 1.5-litre
turbocharged engine kicking in under hard acceleration or to charge the battery. All-wheel drive is standard too, and the car will achieve a usable 90-miles of electric only power on a full charge. With such a generous EV range, we strongly advocate charging at home.
The Omoda 9 will accept DC charging station infrastructure, if you want to charge up to 80% of battery capacity in 25 minutes, but given the cost of electricity at such places, you’re better off filling the 70-litre petrol and taking advantage of the whopping 700-mile range that the Omoda 9 offers across combined petrol and electric power sources. You’ll be able to drive all day and into the night... and when you do, the car has some excellent headlights, plus puddle lights that project the Omoda logo onto the ground when you get in or out, and nice multi-colour ambient lighting in the cabin.
Night or day though, Omoda 9 offers a posh car feel at a price that should seriously make you question your loyalty to more established brands. It’s a legitimately premium vehicle that’s comfortable, easy to drive and very impressive indeed.
Omoda 9
All Wheel Drive SHS
Price: £44,990 (OTR).
Engine/Motor: Plugin hybrid powertrain, 1.5litre turbocharged petrol and 34.5 kWh battery with allwheel drive, 619ps/915Nm.
Performance: 111mph, 060mph 4.9secs.
Range/Charging: 90mile EV range, 166mpg combined.
Our Omoda 9 was provided by Duckworth Omoda & Jaecoo.
For a test drive, call 01205 725700 or see www.duckworth.co.uk/omoda.
FERRARI’S FOUR-DOOR Ferrari Purosangue 6.5 V12
Firstever fourdoor Ferrari, naturally aspirated V12 engine delivering 725 cv, thrilling performance, luxurious interior, precise handling, and exclusivity, making it a superbly desirable highend SUV
Ferrari’s Purosangue marks a bold step for the Maranello marque: its first-ever four-door, four-seater SUV, combining the exhilaration of a Ferrari with practical everyday usability.
It’s a car that challenges conventional expectations, merging luxury, performance, and a unique design language that screams exclusivity. If you’ve always dreamed of a Ferrari but needed room for passengers, the Purosangue delivers without compromise.
Under the bonnet, the Purosangue houses a mid-front-mounted, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 725cv. This engine is derived from Ferrari’s legendary 812 Competizione, meticulously recalibrated for SUV proportions.
It offers a driving experience that’s pure Ferrari: 80% of maximum torque is available from just 2,100 rpm, peaking at 716 Nm at 6,250 rpm. Whether you’re cruising through the countryside or tackling motorway bends, the linear power delivery feels exhilarating yet composed.
Performance figures are extraordinary for a vehicle of its size. The Purosangue rockets from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 193 mph. Despite these head-turning numbers, the car balances usability with refinement.
Its handling has been fine-tuned with precision engineering: the suspension and chassis are designed to deliver feedback and agility typically reserved for sports cars, all while maintaining ride comfort for rear-seat passengers. Driving the Purosangue is thrilling, but it’s never intimidating.
Inside, Ferrari has ensured no detail is overlooked. The cabin is a synthesis of luxury and technology. Premium leather, exquisite stitching, and an ergonomic layout complement a cutting-edge infotainment system with connectivity options for modern life.
Rear-seat comfort is a priority: the Purosangue accommodates adults comfortably, making it suitable for long journeys or airport runs.
Attention to detail extends to materials, trim, and finishes, all reflecting Ferrari’s relentless commitment to quality.
Safety and driver assistance are not forgotten. Advanced features help manage the immense power, ensuring confidence in all driving scenarios.
Adaptive suspension, torque vectoring, and electronically controlled differentials work harmoniously to provide stability, traction, and agility, whether on country roads or the
motorway. It’s a car that respects its occupants’ abilities while maximising enjoyment.
Owning a Purosangue is also about prestige. This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement of taste and achievement. With limited production, it offers a level of exclusivity few vehicles can match. Its aesthetic is unmistakably Ferrari, combining a muscular stance with sleek, aerodynamic lines.
From its bold front grille to its sculpted rear haunches, the design is aggressive yet
elegant, perfectly complementing the car’s performance pedigree.
For those considering alternatives, rivals include the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX707, and Bentley Bentayga Speed.
Each offers luxury and performance, but the Purosangue uniquely fuses Ferrari’s legendary engine character with SUV practicality.
It’s a vehicle that invites enjoyment, attention, and a touch of lifestyle prestige wherever it goes.
Ferrari Purosangue
Price: £322,000.
Engine: 6.5litre V12, (715 hp), 12 cylinders.
Performance: 193mph, 060mph 3.3secs.
Fuel Economy: Combined 17.3 l/100 km, CO₂ 393 g/km.
Standard Equipment: Fourwheel drive, 1,420w 21speaker stereo, adaptive cruise, rear camera, fourzone climate, softclose doors, power tailgate.
See www.ferrari.com.
Caribbean Elegance: BARBADOS
Sundrenched beaches, colonial charm and gourmet indulgence await
Picture this: you step off the plane at Grantley Adams International Airport, the warmth of the Caribbean greeting you like a familiar embrace. The air carries the scent of sea salt and frangipani, soft enough to dissolve hours of travel in a single breath. A private chauffeur is waiting, ready to whisk you through winding coastal roads as the island slips into its golden hour.
By the time you reach your villa, the sun is setting in a blaze of rose and amber, the sea shimmering like liquid gold beneath it. With coral-stained buildings, flamboyant bougainvillaea cascading over garden walls and leafy lanes opening into glimpses of turquoise water, Barbados immediately begins to feel like your own secluded, sun-drenched retreat.
