Stamford Pride February 2023

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STAMFORD’S FINEST MAGAZINE

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£4.50

A NORTH NORFOLK

Winter Break WITH BAREFOOT RETREATS’ LUXURY SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION

FASHION & BEAUTY ENJOYING APRÉS SKI WITH WINTER SKIWEAR AND LUXURY COSMETICS

Good Spa Guide 2024 RELAX AND UNWIND IN LUXURY AND COMFORT THIS WINTER

LUXURY HOMES

WINTER DINING

BLACK TIE EVENTS

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN THE AREA

PUB DINING PAR EXCELLENCE AT BASTON’S WHITE HORSE

RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES AND GOOD CAUSES

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Welcome F

irstly, many thanks indeed for so many lovely comments on our fresh new magazine. Last month saw us relaunching the area’s finest magazine with a new look – and a new feel – designed to make the most of the vibrant photography and to ensure our text is more crisp and readable, even in the soft light of a sitting room in the evening.

We’re touched that so many readers and advertisers have been in contact to offer us our congratulations and with the first edition of 2024 we’re really confident that we’ve a nice fresh canvas for presenting some really good local stories throughout the year.

Our very best wishes for a wonderful month!

THE B ES NG YI

STAMFORD’S FINEST MAGAZINE

£4.50

A NORTH NORFOLK

GLORIOUS PUB RESTAURANT DINING AT THE VILLAGE’S WHITE HORSE

Winter Break WITH BAREFOOT RETREATS’ LUXURY SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION

DISCOVER RUTLAND CELEBRATING MULTUM IN PARVO WITH TOURISM & HOSPITALITY PARTNERS

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DELICIOUS DINING OUT IN BASTON

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RUTLAND’S FINEST MAGAZINE

Julian Wilkinson Publisher, Pride Magazines

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Download our App: Search for Pride Magazines in Apple’s App Store and on Google Play.

Finally, we’ve photos from a couple of the area’s recent black tie balls held to raise money for local charities, and if you’re holding such an event remember to let us know so we can send along one of our photographers!

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Find us on Instagram: @rutlandpride @stamfordpride

Elsewhere, we’re enjoying dining out at Baston’s White Horse – a quality pub restaurant – and we’re meeting two locals who are bringing the old tradition of curating a photo album up to date, creating autobiographical video albums.

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Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rutlandpride www.facebook.com/stamfordpride

A well-exercised cliché in the media at this time of year is the reporting of ‘the winter blues.’ No such thing here! In this edition we’re enjoying a visit to some of the local spas in our area for daytime, twilight or overnight pampering and if you’d like to venture a little further, we’re suggesting a self-catering short break for winter in North Norfolk with our friends at Barefoot Retreats.

£4.50

A NORTH NORFOLK

Winter Break WITH BAREFOOT RETREATS’ LUXURY SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION

FASHION & BEAUTY ENJOYING APRÉS SKI WITH WINTER SKIWEAR AND LUXURY COSMETICS

Good Spa Guide 2024

Good Spa Guide 2024

RELAX AND UNWIND IN LUXURY AND COMFORT THIS WINTER

RELAX AND UNWIND IN LUXURY AND COMFORT THIS WINTER

LUXURY HOMES

FASHION & BEAUTY

BLACK TIE EVENTS

LUXURY HOMES

WINTER DINING

BLACK TIE EVENTS

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN THE AREA

ENJOYING APRÉS SKI WITH WINTER SKIWEAR AND LUXURY COSMETICS

RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES AND GOOD CAUSES

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN THE AREA

PUB DINING PAR EXCELLENCE AT BASTON’S WHITE HORSE

RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES AND GOOD CAUSES

This month’s covers show a beautifully lit Normanton Church and twilight in lovely Stamford. Remember, we’re always looking for great images of the area, so please feel free to email us your best photos to us at robin@pridemagazines.co.uk.

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LUXURY HOMES Enjoy the largest selection of homes in Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding area.

HIGH LIFE Celebrating agriculture at Melton Fatstock’s black­tie supper.

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Food & Drink 50

DINING OUT Absolutely wonderful quality pub restaurant­dining in Baston, with a return visit to The White Horse.

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RECIPES & WINE Hot lemon soufflés for winter and three romantic rosés.

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HEALTHIER, EASIER Why a Thermomix may be the secret to quicker, better meals in 2024.

LOCAL NEWS Good news stories including why Rutland & Stamford are set to become even closer in 2024.

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FEBRUARY 2024

WHAT’S ON Live music and theatre.

126 HIGH LIFE The Discover Rutland Ball.

Highlights

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LOOKING BACK Local filmmakers’ new venture creating autobiographical films.

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GOOD SPA GUIDE Winter pampering, a mother’s day treat or a romantic Valentine’s Day together... whatever

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Homes & Gardens 82

HOMES Stylish soft furnishings and premium appliances.

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GARDENS Garden design inspiration,

Lifestyle 104 MOTORS Mercedes Benz’s CLE.

the justification, the area’s best spas.

108 FASHION Skiwear for winter breaks.

A SHORT BREAK IN NORFOLK With Barefoot Retreats.

115 COSMETICS Winter wellness.

119 WEDDINGS Laura & Ben’s big day.

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Delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county

FREE ONLINE

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £500,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.

The magazine is also sold in leading newsagents and supermarkets and we also deliver the magazine to local businesses including selected hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 45,000 online visitors viewing our magazines free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

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

Download Our App: Read our magazines on any device anywhere.

Read Pride Magazine free online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk or by downloading our free iOS and Android App to your device.

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

In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

General Manager: Matthew Deere.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Sales Executives: Aisha Joyce, Gemma Mills, Yvette Curry.

Accounts Department: Steve Parrish, Chloe Watson, Beth Freeman­Burdass, Mia Garner.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

IT Manager: Ian Bagley.

Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

Pride Magazines, Boston Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Way, Boston, Lincs PE21 7TW

Telephone: 01529 469977

www.pridemagazines.co.uk | sales@pridemagazines.co.uk

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Luxury Homes

Find Your Perfect Home The largest selection of luxury homes on the market in Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding area

Above: Barnwell Manor, currently on the market with Savills’ Stamford office for £4.25m, call 01780 673865 or see www.savills.co.uk.

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Greystone Oakham Road, Exton An impressive, 5-bedroom, family home with double garage, separate carport, large driveway and front and rear gardens, located in the conservation area of the Rutland village of Exton.

Guide Price: £1,195,000 King West 13 St Mary's St, Stamford PE9 2DE. Call 01780 484520 or see www.kingwest.co.uk

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Braceborough Near Stamford In an idyllic, tranquil setting beside lakes and streams and sheltered by trees, the most spectacular equestrian property with approximately 60 acres is centered around the historic spa of Braceborough about 8 miles north of Stamford. The property comes with a one-bedroom annexe, a separate cottage and a groom’s apartment. The equestrian facilities include indoor and outdoor Olympic arenas, 16 loose boxes within the indoor school, a solarium, wash room and tack room.

Offers in Region of: £2,500,000 Fine & Country The Old Jewellers, 30 High Street East Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01780 750 200 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk

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Walsoken House St. Peters Street, Stamford Capturing the essence of refined Georgian architecture, Grade II listed Walsoken House sits within the ancient walls of Stamford, in the historic setting of St. Peter’s Street, blending Regency elegance with contemporary comfort in classic townhouse style.

Guide Price: £1,800,000 Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

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Leicester Road Uppingham, Rutland An individually designed, double-fronted four-bedroom home with spacious accommodation, private driveway, and a detached double garage with a one-bedroom annexe above. Clipsham House sits on a generous plot with a south-facing garden and is within easy-walking distance of Uppingham town centre.

Guide Pride: £1,150,000 James Sellicks 6-8 Market Place Oakham Rutland LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com

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Horninghold House Near Uppingham Honey-coloured stone property created by current owners in 1993.

Five reception rooms currently arranged as drawing room, orangery, family room and living kitchen, plus basement games room.

Guide Price: £3,950,000 King West 13 St Mary's St, Stamford PE9 2DE. Call 01780 484520 or see www.kingwest.co.uk.

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Mill House South Luffenham This handsome former watermill lies between the sought after villages of South and North Luffenham, not far from Rutland Water and within easy reach of Stamford, Uppingham and Oakham. Its accommodation set over 3 storeys, offers 3 generous bedrooms and expansive ground floor reception areas. A generous lawned garden slopes down to the banks of the River Chater and views from the side and rear aspects of all the properties are particularly lovely.

Guide Price: £975,000 Fine & Country The Old Jewellers, 30 High Street East Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01780 750 200 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk

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Tricklebank Gardens Stamford Nestled on the eastern edge of Stamford and within walking distance of the Town Centre stands Tricklebank, an individually designed five-bedroom executive property at the front of a private gated estate. There is a sweeping driveway with ample parking for numerous vehicles, a detached double garage with electrically operated doors, and beautiful gardens landscaped by the current owners.

Guide Pride: £1,200,000 Newton Fallowell 4 Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL. Call 01780 754530 or see www.newtonfallowell.co.uk

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The Manor House Cherry Orton, Peterborough Just across the border this magnificent listed manor house within the most beautiful, mature and private gardens of well over an acre, with extensive outbuildings and garages.

Guide Price: £2,350,000 Savills 9 High Street, St. Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 673865 or see www.savills.co.uk

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Barnwell Manor Barnwell, Peterborough Just across the border this attractive Grade II Listed manor house, positioned half a mile to the north of the rural village of Barnwell, Barnwell Manor offers a high degree of seclusion and sits within its extensive gardens and grounds of circa 27 acres.

Offers in Excess of: £4,250,000 Savills 9 High Street, St. Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 673865 or see www.savills.co.uk

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Guide Price £700,000

Offers In Excess Of £650,000

Priests House, Caldecott

Jester Cottage, Lyddington

Priests House is a Grade II listed four-bedroom ironstone home offering flexible accommodation arranged over three floors. It sits in mature and secluded gardens in a private village setting within easy reach of the historic market town of Uppingham.

Jester Cottage, built only fifteen years ago, is a modern but characterful in style, three-bedroom cottage with off-road parking, garaging and a wellestablished plot of approximately 0.3 acres, tucked away at the heart of the much sought-after village of Lyddington.

Offers In Excess Of £550,000

Offers In Excess Of £500,000

Suthern Close, Oakham

Freer Drive, Uppingham

A substantial, double-fronted, four-bedroom detached home with truly spacious accommodation, off-road parking, and garaging, all within easy walking distance of Oakham town centre.

A four-bedroom, detached family home with a private driveway, a single garage and a sunny south-west facing garden, all within walking distance of Uppingham town centre.