Your first instinct will be to slow down. Start gently with a stroll along the powder-white sands of the west coast, where the Caribbean laps at the shore in soft, rhythmic breaths. The sea here is calm, the breeze warm and forgiving, and before dinner time you already know the island has cast its spell — a quiet, irresistible pull towards ease. But Barbados is more than beautiful beaches; it’s a sophisticated blend of British-colonial charm and vibrant Creole culture, all wrapped in an atmosphere of effortless luxury for travellers who appreciate refinement without pretence.
Begin your first full morning in the genteel seaside village of Holetown. Order a leisurely breakfast of salt-fish buljol — light, fresh and full of Creole character — beneath the shade of a palm
tree. Afterwards, wander the pastel-coloured shopfronts and manicured courtyards of the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, a chic pocket of designer boutiques, art galleries and elegant cafés.
In the afternoon, perhaps indulge in a gentle round of golf on the lush fairways of Sandy Lane. It’s world-class yet wonderfully serene, framed by towering mahogany trees and cooled by a soft sea breeze. When dusk arrives, drift towards one of the island’s charming ‘rum shops;’ part bar, part social hub — where locals gather for stories and laughter. Sip a sugar-sweet rum punch with just enough citrus and ginger to lift your spirits.
Days here unfold with a delightfully unhurried rhythm: mornings on the sand, afternoons discovering island history or sinking into spa treatments, evenings dining beneath constellations you never see at home.
On your second day, venture south to the wild east coast. Here the Atlantic crashes against rugged cliffs in white-tipped fury, sending spray into the air like shards of glass catching the sun. It feels like an entirely different island — windswept, dramatic and thrillingly untamed. Wrap yourself in a light skirt or kaftan and let the sea breezes tangle your hair as you gaze out at the restless horizon.
Mid-week is the perfect time for a private sailing excursion — perhaps a sleek catamaran built for sunset cocktails, snorkelling stops and lazy cruising.
“Barbados slows time, inviting you to breathe, savour, and rediscover the joy of simply being...”
Watch for dolphins dancing through the waves and sea turtles surfacing in the wash. Anchor near a secluded beach where the sand is soft as talc and the only footprints will be your own.
Later, dine at refined island restaurants serving the freshest flying fish, grilled lobster, and coconut-infused curries fragrant with local spices. And don’t leave without tasting Bajan black cake — rich, fruity, deeply spiced and drenched in rum — particularly wonderful paired with a smooth, slow-sipping rum cocktail.
On your penultimate day, head to the chic southern coast around Oistins. Rise early for the fish market, where fishermen haul in their morning catch and the air is filled with the lively chatter of vendors, cooks and locals gathering ingredients for weekend feasts. Pick up spices, tropical fruits and freshly baked sweet bread before
Top: Promenade at marina of Bridgetown, Barbados. Traditional 'Reggae Reggae' bus at Holetown, Barbados. Mango seller in Bridgetown. Farm and windmill in Barbados, Caribbean.
continuing to Bridgetown. Its UNESCO-listed historic quarter offers cobbled lanes, Georgian architecture and an intriguing glimpse into the island’s past.
Art lovers will enjoy the local galleries showcasing vibrant Caribbean expression — bold colours, fluid canvases and pieces inspired by Bajan folklore and seascapes.
Finally, reserve a day for doing absolutely nothing. Let a hammock under the coconut palms cradle you as you read, daydream or simply listen to the soft susurration of waves sliding onto the sand.
The languid pace of Barbados — its natural beauty, gentle hospitality and refined comforts — has a way of slowing time just enough for you to breathe deeper, rest more fully, and remember what it means to truly holiday.
Food &Drink Attractions
Barbados is an island that cooks with its heart, and nowhere is that more evident than in its rich, colourful dishes. Start with the national staple: flying fish with coucou.
Light, delicate fish seasoned with herbs and spice sits atop a mound of cornmeal and okra, creating a dish that’s both comforting and unmistakably Bajan.
Follow it with a slice of rumsoaked black cake, dense, fragrant and deliciously boozy — a treat traditionally saved for Christmas but enjoyed all year round by those in the know.
Streetfood lovers will find joy in crisp saltfish cutters, served in soft salt bread with a dash of pepper sauce, and in the island’s famous macaroni pie, baked until golden and bubbling with cheese, sweet peppers and Bajan seasoning.
Breakfast might mean warm coconut bread, subtly sweet with a hint of spice, while lunch by the water could be a steaming bowl of
conch stew, tender and aromatic with fresh herbs. Try the island’s naturally sweet sea grapes in season, or cool down with a refreshing serving of banku, often enjoyed chilled with tropical fruits.
Saturdays bring a true island ritual: pudding and souse, a tangy, savoury dish that brings communities together.
And of course, no Bajan table is complete without a glass of rum punch — the island’s signature toast to sunshine, flavour and unhurried island life.
Sandy Lane Golf Course: Worldclass greens and exclusive tranquillity, offering immaculate fairways framed by lush tropical gardens.
West Coast Beaches: Paynes Bay or Mullins are sheltered, palmfringed and serene, with calm turquoise waters ideal for relaxed swimming and sunsoaked afternoons.
East Coast Cliffs & Bathsheba: Crashing Atlantic waves and dramatic vistas, where rugged shorelines meet untamed natural beauty.
Historic Bridgetown & Garrison: UNESCO heritage, Georgian architecture and vibrant streets rich with colonial history and Caribbean culture.
Harrison’s Cave: Dramatic limestone caverns draped in stalactites, revealing an astonishing underground world shaped over millennia.
Carlisle Bay Marine Park: Snorkelling over wrecks in crystalclear water, discovering colourful marine life and peaceful underwater landscapes.
St Nicholas Abbey: Colonial plantation house and fine rum distillery, steeped in history and surrounded by tranquil gardens.
CherryTree Hill Lookout: Panoramic island views over verdant hills, capturing Barbados’s lush interior at its most breathtaking.
Oistins Fish Market: Earlymorning bustle, fresh fish and spices, offering authentic Bajan flavours and lively seaside character.
Holetown & Limegrove: Chic boutiques and elegant coastal charm, blending luxury shopping with relaxed, sophisticated island ambience.
Left: Great House of St. Nicholas Abbey is one of the most beautiful historic sites in Barbados.
Accommodation
Sandy Lane Hotel
Luxury Coastal Escape
Timeless elegance meets Caribbean glamour at Sandy Lane, with lush gardens, worldclass golf, spa indulgence, private beach, and refined dining. Perfect for those seeking luxury and privacy.
Guide price c. £1,200–£1,800 per night; Sandy Lane, St James; +1 246 432 4200; www.sandylane.com.
The Crane Resort
Iconic CliffTop Charm
Perched dramatically above the sea, The Crane combines historic character with modern comfort, featuring multiple pools, spa treatments and cliffside views.
Guide price c. £400–£650 per night; The Crane, St Philip; +1 246 428 6310; www.thecrane.com
Sea Breeze Beach House
Relaxed Beachside Stay
A colourful, friendly beachfront retreat, Sea Breeze offers bright rooms, lively Caribbean energy, a sparkling pool, casual dining, and a laidback vibe for families and couples alike.
Guide price c. £250–£400 per night; Maxwell Main Rd, St Michael; +1 246 433 4663; www.seabreezeresort.com.
Coral Reef Club
Classic Caribbean Refinement
An elegant, familyowned hideaway on Barbados’s soughtafter west coast, Coral Reef Club blends colonialstyle architecture with impeccable service. Expect beautifully manicured gardens, a serene spa, refined dining, and understated luxury.
Guide price c. £700–£1,100 per night; Porters, St James; +1 246 422 2372; www.coralreefbarbados.com.
Travel Arrangements
Flying from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) remains the fastest and most straightforward route. Direct return flights typically cost between £550–£750 per person in economy if booked a few months ahead; upgrading to business class may double that. Transfer by taxi or private chauffeur to your hotel will be around US $50–70 (£40–55) depending on time of day — note that though the official currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD), the US dollar is widely accepted, with roughly BBD 2 = US $1. Credit cards are universally taken. The primary language is English, but it’s polite to greet people with “Good morning, darling” or “Good day;” a little courteous charm goes a long way.
Dress modestly inside churches or government buildings; beachwear is fine at the shore, but avoid strolling through shops in swimsuits. Use reefsafe sunscreen — coral conservation is taken seriously here. Tipping around 10–15% is customary in restaurants. With these simple courtesies, travel is effortless, and the warmth and friendliness of locals ensure a seamless, welcoming experience.
Don’t forget to prebook popular excursions or car hires, particularly during peak season, to make the most of your island holiday.
For convenience, many hotels offer airport meetandgreet services. Domestic SIM cards or international roaming keep you connected, while early bookings for tours, dining, and spa experiences are recommended.
Left: The Crane Resort. Above: Coral Reef Club.
ASHWOOD HOMES
BUILDING COMMUNITIES
CHLOE KING
It’s one of the most important sectors of the UK economy, and one of the greatest drivers of growth. With 340,000 new homes needed across the country, developers like Ashwood Homes are more important than ever. Happily, for the family business’s third generation Chloe King, it’s a matter of pride to build the communities of the future
Words: Rob Davis.
“I couldn’t believe it,” says Chloe. “I went out and it was completely flat.” Happily there was a really good independent garage nearby for her tyre. “As it was being fixed, talk turned to what I did for a living, and the owner of the garage said that they were really busy because of the new houses that had been built just down the road.”
“He said that the whole town was busier and that all of the local businesses surrounding the development are noticing it. It was really nice to hear, the idea that a company like ours can create a community, and everyone around that community benefits.”
Chloe is Sales Director of Ashwood Homes and the third generation in her family business. For over 25 years now, the company has been building not just homes, but whole communities. 10 years ago the company resurrected the Ashwood brand, well-known and wellrespected in the area as a company that really does care about the communities it is creating.
“It’s an enjoyable job generally, but every so often you’re reminded of how important it is to get it right,” she says. “You walk around a development that was completed a few years ago and there are little changes. The gardens are maturing, people are out washing their cars, neighbours are talking to each other, and kids are out playing. You remember it as a construction site, but all of a sudden it’s become a place that people call home.”
“There’s a responsibility to get it right not just because buying a house is the biggest financial commitment in someone’s life, but because it’s where they spend time as a family, it’s the dining room in which they have Sunday lunch and it’s where they spend Christmas, and where they will watch their children grow up. Housebuilding is too often discussed in abstract terms, reduced to the current state of the market
or just numbers and headlines, yet behind every new home is a much more human story.”
Speaking from the perspective of a family business rooted in the county, Chloe is clear that building homes is about far more than bricks and mortar. “You’re not just creating an object that sells,” she says. “Families grow up in the homes we build, and I think that’s humbling.”