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Local News Rutland & Stamford to join up in 2024 A match made in heaven! Commission’s quinquennial review of parliamentary constituencies confirms that Stamford will share constituency MP with Rutland

Get ready for a shake up of regional borders as the Boundary Commission’s 2023 five-year review of Constituency Boundaries in England has concluded its research with its recommendations approved by The Privy Council.

The changes recommend losing the affiliation between Leicestershire and Rutland, instead creating the subregion of Lincolnshire and Rutland.

The changes would also create a Rutland & Stamford constituency, – likely with Alicia Kearns as MP – comprising the whole of Rutland’s unitary authority, with the Deepings as part of South Holland.

The boundary changes will take effect at the next general election, in January 2025 at the latest but possibly later in 2024 should Rishi Sunak decide.

Katherine of Aragon celebrated Henry VIII’s first wife was exiled to Kimbolton Castle then buried in Peterborough Cathedral following her death in 1536, commemorations are to be held during annual festival It’s an annual recognition of one of the most famous people to rest in Peterborough Cathedral. The Katharine of Aragon Festival commemorates 29th January 1536, when Henry VIII’s first wife was buried at Peterborough Cathedral after her death in exile at Kimbolton Castle. She lies in the Cathedral to this day.

Today Katharine is remembered annually with a commemorative service and series of events at the Cathedral and elsewhere in the city around the anniversary of her burial with many visitors placing pomegranates – her heraldic symbol – on her tomb. The tomb was vandalised by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in April 1643. The current memorial slab was installed in 1895 after a national campaign for the ‘Katharines of England’ to all donate a penny to the cause, organised by the wife of one of the Cathedral canons, Katharine Clayton.

The Katherine of Aragon Festival takes place from 25th ­ 29th January at Peterborough Cathedral, see www.peterborough­cathedral.org.uk/katharine.

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Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

A flying visit to Stamford

A summer of Shakespeare

Enthusiasts delighted to catch a glimpse of a true hero of the steam age as Flying Scotsman passes through

2024 programme confirmed at Tolethorpe, home of the superb Stamford Shakespeare Company

Locomotive aficionados were thrilled to see one of the icons of the age of steam passing through Stamford last month as The Flying Scotsman passed through both Stamford and Oakham on route to Worcester.

It’s little wonder local railway enthusiasts go ‘loco’ for the steam engine, remaining proud

of the engine’s impressive feat breaking the 100mph barrier for the first time in history back in November 1934 between Grantham and Tallington on the East Coast Main Line.

The engine was purchased by the National Railway Museum in York in 2004 for £2.3m and returned it to service in 2016.

‘Summer’s lease hath all too short a date,’ mused Shakespeare in one of his sonnets, so make the most of the season when it comes around by ensuring you can enjoy one of Tolethorpe’s open air theatre experiences.

NSPCC Concert Success Author and presenter Mary Berry joined in the fun at Margaret Wheeler’s annual concert for the NSPCC Oakham’s NSPCC Carol Concert took place in early December with Dame Mary Berry among the many celebrities giving lighthearted readings. Hotelier Tim Hart, Antique Roadshow’s Lars Tharp, author Caroline Aston, and the BBC’s Anne Davies joined 450 people at All Saints’ Church for the event which has raised over £200,000 for the NSPCC over the past 10 years.

Image: Richard Adams.

Home to the Stamford Shakespeare Company, the theatre has confirmed that this year’s trio of productions will include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, last performed in 2017 and in fact the first production the company ever staged, in the Monastery Gardens of The George of Stamford, pre-Tolethorpe.

The Dream will have an Edwardian look and feel, whilst theatregoers can also enjoy The Recruiting Officer by Irish writer George Farquhar and Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, which nicely complements Stamford’s Georgian feel.

Productions take place from June­August, tickets on sale now direct from the theatre, call 01780 754381 or see www.tolethorpe.co.uk.

And Finally... Life’s never dull with a neighbour like Colin Furze.

The Stamford inventor and YouTube star has announced his latest project, to create an underground garage for his Delorean car.

The garage and tunnel will connect to his bunker and a powered platform will raise the car up from underground to his driveway... ambitious, but that’s why he has 12m YouTube followers!

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I Look Back

The Future of

Looking Back Celebrating your family, telling your story and documenting your life. In January 2024, Rutland filmmakers Ben Searle and Tony Gray launched ‘I Look Back’, a chance for you to create a 21st century family album, rich in video content with professional production

Would you like to give a friend or loved one the opportunity to make a film about their passion for music, travel, cooking or whatever they choose, and share it with their friends and family? Have you ever wanted to tell your own life story or write a memoir and found it a bit daunting?

How would you like your future family to meet you and hear about your life in your own words, and more fully than photographs alone can ever show?

These are questions Rutland filmmakers Ben Searle and Tony Gray are asking anyone who would like to share some of their life experiences and family history with future generations using the latest video album technology.

Imagine opening a family album but it’s not photographs, it’s a high quality, professionally produced video. You turn the page and it’s another video memory and so on. This is the idea which Ben and Tony have been working on.

Tony’s career has previously involved his developing new software and hardware graphics technologies. While Ben, a successful session musician and educator has wide experience of content creation. Both being trumpeters, they met more than 15 years ago playing locally and became firm friends, still performing together today in the Uppingham Jazz & Soul Band.

Alongside music, the two discovered a shared interest in film and video production and, following setting up Rutland Community Ventures in November 2017, they secured Lottery funding to make a film ‘Don’t Drown Our County’ about the building of Rutland Water. The project included interviewing those involved, locating and using archive film footage, and digitising photographs from the early 1970s.

The Don’t Drown Our County exhibit can still be seen at the Rutland County Museum today an other video projects followed, including a film marking the 50th anniversary of Rutland Sailing Club which featured in Rutland Pride’s

November edition. Tony and Ben then realised that everyone has a personal story which could be told through interviews, photographs and video, and this led to the foundation of another business, Lyndon Media, and the launch of a new product ‘I Look Back.’

“In some ways, I Look Back is a tricky concept to explain,” said Tony, “But you can think of your video album as a sort of time capsule enabling you to tell your family in the future about your life and interests in your own words and voice.

And the subject can be anything from family history, life at work or in sport, to a personal obsession with, say, steam engines! Anything which you’d like your family in the 22nd century to hear and know about you.”

Ben added, “It’s like a time machine taking you into the future, so that through watching the video, your great grandchildren and their children can ‘meet you’ and see who you really are.” >>

Opposite: Tony Gray and Ben Searle have created I Look Back, a 21st century family album, rich in video content with professional production.

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I LOOK BACK

Below: The video albums that I Look Back provides incorporate a screen and speakers.

>> “Of course, looking at your whole life and deciding what to talk about in your video is quite a challenge. Just think about that pile of old photographs and family videos in boxes in the loft! Where do you start? That’s where we come in by providing support to help you get going,” say Tony and Ben. “Together, we’ll create a storyboard to help you organise your thoughts so that you’re not stuck for words, so you know what you going to talk about, and you’re sure that you cover all the topics which are of most importance to you.”

“This pre-production work then gives us a really clear structure for the interviews which, depending on the amount of content, can involve up to two days’ filming using professional equipment to ensure we capture sharp, clear footage, accurate colour, and high-quality stereo sound. Next, we professionally edit down the several hours of

interview footage – plus shots from our drone, old family photos, images, and home video or film clips – into a finished broadcast quality movie of about 45 to 60 minutes.”

“Finally, your movie is uploaded to our secure servers for streaming online and presented to you in a state-of-the-art video album. And the video album is amazing. It can easily be recharged with a simple USB cable, is about the same size as a wedding album or framed photograph and has a bright hi-res screen with speakers.”

“You can then view or share it anywhere, even without an internet connection, and our clients also receive all the footage we’ve taken, including the bloopers – which are often priceless. Every production is by its nature unique and personal, and so is each finished album, that’s the whole point of I Look Back.”

Over the past couple of years, Tony and Ben have worked hard to develop their unique idea and in the face of stiff competition have recently won a prize for innovative new products from the UK Research Institute.

As a result, they can now launch the product and offer clients the opportunity to create their I Look Back video album at an introductory price.

“We’re excited that we can now start offering people the chance to make a personal video documentary using I Look Back,” say Tony and Ben. “Perhaps it’s something you’d want to do yourself. Or perhaps you’d like to give it as a special and unique gift to a loved one or friend. Either way, we love helping people bring their stories to life by producing their own professional documentary to be shared now by loved ones and passed on for future generations to enjoy.”

Find Out More: I Look Back has been created by Tony Gray and Ben Searle, for prices and more information see www.ilookback.co.uk.

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High Life

Melton Fatstock Dinner 71st Melton & Belvoir Agricultural Society Fatstock was a success, with a celebratory dinner attended by over 260 guests promoting agriculture for current and future generations Images: Rob Davis.

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The 71st Melton Fatstock took place as our last edition went to press, and following the sale itself, local farmers and those from the agri-food sector around Melton, Rutland and the Vale of Belvoir gathered together to celebrate an industry committed to quality and high welfare in farming. The event was organised by the Melton & Belvoir Agricultural Society, a not-for-profit entity that exists to promote agriculture for current and future generations. Its president is Stephen Hallam MBE, and categories of products in the show included livestock, cheese, pork pies and pastries, home baking and preserves. Over 260 gathered for a dinner and dance in the evening held in the Banqueting Suite of The Stockyard at Melton Market, where the Championship Cups were presented and guests enjoyed a delicious four-course dinner, raising £5,000 for local charities.

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Spas & Spa Treatments

The Good Spa Guide 2024 This month, relax and unwind with a winter spa experience, enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day together, or think ahead and plan a spa day for Mothering Sunday

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Rutland Hall Hotel

Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray

Built in 1890 and enjoying a rebirth in 1989 as a country house hotel, Rutland Hall Hotel has undergone a superb reinvention from 2020 following its purchase by brothers Priyesh and Minesh Patel who are continuing to invest thought, time and capital in the 70-acre estate’s improvement.

Already we’ve seen a relaunch of Rutland Hall’s restaurant, Blossoms – as featured in November’s Rutland Pride – with a reminder that the restaurant is open to non-residents for lunchtime and evening dining, morning coffee and afternoon tea.

Nestling in 500 acres of country estate, Stapleford Park is a Grade I listed country house hotel which opened to the public in 1988 and has since achieved two AA rosettes for its dining, and four red stars for the quality of its accommodation. Stapleford Park’s stableblock was created in 1899 and converted into a modern spa with a range of treatments including four massage options and five facials plus manicures and pedicures powered by spa brand OPI. A really nice touch is the availability of ‘side orders,’ like mini-hand and foot rituals or a hot stone neck massage.

The same applies to Rutland Hall’s leisure facilities, which include its 22 metre pool, gym, and facilities like its squash courts and pitch ‘n’ putt facilties. Beauty treatments at Rutland Hall are available to non-residents and don’t require membership. In addition, the resort offers stretch classes, Zumba, pilates, aqua aerobics plus bespoke yoga sessions and team building retreats. Booking online or by phone.