Ashwood Homes was founded in 2000 by John King, Chloe’s grandfather, who was already developing properties with another of his sons under the brand King’s Quality Homes. Ashwood Homes as a brand though has recently marked its 25th anniversary. What makes that milestone particularly significant is that Ashwood is not simply a company that has existed continuously in the background. It is a brand that was paused, reshaped and deliberately brought back when the timing and the market were right. “It was a family company originally,” Chloe explains. “It was my grandfather’s business, and my father took over the company after he passed away, so we’ve used that Ashwood brand more recently. We relaunched the brand from around 2016.”
That relaunch was not nostalgia driven. It was a response to a clear need. During the recession following the financial crash of 2008, the business diversified into farming, stepping away from development during a period of profound uncertainty. When confidence began to return, Ashwood found itself in a strong position.
“The market was stronger and there was that need locally for higher quality housing,” Chloe says. “There was a gap in the market. We secured lots of land during that recession that we were then able to develop, and then we’ve not stopped since.”
Since the return of the Ashwood name in 2016, the company’s developments have appeared steadily across Lincolnshire and neighbouring areas, beginning with Crowland, followed by sites in Cowbit, Swineshead, Moulton and several locations around Holbeach.
Each site differs in scale and character, reflecting both the geography of the land and the nature of the community it sits within. “We tailor each development to the needs of the area,” Chloe explains. “The minimum we try and do is around 35 homes, but it depends. For example we’ve had our executive homes at Langtoft where they’re spaced out, double garages, large plots, so there were fewer homes on that development.”
That flexibility is central to Ashwood’s approach. The company builds around two hundred and fifty homes a year, a figure Chloe describes as a deliberate choice rather than a ceiling imposed by circumstance. In the wider industry, where national developers operate at vast scale, Ashwood sees itself firmly as a regional housebuilder. “We would class ourselves as a regional developer,” Chloe says. “We’ve looked at scaling up to three hundred homes a year, but we found that actually, at two hundred and fifty, we are still customer focused. We’re still there with our values and how we want customers to be treated.”
That sense of proportion matters. At this size, Chloe believes Ashwood retains something that is easily lost as businesses grow. “We’ve got enough staff that know what they’re doing. You don’t have layers and layers of management.”
“People come straight to the people they need an answer from. 250 homes a year is that sweet spot for us. It allows accountability, visibility and direct relationships with buyers, rather than a remote structure driven solely by spreadsheets and targets... it means those relationships remain tangible, not theoretical.”
THE UK PROPERTY MARKET
26,400,000
Number of properties in England, as of January 2025.
208,600
The net number of properties in England created in 2025, i.e.: minus demolitions.
190,600
Number of new homes built in England (i.e.: not change of use, conversions etc).
Ashwood sees a significant level of repeat business, something Chloe speaks about with obvious pride. “People might have purchased their first home with us. Then they have children and they need a fourbedroom home.”
“That happens more regularly than you’d think,” she says. Equally moving are the longer stories. “We also have the opposite where people bought an Ashwood home 25 years ago. Now they might be downsizing or they’re recommending us to children or grandchildren that want to get on the property ladder because of the reputation of the brand.”
That reputation is built deliberately through design choices that prioritise liveability. Externally, Ashwood developments are shaped by space. Off-road parking, garages, open green areas and gardens that are genuinely usable are all non-negotiable. “You don’t want to go on an estate where you’ve got rows and rows of cars parked on the road because there’s not enough parking,” Chloe says. “Decent sized gardens and open space for people to use are really important.”
Inside the homes, the philosophy is equally practical. Bedrooms are designed to be used properly rather than merely labelled as such. Storage is considered. Specification is high as standard.
“They all come with flooring throughout, integrated appliances, and buyers can choose the finish of everything. Kitchen, bathroom, flooring, all included in the price,” Chloe explains. “You can literally move straight in.”
That inclusive approach stands in contrast to the experience many buyers report elsewhere, where show homes dazzle but reality comes with a long list of extras. “It just taints it,” Chloe says simply. Buyers can upgrade if they choose, but the base offer is complete, finished and liveable. ASHWOOD HOMES
340,000
Number of new homes needed in England each year (Source: House of Commons).
£292,000
Average price of a house in England as of October 2025, a 1.4% annual increase.
780,000
Number of mortgages that were approved by UKlenders in 2025.
1.1m1.2m
Number of completed residential property transactions each year (UK).
2,500
Number of housebuilders in UK, from small building contractors to large national builders.
2,100,000
Total number of people employed in the construction sector in the UK.
Community scale varies widely across Ashwood’s portfolio. At one end sits Holbeach Meadows, a major development of around nine hundred homes designed to integrate facilities from the outset.
A care home is already on site, a listed building is being renovated to create a community space and convenience store, and land has been offered to Lincolnshire County Council for a primary school. “We’re trying to create that community within Holbeach,” Chloe says.
At the other end are much smaller schemes such as Riverside Walk in Surfleet, with just 38 homes. “That was a really nice small rural development,” Chloe explains. “People just needed that in the village. It’s a small, sleepy area, and that was the pull. Both approaches are valid. What matters is matching scale to place.”
Ashwood uses a portfolio of house types that are refined over time, designs that buyers come to recognise and trust. “People get used to those designs,” Chloe says. “They think, I’ve seen that one, my friend’s got that one, or I’ve been in that show home. They might have seen it in Holbeach but want to live in Crowland.”
Housebuilding in Lincolnshire & Rutland
Number of Properties Started & Completed from Q4 2024 to Q3 2025 (Source: www.gov.uk, up to 15 January 2026):
Lincolnshire: 3,050
Rutland: 90
Lincoln: 10
North Kesteven: 510
South Kesteven: 550
Boston: 310
South Holland: 630
East Lindsey: 590
West Lindsey: 460
North Lincolnshire: 330
North East Lincolnshire: 280
Peterborough: 910
Newark and Sherwood: 470
Unitary Authorities: 42,030
England: 152,040
Average Property Prices:
Lincolnshire:
Average house price £224,000.