Half days from £80/weekdays (£100/weekend) with 30 minutes of treatment and half-day spa time. Day packages include the £120/£140 Stableyard Spa Day with 60-minute treatment and lunch or afternoon tea. Twilight packages are available too, as are short breaks, e.g.: two night break incl 60-minute treatment three course table d’hote dining plus afternoon tea and access to pool etc, £360/person.

Rutland Hall Hotel, near Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB Call 01572 757901 or see www.rutlandhall.co.uk/leisure.

Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray LE14 2EF Call 01572 787000 or see www.staplefordpark.com.

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Spas & Spa Treatments

Eden Hall, Newark

Imagine at Orton Hall, Peterborough

The former country home of Robert Middleton, built in 1875, opened as a spa in 2000 under the name Eden Hall. The spa is set in 15 acres, and has 25 treatment rooms, plus a £4m spa garden which opened in May 2023 with a hydrotherapy infinity pool kept at a lovely 39°c, plus a fire pit and plenty of places to relax in the fresh air this summer.

Orton Hall has 70 elegant bedrooms and sits within 20 acres of parkland, in the conservation village of Orton Longueville, near Peterborough. Built in the 17th century, a recent addition was its Imagine spa, with its hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and four treatment rooms.

Coinciding with the opening of the spa garden is the new botanical brasserie, called The Vinery, but Eden Hall’s provision of food has always been very strong, with breakfasts and afternoon teas available plus the Shepherd’s Hut which offers Pimm’s and ice cream.

On the spa menu are nine body treatments, six facials, plus a serail mud chamber treatment. In addition is body tanning utilising Kissed

by Mii, plus manicures and pedicures with Jessica products.

The thermal spa suite includes a 25-metre Vitality Swimming Pool herbal caldarium, rose-infused steam room, sauna and salt inhalation room. Treatments are powered by Elemis and Voya. Spa days start at £119 with full spa access or £199/person (Serenity Spa Day) for a whole day with a 60-minute treatment plus a three course lunch.

Eden Hall, Elston, Newark NG23 5PG. Call 01636 525555 or see www.baronseden.com.

Prices are super competitive, with half day prices from £25-£99, and full day prices from £99-£159, with Discover, Enrich and Indulge tiers offering 60, 90 or 120 minutes of treatment time respectively. Also available are mother and daughter packages and treatments for men.

Elsewhere Orton Hall offers 70 bedrooms and dining in the Huntly oak-panelled dining room and atmospheric Ramblewood Inn. Image at Orton Longueville, Peterborough PE2 7DN Call 01733 234245 or see www.imaginespa.co.uk.

Opposite: Stapleford Park’s spa is set in a stableblock dating back to 1899. Above: Eden Hall’s inviting pool, adjacent to its thermal experiences.

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Spas & Spa Treatments

Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire For nearly 35 years Ragdale Hall has remained one of the most luxurious spas not just in the area, but in the whole of Britain. Little wonder that in the 2023 Good Spa Awards it was named Best Destination Spa. Ragdale Hall is set within 13 acres, there are 500 members of staff, including 130 wellness experts, plus 96 bedrooms, six swimming pools, 12 heat and water experiences and no fewer than 50 treatment rooms. Wow! The original hall dated back to medieval times but in 1785 the hall was extensively rebuilt and became a country club before being sold to Slimming Magazine's Audrey Eyton of the F-plan diet, who turned it into Ragdale Hall Health Hydro in 1973. In 1990 it was purchased by Our Price Records co-founders Gary Nesbitt and Michael Isaacs.

Today, Michael Isaacs and Penny Nesbitt still own the spa and have consistently reinvested in it, not least with the creation of the Rooftop Infinity Pool back in 2017 and the Twilight Bar cocktail lounge and new industrial-style gym. More recently Ragdale Hall has enjoyed a restyling in ‘earthy’ colours and a rebranding.

If the Rooftop Infinity Pool doesn’t appeal there’s a 25m swimming pool indoors, the Exercise Pool, Candle Pool, Waterfall Pool, or outdoor pool. Temperature experiences include the Scented Room, Volcanic Salt Bath, Rose Sauna, and Colourflow Cave, plus classes for cardio, strength, and classes themed around dance, water and mindfulness plus the availability of one-to-one coaching.

Treatment utilise Clarins, Elemis, Medik8 and Sea Magik and there are more unusual treatments such as Lomi Lomi massage, crystal meditation, crystal sound healing, and treatments using access bars.

Relaxation Days, from £206, include a three course lunch and 40 minutes of treatment time plus access to the spa from 8am to 6pm.

Twilight sessions from 4.30pm to 9.30pm are from £125. A weekend package is available from £527/person with breakfast and dinner, and 40 minutes of treatment. The Ultimate Experience is a fullyimmersive seven-day break with five treatments, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, from £1,344/person.

Above/Right: Ragdale Hall.

The Grange, Pointon Our wellness journey begins in the village of Pointon, equidistant to Sleaford, Grantham and Bourne. Established in 2009 and created

by Matt and Emma Craven, the place is smaller compared to somewhere like, say, Eden Hall or Ragdale Hall, but that’s not a bad thing. Taking about 20 guests at a time ensures it’s quieter, less ‘busy,’ with a cosier, more boutique feel.

There are six treatment rooms and a 12-metre pool with waterfall and temperature experiences including a gem stone spa, herbal bath, aromatherapy and ice fountains.

Treatments utilise Thalgo marine-based products and Pinks, an organic and vegan skincare range. There are nine body treatments and five face treatments, plus manicures and pedicures, whilst ‘Cream of the Crop’ treatments are designed to offer maximum relaxation.

Ragdale Hall really is a super-luxurious, enjoyable and indulgent place to relax, unwind and feel at ease!

Half-day packages range from £65-£78/person and last four hours, whilst day packages range from £96, with eight hours of spa time.

The spa’s flagship Ultimate Grange Indulgence experience includes lunch and three and a half hours of treatment time.

Ragdale Hall, Ragdale Village, Melton Mowbray LE14 3PB Call 01664 434831 or see www.ragdalehall.co.uk.

The Grange Spa, Millthorpe Road, Pointon NG34 0NF. Call 01778 440511 or see www.thegrangespa.co.uk.

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What’s On Friday 2nd February Friday 15th March

Tues 9th ­ Mon 29th January

Mars: War & Peace at Peterborough Cathedral

Gong Bath Meditation at Stamford Arts Centre

This January, Peterborough Cathedral will be proudly hosting Mars: War & Peace, an extraordinary new artwork from pioneering artist Luke Jerram. Following on from his other astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia, this incredible artwork will be presented with a new score and will provide an opportunity for the public to consider the history of human conflict against the inhospitable desert wasteland of Mars. Price and times to be confirmed.

A deeply restorative experience for the mind, body and soul.

Practitioner Sally will create a soundscape with light percussion instruments and gongs. All you have to do is rest comfortably on your mat and be open to sound vibrations. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket and a small cushion.

From 6pm, tickets £17, 60 minutes duration.

Based at Stamford Arts Centre, PE9 2DL, call 01780 763203 or see stamfordartscentre.com.

Peterborough Cathedral, PE1 1XS, call 01733 355315 or see peterborough­cathedral.org.uk.

Manon at Stamford Arts Centre Royal Ballet performance of Kenneth MacMillan’s passionate ballet, live-screened to Stamford Arts Centre

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Friday 23rd February

Wednesday 7th February

Manon: A Royal Ballet Performance

I Love The 1980s: The Wild Boys I love the 80s is presented by The Wild Boys, who are widely recognised as the best live 80s tribute act in the UK today.

Expect to hear hits from such artistes as Duran Duran, Phil Collins, Depeche Mode, Tears For fears and Prince, to name but a few. If you’re a fan of the decade, be prepared for a truly amazing and entertaining evening.

Kenneth MacMillan’s passionate ballet tells the story of Manon, who is torn between her desire for a life of splendour and riches and her devotion to her true love Des Grieux. This adaptation is Kenneth MacMillan at his best with an acute insight into human psychology and a mastery of narrative choreography.

From 7.30pm, tickets £26,

Live screening at Stamford Arts Centre, PE9 2DL, call 01780 763203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com.

based at Stamford Corn Exchange, PE9 1PX. Call 01780 766455, or see stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

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Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

Thurs 1st ­ Wed 28th February

Snowdrop Month at Barnsdale Gardens This month is the perfect time to come and indulge yourself in Barnsdale Gardens’ extensive displays of snowdrops planted throughout the gardens.

There are lots of our common snowdrops as well as many rare and unusual varieties to see, all

mixed in with so much other winter interest. On the 3rd and 5th of February, throughout the day, snowdrop expert, Gill Hadland, will be in attendance giving short talks and with snowdrops for sale.

Free with garden admission.

Open from 10am­4pm, visit Barnsdale Gardens, LE15 8AH. Call 01572 813 200 or see www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk.

Wednesday 14th February

Thursday 29th February

Snowdrops at Easton Walled Gardens

A Short History of Flowers with Advolly Richmond

Visit Easton Walled Gardens as the first new growth of the year emerges and snowdrops open up across the 450 year old restored gardens, from 14th February right into March along with aconites and other spring flowers.

Advolly Richmond is a garden historian, TV and radio presenter and researcher of gardens, landscapes, plants and social history. She is a regular contributor on Gardeners’ World as well as on BBC Gardeners’ Question Time. Advolly’s lecture also includes tales of exploration, unrequited but also enduring love, botanical piracy and hybridisation which have all helped to bring some beautiful flowers from bougainvillea to Fuchsia to life.

The Courtyard Shop will be open and hot drinks, savoury snacks and cake will be available from The Applestore or The Coffee Room. Meet up with friends, relax and enjoy.

Snowdrop Season starts on Wednesday 14th February, Wednesdays to Sundays 11am­4pm.

Call 01476 530063 or see www.visiteaston.co.uk.

Bonnie & Clyde at Curve

Thursday 22nd to Saturday 24th February

West End smash-hit Bonnie & Clyde is set to hold-up Leicester after two seasons in London’s West End...

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical Two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved adventure, and each other... their names were Bonnie & Clyde.

Image: The Other Richard.

Winner of Best New Musical at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2023, the two are set to hold-up Leicester’s Curve Theatre following two seasons in London’s West End.

Tickets £14 (£10/RGS), 7.30pm Stamford Arts Centre, PE9 2DL, call 01780 763203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com.

Featuring music by Tony nominee Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde), lyrics by the Tony and Oscar winner Don Black (Sunset Boulevard), a book by Emmy Award nominee Ivan Menchell, directed and choreographed

by Nick Winston. Discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.

Ticket prices vary, performances at 7.30pm and 2.15pm on selected dates. Call 0116 242 3595 or see curveonline.co.uk.

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HOME-SCHOOL TUTORING LINCOLNSHIRE & RUTLAND

All subjects, All levels supportive tuition for All Tutoring tailored to meet your needs “My name is Camila and I sued to work at a number of schools as a MFL Teacher.

I know the importance of finding the right tutor for your child. An approachable tutor who is also experienced in teaching the subject that your child is studying in school. I have a team of other experienced Lincolnshire and Rutland teachers working with me as tutors.

We are all fully referenced, and DBS checked.”

Home-School Tutoring (Lincolnshire & Rutland) Area Advisor: Camila Goddard-Pineres T: 0771 909 6687 E: camila@homeschooltutoring.co.uk www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk

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Area Advisor Camila Goddard-Pineres BA (Hons), PGCE Cer Ed, MAEd.

Home-School Tutoring (Est. 1984)

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Dining Out

White Horse in Baston It’s a quality pub restaurant that’s great all year round. You’ll never experience the winter blues here – despite the shade of The White Horse’s exterior – which is just one of the reasons we had to revisit the place for February dining...

Words: Rob Davis.

You’ll recognise Baston’s White Horse immediately, thanks to the building’s distinctive light blue colour, however you’ll be feeling anything but blue following a visit this month.

There’s a cheerful, comfortable feeling to Baston’s White Horse, one that’ll leave you wishing it was your village local – which of course it is for the folk who live in Baston – but it’s also a destination pub restaurant. The White Horse attracts diners from a

wide radius. Built in the 18th century, the pub restaurant was formerly known as the Spinning Wheel until it was purchased in 2012 by its current owner, Jo-Anne Richardson, of nearby Thetford Farm Estate.

After a comprehensive refurbishment, it has gained a clean, country pub aesthetic indoors, described by the team as giving the look and feel as ‘understated country classic,’ which we think is spot on.

Last year marked 10 years with a garden party held al fresco. Happily the White Horse has an all year-round appeal though, with the winter months providing a warm and cosy log fire, local real ales and a hearty dining experience.

Then, moving into spring/summer, two large patio areas – including a large beer garden – provide outdoor dining and bar with lots of space and a warm, welcoming feel.

Opposite: Venison with celeriac and potato dauphinoise, charred leeks and chestnut jus, £17.

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Dining Out

The White Horse, Baston, Bourne Small Plates Blue cheese stuffed mushrooms, £8.

Tempura prawns with chilli jam £8.

Brie bites with cranberry sauce £8.

Halloumi fries £8.

Homemade bread with balsamic & oil £5.

Main Courses Fish and chips with curry sauce, mushy peas and tartare sauce, £17.

White Horse beef burger with Swiss cheese, red onion, mayo and rosemary fries £16.

8oz rump steak with garlic field mushroom, White Horse ketchup and triple cooked chips £22.

Mushroom burger stuffed with blue cheese, roasted garlic mayo, brioche bun and skinny chips, £15.

Tagliatelle with leeks and pancetta in a white wine sauce £15.

Desserts Amaretti cheesecake with latté ice cream £8.

Cheese board with celery, grapes, crackers and chutney £8.

NB: This is a sample menu, and featured dishes are subject to availability and change.

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The kitchen goes above and beyond for diners, creating speciality bread, ice creams and sorbets, all in house...

Also set to make a return, is the stonebaked pizza oven which provides authentic pizzas from a dedicated menu.

Round off your meal with a choice of four desserts, the pub’s cheese board, or three scoops of homemade ice cream.

During our recent visit in mid-December, The White Horse’s main menu had been enhanced with a variety of small plates, and the ‘Festive Get-Together’ menu was in full swing.

Head Chef Adam Childs was born and raised in Grantham, trained in Stamford and has worked across the area, eventually moving to Peterborough in 2017 and settling at The White Horse in 2022.

As Pride appears in shops though on the 10th January, a brand new menu is set to debut, providing a delightful selection of small plates, including pub sausage roll with apple sauce, black pudding croquettes among other delectable treats as well as a choice of four more conventional starters.

The 12 main course options are comprised of four à la carte-style seasonal mains, plus four quality pub restaurant-style classic dishes, including fish ‘n’ chips and the White Horse burger. There’s also a choice of ‘lighter’ main courses lovingly prepared with big flavours.

Adam heads up a kitchen which goes above and beyond for diners by creating his own speciality bread, his own delicious ice creams and fresh and fruity sorbets, plus of course, the usual puddings and sauces.

Dishes are presented with style, portions are generous and there’s the odd feel-good flourish with each menu. Past examples of this include a sea bass served en papillote and a smoked brisket sandwich enhanced further with a gravy dip. Local ingredients are favoured where quality allows, with Bourne butcher Alec Day providing meat,

Opposite: Pan­fried pigeon with blackberry jus starter, £10.

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and Peterborough Game helping to enhance Adam’s new winter menu with dishes utilising venison and pigeon breast.

Fish arrives daily courtesy of Marrfish and fruit and veg is sourced from Accent Fresh of Downham Market in Norfolk.

Special mention, too, of the homemade cakes. These are freshly baked by the owner, Jo, herself. There’s a robust wine list created in conjunction with Oundle’s Amps which comprises over 30 bins. Even top flight wines like a Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape or La Graveliere Sancerre are competitively priced, around the £50 mark.

Meanwhile, if you’re a real ale aficionado you’ll appreciate a choice of three ales which, during our visit, comprised Oakham Ales’ JHB as a pale citrus choice, plus Doom as an amber option and Simple Pleasures, a nice light guest ale from Nene Valley.

Thursdays sees a steak promotion with two 8oz rumps and a couple of glasses of wine for £35.75 and Friday diners can enjoy a fish ‘n’ chip supper for two for just £25.

Look out, too, for two special menus for Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday, both likely to be strong on sharing dishes.

Speaking of Sunday, we can recommend the pub’s robust Sunday lunch option with sirloin of beef, lamb or belly pork roasts and the usual trimmings, expertly cooked.

We believe Shakespeare said something about a winter of discontent? No evidence of discontent here.

The White Horse is welcoming, satisfying and its food looks good and tastes great.

As a dining out option this month and into spring, we really can’t recommend it highly enough!

The White Horse, Baston, Bourne The Pitch: 18th century country inn nestled between Bourne and Market Deeping providing really satisfying quality pub restaurant dining, Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday: Open for private functions. Wednesday & Thursday: Midday – 10.30pm. Friday & Saturday: Midday – 11.30pm.

Sunday: Midday – 10.30pm.

The White Horse, Church Street, Baston, PE6 9PE. Call 01778 560923 or book online at thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk.

Opposite: Crème Brûlée tart, £8. Above: Selection of pub sandwiches incl turkey club £10.50, fish finger ciabatta £9 and toastie £9.

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www.therutlandvineyard.com Barrowden Road, Ketton PE9 3RJ

Come enjoy our nature trail, outdoor space, cosy barn, great coffee, cakes, cheese and wine, meeting space and much more at The Rutland Vineyard. www.therutlandvineyard.com

Cook from scratch, eat better and save time!

When we say it does it all... we mean it, and WE CAN PROVE it too, with a tailored, free, strictly no-obligation cooking experience...

The kitchen appliance that renders

Chop, blend, steam, knead,

all other appliances redundant!

sauté, grind, whisk, sous-vide, slow cook and more.

Integrated scales, mixing and cooking functions plus 80,000+

Cook healthy food ‘from scratch’...

triple-tested follow-along recipes

e.g: Create five weekday meals in less

via an interactive digital screen.

than an hour! Sam will show you how!

ONLY available via an independent advisor.

Call to book your own tailored, strictly no-obligation cooking experience, courtesy of local expert Sam Parker:

Call 07542 930998 or see www.myfoodforthought.co.uk SamParkerThermomixAdvisor

REVOLUTIONISE THE WAY YOU PLAN MEALS, PREPARE, COOK & ENJOY FOOD, WITH THERMOMIX’S LATEST GENERATION TM6 ALL-IN-ONE KITCHEN ASSISTANT

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Recipe

Hot Lemon

Soufflés Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Cooking Time: 20­25 minutes.

4 large eggs, separated • 150g caster sugar Zest of 2 lemons • Juice of 2 lemons 40g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 40g plain flour • 300ml whole milk Icing sugar, for dusting Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Butter the insides of four individual soufflé dishes generously.

continuing to whisk until the mixture is glossy. Gently fold a third of the egg white mixture into the lemon mixture to lighten it.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour to form a smooth paste.

Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until well combined, but be gentle to maintain the soufflé's light and airy texture.

Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens.

Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time.

Add the lemon zest and juice, mixing well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Gradually add the caster sugar while

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Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared soufflé dishes. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Place the soufflé dishes in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the soufflés are puffed up and golden brown on top.

Remove the soufflés from the oven and dust the tops with a light sprinkling of icing sugar. Serve immediately while hot.

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Recipe

Tiramisu Crêpe Cake

with Mascarpone & Amaretto Preparation Time: 50 minutes plus chilling.

CRÊPES: 250g all­purpose flour • 4 large eggs 500ml whole milk • 115g unsalted butter, melted • 55g sugar 5ml vanilla extract • Pinch of salt FILLING: 375g mascarpone cheese, softened • 240ml double cream 60g icing sugar • 5ml vanilla extract • 45ml amaretto liqueur SYRUP: 240ml strong brewed coffee, cooled 25g sugar • 30ml amaretto liqueur.

GARNISH: Cocoa powder, for dusting • OPT: Chocolate shavings Amaretti biscuits, small meringues or piped filling.

Blend flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Rest the batter in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Cook thin crêpes in a heated non-stick skillet. Set aside to cool.

Whip the double cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whisk mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and amaretto. Gently fold in the whipped cream.

Mix the brewed coffee, sugar, and amaretto in a bowl. Set aside. Brush the crêpes with the coffee soaking

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syrup. Spread a thin layer of mascarpone filling over each crêpe.

Stack the crêpes and filling, ending with a crepe on top. Cover and chill for at least four hours or overnight.

Dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate shavings. To really elevate your cake to the next level, before dusting the top with cocoa, you can decorate with Amaretti biscuits or place mini-meringues across the top, or make extra filling to pipe over in concentric circles. Slice and serve chilled.

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Cooking at Home with a Thermomix

Eat healthier, faster, better Too good to be true? A kitchen essential that you’ll use every day, cooking healthier food, faster. This month the area’s Sam Parker challenged us to try her all-in-one kitchen helper, the Thermomix. After a week’s trial, we were left seriously impressed!

Words: Rob Davis.