North Lincolnshire: Average house price £179,000.
Stamford Average house price £338,697.
Rutland: Average house price £399,383.
Number of Properties:
England/Wales: 26.4m properties.
Lincolnshire: 300,000 properties.
North Lincolnshire: 76,401 properties.
Stamford: 9,734 properties.
Rutland: 17,900 properties.
Spring traditionally brings momentum, and Ashwood is seeing renewed footfall through its developments...
Over time, these designs evolve through lived experience, improving layouts, flow and function until they work as well as possible for modern family life.
Behind the scenes, the business blends in-house expertise with trusted contractors. Ashwood employs its own site management teams, labourers, forklift drivers and technical staff who handle planning, drawings, archaeology and reports. Most trades are subcontracted, but coordinated carefully. From foundation to completion, the average build time for a home is around 24 weeks, a process that requires consistency and coordination across hundreds of people at any one time.
Politics and economics inevitably ripple through that process. Chloe points to the impact of recent years with frankness. “Absolutely it affects us all the time,” she says. “With the current government, it’s confidence. There’s just lower buyer confidence than there ever has been.”
Events such as the Liz Truss budget may feel distant, but their effects reach directly into sales offices and show homes. “Everybody was waiting, thinking can we afford it, are mortgage rates going to change dramatically.”
As stability has returned, so too has activity. “Coming back after Christmas, it seems quite positive,” Chloe says. “Buyers are looking to reserve quite quickly because they know there isn’t a budget any time soon. Interest rates have been falling, mortgage rates have gone down, and there are lots of products on offer, even up to 95% percent loan to value.”
Spring traditionally brings momentum, and Ashwood is seeing renewed footfall across its developments. For Chloe, this matters beyond the company itself. She is acutely aware of how housebuilding underpins the wider economy. It is a reminder that communities sustain entire ecosystems of local trade, from furniture shops to decorators, gardeners to cafés. Without home ownership and new homes being built, that trade completely grinds to a halt.
Finding suitable land is increasingly difficult, and planning is a significant challenge. “There isn’t readily available land and there’s a lot of red tape,” Chloe explains. “If we were to buy a piece of land today, we probably wouldn’t be on site for at least two and a half years.” As a local family business, Ashwood is conscious of the responsibility that comes with development. “We still want to keep those market towns as market towns,” Chloe says. “We hope we add to the community and the facilities, not be a negative influence.”
That long term view is reinforced by the fact that Ashwood is not going anywhere. “We’re here forever,” Chloe says. “Repeat buyers reiterate that fact.” It is about being able to stand by the quality of what you build, knowing you will see customers again, perhaps in the supermarket, perhaps years later when they return to upsize or downsize.
The scale of that impact is quietly astonishing. Well over a thousand families now live in Ashwood homes. “That’s a really nice way of thinking about it,” Chloe reflects. “Families closing the curtains at night, sitting round the Sunday lunch table.” For Chloe personally, driving past completed developments carries deep satisfaction.
“I absolutely love it. I think, ‘that was Mrs So-and-So, they asked us to help with that.’ The stories behind people moving in are the best bit.”
Returning to developments years later reveals the final stage of the process, when gardens mature, hedges grow and individuality emerges. “You go back and think, they’ve painted this or done that. I wonder who’s living there now.” It is the point at which a development truly becomes a community.
Ashwood currently employs 68 people directly, with hundreds more involved through contractors across multiple sites. Alongside development, the company has strengthened its charitable involvement, forming an events committee and supporting causes that matter locally. From June 2024 to June 2025, Ashwood supported the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, raising £4,500 for the charity, and this year the focus is on Cancer Research UK, reinforcing the company’s connection to the communities it serves by raising over £5,000 so far. The company also holds charity days, with local beneficiaries including Macmillan, the Fenland Baby Bank, Boston’s Food Bank and Dunelm’s Giving Tree. Looking ahead, Ashwood is exploring opportunities beyond its traditional heartlands, including potential future developments in Rutland, though nothing is yet ready to announce. For now, one of the company’s flagship developments is Yews Farm in Pinchbeck, where the Humber house type serves as the show home.
A four-bedroom detached family house, the Humber exemplifies Ashwood’s design philosophy. “You’ve got a big grand staircase, lots of storage, a separate study, open plan kitchen diner, and upstairs there are en suites to bedrooms one and two,” Chloe says. “It gives so much flexibility for how you live.”
Attention to detail runs through every element, from bespoke kitchens supplied locally to joinery details such as skirting and architraves that many developers overlook. “There are ways we could economise,” Chloe acknowledges, “But we won’t compromise on quality. These are not show homes. They are places where real family life unfolds, cupboard doors are slammed, children grow up and life is lived.”
That understanding perhaps explains why Ashwood Homes continues to resonate. It is not just about delivering houses, but about shaping places where people feel proud to live. Places that support local economies, sustain communities and stand the test of time. For Chloe King and her family, that responsibility is personal. “Your home is the backdrop to everything,” she says. “Every Christmas, every Easter, every ordinary day. That’s what we’re building.”
Ashwood Homes has been established for over 25 years. Yews Farm in Pinchbeck is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, with homes priced from £207,000 to £415,000, offering buyers the opportunity to see that philosophy in action, see www.ashwoodhomes.co.
Ashwood Homes founder Ashley King.