I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t jump at the chance to eat healthier food, spend less time planning and preparing meals and to relieve their worktops and cupboards of a surfeit of food processors, blenders, soup-makers and breadmakers. Happily, that’s what Sam Parker promised when she introduced us to Thermomix, assuring us that we’d find it more useful, more versatile and easier-to-use than any kitchen appliance we’ve tried before. So what exactly does it do?

Don’t say ‘blender’ It’s truly unique, and whilst Thermomix does look a bit like a blender, it’s way more functionally diverse. For example the machine has a blade but it’s sharp on one side and edgeless on the other, so it can chop or just stir, depending on the direction of rotation. Plus the machine also incorporates weighing scales and direct heating of its stainless steel bowl.

That means a Thermomix’s functions range from stirring, chopping and puréeing to kneading and whisking to sautéing, steaming, boiling and slow cooking. And that’s the case when you take manual control of Thermomix’s functions or if you follow its recipes...

A helping hand from Cookidoo Another draw of Thermomix is its ability to guide you, step-by-step, through a recipe. The machine has a dedicated app, Cookidoo, which gives users access to over 80,000 triple-tested recipes.

All recipes have been optimised for Thermomix, making planning meals and broadening the variety of your kitchen repertoire a cinch.

The app can plan your chosen dishes into your weekly meal planner and even curate a shopping list of ingredients which it can put straight into your online shopping basket if you shop with Tesco, Sainsbury, Amazon Fresh or Ocado.

That’s not all. Once you’ve planned your meals and obtained your ingredients Cookidoo, or its smartphone app, will synchronise your selection straight to your Thermomix and when you’re ready to cook a particular dish, it’ll take you through the recipe, step-by-step, via its hi-res, interactive touchscreen. The machine will tell you which ingredient to add, weigh the ingredient as you add it to the bowl and determine what blade speed, temperature and timer settings to use to achieve the perfect results.

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First impressions count Its functions may be easy to access, but because Thermomix does so much, some might feel a bit intimidated by its breadth of talent and wonder where to start. Happily, independent advisor Sam Parker provides a free, no-obligation demonstration in your home.

We can’t stress enough that a visit from Sam is NOT a sales pitch.

It’s a relaxed, fun and enjoyable chance for a one-to-one cooking experience (or for a small group if you prefer) to experience with the machine, and an opportunity to ask questions about how to get the best from a Thermomix. As we were to discover ourselves when Sam arrived to provide a demonstration. Sam gave us a tour of the machine and promised to make three easy recipes to get us started.

The first was a chopped broccoli, salad, the second was a red pepper and tomato soup, and the third a simple sorbet.

Sam’s Visit I asked Sam if it puts potential buyers off that the only way to obtain one of the machines is via an independent advisor.

“No, not at all,” she says. “Once someone understands that there’s no pressure-selling, and that we just want to share what can be achieved with a Thermomix, they’re generally more relaxed and enjoy the experience of some good one-to-one advice on how to get the best from the machine, rather than just being given a manual to read.”

“A Thermomix does so much that it’s a real point of principle to us that somebody investing in the machine won’t just leave it on the side or in a cupboard as can be case with some appliances. It’s important to us that it becomes so useful and such an essential part of your life.”

Useful everyday “I’m always keen to (politely!) correct anyone who refers to it as a ‘gadget’ because that suggests it’s something you use only occasionally or that its use is limited. In fact, it incorporates so much functionality that whether you consult Cookidoo and use the machine to follow recipes, or just use its functionality to ‘freestyle,’ it soon becomes a go-to appliance, no less important than your hob or oven.”

To prove that point, we set ourselves a challenge. For a whole week the cooker was virtually off-limits and everything would be prepared using the Thermomix. We borrowed one of Sam’s demo machines and set about enjoying a week in the life of a Thermomix.

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What’s Cooking Mid-week meals made easy with Thermomix, but what’s on the menu?

Top: The Thermomix TM6 and fresh bread, no need to knead! Middle Row: Red Pepper and Tomato Soup; Duck with Blackberry Sauce and Celeriac Mash; Quick Beef Massaman Curry. Above: Creamy Mustard Chicken Stew; Salmon with Lemon Hollandaise, Asparagus and Rice; Raspberry Peach Crumb Cake. Prepared with a Thermomix, recipes available via Cookidoo website, Cookidoo app and on the machine itself.

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Our first dishes Our first foray into life with a Thermomix was with Sam’s chopped broccoli and pine nut salad, which was impressive, and after a quick bite, made its way into the fridge to provide lunch for the following day at work.

A winter of content The weather outside was filthy, and after Sam’s visit, we were very keen indeed to try the machine out. That evening’s tea – Sam’s satisfying soup – was ready and waiting, so we dived into the Cookidoo app and chose to make a raspberry and peach crumb cake with custard, from scratch. We know how to make custard, but whether we’d be bothered to do so is another matter. It felt rather good to be able to do something else in the kitchen whilst waiting for the machine to help achieve the silkiest custard, no manual stirring needed.

Mid-week cooking is always a chore, and so as the working week began, we popped the machine’s Varoma steaming basket onto our Thermomix and took advantage of the ability to steam salmon with (homemade) hollandaise, asparagus and rice using just the machine.

The following evening, rice also appeared on the menu as we put one of Cookidoo’s curry recipes to the test with probably its harshest potential critic; our neighbour, a local restauranteur specialising in Bengali cuisine. It was very well received, unsurprisingly, since curries, soups and stews all take full advantage of the way Thermomix works, and in the interests of being less dependent on spice jars and stock cubes, the machine also enables you to make your own store-cupboard staples from meat or vegetable stocks to garam masala and tikka pastes.

Confession time In the interests of honesty, I did cheat a couple of times, and resort to the oven for a roast duck dish, albeit with help from the

Thermomix for the creation of a blackberry sauce and celeriac mash, whizzed up in a matter of minutes.

February, we’ll embark on a healthy winter diet of soups, stews, curries and other seasonal warmers: proper food.

Sunday lunch, too, was enhanced with Yorkshire pudding batter made in the machine and some roast potatoes entrusted to the machine’s Varoma steaming basket prior to being roasted in the oven.

It’s well worth mentioning, too, that as both an independent Thermomix advisor and its biggest fan, Sam curates a Facebook page (Let’s Thermomix) with recipe inspiration, live videos and demonstrations.

All of the above served to demonstrate that as well as functioning as a standalone machine, a Thermomix can work alongside the way you cook already.

The surprise success of the week, though, was a loaf of wholemeal bread mixed and kneaded using the Thermomix, the only time I’ve managed to produce an actual loaf rather than something resembling a house brick.

After a week, I’d come to the conclusion that a Thermomix is neither gimmick nor gadget.

It’s well thought-out and well-built, intuitive and it integrates well with the library of recipes available on Cookidoo. Anything else? How about Thermomix’s self-clean function? It makes rinsing the bowl easy and fast... very much appreciated, a great idea!

My wife and I both agreed that as we’ve both seen the benefits, there might be one under the Christmas tree this year; a gift to both of us, with the promise that in January and

A Thermomix community Already via the group we’ve joined in the excitement upon learning of the impending release of the cutter attachment which extends the machine’s functionality to slice and grate. Then there’s the latest accessory for the machine, Thermomix Sensor, a new wireless temperature probe that can be used for anything from cakes through to meat and fish. The probe communicates with the machine to measure internal temperatures of food to ensure it’s cooked at the perfect temperature with no guesswork required.

I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that we’ve seen the future of cooking. Using a Thermomix is convenient, fast and easy.

Most importantly though, it’ll free you from a dearth of processed food and bland or unhealthy meals. If that’s not a delicious prospect, I don’t know what is!

Sam Parker is the area’s independent Thermomix advisor, offering free, no­obligation demonstrations of Thermomix. Call 07542 930998 or see www.myfoodforthought.co.uk.

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A true flagship Valpolicella that’s ideal for winter

A real treat for rum lovers, seven years in the making

From the prestigious La Groletta and Conca d’Oro crus, in the hilly Valpolicella Classica zone comes the Tommasi family’s Classic wine par excellence.

Its elegance and structure, roundedness and complexity make this wine truly unique. Intense ruby red colour, the nose reveals intense and clean scents of very ripe black cherry, wild berries and spice, 15% ABV.

What’s better than a tot of rum on a cold winter evening? This!

There’s rum, and then there’s 970 Madeira Wine Cask rum, aged for seven years in brandy casks.

Glorious dry fruits aromas, intense and evolving on the palate with notes of salted caramel, candied orange and figs leaving a distinct and long aftertaste. £109.70 / 70cl / 53.9% ABV www.haroldandhansa.co.uk

The Wine Cellar Enjoy a night in front of the fire on February 14th with these delicious rosé options, or a first-class Valpolicella. We’ve a rum to warm your soul, and a ‘feel good’ option for those partaking in dry January too!

Rosés are Red: Valentine’s Day wines...

From a winery owned by Brad Pitt (Miraval) comes Studio, a first­class rosé with grapefruit freshness. £18.99 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV www.selfridges.com.

Produced by Lyme Bay in Devon, delicate fruit rosé bursting with red summer berries and a twist of orange. £19.99 / 75cl / 12% ABV www.lymebaywinery.co.uk.

England’s most exclusive pink fizz with a strawberry and raspberry palate, fine mousse and lovely dryness. £43 / 75cl / 11.5% ABV www.balfourwinery.com.

£44.99 / 75cl tommasiwine.it or from Waitrose.

Feel good alcohol-free ‘spirit’ for a clear head Alcohol-free ‘spirit’ aims to release the ‘feel good’ GABA neurotransmitter in the brain Sentia is a new alcohol­free ‘spirit’ which its creator, Professor David Nutt, says replicates the positive effects of alcohol with none of the detrimental effects. The drink is said to activate the neutrotransmitter GABA (Gamma aminobutyric acid) which is known to induce a relaxing effect.

Sweet, spicy and warm berry flavour; 0% ABV. £30.50 / 50cl sentiaspirits.com

Our featured wines are available from local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary.

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Self-Catering Breaks

A Winter Break This month we’re enjoying one of Barefoot Retreats’ luxury self-catering properties in North Norfolk, and a rare opportunity to bring the whole family together...

Words: Rob Davis.

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Self-Catering Breaks

>> It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Having something lovely to look forward to makes the darker nights and the chilly temperatures much more bearable. Our suggestion is a short break in North Norfolk, like the one we enjoyed a month or two ago, courtesy of luxury self-catering accommodation provider Barefoot Retreats.

The company was founded in 2014 and as it approaches its 10th anniversary, we’re delighted to report that it has grown into a carefully-curated portfolio of over 120 luxury self-catering properties, stretching right along the coast from Snettisham, to Wells-Next-The-Sea, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is fast becoming the most sought-after holiday destination in the UK. The beauty of a Barefoot Retreats break is that each of the properties in the company’s portfolio are privately-owned and lovingly styled, each has its own character and each one is really comfortable, with everything you need to enjoy your short break in Norfolk.

Recently, we were invited to spend a weekend enjoying one of the company’s newest additions to its portfolio, Mulberry Cottage, in the village of Thornham.

Ideal for a getaway with family or friends, the property has five bedrooms and sleeps 12 people, making it an ideal venue for a weekend spent with our immediate family – two older teenage boys, plus our two grown-up daughters.

We couldn’t possibly leave our mini-dachshund Nellie behind – no family break would be complete without her, after all – but fortunately, there was no need to as Mulberry Cottage is one of many dog-friendly properties in the company’s portfolio.

Mulberry Cottage offers self­catering accommodation for up to 12 people.

There’s much to enjoy across North Norfolk, when staying at a Barefoot Retreat.

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Self-Catering Breaks

“Barefoot Retreats offers every kind of property, from cosy cottages for romantic breaks for two, to big boltholes for families...”

Having stayed in a Barefoot Retreats property before, it came as no surprise that the place was spotlessly clean with very modern furnishings and bed linens.

Nor was there any doubt that the house would have plenty of character, since the entire Barefoot Retreats portfolio comprises solely of properties with exceptional character from cosy cottages for couples, to big boltholes for entire families, plus some unusual additions with lots of character; a converted railway carriage or a beautifully restored Old Rectory in Stanhoe for example.

There’s a lovely selection of properties, from traditional barns and cottages with pebbled fronts, to really modern buildings with light timbers and vast bifold doors to make the most of the coastal views and natural light – there’s a very good choice of properties right on the coast, too. One of the nicest aspects of a Barefoot Retreat break is the ability to get away without going too far, and Mulberry Cottage was no exception. After driving just an hour we arrived at the house and settled in.

Waiting for us in the kitchen was a beautiful welcome hamper with some very special treats, from local biscuits and bread, to a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy later. Tea, coffee and milk were all present, correct and much appreciated, so after exploring the property and after a friendly squabble over who gets which bedroom, we convened in the living room to enjoy a pot of tea.

Mulberry Cottage is unique and very well-thought out in terms of its layout. It’s an upside-down house, with a large open plan living kitchen, dining room and living room on the first floor. Its elevation ensures lots of light and panoramic views not least over a very large garden.

Above: Fish ‘n’ chips in Wells, and dog­friendly... fortunately for Nellie!

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Self-Catering Breaks Among Barefoot Retreats’ selling points is the company’s knowledge of the area and its ability to create tailored stays and recommendations for guests.

Over the years, the team has of course recommended restaurants and days out, but also facilitated personal chefs, arranged picnics, organised the delivery of birthday cakes, provided babysitting services a visit from beauty therapists, e-bike hire, marriage proposals, boat trips and helicopter rides... the list is long, and the service bespoke.

Likewise, there’s plenty to do in the area, but this, we intended, would be a slowcation, just spending time as a family and enjoying a rare chance to all be in the same room together... and with the open plan nature of the first floor, that’s exactly what the house enabled. Cooking ensued, wine flowed, there

were a few friendly games of table tennis and later, we lit the large wood-burning stove... the logs were (of course) ready and waiting.

After an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep and some bacon butties in the morning, we ventured out (five bathrooms; useful for a large group all getting ready simultaneously) for a wander around Wells-next-the-Sea, followed by the tradition of crabbing off the side of Wells’ quay, as the kids used to enjoy when they were much younger, followed by some fish ‘n’ chips.

That afternoon, after a long walk along the seafront, Nellie came to the conclusion that short legs and long walks are sometimes incompatible with one another, so we stopped for a hot chocolate at the café.

Upon returning to Mulberry Cottage, and freshening up for an evening meal at the local

pub, we stumbled back ready for a nightcap by the fire and another good night’s sleep thanks to a day with ample fresh air and exercise.

The beauty of a Barefoot Retreat is its ability to bring people together. Get away, without going too far; spend time doing lots or doing very little, and enjoy one of the most underrated parts of Britain.

With our older children now living and working away, co-ordinating our diaries has become increasingly tricky, so to enjoy a weekend away, plus some quality time as a family, was a really lovely experience.

And of course, as a venue, Mulberry Cottage really was the perfect backdrop; spacious, comfortable, beautifully furnished, with a warm and cosy feel which the whole family appreciated.

Find Out More: Barefoot Retreats has over 120 luxury self­catering properties around Norfolk. Mulberry Cottage in Thornham, four nights from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th January example price £1,745 for up to 12 guests. For more properties, for video tours of each one and for tailored pricing, see www.barefootretreats.co.uk or call 01485 512245.

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What to do in North Norfolk Enjoy your retreat or venture out and enjoy these North Norfolk highlights

The Orange Tree

North Norfolk’s Nature

North Norfolk Railway

Thornham’s stylish, contemporary dining pub and rooms, nestled in the heart of Thornham, one of North Norfolk’s most beautiful coastal villages. The Orange Tree is really popular, serving award-winning food.

Tucked away on the north coast of Norfolk, between the villages of Titchwell and Thornham, RSPB reserve Titchwell Marsh is blessed with diverse habitats like reedbeds, freshwater and saltmarsh lagoons with Avocets, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers nesting.

Rediscover the warm scent of coal on a crisp spring morning with a visit to the North Norfolk Railway which runs from Sheringham to Holt. Steam and heritage diesel trains transport passengers on an 11 mile return journey.

High Street, Thornham, PE36 6L. Call 01485 512213 or see www.theorangetreethornham.co.uk.

Holkham Hall An elegant 18th century Palladian style house, based on designs by William Kent and built by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester.

Impressive marble hall, grand staircase, galleries of works by Old Masters. Currently enjoying renovation of its walled garden.

Wells­next­the­Sea, NR23 1RH. Call 01328 713111, holkham.co.uk.

Titchwell Marsh, PE31 8BB.

Seal Watching

Sheringham, NR26 8RA. Call 01263 820800 or see www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Drove Orchards

A must-see experience in North Norfolk.

Enjoy a boat trip to see grey seals in their natural environment basking on Blakeney Point. Temples Seal Trips provide a perfect subject for those keen on photographing the natural world, so don’t forget your camera!

Drove Orchards Farm Shop is a great place to find a wonderful collection of food producers who dedicate their lives to the goodies they are so very passionate about making. You’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to meats and cheeses, plus jams, pickles and chutneys to cakes and biscuits.

www.sealtrips.co.uk

www.droveorchardsfarmshop.com.

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PROPERTY FINDERS

Heart vs Head

(The Homebuyers Challenge) Kate Vincent from Garrington property finders describes the unique challenge purchasers face when buying a home Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, often approached with optimism and resolve.

However, the process is not merely a financial transaction—it's an intricate blend of fiscal decision-making and profound emotional investment.

It's not just about assessing the tangible aspects of a property; it's about envisioning a future with loved ones, nurturing relationships, and the intangible joys of home.

Recognising this interplay between the practical and the emotional can streamline the homebuying journey, making it a more straightforward experience.

As professional buying agents, we understand these nuances and guide our clients through every step.

Head versus Heart At the start of the search, most buyers start with a sensible balance of excitement at the prospect of a new home and practical considerations such as budget, size of property and location. This often remains on an even keel until they walk into the dream house and the pendulum invariably shifts sharply toward the emotions. For some, emotions are kept in check during the negotiations but from this

point on, most homebuyers allow their emotions to swell and, in some cases, take over.

Practical versus Emotional Whilst buying a home is an emotional experience, fundamentally, it is a business transaction. Recognising this fact and keeping emotions in check can go a long way to making the process smoother. This is not easy and Garrington frequently comes across examples where emotions have run high to the detriment of the outcome. Often this transpires when the buyers and sellers get the impression that the other side ‘are not very nice’ or ‘trying to be difficult’. Of course, sometimes this turns out to be true but often, the explanation is more mundane such as a surveyor finding a problem or lender being slow to respond. Still uncomfortable and often annoying but not necessarily a reason to pull out of a deal.

Guidance and Assurance when its Needed Most A professional property finder helps their clients to balance the head and the heart.

Their impressions of a property are not clouded by emotions and as a result, they are

able to help clients assess if the diligence unearthed continues to support the original search criteria and expectations. Where problems arise, a property finder will offer possible solutions and if none can be found, help their clients to make the difficult decision to withdraw (tricky when emotions are running high).

Of course, Garrington wants its clients to be thrilled when moving into their dream home, but this only lasts if the property continues to meet expectations.

If you are thinking of moving in 2024 and would like further information on how Garrington can provide guidance and assurance when finding the right property, please do get in touch without obligation:

Kate Vincent Garrington

Tel. 01780 408377.

Email info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk

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Professional Interior Design Service Re-Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

Image: Sanderson Fabric

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

Our experienced Interior designers create timeless spaces tailored just for you Showroom and Coffee Shop The Stables, Copthill Farm, Open 9am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD Visit our showroom 01780 757946 See our website www.huntersinteriors.co.uk

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Interiors

Florabundance This month we’ve a growing interest in botanicals as we show off some of our favourite fabric brands’ efforts to bring floral designs to life...

Colefax & Fowler chair in Campion fabric, pink/green.

Cushion in Carnforth, leaf green, www.colefax.com.

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Top Left: Bower, Morris & Co, www.sandersondesigngroup.com. Top Right: Jane Churchill, Chiana, red/green. Stool Kansa stripe, janechurchill.com.

Bottom Left: Designers Guild Kiyosumi, www.designersguild.com. Bottom Right: Zoffany Eleanora, www.sandersondesigngroup.com.

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INSPIRATIONAL SPACES READY FOR SUMMER

01780 756666 enquiries@qks-ltd.co.uk qks-ltd.co.uk

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Luxury at Home with Cooks & Company’s

Sub-Zero & Wolf Not all appliances are created equally. Sub-Zero and Wolf are considered to be, respectively, the world’s best refrigeration and cooking products. It’s a flagship brand for Cooks & Company, based in Newark and offering premium appliances and bespoke interiors

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obody ever regrets buying quality. That’s why Sub-Zero and Wolf have retained its reputation as the manufacturer of the world’s best refrigeration and cooking appliances. Each one has a life span in excess of 20 years and each remains technically superior to anything else on the market, which should come as little surprise given that the company has nearly 80 years of experience invested in the innovation and refining of its products.

The company was founded in 1945 by engineer Westye Bakke who is credited with creating the first freestanding freezer, the original fridge/freezer and the first integrated fridge too.

Cooling Appliances Not all appliances are created equally, and whilst a couple of the more obvious points of difference for Sub-Zero are the size and capacity of its cooling appliances plus the products’ purposeful, industrial style, there are also a number of other technologies which also make SubZero refrigeration superior.