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THE LINCS & NOTTS AIR AMBULANCE’S
POSSIBLE MISSION
This year, the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is on a mission to ensure it can fund and run a second helicopter to provide its advanced pre-hospital care across both Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire
Words:Rob Davis. Images: Electric Egg (www.electricegg.co.uk).
For a service that has been operational since 1994, it is surprising that a number of misconceptions still persist about one of the most recognisable and important lifesaving organisations operating in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
This year, as well as continuing to respond to over 1,700 missions, the team will also be working hard to raise the necessary funds to add a second helicopter to the service, enabling them to attend even more incidents.
No NHSor Government funding
The most common of these misconceptions is the idea that the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is funded either by the NHS or by central or local government.
In fact, the charity is solely responsible for raising the funds it takes for the service to remain operational, saving lives across a 3,500 square mile area with a population of 2,500,000 people.
Only by virtue of the public’s generosity, through donations, legacies, and fundraising activities, as well as revenue generated by the charity’s shops, and participation in the
LNAA Lottery, can the service continue to save lives.
Another misconception is that the service’s one and only point of difference is its helicopter. In fact, there are a number of unique qualities that make the charity one of Britain’s most pioneering providers of prehospital advanced care.
Critical care by road and air
“In addition to the helicopter itself, we operate two road-based critical care vehicles,” explains Stuart Elms, Chief Operating Officer.
“We work in partnership with our colleagues in the NHS, however our independence allows us to provide a more advanced level of care compared to other ambulance services. This includes carrying additional controlled drugs for sedation and pain relief, not usually available to ambulance paramedics, and the ability to undertake pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia and blood transfusions. These are usually only available once a patient is at hospital, but our medics are consultant-level doctors able to provide these on the road, or from the helicopter.” >>
In Brief:The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
30,956: The number of missions that the service has flown since it became operational from 3rd April 1994.
1,724: The number of incidents that the service responded to in 2024.
3,500: Area that the service covers in square miles, serving a population of around 2,500,000. The helicopter flies at up to 180mph and can reach anywhere in its catchment area in less than 20 minutes.
£4,000: The average cost of a missions for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
Four missions: There is no such thing as a ‘normal’ day, but on average, the team is usually called to four missions.
24/7/365: The service is available all year round, 24 hours a day. Advanced night vision equipment now allows the helicopter to fly beyond daylight hours.
Critical care vehicles: As well as the helicopter, the service operates two rapid response roadbased units with consultantlevel medics, plus advanced equipment and medicines on board both cars, and the service’s helicopter.
‘Outstanding’: Care Quality Commission rating for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, putting the service within the top 3% of all CQCrated services, for example hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, care homes, and social care units.
>> Essential for rural incidents
“We live in a rural area, and unfortunately many incidents take place in remote locations. A good deal of our work involves attending farming emergencies and those involving horseriders. We also respond to medical incidents such as cardiac arrests, and to falls from height, where a rapid response can mean the difference between a good outcome and a tragic one.”
“The deployment of the helicopter is not the sole means by which we can provide urgent medical care. But it is certainly, and justifiably, the one we are known for, as it can help us to rapidly reach a patient in a remote location.”
“But there are other advantages that a helicopter provides, beyond not getting stuck in traffic and being able to land in the middle of a field.”
“The smooth flight is sometimes better for patients with spinal injuries, and the helicopter is ideal for transferring trauma patients from a local hospital to one providing more specialised care... Lincolnshire does not have a Major Trauma Centre and so access to such facilities elsewhere is crucial for some patients.”
An ‘Outstanding’ service
Working closely with its NHS and East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) partners, the service is alerted to a potential mission via the 999 call-handling centre’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk, which will dispatch the service if it is deemed advantageous.
This operational independence has enabled the service to pioneer its own ways of working, and then pass on that best practice experience to other air ambulance services. There are 21 air ambulance charities working across the UK. This means the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance also contributes to improving pre-hospital emergency care across the country, improving patient outcomes for the most serious incidents.
A second helicopter
Demand for the service has increased over the past five years by 135%, and now the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is called to an average of four missions each day.
The plan for a second helicopter emerged after data gathered by the charity showed there are people in need which the service cannot get to with just one aircraft.
For that reason, the service is keen to run a second helicopter to ensure it can continue to provide its unmatched pre-hospital emergency care to more people requiring pre-hospital critical care in the area.
Back in June, the charity launched its Mission Possible 2 appeal. The anticipated cost of a second helicopter is around £7m, and the charity has already secured a place on the production line for a second helicopter with a bespoke specification, and further outfitting of equipment by specialist outfitters.
Images: Electric Egg.
However, the service remains independent of the NHS and EMAS, and is regulated by the national Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectorate, which has awarded the service the highest rating, ‘Outstanding.’
Fundraising has reached £4m, thanks to contributions from the public, and generous donations from The Michael Cornish Charitable Trust and the BNA Charitable Organisation, which have each given £1m towards the purchase of the second helicopter. The Jones 1986 Trust and Nottingham-based Experian have also made generous contributions to the project.
>> The second helicopter will be an AW109 GrandNew model and is scheduled to land at the charity in summer 2027, with a view to being fully operational by autumn next year.
How you can help
Keeping the service operational necessitates over £13m of funding each year, and with no NHS funding, and no local or central government funding, over £7.6m of the charity’s revenue comes from donations and legacies, with a further £5.2m from charitable activities.
The service relies on 155 volunteers to support its fundraising, including those who staff its charity shops on Lincoln’s Newark Road, in Wragby, and in Mansfield, where donations of good quality pre-loved items are always welcome. The charity also accepts furniture and large items, with collection available.