The brand’s fridge/freezers comprise two completely separate systems, each with its own airflow profile and each with its own purification system. This ensures that rather than ‘sharing’ conditions, refrigeration and freezing conditions are separated and individually optimised to remain, respectively, cool and moist or cold and dry.

Above: The brands’ Knightsbridge studio.

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Homes

The appliances also have NASA-derived air purification technologies which removes ethylene – the ‘food spoiling gas’ – and odours, which help to prevent tainting of different foods and also ensures that food remains fresher for up to 30% longer compared to conventional refrigeration.

Other technologies include LED lighting, a wealth of energyefficiency features plus nano-coated hydrophobic glass shelves which resist spillages and moisture build-up.

Each configuration of cooling appliances is modular, enabling you to tailor the size and design of refrigeration, freezer module, and wine coolers with over and under, side-by-side and French door configurations plus under-counter options.

Cooking Appliances The sister brand of Sub-Zero is Wolf, a range of stainless-steel cooking appliances that offer highly configurable, restaurant-quality control and consistency for your cooking, whether your preference is towards gas burner or induction hobs and across gas, dual-fuel, steam, convection and microwave-based appliances.

The availability of freestanding or integrated cooking appliances plus grill, teppanyaki, and steamer worktop modules, plus integrated coffee machines, warmer drawers and a range of kitchen ventilation systems ensure you can configure a Wolf cooking environment to suit your space and preferences, benefiting from industrially-inspired design and peerless professional quality.

Complementing Your Kitchen Sub-Zero and Wolf has also created a range of countertop appliances from kettles to filter coffee machines to toasters, blenders and stand mixers plus knife sets and professional cookware with the same build quality and design as its refrigeration and cooking appliances. The newest addition to the company’s ranges are outdoor kitchen grills, refrigeration and outdoor warming appliances designed to ensure you derive professional cooking results from your terrace.

Cooks & Company The Sub-Zero and Wolf family comprises Classic, Designer and Integrated refrigeration lines as well as built-in and freestanding cooking ranges, ensuring they’re highly configurable and tailored to your preferences.

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Witnessing the appliances would ordinarily require a trip to the brand’s newly-refurbished flagship Knightsbridge studio, which opened last year with a professional-grade theatre kitchen, set amongst a bank of 10 iconic Sub-Zero and Wolf stainless steel appliances. Thankfully though, you can see the range of appliances closer to home, in the Sub-Zero and Wolf studio at Newark’s Cooks & Company. Established over 50 years ago and with over 20,000sq ft space, the Brunel Drive company absolutely specialises in quality appliances from the world’s best brands.

In addition, Cooks & Company provide a turnkey interiors service, creating beautiful kitchens, reception rooms, bars, studies and bedrooms with client-led design and full project management of cabinetry by Charles Yorke plus a range of bespoke furniture and accessories too.

A visit to Cooks & Company is a must in order to see the impressive brands available, and how each one can be used to create both beautiful looking and highly functional spaces in your home, revolutionising your appreciation of cooking with every single meal.

Find Out More: Based near Newark, Cooks & Company specialises in creating luxury kitchens, bespoke furniture, and interiors.

Adjacent to the company’s exquisite interiors studio is a showroom displaying luxury­brand appliances. You can find the team at Cooks House on Newark’s Brunel Drive, NG24 2FB. Call 01636 593910 or see www.cooksandcompany.co.uk.

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NO SALES, NO GIMMICKS, JUST GOOD HONEST PRICES The Perfect Flooring For You • Carpets • Flooring • Rugs • Natural Products Call in and see us this February and help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary!

3 THE DEEPING CENTRE, MARKET DEEPING, LINCOLNSHIRE PE6 8FG & 11 VICTOR WAY, BOURNE, LINCOLNSHIRE PE10 9PT Call: 01778 341827 Email: enquiries@crowlandcarpets.co.uk See: www.crowlandcarpets.co.uk 93

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Gardens

Perfectly

FORMED When Anne & Steve Barton moved to their new property, they were seeking a garden that was a bit smaller, but still perfectly formed

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or anyone that has ever moved house, ‘never again!’ is a familiar lament. Some things only need to be experienced once to elicit a shudder at the thought of their repetition.

Happily, other experiences though, are a bit more enjoyable.

“It was a really positive experience to work with Andrew and the team,” says Anne Barton, “They’re a very nice team, easy to work with and we still got on very well after 10 weeks on site.”

Returning to Rutland after a couple of decades to be closer to family and friends, the couple also took the opportunity to downsize from a property with about four acres.

The two found Precision Landscapes, based in South Luffenham, and soon discovered that the company are really good at having a vision for a space, then successfully bringing that vision to life.

Founder of Precision Landscapes, Andrew Drake, moved to Stamford from his native Somerset 23 years ago, and wanted to bring to the area a more holistic approach to landscaping which would see a more collaborative design experience and in-house talent ensuring that their designs are implemented with attention to detail.

They’d taken time and care to curate the garden in their previous home and so their aim was to retain the same look and feel for their new outdoor space, but to also end up with a more easily maintained plot.

Among the talents of the Precision Landscapes team is the company’s ability to create completely custom-made bespoke buildings, whether for the storage of tools, barbecues and outdoor furniture or to serve as summerhouses, outdoor kitchens, hot tub shelters or as outdoor offices, garden rooms and lodges for guests.

“Also on the wish-list was an eco-hut to use for storage and as a seating area, with a design which would be conducive to encouraging wildlife into the garden,” says Anne.

Anne & Steve’s project was split up into two phases, with the first seeing three distinct areas, plus the creation of the eco-hut and a large patio area.

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The next phase saw the company transforming a second area of land adjacent to the garden including a strip of land at the back previously used solely for access becoming an area planted with wildflowers.

“Our vision was for versatile spaces, flexible areas and places for pots and climbers.

The project began in mid-May and took about 10 weeks, so we were able to enjoy mid-to-late summer and make the most of the space.”

“We didn’t really have any really strong preconceptions as to what would go where, but we knew what we wanted and the images that Andrew and Matt – who produces the 3D visuals – came up with were really clear.”

“What we’ve ended up with is a space that’s great for attracting wildlife; already we’ve been visited by pheasants, hares, a fox and most recently some partridges who seem to be ever more comfortable with visiting us!”

“We could still make tweaks and changes to things like lighting once we could see the design coming together, and the communication between the office and the site was really good.”

“The team were really lovely, always very organised and tidy, great to work with and they’ve helped us to create a very lovely outdoor space that we’re both really looking forward to enjoying, year after year!”

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Precision Landscapes The Project: Create a new outdoor space for a couple downsizing into a new­build property near Oakham.

The Company: Precision Landscapes is an award­ winning, family­run landscap­ ing company led by Andrew Drake who has over 25 years experience in landscaping.

Call 01780 721 174 or visit precision­landscapes.co.uk

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F OR

BO OK ED

W OR K

Co st

RU AR Y

Di sc o OF u FE nt BR EN D

OR E

Liv i BE ng FO

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20 OF % of

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We can help you...

Plan Your Garden Create Your Garden Style Your Garden Maintain Your Garden n n n n n

‘Winter-into-Spring’ tidy-up Planting trees and shrubs, New patios, driveways and stumperies Garden design and creation Tree, shrub and pond maintenance

A.K. Garden Services & Tree Surgery Ltd

07802 738 689 www.akgardens.co.uk Alastair Knowles (NDLC) Merrist Wood Trained, Est 1994 References Available, Full Insurance, Green License Holder

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Coupé de Grâce Mercedes Benz’s new CLE is a replacement for several of its coupé and convertible lines promising a focus on luxury plus four seats and a decent-sized boot

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Motors

The real selling point of the CLE Coupé, overall, is that with four seats and a decent boot, it’s a sports car without compromise, able to land a killer blow – or coup de grace – on the BMW 4-Series or Audi A5...

Sometimes it’s good to simplify things a little bit. For instance, one example of a car maker whose product line is crying out for some rationalisation is Mercedes Benz.

From a core line of C-Class, E-Class and S-Class some years ago, the number of models in the company’s lineup is now in excess of 20, so it’s worth a quick refresher.

The letters A, B, C, E, and S roughly denote the size of company’s vehicles, whilst GL denotes an off-roader. CL denotes a coupé/convertible; SL denotes a roadster.

An AMG prefix denotes a performance model and EQ is used to indicate an electric vehicle.

If you’re still with us, you’ll be able to suss out that this CLE is the brand’s mid-size coupé model. It replaces the old C-Class and the E-Class coupé and convertible models; a hard-top version of the new car on sale now but a convertible will follow in spring.

Trying to sell both two coupés and two convertibles in the same model lineup was clearly a problem for Mercedes, and if the company is trying to simplify its range, that’s no bad thing.

And speaking of things that aren’t bad, the CLE Coupé is a very good looking car indeed. Whilst its looks suggest it’s a sports car, though, the CLE is definitely more of a GT, concerned with style not speed.

Like many car makers, Mercedes is moving away from V12, V8 and even some V6 engines, favouring smaller engines with turbochargers to pick up the pace.

Entry-level versions, designated CLE200, will be fitted with 2.0 four-cylinder engines, with

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different power outputs and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive offered a little further up the range. For now there’s a flagship CLE350 with a 3.0 six-cylinder engine and mandatory all-wheel drive, but it’s likely an AMG-badged performance version will launch soon, probably offering a tuned version of the six-cylinder with twin turbochargers rather than an eight-cylinder engine.

Also on offer and expected to be the biggest seller in the range, is a diesel CLE, the CLE220d, which the company says will achieve 60.1mpg and reach 60mph in 7.5 seconds – it’s our pick of the range given the decent refinement of Mercedes’ diesel engines, the benefit in economy and the fact that there’s really no need for any greater performance.

controlling key functions. A few physical controls remain which does aid usability although the steering wheel has many many buttons which looks quite overwhelming at first glance. Voice-control via ‘Hey Mercedes’ is implemented and there’s a really good augmented reality sat nav which has been successfully finessed over several versions.

If you’re looking for outright performance and handling, a Porsche Boxster might be a better fit, but if you’re seeking a good-looking coupé with real day-to-day usability and a posh cabin, the CLE will definitely suit.

Mercedes Benz CLE Coupé

The real selling point of the CLE Coupé, overall, is that it’s a grand tourer without compromise. It’s not exactly unique in that respect – its competitors include Audi’s A5 and BMW’s 4-Series – but by removing the C-Class coupé from its lineup has enabled Mercedes to focus on its E-Class-based model instead, with its larger size yielding more cabin space.

There are four usable seats with 72mm more rear kneeroom than the outgoing model and the 420-litre boot is 60 litres larger than the previous version. It’s telling of the market that the CLE is aimed at that the press pack for the car points out that its boot is sufficient to hold three golf bags.

Mercedes has rationalised the design of its cabins to the extent that is new vehicles have the same portrait-oriented touchscreen

Price: £49,060 (CLE 220d), Engine: 2.0 V4 petrol 200ps. Top speed 148mph, 0­60mph 7.5 secs, 60.1mpg (comb).

Equipment: Distronic adaptive cruise control, ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice controlled infotainment with 12.3” display and 11.9” touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ambient lighting, nappa leather seats, 64­ colour ambient lighting, 18”­20” alloys.

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Fashion

If you’re one of those folk for whom there’s no business like snow business, you’ll be thrilled with this selection of skiwear that combines fashion and function to ensure you don’t go off piste when on the slope

SNOW BUSINESS

Starry Sky Ski Jacket, £889, www.goldbergh.com.

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Ski Set White, ski jacket £599; thermal ski knit £125; sleeveless ski suit £399, www.hollandcooper.com.

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Bouquetin short down jacket, £1,565, from www.moncler.com.

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Top Left: Courchevel jacket, £800, www.hellyhansen.com. Top Right: Mia ski jacket, £2,096, www.bogner.com.

Above Left: Boss Perfect Moment ski jacket, £745, www.hugoboss.com. Above Right: Shearling jacket, £415 mysundayski.co.uk.

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Co fin mf Wi d ort th ou ab In t a le vis bo , e ali ut ffe gn th ctiv te i s e et re an h s vo d tr lu di aig tio sc h na ree ten ry t in tr – ca g: ea l tm l u en s to t

R YO EDI UR SCO SM VE IL R E

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Cosmetics

Warm Up Your Winter A range of cosmetics designed to sooth aching muscles and warm up your winter, all with a touch of luxury for a true sense of indulgence

The classic Dior fragrance Quite why anyone thought ‘poison’ was a good name for a perfume eludes us, but 2025 will see the 40th anniversary of the fragrance.

Rich, spicy, floral and ambery notes with sensual accords of honey and musk, Poison remains a classic, charismatic and unforgettable fragrance. £82, 50ml www.dior.com.

Magnetic purple eye colour Brand new purple eye colour from Yves Saint Laurent, designed to take your eyeshadow look to the next level with our highly pigmented, magnetic purple seen here, £27, 1g, www.johnlewis.com.

Three in one lip colour

By Terry presents its unique hybrid 3­in1 lipstick, pencil and lip colour system, long­wearing, matte finish and deployed from a convenient click pen. 14 shades available, £27, 1.5g, www.byterry.com.

Premier Cru Eye Cream A luxurious and effective way to mitigate eight effects of ageing, including crow’s feet, lip lines, and dark circles. 97% natural origin ingredients, fragrance­free and vegan, £51, 15ml, uk.caudalie.com.

For an anti-ageing moisturiser put your trust in Caudelíe Established in 1995 in Paris, Caudelie takes its inspiration from a term more commonly used in oenology, utilising grapes in its products. This flagship moisturiser is 97% natural and helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and help skin elasticity. £92, 50ml, uk.caudalie.com.

De-stress this winter with Aromatherapy Associates A brand well­known to spa­goers and utilising aromatherapy to best effect.

This is a godsend for anyone whose job requires them to be on their feet all day. This blend stars soothing lavender and energising rosemary, with warming ginger & black pepper. £55 / 55ml johnlewis.com.

All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, note that prices stated are RRP and may vary.

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TAILOR & CUTTER Bespoke Tailors & Shirt Makers

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Weddings

A Special Day for

Laura & Ben

From a picture-perfect proposal to a beautiful venue and a bride’s eye for detail.

Peterborough couple Laura & Ben’s special day at Harlaxton Manor was the perfect wedding day.

It’s also an event they’ve enjoyed whilst looking back on their first 10 years together...

Wedding Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography, 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

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Weddings

Fireworks burst and fizzed overhead last month, and all over the world people celebrated the arrival of the New Year with a kiss, a hug and a sip of Champagne. At the same time, this month’s couple, Laura and Ben Calvo, also celebrated their first decade together, with 10 years culminating in a beautifully-styled wedding back in summer.

The two live in Peterborough and were introduced by mutual a friend on a night out, getting together on the stroke of midnight as 2013 ticked over into 2014. Laura is a photography studio manager for a Peterborough company with six fashion brands in its portfolio, whilst Ben designs and markets nursery products for a company in Corby, creating baby and toddler products for some of the country’s best-known retailers.

In 2020, the two managed a sociallydistanced getaway to Cornwall’s Land’s End, in a family member’s cottage. And to Laura’s surprise, Ben proposed in a very romantic and picture-perfect fashion.

“We had enjoyed a lovely dinner and we both set off to watch the sunset.

I’m a keen photographer and wanted to take in the light over the Cornish scenery during what’s known as Golden Hour – around 9pm, in high summer,” says Laura.

“I kept us walking to what I thought would be the perfect spot for some photos of the two of us together… unknowingly playing into Ben’s plans for a proposal. I looked out over the coast and when I turned back to him, he was down on one knee. The scenery, the light and the words he used were all so beautiful!”

The couple began planning their day, initially considering a marquee, a barn or manor house. However, they

happened across Harlaxton Manor, a Grade I listed mansion created by architect Anthony Salvin in 1831 for Gregory Williams Gregory.

“It has a sort of ‘Hogwarts meets Bridgerton’ look – absolutely breathtaking – and we fell in love with the place straight away,” says Laura.

“It helped to dictate the style and look of the wedding; clean, with subtle shades, not too much colour.”

Laura was open-minded about the style of her dress, considering designers Pronovias and Enzoani, but settling on the latter for a corset top dress with mermaid skirt and ‘barely there’ veil. Laura’s wedding hair and makeup was styled by Charli Smith and the bride also carried a hand-tied arrangement created by Woodborough’s Lucy Dames of Benington Blooms, featuring roses in old English white and eucalyptus.

The four bridesmaids’ dresses were by British bridal brand Six Stories in a pearlescent Champagne, and Ben’s groomsmen wore classic black dinner Jackets from Next.

“The bridesmaids walked into the Great Hall and then the doors closed before they reopened for the dress reveal,” recalls Ben. “Laura looked absolutely stunning. It was the kind of dress I imagined in my head but even more beautiful… I was speechless!”

As the couple signed the register, Laura’s niece, 13 year old Imogen Liddle, performed two pieces on the cello – Sainte-Saëns’ Le Cyngne and Fauré’s Après un rêve – before guests enjoyed Pimm’s over a light-hearted croquet competition on the terrace and the couple had their photographs taken in the 19th century orangery.

“Rebekah and Rob’s images are really lovely, beautifully posed with a lovely

Wedding Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography, 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

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Weddings

aesthetic, but they’re also really friendly and professional,” says Laura.

“They’re not too posed and we were really put at ease, so it was a lovely experience.”

“We also asked Hannah Smith a colleague and very talented videographer to create our wedding video, which we absolutely love.”

The couple’s wedding breakfast comprised crispy hen’s egg followed by sirloin steak and a white chocolate blondie. Guests also enjoyed a threetier white-iced cake with red velvet, vanilla, and chocolate top tier created

by The Whittlesey Cake Company.

Later on, entertainment was courtesy of The Warning Tones party band, who performed a blend of indie, rock and pop floor-fillers and by Laura’s hen-do girls who procured somewhere in the region of 50 ‘Ben masks,’ asking guests to wear them on the dance floor to the amusement of everyone.

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The couple rounded off their celebration with a honeymoon to California which included San Francisco, Vegas, Disney, and a visit to LA’s Sunset Boulevard before a trip along the Pacific Coast highway.

“I was quite organised during the planning,” says Laura. “I enjoyed it though because I’m used to running photoshoots which isn’t dissimilar, but I became known for having a list, a spreadsheet or a Powerpoint document for everything and for being the most punctual bride people had ever worked with!”

“The most arduous bit was the table plan, but I reached a stage where it was all done and I promised myself I just wouldn’t look at it any more!”

“It really was lovely day, just as we had hoped. We’ll look back on it forever and be grateful and happy that all of our friends and family were there, to share it all with us!”

Local Suppliers Wedding Venue: Harlaxton Manor, Grantham 01476 403000, www.harlaxton.co.uk.

Bridal Dress: Enzoani, www.enzoani.com.

Hair/Makeup: Charli Smith, charlismithmakeupartist.com.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: www.sixstories.co.uk.

Wedding Stationery: www.scdesignstudios.co.uk.

Floristry: Benington Blooms, www.benningtonblooms.com.

Wedding Cake: Whittlesey Cake Company, 07738 061162.

Photographer: Rebekah Robert Photography, 07736 931496, www.rebekahrobert.com.

Photobooth: www.thecambridgephotobooth.com.

Band: Warning Tones via www.entertainment­nation.co.uk.

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A Truly Special Place for Your Wedding Book a private viewing: info@thegrangeleverton.co.uk The Grange Leverton, Highgate, Leverton, Boston, PE22 0AW WWW.THEGRANGELEVERTON.CO.UK

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Male Grooming & Haircare in the Heart of Stamford Why not book online at www.raffertysofstamford.com It’s easy, it’s convenient, it saves waiting around!

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High Life

The Discover Rutland Ball Celebrating Multum in Parvo recently, those involved in tourism and hospitality gathered together to celebrate a successful year for Rutland, with 1.5m visitors discovering England’s smallest county last year...

Images: Rob Davis.

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The team behind Discover Rutland recently invited those from the tourism and hospitality industry to enjoy the annual Discover Rutland ball, this year hosted by Rutland Hall Hotel. The event raised over £5,500 and more importantly provided the opportunity for those responsible for Rutland’s tourism success to get together an enjoyed a well-earned evening of fun with a drinks reception, supper and dancing. Discover Rutland is the destination and promotional brand for tourism in Rutland, comprising six committee members and 11 Rutland Ambassadors, supported by Nimble Media, producers of the Discover Rutland Visitor Guide. In 2022, the last year for which research has been published, 1.5m visitors helped to contribute £150m to the county, supporting over 1,500 full-time equivalent jobs and helping to spread the word about England’s smallest county.

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Advertise your business in the new look, new feel Pride ...it’s the area’s finest magazine!

Lincolnshire Pride, Rutland Pride and Stamford Pride are delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county, which means we are the only county magazine which can guarantee a wealthy, discerning readership

Call our friendly advertising team now on 01529 469977 www.pridemagazines.co.uk

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R&S Pride FEBRUARY 259.qxp_Layout 1 03/01/2024 16:20 Page 130

The Directory To advertise here call our friendly team on 01529 469977.

james@jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk Call or WhatsApp

07514 829945 FOR PERSONAL & BUSINESS FINANCE James Murray –FINANCE _

www.jamesmurrayfinance.co.uk

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