The charity also launched its raffle and lottery over 30 years ago with a £1,000 weekly prize draw, and a Prizebuilder jackpot of up to £25,000, with entry from just £1 a week.
You can also make private and corporate donations to the charity, and specifically to the Mission Possible 2 fund, via the charity’s
website, where you can find details on legacies, and regular donations or a set amount per month, as well as grants, trusts, business and corporate partnerships, plus information about volunteering and fundraising.
Amission to save lives
It is easy to hear the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance operating overhead and take for granted its availability. But as more than 32,000 missions have proven, you never really comprehend the importance of the service until the unthinkable occurs. It is a service that, despite its importance, operates only because of the charitable donations, support, and dedication of its team, including its fundraisers and volunteers.
Offering pioneering pre-hospital emergency care, and the best chance of survival for local casualties, the service really is one of the best in the country, and one of which the whole team is justifiably proud.
“Every life we save is thanks to the people who support LNAA,” says Stuart. “The second helicopter will belong to everyone who has ever donated, fundraised, or supported us in any way. It will save many more lives, and we could not achieve this without them.”
Patient Stories
John’s Story:
Tragedy struck Lincolnshire lorry driver John one summer’s evening in June 2016 when he was hit by a lorry on the busy A1, suffering lifethreatening injuries. He says he owes his life to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew, who were by his side within 20 minutes. Unconscious, John was gently placed in the Lincs & Notts helicopter and airlifted to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, the hospital best equipped to treat his injuries.
“Without the intervention of the air ambulance I would have either died, or suffered worse injuries than I did. I have the utmost respect for every member of the crew and am, still to this day, so very grateful.”
James’s Story:
It was August 1998 and James Bannister had gone to work as normal, harvesting potatoes on the farm. Following a machinery accident, James’s arm became caught in the machine’s rollers and he was pulled further into the mechanism. The LNAA and other emergency services soon arrived and gave James pain relief. The doctor remained by his side for over two hours, ready to amputate his arm if necessary, whilst he was being freed. It took just nine minutes to fly him to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, a journey that would have taken at least an hour by road. “The air ambulance is an invaluable service. The quick delivery to hospital saved my life. Nothing else compares to what they do,” he says.
Abigail’s Story:
When Abigail Bray woke up on a cold February night, she found herself in established labour with her second child. The baby was on his way, and she would not make it to hospital in time. Abigail’s partner dialled 999 and within minutes paramedics were on the scene, but they noticed that Abigail was losing a significant amount of blood. Her placenta was not budging and her contractions had stopped. The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew, Dr Nick and Paramedic Alex, were deployed by EMAS and on scene within 13 minutes. They gave Abigail medication to reduce the bleeding, and ensured she was in a safe condition to transport to hospital in the waiting road ambulance. Thankfully, the midwife was able to deliver the placenta, and mother and baby were discharged the very same day.
Image: John Aaron.
Almanac
FIND JOY IN THE ART OF LIVING WELL IN MARCH
HELLO MARCH
Poetry & Literature
Inspired by March
Written in
March
William Wordsworth, 1798
The cock is crowing,
The stream is flowing,
The small birds twitter,
The lake doth glitter,
The green field sleeps in the sun;
The oldest and youngest Are at work with the strongest; The cattle are grazing, Their heads never raising; There are forty feeding like one!
Like an army defeated The snow hath retreated, And now doth fare ill
On the top of the bare hill; The Ploughboy is whooping–anon–anon:
There’s joy in the mountains; There’s life in the fountains; Small clouds are sailing, Blue sky prevailing; The rain is over and gone!
Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare, c.1599
“Beware the ides of March.”
In Shakespeare’s play the soothsayer’s line cuts through the March festivities; Caesar shrugs it off, yet the month becomes a shorthand for fate, ambition, and murder.
Going Wild
Mad as a March Hare
March is peak ‘boxing’ season for brown hares on the open fields. The bouts you see at dawn are usually females fending off overly-keen males, part of a frantic breeding race that can last into summer. Look for long blacktipped ears, a russet coat and that low, loping run across stubble or new spring crops. Hares nest above ground in shallow forms, so give wide berth to field margins and dogs on leads, especially near quiet hedgerows.
March Facts
Symbols: Pisces (to 20th) and Aries (from 21st) rule March. The birthstone is aquamarine, and the birth flowers are daffodil and jonquil. March’s full moon is the Worm Moon, peaking on 14th March. UK dates include St David’s Day (1st March), St Patrick’s Day (17th March) and Mothering Sunday (30th March).
In the Garden Waking Up in March
Finish pruning roses, buddleia and summer flowering clematis, then mulch beds with compost. Plant bareroot shrubs and hedging while the ground is moist. Directsow peas, broad beans, spinach and early carrots under fleece or in a cold frame. Start dahlias, sweet peas and tender annuals indoors.
Give lawns a light rake and the first high cut. In bloom are daffodils, crocus, primrose and hellebore. Chit seed potatoes, pot up lilies, and ventilate greenhouses on mild days; keep an eye out for slugs as early shoots emerge. Divide overcrowded perennials, tidy borders gently, clean ponds, and check hedges for birds before trimming.
Sound & Vision: Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon arrived in March 1973. U2’s Joshua Tree was released in March 1987, and Blur’s Parklife was released in 1994. Are You Being Served? began on March 1973. Fawlty Towers debuted in March 1975 and Absolutely Fabulous in March 1992. Finally, The Godfather made us an offer we couldn’t refuse with a cinema release in March 1972.
TRIVIA, FOLKLORE AND HISTORY FOR MARCH
Folklore & Traditions
March Lore: Cleansing & Good Luck
March sits on a hinge between winter and spring, so British tradition treats it as a month of cleansing, luckseeking and weatherwatching.
The Church calendar often places Lent here: Ash Wednesday opens forty days of fasting or ‘giving up,’ and in some years Shrove Tuesday falls in early March, sending families out to ‘shriving’ pancakes before the fast.
MidLent brings Mothering Sunday (15th March 2026), once a day to visit your mother church, now marked with flowers and a rich Simnel cake.
Folk calendars also keep 1st March as St David’s Day, with leeks and daffodils worn in Wales, and 17th March as St Patrick’s Day, long celebrated in Britain’s Irish communities. Around 20th March the spring equinox was, in
older pagan practice, a balancepoint called Ostara when people lit small fires, decorated eggs, and welcomed returning light.
Country sayings still colour the month: “If March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb,” and “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.”
In many villages the first wild violets or primroses were picked as charms for love and good health.
Lady Day on 25th March was the New Year in England; it was a quarter day for rents and hiring fairs, when contracts were renewed and servants changed places. In Christian faith it alsos commemorate the annunciation of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would bear Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
March in History
24th March 1603
The Union of the Crowns began when James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne as James I. England and Scotland remained separate kingdoms, but a shared monarch brought closer diplomacy, a single court, and the road toward parliamentary union in 1707.
11th March 1702
The Daily Courant, Britain's first daily newspaper, was first published on March 11, 1702, by Elizabeth Mallet from London. It focused on foreign news, presented facts without opinion, and was revolutionary for its daily frequency, setting a new standard for news publishing.
25th March 1807
Britain outlawed the transatlantic slave trade — a major moral and political turning point, though slavery itself continued for decades.
5th March 1936
The Supermarine Spitfire made its first test flight from Eastleigh. Sleek and powered by a RollsRoyce Merlin, it became an RAF icon and a decisive fighter in the Battle of Britain, celebrated ever since as a feat of British design.
2nd March 1969
Concorde took off on its maiden flight from Toulouse. From 1976 it carried passengers between London and New York at twice the speed of sound.
29th March 2014
Samesex marriage became legal in England and Wales via the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. It received Royal Assent in July 2013, with the first weddings taking place the following year.
1st-4th March 2018
The Beast from the East saw bitterly cold air from Siberia, the arrival of Storm Emma and major disruption in early March.
Reflection on love lost, and
quiet strength QUIET COURAGE
finding
The crocuses came up overnight, as they do in March; little cups of purple and gold pushing through soil that still feels half-winter. Clare noticed them from the kitchen doors while the kettle boiled, their quiet stubbornness oddly comforting.
On the oak table sat a brown envelope with her name on it. The handwriting was his. She hadn’t seen it since the day he left. She made tea anyway. That’s what you do when your heart is rattling: you let your hands keep faith with routine. Then she opened the letter.
It wasn’t long. He wrote that he was sorry. That he’d run because stillness frightened him—because a settled, ordinary life had made him feel as though he’d disappeared into it. He admitted he’d been ashamed of that fear, and that leaving her without explanation had been cruel. He said he didn’t expect forgiveness. He only wanted her to know she mattered, deeply, and that what they’d had hadn’t been a late-life convenience. It had been the realest part of him. If she ever wanted to speak, he would be there. If not, he understood. Clare read it three times. Anger came first, bright and tidy. Then grief, heavy and familiar. When he left months before, it hadn’t been a row or a scene. Just a flat sentence in the kitchen while she stirred jam, a kiss too quick to be kind, and tyres on gravel. Afterwards she finished the jam because it was the nearest sensible thing to do. Later she walked the house and found him everywhere—his scarf on the peg, his glasses by the chair, the half-read book left open as if he’d only stepped out. Silence can be louder than shouting. She hadn’t heard from him once. That, more than the leaving, had hollowed her out. Now there were words. Late, imperfect words, but words all the same. She folded the letter and put on her coat. On impulse she lifted a small clump of crocuses, roots and all, and set them in a jam jar. It felt a bit foolish. She did it anyway. Before she went to see him, she stopped somewhere quiet she once loved walking with him, the kind of place that is dignified even in late winter. She found a bench facing water and sat. Years ago, on a March afternoon much like this, he’d looked at her there and said— plainly, bravely—that he didn’t want to go home to emptiness anymore, and that he’d been thinking about her too often to pretend it meant nothing. She’d surprised herself by saying she felt the same. Her life had widened in that moment. She’d assumed love was finished for her. It wasn’t.
Sitting there now, she let herself remember that the courage of that day hadn’t belonged to him alone. It had been hers too.
When she finally knocked at his door, she was steady. He opened it looking thinner, older, as if the months had sanded him down. For a moment they only stared.
“Hello,” she said.
He said her name like it hurt.
She held out the jar. “You said you were eating properly.”
A flicker of a smile on him. Then regret. “I’ve tried.”
“I’m not here because everything’s fine,” she said.
“I know.”
“I’m not here to promise anything.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
And in that small mercy between them, she felt something unclench. They talked—not in grand speeches, but in the ordinary truths that matter more. Pride. Fear. Loneliness.
The sharp damage of silence. He didn’t defend himself. He listened. He said sorry properly.
When she left, dusk was folding itself into the hedgerows. She paused at the door.
“I don’t know what happens next,” she said. “I won’t ask you to.”
She looked at him once more, then at the crocuses on his table.
“The moment that mattered,” she said softly, “wasn’t you leaving. It was me coming back—to myself.”
Outside, the air was cold and clean, the first real edge of spring in it. March didn’t offer certainty. It offered possibility. And for now, that was enough.
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